BallBuster Magazine (The Offical International Underground HARD Music Report)
SINBAD Recordings
Presents
The INTERNATIONAL
UNDERGROUND WORLD SERIES OF HARD MUSIC 
"Ball One / Strike Two Double Play" features 35 artists & over 140 minutes of hard music on two CDs exposing all forms of HARD sounds from Metal to Rock to Industrial to Death to Progressive to Extreme! Featuring Exclusive Cover art by well known Motorhead artist JOE PETAGNO
"B1S2" features guests & former members of Dio, Rob Halford, Accept, Annihlator, Cro-Mags, Solutude Acturnus, Peter Criss, The Great Kat, Talas, Wargasm, 24K, Sass Jordan, Wood, Tom Cochran, The Four Horsemen, Bangalore Choir, Heathen, Kim Mitchell, Final Warning, Mortification, Joe Perry Project, B-52s, Salty Dog, Dangerous Toys & Killing Kulture.
Complete line-up includes: GOOSEFLESH (Sweden), AMERICAN DOG (USA), MIKE CHLASCIAK (USA), MAYADOME (Sweden), BLASDEAD (Japan), BATES MOTEL (Canada), DORIAN GREY (Germany), PROTOTYPE (USA), HARD BOILED (Spain), PSYCHOTIC WALTZ (USA), BLOOD RED FLOWER (Canada), VORTICE CREMISI (Italy), CATCH 22 (USA), PETE WADESON (UK), URANUS (Greece), LAST CHAPTER (USA), HYDRA (Japan), PROFANE (USA), X-FACTOR-X (USA), DAVID LaDUKE (USA), BRUTAL ORGASM (Portugal), MADD HUNTER (USA), PAIN MUSEUM (USA), BRALALALALA (Canada), EIGHT BALL CHOLOS (USA), SACRED CHILD (USA), ERASE (USA), RUSTY COOLEY (USA), MACHINERY (USA), SLUDGE! (USA), MYSTIC FORCE (USA), FIARRO (USA), POWERFREAK (USA), COUNT VIGIONE (USA) & INBREED (USA)
Overview
Various Artists - Ball One Strike Two 2xCD This double CD set is literally crammed full of bands hellbent on recapturing the 80s glory days of hard rock and hair metal. 35 bands doing 35 songs that run the gambit of hard rock and metal. In spite of the fact many of these bands are obviously pining away in dreams of days past more still are high quality and high impact enough to make a drive for the future. With the slow return of headbanging to the masses the timing for a CD of this magnitude is excellent. Especially considering the diversity of styles here... you get everything from falsetto wimp metal to down and dirty growl metal. It is also worth noting that many of these bands contain former members of acts you and your Motley Crue wristband remember from the good ole' days. (www.ballbusterhardmusic.com) -Brad - The Crass Menagerie #95
"Ball One Strike 2" various artists, Sinbad Recordings - This is only the second edition in this series from Sinbad Discs but it seems like there should have been more. Perhaps it is because there is just so much music crammed into the two discs, thirty-seven tracks in all. The most appealing thing about these "Ball One" discs is that there is such a range of heavy music from both the known and unknown and then from every degree of notability in between. Of the 140 minutes on these two discs you will hear contributions from former/current members of DIO, HALFORD, Accept, Annihilator, Talas, The Four Horsemen, B 52"s, Dangerous Toys and a nearly endless list of others. Though the list of "stars" runs similar to a great deal of these "tribute" records currently available these are all original compositions. There are thirty-five tacks here with so much top quality stuff it is hard to pick a few to describe in further detail but I shall try. The first supremely notable track is the one provided by "Metal" Mike Chlasciak, currently one of two brilliant guitarists in the band HALFORD. The track is called "13 Minutes After Death" and it is a complete mind-grinder of guitar that actually makes the listener feel as though they are traveling to the time suggested by the title. The second track eminently worthy of special note is "Last of a Dying Breed" by AMERICN DOG. Apt sentiment for a collective of musicians that found their greatest fame better than a decade ago is poured into a solid American Rock and Roll mold and roughed up with sandpaper vocals to produce a classic track. There is so much more here but at the budget price I will leave you to dig for your own gold. Oh yes, if you be a connoisseur of album artwork this cover features an original painting by MOTORHEAD artist Joe Petagno. For more info or to order, www.BallBusterHard@webtv.net. -Rock and a Hard Place, May 2001- http://www.rockhardplace.com/mainpage.htm
Ball One Strike Two / Doubleplay ( A Hard Salute)- Various Artists The entity that is Ballbuster Hard Music/Sinbad Productions continues to grow and grow in a time when "Hard" music finds itself in an ongoing fight for survival. Keeping the flame alive in the never ending quest to bring the best of the underground to the masses, the internationally renowned Ballbuster Magazine has built an impressive following throughout the years as the official hard music source for bangers worldwide! Built upon the foundation of Sinbad Productions, Record label and mail order front, and its founder David La Duke, the Ballbuster Hard Music Report features a sincere devotion to breaking the best in worldwide underground talent while focusing on an expansive range of musical styles that have helped define this multigenerational phenomenon. In short, Ballbuster Hard Music is the only source anyone needs to get their fix of fist pumping, blood rushing rock and metal!
