The Metal Mag N16 : December 2016 - January 2017 Hello and Happy New Year 2017 !!! sonal ws on your pages, pretty busy in per rvie inte ds ban the ead spr I e sinc ile It’s been a wh g so now you r so it couldn’t feature in the last ma late w rvie inte ir the t sen ion vac Sal d life. The ban can read it. rviews , she’s e with photos from Namm and inte my Teri’s Drummer Rock section is her Patrick for taking the time to answer and ndy Ma nk tha to t wan I . it w rocking and you kno it back at me rse all the others I support and give cou of and d, aye del got w eho som t questions tha n people . music should be the only link betwee and d stan we on uni In it. iate rec app I ed many masterding albums to review again I receiv Thanks to all the labels and bands sen bands e to listen and give my credit to the tim the e tak I ugh tho , ing ryth eve pieces and I can’t like e a good reading so I can still appreciate this life. Hav e aliv sic mu the p kee to t figh and who create Live long Rock and Roll ©Franck Michaud
Cover & Back Cover with photos from ©Sophie Fontaine #P1 Introduction #P2 - 4 Salvacion #P5 - 6 Decadence #P7 - 9 Mandy Lion #P10 Toy Called Dog #P11 Teri’s Drummer section #P12 Bob guitrau #P13 ed jones #P14 jason bittner #P15 joe tobin #P16 Orion rainz #P17 NAMM bash #p18 GM cook entertainement #P19 - 20 red reign #p21 -22 reviews...
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Greetings! Thanks for taking the time to interview us we appreciate your interest and support. This is Carlos the drummer and founder of the band answering all the questions. 01.Why have you chosen Heaven & Hell Records for your current album?
Salvacion and Heaven & Hell have a decent amount of history together. They initially released an album for our current singer's previous band Praetorious. They actually approached us about working together after seeing us open for Praetorious before our first album was even out. Things didn't work out at the time, but after self releasing three albums I felt it was time to try a different approach. Heaven & Hell's catalog has grown immensely over the years and we are happy to work with a label with such dedication to classic Heavy Metal. 02.This album is a re-mixed and reissued version, what are the reasons for this? Have you rewritten the songs to sound differently than the previous version? Way More Unstoppable is our second album and we draw very heavily from this paticular album in our live set. I have always been very proud of these paticular songs but the original release was rushed because of time and budget constraints. Although we worked very hard on writing the songs the recording left a lot to be desired in the production aspect. After our current singer joined the band I felt it was a perfect opportunity to revisit the album and address some of the short comings while introducing him to our audience. Nothing has been re-written only vocals and some guitar solos have been re-recorded. Two bonus tracks were added, a cover of a live standard Swords & Tequila by Riot and heavy Metal version of Push it to the Limit from the classic 80's movie Scarface. 03. Who made the great cover? Does it reflect your lyrics? The cover was my concept and it was created by Yannick Bouchard. I actually discovered Yannick on an art forum where he posted his own portaits of King Diamond and Iron Maiden's Eddie. He had never actually been comissioned to do an album cover for a band prior to me asking him to do our First and now he is doing work for King Diamond himself amongst numberous other projects. He has done all three of our full length recordings and T-shirts designs as well. The cover does not however reflect the lyrics on this paticular album. Our conquistador, imagery did not actually come to fruition until our third album God Gold and Glory which is a concept album based on Hernan Cortes and conquest of Mexico. 04. Your band’s name is Spanish, is it a way to reflect your roots? Why not have one song in Spanish? When I came up with the name I immediately had the image of a Heavy Metal conquistador conquering in the name of metal. Even though it was just a cool logo at the time the idea began to inspire me in other ways. It wasn't until our third album that the imagery began to reflect our lyrics, and I became engrossed in the history of the conquest of the America's. Keep in mind it wasn't my intention to glorify the autricities that took place but I certainly found parallels to being in a band and the trials that they undertook for fame and fortune. Through my research I began to feel a deeper connection to my Hispanic Heritage. I do definitely have intentions of writing some lyrics in Spanish and have had some ideas I've been wanting to use for a while that will hopefully materialize in the near future. I also want to add even though we have a paticular running theme I don't want to completely limit ourselves and I still enjoy visiting more typical Heavy Metal topics as well from time to time.
