He's the singer who has accompanied "Testament" on all their albums since its inception, he has a powerful voice and you would not want to meet him in a dark alley. Here are some interesting facts about Chuck Billy who is celebrating his birthday today: (Photo: Liz Ramanand) 1. He was born on June 23, 1962 in Oakland California as Charles Billy. 2. Billy was born to an Indian father and a Mexican mother. He is part of the "Pomo" tribe from Northern California, and is proud of its Native American heritage. 3. The songs "Trail of Tears", "Alegiance" and "Native Blood", were written as a tribute to his legacy. 4. Billy is a cousin of Stephen Carpenter, the founder and lead guitarist of the metal band "Deftones". 5. Already in high school he was part of bands he formed together with his classmates. 6. His first appearance on stage was at "The Stage Club" in California, with the band "Rampage", in 1982. 7. He began his musical career as the lead singer of a local metal band called "Guilt", which also included Danny Gill who would become the guitarist for "Hericane Alice" and "Medicine Wheel". They recorded one demo in 1984 and contributed the song "Down to the City" to the "U.S. Metal Vol. IV" collection. 8. In 1986 Billy joined "Legacy" as a replacement for his childhood friend, lead singer Steve "Zetro" Souza, who recommended him to the band and would later join "Exodus". (Photo: Nuclear Blast) 9. The band changed its name to "Testament" and released their debut album "The Legacy" in 1987. Billy contributed one song to the album called "Do or Die". 10. Since then, Billy has released twelve more studio albums with "Testament" including " The New Order ", " Demonic ", "Practice What You Preach", "The Gathering", " The Ritual ", "Titans Of Creation" and more. 11. Billy and guitarist Eric Peterson are the only ones to appear on any of "Testament's" albums. 12. His singing style has changed over the years considerably, from a clear and high thrash style towards the low and deep death. Since the album "Low" Billy combines the two styles, sometimes within the same song. 13. In 1997 "Testament's" contract with its record company ended and the band thought of breaking up. This sent Billy to audition as Max Cavalera 's replacement in "Sepultura", but he lost that role to Derrick Green. 14. In 2001 Billy was diagnosed with a rare strain of testicular cancer. He managed to overcome the disease with the help of an Indian healing method and by 2003 he had returned to the stages with the band. 15. Remember Steve "Zetro" Souza who recommended Billy to "Testament" members? So Billy replaced him as the singer of "Exodus" in a performance held on October 28, 2004, where the band served as a warm-up show for "Megadeth". 16. Ten years later, in 2014, Billy will participate in in the song "BTK", from Exodus' "Blood In, Blood Out" album. Kirk Hammett was also featured on the album. 17. In 2015 Billy was part of the supergroup "Metal Allegiance" which also included his friend Alex Skolnick . 18. In 2019, Billy appeared as a guest on the song "The Crownless King" by "Killswitch Engage",taken from their album "Atonement". 19. In 2020, Billy appeared in the song "Routes" by "Lamb of God", taken from their album "Lamb of God". 20. "Marvel" lovers will be interested to know that Billy contributed his voice to the "What If ...?" Series, that you can watch on "Disney +" "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook  / Instagram  or Subscribe to our website

On June 23, 2009, "Dream Theater" released their tenth studio album, "Black Clouds & Silver Linings". This album marked the end of an era for "Dream Theater", as it would be the last studio album to feature founding drummer and creative anchor Mike Portnoy  before his departure in 2010. It was released at a time when the band was embracing their most polished production values, while still maintaining the epic scale and technicality that defined their progressive metal identity. "Black Clouds & Silver Linings" is an album haunted by shadows—loss, trauma, mortality, and recovery—but also infused with light, growth, and grace. It’s an emotionally charged record that captures the band at both a musical and personal crossroads. Produced by John Petrucci  and Mike Portnoy , and mixed by Paul Northfield, the album was recorded at Avatar Studios in New York and leans heavily on extended compositions, layered instrumentation, and autobiographical lyrics. "A Nightmare to Remember"  is a cinematic and thunderous 16 minutes epic piece, recounting a childhood car accident experienced by John Petrucci (as can also be heard from the car accident effects on 3:55 min.). Its fusion of haunting melodies, brutal (near Doom) riffs, and theatrical structure makes it one of the most dramatic songs in the band's