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Tag Archives: Dimebag
My conversation with Emperors And Elephants drummer Jason Meudt
Very lucky to have the opportunity to speak with drummer Jason Meudt from Emperors And Elephants. Great conversation and we could have spoken all day. We spoke about the new release ‘Devil In The Lake’ and even premiered a track “Your Will”. Here’s the link for your enjoyment:
Their new CD ‘Devil In The Lake’ has just dropped and you can pick it up world wide
Emperors And Elephants are on the web find them at: https://www.facebook.com/EmperorsandElephants and http://emperorsandelephants.com
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s EMPERORS AND ELEPHANTS!
the Hellion
THE GROUND BENEATH -“SELF TITLED” CD REVIEW
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.
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.
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
2013 was a great year for the Hellion Rocks, bring on 2014!!!
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!!!
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
Steve Civerolo talk about The Ground Beneath “Self Titled”
It’s always a fun time talking with Steve from the Ground Beneath. We got lucky and he gave an exclusive interview about the upcoming TGB release “Self Titled”. He even let us play a track off of the new record. Check it out right here:
Be sure to check out The Ground Beneath online at: https://www.facebook.com/thegroundbeneath http://www.thegroundbeneath.com/
if you happen to be in the Albuquerque, NM area on January the 17th you can experience The Ground Beneath at their CD release show at the Launchpad!
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s THE GROUND BENEATH!!
the hHellion
Happy Holidays from the Hellion Rocks!
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
A discussion about Rock N’ Roll with members of Skinn Jakkitt, Final Curse, The Black Cross Brotherhood, and Death Rattle
Something new to try out.Stevil Helmer and I had a music discussion with members of Skinn Jakkitt, Death Rattle, The Black Cross Brotherhood, and Final Curse. Here it is in all of its glory:
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL…and we love it
the Hellion
Anti-Mortem – Loud, Hungry, and on the move. Live in Albuquerque 11/30/13
L to R
Nevada Romo – Guitar, Levi Dickerson- Drums, Larado Romo – Vocals,Corey Henderson – Bass, Zain Smith – Guitar.
There has a lot of buzz about this hard charging band from Oklahoma, now I know why. I was recently afforded the opportunity to attend and photograph Monster Magnet here in NM and was doubly excited to find out that Anti-Mortem was on the bill as well. We have featured Anti-Mortem on our internet radio show Bleach Bangs Radio which was a lot of fun. Anti-Mortem through their hard work and kick ass music were recently signed to Nuclear Blast Records.
Anti-Mortem seized the stage with power and fury, then proceeded to kick the ass of every person in the crowd. I had heard their music and seen their videos, but those pale in comparison to seeing them live. Rockstar swagger was apparent from the get go. The twin guitar assault of Zain Smith and Nevada Romo were reminiscent of the days of old. While Zain was more stoic and channeling the great Dimebag, Nevada was full of old school swagger reminding me of a younger Zakk Wylde.
Zain Smith
Nevada Romo
Larado Romo delivered on all fronts as the front man. Engaging the crowd and drawing them in to the show. His powerful vocals complimented the music and then some. Gritty, and with a kind of southern feel, Larado gets the job done.
Larado Romo
The rhythm section of Anti-Mortem keeps everything locked together nice and tight. Levi Dickerson worked the drum kit with a combination of style and finesse coupled with brutality. Old school drumming at its best, no bullshit just great drumming. Corey Henderson brought to mind some of the great rock bassists, Steve Harris, Rex Brown, Jason Newsted. Delivering the goods with enough style and flair to keep everyone interested.
Levi Dickerson
Corey Henderson
Anti-Mortem is band on the move with big things in store. Be sure to catch them on tour right now with Monster Magnet. I listened to the crowd after their set and the general consensus was “THEY KICKED ASS!!! Check out their video for “Stagnant Water” right here:
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ANTI-MORTEM!!!
the Hellion
COMING SOON! The debut CD DEVIL IN THE LAKE from EMPERORS AND ELEPHANTS
Emperors and Elephants is releasing the debut album January 21st!!! Stayed tuned here for exclusive updates and news!!!
wanna teaser????:
are YOU ready?
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s EMPERORS AND ELEPHANTS!!!
-the Hellion
Road trip to ROCK N’ ROLL – KILL DEVIL HILL!!!
I cannot say enough good things about Kill Devil Hill. Paul Gargano of Century Media made sure I received the new CD Revolution Rise for review, set up an interview with vocalist Dewey Bragg, and arranged for me to shoot their show and meet with the guys. Thank you Paul and Century Media. Here is the interview link in case you missed it:
I have to give thanks to Rancid Savage Productions for making it possible for my very good friend guitarist Mike Araiza (Of The Earth, Frank Hannon Band) to attend the show with me.
ROADTRIP!!!
I want to thank my friends guitarist Mike Araiza (Of The Earth, Frank Hannon Band) and vocalist Dion Tejada (Scars Blue) for sharing this epic road trip with me. We talked music, life, and basically had a great time. It was reminiscent of the glory days of Rock concerts. The vibe were chill, the road music was great, and the conversation flowed.
