BIG BROTHER may not be the most metal show in the world, but it’s been one of my favorites since I was a kid. I’ve always been intrigued by the game show that pits players against one-another while keeping them secluded in a house together all summer and keeping the cameras rolling 24/7. That’s right, if you dig BIG BROTHER, you can watch on TV or online at any time during the day and you’ll see the cast living their lives while playing this crazy, intense game show and hoping to win it’s $500,000 grand prize.
I’ve watched the show every single season since it’s premiere in the US and this year was a little different. This time, CBS cast ADAM POCH to be a part of the show. Like me, Adam is a huge fan of the BIG BROTHER series. Like all of us, he’s a huge metal head! Working for Sony, Adam took a break from his career in metal, going to shows or even listening to music and spending time with friends and family to compete on the major TV series this year. He came in third place but left a metal impact on the mainstream that the show’s fans are still talking about. Lucky for us, we caught up with ADAM POCH recently and he was more than happy to provide us with an interview.
What was the process like when you were auditioning for the show? A lot of people in today’s culture would kill to be on reality TV, how did you make it there?
I tried out for Season 10 – and bombed the open interview. I talked about everything but myself. So when I went back for season 12 – I basically said – “My 3 passions in life are Heavy Metal, Bacon, and Beverly Hills 90210” – and then just went on about who I am, and why I am unique. They liked my passion and called me back for a 2nd interview. I ended up making it to finals last year – but not chosen. So this year – I tried again, and along with everything they liked about me last year, I also lost over 100 lbs, and had a girlfriend. My confidence level was so high – and they could see that. My suggestion to anyone trying out for a reality show is BE YOURSELF & BE CONFIDENT. They can see through people being fake.
Did the producers know right away that you were a metal head? Did it help you or hurt you?
Yeah, and a few of them like metal also. I think they like that I am not just a metal head – but have a well rounded personality. When you look at me, you would never think I love Appletini’s and other “girly” stuff. I saw their eyes light up the first time I called myself “The Heavy Metal Teddy Bear”
I know a lot of metal fans aren’t fans of Big Brother, but I was a huge fan of it growing up and still watch it now. Who is the most metal houseguest (other than you) of all time? What about this season?
Of all time – no doubt Evel Dick. When he was on Season 8 – that is when I realized, hey they can have a rock and roll guy on the show – and that’s when I said I will try out instead of just watching. This season, everyone was into R&B or Boy Bands – so it was definitely not very metal in the house!
Evel Dick runs some nightclubs in LA and seems to be a hard rock kind of guy, did you guys bond over any music before he left the house?
Oh yeah, Dick and I bonded over metal. We actually know a few of the same people / bands. It sucked he had to leave early cause he was the only one I could talk metal with, But it was good for him to leave early game wise – cause he is one of the best players to ever play in my opinion.
Out of all of the returning houseguests, who was your favorite from seasons past? What about after you played the game with them?
Evel Dick is by far my favorite all time player. Not just for his personality, but for how he played. I did not always agree with his tactics, but could not argue with his results. I was also a big Rachel fan her season. After playing, I really liked the way Jeff played, and that’s why I liked working with him. I felt of everyone in the house he was the most direct and straight forward. He is from Chicago, but had that New York attitude I grew up around. I liked that over the people who were a little flakey.
What was the response of the houseguests to you being so metal and over-the-top in the house? Did they know much about metal or did you have to teach them?
When I first walked in the house and let out my metal roar – I know I scared some people. Jordan told me at first she thought I was going to be just like Evel Dick and bring that aggressive attitude to the house. But after she got to know me, she fell in love with the Teddy Bear side. It was great when I would have people flash the horns and give a metal roar. Some did it better than others. I even think they did a piece on the show where people imitated me. No one knew much about metal – so I tried to teach them, but they were not good students! Porsche actually was the only one that kinda knew some metal because she used to work at a venue in Ft. Lauderdale.
Obviously, Big Brother attracts a lot of mainstream fans who won’t know metal too much. What kind of response have you gotten from the fans of the show?
