May 16, 2012, Author: thegreatsouthernbrainfart, 2 Comments

One Hour of Metal

Categories: Music Editorial, One Hour of Metal

One Hour of Metal is where I either put my iTunes on shuffle or tune into a metal internet radio station and for one hour I document what I hear. The good, the bad and the down right awful are always represented with honesty in this segment. Some hours are better than others as you will see in this series. So lets get started shall we?

Kill Devil Hill – Voodoo Doll
I love this fucking band and this album. This is a really cool song and it totally reminds me of a song that could’ve been on Ozzy’s Diary of a Madman album or something. Lead singer Dewey has this old school, almost kind of sleaze metal kind of voice with just a touch of grunge in there to make it heavy. I love this shit!

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May 15, 2012, Author: thegreatsouthernbrainfart, Leave a comment

This Day In Metal History

Categories: Music News
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On May 15th, 1992, Metal Blade’s own GWAR were giving one of their awesomely entertaining live performances at the Georgia Theater. Known for their graphically visual multi-media stage shows, GWAR has developed a huge following in the U.S. and are considered by many to be one of the more creative live acts around. GWAR has performed previously in Athens, Georgia without incident until the middle of the May 15th show, when Sergeant Pritchett of the Athens-Clarke County Police “closed down” the Georgia Theater. The reason given was Athens-Clarke County Ordinance #6-3-5 (aa)(3) which prohibits any licensed seller of alcohol from having persons appear in attire that exposes genitalia “or any simulation thereof.” However, no parts of any band member’s genitalia were shown. The City of Athens did not claim that the show was obscene (obscenity is a separate subsection of the Ordinance.) This act of unprecedented censorship was apparently motivated by an officer’s personal distaste for certain parts of the band’s performance.

Desirous to avoid the cost of litigation in the GWAR/ACLU vs. Athens-Clarke County suit, county officials have opted to settle the case out of court. GWAR and area fans of the band planned to file suit against Athens-Clarke County for “alleged constitutional violations in the closing of the May 15th performance by GWAR” at the Georgia Theater–but the county caved in.

The settlement is broken down as follows: the bands fans Davis Ripley Keller, Robert Kurt Wewers and William Anderson received the sum of $600.33 each. GWAR received the sum of $15,000 to be distributed as follows–$10,000 to be donated to the American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia to “continue its anti-censorship efforts and other pursuits,” $2,500 to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and $2,500 to cover losses incurred and expenses of litigation. Finally an amount of $699 to the ACLU of Georgia for attorney’s fees.

The members of GWAR and the band’s attorney discussed the settlement at a press conference on November 16 in Atlanta.

May 14, 2012, Author: thegreatsouthernbrainfart, 2 Comments

Concert Review: Lacuna Coil – May 05, 2012 – Atlanta, GA

Categories: Concert Reviews
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Fifteen years is a long time to do anything constantly. It’s even more of a rare thing to see a band survive that long these days and with all their members intact. To celebrate their 15th Anniversary, Lacuna Coil chose to celebrate with the fans by bringing the Dark Legacy tour to the US which was a treat that we’ve all been waiting for. For this tour, Lacuna Coil dug deep into their catalog to dust off some old classics and breathe some new life into them. As I prepared myself for their performance here in Atlanta, I was ecstatic and I couldn’t wait to see just what they would pull off. Hell, I even managed to not cheat and look at the set list ahead of time in order to be surprised.

The band took the stage to a roar from their faithful fans and wasted no time slamming right into “I Don’t Believe In Tomorrow.” The reaction from the crowd was as intense and responsive as I’ve come to know of Lacuna Coil fans. This crowd was pumped up and I knew right away that this was going to be a magical night. Lead singer Cristina Scabbia addressed the crowd by telling us how grateful they were for all the love and support. As the band launched into “Senzafine” from their Unleashed Memories album, the crowd went absolutely nuts. From there the band dug even deeper going back to the band’s first album In a Reverie and pulling out “Circle” which seemed to be more obscure than the audience was prepared for. The song went over awesomely well but I was totally humored by the fact that a lot of the crowd didn’t know this song right away. As a huge fan of the band, I almost felt like, “Wow. This one is for ME!” You got to love when a band can make you feel as if they are playing just for you.

