CVSW_September_2013

SEPTEMBER Issue

FREE

THE Custom Lifestyle Magazine for Car, Motorcycle, and Music Enthusiasts

The Saga of

Tony West &

Blacklist Union

Also in this Issue:

LOUD ANGEL, the Interview KISS NIGHT in Vegas Fundraiser Riding Your Bike in the Rain Don’t Purchase a Lemon!

And MORE...

What’s it like to be on the “naughty list” of the music industry yet idolized and loved by so many fans? CV SouthWest Magazine takes time to sit down with Tony West & Blacklist Union, the bad boys from LA. Tony opens up about past band drama, he state of the msic scene, his personal pain, and how he almost quit the industry but now is back as popular as ever, with a strong lineup behind him and the same energetic stage show. Come inside and see what makes BLU tick.

Page 4 Who’s Loud & Who’s the Angel?

Read on as CV SW sits down with Johnny Metal of LOUD ANGEL, still relevant, still rocking after all these years, and even now with a new album release.

Guest Photographer: June Figueroa

p 30

Gear the Pros Use: Sam Howell

p 22

Gear the Pros Use: Roxy Gunn

p 23

News You Can Use: Don’t Buy a Lemon!

p 32

Motorcycle Tips: Being Safe in the Rain

p 20

Tattoo Gallery

p 36

Page 24

Sherry Keith of Mystic Photographer presents another installment in her Las Vegas concert series, shooting the LOCAL bands of Sin City in action.

Jeffrey Easton offers yet another in depth interview with a rock powerhouse, Dez Fafara of DevilDriver, going deep into the mind of yet another master musician.

Kevin Lastovica gives us the scoop on the happenings in Sin City during the month of August…

Page 16

Page 34

Page 12 CV Southwest Magazine

Locally Owned / Nationally Known

Contact Us - Info@cvworldwidemagazine.com

CV SOUTHWEST MAGAZINE © 2012-13 is published monthly and NO reproduction of content is permitted without Publisher’s prior approval. Publisher assumes no financial responsibility for the errors in ads beyond the cost of space occupied by error; a correction will be printed. Publisher is not liable for: any slandering of an individual, or group as we mean no malice or individual criticism at any time; nor are we responsible for the opinions or comments of our columnists; and promises, coupons, or lack of fulfillment from advertisers who are solely responsible for the content of their ads. Publisher is also to be held harmless from: failure to produce any issue as scheduled due to reasons beyond control; all suits, claims or loss of expenses; this includes but is not limited to, suits for libel, plagiarism, copyright infringement and unauthorized use of a persons name or photograph.

Sept 1 Sept 1 Sept 1 Sept 1 Sept 7 Sept 7 Sept 7 Sept 7 Sept 11 Sept 13 Sept 14 Sept 14 Sept 14 Sept 15 Sept 20 Sept 21 Sept 25 Sept 26 Sept 26 Sept 26 Sept 27 Sept 27 Sept 27 Sept 28 Sept 28 Sept 28 Sept 29 Every Fri Every Mon Every Sat Every Thur

Jordan Allena New World Martyr Smashing Alice Systemec Dirty Pairadice Outta the Black Smashing Alice the Roxy Gunn Project Vile Child Systemec Jordan Allena Jordan Allena Vile Child Smashing Alice Cyanida Jordan Allena Brazen Cyanida Brazen Jordan Allena Brazen Smashing Alice Whiskey Southern Brazen Jordan Allena Vile Child Brazen Arena Tribute Doc's Angels Arena Tribute Arena Tribute

the Delta Fair Germantown, TN LVCS Las Vegas, NV Vinyl Las Vegas, NV LVCS Las Vegas, NV Vamp'd Las Vegas, NV the Divebar Las Vegas, NV Rock the Canyon Mt Charleston, NV the Westin Las Vegas, NV Cheyenne Saloon Las Vegas, NV Hard Rock Café Las Vegas, NV Goodlettesville Art Festival Goodlettesville, TN the Pavillion Madison, TN LVCS Las Vegas, NV Vinyl Las Vegas, NV Vamp’d Las Vegas, NV Celebrate Munford Munford, TN Street Vibrations Reno, NV Vamp’d Las Vegas, NV Street Vibrations Reno, NV Hotel Indigo Nashville, TN Street Vibrations Reno, NV Vamp'd Las Vegas, NV the Goldmine Tavern Las Vegas, NV Street Vibrations Reno, NV Merridees Franklin, TN Cheyenne Saloon Las Vegas, NV Street Vibrations Reno, NV Fremont St Main St Stage Las Vegas, NV Fremont St Main St Stage Las Vegas, NV Fremont St Main St Stage Las Vegas, NV Fremont St Main St Stage Las Vegas, NV

It has been a long and interesting road for Tony West and the boys in Blacklist Union. But through band drama, life drama, and a bassist with tits, Tony & BLU have persevered, rising from depths to a new found popularity, a killer sound, and a comradarie that sets the foundation for their current success.

<CV SW> Alright, give us the roster day also have been doing that year <CV SW> Was BLU your first band? after year. of the band and their roles.

What were you doing before formI am Tony West the founder and ing BLU? <CV SW> What got you into Rock lead singer of the band.

Uncommon Grudge was my Carmine D'Amico is our guitarist, music? Who or what was the cata- 1st band at 11 years old. It was an Keith Horne is our other guitarist, lyst that really sparked your inter- Oi! band and I was the drummer.

Eric Hatchett is our bass player est in being a musician?

Before BLU I had 2 other

My Uncle Jimmy really got bands. Freak Machine and Celebriand the man behind the incredible me into music at 5 years old. He ty Trash. My first band was in harmonies.

Moon Hills, our drummer who‘s was into Bowie, Iggy, The Ra- 1996 . I was 19. It was a Ramones been with us since day one is mov- mones, AC/DC, Van Halen. I got tribute band. ing to Boston in September, so we to see AC/DC when I was 5...by are going to be auditioning drum- the time I was 8 I had seen the Ra- <CV SW> Tell the story of BLU's mers soon. I love that guy and I am mones 3 times. It was the first time evolution and path to right here, to seeing The Ramones when I knew this lineup. sad to see him go. what I was gonna do with my life.

Having band members is like dating. It takes many trials and <CV SW> When you formed the band in 2004, what were you looking for in music when you put it together?

When I formed the band I was looking for real, authentic rock n roll that moves me. The kind that makes you want to drive faster, drink harder and f**k even harder than that. I spent years wasting time looking and auditioning for bands in LA. People that seek perfection have a rude awakening coming eventually. It doesn‘t exist.

The same people talking shit and seeking the "perfect" situation at places like the Rainbow day after

a long time to achieve. PLUS, the funny thing is that when Tracie and chemistry we have is something I were in bed together and when very special.

Bianca and I were in bed together nobody else was there. Just us. All <CV SW> Tell us what you think it of the unresolved emotional trauma is about THIS lineup that works so almost killed me, especially when I went on psychotropic meds. That is well.

