Monthly Archives: November 2012

THE BEATLES – THEY CHANGED THE MUSIC WORLD FOREVER

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the.beatles.logo.490w

My first memory of the Beatles was of the song “Yellow Submarine”. Myself and several cousins used to run around singing this song at the top of our lungs, subsequently annoying various moms, dads, aunts, uncles, grandmas, and most anyone else within earshot.

I have continued to love the music of the Beatles throughout the years. It was only as an adult that I learned to appreciate them as artists. I have read many books and articles over the years regarding them and their music. These are my feelings on how they changed the world of music forever.

beatles_cavern

The Beatles were always trying to push the envelope of music. They understood how imagery was critical to the success of a band. They had to constantly evolve their image to stay ahead of the imitators than soon came to follow.  I feel that this imitation, and the subsequent changes, set the groundwork for the over the top imagery of bands that we have seen throughout the years and even today: David Bowie, T-Rex, Slade, The Sweet, Alice Cooper, Kiss, Slipknot, Gwar, etc, etc. I feel we owe the Beatles thanks for the image of these and countless other bands. I, for one, appreciate a great show to go along with my music.

beatles-happy

As for the music, I feel the same thing occurred but with some interesting twists. When the success of the Beatles was fully realized, the recording industry (even those who had previously turned down the Beatles) clamored to find their own “version” of the Beatles. Catchy, poppy songs were everywhere trying to catch that “Beatles sound”. I feel that this forced the Beatles to evolve their music to stand apart from the masses. This led to studio wizardry that is used today. Tape looping, back masking, multi-tracking, it goes on and on. Also the attempt to out do each other by John and Paul led to to some iconic songs. George in his attempt to be taken serious as a musician wrote some of the greatest music to ever be recorded. Ringo, well he was the drummer……

rooftop

Sadly, it became to much to hold it all together and rather than forcing the issue and giving sub-par music and performances, they walked away from it all. Love them or not, the Beatles, in my opinion changed the face of music and will continue to do so forever. Do yourself a favor and take a listen to the Beatles  music and see if you can hear some of your favorite bands in their music.

Here’s a nod to those I annoyed with this song:

Thank you John, Paul, George, and Ringo, thank you from my heart and ears.

the Hellion

CRADLE OF FILTH POSTS FIRST “THE MANTICORE AND OTHER HORRORS” TRACK-BY-TRACK VIDEO ONLINE “The Manticore and Other Horrors” out now on Nuclear Blast Records

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ENGLAND – Paul Allender, guitarist for heavy metal’s most infamous act, Cradle of Filth, recently sat down to discuss the band’s latest opus, The Manticore and Other Horrors. Check out the first half of his track-by-track analysis on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qGSBkbzrxM.

The Manticore and Other Horrors can be ordered online via the Nuclear Blast web-store at:http://bit.ly/cofnbusa and digitally through iTunes at: http://bit.ly/cofhoritun. Click here:http://bit.ly/cofspecials to find out where you can purchase The Manticore and Other Horrors at a local music retailer.

The band’s second album on Nuclear Blast entered the Billboard Top 200 at #96, with first-week sales topping 4,500 units.

1. The Unveiling of O
2. The Abhorrent
3. For your Vulgar Delectation
4. Illicitus
5. Manticore
6. Frost on her Pillow
7. Huge Onyx Wings Behind Despair
8. Pallid Reflection
9. Siding with the Titans
10. Succumb to This
11. Nightmares of an Ether Drinker

12. Death, The Great Adventure *Deluxe Edition Digipak
13. Sinfonia *Deluxe Edition Digipak

Recorded in eight weeks at both Springvale and Grindstone studios (where it was also mixed by Scott Atkins) in Suffolk, UK, The Manticore and Other Horrors is a testament to the longevity of The ‘Filth, as not only does it reek of Cradle’s (feared or revered) brand of delicious metal vamperotica, but this thoroughly modern album places the band firmly in fresh killing fields anew.

The Manticore and Other Horrors itself possesses an altogether new atmosphere for the band, incorporating a heavier, faster NWOBBM punk vibe that is both current and cruel, blended with ornate orchestration and the quirky immediateness of 2000’s Midian opus.

The album’s title can be likened to a bestiary, a collection of stories on monsters – personal demons, Chimeras, literary fiends and world-enslaving entities to blame but a few.

Artwork for the release comes courtesy of Matthew Vickerstaff of Darkwaveart.

