Tag Archives: Rock N’ Roll

MADMAZE – GET LOST WITH SOME ITALIAN THRASH!!!

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http://www.facebook.com/madmazethrash

http://www.madmazethrash.com

The band started its activity back in 2002, when they were performing under the name of ABSENCE OF LIGHT, playing some classic thrash covers and also some own material, which, in the end, never came to a record. Then, some 4 years later, the band split and each member followed different musical paths: Alberto Dettori (vocals) and Mirko Virdis (drums) continued together with their existing brutal death combo UNBIRTH, as well as separately with BLOOD OF SEKLUSION and TRICK OR TREAT; Marco Quartieri (bass) joined COFFEE OVERDRIVE, while Luca Venturelli and Paolo Schioppa (guitars) participated in various acts in the local hard rock scene. Despite all that, the guys never got out of reach from each other and so, at the very beginning of 2010 Luca started talking about his desire to join forces once more and focus on their own songs. The idea was immediately approved by Alberto and Mirko, who also called UNBIRTH mate Alberto Baroni to replace Paolo on rhythm guitar. The last to join the band was eventually Eddie Cantoni (DUMPER), who took duties on bass. The time had come to choose a name and MAD MAZE fitted like a (metal) glove!

More great metal from Italy! These guys are solid, well composed, and poised to thrash your world! Be sure to check these  guys out and let’s spread the word! By helping each other out we open doors for the metal community. Music is truly Universal!!!
the Hellion

THANK YOU FOR READING!!!

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Well my blog has completely exceeded my dreams. over 15,000 views in over 100 countries! Thank you all! I am very humbled by the global response. One of my goals was to make this a blog for the people and to have the readers interact with it. Therefore, I am asking my readers for their input to the blog.  If you have ideas, a piece you wrote (CD reviews, show reviews, or just a subject you are passionate about) please send it to me and I will review it for inclusion on the blogsite. You can reach me at janaya64@msn.com or message me here. Be a part of the Hellion rocks!!!

 

the Hellion

WHEN A BAND CHANGES DIRECTION (OR DOESN’T)

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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

MEGADETH 1983 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 The Red 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.

the Hellion

TERRIFIER – CANADIAN METAL!!!

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http://www.facebook.com/TerrifierThrashers

     TERRIFIER is a thrash metal onslaught hailing from Vancouver, BC, Canada by way of Kelowna BC. Formed by bassist/vocalist Chase Thibodeau and guitarist Ren Wilkinson, they formed a foundation after a few personnel changes with guitarist Brent Gallant (Alone Against Rome) and drummer Jerome Brewer. After first being known as Skull Hammer since the band’s inception, they completed a self-released album,”Destroyers of the Faith” which was released in 2011. Incorporating blistering twin guitar assault, punishing bass lines, powerhouse-like drumming, face melting leads and hard-hitting vocals, TERRIFIER fuses brutality and classic thrash which creates their own unique style yet pay homage to all the greats. Fast forward to 2012 and the Vancouver-based thrashers recruited new drummer Kyle Sheppard, (Ex-Datura, Alone Against Rome, Kymatica) replacing original member Jerome Brewer who recorded “Destroyers of the Faith.”

“Destroyers of the Faith” showcases the band’s highly skilled musicianship, with mind boggleing guitar work highlighting the album. Song standouts include the title track “Destroyers of the Faith,” “Scum Ridden Filth,” “The Valkyrie,” and “Welcome to Camp Blood.”

TERRIFIER have performed with Anvil, Into Eternity and Dismember to name a few and are set to hit the studio to record their upcoming EP Weapons of Thrash Destruction. Be Prepared!

(Band name has since been changed from Skull Hammer to TERRIFIER!)
     These guys deliver!
the Hellion

KAOSMOS – ITALIAN METAL!

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https://www.facebook.com/KaosmosOfficial…
https://www.youtube.com/kaosmosthrashmetal
https://twitter.com/KaosmosMetal
https://www.myspace.com/kaosmos

The project was born in 2005 when Andrea Rasi and Stefano Calabrò after disbanding of Eternal Flames,decides to continue to play together trying to build a new band.They find a drummer,Paolo Guarda who appeals to them immediately,and Matteo Sacchi,an excellent guitarist. Songwriting begins and Matteo shows his composer and vocal skills. After the first live show,he realizes that he cannot play guitar and sing giving best in both fields,so Kaosmos decides to recruit Gabriele Vianello giving way to Matteo to focus on guitar. Gabriele comes from a completely different genre but he integrated very well,learning songs quickly and adapting his voice to best. After a series of live shows,conviction that this project is working becomes stronger,but a series of personal problems force Kaosmos to change the Lead guitar many times and at last the bass guitar,causes an interruption of songwriting.

