Category Archives: Tattoos

OZZY…

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This hits hard, really hard.

I remember the first time I heard Ozzy’s voice, it was around 1977 and I was 13ish. My family had recently moved into a new apartment and there was a “cool” (at least I thought so) kid that lived across the hall from us. We became friends and listened to a lot of music together. One day he put on Master of Reality and my mind was blown. I guess I had overlooked Sabbath all of these years. I voraciously ate up their back catalog enjoying it all.  And then, in 1979, just like that, I heard that Ozzy and Sabbath parted ways.  I was bummed but hopeful for new music.

I was listening to the radio (yeah I am a dinosaur) one day when I was about 16 when I heard the first notes of “Crazy Train” assault my ears. As the song progressed I recognized Ozzy’s distinct voice, sure enough. the DJ said “That was the new record from former Black Sabbath singer Ozzy Osbourne.” I saved some money and bought Blizzard of Oz and proceeded to wear it out. I just couldn’t believe what I was hearing, in my young mind (and ears) it was a sonic masterpiece. I couldn’t wait to hear more from Ozzy and crew.

Diary of a Madman hit just as hard. Track after track of Rock and Roll excellence. I lucked out and scored tickets to see Ozzy in Jan of ’82. What a show! Ozzy and crew played songs off of both solo records AND some of the Sabbath songs I had fallen in love with. Ozzy, Randy Rhoads, Rudy Sarzo, Tommy Aldrige, and Don Airey absolutely CRUSHED it. The music and theatrics were stellar and took you away to the magical universe of Rock and Roll. We lost Randy a few months later, but we still had his spirit with us, and still do.

Ozzy continued to make great records and remained a staple in my listening preferences. But those first two record just hit me different than the rest. I saw Ozzy multiple times on tour (and actually got to shake his hand and thank him once). I continued to look forward to new music from Ozzy.

I was lucky enough to catch Black Sabbath on a couple of their reunion shows which was a wonderful experience for me after all of the years of listening. I heard of Ozzy’s health issues and wished the best for him and hoped he would be able to take some time for himself and enjoy what he had given the world. But no, he wasn’t done giving. He soldiered on and gave us more music and tours.

Watching the Back to the Beginning show I saw how the years of giving (and the Rockstar lifestyle) had taken its toll on him. But in true Rock God fashion Ozzy gave it his all. And we ALL drank it up and showed our respect. In my mind I thanked him for the years of enjoyment and music.

And then he was gone. He went out on a high note. The world mourned, I mourned. I didn’t know him personally but I felt like he knew me. It was like losing that crazy uncle that most people have. His songs made me laugh, cry, shout in defiance, and help me get through difficult times. I cannot thank him enough. I know wherever he is right now, he’s telling them all to “Go Crazy”.

 

Thanks Ozzy, for everything.

 

Side note:

The day Ozzy left us I received text from my grown son, as follows:

“Your childhood, my childhood, and now Noah’s. (Noah is my 3 year old grandson) Last night, Noah laid on my chest and asked me to show him Ozzyborn. We watched Ozzy videos for an hour and talked about him. Today before school, he asked if he can listen to his Ozzyborn. Then on the way home he said I love Bark at the Moon…”

I texted a sad emoji face to which he replied:

“Yeah a little eerie right? He’s never asked me about Ozzy before…then last night and today, he became his favorite.”

 

I guess Ozzy is still giving it his all.

 

It’s LOUD, it’s OZZY, it’s ROCK AND ROLL! (I’m gonna go Bark at the Moon)

-the Hellion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Frankie Banali talks ROAD RAGE!!!

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Had a great conversation with Frankie Banali about the new Quiet Riot release Road Rage!

