OK Rockers listen up! Send an email to janaya64@msn.com and tell me why you like Crowned By Fire. Every entry wins something special and one entry wins something very cool and it helps them get on the road!!!. You have two days to get your emails in! Put CBF in the subject box please! FUEL THE FIRE!!! – the Hellion
FUEL THE FIRE!!!
-the Hellion
Hitting the road is rough these days. My buds in Crowned By Fire are fixing to bring their unique sonic assault to the masses and need your help to do it. They are offering some very cool merch and perks on their indiegogo site. Shirts, downloads, one-of-a-kind articles, it’s all here! Rock N’ Roll is not dead and Crowned By Fire is on a mission to FUEL THE FIRE!!!! SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC!!!!
click the link and support:
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/fuel-the-fire–2
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s CROWNED BY FIRE!!!
-the Hellion
GARY CLARK JR. INVITED TO PERFORM AT FOO FIGHTERS 20TH ANNIVERSARY BLOWOUT IN WASHINGTON, DC ON JULY 4, 2015
GARY CLARK JR LIVE, IN STORES NOW
The singer, songwriter, and guitarist will also perform at the Foo Fighters 20th Anniversary Blowoutshow on July 4th, 2015 at Washington D.C.’s RFK Stadium, alongside Buddy Guy, Heart, Joan Jett, LL Cool J and others. Tickets on sale now.
In September, Clark released Gary Clark Jr. Live, which features blistering performances that span his gigs at clubs, theatres, arenas and festivals from the past 18 months of non-stop touring. Each track was captured as purely and spontaneously as it was performed on the night with absolutely no overdubs. Response to his first official live set has been fantastic:
“This rising Texan’s two-CD set is his defining moment, a generous blast of prowess that backs up the future-of-blues-guitar promises made in Gary Clark Jr’s name since his burst-out performance at Eric Clapton’s 2010 Crossroads Festival. Wherever he chooses to go from here, he has what it takes to get there.” – Rolling Stone Magazine
“It’s no secret that Gary Clark jr is a force to be reckoned with. Backed by a tight little wrecking crew, he evokes the image of a steam engine via the chooga-chooga of his guitar even as his vocals slide cooly overtop, sounding impossible level. No filler. No overdubs. No noodle.” – Spin.Com
Since well before the release of his major-label debut album in 2012, this smoldering guitar hero and bluesman has been damned with high praise: His live show is so good, said the rabble, that no studio record could ever do him justice. “Gary Clark Jr. – LIVE” (Warner Bros.), a demolition derby on two discs, is one way to answer that claim, and no less welcome for being totally obvious.” – The New York Times
“If you like guitars, you’ll love Gary Clark Jr. tracks like ‘Bright Lights’ and especially ‘Numb’ rumbles with defiant grungy volume and power.” – LA Weekly
“This is how it should have gone down in the first place…focusing on the guitarist/singer’s greatest strength – namely , his scorching onstage performances…mesmerizing” – Tone Audio Magazine
Watch a trailer for the album here. More Gary Clark Jr. news to be announced soon.
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!
-the Hellion
PRONG Announce New Covers Album and 2015 Tour Dates!
European Headline Tour kicks off on April 17, 2015
New Record “Songs From The Black Hole” out March 2015
Fresh off their US Tour, American Power Trio PRONG finished an album of cover versions, putting their distinct spin on an array of tracks originally recorded by artists such as Black Flag, Bad Brains, Adolescents, The Sisters Of Mercy, Killing Joke, Hüsker Dü and Neil Young.
Tommy Victor: “PRONG is excited to announce 2015 European tour dates in conjunction with our upcoming release “Songs From The Black Hole”. Along with the standards and selected tracks from our newest albums, we will be performing our versions of classic influential masterpieces, as featured on the new record. The tour has us returning to England, remarkably, for four shows after our premier UK festival appearance at Bloodstock. It will also be great to head back to Germany, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Austria and Holland with a new set and another new PRONG release, “Songs From The Black Hole”!
SPV/Steamhammer will be releasing the album as a special CD and LP edition in Scandinavia on March 25th, in Germany on March 27th, inEurope on March 30th and in the USA on March 31st 2015.
More details will be revealed soon.