We rolled up to the historic El Morro Theater in Gallup, NM and saw the infamous Dimebag tour bus. From that moment we knew we were in for a kickass night of Rock N’ Roll!
the Dime bus!
We parked the Hellionmobile and walked to the venue as cool as we could. As we passed a small cafe we saw the legendary Vinny Appice sitting there on his laptop. We got to the venue and found it locked and the guest list was not available yet so we just chilled a bit. I called my friend Rob Traynor (vocals/guitars for Black Water Rising who was on the bill) and he said he’d meet us in a few. It was then we were told to go around the back and come on in. The bands were still loading in and equipment was everywhere and we were geeked for a killer show. My brother Mike Araiza offered to use one of my cameras and shoot from a different angle than me. It was a welcome addition to my show shoot and Mike managed to squeeze in 2400 shots!! Thanks Mike, much love brother!
El Morro theater preshow!
First up on the bill was local Gallup band Testify. Identifying with their local heritage this young band brought some seriously good music to the mix. Definitely looking forward to more from these guys.
Testify
Ahhh BlinDDryve, a band near and dear to my heart. I have seen this Albuquerque band grow and evolve into the powerhouse that they are today. They delivered a great set today and left the crowd wanting more.
BlinDDryve
Revocation is a band new to me and I have already interviewed them and caught them twice. Hard, aggressive, and LOUD!!! Revocation is a band on the move in a big way. Kicking ass and taking name is their game. Don’t miss out on them if they come your way.
Revocation
I was busy with something menial the first time I heard Black Water Rising, and it grabbed my attention fully. “Brother Go On” was the track and I was hooked. I found the CD and stayed in touch with what they were up to. Eventually I was able to do a phone interview with vocalist/guitarist Rob Traynor. I stayed in touch with Rob and was excited to hear about their new release Pissed And Driven. It was with great pleasure when I heard they were on the bill for this show. I will be doing a feature piece on them and their set.
Black Water Rising
A lot of people were excited to see this band and they drew a positive crowd response. New, fresh, with solid shared vocals and hooks, this band has been making waves across the globe. A band for the new world Eyes Set To Kill is coming to your ears soon.
Eyes Set To Kill
Vinny Appice, Rex Brown, Dewey Bragg, and Mark Zavon are collectively known as Kill Devil Hill. The crew closed the curtains as the crowd prepared themselves for complete devastation from the band. The crowd roared as the curtains finally opened and the band exploded on stage.
Kill Devil Hill
Having heard both of the KDH records I knew the sound that the band had in the studio and was stoked to see what they sounded like live, I was not disappointed. The band was stellar with their live performance. While true to the songs from the records, they infused them with the magic one can only see in a live show. Rex Brown played to the crowd drawing them in to the show and feeding off of their energy.
Rex Brown firing up the crowd
The legendary Vinny Appice brought the thunder to Gallup, NM that night. Pure magic came from behind the kit as Vinny pounded out the songs of Kill Devil Hill. We owe Vinny a debt of gratitude for giving us this incredible new music.
Vinny Appice the legend!
Mark Zavon has some serious chops. This is guitarist that I feel is seriously underrated and then some. From shred to clean riffs Mark did it all effortlessly. Although Mark is a newcomer to most people, he took the stage with swagger and confidence many veterans of the stage do not. He is rapidly becoming one of my favorite players.
Mark Zavon owning the stage
And then there’s Dewey Bragg, my favorite new vocalist. There is a magic in his voice and you can feel it reach into you when you listen to the songs of Kill Devil Hill. From brain shattering screams to haunting harmonies Dewey hits it all. The thing about Dewey is that he sees his voice as an instrument and treats it accordingly, and it shows. Besides the voice and the company he keeps Dewey remains humble and grateful. I asked him in our recent interview if he ever looks around while on stage and says damn that’s Rex Brown and damn that’s Vinny Appice, his repsonse: : “Every Night”.
Dewey Bragg filling our ears with joy
Kill Devil Hill are a classy group of gentlemen indeed. After busting their asses onstage they took the time to hang out and meet the crowd, take pictures and sign stuff for them. The Crowd lined up in anticipation and you could see the joy on their faces as Rex, Vinny, Mark, and Dewey acknowledged them even if for only a moment.
Rex Brown and Dion Tejada
Vinny Appice with a fan
Kill Devil Hill with some VIP purchasers
Rex Brown with the Hellion
As a bonus to people attending these shows Rita Haney (DimebagzHag) is running the merch table for Kill Devil Hill. She took the time to talk, sign things, and take pictures with the fans. A class act indeed.
Rita Haney with a fan
Rita Haney with Mike Araiza
And then it was all over and everyone had to go back to their regular lives, but at least, they were all carrying the magic of the nights show with them into their dreams.
Thanks to all of the bands for delivering a great night of Rock N’ Roll!!! Thanks Mike Araiza and Dion Tejada for the company!
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL
the Hellion
the Hellion Rocks 