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Best Debut Release of 2012: FIRST CLASS TRASH

http://www.facebook.com/FirstClassTrashBand

 

 

 

FIRST CLASS TRASH-Party Through Apocalypse

Sin City is known for churning out more than a few musical success stories over the years and with the release of ‘Party Through Apocalypse’, First Class Trash seems destined for wide acclaim in and out of the confines of Las Vegas. Formed from the ashes of Florida’s Stained Angel, vocalist/guitarist Eli Raider and bassist Kyle Mead have joined forces with keyboardist/vocalist Vyla Vice (Eyes Like Diamonds), guitarist J. Boynton and drummer Moyer Smith in this electronic-hard rock outfit known as First Class Trash. While most of 2012 was spent solidifying the current line-up, songwriter Raider spent his days crafting the 6 songs that make up ‘Party Through Apocalypse’, an often dark journey through re-invention and retribution. To say that Eli Raider is a prolific songwriter is an understatement, as dozens of nearly completed songs lay in waiting from his year of steering FCT to this moment. While many bands rely on sub-par “indie” releases as their first recorded output, FCT has birthed a debut that could and should find it’s way to rock radio with enough attention and determination. Produced by Eli Raider and mixed by Patrick Crisci (Dreamscar), this homegrown recording sounds fantastic in every way and outshines many big budget debuts with ease. Kicking off with the looming ‘Nasty Addiction’, the band aims at a full on assault of melody in Vice’s electronic opening, accompanied by Eli Raider’s powerful, clear vocals. The blend of dense riffs and soft electronic landscapes lead to the tracks commanding chorus and massive Raider guitar solo. To know the evolution of ‘Nasty Addiction’ as I do, it stands as a defining moment in the genesis of the sound that makes First Class Trash true standouts in rock music. No sooner has the last strains of ‘Nasty Addiction’ left your already impressed ears, the pounding, hook-laden ‘Bite Me Like You Mean It’ cascades from every direction in a hurricane of scathing Raider/ Vice vocal call and response. Violently surrounded by a virtual wall of guitars and gut blasting beats, ‘Bite Me…’ goes for the throat and never loses it’s grip. The male/ female dynamic of FCT shows it’s muscle from start to finish and firmly places Eli Raider and Vyla Vice as freaks of nature when it comes to strong pipes. To call ‘Deadheart’ a standout track on an EP packed with 6 true standouts is a stretch, but it being my favorite from it’s birth, I have a bond to this dark, new wave-ish track. It’s haunting keys and machine gun drums give way to a hook and chorus so strong, it’s simply ridiculous. Ramped up to a near breakneck speed, ‘Deadheart’ never loses it’s melodic soul….a soul that is wrapped in Raider’s lyrics of bloodlust and obsession. The sparse, pulsing opening to the brutally honest and political ‘Revenge & Revolution gives little indication to the fury unleashed within it’s three and a half minutes. A charging barrage of feedback slithers it’s way throughout the track, bolstered by the bands’ unique instrumentation and timing, the song explodes into a fist raising rally of frustration and uprising in these uncertain times. Relentless in it’s momentum, ‘Revenge & Revolution’ may be polarizing to some, but isn’t that the point? Thought provoking and representing the band at their heaviest, this Raider led monster is ferocious. If the last track was FCT bending the boundaries of hard rock, then ‘Killing Me’ is an example of just how heavy electronics can be in the right hands. A song that has gone trough many evolutions, the addition of Vyla Vice is clearly the missing piece to this obsessive valentine. The electrifying beat that leads ‘Killing Me’ takes center stage, making way for another fine twin vocal performance from both Raider and Vice, while a killer solo highlights Raider’s gift as a lead guitarist. That takes us to the final track on this startling debut from First Class Trash…’Sleaze and Thank You’. Demonstrating yet another weapon in their arsenal, ‘Sleaze…’ begins with Vyla Vice’s ethereal harmony, quickly followed by a vicious spoken word rant courtesy of Eli Raider, before blasting into a stuck-in-your-brain kiss off of epic proportions. A perfect send off to a perfect EP, Raider’s artery crushing tirade climaxes in a wave of maniacal screams and assassination via guitar. The best debut of 2012 by a mile, First Class Trash has created a sound all their own and trust me….this band will be huge!

https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/first-class-trash/id582802328?ign-mpt=uo%3D4

 

 

 

TOP 20 ALBUMS OF 2012

What a year it's been!  No year goes by without dozens of amazing albums fighting for time invading your ears and 2012 was no different.  I have a rather eclectic taste in music and this list seems to follow that mantra which has always lead me towards the music I love:  a strong melody in any genre can make me a fan for life.  So, here you go.....my top 20 albums of 2012...in no particular order, because they are all my favorites.

