I have been fortunate and had several interviews with Justin. One had crows making a guest appearance, and another featured traffic altercation. Tonight we had an hour of uninterrupted conversation. Sit back and enjoy:
https://www.facebook.com/CrownedByFire
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s CROWNED BY FIRE
-the Hellion
Here’s something I’ve been wondering about. Are there any songs out there that you just can’t listen to anymore? I mean songs that you once couldn’t get enough of but now cringe and change them when they come on . There are a couple of great songs that I am completely burnt out on and I’m sure I’ll catch hell from some people about them and here they are: “Stairway To Heaven” by Led Zeppelin, and “Dream On” by Aerosmith. I know, I know, they are iconic songs by iconic bands but listening to them makes me nuts. It could be that I was over exposed to them when they were on regular rotation on FM radio. Let me reiterate, these are great songs but are worn out to me. What are your thoughts, and songs that just don’t do it for you anymore?
-the Hellion
photo by Bob Gruen 1974
Yes you read that right. Let me explain further.
Some musicians become prophets and there are very poignant messages in their words. I often times find myself “conversing” with them.
Given the state of the world lately I found myself wondering what John would have to say. I thought of how John might view the world and was first reminded of my favorite photo of John which was taken by one of my photographic idols, Bob Gruen. To me it shows the playful, whimsical side of John and at the same time I feel it shows that John looked at the world in many different ways.
I suffer from an overactive mind that leaves me fighting hard to try to sleep. On one of those evenings I found myself thinking of John and heard “Whatever Gets You Thru The Night” in my head. The answer was music and my love of it, that was usually what got me through the nights. I continued to think about what John would think of how people were constantly thinking only of themselves with little regard to others and bam, “Instant Karma” was there.
Even when nothing was seeming to go right one day I heard “Nobody Told Me” and I had to stop and smile at it. Yes John was talking to me beyond the grave. I could keep going on and on with examples that had relevance to situations, “Mind Games”, “Imagine”, “Woman”, there’s so many if you open your mind and ears.
What kind of man could have written these songs that remain so pertinent? Someone who wrote from the heart and not for monetary gain. When someone writes from within and with feeling magic happens.
I am lucky to be a part of several musicians who are going back to roots and making musical magic again, and I thank them.
One of his songs that means the world to me is “Love”. The world needs more of it, I revel in it with my wife and family, and I share it with all of you.
John you have been a good friend to me for so many years and I miss the light you shared with the world. I’ll talk to you soon.
-the Hellion
A BREACH OF SILENCE have released a new documentary video filmed during recording sessions for their latest album The Darkest Road, which was produced by Fredrik Nordstrom and Henrik Udd (Bring Me the Horizon, Arch Enemy, In Flames, Opeth). The documentary features candid interviews with members of the band about recording with the infamous production team, as well as their thoughts about the new album. The documentary may be watched at the Eclipse Records YouTube page.
On October 17, A Breach of Silence teamed up with SiriusXM Octane, to host the world premiere of their emotional new music video for the band’s latest single The Darkest Road. The video quickly clocked in over 100,000 views and is currently approaching the 150,000 mark. The band recently completed their first US tour with Drowning Pool and Like A Storm, as support for the UnLucky 13 Anniversary Sinner Tour.
The Darkest Road was released on October 7, and debuted at #20 on theAustralian Independent Charts, and at #1 on the iTunes Australia Metal Chart. The album has received critical acclaim from the press as well:
he Darkest Road is available for download from iTunes, and GooglePlay, while CDs are available via Eclipse Records, BestBuy, Fye, and Amazon. The full album is also streaming via YouTube, Spotify, Pandora, and Rdio.
