Bands That Should Return: Human Waste Project

Before there was Korn and Deftones, there was a band that really started it all and they were called Human Waste Project. The band formed in 1992 when Jeff Schartoff and Scott Ellis decided to start a band. Aimee Echo was picked as the vocalist/singer after finding out she could “scream.” After going through different guitarists for a bit they finally found Mike Tempesta and off they went. The next thing they were playing with large bands like Helmet, Korn, Deftones and Sublime. Eventually the band signed with Hollywood Records. Human Waste Project also wound up in the UK and Europe with bands like Tura Satana and Coal Chamber and also part of Ozzfest 98 in the UK. Human Waste Project was enjoying a bit of success especially in the UK but back in the states, things weren’t the same. Their debut album, E-Lux, which is an absolute fantastic album and debut, was considered a commercial failure and that led to the band being pegged as a nu-metal band and it left Aimee feeling uncomfortable and being typecast as such. So on July 8, 1998 at the House of Blues in Los Angeles, Human Waste Project performed their last show as a band. From there, Aimee Echo and Scott Ellis went on to form The Start alongside former Snot drummer, Jaime Miller. Scott Ellis would also later go on to be the drummer for She Wants Revenge. Jeff Schartoff would go on to form Professional Murder Music and be a part of Peter Murphy of Bauhaus’s solo live band. And Mike Tempesta would go on to join Powerman 5000.

Their album E-Lux was produced by Ross Robinson and it’s not your typical nu-metal album. While there were definitely some ties to the incoming music movement, Human Waste Project had more in common with the likes of Jane’s Addiction in that they were always a step ahead of the curve. They had more to their music and lyrics than their peers and it shows very much on E-Lux. There was also a versatility to HWP that other didn’t have. Aimee had a range to her voice that could go from sweet and innocent all the way to rip your face off. Musically, there was more than just dropped tuned guitars, as they explored different styles and gravitated more towards 90’s alternative rock than metal.

Over the years, there have been a few reunions of Human Waste Project. I happen to have been at a couple of them and it was quite awesome. At a show for The Start in 2008, the remaining three HWP members came on stage and played “Dog” and “Shine” with Aimee to end the night. I have to say that was one hell of a surprise. I do remember seeing Mike Tempesta at the show and wondering if perhaps he’d jump up on stage for something and low and behold he did. Later in 2008, Human Waste Project reformed for one night (minus Scott Ellis) to be a part of Snot’s return (the one they did with Tommy Vext, we don’t need to go into that) at the Key Club in Los Angeles. I was at this show too and HWP was absolutely awesome. If anything they actually stole the night for me. Aimee stated that this would be the only full scale reunion show and the band would not be getting back together to tour. And finally at a couple other shows for The Start in 2009, Mike Tempesta joined them on stage to perform “Dog” and “One Night In Spain.”

Human Waste Project was a band that never got their due and should’ve been one of the biggest bands of that era. For whatever reasons why they didn’t, it’s a shame. They were one of the best bands of the time and their debut album is still one of my favorites of that time. In fact, the other day while on a drive up to Santa Barbara we had it on the stereo on the way up and it was glorious. So much so that I felt compelled to write this piece today. Human Waste Project was such a talented and wonderful band. If you never got to see them live, you truly missed out. I for one would love for one more show to happen. There is such a need for this band, it’s not even funny. They were true pioneers of the time and their style would show all these young bands who are trying to cop that style how to do it and do it right. Plus, how awesome would it be to just have them back again! So let’s put it out in the world that we need another go round with Human Waste Project!

Human Waste Project- E-Lux:

Human Waste Project w/ Jonathan Davis of Korn- This Town:

Mudvayne Are Back!!!

It’s been way too long but, now the day has arrived. Mudvayne are officially back! It was announced today that the band would be reuniting for a series of festival shows including, Aftershock, Louder Than Life, Welcome To Rockville and Inkcareration. After 12 years, it’s very refreshing to have them back. I have to say too, I’m glad they are doing this. I couldn’t stand Hellyeah. Mudvayne has always been a live favorite of mine. Hell I even spent my 21st birthday at a Mudvayne concert (with Life Of Agony, American Head Charge, and the awesome Bloodsimple). Their debut album, LD 50 is one hell of an album to this day, 20 years after it’s release. I was also quite fond of the follow up, The End Of All Things To Come. Their 3rd album, Lost and Found is a pretty rocking album with some choice cuts on it like “All That You Are.” The New Game was ok. Their final album, 2009’s self titled was actually a nice sort of return, though it was more a return to Lost and Found than LD 50. Either way with their catalog of songs and intense live shows, this reunion hopefully will be long lasting.

LD 50:

The End Of All Things To Come:

Lost And Found:

The New Game:

Self Titled:

Bands That Should Return: Deadsy

Spoiler Alert!!! DEADSY IS BACK!!! A few weeks ago, Deadsy announced their return and those of us who are fans, couldn’t be happier. Via their instagram back in mid July, the band announced not only their return but, also that they will be releasing a new album entitled Subterfugue, their first in 14 years. A new single/video is due out in late fall of this year.

