John Corabi has been one of my favorite vocalists for quite a while now. I got to have a candid conversation with him about his career past and present. Sit back and enjoy this lengthy interview:
Here is a cool video of John performing “Seasons Of Wither” with Frank Hannon. We discussed his love of this song in the interview:
thanks Jen Kowalski from Rat Pak Records!
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!
-the Hellion
at the Aria Booth – NAMM 2013 – photo by Charlie “MF'” Owens
Spent the weekend chilling with the family and enjoying my birthday weekend. Remembering the loss of Cliff on my birthday, and just slowing down for a minute. Now, looking forward: We have tons of killer interviews in the works, shows we are going to shoot and review, CD’s to write about, and new bands to put into your heads. I am amazed at the growth of this site in a year. Thanks to all who support and have given us the opportunity to do what we love. Please hit us up with bands, features you’d like to see and your take on the site, love to hear from ya! Remember, the Hellion Rocks and Bleach Bangs Radio love you all!
-the Hellion
Don
VOICES OF EXTREME (VOX): Members of NY-Based Rock Band Boast All-Star Collaboration Credits Like Van Halen, Thin Lizzy and More
New Album Break The Silence Hitting Stores November 1, 2013
Hailing from New York, VOICES OF EXTREME is a powerful hard rock ensemble that will appeal to fans of dynamic, harmonic metal and melodic rock. All of the members have extensive experience in the industry and are now supporting their new album Break The Silence, the follow up to their debut album Hypocrite. Break The Silence is hitting stores on November 1, 2013 via Smash-Mouth Records and features some of the band’s best songs to date.
“Break The Silence, states vocalist Don Chaffin, “is a culmination of the band’s collective influences and various individual styles, and is a direct outreach to the fans who have come to love and support our music and live performances!”
Break The Silence track listing:
VOX was created by childhood friends Don Chaffin and Bob Brennan. The two started working on the recordings for their second release in late 2009 when Bob Brennan and Nick Gertsson returned to New York and reunited with Don Chaffin.
VOX debuted in 2005 with the amazing Hypocrite, a record that was produced by Danny Spitz (Anthrax) in 2005. Their debut CD immediately found favor with critics and listeners alike, propelling them to the forefront of metal’s hierarchy. Experts at their craft, VOX has earned song writing credits on Van Halen’s DVD entitled “The Early Years,” as well as endorsements with ESP, Daddario Strings, Planetwaves Cables, Paiste Cymbals. Over the past seven years, VOX. has shared the stage with Godsmack, Disturbed, Alice in Chains ,Powerman 5000, Buckcherry, 10 Years, Dope, Dropkick Murphys and many more, proving their determination as a premier live act on the Eastern Seaboard. Recently, the band’s lead singer, Don Chaffin toured with Dan Spitz in their high profile band Red Lamb (co-produced by Dave Mustaine of Megadeth and Dan Spitz) which embarked on a United States tour that consisted of 25 dates in 2013.
Learn more about who VOX is…
For more information on VOICES OF EXTREME, please visit www.voicesofextreme.com or www.vox-rocks.com. You can check out some of the band’s music videos at http://youtu.be/v3EoiaX52TY and http://youtu.be/eU7XyCHVw44 /.
I just received this press release courtesy of SHOTGUN REBELLION:
“OK Corral 2013 – the Legend, the Dean, and the Gunslinger”
Every music lover has that one show that they’ll never forget. That one ticket stub that they hold in prized reverence. The show that led to stories they’ll still be telling in the old folks home.
This will be one of those shows…
At the Diamond Ballroom in Oklahoma City on August 25th, three stellar guitarists will be on display; the Gunslinger Rick Davis, the Dean Randy Cooper, and the Legend Ted Nugent.
As the style of southern metal continues to grow, one of the fastest rising and dominant bands to emerge is “Shotgun Rebellion”. Built by the rebel soul of Davis and influential and creative bassist Jon Parr; “SGR” has taken over, driven hard by the power and thundering Johni Walker on drums and leaving audiences amazed.
As “SGR” toured the southern regions, a brotherhood was cemented with current “Emperors & Elephants” and former “Texas Hippie Coalition” guitarist Randy Cooper during the dozens of shows they shared.
With “THC”, Randy helped spread the outlaw metal style across Europe and South America on one of his many custom Dean guitars.
Knowing that playing a show with Nugent was a bucket list item also with Cooper, as soon as DCF Concerts announced that “Shotgun Rebellion” had been selected as the opener, “SGR” reached out to their southern brother for a guest appearance.
