Vol. 2 December
magazine
Featuring: Haden Brightwell “Crooked Cars”
Trimble Hill Thumper Punk Unshackled Gideon
Special Jan Issue Featuring: “As I Lay Dying”
Die To Yourself Crooked Cars The Way Strength From Within
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Extreme Rock Magazine Vol 2
On the Inside On the Cover: Haden Brightwell “Crooked Cars” Die to Yourself : 4 Trimble Hill : 8 Review Corner : 10 Christian Goth? : 13 Crooked Cars : 14 Atheist with a Bible : 16 Jesus Freekz : 25 Gideon : 26 Special Thanks to the ERM Team Abby Fincher — graphic design/artist Angie Roberts —executive assistant Ashley Jacques — contributing writer Brittany Nelson — photography Beige Daniels — contributing writer Connie Brown — founding partner/editing/publishing/graphic design Curtis Tollison — band and feature interviews Daniel McCarthy - contributing writer Dennis Tesch - photography Garret Taylor - contributing writer George Collens - contributing writer/reviewa/interviewa Heather Richardson — graphic design/artist intern JP Jackson — website design/hosting/IT support Jonathan Dunaway — contributing writer Laci Gravely — photography/advertising sales Miranda Saxon - advertising sales Renita Davis— contributing writer Reese Nobles - band and feature interviews Shane Jacques — contributing writer ShawWna Covington - graphic design/artist Tammy Bowman — founder/publisher/advertising sales/graphic design Extreme Rock Magazine Vol 2
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Die To Yourself
ERM: How did you meet? DTY: Ben and Daryl Yard have been playing music together since 1998, (as young kids of ages 8 and 11). In 2005 they formed Die To Yourself with two friends from Moore, Oklahoma. They came to the yard house on July 4th to pick up some gear that was there from another band’s practice. While picking the gear up Ben and Daryl played a song they wrote together for them and after hearing the song everyone decided to start a Christian metal band together. They had little clue what God was putting together. ERM: What is it like being around each other all of the time? DTY: Very much like family. Brothers. The main key is to walk in love with each other and never take thought of a wrong done to you. We have lots of fun. Some of the best memories are made on tour when we are with each other for 24/7. ERM: What is the origin of the name of your band? DTY: It comes from Roman 6:6 when Paul talks about dying to the flesh and living for Christ. We thought it would be a great name to have since we have always been about telling others about Jesus and the new life He has given everyone who believes in Him. ERM: How often do you go out on tour? DTY: We go out about 5 times a year.
ERM: What is your outlook on the record industry today? DTY: We’ll let you know, if a label ever picks us up. ERM: What would you say the biggest obstacles are for your band? DTY: Keeping straight in our walk with God and finding other band members who want to proclaim the name of Jesus through music. ERM: Are you already on a label or are you looking? DTY: We’re still looking for the right offer. ERM: What inspires you to do what you do? DTY: Jesus Christ and what He did and is still doing in our lives today. What He has called us to be and called us to say. We love music of course but the thing that keeps us going is our Lord and savior and seeing the need of the gospel being preached to the lost and encouraging other fellow Christians. ERM: What advice would you give to fellow bands? DTY: Keep God first in everything you do. Pray before every show and stay in God’s word. (Col. 3:23) Whatever you do, do it with all your heart. Unto the Lord and not unto men. ERM: Where can we get a copy of your latest album? DTY: iTunes.com, Zune.com and Amazonmp3.com
ERM: What genre of music do you consider your ERM: What gear do you enjoy using? work to be? DTY: Randell Amps, Washburn Guitars, Soultone DTY: Christian Metal core Cymbals, Curt Mangan Strings, Spector Basses, Gretsch Drums 4
Extreme Rock Magazine Vol 2
Shock Your Mom... Go to Church! Berlin, Germany, and Aptos, California, USA -- Thumper Punk Records (TPR) today announces that underground Christian punk and hardcore pioneers Handmade Overkill Records has joined as a division of TPR. After years of producing some of Europe’s best spirit-filled hardcore and punk releases, the operators of Handmade Overkill Records decided to go on hiatus. Instead, TPR has acquired the remaining Handmade Overkill Records music catalog and inventory, and will be carrying forward in their footsteps. Immediately available through the TPR web store for between $2 and $4 per CD (plus shipping from California), are the following releases:
Preacher - Self Titled Preacher - Mundtot Rapid Rascals - War On Hell Rapid Rascals - Rebuild Suspekt - As Punky As You Are
White Flags Burning - State Of Injustice Cleophus - Start The Engine (demo EP) Cleophus - Battle Of The Sinner And The Saint
www.thumperpunkrecords.com - ** Shock Your Mom. Go to Church. Handmade Overkill Records - www.handmadeoverkill.com
AVAILABLE NOW! new cd release from
www.journeyfusion.com
listen to
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Send them via email to extremerockmagazine@yahoo.com With a caption of where you were when you took the picture and the name of the person, venue or band (with your name attached). Remember to have fun and get your pictures published with ERM!! 6
Extreme Rock Magazine Vol 2
Available
NOW!
