#Blackseed Records

[riffrelevant]

Riff Relevant Interviews: WOLFTOOTH; Plus S/T Album Review & Stream

Riff Relevant Interviews: WOLFTOOTH; Plus S/T Album Review & Stream

(By Leanne Ridgeway, Owner/Chief Editor, RiffRelevant.com)

This weekend brings you a dual-feature on Riff Relevant. This round, we have a album review from David LaMay of the debut full-length release from Indiana’s Wolftooth, and finish things out with a sweet interview with the guys in the band from Pat Whitaker.  If you’ve yet to hear the likes of Wolftooth, now is your prime opportunity to…

[blackseed0-blog]

Black Seed Oil Is a Remedy for Every Disease

Black Seed medically refers to as Nigella Sativa, the herd grows about 16-24 inches tall. From this will come a little square-shaped Black color Seed which is also called the Blessed Seed (Arab: Habbat ul Baraka, or Habbat ul Sauda). The ancient Egyptians recognized and utilized the Jabba saw and described it as being a remedy (cure for problems/disease). The Romans as well-realized this seed and named it Greek Coriander. Recorded by the Greek doctor from the 1st century, Dioscoredes, being an ailment for overall health problems for example tooth pains, severe headaches, and was primarily applied to be a healthy supplement. Ibn Sina, the writer on the Rule of Medicine, probably the most famous books within the history of medicine writes that Blessed Seeds energizes the metabolic process and assist to cure dispiritedness and lethargy. Ayurvedic treatments understand its many characteristics and stimulant character. It's used for numerous types of issues like hemorrhoids, hepatitis, fever, diarrhea, cough, tapeworm, and a lot more. Since 1959 there have been over 200 different scientific tests at universities and laboratories around the globe. In the Cancer Research Laboratory of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, USA, among the largest experimental studies so far discovered that BlackSeed Oil enhanced the development rate of bone marrow cells with a staggering 250% plus it inhibited the rise tumor/tumor-like cells by 50%. It triggered immune cells and raised interferon production (which protects cells from viruses). They verified the strongly anti-bacterial and anti-mycotic effects understanding that it provides a positive effect in reducing blood sugar levels within the body, which is a vital part of the therapy for diabetes. Recently released independent scientific studies have established which have been shown to increase the ratio between helper T-cells and suppressor T-cells with a tremendous amount while also improving the natural killer cell activity. Experiences of doctors in Munich shown that 70% of patients with allergic problems, including pollen and dust allergies, asthma, and neuro-dermatitis discovered very good success with the use of blessed seeds. Black Seed Oil features a stabilizing impact on a person's Immune System which fights illnesses which are a product of defective natural defenses. Therefore if the immune system is taken care of, then your total impact on the rest of the body can be felt. A prophetic Medication as suggested 1400 years back by the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). As part of his heavenly sagacity he explained - "Use the habba soda it's oil for without a doubt, it's a remedy for all diseases except death. Sahih Bukari 7:591 Black seed oil consists of One hundred healing elements that work together in a synergetic result. This means all of them to supplement the other along the way of aiding our body's capability to take care of itself. Numerous studies have discovered that there isn't a supplementary herb recognized to work with this type of massive amount of healing features. Habba Sawda continues to be known and used the entire many cultures for more than 2000 years. If you want to know more about this, visit Black Seed Oil and get yours today!

[johnerigo-blog]

ONIRICOUS - to release "La Maldición" (Mini LP/MCD) via BlackSeed Productions on October 31, 2019 #oniricous

ONIRICOUS – to release “La Maldición” (Mini LP/MCD) via BlackSeed Productions on October 31, 2019 #oniricous

ONIRICOUS – to release “La Maldición” (Mini LP/MCD) via BlackSeed Productions on October 31, 2019 #oniricous

BlackSeed Productions proudly presents the new mini album of Spanish ONIRICOUS! Recorded at Moontower Studios with Javier Félez, the band offers four new songs (plus Intro/Outro) which perpetuate their trademark of old…

[violasbabygirl]

