Album Review: Teenage Metal Princess, Moriah Formica: Bring it On!

Bring it on is that all you have for me? Bring it on I'm strong now Bring it on you cannot move me anymore Bring it on i wanna see your face When you find out that I broke you

When most teenagers with great voices and musical skill decide that they want to try to become a music sensation, they try shows like American Idol. Or, they try to attract the attention of a musical producer, and if it happens, they are perfectly fine with singing songs that someone else wrote. But a few of them decide to do it the honest way, as in putting in the work and learning how to play instruments, sing, and write original songs, and fighting for exposure in the trenches. Albany NY's Moriah Formica fits this description. She began learning how to play the guitar by ear at only 6 years old! 

I first heard of Moriah last month, when I saw a video on YouTube of her joining Stryper on stage to sing To Hell With The Devil with them. Everyone knows that song is extremely difficult to sing, and she absolutely nailed it. So, I decided that I would get her album, and review it. I got it last night, and WHOA! This young lady has some pipes, and she wrote every song on her 6 song EP, titled Bring It On. Very appropriately titled, if you ask me. This album doesn't seem like it was written by a teenager. Its better music than a majority of what you hear on the radio these days.

The album starts off with the song, Slave. A gritty mid paced tune that has an emotional verse progression, and a catchy chorus. A great tune to kick off the album with. It leads into Lovestrong, which was the first song Moriah ever wrote, and it made it to the album! Its a cute and catchy song with a commercial pop vibe, but actually has a kind of a Stryper feel to it. These first two songs are the ones with commercial (as in radio ready) feel. The other 4 songs are deep, darkish, and technical. Broken Soul with an acoustic intro with Moriah singing with it. It then punches into an extremely well arranged metal anthem. The guitar in this song could knock a hole in a wall. Back Off is an interesting song, and my favorite on the album. It starts off with a solid paced groove for the intro, but the verses change tempo in a very unique way. It doesn't just go from fast to slow with one beat. Its a gradual change, and I imagine that song would be difficult to get tight at first. It goes back and forth like that, and ends on a fast note, with a sassy chuckle from Moriah to finish it off. I can't ever remember hearing that type of tempo change before. Like I said, Very interesting. Save Me is a very deep song, with licks that remind me of greats like Judas Priest, and Evanescence. This song, and the final song, the title track, Bring It On are the most technical on the album. Once again, some Priest feel. Like maybe something that could have been on Painkiller! 

I didn't really mention the musicianship in these songs, because I would just be repeating myself. The guitar is spectacular. Its loaded with harmony soloing, blistering leads, and rhythms that blow the mind. The rhythm section is tight, with the bass and drums playing as one unit. The drummer is amazing. There's a reason for this. Moriah has indeed gotten noticed. Michael Sweet of Stryper does a guitar solo and backup vocals on Bring it On.  (He also had Moriah guest sing on his current album, One Sided War) Jack Daley of Lenny Kravitz's band plays bass, and Jason Bittner of Flotsam & Jetsam is the drummer! The 2 guitarists are Jay Rodgers and Dave Messick. Keyboards are done by Dustin DeLuke. Moriah Formica has put together an all-star lineup!

Moriah killing it with Stryper!

Pure and raw Talent like this doesn't come along very often, especially in this day and age of instant gratification. Moriah Formica has one thing that these cookie cutter American Idol singers do not. Longevity. She will be dominating the metal scene for years to come. Her voice is stunning, beautiful, and powerful. Her range is through the stratosphere. I, for one am looking forward to her next album. I'm looking forward to hearing her growth as a songwriter and musician, although her debut is one of the best debut albums I've ever heard. And, she is only 16 years old! I also hope she comes in concert to Orlando, because I will be there!

This is my first post of 2017. What a great way to start off the year! I'm hoping that its a sign of things to come. A nice and refreshing surprise that tells me that rock and metal will be in good hands. Hopefully, 2017 will be a great year for Moriah, and everyone else!

You definitely need to get this album.

Get it on Amazon, Itunes

Moriah's
website
Twitter
Facebook
YouTube

Album Review: Thrillkiller, Showdown

Its a Showdown 

In the Prime time! 

Rob Bradley is a freaking ROCK STAR! Rob, the singer of Thrillkiller has one of the best voices I've heard, and the musical arrangement on the band's first full length album are nothing short of mind boggling. Thrillkiller is a blend of rock, metal, jass, funk, fusion, and pop. A perfect blend, combined with the musicianship of the top maestros. 

The band released a 4 song EP featuring 4 of the tunes on this album, as a teaser. I reviewed it at the time, and the accolades I gave the band in that review still apply, just moreso. This band is one that will appeal to musicians and non musicians alike. Translation: RADIO! Somebody sign these guys!

