B-Sides/Collaborations: Queens Of The Stone Age- Era Vulgaris feat: Trent Reznor

Back in 2007, Queens Of The Stone Age released their album, Era Vulgaris. An album in their catalog that I find to be very underrated and often over looked. This album featured some of the band’s best material since Songs For The Deaf. Another thing I’ve always dug about this particular album is the production. There’s a really dirty, distorted vibe that is crisp and clear but feels hard and heavy. Through and through this is a rock record. Live when these songs are played they are grittier than the album and makes it even better. There is a song that was recorded for the album but, would eventually become a b-side called “Era Vulgaris” sometimes more known as “You Know What You Did.” This track was released originally part of a fan site contest for fans to win a “special package” from the band. Selected winners received a CD entitled You Know What You Did with the sole track “Era Vulgaris”, which singer/guitarist Josh Homme confirmed would not be appearing on the record despite being the title track, though it was included as a bonus track on the UK edition. This song features guest vocals from the one and only Trent Reznor. It’s one of those songs that when you hear you wonder why it was left off the original track listing. It’s that good. If you’ve never heard this track you are in for a treat!

Queens Of The Stone Age- “Era Vulgaris (aka You Know What You Did):”

Collaborations: Exodus with Robb Flynn- A Lesson In Violence

A little over a week ago legendary metal band Exodus played a show in the San Francisco Bay Area outside of the Metro Operahouse. Exodus recently released their superb new album, Persona Non Grata. If you are into thrash metal, I recommend you checking this record out! At this show though, Robb Flynn from Machine Head came out to join the band to do guest vocals for one of his all time favorite Exodus songs. I have to say this version is badass. It would be pretty awesome to hear a studio version with Robb on this track some point in the future. Also what would be awesome is if Machine Head and Exodus did a tour together in 2023. Just throwing that out there!!!

Exodus with Robb Flynn from Machine Head- A Lesson In Violence:

Guest Vocalist: Chelsea Wolfe

Over the last couple years, Chelsea Wolfe has become one of my favorite vocalists. Her voice is so delicate yet hauntingly beautiful. Not to mention her songs and albums are tremendous. I also remember her from way back when she was the singer of Red Host! Now though, Chelsea has truly carved out her own niche and a force to be reckoned with. Knowing that, check out these songs she has guested on over the years.

Russian Circles- Memorial (from Memorial):

Deafheaven- Night People (from Ordinary Corrupt Human Love):

Myrkur- Funeral (from Mareridt):

Tyler Bates with Chelsea Wolfe & Ben Chisholm- Diana (From Dark Nights Soundtrack):

Bonus!!!!

Red Host (with Jess Gowrie on Drums)- Hole In The Head:

Collaborations: Thrice & Emma Ruth Rundle- Just Breathe

On Thrice’s 2018 album Palms, there is a song called “Just Breathe” that is an absolute stand out. The first time I heard the song, I was hooked. It’s a very Thrice song and then with the addition of guest vocals by Emma Ruth Rundle, it takes it to a whole other level. Her delicate vocals add a very soothing vibe and gives you the good kind of chills. One day, when live music is able to happen again, it would be a dream to get to see Emma join Thrice on stage to perform this song. It would be EPIC!!

Thrice Featuring Emma Ruth Rundle- Just Breathe:

Guest Musician: Page Hamilton of Helmet

Page Hamilton of Helmet has one of the most distinct guitar sounds in the last 30 years. His style and tone has often been tried to be duplicated and has influenced and inspired countless bands and players. His work in Helmet is truly exceptional along with his other work with Glenn Branca, Band of Susans and his experimental jazz work. His style is so unique that when he’s guested on other band’s albums, there is no denying it’s Page. Here’s a few of the songs he has guested on over the years.