by George C. Rock/Pop/Punk Band from Sumiton, AL Trimble Hill consists of five members: Joshua Craig - Singer, Justin Craig - Drummer, Andrew Buff - Rhythm Guitar, Sean Harris - Lead Guitar, and Kevan Walden - Bass. They also have a manager, Leah Price. Their dream is to eventually get their music noticed, get signed, go on tour, and most importantly GAIN MORE LOYAL FANS. When asked how far he wants the band to go in the music industry: drummer, Justin Craig, says that it doesn’t matter. “[He] could care less how far [they] get, [he] would just like to make music and be able to live off of it.” A few of the members mention that it’s not about the fame, even though a few say “of course [becoming famous] wouldn’t hurt though”, they are here for the experience and the love from their fans. Trimble Hill was created back in 2005 but didn’t really get serious as a band until around 2010. After multiple member changes and after doing their first show in the parking lot of a GameStop, they decided it’s time to get serious. The GameStop show was on the Midnight release of Resident Evil 5 and doing my research that was March 19, 2009. The members of Trimble Hill all dressed up as zombies while performing at that show. Josh Craig, the lead singer, told us that that show was 8
the “best show ever”. From that moment they decided to start putting forth all their effort to make Trimble Hill successful. Trimble Hill currently has an EP out entitled “Lost and Found”, named after one of the songs on the EP. They recorded their EP in California at the Killingsworth Studios. Trimble Hill -as we ERM (Extreme Rock Magazine) wrote this Article- is working on their first full-length album, which will consist of fourteen original tracks. The full-length album is currently called “Socially Awkward”. Speaking with the Manager, Leah Price, she mentions she wanted to manage Trimble because they offered the two things she wanted, “I love music and I love good people”. Leah has been a huge fan of Trimble Hill since October 2010, before she even thought about managing Trimble Hill. She got the job as Manager in July of 2011. Leah mentions “As a fan of Trimble Hill and their music I believe that nothing can compare to a classy group of young men with amazing talent... Being their manager, most people would automatically assume I’m being bias when I say their music is great. To an extent, that assumption is correct. Extreme Rock Magazine Vol 2
But, I like to believe that as a manager I can give a without getting drunk or doing drugs and to show that professional non-bias opinion on Trimble Hill and their not all kids that dress like us are trouble makers...” bamusic. As far as that opinion, it is as stated above. There sically wanting to change the perception some people music is great. It has a wonhave against certain people derful mix of excitement and with how they dress, through energy, leaving the listener music. wanting more.” Trimble Hill describes their Some of the artists/bands that music as “energetic and fun” influence Trimble Hill the and “something you can most are Green Day, Blink dance too”. We at ERM enjoy 182, Misfits, Ramones, A Trimble Hill and the flavor Day To Remember, Chiodos, in the pop/punk music genre Escape The Fate, Eyes Set they bring. “Work and sacriTo Kill, Broadway, Sleeping fice... we work hard and give With Sirens, John Mayer, Parup a lot for the sake of this amore, Panic! , At The Disband”. Trimble Hill obviousco, My Chemical Romance ly understands the risks they Kings of Leon, and Maroon have to take when they com5. A few members added mitted to the music business. that they would love to work Hard work and dedication is with artists/bands like “Blink what you need to succeed in 182” and “Ronnie Radke”; if this business and that’s what I ever the opportunity comes hear when I listen to Trimble around. Hill. They show their determination by constantly working: whether on their new When asked about the band as a family and what per- album, as I mentioned earlier, or while performing on sonality they individually bring, Sean Harris believes stage or just simply jamming away at practice. We at “[He is] the shy one, definitely. [He is] usually the me- ERM are anticipating the release of their new album diator if anything is going wrong...the one to get ev- and can’t wait to find out what’s in store for Trimble eryone to chill and talk about stuff. Then [they] all hug Hill in the future. Trimble Hill only wants to bring hapand make-up.” Kevan Walden refers to himself as “the piness to the world with their music and we are behind comic relief”. He says, “Whenever anyone is having a them all the way and we recommend you should be too. bad day, or something else is wrong I try and cheer them You wont regret it! up with dumb jokes, and impressions. I also sometimes consider myself the creepy uncle, but that’s a story for another time...” Rhythm Guitarist, Andrew Buff, says he hopes to accomplish many goals while in this band besides JUST being the best. One goal being to “help people with life, to show people that you can go and have a good time
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Extreme Rock Magazine Vol 2
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w e i Rev
r e n Cor
by George C.
So I’ve been listening to “The Black Letter” and “RED” these last few months and both in their own way have moved me. Both being Hardcore Christian Rock they bring two different styles to the table.... or headphones in this case. The Black Letter’s Debut album “hanging by a thread” with Lead Vocalist Sarah Anthony putting her all into every song but at the end RED’s album “Until we have faces” was more metal to me. In quality you might ask which one is better; personally I wouldn’t know because again like I said both bring different styles to the same genre. It depends on your personality and your taste in music but either way both records are worth listening to if you haven’t already. And again I might have scores on the albums but that doesn’t mean one is better than the other. The Black Letter – Hanging On By A Thread 4.5 out 5 Rating This is Black Letter’s Debut album from 2010 “Hanging on by a thread” and it was a fairly enjoyable album. None of the songs sounded the same, it was always something different besides through out the whole album I felt like all I heard was the lead vocalist Sarah Anthony, which don’t get me wrong isn’t bad because she has a wonderful voice and it carries along the whole album beautifully but in future albums to come I would love to hear more of the backup vocalist also, besides his skills on the guitar. Black Letter did use their other vocalist Sarah’s Husband Mark Anthony in some of the songs in the album like “Wounded”, ”Believe”, “Care too much” and “Hanging on by a Thread” but songs like “Invisible” Mark’s vocals were drowned out by Sarah’s vocals during the chorus which can be missed completely if you are not paying attention. Mark was used for his guitar mostly during this album, but besides that, the album was complete success especially for their debut. Mark I also noticed in songs like “All I want” he was screaming in some parts of the songs which just made the song so much better. And now that I look back at the list of songs he was in, it seems like a pretty balanced selection between Sarah and Mark. Sorry I had a hard time reviewing it because how unique it is. Their messages were clear and can touch the hearts of many, from topics on love to society’s issues. Customers from iTunes mentioned good things about the album like “This album made me like Christian rock the first time I heard it on the radio”, and “these are one of those CDs that come along that you can actually listen through the whole CD and enjoy EVERY song!” and I didn’t find many that didn’t like the album. Maybe that’s a sign. I will say that this album is not going to be for everyone, because some of the slower moments but for fans of Flyleaf, Skillet, Red. Give it a listen.
