This Chicago metal child goes only by the moniker: Henry Metal.
He’s a mystery. An enigma wrapped in a riddle of enlightened, metallic excellence, and he’s driven only by one thing. In fact, in a recent interview with Tention Free, when asked what he does with his down-time when he’s not making metal, his response was simple: “When I am not in Metal mode, I am in deep hibernation, like a bear in the deep Alaskan night. In other words, I do not ever do anything except for Metal. Ever.”
We know very little else about this banger, only that his musical career began around age three, when his mother overheard him belting out the lyrics to House of the Rising Sun. Inspired by the usual greats such as: Metallica, Guns’N Roses, Motley Crue, Anthrax, Slayer, Ozzy, Megadeth, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, and others; he seems to understand that one can’t take life too seriously all the time, as he also finds inspiration in acts which you might not expect, such as: Tenacious D and Wilson Phillips. (Curious yet?)
“If the solo melts the face, you know the tune is ace.”
—Henry Metal, Twist Online interview
In a focused storm of uncommon creativity, in 2017 alone he’s released April’s So It Hath Begun, May’s Wizard Vs Demon, and now the reason we’ve gathered in this moment—July’s The Maestro Abides.
Here’s what we dug most…
Opening the record with the anti-establishment, anti-gatekeeper, Thought Police (Song for America) Henry articulately lays out his feelings for tyranny, censorship, and all those who would seek to squash independent thought. (Also, check out the full minute-long guitar solo launching at 3:17.)
Speed Walker is a rockingly comical ode to the non-impact exercisers of planet Earth. It’s been a long time since I banged my head—and laughed out loud—all during the same song. Well done…
“Exercise without breakin’ a sweat
And should I blaze on by you don’t get upset
Headphones are on and then I’m jammin’ to rhymes
Keepin’ shoe ground contact at all times”
Models and Bottles takes hilariously wicked shots at pop-music ridiculousness, while buzz-saw synth joins the mayhem of guitars and drums.
Okay. Now Henry and I are truly on the same page! Bankster throws shade on the global fiat monetary nonsense in which we are all currently entrenched. Preach it, Henry! We’re on board! (Also, loving the chorus chord progression & melody!)…
“I sell you hope, cause I know you can’t see
That all the actual hope is reserved for me, cause…
What I do is I wear a suit
and I say the things that prove I’m smarter than you
Don’t worry you could never understand
cause you’re not a Bankster and I am”
“I hope to unite legions of Metal Heads who wish to gather under the common flag of musical excellence coupled with the truly free and enlightened human spirit. It is this spirit which has moved me to create Metal and this spirit on which I will always depend. Indeed, the legacy belongs not to me but to Metal itself.”
—Henry Metal, Beyond the Record interview
Our Favorite Track:
Reminicent of 80’s era Van Halen, the album’s title track, The Maestro Still Abides, is rich and full of contrasting distortion, licks and rhymes. The Maestro is also trying to tell all of us something. Will you listen?…
“You can keep me waiting here
All alone for a thousand years
Burn out my ears and eyes
But the maestro still abides”
It’s like this: I’ve never heard anyone pull-off the comic-philosopher-metal-guru genre before. One never quite knows just how serious—or for that matter, how funny—Henry is trying to be in any given moment of his junior effort, The Maestro Abides. You see, there’s something I’m certain of here: This music has substance; it’s not just a sarcastic kick in the pants as Henry himself might want you to believe. Said quicker: There’s depth here. That said, regardless of such subjective interpretations, I can GUARANTEE you this: He’s talented and creative as hell, and if you’re a metal-head, you will be entertained. Mark my word. This is a fun album. Give it a go.
Whose lovechild…?
Weird Al writes an original album for Anthrax and Danzig…
BELOW, you can listen to Henry Metal’s album, The Maestro Abides, and connect with his website and social media platforms. Please support Henry Metal by visiting him online, and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing his music. And, as always, thank you for supporting real music!
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