Interview with Todd Kerns of the Sin City Sinners

Hedley is a Canadian pop/punk rock band comprising of lead singer Jacob Hoggard, who was placed 3rd during the second season of the reality TV series Canadian Idol in 2004, Tommy Mac on bass, Dave Rosin on the guitar and Chris Crippin on drums. The current band retains the original name of Hoggard's pre-Canadian Idol group, although the membership has changed. The band originated in Abbotsford, British Columbia and was named after the town of Hedley, British Columbia, a name chosen after members heard that it was for sale for $346,000. While the idea of buying the town ran its course, the name remained. The original band bet Hoggard $151 that he wouldn't audition for Canadian Idol. Following Hoggard's success on the series, he, with a reformed Hedley, was signed with Universal Music Canada. Their debut single "On My Own" reached number 1 on the Canadian Singles Chart and the follow-up "Trip" peaked at number 11. The singles "On My Own", "321", "Trip", and "Gunnin'" topped the MuchMusic Countdown. Their last single off of the debut album, "Street Fight", was successful on both the MuchMusic Countdown and the Canadian Singles Chart. Their first single from their new album "Famous Last Words", "She's So Sorry" achieved success on the MuchMusic Countdown. Their current single, "Old School," is climbing the charts. They have toured with Simple Plan, Faber Drive, MXPX, Bon Jovi, the Planet Smashers, Freddy Fender, the Idlesons and The Johnstones. In the summer of 2006, they signed a record deal with Capitol Records in the United States where they completed a tour opening up for Yellowcard. Hedley released its latest album Famous Last Words on October 30, 2007. It went platinum ten days after release. The first single from the CD, "She's So Sorry", was released to radio on August 21, 2007. The video was shot in Toronto, Ontario, and premiered on MuchMusic on September 20, 2007. An American compilation of singles was released in the US on May 19, 2009 entitled "Never Too Late" by Universal Music. Visit Hedley: Myspace: www.myspace.com/hedley Official Website: www.hedleyonline.com

Aiden is an American post-hardcore band from Seattle, Washington that formed in the spring of 2003. They took their name from the character in the movie The Ring, although with a different spelling with an 'e' instead of an 'a'. The current members are WiL Francis (vocals, guitar, piano, lyrics), Jake Davison (drums), Nick Wiggins (bass), and Angel Ibarra (lead guitar). WiL originally played bass but took over lead vocals when the original singer left. Aiden's first full-length album "Our Gang's Dark Oath" was released on Dead Teenager Records in 2004. It was recorded while Jake Davison and Angel Ibarra were still in high school, being released shortly after they had left. Later in 2005, the band was signed to Victory Records. Their second album and debut for Victory Records titled "Nightmare Anatomy" was released October 4, 2005. Aiden's song "One Love" appears in Resident Evil: Extinction, and their song "We Sleep Forever" is featured in the motion picture Dead Silence. The band's third studio album entitled "Conviction" was released August 21, 2007. It marks a complete change of style in the band's musical direction. In addition, Aiden recorded their own version of Ashley Massaro's theme music "Let's Light a Fire Tonight" for the bonus edition of WWE The Music, Vol. 8. On May 20, 2008 the band announced on their website that Jake Wambold was no longer a member of Aiden. They played their first live show as a four piece in Spokane, Washington on May 24, 2008. Francis has started a website and a MySpace page for a side project called "William Control". William Control is a sort of alter-ego to WiL, and the album consists of dark content lyric-wise, which WiL stated in a Kerrang! interview did not suit Aiden. William Control's debut album, Hate Culture, was released on October 27, 2008 in the UK, and October 28 in the U.S. Aiden also appeared on the soundtrack to The Lost Boys: The Tribe, with a cover of the theme song "Cry Little Sister". Ibarra has also begun a self-named side project, which had its first performance in Metro Seattle in late January of 2009. He has also announced a new side project with Davison, called Rock 'n Roll Weekend. Aiden's recent offering, an album titled "Knives", was released on May 12th, 2009. It was recorded at the same studio WiL produced Hate Culture. "I think that a lot of people