Something new to try out.Stevil Helmer and I had a music discussion with members of Skinn Jakkitt, Death Rattle, The Black Cross Brotherhood, and Final Curse. Here it is in all of its glory:
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL…and we love it
the Hellion
Let It Rawk mastermind Stacey Blades gave me a call today and we discussed the upcoming production! Check it out here:
Let It Rawk!!!
the Hellion
LAMB OF GOD Partners with Specticast for Worldwide Distribution of “As The Palaces Burn” Feature Film
LAMB OF GOD is pleased to announce that they have entered in to a worldwide distribution deal with Specticast (Led Zeppelin Celebration Day, Paul McCartney Rock Show) for their Don Argott (Last Days Here, Art of the Steal, School of Rock) directed feature film “As The Palaces Burn”. Filming for the feature began in 2012 and concluded in March of 2013.
“As The Palaces Burn”, not to be confused with the making-of documentary packaged with the recent re-release of the 2003 LAMB OF GOD album of the same name, was conceived to be a documentary focused on the power of music and its impact on cultures around the world and its ability to bring together people of all nationalities regardless of religious or political differences. After a worldwide casting call, filming took place in Colombia, Venezuela, Israel, India, and the United States. As filming reached its conclusion, the documentary was forced to take a major turn when the band’s lead singer, Randy Blythe, was arrested in the Czech Republic and charged with the murder of a fan in June 2012. Granted unique access to Blythe’s continuing saga, Argott’s filming covered Blythe’s 38 day imprisonment in Prague, his release and the band’s return to live performances, and finally Blythe’s trial for murder in Prague in February 2013.
“As The Palaces Burn” will debut worldwide on February 27th. Following the film, a 30 minute Q&A with the entire band and director Don Argott will be shown. The Q&A was conducted by VH1 Classics Eddie Trunk and filmed at the final show of the band’s North American tour in support of their most recent release, Resolution.
The trailer for the film can be found at www.asthepalacesburn.com.
The poster for the film is below.
Surprise! DISFIGURING THE GODDESS Reveals Secret Second Full-Length Album “Black Earth Child” Today – TWO New Albums Out Now, Including “Deprive”
Both Albums Streaming Now Exclusively via Metal Injection
It’s that time of year, and DISFIGURING THE GODDESS is in the giving spirit. Not only does the brand new death-tastic record AdreDeprive drop today, but DTG mastermind Cameron Argon has revealed a second, completely new, completely separate full-length album for fans, entitled Black Earth Child. What a twist! Both records are streaming now via MetalInjection.net. Listen here.
With this unprecedented move, fans can pick up both records now, digitally and physically, via the official DTG Benchmark merch store:http://www.shopbenchmark.com/disfiguringthegoddess. Not only are the records available via the DTG Benchmark site, but so is a slew of Deprive AND Black Earth Child merch! Check out the bundles, including a new and exclusive Black Earth Child hoodie and t-shirt.
Both records are also available now via iTunes. [Deprive iTunes link] [Black Earth Child iTunes link]
Cameron Argon comments on his decision to release two completely separate records: “To put it simply, during the process of writing and recording Deprive, I realized I wasn’t done, that I had more in me. I decided to make this second record, Black Earth Child, start to finish in about four weeks time and release it as a surprise – two albums, one day. So here are two separate albums. Directly from me to you.”
The stellar album art for Black Earth Child (above) is illustrated by none other than brutal death metal illustrator Toshihiro Egawa, who is also responsible for the haunting art for Deprive (below).
To learn more about DISFIGURING THE GODDESS, please visit these sites:
http://www.facebook.com/disfiguringthegoddess
http://www.twitter.com/disfiguringtheg
http://www.instagram.com/dtgdtgdtg
http://www.shopbenchmark.com/disfiguringthegoddess
Expect more coming from Decomp Records in 2014!
Well it’s rapidly approaching the end of 2013 and time for my top releases of the year. While there were so many fantastic records from both new and established artists, there are a few that just burrowed into my brain and I couldn’t shake them. There are 16 that I am going to mention here and they are in no particular order as they are all incredible in my book. To those bands who aren’t listed here, relax I have another post planned to address you.
