Category Archives: Classic Metal

CLUTCH ANNOUNCE 2016 U.S. TOUR WITH ZAKK SABBATH & KYNG

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clutch Fall US tour ad

June 15th, 2016 – Clutch continues their Psychic Warfare World Tour 2016.  Headline tour dates for September-October are in.  The group will be heading back on the road this Fall headlining another leg of their US tour. Supporting the tour will be Zakk Sabbath and Los Angeles based metal band Kyng. Including 2 festival appearances, the trek will begin in Buffalo, NY at the The Town Ballroom on September 28th and conclude in Worcester, MA at The Palladium on October 30th.
 
Clutch lead vocalist Neil Fallon commented “We are pleased to announce that this Fall Clutch will be hitting the road again in the U.S..  This time with Zakk Sabbath and Kyng. Clutch toured with Black Label Society a few years back and it was a blast –  and no doubt, this one will be a blast as well.  We hope to see you all there!”
 
Psychic Warfare is the latest and eleventh studio effort from Clutch.  The disc debuted at No. 11 on the Billboard 200, No. 2 on the Billboard Independent,  No. 1 on the Billboard Hard Rock and Billboard Rock charts.  On Record Store Day this past April 16th Clutch released a limited edition numbered etched vinyl 12 inch that included two previously unreleased tracks from the Psychic Warfare sessions:  “Mad Sidewinder” and “Outland Special Clearance“.   Psychic Warfare was produced by longtime producer Machine (Lamb Of God, Every Time I Die).   
 
Zakk Sabbath, bring their take on Black Sabbath songs on the road for the first time ever.  The band features  guitarist/vocalist Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society, Ozzy Osbourne), bassist Rob “Blasko” Nicholson (Ozzy Osbourne, Rob Zombie) and drummer Joey Castillo (Danzig, Queens Of The Stone Age).   Kyng, the Los Angeles based metal trio, will be supporting their 3rd release and follow up to 2014’s Burn The Serum.
 
Pre-sale tickets will be on sale today (June 15th) at 12PM local time with public on sale beginning Friday, June  17 at 10AM local time.  Pre-sale tickets are available here: Tickets.artistarena.com/clutch 
For all other information, visit the Clutch website (www.pro-rock.com).
 
Clutch, Zakk Sabbath, Kyng 2016 Tour Dates
 
09/28 – Buffalo, NY @ The Town Ballroom
09/30 – Lakewood, NJ @ First Energy Park – Rock Carnival *
10/01 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
10/02 – Louisville, KY @ Champions Park – Louder Than Life *
10/04 – Lake Buena Vista, FL @ House of Blues
10/05 – Atlanta, GA @ The Buckhead Theatre
10/07 – Raleigh, NC @ Lincoln Theatre Street Stage
10/08 – Columbus, OH @ Express Live
10/10 – Little Rock, AR @ Metroplex
10/11 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom
10/12 – Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater
10/14 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Novo
10/15 – Las Vegas, NV @ Brooklyn Bowl
10/16 – San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom
10/18 – Boulder, CO @ Boulder Theater
10/20 – Kansas City, MO @ Uptown Theater
10/21 – Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
10/22 – Sioux City, IA @ Anthem at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
10/24 – Columbia, MO @ The Blue Note ** NO Zakk Sabbath
10/25 – Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
10/27 – Madison, WI @ Orpheum Theater
10/28 – Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore
10/29 – Clifton Park, NY @Upstate Concert Hall
10/30 – Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
 
* festival appearance 
 
CLUTCH:
Neil Fallon – Vocals/Guitar
Tim Sult – Guitar
Dan Maines – Bass
Jean-Paul Gaster – Drums/Percussion

                                                  

 
For more  information, check out the band’s website:
 
Official: www.pro-rock.com
 
You know I’ll be there!!! – the Hellion

Stacey Blades unveils Angels In Vein

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I recently had the chance to talk to my friend Stacey Blades about the exciting new project he’s been working on, Angels In Vein. Check out the conversation right here:

 

     Be sure to visit http://www.angelsinvein.com for all the Latest! Thanks to Rock-n-Roll GangStar for the badass merch on their site!!!

     it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ANGELS IN VEIN!!!

     -the Hellion

the Hellion Rocks talks to Jeff Sandoval and Mike Araiza about their new release Project Playlist

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If any of you are like me, you constantly crave new music. Not just new music but quality music. Jeff Sandoval and Mike Araiza deliver, in spades, with Project Playlist. Jeff and Mike have taken many musical journeys together and have included me along the way. Check out this heartfelt discussion we had about how they got to where they are today. When you’re done watching I HIGHLY recommend you click on the picture below and order Project Playlist . There will be a detailed song by song review up this Saturday so stay tuned. Project Playlist is currently the front-runner for CD of the year on the Hellion Rocks and that’s no joke.  Order yours today!!!

it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK AND ROLL!!!