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RED – Until We Have Faces 4 out of 5 ...And speaking of RED. RED has been in the music business since 2004 with original members Vocalist Michael Barnes, Lead Guitar, and back Vocals Anthony Armstrong and Bass, back vocals Randy Armstrong still in the band. “Until we have faces” is RED’s heaviest album yet and they made the transaction smoothly compared to past Records. Even though this is their heaviest album they still released songs like “Not Alone” and “Hymn for the missing” which was slowed down the whole album but was still great songs. Though this is advertised as RED’s heaviest album the only thing heavy about the album [to me] is most of the guitars and bass are much heavier and there were more growling and screaming than past albums. RED used the metal vocals in a few songs like “Feed the Machine” (the first song of the album) and used metal back up vocals in and at the ending of “The outside” & “Watch you crawl”. All the music in the album itself is great: a wonderful balance of both hardcore and alternative but I honestly expected more since they were going in that direction. It’s not that I was expecting a “Disturbed” Hardcore rock but it could have been harder than it was. Albums sometimes have the best songs in them but the order of them can sometimes kill the mood of the listener and that’s not good most of the time. For example, Songs like “Hymn for the missing” and “Best is yet to come” I enjoyed but why did they make the very end the depressing/slow point of the album. A down fall to me, better order of the songs would have made “Until we have faces” so much better.... The songs are wonderful but the order isn’t… But on a lighter side, what I found cool was after reading over someone else’s review of the CD (getting other’s point of view) they mentioned that RED relies on pronouns in their songs and I didn’t notice that for example, “ “Not Alone” is clearly from the prospective of God (“I am with you/I will carry you through it all/I won’t leave you, I will catch you/When you feel like letting go/‘Cause you’re not, you’re not alone”)” (jesusfreakhideout.com)... that was cool to me.. “Until we have faces” is a great listen overall I recommend it still with its raises and falls…
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Where you can find EXTREME ROCK MAGAZINE
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Christians and Goths Can they be the same person? by Shane J. Could something that has been looked on as dark and gloomy have a bright light within? Over the years many people have looked on Goth people as evil and dark and uncaring. Well time always opens new doors and minds and I am here to say that in all darkness Gods’ light will break in and shine bright. There are a lot of Goth guys and girls that love the look and music of the normal Goth but they also love the greatness that is the Lord Jesus. I have found that there are a lot of Goth/Christian bands and groups out there in this world. They like all Goths just want to be themselves and worship God at the same time.
Well guess what THEY ARE COMEING OUT OF THE DARK. That’s right no longer will they have to hide. This is my call to you, from one Christian Goth to all the others. Let’s make ourselves known to the world. Let’s stand and say YES we love the lord God and we are not going to hide it. So wear your black put on the chains, buckle up those boots, vinyl and leather up from head to toe, if you wish. But mostly let’s put on the armor of God. Let’s show the true evil of this world that they can’t win even with the Goth culture. Let me know about your travels as a Goth Christian. Maybe you will see yourself in the next issue. God bless you all my friends.
Extreme Rock Magazine Vol 2
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Crooked Cars
You might have heard of this person song. I say the line “in the shadow of
or at least the bands she has been in. Who is Haden Brightwell and what is Crooked Cars? Well Haden is a very talented young woman who’s making big moves in the music industry. Ms. Brightwell in the past was vocalist for alternative rock band “Evolett” and now 1/2 of the newly created acoustic indie band called “Crooked Cars” with friend and past band mate (via Evolett) Russ Daly. Haden B. - “Russ (the second half of Crooked Cars) described me as an “Alpha-female”! [ha, ha] Maybe because I’m always the only girl in the group ever and I will admit, I like to be in charge of certain things.”
When asked what songs had the most meaning to her she commented, “I think my favorite Evolett song regarding the meaning would be, “Careful where you sleep”(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I622rP3mBOs). The title alone pretty much sums it up. It’s basically about seeing someone for what they are and what they do and surfacing their lies. It’s true that lies will always reveal themselves! Now my favorite “Crooked Cars” song by meaning so far is probably “When You Know” (http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=acVcLgHrUq0). I wrote it regarding a break up I had, [but] it doesn’t only have to do with getting over/getting out of a bad relationship but sometimes that means friendships too. You should never change who you are for someone else, and that’s what I’m admitting that I did in this 14
your shallow reputation, is the hope for our future generation”. That’s one of my favorites, pretty much saying whoever you are be aware of the kind of life you lead with the things you say and do and the kind of example you’re teaching to a younger generation!” Haden Added that she doesn’t really have a favorite when it comes to a music genre, she loves most types of music but a huge fan of [of] course, Rock and Pop; While also listening to Metal and country. In the next ten years Haden mentions some of her goals and objectives would be to be able to record a lot of “Crooked Cars” music creating multiple records, Tour, stay focused and basically continue to grow “Crooked Cars” with Russ, “Maybe eventually add a full band too”. She added “I enjoy the music Russ and I are creating with this band. It’s very honest and each song has a different feel to it. That’s what I’m focusing on right now... but I don’t like to think too far into the future, I enjoy where I am now and I’m thankful for how far I have come!” We asked Haden how would she come about accomplishing these goals; both the ones she mentioned and the ones she kept to herself. She wasn’t really sure at the moment but follows up by saying “It’s obvious that things change all the time. I just plan to work hard and write music I enjoy doing. I’m going to trust God with everything, not just music.” which if you think about it and the state of the world right now is completely understandable, you can’t just sit there and wait for a free pass
by: George C. you have to work hard and trust God or be patient (depending on your belief system). The music industry can be a very demanding business; physically, mentally, and at times financially, and most expect so much out of it they become blind and miss what’s really important. Haden isn’t one of those people; she says “I don’t really expect any rewards. It’s a rewarding enough feeling to have your closest friends and family care about what you’re doing and supporting it... That’s all I look for, without support from people there will never be a ‘reward’ “. Crooked cars is an Indie/acoustic/ blues band that has band members Haden Brightwell and Russ Daly, two talented and determined young adults brought together by the love of music and the support of friends. “Crooked Cars” is “good ole singer/songwriter roots tunes. The kind you jam in your car and sing to when nobody is watching on those long drives.” Russ Explains.
