SHOTGUN IS A BLAST

 
The official release of Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas seventies rock band, Shotgun titled Dallasian Rock, has finally seen the light of day thanks to Houston based ShroomAngel Records, who has taken forgotten Texas music, remastered it, and now released for a new generation of music fans.
Owner Rich Patz has once again recovered disregarded tapes from one of Dallas' favorite 70's local rock band and released their 11 track studio recordings on his label that is slowly getting recognition from old and new fans alike. Patz, a diligent music aficionado, is on a mission to sniff out lost recordings and re-release them with an improved sound and impressive packaging. Formatted on digital CD, you can also find a limited pressing on virgin vinyl, for that special hare-core collector who appreciates the deep, pure sound you can only get from a vinyl LP.
The group Shotgun consisted of Guy Houston on drums, Hugh Coleman on bass, John Michael Soria lead guitar, Russ Skarsten on keys and Billy Metcalf lead vocals. Formed on New Years Eve 1973, the band had a three year run playing around the DFW area until their last performance that ironically fell on New Years Day 1977 at the Electric Ballroom in Dallas, Texas. But in the spring of 1976, they recorded their first 11 track studio recording at Harvest Studios in Dallas with a debut title that would be called Dallasian Rock. As we know now, that album never made it to press and has been in the can, as they say, for the last 37 years.
The cd kicks off with a favorite track by guitarist John Michael, "Rock Star Queen" that features John Nitzinger on rhythm guitar. A strong number with classic guitar riffs, high melody lyrics and a steady groove. I wonder who that song was written about? Throughout the cd the feel is unshakable on tracks like "Seems Like You Would Understand" and "Play The Game" that shows off the harmonic vocals of Billy Metcalf. Consistent and groovin, Shotgun had a unique sound, a blend all their own. Track five off the CD, "Last Nite" takes a change of pace, slowing down the tempo but keeping the truthfulness and direct style Shotgun was known for.
One of my favorite tunes on the CD is "Mercy" that has classic 70s charm through and through. Nice changes with a dynamic distinction with flawless guitar riffs. The seventh track, "Feelin Good" is a slower pace number, kind of a stop and go song that finishes strong and by far the best lead guitar on the initial recording. The theme throughout the Shotgun release is pure love, love making or the thought of finding love. Seventies style lyrics all the way!
Track eight off the CD, "Straight Out" is a slow grind with what sounds like improvisation vocals by Billy Metcalf. "Keep A Steady High" is another number that shows off the talents from the entire band, especially on the keyboards. A fun diddy of a song, short and sweet. The title track, "Dallasian Rock" rounds out the CD with a tribute to the Dallas rock scene. A traditional Texas rock song that highlights the guitar work of John Michael Soria.
The final studio recorded track on the CD is "Leavin' On A Train." This song is deep, with tasty slide guitar work and a smooth bass line that captures the essence of the whole Dallasian Rock recording. But it doesn't end there. Because of the space allowed on the LP, the CD has bonus tracks, live recordings like "Silver Bullet" and "I Know What Your Sayin'" that were captured live at The Zoo KZEW FM sometime around 1976. It also includes rare demos and alternative versions.
Truly a great piece of Dallas Rock n' Roll, the Shotgun release whether on CD or LP is a must have.

Find it here:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/ShroomAngel-Records/309178132432073
https://www.facebook.com/shotgundallastexas
http://www.reverbnation.com/shotgunrevisited
http://www.rockadrome.com/store/shotgun-dallasian-rock-cd.html
http://www.rockadrome.com/store/shotgun-dallasian-rock-lp.html
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/shotgun6
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/dallasian-rock/id867355495
http://www.amazon.com/Dallasian-Rock-Shotgun/dp/B00JWFLE0E
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dallasian-Rock-Shotgun/dp/B00FYBDEAS
http://www.plastichead.com/catalogue.asp?ex=fitem&target=SRCD0003
http://www.plastichead.com/catalogue.asp?ex=fitem&target=SRLP0006
http://www.juno.co.uk/products/shotgun-dallasian-rock/523305-01/ 
https://www.dustygroove.com/item/691863
http://www.whatrecords.co.uk/items/60339.htm
http://www.t.shinybeast.nl/item/393793/shotgun_dallasian_rock.html
http://www.t.shinybeast.nl/item/393794/shotgun_dallasian_rock.html

The long anticipated HEYOKA retrospective is almost here!!