who hated "Conviction" will really like this one. But who knows and who really cares? We're just going to make the record we want to make." On March 31, 2009, a new single, "Scavengers of the Damned", was made available through iTunes. And speaking of iTunes, this is the response Wil Francis sent to Apple iTunes, with regards to Aiden's content being denied on the popular music download site: Dear Apple, What can I really say that Trent Reznor hasn't? "I want to fuck you like an animal?" Oh wait, he said that. "I am a big man and I have a big gun. Got me a big ol’ dick and I like to have fun, held it against your forehead, I'll make you suck it, maybe I'll put a hole in your head, you know, just for the fuck of it." Yeah, he said that, too, all on a record called The Downward Spiral. I have purchased that album five times in my life. I first got it on Cassette when it came out in 1994, I bought it a couple of times on CD and last year I purchased it on iTunes right after I went out and picked up the vinyl. Why? Because it's a great fucking record. I don't want to go on the same rant as him, although I probably share the exact same feelings. So what if a crappy punk band from Seattle sings about the deception of religion as a whole? So what if they sing about Catholic priests molesting little boys? Who really cares at all if they wail about a Hungarian Countess that was born in the 1500's and killed over 600 women? Who Cares? The PMRC? Ted Haggard? Congress? Jesus? Oh wait, no… JESUS ISN’T FUCKING REAL. Yes, maybe we talked a little bit of shit while doing the commentary for the iPhone app about Christianity, about sex and about... Fuck I can't even remember because it's so fucking insignificant. Why don't you be a little clearer in what it was that we need to watch out for? Oh wait... I thought I lived in America where my freedom of speech right was protected by the constitution? That's right, I forgot. I actually live in Hell. Oops. Remind me to tell someone I have a complaint to submit in the box on the wall. Aside from the content issue, the app was also rejected because you want to "protect" the value of the iTunes store and having an app with embedded content "competes" with what is ultimately your monopoly. Ironic and hypocritical, no, since Apple owns both channels? I just want to say thank you Apple for not approving our iPhone app. Thank you so much. To celebrate this great occasion, I'm going to visit your iTunes Music Store and download The Slim Shady LP; I really want to hear that song he sings about killing his wife and dumping her body in the ocean. Awesome!!! William Control / AIDEN PS: Any by the way, we have sold over 325,000 albums so far in our career without widespread mainstream media exposure. So, we must be relevant to someone. Below is our rejection confirmation: "Dear XXXXXX, Thank you for submitting Aiden to the App Store. We've reviewed Aiden and determined that we cannot post this version of your application to the App Store at this time. Because your app downloads media files that are not managed by the iTunes application, which also manages media files, we believe this would be confusing to the user. To avoid this customer confusion, we have chosen to not publish this type of application to the App Store. In addition, we've reviewed Aiden and determined that we cannot post this version of your iPhone application to the App Store because it contains objectionable content and is in violation of Section 3.3.12 from the iPhone SDK Agreement which states: "Applications must not contain any obscene, pornographic, offensive or defamatory content or materials of any kind (text, graphics, images, photographs, etc.), or other content or materials that in Apple's reasonable judgement may be found objectionable by iPhone or iPod touch users." If you believe you can make the necessary modifications to bring your application in compliance with iPhone Software License Agreement, we encourage you to do so and resubmit it for review. Regards, iPhone Developer Program" *Please show your displeasure by contacting iTunes - this isn't just about Aiden, this is about all artists and how it effects them and us, because, if you like a band, if you like their music, but they are being handcuffed in what they are being allowed to express, in it's rawest art form, then what's the point? Whatever happened to freedom of speech, freedom of expression? It's bad enough Walmart has a monopoly on record sales and refuse to allow explicit content material to be sold in any of their stores, but now iTunes is doing the same thing to artists as well? Give me a fucking break! The loudest voices always get heard - we can make changes - together!!* Tina Peek Visit Aiden here: Myspace: www.myspace.com/aiden Official Website: www.aiden.org/index2.php Check out William Control here: Myspace: www.myspace.com/williamcontrol

