Tag Archives: Ozzy Osbourne

OZZY…

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This hits hard, really hard.

I remember the first time I heard Ozzy’s voice, it was around 1977 and I was 13ish. My family had recently moved into a new apartment and there was a “cool” (at least I thought so) kid that lived across the hall from us. We became friends and listened to a lot of music together. One day he put on Master of Reality and my mind was blown. I guess I had overlooked Sabbath all of these years. I voraciously ate up their back catalog enjoying it all.  And then, in 1979, just like that, I heard that Ozzy and Sabbath parted ways.  I was bummed but hopeful for new music.

I was listening to the radio (yeah I am a dinosaur) one day when I was about 16 when I heard the first notes of “Crazy Train” assault my ears. As the song progressed I recognized Ozzy’s distinct voice, sure enough. the DJ said “That was the new record from former Black Sabbath singer Ozzy Osbourne.” I saved some money and bought Blizzard of Oz and proceeded to wear it out. I just couldn’t believe what I was hearing, in my young mind (and ears) it was a sonic masterpiece. I couldn’t wait to hear more from Ozzy and crew.

Diary of a Madman hit just as hard. Track after track of Rock and Roll excellence. I lucked out and scored tickets to see Ozzy in Jan of ’82. What a show! Ozzy and crew played songs off of both solo records AND some of the Sabbath songs I had fallen in love with. Ozzy, Randy Rhoads, Rudy Sarzo, Tommy Aldrige, and Don Airey absolutely CRUSHED it. The music and theatrics were stellar and took you away to the magical universe of Rock and Roll. We lost Randy a few months later, but we still had his spirit with us, and still do.

Ozzy continued to make great records and remained a staple in my listening preferences. But those first two record just hit me different than the rest. I saw Ozzy multiple times on tour (and actually got to shake his hand and thank him once). I continued to look forward to new music from Ozzy.

I was lucky enough to catch Black Sabbath on a couple of their reunion shows which was a wonderful experience for me after all of the years of listening. I heard of Ozzy’s health issues and wished the best for him and hoped he would be able to take some time for himself and enjoy what he had given the world. But no, he wasn’t done giving. He soldiered on and gave us more music and tours.

Watching the Back to the Beginning show I saw how the years of giving (and the Rockstar lifestyle) had taken its toll on him. But in true Rock God fashion Ozzy gave it his all. And we ALL drank it up and showed our respect. In my mind I thanked him for the years of enjoyment and music.

And then he was gone. He went out on a high note. The world mourned, I mourned. I didn’t know him personally but I felt like he knew me. It was like losing that crazy uncle that most people have. His songs made me laugh, cry, shout in defiance, and help me get through difficult times. I cannot thank him enough. I know wherever he is right now, he’s telling them all to “Go Crazy”.

 

Thanks Ozzy, for everything.

 

Side note:

The day Ozzy left us I received text from my grown son, as follows:

“Your childhood, my childhood, and now Noah’s. (Noah is my 3 year old grandson) Last night, Noah laid on my chest and asked me to show him Ozzyborn. We watched Ozzy videos for an hour and talked about him. Today before school, he asked if he can listen to his Ozzyborn. Then on the way home he said I love Bark at the Moon…”

I texted a sad emoji face to which he replied:

“Yeah a little eerie right? He’s never asked me about Ozzy before…then last night and today, he became his favorite.”

 

I guess Ozzy is still giving it his all.

 

It’s LOUD, it’s OZZY, it’s ROCK AND ROLL! (I’m gonna go Bark at the Moon)

-the Hellion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Black Sabbath

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Summer of 1977…

I had just met the neighbor kid in the apartment complex we had just moved into. He invited me over to hang out and listen to music one afternoon. He asked me if I liked Black Sabbath and I told him that “Iron Man” was a cool song but that was about all I knew. He then proceeded to play Master of Reality. The music was like an adrenaline shot to my senses. I was hooked immediately and had to have more and find out all I could about Black Sabbath.

Over time I managed to collect their music and it became a part of my regular listening schedule. I couldn’t explain it but the music reached me on many levels. And then, as quickly as I had found them, there was news of a band split.

