A hard-working Native thrash metal band from San Diego is about to make its mark on the music world.

In Silence, which recently signed with independent label Down Pour Records, is set to release its first full-length album, and one of the Native band’s songs is sure to be a hit in Indian country.

The hard-edged rhythms of metal music run in Toby Hatmaker’s blood. “Metal’s always been a passion of mine,” said Hatmaker, Campo Kumeyaay Nation, front man and guitarist for the band, who notes Metallica and Slayer as inspirations. “Lots of kids played instruments.”

It was natural for Hatmaker, brother Wesley and cousin Jimmy from the nearby Manzanita Band to be caught up in the vibrant Southern California music scene, and forming a band was “just what I wanted to do,” Hatmaker said. “We’re just glad to have the opportunity to showcase our artistic abilities.”

In Silence was originally formed in 2002, and after some lineup changes, the band now plays in every major venue in Southern California, including the world-famous Whiskey A Go-Go and long-time underground club Dragonfly.

“These guys play four to five times a week and some of them still have regular jobs,” said Wes Colony of Down Pour Records. The small label, staffed by long-time record industry veterans, specializes in giving promising hard rock bands their first break. Down Pour’s business model is breaking in new bands, giving them a stepping stone to major label success. “Lots of people won’t even consider helping a band unless they’re signed,” Colony said. “What [In Silence] has to say is meaningful and passionate, and I want to ensure they get a fair break.”

In fact, that passion for both music and exposing injustices is combined in the band’s newest single, “Up Rising,” which tells the tale of how the California Mission culture ravaged tribal communities. Hatmaker said his songs begin with riffs that come from the heart, as well as the gourd rattle used by Kumeyaay men in song.

“We’d never done anything related to our culture before,” said Hatmaker, who when not on the road delves into Kumeyaay culture and language, including bird singing. “We tried to keep the song as a story throughout.”

Next came polishing the performance. “We’ve had a big challenge with the song. We’re working to see how much better we can make it.” However, the response from audiences across Southern California indicates that In Silence has struck a chord with “Up Rising.” The spring release of their album, as yet unnamed, will also help establish the band as a new addition to the roster of Native metal bands such as Blackfire and The Cremains.

The band has attracted the attention of local music media, including Rock City News, which notes that In Silence’s “songs are a constant mixture of catchy yet heavy guitar riffs, hardcore-ish vocals and drums that never let the beat die.”

In Silence is gearing up for a six to eight week tour, heading to the Midwest and back, Colony said. He’s also helping them produce a video, and is preparing to distribute In Silence tracks and albums on major download sites such as iTunes.

Hatmaker and the band are also working on new tunes. “We’re discussing writing songs about the old stories that elders used to tell. We’re catching the best lines and ideas.”

Colony sums up In Silence’s music: “Their music expresses injustices in society; their hearts are good and people need to experience them.

“We love these guys.”

For more information visit myspace.com/insilence

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