Bands often book studio time in remote, isolated locations where the biggest distraction is the refrigerator, and the best way to kill the boredom is to get to work on the task at hand. Multi-platinum Epic recording artists Chevelle took the opposite approach, recording their new album VENA SERA at the Palms Studio in the heart of Las Vegas. There they were flooded with temptation-from the bustling poker tables and ringing slot machines to the flashy Lamborghini lent to them by casino owner Gavin Maloof.

"It was a totally different vibe," says Chevelle guitarist, singer and songwriter Pete Loeffler. "It was chaotic and crazy. We'd get up and go work for a while. Then at nine or ten at night, we'd hit a different club or go to a different venue."

"We decided to make the experience like a vacation," adds band drummer and Pete's brother Sam Loeffler. "And we were disciplined enough to separate the work we needed to do from the fun we wanted to have."

The Loefflers formed Chevelle in Chicago in 1995. After climbing to the top of the local hard rock scene, the band entered the studio with legendary producer Steve Albini and recorded their debut album Point #1 in 1999. After several high profile tours, Chevelle were signed by Epic Records, and in 2001 they entered the studio to record their second album Wonder What's Next. Propelled by the single "Send the Pain Below," which climbed to #1 on the Mainstream and Modern Rock chart, the album quickly went platinum and Chevelle were one of the main stage attractions at that summer's Ozzfest.

The next year, the band released the concert CD and DVD "Live From the Road," and in 2004 they returned to the studio to record their third album This Type of Thinking (Could Do Us In). The disc continued Chevelle's winning streak; "Vitamin R (Leading Us Along)" climbed to #1 on the Mainstream Rock chart and "The Clincher" also received heavy airplay.

With VENA SERA, Chevelle has returned stronger and more tightly knit then ever. Not only does the album reveal the band's musical growth, it revels in a renewed sense drive and determination. Chevelle are still an evocative, crushing hard rock band, but they now gleam with solidarity instead of threatening to fall apart at any moment. "While we were working on this album we have gone from a really hard time in our lives to having the time of our lives," Pete says. "Before everything with this band was filled with drama obstacles, and now the road finally looks clear up ahead."