Category Archives: Classic Rock

KILLINGER!!!

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http://www.facebook.com/KILLINGERROCKS

http://killingerrocks.com
http://twitter.com/#!/Killingerrocks
http://www.reverbnation.com/killingerrocks
http://www.myspace.com/killingerrocks

With an over-the-top one of a kind live show you have to see to believe, the band has already established a solid fan base in Western Canada and the USA, touring for the past two years with Lynch Mob, Stryper, Volbeat, Hellyeah, Iced Earth and on tour Oct, Nov 2012 with Black Label Society.

From the sonic frontier of Western Canada, a new band has emerged that is surprising many with a fresh new style and sound. The band is called KILLINGER and its genesis came about when Dave Williams and Kevin Morin (lead vocalist and guitarist respectively) decided to team up to write intensively for an original project in 2008. Previously, Dave was lead vocalist for the tribute band, Rattpoison, while Kevin played guitar with Bonafide and Face First. Between them, they had supported numerous bands including BuckCherry, Jackyl, State of Shock, Econoline Crush and Vince Neil. “We talked about combining our skills to create a concept” states Kevin.

The concept was structured around key elements of†metal music that would emphasize melody and powerful delivery. Unlike many new hard rock acts, the project was to feature technical expertise in the musicianship while being accessible. The band was looking for a big sound and “I wanted it to be the biggest I’ve ever witnessed” says Dave. “The writing process for the album came together very naturally and easily.” “It came together so quickly that we needed a producer immediately” says Kevin. Rick Plester, who is with Black Symphony and has worked with guitar legends Michael Schenker and George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob), recorded and produced the debut album.Rick also appears as a guest guitar soloist. He helped get George Lynch as a guest artist and called on powerhouse drummer, Pete Holmes, to play all drums on the debut disk. Pete was a perfect fit for the sound of the band as he had extensive experience with hard rock group Black ‘n Blue as well as with Malice, Monster, Ian Gillan, Ted Nugent, Black Symphony and the Michael Schenker Group. R.J. Killinger plays bass on the debut recording but was unable to tour so Justin Craig was recruited as bassist, Bill Bourne, contributed background vocals to the self-titled KILLINGER album.
The songs caught the attention of legendary mixer/engineer Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Metallica, Aerosmith) and he has brought them to a new level with his talent. In addition, Vision Entertainment (Geoff McLean, Katharine Wilson) produced the video for the first single “Holding On” with director Marc Ricciardelli.
The video marks the debut of new drummer Chris Challice who was brought on board since Pete was busy touring with the Michael Schenker Group. Chris had recently been playing with a Motley Crue tribute band based out of Calgary. His true Crue roots, live performance antics and admiration of Tommy Lee made him a natural for KILLINGER. The chemistry of this band is truly amazing.

The huge sound captured on the first KILLINGER album is a crucial part of the band’s live performance. Anyone who has seen the band perform will likely say it was “LOUD”. This is the way rock music should be heard. The unique look, persona, energy, special effects and on-stage antics are all parts of the KILLINGER live show which is the very best way to experience KILLINGER.
It will be an experience you won’t soon forget.

Description:
With a contemporary sound that incorporates the best elements of hard rock and metal, Killinger are here to rock you! Hailing from Western Canada, Killinger is the raucous quartet comprised of frontman Dave Williams, lead guitarist Kevin Morin, bassist Justin Craig and drummer Chris Challice.

Killinger’s self-titled debut album is NOW Released as of Aug 30th 2011 via Sunmor Entertainment/BDG. BD

G is distributed by RED Distribution, LLC (a division of Sony Music Entertainment).

Download or buy it at the KILLINGER “Official Band Website”
http://www.killingerrocks.com/

Produced by Rick Plester (Michael Schenker, George Lynch) and mixed by Mike Fraser (Aerosmith, AC/DC, Metallica), Killinger features catchy melodies, big guitar riffs and a guest appearance by guitar great George Lynch.

With an over-the-top live show, the band has established a solid fan base in Western Canada and the USA, touring with the likes of Lynch Mob, Stryper, Volbeat, Hellyeah, Iced Earth and on tour Oct, Nov 2012 with Black Label Society.

