Category Archives: Rock N’ Roll

Clutch Frontman, Ex Black Sabbath Drummer Join Forces In Dunsmuir

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Remember those great concept albums like The Wall, Tommy, 2112, Operation Mindcrime…you get my drift. Well Dunsmuir has a brought a new one into the mix with their upcoming release Dunsmuir.

In case you’ve been leading a sheltered life in a bomb shelter, here’s the lowdown on Dunsmuir: Neil Fallon (Clutch) on vocals, Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath, Heaven And Hell) on drums, Brad Davis (Fu Manchu) on bass, and Dave Bone (The Company Band)on guitar, have put their various talents together to form Dunsmuir, and the result is FANTASTIC to say the least.

Dunsmuir tells the tale of the various fates met by the survivors of a 19th century ship wreck.  What had been intended as a voyage of scientific discovery, quickly devolves into a struggle to survive the natural world, and the supernatural. This tale is successfully told by the mood and tempo of the 10 tracks on this album:

1. Hung On the Rocks
2. Our Only Master
3. The Bats (Are Hungry Tonight)
4. What Manner of Bliss
5. Deceiver
6. …and Madness
7. Orb of Empire
8. Church of the Tooth
9. The Gate
10. Crawling Chaos

     The album has a straightforward no bullshit Rock N’ Roll feel to it. Great mix of vocals, guitar,  bass, and drums with one not overshadowing the other. The mix is stellar and you don’t lose anything when you crank it to outrageous volume. The flow is great as the story is told. The lyrics do a great job of placing you within the story of the brave adventurers of the tale and it translates well. This is an album that is worthy of a road trip with the volume and the windows down AND an evening at home with your favorite beverage and a great pair of headphones. While meant to be taken as a whole, there are a few tracks that call out to me: “Hung On the Rocks” with its catchy licks and chorus reaches out and tickles my ears. “Crawling Chaos” embodies chaos in your ears and yet somehow makes sense. “Church of the Tooth” carries with it an ominous doomy sound which I thoroughly enjoy.

     Dunsmuir delivers some solid Rock N’ Roll in a time when others have given Rock its death sentence. This album gives the middle finger to the naysayers and does its part in proving them wrong.

     Their self titled full length album is set to be released July 22nd via Hall Of Records with presale to begin on July 8th.   The album will be released digitally via iTunes only and the LP will only have a pressing of 1,000 copies with a signed lithograph poster of the album cover and available only at:  http://www.indiemerch.com/Dunsmuir

    Facebook:  www.facebook.com/DunsmuirBand
Instagram:  http://www.instagram.com/dunsmuirband
Twitter:        http://www.twitter.com/DunsmuirBand
Official:        http://www.dunsmuirband.com
YouTube:    http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCav_GlS4rhekNZsOZTp3SzA

          You DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS ONE!!!

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

     -the Hellion

 

 

CLUTCH ANNOUNCE 2016 U.S. TOUR WITH ZAKK SABBATH & KYNG

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June 15th, 2016 – Clutch continues their Psychic Warfare World Tour 2016.  Headline tour dates for September-October are in.  The group will be heading back on the road this Fall headlining another leg of their US tour. Supporting the tour will be Zakk Sabbath and Los Angeles based metal band Kyng. Including 2 festival appearances, the trek will begin in Buffalo, NY at the The Town Ballroom on September 28th and conclude in Worcester, MA at The Palladium on October 30th.
 
Clutch lead vocalist Neil Fallon commented “We are pleased to announce that this Fall Clutch will be hitting the road again in the U.S..  This time with Zakk Sabbath and Kyng. Clutch toured with Black Label Society a few years back and it was a blast –  and no doubt, this one will be a blast as well.  We hope to see you all there!”
 
Psychic Warfare is the latest and eleventh studio effort from Clutch.  The disc debuted at No. 11 on the Billboard 200, No. 2 on the Billboard Independent,  No. 1 on the Billboard Hard Rock and Billboard Rock charts.  On Record Store Day this past April 16th Clutch released a limited edition numbered etched vinyl 12 inch that included two previously unreleased tracks from the Psychic Warfare sessions:  “Mad Sidewinder” and “Outland Special Clearance“.   Psychic Warfare was produced by longtime producer Machine (Lamb Of God, Every Time I Die).   
 
Zakk Sabbath, bring their take on Black Sabbath songs on the road for the first time ever.  The band features  guitarist/vocalist Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society, Ozzy Osbourne), bassist Rob “Blasko” Nicholson (Ozzy Osbourne, Rob Zombie) and drummer Joey Castillo (Danzig, Queens Of The Stone Age).   Kyng, the Los Angeles based metal trio, will be supporting their 3rd release and follow up to 2014’s Burn The Serum.
 
