THE HELLION ROCKS 2012 ALBUM OF THE YEAR – ALL HAIL THE YETI!

ALL HAIL THE YETI CD COVER

With  long hard thought about the subject of my favorite release of 2012  I ended up picking All Hail The Yeti for several reasons. Every listen to this CD something new is heard  that was missed before. To me that takes a lot of talent to add such depth and dimension to songwriting. This CD reaches into you and grabs a hold of your soul. The intensity and emotion in Vocalist Connor Garrity’s vocals is out of this world amazing. Connor reaches deep within himself and pulls guttural screams, and then compliments them with clean vocals. My good friend and brother Craw NeQuent  compliments  Connor’s vocals exquisitely. From searing leads, to background fills, Craw gets it done . Nicholas Diltz lays down some killer bottom end that crushes your chest. Combined, band puts down some great harmonies that add to the power of All Hail The Yeti.

1. “Deep Creek” –  A powerful song that imparts the fear of some THING that’s coming to get you. This track is an all out assault on your senses, and you can almost feel the fear of the monster from Deep Creek.

2. “When The Sky Falls” – Carries on the power of the record and tells a disturbing story, listen to the lyrics. Connor’s vocals are all over the place from spoken, to scream, and then to harmony.

3. “Suicide Woods” – Fe Fi Fo Fum I smell the blood of everyone. Well put together track.

4. “The Weak and Wounded (Prelude to Flames)” – With a haunting back track that sets your hair on edge this leads you into the horror to follow.

5. “After the Great Fire” – My personal favorite track. This tells the tale of a horrible, tragic event. I can feel the terror of the children crying out for help and feel the evil of the “being” responsible. This song has so many layers that you can truly find something new every listen. The chilling line “I am the Devil, I am the Smoke” really gives me the chills. Here is the lyric video:

6. “Bloodguilt” –This track is one of the two that shows the guitar skills of Craw. Reminiscent of Pantera, the vocal/guitar combos fit nicely in your ears.

7. “The Art Of Mourning” – Crackling fire and an old time folk song start this tale of violence and retribution off. This was the first track by All Hail The Yeti to fill my ears. The video for it is a stellar piece of work depicting a tale of the old west. Haunting harmonies combined with powerhouse vocals, and some kick ass harmonica hold this track up. check out the video:

8. “I Am Wendigod” – A tale of a Native legend of a flesh eating spirit being called the Wendigo. You can feel the cold of its haunts…what’s that looking in your window? Growling, snarling, Connor almost makes you believe that he is channeling the Wendigo….hmmmm???

9. “Axe Murder Hollow” – This is the second track of the two that showcases the talent of guitarist Craw. All over the map with his playing, Craw is a guitarist that the world needs to hear. Carrying on the dark theme of the record, this one is another personal favorite.

10. “Ruby Ridge (Every Knee Shall Bow)” – If oyu don’t know the story of Ruby Ridge you should do your homework and look into it. A solid doom laden track with a great hook.

11. “Judas Cradle” – This track powers the album just as you were brought into it. Raw power is the only way to describe it. This is something you have to experience.

Every track is anchored most solidly by extraordinary bassist Nicholas Diltz. He sets the solid background that I dare anyone to shake. This guy has become one of my favorite bassists in a hurry.

There you have it, the experience of All Hail The Yeti. You MUST get this record and help to support a band that should be heard by everyone.

the Hellion

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https://www.facebook.com/officialallhailtheyeti

http://www.allhailtheyeti.com
http://www.twitter.com/allhailtheyeti
http://www.myspace.com/allhailtheyeti
http://www.reverbnation.com/allhailtheyeti
http://www.youtube.com/allhailtheyeti
http://www.twitter.com/allhailtheyeti
http://www.twitter.com/hailconnorcade
http://www.alhailtheyeti.tumblr.com

10 BANDS TO START 2013 ROCKIN’!

TOXICROSE

toxicrosehttps://www.facebook.com/TOXICROSE.Official?fref=ts

http://toxicrose.org/

Andy- Lead Vocals
Tom – Guitars
Goran – Bass
Michael – Drums

The up-and-coming sensational four-piece modern metal band ToxicRose was formed in Stockholm Sweden in 2010.
Consisting of Tom (Gemini Five), Andy and Michael (both EX Lipstixx ‘n’ Bulletz) and Goran (EX Sexydeath).

There is no compromising or limits in the world of ToxicRose. Powerful Vocals combined with Aggressive Guitars , Grand melodic Synths & Dark Emotional Lyrics.
TXR stands tall for the outcast and they’re here to take metal to a new level.
With their catchy melodic epic metal anthems and shocking look they are unstoppable!

