The Heavils

The Heavils formed their groove rock with punk-laden influences — an oddball sound described as Primus-meets-punk — in Rockford, Illinois, in 2001.

Their eclectic influences are all over the map, including Black Sabbath, Suicidal Tendencies, Fugazi, Devo and Minor Threat.

Attribute their weird brand of metal to vocalist/guitarist Brian Carter’s homemade instruments called Meanies, which were 5-string fretless guitars made of PVC tubes, bicycle handlebars, toilet seats and other strange materials.

The Heavils released a self-titled album in 2003 on the respected Metal Blade Records label, garnering rave reviews in Rolling Stone and Guitar Player magazines. They had a great local following and their live shows were met with chaotic frenzy, opening for major bands including Slayer, Slipknot and Fear Factory.

After a second Metal Blade release, Heavilution in 2004, produced by Devon Townsend of Strapping Young Lad, the group decided to not re-sign with the label. They shopped around for a new label to represent them and wound up taking an extended break in 2005, leaving dedicated fans wondering what happened to The Heavils.

During the break, guitarist Mossy’s love for Jagermeister got him a good-paying job for the company in marketing and promotions, first drummer Milo excelled in his photography, Carter went back to school, and bassist Corey was rumoured to be behind bars.

Last week, calling from their homes in Rockford, Mossy and Milo discussed their short-lived-but-memorable time trying to carve out a niche in the metal music scene.

Mossy: "We were unhappy with the way Metal Blade treated us, and we just grew apart. Our sound was not the flavour of the month, and that did not help us. We needed more of a push because we were different. I don't think they knew what to do with us or where to put us considering the other types of bands they represented. I still have respect for the label, and I still like Brian Slagel,” owner and founder of Metal Blade Records. "It just seemed like they were busy with other bands and we weren’t getting proper press or tours."

Milo: "When I first joined the band, I was young, and I thought how cool it was to be signed by a major label. Mossy was more of the businessman, and I could see it from his perspective. Metal Blade were nice to us, but we weren't rolling around in a big tour bus, either."

The Heavils were known for their live shows, which were notoriously energetic and over-the-top. Displaying a robust energy, with gruff vocals, they tore the stage up. Literally.

Milo: "Nobody knew what to expect, we just went nuts live. With our crazy instruments and my drums always getting knocked over, or someone in the band would run into them and knock them over. It was just crazy rock ‘n’ roll energy. It’s what I lived for."

Mossy: "We just got rowdy and had fun without taking things too seriously. We had that Midwest mentality of just ripping it up," Mossy added.

It’s hard to classify The Heavils’ style. Loads of influences, but they don’t sound like any band in particular. The songs are humorous, with a skate-punk rock feel to them. With their old school amps and the weird, fuzzy sounds they got from the Meanies, The Heavils made for a unique metal band.

Will they ever play together again?

Mossy: "I don’t know, we get asked that all the time. We’ve been getting a lot of press lately, which is strange because we haven’t played as a band in a while."

Milo: "I would definitely do it if the right show came around."

Until that happens, fans can only relish the memory of the one-of-a-kind sound that was The Heavils.

Article by Kelley Simms
Photo's Courtesy of Milo