In The Beginning
It all started in the sleepy town of Exton, Pennsylvania in the summer of 1990. Three co-workers at the local McDonald’s sat during their 15 minute break and told grandiose stories of their ultimate desire: to be in a kick ass Heavy Metal band. It took several hours (and a late night, blood filled orgy of leftover Shamrock shakes and Chicken McNuggets), but they finally decided to pull their unique talents together and give it a go. Thus the band (still unnamed) was born: Joe McGarvey on lead guitars (and grill), Scott Basset on drums (and drive-thru) and Dylan Hatch on lead vocals (and lobby).
The concept was great, but they had no idea of the hurdles that lie ahead of them. How could they meld their varied musical tastes together? Would they start out playing covers or play only originals? Who would be able to drive them to practice?
The first two questions solved themselves. But the answer to the final question lingered for some time. It was answered with just three words that would remain with the band for their whole career: Brian Henson’s Mom. Since no one was of legal driving age in the state of Pennsylvania, the next integral part of Mortal Sin was brought in. Brian was recruited for his guitar precision, his way with the ladies, and the fact his Mom had a really big car and said she would drive everyone to practice. Crisis #1 avoided.
So how did Shahar Bar fit in to this complex equation as the final member of Sin? No one is really sure, even to this day. Rumor had it his amp was not even turned on for most of his sessions with Sin. But he might have provided the band with one of its greatest assets- the name Mortal Sin. Legally, it was a direct rip off of an already popular Heavy Metal band. But this was eons before the internet, so with no real way to look into the legal ramifications of stealing another band’s name, the real Mortal Sin marched on.
The Practice
The first (and only) practice was marred with clashing egos, stale Big Macs, and some hard hitting heavy metal. Several songs and directions were tried by the band, but only a few could be agreed on by all 5 professionals. The band cranked out tune after tune, all captured on a small cassette tape boombox. Thankfully these tapes were recovered several years later and restored digitally- the reward are the 3 tracks tickling your eardrums right now.
Mortal Sin had practiced and they were ready for the big time- their first gig.
The Gig
Mortal Sin quickly was able to line up their first gig- even with only one practice, the connections that these 5 powerhouses had in the industry opened doors they could not have dreamed of. And that door had a common theme- Brian Henson’s Mom. She was able to arrange a once in a lifetime opportunity: headlining at Brian’s sister’s High School graduation party.
Tensions ran high the afternoon of the graduation party. This was their big opportunity to show a bunch of graduating seniors, and pretty much the world, the amazing power of Sin. After the final string was tuned, the final amp turned all the way up, and the last stroke of eye shadow was applied, it was time. And what followed was pure magic. It was a free flowing masterpiece- with Sin moving from one song to another like a surgeon’s scalpel. After a solid hour of playing, Sin received a standing ovation by the sparse (but semi-enthusiastic) crowd. They had done it- come together against remarkable odds and laid down one of the most amazing hours of music ever performed. Luckily, it was all captured on tape, the same small boombox that was used during the practice sessions was able to……. oh shit, Shahar forgot to hit record on the boombox. Crisis #2 not avoided.
The End
So why did it all come crashing down? This is one of the biggest issues of debate among the legions of Sin fans, and even among the band itself. One theory suggests Scott’s mother was appalled by the fact the band wanted to wear make-up during their gig, and she drove a wedge between the band. Another theory is a complex tale of hard drugs, hard liquor and even harder women. Still another theory is that all three original members could not all request off of their jobs at McDonald’s at the same time. Who knows what they could have been…another Led Zeppelin? Highly doubtful. But maybe a poor man’s White Lion… the world will never know. Whatever the case, we are left with the three tracks- a fitting tribute to a band, no, to a family, that was mowed down in their prime. Long live Mortal Sin, and long live Metal.