Exclaim! best describes their sound as “gritty, double-time rock with soaring vocals and dive-bomb guitar solos…”, while The Belleville Intelligencer avowed, “Laden with crunching guitars, thunderous drums…the sound is huge…”

\m/
the Hellion

INXS…The touring ends… The music lives on…

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Perth, Western Australia, November 11: It ended fittingly where it began 35 years ago, in Perth, when INXS drummer Jon Farriss declared to a 15,000+ capacity house on the opening weekend of the brand new Perth Arena and the final night of the Matchbox Twenty / INXS Australian tour that from this point INXS would bring down the curtain as a live touring band. In a fitting homage to the band, Matchbox Twenty’s Rob Thomas joined the band (INXS) and vocalist Ciaran Gribbin on stage and performed INXS’s signature closer, Don’t Change, in the band’s encore.

The remaining band members of INXS, Tim, Andrew and Jon Farriss, Kirk Pengilly and Garry Beers issued this statement.

“We understand that this must come as a blow to everybody, but all things must eventually come to an end. We have been performing as a band for 35 years, it’s time to step away from the touring arena”

“Our music will of course live on and we will always be a part of that.”

“We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all the friends and family that have supported us throughout our extensive career. Our lives have been enriched by having you all as a part of the journey”

INXS forged their reputation as one of the world’s greatest live bands, relentlessly touring the US, Europe, South America, and the Far East constantly throughout the 80’s and early 90’s, fuelled by the success of records such as Listen Like Thieves, Kick, X, and Welcome To Wherever You Are.

That hard-earned and hard-won live reputation took INXS to the very pinnacle of the live world touring circuit with such memorable performances headlining iconic venues across the world… in the UK [Wembley Stadium 80,000], the US [Texas Stadium 60,000] and Rio De Janeiro [Rock in Rio 120,000].

But with the high, came a bitter and cruel blow… the loss of their charismatic and irreplaceable front man Michael Hutchence in November 1997.

“It’s been 35 years for INXS as a live touring band and unbelievably it’s been 15 years ago since we lost Michael” said Jon Farriss.

“We lived for each other in the trenches and we loved each other. It was the six of us against the world and then suddenly and inexplicably we were but five. We were lost right at the moment we were on top.”

The band struggled to deal with the enormity of it all and the easy solution was to just call it a day.

“We never took a soft option, it was the adversity, the challenge and the struggle that forged us into the live working band we became. And this was as big as it could possibly get when it came to a challenge” said Andrew Farriss, “and in the end we decided for a whole bunch of reasons to march forward. To us there was no other option, families always move forward.”

The band’s manager Chris Murphy said, “They believed unconditionally in each other and they also believed unconditionally in the music. People fade, sometimes way too early… that is life whether we like it or not. To live to 80 plus is a life well lived. To lose Michael so young was a tragedy for all of us. But with this band, their legacy, their music was just so damn good, it was always destined to live beyond all of us.”

The last 3 years has seen a resurgence of INXS with their songs being hammered on radio and a rise in audience numbers with the live show. The song Original Sin, with Rob Thomas on vocals, reached number 1 on the Billboard dance charts.

As Jon Farriss says,“INXS’ touring days could never last forever. We wanted it to end on a high. And it has”

End statement.

THE SWORD – WARP RIDERS VIDEO TRILOGY

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http://www.facebook.com/theswordofdoom?fref=ts

http://swordofdoom.com/

     The Sword did a very cool thing with the release of WARP RIDERS. They filmed a trilogy of very cool videos for the songs “Tres Brujas”, “Lawless Lands” , and “Nigth City” . Directed by Artificial Army, these videos have a cool vintage sci-fi look to them and I enjoy the hell out of them and thought you might as well. Check them out and tell me what you think!

Part one: “Tres Brujas”

Part two: “Lawless Lands”

Part three: “Night City”

Enjoy!

the Hellion

THE SWORD – APOCRYPHON

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http://www.facebook.com/theswordofdoom

http://www.swordofdoom.com/

1. The Veil Of Isis
2. Cloak Of Feathers
3. Arcane Montane
4. The Hidden Masters
5. Dying Earth
6. Execrator
7. Seven Sisters
8. Hawks & Serpents
9. Eyes Of The Stormwitch
10. Apocryphon

J. D. Cronise – vocals, guitar, production
Kyle Shutt – guitar, production
Bryan Richie – bass, synthesizers, production
Santiago “Jimmy” Vela III – drums, percussion, production

