Stemage: Metroid Metal

Grant Henry took the music of one of the most popular video games of all time and scored it as heavy metal with an extremely progressive groove. I discovered his music on a lark, after several other untalented acts appeared on YouTube somewhere around 2006. They were doing the same thing Grant was doing, minus the talent. So, let’s get back to Grant and Metroid Metal. His solo work is done under the name Stemage. All of the original Metroid Metal was done by Grant using Cakewalk on a crappy PC! The product was impressive, is still available for free download, and is in my iTunes library.

Over the last six years, he has recruited several other musicians. One of which is Kevin, a badass drummer with some great chops. Again, everything in the original songs were digital drums. With a human drummer, comes an organic element, which enhances the music so much more. There are still solos, just as there were in the original, but these are either being done by another guitar player, or Grant isn’t holding anything back this time around! The solos are virtuoso and intense- fast furious.

So, the genesis of Metroid Metal as a band name was adopted as more musicians collaborated on the material. Everything was microphoned and recorded in an actual studio for optimum sound. The essence of live instruments coming through real drum kits and guitar amps is evident in their latest recordings. So, take a listen, and I hope you enjoy them.

-T