RIP Ronnie James Dio

A bit of controversy in the metal community was sparked when Manowar announced the release of a special CD “Magic – a Tribute to Ronnie James Dio”, featuring bands on the Magic Circle Music label (Joey DeMaio’s record label) performing some of Ronnie’s classics. “Heavy metal has lost a great artist and a true gentleman,” said bassist Joey DeMaio. “I had the privilege of being his friend and, along with other friends and admirers, we wish to honor him.”

Seems a noble pursuit, perhaps? Not so, according to some. Just read the comments on the press release on Blabbermouth.

The snarky comments brought to light an interesting question. When is a tribute song / album a gesture of remembrance and honour, and when is it profiting from someone’s death? The situation is further compounded by David Feinstein’s statement that he had not granted permission for his song to be used on the tribute album.

In response to Manowar’s announcement and rumors of other tribute projects, Wendy Dio, Ronnie’s late wife and manager, had this to say:

Dear friends and fans of Ronnie, I have seen lately on BLABBERMOUTH.NET a lot of announcements of bands releasing ‘so-called’ Dio tribute CDs.

“Please do not be fooled by thinking they are doing this for the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund; the money is going in their pockets and not to the Fund.

“I find this totally disgraceful and upsetting that they are trying to make money off of Ronnie’s death.”

Joey DeMaio returned to defend his tribute project, stating that he and Ronnie had been friends and the tribute was being done in memory of a friend and not for financial gain. Other people reported some misinformation coming from Niji Entertainment and the Stand Up and Shout fund – some fans brought merchandise believing it would be benefiting the fund, when in actual fact it was for profit.

The real issue is one of intent – did Manowar and the other Magic Circle Music bands intend to create a tribute to honour someone who they considered an idol and a friend? I know Dio and Joey DeMaio had dealing in the past and considered each other friends. Or did they think “Oh, look, Ronnie’s died. We can make a bucket off of this.”

Sometimes, the way Manowar word press releases and freely denounce other bands as “false metal”, lead people within the metal community to regard everything they do with an air of “Urgh. Here we go again.” I think if Iron Maiden had announced the same tribute album, it wouldn’t have been greeted with such derision, simply because of the way some people regard Manowar. (As interest, Nicko McBrain actually has done a tribute to Dio, which could arguably be part of a publicity stunt for his Rock n’ Ribs restaurant. Read the Comments. Interesting). Regardless what you think of them, I do believe they’re acting out of their own grief and desire to honour a fallen “comrade”, rather than any intention to “cash-in”. We are talking about a tribute album here – no one, charity or otherwise, is going to get rich off this concept, and Magic Circle Music would be paying royalties on the rights to use the songs, anyway. Give Manowar – even if you don’t personally like them – the benefit of the doubt.

Wendy Dio’s reaction might have been a bit premature, but she’s just lost a husband, and the whole experience must be beyond harrowing. I can see how seeing these tributes popping up, with no mention of profits going to charities her husband would have supported, would anger and frustrate her. I think some more thought could have gone into approaching this in a more respectful manner, but hindsight is a wonderful thing.

Dan Padavona, Ronnie James Dio’s son, had this to say on the situation, which sums up my thoughts pretty succintly:

“Joey DeMaio [MANOWAR bassist] contacted me a few weeks ago to discuss his tribute CD to my father. Joey sought my advice for where I felt the proceeds from his project should be sent. My first two choices were M.D. Anderson, which nearly saved my father against all odds, and Dana Farber’s The Jimmy Fund, to which I am a long-term donor. Today [Monday, June 21] I received CC’d copies of email correspondences between these two charities, and Joey’s company [Magic Circle Music]. He has obtained the paperwork for donating to both causes as I requested, and I have no doubt that he will follow through with his promise.

“I will leave it to Joey to release any specific information he feels comfortable in releasing.

“These posts will be the first and last I will be making to BLABBERMOUTH.NET.

“I am not directly involved with any ongoing tribute project. Nor will I comment further than to say ‘thank you’ to any musician who honors my father in the proper manner.

“I am gravely disappointed with the discourse which is taking place, and I can say with certainty that my father would not approve.

“I urge each and every one of you to end this argument, and allow the process to run its course. The controversy, unfounded accusations, and intolerance in this conflict does nothing to help us heal. Some of the hateful things written in these threads should never have seen the light of day, and I think you know that.

So, what lessons can we, as musicians and fans, take away from this experience:

If you’re going to get “rich” off someone’s death, creating a tribute album is NOT the way to do it.
When dealing with the memory of someone who has recently died, it’s best to run anything past the relatives of the deceased if you possibly can.
If someone is performing a tribute to someone you loved, remember their way of showing their respect might be different from the way you would show your respect, which in no way means they are disrespecting the memory of the deceased artist. Just grit your teeth and remind yourself that other people should be free to express their own feelings – and this is a good thing.
No person’s death should be marked with words and feelings of hate and anger. Especially not Ronnie James Dio.
When creating a tribute, choose songs by the actual artist.
If you are honest and open about your intentions and the love and respect you feel for the artist you are honouring, it will shine though.

Readers, any thoughts on the matter? Remember, keep it nice.

International Day of Slayer was born.

Slayer \m/

The first International Day of Slayer occurred on June 6, 2006 – the 6th of the 6th of the 6th. An auspicious day for metalheads, where bands and fans around the world gathered together to listen to and play Slayer and down copious amounts of beer and basically talk about how awesome we are. And four years on, International Day of Slayer is bigger than ever. IDOS spokepeople have even petitioned the white house to make International Day of Slayer an official holiday, stating “heavy metal music is the central belief of a culture that exists among us, and Slayer is the perfect spokesperson.”

“I think it’s awesome, and it’s totally cool that fans have taken the time to maintain it. Slayer should have a national holiday – there are enough stupid holidays out there, so why not have one for us?” Kerry King – Slayer

Celebrate International Day of Slayer

It’s time to introduce your ignorant family, friends, neighbours, colleagues, and fellow bus/train patrons to Slayer. Their protests only mean you aren’t playing Slayer loud enough.

Stage a “Slay-Out”. Don’t go to work. Stay at home and listen to Slayer.

If you’re in church today, replace all the hymm sheets with the lyrics to “South of Heaven”.

Eat steak. Listen to Slayer.

Play Slayer in your car. Roll down the windows and yell “Slayer!” at pedestrians.

