Tag Archives: Clutch

Clutch Frontman, Ex Black Sabbath Drummer Join Forces In Dunsmuir

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Remember those great concept albums like The Wall, Tommy, 2112, Operation Mindcrime…you get my drift. Well Dunsmuir has a brought a new one into the mix with their upcoming release Dunsmuir.

In case you’ve been leading a sheltered life in a bomb shelter, here’s the lowdown on Dunsmuir: Neil Fallon (Clutch) on vocals, Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath, Heaven And Hell) on drums, Brad Davis (Fu Manchu) on bass, and Dave Bone (The Company Band)on guitar, have put their various talents together to form Dunsmuir, and the result is FANTASTIC to say the least.

Dunsmuir tells the tale of the various fates met by the survivors of a 19th century ship wreck.  What had been intended as a voyage of scientific discovery, quickly devolves into a struggle to survive the natural world, and the supernatural. This tale is successfully told by the mood and tempo of the 10 tracks on this album:

1. Hung On the Rocks
2. Our Only Master
3. The Bats (Are Hungry Tonight)
4. What Manner of Bliss
5. Deceiver
6. …and Madness
7. Orb of Empire
8. Church of the Tooth
9. The Gate
10. Crawling Chaos

     The album has a straightforward no bullshit Rock N’ Roll feel to it. Great mix of vocals, guitar,  bass, and drums with one not overshadowing the other. The mix is stellar and you don’t lose anything when you crank it to outrageous volume. The flow is great as the story is told. The lyrics do a great job of placing you within the story of the brave adventurers of the tale and it translates well. This is an album that is worthy of a road trip with the volume and the windows down AND an evening at home with your favorite beverage and a great pair of headphones. While meant to be taken as a whole, there are a few tracks that call out to me: “Hung On the Rocks” with its catchy licks and chorus reaches out and tickles my ears. “Crawling Chaos” embodies chaos in your ears and yet somehow makes sense. “Church of the Tooth” carries with it an ominous doomy sound which I thoroughly enjoy.

     Dunsmuir delivers some solid Rock N’ Roll in a time when others have given Rock its death sentence. This album gives the middle finger to the naysayers and does its part in proving them wrong.

     Their self titled full length album is set to be released July 22nd via Hall Of Records with presale to begin on July 8th.   The album will be released digitally via iTunes only and the LP will only have a pressing of 1,000 copies with a signed lithograph poster of the album cover and available only at:  http://www.indiemerch.com/Dunsmuir

    Facebook:  www.facebook.com/DunsmuirBand
Instagram:  http://www.instagram.com/dunsmuirband
Twitter:        http://www.twitter.com/DunsmuirBand
Official:        http://www.dunsmuirband.com
YouTube:    http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCav_GlS4rhekNZsOZTp3SzA

          You DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS ONE!!!

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

     -the Hellion

 

 

CLUTCH ANNOUNCE 2016 U.S. TOUR WITH ZAKK SABBATH & KYNG

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June 15th, 2016 – Clutch continues their Psychic Warfare World Tour 2016.  Headline tour dates for September-October are in.  The group will be heading back on the road this Fall headlining another leg of their US tour. Supporting the tour will be Zakk Sabbath and Los Angeles based metal band Kyng. Including 2 festival appearances, the trek will begin in Buffalo, NY at the The Town Ballroom on September 28th and conclude in Worcester, MA at The Palladium on October 30th.
 
Clutch lead vocalist Neil Fallon commented “We are pleased to announce that this Fall Clutch will be hitting the road again in the U.S..  This time with Zakk Sabbath and Kyng. Clutch toured with Black Label Society a few years back and it was a blast –  and no doubt, this one will be a blast as well.  We hope to see you all there!”
 
Psychic Warfare is the latest and eleventh studio effort from Clutch.  The disc debuted at No. 11 on the Billboard 200, No. 2 on the Billboard Independent,  No. 1 on the Billboard Hard Rock and Billboard Rock charts.  On Record Store Day this past April 16th Clutch released a limited edition numbered etched vinyl 12 inch that included two previously unreleased tracks from the Psychic Warfare sessions:  “Mad Sidewinder” and “Outland Special Clearance“.   Psychic Warfare was produced by longtime producer Machine (Lamb Of God, Every Time I Die).   
 
Zakk Sabbath, bring their take on Black Sabbath songs on the road for the first time ever.  The band features  guitarist/vocalist Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society, Ozzy Osbourne), bassist Rob “Blasko” Nicholson (Ozzy Osbourne, Rob Zombie) and drummer Joey Castillo (Danzig, Queens Of The Stone Age).   Kyng, the Los Angeles based metal trio, will be supporting their 3rd release and follow up to 2014’s Burn The Serum.
 
