Ellefson Coffee Company Grand Opening Celebration Grows Again

Posted on April 1, 2017 by philspicks

Courtesy: Ellefson Coffee Company/O’Donnell Media Group

Next weekend’s grand opening of Ellefson Coffee Company’s first brick and mortar store keeps growing.

The festivities for next weekend’s grand opening of Ellefson Coffee Company’s Jackson, MN store now include performances by two more acts. Kik Tracee/Zen From Mars vocalist Stephen Shareaux and Bang Tango/Zen From Mars guitarist Drew Fortier will perform at the store throughout the weekend. The duo will perform songs from Kik Tracee and Zen From Mars over the weekend.

Also added to the weekend’s festivities is Bryn Arens, front man of beloved local Minneapolis-based band FLIPP. Arens, Shareaux and Fortier are just the latest additions to next weekend’s grand opening celebration. Local Jackson, MN-based stock car racer Luke Sathoff’s Ellefson Coffee Company-sponsored car will be on display at the store throughout the weekend, too.

The newly noted additions to next weekend’s festivities join already announced celebrities That Metal Show co-host Don Jamieson and paranormal author and investigator Adrian Lee.

Jamieson will be at the store April 8 while Lee will lead Ellefson and others on an exploration of Loon Lake Cemetery, the local Jackson, MN cemetery that inspired Megadeth’s hit song ‘Mary Jane.’

The permanently displayed “Museum of Deth,” which features artifacts and memorabilia from Ellefson’s personal collection. The items that will be on display include Ellefson’s own high school marching band uniform and memorabilia from other acts including Korn, Machine Head, Max Cavalera and Coal Chamber.

Ellefson said in a recent interview he was looking forward to next weekend’s events.

“As the grand opening draws nearer, it’s amazing to see the excitement build and be able to announce some more killer things we have planned for the grand opening and beyond!,” Ellefson said. “We have people traveling from all over the country to join us in this celebration of all things coffee and metal and we’re going to show them all a great time.”

Ellefson Coffee Company Marking Director Thom Hazaert agreed.

“The Ellefson Coffee Company store has turned out to be an amazing way for David to have a permanent face in his hometown, while being able to tie in EMP, Jackson, Dean, SIT and everything else in our universe,” Hazaert said. “With the huge sense of Megadeth history in Jackson, we are excited to be able to create a really unique an amazing fan (and coffee) experience that, as predicted, is turning out to not only be a highlight for the people of Jackson, but a destination for Megadeth fans from around the world.”

Ellefson Coffee Company’s new brick and mortar store sells more than just coffee. It also serves as an outlet for anyone looking to purchase products from Ellefson’s EMP Label Group, Jackson Guitars, SIT Strings, Puck Hcky, Dean Guitars and other companies connected with Ellefson and EMP Label Group.

Ellefson Coffee Company’s grand opening will take place Friday, April 7 – Sunday, April 9 at 404 2^nd Street, Jackson, MN. The store can be contacted by phone at 507-847-4065. More information on Ellefson Coffee Company is available online now at:

Website: http://www.ellefsoncoffeeco.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ellefsoncoffeeco

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Ellefson Coffee Co. Store To Hold Grand Opening This Spring

Posted on February 28, 2017 by philspicks

Courtesy: O’Donnell Media Group/Ellefson Coffee Company

Ellefson Coffee Company’s first ever brick and mortar store will hold its official grand opening this spring.

The event will be held April 7 – 9. It comes almost three months after the store held its soft opening, which was held Jan. 10. The company is named after its founder, Megadeth bassist Dave Ellefson.

The store is located in Ellefson’s hometown of Jackson, MN. Ellefson will be on hand for the grand opening. He will be joined by comedian and That Metal Show co-host Don Jamieson. Jameson said in a recent interview that he gladly accepted Ellefson’s request to appear at the event, while also praising the power of one of Ellefson Coffee Company’s select coffee lines.

“He’s (Ellefson) a Grammy®-winning musician, thrash metal legend and now…Mega Barista!,” Jamieson said. “When David and I spoke about this event, I was immediately excited to jump on board. In fact, after a few cups of his Kenya Thrash blend, I may just run all the way to Jackson, MN! So come raise a glass of java, and join us for this celebration of Ellefson coffee.”