05. You sound very 80s, who has inspired you?
I was exposed to classic Heavy Metal very early on by my father. I was fortunate enough to be raised with Judas Priest, Kiss Motley Crue, Ozzy etc. As a teenager I became more and more captivated with all forms of old , modern , and obscure Heavy Metal. Eventually however when I came to form my own band I knew I wanted to create a classic Heavy Metal band that payed tribute to the bands that captured my imagination in the first place. Bands that paticularly inspire our creative process are Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Dio, UFO, Thin Lizzy, Rainbow, Saxon, and the Scorpions. 06. Who writes the songs in the band, is this a collective effort? Does it continue that way when lineups change? Every album has been approached differently. In terms of the music for Way More Unstoppable, it was very a collabortive effort as a band with an equal amount of input coming from the members. Along with the other albums I wrote majority of the lyrics, 6 out of the 7 songs. 07. Have you always done things in the past by yourselves? Does the band have its own studio? And what do you think of bands who refuse to get a deal? Yes we pride ourselves in our ability to make things happen without assisstance. Although any help we can get is sincerely appreciated, the lack of any has never prevented us from achieving our goals. We do not have our own studio, but we have worked with the same producer Ian Millard, on all of our recordings including the re-issue. We have grown as a team and his help has been instrumental to keeping consistency with the band. I personally don't know any bands that refuse getting a “deal” out of pure principal I may know some of them including ourselves that have turned down offers that weren't right for them but I think most bands have the similar goals and just want their music to get out there, while having their work fairly compensated. 08. You have several writers for the lyrics, why this choice? I actually generally write majority of the lyrics for the albums. I am the only original member of the band, and although I love being a drummer I take pride in my lyrical input. It is a very full filling aspect to my artistic contributions for Salvacion. 09. Have you got friends in other bands you play live gigs with often, and how do you find live dates? We have been performing as Salvacion for over 7 year now and we have made a lot of friends and connections from all over. Playing in this band has also led to other opprotunities for some members and some of our friends have even turned into members. Classic Heavy Metal seems to be on the rise and we are excited to be apart of what feels like a global movement. I pretty much handle the booking and I try to keep us as booked as feasibely possible for our members. There are a lot of logistical limitations we have to work around but I am constantly trying to make progress and play in new markets for us. 10. With whom would you like to tour with? Have you got something coming like tours or any special dates? We would be willing to tour with just about anyone, Ideally we would like to be paired with bands that compliment our style but we also aren't afraid to play with other kinds of bands and hopefully expose more people to Classic Heavy Metal because that is what inspires and motivates us. Aside from getting the chance to open for some legendary band like Priest or Maiden, my dream tour with some newer bands would be with High Spirits and Night Demon! We have some dates already lined up next year including a local show with Anvil and Night Demon March 11th. but aside from that no full tours are booked at the moment. 11. You have signed a deal only to repress this awesome album,
have you got other labels interest for the future?
I actually hope to turn our show with Anvil and Night Demon into an EP release party for Salvacion. I am shopping it around but if we have to we are willing to self release if the right deal isn't presented. 12. What gear do you use? We are not sponsored nor endorsed by any one yet but I use Sonor drums and Paiste cymbals exclusively. We use vintage Marshalls and Laney guitar heads, and a vintage accoustic bass head. We definitely perfer gear that is similar in tone and aesthetic used by the artists and albums that inspire the band. 13. Would you consider re-mixing and re-releasing the rest of your older materials? Along with this reissue that came out this year we just released a brand new EP digitally entitled Keep Up the Fire. Right now the goal is to continue focusing on new material but I definitely at some point intend on revisiting our third album God Gold and Glory which is my personal proudest acheivment. Thanks again for your time and interest, cheers! Carlos Denogean
https://salvacionrocks.bandcamp.com
1/ after the release of your last album it was a chock the band disbanded, did you at that time thought you would get back? Yes, I did. 2/ the band members went their way and formed new bands, did you stay in touch or you were on bad terms? Not on bad terms, I’m glad they got to do new things and experience new bands. 3/ you have sung on few records and recently made a song, have you thought about joining another band? how did you get those shares ? I leave the doors open so we’ll see! I was contacted by the band 6th Awakening and asked to support them in the studio which ended up on me doing a guest appearance on their EP and joining them on a concert for a two female extreme vocal performance. As for my solo project Metallic Kitty I was asked by Allstars, a fighting club that I train at, to make an entrance song for one of their female Muay Thai fighters ‘Little Thunder’ that also became the title of the song. 4/ Do you cope with the website yourself? it has been online since and even people kept liking your facebook page and post, are the fans helped you to reform the band? Yes, I do. I manage all online work surrounding Decadence and my projects. But, it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our fans for all these years. That really means the world to me. 5/ From the pic you shared it seems only the song writer Keneth is back from the original line up? can you explain? who is part of the band now? Decadence is now powered by Kenneth Lantz and myself. We were joined by Lawrence Dinamarca (from Nightrage / Loch Vostok /Carnal Forge) who set the drums for our upcoming album ‘Undergrounder’. Kenneth and I have always been behind all Decadence songwriting so in that sense our music will grow on its solid base. When it comes to possible future live shows, we’ll deal with it then and form a full line-up. 6/have you designed the cover ? why this design, what does it means? I’m behind the idea of it but this time I got help to create it. The skull is a more realistic version of the Decadence logo skull. I liked the fact to make it more real, because that’s how it feels coming back. It’s buried in sand, a symbolism of the Underground but is kind of peeking out of it and actually has eyes looking back at you, more alive this time. ‘Undergrounder’ is a name, or description if you like, of who we consider Decadence to be after all this time. And who we consider our fans to be. It’s a statement.
