Tag Archives: 70’s

AC/DC: Rock Or Bust?

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The last great AC/DC record was Back In Black. There I’ve said it, and I’ll stand by it. I was worried about the future of the band with the loss of Bon Scott and was impressed with their release of Back In Black and then, it all fell apart for me. There were the occasional singles that were decent but overall I lost interest in AC/DC. All of the While I continued to purchase each release with the hopes of finding something inspiring within.

2014 brought us the news of Malcolm having health issues and leaving the band and Phil Rudd living up to the bad boy rocker image, and the news of a new record. Could these issues give the album a new fire? I hoped.

I received my copy and with fingers crossed, shut out the world, and listened.

What was there was an average AC/DC record. There were no tracks that jumped out and grabbed me like the songs of old. Don’t get me wrong, the tracks are not terrible, just not great. Their playing is still excellent and powerful, but the songs themselves are not. I feel that they have found a comfort zone and are playing safely within it. They’ve still got “Big Balls” though.

Rock Or Bust? Sorry AC/DC, it’s a bust for me….

it’a loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL

-the Hellion

King Creature releases video for “In Hell”

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A while back I fell in with a bunch of miscreants from the UK, KING CREATURE. These lads have a special place in my heart. Working their collective asses off they have learned from their idols and developed a sound worth listening to.  Making waves in the UK they have recently rubbed elbows with Down, HELLYEAH, and Kill Devil Hill. I can only expect better and better things from these guys. They have just released a new video for their track “In Hell”. I find that I hear nods towards COC, Down, Sabbath, and BLS in it. Very well done guys! Check out “In Hell” right here:

All Hail KING CREATURE!!!

-the Hellion

GARY CLARK JR. INVITED TO PERFORM AT FOO FIGHTERS 20TH ANNIVERSARY BLOWOUT IN WASHINGTON, DC ON JULY 4, 2015

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GARY CLARK JR. INVITED TO PERFORM AT FOO FIGHTERS 20TH ANNIVERSARY BLOWOUT IN WASHINGTON, DC ON JULY 4, 2015

CLARK IS A FEATURED GUEST ON NEW HBO DOCUMENTARY SERIES 
FOO FIGHTERS SONIC HIGHWAYS THAT DEBUTED THIS PAST 
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7TH

 

GARY CLARK JR LIVE, IN STORES NOW

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November 10th, 2014 – (Burbank, CA.) – Gary Clark Jr. is a featured guest on HBO’S critically acclaimed new documentary series Foo Fighters Sonic Highways on an episode that debuted this past Friday, Nov 7th (Check local listings for multiple repeat showings). Foos’ frontman, Dave Grohl, has described the series, which was made concurrently with the Foo Fighters’ upcoming eighth album of the same title as “a love letter to the history of American music.” The band visits eight legendary studios in eight different cities across U.S. as they write and record the album. Friday’s episode featuring Clark was shot in his hometown of Austin, TX. Clark is seen performing with the Foo Fighters on their new song “What Did I Do / God Is My Witness” from the Sonic Highways’ album.

 

The singer, songwriter, and guitarist will also perform at the Foo Fighters 20th Anniversary Blowoutshow on July 4th, 2015 at Washington D.C.’s RFK Stadium, alongside Buddy Guy, Heart, Joan Jett, LL Cool J and others. Tickets on sale now.

 

In September, Clark released Gary Clark Jr. Live, which features blistering performances that span his gigs at clubs, theatres, arenas and festivals from the past 18 months of non-stop touring. Each track was captured as purely and spontaneously as it was performed on the night with absolutely no overdubs. Response to his first official live set has been fantastic:

 

“This rising Texan’s two-CD set is his defining moment, a generous blast of prowess that backs up the future-of-blues-guitar promises made in Gary Clark Jr’s name since his burst-out performance at Eric Clapton’s 2010 Crossroads Festival. Wherever he chooses to go from here, he has what it takes to get there.” – Rolling Stone Magazine

 

“It’s no secret that Gary Clark jr is a force to be reckoned with. Backed by a tight little wrecking crew, he evokes the image of a steam engine via the chooga-chooga of his guitar even as his vocals slide cooly overtop, sounding impossible level. No filler. No overdubs. No noodle.” – Spin.Com

 

Since well before the release of his major-label debut album in 2012, this smoldering guitar hero and bluesman has been damned with high praise: His live show is so good, said the rabble, that no studio record could ever do him justice. “Gary Clark Jr. – LIVE” (Warner Bros.), a demolition derby on two discs, is one way to answer that claim, and no less welcome for being totally obvious.” – The New York Times


“If you like guitars, you’ll love Gary Clark Jr. tracks like ‘Bright Lights’ and especially ‘Numb’ rumbles with defiant grungy volume and power.” – LA Weekly


“This is how it should have gone down in the first place…focusing on the guitarist/singer’s greatest strength – namely , his scorching onstage performances…mesmerizing” – Tone Audio Magazine

 

Watch a trailer for the album here. More Gary Clark Jr. news to be announced soon.

it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!