catalog. James LaBrie  delivers a soaring clean vocal, which contrasts with Mike Portnoy 's rare growls—adding visceral weight. Jordan Rudess adds more texture with a use of lap steel guitar. "A Rite of Passage" serves as the album’s lead single and its most radio-accessible moment, yet it retains the band’s progressive complexity. Centered around themes of secret societies and Freemasonry, the lyrics are cryptic but intriguing, layered over a powerful rhythmic foundation. The song features a sharp, groove-heavy riff, a melodic catchy chorus, and one of John Petrucci's tightest solos on the album. "Wither"  offers a rare, vulnerable moment on the album—a melodic ballad that explores the creative block and self-doubt that can paralyze an artist. With written lyrics by John Petrucci 's this heartfelt ballad reveals Petrucci 's introspection about the songwriting process itself. James LaBrie 's restrained delivery and the song’s simplicity create a poignant moment of sincerity. "The Shattered Fortress"  is the final chapter in Mike Portnoy 's Twelve-Step Suite—a musical saga chronicling his journey through addiction and recovery. These final parts of the saga, which began on " Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence " album, features reprising and concluding themes and motifs from the suite that began 7 years earlier . By interweaving motifs from the previous parts, this musical piece brings the entire arc to a cathartic conclusion, making it a deeply personal swan song for Portnoy 's tenure with the band. For this end of this personal saga Portnoy also co-sings lead vocals with LaBrie . "The Best of Times"  is a eulogy for Mike Portnoy 's father, written shortly before his passing from cancer ( Portnoy played the song for his father prior to his death). Musically inspired by "Rush" (the second intro on 2:45 Min. sounds like " The Spirit of Radio") , it opens with a hopeful piano and violin motif before evolving into one of the most emotionally stirring tracks the band has ever recorded. It’s a celebration of memory and gratitude, with Jordan Rudess keyboard part at 6:11 Min. and John Petrucci 's solo at 9:59 Min. delivering both tears and triumph. The album closes with "The Count of Tuscany" , a 19-minute progressive epic that ranks among the band’s best long-form compositions. Based on a real-life encounter John Petrucci  had in Italy, it plays like a suspenseful short story set to music—blending mystery, fear, humor, and redemption in one of the most dynamic journeys the band has put to tape. Its breathtaking instrumental sections and emotive finale serve as a towering monument to everything that defines "Dream Theater". The special edition of the album included a third disc of cover songs that served as a tribute to the band’s influences, performed in full "Dream Theater" style. These included faithful and energetic renditions of "Stargazer"  by "Rainbow", "Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part Two"  by "King Crimson", "To Tame a Land"  by "Iron Maiden", "Odyssey"  by "Dixie Dregs", "Take Your Fingers from My Hair"  by "Zebra", and "Tenement Funster / Flick of the Wrist / Lily of the Valley"  by "Queen". Each track reflected not only the band's technical prowess but also their deep love and respect for classic progressive and hard rock heritage. As part of the tour supporting the album, "Dream Theater" embarked on the “Progressive Nation 2009” tour, which included a long-awaited show in Israel, for the first time on June 16, 2009. The historic concert featured a packed setlist with fan favorites tracks and an epic encore medley including "Metropolis Pt. 1" . In a particularly emotional and memorable moment, the band played an instrumental segment of "Hava Nagila"  as a tribute to the Israeli audience. It remains Mike Portnoy 's only performance in Israel with the band, giving the night an even more profound sense of significance. Upon release, "Black Clouds & Silver Linings" debuted at #6 on the Billboard 200—then the highest-charting release in the band’s career. Critics praised its musicianship and emotional range, and fans embraced it. Still, the album is widely viewed as a late-era triumph and a powerful farewell for the Mike Portnoy  era. For Listening: Spotify , Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook  / Instagram  or Subscribe to our website

