are a Manchester based rock and metal band, formed in 2002 by Guitarist and current member, Chris Appleton. The band have had quite a success in the UK Rock and Metal scene, bringing a sound that reminds people of the classic British Rock scene, with modern day influences thrown in for good measure. There have been a few line-up changes over the years, released two albums, and are preparing to launch a new CD-Single, under a new line-up, involving Adam Cropper on Bass, and Martin McNee on Drums
History
The Beginning (2002 - 2004)
In 2002, Chris Appleton, guitar player, had left High School and had ambitions of starting up a band. He had been playing in pleanty of bands during his School years, but felt it was now time to take what he knew and put it into practice. He began recruiting fellow musicians to help achieve this goal, and found drummer Chris Brooks, and bass player Paul Hulme. The first line-up of the band "Fury" (as it was known at the time), was born.
They started gigging through the local venues, mostly small pub gigs where they would entertain the people there with classic Rock songs from the likes of , AC/DC, and legendary Metal songs from Metallica, and . They also participated in various Competitons in the local region, as well as HMV Showcases and Band Nights within the city of Manchester.
After a few gigs, Chris Brooks left the band due to conflicts affecting his position within the trio. It was here that Adam Galloway joined the band, and would soon become the longest drummer for Fury. Adz, as they called him, was thrown into the deep end, as he continued with the gigs that were left over for the band. But during this time, Paul Hulme decided to leave the band due to personal problems with his family. And then Fury recruited the next member, Marc Dawson, to step in on the Bass Guitar.
After these critical line-up changes, the first Fury recordings began. The two songs, "Here No Evil" and "Alarms" were recorded for an EP, which would no doubt help them for all future gigs, of which there were pleanty. Soon the gigs began to move from the small pubs to actual music venues in the local area. Things were looking bright for the rocking trio at this point, putting every effort into their live shows, giving
people a full-on rock performance!
As 2005 hit, conflicts between the trio would then force them to split up for a total of six months!
My Tomorrow (2005)
After the six month break-up, the trio came back together, feeling stronger and more confident within themselves. They then decided to jump into the studio and begin recording, not an EP, but an album! The result, in November 2005, was a ten-track album called "My Tomorrow", which included the two EP songs "Hear No Evil" and "Alarms", as well as songs (regarded presently as "classics") like "Power Of God", "Mercenaries", and "Death By Lightning".
With this album under their belts, they hit the local venues and pubs hard in 2006. Some venues they found themselves opening the night, and some they found themselves headlining. As the gigs grew, so did the fan base, going all up and down the United Kingdom. Eventually, some bigger gigs began to pour in, and Fury were set to take over! They added the "UK" section to the name, thus renaming them to "Fury UK".
Face of Adversity (2007)
As 2006 began to wrap up, the time came to begin work on a follow-up album to "My Tomorrow". The trio worked hard and strong, and as 2007 began, they had the makings of their second album. They moved into the Cutting Rooms, and Oxygene Studios in Manchester, with engineer Christophe, and started work through a good portion of 2007. The end result is the album "Face Of Adversity", a quite dark rock and metal album, focused on disaster and overcombing adversity. In October 2007, the album became avaliable all over the UK, in various independant stores, as well as HMV, Virgin Megastores, online on Amazon.co.uk, and various other places! Many reviews cited a lot of different genre influences weaving throughout the album, as the band began to experiment with each other's personal favourite genres. As [http://www.rock-metal-music-reviews.com/album-review-fury-uk-face-of-adversity/ "The Dreaded Press" said about the album:
"....Bucking the trends by ignoring the fashions of the moment.... borrows ideas liberally from the last 30 years of metal, but manages to retain a sound of its' own"
And as "Live4Metal.com" wrote:
"....the overtones of masters of previous years with the rawness and drive of youth is a great combination. With regard to the new line up, the live shows seem to be based in the North West, and based on this platter deserve to be a sellout. But come on chaps, get a van and bless the rest of the UK with a bit of FUKing."
Metal Hammer Cover CD
Issue 171 (October 2007) of magazine. On the cover CD, the track "Breakthrough" off of the album, was featured.
Departure of Adz and Dawson
As the "Face Of Adversity" album began to raise heads towards Fury UK, and as recognition from Metal Hammer and other web-zines began to flood in, long-serving bass player Dawson decided he wanted to leave the band. With an heavy gig schedule approaching, it was a very untimely choice, made evn harder by drummer Adz wishing to leave too. The trio as they were finished off as many of the gigs as they could before new members could be traced down.
