Tag Archives: Dimebag

My conversation with KILL DEVIL HILL vocalist Dewey Bragg

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Lightning struck when  Kill Devil Hill exploded on the scene with their debut record in 2012. Lightning struck twice with the release of their sophomore album Revolution Rise. It was with great excitement when I received an email from Paul Gargano from Century Media, that contained Revolution Rise for me to review. A few weeks later Paul and I were able to arrange an interview with vocalist Dewey Bragg. Dewey and I had  a casual conversation rather than an interview and we discussed a myriad of things. Here is the link for your enjoyment:

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Be sure and pick up BOTH Kill Devil Hill records, catch them on tour in support of the new release Revolution Rise. They are on the web at https://www.facebook.com/KillDevilHillMusic?ref=br_tf and http://www.killdevilhillmusic.com/ Kill Devil Hill is breathing life back into serious Rock N’ Roll as we speak!!!

it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s KILL DEVIL HILL!!!

-the Hellion

Even more to come!!!

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at the Aria Booth - NAMM 2013

at the Aria Booth – NAMM 2013  – photo by Charlie “MF'” Owens

 

Spent the weekend chilling with the family and enjoying my birthday weekend. Remembering the loss of Cliff on my birthday, and just slowing down for a minute. Now, looking forward: We have tons of killer interviews in the works, shows we are going to shoot and review, CD’s to write about, and new bands to put into your heads. I am amazed at the growth of this site in a year. Thanks to all who support and have given us the opportunity to do what we love. Please hit us up with bands, features you’d like to see and your take on the site, love to hear from ya! Remember, the Hellion Rocks and Bleach Bangs Radio love you all!

-the Hellion

PET PEEVES: Who’s your favorite/best guitarist?

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There are so many polls, questions, battles, etc., etc., on who’s the best guitarist. I feel that this is a question that can never be truly asked or answered. In my opinion each and every guitarist that I listen to is distinctly different. I often wonder what Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, Zakk Wylde, Tony Iommi, Dimebag, Randy Rhoads, and many more, would think (or would have thought) of all of these comparisons. For me, there is such joy in the diversity of styles in rock n’ roll. If everyone tried to sound like each other what would be the point? I say enjoy the bad ass guitarists that are out there and do yourself a favor and seek out the new crop of players that are trying their hardest to be heard. I just had to put this out there after seeing all of the recent polls and battles out there. Now, let’s talk about some  axe slingers you should be listening to.

     Justin Manning:

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Justin is the guitarist for the band Crowned By Fire. Incredible riffs, blinding speed, and a certain uniqueness in style make Justin a player to watch. check Justin and Crowned By Fire in the video for “Witch In The Window” : 

 Redd Yoachum:

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Redd is the lead guitarist for Scattered Hamlet. Redd plays with an old soul. He makes you feel the music that he plays, his passion fills your ears with sonic joy. I feel the guitar heroes who have passed on are smiling down on Redd. Here is the live version of “Skeleton Dixie”: 

 Craw Cajun:

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Craw is the guitarist for All Hail The Yeti. Craw is another one of those guitarists that when they play it gets right into your soul. All Hail The Yeti’s self titled release  was my top CD for 2012. This is a band on the move and Craw is a player headed for legendary status. Check out Craw’s playing in “The Art Of Mourning” : 

These are but three of my favorite guitarists that I feel should be getting more attention in the world. If you have any by all means bring to my attention! You can reach me at janaya64@msn.com or on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/theHellionRocks

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

the Hellion

ROCK THE SOLDIERS PROJECT!!

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     ATTENTION ALL BANDS!!! 

Music has helped me get through a lot of hard times in my life. I know our troops across the globe are having some rough times as well. I am starting this project to get bands to sign copies of their CDs and send them to me so I can in turn send them to the various branches of the military around the world. I believe a signed CD would help to lift their spirits and give them a moment or two of joy to their stressful days.

