Showing posts with label Black Sabbath. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Black Sabbath. Show all posts

8/29/2016

Concert Review: Black Sabbath At The Mohegan Sun Arena Connecticut


Aug 27, 2016

I thought I would never have the opportunity to see Black Sabbath live and it was likely they would never get back together to record again. Well I was wrong as both events happened and I can now check off another bucket list group. The improbable happened once again. What a great show I witnessed last evening at the Mohegan Sun. It is quite a facility and walking through the casino was very entertaining. It is like a little city contained in one building. It is very impressive.

I was very familiar with the opening band Rival Sons.  I have most of their music and they have amassed quite an impressive catalog I must say. Their most recent release is Hollow Bones which is excellent and it has some amazing artwork on the cover.

I find their music an energetic and moving type of blues rock and on some their tracks they sound like they stepped out of the 60s. They are different and original and that is what attracted me to their sound right from the start.


The lead vocalist is Jay Buchannan and good lord does the man have a set of pipes. I would recommend checking out all of their music and make sure you get to the Sabbath show early enough to catch them live. A lot of the crowd showed up when Sabbath came on and I had though the house would have been packed right from the start but it took a while.

Rival Sons Set List:
Electric Man
Secret
Pressure and Time
Tied Up
Torture
Fade Out
Open My Eyes
Keep On Swinging

After a break Black Sabbath came on stage. The huge white sheet with Black Sabbath emblazoned across it that was covering them dropped and then we were off! 

Most appropriately they opened up with “Black Sabbath.” Ozzy sounded pretty good and the band was very tight. I felt a chill come over me with the realization I was living out another lifetime dream.

Tommy Clufetos and keyboardist Adam Wakeman were the additional members backing original members Ozzy Osbourne (vocals), Geezer Bulter (bass) and Tony Iommi (guitar). 

Wakeman was in a little tent off to the side of the stage and Clufetos was very prominently displaying his talents all night long including a phenomenal drum solo after the instrumental “Rat Salad” (Paranoid album).

Ozzy was a hit or miss all night with his vocals. It seemed some songs were spot on and others he was a bit off. “Snowblind” (Volume 4 album) was amazing. And “War Pigs” was great as well as the entire capacity crowd joined in. Ozzy was very animated and mobile, always urging the crowd to clap their hands and get into the flow of the music. “Hand of Doom” was also excellent. I was surprised that there was no coverage from their album 13 at all. That didn’t seem to bother the audience at all though, they loved every minute of what they were getting and so did I. I have to give the nod to the special effects backdrop as well it was very colorful and entertaining with a lot of close up shots of the band members, especially Geezer’s rapidly moving fingers on his bass!

During “Dirty Women” (Technical Ecstasy Album) the sound crew turned up Tony’s guitar so loud Ozzy could not hear himself singing and we could not even hear the drummer. I can see putting the spotlight on the lead guitar man but not at the expense of the rest of the band. That was the latter half of the show but very noticeable. Ozzy was relaying hand signals to let them know as well.

I picked up a tour shirt and special CD release that is only available at the concert with eight previously unreleased tracks. Four of the tracks never made it on to the last studio album and the other four are live recordings. I thought it was a bit pricey at $30, I think $20 would have been more reasonable but I got it anyway, it was a one shot deal and I would have regretted not getting it. I am all for supporting touring bands as it is more difficult to sell music in this day and age.

I am happy Tony Iommi is in remission of his cancer and he is here to bring the Black Sabbath legendary sound to life on stage for us. They ARE the godfathers of heavy metal without question and everyone else comes in second.

This is a great show that should not be missed! Once it’s over it really is The End for Black Sabbath, or so they say….

Black Sabbath Set List:
Fairies Wear Boots
After Forever
Into the Void
Snowblind
War Pigs
Behind the Wall of Sleep (with "Wasp" intro)
N.I.B. (with "Basically" intro)
Hand of Doom
Rat Salad
Iron Man
Dirty Women
Children of the Grave (with "Embryo" intro)
Encore:
Paranoid

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

5/04/2016

When Punk Meets Prog Metal – The Last Ditches Feat. The Heartbreakers Walter Lure & Black Sabbath/Rainbow's Bobby Rondinelli


NYC - Could there be two more disparate musical genres than Punk and Prog Metal? And… Could those oil and water categories ever mix? The answer… The Last Ditches…A respected Prog Metal rhythm section meets 'Real Deal' CBGB/Max's Kansas City guitars and singing.

