HOWITZER

Formed in 2000, Arizona’s Howitzer plays a potent brand of heavy metal, one driven by the sounds of hardcore and augmented even further by modern and thrash metal. The band often plays in Albuquerque, usually at the Launchpad, which is where I caught them on August 26. They have also performed at other local venues, so when they’re in the 505, it’s worth checking them out.

A follow-up to Rise to Power, In Our Name is a behemoth of an album, anchored by some serious aggression whose edges are brightened with catchy riffs and some technical virtuosity that make for a most satisfying listen. The band’s heart is drummer Jeremy Jalowiec, whose percussive bursts will make your inner ears bounce and bleed some a serious workout. The percussion is driven by punk aesthetics—which is not coincidental, as Howitzer started off as a straight-on punk band.
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Thumper Beau Diveley gives the band a distinct low-end sound (listen to the opening to “The Fall of the Great Hope”), one contrasted by guitarist Matt Moody, who prefers hitting the higher-end chords, particularly during his piercing solos. However, both bass and guitar strike similar chords during key riffs and rhythms, as these often feel like a raging locomotive tearing up the terrain.

The power trio all tackle vocals, which are delivered more as harsh barks and higher-end rasps than traditional croons. There’s even a special guest on the track “245,” with none other than Bjorn “Speed” Strid from Soilwork handling the lead throat duties.

Lyrically, the band explores some heavy themes, using the power of the written word to good effect. For example, the opening track, “Remission,” addresses living life without any limitations, as if one were diagnosed with cancer. It also hints at the societal decay prevalent in humanity, one in which so many of us simply live out our lives within so many self-inflicted limits that suppression of self-expression is the norm.

Fans of hardcore-driven metal who want more aggression and no hints of melodic crap would do well to pick up Howitzer’s In Our Name. From opening to the final seconds of the last song, this band will tear into your world and make out of it a small mosh pit filled with some truly killer music. You have been warned.
- Octavio Ramos, Santa Fe Metal Music Examiner

Local Band Stands Out

Amid record breaking temperatures in Arizona (this particular night, it was 88 degrees), Five Finger Death Punch showed up with a furious set and heavy openers for an evening of pure adrenalized metal.

Kicking off the night and setting the pace for others to follow were local heavy weights Howitzer. The band played to a PACKED venue, which is a rarity for an opening local band on a multiband bill like this, proving they have one of the biggest draws in the Phoenix area. Howitzer t-shirts were flying out of the merch booth left and right and showing up on sweaty bodies flying across the floor.

The band started their set 10 minutes early and even then it was surprising how many people were already waiting. Starting off with Purge, The Massacre and Vindication, it didn’t take long for pits to erupt. Lead guitarist/vocalist Matt Moody laid down the fierce riffs while drummer Jeremy Jalowiec solidified each tune with solid, precision even bludgeoning beats. Bassist Beau Diveley completes the trio’s heavy bottom line. Changing of the vocal duties throughout the show displays the diverse talent of the band.

Finishing up with Blacklisted, New Blood and S.I.D., Howitzer left the crowd wanting more, and threw down the gauntlet for those who followed. With such a pummeling set, it’s really no surprise that the band was just picked to support Suicidal Tendencies on the 26th and Austrian Death Machine in December. The band is also currently concentrating on writing their next release, a follow up to the deafening Rise to Power.

Unfortunately the night turned a little hectic, and I completely missed Split the Enemy (who only had a 20 minute set – the same amount of time it takes to get a beer and get back) and Bury Your Dead’s sets. From what little I was able to hear while running around, to me it sounded like Howitzer’s set should have been lengthened instead.

Following the sea of sweaty moshers was In This Moment. I quickly have to thank Chris Howorth for grabbing me a photo pass for the band (it appears the one I had was for FFDP only, not the entire bill like it normally is). Gracious and accommodating as always.

