I just love this band PERIOD! This video and song KILLS me. I wonder how KISS feels about it? You’ve gotta see this:
Category Archives: Rock
JASON BECKER – A MUSICAL SOUL
http://www.facebook.com/jason.becker.1253
Jason Eli Becker was born July 22, 1969, and at the age of 16 with Marty Friedman put together Cacophony. They released Speed Metal Symphony in 1987 and Go Off! in 1988.
Here’s a taste of “Speed Metal Symphony” :
Jason released his first solo record in 1988. Perpetual Burn is an amazing album.
Sadly Cacophony broke up in 1989. Jason then went on to play for David Lee Roth for his A Little Ain’t Enough (1991) record. Jason was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, aka Lou Gehrig’s Disease) a week after joining the band. He managed to finish recording the album, but was unable to tour in support of the album, as his condition left him with little strength in his hands.
Here’s Jason with David Lee Roth on “Drop In The Bucket”:
After his diagnosis he was given two to three years to live. Due to his illness, he eventually lost the ability to speak and now communicates with his eyes via a system developed by his father. Although his ALS gradually robbed him of his ability to play guitar, to walk, and eventually even to speak, he still remains mentally sharp and, with the aid of a computer, continues composing. In the back of the Perspective CD case, Becker states “I have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. It has crippled my body and speech, but not my mind.” His medical condition has remained stable since 1997. In 2003, Becker posted on his website that he was feeling better and had gained some weight, while the folder for his 2008 album Collection also mentions an upcoming book.
Admirably Jason is still with us today and still composing music. In 1996, Becker released an album entitled Perspective, an instrumental album composed by him (with the exception of Bob Dylan’s song “Meet Me in the Morning”). The writing of the music had been started before ALS completely crippled his abilities. By using guitar, and, later, when he was unable to use both hands, a keyboard, he continued to compose while his disease worsened. However, when Becker could no longer physically play even a keyboard, his friend and music producer Mike Bemesderfer helped him with a music-composing computer program which could read the movements of his head and eyes, enabling Becker to continue to compose after he lost control of the rest of his body.
Several years later, Becker released Raspberry Jams (1999) and Blackberry Jams (2003); the first contained various unreleased demo-tracks, and the latter contained demo-tracks and alternate versions of songs that were later reworked and published into other albums.
Collection is a great album to start with if you want to experience the music of Jason Becker.
Here is one of the newer tracks that I cherish “Electric Prayer For Peace”
Thank you Jason for all you have given to the music world. Much love and respect to you.
the Hellion
JOHN 5 – A GUITARIST FOR THE NEW AGE
A lot of people have recently become aware of John 5 through his guest appearances on That Metal Show and as the guitarist for Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson. His career however, is quite impressive. He has done studio work with Matt Ball, Avril Lavigne, Rob Halford, k.d. lang, Garbage, Meat Loaf, Scorpions, Ozzy Osbourne, Slash, FeFe Dobson and has written and recorded with southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. One of my favorite projects he has done was RED SQUARE BLACK. Featuring: Mark Binder – Vocals, John Lowery (later to become John 5) – Guitar, Randy Castillo – Drums, Angelo Barbera – Bass they released one EP in October of 1994 entitled “SQUARE”.
With tones of metal, and industrial this band was ahead of its time. Sadly they only had the one release and the members moved on to other projects. Here’s a listen to “Violent Pause” from the EP:
John 5 also co-wrote “The Monster Is Loose” with Nikki Sixx and Desmond Child for Meat Loaf’s 2006 release Bat Out Of Hell III.
Currently John 5 is playing with Rob Zombie, a new record and tour are in the immediate future. Here’s “Foxy, Foxy” from the 2010 release Educated Horses:
John recently released his sixth solo record God Told Me To on May 8th of this year.
A great release full of smoking and innovative licks I HIGHLY recommend getting this. Here is the video for “Welcome To Violence”:
If I had to sum up John 5 in one word it is, AWESOME!
the Hellion
HEADPHONE TRIPS PART 2- PUT ON YOUR BEST PAIR AND EXPERIENCE AUDIO HEAVEN
There is nothing like a well-engineered song through a pair of great headphones. Over the years there have been many songs that just blow you away when listened through headphones, in a dark room, lying on the floor. Let’s look at two this week.