The Last Ditches sprang into being thanks to the animal cunning and persistence of Funk Metal bassist extraordinaire and studio owner, Randy Pratt. See, Randy had a deep conviction that he, along with actual no-kidding punk legend, New York's Heartbreakers' Walter Lure, The Planets' long time guitarist, Binky Philips, and another genuine music icon, Rainbow and Black Sabbath's Master Prog Metal drummer, Bobby Rondinelli, would make an amazing sound together; a blending of two rock styles that usually want nothing to do with each other…It took over four years to prove his point, but, Randy was oh, so right.

For those who need a remedial, Walter Lure was “the other guitarist” in Johnny Thunders' Heartbreakers, rightly considered one of the Top Five All Time Great Punk bands. While the toxically charismatic Johnny took up most of the spotlight, Walter's guitar playing made up the bulk of the band's incredible music, as did Walter's songwriting. To wrap Walter's justified legend up in one neat sentence… “Walter Lure also played un-credited guitar on four albums by The Ramones”.

Ask any serious drummer playing arena-recording level drums and they will all not only know who Bobby Rondinelli is, chances are, they own some of his world famous instructional DVDs. World Famous is not glib here. Mr. Rondinelli travels the globe giving sold out drumming seminars in Tokyo, London, Scandinavia, Moscow… In addition to Bobby being a member of Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow for their albums “Difficult to Cure” (1981), “Straight Between the Eyes” (1982) and “Finyl Vinyl” (1986), Bobby recorded and toured with Black Sabbath on and for the “Cross Purposes” album and two albums and one DVD with Blue Oyster Cult, easily three of the all time most influential Metal bands. Mr. Rondinelli's other recordings number in the literal hundreds.

Binky and Randy are decades-long veterans of the New York City Music Scene. Randy played with the likes of The Funky Knights and is currently the harpist in the reconstituted Cactus, yes, that Cactus, and the internationally acclaimed funk-metal band, The Lizards. Meanwhile, Binky, who, back in the day, shared NYC stages with The New York Dolls, KISS, The Ramones, Blondie, et al, has stuck to his Planets guns all this time while writing a weekly column for Huffington Post. Tommy Ramone even called Binky “a virtuoso”.

Every aspect of The Last Ditches' music (Walter Lure came up with the name), are extraordinarily successful examples of kitsch painter, Bob Ross's Happy Accident approach to art. All thirteen songs on “Spilt Milk” were learned on the spot in the studio and recorded the moment “the ducks lined up”. Adding to the immediacy of the basic tracks, in every case, all the many guitar overdubs were cut with nothing worked out in advance, ever. What Walter and Binky achieved was almost entirely by instinct, attitude, and a strong musical empathy. This is music for Guitar Freaks. Bobby and Randy laid down over-the-top granite-hard fist-tight foundations for Walter and Binky's careening guitars and voices. The band's dear pal, Paul Gifford, added gorgeous harmony vocals.

Eight of the thirteen songs recorded were written by Walter and Binky and Randy, expressly for the “Spilt Milk” album. The remaining five cuts are from untapped back catalog.

It is The Last Ditches' great good fortune (and yours) that this project was headed up by the dazzling Master Engineer, JZ Barrell (who shares Producer credit with Binky) behind the recording console. The band's magic might have been accidental, JZ's was emphatically not. The truth is, everything took so damn long and at times seemed to be happening in a vacuum, that The Last Ditches themselves had no idea they had recorded such an utterly visceral and exciting rock and roll album until JZ finished it.

Okay, it's time for you (and your neighbors) to enjoy this music.