Ellefson was also excited for his store’s official hard opening.

“This is our heavy metal spring break in Jackson!,” Ellefson said. “We look forward to hosting some really fun events centering around my career’s roots and history in the area, as well as a chance to see some memorabilia from my friends in music, film and TV.”

Some of the memorabilia on display at the store will include Dave’s Jackson High School marching band uniform to see, and items from other bands including Korn, Coal Chamber, Machine Head, and others.

Along with memorabilia, the store will also offer products from Ellefson’s fledgling record label, EMP Label Group for sale and Ellefson Coffee Company products.

Ellefson’s ECC partner Tom Hazaert stressed the new store, while already having been opened since January, will be a special place for coffee lovers and for Jackson, MN’s metal community for the foreseeable future.

“Not only will Ellefson Coffee Company now have a permanent face in David’s hometown, but being able to tie in EMP, and everything else we do, and with the huge sense of Megadeth history in Jackson, we are excited to be able to create a really unique and amazing (and coffee) experience that we are sure will not only be a highlight for the people of Jackson, but a destination for Megadeth fans from around the world,” Hazaert said.

As part of the store’s hard opening, author Adrian Lee will join Ellefson and company as they take visitors and customers on a haunted tour of nearby Loon Lake Cemetery. The cemetery is where one Mary Jane Terwilliger is said to be buried. According to legend, Terwilliger, born in 1862, was beheaded by residents of Petersburg, MN in 1881 after being accused of being a witch. However, research has debunked that myth, proving she in fact died at the age of 17 allegedly from diphtheria.

Due to the myth surrounding Terwilliger and her death becoming so popular, she became the topic of the song ‘Mary Jane,’ which is included in the band’s 1988 album So Far, So Good…So What! Terwilliger’s headstone stands today at the Jackson County Historical Society office.

Ellefson Coffee Company’s store is located at 404 Second Street, Jackson, MN 26143. More information on Ellefson Coffee Company’s store, its coffee lines, and more is available online now at:

Website: http://www.ellefsoncoffeeco.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ellefsoncoffeecompany

Romantic Rebel Added To Smile Empty Soul’s “Shapeshifter Tour 2016” LIneup

Posted on July 14, 2016 by philspicks

Courtesy: O’Donnell Media Group

Romantic Rebel is headed back out on the road.

The band announced Monday that it will join Smile Empty Soul on the road this summer for the band’s “Shapeshifter Tour 2016.” The tour launches this Friday, July 15^th in St. Louis, MO. It will share time on stage as support for Smile Empty Soul alongside The Everyday Losers, Shallow Side, and Beitthemeans on the tour. Romantic Rebel’s upcoming live dates are in support of its upcoming EP Begin Again. The band announced Monday that fans who come out to its live shows will be able to pick up Begin Again before its official release date, which has not yet been announced.

Singer KT Paige recently sat down to discuss the EP and what it means not just to her but to the band in whole. She noted in her discussion the work put into the songs not only by herself but also by guitarist Alex Vincent, who co-wrote the record, and by producer Johnny K (Disturbed, Pop Evil, Finger Eleven, Sevendust, 3 Doors Down, Megadeth, Machine Head, Nonpoint, etc.), who helmed the EP and is also working with the band on its upcoming as yet untitled sophomore album. “This EP is very special to us,” she said. “Alex and I wrote these songs from the heart; about past experiences and struggles. That said, we were very attached to them and didn’t want to see them change. Johnny, being the multi-talented producer that he is, helped us take the songs we thought couldn’t get any better to a whole new level. It’s amazing how a simple change in melody can make me feel even more emotional about a song than I had felt previously.”

While waiting for Romantic Rebel’s new EP to be released audiences can purchase the EP’s lead single ‘Too Far’ now online via iTunes. The single’s companion video is currently streaming on the band’s official YouTube channel now. More information on Romantic Rebel’s latest tour schedule is available online now along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: http://www.RomanticRebelBand.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RomanticRebelRocks

Twitter: http://twitter.com/rr_the_band

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Butcher Babies Complete Work On Second Album, Announce Upcoming Tour Dates

Posted on April 6, 2015 by philspicks

Butcher Babies is preparing to hit the road once again.