PAIN

pain-2011-out-bb-v2https://www.facebook.com/OfficialPain

http://www.painworldwide.com/

Peter Tägtgren – Vocals & Guitar
David Wallin – Drums (2003)
Michael Bohlin – Guitar (2007)
Johan Husgafvel – Bass (2007)

 PAIN is a musical project from Sweden that mix heavy metal with influences from electronic music and techno. The project started out as a hobby project for front man Peter Tägtgren, whose idea was to fuse heavy metal with 1980s-inspired electro-industrial and techno influences. Tägtgren, who is also the vocalist/guitarist of Hypocrisy and producer of his own The Abyss studios, is the only current member.

LONDON BASED HELLFIRECLUB

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https://www.facebook.com/thelondonbasedhellfireclub

London Legrand: Vocals
Dixxi: Guitar
Vikki Violence: Guitar
Dizzy Leijon: Bass
Vixy Von Starshine: Dancer

Industrial Goth/Glam band that will make your skin crawl! Get ready ’cause once again Zombies and Vampires will walk among you

HALF PAST MY SIN

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https://www.facebook.com/HalfPastMySin

http://halfpastmysin.com

Jason M Arigoni -Vocals-Songwriting
Dan Zavadil- Bass-Songwriting
Session Players:
Jason Bittner-Drums
Ben Carroll-Guitar

With strong melodic presences and driving beats, HALF PAST MY SIN will find a place with fans of bands like SEVENDUST, DISTURBED and DROWNING POOL, to name a few…..
The new Album from Half Past My Sin “4:44” featuring Sinn on vocals and Dan Zavadil on bass with special guests Jason Bittner of Shadows Fall on drums and Ben Carroll of RA on guitars!!! Also appearing on 4:44 will be the songwriting Clint Lowery of Sevendust!!!
Out early 2013!!!!
welcome to the sin!!!

NEWSTED

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https://www.facebook.com/jasonnewstedofficial

http://newstedheavymetal.com/

Jason Newsted – Bass, vocals
Jesus Mendez Jr. – Drums
Jessie Farnsworth – guitars

In December 2012, Jason announced that he had formed his own band called Newsted with drummer Jesus Mendez Jr. and guitarist Jessie Farnsworth. The band released a four-song EP, titled Metal, on January 8, 2013.

 

BLACK STAR RIDERS

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

http://www.blackstarriders.com

Ricky Warwick – Vocals/Guitar
Scott Gorham – Guitars
Damon Johnson – Guitars
Marco Mendoza – Bass
Jimmy DeGrasso – Drums

In October 2012 Thin Lizzy announced that they would not be recording new material under the Thin Lizzy monicker. The last incarnation of the band – Scott Gorham, Brian Downey, Darren Wharton, Ricky Warwick, Damon Johnson and Marco Mendoza – would be looking to form a new project.

Step forward Black Star Riders…

Today sees the announcement of the new band formed by Thin Lizzy alumni Ricky Warwick (vocals), Scott Gorham (guitar), Damon Johnson (guitar), Marco Mendoza (bass) with new addition Jimmy DeGrasso on drums (Alice Cooper, Megadeth, David Lee Roth, Suicidal Tendencies). The change in personnel came about as Brian Downey didn’t want to commit to the touring cycle a new album would entail and Darren Wharton wanted to concentrate on Dare and other music and film projects.

Black Star Riders is set to enter the studio in Los Angeles in January 2013 to start recording their debut album with the legendary Kevin Shirley (Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden, Aerosmith, Rush). The album will feature material the band wrote whilst touring as Thin Lizzy and the sound retains that classic feel but is very much its own as well. The Black Star Riders record is the next step in the evolution of the Thin Lizzy story.

 

MOBILE DEATH CAMP

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https://www.facebook.com/mobiledeathcamp

http://www.mobiledeathcamp.net

Chad Smith – Drums
Boe Skadeland – Bass
Todd Evans – Guitar/Vocals

Based out of Toledo, Ohio, MOBILE DEATHCAMP has been sawing clubs in half, and leaving crowds with their collective jaws on the floor since the band’s inception in 2008. Formed by Todd Evans at the end of his 6 year stint as Beefcake The Mighty with the legendary shock rockers, GWAR, and joined in aural battle by Boe Skadeland and Chad Smith, this musical terror pocket has been consistently leveling venues across North America.

