Category Archives: Classic Metal

10 MORE bands you should be listening to!!!

by

0

In my continuing quest to bring you bands that corporate radio ignores here’s ten more:

AN EARLY FALL:

Image

http://www.anearlyfall.com

http://www.facebook.com/anearlyfall

I was fortunate to see this band at the Whisky-a-go-go in Hollywood this June. They put on a great set and I see great things in the future for this band. They are based out of Phoenix Arizona.

“The Verdict:

 

IRONCORE RESISTANCE:

 

http://WWW.REVERBNATION.COM/IRONCORERESI…

http://www.facebook.com/Ironcoreresistance

Ironcore Resistance is a Kentucky based band ready to put their brand of hardcore metal in your face. These will will kick your ass and make you like it. Hell even Father Zakk likes ’em, say no more!

“Westboro:

 

FURYON:

http://www.furyon.net

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Furyon/114816935285870

FURYON is a new band from the UK who like nothing more than to challenge expectations. Raised on a diet of heavy metal, prog, and classic rock, FURYON mix all these components for a truly unique and contemporary sound. I stumbled upon this band and have been enthralled ever since.

“Disappear Again”:

 

GYPSYHAWK:

http://gypsyhawk.bandcamp.com/
http://gypsyhawkusa.blogspot.com

http://www.facebook.com/Gypsyhawkusa

I got to meet Erik from Gypsyhawk when he was filling in for mutual friends Scattered Hamlet. He is a great guy and Gypsyhawk is a great band. These guys are a straight up Rocking band and not afraid to tell it to you. Hell yes to bringing back the big sound. Catch these guys if they come ANYWHERE near you!

“Hedgeking”:

 

OSTRANDER

http://www.facebook.com/michael.l.ostrander

This world class guitarist is also a friend of mine. Ostrander can hold his own with the best of the best. His shredding and playing style a stellar. His greatness in playing is the complete opposite to his mild mannered quiet demeanor. Do yourself a favor and check out this axeman extraordinaire!

“Law Of Return”:

 

REVERENCE:

http://www.reverencemetal.com

http://www.facebook.com/Reverencemetal

Again thank you internet, one of my internet friends turned me on to this band. REVERENCE features members from: Tokyo Blade and Savatage, Crimson Glory, Jack Starr’s Burning Starr. Power metal to the extreme these veteran performers have come to show the world how it’s done.

“Bleed For Me”:

 

TENAFLY VIPER:

http://www.facebook.com/TenaflyViper

Mushroomhead drummer Steve “Skinny” Felton and vocalist Waylon Reavis have teamed with Chimaira bassist Jim LaMarca and Tommy Church to form the band Tenafly Viper. The band has recorded fifteen tracks which have been submitted to Megaforce Records.  My friends in Scattered Hamlet pointed this band out to me. Love the vibe and sound and I think you will too!

“Reno”:

 

SPEED X:

 

http://www.facebook.com/SpeedXband

SPEED X is the new band featuring ex-Queensryche guitarist Mike Stone on guitar, Black Label Society guitarist Nick Catanese, Doubledrive drummer Mike Froedge and former Doubledrive bassist Joshua Sattler, and the latest addition Jason Fowler on vocals. As a BLS fan I was glad to see this side project from Zakk’s “Evil Twin” . I can listen to this over and over. I think you should too.

“Speed”:

 

BRAND NEW MACHINE:

http://www.brandnewmachine.net

http://www.facebook.com/brandnewmachine

I interviewed these guys on our radio showBleach Bangs Radio. Fun guys with a Rock N’ Roll mission. Good old school hard rock here and you WILL like it another GREAT band on the rise and you heard them right here on the Hellion’s Blog! Definitely check these guys out when they hit your town!

BNM Studio teaser:

 

CYCLE OF PAIN:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cycle-of-Pain/88241448126

Another side project band from BLS bassist John J.D. DeServio. Together with Joe Taylor (Lead Guitar), Gregg Locascio (Vox, Guitar),Bob Pantella (Drums), and Troy Cromwell (Keys) This band has elements of  Rock, Metal, and Funk. Great to see J.D. step up and put out a great side project CD as this.