Back then (before up to the minute news from the internet) rumors began circulating of Ozzy leaving the band. This unfortunately became truth.

It came to pass that Black Sabbath had hired Ronnie James Dio to sing and Ozzy launched a solo career. I was a long time Rainbow fan and was curious to see what Dio would bring. I was positive that Ozzy would have some cool stuff as well.

Let’s talk Black Sabbath first. With the addition of Dio they brought us Heaven and Hell. I like this record but it brought about a sense of change to the Black Sabbath style. I always felt that this record took them in a more pop rock oriented style. It wasn’t bad but it just wasn’t MY Black Sabbath that I’d grown to love. It proved to be the same with the Mob Rules. They had just failed to reach as had been done with their previous work. I like both records and still listen to them today but not nearly as much as the earlier work. And then Dio was gone.

To be honest I left them at that point not even bothering to listen or seek out their music. Black Sabbath was lost to me at that time.

Ozzy went on to great success as a solo artist. He surrounded himself with stellar musicians and made some good records. Like Dio era Sabbath it was different. Ozzy tried to cultivate the Prince Of Darkness image but it failed to reach me. The music while great again, in my opinion, leaned a little more towards the pop rock side.

I know, I know, I can just see some of you rolling your eyes at this. Change is ok and sometimes can be good. It was good for Ozzy’s career and not so much with Black Sabbath. Sabbath eventually reunited with Dio for Dehumanizer before parting ways again.

Eventually Ozzy and Sabbath got over the past and reunited for 13 (without Bill Ward), but, for me, the magic just wasn’t there anymore.

Over time we lost Dio to cancer, Ozzy’s solo career kind of came to a slow down, and Sabbath again had some infighting leading to a permanent split with Bill Ward. But, as I have said in other conversations, that is band business of which we as fans have no part.

All in all, it’s been a good ride with Sabbath and Ozzy. I will always have and cherish the early music they made. Black Sabbath, Paranoid, Master of Reality, Vol. 4, Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, Sabotage, Technical Ecstasy, and Never Say Die! will ALWAYS be the definitive Sabbath albums for me. I will still continue to support anything Sabbath or Ozzy does because that’s what we as music fans do. I don’t have to love it but without that support it will go away. The bands that were influenced by Black Sabbath are countless.

Thank you Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward for the hours upon hours of enjoyment you have given to me over the years. You four will forever be Black Sabbath in my heart and mind. To all of the others who have had a hand in the Sabbath legacy: Geoff Nicholls, Craig Gruber, Vinny Appice, Ian Gillen, Bev Bevan, Ron Keel, David Donato, Eric Singer, Dave Spitz, Glenn Hughes, Ray Gillen, Bob Daisley, Tony Martin, Cozy Powell, Laurence Cottle, Neil Murray, Bobby Rondinelli, Mike Bordin, Adam Wakeman, Tommy Clufetos, Rick Wakeman, Gerald Woodroffe, Don Airey, Brad Wilk thank you for being a part of such legends. Zakk Wylde, ZAKK SABBATH?!?!?! That’s what I’m talking about!

Dio, you just rule, period.

 

It’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s mother#$%*ing SABBATH!!!

-the Hellion

 

Disturbed Return After 4-Year Hiatus with New Album, Single and Video‏

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Sometimes less is more. When a band puts out a release every year, year after year, the music and excitement can grow stale. Now, after a four year absence Disturbed is returning to kick our collective asses with some new music. the Hellion Rocks is really looking forward to this release!

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DISTURBED ANNOUNCE RETURN FROM HIATUS WITH

NEW ALBUM IMMORTALIZED DUE AUGUST 21 WORLDWIDE

 

OFFICIAL VIDEO FOR FIRST SINGLE “THE VENGEFUL ONE” OUT NOW

 

ALBUM AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER EVERYWHERE TODAY

 

June 23, 2015 – Burbank, CA – After a four-year hiatus, Grammy Award-nominated, multiplatinum hard rock titans Disturbed have announced their return with their sixth studio album, entitled Immortalized, to be released August 21 through Reprise Records.  Lead single “The Vengeful One” is out now, along with the accompanying animated video from award-winning filmmaker Phil Mucci, and Immortalized is available for pre-order everywhere today. The upcoming release follows 2010’s gold-certified Asylum, Disturbed‘s fourth consecutive #1 on the Billboard Top 200, and the group’s subsequent four-year hiatus, which gave members David Draiman [vocals], Dan Donegan [guitar], Mike Wengren [drums], and John Moyer [bass] the necessary reprieve to make this imminent and deliberate return.

