DETHKLOK, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY and DANGEROUS TOYS Members Comment on the Late MELDRUM Guitarist Michelle Meldrum‏

December 4, 2012 by janaya64

DETHKLOK, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY and DANGEROUS TOYS Members Comment on the Late MELDRUM Guitarist Michelle Meldrum
MELDRUM are pleased to announce that their long awaited third album ''LIFER'' is officially out now via REVERSED RECORDS. ''LIFER'' was released as a proud tribute to the late MELDRUM founding guitarist MICHELLE MELDRUM. MICHELLE tirelessly spent her career touring the world and sharing the stage with the likes of MOTORHEAD, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, SEPULTURA, DANZIG and NASHVILLE PUSSY to name a few. During that time MICHELLE left a everlasting impact on the guitar world. To mark the release some of MICHELE's closest friends GENE HOGLAN (Testament, Death, Dark Angel, Dethklok) JOHN DESERVIO (BLS, Cycle of Pain), JAMES LOMENZO (BLS, Megadeth, White Lion) and JASON MCMASTER (Dangerous Toys, Watch Tower, Broken Teeth) have commented on their fallen friend. ''LIFER'' is available now on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/lifer/id579206627),CD Baby (http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/meldrum14) and at http://www.reversedrecords.com/estore.

DETHKLOK’s Gene Hoglan states, “It was and still is an honor to know Michelle and it is indeed with great pride that we release "LIFER". I know she's watching over us and smiling along with us at this wonderful day. I know I'm a better person for knowing Michelle, and I know she feels all of our love for her, as we feel hers for us. Through tragedy may we find joy, and through "LIFER" and all her other works, may Michelle find immortality. She'll always be immortal to us. Remember, this is meant to be cranked up.”

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY’s James LoMenzo adds, “Michelle had the amazing ability to conjure almost any guitar style, from her earlier "Steve Vai" styled dexterity to the out and out muscular style that she later carried through with her own band Meldrum. A fine guitarist in the 80's/90's virtuoso tradition and one of the finest people you could ever come to know.”

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY’s John Deservio states, “First off I want to say how much I miss Michelle. She was a beautiful person inside and out and I am blessed to have known her. I miss you and love you Mich, R.I.P. baby.”

DANGEROUS TOYS/WATCHTOWER/BROKEN TEETH’s Jason McMaster adds, “Proud to call her a friend. Michelle Meldrum was and will always be one of my favorite and most inspiring guitarists and real people I've ever known. The world misses her.”

Listen to ''Blackened Blue'' now at: http://soundcloud.com/meldrummusic/02-blackened-blue

Listen to ''A Toast To Romance'' now at: http://soundcloud.com/meldrummusic/a-toast-to-romance

Listen to ''Paid'' now at: http://soundcloud.com/meldrummusic/03-paid

Multinational hard rock/metal band MELDRUM recently announce November 20, 2012 as the release date for their long awaited third album ”LIFER”. Founder and late ex-PHANTOM BLUE guitarist MICHELLE MELDRUM passed away at the age of 39 in May 2008. “LIFER” stands as a proud tribute to MICHELLE and her lifetime commitment to creating and performing music. In honor of their fallen bandmate remaining members drummer GENE HOGLAN (Testament, Death, Dark Angel, Dethklok), guitarist/bassist LAURA CHRISTINE (Warface) and vocalist MICHELE MADDEN (Tourette’s, Saint Cecilia) entered the studio in with Producer/Engineer/Manager ROB SHALLCROSS (Strapping Young Lad, GWAR, Zimmers Hole, West of Hell) to lay tracks for what would become ”LIFER”.

”LIFER” will be released via REVERSED RECORDS and was produced by Producer/Engineer/Manager ROB SHALLCROSS (Strapping Young Lad, GWAR, Zimmers Hole, West of Hell) and Gene Hoglan (Testament, Death, Dark Angel, Dethklok). MELDRUM have released three singles from ”LIFER”, ”A TOAST TO ROMANCE”, BLACKENED BLUE and ”PAID” are all available now via iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/meldrum/id255422158).