-the Hellion

YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO WATCH IT!

CD Cover

     CLICK THE PICTURE TO ORDER NOW!

Project Playlist from Jeff Sandoval and Mike Araiza

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Here you go folks! the Hellion Rocks purchased (yes I said purchased) four pre-release autographed copies of the new Jeff Sandoval and Mike Araiza CD “Project Playlist” to give away! If you want to win one before you buy one email me at janaya@thehellionrocks.com and tell me why you want one. Make sure to enter “Project Playlist” in the subject line. There are only four so email quick! In addition, I sat down with Jeff and Mike to discuss their musical journey and we rolled cameras….look for the video later this week.

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The Troubadour of Testosterone, Zakk Wylde, releases Book Of Shadows II

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I have been listening to the new Zakk Wylde release for several days now and want to share my reflections on it with you.

When I received my pre-order in the mail I was excited to hear some new music from Father Zakk. I unwrapped the CD, and quickly threw it in my truck’s player and settled in for a listen…..

Playing this album it felt like i had put on a pair of comfortable slippers, and settled in to my favorite easy chair. While the songs were new, they felt familiar and comfortable like old friends and yet at the same time, not stale and boring. I tried to pick out some standout tracks but was unable to as the flow of the record, for me, needs to be taken as a whole.

So why would Zakk need to make a solo record? Why not another Black Label Society record? Here are my thoughts.

We all know Zakk can grab his fiddle and choke some fantastic music from it that will crush our collective chests like so many packs of cigarettes, and we know he has some tender moments that give us some memorable ballads. With Book of Shadows II, Zakk gives us some reflective music. This CD is full of music that truly comes from a mans thoughts and life experiences and listening to it will transport you into a thoughtful place. I am taken back to the music of James Taylor, Jim Croce, and Don McLean. These guys created art with their words and guitars.

Why then would hardcore, badass, metalhead, rockers, like this record? Because it shows craftsmanship, and talent…lots and lots of talent. The skill set Zakk shows us on Book of Shadows II shows us why he remains so relevant in the vast world of guitarists.

Bottom line, Book of Shadows II feels like a record that I have had in my collection for years and years and yet puts a smile on my face whenever I play it.

While all of the songs stand out to me as a whole Zakk has released a video for “Sleeping Dogs” and you can check it out here:

     Whether you are a Zakk Wylde/BLS fan or not you should run out today and pick Book of Shadows II to up, pop it in your player, roll the windows down, and go for a 60 minute drive and just let finely crafted music flow through you and take to a reflective place.

     it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s Rock N’ Roll!!!

     -the Hellion

 

 

Appetite for disaster…

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As most of you have probably heard by now there are rumors flying about Axl Rose filling in on vocals for AC/DC. Here is my unabashed opinion, like it or not.

I have stated many times before how I am of the opinion that AC/DC died with Bon Scott. Angus and the boys soldiered on with Brian Johnson and had some good songs but it just wasn’t AC/DC for me and never would be. Yes, I continued to buy every record they released because I support that way, but there was always something missing for me.

Now we hear of some sort of hearing debacle with Brian Johnson and his immediate departure from their current tour. That departure started the rumor mill going full blast with speculation upon speculation as to who would step up and fill Brian’s shoes. Who indeed…

Within my circle of friends I began to hear a rumbling of Axl’s name being thrown about. Then I began seeing it on social media, and now many websites are jumping on the “Axl replacing Brian” band wagon as well.

Here are my thoughts, the AC/DC machine runs pretty tight, Axl does not. I am of the opinion that given who Axl is (don’t get me wrong he is a great front man) and who AC/DC is it would be like oil and water. I cannot even imagine Axl performing with them for one minute. We were all just getting excited about the impending “reunion” of Guns N’ Roses (don’t get me started on that one) and now this hence the title of this writing, “Appetite for Disaster”.

I would love nothing more than to be wrong and it be a great success for Axl and AC/DC but I just don’t see it…

it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!!!

-the Hellion

 

the demise of That Metal Show

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in 2008 I was excited to see a show called That Metal Show hit the airwaves. While I felt the show was good, I always felt that there was room for improvements. I was ok with Eddie Trunk as the host but never was satisfied with co-hosts Don Jamieson and Jim Florentine. I always held the opinion that they should have featured a rotating musician co-host. One other thing I think that would have been cool was to randomly pick an audience member to come down and be a featured co-host.   I also would have to have seen some up and coming or lesser known musical guests. There are plenty of talented musicians that could have benefited from this kind of exposure. While I also enjoyed the coverage of “classic” rock bands I feel there was plenty of room to give some newer and lesser known bands exposure as well. I did enjoy the “Stump the Trunk” and “Top 5” segments as well.

