Hot on the heels of the new STRYPER release “No More Hell To Pay” I caught up with vocalist/guitarist/founder Michael Sweet and had a great conversation. Kevin Chiaramonte of PFA (Paul Freundlich Associates) set this up so many thanks to him. Michael and I had a nice, relaxing conversation about life and music. Here is the link to the interview:
Be sure to check out the new release from STRYPER “No More Hell To Pay” out on Frontiers Records
it’s loud, it’s inspiring, it’s STRYPER!
the Hellion
It was summer of 1979 and I was an impressionable youth. Music was my best friend, music got me through the tough times. I used to hang out at the local record store pouring through the vinyl looking for new music and bands that would fill my ears and mind. I came across a record in the import section and the cover immediately grabbed my attention. A warrior with a bloody sword and shield, the band was called Saxon. I didn’t have enough money to buy it right out but I remember asking the guy there if I could give him a couple of bucks to hold it for me. I came up with the rest of the cash a few days later and ran home with my prize.
The music was powerful, loud, and glorious. Songs like “Big Teaser”, “Judgement Day”, “Stallions of the Highway”, and “Militia Guard” called to me. I knew then Saxon was destined for greatness and would be one of my favorite bands.
Saxon and their music carried me through the years giving us anthems to raise our fist high and shot at the top of our lungs. “Strong Arm Of The Law”, “Denim And Leather”, and many more.
Saxon never charted here in the US but there were plenty of us listening to them and we still do.
“Denim And Leather”
Where were you in ’79 when the dam began to burst?
Did you check us out down at the local show?
Were you wearing denim, wearing leather?
Did you run down to the front?
Did you queue for your ticket through the ice and snow?
Denim and leather brought us all together
It was you that set the spirit free
Denim and leather brought us all together
It was you that set the spirit free
Did you read the music paper from the back and to the front?
Did you find out where to see your favorite band?
Did you listen to the radio every Friday night?
Did you hang around your local record store? Sing it
Denim and leather brought us all together
It was you that set the spirit free
Denim and leather brought us all together
It was you that set the spirit free
C’mon
It was you, you, you, you that set the spirit free
It was you, you, you, you that put us here today
It was you, you, you, you that filled the concert halls
It was you, you, you, you that set the spirit free
Denim and leather brought us all together
It was you that set the spirit free
Denim and leather brought us all together
It was you that set the spirit free
Denim and leather brought us all together
It was you that set the spirit free
Denim and leather brought us all together
It was you that set the spirit free
It was you that set the spirit free
It was you that set the spirit free
It’s you, you, you, you
I was there in ’79 wearing Denim and Leather, and I’m still here today and still wearing Denim and Leather. Thank you Saxon, thank you for helping us to set our spirits free.
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s SAXON!!!
-the Hellion
What is music? Wow, what a question. I’ll try to tell you what it is to me.
I remember being alone a lot when I was younger, I also remember a painful childhood. Yet there was always a friend around to whisk me away from reality, music. I would often find myself listening to the world around me and the music it contained. There were birds chirping, the wind in the trees or against a building, the rain, sometimes the music of people going about their lives. That was natural music and it lives within us all, it is primal.
I remember radio becoming a close friend to me as well. I would listen to the various stations open minded to all that I was hearing. Through it all Rock N’ Roll called to me and welcomed me with open arms. There was such feeling in the music, and I identified with it. I was carried away from the everyday world by Rush, Van Halen, Boston, Peter Frampton, KISS….on an on. I was safe with them and I felt good. I give thanks to the live DJs who turned me on to the music they were listening to. I remember being able to call them up late night and discuss music with them and learn of bands and songs that still hold meaning to me today.
Ahhh the rock show, I have many fond memories here. When I was old enough I started going to live concerts and experiencing live music. What a joy to hear the songs I had come to know and love in a live setting. It was magical to see the songs being played to the moment. There is nothing like a live song played with the passion and emotions of the artist in the now. It was a party going to a live show, no fighting (well not like today, there were a few at times), no animosity, such a gathering for a good time. You could find out about bands you might not have heard of yet from others and you could turn them on to bands you have discovered. It was FUN!!! No cellphones, no leaving before the show was over, you were on from the first note to the end. Then the post show hangout and discussions, oh the times we had.
The event of a new release, yes I said event. Once upon a time there were music stores and that was their main focus. Many of us would read every scrap of print we could find in order to know about upcoming releases. We would hang around in the record store talking music, and about the bands we loved. When a new record came out we would eagerly shell out our hard earned bucks, race home heart pounding, rip off the plastic, smell the fresh vinyl, drop the needle, and escape into the album artwork and liner notes.
What is music? Well, to me it is life, love and who we are. Our styles and preferences may change throughout the years but that love lives on within us. It is a different world today, the demise of the big labels, record stores closing, live radio traded for corporate canned programming. And yet, I raise my horns high and rock on as I have always done. The spirit lives on in me as I know it does in others and I am taking it back from the corporate world and I am gonna pass this message on to the world. Go to a live show, buy a t-shirt, buy a physical copy of the bands music, read the liner notes, TALK to people at a show, live the music because it lives in you.