For more information on A BREACH OF SILENCE, please visit these websites:
www.EclipseRecords.com/A-Breach-Of-Silence www.Facebook.com/abreachofsilenceband www.Twitter.com/breachofsilence
bringing the news
-the Hellion
BLACKLIST UNION SIGNS WITH DOUG GOLDSTEIN AND WHEN PIGS FLY ENTERTAINMENT
BAND READIES NEW SINGLE, VIDEO, AND ALBUM
UFO Reveal Track Listing to new Album A Conspiracy of Stars
Available March 3rd in North America on Steamhammer/SPV
Of course you don’t need to attach more importance to this piece of news than it necessarily has, but it certainly deserves to be mentioned: for the first time in more than 20 years, one of the most British rock bands in music history has recorded a studio album in their native country. Their latest offering is entitled A Conspiracy Of Stars, was cut by rock legend UFO and breathes that typically British easy-going confidence for which this band has been known for over 45 years. A strong release consisting of eleven songs which combine everything that the group surrounding frontman Phil Mogg stands for: meaty riffs, distinctive hooks, diverse songwriting, intelligent lyrics and that generally laid-back attitude which we have associated with UFO from the start. The fact that A Conspiracy Of Stars was produced and mixed by Chris Tsangarides (Judas Priest, Thin Lizzy, Gary Moore, among others) may be considered another successful element in a thoroughly consistent release. To cut a long story short: their 22nd studio recording to date sees UFO prove that past and present can be blended in a homogeneous whole.
A Conspiracy Of Starspresents UFO’s current line-up for the first time: along with the original members, Phil Mogg (vocals), Paul Raymond (keyboards, guitar) and Andy Parker (drums), lead guitarist Vinnie Moore has been a permanent member of the group since 2003, American bassist Rob De Luca joining the fold in 2012. De Luca is not only a brilliant instrumentalist but has also contributed two of the album tracks as a songwriter. The majority of the new material was composed by Vinnie Moore, the album also featuring a song by Paul Raymond and a collaboration between Raymond and De Luca. The lyrics were penned by frontman Phil Mogg.
Track Listing Digipak:
01. The Killing Kind
02. Run Boy Run
03. Ballad Of The Left Hand Gun
04. Sugar Cane
05. Devils In The Detail
06. Precious Cargo
07. The Real Deal
08. One And Only
09. Messiah Of Love
10. Rolling Rolling
11. King Of The Hill (Bonus Track)
Track Listing Jewel Case:
01. The Killing Kind
02. Run Boy Run
03. Ballad Of The Left Hand Gun
04. Sugar Cane
05. Devils In The Detail
06. Precious Cargo
07. The Real Deal
08. One And Only
09. Messiah Of Love
10. Rolling Rolling
Track Listing LP:
Side 1
01. The Killing Kind
02. Run Boy Run
03. Ballad Of The Left Hand Gun
Side 2
01. Sugar Cane
02. Devils In The Detail
03. Precious Cargo
Side 3
01. The Real Deal
02. One And Only
03. Messiah Of Love
Side 4
01. Rolling Rolling
02. King Of The Hill (Bonus Track)
23 February 2015 will see the European release (Scandinavia: 18 February 2015 / Germany: 20 February 2015 / US: 3 March 2015) as Digipak (including poster and bonus track), jewel case, vinyl colored double LP and download.
TOUR DATES 2015
FEBRUARY
Fri 20 Germany, Barby – Rautenkranz
Sat 21 Germany, Berlin – K17
Sun 22 Germany, Hagen/Osnabrück – Saal Stock
Mon 23 Germany, Hamburg – Downtown Blues Club
Wed 25 Germany, Mannheim – Alte Seilerei
Thu 26 Germany, Bochum – Zeche
Fri 27 Germany, Siegburg – Kubana
Sat 28 Germany, Affalter – Zur Linde
MARCH
Mon 02 Germany, Rostock – Mau Club
Wed 04 Poland, Warsaw – Stodola
Thu 05 Lithuania, Vilnius – Forum Palace
Fri 06 Poland, Krakow – Kwadrat
Sat 07 Czech Rep., Zlin – Masters of Rock Café
Mon 09 Germany, Burgrieden/Ulm – Riffelhof
Tue 10 Germany, Osterode – Dorster Festhalle
Wed 11 Germany, Freiburg – Jazzhaus
Thu 12 Switzerland, Zug – Choller Halle
APRIL
Thu 16 England, Norwich – Waterfront
Fri 17 England, Cambridge – Junction
Sat 18 England, Wolverhampton – Wulfrun Hall
Sun 19 England, Manchester – Ritz
Tue 21 Ireland, Dublin – The Academy
Wed 22 N. Ireland, Belfast – The Limelight
Fri 24 England, Glasgow – O2 ABC
Sat 25 England, Newcastle – O2 Academy
Sun 26 England, Leeds – O2 Academy
Tue 28 England, Nottingham – Rock City
Thu 30 England, Bristol – O2 Academy
MAY
Fri 01 England, Falmouth – Pavilion
Sat 02 England, Exeter – Phoenix
Sun 03 England, Salisbury – City Hall
Tue 05 England, Brighton – Concorde 2
Wed 06 England, Oxford – O2 Academy
Thu 07 England, London – HMV Forum
Photo from left to right:
Rob De Luca (bass), Phil Mogg (vocals), Andy Parker (drums), Vinnie Moore (guitar), Paul Raymond (keyboards, guitar)
______________________________________
https://www.facebook.com/UFOofficial
https://www.facebook.com/steamhammerofficial
this record ROCKS!!!!