CAGE 9-HOW TO SHOOT LASERS FROM YOUR EYES

 

 

CHERRI BOMB-THIS IS THE END OF CONTROL

 

 

CLOSE TO HOME-MOMENTUM

 

 

DEFTONES-KOI NO YOKAN

 

 

ENTER SHIKARI-A FLASH FLOOD OF COLOUR

 

 

FEEDER-GENERATION FREAKSHOW

 

 

HANDS LIKE HOUSES-GROUND DWELLER

 

 

I SEE STARS-DIGITAL RENEGADE

 

 

KE$HA-WARRIOR

 

 

LIT-THE VIEW FROM THE BOTTOM

 

 

LOVE AND DEATH-BETWEEN HERE & LOST

 

 

MINISTRY OF LOVE-A PROMISE FOR FOREVER

 

 

FIRST CLASS TRASH-PARTY THROUGH APOCALYPSE

 

 

BEYOND ALL RECOGNITION-DROP=DEAD

 

 

MISS MAY I-AT HEART

 

 

MOTIONLESS IN WHITE-INFAMOUS

 

 

PIERCE THE VEIL-COLLIDE WITH THE SKY

 

 

THE MAINE-PIONEER & THE GOOD LOVE

 

 

TYLER HILTON-FORGET THE STORM

 

 

YELLOWCARD-SOUTHERN AIR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Band on the Rise: MYCRODOT!

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Mycrodot/119707000985

 ‘What are we going to do about it?’  That is the question the 4 men of Vegas rock band, MYCRODOT asked as their dream was born.  Since their beginnings in 2010, Mycrodot has certainly been doing something about 'it'.  That almighty 'it' I'm speaking of is changing the face of the Las Vegas scene....taking a positive vision and sharing it with a city well known for musicians of exceptional caliber.  Mycrodot is a band of brothers who love what they do.....they love the music....they love the fans....and most of all, they love performing on stage.  Drawing their influences from the likes of The Beatles, The Doors and AC/DC, the band takes the drive and passion from these greats and gives them the contemporary edge found in the sound of bands such as Alice In Chains, Nirvana & Metallica.  In a word, the music of Mycrodot is true ROCK in every way....call it Alternative....call it Hard Rock....just call it great MUSIC!

http://www.reverbnation.com/mycrodot

A hard working band plays shows and Mycrodot is no different!  As the official opening band at the 2011 edition of HOLIDAY HAVOC, Mycrodot won their spot at this coveted gig the only way they know how....they played their music.  When the dust settled, Mycrodot had triumphed as the winner of an epic Battle of the Bands.  To this day, the band continues their quest in changing the face of the Las Vegas scene...playing countless shows for their ever-growing fanbase.

So, here's your chance to jump on this rock n' roll train named MYCRODOT!  At Critical Acclaim and Vegas Rocks! Magazine, we support local music!!!!  We ask that you do the same!  Here's a rundown of Mycrodot's upcoming gigs:



Fri Apr 27 2012
8:00p The Underworld Grill & Bar
Las Vegas, NV Age Limit: 21
Details: Mycrodot Stage at 9:00pm ,No Cover fee
******************
Fri May 4 2012
8:00p Neon Venus Art Theater
Las Vegas, NV Age Limit: All Ages
Details: Mycrodot stage=> 9:00p.This is First Friday Show,
No Cover fee
*******************
Sun May 6 2012
Mycrodot Stage @ noon till 5pm
MC Club-MayDaze Celebration
Las Vegas, NV SUPPORTING LOCALS! Limit:21
Details: $20.00 door fee,this charge covers smoked prime rib dinner,
for directions please txt 702 400-3232
*******************

Fri May 11 2012
9:00p The Palms
Las Vegas, NV Age Limit: 21+ Show Details: TBD
No cover fee
********************
Sat May 19 2012
8:00p The Bunkhouse Saloon
Las Vegas, NV Age Limit: 21+ Show Details: 2 days indoor and outdoor Music Festival, Mycrodot performs outside stage at 10:00pm!
********************

Sat Jun 30 2012
8:00p Private Show:2nd Annual Rock the Block
Las Vegas, NV Age Limit: All Ages
Details:SUPPORTING LOCALS! 2nd Annual Rock the Block 4th of July Celebration ,send a request for details to Mycrodot on facebook


-Tell them Critical Acclaim sent ya!  I promise you'll walk away from a Mycrodot show as a fan!

