Albums: 12 Stones, Anthem For The Underdog, Potter's Field

12 Stones is an alternative rock band that formed in 2000 in Mandeville, Louisiana, a suburb north of New Orleans. The first line-up consisted of Paul McCoy (vocals), Kevin Dorr (bass), Eric Weaver (guitar), and Patrick Quave (drums) who was later replaced by Aaron Gainer. After performing no more than 12 live shows, the band recorded a demo and went to New York City where they performed at an industry showcase, where the band encountered some minor difficulties,:"Here we are, our first few hours in New York City," McCoy recalls, "and Kevin is puking in the bathroom and I'm chasing some guy who stole my wallet just a few hours before we play the showcase.

It was crazy."After that, the band was signed up by Wind-Up Records. The situation improved once 12 Stones signed with Wind-up and began recording with producer Jay Baumgardner (Papa Roach, Alien Ant Farm), who helped pump up Eric Weaver’s searing guitar solos in the belief that a new guitar hero might be born. Combined with the propulsive rhythm section of Dorr and drummer Aaron Gainer and McCoy’s distinctive lyrics, the 12 Stones sound conveys real emotion with a visceral punch.

The band's eponymous debut album was released in 2002, produced by Jay Baumgardner. They gained more fame when vocalist McCoy performed in Evanescence's song "Bring Me to Life" opposite Amy Lee. The song was included in both Evanescence's album, Fallen and in the Daredevil film soundtrack.

McCoy quotes:"Our songs are about some of the really tough times I went through growing up as a kid," McCoy says. "I really wanted to target subjects in our songs that kids going through tough times can relate to and help them get through tough times. It doesn't mean you can’t be angry and the songs powerful.

We just want to stream negative energy in a positive way." In 2004, Kevin Dorr quit the band and touring guitarist Greg Trammell later became an official member. Their second album, Potter's Field came out in 2004. Both albums were supported with heavy touring.

Clint Amereno and then Aaron Hill were brought in to play bass for the shows. After the tour, the band decided to take a break from the band to be with their respective families. Trammell left prior to the recording of the next album, leaving the band without a second guitarist.

After completion of the CD, one of its collaborators, ex-Breaking Point guitarist Justin Rimer, took over this position. The new lineup was later completed with the addition of former Presence bassist DJ Stange. Their third album, Anthem For The Underdog, was released in 2007.

The album is said to be inspired by the effects of Hurricane Katrina on their hometown. Shortly after the album's release, Stange quit and was replaced by Shawn Wade, formerly of the band Silence Is Broken. 12 Stones are currently working on a new album which is said to be available in the fall of 2009 12 Stones were formed in the small New Orleans suburb of Mandeville, LA.

The group was mostly still in their teens when they formed the lineup of vocalist Paul McCoy, bassist Kevin Dorr, guitarist Eric Weaver, and drummer Aaron Gainer. After performing no more than 12 live performances, they took their demo to New York City and performed at an industry showcase. The band ended up signing to Wind Up Records to record their debut album with producer Jay Baumgardner.

The album saw a release in 2002, less than two years after the formation of the group. More success came to the band in 2003, when McCoy duetted on "Bring Me to Life" with Evanescence, which became a smash hit and was included on the Daredevil soundtrack as well as Evanescence's debut album, Fallen. 12 Stones released their second album, Potter's Field, which featured a heavier, more guitar-driven sound than their debut.

After taking a break from music to spend time with their families, the band reconvened to make their third album. Inspired by the effects of Hurricane Katrina on their hometown, 12 Stones recorded Anthem for the Underdog in Memphis, TN, with Justin Rimer and Skidd Mills during the better part of 2006, and the album was released in 2007.

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