Hard Rock Hideout

The New Year is in full swing. The first month of the year is almost completed. Several artists have announced that they are recording new albums or going on tour. The M3 Festival and Rock On The Range lineups have been released, and I am sure that the other major festivals will soon unveil their lineups as well. As we role into Groundhog’s Day and prepare to give winter the boot, I am starting to think about what music I am excited for in 2013. Below is a list of what has me amped.

Bon Jovi

The band is releasing a new album and embarking on a world tour. I could not be more excited. It’s been a while since I’ve seen Bon Jovi, and though I currently do not have tickets to either of their shows at Met Life (formerly Giants) stadium in New Jersey, I am still not completely out.

I will be honest it was the ticket prices that gave me pause. It cost me less to attend M3 than it would to see Bon Jovi. As hard as it is for fans of Vie’s Verses and Hard Rock Hideout to believe, I am not rich. I know, people should be throwing a ton of money at me for the privilege of reading my writing, but they don’t. Hence, I have to be careful when I choose where to spend my hard earned greenbacks.

In addition to the tour, there is a new album. Now that is something that I CAN afford, and totally expect to purchase when it is released (and yes, you will get a review on HRH). So, while I may not attend the concert, I am still excited for Bon Jovi in 2013, because they will be releasing some new music to enjoy. If the new album is even half as good as The Circle, then I will be an extremely happy fan.

Buckcherry

If the first single, “Gluttony,”  is any indication, the new Buckcherry record, Confessions, is going to be flat out amazing! A typical, hard rocking, fun filled, party-themed anthem, “Gluttony” is classic Buckcherry and has me hopeful that the new record will contain more of the same. Confessions will be the band’s first album in almost three years, which as a fan is a long time to wait. I understand that there is heavy touring after the release of a record, and then there is the much needed period of rest and relaxation before heading back to the studio to create another album. However, this has been the longest wait between albums since Timebomb to 15. Hopefully I will get a chance to catch them out on the road this spring. Seeing Buckcherry live is one of life’s great joys.

M3 Music Festival

As we get closer to May, M3 will most likely get a Vie’s Verses all its’ own. For now, suffice it to say that I am excited for this year’s festival. With headliners that include Kix, WASP, Bret Michaels, and Twisted Sister, how could I NOT be excited? Add in Jackyl (whom I haven’t seen live in 20 years), Loudness, Love/Hate (whom I haven’t seen live since their debut album), and Steelheart (whom I’ve never seen live) and you have the makings for another fantastic festival. This year’s M3 has the potential to be the best one yet. And just thinking about the cheesesteaks at the Merriweather Pavilion has my mouth watering already!

Pop Evil

The bad boys from Michigan are hard at work on their third studio album and filled with optimism. There have been reports that the band hopes to have the record released by the spring. THIS spring. To release a record in May that you started writing in January is simply unheard of anymore. I applaud Pop Evil for wanting to get their new music out to the Evil Masses as quickly as possible.

I also have slight concerns that rushing the record may hurt it. While I am dying to hear some new Pop Evil, I want to hear the band’s best work, not rushed work. However, Leigh Kakaty has gone on record stating that they understand what their fans like about their music and that the new album is going to be made for the fans. That statement is enough for me, as I trust Pop Evil to deliver nothing but the best. So far, their first two albums haven’t disappointed. I can only hope that their third one is true to form. If done correctly, this could be the record that launches this band into SUPERstardom. We may possibly find out this spring.

Black Sabbath

The absence of Bill Ward aside, I am extremely excited about the new Black Sabbath record with Ozzy Osbourne in front of the microphone. It’s been a long, long time since these members have gotten together to record new music. And recording the album without Bill Ward is just a huge sting. It’s like the Van Halen reunion without Michael Anthony. That being said, the Van Halen record was pretty darned good, and I have a feeling that the new Black Sabbath record is going to be just as good. Three out of four originating members of the godfathers of heavy metal isn’t bad. And I am sure that they can still make better music than most of the hard rock bands in existence today. I am certainly curious to see what the band has in store. I thought that Ozzy’s last solo record (Scream) was a phenomenal release, so add his creative genius to Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler, and you have a recipe for greatness. We will find out just how great this June.

What are you stoked about in 2013?

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