The Last Ditches “Spilt Milk” will be released on Hyperspace / Rocker Records: https://www.facebook.com/Hyperspace-Records-158124194256116/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

10/30/2015

Thula Borah EP Review


Scottish rock outfit Thula Borah have recently released their stunning EP ‘Hope For Disappointment’ featuring lead single ‘Bone Ships’. The band is named after an Indian recluse who went to his bedroom to study for exams in 1962 and has not emerged since.
The band mix classic rock influences such as Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and Motor Head with newer bands such as Biffy Clyro and Frightened Rabbit.
Lead single ‘Bone Ships’ form the EP is the perfect amalgamation of everything Thula Borah come to represent. The combination of an expansive rhythm section juxtaposed with intricate guitar work and strong vocals, Thula Borah are on to a winning formula.
New EP ‘Hope For Disappointment’ featuring lead track ‘Bone Ships’ is out now
Thula Borah are playing the following shows:

30th of October – Cellar 35, Aberdeen

6th of November – The Windsor, Kirkcaldy

Check Thula Borah out here:


8/25/2015

Classic Rock Legends The Lizards Feat. Black Sabbath, Rainbow, Cactus & Riot Members Release New CD!


Special Guest Appearances By Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), Frank Marino (Mahogany Rush) and Vinnie Moore (UFO)!

NYC - The long awaited new album from Classic Rock legends The Lizards, featuring members of Black Sabbath, Rainbow, Cactus and Riot, will be released in September 2015 on Hyperspace Records in partnership with drumming legend Carmine Appice’s Rocker Records. Titled “Reptilicus Maximus”, the band's 7th album features guest appearances by Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), Frank Marino (Mahogany Rush) and Vinnie Moore (UFO)! Once again the breathtaking cover artwork was created by longtime Lizards artist Rick Klemann.

“These hard rockin' Lizards have slithered their way to the top of the new 'original' classic rock heap. Like their alien counterparts they are simply out of this world!” - Nightwatcher's Rock Blog

The Lizards are drummer Bobby Rondinelli (Rainbow/Black Sabbath/BOC), vocalist/keyboardist Mike DiMeo (Riot/Masterplan), bassist Randy Pratt (who also plays harp with Cactus) and guitarist Patrick Klein (who recorded and mixed the album), and have released seven critically acclaimed albums and three live DVDs in the past 13 years. The band's 2006 release “Against All Odds”, and their covers album from 2009 “Archeology”, garnered rave reviews from fans and music press alike worldwide, catapulting The Lizards into legendary status!

“Loved hearing The Lizards when they opened for UFO. Cool riffs, grooves and musicality with Mike DiMeo's killer vocals on top. Awesome new record and I am glad to be a part of it.” - Vinnie Moore, UFO

Says bassist and band leader Randy Pratt, “On our 7th CD, 'Reptilicus Maximus', we brought in a few of our touring buddies. David Lanik, of 'Sharks' kicks ass on 'Ton on the One', the opening track on the CD. Frank Marino, of Mahogany Rush, was the headliner on our first tour and dazzles on 'Evil Eyes', the second track. Vinnie Moore and UFO were the headliners on our LAST tour (so far). Vinnie shreds beautifully on 'Crash', a song I wrote the lyrics to in the hospital after my brutal car crash that sidelined us for awhile. We did a 2 month tour with Glenn Hughes and he came to New York to record 4 songs on our 6th CD, 'Against All Odds'. 'Miracle Man' is a song that he wrote specifically for The Lizards, and I believe we slay it. He and Mike DiMeo do another one of their over the top duets on the closing number on the record. We added Scott 'The Doctor' Treibitz on keys for this CD, adding some new textures, from dark and brooding synths and majestic pipe organ to honky tonk piano and funky hammond organ.”

“Having toured with The Lizards and getting to know the band personally, I was delighted when Randy asked me to play on a track with them.  And even if I hadn't gotten to know what a great bunch of guys they are, I still would have accepted the invitation gladly, because I just loved the track and the music they make.  With me it's always been about heart, and these cats bring it... straight from the heart. ”
Frank Marino - Mahogany Rush

Says Randy, “The music runs from progressive rock to swampy blues, lyrics ranging from the sacred to the profane…all in the name of ROCK. Bobby Rondinelli told us that we got some of the best playing of his career on this record. Since he played with Rainbow, Black Sabbath and Blue Oyster Cult, you can believe the drums are world class throughout!”

