Metallica Launches VANS Custom shoes

Vans and the band have partnered up again to introduce Vans x Metallica Signature Shoes, a new collection designed by each band member. The kicks are due in stores later this month. Each of the four band members chose an iconic Vans shoe style and personalized it.

James Hetfield: Inspired by his favorite black boots, James added hex-bolt eyelets and a personal take on the skull and cross-bones, illustrated by Hetfield himself, to “Metallicize” this Vans Sk8-Hi Deconstruct.


Kirk Hammett: Tying back to a love of surfing and nature, Kirk chose an all-natural upper made of hemp for his collapsible Slip-On. The inside heel is accented with a guitar pick inspired by his Ouija guitar and designed by one of Metallica’s favorite artists, Dirty Donny.

Lars Ulrich: Putting a twist on one of Vans’ original Classics, Lars updated the Era Laceless with brushed twill materials and a print taken from the diamond plate pattern on his snare drum. He finished his shoe with a Dirty Donny character on the inside heel.

Robert Trujillo: Robert grew up wearing Vans as a young skater in Venice Beach, California. For his shoe, he took Aztec calendar artwork, designed by his wife Chloe, which is carved in one of his bass guitars and placed it in blue, on the side of this Escuela.

Source: Rock and Metal News

Seraphim
Keep the Music Alive!

Seraphim's Rock / Metal Blog Feb.

Greetings Metal Fans,

When I'm writing this it's Febuary the 28th, and when your reading
this you survived the holidays and the first  2 months of the new year
2013 will have a lot to offer us metal lovers, but first I'd like to look back
at 2012.

In 2012 I started writing for you all here in Bloodcross and it's the year
our site got shut down, but we are back and kicking with a whole new fresh look
for the new year.
my reviews will be done in a blogger and hope you will all enjoy it
I know it will look great and looking forward doing these blogs.

2012 was an excellent year for the rock and metal genre with many good albums in each sub-genre
and more concerts any wallet could afford.
It was again a year with plenty of choice for everyone.
There were many highlights such as the glorious comeback of Van Halen, the return of Soundgarden,
the versatile sound of Ne Obliviscaris and surprisingly good albums by Rival Sons, Graveyard,
My Dying Bride, Devin Townsend and Katatonia.
Oldies such as Rush, Kiss, ZZ Top, Testament and Aerosmith released solid albums in line with expectations.
Of course there were disappointments such as the death of Jon Lord and the suicide of Ronnie Montrose,
the end of Nasty Savage, the shameful soaps around Bill Ward and Black Sabbath
and Geoff Tate and Queensryche.
The hyped Storm Corrosion project by Akerfeldt and Wilson was a disaster; no ingenious masterpiece,
but medication for insomnia.
Musicians like Steve Harris, Don Dokken and Yngwie Malmsteen damaged their reputation by releasing
mediocre or even badly produced albums.
Again there were also masterpieces that were missed by everything and everyone.

The album that everyone is looking forward to this year would be the New Black Sabbath
it will be the first album with Ozzy behind the mike since 1978.
The Album was supposed to be released earlier in 2012 but Lommis's disease caused delay
The new Alice in Chains album is already in the can and the single 'Hollow' didn't disappoint.

Tool will hopefully release some new material as well.
The previous album is almost 7 years old and with the exception of singer
annex wine farmer Maynard Keenan we hear little or nothing of the band.

In 2013 there will also be new albums from Megadeth, Slayer and Judas Priest and there's more to look forward to
a few others that have been released or are to be released soon will be:

Helloween (Straight Out Of Hell) 18 January
Riverside (Shrine Of New Generation Slaves) 21 January
Voi Vod (Target Earth) 22 January
Cult of Luna (Vertikal) 25 January
Blind Guardian (A Travelers Guide To Space And Time) 1 February
Stratovarius (Nemesis) 22 February
Darktrone (The Underground Resistance) 25 February
W.E.T. (Rise Up) 26 February
Soilwork (The Living Infinite) 5 March
Trail of Tears (Oscillation) 22 March
Sevendust (Black Out The Sun) 25 March

Others to look forward too but no release date yet are:
Amorphis, Anubis Gate, Anvil, Behemoth, Benedictum, Carcass,
Children of Bodom, Dark Tranquility, Death Angel, Deicide,
Dream Theater, Enslaved, Exodus, Fates Warning, Flotsam & Jetsam,
Ghost, Iced Earth, Tom Keifer, Killswitch Engage, Masterplan,
Mastodon, Motley Crue, Obituary, Saxon, Vicious Rumors and Y&T.