 

Just a month to go until we can finally get our mitts on the long awaited Heyoka retrospective from ShroomAngel Records.

Click on the pic above to see it full size.

Back in the early seventies, a band was formed in San Antonio, Tx. that has since gone down in history as perhaps the greatest unsigned band to ever come from the State of Texas.

Years of endless gigging, recording sessions, and ultimately ending after inner conflicts, changing musical landscapes and personal tragedies, Heyoka's music has remained lost to the ravages of time and has gained mythical status amongst the faithful and the serious collectors.

Now, after more than 30 years since their original studio recordings, ShroomAngel Productions in partnership with Heyoka, have finally delivered the most eagerly anticipated CD in Texas music history!

The original studio recordings taken from the master tapes and digitally remastered for superior audio fidelity and NEVER AVAILABLE BEFORE!

Stunning.

They had it all - musicianship (band featured two guitars, singer/flautist, bass, keyboards and drums)with chops, panache and great tone, superb compositions, multiple rhythmic changes and complex chord progressions, and above all they had tremendous SPIRIT.

The music is very moving, and pays homage to the plight of Native Americans and sheds light on the many injustices done to them and to the common everyday person.

A political, spiritual, deeply humanitarian work, this CD represents so many emotions, so much hard work and hopes and dreams, now finally soon to be available on CD.

The first 200 LP's include a download card.

The albums are individually numbered, on colored vinyl, and include a 12 x 24 poster.

Only 500 made.

Out now.

The CD is a 6 panel digipak.

Due mid-October.

POOKIESNACKENBURGER In... HELL BENT (1985) Now reloaded!

POOKIESNACKENBURGER In... HELL BENT (1985) Channel 4 TV UK



Just found an old episode of a 1980's UK comedy music show called "POOKIESNACKENBURGER" on Youtube.
The episode in question is from 1985 and is called "HELL BENT".
It concerns itself with a spoof "Black Metal" band called IRON LUNG who are recording their latest album in a haunted abbey which has been converted into a recording studio, whilst the band try to raise Satan to do their bidding.
The songs are quite amusing, although overall the show isn't quite as funny as i'd remembered.
Far better than "Bad News" though!
I did enjoy the "Wicker Man" styled pub scene.
The show only ran for one series, with each episode spoofing a different genre of music.
Pookiesnackenburger were a real band who had initially formed as a busking ensemble.
Some of their members were later behind the "Stomp" musical/dance extravaganza.

Complete credit and major thanks to tim50stroud1 who ripped & uploaded this video, had his account @ youtube hacked, and then took the time to upload it all over again. Leave the man some positive comments for all his work.

U.S. METAL ALBUMS Part 2 (1983 & 1984)

Howdy folks, sorry it has taken me so long to get around to updating this page.
Sometimes life just insists on getting in the way of the things you intend to do despite your best intentions.
Hope tonight's bumper selection of old US Heavy Metal albums will go some way towards making up for my lengthy lay off here.
We have some truly obscure stuff in tonight's selection, but hidden amongst these there are musicians who went on to make a mark in other outfits, such as a Pre-VINNIE VINCENT INVASION & SLAUGHTER Mark Slaughter fronting X-CURSION, SERPENT'S KNIGHT featuring a young Warrel Dane Pre-SANCTUARY & NEVERMORE, and before he was in CJSS and CHASTAIN, little David T Chastain was guitarist extraordinaire with SPIKE.
We also have ex-VIRGIN STEELE guitarist JACK STARR with his first solo album, "Out Of The Darkness", which features the cream of the early '80's New York Metal scene backing him with the late great RHETT FORRESTER of RIOT singing on all tracks, and former STEELER frontman Ron Keel with the debut album from his eponymously named band, KEEL.
Add to that little lot some great obcurios from the likes of RAT ATTACK, CRYSYS, PROPHECY, VICTIM, RISING POWER, MAX LYNX, TAIST OF IRON, DESIRE, LADY KILLER, WYZARD and PANDEMONIUM and i think you'll find much to enjoy amongst tonight's selection.
Get stuck in!

