Ceres is a heavy metal band from Missoula, Montana featuring hard-hitting riffs, driving rhythms and engaging lyrics conveyed through a mix of traditional and aggressively harsh vocals. Live shows are an intense blend of powerful stage presence that couples humor, crowd engagement and power with the focus and precision of session musicians. Described by local radio DJ Kromdar as “a Red Bull* to the junk!”  

(Disclaimer – if hit in the junk by an actual Red Bull or other energy drink seek medical attention. Ceres is not endorsed by or affiliated with Red Bull. *Mix only with Vodka.)

Ceres began as a studio project for lead guitar player Mike Vandersanden in the summer of 2018. Vocalist Paul Glueckert and guitar player Dan Beard were the first to come on board shortly after the bands inception. By fall of 2018 the lineup was rounded out with drummer Dan Fernandez and bass player Shane Casalutis joining. In December of 2019, the band welcomed new drummer Curtis Hoskins into the fold.  In June of 2020, Ceres also welcomed Jeff Gibson into the band to take Shanes place on the bass.  The wide variety of influences on each individual member and their musical backgrounds results in sounds reminiscent of Killswitch Engage, Black Sabbath, Periphery, Slipknot, Devin Townsend, Dream Theater and Megadeth amongst many others ranging from traditional blues rock to early heavy metal and modern progressive metal.

The bands initial focus was collaborating to finalize several tracks that had been written by Mike before they formed. By Christmas of 2018 three songs had been released to an enthusiastic reception. As a result of feedback from peers and emerging fans they decided to actively pursue booking live shows. The current lineup of music for their live show is a mix of original material and covers of favorite songs from a variety of genres played with intensity and focus on the crowd having fun.
Ceres began to enjoy airplay on local radio station 96.3 KBAZ “The Blaze” in late 2018. Since then their music has had airtime on 96.5 KOZE “Z-Rock” in Lewiston, Idaho as well. They have also been featured by the Montana Metal show at MTRadio.net and MetalLocal.com. Through out 2019 the Ceres was a frequent studio guest of the KBAZ “Local 406” radio show that features music from the region’s thriving metal scene. They had so much fun doing so the singer busted a gut (which is code for laughter causing a hernia – generally a bad idea two weeks before your first live show).

In February of 2019 Ceres performed live for the first time to a full house at VFW Post 290 in Missoula, Montana. The release of their first EP coincided with the live show, which included two previously unpublished tracks. 9 shows including 3 Metalfests and 2 Top Hat shows followed soon after. The band continues to release new music as well as focus on performing live. They are proud to be part of the relatively small but thriving metal scene in Montana and are currently confirming additional bookings in the area.

Ceres announced their first tour in February 2020.  The tour was going to take the band to Spokane, Tacoma, Seattle, Eugene, Bend, Logan, and Idaho Falls with a homecoming show in Missoula.  Sadly the tour was postponed due to Covid-19 restrictions.  However, this did not slow the band down as they took the time off of touring to record and master their second album "Ex Nihilo" which is due to drop in late July 25th 2020. We also just released our first single/video from the album "Ex Nihilo" titled "Bury The Noise". 

Stay tuned for more!

(*Ceres prefers PBR, but if Vodka is your drink of choice you won’t be judged. Much.)