“lf you’ve ever wondered what it would sound like if a pack of rabid wolverines at a bar fight formed a band, look no further than The Generals. This Portland, Oregon rock ‘n’ roll machine doesn’t just play music—they launch a full-scale sonic assault. With guitars that sound like they were forged in a volcano and vocals that could probably outshout a jet engine, these guys deliver high-perfor- mance rock with zero apologies. Their songs hit harder than your uncle’s questionable moonshine, and if you’re not headbanging by the first chorus, check for your pulse—you might not have one
Their self-titled debut LP is a wild ride, like being strapped to the hood of a speeding muscle car with a Gamethrower in each hand. Tracks like HydraCobra and Burned to the Wick don’t just rock—they punch you in the face, steal your beer and leave you grin- ning like a lunatic. The production is tight, the energy is relentless, and the band sounds like they recorded it all while being chased by the law. lf Portland’s rock scene were a battlefield, The Generals would be charging ahead, hair blowing in the wind, guitars blaz- ing like war cannons. lf you get a chance to see them live, wear a helmet—you’re gonna need it. ” — David Schilling, X-Ray FM
The Past
The Generals “rebooted” after a chance meeting brought together Portland rock scene stalwart Adam Luckey (Elephant Gun, Hardship) with recent LA transplant Erik Erath (Nyxora, Friends You Can Kill – aka Erik E. Wrath of Haunted Garage) former lead guitarist for legendary shock rock splatter punk purveyor’s Haunted Garage. Adam’s rock solid riffing and Erath’s blistering solo style were perfect compli- ments. Another chance meeting brought fellow recent LA refugee Scott Meisse (Hellbound Hayride) in on drums. Scott’s punk and rockabilly sensibilities were required to lift The Generals out of the doom rock quagmire of Portland. After some various line-ups shuffles, The Generals discovered local powerhouse vocalist Jim Lewis (Truth Be Damned, Four Bolt Main, Cleaner). ln 2024 Erath’s former Nyxora bandmate Luke Miller (Sun- set The Machine, Nyxora) was tapped to ground the sound. After a series of well received live performances, the band was all set to record their debut album.
The Present
They have just finished recording their full length debut LP, The Devil You Know tracked at Portland’s famed Hallowed Halls by Justin Phelps, mixed by Mike Christie.
The Future
The Generals have proven themselves on stage, winning over fans at every opportu- nity, and helping to usher in a renaissance of hard rocking fun loving music in Port- land. They’ll be busting their hump bring- ing their mash up of rock, punk and metal to rockers everywhere with the release of The Devil You Know!
The Band
Adam Luckey: Rhythm and Lead Guitars
Riff master Adam founded The Generals. lnGuenced by the likes of Malcolm Young and Pig Champion, this rhythm guitarist brings a powerful, dynamic presence to his performances on his Gibson SG. His guitar work is distinguished by its loud, powerful sound and a strong, unyielding attack. He has accumulated experience playing with various bands, including Hardship, Starved and Delirious, Detestation, and The Procrastinators. A fixture of the Portland rock.
Jim Lewis: Lead Vocal
Jim “The Gift” Lewis is a distinctive vocalist, and loud, to get over the din of noise these guys produce! Always welcoming, his vocal presence let’s you ride shotgun with him as he explores the fiery landscape of The Generals. Aggressive and tuneful, but not abrasive or goofy, (and loud, did we say that?) He’s also polite AF and we let him count the T-shirts, come say “Hi” at the merch table.
Erik Erath: Lead and Rhythm Guitars
Erath (AKA Erik E. Wrath) has honed his unique guitar styling over the years, notably with the Hollywood Shock Rock legends Haunted Garage. Wailing bends and spiky licks reminiscent of the rock players of yore are jammed into the rock n roll guts of The Generals like a sinuous vorpal blade. Rocket fuel on a dumpster fire.
Luke Miller: Bass Guitar
Luke provides the driving low end that grounds The Generals. He deftly weaves between the roaring guitars, always keep the tunes on track. He will step out on occasion, adding his own character to the music. His muscular playing is matched by his beefcake stage presence – more than anyone could hope for in a bass player!
Scott Meisse: Drums, Backing Vocals
Not only does Scott’s up-tempo drums keep the Generals honest, his punk rock and rockabilly sensibilities is the final touch on the genre-blending Generals. Scott mediates this volatile collision of metal, punk, and hard rock with a thoughtful approach. Not only is his drumming smart, he helps out with lyrics and backs Jim up here and there. True to form, he refuses to wear a headset mike
Hydracobra – no nonsense outta the gate in your face set and album opener! Cattle Drive – “You will taste my metal” – epic tale amid furious riffing.
Burned to the Wick – feel good hit of the summer – The Generals at their catchiest.
The Devil You Know – titular track displays everything the Generals are known for
- powerhouse vocals, catchy melodies and screeching solos.
Consume – punk rock social commentary served up on a D beat platter.
Hit from Both Sides – street-wise swagger set piece featuring dueling solos.
Jackhammer – punch em in the head, kick em in the face, while solving the homeless crisis.
The Bloodlust of Dracula Rises Again – nuanced goth punker in the style of TSOL, The Damned. Special award for longest moniker.
442 – all guitars blazing hard rock wet dream. Yup, we said it.
Do It Again – long lost Social Distortion tune gets a General “makeover”. Apologies to Ness & Co. (Vinyl only.)