Pre-sale tickets will be on sale today (June 15th) at 12PM local time with public on sale beginning Friday, June  17 at 10AM local time.  Pre-sale tickets are available here: Tickets.artistarena.com/clutch 
For all other information, visit the Clutch website (www.pro-rock.com).
 
Clutch, Zakk Sabbath, Kyng 2016 Tour Dates
 
09/28 – Buffalo, NY @ The Town Ballroom
09/30 – Lakewood, NJ @ First Energy Park – Rock Carnival *
10/01 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
10/02 – Louisville, KY @ Champions Park – Louder Than Life *
10/04 – Lake Buena Vista, FL @ House of Blues
10/05 – Atlanta, GA @ The Buckhead Theatre
10/07 – Raleigh, NC @ Lincoln Theatre Street Stage
10/08 – Columbus, OH @ Express Live
10/10 – Little Rock, AR @ Metroplex
10/11 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom
10/12 – Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater
10/14 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Novo
10/15 – Las Vegas, NV @ Brooklyn Bowl
10/16 – San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom
10/18 – Boulder, CO @ Boulder Theater
10/20 – Kansas City, MO @ Uptown Theater
10/21 – Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
10/22 – Sioux City, IA @ Anthem at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
10/24 – Columbia, MO @ The Blue Note ** NO Zakk Sabbath
10/25 – Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
10/27 – Madison, WI @ Orpheum Theater
10/28 – Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore
10/29 – Clifton Park, NY @Upstate Concert Hall
10/30 – Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
 
* festival appearance 
 
CLUTCH:
Neil Fallon – Vocals/Guitar
Tim Sult – Guitar
Dan Maines – Bass
Jean-Paul Gaster – Drums/Percussion

                                                  

 
For more  information, check out the band’s website:
 
Official: www.pro-rock.com
 
You know I’ll be there!!! – the Hellion

The top 10 of 2015

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     2015 is over but it brought us some great new music. Here are my top 10 in no particular order, enjoy:

Stryper – Fallen

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Stryper’s new release, Fallen, is a supercharged release to say the least. For a band that has been around for 32 years they have continued to impress. This record is full of killer riffs and powerhouse vocals. I am totally impressed by the production quality of this record. I was even surprised to see a Black Sabbath cover on here “After Forever” is done very well by Stryper.  The track that grabs hold and will not let go is “Fallen” :

     Check out Stryper online:

https://www.facebook.com/Stryper/?fref=ts

http://www.stryper.com/

Ugly Kid Joe – Uglier Than They Used Ta Be

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     Ahhh Ugly Kid Joe, 19 years after Motel California UKJ is back with a full album. These hold a very special place in my heart and always will. This record shows that UKJ has not lost a bit of the attitude that made them so great. This is rock n’ roll pure and undistilled. The stand out here is “Hell Ain’t Hard To Find”:

     Ugly Kid Joe online:

https://www.facebook.com/uglykidjoetheband/?fref=ts

http://www.uglykidjoe.net/

Throw The Temple – No Way But Down

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     Throw The Temple is a hard working band that takes itself serious without being serious about it. Believe me, every move they make is calculated and planned. After seeing them perform for several years they have finally put out and album to be proud of. Full of deep lyrics and catchy tunes ( I even persuaded them to provide the theme song for the Hellion Rocks) this is an album which should be garnering national attention. Enjoy the video for “We Got It Goin'” right here:

     Throw The Temple online:

https://www.facebook.com/throwthetemple/?fref=ts

http://www.throwthetemple.com/

Devil City Angels – Devil City Angels

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     This record was a complete surprise to me. While technically a “supergroup” it sounds nothing like one. I was ina bad mood the first time I played this record, by the end not so much. This is just a feel good record that you can tell was fun to make.  Comprised of the legendary Tracii Guns, Rudy Sarzo, Rikki Rockett, and Brandon Gibbs, this is a DO NOT MISS record. Here’s the video for “Boneyard”:

     Devil City Angels online:

https://www.facebook.com/DevilCityAngels/

Motorhead – Bad Magic

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     Motörhead has always been a guilty pleasure for me. I have always listened to them and probably always will. I have seen the fairweather fans come and go as the trends change. I was extremely saddened to hear of the deaths of Lemmy and Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor. This final album from Motörhead is to savor and enjoy.  Take a listen to “Electricity” and pay your respects:

       Motörhead online:

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMotorhead/?fref=ts

http://www.imotorhead.com/tablet/index.html

Skulldron – Through The Smoke

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     Skulldron rocks, plain and simple. I have known these guys for years and years and enjoyed them immensely. Skulldron falls into the Stoner/Doom metal category and they do it so very well. This is a band that NEEDS some worldwide acclaim. This is another record that SHOULD be in your collection. Well crafted and put together Through The Smoke takes you on a trip to a very cool place in your head. Take a peek at G.O.A.T. :

     Skulldron online:

https://www.facebook.com/skulldron/?fref=ts

http://skulldron.com/

Clutch – Psychic Warfare

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     Clutch is band that, to me, everyone should be running to the store and buying all of their records. Firing on all cylinders and then some,  Clutch  simply rules. This album continues Clutch’s streak of aggressive, hard charging rock. I have one thing to say about Clutch, if you don’t like them, you haven’t listened  to them. Psychic Warfare is a great record to introduce you to the awesomeness that is Clutch. “X-Ray Visions” will whet your appetite:

     Clutch online:

 https://www.facebook.com/Clutchband/?fref=ts

http://www.pro-rock.com/

Dellacoma – South Of Everything

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     Dellacoma Rio, vocalist for Dellacoma is one of the hardest working men in rock n’ roll. Hailing from Australia, Del continually works on world domination. Putting together an outstanding band of three world class musicians: Art Struck, Matt Cook, and Rick Reynolds,  Dellacoma wrote and recorded a well crafted piece of art. No frill, no filler, just straight up feel good music. This is my pick for road music of the year. Put this on, roll down the windows,  and hit the road. Let me show you what I mean:

     Dellacoma online:

https://www.facebook.com/dellacoma

http://www.dellacoma.com/

Red Sky Mary – River Child

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     Red Sky Mary was an accidental find for me. I was completely taken aback by the soul in this young band. It was as if someone jumped into a time machine and collected the DNA from several 70’s bands and somehow fused them into Red Sky Mary. I find so much depth and beauty in this record it amazes me that their are bands still making music that you can truly feel. Here is the latest from Red Sky Mary:

     Red Sky Mary online:

https://www.facebook.com/redskymary/

http://www.redskymary.com/

Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators – Live at the Roxy 9.25.14

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     Slash and crew deliver on this live recording from the Roxy. I f you have never had the chance to catch them live this is the next best thing. Relaxed and fun this record showcases Slash’s and Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators talent. With songs that span throughout Slash’s career from GNR, Velvet Revolver, through today this one is a winner. My favorite track from this record:

 

Slash and the boys online:

https://www.facebook.com/Slash/

http://www.slashonline.com/

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

     -the Hellion

MASTODON & CLUTCH: NEW DATES ADDED TO THE MISSING LINK TOUR‏

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ADDITIONAL DATES ADDED TO MASTODON & CLUTCH

THE MISSING LINK TOUR

 

GRAVEYARD WILL SUPPORT / BIG BUSINESS TO SUPPORT WHERE NOTED

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February 17, 2015 – (Burbank, CA) – As previously announced, Mastodon and Clutch join forces for THE MISSING LINK TOUR along with special guests Graveyard and Big Business – each taking part of the tour as support.Together, this night of heavy rockwill be one of the heaviest and most exciting concert events of the year. Shows have been added in Honolulu on April 4th (tickets are on sale now) and Detroit on May 23rd (tickets on sale Feb 20th).

 

Neil Fallon (singer of Clutch) responded: “When we first announced the Missing Link itinerary it was received with a lot of excitement. It also received a good deal of consternation regarding the lack of a Detroit date. Myself included.  So, we’re happy to announce that there is now a Detroit gig on May, 23rd at the Freedom Hill Amphitheater. See ya there.”

 

Support will be provided by Big Business, who recently supported Mastodon throughout a sold-out European tour. Sweden’s Graveyard will then take over the main support slot, starting in Los Angeles on April 29th and continuing throughout the remaining dates, closing out the tour in Columbus, OH onMay 24th.  Tickets are on sale now.

