BALL-BOUND / The Ball-Buster Hard Showcase!!
Brought to you by Your Cyber-World Bang Bible!!
BallBusterHardMUSIC.com
in association with SouthBoundBeat.com
(The Southern Rock Authority)
Featured Reviews: Armored
Saint - New Jacobin Club
& Reach 454
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Guitarist Profile: Bernie Torme
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Featured Interview: Minus Driver
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Banger Pick: Canned Heat
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HardVision: Jim Breuer
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Voice Of The Underground: Voodoo Lordz
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Armored Saint is a legend, but they have never enjoyed much commercial
success. Early in their career, they were grouped in the same batch of
bands that Metallica emerged from. I have never paid much attention to
their career.
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I vaguely remember seeing a video for "Reign of Fire" on an episode of
MTV's Headbanger's Ball and then completely forgetting this release. I
had no idea that this release was the result of coming through the
tragedy of losing their guitarist David Pritchard to heaven. Following
this release, and fast-forwarding a few years, vocalist John Bush found
his way into Anthrax. Now, in 2003, this 1991 release is being re-issued
with an extra CD of the 4 track demos that were recorded between 1988
and 1991. More about that in a minute.
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This release kicks off with the anthem "Reign of Fire," which serves as
a good introduction to the band. It shouldn't be an insult to say this
song sounds like the 80s because it was released on the downward spiral
of 80s metal bands. The power of this song is the tightness of the
individual parts. The guitar and drums synch early and don't separate
throughout the song. Bassist Joey Vera locks in with drummer Gonzo and
satisfies me as a rhythm section.
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I like the other songs on this release better though. "Last Train Home"
sticks out for the way Bush sings "Last Train Home," holding the notes
to give the lyrics a powerful effect. I can imagine crowds going nuts
when he gets to the chorus. "Tribal Dance" starts out with a lot of
percussion before launching into what has to be a truly classic riff.
Drummer Gonzo plays patterns on his toms that are interesting. Another
standout track is "Hanging Judge."
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The overall feeling I get from the CD portion of this re-issue is that
this is a good metal CD.
Then I put in the CD demos and I realize that the rough beginnings of
these songs have brilliance of their own. The demos, as you would
expect, are rougher versions of the final release. The main thrust or
appeal of the demos is that you can hear what now-deceased guitarist
Dave Pritchard had in mind when he crafted these riffs. "Tribal Dance"
is presented in its primitive format without the percussion
introduction. So, after you navigate through the final version of these
songs, hear the demos of these songs, you get to listen to the band talk
about these songs.
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Brian Slagel, a bigwig at Metal Blade Records, leads the band through a
detailed account of the history of the band in the epoch of preparing to
write, writing, and then regrouping to record these songs. Even as a
non-fan, I found the interview to be intiguing. Slagel does a
tremendous job of keeping the band on track, discussing each song's
origin. You get an insight into what other bands never seem to want to
fully disclose: their creative process. Here, though, Armored Saint is
stripped down, talking about what songs the band liked and didn't like,
who came up with the basic ideas, and, as you might expect, the role
guitarist Pritchard played in writing the riffs and how current
guitarists Jeff Duncan and Phil Sandoval took the Pritchard's spirit to
craft the final version. Even though these songs sound like the 80s,
they have aged well. Bush is as accomplished of a vocalist as is
possible in the world of music. His range is dynamic and his emotions
ring in his delivery. The riffs of Pritchard show the genius of a man
whose time came too soon. And while this was, perhaps, designated to be
a tribute to their fallen comrade, I found this release to also be
designated as a treat for their fans that have loved this CD, mostly
understanding the media's version of what the band went through to come
out on the other side.
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Now, you get the band's version. It is well worth the wait and the time
to either rediscover or discover the power of this band.
