International Guitar Month: VINNIE MOORE

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I was in high school the first time I heard Vinnie Moore’sMind’s Eye” and was immediately hooked; heart and soul. At the time I was playing bass in a local Thrash band but always loved all of the, then emerging, Neo-Classical guitarwork by other greats like Yngwie Malsteen, Jason Becker, Marty Friedman, Richie Blackmore, Tony MacAlpine and many others. Vinnie’s guitar playing struck me immediately and straight to my soul. I cannot quite place my finger on what made his music resonate so deeply but I still cannot shake his magical playing to this day. Blazing speed? Silky smooth “feel”? Perfect melodies? Emotional connection? All of these? Something else? I just don’t know. Regardless, I have probably listened to “Mind’s Eye” and “Time Odyssey” (this is actually where my pen name originated) literally thousands of times. They simply never get old and just feel like home to me. In my humble opinion, he defines “The Perfect Guitarist”. Continue reading

KISS Announce 36 Date “FREEDOM TO ROCK” Tour

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KISS has announced the details of its 2016 summer American “Freedom To Rock” tour. The trek will kick off on July 7 in Boise, Idaho and will travel the country throughout July and August and will close September 10 in Huntington, West Virginia. Tickets will go on sale beginning Friday, April 15 for all concert dates. (The Grand Rapids, Michigan and Youngstown, Ohio shows go on sale Monday, April 18). A KISS Army fan club exclusive presale will begin April 12.
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State of the Art: Source

*This is part of our State Of The Art series, showcasing bands every Monday from the featured State*

This month’s State is Colorado!

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Starting this month’s State of the Art: Colorado off with one hydrogen bomb of a bang: Source. Right out of the gate, this triumvirate of fine musicians from Boulder confound with dazzling, atmospheric and technical Progressive Metal in the vein of other notably uncharacteristic Metal bands like Opeth, Tool and Porcupine Tree. So good, in fact, producer Scott Wilson described them as a supergroup shortly after meeting with them in the studio even though Source was formed only three years ago.

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Sean “The Hell Destroyer” Peck Sounds Off!

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Metal Nexus Interview:

Sean “The Hell Destroyer” Peck

CAGE: Ancient Evil (2015)

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Death Dealer: Hallowed Ground (2015)

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Denner / Shermann: Satan’s Tomb (2015)

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The Interview:

Hello Sean! I know you are extremely busy and really appreciate you taking the time to interview with me. It is a real privilege for me to get to speak with such a uniquely talented artist! I really dig everything that you have done over your many years in the music business!

I would also like to thank you for all do to share yourself through your music. I know it takes much more effort, time, blood, sweat, tears and financial resources to do what you continue to do than most appreciate. As a fan, I sincerely appreciate it!

Odyssey: I see that you have been busy with at least three, late 2015 releases with CAGE, Death Dealer and Denner / Shermann. With that heavy load, do you find it difficult to switch gears and move between the bands when writing and playing?

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Odyssey’s Scene (Debut): The Glorious Rebellion (Mayfest – 21 May 2016)

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I have been a huge supporter of local and emerging bands for years and have met and am fortunate to call many of them friends.  Since joining the Metal Nexus staff, I have had a desire to cover this local music I love in and around Florida and carve out a small space for some of my personal interests.  Well, last week we were able to partner with host Chris Marsh to cover Mayfest on May 21, 2016 with many great bands that I know and been introduced to a couple that never hit my radar.  For the dual purpose of introducing “Odyssey’s Scene” and ramp up to Mayfest, I am very pleased to introduce you to: The Glorious Rebellion.

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Review of Sheiks of Neptune live in Las Vegas!

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Random and spur of the moment concerts are always amazing. While out in Las Vegas earlier in the month I just happened to make it to a Dead Kennedys show that was totally unplanned. The concert took place at the Las Vegas Country Saloon on Fremont Street (yes, DK played a country saloon). One of the best things that can happen at a concert happened that night. Other than the Dead Kennedys I knew none of the bands on the bill. I was absolutely blown away by the 3rd band of the night. The band Sheiks Of Neptune was not only the best band I saw that night but one of the most active and best stage shows I have seen in years. (And I have seen a shit ton of shows, trust me) These guys take the stage and every eye in the room is on the stage. The whole theme of the band helps build their stage presence, but when the vocalist known as “Sheikenstein” comes running out its non-stop energy until the set is over. A ride-able toy spaceship, a beheaded Barbie doll and a Marvin The Martian style ray gun are just some of the props used to help their show come to life. Continue reading

All Hell Release Video for “Graveyard Dust”!

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The blackened thrashers from Asheville, North Carolina All Hell have released a video for “Graveyard Dust” which is by far my favorite track from their 2015 release The Red Sect. Make sure to catch them on their upcoming tour. We recently was able to catch them in their hometown and experience their amazing set by candlelight. One of the most catchy blackened thrash songs I’ve ever heard. Check out the video and enjoy.  Continue reading

Monster Energy: WELCOME TO ROCKVILLE

MONSTER ENERGY WELCOME TO ROCKVILLE

ONSITE EXPERIENCES ANNOUNCED FOR

APRIL 30 & MAY 1 FESTIVAL AT METROPOLITAN PARK IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA

FEATURING MASSIVE LINEUP OF TOP ROCK ARTISTS

INCLUDING ROB ZOMBIE, DISTURBED, SHINEDOWN, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH,

ZZ TOP, A DAY TO REMEMBER, BRING ME THE HORIZON, 3 DOORS DOWN & MORE

TICKET PRICES INCREASE ON MONDAY, APRIL 4

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Byzantine Signs Worldwide Deal With Metal Blade Records!

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West Virginian groove metal outfit Byzantine has signed a worldwide deal with Metal Blade Records! The band has really earned this achievement after being a do it yourself band for quite sometime. After releasing their music independently over the last three years, the quartet is ready to unleash their sixth, currently untitled album in early 2017 via their new label home.

Front-man, Chris “OJ” Ojeda had this to say about the band’s recent signing:

“For the last few albums, we have operated outside the fringes of the music community by necessity. I had almost lost hope that we would ever have the chance to showcase our music to the world on a bigger stage. With the help of Brian Slagel and Metal Blade Records, we feel like Byzantine has been given a 2nd chance to make our 1st impression. We are absolutely thrilled at the opportunity to share our brand of heavy music with the world on the world’s best metal label!” Continue reading