We here at your lil’ old Fear Festevil delighted to be able to confirm the appearance of legendary Bay Area thrashers EXODUS on February 9, 2014.
When it comes to thrash metal, in particular Bay Area thrash, Exodus are one of the true Godfathers. Formed in 1980 by guitarist Tim Agnello, drummer Tom Hunting, bassist Carlton Melson and some other six-stringer called Kirk Hammett, Agnello soon left, allowing Hammett’s guitar tech Gary Holt to step up and in. Hammett then stumbled across Paul Baloff, a demo was recorded, Hammett left to join some other upstarts, Rick Hunolt took the other guitar and the rest became history. Their 1984 debut Bonded By Blood is a stonewall genre classic, and with cranium crunching classics such as ‘”A Lesson In Violence”, “Strike Of The Beast” and “Burn, Hollywood, Burn” we can promise that this will not be a calm or gentle soiree more than an aural beatdown. The current line-up of Holt, Lee Altus on guitar, Hunting, Jack Gibson on bass and Rob Dukes on vocals has been in place since 2007. Exodus‘ last album was 2010’s Exhibit B: The Human Condition on Nuclear Blast Records, and the band have just started working on new material for a prospective release later in 2014. http://www.fearfestevil.com/
1. Rise Up
2. Halfway To Hell
3. Dead Mans Parade
4. Cold
5. Store Bought Halo
6. Wrong Side Of The Grave
Are you ready for a dose of hard charging, balls out Rock N’ Roll? Lynam delivers with their new EP Halfway To Hell. It’s all here: catchy hooks, swagger, great image, and songs that you’ll find yourself humming well after the CD is over. Dirty guitar driven songs are what you find here and I, for one, sure missed them. Bringing to mind the fun and spectacle of the 80’s, but with their own style and flavor Lynam has a hit on their hands.
Lynam is comprised of Jacob Bunton – Vocals/Guitar, David Lynam – Drums/Vocals, Lonny Paul – Guitar/Vocals, Mark Dzier- Bass/Vocals. These boys have done their homework on their influences. Motley Crue, Foo Fighters, Guns N Roses, Greenday are but some of their inspirations.
Hell I can’t even find a stand out track on this record because they are all worth listening to, over and over and over. Gang vocals behind a top notch singer, sleazy guitars, nasty bass lines, all held together by a tight drummer makes this all work.
I HIGHLY recommend this record, it’s like those potato chips “once you start listening to it , you can’t stop”!
Well, I have read and listened to people discuss the debut performance of Red Dragon Cartel at the world famous Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood. Darren James Smith was raked over the coals and drug through the street. Apparently he had an off night, well that sometimes happens. If you have ever performed on stage in any capacity you know what I’m talking about. There are many things that can affect a performance: nerves, illness, preoccupation with something, or sometimes you are just not feeling it. I have been there before, it happens. It pained me to see people attacking Darren as they did, I’m sure it hurt him. People were saying “he’s no Ray Gillen” we know that and I don’t think Jake E. Lee was trying to recreate another Badlands either, this was a new band with new life. There are several things that I feel (and these are just my opinions) affected this show in particular. First off the amount of press this show got was immense, no pressure there right? A lot of bands have time to hone their live performances before the press descends upon them. Not these guys, we were inundated with minute to minute updates. Second, I understand he had strep throat which sucks on any level but for a vocalist it’s devastating. Being sick and performing really does suck, been there, done that. Pile on these things to pushing yourself, learning songs, traveling it all adds up.
I am sure that Red Dragon Cartel did not just pick Darren James Smith arbitrarily. There was something there and some chemistry between them that sparked the fire. Let’s give them the chance to find their groove and rock our ears!
I does my heart to good to see the smile on the face of Jake E. Lee. He is writing songs and back on stage where he belongs.
Oh yeah, “Bark At The Moon” – Thanks Jake we know you wrote it!
Rock Radio Legend LOU BRUTUS Holds First Ever Photo Exhibition
Ten LOU BRUTUS Concert Photos Are Currently Up for Bid on eBay with All Money Going to Wounded Warrior Project
Brutus Will Meet with Fans in Madison, WI on Saturday December 14, 2013 at An Exhibition of the Photographs. Select Images Will Also Be Shown in the Lobby of Madison’s Orpheum Theatre That Evening
Rock Radio legend LOU BRUTUS, who was recently voted Best DJ in America by voters in the Rock Radio Awards sponsored by Radio Contraband, is exhibiting his concert photography for the very first time with ten of the images currently being auctioned on eBay to benefit Wounded Warrior Project.