UPDATE!!!!! Extreme Thing 2012 stage schedule!!!

VERIZON MAIN STAGE

THE USED    9PM-10PM

UNDEROATH    7:30PM-8:30PM

LESS THAN JAKE    6:15PM-7PM

UNWRITTEN LAW    4:45PM-5:30PM

  MICKEY AVALON   3:15PM-4PM

  ZEBRAHEAD  2:15PM-2:45PM

 THIS ROMANTIC TRAGEDY   1:15PM-1:45PM

  HELL OR HIGHWATER  12:15PM-12:45PM

VITAMINWATER MAIN STAGE

FALLING IN REVERSE    8PM-9PM

ANTI-FLAG    6:30PM-7:30PM

OF MICE & MEN    5PM-6PM

THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER    4PM-4:30PM

ALL SHALL PERISH    3PM-3:30PM

THE WORD ALIVE    2PM-2:30PM

CARNIFEX    1PM-1:30PM

MINISTRY OF LOVE    12PM-12:30PM

HARD ROCK CAFE SIDE STAGE

SLEEPING WITH SIRENS    5:30PM-6:15PM

THE WONDER YEARS    4PM-4:45PM

POLAR BEAR CLUB    2:45PM-3:15PM

ABANDON ALL SHIPS    1:45PM-2:15PM

TRANSIT    12:45PM-1:15PM

A LOSS FOR WORDS    11:45AM-12:15PM

XPOZ LOCAL BAND STAGE

TALES OF THE GROTESQUE    5PM-5:30PM

A MINUTE BEFORE DAWN    4:30PM-5PM

GREATER DEPTHS    3:30PM-4PM

THESE LYING EYES    2:30PM-3PM

HABIT    1:30PM-2PM

THE RUNAWAY LIVES    12:30PM-1PM

IMPURITY OF MRIYA    11:30AM-12PM

FREQUENCY/ SCION DUBSTEP STAGE

BARE    6PM-7PM

RIZE/ QUIET    5PM-6PM

BIZE    4PM-5PM

DJ TEENWOLF    3PM-4PM

MIKE ATTACK    2PM-3PM

SPLITBREED    1PM-2PM

ASHTROBOT    12PM-1PM

RYLE    11AM-12PM

IADT LIVE RECORDING STAGE

9:30pm - Amarionette

9pm – Dreamscar

8:30pm – Hang From the Sky

7:30pm –Nik Kai (Gibson Artist)

7pm – Repent Before Your Demise

6:30pm – Beau and the Outfit

5:30pm – Air Drifter

5pm – Substance
4:30pm – Acton Town
4pm – Nik Kai (Gibson Artist)

3:30pm – Murder Majesty

3pm – State of Mind

2:30pm - Happy Campers

2pm – Next Generation Rising

1:30pm – Dead On Sight

1pm – Off The Record

12:30pm – We! The People

12pm – Survive This

11:30am – Twenty-Seven Club

Exclusive interview with FIRST CLASS TRASH!!

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/First-Class-Trash/183021845126996

http://www.reverbnation.com/firstclasstrash

 Rising from the ashes of Florida's Stained Angel and Las Vegas' iDivide, FIRST CLASS TRASH is a band on a mission....a mission to take rock music to places never heard before.  The combined strengths of lead vocalist/ guitarist Eli Chandler, bassist Kyle 'El Guapo' Meade, guitarist J. Boynton and drummer Chris Gentry have unleashed a force that is sure to turn heads everywhere.  Critical Acclaim was lucky enough to get to know the guys behind FIRST CLASS TRASH and what follows is your exclusive sneak preview of the band that intends to shake up the Vegas scene in a big way!

1. The Las Vegas scene is jam packed with bands from every genre, what can you tell us about First Class Trash that sets you apart from the pack?