The band announced today that it will embark on an extensive spring/summer tour in support of its as-yet untitled upcoming sophomore album this week. The album was produced by former Machine Head bassist Logan Mader. The band’s new album is currently slated for release this fall via Century Media Records.

The first slate of tour dates on the band’s current schedule sees the band hitting the road alongside Upon A Burning Body beginning this Thursday, April 9th in Scottsdale, AZ and winding down next Friday, April 17th in Poughkeepsie, NY. It also includes stops in Colorado, New Mexico, Illinois, and Iowa. The complete schedule is listed below:

Courtesy: Street Smart Marketing/Century Media Records

BUTCHER BABIES w/Upon A Burning Body

April 9th, 2015 – Scottsdale, AZ @ Pub Rock Live

April 10th, 2015 – Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad

April 11th, 2015 – Denver, CO @ Marquis Theatre

April 13th, 2015 – Sauget, IL @ Pop’s (No UABB)

April 14th, 2015 – Des Moines, IA @ Wooly’s

April 15th, 2015 – Bloomington, IL @ The Castle Theatre

April 17th, 2015 – Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Loft (No UABB)

Butcher Babies will waste no time after finishing up its tour with UABB finishes up next week. Beginning next Saturday, April 18th, both bands will join The Nearly Deads and headliners In This Moment for the “Black Widow Tour.” The tour is in support ITM’s upcoming hits compilation Rise of the Blood Legion: Greatest Hits (Chapter 1). That collection will be released May 5th via Century Media Records. The twenty-one date tour runs through May 26th and includes a stop at North Carolina’s annual hard rock festival the Carolina Rebellion Festival. Butcher Babies vocalist Heidi Shepherd discussed the band’s inclusion on the “Black Widow tour,” noting the band’s outlook at getting out on the road with the tour’s other bands saying, “This upcoming tour is really special to us. Not only do we get to see so many of our friends that we have accumulated around the country through our music, but it’s also our first chance to play some songs off of the new album. Our fans have been so patient waiting for new music. In true Butcher Babies fashion we never do anything half-assed, so it took a little while. Playing these songs on this tour will be a little treat for our dedicated fan base. Also, to be back out with In This Moment is a huge honor. They have been so supportive of us and they put on an incredible live show.”

She went on noting the band’s excitement at getting to see all of its fans at each show’s post-show meet-and-greet, stating, “To all the BUTCHER BABIES fans old and new, you’ve inspired us so much throughout the years. After every show, we do a free meet and greet at our merch booth. Be sure to come stop by and say hello. We would be honored to meet you.”

Guitarist Henry Flury shared Shepherd’s thoughts on getting to see the band’s fan base saying, Every time we pass through a city we see more and more faces screaming along to the lyrics to our songs. You guys have no idea how that makes us feel. Now we have a few new face melting surprises in store for you guys and we can’t wait to see you sweat it out with us in the pit!”

Co-vocalist Carla Hardy added her thoughts on the tour saying, “It is crazy to think that this will be our ninth big national tour since our first big tour in mid 2012. We feel like old road dogs now as we recognize all the truck stop showers and coffee shops all across the states. However, the best thing about touring is seeing all the familiar faces in the crowd. Our fans have become dear friends over the last few years and every night feels like a family reunion at our after show merch booth meet and greets.”

The complete “Black Widow Tour” schedule is listed below.

