Hard rock acts with a Christian message became quite common in the new millennium, as chart-toppers such as Creed and P.O.D. helped pave the way for newer bands such as Chevelle.



Chevelle features Sam Loeffler on drums, and two of his brothers (of a total of seven siblings): Pete Loeffler on vocals/guitar, and Joe Loeffler on bass. The band was originally formed during the mid-90s in their home-town of Chicago, Illinois, USA.



Citing US bands Helmet and Tool as prime influences, the brothers did not have to search far to come up with a name, as they were born into a family heavily into building racing cars. Although all still in their early teens, Chevelle began making the rounds playing local clubs and bars, eventually making a fan out of renowned producer Steve Albini, who produced the trio's 1999 debut album, "Point #1", for the independent Squint label.



Interest from major labels soon followed, as the trio signed a recording contract with Epic Records. In 2002, they released their major label debut, "Wonder What's Next", on which they worked with another renowned producer in the alt metal genre, Garth Richardson (also known as GGGarth).