Dustin Bates is the singer for the Columbus, Ohio based rock band Starset a band whose debut album “Transmissions” spawned the break out hit “My Demons” long before there was ever actually a real band. Media Mikes spoke with Dustin recently about the creation of the album, the formation of the band and the group’s current tour with the recently reformed Breaking Benjamin.

Adam Lawton: Can you give us some background on the band and “The Starset Society”
Dustin Bates: I actually created the “Transmissions” album before there was even a band. We had the song “My Demons” out on the radio before we ever had out first rehearsal. We did that because the record was done based upon the philosophy and the narrative of “The Starset Society”. I sort of incorporated their outlook into the record almost as a marketing device for their society. We are not the only tool being used to promote the society as they are using a variety of other media such as graphic novels and video. It’s cool to be a part of that and to be able to incorporate that into our record.

AL: Was then always the idea to adopt Starset as the band’s name?
DB: Exactly! The actually name itself sort of harkens back to the narrative. Starset is a non-rotating planet that is involved in all of this. The planet does rotate around the sun making a portion of the planet inhabital called the Starset region because there is always an eternal sunset there. The way that this plays into the narrative will be told in the first graphic novel.

AL: Does the band have any hand in writing the graphic novel?
DB: That is something separate. We mention the novel and the other forms of media being used so that people can dig more into what we as a band are a part of. We realize this can all be a bit confusing so we try to inform everyone of how things all go together.

AL: Can you tell us a little more about the album done prior to there actually being a band?
DB: I did the music based on the inspiration of the narrative. There is also another story line that is more of a love story so I tried to give the music a human element that people could relate to as there is a lot of science, technology and future type elements. I was very careful to not go too far. Once I had that done I reached out to various friends to help me record this. I was able to bring on Rob Graves to produce and he really helped me obtain the cinematic level of sound that I wanted to create. I knew early on that Starset needed to have a soundtrack to a sci-fi movie which was created by a rock band. Rob was the perfect guy for that. We sent the song “My Demons” to radio and it started to get really positive reactions. I knew very quickly that I needed a band and a record label. Since getting both of those things we have practically been on the road non-stop ever since. That was about a year and a half ago now.

AL: The album has quite a number of musical layers. Where did you start when you were writing the record?
DB: It was different for each song. Some started out more traditional with the melody and lyrics while some started with the music and after I had the lyrics I threw all the music away and rebuilt it so it had a cinematic vibe. I usually do write the melody of a song before the lyrics. I generally have ideas already for the other layers such as the strings and what not but until we get the actual players in there that’s when things come to life. We had an actual quartet come in and play all the orchestral parts on this record.

AL: Can you tell us about your current tour with Breaking Benjamin and what the band has planned for the rest of the year?
DB: It has been pretty busy for us with touring. We just recently got off of tour with Halestorm and the Pretty Reckless and now we are out with Breaking Benjamin through August. They are one of my favorite bands from when I was younger so it’s really great to be able to be out here with them. After this run wraps up there’s a possibility of going overseas and being out on the road for the rest of the year. Between all of that the Starset novel will be coming out this winter.

Phinehas
“Till The End”
Artery Recordings
Tracks: 13

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

La Mirada, California’s Phinehas is back with a brand new full length record titled “Till The End”. The album features 13 tracks of searing metal-core goodness and serves as the follow up to the bands 2013 release “The Last Word Is Yours to Speak”. This is the bands first release since signing to Artery Recordings and also the first to feature Daniel Gailey on guitar.

From the second the albums opening track “Dead Choir” opens till the closing notes of “Till The End” ring out Phinehas deliver. Vocalist Sean McCulloch provides the perfect blend of guttural screamed verses and melodic infused chorus giving each of the 13 tracks that make up the album multiple levels of appeal. Guitarist Daniel Gailey fits right in with the band and showcases his talents on all the tracks but for me really stood on tracks such as “White Livered” and “Forever West”.

The rhythm section of the band consisting of Bryce Kelly on bass and Lee Humarian on drums provide and extremely well executed level of tightness that elevates the album to the next level. A perfect example of this is the track “Illiaster (More Than Skin)” which features an intricate arrangement with multiple time signatures. The band shows a different side of themselves on the track “Seven” which features a rolling acoustic riff and subtle verses which gives way haunting choruses before ending in the bands thunderous signature roar.

The latest offering from Phinehas is an album you can throw on and listen to over and over again without it becoming stale or repetitive. The band used its time wisely between releases and the work certainly shows on “Till The End” fans of the band and the metal-core genre will certainly want to grab a copy of this album.

