Modern Drummer Magazine
December 1990
Vicious Rumors Atlantic Debut
Critique of Larry Howe by Matt Peiken
Contrary to popular belief, heavy metal drumming doesn't have to consist solely of speed riffs and double bass assaults. Nor must it be continuously loud, boring, and obnoxious. Larry Howe splits the spheres of both stereotypes on Vicious Rumors major label debut. He comes across aggressive yet tight, never interfering with the main guitar riff nor sliding sheepishly into the background.

 

Compared to the group's two previous albums on independent Shrapnel Records, Vicious Rumors obviously enjoyed the extra studio time afforded through a major label contract. Indeed, few metal albums, even by the most established of groups, produce the quality sound Howe achieves here. The bass and snare, in particular, are punchy and crisp, making the 45 minutes of thunderous music that much easier to ingest.

What Howe doesn't display in Killer chops (though he may be very capable of them), he shows with his solid timekeeping - no easy task on some of these tunes - and discrete use of fills. He never lets his bandmates down a microsecond on ultra fast pieces such as "On the Edge" and "Hellraiser," while helping build momentum on mid-tempo songs like "World Church" and "Ship of Fools."

Howe's most impressive work comes on "Down to the Temple," where his double kick pattern just before each chorus accentuates the lyrics. There are few dynamic swings or mood changes here, beyond different meters. But this album can be a lesson for beginning and intermediate players that it's not how much a drummer plays, but rather what he plays that counts. Some advanced players, I'm sure, could use a refresher course on the same lesson.

Notes : A great review overall of Larry's drumming style with VR, however I was surprised at the writers failure to mention how well Larry and I played together ! I would think that this would be an important factor in a Drumming Magazine review. Although Larry and I had many ups and downs during our years together in VR, no one can dispute that the two of us were incredibly solid and tight as a rhythm section.

Dave Starr 8-31-2000