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In the very beginning Russ and Haden were throwing names around for the band for about 2 months... they were extremely ready to announce they had a new project but still had no name. “One day we (Crooked Cars) were in the car with a friend who was calling out country music songs titles and we heard the word “Crooked” and thought it’ll be kind of cool.....then started adding words to the title till ‘Cars’ came out. It didn’t have a meaning [Crooked Cars] but we thought it was catchy and sounded cool!” “Crooked Cars” Explained. Band formed June of 2011. We know details on member Haden Brightwell but Russ Daly came into the picture during Evolett’s early Stage of development. Evolett was going through a member change and Russ jumped to the opportunity even though they needed someone who played bass and he actually played guitar at the time. Haden says basically he was a quick learner and picked up on whatever he needed to. He stuck with the group and later Evolett had another change
to the line-up where Russ switched back to guitar for the last two years of the band. Haden mentions “[Russ] is one of my best friends! I don’t know what it is but we just click and have a good time writing music together!” which lead to Haden and Russ becoming “Crooked Cars” later after unfortunately Evolett broke up. And as Crooked cars they said they wanted to make music “we C.C.” would listen to... instead of writing to please one certain crowd or be thrown into one genre we want to expand and write all different types of styles of songs but still be recognized as “Crooked Cars”. They did just that, currently creating and writing new songs daily. The band will be releasing their first digital EP very soon. They explained that it was simple starting “Crooked Cars”. They were already throwing the idea of “Crooked Cars” to each other and creating music before they even had the official name. Both members agreed that they wanted to create the music by themselves as “Crooked Cars” and try to see where that goes before jump-
ing blindly into any label deal. “DIY is the way the industry seems to be headed these days and starting a new project isn’t always easy with limited resources. These days you can get just as good quality locally and for cheap than as if a major label put out your album. Promotion is left up to the artist” Explains Russ Daly. Crooked Mentioned during the discussion (speaking for many of the residents of Montgomery) that they missed the “Discovery Zone!” venue, (Haden) “I used to love that place growing up!! I think everyone in the Montgomery area can agree we all miss having a good venue to play at”. Good music in general is long overdue for our ears and now we have “Crooked Cars”. We, ERM highly recommend our readers go out and support “Crooked Cars” by listening to their music and eventually buying their record when they release it. If you know about Evolett or even looked them up since this article and loved their music we know for sure that you’ll love the musical talent that “Crooked Cars” brings.....
Google it, “like” “Crooked Cars” on Facebook, Subscribe to them Via YouTube, you will not regret it. Support Haden and Russ of “Crooked Cars” on Facebook Haden Brightwell - www.facebook.com/haden.brightwell Russ Daly- https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1012740155
Crookedcars- www.facebook.com/crookedcars YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/CrookedCars
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Atheist With
A
BiBle
in
hAnd
by George C.
An Atheist with a bible might seem like a horrible combination or it could be the most beautiful thing you have ever seen. In this article I plan to change the perception of the “typical” Atheist in the words of an ex-Atheist... Me. I was an Atheist six years strong and was approached by many with questions and statements that at times were a little offending. I was being treated different by a lot of people even by friends who didn’t know I was an atheist until later in the relationship. And how bad people treated me I felt more holy at times even as an atheist then most of the people who claimed to believe in GOD, which lead me to stay an atheist for so long. It’s not like I wasn’t a nice guy, I might have been the nicest person you known but simply because of my choice I automatically became this bad guy to some.
