What do you get when you combine four southern born and bred men together that love to play music? Why, you get a thrash metal band. Did you think I was going to say a country music band? Stereotypes are so funny because it’s one perception of what should be and Shattered Spine destroys all stereotypes about this band. They just play what they love to play and it shows the south isn’t just country anymore.
Their music is a bit more rough than your general metal or rock band and is designed to get you on the floor, thrash your hair and head around and crowd surf. The heavy hitting guitar rifs this band creates with the strong bone chilling vocals makes them a band worthy of Wayne’s World or Beavis and Butt-Head. They are, however, one of the few thrash metal bands that write love songs which shows they do have a softer side.
If you were to look at these guys, you would have no idea they were in a metal band. Their looks fooled me as well, as I actually thought they were in a country band. They wear camouflage, boots and jeans, and drive in pick-up trucks that you would need a ladder to get in. Simply put, they are country all the way. However, once I heard their music, I was shocked and amazed. They have a great sound that will take them far. Their talents also surpass their stage and musical performance and they write their own material as well. Song writing is tough, especially thrash metal, which make this band even more impressive in my eyes.
Despite their persona, this is a great bunch of guys who love to have fun. Having fun is actually how they came up with the name of their band. It came about because one of the band members was riding on a four wheeler with an ex-girlfriend when he went through a dried up river bed. After they made it through that rough terrane, his girlfriend said, “Damn, you almost shattered my spine.” That sentence stuck well and they forever named their band, Shattered Spine.
Right now this local band from Plant City, Florida hooked up with a management company by the name of All Souls Unlimited, and the partnership has proven to be successful. They are touring around the state of Florida, specifically the Tampa Bay area, playing in front of large and small crowds. Their audiences include just about anyone who wants to listen and “RAWK OUT.” They have some favorite hot spots such as the Brass Mug, Pegasus Lounge and others throughout the Tampa Bay area. This group plans to play on until they retire. This is the true goal of any musician who has it rolling through their veins. Shattered Spine also had an appearance on Party 95.5′s live web show on January 14th where you could see the guys up close and personal, unlike they are on the stage.
In 2009, another goal for this band is to get a record cut for their fans. Right now all they have is a live cut version from one of their shows here in the Tampa area. With a real CD made, you will be able to hear exactly how amazing this band is. You will be able to get a better understanding of how strong their singer’s voice is and how insane their guitar riffs and drum beats are. I know their CD will only help propel them into the future faster than they could ever imagine. For now, we encourage you to see this band live, or at least listen to their music on their MySpace page. If you like hard core rock, they will deliver.
Shattered Spine can be reached through their MySpace page which also lists some of their upcoming tours. That page is, www.myspace.com/shatteredspine. If you want to book them, contact Josie at All Souls Unlimited, their management company, by calling ***-***-****. We also had a sit down interview with the band live before a show and the podcast can be downloaded through iTunes or our Podcast column on the magazine. You may also listen to it there without downloading anything.
I think it’s best to end this article with a quote from one of my favorite TV shows growing up. “Yes, Butt-Head! This rocks!” “Beavis, this band kicks a@$!”
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