NYS Music 20​14

Author: Jay Saint G

  • Coal Chamber Signs Deal With Napalm Records, Fourth Album in the Works

    Coal Chamber, who publicly split in 2002 during the “Dark Days” Tour, announced via Twitter they have signed a deal with Napalm Records and are soon to begin work on their fourth album.

    Frontman Dez Fafara has kept busy with DevilDriver the past decade, while drummer Mikey Cox and guitarist Meegs Rascón have played in the Los Angeles metal scene with We Are The Riot. Bassist Nadja Peulen rejoined the band as of November 2013. Peulen had this to say:

    “It’s been a long time coming,” stated Peulen through the band’s press release, “but the wait is over. There are no words to describe how excited I am to be working on the new Coal Chamber record. I can’t wait to see all your faces when we rock this album out.”

    Fafara expressed his excitement over reuniting with old bandmates.

    “How many times do you get a second chance at anything in life?” he said. “We toured the world, it was insane and crowds came out in force and we had a blast! For this I’m so appreciative! Now it’s time to release a new Coal Chamber record!”

    Cox and Rascón also expressed their eagerness to release new material to their loyal fans.

    Last year Coal Chamber performed a successful co-headlining U.S. Tour with Sevendust and Lacuna Coil.

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  • Hearing Aide: Machine Head ‘Burn My Eyes’ Turns 20

    Machine Head Burn My EyesIn 1994, Grunge was at its peak, fans of music were wondering where metal was. When Pantera started to make a name for themselves in the early ’90s, another metal band started emerging out of the California bay area metal scene. Vocalist/guitarist Rob Flynn from Oakland, left his original band Vio-lence and started Machine Head. Teaming up with lead guitarist Logan Mader, Bassist Adam Duce and Drummer Chris Kontos. On August 8, 1994 Machine Head unleashed their debut and arguably their best album Burn My Eyes. Combining elements of thrash metal, street metal, hardcore, and groove metal. Machine Head became a force to be reckoned with.

    The album starts with a bone crushing anthem “Davidian” which not only sets the tone for the album, but for setting the tone for Machine Head’s career, and for a new generation of metal. “Davidian” contains the fastest and most killer drum fills ever in any metal song and the power rally cry of “let freedom ring with a shotgun blast” has been cemented to fans of metal everywhere. The duel guitars and harmonies of Flynn and Logan have been unmatched ever since.

    The album rolls into what would be another iconic song “Old” showcases the street side of Machine Head. The band shows off their Oakland, California background with all the crime stories and gang-life that they dealt with. “Old” paints a powerful picture with moving lyrics and insane riffs. “Old” has been a staple in every live Machine Head show.

    You can’t help but feel like such as badass when you listen to this album. As you continue to listen, you get sucked in even more when you listen to “A Thousand Lies,” “None But My Own,” and “Rage To Overcome” before the album gets to the very haunting and disturbing “Death Church”. There’s no dull moment in this album. It’s a master piece from start to finish.

    It’s nearly impossible to pick out a “best track” everything stands out. But the song with the most build up and emotion would easily have to be the track “I’m Your God Now”. Later on, the album showcases a disturbing take on reality with “Real Eyes, Realize, Real Lies” which is montage of 1993 and 1994 news clips talking about riots, and the need for revolution against the American government. The album closes with “Block” which is loaded with a lot of catchy guitar parts which has become a trademark to Machine Head’s sound.

    Overall the album is still a masterpiece. Machine Head has released many fantastic albums but not even 2007’s The Blackening matches how powerful Burn My Eyes was. The original lineup of Rob Flynn, Adam Duce, Logan Mader, and Chris Kontos were only together a very brief two years, but they made it count with Burn My Eyes. A reunion will likely never happen. After Burn My Eyes, three-quarters of that lineup returned for 1997’s …The More Things Change before Machine Head took a turning point where guitarist Logan Mader left the band before The Burning Red was released. Since then, Logan Mader has become an acclaimed producer. He even produced Five Finger Death Punch’s debut The Way of the Fist. And Chris Kontos sat behind the kit for thrash outfit Attitude Adjustment. Adam Duce and Rob Flynn stayed together until last year Flynn fired Duce from the band. Duce, recently settled a lawsuit against the band, Rob Flynn is the only original member of Machine Head left, but the band is still dishing out killer albums and putting on unforgettable shows. But it’s time for the band to start playing more songs off Burn My Eyes because more of these songs need to be heard live.

