Julz Ramos of HATCHET "Attack is Imminent"!

Julz Ramos of Northern California's Thrash Metal prodigy HATCHET gave us the latest on what's around the corner for these talented guys.

HJB: Hey Julz! How have things been going? What's going on with HATCHET?

JULZ: Things are actually going pretty well right now. We have some solid newer members, a good solid set of shows coming up for early 2011, and we've been working with some great people on getting the new hatchet material to some people that can actually do some things for us. So hopefully we get some things solidified here in the early to mid 2011.

We were stoked to share the stage with Heathen on Feb 4th and also coming up with Glen Alvelais' new band LD/50 on March 4th. Glad to be De-Christening the MADHOUSE and seeing it come alive into a metal haven.

HJB: We are all so glad too!!!! Thank you for being a part of it!!

So the first time I saw HATCHET was a couple of years ago at Thee Parkside in San Francisco. I assumed you guys were from the city, but when and where did you guys start? And tell us more about the newer guys.

JULZ: We first started back in 2006 as most metal bands do in a garage playing Metallica and Slayer covers, getting the cops called on us and all that. We were a completely different band back then as far as members, experience and just all around.

As of now I have moved to Vocals/Guitar since the departure of our former vocalist and after trying numerous people and not finding the right fit musically and personality wise, I stepped into the role.
As for the newer guys they are actually guys from the local scene. Jon Fryman has been a member of FOG OF WAR since the band started, and with him on hiatus from that, it was a "must" move to ask him. Travis Russey has also been in a slew of metal bands around the scene, most formally Zombie Holocaust. He is also a great new addition to the band and I must say the group is tighter than ever in many ways.

HJB: You guys just did that Madhouse show with Heathen & Skitzo recently, what other bands have you played with and who would be your ultimate band to tour with?

JULZ: The Heathen show was great. The club is cool and I’m glad we have another spot to do metal shows at. Good high stage, an upstairs area....My only wish is that it will turn to all ages. I think that place would explode!!!

We have played with countless bands...Locally FOG OF WAR, DEVASTATOR, ZH, DEKAPITATOR (RIP), HEATHEN, FORBIDDEN, TOXIC HOLOCAUST etc...

As for ultimate band to tour with I'd have to say TESTAMENT. They are one of if not my personal biggest influence in writing Hatchet material. They just have such a unique vibe to them.

HJB: YES!! TESTAMENT & HATCHET!!! I wanna go to that show! Speaking of shows...tell us you next upcoming shows.

JULZ: Well I just heard that we are gonna be supporting LAZZ ROCKIT & HEATHEN June 4th @ the Avalon Ballroom. Which I'm completely stoked for. And it’s gonna be ALL AGES!!!! WE also have our second run at MADHOUSE coming up March 4th and March 26 a good ole fashioned Thrash Fest at Gilman with Witchaven + Killbot!!!

So we are on a roll....

HJB: Thank you Julz!! I'm looking forward to seeing HATCHET again soon!!!

For more information go to Hatchet's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/hatchetofficial  

Hatchet's Myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/hatchet2006

Also please come check out Hatchet with LD/50, Severed Fifth & Something Left Unsaid on Friday, March 4th at MADHOUSE: http://www.madhouseevents.com/

Hatchet "Attack is Imminent" 2/4/11by John Ryus

February 2011 Hella Hawtie Jill Abbott

Late last year we lost a very beautiful person, Jill Abbott. We were "Facebook" friends and I saw her at many concerts in the Bay Area. Close, long time friends Devin Walker and Gaby Chickering shared insights about Jill. Heaven now has one more angel but we will always have Jill in our hearts.

1. What were her top three favorite bands and why? 
Top bands Slayer, Pantera and third is real tough, it would have to be a tie between Black Sabbath, Down, BLS, Elvis & Johnny Cash.

2. What was the first concert she attended or the first show you two went to together?
First concert for Jill was Motley Crue back around 83. First concert for us was Slayer in San Diego ( south of heaven tour).

3. What did she think about the music scene?
Music scene, hard question to answer for her but I think she would say that she loved the music scene first for the friendships she had made in it and second for the music.

4. What was the next show or few shows she was planning on attending?
As far as next show I have no idea, she would often just pop up with hey such & such is playing tonight lets go.