James Kottak In 1996, James Kottak became a member of the Scorpions. Prior to joining Scorpions, James was the drummer for Kingdom Come, The Cult, Wild Horses, Montrose, MSG, Warrant, Buster Brown, and countless others. In addition, James has performed on over 120 albums. James also plays (vocals and guitar) in KOTTAK, formerly known as KrunK. Athena Kottak Before KrunK she was with the all girl band Hardly Dangerous and the punk group Butt Trumpet. Aside from her musical career, Athena has also been a celebrity guest commentator on VH-1's Behind the Music and E! True Hollywood Story. In the 7th Annual L.A Music Awards, Athena was nominated for "BEST DRUMMER" (Males and Females) category. She was the first female ever nominated in the history of the L.A. Music Awards. KOTTAK JAMES KOTTAK AKA JIMMY RATCHITT/vocals & guitar and ATHENA KOTTAK/drums (lil’ sis of Tommy Lee), describe KOTTAK music as ‘Cheap Trick meets Green Day on a bad day.’ “Throw in a dash of Social Distortion and Papa Roach and you have a recipe for a freight train barreling right through the arena!” says Ratchitt. Johnny Lucas/lead guitar and Price/bass round out KOTTAK’S line up. Kottak has just finished six new trax with producer Tommy Henriksen (Daughtry, BC Jean). 'Don't Wanna Go Home', Drunk Unkle Pete, & 'Sunset Blvd' are a few titles. With it’s debut CD ‘Greatist Hits’ and critically acclaimed follow up ‘Therupy,’ KOTTAK (formerly KrunK) has established itself as more than just a band with a spelling problem. Several tours of Japan, Europe, Mexico, and countless west coast runs have yielded a reputation as a rock solid act. Whether headlining, sharing the stage with Motley Crue or as a guest on The Warped Tour, KOTTAK’S live shows deliver a ‘one-two punk & roll hit between the eyes’ while incorporating a few classics from the Scorpions. Based in Los Angeles, KOTTAK is currently working on a third CD and looking forward to shows throughout 2009 across the USA and around the world. KOTTAK Myspace: www.myspace.com/kottak KOTTAK Website: www.kottak.net James Kottak Myspace: www.myspace.com/officialjameskottak Athena Kottak Myspace: www.myspace.com/athenakottak Scorpions Myspace: www.myspace.com/officialscorpions

“Freedom from convention, music with intention.” This has been the motto for Spiral Trance since day one. It is this very motto that has set the indie-metal quartet at the forefront of their peers, ringing true louder than ever with their Rat Pak Records debut release, All In Due Time. Without regard for any one specific genre, Spiral Trance has seamlessly carved out a niche for themselves introducing a progressive, indie element to the modern, hard-rock world. On the back of several EP’s and three national tours, Spiral Trance has emerged from the studio to deliver their most diverse, yet cohesive offering to date. It explores the vast realms of the psyche, while showing the influence of decades of great music. The lyrics of Paul Karcz range from the anger of songs like Lard Ass and Offering, to the hopes and dreams of the title track All In Due Time and Dead Set, even delving into the dual personalities of The Me You See. From the gorgeous piano melodies and speed metal guitar attack of opening track This Time, to the relentless guitar riffing and sing-a-long chorus hooks of the closing track, Project And Release, hard-rock and metal fans alike will have something truly unique to embrace. All In Due Time combines ten beautifully scorched tracks into a single camera snapshot. It captures a band full of hunger and fire laying out their blueprint for the looming, infinite horizon ahead. Spiral Trance is the epitome of a band rooted in determination and persistence; performing as a finely tuned machine and continually working toward a groove that only occurs when energy is focused in solidarity. Dead Set on making you insane… Visit the band here: Rat Pak Records-Spiral Trance: www.ratpakrecords.com/spiraltrance.cfm Myspace: www.myspace.com/spiraltrance

