Tag Archives: shred

ALBUM REVIEW: The Ghost Next Door – Classic Songs Of Death And Dismemberment

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Like many sub-genres, Progressive Rock has seen a stylistic ebb and flow, with a few strong bands rising to set the tone that inspired those who followed in their wake. 

As Metal veterans, The Ghost Next Door takes you back to prog’s high water mark in the mid-nineties when bands like Tool and Faith No More rose to prominence and broke boundaries. On Classic Songs of Death And Dismemberment (Ripple Records), they create a moody blend of post-grunge-tinged Rock that puts the lyrics front and center. At the heart of the songs are social observations and commentaries on the state of the world. Continue reading →


INTERVIEW: Charlie Parra del Riego on Shred Guitar, Touring with Chris Jericho (Fozzy), and Social Media

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In this episode, Keefy caught up with Guitar master and Content Creator Charlie Parra del Riego! In addition to having several bands, touring with Chris Jericho’s (Fozzy) covers band around the world, Charlie is an infamous YouTuber with many iconic videos, covers, and collabs, and social media influencer! We talked all about his many interests and areas of expertise!Continue reading →


ALBUM REVIEW: Witherfall – Sounds of the Forgotten

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All too often bands falling under the “Power Metal” banner, lack power,  diminishing many of the key elements, such as aggression, that are necessary for metal.  On Sounds of the Forgotten (DeathWave Records) Witherfall take a heavier route, drawing from the mid-1980s. This tie to Thrash even led to singer Joseph Micheal taking the mantle from the late Warrel Dane to front Sanctuary for a reunion tour. Continue reading →


ALBUM REVIEW: While She Sleeps – Self Hell

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From their formation in 2006 to continuously growing on their timeless brand of Metalcore in 2024, British band While She Sleeps have yet to run out of fuel for their fire. Now three EPs and six albums deep into their career, their new record Self Hell (Spinefarm Records) makes it clear the group is still just getting started.Continue reading →


ALBUM REVIEW: Judas Priest – Invincible Shield

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While the philosophy of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” might work for some bands, UK metal gods Judas Priest are clearly not counted among them. Rarely repeating themselves from record to record, Priest have always preferred creativity over repetition, unafraid to take risks even when some level of criticism inevitably follows.

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CONCERT REVIEW: John 5 – Sticks N’ Stones Live at The Gramercy Theatre

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The artist known as John-5 has had an impressive career playing behind David Lee Roth, Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie, and most recently has become a permanent member of  Mötley Crüe. He didn’t find himself playing in these positions because he could support anyone but because he is an amazing guitar player in his own right. Versatile is the word that best describes his style and his true talent lies in his ability to switch to any style needed, a musical chameleon if you will.  Continue reading →


ALBUM REVIEW: Michael Catton – Point Of No Return

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Ace vocalist/songwriter Michael Catton’s first solo collection Point Of No Return (Mighty Music) sounds like a “Best of the Eighties” tribute album, while effectively showcasing the considerable talents of the man himself and all involved. 

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ALBUM REVIEW: Mammoth WVH – Mammoth II

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In October 2020 the world lost a true musical legend when iconic guitar icon Eddie Van Halen passed away, signalling the end of one of the all-time classic American Hard Rock bands. In the aftermath his son Wolfgang Van Halen, himself a touring bass player for his father’s band since the tender age of 15, released his first solo album as Mammoth WVH. The record was in many ways a heartfelt tribute to his father as highlighted on the songs ‘Distance’ and ‘Mr Ed,’ and had been in the works since Wolfgang had started recording in Eddie’s legendary 5150 studio way back in 2015.

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ALBUM REVIEW: Evile – The Unknown

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Perhaps the noticeable increase in crossover thrash coming out this year is intended to fill the void left by bands like  Power Trip and Slayer. Rather than jump on this bandwagon, British thrashers Evile are slowing things down on The Unknown (Napalm Records) to focus on songwriting.  

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Jeff Hanneman of Slayer Died Ten Years Ago Today

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dreamstime_l_14823565 Photo 14823565 Slayer Jeff Hanneman c Tomas Hajek Dreamstime.com

dreamstime_l_14823565 Photo 14823565 Slayer Jeff Hanneman c Tomas Hajek Dreamstime.com

 

Jeff Hanneman, legendary guitarist of Slayer passed away on May 2nd, 2013, ten years ago. Although the band continued for six more years without Jeff, they missed the co-founding Thrash Metal rhythm and lead guitar innovator. Ghost Cult continues to fly the flag of Slayer, high. In the time since he passed, Ghost Cult covered Slayer just as heavily in Jeff’s life, as they released a final studio album with Jeff’s contributions (Repentless), had a legend and friend hold down his spot live (Gary Holt of Exodus), released a comic book with Jeff’s likeness, completed their final world tour ever of two years, released an incredible film/music video trilogy (The Repentless Killogy), former bandmate DaveLombardo wrote a loving tribute to his fallen friend, and we have created two career-spanning retrospectives (read them here and here) on the end of the band. From the time Jeff passed and every night on that final world tour, Slayer honored Jeff during ‘Raining Blood’ with the “still reigning” banner.  Hail Jeff and hail Slayer!

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