Blood. Spectacle. Lifestyle. Mythology.Costumes. And more blood.When you think of beloved shock-metal outfit GWAR, those words are likely the first that cometo mind. And with good reason. Since forming in Richmond, Virginia in 1984, GWAR have notonly managed to endure through various lineup changes, but have become one of the mostbeloved bands in all of metal. The only thing as sharp as their over-the-top lyrics is theirmesmerizing live show which continues to make them one of the must-see, and mostmemorable, acts today.At a time when bands have become bland, GWAR stand out for their performances and theintimate connection with their fans.Once the lights dim and the curtain rises, fans know whatthey’re in for: a night of theatrics, storytelling and humor that’s more Devo than KISS.Theiriconic, signature barbaric interplanetary warriors costumes may be what the wider world knowsthem for, but it’s their shows that continues to resonate with their devoted following.The push-and-pull between GWAR and their fans creates a visceral experience that continuesto add to the band’s legend and legacy, one new tour at a time. Few, if any band, can breakdown a physical barrier with their audience quite like GWAR. Fluids fly, substances spray andthe lust for copious amounts of fake blood [and cutting heads off, of course] leaves audiencesthirsty for more.The mythological nature of their live shows may be at the forefront of people’s minds, but it isGWAR’s meticulously crafted songs blending satire, chaos and violence, made them culturalicons.In late 2020, GWAR celebrated the 30th anniversary ofScumdogs of the Universe, which wonthem universal praise for theirsharpsriffs and humor. More importantly, it catapulted them intothe mainstream psyche, capturing the eyes and ears of a bewildered public. Though a Grammywould follow a few years later,Scumdogsremains the band’s seminal album. It received adeluxe reissue in October 2020 included remixed and remastered audio by producer RonanChris Murphy, as well as an exclusive cassette containing rehearsal demos and previouslyunreleased tracks.As for 2021 and beyond, the group have big plans to add to their legacyas they near their 37thyear. A much-anticipated new album is in the works, their first since 2017’sThe Blood of Gods.They also have a skateboard deck, coffee, CBD, beer, whiskey, proving the band is bigger thanthe music: it’s a lifestyle.A flurry of activity (pandemic-permitting) is on the horizon. So why does the band forge on andthe crowd keep coming back? It comes down to one word: fun. Between that and the shock-and-awe of a GWAR show, it’s easy to understand why they’ve endured, but are as popular asthey’ve ever been:limitless creativity and blood — a whole lot of it.
Nothing can stop Nonpoint.
The band continues to deliver unique, uncompromising, and undeniable hard rock on its self-titled ninth studio album and first for Razor & Tie. Weathering lineup changes, label shifts, and other trials and tribulations, founding members Elias Soriano [vocals] and Robb Rivera [drums] regrouped with fresh blood—Dave Lizzio [guitar], Adam Wolosyzn [bass], and Rasheed Thomas [guitar]—and captured pure fire this time around. Now, you might just get burned if you’re in their way…
In the spring of 2011, Nonpoint experienced something of a rebirth. After touring heavily behind Miracle, they underwent a creative overhaul with the addition of Lizzio, Wolosyzn, and Thomas. At the same time, Rivera stresses that preserving the outfit’s initial integrity proved paramount to songwriting.
“Basically, we wanted to go back to where we came from,” he affirms. “Take our first four albums, throw them in a blender, and this is what you get. Elias wrote some of his deepest lyrics and spit rage in the booth. When it came to the guitars, Dave and Rasheed brought in genuine technical talent. It’s old school with some new flavors.”
Soriano adds, “We wanted this record to be a punch in the face. Dealing with lawyers and losing members, the last year was obviously very difficult. I also had just become a father around the same time. There was a lot of stuff I wanted to artistically vent about.”
In order to transfer that energy to tape, they enlisted the talents of Grammy Award-nominated producer Johnny K [Disturbed, Staind, Megadeth] for the first time. They holed up in his Groovemaster Recording Studios in February 2012 and emerged with 12 of the most raw and real songs of their 15-year career. Johnny pushed them to expand their patented sound, while simultaneously sticking to their guns.
“He challenged each of us instrumentally,” Rivera elaborates. “He brought out anger and angst that we haven’t felt in a long time. We’re known as a live act, and he paid attention to that fact. We built this on the road. This record sounds like war coming out of the speakers.”
The first single “Left For You” slides from an intense riff into a hypnotic verse punctuated by an infectious chorus. Produced and mixed by Brian Virtue [30 Seconds to Mars, Chevelle] in Nashville, it’s immediately explosive. Lyrically, the singer doesn’t hold anything back either.
“It’s about that moment where being discreet or cordial gets thrown out the window,” he reveals. “You realize you’re fighting for a relationship—whether it’s romantic, business, or social—that you don’t really want anymore. You say fuck it and never revisit that friendship again.”
Nonpoint opened up the floodgates to the album by unleashing one of its heaviest tracks, “I Said It,” as a free download their Facebook page in the summer of 2012. The fans responded with overwhelming enthusiasm, welcoming the onslaught. Showcasing dynamic vocal delivery and a groove-driven stomp, it’s perfect for the pit.
“We set the DNA of the record with that song,” the vocalist smiles. “It’s very aggressive and in-your-face. You can think of it as ‘Bullet with a Name 2012’. It’s a good old fashioned Nonpoint song you can bang in the gym.” As a whole, the album feels like a declaration for the band. They’ve never given up, and it’s not even an option. This is who they are, and they’re making music which reflects their spirit.
“It’s a fresh start for us,” Soriano states. “We felt like having a self-titled record says it all. We hit the reset button, and there’s life again. You can hear it musically. We’re not going anywhere.”
In addition, they remain one of the most consistent and incendiary live acts on the scene. Having shared the stage with everyone from Sevendust and Stone Sour to Papa Roach and Buckcherry as well as appearing at festivals such as OZZfest and the UK’s Download, each performance stands out as an experience their fan base fervently follows.
The quintet also inked a deal with Razor & Tie in 2011, setting the stage for this next phase. “It was the most natural thing,” says Rivera. “They have an incredible team, and they sought us out. We’re experienced to begin this chapter together.”
Over the course of their nine previous releases, Nonpoint sold over 750,000 albums in North America alone. In addition to fan favorites like “What a Day” and “Circles”, their biggest radio hit to date “Bullet With a Name” reached #22 on the Mainstream Rock Charts and was featured in the hit video game WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 as well as the 2007 film The Condemned. Meanwhile, their cover of Phil Collins’s “In the Air Tonight” was the theme song for the film Miami Vice and hit the Mainstream Rock Charts.
At the end of the day, Rivera wants to give back via the music. “We try to help people through our art,” he exclaims. “So many kids have connected to our songs over the years, and they’ve supported us unconditionally. We fought through so much, and we never gave up. I hope they get a positive message from this album.”
Soriano concludes, “It doesn’t feel like we have some kind of goal. It feels like we have a purpose, which is to put out hopeful music. When this process started, a fuse got lit. We’re not stopping until it all burns.” Their flame will only rise higher.