Nine Inch Nails- No, You Don’t (from The Fragile):

Therapy?- Unbeliever (from Troublegum):

Wire- All Fours (from Object 47):

Norma Jean- Opposite of Left and Wrong (from The Anti-Mother):

P.O.D- God Forbid (fro When Angels and Serpents Dance):

Linkin Park- All For Nothing (from The Hunting Party):

Guest Musician: Matt Heafy of Trivium

Matt Heafy of Trivium is quite a prolific guitarist and vocalist. Through the years, when you listen back to Trivium’s early years till now, you can really tell how far he’s come and how his style has developed, especially vocally. I’m always curious to see what other bands people have guested on over the years and Matt has lent his talents a few times over time and here they are.

 

Ice Nine Kills- Stabbing In The Dark (Acoustic Version):

 

Ihsahn- Mass Darkness:

 

 
Metal Allegiance- Destination Nowhere:

 

 

Roadrunner United- The End:

 

On the Dragonforce album, Maximum Overload, Matt provided guest vocals on the songs “The Game”, “Defenders” and “No More”.

Guest Vocalist: Thom Yorke

Ever since I first heard Radiohead back when Pablo Honey came out, I’ve been rather intrigued by Thom Yorke. He’s one of the most unique and talented singers I’ve ever heard. When you hear him sing, you know it’s him right off the bat. From all the Radiohead albums to his solo work, you know that when you listen you are going to get something interesting and intriguing. So with all that in mind, here’s a few songs Thom has guested on over the years.

Drugstore- El President (from White Magic for Lovers):

 

 

Unkle- Rabbit In Your Headlights (from Psyence Fiction):

 

Bjork- I’ve Seen It All (from Dancer In The Dark soundtrack):

 

Bjork- Nattura:

 

PJ Harvey- This Mess We’re In (from Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea):

 

 

PJ Harvey- One Line (from Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea):

 

 

PJ Harvey- Beautiful Feeling (from Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea):

 

 

Portishead- The Rip LIVE (from Lattitude Festival 2015):

 

Guest Vocalist: Liam Gallagher

For over 25 years, Liam Gallagher has been one of the best voices in rock music. I’d also say he’s one of the best singers in that time as well. His style of singing is uniquely him while taking cues from the likes of John Lennon and John Lydon (aka Johnny Rotten). Over the years, Liam hasn’t lent his vocals to many other bands but, on the ones he has, he’s given those songs a different feel. Here are the songs Liam has guested on over the years.

 

The Prodigy- Shoot Down (from Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned):

 

The Verve- Come On (from Urban Hymns):

 

Echo & The Bunnymen- Nothing Lasts Forvever (from Evergreen):

 

Death In Vegas- Scorpio Rising (from Satan’s Circus Vol. 2):

 

Guest Vocalist: Ozzy Osbourne

The other day Ozzy celebrated his 70th birthday. Funny enough, while I was on my way home that day, I had my iPod on random and the Rob Zombie song “Iron Head” came on and there was Ozzy singing on it. I had totally forgotten about Ozzy guesting on that song, so of course when I got home I looked up all the songs he’s guested on over the years. So, here’s a bunch of those songs.

 

Rob Zombie- Iron Head (from The Sinister Urge):

 

 
Black Label Society- Stillborn (from The Blessed Hellride):

 

 

 

Coal Chamber- Shock The Monkey (from Chamber Music):

 

 
Slash- Crucify The Dead (from Slash):

 

 

Tony Iommi- Who’s Fooling Who (from Iommi):

 

 
Alice Cooper- Wake The Dead (from Along Came A Spider):

 

 
Ringo Starr- Vertical Man (from Vertical Man):

 

 
Busta Rhymes- This Means War (from E.L.E.- The Final World Front):

 

Guest Vocalist: Jamey Jasta of Hatebreed

Jamey Jasta is one of the hardest working guys in all of music. From his bands, Hatebreed, Kingdom of Sorrow and his own solo project Jasta, to his running of Stillborn Records, and his well known podcast The Jasta Show, there is no shortage of all things Jasta related out there. In between all the above, Jamey has lent his vocals to quite a few band’s songs over the years. Here are a few of my favorites he has guested on.