Tag Archives: Classic Rock

My top 5 albums of all time – the Hellion

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I was recently asked online by my friend Mark (SDMF_Philly) to blog about my to 5 albums of all time. So here we go. These are in no kind of order they are just the five albums that I can listen to over and over (there are many more but these five just out at me right away). Let’s get started:

THE BEATLES – REVOLVER

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released on 5 August 1966

1. “Taxman”
2. “Eleanor Rigby”
3. “I’m Only Sleeping”
4. “Love You To”
5. “Here, There and Everywhere”
6. “Yellow Submarine”
7. “She Said She Said”
SIDE 2
1. “Good Day Sunshine”
2. “And Your Bird Can Sing”
3. “For No One”
4. “Doctor Robert”
5. “I Want to Tell You”
6. “Got to Get You into My Life”
7. “Tomorrow Never Knows”

I grew up listening to these songs and have over the years (no comments) have grown to appreciate them on so many levels. The Beatles have always remained an influence on my musical growth. I will be blogging about the influence of the Beatles on music soon. My favorite track off of this album is “Love You To” I just love the vibe of this song. Check it out here:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MF90rX43VpE

LYNYRD SKYNYRD – (Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd)

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released on August 13th 1973

1. “I Ain’t the One”
2. “Tuesday’s Gone”
3. “Gimme Three Steps”
4. “Simple Man”

5. “Things Goin’ On”
6. “Mississippi Kid”
7. “Poison Whiskey”
8. “Free Bird”

My mom (may she Rest In Peace) used to sing “Simple Man” to me when I was younger. My step dad was a country fan but he allowed this record to be played in the house. I loved the feel of these now classic songs. I could put this record on the turntable and just go to a different place. This is a timeless record to me and still gets plenty of play. Here is a link to “Simple Man” I hope I’ve done you proud mom: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paUGhVQfBpw

VAN HALEN – VAN HALEN II

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released on March 23, 1979

Van Halen changed the game. Style, great vocals, KILLER riffs, feel good music in a feel good time. II is my favorite VH record for all of those reasons. I actually picked this record up the day it came out and ran all of the way home to hear it. I must have played it twenty times that day. It still sounds as fresh to me in this day as it did back then. My favorite track is “Women in Love” the intro to the closing notes are still amazing. Check out the song here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-HTBen7_CE

GUNS N ROSES – APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION

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released on July 21, 1987

1. “Welcome to the Jungle”
2. “It’s So Easy”
3. “Nightrain”
4. “Out ta Get Me”
5. “Mr. Brownstone”
6. “Paradise City”
7. “My Michelle”
8. “Think About You”
9. “Sweet Child o’ Mine”
10. “You’re Crazy”
11. “Anything Goes”
12. “Rocket Queen”

Another game changer. The sheer aggression on  this record quickly grabbed my attention. The power, bravado and devil-may-care ways gave the music world a shot in the arm. Another record that you put on and listen to open to close. GNR did their homework on looks and hooks and manged to keep the F@%K you attitude. “It’s So Easy” stands out the most to me on this record “See me hit you, you fall down” love that lyric. Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNE2Oqut238&feature=related

RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS – CALIFORNICATION

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released June 8. 1999

1. “Around the World”
2. “Parallel Universe”
3. “Scar Tissue”
4. “Otherside”
5. “Get on Top”
6. “Californication”
7. “Easily”
8. “Porcelain”
9. “Emit Remmus”
10. “I Like Dirt”
11. “This Velvet Glove”
12. “Savior”
13. “Purple Stain”
14. “Right on Time”
15. “Road Trippin'”

The thing I like best about Red Hot Chili Peppers is their “We play what we want to” style. You never know what you are going to get from a new RHCP record. This one marked the return of guitarist/songwriter John Frusciante to the band. The tracks are soulful and plain beautiful. the layered vocals, and lyrics make this a magical record for me. My stand out track is “This Velvet Glove”  the lyrics”  “Sailin’ for the sun cause there is one Knows where I’m from I care for you I really do, I really do” just hit me.  here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiqSl0bfWro

There you have it 5 albums that mean the world to me. Thanks

the Hellion

Australia ROCKS! Sunset Riot, RAGDOLL, My Dynamite, Sisters Doll, BABYJANE

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AC/DC, INXS, Little River Band, Men At Work…Australia has given us some great music. Through my recent involvement as a co-host on the internet radio show Bleach Bangs http://www.bleachbangs.com/ I have found a new crop of bands that are carrying the torch. The 80’s have come and gone here in the US but the influence is still being felt in Australia. Let’s talk about a few of the stand out bands:

SUNSET RIOT

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

I have actually had the pleasure of hanging out with and seeing Sunset Riot perform several times.