The album starts off with my favorite song by them, Passion Killer. A hard driving groove with a chorus that will stick in your head. In fact several of the songs have that, like In Too Deep, The Fever, and Time. Another thing that record companies look for. Once again, Somebody sign these guys! This is a band that I won't get sick of, and its a band that once signed, some snotty producer won't be able to change the vision that the band has in order to make it more 'commercial.' Meaning, Thrillkiller is perfect as is, and radio ready.

Showing the band's incredible diversity, track 6, A Reason starts off almost like a boy band harmony song, but with real music behind it. It then builds into a slow driving jam, with stunning vocal harmony, and mind blowing guitar by Maxim Sobchenko. But you can honestly say that about EVERY song. Want to hear a song that sounds like a mix of vintage Iron Maiden, Rush? Track 10, Social Disease. Bass player, Sebastian Ochoa puts on a performance worthy of Geddy Lee and Steve Harris, with the flare of Billy Sheehan, and drummer, Matt Bittman is there lock step with him. Boma Jack joined the band as the drummer after the album was recorded. Speaking of Geddy Lee, Rob Bradley's vocals reach the stratosphere in a vintage Geddy vibe. This song will melt your brain. 

Boma Jack, Rob Bradley, Sebastian Ochoa, Maxim Sobchenko

Thrillkiller has their own style, resembling no other. They come from an area known for producing incredible prog metal bands, and they have set the bar extremely high. But, we the fans are better for it. Hopefully, Thrillkiller gets signed, makes it big, and has multi platinum albums, with sold out stadium tours. Maybe that would reignite the fire in musicians to be the absolute best they can be, and for that to reflect in their music. 

You will like this album. Buy it! Here's how:

The band's website where you can buy the album

Facebook

 

Album Review: Apocalyptic Lovers- Redemption, Volume 1

 One day you will be

Wrapped inside me...

But for right now,

I just changed frequency!

 And, you will too, once you hear this band! They need to be on EVERY frequency!

I've been slacking again. For that, I apologize. Damn real life issues! But, I've been jamming this album good and loud ever since the band sent it to me. We had the band on the show a while back, and they were among the best guests we've ever had, and their music kicks ass. 

Originally from Youngstown, OH, Apocalyptic Lovers formed in 1991 and gained success playing regionally, but they also took a trip out to the City of Angels. That earned them a writeup in Entertainment Weekly, which led to overseas distribution of their music. Now, the band has reformed and plans on releasing a 10 volume collection of EPs featuring new material and updated classics. The first will be released on April 16, 2016. Its a bold move, but they have assembled a crew of heavy hitters in order to put this venture together and have it be as big and bold sounding as the move itself. The 8 tracks on Volume 1, Redemption was produced by legendary producer, Michael Wagener. You might remember him from his work with Ozzy, Megadeth, Metallica, Dokken, Extreme, Motley Crue and more. 

And, it shows. The album explodes to start, kicking you in the face with Better Days. A heavy technical onslaught that shows influence from classic Ozzy albums among others. You are greeted by brutal guitar and powerful backup vocals right off the bat. It takes you back to the days when the music was not only fun to listen to, but it was also made you feel good, and musical talent was respected and expected. Another song that puts things into perspective is the slow and heavy groove, Who The Hell Are You. Something I'd like to ask the record executives that didn't sign these guys in the 90's. They are so much better than the cookie cutter glam bands that were forced on us at the tail end of the glam metal era. We won't even talk about grunge. Unfortunately, the band and the fans who would have loved them were Left in the Cold, (Another badass song) by these idiot record companies.

The musical skill on display here is top notch. Each member is a master at their instruments. Singer, Robert Kane has a very powerful and broad vocal range. Guitarist, Sean Magee is an axe slinger who could duel with anyone. Drummer, Dave Hope has the strength of Thor in his arms and legs. But the most unique thing about Apocalyptic Lovers is that they have TWO bass players. Mike Nagy and George Allen both play bass, and rhythm guitar, and they alternate on stage. And, all 5 members of the band can sing. 5 part harmonies are constantly on display on the album.

Like I said, all of the talent is showcased on all the songs, but one is particularly showcased. A song with a brutal groove, called simply The Groove. The band has commercial appeal too, and even in today's dark ages of rock and metal. 

If you like good metal from an extremely talented band, you owe it to yourself to pick up this album when its released. This band would have dominated the arenas and stadiums in the 80's, and they can do it again. You'll want to pay attention to them. 

Buy the album!

Follow them here:

Twitter

The band's website

ITunes: Buy the album. Now!

Facebook

Reverbnation 

And, don't forget the band's appearance on our radio show!

They even have a very good looking video for their song Change of Frequency. Click here for the YouTube page. 

I'm going back to listen to the album again. It ROCKS!

