Slash picked them as the grand prize winners following submission of their original song, "Don't You Give Me," and a live performance opening for Slash at House of Blues, Atlantic City, on September 14, 2012.

Over 3000 unsigned bands competed nationwide in the contest launched late April 2012. Bands were judged by Slash on presentation, originality and creativity, melody, vocal ability and music, lyrics, and entertainment value, hoping to be awarded a grand prize tour support package valued at more than $30,000. With solid reviews in each contest phase, MACH22 secured the top prize.

"For five cats from the Philly area, being handpicked as the Grand Prize Winners by a Rock legend like Slash is a dream come true," said Lamont Caldwell, lead singer of MACH22. "Philly is an underdog town in the national rock music scene and MACH22 hopes to change that!"

MACH22 is comprised of Lamont Caldwell, vocalist; Ty Asoudegan, guitarist; Sebastian LaBar, guitarist; Frank Day, bassist; and Damian MonteCarlo, drummer.

"Winning a contest of this caliber is something most bands dream of and we have it in the palm of our hands," said Caldwell. "We won't waste this opportunity and we'll work hard to make great things come from it."