-the Hellion

TOMBS Premiere Video For Cover of David Bowie’s “Heroes” on Stereogum

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TOMBS Premiere Video For Cover of David Bowie’s “Heroes” on Stereogum

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TOMBS released their new album Savage Gold on June 10th to massive critical acclaim with Guitar World, Alt Press, Pitchfork, Terrorizer and many more calling it one of the best albums of 2014 so far.  Savage Gold is available to order via Relapse HERE and iTunes HERE.  The album is available in the following formats: Standard Black Vinyl 2xLP, CD and digital download.

Today TOMBS presents a video for their haunting cover version of David Bowie’s “Heroes”.  The video was directed by Jaclyn Sheer & Samantha Astolfi.  The song was originally recorded by David Bowie with Brian Eno in 1977.  TOMBS covered the song in 2012 with the German vocals provided by Ralph Schmidt (Hëllström, Planks).  Check out the exclusive premiere of the video courtesy of Steregoum HERE.  The video can also be viewed on YouTube HERE.

“We recorded an mixed the song on our own with the help of Tim Schmoyer in Boston.  We chose this version of the song because it was featured in the soundtrack of Christiane F, a 1981 German film by Ulrich Edel. It’s a dark drama about a young girl’s descent into drug abuse and prostitution.  I’ve been listening to the soundtrack during the band’s many trips to Germany and have always wanted to cover the song, says vocalist Mike Hill of the video.

Mike Hill has launched a specialty coffee company, Savage Gold Coffee, inspired by his love for high quality, organic coffee.  The first roast, Savage Gold Prime, is an Ethiopian Yirgacheffe coffee bean grown between 6,000 and 6,500 feet above sea level. It is an aromatic and dynamic coffee roasted to perfection with a large flavor profile. It is sourced from a co-op of Ethiopian farmers and is 100% Fair Trade, certified organic and wet (mechanically) processed.  More info on the coffee is available via the official Savage Gold website HERE.   Decibel Magazine’s “Deciblog” spoke with Mike Hill earlier this week about the new coffee company, read the interview HERE.

In support of Savage Gold, TOMBS will hit the road this fall for a three-week tour with Pallbearer and Vattnet Viskar.  The shows kick off on October 16th in Louisville, KY and run through November 9th in Dallas, TX.   A complete list of dates can be found below.  The band will also take part in next year’s Maryland Deathfest on May 24th of 2014.

TOMBS Tour Dates: 

 

***All dates w/ Pallbearer and Vattnet Viskar***

 

Oct 16                 Louisville, KY       The New Vintage w/ Vattnet Viskar

Oct 17                 Nashville, TN        Exit/In

Oct 18                 Lexington, KY       Cosmic Charlie’s

Oct 19                 Champaign, IL      High Dive

Oct 20                 Madison, WI         The Frequency

Oct 21                 Detroit, MI           The Magic Stick Lounge

Oct 22                 Chicago, IL          The Township w/ Vattnet Viskar

Oct 23                 Cleveland, OH       Grog Shop

Oct 24                 Toronto, ON         Lee’s Palace

Oct 25                 Montreal, QC        Il Motore

Oct 26                 Boston, MA          Great Scott

Oct 27                 Brooklyn, NY        Saint Vitus

Oct 28                 Brooklyn, NY        Saint Vitus

Oct 29                 Philadelphia, PA    Black Box at Underground Arts

Oct 30                 Baltimore, MD      Metro Gallery

Oct 31                 Chapel Hill, NC     Local 506

Nov 01                 Atlanta, GA           The Earl

Nov 02                 Tampa, FL           The Orpheum

Nov 04                 New Orleans, LA  Siberia

Nov 05                 Houston, TX         Fitzgerald’s Downstairs

Nov 08                 Austin, TX           Fun Fun Fun Festival Nites

Nov 09                 Dallas, TX            Three Links

 