Mike Nagy, Bass/Guitar/Vocals- George Allen, Bass/Guitar, Vocals- Rob Kane, Lead Vocals- Dave Hope, Drums/Vocals- Sean Magee, Guitars/Vocals

Night Time Fiasco's Super Bowl Halftime Show HEAVY METAL Alternative

 

SCREW COLDPLAY AND BEYONCE!!!

Okay, we're all sick of the stupid half time shows at the Super Bowl, and this one will be one of the worst. We'll get to see a metal band there eventually, but before that happens, I have the next best thing!

A couple minutes before the halftime show at the Super Bowl, Christiana, Brian the Trucker and I will go live on our radio show, The Night Time Fiasco. We'll chat for a minute or two about the game, but then, we'll start cranking tunes from some of our favorite guests. It will end when the halftime show ends. Just mute the TV, have a computer ready, and plug it into some speakers, and TURN IT UP TO ELEVEN!!!! Too easy, right?

And, rather than being bored to sleep by Coldplay and being disgusted by the booty antics of Beyonce, you can be pumped up by some of the most kick ass music we've had on our show to date.

Sounds like a win! Let's do it!

CLICK HERE FOR THE HALFTIME SHOW!!!

NOTE: The scheduled time says 7:30PM Eastern. The show will be on at that point, but we won't come on until the first half game clock reads 0:00.

And, while we're at it, join this Facebook group, and read the attached article. (Before or After the Super Bowl of course!)

Album Review: Who Was I/ What I've Become

Can you feel the pain inside of me?

Can you feel the pain inside of you?

Its been a while. A while since I've been utterly blown away by a heavy indie band. But, I really was. Palm Bay Florida's Who Was I did just that. Their album, What I've Become literally grabbed me by the throat and would not let go until I was done listening to it. This isn't a grindcore band with guttural cookie monster vocals. Its great metal music played and sung by extremely talented musicians who could easily do prog metal if they chose to.

The album has been in the works for over two years. That's a long time for an indie release. But, masterpieces take time. It has really catchy and heavy hooks, great guitar work, powerful rhythm between bassist and drummer, Roach Rose and Aaron Ewing, and incredible vocals. Even a little bit of keyboards. Singer, Darin Faux has an amazing voice. A great range, with immense power behind it. And, while there are some growls, its for accents, and not throughout the songs by any means. There are also incredible vocal harmonies between Faux and guitarist, Steve Harvey. Not to mention some shredding guitar solos between Harvey and guitarist James Stowe. It has everything...except filler songs. None of those.

Steve Harvey

Their website has a tagline 'Heavy Metal For The Soul.' Its perfect because that's where the music hits you. Their mission is "to put together an original heavy metal band that would not only lyrically bring pleasure to the fans, but also deliver a performance that would send people home singing refrains from the music." Mission Accomplished. I was singing various lines from several songs to myself after hearing it the FIRST time. Now, I've memorized several songs. 

The album pretty much sets the tone with Inside of You. It starts off with a brutal guitar lick followed by a scream, then Faux's vocals start with a heavy flow of aggression. Remember when I said there were no filler songs? The level of professional intensity never lets up. Its a high throughout the album. There is even a very interesting version of The Doobie Brothers song, Long Train Running that you won't forget anytime soon. As for influences, the band sounds like the band. They have a style and sound all their own, although if I had to say who it kind of reminded me of, think a heavier Godsmack with a better singer. (Sorry, Sully!) 

Darin Faux

Whatever metal you like, there's something for you on this album. Vocal harmony? Over and Over is full of it, along with the title track. Hell, most of the album has vocal harmony. Heavy, machine gun guitar, brutal rhythm, along with great vocals and harmony. Falling Fast is a good example of it. Really, every song is stellar. The band even shows a little bit of a soft side (a little) in the title track, What I've Become, and Today. They are the closest thing to ballads on the entire album in that they start off acoustically. Then, they turn into slower metal songs that still hit heavy, and they both have HUGE choruses. The heaviest, songs, with a brutal groove are Undertow and the previously mentioned Falling Fast. While there are likely mosh pits through the majority of the songs in their set list, these probably have the highest likelihood of pit related injury.

Bass-Roach Rose, Drums-Aaron Ewing, Guitar-
James Stowe, Guitar- Steve Harvey,
Vocals-Darin Faux

Sometimes, I have a hard time reviewing an album when every song is equal and could stand alone. The stand alone songs are usually made up of everything great, and well written and produced, and it would get monotonous if I said the same thing about all the songs. This is one of those times. This is one of the best albums I've ever reviewed, and while I am not a fan of the super heavy bands, this album is incredible. Who Was I has successfully blended the brutal nature of the super heavy with music and vocals that will appeal to everyone. Basically, if you like any type of metal, you will like this. Period.