The photographs, taken at various locations around the United States, include onstage images of Avenged Sevenfold, Slipknot, Five Finger Death Punch, Stone Sour, Shinedown, Halestorm, Disturbed, KoRn, Volbeat, and Jackyl. The photos, culled from the thousands Brutus has shot over his career, were chosen via fan votes on his Facebook page. Each has been framed and matted with the mat hand signed by Brutus in pencil.
Apart from his broadcast career, Lou is an accomplished photographer. His lighthouse photography has graced magazine covers and he has worked the last six seasons as an on field Major League Baseball photographer. He often shoots rock bands as he travels the world to interview them. This is the first time his photography has ever been available for purchase.
Brutus will exhibit the photographs and meet with fans at Diego’s at118 State Streetin Madison, WI on Saturday December 14, 2013 beginning at 4:30pm CT. Admission is free to the public. While the auction will be closed by that time, those photos will be displayed as well as other images by Brutus that can be won by raffle with the proceeds again benefiting Wounded Warrior Project. Following which, select images from the exhibit will be set up for viewing in the lobby of the Orpheum Theatre in Madison at the Halestorm/Redlight King/Stars in Stereo show.
LOU BRUTUS is best known for his seventeen plus years of national syndication as the host of hardDrive with Lou Brutus and hardDrive XL with Lou Brutus, which can be heard on over 100 radio stations nationwide, as well as his work on other national radio platforms. He has done local shows in Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston, Washington DC, and Providence.
Brutus has also hosted radio specials and/or created radio channels for Metallica, Slipknot, Stone Sour, Rush, Disturbed, Theory of a Deadman, Smashing Pumpkins, and countless others. He was the very first to give national airplay to innumerable bands including Slipknot, Avenged Sevenfold, Disturbed, Halestorm,Five Finger Death Punch, Godsmack and Sevendust.
LOU BRUTUS is currently working on his first book. It’s a collection of music industry war stories and photography, mixed with the museum sized collection of music memorabilia he has collected in his travels including thousands of backstage passes, ticket stubs, guitar picks, and concert posters. It will be entitled “One Man – Two Thousand Concerts: The Greatest Freakin’ Collection of Music Junk and Stories in History.” Sample chapter titles include “The Time Our Tour Bus Ran Over A Suicidal Crack Head on the New Jersey Turnpike,” “The Time I Hid in A Broom Closet So Frank Sinatra’s Bodyguards Wouldn’t Break My Legs, Wrap Me in Chain Link Fence & Drop Me Into the Ocean”, and “The Time I Went to the Arctic and Got In A Mosh Pit with A Bunch of Eskimos While Metallica Sang About Fucking A Goat.”
Well it’s rapidly approaching the end of 2013 and time for my top releases of the year. While there were so many fantastic records from both new and established artists, there are a few that just burrowed into my brain and I couldn’t shake them. There are 16 that I am going to mention here and they are in no particular order as they are all incredible in my book. To those bands who aren’t listed here, relax I have another post planned to address you.
When you have a CD from a band that has members like Vinny Appice, Rex Brown, Mark Zavon, and Dewey Bragg you know your’re in for a treat. This CD kicks ass on so many levels. The music of KDH sounds familiar and distinctly unique, giving you a feeling that this band has been around for years but yet remaining fresh. Do NOT miss out on this CD, here’s a taste:
My boys in Scattered Hamlet deliver on their full length release and then some. Remember when music made you feel something? Skeleton Dixie gets right in and touches your musical soul. Throughout the years these guys have become family to me and I have the great fortune of being mentioned in this CD as well. You WILL love it! Get some:
When Billy Sheehan, Mike Portnoy, and Richie Kotzen get together you know you’re gonna get something great. There was a lot of buzz around this project and when it came to fruition it delivered in spades. Great straight up rock n’ roll, there needs to me more records like this one. Check it:
Tom Keifer has always been one of my favorite vocalists. The gritty soulfulness of his voice is iconic. It has been quite a while since we have had new music from Tom and it has been worth the wait. Bluesy with a razors edge is what you find on this record. Take a listen:
I find it funny that I have included Stryper on this list. I’ll admit that I was not really the biggest Stryper fan back in the day, I have found a new respect for them in this record. They have a tenacity that will not quit. Strong in their beliefs, and strong in their musical passion is what landed them here. (On a side note, I recently interviewed Michael Sweet and have one coming up with Oz Fox). Here’s the title track:
Black Water Rising has been honing this record for a few years, and it shows. These guys have been in my ears for a few years now and I finally got to see them live and hear some of these songs live. BWR brings powerful rock n’ roll and here is some for ya :
Adrian Galysh is one of hidden talents that the world has yet to discover. I received this CD for review and was completely amazed by it, and I believe you will be too. listen to this CD and hear a mans passion transferred to his music.