✊ Reposted from @kemeticscience (@get_regrann) - No home should be without black seed! . Black Seed Oil is said its a cure for every disease except death and there are hundreds of studies and historical records going back thousands of years to back it up! . Some of the many health issues it can heal or help with are: . • weight loss • lowers blood sugar • lowers cholesterol • eczema • hair loss • muscular aches • pain relief • allergies • cardiovascular issues • anxiety • diabetes • asthma • anti-cancer • HIV • epilepsy . In fact the list could go on and on. . You can take 1-2 tsp daily with or without food (recommend with food for SunnaHealing black seed as its strong) for most health issues. . Rub oil on pain areas, dry skin issues and scalp and hair. . Can boil or steep the seeds to make and infusion/decoction ie tea. . Also can add the seeds to stews, curries, breads, smoothies and much more. I experiment all the time! . Visit pwww.kemwticscienceinstiute.com or click👉 the link in bio _ Comment or DM for more info. _ #ksi #kemetiscience #medicine #plantmedicine #herbs #detox #cure #blackseed #blackseedoil #blackherbalist #nigellasativa - #regrann https://www.instagram.com/p/B1gJGJ0DCmh/?igshid=i3kpacurotlv

[gbhbl]

Album Review: Balmog - Vacvvm (War Anthem Records/Various)

Album Review: Balmog – Vacvvm (War Anthem Records/Various)

A forceful showing of black metal, Vacvvm is the latest album from Spanish metallers, Balmog! The album will be released on the 16th March 2018 via War Anthem Records (CD version), Blackseed Productions (vinyl version) & In Pulverem Mortis Productions (tape edition).

Vacvvm is an album that is all about delivering violent & intense black metal played at an unstoppable pace. Raw & dirty, the…

[thegreasypizzeria]

The Greasy Pizzeria Punk Rock Vinyl Club. : : Ceschi and Pat the Bunny- ”Split” released in 2016 by #DIYBandits. ———————————————— Vinyl / LP / Limited Edition / Repress : : I bought this album for the #PatSchneeweis side, but the #Ceschi songs grew on me. Pat’s music career has been a whirlwind of addiction and redemption. At his worst point he was a pessimistic and nihilistic masochist. At his best he is a romantic poet who sings about his hopes and pain. Second pressing limited to 500 copies with red artwork. Comes with a 40 page booklet containing lyrics, interviews with Ceschi and #PatTheBunny, as well as the artwork artist #MichaelCrigler. Also comes with a copy of the #zine "#BlackSeed", a #WingnutDishwashersUnion poster, a free CD, and a DIY Bandits download for a digital sampler. Standout Tracks: “Anarchy Of The Dirt” & “The Club Hits Of Today Will Be The Show Tunes Of Tomorrow” : : : #johnnyhoboandthefreighttrains #ramshackleglory #powertothewingnuts #vinyl #vinylpunx #vinyligclub #vinylcorner #vinylcollective #vinylvollection #vinylcollector #vinylporn #vinyllove #vinyljunkie #vinyladdict #records #recordaddict #nowspinning #punk #folkpunk #punkvinyl #punkrock #punkrecords #instavinyl #recordcollection #recordcollector (at New Jersey)

[spec---tacular-blog]

Black Seed Oil Is a Remedy for Every Disease

Black Seed is medically referred to as Nigella Sativa, the herd grows around 16-24 inches tall. From this will come a little rectangle-molded Black hued Seed which is likewise called the Blessed Seed (Arab: Habbat ul Baraka, or Habbat ul Sauda). The antiquated Egyptians perceived and used the habba sawda and portrayed it similar to a (cure for issues/ailment). The Romans too comprehended this seed and named it Greek Coriander. Recorded by the Greek specialist from the first century, Dioscoredes, being an illness for general medical issues for instance tooth torments, extreme cerebral pains and was essentially connected being a wellbeing supplement.

Ibn Sina, the author on the Canon of Medicine, presumably the most celebrated books inside the historical backdrop of prescription composes that Blessed Seeds empowers the metabolic procedure and help to cure dispiritedness and laziness. Ayurvedic medications comprehends its numerous qualities and stimulant character. It's utilized for various sorts of issues like hemorrhoids, hepatitis, fever, the runs, hack, tapeworm, and significantly more.

