EXODUS Drummer TOM HUNTING Performs for New Jersey Music Students at Master Class Clinic

EXODUS Drummer TOM HUNTING Performs for New Jersey Music Students at Master Class Clinic

See Below for Photos from “Meetings with Masters” at New Jersey’s Old Bridge Music Center School

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This past Sunday, November 30th, students at The Old Bridge Music Center School in Old Bridge, New Jersey, were treated to a special Master Class clinic with EXODUS drummer Tom Hunting. The event was part of the school’s ongoing “Meetings with Masters” series that offers young music students the chance to learn from top music industry professionals from around the world.

 

Highlights of the Master Class included an inside look at Hunting’s successful career, drum tips and techniques, advice to young musicians looking to have a career in the music industry, and a Q&A session. Students were then given the opportunity to play along with Hunting on a second drum set with other student musicians in a series of “Double Drum” jams to close the event, much to the delight of all in attendance.

 

“Wow! What an amazing day! We had such a great time and it was really inspiring to take part in the very important work that The Old Bridge Music Center School does,” states Tom Hunting. “I couldn’t be happier about how the day went. We talked a lot about touring, and the lifestyle, practice techniques, different styles of music, and pretty much every aspect of music. And the kids were so smart, extremely talented, and very engaged in the process. I left there wishing we had more time to talk and jam!

 

Hunting adds, “Teaching is something I plan to pursue as a career when all the touring, recording, and traveling with EXODUS settles down in the future. This was my first time teaching (other than a few private lessons) and I left Old Bridge inspired and with a feeling that this is a good path for me. I wanna thank both of the Gregg’s and Zipperhead and everyone else involved in this school for one of my favorite days I can ever remember!  It was a true pleasure and I can’t wait to get back to Old Bridge! Cheers!”

To learn more about the Old Bridge Music Center and their programs, please visit www.oldbridgemusiccenter.com,http://oldbridgemusiccenter.wordpress.com, or www.facebook.com/oldbridgemusiccenter.

 

Tom Hunting and EXODUS are currently wrapping up their tour with headliners Slayer and fellow special guests Suicidal Tendencies. Afterward,EXODUS will embark on a quick run of headline shows from December 7th through December 14th. See below for all remaining tour dates.

 

EXODUS in North America with SLAYER & SUICIDAL TENDENCIES

12/04 – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre – Indianapolis, IN

12/05 – The Fillmore Detroit – Detroit, MI

12/06 – The Venue at Horseshoe Casino – Hammond, IN

 

EXODUS Headline Dates:

12/07 – Aftershock – Merriam, KS

12/08 – Gothic Theatre – Denver, CO

12/09 – Pub Station – Billings, MT

12/10 – The Hop – Spokane, WA

12/11 – Studio Seven – Seattle, WA 

12/12 – Hawthorne Theater – Portland, OR

12/13 – Chico, CA @ Senator Theater

12/14 – Fresno, CA @ Strummers

 

 

On October 14th, EXODUS released their brand new album, Blood In, Blood Out, via Nuclear Blast. The record debuted at #38 on the U.S. Billboard Top 200 charts in its first week, which concretes Blood In, Blood Out’s status as the band’s highest-charting album to date. Blood In, Blood Out can be ordered from the Nuclear Blast USA Webshop in CD, digi-pak + bonus DVD, 2-LP exclusive yellow vinyl, and imported limited edition box set formats. The album can also be purchased via iTunes, Google Play and Amazon. Or, pick up a copy of the album at your local music retailers.

 

Like: www.facebook.com/EXODUSATTACK

Follow: twitter.com/EXODUSATTACK

Watch: www.YouTube.com/EXODUS

 

AC/DC: Rock Or Bust?

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The last great AC/DC record was Back In Black. There I’ve said it, and I’ll stand by it. I was worried about the future of the band with the loss of Bon Scott and was impressed with their release of Back In Black and then, it all fell apart for me. There were the occasional singles that were decent but overall I lost interest in AC/DC. All of the While I continued to purchase each release with the hopes of finding something inspiring within.

