Gale Force is a Heavy Metal band from Los Angeles, California drawing comparison to bands like Iron Maiden, Saint, and Titanic but with a modern twist and sound. The band's roster is comprised of vocalist-Michael Drive(Barren Cross, Worldview),
rhythm guitarist/keyboardist-Paul Alfery, lead & rhythm guitarist- Tracy G (DIO), bassist-Randy Oviedo, and drums were handled by various uncredited session drummers.
Concerning the confusion around the lead vocalist's name: Frontman-Michael Drive, was otherwise known as Mike Lee during his Barren Cross days. Back in the early 90's Mike Lee changed his name to the alias - Michael Drive where he released three solo projects as Michael D.R.I.V.E. including 1993 'Studio 'A': The Acoustic Session', 2006 'One Direction Left...From Hell', and 2006 'The Acoustic Collection'. In addition, Michael is credited as 'Michael Drive' on Barren Cross' 2013 album 'Birth Pangs'.
Gale Force was conceived in 2019 when the members of the band approached Michael Drive with the possibility of bringing him on board as their lead vocalist. First, the band sent Michael a track which he added his vocals to and then sent back to Gale Force. Upon receiving the finished track, members of the band loved what they heard and were ready to move forward with the next step. It was then that the band arranged a meeting with Michael where they all met together for the first time in Pasadena, CA at a local restaurant called the 'Cheesecake Factory'. They came to an agreement and Michael was then added to the roster as the band's lead vocalist. After their conception, the newly formed group quickly got to work producing new material. Over the next year and a half, Gale Force members began recording their parts in their own studios.
rhythm guitarist/keyboardist-Paul Alfery, lead & rhythm guitarist- Tracy G (DIO), bassist-Randy Oviedo, and drums were handled by various uncredited session drummers.
Concerning the confusion around the lead vocalist's name: Frontman-Michael Drive, was otherwise known as Mike Lee during his Barren Cross days. Back in the early 90's Mike Lee changed his name to the alias - Michael Drive where he released three solo projects as Michael D.R.I.V.E. including 1993 'Studio 'A': The Acoustic Session', 2006 'One Direction Left...From Hell', and 2006 'The Acoustic Collection'. In addition, Michael is credited as 'Michael Drive' on Barren Cross' 2013 album 'Birth Pangs'.
Gale Force was conceived in 2019 when the members of the band approached Michael Drive with the possibility of bringing him on board as their lead vocalist. First, the band sent Michael a track which he added his vocals to and then sent back to Gale Force. Upon receiving the finished track, members of the band loved what they heard and were ready to move forward with the next step. It was then that the band arranged a meeting with Michael where they all met together for the first time in Pasadena, CA at a local restaurant called the 'Cheesecake Factory'. They came to an agreement and Michael was then added to the roster as the band's lead vocalist. After their conception, the newly formed group quickly got to work producing new material. Over the next year and a half, Gale Force members began recording their parts in their own studios.
Concerning the meaning behind the band's moniker:
A 'Gale Force' - is a very-strong rushing wind from 45 to 90 kilometers
per hour or (up to seventy miles per hour).
A 'Gale Force' - is a very-strong rushing wind from 45 to 90 kilometers
per hour or (up to seventy miles per hour).
In 2021 Gale Force released their debut independent full-length studio album titled 'Subhuman'. The album was produced by Gale Force and mixed by Paul Alfery at 'Second Story Studio'. The recording was Mastered by Ty Sims at 'The Recovery Room'. The album's cover art concept was designed & done by Michael Drive.
The album's download version Includes a 24-page digital booklet with lyrics, liner notes, and lots of photos. Download also includes two audio versions with a High quality 320kbps MP3 and WAV "Lossless" audio files of each song. CD option includes an automatic download of the digital album with 24-page digital booklet, plus 8 page physical booklet in a quality Jewel Case. In addition, available at the bands site is an extra BONUS TRACK which is not on the album - (track-12). It's an instrumental track called "The Baron Lives" and is available only to those who sign up for the "Subhuman Army Mailing List" (on the band's home page).
With the release of 'Subhuman', Gale Force takes the Metal realm by storm with a "post-apocalyptic" Heavy Metal sound. From track to track, the album transports one into an illusionary world somewhere between a 'Mad Max' film scenario and Will Smith's 'iRobot' dystopia. Yes, this release will have you wanting to modify your dune buggy, don your leather body armor, and ride out into the sunset with speakers blarin' and fist poundin' in the air!
Some tracks that stand out on this 2021 release are "Crash & Burn", "Subhuman", "Red Line", "Dystopia", "Never Say Goodnight", "Where am I Going", and "Riot Act" - that's not to say the other songs aren't solid offerings as well!
With the release of 'Subhuman', Gale Force takes the Metal realm by storm with a "post-apocalyptic" Heavy Metal sound. From track to track, the album transports one into an illusionary world somewhere between a 'Mad Max' film scenario and Will Smith's 'iRobot' dystopia. Yes, this release will have you wanting to modify your dune buggy, don your leather body armor, and ride out into the sunset with speakers blarin' and fist poundin' in the air!
