Category Archives: Guitarists

Adrian Galysh- Tone Poet

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Adrian Galysh Tone Poet Cover

 

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.

 

It’s wonderful, it’s melodic, it’s Adrian Galysh!

-the Hellion

 

Let’s talk about Black Label Society

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download     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.

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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.

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     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…….

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     -the Hellion

 

Regarding the departure of Nick Catanese from Black Label Society

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The opinions reflected herein are mine and mine alone.

As we all have heard by now our favorite “Evil Twin” has decided to part ways with Black Label Society. While we are all saddened to hear this news we should also celebrate Nick and his time in the band. It has always been my belief that Black Label Society is bigger than its members. We have seen members come and go and yet BLS remains strong. SDMF is our credo and we should always try to live to it. I applaud Zakk for giving musicians such as Phil Ondich, Steve Gibb, Craig Nunemacher, Mike Inez, Robert Trujillo, James LoMenzo, Will Hunt, Mike Froedge, Johnny Kelly, Jeff Fabb their time with BLS.

We will get through this change as we always have. Nick will be ok and we will get new music to know and love from him and his future projects.

Best wishes Nick We love you Beyond Forever.

STRENGTH DETERMINATION MERCILESS FOREVER – is it in you?

it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s BLS ….now GI/FD

the Hellion

 

 

Anti-Mortem – Loud, Hungry, and on the move. Live in Albuquerque 11/30/13

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L to R Nevada Romo - Guitar, Levi Dickerson- Drums, Larado Romo - Vocals,Corey Henderson - Bass, Zain Smith - Guitar.

L to R
Nevada Romo – Guitar, Levi Dickerson- Drums, Larado Romo – Vocals,Corey Henderson – Bass, Zain Smith – Guitar.

There has a lot of buzz about this hard charging band from Oklahoma, now I know why. I was recently afforded the opportunity to attend and photograph Monster Magnet here in NM and was doubly excited to find out that Anti-Mortem was on the bill as well. We have featured Anti-Mortem on our internet radio show Bleach Bangs Radio which was  a lot of fun. Anti-Mortem through their hard work and kick ass music were recently signed to Nuclear Blast Records.

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     Anti-Mortem seized the stage with power and fury, then proceeded to kick the ass of every person in the crowd. I had heard their music and seen their videos, but those pale in comparison to seeing them live. Rockstar swagger was apparent from the get go. The twin guitar assault of Zain Smith  and Nevada Romo were reminiscent of the days of old. While Zain was more stoic and channeling the great Dimebag, Nevada was full of old school swagger reminding me of a younger Zakk Wylde.

Zain Smith

Zain Smith

Nevada Romo

Nevada Romo

Larado Romo delivered on all fronts as the front man. Engaging the crowd and drawing them in to the show. His powerful vocals complimented the music and then some. Gritty, and with a kind of southern feel, Larado gets the job done.

Larado Romo

Larado Romo

The rhythm section of Anti-Mortem keeps everything locked together nice and tight. Levi Dickerson worked the drum kit with a combination of  style and finesse  coupled with brutality. Old school drumming at its best, no bullshit just great drumming. Corey Henderson brought to mind some of  the great rock bassists, Steve Harris, Rex Brown, Jason Newsted. Delivering the goods with enough style and flair to keep everyone interested.

Levi Dickerson

Levi Dickerson

Corey Henderson

Corey Henderson

    Anti-Mortem is band on the move with big things in store. Be sure to catch them on tour right now with Monster Magnet. I listened to the crowd after their set and the general consensus was “THEY KICKED ASS!!! Check out their video for “Stagnant Water” right here:

     it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ANTI-MORTEM!!!

     the Hellion

 

Cycle Of Pain, Black Label Society bass legend John “JD” DeServio on the Hellion Rocks

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I keep fighting to bring you pertinent interviews with musicians trying to keep kicking your  ass with new music. From time to time people step up to help these interviews happen. The Garcia family (Ish, Lacey, and Matt “The Cat”) put me in touch with Paul Byrne who set this interview up. Thank you guys for stepping up and making this interview with John “JD” DeServio!

Cycle Of Pain has already put out one quality record and is fixing to drop another killer EP on us soon. Cycle Of Pain is:

John “JD” Deservio (Bass)
Joe Taylor (Lead Guitar)
Gregg Locascio (Vox, Guitar)
Bob Pantella (Drums)
Troy Cromwell (Keys)

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JD and I talked a little about his history, a little BLS, his Schecter endorsement,  and music. Enjoy the interview right here:

     it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s JD holding down the bottom end!

the Hellion

An interview with Michael Sweet from STRYPER

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Hot on the heels of the new STRYPER release “No More Hell To Pay” I caught up with vocalist/guitarist/founder Michael Sweet and had a great conversation. Kevin Chiaramonte of PFA (Paul Freundlich Associates) set this up so many thanks to him. Michael and I had a nice, relaxing conversation about life and music. Here is the link to the interview:

    Be sure to check out the new release from STRYPER  “No More Hell To Pay” out on Frontiers Records

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it’s loud, it’s inspiring, it’s STRYPER!

the Hellion

The Musical Magic of Mike Araiza and Jeffery Sandoval: “It’s All I Need” coming soon!

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I have had the great pleasure of becoming friends with Jeff and Mike over the years. I have shared in the joy of their successes in the music industry. They released one of my favorite CD’s to date, Of The Earth, and collaborated with Frank Hannon  (Tesla) on “SIX-STRING SOLDIERS”.

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Now they are releasing a new single “It’s All I Need” in 2014.