In keeping with the tradition of delivering all things ballsy and brash, their latest in what is developing into an impressive new series of hard music compilations, "Ball One Strike Two" features over thirty bands and artists on a two disc set that's sure to bring instant gratification to long suffering fans who've waited patiently for something new and exciting to take place in their beloved heavy music industry. Instant displeasure however, will come to those expecting trend-riders and the flavor of the day-there's simply no room for it here. Proving the first one, released in '97, was no fluke, Part II strikes with an equally devastating force and features double the music from a wide range of new and established musicians-double the fun, double the pain. double the balls!
What makes this collection particularly unique is that besides housing the latest select cuts from the featured contributors, much of what listeners will find is that many of the long list of bands include some pretty big names from the past as well as the present-Mike Chlasciak, who's sizzling guitar work on the new Halford album has opened the eyes of fans and critics alike. American Dog, already stirring up trouble for rock radio set lists everywhere, featuring Michael Hannon, formerly of Salty Dog and Dangerous Toys, and here's where good ol' American groove-inspired rock and roll ALA AC/DC makes its triumphant return to ragged glory. Certainly not your everyday "Ex's," "Strike Two" hones in on the skills of many of yesterday's players who made their mark through their work for others and now seek the spotlight strictly for themselves and the new bands they've assembled-musicians who've appeared at one time or another with the likes of Annihilator Talas, Peter Criss, The Four Horsemen, Accept, Dio, The Great Kat, and The Joe Perry Project all turn up-loud and proud-on this newest installment that no true metal head or their parents should do without.
Over two hours worth of passionate and pounding music, "Ball One Strike Two" is like no other collection ever crafted-not even its own predecessor! The cover insert follows each track and features band/artist contact info to make it easy to keep up-a difficult thing to do with so much to choose from-plus the intelligent mix of styles ranging from the all powerful to the progressive, from the doomed to the damned, and from the melodic to the traditional to the latest ends in the cutting edge, no stone is left unturned. no ball left unbroken. This is truly a collection that by its very nature is meant to model itself after its printed page brethren-ear candy that note for note remains as involving and intriguing as the words that highlight the emerging existence of some of rock's lesser known baddest and best! At the root of it all, David La Duke, creator, composer, writer, editor. there's little he hasn't seen or done over the years and his involvement in the cause for bringing those sounds from the underground the much needed exposure it so richly deserves, is one of unyielding proportions. As well as assembling the casts of talent who appear on the "Ball One" series, La Duke's own band, simply headed by his own moniker, brings his own sound into the set proving that this is no externally run corporate misfit operation-he genuinely remains a part of the scene, personally and professionally.
To try to cover all that "Ball One Strike Two" delivers would be much for even the most seasoned of metal veterans who've established an encyclopedic memory and distinguishable genre bending focus of all this art form has evolved and improved upon over time. Suffice it to say there's not only something for everyone on this collection, there's plenty to go around. and then some! Low profile and high caliber talent highlights this low blow, "Ball One Strike Two," and regardless of taste or fashion, here's a collection that will never go out of style, for it's representative of not just music, but a cause. and the fulfillment of a need to be heard and that freedom of expression that lies within us all-artist, performer, consumer-and without limitations or other excessive duties placed upon the listener by those driven by the almighty buck!
The caliber of production is first rate, more befitting of a major label outing without infringing upon the diabolical nature that's an all inclusive side effect. "Ball One Strike Two" also features the stellar artwork of Joe Petagno, known for having worked with such bands ranging from Led Zeppelin to Motorhead, the image of a dragon-like beast ready to pounce upon an apparently unknowing world below fits the context of the music perfectly-without knowing, listeners are struck by an awesome force they likely never knew existed. The names and places vary widely from the mercurial to the obscure, local and long distance, this latest roster of talent knows no boundaries-from Maryland's Mystic Force to Germany's Dorian Gray to Blasdead of the Far East, up to now shrouded as an unsilent minority, they're readying a flood of empyrian proportions for the platform from which their position was bore, and before this is over, "Ball One Strike Two" will give metal fans the world over something to shout about!
Track List
DISC I
|
MYSTIC FORCE "Identical Strangers" DISC TWO |
Ball One Strike Two Artist Bios
Mystic Force: The fearsome foursome has been a staple in traditional
metal circles for a good ten years now. Their dedication and commitment
to the true metal cause has gained them a steady following since the release
of their 1990 debut, "Take Command." Along the way, Mystic Force, like
many of their progressively styled power metal peers, found the overseas
shores more friendly for their uncompromising style and went on to do
records for Germany's Rising Sun Productions and such titles as '93s "The
Eternal Quest" and '95s "A Step Beyond." Having already established themselves
in the metal-friendlier European market, the time's long past for Mystic
Force to spread their mystical magic closer to home. The Maryland-based
band's latest releases appear on the Siegen Records label entitled "Man
vs. Machine" and "Evolution Fields" both of which feature the best of
their past while boldly showing their best days are still far in front
of them. One of the highlights on any traditional metal roster, look for
Mystic Force's "Identical Strangers" on Ball One
Strike Two's top slot!
