I'm in a Mood again...

So I got a new place to live, new sheets on the bed, new

haircut and four new shirts from Nordstrom Rack.

Bascially, I am ready to spread the love. Hit me up if

you are runnin' on empty.

Pretty sure that's Matt Sorum from Guns 'n Roses on

the drums.

Excellent Drumstick Twirl at 2:18.

The Cult- Edie (Ciao Baby) English Rock Band

formed in 1983... I was 2 years old.

I REALLY like this song...

There may or may not be a touch of "Hootie," "Sister Hazel" or "Blues Traveler" on this guys voice... All I know is that I dig this song!

Queensrÿche: Probably still My Favorite Band ever

Queensrÿche: American Progressive Metal Band. Formed 1981 in Bellevue, Washington.

I can distinctly remember hearing a song played for the first time on my local radio station while I was pumping gas at the local Maverick. The song was called, "Sign of the Times," and I remember thinking to myself that it was kinda catchy. Afterwards, the DJ mentioned that it was the latest single from Queensrÿche. I was sure I had heard that name before.

Weeks later, at my friend Scott Earl's house, we were watching rock DVDs and he asked if we wanted to watch a Queensrÿche DVD. I was shocked at how many of the songs I already knew and really enjoyed. The rest is history. One of the best shows I have ever seen was a Queensrÿche/Dream Theater show in Seattle. The day before I sold my last drum set, I played all the way through 4 of their albums.
Queensrÿche is most famous for their albums, "Operation Mindcrime" and "Empire." They are also responsible for creating one of my Favorite rock/metal logos... the "Trirÿche." The Trirÿche is the bat-man looking symbol you see above on the cover of their Empire album. I have painted this symbol on more than a few denim jackets and drum heads, as well as on the wall in my drum room.

If you ask me, Queensrÿche is one of the best bands around. Great writing, outstanding vocals and some of my favorite drums to play along to. Not to mention some of my favorite Guitar Harmonies. One of my fondest memories is the summer of '98 while working at Pizza Hut as a delivery driver. I remember making the most perfect Queensrÿche mix tapes ever with a couple live tracks added in. It was blue... and it was awesome.

Members:

Geoff Tate: Vocals

Scott Rockenfield: Drums

Eddie Jackson: Bass

Michael Wilton: Guitar

Chris DeGarmo: Guitar (not currently)

Albums:

Queensrÿche (1983) I was only 2 years old!

The Warning (1984) Same year as Van Halen's "Jump."

Rage For Order (1986)

Operation: Mindcrime (1988)

Empire (1990)

Promised Land (1994)

Hear in the Now Frontier (1997)

Q2K (1999) That album really grew on me

Tribe (2003)

Operation: Mindcrime 2 (2006)

Take Cover (2007)

American Soldier (2009)

Check out their website here

Here is a song you probably know... and one you maybe don't. Check 'em out. I love these guys!

Demons & Wizards

Demons & Wizards: Power Metal Band Hybrid of the members of Iced Earth and Blind Guardian. Formed around 1998. The Band is named for the "Demon-Like" themes and sounds of Iced earth melded together with the "Wizard-Like" themes and sounds of Blind Guardian.

Albums:

Demons & Wizards (2000)

Touched by the Crimson King (2005)

Members:

Hansi Kürsch: Vocals (Blind Guardian)

Jon Schaffer: Guitars (Iced Earth)

Bobby Jarzombek: Drums

Rubin Drake: Bass

Jim Morris: Guitar Solos

Check Out Their Website Here

My Drum Cover #2 -NIN: Discipline

People keep asking to see my drums! Which is awesome. Here is a video of me playing NIN in my Parent's Basement. Doesn't get much more Rock n Roll than that! Right?

God Bless 1994. Megadeth: Reckoning Day

I'm feeling a bit Haggard this morning and this is how I decided to begin my day. I figured it was worth sharing in case anybody else needs a boost.

Last Trip to FYE... Good Run

AC/DC: Live at Donington

Nightwish: End of an Era

Megadeth: Rude Awakening

All HIGHLY recommended!

P.S. When the HELL is iTunes gonna get some ACDC?

Switching Gears-Steel Panther to Saxon

Lemmy Kilmister- Born December 24th, 1945 in Stoke on Trent, England. Founding member of Motörhead. Doesn't get much more serious than that. Yet, after a show like that of Steel Panther, I can say that so matter how serious or not you may be, The Metal commands reverence.

