NYC: Capital of Underground Music

On Wednesday February 24th I headed to Santos Party House in the Chinatown section of Manhattan, for a lethal dose of Heavy Metal and Hard Core. What I expected to be a mellow night, turned into a night which proofed to me why I decided to start Horns Up Rocks! It's not just about the music, it's about people from different cultures coming together, indulging ourselves into some Heavy Music while having a good time and throwing the Horns Up.

When I got there at 7:30, there where already some hungry fans waiting for the live music to begin. The first part of the night featured 3 bands: The Judas Syndrome from NYC, Circle of Contempt from Finland and Your Demise from the UK.

The Judas Syndrome kicked off the night with a brutal display of well polished Trash Metal, combined with elements of NY Hard Core. Horns Up Rocks caught up with their singer Phil Vibez after their phenomenal set. He told us that they just finished recording their debut album, which will be released sometime in May (Full interview will be posted soon).

The Circle of Contempt where not as lethal as I thought they would be, but they still put on a pretty good show. Finishing the first part of the night was Your Demise, they played a very intimate set with all their members jamming out right on the dance floor. We had a chance to catch up with Jose Mangin from Sirius XM's Liquid Metal and he told us that he showed up just to catch Your Demise on stage, which he had interviewed On Air the previous day on Liquid Metal. Needless to say, Your Demise is a band to watch.

Part 1 of the night was a complete success, with over 50 people rocking out even though the show took place on a Wednesday night at 8:30. As Phil Vibez from The Judas Syndrome said: "It doesn't really matter what time it is, not in Metal!"

Read more, here is Part 2 of the night.

Here are some related links:

www.myspace.com/thejudassyndrome
www.myspace.com/circleofcontempt
www.myspace.com/yourdemise
www.sirius.com/liquidmetal
www.santospartyhouse.com

By:JoSchuftan (www.twitter.com/joschuftan)

PANTERA: 10 Years of Domination (Greatest Hits)

Pantera where without a shade of doubt, the Kings of Heavy Metal. Throughout their career their mission was to dominate the world through uncompromised, original and heavy loud bad ass music. They raised the bar real high for other bands to attempt to cross. I don't think there will ever be a band that has the soul, the integrity and the attitude that Pantera had. What Phil Anselmo, Dimebag Darrell, Rex Brown and Vinny Paul did, is untouchable. And thanks to them, Heavy music is as big and important as it is today. There is not one band within the Heavy music world that wasn't influenced by the rabid Pantera.

This week it was announced that Pantera will be releasing a new "Greatest Hits" record. This is obviously exciting for all Metaleros worldwide, the only problem for many fans is that the record will only be released through WalMart. As we know WalMart is seen by many as the most evil company in the world, due to their exploitation schemes. Since they only sell "un-explicit" content, only "clean" tracks where chosen for this release. Many fans are angry, which is understandable, because they don't want the same thing that happened to AC/DC, to happen to Pantera. AC/DC's music and merchandise where exploited thanks to WalMart.

On the other hand, I do believe that in order to keep the scene going strong it's necessary to keep expanding the horizons of the various genres within Heavy music. Also, the artists have to be able to provide for themselves and their loved ones. Additionaly, "10 Years of Domination" contains all the Pantera classics. Pantera as usual, did not compromise the quality of the record. If you are a true fan you will buy the record regardless of who or where they are selling it.

Honestly, the only way fans will be happy is if Pantera releases the box set that they have been talking about for so long. Only then will the fans get what they are starving for.

Here is the track list:

1) Cowboys From Hell
2) Psycho Holiday
3) Cemetery Gates
4) Mouth For War
5) Walk
6) This Love
7) 5 Minutes Alone
8) I'm Broken
9) Drag the Waters
10) Revolution is my Name

By:JoSchuftan (www.twitter.com/joschuftan)

PANTERA: Reinvented by Metal Hammer

This past December 8th marked 5 years since the legendary Pantera guitarist: Dimebag Darrell Abott, was shot and killed at the "Alrosa Village" in Columbus Ohio. During those 5 years his legacy has been celebrated by fans worldwide and has influenced thousands of musicians. I mean, even Madonna played the intro to a "New Level" during a performance last year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Yes, Madonna!



