Tag Archives: Classic Rock

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

Was Dimebag really that great?

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 photo credit: Chad Lee

THIS POST IS IN NO WAY INTENDED TO DISRESPECT THE MEMORY OF DIME

 

It has been almost ten years since Dimebag was shot to death onstage. It just so happened that I was talking to a very well known guitarist today (he wished to remain anonymous) about Dime and the impact he has had on the music community. His opinions and thoughts made me think about Dime and his influence.

I see so many people sporting the pink goatee and citing Dime as their main influence in guitar playing. But was he REALLY that good a player? I mean are there any songs by him that are truly game changers? Or is it “cool” to like him and therefore “cool” to cite him as an innovator? In my discussion with my friend the statement was made that Pantera filled a niche in the metal community and that was all it was.

In my opinion Dime played with heart and soul and THAT is good enough for me. If you look at the so called “A-List” guitar players you might find that their “skill-level”, or “technical mastery” might be lacking but their heart and interpretation was spot on.

I am just curious what you, loyal reader, have to say about Dimebag. Not looking for a slamming of him just some intelligent feedback.

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

-the Hellion

Help a touring band out!!!

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OK Rockers listen up! Send an email to janaya64@msn.com and tell me why you like Crowned By Fire. Every entry wins something special and one entry wins something very cool and it helps them get on the road!!!. You have two days to get your emails in! Put CBF in the subject box please! FUEL THE FIRE!!! – the Hellion

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FUEL THE FIRE!!!

-the Hellion

 

Crowned By Fire: FUEL THE FIRE!!!

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Hitting the road is rough these days. My buds in Crowned By Fire are fixing to bring their unique sonic assault to the masses and need your help to do it. They are offering some very cool merch and perks on their indiegogo site. Shirts, downloads, one-of-a-kind articles, it’s all here! Rock N’ Roll is not dead and Crowned By Fire is on a mission to FUEL THE FIRE!!!! SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC!!!!

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click the link and support:

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/fuel-the-fire–2

it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s CROWNED BY FIRE!!!

-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

PRONG Announce New Covers Album and 2015 Tour Dates!‏

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PRONG Announce New Covers Album and 2015 Tour Dates!

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European Headline Tour kicks off on April 17, 2015

New Record “Songs From The Black Hole” out March 2015

 Fresh off their US Tour, American Power Trio PRONG finished an album of cover versions, putting their distinct spin on an array of tracks originally recorded by artists such as Black Flag, Bad Brains, Adolescents, The Sisters Of Mercy, Killing Joke, Hüsker Dü and Neil Young.

Tommy Victor: “PRONG is excited to announce 2015 European tour dates in conjunction with our upcoming release “Songs From The Black Hole”. Along with the standards and selected tracks from our newest albums, we will be performing our versions of classic influential masterpieces, as featured on the new record. The tour has us returning to England, remarkably, for four shows after our premier UK festival appearance at Bloodstock. It will also be great to head back to Germany, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Austria and Holland with a new set and another new PRONG release, “Songs From The Black Hole”!

SPV/Steamhammer will be releasing the album as a special CD and LP edition in Scandinavia on March 25th, in Germany on March 27th, inEurope on March 30th and in the USA on March 31st 2015.

More details will be revealed soon.

PRONG European Tour 2015

17.04. NL-Groningen – Vera

18.04. NL-Sittard – Volt

19.04. B-Kortrijk – De Kreun

21.04. UK-Birmingham – O2 Academy 2

22.04. UK-Liverpool – O2 Academy 2

23.04. UK-London – O2 Islington Academy

24.04. UK-Bristol – O2 Academy

25.04. F-Savigny le Temple – L’Emreinte

26.04. CH-Pratteln – Z7

27.04. A-Graz – PPC

28.04. A-Vienna – Szene

29.04. D-Munich – Feierwerk

30.04. D-Berlin – C-Club

01.05. D-Cologne – Underground

02.05. D-Essen – Turock

03.05. D-Hamburg – Knust

Agency: Seaside Touring

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For More Info Visit:

http://www.prongmusic.com

https://www.facebook.com/prongmusic

http://www.spv.de

       it’s loud, it’s it’s dirty, it’s PRONG!!!

