Godmack has literally slapped the rock world
across the face with their smash hit single, "Whatever." That tightly
wound rock number is just the beginning of what the world will hear from
Godsmack on their self-titled debut album. Boston's Godsmack practices the sort
of post-industrial metal made popular by White Zombie and perpetuated by Tool
and Alice In Chains. But by mixing the raw riffing of their peers with the
machine-gun rhythms of Nine Inch Nails, they distinguish themselves from the
pack. On their self-titled major label debut, they demonstrate the commitment
to furthering the evolution of metal that won them a loyal fan base in New
England. Singer Sully screams his way through a dozen tunes chock full of
chunky guitars and moshing rhythms. In keeping with the tone of modern metal,
he sings about his own demons and failings rather , Guitarist Tony Rambola and
bassist Robbie Merrill have a commanding presence that emphasizes attitude and
power over technique. And drummer
Tommy stewert has picked up where Lars Ulrich left off with quirky
fills that add a depth to the sometimes two-dimensional rhythms. It has been
reported that they got their name from an Alice in Chains song as tribute to
their influences. The guy selling t-shirts said one of the band members walked
into a room sporting a grotesque cold soar and someone commented god had
smacked him upside his face. Either way they go by the name Godsmack and
tonight they came to play. The Boston band Godsmack was in Davis playing the
Freedom hall supporting their self-titled major debut album. Candles ,demonic
statues, flckering light were strewn across the stage as the scent of incense
permeated the air. As the lights went down, Godsmack exploded onto the stage.
Getting right down to business the band opened with "Moon Baby," the
first track off their new album. After the first couple of songs sunk into the
crowd's skull, lead singer Sully Erna set the pace for incredible night
of pure rock n roll. The band proceeded, knocking out
song after song exposing the audience to their brand of a hybrid post
industrial metal. Sully batted out throaty screams blended with distorted
vocals on songs such as "Bad Religion " and "Time Bomb."
Tony Rambolo and Robbie Merrill conducted several extended sermons on metal
psychedelia on the guitar and bass respectfully. Unable to keep himself away
from the drums, which he played since age 4, Sully traded beats on a
conga/snare/cowbell with drummer Tommy Stewart during the song
"Voodoo." As the night wound down, the band proudly displayed to the
crowd their recently acquired gold
record for Godsmack. Thanking fans for pushing their sales over a
half a million, Erna announced that the crowd was the first to see it. On that
note Sully invited the small intimate crowd to approach the stage as he
serenaded the crowd with their current hit single "Whatever." With
their album climbing towards platinum status and a "buzzworthy" video
on MTV, this intimate night was one to be cherished. Godsmack's increasing
popularity has earned them a mainstage spot on Ozzfest 99 and Woodstock 99. And
as their popularity rises and exposure increases, these kind of club dates just
might as well be numbered.