Track Listing:
1.) Dead Choir
2.) White Livered
3.) Truth Be Told
4.) Non
5.) Forever West
6.) Tetelestai
7.) Coup de Grace
8.) Omnis
9.) Seven
10.) Iliaster (More Than Skin)
11.) Evening Grey and Morning Red
12.) Moriar
13.) Till The End

Starset
“Transmissions”
Razor & Tie
Producer: Rob Graves
Tracks: 14

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“Transmissions” is the debut release from the Columbus, Ohio based rock band Starset. The album features 14 immense tracks which fill the listener’s ears time and time again with something new. Produce by Rob Graves (Red, Maylene and the Sons of Disaster) and released via Razor & Tie “Transmissions” is a unique experience the runs the gambit of musical styles.

The album starts off with a somewhat cryptic and distorted message which instantly sets the stage for what’s in store with the preceding tracks. From there the track “Down With The Fallen” kicks off and shows it’s self as one of the albums stronger tracks. Former Downplay vocalist Dustin Bates does a nice job blending the transitions between the melodic and overdriven vocals which define the groups sound. As the album progresses listeners are bombarded with distorted guitars and catchy choruses that with ease get stuck in your head.

The album’s first single “My Demons” is a perfect example of this and also another personal highlight. Though I felt some of the album was a bit overdone it wasn’t enough to completely lose my attention or make me skip ahead to the track. If you’re a fan of rock music with orchestral arrangements and a variety of spacey samples then you will certainly want to check out “Transmissions

Track Listing:
1.) First Light
2.) Down With The Fallen
3.) Halo
4.) Carnivore
5.) Telescope
6.) It Has Begun
7.) My Demons
8.) Antigravity
9.) Dark On Me
10.) Let It Die
11.) The Future Is Now
12.) Point of No Return
13.) Rise and Fall
14.) Let It Die (Maniac Agenda Remix)

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Lynch Mob
“Rebel”
Frontiers Music Srl.
Producers: George Lynch, Chris Collier
Tracks: 11

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Lynch Mob are back with a brand new album titled “Rebel” which features 11 tracks from the former Dokken guitarist George Lynch and his band which features vocalist Oni Logan, bassist Jeff Pilson and drummer Brian Tichy. This will be the bands 8th studio album and the follow up to the groups 2014 release “Sun Red Sun”.

Ever since the group’s reunion in 2008 Lynch Mob has continued to once again grow with each album they release and “Rebel” is no exception. The albums opening track “Automatic Fix” is a perfect example of that as its pure rock and roll with elements of vintage heavy metal ala Iron Maiden and Judas Priest.

Other notable tracks from the album are the trudging d-tuned “Sanctuary”; the effects fueled “Dirty Money” and the ballad like “The Ledge”. While the album certainly is a rock album at times I found it to be a little softer than I was expecting. Though that’s certainly not a bad thing as I think the different styles will appeal to a wider range of listeners it’s just not what I envisioned at first listen.

Track Listing:
1. Automatic Fix
2. Between the Truth and a Lie
3. Testify
4. Sanctuary
5. Pine Tree Avenue
6. Jelly Roll
7. Dirty Money
8. The Hollow Queen
9. The Ledge
10. Kingdom of Slaves
11. War

The Rolling Stones
June 27, 2015
Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

They bill themselves as “The Worlds’ Greatest Rock and Roll Band,” and last Saturday night the Rolling Stones more then lived up to that title as they entertained more than 50,000 people at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on their 15-city “Zip Code” tour.

Opening the show with “Start Me Up,” the band instantly brought the crowd to their feet. Not sure if it was for the song itself of the fact that every Chief kick-off begins with that song during football season. The next two hours were filled with hit after hit. In fact, with the exception of the song “Doom and Gloom,” from the new 50th Anniversary Compilation Album entitled “GRRR!,” the band played nothing but hits.

As in other cities on the tour, the Stones took on-line requests for this show, with the winning song being “Street Fighting Man.” Lead singer Mick Jagger was in great voice. I’ve seen every US tour since the 1981 “Tatoo You” tour, and Jagger sounded as strong on Saturday as he did three decades ago. Musically the band was as tight as ever, with Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood trading guitar licks, while Wood chain-smoked the entire show. Richards was also in top form vocally, taking the lead on “Before They Make Me Run” and “Happy.” Drummer Charlie Watts kept the beat going and bassist Daryl Jones, who has been playing with the band since Bill Wyman retired in 1993, laid down great line after line.

See the photo below? I’ve always said that if I was abducted by aliens and they asked me what rock and roll was that I would just show them this photo. If they don’t understand it from then they never will!