Gooseflesh: One of Sweden's finest imports-and amongst the catchiest
of names-Gooseflesh originally started out on their doom-driven course
during the mid-90's and haven't looked back since. Following the release
of a handful of underground demos that included '98s five-song cruncher
called "Welcome to the Suffer Age," for the Goldtrack Records label, an
album that continues to make waves in the underground. '99 was Gooseflesh's
breakout year and the release of their acclaimed "Chemical Garden," on
the Digital Dimension label, an album that sets a blistering pace of riff-heavy
rock and down-trodden doom metal set to the tones of an irreverent society.
As well, Gooseflesh could be heard covering the likes of Sepultura, Iron
Maiden and Pantera on three separate tribute projects released during
the past three years that really showcase their wide range and diversity.
The band can also be found prominently featured on some well respected
compilation material including the "Power From the North" collection released
earlier in 2000, which found them listed amongst the fifteen best Sweden
had to offer. Having toured with the likes of In Flames, Meshuggah, Candlemass
and The Haunted, Gooseflesh continues to remain on the fringe of the next
wave of Swedish all-stars while belting out their own brand of heavy hitting
stomp and slam! Look for a new release from Gooseflesh in early 2001 as
current negotiations with a new label continue but in the meantime, get
a quick earful of "Controller" featured as track #2.
American Dog: Giving new meaning to the idea of "Grunge Rock" this
bad-ass bunch of Ohio Outlaws bring it loud and in yer face in a hard
rockin' free for all that'll send ya flying. "Last of a Dying Breed,"
their latest assault, is a no holds barred AC/DC meets Motorhead blues-rock
stomp and grind in the grand tradition of barroom brawls and unruliness.
Ugly and mean spirited on all counts, their breakout single "Barely Half
Alive" exemplifies the carefree and fun nature of this veteran trio, featuring
Michael Hannon, formerly of Salty Dog and Dangerous Toys-two well respected
yet underrated rock monsters from the past that knew how to rock with
the best of 'em. Check out their no-holds barred "Last of a Dying Breed"
which appears as track #3-further proof that rock ain't dead unless you
let 'em kill it!
Prototype: By the time "Trinity" (Track #4) bleeds into your ears
for the first time, this Californian progressively-led foursome should
have completed work on their finest piece of work, "Trinity." Rising up
from the ashes of former L.A. thrashers Psychosis, Kragen Lum and Vince
Levalois set forth to create the perfect "Prototype" for their new vision
of boundary stretching yet aggressive music. Having first planted their
"Seed" by way of an early demo which received worldwide praise, Prototype
rounded out their current lineup and have toured with some of the biggest
known names in the progressive/aggressive metal realm including, Fates
Warning, Sacred Reich, COC and Nevermore! They can also be heard on the
Progressive Arts Metal Church Tribute, "Metallic Hymns" dong the classic
"Metal Church" which has already flooded the MP3 circuits for several
months! Expect big things from this band in the very near future as they
continue to press onward to create the ultimate heavy metal listening
experience.
Machinery: Like a metallic monster set on a reckless course of
destruction, Machinery's onslaught will not be stopped or slowed until
reaching its ultimate goal of power metal supremacy. The Connecticut-based
band has received thorough support in the all-important underground movement
since the release of '97s "Reconstruction," a nine-song testimony to absolute
power and fury. "Impulses of Aggression" is Machinery firing on all cylinders-nine
powerful examples of every part functioning at optimum levels. Look for
them on track #5, "Bite the Hand that Feeds" as they continue to plow
through the underground and straight into the heart of metal fans everywhere.
Profane: Now here's a name that just reeks of metal! The band justifiably
lives up to their rather "obscene" title and takes things just that much
further with their uncompromising brand of authoritative riff-ravaged
unholy terror. Originally formed back in '92, the four member group out
of Wisconsin developed their own unique sense of purpose at a time when
true rock and roll couldn't save itself from an a brutal burial at the
hands of flannel-wearing junk-bands. Like the many others of their ilk,
Profane forged their reputation one step at a time through carefully planned
demos like '93s "Social Suicide," which sold over a thousand copies! Their
first full length "1001 Proof" in '97 proved they were definitely a force
to be reckoned with. Brutal, pounding and an all out war on the world.
Their worldwide accomplishments from the pages to the stage have fueled
their growth as they embark on their latest journey to "The Place You
Call Your Own." Featured on track # 6, here's "One Thin Dime."
