Heavy Metal Hell

  It was clear that Rock N’ Roll was finally a major part of the Grammys last night…sorta. But even though there were a lot of good moments for classic rock and heavy metal (Beatles Reunion, Black Sabbath’s award presentation, Metallica’s pyro-filled performance) there were still a lot of disappointments that pointed out how much the Grammys truly care about the rock community. First off, the metal category isn’t shown during the actual award ceremony. Seriously? One of the biggest genres doesn’t deserve air time? And even though Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath both won awards, Sabbath’s “God is Dead?” lost out to Nirvana and Paul McCartney’s “Cut Me Some Slack” for best rock song. (Clearly no bias there at all) Also the final performance that included Nine Inch Nails, Dave Grohl, Josh Homme and Lindsey Buckingham was cut short. But I think the most disappointing snub of the night came during the tribute to the fallen musicians that excluded Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman....

Today Firewind/Ozzy Guitarist Gus G posted the video for his new single "My Will Be Done" Ft. Mat S Leven of Candlemass. " Are u ready for some new music? 1st video off my solo album "I Am The Fire" will b released today at 5pm CET! Stay tuned!" he tweeted earlier. The album is set to be released March 18th in North America & a day earlier in Europe. Although Gus plays mostly all guitars, bass and keyboards on the album, there will be several guest appearances including David Ellefson (Megadeth), Michael Starr (Steel Panther), Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big), Daniel Erlandsson (Arch Enemy) and many more. Here is the video: http://youtu.be/rPqtMMGJAO4

                As I said before, 2013 had some very sick metal and hard rock music. But this year is looking pretty promising as well. Jake E. Lee (ex Ozzy/Badlands guitarist) and his new band Red Dragon Cartel, Behemoth, James LaBrie and Iced Earth have material set to be released between now and February. Other artist releasing highly anticipated albums include Judas Priest, Slayer, Gus G, Guns N’ Roses and Motley Crue. There are probably some more that I have yet to hear about, but for now here is a list of   bands with confirmed albums due this year and their titles if known. Releases with Titles: Red Dragon Cartel – Self titled James LaBrie – I will not Break (EP) Iced Earth – Plagues of Babylon Behemoth – The Satanist Evil Masquerade – The Digital Crucifix Gus G – I am the Fire Wintersun – Time II Darkology – Fated to Burn Steel Panther – All You Can Eat The Pretty Reckless – Going to Hell TBA...

2013 Was an astounding year for hard rock and metal fans, bringing some pretty bad ass albums. Here are my 10 favorite picks of the year.  10. Megadeth - Super Collider Favorite Tracks: Blackest Crow, Kingmaker, Cold Sweat  (Thin Lizzy cover) 9. Alter Bridge - Fortress Favorite Tracks: Cry of Achilles, Addicted to Pain 8. Evile - Skull Favorite Tracks: Head of the Demon, Skull 7. Huntress - Starbound Beast Favorite Tracks: I Want to Fuck You to Death, Zenith, Alpha Tauri   6. Spiritual Beggars - Earth Blues Favorite Tracks: Turn the Tide, Sweet Magic Pain, One Man's Curse 5. Newsted - Heavy Metal Music Favorite Tracks: Heroic Dose, Twisted Tail of The Comet, Soldierhead   4. Ghost - Infestissumam Favorite Tracks: Year Zero, Body and Blood, Monstrance Clock   3. Firewind - Apotheosis (live album) Favorite Tracks: Losing My Mind, Wall of Sound, Edge of A Dream   2. Metallica - Through The Never S...