Terry Balsamo was born on October 8th, 1972

Terry Balsamo: The Guitarist Behind the Riffs of Evanescence and Cold

The Guitarist Extraordinaire

Terry Philip Balsamo II, known simply as Terry Balsamo, is an American guitarist renowned for his work with the rock bands Evanescence and Cold. With a career spanning over two decades, Balsamo has left an indelible mark on the music industry, orchestrating iconic riffs and melodies that continue to resonate with fans worldwide.

Early Days and Cold

Born on October 8, 1972, in Jacksonville, Florida, Balsamo's musical journey began with a brief stint with Limp Bizkit in 1995. However, it was his association with Cold that truly launched his career. Joining the band in 1999, Balsamo co-wrote and recorded two albums with the group: 13 Ways to Bleed on Stage (2000) and Year of the Spider (2003). His work with Cold showcased his versatility as a guitarist, earning him critical acclaim and a loyal fan base.

Evanescence and a New Chapter

When Ben Moody, Evanescence's original guitarist, departed from the band in 2003, Balsamo stepped in as the lead guitarist for their European tour. His exceptional skills and chemistry with the band led to him becoming a permanent member. Balsamo's contributions to Evanescence's Anywhere but Home (2004) live album and concert DVD cemented his position as a integral part of the band. He went on to co-write and record The Open Door (2006) and the self-titled third album Evanescence (2011) with Amy Lee, solidifying his reputation as a master guitarist.

Health Issues and Departure

In 2005, just days after completing the guitar tracks for The Open Door, Balsamo suffered a stroke, a devastating setback that could have ended his music career. Fortunately, he made a full recovery and continued to perform with Evanescence until 2015, when he announced his departure from the band. Although he hasn't been a consistent member of Evanescence since then, Balsamo has made sporadic appearances, including a 2019 performance of "Sweet Sacrifice."

Legacy and Impact

Terry Balsamo's remarkable career has left an indelible mark on the music industry. His work with Cold and Evanescence has inspired a generation of musicians, and his contribution to the soundscapes of these iconic bands has been invaluable. Balsamo's passion, dedication, and perseverance have earned him a place among the most revered guitarists in rock music.

Timeline of Terry Balsamo's Career

• 1995: Briefly joins Limp Bizkit
• 1999: Joins Cold and co-writes 13 Ways to Bleed on Stage (2000) and Year of the Spider (2003)
• 2003: Replaces Ben Moody as Evanescence's lead guitarist
• 2004: Features on Evanescence's Anywhere but Home live album and concert DVD
• 2006: Co-writes and records The Open Door with Evanescence
• 2011: Co-writes and records Evanescence with Evanescence
• 2015: Announces departure from Evanescence
• 2019: Performs "Sweet Sacrifice" with Evanescence

Terry Balsamo's remarkable journey serves as a testament to his unwavering passion for music and his unrelenting dedication to his craft. As a guitarist, songwriter, and performer, he has left an indelible mark on the music industry, and his influence will continue to resonate with fans for generations to come.