Category Archives: Thrash Metal

DIE HARD TIL DEATH BASSIST – KURT ARFT

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Kurt is the bass player for the in your face band DIE HARD TIL DEATH, he took some time from his busy schedule to answer a few questions for us.

Where did young Kurt come from?

 Kurt:  I was born in Columbia, MO in 1969 and have pretty much been a Midwest boy my whole life IN, MO, IL, WI. I did live Maryland for a year. We moved around alot cause of my dads job.

When did music become part of your life and what type of music was it?

 Kurt: My first recollections of my exposure to music was around 5 or 6 yrs old. My dad had an acoustic guitar that he would pull out once in a while and play, also his Mom played piano and guitar and can remember sitting on the bench with her while she played. My Moms Dad also was big into music and played organ. My Mom was a big influence as well, she always had music playing in the house and in the car. Around 7 years old I found her record collection and she actually put albums on for me to listen to. Beach Boys, The Beatles, The Doors, stuff I still listen to today.

What was the catalyst that made you realize that becoming a musician was your calling?

    Kurt:  At age 10 Santa Claus left me an acoustic guitar under the tree. I just thought that was the coolest and I couldn’t wait to play it. My parents enrolled me in lessons at the local music store. The instructor I had, was such a dick though, he had no patience and if I didn’t play it exactly right, he’d chew me out and tell me I wasn’t practicing enough, even though I was playing the thing day and night. Pretty much ruined it for me. I ended up putting it down after a lil bit and started playing saxophone in the school band starting around 5th grade and played all the way till the end of my Sr yr in High School. Once I graduated High School, I was like what am I gonna do now? I played music for all these years, learned how to read music and all that, but I knew I wasn’t gonna continue playing saxophone, that’s not cool. I had met a couple of guys at the community college that played guitar and hung out with them and got bitten by the guitar bug again. So, bought a Fender Strat, a lil combo amp, and started messing around again. Took some lessons from a friend of mine, grew my hair out, noticed the chicks were diggin it and as they say the rest is rock n roll history. Also, when I saw Kiss for the first time, I was mesmerized. Kind of the same story as Gene Simmons told when the first time he saw the Beatles on Ed Sullivan, that was when I realized “I’m in”

We all know the bass is the most important instrument in a band,. when did you decide to take on the most important position of playing the bass?

   Kurt: Well thank you for saying that, I happen to think Bass is pretty important part of the band as well haha
A buddy and I wanted to start a band, he was a guitar player too, he was lead, I was rhythm. We’re talkin early 90’s here, so finding a bass player back then was almost impossible. My thinking was everybody and their mother plays guitar around here, and being that at that time I knew I wanted to do this for a living, bass would guarantee me a job cause there are just not that many of us around. So I switched from guitar to bass. And I have to say, it was the best decision I ever made. Bass fits me  and my personality and attitude so much better than guitar

Give us a little band history Kurt, how many bands have you been in?

 Kurt: Lets see………..professionally I’ve been in 5 bands. Last Laugh, Kamikaze Butterfly, Die Hard Till Death,
Skinwalker, and ScreamKing. But total with garage or basement bands, 7.

Two of my personal favorites are Die Hard Til Death and ScreamKing, can you tell a little about them?

Kurt: To date, I would have to say DHTD is my biggest accomplisment and what I’m most proud of. Between the
success of the record, the touring, being selected for Rockband, and all the people who I’ve gotten to work with
and become friends with, it’s been pretty cool. It’s opened alot of other doors for me professionally that I don’t think
would’ve been before. DHTD is a straight up ass kicking METAL band and I’m very proud of it. ScreamKing is
classic heavy metal band in the vein of King Diamond, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest. I worked with Joe, the singer, on a
couple tracks in the studio and have known him for a couple of years, we’ve stayed in contact and just really get along and see things the same way.

We all heard of the history of bands on tour, any amusing stories from the road?

 Kurt: Hmmmmm well besides the typical cliche drunken hotel debauchery, I used to smash my bass on the stage at the end of every show, not to the point where I would destroy it, but I’d give the body a couple good whacks into the stage. This one night, we were playing in Chicago at the Double Door, had a killer show, sounded great, the crowd was really into it, good energy, so I for what ever reason smashed the bass a few times and then rammed the
headstock into the stage, it ended up going through the flooring of the stage and sticking. All the lights went down
on stage except for one, and it was shining on my bass with the headstock stuck into the stage, like a sword. An
Excaliber moment is what we called it.

