Yes Testament is STILL kicking your ass with some great music! Like other bands they have suffered lineup changes and health issues but have persevered and kept going.
Dark Roots of Earth was released on July 31st, 2012 this newest release has them as strong as ever.
1. “Rise Up” easily my favorite track. The lyrics:
It’s time to rise up!
It’s time to rise for war!
It’s time to rise up!
Black is death!
And red is war!
just get my blood pounding and my fist pumping! Love to crank this one to 11 and grin evilly at other people in cars.
2. “Native Blood” The video for this track is relevant to the struggles of the Native American peoples. It is a solid track and the video hits home and is very well done.
As for the following tracks, they are ALL solid and worth listening to and developing your own opinions on.
3. “Dark Roots of Earth”
4. “True American Hate”
5. “A Day in the Death”
6. “Cold Embrace”
7. “Man Kills Mankind”
8. “Throne of Thorns”
9. “Last Stand for Independence”
This is one of Testament’s standout records and worth snatching up!
Does a bands image really matter? Do people really care what the band looks like? Let’s look into it.
KISS:
Would anyone have ever given them a second look without the makeup and bombastic shows? Was it the image that made them or their music? I am a “Classic Kiss” fan. I admit it was the makeup that led to the Kiss Army. I learned to appreciate the music later on, and even later on realized they really weren’t stellar musicians but at that point it no longer mattered. Kiss carries on performing their classics in full makeup to sold out crowds.So with Kiss I say yes, image is predominant.
WINGER:
Here is a band of outstanding musicians whose image caused them some grief. Winger was often dismissed as “Pretty Boys” and never given a chance to show they ROCKED! Beavis and Butthead even poked fun at Winger. I was appreciative of the playing skills of Kip Winger – bass guitar, string arrangements, vocals Reb Beach – guitars, vocals Rod Morgenstein – drums, vocals Paul Taylor – keyboards, vocals. If you put aside the macho insecurity and just listened you will find Winger is an outstanding band.
the BEATLES:
Mop Tops, to Hippies the Beatles kept their image current to the happenings around them. They were groomed for most of their early career and set the standard for young bands of the time.A lot of bands based their own image upon that of the Beatles. Towards the later years, however, they found their own individuality which I feel reflected upon their music.
Judas Priest:
We have all seen the progression of the “image” of Judas Priest. When they first hit the scene they were almost hippiesque in their appearance. Then they set the bar for metalheads. Leather, spikes, motorcycles…little did we know it was Rob Halford’s way of coming out to the world. Did it matter when he finally came out publicly? HELL NO because the Priest ROCKED! In my opinion they still have one of the great “looks” for a band.
BLACK VEIL BRIDES:
The Black Veil Brides hit my radar in 2009. I told my self with a total image makeover there could be something. 2012, I was right, BVB are everywhere. While not on my regular listening rotation this band is making a name for itself. Paying homage to Kiss/Motley Crue/Glam Rock, BVB catches the eye for sure.
Does imagery affect a band? I was recently at a local show and saw several people just hanging out at the venue. I didn’t know they were a band, they got on stage played and got off. No show, no unity as band. I think that a stage performance should be just that, a performance.
Part two coming soon featuring: Twisted Sister, Slipknot, Glam bands, Death/Black metal bands, Mudvayne, Ghost, and more!!!
Update: Looks like a three part topic: Lordi, Gwar and more to be included! Thanks Aj!
Released on September 1st 1977 A Farewell to Kings is the fifth studio album by Canadian rock band Rush. The album was recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales, and mixed at Advision Studios in London. A Farewell to Kings would become Rush’s first US Gold-selling album, receiving the certification within two months of its release, and was eventually certified Platinum. Geddy Lee originally wrote his bass lines on his acoustic bass. The birds heard on “A Farewell to Kings” and “Xanadu” were recorded outside near Rockfield Studios.
