Most people on Kingsnake.com know Derek Roddy as a breeder of some outstanding Australian Pythons. But like many of us, he does have a day job.

Derek has a long history with some of the greatest metal bands out there, either being a member or being a supporting player. He is most well known for his work with Malevolent Creation and Hate Eternal.

As a favor to his fans as well as the entire reptile community, Derek wanted to offer his latest musical release as a free download. From Derek:

Serpents Rise suggest downloading all the songs, THEN....listening to the entire recording.The work is intended to be seamless....and, taken in as one body of music.We hope you enjoy....and, interpret.

Serpents Rise....as you can hear....is an instrumental entity. But, this does not mean that we are opposed to hearing what vocal possibilities exist. With this in mind....Serpents Rise invites you to "be the vocalist".

Whether in your car, in your bedroom, on stage covering one of our songs, posting clips of you singing our tunes on youtube OR....in the event that we show up in your town.....you sing with us on stage! Have fun...create!

To pick up the CD, click here.

World Painted Blood
Slayer
American Records 2009



I said it in July and I will say it again. The new Slayer just plain kicks ass. While what I heard in July was almost the final mix (or perhaps it was) it included 2 additional songs, so when I bought the CD recently I was still pretty much in the dark.

One of the most common things I have heard from folks is "Dude the new Slayer sucks, it sounds just like everything else they ever do" Umm shyeah. That is somewhat the point to me. I do prefer when a band keeps its sound. That is also primarily the reason I could not wait to get my chubby little fingers on the CD. This album returns to the darker side of things. Songs like "Snuff" which is about those lovely and illegal snuff films and "Americon" which tackles the current state of affairs in the Middle East, Slayer has returned to their tried and true history.

One thing that stands out is the fact that Jeff Hanneman is writing again. For the past several albums, the vast majority of writing belongs to Kerry King, but this time Jeff is back. The best example of why I missed Jeff writing is "Beauty Through Order". This song is truly class Slayer. From the tempo, to the solos and lyrics, this is the Slayer template.

Another one of my favorites is "Not Of This God" Its the classic questing of Christianity that Kerry is known for. The change from fast and furious thrash to the rhythmic middle groove and back to the speed again is what gets me. This is the ultimate pit song. Mental insanity with a small breather in the middle. Perfect for their aging fans in the pit.

The 20 minute short film by Mark Brooke would best be described as a Gein-esque comic book set to songs from the new Slayer Album. Initially it reminded me of an older video game/comic book type set up and that lost me in the beginning, but as you watch you will see things tie together nicely in the end. My hopes is that in any videos slayer makes, perhaps they can make this a live action theme. Definately a story entertaining enough to replicate.

Personally a true test has been passed. I have managed to clean the snake cages in record time with this album cranked. The Tarantulas like it as well, becoming excessively active. Always a good sign to me for my heavier music.

Cannibal Corpse at The Rave - more photos... photo by brian rampacek - staff photographer

It's the first real day of spring. I even put on shorts. I am dreading the fact that I will have to wear jeans all night. New tattoo, The Rave is kinda dirty, people spill stuff. Infection is a bad thing. At least when it is on my body. I'm also excessively tired, having rolled in from a meeting the night before at around 2 am and had to be to work at 8, let's just say I was wiped. But I was far to excited for a nap. So instead I lounged, worked on stuff for HR669, and stared at the clock. Time passes slowly sometimes.

We arrived at The Rave just before the rain started to fall and that was mighty fine by me. Temps were dropping because of the spring showers, and even though The Rave's lot was packed, we got our favorite parking spot as usual. (For those who attend shows at The Rave, for $10.00 you can park a block away on 23rd street just east of Wisconsin at the Irish Community Center and its fenced and secure.)

Cannibal travels simply. We have covered them a few times and they are a no frills band. No sticky photo passes. So after we get my ticket, its off to call the tour manager. This has happened for every Cannibal show. It's not their fault. They prefer to keep things simple, and like tour managers from the past, Jeremy was a super nice guy and got us handled with security and got us wrist bands. Too bad this was a time where Brian only brought one camera.