If you could be a performer in any musical period what would it be?

Kurt: the 70’s

Why the 70’s? That happens to be one of my favorite periods as well.

 Kurt:  For one, the musicianship in the 70’s was incredible, everybody was a master at their chosen instrument. The singers could all sing, no screaming, guitar players smoked with great riffs, leads, solos, there were moving, walking bass lines, and the drummers beat the crap out of their drums and did shit on them that I don’t think many can do today, and with a single kick drum. Second, the songwriting was amazing back then, listen to a classic rock radio station today and I’m blown away by the amount of quality songs that were written by many bands. Classics as we call them. Third, not only did they play and write great songs, they put on a show, they entertained. They looked  like rockstars, the total package. I don’t think you can say that about any other era in music.

I found you iPod under the seat of my car, what kind of surprises am I gonna find on it?

Kurt: There’s a few. Christina Aguilara-Amazing voice, that song “Dirty” the video, WOW! Who didn’t wanna fuck her then? I have some classical music on there, Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Tchaikovsky. Poison, big into the hair band thing.

What words of advice would you have for the youngster trying to start a band and enter the music world?

Kurt: Write, Write, Write, Practice, Practice, Practice. Focus on the music, the process, the writing. Get around as many other players or “veterans” of the scene and learn as much as you can from them, do’s and don’ts. Shoot for the good clubs or venues and play with those bands. Build some experience and a fanbase. Also, utilize your social media! Facebook, Twitter, Reverbnation, etc….. I didn’t have any of that stuff back when I started, it was pounding the pavement and flyers. Respect what you do, who you do it with. Leave your ego and entitlement attitude at home. No one owes you anything, you have to go out and earn it! Be confident, not cocky, there’s a BIG difference. And last not but least, DON’T BE A DICK TO PEOPLE! I got that tidbit of advice from Rob Blasko, and it’s probably one of the best bits of advice, you’ll go alot farther in the biz if people like you as a person and know you’re not a “rockstar”

With all of the changes and the advent of digital music and social media what are your viewpoints on the music world today?

Kurt: There are so many good bands out there and they are not getting the recognition or credit they deserve. I’m very impressed by how the indie scene rally’s around its own and is making a scene where there is no scene anymore. Thanks to internet radio and social media, those bands are gettin an opportunity now, I just wish it was on a bigger, broader scale. The corporate music world has circled the wagons so to speak, if you’re in the circle, you’re very lucky and bands wanna stay there, there is no risk taking anymore by record companies due to the economy and state of the music biz. Record companies are closing down, getting rid of positions. streamlining their operations. The bands, promoters, booking agents, venues, everybody needs to work together and get rid of
this me me me mentality. I think bands now are putting out some of the best music in a long time. Every album that comes out now is a homerun in my opinion, putting the fans first and giving them what they want and pay their hard-earned money to see and listen to.The indie scene is going to be the catalyst for the next great movement in the music business. Everyone keeps fighting and fighting hard and remember who we do this for and why we do it. \m/\m/ 

Check out Die Hard Til Death “The Will”

Thanks Kurt! Appreciate the time from your busy schedule. Be sure and check Kurt out at the following sites:

http://www.facebook.com/DieHardTillDeath

http://www.diehardtilldeath.com/

http://www.facebook.com/screamkingmetal

the Hellion

COVER SONGS?!?!?

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I was recently asked my opinion on several new cover songs. So I thought I would talk about a few here. I’m not gonna bash any artists here, but there are some covers that I don’t like. I like the bands that did them but not their covers.

“Whiskey In The Jar” 

A cover of a cover. Yes this is a traditional Irish folk song originally that was transformed into a modern rock version by Thin Lizzy. Metallica then covered Thin Lizzy’s cover. Now these are the most noted versions of this song. Many , many others have covered this song in many forms. I am still partial to the groove of the Thin Lizzy version. Let’s check out  a traditional version, Thin Lizzy’s, and then Metallica’s :

THE DUBLINERS

THIN LIZZY

METALLICA

 

 “Bad Company”

This is one of my favorite songs of all times. It is one of those magical songs that takes me to a different place and time. I can readily imagine living as an outlaw in the old west. Bad company really captured magic with this song. Five Finger Death Punch covered this song recently. I like Five Finger Death Punch but their cover, not so much. I just feel that they changed the entire vibe of the song. They made it heavier, and changed some of the lyrics in a way that doesn’t sit right with me.  For example:

Bad Co.
Oh I was born 6-gun in my hand
Behind a gun I’ll make my final stand

FFDP
I was born A shotgun in my hands
Behind the gun I’ll make my final stand

Bad Co.
Now these town They all know our name 6-gun sound is our claim to fame

FFDP
Now these towns they all know our names The death punch sound is our claim to fame

BAD COMPANY

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH

 

     “SEASONS OF WITHER”

I always preferred the songs that weren’t hits over the ones that were by Aerosmith. I think of all this would be my favorite Aerosmith song of all. I love the haunting progression of  this song, it is pure magic for me. Tesla did a cover of this and stayed true to the song and did it justice in doing so.

AEROSMITH

TESLA

 

“SMOKE ON THE WATER” 

This iconic song and it’s signature riff has been covered over and over. Again we shall look at only three of them. Deep Purple’s original, Loud House’s cover, and Vains Of Jenna’s cover. Of course I love the original in all of its anthemic glory. Loud House covered it and changed it up so much that I feel the song got lost and never found its way home. Vains Of Jenna took a bold move and took out the signature riff of the song and made it work. Let’s listen:

DEEP PURPLE

LOUD HOUSE

VAINS OF JENNA

 

There’s my take on some covers. No disrespect intended to any of the bands who have covered songs. As everything is open to interpretation and music means different things to different people. These are just my opinions. If you want, please share your thoughts on here on these or any other covers.

 

the Hellion

 

 

ANOTHER 10 bands you should be listening to!

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BURST INTO FLAMES

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Burst-Into-Flames/379277886864

http://www.burstintoflamesmetal.com/

I have seen this band through several changes and plenty of growth. They have been through the mill with changing members and the associated drama that comes with it. They are a three piece band now and yet they seem stronger, faster, and louder. This is a band on the move and I expect great things from them, they play “EPIC METAL” (a nod to the guys).  Here is a link to one of my favorite tracks:

“Anatomy Of A Nightmare”

KRASH KARMA

http://www.facebook.com/krashkarma

http://www.krashkarma.com/

My Bleach Bangs Radio co-host and good friend Charlie Owens turned me on to this band. I got the chance to interview them on our radio show and found them to be a fun band to talk with. I was lucky enough to catch them at a live show and they were very personable and interesting to hang out with. Their live performance was top-notch as well. Bringing a show rather than just stand on stage and play. Krash Karma is a band to appreciate. Here’s a track:

“9Lives (1, 2, DIE)”

KILLINGER

http://www.facebook.com/#!/KILLINGERROCKS

http://killingerrocks.com/

This Canadian band is bringing metal music that emphasizes melody mixed with a powerful delivery. When you talk with these guys you better be on your game because if you are not you’re gonna get run over with their enthusiasm. Oh yeah, you like LOUD? Killinger is your band! Check ’em out:

“We Are Here”

OCTOBER RAGE

http://www.facebook.com/#!/octoberrage

http://www.octoberrage.com/

I don’t know what is going on in Australia but I like it! Here is another band that hails from “Down Under” bringing some goodness to our ears here in the USA. Catchy hooks, solid playing, good vocals, these guys figured out the formula for success. Make sure you look into this band. Check out this video:

“Set You Free”

DEVIL BY DESIGN

http://www.facebook.com/#!/DevilByDesign

http://www.DevilByDesign.net/

During our last Bleach Bangs Radio show we had a caller tell us to check out Devil By Design. I am always looking for new bands to listen to and talk about so I promptly checked them out and it was good. Good image, good sound, good song structure, total package. It was cool  as heel to see a talk box being used by a young band. Devil By design in on my radar and should on yours as well. Check out this slick video:

“Pieces”

THE LAST VEGAS

http://www.facebook.com/#!/thelastvegas

http://www.thelastvegas.com/

I first heard of TLV in 2009 when they beat out 8,000 other bands and won a record contract deal. They bring elements of glam rock, heavy metal, and punk rock mixed in with their own special swagger. Pulling influences from such greats as Aerosmith, Guns N’ Roses, Mötley Crüe, Cheap Trick, and Skid Row these guys are on the rise! Here’s their latest:

“Evil Eyes”

BALL N CHAIN

http://www.facebook.com/ball.chain.75?ref=ts

Looking for some anthemic rock? Check out Ball N Chain. A great bunch of guys who really care about the fans nd try to bring them what they ask for. Their music takes you back to feeling good, let’s party times. Songs that are easy to get into and sing along with the band and they make you smile. Check out the cars in this video!:

“Different Strokes”

SNEW

http://www.facebook.com/ball.chain.75?ref=ts#!/SNEW.official

http://www.snewyou.com/

SNEW are the illegitimate stepchildren of Alice Cooper and the Ramones, home schooled by Motorhead. Yup I can buy that, I first heard of these guys when someone sent me a link to their page and said I just HAD to check them out. They were right, kicked my ass upon listening. I hope I can catch them live soon. Check out what’Snew:

“Pull My Stinger”

THE PROPHETS OF ADDICTION

http://www.facebook.com/ball.chain.75?ref=ts#!/TheProphetsofAddiction

http://www.prophetsofaddiction.com/

Feeling sleazy? Long for the days of  theRamones, Hanoi Rocks, Dogs D’ Amour, NY Dolls, GNR, GBH, Stooges, Deadboys? Here ya go, The Lost Prophets are carrying on the tradition of those and many other bands of that style. They are new to me but I am diggin’ on them and thought you might like to check them out as well. :

“Hang Me Up”

BOBAFLEX

http://www.facebook.com/ball.chain.75?ref=ts#!/Bobaflex

http://www.theofficialbobaflex.com/

I have liked Bobaflex for quite a while now. Lucky me they are gonna playing near me really soon. This is another band that should be getting radio play but for some reason doesn’t. Bobaflex was established in 1998 by the McCoys. The brothers are no strangers to the press, having ancestral ties to the most infamous family feud in American history, between the Hatfields and the McCoys which almost caused a war between the states of West Virginia and Kentucky in the 1880s. Yup check ’em out!

“Bury Me With My Guns On”

There you go, round three of bands I think you should be checking out. Like them or not, I feel that they should be getting some attention and radio play.

the Hellion

SCATTERED HAMLET’S own ADAM JOAD The APPALACHIAN APOSTLE speaks

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I have been fortunate enough to have known Adam Joad for a while and we have become as brothers in this crazy world. I recently caught up with him and got him to answer a few questions for us. So kick off your boots, grab a cold one, turn up the music and chill with us for a bit.

So, tell us the story of where you come from.

I grew up in Southwestern PA close enough to the Mason Dixon line that I could probably shoot it with a rifle…. Maybe some of my friends and family could, I can’t, I’m not that good of a shot. It’s typical small town Appalachia. I live back this way when I’m not touring now too. It’s a much better fit for me than LA. The meth heads in SoCal were surprised when I pulled my Turkey gun on them when they came banging on my window at 3 AM. LA is a different place, around here when people say something they mean it. If someone tells you they are going to crack you in the head, you better duck, leave or swing first. In Hollywood a dude would threaten you and then go fix their eyeliner in the bathroom while some hipsters in skinny jeans talk about how ironic the situation was. I’m not saying one is better than the other, it’s just different and one is a better fit for me.

I grew up around music of all kinds from old school country to rock n’ roll. What about young Adam? What were some of your early music experiences that lit your musical fire?

I came from a musical family. My mom was into theater, my dad like surf rock, classic country and classic mo-town. You could go into different rooms in my house when I was growing up and hear different music. It was my brother though. I got a slick Mickey Mouse turntable when I was 3 or 4 and he let me pick any record from his collection and I picked Kiss Alive II. The images were awesome, the music was raw and there was this energy about the album. I had all the words to Dr. Love memorized in a few weeks. By the time I was 5 he taught me the words to “Gimme Three Steps” and I would walk around the house singing it while I played with my Gi-Joes.

What caused you to go from just listening to great music to making great music of your own? Not everybody makes the choice to start playing music.

I started probably later than a lot of people. I was a music fan first and foremost, I still am. I went to shows and watched videos constantly, I’d carry amps for people and all that. I went to college so I could play football. When that was done I had a friend encourage me to do some yelling and jamming with him. After that I ended up in a local punk band. I started singing for them, we went on some epic DIY tours playing places like CBGB and I eventually learned to play the guitar well enough to do rhythms and write music. Once I had the bug it was on. To play and do the stuff I wanted though I had to learn a lot more than I could in punk music so I headed to LA and followed around talented people taking notes and working on my craft. I haven’t had a real job in years.

Making the choice to start a band comes with some interesting stories of early band experiences. Care to share any?