     In 2006 I picked up Age Of Winters based on the cover art and song titles. I put the CD in my player and was hooked, and I wondered why I wasn’t hearing The Sword on the radio. Oh yeah, not on the corporate play list. I have been a listener ever since and eagerly await each new release. Apocryphon came out on Oct. 2012 and is a slam dunk as expected. Dark, brooding, and HEAVY, this CD deserves to be played at 11 and no less. I am sad to see orginal drummer Trivett Wingo leave the band however new drummer  Santiago “Jimmy” Vela III fills in quite well. The songs are tight and well thought out giving the CD a nice flow.  I feel that with each subsequent release the band continues to grow and perfect its craft. I have only been fortunate to see them once live on support of Metallica’s Death Magnetic Tour in 2008 and they kicked my ass then, so hopefully they come near me on this tour. I HIGHLY recommend catching them if you can. At the least go to your local record store and pick up some CDs and you will NOT be disappointed. Stand out tracks for me are: “The Veil Of Isis” , ” Execrator”, “Hawks & Serpents”, and “Eyes Of The Stormwitch” . Here is the link to the lyric video for “Eyes Of The Stormwitch”:

Another kick ass band for ya!

the Hellion

 

DEAD SARA

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http://www.facebook.com/deadsara

http://www.deadsara.com/

     I have had several friends tell me to check out DEAD SARA recently. I was not disappointed with this band at all. Raw, soulful, powerful vocals from vocalist Emily Armstrong paired with crunchy, tasty guitar licks from Siouxsie Medley combined with a solid rhythm section of Sean Friday on drums and Chris Null on bass make a solid unit. If you are wondering, DEAD SARA took its name from the song “Sara” by Fleetwood Mac. Some people have misheard the lyrics “Said Sara” as “Dead Sara” in the song.

In April 2012, the band released their debut eponymous album through the label, Pocket Kid Records, produced by Noah Shain (Atreyu, Skrillex). The album peaked at No. 16 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Albums chart.

DEAD SARA seems to be taking the world by storm. With nods by Grace Slick, appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live”, and performing spring dates with Chevelle and The Used, the band spent the summer of 2012 touring as part of the Vans Warped Tour in the US. During the 2012 Sunset Strip Music Festival, Emily Armstrong performed “Soul Kitchen” with Robby Krieger and Ray Manzarek of The Doors.  In early fall 2012, the band toured with The Offspring and Neon Trees. In early 2013 they will hit the road with The Muse.

DEAD SARA  received the “Best New Rock Group” award at the “3rd annual Vegas Rocks! Magazine Awards 2012” on August 26, 2012. DEAD SARA  opened the awards show, which was broadcast live on AXS.tv, with a live performance of “Weatherman”

Check out the video for “Weatherman”:

 

Another great new band for ya!

the Hellion

WORNSTAR CLOTHING – WRAP YOURSELF IN SOME ROCKIN’ THREADS

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http://www.facebook.com/wornstar

http://www.WORNSTAR.com

     Wornstar clothing had me hooked by the get go. My good friend Adz Redpath from the band Darksite brought them to my attention. He wore their clothing onstage and swore by it.

ADZ REDPATH

     As I looked into getting some Wornstar clothing, I found that I knew several people who also wore their clothes and in turn, I helped others to find out about them and start wearing them as well.

        Kurt Arft                               John Exall                             Martin Tully       the Hellion

                 

      Mark Voykin

 

     These guys are just a few of the people I know that wear Wornstar Clothing. I find their products to be of the highest quality and their service world class. The attention to detail is amazing and the support of their customers is awe inspiring. Let’s learn a little about Wornstar from their site:

     Wornstar Rock n’ Roll Clothing for Rock Stars and Fans

Originally conceived in 2002 by Sylvia and Stephen Jensen, Wornstar Clothing was launched. Wornstar grew out of Sylvia’s 15 years of experience styling rock star photo shoots for her husband Stephen’s entertainment design and photography studio, F3 Studios. Beginning as altered clothing for photo shoots and album covers, Sylvia’s work quickly gained the attention of Stephen’s Rock Star clients and led to creating custom pieces for them to wear in front of the camera and on stage. Stephen had designed merchandise graphics for his rock star clients and several companies and even some other apparel companies and decided that starting a line with his wife was a natural extension of F3 Studios.