PINK FLOYD – “ECHOES” (1971)
If you want to experience some “out of this world” music, this is one of the best compositions for that. Surreal, spacey, and sometimes outright scary (when you are driving on a deserted back highway at 3:45 in the morning) This song pulses in and out, and takes you places in your mind that you might not be familiar with.
RUSH – “2112” (SIDE ONE) (1976)
Take the whole first side of 2112 as an audio journey that you fill your ears with wonder. Put on your headphones, relax, and go to places you only dream of. It will be 20:34 minutes well spent.
More headphone trips to come, keep your ears open…
the Hellion
GERRY RAFFERTY – A VOICE REMEMBERED
“Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right. Here I am, stuck in the middle with you.” Who doesn’t know those lyrics? A lot of people do not know that Gerry Rafferty was the singer of Stealers Wheel though. I was eight years old when that fantastic song came out. I used to run around singing at the top of my lungs until I was told to shut up (at which point I sang it under my breath). Gerry Rafferty’s voice struck a nerve in me. When I next heard from Gerry Rafferty I was fourteen, “Baker Street” blew me away. The song painted a vivid picture in my mind, it was if I could see the lyrics played out in a move in my mind. The composition, and groove of the song was, still is, and will be amazing. I loved and learned to appreciate the saxophone from that song. With other songs such as “Right Down The Line” , “Get It Right Next Time”, Gerry continued to fill my ears with joy. Unfortunately personal issues caused him to fade from the scene but not from my mind. Eventually we lost Gerry in 2011. I continue to share his music with others and show them the genius of his music. Thank you Gerry Rafferty for sharing your beautiful art with us.
“And when you wake up it’s a new morning
The sun is shining, it’s a new morning
But you’re going, you’re going home” – Baker Street
R.I.P Gerry
STEALERS WHEEL – “STUCK IN THE MIDDLE WITH YOU”:
GERRY RAFFERTY – “BAKER STREET” :
the Hellion
GET ANOTHER 10 BANDS IN YOUR EARS!!
1. DEATH ALLEY MOTOR CULT
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Death-Alley-Motor-Cult/276917487784
http://www.deathalleymotorcult.com
Death Alley Motor Cult brings metal back to where it belongs, to the forefront of radio. Start with a dose of blistering guitar work, a thunderous rhythm section, growling vocals and you have an idea what Death Alley Motor Cult is all about. Check out “American Nightmare”:
2. THE ELECTRIC BOA
http://www.facebook.com/TheElectricBoaOfficial
In a flash of bright, colorful, iridescent light The Electric Boa don’t just remind you of all things rock, they ARE all things rock – now, yesterday and tomorrow. Here is “Horse” live:
3. GHOST
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ghost-the-band/145511608861548
I have loved this band since I found them. In the process of spreading the word I have bought several of their CDs and passed them along to friends. Here is my favorite track:
4. RIVAL SONS
http://www.facebook.com/rivalsons
a couple of years ago a friend told me about this band. I have liked them ever since. Blues based straight up Rock N’ Roll have kept this band in my ears. They made a breakthrough with the 2011 release of “Pressure & Time”. They have just released “Head Down” on 09/17/12 I recommend you grab it. Here is their new video for “Keep On Swinging”:
5. THE GATES OF SLUMBER
http://www.facebook.com/thegatesofslumber
http://www.slumberingsouls.com
This is another band recommended to me by a friend. They are new to me but a definite like. Heavy DOOM and hard charging music makes this band a worthwhile listen. Check out “Coven of Cain” and let me know what you think!:
6. ABIOTIC
http://www.facebook.com/Abioticfl
from their bio: Abiotic is an American progressive, technical death metal band from Miami, Florida that has recently signed to Metal Blade Records. The five-piece group consists of vocalist Ray Jimenez, bassist Alex Vazquez, drummer Andres Hurtado and guitarists Matt Mendez and Johnathan Matos. The band has released two singles and a seven song studio EP entitled ‘A Universal Plague’. “Vermosapien”, the second track on the EP, has recently been featured on the quintet’s first music video, directed by Dan Drescher.Abiotic is agressive, melodic, technical and musical, to say the least. They’ve been compared to bands like The Faceless and Veil of Maya. Mixing technical riffs, brutal break downs, and solos that will leave you breathless, makes this five-piece assault an act that fans won’t ever want to miss. Here is “Vermosapien”:
7. MURDER FM
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Murder-FM-Official/339855065055
