I receive a lot of CDs for review. Sometimes there are those which stand out from others. Our Own Devices is one such CD. While I have been hesitant about putting a genre to bands. sometimes it has to be done. I have had a while to digest this CD and delve into its depths and it falls into the Progressive Metal category. From the opening it grabs a hold of you. The formula that came together to make this CD come to life is nothing short of miraculous. The musicianship and vocal work are world-class and the world should step up and take notice. The CD is full of songs that are uniquely Mindcage and yet familiar to the ears. Just when you are lost within the dystopian world Mindcage paints with Our Own Devices its over and you find yourself back in your own everyday world reaching for the replay button to hear it all again. Stellar vocals, killer riffs, chest crushing bass and thunderous drums all included. There is a very cool story being told in this CD and I challenge you all to find it and come back here and post about your thoughts and musings. Here is the track listing:
1. Cadence March
2. For All Mankind (The Dark Design)
3. Our Own Devices
4. The Human Race
5. At Full Steam
6. Firefly
7. The One Constant
8. Arabella’s Arc
9. The Serenity Sequence (Renaissance Pt. I)
10. The Grand Restoration (Renaissance Pt. II)
I have been trying to pick some standout tracks and there are only two that I can put above any of the others. “The Human Race” and “Firefly” love ’em both and I think you will as well. Kudos to Mindcage for an OUTSTANDING piece of work.
MINDCAGE RELEASES EPIC VIDEO FOR “THE HUMAN RACE;”
OUR OWN DEVICES DROPS TUESDAY
The official video for “The Human Race” from Florida-based progressive metallers Mindcage is now online athttp://youtu.be/uczkeEevnGc The full album, OUR OWN DEVICES, drops Tuesday, September 17.
A dark and powerful short movie, the video introduces the character of Arabella Vash, a young woman who exists in a utilitarian clockwork society. She is becoming empowered by visions and dreams, and about to start her journey to find the band of rebels, The One Constant (portrayed by the band), that she will lead. “The Human Race” is her awakening, and call to power.
In search of an appropriate post apocalyptic steam punk setting for their video, Mindcage chose to film in the historical district of their hometown of Pensacola FL. With the vision, creativity and costuming skills of Airship Isabella [http://airshipisabella.com/], an authentic and innovative steam-punk troupe from New Orleans, Mindcage was able to convey their vision of The One Constant and the dystopian world in which they live.
Jason Thomsen directed and edited “The Human Race.” He recently served as assistant director on “Girl from Iceland” (a Kinematic Entertainment Production). The track features vocals by Hydrogyn’s Julie Westlake.
OUR OWN DEVICES is mixed by rock legend Michael Wagener (Ozzy Osbourne, Metallica, Alice Cooper, Megadeth, Dokken, and Overkill). The core members of Mindcage – Dietrick Hardwick (writer, guitarist), Brian Howell (bass) and Craig Nudo (drums) – have been connected personally and through music for almost thirty years. Jeff Hignite, a recent but important addition, brought not only lyrical contribution but also his powerhouse vocals.
TRACK LIST:
1. Cadence March
2. For All Mankind (The Dark Design)
3. Our Own Devices
4. The Human Race
5. At Full Steam
6. Firefly
7. The One Constant
8. Arabella’s Arc
9. The Serenity Sequence (Renaissance Pt. I)
10. The Grand Restoration (Renaissance Pt. II)
Dangerdog Music Reviews: 5/5 stars
Our Own Devices is quite impressive: between the idea, lyrics, vocal arrangements, brisk guitar, and accomplished arrangements, it easily stands in the fine tradition of conceptual progressive metal albums like Queensryche’s Operation Mindcrime. Very recommended.Mindcage
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
“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.
“Metal Alliance Tour” with Anthrax, Municipal Waste and more to commence next month
BAY AREA, CA – Bay Area thrash metal icon, Exodus, has announced several headlining shows to commence following the band’s March/April run on “Metal Alliance Tour.” A full list of confirmed “Metal Alliance Tour” and Exodus headlining off-dates can be seen below.
Tickets for all “Metal Alliance Tour” dates – featuring headliner, Anthrax, as well as Municipal Waste, High on Fire and Holy Grail – can be purchased online at:http://www.metalalliancetour.com/tour-dates.html.
A staple of the Bay Area Thrash scene for over 30 years, Exodus released its latest studio albumExhibit B: The Human Condition in 2010 on Nuclear Blast Records.
Stay tuned for more information on Exodus and the band’s upcoming March/April run on “Metal Alliance Tour.”