Despite those initial struggles Kaosmos managed to play some live shows that were received well by the audience and critics.
Now Kaosmos,with Paolo Masoni,are back with a strong line-up and new songs in progress.They are looking forward to let public have fun!
Check them out!!!

 

     Thanks to my new friend Vlad Nowajczyk from ROCKER magazine from Poland!!!
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’

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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).

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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

 

 

LAMB OF GOD Teams Up with AXS TV for Live Broadcast

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LAMB OF GOD Teams Up with AXS TV for Live Broadcast

 

Currently on tour in the United States supporting their latest album Resolution, LAMB OF GOD is pleased to partner with AXS TV for a live broadcast of their Philadelphia show on November 24th from the Electric Factory.  Traveling with a full multimedia production, the band chose Philadelphia, site of the platinum DVD Killadelphia, knowing that it would be a wild night of metal.  The broadcast will run from 10 p.m. until 11:15 p.m. ET.  For more information on AXS TV and on the Lamb of God broadcast go to www.facebook.com/AXSTVConcerts or follow @AXSTV on Twitter.

 

As part of the promotion for the broadcast, LAMB OF GOD has given AXS TV a signed Willie Adler ESP guitar for a giveaway.  Here is the Facebook link to sign up for that promotion: http://bddy.me/P8hF53 

 

Check out LAMB OF GOD’s exclusive announcement about the LIVE concert event on AXS TV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3J69UAQu4M&feature=youtu.be.

 

The Resolution U.S. tour continues until December 16th with In Flames and Sylosis on all dates.  Hatebreed will appear until November 19th and then HELLYEAH will appear through December 16th.  Dates are below.

 

 

LAMB OF GOD Tour Dates:

7-Nov / St. Louis, MO / Pageant / Buy St. Louis Tickets Here

 

8-Nov / Indianapolis, IN / Egyptian Room / Buy Indianapolis Tickets Here

 

9-Nov / Milwaukee, WI / Eagles Ballroom / Buy Milwaukee Tickets Here

 

10-Nov / St. Paul, MN / Myth / Buy St. Paul Tickets Here

 

12-Nov / Louisville, KY / Expo Five / Buy Louisville Tickets Here

 

14-Nov / Stroudsburg, PA / Sherman Theater / Buy Stroudsburg Tickets Here

 

15-Nov / Glens Falls, NY / Glens Falls Civic Center / Buy Glens Falls Tickets Here

 

16-Nov / New York, NY / Roseland Ballroom / Buy NYC Tickets Here

 

17-Nov / Silver Spring, MD / Fillmore / Buy Silver Spring Tickets Here

 

19-Nov / Orlando, FL / House of Blues/ Buy Orlando Tickets Here

 

20-Nov /Atlanta, GA / Tabernacle / Buy Atlanta Tickets Here

 

21-Nov / Charlotte, NC / Fillmore / Buy Charlotte Tickets Here

 

23-Nov / Wallingford, CT / Oakdale Theater / Buy Wallingford Tickets Here

 

24-Nov / Philadelphia, PA / Electric Factory / Buy Philadelphia Tickets Here

 

25-Nov / Boston, MA / House of Blues / Buy Boston Tickets Here

 

26-Nov / Niagara Falls, NY / Rapids Theater / Buy Niagara Falls Tickets Here

 

27-Nov / Pittsburgh, PA / Stage AE / Buy Pittsburgh Tickets Here

 

28-Nov / Richmond, VA / The National / Buy Richmond Tickets Here

 

30-Nov / Chicago, IL / Congress Ballroom / Buy Chicago Tickets Here

 

1-Dec / Detroit, MI  / Fillmore / Buy Detroit Tickets Here

 

2-Dec / Columbus, OH / LC Pavilion / Buy Columbus Tickets Here (Cannibal Corpse replacing HELLYEAH)

 

3-Dec / Grand Rapids, MI / Orbit Room / Buy Grand Rapids Tickets Here

 

4-Dec / Des Moines, IA / Val Air Ballroom / Buy Des Moines Tickets Here

 

