GONNA TAKE A FEW DAYS OFF TO ENJOY FRIENDS AND FAMILY!!!! I AM THANKFUL FOR ALL OF YOU WHO READ THIS BLOG, THOSE WHO MAKE THE MUSIC THAT WE LOVE, AND THOSE OF YOU WHO MAKE IT ALL HAPPEN! BACK ON FRIDAY, KEEP IT ROCKIN’!
the Hellion
I have a good friend who truly knows the meaning of family, Ish Garcia. This man sacrifices for his family by working out of the country to earn a living in this hard economic time. When he does get the opportunity to spend time at home he makes the best of it by giving back by sharing his passion for music with his family. I truly believe in the healing power of music as does he, Ish uses the power of music to help his autistic son “Matt The Cat”. I got Ish to take some of his rare time to answer a few questions:
1. When did you first fall in love with music?
Ish: I have always loved music, since a baby , really. In love, maybe after I heard and bought a Hendrix album Axis Bold As Love, after that ,I realized I couldn’t go a day without some kind of music.
2. What is it about music that touches you?
Ish: Music just gets inside,- lyrics, rhythm, it just depends on the song.
3. What do you do to support you favorite bands?
Ish: Support ?- Buy the Album-whole album , not just the one you like on the radio, buy the album that’s why they made an album,I’m pretty sure the song are strung together for a reason. Also, buy a shirt, usually bands I like /love have cool merch for sale. Buy a ticket for the show and see ’em live!!! Share that shit with all your friends. Hope fully the small bands you like will make it, like Guns N’ Roses or Alice in Chains, Pantera , they all started doing small gigs and then bang, I would like to witness it first hand.
4. Tell us about some of your favorite bands and your passion for music.
Ish: Jimi Hendrix – Guitar god great lyrics, His cover songs are better than the originals themselves-in my opinion Black Sabbath-Ozzy and Dio for me undecided…,c’mon its Sabbath, need I say more Ozzy-its like crack for my ears Zeppelin, to me its real rock n roll to me a blue print of what rock and roll should sound like. Alice in chains-Lyrics, the sound of Layne and Jerry together , chunky riffs.What is grunge ? Black Label Society-Everything I love all rolled into one-Doom, chunky riffs-blues, melody To me music is magical or spiritual and powerful, its in the air ,it’s a time machine. even when you cant see it, you can feel it, it can make you feel strong when your weak, inspire you, calm you down. I believe music is a super natural living thing, a gift to us. I couldn’t see a world without it. My wife is the one who really introduced me to Alice in Chains, and I’m so grateful. And as far as BLS, I gotta hear at least one song a day, and I have to blow out my ear drums with it.
5. Tell us a little about “Matt The Cat”
Ish: We took him to his first big( not local) concert and meet n greet. in 07 velvet revolver he loved slash from rock band. and then liked guns and roses, they were all cool to him, he got Duffs sweat band at the end of the show. I notice a big difference with Matt when we go to Black Label shows in particular, he’s dressed like everyone, so he feels “in” and true BL family show him respect. He loves the music , he gets exited when we tell him Black Labels in town. He can act like himself without being judged. Taking him to the meet n greets and concerts and seeing him be happy is priceless.
Thanks Ish, you have my utmost respect and love.
the Hellion
A LIFE ONCE LOST recently finished up a successful run with Revocation and KEN mode. If you missed them on this run, you may have another chance to catch them on some select headline dates in December! The band will be stopping Erie, PA, Pittsburgh, PA and Newark, DE next month. See directly below for venues and dates.
A LIFE ONCE LOST Headline Dates:
12/14 – Erie, PA @ Basement Transmissions
12/15 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Thunderbird Cafe
12/16 – Newark, DE @ Mojo Main
The band’s new album, Ecstatic Trance, is available internationally via Season of Mist. You can purchase the album and other merchandise at Season of Mist E-Shop. While you are browsing the web, make sure to visit the brand new, official A LIFE ONCE LOST website at www.alifeoncelostofficial.com.