Cannibal Corpse at The Rave - more photos... photo by brian rampacek - staff photographer

I am a huge Cannibal fan from way back. I honestly can't tell you the true number of times I have seen the band perform. I tried to actually count and got a bit foggy around 15. Its part because I see them in twos. This summer we should be seeing them as well. I really TECHNICALLY should find them so very wrong. I am the type of girl who can not only take a punch, but give it back. Honestly a band that historically closes with a song "Striped, Raped and Strangled" should give some offense to me, but I think we metal heads really know to take a joke. Or maybe I just have an amazing sense of humor.

Cranking out with their opener of "The Time To Kill is Now" to a totally packed house. I'm sure there was room to fit a few in, but it was a far better turn out than the last solo show in the basement we saw. Having a new perspective to the show, sitting at the side of the stage, writing my notes on the stage I made an AMAZING discovery. Corpsegrinder's neck is larger than the average man. He has a red wood for a neck. I was TOTALLY fascinated by this for the entire show. He has muscles upon muscles on his neck. It is insane. Of course he does spin his head at approximately 400 miles an hour, but I had never seen or noticed this in any other musician. Another thing that was very visible from the side of the stage was the fact that when the lights went down, George was blowing his nose. I know most people think anyone can sing Death Metal, but unfortunately that is not true. Well I suppose anyone can sound like Cookie Monster having a seizure, but a classic and true death metal band is intelligible in their growling presence. It is more than growls and screams. While I suspect he was sick, honestly it never once interfered with his performance. I also learned that if you vibrate a set list fast enough the black ink falls off temporarily as the set list on the monitor would go solid white. Once again something that totally amused and fascinated me.

Cannibal Corpse at The Rave - more photos... photo by brian rampacek - staff photographer

But I will skip back to the concert again. Cannibal hit the spectrum of their albums with song going all the way back to the first album Eaten Back to Life. They have always been really good about remembering to play the old stuff while incorporating the new stuff. "Priest of Sores" was of their new album, Evisceration Plague which was released earlier this year. As always "Fucked by a Knife" was dedicated to all the women in the crowd. And oddly enough I notice the younger generation of female attendees seem more into the music than the boyfriends they came with. I love to see that! Closing with the old one, two punch of "Hammer Smashed Face" and "Striped, Raped and Strangled" this was a show any old school death metal fiend would love. The entire band had a really relaxed feel to them. Regularly interacting with people against the barrier between songs, they are comfortable in their skin and remember to love the fans. My only real complaint was that once again I was denied hearing "Meat Hook Sodomy" a true classic Cannibal song.

OK ready for the TRUE plus of both of us standing behind the photo barrier? Easy access exit from Stage Left. We were able to walk right out the loading doors and avoid the crush of the audience. Since I had already hit the merch booth and bought my smashing new purse (ok it is technically a messenger bag, but I shall call it my Cannibal Corpse purse) we were able to leave quickly and run to our truck in the rain. I had planned on going home and straight to bed, but Cannibal has always gotten me hyper. Oh well, I will just be wiped out at the real job and suffer.

I would like to once again thank their tour manager, Jeremy, for helping us get set up for the evening. He made the point to check that we made it back stage to the photo area and made sure we were set for the evening all while getting the stage and band ready. You rock Jeremy!

Suicidal Tendencies
Suicidal Records
Year of the Cyco
Released April 2009

OK, I admit, I have been lazy and haven't actually written this review. It doesn't mean I haven't been listening to the CD. I think I was just keeping it as my own personal secret. At the Suicidal Tendencies show in December I went loaded with a good chunk of change, and I proceeded to spend most of it. One of my purchases was the tour release of "Year of the Cyco" which is a CD containing new, old and live releases by ST, Infectious Grooves and Cyco Miko. A teaser if you will as all three bands should be releasing albums in 2009. This is like GOLD to me. With nothing new hitting the world from any of the bands since '01 (and that was Infectious), this was just short of glory. It's almost like a marriage. A little old, a little new, a little borrowed and the cover has blue...