We all respect each other as when I really lost it. What pulled artists and as people. And I think me out is when another dear friend it‘s safe to say that we all do enjoy died March 8th 2011. That is when each other‘s company. We laugh I stopped all those meds cold turour asses off and we obviously key. I wrote and recorded ―‗Til have some of the most Spinal Tap Death Do Us Part‖ while in a world of emotional storms. I honwar stories of any band ever. estly do not remember writing it <CV SW> You said that "BLU has and only remember a couple mohad its share of ups & down ments of recording it. So there you through 8 years - any highs & have them, the lows of that time period. lows you'd like to discuss? tribulations to get it right. Blacklist As far as highs, well, getting It is no secret I have sufUnion has had quite a path when it fered thru many lows. We put out my shit together and coming full comes to band members. Moon AFTER THE MOURNING on circle as a human, a father, a band Hills our drummer and Carmine April 17th 2006 as a tribute to member and friend is definitely a D'Amico have stuck by my side Bianca from BETTY BLOW- high for me. I love life today. I crethru a lot of things and I love them TORCH, who was my girlfriend at ated a lot of havoc when I was in like brothers. I have dealt with all one time. <NOTE: Bianca my emotional turmoil and I am so kinds of shit from people through Halstead was killed in a car acci- glad I didn‘t kill myself or anyone the years. From Yoko Ono girl- dent in 2001> I was devastated else for that matter. Also, being friends, to drug habits, to egos, you when she died. And the recognized by my peers is always name it, I‘ve dealt with it. We even ―Hollywood Haters Club‖ did not as honor. had a bass player who was in the help with my immense depression. band for four months until he told Bianca and I went thru some heavy us his big secret. shit together, which actually ended up breaking us up. We weren‘t <CV SW> Do I really want to hear even on speaking terms when she this? died. 10 days after that 1st CD reHis secret was he had a pair of tits. lease my ex-wife Tracie Lea Cochran died suddenly from can<CV SW> No, really. cer. I was immediately thrown No, REALLY! It is amazing right back into the mourning phase to me still to this day that it took us and have just recently, in the past four months to realize the guy had year or so, have been able to let a pair of knockers, and he had to that go. Again, the ―Hollywood actually tell us. And I don‘t mean Haters Club‖ was evil and darker man boobs I mean TITS!!! than anything it showed me before.

But I am very happy with Believe me, I was no angel in these the line up now. None of my guys relationships but I loved those have had breast implants, there are women honestly and dearly and no ego trips, drug problems or was crucified for some of my Yoko‘s around anymore and it took choices in those relationships. The

<CV SW> Were you ever at a point where you thought "hell with this, I'm going to throw in the towel"?

Either way, what kept you going, moving forward, kept the fire in your eyes?

<CV SW> When did you first believe "yeah, we got this"?

Well, I always knew I had it in me. It took me a long time to become a great singer. Lots of practice, lots of people hating on me and telling me I sucked. I just kept going. I never listened to negative people.

I directly credit Tracii Guns for putting the fire back in my heart and soul. I helped him finish a tour in 2011 for 13 gigs when his <CV SW> What inspires you to singer at the time quit LA Guns. I write music, where do the lyrics was finished with music. I‘d had it. come from?

I spent nearly $1,000,000 of my My lyrics are all real experiown money on Blacklist Union and ences and life lessons. Nothing is got seriously burned by "friends" contrived to sound cool or impress. and so called "managers" and wastName a song and I can tell you ed ALOT of time with people who what that experience is. That‘s how said they were booking agents and that is for me. Lyrics are therapeuindustry people. I had some girl I tic. It is all in there. Birth, death, briefly dated out of Florida write some bad shit about me on the in- Wood that made me want to be a addiction, recovery, my demise, ternet out of spite after she invested singer. I learned to sing to Mother winning, losing, love, resentment, $6,000 in a company I had and I Love Bone songs. Can‘t f‘n stand mourning. You name it is in there. ended up losing the company.

Pearl Jam but MLB is the shit. <CV SW> I noticed that your voice Needless to say I was finchanged with the mood of the song, ished in more ways than one. I re- <CV SW> When you guys were do you write with a specific vocal member Tracii telling me "If you younger, was there any interest in sound in mind or does it just flow? don‘t have haters you ain‘t shit". other activities, or was music the Each song has its own mark, He along with Doni (the drummer) end game always? just like a painting a picture or any of LA Guns inspired me and told Baseball, rock-n-roll and other type of art. As soon as I hear me that rock n roll NEEDS Black- children. That is it for me. a piece of music I usually hear a list Union and to continue my jourmelody immediately in my head. ney. It was the 11th hour. They <CV SW> Where did the name come pulled me back in and I will always be very grateful to Tracii. He truly from, any cool story about how gave me a chance despite my nasty "Blacklist Union" came about? reputation and despite all the I have one of the worst rephaters. I am a lifer. I am in too utations in town. It has to do with deep to turn back now. one of two things: women or raising hell. I also have this promoter <CV SW> Who are your musical (or in LA who has tried to blacklist me other) influences? from just about everywhere. That My personal vocal influpoor lady is so mean and nasty and ences are Andrew Wood from most of the bands she works with Mother Love Bone, Kory Clark use her and don‘t like her. Basicalfrom Warrior Soul, Ian Astbury ly, I have been blacklisted in many from the Cult and of course Layne places. But when I was growing Staley and Scott Weiland. Aerup, I loved the outlaw rock singers osmith and The Ramones are also - funny how I just so happen to be very huge for me. But it was Andy one. So Blacklist Union is a bunch

iTunes‖? <CV SW> Any particularly memorable shows come to mind?

We have had many memorable shows both negative and positive. The first time we played Jaxx in Fairfax, VA which is now called Empire, it was the first time I saw a crowd other than our home crowd sing the lyrics to our songs. I got choked up.

Then there was the show in Detroit, MI a few years ago when I got drugged right before I went on stage . That was a disaster. of guys with nasty reputations that who knows how many fans <CV SW> Someone slipped you a can play their asses off and really around the world, what do you mickey? What happened?

Ok, that show in Michigan. are good adult men with the big- guys see that Social Media has gest hearts you can imagine. done for you even after becoming Well, we drove all night from DC known around the world? to Detroit to do radio, press, and all <CV SW> What do you think the I think social media unfortu- that stuff and meet them on Friday state of the LA music scene is right nately is a necessary evil right for a festival at the Ritz. We got now? now. I also think it has disabled there, and it turned out none of the The state of the music scene live music in this country. Howev- press or radio was happening (we in LA is in just pathetic. There is er if you are a kick ass band people got there around 1pm); they gave no camaraderie in this town. Pro- will find out about it sooner rather us our rider and paid us, and then moters don‘t care about talent and than later. If I wasn‘t in a band i we waited until they finally said we most of them make these young wouldn‘t even be on Facebook. were on. I kept myself in control bands pay to play at their venues. the entire day and was totally ok.

Many legendary venues have com- <CV SW> Talk a bit about why you pletely lost their street cred. Pro- think Social Media has disabled moters leave it up to the band to live music – I understand that promote and bands leave it up to iTunes & ReverbNation have the promoters. In order to create a changed music distribution, but scene again we all have to work corresponding with your fans and together and stop hating on each getting gig info out surely has to other. When I grew up in NYC in be a benefit, no? the punk rock/hardcore scene we It has killed live muall had each others‘ backs. In LA sic...everything is too accessible as soon as you turn your back peo- nowadays...there is no mystery like ple are talking shit. I don‘t even when I was a kid. Sure you can like going out anymore. Plus there reach people across the globe but are very few good bands right now. why are they gonna go to see live music when they can watch it on <CV SW> How active do you try to you tube or something else....just be on Social Media? Do you think like the question ―why are people it's changed the game significant- going to but full CD‘s when they ly? BLU has 7300 LIKEs on FB, but can buy their favorite song on

I told the band I was going to go say hello to some fans and press after they gave us the 15 minute heads up, and that‘s what I did – well, a couple of people bought me shots of Jager, but during the point of walking from the bar to the stage I got completely inebriated somehow! The band was hiding on the side of the stage, so I went up to the microphone and started paging them…and they were like ―PSST, we‘re over here‖ so I ran over there pretending as if the audience didn‘t see me and hid on the side of the stage too.

