Groove metal, doom metal, sludge metal, stoner rock…“I stopped answering the genre question long ago.” Vagelis Karzis (Van Ace) tells me, upon discussion of his new group FULL HOUSE BREW CREW from Athens, Greece. “Who the hell cares?!? It’s tight, heavy, angry, drunken…it’s about friendship & respect for other people’s rights…& about aggression towards those who don’t follow suit!” Headbanger society has categorized FHBC’s tight, raunchy riffs as a straightforward heavy metal assault – somewhat popularized, like a “Re-Fueled” experiment with Metallica. What they didn’t explain…is the “PARTY POUNDING” injection & high octane ATTITUDE that go along with this band, or the thin slice of “Texas Fever” that you can hear amongst the notes. Named from a lucky hand at poker, Full House Brew Crew have “BET IT ALL” with their first recording effort of the same name. Van Ace (lead guitar/vocals), Sakis (drums), Spirus (rhythm guitar), & Nick (bass) have vigorously attempted to carve a striking new mark in their homeland of ancient rituals – a land that only began to see it’s first taste of hardrock during the mid to late 1960’s. And…just like a thunderbolt charging straight from the top of Mount Olympus, these heavy-riffing monsters are ready to become the next batch of “GREEK ROCK GODS”.
If you think this is an inundated version of Pantera meets Slipknot meets Black Label Society meets Godsmack, then you are probably correct…but only to a certain degree. While giving notable credit to their mass of influences, the members have infused signature stamps within the framework…& it’s been creating an amplified “buzz” amongst internet stations everywhere. It also caught the attention of Michael Amott (Arch Enemy), when the band opened for his sideline project “Spiritual Beggars” in early October, 2010. “I showed Amott how guitar SHOULD be played…haha, just kidding!” Karzis laughs in his fun-loving style. “We’ve only been together for a couple of years, so this was an incredible experience for us. Our first focus is to write GOOD music, then promote it to the people, & tour as much as possible.” So, what’s the entire HUBBUB with this group??? Well…if you enjoy a head-hammering lineup of seething rhythm section, accompanied by some intricate spans on lead guitar, & defined Hetfield-type growls & wails – FULL HOUSE BREW CREW might just be your “ale”, & should be locked on the louder end of volume.
“We played in a contest once, it was our first ‘LIVE’ gig, & we played FOR FUN because we knew that we were not going to win. The really cool thing was…I read somewhere (afterwards) that my guitar playing was like Zakk Wylde – only I was playing five things MORE than him. It was a real honor!” Van reflects on the group’s musical pursuit. “Everyone says that I’m wrong, by saying it is HEAVY ROCK MUSIC. All I know, is…I live this life once, & I don’t want to spend it behind a desk. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but it’s surely NOT for me.” With tonnes of stage experience in tow, & tremendous passion behind the songwriting, the d-tuned shavings of FHBC have sparked renewed interest in the flavor of music coming out of Greece…the challenge being…getting that music properly distributed to the rest of the world. As with any other independent group, social-networking sites have been a gracious aid in the dark-haired foursome capturing the attention of a North American audience. THE PLAN – to offer a 30 DAY complimentary taste of the album, on their associated web pages, in order to spur the attention they so rightly deserve. Signifying a fan base (before delving in with labels) is now the most important step for Full House Brew Crew to take…& it shouldn’t be a very difficult one. They’ve laid some KILLER MUSIC on the table…the public just needs to realize that it’s out there. According to Karzis, they are willing to do whatever it takes to get themselves (& their fans) recognized on a global scale. “Our fans are our friends.” he remarks…& it is this “UNITED” reflection that keep the listeners coming back for more. Official copies of the ten song disc will also be available for purchase directly from the band, & my initial suggestion would be…go straight to the source, it’s an album worth buying.
Call it political or societal angst, FHBC’s songs are a refuge to the downtrodden & misunderstood. “POWER TO THE PEOPLE”…a constant anthemic pulse that grinds slashing rhythm with fanatic solos, & a drumline that even Lars Ulrich would be proud to play! It punches you square in the face, then turns around to “SPIT” on your wounds…with discerning messages raging just below the surface. But through all the intense emotion & hardcore musicianship, the members just really wanna’ spread their lustrous “FULLHOUSE” energy…& have a good time doing it. Be it friend, foe, or otherwise – you can’t deny the solidity of this Greek formula & the affirmation that they are bringing “HEAVY” back!!! We’ll see what the next hand unveils, but for right now…fate seems to be dealing them all the RIGHT cards.
*** All photos courtesy of FULL HOUSE BREW CREW.
For more information, you can reach the band via these pages:
www.myspace.com/fullhousebandathens
www.facebook.com/pages/FULL-HOUSE-BREW-CREW/178819283798
www.reverbnation.com/fullhousebrewcrew
Booking can be acquired through Nikos Siglidis of GCA Concerts.
BPatoine – March, 2011
