An extremely rare, but high profile sub-set of Metal releases are comedy albums. A few rare bands decide to release and record albums of metal that are strictly based on humor. Are these parody acts loving tributes or a tongue in cheek, kick at a genre that at times takes itself very seriously? Are these bands worthy of the definition of metal for bringing a new face to the genre, or to be shunned for crude and mean-spirited attempts to make fun of something they don't understand? Metal comedy. Worthwhile or worthless?

Dawn of Tears is a relatively new Spanish melodic death metal band that is deserving, yet long overdue for some real publicity in the metal world. Comparing their sound to other bands doesn’t serve them properly; their distinguishing mark is their ability to write a killer song, while seamlessly blending musical influences from all over the metal spectrum without breaking a sweat. Here’s my interview with vocalist J. Alonso.

JIMMY DeGRASSO

INTERVIEW AND LIVE PICTURES  BY MARKO SYRJÄLÄ
TRANSCRIPTION BY PETTERI LIMNELL, EVILG AND RICK 

American born drummer Jimmy DeGrasso is probably best known for his work with Megadeth, but he's also been involved with many other interesting bands and projects during his long career.  In mid 80's, after moving from Pennsylvania to Los Angeles, Jimmy first did studio sessions with the "Prince of Darkness" himself, Ozzy Osbourne, before getting his first permanent job from Californian rockers Y & T in 1986. After many successful years with them, Jimmy decided to leave Y & T in 1990 and in the subsequent years he toured with such names as Lita Ford and Alice in Chains before joining the thrash/punk/hardcore crossover  group Suicidal Tendencies in 2004. Unfortunately, the band broke up soon later and next Jimmy joined Alice Cooper's touring band. He's been working with Alice on and off since then. In 1998 he joined Megadeth and stayed with them until the band (temporarily) disbanded in 2002. Today Jimmy is a highly sought after session and touring drummer.  He's also a full time member of all-star band "HAIL!" along with his former Megadeth bandmate David Ellefsson, Sepultura guitarist Andreas Kisser, and vocalist Tim "Ripper" Owens. Jimmy has also another band with Ellefsson called F5 and they released the album THE RECKONING in 2008.  In  December (2009) Jimmy came to Finland with Alice Cooper and then I had a chance to sit down with him and discuss his past, present and near future plans. READ ON! 

ROB BOLGER:
DOCUMENTARY MAKER OF "BEHIND THE SUIT AND TIE"

Interview by Luxi Lahtinen

"About BEHIND THE SUIT AND TIE documentary: A documentary that takes you into the hearts and souls of the real people who rule today's heavy metal recording industry, put together by Robert Bolger Jr.

Unlike most music documentaries BEHIND THE SUIT AND TIE will spend more time with the people behind the labels rather than the more musician-focused approach of most music documentaries. BEHIND THE SUIT AND TIE will also showcase the truth of how the music industry is being affected by the downward spiral of hard CD sales and how established, new and up and coming artists must learn to adjust to these changing times with today's major transition".