Eli- All I have to say is come to a live show and you'll see for yourself. We put a lot of effort into performance and image. The music will cross genres. You'll hear a lot of different elements from us on stage.

　

　

　
2. Eli & Kyle, you guys came out of Florida looking for a fresh start, while still keeping the Stained Angel moniker alive. What do you think FCT can accomplish that SA did not?

Kyle- Everything that we didn't before. This is a much better scene than Florida, for sure, so I think it'll be a little easier to make our mark and make some noise. We're definitely gonna turn heads, love us or hate us you will take notice.

　

　

3. Eli, you’ve mentioned Oz Fox (Stryper) as an influence on your guitar playing…what other artists have helped you develop as a guitarist, as well as a lead vocalist?

Eli- As far as guitarists go, that'd be Jerry Cantrell, Reb Beach, Zakk Wylde, John 5, and Stevie Ray Vaughn.
Vocalists would be Layne Staley from Alice In Chains, Ryan Clark from Demon Hunter, and Sebastian Bach from Skid Row

　

　

4. Kyle, you and Eli have been a team for over a decade, as friends and as bandmates…..what can you tell us about Eli that makes him tick? Eli, I pose the same question to you about Kyle?

Kyle- Eli is built for music and is not happy doing anything else, always trying to think one step ahead.

Eli - Kyle is driven by being who he wants to be and not giving a fuck what people think. Just being his own person.

　

　

　
5. J., you’ve been a lead vocalist yourself in fronting iDivide…..what made you want to be a part of an established duo, rather than keep going with iDivide?

J- I've been in bands around the Vegas scene since i was 15 but a huge problem for me was, it was always my band. i wrote, sang, booked, advertised, ect. I always wondered why members would leave and the bands would just fall apart until I realized I have never been in a BAND before. I've always just tried to do my own thing. I wanted to find something else other than idivide. did a couple bands for fun but when I heard the song "Outcast" by stained angel my jaw dropped and I knew I wanted to be apart of a band with those guys. They were my favorite band before I was even in it. Eli is a huge influence on me and it would have been ignorant to not try to be apart of FCT.

　

　

6. Now that the Stained Angel legacy has been put to rest, do you find it easier to start fresh without the constraints of a “sound” or “style” that came with the name?

Kyle- For sure, but not as much as you'd expect. The transition stylistically and image wise was the same we planned to do with Stained Angel, but the lineup may change. Looking for a female vocalist and wanting to see how that works.

　

　

7. You are in the midst of creating your debut album as First Class Trash….what can you tell us about the album and your plans to support it?

Eli-Its gonna be extremely diverse. All over the board. We're really taking the chance of just doing whatever we see fit, I'm really trying to cover different territories with the lyrics and production. Trying to not have some sort of "formulated, been done a thousand times before but we call it a unique sound" kind of thing. Lyrics range in a pretty broad range of topics, politics, sex, empowerment, refusal to compromise, and a few songs about just throwing down and getting nuts. We'll just be playing our asses off once its out. Whenever, however we can. It's gonna be a while before its out, as we're not exactly sure which producer we're gonna work with or if I am gonna produce this one myself. Thankfully there's a lot of options, so that's a great thing.

　

　

8. The great drummer dilemma: where are you in your search for the perfect skin basher?

We'll be having Chris Gentry, the drummer from Stained Angel behind the kit.

　

　

　
9. Vegas can be a tough city to break into….what will First Class Trash do to make a name for themselves and make sure you don’t get lost in the shuffle?

Eli- Just be ourselves, man. All I have to say to reiterate, come to a show and that question should be answered. That and we'll work our asses off. We'll do whatever's necessary. We'll hit the bricks and promote ourselves on the streets every day.

　

　

10. On that note, since you’ve lived in the city for a little while, what local bands have made an impact on you? Are there any local groups you look forward to playing with?

Eli- Haven't had a chance to see many yet. We'll prolly tear up some stages with American Monster for sure. We love everyone man, I just can't wait to get out and get active in this town.

　

　

　
11. Ok guys, favorite band ever? You each get one pick and tell us why said band is so great.

Kyle- No favorite band, nor style. I listen to what happens to float my boat. One second it's Exodus, next might be Brahms. Any band that gives me goosebumps or clicks with my mood is my "favorite".

