The downfall of this track, however, is the hip-hop vocal delivery in parts, or perhaps it’s more the hip-hop motions the singer goes through while singing them. The easy solution is to not watch the video, then you don’t have to see the awkward movements, but you’d also miss out on a pretty cool video with a kick-ass Dodge Super Bee.

Vocalist Andrew Watson commented on the video:

This video shows our view of what a bastard is in the modern world. It was our first attempt at a video, and was a hell of a good time for all involved. Everyone you see is part of our music family. I would like to thank SmokeHouse Productions, for working in cahoots with us. Thanks to Kenny Rogers (not that Kenny Rogers) for the use of the Super Bee, which almost ended this video in a speeding ticket. I hope you all enjoy it, Cheers!

“The Bastard” lives on Them County Bastardz’ newly released debut album, Sick Daze, (Smokehouse Records), which is available on iTunes and Bandcamp.

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With an intro that sounds like Motley Crue‘s “Kickstart My Heart,” Canadian newcomers, Them County Bastardz, kick ass and take names on their new track, “Drive By,” which is currently being offered as a free download at PureGrainAudio.com. If you like a stripped-down, redneck brand of hard rock that borders on heavy metal, then it’s worth your time to at least check out the track, which comes off the band’s upcoming debut album, Sick Daze (February 24th), via Smokehouse Records.

About Them County Bastardz:

Them County Bastardz keep it simple! They are local dudes from Essex County (an hour south of Windsor/Detroit area) who are in it to make old-school metal with back 40 rock and having fun while doing it! Their upcoming debut album Sick Daze is due out February 24, 2015, via Smokehouse Records. Produced by Chris Towle and TBC plus mastered by Chuck Carvaalho, Sick Daze features seven tracks inspired by true stories and experiences of the band living life in the county, so crack open a beer, get ready to rock out, and have a good time.

Fun Fact: The album title Sick Daze refers to when you take a Monday off work because you are still feeling the weekend fun.

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“Rabbits Foot” comes off of Turbowolf’s upcoming second album, Two Hands, which is due out on April 7, 2015, via Universal Music.

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Living Colour, the multi-platinum rock band whose music Rolling Stone described as “an intoxicating brew of hard, grinding rock with splashes of funk, jazz, reggae and pop,” have returned to the studio to finish work on Shade, their forthcoming album, and first since 2009’s The Chair in the Doorway.

The band has also postponed a number of their fall tour dates in order to spend the remainder of the year working on their sixth studio offering. However, Living Colour will be playing four shows before the end of the year:

Nov. 28 New York, NY Irving Plaza
Nov. 29 Londonderry, NH Tupelo Music Hall (SOLD OUT)
Nov. 30 Boston, MA Paradise Rock Club
Dec. 1 Philadelphia, PA World Café Live

“While we don’t want to disappoint our fans,” explained guitarist Vernon Reid, “we need this time to finish recording the new album. We will be back in February with new material. We really appreciate our fans’ support and want to make the best record we can.”

Let’s have a flashback:

Postponed Dates:

Dec. 3 Stafford Springs, CT Stafford Palace Theatre
Dec. 4 Newton, NJ The Newton Theatre
Dec. 5 Ridgefield, CT Ridgefield Playhouse
Dec. 6 Leesburg, VA Tally Ho Theatre
Dec. 7 Hanover, MD Maryland Live Casino
Dec. 9 Nashville, TN City Winery Nashville
Dec. 10 Carrboro, NC Cat’s Cradle
Dec. 12 Ft. Lauderdale, FL The Culture Room
Dec. 13 St. Petersburg, FL The State Theatre
Dec. 14 Atlanta, GA The Masquerade

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Following a successful first leg of their North American tour, Nashville Pussy have announced a second leg of their North American tour in support of their latest studio album, Up The Dosage. The album was released this past January via SPV/Steamhammer and can be purchased on CD or MP3.

