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Steamroller... great name, one I would think to suit a band such as Pro-Pain, or Crowbar, but Steamroller is not that sorta band. Instead what we have here is some strait-up Hard Rock, with elements borrowed from both the old days of Glam-Metal, and the current scene. On my first spin, what came to me was that this sounded like mid to later era Van Halen, but with a lot more balls. Marc Don Vito's vocals are perfect for this music, clear, yet a little raspy, you know, a real man's voice. The disc is full of fairly catchy rockers, that are just edgy enough to keep 'em off most radio stations these days. I could easily see Steamroller fitting comfortably in to the opening slot for Van Halen, Ratt, or even AC/DC. "Crushing Fragile Rock" is a compilation disc of all their tunes up to this point, released previously only as singles and EPs. Their guitarist Doug Kass recently suffered a violent seizure, which put him in the hospital, but he is expected to make a full recovery, and then the band plan to record their first proper full-length next year, with the tentative title "Perpetual Motion Machine". It will be interesting to see were they go once they get back to the studio. Right now, they are just an average sounding band, but their hearts are in the right place, and if they manage to come up with that little something extra, then look out. This is the sort of band, that could be huge if they got that one small break, that one hit song... otherwise, it'll be a lifetime of playing their harts out to drunken bar crowds.
Crushing Fragile Rock! The credo of hard rockers Steamroller. I have been following with great interest the career of this talented band for a couple of years and figured it was soon time for them to get a new record out. Unfortunately the band ran into some difficulties. Marc Don Vito and the rest of the rollers were just about ready to head into the studio when guitar player Doug Kass was struck by a severe seizure that resulted from a misdiagnosed medical condition. In the seizure he suffered 3 crushed vertebrae and a broken shoulder that had to be replaced. He is recovering from the surgery but the attack could not have happened at a worse time. Steamroller had just signed with MindBlown Records who were set to release the bands debut CD and the injury put those plans on hold. MindBlown approached the band with the idea of releasing something while Doug rehabbed so the band collected all of their various demo and ep material and compiled CRUSHING FRAGILE ROCK.
The CD is a collection of all Steamroller’s studio songs plus “Rather Fight Than Bitch”, a song that was abandoned after the original lineup split. For the fan this is a great package as it gets all of the scattered Steamroller material together in one package but it is also a great introduction to one of the best up and coming hard rock bands on the scene today. “Powerlines”, “Serpent” and “Victorian Rose” highlight the bands heavier side with the latter being possibly the bands heaviest and most interesting track with its Corrosion of Conformity influence. “Big Day” is the kind of song that screams to be played on the back patio while the BBQ is roaring and large quantities of beer are being imbibed. It is a great track that hints at great things for the future of the band. The released is closed out with the only previously unreleased track, “Rather Fight Than Bitch”.
It is unfortunate that Steamroller has run into so many problems recently. The band has been on the brink of bigger things for a couple of years now and there always seems to be something like injury or member splits that stop them from moving to the next level. With new material on the horizon CRUSHING FRAGILE ROCK is a great stop gap for the Steamroller fan but also a great introduction for new fans.
California group Steamroller are back. In 1999 they released their self-titled EP. After that the band and singer Marc Don Vito went their separate ways with Vito keeping the Steamroller name. Vito has been a busy man. He has put together a unit that kicks--hard rock with no frills and taking no prisioners. MODERN AMERICAN HARDROCK is a 3 song demo which is just a taste of what to expect on their upcoming full length. After some label trouble, the band decided that the best thing to do would be to get these 3 songs out there and let the music do the talking. The lineup is rounded out by David Hale on bass, Jonathan Brown on drums and Doug Kass on guitars. The disc opens with the most melodic of the 3 songs, “Big Day.” It is also the best of the 3. This is a laid back track that lets Vito use the whole gamut of his vocal abilities. “Signal Flow” is up next with a bottom heavy thumping track that has some great guitar from Kass. The disc is closed out with “Pygmalion,” which is the heaviest of the lot and is vaguely reminiscent in spots of the classic Sabbath tune “Slippin Away”.
