I have always had a fascination with The Doors. Their music, lyrics, and mystique beckoned me at a very young age. The Doors took me on many, many trips through their music. One of the many cool things about Ray was the fact The Doors lacked a bassist, so Manzarek usually played the bass parts on a Fender Rhodes Piano. Wow, that was cool. I will miss you Ray, thank you for the music. I will shed a tear for you brother.
Bret Campbell – Vocals
Matt Molloy – Guitar/Vocals
Jordan Hankey – Bass/Vocals
Beau Bricher – Drums/Vocals
Little did I know that when I picked Strikes At One as a band to check out I would actually get a chance to see them live and interview them. I received a message from them on Facebook saying they would be playing a show near me on their way to Rocklahoma. We set up an interview and had a good time hanging out. We got to see an interesting set from them (including a rising police car, Beau drumming from behind a plexiglass screen, screams of “Santana”, and a micro stage). All in all an interesting evening from one kick ass band.
There are moments in Rock N’ Roll music that would be cool to have seen. The birth of the Beatles, the beginning of the punk rock movement,Led Zeppelin in their glory days, Aerosmith when they first hit the scene, Guns N’ Roses when they were still hungry and raw. These are but a few moments in Rock N’ Roll music that stand out. Well my friends, the powers of Rock N’ Roll music have struck again with Sunset Riot.
Hailing from Australia, these guys went to ground and did their homework. Seeking inspiration from their Rock N’ Roll heroes, Sunset Riot delivers a brand of Rock N” Roll that, while familiar, is uniquely their own.
Members JP – guitars/vocals, Dellacoma Rio – vocals, Ziggy Scott – guitars/vocals, Resh – drums, and Simo – bass, each bring their unique personalities to the band and give it life and magic. I say magic because I have seen people from all backgrounds simply fall in love with the band and their music after witnessing a Sunset Riot show. Yes Sunset Riot puts on a “show”, no getting onstage and staring at their shoes for these guys. They take us back to a time when Rock N’ Roll was fun and it was an event. Exploding onto stage with swagger and power they will make you smile.
Dellacoma Rio- vocals; Del brings everything you want in a front man. He does not limit himself to the stage, at one show I was at he actually left the venue and was singing to the people outside the club and encouraging them to come in, at another he jumped up and was swinging from the light rigging. Del draws you into the show by coming into the crowd and singing with you. Then, of course, there is the sex appeal for the ladies. He plays up to the women by singing to them and giving them that moment of unabashed enjoyment. Del has definitely brought back the iconic figure of the front men of old.
Del working the crowd
JP – guitars/vocals: JP brings that classic guitar hero right back around. Feeling every note that he plays, and showing it, he will make you feel them too. JP has taken all that is cool about guitar players and amplified to 11 and beyond. You will hear nods to some of your favorite guitarists of the past in JP’s style of playing. Jumping in periodically on vocals JP rounds out his all out rock star image.
JP – owning on guitar
Ziggy- guitars/vocals: Ziggy gives Sunset Riot that twin guitar sound we all know and love. Ziggy’s playing complements JP’s so well and yet stands out on its own. From rhythm to lead his toolbox of tricks is top-notch. Providing backup vocals and harmonies makes Ziggy invaluable to the Sunset Riot sound.
Ziggy an all out rockstar
Resh – drums: Although quiet and reserved in person, Resh is a beast onstage. An impeccable drummer with just enough flair to compliment his playing without hindering it. I was quite surprised to recently learn that he also plays guitar making him a musician of top-notch caliber. Smiles and positive mental attitude make Resh a joy to know.
Resh the master of the beat
Simo – bass: Young and full of enthusiasm Simo is quite the solid player. Simo flies about the stage as if he had wings, all smiles and hair. Simo’s style of playing is reminiscent of early Cliff Burton and Jason Newstead. Holding down the bottom end in perfect sync with Resh, Simo is a recent addition to Sunset Riot and an addition that was well-played by them.
Simo spreading the love
Sunset Riot is a band poised on greatness. They are ready to champion the cause of feel good Rock N’ Roll that we all remember and love. The band has fun on stage, smiles, high fives, playing off of each others moves.
Sunset Riot LIVE!!!