Go to their website, and BUY THE ALBUM! And, look for them on tour sometime soon. You'll love this one as much as I do, and I would bet money on it. This band has the skill and talent to go Worldwide. (Track 12) 

Who Was I's Website

Facebook

New Band/ Album Review: Thrillkiller, Time

"There's Something About You

I'm In Too Deep!"

I've said before that the Washington DC and Baltimore areas is a breeding ground for amazing progressive metal. And, it is. But what do you get when you combine the musical talent of a band like Toto with the energy and soul of a band like Extreme? You get the Baltimore heavyweight, Thrillkiller! Although, don't think for a second that I'm saying they sound like anyone. They have their own unique style. They have a great name too, but Thrillkiller may not be the right name for this band. They don't kill ANY thrill. They simply thrill over and over again, never letting up, and you're better for hearing them!

Simply put, this band is incredible. Their four song EP called Time has more energy than a nuclear reactor. And, I'm not exaggerating. You start listening to it, and you'll be hooked. You'll be bobbing your head, and you'll be cheering at the end of each song. And that's just listening to the album! Imagine seeing them live!

All four songs on the EP are loaded with groove, funk, harmony, blistering guitar, earth shaking rhythm section, and great vocals/ vocal harmony. I'm just going to say that right off the bat and apply it to all the songs. However, while nothing sounds the same on the album, Thrillkiller definitely has their own unique style. Track 3  In Too Deep is more of a deep groove with a huge chorus, and a hook that will get stuck in your head in a good way. Track 1, Passion Killer shows us the blues influence on the band, with yet another huge chorus. Track 2, Time is my favorite on the EP. It has more of a metal feel to it than the other tunes, although it is still full of funk influences. The guitar solo is spectacular on this one, with an 80's virtuoso feel to it. And, another huge chorus! Track 4, The Storm is an all out assault on the senses. Its got everything from 80's virtuoso feeling guitar solo to hard and heavy driving power. It would make a great set opener or closer.

Maxim Sobchenko, guitars. Rob Bradley, Vocals

Singer, Rob Bradley is one of the best singers I've had the pleasure of reviewing. He has an amazing vocal range, and can harmonize anything. Its a smooth voice that is powerful in every part of his range. He's also a vocal instructor. Guitarist, Maxim Sobchenko is every bit a guitar god as such funk/rock/metal guitar gods, like Nuno Bettencort. He's amazing. He doesn't play rhythm guitar. Every lick on the EP is a lead of some sort. The two of them are the only permanent members at the moment. They are looking for a bassist and drummer good enough to share the stage with them. However, Matt Bittman  who has worked with bands like Slipknot, Mars Volta, and Imagine Dragons played bass and drums, as well as engineering the album. The band is already playing shows, so keep an eye out for them!

This album is EXTREMELY well done. It sounds every bit as good as; if not better than many of the releases of signed bands. Its probably one of the best sounding indie productions I've ever heard. The music is a clinic on how great music should sound. Rock and metal musicians will love it, but non musicians will love it as well. Its as intricate as progressive rock and metal, but has a commercial feel to it as well. You owe it to yourself to get this one! 

And, here's how to get it:

CD Baby

Bandcamp

Soon to be on Itunes, Amazon, Google, etc.

Social: 

Facebook

Reverbnation

And, we had the band on the Night Time Fiasco as guests a few couple months ago. Click here.
Although the show was called something else at the time.

Album Review, Randy Chapman: All Men Are Created Evil

Once again, guitar wizard, Randy Chapman has gone into the studio and knocked out a full length album all by himself. It doesn't happen very often, and when it does happen, its rarely anything spectacular. Randy has knocked the ball out of the park.

I have the honor to once again review the new album from my friend, Randy Chapman. His new album, All Men Are Created Evil is coming out next month. This new one is his best sounding one yet. Its well produced, and has dark energy. It rocks hard, and is powerful. His greatness as a musician and song writer is very much on display.

It starts off with Good Mourning (Not Dead Yet) which is a fast driving punkish anthem that breaks the bad news to a person's rivals. "I'm not done thwarting you yet!" The next two songs, Soul Stealer and Skeletons in the Closet are slow but heavy grooves that creep up on you and plow into your psyche and won't let go.

Candle in the Dark is a great ballad that has the feeling and emotion you'd expect from a ballad done by a heavy metal master like Randy. Its guitar is deep and soulful and the guitar solo is sweet. His vocals mesh with the song perfectly,

But, you aren't going to be let off the hook for long. Black Widow is a brutal assault on the senses, and I think it may be about my ex wife. Good Die Young is a mixture of heavy and acoustic. Its chorus taunts you, and the guitar solo comes in for its own session of ass kicking. In keeping with the theme of Black Widow, Disposable Girl comes in with harsh guitar and harsher words for women that are living with their heads in the clouds, thinking everyone owes them something. We've all had one or two of them, right? It really says what we'd all love to say to women like that.