Stephen is responsible for designing guitars and graphics for Dimebag Darrell, Dave Mustaine, Shaun Glass, Corey Beaulieu, and more; album graphics for Dirge Within, Soil, A.M. Conspiracy and many others as well as created amazing artwork and ads for music industry manufacturers. Stephen is also known for his amazing photography and you can learn more about him on his website blog at

http://www.F3Studios.com/

This proven combination made the foundation of what Wornstar Clothing is all about.

The Wornstar Clothing line is a combination of exclusive graphic clothing and customized recycled clothing. Our goal is to make clothing for the rock n roll life style that is cool to look at and comfortable to wear. Every piece on this website can be purchased as is or customized to fit your taste and needs, or we can even design something from scratch specifically for you. Wornstar will be constantly updated, changing and evolving, so check back often.

Please visit our onlinestore for wear ready custom clothing or use the contact form to submit a request. http://www.Wornstar.com/

• Image Consulting
• Styling & Wardrobe Coordination
• Custom Clothing featuring designs by
Stephen Jensen, F3 Studios
• Custom Recycled Clothing
• Set Design
• Photography, Hair and Make-up, Design and Printing coordination

     Great people, great clothing, great company. Whether you are a performer, or just want to step up your game, you cannot go wrong with Wornstar clothing. Do yourself a favor and check them out and get noticed!

the Hellion

MADMAZE – GET LOST WITH SOME ITALIAN THRASH!!!

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http://www.facebook.com/madmazethrash

http://www.madmazethrash.com

The band started its activity back in 2002, when they were performing under the name of ABSENCE OF LIGHT, playing some classic thrash covers and also some own material, which, in the end, never came to a record. Then, some 4 years later, the band split and each member followed different musical paths: Alberto Dettori (vocals) and Mirko Virdis (drums) continued together with their existing brutal death combo UNBIRTH, as well as separately with BLOOD OF SEKLUSION and TRICK OR TREAT; Marco Quartieri (bass) joined COFFEE OVERDRIVE, while Luca Venturelli and Paolo Schioppa (guitars) participated in various acts in the local hard rock scene. Despite all that, the guys never got out of reach from each other and so, at the very beginning of 2010 Luca started talking about his desire to join forces once more and focus on their own songs. The idea was immediately approved by Alberto and Mirko, who also called UNBIRTH mate Alberto Baroni to replace Paolo on rhythm guitar. The last to join the band was eventually Eddie Cantoni (DUMPER), who took duties on bass. The time had come to choose a name and MAD MAZE fitted like a (metal) glove!

More great metal from Italy! These guys are solid, well composed, and poised to thrash your world! Be sure to check these  guys out and let’s spread the word! By helping each other out we open doors for the metal community. Music is truly Universal!!!
the Hellion

THANK YOU FOR READING!!!

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Well my blog has completely exceeded my dreams. over 15,000 views in over 100 countries! Thank you all! I am very humbled by the global response. One of my goals was to make this a blog for the people and to have the readers interact with it. Therefore, I am asking my readers for their input to the blog.  If you have ideas, a piece you wrote (CD reviews, show reviews, or just a subject you are passionate about) please send it to me and I will review it for inclusion on the blogsite. You can reach me at janaya64@msn.com or message me here. Be a part of the Hellion rocks!!!

 

the Hellion

WHEN A BAND CHANGES DIRECTION (OR DOESN’T)

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How many times have you heard “This band sold out” or “That band went mainstream”? I have heard this about several bands throughout the years. Let;s take a look at several bands that have “changed direction” , or have stayed the same and if that has worked for them.

     QUEEN 1971 – 1991 the Freddie Mercury years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Queen remains one of my favorite bands of all times. The band was constantly evolving and changing throughout their career. They explored many styles of music during their recording career. They were never afraid to branch out and explore their creativity. Here are two songs that show their diversity. The world lost a beautiful soul when Freddie Mercury passed away in 1991, we will forever miss and love you Freddie, thank you for your music. Queen pulled off, to great success, changing directions.

“Keep Yourself Alive” from QUEEN – 1973

“These Are The Days Of Our Lives” from INNUENDO – 1991

MEGADETH 1983 to present

Megadeth is a band who has stayed true to their original vision. Their style of speed/thrash metal has pretty much been a constant throughout their career. While some will say it has hurt their career, their fans remain loyal, and their record sales constant. I say cheers to Dave and crew (though they have changed over the years) keep it going! Staying true to their direction has worked for Megadeth.

