Issue #16 Like Hell - Famous Orgies by David Brusie Based on this record's packaging – which features a motley crew of psycho clowns, slutty nurses and some dude wearing a strapped-on bass drum – perhaps Likehell's sound shouldn't be so jarring. To the band's credit, though, it is. This is fast, polished hard rock of the Queens of the Stone Age variety and it's occasionally glorious. "Famous Orgies" wouldn't work half as well if Likehell didn't throw themselves whole hog into the project, which basically consists of hard rock poses struck with tongues frequently in cheek. What doesn't work on this record are the slower tracks that disrupt the flow, namely the plodding "Fly Me Away." Momentum builds steadily to this point and this track – the seventh out of 11 – almost fatally kills the record's buzz. Thank God, then, for "Love 101," which shows up one track before the end. It's catchy, rhymes "kiss" with "miss" and features that mighty gauntlet of rock, the cowbell. It leads seamlessly into "Lonely By Design," a march-like slice of drama that has lead singer Nick Eldorado intoning, "Wish for something long enough/and it might come true." Like their music, Likehell's lyrics are alternately Spinal Tap-esque – "I don't know, I've been told/burgers always get cold," Eldorado sings in "Chili Dog" – and almost sentimental. This split personality disorder, however, is just part of the fun. Like fellow sometimes-ironists The Darkness, it doesn't really matter whether or not Likehell is "serious" – these songs are fantastically "rock 'n' roll" in the old-fashioned sense: This record will make you smile and give you a headache. DB www.likehell.net  A LIST RECOMMENDED EVENT  Likehell (CD-Release) Likehell have always shown signs of aspiring to be Minneapolis's most Hollywood rock band hard enough for metal radio, snotty enough for surfer crossover, suavely glam enough for the inevitable visual treatment. And there have been plenty of hints at real-life decadence and romantic callousness. Now that the band have gotten the actual movie out of their systems (Likehell: The Movie), the musicians have returned after a six-year break with their first album that sounds like it could rock an actual mansion, Famous Orgies (Rekords Rekords). Catchy, textured, and given to surprising falsetto, Likehell sound a little like their buddy Josh Homme, but with a silly streak as deep as their grooves. They save a killer guitar-piano riff for something called "Kiss It, Make It Better," where singer Nick Eldorado coos: "Lonely nights have left an owie/On my heart a little boo-boo." "Lonely by Design" is the serious version, and it's even better, though you might want to skip the song where you can't tell if he's singing "chili dog" or "cheerleader." With Filling Avoid. $8. 8:00 p.m. —Peter S. ScholtesFRI JUN 16 Fine Line Music Cafe 318 1st Ave N, Mpls.; 612.338.8100 Polly Wanna Crack Rock? Yes, kids. It's Likehell time. I won't be here. I'll be on vacation. In the deep woods. Away from the computers and crazies. But you can all go to Likehell. Yes, you lucky bastards and bastardettes of the city that rocks, you can all go to Likehell's CD release party Friday (with Epic Hero and Filling Avoid) at the Fine Line Music Cafe and celebrate the release of their new CD Famous Orgies, which sports the finest title and cover art of the year, not to mention the can't-miss emoporn hit "Polly Wanna Crack Rock?" Now that's what I call a Best Cheap Thrill. Which reminds me: Dude, can I get my copy of Likehell The Movie back when I get back? I'm on a mission to laugh a lot this summer. Now I'm outta here. Adios. Rock on. Type: Features Rating: NR Running Time: 58 Minutes Directed by: Ryan Schaddelee Likehell: The Movie 2004-USA-Mockumentary/Showbiz Comedy PLOT DESCRIPTION The rise and fall of fictional heavy metal masters Likehell comes to the screen in director Ryan Schaddelee's rollercoaster ride through a rock & roll world of star-struck orgies gone awry and backstage mayhem that would make even Nigel Tufnel blush. After bursting onto the music scene with a look and sound like nothing that came before them, Likehell would experience an unprecedented series of highs and lows that found them navigating the treacherous road to stardom with reckless abandon. Now, after rising to the top of the charts and falling to the lowest depths of has-been hell, Likehell's remarkable story of hard rocking and even harder living comes to the screen with a little help from such real-life rock & roll legends as Velvet Revolver, Guns N' Roses, the Cult, the Replacements, Urge Overkill, and a whole host of outspoken fans and detractors. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide » Rate or Review 'Likehell: The Movie'

LIKEHELL SELECTED BY BRITISH ROCK MAGAZINE TO RULE IN 2004 Kerrang, one of Britain's premier rock magazines picks LIKEHELL (reason 50 out of 100) to rule in 2004.