Courtesy: Street Smart Marketing/Century Media Records

BUTCHER BABIES w/In This Moment, Upon A Burning Body, The Nearly Deads

April 18th, 2015 – Montclair, NJ @ Wellmont Theatre

April 19th, 2015 – Rochester, NY @ Water Street Music Hall

April 21st, 2015 – Worcester, MA @ The Palladium

April 22nd, 2015 – Stroudsburg, PA @ Sherman Theater

April 23rd, 2015 – Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head Live

April 25th, 2015 – Fort Myers, FL @ Fort Rock

April 26th, 2015 – Jacksonville, FL @ Welcome To Rockville

April 28th, 2015 – Knoxville, TN @ The International

April 29th, 2015 – Chattanooga, TN @ Track 29

May 2nd, 2015 – Nashville, TN @ Cannery Ballroom

May 3rd, 2015 – Charlotte, NC @ Carolina Rebellion

May 5th, 2015 – Atlanta, GA @ Center Stage

May 7th, 2015 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE

May 9th, 2015 – Bangor, ME @ Rise Above Fest

May 12th, 2015 – Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave

May 14th, 2015 – Huntington, NY @ The Paramount

May 15th, 2015 – Niagara Falls, NY @ Rapids Theatre

May 16th, 2015 – Reading, PA @ Reverb

May 22nd, 2015 – Pryor, OK @ Rocklahoma

May 23rd, 2015 – Tyler, TX @ Click’s

May 26th, 2015 – Lubbock, TX @ Lonestar Amphitheater

Following the end of the “Black Widow Tour” Butcher Babies will take some well-deserved and much-needed time off before heading overseas for a handful of summer festivals beginning with the annual Download Festival on June 14th. The band’s summer festival schedule is listed below:

European Festivals

June 14th Download – UK

June 19th Graspop – Belgium

June 20th Hellfest – France

July 20th Metaldays – Slovenia

July 31st Wacken – Germany

More information on Butcher Babies’ upcoming tour is available online now along with all of the latest daily updates from the band at:

Website: http://www.ButcherBabiesOfficial.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ButcherBabiesMusic

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ButcherBabies

Alpha Tiger Leading The Pack Early With Its Latest Full-Length LP

Posted on January 13, 2015 by philspicks

Courtesy: Steamhammer/SPV

2014 was a great year for the worlds of rock and metal acts. Major names the likes of Exodus, Machine Head, Judas Priest, and Black Label Society all released new albums alongside a number of equally impressive up-and-coming bands the likes of The Amsterdam Red Light District, Zodiac, Royal Blood, and others. Now with 2015 not even a full month old, this still very young year is already looking just as good for the metal masses the world over. One sign of this is the upcoming new release from Germany’s own Alpha Tiger. Alpha Tiger will release its new album iDentity in the United States next Tuesday, January 20th. The album, the band’s third is a solid follow-up to the band’s 2011 debut Man or Machine and its followup, Beneath The Surface. The band wastes no time re-introducing itself to audiences on its new album. The band launches into things right off the top in the full throttle, socially conscious ‘Lady Liberty.’ The song is a commentary of sorts on the current state of things in America. On the other end of the spectrum, the band offers an uplifting piece in the positively-charged ‘Closer Than Yesterday.’ The album’s lead single ‘We Won’t Take It Anymore’ is just as powerful a song with its driving guitar riffs and powerhouse vocals from front man Stephan Dietrich. It is another very socially conscious piece that is sure to become a fan favorite if it isn’t already. It, along with the other noted songs are just one part of the whole that makes iDentity a great start to 2015 for the metal masses. The other tracks not noted here each play their own part in iDentity’s enjoyment. Together with the compositions noted here, all ten tracks that make up Alpha Tiger’s new album prove it to be a solid new album and a good start to 2015 for the metal masses.

Alpha Tiger’s upcoming new album iDentity is the band’s third full-length record in four years. Usually when an act releases so many albums in such a short amount of time, it can prove to be a bad thing. It can prove to be bad because in many cases there is a noticeable decline in the quality of said acts’ material. Said albums feel rushed for lack of better wording. In other cases, putting out albums so quickly also means that audiences can actually grow weary of said acts. This applies both to the bigger names in the music world and even to those signed to independent labels. In the case of iDentity, Alpha Tiger hasn’t suffered from any of those issues. The band impresses right off the top in its socially-charged opener ‘Lady Liberty.’ The very first thing that audiences will note in this song is the obvious influences from the likes of Iron Maiden and Judas Priest on its musical side. The dual guitar attack of Peter Langforth and Alexander Backasch coupled with drummer David Schleif’s solid timekeeping and [Stephan] Dietrich’s vocal talents will easily fool audiences. Anyone hearing this song and not knowing it was Alpha Tiger would instantly think they were hearing either of the aforementioned greats. Lyrically speaking, it is just as much a solid opener with it’s seeming commentary on the current state of America. The seeming message in question comes across as Dietrich sings with obvious sarcasm in his voice, “Come on over hear the news/the day has come/Now we are free to choose/I Choose the path that’s best for me/Thank God to live the American dream.” The message is made even clearer later in the song as Dietrich sings, “I’m free to shoot a stranger down/I claim my right, He trod my ground/I’ll raise the flag of liberty/The lady on her hill will shine down on me.” It is only this critic’s own interpretation, but the line “I’m free to shoot a stranger down/I claim my right, He trod my ground” seems to make reference to the Treyvon Martin case and others like it. Regardless of the intended reference, such lyrics make for quite the indictment of a nation in whole. And they are sure to make quite the discussion. That discussion itself makes ‘Lady Liberty’ the perfect choice to open iDentity. The song’s musical backing makes even clearer why this song was chosen to open the album.