Watch/share the official video for “The Vengeful One”:

“The idea was to leave when we were at our peak, which we were, and to come back when we felt reinvigorated,” asserts Draiman. “We had basically been going nonstop since 1998,” adds Wengren. “We got to do our own things. It didn’t take too long until the itch started coming back.” And Donegan agrees: “We wanted to return when we collectively had that fire underneath us. We missed it so much that we could tap into this energy and deliver the right album. We did it on our own terms.”

 

In January 2014, Draiman, Donegan, and Wengren met for dinner in their hometown of Chicago. Shortly thereafter, without notifying friends, families, or their label, the three began to fly back and forth to each other’s respective home studios for writing sessions, marking the beginnings of Immortalized and the first time they collectively wrote together since 2001.

 

“For this album, everything was written in the same room,” Draiman remarks. “It was wonderful experiencing how it used to be back in the day for us. That became apparent in the material, whether it was the passion of the performance, the power being harnessed, or the feelings evoked. We could feel the difference.”

 

To push themselves further, the group headed to Las Vegas’ Hideout Recordings to work alongside producer Kevin Churko [Ozzy Osbourne, Five Finger Death Punch]. “The goal was to find a producer we felt creatively comfortable with, but who could challenge us and spark a new evolution,” said Donegan. “Churko did that.”

 

The resulting record features the unshakable first single “The Vengeful One” – “Musically, it’s got that old school metal sound,” says Donegan. “It’s definitely Disturbed!” – along with an outside-the-box cover of Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence,” unlike anything in the group’s catalog.

 

“I think the fans will feel like it was worth the wait,” says Donegan. “We’ve been planning this for the past year and keeping it a secret so we can’t wait to hear the response. I hope fans realize we have a lot more left in us. This album reassured me of that. To be away from it for almost 5 years, get back in a room, write together, and tap into that fire is awesome. Part of me didn’t want to leave the studio! We still have a lot more to say. We still have a lot more to do. We’re returning stronger than ever. I think Immortalized shows that.”

 

Formed in Chicago in 1996, Disturbed have sold 12 million albums globally, scored nine No. 1 singles at Active Rock Radio, and had four consecutive albums debut at #1 on the Billboard Top 200, a feat shared only with Metallica and Dave Matthews Band. Their quadruple-platinum 2000 debut The Sickness formally announced their arrival as hard rock leaders, with that status solidified by their subsequent gold-, platinum- and double platinum-certified records as well as a Grammy Award nomination in the category of “Best Hard Rock Performance” for “Inside the Fire” in 2009.

 

Pre-order the album, including deluxe limited edition bundles:

http://smarturl.it/DSTImmortalized

Immortalized Track Listing:

1.       The Eye Of The Storm

2.       Immortalized

3.       The Vengeful One

4.       Open Your Eyes

5.       The Light

6.       What Are You Waiting For

7.       You’re Mine

8.       Who

9.       Save Our Last Goodbye

10.     Fire It Up

11.     The Sound of Silence

12.     Never Wrong

13.     Who Taught You How To Hate

14.     Tyrant*

15.     Legion of Monsters*

16.     The Brave And The Bold*

* Deluxe Only

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Photo Credit: Travis Shinn

 

http://www.disturbed1.com/ | https://www.facebook.com/Disturbed

     it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s DISTURBED!!!!

     -the Hellion

 

Kix signs with Loud & Proud Records – first new albums in 19 years in the works for July 22nd release

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KIX SIGNS WITH LOUD & PROUD RECORDS; FIRST NEW ALBUM IN 19 YEARS CURRENTLY IN THE WORKS AND SET FOR JULY 22 RELEASE

Look for KIX– Steve Whiteman (lead vocals), Jimmy Chalfant (drums, vocals), Ronnie Younkins(guitars), Brian Forsythe (guitars) and Mark Schenker (bass)—to release their first new album in almost two decades on July 22, thanks to their new partnership with Loud & Proud Records. What makes the project even more exciting and anticipated is that the album features the band’s original line-up, with the exception of Schenker on bass.