Since 1959 there has been more than 200 diverse logical tests at colleges and research centers far and wide. In the Cancer Research Laboratory of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, USA, among the biggest test concentrates so far found that BlackSeed Oil upgraded the development rate of bone marrow cells with a stunning 250% or more it repressed the ascent tumor/tumor-like cells by half. It activated invulnerable cells and raised interferon creation (which shields cells from infections). They checked the firmly hostile to bacterial and against mycotic impacts understanding that it gives a beneficial outcome in diminishing glucose levels inside the body, that is an imperative piece of the treatment for diabetes.

As of late discharged free logical reviews have built up which have been appeared to expanding the proportion between aide T-cells and silencer T-cells with an enormous sum while likewise enhancing the common executioner cell movement. Encounters of specialists in Munich demonstrated that 70% of patients with hypersensitive issues, including dust and tidy sensitivities, asthma and neuro-dermatitis found great accomplishment with the utilization of favored seeds.

Black Seed Oil highlights a stabalising sway on a people Immune System which battles diseases which are a result of imperfect characteristic safeguards. Accordingly if the insusceptible framework is dealt with, then your aggregate effect on whatever is left of the body can be felt.

A prophetic Medication as recommended 1400 years back by the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). As a component of his magnificent insight he clarified - "Utilize the habba sawda it's oil for unquestionably, it's a solution for all infections aside from death. Sahih Bukari 7:591

Black seed oil comprises of One hundred mending components which cooperate in a synergetic outcome. Which implies every one of them supplement the other en route of supporting our body's capacity to deal with itself.Numerous ponders have found that there isn't an extra herb perceived to work with this sort of huge sum mending highlights.

Habba Sawda keeps on being known and utilized all through many cultures for over 2000 years. On the off chance that you need to find out about this, visit Black Seed Oil and get yours today!

[riffrelevant]

(By Leanne Ridgeway, Owner/Chief Editor, RiffRelevant.com)

“…Then I was but young and tender. Now I am old and strong, strong, strong.” ~ Smaug (J.R.R. Tolkien)

Finally.  After waiting many a moon, Riff Relevant can now reveal this wondrous event to you!  A new one-day stoner rock festival has been organized and is presented by TONESMITH.  A day of heavy riffs, rigs, and ribs – we give you FIREBREATHER FEST in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Drew Smith (Archarus) and Jordan Smith (Drude / Potslammer) together are Tonesmith.  In addition to performing with their individual bands, they have also been the purveyors of backline services for festivals and events in Indiana and its surrounding regional area.  For those not familiar, ‘backline’ is a set of speakers/amps, drums, or other gear at live music events that is used by all bands performing.  Tonesmith provides this gear (their owned equipment) and has handled backline for the two Doomed & Stoned Festivals in Indy, as well as Descendants Of Crom 2017 in Pittsburgh, among others.

FireBreather Fest is scheduled for a full day on Saturday, April 14th, 2018; at Indiana City Beer 24 Shelby St, Indianapolis, Indiana, and will begin at 3:00pm (EST).  The event is for those age 21+ (hi, sorry, it’s a brewery).   Food will be available at the all-day  event, provided by Black Metal BBQ.

The most important part of any music festival event is obviously the MUSIC.  FireBreather Fest has the music – sultry, smoldering, swampy, smothered in lava, sprinkled with a sulfur fire, and topped off with solar flares.  Tonesmith is  100% not fucking around.  There will be ELEVEN heavy stoner rock and metal bands at FireBreather.  Scope this lineup:

TELEKINETIC YETI   |   GREENBEARD

TOKE   |   HORSEBURNER

HEAVY TEMPLE   |   STONECUTTERS

HOWLING GIANT   |   SUPER MOON

VOID KING   |   THE MOUND BUILDERS

ARCHARUS

FIREBREATHER FEST 2018

SATURDAY, APRIL 14th @ Indiana City Beer

(RSVP for Facebook Event)

FireBreather tickets are on sale now. The entire day’s event is less than 20 bucks, with tickets only $15.00+ very small service fee.  That’s $1.50 A BAND.  Tickets can be purchased via Brown Paper Tickets here:

https://firebreather2018.brownpapertickets.com/

TONESMITH host and presenter of FireBreather Fest and sponsored in part by Riff Relevant, as well as Blackseed Records, Indy Metal Vault, Kuma’s Corner, NWO Metal Militia, Doomed and Stoned, and Eleven Productions.

