Here are a couple of new articles posted on Metal Machine.net for your perusal.

DIMEBAG FOREVER- Some performances from one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Leave memories there.

Why Avatar Will Kick Ass- I saw a preview of James Cameron’s new 3D film and…click here for my thoughts

A Letter to TNA Wrestling

WWE Invades Comics

IT IS I, MIKE HUNT!

I dislike this whole “junior year is your hardest year” mantra. So far though, it’s proving to be true – especially with early admission applications to USC.

Here’s a bit of background on the Resident Honors Program (at the University of Southern California).

I’ve no clue as to when this program was actually started. No clue as to how old it is, or how established it is amongst high-school counselor circles. Right around 100 Juniors apply each year to this program, and between 20-30 of them get accepted. So what exactly does that mean?

(In Mike’s Mind): If you get in, you’re a badass.

The RHP was established as a way for Juniors to skip their senior years of high school, and to attend their Freshman year of College at USC in exchange. Now, this means that the selected students won’t graduate high school (officially). Some high schools choose to give out “Honorary” diplomas, deeming RHP students exempt from any further courses in high school. However, the Irvine Unified School District is just a conglomerate of hardasses, so students like me will have to take the GED (some exam to prove that you’re not a ruh-tard) to obtain a high school diploma. Sad thing is, invitations to this program are sent based on PSAT scores.

…

Not cool, man.

I’m not the world’s greatest student – especially since teachers tend to hate me. Big fat toddlers…

Speaking of big fat toddlers, I’d just like to take a moment now… to classify most adults as big, fat unreliable CO2-emitting sources of unhappiness and mid-life crises. Now y’see, while writing my college essays and whatnot, my college counselor told me to send my work in for review. I didn’t get a reply. Not until a week later, the day that the application was due. In that one week, I worked on my application with another writing professor from the University of California at Irvine. Truth be told, I had become quite chuffed with what I had written – then on the due date, my college counselor told me to submit the (slightly and lightly) revised essays that I had JUST received. I now regret following her advice.. SHE PLAYED DIRTY!

She said: “But (UCI Professor) isn’t a professional college counselor – you should send THIS copy instead of the (UCI Professor’s).”

Fuck, I ain’t feeling so good about that decision now. Not at all. All I’ve left to rely upon… is the luck bestowed upon dumbshits in times of need.

YOU KNOW HOW THE DOGG ROLL.

RIP Dime, your music still lives on!

Kev

Five years ago I was living in a one bedroom apartment in another part of the coast, a few days away from ending a relationship that had been over a long time.

On this day, probably two days before I did that, I walked home from a neighbor’s house in the morning, not quite a walk of shame, but the idea was there already. We’d stayed up too late talking and drinking and in the window of time before I passed out on his couch that night he kissed me. And instantly we both knew it was a bad idea and I mumbled that I was tired and passed out. Promptly.

In the morning I walked home with a wine hangover, glass still in hand and turned on my computer to find out about the shooting at the Alrosa Villa that would claim the life of Dimebag Darrell. I was a huge Pantera fan in the 8th grade and also have a friend that used to frequent that club. The world stopped.

I just kept trolling the internet for more news and to find traces of hellaine to make sure she was okay. I of course found out she was, but this is one day of the year I will always think of her and check in to make sure she’s around.

It’s weird to think all of that was only five years ago. Or it’s weird to think oh my god, my life hasn’t changed that much in five years either, I thought I’d be long gone from here by then. And less of a child. I guess I’m not. Whatever.

Today is a day to forever be remembered as December 8th is the mark of two great losses to the world of music.  On this day in the year 1980, John Lennon of the Beatles was murdered.  He had signed a copy of Double Fantasy for Mark David Chapman on the day of his murder.  Chapman would go on to shoot Lennon five times before 11 p.m. that night (Mtv.com).  Chapman continues to serve his sentence in a New York state prison (Mtv.com).
Here is a live performance of Paul McCartney paying tribute to his fallen friend, John Lennon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tHWk6_NHcw

Exactly 24 years later, “Dimebag” Darrell Lance Abbott of Pantera and Damageplan was savagely murdered while on stage with his current band, Damageplan.  Ex-Marine Nathan Gale went on a killing spree at that show in Columbus, Ohio, murdering Dime along with three others. Luckily, off-duty patrol officer, James Niggemeyer snuck into the club and was able to end Nathan Gale’s shooting spree by putting a bullet to his head (Mtv.com).  However, Dime had already been killed instantly with a shot to his head from Gale.
The following video link is to a live performance of a song which includes, in my opinion, one of Dime’s finest solos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yUJBAX0B2k

Let us never forget these two tragedies that severely injured the world of music.  More importantly, let us never forget these two great musical icons.

