Bruce Lamont plays a Yamaha saxophone in the Chicago-based metal band Yakuza. This particular combination might seem unusual, even unheard of; until you hear how they do it. A recent release party for their disc Transmutations (on Prosthetic) at Chicago's Subterranean showed them to full effect, with a shirtless, tattooed Lamont blowing like a maniac and the rest of Yakuza (guitarist Matt McClelland, bassist John Bomher, and drummer Jim Staffel) pumping out their own amazing sound.

Lamont has a background in jazz, and studied for two years with Chicago improv luminary Ken Vandermark. Besides Yakuza, he's committed to a solo career and several side projects. Last fall he played with The Stooges' Steve Mackay at the Empty Bottle (an amazing show), so you know he has to rock.

In this Gearwire video, Lamont talks about his musical background and demonstrates how he works with effects pedals to carve out a place for the sax in the heavy world of metal. Future Lamont clips will go into more precise detail - but for now, just enjoy the music.