The Beast

There are at least 3 bands with this name: 1. The US band, a mid-eighties mix of punk and metal. Notably Scott Ruth became the singer of Ripping Corpse and since then Dim Mak. 2. A side-project of Nornagest, leader of Belgium's well-known Black Metal demons Enthroned. The Beast's music is extremely primitive and raw sounding, with very lo-fi production. In the vein of Beherit, Von and Striborg. 3. The Beast is an alternative hip-hop group with jazz influences from Durham, NC. The rhythm section consists of pianist Eric Hirsch, bassist Pete Kimosh, drummer Stephen Coffman. Emcee Pierce Freelon is the son of Grammy-winning jazz artist Nnenna Freelon. They have released two EPs and one LP, "Silence Fiction". Equally comfortable in the worlds of hip-hop and jazz, The Beast developed its revolutionary sound at UNC Chapel Hill. While pianist Eric Hirsh (an alumnus of the prestigious Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program), drummer Stephen Coffman, and bassist Peter Kimosh were earning their music degrees, emcee Pierce Freelon was developing his intelligent lyricism at cyphers and music venues across campus. After graduating, the quartet joined forces in 2007 and quickly distinguished themselves as one of the most progressive and entertaining bands in the North Carolina through their high energy live show and exceptional compositions. In 2010 The Beast released a free collaborative album with 6-time Grammy nominated jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon called, Freedom Suite. Released in collaboration with Okayplayer’s jazz channel The Revivalist, Freedom Suite garnered international acclaim for The Beast’s progressive lyrics and eclectic jazz-infused production.