“Egypt”:

 

There you have it! Ten more for your ears, I’ll keep ’em coming!!

the Hellion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPERGROUPS AND SIDE PROJECTS

by

0

 

We all know and love the players in our favorite bands, but are you familiar with their “Supergroups” and or “Side Projects”? Let’s check out a few and maybe you’ll hear something new to love.

THE FIRM:

The Firm were a British rock supergroup comprising former Free and Bad Company singer Paul Rodgers, Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page, ex-Uriah Heep and Manfred Mann’s Earth Band drummer Chris Slade and bass player Tony Franklin. Page and Rodgers originally wanted former Yes drummer Bill Bruford and fretless bassist Pino Palladino in the group; however, Bruford was contracted to another label and Palladino had tour commitments with singer Paul Young. The Firm  released two albums: “The Firm” and “Mean Business”. Here are two of my favorite tracks:

“Radioactive”:

“Satisfaction Guaranteed”:

BRIDES OF DESTRUCTION:

Nikki Sixx formed Brides of Destruction with L.A. Guns guitarist Tracii Guns, initially with the name Cockstar, after Mötley Crüe went on hiatus in 2001. Added to the lineup were Adema drummer Kris Kohls, L.A. Guns bassist Adam Hamilton, who played keyboard in the band, and singer London LeGrand. Hamilton was soon replaced by former Mötley Crüe singer and guitarist John Corabi while Guns left L.A. Guns to focus on the band. They briefly adopted the moniker Motordog before settling on Brides of Destruction[ before recording demos. By 2003, both Corabi and Kohls departed the band, with former Annetenna and Ednaswap Scot Coogan replacing Kohls. Personally Brides of Destruction released two records : “Here Come The Brides” , and “Runaway Brides”. I personally like the first release “Here Come The Brides” better than the second. This band came on strong and burned out fast but is still a great listen.

“Shut The Fuck Up”

“Revolution”:

 

REBEL MEETS REBEL:

Rebel Meets Rebel is a country metal album by David Allan Coe and Pantera members Dimebag Darrell, Rex Brown, and Vinnie Paul. The music was written and recorded by the band when the musicians had time aside from their other projects, including Pantera’s world tour supporting Reinventing the Steel.
The album was released on May 2, 2006, under Vinnie Paul’s own label Big Vin Records, posthumously after Dimebag Darrell’s murder in 2004.

I picked this album the day it came out unsure of what to expect. I have to admit, it was different and it grew on me. I can appreciate this kind of collaboration. I hope  that this is the first time some of you have heard this and you can grow to appreciate it as well.

“Get Outta My Life”:

“Heart Worn Highway”:

THEM CROOKED VULTURES:

Them Crooked Vultures is a rock supergroup formed in Los Angeles in 2009 by John Paul Jones (former member of Led Zeppelin), Dave Grohl (of Foo Fighters and formerly of Nirvana), and Josh Homme (of Queens of the Stone Age). The group also includes guitarist Alain Johannes during live performances. I had heard rumors of this project and was excited for it to come out. I t was what I expected and then some. Not a lot of people have caught the buzz of this band so I’m putting it in your ears.

“New Fang”:

“Scumbag Blues”:

Spacewalk: Salute to Ace Frehley

 

One of my favorite side project/tribute albums ever! I highly recommend you seek one of these out for yourself. A fitting tribute to ACE FREHLEY if ever I heard one.

1. Deuce – Marty Friedman
2. Shock Me – Gilby Clarke
3. Rip It Out – Scott Ian
4. Hard Luck Woman – Jeff Watson
5. Snowblind – Snake Sabo
6. Rock Bottom – Russ Parrish
7. Parasite – Traci Guns
8. Cold Gin – John Norum
9. New York Groove – Bruce Bouillet
10. Fractured Mirror – Dimebag Darrell

There are some special players on this record, see if you can pick ’em out!!!

Here’s a taste:

“Snowblind”:

“Rock Bottom” :

“Rip It Out”:

 

 

 

 

PART ONE: Guitarists that we have lost, and what do you think could have happened?

by

6

Image

We have lost far too many Rockers before their time due to various reasons. It is my intent to talk about their contributions to and what they might have contributed had they lived. Because there are so many, we will focus on four guitarists tonight.