Several weeks prior to the NAMM show I had been talking to James Chen from Aria about this bass. We were fortunate to get an exclusive interview with Mr. Chen on the first day of NAMM:
I got the chance to hold the prototype bass and was rendered speechless at its awesomeness.
the Cliff Burton prototype bass
I was honored to meet the Executive Vice President of Aria, Toshi Matsumura as well. Mr. Matsumura was gracious and thanked us for stopping by. This was quite an honor to be thanked by such a man. All in all a fantastic experience. Thank you to Mr. Chen, Mr. Matsumura, Cliff Burton, Ray Burton, and NAMM 2013 for this once in a lifetime opportunity.
Ray Burton and James Chen – photo courtesy of James Chen
James Chen and Ray Burton – photo courtesy of James Chen
Tragically we lost Cliff on 09/27/1986 but his legacy lives on through his music and people like his father and the fine folks at Aria guitars. Happy Birthday Cliff I will always remember and respect you.
Clifford Lee Burton 02/10/62 – 09/27/86 Rest In Peace Brother
Andy- Lead Vocals
Tom – Guitars
Goran – Bass
Michael – Drums
The up-and-coming sensational four-piece modern metal band ToxicRose was formed in Stockholm Sweden in 2010.
Consisting of Tom (Gemini Five), Andy and Michael (both EX Lipstixx ‘n’ Bulletz) and Goran (EX Sexydeath).
There is no compromising or limits in the world of ToxicRose. Powerful Vocals combined with Aggressive Guitars , Grand melodic Synths & Dark Emotional Lyrics.
TXR stands tall for the outcast and they’re here to take metal to a new level.
With their catchy melodic epic metal anthems and shocking look they are unstoppable!
Peter Tägtgren – Vocals & Guitar
David Wallin – Drums (2003)
Michael Bohlin – Guitar (2007)
Johan Husgafvel – Bass (2007)
PAIN is a musical project from Sweden that mix heavy metal with influences from electronic music and techno. The project started out as a hobby project for front man Peter Tägtgren, whose idea was to fuse heavy metal with 1980s-inspired electro-industrial and techno influences. Tägtgren, who is also the vocalist/guitarist of Hypocrisy and producer of his own The Abyss studios, is the only current member.
Jason M Arigoni -Vocals-Songwriting
Dan Zavadil- Bass-Songwriting
Session Players:
Jason Bittner-Drums
Ben Carroll-Guitar
With strong melodic presences and driving beats, HALF PAST MY SIN will find a place with fans of bands like SEVENDUST, DISTURBED and DROWNING POOL, to name a few…..
The new Album from Half Past My Sin “4:44” featuring Sinn on vocals and Dan Zavadil on bass with special guests Jason Bittner of Shadows Fall on drums and Ben Carroll of RA on guitars!!! Also appearing on 4:44 will be the songwriting Clint Lowery of Sevendust!!!
Out early 2013!!!!
welcome to the sin!!!
Jason Newsted – Bass, vocals
Jesus Mendez Jr. – Drums
Jessie Farnsworth – guitars
In December 2012, Jason announced that he had formed his own band called Newsted with drummer Jesus Mendez Jr. and guitarist Jessie Farnsworth. The band released a four-song EP, titled Metal, on January 8, 2013.
Ricky Warwick – Vocals/Guitar
Scott Gorham – Guitars
Damon Johnson – Guitars
Marco Mendoza – Bass
Jimmy DeGrasso – Drums
In October 2012 Thin Lizzy announced that they would not be recording new material under the Thin Lizzy monicker. The last incarnation of the band – Scott Gorham, Brian Downey, Darren Wharton, Ricky Warwick, Damon Johnson and Marco Mendoza – would be looking to form a new project.
Step forward Black Star Riders…
Today sees the announcement of the new band formed by Thin Lizzy alumni Ricky Warwick (vocals), Scott Gorham (guitar), Damon Johnson (guitar), Marco Mendoza (bass) with new addition Jimmy DeGrasso on drums (Alice Cooper, Megadeth, David Lee Roth, Suicidal Tendencies). The change in personnel came about as Brian Downey didn’t want to commit to the touring cycle a new album would entail and Darren Wharton wanted to concentrate on Dare and other music and film projects.
Black Star Riders is set to enter the studio in Los Angeles in January 2013 to start recording their debut album with the legendary Kevin Shirley (Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden, Aerosmith, Rush). The album will feature material the band wrote whilst touring as Thin Lizzy and the sound retains that classic feel but is very much its own as well. The Black Star Riders record is the next step in the evolution of the Thin Lizzy story.
