Death. Destruction. Brutality. Sounds like the basis for a Slayer song, however, you could say that it describes the past several years in Heavy Metal. Steele, Dio and Dimebag were among the best and unfortunately met their early demise. Every time I hear the news of one of my Rock-Fathers passing my heart drops just a little more, and yet the torch to carry this music on, and bring the metal to the masses, burns ever brighter with the will not to relent.

So for me, I will still celebrate when "Holy Diver" rages on the radio, and I will still sing out loud in my deepest voice possible when ever I hear "Black No. 1" And whenever I hear the distinct guitar solos of Pantera, I will raise the horned-fist in the air as a salute to all that which is the metal.

For to honor these men, is to continue to live life to the fullest as they have. And I leave you now, with "Cemetery Gates". One of the greatest songs in these times of loss. But, it is covered by Dream Theater (with a few special appearances, including Dave Mustaine on guitar)...blasphemy? No. A great band carrying on a great song written by a Great Band...as we all must do to keep it alive. God Bless!