The top 10 of 2015

     2015 is over but it brought us some great new music. Here are my top 10 in no particular order, enjoy:

Stryper – Fallen

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Stryper’s new release, Fallen, is a supercharged release to say the least. For a band that has been around for 32 years they have continued to impress. This record is full of killer riffs and powerhouse vocals. I am totally impressed by the production quality of this record. I was even surprised to see a Black Sabbath cover on here “After Forever” is done very well by Stryper.  The track that grabs hold and will not let go is “Fallen” :

     Check out Stryper online:

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

http://www.stryper.com/

Ugly Kid Joe – Uglier Than They Used Ta Be

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     Ahhh Ugly Kid Joe, 19 years after Motel California UKJ is back with a full album. These hold a very special place in my heart and always will. This record shows that UKJ has not lost a bit of the attitude that made them so great. This is rock n’ roll pure and undistilled. The stand out here is “Hell Ain’t Hard To Find”:

     Ugly Kid Joe online:

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

http://www.uglykidjoe.net/

Throw The Temple – No Way But Down

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     Throw The Temple is a hard working band that takes itself serious without being serious about it. Believe me, every move they make is calculated and planned. After seeing them perform for several years they have finally put out and album to be proud of. Full of deep lyrics and catchy tunes ( I even persuaded them to provide the theme song for the Hellion Rocks) this is an album which should be garnering national attention. Enjoy the video for “We Got It Goin'” right here:

     Throw The Temple online:

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

http://www.throwthetemple.com/

Devil City Angels – Devil City Angels

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     This record was a complete surprise to me. While technically a “supergroup” it sounds nothing like one. I was ina bad mood the first time I played this record, by the end not so much. This is just a feel good record that you can tell was fun to make.  Comprised of the legendary Tracii Guns, Rudy Sarzo, Rikki Rockett, and Brandon Gibbs, this is a DO NOT MISS record. Here’s the video for “Boneyard”:

     Devil City Angels online:

https://www.facebook.com/DevilCityAngels/

Motorhead – Bad Magic

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     Motörhead has always been a guilty pleasure for me. I have always listened to them and probably always will. I have seen the fairweather fans come and go as the trends change. I was extremely saddened to hear of the deaths of Lemmy and Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor. This final album from Motörhead is to savor and enjoy.  Take a listen to “Electricity” and pay your respects:

       Motörhead online:

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

http://www.imotorhead.com/tablet/index.html

Skulldron – Through The Smoke

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     Skulldron rocks, plain and simple. I have known these guys for years and years and enjoyed them immensely. Skulldron falls into the Stoner/Doom metal category and they do it so very well. This is a band that NEEDS some worldwide acclaim. This is another record that SHOULD be in your collection. Well crafted and put together Through The Smoke takes you on a trip to a very cool place in your head. Take a peek at G.O.A.T. :

     Skulldron online:

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

http://skulldron.com/

Clutch – Psychic Warfare

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     Clutch is band that, to me, everyone should be running to the store and buying all of their records. Firing on all cylinders and then some,  Clutch  simply rules. This album continues Clutch’s streak of aggressive, hard charging rock. I have one thing to say about Clutch, if you don’t like them, you haven’t listened  to them. Psychic Warfare is a great record to introduce you to the awesomeness that is Clutch. “X-Ray Visions” will whet your appetite:

     Clutch online:

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

http://www.pro-rock.com/

Dellacoma – South Of Everything

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     Dellacoma Rio, vocalist for Dellacoma is one of the hardest working men in rock n’ roll. Hailing from Australia, Del continually works on world domination. Putting together an outstanding band of three world class musicians: Art Struck, Matt Cook, and Rick Reynolds,  Dellacoma wrote and recorded a well crafted piece of art. No frill, no filler, just straight up feel good music. This is my pick for road music of the year. Put this on, roll down the windows,  and hit the road. Let me show you what I mean:

     Dellacoma online:

https://www.facebook.com/dellacoma

http://www.dellacoma.com/

Red Sky Mary – River Child

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     Red Sky Mary was an accidental find for me. I was completely taken aback by the soul in this young band. It was as if someone jumped into a time machine and collected the DNA from several 70’s bands and somehow fused them into Red Sky Mary. I find so much depth and beauty in this record it amazes me that their are bands still making music that you can truly feel. Here is the latest from Red Sky Mary:

     Red Sky Mary online:

https://www.facebook.com/redskymary/

http://www.redskymary.com/

Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators – Live at the Roxy 9.25.14

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     Slash and crew deliver on this live recording from the Roxy. I f you have never had the chance to catch them live this is the next best thing. Relaxed and fun this record showcases Slash’s and Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators talent. With songs that span throughout Slash’s career from GNR, Velvet Revolver, through today this one is a winner. My favorite track from this record:

 

Slash and the boys online:

https://www.facebook.com/Slash/

http://www.slashonline.com/

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

     -the Hellion

FRET 12 RELEASING 3 NEW GUITAR INSTRUCTIONAL DVD’S JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

FRET 12 RELEASING 3 NEW GUITAR INSTRUCTIONAL DVD’S JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

 

The Popular The Sound and the Story Series Returns With New Installments from Josh Rand of Stone Sour, Jim Root from Slipknot/Stone Sour and Myles Kennedy and Mark Tremonti of Alter Bridge

 

(December 12, 2013 – New York, NY) – Fret12 is proud to announce 3 new installments in their ever-expanding lineup of the popular guitar instructional/documentary series, The Sound and the Story. The new installments feature Josh Rand of Stone Sour, Jim Root from Slipknot/Stone Sour and Myles Kennedy and Mark Tremonti of Alter Bridge. The Sound and The Story DVD series is quickly becoming known for featuring comprehensive guitar lessons taught by the artist – featuring fan-favorite songs. All 3 versions are available for order on the Fret12 website in various configurations and can be found at www.fret12.com.

 

The Josh Rand installment of The Sound and the Story features over 90 minutes of lessons taught by Josh and also offers a never-before-seen look inside the dramatic life story of Stone Sour’s guitarist. The lessons include tips on alternate picking, finger independence, hammer ons/pull offs, string skipping, sweep picking, musical modes and exotic scales. In addition there are in-depth lessons on how to play 7 of Josh’s signature solos. It also includes a 46-page tablature book that was verified by Josh himself. A preview for Josh Rand: The Sound and the Story can be seen here: http://tinyurl.com/JoshRandPreview.

 

Slipknot/Stone Sour guitarist Jim Root’s 2-disc collection offers an-depth look at the origins of his style, the sounds that add up to create his signature sound, and the emotional story that has molded him into the musician he is today. Jim Root: The Sound and the Story features 11 complete songs: covering solos, riffs, leads, overlays, effects usage and more! Jim’s DVD set includes a 60-minute documentary and over 3 ½ hours of lessons. A preview for Jim Root: The Sound and the Story can be seen here: http://tinyurl.com/JimRootPreview.

 

Mark Tremonti of Alter Bridge is no stranger to The Sound and the Story series. He made one previously after Alter Bridge released their Blackbird album. Now Mark returns for his second installment with Myles Kennedy by his side. Together they walk you through each song from Alter Bridge’s latest release, Fortress. The 2-disc set contains in-depth track-by-track instruction of the critically acclaimed album. There is also a 45-minute documentary featuring an in-studio look at the recording of Fortress and interviews that highlight the band’s creative process.  Alter Bridge: The Sound and the Story will be available later this month.

 

Along with the DVDs, fans can connect at FRET12.com; which offers a full online store catering to guitarists and guitar culture. FRET12 also features tablature, over 250 professional guitarist interviews and rig tours, as well as social platforms with active followings of guitar enthusiasts, musicians and fans to interact and network with.

 

www.Fret12.com