SET LIST: Start Me Up, It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like It), Tumbling Dice, Doom and Gloom, Beast of Burden, Kansas City, Bitch, Wild Horses, Street Fighting Man, Honky Tonk Woman, Before They Make Me Run, Happy, Midnight Rambler, Miss You, Gimme Shelter, Jumpin’ Jack Flash, Sympathy for the Devil, Brown Sugar. ENCORE: You Can’t Always Get What You Want, (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.

“Super Monster Sex Action Tour 2015”
Rob Zombie
Date: Friday, June 19th 2015
Venue: Tag’s Summer Stage, Big Flats, NY

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

The macabre entity known as Rob Zombie brought his band of merry maniacs to the Tag’s Summer Stage on June 19th as part of his “Super Monster Sex Action Tour” where he performed for a near capacity crowd. Though the front man pointed out that he was a little under the weather you would have never noticed as he and his band blasted through 17 songs which spanned not only Zombie’s solo albums but also some of his work with his previous band White Zombie. Though foreboding skies seem to loom over the head Mother Nature played nice providing a great experience for concert goers.
Flanked by longtime band members Piggy D and guitarist John 5, and basked in glowing red lights amidst a smoke filled stage the man himself Mr. Rob Zombie appeared before the anxious crowd for what would be his first ever appearance at the Tag’s Summer Stage. Not one to disappoint or waste time Zombie and company blasted through songs like “Superbeast” and “Living Dead Girl” which gave way to such classics as “More Human Than Human”, “Meet the Creeper” and the always present “Thunder Kiss ‘65”. In what appeared to be a much more scaled down stage show compared to previous tours the band which was rounded out by former Marilyn Manson drummer Ginger Fish on drums proved that they could perform equally, if not better without the various stage props and gimmicks. The band had a great mix of sound coming through the PA which captured each instruments sonic element pairing nicely with the shows red/blue/green visual elements.

Having seen Rob and his band in a number of different incarnations and venues dating back to some of his early solo performances a lot has changed however one thing seems to always remain a constant. Each time Rob Zombie takes the stage he does not disappoint and this night’s show was no different. A great sound and performance along with the perfect mixture of both new and old material making up the set list made for an enjoyable night of rock and roll.

Set List
1.) Teenage Nosferatu Pussy
2.) Super-Charger Heaven
3.) Superbeast
4.) Get Up (I Feel Like Being a Sex Machine)
5.) Living Dead Girl
6.) Dead City Radio and the New Gods of Supertown
7.) Drum Solo
8.) More Human Than Human
9.) Sick Bubble-Gum
10.) Pussy Liquor
11.) Meet the Creeper
12.) Never Gonna Stop (The Red, Red Kroovy)
13.) Blitzkrieg Bop
14.) Thunder Kiss ‘65
15.) We’re an American Band
16.) The Lords of Salem
17.) Dragula

“Transgender Dysphoria Tour 2015”
Against Me!, Frank Iero & the Cellebration, Annie Girl & the Flight
Date: Wednesday, June 24th 2015
Venue: Town Ballroom, Buffalo, NY

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Against Me! made their way back to the quaint Town Ballroom located in Buffalo, NY as part of their ongoing Transgender Dysphoria tour. Along for the ride this time around were San Francisco, Bay Area native Annie Girl & the Flight and former My Chemical Romance guitarist Frank Iero and his band the Cellebration. Despite the show being mid-week the venue was near capacity with a crowd set to give their all.

Taking the stage first would be Annie Girl & the Flight. The bands sounds were a mix/match of styles ranging from experimental garage rock to modern folk. The group performed songs off their self titled debut as well as songs from their latest EP “Bodies. It was hard at times to figure out which direction the band would go in next however the uncertainty made for an interesting listening experience as the band showed off an impressive range that kept listeners on their toes.

Former My Chemical Romance guitarist Frank Iero would be up next with his group “Frank Iero & the Cellebration”. As the band took the stage they were greeted with tremendous applause and instantly launched in to their 30+ minute set which was made up of songs from the groups “Stomachaches” album was high energy from the word go. The band took little time in between songs packing as much music as they could into their brief set which acted as the catalyst that upped the night’s energy.

Against Me! would close out the night with an impressive set of 20+ songs that band blasted through in rapid fire succession. Front woman Laura Jane Grace commanded the microphone like a true professional and really shined on songs such as “Black Me Out”, “Thrash Unreal” and “FuckMyLife666”. Another stand out of the nights set was the bands rendition of The Replacements song “Androgynous” which Laura and drummer Atom Willard performed a few months ago with Miley Cyrus and Joan Jett for Cyrus’s Happy Hippie Foundation. Despite front woman Grace appearing a bit tired (no doubt from her relentless tour cycle) the band sounded killer as always which made for a really great night of music.

