Steve Grimmett And Dug Pinnick Guest on This Weeks Focus on Metal

Episode 434 - At The Gates

A couple of great guests this week. First up we have Steve Grimmett of Steve Grimmett’s Grim Reaper. On October 11th these guys will be putting out their latest “At The Gates” and Steve will give us all the info on it. 

Also this week We welcome back Dug Pinnick. Primarily Dug is on the show to talk about the new KXM release “Circle of Dolls” but he does give us a little insight into the new King’s X release as well.

Track of the week comes to us courtesy of AFM Records artists Riot V from their latest release “Live in Japan 2018”

Get the this episode from the Focus on Metal Site, The Focus on Metal RSS feed, or subscribe on iTunes.

You can hear us every Tuesday night on Pure Rock Radio
and each Wednesday afternoon on Metal World Radio

Visit http://focusonmetal.net/ for information on all the past episodes and to find the links to all our other social media sites.

Hey did we mention that we got named to Feedspot.com's 

Top 20 Metal Music Audio Podcasts & Radio You Must Subscribe and Listen to in 2019

Check out the entire esteemed list of shows on that list as well as all the rest that Feedspot has to offer at: blog.feedspot.com/metal_music_podcasts/

And as always

Focus On Metal…Everything Else is Insignificant.

A Double Dose of Jeff Pilson on This Weeks Focus on Metal

Episode 424 - Double Live Pilson

Something a bit new this week as we do two talks with the same guest about two entirely different topics and eras. Our guest this week is Jeff Pilson and first up he will be talking about his latest collaboration The End Machine and what’s else he’s up to these days. We follow that up with another talk with Jeff this time about his recollections of the seventh Dokken studio release “Erase The Slate”.

Get the this episode from the Focus on Metal Site, The Focus on Metal RSS feed, or subscribe on iTunes.

You can hear us every Tuesday night on Pure Rock Radio
and each Wednesday afternoon on Metal World Radio

Visit http://focusonmetal.net/ for information on all the past episodes and to find the links to all our other social media sites.

And as always

Focus On Metal…Everything Else is Insignificant.

Bassist Rev Jones Guests on This Weeks Focus on Metal

Episode 410 - Bakwash

This week we sit down with veteran road dog and bassist Rev Jones. Rev has played with an all star list of bands and artists and recently he released his first solo effort “Bakwash”. So this week we’ll be digging into that as well as looking back at some of the artists he’s played with. 

Head to RevJones.com to get your own copy of “Bakwash” or to find out more about him.

Track of the week is from Robot Lords of Tokyo off their new EP “Rise Robot Rise”

Get the this episode from the Focus on Metal Site, The Focus on Metal RSS feed, or subscribe on iTunes.

You can hear us every Tuesday night on Pure Rock Radio
and each Wednesday afternoon on Metal World Radio

Visit http://focusonmetal.net/ for information on all the past episodes and to find the links to all our other social media sites.

And as always

Focus On Metal…Everything Else is Insignificant.

Don Dokken Guests on This Weeks Focus on Metal

Episode 408 - Erase The Slate

June 15th 1999 Dokken released their 7th studio album “Erase The Slate”. With its 20th anniversary coming up Don Dokken took a little time while on tour in Cleveland to call into the show to have a look back on a release that would be the last for Jeff Pilson and the first for Reb Beach.

Don will also be giving us some insight to other aspects of the Dokken story as well as what he and the band have in store for us in the near future.

Want to keep up with tour dates and what’s going on with the band, head to Dokken.net

Get the this episode from the Focus on Metal Site, The Focus on Metal RSS feed, or subscribe on iTunes.

You can hear us every Tuesday night on Pure Rock Radio
and each Wednesday afternoon on Metal World Radio

Visit http://focusonmetal.net/ for information on all the past episodes and to find the links to all our other social media sites.

And as always

Focus On Metal…Everything Else is Insignificant.

Michael Sweet Guests Once Again on This Weeks Focus on Metal

Episode 360 - Unified

I’ve lost count of how many times we’ve had Michael Sweet on the show but this week, you can another appearance to his total. Sweet & Lynch just released “Unified” and Michael is on this week to give us his insights into the album. He also gives us an update on what’s going on in the Stryper camp.

