Imagine my surprise when I was informed that former Manowar drummer Scott Columbus died. I could not believe the odds: what are the chances that the first person I slammed in my last blog entry would pass away.
After hearing the news of Scott Columbus's untimely departure, I was overcome by guilt. After all, I called him a "traitor of metal." I regretted writing my last entry, which discouraged me from blogging altogether. It has also changed the way I hear Manowar. It's strange how a change in circumstances has the ability to let you her the same piece of music in a different way.
I felt disappointment in Columbus because left the band; it caused me to lash out. I had no right to judge him. No one knows what truly happened except the members of Manowar. He was a great metal drummer who knew his place in the band. The world of Metal has lost a true hero.
R.I.P
Showing posts with label manowar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label manowar. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Monday, January 31, 2011
Scott Columbus: Traitor of Metal
"Strike while the iron's hot
Steel is strongest so say we all
And if we all were not brothers of metal would we fall?-No!
They tried to test our spirit
They tasted steel before they were done
Grinding their bones to the dust of the past
All blown away like a shot from a gun
We cast our lot together
Four still stand as one
And we'll remain forever
Till our kingdoms come
Brothers of Metal!"
These are the powerful words that open up Manowars's song "Brothers of Metal Pt.1" The lyrics describe a bond between band members which is thicker then blood: it's as thick as steel!
For nearly 30 years now, Manowar has been singing about virtues long forgotten or even taboo in contemporary society. Virtues like honor, fidelity, masculinity, bravery, and courage. Their appeal to the fans stems from the fact that they are able to put themselves above the different bands, bands willing to jump on any fad de jure. One of the ways that Manowar has exemplified such traits is by keeping a steady lineup. Throughout their entire career, they only had 8 official members. This is quite impressive for a band that has been together for as long as they have. Manowar sells their image as a virtuous band above petty squabbles and the current fashion trends. From the very first album in 1982, they made a pledge to their fans: they will never sell out, but forever fight for true metal and stand by each other.
This is why it broke my heart when I recently came across a blog post where Scott Columbus stated definitely that he has left Manowar, for the second and final time, in early 2008. He hinted that his decision to leave was not on the most amicable of terms. Though in the interview Columbus keep a calm and cool attitude, one can pick up little bits of spitefulness in his answers. According to him the split came after he had a conversation with Joey DeMaio after the "Gods of War" tour. When the interviewer asked him whether the conversation involved money, he admitted that "it was one of the topics discussed."
(Scott Columbus as a proud Metal warrior)
Columbus then went on to say that he was forced to lie in 1989 about the true reasons why he left Manowar the first time. According to Manowar's story, Columbus left to be with his son who was stricken with leukemia. "So you your son was never sick?" asked the interviewer. To which Columbus replied "No."
Columbus then proceeded to talk about his upcoming solo album where he wants to make "Metal elevator music." Apparently his solo project will not be so "overproduced" as Manowar, which is a style he apparently learned to dislike."I'm more of an analog guy," he stated proudly. I guess "analog guy" doesn't care that he will forever go down in history, since Manowar was one of the first bands to embrace digital recording. He also mentioned that he will reunite with former Manowar guitarist Ross the Boss (1982-1988) and they intend to play old Manowar songs together. Hey, just because you're no longer in Manowar, it doesn't mean you still can't make money from Manowar, right?
(Analog guy today rocking out to elevator metal. What happened to the mustache? did Joey make you grow it in the first place?)
What totally pisses me off about Columbus is his lack of gratitude. Joey DeMaio gave Columbus the opportunity of a lifetime: Fame, the chance to tour the world, the chance to be a role model. Now, Columbus is lashing out at the very institution that made him who he is today.
As a drummer, Columbus fulfilled his duties competently. He is able to play fast double kicks and fast rolls. However, he is not capable of doing anything more than that. The clearest evidence we have of this is in Columbus's "Elevator Metal" project (listen here). In it, Columbus does not stray too far from what he would usually play in Manowar: 2/4 beat with the occasional fast role. Also, as I mentioned earlier, he now will continue to make a living of Manowar by touring with Ross the Boss.
Columbus might have some chops; however, he is not a creative person. The best evidence of this could be heard in the following tracks (here, here) where his oversimplified playing is undermining good song writing. I remember when, with anticipation, I heard "Warriors of the World United" for the first time. Though I wanted to like the song very much, I could not; I could not get over the fact that the drums were so oversimplified. Ringo Starr could have done a better job. Even today, I can't listen to that song without losing attention half way through it. He butchered a song that could have become an anthem for the 2000's.
