Gears of Rock

Black Sabbath Announces Substitute Drummer

gearsofrock — Thu, 17 May 2012 22:47:04 +0000

Following original Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward’s statement of why he will not be performing with the band this summer, Black Sabbath have released a statement of their own. According to the band, they have picked up a substitute drummer for the summer gigs. Upcoming Sabbath shows include Birmingham on May 19, Download Festival on June 10, and Lollapalooza on August 3.

The man will be revealed soon by the band, but my guess is Tommy Clufetos, the drummer that singer Ozzy Osbourne stole from Rob Zombie for 2010′s Scream. I don’t think it will be: Mike Bordin since Faith No More are playing shows this summer, Joey Jordison because Slipknot is touring all summer, and Mike Portnoy will be doing the same with Adrenaline Mob.

Again, this is a huge disappointment and disgrace. How could the four original members of the greatest heavy metal band of all time not get it together? There is only one reason/reality show judge that I can think of that is responsible…

Van Halen Members “Hate Each Other” – Postpone Summer Tour

gearsofrock — Thu, 17 May 2012 22:29:06 +0000

Rolling Stone reports that Van Halen is halting their tour plans after June 26 (New Orleans). That means over 30 shows are postponed until further notice. The rock ‘n roll magazine’s website also reports that the band members “hate each other… the band is arguing like mad. They are fighting,” according to a source.

The band’s recent album A Different Kind of Truth is a great hard rock album, one of the year’s best, and the band has been killing it live (MSG show review). I guess it makes sense for Van Halen to do what they do best… and implode! Still sucks to hear.

Cattle Decapitation Lands on Billboard Charts After Week 1

gearsofrock — Thu, 17 May 2012 20:28:03 +0000

Cattle Decapitation’s new album Monolith of Inhumanity (Metal Blade Records) finds its way onto the Billboard charts after its first week. The album hit #32 on the Billboard Top Independent Album Chart, #23 on the Billboard Top Hard Music Albums chart, #6 on the Billboard New Artist Chart, and #177 Billboard Top Current Albums Chart. Congratulations to the band on its success. The band will be touring with Fear Factory and Voivod this summer on the Shockwave Festival Tour.

Review – John 5 “God Told Me To” [2012]

gearsofrock — Thu, 17 May 2012 18:01:19 +0000

John 5 is a brilliant rock guitarist who never ceases to amaze. His technical ingenuity, self-discipline, and general inventiveness are on full display in his latest guitar album God Told Me To.

John 5 delivers fervent aggression while shredding away on “Welcome To Violence,” “The Lust Killer,” and “The Hill of Seven Jackals.” On “Killafornia,” the Rob Zombie guitarist serves up explosive Satch-like melodies.

The best cover of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” of all time is the one on this very album. John 5′s guitars scream the verses in a blistering manner, far better than any rock singer could offer.

It is important to note that this is his first solo album with prominent acoustic guitars. The Zeppelin-esque “Ashland Bump” and “The Castle” are perfect compliments to the more vicious tracks.

“Noche Acosador,” “Creepy Crawler,” and “The Lie You Live” also employ acoustic guitars striking just the right balance between groove and elegance.

John 5 is a gifted audile that consistently conjures up intense images with his music. God Told Me To is his best all-around release to date thanks to its diversification and unbridled passion. For guitar fans, this album is a must own.

John 5 – God Told Me To on Amazon

John 5 plays guitar for Rob Zombie, who is currently on tour with Megadeth. Read our review of the Rob Zombie performance at PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ here from May 11.

Slash Tour Dates in Australia – 5 Shows in August

gearsofrock — Thu, 17 May 2012 17:09:15 +0000

Guitar god Slash will take his band to the mighty Australia in August 2012 to support his new album Apocalyptic Love. If you plan on seeing the legendary ax master on one of the five stops, we envy you. See the dates and venues below, from Brisbane to Perth:

8-23 – Brisbane, Australia – The Riverstage
8-25 – Sydney, Australia – Entertainment Centre
8-26 – Melbourne, Australia – Hisense Arena
8-28 – Adelaide, Australia – Thebarton Theatre
8-30 – Perth, Australia – Metro City

RIP Donna Summers – Rock Stars Salute

gearsofrock — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:42:16 +0000

Donna Summers died today at 63 years old after battling cancer (TMZ). Rock stars are already weighing in on her death and her importance to music.

Alex Skolnick (Testament) tweeted that her music “always had great feel, more so than typical ‘disco’ artists.” He also referenced the track “Burning Up With Fever” from Gene Simmons’ solo album, which featured Summers.

Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine) honored Summers’ music on Twitter too. “Thanks for the all time great disco jams,” tweeted the inventive guitarist.

Watch Tremonti’s Streaming Music Video “You Waste Your Time” Today

gearsofrock — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:56:25 +0000

Mark Tremonti’s solo project, Tremonti, will debut its new music video at 11 a.m. on NoiseCreep. The music video for “You Waste Your Time” comes from his upcoming hard rock album All I Was. Of what we heard of the new record thus far, nothing but positive vibes. Surprisingly really heavy and strong. Watch the streaming music video here.

Vision of Disorder “The Cursed Remain Cursed” Releases Later This Year – Sounds Like Vintage VOD

gearsofrock — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:43:04 +0000

Vision of Disorder will release The Cursed Remain Cursed via Candlelight Records this year. The official release date has yet to be set. Fans should expect to hear vintage VOD on the new album. With a track listing that includes songs like “Set to Fail, “Blood Red Sub,” “Hard Times,” and “Loveless,” we should expect another brutal record from the Long Island metallers.

KISS and Motley Crue to Play Louisville, Kentucky August 1 – Tickets on Sale Friday

gearsofrock — Wed, 16 May 2012 22:22:36 +0000

Motley Crue and KISS announced that their highly anticipated summer tour will make a stop in Louisville, Kentucky on August 1 at the KFC Yum! Center. VIP tickets go on sale May 16…May 18 for everyone else.

Free VIP Tickets To Midwest Rock ‘N Roll Express Tour in Atlantic City – Styx, REO Speedwagon, Ted Nugent

gearsofrock — Wed, 16 May 2012 22:18:49 +0000

Do you want FREE VIP tickets to the STYX/REO Speedwagon/Ted Nugent Midwest Rock N Roll Express Tour? The Gears of Rock is happy to announce this great opportunity to win a trip to Atlantic City to see the bands perform on July 1 at the Borgata Resort Spa and Casino. In addition to tickets, you get an autographed guitar and a photo op with the bands. Here is how you enter!