Method Of Destruction
Following his work in legendary New York hardcore act Stormtroopers Of Death, vocalist Billy Milano formed M.O.D. (as they are commonly referred to) with Tim McMurtrie (guitar), Ken Ballone (bass) and Keith Davis (drums). The quality of the groove-based hardcore on USA FOR MOD was overshadowed by controversy over seemingly racist and near-fascist lyrics, although Milano later explained in an open letter to the press that his aim was to illustrate prejudice by writing from the bigot's perspective in the first person, thus stirring up truly negative reactions to these attitudes in the process; Milano subsequently noted that many of the most contentious lyrics were written by Anthrax's Scott Ian and had been part of the SOD set. The subsequent tour, while successful, proved unhealthy for MOD, with McMurtrie breaking his leg and continuing in a wheelchair, while Ballone broke his arm, and the line-up split after the tour. Milano was then joined by guitarist Louie Svitek, bassist John Monte (who had toured in place of the injured Ballone) and drummer Tim Mallare for the lyrically lighter SURFIN' MOD, where Milano's sense of humour shone through, and the new band moved towards a metal/hardcore crossover style. GROSS MISCONDUCT maintained the quality, although Milano peppered the lyric sheet with explanations as he tackled serious subject matter once more. However, personal problems enforced Milano's departure from the music scene, with Svitek and Monte going on to form Mind Funk. MOD were revived as a trio in 1992 after the SOD reunion, with Milano (adopting the bassist role as he had in his days with the Psychos), drummer Dave Chavarri and the returning McMurtrie on guitar for RHYTHM OF FEAR, sounding as if the band had never been away. Despite a rather fluid line-up thereafter, DEVOLUTION showed that Milano—now rhythm guitarist with Rob Moscheti on bass—was still producing strong and relevant hardcore to match the likes of Biohazard and Sick Of It All.