Chad Smith – Drums
Boe Skadeland – Bass
Todd Evans – Guitar/Vocals
Based out of Toledo, Ohio, MOBILE DEATHCAMP has been sawing clubs in half, and leaving crowds with their collective jaws on the floor since the band’s inception in 2008. Formed by Todd Evans at the end of his 6 year stint as Beefcake The Mighty with the legendary shock rockers, GWAR, and joined in aural battle by Boe Skadeland and Chad Smith, this musical terror pocket has been consistently leveling venues across North America.
Johnny DiCarlo – Lead Vocals – Guitar
James Watson – Guitar – Vocals
Marcus Giannamore – Drums
George Scott – Bass
“NeverWake” concentrates on songs that reside between Rock and Metal to bridge both genres. They combine memorable, melodic vocals and gothic guitar harmonies over heavy distortion to achieve their style. They are currently looking to be signed to a record label and hit the road. NeverWake continues to develop their style by incorporating more complex riffs, heavier background vocal style, and dark orchestration while keeping their melodic lyricism. NeverWake released their debut full-length album “VITALITY” in August 2011, produced/engineered/mixed by Mike Ofca at Innovation Studios! “Vitality” is available on iTunes and other main online retailers. You can also order the hard copy by emailing neverwakemusic@gmail.com for inquires.
Recently, they have also released their debut music video on YouTube for the song “Pulse”, produced by Jeff Moore of Axtravaganza Films!
Mark Alexander – Guitar
Sam Rhodes – Guitar
Jason Sain – Vocals
Matt Staley – Bass
Kenny Wyatt – Drums
3 Quarters Dead was formed back in 1999 with original members Kenny Wyatt and Mark Alexander. After they returned from a tour with Mushroomhead, they began recording their second full length CD with Steve Felton (Skinny) of Mushroomhead. The vocalist at that time was Waylon Reavis who was recruited by Mushroomhead to take the place of J-Mann (aka Jason Popson) who had announced his departure from the band. After starting all over, they finally found a vocalist that suited their style of music. Jason Sain started with the band in late 2007. In 2008 they recorded “Between Angels & Demons” with producer Jamie King of ‘Between The Buried & Me’, ‘The Human Abstract’ fame. In late 2009 they signed with indie label ‘Project Alpha Music’ and released their latest effort “Once Upon This Broken Glass” in March, 2010.
The lead single, “The Unknown” is off of their new CD “Once Upon This Broken Glass. It about loves someone who doesn’t love you back. This song has many melodic sections to it. But when you hear the change ups which are dynamic, it sets a tone of a story being told through 3 degrees of separation. These three levels are clearly defined and portrayed beautifully by the talents of these individuals.
In 2009, Uta Plotkin added her voice to Witch Mountain in front of a triumphant sold out crowd at Portland, OR’s venerable club Satyricon. Supporting Pentagram—East coast godfathers of American doom who also took far too long to receive their rightful due—Plotkin brought the necessary ingredient that Witch Mountain founders Rob Wrong and Nate Carson had been seeking since they initially formed the group back in 1997.
Originally far out of step with the lazy, indie-rock scene in Portland, guitarist Wrong and drummer Carson sought to put their own stamp on the tradition of doom metal as laid down by Black Sabbath, Candlemass, Trouble, and Saint Vitus. Years of road work in support of peers such as High on Fire, Spirit Caravan, Electric Wizard, YOB, Weedeater, Eyehategod, and all the rest had granted Witch Mountain a solid footnote in the history of one of music’s heaviest genres. And though real life careers took the band largely out of commission between 2003 and 2008, Plotkin’s emergence kicked the band back into a high gear that shows no signs of waning.
With renewed vigor, WM returned to the studio to capture the long-awaited sophomore album South of Salem. Produced by master “engine-ear” Billy Anderson (Sleep, Neurosis, Melvins), the record was self-released by the band on vinyl, and shortly thereafter recognized as the “#4 Best Metal Album of 2011” by NPR. With a SXSW showcase, west coast tours with Christian Mistress and Wino project Premonition 13, and a massively downloaded Adult Swim compilation under its belt, Witch Mountain proved its modern work ethic and soon signed up with dream label Profound Lore.
Once South of Salem was unleashed on CD and properly distributed, it was time to follow up with all new material. 2012’s Cauldron of the Wild was the answer, produced once more by Billy Anderson, and this time featuring a further matured sound and more immersive influence from Plotkin. Rob Wrong was writing the best, heaviest blues-metal he’d yet conjured, and Carson–as both manager and booker–kept the band grounded in a professional DIY ethic. New bassist Neal Munson fit like a glove, and overall the group has never fired on all cylinders so successfully.
