Monthly Archives: September 2012

STEVIL HELMER – A MAN WITH A MISSION

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I have been getting to know Stevil recently. I have found him to be a very interesting and kind person. We are in tune to a lot of the same things. I would like you to get to know him as well. Let’s see what he has to say:

As a child music was always an important part of my life and a constant friend, tell us a little about how music entered your life.

 Stevil: My Dad got a 58 Kay Acoustic for a wedding present in 1965, he really wanted to play guitar but finding the time was hard since he was always working. In 1971 when I was five years old he taught me “I Walk the Line” from Johnny Cash. I think it wasnt just that song but the profound lyrics in that song really meant a lot to me. Here I am 41 years later still playing the guitar ! That many years of pickin’ and a grinnin’ would be a novel. There isn’t much I havent played in all those years. I’m known for playing metal because I’ve been playing metal since 1982 live but I’ve jammed in a lot of different types of bands from rock to reggae to outlaw country to blues to metal. Cover bands included. It’s all influenced me. Listening to a lot of music is important to I think. I love bootleg live recordings and the more raw the better ! Both of my little brothers jam and my mom plays hand bells in the church handbell choir. It’s safe to say I knew I wanted be a musician since I was five years old.

My mom was always exposing me to new artists as a child shoe I would cite her as my biggest musical inspiration as a child, who was your biggest musical inspiration in your youth?

 Stevil: JC is always be on that list but Roy Clarke really has a place in my youth for sure. He was so fast ! I always loved his banjo playing too. Hee Haw was a regular thing in our house growing up in Sun Prairie WI. I basically grew up in a corn field. Hendrix really played a large part. The Beatles Complete was one of my first music books. Sabbath turned it all metal for me. Master of Reality in particular. I liked raunchy bands. Areosmith and ZZ Top. I grew up in the 70s so all of those bands from that time.

Most people never get beyond the dream of being a musician phase, why did you choose to start playing music?

 Stevil: Oh I definitely started playing music because all the girls loved musicians hhaha…um Music was the escape. A form a meditation for me really. I used to spend a lot of time in music books but now I mostly play a lot of blues when im just sitting around the house.I’ve always believed “feeling” the music was really important. There are two kinds of musicians I think. One kind reads a lot of books. The other kind is trying to write their own book in their own words. I’m the second kind for sure. Writing songs every day is important to me. I’m always trying to out do myself and play every style of music I can. I love hybrid picking. Steve Morse is a master of that.
Some people never get the chance to have music lessons, did you have any formal musical training?

   Stevil: Betty Scrivner was my 7th grade guitar teacher, studied with Richard Farber in WI who is a classical guitarist, Timothy Ball in Ventura CA from the Tempo Cats is a big influence too. He plays latin jazz and blues. I’ve jammed with anyone who would LET me jam and in always jamming with a ton of other players I learned a lot !. Troy Stetina books are cool. Mel Bay. There are so many great players out there no one ever heard of but they have great skills and insight into songwriting that can be learned just by watching them and listening carefully. I love go to really small bars and watch local bands play. Some great players are found playing to 10 people every Saturday night. It’s a lesson in itself every time to see any live show really.Watching fingers and listening carefully. Somewhere along the way I became more concerned with the song than the guitar solo. I love the solo for “Sympathy for the Devil” by the Stones but the song is awesome too. A great solo wont save a poorly crafted song ever..so writing the riffs was more important. The goal is always to serve the song, not myself.

The path of being a musician is full of lessons. What are some you have learned in your early bands?

 Stevil: I don’t drink booze at all anymore. The greatest lesson I learned was drinking way too much at rehearsals was a party and not a rehearsal at all. I don’t have anything against people who drink but I know focus on music can’t be obtained very well after consuming a fifth of Jack Daniels. Safe to say I partied hard back in the day haha…now I just practice hard ! I also learned playing in as many bands at one time is good too. Things fall through, people change and give up. I always want to play music so I have several bands going on at once to make damn sure I’m always jamming ! The best lesson for me is to always practice 4-6 hours a day like religion. I’m convinced no-one becomes a better musician just by talking about it but rather just doing it !

If you could write/perform with any musician from history who would that be?

