Phoenix, Arizona isn't exactly the perfect place to start a heavy metal band. When it gets to be 100 degrees in the shade, as it often does, it's just too damn hot to look good in leather. It's aproblem that Icon's Dan Wexler is painfully aware of. "This place is the armpit of the nation," he said with a laugh. "It's a steambath all the time. if you go too far away from an air conditioner or a swimming pool you might as well give it up. Did you ever try to play guitar in a swimming pool? It can be a very electrifying experience."
Dispite the environmental problems encountered by Wexler and his bandmates Pat Dixon, Stephen Clifford, John Aquilino and Tracy Wallach, they've managed to make Icon one of the most exciting young hard rock bands currently grunting and groaning on the metal market. With their second LP, NIGHT OF THE CRIME, further establishing them as a band to watch on the metal scene, Icon feel that this is going to be an important year in the band's history.
"We got our foot in the door last year," Wexler said. "Our first album didn't take the world by storm, but it got us out there, and gave a lot of people a chance to hear what we can do. We think we've got alot to offer, we play good, we look good and we write good songs. You can find bands that have one or two of those qualities, but two find a group that has all three isn't easy.
"We're very confident that we can break open this time," he added. "We know that there are a lot of bands out there that are playing hard rock music, but that doesn't scare us. We're talented enough to outlast the 'trendy' aspects of heavy metal. All we need is a break, and we intend on making our own breaks. These days it takes a hit single or a hot video for a band to get the recognition needed to become a success -- we have the goods to cash in both ways. I don't mean to sound arrogant; I'm just stating the facts."
For a band that obviously doesn't lack in confidence, Icon's path to the top has been a long and often confusing one. Originally discovered by metal impresario Mike Varney, who called them "one of the most natural bands I've ever seen," Icon began life under the moniker of The School Boys. Due to possible confusion with Girlschool, and because, as Wexler admitted "that's a really stupid name," the metalmen changed their nom de rock to Martial Arts. It was under that name that they were signed to Capitol Records who recommended that they change their title once again.
"We were a little pissed of by then," Wexler said. "You grow kind of attached to a name -- you know, you have it embroidered into your underware -- but everyone kept changing ours every few months. When the label told us to switch it again, we just threw up our hands and said, 'Let's find something really pretentious, something no one else will ever think of using.' When we came up with Icon we really liked it. It's rather tounge-in-cheek because the last thing we view ourselves as are 'rock gods'. We're just five regular guys who love to play rock and roll."
As shown on their latest offering, Icon seem well on their way to proving their rock and roll credentials. Each of their new numbers display a pop/metal craftsmanship which effectively serves to separate Icon from the hard rock hordes. Being able to mature at their own speed away from the metal meatgrinder of a place like Los Angeles has given Icon an attitude as distinctive as their music.
"A lot of bands have to fight like crazy just to get a chance to play in a place like L.A.." Wexler explained. "In Phoenix we could have probably had a lifetime contract at a number of places. Let's face it, there really isn't that much competition out there. We feel we're ready to take on anybody, though. We're looking forward to getting on the road and showing fans everywhere what we're capable of doing. It's a big challenge, but I know we're up to it.