Born Miljenko Matijevic on November 30, 1964, in Zagreb, Croatia. He moved to America, with his family, at the young age of six, and began crafting his singing voice. Miljenko knew in his early teens he wanted to be a rock star. He joined a newly formed band named “Red Alert” in the 1980’s who later changed the name to “SteelHeart”. SteelHeart became popular for the multi-octave range of Miljenko’s singing voice, well- crafted melodies, power ballads as well as heavy hitting, hard driving, edgy guitar riffs. Miljenko also was the voice of Mark Wahlberg’s character Chris “Iggy” Cole in the movie Rock Star.
?Music Career:
At age nine Miljenko began singing in the church choir, and playing country music such as Johnny Cash, and John Denver. However at age eleven he was introduced to Led Zeppelin; that is when his musical journey began to come alive. When Miljenko was thirteen years old he formed a band name “Teaser”, playing covers tunes as well as original music. Despite much interest by producer Morgan Walker, “Teaser” fizzled out.
Miljenko joined a band called “The Mission”, at the age of fifteen. He worked very closely with the leader of the band, Elliot Lewis, (who later became a member of “The Average White Band”). Miljenko was now equipped with studio and writing experience.
Miljenko, now sixteen years old, joined up with James Ward (Bassist), Chris Risola (Guitar), and Jack Wilkinson (Drums), “Red Alert” was formed. Jack was eventually replaced by John Fowler (Drums), Frank Di Costanzo (Rhythm) was added to form a five-piece.
Right after high school Miljenko attended college to major in mechanical engineering. During his second year of college it dawned on him… “I was meant to be a singer”, so Miljenko promptly tossed his books out the second story window and focused all his time and energy on the band.
After completing a five song demo, Miljenko, Jimmy Ward and Miljenko’s friend John Belmont travelled to Los Angeles, with one thing in mind… to get a record deal. Within a month they had secured a new manager and a record deal with MCA. Band ultimately changed name from “Red Alert” to “SteelHeart”.
?Commercial Success:
SteelHeart’s self titled debut album ‘SteelHeart’ was released in 1990, bringing them almost immediate commercial success, with critics comparing their forceful hard rock sound to Led Zeppelin’s. Since then, Miljenko and band-mates have showcased their broad influences and the raw strength of his vocals; their sound drawing comparisons to hard rock and pop metal greats like Ratt and Whitesnake. The original line up included Miljenko Matijevic (Vox, Guitar, Piano), Chris Risola (Guitar), Frank Di Costanzo (Guitar), James Ward (Bass), and John Fowler (Drums). The guys found themselves hitting the big time as their first album reached #40 on the Billboard 200 chart in 1990, the band’s fan-base growing swiftly around the world. “SteelHeart” sold 33,000 albums on its first day in Japan alone. Before long, the album hit platinum – and its power ballad, “She’s Gone,” hit #1 on the international charts, staying there 17 weeks. The second single, “I’ll Never Let You Go (Angel Eyes)” reached #14 on the Billboard charts. Another song, “Can’t Stop Me Loving’ You” further showcased Miljenko’s vocal range, but this time, Risola’s lead guitar skills were also noticed.
SteelHeart’s next effort album-wise, “Tangled In Reins,” released July 10, 1992, had a more mixed eclectic song style. With heavy hitting, hard driving songs like “Loaded Mutha”, “SteelHeart”, “Electric Love Child”, and fun loving “Sticky Side Up,” to tear jerking ballads such as “Mama Don’t You Cry.” to name a few. The song, “SteelHeart” featured Miljenko hitting the highest note of his song catalogue. While the ballad “Mama Don’t You Cry” charted #1 in many East Asian Countries, including Hong Kong, prompting their live unplugged performance in Hong Kong followed by an extensive unplugged tour of Asia in September, 1992. The album did not reap the same commercial success as StealHeart’s debut album, reaching only #144 on Billboard charts, signaling the grunge-sound invasion was starting to take force in the music business.