Commented front-man, Dani Filth, “This is our 10th commandment in metal. We have diversified and kept alive the spirit of this band and breathed it into something that I can proudly say, slays like an absolute motherf**ker. The Manticore is coming… Long live the filth!”

The band’s latest music video for “Frost on her Pillow,” directed by Stuart Birchall, can be seen on YouTube at: http://youtu.be/9Nw_9meXYic. Check out some behind-the-scenes footage from the video shoot on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uazbLsZfGOY.

Lyric videos for two additional new songs, “Manticore”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGxF0eDNWwQ and “For your Vulgar Delectation”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDgouqQrctk, are also streaming on YouTube.

Stream “Siding with the Titans” on Soundcloud at:http://soundcloud.com/nuclearblastrecords/cradle-of-filth-siding-with.

Stay tuned for more information on Cradle of Filth and The Manticore and Other Horrors, and be sure to upload band photos, CoF art, tattoos and more at:https://www.webdoc.com/documents/C5697C31-3CD0-0001-55B7-1AB486801B96.

Cradle of Filth online…

http://www.cradleoffilth.com

http://www.theorderofthedragon.com

http://www.facebook.com/cradleoffilth

http://www.youtube.com/cradleoffilth

http://www.twitter.com/OfficialCoF

http://www.nuclearblastusa.com

 

THOUSAND FOOT KRUTCH Releases First Remix EP METAMORPHOSIZ: THE END REMIXES, VOL. 1 Dec. 4; TFK’s “War Of Change” Gathers Momentum At Active Rock Radio‏

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THOUSAND FOOT KRUTCH RELEASES FIRST REMIX EP

METAMORPHOSIZ: THE END REMIXES, VOL. 1 DEC. 4

 

Available Exclusively At Digital Retail, EP Features Tracks By

Steve Sidelnyk, Rob Persaud, Andy Hunter, Robbie Bronnimann, Solomon Olds

 

“War Of Change” Gathers Momentum At Active Rock Radio

 

Modern rock favorites THOUSAND FOOT KRUTCH will release its first remix EP, Metamorphosiz: The End Remixes, Vol. 1, as an exlusive to digital retailers, including iTunes®, Amazon.com and others, on Dec. 4.  The EP features 5 songs from the independently released, 5-star acclaimed and No. 1 selling Billboard Hard Rock album, The End Is Where We Begin, by noted remix geniuses Steve Sidelnyk, Rob Persaud, Robbie Bronnimann, Andy Hunter and Solomon Olds.

 

THOUSAND FOOT KRUTCH decided to offer the remix EP following the response the band received from two remix songs delivered to its fans for free via noisetrade.com last month and commemorating the success of The End Is Where We Begin, which hit No. 14 on the Billboard Top 200, their highest charting album to date. 

 

“You spoke, we listened. Because your response to the two free remixes was incredible, we’ve decided to makeMetamorphosiz: The End Remixes, Vol. 1!” exclaims TFK front man Trevor McNevan.

 

Featured on the remix EP is one of the tracks offered in appreciation of its fans, Solomon Olds’ (Family Force 5, Newsboys) take on the adrenaline-infused “Light Up The Sky.” Also featured is the current hit radio single, “War Of Change,” remixed by Andy Hunter (The Matrix: Reloaded, The Italian Job, ABC’s Alias), who further offers a ‘tripped out’ version of “I Get Wicked” for the EP.  Robbie Bronnimann (Nicki Minaj, Chicane) remixes the Active Rock hit single “Let The Sparks Fly,” while Steve Sidelnyk (Madonna, No Doubt, Moby) and Rob Persaud (The Bourne Legacy, Snow White and the Huntsman, The Green Hornet) round out the 5-song EP with “We Are (Karmageddon Remix).”

 

The album tracks of one or more of these songs have been featured in a string of sports entertainment song placements, including ESPN (NASCAR, NCAA basketball), EA Sports NHL 2013 video game, WWE (“Over The Limit” pay per view event), L.A. Kings’ (NHL) playoff reel (http://ht.ly/aFciK) and as the NFL Tennessee Titans’ 2012-13“kickoff” song.