 

Mastodon and Clutch share a longtime friendship as fans will recall Clutch frontman, Neil Fallon, contributed vocals to “Blood And Thunder” (from Mastodon’s 2004’s Leviathan) so their fans can expect surprises in store throughout the tour as they rumble across North America. THE MISSING LINK TOUR will feature full sets from both Mastodon and Clutch. Clutch will close the show onApril 24th in Vancouver, May 10th in Pittsburgh, May 15th in Bethlehem, May 16th in Baltimore and also the final night of the tour, May 24th in Columbus. Mastodon will close all other shows.  For further info on Mastodon, go to: http://www.mastodonrocks.com/.  For further info on Clutch go tohttp://www.pro-rock.com

Revered Maryland rockers Clutch have been pushing the boundaries that define heavy rock music since the 4 original members got together in high school. Clutch is an unmatched musical force that has been best described as “the quintessential American Rock Band”. Clutch released their tenth and latest studio album Earth Rocker via their own label Weathermaker Music on March 16, 2013. The album entered the Billboard Top 200 chart at #15 giving the band their highest chart position to date.

 

Mastodon’s sixth studio album, the universally praised, ONCE MORE ‘ROUND THE SUN, entered the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart at the #6 position on June 24, 2014, also their highest chart debut of their career.  ONCE MORE ‘ROUND THE SUN has rightfully been placed in many Year End Critics & fan BEST OF 2014 lists including those in Rolling Stone, Revolver, Magnet, Decibel, CMJand many more. At present Mastodon has remained on the CMJ Loud Rock charts for the 26th week in a row. When OMRTS was placed No. 8 on Rolling Stone‘s “Top 20 Metal Albums of 2014” list, they summed up the success of the album stating, “The bold hooks and sharply defined riffs of Mastodon’s sixth studio full-length makes it easy to hear this album as their evolution from prog-sludge wizards to straight-ahead hard rockers – but the reality is actually far more, er, complex… Ultimately, the best part of Sun is Mastodon’s ability to make hooky and visceral music without sacrificing either their metallic muscle or their innate weirdness.”

 

Clutch’s Earth Rocker reached #1 on the Rock Chart and #4 on iTunes’ overall Top 100 album chart. Earth Rocker was awarded “Album of The Year” by Metal Hammer and garnered a Top 10 spot on Rolling Stone’s “Top 20 Metal Albums of the Year”. Rolling Stone further enthused:  “Four Maryland lifers – road dogs who’ve been grinding since the early Fugazi administration, cranking out  seething admixtures of jam-band chops, careening blues-punk riffs and singer Neil Fallon’s nerdy, piss-taking wiseass lyrics – release their hardest rocking set to date. Look for a go-go break (and some clever punning on the phrase “drop the bomb!”) on “D.C. Sound Attack!” Inspirational verse: “If you’re gonna do it/ do it live on stage/ or don’t do it at all.”

 

Clutch is currently working on their follow up to Earth Rocker which will be released in 2015.

 

Confirmed dates for THE MISSING LINK TOUR are as follows:

 

 *Mastodon Closes The Evening.  **Clutch Closes The Evening

# indicates newly added tour date.

 

# Apr 4             Honolulu, HI                The Republik (not part of THE MISSING LINK – on sale NOW)

Apr 16              *St. Paul, MN                 Myth

Apr 17             * Winnipeg, MB               The Burton Cummings Theatre

Apr 18              *Saskatoon, SK              O’Brian’s Events Center

Apr 19             * Edmonton, AB               Expo Centre

Apr 21             * Calgary, AB                   MacEwan Hall

Apr 23             * Vancouver, BC              Commodore Ballroom (SOLD OUT)

Apr 24              **Vancouver, BC             Commodore Ballroom (SOLD OUT)

Apr 25              *Portland, OR                  Roseland

Apr 26              *Seattle, WA                   Showbox SODO

Apr 28             *Oakland, CA                   Fox Theater

Apr 29              *Los Angeles, CA           Palladium

Apr 30             *Tempe, AZ                     Marquee Theater

May 01             *Las Vegas, NV              House of Blues

May 02             *Salt Lake City, UT         The Complex

May 03             *Denver, CO                   Red Rock’s Amphitheatre

May 05             *San Antonio, TX            Kapone’s Ballroom

May 06             *Oklahoma City, OK        Diamond Ballroom

May 08             Atlanta, GA                      Shaky Knees Festival

May 09             *Raleigh, NC                    Lincoln Theatre Street Stage

May 10             **Pittsburgh, PA               Stage AE

May 12             *Clive, IA (Des Moines)   7 Flags

May 13             *Milwaukee, WI                Eagles Ballroom Club Stage

May 15             **Bethlehem, PA              Sands Event Center

May 16             **Baltimore, MD               Pier Six Pavilion

May 17             *Boston, MA                    House of Blues

May 19             *New York, NY                Central Park Summerstage

May 20             *Niagara Falls, NY           Rapids Theatre

May 21             *London, ON                    London Music Hall

# May 23           **Sterling Heights, MI   Freedom Hall – (Tix on sale Feb 20)

May 24             **Columbus, OH              LC Pavilion

 

