OCTANIC are a classically influenced keyboard driven metal band from Adelaide, Australia. With its formidable triumvirate of keyboardist / major song-writer Andrew Baillie, rhythm guitarist / lyricist Stephen Wardle and lead vocalist / major lyricist Jason Shepherdson merging in early 2006, they were then joined in mid 2006 by the welcome additions of Dean Cullinan on drums and bass player Dan Flueren.

After a number of shows in 2007, which included regular headline spots from only their third show onwards, they completed their dynamic line up with talented lead guitarist Daniel Cederblad in October 2007.

Individually citing a number of Bay-Area thrash bands and now colloquially dubbed “Gothenburg” bands as their early musical influences the band endeavour to build momentum, ever carving their own niche in the local metal market and clearly aspire to greater success on both the national and international scene.

Seamlessly fusing elements of European melodic death metal, heavy industrial grooves, contemporary hard rock and classical sensibilities along with the occasional orchestral undertone, OCTANIC write and perform music that has often been described as 'EPIC', with a 'great vibe' and intensity and they continue to strive for a sound that truly engages, captivates and inspires its listeners.

April 2008 saw the launch of OCTANIC's first EP titled INDUSTRY. The seven track disk including a bonus DVD with the release mixed in 5.1 surround sound was received with impressive revies both from dB and Rip it Up magazines.

By blending majestic keyboards with intricate melodies, powerful bone-crunching guitars, tight rhythms and soaring lead solos, brooding harmonious vocals accentuated by passionate and compelling lyrics, OCTANIC explore the whole audio spectrum forging the perfect balance of light and dark.

The name “OCTANIC” is derived from the word ‘octane’ and represents high energy music and powerful performances. If you attend just one OCTANIC live show, you too can experience the OCTANIC phenomenon for yourself!

Jay - Vocals
My induction into the realms of metal goes back to the summer of 89 when a mate cranked up Judas Priest ‘Turbo Lover’.  From that day heavy metal BECAME my life… my musical release. Over the years I’ve had many influences and a few worthy of mention due to their musical brilliance, vocal prowess and inspiration are: Metallica, AIC, Pantera, Megadeth, Fear Factory and KSE. It was my first ever metal concert however, Metallica in 1993 that fueled my desire to become a lead singer in a metal band and still rates as the best metal show I’ve been to… EVER! From 98-01 I fronted the Adelaide metal band Fatal Creation and from January 06 I have been the lead singer of OCTANIC and have enjoyed performing live once again since May 07.

Andrew - Keyboard
At the age seven I started classical piano lessons and these carried on for another ten years.  Metallica’s S&M album drew my attention and I became interested in bands like Metallica, Slayer and Tool.  My first real concert was Slayer and Machine Head – not a bad start I must say. After a couple years break from piano, I picked up the guitar.  After studying music for such a long time, I had no desire to learn other people’s music anymore and began writing my own, eventually incorporating keyboards into the music I was writing. My influences come from what I’m listening to at the time, which at the moment is In Flames, Nightwish, Killswitch Engage, Tool, Lacuna Coil, Dark Tranquillity, Chimaira, Static-X and of course my classical background.

Stephen - Rhythm Guitar
My musical influences start with Silverchair’s “Neon Ballroom” album.  That was my ‘musical awakening’ I guess you could call it.  It was also because of this album I first picked up a guitar and jammed to “Anthem for the Year 2000”.  From there it was a lot of punk stuff such as Offspring and Blink 182. I was then introduced to Metallica and their album S&M was perhaps the seeds being sewn for a taste in music that could later only be quenched by a band called Nightwish which would become the soundtrack to my life.

Dan - Bass
My musical influences include: Fear Factory, In Flames, Disturbed, Killswitch Engage, Chimaira, 36 Crazyfists, Static-X and many more. I first started playing electric guitar at the age of 12 and played on and off over a number of years. I was then asked to play bass guitar for a band down in Mount Gambier. So I bought my first bass and quickly learnt what that was all about and figured out I much preferred the bass over electric, and have persisted with that ever since, without looking back.

Dean - Drums
Poison and Guns N Roses were my early musical influences but I soon developed a taste for heavier music such as Metallica, Pantera, Megadeth and Pearl Jam. I started playing drums at age 13 and soon after bought my first Ludwig kit.  I had a few drum lessons in high school but quickly got bored and learned my craft by playing along to heavy/rock music, so you could say I am self taught. I played in Adelaide band, Fatal Creation, from 98–01 and bought my current 7 piece Ludwig kit at that time. My ultimate metal moments are meeting Metallica at their Fan Club meet & greet BDO 2004 and also drinking a few rounds with Dimebag and Vinnie Paul at the Crazy Horse with my good mate Jay. Best ever concert was Metallica 93, 3 hours of pure metal with the loudest crowd I’ve ever heard.

Daniel – Lead Guitar
After getting a classical guitar at age 4 but not touching it until high school, I listened to Pink Floyd and other classic rock my father had on LP.  As I started to explore more modern music, I began to get heavily into Metallica and Satriani.  I had stints on electronic organ and saxophone but neither moved me as much the electric guitar!  After an awkward period in the school band playing pop music, a friend recommended I listen to In Flames. Until that point I had dismissed growly vocals as rubbish.  My realisation that the underlying guitar work was amazing paved the way for much inspiration from similar death metal bands.