We were very pleased to get an invite from a dear friend of ours, to go check out the latest band he's added his vocals to. This wasn't just an ordinary Friday night in NoHo, this was a Record Release Party/HD video shoot for SLAVIOR, the new band featuring former FATES WARNING/WARLORD drummer Mark Zonder, guitarist Wayne Findlay (Michael Schenker Group), Michael T. Ross (Hardline, Angel) on keyboards and bassist Kevin Freeby (Planet X). The band is rounded out by vocalist extraordinaire Gregg Analla (formerly with Tribe of Gypsies). Slavior signed a worldwide deal with Inside Out Music and an album is to be released in early 2007. The footage that was being filmed tonight will be included as part of a multi-media function on the debut SLAVIOR CD, which will be released this April 2007.
The showcase was to begin at 8:00 but was delayed a few hours. That was alright with us, as it gave us more time to talk with those in attendance. When it was time to start, there was an intro and bang! like a raging bull the drums kicked in. If anyone knows this band, then they know that its really all about the drums. For a second there, I thought I was watching a drum clinic. How one can be so calculated yet express his soul at the same time is mind blowing. Slavior is a powerful progressive metal band with strong musicianship and very tasteful songwriting. The set list was tight and seemed to push the boundaries of the small rehearsal studio that we packed into. Each song had a groove and was structured in a way that had each member almost competing with one another. The room was sweating with the blistering rock sounds of "Origin", "Deeper" and the bands namesake, "Slavior". One of the highlights was my favorite song, "Red Road". Even with Gregg’s melodic vocals and Wayne’s impressive guitar work the songs stand on their own. All in all, you had to be impressed with whole picture, Slavior is a band to be reckoned with. Thanks to Inside Out Music for picking up this wealth of talent. For the Atomic Chaser and I, we knew what we were in for and still walked away shaking our heads and wondering, "Did we just see that?”. Just wait and see, the DVD won't lie, and don't forget to pick up the CD when it comes out. You can't miss the logo that was designed by a famous artist from New Mexico. I think my ears are still ringing. Good night!
