On January 28th, 2011, after sitting in some grueling Friday afternoon traffic, we arrived at the Starland Ballroom in Slayerville New Jersey around 7 o’clock. Why did we travel for over 2 hours on a cold winter night? Well, we needed to experience round 2 of the Life Of Agony and Vision Of Disorder concert. The two bands had performed together in New York City this past December, and they left everyone hungry for some more musical power.
Performing that night with the two legendary bands was Anaka from New York City, a band that makes it clear from the moment they step on stage that they want to get the crowd riled up. Luckily, we were able to catch their entire set and they proved to us why Life Of Agony asked them to be part of the show. The Pallis brothers are true Metalheads, and together create a unique blend of music.
After Anaka’s set we headed to the backstage area and ran into VOD’s drummer Brendon Cohen who was anxiously waiting for the gig. Then we headed to VOD’s dressing rooms were the rest of the band was. We had always heard that the guys in VOD are very genuine people, and this was definitely confirmed after hanging out with them.
In the midst of all the backstage shenanigans, we ran into Johnny Kelly from Type O Negative and Seventh Void, and Biohazard’s drummer Danny Schuler. Once inside Life Of Agony’s dressing room we got to meet their singer Keith Caputo, who is a very nice guy and who was somewhat nervous about performing.
Once it was show time for VOD, the entire backstage area cleared off, and the venue was finally packed. The band kicked off their set with Choked, which immediately got the crowd moving uncontrollably. Long Island’s Hardcore legends kept the intensity throughout their entire 45 minute set and reminded everyone why they are the best band to ever come from Long Island. The highlight of their performance was when they performed two brand new songs, which were welcomed with arms wide open by all the VOD fans. One of the songs is called “Hard Times” and the other one is known as the “Slow Song”. While both songs blend in elements of the “Green Album” and Imprint, the bands new music has evolved once again. We can’t wait to listen to the new record!
After all the concert attendees grabbed a drink and cleared the sweat from their foreheads, it was time for Life Of Agony. Right before they stepped on stage, we spoke with their singer Keith Caputo backstage and when we asked him if he was nervous, he responded: “I am scared! I am also very anxious, and very excited! This is what I live for.” Needless to say, Life Of Agony got the crowd moving, singing along, and grooving. It’s refreshing to see so many pretty girls at a rock show!
When we saw Life Of Agony in December, we mentioned that we thought they were good, but that Biohazard should have headlined that show. We also felt that the band did not perform at their very best. Well, this time around they proved to us why they are considered legends by millions of fans worldwide!
Special thanks to VOD, Brenna Chase, Alex Dementia & crew, and to Joe LaRusso!
Long Island's most successful Hardcore band in history, is lining up a very interesting 2011. Vision Of Disorder recently performed at the Best Buy Theater in Times Square New York, along with Life Of Agony, Biohazard, and Seventh Void. The band brought its uncompromised attitude and did what they do best: get the crowd off their feet and into the pit. It is extremely hard for any band to follow Vision Of Disorder, because the band wont let anyone sit or stand still.
From the moment they got on stage and teased the crowd with some Black Sabbath, we knew it was going to be a legendary performance. By the time they played their legendary song "Element", the venue was pretty much packed and going ape shit. The band continued their set without any interruptions, because singer Tim Williams does not like standing still and blabbering about stupid shit. This is evident when we have interviewed him for Horns Up Rocks.
We absolutely believe that 2011 is going to be a phenomenal year for Vision Of Disorder, not only because the band sounds better then ever, but because after taking an extended musical break, the band is on the proper head space to return with full force. Want to find out more about what's in store for VOD in 2011? Check out this video interview we did with singer Tim Williams backstage at the Best Buy Theater, while Life Of Agony was performing.
We want to thank Tim Williams and Vision Of Disorder for their continuous support, and Brenna and Dan for granting us access at the show. Special thanks to Evil Steve for his camera work, and to Simi Friedman for the killer pictures. \m/
After carefully watching what different media outlets released this holiday season, we decided that instead of creating an end of the year summary using old content, we would instead create a 30-minute program that showcases the impact of Heavy Music in 2010. In order to make this a successful program, we would have to find the ideal platform. That platform? New York City’s Times Square, also known as the “center of the world”!
You may be thinking that we went into a Broadway show and bumped elbows with tourists. But the reality is that what we experienced was magical.