Eli- Alice In Chains for sure. White Zombie, Manson, Megadeth, Winger, and Pantera need to be on that list too.

J- Sevendust is my favorite band of all time and will always be. their music got me through the toughest times and they are a huuuge inspiration to me!

　

　

12. When can we expect the debut album from First Class Trash? Is a full length in the cards or do you think releasing singles on a regular basis is the way to go?

Eli-We're gonna drop a single, maybe two and then yea, its gonna be a full length. Got way too much material to not do one at this point, plus I kinna wanna show people exactly how diverse this is gonna be. Kinna make it clear right out the gate that you can't pigeon hole us or know what to expect. Labeling ourselves is something we have absolutely no interest in. Whenever I hear something I like I'm gonna try to incorporate it into our sound. I'd really like to drop a full length then immediately do an acoustic EP to further drive that point home. As to when.. that's an answer I can't give yet.

　

　

13. Las Vegas is a make or break kind of city…..what made you choose Vegas as your new home base?

Eli- I heard cigarettes were really cheap here. The proximity to different markets. LA, Denver, etc.

　

　

14. ‘Outcast’, one of Stained Angel’s final tracks featured a heavier use of electronics compared to your earlier material. Do you plan on incorporating heavy electro into FCT’s new music? How do you plan on bringing this sound to the stage?

Eli- Definitely. We've always played with backing tracks. We'll continue to do so. We'll sound bigger and louder than the record. People have given us shit for it before. I don't understand it personally. I did everything on the record, and traveling with a 9 person band really isn't a reality. You have to step up your game to play with tracks, there's absolutely no room to fuck up.

　

　

15. Eli, you’ve been known to rock the wireless headset on stage….will you continue this when FCT rocks the Vegas stage or will you go “old school”?

Eli- No. Hopefully I won't continue to be the lead vocalist so it'll free me to go nuts on stage more, but the headset is long since been put to bed. I enjoyed it tho, you don't see many lead singers bitch tossing their guitar why they sing, and it was pretty cool. We're always trying new things. I'm building my own microphone, so lets say.. "new school"

　

　
16. I want to thank you guys for taking the time to answer these questions and giving us a peak into the world of First Class Trash. Do you have any parting words for the readers who might not be familiar with the band?

Don't judge till you listen, I promise there'll be something in there for everybody. At the end of the day, we love music, of all times and just want to push to do something a little different and perform our asses off.

Press Contact	firstclasstrashband@gmail.com

Must have new release: GIRL ON FIRE-Revenge E.P.

www.girlonfiremusic.com

GIRL ON FIRE-Revenge EP

They may call Seattle home, but don’t expect to find any rehashed Grunge on Girl On Fire’s ‘Revenge’ EP…this 5 song mini album is a scorcher from start to finish. A band since 2007, Girl On Fire has solidified it’s line up with the release of this EP, not to mention finding a sound based in pure hard rock and highlighting their gift for writing incredible melodies. While lead vocalist Austin Held’s voice bears a passing resemblance to Linkin Park’s Chester Bennington, the music surrounding his powerful pipes takes Girl On Fire to an entirely different level. A full album is sure to come in the near future, but what’s great about an EP filled with 5 rock solid tracks, is that it leaves you wanting more and ‘Revenge’ does just that. The introduction is a subdued one, as the gentle piano opening lead track ‘Revenge’ gives us little indication of what lies ahead…then the fury of what makes Girl On Fire tick unveils itself to the listener. Heavy guitars, commanding vocals and hooks so sharp, you’ll want to grab a Band-Aid. As second track ‘Tragic Ending’ rolls into it’s frantic riffing and confrontational lyric, the writing’s on the wall: Girl On Fire have “it”. In what is sure to be the EP’s most recognizable track, ‘Medicate’ is pure rock at it’s best…full of buzz saw guitars and room shaking beats, it’s 3 minutes of heavy melody that has “hit single” written all over it. By the time ‘Secret Lies’ hit’s your ears, carrying the same intensity and eagerness of the previous trio of tracks, you’ll realize there’s only one song left! Thankfully, final track ‘Close Your Eyes’ is absolutely the best of the bunch. It’s faster, heavier and goes for the throat in a fit of rage that sums up what Girl On Fire is trying to achieve with ‘Revenge’. The ‘Revenge’ EP is one of the best introductions I’ve heard in ages and to say it’s excellent just doesn’t seem to do it justice. Get it now! (appearing live with Burn Halo & Hell or Highwater at Vamp’d 1/14/12)

