Sachi formed in Southern California in 2001 as an ecelectic rock group fusing heavy guitar riffs, colorful melodies and a retro Doors-like edge. The name is a Japanese word for happiness and good fortune.

   The band's unique and diverse sound is apparent in the way critics have described it, some saying it "sounds like Zappa and Metallica jamming in India" while others claim, "Green Day and No Doubt must have had some kids."

   Members of the four-piece band come from all over San Bernardino County. Melissa Pinion, lead singer and keyboardist from San Bernardino, spent her childhood as a ballet dancer and eventually became a hard rock singer. Melissa is joined by guitarist Jesse Maust, a Hesperia resident originally from Orange County who has gigged throughout Southern California and overseas during a military stint.

 

   Chuck Henry joined Sachi as the band's bass player in March 2009 following the departure of Paul Sobus, an original member of the band who left to get married in Ohio. Chuck, a Menifee resident, was most recently playing in the Lake Elsinore-based gothic punk band, Argosy, and previously played in numerous classic rock cover bands around the Inland Empire. He is a San Bernardino native.

Jorge Toruno, on drums, is a San Bernardino resident who also has performed in numerous original and cover rock groups. His powerful tribal style contributes to the unique flavor of Sachi's sound.

   The idea of Sachi started in 2000 when Melissa was working on a solo album called "Reflection." The collection of 14 songs, ranging from pop punk to melodic metal and funk, was independently released in 2001. Melissa first ran into Jesse and another guitar player named Scott Richards after posting advertisements in the Recycler. Paul came along a couple months later and Jorge completed the line-up by the summer of 2001.

   In 2003, the band put out its second and more collaborative album "Synthesis," a broad selection of electronic-driven alternative and metal. The band has self-promoted the CD in venues big and small, from Hollywood to Arizona, as well as charity telethons, the Relay for Life and fundraisers for the American Red Cross tsunami relief. About a year after the release of "Synthesis," Scott said farewell to the band and moved to Albuquerque, N.M. to pursue business interests. Sachi decided to continue on as a four piece.

   In early 2006, Sachi released its first DVD called "Live from the Dives," a home-produced collection of some of the groups finest performances, as well as behind-the-scenes moments and interviews.

   Sachi produced its third album "Planet Gemini" through Vivid Tone Recordings under Rich Bruce, who engineered Great White's 2008 release "Back to the Rhythm." "Planet Gemini", a concept album based on a sci-fi novel written by the singer, was released in the fall of 2009. The band is currently touring in support of the album.
 
 
 

 

Sayonara.