Speaking of rocking hard, I don't pretend to know much about Likehell. They're one of those local bands who didn't fit the brand-new-young-legend-in-the-making profile we've (I've) fostered and been led to believe and buy and whose name always only reminded me of something my friend Bill wrote a few years ago after getting home from the bar: "Like hell I'll ever go see Likehell again."

Bill would flip over Likehell. I saw their mockumentary the other night with my friend Mary Beth, because neither one of us wanted to watch anything sad or too serious, because it had been a sad and serious day, and it reminded me of the end of Steppenwolf, when Mozart says to the sad-sack protagonist Harry, who has spent his life gnashing about the meaning of life:

" 'Enough of pathos and death-dealing. It is time to come to your senses. You are to live and to learn to laugh. You are to learn to listen to the cursed radio music of life and to reverence the spirit behind it and to laugh at its distortions. So there you are. More will not be asked of you.'"

"Gently from behind clenched teeth I asked: 'And if I do not submit? And if I deny your right, Mozart, to interfere with the Steppenwolf, and to meddle in its destiny?'

"'Then,' said Mozart calmly, 'I should invite you to smoke another of my charming cigarettes.'"

Anyway, I missed it when it screened at Sound Unseen two years ago, but it's out on DVD now and all that will be asked of you is that you do everything you can to see it. (It ain't on Netflix. Yet.) I might have been high, but I laughed harder at this thing (subtitle: "The Unbelievably True and Amazingly Accurate Story Behind Rock's Most Legendary Supergroup") than anything I've seen in a long time, including The Office. It reminded me of a great Ween show, in that it's a wicked parody of rock's self-mythology in particular, artistic navel-gazing in general, and the Behind The Music-ization of everything. Plus, it mocks the shit out of stuff like these self-conscious twerps.

But don't believe me. Ask Brian Oake; he narrates it. Or go here and buy it and tell everyone you know to do the same. Somebody who knows somebody at HBO should get it on the air. Make these smart-asses so infamous they can tour to ironists and rockists the world over and get rich. Here's my Rotten Tomatoes quote:

"Likehell: The Movie is the funniest rock movie since This Is Spinal Tap or Metallica: Some Kind Of Monster, not to mention the only film in the history of filmdom to feature cameos from Lori Barbero, Tommy Stinson, Slash, and Jim Marshall. Warning: You will see something of yourself in it. It will not be pretty, but it will be pretty hilarious."

I like LIKEHELL, not just like them, but LIKE like them, hell yeah. These local miscreants have been wowing the masses since 1994, playing a kazillion shows and putting out rock-solid compact discs. Their discography is heavily rooted in the realm of power-rock; crunchy and tasty guitar, rumbling and bumbling bass action, a drum beat you can set to Greenwich Mean Time, and a cool vocal delivery. This concoction can hypnotize some and cause others to pump their fist in rock and roll bliss. Yes they rock, but don't overlook the massive hooks and subtle melodies, coupled with personal lyrics, they add up to a formidable mix. Listen to the song, Hydroponic, from their debut, "Love American Style", and you will understand the LIKEHELL experience; a brilliant mix of emotion and force.

You want entertainment punk? You came to see the right band. This is where our heroes shine. They will blow you away with a combination of high camp, pure insanity, and rock fury. Crazy costumes are not uncommon, massive hijinks are standard. The "Wrestle LIKEHELL" show, a punk-rock pro-wrasslin' spectacle, was exemplary of their uncanny ability to combine over-the-top rockstar lunacy and humor, without sacrificing their own sense of meat-and potato-no-b.s.-kick-your-head-in authenticity.

LIKEHELL have relentlessytoured the Midwest and Canada, they have plied their trade before audiences in such venues as The Viper Room in Los Angeles, and the Fish Hatchery in San Marcos Texas and all points in between. Headliners in their own right, they have garnered enough attention to open for heavy-hitters such as The Cult and Queens of the Stone Age.

