Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-20T03:35:00.000-08:00

In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday a new review will not be posted until after November 24th. Be looking for reviews of Cavatica, Hollywood In September, The Yearling, Eight Foot Stride, and Dakota Darling. Have a safe and happy holiday.

My First Supper with Silver Judas

2007-11-18T10:40:00.001-08:00

photo courtesy of Tom Sapp Photography

There will be no betrayal in the sound that Silver Judas brings to the table. A variable sonic feast for the ears, Silver Judas does not falter in bringing the sound, that I would say is, the unholy matrimony of rock gods, Black Sabbath and TOOL.

I have had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with Todd Hitt, lead vocalist, a few times but never a chance to see Silver Judas in action. Todd's energy on stage turns into an infection of epidemic proportion. Infiltrating first through the ears eventually to be expelled through fists or horns fashioned from hands thrown towards the stage; An offering from fans that is never taken lightly by Silver Judas. Vocally, Todd is reminiscent of TOOL's front man Maynard. Hitt's ability to transition so smoothly from a melodic verse to a hard chorus is one of many traits that make him a vocalist, not just a singer. The same smoothness is present in the lyrics. Silver Judas' lyrics tell a cohesive story streamlined with emotion. Hitt may take the vocal reins for Silver Judas but the musical talent will not disappoint you.

I understand there has been a new edition to the sound gods. Grant, who's last name I did not catch, made his debut as the new bass player during their latest show at Port City Pub in downtown Wilmington, North Carolina. Grant blends well with Silver Judas, not just in appearance but musical talent. Grant takes the energy from his bass and the crowd transforming it into what, at one point, seemed to be a never ending head bang. His dreads flew with every completed circle of his head. All the while never missing a beat. His pure unadulterated low tones highlight every note played or sang from the other members.

A mainstay of all great rock is guitar. Silver Judas is not lacking in this area. Eric Hitt, lead guitarist, takes on the sound barrier, pushing it with every strum, only to break it down with the heavy hitting crunch and distortion from his amp. All the while his harmonics could repair even the largest crack. Eric's confidence is not crowded by conceit, as are most lead guitarists. Eric's healthy competition with himself to be an amazing guitarist transcends any arrogance he could own if he chose to do so. Eric needs not to show arrogance or conceit. His skills as a musician speak for themselves.

With so much talent packed into just three people, one wonders who can keep them in step? That's where Devon Fuller, drummer, comes into the picture. Comparable to many great drummers such as Danny Carey of TOOL, Neil Pert of Rush, and Raymond Herrera of Fear Factory. You could never use the words rudimentary and Devon Fuller in the same paragraph much less the same planet. Fuller answers the age old question of how much is too much? Fuller's distinct ability to enhance the sound instead of overpower it with pointless fills and overbearing double bass is refreshing. Fuller's playing draws him from out of the usual dark light of rear stage to the rose glow comfortable center stage.

Silver Judas, a band among bands, a sound among sounds. Reinforcing metal with a melody and blurring the confinement of what is rock. If you haven't been able to satisfy your hunger for metal, join Silver Judas at one of their shows or on the web at www.myspace.com/silverjudas.

Bring In The Sound

Happy Thanksgiving

My First Supper with Silver Judas