7/ what are the lyrics about? It’s all connected to the album title in some way. Generally they are thoughts that have crossed my mind that I wanted to share, regardless if they are uplifting or aggressive. I wanted to keep it down to earth and share my views on things at this stage of my life and the experience that I’ve learned from. 8/ you have pushed yourself to become ‘someone else’ stronger physically, is there something deep inside that forced you to deal with this? Yes, I wanted to strengthen my body to be able to do things that had stopped me in the past. I saw the perfect opportunity when Decadence was gone for a while to deal with it and have it become another passion of mine. 9/ would you say you were too possessive as a leader? your passion has tired the others?…or you are never satisfied by yourselve? I leave that for the people around me to decide. I do follow my passion and I would never tell anyone else not to. Sure, it has been hard at times but it has been worth it. 10/ although you are not that old, what can you tell about the years of Decadence’ life so far? Decadence has been inspiring to be part of for 10 years and counting. We’ve released four full-length albums, two of which were released within one year, and the fifth full-length coming up. We’ve promoted the Underground music scene, pushed for the DIY, licensed our top selling release to three different labels simultaneously while running it through our own label HTI Records (now re-named Heavy Dose after our first ever single), pushed for other bands to do the same, and had all promotion pushed by fans for fans through street teams, fan clubs and Metalheads from all over the world. In addition to amazing fan driven concerts, we most recently visited Venezuela that became the summing up of the 10 years together. Decadence never stopped, it evolved. And now we are back to continue spreading the message. 11/you have decided to made that album for sale as digital, is it just a question of money or the fact technology has taken the music biz so fast? It has to do with technology and time. I’d rather have it out there than wait around for all processes with making a physical album to be done. Although, I’m not saying there won’t be a physical release, we’ll just wait a bit and focus on getting the music out. 12/ have you got your own studio now? No, we didn’t want to do this at our home base this time. 13/are they any new bands you follow? what has changed in the swedish Metal scene since you started? I’m just getting back to the Swedish Metal scene so I have yet to dig into what has happened since and I look forward to that! 14/ how did you end up writing a song for a kick ass girl? have you practiced that sport? do you know her personnaly? what’s your view on the fact women are more into fighting sport those days? I train at Allstars, the fighting gym where she trains too. Her coach came to me and asked me to do this great honor, make an entrance song for their young female fighter ‘Little Thunder’, and so I did and named it after her. I don’t practice the sport but I follow both MMA and Muay Thai. It’s a pleasure to follow ‘Little Thunder’s training and career and I could relate to many things in my own younger life that made the song for her even more special to me. I look up to the women doing combat sports and appreciate the fighting spirit and strength they possess. 15/ is this new album a complete brand new or you have worked on old unfinished songs? Maybe one or two had the base written way back but they have developed and changed so much since then and adapted to suit the rest of the songs so I’d definitely call this a brand new album that I hope you all will enjoy as much as we enjoyed making it!
www.decadence.se
1/what made you start this new band and why that name? I was in a dark place for a very long time because of some personal tragedies. Even before the tragedies I had some incredibly bad experiences with musicians... to be quite honest I was just over it. I just wasn't interested in investing my time and efforts into a project where people think that the songs are here to serve their egos... because ideally musicians are here to serve the song. It seems that very few people understand this truth so I just didn't feel like doing anything musical for quite some time. But one day while I was talking to my old friend Danny he mentioned that he had always wanted to play bass for me. He also mentioned that he had this guitar player named Lubo which he was considering working with. Danny asked me if I was interested in working with the two of them, so I told him that I needed to hear what kind of sound they were going for. The first batch of riffs the guys sent me were of good quality but the sound they were going for did not interest me. After I told the guys that this wasn't something I was interested in doing they asked me what kind of sound I wanted to create. I told them that a honest to God rock n roll band would be the only kind of project I would want to get involved with. Shortly after I made that statement Lubo sent me another bunch of riffs that represented the direction I wanted to go in perfectly. At this point I told them to send me more riffs along those same lines and that is how it all began. 2/have you got a logo for this band? Yes, I do... it's the tattoo of my left arm. We are using that as our logo and flag... 3/How did you get the line up? are they old friends from past bands?how did it all happen? As I stated earlier I had known Danny for many years... Lubo was one of his friends... when it was time to arrange the riffs and add my voice I needed to have access to a studio. Since I recently moved to Vegas I didn't know my way around just yet. So I asked everyone I knew what studio they thought was the best in town? Virtually everyone gave me the same answer... They all told me that I needed to go and see Ron Mancuso and use his studio. I already knew of Ron's work and talent but I didn't know him personally yet. One of my new friends I made in Vegas (David Cooper) happened to know Ron very well and offered to make an introduction. I have to say that this meeting was one of the best I ever had in my entire career. Because Ron and I immediately realized that we needed to join forces. There aren't enough words to tell you how blessed I feel I working with Ron. He's a fantastic musician, stupendous song writer, a top level producer / engineer. On top of that he's a super intelligent deep thinker and a true gentleman the likes one does not find often in this life. I'm honoured to call this man my friend. At this point all that was missing was the right drummer. Once Ron and I realized that we had a mutual friend called Les Warner (ex The Cult) whom I had worked with in the past... we knew we had a lineup that would kick ass. 4/you already have one song you’re giving for free, is it a way to get fast attention now?or just a way to promote your new album? If you know anything about me you already know that I never do anything with an agenda. I understand that without the fans I would be nothing. So whenever I can I want to show them my appreciation for their life long support. I know that many people struggle with finances every day. If I had my way all of my music would be given to my pride for free. These good people have my back and I will forever have theirs. 5/Who released the video?will you have more coming?