The fans have been amazing! A lot of them will try and do my scream, and take pictures with me giving the metal horns. Some of them I have to teach how to do it hahaha! I do have some haters based on what I have read online – but you are going to have that no matter what. I have thick skin and can take it. But all of the fans I have met have been very cool. As a huge fan of the show myself, I know how cool it is for them to meet me and I try and talk to all of them. Without the fans there is no show.
What did you think was the most metal moment of the house?
Not too many things would be considered “metal” in the house – but one that is close was when Rachel was running around in the backyard and wiped out and almost rolled into the hot tub. It was kinda like seeing someone fall in a mosh pit!
What was your personal favorite moment in the house and why?
Well, if you saw the episode when Tori Spelling came into the house – you would know by my reaction, that was the best. Not just best moment of the show – but one of the best moments of my life. I am still a huge fan of Beverly Hills 90210 and Donna Martin was my favorite character. I have been in love with Tori Spelling for about 20 years. I know that does not sound very metal of me – but it is true. SO when she walked into the Big Brother House – I lost it! She is now following me on Twitter, and even sent me an email. That blows me away, not that I got to meet her, but she knows who I am!
Was it harder to be away from your family and friends or harder to be away from music? It seems like a really long time to be without either of them, how did you cope with it?
Wow – that’s a close call. I really missed my girlfriend – if you watched Showtime or the Live Feeds you would hear me give her a shoutout everyday at 10:10 pm (10/10 is our anniversary). But besides her – I definitely missed music the most. I mean, I listen to music all day at work, in the 3 months I was away, I probably missed 15 – 20 concerts. They do give us a few minutes of music in the morning to wake us up – but other than a few songs here and there – most of it was mainstream pop. It was good to hear music – but I would much rather have been woken up to Slayer than Michael Jackson! I did think of songs and jam out to them in my head. But still not the same!
What albums are you most excited to check out now that you’re back? What albums are you currently enjoying?
I just picked up the new Mastodon and Primus albums. I need to get the new Anthrax. But the one I am most curious and excited for is the new Machine Head. I don’t even know if it is out yet. ‘The Blackening’ was such a terrific record, I want to see what they come back with.
Have you been to any shows since returning from the house?
I was supposed to go see Kyuss & The Sword – but had more promo stuff for the show to do. So my first show back into society was Foo Fighters. Yeah, they may not be a “metal” band – but Dave Grohl is sooooo metal. Don’t believe me, check out Probot! It was so good to see live music.
Think fast! Top 5 albums and top 5 bands of all time?
Albums: Mr. Bungle (self titled), Powerslave (Iron Maiden), Paul’s Boutique (Beastie Boys), Sgt. Peppers (Beatles), Unplugged (Alice in Chains)
Bands: IRON MAIDEN, Slayer, Mr. Bungle/Faith No More/Anything Mike Patton does, Primus/Anything Les Claypool does, Clutch
What’s next for you? Are you going back to Sony or do you have plans to do another show (Amazing Race, etc)?
Back to work for now. Even if I won the half million – that is not enough to retire – so I am now back at Sony making CD’s & Vinyl – don’t download! I am lucky my boss is also a huge fan of Big Brother and let me take 3 months off to pursue my dream. I owe her big time! If any other opportunities come up – I will listen, but not expecting anything.
Adam with press warlord Jon Freeman and Porsche, who came in 2nd on Big Brother. I'm sure it's easier to cope with the stresses of the house when Porsche's around! Stunning!
OPETH is projected to sell 15,000 copies of ‘Heritage’ in it’s first week and, while that’s a really solid number for any metal band, it appears as though Roadrunner could wind up being disappointed with that number seeing as the band’s last (more metal) release shifted 19,000 copies. The questions will turn into “did OPETH change their sound TOO much?” Something that I think is actually true, speaking from my own personal tastes at least! OPETH seemingly abandoned every shred of metal they had in their sound and this could very well be the reason that the sales number dipped a bit – something I blame on diehard fans and purists not being able to come to terms with the band changing the style that they once clung too.