If you for some reason or another have yet to catch an Against Me! show over the past year or so then what are you waiting for? There are still plenty of opportunities as the band will continue to tour the States through July before heading to Europe where they will be through August only to come back for another round of shows in the U.S. which run through September.

Against Me! Set List:
1.) I Was a Teenage Anarchist
2.) Walking Is Still Honest
3.) Cliché Guevara
4.) You Look Like You Need A Drink
5.) White Crosses
6.) Dead Friend
7.) Pints of Guinness Make You Strong
8.) Unconditional Love
9.) FuckMyLife666
10.) The Ocean
11.) T.S.R. (This Shit Rules)
12.) Drinking With the Jocks
13.) Bamboo Bones
14.) Transgender Dysphoria Blues
15.) Because of the Shame/Thrash Unreal
16.) Black Me Out
17.) True Trans Soul Rebel
18.) Tonight We’re Gonna Give It 35%
19.) Androgynous
20.) Don’t Lose Touch
21.) Sink Florida Sink

Tremonti
“Cauterize”
FRET12
Produced by: Michael “Elvis” Baskette
Tracks: 10

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Creed/Alter Bridge guitarist Mark Tremonti is back with his second solo offering titled “Cauterize”. Being released via FRET12 the sophomore solo release is the follow up to Tremonti’s successful 2012 debut album “All I Was”. Michael “Elvis” Baskette is once again behind the control desk lending his hand production hand to the 10 blistering tracks which make up “Cauterize”

Fan’s looking for the next chapter of Tremonti look no further as “Cauterize” picks up where “All I Was” left off. Though I found a few of the songs to be a bit repetitive one thing the album clearly isn’t lacking in is attack as each of the albums 10 tracks certain go for the throat. The albums opener “Radical Change” is a perfect example of that as are “Cauterize” and “Arm Yourself” to name just a few. Probably my favorite track off the album was “Flying Monkeys” which features a really cool trudging guitar and bass line mixed with just the right amount of drums and Tremonti’s haunting vocals that get stuck in your head almost instantly. The addition of Wolfgang Van Halen on bass seems to have strengthened the bands bottom end considerably while rhythm guitarist/backup vocalist Eric Friedman and drummer Garrett Whitlock put in another round of solid performances which continue to compliment Tremonti’s lead work.

Even though I found the first half of the album to be a bit redundant as a whole “Cauterize” is a rawkus 10 track release that fans of Tremonti’s previous works will certainly enjoy. If you haven’t already check out Mark’s first solo offering I recommend starting their and then moving on to this release as both are a touch heavier. To get around the albums early repetitiveness just throw it on shuffle and be prepared to rock.

Track Listing:
1.) Radical Change
2.) Flying Monkeys
3.) Cauterize
4.) Arm Yourself
5.) Dark Trip
6.) Another Heart
7.) Fall Again
8.) Tie The Noose
9.) Sympathy
10.) Providence

The Pittsburgh, PA based punk rock band Anti-Flag recently released a brand new album (their 10th all together) chocked full of politically fueled anthems titled “American Spring”. The album features 14 brand new tracks along with guest appearances by Tom Morello and Tim Armstrong. Media Mikes had the chance to speak with Chris No.2 recently to discuss the new release, the groups tour plans and the idea behind the groups strong political approach.

Adam Lawton: What can you tell us about the new album “American Spring”?
Chris No. 2: “American Spring” is our 10th record and our first after the 20th anniversary of the band. I think we worked harder on this latest record than any other Anti-Flag record. It’s a
tremendously personal record for us. We focused on using empathy as the key to
live above racism, sexism, homophobia and corporate waged war in 2015.

AL: Can you tell us about the guest’s performances on the album and how
those came about?
C#2: Our very old friend / former record producer Tom Morello is on the track “Without End”. He put down this epic space vide solo which is really great. Tim Armstrong from Rancid sings verse 2 of the song “Brandenburg Gate”. Both of those guys being a part of the album is the result of having some very talented friends who we both admire for their talents and humility. We called them and asked if they, as important people in our lives, would appear on an important album for us and thankfully they both said yes.

AL: Some bands tend to shy away from various topics such as politics however you have always been very vocal towards it. What is it about these topics that inspires you to write your songs around them?
 C#2: It’s our only inspiration. We want people to know they’re not alone. There are a lot of us concerned with more than just ourselves. These songs are for those people.

AL: Are you ever worried that the subject matter of your songs may turn away listeners who maybe are as in touch with the current political climate?
C#2: Nope. There are plenty of bands out there for people to listen to if these songs don’t happen to be for them.

AL: You guys just wrapped up a run of shows in April. What are the bands plans going into the rest of the year?
C#2: Our goal is to play every city Anti-Flag has ever played as part of the touring for the “American Spring” album. We will be on the road indefinitely so we hope to be able to see everyone out there.

