While their individual names might not necessarily stand out to you, their band names certainly will. Fall Out Boy. Anthrax. Every Time I Die. Members from each group came together formally in June of 2010, playing their first show at Brooklyn’s Knitting Factory, under the moniker The Damned Things. Soon after, the newly formed ‘heavy metal’ super-group would enter the studio to write and record their debut album “Ironiclast,” released in December 2010. The album, laden with killer riffs and catchy hooks, is a bluesy ode to classic rock, from singles “We’ve Got a Situation Here” and “Friday Night (Going Down in Flames) to the disc’s opener “Handbook for the Recently Deceased,” setting the stage for the head pounding album.

With all of the individual success attributed to each of their primary outfits, the band members could have easily rested on their laurels, continuing the path each had begun to walk down initially. But seeking to fuel an even more creative outlet, the experienced collection of musicians would embark on a new journey together, a true departure from the signature sounds that fans of each band had come to celebrate. With Anthrax gearing up for a new release of their own (Worship Music) come September, coupled with some dates with the Big Four tour, and Every Time I Die working on a new album of their own and a tour in the fall, potential dates for The Damned Things might be few and far between.

Fortunately for New Yorkers, the band is slated to hit The Gramercy Theatre on Friday night, August 26th as a part of the “Inked Magazine Music Tour” with support from Fair to Midland and Maylene and the Sons of Disaster. And there’s no better way to spend a hot summer night than taking in a rock show at an intimate local venue. Tickets are available here.

LocalBozo.com grabbed Fall Out Boy and The Damned Things’ guitarist Joe Trohman for an exclusive interview, discussing amongst other things the new direction for him musically, the cohesion he feels playing alongside such experienced musicians, the writing and recording of their first album, and how they were tabbed on the “Inked Tour.” You can listen to LocalBozo.com’s full interview above and for tickets and more information on The Damned Things, make sure to check out thedamnedthings.com.

- Jane Van Arsdale