1.”A Farewell to Kings”
2.”Xanadu”
3.”Closer to the Heart”
4.”Cinderella Man”
5.”Madrigal” 2:35
6.”Cygnus X-1 Book I: The Voyage”
I used to put on my headphones and escape into this album when things got to be too much. It took me on a journey to a magical place of wonder where there was no suffering and no pain. “A Farewell To Kings” set the pace with its march like beat and strong lyrics. “Xanadu” with its ethereal opening and grandiose build to filled my mind with the wonderment of finding such a place and it became a welcome daydream escape for me many times. “Closer To The Heart” holds a beautiful melody and I imagined being on a ship in a distant land and time with the sea and wind in my hair. “Cinderella Man” reminds me of a traveling minstrel long ago traveling to many places seeking understanding. “Madrigal” had me lying in a grassy meadow dreaming as the clouds rolled by, hoping to find a the love of my life someday (which I did in 1985 and am still with in 2012). “Cygnus X-1 Book I: The Voyage” snatched me to the stars on an epic journey. This track filled me with awe in 1977 and still does to this day. The structuring of it back then gives modern tracks a run for their money. This entire album remains in my heart now and forever as a journey to places safe and warm during my chaotic youth. Thank you RUSH for the escape.
SDMF_Philly asked about this. Here you go brother! I feel that the mix of social media and the music world is a double edged sword. On one hand a band is able to get their music out to the world a lot faster. The use of social networks allows for bands to keep their fan base in the loop. Bands can give an up to the minute report of the events of touring, studio, video time. Social networks can also bands to use their fan base to advertise for them. What better than free advertising from willing participants? On the other side with EVERYONE using social media how does one keep from being lost in the flood? I am of the opinion that getting new fans is extremely difficult due to the sheer number of bands on the web. I also feel that some of the excitement and anticipation of waiting for a new release from a band is gone. I can remember having discussions with friends and wondering what our favorite bands new albums were going to be called, or what it would sound like. Now we know months a head of time all of the details. Social media? Like it or not it’s here to stay. I’m just gonna put the MP3 player on shuffle, get my headphones, and ROCK OUT!! Here’s a killer new track from Testament:
Remember the phrase “If it wasn’t for bad luck I’d have no luck at all?” It seems to me that applies to one of my favorite bands, the Four Horsemen. Their debut record Nobody Said It Was Easy was released in August 1991, several weeks before Nirvana released Nevermind and everyone focused their ears on the Seattle sound and changed the face of popular music as we know it. The Four Horsemen had the right equation for super stardom between 1986-1990: a frontman who had the looks and attitude took keep an audience enthralled, a twin guitar assault team who disguised a little pop sensibility into their nasty riffage, and songs that got into your head and took up residence.. They just happened to release Nobody Said It Was Easy a little too late.
I read somewhere that back in the mid80s, Four Horsemen singer Frankie Starr came across newly arrived W. Axl Rose on the Sunset Strip and gave him an earful about how Frankie would be a star while Axl wouldn’t amount to anything. Frankie had some balls that’s for sure – the line from the riff-tastic “Rocking Is Ma Business” goes “the book on rock and rock, MF, I wrote it!” Or how about this one from the scorching “Let It Rock”? – “Half a year from now we’ll all be millionaires.” Unfortunately Frankie was wrong – Axl became the mega-star and the Four Horsemen became anything but millionaires.
Dirty, loud, obnoxious, sleazy these guys have inspired plenty (look at the picture and you’ll see what I mean)Four Horsemen music for me is still as fresh and meaningful as when I first heard it. Their debut full length album, Nobody Said it Was Easy, produced by Rick Rubin, was released in 1991, following a two year delay when Starr was arrrested on drug charges and spent six months in jail. The album generated the title track as a single, followed by the hit “Rockin’ Is Ma’ Business”. However, Starr was arrested again and this time spent a year in jail on a drugs charge. This, combined with poor album sales as the grunge scene started to take over from traditional rock, caused their record label to drop them in 1992. Before they could recover and try to regain some ground they were hit by two tragedies like a blast from a double barreled shotgun. on Sept. 27th (my birthday wouldn’t you know) 1994 original drummer, Ken Montgomery, died of a drug overdose. Then in November, 1995, Starr was hit by a drunk driver, while driving his motorcycle down Sunset Strip. Starr suffered a severe head injury which left him in a coma. Though it was initially hoped that Starr would recover, he eventually died on June 18, 1999. Following Starr’s death, the band broke up.