Gene Hoglan comments on ”LIFER”, “Let me say this: Never have I obsessed over the recording of any album I’ve been involved in as I have with MELDRUM‘s latest. The tragic circumstances that took Michelle from us also provided us with a raser-sharp focus to record the most amazing album we could. Michele Madden, Laura Christine, and hell, even Rob Shallcross, our engineer, put forth performances of a lifetime, with each member’s full love and respect going into every nuance of every song. Not only to honor Michelle, but to also lay down some bad-ass music, which was ultimately what she stood for what MELDRUM stands for. I think the songs speak for themselves, and I, for one, have never been prouder to be a part of a family, let alone a project such as this. Metal with balls. Crank it up, indeed.”

Follow MELDRUM online:

http://www.facebook.com/MeldrumOfficial
https://twitter.com/Meldrumofficial
http://www.myspace.com/meldrumofficial
http://soundcloud.com/meldrummusic
http://www.reverbnation.com/meldrum
http://www.youtube.com/user/OfficialMeldrum

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OZZY! 12/3/12

December 3, 2012 by janaya64

On this day in 1948 the Rock Gods blessed the earth with John Michael Osbourne. They tested him thoroughly with things that would have surely killed a mere mortal. Yet he withstood all that was thrown at him. Yet, all of these trials had transformed him, remade him, and thus OZZY arose from the man that was John Michael Osbourne. OZZY gathered the musical forces to him and gave to the ears of the world BLACK SABBATH. The power of OZZY quickly grew and he needed to empower other musicians and he left BLACK SABBATH in order to gather young musicians and take them under his “wing”.

Thank you OZZY! Thank you very much!!!

We truly hope you never stop!

the Hellion

LOOKING FORWARD TO 2013

November 25, 2012 by janaya64

As we wind down 2012, (which was a great year) we also start looking forward to 2013. We had some new doors open for us this year, we got to cover the 2012 Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar tour, we got to cover the great Skeletonwitch show, we reconfigured Music U-Night into Rock U-Night, and I started this Blog. Bleach Bangs Radio interviewed some great bands, and we saw the CD releases of local NM bands Beard, and Rusty Tramp. I also am going to be attending the dedication of the West Mesa Performing Arts Center to Randy Castillo this December. I also made a lot of new friends and met and heard a lot of new bands. I love you all.

2013 promises to start off on an equally great note. We have been fortunate enough to have obtained media access tot he 2013 NAMM show in Anaheim California in January. We plan on interviewing various instrument/gear companies and bring it to you first hand. We plan on continuing to bring you new bands, new interviews, new CD reviews, and new show reviews. If there is anything you want to see let us know. We are fan driven and here for you, the music lovers.

yours in Rock

the Hellion!

THANKSGIVING BREAK…BRB!!!

November 21, 2012 by janaya64

GONNA TAKE A FEW DAYS OFF TO ENJOY FRIENDS AND FAMILY!!!! I AM THANKFUL FOR ALL OF YOU WHO READ THIS BLOG, THOSE WHO MAKE THE MUSIC THAT WE LOVE, AND THOSE OF YOU WHO MAKE IT ALL HAPPEN! BACK ON FRIDAY, KEEP IT ROCKIN’!

the Hellion

ANOTHER MUSIC LOVER – ISH GARCIA TALKS ABOUT HIS LOVE OF MUSIC AND FAMILY

November 19, 2012 by janaya64

I have a good friend who truly knows the meaning of family, Ish Garcia. This man sacrifices for his family by working out of the country to earn a living in this hard economic time. When he does get the opportunity to spend time at home he makes the best of it by giving back by sharing his passion for music with his family. I truly believe in the healing power of music as does he, Ish uses the power of music to help his autistic son “Matt The Cat”. I got Ish to take some of his rare time to answer a few questions:

1. When did you first fall in love with music?

Ish: I have always loved music, since a baby , really. In love, maybe after I heard and bought a Hendrix album Axis Bold As Love, after that ,I realized I couldn’t go a day without some kind of music.

2. What is it about music that touches you?

Ish: Music just gets inside,- lyrics, rhythm, it just depends on the song.

3. What do you do to support you favorite bands?

Ish: Support ?- Buy the Album-whole album , not just the one you like on the radio, buy the album that’s why they made an album,I’m pretty sure the song are strung together for a reason. Also, buy a shirt, usually bands I like /love have cool merch for sale. Buy a ticket for the show and see ’em live!!! Share that shit with all your friends. Hope fully the small bands you like will make it, like Guns N’ Roses or Alice in Chains, Pantera , they all started doing small gigs and then bang, I would like to witness it first hand.