The thing that I loved the most about this album is that each band had its own sound. Suicidal was back to its punk roots. Infectious is hanging over in its funky groove area and Cyco Myko is just plain off. Over the years the groups merged in some extent to their sound as ST evolved into IG with CM just kinda going off and doing its own thing. I like that the lines seem much straighter between ST and IG. Rather than another off shoot sounding a little different, they now sound like two totally different projects. The best way to see hear this is the ST song "The Future is Now" and the IG song "Funny Farm". Two totally different bands.

For fans who have been there over the years, there are updated version of ST "Two Wrongs Don't Make a Right" and a live version of "Cyco Vision" as well. There is also a lovely track, "Crazy But Proud" by No Mercy.

My personal faves from the album are "Big Man" and "My Summer Vacation/All Goes to Hell" My Cyco Miko, "The Future's Now" by ST and "Funny Farm" by IG. Not that I have any reason, but these just happen to be the songs that get me going the most. "Big Man" is classic Miko rambling on the state of society and I think that is my current total favorite off the album.

Something spiff if you actually take the time to read liner notes, there is a break down of each and every song, its origins, what's new or just new to us. Reading the liner notes, I realized why I liked "Funny Farm" so much actually. It is from the final recording with Robert Trujillo. It is good to read liner notes, especially when they have nifty little tidbits like that!

OK so here is the good news. This was a tour release only, but alas, now that the loyal Cycos like me know every song forward and backward, the stragglers (or those not fortunate to have an ST show with in several hundred miles like I did) can play catch up. Of course it is only available on their website. Personally I think I will order the Vinyl copy as well.

Now the only question I have remaining is when are my full releases from all three bands coming out?

by cindy steinle
club kingsnake staff

Suicidal Tendencies
Hometown: Venice Beach, CA
http://www.suicidaltendencies.com
December 10th, 2008
House Of Blues
Chicago, Il.
Also: Madball, Whole Wheat Bread

Last night I went to church. After a 4 hour drive to House of Blues Chicago, I had a sermon. A sermon in life if you will, with the greatest preacher to ever walk the planet. The preacher was none other than the great Cyco Miko Muir. And I didn't have to miss my wedding to do it.

Its been around 16 years since I last saw Suicidal. I believe I was 17 at the time, but time passes and years fade. It was the old Suicidal, Miko was laid up with a broken leg and both ST and Danzig were opening for Metallica. I was insane for those first 30 minutes. Of course then I slept through the majority of Metallica. Go figure. I have spent the last two weeks counting down days. I have checked both the ST website and HOB website to make sure there was no cancellation daily.

I had been planning my trip to Chicago carefully, watching the weather, hoping I wasn't going to have to plan 7 hours for the trip. Massive snow and freezing rain started the week, but just cold came today. Yes I was damned near possessed with this show. This was as close as a religious experience as I am going to have. Suicidal for me is one of those bands that speak to me. Their lyrics have evolved my life, helped me during the rough patches, brought me up when I am down, calmed me when I am angry. There is nothing ST can not do for me. Well other than make me a millionaire so I can do nothing but reviews for Club Kingsnake, but hey, Miko has lots of years to figure that out.

Unfortunately due to an emergency, Brian couldn't make it out to see the show and do photos. We did try to get the pass transferred, but I am guessing we didn't get ahold of the PR people in time. My biggest regret is all I will have is the memories. I got there later than planned so I missed openers Madball and Whole Wheat Bread (for those catching later dates, these openers are only on the bill until tomorrow and then you get Death By Stereo and Whole Wheat Bread for the last few dates). I actually arrived just as Whole Wheat Bread was finishing and by the time I got through the security and into the bathroom (4 hours in a truck is more than my bladder can handle) I had time to go Christmas shopping for myself. I got a couple of longsleeves and then I noticed the sign for the NEW CD.

