Matt Mentley's passion for Helmet (he sports a tattoo!), Sepultura and seminal hardcore bands equally informs what he brings to the table in Throwdown, who Revolver Magazine included in a cover story about "The Future Of Metal."

Whether captivating crowds on the inaugural Sounds Of The Underground Tour in 2005 or the 2004 Ozzfest, Mentley is most at home executing riffs of raw power and discordant angst with might. Throwdown has conquered many stages across the world, from Japan, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and all across North America, alongside their friends in Lamb Of God, Fear Factory, As I Lay Dying, Hatebreed and Soulfly.

Matt grew up in the Orange County, California straight edge hardcore scene. He made his debut with Throwdown, whose landmark "Haymaker" album brought them to international attention, on "Vendetta," which debuted at #156 on the Billboard charts in June, 2005.

"Burn" blazed a trail on MTV2's "Headbanger's Ball" just as "Vendetta" racked up press in Metal Hammer, Alternative Press and Grindhouse. Matt and the boys look forward to 2006 and hitting the road as often as possible, keeping their message of self-empowerment and positivity close to their chest while continuing to make uplifting and brutal heavy metal.

The Gear

Matt uses a X81 and a X50Pro.