“The boys and I are so happy that our old friend, Tom Lipsky, has invited us to join the Loud & Proud family,” exclaims Whiteman. “We worked with Tom and Madelyn Scarpulla on our last studio album, SHOW BUSINESS, and we’re looking forward to working with them again with the release of the first new KIX album in almost 19 years! We’ll still be coming to a dump near you very soon!”

Loud & Proud Owner & President Tom Lipsky adds, “What I have always loved about KIX is they make rock ‘n roll fun. What I love about their new music is that it’s pure, genuine KIX music, straight up guitar rock with no compromise. They’re not chasing trends or trying to re-invent themselves. They’re simply doing what they do best…and now they can do it Loud and Proud!”

Marking the re-emergence of KIX in early-2000’s, the band had teamed up a few times a year to test the waters with reunion shows in the Maryland/Pennsylvania, which were very well received. Then in the summer of 2008, KIX performed outside the mid-Atlantic for the first time in 13 years at two of the biggest rock festivals in the U.S. Rocklahoma in Pryor, OK and Rock the Bayou in Houston, TX. The band was hailed by many music websites and attendees as “Best Performance” at both festivals, where they played alongside Sammy Hagar, Alice Cooper, Tesla, Queesryche, Ratt, and more.

As the demand for new music has never subsided and in fact has only increased over the last few years, the band decided that they can no longer ignore the overtures from their fans and are currently recording new KIX songs. The new album, due out summer 2014, is produced by Taylor Rhodes, who last worked with KIX on 1991’s HOT WIRE album. Rhodes has also written hit songs for Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne and Journey.

Stay tuned for new album news, which will be announced in the coming weeks, and check out KIX on tour at any of the following stops (with more to be announced soon):

Fri 4/25 – Columbia, MD – M3 Festival
Sat 5/24 – Pryor, OK – Rocklahoma
Sat 5/31 – Sandusky, OH – Ohio Bike Week
Fri 6/6 – Vernal, UT – Thunder Rocks
Sat 6/21 – Idaho Falls, ID – Rock The Falls
Fri 7/25 – Royalton, MN – Halfway Jam
Thu 7/31 – Leemore, CA – Tachi Palace Casino

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialKIX

http://www.kixband.com

http://loudandproudrecords.com/

From the mouths of RED DRAGON CARTEL: the story

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91aNF0PvpOL._SL1500_      Frontiers Records has just released a video of Red Dragon Cartel members Jake E. Lee, Ronnie Mancuso, Darren James Smith, Jonas Fairley telling the tale of how Red Dragon Cartel came to be.  Check it out it’s pretty cool:

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     it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s RED DRAGON CARTEL!

     the Hellion

 

RED DRAGON CARTEL RELEASE VIDEO FOR “DECEIVED” FROM BAND’S UPCOMING SELF-TITLED DEBUT OUT ON JANUARY 28th

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RED DRAGON CARTEL RELEASE VIDEO FOR “DECEIVED” FROM BAND’S UPCOMING SELF-TITLED DEBUT OUT ON JANUARY 28th

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Band Set To Hit The Road For The First Time This March

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(New York, NY – January 21, 2014) – Red Dragon Cartel have been making waves since the band announced the release of their upcoming debut last year. Now, the band made up of guitar legend Jake E. Lee, bassist Ronnie Mancuso, singer D.J. Smith and drummer Jonas Fairley are unveiling their debut video for the song “Deceived.” The song comes from their soon-to-be-released Frontiers Records album Red Dragon Cartel out on January 28th. The video for the song can be seen at  and fans that pre-order the album digitally on iTunes at http://smarturl.it/reddragoncartelreceive the song as an instant download. The album is also available for pre-order on Amazon.com at http://amzn.to/1aYjMng.