     -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

 

 

 

 

Scattered Hamlet releases video for “Shelter”

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YEEEEEEEEEEHAWWWWWWWWWW!!!! I can’t help myself. Every time I listen to my brothers Scattered Hamlet it just comes out of me. This is just some good old American made Rock N’ Roll music right here. Now, it isn’t enough that these handsome young devils want to tickle our ears, no sir, they have now just released a video for “Shelter” for our viewing pleasure. This is the type of video that has to be enjoyed LOUDLY and with a tasty adult beverage. Scattered Hamlet has been a part of my life for several years now and will remain so for many to come. Great job on the video guys! Here’s the link:

     it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s SCATTERED HAMLET!!!

     the Hell Riders Captain

 

 

Mike Araiza covers Geoff Tate’s Queensryche in Albuquerque, NM!!!

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I am fortunate with the accomplishments achieved on the Hellion Rocks. I am proud to work with and call people like Charlie Owens and Randy Norris my brethren in arms with this crazy world of Rock N’ Roll journalism. I am now pleased to announce the addition of Mike Araiza to the fold as a guest correspondent. Mike was gracious enough to cover the Geoff Tate fronted Queensryche for me while I am away in New York. Here is Mike’s coverage so enjoy:

     When a living legend TAKES HOLD of the stage

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In a world of smartphones, tablets, online streaming and disposable trends I was
excited to drive up to the Sunshine Theater in Albuquerque, NM and see a line around
the building for a Rock show. Excitement was definitely in the air to see the one and
only Geoff Tate and his band of living legends which consists of Randy Gane
(keyboards), Kelly Gray (guitars,vocals), Robert Sarzo (Guitars Vocals), Simon Wright
(Drums) and the one and only Rudy Sarzo (Bass Vocals). By the time I got to the photopit
the venue was packed like I have not seen in a long time even to upper level was
full. I could hear fans talking about their favorite song(s) and discussing the hope to
hear them all. I even overheard the “ I saw ’em in 199x in Colorado” stories man I am at
a real rock show with which looks like a sold out venue!
The moment I never get tired of comes. Boom, house lights go off and the crowd erupts
into a loud roar of anticipation man this is what it is all about. The entire band struts out
with pure swagger (think of Jordan walking on the court for a finals game). To be honest
I was absolutely star struck by all of them and the crowd was so epically loud and full of
excitement I had a hard time remembering that I was there to take pictures. Within a few
bars of musical excitement the band forms into a visual balance and Geoff Tate takes
hold of center stage belting out THAT voice which we all grew up on also demonstrating
the true craftsmanship of being a legendary frontman. Not to mention, this band is
opening up a can of rock n’ roll whoop ass. Mix is tight, drums are thundering, bass is
locked hard with the drums, guitars are loud and punchy, keyboards sound fresh. I now
know why Geoff Tate recruited these guys! Chemistry is off the charts here folks!
Each song is accompanied by the crowd singing at the top of their lungs with fists
pumping in the air (which the entire band really appreciated I could see it on all of their
faces you guys kicked ass Albuquerque). It is important to note that each song was
played exactly like the respective albums. This band is loaded with a group of artists
that have been around the world with AC/DC, Ozzy, Quiet Riot just to name a few and
the stage presence shows it as well. After 90 minutes of mind-blowing Rock N Roll and
two outrageously killer encores it was time for the after show meet and greet. I watched
the entire band gracefully sign autographs, take pictures, have conversations with the
fans, this was really cool to watch. Nothing but humble and appreciative vibes going on
with this band. Geoff Tate was a pleasure to meet and was a true gentleman as was the
entire band. In closing I urge you to buy a ticket and go see this band when they come
to your area also check into the VIP as well. Last but not least a huge thanks to James
“The Hellion Rocks” for this awesome privilege and a huge thanks to Geoff Tate and his
team. Rock N Roll is a gift let’s keep giving it…
~ Mike