Tag: Vinny Appice
0 Kill Devil Hill – S/T (2012)
Rock veterans Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath, Dio) and Rex Brown (Pantera) have formed a stupendous band named Kill Devil Hill. Named after the town in North Carolina that was famous for pirating way back when, Kill Devil Hill has released their self-titled debut album. With a seasoned veteran like Appice at the helm, there is no doubt that Kill Devil Hill is going to be one amazing hard rock ride.
I really like vocalist Dewey Bragg’s voice on this record. Little is known (or at least, little is revealed) about his background and past musical accomplishments, but however his band mates found him, they should be proud of themselves. Dewey Bragg sings like a seasoned champion. He has a deep, dark voice that fits the melodies of 90s grunge (think Alice In Chains). His vocals are sharp and clear, and his voice adds plenty of depth to the great rhythms played by the rest of the band.
The overall mood on Kill Devil Hill is dark and eerie, yet highly enjoyable. It is doom and gloom meets modern rock minus all the filler. There are only choice cuts of hearty music to be had on this exciting debut record. Imagine a hybrid of Blue Murder and Alice In Chains and that will give you the best idea of what Kill Devil Hill sounds like. This music is fantastic!
With an infectious groove and sultry vocals from Bragg, “Voodoo Doll” is one of the strongest tracks on Kill Devil Hill. The song launches with a superb guitar solo from Mark Zavon (most recently a guitarist for WASP). It then kicks into overdrive as Bragg sings some of his best work on the record. Filled with exceptional time changes, powerful vocals, and incredible melodies, “Voodoo Doll” is a song that everyone is bound to fall in love with.
“We’re All Gonna Die” is another solid song that showcases not only Bragg’s ability, but also the intensity of rhythm section Vinny Appice (on drums) and Rex Brown (on bass guitar). Launching with a roaring drum beat then sliding into dark vocals from Bragg, “We’re All Gonna Die,” is a heavy, grunge-tinged song, very reminiscent of 90-s rock. This could be Appice’s best work on the record, as the drums are extraordinary. Rex Brown keeps pace with some superb bass playing and all tied together “We’re All Gonna Die” is an excellent song.
“Old Man” is a song that plays like a perfect session of love making. Fast and furious leads into slow and caring, then speeds up again before hitting the climax. The tune starts hard and heavy, like most sessions do, building to a rhythmic pace of excellence. When the hook comes, the song slows down, becoming melodic and deep. Then it’s back to the fast paced verse. The pacing of “Old Man” is the biggest part of what makes it such an attractive song. Kill Devil Hill could have a real hit on their hands if they were to release “Old Man” as a single.
With a great rhythm section, an astonishing lead singer, and some wicked guitars, Kill Devil Hill is a solid record that hard rock fans should add to their collection. If your ears hunger to hear some innovative, solid rock music, then grab a copy of Kill Devil Hill and let it play. You’re guaranteed some fantastic music created by some of the best in the business.
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
- War Machine
- Hangman
- Voodoo Doll
- Gates Of Hell
- Rise From The Shadows
- We’re All Gonna Die
- Strange
- Time & Time Again
- Old Man
- Mysterious Ways
- Up In Flames
- Revenge
Kill Devil Hill Is:
Rex Brown – Bass
Vinny Appice – Drums
Mark Zavon – Guitar
Dewey Bragg – Vocals
Buy your copy of Kill Devil Hill’s CD at Amazon.com at this link!
2 Will Wallner & Vivien Vain – S/T (2012)
On their debut CD, Will Wallner & Vivien Vain have recruited some of hard rock’s finest musicians to help craft their songs. The end result is a remarkable hard rock CD that I can’t stop listening to. Will Wallner may not be a guitarist whose name you recognize. One listen to this CD, and I think he could possibly become an overnight sensation. Wallner delivers some of the best hard rock riffs I have heard in 2012, and that includes the recent works from Eddie Van Halen & Vinnie Moore (in UFO). Wallner’s style reminds me of a cross between Randy Rhoads & Jake E. Lee. That is pretty good company to be in, in my opinion.
Vivien Vain, where have you been hiding? Vain is easily one of the best new female hard rock vocalists that I have heard in quite some time. Her powerful pipes are a very good match for Wallner’s heavy riffs. Of course it doesn’t hurt when you attract the likes of Carmen Appice, Tony Franklin, Rudy Sarzo, Vinny Appice, Jimmy Bain, Tony Carey, Brian Tichy and Derek Sherinian to play on your songs. These hard rock legends help to craft some very cool tunes. I can’t begin to tell you how good it is to hear Tony Franklin and Carmine Appice (two-thirds of Blue Murder) playing on some songs together again. This is very cool stuff indeed!
The best songs on the CD are “Dreamstealer”, “Streets of Rage” & “Miles Ahead”, but there really isn’t a bad song in the bunch.
If you are a fan of 80’s hard rock, you ought to check out this CD. You won’t be disappointed!