So let's recap: Columbus was given everything that an average rock drummer dreams of. In 1983, according to Wikipedia, he was able to quit his job beating aluminum at a foundry and play in one of the greatest metal bands of all time. He went down in history for being in the loudest band in the world; One of the first bands to embrace digital recording; The first and only band to record with Orson Welles; And, he was given a chance to be a role model for thousands of kids. Kids who, instead of embracing the destructive message of today's music (I cap yo ass, take your ho, ps. learning is gay) accepted a message of honor, chivalry and brotherhood. In addition, Manowar has inspired thousands of fans to learn about Richard Wagner, Mozart, Rimsky-Korsakov, Norse and Greek Mythology, by incorporating such themes in their music.
Columbus lashing out at Manowar could be compared to an average one trick pony at a carnival. Imagine this: a horse owner teaches a pony a cool trick; it's the only thick he knows. The pony goes on to travel the world, gets the best hay, along with world fame. People bring him the finest mares to stud with. Then, after making lots of money, the one-trick-pony lashes out against his owner because he only taught him one trick. That is who Scott Columbus is to me: an ungrateful one-trick-pony.
In a recent YouTube video (since removed) Joey announced that Manowar's original drummer Donnie Hamzik has rejoined the band. According to DeMaio, all the new tracks that they were preparing for the new album have been "scrapped, never to heard from again." Obviously Hamzik has brought new blood into Manowar and they are going to use the momentum to write a new album. The new album should be out in the next year or so. Hail Manowar!
Steel is strongest so say we all
And if we all were not brothers of metal would we fall?-No!
They tried to test our spirit
They tasted steel before they were done
Grinding their bones to the dust of the past
All blown away like a shot from a gun
We cast our lot together
Four still stand as one
And we'll remain forever
Till our kingdoms come
Brothers of Metal!"
These are the powerful words that open up Manowars's song "Brothers of Metal Pt.1" The lyrics describe a bond between band members which is thicker then blood: it's as thick as steel!
For nearly 30 years now, Manowar has been singing about virtues long forgotten or even taboo in contemporary society. Virtues like honor, fidelity, masculinity, bravery, and courage. Their appeal to the fans stems from the fact that they are able to put themselves above the different bands, bands willing to jump on any fad de jure. One of the ways that Manowar has exemplified such traits is by keeping a steady lineup. Throughout their entire career, they only had 8 official members. This is quite impressive for a band that has been together for as long as they have. Manowar sells their image as a virtuous band above petty squabbles and the current fashion trends. From the very first album in 1982, they made a pledge to their fans: they will never sell out, but forever fight for true metal and stand by each other.
This is why it broke my heart when I recently came across a blog post where Scott Columbus stated definitely that he has left Manowar, for the second and final time, in early 2008. He hinted that his decision to leave was not on the most amicable of terms. Though in the interview Columbus keep a calm and cool attitude, one can pick up little bits of spitefulness in his answers. According to him the split came after he had a conversation with Joey DeMaio after the "Gods of War" tour. When the interviewer asked him whether the conversation involved money, he admitted that "it was one of the topics discussed."
(Scott Columbus as a proud Metal warrior)
Columbus then went on to say that he was forced to lie in 1989 about the true reasons why he left Manowar the first time. According to Manowar's story, Columbus left to be with his son who was stricken with leukemia. "So you your son was never sick?" asked the interviewer. To which Columbus replied "No."
Columbus then proceeded to talk about his upcoming solo album where he wants to make "Metal elevator music." Apparently his solo project will not be so "overproduced" as Manowar, which is a style he apparently learned to dislike."I'm more of an analog guy," he stated proudly. I guess "analog guy" doesn't care that he will forever go down in history, since Manowar was one of the first bands to embrace digital recording. He also mentioned that he will reunite with former Manowar guitarist Ross the Boss (1982-1988) and they intend to play old Manowar songs together. Hey, just because you're no longer in Manowar, it doesn't mean you still can't make money from Manowar, right?
(Analog guy today rocking out to elevator metal. What happened to the mustache? did Joey make you grow it in the first place?)