Today (December 8 ) marks the 5 year anniversary of the senseless murder of Pantera/Damageplan guitarist Dimebag Darrell. I’ll spare the details of the actual night for we all know (or at least should by now) the devastating story. Rather, I want to take a few moments to pay tribute to arguably one of the most inspirational and phenomenal metal guitarists to ever grace the metal community.

Even though it has been five years, I can still vividly recall when I heard the news. I was just waking up to get ready for school that day when my mom rushed into my room saying “Zach, the Today Show is reporting that there was a shooting at a metal concert in Ohio and that some of the band members were killed! They haven’t mentioned who the band was yet.” I sprung into my mom’s room waiting for Katie Couric to reveal more details. After waiting for a good 20 minutes for them to get to the story, they revealed the horrid news. Once they showed a picture of Darrell, my heart plunged to the floor. My mom asked “Do you know the guitarist?” Without saying a word, I lead my mom back to my room and showed her a poster of Dimebag hanging next to my bed. Needless to say, I didn’t need to explain any further to her.

Dimebag Darrell’s musical work stands as inspiration to millions of aspiring guitarists. What made Darrell’s playing so unique was its mix of speed and groove, simplicity and technicality, and purely its strong sense of melody. He stood out amongst the rest for he wasn’t just trying to be flashy and shred like most virtuoso guitarists. While some guitarists would settle for having an insane solo, Dimebag cared about the riff being melodic and memorable. His riffs and solos were permanently melted in your brain at first listen. My personal favorite performance from Darrell is on the song “This Love”. Not only did the song feature a chilling yet passionate solo that you could easily sing along to (even without the music actually playing), but it also showcased the great musical partnership he had with his brother and drummer Vinnie Paul. The two’s tight timing together throughout the song highlights how Darrell was just as skillful with maintaining rhythm as with soloing (a combination not many guitarist possess). Dimebag Darrell proved that metal guitar playing can still inspire and be praise worthy during a time when grunge and alternative rock ruled the mainstream. He was a pivotal reason behind Pantera’s strength and ability to keep metal alive during the 90s.

While he may no long be with us, Dimebag Darrell’s legacy shall always remain. His music will live on and inspire generations of guitarists to come. Though today we mourn his memory, we must always be thankful for the inspiration he has given all of us. RIP Dimebag Darrell.

On December 8th, 1980, Beatle John Lennon was shot and killed outside the entrance of the Dakota apartment, in New York City. His influence and significances don’t require any explanation.

On December 8th, 2004,  Pantera/ Damageplan guitarist Dimebag Darrell was shot on stage during a live performance; a most grisly scene. Dime was one of the most influential metal guitarists of the last thirty years. His significance was even greater during the 1990’s because he continued to play lengthy guitar solos, even when they weren’t in style. He carried the torch for the current generation of shredders.

When I realized that both of these men were murdered on the same day 24 years apart, I felt it was fitting to write a piece on fallen musicians in their honor. I have been planning on writing this for some time, but I didn’t know what I was going to say until I sat down to write.

So many exceptional musicians have died far too young.

Duane Allman lead guitarist for the Allman Brothers (1971), John Bonham drummer for Led Zeppelin (1980), Jeff Buckley (1997), Cliff Burton bassist for Metallica (1987), Kurt Cobain vocalist & guitarist for Nirvana (1994), Jim Croce (1973), Bobby Darin (1973), Jimi Hendrix (1970), Buddy Holly (1959), Robert Johnson (1938), Janis Joplin (1970), Phil Lynott bassist and vocalist for Thin Lizzy (1986), Freddie Mercury vocalist for Queen (1991), Keith Moon drummer for The Who (1978), Jim Morrison guitarist and vocalist for The Doors (1971), Berry Oakley bassist for the Allman Brothers (1972), Randy Rhodes guitarist of Quiet Riot & Ozzy Osbourne (1982), Stevie Ray Vaughan (1990), Allen Woody bassist for Gov’t Mule & the Allman Brothers, and most of the original members of Lynyrd Skynyrd come to mind, but there are many many more.