 

The full Metamorphosiz: The End Remixes, Vol. 1 track and remix artist list follows:

 

1.) “War of Change (Andy Hunter° Remix)” – Andy Hunter
2.) “Light Up the Sky (Solomon Olds Remix)” – Solomon Olds
3.) “Let The Sparks Fly (The Robbie Bronnimann Mix)” – Robbie Bronnimann
4.) “We Are (Karmageddon Remix)” – Steve Sidelnyk and Rob Persaud
5.) “I Get Wicked (Andy Hunter° trip Mix)” – Andy Hunter

 

As the band prepares to releases the remix EP, and as The End Is Where We Begin sales continue double-digit percentage growth over the band’s previous best-selling album, Welcome to the Masquerade, TFK’s second Active Rock single from the new album, “War Of Change,” gathers momentum.  The song not only hit No. 1 on SiriusXM Satellite Radio’s Octane Big-Uns Countdown, but is also gathering airplay across the country at Active Rock and Alternative Rock stations like WBUZ-FM “The Buzz” (Nashville), WRBR-FM (South Bend, IN), KAZR-FM (Des Moines), WCPR- FM(Biloxi, MS) and KCXX-FM (Riverside, CA), the latter station playing TFK music for the very first time. 

 

Featured last summer on the Third Annual Rockstar Energy Drink UPROAR Festival and having receiving over 1,700, 5-star average customer reviews on iTunes® alone for The End Is Where We Begin, THOUSAND FOOT KRUTCHhas found that sometimes the best way to move forward is to go back to the basics, taking all of the raw energy and emotion of the past and channeling it into the present.  For those who’ve been following the Ontario, Canada-bred players since their formation in 1997, it’s been a continuously escalating highlight reel that includes best-selling albums, top Active Rock hits (including “Fire It Up,” “Move” and “Let The Sparks Fly”), plus a slew of soundtrack slots. In fact, the group has literally infiltrated every facet of pop culture, from ongoing ESPN appearances, to various NASCAR, MLB, NHL, NCAA and NFL airings (including the 2010 Super Bowl), along with the “GI Joe” movie trailer, WGN-TV’s “Smallville” and EA Sports’ NHL 2010 and 2013 video games.

 

All the latest tour dates and additional band information can be found at www.thousandfootkrutch.com,http://twitter.com/officialtfk and www.facebook.com/thousandfootkrutch, where the band has over 600,000 fans.

Take a DIRTNAP on Bleach Bangs radio 11/27/12

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http://www.facebook.com/Hellazonamusicgroup?fref=ts

http://dirtnaparizona.com

     Take a DIRTNAP!!!!

     the Hellion

DANKO JONES Leaks Select North American Tour Dates with VOLBEAT – More Dates Coming Soon!

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DANKO JONES is pleased to announce select North American tour dates for 2013! These dates are scheduled as part of an upcoming tour with Danish hard-rockers Volbeat. DANKO JONES will perform as direct support throughout the tour. See directly below for the leaked dates (as well as a one-off date in Flint, MI this December) and expect the full tour to be announced within the next few weeks.

DANKO JONES at Banana 101.5’s “End of the World Party”

12/21 Flint, MI @ Holiday Inn Gateway Center (Buy tickets)

 

DANKO JONES 2013 Direct Support Tour Dates with Volbeat:

3/27 Dawson Creek, BC (Canada) @ EnCana Events Centre

3/28 Edmonton, AB (Canada) @ Shaw Conference Centre

3/30 Regina, SA (Canada) @ Brandt Centre

4/9 New York, NY @ Best Buy Theatre

 

 

DANKO JONES’s new album, Rock And Roll Is Black And Blue, is in stores now! You can also purchase the album digitally on iTunes orAmazon, or stream it on Spotify!

Make sure to keep up with DANKO JONES online:

www.dankojones.com

www.facebook.com/dankojones

www.twitter.com/dankojones

 

and now you know!

the Hellion

LOOKING FORWARD TO 2013

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As we wind down 2012, (which was a great year) we also start looking forward to 2013. We had some new doors open for us this year, we got to cover the 2012 Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar tour, we got to cover the great Skeletonwitch show, we reconfigured Music U-Night into Rock U-Night, and I started this Blog. Bleach Bangs Radio interviewed some great bands, and we saw the CD releases of local NM bands Beard, and Rusty Tramp. I also am going to be attending the dedication of the West Mesa Performing Arts Center to Randy Castillo this December. I also made a lot of new friends and met and heard a lot of new bands. I love you all.

2013 promises to start off on an equally great note. We have been fortunate enough to have obtained media access tot he 2013 NAMM show in Anaheim California in January. We plan on interviewing various instrument/gear companies and bring it to you first hand.  We plan on continuing to bring you new bands, new interviews, new CD reviews, and new show reviews. If there is anything you want to see let us know. We are fan driven and here for you, the music lovers.

