I had happened upon this larger-than-life band on Facebook and quickly made their fearless leader Prophet’s (aka PATRICK
FLANNERY) acquaintance. As we bantered via the phone lines, what first struck me about Prophet was how congenial he
was. He spoke candidly about the challenges and changes that he personally, and St. Madness as a group, had seen
throughout the years. What else was obvious to me was the longevity of this band—as they have been in existence since
1993 (originally known as CROWN OF THORNS). Throughout the years, St. Madness has opened for or been on the same
bill as: VAN HALEN, THE MISFITS, MONSTER MAGNET, LYNCH MOB, FATES WARNING, KING DIAMOND,
DESTRUCTION, DEATH, SACRED REICH, FLOTSAM & JETSON, D.R.I., MERCYFUL FATE, SODOM, LAMB OF GOD,
ICED EARTH, EMPEROR, DYING FETUS, BLACK OAK ARKANSAS, SIX FEET UNDER—amongst many other notables.
St. Madness released their compilation CD “Carnimetal” in 2013, and that has served as a musical backdrop as I write this
story. The musicianship is tight, the songs are catchy and memorable, and the production quality is stellar. Prophet’s gravelly
vocals slide effortlessly between registers and his vibrato is clear and resounding. His lyrics are deep and provocative, as
evidenced in “Drowning on Air”, and his sardonic, yet comedic flair is present in many of his songs; such as “Death Drives a
Buick” and “She Used To Be My Girl”. Prophet is a story-teller at heart and imparts, besides the tale itself, a message of social
consciousness--sometimes delivered at the hand of the crypt keeper.
I pulled up a coffin and sat down with Prophet to learn more about the man and his life and his evolution. My first query was
Oprah-like in formulary—sans the 7'