Janus Experiments in Hard Rock, Alt-Metal [Dirt Fest]

The guys of hard rock band Janus have faced a few obstacles. Like the time they were on tour in Canada and almost weren’t allowed back into the U.S.

“We were driving from Syracuse to Flint, and we route everything with our phones,” guitarist Mike Tyranski told Gannett Media. “The route took us through a tiny portion of Canada, and we didn’t think it would be a big deal. We had no problem crossing over to Canada. But when we tried to get back into Michigan, we only had drivers’ licenses.”

As it turns out, that’s not adequate enough to get back: “They pulled us off to the side of the road, searched our van, searched our trailer and searched us,” he laughed. “It took hours. We almost missed our show in Flint.”

Thankfully, they made it on time. And the show went on.

Of course, Janus --- who plays Dirt Fest August 13 --- has encountered bigger obstacles than misguided mapping. After fighting to get noticed amid the cutthroat Chicago music scene, the guys finally inked with Warner Bros.’ Independent Label Group. They re-released their self-produced, 'Red Right Return,' and the disc’s single, 'Eyesore,' skyrocketed up the active and alternative rock charts last year.

Nothing makes the guys prouder than the feeling they’ve come into their own.

“Once the song started doing well in some key markets as far as radio goes, a lot of people started getting excited and other stations came on board,” said Tyranski, who along with vocalist David Scotney, drummer Johnny Salazar and bass player Alan Quitman make up the band. “It’s all pretty surreal.

“Still, we’re the same guys. There are no big egos. We’re still in a van and not making a lot of money. But it’s more about the exposure and experience.”

Musically, Janus brings something unique and experimental to the table. Between a melange of U2 atmospherics, neo-prog angst and metal guitars, the band floats in and out of different genres, embracing both alternative fans and the metal-minded.

In the end, the guys live for playing shows.

“The best is when you're playing to a packed house and meeting people who have never heard of us before and that are excited about us," Tyranski said. "It’s great just connecting with people.”

Source: Gannett Media

Watch Janus Perform 'Eyesore' Live in Chicago