When you think of heavy music, images of raw power, defiance, and innovation come to mind—and Black creators have been at the forefront of this movement. Although often underestimated, these innovative musicians are known for their groundbreaking music, which blends punk’s rebellious spirit, metal’s intensity, and unique artistry. I’m a drummer and I’ve done Thrash, Crossover, and Death Metal projects over the years, some known, some not so much. But here in New York, I’ve grown up seeing everyone on stage. So this Black History Month, I want to show off the sounds of ten essential bands shaped by Black visionaries who have left an indelible mark on the world of heavy music. From thrash to hardcore, and everything in between. These bands embody the spirit of heavy music in all its glory. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Vernon Reid
ALBUM REVIEW: Outlanders – Outlanders
When an album features Al Di Meola, Trevor Rabin, Vernon Reid, Joe Satriani, and Marty Friedman you know it’s going to be a corker. To make this reviewer squeeze with joy is that Outlanders is actually Tarja Turunen. Tarja is accompanied by Torsten Stenzel.
Tarja and Torsten Stenzel’s Project Outlanders Shares a New Music Video for “Closer To The Sky”
Outlanders, launched by Finnish soprano legend Tarja Turunen and EDM pioneer Torsten Stenzel, have released the official music video to “Closer to the Sky.” The track features guitarist Trevor Rabin, best known as guitarist of prog rock icons Yes (“Owner of a Lonely Heart”), as well as a top Hollywood blockbuster movies score composer. Their next planned single is “The Cruellest Goodbye,” due out January 28th. It will be released as a limited edition 7″ vinyl exclusively at Tarja’s online store and digitally at earMUSIC. A full album will be due later in 2022 and features guest stars such as Al Di Meola, Joe Satriani, Jennifer Batten, Steve Rothery, Mike Oldfield, Walter Giardino, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, Vernon Reid, and Marty Friedman. Watch the mind blowing video for “Closer To The Sky’ right now!
Living Colour Shares New Video for “This Is The Life”
Living Colour has shared a new video for its classic song ‘This Is The Life’. The clip includes footage of the peaceful protests that have swelled across the U.S. and around the world over the death of Minnesota man George Floyd at the hands of police. The original version of the track appeared on Living Colour’s 1990 album ‘Time’s Up’ In a statement accompanying the new video’s release, the band commented: “‘Time’s Up’ was released 30 years ago and sadly we’re still fighting the same fight. If you don’t like the current agenda, it’s your responsibility to go out an VOTE!” Watch the video now!Continue reading
Tom Morello Launches “Guitar Revolution” Music Camp For 2020
Guitar legend Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine, Prophets of Rage, Audioslave, Bruce Springsteen) has launched a new destination music camp, Guitar Revolution! Starting January 2nd, 2020 fans will be able to learn from and hang out with Morello, Nuno Bettencourt, John 5, Wayne Kramer, Vernon Reid, Bibi McGill, and Billy Howerdel. Taking place in Newport Beach, California, January 2nd to 6th 2020. Watch Morello explain the experience and book your stay at the link below. Continue reading
Living Colour Announces New Album Shade, Due Out In September
Legend status rockers Living Colour have announced their new album Shade, due out on via Megaforce Records on September 8. You can see the artwork below.Continue reading
Finding Joseph Biography To Delve Into The Life of Bad Brains Frontman HR
Bad Brains frontman Paul “H.R.” Hudson has had an amazing career, which is far from over. From helping create and lead hardcore punk with Bad Brains being nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. Now Lesser Gods Publishing (A Vulgar Display Of Pantera) is releasing the first fully authorized biography for H.R.: Finding Joseph I: An Oral History of H.R. from Bad Brains. Continue reading
Video: Living Colour Release Powerful Who Shot Ya? Clip On Gun Violence
Living Colour released their cover of the Notorious B.I.G. track ‘Who Shot Ya’ a few weeks ago, and now we have the powerful video for our viewing pleasure.Continue reading
Living Colour Book Tour Opening For Aerosmith, Headlining Dates
Living Colour, photo by Karsten Staiger
Long running genre-hopping New York rock band Living Colour have planned a summer tour and are joining American rock legends Aerosmith for a string of dates on their “Blue Army Tour”. On off dates Living Colour will play headline dates. The dates begin on Jun 13 at the Gila River Arena in Phoenix.
Vernon Reid remarked about the “Blue Army Tour”:
“It’s incredibly exciting for us to open for one of America’s, and the world’s, most prominent rock bands.”
Among the tour dates and headline gigs the band will play the 44th Annual International African Arts Fest and at Riot Fest in Chicago. More headlining dates are expected to be announced soon.
Living Colour has been working on their fifth album, Shade for the last year. At least a few songs on Shade will be produced by Andre Betts, has worked with the band in the past. Of the new material Corey Glover said in an interview:
“As time progresses, a shadow falls and it’s about the progression of time. We’re trying to dissect and really take the roots of the music that created us and take it to task.”
Living Colour tour dates with Aerosmith:
Jun 13: Gila River Arena – Glendale, AZ
Jun 24: Ford Center – Evansville, IN
Jun 30: State Farm Arena – Hidalgo, TX
Jul 2: Tupelo Music Hall – Londonderry, NH *
Jul 3: Wolf Den at Mohegan Sun – Uncasville, CT *
Jul 4: 44th Annual International African Arts Fest – Brooklyn, NY *
Jul 7: Santa Barbara Bowl – Santa Barbara, CA
Jul 9: House of Blues Anaheim – Anaheim, CA *
Jul 10: California Rodeo Salinas – Salinas, CA
Jul 13: Prospera Place – Kelowna, BC
Jul 16: Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre – Victoria, BC
Jul 19: SMS Stadium – Ft. McMurray, AB
Jul 22: Cheyenne Frontier Days – Cheyenne, WY
Jul 25: North Dakota State Fair – Minot, ND
Jul 28: Amphitheater Northwest – Ridgefield, WA
Aug 4: Van Andel Arena – Grand Rapids, MI
Aug 7: Tom Bensen Hall of Fame Stadium – Canton, OH
Sept 11 – 13: Riot Fest – Chicago, IL
Living Colour is
Will Calhoun (drums)
Corey Glover (vocals)
Vernon Reid (guitar)
Doug Wimbish (bass)