Dimebag wrote some of the most technical, balls out guitar riffs and solos during his outstanding career. Together with the other Pantera members, he reinvented Heavy Metal music. In order to commemorate his life many media outlets worldwide put together celebratory content for fans to be reminded, that Dimebag lives forever through his musical arsenal!

Metal Hammer magazine decided to create a cover story with Pantera's lead singer and front-man Phil Anselmo, in honor of Dimebag and their 200th issue. Anselmo told various stories about Dimebag and how Pantera was able to break all barriers thanks to Dimebag's leading philosophy of hard work and dedication. "He could turn shit into gold", Anselmo said during the interview. Anselmo who now is in Down, was definitely melancholic when talking about Dime's death and the demise of Pantera. He clearly says that nothing he has done outside of Pantera will ever be as good as Pantera. I don't think anyone can question that.

Additionally, Metal Hammer put together a covers album. While I know Pantera might be the hardest band to cover, I feel that overall the bands did a phenomenal job. My only complain is that a few songs did not do justice to what Pantera's music and power represents. However, it still is a great way to pay respect to a great artist and to give new artists a chance to get exposed to thousands of fans.

CATCH THE DIMEBAG DARRELL tribute this Wednesday March 3rd, for a showcase of all this covers and more! Only on Sirius XM's Liquid Metal!

www.sirius.com/liquidmetal

Here is the track listing, along with the Horns Up rating:

1) SUICIDE NOTE, PT. 1 (ZAKK WYLDE): 7 Horns
2) FUCKING HOSTILE (MACHINE HEAD): 8 Horns
3) I’M BROKEN (MALEFICE): 10 Horns
4) WALK (AVENGED SEVENFOLD): 7 Horns
5) CEMETERY GATES (EVILE): 5 Horns
6) A NEW LEVEL (FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH): 6 Horns
7) MOUTH FOR WAR (BIOHAZARD): 7 Horns
8) STRENGTH BEYOND STRENGTH (SYLOSIS): 7 Horns
9) SLAUGHTERED (CHIMAIRA):8 Horns
10)SANDBLASTED SKIN (UNEARTH):8 Horns
11)BECOMING (THROWDOWN): 7 Horns
12)THIS LOVE (KIUAS): 2 Horns
13)RISE (THIS IS HELL): 7 Horns

By:JoSchuftan (www.twitter.com/joschuftan)

I Am Ozzy

On a cold winter day, as I am rushing down the escalators at Grand Central Station, on my way to work. I notice that Ozzy Osbourne is on the cover of the "Metro" newspaper. I didn't think twice about grabbing it. Then I realize that Ozzy was having a book signing session at the Border's next to my office that same night! I get in touch with a few friends, but they can't make it. Towards the end of the day, my friend says that he will also be there! Around 7 pm, we meet at the Time Warner Center and proceeded to stand in line for almost 2 hours. Let me tell you that the only person I would stand in a line for is Ozzy. I mean, he is Ozzy fucking Osbourne! And now I have a signed copy of his amazing book, that I will surely give to my 9 year old kid when she is A LOT older!

Here are some thoughts about why everyone should read "I Am Ozzy":

Ozzy Osbourne might be the most misunderstood rock n' roller there is. While many see him as the Prince of Darkness. The reality is that Ozzy is a humble, down to earth sweet guy. Has he mellowed with age? Maybe. Has he matured after so many years of clowning around? Perhaps. Has Ozzy created a legacy for himself, his family, his band members and his fans? Absolutely.