We decided that we would release this video and song on our own. That way we were able to let the fans have it for free. Can you imagine me trying to convince a record company to give free music to the fans? That would have never happened. So doing this on our own was the only way to treat the fans. And yes... we have much more coming in the very near future. 6/That song « new age » is very actual, when did you write it? New Age was built from the very first batch of riffs that Lubo sent me a few months back. Are all the songs about the world’s new society? Not all of the songs are about any one subject. I write about wherever has an impact on me at any given time. Some songs will be sexy, others serious, some will be sad and others sarcastic. The subject matter will vary but the one thing that will remain constant is honesty. I'll never write words I can't stand behind.
Does it affects you as a musician?
Of course... the world around me and the people in it are the inspiration behind everything I write. 7/Have you got already all set up for recording and live shows? Yes... we are currently working on new music, videos and we are looking into booking concerts for 2017.
Things are going so fast now with the net.
You aren't kidding. Lol Things happen so fast these days it makes your head spin. 8/you obviously have a big influence of the late 70’s and 80’s Heavy Metal, are you still listening those old tunes everyday? Yes... I believe that the 70s produced the best hard rock bands and music in history. That kind of stuff literally never ages. 9/Do you follow new bands? what do you think of the Heavy metal of today? I have to admit that I don't really have time to listen to music much. Plus when I do listen to music I try to listen to genres outside my own... it's kind of like this... if your profession is being a cook then the last thing you want to do after a long day of work is cook some more... in my case after a long day of screaming my head off do I really want to listen to another guy scream his head off? Lol 10/When you look at your career, are they things you regret of you would do differently? what do you recall? The only things I regret is choosing poorly when it came to a few musicians I have worked with. Most of the guys I've played with over the years are gentlemen... some of them aren't. Working with those that aren't gentlemen I regret. 11/As a singer/leader is it hard to get a band going compared to a musician joining? It can be easier or harder depending on the lineup. The more my band believes in me the smoother the road becomes. It's only when you have noobs that don't know anything thinking that they know everything... that's when things become very difficult. 12/With all the musicians you know and met, are they many you stayed in touch with or there is a competition still running? Most of the guys I've worked with over the years I'm still friends with. If they are gentlemen I don't want them to di-
sappear from my life. The opposite goes for the jackasses I've met... those I would prefer never seeing again. My favorite people I've worked with or currently working with are Ron Mancuso and the rest of my current lineup (Les Warner / D Schwerter / Lubo Sterzik), Mikkey Dee, George Lynch, Jimmy Bain (RIP), Michael Devin, Vinny Appice, James Kottack andDan McNay. My least favorite I won't mention... lol 13/You keep the look, are you fan of comic books? I don't really think I have a look... I'm just being myself. The way I look and dress is the same on and off stage. It just is what it is. When I was a kid I liked some of the comic books... do you think it’s easier not changing? For me it's impossible to change. I am who I am. I can't change it so why try? 14/are you playing any instrument, if so do you compose for your band and share with them? Other than singing I play other instruments well enough to write a song. But I have no intention on being anything other than a rock n roll vocalist.
https://www.facebook.com/Mandy-Lions-Pride-Official-372303793123987/
1/who started the band? Patrick Donovan 2/what was the idea and did you stick to it? > We just wanted to write songs that ppl can relate to so I hope so... 3/why this band name, what’s the meaning of it? > It reflects our belief that no religion should be used as toy to control the actions of men... 4/how long you’ve been together? > 6 years and some change.. 5/ you have a Pantera style would you say they are your inspiration? > One of many inspirations we draw from. 6/you won few prices does it help a band get bigger or just more notoriety? > Winning contests always helps, but these opportunities are just opportunities if you can capitalize on them. 7/how did you meet Billy bolt and are u long time friends? > I’ ve known Billy Boldt about 3 years. 8/have you got good relation with other bands? > Do you play live shows with the ones u get on well often? We love all our brothers and sisters that we throw down with..... 9/what’s the scene like ? are you touring the states? > The Bay Area scene is the thrash Mecca of the universe, we love it. Touring yes especially the west coast and neighboring states, although we are hoping to tour the US or Europe this summer. 10/have you got a label or you doing everything on your own? > We have a management deal and a Pr company we work with, the rest of it we do in house with some support for video production and sound engineering from our respective producers. 11/what’s the motivation on the writting of the songs? easily and enjoy.
