Could Not Have Done This Without You, An Album By Ghost Writer, A Review

 

Could Not Have Done This Without You

Ghost Writer

So a little background origin story. Ghost Writer aka Phillip J. Mellen and I are old college buddies from the 90's. He's had a hand in so many different projects over the years. His poetry has always been a source of inspiration for me. I first met Phillip in my second semester at a local community college where we were both Art Majors. We shared several classes including a very avante garde sculpture class with a very avante garde (aka pain in the ass) professor. Tasked with creating an installation with few limitations or boundaries, Phillip came up with this amazing piece of art that included a briefcase and a molotov cocktail. The molotov cocktail may have ruffled some feathers.

Phillip J. Mellen aka Ghost Writer and Collaborators

Post college, Phillip and I have reconnected several times. First both being participants in a small local gallery show and then a few years later as a guest on his podcast, Ahtcast. Phillip has never shied away from talking about mental illness in his poetry, art collages and music. Much of his subject matter deals with the beauty and sadness of close relationships. Phillip's work reflects that sensitivity, empathy and intimacy. "Could Not Have Done This Without You" is a collaboration of Phillip's writings and the many friendships he's developed in his local scene. 

The graphics on the album's packaging were created by Phillip and many of the lyrics/poetry are straight from Phillip's own writings. Phillip has enlisted many of his friends from the local Southeastern Massachusetts music scene to interpret his work in fantastic ways. This is not a metal album. This is art.

Album Cover by PJM

1. From The Top - Vocals By Kevin Grant (Wire Lines, Gaskill, The Hidden), Yelling/Music by Dug McCormack, Lyrics By Phillip J. Mellen

Grant's delivery reminds me of a warning message sent over radio air waves during the intro to a dystopian movie. I mentioned to Phillip that this album's vibe reminds me in a way of Bowie's "Outside" Album which is my favorite in his catalogue. This track is a perfect example of setting the table for what's to come.

2. Contact - Music by Ethan Weiss with an assist by Mark Arruda, Lyrics by Phillip J. Mellen

This is a track that's got a Meat Beat Manifesto vibe. Dream like with a great beat throughout. Phillip's echoey delivery sends your brain through space. 

3. Sundress - Vocals by Dena Haden, Samples and Lyrics by Phillip J Mellen

This is a departure into a very quaint and beautiful short poem. The samples of a spring day really compliment the lyrics.

4. Palpitations - Music and vocals by Mark Arruda, Lyrics by Phillip J. Mellen

Palpitations is a radio ready pop song that is both catchy and replayable. 

5. Pace Yourself - Music by Kat Knutsen, Vocals and lyrics by Phillip J. Mellen

Fine piece of piano work over an intimate glimpse into Phillip's thoughts recorded over a phone message. It really invites the listener into a personal space.

6. Agreed On A Weed - Music by Chris Evil, Vocals and lyrics by Phillip J. Mellen

80's Synth pop by the enigmatic Chris Evil over a daydreamy poem about the connection between a weed and a relationship.

7. Wait For Me - Music by Kevin Fernandes and Ryan Coffey, Vocals by Sarah Jane Mulvey and Phillip J. Mellen

About the Album

Very beautiful and dreamlike instrumentals over Phillip and Sarah's dreamlike delivery of poetry. The back and forth is both intimate and relateable.

8. It Was A Ghost - Music by Nick LeBlanc, Vocals and Lyrics by Phillip J. Mellen

This is yet another great collaboration between the direct delivery of vocals/poetry and bright guitar riffs. A soundscape that is very expansive.

9. Cigarette Break - Vocals and lyrics by Phillip J. Mellen

A brief look into a poignant memory of a relationship. 

10. Voicemail from Kevin - Vocals by Kevin Fernandes

A great reminder to check in with your friends. I miss my old phone recording message machine.

11. He Was a Good Man - Music and vocals by Keith Borges, Lyrics by Phillip J. Mellen

A beautiful acoustic piece. The lyrics are a like the narration in one's mind on a sunny mid afternoon.

12. Ghost Pilot - Vocals by Shelley Cardoos, Kristin Dupre, Mark Arruda, and Phillip J. Mellen, Music by Mark Arruda, Lyrics by Phillip J. Mellen

I really enjoy the vibe of this tune. A great closer full of modern folk rock meets shoe gaze playing and a beautiful chorus of vocals. The musicianship is top notch and uplifting. Great way to close this chapter.

I'm a biased listener. I've known Phillip for a good portion of my life. Hearing his voice on this album is a like a time machine taking me back to some of my favorite periods in life. This album is a beautiful piece of work that will translate to many people these days. While this blog is about "all things heavy", sometimes we need a moment to step outside of this space. The beauty of sunlight through a bedroom window, a look back at the "perfect" moments of a past relationship that transcends time and just engaging in human moments like reviewing an old voice mail from a friend are sometimes the things we need to break up a heavy day. So while you're ripping through your catalogue of old slayer classics and you find yourself in need of a change of pace for a moment, give this piece of art a listen. It's on bandcamp. You have no excuse. Thanks Phillip for creating this. 