ing [Leaving his name out for privacy purposes] “There is nothing they could do to change my mind, no matter the tactics. There is no evidence. That’s what did it for me. The pushy and the nice respectful ones are equally ineffective to me.”. And Atheist like that you’ll just have to respect their choice, and not dislike them simply of their own choice because he’s a nice guy, he lives life the same way I do and the only thing different about him is his religious choice, and it honestly isn’t a big deal to me he’s a good friend. While another friend was the complete opposite saying basically she would convert as long as she was approached correctly, not be pushed into anything she didn’t really know that much about in the first place, and a little evidence… Quote ”not obvious evidence, for example, ‘you woke up this morning that should be enough’ claim” she added she So I’m here basically to let everyone know whether a wanted evidence that was demonstrable. believer or not that there are good in atheist. I would like to speak for most of the atheist out there as I used to Now their choice will also depend on the characteristics be one but I do not want to be wrong because of my own of the believer; Christian ( just to choose a religion ) personal feelings in this situation. I believe if a follower for example. What I mean is some Christians can have of any religion wanted to come to an atheist asking to so much confidence and faith in their religion that it join their religion they should choose a completely dif- can scare new comers away. Of course I’m not saying ferent direction instead of ( in my experience of people that Christians should lower their faith. I’m saying cercoming to me representing their religion ) stuffing it tain new comers need different teachers, some teachers’ down their throats and at times unfortunately “threaten- knowledge can be over-whelming for certain people. ing” them if they still choose not to join; Which in the That happened to me a few times, I was scared away end doesn’t help at all and now looking back at it, is from this one church one time when I was an atheist. I kind of degrading your own religion by treating some- wanted to learn so much about Christianity that I chose one the complete opposite of what your religion repre- to join a church. I talked to the pastor and some other sents... Also hating them for what they are just because people that was in the back after the regular service and of their choice before you get to know them and the told them my story and my goal. They agreed and were reason why they chose, doesn’t make it better either. happy I chose their church to come to. After a half hour of talking they dismissed me with a prayer, the prayer A few of my atheist friends on Facebook pitched a was in tongues and it might not seem like much but few statements to me and half were more stronger in THAT I didn’t understand at all and I stopped attending their believes in not believing, one of them even say- after a couple weeks because I was kind of scared after 1
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teaching but try to see it in you to let them off nicely. Let them know your believes and If they don’t accept it Atheists are the same as us, they just don’t believe ( speaking to both believers and non-believers ) remove in GOD right now, and it’s ok. They are still human, yourself from the situation. leave them be. If they want to learn they know where a church is. Ok I’m rambling a little bit now because this is such a sensitive topic so I’m going to end this. But my main For the Atheist that might be reading this also I would point in this article was to shine the light on the good like to add a few things for you too. I write this not in of an atheist that might be unknown to most because of defense of an Atheist because just like a Christian can what the media has created, some of the bad that you verbally attack an atheist, an Atheist can and does at- might not be able to afford, and the characteristics of tack Christians right back. Sometimes own their own some Christians because they have such a high fate in terms they do not need a Christian to start talking about GOD that might have negative effects not just on AtheGOD they just start saying religiously disrespectful ist but sometimes on other people who are trying to things. Of course it’s not helping, it’s only creating this learn the ways of the Lord. I also understand that there unnecessary circular argument when we can simply ac- are believers of Christ that just despise Atheist and vice cept each other’s differences. Just because you might versa. There is nothing anyone can say to change his have a strong believe in not believing doesn’t make or her mind. I hate that but that’s life I guess, you can’t it ok to look down on Christians for believing. Like I help everyone. But I end with this quote I’m pretty sure asked them for you all, please respect us too. We are all you heard it before “treat others like you want to be living the same life right now, I understand there are treated”. Simple. going to be ones that are extremely passionate about
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A Life’s Dream
by Renita D. Exactly one week ago today I was offered an opportunity to live out a life’s dream. That dream has been to live and work in New York City. I realize for many, especially those who were born and raised in the south, to live in New York would be a complete nightmare, but for me it is something I have always wanted to do. As this offer was being made thousands of thoughts and questions crossed my mind and continue to cross my mind a week later. These thoughts and questions include is this really happening, could I really leave everything and everyone I know here to walk into the unknown, what about my family, my career, my church, my friends. But the one thought/question that is raging in my head is this the will of God for my life?
God for my life, would be the ultimate variable in my final decision to live out my life’s dream. See in the past; if it felt good, looked good, made me just want to be good I would do it. I have lived my life for me for so many years that any indicator that Christ was not pleased just did not play a role in my decision-making. But recently, having had an opportunity, while out of town, to fall back into some old behaviors that made me feel good, I realized that what I was doing or about to do did not feel good to Jesus, did not make Him look good and it certainly did not make me want to be good for Him. I guess that is what they call conviction and boy was I convicted! The conviction was not a bad thing as I once perceived it would be but it was an opportunity to take a look at how I once lived my life and As a Christian, I was raised in the church, but as an how I now want to live my life. Then, in the middle adult I completely and totally strayed from that foun- of that particular sin, I made a decision that how I use dational Christian background for years and have only to do things just did not work for me and how Christ recently recommitted my life, my heart and my will to wants me to do things will lead to a more abundant life Christ, and I was actually surprised at myself last week and that is the life I now wanted. that the answer to this question of, is this the will of 18
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So a week ago when the offer to live and work in New York City just unexpectedly landed in my lap, it would have been a no brainer. The answer would have been Yes Yes Yes a thousand times Yes! But wanting to be in the will of God more than I want to breathe makes this offer minute in comparison. Don’t get me wrong, I still want to live and work in New York, man do I want to live and work in New York, but doing things my way has gotten me nowhere so I am waiting to know what God would have me do. But waiting is not just sitting around and twiddling my thumbs. Waiting has been, reading God’s Word because that is where we find the will of God for our lives. Waiting has been, getting on my knees and praying, not just telling God what I want but staying quiet enough to hear what He wants. Waiting has been, seeking wise counsel, because Proverbs 15 says, Plans fail for lack of counsel and Proverbs 20
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says make plans by seeking advice. Waiting has been, trusting and knowing…trusting and knowing that what God’s Word says is true. Trusting that when His word says in Jeremiah 29:11 that He knows the plans for me, plans to prosper me and not to harm me, plans to give me hope and a future knowing He will not lead me down a path that is not good for me and will be harmful for me. So bottom line, I have the opportunity to live out a life’s dream, may be a once in a lifetime opportunity but I am going to choose this once in an lifetime God because what I know to be true is that He is able to do immeasurably more than anything I could ever ask or imagine and that is the promise I am banking on!
