 What up everybody? This is the January installment of " Drew Speaks", the highly praised and critically acclaimed somewhat regular feature of the all mighty Metal Shrine. By the time this thing finds its way to the page it will be well into February, but better late than never, right? In September I sent an email to the official Leatherwolf site requesting some info on this knarly band that's been MIA since about '90 and just yesterday received a return email. YESTERDAY! JANUARY 25th! So, by comparison, I'm not doing so bad. I'd like to talk about what I would like to see in metal for the year 2004. I purchased, in the neighborhood of 30 cd's last year, and only 3 or 4 of them were any good. I may be over critical but that percentage really sucks. When the new year rolls around, after the parties, after the drunken reunions of long lost friends, after the one night stands, and after the hangovers clear up, people look to the future. "What does it hold for me?" you ask yourself. Most like to think of careers. Maybe you'll push for that long awaited promotion, or a different career choice altogether. Families? Maybe you want to be a better father or husband. Maybe you want to be a better person. Weight. Everybody wants to shed some pounds. Failure at life at an early age has thankfully left me unburdened by such painful introspection and resolution. Don't set the bar too high and you'll never be disappointed, I always say. Me, I'm just wondering how much of my hard earned cash is going to be wasted on crappy cd's. At this point there are a couple of bright spots. In March the new Brides of Destruction hits the shelves. The band features former Motley bassist and heroin addict Nikki Sixx on bass, former GnR and LA Guns guitarist Traci Guns on the six string, a hair dresser for a singer, (Yea! That's metal!) and some dude on drums. Intriguing to say the least. Don't ask me why, but I am really looking forward to this. This is definitely going to be one of those black or white instances. It will either be badass or it will totally suck. I don't believe there will be any grey area with this one. I have always been a fan of Traci Guns and hopefully Nikki Sixx can bring a little attitude to the mix. Another one I'm really looking forward to is the new band Damage Plan. This should be good. Former Pantera badasses, Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul on guitar and drums. A cholo looking dude on bass, and former Halford guitarist Patrick Lachmann on throat. I hope this new vocalist can do a better job than Phil Anselmo, which should'nt be too hard since Anselmo did'nt set the standards all that high. Also new for 04 is going to be "Hangover Music Volume One" From Black Label Society. A bunch of mellow, moody, offerings from one of the baddest guitarists around, Zakk Wylde. Another new band I'm hearing good things about is Funeral For A Friend. I don't really know anything about this band yet, but they're supposed to be pretty heavy with some great guitar solos and a good singer. As soon as I can get my hands on this one, I'll let you know. THIS JUST IN: Big news here people. Guitar world is reporting the possible reunion of...Loudness! The seminal 80's Chinese metal band. Or was it Japanese? Either way, Whoo -Hoo! Upon learning this incredible news, I contacted lead singer Ushimoto Nagasaki who had this to say. " wha da no shy do laa uso mookoo doodoo u sa do la kacka. Wow! Can't wait for that one. Any ways, I'm really hoping this is going to be a better year. I want some good music. I want some heavy riffs. I want some vocals! Someone that can actually sing! Just because the music is heavy does'nt mean you have to bark like a dog. You wanna know what I'm talking about when I say vocals? I'll give you an example, Sebastian Bach in the song "Quicksand Jesus" off of "Slave to the Grind". Don't quote me on the name of the song but I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. That dude has got some pipes! Very good singing and then he just rips loose with that scream towards the end. "AAAAAYEAAAYYY TAKE ME AWAY". That is some singin baby! Last but not least, how bout some guitar solos. Can I get a guitar solo? Until next time, peace! Drew
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