Pre-sale tickets will be on sale today (June 15th) at 12PM local time with public on sale beginning Friday, June  17 at 10AM local time.  Pre-sale tickets are available here: Tickets.artistarena.com/clutch 
For all other information, visit the Clutch website (www.pro-rock.com).
 
Clutch, Zakk Sabbath, Kyng 2016 Tour Dates
 
09/28 – Buffalo, NY @ The Town Ballroom
09/30 – Lakewood, NJ @ First Energy Park – Rock Carnival *
10/01 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
10/02 – Louisville, KY @ Champions Park – Louder Than Life *
10/04 – Lake Buena Vista, FL @ House of Blues
10/05 – Atlanta, GA @ The Buckhead Theatre
10/07 – Raleigh, NC @ Lincoln Theatre Street Stage
10/08 – Columbus, OH @ Express Live
10/10 – Little Rock, AR @ Metroplex
10/11 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom
10/12 – Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater
10/14 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Novo
10/15 – Las Vegas, NV @ Brooklyn Bowl
10/16 – San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom
10/18 – Boulder, CO @ Boulder Theater
10/20 – Kansas City, MO @ Uptown Theater
10/21 – Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
10/22 – Sioux City, IA @ Anthem at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
10/24 – Columbia, MO @ The Blue Note ** NO Zakk Sabbath
10/25 – Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
10/27 – Madison, WI @ Orpheum Theater
10/28 – Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore
10/29 – Clifton Park, NY @Upstate Concert Hall
10/30 – Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
 
* festival appearance 
 
CLUTCH:
Neil Fallon – Vocals/Guitar
Tim Sult – Guitar
Dan Maines – Bass
Jean-Paul Gaster – Drums/Percussion

                                                  

 
For more  information, check out the band’s website:
 
Official: www.pro-rock.com
 
You know I’ll be there!!! – the Hellion

Stacey Blades unveils Angels In Vein

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I recently had the chance to talk to my friend Stacey Blades about the exciting new project he’s been working on, Angels In Vein. Check out the conversation right here:

 

     Be sure to visit http://www.angelsinvein.com for all the Latest! Thanks to Rock-n-Roll GangStar for the badass merch on their site!!!

     it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ANGELS IN VEIN!!!

     -the Hellion

the Hellion Rocks talks to Jeff Sandoval and Mike Araiza about their new release Project Playlist

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If any of you are like me, you constantly crave new music. Not just new music but quality music. Jeff Sandoval and Mike Araiza deliver, in spades, with Project Playlist. Jeff and Mike have taken many musical journeys together and have included me along the way. Check out this heartfelt discussion we had about how they got to where they are today. When you’re done watching I HIGHLY recommend you click on the picture below and order Project Playlist . There will be a detailed song by song review up this Saturday so stay tuned. Project Playlist is currently the front-runner for CD of the year on the Hellion Rocks and that’s no joke.  Order yours today!!!

it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK AND ROLL!!!

-the Hellion

YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO WATCH IT!

CD Cover

     CLICK THE PICTURE TO ORDER NOW!

The Troubadour of Testosterone, Zakk Wylde, releases Book Of Shadows II

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I have been listening to the new Zakk Wylde release for several days now and want to share my reflections on it with you.

When I received my pre-order in the mail I was excited to hear some new music from Father Zakk. I unwrapped the CD, and quickly threw it in my truck’s player and settled in for a listen…..

Playing this album it felt like i had put on a pair of comfortable slippers, and settled in to my favorite easy chair. While the songs were new, they felt familiar and comfortable like old friends and yet at the same time, not stale and boring. I tried to pick out some standout tracks but was unable to as the flow of the record, for me, needs to be taken as a whole.

So why would Zakk need to make a solo record? Why not another Black Label Society record? Here are my thoughts.

We all know Zakk can grab his fiddle and choke some fantastic music from it that will crush our collective chests like so many packs of cigarettes, and we know he has some tender moments that give us some memorable ballads. With Book of Shadows II, Zakk gives us some reflective music. This CD is full of music that truly comes from a mans thoughts and life experiences and listening to it will transport you into a thoughtful place. I am taken back to the music of James Taylor, Jim Croce, and Don McLean. These guys created art with their words and guitars.

Why then would hardcore, badass, metalhead, rockers, like this record? Because it shows craftsmanship, and talent…lots and lots of talent. The skill set Zakk shows us on Book of Shadows II shows us why he remains so relevant in the vast world of guitarists.

Bottom line, Book of Shadows II feels like a record that I have had in my collection for years and years and yet puts a smile on my face whenever I play it.

While all of the songs stand out to me as a whole Zakk has released a video for “Sleeping Dogs” and you can check it out here:

     Whether you are a Zakk Wylde/BLS fan or not you should run out today and pick Book of Shadows II to up, pop it in your player, roll the windows down, and go for a 60 minute drive and just let finely crafted music flow through you and take to a reflective place.

     it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s Rock N’ Roll!!!

