our friend Coax will deliver a weekly report on the metal scene in his area.and here is the first of them
August 24, 2002
This week the band I decided on was L.A.'s PROTOTYPE. First off, this band is amazing (I doubt that I will actually write about a band I dislike.... but then again, I haven't sent in my live performance reviews of other acts either...and I have PLENTY of notes on them). Vince Levalois leads this progressive/power metal band handling vocals and sharing lead guitar duties with other axe grinder partner in metal, Kragen Lum. Kirk Scherer brings up an invigorating rhythm section, not merely being a bystander to the guitars, but having a powerful stage presence of his own. Then there is Pat McGrath (who as of this date is no longer with them), one of THE best goddamn drummers I have seen in a while. No wait, I can't call him a drummer, a percussionist of all trades. His technical prowess and skill have to rival greats such as Neil Peart (Rush), Mark Zonder (Fate's Warning), or Mickey Dee (ex-King Diamond).
The first time I saw these guys I was relatively new to California. In fact I think seeing them was my "virgin" show here. It was a cd-release party in Reseda, California at a decent size, but small stage club called Paladino's. The cd being released was ONWARD's 'Reawaken' and I was there pretty much to see them. Every band that played that night kicked ass, but this is about PROTOTYPE, and when these guys hit the stage and broke into the song 'Live A Lie' I was in awe. I know I've mentioned technical prowess before, but these guys seriously know what they are doing. Seriously, I had no idea who to watch. I'd look at Kragen to watch him playing a solo, then something would catch my ear, and Vince would be throwing out this intense rhythm. Suddenly Kirk and Pat would be in such sync and harmony that I ignored the guitars altogether.
I've caught these guys two times afterwards. Once at the L.A. Hellfest, which was like a mini-Milwaukee MetalFest, and another at a joint called Kozmo's in Huntington Beach. Each time, was always the same thing. Me, of course being a slack-jawed yokel, took in these audible experiences with extreme metal pleasure. They DO have a cd out, it's called "Trinity", on World War III Records, and I highly highly recommend getting it.... no matter where you live! Please stop by their website at: http://www.prototypeonline.com and see what they are all about. Download an Mp3, look at pics, whatever, just check it out!