I still represent the Four horsemen to this day
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Four Horsemen never achieved the widespread success they deserved. Check a few of my favorites from this band that should have been still kicking your ass today:
I was talking to someone yesterday when the subject of music came up. For some reason music ALWAYS seems to come up in my conversations. The conversation went to why Rock music takes a back seat to other styles. Someone said that Rock wasn’t a money maker anymore. Yet everywhere you turn it’s “Rockstar” this or “Rockstar” that. If “Rockstar” is the baseline then to me that says something. Why isn’t there the “American Rock Awards”? The Rock N’ Roll Hall Of Fame? uhhh no. Where is my ROCK video music channel? HMMM??? Nobody cares a bout rock music? I don’t think so. That got me thinking about the presence of Rock and how sets in record sales and tour attendance. I ‘m gonna take look and share some info with ya.
40 million copies or more:
There are 11 albums that have achieved this status. Out of those 11, 5 yes 5 fall in to the Rock category
AC/DC – BACK IN BLACK : 50 MILLION SOLD, YES 50 MILLION
PINK FLOYD – DARK SIDE OF THE MOON: 50 MILLION AS WELL!
MEATLOAF – BAT OUT OF HELL: 43 MILLION
EAGLES – THEIR GREATEST HITS (1971 – 1975): 42 MILLION
FLEETWOOD MAC – RUMOURS: 40 MILLION
30–39 million copies
Out of the 17 albums that fall in this category 10 are Rock
LED ZEPPELIN – IV: 37 MILLION
ALANIS MORISETTE – JAGGED LITTLE PILL: 33 MILLION
THE BEATLES – SGT. PEPPERS LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND: 32 MILLION
THE BEATLES – 1: 31 MILLION
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN – BORN IN THE U.S.A.: 30 MILLION
DIRE STRAITS – BROTHERS IN ARMS: 30 MILLION
IRON BUTTERFLY- IN-A-GADDA-DA-VIDA: 30 MILLION
PINK FLOYD – THE WALL: 30 MILLION
METALLICA – METALLICA: 30 MILLION
NIRVANA – NEVERMIND: 30 MILLION
WOW! it seems like Rock dominates record sales. Now let’s look at the top grossing music tours:
Out of the top 20 grossing tours 16 are Rock N’ Roll tours:
U2 – $736,421,586 : 360º Tour
The Rolling Stones – $558,255,524: A Bigger Bang Tour
AC/DC- $441,121,000 : Black Ice World Tour
U2- $389,047,636: Vertigo Tour
THE POLICE –$358,825,665 : The Police Reunion Tour
ROGER WATERS- $349,240,698 : The Wall
THE ROLLING STONES –$336,017,048 : Bridges To Babylon Tour / No Security Tour
THE ROLLING STONES- $316,365,576 : Voodoo Lounge Tour
THE ROLLING STONES –$299,520,230 : Licks Tour
THE EAGLES –$251,112,882 : Long Road Out Of Eden Tour
PINK FLOYD- $250,000,000 : The Division Bell Tour
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN – $235,000,000 : Magic Tour
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN – $221,500,000 : The Rising Tour
METALLICA – $217,245,629 : World Magnetic Tour
BON JOVI – $210,650,974 : Lost Highway Tour
BON JOVI – $201,000,000 : The Circle Tour
Seems like Rock N’ Roll music is alive and well to me. There is nothing wrong with other genres of music, any thing that fire up the soul is ok in my book. Just don’t count Rock N’ Roll out. Love your music? SHOUT IT OUT TO THE WORLD! ANY QUESTIONS? I’m gonna leave you with my new theme song!!!:
Sorry for the delay tonight folks weather, meetings, yadda yadda yadda….