KILL DEVIL HILL – REVOLUTION RISE
When you have a CD from a band that has members like Vinny Appice, Rex Brown, Mark Zavon, and Dewey Bragg you know your’re in for a treat. This CD kicks ass on so many levels. The music of KDH sounds familiar and distinctly unique, giving you a feeling that this band has been around for years but yet remaining fresh. Do NOT miss out on this CD, here’s a taste:
SCATTERED HAMLET – SKELETON DIXIE
Scattered Hamlet – Skeleton Dixie CD cover
My boys in Scattered Hamlet deliver on their full length release and then some. Remember when music made you feel something? Skeleton Dixie gets right in and touches your musical soul. Throughout the years these guys have become family to me and I have the great fortune of being mentioned in this CD as well. You WILL love it! Get some:
When Billy Sheehan, Mike Portnoy, and Richie Kotzen get together you know you’re gonna get something great. There was a lot of buzz around this project and when it came to fruition it delivered in spades. Great straight up rock n’ roll, there needs to me more records like this one. Check it:
TOM KEIFER – THE WAY LIFE GOES
Tom Keifer has always been one of my favorite vocalists. The gritty soulfulness of his voice is iconic. It has been quite a while since we have had new music from Tom and it has been worth the wait. Bluesy with a razors edge is what you find on this record. Take a listen:
I find it funny that I have included Stryper on this list. I’ll admit that I was not really the biggest Stryper fan back in the day, I have found a new respect for them in this record. They have a tenacity that will not quit. Strong in their beliefs, and strong in their musical passion is what landed them here. (On a side note, I recently interviewed Michael Sweet and have one coming up with Oz Fox). Here’s the title track:
BLACK WATER RISING – PISSED AND DRIVEN
Black Water Rising has been honing this record for a few years, and it shows. These guys have been in my ears for a few years now and I finally got to see them live and hear some of these songs live. BWR brings powerful rock n’ roll and here is some for ya :
Adrian Galysh is one of hidden talents that the world has yet to discover. I received this CD for review and was completely amazed by it, and I believe you will be too. listen to this CD and hear a mans passion transferred to his music.
Korn has welcomed Head back into its fold and released one of their best CDs to date. I believe that their life experiences has caused this band to grow and mature and that growth is reflected in The Paradigm shift. “Never Never” has become one of my favorite tracks. Check out the video and see why:
DEATH ALLEY MOTOR CULT – THE OUTLAW CHRONICLES
Death Alley Motor Cult is one of those bands that you want to hang out with but you remember what your mom said to you about the company you keep. Their music is like that too, when you listen to it you feel dirty, dangerous, and cool, very very cool. The Outlaw Chronicles needs to be played at 11 and in a conspicuous place so you can “enlighten” those in need of a visceral experience.
AVENGED SEVENFOLD – HAIL TO THE KING
Sometimes I catch grief for listening to A7X, but this band gives me hope for newer music. upon the heels of suffering the loss of their founding drummer “The Rev” they have come back with strong music that has shaken up the pop laden music charts. Hail To The King pays homage to the bands that inspired these guys. Hail To The King:
Clutch is one of those bands that will always remain just under the radar. Earth Rocker is a great album that unfortunately many people will not get to hear. Clutch is a band that gets ignored by the mainstream and yet I think they are happy with that. Great band, great show, great record. Do yourself a favor and listen to Earth Rocker and then dig into the music of Clutch. Here’s “Crucial Velocity”:
Adrenaline Mob put out this CD of covers that is just incredibly awesome. They cover Van Halen’s “Romeo Delight” with the power and aggression that I think it deserved from the beginning. I usually do not put cover albums on my list, but this one has a place. Check this out:
Last Patrol takes you on a psychedelic journey into the mind of Dave Wyndorf. Monster Magnet is back on their game with their latest release. Just caught these guys on tour in support of Last Patrol and the songs kick ass live!
Mindcage came out of left field and socked me in the head with this one. Our Own Devices creates a magical world with their powerful music. I have said that is transports you away from the mundane and I stand by that statement. Here you go:
BLACK LABEL SOCIETY – UNBLACKENED
Those of you who know me knew this one would end up on here. Zakk and co. have always and will always be one of my favorites. Unblackened gives new life to some of the most iconic BLS tracks. While the members may change, Black Label Society will remain STRONGER THAN DEATH.
TRACII GUNS’ LEAGUE OF GENTLEMEN – THE FIRST RECORD
Of all of the great and wonderful 2013 releases on my list, this is most magical for me. Having considered Tracii Guns one of my favorite guitarists for years and years I was supremely stoked when I caught wind of this project. When I finally had it in my hands it was all that I expected and then some. Trippy , ethereal and full of passion, and soul the music found on here is the kind we grew up listening to. Thank you Tracii!
its loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!!!
the Hellion
The Vegas strip had nothing on the Sunset Strip when it came to rock ‘n’ roll, and a new multi-media show is bringing that experience to the stage in a special sneak preview. LET IT RAWK will debut in the Chrome Showroom at Santa Fe Station and Casino in Las Vegas on Saturday, January 18 at 9pm PST.