I got to see these guys a few weeks ago. Great band, very tight, awesome stage performance and great guys to talk to. I see great hings with this young band. They out on the road and earning their stripes! Here is their new video for “tWIST3D l0V3 sTORY” :
8. BLACK SPIDERS
http://www.facebook.com/theblackspiders
http://www.theblackspiders.com
So I just love this band period! Getting out, getting done with pure Rock N’ Roll music. Bringing the fun back into Rock but at the same time ready to kick your ass at the drop of hat. Thanks guys! Here’s “KISS Tried To Kill Me” :
9. BLACKBERRY SMOKE
http://www.facebook.com/BlackberrySmoke
I have a deep seated love for southern rock. I grew up listening to old school country and hippie rock. Southern Rock was a natural progression for me. I found Blackberry Smoke recently and new immediately I would like them. With bands like them Southern Rock and its legacy will stay true. Here is “Ain’t Much Left Of Me” :
10. BLACK WATER RISING
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Black-Water-Rising/14816181590
http://www.blackwaterrising.com
I heard this band on satellite radio one day and had to know more. What I found is a band whose attitude is “What you see is what you get”. No frills, groove laden Rock N’ Roll. This band sees regular play in my rotation. Here’s the KILLER track “Brother Go On”:
HALCYON WAY VOCALIST- STEVE BRAUN
Halcyon Way vocalist Steve Braun answered some questions for us. Let’s get to know about him and his band Halcyon Way.
Thanks for speaking with us Steve. Can you tell us a little about your self and where you come from?
Steve: Hmmmm that could be a very deep questions,lol. I am the lead singer for Nightmare/ Sony Red recording artist Halcyon Way. We are a metal band based out of Atlanta, GA. I am a Jersey boy born and raised. I have lived all over the US and Canada following my dreams. I now live in Nashville, TN which is funny that I now drive 4 1/2hrs to band practice but you gotta do what you gotta do.
There was always music of some kind being played in my house while I was growing up. How did music come into your life? What kind of music shaped you as a kid?
Steve: I really got into music at a young age. My older sister use to baby-sit me when my parents were out. I remember the first stuff I listened to was Meat Loaf, Billy Joel, Pat Benatar and Hall and Oats. I was instantly hooked. Tho it wasn’t Metal I believe it really helped to set the foundation of loving strong songwriting and melody.
Most everyone dreams of being a rock star but these dreams remained unrealized. How did you make your dreams come true?
Steve: Man…all I can say is it took a lot of handwork. Countless hours of practice singing to my favorite tapes…yes tapes:) I also took private voice lessons in NY, LA and Nashville. I was even a vocal performance major in college.
On making my dreams come true…I’m still in that phase. You have to knock on as many doors as possible. I believe if you continue to knock on doors sooner or later the right door will open. Sitting in your bedroom hoping it will happen will NOT make it happen.
What were some of the experiences you had that led to you to where you are today?
Steve: I have been quite blessed in the experiences I’ve had in the music industry. My first break was singing for Word Records recording artist Siloam. We were an anti-drug hard rock band. We toured all over the US and Canada.
I’ve sung on the TV show “The View”. I actually got engaged on the show. I am the only one to ever make Barbara Walters cry on tv. I mean now I can die a happy man:)
I’ve sung for Italian progressive Metal band ASHENT. We’ve released 2 CDs via Lion Music.
I have been fortunate enough to tour all over the world and meet some of the most amazing people along the way.
Most musicians “earn their stripes” in several bands prior to success. What were some of your more memorable experiences in some of your earlier bands?
Steve: Well in Siloam we were on CNN when we were in Corpus Christi, TX and we were honored by the mayor. However, one of the biggest memories was that we played in this boys n girls club and as soon as the lights went down for the intro and gang fight broke out and the head of a porcelain duck whipped past my head (I still have the duck head:))
One of the greatest things playing with ASHENT was I got to spend a lot of time in Italy. I would sometimes spend up to a month at a time there when recording our albums. The best part was I got to live like a local.
In talking to people about music, most of them identify with a certain era of music more than others. What period of music do you identify most with?
Steve: I would have to say I’m a child of the 80’s. I love the decade of decadence.