On June 12, 2007, Paramore released their second studio album, "RIOT!"—an explosive, neon-bright scream from the heart of teenage chaos. Before the first chord was even strummed, Paramore was already fighting to survive. Tensions within the band simmered behind the scenes—bassist Jeremy Davis had been briefly expelled from the group, only to be brought back at Hayley Williams ’ insistence. The band’s internal dynamic was a swirl of youth, ambition, and emotional volatility, echoing the very themes that would define this album. And they were still only teenagers. Following the modest success of their debut album "All We Know Is Falling", the stakes were higher. Labels were watching. Fans were waiting. Paramore knew they had to create something bigger, louder, and truer. They didn’t just want to be heard—they wanted to detonate. Photo: diymag.com The band initially considered working with big-name producers like Neal Avron and Howard Benson, but in a bold move, they chose David Bendeth. Bendeth—best known for his work with Breaking Benjamin and Hawthorne Heights—pushed the band hard, shaping their raw energy into sharp, melodic explosions. Recording took place between January and March 2007 at House of Loud in Elmwood Park, New Jersey. It was intense, fast, and focused. Davis didn’t play bass on the record—his parts were recorded by Brian Weaver during his brief absence from the group—but he returned to contribute backing vocals and rejoin the family by the time the album dropped. The result? A riot of color, angst, and adrenaline. "Misery Business"  opens fire like a manifesto. Hayley Williams’ voice cuts through the static like a blade. She isn’t just singing—she’s reclaiming space. What began as a controversial diary entry became one of the most defining tracks of 2000s emo-pop, launching the band into MTV rotation and teenage playlists across the globe. "Crushcrushcrush"  follows with seductive menace. With slinking guitars and an irresistible rhythm, it introduces a darker tone beneath the album’s bright energy. You can almost hear the creative push-pull between Hayley and Josh Farro—tension that would later shake the band apart. "That's What You Get"  is pure pop-punk perfection. It’s heartbreak you can dance to, a tragic chorus wrapped in upbeat guitars. The pain is real, but it’s polished into something beautiful. Hayley belts, “That’s what you get when you let your heart win,” and it lands like a universal truth for every emotionally reckless teen. But the album doesn’t just ride the radio waves. "Let the Flames Begin"  is the spiritual center of "RIOT!"—an anthem of defiance and survival that hints at the more introspective and mature direction Paramore would later take. "Born for This"  closes the record with a fan-fueled, self-affirming roar. The chorus even samples lyrics from Refused, making it a bridge between punk roots and the mainstream stages Paramore was about to conquer. "RIOT!" is urgent. It's loud. It's messy. And that’s exactly why it works. Every drum hit from Zac Farro (and we exploded over and over again on every hit of the snare!!), every guitar squeal from Josh Farro, every line from Hayley, every behind-the-scenes struggle—it all bleeds into a record that isn’t afraid to be vulnerable and volatile. It captures that fleeting, explosive moment between adolescence and adulthood, where identity is fought for in every verse and screamed out in every chorus. Commercially, the album reached number 15 on the Billboard 200 and later went Platinum in the U.S. It wasn’t just a breakthrough—it was a declaration. Paramore had arrived, and they weren’t backing down. "RIOT!" remains one of the most iconic emo-pop albums of its generation, not because it was perfect, but because it was real. It was the sound of a band growing up in public, on fire, and in full bloom. Listen to the album on: Spotify , Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook  / Instagram  or Subscribe to our website

On June 11, 2021 "Mammoth WVH" released its self-titled debut album. "Mammoth WVH" is really a solo project of Wolfgang Van Halen , son of guitarist Eddie Van Halen . Wolfgang served as bassist for "Van Helen" after its reunion, and even participated in the 2012 reunion album "A Different Kind of Truth". Wolfgang later played with Mark Tremonti 's band "Tremonti", recording his two albums " Cauterize " from 2015 and 2016's " Dust ". The name "Mammoth WVH" is based on one of the first names of the band "Van Halen", which in 1972 was called "Mammoth". Wolfgang said he asked permission from his father and uncle Alex Van Halen to use the name, Then he added the letters WVH which are the initials of his name. Wolfgang wrote all the songs on the album, he sang and played all the instruments on it and he was also the one who produced it. Literally a "One Man Show". The first single released from the album was " Distance ", which Wolfgang dedicated to his father Eddie Van Halen after his death. The song was released in November 2020 and Wolfgang said he had no intention of including it on the album, but after his father's death he decided to include it as a bonus track. The clip for this touching song includes photos of Eddie, Wolfgang and the family. The second