Built around the talents of multi-instrumentalist and lead singer , LOURDS is already being hailed as one of the next big things in rock after releasing their self-titled debut album in 2006. By using mandolins and electric violins, courtesy of Lane, with the more traditional rock sounds from guitarist Gene Blank, bassist Joey Sagarese, and drummer Sarah Vasil, they’ve created a refreshing new sound that Billboard reviewer Chuck Taylor called “truly incomparable” and “innovative, yet accessible.” Sports fans may already recognize the band and their song “Victory” from ABC Football and ESPN broadcasts.

Ukranian-born guitarist Gene Blank picked up the guitar at age 12, after seeing a video of Slash. Since then, he has played with a number of metal and industrial acts, including Supermassive, Uranium 235 and Bile. He also currently plays with My Mortality, featuring members of Type O Negative, Life of Agony, and Diecast. They plan to enter the studio in February of 2008 to begin work on their debut album. Gene plays a custom First Act Lola guitar.