Please if you want to get involved send signed CDs to:

James Anaya

“Rock The Soldiers Project”

PO Box 2055

Moriarty, NM 87035

     This is a not for profit endeavor I just want to spread the gift  of music  to those in service to our great country. Thanks!

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

     the Hellion

 

PHILIP H. ANSELMO Talks Record Store Day and the Comeback of Vinyl Records with FORBES MAGAZINE‏

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PHILIP H. ANSELMO Talks Record Store Day and the Comeback of Vinyl Records with FORBES MAGAZINE

Earlier this week, Forbes Magazine (Forbes.com) posted an in-depth piece on the comeback of vinyl and Record Store Day, written by Tim Clark. In a time where people are quick to label the current state of the music industry as “failing” or “experiencing a downfall”, Tim Clark points out that the independent record store experience illustrates otherwise.

 

Down vocalist and Housecore Records CEO Philip H. Anselmo was interviewed for the piece, and gave his personal thoughts on the rise in record store activity and how it supports growth in the music business and community. As one of the leading voices of the recent indie label and independent music takeover, Forbes looked to Anselmo has a voice of authority.

 

From Forbes piece: “When he was younger, Anselmo used to constantly scour underground record stores and to this day still believes in the vinyl format. “Record Store Day promotes this type of passion of having the actual product in your hand instead of just a download,” said Anselmo. “I love having the full album, art, lyrics and I think vinyl sounds better. And as a label owner, it makes me happy to see that people slowly but surely want to have this tangible copy in their hands instead of a free [expletive] download, which is driving me [expletive] bananas.”

 

Record Store Day is now celebrated on the third Saturday every April is the one day that all of the independently owned record stores come together with artists to celebrate the art of music. Forbes calls Record Store Day, “an industry phenomenon.”

 

To read the full article, visit this direct location.

 

Guitarist Randy “The Arsonist” Cooper talks about past, present, and the future.

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I met Randy a few years back and was amazed by his playing and his style. I stayed in sort of a disjointed contact with him through the internet throughout that time. I found out in passing that we shared some common friends in the music world. Randy even played on my good friends Scattered Hamlets’ new release Skeleton Dixie. Randy and I finally caught up and had a great conversation about the events in his life. Enjoy and leave some feedback!

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

the Hellion

Chad Erickson’s CARVED ROCK LEATHER!!!

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     I have met many great people in the music community Chad Erickson is one of them. He has made awesome leather works for a lot of people in the music world. He recently made a custom leather cuff for me with the Hellion logo. Check out his page and give him a like at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carvedrockleather/

Adam Joad from Scattered Hamlet guitar strap.

Randy “The Arsonist” Cooper guitar strap

the Hellion custom cuff

custom strap for Justin Manning from Crowned By Fire!

THE MERCILESS BOOK OF METAL LISTS: New Quote Snippets from Kerry King and Philip Anselmo Released!‏

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THE MERCILESS BOOK OF METAL LISTS: New Quote Snippets from Kerry King and Philip Anselmo Released!

 

Hitting Stores April 9, 2013 — Written by NYC Music Scene Veterans Howie Abrams and Sacha Jenkins

 

Featuring Exclusive Photography by Iconic East Coast Photographer Frank White

 

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“The Merciless Book Of Metal Lists, compiled by Howie Abrams and Sacha Jenkins, is the ultimate look at the world of heavy metal via the ease and convenience of a list. No stone is left unturned here, and I mean no stone. If you think you have a list about metal that isn’t in this book, chances are you’re wrong. Both Jenkins and Abrams have exhaustively researched and brainstormed Merciless and delivered a look at their beloved genre that is informative and fun.” – Iann Robinson, CraveOnline.com

THE MERCILESS BOOK OF METAL LISTS, written by NYC music scene veterans Howie Abrams and Sacha Jenkins, is set to be released on April 9, 2013. Touted as being “the most opinionated compendium ever written concerning Heavy Metal”, THE MERCILESS BOOK OF METAL LISTS is comprised of 208 jam-packed pages representing all that is glorious across the world of Heavy Metal. The book features dozens of never-before-seen photographs from iconic East Coast photographer Frank White.