‘Lady Liberty’ was the perfect choice to open Alpha Tiger’s latest full-length release. It instantly grabs listeners by the ear with its fire and energy and refuses to let go. It boasts a lot of fire and energy both musically and lyrically. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Alpha Tiger offers a different kind of fire and energy in the uplifting Closer Than Yesterday.’ This song is the polar opposite of ‘Lady Liberty.’ But it is no less powerful. This song offers a welcome ray of hope to anyone going through a rough time both musically and lyrically. The song opens with a solid, driving piano riff that eventually builds into a full on arena-style song, musically speaking complete with huge guitar lick. One could almost argue something of a Bon Jovi influence to this song when one really sits down and listens to it for its musical side. That’s not an entirely bad thing, either. Now are the song’s equally uplifting lyrics. Dietrich sings in this song, “So don’t say you try/Just say you will/There is enough you left behind/It’s time to live!” The control in his voice as he sings these lyrics is something special. That control and gentility in his voice as he sings is like getting a musical pat on the back, reminding listeners that as tough as life gets, everything will be okay. He even goes so far as to sing, “I will step into the great unknown/Where dreams are made to become real/Yes I know it’s still a long way to go/But I’m closer than yesterday.” He comes across as saying that we must embrace the uncertainties in life without fear. We must embrace it because with each step forward we are “closer than yesterday” to defeating those uncertainties that cloud our minds. It is quite the positive reminder to audiences of all ages. That it can reach audiences of so many ages makes it even more powerful and in turn one more way in which iDentity works so well.

Both ‘Lady Liberty’ and ‘Closer Than Yesterday’ show why iDentity is a solid new effort from Aplha Tiger. Both songs are key examples of what makes the album so enjoyable because of the power both in their music and lyrics. The album’s lead single ‘We Won’t Take It Anymore’ boasts much the same energy and fire in its music and lyrics, too. And as with those songs, it too exhibits an obvious influence from the great veteran metal acts that have come before in its examining its musical side. Looking at the song from a lyrical vantage point, there is just as much fire as Dietrich sings “You call us hopeless generation/’Cause we won’t play by your rules/Or it’s because you can’t control us/Like your money hungry fools.” The pure defiant and infectious energy exuded by the band here will have the song resonating in listeners’ heads long after the song has ended. This is proven even more as Dietrich sings, “We won’t take it/Take it anymore/’Cause we are sick of it all/We won’t take it/Take it anymore/We’ve had it up to here.” It’s one more strong statement from Alpha Tiger that is sure to have listeners singing along proudly, pumping their fists in the air. If such striking lyrics and powerful music haven’t already made this single a hit among the band’s European fans, it won’t be long before it is. And when iDentity is released in the U.S., audiences will agree with that sentiment. They will agree with the sentiment regarding not only this song but the others mentioned here and those not noted. In hearing all of the songs that make up iDentity American audiences will discover what the band’s European fans already know–Alpha Tiger is one of the leaders of the rock world’s pack this year.

iDentity is scheduled to be released in the United States next Tuesday, January 20th. It has already been released overseas. And the band is currently on tour in Europe in support of its new album. Audiences around the world can find out the band’s latest tour updates and news online now at:

Website: http://www.alphatiger.de

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AlphaTigerBand

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

“Blood In Blood Out” Is Exodus’ Best Record To Date

Posted on November 28, 2014 by philspicks

Courtesy: Nuclear Blast America/Nuclear Blast Records

Exodus is one of the metal community’s most legendary acts. The Richmond, California-based band has been making pure metal for the masses for well over three decades. In that time, the band has seen its highs and its lows, like any band out there. This past October, Exodus reached another high when it released its latest album Blood In, Blood Out. The album, the band’s tenth full-length studio release is arguably the band’s best work to date. One could say that that is thanks to the return of front man Steve Souza. It could also be that the band produced this album itself, essentially keeping full creative control within the band’s ranks. Regardless the end result of Blood In, Blood Out is an album that every purist thrash metal fan will thoroughly enjoy and an album that is just as deserving of a spot on this year’s list of the best new metal albums as those from Overkill, Anti-Mortem, and fellow thrash metal kings Machine Head among so many others. The album’s lead single and title track is proof of that. The song is a battle cry of sorts from the band letting audiences know in on uncertain terms that Exodus is most certainly back. ‘Collateral Damage,’ the album’s third track is more proof that Blood In, Blood Out is the band’s best work to date. It is a socio-politically charged piece that attacks those in the higher echelons of the world’s political and economic machines. On the completely opposite end of the spectrum, the band offers up a piece in ‘My Last Nerve’ that every listener will appreciate. It goes after those people that are so quick to make life miserable for everyone around them. All three of these pieces are clear examples of what makes Blood In, Blood Out Exodus’ best album to date and one of the year’s best new metal albums. If they are not enough for listeners, there is also a commentary on the inhuman acts of violence committed against innocent lives by certain Muslim extremist groups in ‘Honor Killings’ another social commentary in ‘Salt The Wound’ and even a rather interesting commentary on the atrocious acts of the BTK Killer among much more throughout this album. Again, these songs taken into consideration with the others noted here (and those not noted) result in an album that every metal purist will appreciate.

It goes without saying that Blood In, Blood Out is the best work that Exodus has released in the course of its three decades-plus long life. It is a thrash record that takes audiences back to thrash metal’s heyday. That is evident right from the album’s lead single and title track. The song is the perfect lead-off for the album with the pummeling attack of drummer Tom Hunting and shredding of guitarists Gary Holt and Lee Altus. Front man Steve Souza adds his own touch with a vocal style that easily matches that of Overkill front man Bobby Ellsworth. He sings in this song, “We’re throwing down the gauntlet/Chomping at the bit/About to lay down the law/Show you all the way/Bear witness to Genesis/Of the violence the way it was back in the day/We’ve been here from the start/With a one track mind/We kept the hate alive/Always had the power/Now is zero hour/Tonight we’re gonna fight like it’s 1985.” The reference to 1985 is an obvious reference to the band’s 1985 debut record Bonded By Blood, to which many fans have compared this record stylistically speaking. It could also be argued that it’s a pun in reference to a famous Prince song. That opening verse is a statement to all of the purists and psuedo-metal bands out there that currently permeate the metal community. Souza goes on with his attack singing in the song’s chorus, “Dive in or bow out/If you have the pedigree/Welcome to the family/All in or all out/Half way, no way/Give it all you’ve got/We wrote the book so you’d better know the plot/New breed, old creed/Let’s see what you brought/This s&*$ has turned into a rout/Blood in, Blood out.” Souza and company leave nothing to doubt here. This is a full-on first salvo from Exodus in its new album. And it hits its target full force. Audiences can check out the song’s official companion video online now via YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6c69S3pD8qI. The official lyric video is also available online via YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfu94oJ1so8.

