Site Navigation: 1981-1983 - 1984-1985 - 1986-1987 - 1988-1989 - 1990-1992 - 1994-1995 - 1996-1997 - 2002-2003 - Post-2003

By BRIAN J. HEATON

Combine two distinct lead singers, three established guitarists, and add a pounding rhythm section, and one typically has a recipe for an over-saturated and frictional recording session.

But as vocalist/guitarist Damon Johnson and drummer Scott Rockenfield explained, Slave to the System isn't your typical rock band.

"We really just set out to have fun together and create whatever we felt at the time," said Rockenfield. "We just gel together very well." Johnson agreed. "I think everyone got to have some fun playing their ideas, and at the same time, it was a completely 'ego-free' environment."

Johnson and Rockenfield (who also play in the established acts of Brother Cane and Queensr˙che, respectively) are joined by Kelly Gray (guitars), Roman Glick (bass), and Scott Heard (vocals/guitars), and recorded their self-titled debut album in an astonishing two weeks! Written exclusively at Gray and Rockenfield's home studios in Seattle, Wa., the group's vibe was positive and upbeat from the start. "Our chemistry became instantly undeniable to us," Rockenfield explained. "That is why we were able to create music in such a short period of time.

Released independently through CD Street.com, the recording features 11 tracks, ranging from the aggressive metal riff-laden title track, to cuts such as "Abyss" and "Walk the Line," both of which showcase the mellower side of the band. "'Walk the Line' is a dark song and inspired lyrically by the tragic loss of our friend Tim Saunders," Johnson painfully recalled. "He was an inspiration to us all, in that he never would go through a day without having a happy outlook," added Rockenfield. "Life was fun for him and he was a kind man. A friend to all that knew him."

While the band negotiates with record labels, fans may ironically notice that the title track takes a poke at the industry as a whole, describing the effect of corporate minds on an artist's music. "It's so cool to me that the song and the name of the band were inspired by the same concept," Johnson said. "The history books should show that the name of the band was Kelly's idea, and he had that even before we got together. The lyrics sort of evolved by themselves one night when Kelly, Scotty Heard, and myself were slammin' coffee and trying to finish two or three things. I'll always remember us laughing at how cool the lyrics were when we were writing them."

Releasing the album independently, Rockenfield said, was a testimony to their fans' enthusiasm for the project. "We are talking with all of the major and some of the independent labels," the drummer explained. "But in the interm, we decided to release the record on our own to give our very patient fans the opportunity to listen to it."

Fans won't have to be patient much longer though, as the group is planning a small tour sometime during the spring and summer months of 2002 - which gives them ample opportunity to hook up with a big-time band for the common outdoor concert series set-up many artists like to play. "We want to do both opening gigs and some headlining shows," admitted an enthusiastic Johnson. "We'd love to get picked up by a major label and have the promotional muscle, but we plan to do some dates by the summer regardless of what happens."

In regard to a headlining tour, the group should have no problem providing a solid two-hour set for their fans. Along with its own songs, Slave to the System may attempt to play some tracks from the bands the members are derived from - Brother Cane and Queensr˙che. "It would make sense to play 'The Crow Flies,' (off Brother Cane's Wishpool album) because it was one of the first things that Kelly, Roman, and I collaborated on," Johnson revealed. "As far as what Queensr˙che songs to play, my favorite album is Operation: Mindcrime, so I'd vote for something off of that. But Scott Heard and/or I would have to feel comfortable singing it."

While Slave to the System is regarded as a primary focus of its members, fans of both Brother Cane and Queensr˙che need not worry as new music from those bands is on the horizon. "We are all looking at this band as being big," Rockenfield said of Slave to the System. "But I do know that there is still a lot of good music to come from our other bands." Johnson agreed. "I would love to make another Brother Cane album very soon, but ... when we can get the behind the scenes stuff worked out, I'd love for Slave to the System to be my full-time job for awhile."

---

Copyright 2005, Brian J. Heaton. All Rights Reserved.