Category Archives: Outlaw Metal

RANT INSIDE!!!! PROPER SHOW ETIQUETTE!!!

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375273_10150521102730972_923334663_n     I’ve spoken upon this subject before and an event that occurred last night has fired me up again. WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO THE ROCK N’ ROLL COMMUNITY?!?!?!

Let me set the stage: Last night I was fortunate to have been granted coverage of the Saint Vitus show here in NM. The venue does not have a photo pit so you have to shoot from the crowd. I usually shoot and move and work with the crowd to shoot the event. Well last night there was this cat to my immediate left who was flailing about like a man possessed knocking into people and making a general nuisance of himself. Now, I don’t mind someone getting totally lost in the music at all but one should realize there is a world outside of their five foot space. This guy continued bumping, elbowing, and knocking into people with complete disregard and then it got worse. Dave Chandler, the guitarist for Saint Vitus, posed in front of my camera for some choice shots and this idiot next to me shoves into me and starts throwing his hands in front of my camera thus ruining any chance of a good shot. I politely said “Hey man, I’m working here” his response was “FUCK YOU” he then continued to thwart every shot by reaching and flipping the bird in front of my lens. An altercation was imminent when my security bros came and confronted his guy who fronted on them as well. The girl he was with was begging him to chill but he was having none of it. They grabbed this guy gave him and his girl the boot. The crowd cheered his ejection as they were tired of him as well, we all enjoyed the rest of the show and I was able to get back to shooting a kick ass show.

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We all know show attendance is down across the board and completely sucks. I heard several people make comments after that guy was thrown out. “And that I why I don’t go to shows much anymore.” “Who needs to go out and see shit like this?” “Fuck it, people suck. I knew I should have stayed home.”

What happened to the world? The Rock N’ Roll community used to be about being cool and having a good time, not about fighting and being an idiot. Sure there were hose occasions  but they weren’t that common. Come on people if we want to revive the music scene we need to look within ourselves and our own actions.

be the community, be the music, BE COOL!

the Hellion

what do YOU want?

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There’s been a lot on my mind as of late. I see people  complaining about so much but not finding solutions. They complain when others achieve success, “they sold out”, they’re kissing so-and-so’s ass”, “they have money”, on and on.

In 2013 I was part of a local music interview/live performance show. I was part of the team that created and wrote said show. I even was the host for many interviews. It rapidly expanded out of control with too many hands in the pot. We made many attempts at nailing down interviews and coverage of bigger name artists with little or no success. Ultimately I left the show behind and started the Hellion Rocks.

I began my new adventure by reaching out to the band contacts that I did have and began doing written interviews. This led me to purchasing a DSLR camera to shoot shows and do video interviews my self. The site was growing as readers across the globe were taking notice. I began to study photography techniques and revisited the works of some of my favorite Rock photographers like Bob Gruen, Robert John, and Chad Lee. I learned the editing process and kept on learning. Eventually I began shooting festivals and big name artists. I also began to interview big name artists on video and phone as well.  Now I receive major label releases for review before they hit the stores, and am invited to cover shows and receive press releases from many big name publicists and the acts they represent. Several of my interviews have been featured on Blabbermouth.net as well.

The Hellion Rocks site is now viewed in over 140 countries with a weekly reach of 3500. Am I satisfied? HELL NO!!! I want more and more and more. I want to be able to do this for a career and continue to bring music to the eyes, ears, and minds of the world!!!. I am not satisfied with being that guy from Albuquerque, NM with a website that takes pictures and interviews bands. I want the name the Hellion Rocks and the music and bands I report about to be synonymous with Rock N’ Roll!

I also have become involved over the past couple of years with Charlie Owens and Randy Norris of Bleach Bangs Radio. These two individuals have the same mindset as I about their internet radio station. The offer a no-holds-barred approach of interviewing bands and bringing their music to the masses. They offer bands a chance to offer their uncensored opinions on life, music, and the industry. I am proud to be a part of their team.

So what is my point of the post? Why am I writing this today? STOP COMPLAINING AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!!

Are you satisfied with being the best band in your hometown? Are you satisfied with covering the same shows over and over? How far are you willing to go? Make a name for yourself, take that leap of faith. Remember, Motley Crue is a local LA band,  Slipknot is a local Des Moines band, KISS is a local New York band. They had the faith and perseverance to break out. Sure it means sacrifice and struggle but it is worth it to achieve your goals. If you are happy just playing local gigs and just covering local bands. more power to you, just don’t complain  about lackluster attendance or site views.

