Category Archives: Surrealist

PHILIP H. ANSELMO Talks Record Store Day and the Comeback of Vinyl Records with FORBES MAGAZINE‏

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PHILIP H. ANSELMO Talks Record Store Day and the Comeback of Vinyl Records with FORBES MAGAZINE

Earlier this week, Forbes Magazine (Forbes.com) posted an in-depth piece on the comeback of vinyl and Record Store Day, written by Tim Clark. In a time where people are quick to label the current state of the music industry as “failing” or “experiencing a downfall”, Tim Clark points out that the independent record store experience illustrates otherwise.

 

Down vocalist and Housecore Records CEO Philip H. Anselmo was interviewed for the piece, and gave his personal thoughts on the rise in record store activity and how it supports growth in the music business and community. As one of the leading voices of the recent indie label and independent music takeover, Forbes looked to Anselmo has a voice of authority.

 

From Forbes piece: “When he was younger, Anselmo used to constantly scour underground record stores and to this day still believes in the vinyl format. “Record Store Day promotes this type of passion of having the actual product in your hand instead of just a download,” said Anselmo. “I love having the full album, art, lyrics and I think vinyl sounds better. And as a label owner, it makes me happy to see that people slowly but surely want to have this tangible copy in their hands instead of a free [expletive] download, which is driving me [expletive] bananas.”

 

Record Store Day is now celebrated on the third Saturday every April is the one day that all of the independently owned record stores come together with artists to celebrate the art of music. Forbes calls Record Store Day, “an industry phenomenon.”

 

To read the full article, visit this direct location.

 

Katatonia kicks off “North American Heritage Tour” tonight with Opeth, ‘Buildings’ 7″ vinyl coming for Record Store Day 2013‏

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KATATONIA KICKS OFF “NORTH AMERICAN HERITAGE TOUR” TONIGHT WITH OPETH

‘Buildings’ limited 7″ vinyl coming for Record Store Day 2013

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SWEDEN – Katatonia, Sweden’s master of dark rock, will kick off its North American tour with Opeth, “North American Heritage Tour,” tonight in Buffalo, N.Y. The extensive run will conquer over 30 cities in the U.S. and Canada this spring, including two special stops, the first in Worcester, Mass. on April 20 where the band returns to play the New England Metal & Hardcore Festival, then in Clifton Park, N.Y. on April 28 where acclaimed Porcupine Tree front-man Steven Wilson will join for the night. A full list of confirmed dates, including five Katatonia headlining performances, can be seen below.

Said guitarist Anders Nyström, “Dear Katatoniaks of North America! You have been blessed to get another round of this truly classic bill together, because today Opeth and Katatonia, two bands who share a longtime friendship and many musical collaborations, are back on the road to cloak you with some true Swedish atmosphere across North America for the next six weeks. We’ve have also added five headlining sideshows that will see Katatonia play a full set. Check out our Facebook (www.facebook.com/katatonia) for daily updates on stage times (as a general rule we’re always on early after doors) and there you’ll also find the ticket links. More and more shows are already added to the sold out list, so we look forward to many fine evenings to come. Let the sunset choir sing again and see ya soon!”

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Katatonia is touring in support of its ninth studio album, Dead End Kings, which released August 28, 2012 on Peaceville Records.

 

Katatonia’s most successful U.S. debut in its 20-year career, Dead End Kings entered at #4 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart, #138 on the Billboard Top 200 and #10 on Hard Rock, while also topping 2009’s Night is the New Day first week sales in the U.S.

 

The band’s latest music video for “Lethean,” directed by Lasse Hoile (Katatonia, Opeth, Porcupine Tree), can be seen online here: http://www.deadendkings.com/.

 

Additionally, to coincide with this year’s Record Store Day set for Saturday, April 20, Katatonia will release a special limited 7″ featuring the track ‘Buildings,’ lifted from last year’s universally lauded album. The title is presented on transparent 7″ vinyl and features a re-mix of “Hypnone (Frank Default Hypnocadence Mix),” a track previously unavailable in the U.S.

 

Katatonia last toured North America in September 2012 as part of the co-headlining “Epic Kings & Idols Tour” with The Devin Townsend Project.

 

Stay tuned to the Dead End Kings mini-site: http://www.deadendkings.com for more information on Katatonia, Dead End Kings and “North American Heritage Tour 2013.”