single " You're To Blame " was released in February 2021 and by then it was already clear to us that it was going to be a simple "Explosion" of an album. An overwhelming and amazing song that showcases Wolfgang's abilities. In the third single " Don't Back Down " Wolfgang proved to everyone what a talented musician he is, with an entertaining clip in which he performs all the singing and playing roles as a one-man-band. Three more simply excellent singles “ Think It Over ” and “ Feel ” released in April 2021 and “ Mammoth ” released in May. We can assure you that the remaining 7 songs on the album are excellent. With no fillers or weak moments, we can declare that this is one of our favorite and surprising albums of 2021. For Listening: Click Here . Song List: 01. Mr. Ed 02. Horribly Right 03. Epiphany 04. Don't Back Down 05. Resolve 06. You'll Be The One 07. Mammoth 08. Circles 09. The Big Picture 10. Think It Over 11. You're To Blame 12. Feel 13. Stone 14. Distance (bonus track) "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook  / Instagram  or Subscribe to our website

Here are some interesting facts about drummer and song writer Jimmy Chamberlin: (Photo: Drummers Only) 1. He was born as James Joseph Chamberlin on June 10, 1964, in Joliet, Illinois. 2. Chamberlin came from a musical family. His father played clarinet, and his older brother Paul played drums in jazz bands. Paul is still an active rock drummer with a local cover band called Chasing Amy. 3. Chamberlin began drumming at the age of 9 and received early instruction in Latin, Brazilian, and big band techniques, with a focus on jazz. 4. He left home at the age of 15 and joined a series of local bands, honing his drumming skills. 5. His influences as a jazz drummer include Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Gene Krupa, and Buddy Rich , while his rock drumming influences include Keith Moon , Ian Paice , and John Bonham . 6. Chamberlin initially joined "The Smashing Pumpkins" in 1988 as a live drummer, replacing the drum machine they used during their early performances. 7. Before joining the band, Chamberlin worked as a carpenter but left his job to move to Chicago and fully devote himself to "The Smashing Pumpkins". 8. Chamberlin's entry quickly pushed the band toward a more powerful and intense sound. 9. Chamberlin's drumming style, characterized by technical proficiency, complex rhythms, and powerful playing, became integral to "The Smashing Pumpkins'" sound. 10. He made significant contributions to the band already with their first album, " Gish ", showcasing his skills and contributing to their distinctive sound. 11. During the recording of the band's second album, " Siamese Dream ", Chamberlin battled with drug addiction and frequently disappeared into the drug underworld of Atlanta, causing concern among the band members. 12. In the midst of their world tour supporting the multi-platinum album " Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness ", Chamberlin's father passed away, exacerbating his substance abuse struggles. 13. This was one of the reasons Jimmy was not part of the band's fourth album " Adore ", where the band used other drummers such as Matt Cameron . (Photo: IMDB) 14. On 2001 Chamberlin went on to form the band "Zwan" with Billy Corgan , but the band disbanded in 2003 after releasing their album "Mary Star of the Sea." 15. In 2004, Chamberlin formed his next project, "the Jimmy Chamberlin Complex", and released their first studio album, "Life Begins Again," in 2005. 16. Chamberlin has made guest appearances on numerous albums and live performances, showcasing his versatility as a drummer, one of which is Billy Corgan 's solo album "TheFutureEmbrace". 17. More key collaborations include " The Kelley Deal 6000 ", Jazz saxophonist Frank Catalano and the supergroup "The Last Hard Men" in their Epponymos album from 1998. 18. In 2008, "Gigwise" named Chamberlin the 5th best drummer of all time. 19. While giving drum clinics in late 2009, Chamberlin announced his next project, a band called "This", describing their music as 'progressive, symphonic pop'. They released their first album, a six-track release titled "Great Civilizations," on November 1, 2010. 20. In 2011, a full-length LP of Chamberlin's band, "Skysaw", named ""Great Civilizations was released. 21. In 2016, Rolling Stone ranked Chamberlin 53rd on their list of "100 Greatest Drummers Of All Time." 22. To date, Jimmy released 10 albums with the "The Smashing Pumpkins" and another 10 albums with different artists. "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook  / Instagram  or Subscribe to our website

