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!!!
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.
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…
When I am asked to cover a show I do my best to make that happen. I was unable to get to this one so I reached out to one of my minions who did a bang up job covering it.
An outsider looking in, the misunderstood Juggalo from the perspective of a metalhead.
The Hellion’s Horsemen
Nothing but kindness and love.
When I was asked to cover a Juggalo concert, and Blaze Ya Dead Homie at that, I at first rejected the assignment on previous biases and lack of information about who the Juggalo’s really were. However, a good friend of mine turned out to be a big Juggalo fan convinced me to go with her so I took the assignment, and was glad I did. I received nothing but kindness and love.
The Juggalo’s are super passionate about Horrorcore, the atmosphere was definitely intense in the pits but everyone generally had a good vibe, in fact people who started drama were called out. “THIS MOTHER FUCKER RIGHT HERE!!!” Followed by “WHOOP!!!! WHOOP!!!!” as security took them out.
When I wanted to get to the front, they made room for me and smiled as they caught a few glimpses of the work I was creating for them. I am glad I had my Juggalo friend with me to help understand the culture of the Jugallo that seems so misunderstood.
The Music was a downright wonder, it’s easy to see how the Juggalo fan base has grown so much and why the music garners such intense passion from its fans. The only Juggalo song I had heard before this concert was the ICP tune Miracles and was confused by it probably because I’m not a Juggalo even though I enjoyed the video and thought the beats were neat.
Heavy Beats, a unique sound, the lyrics are equally as intense as the music with extremely controversial subjects. It’s like, the movie Halloween (the original) in lyrical form. I really enjoyed the intensity, and energy of Blaze, Lex, Trilogy, DJ Stigmata, and illNickEll. Yesterday was a good lesson. I certainly plan on doing a little more after gig research, and a bit more listening
Blaze’s performance was unquestionably a hit. He is a well thought out MC, he works the crowd and the crowd loves him. One women was in tears over his performance. The light, the magic and the swing of his groove was downright inspiring. You could hear his passion for his role and who he is. The subject matter, and his persona along with his label, calling out his ninja’s and family. Regardless of the controversy surrounding the Juggalo’s, their brand and labels if you get the chance to see a concert. Take it. I have been to many concerts. I will remember this one for years to come.
I’m thankful for the opportunity. The Juggalo is a bit less mysterious to me now, and hopefully for others as well. Ya’all were super kind and have some real talent.
The Hellion’s Horsemen is part of an elite team of photojournalist, writers and professionals supporting The Hellion Rocks in its humble ambition to be the best it can be.
the Hellion Rocks responding to the needs of my industry contacts!
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.
Well, I received the new earlier this afternoon that Glenn Frey had passed away. Glenn and the Eagles have been a part of my life for s long as I can remember. My mom turned me on to the Eagles when I was young and I am grateful for that. The Eagles wrote songs that we could all relate to and they became part of the soundtrack to our lives. I am sorry to hear of your passing Glenn, “Take It Easy” my friend.
Prong has a great new record coming out on February 5th called “PRONG X – NO ABSOLUTES”. We had the chance to speak to Tommy Victor about this upcoming release and the tour to follow. We had a great conversation and it was a pleasure to speak with Tommy. You can enjoy it here:
I woke up to some tragic news this morning, David Bowie had passed away. Yet another iconic rock star has left us for the great beyond. I remember Bowie very very well. I grew up listening to his music and enjoying his myriad of personalities. I had always respected David for daring to be who he wanted and not afraid to express himself artistically. Throughout the years I have listened, and not always liked, to his music but continued to respect him and his work. And now, I am forced to say goodbye to the Thin White Duke. I will forever play his music and try to tell others about the legend of Ziggy Stardust.
2015 is over but it brought us some great new music. Here are my top 10 in no particular order, enjoy:
Stryper – Fallen
Stryper’s new release, Fallen, is a supercharged release to say the least. For a band that has been around for 32 years they have continued to impress. This record is full of killer riffs and powerhouse vocals. I am totally impressed by the production quality of this record. I was even surprised to see a Black Sabbath cover on here “After Forever” is done very well by Stryper. The track that grabs hold and will not let go is “Fallen” :
Ahhh Ugly Kid Joe, 19 years after Motel California UKJ is back with a full album. These hold a very special place in my heart and always will. This record shows that UKJ has not lost a bit of the attitude that made them so great. This is rock n’ roll pure and undistilled. The stand out here is “Hell Ain’t Hard To Find”:
Throw The Temple is a hard working band that takes itself serious without being serious about it. Believe me, every move they make is calculated and planned. After seeing them perform for several years they have finally put out and album to be proud of. Full of deep lyrics and catchy tunes ( I even persuaded them to provide the theme song for the Hellion Rocks) this is an album which should be garnering national attention. Enjoy the video for “We Got It Goin'” right here:
This record was a complete surprise to me. While technically a “supergroup” it sounds nothing like one. I was ina bad mood the first time I played this record, by the end not so much. This is just a feel good record that you can tell was fun to make. Comprised of the legendary Tracii Guns, Rudy Sarzo, Rikki Rockett, and Brandon Gibbs, this is a DO NOT MISS record. Here’s the video for “Boneyard”:
Motörhead has always been a guilty pleasure for me. I have always listened to them and probably always will. I have seen the fairweather fans come and go as the trends change. I was extremely saddened to hear of the deaths of Lemmy and Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor. This final album from Motörhead is to savor and enjoy. Take a listen to “Electricity” and pay your respects:
Skulldron rocks, plain and simple. I have known these guys for years and years and enjoyed them immensely. Skulldron falls into the Stoner/Doom metal category and they do it so very well. This is a band that NEEDS some worldwide acclaim. This is another record that SHOULD be in your collection. Well crafted and put together Through The Smoke takes you on a trip to a very cool place in your head. Take a peek at G.O.A.T. :
Clutch is band that, to me, everyone should be running to the store and buying all of their records. Firing on all cylinders and then some, Clutch simply rules. This album continues Clutch’s streak of aggressive, hard charging rock. I have one thing to say about Clutch, if you don’t like them, you haven’t listened to them. Psychic Warfare is a great record to introduce you to the awesomeness that is Clutch. “X-Ray Visions” will whet your appetite:
Dellacoma Rio, vocalist for Dellacoma is one of the hardest working men in rock n’ roll. Hailing from Australia, Del continually works on world domination. Putting together an outstanding band of three world class musicians: Art Struck, Matt Cook, and Rick Reynolds, Dellacoma wrote and recorded a well crafted piece of art. No frill, no filler, just straight up feel good music. This is my pick for road music of the year. Put this on, roll down the windows, and hit the road. Let me show you what I mean:
Red Sky Mary was an accidental find for me. I was completely taken aback by the soul in this young band. It was as if someone jumped into a time machine and collected the DNA from several 70’s bands and somehow fused them into Red Sky Mary. I find so much depth and beauty in this record it amazes me that their are bands still making music that you can truly feel. Here is the latest from Red Sky Mary:
Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators – Live at the Roxy 9.25.14
Slash and crew deliver on this live recording from the Roxy. I f you have never had the chance to catch them live this is the next best thing. Relaxed and fun this record showcases Slash’s and Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators talent. With songs that span throughout Slash’s career from GNR, Velvet Revolver, through today this one is a winner. My favorite track from this record:
the Hellion Rocks 