 

NEVERWAKE

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https://www.facebook.com/neverwakemusic

http://www.neverwakemusic.com/

Johnny DiCarlo – Lead Vocals – Guitar
James Watson – Guitar – Vocals
Marcus Giannamore – Drums
George Scott – Bass

“NeverWake” concentrates on songs that reside between Rock and Metal to bridge both genres. They combine memorable, melodic vocals and gothic guitar harmonies over heavy distortion to achieve their style. They are currently looking to be signed to a record label and hit the road. NeverWake continues to develop their style by incorporating more complex riffs, heavier background vocal style, and dark orchestration while keeping their melodic lyricism. NeverWake released their debut full-length album “VITALITY” in August 2011, produced/engineered/mixed by Mike Ofca at Innovation Studios! “Vitality” is available on iTunes and other main online retailers. You can also order the hard copy by emailing neverwakemusic@gmail.com for inquires.

Recently, they have also released their debut music video on YouTube for the song “Pulse”, produced by Jeff Moore of Axtravaganza Films!

 

3 QUARTERS DEAD

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https://www.facebook.com/pages/3-Quarters-Dead/149922983545

http://www.3quartersdeadmusic.com

Mark Alexander – Guitar
Sam Rhodes – Guitar
Jason Sain – Vocals
Matt Staley – Bass
Kenny Wyatt – Drums

3 Quarters Dead was formed back in 1999 with original members Kenny Wyatt and Mark Alexander. After they returned from a tour with Mushroomhead, they began recording their second full length CD with Steve Felton (Skinny) of Mushroomhead. The vocalist at that time was Waylon Reavis who was recruited by Mushroomhead to take the place of J-Mann (aka Jason Popson) who had announced his departure from the band. After starting all over, they finally found a vocalist that suited their style of music. Jason Sain started with the band in late 2007. In 2008 they recorded “Between Angels & Demons” with producer Jamie King of ‘Between The Buried & Me’, ‘The Human Abstract’ fame. In late 2009 they signed with indie label ‘Project Alpha Music’ and released their latest effort “Once Upon This Broken Glass” in March, 2010.
The lead single, “The Unknown” is off of their new CD “Once Upon This Broken Glass. It about loves someone who doesn’t love you back. This song has many melodic sections to it. But when you hear the change ups which are dynamic, it sets a tone of a story being told through 3 degrees of separation. These three levels are clearly defined and portrayed beautifully by the talents of these individuals.

 

WITCH MOUNTAIN

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https://www.facebook.com/witchmountain

http://witchmountain.bandcamp.com/

Uta Plotkin – Vocals
Rob Wrong – Guitar
Nathan Carson – Percussion
Neal Munson – Bass

In 2009, Uta Plotkin added her voice to Witch Mountain in front of a triumphant sold out crowd at Portland, OR’s venerable club Satyricon. Supporting Pentagram—East coast godfathers of American doom who also took far too long to receive their rightful due—Plotkin brought the necessary ingredient that Witch Mountain founders Rob Wrong and Nate Carson had been seeking since they initially formed the group back in 1997.

Originally far out of step with the lazy, indie-rock scene in Portland, guitarist Wrong and drummer Carson sought to put their own stamp on the tradition of doom metal as laid down by Black Sabbath, Candlemass, Trouble, and Saint Vitus. Years of road work in support of peers such as High on Fire, Spirit Caravan, Electric Wizard, YOB, Weedeater, Eyehategod, and all the rest had granted Witch Mountain a solid footnote in the history of one of music’s heaviest genres. And though real life careers took the band largely out of commission between 2003 and 2008, Plotkin’s emergence kicked the band back into a high gear that shows no signs of waning.

With renewed vigor, WM returned to the studio to capture the long-awaited sophomore album South of Salem. Produced by master “engine-ear” Billy Anderson (Sleep, Neurosis, Melvins), the record was self-released by the band on vinyl, and shortly thereafter recognized as the “#4 Best Metal Album of 2011” by NPR. With a SXSW showcase, west coast tours with Christian Mistress and Wino project Premonition 13, and a massively downloaded Adult Swim compilation under its belt, Witch Mountain proved its modern work ethic and soon signed up with dream label Profound Lore.

Once South of Salem was unleashed on CD and properly distributed, it was time to follow up with all new material. 2012’s Cauldron of the Wild was the answer, produced once more by Billy Anderson, and this time featuring a further matured sound and more immersive influence from Plotkin. Rob Wrong was writing the best, heaviest blues-metal he’d yet conjured, and Carson–as both manager and booker–kept the band grounded in a professional DIY ethic. New bassist Neal Munson fit like a glove, and overall the group has never fired on all cylinders so successfully.

 

 

you know you wanna listen…

the Hellion

 

Katatonia to support Opeth on “North American Heritage Tour 2013″‏

KATATONIA TO SUPPORT OPETH ON “NORTH AMERICAN HERITAGE TOUR 2013”

Sweden’s elite team up for 30+ city tour beginning in April

katatonia

SWEDEN – Sweden’s ultimate dark rock/metal band, Katatonia, has announced an extensive North American tour with headliner and fellow Swedish elite, Opeth. The upcoming run, “North American Heritage Tour 2013,” will conquer over 30 cities this spring beginning April 18 in Buffalo, N.Y.

