Sparta (band)
Sparta is an alternative rock/post hardcore band from El Paso, Texas, formed in 2001.
Founder Jim Ward(Vocals/Guitars),Paul Hinojos, and Tony Hajjar (Drummer) are former members of At the Drive-In.
In the wake of the success of At the Drive-In, Jim Ward formed the band Sparta. After scoring a deal with Geffen (Dreamworks) in 2001, the band released their first EP entitled Austere in early 2002. In August of the same year, Sparta released their debut full-length Wiretap Scars. Although it was not well received by the mainstream emo/rock audience, Sparta maintained its underground following with shows at smaller venues throughout North America and Europe.
In August of 2004, the band released their much anticipated sophomore album, Porcelain. The album was fueled mostly by Ward's loss in 2003 of cousin Jeremy Ward, who was a member of The Mars Volta. After the release, they went on tour where they opened for Incubus.
On May 24, 2005, in a move that inspired much speculation and rumors, Sparta guitarist and former At the Drive-In bassist, Paul Hinojos, quit Sparta and joined The Mars Volta. This announcement was seen on the official Sparta website. Assuming the sound manipulation duties that the late Jeremy Ward was renowned for, Hinojos' role within The Mars Volta was initially confined to offstage audio acrobatics and mixing.
After Paul's depature, the remaining members regrouped in Los Angeles to begin working on new material and to consider options for a new guitar player.
Group Members
- Jim Ward - Vocals, Guitar
- Tony Hajjar - Drums
- Matt Miller - Bass
Ex-Members
- Paul Hinojos - Guitar