5 HEAVY bands that should play the Super Bowl Half Time Show

When we started Horns Up Rocks a year ago, we started doing some research about which Heavy Music bands (that haven't performed at the Super Bowl) have the caliber to perform at the Super Bowl Halftime Show. As we all know the National Football League, the advertisers, and the television networks, started playing it safe after the Janet Jackson "wardrobe malfunction". We believe that they are playing it too safe, and as a result are booking the same type of acts over and over again. What we find pretty ironic is that they are constantly cranking up Heavy Music at every single NFL football game, but they still insist in booking the same type of artists. Without further due, here are the results of our research.

In no particular order:

\m/ AC/DC: We find it absurd that this legendary band has not been booked to play the Super Bowl Half Time Show yet. This band not only represents over 3 decades of ass kicking music, but they are also one of the best live bands in history. And is there any question that they would get the teams, the crowd, and everyone watching at home up on their feet and dancing! We think not.

Our predicted setlist: "Highway To Hell", "For Those About To Rock", and "You Shook Me All Night Long"



\m/ Black Sabbath: The pioneers of Heavy Music are in the works of making another comeback with their original lineup: Ozzy Osbourne, Tommy Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward. How cool would it be if that comeback would be at the Super Bowl? I think that would be a touchdown for everyone involved, specially for all the Heavy Music Fans.

Our predicted setlist: "Iron Man", "Paranoid", and "Crazy Train"



\m/ Iron Maiden: This a heavy contender to take center stage at the Super Bowl. Not only is their musical history phenomenal, but as well know their live concerts are legendary! And lets not forget that their frontman Bruce Dickinson can get any crowed riled up in seconds!

Our predicted setlist: "Number Of The Beast", "Run To The Hills", and "Hallowed Be Thy Name"



\m/ Metallica: The biggest Heavy Metal band in history, and somehow they have never performed at the Super Bowl Half Time Show. After millions of records sold, after thousands of concerts performed, how would Metallica not be an amazing feature at the Super Bowl? If this would happen, it would be the best performance in Super Bowl history!

Our predicted setlist: "Enter Sandman", "Master Of Puppets", and "For Whom The Bell Tolls"



\m/ Van Halen: This classic band has been rumored many times about performing at the Super Bowl, but it has obviously not happened. We think it would be really cool to have the original lineup perform and revitalize the magic behind Van Halen in front of millions of eye balls!

Our predicted setlist: "Jump", "Panama", and "Running With The Devil"



We know that there are many other bands that would kick ass at the Super Bowl Half Time show, and we encourage you to send us your picks to info@hornsuprocks.com! \m/

Related links:
The 2011 Super Bowl NFL Page
AC/DC
Black Sabbath
Iron Maiden
Metallica
Van Halen

Past, Present, and Future Legends: Life Of Agony & Vision Of Disorder

On January 28th, 2011, after sitting in some grueling Friday afternoon traffic, we arrived at the Starland Ballroom in Slayerville New Jersey around 7 o’clock. Why did we travel for over 2 hours on a cold winter night? Well, we needed to experience round 2 of the Life Of Agony and Vision Of Disorder concert. The two bands had performed together in New York City this past December, and they left everyone hungry for some more musical power.

Performing that night with the two legendary bands was Anaka from New York City, a band that makes it clear from the moment they step on stage that they want to get the crowd riled up. Luckily, we were able to catch their entire set and they proved to us why Life Of Agony asked them to be part of the show. The Pallis brothers are true Metalheads, and together create a unique blend of music.

After Anaka’s set we headed to the backstage area and ran into VOD’s drummer Brendon Cohen who was anxiously waiting for the gig. Then we headed to VOD’s dressing rooms were the rest of the band was. We had always heard that the guys in VOD are very genuine people, and this was definitely confirmed after hanging out with them.

In the midst of all the backstage shenanigans, we ran into Johnny Kelly from Type O Negative and Seventh Void, and Biohazard’s drummer Danny Schuler. Once inside Life Of Agony’s dressing room we got to meet their singer Keith Caputo, who is a very nice guy and who was somewhat nervous about performing.


Once it was show time for VOD, the entire backstage area cleared off, and the venue was finally packed. The band kicked off their set with Choked, which immediately got the crowd moving uncontrollably. Long Island’s Hardcore legends kept the intensity throughout their entire 45 minute set and reminded everyone why they are the best band to ever come from Long Island. The highlight of their performance was when they performed two brand new songs, which were welcomed with arms wide open by all the VOD fans. One of the songs is called “Hard Times” and the other one is known as the “Slow Song”. While both songs blend in elements of the “Green Album” and Imprint, the bands new music has evolved once again. We can’t wait to listen to the new record!