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In the mood for some good, spooky fun? Feel like celebrating Halloween a
little early this year? Then give these guys a whirl! They're a
goth/metal group in the vein of the Misfits, and they're pretty damn
cool! Most of the songs are dark and spooky, but hard rocking,
numbers, with lyrics that deal with horror themes. There are plenty of
slamming, mosh pit inciting rockers on here, such as "Hallowed Halls",
"Demon Princess", "In Your Screams", "Invisible Deity", "Spit It Out",
and "The Switch". We also have the bluesy "Manipulator", and the pop
flavored "Blood Of The Servant" (which is about the infamous Countess
Bathory, who bathed in virgin blood to stay young and beautiful. She has
been the subject of many metal songs). And the there's "Mighty Pipes", a
short instrumental played entirely on a pipe organ. These guys are a
rocking band who have made a frightfully fun CD here. If you like the
Misfits or goth/horror rock in general, you'll get into NJC for sure!
http://www.newjacobinclub.vze.com
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Reach 454 "Self Titled" (Lava)
By: Paul Autry
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I've got two words for you...hard rock. While not breaking any new
ground in terms of musical style, Reach 454 have released a very solid/strong album that's sure to make a lot of people stand up and pay
attention. I found a review online which said, and I quote, "Reach 454
has the heaviness of Bad Brains, Helmet and Led Zepplin, with shades of
the artiness of Jane's Addition and The Cure," which I think pretty much
says it all. They've got a modern sound with an edge and, bottom line,
they're gonna be huge. A lot of stand out tracks can be found here,
"New Scar (Won't Be Like You)," "Wake Up," "Until The Day I Die," "Am I
Wrong" and 6 YRS," to name a few.
http://www.reach454.com
http://www.lavarecords.com
PLAYING (YEARS):39 years(jeez!)
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STYLE:very loud, my own way
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GEAR: marshall 100 watt superlead(s), hiwatt 4X12 cabinet(s), electro harmonix
big muff (sometimes), fender stratocaster guitar(s).
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ENDORSEMENTS: none on my current driving license. I totally endorse everything I play
on and everyone I've played with.
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PAST ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In Music: releasing three albums with Ian Gillan (Deep Purple) as a
member of Gillan, Mr Universe which reached no 11 in the UK charts,
Glory Road which reached no 3, and Future Shock which reached no 1. Also
UK top ten singles Trouble, New Orleans, top twenty Mutually Assured
Destruction, No laughing in Heaven. Chart UK solo album: Turn Out the
Lights, kerrang chart solo albums: Electric Gypsies, Live, Back To
Babylon, Die Pretty Die Young, Official Live Bootleg, Demolition Ball.
Recent solo albums: Wild Irish, White Trash Guitar, Scorched Earth (Live
1999-2001)
Replacing Randy Rhoads temporarily as guitarist in Ozzy Osbourne's
Blizzard of Ozz band at Ozzy's request, following Randy's death in a
plane crash, until the band was able to find a more permanent
replacement. Playing with Ozzy at Madison Square Gardens while I was
standing in for Randy.
Playing for years with Phil Lewis (LA Guns, Girl) in Torme, and
recording three albums with him.
Touring and recording with seminal heavy rockers Atomic Rooster. Working
and recording with the truly great Dee Snider on his Desperado project.
Silver project with Gary Barden (MSG), Don Airey, etc: two albums
released.
Recording many solo/band project albums (Turn Out The Lights, Electric
Gypsies, Live, Punk or What, Back To Babylon, Die Pretty Die Young,
Official Live Bootleg, Demolition Ball, Live in Sheffield, Wild Irish,
White Trash Guitar, Scorched Earth).
Having had the chance to play with some really great musicians along the
way: Ian Paice, Tommy Aldridge, Phil Spalding, John McCoy, Rudy
Sarzo,
Don Airey, Colin Towns, Vincent Crane, Paul Hammond, Mick Underwood,
Clive Burr, Joey Franco, and many many others whose names do not
immediately spring to mind, in no particular order of merit.
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CURRENT & UPCOMING PROJECTS:
New Bernie Torme album currently being recorded due for release early
2004 (featuring Phil Spalding from Mick Jagger's solo band on bass), a
long awaited US tour being planned. UK, European and Japanese dates also
planned.
New Silver album "Intruder" due to be released late summer, with Bob
Daisley, Colin Hodgkinson, Don Airey, Gary Barden, Michael Voss.
