Thrash Legends EXODUS Issue First Studio Update!

March 27, 2014 by janaya64

Thrash Legends EXODUS Issue First Studio Update!

On Tour with SLAYER and SUICIDAL TENDENCIES in May 2014 + Rock On The Range + Heavy Montreal

San Francisco’s veteran thrashers EXODUS have entered a studio in Northern California with producer Andy Sneap to record their eleventh studio album. Guitarist and songwriter Gary Holt has issued the following update:

“We are well into drum tracks; everything is going super smooth and Tom [Hunting] is just killing it! Best drum sound this band has ever laid down – sounds just simply pummeling! Only one more song and some B sides to go, then we go through things and make sure everything is up to par, and then time for guitars! Can’t wait to add the crunch to these monsters. This is gonna be so goddamned heavy it ain’t even funny! We couldn’t be more stoked and pleased with how this record is coming along! Bludgeoning!”

EXODUS performed at Kirk Von Hammett’s Fear FestEviL in San Francisco in early February. This May, they’ll play six shows as direct support to Slayer with openers SUICIDAL TENDENCIES before joining Guns N’ Roses, Avenged Sevenfold, and Kid Rock at this year’s Rock On The Range festival. On August 10^th, EXODUS will perform at Heavy Montreal at Parc Jean-Deapeau in Montreal, QC with Slayer, Lamb of God, Hatebreed and more.

EXODUS US TOUR with SLAYER, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES:

5/9 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Great Salt Air

5/10 – Denver, CO @ The Fillmore Auditorium

5/11 – Billings, MT @ Shrine Auditorium

5/13 – Kansas City, MO @ Uptown Theater

5/15 – St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant

5/16 – Milwaukee, WI @ Eagles Ballroom

5/17 – Columbus, OH @ Columbus Crew Stadium – Rock on the Range

8/10 – Montreal, QC @ Parc Jean-Drapeau – Heavy Montreal

EXODUS INTERNATIONAL DATES:

7/11 – Balingen, Germany @ Bang Your Head Festival

7/12 – Antwerp, Belgium @ Antwerp Metal Festival

8/16 – Bogota, Columbia @ Rock al Parque

ABOUT EXODUS:

With a career spanning 34 years and over five million albums sold worldwide, EXODUS have not only helped shape & define the thrash metal genre for over three decades but they continually seek to raise its standards. One of the forefathers of the Bay Area scene that became known & envied throughout the world, the band’s 1985 debut album, Bonded By Blood, has since become a legacy album featuring mandatory live staples such as “Strike Of The Beast,” “A Lesson In Violence,” and the album’s title track. Formed in 1980, the band’s original members included Tom Hunting on drums, Kirk Hammett (METALLICA) & Tim Agnello on guitars, and Carlton Melson on bass. With a line-up that evolved throughout the years, the current incarnation of EXODUS has remained unchanged since 2007: Gary Holt & Lee Altus on guitars, Tom Hunting on drums, Jack Gibson on bass, and Rob Dukes on vocals. To date,EXODUS has released ten studio albums, two live albums, and one compilation. Their most recent release, Exhibit B: The Human Condition, debuted at #114 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart in 2010.

Visit EXODUS online at www.EXODUSATTACK.com.

Like: www.facebook.com/EXODUSATTACK

Follow: Twitter.com/_EXODUS

Watch: www.YouTube.com/EXODUS

Rock Radio Legend LOU BRUTUS Holds First Ever Photo Exhibition – Ten LOU BRUTUS Concert Photos Are Currently Up for Bid on eBay with All Money Going to Wounded Warrior Project‏

December 12, 2013 by janaya64

Rock Radio Legend LOU BRUTUS Holds First Ever Photo Exhibition

Ten LOU BRUTUS Concert Photos Are Currently Up for Bid on eBay with All Money Going to Wounded Warrior Project

Brutus Will Meet with Fans in Madison, WI on Saturday December 14, 2013 at An Exhibition of the Photographs. Select Images Will Also Be Shown in the Lobby of Madison’s Orpheum Theatre That Evening

Rock Radio legend LOU BRUTUS, who was recently voted Best DJ in America by voters in the Rock Radio Awards sponsored by Radio Contraband, is exhibiting his concert photography for the very first time with ten of the images currently being auctioned on eBay to benefit Wounded Warrior Project.

The photographs, taken at various locations around the United States, include onstage images of Avenged Sevenfold, Slipknot, Five Finger Death Punch, Stone Sour, Shinedown, Halestorm, Disturbed, KoRn, Volbeat, and Jackyl. The photos, culled from the thousands Brutus has shot over his career, were chosen via fan votes on his Facebook page. Each has been framed and matted with the mat hand signed by Brutus in pencil.

Apart from his broadcast career, Lou is an accomplished photographer. His lighthouse photography has graced magazine covers and he has worked the last six seasons as an on field Major League Baseball photographer. He often shoots rock bands as he travels the world to interview them. This is the first time his photography has ever been available for purchase.