  FireBreather Fest Sponsors and Vendors:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

FIREBREATHER FESTIVAL – TONESMITH Presents 10-Band Stoner Rock Event on 4-14 in Indianapolis IN (By Leanne Ridgeway, Owner/Chief Editor, RiffRelevant.com) “…Then I was but young and tender. Now I am old and strong, strong, strong." ~ Smaug (J.R.R.

[riffrelevant]

DESCENDANTS OF CROM III (2019) - Bands Announced VALKYRIE, BLACK PYRAMID, BACKWOODS PAYBACK +More

DESCENDANTS OF CROM III (2019) – Bands Announced VALKYRIE, BLACK PYRAMID, BACKWOODS PAYBACK +More

Article By: Leanne Ridgeway, Owner/Chief Editor

“Now they will know why they are afraid of the dark. Now they learn why they fear the night.” ~ Thulsa Doom (Conan) (more…)

[riffrelevant]

JAKETHEHAWK - 'To Build A Fire' Out Nov. 10th via Blackseed Records; New Video + Live Dates

JAKETHEHAWK – ‘To Build A Fire’ Out Nov. 10th via Blackseed Records; New Video + Live Dates

Photo by Shannon Kenyon Article By: Leanne Ridgeway, Owner/Chief Editor

Pittsburgh, PA’s own ‘Appalachian Desert Rock’ brotherly quartet of JAKETHEHAWK continues to pursue the sky with the announcement of a new full-length album coming November 10th on Blackseed Records.    (more…)

[riffrelevant]

RIVER CULT - 'Halcyon Daze' Album Review & Stream

RIVER CULT – ‘Halcyon Daze’ Album Review & Stream

(By Tyler Smith, Staff Writer, RiffRelevant.com) River Cult is a heavy psych, stoner rock three-piece based out of Brooklyn, NY.  Since 2015, they have released a three song self titled EP, until just this February, with a new full-length ‘Halcyon Daze’.     (more…)

[riffrelevant]

Riff Relevant 2017 Releases - (Staff) PAT 'RIOT' WHITAKER Shares 25 LP / 25 EP Favorites

Riff Relevant 2017 Releases – (Staff) PAT ‘RIOT’ WHITAKER Shares 25 LP / 25 EP Favorites

(By Leanne Ridgeway, Owner/Chief Editor, RiffRelevant.com) Oh, where to start… first off, Pat ‘Riot’ Whitaker is essentially a walking mountain (literally and figuratively) of heavy musical knowledge.  Anyone that’s talked with him can attest to this.  One look at his ‘Old-School Sunday’ column and you’re delving into his musical memory.    (more…)

[riffrelevant]

DESCENDANTS OF CROM 2018 - Blackseed Records Announces Initial Festival Lineup & 'Early Crow' Tickets

DESCENDANTS OF CROM 2018 – Blackseed Records Announces Initial Festival Lineup & ‘Early Crow’ Tickets

Descendants Of Crom Festival (By Leanne Ridgeway, Owner/Chief Editor, RiffRelevant.com) “…Now they will know why they are afraid of the dark.�� Now they learn why they fear the night.…” ~ Thulsa Doom (Conan) (more…)

[riffrelevant]

BRIAN ‘BUTCH’ BALICH

(By Pat ‘Riot’ Whitaker, Lead Journalist/Writer, RiffRelevant.com)

I don’t even know where to begin. That is something you will rarely ever hear me utter let alone admit but yet, here I have. The reason I have is the subject of the following exchange that shall ensue below, singer Brian ‘Butch’ Balich. The man is the powerful voice of at least four current projects that I have immensely enjoyed and submersed myself in both recently and in the past.

