I first met Tod in 1985 through my best friend Gina when they both played in a local goth band called THE HERETIX formed in D.C. by brothers Mike and Rob Salvini.Tod left the band at this time,as it all became a bit too much for him.So,at age 15,I became his replacement on the bass guitar.Needless to say,I was now afraid of Tod,and my fear of him continued over the next 10 years.Though Now we are best friends.See,Tod was Into some pretty spooky stuff at that time,and I most certainly did NOT want to get on his dark nerves.
At this time,THE HERETIX were now winding down it's gothic run.We only played about 10 more shows under that name.I must say,I was very proud,and felt privileged to be a part of that infamous local band at such a young age.
So,it was at this point that THE HERETIX wanted to start something new.
For the musical landscape had drastically started to change.Metal was starting to take over,and like THE HERETIX often subscribed to,it was time for us to change with the tides,although we imperatively thrived to remain unique.
Here,with the addition of a fret shredding lead guitarist named Chris Bartlett,and his crazy skin pounding pal Jimmy, a new Entity was born.We were now PLASTIC X,a bizarre journey into the world of self-destructive mantra's and hate fueled ego induced rap metal(long before it actually became a genre).We Packed the clubs nightly,often with faithful angst filled metalheads and general misguided fuck up's of all sorts.It was CRaZy.You would have to have seen it to believe it.
It during these fomative years that PLASTIC X opened up for a new and up and coming band from Brooklyn N.Y. called BIOHAZZARD.During a sound check,BIOHAZZARD members approached me and said that i would be a perfect replacement on bass for thier friend Chris Milnes fellow touring mates band called MUCKY PUP from N.J.I humbly accepted the position.
It was at this that my world musical world had really opened u.I,at age 18, simply grabbed my bass,said a thankful farewell to PX,and hopped on a Greyhound for the Big Apple.I just adored MUCKY PUP. I worked and played with those sweet guys for the next 4 years,mucking up stages all over the States,The U.K.and Europe with great bands the likes of; CARTER USM,PRIMUS,LEEWAY,DOG EAT DOG,PUBLIC ENEMY,BAD BRAINS,GWAR,TYPE-O -,BIOHAZZARD and many other wonderful people,until my tired little body could'nt take anymore of this daily road abuse.See, I have something called Crohn's disease that made it a challenge for me to travel.
So,back in Northampton mass,I had a surgury for my illness,and joined up with a band called DIESELMEAT,formed by local guitar genius Sean Keefe(who grew up with and used to play with DINOSAUR JR's J.Mascis in a band called DEEP WOUND and HIGH SPEED VOMIT .I again replaced good friend Rick T-Bow(who consequently later played a with us in the early HEAVENS LAMENT)this was difficult on my soul.
DIESLMEAT were Northampton indie rock legends.Along with local rock gods and show mates THE UNBAND.The energy DIESELMEAT shared onstage was pure chaotic,rock brilliance.Those that remember DIESELMEAT would have to surely agree with me.DIESELMEAT fizzled out shortly after signing a record contract with Americian Empire/Priority records.The CD "Happily" can still be found online and at your local flee market and cutout bins.
"So what should I do now" ? I asked myself.Shortly after musically floundering in and out of other people's bands like DOOM NATION,OUT OUT,and VEIN CAGE.(thanks fella's it was a real blast) I still found myself musically empty, and somewhat lost.
Now it's 2001,and this is when my light bulb re-illuminated."Why don't I start my OWN band ? "Yeah..I could go backwards and get two of my favorite people ever to join up with me"(those two people being Tod LaPlante and Rick T-Bow who if you recall from earlier I replaced in their bands and that had haunted me for years).And they DID join me in my musical quest for the grail.Althogh now, HEAVENS LAMENT is currently a duo,as Ricky-T went on to persue a family,which I respect greatly.We like being a duo now.
So I asked,"What should we call ourselves"? And then I came up with the name..HEAVENS LAMENT.What that means ? I'm not quite sure,I guess whatever you want it to."Now,what should we sound like lads"? Good question."How about a hybrid of all the bands we collectively adored from our teen years" So,This is what we try to accomplish We are HEAVENS LAMENT,and we are still just a child.But when we do grow up,
we would love to write many more great songs that could quite possibly move your soul,and ours. Also,we plan to make many great sounding records in the future.But,as for now I guess you'll just have to settle for our humble,homemade bedroom recordings.
Tod and I sincerilly thank you for taking the time to read this somewhat tedious biography...and we hope to see you at one or all of our upcoming shows.Do introduce yourself,as we love meeting new people.And appreciate all of our old friends and fans alike.
Stay hungry.-Chris LaPlante.
*CONTACT: Chris @ (413)626-3718.or @
[email protected]