Legally change your name to “Slayer”

If you work in a call centre, answer every enquiry with “Slayer did it” or “Can you hold on a minute while I check with Slayer.”

The Truth about Slayer

On the Seventh Day, God wasn’t resting. He was recovering from a Slayer concert.

Kerry King doesn’t go to tattoo parlours … he grows them.

When Slayer die, they will go to heaven. Not because they are good, because Satan is afraid they will take over.

Slayer is the force keeping the universe from imploding upon itself.

Kerry King isn’t headbanging … he’s growing more neck muscle

The Grand Canyon was formed by Kerry King scraping his guitar pick across the Southwest

Kerry King doesn’t tune his guitar … he frightens it into tune.

Before he goes to sleep, Chuck Norris checks his closet for Slayer.

The dinosaurs weren’t destroyed by a meteor. Slayer ate them.

Kerry King’s goatee cannot be destroyed by mortal weapons.

Kerry King didn’t shave his head … he just got pissed and scared the hair away.

Play some SLAYYYYYYYERRRRR!!!!!

For More Information

National Day of Slayer Official Website.

Slayer Official Band Website

Slayer Myspace Page

Slayer Lyrics. As if you could forget them.

Slayer Saves Excellent Fansite and Forum

Fucking SLAYER \m/

Ronnie James Dio

After a series of ‘is he / isn’t he?” articles hit the internet yesterday, the news has broken. Ronnie James Dio – the ferocious creative force behind Black Sabbath, Heaven and Hell and Rainbow – has passed. His battle with stomach cancer finally caught up with this metal legend, and he now watches over us from somewhere behind Odin’s eyebrows.

I’m struggling for words. All I really have to say is “Thank You.” A picture has formed in my mind, and I’ll be attempting to transfer it to canvas – a tribute to a fallen brother. From one artist (albeit an amateur one) to one of her heroes.

Others have said more than I ever could:

“Crying right now in remembrance of my hero and friend, Ronnie James Dio … he was a major, major part of my life. I got to do shows with him and work with him and I loved Dio my whole life. The world has lost one of the best.” - Sebastian Bach

“His music will live for eternity” - Slash

“Ronnie had a unique and wonderful voice. He will be sadly missed in the rock and roll world.” - Ritchie Blackmore.

“I am privileged to have been a part of Ronnie James Dio’s life and music. His closest ones are in my thoughts.” - Rowan Robertson

“We are filled with great sadness at the terrible news about our friend Ronnie James Dio. Ronnie was a wonderful man and will be sorely missed.” - Judas Priest.

And, from Lars Ulrich, a truly heartfelt letter to his own fallen hero.

Dear Ronnie

I just got off stage in Zagreb. I was met with the news that you’ve passed on. I’m kind of in shock, but I wanted you to know that you were one of the main reasons I made it onto that stage to begin with.

When I first saw you in ELF, opening for DEEP PURPLE in 1975, I was completely blown away by the power in your voice, your presence on stage, your confidence, and the ease with which you seemed to connect to 6,000 Danish people and one starry-eyed 11-year-old, most of whom were not familiar with ELF’s music. The following year, I was so psyched when I heard the results of you joining forces with my favorite guitar player. You guys sounded so right for each other and I instantly became RAINBOW’s #1 fan in Denmark.

In the fall of 1976, when you played your first show in Copenhagen, I was literally in the front row and the couple of times we made eye contact you made me feel like the most important person in the world. The news that you guys were staying in town on your day off somehow embedded itself in my brain and I made the pilgrimage to the Plaza Hotel to see if I could somehow grab a picture, an autograph, a moment, anything. A few hours later you came out and were so kind and caring… pictures, autographs and a couple minutes of casual banter. I was on top of the world, inspired and ready for anything. RAINBOW came to Copenhagen a couple more times over the next few years and each time you guys blew my mind, and for a good three years were my absolute favorite band on this planet.

Over the years I’ve been fortunate enough to run into you a half dozen times or so and each time you were as kind, caring and gracious as you were in 1976 outside the hotel.

When we finally got a chance to play together in Austria in 2007, even though I may not have let on, I was literally transformed back to that little snot-nosed kid who you met and inspired 31 years earlier and it was such a fucking honor and a dream come true to share a stage with you and the rest of the legends in HEAVEN & HELL.

A couple of weeks ago when I heard that you were not going to be able to make it to the Sonisphere shows that we would be sharing this June, I wanted to call you and let you know that I was thinking of you and wish you well, but I kind of pussied out, thinking the last thing you needed in your recovery was feeling obligated to take a phone call from a Danish drummer/fan boy. I wish I’d made that call.

We will miss you immensely on the dates, and we will be thinking of you with great admiration and affection during that run. It seemed so right to have you out on tour with the so-called ‘Big Four’ since you obviously were one of the main reasons that the four bands even exist.

Your ears will definitely be burning during those two weeks because all of us will be talking, reminiscing and sharing stories about how knowing you has made our lives that much better.

Ronnie, your voice impacted and empowered me, your music inspired and influenced me, and your kindness touched and moved me. Thank you.

It’s interesting that Dio gave us not only his incredible voice, his epic, sweeping music and his undying love and dedication, but also our official metalhead emblem. Dio began thrusting the metal horns – an Italian symbol to ward off the evil eye – at Black Sabbath shows, and soon we were all doing it. I love this recent interview with him:

Ronnie James Dio

It’s all right as long as it’s accepted for what it was,” Dio told the magazine. “It was a more serious thing at the time, when I was with [BLACK] SABBATH. That was a band that was very dark, and that’s what I wanted it to be. It was symbol of the darkness of that band, and not something to be passed on to BRITNEY SPEARS! An invention is an invention, I guess. It’s become so damn polluted now. The people who are doing it don’t know what it means and they have no idea that they shouldn’t be doing it.

“It’s a trend,” Dio addded. “It’s a popular trend and so it will probably become like the hula hoop. During a show, I sometimes think ‘Maybe I won’t do that tonight’, because it’s become so damn ludicrous now. Everyone’s doing it and it has no meaning anymore. Now I wait until two or three songs into the show, and until there’s a stop in the music and I’m doing something on my own, and then the response is incredible because people are wanting that from me. It’s like OZZY and the peace sign, you know? So I never find myself not doing it, but I’m definitely doing it less and less these days.