Mayadome: "Where Tragedy Meets Melody." reads the self-described
inscription for this powerful Progressive Metal force out of Sweden. Launched
back in '91 and embracing a style that merged Queensryche with Kings-X,
Mayadome's taken a quick if not bumpy route to their ultimate destination.
Having undergone the usual run of lineup changes, they hit their stride
back in '95 with their self-produced "Welcome to the Surreal World" release.
Catching the attention of Shrapnel's Mike Varney soon after, they received
their first record deal that saw them release "Paranormal Activity" in
1996 and sell an impressive 10,000 copies. The union didn't last however
and Mayadome went back to their own well to release their best known "Near
Life Experience" album, their more mature second offering, again self-produced.
They later signed on with American Power/Prog label Siegen Records which
gave the album a proper issue in the states. In Europe, Adrenaline Records
is preparing to do the same. The band performed at such festivals as Powermad
in the U.S. in the summer of '99 and Holland's ProgPower in the same year.
Along the way they've also made recorded appearances on several compilations
and tributes including "Through Different Eyes," a Fates Warning Tribute
from Sarcasm Records and "A Guitar Odyssey" paying homage to Yngwie for
GNW's release, both in 1999. Mayadome is currently at work preparing their
third studio release and expects to release a new live disc sometime in
early 2001. Hear them on track #7 with "Scent of Lilac."
Last Chapter: Sharing the same origins as Pantera, Last Chapter
should prove no less compelling than the first. The Texas twisters, who
date all the way back to 1989, have defied the simple logic of the times
and have continued to build on the sludgy yet powerful tones of early
Sabbath and Trouble and against their own odds, finally found their way
to "The Living Waters" in '97. Released on Brainticket Records, the band's
accomplishments up to that point were all the more pointed because for
much of the time they created and performed without benefit of a vocalist.
But with the aid of Solitude Aeturnus singer Robert Lowe, their first
full length reached its eventual fruition and was released on Pavement
Music in '98. Last Chapter can currently be heard on Dwell Records Overload
2 / Tribute to Metallica. At last count, the band was still seeking a
permanent replacement for the vocal slot but regardless of how the story
unfolds, their contribution to the Ball One Strike
Two compilation exhibits a still untapped resource of talent yet
to be fully realized-track #8 "The Belated."
Mike Chlasciak: The Polish guitarist has already accomplished in
a short time what many musicians can only dream of. Having previously
served time in The Great Kat's dungeon of darkness and previously appeared
on the Ball One Strike One compilation with
his Isolation Chamber project, Chlasciak's singularly made his mark as
both a performer and instrumental talent having appeared in various guitar
media such as Guitar Player, Guitar World, Guitar 2001 and the full metal
magazines Ballbuster and Metal Edge. A Berklee School of Music graduate,
Mike honed his skills by tapping the talents of current heavy metal guitar
legends, the likes of Macalpine, Vai, Marks and Moore and none could deny
his own skills as being on par with any of the greats of the past. Of
course most recently, Mike's blistering leads can be heard burning up
the scale on the latest Halford project, one of the metal legend's hand
picked bandmembers and an integral part of the long awaited comeback from
the former Judas Priest frontman. Look for Mike's song "13 Minutes After
Death" featured as track #9.
David La Duke: The man behind SB Productions and the world renowned
Ballbuster Hard Music Report is a rocker in his own right & have rocked
with the best of them. La Duke, the hard-rocking Kentucky-based vocalist,
guitarist, songwriter and producer mixes a unique style of traditional
hard rock and blues compared to a hybrid of fascinating musicians that
runs the gamut from The Clash, to Jimmy Page to Elvis! Performing professionally
since '74, his first band, Sinbad, was primed for a quick ticket to stardom
before getting sidetracked until 1980. Soonafter, "David La Duke's Sinbad"
was released on the Calfornia based indie label Azra International (Overkill,Liege
Lord, Intruder) a few years later. By the end of the '80s, Sinbad Productions
was born and through his own personal channel, he released three solo
EP's between '90 and '92: "Have Rock Will Travel," "Ballbustin' Guitar
Rock," and "Absolutely Raw." '93 saw the release of his first full length
CD, "Rock Hard Rocker," which by all counts was an international success
and was met with critical acclaim worldwide. Another EP was produced in
'94 called "Absolute Rock (In the Buff)," followed by the much heavier
"Rock With Balls," in '95. That same year saw the release of "Unforgotten
Rock, A Salute" which featured a number of name artists paying tribute
to the likes of Zeppelin, Sabbath and The Stones. La Duke's music has
also been featured on numerous compilations throughout the '90s including
The Foundations Forum & Album Network CD Samplers, and many others,
too numerous to mention.1997 was the year for the very first "Ball
One" CD Compilation produced through the Sinbad Productions Co.,
and was a rousing success with the contributions of many established performers
throughout the years. La Duke's own music also figured prominently on
the release, including "Rockin 'N' Ready" and the LaDuke / Phil Naro Collaboration
"Psychedelic Sandwich." Now with "Ball One Strike
Two," the next in what should prove to be a widely respected and
successful series, La Duke hasn't slowed up a bit as his undying commitment
to the ongoing promotion of his cause and the music can all be summed
up in one storming title, "Give It All To Rock & Roll," which can
be found as track #10,disc one
Hydra: The land of the rising sun may never have been hit so hard
as this-a Japanese metal band that hits with the kind of force first felt
by the one time '80s super Metal band Loudness! After several lineup changes
since their beginning in '92, Hydra finally saw their work pay off as
they embarked on their first full length release during late '97 and the
subsequent "Kill 'em All Fakin' Metals II" compilation-something of a
Japanese equivalent to the mighty Manowar theme-only with a greater number
of participants. They were also at the forefront of a massive metal event
known locally as "Night Flyers Heavy Metal Madness Gig" which began terrorizing
Osaka only a couple of years ago. Their track "Proceeding the Heretic"
can be heard at #11.
