Tag Archives: Australia

WHAT’S THAT? YOU’RE NOT LISTENING TO THESE 10 BANDS?

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1. TRIPHON

http://www.facebook.com/triphonband

http://www.triphon.com

       Euro-American symphonic metal blending elements of power, thrash, classical and metalcore. Diggin’ the sound of the blending of styles in this band. New to me but definitely staying in my ears and on my radar.

2. BULLET 

http://www.facebook.com/bulletband

http://www.bullet.nu

 Full Pull from Bullet was released on 09/25/12 here in the US. Bringing back the hard charging, balls out, in your face Rock of bands like AC/DC and Maiden . Well worth the listen, and remember, HAVE FUN!

3. HOTEL DIABLO

http://www.facebook.com/hoteldiablo

www.thehoteldiablo.com

I recently did an interview with guitarist Alex Grossi. And found out about this outstanding new band of his. The debut CD The Return To Psycho California just dropped. I’ve heard the tracks and it is KILLER!:

3. BEARD

http://www.facebook.com/beardisbullshit

I’m gonna let Beard’s facebook page say it all : “Carne Asada Fries, Hot Wings, Milwaukee’s Best and Metal! Beard is the heaviest and greatest rock band to ever emerge from New Mexico. This band is bullshit…..Crank it!”

5. ATTIKA7

http://www.facebook.com/attika7

http://www.attika7.com/

I got this CD the day it came out. Raw, aggressive, brutal, angry, all apply here. This CD is deep on so many levels. I will be seeing these guys at the UPROAR show on 09/30/12. Hopefully an interview will come out of it.

6. SKULLDRON

http://www.facebook.com/skulldron

A HEAVY SKULL CRUSHING SOUND THAT COMES FROM 5 GUYS OUT OF THE NEW MEXICO DESERT. INFLUENCED BY BANDS SUCH AS DOWN, SLEEP, BLACK SABBATH, SLAYER, PANTERA, C.O.C. PENTAGRAM, ST. VITUS, AND COUNTLESS OTHERS. PLAYING THEIR AMPS AT MAMMOTH VOLUME, SKULLDRON BRINGS THE RIFF WITH A DESERT GROOVE!!!

7. ADLER

http://www.facebook.com/adlermusic

http://www.adlerrocks.com

Steven is back with a new band, a new release and some great music. Liking the sound and here’s to Rock N’ Roll!

8. The Skull

http://www.facebook.com/troubletheskull

The Skull features original member of Trouble- vocalist Eric Wagner along with longtime bassist Ron Holzner. The Skull is here to do one thing… rock you with the sounds and spirit of Trouble -past-present-future .
Trouble was formed in 1979 by guitarist Rick Wartell and was joined by guitarist Bruce Franklin, vocalist Eric Wagner, bassist Tim Ian Brown, and drummer Jeff Oly Olson. Ian Brown was replaced by Sean McAllister in 1983 and, later, by Ron Holzner in 1987

9. David Shankle Group

https://www.facebook.com/Davidshanklegroup#!/pages/DSGDavid-Shankle-Group/228286120537860?fref=ts

http://www.davidshankle.com

David Shankle the shredding guitarist from Manowar. New stuff in the works from this great, stay tuned right here for info soon!

10. SISTERS DOLL

http://www.facebook.com/sistersdoll

http://www.sistersdoll.com

Paying homage to the glam bands of the past, Sisters Doll is a rising force in the Glam resurgence scene! Check ’em out!:

Ten more! Keep them coming! Know of a band that should be on here? Let me know!

the Hellion

 

MY 100TH POST! ON MY BIRTHDAY, MOVING FORWARD TO THE FUTURE!

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As I sit here pondering my 100th post it comes to me. Why I do what I do. There are some extremely wonderful bands out there that really have no outlet to be heard. Why is this? What can be done? How can they be heard? By us the bloggers and internet radio hosts, the internet video shows. We can can herald their cause. By us telling our peers, sharing their music on our sites, telling our friends, going to their live shows, posting their videos, and taking the time to interview them and hear what THEY have to say. I come to know a lot of these bands and they are hard working, genuine people. They usually are barely scraping by by selling their merch. I try to buy their stuff at every turn. Corporate radio and TV might not support them but WE will.