5. If she could meet anyone and ask a question, who would it be and what would she ask?
If she could meet anyone and ask a question, now that's a good one, there are a couple, First would be Lucille Ball & what make up do you use & does Ricky take out the garbage?  Second would be Elvis & if he was her boyfriend would he take out the garbage? Third would be Johnny Cash & how high's the water Johnny? I think Jill is laughing as I am typing this saying I nailed it.

A great day for Jill was going and feeding the ducks, spending some time working on the garden with Slayer cranked up and going for a bike ride. She had a very innocent and silly side to her that very few people knew or saw, I so wish that I had video of that side to show people the Jill that I knew, she was very protective of who she was and only let people see a small part of herself, with all of the tragedy that consumed her entire life she would still look for the best in people and could find a way to forgive people that I could never understand. She was deeply religious and on a daily basis would tell me not to say the lords name in vain. She carried the same bible around with her from 12 years old on and would read from it every day while listening to Slayer.

She loved the water and when she was young had swam in competitions that she set records in that still stand today 26 years later unbroken by later Olympic swimmers, when she was 12 she became the youngest female to swim to Alcatraz (she did it twice)!

Many do know but many don't, yes she was in Motley Crue's Girls, Girls, Girls video (I think she was 16 at the time), she was also in a couple other late 80's early 90s MTV Vid's for a former guitar player of Alice Cooper, Cane Roberts.

Daily for seven years out of Jill's hang out room I heard no less then 8 hours of Slayer, Pantera, Down, Johnny Cash, COC, BLS, Elvis, Exodus, Vio-lence, Motley Crue, Danzig, Black Sabbath, Machine Head, Static X, Testament, and yes Ratt. Jill loved music and never got tired of hearing the same songs and bands over and over everyday.

Being friends for 16 years and then in a relationship for seven years we saw each other at our best and worst. No matter what happened between us we never stopped loving one another, I have so many fond memories of Jill that I wish everyone that knew her could have had.

There is so much more, but I could write a book about her, time to sign off with a quote from Jill's Myspace page that I'll never forget:
"WE NEED TO BE THANKFUL FOR EVERYDAY WE WAKE UP, AND ENJOY LIFE....we never know when its our last day. So be kinder to your family and friends. Dont live in fear of things you are not sure of. GOTTA KEEP ON KEEPIN ON"!

Jill & I had pet names for each other, she called me Fred & I called her Wilma,
Thank you for the forgiveness in your heart Jill AKA "Wilma"
Love you always, Devin AKA "Fred"

Jill & Devin in 2001

KNOW YOUR ENEMIES! A quick chat with Ace Annese, Manager of SKINLAB

This morning I was fortunate enough to have the chance to catch up with the very busy Ace Annese, co-host/producer of Realty Check TV who happens to now be managing SF Bay Area metal greats, SKINLAB!

HJB: ACE!!! How have you been? What's up with you and what's up with SKINLAB?

ACE RCTV: Hi Jenn! I'm doing pretty well. Been busy as usual!

I suppose I should preface this by saying that I'm now managing SKINLAB...again. We briefly worked together previously, and have always been good friends, so when the chance came up again, I jumped on it. RCTV has done 2 videos for the guys, and we're shooting the upcoming show this Saturday night, Jan. 22nd at The Uptown in Oakland for a potential DVD release later in the year.

So, 2011 is looking like it'll be a big year. Our plan is to put out an EP with a couple new tunes, and maybe 5 tracks of "influences"--bands that have contributed to the Skinlab feel. The band's current label, STAND & DELIVER, will be putting it out, hopefully by the Spring. The band is doing a January 2011 "mini-tour", with 2 California dates and 4 dates in Oklahoma & Texas, which is the stomping ground of their new axe-slinger, Provo Provenzano. He was in a cool band called Rikets, and is a friend/fan of the band, who is fitting in well. Skinlab is also slated to perform at SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST in March, which should be fun. Then, we plan on more touring and a full-length record by the end of the year.

As far as Reality Check TV, we're approaching our 500th Episode, and our 20th Anniversary!

HJB: Congratulations on the new job! And congratulations on 20 years of Realty Check TV!!! Will the filming at the Skinlab show in Oakland be part of the 500th Episode? What are some of those "influences" on Skinlab?

ACE RCTV: As far as the 500th episode, not giving anything away yet. We'll just have to see!

Skinlab's influences are many and varied. Rest assured, however, there will be a Bay Area band or two who'll be represented!

Yes, being coy for the time being...