> Is it a whole bands’ creation? To write songs ppl can relate
12/have you got all the same influences? > Our palette of influences is widespread. 13/what’ are the difficulties for writing an album? have you got a line for each? > Album production for us is easy, writing great songs is the real challenge. 14/what do you think of the Metal scene and are you following new bands? > there are a ton of unsigned/underground bands we love, there are so many I wouldn't know where to start naming them. 15/you’re calling yourself ‘groove metal’ that’s pretty evasive, you don’t like the sticker? > It just fits what we do, I personally do buy into labels or genres... we just a hard rock metal band....The new album features our new vocalist Marcus Lance as well as drums from fill-in Andy Galeon.. it's easily our best album to date...... http://www.toycalledgodband.com/
Bob Guitrau Irvine Ca Noteworthy Bands; Ruthless, Filthy Rocks, Gear - When did you start playing? 1. Got my first real drum set when I was 6 years old, my mom got tired of me killing her pots and pans! - What sort of sticks do you use? 2. I use Pro-mark 5BN Hickory unfinished. For me they seem the best balanced, stick for stick, at the center point. - Which drummer has inspired you? 3. So many drummers have inspired me so here's a list lol...Bill Ward (Black Sabbath), Simon Phillips( MSG, Toto,), Ginger Baker(Cream), Andy Parker(UFO), Don Brewer(Grand Funk), Ian Paice (Deep Purple), Tommy Tommy Aldrich Aldrich (Black (Black Oak Oak Arkansas, Whitesnake, Ozzy), Scott Travis (Judas Priest), and that is just off the top of my list! - What drum part do you like the most? 4. Drum solo to play... Tommy Aldrich off the Black Oak Arkansas Live record, Raunch and Roll during the song "Up". - Do you like to play covers songs? 5. Favorite song to jam with would be anything that I wrote the drum parts to. I am not into playing covers or the whole tribute band thing...if I am gonna spend the time playing and busting my ass for hours on end, its all original stuff for me. - With whom you shard the stage with? 6. Have shared the stage with so many great bands, Accept, Saxon, UFO, Lizzy Borden, Great White, Armored Saint, Dark Angel, Ted Nugent, MSG, Michael Schenkers Temple of Doom, Stryper, Loudness, Paul Di'ano, Hurricane, Michael Angelo, Leatherwolf, Chastian just to name a few, I have been a very very fortunate musician to have shared the stage with sooo many great players and bands. - What kind of advice would you give to a new drummer? 7. Hmmm advice?? Timing Timing Timing!!!!! Perfect it at all cost. No samples no triggers no cheating!!!! Pure from the heart all by yourself ass kicking drummer, like a machine!! -What are the news? 8.I have currently put together a new project and rehearsals have just started and boy oh boy have I surrounded myself with great musicians that will be announced when our promo material is ready and printed.I can promise you this...it will rock your face off!! I also have a reunion show coming up with the boys from Filthy Rocks which is gonna be a blast! - What do you think today’s music ? 9.Todays music to me is so very weak. Samples, triggers, pitch trans-posers, taped backing vocals etc...such bullshit! Didn't they crucify that milla vanilla guy for that shit years ago?? I wanna see/hear real musicians play real music!!! Natural God given ability thats not processed!! if you have to use this crap to sound good what does that tell you???? Keep it real and don't pretend!! Music should be felt and played from the heart...really fuckin loud!! Thanks again for asking me to be here answering your questions as I am honored. Turnup and Keep it Metal!!
https://www.facebook.com/bob.guitrau
Name: Ed Jones Location: Beloit Wisconsin Years Playing : 36 Sticks and gear used: Vater 5a Nylon sticks, Pearl drums and hardware, Gibraltar rack, Zildjian cymbals and Remo heads 1 When did you start playing? - I started playing drums at the age of 6 and from what my parents told me i was just a natural so they eventually bought my first drum set from the JC Penney catalog. Growing up music filled my house. It was either my mother singing or playing the radio or even a record. The listening choices back then were Lawrence Welk, The Oak Ridge boys, Alabama, Eddie Rabbit and whatever other country or jazz songs were popular in the late 70's. By the early 80's my oldest nephew had introduced me to hard rock / heavy metal and immediately i was hooked. With such bands as Quiet Riot, Metallica, Megadeth, Testament and so many others i found my drumming went to a whole new level. I guess you can say the rest is history \M/ 2 What ‘s your favorite songs to play? - Even though I am metal through and through I do draw inspiration from various other music genres. I could warm up with anything from the Police or Foreigner to James Brown or Prince and even Duke Ellington or Glenn Miller. But my favorite songs to play would have to be anything Lamb Of God right now, especially "walk with me in hell' or "redneck" I think thats whats important for a drummer is to play various styles of music and adapt bits and pieces of those styles or even a certain drummers style of playing and utilize it in ones own way. Adding your own personal touches. 3 Which bands have you played in? - I have been the drummer for Five Star Ruin for about 5 years now. We are a all original metal band based out of Southern Wisconsin. I have had the privilege of playing with the same group of musicians for the last 20 years, in various projects. With Five Star Ruin we have had the honor to open for such bands as Soil, Bobaflex, Jake E Lee's Red Dragon Cartel, Theory Of a Deadman, Jackyl and many more. 4 Which Advice would give to drummers? - PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!!! Be disciplined, stay clean, stay healthy but most importantly be dedicated and love what you do and what you play. If you find satisfaction in what you play and how you play it, others will as well. 5 What are your current Projects? - As Five Star Ruin is on hiatus after the passing of our guitar player i have been filling in on some studio work with other area bands, working on a couple of new projects with new and former musicians and have thrown my name in the hat for some National act auditions as well.
https://www.facebook.com/ed.jones.98
« Teri meeting Rockin Drummer Jason Bittner from Albany NY»
1 When did you start playing drums? Picked up his first Drumsticks at the age of 8 . 2 Who inspired your drumming? I got Inspiration from my fav drummer Neil Peart. 3 What gear do you use? I prefer to use Pro Mark 5BX Jason Bittner Signature Series Stix. « I have the honor of having 1 for my Collection, Thank you again Jason.» 4 The bands you played in? Some of the many Bands Jason has Rocked with Include, Flotsam & Jetsam, Anthrax, Burning Human & Stigmata. 5 What advice would you give to new drummers? My Advice to upcoming drummers is to have a Fall Back plan & be Versatile. «I have had the Honor of Rockin a Show & meeting Jason he in my Opinion is 1 of the Best Drummers Rockin the Music Scene Today, Thank You Jason for your time & Keep Rockin..Muuah..\m/»
https://www.facebook.com/therealjasonbittner
Name: Joe Tobin Location: San Andreas, CA. 1 When did you first picked up sticks: I first picked up sticks around 3 or 4 years old, but I really started getting serious about playing at 15 years old, which was when I bought my first drumset; a silver 5 piece Slingerland.
