I recently heard of a meeting between two guys that could change the world. Scattered Hamlet‘s own Adam Joad and Randy “The Arsonist”Cooper. One can only imagine the conversations that took place between them. Here’s a video link for an idea:
That’s right folks, they’re back! On November 12th The Stones will release GRRR! A compilation album that will include two NEW songs! “Doom And Gloom”, and “One More Shot”. There will be two formats: the regular version will include 50 tracks, and the super-deluxe version that has 80 (YES I SAID 80!) tracks.
“Doom And Gloom” is a welcome track to me as it breathes some of the old swagger back into the Stones music. It feels like they are back to playing dirty, nasty, sleazy ROCK N’ ROLL again. Thanks guys! Check out the lyric video right here:
Alright, alright, alright! This weeks ten bands to check out is all about the METAL! Grab your denim, grab your leather, and get those horns HIGH! Let’s get to it!
Sacred Mother Tongue is a British band that combines power, darkness, and intensity together to bring us some new excitement to the metal scene. Their EP “A Light Shines” dropped on Sept. 03.
Swedish doom metallers Witchcraft are back after a several year hiatus. Their new album “Legend” was released on Sept. 25th. The new album marks the recording debut of the band’s new members Simon Solomon (guitar), Tom Jondelius (guitar) and Oscar Johansson (drums). Magnus Pelander has stated that he will focus on his vocals without playing guitar anymore. A very strong release for this band.
Lillie: F-65 is the eighth studio album by the American doom metal band Saint Vitus, which was released on April 27, 2012 (May 22, 2012 in the United States). This is the first Saint Vitus studio album since 1995’s Die Healing and the first to feature Scott “Wino” Weinrich on vocals in 22 years, since 1990’s V. It also marks their first album with Henry Vasquez on drums. Wino is back!!!!
UPDATE: At 4;30 in the morning in a truck-stop in the small town where I live I ran into Wino. We talked for a few minutes, about music, and what not. We then went to the tour bus and snapped a pic and they turned me on to their new CD: Lillie: F-65.
Evoken is an American funeral doom metal band from Lyndhurst, New Jersey, that is influenced by the Australian band Disembowelment and the Finnish band Thergothon. The band name Evoken was taken from the Thergothon song found on the Fhtagn nagh Yog-Sothoth demo. The band was founded by guitarist Nick Orlando under the name Funereus in April 1992. It was with the original line-up of Rob (Bass/Vocals); Nick (Guitar); Phil (Guitar) & Vince (Drums) that they recorded what would be the only Funereus release, which was a rehearsal demo released in 1992. After briefly changing their name to Asmodeus the following year, the band eventually decided upon the name Evoken in 1994 after several line up changes. They headlined the Dutch Doomsday Festival in 2003 during a brief European tour of Holland, Belgium & the UK.Atra Mors is the fifth full-length studio album by American doom metal band Evoken. It was released through Profound Lore Records on July 31, 2012. The name atra mors is Latin for Black Death.
This band is a throwback to the early days of Slayer, Exodus, Kreator, and Testament. Young, and still full of aggression keep these guys on your radar! Their debut CD is called Violent Demolition. Seek it out and pick it up!
2011 was the year when UK progressive metallers TesseracT leaped from the internet underground to become the UK’s fastest rising international metal prospect. The debut album ‘One’, released in March, received a phenomenal response with music fans and the press alike, making many of the critics top albums of 2011 lists, including those in Metal Hammer and Classic Rock Prog magazines.
Starting off in 2008 the Dublin based act Red Enemy have established themselves well amongst the Irish and UK metal audiences with they’re own unique blend of melodic metal, the band have recently released their second EP “What We Are Contained In, Is What We Are Worth” to critical acclaim from peers in Ireland and abroad.
OH SHIT! The Romans have metal! This band should have been with the Spartans. Great imagery, bad ass hooks, and swords? Don’t heckle this band or you’ll lose your head. For those about to rock…..
Moonspell is a Portuguese heavy metal band. Formed in 1992, the group released their first EP Under the Moonspell in 1994, a year before the release of their first album Wolfheart. The band quickly gained status and became one of the most recognizable metal bands from Portugal. Moonspell reached the Portuguese top first with their album Sin/Pecado, and were, along with Metallica and Iron Maiden, the only metal band to reach the first place of the Portuguese charts after the release of their album, Memorial, in 2006. With Memorial, Moonspell also became the first Portuguese heavy metal band to have a record certified gold status. They are also very popular in Germany, where Memorial entered at 68th in the Top 100 Chart.
Orchid are an “occult rock” band from San Francisco, California. The band formed in 2007 with a desire to create more than just a sound — they sought to craft an entire experience harkening back to the classic era of dark, heavy music and enigmatic artistry.
