Tag Archives: Classic Rock

THE GROUND BENEATH -“SELF TITLED” CD REVIEW

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1. Choke
2. Say It
3. Signs
4. It’s You
5. Blame
6. The Passing
7. Lost In Me
8. Blind
9. Memphis
10. RLS
11. Back Door Alley Girl
12. Disappear
13. Mine
14. Flounder Piano
15. Burjay

The Ground Beneath is:
Steve Civerolo – Vocals/Electric & Acoustic six & Twelve string guitars, Brian Scott – Drums, Hunter McCoy – Bass guitar

Guest Musicians on “Self Titled”:
Brian Ostrom – Four string bass guitar on “Memphis”, Paul Civerolo – Guest lead electric six string guitar on “Lost In Me” (Paul appears courtesy of Howlin’ Dog Records), Laurie Selby – Cello on “It’s You”/”Blame”/”Not Me” (Laurie appears courtesy of the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra), Jonathan “Jonny Law” Jonah – Guest lead vocals on “Burjay” (Jonathan appears courtesy of Rancho Relaxo Records), Rick Fusco & Kenny Davis – gang vocals on “Mine”

     I have had this CD for a couple of weeks now. The official release is going to be on January 17th 2013 at the Launchpad in Albuquerque, NM.

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Let’s get into the CD itself. The Ground Beneath is one of those bands that just plain and simply gets it. Steve Beneath is one hard-working SOB, always at shows, doing radio guest spots, texting about upcoming shows, anything it takes.  That tenacity shows in the latest release from The Ground Beneath “Self Titled”. “Self Titled” is actually the name of the new CD, a little bit of humor from the band.

Let’s get the technical stuff out-of-the-way first. The CD is clean and I mean CLEAN, the production quality is top-notch. The mix is great and the sound is not muddied in any way. Kudos for the guys on their attention to detail. This CD is meant to be played LOUD and is sounds great at those ear bleeding volumes.

Now for the fun stuff! I have been listening to this CD pretty regularly and this just so happens to be my third rewrite of this review. I keep coming back to this CD and discovering more stuff that I like about it. I love it when a band makes music that is inspired by other artists and yet sounds new. Let me explain, I know Steve is inspired by bands like Zakk Wylde’s Black Label Society, Pantera, Down, Corrosion of Conformity, HELLYEAH, Strapping Young Lad, Deftones, U2, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Damageplan. You can hear elements from all of these bands in the music and yet it remains distinctly The Ground Beneath.

“Self Titled” is , dare I say, a groovy record. While the world must be obliged with the obligatory single, which is “Blind”, I think the CD needs to be taken as a whole. The flow of the songs is just that good. I actually forget this is a local band out of Albuquerque, New Mexico when I am listening to it. Which leads me to ask “Why isn’t stuff like this being played on national radio?”

Steve handles all of the writing of the lyrics and music which is a testament to his talent. The band as a whole plays the songs that Steve has envisioned with a fervor and passion that will quickly infect you. Steve’s vocal work and guitar skills are right on par with some of the music world best. Brian “Bearface” Scott goes from flat-out pound your skull in drumming to tribal like beats keeping the band anchored with a solid back beat. Hunter McCoy anchors the package together with some bass lines that will have your heart pounding trying to keep up.

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In conclusion “Self Titled” is a record chock full of solid Rock N’ Roll tunes, pinch harmonics, throbbing bass lines, pounding drums, melodic compositions, hypnotic vocals and yes even a cello. Solid 10 out of 10 in my book, definitely a necessity in everyone’s music collection.

it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s THE GROUND BENEATH

– the Hellion

 

What in the F@#K happened to radio?

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     Growing up in the 70’s and 80’s was a different musical experience than today. Radio was a magical and wonderful friend to many of us, to some it was our best friend. I remember that the “rock” radio stations would play all that fell in to that genre. You would hear it all from ABBA to ZZ Top, and everything in between. The experience was all encompassing and you were exposed to music you might have otherwise never had the chance to hear. I grew to know and love bands from those radio days, I also learned to appreciate a lot of music even though I might not have favored it.

     Radio was a wonderful thing in that the diversity was much greater due to the creative control the DJ’s used to have. The DJ was your friend in music, they were your cool friend that had great music. I loved the fact that the DJ could introduce you to music that they were into. They were your friend that if you were having a bad day, good day, a whatever day, you could call them and request a song to match your mood and they would play it. I would stay up into the wee hours listening and discovering the joy of music and the tidbits of trivia the DJ’s would throw out at us.

        The radio DJ of old was a larger than life character that people admired and envied. They talked to the musicians and sometimes you could call in with your questions as well.  It was all about the music, not sports, not movie stars, not politics, there were talk radio stations for that. There giveaways and contests that were local, I remember winning the entire Queen library on vinyl one time in 1980. There was no “be the 100th national caller” to win.

     Radio, not the internet, not satellite, mp3 players, was truly enjoyable. It was available freely everywhere. Cruising in your car , hanging by the pool, the lake, at a party, or whatever, the radio was a necessity.

