By the late '80s, speed and thrash metal were becoming stale and tired. Major labels had jumped on the post-Metallica bandwagon, signing anyone with long hair, denim clothes and a drinking problem, and the caliber of artistry was going rapidly downhill as grunge and alternative rock began their upward ascent.
That said, the era did have some bright spots, one of which was Minnesota quartet Powermad. The group's catchy thrash riffs, forceful rhythms and shrill vocals even attracted the attention of oddball film director David Lynch, who included the band and their music in his movie "Wild At Heart." Powermad were the group onstage at the club, and their song "Slaughterhouse" was played in the film's explosive first scene, in which Sailor Ripley (Nicholas Cage) slams a dude's skull against the floor until he's dead. Then, Lynch gave the song an encore when Sailor and his girlfrield Lulu Fortune (Laura Dern) are flipping the dial on their car radio in search of something worth listening to. "Slaughterhouse" was also used for a while as the theme music for "MTV At the Movies."
Sadly, Powermad's success was shortlived and after the release of their 1989 album Absolute Power they faded into the ether for years. But now they seem to be back as Mad as ever. Powermad reformed to play the Bang Your Head!!! festival, which took place on June 22 and 23 in Balingen, Germany, and they're currently working on a new album, which they hope to finish later this year.
"Because of scheduling, I have been doing most of the coordinating and producing of the tracks on my own, with my great friend, Paul Ortiz (a.k.a. ChimpSpanner)," wrote singer and guitarist Joel DuBay on the band's MySpace, explaining the delay.
He added that he agrees with critics (like us) who feel Powermad were ahead of their time and thanks all of the group's fans for their continued interest. "I just want everyone to know just how much everyone's desire to stick with us for so long means to us," he said. "A band, artist, musician isn't owed sh-- by anyone, and needs to focus on one thing in order to succeed: making a connection with their audience. I think the next record is a perfect step toward proving we have not gone away or given up, and that Powermad is intact, and ready to bring you something you will love."
The group is currently without a label, but still hope to drop their new album before the end of the year. Until then, here's their video for "Nice Dreams":
Powermad - Nice Dreams
Add to My Profile | More VideosAnd here's a clip from "Wild at Heart" that features the band's music:
Wild at Heart Scene
Comments