PRONG European Tour 2015
17.04. NL-Groningen – Vera
18.04. NL-Sittard – Volt
19.04. B-Kortrijk – De Kreun
21.04. UK-Birmingham – O2 Academy 2
22.04. UK-Liverpool – O2 Academy 2
23.04. UK-London – O2 Islington Academy
24.04. UK-Bristol – O2 Academy
25.04. F-Savigny le Temple – L’Emreinte
26.04. CH-Pratteln – Z7
27.04. A-Graz – PPC
28.04. A-Vienna – Szene
29.04. D-Munich – Feierwerk
30.04. D-Berlin – C-Club
01.05. D-Cologne – Underground
02.05. D-Essen – Turock
03.05. D-Hamburg – Knust
Agency: Seaside Touring
___________________________________________
For More Info Visit:
https://www.facebook.com/prongmusic
it’s loud, it’s it’s dirty, it’s PRONG!!!
-the Hellion
INCITE Announces Fall Tour with 36 CRAZYFISTS, SKINLAB and ALL HAIL THE YETI
Headlining Metal Insider’s CMJ 2014 Showcase @ The Wick in Brooklyn, NY on October 22, 2014
Order Your Copy of INCITE’s Up In Hell Now via iTunes or Amazon –
12” LP Version Coming October 14th!
Richie Cavalera’s musical middle finger to society, INCITE, are set to take the states by storm this fall on their newly announced tour with 36 Crazyfists, Skinlab, and All Hail the Yeti, kicking off on October 31st in South Lake Tahoe, CA. The tour hits 20 western and central U.S. cities before wrapping up in Chico, CA on November 23rd. See below for a full listing of dates.
“So fired up to be doing a US tour with such killer bands,” states Richie Cavalera. “It’s going to be a rager every night. We want to see all of you in the pit! The tour kicks-off Halloween night and hits all the killer spots throughout the west coast and midwest. We’re ready to make some new fans and friends.”
INCITE on tour w/ 36 Crazyfists, Skinlab, and All Hail the Yeti:
10/31 – South Lake Tahoe, CA @ Whiskey Dicks
11/1 – Portland, OR @ Ash St. Saloon
11/2 – Spokane, WA @ The Hop
11/3 – Seattle, WA @ El Corazon
11/5 – Redding, CA @ Bombay’s
11/6 – Santa Barbara, CA @ Velvet Jones
11/7 – San Diego, CA @ Brick By Brick
11/8 – Los Angeles, CA @ Los Globos
11/9 – Scottsdale, AZ @ Pub Rock
11/10 – Santa Fe, NM @ The Skylight
11/12 – Austin, TX @ Dirty Dog
11/13 – Dallas, TX @ The Gas Monkey
11/14 – Tulsa, OK @ Downtown Lounge
11/15 – Norman, OK @ Labryinth
11/16 – Wichita, KS @ Lizard Lounge
11/17 – Denver, CO @ Roxy Theatre
11/18 – Grand Junction, CO @ Mesa Theater & Club
11/19 – Idaho Falls, ID @ DB’S
11/20 Salt Lake City, UT @ Bar Deluxe
11/21 – Las Vegas, NV @ Cheyenne Saloon
11/22 – Oakland, CA @ Uptown
11/23 – Chico, CA @ Lost on Main
INCITE recently announced that they’ll be headlining the third annual Metal Insider’s CMJ 2014 Showcase, taking place at The Wick in Brooklyn, NY on October 22. Sponsored by Spinefarm Records, the show will also feature sets from’68, Black Crown Initiate and Toothgrinder. Metal Insider’s CMJ 2014 Showcase is taking place as part of New York City’s annual CMJ Music Marathon.
Tickets are on sale now through The Wick’s website for only $12 [enter SPINEFARMCMJ as the promo code at checkout to get the early bird rate of $10]. Limited CMJ badges will be admitted at the door. More information about Metal Insider’s CMJ 2014 Showcase can be found here: http://bit.ly/1qSgC6u Purchase tickets here: www.thewicknyc.com/event/695985
You can download your copy of INCITE’s brand new album, Up In Hell, now via iTunes or Amazon. And this just in – keep an eye out for the 12” LP coming October 14th! Pre-order here.
Over the years, INCITE has toured alongside the likes of Dillinger Escape Plan, Soulfly, Throwdown, Cavalera Conspiracy, and more. Moreover, they’ve been praised by everybody from Kerrang! and Revolver to ARTISTdirect. In addition, INCITE has reached Top-40-status on Sirius Metal Charts with tracks like ‘Army of Darkness’ and the Devil’s Dozen on Liquid Metal with ‘The Aftermath’. Revolver also named 2012’s All Out War its “Album of the Week” upon release.