Randy Chapman

Randy really pulls out all the stops on the album. August Moon is a classical guitar instrumental that sets the mood for the next song, Spellbound. An upbeat ballad that hits hard, and deals with an obsessive relationship. The Devil Made Me Do It continues with the slow and dark mood, but knocks it down an octave. It starts with an ominous deep acoustic track, with Randy's vocals as a deep growl. That leads into Sweet Addiction, which starts with a minor scale acoustic intro, then blasts into a heavy riff, then back into the acoustic. Its a creepy song about the demons people face with addiction.

I saved Haunted for last. Its the only song on the album that isn't 100% Randy Chapman. It also features the guest vocals of the lovely Laura Moore, who also sang Ghost on Randy's previous album, Cursed.  Like Ghost, this is a cheerful and pretty song...A change of pace for Randy, but its every bit as good as the darker tunes on the album. Laura sings like a songbird in this tune, and she shows why Randy invited her back to record again. Randy sings a verse, then Laura sings one, then they sing the chorus together in harmony,

Laura Moore

This album is a little less heavy and a little more gritty than Randy's previous albums, and when I say gritty, I mean that there are more songs with creepy overtones, and slow crunching licks. Its a must have for any guitar enthusiast because most would aspire to be as good as Randy. Its found a spot on my cell phone, that's for sure.

So, pick it up when it comes out around the first couple weeks of November. There aren't any purchase links at this point, but follow Randy's social media for updates:

Facebook: RChapman

Twitter: @Rrcha2550123

Soundcloud: Randy Chapman

ReverbNation: RandyDChapman

Guest Writer, Zoe Federoff of Insatia Shares Inspiration of Defeating Domestic Violence Mental Trauma

Meet Zoe Federoff of the
Prog Metal band, Insatia

Hi..This is Will here. I have opened my blog for guest writers, and I saw a story from my friend, Zoe Federoff of the band, Insatia on Facebook. She and her band are past and future guests of our show. We love Zoe and Insatia, and you will too. I read her post, and it was very moving and inspiring. I reached out to her to be my first guest writer here on this blog, and she agreed. I invite you all to read her story about her victory over an abusive relationship, and the grip it can have on the victim. She did it, and she has her grandmother to thank for it. Her grandmother unlocked Zoe's strength. This is an incredible and inspiring story, and I enjoyed reading it immensely. I know you will too. The rest of this is Zoe in her own words. 

Take it away, Zoe!

Despite being a very young newcomer to the metal scene, people often tell me I have a fearless attitude on stage. I never get nervous about the crowd. (Unless my drummer has pulled an all-nighter, but that's another story…) From my very first real show with my band, opening for Sonata Arctica last year, I have felt no apprehension. Just freedom, an indescribable high when I get to hold a mic and share a message with my metal family.

Where did my fearlessness come from?

When my grandparents were serving in the Peace Corp, their assignment was post-Soviet Bulgaria. This was 1995; there were more remnants of the USSR than just the rubble of a fallen wall in Berlin. There was the rubble of broken, beaten down hearts still clinging to fear and suspicion towards the west. People did not know how to live freely, with smiles on their faces and a dance in their step. The Bulgarians said that if you looked too happy, you were asking for trouble- because happy people were always "up to something." The only way to be safe was to be "normal."

My grandparents were the epitome of classic era America, especially my vivacious, red haired grandmother with bright green eyes and a ready laugh. She was a product of the 50's, and no one was more out of place in somber, solemn Bulgaria than her. She turned heads and frightened people with her independence, spunk, and liveliness. One of the most outrageous things she did while she was over there started off quite innocently, with her and my grandfather purchasing a pumpkin at the market and carrying it home.

My grandmother's teaching partner, a Bulgarian woman, stopped her.

"Why are you carrying a pumpkin? You don't have any animals. Only livestock eat pumpkins."

My grandmother was taken aback. "I'm making pumpkin bread. It's very common in America, warm and spicy. I'll make some for you too."

The woman frowned. "No." She insisted firmly. "You cannot do this."

My grandmother, who had never in her adult life allowed anyone to tell her she couldn't do something, looked at the woman in disbelief. "I am going to make pumpkin bread. You are welcome to try some." Then she continued on her way back to their apartment.

Now my grandmother didn't settle for simply making pumpkin bread, she wanted to make a point. The Bulgarians around her were so tied up in certain ways of doing things, rigid rules to follow at all costs, that she wanted to give them a taste of freedom, not just pumpkin. Freedom from the fear that had written their lives for them for decades under soviet rule. And she did it quite simply, by making bread out of an object they were told was not fit for human consumption.

