Jake E. Lee Talks Red Dragon Cartel and More

I had the privilege to sit down with guitar god Jake E. Lee recently to talk about his new band Red Dragon Cartel. You can read my interview with him for Rock Revolt magazine here:

http://rockrevoltmagazine.com/interview-red-dragon-cartel-jake-e-lee/

Scorpion's Guitarist Rudolph Schenker Discusses MTV Unplugged Release

I sat down with the Scorpions legendary guitarist Rudolph Schenker to talk about the band's amazing MTV Unplugged CD/DVD that was recently released. You can read our in-depth interview on pages 18-20 of Rock Revolt Magazine:

http://rockrevoltmagazine.com/Magazine/February2014/RockRevoltIssue8.html#p=19

Eyes Like 20: One Of the Best Bands of 2013 That You May Not have Heard Of........Yet

Eyes Like 20 is a band that you don't just see and hear, you feel them down to your bones. They call their style of music "heavy groove" and you don't get it after one listen, then you need to go back to you manufactured pop flavor of the week regurgitated crap that you are used to listening to. Their 2013 release Magicada is one of the Best Albums of 2013 that you probably haven't heard about yet. Check out my interview with the guys that I did a while back for Rock Revolt Magazine:

http://rockrevoltmagazine.com/interview-eyes-like-20/

Chris Jericho Talks Metal, Fozzy and Parenting

Chris Jericho is slowing changing from that wrestler who is in a band to that metal dude who also wrestles. His band Fozzy are no overnight sensation, although many here in the US seem to be just discovering them. Their latest album Sin and Bones really did help to solidify them here in the states as a band to keep your eye on. I got the chance to sit down with frontman Chris Jericho as we talked about old school metal, raising kids, KISS and much more. Here's my interview with him for Rock Revolt Magazine:

http://rockrevoltmagazine.com/interview-20130930-fozzy/

Mind Drop Unleash The Awakening

The Illinois based rock/metal band Mind Drop tapped into something special when they brought on-board new lead singer Shauna Lisse. If you don't believe me, then just take a listen to their newest EP entitled The Awakening. I had a chance to talk to Shauna right before their new EP was released and she educated me on all things Mind Drop. Here's my interview with her for Rock Revolt Magazine:

http://rockrevoltmagazine.com/interview-mind-drop/

Heaven The Axe Is Ready To Invade The US

Australia has given the world of music some pretty amazing bands and artists such as Men at Work, INXS, Crowded House and AC/DC. Well, get ready to add another name to that list; Heaven the Axe. Lead by the stunning Phoebe Pinnock, the band was once described as Cyndi Lauper gone metal. They deliver a powerful punch and their new single "Good Things Come To Those Who Hate" finds the band exploring new territory. You can read my interview with Phoebe for Rock Revolt Magazine here:

http://rockrevoltmagazine.com/interview-heaven-the-axe/

Stryper Return With Epic New Album

 
The yellow and black attack is back with what many are calling their best album ever. Stryper recently released No More Hell To Pay recently and I sat down with lead singer Michael Sweet to talk about it. You can read my interview with him on page 36 of Rock Revolt Magazine:

http://rockrevoltmagazine.com/rockrevolt-magazine-issue-7/

Talking Rock And Roll With Lita Ford

There aren't many times when I get giddy as I am about to interview an artist, but I have to admit that I was that way right before my interview with the iconic Lita Ford. We talked about her last album Living Like A Runaway, new live album and her reuniting with Cherie Curry. You can check it out on page 22 of Rock Revolt Magazine:

http://rockrevoltmagazine.com/rockrevolt-magazine-issue-7/

Butcher Babies Release A Monster In Goliath

How many times have you looked through a magazine or on the internet and saw a band fronted by a sexy female and automatically went into Beavis and Butthead mode? Well, a hot chick and boobs will only get your band so far in the industry. The Butcher Babies have been fighting this stigma since their inception in. They know that the true talent tends to rise to the top and develop legs to help maintain a long career in music. Their debut album debut album Goliath is about to be unleashed on the world. Will it be a step in the right direction in the development of those legs? Let’s take a look, or should I say listen and see.