For more information on Will Wallner & Vivien Vain, please check out their website. You can purchase the CD from CDBaby at this link or a signed copy from the Wallner Vain website. Check it out!
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
- The Dream
- Dreamstealer
- Streets Of Rage
- Fourteen Twenty Eight
- All That I Want
- Miles Ahead
- Soul Monster
- Rising
- Indestructible
Vivien Vain – Vocals
Will Wallner – Guitar
Guest Musicians:
Tony Carey – Keys on Tracks 1, 2, 8, 9
Jimmy Bain – Bass on Track 2
Vinny Appice – Drums on Tracks 2, 3, 4, 6
Carmine Appice – Drums on Tracks 3, 5, 9
Tony Franklin – Bass on Tracks 3, 5, 7, 9
Rudy Sarzo – Bass on Tracks 4, 6
Brian Tichy – Drums on Track 7
Derek Sherinian – Keys on Track 7
0 KILL DEVIL HILL SIGN TO SPV/STEAMHAMMER
NEW BAND FEATURING: VINNY APPICE, REX BROWN
KILL DEVIL HILL, the new project featuring acclaimed drummer Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath, Heaven and Hell, Dio) and bassist Rex Brown (Pantera, Down) have signed with SPV/Steamhammer. The band is rounded out by guitar slinger Mark Savon and killer vocalist Dew Bragg. Their debut album is tentatively scheduled for a March 2012 release.
Vinny Appice commented on signing to SPV and what people can expect from KILL DEVIL HILL:
“We are a new band with the power, energy and history to stand out, create music and be successful. We are proud to be with SPV, a label with the same attitude, talent and drive!”
Bassist Rex Brown is equally excited about joining the SPV family:
“It is with a great pleasure to be aboard the SPV Music Blanket. We are looking forward to a great new experience with a label that has put out many great metal records. Cheers!”
The still untitled release is being produced by Warren Riker who is best known for his work with Down, Corrosion of Conformity, Sublime, and Cathedral.
Olly Hahn (A&R Steamhammer/SPV) on signing KILL DEVIL HILL:
“It`s a great pleasure to welcome KILL DEVIL HILL to the SPV family. It´s not only because of Rex Brown and Vinny Appice, mostly it`s because of their music and that they are a real band. Music wise they don`t neglect their past but they also give some fresh elements to our beloved music genre called Heavy Metal!”
KILL DEVIL HILL is currently taking a short break from the studio for a short club tour starting October 2nd in Clifton, NJ. A complete list of dates is below:
10/2/11 Clifton, NJ @ Dingbatz
10/4/11 Morgantown, WV @ 123 Pleasant Street
10/5/11 Reading, PA @ Reverb
10/7/11 Charlotte, NC @ Tremont Music Hall
10/8/11 Spartanburg SC @ Ground Zero
10/9/11 Greensboro, NC @ Arizona Petes
10/13/11 Little Rock, AR @ Downtown Music
10/14/11 Fort Worth, TX @ The Aardvark
10/15/11 Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
10/19/11 San Antonio, TX @ Back Stage Live
10/20/11 Shreveport, LA @ Riverside Warehouse
10/21/11 Jackson, MS @ Club Fire
10/22/11 Lafayette, LA @ Grant Street Hall
10/25/11 Cookeville, TN @ Amps and Ramps
10/27/11 Kent, OH @ Outpost Concert Club
10/28/11 Columbus, OH @ Slapsy Maxie
10/29/11 Covington, KY @ The MaddHadder
10/31/11 Omaha, NE @ Chrome Lounge
11/2/11 Des Moines, IA @ The House of Bricks
11/3/11 Lincoln, NE @ Knickerbockers
11/4/11 Salina, KS @ Santa Fe Saloon
11/5/11 St Louis, MO @ Pitters Tavern
For more info please visit:
1 Rock Stars Unite for New Year’s Eve Cancer Benefit Concert In Benefit For Bassist PHIL KENNEMORE Of Y&T
NEW YEAR’S EVE @ THE AVALON in SANTA CLARA, CA
GEOFF TATE, DON DOKKEN, CHUCK BILLY, JIMMY DEGRASSO, RON KEEL AND MANY MORE!
A parade of Rockstars are coming together to support beloved bassist, Phil Kennemore, founding member of Northern California’s legendary rockers Y&T,
Kennemore was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer while on tour this last summer. Having recorded and toured the world relentlessly since 1974, Kennemore has dedicated his life to making millions of people happy with his music. Now, he needs your help.
Due to the overwhelming medical bills, Y&T’s lead singer and best mate, Dave Meniketti, started the “Phil Kennemore Fund” to help Phil with his bills. This New Year’s concert is the ultimate fund-raiser for a friend who has made such a positive impact on the music scene.
This concert is an allstar line up of many of Kennemore’s friends from bands such as Queensryche, Dokken, RATT, Black Sabbath, DIO, Alice Cooper, Testament, and Y&T all donating their time to perform on New Year’s Eve. This is a must-see concert and is going to rock!