One other thing I am passionate about is not losing touch with music of the past. As with newer bands, there is really no outlet for a lot of bands from the past. So much great music has been made already. But when their marketability starts to lack they are cast away for the next big thing. By listening to these bands we keep them alive. As with the younger bands we need to support them in the same way and NOT LET THEM GET LOST!

I will leave you with this and go now to enjoy my birthday evening. ROCK N’ ROLL WILL SURVIVE!!!

the Hellion

THE HELLION ROCKS!, BLEACH BANGS RADIO, AND ROCK U-NIGHT WANT YOU TO HELP SUNSET RIOT OPEN FOR EVERCLEAR!

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VOTE FOR SUNSET RIOT TO OPEN FOR EVERCLEAR!!I’ve seen a few bands in my life. Few have moved me the way Sunset Riot has. Upon hearing some of their tunes on cd i was hooked immediately. When I saw them live the first time I knew I was a fan for life! If you’ve seen them live you know exactly what I’m talking about. For me it gets better every time. Other bands should really pay attention to the way these guys are doing it. Because whether they know it or not… they’ve got it figured out. PLEASE TAKE A MINUTE AND VOTE FOR MY MATES!!!! THANK YOU.
Cheers!
Charlie MF Owens

I first heard of Sunset Riot from the Bleach Bangs crew. They were right on all points, energetic stage show, great Rock N’ Roll, down to earth guys. This hard working band deserves this shot so let’s help them out! It’s easy to support:

http://www.facebook.com/KRBDE.touring?sk=app_154954461294925

click on the link, click on the vote button, click on NSW and click vote next to Sunset Riot! It’s just that easy!

the Hellion

Bleach Bangs Radio

Rock U-Night

SUNSET RIOT GUITARIST JP!

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     If you haven’t heard Sunset Riot you are missing out. JP is one of the band’s two guitarists and we appreciate him giving us a moment of his precious time.
      What were some of your early experiences with music as a child in Australia?
     JP: Well music was always around me from as early as I can remember old blues, rock, Gospel and old church hymns where what my family listened too.
My Grandfather on my mum’s side played the ukulele and the organ and my grandmother and he would sing hymns together.
I spent a lot of time around them while I was young and the two things that really rubbed off them was their unshakable Faith and love for music.
I always loved music. It would just seem to evoke so many emotions in me and take me places! I would even at times just make up a story around the song and try to tell people that the song was about that!
They always told me it wasn’t what I claimed it to be hahah I remember trying to tell a family friend that this one Petra song was about a ninja defeating the bad guys but he only just one etc etc. It must have been so funny for them because I just believed it to be true!! 
          Did you play a musical instrument as a child?
    JP:  My parents always encouraged me to play an instrument but I never stuck at anything. While I was in primary school I think I started to learn the piano, clarinet and the trumpet.
I learnt the trumpet for a few years only because I was forced to. Most of the time I had no idea what I was doing and would look at the person next to me to see what they were playing and follow them.
Then I gave it up once I hit high school and skateboarding became my main focus. I wanted to be a Pro.
      What decade of music inspires you most?
     JP:  you know I don’t think there is anyone decade. I’m inspired but all genres and eras of music. I’m very eclectic.
I will say though lately I have been really enjoying stuff out of the 60’s and 70’s. There is just something about the music that comes from those eras!
Something so honest and I don’t hear it very often in today’s music. I often wonder if I will ever feel the feeling I got when I heard ACDC’s “TNT” for the first time, “Since I’ve been loving you” by Led Zeppelin, any number of Queen songs or “Hey Joe” by Jimi Hendrix.
      What were the reasons for learning to play guitar?
     JP: I don’t think I have any real reason other than it was just something that I really felt I should do! I didn’t understand that feeling or really know where it would take me.
I just decided after Christmas with the family in 2004 I would get my mum’s old nylon string guitar from my Auntie’s house and I was going to be a guitar player. I can’t imagine my life without the guitar now it feels like such a huge part of who I am and what I’m doing with my life.

Were you self-taught or did you have formal lessons?
     JP:  For the most part I am self-taught.
I got one formal lesson from a music school when I was first starting out. He was a local guy that everyone raved about and he went to my church so I would see him play on Sunday mornings. I was pumped because he was good!
I got there and he kept trying to teach me “sweet home Alabama” and at that stage I wasn’t interested in learning that song. I wanted to learn acoustic style songs! So I flat-out told him “teach me something else”. That’s when I was introduced to the amazing song writer that is Paul Kelly and the song I learnt was “To Her Door”. That song is killer such a great story!
Since then I would learn off other people or artists that would pop into my life. If I liked something they were playing then I’d get them to teach me it or I would watch from a distance and try to learn it in my head then take it home to work on!