2 Which trades of Sticks do you use: I like the Mike Mangini signature stick because it is the strongest and best weighted stick I've ever used that works for me and my style of music. My runner up is a Vic Firth 5B with a nylon tip. 3 Which drummer inspired you: I CAN'T just list one so, I'll list a few... Buddy Rich, Dave Weckyl, Vinnie Paul, Vinnie Appice, Matt Gartska, Paul Bostaph, Dave Lombardo, Mario Duplantier, all of my father's former drummers (Blas Elias, Joey "Dallas", Donny Bragg, Dave Schmidt), and many more. 4 What’s your favorite song to play : Anything from Megadeth or Pantera. 5 Your favorite style of music: Metal! 6 Bands u have rocked with over the years? I have been a part of Edicius, Breach, The Venting Machine, Burn The Crone, Amidst The Wolves, and helped out a few other artists here and there when needed doing studio work as requested. I have played with so many....most notably: Exodus, Prong, Forbidden, Dio's Disciples, Possessed, Hatriot, Divine Heresey, Blackgates, and so many other very talented local bay area and northern California bands. Very long roster. 7 Your Advice for upcoming drummers: DO NOT GIVE UP! WASH, RINSE AND REPEAT! PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE! The main thing I have learned is to not be too hard on yourself. Do not expect too much from yourself to quickly. I always say, play it stupidly slow... then speed it up. You have to train your brain and muscles to the point where everything becomes muscle memory. Then beats become patterns and rudiments become second nature. It's at this point where you'll find yourself really having fun. Also, don't spend a fortune on gear until you know what you want. That takes time! Spend $500 for an entry level kit with some cheaper cymbals and have fun learning to play. Then as you graduate/mature and play around you'll begin to really develop a sense of your own desired sound. Try various sizes and brands of sticks and go with what feels right to you. Every pair of sticks feels different; From the grip, to the balance, to the rebound, to the sound it makes off the heads and the cymbals. Last but not least, learn to tune your heads, and I don't mean just replacing a head and tightening it enough to remove the wrinkles. Paul Bostaph, the drummer for Slayer, taught me some really excellent tips in 2012-2013. And to think I thought I had been doing it right for almost 20 years. I was close, but wasn't all the way there. Hell, I'm still not all the way there... can us drummers ever really perfect tuning? It's all about perception anyways right? 8 What are u up to no? I am living in the foothills of the Sierra mountains in beautiful northern California enjoying the family life and helping my community. The Venting Machine is my main musical focus. It will always be "my baby." I'm very proud of this band. We are true musicians. We are best friends; we are truly brothers. We have come such a long way and have worked so hard to bring you the new music you will be hearing from us during 2017. I hope you all.enjoy it as much as we do. Thanks for reading. Now get back to practicing!
https://www.facebook.com/joe.tobin.39
Best regards, Machine Gun Joe
Bio: My name is Joe Tobin aka «Machine Gun Joe.» I have been drumming for 22 years. I listen to, and love all genres of music, but mainly play metal. I won the «world’s fastest feet» contest held by Tama at Ozzfest 2006, kicking out 437 beats in 30 seconds. I am currently focused on my band The Venting Machine full time as far as music projects are concerned. I play a 7 piece Yamaha Club Custom kit during my live shows, and a 7 piece Tama Starclassic during rehearsals. I play with Sabian cymbals, Remo heads, and use Vic Firth 5B sticks. I don’t play with triggers, though I wouldn’t mind a nice setup for live shows. I have worked with and played with some of the most talented musicians anyone could ask for. Drumming is in my soul. Visit my YouTube page by searching (Joe Tobin - Drummer)
Orion Rainz Northridge, CA When did you picked the sticks? > 1. I first picked up sticks at the age of 6 Which trade do you use? > 2. Pro Mark 747B Nylon tip - Originally I started using those sticks because I had a Blas Elias drum video I learned from and that's what he used. So I figured if they were good for him why not me. Who inspired you? > 3. There are many drummers that inspire me for many different reasons. I've always been a big fan of showmanship. The drummer that currently inspires me is Zoltan. When we played with Slaughter this last year seeing Zoltan and his intensity and energy inspired me. Makes me wanna get even more crazy on the kit. Do you have a favorite song you play live? > 4.Not really sure I have a favorite song to play. But if I had to choose one I would say Bang Your Head (Metal Health) by QUIET RIOT Have you got a music style you like more than any other? > 5. I like many styles of music but when it comes to playing drums I prefer high intensity hard rock. Something that makes me just wanna go crazy and let loose. In which bands have you played? > 6. I'm currently playing with Stonebreed but have played with Patience Worth, Agony & Xtasy, Supergirl Soundtrack, Hollywood U2, U2 Xperience, Toryn and Storm. I've opened for so many bands but I'll name a few Night Ranger, Warrant, RATT, Skid Row, Great White, Slaughter, Sebastian Bach, Queensryche, Puddle of Mudd, Extreme, BTO, Steelheart, Dokken, Slaughter, Quiet Riot and Steel Panther to name a few. Wich advice would you give to a beginner? > Advice - Play or jam with as many different musicians as you can. You never know who you'll play with that may know somebody looking for a drummer. You need to get your name out there as a drummer in the music community. What is your actuality? > current: Just finished recording the drum tracks for the new Stonebreed album which should be out in a couple months. Otherwise just gearing up for some tours this spring and summer and performing at local jams around the Hollywood area. > Thank you for thinking of me for your article. That's pretty cool.