Respect your elders!!!!

Saxon- English Heavy Metal Band formed in 1976. Yeah, Saxon has been rockin' longer than I have been alive! That means that these guys have been around the block a time or two. They were among the Vanguard, carrying the banner of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. In the beginning, Saxon would share the stage with more established acts like that of Lemmy's Motörhead. While many people have never heard of Saxon, know who has? How about Iron Maiden? Maybe Judas Priest? Saxon not only had their place set the the British Heavy Metal Banquet, but they also heavily influenced many other bands including Megadeth and Metallica. There is no doubt that Saxon has earned their place on the Hallowed Ground of Heavy Metal with the best of them. So... bow your head... fold your arms... and enjoy

Steel Panther @ the Gallivan Center. Salt Lake City, Utah

There is no question that this was the place to be in SLC tonight! Local Band The Street opened up the show. I always enjoy seeing these guys perform. Check out their myspace HERE. Check out some of their tunes and their album is now available on iTunes.

Steel Panther after the first song. They took about 5 minutes in between songs to strike poses for the camera. Talented musicians for sure. Hilarious show. Glam Rock Resurrection. Just imagine a mix between Zoolander and a Poison Concert.
See what I mean? These guys know exactly what they are doing and they do it well. Check out their Myspace HERE.
My favorite Event Staffer of the night. He spent about 80% of his energy making sure to be right in my way for most of the night. Also, whenever the beach balls landed by him, he'd just leave 'em there instead of throwing them back to the crowd. Thanks Dude. You're a real peach.

Any Steel Panther show that comes remotely close to your hometown is NOT to be missed. You'll see what I mean when you enjoy this video with someone you love:

Metal Warriors of the World Unite!

1000 Visits in 2 Months! You guys are awesome! Good to see that the Metal is not being neglected! I want to know who you all are, SO LEAVE COMMENTS! If you like something or if you Hate it! Bookmark this site! Visit often! Leave Feedback! I want to hear from you all! Send me your Rock Pics! Your Favorite Bands etc! It's a blast to talk Metal and I hope we can keep it all going!

New Music Monday: Shaman's Harvest: Dragonfly

Shaman's Harvest: Jefferson City Missouri.

If you Listen to the Radio at all, you may have already heard this song. I don't, so this was an exciting find for me. At first I wasn't sure if it was Black Stone Cherry (who is awesome). Definitely has a bit of that Southern Rock feel. You can check out their Myspace HERE. I was most impressed with the outstanding vocals, which can make or break a band's sound. You sprinkle in some pleasantly heavy guitar riffs and you have pretty great track. Give it a whirl... I think if you like Black Stone Cherry and Kenny Wayne Shepard you'll dig this song for sure.

This Will Help

Feeling a lil bit sluggish today? Testosterone levels a wee bit low? Are you boring?

This'll help:

Most Metal Muppets EVER

Remember Fraggle Rock? What about Muppet Babies? No? Perhaps, The Labyrinth or The Dark Crystal? What do you get when you mix Muppets & Metal? This:

Himsa: American Melodic Metal Band from Seattle, Washington. Est. 1198.

The Name Himsa comes from the Sanskrit word Ahimsa, which means to "abstain from causing harm." Ahhhh, cute. No, cause when you take away the "A," Himsa means the exact opposite. In Sanskrit, literally: Violence.

Sevendust- My Favorite Addition to my Morning Playlist

Sevendust: American Metal Band. Est. 1992 in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally named "Tomorrow's Pain." Obvious Influences are: Faith No More and Living Colour.

Now, I LOVE a heavy Guitar and a Punishing Drum Beat as much as the next guy, but I still haven't fully embraced the "Cookie Monster" growly vocals of some styles of Metal. While Sevendust isn't completely growl free, they pull it off better than just about anyone I have ever heard. Why? It is mostly due to the fact that the Monsters are balanced out with some of the most focused, tight, bright and melodic vocals in the choruses.

Seriously, for those who might be tempted to give up after the first 3o seconds, do me a solid and at least wait until the first chorus is over. That's all I ask, and it's where they got me. I'm sold. These guys have taken the "Funk Metal" sound of Faith No More and Living Colour and taken it to a much heavier, darker and more powerful level. I guess I dig it so much because it is some of the heaviest stuff I have that always makes me smile.