The New "Fury UK"
The search began for Chris Appleton to find new members for the band to fufill the next lot of up-and-coming dates, as well as become long-term members to the unit. The first person to come in to Fury UK, was bass player Adam Cropper, closely followed by drummer Martin McNee. After both giving successful auditions, the newly formed trio began to hit the gig scene hard, as if a change had not occured. The sound became slightly darker, and the mood a bit more towards the Metal side of the trio, but retaining the original sound of the 2005 - 2007 periods.
Fury UK recieved notification that they were nominated for various awards through Glasswerk. These Nominations were for: "Three Piece Band", "Rock Award", "Rock Band", and "New Band". The awards were held in London in the AKA Club. Unfortunately, Fury UK walked away with no awards.
Supporting Blaze Bayley
Fury UK supported the legendary singer, (ex-, Wolfsbane) at the Rios in Leeds, on the 23rd November. The show, to the band, was a great success, especially when Blaze's management immediately informed Fury UK of more chances to support Blaze, in Manchester on the 04 December at the Music Box, and then the 06 December, at The Rigger in Newcastle-Under-Lyne.
The Future
In the first opening days of 2008, Fury UK entered the studio to record a CD Single featuring the new line-up, entitled "Salvation". The recording went from the 6th up to the 8th January, with mixing taking place on the 10th, at Studio Studio, near Rochdale. This is to hopefully be released in February 2008, to coincide with pleanty of dates they have in February, and throughout the rest of the year!
Fury UK are scheduled to appear at the in Birmingham, as well as performing at the "Monsters Of Mosh" festival at in Manchester, where they shall be on the same bill once again.
Discography
"Hear No Evil/Alarms EP" - 2003/4
"My Tomorrow" - 2005
"Face Of Adversity" - 2007
"Salvation" - 2008
Line-up
Current
Chris Appleton - Lead Vocals/Guitar
Adam Cropper - Bass Guitar/Vocals
Martin McNee - Drums
Past Members
Chris Brooks - Drums (2002)
Paul Hulme - Bass Guitar (2002)
Adam Galloway - Drums (2002 - 2007)
Marc Dawson - Bass Guitar/Vocals (2002 - 2007)
Concept Behind Spiritual Activism
Spiritual Activism builds on the belief that all peaceful actions must be based on compassion, including social justice, human rights, educational, environmental and other issues related to the betterment of the world and the development of society as it expands and evolves. The purpose is to seek out viable and sustainable solutions that maintains or restores the dignity of individual human and/or their communities. Spiritual Activism is the compassionate pursuit of service for the good of all, not geared for the advancement or benefit of individuals or selected communities, pursued with passionate devotion as an individual or a group. It builds on the understanding that all people are connected through our shared Humanity and promotes the use of teamwork of different organizations to approach humanitarian issues from a multifaceted and Holistic viewpoint. The core dynamics behind the Spiritual Keys of Activism are creativity, adaptability, understanding, communication and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
The principles of Spiritual Activism have been developed and espoused by several organizations including the Satyana Institute, the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies and the Humanity Healing Foundation. While they vary in number and emphasis, the concept of compassionate action is the framework for each of the aforementioned organizations.
The following Twelve Keys to Spiritual Activism has been credited by the Humanity Healing Foundation:
Twelve Keys of Spiritual Activism
“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”
~ Mother Theresa
"Where ever you are, be there totally."
~ Eckhart Tolle
The embrace of the path of Spiritual Activism enables individuals or groups to develop the noble qualities of compassion, wisdom and gratitude. It is in itself a Path of Transformation - a Spiritual Blueprint for living. We can shift our perspectives of reality through seeking service beyond self by practicing the Gifts of Service. The core dynamics behind the Keys of Spiritual Activism are creativity, adaptability, understanding and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
1. All Action MUST be based on Compassion
When championing a Cause, mindset must be altruistic and the motivating emotion must be positive. Spiritual Activism is action for the benefit of something, not against something.
“When you have a pro-peace rally, I will be there.”
~ Mother Theresa’s response to a question about why she did not attend an anti-war rally.
2. Compassion flows from the understanding of the Connection between all living beings
We are all connected through our shared Humanity. When you learn to see that our differences are superficial and our similarities manifest, sympathy (or worse, pity) gives way to compassion. Our actions shift from one of “us helping them” to one of “for the good of All”. We become One.
"The whole idea of compassion is based on a keen awareness of the interdependence of all these living beings, which are all part of one another, and all involved in one another."
~ Thomas Merton
3. Compassion must be applied with Wisdom
There are more Causes that exist than an individual or group can possibly be involved with. It is important to choose your causes carefully. Learn to Act instead of React.