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May 11, 2012, Author: thegreatsouthernbrainfart, Leave a comment

Live Stuff: Motley Crue – Decadent In Tucson & Pasadena: 1982-’83

Categories: Live Stuff, Music Editorial
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Motley Crue – Decadent In Tucson & Pasadena: 1982-’83 [DOWNLOAD]

Ok, so I know I love to rag on Motley Crue a lot but I have to say that this installment of “Live Stuff” is pretty fucking awesome. This particular bootleg came to my attention by one of my online buddies and because of the fact that soundboard recordings from this era of Crue are pretty rare I just had to pick it up. I was pleasantly surprised as I dove into this one at just how fucking cool Motley Crue sounds. At this point in time, Motley Crue had a lot to prove. They were touring for their 2nd album Shout at the Devil and they were trying hard to make their mark on the hard rock/metal world. They sound heavy, driven, and full of that fire that you can sometimes hear in these younger metal bands.

This particular recording is pulled from two different performances. Songs 1-8 are pulled from a stop in Tucson, AZ on the Shout at the Devil tour. The performances are pretty fucking great with all instruments sounding damn near perfect in the mix. It sounds like this could’ve been recorded for a radio broadcast or something. Even Vince Neil, who is notorious for sounding like a drowning cat live, sounds pretty fucking good here. I mean, he’s not perfect but this is one of the best vocal performances I have ever heard him give. Songs 9-16 were pulled from a 1982 performance in Pasadena and features some rare/if ever played Too Fast For Love songs like “Starry Eyes” and “Merry Go Round.” What makes this collection a real gem though is the final song, “Hotter Than Hell.” I thought this was going to be a cover of the KISS classic but then as I listened to it I heard right away that it was indeed “Louder Than Hell” (which would not appear on an album until Theater of Pain). It was cool to hear this song it it’s early incarnation as it really fit the vibe of the rest of the songs that they were performing at this point.

This is a really cool bootleg and it’s really a solid testament of just what kind of band Motley Crue was and could’ve been. I think it’s just a shame that they took the turns that they did to become the lame band that they are today. I would rather listen to this bootleg than listen to their actual studio albums as this really seems to capture the fire and the energy that this band once possessed.

May 9, 2012, Author: thegreatsouthernbrainfart, 6 Comments

Part 2 of 2: Blowin’ Wind w/ Kill Devil Hill’s Vinny Appice: “If Black Sabbath is going to do a reunion, Bill should be there.”

Categories: Interviews
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Hey Fartheads! Welcome to Part 2 of my interview with Vinny Appice of Kill Devil Hill. In this 2nd half Vinny and I continue to discuss such topics as the current drama surrounding the Black Sabbath reunion, his early days as a kid inspired by his big brother to play drums, and the risky payoff of touring as Heaven and Hell. Vinny was an amazing person to talk to and I’m so glad that I get to share this with you all. Enjoy the rest of my interview with the amazing Vinny Appice.

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I keep getting asked by folks about what’s going on with the current Black Sabbath drama with Bill Ward not doing the reunion and all. What’s your take on it all?

I haven’t been contacted or anything so I’m not involved to be honest. I am in touch with them though, especially with Tony regarding his health and all. It was kind of funny to see this big deal about Sabbath coming back and then suddenly Bill’s not doing it. Then I read all these posts online saying, “Well if Bill’s not doing it Vinny should be next in line” and then other are saying shit like, “Fuck Vinny! He shouldn’t be up there. It should be Bill!” Then I read that Tommy (Clufetos) from Ozzy’s band is thrown in the mix and then they’re like, “Fuck Tommy. Vinny should be up there!” [laughs] It’s like the gossiping housewives of Jersey Shore or something [laughs].

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May 7, 2012, Author: thegreatsouthernbrainfart, 5 Comments

Part 1 of 2: Blowin’ Wind w/ Kill Devil Hill’s Vinny Appice: “Kill Devil Hill is a real band that I want to last. We all want this band to last.”