 

Commented guitarist, Anders Nyström, “Back in the U.S.A…That’s right Springsteen! We’re looking at round #2 as special guests to our brothers in Opeth on their last North American leg of the Heritage World Tour. This time we’ll mainly cover off-territories, so regardless if you caught or missed us last time, consider this a second chance to attend the dead ends of North America with one of the best bills there’ll ever be!”

 

The tour will make 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 can be seen below.

 

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

katatonia2

Dead End Kings, Katatonia’s ninth studio album and the follow-up to 2009’s critically acclaimed,Night is the New Day, hit stores on August 28, 2012 via Peaceville Records.

 

The record debuted at #4 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart, #138 on the Billboard Top 200 and #10 on Hard Rock, topping Night is the New Day first week sales in the U.S. and making it Katatonia’s most successful U.S. debut in its 20-year career.

 

Dead End Kings can be purchased online in a multitude of formats and bundle packages via Omerch at: http://omerch.theomegaorder.com/Artists_Omerch/Katatonia or on iTunes at:http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/dead-end-kings/id552372052 (Standard Edition) andhttp://itunes.apple.com/us/album/dead-end-kings-deluxe-edition/id552508307 (Deluxe Edition).

 

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

4/20 – 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
4/26 – 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
5/08 – 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
5/20 – Boulder, CO @ Fox Theatre
5/21 – Boulder, CO @ Fox Theatre
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

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

GET TO KNOW A LITTLE ABOUT GUITAR WIZARD JUSTIN MANNING

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https://www.facebook.com/groups/148831261916027/?fref=ts

 

Justin Manning is a local southern CA rocker born and raised Los Angeles and is currently one of the
founding members and lead guitarist for the heavy metal band Crowned By Fire. This shredder started his
musical journey as a drummer at the age of 10 and became the “First Chair” drummer in his Junior High
marching band and local school band. He always inspired to be a guitarist and it was not until the age
of 12 when he received a red and white Fender Stratocaster for Christmas from his father. Not knowing
where to begin playing guitar, Justin used his knowledge of reading drum music to incorporate it into his
guitar playing, a distinct signature to his rhythm playing still heard to this day.
He listened to records from the likes of Guns N Roses, Van Halen and Ozzy Osbourne and learned
playing the solos off the records by creating music patterns and on many occasions played guitar with his
friends to gain more experience.

At around this time, he met a graduate of Musicians Institute who became his mentor and taught Justin
to play scales and on many occasions would take him to various band rehearsals with the likes of Lemmy
from Motorhead, El Duce (The Mentors), Jimmy Bain (Dio) and other major rock stars. Justin would
sometimes sit in as a drummer for these bands when the actual drummers missed their rehearsals. It was
at this ripe age of 13 that Justin’s calling to be a musician came to be.

At the age of 16 with a bass his mother bought him, he joined the local band Men in Black as a bass
player and played the local clubs on the sunset strip. He shortly left the band to start a new Pantera-
esque inspired band, again taking the helm as lead guitarist. It was during this time that he met Zakk
Wylde and was asked to be his guitar tech and in less than 24 hours was on a plane to Arkansas to start
the Black Label Society and Crowbar tour. This gave Justin the opportunity to meet some of the greats,
most notably the members of Pantera and other notable rock stars. This opportunity gave Justin a taste of
what life on tour really is as well as a vast amount technical experience.

When he returned back home from the BLS tour, Justin became the personal assistant to Zakk’s wife
Barbaranne, helping with her the various necessities. He also became Zakk’s protégé during the Ozzfest
tour that same year and appeared on the TV show the Osbournes.

Justin started various bands and held regular day jobs at ESP and Schecter Guitar Research as a guitar
technician. While at ESP he became acquainted with George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob) who gave him
the opportunity to work as a bass tech for Anthony Esposito (Thin Lizzy, Lynch Mob, Ace Frehley) and he eventually took the reigns as Georges tech. Justin
was asked on several occasions to actually play on stage with Lynch Mob as a second guitar player
doubling the rhythm and leads for the guitar legend himself.

Upon his return home he started a few bands one which will eventually turn into the current band
Crowned By Fire with co-founder John Fitterer and released an EP and their latest full album “Prone To
Destroy” recorded in Florence, Italy and distributed under a European label.