For more information INCITE, please visit these websites:
INCITE is:
Richie Cavalera – Vocals
Lennon Lopez – Drums
Christopher “EL” – Bass
“Dru Tang” Rome – Lead Guitar
Kevin “Dis” – Guitar
TOMBS Premiere Video For Cover of David Bowie’s “Heroes” on Stereogum
TOMBS released their new album Savage Gold on June 10th to massive critical acclaim with Guitar World, Alt Press, Pitchfork, Terrorizer and many more calling it one of the best albums of 2014 so far. Savage Gold is available to order via Relapse HERE and iTunes HERE. The album is available in the following formats: Standard Black Vinyl 2xLP, CD and digital download.
Today TOMBS presents a video for their haunting cover version of David Bowie’s “Heroes”. The video was directed by Jaclyn Sheer & Samantha Astolfi. The song was originally recorded by David Bowie with Brian Eno in 1977. TOMBS covered the song in 2012 with the German vocals provided by Ralph Schmidt (Hëllström, Planks). Check out the exclusive premiere of the video courtesy of Steregoum HERE. The video can also be viewed on YouTube HERE.
“We recorded an mixed the song on our own with the help of Tim Schmoyer in Boston. We chose this version of the song because it was featured in the soundtrack of Christiane F, a 1981 German film by Ulrich Edel. It’s a dark drama about a young girl’s descent into drug abuse and prostitution. I’ve been listening to the soundtrack during the band’s many trips to Germany and have always wanted to cover the song, says vocalist Mike Hill of the video.
Mike Hill has launched a specialty coffee company, Savage Gold Coffee, inspired by his love for high quality, organic coffee. The first roast, Savage Gold Prime, is an Ethiopian Yirgacheffe coffee bean grown between 6,000 and 6,500 feet above sea level. It is an aromatic and dynamic coffee roasted to perfection with a large flavor profile. It is sourced from a co-op of Ethiopian farmers and is 100% Fair Trade, certified organic and wet (mechanically) processed. More info on the coffee is available via the official Savage Gold website HERE. Decibel Magazine’s “Deciblog” spoke with Mike Hill earlier this week about the new coffee company, read the interview HERE.
In support of Savage Gold, TOMBS will hit the road this fall for a three-week tour with Pallbearer and Vattnet Viskar. The shows kick off on October 16th in Louisville, KY and run through November 9th in Dallas, TX. A complete list of dates can be found below. The band will also take part in next year’s Maryland Deathfest on May 24th of 2014.
TOMBS Tour Dates:
***All dates w/ Pallbearer and Vattnet Viskar***
Oct 16 Louisville, KY The New Vintage w/ Vattnet Viskar
Oct 17 Nashville, TN Exit/In
Oct 18 Lexington, KY Cosmic Charlie’s
Oct 19 Champaign, IL High Dive
Oct 20 Madison, WI The Frequency
Oct 21 Detroit, MI The Magic Stick Lounge
Oct 22 Chicago, IL The Township w/ Vattnet Viskar
Oct 23 Cleveland, OH Grog Shop
Oct 24 Toronto, ON Lee’s Palace
Oct 25 Montreal, QC Il Motore
Oct 26 Boston, MA Great Scott
Oct 27 Brooklyn, NY Saint Vitus
Oct 28 Brooklyn, NY Saint Vitus
Oct 29 Philadelphia, PA Black Box at Underground Arts
Oct 30 Baltimore, MD Metro Gallery
Oct 31 Chapel Hill, NC Local 506
Nov 01 Atlanta, GA The Earl
Nov 02 Tampa, FL The Orpheum
Nov 04 New Orleans, LA Siberia
Nov 05 Houston, TX Fitzgerald’s Downstairs
Nov 08 Austin, TX Fun Fun Fun Festival Nites
Nov 09 Dallas, TX Three Links
May 24 Baltimore, MD Maryland Deathfest XIII (2015) @ Edison Lot
About TOMBS:
Formed in 2007 by singer / guitarist Mike Hill (Anodyne, Versoma) in Brooklyn, NY, TOMBS blends a wide array of influences including Black Metal and dark industrial music. The band went through a number of line-up changes with Hill the only remaining original member. Former members included Domenic Seita (Storm of Light) and Carson Daniel James. The band’s prior Relapse output included a self-titled EP and a split 12-inch with like-minded, Germanic darkness weavers Planks. Both records were release on Hill’s now-defunct label Black Box Recordings. The band’s first two Relapse releases, 2009’s Winter Hours and 2011’s Path of Totality both received massive reception from the press with the latter being featured prominently on many critic’s year end metal lists including Pitchfork, Brooklyn Vegan, NPR and MetalSucks. The crowning achievement was securing the 2011 album of the year for Decibel Magazine. In addition to their critically acclaimed releases, TOMBS has become known for their captivating live performances and have toured extensively throughout North America and Europe with bands ranging from Isis, Pelican, Wolves in the Throne Room, The Secret and Kylesa.