 Stevil: this is an easy one. Kirk Windstein for sure. Kirk has written some of the most bad ass riffs of all time in my opinion. It’s not just the riffs either, it’s the content of his lyrics that have carried me through some very tough times in my life. He writes about strength to over come the pain life throws at us all and the courage to carry on no matter what curves come our way. It a very positive thing. 20 years ago when I first started listening to him that’s when I started tuning my guitars way down too. I tune to B now on a six string….it all began with listening to very old Crowbar records.
     I know you are a producer, if you could produce for anyone who would you love to work with?
     Stevil: Randy Cooper is a favorite guitarist Id like to work with. Aside from working with him I really like to work with bands no one ever heard of. They will send me mp3s of horrible recordings BUT I can hear they write great songs ! A bad recording of great song ? is still a great song !!!!! I spend a lot of time answering email questions from unknown bands and do that for free. It’s a “pay it forward” sort of thing for me. I wish i had me 20 years ago so helping up and coming and struggling bands to get a little further down the road is always my goal. I’ve never been sorry I got an engineering degree from MMI. I’m not the worlds greatest engineer but I’ve been playing music forever and ever so I think that helps to find taste in sounds and production. I’m very fond of rockin’ raw recordings that aren’t too over produced. The first Down record sets a standard for me. It’s an awesome and very real recording of what the band actually sounds like ! It still got a little modern feel to the mix though in contrast to old Sabbath recordings.

I have been listening to a lot of new bands, are there any  who have caught your ears?

Stevil: I’m a big Crowned By Fire fan. Justin Manning is the guitarist and has some serious skills. I’m digging All Hail the Yeti,Double Wide out of Ireland, Jon Joe rocks !. Doomdogs in Sweden, Christer has been a friend for years, and the new Klank record is super creative too. Klank has a guest appearance on his new release from Dug Pinnick from Kings X by the way. All these bands are friends except I don’t really know All Hail the Yeti at all….im just really digging what they are doin’ ! It’s a pet peeve of mine when musicians wont acknowledge the greatness of other players. I’m anxious to hear the solo records from Tony Vaughn and the project my buddy Kurt Arft is doing too. I’m sure they will both shine ! I am in awe of these bands mentioned and have great respect for their abilities ! Haters are really just the village idiots…ya know ?

I f you were hired to give a lecture to young musicians trying to break in to the business, what advice would you give them?

   Stevil: Invest your OWN money. Invest your OWN time and keep both eyes on the money at all times. Always be cost-effective and never waste money if you don’t have to. best advice ever. Once a band loses control of its assets ? they lose control of the profit too. Just my opinion but I live by it these days. Income for a business is directly related to advertising. Bands can buy their own advertising ! there ya go ! pretty simple ! The minute you let someone else put their hands in the cookie jar ? more often than not they take the cookies and the whole damn jar for themselves ! So protect your shit at all costs. The other thing is ASK ! No band has anything to lose just by ASKING for interviews, reviews,shows, and publicity. Be nice and ask nice. Most of all have genuine appreciation for your fans. I spend hours every day just talking to fans…some of the greatest people on earth ! the fans make the band famous. for sure ! No label ever made a band. THE FANS did ! best advice: love your fans like they are family.

Do you listen to music that would seem “outside” of your genre?

     Stevil: I’ve listened to every thing under the sun. Ive tried to play it all too. I wont say im a master of any genre but being a swiss army knife never hurts. im not a big rap guy. everything else is listenable to me though as far as genres go. I may listen to Norah Jones on Sunday morning and Slayer on Friday night. I’m not always pissed off ya know ? sometimes im happy. I love the Presidents of the United States. good happy jams ! Monster Magnet..you get the idea. I started re visiting all the old country I listened to when I was a kid because of him and his killer banjo playing. It’s not outside my genre though. Its my roots ! I even recorded a version of “I’m so Lonesome I could Cry” from Hank Sr. Its on the Hillbilly and Helmer Project. Some of my best guitar playin’ I think. All instrumental version..Old country is something most folks can’t really see me playin’ but I did it for ten solid years of my life BEFORE I played metal. It’s all a part of who I am.
The floor is open, discuss what ever you want:

     Stevil: In our third year of doing a huge metal show for animal rescue for Villalobos and Texas. This show takes at least fifty people who all work together to make it happen. Dallas Texas bands donate their time and music to play this show. It truly means the whole world to me. It all began with me and my dog Ace who is a pit bull. Now thousands know about the show. So please take a moment to go support this page. A very special thanks to my great friends Lindsey Thompson and Starla Biage at Turning Key Productions ! The show would never ever be what it is today with out those two ! IN THE PIT FOR THE PIT III HERE: https://www.facebook.com/events/371403499594386/

I really want THANK YOU for doing this interview and for supporting music in general ! Id like to add that its awesome that you have two rescued Pit Bulls of your own ! Your support of the show is very greatly appreciated too!

