http://www.facebook.com/CrownedByFire?fref=ts
Justin took time from his busy schedule to call me and give an intimate interview on Crowned By fire and their up and coming take over of the world. Take your time, sit back, grab a tasty beverage and listen……
thanks Justin! It was a pleasure speaking with you as always.
the Hellion
Another smoking edition of bands you should be listening to! They just keep coming and coming, so listen up!
1. SOILENT GREEN
http://www.facebook.com/SOILENTGREEN
http://www.soilent-green.com
http://www.reverbnation.com/soilentgreen
http://www.myspace.com/soilentgreen
http://www.crashandburncartel.com/
Soilent Green is:Ben Falgoust (Goatwhore), Brian Patton (Eyehategod), Tommy Buckley (Crowbar) and Scott Crochet. They say only the strong survive and for Louisiana swamp grinders Soilent Green, no truer words were ever spoken. Hardly strangers to adversity, Soilent’s two-decade-old history is fraught with lineup changes, van collisions, murder, suicide and a hurricane casualty. And yet, they soldier on, driven by passion, patience, perseverance and a will to dominate.
2. GOATWHORE
http://www.facebook.com/thegoat666
http://www.goatwhore.net
http://www.twitter.com/goatwhorenola
http://www.reverbnation.com/goatwhore
http://www.ilike.com/artist/Goatwhore
Goatwhore was formed by singer/guitarist Sammy Duet following the breakup of his previous band, Acid Bath. Soilent Green singer L. Ben Falgoust II, guitarist Ben Stout, bassist Patrick Bruders, and drummer Zak Nolan completed the lineup, which debuted with the demo Serenades to the Tides of Blood; Goatwhore’s proper debut LP, The Eclipse of Ages into Black, followed in early 2000. Funeral Dirge for the Rotting Sun appeared in 2003 before the band jumped to Metal Blade for the fall release of 2006’s A Haunting Curse. They performed at both Ozzfest 2008 and Ozzfest 2010.
In 2009, Goatwhore released their fourth album, entitled Carving out the Eyes of God, and toured with Obituary, among others.
In January and February 2010, Goatwhore embarked on the ‘Bound By The Road’ Tour with DevilDriver, Suffocation, and Thy Will Be Done.
In early 2012, the band released their fifth album, entitled Blood for the Master.
3. WEEDEATER
http://www.facebook.com/weedmetal
Weedeater is a sludge metal band formed in Wilmington, North Carolina in 1997 with members from the recently defunct Buzzov•en. The band has released four full length albums. In April 2007, the band signed on to the Southern Lord record label. In January 2010, vocalist “Dixie” Dave Collins lost his big toe in an accident involving his “favorite shotgun”, causing the recording of their fourth album to stall.
4. KNUCKLEZ DEEP
http://www.facebook.com/knucklez.deep?fref=ts
These guys play “in your face” straight up metal. Representing the New Mexico music scene this band is on the fast track to success!
5. FOXY SHAZAM
http://www.facebook.com/FoxyShazam
Foxy Shazam is an American rock band from Cincinnati, Ohio, formed in 2004. The band is composed of lead vocalist Eric Sean Nally, guitarist Loren Turner, pianist Sky White, bass player Daisy, trumpeter and back-up vocalist Alex Nauth, and drummer Aaron McVeigh. The band released their debut album The Flamingo Trigger independently before signing with Ferret Records, under which they recorded their second album, Introducing. The following year, the band recorded its first major label record with multi-platinum record producer John Feldmann. Foxy Shazam signed with Sire Records (a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Records) and released its self-titled major label debut in 2010. The band’s fourth studio album, The Church of Rock and Roll, was released in January 2012.