WHAT WHAT WHAT?!?!?! OHHHH Must have, haven't seen it in stores or online. Apparently this is a special CD for those who come to the shows! ROCK ON! I snaked up the CD and managed to actually find a seat towards the back. The CD is called "Year of the Cyco" and is a compilation of sorts with new music from ST, Infectious Grooves, Cyco Mike and a bonus No Mercy song. I did listen to some of it on the way home and was very happy with it. ST sounds like they are going back a bit more to their initial roots.

Short of the mix needing a lot of work (vocals were next to impossible to hear at times) the show was amazing. I can't complain about the set list a whole lot other than to say is was simply too short. Honestly, I was mildly bummed not to hear "Join the Army".

New drummer Eric Moore had an exciting evening, breaking his stool during one of the songs (I forgot to write it down, but I am pretty sure it was "Send Me Your Money") but put on an fun drum solo. Initially I was concerned with the bass. I really have to say, it didn't sound right. By the second song I realized what was different was Bassist Steve Brunner was putting his feel into each and every song. While initially this threw me for a loop, I realized how very cool it is that an established band (these guy have been around almost 30 years in some form or another) allowed someone to put their own personal touch. The bass part of "Send Me Your Money" was amazing and I realized, while I do miss Robert, Steve does a helluva job filling the shoes of the worlds most amazing bassist. There was a more funky feel to the classics rather than the straight punk or thrash that they originally started with.

Mike Clark is still there and rounding out the band is Dean Pleasants on lead guitar. Muir is truly a frontman. I missed his rants between and during songs, I only wish the vocals were better where I was (and so did the folks around me from the screams I was hearing). Mike has always added almost motivational talks mixed in with the music. Either prowling the stage or ranting, all eyes are on Muir. He is amazing and he captures each and every person. It was really great to see him moving as well as he was, I had concerns that this would be a subdued performance, with his multiple back surgeries, but nothing holds him back.

Much like always, ST marches to its own drummer, touring before releasing the full CD. I can only hope that the tour comes back again after the release. It was well worth the 16 year wait I have had. I joined the Army over 20 years ago and I remain Suicidal For Life.


Set List
You Cant Bring Me Down
We Are Family
War Inside My Head
Subliminal
Send Me Your Money
Drum Solo
Living or Along for the Ride - New Song
Cyco Vision
Lovely
Possessed
I Saw Your Mommy
How Will I Laugh Tomorrow
Encore
I Shot Regan
Fascist Pig
Pledge Your Allegiance

So 15 years. The joke was always that China would be a democracy before the album was released, but alas, the album came first. I scurried my behind over to best buy today. Every other album release by GNR I got the day of release. In fact I once waited in line for 4 hours after skipping school to get my copy of Use Your Illusion I only to learn II was out! I once camped out for tickets to the opening day of the Use Your Illusion tour which kicked off here in WI at Alpine Valley. There was no way I wasn't getting "Chinese Democracy" today.

At first listen, I was mildly let down. All these years (15 of them) awaiting this, and the edge isn't there. I knew what I expected, dreamed and hoped for. It wasn't there. The edge is gone. The raw grit is missing. Now at second listen, trying to separate the GNR I worshipped as a child. Its an oddly mellow CD. Axl's voice sounds more refined and less gravelly. The list of musicians involved in the project is totally mind boggling. Buckethead, Bumblefoot, Brain. All amazing artists in their own respect collaborated on this project. This is the first album I have ever looked at liner notes and each song had a list of people playing instruments and who did what on arrangements.

Some songs give touches of old GNR. "Scraped" and "Riad n' the Bodouins" are songs with hints of the old guard. "IRS", while a more mellow selection is most definately a Guns song. Songs like "Sorry" have in my taste too much processing on vocals, almost to the point that Rose's voice is unrecognizable.

I think die hard GNR fans like me may need more than one listen to get into the CD. When not comparing it to what I expect, the CD is ok. Just remember its the new Guns.

I really regret the fact that I have seen so many Static X shows and this is the first one I actually watched. I also further regret the fact that it took Jeff starting this website for me to actually listen to this band.

Released on October 14, 2008 "Cannibal Killers Live" is a cool little collection of a live show, both the video and audio, shot in Spokane Washington on the Cannibal Tour, 12 of their made for TV Videos (which for me was the true highlight) and a ring tone feature. Your One Stop Static shop if you will.