After all the concert attendees grabbed a drink and cleared the sweat from their foreheads, it was time for Life Of Agony. Right before they stepped on stage, we spoke with their singer Keith Caputo backstage and when we asked him if he was nervous, he responded: “I am scared! I am also very anxious, and very excited! This is what I live for.” Needless to say, Life Of Agony got the crowd moving, singing along, and grooving. It’s refreshing to see so many pretty girls at a rock show!

When we saw Life Of Agony in December, we mentioned that we thought they were good, but that Biohazard should have headlined that show. We also felt that the band did not perform at their very best. Well, this time around they proved to us why they are considered legends by millions of fans worldwide!



Special thanks to VOD, Brenna Chase, Alex Dementia & crew, and to Joe LaRusso!

Pictures by Joe LaRusso!

Related links:
Life Of Agony
Vision Of Disorder
Anaka

ASESINO Tourdates!

Asesino (assassin in Spanish) is one of the most extreme Heavy Metal bands today. The chaotic combination of elements of Death Metal and Grindcore within their music can make a persons eardrums bleed profusely. Asesino was formed in 2002 after Dino Cazares (Fear Factory) left Brujeria and decided to create yet another extreme Metal band. Apart from Dino’s shredding guitars, Asesino features Tony Campos from Static X on vocals/bass and Emilio Marquez from Engraved on drums.

Here are the tour dates:



Here are some facts about Asesino:

- The band members use pseudonyms:

Dino Cazares: Asesino
Tony Campos: Maldito X
Emilio Márquez: Sadístico

- Asesino usually performs Slayer covers live, most notably "Angel of Death" and "Raining Blood".

- Similar to Brujeria, the lyrics are all in Spanish and they deal with the same subject matters: death, violence, and perversion.

- Asesino enjoy making satirical comments during the show, and when they perform Brujeria songs, they change the original lyrics to something more fitting.

Here is Asesino's video for their song "Regresando Odio" (Returning Hate)


Related links:

SICK OF IT ALL: Silver Anniversary

When New York Hardcore veterans Sick Of It All stepped into the game in 1986, New York City was a completely different place both socially and culturally. CBGB's was the mecca of the Hardcore and Punk Rock scenes, and the bands associated with the scene were in the rise. During the 90's many bands dissolved, and some fans started to believe that Hardcore and Punk Rock music scene was dead. Sick Of It All took note of this and decided to take matter into their own hands, and they did this wholeheartedly!

After 9 studio albums, thousands of shows, and 25 years of making sure that Hardcore music is respected worldwide. The dudes with the cool dragon logo are celebrating their 25 year anniversary this coming March at New York City's Webster Hall. Here are all the details:

- Date: March 26th, 2011
- Location: 125 East 11th Street, New York, NY 10003-5301
- Lineup: Sick Of It All, Snapcase, Merauder and Razorblade Handgrenade
- Tickets: Available on Friday February 11th


2011 SOUTH AMERICAN TOUR:

3/12: Curitiba, Brazil - John Bull Music Hall - w/h COMEBACK KID
3/13: Sao Paulo, Brazil - Carioca Club - w/h COMEBACK KID
3/15: Rosario, Argentina - Galpon 11 - w/h COMEBACK KID
3/16: Buenos Aires, Argentina - Teatro Colegiales - w/h COMEBACK KID
3/17: Santiago de Chile, Chile - Teatro Novedades - w/h COMEBACK KID
3/18: Lima, Peru - Barranco Bar - w/h COMEBACK KID
3/20: Bogota, Colombia - Teatro Metro Bogota - w/h COMEBACK KID

Here is an EXCLUSIVE interview we did last year with Lou Koller from Sick Of It All at their CD Release show New York City!



Related links:
SICK OF IT ALL on MySpace
SICK OF IT ALL official site
SICK OF IT ALL on Twitter
Webster Hall

March Metal Beatdown Flyer and DETAILS

On Saturday March 5th, Horns Up Rocks and Brutal Bitches Productions are bringing some furious Metal to The Trash Bar in Brooklyn. We have some of the best underground Heavy Metal bands in New York, we also have Kara Pain from Liquid Metal hosting, and Horns Up Rocks founder Jo Schüftan will be blasting some Heaviness in between sets. Here is the OFFICIAL event flyer, along with all the details:



Tickets: $12 (Email events@hornsuprocks.com or the bands for presale tickets)

OFFICIAL FACEBOOK INVITE

Related links:
Horns Up Rocks
Brutal Bitches Productions
Sirius XM Liquid Metal
Slam One Down
The Hixon
RESOLUTION 15
Flames Of Fury
Alekhine's Gun
Fenrismaw
Empyreon

WARNING: Alekhine's Gun is pointing at EVERYONE

Ever since we first had Alekhine's Gun pointed to our heads, we have kept a close watch on this furious New York City band. Hailing from Brooklyn, the band is composed by Jessica Pimentel (voice of steel), Jeff Martinez and Paulie Pisano (shredders), Angel Cotte (skin basher), and Daniel Martinez (groove meister). If music can be used as a weapon, this band is armed to the teeth and extremely dangerous.

