Uniting the efforts of vocalist Louis Penque, Joe Cafarella (guitar, vocals), Rich Spalla (guitar), Russ Martin (bass), and drummer Jimi Penque -- all of whom have previous band experience -- Stemm delivers alternative metal with a combination of hip-hop and other non-mainstream styles. Formed in Buffalo in 1998, Stemm enjoyed success within the local music scene, even playing their first show with Sevendust.