    Until then, let freedom ring with a shotgun blast!

    Do yourself a favor and purchase Burn My Eyes here. It’s a must own for any fan of metal.

    Key Tracks: Davidian, Old, I’m Your God Now

  • Municipal Waste and Madball Set to Play Bogie’s

    Thrash metal outfit Municipal Waste and New York City veteran hardcore group Madball are playing Bogies in Albany tonight in attempt to make a decent draw to potentially save the business, or at least, keep the steady stream of heavy shows coming to the venue.

    Upstate Black N Blue, owned by Mike Valente, released the following statement yesterday on their Facebook page.

    “Here’s the deal. If you care about hardcore and metal, come out tomorrow night (Thursday) to Bogies for MADBALL AND MUNICIPAL WASTE. This is a big tour. It shouldn’t draw less than 400 people in any city. But if we get less than 200 people tomorrow it shows a steady downward trend in attendance and bogies will have to make a decision about whether we can continue to taking a beating and lose money trying to stay open and provide a home to countless bands and people for underground music. So if you want. Bogies to stay open and you like hardcore and metal you better be there on Thursday (Aug 7)”

    Municipal Waste’s latest release The Fatal Feast was released back in 2012 and has been steadily touring in support of that album ever since. Madball’s latest release Hardcore Lives was released just last month.

    Doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets are only $18 at the door. Honestly, this show should be insane. Metal and hardcore fans need to get off their couches for this show and not only support two phenomenal bands, but help save a venue that has done so much for heavy music in the Capital Region.

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  • Hearing Aide: Overkill “White Devil Armory”

    overkill-white-devil-armory-album-coverNew Jersey thrash metal outfit Overkill unleashed their 17th album, White Devil Armory, a couple of weeks ago and could possibly be the best metal album of the year. It is a nonstop thrill ride from start to finish. Overkill has been overlooked for many years because they were never considered the “big four” of thrash metal. White Devil Armory makes the argument that it should be rebranded as such.

    The album starts out with the intro “XDM” which is just a short but haunting instrumental tune. Then all of a sudden BOOM! the album gets in your face and makes your ears bleed with “Armorist”. Overkill has never sounded better and showed no signs of slowing down. Armorist is a song made to be played live.

    The album never slows down. White Devil Armory continues to hold the pedal on the gas with “Down to the Bone” and “Pig” before going into the six minute bone shattering anthem “Bitter Pill” which is the lead single off the album. Dave Linsk’s guitar solos are groovy as hell and the vocals of Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth are as fiend as ever. But what stands out the most is the drumming from Ron Lipnicki. My arms and legs get tired just listening to those drums pound.

    Another track that really stands out is “Freedom Rings” a real thrash masterpiece as well as closing track “In The Name”.

    Overall, White Devil Armory is an album that cannot be overlooked. Most deffinately a candidate for best metal album of 2014. Mabe one of the best thrash metal albums of  the decade too. There are no light or slow tracks; It’s nonstop thrash, very heavy album. Overkill clearly has a lot left in the tank. It’s time to really reevaluate who the “big four” of thrash metal really are.

    You can purchase White Devil Armory here.

    KEY TRACKS: Armorist, Pig, Bitter Pill, Freedom Rings

  • Bleeding Through Bids Farewell

    After countless of shows over the past decade, Orange County metalcore outfit Bleeding Through played their last show this past Sunday night in front of a home crowd in Anaheim, California. The band posted the following message through their Facebook page:

    “For the last 15 years of this bands career we just want to say it has been a dream come true and none of this could have happened without your undying support to our music. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you for allowing us to be ourselves and live through this music. BT has gotten to the point that our music will never die and there will always be #bleedingthrough. To the best fans in the world. You are family!”