The foreword for THE MERCILESS BOOK OF METAL LISTS comes from one of the most respected names in the genre, Slayer guitarist extraordinaire Kerry King, with a candid and passionate afterword from Pantera/Down frontman Philip Anselmo.

“This book will appeal to metalheads because it’s what they love. They’ll get to laugh at the industry and at themselves. Any information is good information, and metal kids want it.” – Kerry King (Slayer)

“I am an unabashed heavy metal fan, and I know as well as anyone, that metal fans can be an extremely loyal lot. But we are a very critical lot too. With each new movement, a new, defiant, outspoken, and sovereign audience is born. Music is older than all of us, so its history is ours to writhe in and absorb.” – Philip Anselmo(Pantera/Down)

There are numerous other contributions from key metal luminaries and industry personnel like:

Scott Ian (Anthrax)

Gary Holt (Exodus)

Max Cavalera (Sepultura/Soulfly)

Katon W. DePena (Hirax)

John Gallagher (Raven)

Danny Lilker (Nuclear Assault/SOD)

Eddie Trunk (That Metal Show)

Jon & Marsha Zazula (Megaforce Records)

Brian Slagel (Metal Blade Records)

Flemming Rasmussen (Metallica Producer)

ILL BILL (Heavy Metal Kings/La Coka Nostra)

MC Serch (3rd Bass)

Richard Christy (Charred Walls of the Damned/The Howard Stern Show)

Monte Conner (Roadrunner Records/Nuclear Blast Records)

Borivoj Krgin (Blabbermouth.net)

Shaun Glass (Soil/Dirge Within)

Betsy Weiss (Bitch)

Presented in the form of dozens of factual, random and often outrageous lists, THE MERCILESS BOOK OF METAL LISTS dares to call many out for being the worst instead of being the best. It points out the triumphs, as well as the miserable failures concerning metal, from a diehard fan’s point-of-view.

TMBML leaves no stone unturned, often blurring the lines separating fact and hilarity. You want to know about album covers that feature goats on them? WhatMotorhead icon Lemmy’s warts might tell you if they could speak? The achievements Iron Maiden would never have reached had their original vocalist Paul Dianno remained in the band? Well then, this book is for you.

To pre-order THE MERCILESS BOOK OF METAL LISTS, please visit Amazon.com. You can learn more about the book at the official Facebook page orAbrams Books.

 

 

For press inquiries and additional information, please contact Adrenaline PR and Maria Ferrero at 732-462-4262 or maria@adrenalinepr.com.

About the Authors

HOWIE ABRAMS:

Howie is a former…lots of things, including record label A&R rep, music publisher and artist manager. Abrams grew up in his beloved NYC as part of its Metal and Hardcore scenes and has always carried the torch for aggressive music. He was the co-founder of the influential hard music label In-Effect Records, where he signed bands such as Agnostic Front, Nuclear Assault and Sick of it All among others. Later, as the Senior Director of A&R at Roadrunner Records, he inked Vision of Disorder, Madball, Shelter and others, plus, he handled marketing duties for groups such as Sepultura, Type O Negative, Biohazard and more. Howie also worked at Jive Records/Zomba Music, as well as Warner Music.

SACHA JENKINS:

Sacha Jenkins loves heavy music. He grew up in New York City, and has produced books about both hip-hop and also graffiti, including ego trip’s The Book of Rap Lists, and Big Book of Racism. He’s produced some television too, and plays guitar in a band called The White Mandingoes along with Darryl Jenifer of the legendary Bad brains.

