Heavy AmericA

In the world of modern rock, it's exceedingly rare to encounter a song that vibrates with the genuine energy and innovative flair reminiscent of rock's golden era. Heavy AmericA's "Pretender" emerges as such a marvel—a potent anthem that nods to the illustrious past of rock while establishing a formidable presence all its own. From the initial notes, with their darkly inviting guitar riffs, the listener is ushered into an electrifying odyssey.
As Heavy AmericA carves their indelible mark on rock 'n' roll, "Pretender" emerges not merely as a song, but as a roaring declaration of the band's raw talent and bold vision. In a landscape starved of authentic rock anthems, "Pretender" stands as a resounding battle cry, reaffirming the undying vigor of rock 'n' roll that pulsates fiercely within the soul of Heavy AmericA. This isn't just music; it's a revival, a rally to the timeless spirit of rock that refuses to be silenced. - Adam Jones

When a modern band brings the riffs – blues-inspired, heavy metal moments akin to Black Sabbath or Deep Purple – well, you can consider my interest piqued. Hailing from Boston, power rock trio Heavy AmericA has been cranking out acclaimed music since 2015 – music resulting in millions of streams, a busy touring schedule, national and international acknowledgement, and college radio saturation. So, is their latest single, “Lucky,” another example of classic hard rock granted a respectable modern spin? Let’s break it down:

Heavy AmericA features Michael T. Seguin (lead vocals, guitar), Budd Lapham (bass, vocals) and Dan Fried (drums, vocals) – three talented musicians who are COMPLETELY in sync during the performance (which is absolutely necessary considering “Lucky” begins with five staccato notes played simultaneously by each band member). And when the verse occurs over such timing-dependent phrasing, it slips into a transitional riff, adding a darker emotional blotting before returning to the verse. And when we get to the chorus? Well, it really is something.

The chorus, to me, really gives off a Black Sabbath vibe with dark, distorted notes and gritty, almost sludgy chords. This is powerful stuff that harkens back to the very beginnings of heavy metal.

After the chorus and a return to those staccato-peppered verses, things get interesting (and tastefully more aggressive): chugging muted notes play for several bars before returning to a powerful reiteration of the chorus; this is a nice energy shift that shows off the band’s adept songwriting and nimble, technical prowess.

And, after that final chorus, “Lucky” begins to wind down. Well, at least ostensibly, considering it receives a final injection of sludgy riffs and some interesting and unexpected chord changes. But after that, it truly winds down as if exhausted – all that remains is rumbling bass and the slow clanging of diminishing cymbal strikes.

So, is it actually good?

Oh, heck yeah. When rock was king, and in its heyday, it sounded like this. And married to a sort of modern energy, “Lucky” is indeed a stunning, contemporary-but-medieval-tinged rock song. If you’re sick of “War Pigs,” maybe give Heavy AmericA’s “Lucky” a spin. You won’t be disappointed. - The Arc of Music

Boston trio Heavy AmericA are a versatile and hard hitting Rock Band that deliver and showcase a range of styles to their growing listening audience. With a number of single releases and live performances under their belt, the band are now back with their latest entry entitled “Vacations”. The song is a thrilling and dynamic showcase of the band's hard-hitting rock sound. From the moment the track starts, the listener is immediately immersed in a world of electrifying guitar riffs and driving percussion. The vocals, delivered with a rough and rugged intensity, add to the track's powerful energy.

The guitar solos throughout "Vacations" are a particular highlight, showcasing the band's technical prowess and ability to create complex, intricate melodies. The use of electronic effects adds an additional layer of depth to the track, creating a soundscape that is both modern and timeless.

Despite its intensity, "Vacations" is also a highly melodic track, with memorable hooks and choruses that are sure to get stuck in your head. Overall, "Vacations" is a fantastic addition to Heavy AmericA's already impressive catalog. It's a track that perfectly encapsulates the band's ability to blend various styles and influences into a cohesive and powerful sound. With its infectious energy and memorable melodies, "Vacations" is sure to be a hit with both longtime fans and newcomers alike. - Artists Central

