Category Archives: Classic Rock

CROWS CAGE – FORGIVEN SINS CD review

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     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

New York Dolls celebrate 40th anniversary of their debut record

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     The New York Dolls are a far too overlooked band. The Dolls influenced many bands that we all know and love: Sex Pistols, Kiss, the Ramones, Guns N’ Roses, the Damned, the Smiths, it goes on and on. They began a movement which gave us the “spectacle” of rock. It was ok to glam it up and go to a show. It was ok to be over the top. The Dolls made us feel good about who we were. Today 07/27/13 marks the 40th anniversary of their debut studio album “New York Dolls” on Mercury Records. Produced by the legendary Todd Rundgren it is a record that I find still relevant to this day.

Thank you David Johansen, Arthur “Killer” Kane, Jerry Nolan, Sylvain Sylvain, and Johnny Thunders for making this wonderful record. Do yourself a favor and give it listen and see why the bands we love were influenced by them.

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

    the Hellion

MY CONVERSATION WITH RUDY SARZO

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at the meet and greet

at the meet and greet

Rudy Sarzo, his accomplishments are many: Ozzy, Quiet Riot, Whitesnake, M.A.R.S., Manic Eden, Michael Angelo Batio, Dio, Bassinvaders, “Ripper” Owens, Animetal USA, Queensryche, Project Rock, TRED, and several others. Rudy has become a legendary bass player that has inspired so many musicians. I was fortunate to have met him recently after a Queensryche show. Imagine my response  when I confirmed an interview with him. The interview went well (a few rude people make noise in the beginning though) and Rudy  was certainly a warm and down to earth person. I cannot thank him enough for taking the time to do an interview with me. Here’s the link and enjoy:

 

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

the Hellion

Interview with Robert Sarzo about his new release AFTER THE STORM.

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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!

Robert Sarzo releases After The Storm

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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!

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

All Axess Launches the First of their Platinum Series Instructional Lessons with LAMB OF GOD’s Willie Adler

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Willie Adler’s “Destructional” Guitar Lesson Available Now

Premier online music community and media company AllAxess.com have partnered with multi Grammy-nominated guitarist Willie Adler to launch the first of their Platinum Series Music Instruction Series.

 

All Axess have continued to make their mark on the music and media world with the addition of the Platinum Series which offer an intimate and insightful look into the approach and playing of some of the world’s top musicians. The Platinum Series contains the most interactive and personal music lessons ever and not only feature never-before audio and video content, but chances for the fans to interact and communicate with their favorite artists.

 

All Axess Co-founder and DevilDriver guitarist Jeff Kendrick comments about the release of the Platinum Series lessons:

 

“I am extremely pleased to not only offer the first of All Axess’s Platinum series instructional lessons, but to bring you the playing techniques and insights of one of the most respected heavy metal guitarists in the world. Cannot wait for all of you to enjoy it.”

 

Willie Adler’s “Destructional” Lesson will be the inaugural video lesson released by All Axess and will contain all aspects of his guitar playing and musicianship. The lesson will encompass the following:

 

1.) A complete insight into Willie’s guitar playing and will include warm-up routines, left and right-handed exercises, riffs and melodies that Willie has crafted over many years of playing.

 

2.) New, never before heard six “jam tracks” and audio loops produced solely by Willie for this lesson. Tracks include guitar and drum parts.

 

3.) Jam tracks will also be made available as session files and audio stems for the fans.

 

4.) Multi-camera angles that capture the riffs and techniques that have made Willie one of the most respected guitarists in the world.

 

5.) A unique user name and password that gives the user “Axess” to follow-up question and answer sessions with Willie.

 

6.) Corresponding lesson tablature to follow along and learn from.

 

7.) User’s will have opportunities in the future to upload and share ideas with other players and enter contests to win prizes.

 

How much would you guess this lesson costs? $80.00?… $100.00? We are offering a limited time only discounted rate of $7.99 for the next 30 days! The lesson will retail for $19.95 after the pre-sale! Hurry up and purchase yours today!