We arrived at the Best Buy Theater (formerly the Nokia Theater), which is the best sounding venue in New York City. The place is pimped out! As soon as we got there we ran into a lot of familiar faces, one face that stood out was Tommy Vext (formerly from Divine Heresy and Snot). From that moment on, we knew this night would be like no other! The video special will make this very evident, so make sure you check it out. We have live footage, exclusive interviews and more!
Seventh Void, which features members of Type O Negative opened the night with a tight set, and made all the concert attendees remember the great Peter Steele (RIP)! A few minutes later, it was time for Long Island’s Kings of Hardcore Vision Of Disorder. VOD never just shows up to a show, they make sure they get the crowd pumped and could have easily headlined the show. We had the chance to talk to their singer Tim Williams (included on the video special), and 2011 is shaping up to be an awesome year for this phenomenal band.
As soon as VOD finished their set, we caught up with Revolver Magazine’s Editor In Chief Brandon Geist and discussed the impact of Heavy Music in 2010 (also included on the video special). Revolver Magazine’s latest issue is a tribute to all the “fallen heroes” of Heavy Music. Make sure you pick it up!
Next up was Biohazard, who always makes sure to get the crowd moving and that they leave with a smile on their face. We had the chance to talk to their guitarist Bobby Hambel (also included on the video special), and he is a true legend!
In our opinion, Biohazard should have been the main headliner, simply because they are a lot more energetic then Life Of Agony. As a result, the crowd was somewhat tired once Life Of Agony took center stage. Nevertheless, Life Of Agony sounded amazing!
WIthout further due, here is our 2010 Holiday Special (includes bonus footage starring Brian Fair from Shadows Falls)! We want to dedicate this piece to Peter Steele, Ronnie James Dio and Paul Gray! And of course, all the fans of Horns Up Rocks!!!
Special thanks to our photographers Evil Steve, Damien Mitchell and Simi Friedman. Our videographers Lucky, Evil Steve, Lisa Marie Gort DeStefano and Alissa Shimansky. And last but not least, Jose Mangin, Brandon Geist, Tim WIlliams, Bobby Hambel, and Brian Fair!
Horns Up Rocks wants to wish every single one of you: HEAVY HOLIDAYS and a METALLIC 2011! Thanks so much for your support, and rest assured that will keep the HORNS way UP in 2011! Please be safe, because we need every single one of you to keep the Heavy Music Army growing and becoming STRONGER THAN ALL!
We decided to take a look at all the memories that we lived throughout 2010, and give you our beloved fans, the ultimate Top 10! Starting today, we will post one memory a day! The best memory of 2010 will be posted on New Years Day (December 31st)!
\m/ NUMBER 10: THE HIXON Chronicles - On August 27th, Horns Up Rocks and Jefferson Avenue Productions brought the annual Hixonfest to the Ace of Clubs bar in New York City. The event featured live music by Lies Beneath, Canons, S.W.A.K., female Judas Priest tribute band Judas Priestess, and New Jersey's Thrash Metal titans The Hixon. Additionally, the event was hosted by Richard Christy from the Howard Stern Show and Charred Walls of the Damned. The event also featured a sexy model search hosted by Crown Ink Divas CEO Frankie Scorpion.
Before the event, and before we all started our drink-a-thon, Horns Up Rocks founder Jo Schuftan interviewed The Hixon. Here is what went down:
\m/ NUMBER 9: METAL meets COMEDY (with Don Jamieson and Jim Florentine of VH1 Classic's THAT METAL SHOW) - When it comes to mixing Heavy Metal and Comedy, there are very few people that can blend them together like Don Jamieson and Jim Florentine do. You may be familiar with this two maniacs, from VH1 Classic's That Metal Show, or from the infamous "Terrorizing Tele-marketers CD's. You may also know them from Comedy Central's Crankyankers and Meet the Creeps, or maybe from a Heavy Metal concert. Regardless of where you know them from, what this two man have achieved in their careers, is truly admirable! We had the chance to interview both of them together, and somehow managed to keep them somewhat controlled! Check it out:
\m/ NUMBER 8: SLAYER, MEGADETH & ANTHRAX @ American Carnage 2 - On Friday October 8th, we headed to the Nassau Vetarans Memorial Coliseum in Long Island to experience one of the best tours in Heavy Metal history. Which tour are we talking about? The second leg of the American Carnage tour, sponsored by Jägermeister Music, which features Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax.
We arrived at the venue around 4 o'clock, and immediately headed to lot 6 (pretty appropriate) for Jo Schuftan's (founder of Horns Up Rocks) tailgate birthday party! As soon as we arrived to lot 6, Heavy Metal was blasting from every car in the parking lot! It was heaven for any Metal head and hell for everyone else. Check out the videos we captured!