2014 brought us the news of Malcolm having health issues and leaving the band and Phil Rudd living up to the bad boy rocker image, and the news of a new record. Could these issues give the album a new fire? I hoped.

I received my copy and with fingers crossed, shut out the world, and listened.

What was there was an average AC/DC record. There were no tracks that jumped out and grabbed me like the songs of old. Don’t get me wrong, the tracks are not terrible, just not great. Their playing is still excellent and powerful, but the songs themselves are not. I feel that they have found a comfort zone and are playing safely within it. They’ve still got “Big Balls” though.

Rock Or Bust? Sorry AC/DC, it’s a bust for me….

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

-the Hellion

Was Dimebag really that great?

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 photo credit: Chad Lee

THIS POST IS IN NO WAY INTENDED TO DISRESPECT THE MEMORY OF DIME

 

It has been almost ten years since Dimebag was shot to death onstage. It just so happened that I was talking to a very well known guitarist today (he wished to remain anonymous) about Dime and the impact he has had on the music community. His opinions and thoughts made me think about Dime and his influence.

I see so many people sporting the pink goatee and citing Dime as their main influence in guitar playing. But was he REALLY that good a player? I mean are there any songs by him that are truly game changers? Or is it “cool” to like him and therefore “cool” to cite him as an innovator? In my discussion with my friend the statement was made that Pantera filled a niche in the metal community and that was all it was.

In my opinion Dime played with heart and soul and THAT is good enough for me. If you look at the so called “A-List” guitar players you might find that their “skill-level”, or “technical mastery” might be lacking but their heart and interpretation was spot on.

I am just curious what you, loyal reader, have to say about Dimebag. Not looking for a slamming of him just some intelligent feedback.

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

-the Hellion

King Creature releases video for “In Hell”

 

 

 

 

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A while back I fell in with a bunch of miscreants from the UK, KING CREATURE. These lads have a special place in my heart. Working their collective asses off they have learned from their idols and developed a sound worth listening to.  Making waves in the UK they have recently rubbed elbows with Down, HELLYEAH, and Kill Devil Hill. I can only expect better and better things from these guys. They have just released a new video for their track “In Hell”. I find that I hear nods towards COC, Down, Sabbath, and BLS in it. Very well done guys! Check out “In Hell” right here:

All Hail KING CREATURE!!!

-the Hellion

Help a touring band out!!!

OK Rockers listen up! Send an email to janaya64@msn.com and tell me why you like Crowned By Fire. Every entry wins something special and one entry wins something very cool and it helps them get on the road!!!. You have two days to get your emails in! Put CBF in the subject box please! FUEL THE FIRE!!! – the Hellion

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FUEL THE FIRE!!!

-the Hellion

 

Crowned By Fire: FUEL THE FIRE!!!

Hitting the road is rough these days. My buds in Crowned By Fire are fixing to bring their unique sonic assault to the masses and need your help to do it. They are offering some very cool merch and perks on their indiegogo site. Shirts, downloads, one-of-a-kind articles, it’s all here! Rock N’ Roll is not dead and Crowned By Fire is on a mission to FUEL THE FIRE!!!! SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC!!!!

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click the link and support:

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/fuel-the-fire–2

it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s CROWNED BY FIRE!!!

-the Hellion

FREAK KITCHEN Video For “Freak of the Week” Streaming Now!

FREAK KITCHEN Video For “Freak of the Week” Streaming Now!

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New Album Out Now!

Swedish trio FREAK KITCHEN are back with Cooking with Pagans, their eighth and most frantic album to date. The album was released on September 16th via Laser’s Edge.  The album can be ordered HERE.