X Factor X: New Haven, CT's X Factor X, has made steady progress
since their humble beginnings as a local cover rock band through the mid
'90s. Toward the later stages of the decade and the slowly warming response
to heavy music, the band embarked on a new career of creating original
music. Since then, they've opened for the likes of Warrant, Great White,
Slaughter, and Overkill and remain a consistent draw at the local mills.
Compared to being a "darker" version of Dream Theater-so maybe that would
equate to then a "Nightmare Theater," the band merges the sound melodic
structures of the best bands of the '80s with the more intense dramatics
of today's artists, and have effectively carved out their own niche. Currently
covered in a number of metal publications that includes Hard Roxx magazine
from the U.K., their self-titled debut currently resides with Perris Records
and distribution and were the first band to be listed on KNAC radio's
"Uncharted Territory" feature. Catch them here with "Amduciast/The Scream"
on track #12.
Catch 22: The hard working unit's figured prominently in the pages
of Ballbuster magazine throughout their relatively short existence. Having
first laid their groundwork on the Rodell Records "Sounds from the Underground"
Compilation, the band features T.J. Berry who's manned the helm as songwriter
for the last eleven years. The band has released three CD's to date: "Crazier
than Life" in '94, a three song demo in '95, and "Through the Eyes of
Pain," their second full length from '98. Look for 'em here as track #13
called "Empty."
Dorian Gray: These German bangers have been pummeling rock audiences
in their native Recklinghausen for nearly a decade with their fiery brand
of melodic hard rock. The eleven song first album, "World of Lies" was
first release in the spring of '94 and set the band on their way. Uwe
Merz, vocalist extraordinaire, leads the charge for this captivating group
that models itself after the many greats of the past and continues to
impress with its enthusiastic playing and penchant for live performance.
Their second release, '95s "Man in the Dark" offered up fourteen more
reasons to dig into their Bonfire meets Bon Jovi-type style and gained
them international level prominence. Featured on track #14, "Like a Dog."
Vortice Cremisi: The Italian foursome has been playing together
since '92 and has modeled themselves after such noteworthy groups as Kyuss
and Soundgarden-so one need not look far to get a feel for what their
original demo from late '95 must have revealed. Vacation House Records,
an independent Italian label got a hold of the band and has seen them
make great strides in the process. The band is currently demoing their
latest material in search for a new label with which to expand their horizons
but aside from their appearance here for song #15, "Break," they can be
found doing a Blue Cheer cover on a CD tribute available through the Black
Widow label.
Rusty Cooley: Highly endorsable as well as flammable, this talented fretburner's expecting to have his latest instrumental CD on the market for the Mace Inc. label. Right at home in the pages of just about any given guitar magazine or equipment manufacturer, Cooley also teaches a nationally recognized instructional guitar workshop and authors columns for publications such as Guitar 9 and Guitar 2001. His latest group Outworld is a mix of both vocal and instrumental music and is preparing to unleash their first release sometime in the near future. The Texas-based guitar prodigy can also be heard on the Conquest Music Group compilation "Fresh Blood Vol. 1," "Guitar 2001 Compilation," and "Generation Ibanez Compilation" but look for his dazzling display of dexterity on the track "E.B.E." which clocks in at #16.
Brutal Orgasmo: As dark and intense as it gets, this Hellspawned
creation was born back in '94, built upon the sinister influences of Napalm
Death, Cannibal Corpse, Slayer and Morbid Angel. In '96 they released
their first promo tape, "Banishing Evil" and thus a new breed of torment
was about to be revealed. Two years later at the end of '98, four more
reasons to fear the dark were unleashed and on up to the present, these
Portuguese madmen have offered little cause for calm. The self-proclaimed
"Barbarians" can be heard on track #17 with "Vinganca Obscura," though
it might be advisable to place a little distance between yourself and
the listening device!