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The music Sunset Riot brings is addicting and worms its way into your head and you find yourself singing them without even realizing it. The guys themselves are extremely friendly and warm. They treat every one with kindness and respect and make their fans feel special. Del- vocals, JP – guitars, Ziggy- guitars, Resh – drums, and newly added Simo- bass have found the right equation for feel good Rock N Roll. do yourself a favor and check out this band. Here is a link to their video for Save Me From L.A.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxgyaEiaZn4

RAGDOLL

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http://www.ragdollrock.com/

Ragdoll brings forth some powerful music that pays homage to some of the hard rock acts we all know and love. I have not had the privilege of seeing them live but my co-hosts have and I can appreciate them through their experience. I find this band easy to listen to and am glad they are writing songs in the style of 80’s feel good rock! Their appearance at Rocklahoma was good and I am glad to see they are able to come here to the US and share with us. Ragdoll is: Ry Dash – VOCALS/BASS,  Le’on Todd – GUITARS/BACKGROUND VOCALS, and  Cam Barrett – DRUMS/BACKGROUND VOCALS Here is a video link to my favorite song “Foot to the Floor” : http://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_151047&feature=iv&src_vid=tyzxA2o7b10&v=YZqgru0QCIw

MY DYNAMITE

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http://mydynamite.net/home.cfm

Love bluesy rock? My Dynamite will satisfy that love. The Black Crowes have been one of my favorite bands for years. My Dynamite carries the torch and gives us new music in that style. Who would have thought you could find good old fashioned American blues in Australia? We were fortunate to have had an interview with them and found they are planning a European tour and hopefully we can get them to the US as well. My Dynamite is: Patrick Carmody – Lead Vocals, Jorge Balas – Guitar, Travis Fraser – Bass, Simon Aarons – Drums, and Benny Wolf – Guitar. Here is a link to a song I really enjoy “Fork In Your Tongue” : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXvAw6v-V3o&feature=plcp

SISTERS DOLL

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http://www.sistersdoll.com/

Remember the Glam of the 80’s how much fun it was to dress up and just have a GOOD TIME? Sisters Doll are trying to bring that back and having fun in doing it. Ranging in age from 14 to 17 these brothers (Brennan Mileto – Lead Guitar/Lead Vocals, Bryce Mileto – Drums/Back Up Vocals, and Austin Mileto – Bass Guitar/Back Up Vocals) yes they are brothers, are bringing the SPECTACLE of Rock N Roll back. I look forward to seeing more from these guys. Here is a link to their video for “Dollhouse” : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ik2yCc8PfAY

BABYJANE

http://www.babyjane.com.au

BABYJANE cites the following as their influences:

Guns N’ Roses, Motley Crue, AC/DC, Rose Tattoo, Skid Row, Sex Pistols, Vains Of Jenna, Van Halen, Alice Cooper, Black Sabbath, The Cult, Faith No More, Megadeth, Pantera. Wow! How you NOT want to give these guys a listen? I checked them out prior to doing an interview with them and was duly impressed. Solid song composition, catchy hooks, and raw sound give these guys an edge that cut you to the quick! DO NOT MISS BABYJANE!! Here’s a link to their EPK I’ll let it speak for itself : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeVUE98g11w

Been missing the 80’s? I found them…in Australia of all places. Can anyone say ROADTRIP???

Black Label Society – The Blessed Hellride CD review

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Many people that I have talked to about BLS have told me this was the CD that got them “into” BLS. This is why I have chosen it for review.

All songs written by Zakk Wylde.