WOO HOO! A new KISS record! Ok, ok, I know it’s not the complete KISS (Peter and Ace will ALWAYS be missed by me) but this record is quite good. I felt like a little kid again listening to this record. The songs seem back in their classic KISS format. I have always liked the fact that KISS used all four members as lead vocalists on various songs. Granted there is only one Tommy Thayer and one Eric Singer lead vocals the two songs are amazing. “Outta This World” is a fitting tribute to the “Space Man” persona. Tommy’s vocals are solid and his playing is reminiscent of KISS of old. “All for the Love of Rock & Roll” is easily my favorite track on this record. It takes me back to a day when life was fun and everyone was having a good time. Eric handles the vocals perfectly keeping the “Catman” alive and well. Gene and Paul remain steadfast as always leading KISS as they have from day one. So, thank you KISS thank you for a MONSTER record. Do yourself a favor and pick a copy up, even if you haven’t’ been a fan This record might change that!
1. “Hell or Hallelujah” (vocals) Stanley 4:07
2. “Wall of Sound” (vocals) Simmons 2:55
3. “Freak” (vocals) Stanley 3:35
4. “Back to the Stone Age” (vocals) Simmons 3:01
5. “Shout Mercy” (vocals) Stanley 4:04
6. “Long Way Down” (vocals) Stanley 3:51
7. “Eat Your Heart Out” (vocals)Simmons 4:06
8. “The Devil Is Me” (vocals) Simmons 3:41
9. “Outta This World” (vocals) Thayer 4:29
10. “All for the Love of Rock & Roll” (vocals) Singer 3:21
11. “Take Me Down Below” (vocals) Simmons, Stanley 3:24
12. “Last Chance” (vocals) Stanley 3:05
It was a Sunday afternoon, that being said, I was feeling a bit “Beardish” and it seemed like a great day to interview them. I pulled into the parking lot of Charley’s Records and Tapes (yes tapes) and saw the Bearded ones awaiting my arrival. We snapped a few shots while we waited for my beautiful camera woman to show up and shoot the interview. When she arrived in all her glory we retired to the inner sanctum of Charley’s to get into the heads of Beard. We talked, held hands, and sang “Kumbaya”. When we were done we had all reached spiritual nirvana, a Black Unicorn appeared, and I finally was able to comprehend the band that was Beard. If you want to see the interview check it out at: http://rockunight.com/
Their CD: Black Unicorn will be released on 10/26/12 at Hooligan’s nightclub. This will be an event not to be missed. You want more? Here is the video for “Amp Whore”:
Now that I have seen the Black Unicorn I have achieved a new plane of existence and shall now be known as H. Beard…….
I just saw this on a friends wall and nothing grinds my gears more than when a band doesn’t respond, answer, interact with their fans. What’s even worse is this was a local band that snubbed this fan. And they wonder why they don’t have a fan base or are not getting anywhere. Local or national, it’s total BS and a total lack of respect being shown when a band does this. Being in a band does not give you a license to be a dick!
“I bought a CD from a local, popular band a very long time ago. I misplaced it and was heartbroken. For months, I called, messaged, texted and posted on the FB walls of the members of this band to please please let me buy another one. With no response AT ALL for months, I found my misplaced one!!! What’s sad, is I don’t even feel like listening to it now because of the blow offs and snobby attitudes from this band for months. Way to go guys! You will not keep fans acting like that!!” – Kurt Arft
A while back I became friends with a guy named Adz who played guitar. My new friend and I shared a lot of similar interests, thoughts, and dreams. We grew close and became like brothers. We shared highs, lows, and just our general daily experiences. He kept me abreast of the happenings of his band DARKSITE.And now I will tell you.
After knowing each other through most of their lives four friends were drawn together in the darkest waste of South Wales in the U.K. creating a genre-spanning band that will defy all modern conventional rock and metal music. With an intensity and power of originality that is rarely found in a generation they created something truly special “DARKSITE”. Forming in mid 2009 it took 3 months for the line-up to become the solid state it now has, following no conventions in writing styles and no restrictions of genre after another 2 months of writing and constant rehearsals the band hit the live stage and the legend was born. With more determination, conviction and commitment than anyone will ever encounter within 8 months a true force for anyone to reckon with was built. with their debut album ” As the line divides ” out worldwide as of the 2nd of april 2012 the Dark Army will rise.