Katatonia on tour w/ Opeth…

4/18 – Buffalo, NY @ The Town Ballroom

4/19 – Montclair, NJ @ Wellmont Theatre

4/20 – Worcester, MA @ New England Metal & Hardcore Fest
4/21 – Quebec City, QC @ Capitole
4/23 – Halifax, NS @ Halifax Forum
4/24 – Moncton, NB @ Casino New Brunswick

4/25 – Montreal, QC @ Petit Campus **Katatonia headline
4/26 – Guelph, ON @ Guelph Concert Theatre
4/27 – Allentown, PA @ Crocodile Rock
4/28 – Clifton Park, NY @ Upstate Concert Hall *w/ Steven Wilson
4/29 – Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
4/30 – Norfolk, VA @ NorVa Theatre
5/02 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Culture Room
5/03 – St. Petersburg, FL @ State Theatre
5/04 – Athens, GA @ Georgia Theatre
5/05 – Raleigh, NC @ Lincoln Theatre
5/06 – Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel

5/07 – Wilmington, NC @ Soapbox **Katatonia headline
5/08 – Lexington, KY @ Buster’s Billiards & Backroom
5/09 – Indianapolis, IN @ The Vogue
5/10 – Flint, MI @ The Machine Shop
5/11 – Joliet, IL @ Mojoe’s
5/12 – Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues
5/14 – Fargo, ND @ The Venue
5/15 – Des Moines, IA @ Wooly’s
5/16 – Sauget, IL @ Pop’s
5/17 – Lincoln, NE @ Bourbon Theatre
5/18 – Tulsa, OK @ Cain’s Ballroom

5/19 – Merriam, KS @ Aftershock **Katatonia headline
5/20 – Boulder, CO @ Fox Theatre
5/21 – Boulder, CO @ Fox Theatre

5/22 – Farmington, NM @ Top Deck **Katatonia headline
5/23 – Tucson, AZ @ Rialto Theatre

5/24 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Roxy
5/25 – Agoura Hills, CA @ The Canyon Club
5/26 – Santa Cruz, CA @ The Catalyst

5/27 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Roxy **Katatonia headline

 

 

Katatonia is…

 

Jonas Renske – vocals

Anders Nyström – guitar, backing vocals

Daniel Liljekvist – drums

Per Eriksson – guitar

Niklas Sandin – bass

 

 

Katatonia online…

 

www.katatonia.com

www.deadendkings.com

www.facebook.com/katatonia

www.myspace.com/katatonia

www.peaceville.com

www.omerch.com

 

The song that best defines the spirit of who I am

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During a discussion yesterday about the impact of music on our lives the topic of defining songs came up. The question was posed “What single song defines who you are?” I pondered this question for a bit and came to only one conclusion, Rainbow- “Long Live Rock N’ Roll”. It simply states my feelings on the music I love. There is not a second of any day when a song is not running through my head. Someone once told me that if they were to cut me music notes would bleed out of me. “Long Live Rock N’ Roll” indeed!

 

 

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

the Hellion

THE MUSIC WORLD MOURNS THE LOSS OF DEFTONES BASSIST CHI CHENG

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August 15, 1970 – April 13, 2013

     I was saddened to hear of the passing yesterday of longtime Deftones bassist Chi Cheng. He had been struggling with recovery since a horrific automobile accident in November of 2008. Chi leaves behind a wife and a son. Chi was a  practicing Buddhist, and maintained an interest in Taoism and Shamanism.

     We will all miss our brother Chi. Here is a website where you can get news http://oneloveforchi.com/

R.I.P. Chi I will love and respect you forever

the Hellion

QUEENSRYCHE STARRING GEOFF TATE – 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF OPERATION MINDCRIME 04/12/13 SHOW REVIEW

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     From the opening notes of “I Remember Now” to the closing notes of “Eyes of a Stranger”, Operation Mindcrime was played in its entirety  to perfection at The Hard Rock Casino in Albuquerque, NM on 04/12/13. No breaks, and no interruptions, the story of Operation Mindcrime was told to completion. Never mind about controversy and nay saying, THIS was Queensryche at its finest. Like a superhero calling forth his team mates, Geoff Tate has assembled a rock solid lineup.

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     With Robert Sarzo (Hurricane, and was considered as Randy Rhoads replacement for OZZY), Simon Wright ( AC/DC, Dio, UFO, Rhino Bucket, John Norum, Tim “Ripper” Owens, Mogg/Way), Randy Gane (Myth), Kelly Gray (Myth, Slave To The System), and the LEGENDARY Rudy Sarzo (OZZY, Quiet Riot, Whitesnake, M.A.R.S., Manic Eden, Michael Angelo Batio, Dio, Bassinvaders, Tim “Ripper” Owens, Animetal USA), you can’t go wrong.

Robert Sarzo on fire!

Robert Sarzo on fire!

Kelly Gray in charge!

Kelly Gray in charge!

Somewhere behind this kit is Simon Wright

Somewhere behind this kit is Simon Wright

Rudy Sarzo showing us how bass is done!

Rudy Sarzo showing us how bass is done!

After totally annihilating us with their blistering rendition of Operation Mindcrime, Geoff finally broke his silence and talked to the wildly enthusiastic crowd.  “You want more?” he queried. Queensryche then launched into a four song encore set. “Silent Lucidity”, “I’m American”, “Jet city Woman”, and closing with “Empire”. Geoff and crew continued to whip the crowd into submission until the very end. It was awesome to see the massive crowd singing in unison to these great songs.

the crowd says it all!

the crowd says it all!

