Media Resources - EPK

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Biography

Combining grit with melody, Chicago-based retro hard rockers Altered Root produce a unique blend of relatable singer-songwriter style storytelling with a heavy edge. Influenced by multi-generational genre-defining bands like Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, and Pearl Jam, and stoner rock artists like All Them Witches and Kyuss tied together with lyrical concept masters Pink Floyd, The Who, and Rush the Altered Root digs into each member's leanings from metal, grunge, jazz, blues, and progressive rock. It’s riff-driven, album-oriented hard rock with layers and textures designed to evoke a soul reaction. The band released its debut double-LP, Drone, on March 4, 2026.

The core of the band was formed by professionals working in the world of business. Instead of selling coffee at Starbuck’s to pay rent and studio time, Altered Root members worked executive business roles to pay mortgages. Releasing the band’s first album at an over-40 age mark, Altered Root is devoted to telling a passionate and relatable story through thoughtful sonic combination of words and instruments only possible with many years of combined life experience.

Altered Root consists of: David Agee, Drums – professional drummer, enlisted officer in the U.S. Navy elite touring band which he won through a audition competition between thousands of drummers from around the country; Jeff Bergau, Bass – retired marketing executive and entrepreneur who left the world of business to focus on Altered Root; Sean Cimino, Voice – supply chain executive who manages some of the world’s largest OTC brands for a global pharmaceutical company; Patrick Dwyer, Lead Guitar – video game developer who has played a role on some of the most recognizable games in the industry, has played guitar since his high school band; Nick Kabat, Keyboard, Drums – a multi-instrumental talent who plays regularly in several Chicago Jazz, Rock, and Progressive bands; and Brad Urhausen, Rhythm and Acoustic Guitar – a national employee benefits executive who plays often in his home town of Nashville.

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About Drone

Drone chronicles the dark journey of an everyday, middle-aged suburban commuter. The story is set up by the album’s opening and title track, Drone, in which our protagonist is on a commuter train into the city to work the same drab and uninspiring job he has endured for decades. Downtrodden, he reflects on his life. The first LP of the double-LP set is a heavy trip into decisions he made along the way. His self-inflicted and self-limiting suffering play out in relatable, often semi-autobiographical, life-scenes set to gritty tones and aggressive riffs. From darkly optimistic start to his own slacker behavior to a bad marriage. From an unhealthy obsession to consume and acquire to hitting rock bottom. The second LP begins to be more refined and melodic as Drone Man’s soul begins to stir. From themes of insomnia and isolation to awakening and redemption and an ending left to the mind of the listener. It’s an hour-long journey written to inspire and to be consumed whole. Played loud on vinyl like the original concept album masters. Unique sonic elements are ubiquitous, especially with a good set of headphones and perhaps an Altered consciousness aid.

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Album Title: Drone

Released Date: March 4, 2026

Recorded At: Palisade Studios Chicago

Engineered, Mixed, Mastered by: Nick Brtoste

Album and Single Art: Melissa Norrod

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Tracklist:

Disc 1

1.1 Drone

1.2. Write Along The Way

1.3 Last Life

1.4 Strange Passenger

1.5  For Me

1.6. Bioavailable

Disc 2

2.1 Outbound

2.2 Life Between Life

2.3 Squares

2.4 Star Light

2.5 Being Home

2.6 Contact High

2.7 The Feel

2.8 Drone (Acoustic, vinyl only)​​​​​