Book of Historic Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Exodus

Legendary San Francisco Bay Area metal photographers Brian Lew (Whiplash fanzine) and Harald "O." Oimoen (D.R.I.) have joined forces to create the large-format hardcover photo collection MURDER IN THE FRONT ROW: Bay Area Bangers and the Birth of Thrash Metal. Coming this fall from Bazillion Points Books, this intense look at early hardcore headbangers features some of the first photos of the "Big Four" and their extended family of thrash metal bands. With hundreds of candid, live, and studio shots, Lew and Oimoen celebrate the unique wild-eyed spirit and atmosphere of the historic S.F. Bay Area heavy metal scene: pinpointing clubs (The Old Waldorf, The Stone, Ruthie's Inn, The Omni); hangouts (The Record Vault, the infamous Metallica Mansion); and beloved local figures like fearless stage diver Toby Rage, manager Debbie Abono, and the unrivaled metal ringmaster Paul Baloff of Exodus.

Among the jaw-dropping moments in heavy metal history on display: Cliff Burton's first rehearsal with Dave Mustaine-era Metallica; Kerry King of Slayer performing with early Megadeth; Metallica and Slayer's first Bay Area shows; the first meeting of Slayer and Metallica; original uncropped prints of Possessed's blood-spattered "Seven Churches" band photo shoot; some of the earliest photos of Vio-lence and Death Angel; Testament (then called Legacy) dressed in religious stage outfits; the crazed front row faces from legendary Ruthie's Inn; and Metallica's triumphant takeover of Day on the Green in 1985.

At roughly 300 pages, filled with unpublished images and rare flyers, this incredible visual time capsule stems from a friendship that started when Brian Lew and Harald O. first met as camera-wielding teenage metalheads. Both later contributed to Ron Quintana's infamous Metal Mania fanzine.

Says Harald O.: "I am so psyched on getting these photos out there. The camaraderie and great friendships forged between all the bands and the fans was so cool-there literally wasn't much distinction. Everybody was pals with everyone else, and it was a magical time to be a metalhead living in the Bay Area. People are gonna freak on what what we're gonna show them. This is a dream come true!"

Says Brian Lew: "This will not be a history book, but rather a time machine back to the 'bonded by blood' days of the original Bay Area metal scene. Before they played the Bay Area, Slayer wore makeup onstage; after that first Bay Area show they never wore makeup again. This book will show people why."

Murder in the Front Row: Bay Area Bangers and the Birth of Thrash Metal, by Brian Lew and Harald "O." Oimoen. [ISBN 978-1-935950-03-5] Coming Fall 2011 from Bazillion Points Books, America's smallest but heaviest book publisher.  

 

THE RODS SUPPORT FORTHCOMING RELEASE, 'VENGEANCE,' WITH UPCOMING TEXAS APPEARANCES

Most well-versed metalheads will be very familiar with the Rods and their contribution to heavy metal. Such classic albums as 1981's 'The Rods' and 1982's 'Wild Dogs' fit perfectly in with the sound of the burgeoning "New Wave of British Heavy Metal" scene (despite the fact that the Rods were New York natives!), and resulted in shows with such big-time acts as Iron Maiden, the Scorpions, Twisted Sister, and Ozzy Osbourne, as well as taking a then-unknown Metallica out as support on the Rods' first headlining tour.

Now, Texas fans will be able to not only catch the Rods in full concert flight, but also get to the meet the band at a record store appearance. On March 19, the band (singer/guitarist David "Rock" Feinstein, bassist Garry Bordonaro, and drummer Carl Canedy) will be performing, meeting fans and signing merchandise at Cheapo Records in Austin at 11:00 am. Then, later in the evening (10:15 pm, to be exact), the band will be performing at Rusty Spurs in Austin (as part of the SXSW Festival).

The Rods in store performance:
3/19/11
11:00 AM
Cheapo Records
914 N. Lamar
Austin, TX  78703
512-477-4499

The Rods in concert:
3/19/11
10:15 P.M.
Rusty Spurs
(512) 482-9002
405 E 7th St
Austin, TX 78701

May 10 will see the official release of 'Vengeance,' a recording that includes the first single "The Code," featuring lead vocals from Feinstein's cousin, Ronnie James Dio (which was one of the very last songs Ronnie ever recorded, before his passing last year). 'Vengeance' will be released via the Niji Entertainment Group, and comes hot on the heels of Feinstein's recently-released solo album, 'Bitten by the Beast.' 2011 also marks the 30 year anniversary for this veteran metal band.

As renowned Quiet Riot/Ozzy/Dio/Whitesnake/Blue Oyster Cult bassist Rudy Sarzo remembers, "The Rods opened up for Ozzy during the 1981 'Blizzard Of Oz' tour. I was blown away by their no holds barred metal onslaught performance and became an instant fan!" With a full US tour planned for the summer, fans will soon be able to experience the mighty metal of the Rods first hand themselves.

'Vengeance' Track Listing:

1. "RAISE SOME HELL
2. "I JUST WANNA ROCK"
3. "REBELS HIGHWAY"
4. "RIDE FREE OR DIE"
5. "THE CODE" (Featuring Ronnie James Dio)
6. "LIVIN' OUTSIDE THE LAW"
7. "LET IT RIPP"
8. "FIGHT FIRE WITH FIRE"
9. "MADMAN"
10. "RUNNIN WILD"
11. "VENGEANCE"

For more information, visit: http://www.therods.com/