Asking Alexandria vs. Skid Row

Raise your hand if you know the band Asking Alexandria. The English metalcore/screamo/techno band is one of my absolute new faves on the scene. At the end of last year, Asking Alexandria released an EP called Life Gone Wild. Appropriately enough, the band included two Skid Row covers on the disc: "18 and Life" and "Youth Gone Wild." (At Rock on the Range two weeks ago, I got to see Sebastian Bach perform "Youth Gone Wild" with Asking Alexandria).

The thing that surprises me about the covers is that Asking Alexandria stays very true to the originals - there isn't any screamo anywhere in these tunes. In fact, at some points, you'd be hard pressed to tell whether the singer is Sebastian Bach or Danny Worsnop. Sure, there are bits of that English accent in the lower register parts, but on the Bach-esque soaring notes, the similarities are uncanny. And the guitar work is freaking awesome.

I get that a lot of you don't like screamo and that's okay - but you might buy the two Skid Row covers to support this new band who clearly wears their influences on their collective sleeves. On their original songs, the Bullet For My Valentine and Avenged Sevenfold similarities are pretty clear. It's also clear that Asking Alexandria is a band that knows their metal - and isn't afraid to give a nod to the old standards. You know, the bands we call our favorites.

"Youth Gone Wild" by Asking Alexandria

"18 and Life" by Asking Alexandria

Steelheart, 'Black Dog,' -- New Single

Steelheart has a new single! The band has recorded a cover of the Led Zeppelin classic "Black Dog." It's awesome. Check it out. After you listen, download free from the band's website.

By Request: Black Veil Brides -- 'The Legacy'

Yesterday, one of my fine readers asked if I had seen the new Black Veil Brides video for "The Legacy." To be honest I had not. This fine reader pointed out the classic Motley Crue similarities. Think Shout at the Devil era, and you've got it. I'm not going to pass any judgements here, except to say that I think every member of Black Veil Brides looks like Nikki Sixx about two decades ago.

So, while Black Veil Brides is not a Glam band, they did create a pretty Glam video for "The Legacy." Watch and let me know your opinion.

Papa Roach, 'No Matter What' -- New Video

One of my fave modern bands, Papa Roach, have just released a video for their new single "No Matter What." The single is from the album Time For Annihilation: On the Record and On The Road. The clip was directed by Jesse Davey.

The song has that classic Papa Roach "sound," but seems unique at the same time. I really like the song. The video is interesting -- a treatment I never would have expected from P. Roach. Watch.

Heavy Metal Strawberry Pickers

Have you heard of the movie Heavy Metal Strawberry Pickers? It focuses on the fictional Glam band Kitty Kitty Bang Bang after grunge took over the metal scene. I'm actually talking to the film's director next week, but I couldn't wait: I just had to post some clips from the movie for you to enjoy. I haven't watched the entire film yet, but I will. It's going to be awesome.

Kix, Tesla, Cinderella to Play Monsters of Rock: The Voyage

There's another Glam festival on the horizon - and this one is on water. Monsters of Rock: The Voyage will sail February 25, 2012 out of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Kix, Tesla and Cinderella will headline the event.

Other bands already confirmed include Y&T, Black n' Blue, Firehouse, Lynch Mob, Stryper, Keel, Faster Pussycat and Bang Tango. John Corabi and Eric Martin will also give special performances.

The cruise is just three nights and will sail to the Bahamas and Key West. Right now, no word on pricing, but cabins are slated to go on sale June 13.

Ozzy 30th Anniversary Box Set - Anyone Buying?

Who here is getting the Ozzy Osbourne 30th anniversary box set? These remasters are the "definitive" versions of the Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman albums with better sound and previously unreleased bonus tracks. You can get the albums individually or as a special box set. The legacy edition of Diary of a Madman includes a bonus CD of previously unreleased live performances, featuring Randy Rhoads.

The big box set comes complete with remastered vinyl and CD editions of Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman and lots more including a 100 page coffee table book, poster and DVD among other things.

Here's some footage from the DVD in the deluxe box set called Thirty Years After the Blizzard. It is truly great quality.

In case you are wondering, all this awesomeness doesn't come cheap. Looks like the deluxe set is $150 bucks. Check out photos, a full track listing and order through Ozzy's MyPlay Direct site.