JIMI HENDRIX:

Image

James Marshall “Jimi” Hendrix (born Johnny Allen Hendrix; November 27, 1942 – September 18, 1970) was ahead of his time. He took playing to an all new level and combined great stage presence. He was also an innovator in the studio as well, I remember talking to a studio engineer once who told me that one thing the did in the studio for Jimi was to lower his amplifier down an elevator shaft  and then suspended a microphone above it to capture a unique sound. I often wonder what direction Jimi would have taken had he lived, and what modern guitarists would sound like. Here are my two favorite Jimi Hendrix tracks:

“Waterfall (May This Be Love)”:

“Stone Free”:

TOMMY BOLIN:

Image

Thomas Richard “Tommy” Bolin (August 1, 1951 – December 4, 1976) remains one of my favorite guitarists to this day. Tommy, in my opinion, is so underrated as a player. How many other guitarists do you know that have replaced both Joe Walsh AND Ritchie Blackmore? Tommy did both, he replaced Joe in the James Gang from 1973 to 1974, and Ritchie in Deep Purple from 1975 to 1976. My favorite remains his solo work. Tommy, like Jimi before him, was ahead of his time in playing style, effects usage, hairstyles, and fashion.  There is always the thought in my mind as to what greatness Tommy could have progressed into. Do yourself a favor and check out Tommy’s stuff!

“Teaser”:

“Post Toastee”

RANDY RHOADS:

Randall William Rhoads (December 6, 1956 – March 19, 1982) I was fortunate to have seen Randy in concert with Ozzy a few months before his tragic passing. It was awesome to say the least. Randy was so fluid on stage, and his playing, flawless. The style with which he played showed his classical skill. His passing during his stellar rise shocked us all. The influence Randy had on today’s guitarists can still be heard. What more could he have given us? Where would rock guitar be if he was still with us?

Randy Solos:

“Lost solo”:

DIMEBAG DARRELL:

Darrell Lance Abbott (August 20, 1966 – December 8, 2004), also known as Diamond Darrell and Dimebag Darrell. When Dime hit the scene EVERYONE noticed. Here was another young guitar player with AWESOME chops. Together with Pantera, his in your face style of playing gave hope to ROCK N’ Rollers everywhere. The onstage murder of Dime shocked the world and left us in awe and disbelief. Although Pantera seemed on the outs, Dime and Damageplan were poised to take over. I know the world will always wonder how much more there was in Dime’s bag of tricks. I feel that as a player he would have continued to grow and influence others.  Let’s listen to a couple of tracks from Dime that are not normally heard:

“Fractured Mirror”:

Rebel Meets Rebel “Nothin’ to Lose”

Four guitarists we lost far too soon!! Listen to them and gain influence from them. We will never let them fade away!

Happy Birthday Brother Dime! We love you now, and always!

PART 2: VOCALISTS!

BLEACH BANGS RADIO!

by

0

For those of you who don’t know I co-host an internet radio show called BLEACH BANGS RADIO. We feature band interviews with major acts as well as bands on the rise. Check us out at http://www.bleachbangs.com/ every Tuesday night at 7:30pm MST. Myself, Charlie Owens, Randy Norris, and John Hennis will be your guides!

Image

TESTAMENT: DARK ROOTS OF EARTH

by

0

Image

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!

How important is the image of a band?

by

7

Does a bands image really matter? Do people really care what the band looks like? Let’s look into it.

KISS:

ImageImage

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:

ImageImage

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:

ImageImage

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: 

ImageImageImage

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:

ImageImage

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!

RUSH – A FAREWELL TO KINGS

by

0

Image

http://www.rush.com/rush/

http://www.facebook.com/rushtheband

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.

Image

 

Here’s a taste:

 

How has the advent of social media affected the music business?

by

5

Image 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:

The Four Horsemen

by

2

Image

http://www.thefourhorsemen.com/

http://www.facebook.com/FourHorsemenBand

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.

Image

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

: 

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:

What do you mean Rock N’ Roll isn’t relevant any more?

by

2

Image

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!!!:

 

the Hellion