A hugely talented trio who have become inimitable champions of Boston’s hard rock scene, Heavy AmericA have continued to set the world on fire with the release of another fierce and cataclysmic single ‘Call You Tomorrow’.
Recorded at Room 19 Studio who call the track a “vicious single”, ‘Call You Tomorrow’ is a heavy wash of hard rock sounds mixed perfectly with bold, sweeping lyrics, and a vulnerable underpinning that elevates it above most of the modern rock scene.
After tearing a hole in the mainstream scene with releases like ‘Crushed’ and ‘Tails’, the band of Michael T. Seguin, Budd Lapham, and Dan Fried have remained one of Boston’s most impressive acts, winning over fans and critics alike with a bold, textured sound that takes lead from a broad selection of styles. Amid the recent COVID-19 pandemic, Heavy AmericA showcased their more vulnerable side, tackling depression and isolation head-on in their music, and now, as ‘Call You Tomorrow’ surfaces, they’ve been able to masterfully expand on the more nuanced, expressive side of their caustic rock sound.
Setting an immediate tone with a thunderous drum line and plenty of crashing guitars, ‘Call You Tomorrow’ breaks down into a dark spiral of hard rock anthemics, echoing visceral ‘90s sounds and grunge aesthetics that conjure up comparisons to legendary bands like The Stooges, Nirvana, and Guns N’ Roses. Wielding a brash, passionate sound that hits hard and drags you under in an instance, the single bridges the gap between stark human moments and wild, untameable energy, offering a unique perspective that only Heavy AmericA can deliver.
Lyrically, there’s plenty on offer, and vocalist Michael T. Seguin does an excellent job in putting the beating heart of the track front and centre, crying out with lines that speak of our day-to-day struggles. Lines like “Would it be okay if you came back tomorrow, today is not the day. I got some things to fix” and “you see it’s not okay when everyday feels like shit” linger perfectly, setting the stage while the instrumentals crash down around you in a perfect cacophony of sound. - Thomas Bedward

"Crushed" is a song true Rock music lovers cannot miss!
With their latest single, the American triplet Heavy AmericA is back with an excellent release that shows once again how unique their sound is. After the outstanding singles “Generation Lame” and “Tails,” the band is back stronger than before with their song “Crushed,” a track that shows the versatility of Heavy AmericA and the artistic maturity that make them stand out from the crowd. Today, at Planet Singer, we have the great pleasure of sharing with you their latest release and dive into the sound of these talented Rockers. The well-established Rock trio from Boston knows how to captivate the attention of their listeners. Truth to themselves, to the genre and their fans, Heavy AmericA has a truly unique style, a colorful blend of Rock and classic Hard Rock that incorporates those experimental and progressive vibes that make their trademark sound. Known for the genuine approach to their songwriting and performances, the guys of Heavy AmericA focus on what is really important: the music and its message. “Crushed” shows the band’s potential at its best. Starting from the catchy rhythmic section that sees talented Bassist Budd Lapham and the metronomic precision of Dan Fried (drums) creating solid musical pillars to support the intriguing riffs of Michael‘s guitar and his outstanding performance behind the microphone. Convincing from start to finish, “Crushed” catapult us to the golden era of Rock music, thanks to that iconic sound that makes Heavy AmericA so unique. “Crushed” signs a brand new chapter in the band’s career, and we can’t wait for their next release, and hopefully, after the excellent singles of 2021, a full-length album soon! - PlanetSinger

Boston’s three rock warriors – Michael T. Seguin (lead vocals, guitar), Budd Lapham (bass, vocals) and Dan Fried (drums, vocals) – better known as Heavy AmericA have cemented themselves as something to shout about with their lightning arrival onto the rock music scene in 2014. Their self-titled debut EP in 2015, followed by two singles in 2016, “Up For Air” and “Full Load Amps”, and then their full length album “Now” in 2017, paved the way for a string of stellar releases. Their appeal has certainly not been repressed by the pandemic, showing fans that changes to the music industry over the past year have not subdued their ability to craft an authentic and captivating tapestry of rock and roll grit.
Certainly, Heavy AmericA’s music has allowed each band member to demonstrate their musical prowess and flamboyance for their own individual instruments, as they deliver rock and roll, in a more modern, updated form of the one we once knew and loved. They keep reminding listeners that there once was a time when people made music for other people, not for platforms or algorithms.
Heavy AmericA’s latest reminder in that sense, is the single, “Tails”. From the opening wah-wah guitar and organic drumbeat, the band look to extend the glory of rock music to another generation, by blowing minds and melting faces like great rock bands have always done. The vocals fly high and wide over a landscape of crushing guitar riffs, looping basslines and smashing drums clearly crafted to inspire great emotion.
Heavy AmericA sounds bigger and bolder than what their three piece status tends to insinuate. The entire group vibes like the veterans they are on “Tails”, which is destined to become an important part of the band’s body of work. Aside from the music the band make sure the lyrics are smart and impacting too: “Trouble comes in twos & threes. If there’s only one, no one gets the pun. You’re done!” they sing, just before the second chorus come crashing in.
“Tails” is a confident, expansive and dynamic record that stomps and struts. The track features some mastery fretwork, especially in the tones and riffing nuances. There is a pulsating dynamism and a willingness to reach for even bigger sounds than before. If rock music is destined to achieve some kind of popularity again, Heavy AmericA will definitely be one of the bands to play a role in this.
This song is as original as it is excellent, and the musicianship outstanding, because Heavy AmericA authentically love what they do, and that is good news for fans who want to focus on the music. The band is clearly making the music they have always been inspired to create. Besides delivering a gripping rock tune, Heavy AmericA have also created an impressive supporting video for the music, with some highly effective imagery. But that’s a whole new story… - Jamsphere Magazine