CRYSYS - Hard As Rock (1983) USA

http://rapidshare.com/files/32721992/CRYSYS_-_Hard_As_Rock__USA_-_1983_.rar


SERPENT'S KNIGHT - Released From The Crypt (1983) USA

http://rapidshare.com/files/65204951/SERPENT_S_KNIGHT_-_Released_From_The_Crypt__1983-USA_.rar


LADY KILLER - Lady Killer (1983) USA

http://rapidshare.com/files/97811590/LADY_KILLER_-_Lady_Killer__USA-1983_.rar


DESIRE - Cry At The Sky (1983) USA

http://rapidshare.com/files/89252241/DESIRE_-_Cry_At_The_Sky__USA-1983_.rar


PANDEMONIUM - Heavy Metal Soldiers (1983) USA

http://rapidshare.com/files/106256442/PANDEMONIUM_-_Heavy_Metal_Soldiers__USA-1983_.rar


SPIKE - The Price Of Pleasure (1983) USA

http://rapidshare.com/files/109123472/SPIKE_-_The_Price_Of_Pleasure__USA-1983_.rar


VICTIM - Power Hungry (1983) USA

http://rapidshare.com/files/115676145/VICTIM_-_Power_Hungry__1983-USA_.rar


MAX LYNX - Take One (1983) USA

http://rapidshare.com/files/46197356/MAX_LYNX_-_Take_One__USA-1983_.rar


RAT ATTACK - Rat Attack (1983) USA

http://rapidshare.com/files/93235877/RAT_ATTACK_-_Rat_Attack__USA-1983_.rar


WYZARD - Knights Of Metal (1984) USA

http://rapidshare.com/files/26017389/WYZARD_-_Knights_Of_Metal__1984_-_USA_.rar

KEEL - Lay Down The Law (1984) USA

http://rapidshare.com/files/114018512/KEEL_-_Lay_Down_The_Law__USA-1984_.rar


JACK STARR - Out Of The Darkness (1984) USA

http://rapidshare.com/files/67851231/JACK_STARR_-_Out_Of_The_Darkness__USA_-_1984_.rar


TAIST OF IRON - Resurrection (1984) USA

http://rapidshare.com/files/67866251/TAIST_OF_IRON_-_Resurrection__USA_-_1984_.rar


RISING POWER - Power For The People (1984) USA

http://rapidshare.com/files/68649550/RISING_POWER_-_Power_For_The_People__USA_-_1984_.rar


X-CURSION - Ready To Roll (1984) USA

http://rapidshare.com/files/58510172/X-CURSION_-_Ready_To_Roll__USA_-_1984_.rar


PROPHECY - Prophecy (1984) USA

http://rapidshare.com/files/97800556/PROPHECY_-_Prophecy__USA-1984_.rar

As per always, none of the files are password protected, and the rars contain cover art and informative text files.
Let me know what you think of this little lot and i'll try to be a little more regular with the posts here in the future.
However, i guarantee nothing.
I'm sorry to have to report some sad news now, as we lost two more great musicians this past month.
Phil Kennemore of YESTERDAY & TODAY/Y & T sadly lost his battle with cancer a few weeks ago, and last week we also lost Henrik Ostergaard of DIRTY LOOKS to causes unknown at this time.
Raise a glass to them for the good times.
Rest In Peace.

RONNIE JAMES DIO : R.I.P.

From Blabbermouth:

Wendy Dio, wife/manager of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW), has released the following statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET:

"Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45 a.m. [on Sunday] 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private goodbyes before he peacefully passed away.

"Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all.

"We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us.

"Please give us a few days of privacy to deal with this terrible loss.

"Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever."

It was only a month ago that Dio, 67, spoke about his battle with cancer with the Artisan News Service on the "black carpet" of the Revolver Golden Gods Awards, which took place on April 8 at Club Nokia in downtown Los Angeles. When asked about how he had been feeling since he was diagnosed with the disease late last year, Dio said, "Well, I feel good and bad at times. It's a long process. Chemotherapy is a... I never realized what a difficult thing it was to go through. It's a real cumulative effect — the more you have, the more it piles up on top and it takes longer and longer to get over it. I find it very difficult to eat. I don't like to eat anyway, so I guess that's OK. But I know I have to. But this makes it very, very hard. But if you're determined to beat it, then you have to go with what you believe is going to beat it for you, and in this case it's that. I go to a great hospital in Houston called M.D. Anderson, which I think is the best hospital in the world, I have the best doctor in the world, Dr. Ajani, who I really trust and I really believe in, so I think I've done all the right things. It makes me feel positive about my life and positive that there is a lot more of it to live."

