No Rest For The Wicked: Godsmack Returns with IV
Shannon Larkin Talks to All Access Magazine
By The Atomic Chaser & The Rocker
The Boston-based alternative metal group GODSMACK shot onto the music scene like Satan possessing Linda Blair, with the song, "Voodoo". The only difference is, the band is still possessed! Sorry, Father Mirin. The band originally composed of vocalist Sully Erna (a devout Wiccan), guitarist Tony Rambola, bassist Robbie Merrill and drummer Tommy Stewart. Since then though, the band has gone through some ups and down. Like all rock bands do right? Founding member Tommy Stewart left the band in June. It also marked the debut of ex-Amen drummer Shannon Larkin.
The Rocker and I spoke with Shannon Larkin as the band prepares to unleash their latest album, 'IV' on April 25th. According to Shannon, 'It's the heaviest album we've done to date''. The complete track listing for 'IV'; Livin' In Sin, Speak, The Enemy, Shine Down , Hollow, No Rest For The Wicked , Bleeding Me , Voodoo Too, Temptation, Mama , One Rainy Day. David Bottrill (Peter Gabriel, Tool, Mudvayne), who produced the band's last release, 'Faceless', is back on board with 'IV'. The album's first single, "Speak", was released to radio this past February. As the single maintains Godsmack's strong presence at modern rock radio. Honestly, we have to say this is the best the band has ever sounded! Here is what Shannon shared with the Rocker and I...
AAM: So let's get down to it. Let’s talk about the new album, 'IV'.
Shannon: The single, "Speak" and the album comes out April 14th.
AAM: Is "Speak" a good indication on where the band is headed, musically?
SL: "Speak" is a good representation of the direction the band is going; it's heavy-ass, groovy verses, the choruses open up. Sully came into his own on this one. He doesn't sound like anybody else, really.
AAM: What are your impressions with 'IV', now that is done?
Shannon: I think it’s the strongest thing the band’s ever done and not just ‘cause I played on it, that's coming to it with an outside ear.
AAM: Did the pressure of the industry come into play while recording the new album? Sometimes, this can make or break a band?
SL: Not really. As far as feeling pressure our mission on this album was that we could not fail. Every day Sully would come in with another killer riff. It all seemed like it just came together. As far as the industry putting pressure on us, we did not let that bother us.
AAM: It's not as easy as it seems, right?
SL: That's right! Being recognized for all the hard work you put into this shit, everybody thinks this is a walk in the park but it’s hard work!
AAM: You were originally with the band, AMEN. How did you hook up with GODSMACK?
SL: Well, two weeks after I quit Amen, destiny called in the form of Sully Erna.
AAM: Is it safe to say that you found a home with Godsmack?
SL: Absolutely! We're going to go with this for as long as we can or as long as there's an audience for it. I definitely think I'm here until the end of this band, which I'm hoping is a very long time.
AAM:: In your opinion, what can fans expect with "IV"?
SL: Well, it's going to be a heavy big rock record with big ass drum fills and lead guitars. The lyrics are really deep and I think this album has a lot of depth. Sully is unique in his songwriting, everything he writes about, whether it be about someone who pisses him off or an experience that took him to another level, it's all very honest and from his heart.
AAM: What about the upcoming tour? Can fans still expect a killer show from GODSMACK?
SL: I think everyone can expect the same thing Godsmack has always done, but a lot more mature, with a lot more depth.
On tour, you can expect a hell of a show. We've been working on things that I can't really get into cause I've been ordered to keep my mouth shut, but we've are gonna have this killer stage that no other band has used before. We're going to use the whole arena to the point where even the people in the back are part of the show. It's going to be sick. Come see the band on tour because we're definitely going to light it up.
AAM: Shannon, man we can't thank you enough for doing this interview. Is there anything else you would like to add?
SL: Thank you for helping spread the word on GODSMACK! The thing we really want to achieve with Godsmack is to have a ten plus record career. We are in it for the long haul. Thanks to our fans for their patience. We look forward to seeing all of them on tour! So make sure to come to our shows and get your hands on the new album, 'IV', YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE IT!!!
Thanks, Shannon. AAM would like to congrat Godsmack on their new release and The Rocker and I would like to thank Shannon for your doing this interview! Man, we had a blast, drop us a line when you guys come to L.A.! For more info on GODSMACK: www.godsmack.com
Story by The Atomic Chaser & The Rocker