6-Dec / Houston, TX / Bayou Music Center / Buy Houston Tickets Here

 

7-Dec / Dallas, TX / Palladium Ballroom / Buy Dallas Tickets Here

 

8-Dec / Kansas City, MO / Uptown Theater / Buy Kansas City Tickets Here

 

9-Dec / Denver, CO / Fillmore / Buy Denver Tickets Here

 

11-Dec / Farmington, NM / McGhee Park / Buy Farmington Tickets Here

 

12-Dec / Las Vegas, NV / House of Blues (Rescheduled from 11/1 show) – Tickets purchased for original performance will be honored

 

13-Dec / San Francisco, CA / Warfield /          Buy San Francisco Tickets Here

 

14-Dec / Medford, OR / Medford Armory / Buy Medford Tickets Here

 

15-Dec / Spokane, WA / Knitting Factory / Buy Spokane Tickets Here

 

16-Dec / Seattle, WA / Showbox SoDo /          Buy Seattle Tickets Here

 

 

‘Metalocalypse: Dethklok Dethalbum III’: Vinyl Edition Hits Stores Today!

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‘Metalocalypse: Dethklok Dethalbum III’: Vinyl Edition Hits Stores Today!

 

 

 

Headline Tour with MACHINE HEAD, ALL THAT REMAINS and Special Guests THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER Happening Now – Norfolk, Philadelphia and NYC Dates Rescheduled

 

Last month, Adult Swim animated metallers DETHKLOK released their new album, Metalocalypse: Dethklok Dethalbum III, to a #10 Billboard Top 200 chart debut. Now, the public can experience the immensity of the world’s greatest metal band on vinyl! The vinyl LP edition of the album with special etching is available today via Amazon.com.

 

Metalocalypse: Dethklok Dethalbum III was released on October 16, 2012 via Williams Street Records, the network’s independent music label. Metalocalypse: Dethklok Dethalbum III is also available in a variety of additional formats including a standard CD, clean CD and Deluxe Edition CD/DVD combo, which includes a 32-minute behind-the-scenes documentary of the making of Dethalbum III, as well as music videos and more.

 

Head to www.adultswim.com/dethalbum3 NOW to listen to new tracks from the album, watch the music video for ‘The Galaxy’, and find information about the band’s current tour. Fans can also purchase the album at Best Buy and other retailers. Metalocalypse Season 4 is available now on DVD and Blu-ray Disc.

 

DethalbumIIIVinyl2

^See special etching above^

 

DETHKLOK is currently touring North America on their headline tour with support from All That Remains, Machine Head, and special guest The Black Dahlia Murder. The Black Dahlia Murder will open each show, with Machine Head and All That Remainsalternating direct support positions in the line-up in each city. The tour officially kicked off this week, with the first three dates (Norfolk, VA, Philadelphia, PA and New York, NY) being rescheduled for the end of the tour due to Hurricane Sandy. For ticket information, please visitwww.adultswim.com/dethtour. See below for all upcoming tour dates.

 

UPCOMING DETHKLOK TOUR DATES:

11/7/2012           Toronto, ON @ Sound Academy

11/8/2012           Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE

11/9/2012           Columbus, OH @ LC Pavilion

11/10/2012         Detroit, MI @ Fillmore

11/11/2012         Grand Rapids, MI @ Orbit Room

11/13/2012         Fargo, ND @ The Venue

11/14/2012         Minneapolis, MN @ Myth

11/15/2012         Milwaukee, WI @ Rave

11/16/2012         Chicago, IL @ Aragon Ballroom

11/17/2012         Kansas City, MO @  Midland

11/18/2012         St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant

11/20/2012         Denver, CO @ Fillmore

11/21/2012         Salt Lake City, UT @ Great Salt Air

11/23/2012         Seattle, WA @ Showbox SODO

11/24/2012         Portland, OR @ Roseland

11/26/2012         Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater

11/27/2012         Hollywood, CA @ Palladium

11/28/2012         Phoenix, AZ @ Marquee

11/30/2012         Dallas, TX @ House of Blues

12/1/2012           Austin, TX @ Stubbs

12/2/2012           Houston, TX @ House Of Blues

12/4/2012           Orlando, FL @ House Of Blues

12/6/2012           Chattanooga, TN @Track 29

12/7/2012           Charlotte, NC @ Fillmore

12/8/2012           Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle

12/11/2012         Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory – Rescheduled from 10/31

12/12/2012         Norfolk, VA @ Norva – Rescheduled from 10/30

12/14/2012         New York, NY @ Roseland Ballroom – Rescheduled from 11/3

 

For more information on DETHKLOK and Dethalbum III, please visit http://metalocalypse.tv/ or http://www.adultswim.com/music/.