https://www.facebook.com/orion.rainz
1/ what made you want to start your own booking company? I started this company because of the need to fill local venues is a real thing, I'm here to help develop local live music and want to help promote the talent pool. 2/ does that has anything to do with your band difficulties or to get more dates? Making connections in the booking world is always important, although they will allow me better opportunities with my future musical endeavors, it wasn't a determining factor. 3/ will you stop singing in Invasive if you get big events and so a busy man? I will delegate duties to other qualified personal, when and if the time comes, as to continue singing. 4/ Have you had support from friends and other bands, or many have tried to talk you down? So far everyone has been very supportive and I'm having a lot of fun promoting, I really didn't know I was going to enjoy it as much as I have. 5/ is there a difference from what Tina (something metal) and other people you know are doing around you, if so how? I have a lot of respect for Tina and rikk and I'm very honored to be able to help bring talent to the northwest, they deal Mostly with metal bands and I will deal with a wider spectrum of talent. 6/ what made you decide on the name of the company? Well, it's simply my name and I figured if it's on the line I may as well use it. 7/ have you got a team to help you in anyway or contacts in the music biz? I'm currently building a team and I do have a lot that are helping me currently, I honestly think it's been so easy cause we all want the same thing. 8/are they any radios or media behind your back? do you flyer like with a gig? we are currently seeking sponsors to help with promotion and printing etc. 9/do you have to spend a lot to get those promotions ? how does it work with the bands and venues? There is out of pocket cost involved, and I am currently struggling but the locals have really got behind me to help support this company so I'm truly blessed I have my wife helping me with the graphic design she is currency attending school and will have a graphics design degree soon, so very exciting . 10/how do you find the bands? do they know you or you have to get their trust? Im always looking most of them know me or have heard of me but it's all word of mouth. For booking or promotional work : gmcentertainment2016@gmail.com
1/ who started the band and when? Bubba (Singer) and I started the band 2/ why choosing this band's name? We chose the name as we feel it fits who we are as a band. The song Red Reign (on the ep) is straight forward.... in your face Rock, like the band 3/ it seems your last album was released last year but due to new signing you reworked the songs, can you explain why? isn't hard? We reworked the songs to make them flow better and put in parts that made the songs more audience friendly....Was not hard as we worked with David Ivory (Grammy Nominated producer) who guided us thru this process 4/have you had troubles with line up changes other the years? No, we have been lucky... 5/ your music is wide range of styles from rock to heavy, what was your idea when creating the album? Each member has brought their own influences into these songs so its a mix of Influences and originality 6/ your singer has an awesome voice did he sing in other bands before? yes, He has sung in a few other bands as well as playing guitar 7/ you're touring with Lita, how did it happen? do you know her personnaly? That was a one time show, but we are working on more shows like it 8/ it seems you already have a great fan base, is because you are known from previous bands or cos the scene is going strong in the states again? We are building our fan base daily. We did have a small fan base before, but with the new ep it is growing rapidly 9/your album doesn't have a title, is there a reason for? Yes, we just wanted it to be RED REIGN.
I believe it helps get the bands name out and people will remember 10/who desgined the logo? what represents the sign in the field? Ioannis at Oxygene31 media created the ep cover and Logo...The logo in the field represents that a big storm is coming, and we (RED REIGN) will be leading that charge 12/ is there a message toward the album? Yes, but i do not know what it is...HAHAHAHA......We need to ask Bubba 13/what are your favorite bands? are you following new ones? My favorite Band is DLR/VH....I also like Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Alice Copper...Etc 14/ who is creating most of the songs?how do you work them? Bubba writes ALL the words. Larry, Stevie, and Bubba write 95% of the music with my input as well 15/what do you think of bands playing only in cover bands rather than creating their own music? I love cover bands, but that's not for me anymore...I love the feeling of creating our own music. Its even more rewarding when people really like what you have created. 16/what made you choose Chipster PR? have you searched for labels? Chip is the ROCK behind this band. We found Chip thru a mutual friend of ours and was the best thing that has happend in this band. He is a believer of the band and what we are trying to accomplish. We would not be here if it wasn't for Chip and his team. Labels were not first on my list, but a PR firm was......We needed someone to be the voice of the band other than us. We got that and much more with Chip and Chipster PR. Best move the band ever made Thank you for the great review and helping RED REIGN Sammy Lee
http://www.redreignband.com
REVIEWS
Some of the best for 2017 but check the site for all bands
Witchunter: “Back on the Hunt “ CD 2017 Pure Steel Records. Italy Heavy Speed Metal band. An album that came out in 2016 and repressed by Pure Steel for their signing with the band. This is an excellent band as most of this country.Mixing the 80’s from Judas Priest, Suicidal tendencies, Motorhead... a bit of 90’s such as Honey For Christ for their influences mixed giving the band a personal touch with an amazing sound.Speed, heavy riffs they got all the great component that makes this album one of the best such it is getting back to the roots of Heavy Metal. I love it get that masterpiece before it’s too late. 100/100