So let's recap shall we; excellent songs, outstanding releases, wacked-out live performances and street cred up the wazoo. There is no reason not to just like LIKEHELL, but to LIKE like LIKEHELL, hell yeah....

August 2, 2004

Rebel Yell - Arts & Entertainment
Likehell trifecta: movie, music, interview
By JODI L. TRUGLIO

Missing the Palms film festival last week must have been like hell for some people who were unable to view the showing of the independent film "Likehell." The movie, a mocumentary film of "America's most legendary super group" and their struggles as human beings, was shown on July 22.

The film is a parody loosely based on a real Minneapolis band that was formed in 1994.

The 58 minute film takes its audience on a journey through the lives of its characters that have seen and done it all and much more: sex, drugs and rock and roll is an understatement.

This film will definitely hit your funny bone hard.

If you haven't seen this film I would recommend checking it out or picking up the bands newest CD Likehell On The Inside.

You won't be sorry.

Here is what the of the film, Ryan Schaddelee (Writer/ Co-writer/ Editor) Tony Oliveri (Producer/ Likehell Drummer) and Charlie Amdahl (Executive Producer) had to say about "Likehell":

Rebel Yell: Do you have a favorite scene in the movie?

Ryan: My personal favorite is when the big orgy went aright, the group orgy's became legendary at their place and a character in the film says "I just couldn't get certain images out of my head" then it cuts right to baby parrots crying. It's kind of weird you got to see it.

RY: If you were the viewer how would you respond to the movie?

Tony: I think it is funny. First of all there are two different ways you can look at it, one if you know the band obviously you kind of know the history about us and that we've been a band for a while but I think a lot of people especially the ones who have, come to the film festivals, their first response is it's a movie and there are these characters, those people will be like what the heck is this.

Ryan: We want people to walk away asking themselves is that a real band or not.

Tony: Kind of like "The Blair Witch Project," people who saw the movie walked out asking themselves is that real or fake?

Charlie: It's funny to me because the poster looks like a comedy to me and I have been getting feedback from people here that look at it and don't realize it's a comedy and I think American's Legendary Super Group tends to note that it is similar to "Spinal Tap" and therefore a comedy and I am surprised that people still need to be told that.

RY: The audience needs to be told that before the move right?

Charlie: Yeah after the move it is very clear it is a comedy.

RY: You are the drummer in the band Likehell. What do Likehell fans think of the movie?

Tony: Today was pretty much the world premier of the movie as far as the public being able to see it. Our fans are going to freak to be quite honest.

Ryan: I think what's cool is we paint them as just messed up horrible, horrible people but it's funny. I think the fact that the band has such a good a sense of humor about it only makes them look cooler and better in the end.

RY: How has your audience responded to the film?

Tony: We've been getting really good responses. We have seen it in front of an audience three times now and it's interesting to see where different parts get laughs.

RY: Has the movie been picked up by anybody yet?

Tony: No, not yet this is the very first of all the festivals.

RY: Is your music on it ?

Tony: Yes, it is all Likehell songs.

Ryan: There's like 33 Likehell songs on it.

RY: How did you choose who was in the film?

Tony: I cast most of the movie. A lot of rock star friends that I have met on tour and became friends with like

Queens of the Stone Age and the Cult just people I have crossed paths with musically over the years.

Jim Gaulke was in the movie "Fargo." He plays Lance Arrowhead in our film.

RY: What was the most challenging thing about making the film

Ryan: Writing was really fun shooting was really fun. But the editing was fun to the point, just the fine toning we had shot something like 87 or 88 tape hours and had like 10 hours of Likehell concert footage.

RY: What advise would you give somebody that would want to embark on the some career?

Tony: Surround yourself with really good people.

Ryan: (Laughs) Don't do it there is no way you can top this one!

If you would like to find out more about "Likehell" the independent film or Likehell the band you can checkout there website at www.likehellthemovie.com

September 7, 2004

Holly's Picks
Skyway News
Minneapolis

Likehell By Holly Day
Likehell on the silver screen
Stop by the Nicollet Island amphitheater to catch a free screening of the movie "LIKEHELL: The Unbelievably True and Amazingly Accurate Story Behind Rock's Most Legendary Supergroup." This spoof on VH1's "Behind the Music" series features the Twin Cities' very own Likehell.