PHILIP ANSELMO and WARBEAST Release New Split Album ‘War of the Gargantuas’!!!

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PHILIP ANSELMO and WARBEAST Confirm January 8, 2012 Release Date for New Split Album ‘War of the Gargantuas’ – Marking the Release of Philip Anselmo’s First Solo Work

 

WARBEAST Set to Release New Full Length Album ‘Destroy’ in Early 2013

 

Legendary Pantera, Superjoint Ritual and DOWN vocalist PHILIP ANSELMO and Housecore Records thrashers WARBEASTrecently announced that they will be releasing a new split album entitled War of the Gargantuas. The split now has an official release date of January 8, 2012 and will include two songs from each artist. This album serves as the first release of any solo work by PHILIP ANSELMO during the span of his nearly 30-year legacy. Also, the two WARBEAST tracks on the split feature former bassist Alan Bovee before his amicable departure from the band. Since then, Dre Karst has joined on bass.

“This split is a glimpse into the future of both my solo project and ultimate thrash metallers WARBEAST. The title of the split is War of The Gargantuas and it is fitting on many levels because of our combined love for the 60’s Japanese film of the same name, the power of our combined musical output(s) and our humorous affection that plays out within each of our “Gargantuan” personalities,” states PHILIP ANSELMO. “Both WARBEAST and myself have full length LP’s that will be released shortly after this is released, but this split is unique musically. It is a time capsule; a loud pause ‘til we both release our full length products. Enjoy the destruction of music!”

“These two songs we have on War of the Gargantuas were the next level after Krush The Enemy,” states WARBEAST guitarist Scott Shelby. “They’ve been a staple in our set list for the last two years. These songs are a pure demonstration of our unique Texas thrash metal style.”

WARBEAST also recently announced the upcoming release of their second full-length album, Destroy. The album is scheduled to be released in early 2013 via Housecore Records and is currently in the mastering stages. Stay tuned for more information on Destroy coming very soon.

War of the Gargantua LINE UP:

 

PHILIP H. ANSELMO & THE ILLEGALS are:

Philip H. Anselmo – Vocals

Marzi Montazeri – Guitars

Bennett Bartley – Bass

Jose Manuel Gonzales – Drums

WARBEAST are:

Bruce Corbitt – Vocals

Scott Shelby – Lead Guitar

Joe Gonzalez – Drums

Bobby Tillotson Jr. – Lead Guitar

Alan Bovee – Bass

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WARBEAST is currently annihilating some European tour dates with DOWN. See below for all current tour dates.

WARBEAST headline dates in Germany:

11/6 – Siegen, Germany @ Vortex

11/7 – München Germany @ Backstage

11/8 – Vienna, Austria @ Arena

BRYAN HOLLAND GUITARIST FROM REVERENCE!!!

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      Tell us the story of how Reverence came to be.

Bryan: Sure, I found Todd Michael Hall, who also fronts Jack Starr’s Burning Starr, on Myspace on New Years Eve 2010, I contacted him, we met up to make a game plan and agreed to partner up and began writing for a new album. After demoing a few songs I contacted Frank Kruckel my bassist in Tokyo Blade and played him the new material and he signed on immediately. After recording the album Frank had to bow out so we recruited Todd’s bandmate/bassist in Burning Starr, Ned Meloni. I have known Doc Killdrums from Savatage for 17 plus years and had played with him many times before. Doc and I had always wanted to play together and this was the perfect opportunity, I sent him the demos and he signed on too. We knew we needed a second guitarist, so Doc suggested Pete Rossi from Pittsburg’s Sanxtion. We tossed the music back and forth to each other via the internet, which worked well finalizing the demos before heading into pre-production rehearsals and then into studio.

      Do you think that all of the so-called genres, and sub-genres (Deaththrashspeedblackpowerdoomstoner) really matter?

Bryan: For the most part I think its pretty silly, unless there’s a real drastic difference in styles I think its pointless. There is such a minuscule difference between Power Metal, Heavy Metal, Traditional Metal, NWOBHM, I mean come on…its Metal stupid, Hahaha!

