The Mob Rules – Mike Portnoy and John Moyer of Adrenaline Mob

The Mob Rules. On Monday, one of the biggest rock ‘n’ roll shows of the year so far went down at The Hiro Ballroom in New York City. The adrenaline was coursing through everyone’s veins, and the stars were all in alignment…literally. Adrenaline Mob is composed of some of hard rock’s best musicians. Each member has contributed significantly to the genre over the last 20 years. Former long-time Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy is behind the kit for The Mob. Portnoy is arguably the best drummer in the world right now, and is widely regarded as one of the best all-time. His list of accomplishments and awards is long, including being the reigning Revolver Magazine 2011 Drummer of The Year, and will defend his title in April at Golden Gods Awards in April. Guitar virtuoso Mike Orlando is an insane shredder. Coming from his solo band, Sonic Stomp, Orlando was a Top 10 Finalist in Guitar Player Magazine’s Superstar of The Year in 2008. Vocalist Russell Allen of Symphony X fronts the group with a killer range and larger-than-life persona. The final piece of this metallic puzzle is none other than John Moyer. One of the best bassists in rock today, Moyer joined Adrenaline Mob in light of Disturbed‘s hiatus. Moyer’s three Disturbed albums all debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200, and the band received a Grammy Nomination in 2008. He has his own line of custom B.C. Rich Havoc basses, and his own personally designed amps and cabinets from Kustom Amplification. On the eve of Adrenaline Mob’s debut album release, I got a chance to catch up with Mike Portnoy and John Moyer for an exclusive interview. These guys are incredible, and it was an absolute honor to talk with them. We talked about the album, Omertà, and how the whole project came to fruition. They also gave me the inside info on their upcoming tour plans. Later that night (instead of just having a listening party), the band did a set for the fans, playing the whole album from start to finish. Opening with the single “Undaunted”, and send the crown into a head-banging frenzy. The guys sounded phenomenal, and Allen took every opportunity possible to thank the fans for being part of such an epic night. They brought the house down with a very appropriate cover of Black Sabbath‘s “The Mob Rules” for the encore, with a little “War Pigs” as well. Omertà is an incredibly heavy record, and it’s just what hard rock needs right now. An absolute burner from start to finish, the musicianship is nothing short of extraordinary. So far, it’s in my Top 5 for best album of 2012 (it debuted in the Top 3 on the iTunes Rock Chart). In the coming spring and summer months, they are embarking on a world tour, hitting many major festivals in Europe and the U.S. Check out the band’s website for upcoming tour info, and be sure to go get your copy of Omertà (Elm City Music/EMI) and CRANK IT UP! If you don’t, you’re a fool…’cause The Mob Rules. (Photos Courtesy of Natalie Grygo Photography)