Being familiar with Steamroller and being a big fan of hard rock and melodic metal I was looking forward to this CD. Marc Don Vito is one of the best vocalists in this genre today with his rough bluesy and soulful vocals he takes control of every song. I know that Steamroller will deliver on their full length. If melodic metal and hard rock are your interests the check out Steamroller. - Rick Maloney
Equal parts LED ZEPPELIN, BLACK SABBATH, and maybe TOOL or CLUTCH, STEAMROLLER (and I can't believe a higher-profile band hasn't used that name before) is a decent hard rock band. This demo being excerpts from their upcoming Perpetual Motion Machine release, it stands to reason that if everything this band does is this good, then they have a definite amount of potential. Marc Don Vito's vocals remind me of Robert Plant's, and the guitars of Doug Kass bring to mind such greats as Tony Iommi and similar artists. Don't think this is retro-styled rock, however. I couldn't put a decade tag on this if I tried, and I usually don't. And, yes, there are solos! That is a very good thing, as it seems like only bands that have really been around the block appreciate the solo anymore. The band is also very, very heavy for a rock 'n roll band, and that's a good thing. There is integrity in this music, but also the will to push and strive to be the next big thing. Whether that's good or bad in your book, it doesn't matter. - Andrew Parrish Editor
Electric
Basement Webzine
MARC DON VITO simply has one of the best voices in the new generation
of heavy rock. Basically, his bluesy, yet rangy guttural throat expands
on the school of wail, yet somehow, one imagine's his voice works better
with metal than his counterpart's would. The first time we were squashed
by STEAMROLLER, they administered thick, elemental yet hooky beatings
that demonstrated a band heading in the right direction, yet needed a
little tweak to make it just right. So the story goes that MARC parted
ways with the other members and has formed a brand new, more exploratory
up version of the band.
First off, the basic STEAMROLLER crunch is still there. Yet there is a
different structural strength. Instead of the guitars working in direct,
dependent tandem with the percussion, they are allowed to roam and soar
above the proceedings. Or, in some cases they simply plunge deep down
into a layered darkness that Don Vito dives head first into, coming up
for air, only to holler with engorged inflection. The first track, "Connect
the Bones", lays pavement with a slow, tar like bassline, then the guitars
come in and shatter everything that lay ahead. The pre-chorus and hook
are prime metal. A real winner here. "Prime Evil" has a ZAKK WYLDE funnel
cloud of black, menacing riffs yet a chorus that doesn't quite match the
epic subject matter. Could use some retooling. To be fair though, this
disc is admittedly demo quality so the energy is contained by the distant
mix. "Lightwerk", uses atmospheric groundwork to set up a Forbidden-era
Sabbath riff. A like this monster. "Weakness of the Flesh" has a ROB ZOMBIE,
modern metal twist but the drums are real! The changes are unpredictable
and sufficiently draw the you in. "Pygmalion" is a blues-metal stomper
of the highest order. A mean duality between feel good energy and brutal
excitement. Isn't that what the best metal is made of? "Cydonia" closes
things out with a leap frog, stepped vocal assault. This is a mesmerizing
slab of hypnotic brimstone done up thick and gangly.
Overall, a promising and invigorating 6 pack. The band must get into the
studio and knock out a long deserved LP! -
Brian Coles
Streamroller have mixed together hard rock !. The American hard rockers have their forthcoming album "Perpetual Motion Machine" on the way and we have been lucky enough to have a sneak preview and I was pleasently suprised with the quality of songwriting in Streamroller's music. The band featuring Marc Don Vito (Vocals), Doug Kass (guitars), Jonathan Brown (Drums) and Dave Hale (Bass) are destined to become popular with the adult rock crowd, and in my opinion thats holds more credability then being popular with the young "in crowd". Opening track "Big Day" is a great track, as i said before mixing hard rock with southern influences and also a slight 80's feel yet still keeping it modern. "Signal Flow" is a good hard rock track and in the main riff features a slight Rob Zombie feel. The song features great guitar solos which everyone loves! How can you not like a solo when its done well!?! "Pygmalion" is my favourite track from this showcase of the bands upcoming album. Great riffs and vocal patterns, melodic and once again features a kick ass guitar solo!!. Defiently check this band out if your into hard rock! And even if you aren't check them out anyway! You won't be dissapointed!!. - New Music Showcase
JavaMusic
Excellent lead vocals which remind me of some of the vintage metal groups like Robert Plant and Ian Gillan as well as crunching backing vocals.
