For those of you who haven't followed the history of THE ASYLUM you might not know that Official FN Radio was a big part in the early days of the show. They helped with technical things I needed while I was still cutting my teeth in radio. So we've become radio family over the years as opposed to competing against each other.
So with that I am happy that announce that as of Wednesday, January 8th 2014 you can tune in every Wednesday from 1pm - 4pm EST to catch THE ASYLUM midday for those who aren't night owls.
A big thank you to OFNR for having THE ASYLUM as part of their programming.
Monday, December 30, 2013
Friday, December 27, 2013
THE ASYLUM 2013 Year In Review Special Playlist
Here's this weeks playlist (click here for podcast):
- I'm The Best by Lordi
- Soldierhead by Newsted
- Dead City And The New Gods Of Supertown by Rob Zombie
- Going To Mexico by Motorhead
- Zeitgeist by Black Sabbath
- The Sound by Tracii Guns' League Of Gentlemen
- Whatever It Takes by New Day Dawn
- Superhero by Summers
- Dare by Queensryche
- Spore by Queensryche (Todd La Torre)
- Meltdown by Love And Death
- Love & Meth by Korn
- Desire by The Winery Dogs
- I Sat By The Ocean by Queens Of The Stone Age
- The Bigger Picture by Dream Theater
- Believe In Nothing by Atom Strange
- Blowtorch Nightlight by Otep
- Bleed the World by Gunfire-N-Sodomy
- Broken Mind by Stagger
- In Due Time by Killswitch Engage
- White Cadillac by She Said Fire
- What I Never Learned In Study Hall by Ice Nine Kills featuring Tyler Carter
- Light the Match & Run by A Need For Reason
- Carny Love by Generation Kill
- Show No Mercy by Black Water Rising
- Crown Of Thorns by Kill Devil Hill
- Dance In The Rain by Megadeth
- T.N.T. by Anthrax
Saturday, December 21, 2013
KISS Gets In To The Hall of Fame...FINALLY
So this past week the news that many KISS fans, including myself, have been waiting for...FIFTEEN YEARS LATE! After being ignored by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and being passed over for ABBA a few years ago it's finally time to get the real rock back into the Hall of Fame as KISS is getting inducted in its 2014 class. And, to quote a KISS song, all hell's breaking loose with everyone's thoughts on the matter. So it wouldn't be right if I didn't add my thoughts on it since I've been a proud KISS fan since I first watched them perform on TV from under the Brooklyn Bridge to close the 1996 MTV Music Video Awards.
Now I'll save the whole topic of the other inductees and how they are questionable for another time. I, like Eddie Trunk and several other KISS fans, have said for years that why KISS wasn't inducted the first year they were eligible is absolutely absurd. In 1999 they became eligie and was perfect as they were riding the success of the 1998 studio album Psycho Circus (that tour in 98 was the first time I saw KISS live). The ORIGINAL members were getting along and the time was right. But of course that's only in the mind of KISS fans. And now here we are 15 years later after the line changed yet again and years on bad PR between original members. But the truth is it's better late than never.
As a KISS fan I'm beyond thrilled to see that they're finally being recognized despite my overall thoughts of the Hall if Fame. For years I've defended their music by friends who say I'm nuts for liking their music. But KISS also took the stage show to a level no one thought of and lead to so many of the bands we have come to know and love over the years to be concerned with a stage show instead of just standing their playing music. So the fact that the Hall is finally recognizing them shows that KISS isn't a gimmick band but the rock band that many of us know them to be and that almost 40 years of album sales proves on top of that.
Now at the time I write this all the original members are on board and willing to play together again on stage. There's still plenty of time for things to change between now and April 2014 but I'm confident that we'll see the original four members on stage together at the Barclays Center to perform as they're finally inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Congratulations KISS, your FINALLY Hall of Famers.
Must Have Albums From 2013
So it's the time of year where every personality and website starts doing their recap of the year. Everyone does a Top whatever of the year but the problem is limiting yourself to that often leaves albums out cause those top lists are based on sales, listens, or social media mentions. I've decided that instead of a top whatever list I'm going to give you a list of albums I feel you must have in your collection from this year.
