Sacrifice, true kindred spirits, and tight-knit dedication are hard to find in many bands, even for those strong enough to strive well beyond basement practices and bar circuits. From their beginning in 2000, the Connersville, Indiana-based group Kramus has been on a steady path of growth helping to redefine the diversity, emotion, and influence of rock music in the Midwest. Kramus has emerged as one of the Indiana scene's leaders in performance and promotion. Die hard commitment is a powerful, unifying motivation for this band. Switching out from heavy to soft, from fast to slow, heavy rock inspired riffs to melodic, the music is diverse enough to be accessible to any fan of heavy rock. Part of Kramus' strategy is to push every emotional button within their audience with their music.
Formed in 2000, Kramus consisted of Jeremy Lovins(Lead Guitar), Ryan Snoddy(Bass), Matt Ledford(Guitar, Vocals), and Casey Wainwright(Drums). They got off to a quick start, retaining fans from their previous Fadeaway project. The lineup ran its course and after a couple of member changes, in 2005, Kramus picked up long-time friend Johnny Harrod to take over the drummer position. Things began to pick up for the band and they soon signed on with Lambert Entertainment Group as management in early 2006. Kramus then aimed their sights at performing live, putting considerable concentration towards amassing more than just a large, loyal hometown audience. The EP "If Only For Moments", recorded in 2006 was very well received by the bands fans. As the band's fanbase grew, they started headlining shows in the Indianapolis area, along with opening for notable national acts such as Saliva, Dope, Hurt, and Nonpoint. This routine carried the band through many notable times until early 2008 when tragedy struck.
The band had lost their lead singer and long time friend Matt Ledford. He passed away on Feb. 1st 2008 and the remaining members did not know what to do or where to go from this point. It was Rob Sprowl (Formely Blaknote and Sfumato) that gave Kramus the idea that they should do a benefit concert in memory of Matt. His idea was to have guest singers from other bands that Kramus had shared the stage with come and sing a few songs each with the band. This is where Kramus saw the talent and sure determination from Rob Sprowl as a possible candidate for a new lead singer.
Johnny Harrod, Jeremy Lovins, and Ryan Snoddy tried out numerous singers over the next few months and decided that it was Rob that had the best voice and personality to fit the band. Rob insisted that Kramus also check out his brother Aaron Sprowl for the spot of rhythm guitar and back up vocals. With doing this it now included a three part harmony between Rob, Aaron and Johnny on vocals and gave the band a new feel and vibe live.
Kramus has now started writing all new material and is set to record in December for their debut effort with this new line up. They have already started playing consistently in the Indianapolis area and are regaining the respect of their old fans and gaining new fans with their incredible comeback story and aggressive style of music.
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