So I recently read the article where Nick Simmons interviewed his father Gene Simmons in Esquire:
I have a few things to say about this. I have seen that this article has recently been trending on Facebook. I am of the opinion that it is indeed NOT dead. Gene has pretty much killed the hopes and dreams of future musicians. I remember when music was made for the sake of creating art, the success that followed was a bonus. Imagine if Beethoven or Van Gogh only were only creating art for commercial or monetary gain. That is where the music industry has seemed to have gone. I blame the industry itself for becoming too corporate. If they don’t see an immediate gain for it they don’t see fit to put any money behind it. THAT is the problem. I think that someone that holds the status of Gene Simmons should put his experiences back into helping the industry not discouraging it.
I have a very good friend who is named Dellacoma Rio. He is a vocalist from Australia. He, to me, embodies the spirit of Rock N’ Roll. While he was in previous band Sunset Riot they managed to book shows and gain exposure in the US while still being based in Australia. They toured the US extensively and successfully gaining ground at every turn. Unfortunately due to creative differences and life changes Sunset Riot chose to mutually dissolve. Dellacoma Rio, however, was not done. The spirit and fire of Rock N’ Roll burned passionately within him. With a little bit of reinvention and tenacity he put together a new band and hit the road again. Booking gigs and festivals across the US the newly formed DELLACOMA began the process of making themselves seen and heard. In the midst of touring across the US they took the time to stop and make an old fashioned Rock N’ Roll record. No processing, no extreme overdubs, just raw and fresh. A record that translates to live performances seamlessly. The evening of finishing in the studio they played a gig and set off on the road again. All of this from a gentleman who comes from modest means. There is no one bank rolling this gentleman or his band, just blood, sweat, and tears. Rock N’ Roll is alive and well within DELLACOMA. That is an example of one of many bands I know and love who work equally as hard.
Getting back to Gene Simmons, KISS has always had the opportunity to be trend setters. I feel that they have let us down as of late. When the reunion, and farewell tours were done they had the chance to reinvent themselves and continue to gain new ground. Instead of putting others in the classic makeup they could have invented new “characters” for Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer. It was done before with Eric Carr and Vinnie Vincent. I am of the opinion that what we have now is Diet KISS, or KISS Lite now with 50% less KISS. They have put out two mediocre records and continue to rely on their back catalog instead of searching within and getting in touch with the part of them that drove them in the early days.
Now, to basically tell young rockers to give up is a pretty crappy thing to say. When Rock N’ Roll was in its infancy there was no one there handing out checks or promoting or playing the music. It was all word of mouth and shameless self promotion. I feel that we have returned to those days. While the internet has been a curse to the industry due to the whole downloading issue it has also allowed bands to use it to promote and reach out on their own. OK in the vast sea of bands putting out their stuff on the internet how do they get heard? Well that falls to people who do what I do and the bands themselves. By taking that step and getting out, touring, not taking no for an answer and promotion, promotion, promotion they can be heard. Is the money still there, of course not, it is still lining the pockets of the greedy corporations. I’m sure Gene has his pockets full. I challenge those rockers who have “succeeded” to reach out and help bands be heard and succeed in their musical endeavors. There IS new music being made that defies the current slop being force fed to us by corporate radio and the bloated industry, you just have to open your ears and eyes and look and listen for it. No Gene, Rock is NOT dead by any means, like everything else we just have to work a little harder at it.
thump thump, thump thump, THUMP THUMP….
you hear that? That’s the pulse of Rock N’ Roll and it’s still strong.
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL…and we love it!
the Hellion
YEEEEEEEEEEHAWWWWWWWWWW!!!! I can’t help myself. Every time I listen to my brothers Scattered Hamlet it just comes out of me. This is just some good old American made Rock N’ Roll music right here. Now, it isn’t enough that these handsome young devils want to tickle our ears, no sir, they have now just released a video for “Shelter” for our viewing pleasure. This is the type of video that has to be enjoyed LOUDLY and with a tasty adult beverage. Scattered Hamlet has been a part of my life for several years now and will remain so for many to come. Great job on the video guys! Here’s the link:
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s SCATTERED HAMLET!!!