Am I making a living with the Hellion Rocks, no. I have been paid for a photo shoot and my photos have been used by a touring band and that’s a start. I will not complain about that, instead I will continue to forge ahead and make a name for myself and eventually I WILL get that paying gig.

Now, who’s with me?

It’s loud, it;s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!

the Hellion

 

Stacey Blades gives us an update on Let It Rawk and the new single “American Rebels”

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It’s definitely cool when Stacey Blades gives me a call. We had a chance to talk about the impending release of the new Let It Rawk single “American Rebels” which drops on May 6th. I have had the chance to preview the track and it is a KILLER piece of work! Check out the conversation right here:

    

     Thanks Stacey!

     let it be loud, let it be dirty, LET IT RAWK!

     the Hellion

We need Rock N’ Roll heroes

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Remember when Rock Stars were larger than life? Glammed out superheroes we stuck on our walls and tried to emulate? Over the top looks and lifestyles were the norm for them. Not to mention we had a lot of cool music to listen to. We need them back in our lives, and then some.

Turn on the news, read a paper and it’s doom and gloom with no end in sight. It’s getting old and tired to me.  Remember how you felt when you saw you favorite Rock Star or picked up a new record, poster, or magazine? Remember how good it felt?

There are still real Rock Stars walking the earth. They are out there and we need to step up and support them and what they do. Go to a Rock Show and help it to be all that it can be. Buy the records, shirts, and hit them up for posters and such. Let’s enjoy ourselves and revel in Rock N’ Roll once again!

it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ F’N ROLL!!!

the Hellion

2ND WARNING: ANOTHER RANT INSIDE! Music sharing.

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Let’s talk about musicians and money for a minute. A lot of people still have the misconception that Rock Stars live in mansions, have fancy cars, and generally live a life of luxury. I’m here to tell you that is DEFINITELY NOT THE CASE. In fact, that is far from the norm, only a very small percentage live in excess.

I have spoken extensively with musicians in bands who have toured the world and sold millions of records and yet live in a regular house, drive a regular vehicle, and live day by day. I know musicians who live in substandard conditions in order to provide us with the music we love. Yes, it is a choice that they themselves choose to make, but we also choose to partake of it.

Now, let’s talk about music sharing. I have a wonderful idea on it: If there is music you love, and think others in your circle would enjoy, buy more than one copy and share it with those people. Then encourage others to do the same. This would go a long way towards helping musicians afford to continue to make music. The cost of making, recording, and distributing music is not cheap. BUY your music please and help keep music alive, and put some money into the pockets of the artists. – I’m just sayin’

-the Hellion

WARNING: RANT INSIDE! When fans get involved in band business.

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I’m gonna rant today. I have interviewed a lot of musicians over the years. Some of them I have connected with and remain friends with. By friends I mean we exchange phone calls, emails, text messages, etc. While with others I am sure I am forgotten as soon as the phone is hung up or the camera is turned off. Within all of this I have become privy to band business and drama. I have been asked for advice and been a sounding board for various band members. ALL OF WHICH REMAIN BEHIND THE SCENES AS IT SHOULD BE.

I have recently seen a trend in social media where fans try to involve themselves in band business. I am of the opinion that fans need to support the band and their music and leave the business to them. I, for one, am not on any bands payroll and thus I have no say in their business. It’s ok to have an opinion, and yes bands put themselves in the public eye, but negativity breeds negativity and the music world needs to  come together and unite. I’m just sayin..

-the Hellion

ANTI-MORTEM Posts Band Introduction Video – New Album “New Southern” Out April 29, 2014 via Nuclear Blast‏

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ANTI-MORTEM Posts Band Introduction Video –

New Album “New Southern” Out April 29, 2014 via Nuclear Blast

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Oklahoma natives and saviors of southern-infused hard rock, ANTI-MORTEM, have released a video in which singer Larado Romo introduces himself and his band mates to the rock and metal community: 

The band’s highly anticipated debut album, New Southern, will be released in North America in physical and digital formats on April 29th via Nuclear Blast Entertainment. The album was produced, recorded, and mixed by the esteemed Bob Marlette (BLACK STONE CHERRY, LYNYRD SKYNYRD, SHINEDOWN, ROB ZOMBIE) and features artwork by Brent Elliott White (DEATH ANGEL, JOB FOR A COWBOY, TRIVIUM).


The New Southern pre-order bundle – which includes the album + a t-shirt with exclusive artwork – is available now via the album’s landing page: http://bit.ly/1hPIBT7.