On May, 29, 1995 "Pink Floyd" Released their third live album "P·U·L·S·E". "Pulse" is an extraordinary live album that showcases "Pink Floyd's" musical brilliance, captivating performance, and lasting impact on the rock music landscape after Roger waters era of the band. Recorded during their two-week residency at London's "Earls Court" in October 1994, this album immortalizes a monumental moment in the band's history. The tour captured on "Pulse" was designed to promote "Pink Floyd's" album "The Division Bell" marking their artistic evolution following Roger Waters' departure. While the newer material takes center stage, it is the band's awe-inspiring rendition of "The Dark Side Of The Moon", played in its entirely, that steals the show. The sheer skill with which "Pink Floyd" recreates this iconic album in a live setting is a testament to their mastery and the enduring popularity of their groundbreaking work. "Pulse" goes beyond a mere live recording; it is an audio masterpiece. The album's production is meticulous, capturing every nuance of "Pink Floyd's" performance with stunning clarity. The mix allows the listener to fully appreciate the intricacies of each instrument, creating an immersive experience where the music envelops the senses. Those who own the original VHS of the show (later reissued on DVD and Blueray), knows very well that the visual aspect of the "Division Bell" tour cannot be overstated. The stage setup is a spectacle in itself, with a massive wall of lights, lasers, videos, and special effects that envelops the band and the audience. It's a testament to "Pink Floyd's" dedication to creating a multisensory experience, where one can almost forget that there's a live band on stage amid the breathtaking visual extravaganza. But while the visual aspect of the "Division Bell" tour is legendary, it is the music itself that shines on "Pulse." From the opening notes of "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" the band captivates the audience with their musical prowess. David Gilmour's emotive vocals and masterful guitar solos showcase his status as one of rock's greatest guitarists. Richard Wright's ethereal keyboards and Nick Mason's precise drumming provide the backbone of "Pink Floyd's" distinctive sound, while the other 9 musicians on stage, including Bassist and vocalist Guy Pratt's, adding depth and texture to the compositions. After the chilling opening track, comes a huge surprise with the inclusion of "Astronomy Domine" - a Syd Barrett composition not performed since the early 1970s, adds a nostalgic touch, reminding listeners of "Pink Floyd's" roots and legacy and paying homage to their influential founding member. From there, the band delves into the best of their post-Waters catalog, including tracks from "The Division Bell" and "A Momentary Lapse of Reason". While some long-time "Floyd" fans may favor their earlier work, the performances of these newer tracks create an atmosphere of anticipation for what lies ahead. The first half of the album builds up to an unforgettable climax. The transition from a free and improvised version of "Another Brick in the Wall" to the fierce instrumental classic "One of These Days" is a standout moment. Watching two inflatable pigs hovering above the crowd while Gilmour's guitar wails with captivating "slide" effects is a highlight that showcases the band's prowess and the sheer joy they exude during their performances. ABut then comes the highlight of the entire show. The crowd roar unveiling a pulsating heartbeat. This signals the commencement of "The Dark Side Of The Moon" with the opening track, "Speak to Me" The subsequent performances of tracks like "Breathe", "On the Run", and the famously orgasmic "Great Gig in the Sky" are flawless, with Sam Browne delivering a superb vocal performance. The visual side include a burning plane that crosses the entire hall and an awe-inspiring lighting display, further elevate the experience. As the masterpiece album "The Dark Side Of The Moon" unfolds, the band delves into beloved classics such as "Wish You Were Here" and the iconic "Comfortably Numb". where Gilmour's soul-stirring guitar solos take center stage, leaving audiences breathless for the grand finale of "Run Like Hell" features mind-boggling visual effects, culminating in a climactic conclusion that leaves the audience in awe. (Photo: Pink Floyd via Facebook) Beyond the individual performances, the collective synergy of Pink Floyd is palpable throughout "Pulse." The band's chemistry is evident in every note, displaying a level of musical telepathy that can only be attained through years of shared experiences on and off the stage. Their ability to seamlessly transition between different musical moods and atmospheres is a testament to their artistic maturity and the enduring impact of their sound. "Pulse" not only showcases "Pink Floyd's" musical prowess, but also highlights their enduring legacy and their ability to "shine on" after Waters. The album reached number one on The Billboard 200 in June 1995 and achieved gold, platinum, and double platinum certifications shortly after its release. This album is a testament to the band's ability to resonate with listeners across generations and solidify their status as one of the greatest rock bands of all time. It is interesting to note, that The first versions of the album included a small red LED light on the side that was supposed to flash for 18 months, synchronizing with the heartbeat of "Speak to Me". For Listening: Spotify "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