If you love Sevendust already... then enjoy. If you have yet to see the light, I think you might be surprised by how easy to like this stuff is.

Excellent Video/Compilation of Brazilian Power Metal Bands

Just as a follow-up to the Angra Post, This is a compilation of Brazilian Power Metal Bands that I stumbled upon. Give it a listen! That is, if you like Power Metal. If you like Dragonforce, you'll do just fine. If you can't stand Dragonforce, Feel free to sit this one out.

Angra: Is there anything those Damn Brazilians Can't do?

Angra: Brazilian Power Metal Band. Est. 1991 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Hell Yeah. I lived in Brazil for a couple years, Rio De Janeiro to be exact, but I did get to stay in Sao Paulo for 2 months. Upon my arrival to Brazil, one of the first things to strike me was Brazil's passion... nay, Reverence for Metal. Iron Maiden posters, T-Shirts and Flags are as common a sight along Brazilian streets, as Paris Hilton is in the USA. It's no surprise then that it would only be a matter of time until some of Metal's Heavy Hitters would eventually begin to emerge from Brazil itself. Angra is definitely worthy of a consecrated seat at the Round Table.

Band Members: (current 2009)

Eduardo Falaschi - Vocals

Rafael Bittencourt - Guitars

Kiko Loureiro - Guitars

Felipe Andreoli - Bass Guitar

Ricardo Confessori - Drums

Check 'em out. This is one of my favorite songs/vids of theirs:

My New Home Page- Check it out!

So it turns out that I have just enough web sites and junk floating around out there that I decided to put them all together in one place: http://www.davidtheboyd.com/. Check it out. If that doesn't interest you, but sex, drugs and rock 'n roll do... click HERE.

You Gotta Keep 'em Separated: New Blog on my Time @ Paul Mitchell the School

In order to keep this blog as metal as possible, I have created a new blog that is dedicated specifically to my time and experience @ Paul Mitchell the School. It's called "Diamond Life," and you can visit it here. I just think it's for the best. That way, Hallowed Ground can stay heavy, sweaty and meaty. So, if you are at all interested in reading up on what it's like for a guy like me in Beauty School. Check it out. If not, that's fine... On with the show!

Kneel at The Alter of The Spinning Drumstick

If you love to play the drums as much as I do, but you marvel at the amount of time you spend alone in your parent's basement with the black lights at maximum capacity... then you may consider adding this one important skill to your arsenal.

Just got the Most Pleasurable A$$ Kicking of My Life

So, basically Lacuna Coil handed me my sorry hind-end on an Italian Metal Platter at the free show tonight at the Gallivan Center in Salt Lake City! The set opened strong and held the energy right until the very end. The set length was perfect too! Many a rock show has outlasted the crowd's energy by 2... 3... 7 songs, but Lacuna Coil kept it short, balls to the walls, and full throttle just long enough but left us all wanting more. And, hats off to them for not playing the cliché/fake Encore game. They packed the punch, told us that the last song would be the last song, and let us get on with our lives. Great concept!

I've got to hand it to them for playing the set like they really meant it. Lacuna Coil is not new to the metal scene. The band was formed in 1994 but, you wouldn't know it from the looks on their faces. I really felt like they were excited to be with us and had the enthusiasm of a college band playing their first big show. I definitely got the impression that they are truly passionate about what they do. Refreshing compared to the last Def Leppard show that I saw. I'm not sure DL even knew what city they were in and appeared to have put the show on auto-pilot. Whatever.

Lastly, it was killer to see such a great turn-out for a show like this. The more SLC can support great acts like this-the more great bands begin to look at Utah as a viable tour stop. I think we did a great job showing Lacuna Coil our appreciation and support. Can't wait to see them again!

My testosterone levels just went up by Chuck Norris

Love Zakk Wylde! And the video below, from Black Label Society, does not disappoint. The band was formed around 1998 by Zakk and drummer Phil Ondich. While some consider BLS to be a Southern Rock/Heavy Metal Hybrid... I call it Hog Metal, because there is hardly a better band to listen to on a Motorcycle.