However, let’s not kid ourselves, selling 15,000 copies of an OPETH record (or any record, honestly) in this day and age is very impressive and shows that our scene is still alive and kicking despite debates over whether people still buy music. Well, of course they do, and they’re buying metal CDs in droves now. Just take a look at the Billboard charts this week, I’m sure you’ll be just as surprised as I was!
#5 Staind, ‘Staind’ (Atlantic), 47,370 sold
Some my say STAIND isn’t metal enough, but they are part of the hard rock/heavy metal scene so we’re counting them here.
#7 Dream Theater, ‘A Dramatic Turn of Events’ (Roadrunner), 35,750 sold
A slight drop from the sales of their last album could be seen as Portnoy’s diehard fans boycotting the record but this is, no doubt, an incredible debut for the prog legends’ 10th album!
#9 The Devil Wears Prada, ‘Dead Throne’ (Ferret), 32,420 sold
Like them or not, you can’t deny that this band is one of the most successful metal bands of recent memory! Kids are buying this record and will continue doing so thanks to a heavy touring schedule and a skull-crushing live show.
#11 Anthrax, ‘Worship Music’ (Megaforce), 28,470 sold
This is the first time the band has made the Billboard Top 20 since 1993. In fact, their last record didn’t even crack the Top 100, selling less than 10,000 copies in its first week. Renewed love of Anthrax and I’m sure those Big 4 shows certainly helped raise the profile as well!
#14 Primus, ‘Green Naugahyde’ (ATO), 24,370 sold
This is the first album the band has made in more than 10 years and they’re still going strong! Again, I know some of you may say that Primus isn’t metal enough, however they’re a great ‘hard alternative’ band and I’ll count them in here.
#18 Bush, ‘The Sea of Memories’ (eOne), 20,000 sold
Bush is one of my favorite rock bands in the world and to see them come back and still be as relevant as they are is really impressive. Seeing as how this is the band’s first album in several years and their first with an indie label, I’m sure this is scene as a big success.
#20 We Came As Romans, ‘Understanding What We’ve Grown To Be’ (Equal Vision), 19,160 sold
Considering that this band is on a rather small label, this is a huge feat! Don’t get me wrong, WCAR has become one of the biggest touring bands in the metal scene these days but this number is just monstrous for them and I’m sure everyone in their camp is really stoked!
#21 Alice Cooper, ‘Welcome 2 My Nightmare’ (Universal), 18,490 sold
Alice’s returning album is a big hit apparently. I had no idea that this record would sell this many copies but hats off to a true legend of our scene.
There you have it! This week, there are 8 artists from our scene in the Top 21 spots. That’s more than 1/3 of the top 21 selling albums in the country and that’s really huge for our scene as a whole. I’m happy to see that people are becoming even more accepting of metal and listening to some really aggressive and interesting music. So, while everyone is bitching and asking “what happened?” with OPETH this week, just remember 15,000 is still a great number and our scene is doing really well right now. Enjoy it!
NERGAL is the frontman of one of Poland’s most feared and revered bands, BEHEMOTH. He is also a judge on Poland’s version of ’The Voice’, which is basically an unheard welcoming of extreme metal in the mainstream. NERGAL is also a cancer survivor and has been in the midst of heated battles with the religious right in Poland due to his perceived anti-religious actions and music. Needless to say, NERGAL is one of the most important faces of our scene and one of the most enigmatic personalities in all of music.
That’s why it totally makes sense that he has landed on the cover of Poland’s edition of NEWSWEEK – another absolutely unheard of feat for a metal musician in the US. I want to take a second to send major appreciation to NERGAL for taking this press attention the right away and both taking his opportunities that he has earned and also making the metal community proud to have such an incredible spokesperson in the mainstream!
Josh Barnett's Victory Win Over Sergei Kharitonov 09.10.2011 - Photo From Strikeforce.com
On Saturday, September 10, 2011, the Mixed Martial Arts organization, Strikeforce, which is currently owned by UFC [Ultimate Fighting Championship], held it’s “Strikeforce World Grand Prix Semi-Finals“ Showtime event with Josh Barnett, a United States Native, facing off against Russian born Sergei Kharitonov, as the main event of the evening!
