Band Of The Week: Killer Hill

Ever since I heard Cream when I was a little kid, the three-piece band has always intrigued me. To be able to get all that intensity and volume with just a trio is something spectacular. There is a new three piece band on my radar and I’m really digging what they are up to. Allow me to introduce you to Killer Hill, a new trio featuring two members of Helmet – guitarist/vocalist Dan Beeman and bassist Dave Case – along with drummer Pete Beeman whose resumé includes Amphetamine Reptile greats Guzzard. These guys pack one hell of a punch. Taking their cues from bands like Mastodon, Red Fang and Helmet, it’s no wonder that Killer Hill’s new EP, Frozen Head rocks. The six songs on the EP are brute alt rock force. The riffs are chunky and groovy while the rhythm section grinds and pummels. The first song released “Bent” is a groovy/thrashy fun time that live will be a beast. Killer Hill is a pretty rad band and I’m very intrigued to hear what else they do!

Killer Hill:

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):

Album Rank: Helmet

The other day, I wound up with the Helmet song “In The Meantime” stuck in my head. As always when that happens, I am compelled to go listen to the album. While doing that, I realized it’s been a minute since I listened to Helmet. Their early albums are exquisite and highly influential. Their more recent albums, have some really cool songs on them, and do hark back to their early days at times. So, with that in mind, here’s a ranking of their albums from not their best to the best.

8) Seeing Eye Dog:

7) Dead To The World:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qIoIgN7UOc&list=OLAK5uy_nvwIW222A6Aw_ALXK8Mr_2di3VGsJzVz0

6) Size Matters:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uh_ga6mEO4w&list=OLAK5uy_kmU96gUGDKzZEzU_MZkBckbEmJGID2eyY

5) Monochrome:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0e2q0pNAbo&list=OLAK5uy_kPtJucBh7Dy3fd4y4dMpbSg5yVNyE9S4A

4) Aftertaste:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtYea59Juro&list=OLAK5uy_mxV9RC30gu6OPzQx2tW0gAiJDdA-miEwg

3) Strap It On:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2K7Tmc7wnw8&list=OLAK5uy_lIJ1sNx4JTzp3SSGcPJ3U4djFXXFP6d-Q

2) Betty:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3a8Ow-DoAw&list=OLAK5uy_nqDP4Skga8SWAW2_twGp4eP0XxT8WmGXI

1) Meantime:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9346rQ1d8ik&list=OLAK5uy_k7kO962xkSQ5o-lRopWDDFLHo493kSNdo

Classic Soundtracks: Judgement Night

Back in 1993 there was a movie that came out that was pretty mediocre but the soundtrack was an absolute beast. I’m talking about Judgement Night. The movie had Emilio Estevez, Cuba Gooding Jr, Jeremy Piven, Stephen Dorff and the great Denis Leary. The movie is less than memorable, though Denis Leary plays one hell of a bad guy. The soundtrack though became a cult classic and really was instrumental in bringing hip-hop and rock/metal together. Collaborations like Helmet and House of Pain, Biohazard and Onyx, Living Colour and Run DMC, Slayer and Ice-T really stood out as the go to tracks. Then there were others that were quite interesting like Pearl Jam and Cypress Hill, Sonic Youth and Cypress Hill, Dinosaur Jr and Del The Funky Homosapien. All in all this soundtrack was badass. There was even a collaboration between Tool and Rage Against The Machine but, neither band was happy with the end result so it didn’t make the album.

 

Judgement Night Soundtrack:

 

 

Tool and Rage Against The Machine- Can’t Kill The Revolution:

Audioeclectica Radio Episode 2

Audioeclectica Radio Episode 2 is here and what an “eclectic” show it is. I’ve got some really great bands and songs to play for you all. Be prepared to experience something intriguing,

Remember this show is totally interactive. I’m interested to know what bands/songs you dig and don’t. I’m also taking requests be it bands/songs you want to hear, topics you’d like me to discuss, and anything else you might find interesting.

All this is done because I love music and love being able to tell others about great music that is out there.

Tell your friends about Audioeclectica and the show! Share it with everyone!

Enjoy the show!

-Brian

Audioeclectica Radio Episode 2:

Top Ten Bands: H

Making these lists of the greatest bands/artists by letter is quite fun and a bit challenging at times. There are certain letters that make you really think does this band or artist really belong in a top ten all time list. H is the letter upon us now. Below are my picks for the top (in no particular order). Add to it and help me finish the list!!

 

1) Hum
2) Helmet
3) Jimi Hendrix
4) How To Destroy Angels
5) Husker Du
6) PJ Harvey
7) High On Fire
8) Don Henley
9) George Harrison
10)

Cover Thursday: Deftones (Helmet)- Sinatra

In 1990, Helmet came on to the scene with their debut album Strap It On. It was hailed by critics at the time as innovative for its explosive, propulsive, riff style. The song “Sinatra” was talked about as moody and atmospheric. With a description like that it’s no wonder that the Deftones would go on to cover this song.

 

By: Brian Lacy

Classic Soundtracks: The Crow

1994 was quite a year not just for music, but also for movies. Brandon Lee’s final film The Crow was released and accompanying the film, was a tremendous soundtrack, featuring bands like Nine Inch Nails, The Cure, Stone Temple Pilots, Pantera, Rage Against The Machine and Helmet. One of the intriguing things about the album was the songs from Nine Inch Nails, Pantera, and Rollins Band were all covers. Nine Inch Nails did Joy Division’s “Dead Souls,” Pantera did Poison Idea’s “The Badge,” and Rollins Band did Suicide’s “Ghost Rider.” Also notable was the inclusion of Rage Against The Machine’s Darkness, which was actually a re-recorded b-side from their debut album. Stone Temple Pilots song “Big Empty” first appeared on the soundtrack and then was later added to their masterpiece Purple. The Cure’s song “Burn” is a wonderful song too, that radiates how great The Cure are.

The Crow is my all time favorite movie. I’ve seen it well over 100 times. There is something so perfectly dark about it and the music that is a part of it blends so well.

 

 

By: Brian Lacy