State of the Art: Cellador

*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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On this, the second week of our State of the Art: Colorado and in the vein of our coverage of International Guitar Month comes the resurgence of the band Cellador. The band was started in Omaha, NE in 2003 under the name Aposte by guitarist and vocalist Chris Petersen. By 2004 the band had been renamed and released their first, self-recorded demo EP “The Burning Blue”. The following year, they released “Leaving All Behind” which caught the attention of Metal Blade Records who signed Cellador and quickly released “Enter Deception” in 2006. This album was hailed by fans and critics alike, often comparing them to DragonForce and the like. By 2009 this stellar, established band had splintered due to differing interests and desired directions. With only a few original members left and an uncertain record contract, Cellador packed up and moved to Denver, CO, where they remain today, in search of a bigger stage for their musical inclinations. After a five year hiatus, interviewing potential band members to regrow the band, “Honor Forth” was finally released in 2011. This vaulted the band to new heights and put them on festivals, tours and shows with notable bands such as Trivium, All That Remains, Bullet For My Valentine, Marty Friedman, Queensryche, Hatchet, Exmortus, Huntress and many, many others. To date, they have extensively toured the United States, Mexico, Canada and even played the Loud Park Festival in Japan. Taking their time in the studio over the course of 2015 and early 2016, their much-anticipated new release is due out sometime in 2016. With a cohesive, new lineup and management, Cellador is ready to set the world alight once again!

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Joe Stump: Discourse With The Dark Lord

 

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Joe Stump: “The Dark Lord Rises” (2015)

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In our continuing coverage in honor of International Guitar Month, we have the distinct pleasure of presenting our interview with guitarist extraordinaire Joe Stump!

Hello Mr. Stump! 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 someone so inspirational and a personal idol! I have listened to you for many years and look forward to many more!

I would also like to thank you sharing so much of yourself through your music! Being around musicians all the time, I have a deep respect for you, knowing that it is a tough road that involves passion, drive, personal sacrifice and is all too often taken for granted. You have my utmost gratitude! – Odyssey

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Members of Pentagram & Mondo Drag Play Tribute to Merle Haggard!

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Members of the legendary doom band Pentagram and Mondo Drag have paid tribute to fallen outlaw country superstar Merle Haggard. They performed Merle Haggard’s “Sing Me Back Home” in Wiesbaden, Germany April 08, 2016. Bobby Liebling wasn’t at the mic for this song however, it was Pentagram’s legendary guitar player and Tennessee native Victor Griffin belting out the song in Merle’s honor. Of course Griffin is no stranger to the microphone. He is the front man of Place of Skulls, and Victor Griffin’s In-Graved. So 3 parts Pentagram 2 parts Mondo Drag makes for an amazing sound. The line-up for the song consisted of Pentagram’s Victor Griffin, Pete Campbell, and Greg Turley, and Mondo Drag’s John Gamino and Jacob Sheley. Enjoy! Continue reading

International Guitar Month: JOE HOLMES

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Born June 11th 1963 in New Jersey guitarist JOE HOLMES is best known for his 6 year run as the sideman of heavy metal icon OZZY OSBOURNE. What you may not know is that Joe recently experienced a resurgence to his career with his new band FARMIKOS. But more about FARMIKOS later. Let’s start at the beginning and travel the road with Joe that made him one of the best guitarists on the planet.

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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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