music has been described as simultaneously melodic and aggressive. Byzantine also occasionally incorporates instrumental parts in their songs and spoken word vocals. The guitar solos alone move from fast parts to progressive to jazz. The band also uses acoustic guitar and tribal-esque drum beats. Byzantine plays very modern metal, exploring different musical territories or song structures, and has been labeled as a "forward-thinking" band. Growing up in West Virginia has helped Byzantine develop a unique sound. "We are quite alienated from any big scene", explains Ojeda. "Therefore, we tend to think for ourselves a lot more when writing material." The Gauntlet states "The Fundamental Component is characterized by long songs, melodic thrash and Tony Rohrbough's scathing guitar solos while still embracing technical chaos and the violent groove of bassist Chris Adams and drummer Matt Wolfe." Byzantine singer/guitarist Chris Ojeda says "I think we have a knack for achieving a good balance of chaos and melody". Liz Ciavarella from Metal Maniacs magazine uses formulations such as "Scrupulous time-shifts and placed off-beats; forever infectious grooves, breakdowns (Thrashdowns?) and ceaseless experimentation that end in intricate catchy Metal mantras" to describe Byzantine's style. Byzantine frontman Chris Ojeda, who plays guitar while singing, is considered to be in the tradition of James Hetfield, Dave Mustaine, Max Cavalera, Mikael Akerfeldt, and Chuck Schuldiner. Lyrically the band is influenced by such bands as Meshuggah, Carcass and Opeth and focuses on problems indigenous to their home, such as religion in American society. Band members Current members Chris "OJ" Ojeda – lead vocals, rhythm guitar (2000–present) Brian Henderson – lead guitar (2010, 2013–present), backing vocals (2013–present) Matt Bowles – drums (2016–present) Ryan Postlethwait - bass (2018–present) Former members Jeremy Freeman - drums (2000-2002) Matt Wolfe – drums (2002–2015) (died 2021) Chris "Cid" Adams – bass (2000–2004) Michael "Skip" Cromer – bass (2004–2013) Tony Rohrbough – lead guitar (2000–2013) Sean Sydnor – bass (2013–2018) Timeline Discography Studio albums The Fundamental Component – (2004, Prosthetic Records) ...And They Shall Take Up Serpents – (2005, Prosthetic Records) Oblivion Beckons – (2008, Prosthetic Records) Byzantine – (2013, self-released) To Release Is to Resolve – (2015, self-released) The Cicada Tree – (2017, Metal Blade Records) Extended plays Black Sea Codex – (2022, WV Snakepit) Demos 2000-2001 Demos – (2001, Caustic Eye Productions) Broadmoor – (2003, full-length demo, also known as European Sampler, DK Entertainment/KMS) Other The band was featured on two tribute albums in