Blood In, Blood Out’s lead single and title track was the perfect choice to re-introduce the band to the metal legions around the world. It is a full-on musical assault from the band, proving right off the top why this album is the band’s best work to date. Another good example of what makes this album such a hit for fans is the album’s socio-politically charged opus ‘Collateral Damage.’ As with the album’s lead single, this piece is another excellent throwback to thrash metal’s heyday. That same dual-guitar assault coupled with Tom Hunting’s drumming and Steve Souza’s shredding vocal style drives the song from start to finish. The song’s socio-politically charged lyrics make the song even more hard-hitting. Souza sings in this song, “Blitzkrieg, insurgence/Under the thumbs of the powers that be/Conflict, tension, unlawful detention/They don’t give a f&*) about you or me/We are all just collateral damage/the s%&$ they step in on their way/Just puppets used to their advantage/To chew up and throw away.” Yet again, Souza and company leave no doubt as to the message being sent here. It’s a nice change of pace from all of the bands out there whose members love to write in metaphors, thus leaving many to misinterpret said bands’ songs. There’s just as little doubt left in the song’s closing verse as Souza sings, “Illuminati of the one percent/We chase their carrot on a string/Wall street deceit all stuck on repeat/Peons serving to the kings/To them it’s all just a natural selection/A birth right of gluttony/Like a kind of Immaculate Conception/Of inbred conformity.” Taking that verse and the song’s opening verse into consideration, it’s obvious that this song is a protest and a call to action. The band is bringing to people’s attention what is going on around us and to us as a result of the people in the world’s upper echelons of politics and economics. The band’s members are saying that people need to be aware of this and start standing up to those people and their institutions that are controlling the world. Such a powerful message set against an equally powerful musical backing makes Blood In, Blood Out even more of a hit for fans of this veteran thrash metal band.

The socio-political commentary contained in ‘Collateral Damage’ and the full-on musical assault of ‘Blood In, Blood Out’ are both key examples of what makes this album Exodus’ best work to date. There is also a commentary in ‘My Last Nerve’ that will impress audiences just as much as those previously noted songs. The commentary in question goes after those people that seem to live to make the lives of everyone around them miserable. Musically speaking, this song isn’t the full throttle attack of ‘Blood In, Blood Out’ or ‘Collateral Damage.’ But even being a little bit slower, it still boasts as much power as those songs and those not noted here. Souza sings in this piece, “I’m so irritated/Being kicked to the curb/Every time you open your mouth/You try to get in the last word/Those who live in glass houses /Should not be throwing stones/It all comes crashing down/You never left well enough alone.” He goes on to sing in the song’s second verse, “So many excuses/Always laying the blame/You’re always pointing the finger/Adding fuel to the flame/Another slander, another slur/Another hollow apology/So many verbal abuses/Believe your own mythology.” These are words to which anyone can relate metalhead or not. Everyone has dealt that person or even those people who will step on everyone else to get to the top. Those that will throw others under the bus every chance they get. They are the same ones that make every excuse as to why it’s everybody else’s fault that this or that event goes awry. This is a universal topic. And the members of Exodus have handled it expertly in this song both musically and lyrically. It is just one more reason that Exodus’ fans new and old alike will enjoy Blood In, Blood Out.

‘Blood In, Blood Out,’ ‘Collateral Damage,’ and ‘My Last Nerve’ are all excellent examples of what makes Exodus’ tenth full length album well worth the listen by any metal purist. They are collectively just a sample of what makes this album so enjoyable by any purist metalhead and thrash metal fan. The politically charged attack of ‘Honor Killings’ is another example of what makes this album so hard hitting. The band tackles the atrocities committed by the various Muslim extremist groups in the Middle East against innocent lives in this song. And ‘Salt The Wound’ is lyrically along the same lines as ‘Last Nerve.’ There is even an interesting commentary on the equally atrocious acts of the BTK Killer and the shocking revelation of who turned out to be in the end. In the grand scheme of things, it is a commentary about how we as people think we know someone but in reality we really never know as much as we might think. Whether it be that song, the politically charged ‘Honor Killings,’ the social commentary of ‘Salt The Wound’ or the topics covered in the album’s other tracks, every listener will agree that every one of these songs (including those not noted) combine to make Blood In, Blood Out Exodus’ best album to date, especially when considered alongside the songs’ musical content.

Blood In, Blood Out is available in stores and online now and Exodus is currently on tour in support of the album. The band is scheduled to perform at The Palladium in Worcester, MA today and at the Wellmont Theatre in Montclair, NJ tomorrow. It will make stops in Philadelphia and Cleveland over the weekend. Audiences can check out Exodus’ latest tour dates and keep up with the band’s latest updates online now at:

Website: http://www.exodusattack.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/exodusattack

Twitter: http://twitter.com/exodusattack

Battlecross Announces Tour With Machine Head, Children Of Bodom, Epica

Posted on July 29, 2014 by philspicks

Courtesy: Metal Blade Records

The members of Battlecross announced Monday that the band will embark on a North American tour this fall in support of its latest album War of Will.