To learn more about A LIFE ONCE LOST, visit:
For press inquiries and additional information, please contact Adrenaline PR and Maria Ferrero at 732-462-4262 or maria@adrenalinepr.com.
the Hellion
FARMINGTON NM- After a grueling 4 hour drive (and a few u-turns) we found the venue (thanks to Jonene for driving!). We found a sweet parking spot and walked around the building and WOW!!! There was quite a line waiting to get in to see the AWESOME Jack Russell’s Great White!
We ultimately got into the venue (we were on the guest list thanks to Jack and his management Valerie Ince) and were pleasantly surprised. The venue was surprisingly well put together. The sound system was pumping out some killer rock n’ roll, lights were well placed and had good effect, the stage was set in a good place with views from most places in the bar.
The place continued to fill up and the mood was ripe for a great rock n’ roll show. The crowd was patient and enjoyed the music as they waited for the show to begin.
DIRTNAP
http://www.facebook.com/Hellazonamusicgroup
To be completely honest I had never heard of Dirtnap prior tot his show. WOW! They took the stage hard and got the crowd fired up and ready. Reminiscent of the sleaze bands from the glory days of the Hollywood Strip, Dirtnap brought it. People gravitated quickly to the stage and fed their energy to the band. Dirtnap is: Vocals- John Dame, Guitar- Darren Mc Kee, Drums- Troy Yahraes, Bass- Joe Nutt. The band threw Twinkies to the crowd (due to the demise of Hostess, and I got it from a very reliable source “Jonene” that the band bought a copious amount of them) who literally “ate them up”. The bands dirty, sleazy, nasty rock n’ roll brought a huge smile to my face and took me back tot he glory days of Rock!
Each band member brought to the stage their own unique character. I found this to be extremely cool as they put a great effort into bringing the crowd an entertaining show. Let’s check them out:
John Dame
John is the mastermind of the chaotic circus of Dirtnap. The Ringleader of this band of hooligans if you will, he leads the crowd into the madness.
Joe Nutt
Joe handles the bottom end and has that devil-may-care mischievous air about him. I bet if you hang out with him some sort of shenanigans would ensue.
Darren McKee
Darren is the guy who gets lost in his music, we all know the guy (in fact, I am one) who when music is on there is no talking to him.
Troy Yahraes
Troy is well…the drummer and we ALL know about drummers right? Awesome guy and keeps the beat to a T!
Thanks to Dirtnap for delivering an AWESOME set and getting out and supporting a class act like Jack Russell’s Great White!
http://www.facebook.com/jack.russell.1232?ref=ts&fref=ts
I was personally excited to see Jack and crew in action again. EVERY time I have seen Jack perform in the past he has been spot on. This show was no exception. The band was tight, the crowd was right, and the songs were KILLER! I know Jack is a stickler for perfection and it shows.
Jack Russell pre-show
Jack has assembled a stellar bunch of players to support his iconic vocals. I know this discussion has come up on many levels (even here on the blog) about band members revolving in and out of bands but in my humble opinion, Jack Russell is THE embodiment of GREAT WHITE! I mean no disrespect to other performers who have made an admirable attempt at covering Jacks’ vocal work but there is only ONE Jack Russell. Let’s get into the band:
Jack Russell – lead vocals, percussion
Matthew Johnson – rhythm guitar, keyboards, backing vocals
Derrick Pontier – drums, percussion
Robby Lochner – lead guitar, backing vocals
Dario Seixas- bass guitar, backing vocals
The hits came played and sang to perfection, plus we were treated to selections from Jack’s solo releases, and a special song sung by Matthew Johnson. This song led to a surreal moment in the evening for me. during the song Jack was sitting on the stage near me and became totally lost in the song. Closing his eyes and mouthing the words and clapping his hands in rhythm. I reached for my camera and stopped, I decided that I wanted to keep this moment for myself and hold it special in my heart. Sorry all, it was that magical to me. The crowd cheered on as song after song hit them. Jack has put himself in great company with this group of musicians. Matthew and Robby held down the guitar duties to perfection, no sour notes, clean, nice tone, and they played off of each other flawlessly. Dario owned every inch of the stage with both his bass playing and his showmanship, complimenting Jack by engaging the crowd and drawing them even deeper into the performance a great add to the crew. Derrick kept everyone in time and held the beat like clockwork, a solid drummer backing a solid outfit. The evening culminated with “Once Bitten, Twice Shy” which brought the crowd to the brink of insanity with joy. There were some scary moments when I thought the crowd was going to end up on the the stage but it all worked out. A great show indeed!