The band has really honed their live show, and it’s apparent with each passing gig. Having a very successful run in arenas during the Ozzy/Rob Zombie tour, the crowd quickly regained its interest in the bill when the band opened with Prayers, All for You and Ashes. Having just released The Dream in September, the band followed with three new cuts – Violet Skies, Forever and Mechanical Love, each one a crowd pleaser. They finished off a solid, flawless set with Daddy’s Fallen Angel and Beautiful Tragedy, both off 2007’s debut Beautiful Tragedy.

The pits that Howitzer had instigated came to full intensity when Five Finger Death Punch played the beginning chords of Ashes. The band left no breathing room as they tore in to Salvation and Way of the Fist. The unison rhythm of guitarists Zoltan Bathory and Darrell Roberts rival that of legendary artists. Able to crack a rib at 20 feet, they deliver crushing riffs at every turn.

Ivan Moody commands the stage and races across it like a tiger in heat trying to get out of a cage. You have to keep your eyes on him as you simply don’t know if that tiger will escape. Devil’s Own, Fiction and White Knuckles keep the crowd in check, and the sweat pouring. The band did not let up at all, and finished the set with Bad Company, Never Enough, Meet the Monster and The Bleeding.

A night of great bands and a packed house at the Marquee, what else could you ask for? If you get a chance, get out to the show and enjoy a great onslaught of metal. - By CrpnDeth, Staff Photographer/Writer

Local Arizona Band Making Big

January sparked the indie release of the highly anticipated Howitzer debut CD Rise to Power. Based out of Arizona, this volatile three piece pushes brutality to the edge. Their early punk roots are scattered throughout the disc, bringing together an undeniable old school punk/hardcore vibe reminiscent of the New York scene during the 80’s.

Blacklisted, which starts the disc off, is modern thrash at it’s best. Raw, hungry and pissed. Following suit is Purge and the stomp fest S.I.D. Strangely enough, for a debut release, there are two instrumentals included. As Integrity Dies Slowly shows the acoustic, slower side of the band’s front man and guitarist, Matt Moody. While the piece is intricate and delicate, it simply has no time to go anywhere in one minute and thirty three seconds. The second instrumental, The Shadow of War, is nothing more than static and gun blasts for one minute and forty nine seconds. Makes me wonder what the point of it is when the space could have been used for another full tune.
While being original in this day and age is pretty much unheard of, the novelty of being a one lone guitarist does carry a heavy burden. In Vindication and Rise to Power, the guitar solo is played out over no underneath guitar chords (but a thick ass bass line instead), taking away some of the momentum that the song builds up. However, the solos on these two tracks are some of the best that the disc has to offer, especially in Vindication.

Also distinctive on this release is the three bandmates’ (drummer Jeremy Jalowiec and bassist Beau Diveley along with Moody) vocal styles, as they share the duties throughout the songs. Makes for an interesting blend and at the same time, contrast.

While not entirely breaking new ground, this disc does showcase the Arizona music scene and it’s hidden talents within. Definitely a worthy addition to the heavier side of your CD collection. - By CrpnDeth, Staff Photographer/Writer