 

All Axess will be bringing you a ton more lessons and new surprises, please stay tuned to AllAxess.com.

 

 

 

ABOUT ALLAXESS.COM:

 

Founded in 2011 by DevilDriver guitarists Jeff Kendrick and Mike Spreitzer, AllAxess.com quickly became a pioneering music media community online. In addition to its main hub site with exclusive lessons and video from the world’s top musicians, the company encompasses a myriad of official sites for individual players. These include Willie Adler (Lamb of God), Chris Kael (Five Finger Death Punch), Paolo Gregoletto (Trivium) and more. The brand also boasts a series of individual lesson videos, personal merchandising, official social media pages, and more. AllAxess.com has been profiled in Forbes,Metal Hammer, and ARTISTdirect.com as well as numerous other media.

 

THESE HEARTS – YOURS TO TAKE IN STORES NOW (7/10)

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THESE HEARTS has returned with the release of their sophomore album, Yours To Take. THESE HEARTSteamed up with Joey Sturgis (ASKING ALEXANDRIA) and Andrew Wade (A DAY TO REMEMBER) to create the perfect soundtrack to your summer. THESE HEARTS‘ sound is a combination of honest, refreshing, and spirited choruses with stellar guest appearances from vocalists Mattie Montgomery (FOR TODAY) and Bert Poncet (CHUNK! NO, CAPTAIN CHUNK), Yours To Take boasts a balanced collection of both heavy and emotive anthems. New Noise Magazine agrees, calling the album “everything you could want from THESE HEARTS and more” and “proof that they can succeed at writing and playing any style they chose”.

We brought you A DAY TO REMEMBER and TAKING BACK SUNDAY, if you liked those bands you will loveTHESE HEARTS. Order your copy of Yours To Take at VictoryMerch.com or download the album at iTunes /AmazonMP3 and see why Huffington Post awarded it “5 out of 5 stars”. The album is also available at Best Buy for $7.99, FYE, Hastings and independent retailers.

The album release tour begins July 18th in Joliet, IL. See a full list of tour dates here.

For more information on These Hearts:
https://www.facebook.com/thesehearts

https://twitter.com/TheseHeartsBand

http://www.victoryrecords.com/thesehearts
http://www.these-hearts.com/

Tour Dates:
7/18 – Joliet, IL @ Mojoe’s
7/19 – South Bend, IN @ Generic
7/20 – Kalkaska, MI @ The Fairgrounds
7/21 – Chesterfield, MI @ NYNY
7/24 – Newport, KY @ Thompson House
7/25 – Indianapolis, IN @ Irving Theater
7/26 – Terre Haute, IN @ THMV
7/27 – St. Louis, MO @ Fubar

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GUITARIST ROB SMITH – LANDS A PRS GUITAR ENDORSEMENT

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Who says hard work and perseverance doesn’t pay off.  Rob has been a friend of mine for quite a while now and this news come with great joy to me. Rob truly deserves this endorsement. Rob has been a staple in the music industry for years. He has championed the local music scenes in everywhere he has called home. He lends his valued experience to so many people. I know he loves PRS guitars and he definitely knows his way around them. What’s cool about Rob is that he has his own distinct sound. With his bands Voice Of December and Darken The Day he will put this endorsement to great use.

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Congrats to my brother Rob, you’ve earned it!!! Check out the release at http://www.prsguitars.com/artists/  under new artist profiles. Check out Rob and his bands at: https://www.facebook.com/vodband and https://www.facebook.com/DarkenTheDay?fref=ts

 

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

the Hellion

 

SKY ROCK 2013 – MORBID JUSTICE, LA GUNS, DOKKEN, AND SKID ROW!!!

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600147_483367895072056_1127127107_n   Sky Rock 2013 was a blast! Mrs. Hellion and I picked up daughter Hellion and then made a trek to grab Charlie “MF” Owens and headed out towards Acoma NM. We had an interview scheduled with Dave “The Snake” Sabo from Skid Row  and were trying to coordinate interviews with Dokken and LA Guns. We enjoyed some rock n’ roll conversations along the way, good times with great people. We made it to Acoma and and worked out the details to get our press credentials and were treated with not only photo passes but all access as well.