If you have any doubt that Ozzy is the most honest rock star alive. You are in the wrong. With the release of his autobiography on January 25th, Ozzy opens up to his fans like he never has before. He discusses his childhood, the birth and demise of Black Sabbath, his solo career, his family, his troubled years of addiction, his triumphs, his defeats and yes The Osbournes.

While reading the book, I found myself putting the book down and laughing hysterically at Ozzy's tales. I also decided to truly enjoy the book and not rush through it, I also didn't want to finish the book. That is how good the book is, it keeps you hooked and very entertained, page after page.

Will Ozzy become a successful co-author (the book was written by Chris Ayres), just like he became a successful rocker, a successful entrepreneur and a successful TV personality? Maybe.

What really matters is that Ozzy has stories that are worth for anybody to read. Some of you may think that a book having to do with Ozzy must be a complete disaster. Again, you probably misunderstand what Ozzy is all about. It doesn't get any more real than Ozzy. "I Am Ozzy" a truly inspiring autobiography, by a man who has shaped up Hard Rock forever!

What's next for Ozzy? A brand new album that should be released sometime in June that is suppose to be a heavy ensemble! For more information visit: www.ozzy.com

Here is a crappy (who cares? It's Ozzy!) cellphone picture of the "Prince of Darkness":

Have you seen this fantastic Ozzy video?

Ozzy Osbourne - I Don't Wanna Stop
Music Videos at www.roxwel.com

By:JoSchuftan (www.twitter.com/joschuftan)

Fear Factory: 2010 the year of Fear

2010 marks the return of the kings of industrial Heavy Metal: Fear Factory. Even though Fear Factory has been an active band during the last few years, once guitarist Dino Cazares left the band in 2002 due to indifference's with vocalist Burton C. Bell, the Factory was missing its riffmanufacturer and the fans knew that something was not right.

At the time when Cazares left the band, it was uncertain if Fear Factory would continue its legacy. After a short hiatus Burton C. Bell decided to continue Fear Factory with drummer Raymond Herrera and bassist Christian Olde Wolbers, who took over guitar duties. As a result, Fear Factory hired Byron Stroud (formerly from Strapping Young Lad) as bassist.

Fast forward to April 2009 when Burton C. Bell and Dino Cazares rejoined forces and decided to work on a new Fear Factory album. Bell decided to fire Herrera and Olde Wolbers because of personal differences. Fans where shocked at first, but once Bell hired master skins man Gene Hoglan, the excitement for the new Fear Factory took over the Heavy Metal community.

Released on February 9th of this year, Mechanized is a hard hitting extremely powerful album. As Bell mentioned during his interview on Sirius XM's Liquid Metal with Jose Mangin, "it's definitely Fear Factory at its finest, and as Dino coined the term: its the future of a classic."

I personally haven't stopped listening to Mechanized and what I like the most is it's fresh heaviness. The entire album takes you into an uncertain destination, the Fear Factory destination. Ladies and gentleman prepare for mechanization with Fear Factory 2010!

Here is the "Mechanize" track list:
01. Mechanize
02. Industrial Discipline
03. Fear Campaign
04. Powershifter
05. Christploitation
06. Oxidizer
07. Controlled Demolition
08. Designing The Enemy
09. Metallic Division
10. Final Exit

Catch Fear Factory on the "Fear Campaign" tour:



North America:
FEAR FACTORY with Prong, Silent Civilian, Thy Will Be Done
5/21 – Club Sound @ In the Venue, Salt Lake City UT
5/22 – Marquis Theatre, Denver CO
5/24 – Pop’s, Sauget IL
5/26 – The Machine Shop, Flint MI
5/27 – The Intersection, Grand Rapids MI
5/28 – Headliner’s Music Hall, Louisville KY
5/29 – The Rave, Milwaukee WI (live webcast!)
5/30 – Al Rosa Villa, Columbus OH (in store: Magnolia Thunderpussy, address below)
6/01 – The Norva, Norfolk VA
6/02 – Jesters’ Pub, Fayetteville NC
6/03 – Jaxx, W. Springfield VA
6/04 – The Palladium, Worcester MA
6/05 – Webster Theater, Hartford CT
6/06 – Trocadero, Philadelphia (in store: Digital Ferret, address below)

