Guitarist/vocalist Eric Friar and drummer Jeff Cummings were former members of the Athens-based band Wunderkind, while guitarist and vocalist Sherryl A. Branch used to play with another Athens group, the Bet. After joining forces, Heros Severum (the name, incidentally, comes from a tropical fish) began gigging steadily in the South after making their debut at a Halloween 2000 show in their hometown. They were soon sharing stages with the likes of the (International) Noise Conspiracy, Burning Airlines, the Hives, Hey Mercedes, and Small Brown Bike. The group released a five-song EP in 2000, followed by a two-song 7" in 2001. When not busy with band business, the members of Heros Severum help run the 357 Warehouse, an all-ages venue in Athens. ~ Mark Deming