Jack is Back indeed! I HIGHLY recommend getting out and seeing the show if they come anywhere near you. Thanks to Dirtnap, Jack Russel and crew for an outstanding night of glorious Rock N’ Roll!!!
the Hellion
10th album “X” out now via Nuclear Blast
| HELSINKI, FINLAND – Helsinki vampire rock outfit, The 69 Eyes, has posted its latest music video for the song, “Borderline,” on YouTube. Check out the video, shot in New Orleans, La. with acclaimed producer, Patric Ullaeus, online at:
The video starts with a scene in which the local vampire tour legend Lord Chaz draws five X’s on the crypt door of the Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau’s resting place in Saint Louis Cemetery #1. “Easy Rider’s” famous psychedelic scene was also filmed there.
Commented lead vampire Jyrki9, “It’s like our ‘Love Me Tender’ – a soft, timeless ballad. But it also has that dark, mystic Southern vibe (some said ‘True Blood’), so naturally we had to go to Louisiana to shoot the video! Mark Twain’s books, Elvis, ‘King Creole,’ ‘Easy Rider,’ blues, jazz, voodoo, vampires – so many reasons for The 69 Eyes go to N’awlins. We’ve played there twice; I’ve hosted two DJ club nights there called “Fangtasia” over the last two summers. The leading rock/metal video director of these latter days, Swedish Patric Ullaeus was also interested in coming to NOLA to make this masterpiece, so all was set for it! The mid-October was perfect for a long-lost weekend in the South.”
“Borderline” appears on the band’s 10th studio album, X, which hit stores last month via Nuclear Blast Records.
Fans can order the new album online via iTunes at: http://bit.ly/69xitun, complete with the bonus track “Rosary Blue” featuring Kat Von D, the “Red” music video plus digital booklet. Physical copies of X can be ordered via the Nuclear Blast web-store at: http://bit.ly/69eyesxlp.
To purchase X in person, head over to:http://www.facebook.com/the69eyes/app_190322544333196 for more information on how to find a local retailer.
1. Love Runs Away 2. Tonight 3. Black 4. If You Love Me The Morning After 5. Red 6. I Love The Darkness In You 7. Borderline 8. I’m Ready 9. I Know What You Did Last Summer 10. When A Love Comes To An End
Bonus DVD *Digi Edition* – “Red” (video single) – Made In Sweden – Stockholm and The 69 Eyes (documentary)
Check out the recently released “Red” music video, also filmed with Patric Ullaeus and complete with a special message from the Mistress of the Dark herself, Elvira, online at:http://youtu.be/hVLMZEFXWxA.
A preview video featuring audio samples of each of the album’s tracks, plus commentary from lead vampire, Jyrki69, can be seen on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtBjQ9P1LG8.
A series of album trailers providing further insight into the release can be seen at: http://youtu.be/s-SVq2hK1e4 (Part I), http://youtu.be/TEMvkQvfsWg (Part II) andhttp://youtu.be/ch7Y3CPS2iM (Part III).
Stay tuned for more information on The 69 Eyes and X.