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Mike and Jeff have some pretty heavy hitters add their touch to this project as well. They have recruited bassist Kurt Arft (Die Hard Til Death, Mind Merchant) to law down the bottom end, Kurt is an amazing player and an awesome person to boot. Studio wizard Chris Collier (Music Producer, Pro Tools Engineer, Mixer, Session Drummer) will be producing and drumming on the track. With all of these factors in the equation it adds up to one hell of a project. Stay tuned to Jeff and Mike’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/JeffandMikeMusic and the Hellion Rocks for updates.

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it’s melodic, it’s beautiful, it’s Mike Araiza and Jeffery Sandoval

the Hellion

RED DRAGON CARTEL!!!

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It has been a while since I have seen Jake E. Lee with such a smile on his face. I am glad he is returning with this exciting new project. It is definitely a release that I cannot wait for.

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In case you’ve been in exile here is the official press release:

RED DRAGON CARTEL TO RELEASE THEIR SELF-TITLED DEBUT VIA FRONTIERS RECORDS

New Album by Band Comprised of Former Ozzy Osbourne/Badlands Guitar Legend Jake E. Lee, Bassist Ronnie Mancuso, Vocalist D.J. Smith and Drummer Jonas Fairley Set for Release on January 28th

(New York, NY – November 20, 2013) – The newest band ready to take aim at the creative void in the hard rock world, Red Dragon Cartel, are set to release their debut album via Frontiers Records. The self-titled debut by the band, made up of guitar legend Jake E. Lee, bassist Ronnie Mancuso, singer D.J. Smith and drummer Jonas Fairley is set for release on January 28th. Jake E. Lee is best known for his work in Badlands and as guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne on Bark at the Moon and The Ultimate Sin albums. Red Dragon Cartel also features various guest appearances from some of music’s most notable faces including legendary Cheap Trick vocalist Robin Zander, original Iron Maiden vocalist Paul Di’Anno, Kill Devil Hill/Pantera bassist Rex Brown, Slash’s Conspirators Todd Kearns and Brent Fitz and In This Moment front woman Maria Brink. The album was produced by Ronnie Mancuso and Jake E. Lee and was executive produced, mixed and mastered by Kevin Churko (In This Moment, Ozzy Osbourne, Five Finger Death Punch).

From the opening riff of “Deceived” to final sustained piano chord of “Exquisite Tenderness,” it is clear Red Dragon Cartel has created an album that stands amongst some of the greatest hard rock albums of all time. Infectious songs such as “Shout It Out,” “Wasted” and “Slave” showcase the band’s ability to write memorable hooks and vocal melodies. Robin Zander of Cheap Trick lends his voice to the track “Feeder” and a lyric video for the song can be seen at http://tinyurl.com/FeederLyricVideo. Maria Brink of In This Moment lends her unique vocals to the track “Big Mouth.” Paul Di’Anno and Sass Jordan also lend their talents to the band’s debut. Jake E. Lee’s trademark playing style instantly shines through and picks up right where he left off. The album is available for pre-order on Amazon.com at http://amzn.to/1aYjMng or digitally on iTunes at http://smarturl.it/reddragoncartel that comes with an instant download of “Deceived.” Eddie Trunk is premiering “Deceived” in the 11:00PM hour Friday night on his weekly radio show that can be heard on Q104.3 in the NYC area, streaming on Q104.3 website or with the free iheartradio app for any smartphone.

The track listing for Red Dragon Cartel is:

1. Deceived
2. Shout It Out
3. Feeder with Robin Zander
4. Fall From The Sky (Seagull)
5. Wasted with Paul Di’Anno
6. Slave
7. Big Mouth with Maria Brink
8. War Machine
9. Redeem Me with Sass Jordan
10. Exquisite Tenderness

The band will be bringing these new powerhouse songs on the road playing a handful of dates before embarking on a full tour in 2014. The band will be stopping in Los Angeles, Tempe, San Diego and Las Vegas and is a must-see for anyone in those markets. Tickets are currently on-sale and all information can be found on the band’s website.

December 12th – Los Angeles, CA – Whisky A Go Go
December 14th – Tempe, AZ – Marquee Theater (Support of Queensryche)
December 15th – San Diego, CA – Brick By Brick
December 20th – Las Vegas, NV – Count’s Vamp’d

Red Dragon Cartel – Official Website:http://reddragoncartel.com
Official Facebook:www.facebook.com/reddragoncartel
Official Twitter:https://twitter.com/reddragoncartel

HIRAX gets ready to drop Immortal Legacy on SPV Records

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There is nothing like a dose of thrash to get your heart racing and blood pumping. I got news this morning from HIRAX vocalist Katon W. De Pena of their impending new release Immortal Legacy.  Here is the track listing:

1. Black Smoke
2. Hellion Rising
3. Victims of the Dead
4. The Conquest. Thunder Roar. La Boca de la Bestia (Mouth of the Beast)
5. Earth Shaker
6. Tied to the Gallows Pole
7. Deceiver
8. Immortal Legacy
9. Mass Hysteria
10. Mephistopheles
11. Sign of the Wolf “S.O.W.” part 2 (intro)
12. Violence of Action
13. Atlantis (Journey to Atlantis)
14. The World Will Burn (Suffer the World)

     Imagine my great delight to hear the lead single, which will be officially released on 11/22/13 “Hellion Rising”. While coincidental, I think it is a great title. Here is the artwork for the single.

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     Stay tuned for continuing coverage of Hirax right here on the Hellion Rocks!

     it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s HIRAX!

     -the HellionImmortal

Steve Asheim from DEICIDE on the hellion Rocks

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Thanks to Paul Gargano from Century Media I found myself on the phone with Steve Asheim, one of the founding members of the influential Death metal band DEICIDE.

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The band will drop its new record, In The Minds Of Evil on November 26th (I’m writing my review for it as well). It was an interesting interview with Steve, check it out here:

     it’s loud, it’s evil, it’s DEICIDE!!!

     the Hellion