The track listing for New Southern is:

01. Words Of Wisdom (lyric video here)

02. New Southern
03. 100% Pure American Rage
04. Hate Automatic
05. Black Heartbeat
06. I Get Along With The Devil
07. Path To Pain
08. Wake Up
09. Ride Of Your Life

10. Stagnant Water (music video here)

11. Truck Stop Special
12. Jonesboro



BONUS TRACK:


13. A Little Too Loose (MR. BIG cover)



Purchase the ‘100% Pure American Rage’ single on iTunes: http://georiot.co/AntiMortemAmericanRage


For a taste of ANTI-MORTEM’s fusion of southern rock & heavy metal, check out the following videos:


‘100% Pure American Rage’ – http://vevo.ly/kjWBVz



‘Stagnant Water’ – http://youtu.be/dnqz2u5qBB8


‘Words Of Wisdom’ (lyrics) – http://youtu.be/5sZXVP3H04E
‘Hate Automatic’ (acoustic): http://bit.ly/1diXheY
‘Truck Stop Special’ (acoustic): http://bit.ly/1jzCdRJ
‘John The Revelator’ (acoustic): http://smarturl.it/ANTI-MORTEM-JTR


ABOUT NEWCOMERS ANTI-MORTEM:
What the American hard rock and metal scene needs right now is an infusion of youth and some new blood coursing through its veins. Enter ANTI-MORTEM and their upcoming debut album, »New Southern«. Formed in 2008 and with over 300 shows already to their name, the combined average age of this Oklahoma quintet is just 21-years-old. ANTI-MORTEM were raised on southern rock & heavy metal and driven by a hunger to make an impact. The band dole out bottom-heavy and groove-laden anthems with every track and infuse a modern sense of melody that is the signature trademark of all the metal greats they’ve learned from.  Also present and accounted for: southern swagger in spades, courtesy of the band’s roots and upbringing.


ANTI-MORTEM are:
Larado Romo – Lead Vocals 
Nevada Romo – Guitar
Zain Smith – Guitar  
Corey Henderson –  Bass
Levi Dickerson –  Drums

www.anti-mortem.com | www.facebook.com/antimortemusa | www.nuclearblast.de/anti-mortem




MOTÖRHEAD is BACK – First Performances Since August 2013 Kick Off to an Electrifying Start!‏

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MOTÖRHEAD is BACK – First Performances Since August 2013 Kick Off to an Electrifying Start!

Rocked to a SOLD OUT Club Nokia on Friday & Coachella on Sunday

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Photo by John Harrell

Undisputed rock n’ roll legends MOTÖRHEAD kicked off their first live performances since August 2013 with an electrifying bang this past weekend – performing to completely packed, sold out crowds on Friday at Club Nokia in Los Angeles and on Sunday at Coachella.

MOTÖRHEAD performed 15 songs on Friday, including top tracks ‘Ace of Spades’ and ‘Overkill’, with Slash joining in (see below for some fantastic photos from the set). The exciting set included tracks encompassing the band’s career; including a track from the band’s new album Aftershock.

 

As mentioned above, not only did MOTÖRHEAD bring down the house at Club Nokia, but then turned right around to rock the sold out crowd at Coachella on Sunday! “Legendary London heavy metal band MOTÖRHEAD, with special guest Slash, got the devil horns approval of fans on Sunday at the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival,” states Wes Woods of the Los Angeles Daily News. In a Twitter post, Billboard adds, “MOTÖRHEAD, who have already pummeled the crowd with the heaviest riffs heard all weekend, welcome Guns N’ Roses guitar god Slash to the stage for a balls to the walls rendition of “Ace of Spades.” Any marbles Coachella had left are instantly lost.”

 

Apparently MOTÖRHEAD out-rocked other bands, even way across the festival grounds! According to Yahoo Music, “The roaring riffs of Slash and MOTÖRHEAD axeman Phil Campbell could be heard all the way across Coachella’s vast polo field, practically bleeding over into Arcade Fire‘s Main Stage revue.”

 

 

MOTÖRHEAD will continue to perform throughout April, including another Coachella performance on April 20th. Other stops include Chandler, AZ, Las Vegas, NV, and San Francisco, CA.

MOTÖRHEAD Spring Performance Dates:

4/15 Chandler, AZ @ Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino

4/17 Las Vegas, NV @ Pearl Concert Theater

4/18 San Francisco, CA @ Warfield Theatre

4/20 Indio, CA @ Coachella

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Photo by Alex Solca

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Photo by Scott Uchida

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Photo by John Harrell

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Photo by John Harrell

MOTÖRHEAD is taking part in Record Store Day 2014 in a big way – offering a must-have collectible item! The band is releasing a limited and numbered special edition Aftershock picture disc vinyl, exclusively for Record Store Day on April 19th. The 180-gram picture discs are limited to 4,500 units worldwide and are individually numbered. Go to www.recordstoreday.com to find a participating Record Store Day store near you.

