Michael (Anthony) Simione entered into music through learning and playing guitar as a young kid.  Later on he took up drums in his early high school days through a good friend.  His musical influences are vast.

 

In 1981-82 Michael turned to the Lord in repentance.  Understanding the love of God and knowing that God is the giver of all good gifts; Michael knew he needed and wanted to offer this gift of music to the King of Glory in hopes that in some small way it would help direct people to Jesus Christ.

 

It was in 1985 Michael joined up with a guitarist and bassist to form a Christian southern flavored rock trio called Attack Force.  The band did a bit of recording but was short lived.  Michael then moved on to join a good friend and spiritual mentor in an established local Christian band called Rizen, that was around for a good number of years.  Michael grew a tremendous amount as a Christ follower in the years of Rizen through the band’s group Bible studies and ministry.  Michael also married Jacintha in 1985.

 

December of 1987 Michael and Jacintha had their first child, a daughter named Trinity.  Earlier that same year, Rizen lost their lead singer and Tom Denlinger was added to the band.  He brought a lot of fresh ideas and sounds to the band, even rearrangement of songs for the better.  At this point Rizen changed their name to Messenger in keeping with the new harder edged sound.  The band disbanded in 1988, but Michael and Tom decided to stick together and wait for an opportunity in music ministry.

 

God orchestrates and puts all things together for those that wait on Him.  It must have been only a few weeks or a month that passed till a coffee house called Michael because they knew of a band called Armed Messenger that was in need of a drummer.  It was still 1988 when Rod Feltman from Armed Messenger met at Michael's house to interview each other, so to speak.  Rod was still in college at that time.

 

Michael asked Rod if Armed Messenger could use a good front man (thinking of Tom).  Rod said he would check with the band and left Michael with their 4 song demo tape that was early sounding 80's metal.  Tom heard the tape and liked it.  A second meeting was scheduled after the rest of the guys in Armed Messenger agreed to have a lead singer.  Sardonyx was born that day at Michael's house when Messenger (Michael and Tom) joined Armed Messenger (Rod Feltman, Charles Turner, Tim Swarthout) in 1988.

 

A second child was born to Michael and Jacintha in 1990, a son named Gavin.  It was after Sardonyx disbanded in 1994 that Michael was asked by a good friend and guitarist, Frank Caloairo to help out with drumming in a heavy metal Christian band called Messiah Prophet.  Michael worked with Messiah Prophet for about one year and then resigned while the band continued to rehearse at his home and eventually record their last album, "Colors" with drummer Sam Hackenburger.

 

Over the years Tom kept in contact with the Sardonyx band members.  In 2001, the original band members got together to discuss the possibility of another project, which became the band’s last recording to date, “Linear Progression”.

 

Michael is currently involved at NextChurch (www.nextchurchyork.com), serving as an elder along with his wife Jacintha who leads worship their.  Michael and Jacintha are also involved with local and not so local outreaches with Singing in the Spirit Ministry (www.singinginthespiritministry.com) which is pioneering Prophetic worship in the central PA area.  Michael also does recording from time to time with Brandon Parsons, a young aspiring song writer, keyboardist and worshipper.

 

Trinity, Michael and Jacintha's daughter is now 20 and is practicing photography and art.  Their son Gavin is 17 and studied electric bass since age 7.  He is currently playing and writing music with electric guitar, drums, and electric bass in the heavy metal vein.  Look for some awesome heavy metal coming from Gavin in the near future.

 

Michael and Jacintha are actively working with Simione Art Studio (www.simioneart.com) doing graphic design and product illustration.  They are also tractor trailer drivers with Simione Transport, LLC which is contracted with FedEx Ground Packaging.  Michael still enjoys quiet time on the farm, sailing, drumming, music, family and friends