Featured on a track called "Abraxas" on Aussie dance producer
Psyburbia's forthcoming album. Looking forward to doing an album with
Psyburbia as soon as time permits.
Coproducing guitars on Antiproduct's recent album "Made In USA". Also
played on two tracks.
Plans in hand to do an album next year with bass player Phil Spalding
and drummer Ian Thomas, both from Jagger's solo project.
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FAVORITE GUITARIST:Jimi Hendrix. And then Jeff Beck.
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MOST UNDERATED PLAYERS:
Antiproduct
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BEST MUSICIAN YOU'VE EVER SEEN:
Phil Spalding/Ian Thomas
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FOUR WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBES WHAT YOU WANT TO GET ACROSS IN YOUR
PLAYING:
dirt passion love freedom
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YOUR HERO: jimi hendrix
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ULTIMATE GOAL:
to get paid
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CONTACT: Robert Schaffer robert_in_valhalla@yahoo.com ph 914-391-9596
http://www.bernietorme.com
http://www.retrowrek.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bernie-torme
http://www.barnroom.co.uk
http://www.vtshopping.co.uk
INTERVIEW: GETTING THEIR MESSAGE HEARD
Interview with Atlanta's [minus.driver]
by Don Sill
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Atlanta, Georgia's [minus.driver] have been a staple within their local
scene since 1996 where they earned quite a loyal following with their
intense live show and a vibrant nu-metal sound. "The local scene over
there is really strong," confirms bassist Lee March of his home town
status, "and when you pick up on a fan base they really latch on and
their loyal. Our fans have been great to us, man."
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[minus.driver] have been playing highly competitive Atlanta circuit for
years and their relentless perseverance and persistence finally paid off
and in 2002 the band began to catch the attention of the majors which
led them to a full-fledged record deal with Universal Records. "We've
been waiting an extremely long time for this," says vocalist Jordan
Williams. "Me and Lee and been playing together since we were like in
seventh grade and this is finally the dream come true. We're really
pumped up about it."
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The band, which also includes Dusty Kirchner [guitar] and Matt Donald
[drums]; have been grass-rooting on an indy level for years and are
stoked to have finally made it to the big leagues. "We finally have
something available for all the people that have always supported us,"
gushed Williams, "This is the first time they can actually go to the
record store, like a Best Buy or something and pick up our stuff."
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Their newly released 5-song EP, "A Message For You" on
Republic/Universal Records serves as a sample of the bands unique rock
style. Tunes such as "Light Years" and "Sure Thing" come correct with
passionate vocals and a melodic flow that weaves the intensity of
nu-metal with progressive rock in the vein of Incubus and the Deftones.
"Our music is really straight from the heart," Williams says, "and I
think it shows when we play."
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So what is the "message" which [minus.driver] wants you to know, well
the answer they say, is for you to figure out. "I think the songs that
we picked for the EP kinds tells a story," explains Williams. "Its about
truth and self discovery. It's very introspective and we just sort of
took our own lives and put it into the music and the message is there
for everyone, pretty much. We kinda start off the EP with seriousness
like, 'okay, there's a problem here and there's some things that need to
be dealt with.' I mean, there are a lot of issues, then we give a little
bit of hope by the end.there's better days coming."
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Well, it looks like better days are coming for the Atlanta boys as their
first single "Inhuman" will make it's way into rock radio this summer.
[minus.driver] are also in the studio working on their full-length and
are in the process of setting up a tour in support of their EP.
For
updates log to: http://www.minusdriver.com
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BANGER PICK: CANNED HEAT
"Friends In The Canned"
Fuel 2000 Records
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Now celebrating close to 35 years in the tumultuous world of the music
industry, Canned Heat is back with an album that finds their musical
heritage and integrity intact and thriving. With their new album FRIENDS
IN THE CAN ìthe Heatî is deep in the blues, part and present.