As if a night with one of outlaw metal’s top acts featuring two of the genres best guitarists wasn’t enough, the legendary motor city madman Ted Nugent himself takes the stage. Playing a full set showcasing some of rock’s most classic anthems, Nugent defines the image and sets the standard for guns and guitars.
For one night, and one night only, Oklahoma City’s Diamond Ballroom becomes a shrine to the six string. “Shotgun Rebellion” come all blazing with Rick Davis, Jon Parr, and Johni Walker, with special guest appearance from Randy Cooper; supporting a no holds barred headlining performance from Ted Nugent. For one night Rick and Randy team up to become the Arsenal!
..the Legend, the Dean, and the Gunslinger…see it all live !!!
– Jon Parr
!. Everything Everything
2. The Witch
3. Sugar Mama
4. The Sound
5. Jealous Of The Rain
6. Painted Lady
7. Taste Your Fear
8. Feathers In A Hurricane
9. Long Way To Heaven
10. One
11. Saginaw Blues
12. Without You
13. Space And Time Collide
Remember when people made music for the love of music? I do and this is one of those records. I have been a fan of Tracii Guns and his guitar playing for many years. Through Early GNR, LA Guns, Brides Of Destruction, Contraband, and his solo stuff I have paid attention to what he was doing. I have been fortunate to have met him a couple of times throughout the years.
the Hellion and Tracii Guns
I was geeked when I heard of the Tracii Guns’ League Of Gentlemen project. Little did I know how great of a record this would turn out to be. TGLOG features Scott Foster Harris – lead vocals/acoustic guitar, Craig McCloskey – bass guitar/vocals, Tracii Guns – lead guitars/vocals, Doni Gray – drums/percussion/ vocals, and John Bird – keyboards/vocals. This record is from another time and place and it will transport you there as well. There is no reason to skip any of these track as this is a record that should be consumed by your ears in an entire dose. The soul and spirit of this record flows though you. One can feel the love these artists have for their craft. Scott’s vocals are pure and beautiful, Tracii shows a side of his playing the proves he belongs in the hall of guitar gods, Craig provides solid bass lines that helps to keep it all together, Doni gives the songs the perfect rhythm, and Johns’ keyboards set the tone of the record. Emotions raging from melancholy to outright fun and everything in between fill this record. If I am hard pressed for stand outs on this record I would recommend the following: “The Sound”, Painted Lady”, “Long Way To Heaven”, and “Backside OF The Moon”. I think I am gonna start a campaign to get “The Sound” played on regular radio rotation, it’s that good. Check out the video and see for yourself:
Thank you Tracii and crew for making this record and giving me hope for the future of new music!
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!
the Hellion
From left: Louis Dambra, Gary Justin, and John Garner, c. 1971
Every now and then you run across a bit of music from your past that you haven’t heard in a while and you realize “Damn I forgot how good this was.” I have since forgotten who first turned me on to Sir Lord Baltimore but I remember being very young and enthralled by their music. One of the other cool things about this band is that they are notable for the fact that a 1971 review of their debut record, Kingdom Come, contained the first documented use of the term “heavy metal” to refer to a style of music.
Sir Lord Baltimore is an American rock band from Brooklyn, New York, formed in 1968 by lead vocalist/drummer John Garner, guitarist Louis Dambra, and bass player Gary Justin.
Their Debut album Kingdom Come was released in 1970 on Mercury Records. Heavy guitar, and bass distortion, and fast paced Rock N Roll, made this a standout record in that era of contemporary Rock music. some of the tracks,mixing, and overdubbing were done at Electric Lady Studios by Eddie Kramer. Rumor has it that Pink Floyd heard some of these sessions and were said to be impressed.
I am continuing my mission to bring you Rock N’ Roll music you should be listening to from the past, to the present, and all points in between. Check out the track “Kingdom Come” and tell me these guys didn’t Rock!
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!
the Hellion
HANK3 Announces TWO New Releases Hitting Stores on October 1, 2013
New Country DOUBLE ALBUM, “Brothers Of The 4×4” // New Punk Album, 3’s “A Fiendish Threat”
Upcoming Headline Tour Dates Announced for August/September 2013
The king of hellbilly, Mr. HANK3 himself, is pleased to announce a triple-threat of new releases, hitting stores October 1, 2013. HANK3 will release a brand new DOUBLE country album, entitled Brothers of the 4×4, and a single punk album, entitled A Fiendish Threat, with his new project “3”. Brothers of the 4×4 will also be available as a single LP vinyl version, and A Fiendish Threat will be available as a double LP vinyl version.