6. ORANGE GOBLIN
http://www.facebook.com/orangegoblinofficial
http://www.orange-goblin.com
http://www.facebook.com/orangegoblinoffi…
http://www.myspace.com/theorangegoblin
http://www.youtube.com/orangegoblinofficial
Inspired by the gods of hard rock, heavy metal, punk rock and underground extremity, from Sabbath, Motörhead and Thin Lizzy through to Celtic Frost, Danzig and Black Flag, Orange Goblin were initially seen as major contenders amid the mid-90s stoner rock explosion, but it soon became apparent that this band had much more up their collective wizard’s sleeve than red-eyed boogie and flapping flares. In fact, over the course of their roller coaster career, the band have proved themselves to be one of the most consistent and persistent forces in modern heavy music, amassing a catalogue of albums that rivals anything released during the same period. From the rambunctious, heads-down exuberance of their Frequencies From Planet Ten debut in 1997 through to the multi-genre bonfire of insanities that was 2007’s Healing Through Fire, Orange Goblin have always kicked arse, always written songs that hit home like a stage diver’s boot connecting with your forehead, always delivered the rampaging heavy metal goods while meaning every last riff, beat, solo and bellow.
7. THE WRETCHED END
http://www.facebook.com/thewretchedend
Musically THE WRETCHED END can best be described as EXTREME METAL, with influences from both black, death and thrash metal.
8. SWITCHBLADE SCARLETT
http://www.facebook.com/switchbladescarlett
What do you get when you have an MTV “MADE” coach, two of the hottest indie-rock producers and one of Guitar Player Magazine’s top five guitar players under 30? You have Switchblade Scarlett!
9. RAGDOLL
http://www.facebook.com/ragdollrock
With an authentic sound and an unrivalled dedication to the music, nothing’s discounted in developing a Ragdoll original, that’s why each and every tune evokes that certain something… something almost indescribable… something you can’t quite put your finger on. It’s that ‘something’ that’s at the heart and soul of every Ragdoll song and every Ragdoll performance. It’s music steeped in tradition, paying homage to the greats and ghosts of the past while forging its own exciting new path through the Rock wilderness.
10. A PALE HORSE NAMED DEATH
http://apalehorsenameddeath.com/
A Pale Horse Named Death is an American goth metal band based out of Brooklyn, New York. It was created by Sal Abruscato (a former drummer for Type O Negative) and produced / engineered by Matt Brown of Seventh Void / Uranium 235. The band currently has one album released called And Hell Will Follow Me.
Whew!!!!
the Hellion
I have been thinking about a conversation I recently had with a friend about growing old. I recently turned 48 years old and I still find excitement and joy in Rock N’ Roll. I’m not your typical 48 year old, I have long hair, earrings, numerous tattoos, I write a music blog, co-host an internet radio show, and created an internet video music show. I am twice the age of a lot of my friends. And yet, we have meaningful conversations, I give them advice, and we discuss pertinent world issues.
I feel that music knows no age, it is timeless. Through my entire life it has been a constant friend to me, always there, always comforting, never questioning me, never belittling me, always my companion.
My mom always had music on when I was growing up. When my first step-dad wasn’t home it was Rock N’ Roll. Creedence Clearwater Revival, Jackson 5, Rolling Stones, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Led Zeppelin, Beatles, Temptations, The Who, Santana, Sly & the Family Stone, Isley Brothers, David Bowie, MC5 were but a few of the many bands my mom introduced me to. My step-dad however, only listened to country music. Johnny Cash, Jack Greene, Jerry Lee Lewis, Sonny James, Buck Owens, Loretta Lynn, Glen Campbell, Merle Haggard, Bill Anderson, Tammy Wynette, Charley Pride, and Conway Twitty were some of his staples. I was five in 1969 and all of this music had me hooked, I was in love with music. I enjoyed the Rock N’ Roll more than the country (As an adult I would later come to respect the country music). Music became my anchor in the storm of my turbulent and dark childhood.
I was ten when my mom married my second step-dad and saved me (or so I thought) from the monster we had lived with. My new step-dad was a more of a free-spirit. Johnny Mathis,Cher,Terry Jacks,Redbone, Grand Funk Railroad, Elton John, Blue Swede, Jim Croce, Gordon Lightfoot, Wings, Three Dog Night, The Steve Miller Band, and Steely Dan filled my ears with glorious sounds. However, it soon became apparent that music would become my only friend. My mom and my new step-dad soon had no time for me and my newborn brother. They had lives to live and we were and interruption. Again it was a dark time for me. It was 1974.