-the Hellion
Napalm Records Signs PRODUCT OF HATE
New Album Set For Release in Early 2015
“Hailing from the Kenosha, Wisconsin area, PRODUCT OF HATE have been crafting their vicious blend of groove, thrash, and new-wave metal for the past few years. Sharing the stage with some of the biggest bands in metal including TESTAMENT, LAMB OF GOD, GWAR, CHIMAIRA, UNEARTH, MESHUGGAH, JOB FOR A COWBOY & LAZARUS A.D. PRODUCT OF HATE is now set to take on the world.
PRODUCT OF HATE have signed with Austrian Metal Powerhouse Label Napalm Records, and will release their debut album in early 2015.Their new album is being currently being mixed and mastered at SafeHouse Production by James Murphy (Death, Testament, Obituary)
Vocalist Adam Gilley on signing with Napalm Records:
“On behalf of PRODUCT OF HATE we are proud and thankful to be apart of the Napalm team. We look forward for all to hear our new album & touring til we drop!!!”
~Adam Gilley~
Band Lineup:
Adam Gilley
Cody Rathbone
Gene Rathbone
Mark Campbell
Mike McGuire
For More Info Visit:
VENOM Reveal Stunning From The Very Depths Cover Art!
Album Out January 27 Via Spinefarm Records
VENOM announced the January 27 release of From The Very Depths(Spinefarm Records) last week, news that was met with elation among the metal community, from tastemakers to fans. The metal icons, who are pretty much responsible for authoring their own genre, have followed up the album release news by sharing the two-horns-up album artwork.
The cover is visually arresting, featuring skeletal beings bathed in red and orange tones. The image is dominated by the instantly recognizable VENOMlogo, and is a natural successor to the artwork for previous album, 2011’sFallen Angels, also released via Spinefarm.
And to think this is merely the cover! The album’s accompanying music slays,and early praise indicates that this could be one VENOM‘s best releases…ever. Even the album title is 100 per cent ‘Venomous’, referencing the band’s infamous live intro tape.
Screw the holiday season. January 27 can’t get here fast enough!
For More Info Visit:
Can you feel the darkness?
-the Hellion
Columbus, OH Progressive Metalcore Band STRIKKEN Releases New Album “According to Purpose”
Buy Now via CD Baby for Just $7.99
“According to Purpose – sophomore album from this exciting band that has the audacity to combine the intense majesty of power metal with the modern aggression of metalcore. Great heavy grooves abound and the mixture of clean and death vocals work extremely well together.” – ProgMetalZone.com
Ohio’s capital continues to be a breeding ground to a hodgepodge of musical talent. Rich and diverse in its artistic tapestry, many bands have come through this city to grace its various stages. Recently, one band has risen with the potential to shine yet another bright light on such a great city.
Columbus melodic prog/metalcore outfit STRIKKEN recently released their new album, According To Purpose. Order it today via CD Baby and receive your copy for just $7.99: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/strikken1 – or order via Amazon and iTunes.
According To Purpose serves as a heavy-hitting follow up to their 2011 full length, Long Story Short, which received two award nominations upon its arrival – “Best Metal Album” at the Independent Music Awards and “Best Heavy Metal Album of 2011” at the Columbus Music Awards. Shortly after, their track ‘Ashes’ was named the #26 “Most Downloaded” track on Rockband in 2012. With this impressive list of accolades as a launching pad, According To Purpose stands to make an even greater impact.
Vocalist Ryan Henry states, “Our style of music has vastly changed between our last album, Long Story Short, and our new album, According to Purpose. At our core we remain the same – determined to deliver great, hard hitting passionate music. However, the music and writing process has matured considerably. This record stems from a far greater spiritual center with focus on the depravity of the world around us, yet with hope and resolution. The music is far more elaborate and fluid than the last record while remaining true to the style that has defined STRIKKEN.”