What totally pisses me off about Columbus is his lack of gratitude. Joey DeMaio gave Columbus the opportunity of a lifetime: Fame, the chance to tour the world, the chance to be a role model. Now, Columbus is lashing out at the very institution that made him who he is today.
As a drummer, Columbus fulfilled his duties competently. He is able to play fast double kicks and fast rolls. However, he is not capable of doing anything more than that. The clearest evidence we have of this is in Columbus's "Elevator Metal" project (listen here). In it, Columbus does not stray too far from what he would usually play in Manowar: 2/4 beat with the occasional fast role. Also, as I mentioned earlier, he now will continue to make a living of Manowar by touring with Ross the Boss.
Columbus might have some chops; however, he is not a creative person. The best evidence of this could be heard in the following tracks (here, here) where his oversimplified playing is undermining good song writing. I remember when, with anticipation, I heard "Warriors of the World United" for the first time. Though I wanted to like the song very much, I could not; I could not get over the fact that the drums were so oversimplified. Ringo Starr could have done a better job. Even today, I can't listen to that song without losing attention half way through it. He butchered a song that could have become an anthem for the 2000's.
So let's recap: Columbus was given everything that an average rock drummer dreams of. In 1983, according to Wikipedia, he was able to quit his job beating aluminum at a foundry and play in one of the greatest metal bands of all time. He went down in history for being in the loudest band in the world; One of the first bands to embrace digital recording; The first and only band to record with Orson Welles; And, he was given a chance to be a role model for thousands of kids. Kids who, instead of embracing the destructive message of today's music (I cap yo ass, take your ho, ps. learning is gay) accepted a message of honor, chivalry and brotherhood. In addition, Manowar has inspired thousands of fans to learn about Richard Wagner, Mozart, Rimsky-Korsakov, Norse and Greek Mythology, by incorporating such themes in their music.
Columbus lashing out at Manowar could be compared to an average one trick pony at a carnival. Imagine this: a horse owner teaches a pony a cool trick; it's the only thick he knows. The pony goes on to travel the world, gets the best hay, along with world fame. People bring him the finest mares to stud with. Then, after making lots of money, the one-trick-pony lashes out against his owner because he only taught him one trick. That is who Scott Columbus is to me: an ungrateful one-trick-pony.
In a recent YouTube video (since removed) Joey announced that Manowar's original drummer Donnie Hamzik has rejoined the band. According to DeMaio, all the new tracks that they were preparing for the new album have been "scrapped, never to heard from again." Obviously Hamzik has brought new blood into Manowar and they are going to use the momentum to write a new album. The new album should be out in the next year or so. Hail Manowar!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Manowar: Well Versed In Classics
Sadly, even in the 21st century, fans of Metal still have to face stereotypes that they are less intelligent because of the music that they choose to listen to. Whats more sad is the fact that the same people who choose to ridicule will go and rock out to crap bands like Nickle Back or Sloane. Every true metal fan knows that Metal is a fine art. One needs to have a basic idea of scales, harmony and progressions to write a good tune. A good metal album should have enough riffs to fill ten commercial records. One only has to see Dream Theater to be convinced. However, still the stigma lingers on.
However, I believe that the world is slowly waking up. Recently, the CBC reported a story where they compared peoples personalities to the music they listened to. Through serendipity they discovered that people who listen to metal have similar character traits as fans of classical music. The reporters reported on this with great amazement. However, the findings of that study did not surprise me at all, since, I became a fan of classical music through Metal. In his documentary Metal a Headbangers Journey, when disusing the origins of Heavy Metal, Sam Dunn credits Wagner as the first Metal composer for "bringing out the bottom end of the orchestra."
I believe that Metal can make people smarter since its content usually focuses on literary works, mythology, social justice and obscure schools of philosophy. Literary works such as The Lord of the Ring, Hobbit, and even the Bible are a common theme in Metal; and I bet a lot of people significantly expanded their knowledge by listening to the lyrics. I can speak for myself, recently I discovered a band called Skyforger. The theme of their music primarily focus on pagan traditions and believes of the Balts. This inspired me to get interested in my own heritage and research Slavic paganism and folklore. Metal made me want to learn!