Well that's it for now from me and till next time,
Remarks, comments, criticism, tips, information, offers, insults and applications are welcome at the familiar
addresses as usual.

On behalf of the team,

Seraphim

IF YOU AIN'T A METALHEAD, YOU MIGHT AS WELL BE DEAD!
KEEP THE MUSIC ALIVE!

A Little Bit about Reviewer Samuel Lasco

Hello,

My life has been like the ocean floor a constant flux. I grew up in a neighborhood where everyone knew everyone it is called “The Old Neighborhood” Location Grand and Ogden. I went to a Catholic Grammar school with nuns. How I survived was becoming an Altar boy. I think I can still recite the Mass in Latin. Reason simple altar boys got out of there classes; Funerals, High Masses, and Special ceremonies. I always got picked since after the Masses it was appropriate to tip the Altar boys and I always gave my envelop to the priest.  The second thing I did to stay in avoidance was becoming a safety patrol boy. You got to carry the horses that blocked the street into the back where the rectory was. That meant being late to class was always accept and you got to leave class early.  Boring but that is what I can remember what grade school was.

High School was a bit different. I went to Holy Trinity where many of my grammar school mates went. I wrestled as a freshman 103 and I am sure that division does not even exist anymore. Sophomore I got into the boxing program even though I did not box but being part of the program gave you privileges. Junior year was a blank since our neighborhood was a war zone and Vietnam was in full gear.  Senior year as in most high schools is a year to decide what you are going to do with your life when you graduat. All I thought about was getting my 1h deferment to stay out of the silly war.

I went to Wilbur Wright College not the nice pretty school that they built but the original one and the most I can remember about that was the pink lounges that I am not even going to get into. Everyone by that time was playing hockey. We played at Rainbow ice arena when it was the cheapest amount which was usually 2-4 in the morning.  While I was in college they stopped our college deferment 1h due to the News Quote "getting into college was not fair to all". Since they could not get in so I lost my 1h deferent and the lottery was established. Yes my lottery number was 10….need I say anything more. I can write a sitcom on Van Buren Street where we had to go for our testing. Follow the lines on the wall.....LOL

The war ended soon and this is where my constant life becomes that Ocean floor. I had many different job. Let’s turn back the time a bit and during my high school years when my neighborhood was a war zone I studies Tae Kwon Do under Master Tai and instead of doing the constant Katas, I prefer to fighting and was going to tournaments and playing hockey whenever I could.  A break happened and I landed a city job and was introduced to a completely new crowd. I worked in the first ward which was Taylor Street  Lee Lano was the Yard Sup. and seemed to take a liking to me and I ended up with a good crew. I was on asphalt crew and we had to shovel with a pitchfork by hand. It was hard work but always had a great tan and got into great shape. I was introduced at some political party to Master Tsai. He was a Master in Kung Fu on Sheridan ave. It was a high rise the Black one I know it has a name but all I called it was the black high rise on Sheridan. I remember the training being quite different than Tae kwon do. I studied before you could even put on a belt was with Master Ming. He was right out of those Chinese movies with the white hair and long eyebrow and long robe. Until this day I still say he never walked and could walk though walls. He taught the meaning of Kung-Fu. He showed us how to breathe, slow our heart rate down to almost being stopped. I would love messing with my doctor and slowing it down the first time I did it he panic. It was a good laugh for me he certainly did not appreciate it. One of the most important things he taught us was to heal our self. I understood why this was so important because once we start the full training I was always in pain. No my body did not even feel like my body, everything always hurt. During the Iron Palm training we had to use some healing stuff Master Ming made for us so we would not break our hands during this training but truly it was his teaching us of internal healing which is what saved me.