    Guitarist Dave Nassie also posted:

    “I would like to thank all the band members, crew, family, managers, agents, and record companies for all the amazing memories. I always loved being in Bleeding Through with all my heart. Good-bye and thank you for all that you enabled me to accomplish. I feel blessed to have shared the stage and played music with you. Dave“

    Bleeding Through finished their career with seven studio albums.

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  • Ozzy Osbourne To Release ‘Memoirs Of A Madman’ CD/DVD October 7

    The Prince of Darkness himself, Ozzy Osbourne has had a very colorful career with his years in Black Sabbath, as well as a solo career that saw him sell over 50 million albums and earn a Grammy award. On October 7, Memoirs Of A Madman CD/DVD will be unleashed to the masses including a CD of radio singles spanning Ozzy’s career.

    memoirs of a madmanThe track listing will include the following;

    01. Crazy Train 02. Mr. Crowley 03. Flying High Again 04. Over The Mountain 05. Bark At The Moon 06. The Ultimate Sin 07. Miracle Man 08. No More Tears (edit) 09. Mama, I’m Coming Home 10. Road To Nowhere 11. Perry Mason 12. I Just Want You 13. Gets Me Through 14. Dreamer 15. I Don’t Wanna Stop 16. Life Won’t Wait 17. Let Me Hear You Scream

    The DVD set is a real treat – It includes music videos showcasing Ozzy’s entire solo career, including never before seen video footage, behind the scenes footage, and never before released concert footage. It also features a concert in Rochester with Randy Rhoads on guitar that was filmed in 1981.

    Most footage comes from out of print VHS tapes, and other rare material.

    The DVD includes:

    DVD 1

    The Music Videos

    * Bark At The Moon * So Tired * The Ultimate Sin * Lightning Strikes * Crazy Train * Miracle Man * Crazy Babies * Breaking All The Rules * No More Tears * Mama, I’m Coming Home * Mr. Tinkertrain * Time After Time * Road To Nowhere * I Don’t Want To Change The World (Live) * Changes * Perry Mason * I Just Want You * See You On The Other Side * Back On Earth * Gets Me Through * Dreamer * In My Life * I Don’t Wanna Stop * Let Me Hear You Scream * Life Won’t Wait * Let It Die

    Bonus

    * Mama, I’m Coming Home (alternate version) * The Making of Let Me Hear You Scream * The Making of Life Won’t Wait

    DVD 2

    Rochester, NY 1981

    * I Don’t Know * Suicide Solution * Mr. Crowley * Crazy Train

    Ozzy’s Bunker

    Albuquerque, NM 1982

    * Over The Mountain

    MTV 1982 New York, NY 1982

    * Fairies Wear Boots (clip)

    Ozzy’s Bunker

    Entertainment USA 1984 Kansas City, MO 1986 (Jake E Lee, Phil Soussan, Randy Castillo)

    * Bark At The Moon * Never Know Why

    Ozzy’s Bunker

    * Killer Of Giants * Thank God For The Bomb * Secret Loser

    Ozzy’s Bunker

    Philadelphia, PA 1989 (Zakk Wylde, Geezer Butler, Randy Castillo)

    * Bloodbath In Paradise * Tattooed Dancer * Miracle Man

    MTV 1989 Marquee, UK 1991 (Zakk Wylde, Mike Inez, Randy Castillo)

    * Bark At The Moon (clip)

    Studio 1992

    San Diego, CA 1992 (Zakk Wylde, Mike Inez, Randy Castillo)

    * I Don’t Want To Change The World * Road To Nowhere

    Japan 1992

    * Ozzy’s Bunker * No More Tears

    Studio 1992

    * Desire

    MTV 1992

    * Mama, I’m Coming Home

    Studio 1992

    * “Ozzmosis” Recording Session 1995

    Ozzfest 1996 (Joe Holmes, Robert Trujillo, Mike Bordin)

    * Perry Mason

    Fame & Fortune

    Tokyo, Japan 2001 (Zakk Wylde, Robert Trujillo, Mike Bordin)

    * Gets Me Through

    Fame & Fortune

    Ozzfest 2007 (Zakk Wylde, Blasko, Mike Bordin)

    * Not Going Away

    “Black Rain” Photo Shoot

    Las Vegas, NV 2007 (Zakk Wylde, Blasko, Mike Bordin, Adam Wakeman)

