New Metal for The Mars Volta

The Mars Volta are nothing if not complex. But complexity does not always mean complicated. It all comes down to layering of sound and The Mars Volta have mastered that. In January of 2008, Mars launched their album, The Bedlam in Goliath…their fourth full-length studio album. The first released single was a tune called “Wax Simulacra.” The song was previously played live by the band under the name “Idle Tooth” and was always a crowd favorite.

A crowd favorite…yes. But what would the fine people of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences think? Well, we all found out during the live telecast of the 51^st Annual Grammy Awards, when The Mars Volta beat out such heavyweights as Judas Priest and Rob Zombie, taking away the award for Best Hard Rock Performance.

Mars bassist, Juan Alderete, was kind enough to thank Ampeg for our contribution to his sound and sent us this snapshot of their award.

Ampeg would like to congratulate Juan and, of course, the rest of the lads from The Mars Volta for their achievement. Now go buy their album already.