Rated: Unrated
Studio: Shout! Factory
Run Time: 60 min
Format: CD/DVD/Blu-Ray

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“A Little Bit of Me: Live In L.A.” is the latest live release from singer/songwriter Melissa Etheridge. The performance was recorded on December 12th 2014 at the historic Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles during the last show of Etheridge’s “This is Me” Tour. The package is being released via Shout! Factory and is available on both DVD/CD and Blu-Ray/CD combo’s and Deluxe Digital Edition formats.
2 time Grammy Award winning singer/song writer Melissa Etheridge is back with a brand new concert performance release, Her first new live release since 2001’s “Live and Alone”.

Though “A Little Bit of Me: Live In L.A.” clocks in at just 60 minutes the 13 tracks that make up the set list are pure magic. All the hits are here including “I Want To Come Over”, “Come To My Window” and “I’m The Only One” along with several new tracks from Etheridge’s most recent studio album “This Is M.E.” including “Take My Number” and “A Little Bit of Me”. Though I found the sound and picture to be really great on the Blu-Ray edition I was a little underwhelmed that the entire concert only ran 60 minutes. With Etheridge’s last live release clocking in at over 2 hrs. and packed with bonus footage there was certainly something’s left to be desired. Don’t get me wrong the behind the scenes footage and interviews with the band are ok but nothing that hasn’t already been done.

If you are a long time Melissa fan and have to have everything she release to fulfill your collection then this release is certainly for you. I think this also would make a great piece to have if you saw one of the shows from this tours run. However if you are really looking for a more complete M.E. package then dig into her expansive back catalogue as there are several options that will probably be able to fit what you are looking for.

Track Listing:
1.) I Won’t Be Alone Tonight
2.) I Want To Come Over
3.) Chrome Plated Heart
4.) Take My Number
5.) Come To My Window
6.) Ruins
7.) A Little Bit of Me
8.) If I Wanted To
9.) Meet Me In The Back
10.) Bring Me Some Water
11.) I’m The Only One
12.) Like The Way I Do (Bonus track on Blu-Ray, DVD and Deluxe Digital Edition)
13.) Monster (Bonus track on Blu-Ray, DVD and Deluxe Digital Edition)

Nekrogoblikon
“Heavy Meta”
Music Box
Tracks: 10

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Who is Nekrogoblikon? Where did they come from? What is goblin metal? Why write songs about goblins? Those questions and more will be answered with the release of “Heavy Meta” the 3rd full length release from Santa Barbara, CA very own Nekrogoblikon. The album is being released via Music Box and is the follow release to the bands 2013 EP titled “Power”

If you haven’t heard of Nekrogoblikon or the groups spoke person John Goblikon…Yes he is in fact a goblin then now is your time to wake up and experience the next big genre of metal music, Goblin Metal! Though not the bands first release “Heavy Meta” is the perfect blend of quirky lyrics, shredding guitars and drums fused extreme vocals and enough synth/piano textures to resurrect the late great Ray Manzarek. Tracks like the humorous “Snax & Violence” and “We Need a Gimmick” feature in your face spastic arrangements which shred through your speakers and ear drums with reckless abandonment. Tracks like “Full Body Xplosion” and “Let’s Get Fucked” featuring Andrew W.K. are more structured and intricate in their approach yet still retain the fun factor the members include in all their music.

Even if you are not a fan of the whole goblin perspective “Heavy Meta” is strong enough to stand on its own as a solid extreme metal album. Each of the members in the band excels at their perspective positions and the performances on the albums 10 tracks confirm that. Though some of the arrangements are a bit confusing it’s not enough to completely take your attention away from the fact that Nekrogoblikon and their latest release “Heavy Meta” is something you should be listening to.

Track Listing:
1.) The End of Infinity
2.) We’ve Had Enough
3.) Bring Us More
4.) Snax & Violence
5.) Atlantis
6.) We Need a Gimmick
7.) Full Body Xplosion
8.) Let’s Get Fucked (w/ Andrew W.K.)
9.) Mood Swing
10.) Nekrogoblikon

Jason Becker took the guitar world by storm in the mid 1980’s with the guitar duo Cacophony which along with Becker featured future Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman. Also during this time Jason released his first solo album titled “Perpetual Burn”. Cacophony disbanded in 1989 with Jason going on to join David Lee Roth’s band for the album “A Little Ain’t Enough”. Sadly Jason’s success was greatly impacted when at age 20 he was diagnosed with ALS and given only 3 to 5 years to live. Today at age 45, Jason has beaten the odds and is showing no signs of slowing down. Media Mikes had the great pleasure of speaking with Jason recently about some of his recent work, several new signature products and his recent collaboration with Guitar Player Magazine.

