One of Fort Wayne’s metal powerhouses is back in action. After two years off, the guys from Industrial Strength are ready to have fun once again. They will be kicking it all off with a CD release party at Piere’s on April 28 in support of their new release, Hadel Zone.

Since their start in 1998, Industrial Strength have been tearing up the local scene with what vocalist Pat Martin describes as, “extremely aggressive music.

“If you take Pantera, Sepultura, Crowbar and Obituary and blend them all together, that’s us,” he adds. Along with Pat, Adam Bricker, Joe Heathman and Sam Mayberry made up the original lineup which gained a faithful fan base in the area. Nearly 600 fans showed up for their first CD release party at Piere’s for the Blunt Force Impact disc. Loyalty to their fans brought about the reformation of their practice room into an all-ages venue called the Death Shed in 2000. During the time it was open, the guys had local metal acts along with bands from other cities performing.

While in support of Blunt Force Impact, they maintained a heavy load of touring. They played gigs with two to 5,000 people in attendance. They hit all of the surrounding states and even landed a spot at the Milwaukee Metalfest in 2001.

“It was three days of partying,” recalls Martin. On top of that they also performed at the Locopalooza show that came to town in 2002. All together they shared the stage with such acts as Sevendust, Mushroomhead, D.R.I., Soil, Filter, Nonpoint, Mastadon and Disarray. They are also not ashamed to mention that they once opened for the 80s act Warrant. On that night, they humorously remember the bad rock star attitude that Warrant had, and the guys took care of it by throwing pizza and applying some bodily fluids upon their bus after the show.

In 2002, bassist Mayberry broke the news to the band that he was moving, and the time came to find a replacement. “The whole revolving bass player thing,” is how guitarist Bricker referred to the process.

Since finding someone to fill Mayberry’s shoes wasn’t working out,the band simply decided to take a break. Nobody knew for sure how long it would last, but Martin felt it was time. Unlike other band splits, these guys remained good friends.

“It’s not that we ever really wanted to break up; it was just the pure aggravation of not finding the right musician,” adds Bricker. They also admit that they are a little older now and needed some time with families and doing some things they haven’t been able to do because of their busy schedule. Bricker and Heathman continued playing in other projects, and for awhile it looked very uncertain when or if they would regroup.

One night, while Bricker was playing with one of his projects, he ran into the missing piece of the Industrial Strength puzzle. That was long-time area rocker Rory Grams, who formerly played bass for Little Green Men. The first thing that came from Adam’s mouth was, “Dude, do you still bass?”

Grams admitted that for the last couple of years, while living up in Wisconsin, he didn’t play a single note. Upon his return to Fort Wayne, he had thoughts of driving a semi, but he said to himself, “If I was ever to play bass again, I would love to play for my old friends from Industrial Strength, if they were even looking.” All it took was that chance meeting with Bricker, and Grams was back on bass.

An ironic note is that the very first show Industrial Strength ever played was with Grams’ former band. Since that show they have remained good friends, and it helps give this new lineup a healthy bond. “He adds the pepper and sauce to the band,” remarks Martin.

Grams admits, “I’m just happy to be playing again.”

After the puzzle was complete, they started the finishing touches on the new disc, Hadel Zone. Put together thanks to the local label Smash Alley Records, Hadel Zone has 11 tracks and - with songs like “Your Time is Coming,” “Hate,” and “Blind We Remain” - lots of attitude. Smash Alley’s president Kent Christon is also taking a heavy load off the guys by taking over on touring and merchandise duties. This allows the band to be stress-free and do what they do best, play music.

“We’re playing to have fun again. We’ll play anytime with whomever,” Martin said.

Now that the band’s got its second wind, you can guarantee the local scene will be stepped up a notch. They all admit this is the last band.

Martin explains Industrial Strength’s new lineup “will keep going until the dead horse can’t ride again.” For the last couple of years they have had to answer over and over to fans who wondered what was going on with the band.

“A good reason why we got back together was because we have a good fan base,” says Bricker.

Fans can check them out April 28 for the CD release party at Piere’s, where they will be playing along with area rockers Sirface and Smash Alley label mates Fallen.

For more info go to smashalleyrecords.com.

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