the Hell Riders Captain
I am fortunate with the accomplishments achieved on the Hellion Rocks. I am proud to work with and call people like Charlie Owens and Randy Norris my brethren in arms with this crazy world of Rock N’ Roll journalism. I am now pleased to announce the addition of Mike Araiza to the fold as a guest correspondent. Mike was gracious enough to cover the Geoff Tate fronted Queensryche for me while I am away in New York. Here is Mike’s coverage so enjoy:
In a world of smartphones, tablets, online streaming and disposable trends I was
excited to drive up to the Sunshine Theater in Albuquerque, NM and see a line around
the building for a Rock show. Excitement was definitely in the air to see the one and
only Geoff Tate and his band of living legends which consists of Randy Gane
(keyboards), Kelly Gray (guitars,vocals), Robert Sarzo (Guitars Vocals), Simon Wright
(Drums) and the one and only Rudy Sarzo (Bass Vocals). By the time I got to the photopit
the venue was packed like I have not seen in a long time even to upper level was
full. I could hear fans talking about their favorite song(s) and discussing the hope to
hear them all. I even overheard the “ I saw ’em in 199x in Colorado” stories man I am at
a real rock show with which looks like a sold out venue!
The moment I never get tired of comes. Boom, house lights go off and the crowd erupts
into a loud roar of anticipation man this is what it is all about. The entire band struts out
with pure swagger (think of Jordan walking on the court for a finals game). To be honest
I was absolutely star struck by all of them and the crowd was so epically loud and full of
excitement I had a hard time remembering that I was there to take pictures. Within a few
bars of musical excitement the band forms into a visual balance and Geoff Tate takes
hold of center stage belting out THAT voice which we all grew up on also demonstrating
the true craftsmanship of being a legendary frontman. Not to mention, this band is
opening up a can of rock n’ roll whoop ass. Mix is tight, drums are thundering, bass is
locked hard with the drums, guitars are loud and punchy, keyboards sound fresh. I now
know why Geoff Tate recruited these guys! Chemistry is off the charts here folks!
Each song is accompanied by the crowd singing at the top of their lungs with fists
pumping in the air (which the entire band really appreciated I could see it on all of their
faces you guys kicked ass Albuquerque). It is important to note that each song was
played exactly like the respective albums. This band is loaded with a group of artists
that have been around the world with AC/DC, Ozzy, Quiet Riot just to name a few and
the stage presence shows it as well. After 90 minutes of mind-blowing Rock N Roll and
two outrageously killer encores it was time for the after show meet and greet. I watched
the entire band gracefully sign autographs, take pictures, have conversations with the
fans, this was really cool to watch. Nothing but humble and appreciative vibes going on
with this band. Geoff Tate was a pleasure to meet and was a true gentleman as was the
entire band. In closing I urge you to buy a ticket and go see this band when they come
to your area also check into the VIP as well. Last but not least a huge thanks to James
“The Hellion Rocks” for this awesome privilege and a huge thanks to Geoff Tate and his
team. Rock N Roll is a gift let’s keep giving it…
~ Mike
You ever have one of those friends where your conversations end up very cerebral? Mine is my good friend Mike Araiza. We were talking on the phone the other day and right out of left field Mike brought up the classic Judas Priest record British Steel. We then proceeded to discuss the twin guitar assault that was K. K. Downing and Glenn Tipton.
If you were a metal head and a guitar geek in 1980 British Steel was your wet dream. From the opening notes of “Breaking The Law” to the closing of “Steeler” K.K. and Glenn killed it. Mike and I discussed the merits of other twin guitar bands like Iron Maiden and Thin Lizzy and such and came to the conclusion that no other band completely nailed it like Judas Priest. I remember when my guitar playing metalheads would play Priest records for hours upon hours trying to learn and replicate these guitar gods. We all even tried to emulate the look of these two heroes. K.K. and Glenn each had their own distinct style of playing each unique in their own way, and yet they complimented each other perfectly.
Mike and I discussed the depth and structure of British Steel as an album. If one takes the time and truly listens to the construction of this classic record you can hear and feel the music they were trying to share with us. Mind you this record was made in analog so careful thought and planning was executed in order to develop this sonic masterpiece. I still have a vinyl copy in my collection.
When you have some free time grab a decent pair of headphones, shut off the world, and get yourself lost in the guitar work of K.K. and Glen on British Steel. It’s a headtrip worth taking. As usual thanks Mike for the friendship and conversations. I look forward to seeing more of them right here on the Hellion Rocks.
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s Rock N’ Roll!
-the Hellion
the Hellion Rocks 