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TPRS Spotlight Artist
Club M Pittsburgh
7/5/02
Sometimes the future of music passes
right before your eyes with even realizing it. However, the Seattle-based
Damnaged is letting it be known that the future is now with their style
of straight-ahead metal which is not particularly in vogue in the United States.
Youth is definitely on their side with members still being in high school with
their senior year approaching in the fall. Nonetheless, the band is
drawing major label interest and after witnessing Damnaged's extremely tight
set, it is no wonder.
Before I begin, kudos to the soundmen who handled Damnaged, Prong and headliner
Danzig. These men tamed the evil hall known as M and all 3 bands sounded
great.
Immediate comparisons can be drawn to post "Black" era Metallica, although the
members site influences of Megadeth and especially Tool. The band was
dressed in all black and lead singer Nick Woodward struck many a menacing pose
in the classic Hettfield tradition. "Mask" is an intimidating piece that
will do well at metal radio someday with its pounding rhythm and excellent
guitar work. "Eclipse" is a moody piece which Woodward builds with vocal
emotion. Set closer "Wicked Throne" is a metallic romp full of youth
aggression and anger and features drummer Chris Johnson beating the living hell
out of his kit while Woodward and Roderick shred away.
(Picture taken from
http://www.damnaged.com )
Drummer Chris Johnson was the subject of several conversations in the crowd near
me between songs. His style is aggressive all the while keeping the band
extremely tight which was another topic of conversation at the end of their set.
Bassist Trevor Fox works the instrument hard in a way reminiscent to Jason
Newsted. Guitarist Jeff Roderick's razor sharp riffs blend well with
Woodward's leads.
Woodward has "the look" to go along with the chops on the lead guitar and most
importantly a unique voice that can only improve as he matures.
Damnaged sounds much more convincing with their raw metal sound than do their
much older contemporaries. If major label interest does come to fruition,
perhaps the next wave of real metal on a "Big 6" level is not far behind.
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