“Peace Sells” from Peace Sells…but Who’s Buying? – 1986

“Whose Life (Is It Anyways?)” from Th1rt3en – 2011

RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS 1983 to present

This band has always been in a special place in my heart. Never afraid to be who they are, always giving their all to their fans. Their members and styles have changed throughout the years but they have always managed to pull it off. Playing what they want to and disregarding the critics their music reflects the colorful personalities that infuse this band. Many people have tried to pigeonhole this band to a certain genre, to no avail. I call them a Rock N’ Roll band PERIOD. Thank you RHCP, you have given my soul much joy. Keep growing and evolving and stay true to your passions.

“True Men Don’t Kill Coyotes” from The Red Hot Chili Peppers – 1984

“The Adventures Of Rain Dance Maggie” – from I’m With You – 2011

METALLICA – 1981 to present

Ahhh Metallica, the source of great contention amongst metal heads. Some say they sold out with the “Black” album, some say they didn’t. I think they have made some questionable choices in the past years, but they remain strong as one of the driving forces in metal music. As part of being human we are constantly changing and growing (well, some of us do) as the events surrounding us dictate. The guys in Metallica are not immune. Growing older, gaining families, becoming financially stable HAS to affect them, and their music. I, for one, appreciate that fact and despite their making some music that does not always appeal to me I stand by this band and remain a fan. R.I.P. Cliff Burton, miss you!

“No Remorse” from Kill ‘Em All – 1983

“All Nightmare Long” from Death Magnetic – 2008

GUNS N’ ROSES 1985 to present???

GNR WHAT HAPPENED?!?!?!? They were poised to take over the world and instead they burned it down. The energy of the the five original members was the perfect combination. Then the backup singers, the keyboard players, the horn section, etc… etc… sigh. I know this band has been the topic of great controversy, and probably will remain so for a long, long time. I will always remain in love with early GNR and the music they made and I am grateful for that, post original five, not so much. I personally believe the direction that the band took killed them (this is my humble opinion). Oh well we have our memories…. if we could only find our way back to the jungle.

“Welcome To The Jungle” from Appetite For Destruction – 1987

“This I Love” from Chinese Democracy – 2008

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY 1998 to present

Ahhh BLS, now here’s a band that I totally get. Members have come and gone and yet this band gets stronger and stronger. Great music year after year, record after record and a loyal fan base that unifies together as one big BLS family. Zakk Wylde never shies away from playing whatever he wants, piano based ballads, acoustic songs, full out electric, it matters not to Zakk. With BLS it never grows stagnant and you will never be bored! GI/FD!!!

“Born To Lose” from Sonic Brew – 1999

“Overlord” from Order Of The Black – 2010

These are just my opinions on bands that have (or have not) changed direction, please feel free to comment or message me with your ideas or thoughts and I will post them here.

the Hellion

TERRIFIER – CANADIAN METAL!!!

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http://www.facebook.com/TerrifierThrashers

     TERRIFIER is a thrash metal onslaught hailing from Vancouver, BC, Canada by way of Kelowna BC. Formed by bassist/vocalist Chase Thibodeau and guitarist Ren Wilkinson, they formed a foundation after a few personnel changes with guitarist Brent Gallant (Alone Against Rome) and drummer Jerome Brewer. After first being known as Skull Hammer since the band’s inception, they completed a self-released album,”Destroyers of the Faith” which was released in 2011. Incorporating blistering twin guitar assault, punishing bass lines, powerhouse-like drumming, face melting leads and hard-hitting vocals, TERRIFIER fuses brutality and classic thrash which creates their own unique style yet pay homage to all the greats. Fast forward to 2012 and the Vancouver-based thrashers recruited new drummer Kyle Sheppard, (Ex-Datura, Alone Against Rome, Kymatica) replacing original member Jerome Brewer who recorded “Destroyers of the Faith.”

“Destroyers of the Faith” showcases the band’s highly skilled musicianship, with mind boggleing guitar work highlighting the album. Song standouts include the title track “Destroyers of the Faith,” “Scum Ridden Filth,” “The Valkyrie,” and “Welcome to Camp Blood.”

TERRIFIER have performed with Anvil, Into Eternity and Dismember to name a few and are set to hit the studio to record their upcoming EP Weapons of Thrash Destruction. Be Prepared!

(Band name has since been changed from Skull Hammer to TERRIFIER!)
     These guys deliver!
the Hellion