styles like a well-oiled machine. Collins’ work on the record proves that he is not only one of the tightest bass players in Ohio, but also one of the most versatile. From one song to the next, he effortlessly moves through various playing styles and techniques. Collins is a thoroughbred in a world of one-trick-ponies.
Vocally, Dread Engine’ s two-headed monster is on proud display again. Rick Kearcher’ s brutal screams slice through SAM STOCKDALE’ S booming baritone like a speedboat crashing through the waves on the ocean. Lyrically, this album is a continuation of the heavy themes on the band’ s earlier work. The difference on this album, is that the lyrics--as well as the vocal arrangements--have a heightened sense of focus. Many bands that feature two vocalists have issues effectively deploying their singers, but not Dread Engine. They strike the perfect balance that suits the song, not the singer. That isn’ t always easy to do. When he isn’ t screaming through this record, Kearcher also lays down keys and digital samples that enhance the music without feeling like a gimmick. Many metals bands have tried to do this in the last 20 years, and most have failed. I must also offer kudos for Kearcher on the fantastic job of producing this record. I can tell you from experience, it is a challenge to record your own band, and the end result of this production is top shelf.
While the intent of this article is to review the album, I would kick myself if I didn’ t also take a moment to tell you all about the album’ s release show. As I pulled into the ALROSA
VILLA, I felt conflicted. Not only is this venue associated with a very dark moment in metal history, but it is also the place where I stopped being a metal fan. In my time in the metal scene, I saw a lot of needless backstabbing among the bands. It didn’ t take long before that hierarchy spilled into the fan base. As someone who experiences some slight success compared to my peers, I was still made to feel like an outsider who was no longer welcome, just by being a little different. This is a mindset that plagued the Alrosa and the Ohio metal scene at large for nearly a decade. As I got out of my car, two things were certain: 1. I was the only one who pulled into the venue listening to VIOLENT FEMMES, and 2. I haven’ t seen this many cars in the parking lot in a long time.
You could barely walk through the venue, and you couldn’ t walk 10 feet without accidently ending up in a conversation with a total stranger. This was not the same Alrosa Villa I knew in my college years. The bar was absolutely filled with yellow Dread Engine shirts sold prior to the band’ s set. The whole night had a vibe that felt more like a family reunion than a metal show. Most bands try to build a fan base, but Dread Engine is building an army, and it’ s led by a General named Sam Stockdale. While the entire band is entertaining onstage, Stockdale is a hurricane of passion all the time. His simple presence on the smoking patio was enough to whip the crowd into a frenzy. For a moment, I thought we were going to invade a neighboring town. Instead, he preached a message of passion for the people and passion for the scene.
This show felt like it could be a defining moment for metal in Ohio. A dam burst open, washing away ten years of bad vibes … and left nothing behind but the feeling of community we all were pining for. The night ended with the members of every band on the bill taking the stage. As a collective, the mob that was at least 20 people strong, joined together to perform Dread Engine’ s biggest hit,“ Coward”. It was one of the most inspiring moments of unity in the local music scene that I can remember— and a prime example of the band’ s philosophy and personal mantra,“ many parts, one engine”. Stockdale is humble enough that he will be embarrassed by my“ General” analogy, but we have known each other long enough that I don’ t mind embarrassing him. He and his bandmates did a great thing that night. I personally believe that if Dread Engine stays as humble, hungry, engaging and passionate as they are now, it won’ t be long before they are that band we can’ t escape on rock radio.
Check out Dread Engine at www. dreadengine. com and https:// www. facebook. com / dreadengine. Buy the album on all major online retailers.