\m/ NUMBER 7:At the 2010 Hixonfest, the Judas Priestess played a furious set right after New Jersey's Metaleros The Hixon almost burned the house down. The all female Judas Priest tribute band puts the pedal to the Metal, and they do it from start to finish. Judas Priestess deliver a vulgar display of adrenaline, that can be addictive. Not only can they make the dudes headbang out of control, they also get the chicks to shake their booties lambada style. When the Judas Priestess ladies rock the hell out of the stage, nobody is safe. Here is the interview that METAL LOVE did with the ladies of Judas Priestess! This became an instant hit and was published on BLABBERMOUTH! \m/
\m/ NUMBER 666: New Orleans has always been known for its influence in music and its multilingual cross-cultural heritage. This ever-changing region of the United States gave birth to Jazz music, and is universally known for its cuisine. Recently they became known for their NFL football team, thanks to the New Orleans Saints victory over the Indianapolis Colts at this years Super Bowl in Miami. What does all this have to do with Heavy Music? Well, NOLA is the birthplace of some of the best bands in the country! This year we produced a lot of legendary interview videos, but two interviews that we are very proud of are the ones with Kirk Windstein (Crowbar, Down, Kingdom of Sorrow), and Ben Falgoust (Goatwhore, Soilent Green). Check this two jewels out:
\m/ NUMBER 5: Eugene Victor Hoglan II, known by many of you as Gene Hoglan or "The Atomic Clock", is one of the best drummers in the world. During his 26 year career he has played in bands such as Strapping Young Lad, Testament, Dark Angel, War God and Dethklok. When I heard that he was joining the mighty Fear Factory, my heart started beating at triple the tempo. I started envisioning what the new generation of Fear Factory would sound like. The results blew my mind when I heard their latest album titled "Mechanized". Here is our interview with Gene Hoglan (featured on Blabbermouth), as well as some live footage of Fear Factory!
\m/ NUMBER 4: As we all know, Ronnie James Dio passed away earlier this year after losing his battle to stomach cancer. A few weeks before his passing, Ronnie made his way to Los Angeles from a cancer clinic in Texas, for the Revolver Golden Gods Awards. To me this is very inspiring and proofs the power behind Heavy Music. Ronnie James Dio will always be remembered as a true warrior!
We had a chance to talk to Jose Mangin (Sirius XM Liquid Metal & MTV Headbangers Ball), Don Jamieson (That Metal Show), Brandon Geist (Revolver Magazine), and even Alex Skolnick (Testament) about the legacy of Ronnie James Dio which Corey. All of them tell us their "behind the scenes" stories involving Ronnie James Dio. Check it out!
\m/ NUMBER 3: "When I think about what brought me to New York, the first thing that comes to my mind is New York Hard Core. Growing up in Colombia in the mid 90's, back when Pablo Escobar and crew controlled the country through acts of violence. I experienced lots of hardship by watching my own country, become the country of fear. I was around 15 years old when I first heard downset, I know downset are from LA but once I was hooked on the Hard Core movement, I started to listen to New York Hard Core through bands like Sick Of It All, Madball, Agnostic Front, Biohazard, Vision of Disorder and a whole bunch of other bands (mostly through mix tapes)." -Jo Schüftan (Founder of Horns Up Rocks)
Here are some legendary interviews I did this year with some of the biggest Hardcore artists:
\m/ NUMBER 2: "Ever since I became a diehard Pantera fan, I wanted to get a CFH (Cowboys From Hell) tattoo! Not only is Pantera my all time favorite band, but also a huge influence on who I am. Pantera defines what life is all about: Determination, Passion and making the best out of every single moment lived. With that said, when I went to the Philadelphia Tattoo Convention I knew I had to have an appointment with the needle and chinese ink. Now I am officially Scarred For Life and a Pantera fan until the day I die." -Jo Schuftan (Founder of Horns Up Rocks)
Apart from covering the CFH tattoo story, we also covered some awesome Pantera events, check this out:
\m/ NUMBER UNO: As we all know, the great Peter Steele from Type O Negative died on April 14, 2010 from heart failure. Peter will always be remembered as one of the most charismatic musicians in history. Together with his bands Type O Negative and Carnivore, he created a legacy that will never die! Fortunately, Peter will always live through his passionate music and if you ever had a chance to meet him or to see perform live, you know that he was a true legend.
