::: Band Members and Band History :::

Background:

Xander has been playing since the age of 13. Since then he has become a very fluid player with a keen sense of melody, technique and emotion within his playing. Xander is a well-known shredder amongst the metal community and his technical ability allows for a different approach to the "song oriented" solos of Arena Rock groups such as Journey, Bon Jovi and Def Leppard. He can step into almost any band situation and feel comfortable. At the same time, he has a knack for making the other band members UN-comfortable because of his hankering for replacing their shampoo with Nair.

Influences:

Xander comes from a diverse background of influences but he is known as a prolific shredder with a knack for tasty hooks. His playing is very over-the-top at times and reserved at others but he is always the entertainer. You can hear a wide range of styles in his playing such as Michael Romeo, the (old) Racer X tandem of Paul Gilbert and Bruce Boulliet, Shawn Lane, Eric Johnson, John Petrucci, Steve Vai, Allan Holdsworth, Neal Schon, Tom Sholz, Guthrie Govan, Rusty Cooley and Tony MacAlpine.

Endorsements:

Hughes and Kettner, GraphTech, EMG Pickups, Suhr Guitars, V-Picks, Scott Dixon Cases, McNaught Guitars, Morpheus Effects, Bogner Amps, Jim Dunlop

Background:

Dean has been playing the drums since the age of two and co-formed Into The Arena after a successful run with Pittsburgh's Camp Element and recently Downside. He has had the opportunity to tour with some of the country's most popular bands through the years such as: Kid Rock (2000), Bif Naked(2000), Murphy’s Law(1997), Living Colour, RUN DMC, Coal Chamber, Orange 9mm, Limp Bizkit, Korn and Papa Roach - to name a few. His musical career started taking off at the age of 21 when he began playing with Pittsburgh's Chronic Groove. In recent months, Dean has become quite the YouTube sensation. Check out his YouTube Channel and see what he's been doing out there!

He possesses a technique that is just downright scary. He hits with ferocity and is lightning fast behind the kit. His presence in this band on and off stage is undeniable and there isn't a person on earth that is more fun to go "elbows up" with than Dean. The pressure of being the best drummer in the world takes its toll on you but Dean manages to grin and bear it...

Influences:

Dean has been influenced by many different styles of music from Hip Hop, rock, metal and everything else in between. Some of his biggest musical influences are Buddy Rich, one of history's most prolific drummers from the big band era, Stewart Copeland of the Police, Morgan Rose of Sevendust, John & Jason Bonham and Dave Ambruzze to name a few. But the biggest influence that Dean would like to thank is his family, not just from a musical standpoint but also for the encouragement to be the person that he is today.

Endorsements:

Protection Racket, Pro-Mark, Mapleworks Drums

Background:

Matt Williams joined Into The Arena in the fall of 2010. Matt comes from a diverse background of bass playing and has proven himself to be every bit as professional as he is scary on the bass. Matt has played with Tony Janflone amongst several other musicians around the Pittsburgh area. He uses Mark Bass and Ampeg for his rig and plays Ibanez basses. Since joining ITA he has made quite the impression on the ITA fans. He had big shoes to fill when founding bassist Ben Bond departed the band back in the spring of 2010. Matt has exceeded all expectations.

Influences:

Coming Soon...

Background:

Ronnie has been a huge addition to the band with his vast knowledge of the 80s rock and metal that we do and also showing his versatility on some of today's hits as well. Things have come around full-circle since the dissolvement of ESCAPE. We are glad to be back in business with Ronnie and you will all be blown away by the confidence and command he has on stage - especially when busting out a Steve Perry melody.

Influences:

Ron's influences vary in genre. Some of his favorite artists include Van Halen, KISS, Queen, Luther Vandross, Queensryche, and Def Leppard. He started singing from the time he was five years old and hasn't stopped since. In Pittsburgh, Ron is respected as one of the most talented and acclaimed vocalists in the city. And onstage with Into The Arena, Ron doesn't just sing the songs. He feels and expresses the music, just as Journey songs were meant to be played.

Background:

Adam has the daunting task of learning all of those tricky keyboard lines as well as playing rhythm and some lead guitar. He is an unparalleled force on this instrument - come to think of it - Adam is pretty much incredible on every instrument he plays. He comes to this band as a powerful asset being able to play keyboards and guitar to add that much-needed thickness in our brand of Rock and Roll.

When he's not busy with music, Adam enjoys inline skating and can often be seen skating around the lake at North Park. He also has earned an associate's degree in Information Science.

Influences:

This list would go on forever since Adam plays just about every instrument on the planet...but, Adam promised to get this list on line for everyone - hopefully, your bandwidth can handle it.