SMOKE

Stamford-based metal band Smoke honors the late Dimebag Darrell.

Went to a show at the Nest a few weeks ago that featured a bunch of local bands, including the mighty Bloarzeyd, and got into a conversation with Friendly Drunk Dude about Dimebag Darrell. You may remember that the Pantera and, later, DamagePlan guitarist was shot and killed onstage in 2004, by a gun-wielding maniac named Nathan Gale, a former marine and jilted Pantera fan. That Gale shot Dimebag and three others is not in question; what is in question is why— and of course there’s a conspiracy theory. It’s a good one, too. See, the mighty and influential Pantera had broken up at the purple-goateed guitarist’s insistence, and vocalist Phil Anselmo was apparently quite miffed at Darrell about it. If the stories are to be believed—don’t believe them—Phil Anselmo paid Gale to kill Dimebag.

Dime’s in the news here because of Smoke, a poised-for-glory metal band from Stamford who sent their record and some promo materials recently; Smoke’s been getting some pretty serious exposure of late. The band played the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame not long back, and a possible appearance on Letterman is in the offing. On May 12, Smoke plays a benefit show in New Jersey to herald the release of a just-released (April 14) book about Dimebag, called A Vulgar Display of Power: Courage and Carnage at Alrosa Villa by the rock writer Chris A (Alrosa Villa is the Ohio venue where Dimebag was shot). One of the book’s promotional tools is a video that uses excerpts from Smoke’s “Hate Me,” which Chris says has a “menacing, Pantera-like vibe to it.”

It’s an amazing tune, we’ll give it that!!!

The show’s at a place called Dingbatz in Clifton. Go and wave the Connecticut state flag for Smoke, local heroes in waiting. - Fairfield County Weekly

Comments: Hailing from Stamford, Connecticut,
as metal bands go "Smoke" isn't a household
name, at least not yet. Living near a metropolis
like New York City, awash with thousands of
talented bands jockeying for an audience, it's
often difficult to stand out. Smoke, however does
exactly that; they have managed to separate
themselves from the pack with three rarely found
rock 'n' roll attributes.
Smoke isn't some cookie-cutter, corporate
sounding, slacker-laden modern metal act, they
are reminiscent of true classic metal complete
with heavy riffs, understandable vocals and a
show that makes its audience feel they are at an
event rather than simply a concert.
First and foremost the band is composed of
musicians, real musicians who have a pas-sion for
what they do. Guitarist Craig "C-EZ" Sasson
provides the gut crutching riffs in a style that
Dimebag Darrell Abbott would be proud of. C-EZ
is cool, aloof and prowls the stage focusing on
captivating the audience with his aggressive,
hook-laden riffs. The guy can really play the
guitar. He trades licks with rhythm guitarist,
Angel, known as "The Metal Nurse." A solid player
who's blessed with exceptional timing, Angel not
only can keep up with the boys but captivates the
audience with her demented nurse look, vocals
and her performance. This woman is talented
beyond her years as she croons to the crowd and
plays her theatrical role with a conviction rarely
seen since the hey-day of Alice Cooper.


Keeping the bottom end and the bands groove on track
are drummer John Fowler and bassist, Jimmy P. These
guys are talented players whose synergy, skill and
perhaps extra-sensory perception give C-EZ the freedom
to cut loose and let it rip with no fear of a loss of musical
continuity.
Behind the mic roars the persona of "Gonzo" who's gritty,
yet clear vocals are a perfect match for his psychotic
appearance. A madman of a singer, his charisma, style
and passion for his role in the band sets him apart from
most of his peers. Gonzo puts life into songs like "Hate
Me" and "The Pit."
Speaking of the music, the second element that makes
Smoke so special are the songs these musician's create.
While many metal bands try to be the loudest, the most
outrageous or menacing, often the music takes a back
seat to image. Not Smoke, this band understands that the
music is what it's really all about.
Currently the band has a self-produced four-song EP
called "Smoke" which features the cuts "Hate Me," "The
Pit," "Time" and "Standing Still." The qualities of the tunes
on the CD are just the tip of the iceberg of Smoke's live
repertoire. Powerful, simple, compelling riffs, sprinkled
with enough darkness and gloom to thrill any metal head.
The arrangements of the songs are great and the sound
and quality stellar.