This was the saddest and biggest story this year for Horns Up Rocks to cover. Pete ignited a flame that we will never let die! Here are some of the videos we produced in memory of Peter Steele, 'the giant man with a heart of gold!"
And to the brink, I will rise!!! Vision Of Disorder is ready to rise once again and show the world what they are capable of doing through their furious music. Like most successful bands, their career has been one hell of a roller-coaster. What started as a Hardcore band in 1992, quickly evolved into a crossover between Hardcore, Metalcore and even Grunge Music. While some fans might see this as a lame move, there is nothing more refreshing then watching a band evolve their musical craft.
The journey has not been easy for Vision Of Disorder. Their early years got the band nationwide recognition, which resulted in a very fast paced and stressful rhythm for some very young guys. Get this, by the time most kids start college, VOD was playing shows with some of the best Heavy Metal bands in history: Black Sabbath, Pantera, Slayer, Sepultura, Tool, and Megadeth! While this was amazing for a Hardcore band from Long Island New York, there are a lot of things that VOD found the hard way.
One of the hard lessons that Vision Of Disorder learned very quickly was how the record industry works. We believe that one of the factors that affected the relationship between the band and the record industry was the fact that it was hard for record labels to categorize their music, which affected the way their music was marketed. In 2002, after years of disappointment with various record labels, the band took an extended hiatus.
Fast forward to 2006, when the band reunited at the “Superbowl of Hardcore” in New York City. The response of the fans was incredible, but Vision Of Disorder were not in the proper head-space for recording a new album and to go on a full-blown tour. Part of the delay in the band making a full comeback, is the fact that singer Tim Williams is overcoming his addictions.
Currently, the band is recording a 5-song demo that they plan on shopping around to different record labels. Once they find the right deal, they will re-enter the studio and work on their next full-length album. Their goal is to keep the evolution of Vision Of Disorder going strong, and to record songs that will transmit furiously when they get on stage in front of the “VOD kids”.
Here is an interview we conducted with VOD's frontman Tim Williams, when they DESTROYED The Gramercy Theater in New York City this past August:
Here are some interesting facts about Vision Of Disorder:
- VOD was formed in 1992, when guitarists Matt Baumbach and Mike Kennedy recruited singer Tim Williams, drummer Brendon Cohen and bassist Mike Fleischmann.
- Around the time when they recorded their 7 inch titled "Still", they got invited to participate in a documentary about the New York Hardcore scene titled N.Y.H.C., which helped the band to start creating an underground following. This was enough for Roadrunner Records to offer the band a major record deal.
- In 1996 they released their self-titled album, often referred to as the "green album" because of the artwork on the cover. The album was glorified by many old school Hardcore fans for its original sound.
- "Imprint" was recorded in only 2 weeks, because that is what was budgeted by Roadrunner Records. As a result the sound is raw, which turned off some fans. This is when the band decided to leave Roadrunner Records. “Imprint” features a duet between Tim Williams and Phil Anselmo from Pantera, Down, etc.
On Friday August 20th, we experienced the best live performance we have ever seen at The Gramercy Theater in New York City. That night Long Island's Vision of Disorder, took center stage and demonstrated that they are as relevant as when they released their self titled album almost 15 years ago. If there is something that Vision of Disorder proofs time and time again, is that they are an original and unmatched band. The key word in Vision of Disorder's music has always been evolution. This is why even after taking an extended break, the original members still remain loyal to what VOD represents. Now they are back in form and outperforming bands stage after stage, night after night. It's no surprise that they were asked to perform at the first Ozzfest ever in 1997, when they were only 20 year old kids.
We could write about what Vision of Disorder represents for days to come, but instead we will let their legendary front-man Tim Williams tell you about the present of the band. We purposely didn't talk much about the past of VOD, because that story has been released many times. And Vision of Disorder is not yesterday's news, they are today's headline!
This is Vision of Disorder performing their song "Suffer" live at The Gramercy Theater on Friday August 20th:
This is Vision of Disorder performing their song "Element" live at The Gramercy Theater on Friday August 20th:
This is Vision of Disorder performing their song "Viola" live at The Gramercy Theater on Friday August 20th:
In 1992 guitarists Matt Baumbach and Mike Kennedy formed Vision of Disorder, joining them were singer Tim Williams, drummer Brendon Cohen and bassist Mike Fleischmann. Soon after the band started jamming, Fleischmann left the band temporarily. The band collectively decided to not bring another bass player on board. Eventually Fleischmann returned to the band, this is when they recorded a few demos and compilations. The response wasn't what they expected, but this didn't matter to the band. They kept working hard on their craft and in 1995 they released their seminal 7" record titled "Still" (released on Striving for Togetherness Records). This album includes the original versions of the songs Through My Eyes and D.T.O.