If you enjoyed this album and would like to know more, click the links below.

Music | Could Not Have Done This Without You

Phillip J. Mellen on Facebook

Ahtcast Podcast / Website

Phillip's Website

"ME"TAL 101 with Bob Mendell of ON YOUR DEATHBED

(Photo Credits - left-Facebook/right-EVIL ROBB)

Taunton Massachusetts' own, On Your Deathbed, have been busy the past few years playing in a number of big time shows. From opening for the likes of Philip H. Anselmo (twice) to being part of a number of Metal Fests in the area, On Your Deathbed are a band possessed. Vocalist Bob Mendell is no stranger to the New England Metal scene as he's been around the better part of the past two decades honing his craft. While eagerly awaiting Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals, I watched a great lineup of opening bands. When On Your Deathbed hit the stage, I took notice of the polished stage presence of all the members. Wearing a pristinely adorned battle vest any metal head would give their left nut for and pacing the stage like an animal ready to take down his prey, Bob commanded the attention of the growing crowd of onlookers. OYD delivered an intense set that culminated with the track "ON YOUR DEATHBED" which made a lot of new fans of the band. (Pointing to myself)

SO as I usually do, I asked myself, hey why not reach out to Bob and get some insight. He graciously answered this short Q&A I threw out to him. If you enjoy what you read and hear(follow the links), throw these guys a bone and pick up their current EP. Better yet check out what they have to offer in person. Hell, New England isn't that far away after all.

HMT: I was impressed by your performance last night at Fete. Can you give me alittle background on the band and your history in the Providence metal scene?

BOB: We were formed in 2013 and had our first show in Providence with Shadows Fall. We’ve been blessed with playing with some of the most amazing shows with some incredible bands since then. We recorded our first EP a couple years back and are working on a full length right now. We have some big shows coming up for the end of this year. 

HMT: I think everyone in attendance could feel the vibe that this wasn't just an ordinary show. How did it feel as a musician and fan being on the same gig as Philip H. Anselmo and the illegals? Did you get a chance to interact with the legendary front man? 

BOB: We actually have played with Phil and Superjoint last year at the Rock and Shock festival at the Worcester Palladium. So this was actually our second time playing with this legend. Still was insane and surreal. A true honor. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to see him in person backstage last night. However last year I was able to get some 1 on 1 time with him and it was awesome. He’s a super nice guy. He was so on point last night. Looked healthier and sounded better than ever!!! The whole night was incredible. All the bands brought the power and destroyed!!! I did get my copy of “Power Metal” on Phil’s bus to get it signed though. Haha 

Bob and 'THE KID" Phil Anselmo (credit instagram)

HMT:  I really respect Fete for continuously booking more mainstream metal acts. What's your take on some of the most formerly revered clubs in our area rarely booking metal shows anymore? 

BOB: We are very lucky to have some clubs in the area that are willing to give local original metal a place to rock and the fans a place to call their own. Some of my favorites are Fete in Providence, The Vault at Greasy Luck in New Bedford, The Cove and the Worcester Palladium in Worcester. It’s really a bummer seeing venues that were so historic for live metal changing their format. There’s one less chance a band has to catch a break 

HMT: My last question, where can folks catch you next? And any plans to put out another EP or full length? 

BOB: Our next shows coming up are: Sept 30th w/ Steve Grimmett’s Grim Reaper at Greasy Luck in New Bedford, MA Nov 4th The Providence Metal Fest w/ Whitechapel, DevilDriver, Chelsea Grin, Oceano, Slaughter to Prevail, Jinjer, Raven Black and more at Fete Music Hall Dec 15th w/ at The Cove in Worcester, MA Dec 28th w/ Doyle at Fete Music Hall in Providence, RI We’re in the studio now recording our full length. We’re hoping to have it released early 2019 Keep your eyes on our Facebook, Instagram pages for any and all info.

______________________________________________________________________

Band
Bob Mendell - Vocals
Mike Creature - Bass
Caz Gadles - Lead/Rhythm Guitars and Vocals
James Healy- Lead/Rhythm Guitars and Vocals
Mike Geoffrion - lDrums

Follow the Link Below for all their Social Media
www.reverbnation.com/onyourdeathbed

https://www.facebook.com/pg/deathbedmetal
www.instagram.com/onyourdeathbed/

"ME"TAL 101 Presents Blackhouse's Kevin Grant

Class is in session. Come on in. This is "ME"TAL 101...kickassery is afoot

Subject: Kevin Grant

Current:  BLACKHOUSE

Address: http://blackhousetechnologies.bandcamp.com/

Position: Lead Vocalist

Alumni: Iron Oak, Judo Heirs, The Hidden, Gaskill, The Brain Dead Geniuses

HMT: First off, when did you start listening to heavy and aggressive music? Who inspired you the most to start singing?

