Steelheart is a band fronted by Miljenko Matijevic. Mili’s powerful voice and multi-octave range has become the heart and soul of the band. Although they began as a glam band in the early 90s, Mili has recently reformed the band and turned it away from the glam scene. Steelheart's new sound is modern and edgy while still retaining overtones of Miljenko Matijevic's roots. Writing, producing, Matijevic has Fused his past, present and the future together, creating an undeniable piece of art . “A modern day led Zeppelin” (Mitch Lafon BW&BK).
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Steelheart released their self-titled debut album in 1990. It sold 33,000 albums on its first day in Japan alone, and quickly hit platinum status. The ballad “She’s Gone” which showcased Matijevic’s incredible vocal range hit #1 on the International Charts, staying there for 17 weeks. The second single “I’ll Never Let You Go (Angel Eyes)” reached #14 on the billboard charts, and was MTV’s 2nd most requested video. The album reached #40 on the billboard charts, making it (albeit just so) officially a ‘hit’. “Everybody Loves Eileen” and its accompanying video also garnered much success. The song “Can’t Stop Me Lovin’ You” further showcased Matijevic’s vocal range, but this time, lead guitarist Risola’s guitar skills were also noticed. The accompanying video was another of the band’s hits.
Steelheart’s next effort, “Tangled In Reins” was a much more mixed combination than the debut, with songs like “Sticky Side Up” to smooth ballads such as “Mama Don’t You Cry”. Also, the song, “Steelheart”, featured Matijevic hitting his highest note of the three albums. The ballad "Mama Don't You Cry" charted #1 in many East Asian Countries, including Hong Kong, prompting their Asian tour in September, 1992. Nearing the end of the “Tangled in Reins” tour, Slaughter asked Steelheart to perform one last show which would occur in Denver, Colorado. The show took place on Halloween night, a night which will forever be remembered by Steelheart fans. While performing, “Dancing in the Fire”, a hit from the “Tangled in Reins” album, Matijevic decided to climb a lighting truss, which was improperly secured. Matijevic tried to evade the massive rig, but without success. The 1000 pound truss hit Matijevic on the back of the head, driving one of the greatest vocalists of all time, face first into the stage, breaking his nose, cheekbone, jaw and twisting his spine. Matijevic miraculously found the strength to walk off the stage and he was immediately taken to a hospital. “Steelheart” ended that night.
Four years later, Matijevic formed a new version of Steelheart with Kenny Kanowski (guitars), Vincent Mele (bass) and Alex Makarovich (drums) to record and release the album “Wait”. The album was very different to the previous two albums. The single “Wait” went #1 in many Asian countries; however that was the main area of the album’s success, the grunge invasion causing the American European markets to be near closed to classic rock. Original member James Ward joined Steelheart on the tour supporting the album. Also on the “Wait” album, “We All Die Young”, the first track, was in the motion picture, “Rock Star,” starring Mark Wahlberg and Jennifer Aniston.