The lineup for the all star extravaganza is as follows:
- · Geoff Tate (Queensryche)
- · Don Dokken (Dokken)
- · Bobby Blotzer (RATT)
- · Vinny Appice (DIO, Black Sabbath, Heaven & Hell)
- · Sean McNabb (Dokken, Montrose)
- · Loren Gold (Roger Daltrey)
- · Chuck Billy (Testament)
- · Paul Bostaph (Testament, Slayer)
- · Jimmy DeGrasso (Alice Cooper)
- · Joey Alves
- · Leonard Haze
- · Ron Keel
- · Greg Kihn
- · …and more (see www.YandTRocks.com for updates)
The show will take place at the Avalon (777 Lawrence Expressway. Santa Clara, CA), a 1000+ capacity venue which Y&T has performed at several times on New Year’s Eve over the past five years. The club, like the performers, has generously volunteered to donate 100% of the ticket proceeds directly to Phil.
The doors open at 8:00PM. Tickets are $75. For further information, call the Avalon at 408.241.0777 or visit www.YandTRocks.com.
0 Heaven & Hell To Hit the Road in May
The management for HEAVEN AND HELL – the legendary band featuring BLACK SABBATH icons Ronnie James Dio (vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass) and Vinny Appice (drums) – have provided Black-sabbath.com webmaster Joe Siegler the following official, up-to-date list of dates for the band:
May
30 – Moscow, Russia – B1
31 – Moscow, Russia – B1
June
2 – Helsinki, Finland – Icehell
4 – Oslo, Norway – Spektrum
8 – Giessen, Germany – Hessenhallen
9 – Berlin, Germany – Zitadelle
10 – Bamburg, Germany – Jakoarena
13 – Bergum, Germany – Festivalterrein Zomerweg (Waldrock Festival)
14 – Kalsruhe, Germany – Europehalle
16 – Bonn, Germany – Museumsplatz
17 – Zurich, Germany – Volkshaus
The new Heaven And Hell album is now complete and will be released some time in March/April via Rhino. The group’s first LP since Sabbath’s Dehumanizer (1992) was recorded at Rockfield studios in Wales, UK (where Dehumanizer was also tracked).
Courtesy of Bravewords.com
1 3 Legged Dogg – Frozen Summer (Release Year – 2006)
Carlos Cavazo returned in 2006 in a heavy metal, supergroup called 3 Legged Dogg.
This band features the talent of Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath) on drums, Jimmy Bain (DIO) on bass, Chaz West (Bonham) on vocals and Brian Young (David Lee Roth) on guitars. This disc also features 4 tracks produced by former Dokken bass player Jeff Pilson.
Frozen Summer may be short (only 8 songs, 33 minutes), but it does not lack punch. This may be some of the heaviest music you have ever heard Carlos Cavazo perform on to date. This music is riff and bass heavy. The Black Sabbath influence is very easy to pick up on. Chaz West sings his ass off. I don’t remember him sounding this good with Bonham.
XM41, the Boneyard broke out Frozen Summer a few months ago. I heard this track once, and started looking for this disc. This is a heavy track and very killer stuff!
The band recently released a video for Give and Take Away. I like this track more and more with every listen. The Sabbath style heaviness shows itself well on this track.
Rain on My Parade is a low tempo number where Chaz West’s voice really shines. You have to crank this one up to fully appreciate it.
One Good Reason is one of those excellent metal tracks that ignites your soul and makes you want to throw your fists in the air, with your mano cornuta’s extended for the world to see.
Wasted Life has a little bit of blues fused into the music with Chaz West playing the harmonica. No, this doesn’t sound like a Dave Matthews song. This is some classic metal fused with a little bit of blues. The end result is another whiplash-creating, head-banging tune.
The rhythm section of Appice and Bain really shine on the song, Long Way Back From Hell. This is a mid tempo number that really sounds great.
Man oh mercy, the music on Left for Dead is so good, it is crazy. There are great vocals by Chaz West, and the whole band sounds amazing.
Bring the Hammer Down is the only song on Frozen Summer that I couldn’t really get into.
With Frozen Summer you get quality over quantity. I am a big Black Sabbath fan, and I loved hearing the Sabbath influence in these tunes. I can only hope that these guys get together and do a longer disc at some time in the future. 3 Legged Dogg’s debut totally rocks, and has only left me wanting more. For more info on 3 Legged Dogg, check out the band’s myspace page here.
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Frozen Summer
2. Give and Take Away
3. Rain on My Parade
4. One Good Reason
5. Wasted Life
6. Long Way Back from Hell
7. Left for Dead
8. Bring the Hammer Down
3 Legged Dogg is:
Chaz West – Vocals
Vinny Appice – Drums
Jimmy Bain – Bass
Carlos Cavazo – Guitars
Hard Rock Hideout 