There are very few live CDs that I ever find fault with and this one definitely lived up to my expectations. For those who haven't seen Static X, I have no clue where to start. The video is shot with at least 10 different camera angles including a few from the sound board and the wings. It gives you an almost 360 degree view of the band. While at times, I wish the camera shots were a bit longer in positions, the switches actually coincide nicely with the tempo of the music. Brian has been telling me that drummer Nick Oshiro is one of the most animated drummers around, and despite the fact that I have seen X at least 4 times in the past 2 years this is the first time I ever actually got to see how animated he really is. Wayne Static is almost so much of a geek that he is cool. He postures like a rooster, he has some of the most entertaining facial expressions and never fails to make me laugh during a show. He loves what he is doing and it comes through. Even with some of the sound issues with the venues I see them at regularly they sound near perfect and that comes across on both the CD and DVD.

The video portion is cool for a Johnny Come Lately fan like me. I missed the peak of their MTV times, and seeing older videos was just plain cool. It sounds cheesy, but I just fell in love with the aura of fun that this band puts forth.

Personally I cant wait to load the CD portion on my IPod for the gym. Nothing gets me going better on the bike than a little evil disco. LONG LIVE EVIL DISCO!

Chi Cheng of The Deftones at Wakestock 2007 - more photos... photo by John Hargraft- Contributing Photographer

Burbank, CA- Chi Cheng, bassist for Sacramento-based rock band, Deftones, has been hospitalized for injuries resulting from a serious auto accident which occurred yesterday. Cheng is currently under doctors supervision in an Intensive Care unit. His condition is serious but stable. Cheng’s mother urges everyone to say a prayer for his recovery.

No further details about Cheng’s condition are available at press time. Members of his band, Deftones along with family and friends are requesting privacy.

Our thoughts are with Cheng and his family at this time. We will keep you updated as new information comes across on our end.

Testament
The Formation of Damnation
Nuclear Assault Records

I cant tell you how very long I have waited for this. Yeah I have all the other CDs that Testament has put out, but to have the band back together is beautiful. Magical even. To have Alex Skolnick back where he belongs on lead, the planets were aligned this year.

"Formation" merges the many sounds of Testament flawlessly. From the classic thrash sound that Testament is known for on "More Than Meets the Eye" to the Chuck Bill's death metal vocals on the title track "The Formation of Damnation." The chemistry that was the original line up is still present on this release, although they are short Louie Clemente. "Leave Me Forever" about the only song that really stands out as something new style wise. Switching between a jazzy funkiness on the guitar to a thrash sound, it is a definite highlight on the album.

I am so very much in love with this album, I have a hard time putting it to words. It inspires memories of the many times I have spent with the band over the years and to have them back with most of the original line up is amazing.

Testament is currently on tour promoting the album as well as hooking up on the Masters Of Metal Tour with Motorhead, Heaven and Hell, and Judas Priest. Club Kingsnake will be catching them on a solo show at The Rave here in Milwaukee on August 1.

Rolling out of bed today it is our anniversary, and Brian and I plan to do it in true rock star style. I shoot a call into Jesse James Dupree's assistant to set up the interview have breakfast and head off to the tattoo shop to join my hubby. After our mutual inkings, we head back home to load up and trek back down to the lake front a mere 15 minutes from our home.

I'm not sure who had the brilliant idea to close streets and only allow traffic into the grounds from one direction, but personally I would like to slap them upside the head. The drive took over an hour for less than 5 miles. Traffic was horrible and being someone who actually knows the city well, I managed to get lost because of so many closed streets. We had planned to arrive an hour before Black Stone Cherry's set, but got there as they were preparing to load on the stage.

I hooked up with Jesse's road manager and met with Jesse briefly. He didn't realize it was a video interview, and while he didn't mind the fact, he did want to wash the road off. Taking a round a bout way to Milwaukee on the back of his Harley, a shower was in order. So we kicked back and relaxed to the Black Stone Cherry set.

