Defying Silence
Band Story
Defying Silence first emerged from the heart of the Cleveland hard rock scene in the late 1990s, delivering a powerful blend of melodic grit and high-octane energy. Formed in 1998 by founding members Anthony Vincent and Dean Lanzi, the band quickly carved out a space in Ohio’s rock underground, gaining attention for their emotionally charged songwriting and electrifying live performances.
The band’s music first hit the web in 2001, attracting an early online following. A major breakthrough came in 2006, when their track "I Believe", a thunderous motorcycle-themed anthem, was featured in the Discovery Channel documentary History of the Chopper, starring Jesse James of West Coast Choppers. The program aired worldwide on March 4, 2006, launching Defying Silence to a global audience and tying their music to the raw spirit of motorcycle culture.
Over the years, the group evolved with a roster of skilled musicians, including Dave Kelly, Joe Vargo, Bob Jones, Anthony Lombardo, John Evans, and Eddie Drivetone—each contributing to the band’s signature sound. Their performance history spans some of Ohio’s most iconic venues: Hard Rock Café, Harley-Davidson festivals, The Revolution, The Hi-Fi Club, Peabody’s, The Symposium, The Bottom Line Salon, and more—many of which were sponsored by Budweiser. Thanks to the support of guitarist Billy Morris (of Warrant, Quiet Riot, and others), Defying Silence became a staple at his two Ohio clubs, further solidifying their local legend status.
In a powerful return to their roots, Anthony Vincent and Dean Lanzi have recently regrouped and reignited the band’s momentum. Earlier this year, they welcomed Jeff Renz on bass and Kermit Lassen—a dynamic drummer and vocalist—into the lineup. With this refreshed ensemble, Defying Silence is entering a bold new chapter, honoring their hard rock legacy while forging ahead with renewed intensity and creativity.
Still driven by passion, power, and purpose, Defying Silence continues to defy expectations and deliver music that resonates with raw truth and undeniable force.
The band’s music first hit the web in 2001, attracting an early online following. A major breakthrough came in 2006, when their track "I Believe", a thunderous motorcycle-themed anthem, was featured in the Discovery Channel documentary History of the Chopper, starring Jesse James of West Coast Choppers. The program aired worldwide on March 4, 2006, launching Defying Silence to a global audience and tying their music to the raw spirit of motorcycle culture.
Over the years, the group evolved with a roster of skilled musicians, including Dave Kelly, Joe Vargo, Bob Jones, Anthony Lombardo, John Evans, and Eddie Drivetone—each contributing to the band’s signature sound. Their performance history spans some of Ohio’s most iconic venues: Hard Rock Café, Harley-Davidson festivals, The Revolution, The Hi-Fi Club, Peabody’s, The Symposium, The Bottom Line Salon, and more—many of which were sponsored by Budweiser. Thanks to the support of guitarist Billy Morris (of Warrant, Quiet Riot, and others), Defying Silence became a staple at his two Ohio clubs, further solidifying their local legend status.
In a powerful return to their roots, Anthony Vincent and Dean Lanzi have recently regrouped and reignited the band’s momentum. Earlier this year, they welcomed Jeff Renz on bass and Kermit Lassen—a dynamic drummer and vocalist—into the lineup. With this refreshed ensemble, Defying Silence is entering a bold new chapter, honoring their hard rock legacy while forging ahead with renewed intensity and creativity.
Still driven by passion, power, and purpose, Defying Silence continues to defy expectations and deliver music that resonates with raw truth and undeniable force.
Band Members
Anthony Vincent, Dean Lanzi, Jeff Renz, Kerrmit Lassen
Anthony Vincent, Dean Lanzi, Jeff Renz, Kerrmit Lassen
Location: AMERICA NORTH: USA:Ohio (OH)
Genre: Acoustic