HJB: Okay, okay, ya can't blame me for trying!! What is like managing Skinlab? Are you going to Oklahoma & Texas with them?

ACE RCTV:  Skinlab is a veteran act, so they know the ropes, and that's good. They also seem to be ready to do whatever it takes to make stuff happen, which is always a good thing.

I will probably go to Modesto, but I don't think I'll be going to Texas. I plan to go with them in March to SXSW, which I've never been to, and I don't think they have been previously, either. As far as other touring, I hoping to be out with them as much as my schedule allows. Maybe double as Tour Manager to cut down on costs...who knows? I've done some touring with them before, and we had a blast. So, we'll have to see how that pans out. I just want to see them perform as much as possible--they are a crushing live band, and their new material is as brutal as ever. We're all excited to make good things happen!

HJB: YES!! I've been reading Steev Esquivel's status statements on Facebook and he seems to be getting back to his roots, ultra motivated and full of energy. I love that.

I know you refuse to spill the beans on the new tracks...but do you think they will play them at the upcoming shows?

And I'm also dying to hear how the AVN Awards were?

ACE RCTV: I'm not sure if they'll play the covers at shows--possibly after the EP comes out, they'll play some of them. That's more a question for the band. I'm more on the biz side, if ya catch my drift...

Now, as for AVN, we had way too much fun as always in Vegas. Reality Check TV goes every year to the Adult Entertainment Expo, and it's an excuse for us to see our pals, do interviews and have a great time doing it. Unfortunately we can't show/talk about everything we do there--it IS Vegas after all, and you know what they say...

HJB:  Well then we will just have to go to the shows and find out!! I am so looking forward to Saturday and the EP! Is there anything else you'd like to add?

ACE RCTV:  I suppose I should plug the SKINLAB websites: http://myspace.com/skinlab  for the music, and http://www.facebook.com/pages/SKINLAB-Official/292846018595#!/?sk=messages&tid=1370608883501  for the latest updates. To download, do the itunes thing: http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/skinlab/id29255719 and for you smartphone junkies, try the rdio.com page: http://www.rdio.com/#/artist/Skinlab/

Essentially, Skinlab has something for every listening device...

RSVP to the 'Lab Event page for the Oakland show here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=139313022790987

The Tour dates are:
Thurs. Jan 20 - Fat Cat - Modesto,CA
Sat. Jan 22 - Uptown - Oakland, CA
Fri. Jan 28 - Bricktown Live - Oklahoma City, OK
Sat. Jan 29 - The Rail - Ft. Worth, TX
Sun. Jan 30 - Clicks - Tyler, TX

Now for Reality Check TV, I suppose http://realitychecktv.com/ is the best place to go. On Facebook, our page is here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Reality-Check-TV/74318066363

I also have a Twitter page: http://twitter.com/AceRealityCheck, and I recommend everyone who can't watch the (uncensored) cable TV version of RCTV (which airs EVERY Fri. nite at 1:00 AM --Sat. morning if you're using a DVR--on San Francisco Comcast cable ch. 29) on Mevio online at http://realitychecktv.mevio.com/

A little bit later in the year, we'll have a big announcement for a planned extravaganza at a large venue in or around SF, which is tentatively planned for Oct. 1st. It'll tie-in to the 20th Anniversary, and be a mix of the stuff we love, with bands and burlesque!

Other than that, I want to express my thanks to everyone who supports me personally, as well as Reality Check TV, Skinlab and all of the projects/endeavors I/we are a part of. Nothing is any fun if people don't support it, and we've been very lucky to have great friends and fans--both Skinlab and RCTV. So, know that we appreciate it!

HJB: Thank you Ace!! Everybody near Modesto go check out SKINLAB, THURSDAY, January 20^th at FAT CAT and all us here closer to SF we will see you SATURDAY, JANUARY 22^nd at UPTOWN NIGHT CLUB!!   THANKS!!!

KNOW YOUR ENEMIES!!! 

January 2011 Hella Hawtie Lisa Cornett

Lisa Cornett aka PITBULL HAWTIE!!

1. What are your top three favorite bands and why?

Metallica, Machine Head and SLAYERRRR. Why ?
Metallica and Slayer got me through my teenage years. Metallica were my idols. From seeing them in small clubs in SF and being able to experience that time in the bay area with them was amazing, but more special to see where they are today .
Slayer just to me was the fastest, sickest, most amazing band EVER and still are!!
Machine Head blended some thrash and hardcore and made it their own. The lyrics and vocals with the rage.  They also came up with a new different sound I had never heard in guitar playing. Absolutely LOVE that. I could listen to these bands over and over. And me personally, I can't do that with most music.