It was a small protest against fear, but a protest nonetheless that garnered a fair amount of attention the next day at the school she taught for, when 24 muffins appeared on a plate in the staff lounge with the words "Pumpkin muffins" written on a card beside them. My grandmother peaked into the lounge every so often to see what people were making of the muffins. A small crowd circled the muffins hesitantly, leaning in to examine them, and whispering to each other as if someone had left "arsenic muffins" or "octopus muffins" in the lounge instead. Finally a few people picked up some muffins, tried them, and went to my grandmother's teaching partner. They told her "Please ask Kay Federoff to share the recipe for Pumpkin Muffins."

Bulgaria has continued evolving in the 20+ years since then. Young people have grown up unaware of what it was like to live in fear of breaking rules. The current generation holds no memory of life under soviet rule. (Although Russia is certainly causing it's fair share of concern still.) But it has taken time to move past the fears inspired by living under Soviet rule. Only time erases fears, even the silly ones.

When I left an abusive relationship a few years ago, and then got my head cleared and my heart mended in moving to Oklahoma City, I would call my grandmother and tell her that I was still scared. I had left behind my young daughter, and my family was still strategizing on how to rescue her next. My PTSD from the abuse caused intense emotional breakdowns whenever I saw young girls and babies. I had recurring nightmares about my time living with Lily's father and his parents. I was stuck living in certain patterns to avoid feeling afraid. Even if he was no longer physically present to hurt me, I still felt a strange attachment to my past that prevented me from progressing. His words echoed in my head constantly, "You're not pretty enough to be a singer. You don't have enough talent to front a band." And even more painfully- "You can't be a mother. You'll never be anything but trash." 

My grandmother heard these concerns and she told me, "You, my dearest granddaughter- you're made from tougher stuff. You come from a long line of unconventional, brilliant, outstanding people. You come from a long line of happy, successful, romantic marriages. You are entitled to happiness. You are born to be fearless, and we will break you out of the fear and bring you back to who you were meant to be. I promise you, once you get out of your own patterns, once you realize that there are no walls or lines that can't be crossed- you are going to be just fine. We're going to help you break out of this- because there is nothing you can't do or be."

And she has. 

My grandparents helped me think differently, value myself and my happiness, and reject fear and oppression. *Viciously* reject fear and oppression. When I get on stage, I am making a statement against fear- the crowd may not realize what type of journey I took to get there, but they do recognize that I'm not afraid of them. I'm still angry sometimes at what was done to me, and I want to turn that anger into empowerment, not just for me, but for other women dealing with the same situation. However, despite my anger, I'm not afraid anymore, and I promise you, that my daughter will be taught to live fearlessly and rise above all circumstances thrown at her- and she will never settle for the words "You can't do that."

And it all starts with teaching her how to make pumpkin bread this Christmas.

_______________

Here's to the people who refuse to live confined by what people tell them they can't do!

Love always,

Z

P.S. If you or someone you love is struggling with domestic abuse, there are so many resources available to you, because NO ONE should have to live in fear. Visit the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence at ncadv.org.

Insatia's Facebook Page and, Zoe's Facebook Fan Page

Album Review: BanDemoniC, Fires of Redemption

__________________________

Greece does it again!

_________________

Another incredible power metal band. Whatever is in the water supply there needs to be added to the water in the US because there seems to be no shortage of great music coming from the region. And, the fans make it possible, otherwise Steel Gallery Records wouldn't be signing great bands like Wardrum, and the band who I've just spent the past hour listening to, BanDemoniC. (Rocking out, cranked up to 11 is more like it.)

Hailing from Ioannina City, Greece, BanDemoniC has been perfecting their craft in 2009. They began writing songs and performing in 2010, and has played shows with heavy hitters like original Iron Maiden singer, Paul DiAnno, Grim Reaper, along with countless regional metal masters. And, it won't be long before they add even more big names to their list. In 2014, they were signed to Steel Gallery, and their album, Fires of Redemption was released.

Right off the bat, it should be noted that Fires of Redemption was mastered by Jacob Hansen, who is the (master)mind behind the iconic sounds of bands like Volbeat, Epica, Pretty Maids, Doro, Primal Fear, etc. The album cover was done by Dimitar Nikolov, a true metal artist. In other words, the album sounds and looks great. I'm sure I'll be jamming to it for years to come.

BanDemoniC's Fires of Redemption is a hard and heavy band whose music is an all out assault on the senses. They have a style all their own, yet you can tell who influenced them. Nothing but talent. Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Iced Earth, Metal Church and old school Megadeth come to mind. Their album is full of twin guitar attack/ harmony solos, complimented by an extremely powerful rhythm section. And, you have to stand in awe of the vocal performances on the album,

On vocals, George Manthos has a consistently powerful mid range, but also has the ability to reach the stratosphere with his incredible piercing high range. He has a very pure sounding voice, but don't let that description deceive you. Its pure, but it will still knock you over. Not to mention the skill in the lyrics. Great lyrics throughout the album.