Black Sabbath - 13
Let's get the obvious one out of the way first. Black Sabbath's first studio album in more years than most of us can remember with Ozzy Osbourne fronting the band again should not be missed. It was number 1 in several countries despite the controversy that kept Bill Ward off the album and it not being a full reunion album. But even though it's not a full reunion it's still the Sabbath sound that many of us have come to know.
Gunfire-N-Sodomy - Gunfire-N-Sodomy EP
How many times have we heard bands and said "I wish I could've been there from the beginning". Well this is one of those rare times in history where you can do just that because Gunfire-N-Sodomy is a new sound that you want to check out. The idea of acoustic death metal might sound crazy or impossible in writing but when you listen to this debut EP you find that it is very possible and sounds better than you could've imagined.
Rob Zombie - Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor
Being a long time fan of Rob Zombie this was a breath of fresh air and a return to his early solo albums. I might go so far as to consider this a comeback album because it has the same fun and wild vibe that first drew me to his music. His previous albums, Hellbilly Deluxe 2 and Educated Horses, had their highlights but as a complete album Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor is the vibe missing on those previous albums. You'll definitely find yourself singing along with some of this album just make sure you're not in public when singing along with Teenage Nosferatu Pussy.
Newsted - Heavy Metal Music
The first full length album from Jason Newsted's latest band is definitely what it's called. Anyone who doubted him will feel stupid for doing so after hearing this album. A pure metal album from beginning to end. No overly produced tracks, no bass missing, just pure metal music that's raw and heavy.
Generation Kill - We're All Gonna Die
The sophomore album from Generation Kill does everything but die. Many bands struggle with their second album but not the case from Rob Dukes and the guys of Generation Kill. They pick up right where they left off on their debut but take it to the next level. Everything from full on thrash to just pure raw metal can be found on this album. It took longer than planned for this album to get released this year but it was worth the wait.
Decypher - Decypher EP
For those of you who remember the mid to late 90s when rock and metal were still part of regular everyday radio then this Staten Island band is one to be aware of. While this is only a taste of a full length album to come its a solid introduction to a band that knows exactly what rock is about. If Alice In Chains was your band in the 90s then Decypher is a band to have on your radar.
Black Water Rising - Pissed And Driven
The long awaited second album from Black Water Rising was another album that was worth the wait. Pure energy emits from this album and just says metal all over it. This album is loaded with great riffs and melodies throughout. This album was released near summers end but this album is an album that you can and should turn on and crank during your barbecues next summer or any long drive.
Charetta - Apocalypse EP
Another great local band to have on your radar and their latest album should make some people really sit up and take notice. Charetta manages to put the energy they bring to the stage right into this album. This could definitely be considered the musical equivalent to 5-hour energy.
Lita Ford - The Bitch Is Back...Live
Usually I wouldn't put a live album on my must haves list because those albums can be hit or miss. But that isn't the case here. This is a simple, fun, and are live album. They didn't spend big bucks wiring up every angle of the venue with microphones and fine tuning it after with ProTools. This is a live album that sounds as a live album should. You feel like you are there and you feel how intimate the show was. It's what all live albums today should be like.
Love and Death - Between Here & Lost
This album and band literally slipped under everyone's radar including mine. Formed Brian "Head" Welch in 2012 they released this debut album in the beginning of the year to very little fanfare. After seeing them open for Korn I immediately ordered the album because I was very impressed by what I heard live. This band is heavy, has that nu-metal vibe, and harmonies that you probably wouldn't expect from that genre of music.
The Winery Dogs - The Winery Dogs
Without a doubt this has to be the breakout album of the year. When Mike Portnoy took his leave from Adrenaline Mob to concentrate on The Winery Dogs a few people wondered if it was the right move. But after this albums release and we all heard how well he, Billy Sheehan, and Richie Kotzen it was obvious that this new band was something to take notice of. An album that mixes up so many aspects of hard rock that I don't know anyone who doesn't like this album. It's got both a new school and old school sound that is great for all rockers.
Well there you go gang. Those are the albums that came out this year that I think belong in your library of rock and metal. Check them out and let's see what kind of tunes we get in 2014.
Black Sabbath - 13
Let's get the obvious one out of the way first. Black Sabbath's first studio album in more years than most of us can remember with Ozzy Osbourne fronting the band again should not be missed. It was number 1 in several countries despite the controversy that kept Bill Ward off the album and it not being a full reunion album. But even though it's not a full reunion it's still the Sabbath sound that many of us have come to know.
