DeVOL
The Legacy of DeVOL and Its Members
Formation and Early Years
Seattle burst onto the US heavy metal scene after Culprit released its ‘Guilty as Charged’ record in 1983 on Shrapnel Records. From that point on until their breakup in 1986, they dominated the scene. Guitarist Johnny DeVOL wished to continue. He set out to form a new group, joining forces with vocalist Terry Tandeski, bassist Dennis Quintella, and drummer Jeffrey McCormack. * Collectively, they became known as DeVOL. For the next three years, they were an active presence in the Pacific Northwest metal scene, performing alongside notable Seattle bands such as Alice & Chains, Mistrust **, and Slaughter Haus 5 ***.
Recording and Disbandment
In January of 1987, DeVOL recorded a demo that PIG Records recently remastered with the help of renowned producer Jack Endino. Despite their promising trajectory and regional acclaim, DeVOL disbanded in early 1990, frustrated by their inability to land a record deal, marking the end of their run in the local music scene.
Pre- and Post- DeVOL Activities
Following DeVOL's dissolution, some of the members continued to pursue various musical endeavors. Johnny DeVOL went on to form Porkfinger **** with musicians from Everett, Washington, and currently performs with the band Stonebender **** throughout the Arizona scene. Johnny’s former band, Culprit, was included in the Experience Music Project (EMP) in Seattle, Washington, for being the driving force behind the Seattle Metal scene, which still thrives today. (The EMP museum is now known as MoPOP, the Museum of Pop Culture.) Jeffrey McCormack played with Q5 and collaborated with other prominent groups, including Fifth Angel, Heir Apparent, Nightshade, Firewolfe, and TKO. Presently, Jeffrey is with Reign of Glory and drums for the Les Carlsen Band. (Former singer of Bloodgood.) Dennis Quintella’s musical career began well before DeVOL, playing bass for Invader, Syre, and Bratt in the early eighties. Vocalist Terry Tandeski played with Alliance before DeVOL and afterwards sought out his other love: race cars, Hot Rods, and Show Bikes, making a career out of building speed and beauty.
A Lasting Influence
One final note of significance: Johnny DeVOL is credited as the originator of the phrase ‘BUTTROCK”, a term that has since become embedded in the rock and metal vernacular.
-David Ulysses Portnow-
* Soultone Cymbals, Aquarian Drumheads, and Los Cabos Drumsticks sponsor Jeffrey McCormack.
** Mistrust’s ‘You Can’t Run Away from Love’ recording is on PIG Records.
*** Slaughter Haus 5 appears on the Metal Meltdown Volume One compilation album on PIG Records. (DeVOL appears on Metal Meltdown Volume V).
**** Plans are in the works for PIG Records to reissue Porkfinger and Stonebender