 

yours in Rock

the Hellion!

 

Smile Empty Soul, HURT cover Alice in Chains “No Excuses”‏

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SMILE EMPTY SOUL, HURT PREMIERE ALICE IN CHAINS COVER “NO EXCUSES” WITH BANANA 101.5

SES front-man checks in from the road

  

 

SANTA CLARITA, CA – Southern California-based hard rock veteran, Smile Empty Soul, and fellow tour-mate, HURT, have launched a cover of the Alice in Chains track, “No Excuses,” on the Banana 101.5 website at: http://banana1015.com/hurt-smile-empty-soul-cover-alice-in-chains-no-excuses-exclusive-premiere/. The song was recorded earlier this month at 37 Studios in Rochester Hills, Mich. with producer Matt Dalton – known for his work with both local and national acts including Frequency 54 and Chiodos/D.R.U.G.S. front-man, Craig Owens.

 

Smile Empty Soul is currently in the midst of an extensive U.S. tour with HURT, touring in support of its fifth album, 3’s, and latest charting single, “Not Alike.” Guitarist/vocalist, Sean Danielsen, has checked in with the following update from the road:

 

“This tour with HURT has been great so far. The music really meshes well and everybody is getting along like family! Two quality rock bands bringing it every night…don’t miss it!”

 

A full list of confirmed tour-dates can be seen below.

 

Check out the new music video for “Not Alike” on YouTube at: http://youtu.be/VVfDlbrDAJA.

 

Purchase the band’s eOne debut, 3’s, on iTunes at: https://itunes.apple.com/album/not-alike/id518790534?i=518790621&ign-mpt=uo%3D5.

 

 

Formed in 1998, Smile Empty Soul continues to be one of the most relentless bands in the industry. With countless tours, a top 10 single and a certified gold record under its belt, the band will continue its touring onslaught for the remainder of 2012 and beyond.

 

Stay tuned to the band’s official website: www.smileemptysoul.com for the latest info and tour-dates.

 
 

Smile Empty Soul w/ HURT…
11/23 – Springfield, MO @ Outland Ballroom
11/24 – Joliet, IL @ Mojo’s
11/25 – Rockford, IL @ Bar 3

11/27 – Girardeau, MO @ Pitters Café and Lounge
11/28 – Birmingham, AL @ Zydeco
11/29 – Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade
11/30 – Johnson City, TN @ Chrome
12/01 – Meridian, MS @ Rhythm N Brews
12/03 – New Orleans, LA @ Hangar 13

12/04 – Lafayette, LA @ Grant Street Dance Hall
12/05 – Houston, TX @ Scout Bar
12/06 – Abilene, TX @ Lucky Mule Saloon
12/07 – Dallas, TX @ Tree’s
12/08 – Oklahoma City, OK @ The Chameleon Room
12/09 – Little Rock, AR @ The Rev Room
12/11 – San Antonio, TX @ Tequila Rock Bar
12/13 – Beaumont, TX @ The Gig
12/14 – Shreveport, LA @ The Warehouse
12/15 – Lubbock, TX @ Republic

 

 

Smile Empty Soul online…

 

www.smileemptysoul.com

www.facebook.com/smileemptysoulmusic

www.twitter.com/_smileemptysoul

 

 

Smile Empty Soul is…

 

Sean Danielsen – guitar/vocals
Ryan Martin – bass
Jake Kilmer – drums

 

BLOODY HAMMERS- CD REVIEW

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SoulSeller Records/Sacrificial Records

1. Witch Of Endor
2. Fear No Evil
3. The Last Legion Of Sorrow
4. Say Goodbye To The Sun
5. The Witching Hour
6. Black Magic
7. Trisect
8. Beyond The Door
9. Souls On Fire
10. Don’t Breathe A Word

     To be honest, I don’t know who told me about Bloody Hammers, but I’m glad they did. I anxiously awaited the release of this CD after hearing a sampling online. Bloody Hammers consists of: Vocals, Bass: Anders Manga, Organ: Devallia, Guitar: Zoltan, and Drums: Curse. Mysterious names, mysterious members, good luck finding photographs. They cite the following bands as influences: Roky Erickson, Alice Cooper, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, Pentagram, Black Sabbath, Bauhaus, Concrete Blonde, The Beatles, Arthur Brown, The Cramps, The Misfits, Ramones, Venom, Rush, Joy Division, Dio, Captain Beyond, T.Rex, Sisters of Mercy, Dust, Trouble, Danzig, Hawkwind, Hammer Horror, Something Weird Video … everything! How could they not be good with those influences? Let’s get into the record: Stand out tracks for me are “Witch Of Endor”, “Black Magic”, “Say Goodbye To The Sun”, and “Don’t Breathe A Word”.