     You could hear local bands on the radio as well. It really was a time about the music and the love of it. Radio gave bands a chance to be heard and shared.

     We need to put music back into the ears and lives of the people who love it. There are people out there who think like I do and I know it. I miss the radio stations with the DJ’s with cool names and cool music. I miss being able to listen to the radio and not hear the same 50 songs over and over. I miss the events that the radio stations used to have. I miss it being about the love of music.

     To those DJ’s who were a part of those days, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

      -the Hellion

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY – CATACOMBS OF THE BLACK VATICAN – 4/8/14

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It is time, time to explore the Catacombs Of The Black Vatican! We have been waiting for new material from BLS since Order Of The Black in 2010. Now in April of 2014 we will be led into the Catacombs Of The Black Vatican! See you there!

     SDMF my Family!

     the Hellion

Do you believe there’s magic in words and music? – Boston: “More Than A Feeling”

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I looked out this morning and the sun was gone
Turned on some music to start my day
I lost myself in a familiar song
I closed my eyes and I slipped away

It’s more than a feeling
(More than a feeling)
When I hear that old song they used to play
(More than a feeling)
I begin dreaming
(More than a feeling)
‘Til I see Marianne walk away
I see my Marianne walkin’ away

So many people have come and gone
Their faces fade as the years go by
Yet I still recall as I wander on
As clear as the sun in the summer sky

It’s more than a feeling
(More than a feeling)
When I hear that old song they used to play
(More than a feeling)
I begin dreaming
(More than a feeling)
‘Til I see Marianne walk away
I see my Marianne walkin’ away

When I’m tired and thinking cold
I hide in my music, forget the day
And dream of a girl I used to know
I closed my eyes and she slipped away
She slipped away

It’s more than a feeling
(More than a feeling)
When I hear that old song they used to play
(More than a feeling)
I begin dreaming
(More than a feeling)
‘Til I see Marianne walk away

-Tom Scholz 1976

     If ever there was proof of the magic that is in words and music “More Than A Feeling” by the legendary Boston is it. This song evokes such strong feelings in so many people that I know, myself included. Every time I hear the opening notes of this song I am transported away back to 1976 when I was but 12 years old and there was so much ahead of me. You can close your eyes and feel the warmth of the sun on your skin, smell the summer in the air, and FEEL the music and words permeate your entire being. This is a song made for the love of making music and it shows.

     It took Tom Sholz FIVE YEARS to write this song. The elements that came together on the recording were: Tom Scholz – acoustic guitar, lead guitar, bass guitar/Brad Delp – vocals/Sib Hashian – drums, there was true magic in the studio then.

     Thank you guys for this eternal gift and the memories that have been built around it.

     it’s “More Than A Feeling”

     -the Hellion

Black Label Society welcomes guitarist Dario Lorina to the Family!

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Well my  SDMF Family we were all saddened by the departure of Brother Nick “The Evil Twin” Catanese last month and we wish him the best in his new endeavors. Now, we welcome a new Brother to the fold. Father Zakk has tapped Lizzy Borden guitarist Dario Lorina to sit in for a while.

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Here’s a little taste of Dario:

     Stayed tuned for more information as it becomes available. Remember, Zakk and co. are currently working on a new record for us as well!!!

     it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s BLACK LABEL SOCIETY!!!!

     the Hellion

New music I’m looking forward to in 2014

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Loads of great music coming our way in 2014! Here’s a few that I’m excited about:

Adrenaline Mob – Men Of Honor
Hirax – Immortal Legacy
Black Label Society – TBA
Corrosion OF Conformity– TBA
DOWN – TBA
Crowned By Fire– Space Music For Cave People
Red Dragon Cartel – Red Dragon Cartel
The Ground Beneath – Self Titled
Jeff Sandoval and Mike Araiza
Prong – Ruining Lives
Voice Of December– TBA
Darken The Day – TBA
Tesla – TBA

     Well there are a few new releases I’m looking forward to. Tell me what you are excited to hear in 2014!!!

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

     the Hellion

2013 was a great year for the Hellion Rocks, bring on 2014!!!

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178928_10150973183505972_426071352_n 2013 was great year for us here at the Hellion Rocks. Killer interviews, great shows and hanging with even cooler people. It’s very cool when you get to talk to artists you have grown to admire. It’s even cooler when they message you and stay in contact with you. It’s a great feeling when you also help to spread the word of a new up-and-coming band as well. In the past year I have learned how small the music community really is. It is amazing the connections that lead to other connections and how the music brings us all together.

I have to give thanks to my cohorts at Bleach Bangs Radio, Charlie Owens and Randy Norris. These guys are my brothers plain and simple. They are the embodiment of awesome and I am proud to work with them.

     Eddie’s Mates holds a special place in my heart as well. Sandy and Sean have not only helped us with Bleach Bangs Radio they also made the logo for the Hellion Rocks! Thanks EM!!!

