CD of the Month
  • Mudvayne
    Mudvayne
    by Mudvayne
Inspiration
  • Lords of Chaos: The Bloody Rise of the Satanic Metal Underground New Edition
    Lords of Chaos: The Bloody Rise of the Satanic Metal Underground New Edition
    by Michael Moynihan, Didrik Soderlind
  • Retribution
    Retribution
    by Shadows Fall
  • Brutal Legend
    Brutal Legend
    Electronic Arts
Tuesday
Apr102018

Killer Klowns from Outer Space

Killer Klowns from Outer Space is one of those cult classics that I had never seen, until now.  Yep, Arrow Video has done it again and brought back a cult classic and given it new life.  If you're like me, back in the day, when this originally came out, once I heard the title I thought, one day I might watch that, but only if I'm totally bored.  Well as time has passed and I have become more open to B-movies/cult classics, I figured that now was time to see what all the hype was about.

KKFOS is about a group of alien clowns that land somewhere in middle America and start terrorizing the local folk.  What they do, is entertain them and then capture them with their popcorn guns before putting them into a cotton candy cocoon.  I know this sounds ridiculous, and it is, but it is kind of fun to watch.  The story centers around the couple Debbie and Mike, who discover these comical monsters, and do everything in their power to stop them.

KKFOS is a fun ride.  The movie looks excellent restored.  I had a good time watching this one, even though there was some pretty bad acting.  The special effects weren't half bad, for the time.  All in all an entertaining watch.  This is one to put in after you've kicked a few back.

Bottom Line: Another nostalgic cult classic gets the royal treatment, and come out smelling like a rose.  A fun ride from start to finish.

-Ragman would like to see this one re-made, but as a true horror film.  Now that would be interesting.

Wednesday
Apr042018

Podcast # 232:  Crimson

What would it take for you to re-buy an album?  A bonus disk with extra tracks, a bonus DVD, etc...?  At what point is it worth throwin' down more money for something you already own?  Join Genghis and Ragman as they ponder this question and more.  If that wasn't enough, the boys caught up with new comers Savage Hands for a state of the union.  Ragman chats it up with vocalist Mike Garrow who gives us the skinny on the band's debut record Barely Alive as well as their current tour plans.

DVD of the Show: W.A.S.P. - The Crimson Idol (Re-Idolized)

Beer of the Show:  Adelbert's Brewery - Blackberry Barrel of Love  Beer Rating:  4

Featured Tracks:  Stone Broken - Heartbeat Away, Black Veil Brides - Our Destiny, W.A.S.P - Animal, Loudness - I'm Still Alive, Savage Hands - Know it Well, Red, Taken, You're Own Hell

Ragman's Classic of the Show:  Rough Cutt- Black Widow

Genghis' Classic of the Show:  Pantera -A New Level

Ragman's Pick of the Show:  Asking Alexandria - Alone In a Room

Genghis' Pick of the Show: Saxon - Thunderbolt

-Ragman is gearing up for a very busy concert schedule.

Podcast #232: Crimson

Wednesday
Mar142018

Podcast # 231: Irish

Well it is St. Paddy's day again and you know what that means, our annual visit from rock's most notorious leprechaun, Jose McLucky.  Well, if that ain't enough to grab ya, then join Genghis and Ragman as they discuss some of their favorite Irish hard rock and heavy metal bands.  Who will they chose as their fave?  Tune in to find out.  Next the boys chatted with new comers Animal Drive.  Ragman checked in with vocalist Dino Jelusic, to discuss the band's debut album Bite!, as well as what it is like to be a member of TSO.  This one is not to be missed!

DVD of the Show:  Cheap Trick - Silver

Beer of the Show:  Founder's CBS  Beer Rating: 3.5

Featured Tracks:  Savage Hands - Red, Allegaeon - Animate, Cheap Trick - She's Tight, Riverdogs - American Dream, Thin Lizzy - Cold Sweat, Gary Moore - Out in the Fields, WASP - Jack Action, The Answer - Gone Too Long, Animal Drive - Goddamn Marathon, Tower of Lies (I Walk Alone), Hand of Time, Had Enough

Ragman's Classic of the Show:  Stone Fury - Don't Tell me Why

Genghis' Classic of the Show:  Van Halen - Jaime's Cryin'

Ragman's Pick of the Show:  Labyrinth - Still Alive

Genghis' Pick of the Show:  Angra - Traveler's of Time

-Ragman is wondering what Jon put in his beer to make it green.  Note: This podcast is dedicated to the memory of my favorite Vato Loco - Claude Garcia.  RIP my friend. 