There are some really great movies that revolve around some really great ROCK N’ ROLL. Let’s look at a few.
HELP!
Released in 1965 this film shows the Beatles in their silliest. This fun and often madcap adventure features some great tracks form the Fab Four. Here’s a clip:
Released in 2000 the films centers around an aspiring writer for Rolling Stone following and writing about the fictional band STILLWATER. An entertaining film with some good music. Clip time:
A midnight movie staple released in 1981. A lot of “expanded” minds got into this film. For the time the graphics and music were the SHIT!!! You gotta see this one:
Set in the 80’s but released in 2001 this tells the tale of replacing a prominent band member (Think Judas Priest and Ripper Owens). Casting musicians and actors and coming up with some outstanding original music, I can watch this one over and over. \m/:
There are some really great bands out there. Unfortunately corporate radio will not play them. I’m gonna give you ten of them right here. In no order and the first of many Blogs like this, I will be bringing you new bands that I feel should be heard around the world. Let’s get it on!:
Stark imagery, eclectic lyrics, brilliant musicianship give this band credibility. A VOD show will not leave your mind readily. When you’re in, you’re in for good.
A new band from the UK that burned its way into my ears and now is running around freely in my madhouse of a mind. some Classic sound mixed with new. I love it.
I had the pleasure of interviewing these guys recently. Fun guys, great band glad to see they are chasing the dream! These guys remain in touch with reality!
When you throw THC in the CD player you automatically get a little more baddass. I feel like somebody poured a bottle of Jack out on the Texas ground and these guys sprouted out of it.
Just the first ten bands I want to bring to the attention of the WORLD!!! Many more to come. I am not afraid to spread the word about bands I love. They’ll get played right here!
AC/DC, INXS, Little River Band, Men At Work…Australia has given us some great music. Through my recent involvement as a co-host on the internet radio show Bleach Bangs http://www.bleachbangs.com/ I have found a new crop of bands that are carrying the torch. The 80’s have come and gone here in the US but the influence is still being felt in Australia. Let’s talk about a few of the stand out bands:
I have actually had the pleasure of hanging out with and seeing Sunset Riot perform several times.
The music Sunset Riot brings is addicting and worms its way into your head and you find yourself singing them without even realizing it. The guys themselves are extremely friendly and warm. They treat every one with kindness and respect and make their fans feel special. Del- vocals, JP – guitars, Ziggy- guitars, Resh – drums, and newly added Simo- bass have found the…
Is it the driving beat or guitar hook? Is it the poignant lyrics? Is it the image of the band? A combination of any or all of the above? Personally it is the all of the above that catch my ear. Sometimes I’ll catch a hook of a song that sticks with me and I’ll check the band out and sometimes it turns out well. With others sometimes I’ll read a snippet of a lyric or again It’ll stand out to me. And yet other times I’ll see a picture or a video that piques my interest. Obviously there is more than those things but those were the three leaders to a band that were thrown at me by readers. I wonder if some people “brainwash” themselves into liking a band because of one or more of those reasons. Let’s take a look at three videos from one band that touch on those three reasons VELVET REVOLVER.
The “image”: the video for “She Builds Quick Machines” caught my eye even before my mind had time to process the song. Being a fan of “Spaghetti Westerns” I fell in love with this video and then the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Hqe3jMHhvA
The “hook”: “Slither” had my interest from the opening notes of the song. The catchy riff kept it through to the end. Great hook that worms its way into your head and burrows deep: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKz2U4fvA4U
The “lyrics”: “Fall To Pieces” hit me like a hammer. “I keep a journal of memories I’m feeling lonely, I can’t breathe
I fall to pieces, I’m falling Fell to pieces and I’m still falling” just seem to hit home with me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JhsUFuqbCM
There you have it, one band, three songs, and three different reasons for liking those songs. Feelings? Thoughts? Comments? All are welcome!
the Hellion Rocks 