I am hard pressed to think of when a sophomore release totally outshined a debut release by leaps and bounds. Mind you, I’m not talking just a solid release that shows some improvement, I mean a release that makes you totally forget the band existed prior to the debut release.
Such is the case with Howitzer’s In Our Name.
The songwriting, vocals, riffs – the band raised the bar to a phenomenal level that only time will tell if they themselves can raise it again. They sound like a totally different band from when they released Rise to Power. I seriously had to listen to this disc a couple of times to fully realize it was the same band. The progression is just that impressive.
I think for me, a favorite that stands out the most is Beyond the Black River - a song about regret with a dream experience of seeing yourself in two different scenarios – one real and one animated with no way out.
Each cut has its own distinctive personality, most notably the fact that on this disc there are three vocalists. Bassist Beau Diveley does lead on The Hydra Taint and The Mountain, drummer Jeremy Jalowiec does lead on The Fall of the Great Hope and The Hurt Locker, while guitarist Matt Moody handles lead on 245 and Keeping the Bitch at Bay. Especially profound is that Howitzer was able to wrangle Bjorn “Speed” Strid from Soilwork for vocals on 245. The fact that the band has opened up and spotlighted each member on lead vocals shows, well quite frankly – that they have the balls to back them up. The band also introduces a piano element done by Aaron Laman of Villain Recording Studio.
Interesting fact – a local venue called the Marquee is where the band held their CD release party and they now hold the highest attendance record for a local band. Sadly, this record is a number in which bands like In Flames, Danzig and Black Label Society haven’t obtained at the Marquee. Trust me, the Marquee is my second home and I have seen a thousand bands there, and the crowd was near sell out. It was amazing.
Quite frankly, Howtizer’s In Our Name and Overkill’s Ironbound are two discs on my shortlist for albums of the year for 2010. They are gearing towards being arena players in the not too distant future. It wouldn’t surprise me to see them on a Rockstar Mayhem tour in the next year or two. - By CrpnDeth, Staff Photographer/Writer

Holy fuck.

What the hell else can you say about the night of July 21st at the Venue of Scottsdale? The biggest gig of the year blew through Scottsdale Arizona alongside a seasonal monsoon storm.

Quite fitting actually. Tad Zaccard from Arizona’s Monsoon Radio is the mastermind who made it possible for this historic event to even take place. Comedian and fellow headbanger Brian Posehn came out for this show, as well as The Zombie Review crew.

It was rather surprising that a band with as much local draw as Howitzer was set to open the show, ahead of Tolerant who are from Prescott (who I think were set to break up right after the show or simply reunited for this show?). Regardless, Howitzer hit the stage like they owned it, and set an intense pace for those that followed.

The band was flawless and got the crowd quickly swarming. While the band played Revelations, The Massacre and Live to Fight the crowd happily stomped on. The sweaty mass continued their circular onslaught as the band tore through the rest of their short set, which included a new tune from their upcoming full length CD set to be released in October. The band continues to show musical growth and it will be no surprise that a slot on Sounds of the Underground or even 2nd stage at Ozzfest might not be too far off. Between the blustery double bass of drummer Jeremy Jalowiec and the bellowing end of bassist Beau Diveley, singer/guitarist Matt Moody delivers screaming riffs that incite the crowd step it up in the pit.


- By CrpnDeth, Staff Photographer/Writer

If you are looking for solid song writing, talented musicianship and music that will get you moving, than Howitzer is the band to experience. It is a challenge to not head bang along with every song and even when I’m sitting down my feet are mimicking the drumming. A powerful vocal performance mixed with commanding guitar, bass and drum work is rare to come across. Howitzer dominates their live performances with the intensity of their brutal music and showmanship that can rival any national metal act. Their musical writing gets more professional with every album and “In Our Name” proves Howitzer’s amazing talent to produce music that is catchy, powerful and free flowing with the precision of a surgeon. I have had the luxury of watching Howitzer mature into a genuine metal act that demands everyone’s respect. Your hearing will thank you for Howitzer’s auditory onslaught; that is until you go deaf from the uncontrollable desire to crank the volume to unsafe conditions.
-Marcus Meng
98 KUPD
Metal Director
“Into The Pit”
- 98 KUPD

Music U Nights - Mike Trujillo interviews Howitzer prior to their June 3rd show at The Launchpan In Albuquerque NM - Music U Nights

Hailing from Arizona but calling Albuquerque and New Mexico their “second home,” Howitzer play a potent combination of punk, hard rock, and bits of metal. Filled with plenty of groove and heavy mosh moments, Howitzer’s music is best experienced live, which is not a problem, as the band comes to New Mexico often. The band has released a couple of full-length studio CDs, the latest of which is titled In Our Name. I recently met with Howitzer, when they performed on the Launchpad along with Suspended, Eve of an End, and Blinddryve. A few days before, the guys sat down and gave me the interview below.

Tell me about your band and its musical approach.