Ancestral: “ Master of Fate” CD 20 January 2017 Iron Shield Records. Power Metal/ Thrash band Italy. The label is used to have strong Thrash bands but this one is a new pearl bringing some power to it mixing those excellent Heavy Metal tunes. The cover is already kicking your brain and the music is like a storm of power and melodies. 10 tracks of pure explosion kicking your ass to mosh and headband like mad, powerfull riffs, heavy vocals you will get swallowed by this tornado. Influences varies from Helloween, Grip Inc, Eidolon, Slayer, Hammerfall, Agent Steel, Paragon... the list goes on it’s so powerfull! This new year brings such great bands you can’t live without owning this masterpiece killing is the name. The master will get your soul and you will just say “wow” kneel to the beast 100/100 Omnisight: “The Power of one” Digital album on Bandcamp, iTunes, CD Baby, Spotify - January 20th 2017 Self release. Progressive Rock band, I must say I had to listen it several time to find the right moment of mood to actually dig it. It’s a beautiful album with lots of things to get into. It’s difficult to put into a box since it has a very clean and soft tunes that needs attention to appreciate. For the ones who loves it prog it is just a matter of perception as the five tracks are all somehow different. The creations have been worked with a search for accomplishment to the best. The strange thing is sometimes you have the impression to listen to Tony Mc Alpine with a singer such it has techs and melodies placed at the right place. To give you an insight the influences are as far as Obsidian 55, Extreme, Soundgarden, Tool, Yes and all the bands who writes great tunes with diverse influences so you surely find your own likes. An excellent album to own and certainly a band to see live 100/100
Ruxt:”Behind the masquerade” CD December 2016 Diamonds Prod. Heavy Metal band Italy. I feel ashamed to review that awesome album I’ve been listening to for a while , only in January. Since it’s such a perfection, Italy has a lot of great musicians and this band is completed from some you already know in different bands. They wanted to give credit to their fav bands and I can assure you it is one of the best album. 14 tracks of pure happiness and heart breaking, reminding the bands such as Whitesnake , Dio , Deep Purple etc.. believe me you won’t regret it a masterpiece. Ceratinly one of the best that came at the end of the year and if you didn’t get it for christmas well then I urge you to buy it and play it loud , awesome 100/100
Temple of Lies: “ From Sand” CD Summer 2017 BJF Media/PR. Uk Rock/Heavy/ Stoner... band. A cover that blows your mind and attracks your eyes is what we all want from an album to get attention and desire. Once you get into the music the band is hard to give a sticker to such they are mixing many music styles to groove your soul. 11 tracks flowing around heavyness and groove so live you can have a break sometimes and headbang like crazy at some point. Catchy riffs , easy funny lyrics to get you dancing and loving the band. They have a typical today’s sound as much as old style one. You can catch them live this spring and buy the album this summer, it’s like taste and if you like buy it so why not giving them a try you might just love them. Influences from late Metallica, Monster Magnet, some riffs from Machine Head or Dearly Beheaded.. well I told you many influences 90/100
Nash BC: “ Burning Babylon” CD 9 December 2016 ROCKSHOTS Records. Greece Rock/Metal band. Another band I’ve been listening cos it’s good rocking and forgot to review on time but you will like it as much as I do. Some great solos reminding Zack Wilde in Ozzy, Skid Row , Pretty Maid, Alice Cooper... it fukin rocks and the cover sets it all. A brilliant album that will get many fans from rock to Metal lovers just get that masterpiece. 100/100
Habitual Sins: “Personal Demons” CD 20th January 2017 Pure Steel Records. USA Heavy Metal band. Powewrfull album from veterans musicians getting you back in the 80’s Heavy/Thrash sound. Awesome guitar riffs and vocals that sometimes reminds you Metal Church ‘s singer or Leather Leone ‘s Chastain. 10 songs that kick and catch your soul ‘till the end. The lyrics are telling stories and songs like “when the inquisition comes” or even “The prince of Wallachia” gets you deep into the album ‘s awesomeness. A great album to own that will get a wild audience. 99/100
Van Halst: “World of Make Believe” CD ‘th March 2016. Canada Metal/Pop/Indie/ Rock/Jazz.. band. A heavy grave voice with power and feelings. First song starting with growling voice and strong distortion to finaly moving to a very quite nice music giving the band a kinda two faces like Jekil and Hide album. Influences going from the 80’s ‘till today : Annie Lenox, Amy Lee, Tracy Chapman, Outlett, Marylin Manson, Fear Factory, In this Moment.. you will love this band for the diversity of tunes they mix and give you. A bit distrubing at first cos It reminds me some female voices in the 80s who would never be in a Metal band and was aired on TV. SO just for this I give credits for the singer who really gives a lot of vocals ability we don’t hear a lot. The last song will remind you Evanescence with the piano. This band will reach a lot of people in the music who just love music as much as I do shamely I heard that album now but I can tell this is a brillant band who should deserve a lot of success and been nominated for best Rock/Metal band in their country which doesn’t surprise me 99/100
To be continued.... on the website many great albums to check!!!