Blood Red Flower: Described as "intense, progressive, and melodic"
all at the same time, here's a band that may be as mature and talented
as any before. With a style and depth to their craft that few can match,
they're core is comprised of main songwriters Phil Naro (ex-Talas, Peter
Criss) and Silvio Simone (ex-Tom Cochran), singer and guitarist, they've
developed something truly refreshing in the rock world. Naro's voice,
featured on an earlier edition of Ball One Strike
One, as simply "Naro," has built an impressive melodic hard rock
following. Formed in '96, Blood Red Flower are a Toronto-based band featuring
musicians of prominent and assorted backgrounds who come together and
blend smoothly-their first release "Last Link to the World" on the Unplugged
& Wired Music Label from '97, as a powerful combination of top flight
musicianship and listenable harmonies. Against the grain with its positive
nature, Blood Red Flower is a step above in both intensity and those vital
instrumental intricacies that tend to separate the men from the boys.
Phil's "Equilibrium," recorded with his other band from an earlier time
was also released concurrently with the first BRF title and both available
through Sinbad Productions. As of today, Naro has been picked up by Z
Records and expects to have a new recording released early 2001. Listen
for Phil's delicate yet determined vocal presence for track #1, "Open
Invitation" leading off disc two.
Bates Motel: An interesting "Anti-Alternative," Bates Motel is
a frightening fixture with their uniquely developed sounds from the other
side. "Goth 'n Roll" is the best way to get a fix for their style, which
is also built upon the likes of The Cramps meets Alice Cooper-indeed,
absolutely frightening! Master Bates (former Annihilator guitarist John),
the leader of this four member outfit is an apparent character actor bringing
the old time vaudevillian script to the deep, dark nineties and beyond.
The Vancouver, B.C. based Bates also takes a cue from the likes of Marilyn
Manson as well as many of the great Goth oddities of the past on their
latest "Tales of Ordinary Madness" creation which first hit the scene
back in '97. and they've been surprisingly low profile ever since. Could
it be that they've been driven out of the material world for good? Bates
Motel's "Killing Me" can be heard as track #2.
Pain Museum: Pain Museum features three high quality musicians each having made a name for themselves individually in their various projects and here, as a unit, they've really set a new standard for not only themselves but for others to follow. Their debut CD entitled "The Scourge" features in no particular order-Mike Chlasciak, currently shredding the nation at the foot of Rob Halford's "Resurrection," and featured prominently in several guitar publications and magnificent solo projects as well as here, about ten tracks ago, Tom Kaz, busy NYC session bass player who's previously worked with violinist extraordinaire Mark Wood and bruising Hard Core outfit Final Warning, and Gary Sullivan, another staple on the NYC circuit, who's toured in the past with the likes of the B-52's and Cro Mags, and known worldwide for his skin-bashing prowess and ability to apply many a varied style into his playing. The trio comprises what could well be the "sleeper" supergroup of the bunch! Hear Pain Museum doing "Trust" as song #3.
Hard-Boiled: They came from Nothing and have grown in leaps and
bounds ever since. Hailing all the way from Barcelona, Spain, Hard Boiled
is a fine example of Gothic/Metal mixed with a hint of Industrial forging
out a sound quite their own and one of the more expansive bands on the
roster. Born in late '94, the band went through successive member changes
before finally settling in for the old tried and true drum machine-and
may we assume that a new sound was developed-sure enough, two years later,
Hard Boiled's new dimension was firmly in place. First demo for Abstract
Emotions was released in late '96, entitled "Fourteen Minutes Of." and
the band hit the ground running-literally, touring anywhere and everywhere.
Their contribution here, "Ego" appears as track #4.
Uranus: This sounds like something straight out of Greek mythology-Uranus,
from the shores of Athens, Greece, they are anything but myth. Back in
'94, a number of musicians assembled to create something very dark and
heavy yet gripping and visionary. Their epic three track advance entitled
cleverly enough, "Advance Tape," would be their first offering and soon
the outpouring of accolades was quick to follow. Alongside their own country,
Uranus was well received all throughout Europe and soon were featured
on the Teutonic Existence label compilation, "The Ravens Have Left The
Tower" with the track "Tereza" back in '97. With a new lineup in place,
the band went on to record another demo in '98, "The Clang of Lances"
and five more songs of built upon the traditionally woven popularity of
mythological warfare. Later they signed with Italian label Extreme Promotions
during the '98-'99 season and continue to obliterate the local metal scene
with their ungodly creation of swarming black metal-hear them here as
track #5 with "The Untamed Legend."