The guitar team of Eric Karamanis and CA Chairopoulos is top notch. It easily belongs in the same conversation with Iced Earth and even Judas Priest and Iron Maiden. I love the twin axe attack, and this album delivers it perfectly.

The rhythm section of bassist, Panagiotis Bletsos of and drummer, Adrian Kyprianos are rock solid, and tight. The unit has the precision of a 'bullet' fired from a master sniper. (It doesn't miss.Ever.)

All the songs on the album are perfect to the point that each one grabs you by the throat and won't let go. Each song is its own individual journey into metal bliss. Track 3, Disingenuous is anything but. It and all the songs are completely honest power metal. Hard, heavy guitar assault. But, they show versatility too. Track 9, Guardians of Time has a slow and deep groove, with some incredible acoustic guitar and vocal performances. Similar to the feel of Beyond the Realms of Death by Judas Priest, yet completely unique in its own right.

If you are a fan of heavy power/progressive/speed/thrash metal, then BanDemoniC is for you. Their album, Fires of Redemption has and delivers it all. I haven't been this blown away by an album since I heard Wardrum. Maybe I should move to Greece and start my own band there!

Find them on Twitter, @BanDemonic and on Reverbnation and on Facebook

And, for Heaven's Sake, Steel Gallery...SEND ME MORE METAL!!!!

Terminatryx: 'Shadow' A New Breed of South African Metal

Add Cape Town, South Africa to the growing list of places that have bands that are much better and cooler than anything coming from the US. Although, it would seem that Cape Town has had an outbreak of wannabe American rap and hip hop, (we are sorry about that by the way!) which Terminatryx formed to counteract. And, it would seem that they have done just that. While most hip hop "artists" come and go, Terminatryx has been around for more than a decade, with 2 self produced studio albums that sound like they had lots of money funding its production. To say that Terminatryx has been busy would be a serious understatement.

In a nutshell, let me run off a list of this band's accomplishments: They made a DVD of the classic Nosferatu film, with their music as the soundtrack. They created the South African Horrorfest, a horror movie festival. The following year, they headlined their festival. They have played a festival in Germany, and not to mention countless shows in South Africa. They were the first African band to be played on European metal TV shows. The list goes on and on. But, we're here to talk about their album, Shadow.

Terminatryx are: 

Sonja Ruppersberg on vocals

Paul Blom on bass

Patrick Davidson on guitar

Ronnie Belcher on drums

Paul Blom also plays guitar in the studio, keyboards, backing vocals, and with Sonja is the bands founder and prominent song writer. 

Shadow is a very well balanced blend of melodic and industrial heavy metal. You are hooked from the first track, Metropolis, which is a very intense instrumental. In fact, I honestly haven't heard such an intense instrumental intro since Anarchy X by Queensryche. It grabs you and holds you. In fact as I listened to it, I envisioned hearing this to open a concert. The songs are very well crafted, and there is no shortage of talent on display. Some of the songs would fit well in a horror movie soundtrack, which is something that has influenced them from the start. 

The title track, Shadow is a very creepy sounding ballad with very haunting backup vocal harmonies. Written about the darkness that resides in all of us, this song could easily be the source of a nightmare or two. Definitely a very memorable song due to the simple yet driven and powerful guitar lines, combined with the vocal harmonies I just mentioned. Perfect choice for the title track! And, the video is pretty scary too. (Watch it below)

Masjien (track 5) means 'Machine' in the Afrikaans language. It is a very appropriate title for an industrial metal song. It is also sung completely in that language, while the rest of the songs are in English. I love the vocal inflections that Ruppersberg uses in it. Throughout the album, the listener is treated to the combination of talented heavy metal musicians, combined with the intricacies of melodic and progressive metal, laced with industrial metal. Personally, I've never heard the three genres so well woven together. Topped off with the haunting voice of Sonja Ruppersberg, you can't go wrong here.

Singer, Sonja Ruppersberg is a very good singer, with a very versatile voice. She can go from a very dark sneer of a low range, on display in Holy to an explosive scream, into the soft and ethereal. I don't like to drop names, but I think I will here because this is a unique comparison. In some songs, her vocal technique reminds me of Geddy Lee. They lady can sing. Guitarist, Patrick Davidson has a very unique guitar style that is evident in his solos throughout Shadow.

