If you needed a good dose of metal, Saturday night, April 21st, Harper’s Bar in Northridge was the place to be. Although I missed the all-female opening act, The Ramonas (tribute to The Ramones), the night’s other 3 bands were a welcome pleasure for people tired of or bored with so-called modern rock.
Judas Priest tribute Just Like Priest kicked into high gear and never looked back. The first thing you notice is singer Frank’s costume: studded leather – lots of it – and a whip. Guitarist Brian had K.K. Downing’s red Gibson Flying V and studded armbands. Guitarist Kevin echoed a famous Glen Tipton costume with his bright red leather pants. Drummer Gare and bassist Vic’s outfits weren’t as elaborate, but that didn’t stop Just Like Priest from delivering an astonishingly accurate set.
Those of you familiar with Queensryche tribute Empyre know Frank’s amazing vocal range and abilities, which extend to replicating Rob Halford’s vocals as well. Crowd favorites included “Green Manalishi,” “Diamonds and Rust,” “Metal Gods,” and of course “Breaking the Law.” As a treat for Queensryche fans, Frank’s brother Andy jumped up on stage for a cool version of “Queen of the Ryche.” Although that might have technically violated the rules of being a one-band tribute, the crowd loved it. Check out their web site at myspace.com/justlikepriest.
Ozzy tribute Diary of Ozz was next. I admit to being surprised when a woman stepped up to the vocal mike, but
she quickly proved that not only can she handle Ozzy’s wide range, but hit the notes well and with his characteristic energy and confidence. She’d found her perfect key and the band easily matched it. The band seems to have had some recent lineup changes, as their MySpace page lists different band members (although it looks like drummer Bobby Koch remains), and the singer said they’d only practiced together 3 times. You’d never guess it by the quality of their set. Guitarist Chris Brightwell was, for lack of adequate terms, simply incredible. He whipped out the solos in Randy Rhoads’ “Mr. Crowley,” “Over the Mountain,” and “Crazy Train” with such skill, he made it look easy. The crowd dug Diary of Ozz’s “Paranoid.”
Closing out the night was Metallica tribute Damage Inc. Dressed mostly in black, the band captured the essence of Metallica’s in-your-face confidence. 
Singer/rhythm guitarist Chris Knight looks remarkably like James Hetfield, and perfectly mimicked his swagger, authority, and vocals, and even had a Gothic Explorer. Guitarist Chris Brightwell took the stage again for a second shift with different guitars, and once again blew away the hard-core metal heads with his talent, particularly on “Master of Puppets.” “Master of Puppets” is one of those go-to metal masterpieces every band tries to get through – and Damage Inc. nailed it. Chris’s brother Kevin Knight was completely solid on bass, and Boyd Machtolff did justice to Lars Ulrich’s difficult drumming. They played all the great Metallica songs (“Blackened,” “Four Horsemen,” even “Orion”) from classic albums such as “Kill ‘Em All” and “Justice for All.” Find out more at damageinc.us, and myspace.com/socaldamageinc.
Although Harper’s has been around a while, it’s a relative newcomer to the local band scene. The soundman did a great job. There’s plenty of free, safe parking, lots of hangout space indoors and out, and the best chicken wings I’ve ever had (boneless, even!). Check out their upcoming shows at myspace.com/harpersbar, including more tribute nights, cover bands, original bands… and even, as Donny and Marie used to sing, “a little bit country.” But as you’ve probably guessed, I’m biased: Bring on the metal!
