Stuck Mojo – Underworld 2008/1

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What seemed to be an excellent opportunity for Stuck Mojo, the US rap/crossover metal pioneers on their independent fight back into the metal community’s consciousness, quickly turned into a mild disaster through no fault of their own, and they had to work hard to make it a success.

The plan was simple. A co-headlining tour with Hungarian thrash outfit Ektomorf, with Mojo headlining the UK, Ektomorf headlining Germany and the two rotating in other countries, with support on the whole tour from Californian metalcore band Vengince and German metallers Tenside. However, when Mojo and their crew arrived in Germany for the first show of the trek they were told in no uncertain terms that Ektomorf would now be headlining the UK as well. Without many options Mojo pressed on.

Their fans turned out in good numbers and showed their appreciation for Vengince and Tenside, who both turned in strong, energetic performances. Then for 45 minutes they went crazy as Mojo, playing the UK for the first time with new vocalist Lord Nelson, tore through a mixture of new songs from Southern Born Killers and older classics with their usual off-the-chart energy. And then they left. Nearly all of them. Approximately four Ektomorf t-shirts could be seen remaining in the main area while everyone else either vacated to the bar or left the building. Ektomorf did a lot of damage with this tour and Mojo fans are unlikely to give them any time again.

Mojo’s song selection was a little interesting. Mostly around the two new songs played. Firstly, more new songs were expected, and secondly thunderous album opener and second single I’m American was sorely missed in favour of unlikely candidate Metal Is Dead. Otherwise huge concert favourites Rising, Southern Pride, (Here Comes) The Monster, 2 Minutes of Death, Twisted and Not Promised Tomorrow all kept their spots alongside an unexpected Enemy Territory from Rising.

Although in possession of a much smoother voice than original vocalist Bonz, Nelson does an excellent job making the old songs his own, but leaves most of the crowd interaction to band leader Rich Ward in favour of plenty of rap-star posturing. Ward is still the master raw showman, leaping around the tight confines of the Underworld stage as much as possible, playing and singing from amongst the audience (with an audience member holding the mic stand from the stage for him, and inviting as many fans as would fit to join the band on stage while he mixed with the crowd.

When Stuck Mojo return for a headlining tour in October they will no doubt do exactly the same, with a longer set, to an equally enthusiastic crowd. With less of a point to prove, and more freedom to do so, it should be a show not to be missed.

“ off-the-chart energy ”

Setlist: 2 Minutes of Death / Twisted / Metal Is Dead / Open Season / Rising / Throw The Switch / (Here Comes) The Monster / Enemy Territory / Southern Pride / Not Promised Tomorrow

Photo(s): Andy Lye

Written by Andy Lye
More: Gigs, Rap/Crossover, Stuck Mojo