The music of Sunset Riot is infectious, you WILL find yourself humming or singing their songs after being exposed to them. In a recent conversation with Del’s father, Terry, he mentioned to me of a 90-year-old woman and her 40-year-old son who caught Sunset Riot at a show and were impressed enough with the band they went and introduced themselves.
My good friend and brother Charlie Owens is the one responsible for introducing me to this band and he has been their champion for quite a while now. I, in turn, have introduced others to this band. They are totally self funded and are currently on their third US tour entirely on their own. It will take all of us to help this band achieve their place in the music world that they deserve. So do Rock N’ Roll a favor and spread the word.
Now, crank up your speakers, fire up the big screen, and enjoy this bit of a live Sunset Riot performance I shot recently, you will understand what I mean.
It’s been almost a year since I last saw Sunset Riot. I met this OZ-some band last year and it was love at first sight. Down to earth, personable, and hard working, Dellacoma, JP, Resh, Ziggy, and Simo welcomed me as family with hugs and much love. When we saw them before the show last night it was like seeing family that lives far away and you get to see sparingly. We caught up for a moment and then the madness began.
Ziggy, Simo, the Hellion, JP, Dellacoma, Resh
After an introduction by my brother Charlie Owens the band took the stage and never gave it back. Whirling about the stage like dynamos Sunset Riot delivered their brand of “OZ-some” Rock N’ Roll and then some. This combination of musicians has the right chemistry for success. JP owns the right side of the stage and delivers guitar playing like the guitar gods of old.
the ever amazing JP
Like a madman about the stage, Ziggys’ guitars provide the perfect balance to JP.
Ziggy rockin’ the mic
Simo, who joined the band on their tour last year, is the perfect fit for Sunset Riot. His bass playing style is aggressive and solid.
Simo, you know you love him!
Ahhh Resh, this guy knows his way around a drum kit. He keeps the band in perfect rhythm.
Resh keeping perfect time as usual
And then there’s Dellacoma, the epitome of a rockstar. Slithering around the stage like a wild animal, driving the women crazy with his sensuality. Making the crowd feel like they are part of the show, sharing his microphone with various crowd members at times, singing to various people, thoroughly bringing the crowd into his space.
Dellacoma – front man extraordinaire
What can I say about a Sunset Riot performance? Well here’s taste, and if you wanna know more you’re gonna have to see for yourself:
UPDATE:
After spending most of today with the guys just hanging out I was asked by Ziggy “Why do you like Sunset Riot?” Here is my answer:
Sunset Riot is a band that just plain makes you feel good. Sometimes when things just seem to piss me off, there is Sunset Riot playing inside my head. The songs get inside you and just fill you with good vibes. Catchy, hook laden, flowing lyrics, combined with down to earth band members, what else could a music lover ask for? A Sunset Riot show? An hour of leaving your cares at the door, hanging with family and friends, a smile from ear to ear, and that smile will stay with you for a while.
AVANTASIA “THE MYSTERY OF TIME” OUT NOW IN NORTH AMERICA
New masterpiece from Tobias Sammet available on Nuclear Blast
GERMANY – The Mystery of Time, the latest release from German composer and vocalist Tobias Sammet’s, Avantasia, is out now in North America on Nuclear Blast Records. Featuring a 60-piece-symphonic-orchestra, the German Filmorchestra Babelsberg (Rammstein, Celine Dion, Bryan Adams) and guest appearances by Biff Byford (Saxon), Michael Kiske (Unisonic, ex-Helloween), Joe Lynn Turner (ex-Rainbow, ex-Deep Purple), Eric Martin (Mr. Big), Ronnie Atkins (Pretty Maids), Bruce Kulick (ex-Kiss, ex-Meat Loaf), Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon), Bob Catley (Magnum), Russell Gilbrook (Uriah Heep) and more, The Mystery of Time can be purchased online through the Nuclear Blast web-store: http://smarturl.it/AvaMysTi and Amazon.com: http://smarturl.it/avmytiamz, or digitally via iTunes: http://bit.ly/avamotit.
While Sammet has sold more than 3 million discs worldwide, The Mystery of Time easily set Avantasia sales records when it released in Germany earlier this month; it sold more than twice as many copies as any previous Avantasia album in the first week of its release, while rocketing straight to #2 on the official German Mediacontrol album charts. The record also cracked the Top 10 in Finland, Sweden and England.
