A Hanging Haarp and Mountain Of Wizard
Jun 06  2010

A Hanging, Haarp, and Mountain Of Wizard CD Release Show

May 15^th @ The Hi-Ho Lounge, New Orleans LA

         Like a police siren ringing in the rat infested streets of the lower 9^th, the New Orleans underground music scene is an ever expanding demographic. The music is an assault to the senses. It is powerful, relentless, and it puts the swagger into a scene charged by the products of its environment. This year has given some major opportunities to a few of Nola’s finest. For instance, bands such as A Hanging got to play a show with the legendary Saint Vitus. A Hanging had only started playing live in 2007, and metal giants Saint Vitus only performed in the U.S. once in 2003 (coincidently in the Crescent City on April 11th @ One Eyed Jacks). Since then, A Hanging has grabbed fans from all over the United States, and extended their reach to other continents. Seeing this band play live, or hearing the album, the reason why is clear. They incorporate the best of old school hardcore; the fast but solid groove along side hammering guitars. Found in bands like Exhorder and Slayer, their rivaling style is rounded off with terrorizing vocals, punching like a jailed pit bull. A Hanging also got a nice review from Decibel Magazine on there new album “Food For Rats”, which was recorded and produced by the band.

         Formed in the aftermath of Katrina in late 2005, Haarp has been knocking holes in the city with their down tuned, doom infused, crafted brand of metal. Since their formation, this band has been working the scene, playing gigs almost weekly. Chances are, every time you got a flyer in New Orleans for an upcoming show, Haarp was a part of it. When this band plugged in and the guys rang into the first distorted crunch, it was possible that the roof of the club might collapse from the force of sound. They recently signed with Phil Anselmo’s Housecore Records, a fantastic record label concentrating on the needs to put out original music, and focus on giving back control to the artists. I spoke with their guitarist Grant recently, who said the Housecore release is tentatively scheduled for July of 2009. Haarp, as well as A Hanging, will be featured on the up and coming documentary entitled Slow Southern Steel, which is a showcase of southern metal & sludge from across the southern U.S. The film had a huge focus on New Orleans. Fans of The Melvins, Morbid Angel, and Buzzoven, should check out this band.

         Also on board for this event is Mountain of Wizard, featuring Paul Webb ( Spickle, Hawg Jaw). Accompanied by Aaron, and Bennett Bartley, this trio produces a unique and refreshing dose of pure Rock n’ Roll. Not much is known of the origins of this mystic crew, but here is a small cryptic message from the band’s website.

“ We will only be on this earth for a short time. Soon, two colleagues shall embark on a quest for further enlightenment. We may be seeking a speaker of spells whose finger controls Ivory.”

Show some love for the city's underground in heavy music. Just recently, the first award ever handed down for heavy music was given to Zebra in this year’s New Orleans Music awards. Congrats guys, and keep the scene sick! You can catch Haarp, A Hanging, and Mountain Of Wizard at 8 p.m. at the Hi-Ho Lounge on May 15^th. I’m Ryan McKern for neworleansmusicians.net

For More information on these bands and other New Orleans related sites, Please follow the links below:

www.thehousecorerecords.com

www.myspace.com/haarpnola

www.myspace.com/ahanging

www.myspace.com/moutainofwizard

www.nolaunderground.com

www.myspace.com/hiholounge

www.myspace.com/hawgjaw