Gunfire-N-Sodomy - Gunfire-N-Sodomy EP
How many times have we heard bands and said "I wish I could've been there from the beginning". Well this is one of those rare times in history where you can do just that because Gunfire-N-Sodomy is a new sound that you want to check out. The idea of acoustic death metal might sound crazy or impossible in writing but when you listen to this debut EP you find that it is very possible and sounds better than you could've imagined.
Rob Zombie - Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor
Being a long time fan of Rob Zombie this was a breath of fresh air and a return to his early solo albums. I might go so far as to consider this a comeback album because it has the same fun and wild vibe that first drew me to his music. His previous albums, Hellbilly Deluxe 2 and Educated Horses, had their highlights but as a complete album Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor is the vibe missing on those previous albums. You'll definitely find yourself singing along with some of this album just make sure you're not in public when singing along with Teenage Nosferatu Pussy.
Newsted - Heavy Metal Music
The first full length album from Jason Newsted's latest band is definitely what it's called. Anyone who doubted him will feel stupid for doing so after hearing this album. A pure metal album from beginning to end. No overly produced tracks, no bass missing, just pure metal music that's raw and heavy.
Generation Kill - We're All Gonna Die
The sophomore album from Generation Kill does everything but die. Many bands struggle with their second album but not the case from Rob Dukes and the guys of Generation Kill. They pick up right where they left off on their debut but take it to the next level. Everything from full on thrash to just pure raw metal can be found on this album. It took longer than planned for this album to get released this year but it was worth the wait.
Decypher - Decypher EP
For those of you who remember the mid to late 90s when rock and metal were still part of regular everyday radio then this Staten Island band is one to be aware of. While this is only a taste of a full length album to come its a solid introduction to a band that knows exactly what rock is about. If Alice In Chains was your band in the 90s then Decypher is a band to have on your radar.
Black Water Rising - Pissed And Driven
The long awaited second album from Black Water Rising was another album that was worth the wait. Pure energy emits from this album and just says metal all over it. This album is loaded with great riffs and melodies throughout. This album was released near summers end but this album is an album that you can and should turn on and crank during your barbecues next summer or any long drive.
Charetta - Apocalypse EP
Another great local band to have on your radar and their latest album should make some people really sit up and take notice. Charetta manages to put the energy they bring to the stage right into this album. This could definitely be considered the musical equivalent to 5-hour energy.
Lita Ford - The Bitch Is Back...Live
Usually I wouldn't put a live album on my must haves list because those albums can be hit or miss. But that isn't the case here. This is a simple, fun, and are live album. They didn't spend big bucks wiring up every angle of the venue with microphones and fine tuning it after with ProTools. This is a live album that sounds as a live album should. You feel like you are there and you feel how intimate the show was. It's what all live albums today should be like.
Love and Death - Between Here & Lost
This album and band literally slipped under everyone's radar including mine. Formed Brian "Head" Welch in 2012 they released this debut album in the beginning of the year to very little fanfare. After seeing them open for Korn I immediately ordered the album because I was very impressed by what I heard live. This band is heavy, has that nu-metal vibe, and harmonies that you probably wouldn't expect from that genre of music.
The Winery Dogs - The Winery Dogs
Without a doubt this has to be the breakout album of the year. When Mike Portnoy took his leave from Adrenaline Mob to concentrate on The Winery Dogs a few people wondered if it was the right move. But after this albums release and we all heard how well he, Billy Sheehan, and Richie Kotzen it was obvious that this new band was something to take notice of. An album that mixes up so many aspects of hard rock that I don't know anyone who doesn't like this album. It's got both a new school and old school sound that is great for all rockers.
Well there you go gang. Those are the albums that came out this year that I think belong in your library of rock and metal. Check them out and let's see what kind of tunes we get in 2014.
