Cheva

The hard rocking group Cheva has been around since 1993. The band formed in Mission Viejo, CA, on home ground. Members stack up as frontman and vocalist Santos Camacho, drummer and percussionist Andrew Bogart, and three wild guitarists; Hector Gonzalez, John Lunden, and Dylan Caldwell. Cheva's music is definitely not for those faint of heart. Each song the band plays rocks a little bolder than the one before. Many of the tunes are something akin to numbers by Korn, Incubus, or Kid Rock. After performing around the local California club circuit long enough to have gained a decent sized fan following, the guys recorded a few songs and put together a five-track offering. The self-titled debut showcases songs like "Harmless," "Blank," and "What's Fair." In 1999, Cheva completed a sophomore EP titled Misunderstood. It was released under the Wabrock Records label and carries metallic tracks such as "Dying Posse," "Done Wrong," "Get Up," "Juice," and "Brown World." Over its long career, Cheva has had reviews in Highwire Daze Magazine, Sounds Magazine, and even e-zines like Smother. The band has also opened for many big-name rock acts, including Incubus, Dial 7, Six Feet Under, Snot, and Spineshank.
"It's so slick and well produced."..-Mike Bosley of The Auditory Display of Power...Cheva – Nameless.. ..Hammerhead zine.. rates it: 4/5 .. Here comes a band from So. California, the OC to be exact. They have been together for nearly ten years and had a few EP’s and a full record for Embryo Records in 2002. The band has seen some changes. They grabbed a great singer from the band 13 Scars and what a payoff. Cheva take a nice soiled like hard and pissed sound. Imagine like a Pantera smashing up with Sevendust. This singer Rich is just incredible. He can scream it out, sing it out and just throw it balls out. “Nameless” is the first harder track. “Still I Say” takes it all down a more melodic road while staying hard. They go more Tool meets Sevendust on this one. “Muzzled” pounds out with a more DC alter core bounce to it then it jams on a more down tip. Nice and creepy guitar riffs. This song has much catchiness to it. “End Time Catalyst” kept up the pace going more for the thrash and more heavy. This band should have no problem turning heads because they boarded on a few different style while keeping it more their own. The singer is very talented.. ..Cornzine.... ....Rich Lindamood has a good voice. He reminds me of that guy from God Lives Underwater when he's singing (or Layne Staley from Alice In Chains for those who aren't familiar with God Lives Underwater) and OJ from Byzantine when screaming. The closing track, "End Time Catalyst" actually reminds me a lot of Byzantine. Overall, Cheva is a solid hard rock band that are more than the sum of their influences and actually a lot better than I normally would've given them credit for. Reviewing this EP actually has reminded me of my job and made me happy to intently listen to the whole record quite a few times. In the end it turns out that these guys write really solid songs that nearly any hard rock/melodic metal fan would enjoy. (Dana White).. ..Rough Edge.. rates it: 3/4 .. Cheva is self-produced or, as they call themselves, “Free Agents.” With influences listed as Cannibal Corpse, Faith No More and everyone in between, I can hear the musical diversity in each track of this five song hair-pulling EP... Reviewed by Jeff Rogers of Roughedge.com..Rich Lindamood produces a clean release and an aggressive vocal scream when required. The guitar sounds much like Pressure 4-5 and the drums just smash throughout. This EP has potential to capture a few fans who have lost their GPS for heavy music in Orange County, CA... Because there are only four tracks to absorb here, I listened to this EP a few times and liked what I heard. ..."this one will definitely warrant me to investigate the band a little further... ..Adrenalin Metal Fanzine.. rates it: 8/10.. Jeremy's Review - Fans of Disturbed, Godsmack, and any metal at all should not have a problem swallowing this taster for what's to come. This a tight, clean performance, that is neither nu-metal/goth metal/scream-o, or whatever. Just good rhythm and clean/yelling vocals. With ten years of experience, this band seems to shine through with emotion and melody. Production: 9 Performance: 9 Originality: 7 Overall: 8/10.... ..Maximum Metal.com.. .. Maximum Metal Review Cheva - Nameless EP - indy - 2006 Given a 10 year history together, quality shines in the music Cheva has put on their 4 song EP, “Nameless”. Their grasp on modern metal is iron tight with an added bonus many hard rock bands don't have--radio marketability--fitting into the same niche as bands like