It was pretty much downhill from there, not to mention we got this drunken reputation pretty quickly. A few months later a notorious promoter booked us back at songs. It seems like a gigantic mar- first release, shot through the roof another venue, but we redeemed keting scheme to me...and right around the world. Talk about the ourselves hard and well after the now everyone is talking about Smi- immense success with your first fiasco. ley Harris (Miley Cyrus)...really? offering, was it a surprise? I mean, Roni Salami was a promoter She is a trust fund baby who used everyone WANTS their music to bewho took us under his wing after her daddy‘s connections to get come known, but wow, you guys all that BS went down – he‘s al- where she is...everyone with half a had critics fawning over the always done right by me and is an soul knows that. It‘s rampant in the bum, and it's your first one. Were awesome guy. industry… you expecting THAT much success with it? <CV SW> What do you think is <CV SW> "After the Mourning", your Good music always gets out there, your greatest accomplishment to fans and critics recognize good date? music regardless of where it comes

Staying alive and staying together and pressing forward despite the current state of the music business.

from. We are very grateful for all the gifts we have gotten. If you have no expectations everything is always a pleasant surprise.

<CV SW> I can’t let THAT comment pass by – what do you think is the “current state of the music business”?

<CV SW> People said that album really made your mark in the "rock n roll underground", but becoming known around the world, to us, isn't "underground" - did you really believe you were still under the radar even after that album?

The music business is a gigantic corporate machine, and much like our country, when it is given back to or taken back by the people everything will change.

Number 1, people need to play their own instruments, and number 2, write and perform their own

Yes, and I do believe we are still VERY much under the radar. We haven‘t started moving crazy amounts of units like Puddle of Mudd, Buckcherry, Saliva or any

relevant modern rock band yet. We that you didn’t change? Was it have a strong vibe in the rock n roll easy to stay true to it? underground but there are definiteThe formula is not comproly millions of more fans of real mising our artistic vision and integrock n roll that have not heard us rity. Chris Johnson, our producer, yet. We are looking for a solid is great at letting us be ourselves management company and label and bringing out the best in us...but with whom we can partner. also bringing out who WE are, not We are a hard working band and who anyone thinks we should be. want to work with people that have PROVEN track records and believe <CV SW> “'Til Death Do Us Part" in the band as people and, of seems to be really a sort of collabocourse, the music. ration with an incredible group of musicians and writers - SALIVA, <CV SW> Following up with Hunt Sales, co-writing with Antho"Breakin' Bread with the Devil", the ny Valli, Mark Fain & Carmine ride continued, the world loved D'Amico - those old hands too - tell that album and welcomed the us how that came about. Talk band with open arms - 5 star rat- about the experience of working ings from music media, rapidly with those heavy hitters on the algreat friends of mine. I love them growing fan base - how do you feel bum. you avoided the "sophomore jinx"?

It was an absolute honor like brothers and of course Car-

We didn‘t change the for- working with Hunt Sales. He is one mine is in the band. We also had mula. I wrote songs with someone of my heroes and has the best road Jon E Love, who played in LOVE/ else but kept the same formula. stories ever. The dude played with HATE, do all the leads on the newThe guy we wrote the first cd with Bowie and Iggy and is older than est cd. has serious drug issues and Yoko my Dad and WAY cooler. As far on his side. Poor bastard has no as Mark Fain, we had a great vibe <CV SW> Michael Rand, from clue how to do anything. I pity the writing songs together but his ego Independent Music Promotions, fool, like Mr T says. is definitely not his amigo. That is called your album "...a moving gonna be the last thing we ever do and elegiac artistic statement <CV SW> What was “the formula” together. Carmine and Anthony are from start to finish." Have you ever described your music as "elegiac"?

Honestly no. In fact I have no idea wtf that means but it sure does sound good doesn‘t it? <CV SW> “Elegiac” – compositions that have a mournful or sorrowful expression. Does that sound like BLU? Hmm sounds more like Alice in Chains then Blacklist Union...but there is a lot of that in the music for sure...also, there is also lots of joy and happiness, keep that in mind, it‘s not all ―doom and gloom‖.

<CV SW> Beowulfproductions.com ty big shoes to fill! <CV SW> After all these years, all I know Slash, Duff and Ste- your success, how to you keep mosaid this about you" I dig bands ven Adler and I have told them all tivated? Does it get any easier to that kind of go in their own direction and take something that ―Appetite‖ ruined my life. I got stay on top?

I just do what I have always sounds familiar and add their some funny reactions especially own twists to create their own from Duff. Of course I told them I done. I keep it real and keep my sound and make it theirs." How do was kidding. But in all seriousness feet on the ground. I‘ve seen you feel you make it BLU's person- I believe that statement to be true. I firsthand what happens when you am glad somebody FINALLY gets believe your own hype. You lose it al statement?

It‘s our personal vibe, our it. We are gonna be the next big all is what happens. Just look at all personal artistry. Everyone has rock band to set the world on fire. I these 80's rock bands that think they‘re too cool for school. their own sound just like every- can GUARANTEE you that. one‘s fingerprints are different and everyone‘s voice is different. It is <CV SW> What was it about Appe- <CV SW> Okay, it's just past halfthe same producers and the same tite for Destruction that you say way through 2013, what's in store for BLU this year? Any big plans people that make bands sound the “ruined your life”?

Well, when I was 11 years for 2014 yet? same. old I heard ―Appetite‖ and knew Were just gonna be touring <CV SW> Enrico Navella of New then and there what I was doing our asses off ‗til the end of the Noise/Italy said "..(BLU)... is the with my life and where I was gon- year. I am also in the process of most exciting, vicious and unsafe na move as soon as I could. I ran writing the follow up to ―Til Death rock-n-roll since “Appetite For De- away to Hollywood at 13 in 1989 Do Us Part‖ which will be released struction" - how does that make and never looked back. And here I in 2014. It will be called "In This Moment". the band feel? Those are some pret- am today…

KISS NIGHT in Vegas II A charity event for the IMAGINE Foundation, Save the Music, committed to raising funds for music education…

An All-Star night of KISS, all songs played by some of it's biggest fans, all for charity.

The numbers are in - the live webcast of KISS Night in Las Vegas II was seen in 21 countries and 33 US states! AND, just under $10,000 was raised for the Imagine Foundation (keep music in schools) Charity.

DevilDriver, for the last decade, has been that band to destroy you in the live setting and always had a monster record to back that up and with Winter Kills, they have upped the ante. Winter Kills is a nasty piece of work and if it does not crush you upon first listen, you are deaf. Dez Fafara took the time to give you, the fans, a disturbing view into his mind with this exclusive to Metal Exiles.

By Jeffrey Easton

Metal Exiles: With your new album Winter Kills stand out. The way we balance it is that we make

about to drop how does it feel to be Dez right now? sure the arrangements are tight and every song had a Dez Fafara: I am having the time of my now, just special momentum. hanging out with my family. We put a lot of hard work into this record and it is a full-on groover. It Metal Exiles: I read the bio on Winter Kills and has a lot of special moments and it is the most cohe- one of the things that stood out is that you’re fascinated with the dying off and rebirth of things. What sive record we have done, every song flows. fascinates your about that?

Metal Exiles: You have been busy with family Dez: I love that, I have no idea why. Right now its health issues as well as touring with Coal Chamber, approaching Fall and Winter and things are going to be dying off. I also like to start new things like busihow easy was it to get refocused on DevilDriver?