1974 -1985 Many many things happened in those years, most I choose to put away and not reflect upon. A lot of music came and went of varying styles and trends. I was lost and wandering, but music was still there. Hard Rock and Heavy Metal became my music of choice ( I made some questionable choices in music during this period as well).
1985 I was reborn. I met my future wife and The Cult, AC/DC, Dio, Dokken, Kiss, Motley Crue, Scorpions, Ratt, Megadeth, Iron Maiden, and David Lee Roth were on the scene. My life became worth living and truly became joyful to me.
1990 I became a father and vowed to be there for my new son and treat him as I wish I had been treated as a child. We filled him with love, companionship, and music. Megadeth, Judas Priest, Anthrax, Pantera, Metallica, Alice in Chains, Warrant, Queensryche, Poison, and many others were often heard on radios and cassette players (yes cassette) in our home.
1993 My daughter was born furthering my joy in life. She was full of life and energy and completed my dream family. The music from that time carried on the “Metal Scene” was prevalent in our home in this period.
Present- I am 48! Oh shit! When did this happen? My kids are now young adults, I am still as much in love with my wife as I have ever been. and music is still a huge part of my life. I now write about, interview, and talk with people about music on a daily basis. I share my experiences, give advice, and share music both new, and old with many others. Music, yeah it can save you, it saved me.
the Hellion
https://thehellionrocks.wordpress.com/
A beautiful day in a dirty alley….
I thought it would be a typical day as I pulled into my parking spot behind the El Rey and Launchpad. I learned a valuable lesson today. Never ever sneak up on a group of guys in an alley way…. even if they are expecting you.
After a brief sprint and a much needed cigarette, I was able to have a really good chat with the guys from Knucklez Deep.
A lot of info from these dudes packed into a short visit. As we all were harassed by flies and our voices drowned out by planes flying overhead, The guys gave us some background, some insight to what is happening presently and a look towards the future. They are bringing their Brutality to you New Mexico and maybe another state or two very soon. Check out this interview on http://rockunight.com/ coming soon for all details, and Big Thanks to Knucklez Deep.
Cheers!
Charlie M.F. Owens
I was talking to a friend today and he asked me what I thought were the five best bass performances in Rock N’ Roll. Hmmm… hard question but I’ll give my opinion on it and see what happens. I love the bass and the weight that it gives to Rock music. So let’s check it out. Keep in mind these are in no particular order they are just the five that stand above the others.
1. Cliff Burton (METALLICA) “FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS” (LIVE) [CLIFF ‘EM ALL]
The aggressiveness of Cliff’s playing style in the intro to this song amazes me to this day. I will always remain in awe of him and wonder what more he would have given to us. Enjoy and remember:
2. JOHN ENTWISTLE (THE WHO) “BABA O’RILEY” (LIVE) 1978
The way John carries the song’s intro is magnificent. John’s solid performance style and coolness when he was laying down massive bass lines will forever influence bass players for years to come. Look at his hands, watch and listen:
3. GEEZER BUTLER (BLACK SABBATH) BASSICALLY/N.I.B.
What can I say, utter brilliance here. The riff is as iconic as any guitar riff. Geezer carries this song with majesty, a lot of bass players learn this bass line and try to honor it. I have seen Geezer play it live and it is just as magnificent as it is on record. Listen and get lost:
4. BILLY COX (JIMI HENDRIX) “DOLLY DAGGER”
Just listen to the bass line and you’ll hear why it is included. Billy was an amazing player period. If you’ve never heard of him look up his stuff and prepare to get blown away.:
5. STEVE HARRIS (IRON MAIDEN) “PHANTOM OF THE OPERA” (LIVE) 1980
Steve Harris and his monster bass runs make him one the most inspiring bassists in rock history. (Besides if I didn’t include Steve Eddie’s Mates would lynch me). I have always been inspired by Steve’s playing style. This is for you Eddie’s Mates:
By no means is this a complete list. There are so many more to list. These five however, jumped into my mind immediately. Please give me YOUR input!
the Hellion
Alright, alright, alright! This weeks ten bands to check out is all about the METAL! Grab your denim, grab your leather, and get those horns HIGH! Let’s get to it!