KILLER DWARFS Formed in late 1981 by Russ and Darrell Dwarf, the Killer Dwarfs released their self-titled debut album in 1983. The award-winning band established a solid following in Canada, while achieving modest worldwide sales. The break through in the United States came when San Antonio based radio personality Joe Anthony started spinning their album on a regular basis, much to the delight of hard rocking Texans. This planted the seeds for what would result in Killer Dwarfs receiving a lot of attention South of Canada's border. Released in 1986 by Maze/A&M in Canada and Grudge in the USA, "Stand Tall" was embraced by American Rock radio. The first single, "Keep the Spirit Alive," was an anthem of the times. The accompanying video was added to regular rotation on MTV and the newly born Much Music. By spring of 1987, the video became the most requested video on MTV, setting a record that would take years to overcome. A second video for the title track was greeted with nearly equal accolades. This wide exposure allowed the group to tour coast to coast in the US and Canada with such acts as Saxon and Accept, selling unprecedented 80,000 copies of Stand Tall. It also led to serious interest from a number of American record labels. Along with Rush and Helix, they were one of the few Canadian hard rock acts to achieve international success. AUTOMAN Automan was formed in 2002 by writing partners Darrell "Dwarf" Millar (vocals) and Carleton Lockheart (guitar) and is a genuinely pure 70's/80's influenced kick-ass "rawk" band in the essence of Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones, AC/DC and others. Their distinctive, upbeat brand of modern classic rock can best be described as coming straight out of a music time capsule, yet it's altogether fresh, current and timeless. Darrell-a lifelong professional musician is internationally reknown as the former drummer for the multi-million selling hard rock act "Killer Dwarfs", as well as for the Nikki Sixx produced southern rock act "Laidlaw". As one of the most high-profile and well-travelled drummers of the 80's-90's hard rock era, he's shared concert stages worldwide with the likes of Iron Maiden, Motley Crue, ZZ Top, Pantera, Lynyrd Skynyrd and more. In formulating Automan, he vacated the drums for frontman duties and it's his high-energy persona that fuels Automan's performances, both live and on record. Carleton-a master guitarist capable of playing all styles of rock and jazz, has been mesmerizing musicians and fans alike for years on the independant circuit with his unique style of playing pick-less, left-handed and upside-down. Those who witness his stellar performances are astounded at his jaw-dropping techniques. Undoubtedly, Carleton's incomparable approach to guitar is a key ingredient of the Automan sound. In 2004, Automan was rounded out with the additions of bassist John Fenton and drummer Adrian Cavan. Touring extensively throughout Southern Ontario has polished the band into a tight, highly entertaining professional act. Their recently released full-length CD, titled "Pocket Change" was produced by Darrell and co-produced by Greg Looper (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers/Mudcrutch) and is fuelled by their first single titled "Back In The Sun", which is now available for radio. Going "old school" with just 8 tracks of "all killer/no filler" Automan's easy on the senses, aurally-appealing sound will surely attract and connect to, a wide-ranging audience fan base. If your desire is for blues-based rock in it's truest form, yet with it's own distinctive up-to-date qualities, then spare some time to check out Automan's "Pocket Change"!! Visit Automan Here: Automan Website: www.automan.ca Automan on Myspace: www.myspace.com/automanca

What is metal? Ask any given fan and the most likely response will be whatever genre they’re into. Whether it’s 80s glam or modern-day scream-o death-core, everyone has their own opinion. Our answer to this question is simply this: Good is good, suck is suck. Ronny Munroe's "Fire Within" was created the way a true metal album should be—with nothing but spirit. Frustrated, unable to tour with Metal Church (on hiatus), and forced to relocate from L.A., Ronny found himself back in Seattle. What was originally supposed to be a 2009 festival-headlining tour with Metal Church turned out to be one man, forced to decide between joining society as a “9-to-5'er" or creating a new vision. Ronny chose his path—with “pen in hand” and an indomitable spirit, he sat in his small apartment and drew from "The Fire Within." Track one, "Far," is an opener like no