Find out more at: MichaelSweet.com and at facebook.com/SweetLynch/

Track of the week is from Pink Cream 69 from their great new release “Headstrong”

Here's another great track from the album:

Get the this episode from the Focus on Metal Site, The Focus on Metal RSS feed, EarPeeler.com or subscribe on iTunes.

You can hear us every Tuesday night on Pure Rock Radio
and each Wednesday afternoon on Metal World Radio

Visit http://focusonmetal.net/ for information on all the past episodes and to find the links to all our other social media sites.

And as always

Focus On Metal…Everything Else is Insignificant.

Jimmy D'Anda From Lynch Mob Guests on This Weeks Focus on Metal

Episode 349 - Lynch Mob

Double shot of metal this week as we bring you chats with Jimmy D’Anda and Andreas Johansson. Lynch Mob just released “The Brotherhood” via RatPak Records. This one is a must have for any Lynch Mob fan and Jimmy will give us all the info on that as well as what’s up with his other gig Lies, Deceit & Treachery.

Also this week we will talk with Andreas from Sweden’s Air Raid. Those guys just released “Across The Line” which is 9 tracks of classic 80’s metal. How do a bunch of guys from Gothenberg crank out classic American metal fused with early Yngwie? Listen and find out. 

Get the this episode from the Focus on Metal Site, The Focus on Metal RSS feed, EarPeeler.com or subscribe on iTunes.

You can hear us every Tuesday night on Pure Rock Radio
and each Wednesday afternoon on Metal World Radio

Visit http://focusonmetal.net/ for information on all the past episodes and to find the links to all our other social media sites.

And as always

Focus On Metal…Everything Else is Insignificant.

dUg Pinnick of KXM on This Weeks Focus on Metal

Episode 327 - dUg Pinnick

Rat Pak Records just released the sophomore effort from KXM “Scatterbrain” This week we have bassist and vocalist dUg Pinnick as our guest to discuss the release as well as give some insight into future plans with King’s X.

Keep up with dUg at: dugnation.net/ 

Order up your own copy of “Scatterbrain” at ratpakrecordsamerica.com/kxm

Get the this episode from the Focus on Metal Site, The Focus on Metal RSS feed, EarPeeler.com or subscribe on iTunes.

You can hear us every Wednesday on these great stations:
Pure Rock Radio & Metal World Radio

Visit http://focusonmetal.net/ for information on all the past episodes and to find the links to all our other social media sites.

And as always

Focus On Metal…Everything Else is Insignificant.

Just Posted: Wild Mick Brown on This Weeks Focus on Metal

Episode 295 - Wild Mick Brown

Our summer of drummers continues this week as we talk with Wild Mick Brown. Need I say more?

Connect with Mick at facebook.com/Wildmickbrown/

Track of the week is from Q5 from their new release "New World Order"

Get the this episode from the Focus on Metal Site, The Focus on Metal RSS feed, or on iTunes.

You can hear us On Demand everyday on Platinum Rock Radio by going to this link

You can hear us every Wednesday on these great stations:
Pure Rock Radio & Metal World Radio

Visit http://focusonmetal.net/ for information on all the past episodes and to find the links to all our other social media sites.

And as always Focus On Metal…Everything Else is Insignificant.

Just posted: Sean McNabb on this weeks edition of Focus on Metal

Episode 267 - Resurrection Kings

On tap this week is an exclusive interview with bassist Sean McNabb. Besides his gig in Lynch Mob Sean is also part of the new band Resurrection Kings which just put out their S/T debut on Frontiers Records. Looking for more info, hit up Resurrection Kings on Facebook and keep up with Sean on Twitter.

Track of the week is from Rulebreaker, the latest release from metal legends Primal Fear.

Get the this episode from the Focus on Metal Site, The Focus on Metal RSS feed, or on iTunes.