 

Catch MOTÖRHEAD performing with Megadeth and Anthrax on the first annual MOTÖRHEAD’s Motörboat cruise onboard the Carnival Ecstasy from September 22-26, 2014. In addition to these three rock giants, “The Loudest Boat In The World” will also feature performances from Zakk Wylde, Jim Breuer, Danko Jones, Fireball Ministry, Wilson, and some big surprises. More bands are set to be announced soon. Tickets for MOTÖRHEAD’s Motörboat, as well as full details and cabin pricing, are on sale now at www.MotorheadCruise.com.

 

MOTÖRHEAD’s Aftershock did not only act as another stellar addition to the band’s legendary catalog, but is widely regarded as one of the best musical releases of 2013. Aftershock marked MOTÖRHEAD’s biggest selling first week and highest US chart debut numbers to date. You can order Aftershock now in Limited Edition Digipack format via Amazon.com at this link. The album is also available in regular CD format and vinyl (gatefold – 180-Gram Single LP).

 

 

Learn more about MOTÖRHEAD at these websites:

 

Official Lemmy Facebook: www.facebook.com/OfficialLemmy

Official MOTÖRHEAD Facebook: www.facebook.com/OfficialMotorhead

Official MOTÖRHEAD Twitter: @MyMotorhead

Official MOTÖRHEAD Instagram: @OfficialMotorhead

Official MOTÖRHEAD Website: www.imotorhead.com

 

Why CATACOMBS OF THE BLACK VATICAN by BLACK LABEL SOCIETY matters

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1. Fields Of Forgiveness
2. My Dying Time
3. Believe
4. Angel Of Mercy
5. Heart Of Darkness
6. Beyond The Down
7. Scars
8. Damn The Flood
9. I’ve Gone Away
10. Shades Of Gray
11. Dark Side Of The Sun (Bonus Track)
12. The Nomad (Bonus Track)

 

 

With the release of Catacombs Of The Black Vatican by Black Label Society there are droves of reviews popping up around the internet and music mags. I have chosen not to do the standard record review.

Take equal parts superhero, mountain man, guitar wizard, and comedian and you have Zakk Wylde. Why does Zakk Wylde matter? There are several reasons why Zakk matters today. A lot of us grew up with rock stars as our idols, they were larger than life and lived in a magical place and manifested themselves in our ears, on our walls, and on stage. Zakk has maintained the image of the rock star and majesty that goes with it. The music, the look, and the show, sheer genius. The music Zakk makes reaches us on a primal level tapping in to emotions from all out enthusiasm to quiet inner reflection. The personality of Zakk is one that pokes fun of himself and yet remains serious in what he does, he reminds us that no matter what, life can be funny if you look for it.

Zakk has also given us the gift of a unifying Family: the Black Label Society. I still maintain the theory that Black Label Society is bigger than the sum of its parts. I have met and made some incredible friends just because I (or they) I have also “met” many people online in the various BLS forums and pages. This “Family” is truly unique in that they support each other in many ways.  It is also cool to see Family members travel to great lengths to meet up up with each other and celebrate at BLS shows (Thanks Ish). In today’s world it is hard to find people who choose to stand united on anything.

Catacombs Of The Black Vatican carries on the BLS legacy in every way. I have listened to it  for a few days now and find that it takes me away and invokes memories of songs loved from the past and yet remains fresh and new. I can envision the spirits of Dime, Jimi, and Randy are roaming the halls of the Black Vatican and smiling  upon it and the work being done there.

The Troubadour of Testosterone is back…in a big way.

Zakk prepared us for entry into the Catacombs Of The Black Vatican with the lead off single “My Dying Time”. Check it out if you haven’t already and pick up Catacombs Of The Black Vatican

     Zakk Wylde and the Black Label Society give us STRENGTH in the music of Catacombs Of the Black Vatican. He has the DETERMINATION to GI/FD everyday. Zakk is MERCILESS in his pursuit of musical knowledge. His music is FOREVER.