GASKILL

Kevin Grant: I began listening to serious, heavy music when I was about 11 years old. I started Middle school during that year, and it was a tough school in a tough town, and I fell in with the skateboarders. Those were the toughest dudes around, real raw. I was an out of touch science nerd, but I was funny, and I knew I needed to make tough friends if I was gonna get by. And if you were a skateboarder at any age you hung with skateboarders of all ages, so it was like instant protection. I then learned all of my music through skateboarding, and all of these underground connections. It was all the same to us, like, Public Enemy was the same genre to me as The Smiths, or Slayer. You were either on the grid or off the grid, that's all. I learned all of my music through those dudes, but also through Thrasher magazine and skate videos. My start-out bands were the Dead Kennedy's, The Ramones and the Sex Pistols. I was extremely blessed as a youth to be surrounded by these things. I started my first band around that time, The Brain Dead Geniuses. We had a Muppet Babies drum kit and just made one-off cassette recordings.

I started singing probably around 2 years old. My Dad would take me to the bars in Fall River and I would sing "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" on the bar stools for all of his buddies. This was at The Corky Row Club, Billy's Cafe and the Columbus Cafe, from about 1977 to 1979.

HMT: You are an incredible vocalist and performer. What's the last thing you think of before you belt out the first note of the night.

KG: Thanks. I get terribly pumped before I play. I live for this sort of thing and I get sick thinking about it. I usually don't remember the show afterwards. I go away somewhere and just zone out. But beforehand I worry more than you would imagine. The idea of letting people down or destroying my rep horrifies me. I want to hang it up when I can't do this anymore. I never want to be an embarrassment. So as long as i can continue to kill it I know I have a right and a duty to be up there.

Kevin Grant in the zone.

HMT: As far as Heavy Metal goes, can you relate to any of the new bands out there today.

KG: No, I wouldn't even know who they are. I got into heavy music because I couldn't play by the rules very well, so I've never really been in a punk band, a metal band, a hardcore band, and I can't speak with authority on any of those styles of music. I won't toe those party lines, but I toe the human line. Run out and listen to everything, love life. I mostly listen to dub reggae.

HTM: What did you learn the most from working with Steve Albini on your previous recordings?

KG: He's a very nice man. We payed by the day, but he worked 17 hour days, and he works every day. He's a master of a dying art. He mics, records and edits on a 2 inch tape. He's extremely fast with his editing. When people slam him you should ask yourself if they have actually worked with him... because he's a very harmless sweetheart of a person.

Steve believes that a recording engineer should be like an electrician. You hire him to record your songs, and that's all. He's not there to help you, just to roll tape.

HTM: Your lyrics are really sophisticated. Where do you pull your subject matter from?

KG: I read constantly. I think lyrics are very important. If there are moments in my life when I question my own morals and ethics, I would like to be able to spin back to my lyrics and get some solace from them.

When I write songs I typically think of them as having been already written. When the band presents me with an instrumental piece of music I ask myself, "What are the words to this song? What is the melody?" I treat it as an already finished piece that I've been handed the karaoke track to. My job involves lots of listening and lots of translation but very little creation.

Blackhouse Triple Bass Attack

HTM: Do you consider yourself more of a Metal or Punk artist? Is there even a reason to categorize music these days?

KG: I got into punk/hardcore/metal/skateboarding because I hated rules. Anyone who is out there defending "real metal", "real hardcore", "real punk"-- well, they should

jump off a cliff. I'm not here to make friends.

HMT: So Kevin, you're playing with a new lineup in Blackhouse. How different is it playing without a guitarist and instead having three kickass bass players.

Ed Macomber, Blackhouse percussion

KG: I sort of assembled this band. I realized that any band which has a song where only bass, drums and vocals have a moment together rules..... so why not get rid of everything else?

It's not weird to me at all. What's weird to me is the idea of rebellious rockers sticking to a drums/bass/guitar/vocals format. Total cowards.

HMT: The first video for Blackhouse is really great. Any asprirations to get into acting someday?

KG: No.

Image still from Blackhouse "You Love Your War" Video

HMT: We're heading into the second half of 2013. What are your plans for the summer with Blackhouse?

KG: I wrote a book which will be released as a companion piece for our cd.

Thanks again Kevin, this has been a blast!

Time's up, Pencils down...That concludes our very 1st "ME"TAL 101 interview. 

Special thanks to all who've continued to support the blog by spreading the word, liking our facebook and sharing our links. 

https://www.facebook.com/HeavyMetalTextbooks

 BLACKHOUSE hails from New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Tim Catz, Mario Costa and Mike Means: Bass guitars.
Kevin Grant: vocals.
Ed Macomber: drums. 

For more information about BLACKHOUSE

Make sure to check out and purchase their tracks @ http://blackhousetechnologies.bandcamp.com

Hit them on their official facebook page 

@ https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Blackhouse/350771184935606

All images used are property of Blackhouse