Director Ryan Schadalee joins forces with writer Ingrid Soderberg and producer Tony Oliveri to bring this ridiculously funny movie to the big screen with no budget and donated services from the cast, crew and Likehell fans.

For those who have never had the privilege of seeing Likehell frontman Nick Eldorado bounce through a practically impermeable cloud of stage smoke and sing an ode to his girlfriend's breasts, this is your chance to catch the never-boring band safe and from a distance. But consider yourself warned, this crew is both talented (Likehell won the Minnesota Music Award's Best Hard Rock Artist(s) 2003) and post-, post-modern -- i.e. they take their showmanship so seriously it'll make your head spin if you try to figure out when/if they're kidding around. But that's what makes them fun.

Also showing will be the top 10 winners of the "Make Your Own Grain Belt Premium Commercial Contest."

Wednesday, Sept. 8, 8 p.m., Nicollet Island Amphitheater, hidden on the northeast side of the Nicollet Island Pavilion on Merriam Street, Free. likehellthemovie.com

October 10, 2002

A&E [CD REVIEW]
These Boys Know How to 'Rawk'
LIKEHELL: Untitled Promo Demos, 2 CDs (Allied Chemical Records)
By Nathan Hall
Quite a few bands from the area may possess the ability to rock per se, but it is only a rare outfit like locals on the rise LIKEHELL that are worthy of labeling their output as “rawk.” Formed in 1994, these boys are perhaps most well known for providing the soundtrack for an authentic live Mexican wrestling match held at the Mainroom back in 1999. Having toured with aging crowd-pleasers like the Cult and Local H, the new singles belie a sarcastic and somewhat twisted take on the tried-and-true three-chord verse-chorus-verse-anthem technique.

Recorded by various stoner-rock luminaries, these songs are not going to save the world. They won’t even mine virgin musical territory, for that matter. These tracks, which feature more random cameos than a Jerry Lewis telethon, is the most indicative recording of their schizophrenic live show to date.

LIKEHELL’s sole weakness has always been it’s fascination with women’s breasts, a shtick that crosses the line from adorably anti-PC to boorishly sexist rather quickly. Nobody ever said musicians are obligated to run everything past N.O.W. first, but shooting multiple irony-free music videos with bikini babes is pathetic. That said, nothing makes me happier than knowing they’re playing places like the Viper Room and banging on cowbells while extolling the virtues of chilidogs for breakfast.
Halloween elsewhere:

The Uptown Bar featured opening act The Squabs and headliners Likehell. I missed the Squabs because I was still at the Fine Line, but Likehell proved without a doubt that they are the ultimate Halloween party band. If the Fine Line knows how to throw a party, Likehell just plain is a party. I've already called these guys the best bar band in town and they certainly disappointed no one on Thursday night. The stage was so littered with spilled drinks, beer bottles and glasses that I'm surprised their effects boxes didn't short out. (Actually lead vocalist Nick Eldorado's microphone did short out for a couple of songs, but no one seemed to notice or even care.) Eldorado took a magic wand from a fairy in the crowd, stuck it where the sun didn't shine to scratch an itch, then handed it back. And it was great to see a drunken witch in a jack-o-lantern sweatshirt and orange hair head banging in the front row. Oh wait, that was me.

FFWD Weekly
Copyright © 1997. All Rights Reserved.

There's no replacement(s) for a regional identity
Looking for a little decadence in today's Minneapolis rock scene with Likehell

Likehell with The Puritans and The Bittermen
Friday, April 11
at the Night Gallery

Okay, let's face it: what would you rather read about an up-and-coming rock band about to pass through your town - strained English 101-derived metaphors about their sonic esthetic (i.e.. the numbing alienation of Arf Arf and the Barftones resonates like an empty bowl of soup) or tawdry (yet pointless) tales of rock 'n' roll decadence. Tawdry gossip? You're goddamn right!

