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!

RIP - Peter Steele. Desmondo's Daily Offering - "Love You to Death" by Type O Negative

Obviously, I am mourning the loss of Ronnie James Dio \m/ but as Carrie and I were cleaning out one of our rooms this evening, I came by a CD that I have not listened to in some time...."October Rust" by Type O Negative. Dio's death was highly publicized but we must not forget that Peter Steele (frontman for Type O) passed from Heart Failure several weeks ago. Type O rocks my Nation and "October Rust" is one of my favorite albums ever. It would deinitely go on my list of "If you were stranded on a deserted island for the rest of your life and could only bring a few CDs, what would you bring?" Peter Steele was a fantastic songwriter who knew how to rock out with the best of them but also had a killer sense for melody. If you are not familiar with Type O Negative or if they have been relegated to one of those bands that you "used to listen to back in the day," please do youself a favor and honor the man's legacy by checking them out. I love this song. Please enjoy...

Daily Dio Tribute - "Dio" by Tenacious D

As promised, here we have my daily homage to the "Master of the Moon." Rather than just putting up another song by Ronnie James (as face melting as it would be) I thought it would be more fun to honor RJD's memory with a fine tribute from JB and KG. Please enjoy.....\m/ RIP - Ronnie James 1942-2010 \m/

\m/ THE METAL SALUTE \M/ THANKS-RJD

Ronnie James Dio is known for popularizing the sign of the horns in heavy metal. His Italian grandmother used it to ward off the evil eye (which is known as malocchio, Dio's term for the gesture). Dio began using the sign soon after joining (1979) the metal band Black Sabbath. The previous singer in the band, Ozzy Osbourne, was rather well known at using the "peace" sign at concerts, raising the index and middle finger in the form of a V. Dio, in an attempt to connect with the fans, wanted to similarly use a hand gesture. However, not wanting to copy Osbourne, he chose to use the sign his grandmother always made. The horns became famous in metal concerts very soon after Black Sabbath's first tour with Dio. The sign would later be appropriated by heavy metal fans under the name "maloik", a corruption of the original malocchio. Thank you Ronnie James, for giving us the ultimate "Metal Salute" \m/

Dominicus' "Blast Beat Manifesto" of the Week...Dial "Black Dahlia" for MURDER

I know my absence has been felt within the world of the BRC...however, being that I live in the land of Nashville, we currently took on a bit more of the water than we could handle. Did I have my weak moments??? But of course. Has tragedy struck when there seemed to be no hope? But of course....and that is why we have the Metal.

The past three weeks have been momentous and thus comes the BLAST BEAT MANIFESTO of the WEEK! This week we have been jamming the The Black Dahlia Murder.

Do you feel insane?? Are you looking for the melody and the chaos to bring your cold beating heart to a stop before it is once again resurrected to scare the doubters?? The BDM has many songs of slaughter and insanity to calm even the devastated of souls....but but these jams in and you will melodically find your self swaying to the depth of the deeps with the morbid story telling of the Black Dahlia Murder.

What is he saying?? That's right..the lead singer is like Gollum from Lord of the Rings in the flesh...But with shredding guitars and blistering guitars who really cares...it only makes it that much more epic. Now..sit back and enjoy the madness..



And...if anyone knows where they have "Heavy Metal Bowling Night" let a brother know!

RIP - Ronnie James Dio \m/ "Neon Knights" Daily Tribute

Each day this week, I shall post a new video in honor of our beloved RJD, the "Master of the Moon" and the perfector of the usage of the "evil horns." Dr. Beaulivian and I saw him live and in his glory for the last time a couple of Years ago with Heaven and Hell (The true Black Sabbath) at the US Bank Arena. Yes, they did serve up some tasty blues based metal with ozzy but the total jams on the first two albums with Ronnie cannot be touched. I am so thankful I had the opportunity to see Dio rock out one last time. In his mid 60s, the voice and passion were as strong as ever. Please enjoy "Neon Knights" \m/

RIP - Ronnie James Dio (7/10/42 - 5/16/2010)

Today is a sad, sad day for the World of Metal. Yes, my brethren...the true Godfather of Metal (which Ozzy is not) and the inventor of the "evil horns - \m/," Ronnie James Dio passed on this morning. His amazing voice will be heard no more but fortunately he left us with a fine body of work that is as glorious as it is timeless. Between his offerings with Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath in addition to his masterful solo material, we have access to plethera of metallic glory. Holy Diver, Heaven and Hell, Children of the Sea, We Rock, The Sign of the Southern Cross, Rainbow in the Dark, Stargazer, etc......the list of magnificence goes on and on. Ronnie James will truly be missed and will never be forgotten. Here is one of my faves...please enjoy \m/