 

     Thanks Geoff, Robert, Rudy, Kelly, Simon, and Rudy S. for giving us a memorable evening and keeping the music of Queensryche true to form!

at the meet and greet

at the meet and greet

Funny story from the meet and greet. I happen to have a Tri-Ryche tattoo on my right arm. I also happen to have a green Happy Bunny tattoo wearing a blue shirt with my daughters nickname on it. In the process of showing Geoff my Tri-Ryche tattoo he asked “What’s with the green bunny?” A nice moment of levity with Queensryche.

 

I would like to give a special shout out to Jeff Albright from THE ALBRIGHT ENTERTAINMENT GROUP  for making it possible for me to cover this show.

 

 

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

the Hellion

 

 

 

 

Zakk TV? Now our miserable lives are complete!

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     A very cool series from the Boss himself. Now if only we had some Black Label Crunch cereal or Skully Charms with marshmallow guitars to go with it!!! Enjoy, my BLS Family, and GI/FD!

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

the Hellion

WORNSTAR CLOTHING WELCOMES NEW GM – KURT ARFT!!!!

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http://www.wornstar.com/

https://www.facebook.com/wornstar?fref=ts

Special Announcement: WORNSTAR CLOTHING has a new secret weapon. Kurt Arft officially joins the Wornstar team as GM. Kurt has been a big supporter since the beginning and has volunteered his time over the past couple of years and stepped up to help Stephen and Sylvia without question. He’s been a true loyal friend so it was easy to bring him on board as an essential piece to our ever growing puzzle. Join us in officially welcoming Kurt to the team. www.facebook.com/kurt.arft

     I want to personally congratulate my good friend Kurt. There is no one more deserving than this hard working guy! I know he will take Wornstar even further than they have already gone! I am a Wornstar for life!!!

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

the Hellion

the Hellion interviews THROW THE TEMPLE on Rock U-Night!!!

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THROW THE TEMPLE

     I get to interview some awesome bands. Usually they are uneventful mellow and smooth interviews. Not with Throw The Temple. Right out of the gate this was no ordinary interview. Fun, hectic, crazy, and all over the map, this was one of my favorite interviews to have done.

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yeah I’m trying not to laugh

     Here is the link tot he interview:

Please be warned I’m not responsible if you lose your mind while viewing! Please check out our pages Rock U-Night and on facebook at Rock U-Night Facebook!!!

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

the Hellion

BLACK SABBATH – some thoughts and reflections on the past, present, and future leading up to 13.

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http://www.blacksabbath.com/

     I have been a Black Sabbath fan since the moment I heard “Planet Caravan” when I was 6 years old. Since then I have felt like I was with them from high to low. Listening to Sabbath has taken my mind to different planes of existence and back, floating away on the guitar licks of Tony Iommi, my heart beating in time to the drumming of Bill Ward, the dark and monstrous basslines of Geezer Butler, finally, the madcap lunacy of the voice of Ozzy Osbourne. From the self titled Black Sabbath to Never Say Die!, Sabbath was there for me. And then things changed.

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     1979- Ozzy and Sabbath had parted ways!!!! Say it wasn’t so!!! What was going to happen now? I so wanted to hate Heaven And Hell, but I couldn’t. I was familiar with Ronnie James Dio from his prior work but didn’t think he could replace our beloved Ozzy, but it worked. Then Bill Ward was gone as well and Vinny Appice was in. This marked the start of many lineup changes to come. The Mob Rules was released and was a truly amazing piece of work.

     Well, as we all know, Ozzy launched a stellar solo career and Sabbath released several more records with varying lineups. There were several reunions but no full blown release with the classic lineup until now (well sort of).

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     Enter 13 – The long standing rumors were true,  Black Sabbath: Ozzy, Tony, Geezer, and Bill were going to record a new record!!! Then, amidst great controversy, Bill Ward was no longer part of the project. Brad Wilk from Rage Against The Machine/Audioslave was to fill in behind the kit. I will withhold my personal feelings on the matter. I heard that one of my favorite producers of all time, Rick Rubin, was working with Sabbath on this. It is my opinion that pretty much anything Rick works on is amazing (note that I said pretty much and not everything).  I am hopeful that 13 will return us to the storytelling, journeys of Sabbath past…. we can dream….

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

the Hellion

Drummer Mike Kimura from Voice Of December/Darken The Day lets us in on his busy world!!!

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421377_391519667532308_391459060871702_1605880_2093042632_n   My good friend Mike Kimura took time out of his busy schedule to fill us in on what’s going on with his two bands Voice Of December and Darken The Day! Awesome guy to know and very cool interview. Be sure to check out both bands and give them a like! Here’s the interview:

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

the Hellion