Josh Barnett reigned victorious against Sergei Kharitonov in the first 4 minutes 28 seconds of the FIRST round via an Arm Triangle Submission!
Josh Barnett Fighting Against Sergei Kharitonov 09.10.2011 - Photo From Strikeforce.com
Barnett, during his pre-fight interview was seen wearing a Bolt Thrower t-shirt and captured on camera a few more times warming up as well as walking around with the Death Metal artists from Coventry, England T-Shirt on before his fight against Kharitonov. For the record, Josh has been a Bolt Thrower fan for quite a few years now, if not longer!! Josh has been known to wear heavy metal t-shirts before, as well!
Bolt Thrower have been around for 25 years, since 1986! They released their first full length studio album in 1988, In Battle There Is No Law. Their most recent release was from their 2005 studio album, Those Once Loyal. They have a total of eight studio albums, one live album, as well as many other works.
While watching the fight that evening, I couldn’t help but do a double take when I saw Barnett wearing Bolt Thrower’s shirt before his fight! It was kind of exciting to see that especially since not many athletes have that sort of taste in music, from what I’ve noticed, aside from some professional wrestlers.
However, Jamey Jasta [Hatebreed, Kingdom of Sorrow] had his JASTA logo, promoting his latest JASTA solo album on the back of Shane Carwin’s shorts as well as on Shane’s sponsorship banner before his fight on UFC: 131 on June 11, 2011! So, that goes to show, there are some heavy metal fans within MMA, maybe more than we know! There are definitely many throughout professional wrestling!
Barnett even held a benefit concert on May 26, 2011 for relief efforts for the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan in early March, 2011. All Shall Perish, which is one of Barnett’s favorite artists, headlined the event, along with Abysmal Dawn, Cattle Decapitation, Internal Corrosion, and Thrown Into Exile. The benefit raised nearly $3000 for the event!
Josh had stated before in a previous interview that he is “impassioned” by deathcore music. For those who may not be familiar with the terminology or type of music of what Deathcore is, Deathcore is a subgenre of heavy metal. It is a mix between Death Metal, Hardcore, and/or Metalcore. Some Deathcore artists include, Suicide Silence, All Shall Perish, Carnifex, Whitechapel, and many more!!
Josh Barnett Fighting Against Sergei Kharitonov 09.10.2011 - Photo From Strikeforce.com
Josh Barnett will go on to face Daniel Cormier early 2012 for the the Strikeforce World Grand Prix Finals!
Barnett is 33 years old, has had a total of 36 MMA fights, with a record of 31 wins and only 5 losses; 19 of those wins were won via submission, including his most recent fight against Kharitonov! He also involves himself in professional wrestling from time to time.
For more information about Josh Barnett: You may follow him on Twitter: @Josh Barnett
For more information on Strikeforce: You may follow them on Twitter @Strikeforce for up to date information. Or check out their Official Website at Strikeforce.com!
EDITOR NOTE: I would like to take a second and welcome Jenna Williams, THE SCREAM QUEEN, to Metal Army America! You know her from her awesome interviews available at TheScreamQueen.com and now she’s joined forces with Metal Army America. Keep up with her on Facebook, Twitter and her website. Stay tuned for more awesome posts from THE SCREAM QUEEN right here on Metal-Army.com!
I have always loved CEE LO GREEN, even before I knew he was a metal fan. He’s got infectious beats and his songs are always clever and unique from the pop scene at large. Then, CEE LO did an interview with DECIBEL Magazine while he was promoting his newest effort, ‘The Lady Killer’, where he talked about growing up and listening to metal and how important he thought the genre was. He also landed a judging gig on NBC’s hit show ‘The Voice’ where we watched him pick the next big thing in pop alongside Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton — all the while, he was rocking a DANZIG shirt.
