Psychotic Symphony is the long-awaited, highly anticipated release from what most people are calling the next new super group known as Sons of Apollo. I think the more fitting term is something more than human. For context Apollo (son of Zeus) was recognized as a god of music, truth, poetry, healing, the sun and the light so it would only be befitting to call these “Sons” the demigods of music; if that seems to be overboard for us mere mortals. Then there is this all-star cast of musicians just being super in what they do. Continue reading →
Sons Of Apollo, a new progressive rock and metal supergroup featuring former Dream Theater members Mike Portnoy and Derek Sherinian, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal (ex-Guns N’ Roses), Billy Sheehan (The Winery Dogs, Mr. Big, David Lee Roth) and Jeff Scott Soto (ex-Journey, ex-Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force) have announced their début album, Psychotic Symphony, due for release on October 20 via InsideOutMusic/Sony. You can hear the first track, ‘Signs Of The Time’ below.Continue reading →
Metal Maya the only All-Inclusive Heavy Metal destination vacation metal festival in 2017 has announced the details for Metal Allegiance’s planned tribute to fallen heroes set. In addition, The festival teamed up a with Jackson guitars to giveaway custom-painted guitars bearing the likeness of Lemmy from Motorhead and Cliff Burton of Metallica. Continue reading →
For the last five years Ghost Cult has covered some part or all of THE NAMM Show, the bi-annual music industry and gear convention that is a music fan’s dream come true. Not only do all of the music industry gear companies , celeb endorsers, and other music companies all get together and hang out, demo gear, and general have a good time, it makes for a great time. Continue reading →
Metal Allegiance, the all-star band of metal legends led by Mark Menghi, will take over City National Grove of Anaheim during NAMM on January 20th for a monumental tribute to our fallen musical heroes. Hosted by Jackson, Charvel & EVH, with Loudwire, and Musician’s Institute and Monster Energy joining as co-sponsors of the event. Mikkey Dee (Motorhead), Eddie Hermida (Suicide Silence), Arejay Hale (Halestorm) and Carla Harvey (Butcher Babies) are now added to the line-up. Continue reading →
We caught up with Mark Menghi of Metal Allegiance, in the middle of hellishly busy week for him. He was rehearsing for a tribute performance to Deep Purple’sMade In Japan album at Saint Vitus Bar, in Brooklyn. We has also rehearsing for their first UK performance ever, at Bloodstock Open Air 2016. So when Mark squeezed us in for a chat, we were pleasantly supposed by his calm, humble demeanor. Mark talked a lot about the profound losses to the music world that led the band to create their new EP, Fallen Heroes (Nuclear Blast).
Once again Ghost Cult, along with the entire music industry it seems, invaded Anaheim, CA for The National Association of Music Merchants, a.k.a. THE NAMM Show at the Anaheim Convention center. Taking over the town and part of greater Los Angeles at Night, NAMM is becoming more and more of a yearly pilgrimage for brands, gear heads and artists. Autograph and selfie-seeking fans are also starting to dip in to part of the main weekend, with really only the first two days being “industry only types”. That dynamic is expected to change in 2017 when fans have free range for the entire event. In the mean time the name of the game is networking and wheeler dealer action between manufacturers, merchants and artist reps. The main action is at the booths where the big name gear companies show their new wares, and artists from the up and coming to the legendary vie for attention and props. All day long it’s a schmooze fest and a meeting of the minds in terms of gear mavens, and artists jamming. At night it is the special events such as this years’ NAMM Jam, Tribute to Randy Rhodes, and other events, many held for charity that pack the clubs at a more-exclusive-than-usual for L.A., clip. Whatever your motivation for attending, THE NAMM Show, and its summer-time counterpart can’t be beat for an awesome industry experience and eye-popping star power all in one place. Thanks to Melina Dellamarggio of Melina D Photography or covering it for us this years and bringing us there with her amazing photo set!
Jesse Hughes of Eagles of Death Metal at The NAMM Show, by Melina D Photography
Shawn Drover of Act of Defiance at The NAMM Show, by Melina D Photography
The NAMM Show, by Melina D Photography
Soultone Cymbals display at The NAMM Show, by Melina D Photography
Marshall Amps at The NAMM Show, by Melina D Photography
Billy Sheehan of The Winery Dogs, by Melina D Photography
Nick Menza (ex-Megadeth) at The NAMM Show, by Melina D Photography
Gear abounds at The NAMM Show, by Melina D Photography
John 5 at The NAMM Show, by Melina D Photography
Zakk Wylde of Black Label Society at The NAMM Show, by Melina D Photography