“I consider it a crime not to check out these hot sounding reptiles!” - Metalliville, UK

For more information:
www.lizardswebsite.com

Press Inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Classic Rock Legends The Lizards Feat. Black Sabbath, Rainbow, Cactus & Riot Members Release New CD!


Special Guest Appearances By Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), Frank Marino (Mahogany Rush) and Vinnie Moore (UFO)!

NYC - The long awaited new album from Classic Rock legends The Lizards, featuring members of Black Sabbath, Rainbow, Cactus and Riot, will be released in September 2015 on Hyperspace Records in partnership with drumming legend Carmine Appice’s Rocker Records. Titled “Reptilicus Maximus”, the band's 7th album features guest appearances by Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), Frank Marino (Mahogany Rush) and Vinnie Moore (UFO)! Once again the breathtaking cover artwork was created by longtime Lizards artist Rick Klemann.

“These hard rockin' Lizards have slithered their way to the top of the new 'original' classic rock heap. Like their alien counterparts they are simply out of this world!” - Nightwatcher's Rock Blog

The Lizards are drummer Bobby Rondinelli (Rainbow/Black Sabbath/BOC), vocalist/keyboardist Mike DiMeo (Riot/Masterplan), bassist Randy Pratt (who also plays harp with Cactus) and guitarist Patrick Klein (who recorded and mixed the album), and have released seven critically acclaimed albums and three live DVDs in the past 13 years. The band's 2006 release “Against All Odds”, and their covers album from 2009 “Archeology”, garnered rave reviews from fans and music press alike worldwide, catapulting The Lizards into legendary status!

“Loved hearing The Lizards when they opened for UFO. Cool riffs, grooves and musicality with Mike DiMeo's killer vocals on top. Awesome new record and I am glad to be a part of it.” - Vinnie Moore, UFO

Says bassist and band leader Randy Pratt, “On our 7th CD, 'Reptilicus Maximus', we brought in a few of our touring buddies. David Lanik, of 'Sharks' kicks ass on 'Ton on the One', the opening track on the CD. Frank Marino, of Mahogany Rush, was the headliner on our first tour and dazzles on 'Evil Eyes', the second track. Vinnie Moore and UFO were the headliners on our LAST tour (so far). Vinnie shreds beautifully on 'Crash', a song I wrote the lyrics to in the hospital after my brutal car crash that sidelined us for awhile. We did a 2 month tour with Glenn Hughes and he came to New York to record 4 songs on our 6th CD, 'Against All Odds'. 'Miracle Man' is a song that he wrote specifically for The Lizards, and I believe we slay it. He and Mike DiMeo do another one of their over the top duets on the closing number on the record. We added Scott 'The Doctor' Treibitz on keys for this CD, adding some new textures, from dark and brooding synths and majestic pipe organ to honky tonk piano and funky hammond organ.”

“Having toured with The Lizards and getting to know the band personally, I was delighted when Randy asked me to play on a track with them.  And even if I hadn't gotten to know what a great bunch of guys they are, I still would have accepted the invitation gladly, because I just loved the track and the music they make.  With me it's always been about heart, and these cats bring it... straight from the heart. ”
Frank Marino - Mahogany Rush

Says Randy, “The music runs from progressive rock to swampy blues, lyrics ranging from the sacred to the profane…all in the name of ROCK. Bobby Rondinelli told us that we got some of the best playing of his career on this record. Since he played with Rainbow, Black Sabbath and Blue Oyster Cult, you can believe the drums are world class throughout!”

“I consider it a crime not to check out these hot sounding reptiles!” - Metalliville, UK

For more information:
www.lizardswebsite.com

Press Inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com

9/15/2014

Black Sabbath - "God is Dead?" Cover

When I first heard this song last year, I couldn't contain my excitement. Black Sabbath ended their Ozzy-era discography with the rather dissapointing Never Say Die!, but this song provided hope for a fitting end to Black Sabbath's catalog over 30 years later.