We will not talk about the mid 70’s to the mid 80’s since everything was a blur and everything ran together. I did travel a lot during those times. Parting was the main agenda. However in 1978 the Fire department announced that they were testing. My friends Ralph Scavone family were all fireman and he wanted to become one and ask me to train with him.  I think out of 5,000 I ended up 201. I was just in good shape from my Martial arts so the test was quite easy. Our class was called the Night Riders since we were the last class to train with the police. We shared the police academy. We were broken into groups and whomever placed first in there group got pick of their firestation if there was a opening available. I ended up first and of course I picked the neighborhood fire station. Out of 24hour shift we ran 22hours. I always took the details since I wanted to become a good fireman and where could I kick in door and break windows and get paid to do it. I think all the training is why I survived the tragedy that happen in 1985. If you Google Chicago February 1,1985 Arson Fire Logan square you can read about it but basically my whole company was killed and I suffered severe burn. After the grafting for my legs I ended up with no skin on my body except what looks like a potato peeler took apart. I signed myself out of that Hospital since I knew it was time to go. I had a lot of new coverage most of them false reports but nevertheless I receive a letter from a doctor in Palm Springs. Over the next ten years I had extensive reconstructive surgery on my face. The funny thing was no one ever asked me what happen. “I have moved so whatever story they invented be the story”. Totally not true but as I said I moved on not realizing my ocean floor was about to shift again. By this time everyone forgot what had happen and I knew I lost everything. My dad recently died and I sorta lost it. I never had any help. My mom was taking care of my sick dad. I had to eventually take over for my mom since my dad got really sick. Cancer has a way of doing that. After he died I completely lost it. Feeling incompetent I train for a Kung Fu tournament since I could not even walk on a step ladder. BTW if you did not read the Google article in the fire the arson fire had been fuel by bombs and the roof collapsed.  I had vertigo on the first step of a step ladder. But fighting was an outlet. I was fighting the senior division and the rules changed from when I was competing. If you never been to a Martial Arts tournament you must wait until your division is called and then the winner is picked by last man. When my number was called I enter the ring and the judge in the ring asked me to remove my safety glasses. He explained the new rules were you had to wear goggles. I had to remove my glasses. What A joke. In the senior division there is no weight division. My opponent was huge I knew he would be slow and it was going to be a easy win but when I removed my glasses it trigger my vertigo and I freaked out. When he moved toward me I jumped up with a spinning kick and solid hit to the chest which knocked him out of the ring into the Judges at ringside. I was disqualified for excessive force. After the fight I approach my opponent and apology and explained he was too big and I could not see without my glasses we both laughed shook hands.

Here is where that ocean floor shifted on my again. I met a woman and fell in love. Had a beautiful daughter but realize we had to get a divorcé due to differences?  Now the year is 1994 and what was a livable check was not worth even half. I had some saving and friends who lived on the islands that put me up. During this time I became a Padi Master Diver. I think was on a death trip since Shark diving and anything to do that was dangerous I did. I did end up with  many different Padi certifications. The money was gone and back to the states.

Again that Ocean floor was swept away. My daughter started school and I figure I would do the same. I had wonderful families that help with the financial part of this part of my life experience.  After I ended up with a B.A.  I qualified for the MSI program, Master of Science of Language Arts in Education. I had all that education and I did not realize my head was still not screwed on straight. I had to sell my house since my check from the fire department was worth after paying bills 30dollars. After living on thirty dollars a month my friends were gone and I was having panic attacks after panic attacks. My mom got sick and I call 911 and when the firemen came to the house and while the paramedic were working on my mom the firemen and I were talking. They knew something was wrong, it is a “brother” thing firemen have with each other. They explained they were making five times what I was receiving.  I explained to them I tried to retire but was refused. As I said my head was not on correctly since I had time and age at 53 but was denied and just took whatever they told be as gospel. I started to play the guitar since I needed something to take my mind off of everything. I played for hours at a time. I think it is how much you practice that will determine on how well you can play. I just applied my Martial Arts training to playing the guitar.  I am going to end this saga by saying if I could turn back the hands of time I would of told the TRUTH, what do I mean by that “I would explain what really happen on  February 1, 1985 not there imaginary story”  I cannot forget I am a proud dad with a grandson. So I now can walk on a ladder, have a beautiful daughter and grandson…..I am sure as I always told my daughter if it was not for her I would not be here......

Nine Inch Nails ~ New Line Up

Trent Reznor Reboots Nine Inch Nails With Members of Jane’s Addiction, King Crimson + More

by Graham 'Gruhamed' Hartmann 

Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com

Trent Reznor has just unveiled some drop-to-your-knees-and-praise-the-lord-type of exciting news. He has confirmed that Nine Inch Nails are officially rebooted with a fresh, all-star lineup, blending previous NIN collaborators along with new members plucked from celebrated acts such as Jane’s Addiction, King Crimson and Puscifer. And as if that wasn’t cool enough, Nine Inch Nails are also set to embark on a U.S. tour this fall, with Billboard reporting that they will also headline Lollapalooza this summer.
The new Nine Inch Nails collective is a prominent one, with seasoned NIN members Alessandro Cortini (keyboards / synth / guitar / bass) and Ilan Rubin (drums) continuing their legacies with Reznor’s brilliant industrial act. In addition to the trio, Nine Inch Nails have welcomed former Jane’s Addiction bassist Eric Avery, King Crimson multi-instrumentalist Adrian Belew and Puscifer / Telefon Tel Aviv musician Josh Eustis into the group.
In a note from Trent Reznor posted on Pitchfork, the sonic brainiac explained the newly revamped version of Nine Inch Nails:

Nine Inch Nails are touring this year.
I was working with Adrian Belew on some musical ideas, which led to some discussion on performing, which led to some beard-scratching, which (many steps later) led to the decision to re-think the idea of what Nine Inch Nails could be, and the idea of playing a show. Calls were made to some friends, lots of new ideas were discussed, and a show was booked – which led to another, which somehow led to a lot of shows.
The band is reinventing itself from scratch and will be comprised of Eric Avery, Adrian Belew, Alessandro Cortini, Josh Eustis, Ilan Rubin, and me. The first shows will begin this summer, followed by a full-on arena tour of the US this fall, and lots of other dates worldwide to follow through 2014.
Lots of details and dates to come. See you soon.
TR

Prior to all the Nine Inch Nails awesomeness, Trent Reznor’s side project with wife Mariqueen Maandig, Rob Sheridan and Atticus Ross – How to Destroy Angels – will release their debut full-length album, ‘Welcome Oblivion’ on March 5. That outfit has also scheduled a number of North American dates for 2013

Sister Rosetta Tharpe: Gospel Music the Roots of Rock & Roll

Sister Rosetta Tharpe: Gospel Music the Roots of Rock & Roll

In honor of Black History Month and a genuine love of music, I would like to share an amazing artist ~ Sister Rosetta Tharpe. There is a wonderful documentary that can be found at pbs.org - definitely with a watch!

Sister Rosetta Tharpe (March 20, 1915 – October 9, 1973) was an American singer, songwriter, guitarist and recording artist. A one-of-a-kind pioneer of 20th-century music, Tharpe attained great popularity in the 1930s and 1940s with her gospel recordings that were a unique mixture of spiritual lyrics and early rock and roll accompaniment. As the first recording artist to impact the music charts with her spiritual recordings, Tharpe became the first superstar of gospel music and also became known as "the original soul sister." She was a treasured early influence on iconic figures such as Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard and Johnny Cash.^[2]
Willing to cross the line between sacred and secular by performing her inspirational music of 'light' in the 'darkness' of the nightclubs and concert halls with big bands behind her, Tharpe's witty, idiosyncratic style also left a lasting mark on more conventional gospel artists, such as Ira Tucker, Sr., of the Dixie Hummingbirds. While she offended some conservative churchgoers with her forays into the world of pop music, she never left gospel music.
Tharpe's 1944 hit "Down By The Riverside" was selected for the American Library of Congress National Recording Registry in 2004, stating that it captured her "spirited guitar playing" and "unique vocal style" which were an influence on early rhythm and blues performers, as well as gospel, jazz and rock artists.^[3] Tharpe has been called the Godmother of Rock n' Roll.
 A number of musicians, ranging from Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis^[2] to Isaac Hayes and Aretha Franklin, have identified her singing, guitar playing and showmanship as an important influence on them. Little Richard referred to the stomping, shouting gospel music legend as his favorite singer when he was a child. Johnny Cash also referred to Tharpe as his favorite singer when he was a child when he gave his induction speech at the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.

It is important to remember that Rosetta's career took place during a time when Black Americans were segregated away from so many things that we take for granted - a bathroom, place to eat, education, work, and housing. This woman traveled by bus equipped with beds to perform. A true pioneer to be admired and respected by all.

Here is a link to her performance in England which was part of the PBS documentary. Rosetta was 49 years old at the time. http://youtu.be/SR2gR6SZC2M  Please take a moment to watch this incredible woman. It will become clear how we can call this the roots to Rock & Roll.

Introduction

Blood Cross is where this all starts, recording new sounds with a new attitude. That hype-link will bring you to our website www.bloodcross.biz and bring you to our Blogger page. I just want for the first post to introduce our authors and if anyone is interested in joining our team, please use our Contact page via our website. First I like to introduce the lovely women from the Pan-Handle Bernice Edgecombe. Nicholas Brandenburg is from the Netherlands who will be brings us Metal reviews, new releases and the sorts. Of course I must introduce myself Samuel Lasco from Chicago who started this journey. We are going to be bringing in alot of different type of music so I hope to see you back. Please do not forget to visit our site........Keep the Music Alive