You can hear us On Demand everyday on Platinum Rock Radio by going to this link

You can hear us every Wednesday on these great stations:
Pure Rock Radio & Metal World Radio

Visit http://focusonmetal.net/ for information on all the past episodes and to find the links to all our other social media sites.

Focus on Metal is damn proud to be part of The Blast Syndicate. You can get this show as well as many other kick ass metal podcasts by clicking the link below.

And as always Focus On Metal…Everything Else is Insignificant.

Just posted - Jeff Pilson on this weeks Focus on Metal show.

Episode 250 - Jeff Pilson

We decided to celebrate our 250th episode with a career retrospective of bassist and producer Jeff Pilson. Jeff's been a great friend to the show and I can't think of a better way to celebrate this milestone. In this one we'll go through Jeff's entire career and he as usual regales us with some great stories.

Take in Jeff's blog at https://jeffpilson.wordpress.com/ or his page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OfficialJeffPilson/ and last but not least http://www.foreigneronline.com/

Here's the man himself on a great track from the T&N release Slave to The Empire"

Get the this episode from the Focus on Metal Site, The Focus on Metal RSS feed, or on iTunes.

You can hear us Tuesdays on Platinum Rock Radio and be sure to check their schedule because we usually get a repeat run during the week.

You can hear us every Wednesday on these great stations:
Pure Rock Radio, Metal World Radio,  and now on The Indie Authority

Visit http://focusonmetal.net/ for information on all the past episodes and to find the links to all our other social media sites.

And as always Focus On Metal…Everything Else is Insignificant.

Michael Sweet and Ada Flechtner guest on this weeks Focus on Metal

Episode 219 - Sweet & Ada

Wha? No, there's no new band called Sweet & Ada. This week we have Michael Sweet back on again. This time he's promoting the new Sweet & Lynch record that he just did with George Lynch, James Lomenzo and Brian Tichy. It's called "Only To Rise" and we'll get the lowdown on that and a few other things from the always busy Michael.

If that wasn't enough we also feature a talk I did with Ada Flechtner from Voices of Destiny about their new one "Crisis Cult" out now on Massacre Records.

Oh yeah Richie also has a bit of rant about "supergroups" too.

Track of the week is from Level 10 the latest metal project from Frontiers. Combine the voice of Russell Allen with the core of Primal Fear and you get Level 10. The debut is called Chapter 1 and it's out now.

Hook up with Sweet & Lynch at https://www.facebook.com/SweetLynch you can also ake part in the pledge music campaign at http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/sweetlynch

Get your fill of Voices of Destiny at http://www.voices-of-destiny.com/ or on social media at https://www.facebook.com/voicesofdestiny

Level 10 info can be found at http://www.frontiers.it/album/5236/ you can buy the album while you're there too

Get it now from the Focus on Metal Site, The Focus on Metal RSS feed, or on iTunes

Visit http://focusonmetal.net/ for information on all the past episodes and to find the links to all our other social media sites.

And as always Focus On Metal…Everything Else is Insignificant.