Podcast #231: Irish

Monday
Mar052018

Podcast # 230: Movie

Have you ever wondered what concept album would be a great movie?  Would it be King Diamond's Abigail, or Queensrÿche's Operation: Mindcrime? The debate could go on forever we're sure, but join Genghis & Ragman as they ponder to see which one of their favorite concept records would make the best movie.

Next, the boys met up with former Lynch Mob vocalist Oni Logan for a fireside chat. Oni discussed Lynch Mob's latest record The Brotherhood as well as the band's upcoming tour. HORNS UP!

Editor's Note: This interview was conducted with Oni prior to his departure from Lynch Mob.

DVD of the Show: Dirkschneider - Back to the Roots: Accepted!

Beer of the Show: Gulden Draak - Calvados (Brouwerij Van Steenberge)
 
Appearance: 4.0
Aroma: 4.0
Palate: 4.0
Taste: 4.0
Overall: 3.5
"It may not need cellaring, being barrel-aged, but this stout is absolutely outstanding."
 

Featured Tracks: Skarlett Riot - Break; Accept - Neon Nights (Live); Kamelot - Insomnia; Mystic Prophecy - I'm Still Standing (Elton John cover); WASP - Dr. Rocktor; King Diamond - Welcome Home; Lynch Mob - Believers of the Day, I'll Take Miami, Where We Started, Last Call Lady, & Sweet Sister Mercy

Ragman's Classic of the Show: Thunderhead - Down in Desperation

Genghis' Classic of the Show: Scorpions - Big City Nights

Raman's Pick of the Show: Eisley/Goldy - Lies I Can Live With

Genghis' Pick of the Show: Trivium - The Heart From Your Hate

- Ragman loves the Mob and hopes Oni finds his way back at some point in the near future...

Podcast #230: Movie

Thursday
Mar012018

Animal Drive - Bite!

Well, I just found my favorite new band and they're called Animal Drive.  Hailing from Zagreb, Croatia this 4 piece is set to take over the hard rock/metal world.  Animal Drive is part of Frontiers' New Breed family, which will be showcasing new talent.  Man, if this is the type of music that we're going to get from this New Breed part of the label, then count me in. 

Animal Drive was brought to the label by Jeff Scott Soto, after he met vocalist Dino Jelusik, whilst touring with T.S.O.  Thanks Jeff!  This band, may have one of the heaviest sounds on the label.  They are full on hard rock, with some progressive and modern elements.  Imagine Pink Cream 69 mixed with Bullet for My Valentine.  Don't get me wrong, they're not quite that heavy, but close.  Their songs focus on melody, but pack a metallic punch. 

The Band's debut record Bite!, is solid from start to finish.  The album has a nice variety and keeps you interested for the whole musical ride.  The first song to grab me was Tower of Lies (I Walk Alone), which is the 2nd single and video.  The song starts with a killer Skid Row type riff, that is punctuated with a nice Zakk Wylde type diminished harmonic.  The song has a great groove and Jelusic's killer vocals, take it over the edge.  Jelusic has this killer Russell Allen meets Jorn Lande meets David Readman type vibe.  Let's just say the guy is talented.  If that weren't enough, then the killer soloing by guitarist Ivan Keller will send you over the edge.  His solo in this tune if friggin awesome.

This album is full of killer riffs that will have you air guitar-ing like a maniac.  Bite! is all killer and no filler.  If you dig a great power ballad, if you can call it that, then Hands of Time, has your name all over it.  It starts off like a ballad, before it kicks into this killer Pink Cream type riff, which takes the tune to a new level.  I love how this band can mix the heavy with the melody, which is what this song is all about.  The killer riff the killer chorus, and finish with the killer solo.  What else is there.  Bite is chock full of these elements which will make it one of my early faves for album of the year.  This one is a must folks!

Bottom Line: A new band, that is doing it better than the veterans.  A stellar debut from an up and comer.  Good luck lads!

Standout Tracks: Tower of Lies (I Walk Alone), Hands of Time, Fade Away, Had Enough

-Ragman has hope for the future of hard rock and heavy metal.