For instance, take Minneapolis rockers', Likehell (who just happen to be an up-and-coming band passing through our town). I mean, these guys played LA's infamous Viper Room - Senor Depp's home of OD'd icons - with none other than rock-filth personified, Motorhead. There's got to be a story there, right?

"Yeah, that was definitely an experience for me," recalls Likehell's lead throat Nick Eldorado. "I've always thought that (Motorhead's) Lemmy was something close to God. Before the show I had an opportunity to meet him. It was amazing, it felt like I was talking to Jesus Christ!"

Well, all right, not exactly mind blowing stuff. Shit, everyone knows Lemmy's closer to being a god than anyone else - and he does resemble J.C. (using velvet wall hangings as a reference point, of course).

Sigh, let's (reluctantly) put groupies and dope aside; Eldorado at least sheds some light on Likehell's, um, sonic aesthetic (F*&%, English 101 don't fail me now).

"I love old punk, but especially metal - Sabbath and Motorhead," sez Nick.

Indeed, LH's latest, Snowball's Chance, plays, for the most part, the bottom-heavy sludge groove to a "T." Although they employ fellow Twin City producer Eric Pierson (Soul Asylum), Likehell seem to have more in common with the Ozzy obsessive / depressives of Chicago and Seattle.

Nevertheless, you can take the boy out of the city, but you can't take the city...

"Immense," is how bassist Frank Throwup describes the influence of Minneapolis's seminal '80s scene. "I met Husker Du, I met Prince. Yup. Briefly, one time when he was still part owner of (the nightclub) Glam Slam. I just kind of ran into him in a hallway and said 'Hi' - y'know, not a long conversation or anything. But, like I said, it's a small enough town where it's really not uncommon to see local icons around all the time. Actually, Tony (Bologna, Likehell's drummer / ex-Cows' member / Nick's brother) went to school with (the Replacements') Tommy Stinson. (Minneapolis) isn't so big that you get lost in it. The environment has provided for me to continue doing it because you meet all kinds of people, not just the musicians, but the people in studios, they're all tied in together."

However, in twentysomething generation rock 'n' roll, a strong regional identity and punk heros aren't always the necessary requirements for a full mojo-workin' indentikit.

"Tony and I grew up in an entertainment family," says Eldorado, thankfully bypassing the ol' 'I saw 'Flag in '83' routine. "My father is quite an established jazz pianist. My mom was a singer with the City Slickers. I don't know if you've ever heard of Spike Jones, not the video guy (Weezer, Beastie Boys), a guy back in the late '50s, early '60s who had sort of a traveling... it was almost like a burlesque show. My mom used to dress in a sequined ball gown and smoked a cigar and played stand-up bass," he laughs.

Finally, a hint of some decadence

Likehell: On The Inside
Wednesday 15 January @ 12:40:56
Brooke Aldridge

It’s been nearly a decade since I first set foot in the Twin Cities. I came looking for music: to learn about the craft, submerge myself in the industry, to experience life as both performer and observer in the T’aj Mahal of the Midwest. I can still recall—as if it were but weeks back—Jonny Lang first being dubbed “Kid” by local papers; pre-Closing Time Semisonic; Flipp before the Kustom endorsements or hip trading cards; Cameron from American Head Charge as a shy, fresh-faced caffeine addict who played music in his spare time; Howard Hamilton working at Lula Vintage while putting together tracks for what would become his debut as The Busy Signals.

My, oh my, how times have changed. On a recent trip to Los Angeles, I happened to score a copy of the ASCAP monthly magazine, only to find the faces of Faux Jean peering up at me from its glossy pages. Imagine the surprise of randomly running into a British dark wave band (C33X) playing Hollywood who’d hooked up with All The Pretty Horses while on tour in Europe, finding our very own Domo Sound playing the Conan O’Brien show, witnessing Nymphonix land the Celebrity Records deal or watching Har Mar sign with a Warners’ subsidiary. Among the unique outfits on the front lines of the “second coming” of the Minneapolis sound, there is one—thus far unmentioned—that takes home the cake for defying industry odds. That would be... quite literally...LIKEHELL.