Deadsy is a very interesting band. They got lumped into the whole “nu-metal” scene but they were far from that. If anything they are just electro-rock. The origins of the band date back to 1995. Elijah Blue Allman and Alec Puro started off writing songs and recordings demos and sought a record deal not long after. Then in 1996, Sire Records would make that a reality, signing the band. The band recorded their self titled debut album but, it wasn’t necessarily released. It’s a very rare release these days if you can find it. Not long after, the band began writing for their next album, Commencement. Only a few songs were written for the album at that time, as the band had planned to re-release most tracks from the self-titled album. Not long after, due to record label business, Deadsy would dropped from their label becoming free agents. While the band would be searching for a new label. the group also welcomed new members into the fold. Not long after, Jonathan Davis of Korn (a longtime friend of the band) signed Deadsy to his Elementree Records label. The band would go on to perform on the 2001 Family Values tour with Stone Temple Pilots, Linkin Park, Staind and Static-X. Their album Commencement would be released in 2002 with the first single being “The Key To Gramercy Park.” Sadly though, the album and single didn’t reach the heights that it should have and soon after, the Elementree label folded and left Deadsy looking for a new label home yet again. The band did continue to tour and work on new music. Then in 2006, their new album Phantasmagore was released via Immortal Records. Deadsy was invited to join the 2006 Family Values tour with Korn and Deftones. They would go on to be the support act for another Deftones run later that year as well. Phantasmagore saw the band delving more into an alternative/industrial vibe while still keeping their pseudo goth/electronic aesthetic going. Over the years, I personally, have really come to enjoy this album. Then in 2007, it was announced that Deadsy was going to take a break. That break would go on to last until 2018. In the years between, Elijah Blue Allman would work on a solo record, which to this date has yet to be released but, a few demo tracks are floating around online, and they are really good songs. The other members of the band would go on to form other bands or join others like Orgy and The Dreaming. Then in 2018, Deadsy would reunite to perform a semi-acoustic set alongside Queens Of The Stone Age at San Quentin Prison in California. And now, here in 2020, Deadsy are back!!!

As I mentioned, Deadsy were unfairly lumped into the wrong scene and the label issues really put a damper on what this band could have done. Their albums are pretty stellar and full of really great songs. The bands live show too was one to watch. It was quite a visceral performance to watch. Deadsy had a very interesting musical style too courtesy of Allman’s vocal style and lyrical approach, as well as the guitar playing, the energy of the drums and synth layers provided by Carlton Bost, Alec Puro, and Renn Hawkey. Having Deadsy back in this day and age is a great thing. Through the years, I’ve noticed a lot of people starting to discover the band or them coming up in conversation. So it’s nice to know that people have really taken the time to realize how good they were and are. I really look forward to what Deadsy has in store for us all.

Deadsy- Self Titled:

 

Deadsy- Commencement:

 

Deadsy- Phantasmagore:

 

Unreleased Deadsy:

Colossus:

 

 

Elijah Blue Solo Demos:

Haunted:

 

 
Long Way Down:

 

White Knuckle Angel Face:

 

RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE 2020

RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE are reuniting for a handful of shows in 2020. The dates released so far are as followed. The band hasn’t played a show since 2011 but, it’s looking more and more like this is going to come to fruition.

El Paso, TX March 26, 2020
Las Cruces, NM March 28, 2020
Phoenix, AZ March 30, 2020
Indio, CA April 10, 2020
Indio, CA April 17, 2020

Bands That Should Come Back: Mr. Bungle

Well, it’s happened… After 20 years, Mr. Bungle Is Back!!! I’ve waited so long for them to get back together and the stars have aligned. Mike Patton, Trevor Dunn and Trey Spruance will be reuniting the band for a handful of shows in 2020. Joining them will be Dave Lombardo and Scott Ian. The band will be performing their early material from The Raging Wrath Of The Easter Bunny. This makes the first performances of the band in 20 years and 30 years since some of these songs have been played live. Mr. Bungle is one of the most influential bands of the past 30 years. You can hear their influence in countless bands like Korn, Incubus, Glassjaw and many many more. Their albums Disco Volante and California are 2 of the most interesting and intriguing albums to be released in the 90’s. I personally hope this isn’t a one off reunion and more shows will come from this.