ETHAN BROSH TOUR CONFIRMED SUPPORTING RED DRAGON CARTEL AND JAKE E. LEE

Guitarist Ethan Brosh is widely considered one of the most promising instrumentalists on the scene, as evidenced by his latest album, 'Live the Dream.' And now, he is set to open for guitar legend Jake E. Lee's band, Red Dragon Cartel, on a nearly month-long tour of North America, kicking off on December 2nd in New York City and wrapping up on December 20th in Baltimore. "I feel both honored and privileged to once again take my band on tour with one of my all time favorite guitar players, Jake E. Lee!," says Brosh about the upcoming trek. "Jake's playing, writing and overall style have been an influence and an inspiration since the very beginning stages of my guitar playing. We've all been waiting many years to see Jake back on the scene so I feel lucky to be a small part of it on this upcoming tour. I can't wait to be back out there seeing my fans again and doing what I love to do most!" Mixed by Max Norman (Ozzy Osbourne, Megadeth) and featuring the talents of world-class bassist Dave Ellefson, as well as the mastering expertise of Bob Ludwig (Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Iron Maiden), 'Live the Dream' is Brosh's most exciting and ambitious project to date. And the album cover painting by Joe Petagno (Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd) is also sure to turn heads. Issued by Carmine Appice's label Rocker Records LLC, "Live the Dream" is available for purchase via these links: iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/live-the-dream/id816347755 Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Live-Dream-Ethan-Brosh/dp/B00HZMRX0Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393806359&sr=8-1&keywords=ethan+brosh The buzz continues to build for guitar hero Ethan Brosh, and it will undoubtedly only grow stronger now that a brand new video has been filmed for one of the many standout tracks from his latest album, 'Live the Dream,' titled "Space Invaders.” The clip puts Brosh's impressive six-string skills front and center, which can be viewed in the link below. As Brosh himself explains, "A music video is something that has to go hand in hand with the music that it's associated with. It is part of the art as a whole. It is the image that will stay in the minds of the listeners for as long as they listen to that particular musical piece. When I have a music video done, I take the process almost as seriously as I take my music. A lot of time, energy and attention to detail gets into play when we shoot or edit a video." And Brosh has nothing but praise for the video's director, Seth C. Brown. "This video was made by Seth C. Brown who can turn any rushed, impossible to shoot scene with bad lighting into a beautiful work of art! I'm very proud of the new video for 'Space Invaders,' and can't wait to make more videos for this record!” Space Invaders video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfYp4VdBzk4 Downward Spiral video (featuring George Lynch) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9ZsC_dgS8U CONFIRMED TOUR DATES WITH ETHAN BROSH SUPPORTING RED DRAGON CARTEL: Dec 2 Webster Hall NY, NY Dec 3 Dobbs Philadelphia, PA Dec 5 Mexicali Live Teaneck, NJ Dec 6 The Chance Poughkeepsie, NY [with Burning Heat] Dec 7 1150 Oak Bar Cranston, RI [with Burning Heat] Dec 9 Rockstarz Cheektowaga, NY Dec 10 The Garrison Toronto, ON Dec 12 Token Lounge Detroit, MI Dec 13 Reggie's Chicago, IL Dec 14 TBA Dec 16 Dayton, OH Dec 17 Agora Theater Ckeveland, OH Dec 19 Altar Bar Pittsburgh, PA Dec 20 Fish Head Cantina Baltimore, MD FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: www.ethanbrosh.com

Review - Ronny Munroe "Electric Wake" (Ratpak)

"Time is like a storm. It hits you when you least expect it. Time's like a thorn. It sticks you in the heart". These are the lines that kick off Ronny Munroe's latest solo offering "Electric Wake". For all those bitter words about time, Ronny's voice is clearly unfazed by it. HIs vocals and his lyrics are are sharp as ever. 

This is Ronny's third solo release with Ratpak and is scheduled to be released on June 24th. The preorder link is provided at the bottom of this post,

When I last spoke to Ronny after the release of his last solo disc it was clear that he was excited about his next batch of music and listening to this I can see why. If you are a fan of classic American metal this may be the best release this year for your metal dollar. Let me just add that Ronny's label Ratpak are pros at making your metal dollar go even further so I encourage you to take a look at some of their package deals for this release. You could even get a personal thank you call from Ronny. That's fucking metal!!!

Ok back to the music. Ronny is always known to have a guest or three on his albums and this one is no exception. George Lynch anyone? Yes I know George pops up everywhere and yet we never get tired of hearing him so I guess there's a damn good reason to have him on your album aside from the fact that he can play his ass off. This time George pops up in "Ghosts". Its a great driving track with all the hallmarks of Lynch and a snarling vocal from Ronny. Does it get any better? 

Check out the vid at http://youtu.be/RpZev8UrM1Y to get a taste.

Another track with guests is "The Others". With lyrics like allegiance to metal and music to die for Ronny is channelling Dio on this one and the effect is pure metal. So this one is already top notch but Ronny adds on Pamela Moore for some vocal trade offs and he's not done yet he also has a screaming solo from Tesla's Dave Rude. Nicely done Ronny. This one is also available for preview at: http://youtu.be/XKdr1YCicEo

So besides the guests I probably should mention the core players on the disc. Paul Kleff and Sean Baker on guitars. Sean's an insane player well worth checking out. On bass is David Donigan from the Sean Baker Orchestra and Tony Rossi on the drum throne. Ronny has assembled a great bunch of players that clearly know how classic American metal should sound. Of course producers have a part in that as well and this time Bruce Bouillet is manning the board. I'm actually surprised that Bruce was able to resist laying down some guitar on this too.