I remember cutting my drummer with my gerber knife on a punk rock tour when were outside the Holland tunnels in New York. I was trying to sleep and I told him if he touched me again I would cut him. I always have a good sharpened USA made knife on me. I think every man should. Anyway, he touched me again and I drew first blood. He flipped shit but the other guys in the band agreed that it was justified since I made it clear what was going to happen if he touched me again. Those were good times. We’re actually close friends still. Sometimes when I get drunk and start waving my knife around in the SH mobile Redd will take it from me and stick it in the ground and make it all dull. It takes me a few days and some sobriety to the edge back on it. Texans know how to handle such situations.

How did your journeys on the twisty, turny musical highways get you to form Scattered Hamlet?

It’s funny I was just discussing this last night with my friends on the Otep Tour. I had quit music and was done with the whole thing and my buddy Ari from Destrophy and Otep told me to bring some ideas and riffs I had to Iowa and he’d show me what I should be doing. He taught me my zone and how to go with my redneckness rather than resist it to fit into some trendy mold. We recorded the three original demos for the band, Shelter, Warning and Shotgun Symphony. We’ve released a new version of Shotgun but the others will probably be on the next album. After that I went back to LA to see if I could find people like me who wanted to take the journey.

What can you tell us about the Hell Riders chapters that support Scattered Hamlet?

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Hell Riders are not a motorcycle club. I want to make that clear. They are not 1% er’s and should respect any club’s area when they are out. We have a lot of Biker fans. We don’t represent anyone or anything but ourselves and our music. Hell Rider is a song off our “Hillbilly Harmony” EP which you should buy if you haven’t so I can get McDouble later. Anyway, our fans started calling themselves Hell Riders and started setting up Chapters around the world. They help us spread the message and do guerrilla promotion. It’s pretty flattering and awesome. I started making music to entertain people and to write/record songs that move them the way music has been the sound track to my life. If an SH song becomes the soundtrack of someone’s life, we’re doing something right. So when we see people representing the Hell Riders, getting tattoos with our logo and supporting us, it means a lot to us. Anyone in SH that didn’t think that was special is no longer with us.

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I’ve had a few people that have seen Scattered Hamlet live and heard you call yourself the “Appalachian Apostle” and they want to know the story behind that.

One of my friends actually coined that on the “uncountry tour” we did with Jason Charles Miller back in February. We all have nicknames. Like Redd is “The Texan,” Rich is the “Kentucky Assassin” and Jake is the “Irish Thunder.” I’m the apostle of what I know, where my family has been and of our style of hard rock/metal or whatever you call it. If you pay pal me 19.95 I will deliver you some salvation as well and for an additional 19.95 I can solve 99% of non health related problems you may have in your life.

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We all know how hard it is to enter the musical world. What advice would you give to young musicians trying to break in the business?

I’m going to cite Erik Kluiber of Gypsyhawk (Metalblade), he also plays with us a lot and we regard him as our extra member and family, anyway, DON’T BE A CIVILIAN. If you are going to make it in music or even do it, you can’t sit in your parents basement and become a shred wizard hoping someone will find you. You can’t play 3 shows in your hometown, sell some tickets to open for a national and then wait around for some guy in a cigar to give you a private jet and a multimillion dollar contract. Good things come to those who work hard. You get what you put in. If you are a weekend warrior, there’s nothing wrong with that but understand you will only get what you put in. If someone else puts in 7 days of week and sets up there life to make it work, they will get further than the folks who play in their home town on Friday and Saturday once a month. We have this fucked up instant gratification society where people think they learn a few chords, start a band, buy some decent gear, make a facebook page and then they get signed and become Metallica. It’s not just about talent or just about the music, it’s about EVERYTHING and most importantly hard work. This lifestyle is uncomfortable. We gave up stability to make it work, if you are keeping stable and just testing the waters, you’re not all in so don’t expect the spoils of what happens when you go all in.

Given all of the hooplah about the death of the music industry What’s your opinion?

I have no opinions on it. It is what it is. It’s not the same as it used to be. People can cry about the good old days or whine that musicians can’t make money and that it’s hard and all that crap. That’s fine, I wish the non believers would get out of the way of the believers. It’s like the Dylan line, “Get out of the new one if you can’t lend a hand” – instead of worrying about what’s it’s not, work with what it is. If you don’t want to, find another industry to be a part of and stop bringing other people down. If I listened to everyone who told me I couldn’t do something I’d be nowhere. Far more people are there to put you down than to help. Find good people, work with good people and help good people and good things will happen. There are malignant people in your life, cut them out and get away from them. Surround yourself with positivity.