2. What is the first concert you remember attending?

First concert I was 10 years old.  My big brother wanted me to experience a concert. Boy did I ever..It was Day On The Green with Journey, Santana and The Tubes. It was mesmerizing. From the vibe of the crowd, to the music plundering the coliseum, to the crowd with their lighters on in the dark, meanwhile the smell  of marijuana EVERYWHERE. Truly unforgettable and paved the way for my love of music. I shortly after that followed up with the Rolling Stones and J. Geils band in San Francisco, with my other older brother. It just snowballed from there. LOL.

3. What are your thoughts on the music scene?

My thoughts on the music scene. Today the music scene of my interest has made a great comeback. There are many punk and metal shows to attend. And promoters are busy booking a lot of shows. I think that's AWESOME.

4. What is the next show or few shows you plan on attending?

NAMM. It will be my first time going to NAMM. I'm going for the experience and spending time with friends.  I'm stoked to go and things are more grand and wonderful when your friends are there to share them. I'm also going to Ill Nino Jan 28th in Santa Rosa at The Last Day Saloon.

5. If you could meet anyone and ask a question, who would it be and what would you ask?
My question would be to a man who has passed, Wes Robinson.  He was an african american gentleman who promoted shows at Ruthies Inn . My question would be..What inspired him to promote the music he promoted at that time? Click here for more information about Wes Robinson.

As you can see in some of her photos, Lisa is a dog lover. She belongs to the United Kennel Club, The American Kennel Club and the Staffordshire Terrier Club of America. She owns an American Pitbull Terrier Bomber and two Champion American Staffordshire Terriers Vinnie and Meme. She is also involved in dog rescue. She also keeps up on BSL (Breed Specific Legislation) and was an activist against that legislation in California. Vinnie her American Staffordshire terrier was the first and only of his breed to achieve the Gold Award for Health.  She wrote an article for the Staffordshire Terrier Club of America on a neurological disease called cerrebular attaxia. At that time there was no test to diagnose dogs before breeding but now there is. Her future plans include a planned breeding this year. And when it comes to horses her father used to own and train Thoroughbred racehorses. Her brother currently owns a racehorse named Valdera that will be racing throughout Northern California. And when she has free time she loves to go riding.

THANK YOU LISA!!! Here's a little Machine Head in your honor...DAVIDIAN

REALITY CHECK TV's ROCKIN' XXX-MASS BASH, Tuesday, December 21st!

I don't know about you but this has been quite an expensive year!!!! So there's no reason not to come celebrate the holidaze tomorrow night for FREE at Reality Check TV's Party at Butter in San Francisco. Butter is located at 354 11th Street, right across the street from Slim's (http://www.smoothasbutter.com/).

 

For more info go to: http://www.realitychecktv.com 

The Buzz On INSANITY

We were able to invade the Bay Area's Thrashing Old School Death Metal band, INSANITY's rehearsal recently. Dave Gorsuch, Falko Bolte and Juan Casarez shared the happenings.

INSANITY REHEARSAL MEDLEY 11/23/2010

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE INSANITY INTERVIEW 11/23/2010

and more great INSANITY clips

INSANITY live at MURDERFEST 3/27/07 - Death After Death

INSANITY live at MURDERFEST 3/24/07 - Fire Death Fate

Be sure check out their Myspace http://www.myspace.com/insanity

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/INSANITY/57208433713
and Reverb Nation http://www.reverbnation.com/oldschoolinsanity

And check out their only Bay Area Show for 2010 on Friday, December 3rd

at MADHOUSE @ Club Cocomo, 650 Indiana Street, San Francisco

with Potential Threat, Black Mackerel and Severed Fifth.

INSANITY, POTENTIAL THREAT, BLACK MACKEREL & SEVERED FIFTH in San Francisco, Friday, December 3rd

Bay Area death/thrash metal legends, INSANITY, is hitting Cafe Cocomo December 3rd with their only San Francisco Bay Area show for 2010- win a pair of tickets in the Bone's Metal Zone! 

METAL ZONE CONTEST

 MORE CLUB COCOMO INFO HERE