Brutus will exhibit the photographs and meet with fans at Diego’s at 118 State Street in Madison, WI on Saturday December 14, 2013 beginning at 4:30pm CT. Admission is free to the public. While the auction will be closed by that time, those photos will be displayed as well as other images by Brutus that can be won by raffle with the proceeds again benefiting Wounded Warrior Project. Following which, select images from the exhibit will be set up for viewing in the lobby of the Orpheum Theatre in Madison at the Halestorm/Redlight King/Stars in Stereo show.

LOU BRUTUS is best known for his seventeen plus years of national syndication as the host of hardDrive with Lou Brutus and hardDrive XL with Lou Brutus, which can be heard on over 100 radio stations nationwide, as well as his work on other national radio platforms. He has done local shows in Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston, Washington DC, and Providence.

Brutus has also hosted radio specials and/or created radio channels for Metallica, Slipknot, Stone Sour, Rush, Disturbed, Theory of a Deadman, Smashing Pumpkins, and countless others. He was the very first to give national airplay to innumerable bands including Slipknot, Avenged Sevenfold, Disturbed, Halestorm, Five Finger Death Punch, Godsmack and Sevendust.

LOU BRUTUS is currently working on his first book. It’s a collection of music industry war stories and photography, mixed with the museum sized collection of music memorabilia he has collected in his travels including thousands of backstage passes, ticket stubs, guitar picks, and concert posters. It will be entitled “One Man – Two Thousand Concerts: The Greatest Freakin’ Collection of Music Junk and Stories in History.” Sample chapter titles include “The Time Our Tour Bus Ran Over A Suicidal Crack Head on the New Jersey Turnpike,” “The Time I Hid in A Broom Closet So Frank Sinatra’s Bodyguards Wouldn’t Break My Legs, Wrap Me in Chain Link Fence & Drop Me Into the Ocean”, and “The Time I Went to the Arctic and Got In A Mosh Pit with A Bunch of Eskimos While Metallica Sang About Fucking A Goat.”

www.loubrutus.com

www.grumpyoldpunks.com

www.deadschembechlers.com

www.twitter.com/loubrutus

www.facebook.com/loubrutusrocks

the Hellion Rocks top 16 (started at 10, then 16) CDs of 2013!!!

December 10, 2013 by janaya64

Well it’s rapidly approaching the end of 2013 and time for my top releases of the year. While there were so many fantastic records from both new and established artists, there are a few that just burrowed into my brain and I couldn’t shake them. There are 16 that I am going to mention here and they are in no particular order as they are all incredible in my book. To those bands who aren’t listed here, relax I have another post planned to address you.

KILL DEVIL HILL – REVOLUTION RISE

When you have a CD from a band that has members like Vinny Appice, Rex Brown, Mark Zavon, and Dewey Bragg you know your’re in for a treat. This CD kicks ass on so many levels. The music of KDH sounds familiar and distinctly unique, giving you a feeling that this band has been around for years but yet remaining fresh. Do NOT miss out on this CD, here’s a taste:

SCATTERED HAMLET – SKELETON DIXIE

Scattered Hamlet – Skeleton Dixie CD cover

My boys in Scattered Hamlet deliver on their full length release and then some. Remember when music made you feel something? Skeleton Dixie gets right in and touches your musical soul. Throughout the years these guys have become family to me and I have the great fortune of being mentioned in this CD as well. You WILL love it! Get some:

THE WINERY DOGS

When Billy Sheehan, Mike Portnoy, and Richie Kotzen get together you know you’re gonna get something great. There was a lot of buzz around this project and when it came to fruition it delivered in spades. Great straight up rock n’ roll, there needs to me more records like this one. Check it:

TOM KEIFER – THE WAY LIFE GOES

Tom Keifer has always been one of my favorite vocalists. The gritty soulfulness of his voice is iconic. It has been quite a while since we have had new music from Tom and it has been worth the wait. Bluesy with a razors edge is what you find on this record. Take a listen:

STRYPER – NO MORE HELL TO PAY

I find it funny that I have included Stryper on this list. I’ll admit that I was not really the biggest Stryper fan back in the day, I have found a new respect for them in this record. They have a tenacity that will not quit. Strong in their beliefs, and strong in their musical passion is what landed them here. (On a side note, I recently interviewed Michael Sweet and have one coming up with Oz Fox). Here’s the title track:

BLACK WATER RISING – PISSED AND DRIVEN

Black Water Rising has been honing this record for a few years, and it shows. These guys have been in my ears for a few years now and I finally got to see them live and hear some of these songs live. BWR brings powerful rock n’ roll and here is some for ya :

ADRIAN GALYSH – TONE POET

Adrian Galysh is one of hidden talents that the world has yet to discover. I received this CD for review and was completely amazed by it, and I believe you will be too. listen to this CD and hear a mans passion transferred to his music.