     Alright, here’s my review of Catacombs Of The Black Vatican: Simply put, it’s a great record buy it you will not regret it!

     it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s the BLACK LABEL SOCIETY

     -the Hellion

THE WINERY DOGS AND VINNIE PAUL DROP BY THIS WEEK’S EPISODE OF VH1 CLASSIC’S “THAT METAL SHOW”

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THE WINERY DOGS AND VINNIE PAUL DROP BY THIS WEEK’S EPISODE OF VH1 CLASSIC’S “THAT METAL SHOW”

Guitar Legend Yngwie Malmsteen Returns and Shreds as Guest Musician

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(March 27th, 2014 – New York, NY) – VH1 Classic’s centerpiece in original programming “That Metal Show” returns this week with Richie Kotzen, Billy Sheehan, and Mike Portnoy of The Winery Dogs. The band drops by to update hosts Eddie Trunk, Don Jamieson, and Jim Florentine on how things have been going since the release of their debut album, released last July. The band also unveils a new deluxe edition of their debut that will be released in the near future. Unfortunately, the band leaves mid-show because they were performing that night in New York City. TMS Alum, Vinnie Paul, returns for a third time to the show and finishes the show alone. Vinnie fills the hosts in on the latest Hell Yeah record, recounts tales from the road, and once again definitively states that the rumors of the possible Pantera reunion with Zakk Wylde on guitar are completely false. Vinnie eloquently states: “They call it a ‘reunion’ for a reason, it means that all original members will be returning.  Well, with Dime no longer being here, that’s not possible.  We had fourteen amazing years together, and in my humble opinion there’s no way to do that. I don’t want to tarnish the legacy of Pantera, and my brother.  This just needs to be left alone, as it is, and it’s time for us to move on, man.” Vinnie Paul also enlightens the hosts in the “Put It On The Table” segment as he answers the lightning fast Q&A portion of the show. Episode eleven of “That Metal Show” airs this Saturday, March 29th at 11:00PM ET/PT.

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Guitar legend Yngwie Malmsteen returns to TMS but this time as the guest musician. Yngwie wowed the hosts, guests, and crowd with his amazing fretwork and improvisational abilities. He even takes a full guitar solo in the final segment of the show that is not-to-be-missed.

Episode eleven also features a “Metal Modem” segment with Michael Poulson, of Volbeat, checking in from his home in Denmark. Michael fills in the hosts about what is going on with Volbeat’s upcoming tour, what it was like to tour with Metallica, and how great it was to be on the road with Hell Yeah and Vinnie Paul, hoping they can do it again soon. The “TMS Top 5” tackles the Top 5 Greatest Hard Rock Trios with all three hosts only agreeing on one band, Rush. This week’s “Stump The Trunk” finds Eddie regaining his dominance over the audience’s questions. When he gets one wrong it allows a lucky fan to win one of Billy Sheehan’s basses; autographed by the Winery Dogs, which of course brings out everyone’s favorite Miss Box Of Junk, Jennifer.

Since the January 18th premiere of Season 13, “That Metal Show” continues to bring their audience the biggest names in hard rock and heavy metal. The season 13 finale airs on April 5th at 11:00PM ET/PT with guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani, comedians Artie Lange and Jim Breuer, and Yngwie Malmsteen as guest guitarist, earning the distinction as being the only repeat performer in season 13.

This season marks some monumental changes for the show as it returns to New York City for Season 13. Previously the show was taped over several days, in a course of a week, at Sony Studios in Los Angeles. The new season is now shot at Metropolis Studios on Tuesday nights, for broadcast that Saturday. Season 13 also consists of 12 new episodes making it the longest season in the series history. Fans can also catch the complete season 12 and brand new exclusive bonus clips at ThatMetalShow.VH1.com and on the new VH1 app. New episodes of season 13 launch on the web and in the app every Sunday morning following the show’s on-air premiere.

“That Metal Show” premiered on VH1 Classic in November 2008 and since has become the only place for all things hard rock and heavy metal on cable television. The show has been visited by some of the biggest names in the genres including members of Black Sabbath, Aerosmith, Pantera, Anthrax, Kiss, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Pearl Jam, Queensrÿche, and Heart.

“That Metal Show” is a production of VH1 Classic. Lee Rolontz, Jeff Baumgardner, and Keshia Williams serve as executive producers for VH1.

VH1 Classic brings you the best metal, rock, soul and pop from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. The channel features the gods of rock – from Black Sabbath, Metallica, and Iron Maiden to Stone Temple Pilots, Pearl Jam, and Dire Straits – in marquee concerts and music specials, and of course, tons of classic music videos. Recent big events include “National Metal Day” (11.11) and “Metal Evolution”, an 11-part documentary series on the history of metal.  When it comes down to it – all music should go to 11.