Driving guitar rhythms make this song move along with the catchy percussion.
I have heard this type of song in all the metal bands I grew up with.
- Bruce Chambers
Great name guys, really suits you - although the image of a steamtrain hitting the tracks, the groove if you like, and thundering inexorably forward with muscular power also springs strongly to mind. Next stop? Rock and Rock Central, dudes.
There is something solid and more than a little nostalgic about steamtrains in general and I get the same feel from America's STEAMROLLER. Here we get to steam through four brawny tracks of well-played rolling Hard Rock/Metal with a retro feel that I trace back to the '70s. But don't associate STEAMROLLER with the Retro (or Stoner) Doom movement which also has its roots in the '70s - they are far too lively (more Jim Beam kind of guys rather than reefer drones, in my imagination) with a midpaced bounce and lusty vocal delivery. There is nothing slothful about STEAMROLLER, especially not in the rather energetic and skillful lead guitar breaks that pepper this demo.
STEAMROLLER should have no problem grabbing themselves some radio action. The atmospheric - effective use of samples here - and quieter, melodic, vibe of "Intertwined" recalls classic URIAH HEEP songs like "July Morning" (from the revered "Look at Yourself" album) or even DEEP PURPLE's more epic tracks - high praise indeed, but then this is a killer song. Seventies Rock giants like the HEEP and PURP from the '70s are constant reference points throughout "Crushing Fragile Rock Into Dust". "Armageddon My Ass" appropriately ends the demo with some hard-rocking moves.
I
think there is a market for this kind of committed, well-structured, well-performed
and enjoyable Hard Rock and STEAMROLLER should have no problem, I predict,
in steamin' on through and crushing the competition.
- Paul Drosdzol
Ok
fuck all the latest trends in the heavy metal sector is what Steamroller
delivers here going back to the essential part of heavy music. Opening
track "Aurora" sets the pace with some down and dirty rock & roll with
a great groove and infectious guitar work. Most striking member of this
band is vocalist Marc Don Vito. He is an outstanding singer. His bluesy
voice fits perfectly with this music. If you are into seventies hard rock
then you will get a spontaneous orgasm while listening to this EP. I have
only one complaint, I want to hear more!!!!!
- Bruno Van de Velde
Check
out Steamroller, a hot and heavy California band that will rock your socks
off.
- Carla
J. Zvosec
Steamroller
is certainly from the school of cock rock. Heavy bass rhythms, pounding
drums and crunchy guitar riffs define the sound of Steamroller. Add to
that the unique approach of Marc Don Vito on vocals, and you've got yourself
a fast, almost thrashy combination that delivers heavy rock with attitude.
The guitar playing is rather tasty with leads and runs that'll keep guitar
fans happy, and the rhythm section drive the song with ferocious beat.
Close to the end, the song features a kicking interlude that had me jumping
in my seat. This disc is full of crunch and power chords, yet underneath
that is a smoothly laid sense of melody that usually lacks in this style
of heavy rock. Steamroller do provide an intense rock experience. For
the bluesy, classic rock fans.
- Joe Rivera
Imagine
a cross of Mountain and AC/DC. Not that hard to do, really. Steamroller
combines a linear, slinging guitar style with pile-driving riffs and apocalyptic
drumming. Perfect posing music. And I mean that in the best way possible.
This stuff just reeks of testosterone, and just when I think the well
might be running dry, they come up with a fresh supply. Yes, it's simple
and a bit cheesy. That's the point, see? If you don't, well, that's okay.
This is "guy music," no doubt about it. Oh, yeah, this'll do. Steamroller
does the trick nicely.
- Jon Worley
Steamroller
not only delivers in your face rock and roll on their CD, but they follow
thru in their live shows as well. Refusing to believe the common misconception
that hard rock and metal have come and gone, they force you to rethink
your stance on that issue by rocking their hearts out and taking you along
for the ride. Steamroller will crush the naysayers with their brand of
fist pumping rock and roll!