Dez: I was only with Coal Chamber all in all for ness’s and bands, travel to new places; otherwise life about three months with the dates that we did so it becomes stagnant. did not affect me at all since it was my off time from DD. The band has been writing for a while and I Metal Exiles: With the title Winter Kills, the have been writing off and on for a year and a half so I theme is very dark. What made you want to take this mental route? was really prepared when I got the demos.

Dez: We wrote and recorded during the winter time Metal Exiles: Everything I read on you refers to and technically we are releasing in the winter time DevilDriver as groove oriented metal but I think your sound is more ferocious than that but with melody. How does DevilDriver balance the ferocity with the melody that turns up in the music?

Dez: I think we are definitely the square peg in the round hole as you cannot fit us into these genres that are happening now. Long ago our fans started referring us to the California Groove Machine and I accepted that title because nobody else is referred to as that. We always have a form of melody with, as you said, ferociousness and it is important to try to balance the two. This record has a lot of tight arrangements as we really got down and concentrated on the song writing as we wanted the hooks and choruses to

since it is almost fall and you will be listening to it during the winter months. A lot of the lyrics involve reconditioning yourself to a higher level and taking your life to the next stage so that title really stood out to me. We needed a title track as well and that just stood out to me.

Metal Exiles: What points to a rebirth for you?

Dez: You have to take the lyrics for what they are and I am always that guy who will crack open the door and show you a little bit of light so sometimes you have to point out the negative to do that. If you take the lyrics and really look into them you will see those places. The record as a cohesive whole really points to that. The band has a new label with Na- tracks on the first take and if I wasn’t feeling it that palm and a new bass player, Chris Towning, so it re- day we could just call it quits. It made me feel more ally is a rebirth for us. This is our sixth record and comfortable while recording because I was in a state we really found out who we are and what we do best I created. It was very moody, no direct lighting on with our sound. We have five different records with me and I think that lent to the attitude of the record. different sounds but to me Winter Kills really capMetal Exiles: Usually a producer will not go tures who we are. along with that but you did bring Mark Lewis back.

Metal Exiles: I know that Desperate Times was Was he down with flying out and doing this with written around the time of your sister’s Cancer di- you?

Dez: At this point I am only going to work the way I agnosis. How is she doing now?

Dez: It was written around that as well as some oth- want to work obviously but he had a great time here, er things. She is doing ok but that song title and the he loves California. He was very professional and he lyrics reflect the desperate times we go through to loved the studio I set up, it had a great vibe. get to the positive times.

Metal Exiles: Your albums with him sound Metal Exiles: What else in your life was push- amazing. What does he bring that you guys would not be able to do by yourselves? ing the songs, like Curses And Epitaphs?

Dez: Everything in life can be that, a curse or an epi- Dez: He does not try to become the sixth member taph. At one point things end and begin and if you and he does not try to take it in a different direction. really go into the lyrics you will see that it speaks of He just tries to get the best out of you. I know he people in my past. Friends that take you down the gets the best out of the instruments but with me I wrong path or business people that are not really need someone who is on and can work fast. When I with it, so you have to really wake up and clean am working I am working. I want to get take after take, I don’t want someone outside the glass analyzhouse. ing the lyric because it is not written by him, for him Metal Exiles: I know you like being home with or to him, I want someone who can punch me in and your family so you recorded your vocals at home. out and get it done. Mark Lewis is the person to get What was that like as opposed to going to a studio? that done for me.

Dez: You find yourself thinking that if you displace yourself , putting yourself in the odd place out, mak- Metal Exiles: Some producers want to be ining yourself uncomfortable will give you a feel that volved in every aspect of the band and recording, metal needs but for me that’s not the case. I was get- why do you think they want that control? ting to a point that I was saying “ok, I got four more Dez: A lot of producers have that ability but they are songs and I can go home. I did not want to do that, I often working with young bands that need that, some did not think the listeners deserved that nor the art. who can fix their songs but in our case we do not I was just done with being gone for months on end need that. just to record a record. So I put a vocal booth downstairs and I think it added a lot to the feel of the rec- Metal Exiles: I know you have a positive nature ord. The clock wasn’t ticking; we got a lot of the but most perceive metal as negative. What is the

best way that Dez can put it out there that Devil- bers come in. We have done our job as a band, they Driver has a more positive message? have done theirs a label so it is up to the fans to go Dez: Nobody does dark like me, if you wanted to buy the record. I would like to think we are raising find a dark soul on the planet you are looking at him, the flag and trying to be that flagship band for Nawhich is why I am always trying to look into the light. palm, especially in the U.S., and if it works out I What I do in an essence is that door you are afraid to would like to work with them again. look into, that room your afraid to go into, I crack it open so you can look through it with my lyrics. If an- Metal Exiles: You have a lot going on with the ything, metal was the place I could go to when I was release of Winter Kills. What is the touring going to younger an my parents were fighting and going be like? through a divorce, metal was the thing in that place I Dez: We have the co-headlining tour with Trivium could go to. I want to have that band that is there for this fall and after Christmas we are going to do you.

Soundwave in Australia which is always amazing.

There will be a lot of touring for this album; we will Metal Exiles: I know what’s that like, when I break records with this tour. was a kid my parents divorced so I had KISS. Dez: There you go. Music was always that place for DevilDriver is always a force to be reckoned with, and me and if we can exist for someone then wonderful.

with the release of Winter Kills it only gets deadlier.

Metal Exiles: Napalm is putting this record and to me they have always been this underground label dealing in amazing music. Do you think DevilDriver is going to be that band to take them to a wider audience?

Dez: Who knows, but as far as a working partnership so far things have been amazing. We will find out see not this Tuesday but the next when the num-

"PREPARING YOU FOR GREATNESS"

Click for the Official DevilDriver Website

Making a good pair of sticks begins by selecting the best wood possible. We manufacture many different models of sticks using Canadian maple and American hickory.

Our maple is considered to be the best in the business and our hickory from the southern USA is known the world over as the top choice for stick manufacturing. We also use red hickory which comes from the heart of the tree, making it stronger and more durable for those who need a bit "more" from their sticks.

We use only the finest grades of wood. Every dowel is hand inspected to ensure that the grain is straight and free from any defects. Only then does it go to our lathes to be turned into a LOS CABOS DRUMSTICK. When you purchase a pair of our sticks, you are investing in quality craftsmanship. With nearly two dozen models to choose from, Los Cabos Drumsticks offers something for every drummer.

Contacts • Website: www.loscabosdrumsticks.com • Blog: www.loscabosdrumsticks.tumblr.com • Twitter: @loscabossticks • Facebook: www.facebook.com/loscabossticks

Systemec turning on the Modern Rock Metal Industrialized Blender Since 2009! september 1 st LVCS 9:00 pM With

Alien ant farm

Information on riding your motorcycle in the rain...