The wheels keep turnin’ and the Rock keeps rollin’ does it not? Been over FIVE years at this point since we were first introduced to Heavy AmericA back in the day, about mid-December in 2016 with a review on their single “Pray For Me.” Nearly two years directly after that, we checked out “Easy Killer” in 2018, and in 2019, “Motor Honey (Peace)” – which incidently, is a still a song I can recall to my brain any time I choose just by thinking about it…and like I always say, that tells ya they were definitely onto something.

So even though it’s been about a year & a half or so since that last spin through “Motor Honey (Peace),” when we last left off with Heavy AmericA in these music-chronicles of ours, they were on Rock solid ground. Ahh…good ol’ 2019…seems like a lifetime away doesn’t it? The entire WORLD has been shaken since the last time we checked in on this Boston-based three-piece…especially over these past 24 hours.

I think they’ve got themselves another extremely badass cut, and a highly relevant one as well. I ain’t gonna lie though – I did kind of need the video supporting it to give it a bit of extra context for me. Part of that could be due to the fact that I’ve only had this song in my hands for a hot minute or so, but part of that reason is also credit to extremely clever writing. Let me explain…

Ultimately, it would have been easier for me to just say “I get it” – and hope that I did. Maybe I do. That’s the beauty of interpretive writing – it can take on many meanings. Don’t get me wrong, the vast majority of what Heavy AmericA is singing about, and their intended targets, is all pretty damn crystal clear if you were to knock it all down to the very bottom line. You’d be looking at a song like “Generation Lame” and gain the understanding that, like so many of us, Heavy AmericA is more than frustrated with current day politics and the effect it’s had on our society as of late. You factor in the mob footage in the video, the politicians signing their souls away for stacks of cash, and the visual intensity of the scenes they’ve chosen throughout what you’ll see onscreen for “Generation Lame” and believe me, you’ll get what they’re putting out there & what they want to communicate on the most fundamental levels you need to understand the core of this cut and their intentions for putting it out.

From there is where it got even more interesting though. I think it’s only natural that our minds jump to try & conclude which side of the argument they’re really on…and I think they’ve done well to keep that somewhat hidden, despite what might seem incredibly obvious to some. When you dig deeper, you see specific imagery in the words & lyrics that, in my opinion, will directly conjure up #45 in your minds; Heavy AmericA will quite often reference “the pen” in this tune…for myself personally, that makes me think of all the times I’ve seen Agent Orange hand out a useless Bic to important people surrounding him in the oval office for a photo op – or the references to “tear gas de jour” – how about that? That ring any bells from any recent events? Or the use of the word “feckless” – which has often been used to describe (aptly) one particular member of the first family over and over while she advertises Goya beans. Whether or not all this is subconscious or intentional is almost beside the point; these words provoke imagery in our minds, and we ascribe meaning to them – and in the politically-charged climate that we’re all in, it’s only natural to want to know if they’re writing from ‘our’ side, or the ‘other’ side of the argument we feel like we believe in. You following me? And which side is which again? We’re all friends right?
“Y’all gotta remember, we’re all in this together.” That line right there is the key to really understanding this whole single and the intentions behind WHY they chose to write it in the first place – and yep, they’re absolutely right. When you finally connect with that line the way it’s meant, and you really get right into “Generation Lame” – you realize that Heavy AmericA was never out to get one specific side of the argument at all. This is a far bigger issue that is affecting every part of the machine we’re stuck in.