Randy Rhodes lived a clean life and died at 25.

These people died young, many of them before they hit the peak of their career. Guys like Duane Allman, Cliff Burton, Jimi Hendrix, SRV, and Randy Rhodes were so ahead of their time. Their innovations still impact music today. Nevertheless, I can’t help but imagine what they would have done with the rest of their lives. The bright side is that they will forever live on through their recordings, and in the hearts and minds of those who have been touched by their music.

The more I think about it, as sad as it is that so many talented musicians died prematurely, it’s amazing how many have lived and continue to live long lives… many in spite of their lifestyles.

I read Eric Clapton’s autobiography when it came out two years ago, and the book read like a combination music history/ twelve step program pitch pamphlet. With all of the shit that Clapton did to his body, the man is still alive and on stage; and he’s not alone.

BB King is well touring well into his 80’s, and Buddy Guy is 73 (going on 50). Greg Allman managed to escape what seemed like certain death. He was a partial influence for the song “That Smell,” by Lynyrd Skynyrd; the chorus was written about him:

Ooh, ooh that smell
Can’t you smell that smell?
Ooh, ooh that smell
The smell of death surrounds you.

I’m shocked that all of the guys from Aerosmith are alive (although I wish Steven Tyler was in better shape). And all of the longtime members of Pink Floyd have lived long lives (Pianist Richard Wright passed away last year at age 65).

I could go on forever with this. So many more incredible musicians have continued to live, create, and entertain than those who have died.

In honor of Lennon and Dime, I am choosing to focus on those who have survived them.

It’s easy to fixate on tragedy.

Death is a story, life isn’t.

isn’t anyone else tired of hearing every band on earth struggle through this fucking song as an homage to dimebag? it’s becoming a cruel joke. at least pick a different pantera tune to ruin every once in a while. oh, and matt heafy’s stage banter makes me cringe. almost as much as his singing.

Top 10 hottest men in rock. Ok, here we go…

10. John Popper of Blues Traveler
John is like a rotisserie chicken, extra skin means extra flavor.

9.  Tom Petty
Part mustahceless Larry Bird part Lurch.

8.  Dimebag Darrell
One might assume that the burly beard on Darrell made him appear to be ugly and that deep down he was handsome.  Then you got one shot of his black toothed grin and you knew…

7.  Every member of Phoenix
This is not an attractive collection of men.

6.   Joey Ramone
You know the scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark when all the Nazi’s faces melt.  If that happened to Howard Stern you would have Joey.

5.  Lady Gaga
A wide nose that’s equaled by its length and teeth that Brits laugh at.  Yummy.

4. Kevin Dubrow of Quiet Riot
This poor bastard was balding in his 20’s.

3. Willie Nelson
A true genius.  He loves weed and farmland.  This means he most likely hates soap.

2. Roy Orbison
You could have told me Roy was 20 or 70 at any point in his life and I would believe either.

1. Lemmy!!!!  Nuf said.

O duo de guitarristas Rodrigo y Gabriela, lançou recentemente um álbum, com uma música em tributo ao falecido guitarrista do Pantera “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott, intitulado de “11:11″. Conta com a participação do guitarrista dos Testament Alex Skolnick, que faz um solo espetacular na “Atman”, a tal dedicada ao Dimebag. Atman é uma palavra em sânscrito, que significa a única parte imortal do ser humano.O Dimebag foi morto a tiro em palco enquanto tocava com a sua última banda, Damageplan, em Columbus, Ohio, no ano de 2004 .

Estes tipos tocam muito. Têm influência de bandas de metal como Metallica, Pantera e Sepultura. No youtube circulam imensas covers de músicas destas bandas, das quais as de Metallica são fenomenais. Eles misturam essas influências com cenas latinas. A Gabriela faz ritmos na guitarra, faz percurssão a bater com a mão na caixa da guitarra e ritmos com uma palhetada extremamente agressiva. Ambos tem uma técnica extremamente evoluída, criando assim com duas guitarras clássicas um som mais pesado do que algumas bandas completas, apenas pela maneira enérgica e agressiva como tocam, sempre com a qualidade de execução em primeiro lugar.

Fica aqui a cover da Orion, dos Metallica.