I was really shocked with these kids. I wasn't expecting what I heard, I was expecting a more pop sound. There was almost a bluesy undertones to their music and the guitars just had an amazingly warm sound that filled up the air. For some reason sitting at the lake, with a warm breeze blowing and listening to "Rollin On" was probably one of the most relaxing moments I have had in a while. Mixing in blues, southern rock and classic rock sounds, these kids (and I do mean kids, the oldest is 23) have some impressive talent and a well rounded sound. They closed with an amazing cover of "Voodoo Child", which they managed to change up just enough to make their own while still keeping the original in your mind. I cant wait to see how this band grows over the years!

I ran out to hit the real bathroom (I still can not use the back stage porta potty, just cant do it) and pick up some food. AHHH Mader's. A quick dinner and time for the sit down with Jesse. Unfortunately I did have to tear him away from the JJO girls for a few minuets and we found a quick room to sit down a chat. That interview will be posted shortly. I kept it fairly short as he was hitting the stage in a half an hour.

For those who have never taken the time to see a Jackyl show, you are missing some good old fashion fun. Jesse is a true frontman who is there to entertain, be it the front row or the guys on stage behind him. Outrageous and outlandish, when he is fronting Jackyl he is the "Redneck Punk". Their show is tried and true and while little changes (except for the stories) the band puts on a phenomenal show. A few change ups, including a short "NIB" cover, they play their hits. The crowd overpowered Jesse's vocals on "Secret of the Bottle". And yes both the Johnson Red and the Stihl were there backstage. Yes Jesse did drop his drawers. As they cleared the photo pit I issued a look to my husband that meant only one thing. Get me my photo of Jesse and the Chainsaw and he did not disappoint. Closing with the ever classic "Lumberjack", the entire crowd went insane. My only disappointments (well kinda) were the fact that the mic was not loaded (his mic stand is a shotgun, and at previous outdoor shows I have seen him shoot it) and that they did not play "Rev it up and Go Go" from the new album being released by Jesse James and Dixie Inc. I really wasn't expecting to hear it, but a girl can dream. I have to say that this show was as good as the first, second and third Jackyl shows I have seen. The band still has amazing energy and still entertains the crowd.

As we meander our way through the heavily imbibed attendees at the close of the night, we make it to our car at 11:45. We turn on our car at 11:50 after letting the heat out. We turn it off again at midnight. And we sit. Once again, the closed roads are our nemesis. We finally pull out of the parking lot at 12:45 am and arrive home at 1:30. Summerfest 2008 is over for us. While attendance was down this year (I would assume high gas prices kept a lot of our neighbors to the south away) it was still a respectable 831,024 for the 10 days. See everyone next year down there!

Summerfest is OVER! We survived the weekend, along with countless others.

Billed as the worlds largest music festival, Summerfest always has some variety of music for everyone. The biggest drawback with Summerfest to me is ALWAYS the crowds. Its a little early for any final numbers, but 2007 attendance was 892,005. Even with the horrible storms that have washed through the Midwest lately, I think over all attendance was still up there.

Celebrating it's 41st anniversary, Summerfest is the pride and joy of the Milwaukee Lakefront. Sure it isn't SXSW, but it is amazing none the less. Food is as much a focus as the music. 40 plus restaurants litter the grounds. You can have everything from Alligator on a stick to Wendy's Hamburgers. My favorite place is always the Ethnic Gardens. I must have the Sauerbraten from Mader's. Two family owned roasted corn vendors are there, and if you eat at Robby's Roasted Corn, hip-hop star Speech from Arrested Development might very well be the person serving you. Even recently deceased comedian George Carlin added Milwaukee and Summerfest to to his resume, after getting arrested for those 7 dirty words he liked to say at the 1972 event. If I started to list the bands and musicians who have played both on the pay stage and free stages, I would be never finish. Needless to say, Summerfest caters to as many folks as humanly possible in 10 days.

Hubby and I are actually celebrating our anniversary this weekend 13 years together and 5 years married. What is more romantic than a bit of metal and rock n roll to ring in the anniversary. This is probably still the coolest advantages of this site.