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| The 69 Eyes online…
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Dark and cool stuff
the Hellion
Multinational hard rock/metal band MELDRUM is pleased to announce Tuesday November 20th 2012 as the release date for their long awaited third album ”LIFER”. Founder and late ex-PHANTOM BLUE guitarist MICHELLE MELDRUM passed away at the age of 39 in May 2008. “LIFER” stands as a proud tribute to MICHELLE and her lifetime commitment to creating and performing music. In honor of their fallen bandmate remaining members drummer GENE HOGLAN (Testament, Death, Dark Angel, Dethklok), guitarist/bassist LAURA CHRISTINE (Warface) and vocalist MICHELE MADDEN (Tourette’s) entered the studio in with Producer/Engineer/Manager ROB SHALLCROSS (Strapping Young Lad, GWAR, Zimmers Hole, West of Hell) to lay tracks for what would become ”LIFER”.
Place your pre sale orders for MELDRUM‘s new release ”LIFER” now at http://www.reversedrecords.com/estore. The album will come as a digipak that includes a 8 page insert and cd. Fan’s who place their order between now and the November 20th release date will receive a free download of MELDRUM‘s latest single ”PAID”. Partial proceeds from the album will go to MICHELLE’S son Jake Thomas who she left behind when she passed.
”LIFER” will be released via REVERSED RECORDS and was produced by Producer/Engineer/Manager ROB SHALLCROSS (Strapping Young Lad, GWAR, Zimmers Hole, West of Hell) and Gene Hoglan (Testament, Death, Dark Angel, Dethklok).MELDRUM have released three singles from ”LIFER”, ”A TOAST TO ROMANCE”, BLACKENED BLUE and ”PAID” are all available now via iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/meldrum/id255422158).
Gene Hoglan comments on ”LIFER”:
“Let me say this: Never have I obsessed over the recording of any album I’ve been involved in as I have with MELDRUM‘s latest. The tragic circumstances that took Michelle from us also provided us with a razor-sharp focus to record the most amazing album we could. Michele Madden, Laura Christine, and hell, even Rob Shallcross, our engineer, put forth performances of a lifetime, with each member’s full love and respect going into every nuance of every song. Not only to honor Michelle, but to also lay down some bad-ass music, which was ultimately what she stood for… what MELDRUM stands for. I think the songs speak for themselves, and I, for one, have never been prouder to be a part of a family, let alone a project such as this. Metal with balls. Crank it up, indeed”. -Gene Hoglan
Listen to ”Blackened Blue” now at:
http://soundcloud.com/meldrummusic/02-blackened-blue
Listen to ”A Toast To Romance” now at:
http://soundcloud.com/meldrummusic/a-toast-to-romance
Listen to ”Paid” now at:
http://soundcloud.com/meldrummusic/03-paid
MELDRUM has toured worldwide with Lemmy Kilmister’s Motorhead, Zakk Wylde’s Black Label Society, Sepultura, Danzig, Nashville Pussy, as well as sharing the stage with many more. Touting a combination of mammoth vocal styles along with aggressively melodic vocals, mind bending guitar riffs and a rhythm section that creates fiercely bombastic grooves, this is what gives MELDRUM their unique, cutting edge sound.
Follow MELDRUM online:
http://www.facebook.com/MeldrumOfficial
https://twitter.com/Meldrumofficial
http://www.myspace.com/meldrumofficial
http://soundcloud.com/meldrummusic
http://www.reverbnation.com/meldrum
http://www.youtube.com/user/OfficialMeldrum
For press inquiries and additional information, please contact Adrenaline PR and Maria Ferrero at 732-462-4262 ormaria@adrenalinepr.com.
http://www.facebook.com/KILLINGERROCKS
http://killingerrocks.com
http://twitter.com/#!/Killingerrocks
http://www.reverbnation.com/killingerrocks
http://www.myspace.com/killingerrocks
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 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.
Killinger’s self-titled debut album is NOW Released as of Aug 30th 2011 via Sunmor Entertainment/BDG. BD
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…”
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.
http://www.facebook.com/theswordofdoom?fref=ts
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
http://www.facebook.com/deadsara
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