Not only a celebration of the blues, in this official â?oYear Of
The Blues,â? FRIENDS IN THE CAN features the talents of
contemporaries like Taj Mahal, Roy Rogers, Corey Stevens and Walter
Trout, and mentor John Lee Hooker, to create an album that consistently
measures up to the musical highs of Canned Heatâ?Ts classic
records.
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Emerging in the mid 1960s, Canned Heat was founded by blues historians
and record collectors Alan "Blind Owl" Wilson and Bob "The Bear"
Hite.â? They gained international attention and secured their
niche in the pages of rock 'n roll history with their performances at
the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival (along with Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin
and The Who) and the headlining slot at the original Woodstock Festival.
Wilson was already renowned for his distinctive harmonica work when he
accompanied veteran bluesman, Son House, on his rediscovery album,
"Father of the Blues," and retaught him how to play like Son House,
again.
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Hite took the name Canned Heat from a 1928 recording by Tommy
Johnson and they were joined by Henry "The Sunflower" Vestine, another
ardent record collector capable of fretboard fireworks at a moment's
notice who was a former member of Frank Zappa's Mothers of Invention.
Rounding out the band in the early years were Larry "The Mole" Taylor on
bass, an experienced session musician who had played with Jerry Lee
Lewis and The Monkees and Adolfo "Fito" de la Parra on drums who had
played in two of the biggest Latin American bands, Los Sinners and Los
Hooligans and then with The Platters, The Shirelles and Etta James.
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Canned Heat's unique blend of modern electric blues, rock and boogie has
earned them a loyal following and influenced many aspiring guitarists
and bands during the past 35 years. Their Top-40 country-blues-rock
songs, "On The Road Again," "Let's Work Together," and "Going Up The
Country," became rock anthems throughout the world with the later being
adopted as the unofficial theme song for the film â?oWoodstock.â?
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Right from the start, Canned Heat has been at the forefront of
popularizing blues music. Their second album, "Boogie With Canned Heat,"
included the worldwide hit "On The Road Again" and a twelve minute
version of "Fried Hockey Boogie" that established them with hippie
ballroom audiences as the "kings of the boogie!" Their third album,
"Living The Blues," included a 19-minute tour de force,
"Parthenogenesis" which displayed the quintet at their most experimental
along with their incarnation of Henry Thomas' "Bulldozer Blues" where
singer, Wilson, retained the tune of the original song, rewrote the
lyric and came up with "Goin' Up The Country," whose simple message
caught the "back-to-nature" attitude of the late '60s and went to #1 in
25 countries around the world.
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The band can boast of collaborations with John Mayall and Little Richard
and later with blues icon, John Lee Hooker, the musician that they
initially got much of their musical inspiration from in the first place.
This union first produced the spirited and revered album, "Hooker 'n
Heat" and then Hooker's 1990 Grammy Award-winning classic, "The Healer."
The band is also credited with bringing a number of other forgotten
bluesmen to the forefront of modern blues including Sunnyland Slim, who
they found driving a taxi in Chicago, Memphis Slim, with whom they
recorded an entire album in Paris, France and Albert Collins. They
brought Collins to California where they had their manager negotiate a
recording agreement for Albert that started him on his way to becoming a
well known musician throughout the world.
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On September 3rd, 1970, the band was shattered by the suicide of Alan
Wilson. His death sparked reconstruction within the group and member
changes
continued throughout the next two decades. On April 5th, 1981, following
a gig at the Palamino in Los Angeles, gargantuan vocalist, Bob Hite,
collapsed and died of a heart attack and on October 20th, 1997, Henry
Vestine died in Paris, France following the final gig of a European
tour.
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Despite these untimely deaths and assorted musical trends, Canned Heat
has survived. Since 1967, the band has toured extensively all over the
world, performing at numerous festivals including Monterey Pop, Newport
Pop, the Sturgis Motorcycle Run U.S.A., and the original Woodstock. They
have performed at world-renowned venues such as Paris' Olympia, both
Fillmore Auditoriums, The Kaleidoscope, Carnegie Hall (with John Lee
Hooker), Madison Square Garden and even Royal Albert Hall and have
played more motorcycle rallies than any other band in the world. They
and/or their music have been featured on television (In Concert, David
Frost, Merv Griffin, Midnight Special, Playboy After Dark, etc.), and in
films ("Woodstock," "Flashback," and "Forrest Gump" etc.). Their legend
has recently been heard and felt in various television commercials ("On
The Road Again" for Miller Beer, "Goin' Up The Country" for Pepsi,
Chevrolet and McDonalds, "Let's Work Together" for Lloyd's Bank,
England's Electric Company and for Target Stores along with other songs
for 7-Up, Levi's and Heineken Beer).