We got their early and checked out the 9mm Solution set. Popular local band that I have written about many times in the past, it was their debut show for their new bassist, Chad Novell, who also puts time in with bands Strangeland and Orphonic Orchestra. Overall the sound of the band was much heavier this time around. The band was impressively tight for having only had Chad as a member for a few weeks. Standing in the wings watching I did almost think the singer Hobbes would be arrested. In his stage ensemble, he wears a toy 9 mm gun. Halfway through the first song, several of Milwaukee's Finest showed up on the back stage wings. Having been to enough 9 MM shows, I was simply hoping Hobbes noticed this as well from the stage and kept his jacket on. All went well however and no arrests happened.

Unfortunately, we were unable to secure photo clearance for Black Tide, but I spose that's ok. They never showed up. I didn't catch the name of the band that covered for them, however I think if the crowd changed their name to Black Tide Sucks. You have to give the fill in credit, having already preformed on another stage, they made a trek to play before an angry crowd that got stood up and gave it their all. I do deeply regret that I missed their name being announced. With out the photo pass for Black Tide, Brian and I took this as a great chance to grab some dinner.

When we arrived, we still didn't have any clearance for Five Finger Death Punch. Thankfully I managed to hook up with the road manager and get the OK needed for Brian to shoot. Had I remembered that Jeff had previously shuttled the band around in Austin I wouldn't have needed to panic, but it was all golden. I have to say, the guys in FFDP seemed to really enjoy Summerfest. 2 years working in the backstage area and numerous years just hanging (when I was younger I would actually attend all 10 days, good band or not) I have never seen a band so taken with the grounds. All the members were regularly wandering the park itself, and from what I saw, they gave 2 thumbs up to the roasted corn. Singer Ivan probably described it best, calling it our own personal Mardi Gras. Their set was amazing, but seemed terribly short for some reason. It really wasn't, but they just rolled through things at a steady pace, it didn't give you a chance to realize time was passing. Ivan has a great singing voice as well as the chunky growling. Best heard on "The Bleeding" its almost as if two people are singing, and I must add this song sounded amazing live. Another highlight of the set was "The Way of the Fist"which is probably my favorite song simply because of the lyrics in the chorus. Awesome songwriting there.

Day one is down, the walk to the truck takes a mere 15 minutes. Our drive home is also a lot easier then one would expect for the Fourth of July. Time to go home, rest and do it all over again.

The Michigan Metal community is going to the dogs for a good cause. Mid Michigan Boxer Rescue and Grand Rapids Boxer Alliance have teamed together to bring out the most powerful force on earth (that would be where the metal comes into the picture) to help dogs in need. Not just boxers, but also the bull breeds, rotties and whatever else manages to find their way into these two rescues.

Cover is a mere $7.00, but bring your checkbooks kiddies. There will be a silent auction, raffles and much more to indulge in. And I hear there will be some great drink specials. All Proceeds are being split between the two rescues and will help dogs like the beautiful Shamrock from Mid Michigan Boxer Rescue find great homes.

A Full line up isn't quite ready but here is the important information along with confirmed bands.

Flesh for the Beast
Theocracide
Infinite Design
Release the Crimson
Incipient Madness
Blood That Burns
Dark Empyre

Rock the Dog House Benefit Concert
July 26th
7:00 pm
The Break Room
1359 Plainfield Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49505
(616) 454-0899

For more information visit Mid Michigan Boxer Rescue's website.

Thrashing Like a Maniac - Compilation
Earache Records

As a general rule, I don’t really like compilations. I’ll listen to them, but I tend to only half listen. Most of the time it is a rehashing of best of clips from the summer tour I picked the CD up at as a free be. However “Thrashing Like A Maniac� does what compilations should do, bring you the best new titles in the genre. This genre being the sleeping Thrash. With old skoolers like Testament and Exodus seeing renewed interest, its great to see a groundswell of new thrash coming on their heels. Thrash is gaining some momentum again with acts like Bonded By Blood, Fueled By Fire and Warbringer receiving support from the major labels. It seems almost as though most everyone on this disc hails from CA, which after all is appropriate since thash was born in the Bay Area. I do also have to give props to fellow cheese heads Lazarus. We first covered them in September of 2006 and I was taken with them then. Heavy as hell chunk with the classic noodle solos, there is some new feel to it, but listening, I can pick out who inspired each act. Old Skool inspiration shows, but it doesn’t diminish the new sounds. I cant give each band a real review with a single song, this isn’t AI. Ill just tell you who were my faves , in no particular order.