Bold words, but do they hold weight? I got my copy of AS THE LINE DIVIDESand have given a thorough going over, several times. Great record period. Released on Brutal Elite Records LTD this CD SMOKES! Here’s a couple of reviews I found:
Ok, to start of I have not seen this band live but I bought this album on word of mouth as a friend of mine used to know one of the band , I can honestly say that I am still in shock at how genuinely addictive this album is, I’ve been into metal music for many years and this is without question one of the best albums I have heard in the last ten years , I wont drone on the way most reviewers do , all I will say is if you love the greats ( PANTERA , METALLICA , MEGADETH , MACHINE HEAD , SLAYER , 5FDP and countless more ) then you need to own this album , I know it may not be to everyone’s taste but for the true metal fans out there you are in for a rare treat. – ms music fan 1
A truly well composed first album, with melodic vocals and hard-hitting riffs it is truly the work you would expect form a band that have been on the road for years! I must say it has knocked the other cd’s out of my player and has been on loop for quite some time since. Well worth the purchase. Expect great things from these guys 🙂 – Marc Gillings
1. Wake Up, Time To Die! 4:26
2. Their Betrayal 4:03
3. Aftershock 3:23
4. What’s Next 3:37
5. Too Human… (What I Hide) 3:54
6. Viscous (The War Inside) 3:21
7. Deepend 2:36
8. In The Name Of The Father 3:38
9. Not Follow (On My Own) 4:12
10. Hypocrite 3:33
Heavy, in your face, getting it done METAL! This CD is one that keeps finding its way back into my player. A MUST listen to if you like your music HARD! This band is full of hunger, passion, and raw talent. All they are asking for is a listen and they believe their music will stand on its own. Do yourself a favor, check them out and join the Dark Army.
There’s been FAR TOO MUCH of those things lately. I know I’ve discussed it before, but WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED? I mean the Rock N’ Roll community needs to get behind each other and lift each other up, not tear each other apart. I often times reflect to the day when Rock fans would gather in the parking lots of shows,outside of record stores, at parties, AND HAVE A GOOD TIME! Sure there were discussions about how one thought this band was better than another, and there was the occasional fisticuffs, but for the most part we were there to celebrate Rock N’ Roll music. I see far too many people these days dragging down someone for their successes and trash talking them instead of congratulating them, and giving them advice or support. I support each and every artist who makes the effort to step up and share their art. Won’t you? Will YOU help to tighten back up the GLOBAL Rock N’ Roll community? Bands: send me your info to janaya64@msn.com LET’S DO THIS!!!!
One of the most “colorful” local performers I know is Gutter. He’s a hard-working, fun-loving musician that doesn’t EVER slow down. Let’s see what he has to say:
Tell me about how you were introduced to music.
Gutter: When I was just a little kid my Dad played guitar and harmonica plus my Grandfather played classical guitar. I used to sit around and thought it was so cool just to listen to them play.
My mom, may she rest in peace, was one of my greatest music mentors. To whom do you attribute your love of music to? Gutter: As a young tyke I used to listen to American top 40… he-he. Plus I hung around the older kids in the neighborhood and they turned me on to Deep Purple, Montrose, Robin Trower, Sabbath and I was hooked early on to some killer rock n roll!
What was the catalyst that lead you to decide to become a musician? Gutter: While listening to my Grandfather play and saw how it mesmerized people, I said that want to learn to do that.
Did you have any formal musical training or did you just wing it? Gutter: yes, I took a few lessons from my Gramps then took guitar lessons at Luchetti’s music store back in the day and learned the basics and pretty much winged it from there.
I know you as primarily a bassist, was that your first choice? Do you play other instruments? Gutter: I was originally a guitarist. I played guitar in my first two bands but there were no bass players so I bought a Rickenbacker and started becoming a bass player. I still write my originals on guitar and have to figure out bass parts later.
What are some lessons from previous bands that you carry with you through today? Gutter: Just be true to yourself and play what you feel and what makes you happy. Playing music is supposed to be great fun and never a chore.
Tell me about the “Gutter” moniker? Gutter: Well, back when I was in a band in Hollyweird my only transportation was my motorcycle so my singer & guitarist would pick me and my bass up for band rehearsals and they would always be late. So there I’d be sitting on the curb waiting for them with my bass and they would say, “There’s the Gutter Dweller” and that became my nickname…Gutter Dweller, which was quickly shortened to “Gutter”…hah! and people still call me that to this day.
What are some of the many projects your working on these days? Gutter: Well, I’m currently playing in three bands. I’m in an original rock band called “Rusty Tramp” which plays awesome party rock. I also have another darker sounding rock band called “Darken the Day” and we are actually playing our debut gig opening for my other band Rusty Tramp’s CD release party coming up soon. Plus, I have an awesome classic rock cover band called “LocoMofo”
People are sometimes surprised at what they find in each others music collections. Are there any surprises in your collection? Gutter: Oh man, I have a very extensive music collection. There are many surprises from Al Di Meola to Zeke.I have all kinds of styles in there but mostly metal, punk, prog and a lot of obscure stuff that a lot of people have never even heard of.
Speak your mind freely, the floor is yours: Gutter: Well, like I said before, be true to yourself and your music and everybody has to support your fellow musicians and the music scene to keep it alive and well!! Cheers.
the Hellion Rocks 