It's 8am in the morning and you peer out your kitchen window. Although the weatherman on TV had announced the night before that clear skies were in today's forecast, dark grey rain clouds are looming in the distance. While sipping on your morning cup-a -joe, you try to estimate just how soon they'll be hovering over your home and contemplate thoughts to yourself such as, ―If I leave now, maybe, just maybe I'll be able to make it in to work without getting wet.‖ After all, that shiny bike of yours, sitting in the garage all night, is just begging you to take it for another spin. You glance back up at the clouds and decide that yet again, you will chance it and ride on into work. In case luck is not on your side, here are some tips on how to prepare for riding in the rain and to help keep them warm too. Another option is purchaskeep yourself as dry and as safe as possible without ing a rain suit to wear over your leathers if you don't having to succumb to driving to work in a cage. Let's have all weather gear. Waterproof your boots prior to begin! riding in the rain as an extra precaution. However if you still don't want to spend a few extra dollars on a rain suit and waterproofing boot spray, then another, Gear In an ideal situation, you'll have invested in albeit low-cost option is to wear a couple of large some all weather riding gear including waterproof trash bags over your clothing and plastic grocery bags boots and if that's the case then good for you! The inside your boots wrapped around your socks to help minimum investment you should have on hand when with rain-proofing yourself. Riding in the rain is not it comes to rain gear is waterproof gloves that fasten fun, but it's even worse if you get soaked. securely around your wrist. Not only do gloves keep your hands dry during a rainstorm, but they'll also Tires Tires with a good tread pattern on them are the safest type to use when it's raining. This is because, there's more rubber to grip the slippery road. Still, even with decent tread on the tires, pushing your twowheeler to the limits in the rain, be it a drizzle or a downpour, is not advised unless you want to hydroplane or worse yet, lay your bike down in front of oncoming traffic.

Wait Oil and grease on the road tends to loosen up and sit on the surface during the start of the rain, so allow a solid 15 minutes or so for cars to splash the excess muck off onto the side of the street. Otherwise, you're just asking for trouble!

What to Avoid Steer clear of the painted lines on streets and hi -ways because they become extremely slick when wet. Common sense should encourage you to ride in the path of the tire trails left by vehicles in front of you since it will be the area on the road with the least amount of water on it. Manhole covers and railroad tracks are very slick when wet too. Avoid them if at all possible, but if you must cross over them, heed with caution keeping a steady throttle.

Visor Care To help eliminate rain from building up on your visor and impairing your vision, there are a few products on the market you can apply prior to riding such as Rain-X. This product and products like it encourage the water to roll and bounce right off of the visor. Your visor may also indeed become foggy while riding in the rain and although there are products on the market to help prevent that too, just cracking your visor open a smidge every now and again will help quickly eliminate this problem.

There are always those rare occasion that may sneak up on you and leave you in a compromising situation. Be prepared and alert so that you'll still be around to ride on future dry weather days as well!

Gear the Pros Use! Destiny awaits the hard charging, ass-kicking ladies of She’s Not Dead, and drummer Sam Howell provides the pounding beat that drives their sound. Based in Portland, OR, the band spend the summer of 2013 touring throughout the Mid-West US; the tour might be over, but the rise is just beginning for Sam and her bandmates.

I got this kit only a few months ago and I absolutely love it! I always wanted a white drum kit with all black hardware. I think it looks simple, but classy. I used to play on a Midnight Blue Tama Imperial Star with the same set up, but instead of Zildjian cymbals, I used Meinl.

I have a Pearl Vision in Custom white with black hardware and all Birch shells.

Drums 12" Rack Tom 16" Floor Tom, 22" Bass Drum 14" Snare Drum

Cymbals Zildjian A 20" Medium Ride Zildjian A 18" Medium Thin Crash Zildjian A 16" Medium Thin Crash Zildjian A 14" New Beat Hi Hats

Hardware Sound Percussion Boom Stand Sound Percussion Straight Stand Tama Stands

Drumsticks Vic Firth 5B American Classic Wood Tip

Gear the Pros Use! I started playing guitar when I was 10 and I've been singing my whole life. I have a wide range of influences from Rush, Heart, and Joan Jett all the way to Frank Sinatra, Alanis Morissette and Johnny Cash. I've always loved music and feel very blessed to be part of the local music community. Being able to network and play with a large variety of different musicians has definitely made me a better player overall. I've been lucky enough to, at a young age, discover what type of gear I like and what I don't like. There are a few things that I will continue to research to find the perfect fit. At the moment, I'm very happy with what I have so far.

Guitars Epiphone Les Paul Standard Royale ~ My very first guitar was an Epiphone Les Paul and I haven't played anything else since. I love the warm tone of these guitars and I've always felt a special connection with them. The Royale is a beautiful guitar. Mahogony body, Pearl White finish with gold sparkle binding, gold pickguard and Classic Humbuckers. The first time I played this guitar, I knew it was meant to be.

The warmth came through immediately and it was everything a Les Paul should be.

Epiphone Les Paul Custom Silverburst ~ Again, amazing instrument. At first glance, the finish is what initially sold me on this one. The silverburst color looked so edgy yet classy and elegant at the same time. Although it is my backup, I consider it my "little black dress" guitar. There is never a bad time to pull this out. It never disappoints. The sound of a Les Paul is something that I will love forever. I have yet to come across anything that compares.

Pedal Board/ Effects I have had my BOSS BCB-60 board for many years. I don't use very many effects as a rhythm player so this board has just enough room for what I need. I use a Planet Waves strobe tuner, Danelectro FAB Flange and Chorus and a BOSS Overdrive/Distortion.

Amps Currently I'm running through a Single Channel Jet City JCA20h head with an Epiphone 4x12 cabinet. A friend turned me on to the Jet City head after an old head of mine burned out. I wasn't too sure about using a brand I'd never really

Grit and gristle and big rock melodies come alive in the music of Loud Angel. Feisty female energy tangles with a big party vibe of raucous hard-rock guitar-driven originals and classics! Featuring Johnny Metal and Joiee Kallay as the Loud & the Angel...

Loud Angel welcomes listeners to one big ROCK-nROLL PARTY everywhere they play! Enter a world where you play as hard as you can before you finally crash, usually right before the sun comes up! Go see them, survive their show, if you can...

<CV WW> Alright, you know the <CV WW> Johnny, you formed the drill, tell us who’s in the band, band in 1990, originally as a cover and their role. band - can we assume "80's hair metal”?

Johnny Metal - Lead Guitar

Yes, we were definitely 80‘s hair band for several years, A&R Records noticed us and what we were doing and lent us a hand with <CV WW> How long as each mem- shows and such, but in the late 90‘s Back Street Records came and ber been in Loud Angel?

Joiee has been in for almost made us an offer, which we signed, 2 years now – she‘s a great asset, so that we could tour again great singer, and has a wide range of vocals that really work well with <CV WW> What songs were you our music. Mickey has been play- covering at the time?

Well, the cream of the 80‘s ing with us for about 18 months now. Tommy, on the other hand, hair metal bands – Ozzy, Skid has been with the band since 2006 Row, Poison, RATT, etc (too many hold name! Making a name for – he left the band for a few years to to really mention, the list is long) – ourselves really came easy with the explore other creative music en- but we werestalso playing originals music and shows at that time – but deavors, but our interim drummer from our 1 CD called ―Living covers were, for us, a cheap fix and (name withheld) was all hyped up Dangerous‖. So it was a mix of a temporary direction That entire on drugs, not a good scene, so we music. time, I was writing new original replaced him with Tommy. <CV WW> At that point, what were music in our motels rooms during you really hoping to accomplish? our down time.

Joiee Kallay - Lead Vox Mickey Galipoly - Bass Tommy Smiraldo - Drums

<CV WW> Did he miss you guys?

You know, at that point we <CV WW> At what point did you Yeah, he said he missed playing with us, he admitted that were just digging our fans coming make the decision to transform Loud Angel always felt like home, out and enjoying our music and our from a cover to original band? so he‘s back – that guy is like my dream – but the goal of Loud AnThis occurred in 1997, when gel has always been to be a housebrother! we had traveled the East Coast and

did shows all up and down the coast.