Check it out here:

https://quietriot.band/

http://www.frontiers.shop/search?sSearch=Quiet+Riot

https://www.amazon.com/Road-Rage-Quiet-Riot/dp/B071FKGKFC/ref=sr_1_1?        ie=UTF8&qid=1501808705&sr=8-1&keywords=Quiet+Riot

it’s LOUD, it’s DIRTY, it’s QUIET RIOT (so bang your head)

-the Hellion

 

 

QUIET RIOT – ROAD RAGE

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Frontiers Music s.r.l. out on   08/04/17

1.Can’t Get Enough

2. Getaway

3. Roll This Joint

4. Freak Flag

5. Wasted

6. Still Wild

7. Make A Way

8. Renegades

9. The Road

10. Shame

11. Knock Em Down

 

Having been a Quiet Riot fan since forever I have to say I was quite intrigued when I heard they had hired James Durbin as their new vocalist. I had been paying attention and waiting for the new record to drop when, to my surprise, I received a preview copy of Road Rage in my inbox.

Not sure what to expect from 2017 lineup of Frankie Banali (drums), Chuck Wright (bass), Alex Grossi (guitars), and James Durbin (vocals) I quickly found myself picking my ass up off the floor upon listening to it.

The songs on Road Rage take me back to the days when groove laden rock was the norm, and yet these tracks have a freshness to them. There are homages to 70’s and 80’s bands throughout this record that make it a comfortable, yet head banging listen.

There are those who have proclaimed the death of Rock and Roll as we know and love it. I would say to them, “Listen to the new Quiet Riot record Road Rage and get back with me on that.”

Stand out tracks for me include: “Can’t Get Enough”, “Getaway”, “Still Wild”, and “Knock Em Down”.

As expected Frankie lays down a solid bed for the rest of the band to build upon. Chuck rounds out Frankie’s drumming with a heavy bottom end. Alex walks his guitar all over the map and if you listen you will hear the talent that this man has. James had his work cut out for him by laying vocals over such amazingly crafted music, and he pulled it off, and then some.

The record officially drops on 08/04/17 on  Frontiers Music s.r.l. and I will for sure be ordering a copy to support hard working musicians to keep doing what they do and what we love.

I would give this a solid 8 out of 10 stars.

 

it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s QUIET RIOT

(so BANG YOUR HEAD)

-the Hellion

 

 

talking with Robert Mason of WARRANT

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I had the chance to talk with Robert about the new WARRANT album LOUDER HARDER FASTER. check it out here:

it’s LOUDER, HARDER, FASTER

the Hellion

Metallica/Lady GaGa

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I have been asked by several people what my thoughts on the Metallica/Lady GaGa performance last night on the Grammys.

I haven’t watched any of the so called “award” shows in a very long time. My reasoning is that I do not feel it adequately represents reality. I think that if they want a REAL version they should put it to vote to the people who are listening to that particular genre of music. Now, on to the Metallica/GaGa performance.

Because I was asked I looked online and saw the performance. In my opinion it was a train wreck from the get go. I think that it was someone’s grand idea to try and cross pollinate fans of Lady GaGa and Metallica. While I feel, both are great performers on their own, they added nothing to each other. I was also bothered by the “mosh pit” dancers on stage. It seemed too contrived, any one of you who has been “caught in a mosh” know what I mean. As for the technical glitches, hey it’s Rock N’ Roll and we have ALL lived through them.

All in all, it was painful for me to watch. I said it and I’ll stand by it.

-the Hellion18222_506710132693748_815406802_n

Where Do We Go From Here?

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In the beginning, Rock N’ Roll was underground. It was not mainstream at all. Eventually it became widely accepted and part of our culture.

Rock radio helped to expose us to bands and music in ways like no other. There was a time when that was how we discovered new bands and songs. Record stores popped up everywhere and one could hang out and explore and find new music as well. We then had the arrival of music video channels which gave us another source to discover new bands and music.

Then radio became less user friendly and more commercial, only playing what they were told. The record stores began closing their doors. Music video channels stopped playing music videos. What happened?

The internet had come along and was added into the thick of things. Some people put the blame on that.

What happened to the music world? Is there still great new music being made? How does one find new music these days? I mean with all the music being flooded onto the web how does one find that jewel that reaches out to you?

Do you think that some of the bands we all know and love would have made it if they had just started out in today’s world?

I often wonder if the next Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, etc. etc.  is out there lost in the shuffle.

Just some thoughts I was pondering… what are yours?

-the Hellion

Adam Joad talks Swamp Rebel Machine!!