THE SWORD PREMIERE NEW “CLOAK OF FEATHERS” VIDEO EXCLUSIVELY ON VEVO
In conjunction with their forthcoming tour supporting Clutch (starting this Wednesday May 1stin Richmond, VA), The Sword today release their new video, “Cloak Of Feathers.” The video, directed by Rich Ragsdale, is the second clip from The Sword’s fourth album,Apocryphon (Razor & Tie). To view “Cloak Of Feathers”, click here VEVO(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyJR5sGEdaM).
The Sword Tour Dates With Clutch
5/1/13 Richmond, VA The National
5/2/13 New York, NY Terminal 5
5/3/13 Clifton Park, NY Upstate Concert Hall
5/4/13 Portland, ME State Theatre
5/5/13 Boston, MA House of Blues Boston
5/7/13 Charlotte, NC Amos’ Southend
5/9/13 St Petersburg State Theatre
5/10/13 Fort Lauderdale, FL Revolution Live
5/11/13 Orlando, FL House of Blues Orlando
5/12/13 Pensacola, FL Vinyl Music Hall
5/14/13 New Orleans, LA House of Blues New Orleans
Rob Traynor-Vocals/Guitar
Dennis Kimak-Guitar
Mike Meselsohn-Drums
Oddie Mclaughlin-Bass
The first time I heard the track “Brother Go On” by Black Water Rising it stopped me in my tracks. Groovin’ with a heavy vibe it was something special. After searching around for the record, to no avail in the stores, I ordered it online and was completely satisfied. Heavy with killer riffs, powerful lyrics it kept my attention with every song. Here we are years later and there is an impending new release from Black Water Rising and, I nailed an interview with vocalist/guitarist/founder Rob Traynor.
Before you listen to the interview, Which includes the new track “Show No Mercy”, watch the video which started it all for me “Brother Go On”:
ORCHID LAUNCHES “WIZARD OF WAR” MUSIC VIDEO, “THE MOUTHS OF MADNESS” ALBUM STREAM
“The Mouths Of Madness” out May 14 on Nuclear Blast
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – San Francisco, Calif. doom rocker, Orchid, has released the official music video for “Wizard of War,” the first single off the band’s upcoming masterpiece The Mouths Of Madness, out May 14 on Nuclear Blast. Check out the video on YouTube at: http://youtu.be/VA_Q8ci7bag.
Fans can pre-order The Mouths Of Madness on CD and vinyl via the Nuclear Blast web-store at: http://smarturl.it/Orchid.
01. Mouths of Madness
02. Marching Dogs of War
03. Silent One
04. Nomad
05. Mountains of Steel
06. Leaving It All Behind
07. Loving Hand of God
08. Wizard of War
09. See You on the Other Side
Carrying the 70’s-doom-hard-rock vibe to a new level of intensity and adding new facets to the work of art, Orchid has succeeded in staying true to its roots while refining its trademark sound at the same time.
The Mouths Of Madness instrumental recordings, split into two separate sessions, were done in Hyde Street Studios, San Francisco, Calif. (Dead Kennedys, Mr. Bungle, Joe Satriani, Exodus) as well as in Laughing Tiger Studios, San Rafael, Calif. (Santana, Sammy Hagar), before long-time producer and engineer Will Storkson and his home studio came into play, where the vocals were tracked.
The Mouths Of Madness was mastered by Richard Whittaker, who also took care of the latest Black Sabbath and Thin Lizzy rereleases/analogue transfers. The legendary producer had this to say: “I’ve been a huge fan of Orchid since I first heard their debut EP back in 2009, and they’ve certainly come a long way since then. So, as you can imagine, to be asked to work with Orchid on their records was an honor and a pleasure.
“The Mouths Of Madness is such a well-crafted and awe inspiring album. Sonically, it’s 1974 meets 2013 which, for me, takes the Sabath/Pentagram vibe to a whole new level.”
As an appetizer for The Mouths Of Madness, Orchid recently released the exclusive 10″ vinyl EP. ‘Wizard Of War,’ containing a brand new track, a rare bonus track as well as one song off the band’s stunning debut album Capricorn. The EP can also be purchased via the above link.
Stay tuned for more information on Orchid and The Mouths Of Madness.
the Hellion Rocks 