Five Albums That Changed My Life: Mike Tyranski, Al Quitman of Janus

Ever since the news broke in January about the March 27 release of Janus' new Nox Aeris album, fans have been anxious to hear the music. Thanks to their support, the record debuted on Billboard's Alternative New Artist chart at #7, the Heatseekers chart at #24 and on Hard Music chart at #33.

With momentum going their way, Janus will be heading out with Cavo starting April 7 in Battle Creek and Pop Evil starting May 29. They'll also be making a stop at Rocklahoma on May 25.

Noisecreep asked Janus' guitarist Mike Tyranski and bassist Al Quitman to take part in our 'Five Albums That Changed My Life' series. Check out Al's picks where he makes a bold statement about a certain Metalllica album!

Mike Tyranski (guitars):

Meantime, Helmet (1992)

"This is the record that changed my taste in sound forever. At the time I was listening to a lot of descendents and misfits and other things like that. I head the first song off this album, "In the Meantime," and my jaw dropped. The staccato rhythms and grooves were incredibly heavy. Unlike anything I had ever heard. From there on I was sold."

Slip, Quicksand (1993)

"I actually heard about this band watching MTV late at night when they actually still played videos. I was blown away by the song "Fazer" and bought the album the next day. The entire thing is a masterpiece. The way they structure their songs and layer in complementing guitar parts is beautiful. They also have great dynamics and strong chord changes that taught me a lot about writing songs. These guys are the benchmark I'm trying to hit with everything we do in Janus. They are in my opinion the most underrated band that ever existed."

Siamese Dream, Smashing Pumpkins (1993)

"Absolute masters at drawing you into their songs. They taught me a lot about developing strong hooks and layering of instrumentation. If you listen close there are a lot of different tones melodies layered into the songs that really push them over the top. I also love Jimmy Chamberlain's style. I love simple things like how he bounces his hi-hat throughout the whole song or the drags he does on songs like "Cherub Rock"."

Undertow, Tool (1993)

"I would argue this album has changed the thinking of every rock band out there since it's release. This is the kind of band that would make you want to throw out everything you've written and start from scratch. This record taught me the importance of dynamics. Listen to this album with headphones on and you'll see what I mean."

Around the Fur, Deftones (1997)

"These guys musically break all the rules and make it sound great. This album reinforced my thinking that your gut is better than any music theory book out there. Theory is inhibiting. Follow your instincts and you'll suprise yourself in the process."

Al Quitman (bass)

Nevermind, Nirvana (1991)

"That came out when I started getting better as a guitar player. It was an adjustment for me from trying to learn older Metallica rhythm/solos. It made me realize that a great song doesn't have to be this big intricate hard to play piece to be a great!"

...And Justice For All, Metallica (1988)

"Hands down the best metal album ever made. Enough said!"

Tidal, Fiona Apple (1996)

"The most passionate album I've heard. She means every note she sings and plays. She is a true artist in every sense of the word."

Frances the Mute, The Mars Volta (2005)

"Great great great fucking music. Great drumming. Always inspires me to be a better player and approach things differently."

Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band, the Beatles (1967)

"Groundbreaking recording techniques. Brilliant songs. Reminds me that there are no boundaries to what you can do."

Pick up Janus albums and merchandise directly from the band at this link.

Check out JANUS at any of the following tour stops:

w/ Cavo:

4.07 Battle Creek, MI - Planet Rock

4.11 Ottawa, IL - Luciana's Rural Resort

4.13 Madison, WI - RSR Stage

4.14 Rockford, IL - Bar 3

4.17 Sioux Falls, SD - Rookies

4.18 Kearny, NE - The Garage

4.20 Lubbock, TX - Lonestar Amphitheater

4.21 San Antonio, TX - Fiesta Oyster Bake Festival

4.22 Houston, TX - Scout Bar (headlining)

4.25 Colorado Springs, CO - The Black Sheep

4.26 Denver, CO - Marquis Theatre

4.28 Mesa, AZ - Mesa Riverview Park (UFEST)

5.01 Abilene, TX - The Lucky Mule

5.02 Little Rock, AR - Juanita's

5.04 Illiopolis, IL - Bunker's

5.19 Maryland Heights, MO - Verizon Wireless Amp (KPNT Pointfest)

5.25 Pryor, OK - Rocklahoma

w/ Pop Evil:

5.29 Billings, MT - Manny's

5.30 Spokane, WA - Knitting Factory

6.01 Salt Lake City, UT - The Complex