| Pace
Makers
- Slow Motion of Reign |
Creeping bureaucracy, frozen wheels
of progress and stagnant mounds of paperwork are some images conjured
by chosen name for rock band Slow Motion Reign. “The name was
generated from the ever-present power of influence and eventual reign
within society as well as amongst peers and friends,” explains
member Erwin Khachikian. Thus, their music has found a way to slowly
influence, and reign, on its listeners. Like flashes of sunshine breaking
through a clouded, post-apocalyptic sky, the music of Slow Motion
Reign comes as welcome warmth in a mediocrity-saturated music market.
Narek Pogosyan, Sam Babayan, Vigen Sayadian and Khachikian are probably
the only band out with Armenian members, and making the style of music
they do. Currently signed to Columbia Records and System of a Down’s
Serj Tankian’s Serjical Strike Records, Slow Motion Reign’s
sound is quite a departure from those found on the airwaves today.
While similar in tone and musical style, as defined
by Khachikian, “to Coldplay and Pink Floyd,” Slow Motion
Reign’s uniqueness is predicated on the diversity of its members.
With a five-album deal on Serjical Strike, their soon-to-be release
self-titled debut will pave the road for the following records. “Our
goal is to find a sense of peace through the lyrics and melodies we
come up with,” Khachikian explained. “Our logo, a three-headed
arrow, was chosen because it symbolizes forward motion combined with
the power to choose direction.”
Not exactly rookies in the music business –
a couple of their members were once a part of the band IO - Slow Motion
Reign has had a long history of trying to make their mark upon the
music industry, and it has finally found its place and will no doubt
reach immortality through its first album. Currently, however, the
band is performing at local venues, such as past shows renowned training
grounds The Roxy in Hollywood, as well as Hotel Café in Hollywood.
In addition, the band recently completed a European tour with Iranian
singer Siavash Ghomeyshi for approximately two weeks, performing in
Sweden, England and Dubai.
– Kristian Admean
