What's up freaks? T-Bone here with my newest pick of the month. This pick was exceptionally easy this time around. I wanted to give props to a band that I admire a lot and one who worked their asses off to be where they are today. For that, you get my utmost respect. I was also fortunate to see this band several times before they were signed and also shared the same stage with them twice. Yes, in case some of you didn't know, I used to be a madman on the bass. Ahh, the glory days.

Anyways, I picked American Head Charge's "The War of Art" (American/Island/Def Jam Records, 2001) This is one of the most brutal, gut-retching albums of the year. This is a no holds barred album with the mentality of squashing anything that gets in their way. According to the CD cover artwork, not even a baby would stop their steam-rolling tank into metal bliss.

So what's the secret to their success? How about by meeting in a rehab center. Sound crazy? Lead singer Martin Cock and Bassist Chad Hanks met each other when they had to share a room together and solidified the bond by writing a song while sober in order to graduate the program. What better way to unleash the demons and pain inside.

The band then hooked up together on the outside and added the rest of the members to the army. Slowly but surely, they began to dominate the Minneapolis local scene and started to branch off by swapping shows with metal favorites from Iowa. (This is where I stumbled across them)

The first time I saw them, I was blown away by their professionalism they carried. They had around 7-10 roadies with them and brought along 10 TV screens to add to their live show. On the screens were vivid images of death, pain, & suffering. It was only a matter of time before they were signed and unleashed into our world to enjoy.

Headcharge spent eight months living and recording at producer Rick Rubin's house/studio. It was a house originally built for Harry Houdini's wife. Some claim it to be a haunted house, just ask the guys 'cause I'm sure the band lost several hours each night.

Most people got their first glimpse of the seven piece at this year's Ozzfest 2001 on the second stage where Cock fired a shotgun. They then appeared on the "Pledge of Allegiance Tour" opening for the likes of Slipknot and System of A Down and the guitarist was arrested for playing in the buff on the last date. And they didn't stop there. Now you can catch them on the "God Hates the World Tour" with Slayer and Chimaira.

"The War of Art" takes listeners on a journey through the many frustrations of the world. The cd features 16 tracks and 68 minutes of listening pleasure. This CD is not for the weak. In fact it pushes the envelope, life sets me off!!!!

My personal favorite song off the disc is "Song for the Suspect". It starts out with some piano and breaks out into a heavy-punishing mood swinging song. Cock also shows off his singing capabilities. Yes, he doesn't just scream all the time, he mixes it up throughout the entire disc. Some of the other up tempo songs include "Pushing the Envelope," "Seamless," and "Reach and Touch." All three of these songs come from their cd "Trepanation." They've been redone and these songs are perfect for any metal head.

"All wrapped up" was the first single, but the video was banned. If you haven't seen it yet, you should! The video is very reminiscent of their overall creativity and sound.

In fact, the whole CD takes you on a journey of different emotions from the fast grinding songs to the slower hypnotic pulsing songs. It's the perfect mix. This disc will leave you listening to it over and over and you'll find yourself catching different samples, riffs, and whispers each time. You'll love it. Remember, if it isn't metal, its crap. Headcharge is a fresh new breath of air for another successful metal band to emerge from the Midwest. Until next time, later freaks!