A Sneak Peek on a huge album... And this time "Pet Sounds" the 11th studio album of "The Beach Boys" was released on May 16, 1966. This is without a doubt one of Rock's greatest and most influential albums, and not for nothing it is ranked second and most respected on Rolling Stone magazine's 500 greatest albums of all time, second only to the Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band". On this album, the band makes a sharp turn from the saccharine pop that characterized it in the previous 10 albums and beyond to rock combined with psychedelia, jazz, classical, and avant-garde. The topics of writing also changed substantially and deviated from the almost regular topics that dealt with summer, surfing, cars, and women and became more serious and personal, and accompanied a process of maturation and disillusionment. Although not really a concept album, in essence, it is considered by music critics as an early version of a concept album. A complete and comprehensive work that is difficult to relate to each of the songs in it on its own and detached from the overall work. The genius Brian Wilson conceived and created this masterpiece after listening to the Beatles' "Rubber Soul". He just went crazy over the Beatles' work and decided he was going to surpass it and create the best rock album ever created. Wilson managed in a sense to transcend the Beatles with this masterpiece, even for a short time until the Beatles' reaction came from the other side of the ocean. With many studio hours, layers of musical instruments, and production comparable to Phil Spector's "Wall Of Sound", Wilson geniusly managed to put out a work that would challenge Paul McCartney and his friends and make them bite their nails in anxiety. This album has revolutionized the rock world. A spectacular combination of a large variety of musical instruments, effects of trains, sound recordings of animals, a mix of melodic and psychedelic melodies, and some of the most beautiful vocal harmonies recorded, all by Wilson who was assisted here mostly by Tony Asher. It was recorded by Wilson's production between July 1965 and April 1966 (a very unusual period for the album at the time), and on an unprecedented budget at the time of $ 70,000. Wilson almost lost consciousness during the recordings. His pursuit of excellence caused certain sections of the album to be recorded dozens if not hundreds of times until his ingenious and sensitive ear was satisfied with the result. At the time of its release, the audience was not really in a hurry to adopt the psychedelic rock and the new style of the band. The album only reached number ten in the US, although in the UK it flew straight to second place. Of "The Beatles" Paul McCartney later admitted that he and "The Beatles" were influenced by the production, idea, and performance of "Pet Sounds" when they wrote and recorded "Sgt. Pepper". John Lennon crowned it the best album and his favorite in the world. You can listen to the masterpiece on Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

Supergrass burst onto the British rock scene with their debut album, "I Should Coco," which immediately caught the attention of music critics and fans alike. The album is a delightful and playful blend of punk, pop, and rock, showcasing the band's infectious energy, catchy melodies, and witty lyrics. Supergrass was formed in 1993 in Oxford, England, by lead vocalist and guitarist Gaz Coombes, his school friend and bassist Mick Quinn, and drummer Danny Goffey. They guys were 16 years old at the time! They had previously played together in a band called "The Jennifers", which had limited success which had lead the three friends to start a new band and began writing and performing their own music. They had been playing gigs around Oxford when they were spotted by producer Sam Williams, who said he wanted to work with them. Between the months of May and August, the band recorded a six-track demo at Sawmills Studio and, having signed a deal with Backbeat Records. A limited number of copies of "Caught by the Fuzz" and "Mansize Rooster" were released. They soon caught the attention of the local music