“The point is that you can’t just flash it. You have to a face that goes with it. There has to be some emotion behind it. It can’t just be the raising of the arm, trying to get your fingers in the right position. And you’ll notice that a lot of people are using the thumb now, too. When the thumb comes out it means ‘I love you’ either in Hawaiian or in sign language – I’m not sure which! So that’s proof, once again, that these celebrities don’t really have a clue. As stupid as this might sound, I never once did that on stage unless it was to punctuate something that was a little more dark. So when I did it, it was never about starting a trend. It’s a natural thing for me to do. It’s important to know that it’s not something I did frivolously it was just a spontaneous response to something that I sang. A lot of times, bending of the knees always puts it in a slightly different perspective. It puts you in the Sumo position. Now you’re ready to charge!”

RIP Ronnie. Your star will shine forever.

Much Love
Steff

Svartsot (photos courtesy of Napalm records)

First, for a bit of background, can you tell us about Svartsot, the music you play and how the band first got together?

Svartsot started in Randers, Denmark, in early 2005. Right from the start we mixed Nordic folk music and metal, but the whistles weren’t added until after a few months. Since then we’ve increased the array of instruments to include mandolins and accordions too. The vocals have always been growled and the lyrics – which are mainly about drinking, fighting and women – have always been in Danish. The themes for the lyrics are usually either taken from history or folklore, or are written into a historic context.

We recorded a couple of demos, Svundne Tider in 2005 and Tvende Ravne in 2006, which brought attention to us from across the world, and ultimately led to us being signed by Napalm Records in 2007. Our debut album, Ravnenes Saga, was recorded and released in 2007 and have just released our second album, Mulmets Viser, also on Napalm Records.

The original line-up was formed of four of us who had previously played together (a couple of us had known each other for a few years) and a mutual friend. As mentioned, a sixth member joined a little later on. Since the beginning we’ve undergone various line-up changes. The latest and most significant occurred at the end of 2008, when four guys quit and one took a break from the band for an indefinite period. The line-up was again fully manned again within a couple months, and has remained unchanged since then.

I’ve always been curious about the origins and the increasing popularity of folk metal throughout Europe. My sources tell me one of the first proper folk metal band was England’s Skyclad. How did the idea spread into Europe and become so popular? WHY do you think folk metal has become so popular in Europe – is it because it appeals to hordes of “dispossessed Vikings” who wish to get in touch with their heritage?

I think that folk music and rock and, later, metal have always had some kind of affinity. Some accredit Bob Dylan as being the originator of folk rock, and thereby also folk metal, as he was the first “folk” musician to use an electric guitar. But folk rock (the originator to folk metal) has certainly existed since the late 60’s/early 70’s when bands like Steeleye Span and Fairport Convention arrived on the scene. Later on bands like Uriah Heep, Black Sabbath, Thin Lizzy and Jethro Tull started incorporating folk melodies into their music at some point in their careers. These bands were of course also big on mainland Europe, as they still are.

The folk metal wave started with Skyclad, and even they paid homage to the “old boys” by covering Thin Lizzy’s “Emerald”. But it still took a few years before the wave of folk metal really set in. Generally I think the black metal scene has had a folk streak in it for a long time, and Finntroll were one of the first folk metal bands to make a big impression on the metal scene with a kind of black metal style to their music. Finland has actually provided the scene with many bands. Since then things have just taken off and folk metal has off-shoots all over the world now.

Somehow metal and folk music just seem to gel well. I guess there are many comparisons between the two: for example the raspy, distorted sound of the instruments used (here I’m thinking hurdy gurdies, bagpipes, shawms and fiddles compared to distorted electric guitars), the use of power chords in both styles and powerful drums, and in some ways even a similar ethos.

Maybe this has been a part of the reason for the popularity; that the two styles simply go well together. Maybe also the whole attitude of the style has been a major factor. But to tell you the truth, I don’t really know. Maybe there is an appeal to the hordes of dispossessed Vikings, as you put it – or at least people who wish to be dispossessed Vikings. Personally I’m getting tired of the whole Viking/pagan side of the folk metal scene – it’s become legitimate for any band from anywhere to be “Vikings” and sing about the Nordic gods. What’s wrong with looking at one’s own heritage instead of borrowing from other peoples’ heritage? And something that has been done to death at that!

Many critics say there’s a rush to “cash in” on this Folk Metal trend that’s producing a lot of lackluster bands. What do you think of this?

Seeing as we’re a comparatively new band, we’ve also been accused of jumping on the trend! All I can say is that I’ve personally have played folk music and metal side by side for around twenty years now, and even played with the idea already of combining the two as far back as 1991 or so. I just never had the chance to do it as a band before the precursor to Svartsot.

In general there is a rush on. There are a lot of folk metal bands appearing now, and that has a lot – if not everything – to do with the popularity of the style. Of course there are a lot of really untalented bands amongst them, and only very few good bands – which is the way it should be! The same happens with all styles – heavy metal and thrash in the 80’s, death metal and black metal since then. But the style won’t die out. The better bands will survive and continue when the next trend rolls over the metal scene. That’s how it always goes.

When I brought Ravnenes Saga in Oslo, it had a little sticker on it which said “The Next Generation of Folk Metal.” What do you think is the future of folk metal?

The “The next generation of folk metal” was what Napalm Records were marketing us as back then. I don’t really have a clue about the future of folk metal. I don’t pay very close attention to the new bands coming up. And I haven’t even heard the latest albums by Finntroll or Korpiklaani yet! It’s almost impossible to predict the future if you more or less ignore the present.

How have people reacted to your more “brutal” form of folk metal?

It’s been really mixed. Some say it’s a breath of fresh air for the scene, others can’t stand the vocals. Some have even said that it sounds just like all the other bands! We’ve had really good and really bad reviews. But from what I’ve read in the reviews very few have actually understood what the band or the music is even about! The music normally goes down really well in the live setting though, and we seem to have quite a few fans out there, so it can’t be all bad.

How do you choose the myths and stories you write about in your songs? Do you do research or do the ideas come from visiting old sites, or are they just part of the Danish folk tradition?

Basically all of our lyrics are about drinking, fighting and women! We just find suitable passages from history or tales from folklore that can be adapted to our purposes. Occasionally we write new stories and set them in a historical past. In a way it’s a continuation on the normal themes from folk song, but maybe presented in a slightly different way. All of the themes for the folklore/historical themed tracks are researched. In essence we just want to write good songs with good stories. It’s certainly not about conveying any messages or ethics.

Svartsot (Napalm Records)

I’m a whistle-player myself, and I’ve been wondering what’s it like playing with a whistle in a traditional metal setting? How on earth do you make sure the audience hears him? How do people react when they see a whistle player with a metal band?