Friday, December 20, 2013
THE ASYLUM Before Christmas 2013 Playlist
- Making Christmas by Rise Against
- Christmas Is Here by Buckcherry
- Santa Claus Is Coming To Town by Dokken
- Santa's Back In Town by Roxx Gang
- How Do You Spell Chunnukkahh? by The LeeVees
- Hanukkah Gone Metal by Gods of Fire
- The Chanukah Song by Adam Sandler
- The Lonely Jew On Christmas by South Park
- Christmas All over the World by Mindy Callahan
- Christmastime Is Here by Vince Guaraldi Trio
- Happy Xmas (War Is Over) by John Lennon, The Harlem Community Choir, Yoko Ono & The Plastic Ono Band
- Wonderful Christmastime by Paul McCartney
- All I Really Want for Christmas by Family Guy Cast
- The Halle-Looney Chorus by Bugs Bunny & Friends
- Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer by Elmo & Patsy
- Swiss Colony Beef Log by South Park
- Rock This Christmas Down by Cherie Curie & Lita Ford
- Frosty the Snowman by Bumblefoot, Chris Chaney, Kenny Aronoff & Steve "Lips" Kudlow
- The Christmas Song by Steve Lukather
- The Lost Christmas Eve by Trans-Siberian Orchestra
- I Want You for Christmas by Cheap Trick
- Oh Come All Ye Faithful by Twisted Sister
- Yellin' At The Xmas Tree by Billy Idol
- I Wish Everyday Could Be Like Christmas by Bon Jovi
- Merry Christmas Asshole by American Dog
- X-M@$ by Corey Taylor
- Kidnap The Sandy Claws by Korn
- Naughty Naughty Christmas by Danger Danger
- Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy 2010 by Jack Black & Jason Segel
- Alfie, The Christmas Tree/Carol For A Christmas Tree/It's In Everyone Of Us by John Denver & The Muppets
Friday, December 13, 2013
THE ASYLUM Playlist for 12-12-13
Here's this weeks playlist (click here for podcast):
- Live In A Hole by Pantera
- Cowboys Do More Dope by Rebel Meets Rebel
- All Night Long by Buckcherry
- Running Off The Edge by Machine Elves
- Psychosane by Adrenaline Mob
- Shoot 'em Down by Twisted Sister
- Digital Monster by Mother
- Snakes by Mongrel
- God Is Dead? by Black Sabbath
- Burning Breath by Borgo Pass
- Blood Happens by Fozzy
- Vegas by Generation Kill
- Rime Of The Ancient Mariner by Iron Maiden
- United by Judas Priest
- I'm Not Your Bitch by Charetta
- Heaven's A Lie by Lacuna Coil
- Stolen by When Winter Fell
- Only by Nine Inch Nails
- Rock & Roll Revolution by Deadnation
- Still of the Night by Static-X
- Subtle Death of Kings by A Need For Reason
- Dull Boy by Mudvayne
- My Way Home by Close Your Eyes
- This Means War by Avenged Sevenfold
- Outlaw Torn [Live] by Metallica
Monday, December 9, 2013
A Pure Dose Of Metal From Generation Kill
The long awaited sophomore album from Generation Kill entitled "We're All Gonna Die" has arrived with a bang. I got a little taste of ot earlier this year but that taste was nothing compared to the intensity this album brings.
Everyone knows an album by its opening riffs and often the first few seconds of an album sets the standard for the rest of the album. Ten seconds into the album on the opening track "Born To Serve" you get hit by Rob Dukes with the best opening line to a song and album I've ever heard of "you're a fucking slave" followed by a riff that you'll never forget. Not the mention a guitar solo IN THE OPENING track. Both Jason Velez and Jason Trenzcer make their presence know right out of the gate. In a time where guitar solos are becoming a rare item on albums having Generation Kill put one in on the first track just reminds you that these guys are serious about keeping metal alive.
The album continues to barrel through everything you've come to know of metal over the years varying tempos and tone throughout the album. I wonder how Rob Moschietti (bass) and Jim DeMaria (drums) didn't get dizzy during the recording process with the constant rhythm changes.
My personal favorite on the album is "Carny Love", it has so many amazing elements of blues and metal in it that you find yourself deciding whether to sway with it or headbang it could easily be the opening song to their live show for many years, it has the same vibe to me that "Psycho Circus" did for KISS and they opened their shows for years with that one.
Those that listen to my show know that I'm lucky enough to be friends with the guys of Generation Kill and might think that this is a biased review. I promise you it isn't. If this album wasn't worth it I'd say so and I'd be busting the guys balls for not delivering. But that is MOT the case. "We're All Gonna Die" is a pure metal album and Generation Kill found a way to include many aspects of metal we've come to know in an 8 song album that kicks ass and belongs in your collection.
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