A little bit about Zakk himself. There are two easy ways to recognize him: 1. The Black & White Gibson Guitar pictured above. 2. If visuals are not available, the trademark "squeal" made famous by Zakk's time with Ozzy Osbourne (Check out Ozzy's No More Tears @ about 0:38 below for prime example) is a dead give away. Some call his sound a: "Classic Les Paul/Marshall Combo with high gain,"-Sam Jones. Whatever it is... I love it. And if music is allowed as a weapon in the battle of Armageddon, I'll be packing some Zakk. Born Jeffery Phillip Wielandt January 14th, 1967 in New Jersey, Zakk would become Lead Guitar and Co-writer for Ozzy Osbourne at age 19!

Anyway, I saw this video the other day and I can't get enough. Check it out and Don't be a sissy! Leave Comments!

Back To School Shopping! Day 1 @ Paul Mitchell the School

So, tomorrow begins my journey into the dark and sexy world of Hair School! Haha, and I couldn't be more excited! I'll be attending Paul Mitchell the School on about 45th south in SLC. The program takes about 15 months, during which I will be learning everything I need to know about styling, cutting, basic skin care and my favorite: The Straight Razor! Sweeney Todd Style!

To keep with the "all black" dress code, I had to fill in a couple holes in my wardrobe... which is fine, cause I love black.
Banana Republic Fitted Polo, G Star Raw Long-sleeve Button-up and BR fitted V-neck.
Commune Fitted Skinny jeans from Urban Outfitters, Rock & Republic Straight Leg Jeans and G Star Raw Weird Pant. I'm still on the hunt for a sturdy black belt.

Back to the Basics: All black Converse All Stars, one of the best ways to spend $35. I'll get some good use out of these at Metal shows and performances. Rock solid foundation to any metal wardrobe.

How do I do it? Great Question! Thanks for asking

Some of our faithful brothers and sisters in metal have asked me how I am able to do all the wonderful things that I do. Well, it's not easy. But, while it would take years to teach all that I know about being awesome, I feel inclined to share one of my greatest motivational secrets with you now. What is this secret? Every morning, after a good breakfast and some push-ups... I watch this video:

I cannot emphasize this Enough! Lacuna Coil is Coming! Free!

Next Wednesday, August 12th, (so many commas!) Italian Metal's premier Italian Metal band is coming to SLC which is amazing all by itself. Then you go and tell me that it's FREE! This is what happens when people pay their tithing. So, please join me! It's at the Gallivan Center.

So, this video kills me! Haha! I hadn't ever seen it until today and it's good to see the more personal/candid angle of a band that is usually a bit on the serious side. This song/vid is very different for Lacuna Coil but it's hilarious to see them messing around with other styles!

(since it's a widescreen vid, some of the right side is cut off... sorry)

I'm so pumped for this show that I haven't slept much lately. And I noticed a huge rip in my Egyptian cotton sheets which tells me that when I have slept, it's been rough. So, here is another of my favorite Lacuna Coil videos for your viewing pleasure. Oh, P.S. I had a dream that I met my wife at this concert. I love you Cristina. Scabbia is an alright last name... but Cristina Boyd? That's what dreams are made of. I'll keep you warm and safe.

...

From time to time I repost some of my drum vids just to make myself feel important. So, if you have already seen this one... lucky you.

A couple pics from the latest Mexico Trip

So, from time to time I have the opportunity to join my friends of The Kaiizen Foundation for a road-trip down to Baja, Mexico to visit a local orphanage to hang with the kids and do some work. It's a great time and I usually come back a slightly less selfish and possibly, a slightly better person. Needless to say 17 hours straight in a car listening to the latest round of hipster-approved "underground" music that nobody knows about (except everyone that has ever seen an iPod commercial in the last 5 years), can take it's toll on a metalhead. But, I am quick to recognize that I am probably the only one in the car who wants to listen to Hotwire by Kix. So, I just wait till everyone is asleep to satisfy my rock-tooth.

This is called my favorite thing ever! Tacos al pastor with a Mexican Coke. It really doesn't get any better than this. I am a virgin so I can say that with the utmost sincerity.

This is just one of the kids at the orphanage that, for his age, can hand me my a$$ on a platter on the drums. Haha for real, these kids are pretty solid. Not to mention this kids grasp of self-branding. Enough to make Gene Simmons grin.

It gets hot on the way down. But it's nothing a little My Girls by Animal Collective can't cure (please kill me know).