Thanks for the kind words and giving us some insight into your world. Keep your ears open for Stevil and his multitude of projects.

 

the Hellion

 

 

 

JASON BECKER – A MUSICAL SOUL

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www.jasonbecker.com

http://www.facebook.com/jason.becker.1253

 

Jason Eli Becker was born July 22, 1969,  and at the age of 16 with Marty Friedman put together Cacophony. They released Speed Metal Symphony in 1987 and Go Off! in 1988.

 

Here’s a taste of “Speed Metal Symphony” :

Jason released his first solo record in 1988. Perpetual Burn is an amazing album.

 

Sadly Cacophony broke up in 1989. Jason then went on to play for David Lee Roth for his A Little Ain’t Enough (1991) record. Jason  was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, aka Lou Gehrig’s Disease) a week after joining the band. He managed to finish recording the album, but was unable to tour in support of the album, as his condition left him with little strength in his hands.

 

Here’s Jason with David Lee Roth on “Drop In The Bucket”:

 

 

After his diagnosis he was given two to three years to live. Due to his illness, he eventually lost the ability to speak and now communicates with his eyes via a system developed by his father. Although his ALS gradually robbed him of his ability to play guitar, to walk, and eventually even to speak, he still remains mentally sharp and, with the aid of a computer, continues composing. In the back of the Perspective CD case, Becker states “I have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. It has crippled my body and speech, but not my mind.” His medical condition has remained stable since 1997. In 2003, Becker posted on his website that he was feeling better and had gained some weight, while the folder for his 2008 album Collection also mentions an upcoming book.

Admirably Jason is still with us today and still composing music. In 1996, Becker released an album entitled Perspective, an instrumental album composed by him (with the exception of Bob Dylan’s song “Meet Me in the Morning”). The writing of the music had been started before ALS completely crippled his abilities. By using guitar, and, later, when he was unable to use both hands, a keyboard, he continued to compose while his disease worsened. However, when Becker could no longer physically play even a keyboard, his friend and music producer Mike Bemesderfer helped him with a music-composing computer program which could read the movements of his head and eyes, enabling Becker to continue to compose after he lost control of the rest of his body.

Several years later, Becker released Raspberry Jams (1999) and Blackberry Jams (2003); the first contained various unreleased demo-tracks, and the latter contained demo-tracks and alternate versions of songs that were later reworked and published into other albums.

Collection is a great album to start with if you want to experience the music of Jason Becker.

 

Here is one of the newer tracks that I cherish “Electric Prayer For Peace”

Thank you Jason for all you have given to the music world. Much love and respect to you.

the Hellion

 

 

JOHN 5 – A GUITARIST FOR THE NEW AGE

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A lot of people have recently become aware of John 5 through his guest appearances on That Metal Show and as the guitarist for Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson. His career however, is quite impressive. He has done studio work with Matt Ball, Avril Lavigne, Rob Halford, k.d. lang, Garbage, Meat Loaf, Scorpions, Ozzy Osbourne, Slash, FeFe Dobson and has written and recorded with southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. One of my favorite projects he has done was RED SQUARE BLACK. Featuring: Mark Binder – Vocals, John Lowery (later to become John 5) – Guitar, Randy Castillo – Drums, Angelo Barbera – Bass they released one EP in October of 1994 entitled “SQUARE”.

 

With tones of metal, and industrial this band was ahead of its time. Sadly they only had the one release and the members moved on to other projects. Here’s a listen to “Violent Pause” from the EP:

John 5 also co-wrote  “The Monster Is Loose” with Nikki Sixx and Desmond Child for Meat Loaf’s 2006 release Bat Out Of Hell III. 

 

Currently John 5 is playing with Rob Zombie, a new record and tour are in the immediate future. Here’s “Foxy, Foxy” from the 2010 release Educated Horses:

 

John recently released his sixth solo record God Told Me To on May 8th of this year.

 

A great release full of smoking and innovative licks I HIGHLY recommend getting this. Here is the video for “Welcome To Violence”:

 

If I had to sum up John 5 in one word it is, AWESOME!

 

the Hellion

 

 

HEADPHONE TRIPS PART 2- PUT ON YOUR BEST PAIR AND EXPERIENCE AUDIO HEAVEN

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There is nothing like a well-engineered song through a pair of great headphones. Over the years there have been many songs that just blow you away when listened through headphones, in a dark room, lying on the floor. Let’s look at two this week.