Babyjane – Australia’s rawest and explosive hard rock act – have come out of the rusty gate with all guns blazing…
Andy Smith (no singer comes closer to the swagger of Jagger and the presence of Plant than THIS one); John Gerasolo (rock’s next guitar hero — forget the Top Hat); Paul Judge (a snarling Sid Vicious who can really play the bass) and Nik ‘Animal’ Kats (the bombast of John Bonham meets the terror of Tommy Lee) unleashed their debut scorcher Are You Listening in 2011. Mixed by famed American producer Michael Wagener (Metallica/Janet Jackson/Ozzy Osbourne/Extreme) it features 11 tracks of hard rock at its absolute best (including ‘can’t stop singing it’ classic Can You Keep a Secret?)
A rousing support gig with Skid Row’s Sebastian Bach in Perth (2008) left the word on everyone’s lips that ‘Babyjane are the band to watch’. Recently, they have gone from strength to strength – securing airplay on American radio, global release of the album, a week-long prime-time spot on WA’s number one radio station 96FM and over 5000 Youtube views of their video single (Are You Listening).
Now, Babyjane have stepped it up a notch. 11 track second album, Make It Sick, was recorded in Nashville, 2012 with Michael Wagener handling production duties from start to finish – the end result is what one industry-insider has described as “the most balls-to-the-wall rock album since Guns n’ Roses Appetite For Destruction”… with one-time Motley Crue/Union singer John Corabi making a rousing appearance on the title track.
Corabis’ appearance alone reached first-page news on rock website Blabbermouth.com and unprecedented attention on Google.com in June. Featuring a sound only a world-class producer can muster, hugely commercial tracks like Bad Woman and She’s Just A Liar, and a well-oiled 4-piece band behind it, Babyjane are ready to step into the big league.
Road-tested and set for world domination, Babyjane are just gathering steam. Are you listening? You soon will be…
Here’s the video for the new single “She’s a Liar”:
How many times have you heard “This band sold out” or “That band went mainstream”? I have heard this about several bands throughout the years. Let;s take a look at several bands that have “changed direction” , or have stayed the same and if that has worked for them.
QUEEN 1971 – 1991 the Freddie Mercury years
Queen remains one of my favorite bands of all times. The band was constantly evolving and changing throughout their career. They explored many styles of music during their recording career. They were never afraid to branch out and explore their creativity. Here are two songs that show their diversity. The world lost a beautiful soul when Freddie Mercury passed away in 1991, we will forever miss and love you Freddie, thank you for your music. Queen pulled off, to great success, changing directions.
“Keep Yourself Alive” from QUEEN – 1973
“These Are The Days Of Our Lives” from INNUENDO – 1991
MEGADETH1983 to present
Megadeth is a band who has stayed true to their original vision. Their style of speed/thrash metal has pretty much been a constant throughout their career. While some will say it has hurt their career, their fans remain loyal, and their record sales constant. I say cheers to Dave and crew (though they have changed over the years) keep it going! Staying true to their direction has worked for Megadeth.
“Peace Sells” from Peace Sells…but Who’s Buying? – 1986
“Whose Life (Is It Anyways?)” from Th1rt3en – 2011
RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS 1983 to present
This band has always been in a special place in my heart. Never afraid to be who they are, always giving their all to their fans. Their members and styles have changed throughout the years but they have always managed to pull it off. Playing what they want to and disregarding the critics their music reflects the colorful personalities that infuse this band. Many people have tried to pigeonhole this band to a certain genre, to no avail. I call them a Rock N’ Roll band PERIOD. Thank you RHCP, you have given my soul much joy. Keep growing and evolving and stay true to your passions.
“True Men Don’t Kill Coyotes” from TheRed Hot Chili Peppers – 1984
“The Adventures Of Rain Dance Maggie” – from I’m With You – 2011
METALLICA – 1981 to present
Ahhh Metallica, the source of great contention amongst metal heads. Some say they sold out with the “Black” album, some say they didn’t. I think they have made some questionable choices in the past years, but they remain strong as one of the driving forces in metal music. As part of being human we are constantly changing and growing (well, some of us do) as the events surrounding us dictate. The guys in Metallica are not immune. Growing older, gaining families, becoming financially stable HAS to affect them, and their music. I, for one, appreciate that fact and despite their making some music that does not always appeal to me I stand by this band and remain a fan. R.I.P. Cliff Burton, miss you!
“No Remorse” from Kill ‘Em All – 1983
“All Nightmare Long” from Death Magnetic – 2008
GUNS N’ ROSES 1985 to present???