I watched every show from every season and will miss it although I felt it could have been so much more. I hope it does find a new home and maybe by some miracle I can tell them about my thoughts… Rest In Peace TMS, another casualty of the war on Rock N’ Roll.

Share YOUR thoughts with me!

it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!!!

-the Hellion

 

Oblivious Signal is a sure winner

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     I had the opportunity to assign an eager young man, Simon Arnet to cover a show for me and here is his coverage:

Simon Arnet, On Assignment for The Hellion Rocks!

Invoking the likes of Kamelot and progressive bands of old, Oblivious Signal is a sure winner.

Good Female Fronted Heavy Metal and simply good Heavy Metal is a unique find these days and for good bands you must look to Europe, no longer. When I first heard Oblivious Signal I was blown away by the technical competency and confidence of the band. A venue mix up is never an easy thing (two shows were combined into one), yet somehow Oblivious Signal managed to maintain the attention of Hardcore and Death Metal bands (all of them extremely fun) alike showing the breadth and depth their music can have on people.
Oblivious Signal is good, very good. They move around on stage, interact with the crowd and throw fists up in the air invoking the old days of hair metal with postmodern clarity and a sense of what really makes them special.  The vocalist Cristina has an incredible range, her highs will shock you and lows confound you. This band will be big, and deserves attention along with the greats of Symphonic and Progressive Metal like Kamelot, Nightwish, Gamma Ray and Epica.
The Blu Phoenix Venue “The Compound 2” is a brand new venue in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They set this show up amongst great difficulty and confusion, managed to combine a hardcore crowd with a heavy metal crowd. A smoke machine glitch was fixed within reasonable time, given the situations of the event, all the staff were extremely helpful and kind. Blu Phoenix will be having much bigger crowds in the future and more bands. The Blu Phoenix is a wide open space with a nice motor pool in the back, lots of room and great sound and lighting. No food or beer is available at the venue as of yet. High Road Publicity made everything work like clockwork.
Oblivious Signal is well educated, most of them have master’s degrees, that probably has to do something with their sound. The way they work together, write material and perform on stage. This band has a sound that pulls you in, sweeping rifts, a bit of pop and Viking influence. You can tell they’re fans of Amon Amarth in their intros. What Oblivious Signal has is complexity towards their music. The guitarist Nick is an excellent soloist and worthy of any guitar endorsement. The bassist Greg is just wonderful, and will blow your mind, the drummer Jason maintains a steady rhythm throughout the set. Onstage and off Oblivious Signal was a joy to work with, Mike the Merchant was really passionate about supporting the band and everyone at the show. I look forward to seeing them grow and thrive.

Get Oblivious Signal’s latest CD Exordium today, available everywhere!

 Obllvious Signal 7-0002
Simon Arnet, Arnet Photography
Arnet Photography Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/arnet_photography/Arnet Photography facebook
https://www.facebook.com/Arnet_Photography-784190148379666/?fref=ts

Arnet Photography Email
arnetphotography@gmail.com

High Road Publicity
http://highroadpublicity.com/

the Hellion Rocks Facebook

A Special Thanks and big shout out to the Hellion Rocks for sponsoring this assignment and getting my name out there! -Simon
      it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!!!
     -the Hellion

Tommy Victor from Prong talks with the Hellion Rocks

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Prong has a great new record coming out on February 5th called “PRONG X – NO ABSOLUTES”.  We had the chance to speak to Tommy Victor about this upcoming release and the tour to follow. We had a great conversation and it was a pleasure to speak with Tommy. You can enjoy it here: 

Be sure to check out Prong online:

prong.com

Prong on Facebook

     preorder “PRONG X – NO ABSOLUTES” here: 

preorder No Absolutes

     it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s PRONG!!!

     -the Hellion

The top 10 of 2015

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     2015 is over but it brought us some great new music. Here are my top 10 in no particular order, enjoy:

Stryper – Fallen

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Stryper’s new release, Fallen, is a supercharged release to say the least. For a band that has been around for 32 years they have continued to impress. This record is full of killer riffs and powerhouse vocals. I am totally impressed by the production quality of this record. I was even surprised to see a Black Sabbath cover on here “After Forever” is done very well by Stryper.  The track that grabs hold and will not let go is “Fallen” :