How do you go about writing music?
     JP: Well most of the time it starts with an emotion and I try to get out how I’m feeling through chords a riff or a lead line.  I will gradually put pieces of lyrics, chords, riffs and lead lines together and start to build a song.
There is no real structure sometimes all I get is a chorus and I sit on it for a long time till something triggers the rest of the song.
I try to be really honest and only work on the really good songs that I come up with. I refine them and try to make them the best possible song I can on my own. If I’m writing for Sunset Riot then I do the same thing but once we get in a room together the song really comes to life! There is a great writing chemistry within our band. Del is great to write lyrics with as well we connect with each other’s lyrics and feel things deeply so we collaborate well.
     If you could step in and do one performance with any band which would it be? And why that particular band?
      JP: I would love to play alongside Elvis! He had such a huge influence on me when I was a kid! So I would have to say Elvis!
I can see it now!! HAHAH I wish that could happen so badly!
     You have been fortunate to be in a touring band. What is the single most memorable moment you’ve had while touring?
     JP: I don’t know if I can put it down to one particular thing! It’s all so amazing! Just waking up every day and doing what you love to do and meeting so many amazing people and hearing so many different stories!
It’s not just about the big things it’s about all the little things. I never want to take any of this for granted and just enjoy every part of it the huge ups and the massive downers. Cause one day I may never be able to do this again (touch wood).
This is all I want to do with my life is play music and guitar for people and bring them some joy, hope, peace or something they can relate too in any part of their life and hearts.
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     What music would people find surprising to find you listening to?
     JP: People are often surprised that I listen to Blues, folk and Gospel. But that’s what I was brought up on and I can’t escape my roots. Blues will always be a part of my life one way or another! There is just so much in it! 
      If you could give a lecture to young musicians, what would you tell them?
     JP: I would tell them the truth about the music industry and how hard and cut throat it can be! I would also tell them to stay away from drugs and the drink and not let those things become the focus.
It’s about the music, the songs and the fans! Stay in school and learn as much as you can because these days you have to be a business man. The industry has changed and it’s not all Sex Drugs and Rock n Roll.

What do you think of the music scene both at home and here in the US?

     JP:The Live music scene in Australia is in a really bad place! It used to be vibrant but now days seems to be considered “dead”. The Australian pub scene produced some of Australia’s biggest bands! Some of those venues that created the platform for those bands have now since shut down. To the people who come out and watch live music it’s still so alive but to the masses I think it’s a case of them “not knowing” what they are missing out on! There is a rock revival to happen around the world and it is time!! 
America is a fantastic scene! We have had the best tours over there!! You guys are really flying the flag high for live music!

America has really set the standard for me and the rest of the SR boys!
But to all the fans in every country we are so very thankful for all the support that you give us! We are completely independent and do it all on our own with no label support or management!
It’s the fans that keep the Sunset Riot machine going and we could not do it without you so thank you!!

     
—
Peace, Love and Rock n Roll
JP
     Thanks for sharing JP! I know we will be hearing more from JP and Sunset Riot in the near future! I’m gonna leave with a couple of  live videos of “Trash VS. Class” and “Stir Crazy”:
video courtesy of Cakes Productions
the Hellion

09/03/2012 SHOW!

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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

Bleach Bangs – 08/28/12

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How my relationship with BLEACH BANGS RADIO started

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During the process of doing interviews for Music U-Night I was given an interview with Charlie Owens from Bleach Bangs Radio. I always like to spend some time before the interview getting to know my subject on a personal level. For me it helps to make the interview process flow easier and seem more natural. In getting to know Charlie it was if we were long lost brothers. We have so many common interests and likes, it was fate.

Charlie Owens from Bleach Bangs Radio on Music U-Night:

A little bit later I was asked to be interviewed on Bleach Bangs Radio. The on air chemistry continued and I was able to “meet” Randy Norris, and john Hennis, Charlie’s co-hosts on the show.  It was a great experience.