Saliva, Breaking Benjamin, Finger Eleven, Alterbridge, etc. without any pretentiousness. If they can cull their abilities into a full-length without losing the steam of the EP, then they could stand along side the afore mentioned bands on the rock charts... The title track sets them right smack in the new millenium with its bouncier basslines and mix of shouted and smooth vocals. The formula of favorably catchy choruses, vocal hooks and layered guitar-work is consistent and enjoyable throughout. The drawback of familiarity though, could lead to a tendency towards homogenization of guitar sound that will eventually date the band if they fair to expand on the talents they have. "End Time Catalyst" with its pseudo-thrash rhythms that tend to the heavier side really separates itself from the others and would appeal to metalheads who like their servings less commercial. Rich's vocal delivey works really well heavy or light but I would say suggest that given the introspective nature of the lyrics, a bit more harmonizing on the choruses would help to draw the listener in to identify with the themes... Bottom Line: Cheva has the talent, look and sound worthy of a label pick up... -Nailer 3-26-07 ........CHEVA BIO.. Cheva’s total dedication to their music stems from a common vision shared by the band. The vision is to write the most powerful and memorable songs possible and then reach out and share these songs with as many people as possible. The veteran Orange County, CA band remains determined at crafting and perfecting their heavy sound. By no means can Cheva’s style be summed up by some trendy label. Cheva is not nu-metal, metal-core, screamo, or happy hardcore. Quite simply, Cheva is a metal/hard rock band that is here to stay. Many trends have come and gone in Orange County, but Cheva have kept their integrity and continue to play the music they love, metal!.. It is critical to mention that some major lineup changes have recently occurred and as a result, Cheva have found the unique and powerful sound they have always dreamed of. In May of 2006 Rich Lindamood of 13 Scars and Jahmbi, joined forces and became the new front man of Cheva. Rich can belt out screams that would make Phil Anselmo blush, but somehow his great lyrics still come across clearly. Rich also quickly proved that he could command an audience with ease. Andrew Bogert, former drummer of DreamWorks Records artist, Pressure 4-5 and original drummer for Cheva has returned to the band on guitar. Cheva is now; Jimmy Schultz (Drums), Andrew Bogert (Guitar), Hector Gonzalez (Bass) and Rich Lindamood (Vocals). The band’s wide range of influences defines their unique sound. The influences include, Pantera, Killswitch Engage, Mudvayne, Black Sabbath, Alice In Chains, Faith No More, Sick of it All, Rush, and Iron Maiden. Rich sites his vocal influences as being; Chris Cornell, Cory Taylor, Phil Anselmo and Zach De La Rocha. .. Cheva’s Discography includes;.. • Self-titled EP. Self released, 1997.. • Misunderstood EP, Self-released, 1999.. • In Real Life, Full Length, Embryo Records, 2002.. • Sampler 2004 “Jagermeister EP”, Embryo Records, 2004.. • Sampler 2005 EP, Self released, 2005.. • Nameless EP, Self released, 2006.. Through continuous gigging all around southern California, Cheva eventually built up a loyal following. In 2001 the band caught the attention of the up and coming label, Embryo Records based in Las Vegas, NV. They signed and fulfilled a two year record deal and are now in the process of shopping their brand new EP, “Nameless”. Some notable shows on Cheva’s resume include The House of Blues, Anaheim with Laguna Coil, Drowning Pool, etc… and the Universal Amphitheatre, Los Angeles with metal heavyweights Slayer! Cheva’s professional reputation helped them to achieve endorsements from Jagermeister and Dean Guitars. The band has recorded in many well known studios including, Ocean Way in Hollywood, Ca and Grand Master Studios in Hollywood, Ca. ”...Cheva have endured the trials and tribulations that go hand in hand with trying to make it in the music business, and they still maintain. Through adversity, Cheva has stayed true to its roots…” (www.hardcoresounds.net). .. Cheva takes the stage with confidence and delivers a heart pounding performance at every show. The band is hungrier than ever and is willing to do whatever it takes to win in the music game. Cheva’s song writing capabilities, stage presence, originality, professional attitude and total dedication are a winning formula for success in the music business. .. Contact Cheva.. Myspace.com/chevaband.. General Information: drewb1976@hotmail.com.
Cheva:
Rich - Vocals
Hector - Bass
Drew- Guitar
Jimmy-Drums
Orange County, California, US