the GATEWAYS of the Metal.

In the scene of extreme metal, the notorious Dimmu Borgir are no strangers. Having just released their ninth Studio album, it is safe to say these lads have been the originators of theatrics and symbolism in their music.

I am not the world's largest fan of the Black Metal, but I can appreciate a good song when it is written. Taking this from their Abrabadabra Album, "Gateways" is so amazingly balanced between Metal, Symphony, and lyrics of the End of Time.

Welcome to some truly gloriously metally deliciousness. Enter the "Gateways".

Maiden Still Rips!!!!!

Indeed, my brethren....I did quite see the Maiden that is Iron in the almighty Falls of Cuyahoga last week. The lads have not lost a step since I last saw them in February of 1991 (my Lord, am I really that old?). Bruce's voice held up nicely, the band was tight and the Miller Lite was plentifull. I went with my buddy, Allen and we did enjoy ourselves immensely! We met James Labrie (Dream Theater Vocalist) in the hotel \m/. I can proudly proclaim that The Metal is alive and strong in 2010 and I believe the 20,000 folks that attended the show would agree. Do you love Metal? Are you "Afraid of the Dark?"

Desmondo's Daily Offering - "The Reckoning" by Iced Earth

If you are not down with the Earth that is Iced, I must pray for your soul. This band is the ultimate Power Metal giant and if you love Metal and do not know them.....you, my friend have committed a great sin. Tim "Ripper" Owens has an absolutely ridiculous vocal range and he once again showcases his Banshee howl on "The Reckoning."

"Ripper" had recently parted ways with Judas Priest to become the front man for Iced Earh after original vocalist Rob Halford returned to the almighty warriors of Metal. Tim's first album with the band, The Glorious Burden (2003), is an examination of many aspects of warfare and military figures who have shaped the modern world. "The Reckoning" is indeed a masterpiece and one of the higlights from this album. The riffage runs deep and the vocals are pure Power Metal gloriosity. Please enjoy \m/

Professional + Robot = PROBOT

I know what you thinking....in fact, you don't even have to say anything and I can read your mind. Only the heinous things in life come to mind when you mention the word "Super-Group". But you must take a step back. and lay the evil attitude aside, for this is the only super group that contains the One, The Only, LEMMY.

I gotta give the props to Dave Grohol. Ya, know who would have thought that inside that little grungy-nirvana kid there lay this Rock N' Roll giant. Dave has not only created a beast with the Rock N' Roll giant Foo Fighters...but then throws it down with the PROBOT.

SO, I bid you adios! And trust that I will never leave you with anything from a Super-group (especially that of Scott-I'mawhineybuttdoucheweasel-Weiland), but in the rare case that I do....It will only be to "SHAKE YOUR BLOOD."

Holiday Update: June 13th, Day of S.O.D.!

Last night while having a few people over for a little cook out in the 100 degree weather, i put the old itunes on random....next thing I knew I was rockin out so hard and so were the others that iwas with. One in particular turned to me and said "Dude, I have not heard this song in forever...who is it?" And I had to chastise him with an angry tone "Its the S.O.D....The STORM TROOPERS OF DEATH"

Needless to say..the rest of the night we chanted "Speak English or Die" and "F*&% the Middle East" and then ripped our faces off to "March of the S.O.D." Therefore I hereby dub June 13th 2010 as S.O.D. Day! Seriously, I you have not listened to them in a while you need to crank it up!!

Dominicus' "Blast Beat Manifesto" of the Week...the Force of the Dragon

Let's be honest. If you listen to an entire DragonForce album in its entirety you will probably never want to listen to them again. Seriously, every song sounds the same as the last song that was just played. I like variety in my metal. I like songs of brutality that make me feel extremely glad to be a metal warrior crusading for all that has been lost in the music....

However, on an album known as "Inhuman Rampage" there is this little jam of a song called "Through the Fire and the Flames" that totally rules the school. Its the kind of jam that makes a drummer want to throw away his drum sticks, put on his elastic stretchy pants that accentuate his plum smuggling dynamo, and find a big frilly shirt accompanied by a thick-ass-glitter-belt, and grab his trusty axe and shred away like these Dragon-Masters.

Therefore, pop this disc in. Listen to the masterfully mastered shredding and I will see you there on the other side of the fire and the flames.

Desmondo's Daily Offering - "Oasis" by Puya

J Desmond has been silent for a while but he felt the need to ride upon your realm this evening with the ultimate daily offering. If you are not familiar with Puya, you must check them out. Let me ask you this......have you ever been sitting around your house, craving some sweet tunes but you couldn't decide if you wanted to throw on Santana, Sepultura, Gloria Estefan or Hatebreed? That happens to me all the time. If you have never experienced this moment, trust me you will and when you do.......break off a little slice of Puya and all will be well \m/. Enjoy....