 

GET TO KNOW A LITTLE ABOUT GUITAR WIZARD JUSTIN MANNING

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Justin Manning is a local southern CA rocker born and raised Los Angeles and is currently one of the
founding members and lead guitarist for the heavy metal band Crowned By Fire. This shredder started his
musical journey as a drummer at the age of 10 and became the “First Chair” drummer in his Junior High
marching band and local school band. He always inspired to be a guitarist and it was not until the age
of 12 when he received a red and white Fender Stratocaster for Christmas from his father. Not knowing
where to begin playing guitar, Justin used his knowledge of reading drum music to incorporate it into his
guitar playing, a distinct signature to his rhythm playing still heard to this day.
He listened to records from the likes of Guns N Roses, Van Halen and Ozzy Osbourne and learned
playing the solos off the records by creating music patterns and on many occasions played guitar with his
friends to gain more experience.

At around this time, he met a graduate of Musicians Institute who became his mentor and taught Justin
to play scales and on many occasions would take him to various band rehearsals with the likes of Lemmy
from Motorhead, El Duce (The Mentors), Jimmy Bain (Dio) and other major rock stars. Justin would
sometimes sit in as a drummer for these bands when the actual drummers missed their rehearsals. It was
at this ripe age of 13 that Justin’s calling to be a musician came to be.

At the age of 16 with a bass his mother bought him, he joined the local band Men in Black as a bass
player and played the local clubs on the sunset strip. He shortly left the band to start a new Pantera-
esque inspired band, again taking the helm as lead guitarist. It was during this time that he met Zakk
Wylde and was asked to be his guitar tech and in less than 24 hours was on a plane to Arkansas to start
the Black Label Society and Crowbar tour. This gave Justin the opportunity to meet some of the greats,
most notably the members of Pantera and other notable rock stars. This opportunity gave Justin a taste of
what life on tour really is as well as a vast amount technical experience.

When he returned back home from the BLS tour, Justin became the personal assistant to Zakk’s wife
Barbaranne, helping with her the various necessities. He also became Zakk’s protégé during the Ozzfest
tour that same year and appeared on the TV show the Osbournes.

Justin started various bands and held regular day jobs at ESP and Schecter Guitar Research as a guitar
technician. While at ESP he became acquainted with George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob) who gave him
the opportunity to work as a bass tech for Anthony Esposito (Thin Lizzy, Lynch Mob, Ace Frehley) and he eventually took the reigns as Georges tech. Justin
was asked on several occasions to actually play on stage with Lynch Mob as a second guitar player
doubling the rhythm and leads for the guitar legend himself.

Upon his return home he started a few bands one which will eventually turn into the current band
Crowned By Fire with co-founder John Fitterer and released an EP and their latest full album “Prone To
Destroy” recorded in Florence, Italy and distributed under a European label.

Justin still remains close friends with Zakk Wylde, George Lynch and also with Tommy Victor (Danzig,
Prong, Ministry) who has offered him a gig as his guitar tech on the Danzig Legacy Tour which includes
Danzig, Samhain and The Misfits on their tour in the coming months. Justin carries various major
endorsement deals and mainly plays his favorite Les Paul specially given to him by the great Zakk Wylde.

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

the Hellion

NAMM 2013 – Retro Look and Sound Meet New Technology at NAMM Show

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Retro Look and Sound Meet New Technology at NAMM Show

Manufacturers create guitar, bass, amp and drum lines to meet recent demand for vintage looks and sounds in unique gear with a boutique feel

Carlsbad, Calif. (December 27, 2012) – A blast from the past will ring out at the 2013 NAMM Show as manufacturers responding to consumer demand introduce new products with a vintage look and sound. Retailers, having heard the growing demand for vintage-inspired musical instruments and equipment will be looking for new products that meet the demand of customers clamoring for unique pieces. The NAMM Show returns to Anaheim, CA from January 24-27, 2013.

 

“Over the last few years, gear that looks, feels and sounds vintage has taken off,” said George Coutretsis, GM of Chicago Music Exchange. “The trend in indie-rock is toward using vintage gear, which is building demand in a younger adult audience for these pieces. We’re looking for products at the NAMM Show that make the player feel unique and inspire them to start bands, make music and play more.”