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I have to thank my wife Dani for giving me the courage and strength to reach out and chase this crazy dream. She is ALWAYS there for me.

There are so many people who mean the world to me as well: Mike Araiza, Jeff Sandoval, Adam Joad, Jake Delling LeBas, Redd Yoachum and the rest from Scattered Hamlet, Craw Cajun and Kat Ford, Death Alley Motor Cult, Kurt Arft, Wornstar Clothing, Justin Manning and Crowned By Fire, and Dellacoma Rio and the Sunset Riot guys, Steve Helmer, Dave Gold, and Bobby Siekkinen . Those are just a few from an incredible list.

Thank you to all of the publicists that have worked with me this year as well. Here’s looking towards a productive 2014!!!

Thanks to Blabbermouth.net and Circus Magazine for picking up some of my interviews! I am honored and humbled.

Lastly but far from least I wish I could personally thank each and every one of the 60,000 people from the 140 countries around the world who dropped in on this site last year. I hope you enjoyed it and let me know what you want to see here in the future.

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

see ya in 2014 – the Hellion

The REVEREND HORTON HEAT – Albuquerque, NM 12/27/2013

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the stage is set

the stage is set

It was a very cool show that I witnessed the night of 12/27/13 at the Launchpad in Albuquerque, NM. The Reverend Horton Heat was in town. I talked to some people waiting at the door and found that they were from Durango Colorado and had come for the stylings of the Reverend.

Jim "Reverend Horton" Heath

Jim “Reverend Horton” Heath

There was an interesting mix in the crowd from the young to the much older. There were people dressed “Rockabilly” style to some metal heads. I have not seen the venue that crowded in quite a while, it was very refreshing.

The Reverend and Jimbo Wallace

The Reverend and Jimbo Wallace

I listened to the crowd talk about RHH and heard some interesting tales:  “This is the 16th time I’ve seen them ” said one guy, “I remember when I was a little girl and my uncle took me to see them”, a lady recounted, “They are kinda like the Grateful Dead for me. When they tour I follow them around so I don’t miss out”, said an older gentleman, “The musical style of RHH is what I grew up on. I am so glad they are still carrying the torch”, from a 20ish guy.

Th Reverend and Jimbo showing how it's done!

Th Reverend and Jimbo showing how it’s done!

I have been to many, many shows. Been in the pits of destruction of metal mayhems, most were tame in comparison when RHH got down to business. There was hardly room to breathe much less try to take some pictures, but we all loved it.

Scott Churilla keeping time

Scott Churilla keeping time

Jimbo Wallace kickin' your ass!

Jimbo Wallace kickin’ your ass!

I was so glad to the support for this energetic and very talented band. I have enjoyed The Reverend Horton Heat for quite awhile now, and I can say they are here to stay! They played song after song and the crowd sang along right with them. There was a mixture of old and new songs from their upcoming release “Rev” which is due out late January on Victory Records Thanks guys, and thanks to Victory Records for inviting me to the show and setting me up with a phone interview with Jim Heath to take place this Monday 12/30/13 (look for it next week with more show photos!)

the rhythm section of RHH

the rhythm section of RHH

RHH in action!

RHH in action!

it’s loud, it’s a psychobilly freakout, it’s the Reverend Horton Heat!

the Hellion

Happy Holidays from the Hellion Rocks!

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2013 was an AWESOME year! I got to photograph and interview some GREAT artists and make  a lot of new friends. Thank you to you all for stopping in and checking things out! We’re planning on bringing you bigger and better things in 2014! I’m already backed up with CD reviews!

 

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

the Hellion

Lynam – Halfway To Hell EP

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1. Rise Up
2. Halfway To Hell
3. Dead Mans Parade
4. Cold
5. Store Bought Halo
6. Wrong Side Of The Grave

     Are you ready for a dose of hard charging, balls out Rock N’ Roll? Lynam delivers with their new EP Halfway To Hell. It’s all here: catchy hooks, swagger, great image, and songs that you’ll find yourself humming well after the CD is over. Dirty guitar driven songs are what you find here and I, for one, sure missed them. Bringing to mind the fun and spectacle of the 80’s, but with their own style and flavor Lynam has a hit on their hands.

    Lynam is comprised of Jacob Bunton – Vocals/Guitar, David Lynam – Drums/Vocals, Lonny Paul – Guitar/Vocals, Mark Dzier- Bass/Vocals. These boys have done their homework on their influences. Motley Crue, Foo Fighters, Guns N Roses, Greenday are but some of their inspirations.

     Hell I can’t even find a stand out track on this record because they are all worth listening to, over and over and over. Gang vocals behind a top notch singer, sleazy guitars, nasty bass lines, all held together by a tight drummer makes this all work.

     I HIGHLY recommend this record, it’s like those potato chips “once you start listening to it , you can’t stop”!

     Check out Lynam on the web:  www.twitter.com/lynammusic www.lynammusic.com https://www.facebook.com/lynammusic

     Here’s the lyric video for “Halfway To Hell” :

     it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s LYNAM!!!

     the Hellion