 

 

Jake E. Lee is best known for his work in Badlands and as guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne on Bark at the Moon and The Ultimate Sin albums. Red Dragon Cartel also features various guest appearances from some of music’s most notable faces including legendary Cheap Trick vocalist Robin Zander, original Iron Maiden vocalist Paul Di’Anno, Kill Devil Hill/Pantera bassist Rex Brown, Sass Jordan, Slash’s Conspirators Todd Kearns and Brent Fitz and In This Moment front woman Maria Brink. The album was produced by Ronnie Mancuso and Jake E. Lee and was executive produced, mixed and mastered by Kevin Churko (In This Moment, Ozzy Osbourne, Five Finger Death Punch).

 

Red Dragon Cartel will be hitting the road in the road in March to showcase Jake E Lee’s return to the world. The tour kicks off March 5th in Tempe, AZ and runs all the way through April 6th, where it wraps up in Seneca, NY. The tour will make stops in Oklahoma City, Houston, Raleigh and Philadelphia to name a few. The band will also be heading over to Europe where they are confirmed to perform at this year’s Download Festival in Donnington, England and the famed Sweden Rock Festival. More dates are being added around the world as the band looks to bring the music of Red Dragon Cartel to every corner of the globe.

 

From the opening riff of “Deceived” to final sustained piano chord of “Exquisite Tenderness,” it is clear Red Dragon Cartel has created an album that stands amongst some of the greatest hard rock albums of all time. Infectious songs such as “Shout It Out,” “Wasted” and “Slave” showcase the band’s ability to write memorable hooks and vocal melodies. Robin Zander of Cheap Trick lends his voice to the track “Feeder” and a lyric video for the song can be seen athttp://tinyurl.com/FeederLyricVideo. Maria Brink of In This Moment lends her unique vocals to the track “Big Mouth.” Paul Di’Anno and Sass Jordan also lend their talents to the band’s debut. Jake E. Lee’s trademark playing style instantly shines through and picks up right where he left off.

Red Dragon Cartel – Official Website: http://reddragoncartel.com Official Facebook: www.facebook.com/reddragoncartel  Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/reddragoncartel

 

Tour Dates:

Mar. 5 Las Vegas, NV The Marquee

Mar. 13 Owaso, OK Lava Cable

Mar. 14 Oklahoma City, OK The Chameleon Room

Mar. 15 Houston, TX Concert Pub North

Mar. 20 Hazard, KY Summit City

Mar. 21 Janesville, WI The Back Bar

Mar. 22 Fridley, MN Leighton’s Pickle Park

Mar. 23 Richmond, IN The Firehouse

Mar. 25 McKees Rocks, PA Dead Hourse

Mar. 28 Largo, FL Largo Cultural Center

Mar. 29 – Apr. 1 Miami, FL Monsters Of Rock Cruise

Apr. 2 Teaneck, NJ Mexicali Live

Apr. 3 Philadelphia, PA The Legendary Dobbs

Apr. 4 Amityville, NY Revolutions

Apr. 6 West Seneca, NY Rock & Roll Heaven

May 30 Vienna, AUS Szene

May 31 Munich, GER Backstage

Jun 5 Norje Solvesborg, SWE Sweden Rock Festival

Jun 15 Donnington, ENG Download Festival

Jun 19 Seattle, WA El Corazon

Jun 21 Idaho Falls, ID Rock The Falls

 

Red Dragon Cartel CD review

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1. Deceived
(Lee/Mancuso/Churko/Fairley)
Jake E. Lee: All Guitars
Ronnie Mancuso: Bass
Darren James Smith: Vocals
Jonas Fairley: Drums and Vocals

2. Shout It Out
(Lee/Mancuso)
Jake E. Lee: All Guitars,Keyboards and Sound Design)
Ronnie Mancuso: Bass
Darren James Smith: Vocals
Brent Fitz: Drums

3. Feeder
(Lee/Mancuso/Churko/Zander/Peterson)
Jake E. Lee: All Guitars
Ronnie Mancuso: Sound Design
Robin Zander: Vocals
Tom Petersson: 12-String Bass
Jeremy Spencer: Drums

4. Fall From The Sky (Seagull)
(Lee/Mancuso)
Jake E. Lee: All Guitars
Ronnie Mancuso: Bass
Darren James Smith: Vocals
Brent Fitz: Drums