They’re fearlessly attacking the entire system, doesn’t matter what fucking side you’re on, you dig? If you’re the kind of person that’ll sell out our rights & freedoms for a chance to line your political pockets – well then brace yourself, because this Bud right here is for YOU. Doesn’t matter if you’re left or if you’re right, if you’re blue or red, black or white – if you have zero morals, lack true convictions, and have no substance in your soul – YOU are the target, and YOU deserve to get hit by this song with the full weight of a physical punch as you listen to it. “Generation Lame” is a justified audible assault on the very establishment of politics & foolish behaviors that have brought us to the point we’re at RIGHT NOW – and if that doesn’t make a song relevant folks, I’m just not sure what else could. And one of THE best things about a song like “Generation Lame” having come out now…is that you KNOW it would have had to have been written at the very least, a little bit before the storming of the US capital yesterday on January 6th – as in, this isn’t some bullshit gimmick Heavy AmericA is rocking here – this is a reflection of feelings, thoughts, and emotions that have been brewing for quite some time, as they have in so many of us throughout this past several (at the very least four, extremely long, and very tiresome) years. There’s not just a chance you’ll hear “Generation Lame” and feel like you identify with a piece of it – there’s a Rock solid chance you’ll feel like you agree with every point that’s being made along the way; Heavy AmericA highly considered what they wanted to say, how they wanted to say it, and they nailed a great song here that both kind of spells it out completely, yet makes you think about everything they’re communicating as well. Because you’ll think you get it…and maybe you do. Maybe I do…maybe I don’t. Maybe I’m projecting…maybe it’s just me…maybe we’re living in paranoid times…because we’ve been lied to, over and over…and those seeds of doubt have grown into a forest within the society we share.

I felt like Heavy AmericA did an excellent job with this cut, and there’s no denying how relevant it is for right now given how much has recently happened & what we’ve all watched, or personally experienced. Tempo/pace-wise & all that…it’s a bit of a push/pull energy in terms of how it moves & grooves…I’m realistic in knowing how those tend to go over with the masses…which in a word is, slowly…but I’d imagine that the people out there listening will catch on quickly enough, because there’s real substance here. Sound-wise, they’ve got some really kick ass chops & bold tone on display here…almost part Black Sabbath and part Them Crooked Vultures…hard-alternative, but with a classic edge & brilliant harmonies – you know what I mean, you’re savvy musically-inclined people out there. I’m a big fan of songs like this that stand for something important – and I fully believe that this one does; I like that “Generation Lame” makes you think, makes you ponder, and makes you consider where your own values fit into this whole scenario driving their latest single. I have a feeling that after the last twenty-four hours or so, this entire song has likely taken on even more weight & meaning for those out there listening, and rightly so – Heavy AmericA can Rock, and they DO Rock – but they’ve also proven to be quite thoughtful here in the process as well. Don’t mistake their flashy chops & amped-up energy for mere meathead Rock – they’ve clearly got their heads & hearts in the right place; you’ll know that by listening to the words of their latest single, and by the sheer fact that “Generation Lame” was created with genuine purpose. - Jer @ Sleeping Bag Studios, L.A.

“If You Care” by Heavy AmericA is a well written song performed with spot-on attitude and raw energy. The theme of the lyrics contains a powerful message, and is translated equally as powerfully into music with the song’s interesting arrangement. With this song, Heavy AmericA demonstrates the extent of their talents as songwriters and performers, crafting a song that speaks to listeners while using their high level of musicianship to bring the song's meaning to life.
The lyrics in “If You Care” examines the indignities and broken promises in society, while simultaneously offering a ray of hope. The lyrics, “a broken suit holds an empty promise, a subtle beware of what’s out there, if you care” and “You’re always the last to know, and the first to care” brings out this theme. In addition, the lyrics encourage listeners to be there, listen, and offer help to others."
- Matt Wong, Indie Spoonful - Indie Spoonful

Based in the beating heart of Boston, Massachusetts, Heavy AmericA have built their sound from a diverse range in influences and rock idioms. Leaning on the expertly performed progressive rock circles to the edgy and incisive sounds of alternate rock rebellion, their sound covers a wealth of classic and experimental rock styles that fight to transcend the generic, rock-by-numbers sound. Proudly defying classical categories and labels, the band present an arsenal of sounds and moods that are infused with a spark of natural ability to dedicated hard work.
Their latest release in a series of fiery, uncompromising sounds is ‘Motor Honey (Peace)’, a visceral rock single that easily dominates the mainstream rock scene. Built on a full-throttle attitude and a series of screaming guitar chords, damning bass lines, and a hard-hitting percussion that relentlessly pushes forward.
Calling out to an age of classic rock where heavy, fractured guitars and snarling vocals rallied like war-torn battle cries, ‘Motor Honey (Peace)’ speaks to the more primal side of rock, capturing the energy and sounds of bands like Guns ‘n’ Roses, AC/DC, or and Queens of the Stone Age. Offering glimmers at heartier heavy metal that are swept aside by a more pronounced, melodic edge, Heavy AmericA’s new track is a bellowing, rumbling, pedal to the metal anthem.
Defiantly bringing the danger and soul back into rock ‘n’ roll, ‘Motor Honey (Peace)’ is a deft slice of timeless rock that fans of both old and new can enjoy. It’s rough, ready, and not afraid to carry a few hard knocks, making both the song and the band, something to behold. - Broken 8 Records