Finally, our third attribute, the show, no make that "the event." When the lights fire up and the C-EZ
strikes that first powerful chord, no one in the audience is looking anywhere but the stage. From that
moment on concert goers are captivated by the spectacle and vaudevillian flair of Gonzo and the Metal
Nurse. The show has it all, great music, powerful visuals and the sexual chemistry is absolutely
electric. It's one of those concerts where it seems like it's over far too quickly. It's hard to soak in all of
the sensory effects that Smoke has on its audience. Experience it and it you'll realize the band is
special and very real. Some record executive is going to be extremely popular when someone takes
notice of this currently unsigned band. Smoke is the real deal, fire em up! You won't be disappointed.
You can learn more about smoke by visiting their website at: www.smoketheband.com. - Chris A. & Hardrock Haven.net

For Immediate Media Release
Metal Band "Smoke" Hosts Book Signing Benefit for Child of Murder
Victim
May 12th, Dingbatz, Clifton, New Jersey
The 2004 murder of metal guitarist Dimebag Darrell Abbott shocked the music
community, leaving a void in the hearts of all who love to rock. While much of the media
attention was focused on Dime, he wasn't the only person murdered. Also killed at the
Alrosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio were Damageplan security chief, Jeffery "Mayhem"
Thompson, roadie and venue security member Erin Halk and fan, Nathan Bray. These
three men sacrificed their lives to try to save Dimebag and protect others. With the
release of the book, "A Vulgar Display of Power: Courage and Carnage at the Alrosa
Villa" the story of these three men and their heroism was brought to the forefront.
For the members of the Stamford Connecticut based Heavy Metal Band "Smoke", the
book's courageous yet tragic story struck a chord. Lead guitarist, Craig "C-EZ" Sasson
was moved by it and felt compelled to do something more than just read the book.
Sasson, Smoke's lead guitar player, had been heavily influenced by Dimebag and wanted
to see if there was something he or his band could do to help the families of the victims.
He dropped an e-mail to the book's author, Chris A.
"Craig's e-mail was inspiring. Here was this guitar player in Connecticut who wanted to
do something to help people he'd never met and didn't know." related the author. Chris
A., explained to Sasson that of the men murdered that fateful night only one, Nathan
Bray, had a child and that for every book sold a portion of the proceeds was donated to
the Anthony Bray College Fund. "I told him that I was working to organize benefit book
signings where 100 percent of the proceeds went to the fund," related the writer. That was
the cue the "Smoke" guitarist was seeking and he immediately invited Chris A., to take
advantage of a Smoke performance in Clifton, New Jersey to use as a book signing
benefit. "It was a no-brainer for me" related the author. "I've got a brother in Connecticut
who I was planning to visit so I immediately agreed to make the journey."
On May 12th, at Dingbatz in Clifton, New Jersey, Chris A. set up a small table and sold
copies of "A Vulgar Display of Power" to friendly, interested fans. Bringing in the crowd
that night were metal acts, "Anaka," "Sinaria" and headliner, "Smoke." "You know"
related the writer, "this is just another example of the huge heart and generosity of the
metal community. The members of "Smoke" promoted the show with posters and flyers,
enlisted other bands and worked up media interest all the while spending their own time
and money." According to Chris A., the night was a complete success with dozens of
books sold resulting in hundreds of dollars raised for four-year-old Anthony's college
fund. "I have to tell you in complete candor that I was humbled by the support and
kindness shown by the bands, the venue and the fans that wonderful evening in New
Jersey. Craig, Angel, Jimmy, John and Gonzo, the members of Smoke, should be
incredibly proud of stepping up and truly helping out. As for the music, "holy-shit"
related the author, "Smoke is the real-deal and I have no doubt that if Dimebag Darrell,
Erin Halk, Jeff Thompson and Nathan Bray were watching over the event they were
banging their heads and rocking out. This is a band that is going places." For more
information on the book, visit www.avdop. - Blabbermouth.net