Thanks to a hugely successful Kickstarter campaign, bringing in almost $150,000, a very ambitious animated video, directed by legendary artist (and author of Blacksad) Juanjo Guarnido to the track “Freak of the Week” has finally been completed by a world-class team of animators. The video premiered at the New York Comic Con and can be viewed HERE.

FREAK KITCHEN has always been a tremendously respected live act and for the first time the energetic live vibe of FREAK KITCHEN has been captured in the studio. With influences stretching from AC/DC to classical South Indian music the three Norsemen, lead by guitar virtuoso Mattias IA Eklundh, truly have a sound of their own. Cooking with Pagans offers eleven intense original songs plus a sophisticated punk pop version of the 1936 hit “Goody Goody” like you’ve never heard it before. Cooking with Pagans is solid, inspired song writing (not to say playing) from start to finish.

FREAK KITCHEN will tour the world from November and the better part of 2015 to support their new release.

Cooking With Pagans Track Listing:

1. Professional Help

2. Freak of the Week

3. Sloppy

4. Goody Goody

5. (Saving Up For An) Anal Bleach

6. Private Property

7. Mathematics of Defeat

8. I Don’t Want to Golf

9. Hide

10. Come Back to Comeback

11. Ranks of the Terrified

12. Once Upon a Time in Scandanaviastan

 

Band Lineup:

Mattias IA Eklundh: Vocals, Guitar

Christer Ortefors: Bass, Vocals

Bjorn Fryklund: Drums

 

For More Info Visit:

http://www.freakkitchen.com

https://www.facebook.com/freakkitchen

 

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

-the Hellion

 

GARY CLARK JR. INVITED TO PERFORM AT FOO FIGHTERS 20TH ANNIVERSARY BLOWOUT IN WASHINGTON, DC ON JULY 4, 2015

GARY CLARK JR. INVITED TO PERFORM AT FOO FIGHTERS 20TH ANNIVERSARY BLOWOUT IN WASHINGTON, DC ON JULY 4, 2015

CLARK IS A FEATURED GUEST ON NEW HBO DOCUMENTARY SERIES 
FOO FIGHTERS SONIC HIGHWAYS THAT DEBUTED THIS PAST 
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7TH

 

GARY CLARK JR LIVE, IN STORES NOW

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November 10th, 2014 – (Burbank, CA.) – Gary Clark Jr. is a featured guest on HBO’S critically acclaimed new documentary series Foo Fighters Sonic Highways on an episode that debuted this past Friday, Nov 7th (Check local listings for multiple repeat showings). Foos’ frontman, Dave Grohl, has described the series, which was made concurrently with the Foo Fighters’ upcoming eighth album of the same title as “a love letter to the history of American music.” The band visits eight legendary studios in eight different cities across U.S. as they write and record the album. Friday’s episode featuring Clark was shot in his hometown of Austin, TX. Clark is seen performing with the Foo Fighters on their new song “What Did I Do / God Is My Witness” from the Sonic Highways’ album.

 

The singer, songwriter, and guitarist will also perform at the Foo Fighters 20th Anniversary Blowoutshow on July 4th, 2015 at Washington D.C.’s RFK Stadium, alongside Buddy Guy, Heart, Joan Jett, LL Cool J and others. Tickets on sale now.

 

In September, Clark released Gary Clark Jr. Live, which features blistering performances that span his gigs at clubs, theatres, arenas and festivals from the past 18 months of non-stop touring. Each track was captured as purely and spontaneously as it was performed on the night with absolutely no overdubs. Response to his first official live set has been fantastic:

 

“This rising Texan’s two-CD set is his defining moment, a generous blast of prowess that backs up the future-of-blues-guitar promises made in Gary Clark Jr’s name since his burst-out performance at Eric Clapton’s 2010 Crossroads Festival. Wherever he chooses to go from here, he has what it takes to get there.” – Rolling Stone Magazine

 