*for fans of: Dead By Sunrise, Taking Back Sunday, AFI

***from the January 2012 issue of VEGAS ROCKS! MAGAZINE

TOP 5 ALBUMS OF 2011: Quin White (Amarionette)

http://amarionette.com/

Hopefully you've all heard of one of Las Vegas' best local bands, AMARIONETTE....but if not, click that little link above this text and feast your ears on the sounds of a band that only keeps getting bigger and better!  Quin White is his name and he has a voice like no other....which keeps Amarionette in a league of their own.  While their recent 'Chapters EP' is a lesson on how a young band can produce a top notch recording all on their own and make it sound excellent....it's their upcoming second EP that will definitely take them to the next level!  Look for it in early 2012.

Quin took a few moments to give us his thoughts on his personal TOP 5 ALBUMS OF 2011.

Sleeping With Sirens-Lets Cheers to This: I dig the mash up of genre they always seem to accomplish, its got hardcore, pop punk, screamo and r&b throughout the whole album. Favorite song: if you can't hang

 A Day To Remember-What Separates Me From You: one of my favorite bands, and you can't help but blast their songs...this albums no different; favorite song: 2nd sucks

Life On Repeat-Struggle + Sleep: introduced to them early this year, blown away! Djent, poppy melodies, sexy guitar riffs, METAL nuff said. Favorite song: struggle+sleep

Pierce the Veil-Selfish Machines: to me Pierce never gets old and the musicianship keeps getting better. "Selfish machines" was hands down one of the BEST rock albums to come out this year...Michael Jackson meets pop punk/hardcore. You'll sing along even if don't know the words yet! Favorite song: Caraphernelia

Of Mice & Men-The Flood: oh my God this band! Their live show got me...plus its got the best part of old attack attack vocalist Austin Carlile!! First album good...the flood SOO good, way more layers as a rock band...and the officially make breakdowns a tad interesting and fun again. Favorite song: O.G. Loko

TOP 5 ALBUMS OF 2011: Corky Gainsford (Otherwise)

www.weareotherwise.com

When it came down to the wire, we just didn't have enough space to feature all of our friends fantastic words for the TOP 5 ALBUMS OF 2011 feature in the December issue of Vegas Rocks! Magazine.  The one thing I couldn't do is keep these great reviews from some of your favorite artists in the vault!  So, while Corky Gainsford, who just so happens to pound the skins for Vegas' OTHERWISE, got his picks in the issue....HERE is Corky's expanded version!  Enjoy Wise Onez!



1) Foo Fighters - Wasting Light - Foo Fighters rolled over the competition and left them to waste with this album, crushing all doubters in their path. The analog recording techniques used to make this gave it a unique sound, and set this band apart from everything else I heard all year.

2) Five Finger Death Punch - American Capitalist - This album is pure heavy metal hip hop, with a mix that pushes the vocals and drums on top of the furious metal that lies underneath. The production of Kevin Churko (with help from his son Kane) is crisp, clean, and top notch. The songs hit you straight in the skull, and the drums are unrelenting throughout. If you're a drummer and want a lesson in double-kick technique, try playing along to this one...

3) Steel Panther - Balls Out - We play a monthly show with these guys at Green Valley Ranch, and their show is always over the top. See them for free while you can people, because they won't be playing free shows for long... Since their on-stage banter/improvisation/comedy is often their main selling point, their top notch musicianship is often overlooked. What a shame. This album shows how much they really kick ass. Hear The Panther roar.

4) Falling In Reverse - The Drug In Me Is You - Ronnie Radke is back with a vengeance. I've never met the guy, but I'm glad he didn't waste his time in jail pouting and feeling sorry for himself. He came out swinging when he returned with this album.

5) Mack - Pay To Play - Some friends of mine recorded this album in an incredibly lo-fi studio, but the musicianship and power still shines through in these songs. If you want some KISS-influenced rock to roll through your soul, this album may do the trick.

Honorable Mention) James Durbin - Memories of a Beautiful Disaster - I just got this album a few days ago, and it blew me away. James was "the rock/metal guy" on the most recent season of American Idol, and he can sing his ass off. His record label pulled together a myriad of crafty song-writers for this album, and it shows. The songs are top-notch, James sings like a champ, and the production is killer. Get it.

