A while ago we had the chance to speak with Black Label Society/Cycle Of Pain bassist John “JD” DeServio (https://thehellionrocks.com/2013/11/29/cycle-of-pain-black-label-society-bass-legend-john-jd-deservio-on-the-hellion-rocks/). We now have the great fortune to speak with Cycle Of Pain vocalist Gregg LoCascio. We had a great chat and he’s a down to earth kind of guy. Enjoy our conversation right here:
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s CYCLE OF PAIN!!!
– the Hellion
Ok I admit it, I am biased when it comes to Black Label Society. I also admit to purchasing the new track “My Dying Time” the minute it became available. I have taken some time to absorb the track and see what the public thought of it as well. Give it a listen and we’ll talk about it:
So, some say it is a departure from the traditional BLS sound, I say it just reflects the progression of Zakk as a performer and a person. We cannot expect an artist to become pigeonholed by a “sound”. If we do, we get the same record over and over again.
“My Dying Time” imparts a heavy groove that combined with the hypnotic vocals takes us on a doom laden trip into the Catacombs Of The black Vatican. The track is nicely layered with great production quality. It reminds me of early Sabbath or a song from times gone by when music meant something. The naysayers have come out of the woodwork to cast their aspersions on Zakk and co. To the naysayers I say this: How many records have you sold? Where are you playing tonight? What have you done for the music world? What is stopping you from proving your point? Bring it on and I, for one, would love to hear it and give it a chance without prejudice. As Zakk would say GI/FD!
Thanks Father Zakk and we’re waiting patiently for the rest of the record!
it’s loud, it’s full of ‘roids, it’s laced with Viagra, it’s BLACK LABEL SOCIETY!!!
SDMF my BLS Family!
-the Hellion
1. Fields of Unforgiveness
2. My Dying Time
3. Believe
4. Angel Of Mercy
5. Heart Of Darkness
6. Beyond The Dawn
7. Scars
8. Damn the Flood
9. I’ve Gone Away
10.Empty Promises
11. Shades Of Gray
12. Dark Side of the Sun (Bonus Track)
13. The Nomad (Bonus Track)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/catacombs-black-vatican-deluxe/id799689367
Well it appears that the track listing has been unveiled in iTunes. Little by little we are being whipped into a frenzy for this release!!! Viagra for our ears!!!
SDMF!!!
the Hellion
It is time, time to explore the Catacombs Of The Black Vatican! We have been waiting for new material from BLS since Order Of The Black in 2010. Now in April of 2014 we will be led into the Catacombs Of The Black Vatican! See you there!
SDMF my Family!
the Hellion
Well my SDMF Family we were all saddened by the departure of Brother Nick “The Evil Twin” Catanese last month and we wish him the best in his new endeavors. Now, we welcome a new Brother to the fold. Father Zakk has tapped Lizzy Borden guitarist Dario Lorina to sit in for a while.
Here’s a little taste of Dario:
Stayed tuned for more information as it becomes available. Remember, Zakk and co. are currently working on a new record for us as well!!!
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s BLACK LABEL SOCIETY!!!!
the Hellion
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
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
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:
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
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:
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
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 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 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
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
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 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 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:
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 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
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
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
The opinions reflected herein are mine and mine alone.
As we all have heard by now our favorite “Evil Twin” has decided to part ways with Black Label Society. While we are all saddened to hear this news we should also celebrate Nick and his time in the band. It has always been my belief that Black Label Society is bigger than its members. We have seen members come and go and yet BLS remains strong. SDMF is our credo and we should always try to live to it. I applaud Zakk for giving musicians such as Phil Ondich, Steve Gibb, Craig Nunemacher, Mike Inez, Robert Trujillo, James LoMenzo, Will Hunt, Mike Froedge, Johnny Kelly, Jeff Fabb their time with BLS.
We will get through this change as we always have. Nick will be ok and we will get new music to know and love from him and his future projects.
Best wishes Nick We love you Beyond Forever.
STRENGTH DETERMINATION MERCILESS FOREVER – is it in you?
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s BLS ….now GI/FD
the Hellion
I keep fighting to bring you pertinent interviews with musicians trying to keep kicking your ass with new music. From time to time people step up to help these interviews happen. The Garcia family (Ish, Lacey, and Matt “The Cat”) put me in touch with Paul Byrne who set this interview up. Thank you guys for stepping up and making this interview with John “JD” DeServio!
Cycle Of Pain has already put out one quality record and is fixing to drop another killer EP on us soon. Cycle Of Pain is:
John “JD” Deservio (Bass)
Joe Taylor (Lead Guitar)
Gregg Locascio (Vox, Guitar)
Bob Pantella (Drums)
Troy Cromwell (Keys)
JD and I talked a little about his history, a little BLS, his Schecter endorsement, and music. Enjoy the interview right here:
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s JD holding down the bottom end!
the Hellion
the Hellion Rocks 