scene with their debut single "Caught by the Fuzz" and were signed to Parlophone Records in 1994. While signing they set the band name to "Supergrass", which was inspired by the 1970s British slang term "super grass," which referred to an informant who helped the police catch criminals. (Photo: Mick Hutson) Their debut album "I Should Coco" was released the following year and became a huge commercial success, propelling the band to international fame. The album opens with the upbeat and punchy "I'd Like to Know," which sets the tone for what's to come. The album's lead single, "Caught by the Fuzz," is a frenzied blast of punk energy, with its driving drums and distorted guitars. It's a song about getting caught with drugs, and it perfectly captures the reckless spirit of youth. Other standout tracks on the album include "Strange Ones," a playful and infectious pop tune, and "She's So Loose," a gritty and energetic rock song with a catchy chorus. "Alright," the album's biggest hit, is a feel-good anthem with a sing-along chorus and a catchy guitar riff that's impossible to resist. The band shows their versatility with tracks like "Time to Go," a dreamy and melancholic ballad that showcases frontman Gaz Coombes' emotive vocals, and "Mansize Rooster," a funky and playful tune with a killer bassline. Overall, "I Should Coco" is a fantastic debut album from a band that would go on to have a successful career in the years to come. It's a fun, energetic, and catchy collection of songs that perfectly captures the carefree spirit of youth. The album was a critical and commercial success, debuting at number one on the UK albums chart and eventually selling over a million copies worldwide. Listen to the album on: Spotify , Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook  / Instagram  or Subscribe to our website

Guitarist Gary Holt celebrates his birthday today. (Photo: Antje Naumann) Gary was born on May 4, 1964, in the San Francisco Bay Area as Gary Wayne Holt. In 1981 he joined thrash metal band "Exodus" and served there as guitarist alongside Kirk Hammett . After Kirk Hammett left the band and joined "Metallica", Holt continued to lead "Exodus" with a high hand and יק is the only band member to have participated in all of its studio albums. In February 2011, "Slayer" announced that Holt would temporarily replace guitarist Jeff Hanneman after the latter was stung by a spider and the bite caused tissue inflammation that led to necrosis that nearly caused one of his hands to be amputated. Holt was also the one who replaced Jeff Hanneman as Slayer's guitarist in " The Big Four: Live from Sofia, Bulgaria " show, held in April 2011 along with the bands "Metallica", "Megadeth" and "Anthrax". After Hanneman 's death on May 2, 2013, "Slayer" announced that Holt had joined the band on a regular basis. He recorded and released together with "Slayer" the album "Repentless" in 2015 and was part of their last tour in 2018-2019. Beyond Holt's contribution to "Exodus" and "Slayer", he has been featured on several albums, including: "D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N." Of the German thrash metal band "Destruction", "Evolution of Chao" by the band "Heathen", "Virus" by the death metal band "Hypocrisy", "Waking into Nightmares" by the band "Warbringer", "Witchkrieg" of the Swedish band "Witchery" and he is also a member of the supergroup "Metal Allegiance". "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook  / Instagram  or Subscribe to our website

The band's fourth album was released in North America on May 2, 2006, and this is the last album the band has released for over a decade, the album that followed was released only in 2019. The name of the album is taken from the number of days it takes Saturn to orbit the sun and it cosmically reflects what happened in the studio during the recordings for the album. This band, which is known for its experimental nature, has taken it a step further where the band members have tried and used all sorts of different techniques and tools to create the album, here are some examples. (Photo: Gie Knaeps) Drummer Danny Carey used many different pedals that were customized for his drum set, to allow him to create sounds in an acoustic system in addition to creating electronic sounds, there are songs on the album that sounds like three drummers playing simultaneously together. Bassist Justin Chancellor used the "Gallien-Krueger" amplifiers he used at the beginning of his career and which were specially brought for the recordings, in order to create the sound he was looking for. Maynard James Keenan was looking for all sorts of means to create effects in singing, the first was a pipe-bomb-mic which is basically a guitar pick-up inserted into a pipe, the attempt was unsuccessful but was used for a guitar solo. Another means was to record his voice as he sang into a snare drum. The guitar solo in the song Jambi uses a talkbox effect that guitarist Adam Jones used after many attempts and consultations even with inventor Bob Heil and guitarist Joe Walsh known among others for his membership in the Eagles band. Some say that it is one of the most creative and influential albums in the world of music, the album also released three very successful singles: "Vicarious", "The Pot" and "Jambi". The album conquered the Billboard charts and reached number one !! Listen to the album on Spotify , Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook  / Instagram  or Subscribe to our website

