Stuck Mojo

Stuck Mojo is an American heavy metal band from Atlanta, Georgia. Formed in 1989 by guitarist Rich Ward, the band fuses Southern-based heavy metal with hip hop influences. Stuck Mojo is considered to be one of the pioneers of rap metal. Touring alongside bands such as Machine Head and Slapshot. Stuck Mojo's most successful album, Rising, peaked at #48 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart. The band disbanded in 2000, reforming five years later. In 2006, their original vocalist, Bonz, was replaced by rapper Lord Nelson. Their fifth studio album, Southern Born Killers, was initially released without a record label, offered as a free download in addition to being sold on compact disc. To date, they have released six studio albums and one live album.

History

The band was influenced by performers such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, Run-D.M.C. and Black Sabbath.^[1] The band received criticism from some critics for their hip hop influences, while many other heavy metal fans were somewhat negatively biased and showed prejudice against Bonz, their African American lead vocalist/rapper.^[2] In 1994, Stuck Mojo signed a deal with Century Media Records, releasing their debut album, Snappin' Necks in 1995. Allmusic's Bret Love wrote that "The group's high testosterone and volume levels, and virtual lack of funkiness, ensure a somewhat limited appeal, but for angry young men with too much pent-up energy, the powerful aggression of Snappin' Necks must be close to heaven."^[3] In October 1995, the band joined Machine Head and Slapshot on a ten-week tour while living in a rented van.^[2] Stuck Mojo's first European tour followed, and they were named the best live band by MTV Europe.^[1]

Their second studio album, Pigwalk, was released on October 8, 1996. Stephen Thomas Erlewine wrote that "Pigwalk captures the pummelling power of the band's intense live shows, yet the group doesn't yet have the ability to construct a memorable riff or hook, leaving Pigwalk as an entertaining, but uncompelling, cross of Rage Against the Machine and Pantera."^[4] On March 3, 1998, Stuck Mojo released their third studio album, Rising. It peaked at #48 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart.^[5] Allmusic reviewer Steve Huey wrote that "Rising shows some musical growth from Pigwalk, although Stuck Mojo still lose their musical focus on several occasions over the course of the album."^[6] Mark Jenkins of The Washington Post noted the conservative viewpoint of the albums songs, writing that "the album-opening "Crooked Figurehead" does begin with an anti-Clinton rant, which suggests that this Atlanta quartet is the mirror image of leftist agit-metal band Rage Against the Machine."^[7]

Stuck Mojo disbanded following the release of a live album, HVY1, and their fourth studio album, Declaration of a Headhunter, reforming in 2005. During the band's period of inactivity, Ward worked on side projects such as Fozzy and Sick Speed.^[1][8] In 2006, Stuck Mojo began recording material for a new album with original vocalist Bonz.^[9][10] Rapper Lord Nelson was asked to contribute guest vocals to the album.^[11] When it was decided that Bonz would not continue as the band's vocalist, Lord Nelson stepped into Bonz' position.^[11] The band's fifth studio album, Southern Born Killers, was released directly through the band's website without a label.^[1] The album was released as a free download, while the compact disc edition contained a bonus DVD.^[12] After signing with Napalm Records, Southern Born Killers was released nationally, with three bonus tracks.^[1] On November 28, 2008, Stuck Mojo released their sixth studio album, The Great Revival. It featured what has been described as some of the band's heaviest work, as well as some of the band's most "commercially-tinged songs".^[13]

Discography

• Snappin' Necks (1995)
• Pigwalk (1996)
• Rising (1998)
• HVY1 (1999)
• Declaration of a Headhunter (2000)
• Southern Born Killers (2007)
• The Great Revival (2008)

Band members

• Lord Nelson - vocals^[1]
• Rich Ward - guitar; vocals^[1]
• Mike Martin - guitar^[1]
• Sean Delson - bass^[1]
• Steve Underwood - drummer^[1]

Former band members

• Bonz - vocals^[2]
• Corey Lowery - bass^[2]
• Bud Fontsere - drums^[2]

References

External links

• Official website