Jutta Weinhold ( Ex Zed Yago) back with some of her old bandmates!

I just chatted online with Jutta and she tells me that she is re-assembling a band with Bubi, Tatch, and Gunner, all (Ex Zed Yago) to perform live again, some of the old Zed Yago tunes, and write some new ones! In 1989 Zed Yago made a splash in the USA with their second release entiltled Pilgrimage on RCA Records. Jutta has been singing for over 40 years. With her distinct and powerful voice she is set to unleash her abilities again!

Jutta from June of this year from her facebook page.

Her official site is in German, but with a little help from google translate it is translatable http://www.jutta-weinhold.com/

Watch Dan's Music Report for more information and future interview!

Needless To Say- EP Review- Progressive Metal is alive in 2011!

Above picture is from Needless To Say EP

Being in my 40s, and starting to write about music again, I am always searching for independent bands to review. After seeing Needless to Say's excellent live show @ The Talent Farm, I saw that they had an actual EP CD for sale after the show for only 5 dollars.

All of the tunes on the EP are long and full of many time, tempo, and melody changes. For a first official release, Needless To Say has put out an EP crammed full of catchy melodies, and ripping dual guitar, bass, and drums, everything a progressive metal band should have. My two favorite tunes are Conquer All, and Untied. Untied is a seven and a half minute epic, complete with vocalist Julz (Julia's) provocative, seething underneath, melodic vocal lines. Her voice is not soprano high, but her tonal quality compliments the powerful music. Occasional death metal growls in the background adds to the intensity, I hope in their newer material they add more background growls from Trey, their drummer, he really blasts them out, in addition to his solid drumming skills.

The production is a bit thin for this type of music, I was hoping for more of layered sound, however it sounds pretty good for a first release, and in headphones blasted all the way I hear all the sounds. I am sure their next release will be light years ahead of this EP, and they should be signed to a record label.

This EP rates a 7 out of 10 and is a must purchase. Needless to Say is available on itunes @ http://itunes.apple.com/ie/artist/needless-to-say/id404351317

The band sells the CD at their shows for $5.00.

Like them on Facebook for links to various videos @ https://www.facebook.com/NeedlessToSayfl

EXCLUSIVE Interview: Leather Leone back after over 15yrs in Sledge/Leather

After becoming a legendary singer in the 80s with Chastain, and releasing a solo record called "Shockwaves", Leather Leone unfortunately vanished from the music scene. I found her, she is singing again with her old partner in metal Sandy Sledge. They are on the verge of unleashing a live DVD to the masses, I chatted with Leather about her long layoff and upcoming projects. For more information go to http://www.sledgeleather.com or blast to them on facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/sledge/Leather#!/SledgeLeatherProject

Danny: Why did you stop performing after your “Shockwaves” solo record?

Leather: After “Shockwaves “we did “For those Who Dare” tour.  No offers at that time for me!

Danny: Any regrets about the long layoff?

Leather: Never any regrets. Good for nothing! I'm here now!

Danny: I know you always loved animals, has working in an animal hospital
made you more grounded, and relaxed?

Leather: Working with animals like music a natural for me but relaxing,   NO!!!!!!!!!!  I did a lot of Pit Bull work, my other passion!

Danny: Any thoughts of singing again before 2010? Did you keep your voice in
shape, by practicing?

Leather: As far as staying in shape  my friends tell me to sing all the time,  but don't be fooled I started my old regime of running and scales months before working with Sledge/Leather

Danny: You told me Dio's death inspired you to continue singing, what are
some of the other motivating factors?

Leather: Nothing inspired me more than Ronnies passing  But all of you, who are still there after 20 years. I need to say say Thank u!

Danny: How did you get in touch with Sandy Sledge? Or was there a constant
communication?

Leather: I  have never lost touch with Sledge, She knows my pattern,talent and beliefs

Danny: Very cool idea with a live Sledge/Leather DVD coming out, how was that
decision formulated instead of a standard CD or itunes release?

Leather: The DVD has just come first. We are planning a CD.

Danny: Do you find Europe is more receptive to Sledge/Leather than the
states at this point?

Leather: Not sure about European response verses USA, just landed in Germany and it was f-ing crazy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank u Germany!
 
Danny: I know you did the 2011 Keep It True Festival, any more prospects for
live shows in 2011-2012? A tour?

Leather: We are working on all of the above, not sure of the dates. Touring, recording, Coming to your house for breakfast !  We are coming for you!!!!!!!!! (Leather is coming not sure to be scared or excited haha=Danny)

Danny: Great to have you back on the scene, are there any words you have to
your fans and the metal community in General?

Leather: Sledge/leather happy to be back with you! Metal up! Go to our official site!
 
         dREAM eVIL                    
 
                                 Love u Danny !!    