Puya Oasis

Conejo Enterprises | MySpace Video

RIP-Peter Steele...Desmondo's Daily offering - "Cinnamon Girl" by Type O Negative

I must say that I have mass love and respect for Neil Young but Dude most definitely does not rock. Type O Negative is one of the few bands that can take any Folk Rock tune, make it their own and utilize it on a Woldwide face melting mission. I heard this version of "Cinnamon Girl" before Neil's and I absolutely enjoy it more. Check it.....

Type O Negative - Cinnamon Girl

Spike! | MySpace Video

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/

Desmondo's Weekly Page Turner - "Fargo Rock City: A Heavy Metal Odyssey in Rural North Dakota" by Chuck Klosterman

Who said Metalheads were not edumacated??????? Chuck Klosterman is an absolutely amazing writer. His masterful storytelling and witty writing style make "Fargo Rock City" an easy and entertaing read even for folks with serious reading comprehension issues (Yes, that would be me) \m/ The first time I picked it up, I seriously could not put it down until it was through. I first read his book about 7 Years ago and just picked it up again earlier this week. Honestly, it was even better the second time around. "Fargo Rock City" is Chuck's personal memoir about growing up a sexually repressed metalhead in rural North Dakota. This has to be one of the funniest books ever written. Please read this if you get a chance....With a voice that flows like one of Yngvie Malmsteen's guitar solos, Klosterman rides upon and tackles the glorious history of the "Metal of Hair", beginning with that fateful day in 1983 when his older brother brought home Mötley Crüe's Shout at the Devil. Many of us can relate to this. I mean...is this not the was that all metaleads born between 1970-1975 were introduced to "The Metal?" The 11 Year old Klosterman was not quite ready to rock on one time as his hair was too short and his farm was too quiet -- but he still found a way to bang his little 5th Grade head. Before the journey was over, he would slow-dance to Poison, sleep as an unkowing Christin Lad beneath pentagrams and inverted crosses, lust for Lita Ford and Janet Gardner and get radiclly intellectual about Guns N' Roses and Metallica. Here he goes again on his own, going down the only road he's ever known....." \m/\m/\m/\m/\m/

Desmondo's Daily Offering - "Independent" by Sacred Reich

Ok people, this song totally rules and if you deny this fact then I am sorry but I can no longer be your friend. What happened to these guys? I used to listen to them back in the day, owned all of their albums and saw them in concert a few times. Sacred Reich was not the greatest band in the land but they definietly wrote some good tunes, rocked out one time and dropped some plates on that ass for a fun and face melting experience...straight up socially-conscious and political speed metal \m/
Enjoy this "blast from the past." I know I did!

Desmond's Daily Offering - "Three Days of Darkness" by Testament

I don't care what anyone says....Testament is hands down the best Thrash Metal Band on the Planet. Yes, Metallica rules and wrote some of the best Metal ever recorded but Testament totally slays in the Thrash arena and indeed they do continus to get stronger with time. In my opinion, "The Gathering" is one of their finest albums and "Three Days of Darkness" is a classic example of the tasty Metal that they continue to conjure up with each release. If "the power of the riff compels you," it is a must that you get down with this band. New Wave of American Heavy Metal lovers of Lamb of God, Shadows Fall, Killswitch Engage, etc.....bow down and pay homage to the original masters of the Almighty Thrash. Sweet riffage, amazing double bass madness, technical proficiency out the wazoo and the best Cookie Monster vocals ever to go down on record. Please enjoy \m/\m/\m/

Desmond's Daily Offering - "Hearts on Fire' by Hammerfall

This tasy track was released on the Crimson Thunder album and is the fourth studio release by Swedish metal band HammerFall (formed in 1993). the lineup that wrote and recorded this gem was:
Joacim Cans - Lead & Backing Vocals
Oscar Dronjak - Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Backing Vocals
Stefan Elmgren - Lead, Rhythm & Acoustic Guitars, Backing Vocals
Magnus Rosén - Bass guitar
Anders Johansson - Drums & Percussion

This offering brings everything you need from a killer Power Metal song; Epic and soaring vocals, masterful riffage and some absolutely ludicrous guitar solo action. Enjoy \m/\m/\m/\m/

Amon Amarth - "The Pursuit of Vikings"

This just might be the greatest song af all time. Rifftastic gloriosity for the soul....a most triumphant effort indeed! Please, go on, my brethren, click away and let the pursuit of vikings commence \m/\m/\m/\m/