It’s not really something we consciously think about, as it’s just a part of the band. For me, folk metal is about the folk instruments as much as it’s about the other elements. On the first album the whistles more or less just doubled the lead guitar, but they have become even more integrated on the new album, and we’ve added more mandolin and even accordion.

The audibility of the whistles in the live setting is the soundman’s job! I’ve got no idea about that side of it, but I know there’s a fine balance between audibility and feedback when it comes to whistles. We’ve been lucky on a few occasions and had soundmen who could work the whistles, but we’ve also had many who just didn’t have a clue! The right microphone is also very important.

People who come to folk metal shows in general expect to see the “weird” instruments, so that’s not a problem. We very rarely play shows with no other folk metal bands on the bill, and the past few times that we have were all shows with Svartsot headlining them. Remembering back to the first shows, it always seemed that our reputation preceded us, so no one seemed surprised. Of course we meet people on occasions who don’t like the whistles. But it’s up to them if they want to stand and listen to us or go to the bar.

I read you’ve been confirmed for Wacken Open Air – congratulations! Wacken is the best festival I’ve ever attended – it’s very special. How did that came about?

Thanks. Our booking agent got us the job… No matter how it came about we’re really looking forward to it!

I’m looking forward to the new release, Mulmets Viser, which was released in Europe this week (although in lowly NZ it won’t arrive in stores till … ever). Can you tell us about the new album, how is it different from Ravnenes Saga?

The new album is very much a continuation from the old album on the one hand, but also quite different at the same time. We wanted this album to be more folk music inspired, yet heavier, and I think we managed to do this.

As I mentioned earlier, we’ve used more mandolin and introduced some accordion too, and have actually less whistle on this album than on Ravnenes Saga. The guitar work is generally heavier, and there are more harmonies between the lead instruments on Mulmets Viser.

We also chose a different producer; this time we went to Lasse Lammert (known for his work with Alestorm) in Lübeck, Germany. He managed to get a more organic, natural and yet rawer sound than we had on Ravnenes Saga, and I feel it really fits the music and the band in general. All in all I feel the band and the material has developed and matured since the debut.

What advice would you give to anyone else wanting to start a folk metal band?

An in-depth knowledge of both folk music and metal is essential. If you don’t understand the styles you’re trying to play and write in it is gonna sound fake. Everything else that you do with the music, the lyrics, etc. is a question of taste, technique and ability.

What’s the best thing that’s ever happened to you because of Svartsot?

That’s difficult to say! There have been several things, kinda like milestones I guess, but I don’t know if I’d set any of them above the others. Getting signed, recording, playing a couple Paganfest shows, being booked for Wacken etc. But I suppose it just comes down to being able to play in the band is really the best thing about it.

What is the next step for Svartsot?

We’re really starting to get busy now. I’m writing new material that we’re gonna start working on as a band very soon. Then we’ve got some jobs coming up with Negură Bunget and the Napalm Records 15th anniversary at Metalfest Austria. Then we have the show at Wacken Open Air. There should hopefully be some touring towards the end of the year too. So basically writing and playing.

What was the first album you ever brought? Your first metal album?

I can’t actually remember! I’ve been listening to metal for over 20 years now, since I was 8-9 years of age or something! I remember getting Iron Maiden’s Killers on vinyl for Christmas once, and I remember buying Napalm Death’s From Enslavement to Obliteration and Megadeth’s Killing is My Business on vinyl, but I know had I bought several albums before then. I’d have to look all my old cassettes out to tell you that, I think …

Can you name your top five metal albums?

That’s a pretty difficult question to answer as there are so many albums and individual tracks that I could name that have been important for me. The list below is based on the albums that really grabbed my attention when I heard them for the first time. I wouldn’t necessarily say that they have been more influential on me than other bands or albums, but are certainly amongst my influences.

1. Opeth – Orchid
2. Iron Maiden – Somewhere in Time
3. Bathory – Nordland
4. Ulver – Bergtatt
5. Dissection – Storm of the Light’s Bane

What bands and albums have you heard recently that have stood out to you?

I hardly listen to music any more – I just don’t seem to be able to find the time. I can’t actually remember when I last bought an album even! But I can mention this one Danish band in particular who supported us recently, called Huldre, who I thought did a really good job. I don’t think they’ve even recorded a proper demo yet.

What was your best ever live music experience?

Again, it’s difficult for me to answer that, as there have been many really cool experiences. The most recent ones was playing the two Paganfest extended shows we did, as it was a real honour for us to be able to play those shows (we got called in at the last minute, as Equilibrium had to cancel two shows). But I could name many other shows too.

Who or what inspires you?

Lots of things – everything and anything can inspire me! The music is in me the whole time, and any number of things could trigger something off. It could be watching my children or just walking down the road, or being in some place with a specific atmosphere, or just reading a book. It’s pretty random really, but I often feel inspired to write something at a time when I can’t just reach for my guitar!

Thanks very much to Cris and the team at Napalm for setting this up. It’s always interesting to learn about folk metal from the musicians who are writing and performing it.

Don’t forget to check out Svartsot’s new album, Mulmets Viser, available worldwide from Napalm Records.

Raise Your Horns! \m/
Steff

Black vintage leather jacket

Red trashy Diva dress

Meet Diya – she writes In Her Stilettos – a fashion blog heavy on studs, spikes, leather, and short skirts. She works in the metal music industry on the side, and her boyfriend’s a musician. In short, she’s pretty krieg.

So when she emailed me to ask if I’d do a guest post, of course I said yes. Unfortunatly, I had so much to say on the topic she asked me to write about, I spent two months writing this mammoth 5000 word essay, which I then had to whittle down to a more readable 900 words.

If you would be so kind, pop over to In Her Stilettos and read my guest post Rockstars and Metal Gods as Fashion Icons.

Rock n' Roll train - AC/DC cashes in on Steampunk

The show kicked off with a wicked, anime style train cartoon, which ended with a massive live locomotive steaming onto stage, while ACDC launched into “Rock n Roll train”, from their new album. Johnson’s first note was perfect, setting the stage for a great show. Angus Young stole the show with his typical onstage antics – a delightful striptease during “She’s Got the Jack”, and an extended solo in “Let there be Rock.”