1. SACRED MOTHER TONGUE
http://www.sacredmothertongue.com/
http://www.facebook.com/SacredMotherTongue
Sacred Mother Tongue is a British band that combines power, darkness, and intensity together to bring us some new excitement to the metal scene. Their EP “A Light Shines” dropped on Sept. 03.
2. WITCHCRAFT
http://www.witchcrafthome.com/
http://www.facebook.com/witchcraft
http://www.twitter.com/WitchcraftBand
Swedish doom metallers Witchcraft are back after a several year hiatus. Their new album “Legend” was released on Sept. 25th. The new album marks the recording debut of the band’s new members Simon Solomon (guitar), Tom Jondelius (guitar) and Oscar Johansson (drums). Magnus Pelander has stated that he will focus on his vocals without playing guitar anymore. A very strong release for this band.
3. SAINT VITUS
http://saint-vitus.tumblr.com/
http://www.facebook.com/saintvitusofficial
Lillie: F-65 is the eighth studio album by the American doom metal band Saint Vitus, which was released on April 27, 2012 (May 22, 2012 in the United States). This is the first Saint Vitus studio album since 1995’s Die Healing and the first to feature Scott “Wino” Weinrich on vocals in 22 years, since 1990’s V. It also marks their first album with Henry Vasquez on drums. Wino is back!!!!
UPDATE: At 4;30 in the morning in a truck-stop in the small town where I live I ran into Wino. We talked for a few minutes, about music, and what not. We then went to the tour bus and snapped a pic and they turned me on to their new CD: Lillie: F-65.
4. EVOKEN
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Evoken-Official/91505789372
Evoken is an American funeral doom metal band from Lyndhurst, New Jersey, that is influenced by the Australian band Disembowelment and the Finnish band Thergothon. The band name Evoken was taken from the Thergothon song found on the Fhtagn nagh Yog-Sothoth demo. The band was founded by guitarist Nick Orlando under the name Funereus in April 1992. It was with the original line-up of Rob (Bass/Vocals); Nick (Guitar); Phil (Guitar) & Vince (Drums) that they recorded what would be the only Funereus release, which was a rehearsal demo released in 1992. After briefly changing their name to Asmodeus the following year, the band eventually decided upon the name Evoken in 1994 after several line up changes. They headlined the Dutch Doomsday Festival in 2003 during a brief European tour of Holland, Belgium & the UK.Atra Mors is the fifth full-length studio album by American doom metal band Evoken. It was released through Profound Lore Records on July 31, 2012. The name atra mors is Latin for Black Death.
5. DUST BOLT
http://www.facebook.com/dustbolt
http://dustbolt.de
This band is a throwback to the early days of Slayer, Exodus, Kreator, and Testament. Young, and still full of aggression keep these guys on your radar! Their debut CD is called Violent Demolition. Seek it out and pick it up!
6. TESSERACT
http://www.tesseractband.co.uk
http://www.facebook.com/tesseractband
2011 was the year when UK progressive metallers TesseracT leaped from the internet underground to become the UK’s fastest rising international metal prospect. The debut album ‘One’, released in March, received a phenomenal response with music fans and the press alike, making many of the critics top albums of 2011 lists, including those in Metal Hammer and Classic Rock Prog magazines.
7. RED ENEMY
http://www.facebook.com/RedEnemy
Starting off in 2008 the Dublin based act Red Enemy have established themselves well amongst the Irish and UK metal audiences with they’re own unique blend of melodic metal, the band have recently released their second EP “What We Are Contained In, Is What We Are Worth” to critical acclaim from peers in Ireland and abroad.
8. EX DEO
OH SHIT! The Romans have metal! This band should have been with the Spartans. Great imagery, bad ass hooks, and swords? Don’t heckle this band or you’ll lose your head. For those about to rock…..
9. MOONSPELL
http://www.facebook.com/moonspellband
Moonspell is a Portuguese heavy metal band. Formed in 1992, the group released their first EP Under the Moonspell in 1994, a year before the release of their first album Wolfheart. The band quickly gained status and became one of the most recognizable metal bands from Portugal. Moonspell reached the Portuguese top first with their album Sin/Pecado, and were, along with Metallica and Iron Maiden, the only metal band to reach the first place of the Portuguese charts after the release of their album, Memorial, in 2006. With Memorial, Moonspell also became the first Portuguese heavy metal band to have a record certified gold status. They are also very popular in Germany, where Memorial entered at 68th in the Top 100 Chart.