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y t i r e P s o r P l a i c n a n i F ese e different laws. Th the nc te is ex to in e ok d sp brilliant; he create d the universe, he When God create ything and everyone. God was so eventually come down. t laws apply to ever is law states, whatever goes up mus this law. There is also om Th fr . ty pt vi e Law Law of Gra rson is exem of Retribution. Th ed, no thing or pe If you have notic ighty created, and that is the Law . Think about it for a ed lm a law that God A es, whatever is sown will be reap me forth. If you plant co at ld st n ou sh tio ee bu tr ri e w is of Ret , an appl ed se e pl ap ake sense? This la e I m an t is an th pl ’t I sn If oe e! D ut t. us an min to you today, beca u reap a tomato pl a tomato seed, yo Retribution. I write this devotion is law works in agriculcalled the Law of essed beyond comprehension! If th u six keys to financial yo want to see you bl our finances. I am going to give derstand this must take in un k to or w ed ill ys, you ne ible to ture, it w I get into these ke t faith it is imposs prosperity. Before Hebrews 11:6 says, “But withou . faith on your part begin! ts d by please him...”. Le n, it is a comman tio op an t no is g in alachi 3:8-12 Tith (1 key) Tithe: M ians 9:8 is 8:22, II Corinth es en G 7, 6: ns io at God. n: Luke 6:38, Gal thians (2 key) Givers Gai ts, you can not out give God. hn 12:24, II Corin in Remember this sa for the Need: Ecclesiastes 3:2, Jo ed (3 key) Plant a Se 1 ancial seed. ians 9:10,1 al need, plant a fin the Amount You Sow: II Corinth od ci an fin a ve ha u by If yo ys, G ine Your Har vest e Word of God sa (4 key) You determ shua 1:8 Saints, if you do what th Jo 9:6, Psalms 1:1-3, ings forth a Good ground br u. :8 yo 13 ew th at shall bless M Good Ground: (5 key) Plant in ke 8:15, He: Hebrews 6:12, Lu e harvest. I st ve ar H e good harvest. th r fo Expectation ly wait for th (6 key) Wait with s 8:25, and Galatians 6:9 Patient es. I promise they will an ur pt and brews 10:36, Rom a few moments to read these scri e has all the keys n bl bi ke e ta Th ill w n. u tio yo ac tio ay to bu pr if you put them in t this Law of Retri change your life, call financial problems. Saints, pu bring you a harvest!!! answers to our so ea of your finances, and watch God to the test in the ar it along. to you, please pass ng si es bl en be s ha If this hrist, Your brother in C s er Steven T. Rog
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A Time To Be Real
One thing I have seen in the extreme rock scene is that you are not accepted in a lot of places, or by far a lot of churches. Your style, your scream, your tattoos, your plugs, your clothes, skinnies. etc. Lol. You are called misfits, outcast, your unwanted, called not normal, demonized, called children of the devil instead of children of god. Lol. Which is the same mindset I use to have about you, misled, confused, you were just not what I thought Christians should be and look like. etc. One evening a friend of mine Jason, the lead singer from the band gethsemane asked me to come to a show were a lot of bands from our area were gonna be there. So I was like uhh ok here we go not really wanting to go but something told me to go and there was screaming, moshing, etc. Something happened that knight that was crazy. I asked, god how could you use this crap, its foolish, its ridiculous? And then it happened, god spoke something to me that would set me on a coarse that changed somethings and led me to where I’m at now. He said these are the ones that will bring my end time revival, what? I said. He said what the world, or religious people call foolish, I will take and confound their wisdom, and use the least to become the first. See Jesus was the last person that anyone would think of being the messiah, he didn’t look like the religious system of his day, 22
he was the carpenters son, he didn’t dress like the kings, he was considered not normal, a misfit, outcast, they even called him a devil (Beelzebub).. Why because he didn’t fit in there limited box of orthodox religion. Neither does God. Well that’s when I realized how religious it had become. The very thing I hated I had become, wow! It took a while to bounce back from that. A few years had past that led to ups and downs that was ripping me away from a religious mind set. But started a journey with god, and god encounters like never before. The journey that started was god giving me my call, to rise up a generation to walk in the fullness of God, heaven on earth. God said this is the generation that I have marked to go into the dark places and bring forth light, for the last big show, in glory and majesty, my power to be my voice to the world, forerunners to blaze a trail with the fire of the holy spirit. The Joshua’s, Caleb’s, the Elijah’s, John the Baptist. So I have been marked to raise this up. We are to walk in God’s full inheritance, to take the land of Canaan the promise of rest and fullness of the measure and stature of the man Christ Jesus, the milk and honey of our day. Out of slumber into awakening, out of status quo into radical Christianity, out of natural into supernatural, out of sin and compromise into unadulterated
truth, kingdom on earth eph 4:1315 read it. Not complacent religion. Its not just this particular group of people, but it is the one I’m called to the most, I have heard people say that this is the laziest, darkest, and the worst generation they have ever seen, but god sees differently. They see dark and dirty, but God sees a coalmine that needs to be mined. If you know anything about coal you will see the resources that is needed for fuel, fire, awe come on, and one of the most precious jewels diamonds, after they have been cut out and with the use of dynamite, they become useful and priceless, not like fake diamonds it don’t take much for them. But you are called to be the priceless jewels of god. God bought the coalmine that that no one wanted, that seemed to be the darkest and dirtiest, and through god it will become the brightest of all the jewels. Remember the stone that the builders rejected became the chief corner stone (Jesus). We are the Jesus generation, we have been bought with a price we are not our own, we’ve been purchased with the blood of Jesus, but their is a problem, we have been selling ourselves to cheap. See from the beginning we were created to have intimacy with god like a husband and wife, we are his bride and he is our husband we have left that out, but God is saying this is the very beginning of heaven Extreme Rock Magazine Vol 2
on earth, that opens the door to his full inheritance. Its time to be real! Sold out to Jesus not selling our selves as whores, like Israel did in the old testament Hosea 2:2-7, are we being adulterers to our husband, selling out to sexual immorality, like porn, fornication, adultery, lust, homosexuality. Lets get real those sins are all intimate sins, now do you see why god wants intimacy? Jesus said that all the commandments and the law hangs on two commandments to love god with everything you are everything, and love your neighbor as yourself, and again he says if you love me you will keep my commands and they wont be hard or way you down, why? Because if you love me your sin you will hate, and that gives you power over your sin, amen? Jesus also says why do you call me lord but not do what I say? Come on that’s hardcore, Jesus
is hardcore. See many are called but only few are chosen, what makes us chosen? Intimacy with god makes us chosen. Just like a marriage covenant we take our vows, and through intimacy we become one with him. See that’s why sexual immorality is a sin read 1corinthians Ch. 6, ch7. Why do you think satan has sent an all out attack with sexual immorality on this generation and through all history? If he can get our intimacy toward other things except God and his plan then he’s got us were we can’t step into the fullness we have been destined for and destroy our purpose and our lives. Satan cannot do anything unless he has willing vessels. Its time to make war its time for satan to here your battle cry. If this is you and being bombarded with these sins, its a direct hit that means your are called to change something, but you must first change yourself repent. Repent means to change the way you think
about your sin and then the rest will change, if you are having these problems with these type sins, its time to fall in love again with Jesus to love him more than you love your sin, amen? Its time to get real, its time to sell out, it time to make war with your other lovers, its time to fall in love with Jesus again. You are the ones who are called, will you become chosen? Be the army God has called you to be. By the way I love hardcore because god is hardcore. Gods General In War Garret Taylor Contact info: garret-stephanie@hotmail.com.
