Mass

Mass is a United States hard rock and heavy metal group that starts in 1980 and remains active. The name is shared by several different acts, but the American band develops a recording history in the 1980s and 2000s and is associated with a melodic hard rock style with a heavier edge.

Early releases and label history

Originally known as Axes, the band starts in 1981 and plays showcases in order to secure a deal with A&M Records. It records material at Criteria Studios in Florida with Tom Allom, but the release is held back. In 1984, Mass issues its first release, a self-titled EP produced by Jon Mathias and recorded at The Record Plant in New York City. The EP sells 10,000 copies in the Boston area alone and draws the attention of record companies.

In 1985, the group signs to RCA and releases New Birth, produced by Tony Platt. The single Do You Love Me reaches number one on a local Boston radio station, appears on the Billboard charts, and receives MTV airplay through its video.

Later albums and recognition

Mass signs to Enigma in 1987 and issues Take You Home, produced by John Rollo and the band. The record sells in the United States and in other markets including England and Japan. In 1989, the group releases Voices in the Night on Enigma, with production by Michael Sweet of Stryper. Songs from the album include Reach for the Sky, Turn it All Around and Voices of the Night, which also appear as CD singles and on compilation releases. That year the band is nominated for Best Heavy Metal Act at the Boston Music Awards.

In 1992, Mass appears on The Boston Rock & Roll Anthology Vol. 16 with the track Under The Gun. In 1994, the group adds bassist Michael Palumbo and changes its name to Mother Train for about a year, appearing on the local artists compilation Powerload - Volume 2 with Crack Of Dawn. It later returns to the Mass name. In 2000, the band releases its fifth record, Best Ones, on Fore Reel Records.