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Now, more than thirty six years later and with thirty-four albums to
their credit, Canned Heat is still going strong. Anchored throughout by
the steady hand of drummer/band leader Adolfo "Fito" de la Parra (a
member since 1967), Canned Heat is well on track to carry the
boogie-blues it made famous, well into the 21st century. With one of
their strongest lineups ever, now together since the end of 1999, Fito
on drums, Greg Kage on bass and vocals, Dallas Hodge on guitar and
vocals, John Paulus on guitar and vocals and Stanley Behrens on
harmonica, flute, saxophone and vocals, they have just completed
recording their new CD entitled FRIENDS IN THE CAN. This record brings
together a number of Canned Heat's musical friends from the past and
present to join them in this musical collaboration and celebration of 36
years of Canned Heat music.
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Fito's book, "LIVING THE BLUES" is available through the band's website
at http://www.cannedheatmusic.com and atâ? most popular book outlets. It
is the complete and outrageous Canned Heat story of "Music, Drugs,
Death, Sex and Survival" along with over 100 captivating pictures from
their past.
And, as The Bear would say: "Don't Forget To Boogie!"
http://www.cannedheatmusic.com
http://www.fuel2000.com
HARD-VISION: (DVD Review)
Jim Breuer "Heavy Metal Comedy"
By: Paul Autry
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The last time I heard a really good stand up comedy routine was when
Martin Lawrence released his live DVD, "RUNTELDAT." The sad truth is, I
believe stand up comedy is a dying form of entertainment. Some of the
best in the business are either no longer with us, like Redd Foxx and
Sam Kinison, or they haven't been on a stage in God knows how long. When
was the last time we had a good two hour show from Robin Williams, Eddie
Murphy, Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg, George Carlin, Bill Cosby or
Andrew Dice Clay? Yeah, I can't remember either. Sure, I know what
you're thinking. There's a lot of people out there who are still doing
stand up, right? I know that as well as you do. But, the problem is,
they all suck. They may get a good joke off every now and then, I'll
give 'em that much. It's nothing to write home about though. No one
seems to have an edge anymore. I'm sure you can rattle off a name or two
of someone you recently saw who you thought was exceptionally funny.
I'll bet you that person, in their best moment, couldn't match anything
you'll find on the Richard Pryor box set. Do you wanna know
why...because they don't have an edge. Rodney Dangerfield...you've heard
his routine a million times. But, he can still make you laugh because he
knows how to deliver a line. Andrew Dice Clay, he made being vulgar an
art form. Robin Williams, you really can't get any better than that.
Bill Cosby, he wasn't dirty and he took his time getting to the punch
line. But, the man could tell a story. I could go on and on here with
this explanation. I think you got the point though. If you didn't get
the point, let me spell it out for you. I said it once and I'll say it
again...no one has an edge. Stand up comedy isn't about getting up on
stage and telling a few jokes. Comedy should be a full assault on the
senses. My four year old child can make people laugh. It's no big deal.
Your grandmother could probably do it. When you get up on that stage, it
should have the energy of a rock concert or a major fucking wrestling
event, kind of like when Hulk Hogan went up against Andre The Giant for
the first time. You've gotta come out there and hit the audience with
everything you've got. Make 'em laugh hard enough to piss their pants. I
haven't seen that in a long, long time...with the exception of the
Martin Lawrence DVD.
