John “JD” Deservio of Cycle of Pain
by Deb Rao
Staff Writer
Cycle of Pain features bassist John JD DeServio, vocalist/rhythm guitarist Gregg Locascio, lead guitarist Joe Taylor (DORO) and drummer Rich Monica. They have added four new preview tracks of their forthcoming album to their MySpace page at www.myspace.com/cycleofpain including “14 Devils,” “Dead Man Working,” “Down Witcha Pain” and “Do My Work.”
Cycle Of Pain will unleash their self-titled debut album on April 21st on Reform Records.
Endorsed by Schecter Guitars and an alumni of the prestigious Berklee College of Music, John JD DeServio’s rock ‘n’ roll resume and career as a bassist is quite impressive. The accomplished bassist has toured the world playing bass for Lita Ford when she opened for on Motley Crue on the Dr. Feelgood tour. DeServio then joined UFO guitarist Vinnie Moore’s band for their opening stint in front of RUSH on the Roll The Bones tour. These days you can find JD performing double double with Cycle of Pain and Black Label Society as COP opens for Black Label Society beginning April 21st. CYCLE OF PAIN had its song “5” used on the FX drama “Sons Of Anarchy”. The episode featuring the track aired on Sept. 17 2008.
Every once in awhile a band comes along in the music industry that catches the attention of the audience with its bold new approach to song-writing and performance. Cycle Of Pain featuring Black Label Society bassist John JD Deservio combines all of the elements of a rock band plus infuses hip-hop and soul. JD has checked in with Hardrock Haven to discuss the upcoming release of Cycle of Pain’s self titled album, and tour with Black Label Society and breaks down Cycle Of Pain Track By Track.
HRH: Cycle of Pain will release your debut self titled CD on April 21. How would you describe the sound of COP?
JD:It’s groovin hard rock/metal.
HRH: You are no stranger to the members of the band .You have been performing with Joe and Greg for many years. How did Cycle of Pain come into fruition? Who made the first move to put COP together.
JD: Well, I got a record deal and wanted my bros with me. They’re all killer musicians.
HRH: Cycle of Pain has so many great guest artists on the CD. What was it like working with Zakk Wylde on your debut album?
JD: Pure comedy as always!!! We had a blast.
HRH: Did Zakk give you any advice on the writing and recording of Cycle of Pain?
JD: Nah.
HRH: How does Cycle of Pain differ from Black Label Society? Both are family oriented.
JD: Different songwriters. Different influences.
HRH: You recently performed a string of dates in NY with Cycle of Pain. What were some of the highlights of your debut?
JD:The wings in buffalo were amazing!!!
HRH: Are you looking forward to performing double duty with COP and Black Label Society on the BLS tour beginning in April 21?
JD: It’s a dream come true!!!
HRH: Also you have just announced bass clinics. What do you most enjoy about performing at these clinics. We will be out to see you perform on April 8 in NH.
JD: I love educating the kids and adults about different styles of music.
JD Breaks Down Cycle of Pain Self-Titled Release Track by Track:
1. 5
Drivin tune in 5/4 time!! Cool middle jam.
2. Dead Man Walking
Fat groove back in black baby!!!
3. 14 Devils
Really funkin’. Cool chorus.
4. Reign Down
Heavy riff. Nice solo section.
5. Down Witcha Pain
Very Alice.
6. M
Heavy groove!! Great end jam.
7. Babe
Very Sly and Family Stone , B3
8. Do My Work
Very stoner. Sen Dog from Cypress busts a rap and Zakk rips a solo.
9. Pungle
Punk jungle. Insane drum parts.
10. I See Heaven
My ballad. i played drums, piano, bass, and sang this one. Zakk guest solos.
11. Egypt
A insane bass tune!!! Clip from P Funk helps out on back up vox in the middle section. Ray Luzier from Korn on drums.
12. Cycle Of Pain
The label’s idea of a combined effort tune.
13. Mick Do I
Hysterical.
BLACK LABEL SOCIETY/CYCLE OF PAIN bassist John JD DeServio will be appearing at the following bass clinics:
April
8 – Manchester, NH - Daddys Junky Music
11 – Philadelphia, PA - Sam Ash
13 – Boston, MA - Daddys Junky Music
19 – Charlotte, NC - Sam Ash
30 – Las Vegas, NV – Sam Ash