wordplay by Ben Simkins
images courtesy Universal Records

Godsmack seems to speak a certain language, a language that, quite simply, pulsates through the youth of the world with such a sense of fervent intensity that it is rarely equaled. However, even with a handsome trail of Grammy nods and Billboard chart success in their wake, rock immortality still seems to elude this Boston-based band. Godsmack appears to want to set this right as they begin to tour on the back of their new full-length effort IV.

Godsmack’s humble beginnings came from behind a drum kit when, in 1995, Sully Erna left the stool and grabbed the mic. Joining Erna were Robbie Merrill and Tony Rombola who led the band to the studio, recording All Wound Up. The newly envisioned Godsmack spent the next two years bringing Erna’s vision to the Boston scene, garnering them local success. A trend that would only keep multiplying once All Wound Up landed in the hands of local radio station, WAAF. Over the course of the next few years, Erna and his band of brothers signed to Universal and re-released All Wound Up, simply re-titled Godsmack. True success came for them with the release of the album and single both entitled “Awake.”  It was the song “Vampires” that earned the band a Grammy nod, though. 

The success led to some important changes for Godsmack, with Shannon Larkin replacing drummer Tommy Stewart for their new release, Faceless, who spoke with Image about joining the band. “Those guys butted heads constantly (Erna and Stewart) and that’s why Tommy left… They just didn’t get along as two people… people always said, ‘Tommy Stewart, that’s some big shoes to fill, and really the shoes I’m filling are standing right in front of me at the mic stand.”

It took another three years for the band to release their newest venture IV , bringing the band a slight change of pace. Not in tempo or energy per say, but in Erna’s slightly relaxed grip on the control of the band and its sound, freeing up the other members to have more control over the songs on the album. Final say remained in Erna’s hands leaving only four out of over forty of the proposed songs in the final album, and the rest making up the beginning works of Larkin, Merrill and Rombola's new side project; Another Animal (also signed to Universal).  Another Animal sees the reuniting of Shannon with an old friend, Whit Crane (singer from Shannon’s former band Ugly Kid Joe) and Lee Richards (Godsmack’s original guitarist). “Godsmack is very regimented," Larkin comments. "Another Animal will have more freedom… There isn’t the pressure that Godsmack feels.”

This slight change in hierarchy has led to IV still strongly representing Godsmack’s signature sound while pushing it further than previous ventures, with help from legendary producer, Andy Johns (“Stairway to Heaven”). While at one time tipped to produce the album, Johns ended up playing a much lesser role. “Andy Johns did put a lot in… Again Sully produced it (IV) just like he’s really produced every other record… We approached Andy with that in mind and said ‘Look we want Sully to produce this record but we really want you to be in there and any idea that you have we want to hear… Sound-wise, particularly, he (Johns) really took us back to a simpler time in the studio,” Larkin says on the subject of Johns.

Now, as Godsmack gets ready to return to Colorado, fans can look forward to seeing the band at our own infamous little hotspot, Red Rocks. Fans can also expect even more show as they bring along Ozzfest alumni, Rob Zombie and Shinedown.  Erna and team are also bringing enough pyrotechnics to make Guy Fawkes seem like a kid with a G.I. Joe and a firecracker. When asked about coming to Red Rocks, Larkin says, “Honestly, from the heart, Red Rocks is my favorite place to play… The sun goes down and it’s just a magical evening every time.  They’re gonna get all the bells and whistles.  Believe me it’s coming and it’s coming big”.

September 21st @ Red Rocks

Godsmack.com