Top 5 Albums of 2011: Paul Gargano

If you grew up in the late 80's/ early 90's you knew Metal Edge Magazine and it's leader Paul Gargano!  In the December issue of Vegas Rocks! Magazine, I took a page right out of the Metal Edge legend:  The Top 5 Album Picks of 2011.  It seems natural that the man who inspired me get his words to the readers of Vegas Rocks!  While only Paul's 'edited' version of his picks made it to the printed page....here is Paul's full list in all it's glory!  I cannot thank Mr. Gargano enough for his time and his amazing take on his top 5 albums of 2011!  Be sure to visit Paul at www.paulgargano.com

1.       ANTHRAX ‘Worship Music’ (Megaforce Records)

I was discussing my love for this album with a co-worker and he asked if I was a “hardcore, old-school, East Coast Anthrax apologist” – and the answer is no. At least to the “old-school” and “apologist” parts. I didn’t discover Anthrax until ‘Among the Living,’ so I can’t be old-school. And I’m hardly an apologist. What I am is a huge Anthrax fan – they’re my favorite metal band – and ‘Worship Music’ is right up there with ‘Persistence of Time’ atop my list of their favorite albums. Joey Belladonna delivers the best vocal performance of the band’s rich vocal history, Scott Ian and Rob Caggiano are as titanic a force as any guitar duo out there, and Frank Bello and Charlie Benante are my favorite bottom end in all of music. ‘Worship Music’ is the penultimate Anthrax record, compressing where they’ve come from, everywhere they’ve been and wherever they may go into a massive wrecking ball of kinetic, frenetic metal… much like the cover of Stomp 442, but without that naked guy.

2.       MEGADETH ‘Th1rt3en’ [Roadrunner Records]

Megadeth run a close second to Anthrax on my list of favorite metal bands, but I’m hardly biased – I have a Queensryche tattoo, and you won’t find their latest release on any Best Of from me in 2011. A big fan of the last two Megadeth albums, I was admittedly bummed to hear that lucky number ‘Th1rt3en’ would be a hodge-podge including leftovers from previous albums and sessions – I was expecting an effort that was phoned in, but instead was met by a release as dialed-in as anything in the band’s formidable catalog. Dave Mustaine’s snarl is as savage as ever, Chris Broderick is my favorite in the long line of Mega-shredders, and having Dave Ellefson back in the fold makes the proceedings all the more Deth-defying. Given it’s mish-mashed background, the album’s true magic lies in its seamless, cohesive flow – with lyrics ranging from fierce politics to interpersonal observations, and music running the spectrum from the punk bite that laced ‘Peace Sells’ to the progressive hammer that slammed ‘Rust In Peace,’ ‘Th1rt3en’ is pure Megadeth.

3.       AMEBIX ‘Sonic Mass’ [Easy Action / Amebix Records]

This album came out of left field and spun my musical universe on end. Don’t let the band’s history confuse you – yes Amebix formed in 1978, and yes their roots are just as punk as they are metal, but ‘Sonic Mass’ is remarkably fresh and all about heavy. I’m not talking paint-by-numbers heavy, either. This is heavy like a solar eclipse, the type of heavy that imprints your psyche and leaves you dwelling on what just was. Think Tool, then keep thinking, spinning, pounding and turning... The vocals are a crusty amalgam of Lemmy and Al Jourgensen, the music a landscape of depressed tones and blitzing beats, and the results are a doom-drenched soundtrack that bellows to the heavens as hellfire singes its soul. The first Amebix studio album in nearly 25 years, ‘Sonic Mass’ calls the dark territory I had hoped ‘Lulu’ might explore home – and succeeds on every front where the latter fails.

4.       JOLLY ‘The Audio Guide to Happiness (Part 1)’ [InsideOut Music]

I started a full-time gig at Century Media Records this fall, and as I was immersing myself in the rosters of the two imprints I’d been named Product Manager of – InsideOut Music & Superball Music – Jolly reached out and grabbed me like no other band in my expansive catalog. Calling InsideOut home, they no doubt bear the markings of a progressive rock band, but only in the most literal – and not the scary/intimidating – sense of the word. While their arrangements are lush and expansive, their music is warm and inviting, the songs on ‘The Audio Guide to Happiness (Part 1)’ spanning a musical landscape that blurs the lines of distinction between more established acts like Dream Theater, Seether, H.I.M., Big Elf and Godhead. There are moments of pure pop bliss, but there’s also so much more – this is an album for fans of music in the more provocative depths of the word.

