Why You Should Know Age of Evil

Let's set this off. You should know Age of Evil. The band is comprised of two sets of brothers and the guys in the band are young. This is not a Glam band - think modern Iron Maiden. Still, Age of Evil seems to have the goods - and they do give props to their 80s heroes. The band's name is both a nod to the member's ages...and the world around us.

"The band name Age of Evil, yes, obviously comes from us being young and we’ll always be young at heart," says singer Jeremy Goldberg. "Age of Evil represents that rebellious attitude and we’re playing heavy metal, so it fits. It’s also our world view I guess you could say. When people stop fighting and stuff like that -- when that stops we’ll change our name -- but realistically I don’t think that will happen. We’re not pessimistic, just realistic."

It seems all the members of Age of Evil are realistic about the music industry, too. Jeremy is the elder Goldberg and he's also the singer/guitarist for the band - and a college student studying graphic design. His younger brother Jacob plays bass and is finishing high school at a rapid pace. Jordan Ziff handles lead guitar and Garrett Ziff plays drums. Both Ziff brothers are trained musicians.

So why am I writing about Age of Evil on a Glam site? Because the band did an amazing cover of Skid Row's "Slave to the Grind" for starters. Age of Evil has also covered Whitesnake's "Still Of the Night" and the Judas Priest song "Electric Eye."

Age of Evil just released the Get Dead EP featuring six songs - including the Skid Row and Priest covers. There's also two originals and two live tracks on the EP. Awhile back the band recorded Living a Sick Dream and former Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman played on the album's title track. See? I told you there was 80s metal cred here.

Enough of this. Go to the band's Myspace right now and listen to the Skid Row cover. I couldn't find it on YouTube. After you've listened come back and watch the clip below of the band performing "Still of the Night." I've included an original song as a bonus.

Here's the original, "Living a Sick Dream." I think the members were around 14-17 when this was made.

Age of Evil plans to tour in 2010. I hope they play Rock on the Range. I'll be watching.

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Listen Now: Reckless Love!

First off: thanks to all of you who emailed and sent me Facebook notes about the great band Reckless Love. Please believe I always check out every band tip that is sent to me, either via email or as a physical CD. That said, here we go:

You should be listening to Reckless Love right now. The band features H. Olliver Twisted on vocals. You might recall Twisted was the second (and now former) singer of Crashdiet. You'll notice in the clip below that Olli looks different - I don't know if it's because he's going full Glam or whatever - but there's definitely something "new" about him. Heck, maybe he's just happy.

Reckless Love will most likely release a new album next year.  The band is currently touring Finland.

Here's "Beautiful Bomb."

The New Izzy Stradlin Record Might Be Great!

This past weekend, some samples of Izzy Stradlin's new record popped up on YouTube. Gotta say, I'm excited. Izzy is a pretty great songwriter and all around cool guitar player. The new album is called Smoke and it will be out later this month. Unfortunately it seems like Smoke will be an iTunes only release which sort of sucks, but at least it's new music.

The sample songs below are called "Breathing" and "Nothing on Me."

This release isn't as high profile as Slash's upcoming solo record, nor does it feature a slew of famous cameo stars. Still, I think Izzy's work is solid and is definitely worth a listen.

I've never seen Izzy Stradlin & the JuJu Hounds live, but I hope to someday. I imagine their show has a great, laid-back vibe. If you've seen a JuJu Hounds show, left me know - tell me all about it!

It's Monday and that means a new week - hopefully I'll get caught up on my writing and I can review the 78 CDs on my desk right now. Seriously - 78!

Who Should Play the Next Shiprocked?

It's getting cold in Ohio and it's been snowing in many parts of the country. Quite frankly, I think that sucks. I despise cold weather. Every time winter sets in, I start to daydream of vacations and warmer climates. Since I was just on Shiprocked a scant few weeks ago, the cruise has been at top of mind. It was a great time! I know there will be another one - I just don't know who will play. I thought it would be cool to create a poll based on bands you'd like to see on Shiprocked II. Now, it should be said again, I have no idea who is playing the next Shiprocked and the band choices below are all out of my head. Basically, they are bands I'd like to see, or are acts that have played either Shiprocked or the Motley Cruise - or both. If you don't like my choices here, fair enough. Write your selections in the comments bar. Of course this poll means nothing, but it's fun to dream...and I seriously have nothing better to do today. The poll lets you vote only once. Happy voting!

Who Should Play the Next Shiprocked?