I love the way they’ve cashed in on the steampunk trend, in good old rock n’ roll style. The giant evil black train puffed smoke and had devil horns. The stage was outlined in cogs and gears. The only thing that spoiled the effect was two giant blowup “viking” helmets with the letter ‘A’ stamped on them. I’m not entirely sure how they contributed to the overall aesthetic?

Perhaps I’m overthinking this.

A WHOLE lotta Rosie

They played the old favorites – Back in Black, Highway to Hell and For Those About to Rock (the encore, of course), Dirty Deeds,High Voltage, TNT and Whole Lotta Rosie – during which an immense blowup woman with breats the size of a the millenium falcon )I’m trying to think of something really large and round) descented from the roof and sat astride the steampunk caboose. She wobbled there for the entire song while the band cowered under her enormous boobies. It was brill.

CDH and I had a lengthly debate about whether AC/DC counts as metal. We’ve still not come to a final conclusion.

On the one hand, AC/DC is what people who aren’t into metal think metal is. CDh noted most of the entire crowd consisted of “rockers” who thought they were “metalheads”, but wouldn’t know Amon Amarth from Iron Maiden. He said, sure they’re important to metal’s history, but so is Led Zeppelin and Uriah Heep – would you consider them metal? They also self identify as “rock n’ roll”, not metal.

Brian and Angus

However, AC/DC are incredibly important to increasing the popularity of metal the world over. I said they’ve stuck with a winning formula and with their steady rise in popularity comes the rejection from the undergound which inevitably turns a band from metal to the ambiguous “rock”. Just look at Metallica, who were considered “rock” after the black album, despite the fact the black album is still really a metal album. And I’d call Death Magnetic a metal album, too. But Metallica can no longer be a metal band. Just because AC/DC aren’t blasting out double bass rolls at 250 BPM doesn’t mean they’re not metal. And, if AC/DC aren’t metal, does that mean Manowar aren’t metal, either? Because they’re not all that dissimiliar. I’m sure they’d have words to say about that.

Also, I’ve always thought of Uriah Heep as the first progressive power metal band.

Also, also, if they put on a great show, does it matter? Not really, but CDH and I will discuss it anyway.

Thoughts?

Steff

Coming from New Zealand’s black & death-oriented metal scene, it was such a treat to see a club show with such talented prog bands. We brought an album which we listened to all the way to Bergen (which is a rather long way). And now, I’m lucky enough to have Cloudscape’s Mike Andersson to answer a few questions:

Tell us a little about Cloudscape’s last album, Global Drama. What are the concepts behind the songs on this release, and how has it been recieved so far?

A weird answer maybe but, I think you catch my drift ;).

Global Drama have been recieved really great from fans and media and we are extremely happy that most of the reviews we’ve read thus far have turned out fantastic:).

How do you think Global Drama stands up against the band’s previous releases? Have you done anything different on this album?

Global Drama is definietly more thoughtout compared to its predesserors. Of course we are very satisfied with our debut and our second album Crimson Skies but, with Global Drama we’re more mentally prepared. There’s a nice balance between the more brutal/raw songs and the more melodic and atmospheric songs, which creates a nice atmosphere and varied album.

We dug really deep in our minds to find the right touch and atmosphere to create and record Global Drama. So, even if I am proud of our first 2 albums I must say that Global Drama is without doubt my (our) favourite album thus far.

To support the new album, you’ve done a few shows and festivals around Europe over the last two years. How have you seen the fans reaction to your songs?

I’m happy to say that our audience mostly rocks like crazy during our shows and supports us really great:). We have played live as support band in a club for a crowd that didn’t know who we were but, normally we manage to get them hooked, hahahaha.

When we played live at Bloodstock Open Air in England in 2008 the audience was AWESOME. I mean, we entered the stage at 11:00am and infront of us there were about 3000 metal fans rocking with us through the whole concert. That was really cool and memoriable considering the early hour of the day.

A crowd favourite that we always play live is the song called “Under Fire” from our first album. If the audience for some reason have seemed “mellow” they always wake up when we play that song … it’s become kind of a metal classic in a way.

Coming from the NZ metal scene and seeing you guys perform in Oslo, I was blown away both by how tight your were as a band, and how much support metal is given in Scandinavia. I noticed in Europe the focus of metal seems geared towards folk/viking bands. How is prog metal being recieved nowadays?

Thank you very much, we enjoyed being on stage in Oslo and it’s great to hear that you enjoyed our show:).

Well, I think prog metal depends on quality and promotion just like most other genres. The music biz ain’t a dance on red roses anymore which is sad but, nonetheless there are many fans that support the genre wholeheartetly, which is deeply appreciated. We can’t say enough of thanks to the metal fans that support Cloudscape and other bands to keep us/them going.

When I saw you guys live I noticed you didn’t have a keyboard player. Why is that?

That’s a choice we made when we formed the band in 2001. Since we don’t use the keyboard layers as a “solo instrument” we decided to have them pre-recorded in a backing track instead.

By doing that we’ll keep the whole sound atmosphere even when we play live. But, of course there are times when we think that a keyboard player would be great to hire but, we are already 5 members in the band and we have known each other for many years now, so we are like a family. The fact of the matter is there are many bands that have a keyboardsplayer that use backing tracks nonetheless …

Since your debut you’ve played some big festivals – Sweden Rock, Bloodstock, Progpower, etc. What was your favourite festival experience? Tell us how playing festivals differs from playing regular gigs? Which festivals do you hope to play in the future?

First of all I must be honest and say that we love to be on stage no matter if it’s a big festival, small festival or a club. What is important to us is to deliver our music the best possible way for the audience and feel the feedback and support from the crowd and hope that they enjoy our music and show.

But, personally my favourite show is the one we did at Bloodstock Open Air in 2008. I mean, we were prepared and thought that we would perform live for a few hundred fans but, there were close to 3000 metal fans in the audience which was a fantastic surprise and experience :).

The biggest difference between playing a single club gig compared to a festival is that it’s more stressful at a festival. It’s rare to have lots of time to gear up and get started;). But, the actual show is more or less the same. The best thing with a festival of bigger size is that you’ll get the chance to perform live for curious metal fans that might not have heard about the band before. At a club it’s normally die hard fans that is in the crowd supporting you which is really cool and overwhelming at times. Normally it’s more intimate performing live in a club, which is a cool feeling.

The bottom line is, either way we love to be on stage ´performing live. As long as we feel that the audience enjoys our show we are happy:). That’s what’s important for Cloudscape.