Eightball Cholos: features former Dio Guitarist Tracy G on all music with Burrito carrying all Vocals- Recorded & Mixed at Big Daddy Mac G Studios, La Puente, Ca- Produced by David Villalpando Jr. Check out Eightball's In My Blackest Hour / track # 6 from the Self Tttled Released on Morphine Records. Bio info not available-
Blasdead: The history of Blasdead goes all the way back to 1990,
beginning as a fivesome that featured the usage of two lead guitarists
ALA many of the Metal supergroups of the past. The story settled there
a while till the mid-'90s when in May of '95, Blasdead records a two-song
demo featuring the tracks "Try Your Faith" and "Nightmare." They next
appear on the Lard Records compilation CD called "Initiation: Lard Compilation
Volume II," and the track "Leave Me Alone." After a successful showing,
the band then sets out to record their first full length in late '96,
"Another Dimension" again for the Lard Label. Subsequently, Blasdead hits
the tour scene and making their biggest impact over in Japan where they
toured consistently throughout the country. In late '97, they distribute
a one-song recording called "Useless Soldiers" for the Ultimate Network
Compilation entitled "Kill 'Em All Fakin' Metal's Volume II." Hear one
of their originals, "Nightmare" as it strikes as track #7 here.
Madd Hunter: Former Steel Assassin bassist Phil Grasso again mans the helm as the lone soldier-the Madd Hunter on the loose and on the prowl. Having previously appeared with Massachusetts's Metal cult faves Steel Assassin several years ago, Grasso, along with Chuck Fitzgerald on drums, gear up for their latest assault on the metal masses. Earlier in the year they began work on their third studio record, a conceptual piece entitled "Reverse Mechanism." Guesting on the CD will be Luke Vail who will add a number of string arrangements and provide a more acoustic presence to a couple of the songs. "Reverse Mechanism" follows up "Silence of the Lamb" which basically featured the same core members. As well, Phil and Chuck stay busy with side projects outside of Madd Hunter in bands such as Osiris and Hell's Fellons-which is basically a reinvented version of Steel Assassin. With a still growing and well deserved reputation in the Northeast, Madd Hunter's "On the Road & In the Wind" contribution can be heard as track #8 featuring Barry Spillberg (ex Wargasm) and give you a glimpse of what these talented metal veterans are all about.
Bralalalala: Try saying this three times fast! Considered among
the more evasive of metal performers, this comedic guitar virtuoso's music
has often been referred to as open-minded, un-trendy, uncompromising and
unpredictable. Never short on attitude, confidence or spirit, this androgynous
personality (AKA Ira Black, formerly of Heathen) with the unusual name
takes the prodigy thing a step in another direction-another dimension
really. Too much technical sovereignty and seriousness have been the norm
in the guitar hero tradition for several years now. it looks as though
we've stumbled across the antithetical answer to that with Bralalalala!
Having appeared in many a worldwide metal publication during his existence,
his "Welcome to the Galaxy" release back in '97 really set the stage for
this, the unlikeliest of heroes to have a say. Built upon a Thrash made
Jazz arrangement, the sound's been described as both bold and bizarre,
most creative and very strange. hear for yourself on track #10, "Clown
Rights."
Erase: featuring Jason Campbell ( ex-Mortification) Produced by
Erase and Fab Delmonte- track 11 "Alone" takin from the Self Titled Release
on Morphine Records- bio not available-
Sacred Child: A name that goes back a few years, their self-titled debut featured lead vocalist Astrid Young, sister to this guy named Neil. maybe you've heard of him. The album was completely remastered and re-released with previously unreleased bonus tracks featuring former frontman David Reese, noteworthy for his advanced work with the likes of Accept, Bangalore Choir and more recently, Sircle of Silence and Stream. Sacred Child personified the best in '80s hard rock attitude back in its day and here, "Black Widow," the powerful cut amongst those rare additions featuring Reese on lead vocals can be found on track #12.
Pete Wadeson: English guitarist Pete Wadeson began as founding
member and driving force behind Trojan, a British Speed Metal Thrash monster
that broke down barriers in its own right upon public retrieval. Wadeson
turned up sometime after with a like-minded act called Talion, similar
in style and penchant for six letter titles that command respect. With
the winds of change fast approaching, the band broke up and thus Wadeson
carried on under his own as a solo artist and developed quite a unique
style along the lines of Macalpine and Moore, two better known instrumental
guitar wizards. But Wadeson took things a step further and opted less
for technical precision and more balls out thrash and thus hit his stride
with an "Instru-Thrash" hybrid, few have ever achieved and even less have
mastered. He can also be found in the columns of English Guitar publications
such as Total Guitar and The Guitar Magazine and non-coincidentally printed
in the pages of one Ballbuster Magazine as well. Listen up for one of
the more potent tracks on this latest installment, track #13 and "Schizo
Phreniac!"
Sludge!: Hailing from the "cover-killed" shores of South Jersey,
Sludge made a stand to stand on their own and produce all original music
in the finest Death Metal/Grind Core tradition. Formed in '97, founders
Dave & Paul Orkin, Jim Scarduzio and Dan Snyder have driven like demons
to spread the word around and through their own underground channels,
might be on the verge of something big. Remember they only begun three
years ago, they've already sold over 1,000 copies of their early demo
"New Jersey Hate Core" and the 1998 follow up "Alone & Twisted." With
an impressive roster of distribution outlets, Sludge has made a name for
themselves in many other prominent parts of the world as well as their
own locale. 1999 saw the release of their first full-length record entitled
"Behavior Modification Theory" for Twist of Faith Records and the momentum's
continued to work in their favor. Building upon their quick and early
success, Sludge's explosive dominance is due to continue with a planned
release for early 2001 as they search for the right deal to come along.
