Song Of The Week: 4/28/13

Song: "Project X"

Artist: Smackin' Isaiah (A Wilhelm Scream)

Album: "Give Girls More Beer"

Year: 1997



"Project X" is a lighthearted song that appears to be about a project to cure the unbearable stench of one of their classmates. Back in the day, the band that would become A Wilhelm Scream, had a much lighter sound to them, mixing a skate punk and at times ska sound, almost like Less Than Jake. The band that they are today is more like the hardcore sounds of a Propagandhi. The beginnings of A Wilhelm Scream date back to 1996. Hailing from New Bedford, MA, the band formed under the name Koen. Koen released one demo cassette titled "The Big Fall". In 1997, the band changed their name to Smackin' Isaiah and released "Give Girls More Beer". In 1998, Smackin' Isaiah released "Gets Eaten Alive". These two releases helped the band get signed by Tank Records. Between 2000 and 2002, the band released a split EP with the bands Moronique and Merrick called "6:6:6". They also released what the band called their first "real" release entitled "The Way To A Girl's Heart Is Through Her Boyfriend's Stomach". Lastly, the band put out "Benefits Of Thinking Out Loud". This album started showing the signs of where the band would be headed musically, a heavier edge was starting to evolve in the band's sound. In 2002, the band was signed by Jump Start Records. With their change in sound, the band also decided to change their name. A Wilhelm Scream was born. Jump Start would re-release "Benefits Of Thinking Out Loud" under the new band name. 2004's "Mute Print" focused on a faster, more aggressive and technical sound. The rights to that album were bought by Nitro Records. In 2005, the band dropped "Ruiner". This album allowed the band to go on their very first trip to Europe as the support act on Lagwagon's tour. In 2006, the band released the "Diver" EP which featured some tracks that were left off of "Ruiner". 2007's "Career Suicide" cemented the band as a solid hardcore punk act and the band's reputation as a strong live act continued to grow. In 2009, the band signed with Paper & Plastick Records. Their first release through that label was their self-titled, five song EP. In 2010, A Wilhelm Scream got back in the studio to begin work on their next full length studio album. Currently, the band is still hard at work, hopefully putting the finishing touches on their new record. The recording process was halted a few times in order for the band to go out on a few tours but the latest is that they hope to have the new album out in the Spring of 2013.