Page 7 - ISSUE 14

ROCKNATION ISSUE 14
CD the re-release of this hidden gem from PAGE 7
Mid Michigan. Perris Records recruited
Anthony Focx (Ace Frehley, Buckcherry,
Foreigner), (Aerosmith, AC/DC,
REVIEWS Metallica mixes for XBOX games) to re-
master the CD. This band in the mid 90*s
opened for many hard rock classic bands
such as MOLLY HATCHET, FOGHAT,
FOREIGNER, EXTREME and NIGHT
RANGER to name a few. Guitarist PAT
SHEPPARD style has been compared
to GEORGE LYNCH and vocalist JACK
KLUNDER hits notes only monster Interview with Pat Sheppard
vocalist for the BULLETBOYS and
STEELHEART can hit. PAT SHEPPARD by Tom Mathers
also grew up next door to President and
CEO of Rocknation TOM MATHERS. Tom: Hi Pat, influence some-
TOM MATHERS had this to say about
this CD. “This band should have made it welcome to body to
along with the many bands of their era, Rocknation. pursue a life of
only to be crushed when GRUNGE hit Pat: Hey Tom.... LOW income....
with bands wearing flannel shirts, singing always great to LOL....but for the
depressing lyrics, playing crappy guitar talk with you.... love of playing
riffs and NOT able to play guitar solos, Tom: When was guitar....Actually I
then you would get signed by the majors your Sahara Steel have one student
to drown out talented bands such as “Self Tited” CD who had a gig with
WORLDS APART SAHARA STEEL. Crank this CD is your recorded and a National band
“Clean Slate” player and I guarantee it will rock your where? called Good Char-
Perris Records world”. Pat: The record lotte. I was very
Worlds Apart appeared on the was done around proud of Mr. Marty
Hollywood Hairspray DVD along with the end of 98’.... Meink...
Stephen Pearcy, Babylon A.D., Cherry we recorded at Very talented guy...
St. and Dangerous Toys to name a few.
Perris Records recruited Anthony Focx this great place Tom: What national
(Ace Frehley, Buckcherry, Foreigner) to in west Michigan bands
master the CD. Worlds Apart, who have we’d heard about has your band
performed and recorded together since called Fast Tracks played with?
the early 90’s is a powerful melodic rock Studio....Grand Pat: Oh man we’ve
band from the San Francisco Bay Area. Rapids to be played with tons
Worlds Apart has released 3 CDs on exact...Bob there of people...Night
Perris Records as one of their top selling is a super great Ranger,
artist. Since the beginning Worlds Apart guy! Extreme, Molly Hatchet, Foghat
has played to sold out crowds, headlin- (RIP Lonesome Dave).... To name
ing as well as directly supporting many Tom: What guitar players influ-
national acts such as Dokken, Y&T, Night enced you the most growing up? a few
Ranger, Cinderella, Firehouse, Zakk Pat: You know growing up I typi- Tom: Your CD was recently
Wylde, MSG, Montrose, Bang Tango, STARRATS cally had similar influences as re-mastered by Anthony Focx
Enuff Znuff and many others. Worlds most 80’s guitar players...Van (Ace Frehley, Buckcherry,
Aparts 4th and new CD “Clean Slate” “Screw the Consequences” Halen, George Lynch, Foreigner) are you excited about
brings the return of original guitarist Swedmetal Records Warren Demartini, etc..But also the re-issue on Perris?
Rich Cedillo. The band now consists of A few lineup changes have altered guys like Michael Schenker and Pat: Yea Tom I can’t even explain
the entire original line up of Jay Davids THE STAR*RATS sound a bit. The rock Jonn Sykes,Nuno Bettencort.... or put Into words how excited
- Vocals, Rich Cedillo - Guitars, Gary sleaze is still abundant although Mag- and pleased we all are with the
Silva - Drums and JAS - Bass. The new nus, their new vocalist, has brought sorry but one last gem.... final results with wonderful job
CD “Clean Slate” produced and engi- a more modern quality to their tunes. Ronnie LeTekro from TNT....love
neered by JAS is a collection of songs Surprisingly, Magnus’ voice has a vibe that guy’s playing. Anthony has done....just F***ing
which capture the bands live sound like reminiscent of Joe Leste of BANG Tom: You was a guitar teacher amazing....that guys worth his
never before. Bass player JAS had this TANGO and LINKIN PARK’S Chester for many years and co-own a weight in gold....and I’m not
to say about the deal - “Worlds Apart is Bennington. The band had some adjust- Guitar Store, did you influence talkin’
ing to do since the departure of their
extremely proud of their new CD “Clean previous vocalist Soren Nico Adamsen any students that are playing in Columbian.....LOL
Slate” and looking forward to an exclu- who Brian Rademacher has compared bands now? Tom: Thank you for taking time
sive release with Perris Records world- to Sebastian Bach. After listening to THE Pat: Actually of the 100 plus stu- out for Rocknation
wide. We have worked with President STAR*RATS latest album, “Screw the Pay: Tom always a pleasure....
Tom Mathers for over 15 years, and now Consequences,” it’s apparent that the dents I taught on a weekly basis and can’t tell you thanks enough
Perris Records has Rocknation TV and band isn’t scared to take risks, but does several went on to play in bands and how great it is to be part of
newspaper to reach fans worldwide.” their third release ascend to the level of around the Mid West nothing
their previous work? Let’s find out. The of Nation wide status but good the Perris family....congrats on
14 tracks on “Screw The Consequences” bands none the less....makes the success of Rocknation...you
fuse together sleaze, modern rock, and deserve it bro..!!!
metal. “Who Cares,” provides a furious you feel good that you helped
opening with THE STAR*RATS signature
power and precision on display. Then it’s
on to the thunderous “I Could Die Here,”
which made me want to bang my head,
but ultimately plods along and misses
the mark. Guitarist, Post, shreds his solo
superbly in this track. “Loosin’ it” boasts
an adrenaline filled bass line, and a few
of guitar riffs that sounded lifted from Ace
Frehley’s “Snow Blind”. “Get Nasty,” is a
prime example of just how sleazy THE
STAR*RATS could be. If I was a DJ at a
strip club, this track would be in my regu-
lar rotation while the girls on stage get
“a little bit freaky.” The album is worth it
merely for “Another Tragedy” and “Raise
You Hands to Rock.” If you’re in the
mood for some loud, modern, heavy rock
SAHARA STEEL (think LINKIN PARK and PAPA ROACH)
“Sahara Steel” mixed with some old school sleaze, then
“Screw The Consequences” and pick up
Perris Records the damn album!
Perris Records is proud to announce