“Helpless But Not Hopeless” is the second release by Oxnard, California based band The WAY. This powerful album includes seven songs that blend their classic punk sound with an ounce of the blues and metal tinged riffs. The WAY’s music brings the Truth and the Life to everyday problems, discouraging situations, and questions about who we are. Addressing life’s gritty realities through the lens of Faith, Forgiveness and Hope, The WAY delivers an uplifting message through music influenced by Social Distortion, Rise Against and Pennywise. “Helpless But Not Hopeless” is available for pre-order through the Thumper Punk Records website, and will be available for digital download at all the usual places in the near future. Their song “Don’t Let It Die” appeared on the Indie Vision Music compilation called Punk Never Dies, Volume 1. Additional information about The Way can be found at http://www.myspace.comtheway805 and http://www.reverbnation.com/theway805. Additional information about Thumper Punk Records and a link to its web-store can be found at www.thumperpunkrecords.com.
CD pre-orders are $7 for shipments December 15. Extreme Rock Magazine Vol 2
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The Indy Music Spot by Beige D. The Independent Music Spot is Mobile’s newest concert venue. “New” in the sense of being upcoming, and semipopular, not so much as physically new. Dingy, and rundown the place definitely is, but the massive 5,000 sq ft. warehouse will be used as doing what it knows besthosting raging shows, with hopefully many new, popular, and local acts coming onto the scene to help it grow.
a “Christian” venue, because some bands may oppose playing there, or the public will start to look at the music you are promoting, and if it does not meet the level of “Christian” they have set in their closed-minds, they will call you a hypocrite, and do everything they can to try and sabotage what you are doing.”
The main goal of The Independent Music Spot is to promote unity for kids (and even adults) who do not have anywhere to call home when they want to find great live music. With so many bars and clubs open for adults to go to, it seems like the underage crowd is left out in a sense. There are many petitions and laws trying to go against younger teens being out at bars/music venues past a certain hour now. Many of the matinee shows in this area do not start until late themselves, so this may be a huge With this being true enough, the local warehouse also impact on what Mobile may have left of music venues. leaves a question mark over many heads with its current location. “Crichton is not an extremely bad area. Many “We hope that we can make a drastic change in this think so, but I can guarantee half of what people think scene,” Beige confesses, “The only drawback I see is that will happen at shows, such as car burglaries, fighting, kids only want to support one or two genres of music. and drug use will not go at my shows. I refuse to have They have even gotten to the point where they want to it. We will have security at every one of them, if that is come to shows to see one or two local bands. That isn’t what it takes. Not only will our place get shut down for fair to music. They complain about the particular bands this behavior, I refuse to take responsibility for another being booked, but are not doing anything themselves to kid’s stupid actions.” Daniels firmly states. help their scene. They are not doing anything but picking and choosing. It is not easy to promote shows, let alone, The question always arises of is the venue have any be a venue owner. One thing I do not want is the same church affiliations. With the warehouse staff having their bands playing here over and over. I want everyone to own beliefs, they do not let that reflect on the music that have a chance.” is being promoted there. “All bands of any genre, style, religious background, ethnicity or whatever; are wel- With that being said, the longevity of The Indie Spot lies come,” says the staff. “We don’t discriminate, or hold in the hands of people who do not go to shows just for anything against any acts because of something we may their friends, or just to show their faces, but who love believe. The trouble starts when you label yourself as music from the heart. The 23 year old owner, Beige Daniels, is very happy to have it running. “We have gone through a lot to get this place going on the business aspect, so we hope it pays off. The city always wants to give you a hard time when opening a place like this, and even a harder time once you tell them what it is being used for. No one supports anything anymore.”
