Page 132 - ION Indie Magazine November December 2019 Issue

My understanding is that their focus has always been on their fans and their live
shows. I can attest to that. After their shows, they hang out and chat and meet fans
until the last one has left the building. Chad makes a dauntless effort to be real and
available to the fans while on tour – which is no small feat as they’re on the
road touring for 8 to 9 months out of the year. I experienced the “Hemlock hospitality”
first-hand when Chad, with his long, dread-locked hair and his roustabout attitude,
responded enthusiastically to my last-minute email requesting permission to shoot
their show. He responded within minutes, demonstrating how important his fans are
to him. The rest of the band was just as courteous and excited to meet me.

I won’t say what Hemlock sounds like or which style they call to mind. I’ll let you
make that decision when you see them live. I will say that they do have a distinct
sound. Hemlock has toured with many of their favorite bands and their resume is a
long one, performing with such greats as Slipknot, Slayer, Ministry, Meshuggah,
Hatebreed, Soulfly, Otep, Chimaira, Snot, Pro-Pain, Obituary, Slipknot, Lamb of
God, Coal Chamber, Drowning Pool, Hed PE, Korn, and lots more.

Because the venue is a bit small, they didn’t perform their infamous “Wall of Death.”
In Hemlock's version of the “Wall of Death,” the band starts playing music while Chad
counts down from 10. After he reaches 1, Chad would usually scream out "Go!” At
this point, the two sides of the audience rush at each other and what ensues is an
often-violent collision that may involve jumping in the air, swinging of fists, and
throwing of elbows. Following this display, a mosh pit usually spontaneously forms.
That would have been a sight to see!

After several opening acts, Hemlock finally exploded on stage. They opened with
their 2012 title tract “The Only Enemy” and followed this with “No Time For Sorrow”
and “Scam Artist.” What really impressed me was the fact that they also had the
balls to play the entire 1999 “Shut Down” album -- all 13 tracks! That was pretty darn
impressive! And they didn’t stop there…they continued to perform another 30
minutes of hot, sweaty metal. Not to mention, Chad encouraged the audience to lift
their armpits up in the air and show off their sweaty, stinky arm pits. Need I say
more?

Hemlock’s lyrics are always creative and positive and the songs have lots of scream-
along and hooks. With some bands, I can get bored real fast if there are no hooks
or some sort of melody. Hemlock lacks none of the musical attributes mentioned.
After the show and in-between fan photos, the band gave me a few minutes of their
time and we did a fun, crazy taco salad photo shoot in the green room.

In the end, the band rocked hard and the fans went home happy and deaf. If you
love metal…I mean, if you REALLY love metal, then I highly recommend these boys
from Las Vegas.

Website: http://www.hemlockworld.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hemlockworld/
“Nobody Knows What A Killer Looks Like”: https://youtu.be/G7fPRSbiOcQ
“Dead To The World”: https://youtu.be/4gXFNoJHXZo