Some tracks that stand out on this 2021 release are "Crash & Burn", "Subhuman", "Red Line", "Dystopia", "Never Say Goodnight", "Where am I Going", and "Riot Act" - that's not to say the other songs aren't solid offerings as well!
Frontman-Michael Drive hasn't lost a thing since his work in the 80's and 90's. Michael has returned with a vengeance delivering one of his strongest vocal performances that is sure to please 'Barren Cross' fans while creating new fans as well. Michael's vocal delivery draws comparison to singer-Bruce Dickinson(Iron Maiden). Some bands that have influenced Michael over the years include The Beatles, King Crimson, Yes, early Genesis, UK, ELP, and a few non-British Progressive Rock bands, such as Rush and Kansas.
The guitar section for Gale Force is comprised of shredders - Paul Alfery & Tracy G(Dio) who both deliver up a healthy dose of fret boarding from track to track. The guitar work from both Paul & Tracy encompasses many different styles as it moves from 80's era play to heavy driving riffs to melodic play to Doom along with some Thrash touches as well. Paul & Tracy's guitar work is featured on the bonus-instrumental track-12 "The Baron Lives" where their guitars are unhinged and the two are allowed the opportunity to express themselves.
Lyrics are thought provoking and cover different themes like mind control,
repentance, servanthood, love, warnings, a coming robotic dystopia, hope, and freedom.
All Lyrics are written by Michael Drive.
repentance, servanthood, love, warnings, a coming robotic dystopia, hope, and freedom.
All Lyrics are written by Michael Drive.
"Subhuman"
Subhuman rebel, we’re loving all the rest
Even many don’t have a clue
Sub-man, are you exposing the scam-
That God is “dead,” “fake,” “blind,” or “sick”?
Or a figment of your imagination… running
Must be an elaborate trick
"Crash & Burn"
Now’s your chance
To really get fulfilled
Only God can move you
To the place where your faith is built
Get your motor howling louder
Get your foot off the brake
See what kills you and lay it all down
I know you lost your way but it can still be found
"Dystopia"
We’ve got lots of ways to distract you
Come and see
Sex, drugs, rock n roll is all you need
Beddy-time, sleep on, fade
Never mind the cliff ahead
Or your coming pain
Ya, baby, worship in vain
I’ll rock your world… Dystopia
If it feels good, then do it - no restraint
Time for your Dystopia
"Where Am I Going?"
What am I doing, God almighty knows
Sooner or later, all of it will show
I’ve got questions; what if I’d repent?
‘Cause I really don’t want to miss the main event
Where will I go after all the shows have been played?
Where will I fly after my goodbyes have been made?
"Never Say Goodnight"
What your past inflates, a past you can’t escape
But don’t you let it change your future
Get back up
Hopelessness is venom
I know it feels like flames, shackles & chains
‘Cause the dark side wants to break you
Get up!
Bleed... Pain... Blight
NEVER say goodnight
Subhuman rebel, we’re loving all the rest
Even many don’t have a clue
Sub-man, are you exposing the scam-
That God is “dead,” “fake,” “blind,” or “sick”?
Or a figment of your imagination… running
Must be an elaborate trick
"Crash & Burn"
Now’s your chance
To really get fulfilled
Only God can move you
To the place where your faith is built
Get your motor howling louder
Get your foot off the brake
See what kills you and lay it all down
I know you lost your way but it can still be found
"Dystopia"
We’ve got lots of ways to distract you
Come and see
Sex, drugs, rock n roll is all you need
Beddy-time, sleep on, fade
Never mind the cliff ahead
Or your coming pain
Ya, baby, worship in vain
I’ll rock your world… Dystopia
If it feels good, then do it - no restraint
Time for your Dystopia
"Where Am I Going?"
What am I doing, God almighty knows
Sooner or later, all of it will show
I’ve got questions; what if I’d repent?
‘Cause I really don’t want to miss the main event
Where will I go after all the shows have been played?
Where will I fly after my goodbyes have been made?
"Never Say Goodnight"
What your past inflates, a past you can’t escape
But don’t you let it change your future
Get back up
Hopelessness is venom
I know it feels like flames, shackles & chains
‘Cause the dark side wants to break you
Get up!
Bleed... Pain... Blight
NEVER say goodnight
Gale Force has delivered up a solid offering with their debut album 'Subhuman'. This is one of those releases where it only gets better with each listen. Gale Force is for fans of bands like Barren Cross, Iron Maiden, Saint, and Titanic. Help support the band along with Metal music by picking up your copy of the band's debut album 'Subhuman' today! Also, check out the interview I had with Michael Drive.
Purchases can be made at any of the following links:
Michael Drive(Barren Cross, Worldview, M24) - Lead Vocals
Paul Alfery - Rhythm Guitars, Keyboards
Tracy G (DIO) - Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Randy Oviedo - Bass
(All Drums were performed by uncredited session drummers)
Paul Alfery - Rhythm Guitars, Keyboards
Tracy G (DIO) - Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Randy Oviedo - Bass
(All Drums were performed by uncredited session drummers)