Finally Check out the Youtube link to the Live DVD trailer @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-IMq6PWXsM   


   

Omissions and Needless To Say @ The Talent Farm Fanfest -Concert Review- Danny Shamon

The local heavy scene is alive and well with diversity. With over 30 bands during the three day festival, a pavilion set up outside, hot dog stand, and even a dunk tank, concert goers enjoyed a whirlwind of music from a variety of styles of heaviness ranging from death metal to progressive. I did bring my camera, but with a full memory card I opted to just enjoy the show and cover it it written form.

I did enjoy all of the performances I saw, but two bands caught my eye and ear. Omissions, played their metal/hardcore blend and added a bit of extra energy onstage. Vocalist Renato's calm demeanor offstage turned into a ball of maniacal, earth shattering aggression as soon as he grabbed the mic. Solid dual guitar work from Justin and Javi made the smooth transition flow from song to song during their set. Since I have seen Omissions several times, I knew what to expect, and am never disappointed by their live performances. Omissions is a must watch South Florida band, and their song "Wolf in The Woods" is gathering momentum and currently can be heard on Metal Messiah Radio @ http://www.metalmessiahradio.com.

For more information check out Omissions offical facebook page @ https://www.facebook.com/omissions

My surprise of the evening was the progressive metal band Needless To Say. Their set brought me back to the 80s when soaring leads were the norm, and Jul Z on vocals added an air of passion and emotion. There were some death metal growls behind her provided by one of the guitarist and drummer Trey. This band was very tight live obviously well rehearsed, and moved fluidly onstage. The songs are long and entertaining to listen to. This is a great live band with many intricate chord changes and musical progressions.

After their set I chatted with vocalist Julia (Jul Z) about her influences and she told me that the main influence is Avenged Sevenfold, but they listen to and respect Steve Vai, Iron Maiden, and Dio! She also told me that the band was started when she was just 16! At 19 she displays maturity beyond her years, and all of the members have a firm grasp on the music business in addition to their musicianship. Keep reading my next report for a review of their 5 song Ep!

For more information on Needless To Say like them on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/NeedlessToSayfl

After liking Needless To Say on Facebook check the link below for a great live shot of Needless To Say at The Talent Farm taken by Fabio Rguez!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=274751739207636&set=o.266003490648&type=1

The Talent Farm Fanfest! OMISSIONS takes the stage Sunday August 21st

This Friday, August 19th thru Sunday August 21st @ The Talent Farm in Pembroke Pines TheTalentFarm 20911 Johnson St #111 Pembroke Pines, Fl 33029 (954) 438-3488 is one of the largest local shows in the South Florida Area, with over 30 bands spread out over the three day period. Fanfest is held once a year and attracts hundreds of fans. For more info point your browsers to http://thetalentfarm.com

On Sunday Night August 21st Omissions Takes the stage with their crushing sound and blistering brutality. Here is an exclusive pic I took of Lead vocalist Renato onstage delivering his blistering vocal performance.

Catch and request Omission's new tunes with Jet on Metal Messiah Radio @ http://www.metalmessiahradio.com

Also Blast their facebook page @ https://www.facebook.com/omissions

Stay Heavy and support the local scene!

Sentinel Beast Official site and info

For all of you metal heads that are fans of solid thrash from the 80s check out Sentintel Beast fronted by the legendary Debbie Gunn. Debbie has almost three decades in metal and is still burning up the stage, she also manages a band called Hysteria. For information on Sentinel Beast blast your browser to their official facebook site. A picture of Debbie Gunn belting out her brand of metal resides below this text!

The picture is from her facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sentinel-Beast-Offical/ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sentinel-Beast-Offical/103659469696612

Their 1986 LP "Depths of Death" is considered to be a thrash classic

Keep reading Dan's Music report for more info! And future interviews!

Welcome all to my new music blog!

Dan's Movie Report will link directly to Dan's Music Report. Both sites are run directly by me Danny (Templegod) Shamon. I plan, in the coming months to do updates at least once a week, with new music reviews and interviews with artists.

My favorite styles are hard rock and heavy metal, and this blog will focus on those. As a writer, I have written for five music magazines in the past Zazz 1985-1988, The Wild Rag-1987-1988, Tampa bay Spike-1993, Revelations 1989-1990,and Jam -1991-1994. Jam Magazine had a circulation of 70,000 every other week in the early 90s and was distributed in almost every rock club in the state of Florida. All have ceased to exist. I always have a special place in my heart for 80s metal, because that is what I listened to and wrote about.

First up will be an interview with Ex Chastain singer Leather Leone, who has a new material out with Sandy Sledge. Sledge/Leather is the name and a website set up @ http://sledgeleather.com

Pic is of Leather and I in 1990, after Chastain "For Those Who Dare" concert tour stop in Florida. Photo: J. Blade

Leather has just recently got back into the music scene and after almost two decades away, it is time for another interview! Stay tuned to Dan's Music Report for the interview and Dan's Movie Report for the Sledge/Leather DVD review! Most importantly stay metal!