So hows the rest of the disc? Freaking awesome, thank you. I was thinking that the title track was going to be a doomy Sabbath knock off but I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't. When it started with the amp hum and feedback I was thinking my gut was right but it quickly gets down to business. It has a cool Warning era Ryche feel to it.

Another great one on here is "Turn to Stone". It has some nice time changes that always keep you engaged in the song. That seems to be a key element in a lot of Ronny's stuff. He likes to mix up tempos and layer slow vocals over fast riffs and vice versa. It's cool stuff and not a lot of people out there do it. I could methodically go through every song but I don't need to. The whole thing is great. If you are on the fence head to the YouTube links and listen to the three song previews that are up there.

There's also a preview trailer at http://youtu.be/xHMKQIK-vP8

So after spending a few days with this one do I like it? Absolutely. Will I buy it? I already preordered it the day it was announced. Should you buy it? Hell yeah!!

I give this one and 8.5 out of 10. This needed a bit more bass presence and I wish Ronny used his upper range a bit more. However the songs, the riffs and the lyrics are all great.

Top track: "The Others"

Preorder link: www.RatPakRecords.com/RonnyMunroe   

Review - KXM - KXM (Rat Pack Records)

 
   I've had this a couple of weeks now and wanted to give it a proper listen before I said anything about it. For those living under a rock KXM is Ray Luzier from Korn (hence the K), Doug Pinnick of Kings X (the X) and George Lynch from Lynch Mob (the M). I'm not really familiar with Ray at all as I don't like Korn, Doug Pinnick I'm a huge fan of and the same goes with George Lynch. The wildcard in this was always going to be George. He is famous for having a signature sound on the Dokken and the first two Lynch Mob albums, when he goes off the beaten track like Smoke This and Souls Of We then he loses me. He redeemed himself in my eyes with the last couple of Lynch Mob releases so I had high hopes for this.

   It delivers for the most part. The sound is huge and you can hear everything with crystal clarity and along with the new Adrenaline Mob disc is the best sounding I've heard this year. Ray Luzier is a revelation, it's hard to describe his drumming style on this as the songs give him room to show off his chops. Think Igor Cavalera from Sepultura playing along to a hard rock record and you will get an idea. Doug Pinnick still sounds great although I'm not a fan of muffling his vocals on opener Stars and Faith Is A Room. Some of it is bound to sound like Kings X with him singing on it, Love sounding similar to Flies And Blue Skies from Dogman. He really is a great bass player too. Lynch plays mostly with restraint on this allowing the songs to breathe and his playing on Never Stop and Sleep is just right for the song. When he does go off like on I'll Be Ok it sounds like the George of old. Bits and pieces sound like his time with Dokken such as the beginning of Love and Burn but the songs never allow him to stay there because of the different styles of the rhythm section.

   So my final verdict is a really solid release at times great with not a duff track on it. It will be interesting to see where this goes from here, will they tour this or be another one of these one and done super groups that promised so much yet never fulfilled their promise. Live this would sound fantastic yet part of me wants another King X and Lynch Mob release. If they could fit it all in then I would be a very happy man indeed.

Richie.

 http://www.ratpakrecordsamerica.com/kxm

Michael Angelo Batio's Intermezzo is due out on Nov 14. Pre-Order yours now.

The latest tour de force from guitar master Michael Angelo Batio is due out this month but you can pre order you copy at angelo.com . I had the oppurtunity to talk to Michael for almost an hour last night about the album and I can't wait to get a copy in my hands. That talk will air very soon on FoM. He has lined up an impressive array of guests for this one including Guthrie Govan, Craig Goldy, George Lynch, Jeff Loomis and my buddy Dave Reffett.

