Godsmack

From left to right: Robbie Merrill, Sully Erna, Criss Angel, Shannon Larkin, Tony Rombola

Godsmack is a Alternative Metal and Hard Rock band consisting of:

• Sully Erna: lead vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards, drums, percussion, harmonica (1995–present)
• Tony Rombola: lead guitar, backing vocals (1997–present)
• Robbie Merrill: bass, (1995–present)
• Shannon Larkin: drums, percussion (2002–present)

Erna was a drummer since the age of 3, and wanted to form a new band in which he would sing rather than play drums, resulting in this band. The name is partly inspired by Alice in Chains' song "God Smack", as well as an In-Joke about someone with a cold sore on his lip. After independently releasing an album and becoming a live favorite, the band signed to Republic/Universal and released their professionally-produced Self-Titled Album (a remastered and restructured version of their debut).

Influences:

• Alice in Chains
• Black Sabbath
• Led Zeppelin
• Aerosmith
• Judas Priest
• Pantera
• Metallica
• Rush

Discography:

• 1998: Godsmack
• 2000: Awake
• 2003: Faceless
• 2006: IV
• 2010: The Oracle

Godsmack provides examples of the following tropes:

• Alternative Metal
• Cover Version: "Sweet Leaf"
  • The drum solo from their live album contains portions of YYZ, Walk This Way, Moby Dick, and Tom Sawyer.
• Movie Bonus Song:
  • "Why" is exclusive to the Any Given Sunday soundtrack.
  • Same with "Bring It On", for the Madden NFL '06 video game soundtrack.
• Hard Rock
• Heavy Metal
• Hollywood Voodoo: "Voodoo"
  • Sully Erna is actually a Wiccan and what looks like a Wiccan ritual is performed in the video.
• Mohs Scale of Rock and Metal Hardness: Around a 7. They occasionally have softer music, which is in the 4 range.
• Take That: "Cryin' Like a Bitch" is directed at Nikki Sixx, after Cruefest II.
• The Alcoholic: "Whiskey Hangover"