Upon arriving at Twin/Tone Records as promotions intern in 1997, the entire office seemed a-buzz about LIKEHELL. They had a new release out (Snowball’s Chance) and were wrapping up a video. Weeks flew by before I realized that the really nice guy making LIKEHELL promo calls in the cubicle across from me was actually their drummer, Tony Oliveri. Tony, often accompanied by his brother, LIKEHELL front man Nick Eldorado, rolled up their sleeves consistently (try hours on end, several days a week) to work alongside us. Not once did they—nor Matt Bockley (guitar) or Frank Throwup (bass)—ever display that “HELLO, I’m a ROCK STAR...” demeanor symptomatic of newly signed acts. Motivated by their enthusiasm as well as their rambunctious, beat blazing, riff rocking, all-out brand of Rock-n-Roll, we not only worked harder to push the LIKEHELL record, but rooted like mad when they went off on tour.

Over the years—which flew by in grand style- I kept my eyes peeled. Bands came and went, broke up, made up and broke up again, but LIKEHELL remained intact. With over a thousand shows (including guest spots with Beck, Buck Cherry, Iggy Pop, Local H, Motorhead as well as Soul Asylum), a thoroughly devoted fan base as well as an impressive discography under their belt, the question is no longer whether LIKEHELL is ready for the “big league,” but whether the “big league” is ready for them. Scoring a U.S. tour with international rock phenomena The Cult and the fact that Rekords Rekords (the Indie label of Josh Homme, singer and guitarist to Queens Of The Stone Age) has adopted the Minneapolis quintet speaks large volumes... For the dirty, sweat drenched details and a whole lot more, read on, O lusty rock fan!

Chris Riemenschneider: Who'll break out in 2002?
Chris Riemenschneider, Star Tribune
January 4, 2002
With the music business as ungraspable and slithery as a python these days, choosing which local acts might have their commercial breakout years in 2002 might seem a project on par with those annual predictions you read in the tabloids like the Star and the National Enquirer. But hey, whoever said this column was Pulitzer material, anyway? So here are some of the names to watch during the year.

Rock Gods in Waiting: Flipp and Likehell are bound to garner some attention this year, at the least because of who's helping them make their albums. Flipp's co-producer is Everclear's Art Alexakis, who made the band the first signing to his new label, distributed by Artemis Records. The band is also working with Kiss's renowned manager Bill Aucoin. Likehell is using ex-Guns 'N Roses drummer Matt Sorum as producer for a disc that'll be released on the Queens of the Stone Age's new record label.

SEE Magazine
Copyright © 1997. All Rights Reserved.

Dear Edmonton music fans:

I am thoroughly disgusted with you. On Thursday, April 10, The Sweaters, Likehell, and Smak performed at the Rev. The lack of attendance was an insult to everyone who works in the music industry, and an embarrassment to you.

At least, it should have been. Why the apathy? The Sweaters have performed in Edmonton several times, including a packed house at the Rebar. Likehell is a cool new band from Minneapolis which has received critical acclaim. Rounding out the bill was a strong local band, Smak. The cover charge for this show was a mere $5.

The combination of proven talent, local flavor and new blood should have provided more than enough incentive to attend the show. Your lack of attendance, at best, shows your apathy and, at worst, your contempt for independent live music. Refusal to experience anything new condemns you to a bland diet of commercial and often overrated crap.

Up-and-coming bands and others who work in the industry have a difficult time surviving due to people who claim to support music but do little to show that support. I sincerely hope this letter will convince at least some of you to get off your asses and check out live music.

Last time Likehell were in town, they faced a dwindling audience blown away by a fiery Bionic set. But never underestimate the power of a dynamite frontman and kick-ass rock 'n' roll band: the lucky few who stuck around were treated to a blistering set. Tonight (Jan. 14) at the El Mo the Minneapolis band returns, with REO Speedealer, the Sinisters and Teen Crud Combo. Singer Nick Eldorado, who claims his upbringing in a musical family gives him "an old-school performance sensibility" that's rare in hard rock, crosses his fingers that they'll have copies of their brand-new CD, More, for sale, and promises a good time for everyone, I think -- his actual words were, "We'll kill 'em!"

Air America Radio Blog Unfiltered
Hey, thanks for having Tony Oliveri on your show.

A great & underrated talent in many ways. I hope that LIKEHELL launches him up the rungs of the ent. ladder where he belongs.