Now, CEE LO has made his love for metal even more known by covering the legendary track “Mother” by DANZIG in his live act! Granted, he is dressed like BEEFCAKE THE MIGHTY (from GWAR), he really rocks the song well and I’m sure the Lollapalooza crowd was eating out of his hand while he did it.
I’m beyond impressed when metal crosses these kinds of barriers. Don’t get me wrong, I realize that DANZIG is very popular and the song is one of the most well known songs in metal’s history. However, do you really expect CEE LO to get out there and perform a DECREPIT BIRTH track? Just seeing an artist at his level paying homage to metal on a huge stage like Lollapalooza is inspiring and, hopefully, it brought some more kids into the fold!
So, my fine friends over at MetalSucks have put together quite the treat for all you metal heads out there. I have long praised the NYC metal scene on this very site. Even before I moved to the city last year, I’ve been very enchanted by local bands like CASTEVET, EAST OF THE WALL, MADE OUT OF BABIES, BLACK ANVIL and more. Now for all of you who don’t live here and get to experience these bands first hand, MetalSucks has put together ‘NYC Sucks’ – a completely free compilation that will allow you to experience some of NYC’s finest bands!
1. East of the Wall, “The Ladder”
2. Made out of Babies, “Invisible Ink”
3. Tiger Flowers, “Cuts”
4. Black Anvil, “The Evil of All Roots”
5. Naam, “Frosted Tread”
6. Batillus, “The Children of the Night Make Their Music”
7. Meek is Murder, “Sundowners” (demo)
8. The Binary Code, “Encircled”
9. Castevet, “Stones”
10. Hung, “Desert of Sad”
11. Wizardry, “The Falconer”
12. Pyrrhon, “King of All Tears”
13. Mutant Supremacy, “Epitaph”
14. Incendiary, “Victory in Defeat”
2011 looks like it will be one of the most exciting years for heavy music in recent memory. No, we’re not expecting albums from the likes of Slayer or Metallica like we were back in ’09 ,but we do have an incredible lineup of records on the way! Here are my Top 20 Most Anticipated for 2011:
20. Cave In – ‘White Silence’ (Hydra Head)
19. Amon – ‘Liar in the Wait’ (Season of Mist): What can I say, it will certainly be interesting to see just what the Hoffman bros have been up to since they left Deicide. Plus, I have to believe that this release will trigger some kind of public feud between Amon and Deicide, which I’m always a fan of…
18. Autopsy – ‘Macabre Eternal’ (Peaceville)
17. Gallhammer – TBA (Peaceville) – One of the bands that ushered in the new breed of blackened crust punk. These girls are one of the best exports in Japanese history… and, yeah, I’m looking right at you Playstation…
16. Loss – ‘Despond’ (Profound Lore)
15. Backstabber Incorporated – ‘MIA’ (Deathwish) – For those who don’t know who this is, fuck off… This is the band that ultimately led to Trap Them. Now, Brian and Ryan are no longer in the fold, but the band was always fun so I’m excited to see what they’re bringing now!
14. Pig Destroyer – TBA (Relapse)
13. Gorgoroth – TBA (Regain) – One of the best Norwegian black metal bands of all time. Sure, they’ve been overshadowed by a metric shit ton of controversy over the last few years and kicked everyone out of the band at times, but they still manage to pull it together and make sick, visceral records. Going to be awesome!
12. TesseracT – ‘One’ (Century Media)
11. Owen Hart – ‘Earth Control’ (Vitriol) – This band has started to get some heat on them but they’re still relatively unknown. However, 2011 is going to change that. Clever, harsh and hailing from the great metal state of Washington, Owen Hart are going to bash your fucking brains in this year!
10. Disma – TBA (Profound Lore)
9. Primate – ‘Pull Back A Stump’ (Scion A/V) – What really needs to be said other than this is Kevin Sharp (Brutal Truth) and Bill Kelliher (Mastodon). It sounds like a mash-up of their two bands and I’m beyond excited to hear the full outcome of their work together.