See, Butch is the venerable vocalist and lyrical lamenter for Argus, Penance, Molasses Barge and Arduini-Balich. Now, if you are even just an amateur newbie in the world of power metal or doom music then surely you know at least one or two of those acts. If you are like me, a maniacal metalhead that’s neglected other aspects of normal life so you could obsess over underground music for nearly four decades…well then, suffice to say, you know Butch is “The Man” so to speak. As The Man, Butch is currently on an oh-so glorious ride upon the topside of this world as he participates in creating some of the most amazing music known to man.

Sure, you can say I am a fan, and have been since discovering his work with U.S. doom icons Penance in the late Nineties. Just his work on 3 of their official releases, “Proving Ground” (1999), “Alpha & Omega” (2001) and “Spiritualnatural” (2003), gives the guy some major street cred. By the way, it’s that middle album that will be the focal point of some discussion in a minute but allow me to finish this hype first, please.

From there, Butch’s involvement with the much-revered Argus is well documented on a string of official albums. The latest of which, “From Fields Of Fire“, was just released this week from Cruz Del Sur Music. You can expect to hear a lot more about it as it ignites in the journalism realm and then lands on the annual year-end Best Of…lists. It won’t end there for Butch though as I am convinced, and have said on the record, that I fully expect him to score a triple crown win when all is said and done. I say that because of the other 2017 releases that he’s involved with, the recently released, superb Molasses Barge self-titled album for Blackseed Records (review here) and the phenomenal collab with Fates Warning founder, Victor Arduini. The latter came under the moniker of Arduini-Balich and their “Dawn Of Ages” debut also via Cruz Del Sur Music earlier this year.

Did I tell you that I didn’t know where to begin? Now you have a little inkling as to why I said it, huh? Anyway, the crazy things is, I have never seen Butch Balich live in ANY of these projects but if all goes according to plan, that shall soon be remedied! On Saturday, September 29th, Butch will once again front Penance as the legends headline the inaugural Descendants Of Crom Festival in Pittsburgh, PA. But he and I will expound further upon that event as I now segue us into this thing we’re all gathered here for…

It is my great pleasure, and with my own personal, enthusiastic enjoyment to invite you to delve further inward (downward?) upon this page for The Riff Relevant Interview With Brian “Butch” Balich!

Pat Riot – Butch, you currently have quite a bit going on but let’s start with current events: This month, at the end of September, Penance will headline the Descendants Of Crom festival in Pittsburgh..what is the current status of Penance (active, inactive, semi-retired) as I know there has been a few festival appearances here and there? Are there any kind of “long-term” plans concerning the band (i.e. reactivate full time, record new material, tour, etc.)?

Who will comprise the roster of Penance live for the DOC appearance? I have “heard” this may be the Alpha & Omega era line up, possibly their first show as such in roughly 15 years or so?

PENANCE (Then)

Butch – Right now it’s 5 friends who missed jamming with each other and thought this gig would be a lot of fun. The last time Penance played was around 2013 – that was Mike, Terry, Rich Freund, Brian Goodbread and I.  We’ve been talking about maybe doing a new album. I know Terry has material ready to go. Everyone seems to be up for it but we’ll play it by ear once this show is under our belts. It is Mike Smail, Terry Weston, Mary Bielich, Matt Tuite and me.  The Alpha & Omega era line-up.  It is the first time we’ll gig together since around 2002-2003.  

Pat Riot – Is there a / any (particular) band set to play DOC that you yourself are personally excited about seeing..and why?

Butch – Valkyrie is the band I’m most looking forward to. They have been one of my favorite bands since I first heard them. GREAT live band – one of the best. And those guitar harmonies are godly !!!  Plus they are really good dudes and it’ll be good to see them again.

Pat Riot – I only recently discovered Molasses Barge (the new LP is phenomenal by the way), what are the origins of that band? How has the overall reception of the new album been and what prompted the decision to release it through Blackseed?

This new Molasses Barge S/T CD comes with a bonus disc of cover tracks, ‘Covered In Molasses’..how did you all as a band select what songs to cover and what was the criteria (if any) for making the cut? (BTW – The BTO ‘Not Fragile” is so kickass!)