other, an undeniable force which sets the pace for a redefinition of metal that reminds us why Ronny fronts the legendary band Metal Church. From start to finish this passionate offering takes you on a true metal journey. With a little help from guests like Michael Wilton (Queensryche) on "Sea of Souls" and "What You Choose to Call Hell (I Call Home),” Randy Cooper (THC Texas Hippie Coalition) on "Ride Me, and the brilliant work of MC Guitarist Rick Van Zandt, "The Fire Within" establishes itself as a force to be reckoned with. When was the last time you bought a metal album that was anything other than just "ok?" In the tradition of solo albums which speak to the very souls of us, such as Halford’s "Resurrection" or Bruce Dickenson’s "Chemical Wedding"—masterpieces in their own right—“The Fire Within” is guaranteed to get your fists pumping and your soul electrified. This vibrant twelve-track offering is no joke and no lie. It's true, it's pure, it's in-your-face, and will satisfy metal lovers from any genre. Co-produced by Kurt Vanderhoof and Ronny himself, this powerful release will stand the test of time! Rat Pak Records Ronny Munroe on Myspace: www.myspace.com/ronnymunroe Metal Church on Myspace: www.myspace.com/metalchurch Metal Church Official Website: www.metalchurchmusic.com

Check out my Podcast for Part I and visit these links for more information on my friends, Metal Knights: Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/metalknightsmusic Website: http://www.themetalknights.com

Metal Knights, working with Dio guitarist Craig Goldy and his Destiny Bridge program are ready to take on the world and make Heavy Metal Medieval again! Metal Knights, the Medieval Heavy Metal band are based out of Los Angeles, Ca. The band has seen the worldwide release of its first effort, an EP titled "The Crossing", which features Craig Goldy of Dio on one of the recorded songs, The Gates of Hell (Hope Springs Infernal). The band have just finished work on their new offering, a full length album titled "World Of Forever" with Craig Goldy once again making an appearance. Goldy also produced both albums. Metal Knights came to the forefront of the resurgent heavy metal scene in 2007 when Craig Goldy saw them play to a sold out house and joined them onstage with Dio band mate Simon Wright. It was the next day that frontman and lead vocalist Razor was contacted by Craig Goldy asking if the band had aspirations to take it to the next level. Other Goldy standouts that have succeeded through his Destiny Bridge program are metal rockers Benedictum. Metal Knights, now under the management firm Hunt Talent Management are being shopped for a record deal and lead vocalist Razor has finished building a new recording studio, Studio-949 in Irvine, California so that the band will have their own facility to work from. Their first effort, "The Crossing" has gained worldwide recognition and is being played worldwide on both Internet and Terrestrial based FM radio in countries from the USA, to the UK, Italy, Spain, Greece, The Netherlands, Sweden, South America and Japan. The Medieval Rockers launched their website to rave reviews and the fans are joining the Metal Knights Fan Club and signing up for the bands Ticket-tracker service which includes the fans into a special database that will alert them, no matter where they are in the world, when Metal Knights comes to their town. Metal Knights also garnered the top slot on Mystage Metal as not only the featured artist, but also pulling in the most requested Metal song with The Gates of Hell, as well as a special two hour interview and broadcast on United Rock Kingdom being the most listened to interview in the history of that broadcast. Razor has been doing a press blitzkrieg on radio around the globe and magazine interviews from the US and Canada, to the UK, Italy and Greece. The other main standout on the EP, Death Defier is also in heavy rotation on stations around the globe. Metal Knights consists of Razor on Lead Vocals, Paul Calder and Billy King on Lead Guitars, Danik Thomas on Bass, Adam Emmons on Keyboards and Dave Krause on Drums. Metal Knights are currently in production with SuperGravity Films and director Tom Asakawa (Stephen Pearcy-Drive with me) on a new High Definition Music Video for the radio standout Death Defier. For more information on Metal Knights, please visit: http://www.themetalknights.com or visit their Myspace at http://www.myspace.com/metalknightsmusic