Recording in his own home and releasing music on his own label, the Megaforce distributed HANK3 Records, allowed Williams complete creative control during the four month period it took to make both records.
Besides living the songs subject matter first, HANK3 sang and played both guitar and drums on the records. As if pulling triple duty wasn’t enough, he engineered, produced, mixed and mastered all the tunes as well. Not bad for someone who in his own words is dyslexic and has ADD, ccording to HANK3 “my mind is all over the place”. But even a man talented and driven enough to do (count ’em) seven jobs at once has his limits, so HANK3 has once again assembled a top-notch ensemble of pickers and pluckers for Brothers Of The 4×4 and A Fiendish Threat.
The required stand-up bass holds the low end down at the deft hands of Zach Shedd, with David McElfresh and Billy Contreras whipping razor sharp bows across the fiddle. Daniel Mason handles banjo, with a special guest appearance on “Possum In A Tree” by former National Old-Time Banjo Champion Leroy Troy working his banjo in the old school clawhammer style, while Andy Gibson wrings the sweetest of notes out his stand up steel guitar. Finally, long-time collaborator and fellow multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire Johnny Hiland rips his chicken pickin’ guitar to feathers and shreds.
HANK3‘s latest country record is just that- country, and the realness of it shines throughout the record like moonlight hitting a mason jar of corn liquor- it ain’t always the smoothest, and it doesn’t come wrapped in a fancy package, but it’s 100% pure whoop-ass in a bottle that gets the job done quicker and better and reminds you of where you originally came from once you figure out what just hit you. On “Outdoor Plan” he sings of fishing and hunting as a way of life, and it’s a fact that more than one deer and turkey has met its maker at the end of HANK3’s gun’s barrel. The title track, “Brothers of the 4×4” celebrates the wide open full throttle love of off roadin’ and rootin’ in a four wheel drive- the cover of the record shows Williams mud bogging in a custom 4×4, and it’s not some redneck rental- that’s his ride. And because life ain’t always happy, when the heartbreak and hard times cracks through the sonic celebration on songs like “Loners 4 Life” and “Ain’t Broken Down”, it’s because HANK3 is well acquainted with the darker side of life, and not as some tourist. The album is a rich and gritty sounding mixture of sadness, pride, hope- in other words, it’s a great country record.
As mentioned above, HANK3 will head out on a headline tour of select major markets on August 24th. The tour will kick off in Austin, TX at The Austin Bat Fest, and will tour several cities, coming to a close on September 8th in Atlanta, GA at The Masquerade.
With Brothers of the 4×4 and A Fiendish Threat set for release October 1st, Williams is ready to hit the road, and when he hits the road, he hits it much harder than most. Hank 3 shows are legendary for their length and intensity, averaging three hours a night, starting with a country set and ending with whatever his latest musical experiment happens to be. For this touring cycle, fans will get to taste the hardcore punk horror rock of A Fiendish Threat, a rippingly fast blast of sounds reminiscent of The Misfits, Minor Threat, 7 Seconds, The Ramones and other punk rock greats that are as much a part of Hank 3’s musical identity as his country roots. But A Fiendish Threat, like all of the man’s musical output, is anything but a formulaic, by-the-numbers rehash of what has been previously done by others. Stand up bass, fiddle, and banjo are not exactly standard instruments in punk rock, but they are on this record, riding beneath 3’s howling distorted vocals. Perhaps this is the birth of rebelcore punk? Whatever you want to call it, Williams has left his own touch on the genre, even utilizing a bizarrely beautiful Hula-music-on-acid sounding Hawaiian guitar at times. Some of the songs can make the listener feel like someone dropped LSD in their cheap draft beer at a CBGB matinee show headlined by a ghoulish Hawaiian punk band. A Fiendish Threat is yet another of Williams already numerous signature sounds, and he’s excited to put it in front of the audience for the first time. “You know when you do a new record, you just want to play it for all your friends. That’s what I’m excited for with this punk record, I get use a voice that doesn’t get used that often, and pay respects to some of my influences at the same time. Doing this record made feel like I was growing stronger- it took some of the years off me, to tell you the truth. Playing it makes me feel young again,” he laughs, “How long I will be able to pull it off all depends on the voice, man.”
With these dual releases, Brothers Of The 4×4 and A Fiendish Threat added to his already huge and varied arsenal of music, HANK3 will be raising all sorts of hell on stage while the fans raise their glasses in the audience once again, and you can bet your last dollar a damn good time will be had by all. The man goes full throttle all the time, every time, as anyone who has ever been to one of his innumerable shows will attest.