Butch – Molasses Barge was put together by Justin Gizzi and Wayne Massey to write and play doom and I was asked to join as vocalist. We went through a number of bassists until we solidified the line-up with Amy Bianco on bass and Kenny Houser on guitar, along with Justin.  Kenny later left the band and we were joined by Dave Fresch and that’s where we sit now. Thank you so much for your compliments on the album – we’d been threatening to release one for years and I still have to pinch myself that it is out and that it turned out as well as it did. So far lots of good feedback on the album and on the covers disc we included with it.

We released through Blackseed because we trust Shy Kennedy and because of her devotion and tireless energy being involved in the scene here with her own projects (Horehound is awesome!) and her support for bands in town here.  It’s a fun band – I really think we just enjoy playing with each other and even though this is sort of a side band for most of us it really does feel like home as well. I feel very lucky to play with these folks – I love them as musicians and as people.

Justin came in with a list of songs he thought would be cool, as well as songs we’d discussed over the years. It was a pretty pain-free decision making process. We just wanted to have some fun and so we were all game for whatever songs were decided on. I think the only one I hesitated on was “Love Child” by Deep Purple because it is just at the edge of my range and I was worried I’d shit the bed singing it. The whole disc came out great – I love the way “Hiding Mask” and “Sinister Purpose” came out.  I know Justin says it his favorite recording of anything he’s ever done. I’m really happy we did it and that it made him happy too.

Pat Riot – People seem automatically inclined to label you a “Doom vocalist” time and time again. Personally, I believe you expand into places far beyond such a limiting scope…how would YOU describe your vocal abilities? Do you play any instruments besides, or outside of, singing?

And depending on how you answered that last query, how involved are you personally in the songwriting for these varied projects? Is there ever a point where you may have come up with a melody or vocal part originally intended for a certain band but then you’ve perhaps thought it would suit one of the other projects better?

Butch – As far as my voice I think my strengths lie in my power, sense of melody, and ability to take what limited range I have and utilize it to its fullest. I don’t consider myself just a doom vocalist because doom is just part of what I have done over the years. It’s nice to be respected in doom circles, believe me, and I love doom but I don’t see myself as limited to just that one niche.  But, ultimately, I honestly don’t get too bogged down in wondering how I’m perceived. Yeah, I want people to like what I do but I learned a long time ago, from those who I look up to, to not to put so much stock in either criticism OR praise. Just do what you do…for yourself and if others dig it that’s a bonus.

I don’t play any instruments unfortunately. I tinkered with bass and guitar but never beyond that. I can do some powerchords and really simple bass lines but not even a garage band would want me LOL! I do have a guitar though and my goal for the next year is to start learning so I can get to the point where I can write songs or just play for my own enjoyment. It’s not something I could see myself doing live but I do want to try to learn and see where it goes. Some day my voice will conk out and when it does it’d be nice to have something to fall back on.

In Argus, I do all the vocal melodies and lyrics but I’m also involved in arrangements along with the rest of the band. Dave and Jay are the main writers but we all contribute ideas at rehearsal. It’s all very group-oriented at that point.

Justin pretty much writes everything for Molasses Barge including the lyrics and melodies, which is cool by me. He has a certain vision when he writes and it is nice to interpret his ideas rather than be as intricately involved in the writing. I will make tweaks based on my  voice but generally he teaches me the melody, gives me the words and we’re off!

With Arduini-Balich…Victor wrote all the music and sent it to me. I did all the lyrics and he and I collaborated on melodies, or I did the melodies on my own. It was a different way of working as he’s in Connecticut and I’m in Pittsburgh and so a great deal of trust was involved on his part. He’d send finished music tracks and I’d write and record and often he was hearing the melodies for the first time when he received the final tracks. But Vic and I are on the same page with a lot of things so it worked very well.

Pat Riot – Assuming you write (most or all) the lyrics you sing….where do you cull lyrical inspiration from?

Butch – Personal life, the world around me, history, literature…. Sometimes just an emotion…. There are a lot of guys I look up to but whom I could never hope to come close to – Phil Lynott’s storytelling, Dio’s realms of fantasy washed through reality – Steve Harris’ historical lyrics always fascinated me. I like clever writers like Ian Gillan and Steven Tyler and then a guy like Dave Wyndorf who paints vivid paintings with his words. But for my writing, I kind of feel for the moods in the music first and then join that to words that fit that mood.