“That is true wisdom, to know how to alter one's mind when occasion demands it.”
~ Terence
4. Apply synergy and teamwork to accomplish goals
Synergy is the process where two or more actions combine to produce an effect greater than the sum of its individual parts. Like ripples in a pond, spiritual actions combine and build on each other to magnify an effect beyond what each could do individually. Whenever possible, team up with others to acquire a multifaceted and more holistic approach.
"The whole is greater than the sum of the parts."
~ Unknown
5. Spiritual Activism is the pursuit of service for the good of all, not for the advancement or benefit of individuals or selected communities
The mindset behind your actions must be noble, holistic, Universal and non-partisan. Be mindful that ego and self-service have no place in Spiritual Activism.
“Common folk, not statesmen, nor generals nor great men of affairs, but just simple plain men and women, can do something to build a better, peaceful world. The future hope of peace lies with such personal service.”
~ Henry Cadbury
"Reverence for Life affords me my fundamental principle of morality, namely, that good consists in maintaining, assisting, and enhancing life and that to destroy, harm, or to hinder life is evil. Affirmation of the world -- that is affirmation of the will to live, which appears in phenomenal forms all around me -- is only possible for me in that I give myself out for other life."
~ Albert Schweitzer
6. Pursue Integrity, Honesty and Dignity in the conduct of your Actions
Embrace Mindfulness in the application of your activities and be aware of how your actions may be perceived by others. Machiavelli’s “The ends justify the means” has no place in Spiritual Activism. If our methods are not noble, our results will not be either. Practice Spiritual Transparency, allowing negative energies to bypass your system without harming it.
“Integrity is doing the right thing even if no one is watching.”
~ Unknown
7. Do not defame your detractors or those who doubt you
A confrontational approach leads to a defensive reaction. Approach others with Openness and Compassion in your heart. Build on the commonalities between you instead of focusing on the differences. As much as possible, detach yourself from the results of your actions. Aspire to always be a Peacemaker.
“Honest differences are often a healthy sign of progress.”
~ Mahatma Gandhi
“An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.”
~ Mahatma Gandhi
8. Raising another up raises you up as well
Helping another becomes a form of self-love as well as an expression of outward love. This becomes an upwardly spiraling cycle of increasing awareness, connection, compassion, involvement, capacity, and back to increasing awareness.
“Oh, Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned.”
~Saint Francis Prayer
“Compassionate action involves working with ourselves as much as working with others.”
~ Pema Chödrön
9. Learn to listen to your heart and not your mind
You mind may only see the problem. Your heart will always feel the solution. Learn to act with Faith and cultivate a loving perception when facing collective problems.
“Faith is taking the first step, even when you don't see the whole staircase.”
~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
10. Search out viable and sustainable solutions
Seek out solutions that maintain or restores the dignity of individual human and their communities. The goal of Spiritual Activism is to raise another up, not make them dependant.
“Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime.”
~ Jesus
“We have not inherited the world from our forefathers. We have borrowed it from our children."
~ Kashmiri proverb
11. Do not judge yourself simply by the results of your actions
Maintain a sense of detachment as to overall results. Embrace mindfulness as you intentionally diminish a judging attitude while keeping watchfulness on the gates of your heart. The ultimate goal of Spiritual Activism is to unconditionally raise the understanding and support of Humanity, with no exceptions. This achievement is larger than any individual. While individual projects can be completed, the sum is so much greater than its parts. Learn to see yourself not on where you have reached, but on the Path you are traveling. There is real fulfillment in just being called to serve humanitarian and spiritual causes.
“Every man stamps his value on himself. Man is made great or small by his own will.”
~ JCF von Schiller
“The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.”
~ Thich Nhat Hanh
12. Let Metta be the motivation for your Actions
If you cultivate Metta (the practice of loving-kindness) in your heart, you will succeed. The Intention that is the motivating force behind your actions is paramount. Start from a position of pure and altruistic Love.
“A positive future cannot emerge from the mind of anger of despair”
~ Dalai Lama
“Kindness in giving creates Love.”
