Contrary to a controversial statement from Gene Simmons a few years ago, rock and roll is alive and well. Older acts like Deep Purple, Scorpions, Judas Priest and Gene‘s own Kiss are still alive and well, and newer bands such as Greta Van Fleet, Måneskin, Thundermother and Dirty Honey keep rejuvenating the scene. Granted, the days of filling out arenas might be long gone, but one way or another, it seems that this style will always find a way to survive.
Another fine example of a new band driving rock and roll to a new era is Heroes and Monsters, who just released their debut album on January 20th. The group is formed by three rock n’ roll lifers and friends, bassist/vocalist Todd Kerns, guitarist Stef Burns (Sheila E., Huey Lewis & The News, Y&T) and drummer Will Hunt (Evanescence, Black Label Society, Staind). Todd in particular, bridges the gap between old and new, since he has been the bassist of Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators for more than a decade.
“Heroes and Monsters” Album Artwork
Sonically, Heroes and Monsters take cues from the band members’ collective past: the rawness of Guns N Roses’ “Appetite for Destruction” can be heard on tracks such as “Locked and Loaded”, while their punk roots are evident on “Raw Power”. “Let’s Ride It” is pop rock bliss, and wouldn’t sound out of place on a Cheap Trick record. On the other hand, “Blame” explores several tempo and mood changes.
Heroes and Monsters and his role in Slash’s band are not the only things keeping Todd “Dammit” Kerns busy. He is also a mainstay on the Kiss Kruise and on the “Raiding the Rock Vault” show in Las Vegas. He also keeps himself busy with the Canadian act Toque, who is constantly touring as well. It’s only natural that he has a lot to talk about, and that’s what he did in a sparkling conversation with Sonic Perspectives collaborator Rodrigo Altaf. Watch or listen to their animated chat below; and remember that for more interviews and other daily content, Sonic Perspectives is on Facebook, Flipboard, Twitter and YouTube, where you can be notified about new content we publish on a daily basis.