Categories: Interviews
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Vinny Appice is one of the greatest drummers of my generation. With a distinct and powerful style of drumming, Vinny has been the backbone of such legendary acts as John Lennon, Rick Derringer, Black Sabbath, Dio, and Heaven and Hell. For over 30 years, Vinny has been bringing the thunder and this time around, he’s doing it in his very own band Kill Devil Hill. As a long time fan, it was a great pleasure to get to talk to Vinny on the phone from his home in LA. Our 30 minute interview turned into an hour long conversation full of insightful and often hilarious stories.

Vinny was a very humble and fun person to talk to. This is without a doubt my favorite interview to date. This interview is so full of awesomeness that it couldn’t even be contained in just one part. In part one of our interview, Vinny shared some fun stories from his Dio days, we talked about getting his wish with Kill Devil Hill, the fact that he’s never heard the Black Sabbath album Live At Hammersmith. Settle in for this one and enjoy hearing the stories of Vinny Appice.

Hey Vinny. This is Don from The Great Southern Brainfart. How are ya today?

I’m good man. I love the name of your site. I know a lot of brainfarts so that’s cool. [laughs]

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Thanks so much for taking the time out to talk with me today.  I’ve been a fan of your playing since I was 10 years old and listening to Dio and it’s an honor to get to speak with you.

Thank you so much Don. That’s awesome. I really appreciate that and it’s nice to hear.

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May 4, 2012, Author: thegreatsouthernbrainfart, Leave a comment

Bonded By Blood – New Song Available for Free Download

Categories: Music News
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California based thrashers (and Brainfart favorites) Bonded By Blood have offered up to fans a FREE DOWNLOAD of the brand new track “Restless Mind.” The song comes from the band’s third studio album, “The Aftermath”, which will be released on July3 in North America (one day earlier internationally) via Earache Records.

BONDED BY BLOOD frontman Mauro Gonzalez had this to say about the track: “We chose ‘Restless Mind’ as the first single because it showcases a few different elements of the new album. The lyrics are basically about the troubles we go through in modern society, such as insomnia due to stress of high expectations.”

You can download “Restless Mind” for free (e-mail sign-up required) at this location.

Bonded By Blood is currently out on the road with Kittie.  Check out the dates below and go watch Bonded By Blood rule this litter box!

May 4, 2012 – Dallas, TX Trees
May 5, 2012 – Houston, TX Scout Bar
May 6, 2012 – Tyler, TX Clicks
May 7, 2012 – Oklahoma City, OK The Roxy
May 8, 2012 – Tulsa, OK Marquee
May 9, 2012 – Kansas City, MO The Beaumont Club
May 10, 2012 – St Louis, MO The Firebird
May 11, 2012 – Joliet, Il Mojoes
May 12, 2012 – Detroit, MI Blondie’s
May 13, 2012 – Cleveland, OH Peabody’s
May 14, 2012 – West Springfield, VA Jaxx
May 15, 2012 – Baltimore, MD Soundstage
May 16, 2012 – New York, NY The Gramercy Theatre
May 17, 2012 – Hampton Beach, NH Wallys Pub
May 18, 2012 – Worcester, MA Tammany Hall
May 19, 2012 – Boston, MA Middle East Downstairs
May 20, 2012 – Auburn, ME Club Texas
May 21, 2012 – Montreal, QUE FouFounes
May 22, 2012 – Ottawa, ON Mavericks
May 23, 2012 – Hartford, CT Webster Theater
May 24, 2012 – Trenton, NJ Championship Bar and Grill
May 25, 2012 – Providence, RI The Ruins at Coliseum

May 2, 2012, Author: thegreatsouthernbrainfart, 1 Comment

The Devil’s Blood Declare War on Former Bus Driver

Categories: Music News
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It’s hard enough as it is to be a touring band these days.  It’s even a harder deal when you get your gear stolen, your merch stolen, or in the case of occult metal heavyweights The Devil’s Blood, getting your money stolen and having your tour bus abandoned by your bus driver at an intersection.  How fucked up is that?  The Devils’ Blood have released a post detailing all the information on this asshat bus driver.  Please pass this on so that other bands will know not to hire this piece of shit.

“The Devil’s Blood hereby declare never-ending and total war upon the following individual; David “Ape” Zoglio.