PINK FLOYD – “ECHOES” (1971)

If you want to experience some “out of this world” music, this is one of the best compositions for that. Surreal, spacey, and sometimes outright scary (when you are driving on a deserted back highway at 3:45 in the morning) This song pulses in and out, and takes you places in your mind that you might not be familiar with.

 

RUSH – “2112” (SIDE ONE) (1976)

Take the whole first side of 2112 as an audio journey that you fill your ears with wonder. Put on your headphones, relax, and go to places you only dream of. It will be 20:34 minutes well spent.

 

More headphone trips to come, keep your ears open…

the Hellion

GERRY RAFFERTY – A VOICE REMEMBERED

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“Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right. Here I am, stuck in the middle with you.” Who doesn’t know those lyrics? A lot of people do not know that Gerry Rafferty was the singer  of Stealers Wheel though. I was eight years old when that fantastic song came out. I used to run around singing at the top of my lungs until I was told to shut up (at which point I sang it under my breath). Gerry Rafferty’s voice struck a nerve in me. When I next heard from Gerry Rafferty I was fourteen, “Baker Street” blew me away. The song painted a vivid picture in my mind, it was if I could see the lyrics played out in a move in my mind. The composition, and groove of the song was, still is, and will be amazing. I loved and learned to appreciate the saxophone from that song. With other songs such as “Right Down The Line” , “Get It Right Next Time”, Gerry continued to fill my ears with joy. Unfortunately personal issues caused him to fade from the scene but not from my mind. Eventually we lost Gerry in 2011. I continue to share his music with others and show them the genius of his music. Thank you Gerry Rafferty for sharing your beautiful art with us.

 

“And when you wake up it’s a new morning
The sun is shining, it’s a new morning
But you’re going, you’re going home” – Baker Street

R.I.P Gerry

STEALERS WHEEL  – “STUCK  IN THE MIDDLE WITH YOU”:

GERRY RAFFERTY – “BAKER STREET” :

 

the Hellion

GET ANOTHER 10 BANDS IN YOUR EARS!!

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1. DEATH ALLEY MOTOR CULT

 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Death-Alley-Motor-Cult/276917487784

http://www.deathalleymotorcult.com

Death Alley Motor Cult brings metal back to where it belongs, to the forefront of radio. Start with a dose of blistering guitar work, a thunderous rhythm section, growling vocals and you have an idea what Death Alley Motor Cult is all about. Check out “American Nightmare”:

 

2. THE ELECTRIC BOA

http://www.facebook.com/TheElectricBoaOfficial

http://www.electricboa.com

In a flash of bright, colorful, iridescent light The Electric Boa don’t just remind you of all things rock, they ARE all things rock – now, yesterday and tomorrow.  Here is “Horse” live:

 

3. GHOST

 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ghost-the-band/145511608861548

http://ghost-official.com/

I have loved this band since I found them. In the process of spreading the word I have bought several of their CDs and passed them along to friends. Here is my favorite track:

 

4. RIVAL SONS

 

http://www.facebook.com/rivalsons

http://www.rivalsons.com/

a couple of years ago a friend told me about this band. I have liked them ever since. Blues based straight up Rock N’ Roll have kept this band in my ears.  They made a breakthrough with the 2011 release of “Pressure & Time”. They have just released “Head Down” on  09/17/12 I recommend you grab it. Here is their new video for “Keep On Swinging”:

5. THE GATES OF SLUMBER

 

http://www.facebook.com/thegatesofslumber

http://www.slumberingsouls.com

This is another band recommended to me by a friend. They are new to me but a definite like. Heavy DOOM and hard charging music makes this band a worthwhile listen. Check out “Coven of Cain” and let me know what you think!:

6. ABIOTIC

http://www.facebook.com/Abioticfl

from their bio: Abiotic is an American progressive, technical death metal band from Miami, Florida that has recently signed to Metal Blade Records. The five-piece group consists of vocalist Ray Jimenez, bassist Alex Vazquez, drummer Andres Hurtado and guitarists Matt Mendez and Johnathan Matos. The band has released two singles and a seven song studio EP entitled ‘A Universal Plague’. “Vermosapien”, the second track on the EP, has recently been featured on the quintet’s first music video, directed by Dan Drescher.Abiotic is agressive, melodic, technical and musical, to say the least. They’ve been compared to bands like The Faceless and Veil of Maya. Mixing technical riffs, brutal break downs, and solos that will leave you breathless, makes this five-piece assault an act that fans won’t ever want to miss. Here is “Vermosapien”:

7. MURDER FM

 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Murder-FM-Official/339855065055

http://www.MURDERFMmusic.com

I got to see these guys a few weeks ago. Great band, very tight, awesome stage performance and great guys to talk to. I see great hings with this young band. They out on the road and earning their stripes! Here is their new video for “tWIST3D l0V3 sTORY”  : 

8. BLACK SPIDERS

http://www.facebook.com/theblackspiders

http://www.theblackspiders.com

So I just love this band period! Getting out, getting done with pure Rock N’ Roll music. Bringing the fun back into Rock but at the same time ready to kick your ass at the drop of hat. Thanks guys! Here’s “KISS Tried To Kill Me” :

9. BLACKBERRY SMOKE

 

http://www.facebook.com/BlackberrySmoke

http://blackberrysmoke.com/

I have a deep seated love for southern rock. I grew up listening to old school country and hippie rock. Southern Rock was a natural progression for me. I found Blackberry Smoke recently and new immediately I would like them. With bands like them Southern Rock and its legacy will stay true. Here is “Ain’t Much Left Of Me” :

10. BLACK WATER RISING

 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Black-Water-Rising/14816181590

http://www.blackwaterrising.com

I heard this band on satellite radio one day and had to know more. What I found is a band whose attitude is “What you see is what you get”. No frills, groove laden Rock N’ Roll. This band sees regular play in my rotation. Here’s the KILLER track “Brother Go On”:

HALCYON WAY VOCALIST- STEVE BRAUN

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Halcyon Way vocalist Steve Braun answered some questions for us. Let’s get to know about him and his band Halcyon Way.

Thanks for speaking with us Steve. Can you tell us a little about your self and where you come from?

Steve:  Hmmmm that could be a very deep questions,lol. I am the lead singer for Nightmare/ Sony Red recording artist Halcyon Way. We are a metal band based out of Atlanta, GA. I am a Jersey boy born and raised. I have lived all over the US and Canada following my dreams. I now live in Nashville, TN which is funny that I now drive 4 1/2hrs to band practice but you gotta do what you gotta do.

There was always music of some kind being played in my house while I was growing up. How did music come into your life? What kind of music shaped you as a kid?

     Steve:  I really got into music at a young age. My older sister use to baby-sit me when my parents were out. I remember the first stuff I listened to was Meat Loaf, Billy Joel, Pat Benatar and Hall and Oats. I was instantly hooked. Tho it wasn’t Metal I believe it really helped to set the foundation of loving strong songwriting and melody.

Most everyone dreams of being a rock star but these dreams remained unrealized. How did you make your dreams come true?

     Steve:  Man…all I can say is it took a lot of handwork. Countless hours of practice singing to my favorite tapes…yes tapes:) I also took private voice lessons in NY, LA and Nashville. I was even a vocal performance major in college.

     On making my dreams come true…I’m still in that phase. You have to knock on as many doors as possible. I believe if you continue to knock on doors sooner or later the right door will open. Sitting in your bedroom hoping it will happen will NOT make it happen.

What were some of the experiences you had that led to you to where you are today?

     Steve:  I have been quite blessed in the experiences I’ve had in the music industry. My first break was singing for Word Records recording artist Siloam. We were an anti-drug hard rock band. We toured all over the US and Canada.

     I’ve sung on the TV show “The View”. I actually got engaged on the show. I am the only one to ever make Barbara Walters cry on tv. I mean now I can die a happy man:)

     I’ve sung for Italian progressive Metal band ASHENT. We’ve released 2 CDs via Lion Music.

     I have been fortunate enough to tour all over the world and meet some of the most amazing people along the way.

Most musicians “earn their stripes” in several bands prior to success. What were some of your more memorable experiences in some of your earlier bands?

     Steve:  Well in Siloam we were on CNN when we were in Corpus Christi, TX and we were honored by the mayor. However, one of the biggest memories was that we played in this boys n girls club and as soon as the lights went down for the intro and gang fight broke out and the head of a porcelain duck whipped past my head (I still have the duck head:))

     One of the greatest things playing with ASHENT was I got to spend a lot of time in Italy. I would sometimes spend up to a month at a time there when recording our albums. The best part was I got to live like a local.

In talking to people about music, most of them identify with a certain era of music more than others. What period of music do you identify most with?

     Steve:  I would have to say I’m a child of the 80’s. I love the decade of decadence.

What artists inspired you from the past and which current artists have caught your ear?