     Check out Stryper online:

https://www.facebook.com/Stryper/?fref=ts

http://www.stryper.com/

Ugly Kid Joe – Uglier Than They Used Ta Be

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     Ahhh Ugly Kid Joe, 19 years after Motel California UKJ is back with a full album. These hold a very special place in my heart and always will. This record shows that UKJ has not lost a bit of the attitude that made them so great. This is rock n’ roll pure and undistilled. The stand out here is “Hell Ain’t Hard To Find”:

     Ugly Kid Joe online:

https://www.facebook.com/uglykidjoetheband/?fref=ts

http://www.uglykidjoe.net/

Throw The Temple – No Way But Down

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     Throw The Temple is a hard working band that takes itself serious without being serious about it. Believe me, every move they make is calculated and planned. After seeing them perform for several years they have finally put out and album to be proud of. Full of deep lyrics and catchy tunes ( I even persuaded them to provide the theme song for the Hellion Rocks) this is an album which should be garnering national attention. Enjoy the video for “We Got It Goin'” right here:

     Throw The Temple online:

https://www.facebook.com/throwthetemple/?fref=ts

http://www.throwthetemple.com/

Devil City Angels – Devil City Angels

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     This record was a complete surprise to me. While technically a “supergroup” it sounds nothing like one. I was ina bad mood the first time I played this record, by the end not so much. This is just a feel good record that you can tell was fun to make.  Comprised of the legendary Tracii Guns, Rudy Sarzo, Rikki Rockett, and Brandon Gibbs, this is a DO NOT MISS record. Here’s the video for “Boneyard”:

     Devil City Angels online:

https://www.facebook.com/DevilCityAngels/

Motorhead – Bad Magic

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     Motörhead has always been a guilty pleasure for me. I have always listened to them and probably always will. I have seen the fairweather fans come and go as the trends change. I was extremely saddened to hear of the deaths of Lemmy and Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor. This final album from Motörhead is to savor and enjoy.  Take a listen to “Electricity” and pay your respects:

       Motörhead online:

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMotorhead/?fref=ts

http://www.imotorhead.com/tablet/index.html

Skulldron – Through The Smoke

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     Skulldron rocks, plain and simple. I have known these guys for years and years and enjoyed them immensely. Skulldron falls into the Stoner/Doom metal category and they do it so very well. This is a band that NEEDS some worldwide acclaim. This is another record that SHOULD be in your collection. Well crafted and put together Through The Smoke takes you on a trip to a very cool place in your head. Take a peek at G.O.A.T. :

     Skulldron online:

https://www.facebook.com/skulldron/?fref=ts

http://skulldron.com/

Clutch – Psychic Warfare

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     Clutch is band that, to me, everyone should be running to the store and buying all of their records. Firing on all cylinders and then some,  Clutch  simply rules. This album continues Clutch’s streak of aggressive, hard charging rock. I have one thing to say about Clutch, if you don’t like them, you haven’t listened  to them. Psychic Warfare is a great record to introduce you to the awesomeness that is Clutch. “X-Ray Visions” will whet your appetite:

     Clutch online:

 https://www.facebook.com/Clutchband/?fref=ts

http://www.pro-rock.com/

Dellacoma – South Of Everything

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     Dellacoma Rio, vocalist for Dellacoma is one of the hardest working men in rock n’ roll. Hailing from Australia, Del continually works on world domination. Putting together an outstanding band of three world class musicians: Art Struck, Matt Cook, and Rick Reynolds,  Dellacoma wrote and recorded a well crafted piece of art. No frill, no filler, just straight up feel good music. This is my pick for road music of the year. Put this on, roll down the windows,  and hit the road. Let me show you what I mean:

     Dellacoma online:

https://www.facebook.com/dellacoma

http://www.dellacoma.com/

Red Sky Mary – River Child

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     Red Sky Mary was an accidental find for me. I was completely taken aback by the soul in this young band. It was as if someone jumped into a time machine and collected the DNA from several 70’s bands and somehow fused them into Red Sky Mary. I find so much depth and beauty in this record it amazes me that their are bands still making music that you can truly feel. Here is the latest from Red Sky Mary:

     Red Sky Mary online:

https://www.facebook.com/redskymary/

http://www.redskymary.com/

Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators – Live at the Roxy 9.25.14

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     Slash and crew deliver on this live recording from the Roxy. I f you have never had the chance to catch them live this is the next best thing. Relaxed and fun this record showcases Slash’s and Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators talent. With songs that span throughout Slash’s career from GNR, Velvet Revolver, through today this one is a winner. My favorite track from this record:

https://youtu.be/QONLb47CJQo?list=PLy6dYl5ZFPLD3jAJfSy73cPZDS5jIH86z

 

Slash and the boys online:

https://www.facebook.com/Slash/

http://www.slashonline.com/

     it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!!!

     -the Hellion