Festivals we would love to visit is any good and suitable festival wherever in our world but, a few prestigious festivals that we would love to visit for a live performance is the German major metal festival “Wacken Open Air”. There’s another festival called “Bang Your Head” and “Rockhard Festival”. “Gods Of Metal” in Italy would be awesome to visit and a REvisit at “Sweden rock Festival” would of course be very appreciated;).

How did Cloudscape get started? I know the band rose from the ashes of Doctor Weird. Why did the band rename and change direction? What do you think has given Cloudscape the success that Doctor Weird never had?  

It’s hard to say why Cloudscape found success and Doctor Weird didn’t but, personally I was more driven when we started up Cloudscape which ended up with Cloudscape signing management deals and record deals. The music of Doctor Weird wasn’t bad at all but, when looking in the mirror I think there was a lack of memoriable songs and catchy songs. There was also a lack of variation and the songs we had as a whole seemed monotonuos compared to what we achieve today with Cloudscape.

The reason for “renaming” the band was simply because we started over from scratch in 2001 and the fact that I started to sing. In Doctor Weird I was keyboard player and there was another guy who was the singer (curiosa: The Doctor Weird singer sings backing vocals on 2 songs on Global Drama) but, when he left the band on mutual basis I said to my partners in crime that it’s time to start over from scratch as a new fresh band and that I wanted to be the singer considering I’ve always been a singer in all my previous bands except for Doctor Weird.

The main focus with Cloudscape is to compose songs with strong melodies and arrangements and spice it up a little with some progressive elements. But, nonetheless I think Cloudscape is more of a “melodic metal” band compared to a “progressive metal” band. The ones who listens to bands like Symphony X and Dream Theater often finds our music to be more straight forward melodic metal while the fans of bands like Hammerfall or Europe finds Cloudscape quite progressive in the vein of Dream Theater, hehehe.

How has been in Cloudscape changed your lives? What’s it like being part of the Scandinavian metal scene? How has the music scene changed since you’ve been involved in it, and what do you think the future of metal holds?

It’s of course great to be a part of the Scandinavian metal scene. Even though we have only been in the music biz for about 5 years I must say it has changed drastically.

It’s much harder to get good promotion nowadays and support from the music industry because of labels selling less and less albums. There are sadly already a few labels that have gone bankrupt. Record labels do not sign bands anymore (some do but, it’s more rare nowadays). The bands themselves have to work more with promotion which is sad in one way because I would much rather focus on my songwriting and play live, instead of working on promotion. Back in the day the labels did the promotion job or had a company do it for them but there’s no economy left to do that and it’s only the “big names” (bands) that still get lots of promotion.

It’s a really tough business nowadays but, we hope to see better days to come and we really hope that our fans and our fans to come will support Cloudscape and the genre by attending to our shows, spreading the word out on the internet and buy our albums either in digital or physical form. But, even if it’s “dark times” at the moment we love to be here and we are happy to have come this far nonetheless:).

Describe a typical week in the band’s life? How do you balence band committments with your jobs and families?

Well, basically we rehearse 1 evening per week. Most of us have dayjobs and families so, of course respect have to be shown from both parts etc. Personally I have the luxury to be engaged to a very supportive and understanding woman who understands me and my music when it comes to songwriting, promotion and other music/band related things + she helps me out a lot:).

A week musically is never the other one alike but, in general I think I except for the weekly rehearsal dedicates around 10 hours per week for my musical works. Some weeks I work more and some weeks I work less….it all depends. My family is most important for me.

What was the first album you ever bought?

It was a Vinyl single back in 1981 (Kiss – Heaven’s on Fire) followed by Come án Get It with Whitesnake. 

What bands and albums have you heard recently that have stood out to you?

The latest Symphony X, Frost, Pagan’s Mind, Rush and Whitesnake albums. All of them are awesome!

What was you best ever live music experience?

When I saw “Rush” in “Globen” (Stockholm) in 2004 (anniversary tour). A MAGICAL performance from start to finish.

Many of our readers are aspiring musicians. Do you have any advice to help them get their own projects off the ground?

Well, like I said earlier it’s very hard nowadays to get recognition from the music industry but, there’s a lot to be done through the internet by using www.myspace.com and getting the word out. If you’re a single musician without a band, please don’t be afraid of keeping your eyes open to replace members in bands if such thing happens. I mean, my good friend Anette Blyckert took a chance by sending Nightwish a demo with her singing when they were on the search for a replacement for Tarja Turunen.

Anette wasn’t very known before but, now she is VERY well known and have even changed her last name to “Olzon” since she became the singer in Nightwish, hehehe;).

What I mean is, don’t be afraid of taking the chance when there’s a chance to take:).

What does the future hold for Cloudscape? Any chance for an Australisian visit?

Oh, that’s really hard to say. We are struggling to find a good booking agency to work for us. We have played at lots of festivals and done lots of single gigs but, never a tour which we really hope to do as soon as possible. We would certainly love to visit Australia for shows and many other countries too but, right now our main focus goes to complete the songwriting for our fourth album. But, when a gig opportunity comes we rarely say no:). Spread the word and let organizers know that metal fans NEED to see Cloudscape live definietly helps :). 

Thanks for talking with us, Mike!

The pleasure is all mine and thank you Steff for talking to me:). 

Cheers: Mike Andersson (Cloudscape. Full Force). If you wanna know more about Cloudscape or listen to a few tracks, check out the official Cloudscape website, the Cloudscape myspace page or Mike’s myspace page.

This was the first band interview on Steff Metal, and I hope to do more in the future. If there’s a particular band you’d love to see on the blog, or you’re in a band yourself, send an email my way, and let me know.

Horns up \m/
Steff

So I thought, “why not interview people who are successful in their field … the field of heavy metal.” That way you, and me too, learn from the experts how to get that kreig career. We’re calling this Get a Real Job, because that’s the name of a song my Dad used to sing all the time “get a haircut and get a real job”.

Our first victim is Jonathan Kruse of SHRED Clothing. Jonathan is a fellow metalhead who’s been in the tee shirt business for several years. Alongside SHRED Clothing, he runs How ro Start a Clothing Company, an amazing resource for the designers among you, and Double Dragon Studios, a website and e-commerce design company.

Tell us about SHRED Clothing. How did the collection come about?

I run this other clothing company called Mediocore soon to be renamed to Totally Awesome Clothing. It was all about pop culture and coming up with unique shirts with great ideas about the stuff I loved as a kid. I really wanted another outlet just to make badass shirts that just looked cool and didn’t have a big idea behind them. Also I know a ton of great artists in the t-shirt industry so it just made sense to do a project with my friends.

