the HELLZ kitchen SHOW

When it comes to seeing a live show, few bands are able to fuse entertainment with good music. One band has been able to accomplish this and on Saturday June 14th, that accomplishment will be showcased and a message will be heard loud and clear. The Hellz Kitchen Show, a.k.a. THKS, are considered one of the best intense live bands this city has to offer. If you haven't yet experienced their shows, the release of their new album titled Vox Populi Vox Dei, will show what the rest of the world have been missing. Originally formed in 1992, THKS comprises of lead singer Jezla, guitarists CeeDee and Jolly Roger, bassist SideShw, drummer Bonhomme and Kool NME on keys/electronic samples. Early in their career, they enjoyed success by signing a deal with Omega Pictures Entertainment where they were exposed to well-known industry professionals. In the end, the deal didn't work out and the experience eventually led them to become independent. Over the years, the band has worked hard to develop a unique sound by becoming a good-working team and family. They've made the learning process the best part of their development, feeling comfortable in getting their message across. Jezla puts it simply, "Five years to make a sound, ten years to become a band." And it's worked for them so far. He continues, "The fads are happening too quickly, like the garage and punk scenes. When it's all done in a year, we ask ourselves "ok, what's next?' It's like the saying 'seven steps forward, three steps back'. I really believe that. Hellz Kitchen is a little different. We stick to what we do, and like. Everybody in the band has different influences." "No one rides on any coat tails," Kool NME adds. Jezla explains: "We like the old school of entertainment, like the seventies. There's so much music around that people are doing their own thing and you can't tell anymore whether this person is a rocker, a raver, or into hip hop, they all look the same, which is cool. I guess if you have to give us a label, it would be theatrical rock." Taking hints from their theatrical rock predecessors such as David Bowie, Alice Cooper and KISS, their visual persona and sound have often been mistakenly compared to glam or industrial though their music is more melodic. Concentrating on the showmanship side of their performances, they enthrall their audience with their physical expressions. Whether it's the strong voice or the bassist making the stage his playground, their music hits you like a tidal wave. The music isn't segregated to one genre, which is the reason why there are a variety of people attracted to their shows, some who aren't heavy music listeners. As one audience member best described the common reaction THKS achieve at their shows, "It felt the floor was going from underneath our feet. People would scream for the other bands but Hellz Kitchen made us bounce." Asked how they manage to create such energy, they quickly answer that it is love from the audience that accomplishes this. CeeDee explains: "It's love from the fans. That's where the intensity comes from. It's the love projected from the audience that influences our songs which is weird coming from a band called The Hellz Kitchen Show." For the past few months, their exposure has multiplied with recent media appearances. They were a surprise guest on MuchMusic's Big Wham Bam show with host Ed the Sock, as well as appearing on Ed's late-night talk show on CityTV. They recently gained new fans during the Youth Tobacco Coalition concert held at the Docks, where they shared the bill with artists like Not By Choice, Jully Black, Spek and others, as well as moving on to the finals at the Emergenza Music Festival, which will occur June 21st at the Opera House. Their CD, Vox Populi Vox Dei, the first of three in the Triple Thread series, will continue the live intensity they have created while incorporating interactive videos and art. This will open up the listener to their musical growth while bringing the entertainment aspect back to the music. All that can be done now is to sit back and feel the fury about to explode.


- Stephanie Coutier

Every so often you find a band that’s so different they grab your attention and hold on. The Hellz Kitchen Show are that kind of band. They don’t fit into any one kind of musical style, their songs make you think and their live show will make you wonder why you haven’t been hearing about them for years. They are also a band that commands respect and love from other bands.

Formed in 1995 by vocalist Jezla Luv, guitarist CeeDee, bassist Sideshw and drummer Bonhomme (keyboardist KoolNME joined in 1997 and guitarist LePete joined in 2003); THKS are a cross between heavy metal, electronica, industrial and hard rock. They truly take the word unique to a whole new level.

The Toronto based THKS have taken what could have been a predictable character gimmick and turned it around so that you really feel that the characters are part of them.

“We consider the characters a gimmick, but it's real because it’s a mask over ourselves,” says Bonhomme.

The band turns everything that could be considered typical into something that’s really their own. Their recent release of “Vox Populi, Vox Dei”(Voice of the People, Voice of God) is made more interesting by realizing that its not only a cd-rom but also the first of three similarly formatted releases, the next being “Three Penny Opera” due out soon.

It’s the live show to look out for however. The energy alone will grab your attention in the first minute, and with the characters to look at and the heavy music to listen to, it's probably going to be an experience you’ll want to repeat.

“Every show is Halloween,” says CeeDee.

The songs are the heart of the band. They will put you through every emotion imaginable and leave you wondering what’s coming next. There really isn’t a way of describing the musical delievery because THKS don’t sound like any one style of music. Considering the band listens to everyone from Gipsy Kings to Marilyn Manson, Mother Love Bone to Mr. Bungle; The Beatles to Slipknot it's apparent why many find it difficult to pinpoint the band to one style.

The way THKS approaches song writing however is not that unusual. CeeDee or Jezla usually come in with song structures and the whole band works together to finish the song. Jezla also writes most of the lyrics.

“We are always willing to risk something for the purpose of the song,” says CeeDee.

Jezla has another take on it, “Songwriting to me is like writing a bible.”

The band is quite happy not to be defined by one style and feel that different songs fit into different categories. They have their own problems deciding for themselves how they should be described and so, to be considered indescribable is fine with them.

As Jezla puts it, “Hellz Kitchen Show is nothing but a deformity project.”

And that’s just fine with them.

For more information on the band and where to get their CD go to www.thehellzkitchenshow.com.

- One eighty Magazine