- Laurie Steele
Steamroller
play straight ahead hard rock. First let me point out that the production
on this CD is great. The sound is crisp and you can hear each instrument
clearly. A real plus when a band is trying to make a good impression.
These guys will make a name for themselves. They have a timeless sound
that does make for good listening. This is very professional sounding
EP Four songs and not a filler in the bunch. If you are into good old
fashioned, blue collar hard rock you just might be interested in these
guys.
- Rick Maloney
Engines,
fire, powerful and evil heavyrock, destruction, bang your heads ... this
is the californian band STEAMROLLER which crushes all heavyrock posers
out of their way. Man, this CD is evil, dirty, heavy and bangin' heavyrock
with raw power. Mean riffs, strong and evil vocals, devastating drive,
straight rhythm ... if you ask me nothing is invinted new on this CD but
STEAMROLLER somehow are better than lots of other heavyrock bands ...
they are a bit weird (take the TED NUGENT meets Heavyrock part in Victorian
rose) and the songs do have more components than every-day-heavyrock.
All fans of sweet melodic heavyrock should hide in the woods because STEAMROLLER
will kick your butts. If you like to give your head a bang with absolutely
promising heavyrock or if you are looking for the right type of music
while smashing the furniture of your hotel room ... you should give STEAMROLLER
a try !
- Markus Weis
Steamroller
are an excellent example of what hard rock ought to be – what, in fact,
it used to be back in the heyday of Alice Cooper and AC/DC. The Burbank,
California-based quartet gets it just right on these four tracks; the
playing is tight and focused, and the mix is perfect. Singer Marc Don
Vito is a very competent vocalist and his harmonica solos add another
dimension to the group's standard power trio-sound.
- Jeff Bercovici
Man
nehme sich Brian Johnson und Bobby Ellsworth, säge sie in der Mitte auseinander
und nähe die Hälften zusammen, heraus kommt ein Sänger, der der Band Steamroller
sein Organ leiht. Die anderen lustigen Musikanten zaubern eine gekonnte
Chimäre aus AC/DC und Icy Daisy hinterher, simpel in der Struktur, aber
geil im Abgang. Coole Hooks und pumpender Bass nebst Schlagwerk treiben
gut nach vorn. Falls es ein Klientel für diese Musik gibt, werden Steamroller
sicherlich auch weiter von sich hören lassen, aber in den Staaten dürfte
das Thema eigentlich erledigt sein. Rock 'n' (steam)Roll!
- Markus "Maggi" Rehm
STEAMROLLER
est un groupe californien qui délivre un hard rock classique dans la pure
veine heavy. Les influences sont là : IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST ou AC/DC.
Quatre titres très bien produits sont proposés sur le CD démo. Tout sonne
pro chez STEAMROLLER.
- Isabelle MAITRE
BETTER
WATCH YOUR ASS! HERE COMES STEAMROLLER, A KICK ASS BAND FROM L.A.YOU GOTTA
CHECK OUT THEIR TUNES, ESPECIALLY "SERPENT" THERE'S A FEW OTHER SONGS
THERE TOO. GO CHECK EM' OUT.
- Joseph Keiper
Proudly claiming to "crush fragile rock," Steamroller presents a four song testimonial to what made traditional heavy rock classic. First off, the band strays from trying to bludgeon the listener's better tastes with endless drum fills and unnecessary speed freak pacing, opting for the big punch, a la AC/DC. Indeed, less is more here. This is not to say the band is as elemental as the Aussie legends, but it is to say they are successfully economical.
Of particular note, singer Marc Don Vito is an outstanding and very wicked blues based wailer. Don Vito may even be the band's strongest element, taking hooks just far enough but not overkilling them for the sake of the obvious. In fact, the band show's a sophistication and maturity that one may not expect from such a visceral image.
Steamroller's
EP does what a true EP should: show a band's strengths without being repetitive
or obvious. Also, production is decent (but a bigger budget could
definitely add texture and warmth). In short, it would be a crime if they
don't get a LP out in the near future. You get the feeling that
this is only the beginning.