Venomin James one of Free Times' "10 Bands to Watch in 2008"

We were named one of the 10 bands to watch in 2008 by Cleveland Free Times. Here’s our entry:

10. VENOMIN JAMES

If Clutch and Alice in Chains had a baby raised by Kyuss and Cream, this would be Venomin James. The band – drummer Jared Koston, singer Jim Meador, guitarist Tom Scull, bassist Erin Corcoran and guitarist Joe Fortunato – released Left-Hand Man at the end of 2007. With lyrics transcribed from Meador’s wartime journal (he served in Iraq), the themes are tortured yet delicate, with the occasional growl included for emphasis. “Abu Ghraib” rips open the disc with straight stoner rock. Doom/stone rockers will love “Iron Horse,” as the guitar work is stellar. “Feed the Flames” is a standout with lines such as “I found serenity in madness, found my peace of mind,” and then it takes off with Meador’s soulful, rousing call to “burn it all.” “El Brujo” closes out the CD with insane guitar riffs and tighter-than-tight drumming. Too many times, you hear a band’s influences and not the band itself. This is simply not the case with these guys as VJ manages to have its own vibe while delivering a cool vintage Black Sabbath/Skynyrd sound. Also, while Meador’s army experience certainly accounts for his lyrics, it’s the band as a whole that works together so well on its debut CD. – Jara Anton

Full article is here: Free Times’ 10 Bands to Watch in 2008