Photo by Chad Lee Photography
Rex Brown will be releasing his first solo record next year, and now we have an exciting new update from the legend. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Rex Brown
Joe Giron – A Vulgar Display Of Pantera
Chances are your first memory of a band after you’ve heard the music for the first time was through a photo. There was a time before YouTube videos, massive concert tours, and ubiquitous festivals that the only way you ever saw a band was in a magazine. Now that technology has made it possible for everyone with an iPhone or a decent DSLR camera to think they are a concert photographer, everyone and their mom is trying to shoot and cover bands. However, there is more to pictures of bands than aiming a device in the general direction of the stage; there is an art to capturing the essence of people, on film, or now digitally.
Vulgar Display Of Pantera – Authorized Photography Book Coming Next Week
Coming next week, on September 13th from Lesser Gods publishing, the first ever authorized visual history of Pantera: A Vulgar Display of Pantera. Created by noted photographer Joe Giron (AC/DC, David Bowie, U2, Gwen Stefani, The World Series of Poker) with a forward by Pantera’s Rex Brown and anecdotes from Vinnie Paul, the lovingly crafted, 400 page coffee table book offers a glimpse into the band rarely seen.It also serves as a tribute to the memory of late guitar legend Dimebag Darrell. Giron famously started with the band early on in Texas, and his shots of them graced magazines, videos and websites ever since. You can see photos from the book below and order your copy at these links: Continue reading
Skeletonwitch – The Apothic Gloom
Skeletonwitch clawed their way to consciousness over a decade ago from the mid-west of the USA, into the underground. In the already competitive underbelly of American metal, the `Witch won over fans with heavy if straight-ahead blackened thrash metal albums, and countless incendiary live shows. The band worked hard was focused on their goals for years. Then former vocalist Chance Garnette’s issues causes him to exit the band and left many fans wondering what was next. Frontmen are often synonymous with the success of a band, so people were freaking out. Once the band announced Wolvhammer frontman Adam Clemans and released the first single ‘Well of Despair’ several months ago, they really charted a way forward. They toured heavily this spring and summer, and proved they can deliver their existing material to their fans. That first new track had most of the typical touchstones the band was known for, with Clemans’ scathing vocals on top of it. However, the band had something sneaky up their sleeve for the rest of the new EP, that this critic, nor their fans could not have foreseen.
Befitting its epic name, The Apothic Gloom (Prosthetic) is a harbinger of all kinds of horrors in the best kind of way. It’s ominous sounding, but also a mission statement by a band destined for further greatness. Vaulting over their previous output by leaps and bounds, they have injected a fierce new urgency in their songwriting. In the process have melded the best of black metal, melodic death metal, and thrash into a new strain, and re-birthed themselves. The riffs that Nate “N8 Feet Under” Garnette and Scott Hedrick have brought forth here are just un-godly. The title track on the EP is an incredible slab of brutality; as bleak as the best USBM bands, and as technical and memorable as the classic melo-death legends of all time. Clemans himself brings his harsh howls to the fore and does a fine job of further establishing his style at home in `the Witch.
Even though we have listened to ‘Well of Despair’ about 1000 times since our first review when the single dropped last spring, the track is still a great entree to this band. I used to hip friends of mine to Skeletonwitch with ‘Crushed Beyond Dust’, but now I’d use this song. On repeated listens this cut gets better and better. A little more akin to their old sound. Again, very clever to lead with this track before sharing the more complex and compelling tracks on the full EP.
‘Black Waters’ is my favorite track on the album. While it shares the lineage with the straight up style the band cut their teeth on, there is enough development in the riffs and lyrics to sink your teeth into. There is also some phenomenal bass lines by Evan Linger that calls to mind Rex Brown or Steve DiGiorggio. He has long been the secret weapon of the band, and when he locks in tightly with drummer Dustin Boltjes, it’s golden.
The final track ‘Red Death, White Light’ is a magnificent, hard-charging black/melo-death song. So many layers of sick, guitar-army quality licks are found here, I practically lost my shit while nerding out. I even hear a hint of the classical masterpiece Carmina Burana by Carl Orff in there, just leading to the pure evil sonics of the track. The song is unrelenting from start to finish, and really directs listeners to what the future of this band.