Heavy AmericA have a way of getting to the root of what rock and metal is all about. As I pointed out before when Proud Shame was under the reviewers pen, they are the masters of the declutter, the straight line and the honest approach, they do away with the fad and the fashion, the additional and wholly unnecessary textures and layering and get straight to the heart of the issue. But that isn’t to say that their music is simple, basic, or that they don’t groove with the best of them. It’s just that they know what is important and what is not.
Here they lay down a scuzzy blues-metal groove, intensify it with bass and beat and use it to sonically punch the listener around the head with something that is both perfect and simple, and thus simply perfect. Biker bar blues meets Southern Rocks boogie. The problem with many rock and metal bands today is they think that to create an impact you have to throw in a lot of notes, be as technical or heavy or dramatic as they can. Easy Killer is a reminder that if you get the basics right you don’t need to worry about all that clutter. - Dave Franklin

Hard rockers Heavy AmericA have unleashed their neck breaking, in-your-face, wall of sound Pray For Me. You can watch the video on YouTube.
Blending a fine tasting, potent mix of alternative, progressive and stoner rock elements, Pray For Me hits you right in the chest, rumbles through your gut, and stimulates your ear canals just enough to force you into an uncontrollable headbang while jamming your socks off on air guitar.
Strap on your seat belts, roll down the windows, turn the stereo up to 15 and prepare for a hard rockin’ ride! - Joshua Smotherman

Founded in 2014, Boston bruisers Heavy America cement their message from the wayward intro of their debut record’s first cut “Proud Shame” with American Gothic throat singing coming off like a Native American ritual. Beyond that mesa, the music delves into plaintive psychedelia anchored by Mike Seguin’s countrified guitar plucking, Dan Fried’s Jekyll n’ Hyde drumming (from punishing crunch to graceful fills to standard blues’ laments) and Budd Lapham’s deeply cut bass prowl. Then just when you think you’ve figured things out, they got for the throat with a pickaxe swipe of burly classic rock. Every melody hits the mark and every hook rings out like a gunshot proclamation at the Alamo. This is the opening track of …Now and it sets the tone for things to come.

“Bleed Mary” expands on the more vulnerable qualities of “Proud Shame” by stretching further the melodic verse qualities. Seguin’s lead vocals ripple like water, the contemplative guitar melodies utilize sparse notations, Fried softly ghosts the cymbals and Lapham’s bass endlessly roams in quiet thought. The chorus is shell shocked by louder vocals and harder guitar muscle but the rumble quickly reverts to restraint. Each verse also adds almost unnoticeable additions to the song composition that need to be listened to closely to even catch; for example, the snare joins the cymbals in the second run. It’s the mark of a band dedicated to fully exploring each song to the fullest. Dirty, palm-muted riffage and more aggressive singing cultivates the gentle rain of rock n’ roll into a full blown tempest culminating with a solo psychedelic bass line giving way to guitar licks and blown out riffs fully scorched by the desert heat…you could swear these guys have ties to the Palm Springs’ stoner rock movement spearheaded by Kyuss and Fatso Jetson. “Pray for Me” traverses the absolute opposite route of that sonic movement with attitudinal stoner riffs culling equally from 70s rock and grunge luminaries like Skin Yard and Soundgarden, valuing pure volume over subtleties.

There’s no limits or boundaries on the styles utilized, lending each song a unique identity; galloping blues goes indie on “Sweet Kisses,” “Casting Stones” is the big centerpiece epic where grandiose late 60s/early 70s hard rock takes its sweet ol’ time building up to the show-stopper Hammer of Thor riffs, “Goliath” tips the Texaco hat to the days when rock n’ roll filled up arenas, “I Can Take It” allows the cosmonauts a good musical incentive to light up that last joint, “Heavy Eyes” is the huge melodic number and only closer “Achilles Fail” seems to falter lacking a signature movement in a somewhat standard heavy groove send-off. “Achilles Fail” isn’t necessarily a bad tune, a little more filler than the rest; it just feels somewhat out of place in the track order. “Casting Stones” or “Heavy Eyes” would have fit much better as a curtain call.
Overall, Heavy America is a rock solid band that shows even greater hope for the future. This is a fine set of tunes with the only nitpicks being some flow problems in the track list and one tune that’s more average than great but …Now is a debut not to be sneezed at and with classic rock influenced bands experiencing a spirited revival, these guys are on their way to becoming leaders of the pack. - Burned Out Borders, Shannon Cowden