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

MACHINA, Featuring Former Members of EVANESCENCE and FUTURE LEADERS OF THE WORLD, to Appear on Brand New Television Show ‘The Making of Rock Stars’

MACHINA, Featuring Former Members of EVANESCENCE and FUTURE LEADERS OF THE WORLD, to Appear on Brand New Television Show ‘The Making of Rock Stars’

 

Headlining U.S. Fall Tour NOW – See Below for Tour Dates

 

 

New Album ‘To Live and Die in the Garden of Eden’ OUT NOW on Rogue Records

 

Little Rock, AR’s MACHINA, featuring Phil Taylor (former Future Leaders of the World) and John Le Compt (ex-Evanescence), is pleased to announce that they will be the featured band on an upcoming show chronicling the journey and real life struggles of musicians as they make their way to becoming rock stars. The show, ‘The Making of Rockstars’, is scheduled to premiere early next year, airing via syndication on Fox, CBS and ABC and hitting roughly 200 million viewers. The show is being filmed on the band’s U.S. headline run, which kicks off today in Springfield, MO at Outland Ballroom (see below for all current tour dates).

Along with the television show, the band and show will be interacting directly with fans via online updates and communication. It is here where fans will truly experience the creation of “reality television” as MACHINA faces daily challenges, gets into ridiculous situations and will relay their struggles through interviews and daily uploads of edited video highlighting their journey. Fans will be able to be a part of every experience, creating viral and engaging phenomena.

‘The Making of Rockstars’ producer David DeLay states, “I’m really excited to work with such a professional band as MACHINA on “The Making Of Rockstars”. The potential of this band is unlimited and the work ethic is unmatched. I believe you’re seeing the birth of the next great rock band.”

MACHINA is amped to be featured on “The Making of Rockstars”. We believe that this groundbreaking medium will pave the road for original artists alike for many years to come,” adds vocalist Phil Taylor on behalf of MACHINA. “Sharing our music and connecting with our fans is what we’re all about, so it made perfect sense to form this partnership with David DeLay. We really look forward to getting our story out to the masses while touring in support of our new album.”

Stay tuned for more updates about “The Making of Rockstars”, coming soon.

MACHINA released their new album, To Live and Die in the Garden of Eden, on September 25, 2012 via Rogue Records America. The album is available NOW for digital download at iTunes and other digital retailers and physically via CM Distro. To Live and Die in the Garden of Eden was recorded at The Sound Kitchen in Nashville, TN with Grammy-winning producer Toby Wright.

See below for all current tour dates:

MACHINA U.S. Tour Dates:

11/7 – Springfield, MO @ Outland Ballroom

11/8 – Merriam, KS @ Aftershock

11/9 – Little Rock, AR @ Downtown Music Hall

11/10 – Houston, TX @ Numbers Night Club

11/12 – Fayetteville, AR @ Rogue Pizza Company

11/15 – Canton, MS @ Club 43

11/16 – New Orleans, LA @ Delgado Community College

11/17 – New Orleans, LA @ Hanger 13

11/18 – Dallas, TX @ Empire Rock Bar

11/21 – Memphis, TN @ Hard Rock Café Memphis

11/23 – Nashville, TN @ Hard Rock Café Nashville

11/24 – Broussard, LA @ The Station Bar & Grill

11/29 – Dardanelle, AR @ Front Street Grill

11/30 – Hot Springs, AR @ Maxine’s Live Music Venue

Check out more information about MACHINA at these websites:

www.facebook.com/machinarock

www.twitter.com/MachinaRock

 

 

MACHINA consists of Phil Taylor (vocals) John LeCompt (Guitar) Rocky Gray (Drums) and Tad Ables (Bass).

Rogue Records America© 2011 is an independent metal-focused record label based in San Francisco, CA. We are a digital distributor / publisher of music and media through mobile, console and browser-based technologies. Rogue provides music 24 – 7 / 365 days a year.
www.RogueRecordsAmerica.com