 

Coutretsis uses the term “reliced” to describe instruments and equipment that have been manually distressed, as one would handle a pair of jeans for a worn-in, loved look. Boutique instruments sometimes incorporate such design elements, while others are constructed to showcase the luthier’s artistry. Retro items made in the United States or by hand are also in demand, as the call for unique and distinguished pieces increases.

 

“The major brands and as well as our smaller, boutique craftsmen are boosting this trend with some truly unique instruments, many of which will be unveiled or highlighted at this year’s NAMM Show,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM. “Artists around the globe are constantly looking for music and sound products that help them express their creativity and NAMM members will continue to look forward as well as to legacy designs to serve them.”

 

Nostalgia for what Neil Young called the “old, folky days” seems to be the inspiration for the retro collections soon to be offered by Bedell Guitars. Designed after the guitars of the early ‘60s, the Coffeehouse series and the 1964 series feature all solid woods, dovetail neck-joints, classic comfortable neck profiles and other details designed to recall the look and sounds of acoustic guitars produced 50 years ago. The company plans to unveil the series at the NAMM Show 2013.

 

“The music industry is naturally vintage minded. We value things with a history,” said Ryan Bouslaugh of Bedell’s artist relations department. “A 2012 Toyota Camry drives just great, but really, everyone wants that classic ’57 Chevy.”

 

The trend is particularly evident among electric guitars, basses and amplifiers, with many major brands releasing or adding to nostalgia-inspired collections. Retro shapes, colors and components that help re-create the sound of a vintage piece are hallmarks of these instruments.

 

“We’re coming out of a hi-tech, industrial design era,” said Richard McDonald, senior vice president of marketing for Fender Guitars. “We turn toward vintage because it is more approachable, whimsical. People respond warmly to that vibe.”

 

Some of these new additions will be seen for the first time at NAMM 2013. Fender Guitars, the roots of which reach back to the very era many are resurrecting, plans to debut guitar and bass additions to its already-popular Pawnshop series. Also at the show, the Excelsior, Fender’s distinctive tube-combo amplifier will be re-issued in a limited edition. Gibson honors one of the godfathers of guitar with its collection of tribute Les Paul guitars, made in the style of the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s and beyond. The series, which is dubbed “The Year of Les Paul” collection, will be introduced at NAMM Show 2013.

 

C.F. Martin & Co.’s four-piece Retro Series that debuted at NAMM in Nashville will be featured prominently by the brand at the show. The Retro Series is based on C.F. Martin & Co.’s guitars from the 1930s and ‘40s, melding traditional models with state-of-the-art technology.

 

Retailer Gary Forkum of Fork’s Drum Closet in Nashville attributes the trend to a new generation of musicians discovering classic bands such as The Rolling Stones. This younger consumer is behind the success of some of Forkum’s best sellers. “Items such as the Ludwig Classic Maple three-piece kits in vintage colors, sparkles – these types of items are a big focus for us,” he said. “The trend has been coming on for a little while now, but this year it has been very big.”

 

Aficionados and musicians are also turning to vintage-styled components to alter the sounds of their equipment to replicate the sounds of the bygone days. “Numerous areas of the MI market have experienced a resurgence of classic designs and products,” said Fred Gretsch, president of The Gretsch Company. “Walk in to any music shop, and you’ll see all sorts of ‘vintage inspired’ products. Sales of Bigsby products have been very strong in recent years which is partially due to new manufacturer OEM models, but also as consumers are trying to recreate classic instruments of yesteryear, modify their beloved main guitar, or simply add value to the guitar under the bed.”

 

The retro trend is in full swing and will be on vibrant display for retailers and buyers to see, hear and demo at NAMM Show 2013. Registration is now open for qualified members of the music instrument, product and pro-light and sound industries. Exhibit space is still available for the 2013 event. Learn more about the 2013 NAMM Show at http://www.namm.org/thenammshow/2013.