May 24, 2014, The rain finally settled on
the Austin, Texas streets. Security did their job, my ticket was scanned, and I
was unleashed upon Emo’s. The venue was broken up into small crowds occupying
territory, some by the stage, definitely at both bars on either side, but the
place was not nearly full. Down were the headliners, but the main event; the
entire evening in face, was a tribute to the late Mike Scaccia. One of the most
influential Texas metal guitarists ever to come out of the Lone Star state, and
make no doubt about it, when it came to guitar playing, much like the beloved
Dimebag Darrel, or Billy Gibbons, Mike Scaccia was just as beloved by those
that heard him, cherished by those that knew him, and just as bright a lone
star.
Dead Earth Politics crushed their set performing in front of
their home crowd, but like most concerts, the crowd was minimal but that didn’t
stop the band from giving a great performance. Dead Earth Politics garnered
some positive attention while performing amongst peers and idols at last year’s
Housecore Horror Festival which was also in their hometown of Austin. This
being my first experience hearing the group, I was pleasantly impressed with
the technical musicianship of the band, especially guitarist Aaron Canady who
was backed up by a tight, sophisticated rhythm section comprised of Will Little
on bass and drummer Mason Evans. The vocal diversity of lead singer Ven Scott
was equally remarkable. They complemented one another nicely. Their sound is a
new generation blend of earth shaking power and air surfing shred; easily
comparable to Lamb of God with a glazing of British Metal flare. The crowd enlarged
during their performance; some folks were disappointed they hadn’t arrived sooner
to hear them.
Warbeast followed and destroyed all. Featuring former Rigor
Mortis members Casey Orr (bass) and Bruce Corbitt (vocals), the band played
songs from all of their current releases. Bruce Corbitt’s vocals evoked the dead
to start moshing while lead guitarist Scott Shelby baptized the crowd with his
blazing guitar solos as rhythm guitarist Bobby Tillotson surged his demonic
riffs through the audience’s arts while drummer Joey Gonzalez juggled their
ruptured bowels with his tight knit drumming. They left the crowd wanting more
and willing to kill. Personally speaking, they were the best band of the night,
although all were great.
The show was far from over as there were still more bands
forthcoming, but the true reason all of these musicians gathered that night was
to help family members pay tribute to the late Mike Scaccia. In the mid-1980’s
Mike Scaccia, Casey Orr, Bruce Corbitt, and Harden Harrison formed the Texas thrash
metal juggernaut Rigor Mortis. Spearheaded by Mike Scaccia’s revolutionary
double-picking technique that would take the metal world by storm, Rigor Mortis
was at the forefront of the North Texas metal
scene spreading the love of heavy metal and horror films. Doyle Bright
eventually replaced Bruce Corbitt on vocals before Rigor Mortis disbanded in
1991. Mike Scaccia went on to play with other musical monsters such as The
Revolting Cocks, Lard, and Ministry (with whom I had the good fortune of seeing
him perform). Sadly, Mike Scaccia passed away on December 23, 2012, suffering a
heart attack while performing on stage. He was only forty-seven years old.
In his honor, his family created the Mike Scaccia Heart Rock
Foundation for Heart Disease to raise money for research and aid in fighting
heart disease. In attendance, they took the stage surrounded by Mike Scaccia’s
friends and band mates to deliver a heartfelt message to the crowd, hoping we
would support the efforts of the foundation, and to show their appreciation to
the fans for keeping Mike Scaccia’s name and memory alive and respected. They
also announced that this Rock the Heart benefit show was the first of an annual
event and that the bands were being filmed for a live DVD to be released later
in the year with all proceeds going towards the Mike Scaccia Heart Rock
Foundation.
Included in the upcoming DVD was a documentary showcasing Rigor
Mortis. It debuted shortly after the family walked off the stage. Narrated by
Phil Anselmo (Pantera/Down vocalist), interviews with all the band members told
the story of Rigor Mortis’ rise amongst the growing Texas metal scene of the
early 80’s. Different bands from different parts of Texas played their high school parties, some
even got into legal trouble, but the world kept turning and the time came when four
guys who liked heavy metal and gore flicks met, clicked, and Rigor Mortis was
born. The documentary was a treat for Rigor Mortis fans and music history
enthusiasts. Unfortunately, there were sync issues with the sound, but it was
still a worthwhile treat.
A sweet treat was the next band The Scaccianators. It was a
mix of the remaining original Rigor Mortis lineup including Doyle Bright, as
all the members interchanged musical duties while friends of the band and of
Mike Scaccia filled in with guest performances as they ripped through Rigor
Mortis songs. Mike Taylor handled Mike Scaccia’s parts and he was amazing. The crowd
on stage was just as thrilled as the crowd on the floor with members of Down,
techs, roadies, and acquaintances jamming with the music from the side. Phil
Anselmo even joined the group to sing Demons.
That was a taste of things to come as the stage was then set
for the headliners. Down roared on stage to a packed house, blasting through songs off nearly
every record; mostly their first album and latest EP. It seems as though
guitarist Bobby Landgraf brings an ecstatic energy to the band that might have
been dormant with original rhythm guitarist Kirk Windstein (Crowbar) who’s
style is slightly more mellow but no less aggressive; Landgraf was traversing
the stage at all times, stopping only to shout out a chorus or blaze through a
solo. Everyone did a fine job, but the wear and tear on Phil Anselmo’s vocal
chords plus just age in general have taken their toll on the man’s vocals. His
once piercing shrieks are now wicked screams but he still leaves everything out
on stage and will work hard to make sure everyone is having a great time.
There was a special vibe cascading the performers that night.
Maybe it was Mike Scaccia looking down on everyone, shredding his guitar up in
the afterlife with the rest of the bands; maybe it was his family getting a
first hand experience of what he meant to the world. It was a night of heavy
music, unbridled compassion, and profound respect all in the Mike Scaccia’s
name. He will forever be missed by his family and friends, and his fans will
forever remember him as one of the most influential guitarists to every tap a
fret board. Rest in peace Mike Scaccia.