Adam Lawton: Aside from your 2012 documentary what do you think has made people stand up
and take notice of your career and talent over the last few years?
Jason Becker: Well, I would like to think it is my music. I think that is partly true. A whole new generation is getting into my stuff, both the old guitar music and the new compositional music. I also think that it has to do with the fact that I have had ALS for so long, which is a tough thing to ignore. Guitar Player Magazine putting me on the cover helped a lot as did having many well known guitarists playing on my tunes. The Not Dead Yet concert’s played a big role as well. I am really active on Social media as I run my Facebook pages. This is something that is really cool and it’s nice to be able post personal things. John Mayer responding to my Ice Bucket Challenge with his own video talking about me, playing over one of my songs, and asking people to donate to my trust, didn’t hurt either!

AL: You recently have had both a signature/tribute guitar and a signature pickup come out. What has that experience been like and how did those partnerships come about?
JB: My friends at Carvin, Richard Cruz and Albert Comas, saw the documentary and got us back together to make my old famous blue guitar available to fans. Both myself and Carvin had been getting a lot of people asking if that guitar was something that could happen. It is so well made, and it sold so well, that they decided to make my numbered guitar available too, which is selling incredibly well. Jeff Kiesel and I are working on a few more design ideas now, which is a total blast! It also helps my family and me out financially in a big way. As for the pickup back when I was with David Lee Roth, Seymour Duncan and I were working on a signature pickup together. My ALS started getting bad and affecting my voice, so we stopped working on it. Recently I was trying out a perspective signature amp with my friend Michael Lee Firkins. He kept trying different guitars, and the best sounding one had the test Duncan in it. I contacted Duncan and they wanted to make a signature Becker pickup. We spent months testing many different pickups with Firkins and my buddy Chris Barnett, until we got it exactly how I wanted it.

AL: Being that you are physically unable to play how involved were you with the creation/testing of these products?
JB: With the guitar, Carvin had made my first blue guitar, so they just copied the specs. The original had a Kahler bridge, but I prefer the Floyd, so we went with that. For the numbered guitar, Carvin took my original Peavey for a year, so they could pretty much copy it. Michael Lee Firkins always helps me when I need fingers and another set of ears. He also did that on my song “End of the Beginning.”

AL: Can you tell us about the column you have recently started writing for Guitar Player?
JB: It is about creativity. People often ask me how I come up with unusual ideas or melodies. This column attempts to tell how some of my ideas come to me, and the stories behind them. The first column talks about non-musical inspirations. The next two talk about my time with Marty Friedman, and some of the things we did to open our minds and think differently. My dear friend at Guitar Player, Matt Blackett, helps me remember those times.

AL: You have a very unique way of creating music. How has that system
developed from when you first started using it to now?

JB: When I first started using the computer to compose music, I could still use my right hand a little, so I used a synthesizer. Once I lost my arm movement, my dear friend Mike Bemesderfer set me up with a headset that I could control with little head movements. That was cool, but my neck was weak, so I couldn’t do it for long. I only wrote one piece using that method – “Electric Prayer for Peace” from my Collection CD. Now I can’t move my head, so I just use the communication system that my dad invented, to instruct my caregivers what to put into the music software program called Logic Pro. I can then dick with every aspect of each note until they have feeling. I layer tracks and instruments in this way, then bring my friend/producer, Dan Alvarez over to give his input, and play the keyboard parts. Then if necessary, we record live musicians.

AL: Are you currently working on any new solo material and are there any plans to make a follow up to “Not Dead Yet”?
JB: I am working on a new album, which will have new pieces, some old guitar stuff, and many special guests. That’s something I am going to do with a Crowd Funder campaign. There are no plans to do another documentary, although the Japanese equivalent to HBO did a documentary last November about the making of my new album. It was really cool and people will want to check it out if they get the chance.

“Abominator Tour 2015”
Doyle, Heavy Grinder, Murder In Rue Morgue, One Last Shot, Secrets Kept
Date: Friday, May 1^st 2015
Venue: The Lost Horizon, Syracuse, NY

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Former Misfits guitarist Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein brought his band of ghouls to the legendary Lost Horizon in Syracuse, NY on May 1^st as part of his Abominator 2015 Tour. Along with special guest Heavy Grinder and several local acts the night proved to be a unique and up close experience that the Syracuse crowd seemed to really enjoy.

