Livestream Event celebrates 80s Photographer Mark "Weissguy" Weiss

These days livestreaming seems to be one of the few possibilities to stay in touch with fans, supporters and to spread the word that music is still alive and kicking.

David Ellefson and Thom Hazaert, with legendary music photographer Mark “Weissguy” Weiss will go online on Saturday, May 30 6PM CST/ 7PM EST to celebrate "THE DECADE THAT ROCKED".

Artwork: Melody Myers

Everything in this issue of the "Oh say you can stream" series is focussed on the work of photographer Mark "Weissguy" Weiss and his upcoming book, THE DECADE THAT ROCKED: THE PHOTOGRAPHY OF MARK “WEISSGUY” WEISS, which will be available June 2nd from Insight Editions.

The book features almost 400 pages of Weiss’ iconic images, with over 700 photographs of legendary artists including Motley Crue, Guns N’ Roses, Ozzy Osbourne, Metallica, Megadeth, Twisted Sister, Joan Jett, Van Halen, Aerosmith, KISS, Judas Priest, Led Zeppelin, and many more.

The livestream event will feature a massive guest list that contributes:

Zakk Wylde
Scott Ian (Anthrax)
Charlie Benante (Anthrax)
Don Dokken (Dokken)
Tamie Downe (Faster Pussycat)
Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot, Whitesnake, Ozzy)
Stephen Pearcy (Ratt)
JJ French (Twisted Sister)
Jack Russell (Great White)
Jacob Bunton (Mick Mars, Adler)
Mark Slaughter
Roxy Petrucci (Vixen/Madam X)
Maxine Petrucci (Madam X)
PJ Farley (Trixter)
Dave Alvin (White Trash)
Jason McMaster (Dangerous Toys, Broken Teeth, Evil United)
Carmine Appice (Ozzy, Blue Murder, Vanilla Fudge)
Marc Storace (Krokus)
Bruce Kulick (KISS)
John Gallagher (Raven)
Dean Davidson (Britny Fox, Blackeyed Susan)
Bob Chiappardi (Concrete Marketing)
Andre Comeau (The Real World NYC)
Fred Coury (Cinderella)
Steve Lacy (FOX 5 NYC)
Steve Whiteman (KIX)
Chip Z’Nuff (Enuff Z’Nuff)
THOR
And more TBA!

The David Ellefson Youth Music Foundation (DEYMF) has also set up an eBay auction in connection with the event, with auctions running all week including signed Mark Weiss prints, a collection of Ellefson’s stage-used clothing and gear, and other donated items. You can find the listings at: https://www.ebay.com/usr/ellefsonyouthmusicfoundation

You can stream the event at:

twitch.tv/grammymusiced 
facebook.com/davidellefson 
youtube.com/davidellefson 
facebook.com/grammymusiced 
facebook.com/thedeymf

Let's speak with...Molitoth (Dark Ambient Rock, 2020)

Kyle Brandt is known as the vocalst of the ambient rock band A Light Within. Some time has passed since the last release "Epilogue". Vocalist need to use the organ continually to keep it in motion and the muscle strong

So what did Kyle do? He recorded some new tunes for his own project "Molitoth". The first album "The Tribunal" is going to be released on June 26th 2020.

We had the chance to speak with him in advance about a couple of thoughts that rushed through my head when I read the first hints of the album without having heard a single note. Here's the first single that came out after this interview was already done. It has a cleaning and healing effect on me. Let your soul breathe and close your eyes while listening.

The album concept let's the listener embark in an emotional chronological timeline of regrettable actions and consequence, resulting in five stages of grief.

Furthermore it's meant to explore condensed meditation techniques to help balance the anxieties  that stem from feelings of accusation, entrapment, and confinement.

Heavy Metal Underdogs: Do you practice meditation yourselves or where did you get the inspiration for the topic from?

Kyle Brandt: Yes! I discovered it a few years ago as I was looking for methods to help breath more efficiently from my diaphragm (to help me become a better singer). I came across some breathing meditations which really helped me out, and of course I went down the rabbit hole into deeper meditations and hypnosis.

Many musicians say that they never took any lessons to train their skills. Do you think it's possible to go over a certain limit without that?