There is hope! while reading up on Manowar in Wikipedia, I found a little review of their epic opus Achilles, Agony and Ecstasy in Eight Parts. For those unfamiliar with the song, it is an eight part, 30 minute opus that opens up the legendary album The Triumph of Steele (1992). The track is based on Homers Iliad. The track recently attracted the attention of a group of scholars at Bologna University in Italy. Mrs. Eleonora Cavallini, Professor in Classics, has written about this song:
"Joey DeMaio’s lyrics imply a careful and scrupulous reading of the Iliad. The songwriter has focused his attention essentially on the crucial fight between Hector and Achilles, has paraphrased some passages of the poem adapting them to the melodic structure with a certain fluency and partly reinterpreting them, but never altering or upsetting Homer’s storyline. The purpose of the lyrics (and of the music as well) is to evoke some characteristic Homeric sceneries: the raging storm of the battle, the barbaric, ferocious exultance of the winner, the grief and anguish of the warrior who feels death impending over him. The whole action hinges upon Hector and Achilles, who are represented as specular characters, divided by an irreducible hatred and yet destined to share a similar destiny. Both are caught in the moment of the greatest exaltation, as they savagely rejoice for the blood of their killed enemies, but also in the one of the extreme pain, when the daemon of war finally pounces on them. Furthermore, differently than in the irreverent and iconoclastic movie Troy, in "Achilles, Agony and Ecstasy in Eight Parts", the divine is a constant and ineluctable presence, determining human destinies with inscrutable and steely will, and, despite the generic reference to 'the gods', the real master of human lives is Zeus, the only God to whom both Hector and Achilles address their prayers"[1]
I'm glad that the academic world is slowly waking up. And who knows maybe one day this song will inspire me to give Greek Classics a try and learn more about it.
However, I believe that the world is slowly waking up. Recently, the CBC reported a story where they compared peoples personalities to the music they listened to. Through serendipity they discovered that people who listen to metal have similar character traits as fans of classical music. The reporters reported on this with great amazement. However, the findings of that study did not surprise me at all, since, I became a fan of classical music through Metal. In his documentary Metal a Headbangers Journey, when disusing the origins of Heavy Metal, Sam Dunn credits Wagner as the first Metal composer for "bringing out the bottom end of the orchestra."
I believe that Metal can make people smarter since its content usually focuses on literary works, mythology, social justice and obscure schools of philosophy. Literary works such as The Lord of the Ring, Hobbit, and even the Bible are a common theme in Metal; and I bet a lot of people significantly expanded their knowledge by listening to the lyrics. I can speak for myself, recently I discovered a band called Skyforger. The theme of their music primarily focus on pagan traditions and believes of the Balts. This inspired me to get interested in my own heritage and research Slavic paganism and folklore. Metal made me want to learn!
There is hope! while reading up on Manowar in Wikipedia, I found a little review of their epic opus Achilles, Agony and Ecstasy in Eight Parts. For those unfamiliar with the song, it is an eight part, 30 minute opus that opens up the legendary album The Triumph of Steele (1992). The track is based on Homers Iliad. The track recently attracted the attention of a group of scholars at Bologna University in Italy. Mrs. Eleonora Cavallini, Professor in Classics, has written about this song:
"Joey DeMaio’s lyrics imply a careful and scrupulous reading of the Iliad. The songwriter has focused his attention essentially on the crucial fight between Hector and Achilles, has paraphrased some passages of the poem adapting them to the melodic structure with a certain fluency and partly reinterpreting them, but never altering or upsetting Homer’s storyline. The purpose of the lyrics (and of the music as well) is to evoke some characteristic Homeric sceneries: the raging storm of the battle, the barbaric, ferocious exultance of the winner, the grief and anguish of the warrior who feels death impending over him. The whole action hinges upon Hector and Achilles, who are represented as specular characters, divided by an irreducible hatred and yet destined to share a similar destiny. Both are caught in the moment of the greatest exaltation, as they savagely rejoice for the blood of their killed enemies, but also in the one of the extreme pain, when the daemon of war finally pounces on them. Furthermore, differently than in the irreverent and iconoclastic movie Troy, in "Achilles, Agony and Ecstasy in Eight Parts", the divine is a constant and ineluctable presence, determining human destinies with inscrutable and steely will, and, despite the generic reference to 'the gods', the real master of human lives is Zeus, the only God to whom both Hector and Achilles address their prayers"[1]
I'm glad that the academic world is slowly waking up. And who knows maybe one day this song will inspire me to give Greek Classics a try and learn more about it.
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