We are a rock band serving up an intoxicating brew of hard rock, classic metal and modern heaviness. Heavy guitar strings with an impassioned vocals edge across this sonic soundscape. A mix of old and new, classic meets today in a musical style that dodges easy genre labeling and is happy and excited to simply be energetic, yet entertaining both mellow and hard rock listeners.
Energetic…powerful – How music makes people feel is also how BLACK GTO heaviness gets people moving. They developed a symbiosis with the art of songwriting and performance, returning to the music and the feelings it inspires in the first place. “Music makes me feel energetic and powerful,” Black GTO exclaims, which is exactly the fiery vibe that flows out of their songs and into our listeners. It’s the perpetual, self-fueling motion of music – every step. And while Black GTO’s music culls from the established pillars of metal and hard rock traditions as well as the new directions in hard music today, no one accuses them of mimicry. “I take every step to make my music sound different from other bands,” they say, noting that of their own unique style. But rather than scaring those comfortable with conventional rock parameters, Black GTO lures them into something new. The things that make great metal great are all there; it’s just that they’re filtered through their own experiences and distinctive artistic mindsets.
The artist at work:
Vince Danna (Lead Guitarist and Vocals), played in a band named Deliverance in the 80’s. Deliverance toured Asia for the USO and nabbed the award for best band from the Commanding General of the U.S. Army in Korea. More recently, Danna has begun working with Redwood Records, the North Coast’s leading independent artist recording studio based out of Crescent City, California. With Black GTO’s “Vol. 1” released in 2018, Black GTO’s “Second Gear” released in December 2020, “Change In Time” released in 2022, and their newest release, “Redlines” released in 2024. Vince is also the lead guitarist for “Disturbing the Peace” in Northern California near the Oregon border. Ray Martell (Bass Guitar) has played in numerous bands over the years, and was the bass player for “Border Coast”. He was previously the bass player for “Shacknasty”, a metal band located in Crescent City, California. Nick Martell joined Black GTO in 2018 as the rhythm Guitarist. Rhythm Guitarist Andrew Long filled in for Nick Martell during Nick Martell’s brief absence in 2021-2022. Greg Johnson was previously the Drummer and co-founding member for “Shacknasty”. All musicians involved with the band “Black GTO” add their experience and artistic talents to generate great music. “Black GTO pulls off a real trick – Hard Rock that has the blast of old school, the twist of modern Rock and the originality Hard Rock deserves.” Band Members: Vince Danna-Vocals/Guitar, Ray Martell-Bass, Greg Johnson-Drums, Nick Martell Guitar/Bass.
Band/Artist history:
Started in Crescent City, California in 2018, four musicians got together from different bands and decided to record an album together, and called it Black GTO. Soon after, they began playing gigs in Southern Oregon, and Northern California. Black GTO has played various venues in Humboldt County, Del Norte County, Jackson County Oregon, and Curry County, Oregon.
