#doug marks

There were a whole ton of shredders peacocking around the Sunset Strip back in the ‘80s, with a good chunk putting out instrumental wankfests on Shrapnel before getting into the market of shilling instructional videos.  But as much as they may have mastered their technique- at least enough to claim expertise as instructors- almost none of them could actually write a memorable riff, let alone an entire song.  Hawk’s “Battle Zone” wasn’t that bad, but its generic hard rock didn’t make much of a case for Doug Marks being the next great guitar hero.  It was hard to identify who exactly this was for, because everything about it was low-rent, even Matt Sorum’s drumming.  The track was enjoyable in its way, though a healthy sense of nostalgia and affection for Z-grade mid ‘80s hard rock is essential. Hawk didn’t last beyond their one self-titled record, and both Marks and Sorum eventually found greener pastures, though in very different settings.

Spring 1985

Best-known for his "Metal Method" guitar instructional videos in the 80's onward, Doug Marks has actually had a stint with a band simply known as Hawk. This glam-looking band had also featured Scott Travis of Racer X/Judas Priest fame as well as Matt Sorum, who is known for drum work for Guns N' Roses and Velvet Revolver and even Marq Torien of  Bulletboys. But none of the musicians mentioned above were involved in recording Hawk's only studio album in the 80's, its self-titled debut. While there are some influence of glam in it, there are also places in which we hear Doug Marks use his talent to his full potential in both soloing and riff making.