LET IT RAWK is a loud, colorful, energetic and interactive experience of the hair metal era on LA’s Sunset Strip. The showroom and stage will be infused with the sights and energy of a legendary rock club. Performed by guys who were there, shaping the scene, the show’s playlist includes the greatest hits from the ‘80s and early ‘90s. From Warrant to Motley Crue the best anthems will be performed in all the glory of the day. And hits from the LET IT RAWK band’s careers are highlights.
The LET IT RAWK band is the real deal. It’s fronted by Black “N Blue and ex-Warrant vocalist Jaime St. James. Guitarist Oz Fox is in the platinum-selling Christian glam rock band, Stryper. Dokken’s Sean McNabb has played bass for other Kings of The Sunset Strip including Great White and Quiet Riot. Drummer Brent Fitz from Slash And The Conspirators will be slamming the skins. Brent has also played for Vince Neil and Alice Cooper. The band will also feature floating members, such as Eddie Ojeda from Twisted Sister and Bullet Boys original drummer Jimmy D’Anda. The anchor of the band is LET IT RAWK’s creator and producer, Stacey Blades.
Stacey’s ten years with L.A. Guns cemented him as a must-watch guitar player, and his final record with the band, HOLLYWOOD FOREVER, earned him critical acclaim for his exceptional fretwork. He left the band last year to pursue his other projects, including LET IT RAWK. “I have been diligently working on this project since last March, and am super stoked to be sharing the stage with such awesome guys and talented musicians. The show will be playing a few times a month here in Vegas and then be doing casino shows nationally, LET IT RAWK! See you out there!”
LET IT RAWK debuts in the Chrome Showroom at Santa Fe Station and Casino, 4949 North Rancho Drive, Las Vegas, on Saturday, January 18 at 9pm PST. General admission tickets are $21. VIP meet-and-greet upgrades will be available soon. Tickets are available athttp://www.ticketmaster.com/event/17004B798ED17265.
it’s loud, it’s sleazy, it’s RAWK N’ ROLL!!!
the Hellion
1. Resurrects
2. Brick By Brick
3. When You Fall
4. Flying
5. Movie In My Mind
6. Luminae
7. La Dolce Vita
8. Tone Poet
9. Epoch
10. Echoes of El Greco
11. Ur of the Chaldees
12. Spring (The Return)
I love stumbling onto something new and awesome. Tone Poet by Adrian Galysh is one of those finds. I have been diggin’ on this CD for a little bit now and keep enjoying it over and over. This CD is full of killer riffs and tasty hooks. I had written a review of the CD already but decided to do a rewrite after another listen in my mobile office (my truck).
It is a shame that quality music like Adrian makes has so little mainstream outlets. The world really could use music like Adrian has made on Tone Poet. There is no “fast food” music here, it is all written from the soul and for the love of music.
Songs like “Flying”, “When You Fall”, “Tone Poet”, and “Spring (The Return)” are the tracks that call out to me. The songs on Tone Poet are magical in the way they draw you into the world woven by Adrian Galysh. His music really takes you away to another place where you can leave the mundane world behind.
Melodic, yet powerful is how I would sum up the music of Tone Poet from Adrian Galysh. The fluidity of his work on the fret-board is hypnotic and magical. If you love music made for the love of music Tone Poet by Adrian Galysh is a necessity in you music collection.
It’s wonderful, it’s melodic, it’s Adrian Galysh!
-the Hellion
With the recent departure of Nick “Evil Twin” Catanese laying heavy on my thoughts, and the abundance of posts littering the internet, I have decided to talk about Black Label Society and my views.
In 1998 when Zakk established Black Label Society he called together a family that knows no bounds. Yes I said family don’t get me wrong, there are fans of Black Label Society as well, but there is a Black Label Society Family that is like no other.
Over the years I have had the chance to get to know certain Family members and had the great fortune to call them Brothers and Sisters. This Family shares in the joys and sorrows of each other and stands strong in its support of one another.
When there is a BLS event near or far you can be sure the Family will gather and great times will ensue. The Family members that make the gathering share pictures and stories with the ones who were unable to attend thus making them feel a part of the event. Some family members even pick up swag for those that couldn’t go.