Last but certainly not least. A rousing game of guess what just smacked the windshield. Heather won this round cause she had the best view. It was, at one point, a bird. So...

Your Mission: DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW! It's FREE!

While I made my regular stop by Lacuna Coil's official website, I checked the tour dates, and to my dismay, the closest they would be coming to Salt Lake City was their show at the House of Blues in Vegas (Would be such a cool place to see them). So, I resigned myself to the thought that I would have to got another couple years without ever seeing Lacuna Coil in concert. Now, just so that we are all on the same page, I LOVE Lacuna Coil. They are not in my Top 10... but definitely Top 25.

Well... Dare To Dream! Lacuna Coil is coming to Salt Lake City! AND... It's FREE! Yeah, I know! This next Wednesday August 12th, at the Gallivan Center. Now, most of my closest friends are not Metal Heads, and do not enjoy the same music that I do (but some do... the awesome ones do). They prefer the Regina Spektor and Imogen Heap (more like EMOgen Heap) to Black Label Society and Sevendust. That's fine. But, I think it is fair to say that all my friends that don't love metal DO love Depeche Mode... right? Nod your heads. Yeah, everybody who wants to be considered cool by the hipster royalty will at least claim to like Depeche Mode. Well here is a great opportunity to expand your horizons. Or, if you are awesome, and you already like Lacuna Coil... See you at the Show! Ladies and Gentlemen... Lacuna Coil's cover of the Depeche Mode classic "Enjoy the Silence." Pretty Damn Good if you ask me.

Running Up That Hill- Metal meets the O.C.

If you are like me, you couldn't help but feel the raw emotion during the final season of The O.C. when Ryan, after Marissa's death, was FORCED to engage in the dark and violent cage-fighting underworld of Newport. If you did, you may also remember the song that was playing during that sequence. I remember it. And, I remember thinking to myself: "that's a cool song." Well, it is. And, while the original version is by Kate Bush, there are quite a few covers of it. My favorite is the "Placebo" version.

I found this version intriguing simply because it is by Gothic Metal band "Within Temptation." Not my favorite band in the world, but pretty good. As far as this version/video... when it fired up, right out of the gate I was thinking: "this really sucks." But, I kept watching. And now, after watching it 5-6 times, my conclusion is that it's walks very close to the edge of sucking... but it doesn't fall off. I dunno. I think it's an interesting take and is not the worst ever. I actually kinda dig it. And, I'm going to give "Within Temptation" the benefit of the doubt and assume that they have already thought of most of the criticisms I may come up with. I am also assuming that this version is exactly what they wanted it to be. In that case, if every aspect of this song is intentional and they liked it that way, it's interesting to get a peak into their style and interpretation of this song... blah blah blah... watch the video.

Great Local Band! Radio Rhythm Makers! Loved this show!

These guys put on a great show! Check 'em out if you ever get the chance!

Whoa! When did Saruman the White Join a Band?

If you are awesome, then you love LoTR and Metal and anything pertaining to Wizards and Druids... and you are probably Single. Which is great! That means you have time to read my blog and watch this video!

Hold on my magical/social recluse friend! You are 41 seconds away from the answer to your pagan prayers! Metal+Saruman plus Weird Al Yankovic Hair cuts= What I did this Saturday night...

Go Ahead... drink it In...

It's too bad that Tenacious D can write better music as a total joke, than some bands can on their best day! Ladies and Gentleman... The Greatest Band in the World:

(*Warning* This video is not for children and does contain Rock and Roll)

Need a Band Name?

If you are looking for a band name, help yourself to these. All I ask: please tell me about your band so I can brag about naming it. This is from a list that I am keeping on my iPhone that I update any time the muses choose to bless me with inspiration:

1. Happens Dance (say it fast)

2. Shardines

3. Spoon Shank

4. The Dick Taters

5. Mayonasia

6. Pimp's Armoire (Not mine... thanks Zack)

7. Elixr Pump

8. Swoobs (Thank you Trixy for showing me the meaning of life)

There you go kids... go at it. Reach for the stars and have a safe weekend!

Is this real?

If this is real, it makes me want to punch kittens in the face. I consider watching this, the closest I have come to a near death experience. After my seizure settled down, I decided to share this with all of you. Enjoy?

Uh...