Judging by their enclosed track "The Walls," their search might not last
very long. Look for it as #14 toward the end of disc two.
Fiarro: San Antonio's Fiarro is a four piece Progressive/Power
Metal hybrid featuring guitarist and chief songwriter John Fiarro. Formed
in January of '98 from the former Talisphere, each respective member brings
a varied and vaunted influence to the table to make for a dynamic and
diversified sound. With a vocal style that's bent on influences such as
those featured in Fates Warning, Iron Maiden and Lizzy Borden, there's
little question that Vikk Real follows along some pretty tough guidelines
in the singing department and he's worked with some already established
and respected musicians both in and out of the vocal field-Metal Church's
David Wayne and Riot's Don Van Stavern and Bobby Jarzombeck to name a
few. Hear another dimension of metallic mastery on their contribution
for track # 15 and "Redemption."
Powerfreak: New York's Power Freak is a melodically structured
heavy rock outfit best described as unique and relatively incomparable
to most of what's out there today. Having received rave reviews and impressive
coverage in local media outlets, they were earlier featured on the soundtrack
of Air Bos 2 and continue to draw fans from all genres of music with their
broad and still formative musical style. The freaky foursome has been
written as a more radio friendly version of Hard Core. so it doesn't get
a whole lot more intrinsic than that. But hear for yourself as you do
the "Mind Riot" for track #16.
Inbreed: Formed back in 1985, the former Hades Gates brought instant
recognition and misconception all in one swing. Opting for a more commercially
acceptable. exceptable? name change, "The" Inbreed was born. Musical chairs
began soonafter in terms of band members yet they still managed to produce
a six-hour project known as "Back to the Underground" in early '96. For
an unsigned band with little budget, "Underground" was par for the course,
but it proved the perseverance and prowess of a struggling young band
still trying to find their way to the market. August of '97, after another
internal movement saw the release of "Consenting Goat" which was a step
above in production and song quality-moving along in the right direction
on all counts. An infamous onstage screaming match signaled another change
within the ranks and yet Inbreed still plodded onward with a new drum
prodigy and attitude to spare. "Sweet Scary Dreams" can be found as track
#17.
Count Viglione: Featuring Joe Petruzelli, formerly of the Joe Perry Project, this one rounds out this bombastic and ballbusting two CD set comes compliments of the "Count." as in Viglione. The multi-faced performer is also widely known in industry ranks having logged impressive mileage as producer, radio personality and writer among other assorted varieties of hats hanging in his closet of accomplishments. The Count's musical attributes as a performer go seemingly way way back and he's been profiled and covered in such noteworthy publications as Playboy, Creem, Circus and Billboard. His critically acclaimed 1997 release "Love Songs Just for You" was re-released along with a 1999 book called "New Changes." Earlier in the year, he could be heard doing online and local radio in the Boston area and not long ago he completed his 138th episode for Visual Radio-Television. As well, The Count's still business as usual in the year 2000 and beyond as "Electric Wish," gets placed on a recent "The Demo that Got the Deal" recording which also features some rare work by Cars alumni Ben Orr and Greg Hawkes. Track #18 rounds out the Ball One Strike Two series in impressive fashion with one of his early classics "I Want You Sexually" produced by Jimmy Miller ( Motorhead, The Plasmatics, Johnny Thunders, Rolling Stones)
Ball One Strike Two, 2 CD Set $12 + $3 S&H USA, add $4 Canada & Mexico, $5 rest of world, USA FUNDS ONLY, check, Int'l money order, or well hidden cash, payable to :
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"BALL ONE"
Ball One features 19 artists & over 70
minutes of hard music including tracks by Rob Halford guitarist Metal
Mike Chlasciak's Isolation Chamber, PHIL NARO,(24k,ex Talas Peter Criss
vocalist, HiILLJACK now known as AMERICAN DOG featuring ex-Salty Dog bassist
MICHAEL HANNON, YARDBIRDS EXPERIENCE featuring original Yardbird founding
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& Int'l acclaimed underground ballbustin' guitar rocker DAVID LA DUKE
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LORD LITTER, KAREN KENEDY, LOUDSHINE, YAM CAT, COUNT VIGLIONE, & HANOVER
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BALL ONE includes guests and ex-members of YNGWIE MALMSTEEN / BLUE MURDER / ARMORED SAINT / SALTY DOG / THE GREAT KAT / The YARDBIRDS / JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE / JOE PERRY PROJECT / & members of JAG PANZER plus former TALAS/PETER CRISS vocalist PHIL NARO and ex-CONEY HATCH vocalist CARL DIXON also as seen on past MTVs Headbangers Ball Florida's glam rockers ROXX GANG and more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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