Listening to the newest release by Fredericton, NB based indie rockers Age of Daze, you can’t help but wonder how the hell they managed to pack eight-that’s right 8-killer singles onto one album?! I mean let’s be honest, now.a.daze you’re lucky if you download a cd with two singles on it–but 8? No way! And yet, here it is... Hollywood Ending, released in the winter of 2007, is made up of eight skillfully-crafted, unadulterated rock songs, ranging the gamut from passionate ballad to kickass guitar anthem. And yes, the results are in...10 out of 10 blind listening sessions have concluded...there’s no @!* way this band is staying indie...In fact, they don’t sound indie at all!! For those of you who haven’t heard the band (and have no fear, you will soon), AOD is 100% rock-pure and simple. Kinda like orange juice-with all the pulp but none of the acid! With 3 pounding guitars, 1 killer bass and a drum kit that gets the shit kicked out if it every time it’s played, this band has a sound that draws you in, rocks your soul, then locks you into an addiction you’ll never get rid of...not that you’d want to! The success of Afflicted, the band’s first single to be released on traditional radio in Canada and on Sirius satellite radio in the US, has been nothing short of mind-blowing when you consider the band hasn’t put anything out there but the song...meaning no gigantic publicity machine, no dipping into limitless pools of corporate marketing cash, no gruelling cross-country tour. All hail to the Internet–the true litmus test of what’s hot and what’s not...and AFFLICTED is definitely smokin’ according to AOD’s myspace fans! For those of you in the know, it shouldn’t be surprising that Age of Daze have made themselves quite at home on Sirius Octane’s Top 20 Rock Charts, duelling with the likes of 3 Doors Down, Puddle of Mudd, Seether and Chevelle for most played and most requested song with incredible ease–like they were born to be there (and quite frankly, we think they were). Again, not an insignificant accomplishment for an indie band from somewhere.up.there.north.of.the.border. Even band members agree they’re not the type of band you’d expect from “out east.” But hey, when you aim high, you usually win big. And win big they have-garnering a loyal family of rock fans that span the far corners of the globe-from New Zealand to Italy, from Portland to England and almost every damn state in the mighty US of A! On this side of the 49th P, Afflicted is blazing up the Media Base Top 20 Rock Charts, getting airplay and support from coast 2 coast. With gigs this year during the ECMAs and CMW, their ability to win over any crowd has been nothing short of phenomenal. It’s no wonder the band is having such a hard time keeping the album stocked-the requests just keep getting louder and louder! But the one thing that really makes your head spin about this album is the talent behind it, and the focus of the band members. With dig deep, passionate vocals, the power of three rockin’ guitars, heavy bass and the craziest @%! drummer relentlessly thrashing his skins (not to mention the sweat flying around on stage)-they’re the real deal. They’re stoked and they’re in it to win it. Says lead vocalist Tim Morrison, “You gotta go big or go home”–full stop. From the sound of things...they ain’t goin’ home anytime soon! Vist them at their website: http://www.ageofdaze.com Or their Myspace site at: http://www.myspace.com/ageofdaze

Some bands take years to write and record that first record. You only make your debut once. Certain acts nail it right off the bat, find the groove, the move, the message, the splendor and the blunder and oh yeah, the wonder. The Doors and Pearl Jam found it in a flash. So did Guns N’ Roses. Revelation Theory, however, did not. Make no mistake, Truth is Currency – the band’s 2005 toe-dip into the ocean of professional rock n’ roll, produced by Grammy winner Paul Ebersold (3 Doors Down, Saliva) – is no slouch. It’s an honest, raw, somewhat timid yet well-intentioned effort. Highlighted by the gritty ‘Slowburn,’ the LP did what a virgin indie (Element Records) release is supposed to. It put the band on the road, in a van, with a pizza and Pepsi diet and taught them the priceless art of how to judiciously juggle the back bunk when a local lady demands a personal tour of the bus. In other words, Truth is Currency permitted Revelation Theory a glimpse of the dream or in romantic terms, a career. Young acts get so Tsunami-ed by the illusion that because they have a record and