The metal world was shocked and saddened earlier this week by the news of the passing of metal guitar legend, Children of Bodom’s ALEXI LAIHO. As one of the most influential guitarists of his generation, the loss of his unquestionable impact is felt around the globe by metal musicians who he inspired.
Members of Immortal Guardian are just a few of those who admired and were impacted by Laiho‘s musical leadership.
In recognition of his monumental career and effect on them as fans and songwriters, Immortal Guardian guitarist Gabriel Guardian, vocalist Carlos Zema and drummer Justin Piedimonte along with friends Mary Zimmer (Helion Prime), Semir Özerkan (Oceans of Slumber), and Rex VanCandy are sharing a tribute video covering Children of Bodom’s track “Downfall”.
Gabriel Guardian comments:
“This is our tribute to one of the greatest metal guitar players who ever lived: Alexi Laiho. This man influenced me in ways no other guitar player ever has. Alexi set the bar for all of us! Him and Santana are my top 2 favorite guitar players of all time. I watched all his live videos/DVDs religiously as a kid and was so influenced by all the legendary music Children of Bodom and Sinergy made to be like them. Those dual guitar/keyboard leads set the vibe/bar for me for many many years learning how to play music. I’m so sad to see the world has one less guitar legend. His music helped me get through some of my darkest days and he inspired me to make metal music from day one.
Big thanks to my friends who collaborated with me to make this tribute happen. We are all Bodom fans and had so much fun making this video. We are all so saddened by the news and we coped with it by doing what we do best, playing music. I hope where ever Alexi is, he can hear our tribute and feel the infinite amounts of love all his fans have for him. Until we meet again… RIP Alexi Laiho (WildChild)”
HELION PRIME have released the second single for their upcoming album “Question Everything” out October 5th, 2020.
The single “Madame Mercury” is based on NASA Mathematician Katherine Johnson. Johnson studied how to use geometry for space travel. She figured out the paths for the spacecraft to orbit (go around) Earth and to land on the Moon. NASA used Johnson’s math, and it worked! NASA sent astronauts into orbit around Earth. Later, her math helped send astronauts to the Moon and back. NASA could not have done these things without Katherine Johnson and her love for math!
August 26th would have been Johnson’s 102nd birthday had she not passed away earlier this year. There was no better way to release this song than with a video honoring her life’s achievements on her birthday!
Guitarist Jason Ashcraft adds:
“When researching everyone for this album each story was inspiring in their own way, but Katherine’s was one that really spoke to me. I admit I didn’t know much about her before starting this album, but I can confidently say after learning all I did about her she’s definitely a hero of mine. She was an amazing person and I hope this song can in some small way honor everything she’s done.”
Listen to “Madame Mercury” via Youtube (Lyric Video). The video was created by John W. Yelland (Vocalist of Judicator, Dire Peril, & Principium)
It’s been about two years since the band’s sophomore release “Terror of the Cybernetic Space Monster” and Sacramento sci-fi power metallers Helion Prime returns with their third effort and the much shorter title “Question Everything” set for release on Monday, October 5th, 2020 via their label Saibot Reigns. This is Helion Prime‘s first album with new vocalist Mary Zimmer, who has also accompanied the band on two separate tours of the United States. It also sees the band’s original singer, Heather Michele, returning in a writing capacity and contributing all lyrics and melodies. Heather Michele also along with other former Helion Prime vocalist Sozos Michael and with John Yelland (Judicator/Dire Peril) add their guest vocals on the full length.
The highly anticipated third record is a concept album, with each song revolving around different figures throughout human history that had the courage to question the status quo of their respective worlds/societies, in some cases even dealing with harsh persecution as a result. Those Helion Prime chose to write about-faced prejudice, mockery, ex-communication, and persecution – yet through it all, they held true to their beliefs and ideas. Time would be their greatest ally as their ideas and identities were eventually validated, oftentimes not until after their passing. They serve as an inspiration for all minds to continue thinking outside the box and staying true to themselves.
Jason speaks on the album itself:
“This album has truly been amazing to work on. The idea behind it is something I’ve been holding on to since around the time I started the band. Aside from writing some of what I consider to be Prime’s best work it was a great experience getting to work with Heather again on an album as she once again contributed her talents for the lyrics.”
“Question Everything” was produced by Jason Ashcraft and Alex Nasla. Mixing was done by Chris Collier and mastered by Brett Caldas-Lima along with additional mixing/drum edits/reamping plus writing and performance of keyboard arrangements by Alex Nasla of Gear Gods Studio. Guitar/Bass edits by Michael Goodrich and cover art by Marc Whisnant.
“Question Everything” is out worldwide on October 5th, 2020 via Saibot Reigns. Album pre-order at Helionprimemetal.com. First single “The Forbidden Zone” YouTube (Lyric Video), Spotify.
Track Listing: 1. The Final Theory (4:20) 2. Madame Mercury (4:19) 3. Prof (3:55) 4. The Gadfly (6:35) 5. Photo 51 (5:13) 6. E Pur Si Muove (5:48) 7. Words of The Abbot (4:55) ft. guest vocals John Yelland (Judicator, Dire Peril) 8. The Forbidden Zone (4:32) 9. Question Everything (5:56) ft. Heather Michele (ex-Graveshadow, ex-Helion Prime) and Sozos Michael (ex-Helion Prime, Planeswalker) 10. Reawakening (6:54) 11. Kong at the Gates (Misfits Cover) Album Length: 56:12
Sacramento (California) based “science based power metal” band HELION PRIME is the newest addition to the AFM roster. The group, founded by guitarist Jason Ashcraft, is active since 2014 and issued a self-released debut CD in 2016. AFM Records will officially release the album, titled “Helion Prime”, on February 24th worldwide.
From Science Fact to Science Fiction … that’s the lyrical range of topics for HELION PRIME. The band is a refreshing, high class addition to the scene – highly recommended to check out for fans of Iron Savior, Star One, Dream Evil, Iced Earth and even Amaranthe. It’s melodic, at times rough, classic but modern at the same time, throughout cleverly arranged and adds a unique touch to it. HELION PRIME is a band that combines epic (female) vocals with strong guitar work and a natural instinct for killer melodies. Watch out for things to come from this amazing new and promising group.
Here’s the band’s first official video clip “Life Finds A Way” (which was “re-uploaded” by AFM).
Jason Ashcraft: “I am not even sure where to begin when it comes to expressing how I feel. There are many times in your life where you reach a moment and realize things will never be the same. This is exactly one of those moments. Myself and Helion Prime are extremely thrilled to be joining the AFM family and calling them home. The amount of support, enthusiasm and confidence they have shown the band means everything to me. When we were first approached the band was in a state of uncertainty having just lost our singer but they still believed in us and worked with us through it. Now having a complete line up again and half way through writing the sophomore album I am ready to take these next steps with AFM. I look forward to the future and everything that it brings.”
Just recently, HELION PRIME have announced Kayla Dixon as new vocalist and the band has already started working on new songs for a sophomore album.
Line-Up:
Kayla Dixon – Vocals
Jason Ashcraft – Rhythm Guitars
Chad Anderson – Lead Guitars
Jeremy Steinhouse – Bass
Alexander Bosson – Drums
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