Justin still remains close friends with Zakk Wylde, George Lynch and also with Tommy Victor (Danzig,
Prong, Ministry) who has offered him a gig as his guitar tech on the Danzig Legacy Tour which includes
Danzig, Samhain and The Misfits on their tour in the coming months. Justin carries various major
endorsement deals and mainly plays his favorite Les Paul specially given to him by the great Zakk Wylde.

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

the Hellion

Entire Upcoming WARBEAST Tour with DOWN Dedicated to the Memory of Mike Scaccia – Donate to the Mike Scaccia Family Fundraiser‏

Entire Upcoming WARBEAST Tour with DOWN Dedicated to the Memory of Mike Scaccia – Donate to the Mike Scaccia Family Fundraiser

MIKES

Sadly, as many music fans across the globe learned last week, celebrated Rigor Mortis and Ministry guitarist Mike Scaccia passed away while doing what he loved best—playing music. While it is with a very heavy heart, WARBEAST will be hitting the road for their West Coast tour with Down as planned. Mike would not expect anything less from them, so they will be dedicating the upcoming tour to the memory of Mike Scaccia—one of our generation’s greatest guitarists and certainly one of their closest friends.

 

Last week, WARBEAST vocalist Bruce Corbitt shared his condolences and thoughts with the community. “Mike Scaccia left this Earth doing what he loved to do. Tragically, the music world has lost an extremely talented, gifted and unique guitar virtuoso. His music and his legend will live on forever. But a loving husband, father, son and brother etc. can never be replaced. Mike would be overwhelmed with this outpouring of emotion that has risen from his passing, but he would mainly be proud of the enormous support that everyone has shown towards his family during this devastating time in their lives.

We can and we will make sure that Mike’s wife and his kids are taken care of. So, I would like to ask anyone that can make a donation… big or small… do it now. Please understand that this is what would mean the most to Mike.”

 

To donate to the Mike Scaccia Family Fundraiser, head here and follow the link: http://www.warbeast.org/?p=156

In addition to the fundraiser effort, Philip Anselmo of Housecore Records came up with the idea for WARBEAST to team up and write some lyrics about Mike ScacciaWARBEAST already has two songs recorded and in the vault. One of them is the song about Bruce Corbitt’s brother Jeff Corbitt (RIP), of which Bruce has mentioned many times publicly. The other will be a song written aboutMike Scaccia. The two songs will be released together with a picture of Mike on one side and a picture of Jeff Corbitt on the other.

Also, Sarah Scaccia (Mike’s daughter) is putting a beautiful book together to honor her father. If everyone would please email her your personal stories about her Dad, she can be contacted at sjska21@gmail.com. She will compile them together for the book. Let’s share and keep him alive in spirit.

 

 

Join WARBEAST and DOWN in honoring the memory of Mike Scaccia’s life on their upcoming tour dates.

 

DOWN and WARBEAST 2013 U.S. Tour Dates:

1/5 – Fort Worth, TX @ The Rail Club (WARBEAST ONLY, War of the Gargantuas Release Show)

1/11 – Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live – Ballroom

1/12 – San Antonio, TX @ Backstage Live

1/14 – Tempe, AZ @ The Marquee

1/15 – Las Vegas, NV @ Fremont Country Club

1/16 – West Hollywood, CA @ Key Club

1/18 – Anaheim, CA @ City National Grove of Anaheim

1/19 – Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades

1/20 – San Francisco, CA @ Regency Ballroom

1/22 – Seattle, WA @ Showbox at the Market

1/23 – Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater

1/24 – Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory Concert House

1/26 – Denver, CO @ The Summit Music Hall

1/28 – Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue

1/29 – Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave

1/30 – Cincinnati, OH @ Bogart’s

2/1 – Chattanooga, TN @ Track 29

IT TRULY IS A SMALL WORLD – MY LUNCH WITH CRAW FROM ALL HAIL THE YETI

craw and me - Copy

 

The world is truly a small place. I was at a relatives house Monday night when I saw a post by my brother Craw announcing his engagement to his beloved. I noticed the location was here in NM, in fact only minutes from where I live. I hit him up, and indeed he was not far from my home. We finally managed to sit down to lunch on Thursday at a small restaurant in my town and had a nice lunch and an even nicer conversation. When he pulled up and we met it was as if we had known each other forever. There were no awkward moments and we fell into it as if we were family that hadn’t seen each other in a while. We spoke of G-d and spirituality, MC’s, common friends, the state of the music industry, our childhoods, and the need for fellowship in today’s world.  It was an awesome conversation during which we both realized we had a ton in common. Craw is definitely a brother I will not lose touch with. Hell, I even invited myself and my wife to his wedding (sorry bro). If we all take the time to slow down and get to know each other and what makes each other tick the world would probably get a lot better. Thank you Craw for taking the time to spend with me. Check out Craw and All Hail The Yeti @ https://www.facebook.com/officialallhailtheyeti?ref=ts&fref=ts or http://www.allhailtheyeti.com

here’s a taste:

ALL HAIL THE YETI CD COVER

Peace,

the Hellion

NAMM 2013 – Retro Look and Sound Meet New Technology at NAMM Show

Retro Look and Sound Meet New Technology at NAMM Show

Manufacturers create guitar, bass, amp and drum lines to meet recent demand for vintage looks and sounds in unique gear with a boutique feel

Carlsbad, Calif. (December 27, 2012) – A blast from the past will ring out at the 2013 NAMM Show as manufacturers responding to consumer demand introduce new products with a vintage look and sound. Retailers, having heard the growing demand for vintage-inspired musical instruments and equipment will be looking for new products that meet the demand of customers clamoring for unique pieces. The NAMM Show returns to Anaheim, CA from January 24-27, 2013.

 

“Over the last few years, gear that looks, feels and sounds vintage has taken off,” said George Coutretsis, GM of Chicago Music Exchange. “The trend in indie-rock is toward using vintage gear, which is building demand in a younger adult audience for these pieces. We’re looking for products at the NAMM Show that make the player feel unique and inspire them to start bands, make music and play more.”

 

Coutretsis uses the term “reliced” to describe instruments and equipment that have been manually distressed, as one would handle a pair of jeans for a worn-in, loved look. Boutique instruments sometimes incorporate such design elements, while others are constructed to showcase the luthier’s artistry. Retro items made in the United States or by hand are also in demand, as the call for unique and distinguished pieces increases.

 

“The major brands and as well as our smaller, boutique craftsmen are boosting this trend with some truly unique instruments, many of which will be unveiled or highlighted at this year’s NAMM Show,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM. “Artists around the globe are constantly looking for music and sound products that help them express their creativity and NAMM members will continue to look forward as well as to legacy designs to serve them.”

 

Nostalgia for what Neil Young called the “old, folky days” seems to be the inspiration for the retro collections soon to be offered by Bedell Guitars. Designed after the guitars of the early ‘60s, the Coffeehouse series and the 1964 series feature all solid woods, dovetail neck-joints, classic comfortable neck profiles and other details designed to recall the look and sounds of acoustic guitars produced 50 years ago. The company plans to unveil the series at the NAMM Show 2013.

 

“The music industry is naturally vintage minded. We value things with a history,” said Ryan Bouslaugh of Bedell’s artist relations department. “A 2012 Toyota Camry drives just great, but really, everyone wants that classic ’57 Chevy.”

 

The trend is particularly evident among electric guitars, basses and amplifiers, with many major brands releasing or adding to nostalgia-inspired collections. Retro shapes, colors and components that help re-create the sound of a vintage piece are hallmarks of these instruments.

 

“We’re coming out of a hi-tech, industrial design era,” said Richard McDonald, senior vice president of marketing for Fender Guitars. “We turn toward vintage because it is more approachable, whimsical. People respond warmly to that vibe.”

 

Some of these new additions will be seen for the first time at NAMM 2013. Fender Guitars, the roots of which reach back to the very era many are resurrecting, plans to debut guitar and bass additions to its already-popular Pawnshop series. Also at the show, the Excelsior, Fender’s distinctive tube-combo amplifier will be re-issued in a limited edition. Gibson honors one of the godfathers of guitar with its collection of tribute Les Paul guitars, made in the style of the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s and beyond. The series, which is dubbed “The Year of Les Paul” collection, will be introduced at NAMM Show 2013.

 

C.F. Martin & Co.’s four-piece Retro Series that debuted at NAMM in Nashville will be featured prominently by the brand at the show. The Retro Series is based on C.F. Martin & Co.’s guitars from the 1930s and ‘40s, melding traditional models with state-of-the-art technology.

 

Retailer Gary Forkum of Fork’s Drum Closet in Nashville attributes the trend to a new generation of musicians discovering classic bands such as The Rolling Stones. This younger consumer is behind the success of some of Forkum’s best sellers. “Items such as the Ludwig Classic Maple three-piece kits in vintage colors, sparkles – these types of items are a big focus for us,” he said. “The trend has been coming on for a little while now, but this year it has been very big.”

 

Aficionados and musicians are also turning to vintage-styled components to alter the sounds of their equipment to replicate the sounds of the bygone days. “Numerous areas of the MI market have experienced a resurgence of classic designs and products,” said Fred Gretsch, president of The Gretsch Company. “Walk in to any music shop, and you’ll see all sorts of ‘vintage inspired’ products. Sales of Bigsby products have been very strong in recent years which is partially due to new manufacturer OEM models, but also as consumers are trying to recreate classic instruments of yesteryear, modify their beloved main guitar, or simply add value to the guitar under the bed.”