You can’t discuss this EP without mentioning the production work of Kevin Bernstein (Noisem, Mutilation Rites). Recording the band in his home base at Developing Nations Studio earlier this year, the band eschewed the rawness of current production trends and really let the power of the writing and their talents communicate this. The band made some bold choices: from the artwork, to the choice of Clemans, to the songcraft, to stepping out of their comfort zone to create something new and bold. By taking this final step, The Apothic Gloom (Prosthetic) sees Skeletonwitch leave many of their peers in the underground in the dirt, and are poised to be one of the leaders of American metal music for years to come.
9.0/10
KEITH CHACHKES
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UPDATED: Change.Org Petition For Pantera Reunion Presses On
UPDATED: The Change.org petition demanding the return of Pantera is nearing its goal. The petition started by Pantera fan Kirsten Topperwein of San Antonio TX dubbed “The Pantera Project” surpassed 5000 signatures, its original stated goal. The new goal 7,500 signatures and now boasts a Facebook group to continue to drum up support. As previously reported by Ghost Cult the petition is calling for Pantera members Vinnie Paul Abbott and Philip H. Anselmo to reunite the band, along with bassist Rex Brown; and offering guitarist Zakk Wylde as a possible stand in for Dimebag Darrell Abbott, who was murdered on stage on December 8th 2004.
The statement from The Pantera Project:
For the past 12 years one of the most influential heavy metal bands in history has remained silent. After that horrific night where the metal community lost one of its most beloved guitarists – iconic guitarist Darryl “Dimebag” Abbott, Pantera has been relegated to “legendary” and “history”.
Aside from Dimes brilliance on stage, he loved his fans – and he showed it every time he was on stage. His passion for his craft, and his fans truly made him a metal guitar legend.
As fans first and foremost – and out of complete respect and love, our heart went out to the band with all they endured, especially to Vinnie his brother for his great loss.But we are asking for what all true Pantera fans only wished could happen: To see Pantera live on stage again. We KNOW that no one could truly replace Dime. But his ‘brother’ in Metal Zakk Wylde could step into those shoes and make the universe right again. Dimebag and Zakk were close, if anyone could do this and have the big guy’s blessing, it would be Zakk Wylde.
So in a shout out to all the metal heads across the world: please sign our petition asking the band “With all due respect” to please consider a tribute tour to pay homage to Dime for his incredible life and all he stood for. Let us see the mighty Pantera take the stage and rock the world one more time. At the end of the tour, decide where it goes from there. As die-hard Pantera fans, this is what we are BEGGING for.The Pantera Project greatly appreciates and thanks everyone for all your amazing support and efforts to truly honor an amazing person and musician who helped change heavy metal.
That is perfect!!!! ThanLETTER TO
Vinnie Paul
Philip Anselmo
Pantera Reunion/Tribute To Dime
The hope of many fans is that Pantera could someday reunite in some form or another. Wylde is often mentioned as possible member of such a reunion or tribute, volunteering himself to the band and his fallen best friend’s memory. While all the surviving members of the band have performed Pantera songs live, and Anselmo and Brown have gone on record promoting at least a tribute of sorts, Dimebag’s brother Vinnie Paul has repeatedly squashed any kind of talk of a reunion. At the same time a less vocal group of Pantera fans and artists prefer the band never reunite at all.
This past summer Mayhem Festival and Warped Tour co-founder Kevin Lyman went on record claiming he had a desire to make a significant offer to entice a version of Pantera to form and become one of the headliners for the currently defunct Mayhem Festival.
Change.Org Petition Demands Action On Pantera Reunion
Change.org, the web’s leading site for activism based petitions, has seen the launch of petition demanding the return of Pantera. Pantera fan Kirsten Topperwein of San Antonio TX launched “The Pantera Project” on October 2nd and it already has 2,627 supporters in 6 days. The petition is calling for Pantera members Vinnie Paul Abbott and Philip H. Anselmo to reunite the band, along with bassist Rex Brown; and offering guitarist Zakk Wylde as a possible stand in for Dimebag Darrell Abbott, who was murdered on stage on December 8th 2004.
For the past 12 years one of the most influential heavy metal bands in history has remained silent. After that horrific night where the metal community lost one of its most beloved guitarists – iconic guitarist Darryl “Dimebag” Abbott, Pantera has been relegated to “legendary” and “history”.
Aside from Dimes brilliance on stage, he loved his fans – and he showed it every time he was on stage. His passion for his craft, and his fans truly made him a metal guitar legend.
