Averi was a rock band that formed in Boston, Massachusetts in 1998 when the members were students at local colleges and universities. The band grew in local popularity rather quickly, and eventually developed a strong national following. It was no mystery that from 2001 through 2005, the band was one of only a handful in Boston which was garnering considerable label attention. In mid-2005, however, a major lineup change profoundly affected the band's long-term outlook when Mike Golarz (lead vocals and guitar) took over as lead singer for former frontman (and fan-favorite) Chad Perrone, who had decided to leave the band under contentious circumstances to pursue a solo career.