Around the time when they recorded "Still", they got invited to participate in a documentary about the New York Hardcore scene titled N.Y.H.C. The documentary included live performances from the band, as well as an in depth interview. This helped the band to start creating an underground following, especially within the Long Island Hardcore scene. This was enough for Roadrunner Records to offer the band a major record deal.
In 1996 they released their self-titled album, often referred to as the "green album" because of the artwork on the cover. The album was released by Roadrunner Records' subsidiary label Supersoul, and it was glorified by many old school Hardcore fans for its original sound. As a result Vision of Disorder became a worldwide phenomena.
A few years later the band released their album "Imprint" through Roadrunner Records. The band pushed the envelope and created a heavier album. This made some of old school fans turn their heads away, but it also gained them a new batch of fans. This album is a lot angrier and darker than their first album. It also includes a duet between singer Tim Williams and Phil Anselmo from Pantera, Down, etc. "Imprint" was recorded in only 2 weeks, because that is what was budgeted by Roadrunner Records. As a result the sound is raw, which turned off some fans. This is when the band decided to leave Roadrunner Records.
After years of touring in support of their album "Imprint", Vision of Disorder became somewhat unnoticed within the heavy music world. As a result, they decided to go back to their roots and released "For the Bleeders". The album included 9 demo songs that were re-recorded for this record. The album was released in 1999 through independent label, Go Kart Records.
In 2001 the band decided to explore their sound and wrote "From Bliss to Devastation", an album which singer Tim Williams refers to as "the Wild-card". Released through TVT Records, the album is a blend of Vision of Disorder's signature sound combined with musical elements reminiscent of the Grunge era bands. The album is considered a commercial failure, and the fans where dissapointed at the bands new sound.
In 2002 the band was very frustrated with the treatment they were getting from the record industry and decided to take an extended hiatus. Eventually they disbanded, and singer Tim Williams and guitarist Mike kennedy formed Bloodsimple. Drummer Brendon Cohen and bassist Mike Fleischmann also started a band called Berzerkers and Karnov.
After years apart, the band reunited to play a 3 song mini-set on a show with Bloodsimple and Berzerkers and Karnov. The response was very positive and as a result the band was asked to play the 2006 Super Bowl of Hardore. That summer the band reunited for three shows, which were filmed for a DVD. In 2008 the band reunited again for a few shows, one of those shows took place at the Crazy Donkey in Long Island and the response was huge. On November 11, 2008 Vision of Disorder released their DVD titled "Dead in NY" through Koch Entertainment.
In October 2008 the band announced that they had reunited and that they were working on a new album. According to the band, they are entering the studio on September 9th of this year. The band has already written over 20 songs, and recorded a demo. They plan to record a second demo, which they will send to various record labels. According to Tim Williams, the new songs sound like Imprint, mixed with new sounds and classic Hardcore tones. The band will pick 11 songs to record for their new album. The goal is to release the new album within the next 6 months.
This Friday August 20th, Vision of Disorder will make its impact be felt at The Gramercy Theater here in New York City. Joining them that night will be The Judas Syndrome, Reign Supreme and Incendiary. It will be their first show in New York City since their infamous takeover at Irving Plaza in 2008. Tickets are going fast, so get yours now!
On January 28th, 2011, after sitting in some grueling Friday afternoon traffic, we arrived at the Starland Ballroom in Slayerville New Jersey around 7 o’clock. Why did we travel for over 2 hours on a cold winter night? Well, we needed to experience round 2 of the Life Of Agony and Vision Of Disorder concert. The two bands had performed together in New York City this past December, and they left everyone hungry for some more musical power.
Performing that night with the two legendary bands was Anaka from New York City, a band that makes it clear from the moment they step on stage that they want to get the crowd riled up. Luckily, we were able to catch their entire set and they proved to us why Life Of Agony asked them to be part of the show. The Pallis brothers are true Metalheads, and together create a unique blend of music.
After all the concert attendees grabbed a drink and cleared the sweat from their foreheads, it was time for Life Of Agony. Right before they stepped on stage, we spoke with their singer Keith Caputo backstage and when we asked him if he was nervous, he responded: “I am scared! I am also very anxious, and very excited! This is what I live for.” Needless to say, Life Of Agony got the crowd moving, singing along, and grooving. It’s refreshing to see so many pretty girls at a rock show! 