As fans first and foremost – and out of complete respect and love, our heart went out to the band with all they endured, especially to Vinnie his brother for his great loss.But we are asking for what all true Pantera fans only wished could happen: To see Pantera live on stage again. We KNOW that no one could truly replace Dime. But his ‘brother’ in Metal Zakk Wylde could step into those shoes and make the universe right again. Dimebag and Zakk were close, if anyone could do this and have the big guy’s blessing, it would be Zakk Wylde.
So in a shout out to all the metal heads across the world: please sign our petition asking the band “With all due respect” to please consider a tribute tour to pay homage to Dime for his incredible life and all he stood for. Let us see the mighty Pantera take the stage and rock the world one more time. At the end of the tour, decide where it goes from there. As die hard Pantera fans, this is what we are BEGGING for.The Pantera Project greatly appreciates and thanks everyone for all your amazing support and efforts to truly honor an amazing person and musician who helped change heavy metal.
That is perfect!!!! ThanLETTER TO
Vinnie Paul
Philip Anselmo
Pantera Reunion/Tribute To Dime
This is the latest round of fan and media speculation that Pantera could someday reunite in the future. Wylde is often mentioned as possible member of such a reunion or tribute, volunteering himself to the great band and his fallen best friend. While all the surviving members of the band have performed Pantera songs live, and Anselmo and Brown have gone on record promoting at least a tribute of sorts, Dimebag’s brother Vinnie Paul has repeatedly squashed any kind of talk of a reunion. At the same time a less vocal group of Pantera fans and artists prefer the band never reunite at all.
This past summer Mayhem Festival and Warped Tour co-founder Kevin Lyman went on record claiming he had a desire to make a significant offer to entice a version of Pantera to form and become one of the headliners for the now defunct Mayhem Festival.
ShipRocked 2015 Adds Gemini Syndrome, Metal Allegiance, Icon for Hire, etc.
ShipRocked, the ultimate rock music cruise vacation has added Gemini Syndrome, Icon For Hire, Three Years Hollow, Daybreak Embrace and Sidewise. Rex Brown (Kill Devil Hill/ex-Pantera), Troy Sanders (Mastodon) and Alex Skolnick (Testament) are among the special guests confirmed to perform with Metal Allegiance on ShipRocked.
The previously announced acts on the bill –fueled by Monster Energy–will be headlined by Limp Bizkit. The sixth ShipRocked will also feature Chevelle (Pre-Party only), heavy metal all-star band Metal Allegiance, Black Label Society, Buckcherry, P.O.D., Sevendust, Tremonti, Andrew W.K., Living Colour, Filter, Lacuna Coil, Nonpoint, Otherwise, Zach Myers of Shinedown with J.R. Moore & Zack Mack, Crobot, Thousand Foot Krutch, Wilson, Gemini Syndrome, Icon For Hire, Andy Wood, Letters From The Fire, Cilver, Daybreak Embrace, Sidewise, Three Years Hollow, and DJ Lippy Rage.
ShipRocked guests are invited to start their vacation early with the ShipRocked Super Sailgate Pre-Party on February 1, 2015. The Pre-Party will feature Chevelle’s only ShipRocked performance, as well as sets from Sevendust and Wilson.
ShipRocked 2015 will be hosted by satellite radio host Kayla Riley, as well as Ralph Sutton of The Tour Bus Radio and The SDR Show.
Each night, guests will be treated to a late night taping of The SDR Show (Sex, Drugs & Rock & Roll Show; www.theSDRshow.com) hosted by Ralph Sutton and comedian Jay Oakerson, who will interview various band members.
Comedians Jay Oakerson and Luis J. Gomez will also perform various stand-up sets throughout the cruise.
New to ShipRocked this year will be a tattoo parlor hosted by Spaded & Jaded Tattoo and yoga with Mari Dew of Rock My Yoga.
ShipRocked on-board and beach activities also include the usual photo meet and greets, pool-side games, artist Q&A sessions, trivia challenges, game shows, parties, contests and more.
Also onboard, the ShipRocked charity auction will benefit Cancer Sucks, a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding innovative medical research and finding a cure for cancer. The auction will feature one-of-a-kind rock memorabilia from current and past ShipRocked bands and more. ShipRocked guests have a history of generosity. In 2014, ShipRocked Cancer Sucks! onboard charity auction raised over $100,000.