Bleach Bangs interview

 

A few months later I was invited to be a permanent co-host on Bleach Bangs and the rest is ….in the future!!!!

the Hellion

A message From Charlie Owens of BLEACH BANGS RADIO!

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So… September 23 2009 was the very first time we were on air with BleachBANGS. That date is right around the corner. Crazy. Sitting back listening to some of our very first shows and enjoying. We’ve come along way in 3 years and we’re not done yet. Very happy and proud to have had all these amazing bands on with us over the course of this ride. It’s about you and your music! We’ve had some ups and downs. Tech issues, money issues, idea issues. We’ve overcome all of em. Onward and upward from here. No matter what it is, promoting, housing, feeding, booking, or just talkin it up & playin the tunes on air BleachBANGS is here for you… The bands. Thank you!

We’ll even bang your ugly friends

Cheers,
Charlie Owens.

I have been fortunate to have been asked into the Bleach Bangs family as a co-host, Thanks guys!

the Hellion

10 bands that should be in the ears of the WORLD. The radio won’t play them, but I’ll spread the word.

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There are some really great bands out there. Unfortunately corporate radio will not play them. I’m gonna give you ten of them right here. In no order and the first of many Blogs like this, I will be bringing you new bands that I feel should be heard around the world. Let’s get it on!:

1. Scattered Hamlet

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http://www.scatteredhamlet.com/

http://www.facebook.com/ScatteredHamlet

A good old fashioned Rock band, when you see ’em live it’s just like a gatherin’.

“Hillbilly Harmony” here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdq1dUf11ws

2. Crowned By Fire

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http://crownedbyfire.com/

http://www.facebook.com/CrownedByFire

The evil spawn of Lemmy and Sabbath with a nod from Zakk Wylde himself and you’ve CBF listen if you dare! :

“I Spit On Your Curse”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiOIKvLrDXg

3. Voice Of December

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http://www.voiceofdecember.com/index.htm

http://www.facebook.com/vodband

Stark imagery, eclectic lyrics, brilliant musicianship give this band credibility.  A VOD show will not leave your mind readily. When you’re in, you’re in for good.

be their “Guest” right here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rykom1HP6nQ

4. Sunset Riot

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http://www.sunsetriot.com/Sunset_Riot/Home.html

http://www.facebook.com/sunsetriot?ref=ts

A FUN band that likes to give a great show as much as they love to give great music. Give a listen and get bit!

“Rattlesnake” : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMQGRhrA9W8

5. Die Hard Til Death

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http://www.diehardtilldeath.com/

http://www.facebook.com/DieHardTillDeath

This band is proud to be Metal! Make no mistake some ass kicking will go down right here!

Do you have “The Will”? : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30BVfGJVEw&feature=fvwrel

6. Fear Death Xperience

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http://www.facebook.com/pages/FEAR-DEATH-XPERIENCE/25562763683

A new band from the UK that burned its way into my ears and now is running around freely in my madhouse of a mind. some Classic sound mixed with new. I love it.

“Shallow The Grave”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkltZ4I3jfM&feature=related

7. Rusty Tramp

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http://polyrammusic.com/rusty-tramp/

http://www.facebook.com/RustyTramp

Yeah! Let’s get back to the Feel good party band times! Rusty Tramp brings it in a BIG way. Shoot for the stars boys!

“Liar Liar” : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaOZq8sxnkU

8. The Hard Ponys

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http://www.thehardponys.com/

http://www.facebook.com/thehardponys

The Hard Ponys hearken back to the LA sleaze days and that make me very happy. Now if I only had a Hard Ponys T-Shirt……Give a listen!

“Psychodoll” : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wRrbXQY898

9. Mindset Evolution

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http://mindsetevolution.com/wp/

http://www.facebook.com/mindsetevolution

I had the pleasure of interviewing these guys recently. Fun guys, great band glad to see they are chasing the dream! These guys remain in touch with reality!

“Relevant” :  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tM4emrS61A

10. Texas Hippie Coalition

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thcoutlaw.­com

http://www.facebook.com/texashippiecoalition

When you throw THC in the CD player you automatically get a little more baddass. I feel like somebody poured a bottle of Jack out on the Texas ground and these guys sprouted out of it.

“Troublesome Times” : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy33nprcFxU

Just the first ten bands I want to bring to the attention of the WORLD!!! Many more to come. I am not afraid to spread the word about bands I love. They’ll get played right here!

the Hellion.