Hellmouth consists of Jay Navarro (vocals), Justin Malek (drums), Jeff Uberti (bass), and Alex Awn (guitar). These guys have a laundry list of successful bands they have been in, including The Suicide Machines, Fordirelifesake, Left in Ruin, World of Hurt, Coalition, and Varsity.
So, what makes a Hellmouth show so special? Well, vocalist Jay Navarro and drummer Justin Malek
were kind enough to answer a few of my questions before taking over the stage this Thursday.
Reading a review of a Hellmouth record, of a past show, or the lyrics to one of their songs can be instantly intimidating. I mean, have they really been banned from venues? Did someone really lose an eye at one of their shows? Yes, and yes, according to the guys. Justin explains, "There have definitely been several situations (where they have been banned or dropped from shows). The one that comes to mind is the priest that was organizing a protest against us at one of our shows in Indiana or someplace like that. They (the protesters) never showed up, but some higher up resigned as a result of it and said a kid had lost his eye at the show." Jay followed up by saying, "We got kicked out of Bledfest, they didn't have the balls to let us play".
With all of this controversy it's hard to remember that they are just four guys, that grew up in Detroit and love playing music, really well.
How does this band differ from its former dynasties? Lead singer, Navarro, feels Hellmouth is really for the O.G. Suicide Machines fans. "It wasn't fair to people who believed in the Suicide Machines for us to go down the road we were headed with the last 2 records. That band was a symbol of hope. Hellmouth picks up where I left off with 'War Profiteering'. Over the 2 years I did nothing, I became even more misanthropic. So Hellmouth calms those demons D.E.W.N.". Justin is quick to chime in that for him it's interesting because he's "never been in a band where the first thing the singer does is tell the crowd to go to work in the morning and shoot their boss in the face."
All jokes aside, Hellmouth is a band who was signed to Ferret Records within a week of its first release. Since that day they have made it known that they are a force to be reckoned with. Protests aside, they are
animal lovers, who are anti-racism, anti-homophobia, anti-sexism and even anti-human at times. I asked Justin to further explain. "If we weren't around, the world would last a fuck of a lot longer than it will with us on it, destroying and beating it to shit." But, don't worry kids, Justin promises "Hellmouth is an equal hate opportunity employer. Racists, homophobes and sexists need not apply." Basically, weather you agree or disagree with their religious or political views, you can't deny that Hellmouth is making a bold statement on the state of the world today.
There is no doubt in my mind that this band will deliver when they play on Thursday. Jay promises that at the show we can see him "spitting on kids, because it's my blessing". I'll take that blessing! As far as I'm
concerned, Jay is one of the best vocalists Detroit has ever seen.
I say let's grab the ear plugs, a few dollars for a nice drink and head down to The Stick Thursday night for what guarantees to be some true Detroit style, punk rock, metal fun.
The All Ages show starts at 8 p.m. and it's $10 to get in.
~S
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