     -the Hellion

 

 

Al Jourgensen talks Surgical Meth Machine

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     Well, Things sometimes get a little “different” here at the Hellion Rocks.

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     he’s loud, he’s dirty, he’s Al Jourgensen…

     the Hellion

Appetite for disaster…

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As most of you have probably heard by now there are rumors flying about Axl Rose filling in on vocals for AC/DC. Here is my unabashed opinion, like it or not.

I have stated many times before how I am of the opinion that AC/DC died with Bon Scott. Angus and the boys soldiered on with Brian Johnson and had some good songs but it just wasn’t AC/DC for me and never would be. Yes, I continued to buy every record they released because I support that way, but there was always something missing for me.

Now we hear of some sort of hearing debacle with Brian Johnson and his immediate departure from their current tour. That departure started the rumor mill going full blast with speculation upon speculation as to who would step up and fill Brian’s shoes. Who indeed…

Within my circle of friends I began to hear a rumbling of Axl’s name being thrown about. Then I began seeing it on social media, and now many websites are jumping on the “Axl replacing Brian” band wagon as well.

Here are my thoughts, the AC/DC machine runs pretty tight, Axl does not. I am of the opinion that given who Axl is (don’t get me wrong he is a great front man) and who AC/DC is it would be like oil and water. I cannot even imagine Axl performing with them for one minute. We were all just getting excited about the impending “reunion” of Guns N’ Roses (don’t get me started on that one) and now this hence the title of this writing, “Appetite for Disaster”.

I would love nothing more than to be wrong and it be a great success for Axl and AC/DC but I just don’t see it…

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

-the Hellion

 

Condition Critical

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I have been following Condition Critical with great anticipation since I saw them back on their last tour to promote Operational Hazard. I think Interminable Surgery off their sophomore album Extermination Plan is smart, heavy, and powerful. It’s everything you would want in a Thrash Metal song and holds nothing back, midway through it changes things up and slams you with some heavy riffing and a crazy solo influenced by the European power metal scene as the band keeps tempo and ends on a heavy note. This is one album and band to keep an eye on. Condition Critical has informed me that this isn’t the final master of the track, so some sounds could change, but I wanted to get it out there in the wild early to help promote these guys as the tracking is pretty top notch already! Look for them on tour! – Simon Arnet

D.R.I.that’s right!!!

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D.R.I continues to pack venue’s!

Dirty Rotten Imbeciles has continued to be an independent power house in the crossover genre, bringing together thrashers, punks, skinheads and metalheads alike. The demographic at the Launchpad in Albuquerque, New Mexico was no different than to be expected, and 2016 makes no difference in D.R.I’s astonishing ability to continue selling out venue’s. The Launchpad was packed, and rightfully so, D.R.I just nailed it.

D.R.I had some new songs for us that night as the filled out venue screamed and yelled these new tracks fit right in with everything else D.R.I has done, and that’s not a bad thing. Like AC/DC, D.R.I knows and respects its audience and has an incredible following. The bass, amazing and fantastic guitar work and a new drummer! Who, amazingly could keep up with the high energy of the crowd, Kurt and the rest of team D.R.I!

Monsta, exactly. That fits him and is how he introduced himself to me at the end of the concert. Cool as fuck, down to earth and extremely approachable D.R.I has found a winner. Monsta could absolutely keep a steady beat, and inject energy into the crowd. You could already see D.R.I relying on him for timing, and trusting him. It’s everything you could hope for in a new Drummer.

It’s a ripe time for D.R.I to be releasing new material, Thrash has grown extremely popular over the years, and the new material sounded excellent. Continue watching The Hellion Rocks for details on the New EP release, Album and hopefully an interview! D.R.I is on tour, so get tickets while you can before they aren’t available!

 

-The Hellion’s Horsemen!

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

-the HellionKurtThe Hellion Rocks 1

the demise of That Metal Show

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in 2008 I was excited to see a show called That Metal Show hit the airwaves. While I felt the show was good, I always felt that there was room for improvements. I was ok with Eddie Trunk as the host but never was satisfied with co-hosts Don Jamieson and Jim Florentine. I always held the opinion that they should have featured a rotating musician co-host. One other thing I think that would have been cool was to randomly pick an audience member to come down and be a featured co-host.   I also would have to have seen some up and coming or lesser known musical guests. There are plenty of talented musicians that could have benefited from this kind of exposure. While I also enjoyed the coverage of “classic” rock bands I feel there was plenty of room to give some newer and lesser known bands exposure as well. I did enjoy the “Stump the Trunk” and “Top 5” segments as well.

I watched every show from every season and will miss it although I felt it could have been so much more. I hope it does find a new home and maybe by some miracle I can tell them about my thoughts… Rest In Peace TMS, another casualty of the war on Rock N’ Roll.

Share YOUR thoughts with me!

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

-the Hellion