OVALTEEN
LUNATICS ON PAROLE
KLUSTER
KRAKWURX
INHUMAN VISIONS
at The Troubadour

By Kathy Krush

Well, there is a new metal order in town, right under our noses, and if you're not aware of it, beware! Monday night at the ever amazing Troub was hosted by what will undoubtedly be L.A.'s biggest bands of the future. Now that Snot, System and C. Chamber are on to major label deals and worldwide acclaim, it is your duty to give the next round of metalheads their due.
The night started with INHUMAN VISIONS, who gave a great set of Slayer-inspired thrash. It's nice to see such a young band with long hair!
After that was KRAKWURX, fronted by ex-Drowner Todd, who totally filled the club with a creepy set of industrial strength mood vibe.
I was not expecting what I saw next. I've heard of KLUSTER around town, and had heard their self-released CD featuring the classic "Devil's Dic" quite a few times at parties, but had never seen them live. I tell you, I was absolutely blown away with these guys. This tight three-piece band combines a Motorhead sound with new technology that has to be seen to be believed. Slides and T.V. sets show everything from psychedelic mind warp to Jack Nicholson smoking herb. An audio AND visual treat! Lead guitarist Yowzah mentioned to me that the band is signing to a "high-profile upstart metal label with major distribution" (whatever that means) and are going to record with producer Bill Kennedy (Nine Inch Nails, Danzig). Good luck, guys, you deserve it!
LUNATICS ON PAROLE were up next and featured the now legendary "Kenny The Gardener" backed by who else? - the members of Kluster! I had seen the Gardener strut his stuff at Slack Babbath shows and was dying to check out his own thing. Like a giant Bigfoot hillbilly, he overtook the stage with a force rarely seen in metal these days. L.O.P.'s tunes went from jazz to hardcore effortlessly and featured such titles as "Pigs on Patrol" and "Green Revolution." Kenny told me that this was only their third show, so I expect great things from this dynamic performer.
Finishing the night was OVALTEEN, and even though I had to leave early with my ride, what I saw was an energetic display of Green Day-inspired punk rock. I'll definitely check out their next show.
All in all it was another winner night for The Troubadour, who seem to have great insight on new upcoming, cutting-edge bands. With bands like Kluster and L.O.P. around, there is a changing of the guard in Hollywood. Make sure you catch them now, before success ruins them all!