  Rock N’ Roll music to me has always been the driving force in my soul and a brotherhood that allows us to share with others and have others share with us. What is the spirit of Rock N’ Roll to you guys?

 Bryan: Truly  the Reverence mantra has always been ‘All for one, One for all’. We’re all team players which with all the band members being from other somewhat known acts some may think the ego’s would be flying all over but it’s exactly the opposite, everyone in the band is very professional and down-to-earth. We’re all good friends and don’t war our feelings on our sleeves. Ultimately we’re just trying to create music that we love and feel is missing to some extent in today’s music, it’s really been driven underground lately and we’re just trying to carry on the flame.

Reverence happens to be one of my favorite new bands. How do you go about writing?

     Bryan: Wow, thank you that’s a very big compliment. I usually write a completed song musically and send it over to Todd Hall (vocalist), he then writes his vocal lines and lyrics and we’ll tweak some of the musical arrangements until we feel we have it down to a final draft. Pete Rossi (2nd guitarist) also co-wrote several songs with us too for the album. So it’s really the three of us that wrote ‘When Darkness Calls’ but I believe with the next album we’ll have more participation from Pete and Ned Meloni (bassist) as well.

What are the demographics of the listeners for Reverence?

   Bryan: Well with us being a metal band I think we’re painted into that corner a bit but that’s OK. I know we have fans that cover the ages from the teens to 50+ so I believe we have a good spread of appeal.

What era of Rock do you feel was the most culturally impactful? And Why?

     Bryan: I think there’s been several significant eras, without a doubt both Elvis and The Beatles changed music during their peaks, after that it changed again in the 70’s and peaked in the 80’s especially with the video movement. To me it died down in the 90’s and 2000’s, but it almost feels like a resurgence is happening lately, almost like this is the 70’s again with the metal being in the underground, hopefully its ripe for a comeback.

In your opinion, what makes Reverence stand out from other bands?

     Bryan: I think it’s really difficult for us to determine that being so close to it but I think we appeal to those that remember the classic metal sounds which I think we’ve managed to capture, the younger crowds are now getting interested in that sound too, plus also we have a bit of a modern feel too. So I think somehow we managed to cover some different bases with our sound but that’s just my two cents, what do I know, Hahaa!

If you could travel back in time and give your younger self some musical advice what would it be?

     Bryan: I think I should have learned more about music theory, I’m self-taught so I have limited knowledge on theory that I think probably would have aided me in my formative musical years and even now.

What new music are you listening to and does it have an influence on your musicianship today?

     Bryan: I really like a new band out of LA called Holy Grail, I think those guys are on the cusp of something special and are part of the thriving underground that hopefully will break through again like it did in the early 80’s. None of the newer bands really influence my playing at all, I am still stuck to my old influences of Randy Rhoads, Rik Emmett and Criss Oliva, I still drawn from them as well as classic era Judas Priest, Queensryche and Dio. I love the twin guitar attack of bands like Priest and Night Ranger, I guess I’m stuck in the 80’s huh! But thats part of the recipe that makes Reverence.

What is your take on the music industry/scene today?

     Bryan: I think its pretty poor right now, it’s really underground kind of like in the early 80’s, definitely ripe for a comeback. It’s a bit better in Europe than America where everyone is very fickle and following fads. The world economy hasn’t done anything to help either plus people have a lot of distractions now with the web, Facebook, twitter, Xbox games, etc. music has become a distant thing for people to put their time into. All we can do is ride it out and do our best to carry on the flame of metal.

Many thanks for giving us the spotlight with this interview, we really appreciate everyone’s support of us, the positive feedback we’ve gotten from the fans press has been overwhelming, we can’t wait to take this on the road and get working on the follow-up to ‘When Darkness Calls’ which you can get on iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, Emusic and of course our own website ReverenceMetal.com as both a download and a physical CD.

Many thanks, Bryan Holland
Reverence Guitarist

RN: reverbnation.com/reverenceofficial
FB: facebook.com/reverencemetal
Web: http://reverencemetal.com/2011/index.html
Twitter: @ReverenceMetal

I am grateful to Bryan for taking time from his busy schedule to answer these questions for me. If you haven’t checked out Reverence you are missing out on some great music. Here’s a link to their video for “Bleed For Me”: 

    Remember: “IT’S LOUD, IT’S DIRTY, IT’S ROCK N’ ROLL!
     the Hellion