Highly Suspect Members, Gear & Sound

Highly Suspect is an American rock band hailing from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, known for its gritty, intense sound that straddles the lines between alternative and hard rock. Formed in 2009, the group comprises Johnny Stevens (vocals, guitar, synthesizer), Rich Meyer (bass, backing vocals), and Ryan Meyer (drums, backing vocals). Initially a cover band, Highly Suspect quickly evolved into a powerhouse of original music, earning acclaim for their raw, emotional intensity and dynamic compositions. Their sound incorporates elements of post-grunge and modern rock, drawing comparisons to bands like Queens of the Stone Age and Royal Blood.

Highly Suspect's music is characterized by aggressive, distorted guitar riffs and a robust rhythm section, delivering a visceral sonic experience. Their sound is both raw and polished, blending gritty guitar tones with atmospheric elements to create a dynamic, engaging listening experience. Johnny Stevens often employs gear like the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi with Tone Wicker for thick, fuzzy distortions, while the Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer adds a punchy overdrive that cuts through the mix. Rich Meyer's use of the Orange OBC810 8x10" 1200-Watt Bass Speaker Cabinet ensures a powerful bass presence, anchoring the band's heavy sound. The combination of driving beats from Ryan Meyer's drumming and Stevens' varied use of effects like the EarthQuaker Devices Ghost Echo v2 reverb pedal contributes to an expansive yet intense musical landscape.