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     We then hiked the back forty up the hill to the concert area and waited for entry into the amphitheater. We immediately ran into local openers Morbid Justice. We hung out and talked them for a bit before getting to work on covering the show.

Morbid Justice with Charlie "MF" Owens.

Morbid Justice with Charlie “MF” Owens.

Morbid Justice and the Hellion

Morbid Justice and the Hellion

     Morbid Justice put on a brutal set. With hints of early Pantera, Megadeth, and Metallica they came and they kicked ass. The crowd gave them a mighty reception and the band fed off the audience making their set even better. Great job Morbid Justice!!!

Morbid Justice

Morbid Justice

 

Morbid Justice

Morbid Justice

 

Morbid Justice

Morbid Justice

 

Morbid Justice

Morbid Justice

LA Guns hit  the stage running playing a mix of well known classics mixed in with tracks from their new release Hollywood Forever. Phil Lewis had no trouble hitting all of his notes and his voice was spot on. Steve Riley still has the chops behind the kit and Scott Griffin kept the bottom end in check. Newcomer Michael Grant showed some serious talent on the six string. It was great to hear the songs that were part of the heyday of the Sunset Strip!

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     Dokken brought out the hits we all know and love. Coupled with a few new tracks they laid down a solid set giving the fans what they were waiting to hear. Don Dokken was clear and on his game. Mick Brown drums, Sean McNabb on bass, and John Levin on guitar. Great players one and all. Unfortunately we had to cut it short on watching the Dokken set as we had an interview to film with Skid Row.

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     We Set up and did our interview with Dave “The Snake” Sabo amidst the  hustle and bustle and craziness that was the backstage area. We only had a few minutes with Dave so we made the best of it and pounded out a great interview. Check it out right here:

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     Skid Row owned the show without a doubt. Tight, fun, and full of energy Skid Row was a joy to watch. Johnny Solinger drew the audience in with his magnetic personality. Engaging the crowd and delivering powerful vocals. The twin guitar assault of Dave Sabo and Scotti Hill was amazing to say the least. Rachel Bolan’s bass thundered throughout the nearby hills, he even treated us to vocals on “Psychotherapy”. Rob Hammersmith provided the beat that kept them all in time. They performed the classic songs to perfection and intermingled songs off of their new EP United World Rebellion (which is an amazing piece of work). Skid Row definitely owned the night.

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     All in all a successful evening of ROCK N’ ROLL!!! Thank you Morbid Justice, LA Guns, Dokken, and Skid Row for the music!!!

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

     the Hellion

DEATH ALLEY MOTOR CULT – THE OUTLAW CHRONICLES TRACK BY TRACK: “BOW DOWN”

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The lead off single from the new DAMC  record does NOT disappoint, 2 minutes and 49 seconds of pure aggression.  This track opens as if someone is impatiently knocking at your door and then just decides to kick it in and come right in. Once they’re in, look out, some serious shit’s about to go down. The groove sets in and you almost find yourself involuntarily banging your head in time with the music. When the vocals kick in you are not sure if  Dave has just gargled with some whiskey laced with razor blades and is ready to kick some ass, and you quickly feel his passion. You definitely do NOT want to be the subject of this song. It will get your blood flowing, fist pumping, and fill you full of adrenaline. You wont need an energy drink after listening to this, in fact, if you listen to this track every morning when you get up you will have all the energy you need for the day! Gang vocals, pounding drum beat, throbbing bass, and dirty guitars make “Bow Down” a hell of a good single to introduce us to The Outlaw Chronicles. ARE YOU READY?

DEATH ALLEY MOTOR CULT IS

Death Alley Dave – Vocals and Lead Guitar
Zero-G – Rhythm Guitar and backing Vox
The Falcon – Bass and backing vox
The Banker – Drums

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Death-Alley-Motor-Cult/276917487784

http://www.deathalleymotorcult.com/

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

     the Hellion