     Steve:  I would have to say…Michael Sweet of Stryper, Tony Harnell of TNT, Sebastian Bach and James LaBrie.

     Some of my favorite new artists are Five Finger Death Punch, Killswitch Engage, in This Moment and All That Remains.

People are often times surprised at what they find “hiding” in my music collection. Anything “out of the ordinary” in yours?

     Steve:  Oh man…there are a ton of things on my IPod that makes me go huh…I didn’t know I had that. Stuff like Marvyn Gaye, Notorious BIG, and obscure 80’s one hit wonders

HALCYON WAY

http://www.facebook.com/halcyonway

http://www.halcyonway.com

http://www.myspace.com/halcyonway

http://www.twitter.com/halcyonway

http://www.reverbnation.com/halcyonway

http://www.purevolume.com/halcyonway

http://www.skullsnbones.com/halcyonway

http://www.intromental.com

I have found myself really getting to enjoy the music of Halcyon Way. Tell us a little about Halcyon Way.

     9.Halcyon Way has been around in different forms for the past 10 years. They’ve gone through a ton of turmoil over the years from member changes, recording issues, canceled tours and even cancer in the founding member guitarist Jon Bodan. I’ve been in the band just about 3 years. During this time we’ve done a few tours, released 2 CDs and are getting ready next month to record our next disc and shop around for a new label. Our music is available on halcyonway.com, most major retailers and iTunes.

Given the opportunity to address young musicians what advice would you give them?

     Steve:  Work hard, work hard, work hard…don’t let your ego get in the way. Remember there is someone who is practicing in their bedroom that are better than you and I will ever be. Always remain humble because that will speak tons of your character.

     Lastly, have a career/job that will help pay the bills. Don’t let it get in the way of you’re dreams but have something to bridge the gap where you can live and follow your dreams.

What do you have to say about the music industry/scene today?

     Steve:  It’s awesome to be in the business but the money is not there like it use to be. Some of it is from bit torrent sites. I’ve seen on one site our last album was downloaded somewhere in the 20-30,000 times)and some of it is from the world economic crisis facing the world. We pay a lot of stuff our own pocket which is why you need to have a job. The day of getting a million dollar contract being dropped in your lap is sadly gone.

Thanks for taking sometime to talk to me. – Steve Braun

Thank you Steve for talking with us.

Check out this promo video:

the Hellion

WORLD PREMIERE VIDEO! – BURST INTO FLAMES “DIVINE SLAUGHTER”

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http://www.facebook.com/pages/Burst-Into-Flames/379277886864?ref=ts

http://www.burstintoflamesmetal.com/

We got another hot one for ya! The new video from the “EPIC METAL” band BURST INTO FLAMES! You better keep your eyes on this band because they are fast tracking for global domination! FEED THE FIRE!

the Hellion

I’M TATTOOED AND PROUD

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I am heavily inked, I am a loving husband, caring father, and a productive member of the workforce. I vote, pay my taxes and am charitable when I can be. I love and support this page on facebook:

TATTOO ACCEPTANCE IN THE WORKPLACE

ABOUT: Our goal is to take away the stigma attached to people who have tattoos in the workplace. Tattoos are art. Some of us have chosen to express ourselves not with vibrant shoes, or a colorful tie, but with body art. What is the difference?

http://www.facebook.com/ThINKequality

the Hellion

DOWN – IV PART 1 THE PURPLE EP UPDATED 09/29/12!

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http://www.facebook.com/down

http://www.downontour.com
http://www.downboard.com
http://www.officialdownstore.com
http://www.myspace.com/downnola
http://www.down-nola.com

I have been a fan of Down since its inception. This is the first of four  EPs to come out. It was released on 09/18/12 and does not disappoint. Down carries on with their distinct dark and brooding sound. With tones of Sabbath running through it Down is true to form. Live and raw sounding it is deeply satisfying. If you have been living under a rock and haven’t heard Down you are missing out. Down features:

Philip Anselmo – Vocals
Jimmy Bower – Drums
Pat Bruders – Bass
Pepper Keenan – Guitar
Kirk Windstein – Guitar

With a total length of  33:18 it is well worth the price. Here is the track listing:

1. “Levitation”
2. “Witchtripper”
3. “Open Coffins”
4. “The Curse Is a Lie”
5. “This Work Is Timeless”
6. “Misfortune Teller

Here’s “Witchtripper” : UPDATED: OFFICIAL VIDEO RELEASE!

the Hellion