While on hiatus from performing in 2002, Styk from local St.Louis legends, Visions Of Passion & Torture, decided to embark on a solo project. At first only writing instrumentals, it was becoming clear something new was evolving. Having been a vocalist for many years in other bands, Styk decided to write some new material and add vocals…the beginning of StykFaktor was upon us.
After writing three demo songs and reworking an old song from a previous band, the foundation was laid. Songs were played for friends, dj’s, and promoters and interest was building.
In the meantime Styk and Tortured (Jeff Carline) from Visions Of Passion & Torture had regrouped to open for the CruxShadows albeit temporarily. They discovered that it was time to re-emerge. Styk recorded a full length demo entitled “Whisper Of The Dance”.
In light of the newfound interest in StykFaktor, the two decided to focus their energy on that project. They were asked to play a show and although a limited crowd attended, it was clear people liked what they heard. DJ’s were playing the songs and people were talking; college radio and Internet radio had StykFaktor in regular rotation…things were looking up.
Not one to sit still, Styk recorded another CD. An EP entitled “Sparkle Fade”. Four brand new songs with a much clearer idea of what StykFaktor “is” and a cover of Johnny Cash’s “Ring Of Fire”. The CD received very positive response.
In August of 2003, StykFaktor was asked to open for The Human League, quite an honor to say the least. The show gave the band a chance to let people, not familiar with the material, hear it. The reception was overwhelming and quite positive.
The band had recently taken on 2 new members before The Human League show, Will Z from “In Winter Bleeding” and Sasha Feline from St. Louis’s “Next Radio” and “SCSI”.
On February 20, 2004 Jeff Carline, Styk’s long-time musical companion and dear friend, suffered a severe heart attack and was unable to be revived. He was 34 years old.
In May and August of 2004 the remaining members of StykFaktor regrouped for two live shows. In August it was announced that no more live shows would be planned until a new CD was released. The project was put on hiatus.
In March 2010 Styk re-assembled StykFaktor for a new live show. As of 2012 two new CD’s were planned as well as re-releases of past albums. The Album “Inside” was released in 2012 featuring a collection of demo’s written between ’09-’12. In 2013 StykFaktor released “i fEEL sYNTHETIC”.
Fast forward after another break and its now 2017. StykFaktor is now on the label Body Music Records with a brand new CD “Fifteen Winters”. Things are once again looking up…
Past Members – 2002 – 2004 – Styk, Jeff Carline, Sasha Feline, Will Z
Past Members – 2010 – Styk, Kat
Live 2010 – Styk – Guitar, Vocals, Kat – Keyboards, Vocals, Sean – Bass
Current Members – 2017 – Styk