     Dark, brooding, and damn good, this records is hypnotic. While the band has an original sound, there are some comforting familiar riffs here. I find this CD strangely hypnotic and it draws me into it. Well put together and engineered, the dark theme of this work is captured beautifully. Another one  of the things that I love about this CD is the fact that no one tries to  over play each other. The instruments compliment each other, not drown each other out or try to take the spotlight from each other. I have listened to this CD several times through and the flow is awesome. There is truly no filler on this CD, you can put it on and let it go from start to finish. A winner all around! Here’s the video for “Fear No Evil”:

     Make sure you check out their facebook page and give them a like: http://www.facebook.com/BloodyHammers or their official website: http://www.bloodyhammers.com/

     Please check out his AWESOME band

the Hellion

THANKSGIVING BREAK…BRB!!!

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GONNA TAKE A FEW DAYS OFF TO ENJOY FRIENDS AND FAMILY!!!! I AM THANKFUL FOR ALL OF YOU WHO READ THIS BLOG, THOSE WHO MAKE THE MUSIC THAT WE LOVE, AND THOSE OF YOU WHO MAKE IT ALL HAPPEN! BACK ON FRIDAY, KEEP IT ROCKIN’! 

the Hellion

ANOTHER MUSIC LOVER – ISH GARCIA TALKS ABOUT HIS LOVE OF MUSIC AND FAMILY

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I have a good friend who truly knows the meaning of family, Ish Garcia. This man sacrifices for his family by working out of the country to earn a living in this hard economic time. When he does get the opportunity to spend time at home he makes the best of it by giving back by sharing his passion for music with his family. I truly believe in the healing power of music as does he, Ish uses the power of music to help his autistic son “Matt The Cat”. I got Ish to take some of his rare time to answer a few questions:

1. When did you first fall in love with music?

Ish: I have always loved music, since a baby , really. In love, maybe after I heard and bought a Hendrix album Axis Bold As Love, after that ,I realized I couldn’t go a day without some kind of music.

2.  What is it about music that touches you?

Ish:  Music just gets inside,- lyrics, rhythm, it just depends on the song.

3.  What do you do to support you favorite bands?

Ish: Support ?- Buy the Album-whole album , not just the one you like on the radio, buy the album that’s why they made an album,I’m pretty sure the song are strung together for a reason. Also, buy a shirt, usually bands I like /love have cool merch for sale. Buy a ticket for the show and see ’em live!!! Share that shit with all your friends. Hope fully the small bands you like will make it, like Guns N’ Roses or Alice in Chains, Pantera , they all started doing small gigs and then bang, I would like to witness it first hand.

4.  Tell us about some of your favorite bands and your passion for music.

Ish: Jimi Hendrix – Guitar god great lyrics, His cover songs are better than the originals themselves-in my opinion Black Sabbath-Ozzy and Dio for me undecided…,c’mon its Sabbath, need I say more Ozzy-its like crack for my ears Zeppelin, to me its real rock n roll to me a blue print of what rock and roll should sound like. Alice in chains-Lyrics, the sound of Layne and Jerry together , chunky riffs.What is grunge ? Black Label Society-Everything I love all rolled into one-Doom, chunky riffs-blues, melody To me music is magical or spiritual and powerful, its in the air ,it’s a time machine. even when you cant see it, you can feel it, it can make you feel strong when your weak, inspire you, calm you down. I believe music is a super natural living thing, a gift to us. I couldn’t see a world without it. My wife is the one who really introduced me to Alice in Chains, and I’m so grateful. And as far as BLS, I gotta hear at least one song a day, and I have to blow out my ear drums with it.

5. Tell us a little about “Matt The Cat”

Ish: We took him to his first big( not local) concert and meet n greet. in 07 velvet revolver he loved slash from rock band. and then liked guns and roses, they were all cool to him, he got Duffs sweat band at the end of the show. I notice a big difference with Matt when we go to Black Label shows in particular, he’s dressed like everyone, so he feels “in” and true BL family show him respect. He loves the music , he gets exited when we tell him Black Labels in town. He can act like himself without being judged. Taking him to the meet n greets and concerts and seeing him be happy is priceless.

Thanks Ish, you have my utmost respect and love.

the Hellion