  1. “Stoned and Drunk” – 5:02
  2. “Doomsday Jesus” – 3:30
  3. “Stillborn” – 3:15
  4. “Suffering Overdue” – 4:29
  5. “The Blessed Hellride” – 4:32
  6. “Funeral Bell” – 4:41
  7. “Final Solution” – 4:04
  8. “Destruction Overdrive” – 3:01
  9. “Blackened Waters” – 3:56
  10. “We Live No More” – 4:02
  11. “Dead Meadow” – 4:30

Released in 2003 The Blessed Hellride: “Stoned and Drunk” opens the door to this CD with blistering drums and Zakk’s brutal vocals and guitar licks. An easy song to crank up, roll the windows down and hit the road. “Doomsday Jesus” carries on the brutality leading us down an apocalyptic road of Viking like wailing vocals, hammer like drumming, and shotgun guitars. “Stillborn” gives a taste of Ozzy himself on backing vocals and is easily one of BLS’s best known songs. A kick ASS video directed by none other than Rob Zombie can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZGt4JVX860 “Suffering Overdue” slows down a bit but maintains the heaviness of the CD and settles in for a groove that keeps you into the feel of the CD. The title track “The Blessed Hellride” hearkens towards the acoustic mastery of Zakk Wylde. My favorite version is the acoustic duet he does with the Evil Twin himself and can be found here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXiSxviwj78 “Funeral Bell” picks the pace back up and fires the engines back into overdrive. The Funeral Bell is ringing but not for BLS or the BLS Family! “Final Solution” Keeps the pace and Zakk’s pinch harmonic style prevails throughout. “Destruction Overdrive” is a dangerous song for me to listen to while driving because I just want to floor it and drive like hell. Easily one of my favorite tracks on the CD. When you look down and see the your speedometer is at 120mph “Blackened Waters” brings you back to reality and slows the pace back a bit and still keeps it heavy. The drum intro to “We Live no More” is one of my favorite songs intros. Zakk’s vocal work on this one is my favorite on the CD. Zakk closes out the CD with the piano laden “Dead Meadow” but there is nothing dead here. Great way to close out a CD that like a finely tuned engine revs up and down and gets the blood pumping! A great CD to get you into BLS. Pick it up and I guarantee you’ll be back for the rest of the collection

Zakk Wylde/ Black Label Society

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SDMF = Strength Determination Merciless Forever

the calling card of The Black Label Society. It means a lot to me that’s why it’s inked on my arm. I first became aware of Zakk Wylde like most of the rest of us, through Ozzy. I quickly came to love his playing style and naturally when Pride & Glory happened it gave us chance to hear Zakk on a new level. When it progressed into Black Label Society I was a already a fan. As the albums rolled out and the internet grew and grew I met many others who felt the bonding power of the BLS Family. Our Family genuinely cares for one another to the point of meeting and hanging out at shows, and other events. BLS items are readily shared between Family on a regular basis. At times it seems as if the music takes a backseat and the love of Family takes over. SDMF? You bet until the day I die. I Bleed Black and wear my colors every day.Image

The music of BLS carries me daily and there is rarely a day where a BLS song is not heard blaring from my speakers. If you have never heard BLS do yourself a favor and check out some songs, I promise you will find something you will like. Zakk and BLS  continue to evolve and amaze me. Check out this video for “Stillborn” : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZGt4JVX860 BLS will ALWAYS be a part of my life and I will ALWAYS be here to spread the positive message and help to lead others in a positive way. Don’t HATE, APPRECIATE!  Thank you Zakk Wylde, thanks from the bottom of my heart. http://www.zakkwylde.com/ http://www.blacklabelsociety.com/news.html http://www.facebook.com/zakkwylde?ref=ts https://twitter.com/ZakkWyldeBLS

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Classic CD review – KISS: Rock and Roll Over

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There are CDs that you always go back to. There are CDs that you can listen from start to finish. There are CDs that can transport you in time and space to a different world. This CD is all of that for me. KISS is one of the many bands who had an impact on my life. So much so that I have the cover art inked on my arm. Rock and Roll Over  takes me back to a time when life was fun and rock and roll was about having a good time. This was a time when KISS was still shrouded in mystery. When you went to a RECORD STORE (look it up if you are confused, LOL) and grabbed the vinyl copy and ran home to your room and cranked it up!.  The guitars, druming, bass, and vocals on this devil may care record never cease to amaze me. My standout tracks are “Calling Doctor Love”  “Mr. Speed” and “Take Me”. If you’ve never heard KISS or think you don’t like KISS give this selection a try, you might change your mind.

1. “I Want You” Paul Stanley Stanley 3:04
2. “Take Me” Stanley, Sean Delaney Stanley 2:56
3. “Calling Dr. Love“ Gene Simmons Simmons 3:44
4. “Ladies Room” Simmons Simmons 3:27
5. “Baby Driver” Peter Criss, Stan Penridge Criss 3:40
6. “Love ‘Em and Leave ‘Em” Simmons Simmons 3:47
7. “Mr. Speed” Stanley, Delaney Stanley 3:18
8. “See You in Your Dreams” Simmons Simmons 2:34
9. “Hard Luck Woman“ Stanley Criss 3:34
10. “Makin’ Love” Stanley, Delaney Stanley 3:14

Motley Crue / Kiss The TOUR – The REVIEW!

