Lightening up
Guitarist says heavy metal offers reprieve from chaotic world

Finding peace in a tumultuous world comes in different forms for everyone. For local musician Madden Harlan, this peace is found accompanied by deafening Marshall stack amplifiers, double bass and growling vocals.

“It feels so good to be able to do what you love; you’re almost sucked into this kind of trance where nothing else matters,” Harlan said as he reflected on how music helps ground himself in a chaotic world.

 His metal band, Anarchy Hammer, is coming up in the scene, finding meaning in the growing pains of life.

“Nothing else matters but the music when you’re playing it,” he said. “Whether you’re playing live, or practicing with your band, or just in your room, it’s all that matters at that second, which is why I love it so much.” 

Anarchy Hammer formed in November 2021 with Harlan on guitar and Steven Moore on bass. The band, which pulls influence from metal bands such as Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax, Slayer and Machine Head, cycled through a couple drummers, eventually finding Julian Dugas to fill the spot.

However, just as Anarchy Hammer was gearing up for its first show last fall, another member quit, and it appeared the band was going to have to cancel. Luckily, at the last minute, Harlan had met another local musician, Kyle Dalton, who filled in and served as an mentor for the younger members in the band.

“He eventually just joined the band,” Harlan said. “He’s helped us get our originals really tight and record our first single, which will be coming out soon.”

Dalton has been a longtime local metal influence lending his guitar skills to Morbid Justice, Crimson Kiss and other projects. When I first saw Anarchy Hammer, I was so impressed by the dynamic of the band, with Dalton helping to orchestrate while offering the spotlight to these young shredders. It’s encouraging to see an adult help usher the next generation into the loving community of sweaty mosh pits and black “battle vests.”

“He’s helped us out a ton and helped me change and grow as a person,” Harlan said. “He showed me a couple things on guitar, too. We wouldn’t be where we are right now without him.”

Harlan’s attracted to metal music because of the meaning behind the music.

“Metal songs can talk about some pretty heavy stuff in our world,” he said. “It’s a great way to get the anger out, too. It just gets me pumped up.”

For many musicians, playing in a band can serve as a healthy outlet for emotions and self-expression, which is so valuable in a chaotic world, Harlan said.

“In our original songs, I find that we tend to sing about corruption in our world,” he said. “Kind of in a way where there’s a way out, but if you don’t act now, it’s too late, you know?”

Anarchy Hammer is playing 8 p.m. Sat., Feb. 18, at The Hive, 1150 Main Ave. Pagosa Springs-based Dreem Machine will also play. 

Local music fans may recognize a familiar face in Dreem Machine, as well. Guitarist Robin Davis, of Broke Mountain Bluegrass and Six Dollar String Band fame – who happens to be Harlan’s uncle – is in the band.

“He grew up playing bluegrass, and hearing his new music from Dreem Machine, it’s so cool,” Harlan said. “It’s still almost got that bluegrass feeling, but it meets with some grunge, with Social Distortion and some psychedelic feel, too.”