Let’s talk about GI/FD, SDMF.
Strength, Determination, Merciless, Forever: yup we are all that and then some. I have those words tattooed on my arm and I look at them every day. They are my mantra in this crazy world, they give me balance. Let’s examine these words one at a time.
STRENGTH: It comes in many ways and from many sources. One has to be strong when others need it, and one needs the strength to accept help when it is needed and given.
DETERMINATION: In today’s throw a way world it is easy to say “screw it” and give up. Giving up is not the BLS Family way period. The support given by our Brothers and Sisters keeps your heart in the game and gives you the determination to power through the rough times, Determination indeed.
MERCILESS: Woe be to those who try to tear us asunder. We are Merciless to those naysayers and those that doubt who we are. United we shall stand for all time.
FOREVER: This Family is eternal beyond forever. There are Family members who have passed on out of our world and yet they remain with us in the pictures, posts, lives, and hearts in this world. There are far too many Family members that are important to me to give individual shout outs but as you read this you’ll know who you are and my respect and love for you runs deep. I thank you from the bottom of my Black Bleedin’ heart.
GI/FD: Get It Fucking Done indeed, don’t just talk about it do it! There are so many people out there who never do anything. They plan and think “if only”, “I wish” ….on and on. Enjoy what we have and share that joy with others. You will be amazed at how full your life will become.
Thank you Father Zakk for calling us together, we will be here and will stand beside you Beyond Forever.
BLS Family: Yeah we’re Family and I like to think that the strength and power of the Family Zakk called together blows his mind, or maybe it’s what he intended all along…….
-the Hellion
The opinions reflected herein are mine and mine alone.
As we all have heard by now our favorite “Evil Twin” has decided to part ways with Black Label Society. While we are all saddened to hear this news we should also celebrate Nick and his time in the band. It has always been my belief that Black Label Society is bigger than its members. We have seen members come and go and yet BLS remains strong. SDMF is our credo and we should always try to live to it. I applaud Zakk for giving musicians such as Phil Ondich, Steve Gibb, Craig Nunemacher, Mike Inez, Robert Trujillo, James LoMenzo, Will Hunt, Mike Froedge, Johnny Kelly, Jeff Fabb their time with BLS.
We will get through this change as we always have. Nick will be ok and we will get new music to know and love from him and his future projects.
Best wishes Nick We love you Beyond Forever.
STRENGTH DETERMINATION MERCILESS FOREVER – is it in you?
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s BLS ….now GI/FD
the Hellion
L to R
Nevada Romo – Guitar, Levi Dickerson- Drums, Larado Romo – Vocals,Corey Henderson – Bass, Zain Smith – Guitar.
There has a lot of buzz about this hard charging band from Oklahoma, now I know why. I was recently afforded the opportunity to attend and photograph Monster Magnet here in NM and was doubly excited to find out that Anti-Mortem was on the bill as well. We have featured Anti-Mortem on our internet radio show Bleach Bangs Radio which was a lot of fun. Anti-Mortem through their hard work and kick ass music were recently signed to Nuclear Blast Records.
Anti-Mortem seized the stage with power and fury, then proceeded to kick the ass of every person in the crowd. I had heard their music and seen their videos, but those pale in comparison to seeing them live. Rockstar swagger was apparent from the get go. The twin guitar assault of Zain Smith and Nevada Romo were reminiscent of the days of old. While Zain was more stoic and channeling the great Dimebag, Nevada was full of old school swagger reminding me of a younger Zakk Wylde.
Zain Smith
Nevada Romo
Larado Romo delivered on all fronts as the front man. Engaging the crowd and drawing them in to the show. His powerful vocals complimented the music and then some. Gritty, and with a kind of southern feel, Larado gets the job done.
Larado Romo
The rhythm section of Anti-Mortem keeps everything locked together nice and tight. Levi Dickerson worked the drum kit with a combination of style and finesse coupled with brutality. Old school drumming at its best, no bullshit just great drumming. Corey Henderson brought to mind some of the great rock bassists, Steve Harris, Rex Brown, Jason Newsted. Delivering the goods with enough style and flair to keep everyone interested.
Levi Dickerson
Corey Henderson
Anti-Mortem is band on the move with big things in store. Be sure to catch them on tour right now with Monster Magnet. I listened to the crowd after their set and the general consensus was “THEY KICKED ASS!!! Check out their video for “Stagnant Water” right here:
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ANTI-MORTEM!!!
the Hellion
the Hellion Rocks 