Battlecross will join Machine Head, Epica, and Children of Bodom beginning Saturday, October 4^th in Denver, Colorado. Tickets for the band’s joint tour will go on sale this Friday morning at 10am ET. Battlecross guitarist Tony Asta discussed in a recent interview, his thoughts on touring alongside Children of Bodom and Machine Head once again and with Epica for the first time ever. “What an honor to be on this tour!,” he said. “We’re really stoked to reunite with Machine Head and Children of Bodom, both legendary bands and friends from last summer’s Mayhem Fest, and to see what Epica is all about. This is a tour with something for every metal head and we can’t wait to be bring it brutal throughout the USA & Canada, banging heads and melting faces from coast-to-coast.See you in the pit!”

Before Battlecross makes its way across America this fall, the band will join Black Label Society in Mexico City before performing a trip of dates with Killswitch Engage and Memphis May Fire in Brazil. Hiran Deraniyalaga, who also plays guitar for Battlecross, commented on the upcoming performances. “What a year this has been for us so far,” he said. “We’ve been to Europe twice and now we’re going to Mexico and South America! We’re so honored to be invited to play with Black Label Society in Mexico City. We have so many loyal rabid fans there and we finally get to play for them! After that we fly to Brazil for three dates with our good friends Killswitch Engage, who we can’t thank enough for always inviting us out for awesome opportunities like this one. Get ready to rage my friends! This will be one for the books!”

The schedule for Battlecross’ upcoming tour with Machine Head, Children of Bodom, and Epica is listed below.

Battlecross
Tour w/ Machine Head, Children of Bodom, Epica
10/04 Denver, CO @ The Summit Music Hall
10/06 Dallas, TX @ House of Blues Dallas
10/07 Houston, TX @ House of Blues Houston
10/09 Orlando, FL @ Hard Rock Live
10/10 Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
10/12 Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
10/14 Toronto, ON @ Sound Academy
10/15 Montreal, QC @ Metropolis
10/16 New York, NY @ Terminal 5
10/17 Worcester, MA @ The Palladium – Rock and Shock festival
10/18 Cleveland, OH @ Agora Theatre
10/20 Chicago, IL @ Concord Music Hall
10/21 Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave II
10/22 Minneapolis, MN @ Skyway Theatre
10/23 Winnipeg, MB @ Pyramid Cabaret
10/24 Saskatoon, SK @ O’Brians Event Centre
10/25 Calgary, AB @ The Republik
10/26 Edmonton, AB @ Shaw Conference Centre
10/28 Vancouver, BC @ Vogue Theater
10/29 Seattle, WA @ Showbox SODO
10/30 Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre
10/31 Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater
11/01 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Palladium
11/02 San Diego, CA @ House of Blues

Battlecross
Summer Headline Tour w/ IKILLYA
07/30 Reading, PA @ Reverb
07/31 Buffalo, NY @ Waiting Room
08/01 Hartford, CT @ Webster Underground
08/02 Albany, NY @ Bogies
08/03 Ottawa, ON*** @ Mavericks
08/04 Quebec City***, QC @ L’Agitee
08/05 London, ON*** @ Rum Runners
08/06 Syracuse, NY @ Lost Horizon
08/07 Pittsburgh, PA @ Smiling Moose
End tour
08/08 Louisville, KY** @ Expo 5
08/09 Birch Run, MI @ DIRT Fest
08/10 Libertyville, IL** @ Austin’s
** w/ Killswitch Engage
***w/ Crimson Shadows & IKILLYA
Battlecross
South American tour dates
w/ Black Label Society
08/20 Mexico City*** @ Jose Cuervo Salon

w/ Killswitch Engage & Memphis May Fire
08/22 Curitiba, Brazil @ Music Hall
08/23 Sao Paulo, Brazil @ Carioca Club
08/24 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil @ Circo Voador

All of the latest news and tour updates from Battlecross is available online at http://battlecrossmetal.com, http://www.facebook.com/battlecrossmetal, and http://twitter.com/battlecross. To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

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