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

     -the Hellion

Kyng To Release New Studio Album Burn The Serum On April 15th On Razor & Tie; First Song Stream On Revolver Now‏

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KYNG TO RELEASE NEW STUDIO ALBUM BURN THE SERUM ON APRIL 15TH ON RAZOR & TIE
 Hear First Track “Burn The Serum” Now On Revolver
(New York, NY) – Southern California rock trio Kyng will release their new studio album, Burn The Serum (Razor & Tie ) on April 15th.  Burn The Serum was produced by Andrew Alekel(Foo Fighters, No Doubt, Queens of The Stone Age, Clutch) and James A. Rota (Sound City) and was recorded at Grandmaster Recorders LTD and Sword & Shield in Hollywood, CA as well as at Studio 606 in Northridge, CA.
Hear the first song off the album “Burn The Serum” now at Revolver.
Kyng’s Eddie Veliz explains the song, “Burn The Serum is one of the best songs that the guys and I have written so far. It’s extremely honest in the subject matter and the riff.”
On their second full-length album and first for Razor & Tie, the band harks back to the essence of heavy rock ‘n’ roll, forging thunderous percussion to lightning hot riffs driven by a divine vocal howl. At the same time, they keep their eyes wide open towards the future. Kyng find grandiosity in simplicity. The Los Angeles outfit may only boast three members—Eddie Veliz [vocals/guitar], Pepe Clarke [drums], and Tony Castaneda [bass/backup vocals]—but their collective roar could easily tip the Southern California Richter Scale.
Formed in 2008, Kyng broke out of the City of Angels in 2011 with the group’s independent debut Trampled Sun.  The album landed shining critical acclaim for its “California Heavy” sound merging the metallic meanderings of Soundgarden and Queens of the Stone Age with the timeless scope of Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin. They hit the road with everybody from The Sword and Clutch to Trivium and Megadeth—even being picked to play at Metallica’s first-everOrion Music + More festival. Loudwire raved, “a hard hitting fusion of rocking goodness,” andUltimate-Guitar added, “if they keep churning out records as good as Trampled Sun, they will be mentioned right up there with Mastodon and the like.”
KYNG wrapped up 2013 with the Hellpop Tour with In This Moment, Motionless In Whiteand All Hail The Yeti and will hit the road in 2014 to support of Burn The Serum (tour dates below).  .

 

KYNG Tour Dates
April 26 – Fort Meyers, FL – Fort Rock
April 27 – Jacksonville, FL – Metropolitan Park
May 2 – Virginia Beach, VA – Farm Bureau Live
May 3 – Concord, NC – Charlotte Motor  Speedway
May 10 – Bangor, ME – Darlings Waterfront Pavilion
May 16– Columbus, OH – Columbus Crew Stadium Rock on The Range

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

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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

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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

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

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     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

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     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

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     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

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     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

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     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

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     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

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     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

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     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

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     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

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     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

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     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

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     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

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     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

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     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

Thank you to Revolver Magazine!!!

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I was recently given the opportunity to give shout out to some of my favorite bands in the pages of Revolver Magazine! It was an honor to be able to mention Black Label Society, Corrosion Of conformity, Down, Clutch, Crowned By Fire, All Hail The Yeti, Gypsyhawk, and my Brothers in Scattered Hamlet. These are bands that are close to my heart and in my ears daily. Check out these Awesome bands:

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www.blacklabelsociety.com
https://www.facebook.com/blacklabelsociety?fref=ts

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http://www.coc.com
https://www.facebook.com/corrosionofconformity

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http://www.down-nola.com
https://www.facebook.com/down

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http://pro-rock.com
https://www.facebook.com/Clutchband?fref=ts

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http://www.crownedbyfire.com/
https://www.facebook.com/CrownedByFire?fref=ts

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http://www.allhailtheyeti.com
https://www.facebook.com/officialallhailtheyeti?fref=ts

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http://www.metalblade.com/gypsyhawk/
https://www.facebook.com/Gypsyhawkusa?fref=ts

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http://www.scatteredhamlet.com
https://www.facebook.com/ScatteredHamlet?fref=ts

 

I was also given the chance to give a shout out to the late great Randy Rhoads and how lucky I was to have seen him play before his tragic passing. Thanks Revolver Magazine, thanks from the bottom of my heart!!

 

the Hellion