A Sneak Peek... An album that joins the Class of 1991 !! Although it is not as famous as many of the albums that belong to this class, it is a significant album for the band itself !! On December 31, 1991, Live released their debut album. Why it is the debut album??? The band started out as "Public Affection" and released their first album "The Death of a Dictionary" in 1989. In 1990 the band released the EP "Divided Mind, Divided Planet" and only in June 1991 the band was renamed "Live", with the first material released by the band under that name being the EP "Four Songs" which was released in September 1991. Its first full-length studio album under the name Live was released on the last day of 1991 and was called "Mental Jewelry". The album was mostly inspired by the Indian philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti and the first single from the album "Operation Spirit" was also accompanied by a video clip, recorded when the band's name was Public Affection. In June 2017, the album was reissued, marking its 25th anniversary. The album contained two CDs, one CD with all the songs from the album + tracks that did not enter the album and a second CD with live performances of the album's songs that took place at the Roxy Club in 1992. Three years after this album, Live returns with the album that will define its future, the album "Throwing Copper". It's breakthrough album which is also its best and most successful album. An album that is considered one of the first post-grunge works. Listen to the album on: Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

Editor's Choice... In the summer of 2000, we found ourselves cruising through California in a rented Nissan, heading straight to the iconic Venice Beach. The sun was shining, the sky was a perfect blue, and the breeze was just right. Playing in the background was the legendary rock station "KROQ," which we instantly fell in love with upon arriving in the U.S. Suddenly, Jacoby Shaddix's voice pierced through the air with the unforgettable line: "Cut my life into pieces, this is my last resort" At the time, the term "Nu-Metal" was a magical label that propelled many bands to stardom. While some rode the wave of the trend, others, like Papa Roach, proved their success was rooted in genuine talent. Their album Infest solidified their place in the music world, showcasing their authenticity beyond the fleeting trends of the era. Since then, Papa Roach has released eleven albums, with their latest dropping in April 2022. They continue to prove they’re not just a passing phase but a band with staying power. Much like their contemporaries—Korn, Staind, POD, and others—their lyrics delve into heavy themes like troubled childhoods, depression, abuse, and the struggles of teenage life. An interesting backstory surrounds their hit song "Last Resort." Written by Shaddix, it was inspired by a close friend and roommate’s suicide attempt. Shaddix admitted he missed the signs of his friend’s struggles and didn’t know how to help at the time. The song resonated with millions of teenagers, connecting them deeply to the band’s music. Shaddix himself later experienced moments that mirrored the song’s raw emotions. The album cover, featuring a close-up of a cockroach, is hard to forget. Formed seven years earlier, Papa Roach had already released their debut album independently before signing with Dreamworks Records in 1999. A year later, they released Infest, their second album, which became a massive success. (Photo: mhf-mag.com) Infest ranked as the 20th best-selling album in the U.S. in 2000, selling over 7 million copies and earning Grammy nominations. It produced iconic singles like "Last Resort," "Broken Home," and "Dead Cell." Interestingly, only two new songs were written during the album’s recording sessions; the other nine were reworked versions of tracks recorded before their debut album. Listen to the album, embracing the year 2000, you are welcome to click Play on Spotify , Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook  / Instagram  or Subscribe to our website