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Kyng – Burn The Serum
Los Angeles rock trio Kyng has made waves across the scene with their brand of straight forward, gimmick free, hard rock sound that has been a breath of fresh air within a glut of either retro whatever or (fill in the blank) core music that has a cooler tag than the music they produce.
Burn The Serum (Razor and Tie) are eleven tunes that hit hard upon first listen while maintaining its melodic aspects at the same time. Musically, its mash up of heavy Sabbath-driven riffs with melodies resembling classic Soundgarden and the occasional fast tempo-ed metallic parts, without attempting to nosedive completely towards either a desert rock or grunge direction.
Vocalist Ed Veliz’s singing makes the real difference on Burn The Serum, as his vocals work well with their energetic sound. Songs like ‘Big Ugly Me’ and the acoustic song ‘Paper Heart Rose’ showcase a different side of Kyng, with his strong vocal performances blending in well with the music. Plus the fact that they are a trio is even more amazing, as they sound much bigger than what they produced on this record.
Working with Reverend Jim Rota (Fireball Ministry) this time around helped elevate their sound from the debut, and sound a lot more mature as well. Songs like ‘Lost One’ and ‘Electric Halo,’ display back to the roots of rock music, without compromising anything along the way.
Overall, it isn’t a fluke that Kyng has received all of these high praises from the likes of James Hetfield (Metallica) and Rex Brown (Kill Devil Hill). Burn The Serum is an awesome rock record that is the missing in the void that is the music scene today. It deserves a lot more attention and their luck could soon change.
9/10
REI NISHIMOTO
Rex Brown With Mark Eglinton – Official Truth: 101 Proof
Until now, almost none of the true story of Pantera has been told by its actual members. Since the death of Dimebag Darrell Abbott in December of 2004, the surviving members of the band haven’t been exactly forthcoming to discuss all of the ups and downs they had. Fifteen of those years were lived under a very intense microscope, as the band that rose from a local act, and became one of the great headliners in metal history. The first true memoir to be penned by a member of the band, Rex Brown gives the readers a glimpse into his childhood in Texas, his formative years as a teen music prodigy, and how he got to sling the bass over his shoulder alongside of some of the best of the best. The death of Dimebag hangs over some chapters like a shroud, taking up the Prologue and a prominent place in the heart of the text, but is also not the whole story either.
Official Truth:101 Proof, The Inside Story of Pantera (DaCapo Press) starts with the childhood of Rex which for the most part, was happy. Born in Graham, Texas his early childhood was marked by a lot of music, mainly brought to him from his grandmother’s blues and ragtime records and his father’s big band collection. This left an indelible mark on him. After the death of his father, Rex’s family moved from the sticks to Arlington for an easier life and eventually this led to a teenage rocker meeting up with Vinnie and Darrell Abbott. Teenage Rex was more into playing Frisbee, dealing drugs and cutting school than being in a band, but what teenage kid isn’t? The thing is, Rex was becoming an immense Jazz bass prodigy, who could have written his own ticket to the finest music conservatories in America. Eventually Rex’s ambition to have fun and play kick-ass music got the better of him, and school was out for good.
Along the way to the top, Rex formed a brotherhood with the Abbott’s, Terry Glaze and his replacement Phil Anselmo. As the cliché goes, familiarity breeds contempt, and Rex details the many years of rocky relationships and personal mistakes the band endured together. Many internal (drugs, crumbling trust) and external forces (record industry BS, Jerry Abbott’s control of their publishing, rock-star excesses, domestic issues) took hold. Rex definitely pulls no punches when breaking down the faults and flaws of everyone closest to him, including himself. He seems to direct a surprising amount of ire at Vinnie Paul Abbott, in particular. Still, he looks back on all of the highs with Pantera very fondly. He also details his working relationships and friendships with Down, Crowbar, Jerry Cantrell, Geezer Butler, Metallica, Soulfly and his current band Kill Devil Hill, which he is extremely happy with.
The book has an easy-going style, and doesn’t seem to be ghost-written like so many other tomes of this sort. If you have ever talked to Rex, you know the book has his voice in it and came from him. Mark Eglinton interviewed many people closest to Brown, and that showed up in the form of little side notes in every chapter that really help flesh out the story. If you are a fan of Pantera or 90s metal in general, this book is essential reading. Overall, Rex’s story is one of survival. Of overcoming the odds, and the dream of a skinny little kid who made it out of Texas to rock the world.
9.0/10
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