4. Tell us about some of your favorite bands and your passion for music.

Ish: Jimi Hendrix – Guitar god great lyrics, His cover songs are better than the originals themselves-in my opinion Black Sabbath-Ozzy and Dio for me undecided…,c’mon its Sabbath, need I say more Ozzy-its like crack for my ears Zeppelin, to me its real rock n roll to me a blue print of what rock and roll should sound like. Alice in chains-Lyrics, the sound of Layne and Jerry together , chunky riffs.What is grunge ? Black Label Society-Everything I love all rolled into one-Doom, chunky riffs-blues, melody To me music is magical or spiritual and powerful, its in the air ,it’s a time machine. even when you cant see it, you can feel it, it can make you feel strong when your weak, inspire you, calm you down. I believe music is a super natural living thing, a gift to us. I couldn’t see a world without it. My wife is the one who really introduced me to Alice in Chains, and I’m so grateful. And as far as BLS, I gotta hear at least one song a day, and I have to blow out my ear drums with it.

5. Tell us a little about “Matt The Cat”

Ish: We took him to his first big( not local) concert and meet n greet. in 07 velvet revolver he loved slash from rock band. and then liked guns and roses, they were all cool to him, he got Duffs sweat band at the end of the show. I notice a big difference with Matt when we go to Black Label shows in particular, he’s dressed like everyone, so he feels “in” and true BL family show him respect. He loves the music , he gets exited when we tell him Black Labels in town. He can act like himself without being judged. Taking him to the meet n greets and concerts and seeing him be happy is priceless.

Thanks Ish, you have my utmost respect and love.

the Hellion

KILLINGER!!!

November 13, 2012 by janaya64

http://www.facebook.com/KILLINGERROCKS

http://killingerrocks.com
http://twitter.com/#!/Killingerrocks
http://www.reverbnation.com/killingerrocks
http://www.myspace.com/killingerrocks

With an over-the-top one of a kind live show you have to see to believe, the band has already established a solid fan base in Western Canada and the USA, touring for the past two years with Lynch Mob, Stryper, Volbeat, Hellyeah, Iced Earth and on tour Oct, Nov 2012 with Black Label Society.

From the sonic frontier of Western Canada, a new band has emerged that is surprising many with a fresh new style and sound. The band is called KILLINGER and its genesis came about when Dave Williams and Kevin Morin (lead vocalist and guitarist respectively) decided to team up to write intensively for an original project in 2008. Previously, Dave was lead vocalist for the tribute band, Rattpoison, while Kevin played guitar with Bonafide and Face First. Between them, they had supported numerous bands including BuckCherry, Jackyl, State of Shock, Econoline Crush and Vince Neil. “We talked about combining our skills to create a concept” states Kevin.

The concept was structured around key elements of†metal music that would emphasize melody and powerful delivery. Unlike many new hard rock acts, the project was to feature technical expertise in the musicianship while being accessible. The band was looking for a big sound and “I wanted it to be the biggest I’ve ever witnessed” says Dave. “The writing process for the album came together very naturally and easily.” “It came together so quickly that we needed a producer immediately” says Kevin. Rick Plester, who is with Black Symphony and has worked with guitar legends Michael Schenker and George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob), recorded and produced the debut album.Rick also appears as a guest guitar soloist. He helped get George Lynch as a guest artist and called on powerhouse drummer, Pete Holmes, to play all drums on the debut disk. Pete was a perfect fit for the sound of the band as he had extensive experience with hard rock group Black ‘n Blue as well as with Malice, Monster, Ian Gillan, Ted Nugent, Black Symphony and the Michael Schenker Group. R.J. Killinger plays bass on the debut recording but was unable to tour so Justin Craig was recruited as bassist, Bill Bourne, contributed background vocals to the self-titled KILLINGER album.
The songs caught the attention of legendary mixer/engineer Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Metallica, Aerosmith) and he has brought them to a new level with his talent. In addition, Vision Entertainment (Geoff McLean, Katharine Wilson) produced the video for the first single “Holding On” with director Marc Ricciardelli.
The video marks the debut of new drummer Chris Challice who was brought on board since Pete was busy touring with the Michael Schenker Group. Chris had recently been playing with a Motley Crue tribute band based out of Calgary. His true Crue roots, live performance antics and admiration of Tommy Lee made him a natural for KILLINGER. The chemistry of this band is truly amazing.

The huge sound captured on the first KILLINGER album is a crucial part of the band’s live performance. Anyone who has seen the band perform will likely say it was “LOUD”. This is the way rock music should be heard. The unique look, persona, energy, special effects and on-stage antics are all parts of the KILLINGER live show which is the very best way to experience KILLINGER.
It will be an experience you won’t soon forget.