A lot of people give me shit for some of my musical choices but I stand by what I listen to. What would we find if we looked in your iPod?

There’s a lot of stuff on there that would throw people. Good music comes in all forms. I have the complete Wham and George Michael discography on my iPod, I have Neil Diamond’s box set. I was rocking Cher’s Gypsy Tramps and Thieves on vinyl the other day. I only listen to vinyl at home. I’ve been playing a lot of Kenny Rogers. My favorite “newer” band though is Ghost. It’s Blue Oyster Cult meets Merciful Fate with all the theatrics. I’ll love it. Top notch song writing and performance. Those guys know evil music doesn’t have to be sung like cookie monster. I always tell the metal kids that, evil music is slow and clear. Check out Black Sabbath if you don’t believe me. Oh yeah, screaming a verse and then emoing a whiny melodic chorus while wearing neon shirts and pants that fit like a flood is coming is never metal, that’s a scientifically proven fact. I’m sure Stephen Hawking has an algorithm for it.

I know being on the road has some interesting tales, tell us a story about the road Appalachian Apostle.

I’ll be honest, some aren’t fit for publishing. I will say that many venues that used to give SH and open tab at the bar have stopped doing that when we come through. This may not be the “coolest” road story but the road is a way of life. We meet many amazing people and bands. We’ve been fortunate to have very loyal people watch our shows and we’ve been fortunate to have people in bigger bands really help us out and treat us well. Guys like Texas Hippie Coalition have treated us like family. 12 Stones were great to us this last run – Tenfaly Viper and Mushroomhead have been amazing to us. Tracii Guns was really nice to us. The real folks that are confident in what they do know that we are a small tribe. What you do people will hear about and we all know each other. There have been some bigger bands who have been dicks to us, that’s fine, fuck them. We treat all with respect that treat us with respect. We are what we are and we know what we are. We claim to be nothing else. If people don’t get it, that’s fine. There’s plenty of stuff I don’t get either. What we will always do is put on the same show for 2 people that we do for 2000 or more. Everyone pays the same to get in the door and they deserve the same treatment regardless of how many of them showed up.

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There you have it, an insight into the mind of the “Appalachian Apostle” Adam Joad. I love him like a brother and plan to for a long long time. Scattered Hamlet is definitely a band to get to know and enjoy. They treat their fans with respect and take the time to talk with them. Their music is completely enjoyable. Check out a couple of their tracks here:

Shotgun Symphony

Hillbilly Harmony

Thanks Adam we appreciate the time you spent with us in this interview.

the Hellion

(the Captain)

What do you mean there’s TWO bands with the same name?

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We all know the story a band member or members are kicked out/left on their own and now there are two bands claiming rights to the name. Great White, LA Guns, Faster Pussycat, Creedence Clearwater Revival/Revisited, Queensryche, are just a few bands that have run into this situation.

I have a few opinions on this. I feel that if the band has an iconic vocalist who has a distinct voice it becomes hard to carry on as a band when said vocalist is fired or leaves. On the other hand if a guitarist defines the sound of a band people seem to buy into a replacement vocalist.

So what should be done? Should both bands abandon the name? Should they both use the name and tour causing confusion? I know a lot has to do with the business end of things so there’s that. There’s no easy answer to this one.

What are your thoughts on this?

TESTAMENT: DARK ROOTS OF EARTH

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Yes Testament is STILL kicking your ass with some great music! Like other bands they have suffered lineup changes and health issues but have persevered and kept going.

Dark Roots of Earth was released on July 31st, 2012 this newest release has them as strong as ever.

1. “Rise Up” easily my favorite track. The lyrics:
It’s time to rise up!
It’s time to rise for war!
It’s time to rise up!
Black is death!
And red is war!

just get my blood pounding and my fist pumping! Love to crank this one to 11 and grin evilly at other people in cars.

2. “Native Blood” The video for this track is relevant to the struggles of the Native American peoples. It is a solid track and the video hits home and is very well done.

As for the following tracks, they are ALL solid and worth listening to and developing your own opinions on.
3. “Dark Roots of Earth”
4. “True American Hate”
5. “A Day in the Death”
6. “Cold Embrace”
7. “Man Kills Mankind”
8. “Throne of Thorns”
9. “Last Stand for Independence”

This is one of Testament’s standout records and worth snatching up!