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It was a cloudy night at the Hard Rock Pavilion in Albuquerque NM. The sky threatened rain, thunder rumbled in the distance. Despite the looming storm the masses were gathering for this EPIC show. Kiss AND Motley Crue in ONE show!!! The crowd was a mix a many diverse peoples. Old to very young, long hair, short hair, male, female, obvious rockers to regular joes, they were all there. There was a mix of Kiss and Crue shirts from all eras of said bands. There were even the diehard fans in full makeup and costume while some had just the facepaint. The show was opened by a fresh young band from the UK called The Treatment.  Check ’em out at http://www.facebook.com/TheTreatmentOfficial These young lads brought some good hard rockin’ party music. They received a decent reaction from the crowd. I personally enjoyed their sound and hard charging energy. It was great to see a new band get this opportunity to open for two music icons. The Treatment will definitely stay on my radar. I hope to make contact with them and try to do an interview on our radio show Bleach Bangs Radio http://www.bleachbangs.com/

MOTLEY CRUE:

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A light wind kicked up and brought a sprinkle of rain with it. One of these gusts blew the curtain aside enough to see Tommy Lee’s rollercoaster drum kit. We were in for an experience with this show. As usual Motley Crue took the stage like madmen. People on stilts, strange costumed individuals, flag bearers all heralded the arrival of THE CRUE!  The stage set up was extraordinary, giant fans, lights, pyro, rollercoasters oh my! The band sounded tight as ever launching into Crue classics that we all know and love. Two songs in however, the house lights came up and the show was paused to announce a severe lightning storm in the area. As if on cue the rain got heavier and lightning indeed began striking near the place. The crowd stood their ground and waited it out. 20 minutes later it was on again. Motley took us through their set with old as well as newer songs. Tommy Lee’s drum solo/roller coaster ride was nothing short of amazing. He even brought a fan up to ride (congrats to Garrett). Nikki Sixx at one point had a flamethrower bass that spouted out a 10 foot flame. Nikki also brought up a young kid who had an Ace Frehley costume and makeup, that was very cool. Mick Mars still had the killer hooks and riffs he is known for. Vince Neil was on solid form leading this wild and crazy show as the ringmaster. Not a disappointing moment in the set. The funniest moment of the night was during “Girls Girls Girls”. They were running pictures of various women throughout history when lo and behold, a JUSTIN BIEBER pic was in the mix! Kudos to MOTLEY CRUE!

KISS

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Like deities from above the force that is KISS descended to the main stage from a platform high above. They hit the stage running and never stopped. The rain was continuous but the fans and KISS didn’t care. This was my first time seeing KISS with Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer in makeup. I was at first was skeptical  about the choice of allowing them to take on the iconic personas of Ace and Peter but by shows end I was impressed. As with The Crue KISS played classic as well as contemporary songs (including “Hell or Hallelujah” from the upcoming MONSTER release. Gene Simmons did his classic moves of breathing fire and blood spitting and it was still as entertaining as when I first saw them done in 1978. Paul Stanley goaded the crowd into screaming his name to encourage him to “fly” out to a small stage in the middle of the venue. Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer put on a spectacular pyro performance which ended with Eric firing off a LAW rocket. Note for note the songs were perfect for the crowd to experience the spectacle of KISS. They closed the house down with their encore of “Rock and Roll All Nite” and literally covered the place in confetti.

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As the final notes of the song echoed away I saw the joy and rapture of satisfied fans. Kiss asked if they could take a picture of them with us the NM KISS ARMY

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It was a very satisfying night of Rock N Roll!!!!

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We love you too KISS!!!

Elvis Presley- a Discussion on the King.