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Extreme Rock Magazine Vol 2
z k a e r
F s u s e J
Hey, Jesus Freakz, Ash here, with another word. Imagine this, walking down the road with your best bud, girl friend, boy friend, or driving in the car. Now I’m… serious picture it. You’re walking and talking, or riding, talking and listening to music. You ask your friend something and you don’t hear an answer. What would you think? Think they are ignoring you or just not hear you. Well, if that friend was a Christian… a true Christian… picture this. You look to see why they haven’t answered you, and they are gone. All that is left is whatever they are carrying and maybe a pile of clothes. What would be your first thought? What would you do? Well I will tell you what happened. Something called the rapture, ever heard of it. It is when Jesus comes back to earth to collect all of his followers. No one knows when it is going to happen. Only God knows. BUT IT WILL HAPPEN. Listen up, even if you are the Christian and you get taken up in the rapture, that friend, have you told them about Jesus. Do you want them to be left wondering what the heck happened? Did you know that everyone you know, if they have never heard about Jesus through you, then their blood is as good as on your hands and that they will be screaming your name from the pits of hell? Do you want that? Hate to get all doom and gloom guys, but seriously, people need to wake up and face the facts. To non Christians, ask someone about Jesus. You wont look stupid. I’m sure you would rather not be left wondering what happened. To the Christians, I know that you don’t want your friends and even your enemies to go to hell, so tell the word. Spread Jesus like a disease, if you lose a friend because of it, then they probably weren’t your friends anyway. Well, enough of this doom stuff. God bless, rock on, Ash out! Extreme Rock Magazine Vol 2
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GIDEON
ERM: A lot of things have changed over the last year for Gideon and it’s members, what would you say has been the most exciting? Gideon: Just being able to do what we love every day has been awesome. God keeps providing and we are so blessed. ERM: How has tour life been for you guys this year? Gideon: We toured literally like 8 or 9 months this year. It was great! Our last one was 59 days, which was pretty long, but was awesome. It was really cool touring another country also. ERM:What’s the best/worst thing about playing in a club? Gideon: Best: They usually have awesome sound. Worst: Smoke! ERM: Who are your musical and non-musical influences?
GIDEON Gideon: Musical: Deftones, Bury Your Dead, Thrice, Figure Four Non-Musical: People ERM: What made you choose Facedown Records for a label?
Gideon: Facedown has always had an awesome reputation for being a Spirit Filled label. Awesome people that work there, and some of our favorite bands from way back in the day were on it. It’s an honor really ERM: What inspires you to do what you do? Gideon: Seeing new faces everyday. ERM: What advice would you give to fellow bands? Gideon: WORK WORK WORK. It all pays off. ERM: Tell us about your next shows and why we should be there. Gideon: October 22nd we’re playing ROCKTOBER fest w/ The Chariot and a ton of other awesome bands. It will rule. Also hitting the road with A PLEA FOR PURGING, TAKE IT BACK, and NO BRAGGING RIGHTS in November. It’s going to rule. See you there!
ERM: We’ve been watching these guys for a while and they are an amazing group. Look for them on facebook and “like” them you’ll be glad you did.
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Unshackled is a Christian street punk band out of El Paso, which has released their full-length album “The Overcoming Years” on Thumper Punk Records and Caustic Fallout. The bands unique Stompworship melds Praise with an amalgam of different punk rock subculture sounds from Hardcore to Streetpunk, all to the backbeat of a million tumbleweeds thundering at warp speed. Bringing together a message of Hope, Truth and Roots, “The Overcoming Years” captures Unshackled’s energy and fun, as it brings hope to those on life’s dead-end roads. Hailing from Texas, Unshackled features Joe Straightedge (vocals), Connor Himself (Guitar-1 & Lead/Backing Shrieks & Screams), Tick St. Grave (Guitar-A & Lead/Backing Cries & Calls), Issac Espinoza (Bass & Backing Growls & Grumbles), and Eddie Trejo (Pops, Booms, Bangs & Crashes). For fans of The Havoc, Officer Negative, Minor Threat, Warzone and The Oppressed, the boys of Unshackled are primed for war and ready to get this rebellion started. A promotional video can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhxFQakeg8U. “The Overcoming Years” is now available for CD order from the Thumper Punk Records webstore (www.thumperpunkrecords.bigcartel.com) and available at iTunes, AmazonMP3 and the usual places for digital downloads. The first 100 CD jewel cases will come in a limited edition, handmade stenciled Unshackled pocket patch and album poster. Unshackled’s CD release party was at The Spot, 9068 Socorro, El Paso, Texas on Saturday, August 6. Thumper Punk Records Caustic Fallout www.thumperpunkrecords.com www.causticfallout.net ** Shock Your Mom. Go to Church.
n i h t i W m
n e r St
o r F gth
ERM: What are you currently up to? SFW: We just got done recording a 5 song EP with producer Joseph McQueen. He is a great producer and has worked with As I Lay Dying and some other really great bands. Right now we’re just practicing and playing as many shows as we can.
ERM: Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD out? SFW: We have a teaser up on our Facebook and our EP should be out soon. ERM: Where have you performed? SFW: We’ve played all over Alabama. We love playing in South Alabama and we’ve been honored to p lay with some great bands, a lot of them on Facedown Records. We’ve been blessed to meet as many cool guys as we have. ERM: When you compose a song where do you get your ideas from and how does a song evolve? SFW: When we first start writing a song, all of the ideas come together while Will (the drummer and my brother) and I write together. We usually flesh out the songs together and then bring the ideas to the other guys. ERM: How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together? SFW: When we first started playing together all of our songs were really long and very poorly structured. Now, we have shorter songs and really think about how we structure them rather than just throwing a ton of riffs together. ERM: What advise do you have for people who want to form their own bands? SFW: Make sure every member is on the same level of dedication. If ever member isn’t dedicated you will eventually have problems. Also, if you want to be a Christian band, don’t compromise on spirituality in members. ERM: What is it like going out on tour with Strength From Within? SFW: We actually just played our first show under the name Strength From Within last night. We have yet to go on tour with the current members but I’m sure it would be a blast! Haha. ERM: Where can ERM fans find your music? SFW: Go to www.facebook.com/strengthfromwithin and you can listen to our EP teaser. ERM: Is there anyone you would like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support? SFW: First of all we’d like to thank God. Without him we wouldn’t have a reason to do what we do. Our parents have also contributed a ton. I could never thank them enough.
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