Performing musicians must be able to play with energy—and electrify a crowd. Some bands struggle with this; others make it look easy. The latter is the case for local band Ormus, as the group’s headbanging metal tunes are performed with galvanizing energy every time the members take the stage. At the helm is Martin Posada, whose screams and death howls always electrify. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ormusband. Posada is the latest to take The Lucky 13; here are his answers.
What was the first concert you attended?
System of a Down at the Cricket Wireless (Amphitheatre) in San Diego, 2011. It was nuts! People were starting fires in the middle of a concrete stadium, and smoking crack. I think I was 13 at the time.
What was the first album you owned?
A Night at the Opera by Queen, back when Walkmans were still a thing. I mostly listened to the ‘Best Of’ album, though; it had all the bangers on it.
What bands are you listening to right now?
Top three local bands: Koka, Face Facts and Fever Dog. Otherwise: Jinjer, Charles Mingus and Possessed.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
“Trap” music with that triplet, aka “Migos,” flow. Personally, it sounds a little too superficial for me to really be able to get into, even as a background-listening thing. That, and reggaeton. No hate on those who do (love it), but it can’t be me.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
Would have loved to see Black Sabbath (pre-1976) or Led Zeppelin before John Bonham’s passing.
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
I don’t know that I would consider any music a guilty pleasure; all artists have their own merit and deserve praise regardless. If I had to name one, though, it’d probably be “WAP.” Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B are good artists on their own; the collab is fire, though.
What’s your favorite music venue?
Probably would have to say the Glass House in Pomona, just because of how many bands I’ve seen there, the travel ease, parking and sick nighttime atmosphere.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
Right now it’d be, “Live with your judgement / This life is forever / Cursed to mold mistakes / This life is forever,” from “The Truest Love,” by Kublai Khan.
What band or artist changed your life? How?
As much as I talk about them, it would have to be System of a Down, because my sister got me into them at the age of 9, which set the tone for the rest of my music taste and music-playing. I first picked up a guitar (not that I’m very good yet) and started singing because of SOAD, trying to emulate their sound at first, then molding it into my own.
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
I’d probably ask John Coltrane what was going through his head when he was writing “Giant Steps,” with that chord progression where he absolutely just took off while he was soloing, compared to T. Flanagan’s choppy keys solo.
What song would you like played at your funeral?
Funerals are overrated; I would prefer to be cremated and planted into a tree. I never thought about a funeral song. I don’t know; as long as it isn’t something that’s gonna keep everyone sad. That’s kinda pathetic. Celebrate my life; don’t mourn my death.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Houses of the Holy, by Led Zeppelin.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
“Coping Methods” by Mind Eraser. It’s short, aggressive and fast. If Boston hardcore isn’t your thing, though, just listen to whatever makes your genitals quiver 100 percent. (Scroll down to hear it!)