Lead singers Carla Harvey and Heidi Shepherd did garner a lot of attention early in the career of the Butcher Babies for their nipple tape and outrageous stage shows, but these two ladies have the brains to back up their beauty. Their self-titled EP was released in 2012 and word began to spread. The last six to eight months have seen several keys pieces of the puzzle of their career come together as they signed with Century Media and began work on their debut album as well being picked by Marilyn Manson himself to open dates on his tour earlier this year. The buzz really started to grow for this new album as the band announced that they would be performing on this year’s Rockstar Mayhem festival.

The album opens with “I Smell a Massacre” and goes from 0 to 80 in about three seconds as the riff starts and is accompanied by a huge scream that grabs you  by the throat lets you know you are about to get served. It’s a great lead-off track that sets the bar for what lies ahead.  “Magnolia Blvd.” is another healthy dose of in your face attitude and features a crazy mix of vocals that run the gauntlet from screaming to clean vocals to a bit of spoken as well. It also contains some pretty insane double kick drum from Chris Warner as well.

“C8H18 (Gasoline)” is one of my favorite tracks on the album as it brings together all the elements for the musical perfect storm. The riff is big chugs along and the chorus is catchy as hell with its use of clean vocals.  Another track that stands out is “Dead Poet” with its unusual arrangement, which begins and ends with sounds of a storm. In between those moments, the tempo goes from full throttle in your face to almost a complete stop with a short spoken passage before slamming the pedal to the floor again. It’s a very clever and unique arrangement that really makes this track standout. “Axe Wound” will also throw you completely off track with its acoustic guitar intro before tearing into some massive riffs.

Overall, I think the band delivers in a major way with this album. It’s intense, aggressive, and heavy and the riffs, provided by Henry Flury, are catchy and plentiful without sounding redundant. Carla and Heidi take the dual lead vocalist to a different level with their creative mix of screams and clean vocals. The rhythm section of Chris Warner on drums and bassist Jason Klein provide a strong, underlying layer to the Butcher Babies sound that may go under appreciated by some due to the two dynamic ladies garnering so much attention. Warner and Klein lay the foundation to which this might house of metal is built on.

This album was one of the most anticipated for the summer of 2013 and I think it delivers in a major way. I do admit that I wish “Mr. Slowdeath” would have been included on it. Hopefully, some of the haters out there or those with pre-conceived notions of the band will give this album a listen with an open mind; I think many will be converted over if they do. Then again, I don’t think the band really cares because as long as there are haters out there, then you know that you are definitely doing something right.

Pillbuster Bring The Noise To Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach, Virginia may not spring to mind when you think about cities with awesome music, but all that's about to change. Most of Pillbuster may have relocated to that city, but they brought a wealth of musical expertise with them. Their self-titled album was recently released and I interviewed them for Rock Revolt Magazine:

http://rockrevoltmagazine.com/interview-pillbuster/

Trivium Delivers With New, Highly Anticipated Album

If you look on the list of Most Anticipated Metal Albums of 2013, just about every list contained Trivium. For those who didn’t, they were taken into the dungeon and given 40 lashes with spiked cat-o-nine tails and some actually enjoyed it. For the rest of us, we have been waiting somewhat patiently for Matt Heafy and the guys to unleash another metal masterpiece. They set the bar pretty damn high, some say evening destroying it, with their 2011 highly praised album In Waves. Would they be able to deliver the goods with their new album Vengeance Falls for a legion of metal hungry warriors?

There were many who collectively moaned when it was announced that David Draiman (Disturbed/Device) was going to be producing the album. The band’s no stranger to David as their paths have crossed many times including playing on the same bill of the 2011 Rockstar Mayhem Festival. Many wondered what impact that he would have on the band’s sound for this album, while others worried that he may soften up the brutality that the band delivered on In Waves. I, for one, was pleasantly surprised when I first listened to the new album at the results.

The album opens with “Brave This Storm” and it slams the accelerator all the way to the floor fast. The flurry of riffs and double kick drum is as if the band is shouting out “We’re back mother fuckers!” and they definitely mean business. This track is definitely a stand out on this very solid album. The lead-off single is “Strife”, to which the band has released a video for, and for the most part it has been met very favorably.