Bassist and composer, Paul Blom is a gifted musician. Very good guitarist, and his keyboard arrangements on the album keep all the songs fresh and exciting to listen to..loudly. He and drummer, Ronnie Belcher make up a solid rhythm section that makes this band stand out apart from other industrial bands. Also, Ronnie proves to the world that you don't need a 50,000 piece drum kit to be a great drummer. He does quite a good job on his 4 piece, pictured here.

Terminatryx is doing everything right, and I am looking forward to seeing them in concert some day in the US. Maybe they along with the other bands not from the US who are very good that I have reviewed on this blog can all get together and put do a festival tour in the US. It could be called the 'This is how you ROCK!' tour. We can hope, right?

In the meantime, here is the official video for Shadow:

Here is their website. Buy Shadow on Bandcamp, Terminatryx social media: Facebook Twitter
Also, on July 8, check them out on the Will and Thunder Show

Japanese Teens, Babymetal: The Most Adorable Metal Band Ever

From the mouths of babes comes....BADASS METAL!!

I've always said that the United States main import from Japan was not cars or electronics. Its weird stuff. I discovered something that is weird, and awesome at the same time. No, its not a game show where people dress in outrageous costumes, and get beaten with sticks while throwing pies at each other. And, it isn't another Godzilla movie, (although that would be nice.) and its not playing cards with goofy looking monsters on them either.

If you are a regular reader of mine, you know that I am on a quest to take in as much European power/prog metal as I can. Yes, I know that Japan is not part of Europe, but this band I discovered deserves a mention. The band, Babymetal consists of some extremely talented power metal musicians that would rank up there with the badass European bands that I am hearing. But, they are fronted by 3 young teenage girls who duet back and forth and harmonize. But wait...They can also belt out the occasional guttural growl. Every now and then, I like a little bit of cookie monster. Just not throughout the songs like so many death metal bands think its necessary to do.

My first reaction to seeing their video was "WTF am I seeing??" But, as I watched it, I grew more and more amazed. The girls sing very well, and even though there is some auto tune, it is used as an effect, and not as a replacement of their voices. And it is used sparingly, so I can overlook it. The first video I watched was Gimme Chocolate. The interaction is entertaining, and the chorus is very catchy. I liked it enough to find out more, watch more about the band. First, a little bit about them.

                                                                     Gimme Chocolate!!!!

They want to be the first/only one of their kind, as in starting a new genre. Actually, this band could go on forever, like Menudo was supposed to, with the singers 'retiring' and being replaced once they reached a certain age, as long as the quality of musicians (who are top notch) stayed the same. Actually, the musicians could be interchanged too because the musicians wear skeleton costumes, including masks. I'm game! As long as they stay true to what they are currently, which is 3 young girls who are TASTEFULLY dressed, and not trying to dress like and be sluts. Plus, they dance and put on one hell of a stage show that fits the music, and gets the audience into it...but they do not grind on the male musicians in the band. Take notice, Miley.

This is from the video song, Headbangerrrrr. They put
the neck braces on BEFORE rocking out,
#safemosh

The 3 girls, between 14 and 16 years old all joined as a result of being in a band similar to something that American Idol would do, as in throwing 3 singers together and having them sing 'template songs.' They were doing electronic pop prior to Babymetal. They admit that they didn't even know what metal was prior to joining. I'd say the idea to do metal rather than pop that sounds like every other pop star was a good one. Right now, they have a top 5 album on iTunes.

Wake up, US record companies. By doing something ORIGINAL, this band is huge. And, I don't mean for them to start mass producing metal bands with teenage girls singing, although I am sure that is EXACTLY what they will do...Although, even if that happens (and it will) Would you rather hear heavy metal, or Justin Bieber all over the mainstream pop radio stations? This new trend may be enough to send Bieber to back to Canada to work at McDonalds! For that, EVERY American who likes REAL music would owe Japan a debt of gratitude.

Babymetal in concert

Their music could be considered death metal. Most of it is very heavy, but you can't help but notice how talented the band is, meaning that while heavy, its not just a group of dudes beating on instruments and screaming. There are great and blistering guitar solos, full of harmony twin axe attack, and a brutal rhythm section. There is also great keyboard work in the background of these songs.

Babymetal with their band members

Sure, this band may be a gimmick, although I don't think so. It may also just be the brainchild of a record executive in Japan. I'd rather hear this than any of the pop crap, and even corporate metal that saturates US airwaves. In closing, I don't know what they are saying, but I DIG IT!!! Its always nice to find something brand new that hasn't been done before. So, enjoy them while they are fresh, and unique. I'm sure the US record labels already have 30 clones of Babymetal assembled and practicing.

I'm going to purchase this. But, don't take my word for it. Check out this epic song! Also, their Youtube page. 

Here is their Facebook page and Twitter

Their music is a little pricy on Amazon at the moment. It must not have been released in the US just yet, but it will be soon! So, iTunes is probably your best bet at the moment.