“Lessons” can come in many forms in my opinion. I think a lesson could just be watching and learning from someone regardless if it's formal instruction or not. I pretend like any Live musical event I attend is some type of “lesson” for me, as I am watching and learning what TO do (or what NOT to do).
I'm unsure if I believe in “natural” or “God-Given” talent, or if talent is just a product of hard work, passion, and environment. I think that if given the chance, anyone who has an interest in something should be open to learning from someone else, as we all go through different experiences.

Kyle Brandt speaks about the dark concept behind "The Tribunal" LP:

The description of the upcoming Molitoth record centers on emotions like regret and grief. Do you think everybody has made decisions in his life that have led them to those feelings? Is it impossible to live without that?

I would hope everyone has made decisions leading to these natural feelings... if not we may have a perfect human being in existence. Or not even human at all! Aliens!?!? haha

Could the lyrics of "The Tribunal" also be seen as a retrospective on psychological therapy sessions?
Visit any favorite band media page and you will see fans talking about how their music “Changed their life” or “helped them from a dark road”, etc.

I've had influential bands really make me feel therapeutic just based on the deep relations to the lyrical content.

So I typically try and write based on ideas that a broad audience can relate to, with a goal to write metaphorical enough that the audience can adapt in their own way.

The logo of the "Molitoth" project.

Do you think the text can help people in similar situations to get a fresh look upon their own situation?

I can only hope, and if not... I wish they find something else they enjoy within “The Tribunal”. Whether that be the overall sound, vocal melodies, production value, or the guests musical additions that are featured on the album.

Thank you for your time and ears!!

Molitoth

Make sure to follow the project through these social pages:

facebook.com/molitoth.audio

instagram.com/molitoth

twitter.com/molitoth

bandcamp.com/molitoth

soundcloud.com/molitoth

twitch.com/molitoth

September Insomnia give a outside look on you

Few tracks make itself stand out with the sound, they bring along to the table. It's like this for me with the new single September Insomnia passed along to me.

A outside look upon you - The cover by Melody Myers feels like the music - unique.

It's the brokenness of the vocals all along with the roughness of the guitars slightly mixed into the background that made my ears open up. The music spits it so much out what the track is all about that it's hard to get out of the mind once it's in your head. Finally the drums sound in contrast noble and compact so this makes it a even more tasting appetizer to me.

Says singer Corey Johnson, “…Song of You is about a few different things… it’s the story of looking in from the outside, of life destroying everything through selfishness and jealousy, and then an epiphany of self-realization…”

A full length record is slated for release in 2020 via THC:MUSIC, the label of EMP/COMBAT co-chair/A&R Thom Hazaert.

Help Static-X to get back stolen music equipment

It's hard to see musicians being often a target for attack. Why? These people share so many good things and ask for so few in return. I cannot understand why these humans are often treated so bad.

Stealing from artists is such a thing I cannot understand. But it happend once more. Please help the bands to get their equipment back. You can give hints and check the list of stolen items at Static-X's website. I'm sure they are offered somewhere. Please let them know if you've seen this stuff.

The cover of the upcoming Static-X album Project: Regeneration Vol. 1

STATIC-X & DOPE GEAR STOLEN AT HEIGHT OF CORONAVIRUS LOCK DOWN

STATIC-X have filed a police report with the LAPD, siting that their warehouse space (which is also shared with the band Dope) was recently robbed of nearly 200K worth of touring equipment during the Corona Virus Lockdown.

The two bands were advised to take the story public, in order to help raise awareness with other small business owners and bands alike.

“With most of us in lock down, and those who aren’t locked down, wearing masks in public, apparently it’s a great time to be a thief”, says Static-X drummer Ken Jay.

The band has released a statement on the robbery:

“We want to encourage our community to keep a close eye on your property and on your facilities during this unprecedented time… We also ask for our fans to keep an eye out for the stolen items and maybe we can help the police find these people."

The band has publicized a list of stolen equipment, complete with many of the serial numbers. The list includes: Multiple LED video panels, 2 drum kits, 40+ cymbals, various high end audio/video gear, microphones, racks, branded backdrops, etc.

They have also set up a tip center where you can share any info that may help in the investigation.

If you cannot help with hints please consider buying the band's goods on offer - for example the upcoming record "Project: Regeneration Vol.1". The first single "Hollow (Project Regeneration)" can be streamed or downloaded at https://lnk.to/projectregeneration and limited edition, exclusive pre-orders are currently available at https://static-x.org/apps/bundles/bundle/21189 Have a listen right here to the single.