May 24                Baltimore, MD      Maryland Deathfest XIII (2015) @ Edison Lot

 

About TOMBS: 

 

Formed in 2007 by singer / guitarist Mike Hill (Anodyne, Versoma) in Brooklyn, NY, TOMBS blends a wide array of influences including Black Metal and dark industrial music. The band went through a number of line-up changes with Hill the only remaining original member. Former members included Domenic Seita (Storm of Light) and Carson Daniel James. The band’s prior Relapse output included a self-titled EP and a split 12-inch with like-minded, Germanic darkness weavers Planks. Both records were release on Hill’s now-defunct label Black Box Recordings. The band’s first two Relapse releases, 2009’s Winter Hours and 2011’s Path of Totality both received massive reception from the press with the latter being featured prominently on many critic’s year end metal lists including Pitchfork, Brooklyn Vegan, NPR and MetalSucks. The crowning achievement was securing the 2011 album of the year for Decibel Magazine. In addition to their critically acclaimed releases, TOMBS has become known for their captivating live performances and have toured extensively throughout North America and Europe with bands ranging from Isis, Pelican, Wolves in the Throne Room, The Secret and Kylesa.

Rock N’ Roll is NOT dead Mr. Simmons

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So I recently read the article where Nick Simmons interviewed his father Gene Simmons in Esquire:

GENE SIMMONS: ‘ROCK IS FINALLY DEAD’

The Kiss rocker expands on his thoughts about the past, present, and future of recorded music.

I have a few things to say about this. I have seen that this article has recently been trending on Facebook. I am of the opinion that it is indeed NOT dead.  Gene has pretty much killed the hopes and dreams of future musicians. I remember when music was made for the sake of creating art, the success that followed was a bonus. Imagine if Beethoven or Van Gogh only were only creating art for commercial or monetary gain. That is where the music industry has seemed to have gone. I blame the industry itself for becoming too corporate. If they don’t see an immediate gain for it they don’t see fit to put any money behind it. THAT is the problem. I think that someone that holds the status of Gene Simmons should put his experiences back into helping the industry not discouraging it.

I have a very good friend who is named Dellacoma Rio. He is a vocalist from Australia. He, to me, embodies the spirit of Rock N’ Roll. While he was in previous band Sunset Riot they managed to book shows and gain exposure in the US while still being based in Australia. They toured the US extensively and successfully gaining ground at every turn. Unfortunately due to creative differences and life changes Sunset Riot chose to mutually dissolve. Dellacoma Rio, however, was not done. The spirit and fire of Rock N’ Roll burned passionately within him. With a little bit of reinvention and tenacity he put together a new band and hit the road again. Booking gigs and festivals across the US the newly formed DELLACOMA began the process of making themselves seen and heard. In the midst of touring across the US they took the time to stop and make an old fashioned Rock N’ Roll record. No processing, no extreme overdubs, just raw and fresh. A record that translates to live performances seamlessly. The evening of finishing in the studio they played a gig and set off on the road again. All of this from a gentleman who comes from modest means. There is no one bank rolling this gentleman or his band, just blood, sweat, and tears. Rock N’ Roll is alive and well within DELLACOMA. That is an example of one of many bands I know and love who work equally as hard.

Getting back to Gene Simmons, KISS has always had the opportunity to be trend setters. I feel that they have let us down as of late. When the reunion, and farewell tours were done they had the chance to reinvent themselves and continue to gain new ground. Instead of putting others in the classic makeup they could have invented new “characters” for Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer. It was done before with Eric Carr and Vinnie Vincent. I am of the opinion that what we have now is Diet KISS, or KISS Lite now with 50% less KISS. They have put out two mediocre records and continue to rely on their back catalog instead of searching within and getting in touch with  the part of them that drove them in the early days.

Now, to basically tell young rockers to give up is a pretty crappy thing to say. When Rock N’ Roll was in its infancy there was no one there handing out checks or promoting or playing the music. It was all word of mouth and shameless self promotion. I feel that we have returned to those days. While the internet has been a curse to the industry due to the whole downloading issue it has also allowed bands to use it to promote and reach out on their own. OK in the vast sea of bands putting out their stuff on the internet how do they get heard? Well that falls to people who do what I do and the bands themselves. By taking that step and getting out, touring, not taking no for an answer and promotion, promotion, promotion they can be heard. Is the money still there, of course not,  it is still lining the pockets of the greedy corporations. I’m sure Gene has his pockets full. I challenge those rockers who have “succeeded” to reach out and help bands be heard and succeed in their musical endeavors. There IS new music being made that defies the current slop being force fed to us by corporate radio and the bloated industry, you just have to open your ears and eyes and look and listen for it.  No Gene, Rock is NOT dead by any means, like everything else we just have to work a little harder at it.