ARDUINI-BALICH

Pat Riot – You mentioned Arduini-Balich. How was the overall experience of working with Victor Arduini and did you have any inkling that Dawn Of Ages would be so well received ultimately? What are the chances of a sophomore album manifesting from that team-up?

Butch – I loved working with Victor. He inspired and pushed me to be a better singer.  He was really easy to work with – very creative, open, and enthusiastic. It was one of the most positive experiences I’ve ever had. We worked hard but it was very gratifying. We knew we had something special with “Dawn Of Ages” and we’re both really happy that it reached people and spoke to them and that those who have taken the time to tackle the record seem to love it. It’s gotten great reviews and word of mouth from people is really positive.  We’re very proud of the album.  There WILL be a sophomore album. I think we’ll start talking seriously about it next year.  And we’re still hoping to play a few select shows at some point.

Pat Riot – As far as your singing goes, who are / were some of your own biggest musical influences at any point and why do you believe that they impacted you in such a way?

Butch – Ronnie James Dio is my all time favorite – his range, power…. he had a masculinity to his voice that even when he sang high he never sounded thin or wimpy. His voice was deceptively high because he sang so powerfully – you’d think “I can sing that” and then realize “holy shit that’s up there”.  “Rising” and “Heaven And Hell” being chapter and verse of amazing singing. Of course Halford, Dickinson, but also guys like a Paul Stanley who, with KISS, really made me want to do this. Steve Marriot, Paul Rodgers, Brad Delp, Robin Zander, John Arch, Frank DiMino of Angel…. Pete Steele was the first singer who made me want to hit LOWER notes. He was unbelievably underrated as a singer. Tom Jones. Marvin Gaye. James Brown. I am all over the map and find a lot to love and be inspired by in all kinds of vocalists for different reasons- range, power, rhythmic sense, melody, soulfulness…..

Pat Riot – You mention inspiration from Paul Stanley…during your youth, what was the catalyst event that set you upon the musical path i.e. a certain band, specific album, life event, etc.? (For me it was buying Kiss’ “Hotter Than Hell” in ’74 at age 5, ha!).

Butch – KISS was THE band that made me want to play music. As a kid of 5 in ’76, I revered the “Destroyer” 8-track I’d gotten from my Grandmother… and then “Rock And Roll Over“. I can remember listening to “I Want You” and my buddy and I howling with laughter over the stuttered “buh buh buh buh babe….”.  Of course it was the image at first but I fell in love with their music and that was it for me. It launched me into music.

Pat Riot – Another band you’re part of, Argus, will release their 4th full-length studio album ‘From Fields Of Fire’ less than a month from now (Sept. 8). What can fans expect from this new album? (Interviewer Note: This interview was obviously done prior to the Argus record..which is out NOW! – Pat)

I know Argus played on the Aug. 16th date of the ‘Tour Of The Doomed’..how excited were you about that opportunity / line up and might there be any lengthier Argus touring plans in the future?

Butch – We are very proud of “From Fields Of Fire”. I think it’s the best overall album we’ve done. Heavy, melodic, moody, dark, but catchy too. It’s Argus through and through but we did try some new things to try to expand upon that sound. Songs like “Devils Of Your Time” and “No Right To Grieve” especially. We don’t want to repeat ourselves or tread water so we’re always going to see how we can change yet be true to the Argus that our friends know and love. Move forward but always remember and respect where you come from.  So – it’s 7 full new songs and an intro and outro piece. Lyrically more personal and dark than we’ve ever been. We tried to do more vocal harmonies and of course the guitar harmonies weave throughout the album. I think if folks give it a few spins they will discover it grabs them more with each listen.

The show went well and it was great to see our friends in Beelzefuzz and Spillage and also to see Sheavy live (my first time) – they were really good and tried to cover most of their discography’s eras.

Pat Riot – As an outsider (me) looking in so to speak, Pittsburgh appears to have a tightly knit, self-supportive scene, very community-oriented or where things appear to be like one big family. If I’m not off-base with this perception and you agree, what would you attribute this to?