10. ORCHID
http://www.facebook.com/orchidsf
Orchid are an “occult rock” band from San Francisco, California. The band formed in 2007 with a desire to create more than just a sound — they sought to craft an entire experience harkening back to the classic era of dark, heavy music and enigmatic artistry.
whew….
the Hellion
http://www.facebook.com/beardisbullshit?ref=ts&fref=ts
http://www.reverbnation.com/beardisbullshit
It was a Sunday afternoon, that being said, I was feeling a bit “Beardish” and it seemed like a great day to interview them. I pulled into the parking lot of Charley’s Records and Tapes (yes tapes) and saw the Bearded ones awaiting my arrival. We snapped a few shots while we waited for my beautiful camera woman to show up and shoot the interview. When she arrived in all her glory we retired to the inner sanctum of Charley’s to get into the heads of Beard. We talked, held hands, and sang “Kumbaya”. When we were done we had all reached spiritual nirvana, a Black Unicorn appeared, and I finally was able to comprehend the band that was Beard. If you want to see the interview check it out at: http://rockunight.com/
Their CD: Black Unicorn will be released on 10/26/12 at Hooligan’s nightclub. This will be an event not to be missed. You want more? Here is the video for “Amp Whore”:
Now that I have seen the Black Unicorn I have achieved a new plane of existence and shall now be known as H. Beard…….
the Hellion (a.k.a. H. Beard)
DRUMZ = DAVEY
VOX = ROB
BASS = JENNA
GUITAR = ADZ
A while back I became friends with a guy named Adz who played guitar. My new friend and I shared a lot of similar interests, thoughts, and dreams. We grew close and became like brothers. We shared highs, lows, and just our general daily experiences. He kept me abreast of the happenings of his band DARKSITE. And now I will tell you.
After knowing each other through most of their lives four friends were drawn together in the darkest waste of South Wales in the U.K. creating a genre-spanning band that will defy all modern conventional rock and metal music. With an intensity and power of originality that is rarely found in a generation they created something truly special “DARKSITE”. Forming in mid 2009 it took 3 months for the line-up to become the solid state it now has, following no conventions in writing styles and no restrictions of genre after another 2 months of writing and constant rehearsals the band hit the live stage and the legend was born. With more determination, conviction and commitment than anyone will ever encounter within 8 months a true force for anyone to reckon with was built. with their debut album ” As the line divides ” out worldwide as of the 2nd of april 2012 the Dark Army will rise.
Bold words, but do they hold weight? I got my copy of AS THE LINE DIVIDES and have given a thorough going over, several times. Great record period. Released on Brutal Elite Records LTD this CD SMOKES! Here’s a couple of reviews I found:
Ok, to start of I have not seen this band live but I bought this album on word of mouth as a friend of mine used to know one of the band , I can honestly say that I am still in shock at how genuinely addictive this album is, I’ve been into metal music for many years and this is without question one of the best albums I have heard in the last ten years , I wont drone on the way most reviewers do , all I will say is if you love the greats ( PANTERA , METALLICA , MEGADETH , MACHINE HEAD , SLAYER , 5FDP and countless more ) then you need to own this album , I know it may not be to everyone’s taste but for the true metal fans out there you are in for a rare treat. – ms music fan 1
A truly well composed first album, with melodic vocals and hard-hitting riffs it is truly the work you would expect form a band that have been on the road for years! I must say it has knocked the other cd’s out of my player and has been on loop for quite some time since. Well worth the purchase. Expect great things from these guys 🙂 – Marc Gillings
1. Wake Up, Time To Die! 4:26
2. Their Betrayal 4:03
3. Aftershock 3:23
4. What’s Next 3:37
5. Too Human… (What I Hide) 3:54
6. Viscous (The War Inside) 3:21
7. Deepend 2:36
8. In The Name Of The Father 3:38
9. Not Follow (On My Own) 4:12
10. Hypocrite 3:33
Heavy, in your face, getting it done METAL! This CD is one that keeps finding its way back into my player. A MUST listen to if you like your music HARD! This band is full of hunger, passion, and raw talent. All they are asking for is a listen and they believe their music will stand on its own. Do yourself a favor, check them out and join the Dark Army.
