Mass formed back in 1981 and the band hails from Boston, Massachusetts which is also the source from which the band takes the idea for their moniker. Mass is a melodic Hard Rock/Power Metal band with a sound that has been hammered and forged on the anvil over many years which has resulted in the band's unique sound. Mass delivers up 80's style music comprised of energy and passion in the veins of such artists as Whitesnake, Deth Enemy, and Deep Purple.
To Mass' credit, over the years the band has released 8 studio albums and sold over half a million albums worldwide. The band's discography is as follows: 1984-EP 'Mass', 1985-'New Birth', 1988-EP 'Take You Home', 1989-'Voices In The Night', 2007-'Crack Of Dawn', 2010-'Fighter', 2010-'Sea Of Black', 2018-'When 2 Worlds Collide'.
Mass has worked with such producers as Tom Allom(Judas Priest), Jon Mathias(Joe Cocker), Tony Platt(Cheap Trick/Led Zep) and Michael Sweet(Stryper). Mass has toured with well known bands such as Cinderella, Scorpions, Molly Hatchet, Tesla, The Ramones, Kix, and Vince Neil just to mention a few.
In 2018 Mass released their 8th studio album titled 'When 2 Worlds Collide' on the Escape Music label. This release was mixed and mastered by Brian J Anthony for Escape Music Ltd. The album was produced by Khalil Turk for Escape Music and the album's cover art was done by Nello Dell'Omo. It's hard to not notice the production and sound quality that Escape Music has brought to this 2018 release as it is nothing short of upper level production.
On this release, Stryper’s - Michael Sweet makes an appearance and shows just how it's done in a guitar solo on track-9 "Stand Alone". Michael is well known for his abilities on the guitar and here he shreds like a pro on what is defined as a big production ballad similar to that of Whitesnake!
The following excerpt is taken from an interview with Mass at Louis St. August:
How did you hook up with Stryper’s Michael Sweet for his guest appearance on ‘Stand Alone’?
"Michael’s been a dear friend and fan of the band for a long time now. We first met when we did a few shows together in Boston in the mid 80’s. We were just coming off our RCA deal when he introduced us to his label owner Wes Hein. Wes loved the band and signed us immediately. Michael suggested to Wes that he should produce our next record our fourth album called “Voices in The Night” for the Enigma label. We ended up living in Michael's house for 2 months while recording the record in California to save money on the record budget. That was certainly a lot of laughs and fun. Since then we have done many shows together and have always kept in contact. I simply just reached out to Michael one day and told him we had this song that I thought he would be perfect for and he said absolutely, came in and nailed it."
How did you hook up with Stryper’s Michael Sweet for his guest appearance on ‘Stand Alone’?
"Michael’s been a dear friend and fan of the band for a long time now. We first met when we did a few shows together in Boston in the mid 80’s. We were just coming off our RCA deal when he introduced us to his label owner Wes Hein. Wes loved the band and signed us immediately. Michael suggested to Wes that he should produce our next record our fourth album called “Voices in The Night” for the Enigma label. We ended up living in Michael's house for 2 months while recording the record in California to save money on the record budget. That was certainly a lot of laughs and fun. Since then we have done many shows together and have always kept in contact. I simply just reached out to Michael one day and told him we had this song that I thought he would be perfect for and he said absolutely, came in and nailed it."
Lyrics are a mixed bag with some tracks having christian themes while others focus on love and hardships within relationships. In the interview at Louis St. August, the band sheds some light on their lyrical direction: "Those lyrics were brought about by all the crazy stuff that has been going on in the world. It’s all going to come to an end one day and where will you stand? Heaven or Hell? A lot of my lyrics are usually autobiographical things that have happened to myself, the band or the friends that surround me."
"When 2 Worlds Collide"
Now I feel the end is nearing, yes
Now I fear there's no place to hide
And I see the cross in the sky
War's come for you and I
Time for us to chose a side
Now we must all decide
When 2 worlds collide
Blood soaked hearts of innocence
How many will endure
Cries out for forgiveness is
A step towards the Door
"Just Can't Deny"
I feel the cold at night
Demons are out chasing me
Now I can see the Light
It must set me free
I look toward the sky
A world I just can't deny
You stand by my side
As we head toward the light
live in a world where were labeled
live in a world of lies
I feel the thorn of the devils
Because I won't join his side
Now I feel the end is nearing, yes
Now I fear there's no place to hide
And I see the cross in the sky
War's come for you and I
Time for us to chose a side
Now we must all decide
When 2 worlds collide
Blood soaked hearts of innocence
How many will endure
Cries out for forgiveness is
A step towards the Door
"Just Can't Deny"
I feel the cold at night
Demons are out chasing me
Now I can see the Light
It must set me free
I look toward the sky
A world I just can't deny
You stand by my side
As we head toward the light
live in a world where were labeled
live in a world of lies
I feel the thorn of the devils
Because I won't join his side
With the release of 'When 2 Worlds Collide, Mass brings an AOR sound in the veins of many arena Rock bands from the 80's era. If you are looking for some music that one can roll back the top of their convertible and crank the volume to max - then pick up your copy of When 2 Worlds Collide and let it ride!!
The album 'When 2 Worlds Collide' can be purchased at any of the following links:
Musicians:
Louis St August-Lead & Backing Vocals
Gene D’Itria-Guitars
Michael Palumbo-Bass & Backing Vocals
Joey “Vee” Vadala-Drums
Guests Musicians:
Jeremy Heussi-Keyboards, strings, etc
Michael Sweet-lead solo “Stand Alone”
Brian J Anthony-Mandolin, Acoustic Guitars, and Keyboards on "Second Hand Rose"
Louis St August-Lead & Backing Vocals
Gene D’Itria-Guitars
Michael Palumbo-Bass & Backing Vocals
Joey “Vee” Vadala-Drums
Guests Musicians:
Jeremy Heussi-Keyboards, strings, etc
Michael Sweet-lead solo “Stand Alone”
Brian J Anthony-Mandolin, Acoustic Guitars, and Keyboards on "Second Hand Rose"