Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago
One of the GREAT allures of life is our innate ability to evolve; some of us adjust physically OR emotionally & some of us even spiritually OR analytically. Nonetheless, what is quite evident is that both the personal triumphs & tribulations we ultimately must face help us down that consequential path. The hope is that we emerge on the opposite end both wiser & more efficient (AND effective). When you take this journey as a band I can only imagine that its FAR more tumultuous & rewarding. AND, one band that can certainly attest to this mantra is San Antonio's POWERHOUSE! When guitarist/vocalist (& mastermind), Niko Valdez relocated to SA from Albuquerque, the vision for PH was definitely in place; but with the addition of bassist, Nik Gonzalez & drummer, Toni Puente that vision has not only materialized, but developed into a well-oiled machine of pure THRASH,...& generated one of our city's MOST revered bands via their heavy riffs & good natured approach. This past summer saw the band release their most concentrated effort yet with the aptly titled, 'American Rebel'. What is quite evident here is how much more musically focused AR seems to be with Niko's signature tone & vocal style to Nik's matured bass playing. Listen to songs like, 'Bring The Reign' OR the intricate instrumental, 'Redemption' & you will undoubtedly feel its impact. SO, on September 27th, 2025, I invited the band back to the RMW Studio to discuss it ALL. What you will see (& hear) in the interview below is the following: their love of thrash, building cohesiveness within the band, the writing (& recording) process, the UFO cover, social media (& marketing), videos AND how the turbulent year that led to the release of AR is a testament to the human spirit & how unity always prevails. To the extended RMW Familia - be sure to look for AR online & JAM IT! To Niko, Nik & Toni - THANK YOU for your transparency & goodwill. It takes more courage than most people can even muster & I applaud you for that. ENJOY ALL! ~ El Mero Metal #powerhouse #robbsmetalworks #americanrebel
One of the GREAT allures of life is our innate ability to evolve; some of us adjust physically OR emotionally & some of us even spiritually OR analytically. Nonetheless, what is quite evident is that both the personal triumphs & tribulations we ultimately must face help us down that consequential path. The hope is that we emerge on the opposite end both wiser & more efficient (AND effective). When you take this journey as a band I can only imagine that its FAR more tumultuous & rewarding. AND, one band that can certainly attest to this mantra is San Antonio's POWERHOUSE! When guitarist/vocalist (& mastermind), Niko Valdez relocated to SA from Albuquerque, the vision for PH was definitely in place; but with the addition of bassist, Nik Gonzalez & drummer, Toni Puente that vision has not only materialized, but developed into a well-oiled machine of pure THRASH,...& generated one of our city's MOST revered bands via their heavy riffs & good natured approach. This past summer saw the band release their most concentrated effort yet with the aptly titled, 'American Rebel'. What is quite evident here is how much more musically focused AR seems to be with Niko's signature tone & vocal style to Nik's matured bass playing. Listen to songs like, 'Bring The Reign' OR the intricate instrumental, 'Redemption' & you will undoubtedly feel its impact. SO, on September 27th, 2025, I invited the band back to the RMW Studio to discuss it ALL. What you will see (& hear) in the interview below is the following: their love of thrash, building cohesiveness within the band, the writing (& recording) process, the UFO cover, social media (& marketing), videos AND how the turbulent year that led to the release of AR is a testament to the human spirit & how unity always prevails. To the extended RMW Familia - be sure to look for AR online & JAM IT! To Niko, Nik & Toni - THANK YOU for your transparency & goodwill. It takes more courage than most people can even muster & I applaud you for that. ENJOY ALL! ~ El Mero Metal #powerhouse #robbsmetalworks #americanrebel