The band has been touring non-stop in support of Up The Dosage and have no intention to stop anytime soon. Today the band has announced a string of tour dates this December (see below for the full list). The tour starts December 5th with a hometown show in Atlanta, Georgia, and runs through December 20th in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Support on the tour will come from Valient Thorr and Against the Grain.

Nashville Pussy Tour Dates:

12/5: Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
12/6: Lexington, KY @ Cosmic Charlie’s
12/7: Grand Rapids, MI @ Pyramid Scheme
12/9: Minneapolis, MN @ Lee’s Liquor Lounger
12/10: Green Bay, WI @ Lyric Room
12/11: Madison, WI @ The Majestic
12/12: Chicago, IL @ Reggie’s Rock Club
12/13: Hamtramck, MI @ Smalls
12/14: Columbus, OH @ Ace of Cups
12/16: Lakewood, OH @ The Foundry
12/17: Rochester, NY @ Bug Jar
12/18: New York, NY @ Gramercy Theater
12/19: Asbury Park, NJ @ Wonder Bar
12/20: Philadelphia, PA @ North Star

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One of the biggest gripes for me of the last He Is Legend album was the predictable and somewhat sluggish pace. The tracks tried hard to be different, but they came off as either cheesy or lacking impact. Whatever happened in the last five years since has allowed for the band to bring subtle changes to their songs that spark fireworks of sound.

“No Visitors” kicks off Heavy Fruits with the southern tinged grooves we all are familiar with, but spirals forward into a hectic whiskey-tipped, drum-driven part before abruptly stopping again. The vocal melodies are incredible, equipped with luscious harmonies and controlled pitches. Schuylar Croom, in charge of the vocals, does not scream much on this album, instead showing off his beautiful singing voice.

Everything on this album showcases the improved talent of the songwriting. “This Will Never Work” is a guitar players dream. Flaunting blues riffs, the song has walk-up scales bending in the chorus with twangy distortion licked over the tone. “Spout Mouth” forces out minor chords and changes in the key, with everyone reacting with the appropriate mood. Lead single and appetizer “ABRACADABRA” is the heavy southern-blooded affair to keep the back half of the album fresh and tasty.

The slow songs on the album are brought to the table with better delivery. Instead of limping along, songs like “Something, Something, Something Witchy” and “Bethozart” have rich layers to keep the songs moving from start to finish. What starts as slow dances for “Smoker Scoff” and “Heavy Fruit” end in punch-throwing fashion as the songs expand in sound and beatdowns as they continue on. “Be Easy” is a jazzy blues track prancing around with slides and delicious bass licks.

For me, it was the third track, “Miserable Company,” that gave me the impression that He Is Legend is back and ready to plunge to the top. What starts as a bass heavy ballad oohs and ahhs it’s way to a palm muted, kick drum infested melodic section. Around the 3:30 mark the band lets go of all of their intentions to lash out with a heavy section that is sure to spark a pit at any live show. The band even gives a resting period to reflect on what just happened as the song closes out.

“Temptation” is the track and above is the corresponding video, which features Bach’s hot-as-hell wife, model Minnie Gupta. If you happen to notice the band among all that temptation, then you might note that ex-G’N’R bassist Duff McKagan is playing bass. Patrick Fogarty directed the video, which tells the story of Bach trying to be as pious as possible while being tempted by Minnie, who has several of the seven deadly sins scrawled on her body. Ultimately, who could resist?

The track “Temptation,” as mentioned has a swampy blues feel to it, but it sounds incredibly a lot like old Skid Row — as it should. Bach’s vocals sound youthful and energetic, and not nearly as worn down as I expected. He’s not reaching the same highs as he did when he was in his 20s, but he still gets up there. Also, his vocal melodies are classic Bach — very impressive.

Bach recently completed work on Give ‘Em Hell with producer Bob Marlette, guitarist Devin Bronson, drummer Bobby Jarzombek, and guests Duff McKagan, John 5, and Steve Stevens. Bach commented on the new album:

As a rock music fan myself, I listen to it every single day. As a musician, I honestly feel like I’ve reached a new level of album recording. As an audiophile, I could not be more blown away by the sound. The production and mastering sound so good that it’s perfect to show off your high-end stereo system.