                                                                                                                                   

5.       JASON CHARLES MILLER ‘Uncountry’ [Count Mecha Music]

If anyone had told me a decade ago that I’d have a country album on my Best Of list in 2011, I’d have laughed at them. But tastes evolve, and that’s the enduring allure of music. Jason Miller is the lead singer of the band Godhead, and this is his full-length solo debut – it’s a far cry from the haunted tones and pasty goth flavor of his longtime band, but the new suit fits the frontman just fine. This isn’t cheesy country, it’s Johnny Cash country, and Miller makes a strong case for being the new man in black, many of the songs featuring little more than the singer/songwriter, his acoustic guitar and a left-of-center, backwoods accompaniment. Then there are just as many songs that rock. Hard. Call it country, call it Americana, call it singer/songwriter, call it roots rock, call it folk, call it what you want – great music transcends genre lines, and ‘Uncountry’ is no exception.               

R.I.P. Jani Lane

A sad day for those of us raised on the music of Warrant and the bands of that era.  Jani Lane was found dead on Thursday. August 11th in a hotel near L.A.  While his moment in the spotlight ended over a decade ago, Lane was one of rock's most talented songwriters.  His talents were often overlooked, thanks to the massive success of tracks like 'Cherry Pie' and 'Down Boys'.  I implore everyone to check out 1992's epic 'Dog Eat Dog' for hard proof that this guy was more than just a flash in the pan.  This was the start of Warrant's shift into a more contemporary sound and with Lane at the helm, they never sounded better.  After jumping ship from Warrant for a few years, Lane rejoined and they put out 2 fantastic modern rock albums in 95's 'Ultraphobic' and 96's 'Belly to Belly'....virtually unheard albums, lost in the mid 90's rock shuffle.

After leaving Warrant for the last time, Lane resurfaced with his first solo effort, 2002's 'Back Down to One', which contained some of his strongest tracks.  He also recorded an all star album by the name of Saints of the Underground, which focused on the heavier side of his talents.

Gone too soon, but always remembered for the great music he shared with us.  This is yet another example of the destruction that drugs and alcohol abuse can cause.  While popular musicians and actors get all the press when they meet their untimely demise, this horrible trend is everywhere and is felt by all who have had addiction touch their lives.

RIP Jani Lane

Scoop! 48 Hours Festival. October 15-16 Las Vegas!

http://48hoursfestival.com/

We'll see how accurate this ends up being, but here is the rumored rundown on who's playing when for this GIGANTIC music festival.  It's a couple months away, so things can change!!  Enjoy!


SATURDAY OCT 15TH

Avenged Sevenfold
Five Finger Death Punch
Hollywood Undead
Bullet For My Valentine
Escape the Fate
Adelitas Way

Second Stage Saturday

Hatebreed
Rev Theory
Black Tide
Hell or Highwater
Orange Blossom Special



SUNDAY OCTOBER 16TH

Korn
Godsmack
Seether
Sick Puppies
Sevendust
10 Years

Second Stage Sunday

Art of Dying
Eyes Set to Kill
Valora
and special surprise guests

Did someone say "FREE"? Augustana @ the Cosmo (Sept. 8-10, 2011)

The Cosmopolitan Book & Stage continues it's amazing run of FREE shows with the announcement of AUGUSTANA hitting the stage for 3 nights, September 8-10 at 10pm & 12am.  Yes, you now have 6 chances to see this amazing band up close & personal.

You can get all the info you need at http://www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com/experience/event-calendar/event-details/Augustana_09-08-2011.aspx 

Warped Tour Las Vegas: A Recap in Photos

Big Chocolate

Big Chocolate

Attack Attack!

Asking Alexandria

Relient K

Woe, Is Me

There For Tomorrow

New Year's Day

The Devil Wears Prada

Dance Gavin Dance

Of Mice & Men

Of Mice & Men

Of Mice & Men

Of Mice & Men

Terrible Things

Every Avenue

Big Chocolate @ The UN-official afterparty