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Grab a cold one, crank up the volume, and enjoy my conversation with the one, the only, Appalachian Apostle: ADAM JOAD from Scattered Hamlet.

After listening go to www.scatteredhamlet.com  and preorder Swamp Rebel Machine!!!

it’s loud, it’s dirty, it Scattered Hamlet!!!

-the Hellion

Here’s what’s up with Justin Manning

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Had the chance to chat with Justin Manning about some stuff…so check it out:

     -the Hellion

Monte Pittman releases Inverted Grasp Of Balance

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    I recently received the new Monte Pittman record Inverted Grasp Of Balance for review. Little did I know that it would cause me to have a profound revelation to a question I have been seeking an answer to.  Over the years of recorded music people have been trying to answer the question: What makes a record good? There has been a myriad of answers that run the gamut of the music industry. The problem is most of the answers that have been provided are subjective to the answerer and biased to their own opinions. For me, at least, I feel that I have finally answered said question. A good record is one that when you put it on you find yourself turning it up, tapping your foot or nodding your head to the beat, and when it’s over you find yourself feeling as if you just got back from…somewhere.

     I was excited to review this record as I have spoken with Monte before and have enjoyed his previous work. I didn’t realize that I would spend the rest of the day and the next listening to it on repeat and still humming the songs long after. There is a level of craftsmanship to this record that is hard to find these days (one other is the work of Jeff Sandoval and Mike Araiza). There is no doubt that music flows through the soul of Monte Pittman and I hear nods to so many musicians in his playing and writing.  When a record is made for the purpose of sharing what one feels in their minds ear, it is profound and beautiful.

      Inverted Grasp Of Balance  features Monte on guitars and vocals, Richard Christy (Charred Walls Of The Damned, Iced Earth, Death) on drums, and…..wait for it….Billy Sheehan, yes I said Billy Sheehan (David Lee Roth, Mr. Big, Winery Dogs, just to name a few) on bass. Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Steel Panther) handled the production duties and the record sounds clean and crisp. I read somewhere that Monte recorded his guitar parts while on the road, but this record feels so organic to me and it feels like someone turned on a mic in a jam room and captured some live magic.

     Inverted Grasp Of Balance gives us twelve tracks which flow together beautifully and I guarantee you will NOT find yourself reaching for the skip button, in fact you WILL find yourself reaching for the repeat button.

     If you have to pin me down for stand out tracks I would have to say “Skeleton Key” just reaches out to me the most. This track, in my opinion should be on every radio station across the planet, period. It’s just good rock n’ roll that gets in your head.I find myself just humming throughout the day.  “California” opens with bass that just drips with cool and is pure Billy Sheehan and then paints a picture in your mind of being on a cool road trip with the radio blasting, the wind in your hair, and your best friends at your side.  “New Blood Keeps Us Alive” is an epic track that, again, I feel should be blasting out of every speaker across the world. It begins with some wonderfully beautiful acoustic work that grows to some powerful rock n’ roll worthy of note. This song opens up the mind and makes you reflect on life.

      Monte’s guitar work is across the map on Inverted Grasp Of Balance, taking from gentle acoustic to balls out shredding, and it all works in connection with each other. Not only is there stellar guitar work here Monte’s vocal work is strong and epic as well. The songwriting on  Inverted Grasp Of Balance is something else. Monte has reached deep within and written some deep compositions that I believe were truly from the point of artistry.  Combine all of that with great drumming and legendary bass playing this is a music lovers wet-dream.

          Inverted Grasp Of Balance drops on Sept 23 on Metal Blade Records make sure you do NOT miss out on this record.

     Monte_Pittman_-_Inverted_Grasp_of_Balance

 Inverted Grasp Of Balance track-listing
1. Panic Attack
2. Arisen in Broad Daylight
3. Guilty Pleasure
4. The Times Are Changing
5. Double Edged Sword
6. Cadabra
7. Pride Comes Before the Fall
8. California
9. Be Very Afraid
10. Obliterated
11. Skeleton Key
12. New Blood Keeps Us Alive

Pre-order “Inverted Grasp of Balance” at metalblade.com/montepittman/

Monte Pittman online:
http://www.montepittman.com
https://www.facebook.com/MontePittman
http://www.youtube.com/MontePittmanMusic
https://soundcloud.com/montepittman
http://twitter.com/montepittman
http://www.instagram.com/montepittman
https://montepittman.bandpage.com
https://myspace.com/montepittman

     it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s Monte Pittman

     -the Hellion

Metallica: Hardwired…to…

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“Hit The Lights” was the first track I ever heard from Metallica. I liked the energy and aggression I heard. I thought myself “These guys have something here.”