Give us your thoughts on Bach’s new track, “Temptation,” in the comments section below.

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Pittman is nothing short of a pit bull on guitar.

His third and brand new solo album, The Power of Three, drops on January 21st.

From the Press Release:

The Power of Three, the upcoming full-length album from award winning, chart topping guitarist, Monte Pittman is set for release on January 21, 2014 through Metal Blade Records. Pittman, along with band members Kane Ritchotte on drums and Max Whipple on bass, went to Copenhagen earlier this year to record the album with producer Flemming Rasmussen.

Today Monte Pittman is debuting his new video for the song ‘Before the Mourning Son’. The video was directed by Vince Edwards and showcases stellar performances from Monte and his bandmates drummer Kane Ritchotte and bassist Max Whipple. The song is also available for purchase as a single on iTunes.

“A Dark Horse,” the first single from Monte’s third album, reflects Monte’s return to his metal roots while demonstrating his Orange gear sound and tone to perfection. Flemming Rasmussen, famous for Metallica’s seminal album Master Of Puppets, produced the album, The Power Of Three, which is hard and heavy and follows on from Monte’s highly successful, critically acclaimed second album Pain, Love & Destiny, which reached number one in both the rock and pop charts. “A Dark Horse” is also available now as an iTunes single.

Artist Cam Rackam created the artwork for the cover of The Power of Three. The piece features a portrait of Charon, the ferryman of Hades who carries souls of the newly deceased across the rivers Styx and Acheron that divided the world of the living from the world of the dead. This represents Monte’s musical journey from what he has done before and where he is now with The Power of Three and beyond.

The Power of Three Track Listing:

1. A Dark Horse
2. Delusions of Grandeur
3. Everything’s Undone
4. Blood Hungry Thirst
5. On My Mind
6. Away from Here
7. Before the Mourning Son
8. End of the World
9. Missing
10. All Is Fair in Love and War

Monte Pittman Live:

2/22: Los Angeles, CA @ The Whisky

The lead single, “Trenches,” off of the band’s third studio album, Onyx, hit Number 1 on the Active Rock Charts and Mainstream Rock Charts and stayed there for three weeks. Just as that first single, “Behind Closed Doors” has a great hard rock vibe that rich and syrupy enough to keep you warm on long, cold winter nights.

Pop Evil will be hitting the road this January with Stone Sour and Stolen Babies. Check Pop Evil’s Facebook page for all tour dates.

Watch the video in the player above and let us know what you think in the comments section below.

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If you listen to the radio, or if you’re half way connected with what the masses are listening to, then you know that Pop Evil is just about the biggest thing to happen to hard rock right now since sliced bread. And despite every music snob bone in my body, I can’t help but find the band’s Number 1 rock single, “Trenches,” to be highly addictive. The thing about it is that it has a great riff, the chorus is infectious, there’s a fantastic groove, and the lyrics are inspiring. The Michigan-based band has put together a sound that’s pretty much everything a good rock song should be.

Considering the groove of “Trenches,” and the fact that it’s so popular, it’s no wonder legendary hip-hop pioneer Darryl “D.M.C.” McDaniels, of Run DMC fame, has gotten involved to give the track a remix. It’s not the first time McDaniels has gotten involved with a rock band. If you remember, back in 1986 Run DMC worked with Steven Tyler and Joe Perry on a reworked version of the 1975 Aerosmith hit “Walk This Way.”

Have a listen to the “Trenches” remix right here:

Pop Evil’s frontman, Leigh Kakaty, has commented on the collaboration with McDaniels:

It’s an honor getting to work with Rap Icon Darryl ‘D.M.C.’ McDaniels of RUN DMC on our Remix of #1 Rock Single ‘Trenches. Collaborating with D.M.C. has brought the song to a whole new level, and we are very excited to get it out there to see what the future brings.

If you like what you hear in the remix, a super deluxe version of Onyx featuring the “Trenches” remix is available today, December 17th (available at popevil.com).

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