“This piece of shit who was supposed to have been our driver on the US tour ran off with our money after the San Antonio Ritual last night. After being told what to do for the 1000th time and still having no clue how to ride a bus, this “Ape”, as he calls himself, unable to deal with the criticism any longer ran off into down-town San Antonio and left us stranded on an intersection forcing our Tour Manager to take over the wheel. This little rat scurried off so fast that attempts to find, catch and kill it were immediately unsuccessful.

“We put this info out now so that each and every one of our contacts, friends, fans and even enemies might learn his name, spread it around and make sure that this sorry excuse for a man never ever does business with anyone ever again. We have added here his personal info and a scan of his driver’s license. Feel free to repost, share, forward and catalogue for future reference. Also if anyone feels the need to vent any frustration or anger, his phone and email are noted as well…

“As for you, David, you little cunt; rest assured that one day we will meet again. A curse upon your house until the day comes that my blade is on your throat.”

Legal name: David Zoglio
A.K.A: Ape

SL/TDB/A-O

For all those who are reading this now: Share! Share! Share!

If I was this dude, I would be VERY VERY nervous at this point.  I don’t think anyone in their right mind would want a band called The Devil’s Blood on their bad side.

April 30, 2012, Author: thegreatsouthernbrainfart, Leave a comment

You Should Be Listening To: Christian Mistress

Categories: Reviews, You Should Be Listening To...
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Welcome to another installment of “You Should Be Listening To…” There is so much music out there that it is nearly impossible to hear it all. Even here where I do a lot of album reviews, interviews and what not with many bands it’s still hard to keep it all together. The point of this feature is to pick a band and introduce you to them by describing them, giving you an album to start out with and a little bit of information on them. Some of these bands may be defunct and some of them just may be kicking ass right under your nose and you don’t even know it. So settle in and check out what the Brainfart thinks you should be listening to.

You Should Be Listening To: Christian Mistress
Website: http://www.christianmistress.com/
Dates Active: Currently Active
You’ll like Christian Mistress if you like: Black Sabbath, Corrosion of Conformity, Coven, The Devil’s Blood, Classic NWOBHM bands
Best Album To Start With: Possession

Olympia, Washington’s Christian Mistress, in my opinion, is one of the most perfect bands to come out in a long fucking time.  Joining the ranks of bands like Graveyard, Holy Grail, Gypsyhawk, and 3 Inches Blood, Christian Mistress are preservers of the classic heavy metal sound forged by the great NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal) bands of old.  Lead be the smokey, raspy vocals of lead singer Christine Davis, Christian Mistress delivers dark, occult themed metal with classic, twin guitar attacks on songs such as “Haunted Hunted”, “Pentagram and Crucifix”, and my personal favorite and stand out track “Black to Gold.” If I really had to describe Christian Mistress to someone I would have to say that they would just have to imagine 1980 Iron Maiden infused with some Sabbath and a lot of pot.

Another thing I love really love about Christian Mistress is the fact that they let the music do the talking.  I’m really getting pretty tired of seeing these female fronted metal bands using sex and a somewhat gaudy image to sell mediocre music.  Christian Mistress actually looks like the kind of people that would be pressed up against the stage at early Ruskin Arms Iron Maiden shows.  That’s not to say that lead singer Christine Davis isn’t attractive.  Trust me,  talent and subtlety is way more sexy than T&A in your face.  Christian Mistress is the real deal and this is a band that I will be watching very closely.

April 27, 2012, Author: thegreatsouthernbrainfart, 3 Comments

Book Review: Murder In The Front Row

Categories: Book Reviews, Reviews

Murder in the front row
Crowd begins to bang
And there’s blood upon the stage
Bang you head against the stage
And metal takes its price
Bonded by blood!

- Exodus

These lyrics from the Exodus classic “Bonded By Blood” don’t just describe the energy, attitude, and allegiance of metal fans. The lyrics also inspired the title of a recent photo book Murder In The Front Row which is a book of photographs documenting the early 80’s Bay Area metal scene taken by Harold “Harold O” Oimoen and Brian Lew. Oimen and Lew were not professional photographers or journalists. They were two teenagers who were passionate about all things heavy metal. The two young men frequented local performances by bands such as Metallica, Slayer, Exodus, and a band called Legacy who would later go on to known as Testament.

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