Yes, you can hear changes in the band’s ever evolving sound, which is going to be met with some resistance. I think the riffs are more creative throughout the album and are far from being repetitive. I think the biggest thing listeners will notice is Matt’s vocal delivery. He’s raised his own personal bar by growing and relying less on his screaming/growling delivery and developing a more, somewhat melodic delivery showing much more depth. This will probably upset the purists who want him to stay the same, but I tip my metal hat to him for showing growth as an artist.

“At The End of This War” begins with a somber acoustic intro and as Matt begins to sing, you scratch your hand wondering if this is going to be a ballad of some sorts. Well, a mere 45 seconds into it sees the band quickly change gears and start cranking out the riffs. This is yet another stand-out track on many levels. It’s really hard to listen to this album and immediately think, ‘oh yeah, this is a filler track’, because it’s very solid from beginning to end.

Overall, I think it’s a step up from In Waves because if their growth that’s shown throughout. It’s definitely intense and powerful and loaded full of amazing riffs. If you came in wanting it to sound like earlier, pre-In Waves Trivium, then you will be disappointed. If you are expecting In Waves Part 2, then you will be less disappointed. I hope people will have an open mind before they even put this album on for a listen. Judge it for the work of art it is and don’t compare it to past albums. Crank this new album to 11 and let the air guitar playing begin!

Edge of Paradise Raise The Bar On New EP

Perfect Shade of Black  is the new EP recently released by Edge of Paradise and it's going to shock quite a few people. If you think you know the band already, you may want to rethink that. Here's my review of their outstanding EP that I did for Rock Revolt Magazine:

http://rockrevoltmagazine.com/album-review-edge-of-paradise-perfect-shade-of-black/

We As Human: Seizing An Opportunity

We As Human are definitely a band who makes the best out of any given opportunity. Whether it's a chance meeting with Skillet frontman John Cooper and an opportunity to pass off one of their CDs to him or an opening slot of the 2013 Carnival of Madness Tour, they seize the opportunity. I got the chance to sit down and talk to lead singer Justin Cordle as the band prepared to head out on the Carnival of Madness Tour:

http://rockrevoltmagazine.com/Magazine/September2013/RockRevoltIssue6.html#p=2

David Coverdale Proves There's Still Plenty Of Strike Left In Whitesnake

If you thought David Coverdale has been laying low the last several years, then you have been sadly mistaken. Today's music industry seems to have lost focus on metal, but David and Whitesnake have been very active and show no signs of slowing down. You can read all about it in my new interview with David for Rock Revolt Magazine:

http://rockrevoltmagazine.com/Magazine/July2013/RockRevoltIssue5.html#p=1

Skid Row Roars Back On The Music Scene With New EP

The bad boys of Skid Row are back with a kick-ass EP entitled United World Rebellion Part 1. You know, if you're one of those purists who just have to have Sebastian Bach in the lineup or you don't want to hear about it, well then you are missing out in a major way. Bach's been gone since 1996 and it's a new band, but that same sound and attitude. Check out my interview with Skids co-founder Rachel Bolan for Rock Revolt Magazine and catch up on what's going on with the band:

http://rockrevoltmagazine.com/Magazine/May2013/RockRevoltIssue4.html

Jason Newsted Returns With Metal

Jason Newsted stepped into a spotlight after the tragic death of Metallica bassist Cliff Burton. He took over that spot on bass and was there when Metallica crossed over into mega-stardom. He abruptly left the band, but continued to make music. He recently returned to the spotlight with a new EP entitled Metal which is flavored in old-school Metallica that longtime fans crave. I sat down with Jason and talked to him about his new project, his paintings and the state of the music industry. You can read all about it here:

http://www.rockrevoltmagazine.com/jason-newsted-intervie/

Soulbleed Stay True To Their Metal Roots

Soulbleed is a band who take their music and their influences very seriously. If you are craving some metal that manages to blend brutality and honesty with a rawness that is real, then this band will deliver what you are craving. If you want to learn more about them, then check out my interview with guitarist Steve Marshall:

http://www.rockrevoltmagazine.com/soulbleedinterview/

Anthrax: Grammy Awards, Cover Songs and Maximum Metal

Anthrax released Worship Music in 2011 and they were suddenly thrust into the mainstream spotlight. After 30 plus years of thrashing and headbanging, the guys were getting major props thrown their way from publications and fans and critics unlike anything they had ever seen before. It was a reassurgence in their career, although they were far from being on life support. Drummer Charlie Benante talked to me about their upcoming tour, their surprise Grammy nomination and lots of other interesting metal tidbits. You can read all about it here:

http://www.rockrevoltmagazine.com/jan-feb-2013-rock-revolt-magazine/

Lacuna Coil's Big Plans For 2013

Lacuna Coil are like road warriors after they release a new album. They stay out on tour for what seems like an eternity promoting the album. I sat down with their singer Andrea Ferro and we discussed their road warrior mentality and what was coming up for the band in 2013. Check it out here:

http://www.rockrevoltmagazine.com/jan-feb-2013-rock-revolt-magazine/

George Lynch Talks T & N, Dokken and The Term "Guitar God"

“Guitar god……..that doesn’t carry the weight that it used to. I take it with a huge grain of salt.”

There were many teenagers who stood alone in their rooms with posters of their metal heroes plastered to their walls. Their bedrooms became large concert halls and it was time to hit the stage. As the pops and cracks of the vinyl began to resonating from the speakers, many of us picked up a tennis racket and began to emulate our favorite guitar heroes. George Lynch was definitely one of those guys who inspired a legion of worshippers.

George Lynch was the total package. He had the hair, he clothes, the attitude and most of all; the guy was a beast on the guitar. He rose to fame in Dokken who were all over MTV in the 80s. There were internal conflicts in Dokken and the band parted ways with George pursuing other projects. He did reunite with the band in 1994 and recorded a new studio album entitled Dysfunctional, but the reunion was short lived. George was again out of Dokken come 1997 focused on his solo career with Lynch Mob and it seemed that a Dokken reunion would never happen again.

Fans of 80s metal have had a full blown Dokken reunion on their wish lists for years now and in 2010 , it seemed as if it might happen. The internet was a blaze with rumors and there was some talk of it, but it fizzled out quickly. Fast forward to 2012 and Lynch Mob were in the middle of recording a new album when lead singer Oni Logan just wasn’t “feeling” the new material that was being recorded, so it was shelved. Then, Lynch Mob drummer Brian Tichy suggested that Lynch record some new material with Jeff Pilson and Mick Brown, his former band mates from Dokken.

“Brian’s always coming up with these great ideas. I love to get together with him and have these giant brain storming sessions. His ideas are awesome. He’s the one who came up with the name Tooth and Nail, which later got shortened to T & N. I think he needs to start a rock and roll idea company and just sit around all day and brainstorm,” replied Lynch. Jeff Pilson was already in the Lynch camp as he helped write some of the shelved material for the new album. Drummer Mick Brown came in and the chemistry was, as always, off the charts.

“The three of us haven’t recorded anything together since around 1996-97 when we did Dokken’s Shadow Life. Jeff and I have worked together here and there. We’re neighbors and we see each other all the time. As far as Mick goes, he has played drums in Lynch Mob. Once you get the three of us together, there’s no denying the special chemistry that’s there between us.”

That chemistry and Brian’s suggestion were the catalysts of a new band called Tooth and Nail. There were some legal issues with a record label of the same name, so the guys changed it to T & N and began work on a new studio album. Along with brand new material, the guys decided to re-visit old Dokken classic and re-record them. They also decided to bring in guest vocalists for the new versions.

“We had a short list and a long list of who we wanted. Glenn Hughes was one who did not work out and we had some that surprised us. We all thought that having Sebastian (Bach) come in and sing would never happen, but to our surprise, it happened. It’s funny because the bigger superstar that you are, the easier it is to get who you want to sing on your album. The artists just seem to gravitate towards it out of respect for the music. When I did my album Sacred Groove back in 1992-93, I had a lot of great singers who wanted to work on it. I mean, there were Phil Anselmo, Rob Halford, and Layne Staley and for different reasons, things happened and guys just started to fall off.”

