Hellyeah! The Supergroup comprised of members of Mudvayne, Nothingface, Damage Plan and one Mr. Vinnie Paul of Pantera, Rebel meets Rebel and Damageplan defies genre definition with their self-titled album. A little bit metal, a little southern rock and a whole lot of attitude comprise the 12 song offering. The album debuted at # 9 on the Billboard Charts, a feat that the band is really proud of considering the amount of work they put in to it in a small amount of time.
The band started out as a project that Jerry Montano, Tom Maxwell (both of Nothingface), Chad Grey and Greg Tribbett (Mudvayne) wanted to do. After struggling to find a drummer the guys finally decided to call up Vinnie Paul. After a bit of hesitation Vinnie decided to give it a go. What happened could be one of the greatest musical collaborations of our time. The album was written and recorded in Chasin Jason studios in Dimebag Darell's house in Texas in a matter of a few short weeks. According to Greg Tribbett the writing process differed greatly from that of Mudvayne. Since they all vibed together really well it was basically just the guys playing and having a good time. The album that came out of this collaboration could be one of the best hard rock/metal albums of 2007.
Starting out with the aptly titled Hellyeah. The album kicks into hyper drive right off the bat with lyrics like "throwing fists in the pit hellyeah, think your fucking with this well hell no". A heck of a way to start out a album.
It sets the standard for the rest of the tracks to follow. It’s also the track that guitarist Tribbett says sets the vibe of the band. The second track You wouldn't’t Know is a homage to the pressures of being in the spotlight. At first listen it sounds like a Mudvayne track but when you delve a little deeper it has a sound all it’s own. Each song on the album has a voice. The tracks Matter of Time and Waging War convey the heavier side of the album while tracks like "Star and Thank You" bring out the mellow side of the band. The later thanking everyone for being so supportive in all of the guys time of need.
Than there’s the track "Alchohaulin Ass". The track was created as kind of a bet between Tribbett and Chad Grey. Tribbett bet Grey that he couldn't help him write a country song. The track that came out of it is one of the best drinking songs of our time. It’s a little bit of me a little bit of you, a little bit of whiskey and part bad attitude. All the makings of an outlaw country song.
All in all the album takes an interesting approach to metal. Making the listener believe that metal can be not only brutal and heavy but also melodic, fun and even healing at times. This album is truly a treat for the ears. It has something for everybody. The big question is what comes next?
The group is following up the album with the Fire It Up tour along with a trip on the Family Values tour this summer. We are told to expect a rocking, drinking party on wheels. A show that’s full of energy. The plans after that are uncertain. While the Mudvayne and Nothingface guys go do their thing with their main bands hellyeah will take a short hiatus. Not to fear though their will be a second album according to guitarist Greg Tribbett.
Check out the tour when it comes to a city near you. I’m sure it will be an alcohol infused good time. If any of these guys histories teach us anything it’s that live music is meant to be enjoyed by both the performer as well as the audience. So getcha pull, grab your whiskey and weed and head out to one of the greatest traveling parties on wheels.....HELLYEAH!
TOUR SCHEDULE:
Sun. May 20
Baltimore MD
Rams Head Live
Tues. May 22
Louisville KY
Expo 5
Wed. May 23
Peoria IL
East Peoria Convention Center
Fri. May 25
Cleveland OH
House of Blues
Sat. May 26
Grand Rapids MI
Orbit Room
Sun. May 27
Madison WI
Barrymore Theater
Tues. May 29
Denver CO
Fillmore Auditorium
Wed. May 30
Omaha NE
Sokol Auditorium
Fri. June 1
Wichita KS
The Cotillion
Sat. June 2
Tulsa OK
Cains Ballroom
Sun. June 3
Lubbock TX
Southbeach
Tues. June 5
Corpus Christi TX
Pavilion
hellyeahband.com
myspace.com/hellyeah
hellyeahrocks.com
EDITOR'S NOTE: Bob "Zilla" Kakaha, formerly with Damageplan, has replaced Jerry Montono on bass guitar.