Earlier this month, HEAVEN & HELL canceled its summer tour plans in Europe due to Dio's treatment for stomach cancer. The band said in a statement that Dio wasn't "well enough to tour this summer. We hope that everyone understands and want to thank fans and industry colleagues for their continuing support at this time."

Ronnie James Dio had performed with ELF, RAINBOW, BLACK SABBATH, and his own band DIO. Other musical projects included the collective fundraiser "Hear 'n Aid". He is widely hailed as one of the most powerful singers in heavy metal, renowned for his consistently powerful voice and for popularizing the "devil's horns" hand gesture in metal culture. He was most recently involved with HEAVEN & HELL, a project which also included former BLACK SABBATH bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Vinny Appice. Their first and only studio album, "The Devil You Know", was released on April 28, 2009.

R.I.P. Ronnie & thank you.

U.S. METAL ALBUMS Part 1 (1976-1983)

Howdy folks.
Yup, i'm back again, scarcely a month after the last post at Still Alive & Well with another thrilling selection from Rawk's very own back-in-time basement treasure trove.
Not too many big names amongst tonight's selection, although those of you of a certain age and the connisseurs amongst you will surely recognize monickers like SORCERY (yes, the same band who released "Sinister Soldiers"), FULL MOON, MESSENDGER, HYKSOS and CULPRIT.
Sprinkle in the likes of BAD AXE, BEOWULF, (NOT the Suicidal Tendencies related act), FORTNOX, JOE STEP, BLACK DIAMOND and AMERICADE and what you have here is a pretty good cross section of what was happening in U.S. Metal between the years of 1976 and 1983.
Hope you find something that'll make your (May) day.
Please feel free to use the comments section to share your thoughts, rememberances, ire and love, and to heap lavish praise upon me too of course.
As per usual, all rars come packed with cover art and info txt files.
No passwords needed.
Death to false metal.


BAD AXE - Bad Axe (1976)

http://rapidshare.com/files/26399522/BAD_AXE_-_Bad_Axe_Part_One__USA_-_1976_.rar

http://rapidshare.com/files/26547691/BAD_AXE_-_Bad_Axe_Part_Two__1976_-_USA_.rar


SORCERY - Till Death Do Us Part (1980)

http://rapidshare.com/files/26011553/SORCERY_-__Till_Death_Do_Us_Part__1980_-_USA_.rar


BEOWULF - Slice Of Life (1980)

http://rapidshare.com/files/50153879/BEOWULF_-_Slice_Of_Life__USA_-_1980_.rar


FULL MOON - State Of The Artist (1980)

http://rapidshare.com/files/91017575/FULL_MOON_-_State_Of_The_Artist__USA-1980_.rar


FORTNOX - Fortnox (1982)

http://rapidshare.com/files/22761389/FORTNOX_-_Fortnox__USA-1982_.rar


JOE STEP - Sacrifice (1982)

http://rapidshare.com/files/46017063/JOE_STEP_-_Sacrifice__USA-1982_.rar


BLACK DIAMOND - Black Diamond (1982)

http://rapidshare.com/files/49759545/BLACK_DIAMOND_-_Black_Diamond__USA_-_1982_.rar


MESSENDGER - Messendger (1982)

http://rapidshare.com/files/73668653/MESSENDGER_-_Messendger__USA-1982_.rar


HYKSOS - Hyksos (1982)

http://rapidshare.com/files/48533002/HYKSOS_-_Hyksos__USA_-_1982_.rar


AMERICADE - American Metal (1982)

http://rapidshare.com/files/23398493/AMERICADE_-_American_Metal__US_-_1982_.rar


CULPRIT - Innocent Til Proven Guilty : The Rarities (1982)

http://rapidshare.com/files/20097516/Culprit_-_Innocent__Til_Proven_Guilty__Rarities___USA_-_1982_.rar


CULPRIT - Guilty As Charged (1983)

http://rapidshare.com/files/19084372/Culprit_-_Guilty_As_Charged__USA_-_1983_.rar

U.S. Metal 45s (1978-2002)