5. Wasted
(Lee/Mancuso/Di’Anno)
Jake E. Lee: All Guitars
Ronnie Mancuso: Bass
Paul Di’Anno: Vocals
Brent Fitz: Drums

6. Slave
(Lee/Mancuso/Churko)
Jake E. Lee: All Guitars and Sound Design
Rex Brown: Bass
Darren James Smith: Vocals
Jeremy Spencer: Drums
Ronnie Mancuso: Keyboards
Kane Churko: Background Vocals

7. Big Mouth
(Lee/Mancuso/Kevin Churko/Kane Churko/Brink)
Jake E. Lee: Guitars
Ronnie Mancuso: Bass
Maria Brink: Vocals
Kevin Churko: Drums and Vocals
Chris Howorth: Trade Off End Guitar Solos

8.War Machine
(Lee/Mancuso/Churko/Fairley)
Jake E. Lee: All Guitars
Scott Reeder: Bass
Darren James Smith: Vocals
Jonas Fairley: Drums and Vocals
Ronnie Mancuso & Louie Merlino: Background Vocals

9.Redeem Me
(Lee/Mancuso/Fitz/Jordan)
Jake E. Lee: All Guitars
Sass Jordan: Vocals
Todd Kerns: Bass
Brent Fitz: Drums
Darren James Smith: Background Vocals

10. Exquisite Tenderness
(Lee)
Jake E. Lee: Piano

 

 

It’s funny how things work out. I heard rumors of the return of one of my favorite guitarists Jake E. Lee and here I am writing a review from an advance copy of his new project Red Dragon Cartel.

The self-titled debut from Red Dragon Cartel is poised to be a contender for one of the top releases of 2014. I have been waiting a long time for some new stuff from Jake E. Lee and this release does not disappoint. Don’t expect to hear something like the stuff he did with Ozzy or Badlands, this is an entirely new entity.

The guitar playing is easily identifiable as Jake, but there’s something new and fresh to his playing. Jake, it seems, has come out of exile and the world has gotten a little brighter in his doing so.

The Red Dragon Cartel project came to be when Jake joined forces with session guitarist and Beggars & Thieves bassist Ronnie Mancuso.  Jake appeared in a Beggars & Thieves video for the track “We Come Undone” which sparked an outcry for new music from Jake. The chemistry was right and the sparks started flying. Ronnie shares Hideout Studios with producer Kevin Churko (Five Finger Death Punch, Ozzy Osbourne) who was asked to be the executive producer for their new “project”.  The pair then searched for a singer and drummer and came up with a couple of Canadian musicians, vocalist D.J. Smith and drummer Jonas Fairley. The Cartel was complete and worked commenced on the record. Magic was made and the music world got an adrenaline injection to the heart.

The CD opens with “Deceived”  and a guitar riff that is immediately identifiable as Jake E. Lee. I f you didn’t know anything else about the track you would know it was Jake playing guitar. This one is a fist pumping song that the crowd can get behind . I can already hear the crowd shouting out the chorus in unison, ahhh the power of music. We are also introduced to the powerful voice of Darren James Smith who is a great fit in this band. Ronnie Mancuso and Jonas Fairley provide and excellent rhythm section to the track.

“Shout It Out” features guest drummer Brent Fitz (Slash, Theory of a Deadman, Alice Cooper, Vince Neil, Union, The Guess Who, Lamya, Streetheart, Harlequin, Econoline Crush) and again is a head nodding track that will surely be a crowd favorite live.

“Feeder” features guest appearances by Cheap Trick members Robin Zander and Tom Petersson, and drummer Jeremy Spencer (Five Finger Death Punch). This track has a retro feel, kind of trippy sounding and one of my favorites on the record. Very cool to see the Cheap Trick guys part of this amazing body of work.

“Fall From The Sky (Seagull)” again features Brent Fitz on drums has an ethereal feeling to it. There are great vocals and melodies to be found right here. The feelings that Jake invokes on the solo just fill you up with so much positive energy and emotion.