Listen to Brothers of the 4×4 and A Fiendish Threat, go to a show, and find out for yourself. Just remember the next day, after a few aspirins, a dinner at your own table, and a sleep in your own bed, that HANK3 will be down the road doing his thing again, and for that rebel, “doing the best I can” means something a little different than it does for the average man.
HANK3 Tour Dates:
8/24 Austin, TX @ The Austin Bat Fest
8/25 Ft. Worth, TX @ Rail Club
8/26 Tulsa, OK @ Cain’s Ballroom
8/27 Lawrence (KC), MO @ Granada
8/29 Sauget, IL @ Pops
8/30 Ft. Wayne, IN @ Pierre’s
8/31 Flint, MI @ Machine Shop
9/1 Indianapolis, IN @ The Vogue
9/2 Pittsburgh, PA @ Alter
9/4 Lancaster, PA @ The Chameleon
9/5 Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
9/6 Richmond, VA @ National
9/7 Charlotte, NC @ Amos Southend
9/8 Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
HANK3’s new biography was recently penned by none other than heavy metal renaissance man and self-proclaimed redneck Randy Blythe of Lamb of God. Who better than a backwoods brother from another mother to conjure up a personal summary of HANK3’s recent successes and future plans?
Sometimes you stumble upon a band that gets in your head and takes up residency. Crows Cage has been the house band in my head for a few weeks now. If I had only two words to describe “Forgiven Sins” they would be: groove laden. Crows Cage consists of EJ (vocals), Aaron (guitar), Tommy (bass), and Clint (drums). One of the signs of a good CD for me is when you put it on you do not skip tracks, trust me you will NOT want to miss a single track on this. Another sign is that when the CD finishes the first thing that comes to mind is “It’s over already?” As far as standout tracks go “American Monster”, “Grindstone”, “Fly”, and “Skin” quickly come to mind. To describe the sound of Crows Cage, it has familiar elements to it, and yet they have a sound that is distinctly their own. Dark, brooding, dirty, and infectious. Crows Cage is an awesome new find for your ears. Here is a link to their video for “Grindstone” :
You can find Crows Cage on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/crowscage and on their website: https://www.crowscage.com/ do your ears a favor and check these guys out and support a hard working independent band!
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!!!
the Hellion
Every so often you run into someone who makes a positive impact on you. Robert Sarzo is one of those people. I was fortunate to meet him after a Queensryche show recently. He was extremely gracious to everyone he met and was genuine about it. That, my friends, is class. He recently released a solo record call After The Storm. Robert was kind enough to give me phone call and chat about his new record and music. Enjoy it right here:
If you haven’t already, do yourself a favor and go to http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/robertsarzo1 and pick up After The Storm.
Thank you Robert, for everything!
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!
1. War Dance
2. Don’t Change Your Love
3. Lace, Pearls and Fire
4. Innocent Girl
5. Not Yet
6. Los Canbios De Amore
7. Heilo Y Fuego
8. Angelita
9. Backbeat
Robert Sarzo is one of the worlds outstanding guitarists. I was fortunate to meet him and his brother Rudy at a recent Queensryche show. His playing and showmanship was outstanding.
Robert Sarzo on fire!
Now Robert has released After The Storm. I picked it up yesterday and haven’t stopped listening to it. Full of tribal sounds, Latin rhythms and full on metal licks, there is something here for everyone.
After The Storm opens with the tribal inspired instrumental “War Dance”. Great drum beat backed with ethereal sounds make up this track. “Don’t Change Your Love” is a straight on rocker full of great riffs and smoking vocals. Pure rocking at its finest. “Lace, Pearls, And Fire” is one my stand out tracks on this record. Catchy hooks and dirty blues based rock make this a do NOT miss song. “Innocent Girl” slows the pace a bit but loses nothing in that. Opening with beautiful guitars, it leads into a “raise your lighter to the sky” type of ballad full of emotion and melody another stand out track for sure. “Not Yet” is a great sing along track that will get your blood pumping and head nodding in time to the hook, another favorite. “Los Canbios De Amore” is the kickass Spanish version of “Don’t Change Your Love”. “Heilo Y Fuego” is the awesome Spanish version of “Lace, Pearls, And Fire”. “Angelita” is the Spanish version of “Innocent Girl” . “Backbeat” closes out this wonderful record with another rocking tune that fills the ears with joy.
Robert is filled with true musical talent and this talent needs to be heard. Be sure and pick it up at https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/robertsarzo1
You can keep up with Robert on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/robertsarzosr?ref=ts&fref=ts
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ Roll!
the Hellion
the Hellion Rocks 