Well, I've got a DVD right here that will sit on my shelf right next to
Martin Lawrence, Jim Breuer's "Heavy Metal Comedy." My Bible says, "Thou
shalt not take the name of John Belushi in vain." Back in the day,
Belushi WAS comedy. Maybe not stand up comedy. But, you get the point. I
won't compare him to anyone unless I really mean it...and the person in
question really, really deserves it. Breuer can be compared to John
Belushi in the sense that his act is very aggressive. He throws his
whole body into his routine. I'm sure he had to hit an air tank after
this performance. He's lit from the word go when he comes out and does
an AC/DC routine, complete with a three piece band. He doesn't even
light the fuse. The curtain goes up and the bomb explodes and through
his whole performance, he always maintains a connection to his
audience...right up until the end, the climax, the big finish..."The
Party (Tequila Routine)," which has to be seen/heard to be appreciated.
After the performance, there's a 50 minute documentary, which takes you
on the road and behind the scenes with Jim Breuer. At times, I found
this a bit boring. But, for the most part, it was rather entertaining.
Once you start watching, you'll see it through to the end. I made the
mistake of slappin' this into my DVD player during the wee hours of the
morning. I had only planned to watch the performance. But, I got a few
minutes into the documentary and the sun was coming up when I finally
went to bed. Point made, point taken, end of story.
http://www.jimbreuer.com
What would you get if you took Megadeth, Corrosion of Conformity, and
Godsmack, and threw 'em in a pot and cooked 'em up??? What you'd get is
a raw & rugged sound called VooDoo Lordz VooDoo Lordz is a power trio
from the outskirts of Detroit currently pandering it's "Life's Games"
disc.
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Introduce The VooDoo Lordz line-up to our readers?
- VooDoo Lordz is a power trio from Detroit consisting of Chris (axe,
vox), Mike (bass, vox), and Pete (skins, backup vox).
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How long has VDLz been in existance?
- VDL has been around since mid-2000.
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In your own words describe the band's sound & influences?
- VooDoo Lordz is basically stripped down, guitar driven, raw &
rugged
rock n roll. We have too many influences to list here, but, basically,
it's everything from Mudhoney to Minor Threat to Metallica. Apart from
the music, I think we draw a lot from personal shit, too. We're a bunch
of neurotic freaks.
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Name some bands in which you've shared the stage & opened?
- Clutch, Systematic, Quiet Riot (I'll admit it, "Bang Your Head!!!!")
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Where & what studio did the production of Life Games take place?
- Life's Games was recorded, mixed, mastered, polished, and shellacked
at Tempermill Studios in Ferndale, Michigan (Detroit)
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What is the current scene like in your local area & how does your band
fit in?
- We think the scene blows; bands don't get any support from club owners
around here. And not many bands are willing to work together to create
something, either. We're not sure if and where we fit among all that. It
seems that the Detroit acts that have managed to make music their full
time career become popular elsewhere at first, not in Detroit.
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What's the bands long & short term goals as far as touring, recording,
writeing ect ?
- Currently, we're at the beginning stages of a radio promo campaign. In
the first week alone, our CD was added to 54 stations nationwide. We're
hoping to gain some exposure and see where it takes us. We're not
limiting ourselves. We'd like to get some label support and get back
into the studio in the next year or so. Our best music has yet to be
developed.
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Does the band write as as unit or each on their own? A combination of
both. A lot of times, one of us will come up with a basic arrangement;
as a group we then clean it up. The best songs are those that come
together quickly, when we find ourselves struggling with something,
we'll scrap it and start over.
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What would you say is your biggest gripe about the music industry? Too
many scumbags, but I guess that's in all types of industries.
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Has there been any label interest ?
Yeah, but we let our lawyer handle that.
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Any thing you wish ad ?
Just that the underground is made up of tons of great bands, probably,
some of the best bands in the world. There's an endless supply of
awesome music out there, fans just need to keep exploring and finding
it...I know I keep finding new music that blows my mind. And thanks to
everyone for all your continued support. http://www.voodoo-lordz.com
For even more Hard Read go to: http://www.BallBusterHardMusic.com Without Prejudice, 100% Lead For Your Head!! And Then Some...
Ballbound / The Ball-Buster Hard Showcase!!
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