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL (and I love it)
-the Hellion
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
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
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:
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
My good friend Casper Gomez has grown over the years since we first met. He has just finished his very expressive solo effort and it will be released on 11/12/13 relax and listen to Casper let us into his world:
Sometimes in the midst of the chaos of the world you find a shining jewel. I have found one in the music of Adrian Galysh. This guitarist plays with a passion that will touch you deep within your soul. Listen to the interview and the song “Flying” that is with in it and you will see what I mean.
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!
the Hellion
In April of 1998 I was given a copy of the debut record from Soulfly. I had been a fan of Sepultura since Morbid Visions came out in 1986 and was excited to hear this new project from Max Cavalera. Soulfly has since become a favorite band of mine and each release fills me with excitement. Over the years Soulfly has given us 9 records throughout the years. The latest being Savages which was released on September 30th of this year.
The latest release from SouIfly (I was lucky and Max signed my copy)
Over the years of being a fan of Soulfly I have never had the opportunity to see them live. One circumstance after another has prevented that from happening. That changed on November 1st. Not only was I going to be able to see Soulfly live, I was going to get to interview Max Cavalera and shoot their show.
Max and I on his tour bus.
Max was inviting and wonderful to talk to. I felt as if I had known him for years, we had a relaxed conversation as if we were catching up with each other. Here is the interview:
The Sunshine theater was abundant with fans in Soulfly shirts and they were electric with anticipation of the performance. When Max Cavalera (vocals/guitar), Tony Campos (bass/vocals), Marc Risso (guitars), and Zyon Cavalera (drums) took the stage the crowd was primed and ready. Their live performance was everything I expected and more, this lineup of Soulfly played every song as they should be played, loud, aggressive, and with a spontaneity that makes me appreciate live performances.
Max Cavalera in action
Zyon Cavalera on drums!
Tony Campos on bass
Marc Rizzo on guitars
The crowd participated with great fervor as each song was played. Mosh pits, fists raised, horns high, and heads banging with delight. At times it seemed that everyone in the crowd was singing along with Max as he sang the songs we all know and love. The crowd went completely berserk when the band played “Roots Bloody Roots”. As the last notes of the music faded in our ears, hands were shook, goodbyes were said and Soulfly left to bring their awesomeness to another town. Thank you Max, Zyon, Tony, and Marc for a kick ass evening of Rock N’ Roll! I have to thank Charles Elliott from Nuclear Blast Records, Publicity/Radio and Video Promotions for making this happen.
It’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s SOULFLY
the Hellion
BOOM! A Band Of Orcs took the stage and made it their bitch. As if they were transported straight from Dungeons & Dragons or Middle Earth these Orcs came to slay. I had heard a few things about them but no mere words or pictures could prepare me for the onslaught that ensued. Their “leader” Gogoth Bloodthroat threathened and taunted the audience into a frenzy. Brutal Orc Metal indeed, You can check them out at https://www.facebook.com/abandoforcs
Gogog Bloodthroat
Cretos Filthgrinder
I was new to the band Iron Reagan, I talked to a few people in the crowd and they gave them rave reviews. I was told they were kind of punk/thrash. They came on stage in a fury and blasted out song after song. Towards the end of their set vocalist Tony Foresta joked about only having 32 songs left. They were fast, they were furious, and they were quite good. You can find them at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/IRON-REAGAN/235448059864772
Tony Foresta from Iron Reagan
Iron Reagan
There were quite a few Whitechapel shirts in the crowd. I was familiar with their music but had never seen them live. Even though lead vocalist Phil Bozeman was sick with the flu, he and the band delivered a powerhouse performance. Tight, and on point Whitechapel delivered their set to perfection driving the crowd into a fury. I have never seen a “Wall Of Death” at the Sunshine Theater but Phil managed to get the crowd whipped up into one. Check out Whitechapel at https://www.facebook.com/whitechapelmetal
Phil Bozeman from Whitechapel
Whitechapel!
Whitechapel
Whitechapel
Ahh GWAR… you never know what to expect from these guys, well to an extent. I had a foreknowledge of some of their antics so I was able to stay “clean.” I had to laugh as I listened to people comment and the statue sprayers as the stagehands connected tubing to them. “I hope they spray me with water!”…little did they know…
WAIT!!! THAT’S NOT WATER!!!
GWAR delivered a fantastic performance as to be expected. Full of outrageous imagery, costumes, characters, blood, blue semen (yes I said blue semen, from Oderus Urungus’s enormous male appendage). Their music was impeccable (as impeccable as GWAR can be) and the evening was thoroughly enjoyable. Make sure to check GWAR out at https://www.facebook.com/gwar
Balsac The Jaws Of Death
Beefcake The Mighty
Pustulus Maximus
Oderus Urungus
Oderus Urungus
GWAR!!!
GWAR!!!
it’s loud, it’s dirty,…….OH HELL IT’S GWAR!!!!
the Hellion
the Hellion Rocks 