8. Altar of Plagues – ‘Mammal’ (Profound Lore)
7. Wolvhammer – TBA (Profound Lore) – One of my favorite new bands from last year is back with a vengeance. Seriously, go back and listen to ‘Black Marketeers of World War III’ and tell me that your mind isn’t blown. The band is incredible and hopefully going to be on display for a much bigger audience thanks to their association with Profound Lore.
6. Crowbar – ‘Sever the Wicked Hand’ (E1)
5. Dragged Into Sunlight – ‘Hatred For Mankind’ (Prosthetic) – This record would’ve been higher if it wasn’t a re-release. Not to say that you shouldn’t check it out, but I got this record a while back when it was originally released in the UK. Now the band has teamed up with Prosthetic and this nasty Eyehategod-meets-Godflesh masterpiece will finally be available in the states. It’s truly a sick and disturbing look at just how dark metal can be! Please bring them over here to tour NOW!
4. Krallice – TBA (Profound Lore) – Krallice has quietly become a household name in the world of extreme metal. They took over the hipsters and then the underground and I think most people would agree that they are one of the best American purveyors of Black Metal these days. ‘Dimensional Bleedthrough’ was a huge breakthrough for them and got them a lot of attention, this will be the record that pushes them over the top!
3. Nachtmystium – TBA (Century Media) – Everyone knows why Nachtmystium made the list. Simply put, everything the band has touched over the last 5+ years has been stunning and brilliant. This will be no different. Although, hipsters may want to take notice that master mind Blake Judd says this record will be a raw, old school black metal record. Not for the faint of heart!
2. KEN mode – ‘Venerable’ (Profound Lore) – KEN mode (short for Kill Everyone Now mode, thanks Henry Rollins) is one of the coolest bands in the scene right now. Borrowing the best moments from noise rock and incorporating them within a massive avalanche of hardcore animosity, KEN mode has made a brilliant new offering. Plus, ‘Venerable’ was produced by Kurt Ballou (of Converge) and added Mares of Thrace ass-kicker Therese Lanz to the fold…. This will be a breakout record!
1. TRAP THEM – ‘Darker Handcraft’ (Prosthetic) – Easy choice for me. This is simply the best band working in modern metal these days. Effortlessly combining black metal, hardcore, Wolverine Blues-esque death metal and grind into one of the darkest (yet accessible) sounds of the 2000s. Trap Them has taken the throne as the new kings of the underground. I’ve been lucky enough to hear ‘Darker Handcraft’ and it’s easily the best thing the band has ever done. It’s vicious, blazing and all the while it maintains a sense of groove and catchiness. This is the album to beat in 2011!
In an underwhelming recent development, it has been revealed that the next edition of the heralded SCION ROCK FEST will be held in Pomona, California this year. The promoters have revealed that they will be taking over the Fox Theater and Glass House in addition to building two more stages nearby. While I think that putting it in Pomona sucks for a few reasons (including their drinking laws), the Fest is always a great time.
This year should be no different as it has been revealed that MORBID ANGEL will be headlining the event with their unique brand of anti-Christian, HP Lovecraft inspired death metal. I will be completely honest and say that I know who a lot of the bands are who are playing, as do most people in the press, however it can’t fully be announced yet so stay tuned but let me tell you one thing – it’s a fucking mind-blowing lineup! Be ready to get tickets as soon as they become available!
It’s definitely been a great year for heavy music, while there hasn’t been that many truly BIG name bands to put out albums this year (Slayer, Metallica, Mastodon, etc) and the ones that did put out high profile records didn’t really impress me (Iron Maiden), I feel like the underground reigned supreme this year. It has been a while since I got this excited about so many underground bands and also, for the first time, we’ve started to see the underground get mainstream respect.
This list started out as a ‘Top 10′, drifted outward to look like a ‘Top 50′ but ultimately settled for a ‘Top 20′. The ‘bottom ten’ got no explanations because this blog post would have been way too long under those circumstances, but my absolute favorites got words to back up their high placements. We will be largely on vacation from now until the new year, but keep checking back for more cool reviews, news pieces and even some other lists all next week.