Butch – It is a pretty cool scene and I wish I could get out more because there are some really talented people here and there’s a lot of color to the scene…. it’s not just a homogenous heap. From metal to punk to experimental stuff….Pittsburgh is kind of a “big” small town really so you’ll run into each other a lot and a lot of us are in multiple bands. So it makes for a cool community!

Pat Riot – Juggling 4 bands (or 3 and a collaborative project?) as you do or are at this time, what non-musical, if any, things do you enjoy or like doing in your private life i.e. hobbies, travels, etc.?

Butch – Time with my kids is very important to me. Any time I get with them is important. I like to read a lot – I’ll read fantasy, musician bios are big with me… anything that seems interesting. I also love comic books but that’s an expensive hobby. I dig movies and some tv – Walking Dead, Better Call Saul …. big Steelers fan. Split season tickets with my ex-wife.

Pat Riot – Speaking of collaborations and such, if you could work with one person from the world of music history, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Butch – I would love to work with Tony Iommi. He’s THE riff master and his work has been so important to me. I would give my left nut just to do one song with him. (Now THAT is a powerful desire and ever more powerful commitment to making it happen! 🙂  – Pat)

Pat Riot – I’m going to kind of put you on the spot here, Butch so I apologize in advance, ha…If I am an average John Q. music fan and run across this interview and have never heard of Brian ‘Butch Balich, where or what would be your suggestion for me as a starting point? Not disrespecting any band over another of course, but which of your musical endeavors would you suggest that person begin with? What specific release and why so?

Butch – I’d start with ARGUS “From Fields Of Fire” and work backwards. This album and “Dawn Of Ages” has me at the best I’ve ever been and at my most diverse. I really love most of the work I’ve done over the years and am ashamed of nothing but I think where I am now is pretty damn good.

#gallery-0-4 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-4 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 20%; } #gallery-0-4 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-4 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Pat Riot –  Hypothetically speaking and depending on the Argus release, you stand a chance to theoretically place on 2017’s annual year-end round ups aka ‘Best Albums Of…’ lists anywhere from 1 to 3 times (all at once) due to the remarkability of the albums and output you have been part of this year…any thoughts on that either way?

Butch – I honestly try not to get too wrapped up in that but it’s a pretty cool thought that I am on 3 albums this year and they are all really good. And that’s a testament to the musicians I am honored to be in bands with. I am very, very lucky that musicians of their caliber chose me to work with them.

Pat Riot – Butch, I have a tradition of closing my interviews with allowing the subject to have the last word so anything you would like to say, state, share, rant about or whatever, this is your shot, sir…have at it:

Butch – Thanks so much for taking the time to put this interview together, Patrick. I really appreciate being able to talk to you for Riff Relevant.  I look forward to meeting you at the Descendants Of Crom fest. I hope anyone reading this will check out the fest – it promises to be a great event. See you all soon!

Indeed it does! Now, that’s powerful stuff, my friends and I hope you made it to this ending point. Like I said, I’m a big fan of Butch’s so I was damn sure determined to touch all the bases that I myself was curious of and interested in. I hope you were also and I can’t wait to see him perform live and meet too.

I want to thank singer supreme, my guest Brian “Butch” Balich, for taking the time, energy and effort to answer my myriad queries. I want to thank Descendants Of Crom organizer, Horehound vocalist and wearer of a dozen other hats, one of which is my friend, Shy Kennedy for facilitating this exchange and with that…make sure to get to Descendants Of Crom!

You can see a host of kick-ass bands including Butch’s own, Penance as well hob-knob with myself and Riff Relevant‘s own Leanne Ridgeway and David Lamay, among many others and we will hopefully see you there!

Descendants of Crom Festival – Poster by Blackseed Design

    Sonic Fire For The Ages: The Riff Relevant Interview With Brian ‘Butch’ Balich Of Argus, Penance, Etc. Fame (By Pat 'Riot' Whitaker, Lead Journalist/Writer, RiffRelevant.com) I don't even know where to begin. That is something you will rarely ever hear me utter let alone admit but yet, here I have.