Well, we all know how that turned out. Metallica, for me at least, has had its ups and downs. But this is something to expect when people grow and their life situations change around them. In the beginning there was a hunger in them, a drive, a sense of angry passion to be heard, they had something to prove.

Over time Metallica went through some changes that like it or not affected the direction of the band.

By the time Kill ‘Em All was released the lineup consisted of James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Cliff Burton. The kings of thrash were ready to kick ass and take names.

We got two more fantastic records from this lineup Ride the Lightning and Master of Puppets before the tragic death of bassist Cliff Burton. This is where I feel the first chapter closed and the band began to undergo some changes.

The hard choice for them at this time was to find someone who could step up and climb aboard the speeding freight train that was Metallica at this time. That someone had some seriously big shoes to fill as Cliff Burton was a fan favorite. Metallica tapped Jason Newsted to fill those shoes. We probably have all heard the stories of the hazing, the turning down of the bass during recording, blah blah blah, yada yada yada. This was band business and not fan business and we can only speculate as what really went on. This, however, I feel was the catalyst for change in Metallica.

…And Justice for All gave us a different Metallica sound than we were used to. In my opinion a more mature less frantic sound. Not all together bad, just different than before. The next release, Metallica, furthered that change and ultimately became their best-selling record to date and broadened their fan base immensely while at the same time alienating some of their hardcore fans. Suddenly people who looked at you like you were crazy for liking Metallica before were “fans”. And, again this is just my opinion, they became drunk with success.

Despite what we have all heard the members of Metallica are all human and such, subject to the limitations of that. Life experience and growth is what I attribute to the changes in style we saw with the release of Load and Reload. Less thrash and more experimental musical songs combined with image change further pushed their early hardcore fans away and thrust Metallica into the mainstream world.

I happened to respect their changes and growth. While I loved the early aggressive sound, I found an appreciation for this new sound that reflected life changes even as I found myself growing and maturing.

And then, another shakeup, Jason Newsted was out of the picture. No replacement was announced and producer Bob Rock filled in on St. Anger and we were let into the inside world of their lives and problems with the film Some Kind of Monster. The release St. Anger gave us yet another style of Metallica. People panned the writing and production, and others panned the recording. The fair-weather “fans” that came on board with Metallica silently folded their Metallica shirts and placed their CD’s and records on dusty shelves and moved on to the next flavor of the month. The hardcore fans continued to grumble and listen to the early stuff and prayed for a return to the thrash sounds of old…

I have been a longtime fan of Rob Trujillo’s work and was excited to hear of his addition to the Metallica lineup. I had to wait until Death Magnetic dropped to get that chance. While I found this to be a good, solid record I had still expected a little more. Good but not great in my opinion. I did catch them on the Death Magnetic tour and the energy and passion given to the old school tracks was fantastic to see. I refused to give up on Metallica.

I am not even going to speak on Lulu as I feel it not to be a Metallica album (maybe I’ll talk about it down the road on a collaborations article).

All of this leads us to today. Metallica broke the internet yesterday when they released the new track “Hardwired…to Self-Destruct”. All day long I saw back and forth postings about the track. Name calling, bashing, criticisms, speculations…. on and on. My personal thoughts on it? I liked it. Did I love it? Not really. Do I appreciate it? ABSOFRICKINGLUTELY!!!

I posed the question on Facebook yesterday asking if a band that was once relevant could once again gain said relevance in today’s day and age where people just want to hear the “hits” and only the “hits”. Yes, I was talking about Metallica and the upcoming album Hardwired…to Self-Destruct. Given the effect they had on the internet yesterday what do YOU think?

 

It’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s METALLICA!!!

  -the Hellion