“It’s no secret that Gary Clark jr is a force to be reckoned with. Backed by a tight little wrecking crew, he evokes the image of a steam engine via the chooga-chooga of his guitar even as his vocals slide cooly overtop, sounding impossible level. No filler. No overdubs. No noodle.” – Spin.Com

 

Since well before the release of his major-label debut album in 2012, this smoldering guitar hero and bluesman has been damned with high praise: His live show is so good, said the rabble, that no studio record could ever do him justice. “Gary Clark Jr. – LIVE” (Warner Bros.), a demolition derby on two discs, is one way to answer that claim, and no less welcome for being totally obvious.” – The New York Times


“If you like guitars, you’ll love Gary Clark Jr. tracks like ‘Bright Lights’ and especially ‘Numb’ rumbles with defiant grungy volume and power.” – LA Weekly


“This is how it should have gone down in the first place…focusing on the guitarist/singer’s greatest strength – namely , his scorching onstage performances…mesmerizing” – Tone Audio Magazine

 

Watch a trailer for the album here. More Gary Clark Jr. news to be announced soon.

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

-the Hellion

BLACK TUSK Bassist Jonathan Athon Passes Away

BLACK TUSK Bassist Jonathan Athon Passes Away

“It is with deep regret and saddened hearts that we must tell you that Athon passed away this morning from injuries sustained from his motorcycle accident. Doctors told us that he suffered irreparable brain damage shortly after the accident. He has been in a coma and sustained by life support until now. As per his wishes, we removed Athon from his life support systems and his organs will be donated. His body will be cremated and a memorial is being planned for family and friends in Savannah. He was 32 years old and will be forever missed. Thank you all for your support during this devastating time for us, it would have made him proud.”
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     sad news indeed…
     -the Hellion

Introducing Virginia Sludge Rockers MAMMOTH BLACK: New Album “Death Is Not Ashamed” Out December 9, 2014 via Stonerkill Records‏

Introducing Virginia Sludge Rockers MAMMOTH BLACK:

New Album “Death Is Not Ashamed” Out December 9, 2014 via Stonerkill Records

 

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Introducing MAMMOTH BLACK – the newest and grittiest band to come out of Virginia. Self-described as heavy sludge rock, the band will release their debut album Death Is Not Ashamed on December 9, 2014 via Stonerkill Records. Production on Death Is Not Ashamed was completed earlier this fall with Dick Hodgin (COC, Velvet Revolver) at Osceola Studios in Raleigh, NC. The layout for the album was created by Joshua Fitzwater.

The album is available for pre-order soon via iTunes and CD Baby, as well as right now at MAMMOTH BLACK’s Bandcamp (Mammothblack@bandcamp.com).

 

If you pre-order via Bandcamp, you get ‘Open Death Letter’ as an instant download! Can’t wait? Check out a new music video for the track here:

Death Is Not Ashamed Track Listing:

1.      Open Death Letter

2.      Sheep Skin

3.      Self Pity & Self Deception

4.      Limb from Limb

5.      Death Mask

6.      Suffer

7.      Die Faster

 

MAMMOTH BLACK will perform at their official album release show, taking place at Shakas in Virginia Beach, VA on December 12th. The show will also feature performances from Gritter, Irata, and Saltine. For more information, visit www.shakaslive.com.

 

MAMMOTH BLACK plans to tour the U.S. east coast this January through March, stopping in select cities. Stay tuned for more information coming soon.

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In other news, MAMMOTH BLACK’s Brett Lloyd and Gritter’s Ryan Kent will also be releasing a book via Dead Books Publishing in January 2015 called Screaming On The Way Down. Stay tuned for more details on the book.

 

To learn more about the band, please visit www.facebook.com/mammothblackva.

 

MAMMOTH BLACK is:

Brett Lloyd – Vocals

Billy Strong – Guitar

Ross Becker – Guitar

Steve “Tombstone” Ross – Bass

Corbitt Carroll – Drums

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

the Hellion