    * I Don’t Wanna Stop

    “Scream” Recording Session 2010

    London, England 2010 (Gus G, Blasko, Tommy Clufetos, Adam Wakeman)

    * Let Me Hear You Scream

    Bonus

    Philadelphia, PA 1989 (Zakk Wylde, Geezer Butler, Randy Castillo)

    * Flying High Again

    Tokyo, Japan 2001 (Zakk Wylde, Robert Trujillo, Mike Bordin)

    * Believer

    Memorirs Of A Madman will also be released on a two-LP set and two-LP picture disc set configuration.

    Currently Ozzy Osbourne just wrapped up a tour with Black Sabbath, and is expected to return to his solo career before Black Sabbath hits the road again.

  • 95X Fest Packed A Punch At Papermill Island In Baldwinsville

    Although Paper Mill Island is located in the small town of Baldwinsville, outside of Syracuse, with practically no parking and a strict noise ordinance, apparently it doesn’t mean that it can’t be a great local destination for a kick ass rock show. 95X (WAQX) took the risk of holding an all day rock festival on Saturday, June 21 and combined it with entertaining wrestling matches from Central New York’s own 2CW to make this year’s 95X Fest one of the most memorable rock and metal experiences this summer in Upstate New York.

    The stars aligned as the weather cooperated that day and the Town of Baldwinsville allowed the music to go on for thousands of people to enjoy themselves. Props to Joe D, dXn, and their promotions staff for running the entire gig smoothly.  With the wrestling ring built at the opposite side of the island, there were some wrestling matches from 2CW going on between music sets. dXn had the guts to enter the ring and really put on a show for the crowd, including lots of beard pulling.

    The lineup wasn’t spectacular, but every band delivered. Adelita’s Way was the sole headliner, followed by Vegas rockers Otherwise, the veterans Smile Empty Soul, along with Nothing More, who is hot on the rise, followed by Ume and Edisun. Local area bands Jeremiah’s Razor, How To Disappear Completely, and Cry To The Blind kicked off the show.

    Every band was amazing, but the one band that really took it to a whole new level was Otherwise. Their stage presence and ability to deliver was completely unmatched; it was hard rock at its finest. Hands down, the band could have and should have been the sole headliner. 95X has this band at their disposal and I would imagine they will be back in Central New York again very soon.

    Overall, the day was fun, the beer was cold, the bands kicked ass, the wrestling was over the top, and everyone seemed to have a really good time (I didn’t see any fights). I feel 95X still has their work cut out for them for future local shows, but this one was definitely in the right direction.

  • Hearing Aide: Fozzy’s ‘Do You Wanna Start a War’

    Do You Wanna Start a War is Fozzy’s sixth studio album that has the band on the brink of breaking into mainstream rock radio. Some of the early die-hard fans of Fozzy’s previous work such as All That Remains and Chasing The Grail may be in for a shock. Most of Fozzy’s work has had a flavor of power and prog metal, but Do You Wanna Start a War goes in a completely different direction. The latest release features some songs that are poppy, some that have a mainstream rock sound, and others that are thrashy. It’s an album of various flavors.

    The album kicks off with the title track, which goes in the industrial rock direction. It clearly makes a statement that Fozzy is not just a metal band anymore and can try new things. The next song “Bad Tattoo” goes into a direction that most fans are familiar with, using the trashy double kick drums from Frank Fontsere and crunchy guitars from Rich Ward and Billy Grey. The album seems to be made to be played at random. There really isn’t a “flow” from start to finish, which really isn’t a bad thing. To contrast, Chasing The Grail and Sin and Bones were made to be listened to from start to finish in order. The third track “Lights Go Out”, the lead single off of the album, is made for a broad rock audience. The rest of the album is a mixture of some rock, metal, and a few ballads placed in. The album includes a fantastic cover of ABBA’s “SOS” before ending on a high note with the track ”Witchery”.

