Alt-metal combo the Blank Theory was comprised of vocalist/guitarist Nathan Leone, bassist Matthew Leone, guitarist Michael Foderaro, drummer James Knight, and keyboardist Shawn Currie. Forming in Chicago in 1999, the band began to make a name for itself with numerous live gigs and a self-released EP. Eventually, the quintet hooked up with the revived Scratchie imprint, which was now distributed through a subsidiary of Warner. Scratchie issued the full-length debut Beyond the Calm of the Corridor in September 2002; it showcased the Blank Theory's Stabbing Westward- and Tool-influenced sound and featured a rocked-up cover of Portishead's "Sour Times." The album was produced by James Iha, who also contributed guitar to a few tracks. ~ Johnny Loftus