“The Hardrock Haven Band of the Month is a band we firmly believe needs to be heard. Each month, one Hardrock Haven staff member has their opportunity to pick a band they feel is going to break soon; a band that is deserved of nationwide attention; and lastly, a band that just kicks ass.” … Derric Miller.

Hardrock Haven is proud to continue into our second year for our feature installment — Band of the Month — and this time around we journey to Boston, Massachusetts in the USA to checkout their hometown heros known as MASS.

There is something to be said for stability. The fact is, and understandably so, as time progresses, band members come and go. New projects come available, better offers present themselves, and as is expected, life happens, and other things take priority. But in certain cases, even after better than 20+ plus years, the band continues through the changes in the musical landscape, flavors of the month and the lean years to stay together, with the same lineup as they were since the very beginning.

While change at times is good, after hearing a CD as tight as Crack of Dawn is, one hears a “mesh” of sounds, that only comes after decades of being with the same group of band mates. Members learn of each other’s influences, playing styles, like and dislikes, strong and weak points. Tracks are written knowing of the vocal range of the singer, solos are penned knowing the limitations and finesse of the guitarist and keyboardist, and rhythm lines are composed with the attitude and flair of the drummer and bassist in mind. Above all that, a respect and friendship grows within the band, and from which comes some unbelievable songwriting and musicianship.

Cheap Trick, U2, The Police, Aerosmith, Poison and Judas Priest with perhaps only a handful of others can claim this. Add to this list, from Boston, Mass., one of the finest melodic/hard rock bands still on tour today – MASS. With a frontman whose voice is unbelievably every bit as powerful, clear and ardent as it was 20+ plus years ago, this band rocks with catchy, contagious tracks complete with huge hooks, knockout guitar solos all written around swirling choruses, soaring melodic verses, and a rhythm section that pounds its way to your very soul.

Vocalist Louis D’ Augusta formed MASS with the original name, Axis, with some of the most talented musicians he could find in around his neighborhood, and the quest came to bring to the world their brand of hard rock that never goes out of style. In 1982, the band signed with A&M Records and their first album Fighter was completed. However, due to personal and business conflicts with their manager and the label, Fighter was never released. In 1984, MASS released their self-titled demo and after selling well, the band was signed to RCA, and their first full length CD, After Birth was released, with the single, “Do You Love Me,” going to #1 in many of Boston’ radio stations, and a video was made for the newly launched MTV.

In 1987, the band, under Enigma Records, released their third CD, Take Me Home, which sold extremely well around the world, and brought the band some much deserved kudos and new fans. For the fourth release, Stryper front man Michael Sweet was brought on board as producer, and 1989’s Voices in the Night became another chapter in the MASS legacy. 1989 also had MASS being nominated as “Best Heavy Metal Act” at the Boston Music Awards.

In 2007, MASS released Crack of Dawn, with almost 45 minutes of riff-driven hard rockers, killer guitar solos, and tracks that will have the unknowing wondering, “…how in the hell have I ever missed out on this band?”

Over the years, the boys of MASS have found themselves sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in hard rock -- Cheap Trick, Molly Hatchet, Frank Marino and Mahagony Rush, Kix, Talas, Hanoi Rocks, Rondinelli, Grim Reaper, Winger, Stryper and a host of other acts, venues and clubs have all asked MASS to bring their brand of kick-ass rock to fans of this great band. A recent collaboration with Las Vegas’s Retrospect Records will soon show the re-release of all their previous outings. And a recent conversation with Louis D’ Augusta tells us that the band will be soon returning back to the studio for the follow up to the incredible Crack of Dawn.

But, a band is only as good as those members who bring their sound to life. And within MASS there is some undeniably strong talent. Guitarist Gene D’ Itria can downright shred on his signature Les Paul. And any guitarist who names such legends as Jimmy Page and Zakk Wylde as influences is a musician to reckon with. A listen to such hard hitters as “It's You,” “Monkey Brain,” “Leavin’ You,” “Magic Train” and “Sweet Lady Jane,” all from Crack of Dawn, and from New Birth, “Too Far Gone,” “Left Behind,” “Back To Me,” “Day Without You” and “Watch Her Walk,” all show that this powerhouse of the six string is all business. Filling out the relentless rhythm section are Mike Palumbo on bass and Joey “Vee” Vadala on drums. Coming in and out of earshot with rolls, riffs, fills and quick fingers this twosome lays down a solid line around each track much like adding a frame around the song, never letting them stroll outside of the lines and adding a toughness and almost metal edge. But in the front with pipes that makes the Gods of Rock ‘n’ Roll stand up and take notice is vocalist Louis D’ Augusta. About as decent of a human being as anyone could ever hope to get to know, Louis sings his heart out on each and every track with a clarity that is nothing short of phenomenal. Trying to pick vocalists with styles similar to his is difficult at best – but if had to – the talents with the precision and clarity of Steve Perry, Jeff Scott Soto, Tony Harnell, Fred Curci or Danny Vaughn. Good God, what a voice …and what a band …

At long last, MASS is starting to get the recognition they do so deserve having been asked to perform at Pryor Okla.'s Rocklahoma, one of the premiere rock festivals in the U.S. With over 200,000 rock fans scheduled to attend, the band is scheduled to appear on Saturday, July 12 starting their set at 8:45 p.m. For long time fans and those who may be just discovering one of America’s hidden talents, this is a must attend event. MASS will definitely have the crowd on their feet and rock the stage with a slew of long time favorites and newly written tracks.

After being told that MASS had been selected as Hardrock Haven’s Band of the Month, the band writes, “It is an honor to have been chosen by the staff at Hardrock Haven as this March's Band of the Month. It is truly rewarding to us to have been recognized for our latest release, and our past releases and accomplishments over the years. Hardrock Haven.net Rocks!!!”

You wanna rock? Pick up a copy of Crack of Dawn and brace yourself for a rock ‘n’ roll experience that you won’t soon forget …