KORN – THE PARADIGM SHIFT

Korn has welcomed Head back into its fold and released one of their best CDs to date. I believe that their life experiences has caused this band to grow and mature and that growth is reflected in The Paradigm shift. “Never Never” has become one of my favorite tracks. Check out the video and see why:

DEATH ALLEY MOTOR CULT – THE OUTLAW CHRONICLES

Death Alley Motor Cult is one of those bands that you want to hang out with but you remember what your mom said to you about the company you keep. Their music is like that too, when you listen to it you feel dirty, dangerous, and cool, very very cool. The Outlaw Chronicles needs to be played at 11 and in a conspicuous place so you can “enlighten” those in need of a visceral experience.

AVENGED SEVENFOLD – HAIL TO THE KING

Sometimes I catch grief for listening to A7X, but this band gives me hope for newer music. upon the heels of suffering the loss of their founding drummer “The Rev” they have come back with strong music that has shaken up the pop laden music charts. Hail To The King pays homage to the bands that inspired these guys. Hail To The King:

CLUTCH – EARTH ROCKER

Clutch is one of those bands that will always remain just under the radar. Earth Rocker is a great album that unfortunately many people will not get to hear. Clutch is a band that gets ignored by the mainstream and yet I think they are happy with that. Great band, great show, great record. Do yourself a favor and listen to Earth Rocker and then dig into the music of Clutch. Here’s “Crucial Velocity”:

ADRENALINE MOB – COVERTA

Adrenaline Mob put out this CD of covers that is just incredibly awesome. They cover Van Halen’s “Romeo Delight” with the power and aggression that I think it deserved from the beginning. I usually do not put cover albums on my list, but this one has a place. Check this out:

MONSTER MAGNET – LAST PATROL

Last Patrol takes you on a psychedelic journey into the mind of Dave Wyndorf. Monster Magnet is back on their game with their latest release. Just caught these guys on tour in support of Last Patrol and the songs kick ass live!

MINDCAGE – OUR OWN DEVICES

Mindcage came out of left field and socked me in the head with this one. Our Own Devices creates a magical world with their powerful music. I have said that is transports you away from the mundane and I stand by that statement. Here you go:

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY – UNBLACKENED

Those of you who know me knew this one would end up on here. Zakk and co. have always and will always be one of my favorites. Unblackened gives new life to some of the most iconic BLS tracks. While the members may change, Black Label Society will remain STRONGER THAN DEATH.

TRACII GUNS’ LEAGUE OF GENTLEMEN – THE FIRST RECORD

Of all of the great and wonderful 2013 releases on my list, this is most magical for me. Having considered Tracii Guns one of my favorite guitarists for years and years I was supremely stoked when I caught wind of this project. When I finally had it in my hands it was all that I expected and then some. Trippy , ethereal and full of passion, and soul the music found on here is the kind we grew up listening to. Thank you Tracii!

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

the Hellion

Regarding AVENGED SEVENFOLD and Hail To The King

September 10, 2013 by janaya64

In 2001 a band caught my ears, that band was Avenged Sevenfold. “Warmness On The Soul” from their debut release Sounding the Seventh Trumpet was the song that did it. I dug the sound and the imagery the band was trying to present. I thought to myself if this band managed to keep it together, and not breakup, they had the potential to become a great band.

They released three more albums Waking The Fallen, City Of Evil, and the self titled Avenged Sevenfold. Each album brought enjoyable music and showcased their growth and talent as songwriters and musicians. And then in 2009 disaster happened, founding member and drummer James”The Rev” Owen Sullivan passed away. Was this end of a band that I was sure would rise to the top?

James “The Rev” Owen Sullivan (February 9, 1981 – December 28, 2009)

I cannot imagine their thoughts at the loss of their comrade in arms and yet, they muddled through it and released Nightmare in 2010. Pulling in Mike Portnoy (one of The Rev’s idols) to complete the drum work The Rev had started and including the vocal tracks he had laid down. Nightmare was met with critical acclaim and launched A7X into mega stardom.

Due to the fact that The Rev played a part in the songwriting process of A7X people began speculating as to the survival of the band post Nightmare. Mike Portnoy toured with the band briefly before leaving the band. Arin Ilejay was then tapped to become their permanent drummer.

2013- Hail To The King was released on August 27th and I was scheduled to shoot their performance on August 30th. What can I say about this album? My prediction from 12 years ago has come true. A7X has managed to knock everyone off the charts and put ROCK N’ ROLL back on top as it should be. Congratulations guys, your perseverance has paid off.

Now, to address the naysayers to the album. There has been postings and rumblings on how A7X has “ripped off” Metallica, Megadeth, Guns N’Roses, and Iron Maiden. Well if you give it some thought you will realize that those bands were some of the bands who inspired the members of A7X. Go through your records and listen to them again and you will hear similarities to other bands in almost all of them in some way or another. How long has it been since a hard rock act has been on top of the charts? A7X has gone to ground and pulled from those influences and made a damn good hard rock record. Thank you gentle men, thank you very much. And to the naysayers: how many records have you sold recently, and what is your tour attendance like?

Now, on a lighter note, here’s some of the pics I shot from their stellar performance on Day 1 of The Revolt On The Rio Grande powered by Rock Star Energy Drink.