ABOUT RIVETSKULL
Drawing inspiration from their shared love for the original forms of heavy metal and infusing their own unique and diverse influences into the mix. RivetSkull brings you straight up heavy metal, cooked with the original recipe. No tracks, no gimmicks - the real deal.
What sets RivetSkull apart is not just their sonic prowess but their poignant lyrical themes that delve into life’s struggles. Their lyrics are a reflection of the human experience, exploring the highs and lows, and triumphs and tribulations that define life’s journey, a genre the band likes to call “Heady Metal.” RivetSkull’s lyrics invite listeners to connect with the raw and visceral aspects of existence, transforming the listener into a cathartic and empowering experience. As they carry the heavy metal torch, RivetSkull’s lyrical depth adds an extra layer to their sonic intensity, making them not just a metal band, but storytellers of the human condition.
​
RivetSkull delivers a powerful, thought-provoking, and emotionally charged listening experience, exploring themes of inner conflict and resilience. This album isn’t just music; it's a testament to the band's unity and a beacon for those seeking solace and community. Welcome to the world of "heady metal."
Embracing the ethos of their musical forefathers while carving out a unique space for themselves in the ever-evolving world of metal, RivetSkull is writing a new chapter in the history of metal, a chapter where the past meets the future. The latest chapter is embodied in their recent release, "Absence of Time," where RivetSkull boldly asserts their place in the heavy metal scene. This latest offering represents the culmination of the band's collective journey, showcasing a sound that is unmistakably their own. ​
Chad MCMURRAY
(VOX/KEYS)
Over the years Chad has been a singer, bass player, producer, engineer, and composer. From rock to opera, his solid technique and versatile style can be attributed to years of studying with the great Maestro David Kyle who trained many powerhouse rock singers, including Ann Wilson, Geoff Tate, and Layne Staley.
Because of this training, Chad can pay tribute to some of the best singers in rock and roll and heavy metal with ease. Past tributes include Ronnie James Dio (Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio), Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden), and Geddy Lee (Rush). In addition to several other original projects.
Chad has toured the world with Led Zeppelin tribute No Quarter as “John Paul Jones” for the past 20 years.
Prior to moving to Los Angeles in 2017, he owned and operated Khaos Studios and has produced hundreds of Seattle bands. Chad was also owner of the live music venue "The Mix" in Seattle, WA.
MARK X. PLOG
(GUITAR)
Mark always wanted to be a drummer. His parents thought drums would disturb the neighbors so they purchased a Fender Mustang guitar and a Fender Twin amp for him. Well, that was a mistake. There were lots of broken broomsticks from his mom beating on the floor above as he literally wore out the grooves on vinyl albums while learning to play Sabbath, Priest, and Thin Lizzy riffs.
​
Fast forward to Houston, Texas in the mid-1980s and his band Guardian that was deep in the music scene at the time. Having graduated to a Carvin half-stack, a classic white Gibson Les Paul Custom, and a Jackson Custom Soloist, he was a frequenter of venues like Cardi’s and Rockers where he cut his teeth doing shows with local bands like King’s X, Pantera, and Hellstar.
Then life happened and he left Houston and the music scene only later to emerge in Seattle hungry for more. In Seattle, he found himself a place as lead guitar for Rising – a tribute to Ronnie James Dio. After close to a decade of big shows and international tours covering the guitar work of Ritchie Blackmore, Tony Iommi, and Vivian Campbell it was finally time to bring RivetSkull to life.
Mark still plays that same classic San Dimas Jackson Custom Soloist but has become seriously infatuated with his ENGL EL-670 Special Edition head and Mesa Boogie oversized cabinets. Never used anything but Ernie Ball strings from day one.
JOHNNY MASSEY
(BASS)
Emerging from the misty expanse of the Pacific Northwest, Johnny "Plays Bass" Massey has been a stalwart of the region's music scene for decades. Johnny is known for his stage presence and wielding the commanding resonance of Spector basses. Firmly rooted in the low end, Johnny has weathered the storms of numerous Seattle bands, touring regionally and sharing stages with national acts. In a pivotal moment in 2024, he officially became a full-fledged member of Rivetskull, infusing the band with his extensive experience in heavy power, thrash, and groove, into the band, the future will be pure metal.
MICHAEL ROBSON
(DRUMS)
Michael is a veteran of the Seattle music scene. His feel and groove are the result of years of playing all styles of music but his roots are 100% metal.
​
Michael is an avid hiker, a phenomenal artist with pen and paint and all sorts of other media. There's not much Michael cannot do.
