Music is a vital part of Spc. Aaron Lawson's life.

A veteran of many bands, Spc. Lawson, of Fort Gordon's 15th Signal Brigade, arrived in the area in January and wasted no time forming a band.

In the End of the Wired Affliction will perform Oct. 12 in a benefit for the Graystone Ranch, an animal rescue and rehabilitation center in Hephzibah.

"Everything we do is original," said Spc. Lawson, who plays guitar. Other members of the band are Petty Officer 2nd Class Brock Wilson; Derek Griffin, of North Augusta; and David Jeffers, a Lakeside High School student.

Most of the band members have been part of other groups. Petty Officer 2nd Class Wilson has played with country and jazz bands. Mr. Griffin played with a Christian band.

The musicians said their experiences with other groups have helped them form a sound of their own.

"We can't decide what genre," Spc. Lawson said.

The group is a metal band but has influences of ska, punk and grunge. There's a technical side to the music, according to the members.

"I like the technicality," Mr. Griffin said.

All those other bands and the band members' life experiences led to the band name.

"Our lives have had several bad decisions that have traveled with us. Some of them are ending," Spc. Lawson said.

The benefit at Graystone Ranch will be from noon to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 12. Several bands, including Dead to the World, We Die Alone and Quantine Rabbit, of Philadelphia, will be featured.

Tickets cost $12.

Spc. Lawson said the Oct. 12 performance will be the first of monthly metal rock events at the ranch.

For more information, call him at (678) 522-4716. To listen to the band's music, go to www.myspace.com/intheendofthewiredaffliction.