“Wasted” features vocals from my favorite Iron Maiden vocalist Paul Di’Anno and again Brent Fitz on drums. The music fits right around Paul’s vocals like a glove. This song has a classic hard rock song but with a modern edge to it. Thumbs up on this one. Guitar is smoking on this, love the talk box in it (you gotta listen for it).

“Slave” features some killer bass from the man Rex Brown (Pantera, Kill Devil Hill), drums again from Jeremy Spencer and background vocals from Kane Churko (Modern Science). Killer groove and powerful track with great riffs.

“Big Mouth” features guest vocalist Maria Brink and guitarist Chris Howorth  (In This Moment), Kevin Churko (production of: Ringo Star, Ozzy Osbourne, Simon Collins, In this Moment,Five Finger Death Punch, Slash, Hinder, Gemini Syndrome, Modern Science, Shania Twain) on drums and vocals. This is the “grooviest”  track on the record and the vocals from Maria give it good vibe.

“War Machine” features guest bassist Scott Reeder (Kyuss, The Obsessed, Sun And Sail Club) and Louie Merlino (Beggars & Thieves) on backing vocals. This is the longest (6:11) and heaviest track on the record. Reminiscent of older Sabbath this is easily my favorite track on the record. I find myself getting lost in the track time after time. Jake provides a doom laden groove all the way to full on shred in this one.

“Redeem Me” features guest vocals from Sass Jordan and bass from Todd “DAMMIT” Kerns (Slash, Age of Electric, Static In Stereo, Sin City Sinners). Sass provides some soulful vocals over a solidly built track.

“Exquisite Tenderness” is an instrumental piano piece. This is the first piece that Jake E. Lee ever composed as a child. I find it in good taste that they included it here. It gives insight to the beauty that was to come from the mind of Jake in the future.

While I love all of the guests on the album (I think it’s a cool move to bond with your fellow musicians) I can’t wait to see how the core band of Jake, Ronnie, D.J., and Jonas bond and make all of the songs their own. Ronnie Mancuso is a solid songwriter and player and that is quite evident on this record. Jonas holds his own on the kit backing these heavy players. Darren James Smith shows his vocal versatility here, going from smooth vocals to in your face raw power.  I am hoping that they continue to grow and develop into band that will be around for a LONG, LONG time.

I would give this album 15 stars out of 10, it’s that good. Jake E. Lee is back in a big way and I’m glad.

it’s loud,it’s dirty, it’s the RED DRAGON CARTEL!!!

the Hellion

MINDCAGE – Our Own Devices CD review

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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.

Be sure to check Mindcage out online at: http://www.mindcagemusic.com and https://www.facebook.com/mindcageband and if that isn’t enough check out the video for “The Human Race” :

     Special shout outs to Kinematic Music for getting behind a band like Mindcage and to Michael Wagener for incredible mixing and production.

     “Our Own Devices from Mindcage will leave you breathless and wanting more.” – the Hellion

MINDCAGE RELEASES EPIC VIDEO FOR “THE HUMAN RACE;” OUR OWN DEVICES DROPS TUESDAY

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MINDCAGE RELEASES EPIC VIDEO FOR “THE HUMAN RACE;”

OUR OWN DEVICES DROPS TUESDAY

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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. 

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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

OUR OWN DEVICES will be available on the band’s website www.mindcagemusic.com,

iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-human-race-single/id692323537, amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F7CDATY  and at your favorite record store.

 

I have had the chance to listen to this CD and it is GREAT! Review coming soon!

-the Hellion

MY CONVERSATION WITH RUDY SARZO

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at the meet and greet

at the meet and greet

Rudy Sarzo, his accomplishments are many: Ozzy, Quiet Riot, Whitesnake, M.A.R.S., Manic Eden, Michael Angelo Batio, Dio, Bassinvaders, “Ripper” Owens, Animetal USA, Queensryche, Project Rock, TRED, and several others. Rudy has become a legendary bass player that has inspired so many musicians. I was fortunate to have met him recently after a Queensryche show. Imagine my response  when I confirmed an interview with him. The interview went well (a few rude people make noise in the beginning though) and Rudy  was certainly a warm and down to earth person. I cannot thank him enough for taking the time to do an interview with me. Here’s the link and enjoy:

 

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

the Hellion