Few bands of this age can legitimately claim a sound all their own, but Central PA's the Illuminati manages to do just that. Their immediately recognizable style transcends the boundaries of modern music classification. A collage of sonic intensity that bends genres and purifies obscenities. John Kerig of OSH Radio claims that “if at first you don't get it, listen again to realize its depth.”

The Illuminati is the vision of front-man, Stephen Musti (vocals/guitar/keys) whose unpredictable writing style is simultaneously unique yet familiar, uncomfortable yet intriguing. It began in late 2001 when Steve joined forces with fellow songsmith, Mark Higgins (vocals/keys), and long-time band mate Dana DeLong (drums). Aaron Hoke served as the original bassist of the band but moved to lead guitar in 2004 when Matt Boyer took over.

The band launched in 2003 with the EP, Because. The five-song teaser features the radio-friendly reggae/rock hit "Final Fight" as well as heavily textured arrangements like "The Winds" and "Tired." In support of "Because," the band graced stages throughout the mid-Atlantic region alongside acts like Pokerface, Bridges and a Bottle, the Martini Brothers. It is through their scorching live performances, that the Illuminati has been able to consistently grow their fan base.

After a year in the studio, their debut full-length, Love and War, was released in 2006. The album succinctly displays the Illuminati's penchant for writing songs with a wide range of tones and emotions. Highlights include the mod-rock, “Picture” as well as Higgins' passionate "Hello World" and "Snooze Bar." The band’s funk roots are finely displayed through numbers such as "Crazy," "Movin' On," and "Lie, Lie, Lie." Surprisingly it was the folkish cover of "Universal Soldier" that took off on the web with over 20,000 downloads.

When the construction of their Pennsylvania studio was completed in 2008, the Illuminati began recording their most recent masterpiece, Stars Align. No other album comes close to capturing the full breadth of the band as does this release. The self-produced collection features the satirically haunting lead track, "Every Body Luvs U" and abruptly blazes through the punk title "Dying Young." Both have received ample airplay in the US and Europe. Again, emotions range far and wide - from the mellow psychedelia of "Holiday" to the tortured, meandering agony of the closer, "Dark Salsa." But perhaps no two songs can capture the essence of the Illuminati better than the straight-forward rocker, "Floozy" and the jazzy fusion of "Far Removed." Using a palate of sleazy guitars, sexy organs, and greasy pianos these songs accurately convey the passion and intensity that the Illuminati inherently possesses. Liz Koch of Notorious Productions claims that it is “like nothing and everything you’ve ever heard.”

By borrowing from the past and stealing from the future, the Illuminati manages to create something marketable yet unique. They may very well be one of rock’s last true pioneers.