The summer of 1997 was a bit of a blur for us – too much partying while on the road. J Well, we knew we were popular and had made a name for ourselves at that time, fans were showing up everywhere we played – they were asking for our tried and true covers, but also for original songs too – so we tried to mix in about 10 or so originals in our cover set; as it turns out, the more we played originals, the more the bars seemed to fills up night after night – at that point, well, it‘s pretty much a nobrainer to go in that direction.

see the common goal, we understand that this is for our fans, and that we have to put out the best rock music and not just a simple show but one with very high energy! We are constantly improving our music and theatrics. It‘s all about making sure the fans get their money‘s worth at a Loud Angel show. <CV WW> Joiee's got a pretty powerful voice, what led you to the decision to have a female singer?

It‘s always been my thought to use that niche – let‘s face it, sex & sexy sells, and who doesn‘t want a hot woman sing her ass off and rock yours off with shredding guitars, ass-kicking drums, and a bottom bass full of thunder?

<CV WW> Tell the story of LA’s journey to right here, to this lineup – the original Loud Angel group guys and gal – I just had to be pabroke up, but you put it together tient until I found the perfect crew. <CV WW> Early on, in 1999, you again, tell us that story. were nominated in the Hartford Loud Angel started out as a <CV WW> You’ve had some chal- Advocate as "Best Cover Band" five piece rock band back in the lenges in the last couple of years, Hartford, CT? day – we played everywhere we tell us about those.

It was cool to win that

Well, first thing was that I award after having been moved to could, we didn‘t turn away any shows no matter what, since early suffered a minor stroke – I recov- Hartford…but after we finished on you‘re building a brand and fol- ered, but it took about 5 months of some touring, I decided to bring lowing, we played all the time – hard work to get back to 100% - no the band south to FL, where we are but we had some internal problems issues now though. Shortly after based now. with our original rhythm guitarist. that, as we were gearing up to tour, He was partying way too much , he our original singer‘s daughter was <CV WW> Let’s talk about your alwas starting volume wars with the killed in a car crash – her infant bum releases… female singer, it was cutting down daughter survived the accident, but Okay, the 1st CD was called the good dynamics of the band. I Wendy had to leave the band to ―Living Dangerous, it was recordlove him like a brother, which raise the child. Those were awful ed in Hartford with Back Street made it hard to let him go, but I events, but we were able to get past Records at their headquarters there wanted the musical challenge by them; we recruited Joie to be our in CT. With that release we toured myself so he stepped down. The new singer, then stepped back into to support, and even had an opporband started out in MA but when the studio to record with our guns tunity to tour overseas, which was Back Street Records got involved, fully loaded. cool. they moved mve from my home Back Street Records as a <CV WW> Tell us what you think it town of East Hampton, MA to record company went under, and is about THIS lineup that works so Hartford, CT. There were some suddenly we were in search of a changes, I had a lot of growing well... label but it didn‘t stop us from I can tell you that the mem- forging ahead with our shows and pains during that time, life threw me a few comers until I found my bers in the band right now really such until A&R Records stepped in have our heads on straight, and we and supported us for about 6 years.

<CV WW> What inspires you to write music, where do the lyrics come from?

Well, we understand that it‘s a tough industry, and our music comes from the heat and life‘s experience, but we‘re able to write, record, and present the music in a form that people like, that sells to music fans. Ultimately, we want our lyrics to be memorable. <CV WW> Where did the name come from, any cool story about how “Loud Angel” came about?

<JOHNNY> Heh. I was a huge biker at heart, and we released the first CD at the Hell‘s Angels Chapter in CT to a crazy crowd, it was a very cool show – as We got a new manager, Rebecca Firstenfeld, who is still with <CV WW> Who are your musical a kid, I was fascinated with the Hell‘s Angels too. I also did things us today, and went on to release (or other) influences? ―Demons in the Dark‖ around 2004 I think we‘d all agree that in life that helped take negatives – that was the time we won an en- KISS is a big influence on nearly and turn them into positives, it‘s dorsement from Harley Davidson, everyone from the 80‘s, especially kind of God‘s way of turning evil which was cool as hell. for us. Ozzy is another big influ- to good, I guess. Loud Angel just ―Sanity‖ came out in 2009 ence – for a female fronted band, seemed appropriate a name for my to much success – at that point, of course Joan Jett & Pat Benatar, band.

Dynasty Records made us an offer, Lita Ford too. I‘m good friends but we respectfully declined and with Ricky Byrd too, he‘s been an <CV WW> How active do you try to be on Social Media? went on to open our own label influence to me as well.

We try to be very active. Our fans (Sanity Records) shortly after that – ―Sanity‖ was on both the national <CV WW> Did any of you have any are like the heart of a human, they pump the musical blood through and global music charts, we were other interests growing up? in the top 4-8 slots for over 18 Honestly, not really. We all our veins, we try to engage them months, it was crazy! We toured knew at a young age we wanted to via Social Media and in person too; to support the album – well, I had be rock stars. For me, I got my after all, our fans are our life, this always wanted a double live CD, first Strat at the age of 12 – 6 is for them. We also try to be acso we recorded one of our live months prior to that, my cousin, tive in the local community to help shows – it totally rocked, and it‘s who was a sound engineer for good causes. on YouTube. Incidentally, the KISS, called me and told me that song ―Bastard‖ from ―Sanity‖ got he got me a ticket to meet the boys <CV WW> Do you think it's us nominated in Spin Magazine in the band. So later I find myself changed the game significantly? and as a single was played on over standing in the elevator with Paul, Definitely. It‘s a blessing in most 4,000 radio stations worldwide, Gene, Ace, & Peter, in Springfield, ways, and it allows us to get closer without any record company assis- MA, they‘ve got 2 hot metal babes to our fans and reach more of them tance – which is significant if you with them, mini-skirts hiked up; I – we measure success one fan at a time, and to be able to reach out know the music business. It‘s flat- was sold for life. them pretty much anytime via Sotering, our albums have been sold cial Media is great. all over the world.

Another show was in I don‘t feel like we‘re brag<CV WW> What opportunities has it opened up for Loud Angel that Deland, FL – at their Delandapa- ging, we‘re just telling it how it is; looza Festival, they shut down the Loud Angel has opened for many you don't think you had before?

Well, it allows pretty much entire city for the festival, and the big acts through the years, it has the whole world to get our music main street was packed with Loud really been a dream come true. if they want – since our music was Angel fans just screaming. Nuts, Even today, we step on stage with the mindset to conquer every show; and is still played overseas, it al- but in a cool way. the band just loves our fans. lows our national and international fans to share their thoughts, com- <CV WW> What do you want your ments, and opinions with us and fans/the audience to think & feel <CV WW> Loud Angel received the "Harley Davidson Letter of Recomeach other. It‘s also easier to ex- when they are at a LA show? pand our number of fans as Social Like many bands we want mendation" from Space Coast HD Media allows them to interact our fans to get lost in the music, in - tell us how that came about. much more easily. the show, forget about day to day That show was one for the books.

It actually took place in a Battle of the Bands with over 200 regional bands, and Loud Angel came out on top – so that ―Letter of Recommendation‖ was an endorsement from the boys at Space Coast HD, they really liked us a lot – they even roped off an area to have a Loud Angel photo shoot. There was a ton of press there and fans, it was great. <CV WW> How do awards like that validate all your hard work? I mean, Brevard County Florida...Loud Angel is chosen as "Best Biker Band" - how cool is that?

You know, it gives you a great sense of self-esteem to win a Battle of the Bands against such <CV WW> Any particularly memo- life, and just cut loose and party; great people. It was also great to we want them to get lost in the realize how much an organization rable shows come to mind?