 

The retro trend is in full swing and will be on vibrant display for retailers and buyers to see, hear and demo at NAMM Show 2013. Registration is now open for qualified members of the music instrument, product and pro-light and sound industries. Exhibit space is still available for the 2013 event. Learn more about the 2013 NAMM Show at http://www.namm.org/thenammshow/2013.

 

MY 2012 TOP 10 – (IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER)

GYPSYHAWK – REVELRY & RESILIENCE

gypsyhawkCD COVER

1. Overloaded
2. The Fields
3. Hedgeking
4. Frostwyrm
5. Galaxy Rise
6. 1345
7. Night Songs from the Desert
8. The Red Wedding
9. Silver Queen
10. State Lines
11. Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo

GYPSYHAW BAND

I had the great fortune of getting to know guitarist Erik while he was on tour helping my good friends in Scattered Hamlet. I was excited for this release and was not disappointed when it dropped. You need to check this one out!

 http://www.metalblade.com/gypsyhawk/
http://gypsyhawkusa.blogspot.com

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

HOTEL DIABLO – THE RETURN TO PSYCHO CALIFORNIA

HOTEL DIABLO CD COVER

1. Psycho, California (Explicit)
2. What You Do To Me (alt)
3. What You Do To Me
4. Trigger
5. All These Years
6. Wicked Lines
7. Bury You
8. Bury You (alt)
9. Taken
10. Wonderwall
11. Set It Off (Explicit)

HOTEL DIABLO BAND

     Alex Grossi gave me a great interview and Hotel Diablo delivered a fantastic release! Awesome CD guys thanks!

http://thehoteldiablo.com

https://www.facebook.com/hoteldiablo

ALL HAIL THE YETI – ALL HAIL THE YETI

ALL HAIL THE YETI CD COVER

1. Deep Creek
2. When The Sky Falls
3. Suicide Woods
4. The Weak and Wounded (Prelude to Flames)
5. After The Great Fire
6. Bloodguilt
7. The Art Of Mourning
8. I Am Wendigod
9. Axe Murder Hollow
10. Ruby Ridge (Every Knee Shall Bow)
11. Judas Cradle

ALL HAIL THE YETI BAND

A great bunch of guys and a kick ass band. I have gotten to know guitarist Craw, and interviewed  him and singer Connor. Can’t wait to hear more from these guys!

http://www.allhailtheyeti.com
http://www.twitter.com/allhailtheyeti
http://www.myspace.com/allhailtheyeti
http://www.reverbnation.com/allhailtheyeti
http://www.youtube.com/allhailtheyeti
http://www.twitter.com/allhailtheyeti
http://www.twitter.com/hailconnorcade
http://www.alhailtheyeti.tumblr.com

https://www.facebook.com/officialallhailtheyeti

FRANK HANNON BAND – SIX STRING SOLDIERS

FRANK HANNON CD COVER

1. I’m Alive (feat. Pat Travers)
2. Set Me Free
3. Six String Soldiers
4. Lipstick, Smoke and Gasoline (feat. Dave Meniketti)
5. Invincible
6. Cross Your Mind
7. Touch The Ground (feat. Dickey Betts)
8. I’m Just Sayin’
9. Love, Life and Beauty
10. To The Light (feat. Rick Derringer)
11. Redemption
12. 12.21

FRANK HANNON BAND

I happen to be good friends with guitarist Mike Araiza and vocalist Jeff Sandoval so this release has special meaning to me. I am so happy that their dream is coming true for them, and I wish them continued success.

http://frankhannon.com/
http://www.myspace.com/frankhannon
https://tinmanmerchandising.com/FrankHannon
http://twitter.com/frankhannonband
http://www.reverbnation.com/frankhannonband

https://www.facebook.com/FrankHannonBand

ADLER – BACK FROM THE DEAD

ADLER - Back From The Dead

1. Back From The Dead
2. Own Worst Enemy
3. Another Version Of The Truth
4. The One That You Hated
5. Good To Be Bad (feat. John 5)
6. Just Don’t Ask (feat. Slash)
7. Blown Away
8. Waterfall
9. Habit
10. Your Diamonds
11. Dead Wrong

ADLER BAND

I am glad to see Mr. Adler back in good form. Solid band, solid songs, solid CD!

