


I recently had the chance to talk to my friend Stacey Blades about the exciting new project he’s been working on, Angels In Vein. Check out the conversation right here:
Be sure to visit http://www.angelsinvein.com for all the Latest! Thanks to Rock-n-Roll GangStar for the badass merch on their site!!!
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ANGELS IN VEIN!!!
-the Hellion
If any of you are like me, you constantly crave new music. Not just new music but quality music. Jeff Sandoval and Mike Araiza deliver, in spades, with Project Playlist. Jeff and Mike have taken many musical journeys together and have included me along the way. Check out this heartfelt discussion we had about how they got to where they are today. When you’re done watching I HIGHLY recommend you click on the picture below and order Project Playlist . There will be a detailed song by song review up this Saturday so stay tuned. Project Playlist is currently the front-runner for CD of the year on the Hellion Rocks and that’s no joke. Order yours today!!!
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK AND ROLL!!!
-the Hellion
YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO WATCH IT!
CLICK THE PICTURE TO ORDER NOW!
Here you go folks! the Hellion Rocks purchased (yes I said purchased) four pre-release autographed copies of the new Jeff Sandoval and Mike Araiza CD “Project Playlist” to give away! If you want to win one before you buy one email me at janaya@thehellionrocks.com and tell me why you want one. Make sure to enter “Project Playlist” in the subject line. There are only four so email quick! In addition, I sat down with Jeff and Mike to discuss their musical journey and we rolled cameras….look for the video later this week.

I have been listening to the new Zakk Wylde release for several days now and want to share my reflections on it with you.
When I received my pre-order in the mail I was excited to hear some new music from Father Zakk. I unwrapped the CD, and quickly threw it in my truck’s player and settled in for a listen…..
Playing this album it felt like i had put on a pair of comfortable slippers, and settled in to my favorite easy chair. While the songs were new, they felt familiar and comfortable like old friends and yet at the same time, not stale and boring. I tried to pick out some standout tracks but was unable to as the flow of the record, for me, needs to be taken as a whole.
So why would Zakk need to make a solo record? Why not another Black Label Society record? Here are my thoughts.
We all know Zakk can grab his fiddle and choke some fantastic music from it that will crush our collective chests like so many packs of cigarettes, and we know he has some tender moments that give us some memorable ballads. With Book of Shadows II, Zakk gives us some reflective music. This CD is full of music that truly comes from a mans thoughts and life experiences and listening to it will transport you into a thoughtful place. I am taken back to the music of James Taylor, Jim Croce, and Don McLean. These guys created art with their words and guitars.
Why then would hardcore, badass, metalhead, rockers, like this record? Because it shows craftsmanship, and talent…lots and lots of talent. The skill set Zakk shows us on Book of Shadows II shows us why he remains so relevant in the vast world of guitarists.
Bottom line, Book of Shadows II feels like a record that I have had in my collection for years and years and yet puts a smile on my face whenever I play it.
While all of the songs stand out to me as a whole Zakk has released a video for “Sleeping Dogs” and you can check it out here:
Whether you are a Zakk Wylde/BLS fan or not you should run out today and pick Book of Shadows II to up, pop it in your player, roll the windows down, and go for a 60 minute drive and just let finely crafted music flow through you and take to a reflective place.
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s Rock N’ Roll!!!
-the Hellion
Well, Things sometimes get a little “different” here at the Hellion Rocks.