GNR WHAT HAPPENED?!?!?!? They were poised to take over the world and instead they burned it down. The energy of the the five original members was the perfect combination. Then the backup singers, the keyboard players, the horn section, etc… etc… sigh. I know this band has been the topic of great controversy, and probably will remain so for a long, long time. I will always remain in love with early GNR and the music they made and I am grateful for that, post original five, not so much. I personally believe the direction that the band took killed them (this is my humble opinion). Oh well we have our memories…. if we could only find our way back to the jungle.
“Welcome To The Jungle” from Appetite For Destruction – 1987
“This I Love” from Chinese Democracy – 2008
BLACK LABEL SOCIETY 1998 to present
Ahhh BLS, now here’s a band that I totally get. Members have come and gone and yet this band gets stronger and stronger. Great music year after year, record after record and a loyal fan base that unifies together as one big BLS family. Zakk Wylde never shies away from playing whatever he wants, piano based ballads, acoustic songs, full out electric, it matters not to Zakk. With BLS it never grows stagnant and you will never be bored! GI/FD!!!
“Born To Lose” from Sonic Brew – 1999
“Overlord” from Order Of The Black – 2010
These are just my opinions on bands that have (or have not) changed direction, please feel free to comment or message me with your ideas or thoughts and I will post them here.
Sometimes a band impacts you, sometimes very hard. HAVOK accomplished this on me on 10/25/12 when I caught their live show. Straight out of the gate I was hooked. mid-set I went to their merch table and purchased their two CD’s POINT OF NO RETURN and TIME IS UP.
Formed in Colorado in 2004, the band put out two self-released discs and quickly garnered interest from UK label Candlelight records. BURN was released in 2009 bringing forth an onslaught of brutal guitar riffs, chest crushing bass lines, jackhammer drums, and vocals from the depths of hell itself! 2011 brought forth their second album TIME IS UP. Front to back this CD smokes. One can really appreciate the technical skill put forth on this album. Remember the first time you heard Metallica, Exodus, Overkill, Anthrax, Testament, or Obituary? HAVOK takes you back with this one. They deliver the same “We will crush you to the ground” punch on this one. In 2012 HAVOK put out the EP POINT OF NO RETURN. Though it only has four tracks (one of which pays homage to Slayer’s “Reigning Blood”) it satisfies your need for metal.
Listening to the CD’s gives one a chance to appreciate the technical prowess of HAVOK but it is their live show that will completely blow you away. Energetic, engaging, powerful are but only a few words to describe them live. You HAVE to see them live given the chance.
HAVOK is comprised of David Sanchez – Lead vocals / Guitars, Jesse De Los Santos – Lead bass / Vocals, Pete Webber – Lead drums, and Reece Scruggs – Lead guitar / Vocals. I was able to speak for a moment with Jesse and Reece about their performance. They were very humble and grateful to my words of praise for them. They graciously signed my newly purchased copy of TIME IS UP. It was a great evening.
In conclusion, I would like to thank HAVOK for carrying the torch of Thrash that their forefathers lit for them.
I was talking to a friend today and he asked me what I thought were the five best bass performances in Rock N’ Roll. Hmmm… hard question but I’ll give my opinion on it and see what happens. I love the bass and the weight that it gives to Rock music. So let’s check it out. Keep in mind these are in no particular order they are just the five that stand above the others.
1. Cliff Burton (METALLICA) “FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS” (LIVE) [CLIFF ‘EM ALL]
The aggressiveness of Cliff’s playing style in the intro to this song amazes me to this day. I will always remain in awe of him and wonder what more he would have given to us. Enjoy and remember:
2. JOHN ENTWISTLE (THE WHO) “BABA O’RILEY” (LIVE) 1978
The way John carries the song’s intro is magnificent. John’s solid performance style and coolness when he was laying down massive bass lines will forever influence bass players for years to come. Look at his hands, watch and listen:
What can I say, utter brilliance here. The riff is as iconic as any guitar riff. Geezer carries this song with majesty, a lot of bass players learn this bass line and try to honor it. I have seen Geezer play it live and it is just as magnificent as it is on record. Listen and get lost:
4. BILLY COX (JIMI HENDRIX) “DOLLY DAGGER”
Just listen to the bass line and you’ll hear why it is included. Billy was an amazing player period. If you’ve never heard of him look up his stuff and prepare to get blown away.:
5. STEVE HARRIS (IRON MAIDEN) “PHANTOM OF THE OPERA” (LIVE) 1980
Steve Harris and his monster bass runs make him one the most inspiring bassists in rock history. (Besides if I didn’t include Steve Eddie’s Mates would lynch me). I have always been inspired by Steve’s playing style. This is for you Eddie’s Mates:
By no means is this a complete list. There are so many more to list. These five however, jumped into my mind immediately. Please give me YOUR input!
the Hellion Rocks 