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

http://www.adlerrocks.com
https://twitter.com/adlerrocks
http://www.youtube.com/adlerofficial

L. A. GUNS – HOLLYWOOD FOREVER

LA GUNS CD COVER

1. Hollywood Forever
2. You Better Not Love Me
3. Eel Pie
4. Sweet Mystery
5. Burn
6. Vine Street Shimmy
7. Dirty Black Night
8. Underneath The Sun
9. Queenie
10. Crazy Tango
11. Venus Bomb
12. I Won’t Play
13. Requiem (Hollywood Forever)
14. Araña Negra

LA GUNS BAND

L. A. Guns has been one of my favorite bands for many many years. Even though there has been lineup changes and controversy this lineup carries on the sleaze.

https://www.facebook.com/officialLAGuns

http://www.laguns.net
http://www.twitter.com/LA_Guns
http://www.myspace.com/lagunsofficial

SUNSET RIOT – UPRISING

SR_UPRISING_1b_JML

1. Red Ferrari
2. Something’s Gotta Give
3. Red Leather
4. Save Me From LA
5. Stir Crazy
6. Mama Said

SUNSET RIOT BAND

My good friends from Australia, Sunset Riot. I am lucky to have become a member of the Sunset Riot family. These guys know feel good Rock N’ Roll and continue to delight fans around the world! So Check them out!

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

http://www.sunsetriot.com
http://www.youtube.com/sunsetriot
http://www.reverbnation.com/sunsetriot

THE BLACK SAINTS – HELLBENT & HEARTLESS

THE BLACK SAINTS CD COVER

1. Top Notch Lady
2. Capone (Explicit)
3. 1-2-3
4. Amends
5. Façade

THE BLACK SAINTS BAND

Great new band with a great sound!

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

http://www.theblacksaints.com

BLOODY HAMMERS – BLOODY HAMMERS

BLOODY HAMMERS CD COVER

1. Witch Of Endor
2. Fear No Evil
3. The Last Legion Of Sorrow
4. Say Goodbye To The Sun
5. The Witching Hour
6. Black Magic
7. Trisect
8. Beyond The Door
9. Souls On Fire
10. Don’t Breathe A Word

BLOODY HAMMERS BAND

Mysterious band with a dark gloomy sound. This CD grabs hold and never lets go.

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

http://www.bloodyhammers.com

DOWN – DOWN IV PART I- THE PURPLE EP

down-iv-ep-one-the-purple-ep-extralarge_1343755795887

1. Levitation
2. Witchtripper
3. Open Coffins (Explicit)
4. The Curse
5. This Work Is Timeless
6. Misfortune Teller

DOWN BAND

It’s Down is any other explanation needed?

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

http://www.downontour.com
http://www.downboard.com
http://www.officialdownstore.com
http://www.myspace.com/downnola
http://www.down-nola.com

*SPECIAL BONUS*

SCATTERED HAMLET – IT ONLY HURTS (SINGLE)

SCATTERED HAMLET CD COVER

1. It Only Hurts

SCATTERED HAMLET BAND - Copy

Scattered Hamlet of all the bands listed are more than family to me. I have been friends with them for a while now. I actually head up their fan-base “The Hellriders”. They released a single this year and have a full release Skeleton Dixie coming in 2013. DO NOT OVERLOOK THIS BAND!

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

http://www.scatteredhamlet.com

A great 2012 for music!

the Hellion

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

     HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM ALL OF US HERE AT THE HELLION ROCKS!

LOOK FOR NEW AND EXCITING THINGS COMING IN 2013 FROM THE HELLION ROCKS, BLEACH BANGS RADIO, ROCK U-NIGHT, AND MUSIC U-NIGHT!

BACK TOMORROW TO KEEP THE ROCK N’ ROLL FLOWING!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Hellion-Rocks/205021266205253

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fans-of-Bleach-Bangs-Radio/251995358192526

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rock-U-Night/397752036952904

https://www.facebook.com/musicunight

check out the Rock U-Night pages:

http://rockunight.com/

http://www.youtube.com/user/rockunight?feature=watch

Bleach Bangs' Charlie Owens with Knucklez Deep

Bleach Bangs’ Charlie Owens with Knucklez Deep

 

the Hellion with Scars Blue featuring Tim Griffiths Garcia from Rock U-Night/Music U-Night

the Hellion with Scars Blue featuring Tim Griffiths Garcia from Rock U-Night/Music U-Night

the Hellion with the MIGHTY Skeletonwitch

the Hellion with the MIGHTY Skeletonwitch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.I.P. GUITARIST MIKE SCACCIA

Mike-Scaccia

 

Michael “Mike” Scaccia
June 14th, 1965 – December 23. 2012

     Mike was the guitarist for Ministry, Rigor Mortis, and The Revolting Cocks.

Mike was performing onstage in Fort Worth Texas with Rigor Mortis when he had a seizure and collapsed. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. R.I.P. Brother you are already missed.

the Hellion