Oh yeah. We played a show emotions of our music and just re- like Harley Davidson got behind us; they were very impressed with in New Britain, CT to a sold out lax and enjoy. us, and also sold a ton more merclub – 3,200 people were at that show! I drove my Harley on stage, <CV WW> What do you think is chandise than originally expected. doing a wheelie all the way up the your greatest accomplishment to I think they sold more merch than beer! They also sold 8 bikes that ramp with our lead singer, it was date?

KILLER to watch the crowd al- You know, there‘s a lot to being a day, so they did pretty good, you most incite a riot with enthusiasm. ―charted‖ band and selling out can do that math. J It‘s also some I was cranking the music, and one shows all the time – it‘s an accom- pressure and motivation to repeat fan grabbed our singer‘s shirt and plishment to keep that going success like that and to keep it goactually almost tore it off. Good through the years. We did a show ing forward.

Another interesting fact times. in Fort Lauderdale in 2011, sold about that show is Tommy almost out 1,000 tickets in an hour!

caused a riot because he was can happen for them if they make <CV WW> Johnny, tell us, do you throwing out Loud Angel t-shirts the effort. still play the "finntar"? from the stage, and people were <JOHNNY> Yes, it‘s a <CV WW> What do you think it is going crazy trying to get one! wild guitar, a very explosive inabout Loud Angel that sets you strument – here is their contact; <CV WW> After all these years, guys apart from any other bands, fintarguitar@gmail.com nearly 25 of them rocking any- that makes you unique?

Our music continues to be where and everywhere, how do you relevant and popular with the stay motivated?

Well, we try to stay in shape crowds – we stay commercially and take care of ourselves physi- viable for venues, and we give cally so we can still perform – also, credit where it is due. Joie is a rewe continue to receive incredible markable singer and a great stage support from our fans, they really presence. Johnny Metal is a shredprovide us with motivation, we der extraordinaire, a legend. Tommy is just an animal back there never want to let them down. banging on his kit, and with thun<CV WW> With your success, you've der like Mickey, you can‘t go probably earned the right to rest wrong. We have a great lineup, on your laurels on some warm what we offer fans and people who beach with a cold beer - what attend our shows is very well received and has always been. keeps you going? <JOHNNY> You know, we love to tour and see our fans; we <CV WW> Tell us about the "Loud love them dearly and always prom- Angel Bus". :) Well, Johnny has been a ise to do bigger and better shows, long time auto mechanic, he loves <CV WW> Tell us about it. and take it to the fullest to keep <JOHNNY> Well, I was them happy and excited about see- to restore old cars, he has quite a collection of automobiles he‘s reapproached in the mid 1990‘s by a ing Loud Angel in concert. stored over the years.

He bought company called ―Fintar‖ – the <TOMMY> I have to say, the bus and customized it all out – owner of the company has been to it‘s a great feeling and motivates to it has TV‘s, beds, computers, and many of my shows and we got to continue to perform when you skulls that light up with red lasers. be pretty good friends – he asked sneak into a grocery store and a bunch of high school kids run up to With his ability to fix it up, it was me what he could do with a guitar, you and ask for autographs. High easy to use the bus for the band if I had any ideas, so the night bewhen we tour – it saves us a lot of fore I played a sold out show I was school kids! money, and it‘s a rolling billboard so pumped up I told him to make <CV WW> Hmm, maybe kids of for the sponsors. It also has a lift the guitar light up and get smoke to gate for the road crew to make it come out the tail pipe. He liked your original fans? LOL HaHa – not funny. But easier on them to move the gear – the idea so much Fintar asked to endorse me – the very next day I maybe – it‘s the next generation of the really appreciate that part. played in Boston, in a huge arena, Loud Angel fans, and we always <CV WW> You list your record label and I detonated the pyro from the stop to talk to them, to inspire them as "independent", does that mean back of the guitar neck (by the to work hard to accomplish the you do all your own work? way, I LOVE playing with pyrothings they want to in life, to give back to them with positivity. Yes but we outsource some of the technics in my guitar)! I love to do We‘ve been doing this long enough load to share the wealth, so to stuff like that, crazy stuff, it‘s just to talk to kids about success and speak, to give back to others. But my style, the way I live life; I‘ve perseverance, to tell them that it we do have our own label called always said ―if you can‘t go big or Sanity Records, yes. go all the way, then just go home.

Well, next thing I know the media is all over me, they had my face plastered in all the papers all the way back to CT, and I got a call from guitar player magazine.

Great stuff. I‘ve been recently working on Fintar‘s Ltd new guitar called the V-Twin; we are talking with certain members of HarleyDavidson on this new idea – it‘s a flying V guitar with a V-Twin engine mounted on it! Can it get any cooler than that? LOL <CV WW> Where will you support <CV WW> Sounds like the life… <CV WW> Okay, it's just past half- this CD with tour dates?

It is, we love it. Also, Loud way through 2013, what's in store We are going to tour first up Angel will be coming out with an for LA this year - rumor has it you the East coast to Canada, then we autobiography after the tour starts are releasing a new album, what are going out west. They tell me – hopefully it‘ll be an interesting we‘ll be heading overseas as well; read, it‘ll begin with Johnny‘s can you tell us about it?

childhood…

Yes – we are working on a new CD that would be killer. called ―Out Guns are Loaded‖ that has over 13 songs. It‘s armed with <CV WW> When do you start?

OUD NGEL We start September 14th at AC/DC-like screaming guitar licks, Joie is really going to show you the Sports Page, then ride off into what the word ―range‖ means for a the future. Also, we‘re working on LIKE them @ singer on this CD. It‘s a ball taking part in a HUGE outdoor https://www.facebook.com/loudangel bustin‘ CD filled with dynamite show, they think 30,000 some-odd drumming, thick bass lines, and people will be in attendance, playJoie bringing this CD to the cutting ing with Great White, Slaughter, LISTEN to them @ LA Guns, and Warrant. We‘ll be http://www.reverbnation.com/loudangel edge of hard rock.

This CD has meaning for us overall in Deland, FL on November 2nd, – after what we‘ve been through, just to mention another important we always have more bullets in our show. guns for music, shows, and touring.

L

A

Special Gues t Photographer June Figueroa gives us

THIRD EYE BLIND

14 Tips to Avoid Purchasing a Lemon Now is a tough time to buy a used car. The sluggish economy and ever-rising cost of new cars and trucks compel people to hang onto the cars they already own. As a result, used-car inventories are tight, and more of the vehicles for sale are either damaged goods or plain worn out. Drivers who need to or want to buy a good pre-owned vehicle today need to keep a sharp eye out for lemons on the lot and clunkers in the classifieds. Here are 14 tips to help you make a good used-car choice.

Check Title History Jot down the vehicle identification number, or VIN, and use it to buy a title history report from a pri- certain that there will be problems down the road, vate company such as CarFax or AutoCheck. The re- from corrosion on electrical connections and airbag port will indicate where the vehicle was previously sensors to a failed transmission or moldy upholstery. titled and how it was registered — as a personal car, A funky smell in the cabin is a bad sign. Lift up the taxi, rental car or fleet vehicle, for example. It will carpets and look for silt. Check for a dirty waterline reveal whether the title has been marked as salvaged in the trunk or engine compartment, or signs of silt in or flood-damaged, if the vehicle was ever recalled, the headlamps or other lights. If you suspect the car and more. Ask to see the actual title for the vehicle, has been flooded, walk away, quickly. compare its VIN to the one on the car, make sure it is in the seller's name and that it does not indicate any Pay for a Mechanical Inspection liens.