 

thump thump, thump thump, THUMP THUMP….

you hear that? That’s the pulse of Rock N’ Roll and it’s still strong.

 

it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL…and we love it!

the Hellion

 

 

 

 

K.K. Downing, Glenn Tipton, and Mike Araiza

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You ever have one of those friends where your conversations end up very cerebral? Mine is my good friend Mike Araiza. We were talking on the phone the other day and right out of left field Mike brought up the classic Judas Priest record British Steel. We then proceeded to discuss the twin guitar assault that was K. K. Downing and Glenn Tipton.

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If you were a metal head and a guitar geek in 1980 British Steel was your wet dream. From the opening notes of “Breaking The Law” to the closing of “Steeler” K.K. and Glenn killed it. Mike and I discussed the merits of other twin guitar bands like Iron Maiden and Thin Lizzy and such and came to the conclusion that no other band completely nailed it like Judas Priest. I remember when my guitar playing metalheads would play Priest records for hours upon hours trying to learn and replicate these guitar gods. We all even tried to emulate the look of these two heroes. K.K. and Glenn each had their own distinct style of playing each unique in their own way, and yet they complimented each other perfectly.

Mike and I discussed the depth and structure of British Steel as an album. If one takes the time and truly listens to the construction of this classic record you can hear and feel the music they were trying to share with us. Mind you this record was made in analog so careful thought and planning was executed in order to develop this sonic masterpiece. I still have a vinyl copy in my collection.

When you have some free time grab a decent pair of headphones, shut off the world, and get yourself lost in the guitar work of K.K. and Glen on British Steel. It’s a headtrip worth taking. As usual thanks Mike for the friendship and conversations. I look forward to seeing more of them right here on the Hellion Rocks.

 

it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s Rock N’ Roll!

-the Hellion

an interview with Jaxon from (həd) p.e.!

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Here is the link to a very cool conversation I had with Jaxon from  (həd) p.e., sit back and enjoy and then tell some friends!:

      it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!

     the Hellion

 

Finding strength through adversity- guitarist Randy “the Arsonist” Cooper

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photo courtesy of Randy Cooper's Facebook page

photo courtesy of Randy Cooper’s Facebook page

I first met Randy a few years ago at a show in NM. We hit it off and have remained friends and stayed in contact ever since. In getting to know Randy and the strength and tenacity he possesses has been inspiring to say the least. While life has seen fit to try and throw roadblocks ( there have been several and they shall remain personal out of respect for Randy) at him he blasts through them like a rock n’ roll juggernaut.

When I first bore witness to the performing and playing style of Randy I was blown away. It was obvious that he was inspired by the late great Dimebag (if you look closely at his headstock you will see two dimes, message me if you don’t get the reference) and yet he remained true to his own style of playing. Straight up in your ears power coupled with thoughtful melodies are what Randy shares with us in his music.

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I have seen Randy move on with his life and career in a positive way. He recently added his talent to the band Emperors And Elephants. I have really come to like this band and their straight up sound. Here’s taste for ya:

    Randy you continue to inspire and give me hope, thank you my dear friend.

     he’s loud, he’s on fire, he’s Randy “the Arsonist” Cooper!

    the Hellion

These vocalists are top notch and they should be in your ears!!!

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The power and swagger of a vocalist are often times what makes up your first impression of a band. I want to bring several of the vocalists to your attention just in case you might have missed them.

Let’s get started with a vocalist near and ear to me, Jeffery Sandoval.

photo by the Hellion Rocks

photo by the Hellion Rocks

I first saw Jeffery singing in a cover band in Albuquerque, NM. I have since seen him grow and expand into several projects including: Of The Earth, Frank Hannon, and more recently his new endeavor with guitarist Mike Araiza. Jeffery is the kind of vocalist I grew up loving. Power, emotion, and soul all live within the voice of Jeffery. As a front man he is the quintessential party host who welcomes you to the show and makes damn sure you are having the time of your life. Be sure to check him out on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/JeffandMikeMusic