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I was recently discussing music with a brother of mine Josh Reece when the subject turned to Elvis. I have decided to dedicate a blog to talking about the influence Elvis had on music and artists. It has recently come in to my thoughts of why we listen to the music that we do. I can only imagine the stirrings that Elvis felt when he heard  rhythm and blues music for the first time. It must have burned right through him and ignited his spirit. He brought this music to the eyes and ears of the world and tried to share his passion with everyone. This passion caught hold and took the world by storm and carried on in the hearts and souls of others. Some did not find inspiration from him and yet because they tried to NOT sound like him there was STILL an influence. Because of Elvis we got the Beatles who wanted to be Elvis. Because of The Beatles we got Ozzy, Kiss, and so many others who wanted to be The Beatles. So, do yourself a favor and look up some Elvis videos, read some Elvis history and see what it was all about. Here is the video link for “Jailhouse Rock” to get you started:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gj0Rz-uP4Mk

HELLYEAH -Band Of Brothers CD review

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December 08 2004 is a day that is burned in my memory forever. I  remember hearing of the loss of Dime and sitting in disbelief. I cannot even begin to imagine the feelings Vinnie had. If we would’ve never heard from him again it would have been understandable. Yet he soldiered on and gave us Hellyeah. On July 17th 2012 we were treated to the third release Band Of Brothers. Produced by Vinnie and Hellyeah the CD kicks your ass from start to finish. Bringing the brutality one comes to expect from Hellyeah. The standout track for me is “Bigger God” The lyrics  “If I’m taken for granted, I won’t be treated like a fucking dog. Now that I’ve had enough of all of you, I’m going to build a bigger god” just reach me on so many levels. Glad to see Vinnie has chosen to carry on and give us music that is real. Do yourself a favor and grab this CD, see them on tour, and spread the word. HELLYEAH!!! Check out the video for “Band of Brothers” here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2tcYuSwc88 http://www.hellyeahband.com/ http://www.facebook.com/hellyeahband

1. “War In Me” 3:35
2. “Band Of Brothers” 4:45
3. “Rage/Burn” 4:41
4. “Drink Drank Drunk” 3:56
5. “Bigger God” 4:39
6. “Between You And Nowhere” 4:16
7. “Call It Like I See It” 4:00
8. “Why Does It Always” 3:20
9. “WM Free” 5:02
10. “Dig Myself A Hole” 3:15
11. “What It Takes To Be Me” 3:31

Crowned By Fire – Burning up the world!

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Imagine if you will, a secret lab with test tubes, computers, and things beyond comprehension. Hunched over a computer screen, and wearing a “Lemmy is God” t-shirt, is that small quiet unassuming guy you always see standing off to the side at shows. Further imagine, that this guy collected bits and pieces of this and that at those shows and secreted them away to said secret lab. Taking part Motorhead, Black Sabbath, and Black Label Society he created a force of DOOM beyond belief: CROWNED BY FIRE. Now, this didn’t really happen but it seems like it. The first time I listened to “Prone To Destroy” two thoughts went through my head: What the hell just happened and it’s over already? This band and this CD grabs hold and never lets you go. My first go around I pressed replay three times. I shook myself free from the amazement and said out loud, “Why isn’t the world talking about this band?” I then knew my mission: Spread the word to EVERYONE!!! Don’t believe what you just read? http://crownedbyfire.com/  or http://www.facebook.com/CrownedByFire and see for yourself!

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Music has always been a part of my life and I always leaned towards the heavier bands. Times and trends change as does the music world.Some bands tend to gravitate towards where the trends lie and this alienates some fans. Not Crowned By Fire, they stand true to the music that shaped them. Black Sabbath, Motorhead, Ozzy, Black Label Society, Deep Purple are some the Rock Royalty that come to mind when listening to Crowned By Fire.  Prone To Destroy was recorded over the span of  5 weeks in the Tuscan Hills of Florence, Italy at the prestigious Larione 10 Studios. The band signed with  label Digital Media Records in June 2011 with “Prone To Destroy” being released shortly afterward. Album cover artwork was done byartist Sam Shearon. If you want your faith restored in Rock n’ Roll pick this CD up, turn it up to 11, open all the windows, throw your fist in the air, and smile Rock n’ Roll is ALIVE!!!

1. I Spit on your Curse 4:23

2. Sex With A Ghost 5:33

3. Witch In The Window

4. Get Under The dirt 6:03

5. Black Moon Shine 7:40

6. Shake The Bag 5:48

7. I Am The Crime 6:27

8. Tombs Ov Oblivion 7:18

9. As Above So Below 4:47

10. Vulture With a Rifle 4:16

11. Prone To Destroy 5:53

Watch the OFFICIAL video for “Witch in the Window” here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a94gS48VCKQ

Die Hard Till Death – 8 Ball

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Great bunch of guys. I have had the pleasure of getting to know Kurt (bass). These guys are on the move! Check Them out at: http://www.diehardtilldeath.com/ http://www.facebook.com/DieHardTillDeath