Bonded By Blood
Dekapitator
Fueled by Fire
Decadence
Deadfall
Lazarus
Violator

This CD brought back a whole lot of old day memories. Memories of when I fell in love with the heavier side of music. It also gave me a whole new batch of possible new favorite bands.

www.myspace.com/kicktothahead
Hometown - Springfield, IL
Turkey Vulture Records

Not the heaviest hardcore out there but a good taste of a lighter side, Kick to Tha Head's newest release is worth a listen for HC fans out there. The rhythmic guitar and blasting drums give it the classic sound. Kevin’s vocals sometimes have a bit of the Cookie Monster grumblings. The classic hc/punk sound that I remember from the area is the most evident on the songs “Fake� and “Heads Held High� and they are also my two favorite tracks. The almost march quality to the drums and guitar on “Fake� are classic and clean. “Heads Held High� holds a little extra after the music ends so hold out and don’t take the CD out. “Anthem� brings the speed down a notch to a slightly slower grind that has a very thrashy feel. However I suspect this one makes for the best pit on the album.

Over all, a classic hardcore release.

Track list under the jump.

Tesla at La Zona Rosa - more photos... photo by jeff barringer - staff photographer

When I opened my mail from Janie at All Things Possible, I saw something that made me remember a night I wish I didn't. The Station Nightclub Fire in 2003 was a horrible night of never ending news bulletins bouncing between CNN, Fox, MSNBC, etc. I waited patiently waiting to see if Ty Longley was safe or not. I "knew" him somewhat from his time spent as guitarist for Samantha 7. He was a damned funny and nice guy and, unfortunately, he left us too soon. Along with Ty there were many others that lost their lives or were severely injured and many of those still recovering need your help.

Tom Scholz (Boston), Aaron Lewis (Staind ), Tesla, Twisted Sister, Stryper and others, along with host Dee Snider are scheduled to perform Monday, February 25, 2008 at Dunkin Donut Center in Providence, Rhode Island at the Fifth Anniversary Relief Fund Charity Concert.

The charity event marks the fifth anniversary of Station Nightclub tragedy in Rhode Island, the fourth largest nightclub fire in U.S. history. 100 lives were lost, 200 others were seriously injured and 65 children lost one or both parents. Five years later, funds available for the survivors are woefully inadequate. Only 15 survivors of the fire qualified for Social Security benefits, and many are still unable to meet their monthly needs.

The Station Family Fund, founded by survivors, family members and community members affected by the fire and the Wake Up To Love Foundation founded by Tesla drummer Troy Luccketta are event organizers. While one hundred thousand dollars was raised in 2005 from a benefit concert featuring Tesla, Shinedown, Pat Travers and Carmine Appice, those funds are in desperate need of replenishing.

All proceeds from ticket sales and charity auctions benefit the Station Family Fund, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) charitable organization founded by survivors of the Station Nightclub fire. The Station Family Fund is committed to providing survivor relief, including costs of ongoing treatment and rehabilitation.

Additional artists scheduled to perform on February 25 include Carmine Appice's SLAM, Eric Martin, Gary Hoey, Chicago drummer Danny Seraphine. More bands and artists will be announced over the next few weeks.

Organizers would like to acknowledge the incredible generosity of the Dunkin' Donuts Center for graciously donating the venue free of charge for the charity event, as well as East Coast Lighting, WHJY and the many acts who are donating their time in putting together this event.

Tickets went on sale Friday, January 4, 2008 at Ticketmaster.com. Prices range from $41.00 to $61.00.

For further information on the Station Family Fund and their work, please visit their website.