~ Lao Tzu
The Substance of Life
This nickname for Protodermis first appeared in the BIONICLE storyline when Turaga Whenua called it 'the stuff of life'. Protodermis is called the 'Substance of Life', namely because almost everything in the Bionicle universe is made of it, except for the air and the water surrounding the island of Mata Nui. The Matoran do not eat it; however, the biomechanical bodies of the Matoran are made with it. The forges of Ta-Metru construct and forge masks and launchers and tools and Kanoka disks with it, making it extremely vital to the Matoran. Without it, nothing would be. It is a somewhat magical substance, with very interesting applications. This substance was also once used by the Toa Metru to defeat the Makuta, encasing him in the substance (sealing him within it). Unfortunately, it was held tight by the force of the Toa Metru's combined elemental powers, and, in the case of Web of Shadows, Roodaka carved a stone from that seal with which she would want to fulfill her plan to release Makuta, the Toa Hordika hit the stone (which was placed in Roodaka's chest at the time, as a heartstone, rather than a heartlight) with their elemental Rhotuka spinners, breaking that seal, and thus setting Makuta free.
Forms
Technically, nearly everything in the Bionicle universe is made of protodermis. When a substance is specifically referred to as being made of protodermis, it refers to one of the following forms:
*Solid Protodermis is a kind of metal ore that can be either carved or melted down and forged into useful objects. The hardest known variation of this metal is called protosteel, analogous to Marvel Comics' fictional metal adamantium. In its molten state, protodermis is similar to lava, hot enough to melt anything in its path. When protodermis is properly forged, it imbues the object with a special power. The Shadowed One can also create crystalline protodermis with his staff.
*Liquid Protodermis is, for all intents and purposes, identical to water, except for its silvery color; when cleansed of impurities, this color turns blue. A Toa of Water can control this form of protodermis as easily as she can regular water. Liquid protodermis can be heated into its molten state, or frozen into protodermic ice.
*Energized Protodermis is a remarkable variation of protodermis. It will transform beings that are destined to transform, and has been used to form the Toa Nuva and Rahkshi; but will destroy anything not destined to come in contact with, such as the Karzahni plant. Ironically, it also has some living properties itself. Energized protodermis is also the only known cure to the antidermis virus.
Name
Protodermis is the combination of Greek words Proto- (meaning "first") and -Dermis (meaning "skin" or "Layer of tissue"), thus directly meaning "first skin". This is an odd translation, but it has been postulated that this is because it can be a tissue substance. It has also been suggested that, deep underground though it is, it may only be the first layer under the surface. The name could simply be an attempt on LEGO's part to produce a "cool-sounding" name for a substance.
Protodermis was at one point called Biodermis in Bionicle.com's "Mata Nui Online Game". However, several details of the game are not considered canon, and the game itself later used the name Protodermis consistently.
Energized Protodermis Entity
In trying to return to Metru Nui after the Great Cataclysm, the Toa Metru were blackmailed into getting some energized protodermis for the Karzahni plant creature. They were told they could find a pool of some in one of Makuta's lairs, but when they got there they found a shapeshifting being made of the energized protodermis itself.
This entity was an arrogant being, believing itself to be "as far beyond you as you are from the lowliest Rahi" and describing itself as "a force of the universe". Instead of allowing the Toa to take some of the protodermis they came for, it demonstrated its power by mutating a tiny insect into a 200-foot monster; it then watched as the Toa defended themselves against the beast, and when it got tired of the fight it coldly destroyed the insect. This led the Toa to attack the entity, and in response it began mutating a number of harmless creatures into fierce monsters.
After the Toa defeated the creatures, they began taunting the entity and luring it into destroying the pillars holding up the lair. The Toa attacked from all sides; with the entity at a loss where to direct his attacks as attacking one would leave the pool open to damage from the others. With one pillar remaining, the Toa halted and offered to leave it (and the lair) standing if they could take the protodermis they came for and leave safely; they also pointed out that Makuta might have made a protodermis-eating creature that could be let loose if the lair caves in. The entity reluctantly agreed to let them take it - but almost immediately tried to kill them with a tidal wave of energized protodermis. The Toa quickly shattered the last pillar and collapsed the lair, destroying the pool. The entity likely survived the encounter and is plotting revenge.
The entity had the ability to form itself into any shape it chose; the book Maze of Shadows described its form as having "the semblance of the Toa Metru" but the video game of the same name shows it looking like Makuta's "Shadow Titan" form with a pillar of liquid from the waist down; the Toa Metru form is the one recognized as canonical. It can also launch jets of energized protodermis, and can form itself into a tidal wave. It seems that the entity can sense whether or not a being will transform from energized protodermis, but not exactly how it will transform.
The entity's relationship with Makuta is unclear. It considered itself a guardian (presumably of the pool) and denied that Makuta was its master, but never confirmed or denied that the two worked together. It can be assumed that the entity at least allowed Makuta use of the pool, but whether it helped Makuta beyond that is unknown.