Sparta is an alternative rock/ post-hardcore band from El Paso, Texas, formed in 2001.
Founders Jim Ward(Vocals/Guitars), Paul Hinojos(Guitarist), and Tony Hajjar (Drummer) are former members of At the Drive-In.
In the wake of the success of At the Drive-In, Paul Hinojos(Guitarist) and Tony Hajjar (Drummer) formed the band Sparta. After scoring a deal with Geffen ( Dreamworks) in 2001, the band released their first EP entitled Austere in early 2002. In August of the same year, Sparta released their debut full-length Wiretap Scars. Although it was not well received by the mainstream emo/ rock audience, Sparta maintained its underground following with shows at smaller venues throughout North America and Europe.
In August of 2004, the band released their much anticipated second album, Porcelain. The album was fueled mostly by Ward's loss in 2003 of cousin Jeremy Ward, who was a member of The Mars Volta. After the release, they went on tour where they opened for Incubus.
On May 24, 2005, in a move that inspired a sizable amount of speculation, Sparta guitarist and former At the Drive-In bassist, Paul Hinojos, quit Sparta and joined The Mars Volta. This announcement was seen on the official Sparta website. He took over the sound manipulation duties for the late Jeremy Ward.
After Paul's departure, the remaining members regrouped in Los Angeles to begin working on new material.
In January of 2006, the band announced that Keeley Davis of the Richmond, VA bands Denali and Engine Down had joined the band. In addition they also signed a deal with Hollywood Records, and announced their intention to release a short film based on Tony's experiences as a child in war torn Beirut, Lebanon.