Korn has welcomed Head back into its fold and released one of their best CDs to date. I believe that their life experiences has caused this band to grow and mature and that growth is reflected in The Paradigm shift. “Never Never” has become one of my favorite tracks. Check out the video and see why:
Death Alley Motor Cult is one of those bands that you want to hang out with but you remember what your mom said to you about the company you keep. Their music is like that too, when you listen to it you feel dirty, dangerous, and cool, very very cool. The Outlaw Chronicles needs to be played at 11 and in a conspicuous place so you can “enlighten” those in need of a visceral experience.
Sometimes I catch grief for listening to A7X, but this band gives me hope for newer music. upon the heels of suffering the loss of their founding drummer “The Rev” they have come back with strong music that has shaken up the pop laden music charts. Hail To The King pays homage to the bands that inspired these guys. Hail To The King:
Clutch is one of those bands that will always remain just under the radar. Earth Rocker is a great album that unfortunately many people will not get to hear. Clutch is a band that gets ignored by the mainstream and yet I think they are happy with that. Great band, great show, great record. Do yourself a favor and listen to Earth Rocker and then dig into the music of Clutch. Here’s “Crucial Velocity”:
Adrenaline Mob put out this CD of covers that is just incredibly awesome. They cover Van Halen’s “Romeo Delight” with the power and aggression that I think it deserved from the beginning. I usually do not put cover albums on my list, but this one has a place. Check this out:
Last Patrol takes you on a psychedelic journey into the mind of Dave Wyndorf. Monster Magnet is back on their game with their latest release. Just caught these guys on tour in support of Last Patrol and the songs kick ass live!
Mindcage came out of left field and socked me in the head with this one. Our Own Devices creates a magical world with their powerful music. I have said that is transports you away from the mundane and I stand by that statement. Here you go:
Those of you who know me knew this one would end up on here. Zakk and co. have always and will always be one of my favorites. Unblackened gives new life to some of the most iconic BLS tracks. While the members may change, Black Label Society will remain STRONGER THAN DEATH.
Of all of the great and wonderful 2013 releases on my list, this is most magical for me. Having considered Tracii Guns one of my favorite guitarists for years and years I was supremely stoked when I caught wind of this project. When I finally had it in my hands it was all that I expected and then some. Trippy , ethereal and full of passion, and soul the music found on here is the kind we grew up listening to. Thank you Tracii!
The Vegas strip had nothing on the Sunset Strip when it came to rock ‘n’ roll, and a new multi-media show is bringing that experience to the stage in a special sneak preview. LET IT RAWK will debut in the Chrome Showroom at Santa Fe Station and Casino in Las Vegas on Saturday, January 18 at 9pm PST.
LET IT RAWK is a loud, colorful, energetic and interactive experience of the hair metal era on LA’s Sunset Strip. The showroom and stage will be infused with the sights and energy of a legendary rock club. Performed by guys who were there, shaping the scene, the show’s playlist includes the greatest hits from the ‘80s and early ‘90s. From Warrant to Motley Crue the best anthems will be performed in all the glory of the day. And hits from the LET IT RAWK band’s careers are highlights.
The LET IT RAWK band is the real deal. It’s fronted by Black “N Blue and ex-Warrant vocalist Jaime St. James. Guitarist Oz Fox is in the platinum-selling Christian glam rock band, Stryper. Dokken’s Sean McNabb has played bass for other Kings of The Sunset Strip including Great White and Quiet Riot. Drummer Brent Fitz from Slash And The Conspirators will be slamming the skins. Brent has also played for Vince Neil and Alice Cooper. The band will also feature floating members, such as Eddie Ojeda from Twisted Sister and Bullet Boys original drummer Jimmy D’Anda. The anchor of the band is LET IT RAWK’s creator and producer, Stacey Blades.