It all started in June 2010 when Jeff (A.K.A. Sheprock) approached Jessica (A.K.A. The Crusher) with some tracks he had written. The Crusher loved the effects the music had on her eardrums and she immediately started jotting down some lyrics. Next thing you know she allowed the dragon that lives inside of her mouth to come out and play, and the Alekhine’s Gun terror plot was in full effect.

From that moment on their game plan has been to create something extreme that scares the neighbors, and grabs Metaleros by their throats! Their crushing music blends various elements of Heavy Metal and Hardcore in a chaotic yet beautiful way (as long as you see beauty through disorder).

After seeing them perform live, and listening to their music over and over again, there is no doubt in our mind that as long as Alekhine’s Gun remains focused on their furious craft, they have the right artillery to take the world hostage!

If you haven’t heard Alekhine’s Gun yet, you need to do your ears and neck a favor, and listen to them now! And if you want to check them out live, come to the 2011 March Metal Beatdown on Saturday March 5th at The Trash Bar! \m/

Here is an interview we conducted with "The Crusher" last year on Halloween!



Related links:
ALEKHINE'S GUN on MySpace
ALEKHINE'S GUN on Reverbnation

MAYHEM FEST 2011 LINEUP!

The lineup for the 2011 Mayhem Fest was announced yesterday on Sirius XM Liquid Metal, and after analyzing the lineup carefully, its safe to assume that the festival will be killer this summer! However, once the lineup was announced, many Metalheads were asking: "Why aren't Megadeth and Machine Head co-headlining the event?" Our opinion is that while Disturbed and Godsmack are very good bands and have had very successful careers, Megadeth and Machine Head are Heavy Metal legends and they are both very relevant today.

In 2010 Megadeth was part of "The Big Four Tour" and of the "Jagermeister Music Tour", which were considered two of the best tours of the year. On the other hand, Machine Head's latest album "The Blackening", is one of the best Heavy Metal albums of the last 10 years. Alright, now that we have that on the table for you to ponder on, here is the 2011 Mayhem Fest lineup:

MAIN STAGE:

- Disturbed


- Godsmack


- Megadeth


- Machine Head


- In Flames


- Trivium


EXTREME STAGE:

- Suicide Silence
- All Shall Perish
- Straight Line Stitch

JAGERMEISTER STAGE:

- Unearth
- Kingdom Of Sorrow
- Red Fang

OFFICIAL Promo video:



Related links:
Official Site of Mayhem Festival

NEW Amon Amarth Song - War OF The Gods

Amon Amarth is one of the most complete Heavy Metal bands today, they also define Swedish Metal: uncompromised, furious, clinch fisting, original Heavy Metal! Their upcoming album titled "Surtur Rising" is one of the most anticipated albums of 2011. This is why:



- Release dates:

EUROPE - March 25, 2011
USA - March 29, 2011

- Track listing:

1: War of the Gods
2: Töck's Taunt - Loke's Treachery Part II
3: Destroyer of the Universe
4: Slaves of Fear
5: Live Without Regrets
6: The Last Stand of Frej
7: For Victory or Death
8: Wrath of the Norsemen
9: A Beast Am I
10: Doom Over Dead Man

Related links:
Surtur Rising Landing Page
Amon Amarth's Official Site
Amon Amarth on MySpace
Amon Amarth on Facebook
Amon Amarth on Twitter

IMPRINTED by Jo Schüftan (Founder of Horns Up Rocks)

A Metallic invitation to the Horns Up Rocks 1 Year Anniversary!

Horns throwers, Horns Up Rocks wants to invite you to our 1 year anniversary fiesta! The event will take place on Saturday February 11th at Duff's Brooklyn, the Heavy Metal Mecca! Joining us will be party band Slam One Down! Additionally, our founder Jo Schüftan will be hosting, and unveiling the brand new Horns Up Rocks t-shirts. As always the famous Duff's Metal Jukebox will be packed with tons of Metal, and the bar will be stocked up with every drink that rocks!

Here are all the details:

When? Saturday, February 12 2011 at 8:00pm!
Where? Duff's Alcohol Abuse Center, 168 Marcy Avenue Brooklyn, NY(JMZ Trains to Marcy Ave)

Come throw your Horns Up and Rock with us all night long! And as always, thanks so much for raising the Horns way UP! \m/



More information at:
OFFICIAL FACEBOOK INVITE
Horns Up Rocks
DUFF'S BROOKLYN
SLAM ONE DOWN

IMPRINTED by Jo Schüftan (Founder of Horns Up Rocks)