What artists inspired you from the past and which current artists have caught your ear?
Steve: I would have to say…Michael Sweet of Stryper, Tony Harnell of TNT, Sebastian Bach and James LaBrie.
Some of my favorite new artists are Five Finger Death Punch, Killswitch Engage, in This Moment and All That Remains.
People are often times surprised at what they find “hiding” in my music collection. Anything “out of the ordinary” in yours?
Steve: Oh man…there are a ton of things on my IPod that makes me go huh…I didn’t know I had that. Stuff like Marvyn Gaye, Notorious BIG, and obscure 80’s one hit wonders
HALCYON WAY
http://www.facebook.com/halcyonway
http://www.myspace.com/halcyonway
http://www.twitter.com/halcyonway
http://www.reverbnation.com/halcyonway
http://www.purevolume.com/halcyonway
http://www.skullsnbones.com/halcyonway
I have found myself really getting to enjoy the music of Halcyon Way. Tell us a little about Halcyon Way.
9.Halcyon Way has been around in different forms for the past 10 years. They’ve gone through a ton of turmoil over the years from member changes, recording issues, canceled tours and even cancer in the founding member guitarist Jon Bodan. I’ve been in the band just about 3 years. During this time we’ve done a few tours, released 2 CDs and are getting ready next month to record our next disc and shop around for a new label. Our music is available on halcyonway.com, most major retailers and iTunes.
Given the opportunity to address young musicians what advice would you give them?
Steve: Work hard, work hard, work hard…don’t let your ego get in the way. Remember there is someone who is practicing in their bedroom that are better than you and I will ever be. Always remain humble because that will speak tons of your character.
Lastly, have a career/job that will help pay the bills. Don’t let it get in the way of you’re dreams but have something to bridge the gap where you can live and follow your dreams.
What do you have to say about the music industry/scene today?
Steve: It’s awesome to be in the business but the money is not there like it use to be. Some of it is from bit torrent sites. I’ve seen on one site our last album was downloaded somewhere in the 20-30,000 times)and some of it is from the world economic crisis facing the world. We pay a lot of stuff our own pocket which is why you need to have a job. The day of getting a million dollar contract being dropped in your lap is sadly gone.
Thanks for taking sometime to talk to me. – Steve Braun
Thank you Steve for talking with us.
Check out this promo video:
the Hellion
WORLD PREMIERE VIDEO! – BURST INTO FLAMES “DIVINE SLAUGHTER”
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Burst-Into-Flames/379277886864?ref=ts
http://www.burstintoflamesmetal.com/
We got another hot one for ya! The new video from the “EPIC METAL” band BURST INTO FLAMES! You better keep your eyes on this band because they are fast tracking for global domination! FEED THE FIRE!
the Hellion
DOWN – IV PART 1 THE PURPLE EP UPDATED 09/29/12!
http://www.downontour.com
http://www.downboard.com
http://www.officialdownstore.com
http://www.myspace.com/downnola
http://www.down-nola.com
I have been a fan of Down since its inception. This is the first of four EPs to come out. It was released on 09/18/12 and does not disappoint. Down carries on with their distinct dark and brooding sound. With tones of Sabbath running through it Down is true to form. Live and raw sounding it is deeply satisfying. If you have been living under a rock and haven’t heard Down you are missing out. Down features:
Philip Anselmo – Vocals
Jimmy Bower – Drums
Pat Bruders – Bass
Pepper Keenan – Guitar
Kirk Windstein – Guitar
With a total length of 33:18 it is well worth the price. Here is the track listing:
1. “Levitation”
2. “Witchtripper”
3. “Open Coffins”
4. “The Curse Is a Lie”
5. “This Work Is Timeless”
6. “Misfortune Teller
Here’s “Witchtripper” : UPDATED: OFFICIAL VIDEO RELEASE!
the Hellion
GET READY FOR DRONIKA!!!
http://www.facebook.com/dronika2012
On a recent trip to Los Angeles I was fortunate enough to meet and hang out a bit with Dronika members Eduardo and Carlos. We got to hang out and watch some great live music at the Whisky. Dronika is a new band that I have been lucky enough to witness growing. They have included me in sharing their growth and development. They are currently working on their debut release. Pay attention and don’t miss out when their CD drops! Here’s a taste:
the Hellion
the Hellion Rocks 