he’s loud, he’s dirty, he’s Al Jourgensen…
the Hellion

As most of you have probably heard by now there are rumors flying about Axl Rose filling in on vocals for AC/DC. Here is my unabashed opinion, like it or not.
I have stated many times before how I am of the opinion that AC/DC died with Bon Scott. Angus and the boys soldiered on with Brian Johnson and had some good songs but it just wasn’t AC/DC for me and never would be. Yes, I continued to buy every record they released because I support that way, but there was always something missing for me.
Now we hear of some sort of hearing debacle with Brian Johnson and his immediate departure from their current tour. That departure started the rumor mill going full blast with speculation upon speculation as to who would step up and fill Brian’s shoes. Who indeed…
Within my circle of friends I began to hear a rumbling of Axl’s name being thrown about. Then I began seeing it on social media, and now many websites are jumping on the “Axl replacing Brian” band wagon as well.
Here are my thoughts, the AC/DC machine runs pretty tight, Axl does not. I am of the opinion that given who Axl is (don’t get me wrong he is a great front man) and who AC/DC is it would be like oil and water. I cannot even imagine Axl performing with them for one minute. We were all just getting excited about the impending “reunion” of Guns N’ Roses (don’t get me started on that one) and now this hence the title of this writing, “Appetite for Disaster”.
I would love nothing more than to be wrong and it be a great success for Axl and AC/DC but I just don’t see it…
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!!!
-the Hellion
I have been following Condition Critical with great anticipation since I saw them back on their last tour to promote Operational Hazard. I think Interminable Surgery off their sophomore album Extermination Plan is smart, heavy, and powerful. It’s everything you would want in a Thrash Metal song and holds nothing back, midway through it changes things up and slams you with some heavy riffing and a crazy solo influenced by the European power metal scene as the band keeps tempo and ends on a heavy note. This is one album and band to keep an eye on. Condition Critical has informed me that this isn’t the final master of the track, so some sounds could change, but I wanted to get it out there in the wild early to help promote these guys as the tracking is pretty top notch already! Look for them on tour! – Simon Arnet
D.R.I continues to pack venue’s!
Dirty Rotten Imbeciles has continued to be an independent power house in the crossover genre, bringing together thrashers, punks, skinheads and metalheads alike. The demographic at the Launchpad in Albuquerque, New Mexico was no different than to be expected, and 2016 makes no difference in D.R.I’s astonishing ability to continue selling out venue’s. The Launchpad was packed, and rightfully so, D.R.I just nailed it.
D.R.I had some new songs for us that night as the filled out venue screamed and yelled these new tracks fit right in with everything else D.R.I has done, and that’s not a bad thing. Like AC/DC, D.R.I knows and respects its audience and has an incredible following. The bass, amazing and fantastic guitar work and a new drummer! Who, amazingly could keep up with the high energy of the crowd, Kurt and the rest of team D.R.I!
Monsta, exactly. That fits him and is how he introduced himself to me at the end of the concert. Cool as fuck, down to earth and extremely approachable D.R.I has found a winner. Monsta could absolutely keep a steady beat, and inject energy into the crowd. You could already see D.R.I relying on him for timing, and trusting him. It’s everything you could hope for in a new Drummer.
It’s a ripe time for D.R.I to be releasing new material, Thrash has grown extremely popular over the years, and the new material sounded excellent. Continue watching The Hellion Rocks for details on the New EP release, Album and hopefully an interview! D.R.I is on tour, so get tickets while you can before they aren’t available!
-The Hellion’s Horsemen!
The Hellion Rocks Facebook
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!!!
-the Hellion

the Hellion here,
When I am asked to cover a show I do my best to make that happen. I was unable to get to this one so I reached out to one of my minions who did a bang up job covering it.
An outsider looking in, the misunderstood Juggalo from the perspective of a metalhead.
The Hellion’s Horsemen
Nothing but kindness and love.
When I was asked to cover a Juggalo concert, and Blaze Ya Dead Homie at that, I at first rejected the assignment on previous biases and lack of information about who the Juggalo’s really were. However, a good friend of mine turned out to be a big Juggalo fan convinced me to go with her so I took the assignment, and was glad I did. I received nothing but kindness and love.
The Juggalo’s are super passionate about Horrorcore, the atmosphere was definitely intense in the pits but everyone generally had a good vibe, in fact people who started drama were called out. “THIS MOTHER FUCKER RIGHT HERE!!!” Followed by “WHOOP!!!! WHOOP!!!!” as security took them out.
When I wanted to get to the front, they made room for me and smiled as they caught a few glimpses of the work I was creating for them. I am glad I had my Juggalo friend with me to help understand the culture of the Jugallo that seems so misunderstood.
The Music was a downright wonder, it’s easy to see how the Juggalo fan base has grown so much and why the music garners such intense passion from its fans. The only Juggalo song I had heard before this concert was the ICP tune Miracles and was confused by it probably because I’m not a Juggalo even though I enjoyed the video and thought the beats were neat.
Heavy Beats, a unique sound, the lyrics are equally as intense as the music with extremely controversial subjects. It’s like, the movie Halloween (the original) in lyrical form. I really enjoyed the intensity, and energy of Blaze, Lex, Trilogy, DJ Stigmata, and illNickEll. Yesterday was a good lesson. I certainly plan on doing a little more after gig research, and a bit more listening
Blaze’s performance was unquestionably a hit. He is a well thought out MC, he works the crowd and the crowd loves him. One women was in tears over his performance. The light, the magic and the swing of his groove was downright inspiring. You could hear his passion for his role and who he is. The subject matter, and his persona along with his label, calling out his ninja’s and family. Regardless of the controversy surrounding the Juggalo’s, their brand and labels if you get the chance to see a concert. Take it. I have been to many concerts. I will remember this one for years to come.
I’m thankful for the opportunity. The Juggalo is a bit less mysterious to me now, and hopefully for others as well. Ya’all were super kind and have some real talent.
The Hellion’s Horsemen is part of an elite team of photojournalist, writers and professionals supporting The Hellion Rocks in its humble ambition to be the best it can be.
the Hellion Rocks responding to the needs of my industry contacts!