How did you come up with the name SHRED?

My friend actually came up with it. At one time I was really obsessed with Banksy and being a street artist, maybe I am still a little obsessed with Banksy. I was trying to think up a cool name and my friend said ‘Shred’. I never really got into wheat pasting too much after college and never used that name but I always thought it was a cool name. It just fit the brand and I went with it.

Who buys your designs and why? Do you often do designs for bands and other special occasions? What’s it like working with bands?

Skaters, metalheads, a lot of different people buy my shirts. I don’t think it’s always the people you would expect. I’m mostly a internet retailer so I never get to see my actual customer.

I started doing work for bands 2 years ago but it wasn’t an industry I loved. You usually get contacted by some third party who wants a bunch of ideas and will only pay you a small amount if your shirt gets accepted. I tried it for a while but it wasn’t for me, I work with a lot of clothing companies now building their websites and e-commerce sites. It’s a lot nicer to get paid for everything up front.

The bands I have worked with are really cool but I always hear horror stories from others.

How did you get into designing / apparel in the first place? How did you learn the techniques necessary to create your kickass shirts?

I was more forced into then anything. I graduated college, got a job and got laid off a few weeks later. Finding a job sucked then as I am sure it still sucks now. I ended up trying to be proactive instead of waiting to hear back from companies. I realized this was the only time in my life I would have a chance to start a business and do something I love, so I moved forward and never looked back.

Designing for apparel is all about reducing your colors and creating something that is easily communicated and connects with your buyers. The first design tutorial I read was done by Jeff Finley of go media, but really it’s all about learning it yourself and just creating work so you get better.

Describe a “typical SHRED t-shirt”, from start to finish.

Badass, intricate design, oversized print, bright colors, super soft shirts. A lot of the reason why I started Shred was because I knew I could do it better then what was out in the market.

I usually come up with a few ideas and find the right designer. I get sketches from the designer and make changes and slowly it becomes the shirt that gets printed.

What advice would you give to anyone else wanting to create clothing and accessories for metalheads?

Do what you love, because if you aren’t passionate about your product no one else will be.

How do you promote your business?

I’ve been featured on Computer Arts Projects, thrillist, awesomer, and tons of blogs. I don’t pay for any advertising and I believe in word of mouth and that people will talk about an awesome product. All I really do is make sure my stuff gets seen by those people that like to talk.

What’s the best thing that’s ever happened to you because of SHRED?

Being able to do what I love instead of having a 9-5 job.

What are the next steps for SHRED? Upcoming projects / designs / new directions, etc?

We are mainly working on getting into retail stores at the moment. I have a new site I am going to start working on soon, some new designs, custom packaging. Ohh yeah, a white shirt too!

What was the first music album you ever brought?

The Presidents of the USA. I still love that cd, I didn’t get into metal until high school.

What bands and albums have you heard recently that have stood out to you?

A day to remember and four year strong have impressed me lately.

What was your best ever live music experience?

Seeing Iron Maiden was pretty awesome. I am a huge fan and it was awesome to see a giant Eddie on stage.

Who or what inspires you?

I think the artists that work for me. I am always looking at people work and it really gets me pumped when I see them doing amazing work for others.

Thanks Jonathan! Good readers, let me know what you think of this new column. If it’s kreig or just totally lame. If you or someone you know has an epic metal career, or there’s a certain career you’d like to know more about, or you just want to chat about anything, drop me an email at steff@steffmetal.com. I’d love to hear from you.

Horns up \m/
Steff

Born in the early 90s of a disgust at the emerging death metal scene in Europe, and a general disgust at middle-class, conservative Christian Norway, black metal emerged as a rasp of defiance. The first wave bands like Bathory and Celtic Frost cemented the music style, while the second wave – the infamous Black Circle bands like Mayhem, Burzum and Dark Funeral – created the black metal mythos. Crimes were committed, churches were burnt, band members were murdered and their brains turned into milkshakes. Misanthropic music was written, and it all sort of died down a bit after Varg Vikernes was ushered off to jail.

Black Metal exists today as the most underground and difficult-to-get-into sub-genre of metal. The screeching vocals, demoniac blast beats and lo-budget, static-infused production make it probably the most difficult music in the world to appreciate – it’s almost anti-music, a black fuzz of angst and anger, hatred and loathing. Most black metal albums are senseless noise, but sometimes, it’s magic. Dark magic, evil magic, but beautiful nonetheless.

And black metal, like every sub-genre of metal, has it’s own fashion. At any festival, you can pick the black metallers out by their surly expressions and t-shirts featuring unreadable names of bands you’ve never heard of. They’re the dudes with runic tattoos poring through the $2 vinyl boxes, looking for those obscure records of misanthropic gold. They’re the last of the Great Hunt, the demons of the night, the metalheads of your nightmares.

Clothing

The kreigest black metallers know that, like the music they so love, tr00 black metal attire must come from Scandenavia. So when you shop for black metal attire, you should look first to the underground boutiques of Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland. However, when buying from these sources, be wary, the kvlt kreig tr00 scandenavian look does not come cheap!

The first fashion item for any discerning black metaller is a pair of tight jeans in the darkest, grymmest hue of black. Acne, Cheap Monday and Anti-Sweden jeans make black jeans specifically tailored for the black metaller’s waifish, undernourished physique. And they’re all from Norway or Sweden, for additional scene points.

Next, you’ll probably want a t-shirt. Like most metalheads, the best black metal t-shirts are band t-shirts, the more unpronouncable the name and more unreadable the logo, the better.

If you can’t find a band tee suitably indecipherable, your next best buy is a standard satan shirt. You can find these at Infidel Concepts (warning, Australian company, NOT Norwegian), Satan Shop or Turbowolf. I wrote a post last year about shopping for satanic shirts, which also has some great shops to try.

Also, tees with runic designs and pagan symbols work well, too. Steer away from cheery, pot-bellied Vikings, however.

Remember, black metal is not a fashion that accepts color. There is black clothing with white designs, and white clothing with black designs. That is final.

To prevent wrinkling, wash your clothing in virgin’s blood.

Accessories

To dress up your brootal outfit for a night on the town, you should start with a belt or twenty. Spiked and bullet belts make great accessories, the spikier the better. Wear them around your waist or cross them over your chest.