 
The Raging Wrath Of The Easter Bunny:

 

 
Mr. Bungle:

 
Disco Volante:

 
California:

Bands That Should Come Back: Them Crooked Vultures

It’s been about 10 years now since we have heard from Them Crooked Vultures. The “supergroup” featuring Dave Grohl, Josh Homme and John Paul Jones was one hell of a band. They had this really cool bluesy jam band style along with some really fun songs like “New Fang,” “Dead End Friends,” “Mind Eraser, No Chaser,” “Elephants,” “Reptiles,” “Caligulove,” and “Spinning In Daffodils.” The best thing about this band though was that it gave Dave and Josh a break from their main bands and when they returned to those bands, the material they made sounded rejuvenated and alive again. Though the Queens Of The Stone Age album made after TCV, hasn’t really aged well, while Foo Fighters Wasting Light is still one of the best rock albums of the last 10 years. I had the chance to see Vultures live and they were great live. Yes the band has Dave and Josh in it but the whole time I was watching them on stage, I was in awe of John Paul Jones. I truly believe he has never gotten the proper credit and respect for his contributions in Led Zeppelin. That man is a talent among talents. I’d love to hear a new Them Crooked Vultures release, mainly to hear more of John Paul Jones but, also because I think the Foos and Queens need to take a break. It’s worth noting that they’ve all said in recent years that they wouldn’t rule out working together again, it’s just getting the timing right. Who else wants to see this?

 

Them Crooked Vultures- Them Crooked Vultures:

Bands That Should Come Back: Oasis

It’s been over ten years now since Oasis has played a show. Their last album, Dig Out Your Soul, was a return of sorts to the roots of the band. While it didn’t have the “pop” of Definitely Maybe or What’s The Story Morning Glory, it was still a record to be proud of and could stand out in the bands catalog. We all know the stories of the fighting between Liam and Noel Gallagher.  It’s really a shame that they can’t seem to figure out how to just get along. Noel has released three solo albums since Oasis’s break up. Each of those albums hark back a little to the Oasis days. After all, Noel was the one that wrote the songs. The second of Noel’s solo albums, Chasing Yesterday, is one hell of a good album. It’s one of those records that just feels right and sounds great too. After the initial break up, Liam and the rest of the members of Oasis formed the band Beady Eye. That band was decent but it sure lacked the substance that Oasis had. Last year though, Liam released his debut solo album called As You Were, and that album is tremendous. There are songs on it that almost feel like they could have been Oasis songs.
In the past couple weeks, Liam was on twitter and tweeted out messages (see below) to Noel, saying that they should knock off what ever it is between them and get the band back together. There are even rumors kicking around that Liam and Noel will reunite on stage at a festival coming up in England, since they are playing the same festival, on different days. Oasis was a band that if you go back and listen to, you can really hear how great they were. Yes, they had massive egos but, there is no denying the bands ability to craft great songs and deliver a great performance. Thankfully I was able to see them back in 2007, and that show was spectacular. I’m hopeful that Liam and Noel and figure out their crap and get the band back to where it was.

 

Liam’s Tweet To Noel:

 

Oasis- Definitely Maybe:

 

Oasis- What’s The Story Morning Glory:

 
Oasis- Dig Out Your Soul:

Bands That Should Return: Skid Row

If there is one band besides Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd that really need to get back together it’s Skid Row. There was something really great about them. One thing I will always remember is seeing Skid Row on Bon Jovi’s New Jersey tour in 1989. It was my first concert ever and one of the best shows of my life. Technically speaking, Skid Row was the first band I ever saw live. Skid Row was impactful and full of attitude that the hard rock/metal world needed at the time.

Bands That Should Return: Rollins Band

Recently I had a song stuck in my head for a while and needed to listen to it. So I went to my CD shelves and grabbed the album, put it on my stereo and let the music overtake me. The album was Rollins Band’s Come In and Burn and the song was Starve. While listening to the album I had the feeling of needing more from Rollins. So naturally I went and grabbed all the other albums and put them on and my listening experience was fulfilled. But it really wasn’t. I wanted and still want more. Henry Rollins is one of the most prolific lyricists of the last 30 years. His words are poetic and have stories to tell. He’s always seemed to have something interesting and poignant to say from his time in Black Flag, Rollins Band, and his spoken word. There really is something missing from music world without Rollins behind the mic and on stage fronting a band. The guys that made up Rollins Band, Chris Haskett (guitar), Sim Cain (drums), Melvin Gibbs (bass) and Theo Van Rock (live sound engineer), really were a force to be reckoned with. These guys could flat out play. Their music backing Rollins vocals and words made something explosive and needed. And now more than ever, their style and abilities are much needed to help break this stagnant music that is happening right now.

 

Rollins Band- Come In and Burn:

 

Rollins Band- Weight:

 

Rollins Band- The End Of Silence:

Bands That Should Return: Led Zeppelin

It’s been too long and the fans want it. The guys aren’t getting any younger, and there are so many people that want it. So how about Led Zeppelin gets back together. I’m not asking for new music, just play some shows. Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones are one hell of a trifecta. Their legacy and influence is spread over multitudes of generations. And there are people like myself that would love to see the three of them play on stage. I do have one request that if they do decide to play some shows, don’t use Jason Bonham as the drummer. Dave Grohl needs to be behind the kit. Jason was good for the “Celebration Day” reunion they did a few years back but, it really needs to be Dave Grohl.

What do you all think? A Led Zeppelin reunion with Dave Grohl playing drums?!