Midwest Metal: Priapism




Formed: 1990, by drummer and songwriter Stephen Saber.

Hometown: Rock Island, Illinois

Discography: Prepare To Qualify (1993), 218 Hell St. (1996), Chug (1998; unfinished). All music and lyrics copyright(CP)1998 SaberScorpX.

Receiving extensive college radio airplay, Priapism was reviewed as "raw, tongue-in-cheek speed metal played with aggression and integrity" [SlowFish]. Supported with local and regional touring, '218 Hell St.' went on to become the highest selling QC indie metal release of 1993.

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Saber's Reflections:

A fan's father threatened to sue me after seeing his daughter's recently purchased Priapism T-shirt. His grandfather had died from the disease. I apologized.
But that's when I knew I'd chosen the right name for the band.

A disgusted sound engineer walked-out during the recording of Hell Street [218 Hell St.]. That's when I knew I'd written the right lyrics for the band.

Another fan told me that she and her friends were pulled over by the cops for jamming to Hell Street. Ticketed for disturbing the peace, she asked the cop what he had against heavy metal. The cop replied, "Nothing. I just don't like *this* heavy metal".
That's when I knew I'd created the right sound for the band.

For legal reasons I cannot reveal the name of Priapism's most devoted fan. Her suicide note- specifically *not* blaming my music for her actions- included the request to have her cremation urn passed around the mosh pit during our next show. This last wish was not honored by her parents.
I did dedicate several shows to her, despite a gag order. (This was during the height of the PMRC and Explicit Lyrics warnings silliness. Most parents wanted us lynched.)

The six year run of Priapism saw several line-up changes. All played for me as work for hire. To this day I've never been anyone's drummer. I learned early-on that my bangin' steals the show. Most guitar players and singers don't appreciate this on stage.

Lyrically, the first CD 'Prepare To Qualify' has a sexual theme.
It's about groupies and sex and enjoying them both. On paper, one can read the underlying fun, tongue-in-cheek attitude. It's only the surrounding heavy music and often incomprehensible growling vocals that give the lyrics a sadistic vibe.

Lyrically, the second CD '218 Hell St.' has a violent theme.
It's about hatred and violence and enjoying them both. On paper, one can read the underlying fun, magnanimous attitude. It's only the surrounding heavy music and often incomprehensible growling vocals that give the lyrics an additionally sadistic vibe.

In 1998, I was preparing to record Priapism's third CD 'Chug'.
Life had other plans for me, and it remains unreleased.

All good things may come to an end,
but our hardcore posse and devoted beaverettes definitely made the Priapism years a sweet ride.

Essential Priapism at SoundCloud 

Visit Saber at Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/saberdrumz

Visit Saber at YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/@saberscorpx


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