    Overall, it’s a good album from guys in Fozzy, but not their best. Vocalist/lyricists Chris Jericho continues to show versatility in his singing and not sounding like an Ozzy Osbourne clone. Guitarist/lead song writer Rich Ward is still hammering solid riffs and solos. The band obviously doesn’t want to keep releasing the same album over and over, and six albums in, it was time for a different approach. Only time will tell if Do You Wanna Start a War was the right approach to take.

    KEY TRACKS: Bad Tattoo, SOS, Witchery

    You can purchase Do You Wanna Start a War here.

  • Slayer, Suicidal Tendencies, Exodus Victory Lap Set, Will Include Albany Stop November 25

    Earlier this year, thrash metal heavyweights Slayer, along with hardcore punk outfit Suicidal Tendencies, and fellow thrashers Exodus embarked on a brief tour in May – every show sold out. So back by popular demand a fall tour has been announced. The Scion presented tour will be stopping at the Washington Avenue Amory on Tuesday, November 25. The full tour dates listed below.

    Slayer has been touring heavily the past two years with a controversial split with drummer Dave Lombardo, while Suicidal Tendencies have been on tour supporting last year’s critically acclaimed album, simply named, 13. Exodus reciently made headlines with their controversial split with frontman Rob Dukes who has since been replaced by Steve “Zetro” Souza, who fronted Exodus from 1986-1993 and 2002-2004. Guitarist Gary Holt will be on double duty with both Exodus and Slayer.

    Tickets for the Albany show can be purchased here.

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    Tour Dates

    Nov. 12 – Fox Theatre, Oakland, CA

    Nov. 14 – The Forum, Los Angeles, CA

    Nov. 15 – Comercia Theatre, Phoenix, AZ

    Nov. 17 – Bricktown Events Center, Oklahoma City, OK

    Nov. 18 – ACL Live, Austin, TX

    Nov. 19 – Verizon Theatre, Dallas, T

    Nov. 21 – Hard Rock Live, Orlando, FL

    Nov. 22 – The Tabernacle, Atlanta, GA

    Nov. 23 – The Fillmore, Charlotte, NC

    Nov. 25 – The Armory, Albany, NY

    Nov. 26 – Sands Events Center, Bethlehem, PA

    Nov. 28 – The Palladium, Worcester, MA

    Nov. 29 – Wellmont Theatre, Montclair, NJ

    Nov. 30 – Tower Theatre, Philadelphia, PA

    Dec. 02 – Agora Theatre, Cleveland, OH

    Dec. 04 – Egyptian Room, Indianapolis, IN

    Dec. 05 – The Fillmore, Detroit, MI

  • Hearing Aide: Judas Priest ‘Redeemer of Souls’

    Judas Priest Redeemer of SoulsIt has been six years since the metal gods Judas Priest released the concept album Nostradamus. Since then, guitarist K.K. Downing retired from the band and Judas Priest embarked on their Epitaph World Tour for the past 2 years, thought to have been their last. Now with Redeemer of Souls, the seventeenth album from Judas Priest, new guitarist Richie Faulker is paired with lead guitarist Glenn Tipton, showcasing killer riffs and solos that combined with powerful vocals from Rob Halford. The album has lots of range from blazing metal tracks to some of the slower, gloomy atmospheric tracks.

    “Dragonaut”, the opening track, is a fast and thrashy song that kicks off the album and sets the tone. The title track then kicks in with a more guitar solo-focused approach before “Halls of Vahalla” displays some of Halford’s top-notch sonic vocals.   The next four tracks take a slower yet crunchy direction. Fans of “Diamonds and Rust” will really like this part of the album. The album kicks into high gear once again with “Metalizer”.

    One really great stand out track is “Secrets of the Dead”; It’s easily one of the catchiest guitar riffs of 2014. The last two tracks, “Battle Cry” and “Beginning of the End”, end the album very appropriately.

    Overall, Redeemer of Souls is a fantastic release from Judas Priest. It’s much better than Nostradamus, but comparable to Angel of Retribution. This album is a message to the fans saying there’s still a lot left in the tank. Be sure to catch Judas Priest with Steel Panther this fall as they will be kicking off their tour in Rochester on October 1 and stopping in Brooklyn eight days later on October 9.

    Key track: Secrets of the Dead

    The new album from Judas Priest, Redeemer of Souls can be purchased here.