FEAR FACTORY with All That Remains, Silent Civilian, Thy Will Be Done
6/08 – Higher Ground, S. Burlington VT
6/09 – Port City Music Hall, Portland ME
6/10 – Starland Ballroom, Sayreville NJ (in store: Vintage Vinyl, address below)
6/11 – Northern Lights, Clifton Park NY
6/12 – The Town Ballroom, Buffalo NY

FEAR FACTORY with Silent Civilian, Thy Will Be Done
6/15 – Mr. Small’s Theatre, Millvale PA

FEAR FACTORY with 36 Crazyfists, After the Burial, Divine Heresy, Baptized in Blood
7/07 – House of Blues, W. Hollywood CA
7/09 – Roseland Theatre, Portland OR
7/10 – Studio Seven, Seattle WA
7/11 – Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver BC
7/13 – Flames Central, Calgary AB
7/14 – The Starlite Room, Edmonton AB
7/15 – Riddell Centre, Regina SK
7/16 – The Garrick Centre, Winnipeg MB
7/17 – The Rock, Maplewood MN
7/19 – People’s Court, Des Moines IA
7/20 – Metro, Chicago IL
7/21 – Harpo’s, Detroit MI
7/23 – Opera House, Toronto ON
7/24 – Parterre Parc Jean Drapeau/Heavy MTL Festival (no tour package)
7/25 – Fillmore NY @ Irving Plaza, New York NY
7/26 – Recher Theatre, Towson MD
7/27 – Crocodile Rock, Allentown PA

Europe:
Jun 18 2010 HELLFEST - France, FR
Jun 19 2010 Festival - Koupit, CZECH REPUBLIC
Jun 20 2010 ROCKHAUL - Luxembourg, LU
Jun 22 2010 LAUSANNE LES DOCKS - Switzerland, CH
Jun 23 2010 WINTERTHUR SALSZHAUS - Switzerland, CH
Jun 24 2010 WEIN SZENE - Austria, AT
Jun 25 2010 GOD’S OF METAL - Italy, IT
Jun 26 2010 GRASSPOP - Belgium, BE
Jun 28 2010 GAV CLUB - St. Petersburg, Russia, RU
Jun 29 2010 B1 MAXIMUM - Moscow, Russia, RU
Jul 2 2010 WITH FULL FORCE - Germany, DE
Jul 3 2010 FORTA ROCK - Holland, NL
Jul 4 2010 DEVILSIDE FESTIVAL - Germany, DE
Jul 31 2010 SONISPHERE - United Kingdom
Aug 2 2010 ACADEMY - Dublin,Ireland
Aug 3 2010 SPRING AND AIRBRAKE - Belfast, Northern Ireland
Aug 4 2010 CORPORATION - Sheffield, United Kingdom
Aug 7 2010 WACKEN - Germany
Aug 8 2010 SUMMER THEATRE OPEN AIR - Borgaus City, BULGARIA
Aug 9 2010 WARSZAWA PROGRESJA - Poland
Aug 10 2010 KRAKOW LOCH NESS - Poland
Aug 12 2010 BRUTAL ASSAULT - Czech Republic
Aug 14 2010 BLOODSTOCK - United Kingdom
Aug 15 2010 SZIGET FESTIVAL - ÓBUDAI ISLAND, HUNGARY

For the latest on Fear Factory, follow them on twitter: www.twitter.com/Fear_Factory

HAVE YOU SEEN FEAR FACTORY'S LATEST VIDEO?

Fear Factory - Fear Campaign

By:JoSchuftan (www.twitter.com/joschuftan)