1. Intermezzo, 2. Kaleidoscope Images, 3. Oceans of Time, 4. I Pray the Lord, 5. 8 Pillars of Steel (featuring Elliott Dean Rubinson on Bass with solos, in order by – Dave Reffett, Jeff Loomis, MAB, then Rusty Cooley, George Lynch, Andrea Martongelli and Craig Goldy), 6. The Possession – A Tone Poem, 7. 5 Four Ever (featuring Alex Stornello from 2:34 to 3:07 and then Guthrie Govan from 3:22 to 4:08), 8. Juggernaut (featuring solos in order by MAB, Chris Poland, Dave Reffett, Annie Grunwald, Guthrie Govan, Mike Lepond and Michael Romeo, 9. Overload Intro (featuring Florent Atem), 10. Overload (featuring solos in order by Tobias Hurwitz, Ken and Darren Burridge, Bill Peck, Peter Ema, Joe Rose, Joe Stump, Florent Atem, Maxxxwell Carlisle and MAB)

George Lynch Launches Fundraising Campaign For Documentary Film - "Shadowtrain: Under a Crooked Sky

Rock legend George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob) and Emmy-nominated documentary filmmaker Mark Mclaughlin are currently working together on "Shadowtrain: Under a Crooked Sky," a stirring documentary that explores a hybrid way of life merging modern society with the ancient practices of people who have lived in harmony with the land for thousands of years; native American Indians.

The film follows Lynch and drummer/activist/artist Vincent Nicastro as they visit different reservations around the American Southwest with a trailer full of gear and group of musicians to get a firsthand look at effects of modern consumerism on our native population and the steps they're taking towards sustainability. 

While the documentary is nearly complete, the filmmakers are now seeking help in seeing their collective vision come to fruition. In order to see "Shadowtrain" become a reality, Lynch and Mclaughlin have launched an IndieGoGo Flexible Funding campaign where contributions can be made towards the completion of the film in exchange for autographed copies of George Lynch's most recent release Legacy, guitar lessons, a signed guitar and more. To donate to the making of "Shadowtrain: Under a Crooked Sky" visit the following link: www.indiegogo.com/projects/shadowtrain-under-a-crooked-sky

A trailer for the film, featuring Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine. The Nightwatchman) and Serj Tankian (System Of A Down), has been posted at this location.  

For more clips from the film and to learn more about the message behind "Shadowtrain: Under a Crooked Sky" and what you can do to help, visit www.shadowtrainmovie.com. When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty...  "Shadowtrain: Under a Crooked Sky" will illuminate the cost of the destruction of the Native American community; to both the indigenous population as well as to their European conquerors. The documentary will reveal the qualities inherent in indigenous people's world views that should be recognized and adopted if we all, collectively, intend to not only survive, but to find a way to live happier, more meaningful lives. While engaging a wide variety of opinions from notable activists, authors, artists, elders and shaman, politicians and government officials, clergy, teachers and everyday people, the film will reveal its message through a powerful music-driven road trip. The journey begins as renowned guitarist George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob), drummer, artist and activist Vinnie Nicastro and a musical band of politically engaged musicians climb into an old station wagon in the southwest desert. They pull a vintage horse trailer, retro-fitted to carry band equipment, solar panels, generators and camping gear. They travel the back roads, searching for a truth that can speak to power. They visit the Apache, Navajo and Hopi reservations in Arizona, Zuni and Tewa in New Mexico, Shoshone in Nevada, Utes in Utah and Colorado and then on to the Dakotas to visit the people and places that were (and still are) the epicenter of conflict between the native peoples and their European conquerors. The people they visit on the reservations will share how they have created sensible environmentally sustainable solutions that work in today's world. Simple and proven practices like passive solar water heaters on the Paiute reservation, active community gardens and other ideas will be explored. Then as Shadowtrain moves on to other reservations, they will help to integrate these workable procedures, pick up more ideas and carry them further.

www.shadowtrainmovie.com 

www.facebook.com/shadowtrain 

www.indiegogo.com/projects/shadowtrain-under-a-crooked-sky