the Hellion
There’s been FAR TOO MUCH of those things lately. I know I’ve discussed it before, but WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED? I mean the Rock N’ Roll community needs to get behind each other and lift each other up, not tear each other apart. I often times reflect to the day when Rock fans would gather in the parking lots of shows,outside of record stores, at parties, AND HAVE A GOOD TIME! Sure there were discussions about how one thought this band was better than another, and there was the occasional fisticuffs, but for the most part we were there to celebrate Rock N’ Roll music. I see far too many people these days dragging down someone for their successes and trash talking them instead of congratulating them, and giving them advice or support. I support each and every artist who makes the effort to step up and share their art. Won’t you? Will YOU help to tighten back up the GLOBAL Rock N’ Roll community? Bands: send me your info to janaya64@msn.com LET’S DO THIS!!!!
One of the most “colorful” local performers I know is Gutter. He’s a hard-working, fun-loving musician that doesn’t EVER slow down. Let’s see what he has to say:
Tell me about how you were introduced to music.
Gutter: When I was just a little kid my Dad played guitar and harmonica plus my Grandfather played classical guitar. I used to sit around and thought it was so cool just to listen to them play.
My mom, may she rest in peace, was one of my greatest music mentors. To whom do you attribute your love of music to?
Gutter: As a young tyke I used to listen to American top 40… he-he. Plus I hung around the older kids in the neighborhood and they turned me on to Deep Purple, Montrose, Robin Trower, Sabbath and I was hooked early on to some killer rock n roll!
What was the catalyst that lead you to decide to become a musician?
Gutter: While listening to my Grandfather play and saw how it mesmerized people, I said that want to learn to do that.
Did you have any formal musical training or did you just wing it?
Gutter: yes, I took a few lessons from my Gramps then took guitar lessons at Luchetti’s music store back in the day and learned the basics and pretty much winged it from there.
I know you as primarily a bassist, was that your first choice? Do you play other instruments?
Gutter: I was originally a guitarist. I played guitar in my first two bands but there were no bass players so I bought a Rickenbacker and started becoming a bass player. I still write my originals on guitar and have to figure out bass parts later.
What are some lessons from previous bands that you carry with you through today?
Gutter: Just be true to yourself and play what you feel and what makes you happy. Playing music is supposed to be great fun and never a chore.
Tell me about the “Gutter” moniker?
Gutter: Well, back when I was in a band in Hollyweird my only transportation was my motorcycle so my singer & guitarist would pick me and my bass up for band rehearsals and they would always be late. So there I’d be sitting on the curb waiting for them with my bass and they would say, “There’s the Gutter Dweller” and that became my nickname…Gutter Dweller, which was quickly shortened to “Gutter”…hah! and people still call me that to this day.
What are some of the many projects your working on these days?
Gutter: Well, I’m currently playing in three bands. I’m in an original rock band called “Rusty Tramp” which plays awesome party rock. I also have another darker sounding rock band called “Darken the Day” and we are actually playing our debut gig opening for my other band Rusty Tramp’s CD release party coming up soon. Plus, I have an awesome classic rock cover band called “LocoMofo”
http://www.facebook.com/RustyTramp
http://www.facebook.com/DarkenTheDay
http://www.facebook.com/locomofo.nm
People are sometimes surprised at what they find in each others music collections. Are there any surprises in your collection?
Gutter: Oh man, I have a very extensive music collection. There are many surprises from Al Di Meola to Zeke.I have all kinds of styles in there but mostly metal, punk, prog and a lot of obscure stuff that a lot of people have never even heard of.
Speak your mind freely, the floor is yours:
Gutter: Well, like I said before, be true to yourself and your music and everybody has to support your fellow musicians and the music scene to keep it alive and well!! Cheers.
Here’s a taste of LOCOMOFO:
My man Gutter, thanks!
the Hellion
the Hellion Rocks 