Howitzer: “Howitzer consists of three guys who love playing intense and heavy music. We have been together 11 years and have no plans of stopping. Our approach to music begins with the understanding that music is an expression of emotion; we are simply attempting to get the most intense expression that we possibly can.”

How would say Howitzer has evolved in the 11 years you have been together?

Howitzer: “Howitzer were initially a Ramones cover band in high school. We expanded into a few other covers, and we then began writing our own music. Initially, we were very influenced by punk and classic rock, but as we progressed we made a decision to play heavier, more dynamic music, [although still keeping] the energy and spirit of punk. Over time, we have also begun to use more of our influences, from blues, jazz, hardcore, and anything else with a solid groove.”

Tell me about your latest CD, In Our Name. What can fans expect to hear? And where can they get their hands on a copy?

Howitzer: “In Our Name is our attempt to make a huge, extreme, and intense record, not only musically but thematically. We have been strongly influenced by our work in the mental-health field, addressing topics such as schizophrenia, soldiers coping with the traumas of battle, and suicide. We also have on the record multiple guest musicians, which broaden the experience. One notable example is Soilwork’s Speed Strid, who contributed vocals. Fans can get our CD at CDbaby, ITUNES, and on our website.

Any plans to record a CD? If so, provide any details.

Howitzer: “Howitzer are currently working on a new double record—we love all of the big ‘60s and ‘70s double records, and we wanted to get a chance to stretch our legs and span more material at the same time. We have written some of the heaviest, more brutal music of our lives, but at the same time have come up with some very beautiful and inspiring pieces that are at the other end of the spectrum. The first disc will be released next year.”

You’ve performed in New Mexico a number of times. How have you found the state and its rabid fans?

Howitzer: “New Mexico is amazing—it is our second home! We have always been shocked to see so many people pitting, going crazy, and singing along! We are always hurting the next day after being in New Mexico, and we never have to worry about sleeping in the van. We cannot thank the NM crowd enough—they are the reason we do this!”






- THE EXAMINER - Written by Octavio Ramos

HOWITZER TARGETS GALLUP IN METAL EXTRAVANGAZA

By Richard Reyes
Staff writer for Gallup Independent
GALLUP — Arizona southern rock, thrash, metal band Howitzer always puts on a strong show no matter how many people are in the crowd, but Gallup is one of the band’s favorite stops because of the energy music fans give off.
Howitzer is returning to Gallup for the third time and will hit the Juggernaut for the second time Saturday night. Howitzer drummer Jeremy Jalowiec said the band formed about 10 years ago and described their sound as pretty aggressive.
The same could be said about Gallup metal fans.
“We make it a point to stop in Gallup because the crowds get so crazy,”?Jalowiec said.
But it’s not just the crowds. Gallup music fans tend to mirror the energy of the bands that perform. Juggernaut co-owner Ernie Santiago said Howitzer got the crowd into it and inspired their hype during the band’s first stop in town.
He said the band delivers the same show whether there’s a small or large crowd. But a small crowd of 100 people in Gallup can give off the same energy as a large crowd of 400 in Phoenix, he said.
“Fans here, people who live in Gallup, have a deep love for metal music,” Santiago said. “They make musicians feel great.”
Santiago described Howitzer’s sound as “just the right amount of heaviness.”?They deliver a pulsing drum with heavy, melodic riffs on guitar and bass. Jalowiec is accompanied by Matt Moody on guitar and Beau Diveley on bass with all three performing harmonized, screaming vocals. Santiago said the sound is just right to where you can actually make out the lyrics.
Jalowiec said some of the band’s goals are to keep getting music to the masses and be personable with the fans, staying as far away as possible from any type of star ego. He said it’s a privilege to them that crowds choose to spend their money and time to watch Howitzer play.
The band released their latest album “In Our Name” in 2010. They have two music videos in the works with the first one for “Let Go” to be released in December. A brand new song and single will be released in January followed by the release of a new album in March.
- GALLUP INDEPENDENT