a tour, their shit suddenly stopped producing an obnoxious aroma. Take it from a fly whose buzzed around these walls since commissioning the review of The Crue’s Too Fast for Love for CHIC Magazine in 1983, no glory cometh to the lazy or entitled. Too Fast sucked in many ways except one: Its raw, uncaring, attitude ignited the 80s glam metal movement all the delight and decadence that came with it. The Crue also toured their tattooed leather trousers off and Nikki Sixx never stopped writing. In 1990, evolution spawned Dr. Feelgood, a hard rock masterpiece. Which brings us to the purpose of my inhaling this rarefied air of corporate composition. I fucking LOVE the second, brave, loud, crunchy, hook-sick, bombastic, Appetite-inspired long play from the band once called Revelation Theory but who now simply go by the brilliantly ambiguous moniker, Rev Theory. My theory is that Rich Luzzi, Julien Jorgensen, Dave Agoglia, Matt McCloskey and Rikki Lixx aren’t that hung up on names. Revelation, revolution, revulsion, reversion, reverence –just call ‘em Rev then shut the fuck up and prepare to rock. Do you know how often a vintage-riffed, throat-blazing anthem comes along? The kind of song that whether it’s cranking off your stereo or pummeling you live from the stage, it demands your heartfelt, fist-pumping participation? You must join in the chorus or the shame is just too much to bear? “Gimme a Hell/Gimme a Yeah/Stand Up Right now!” Track one on Rev Theory’s triumphant new LP, Light it Up, is destined to be a concert call to action that will raise the roofs off every building these east coast-bred rockers invade on their trek across Planet Rock. “Hell Yeah” is a raging hard on, poised to penetrate, and the exquisite pain upon entry symbolizes how good it can feel when a group of musicians really nail it. Nothing fuels my faith in rockers more than a band that’s paid their dues yet remains in gratitude for the journey. For three years, Rev Theory toured tirelessly -- opening for the likes of Evanescence, Papa Roach, Buck Cherry and Saliva – vending their humble independent wares to audience members who’d just worked up a good sweat and decent pulse rate. They stood outside venues before and after shows with CDs, stickers, flyers, and an endless energy to connect with their organically growing fan base. And when the back of the bus wasn’t vibrating, these boys were writing songs. Really strong songs, the compost of Light it Up. Feigning hyperbole and at the risk of being branded biased because I’m on assignment, I say without hesitation that this is one of the strongest sophomore efforts I’ve heard in quite some time. Through the brilliant production mentoring Brian Howes and Josh Abraham, Rev Theory has blossomed beautifully. In melody, musicianship and sonic sweetness, Light it Up smokes like a Rastafarian reefer. “Wanted Man,” “Falling Down,” and the monstrous title track snap the neck with whiplash force. Lead singer Rich and bassist Matty combine to form a vocal powerhouse, harrowingly harmonious in their two-prong tonsil attack that marries gloriously with Julien’s locomotive rhythms and Dave’s thunderous skins. But my most beloved foray into frenetic fun is “Favorite Disease.” This song is so infectious; it may indeed prove to be hazardous to one’s health. Okay, all cuteness aside, Rev Theory did not just appear on the radar like a UFO blip and has no designs on being the ‘next big thing or fad-driven flavor of the minute. They could give a fuck. . Like so many serendipitous street stories, this one was written outside the lines. “Dave, Julien and I have been friends since college,” says Rich. “One night we met at this bar and started singing cover songs and Julien said, ‘Dude, I had no idea you had such great pipes.’” The back-story of a rock group isn’t what catches your attention or keeps you engaged. A million bands and a million tales – some make it, some don’t, most never get the chance – what matters is the music. What always matters is the music. The music and the ears upon which those tunes are falling, also known as the proud and loyal fan. Rev Theory is conscious of that reality because they are fans themselves. Recording and performing are scared trusts they collectively cherish. Light it Up passed through them from beyond the beyond. Now it’s yours. Revel in that. Lonn Friend Copyright Rumi Enterprises 2008 Visit them at their website here: http://www.revtheory.com Or their Myspace site at: http://www.myspace.com/revtheory