With this date being one of the last dates on the Abominator 2015 run I was a little skeptical as you never know what condition the band will be in the longer a tour goes on. The night kicked off with several local acts performing brief sets to a small number of fans who filled the venue early on in the night. The most notable of the three bands was the Auburn, NY based Murder In Rue Morgue whose sounds was a solid blend of melodic fueled metal that held my attention throughout the bands entire set. Next up was Heavy Grinder or known to some as DJ Heavygrinder. I have to start off by saying that a DJ was not something I was expecting at this type of show however from the moment the samples of Metallica, Slayer and other notable metal heavy weights starting blasting out the speakers I was quite impressed. I did feel though that the act was a little tiring after some time and may have been better suited as in between music during set changes. The cross faded samples, and beat drops did however provide a unique and fun listening experience and one that I probably wouldn’t have found on my own.

Closing out the night was the man himself Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein. In August of last year we were present for the opening night of Doyle’s first ever solo tour so this night’s performance was going to be heavily compared to that within my own mind. Right off the bat a couple things were different. Along with Doyle and vocalist Alex Story was two new additions to the group. Die Trich Thrall was filling in for Left Hand Graham on bass and Black Flag drummer Brandon Pertzborn replaced Anthony “Tiny” Biuso on the drums. The recent lineup changes only seemed to strengthen the already impressive stage performance of the band as singer Alex Story commanded the crowd’s attention while Doyle’s massive guitar sound pulverized the ear drums of everyone within the venue. The set was a great mixture of Misfits classics and songs from Doyle’s debut solo release “Abominator”. For me the highlights of the set were definitely “Skulls”, “Valley of Shadows” and “Last Caress” though all of the songs were worth mentioning.

As compared to the bands first show together back in August that I previously mentioned, this night’s show was miles ahead. The addition of Pertzborn on drums seems to be the final piece the band needed to take things to the next level both from a performance and musical stand point. Time on the road has also proved to have benefited the group as all the members appeared to key off one another which made the performance seem very cohesive and natural. Even though this leg of the Abominator tour has now come to an end I am sure it won’t be the last we see or hear from Doyle and company.

Doyle Set List:
Abominator
Learn to Bleed
Hybrid Moments
Where Eagles Dare
Land of the Dead
Skulls
Valley of Shadows
Headhunter
Mark of the Beast
Love Like Murder
Last Caress
Die Die My Darling
Hope Hell is Warm

The recently reformed heavy metal band Coal Chamber is back with their first new album in 13 years titled “Rivals”. The group consisting of vocalist Dez Fafara, guitarist Miguel Rascon, bassist Nadja Peulen and drummer Mikey Cox has brought back their signature drudging, tribal like sound that will instantly capture the attention of fans both new and old. Media Mikes had the chance to speak with drummer Mikey Cox about the group’s re-formation, the creation of the new album and the bands plans for the upcoming summer tour season.

Adam Lawton: How did the idea of reforming the group come together?
Mikey Cox: I hadn’t talked to some of the band members for quite some time. I had always stayed in contact with Meeg’s because we have always been friends but there was a point where I quite the music business entirely. At one point Meeg’s reached out to Dez and he ended up performing on stage with Dez’s band Devil Driver. From there we all just started talking and becoming friends over the next few years. The opportunity to perform in Australia came about as there was a demand for the group to perform there being it was one place we have never played. We decided to give it a shot and the shows ended up being completely insane. That sort of lit the fire for to keep things going.

AL: How long after that did talks begin of starting work on a new album?
MC: Meeg’s and I had written a couple songs over the years but other than that we really hadn’t done anything with them. When we were in Australia we played to songs we had been working on more recently and he was just blown away by them. We had sort just talked about working on new material but it was never discussed about going out and trying to get a record deal. After the Australia run we did a couple more tours that went extremely well and once we realized we could coexist as individuals we figured why not try and finish what we started. When we broke up there were a lot of unanswered questions and we wanted to put an exclamation point on why we started. Since Australia things have been really amazing.

AL: The material on the new album seems very personal lyrically. What was it like for you and the other members approaching some of these topics?
MC: The cool thing about this record is that none of the song’s lyrics are about me or Meegs. (Laughs) Some of the older records there certainly was a strong dislike for one another. We all were just living these insane lifestyles back then. The fact that we are all still walking the earth is a miracle in itself. We are a very rhythmic band so when we approached the new songs things were very cohesive as Dez’s lyrics tend to follow my drumming. There is a very dark element to the new material but it’s a therapeutic release for us. With the album being titled “Rivals” people will probably take that a number of different ways. What it means for us battling a rivalry within yourself. The biggest obstacle in life is yourself and if you’re going to live or not. Once overcome that pretty much anything is possible.

AL: How was it working again with Nadja?
MC: Nadja wasn’t able to tour with us in Australia as she was busy with other projects so that was sort of a blow to us. Once she was able to come back to the group it was smooth sailing. She was a little hesitant at first but having her back was like putting together the final piece of the puzzle. Her playing on the record is awesome and we feel like a family again.