Have your mechanic thoroughly inspect any car you're considering. Some dealers may object to Beware Flood States this, but it should not be an issue if you are buying Keep a sharp eye out for vehicles that may from a private party. Make it the last point of negotiahave been damaged in floods or any other natural dis- tion, and offer the owner a modest gratuity. Your measter. One red flag is a title search that reveals the car chanic should inspect all systems and put the car on a has come from a state affected by flooding. Though a lift to check for signs of underbody damage that vehicle may have been auctioned for salvage with a could indicate a collision. A good inspection will retitle branded "flood damaged" by an insurance carri- veal how well the car has been maintained and er, it may be moved around the country and retitled in whether you can expect a big bill for brake work or several states to "wash" the title before it is finally exhaust repair in the near future, which could become resold. A new government database intended to track a point of negotiation on the final price. salvaged and flood-damaged vehicles is being impleView Service Records mented.

Ask the seller for service receipts or even the Be a Flood-Damage Detective computerized service record from a dealer if service If floodwater has been inside a car, it's almost was performed there. Look to see if the oil was

changed on schedule and if major maintenance such neglected alignment, worn-out suspension compoas a timing-belt replacement was completed. nents or even a chassis that's off-kilter after a wreck.

Check the air pressure in all tires. Pressure that's uneven or low all around is another indication of sloppy Reputation Matters Some cars were lemons when they were new. maintenance. Also look for a matched set of tires. If You can check on the reputation of a specific model one tire is a different brand or style, it may have been of car or truck at several levels. J.D. Power and Asso- replaced after a wreck. ciatesoffers quality ratings, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issues reports on recalls Avoid modifications and safety issues, and Consumer Reports offers comBe wary of a car or truck rigged with a lot of prehensive ratings of vehicles' quality and repair fre- aftermarket accessories, especially those designed to quency. Finally, you can do a simple Internet search improve performance. Oversized tires, loud exhaust and check consumer reviews of any popular vehicle. and a modified intake system are signs that the car Consistent negative reviews by owners are not a good may have been driven "with excess enthusiasm." sign.

Daylight Inspections Only

Emissions compliance

Make sure that the car's emissions certification Never rely on an inspection made at night, or is up-to-date if you live in a state or region with the car in a dark garage. Roll it out in the sun- that requires regular testing. If the car can't pass an light and you'll get a much better look at imperfec- emissions test, you may not be able to title or register tions in the body and the interior. it without making costly repairs.

Look for Overspray

No 'granny' cars

A mist of paint overspray visible in the wheelYou do not want a car that was only driven wells, or on trim that was poorly masked, can indicate five blocks to church on Sunday. It may look pristine bodywork was recently completed or that the car was and have very low mileage, but short trips are the repainted, perhaps to cover damage or rust. Sight most brutal duty an engine sees. Engineers call this down the length of the body and look for ripples or the "granny cycle," because the oil never gets hot waves in the sheet metal where bodywork was done. enough to boil off condensation that naturally forms Ask for an explanation about any paint jobs or body on start-up. Very acidic moisture can collect in the repair. engine and eventually lead to trouble, especially if the oil is changed infrequently — which is likely, because granny didn't drive much. Keep looking.

Ask about oil Scheduled oil changes are about the only regular service a modern vehicle requires, but it's also crit- Take a test drive ical to the life and reliability of the engine. Ask the Get the car out on the highway to get it up to seller if there's a record of oil changes. Look for a operating temperature and drive it at speed. Cruise on maintenance sticker on the windshield that might in- city streets, too. Try accelerating up a hill or a freedicate the last service date. Check the oil level in the way ramp. Be aware of vibrations in the steering, engine. If it's low, or if the oil looks unusually dark pulsing in the brakes or clunking sounds from the and dirty, the owner probably has not been paying suspension. Does the transmission shift smoothly? attention to maintenance. Look at other fluid levels Are there any ticking sounds from the engine that located under the hood. If the coolant tank is low or could indicate valve issues? After the drive, pop the the antifreeze looks dark and dirty, they're bad signs hood and look for leaking fluids, smoke or steam, or a indicating you should look for a different vehicle. gassy smell.

Telltale Tires

Veteran moto-journalist and Wisconsin-native Uneven wear on the tires and "cupping" — a Charles Plueddeman has been driving, riding and series of indentations in the tire tread — can indicate testing all manner of vehicles for more than 20 years.

Club Fortune Casino hosted it‘s 3rd Battle of the Bands, bringing the local music scene back down to Henderson for consecutive weeks of multiple bands, cheap drinks and full showrooms. Stay tuned for results of the Saturday contests.

The boys from Dirty Pair-A-Dice & Heavy Honey both took the House of Blues stage and had the crowd begging for more. When multiple ―Who The F*ck Is London Mace‖ shirts are seen in the crowd, you know that some magic is about to happen.

When these two acts are on the same bill anywhere, you‘re hard pressed to find a worthy show to compete.

Outta The Black took things up yet another level, playing back-to-back weekends and debuting yet another original song while opening for Jizzy ROXX made their Vamp'd debut, playing to quite an impressive Pearl and Love/Hate. I believe the boys in black are crowd for an off night at the Rock Club. Johnny Roxx and the boys rocked the house and gave the crowd a little taste of what Vegas' trying to say something! collaboration of artists has to offer. Make sure to check theThe gorgeous girls of Brazen rocked Vamp‘d newest se guys out, you wont be disappointed. with Vinyl Tattoo and had every guy in the place drooling at the sight. If you haven't seen these hot they still bring the party wherever they go. rocking ladies, you Another spot down Hendertucky way is the better get your ass newly revamped Legend's Sports Bar. Featuring a out to their next Classic Rock local cover band Gypsy Road a few show, they will weeks back, rocking the house with everything from blow you away.

Priest & Dokken to Evanescence & Journey. A well The Gold know Vegas Drummer 'Tom T', pounding the skins Mine down in and downing the Captain & Diet's, made for an interHenderson is still esting night of music. trying to bring the Down just a little past the Hendertuckians, and local scene down around the corner, in Boulder City, is a well-known Hendertucky's spot among Vegas Bands but quite a distance for way, bringing back most. The Back Stop hosts bands every weekend and Jimmy Hicks and recently the Hit & Run All-Stars brought a little Vehis group Kill Ji- gas Rock to the small town. Renee Signor and the mi. This group Boys brought their hard-rocking show to the Back used to rock the Stop and from what I hear, they made a hell of an imold Tailspin & pression, as always.

Probably the biggest show of the month of AuTom T, pounding the drums for “Gypsy Redhawk a few Road” @ Legend’s... years back and gust had to be ―KISS Night II‖, at Vamp'd, of course.

Stoney Curtis, Shon McKee, K. Caruso and Morpheus Blak brought what seemed like the entire Vegas local music scene together at one venue. This benefit for the Imagine Foundation, which helps to supply musical instruments to students across the Las Vegas Valley, had most every Vegas rock musician in attendance, and half of them were on stage at one point or another. See the pictorial by Mystic PhotogMonoprice specializes in a wide variety raphy in this issue for more. of electronic cables, home theater equipment, Watch out in September for the Debut of the networking and IT gear, mobile accessories, Las Vegas‘ Premier DOKKEN Tribute Band! This is going to be ‘Scary’! I will bring the exclusive promo- and other computer components and tech equipment. Customers can easily navigate tional photos of the band in next month's issue.

their website and choose from among more than 4,300 Monoprice branded and nonbranded products offered at very affordable prices on its website.

Real. Loud. Aggressive. Metal.