This history of STRIKKEN begins in 2010, when guitarist brothers Michael and Josh Enyart, drummer Steve Cotton, bassist Josh Burden and vocalist Ryan Henry came together for a project inspired by their favorite metal bands. Now, with successful releases boasting no backing from a label, plus new bassist John Collins and new drummer Kyle Smith joining the fold, the band is re-energized and ready to show the world the beauty and power of these 12 new songs on According To Purpose.
For more information on STRIKKEN, please visit these websites:
https://twitter.com/strikkenband
STRIKKEN is:
Michael Enyart – Guitar/ Vox
Kyle Smith – Drums
Ryan Henry – Vocals
Josh Enyart – Guitar/ Vox
John Collins – Bass
new stuff
-the Hellion Rocks
EXODUS Drummer TOM HUNTING Performs for New Jersey Music Students at Master Class Clinic
See Below for Photos from “Meetings with Masters” at New Jersey’s Old Bridge Music Center School
This past Sunday, November 30th, students at The Old Bridge Music Center School in Old Bridge, New Jersey, were treated to a special Master Class clinic with EXODUS drummer Tom Hunting. The event was part of the school’s ongoing “Meetings with Masters” series that offers young music students the chance to learn from top music industry professionals from around the world.
Highlights of the Master Class included an inside look at Hunting’s successful career, drum tips and techniques, advice to young musicians looking to have a career in the music industry, and a Q&A session. Students were then given the opportunity to play along with Hunting on a second drum set with other student musicians in a series of “Double Drum” jams to close the event, much to the delight of all in attendance.
“Wow! What an amazing day! We had such a great time and it was really inspiring to take part in the very important work that The Old Bridge Music Center School does,” states Tom Hunting. “I couldn’t be happier about how the day went. We talked a lot about touring, and the lifestyle, practice techniques, different styles of music, and pretty much every aspect of music. And the kids were so smart, extremely talented, and very engaged in the process. I left there wishing we had more time to talk and jam!
Hunting adds, “Teaching is something I plan to pursue as a career when all the touring, recording, and traveling with EXODUS settles down in the future. This was my first time teaching (other than a few private lessons) and I left Old Bridge inspired and with a feeling that this is a good path for me. I wanna thank both of the Gregg’s and Zipperhead and everyone else involved in this school for one of my favorite days I can ever remember! It was a true pleasure and I can’t wait to get back to Old Bridge! Cheers!”
To learn more about the Old Bridge Music Center and their programs, please visit www.oldbridgemusiccenter.com,http://oldbridgemusiccenter.wordpress.com, or www.facebook.com/oldbridgemusiccenter.
Tom Hunting and EXODUS are currently wrapping up their tour with headliners Slayer and fellow special guests Suicidal Tendencies. Afterward,EXODUS will embark on a quick run of headline shows from December 7th through December 14th. See below for all remaining tour dates.
EXODUS in North America with SLAYER & SUICIDAL TENDENCIES
12/04 – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre – Indianapolis, IN
12/05 – The Fillmore Detroit – Detroit, MI
12/06 – The Venue at Horseshoe Casino – Hammond, IN
EXODUS Headline Dates:
12/07 – Aftershock – Merriam, KS
12/08 – Gothic Theatre – Denver, CO
12/09 – Pub Station – Billings, MT
12/10 – The Hop – Spokane, WA
12/11 – Studio Seven – Seattle, WA
12/12 – Hawthorne Theater – Portland, OR
12/13 – Chico, CA @ Senator Theater
12/14 – Fresno, CA @ Strummers
On October 14th, EXODUS released their brand new album, Blood In, Blood Out, via Nuclear Blast. The record debuted at #38 on the U.S. Billboard Top 200 charts in its first week, which concretes Blood In, Blood Out’s status as the band’s highest-charting album to date. Blood In, Blood Out can be ordered from the Nuclear Blast USA Webshop in CD, digi-pak + bonus DVD, 2-LP exclusive yellow vinyl, and imported limited edition box set formats. The album can also be purchased via iTunes, Google Play and Amazon. Or, pick up a copy of the album at your local music retailers.
Like: www.facebook.com/EXODUSATTACK
Follow: twitter.com/EXODUSATTACK
Watch: www.YouTube.com/EXODUS
the Hellion Rocks 