We next move on to John Fitterer.1798522_10201276796633232_1089893525_n      Crowned By Fire hit me like a steamroller driven by a driver on acid. Vocalist John Fitterer brings a certain uniqueness to the table. The lyrics and style of John are straight out of another world. When John sings it’s like nothing you have heard before. His lyrics are deep and at sometimes seem as if from another world. On record his voice is powerful and compelling, live it is thunderous and hypnotic. As a front man he grabs you by the hand and drags you into a world of musical wonder in which you never know what is hiding around the corner to grab you. John and Crowned By Fire can be found on Facebook right here: https://www.facebook.com/CrownedByFire

 

And then there is Dellacóma Rio.

photo by the Hellion Rocks

photo by the Hellion Rocks

Over the last few years Dellacóma has become near and dear to my heart. The first time I saw Del he was singing for the now defunct Sunset Riot. I was so blown away by his “RockStar” performance. A powerful stadium rock voice full of emotion is what Del brings to the table.  Not only was he an outstanding vocalist, he was a showman extraordinaire. I knew from the get go that no stage could contain the kinetic energy of Del Rio. He has since moved on to his new project  simply named, Dellacóma. Del continues to work his ass off by getting out and hustling up show after show. Del has so much class and style and definitely knows how to bring the audience into an enraptured state of well being and happiness. I often look around and see that almost everyone in the crowd is smiling and enjoying the music and performance Del Brings. Love ya my brother! This is where you can find Del on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dellacoma/timeline

 

The Appalachian Apostle…Adam Joad

photo by the Hellion Rocks

photo by the Hellion Rocks

Ahh Adam…we go back a few years now and I am still wowed every time I see Adam and his band Scattered Hamlet. Adam sweats swagger and pisses pure testosterone. Full of cock sureness and reckless hillbilly attitude, Adam delivers it all with not only a one-two punch but a kick to the groin as well. While his voice is far from perfect and full of prettiness, I can’t imagine Scattered Hamlet sound any other way. Moonshine and razor-blades are the closest thing Adam has to a sound.  Full of mountain wisdom, philosophy, and words Adam gives Scattered Hamlet a style unto itself. Imagine that band that used to play the keg parties you used to hang out at amplified to 100 and you can just begin to imagine  a Scattered Hamlet show. I have become close to Adam and am very proud to consider him family. Believe you me, this is a Facebook page worth liking: https://www.facebook.com/ScatteredHamlet?ref=br_tf

 

There you have it, a variety of frontmen who should be heard everywhere!

it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!!!

the Hellion

 

 

 

Guitarist Mike Araiza and why you should be listening to him

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photo credit: Jeff Serpa

photo credit: Jeff Serpa

 

Guitar face, we have all seen it and loved it, but do we really understand it. I have seen that face on Mike Araiza many times. Mike and I have discussed it at great length on many occasions. This is my take on it and why it pertains to Mike.

The first time I saw Mike perform live was at a small bar with an even smaller stage. My wife and I were told about this great cover band called Surface that people were raving about. Mike happened to be one of the guitarist in the band. I was drawn to his playing style like a moth to a flame. Here was this bespectacled bald guy and he was playing like he was performing at the LA Forum, or Madison Square Garden. The raw emotion and soul went from Mike to his guitar, out of his amps and into my musical soul. I was FEELING every note that he was bleeding out. If he could impart that much into the songs of others I could only imagine what his original music would sound like.

I got the chance when Mike along with his musical partner Jeff Sandoval released the powerful Of The Earth EP. Mike continued to bring music that was jam packed with feeling and emotion and yet remained simple and enjoyable. This continued with the subsequent Frank Hannon Six String Soldiers release and the current Jeff Sandoval Mike Araiza Project tracks.

I grew up listening to the now iconic guitar players like EVH, Randy Rhoads, Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix….the list goes on and on, and they all had great guitar faces. I am proud to list Mike Araiza among those icons, and even prouder to call him brother.

Mike has a rougher time now days with the music industry being a shambles as it is. It is harder for a quality player like him to be heard on a wide scale. Trust me though, you should be listening to him and his music. It takes me back to those simpler times when you picked up your friends, cranked up the radio, and drove around getting lost in the music and good times. It’s all there again in the music Mike makes.

Do yourself a favor and listen to his music and share it with a friend, they will love you for it.

https://www.facebook.com/JeffandMikeMusic?ref=br_tf

     Check out the guitar face on Mike right here:

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     Thank you for the music Mike, love ya my brother!

     It’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s Mike “Guitar Face” Araiza!!!

     -the Hellion