Description:

With a contemporary sound that incorporates the best elements of hard rock and metal, Killinger are here to rock you! Hailing from Western Canada, Killinger is the raucous quartet comprised of frontman Dave Williams, lead guitarist Kevin Morin, bassist Justin Craig and drummer Chris Challice.

Killinger’s self-titled debut album is NOW Released as of Aug 30th 2011 via Sunmor Entertainment/BDG. BD

G is distributed by RED Distribution, LLC (a division of Sony Music Entertainment).

Download or buy it at the KILLINGER “Official Band Website”
http://www.killingerrocks.com/

Produced by Rick Plester (Michael Schenker, George Lynch) and mixed by Mike Fraser (Aerosmith, AC/DC, Metallica), Killinger features catchy melodies, big guitar riffs and a guest appearance by guitar great George Lynch.

With an over-the-top live show, the band has established a solid fan base in Western Canada and the USA, touring with the likes of Lynch Mob, Stryper, Volbeat, Hellyeah, Iced Earth and on tour Oct, Nov 2012 with Black Label Society.

Exclaim! best describes their sound as “gritty, double-time rock with soaring vocals and dive-bomb guitar solos…”, while The Belleville Intelligencer avowed, “Laden with crunching guitars, thunderous drums…the sound is huge…”

\m/

the Hellion

WORNSTAR CLOTHING – WRAP YOURSELF IN SOME ROCKIN’ THREADS

November 10, 2012 by janaya64

http://www.facebook.com/wornstar

http://www.WORNSTAR.com

Wornstar clothing had me hooked by the get go. My good friend Adz Redpath from the band Darksite brought them to my attention. He wore their clothing onstage and swore by it.

ADZ REDPATH

As I looked into getting some Wornstar clothing, I found that I knew several people who also wore their clothes and in turn, I helped others to find out about them and start wearing them as well.

Kurt Arft John Exall Martin Tully the Hellion

Mark Voykin

These guys are just a few of the people I know that wear Wornstar Clothing. I find their products to be of the highest quality and their service world class. The attention to detail is amazing and the support of their customers is awe inspiring. Let’s learn a little about Wornstar from their site:

Wornstar Rock n’ Roll Clothing for Rock Stars and Fans

Originally conceived in 2002 by Sylvia and Stephen Jensen, Wornstar Clothing was launched. Wornstar grew out of Sylvia’s 15 years of experience styling rock star photo shoots for her husband Stephen’s entertainment design and photography studio, F3 Studios. Beginning as altered clothing for photo shoots and album covers, Sylvia’s work quickly gained the attention of Stephen’s Rock Star clients and led to creating custom pieces for them to wear in front of the camera and on stage. Stephen had designed merchandise graphics for his rock star clients and several companies and even some other apparel companies and decided that starting a line with his wife was a natural extension of F3 Studios.

Stephen is responsible for designing guitars and graphics for Dimebag Darrell, Dave Mustaine, Shaun Glass, Corey Beaulieu, and more; album graphics for Dirge Within, Soil, A.M. Conspiracy and many others as well as created amazing artwork and ads for music industry manufacturers. Stephen is also known for his amazing photography and you can learn more about him on his website blog at

http://www.F3Studios.com/

This proven combination made the foundation of what Wornstar Clothing is all about.

The Wornstar Clothing line is a combination of exclusive graphic clothing and customized recycled clothing. Our goal is to make clothing for the rock n roll life style that is cool to look at and comfortable to wear. Every piece on this website can be purchased as is or customized to fit your taste and needs, or we can even design something from scratch specifically for you. Wornstar will be constantly updated, changing and evolving, so check back often.

Please visit our onlinestore for wear ready custom clothing or use the contact form to submit a request. http://www.Wornstar.com/

• Image Consulting
• Styling & Wardrobe Coordination
• Custom Clothing featuring designs by
Stephen Jensen, F3 Studios
• Custom Recycled Clothing
• Set Design
• Photography, Hair and Make-up, Design and Printing coordination

Great people, great clothing, great company. Whether you are a performer, or just want to step up your game, you cannot go wrong with Wornstar clothing. Do yourself a favor and check them out and get noticed!

the Hellion

THANK YOU FOR READING!!!

November 9, 2012 by janaya64

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)

November 9, 2012 by janaya64

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