Formed on the Fourth of July in 1996, while Area 51 founding members Xavier James Mintaka (vocals/guitar) and Nathan Etana (bass) were still attending King high school, in Tampa, FL. They added Jorge Sanchez on drums and Jake Feaster on guitar. This original lineup disbanded shorly after graduation in 1997, but Xavier and Etana reformed in 1998. Adding Pat Floyd on lead guitar, and going through several drummers until Joey Bottoms came on permanently in 1999, Area 51 became complete.

Area 51's various background of influences has developed a very recognizable sound, which distinguishes itself from the current trend in rock today. With Xavier's Beatles background, Pat growing up listening to Guns 'n Roses and 80s metal, Etana's Pink Floyd and Radio Head influences, and Joey's influences ranging from Slayer to Bone, Thugs, n' Harmony; Area 51 becomes one sound. The whole group also as been heavily influenced by Metallica, Acid Bath, Tool, and Ozzy, as well as classical music that sometimes comes out in guitar melodies and solos.

Based out of Tampa Bay, Florida, not many people in the bay area hasn't heard of Area 51. First timers to an Area 51 show are often surprized at how powerful their music is and that they have yet to be signed by a major record label. It is only a matter of time until Area 51 and its fans will be gratified by their rise to rock stardom.

Area 51 is producing a Tampa Public Access Television show called 'A Day in the Life of Area 51' set to begin airing in July of 2001. Area 51 has also began plans to move to Los Angeles in early 2002 to move themselves closer to the music industries major record labels. www.xArea51x.com