• Kix
• Iron Maiden (might as well dream!)
• Cinderella
• Chickenfoot
• RATT
• Lynam
• Skid Row
• Adam Lambert
• Great White
• Halestorm
• Pop Evil
• Britney Spears (making sure you're paying attention!)
• Shinedown
• Poison

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Heavy Metal Horoscope

I was poking around Yahoo! last night, getting a feel for their writing style and wondering about my qualifications to write about anything other than music (in case you're wondering, I decided I am qualified but it's quite complicated), when I stumbled onto the horoscopes.

Horoscopes are the candy bars of journalism: completely unnecessary deliciousness. So, I stop to read the Leo prediction. It was decent enough so I went on my way. Then I thought - Eureka! - what if there was such a thing as a heavy metal horoscope?!

Then I Googled my idea and got pissed because the guys at Metal Sucks thought of it first. Damn. I give myself a pass, though. There's a team of them at the Metal Sucks Mansion and there's only one Glam Mistress, so what can I say?

Why not just borrow (steal?) a 'scope from another news agency - for our demonstration we'll use Yahoo! - and change it around to make it Metal.

Leo:

It's not all that often that you find yourself cast in the role of mediator, but today your temperament is just right for handling a touchy situation. With careful words and a friendly smile, you can make inroads where others cannot because the combatants appreciate that you are trying to be fair. Keep trying even if you secretly think you're in over your head. Good results will crown your efforts.

Now, the Glam-Metalled Leo version:

It's not all that often that you find yourself listening to Gwar and thinking 'Crap! I could totally be listening to Kix instead. I've just wasted four minutes of my life on Gwar.' Young flower, listen to "Cold Shower" whilst pondering the Moon in the second house. Will Jupiter align with Mars? 

Listening to Kix will make you less bitchy (see how I made "temperament is just right for handling a touchy situation" more Metal by adding a swear word?!) and you'll be able to talk your drunk friend off a ledge. Or at least from spending all her hard earned money on Hinder tickets.

With careful words and a friendly smile, you can make inroads where others cannot, which will usually land you a backstage pass, especially if you're a girl and you happen to be at a Bret Michaels show. Wear something tight and you're golden.

Leos are creative, bossy and enthusiastic. They are usually smart, too. If you're a Leo, be glad. People - especially long haired Glam musician types - are naturally drawn to you.

There!

Wasn't that easy? Now, go ahead and make your own horoscope for your astrological sign. I don't have time or patience to do them all. I am, after all, a Leo. We tend to get bored easy.

Also, to the kind folks at Yahoo! - thanks for letting me borrow your horoscope. Please don't sue me.

Do This Now: Send Your Well Wishes to Ronnie James Dio!

This is very cool. I saw this on Bravewords yesterday - I hate reposting content, but this is worthy. I'll be sending Ronnie James Dio a holiday card. My cards are black, so they are very metal. Ok, they are as metal as you can get from Hallmark!  As you probably know, Dio was just diagnosed with early stage stomach cancer. He's undergoing treatment at the Mayo Clinic.

Here's the repost:

Black-sabbath.com has posted information about where fans can send Heaven and Hell singer Ronnie James Dio their get-well cards and well-wishes.

Cards and items can be sent through the official fan club address here:

Dio Fan Club
12400 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 624
Studio City, CA
91604

Additionally, if you'd like to shoot an email to him, send to getwellronnie@black-sabbath.com.

Bring Back Glam! Turns 3

Can you dig it? Bring Back Glam! is three years old today. Quite frankly, I can't believe it. The last three years have flown by and a ton of things have changed in my life and the world since I started this site. The best result is all the cool friends I've made. Going to a lot of shows and special events has meant meeting some cool people and having new like-minded friends all over the world! This site also landed me my AOL job, for which I am thankful. That job allows me to talk with metal musicians outside of the Glam realm which has been very cool.

I don't know if Glam is more prevalent in society than it was three years ago, but I do think more shows are available to fans. Tonight, for example, I'm seeing John Corabi play a club gig here in Dayton. I graduated college in 2001 and I don't really remember as many package tours then, either. I know Poison really helped bring back the package tour and it's been a staple of the American summer concert scene for the past few years. Then there's the festival circuit. Europe obviously has America beat - they've been doing summer metal fests for decades across the pond. There were a few in America before Rocklahoma, especially Moondance Jam, but Rocklahoma really did seem to start the "copy cat" trend of 80s events. There was Rock the Bayou (which no longer exists), South Texas Rock Fest, Dakota Rock Fest and now Thunder Mountain Rock Fest among others. It will be interesting to see how long the 80s festival trend lasts here in the states. 

We've had some good discussions here over the past three years. I'm hoping that will continue in the months and years ahead.