Lynch’s former Lynch Mob band mate and current Warrant lead singer Robert mason was brought in to lay down his vocals for “It’s Not Love” and King’s X singer Doug Pinnick covered “Tooth and Nail”. The big buzz created online was having one of the most recognizable voices of the 80s cover the power ballad “Alone Again”. Sebastian Bach of Skid Row fame definitely did the song justice and then some. There’s already a second T & N album in the works that will feature more re-recordings of Dokken classics and more guest vocalists.

“We just re-recorded “Just Got Lucky” and it sounds amazing. We’re doing something a little different on the vocals this time because we brought in Sass Jordan to sing it. It’s totally different because it has this rock/country element to it. Sass has this grittiness to her voice. It almost has this (Janis) Joplin feel to it. I think that one is going to blow a lot of people away.” With all this talk of re-recording Dokken classics, was Don (Dokken) ever considered to lay down vocals for any of them?

“Mick was the person who suggested that we call Don and see if he wanted to come in and do something. Don actually came into the studio with us and worked on a few things. Then, he went away and never called back.”  That may be as close as we come to a full Dokken reunion. “Sometimes you just have to cut your losses. You have to work with people who want to work with you. It’s a shame that not all movies have a happy ending. You should want to do this for all the right reasons.”

Speaking of right reasons, many guitarists were inspired to pick up the instrument thanks to Lynch. He’s considered a guitar god by many, but it’s a label that he shies away from. “Guitar god just doesn’t carry the weight that it used to. I take it with a huge grain of salt. To me, the true guitar gods were Hendrix, (Jeff) Beck, (Jimmy) Page and (Eric) Clapton. Then, a little further along came Eddie Van Halen. People are entitled to appreciate anyone, but when you start to make it into a list or contest, then it’s ridiculous.”

“People should look at the big picture and not just one aspect of it. In the 60s, music was a reflection of the times. Artists such as Joan Baez and Crosby, Stills and Nash sang about the times. That’s something that’s missing today. I mean, there are a few bands who do reflect what’s going on in the world. Rage Against the Machine and System of a Down are great examples, they speak about important things. The problem is that the message is sometimes overlooked or ignored.”

It seems that Lynch’s message is not all metal and shredding solos, as he has his hands in several other projects including filming a documentary through the eyes of a Native American experience. “I had a vision one night of a man walking along the horizon and he approaches a man in a bedroll covered in the American flag. He then flashed through 500 years of Native American oppression. He could get his revenge, but he chooses to walk away. It’s about humans and politics and much more. If anyone’s interested, they can check out the trailer at www.shadowtrainmovie.com.”

Fans are also encouraged to send in donations for the project if at all possible. “It’s an ambitious undertaking trying to create a vision that you have. If anyone sends in a donation, we make sure to send them something back to say thanks. I’ve actually autographed one of my guitars and mailed it to someone because of their very generous donation. There’s no time frame for when the movie will be done, but we are hoping for a fall 2013 release.”

George Lynch is definitely not a one trick pony. In between the documentary, his band Lynch Mob and the new T & N, he is also working on a project with Doug Pinnick of Kings X and Ray Luzier of Korn. They’re writing together until the end of the year and will start recording early next year. Lynch jokingly referred to the band as KornXMob. He also has his own custom guitar line, appropriately named Mr. Scary Guitars, that are designed, carved and crafted by Lynch himself. These things are awesome and you have to check them out at www.mrscaryguitars.com.

Although the flame on the full reunion candle may have been snuffed out, the big three from Dokken will be taking T & N out on the road next year. They are looking to hit the road after the release of their second album which is about half way completed. This was a good time to bring up a fan submitted question from Jason from California. Would George consider dusting off the Dokken classic “Dream Warriors” and play it live? “Sure, I would love to, but it all depends on if we are headlining or opening. As an opener, we would only get about 30-40 minutes, so the set list is tight. If we headline somewhere like the House of Blues and get a longer set, then why not?”

George has quite a lot going on this year and that will just transition into an even bigger and better 2013. A killer new T & N album and a second on the horizon, plus the plan to take it on the road have fans anxious. All of this new material makes it a great time to be a fan of Lynch. This guy is such a versatile talent that you never know what he will be up to next. Stay tuned to Music Is My Drug of Choice as we will definitely keep you up to date with all the info!