CRUSHING METAL LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS Heavy Metal. It’s a term used to describe a genre of music that, in the 21st century, is as expansive as an ocean, with as many subgenre titles as there are species and all the seas. For Mortalus, their brand of metal is an ocean that can be deep and dark, pristine and beautiful, or full on, hull-crushing fury. The members of Mortalus are students of their craft, striving to be always at the top of their game. Being described as “modern old school” isn’t much of a stretch. The influences are vast expanses, ranging from the obvious, like “The Big Four,” Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, to Evergrey, D.R.I., Nightwish, and Toto. The three metalheads of Mortalus wear the title as a badge of honor. Fronted by the Cat 5 hurricane known as “Metal” Michelle Gann, she would be impressive enough as a lead vocalist if not for her beautifully intense guitar skills. Bassist and vocalist Bryan “Bedrock” Bedgood brings in a quirky, melodic style to the ocean bed low end. Drummer Patrick “Gumbo” Mahoney possesses battleship power and intensity behind the kit. Long time a quartet, Mortalus has since become a trio, writing and recording music filled with passion, melody, and yes, power.