Spiked or rune-adorned gauntlets encircle your wrists, and a chain. Upside-down crosses, pentegrams, runes and other pagan symbols adorn the neck. A black metaller is never without his or her trusty Thor’s Hammer or pentegram necklace. My favorites come from Wulflund in the Czech Republic. These are replicas of archaeological finds. You can slo find Thors Hammers and other pagan / satanic pendants at Little Devil Designs, WodansWolf and Vermorlian Magick Shoppe.

To carry around your church-burning kit, Broake and Thumb designs offer Thor’s Hammer messanger bags.

fur and feathers give a naturalistic, Dark Ages feel to any black metal outfit. Ravens were the messengers of Odin, and the carrian harbringers of doom, so black raven feathers obviously the kreigest of them all. Pluck them from a live raven for maximum kreig factor, and string on a low necklace or sew around the edge of a black skirt.

For even krieger outfits, carry a weapon, like a sword or axe or mace. Add spikes to it. The more spikes, the more black metal scene points you earn.

Makeup

No article about black metal fashion would be complete without a discussion about Corpsepaint. To perfect a corpsepaint look, paint your whole face white and add black (or VERY OCCASIONALLY red) details, around your eyes and mouths. The style mimics the face paintings of the Norse Oskorei.

Most black metal musicians have a specific corpsepaint “look”, which seldom changes. With a little experimenting you can perfect your own black metal “look”.

See this tutorial on how to apply corpsepaint.

It will take a bit of experimenting to find the perfect white paint. Black Metal legends Behemoth recoomend Kryolan Supracolour Cream Makeup, which is professional theatre makeup. Others suggest using ordinary acrylic paints instead of makeup. Just make sure it’s non-toxic, first!

For some great examples of corpse paint, see rate my corpsepaint, which is my new favorite makes me giggle website.

Style Icons

Resources:

Black Metal Fashion Show

Ann-Sophie Back – Swedish avant-garde designer and lover of black metal.

Anti-Sweden Jeans: Made in Oslo, Norway. The tr00est, kvltest black metal jeans you ever could find. Exchange an old pair of jeans made in Sweden and get your Anti-Sweden jeans for NOK$666. Brootal.

Cheap Monkey: Swedish purveyors of fine black metal jeans.

Rakk and Ruin: jewellery and accessories for the black metal babe.

Wulflund – swords, jewelry, clothing, helmets and misc. from my fave Czech Republic historical shop. For all your Thor’s hammer and guantlet needs.

This was actually one of the most fun articles to write so far. Please let me know what you think, and if you know of any great black metal designers, shops and accessories.

Stay Grymm \m/
Steff

” Maybe it’s not on top of the charts, but we’re still standing strong. So we’ll be here forever. United and hard we stand. “

On this day, five years ago, Pantera/Damageplan guitarist and metal legend Dimebag Darryl was tragically shot down in the middle of a concert. Dimebag was one of the greatest metal guitarists of all time – with a sound and style completly his own. But more than that, he was a humble, fun-loving metalhead. He was one of us, and he is sorely missed.

Born August 20, 1966, Darryl Lance Abbot picked up the guitar at age 12. He went on to win a series of local music competitions. One of the prizes was a Dean ML guitar. This guitar and his Randall amplifier (another contest prize) became part of his signature sound.

Darryl and his brother Vinnie Paul formed Pantera in 1981. Back then, Pantera was a glam metal band (can you believe it?) but the thrash metal influence of Metallica, Slayer and Megadeth had rubbed off and by the late 80s Pantera had created their own signature sound – known affectionately as “groove” metal. They gained commercial success and critical acclaim for their 1990 album Cowboys from Hell, followed in 1992 by Vulgar Display of Power.

Pantera broke up in 2003, mainly due to tensions arising from Phil Anselmo’s drug habit. Not keen to give up metal, Vinnie and Dimebag formed Damageplan, with former Halford guitarist Pat Lachman on vocals, and Bob Zilla on bass. Damageplan released their debut album, New Found Power, in Feb 2004.

“When I tried to play something and screwed up, I’d hear some other note that would come into play. Then I started trying different things to find the beauty in it. “

Dimebag was shot onstage during a Damageplan concert at the Alrosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio. The shooter – Nathan Gale – also killed the band’s head of security, Jeff “Mayhem” Thompson, employee Erin Halk and audience member Nathan Bray, who was shot while trying to give Dimebag CPR.

Nathan Gale suffered from paranoid schitzophrenia and his personal writings reveal he believe the band could read him mind and steal his thoughts. Incidentally, December 8 also happens to be the day Mark David Chapman shot John Lennon.

Those who knew him remember a friendly and truly kind-hearted man, with a fierce love for metal, guitars, alcohol and friends . He had a tremendous respect for his fans, always taking time to hang out with them after shows.

Dimebag is buried alongside his mother at the Moore Memorial Garden Cemetery, in Arlington, Texas. He was buried in a Kiss Kasket, with Eddie Van Halen’s Charvel Hybrid VH2, also known as “bumblebee”. A Hammer truly fit for a metal god.

You can honour Dime’s memory by:

• Wearing a Pantera shirt to work
• Attending one of the many tribute shows, and banging your head off
• Making a Black Tooth Grin, the cocktail invented by Dimebag. One shot “Crown Royal Whisky”, a shot of Seagrams 7 whiskey (optional), and just enough Coke to darken the whiskey’s colour. 
• Or create a Black Tooth Grin burger, like Grill owner Bob Moseley.

“I start with a half pound of black angus chuck and grill it in whiskey, soaked in whiskey!” Moseley writes in an e-mail. “Then I grill sweet red onions in Coca-Cola to caramelize them. Topped with a thick slice of cheddar cheese, served with old fashioned crinkle cut fries with my own special seasoning.”

•  Watching all your favorite Pantera videos. The Devil Music has a great selection, as does Metal Hammer.
• Buying Pantera CDs for all your non-metal family and friends for Christmas. Grandma will love Vulgar Display of Power, trust me.
•  Blasting Cemetery Gates at your local cemetery.
• Read about Sebastian Bach’s memeories of Dimebag. Especially the last paragraphs. If this doesn’t make you teary-eyed, you’re not human.
• Teach a child some guitar riffs. Dimebag felt this was important. 
• Dedicate a song to Dimebag at your next concert.
• And, of course, listening to Pantera, Damageplan and Rebel Meets Rebel.

  RIP, metal brother. Your legend lives on.

Horns up \m/
Steff