Stacey’s ten years with L.A. Guns cemented him as a must-watch guitar player, and his final record with the band, HOLLYWOOD FOREVER, earned him critical acclaim for his exceptional fretwork. He left the band last year to pursue his other projects, including LET IT RAWK. “I have been diligently working on this project since last March, and am super stoked to be sharing the stage with such awesome guys and talented musicians. The show will be playing a few times a month here in Vegas and then be doing casino shows nationally, LET IT RAWK! See you out there!”
LET IT RAWK debuts in the Chrome Showroom at Santa Fe Station and Casino, 4949 North Rancho Drive, Las Vegas, on Saturday, January 18 at 9pm PST. General admission tickets are $21. VIP meet-and-greet upgrades will be available soon. Tickets are available athttp://www.ticketmaster.com/event/17004B798ED17265.
1. Resurrects
2. Brick By Brick
3. When You Fall
4. Flying
5. Movie In My Mind
6. Luminae
7. La Dolce Vita
8. Tone Poet
9. Epoch
10. Echoes of El Greco
11. Ur of the Chaldees
12. Spring (The Return)
I love stumbling onto something new and awesome. Tone Poet by Adrian Galysh is one of those finds. I have been diggin’ on this CD for a little bit now and keep enjoying it over and over. This CD is full of killer riffs and tasty hooks. I had written a review of the CD already but decided to do a rewrite after another listen in my mobile office (my truck).
It is a shame that quality music like Adrian makes has so little mainstream outlets. The world really could use music like Adrian has made on Tone Poet. There is no “fast food” music here, it is all written from the soul and for the love of music.
Songs like “Flying”, “When You Fall”, “Tone Poet”, and “Spring (The Return)” are the tracks that call out to me. The songs on Tone Poet are magical in the way they draw you into the world woven by Adrian Galysh. His music really takes you away to another place where you can leave the mundane world behind.
Melodic, yet powerful is how I would sum up the music of Tone Poet from Adrian Galysh. The fluidity of his work on the fret-board is hypnotic and magical. If you love music made for the love of music Tone Poet by Adrian Galysh is a necessity in you music collection.
With the recent departure of Nick “Evil Twin” Catanese laying heavy on my thoughts, and the abundance of posts littering the internet, I have decided to talk about Black Label Society and my views.
In 1998 when Zakk established Black Label Society he called together a family that knows no bounds. Yes I said family don’t get me wrong, there are fans of Black Label Society as well, but there is a Black Label Society Family that is like no other.
Over the years I have had the chance to get to know certain Family members and had the great fortune to call them Brothers and Sisters. This Family shares in the joys and sorrows of each other and stands strong in its support of one another.
When there is a BLS event near or far you can be sure the Family will gather and great times will ensue. The Family members that make the gathering share pictures and stories with the ones who were unable to attend thus making them feel a part of the event. Some family members even pick up swag for those that couldn’t go.
Let’s talk about GI/FD, SDMF.
Strength, Determination, Merciless, Forever: yup we are all that and then some. I have those words tattooed on my arm and I look at them every day. They are my mantra in this crazy world, they give me balance. Let’s examine these words one at a time.
STRENGTH: It comes in many ways and from many sources. One has to be strong when others need it, and one needs the strength to accept help when it is needed and given.
DETERMINATION: In today’s throw a way world it is easy to say “screw it” and give up. Giving up is not the BLS Family way period. The support given by our Brothers and Sisters keeps your heart in the game and gives you the determination to power through the rough times, Determination indeed.
MERCILESS: Woe be to those who try to tear us asunder. We are Merciless to those naysayers and those that doubt who we are. United we shall stand for all time.
FOREVER: This Family is eternal beyond forever. There are Family members who have passed on out of our world and yet they remain with us in the pictures, posts, lives, and hearts in this world. There are far too many Family members that are important to me to give individual shout outs but as you read this you’ll know who you are and my respect and love for you runs deep. I thank you from the bottom of my Black Bleedin’ heart.
GI/FD: Get It Fucking Done indeed, don’t just talk about it do it! There are so many people out there who never do anything. They plan and think “if only”, “I wish” ….on and on. Enjoy what we have and share that joy with others. You will be amazed at how full your life will become.
Thank you Father Zakk for calling us together, we will be here and will stand beside you Beyond Forever.
BLS Family: Yeah we’re Family and I like to think that the strength and power of the Family Zakk called together blows his mind, or maybe it’s what he intended all along…….
the Hellion Rocks 