AL: You have a UK tour run planned for the coming months but what sort of plans are in the works for after that?
MC: We just got back from South America and have a couple weeks off leading up to the UK shows. We will be in the UK when the record comes out. We haven’t headlined over there in I don’t know how long. I think it’s something like 13 or 14 years. We got word recently that the London show is already sold out and that most of the other shows will probably do the same. The response after being away for so long has just been overwhelming. People haven’t even heard the full record yet so this all is just mind blowing to me. I don’t think I would wait 12 minutes for a band let alone 12 years. This is just amazing! I am very grateful every day I wake up and learn about a show selling out or requests to tour some place new. We are all very grateful.

AL: Are there plans to make another run here in the States once the record is out?
MC: There is. We will probably be looking to hit the states again sometime in July. There are some things we are still working out with that as well as going back to Australia again. People keep asking us if we are going to just put this record out and stop. Why the hell would we do that? We plan on being out touring for quite some time on this record and then go back in and do another record.

Chuck Billy is probably best known as the vocalist for the legendary bay area thrash metal band Testament. However when not performing with the band around the world Chuck keeps himself busy with several business ventures. His latest is that of his own signature line of vaping pens “The Chief”. Together with Lord Vapor the leading provider of high-quality custom vape pens Billy is set to create a product line just as intense as his music. Media Mikes spoke with Chuck recently about the new product line, his experience with vaping and also touched on the upcoming plans for Testament.

Adam Lawton: What was your first exposure vaping and what was it that you found appealing?
Chuck Billy: I tried vaping years ago when I was in Amsterdam. After I got back I bought my own volcano just like I had seen in Amsterdam. There’s certainly a different feeling that comes with vaping. For me being a singer and trying to keep my lungs healthy vaping always seemed a little easier and I enjoyed that. ==

AL: How did the opportunity to create “The Chief” line of herbal vape pens?
CB: I had talked with Adam from Lord Vapor quite some time ago about doing a product line but it never really got hooked up. About eight months ago we met up and really started talking and working on designs. We had to figure out how to make the product better than it already was and also to have it stand out among the other pens like this. We went in and looked and things like temperature. We found that the hottest current temp wasn’t enough to throw the size of cloud we wanted. We worked with some things and got the temps hotter and also worked with the overall look of the pen. Once we got all that stuff down we ordered the first run of prototypes. It did take awhile but once we got it things worked great. We hit the market in March with the first run of “Big Chiefs” and we are currently working on the second line which will include slim line pens both in rechargeable and disposable models.

AL: What did you find to be the most difficult part of developing this product?
CB: The graphics and the design seemed to take the longest. There was a lot of back and forth between us and the manufactures because we weren’t right there while they were being made. Upping the temperature was certainly the easy part but getting things to look right with not only the pen but also the packaging certainly took some time. You need everything to look correct right out of the box because once you go into production if things aren’t right then everything comes out wrong. It was a bit of a gamble but we learned through the process and we have a really great product.

AL: What do you think has caused the recent rise in vaping?
CB: It’s an option people have to where they can go out in public and not cause a scene from smoking. I have used mine in movie theaters without anyone ever saying a word. One of the days on the recent tour we went out with the Exodus guys and we were all vaping during dinner and having a great time without any problems. Those are definitely some of the advantages over being out and smoking say a pipe or joint. You are a bit more inconspicuous. Also again for me personally it’s less harsh on my lungs than other methods.

AL: Are there plans to increase the line outside of just pens?
CB: I’m not sure if we are going to try out liquids or not at this point. That is something that I am not really a fan of. We are working on the rechargeable and disposable pens right now and wrapping up sales on the first 1000 signed and numbered special edition Chiefs. Once those are gone we have plans to change the packaging making those first run Chiefs really special. I think this the Chief signature line is something that’s going to keep growing. Adam has opened the door for me on this and within the next year or so I may venture in to a signature accessories line as there are just so many different accessories you can get.

AL: Aside from your vaping products can you give us an update on Testaments current plans for the coming months?
CB: We are pretty busy. We recently wrapped up one tour and will be heading out on another which is overseas in Europe. After that we will be taking three or four months of to finish the writing of the new record. We really want focus on the album and getting it done. Being that we all don’t live near one another these days that can be a little difficult. There’s a lot of emailing and getting together when we can so it takes time. We are very fortunate at this time that our label Nuclear Blast isn’t breathing down our necks to get it done. They don’t do that as they know when it’s ready it’s ready. That’s been the beauty of things as we can make the album right and we are happy with it.