A belated happy new year to those of you who continue to drop by here, my apologies for taking so long between posts here. Life just keeps on getting in the way!
To reward your persistence and patience, i'm delivering tonight, for your delectation, a motherlode of classic and obscure U.S. Metal singles from between the years of 1978 and 2002.
The better known names include DAVID "Rock" FEINSTEIN (Pre-THE RODS & accompanied by a Pre-MANOWAR Joey DeMaio no less!), RIOT (with Harry "The Tyrant" Conklin of JAG PANZER on Vocals!), a rare early PENTAGRAM single, and some prime BROCAS HELM too.
On the more obscure side of things, dig in to rare grooves from the likes of ANVIL CHORUS, CZAR, BLACK VIRGIN, BLACK DEATH, MYTH, SNOW WHITE, SATIN STEEL, REX VECTOR, CHINA WHITE, JONAS GRUMBY, CHILD SAINT & two from DRUNK HORSE!
Dig in, it's a Metallic feast!!

DAVID "Rock" FEINSTEIN - Midnight Lady 7" (1978)

http://rapidshare.com/files/11874305/DAVID___Rock___FEINSTEIN_-_Midnight_Lady_7____1978_.rar


PENTAGRAM - Livin' In A Ram's Head 7" (1979)

http://rapidshare.com/files/82093767/PENTAGRAM_-_Livin__In_A_Ram_s_Head_7____USA-1979_.rar


ANVIL CHORUS - Blondes In Black 7'' (1983)

http://rapidshare.com/files/11433475/Anvil_Chorus_-_blondes_in_black_7____1982_.rar


CZAR - Iron Curtain 7" (1982)

http://rapidshare.com/files/59879225/CZAR_-_Iron_Curtain_7____USA-1982_.rar


BLACK VIRGIN - .44 Killer 7" (1983)

http://rapidshare.com/files/24202581/Black_Virgin_-_44_Killer_7____1983_-_USA_.rar


BLACK DEATH - Here Comes The Wrecking Crew 7" (1984)

http://rapidshare.com/files/58724562/BLACK_DEATH_-_Here_Comes_The_Wrecking_Crew_7____USA-1984_.rar


MYTH - Metal To The Pedal 7" (1984)

http://rapidshare.com/files/59877820/MYTH_-_Metal_To_The_Pedal_7____USA_-_1984_.rar


SNOW WHITE - Snow White 12" (1985)

http://rapidshare.com/files/13861865/Snow_White_-_Snow_White_12____USA_-_85_.rar


SATIN STEEL - Kick Me Where It Hurts 7" (1985)

http://rapidshare.com/files/31143358/Satin_Steel_-_Kick_Me_Where_It_Hurts_7____1985-USA_.rar


REX VECTOR - Breathe Fire 7" (1985)

http://rapidshare.com/files/59876903/REX_VECTOR_-_Breathe_Fire_7____USA_-_1985_.rar


CHINA WHITE - Heavy Metal Thunder 7" (1986)

http://rapidshare.com/files/43074196/CHINA_WHITE_-_Heavy_Metal_Thunder_7____USA-1986_.rar


JONAS GRUMBY - Cry Of The Ripper 7" (1986)

http://rapidshare.com/files/50127990/JONAS_GRUMBY_-_Cry_Of_The_Ripper_7____USA-1986_.rar


CHILD SAINT - Child Saint 12" (1988)

http://rapidshare.com/files/18069442/child_saint_-_child_saint_12____USA_-_88_.rar


RIOT - The Tyrant Sessions 7" (1993)

http://rapidshare.com/files/87431924/RIOT_-_The_Tyrant_Sessions_7____USA-1993_.rar


BROCAS HELM - Skullfucker 7" (2000)

http://rapidshare.com/files/37056864/BROCAS_HELM_-_Skullfucker_7____2000-USA_.rar


DRUNK HORSE - Bambi 7" (2001)

http://rapidshare.com/files/57260154/DRUNK_HORSE_-_Bambi_7____2001_-_USA_.rar


DRUNK HORSE - Unearthed Gems 2 7" (2002)

http://rapidshare.com/files/57261042/DRUNK_HORSE_-_Unearthed_Gems_2_7____2002_-_USA_.rar

As per always, each rar contains cover art & a txt file filled with info about each release.
No passwords neccessarry either folks.
Enjoy.