Showing posts with label Venomin James. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Venomin James. Show all posts
Sunday, August 9, 2015
Song of the Day-Venomin James-"I Am Infidel"
Years in the making, "I Am Infidel" comes off of the soon-to-be released full-length album "Unholy Mountain". For more information about the band and this release head on over to the following link: Facebook
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
New Band to Burn One To: The Playlist-Volume 3
Welcome to another edition of the "New Band To Burn One To" playlist. This week we have a whole new batch of killer tracks for you to check out. New songs from Black Tusk, Venomin James, Wo Fat and Monster Magnet as well as songs from some incredible new bands such as Floodriders, Iron Swan and The Ruiner. So cue up this bad boy and prepare to have your face melted off. Thanks for listening!
TRACKLIST:
Black Prism-Satan's Country
Black Tusk-In Days of Woe
Chiefs - Tomorrow's Over
Dead Canyon - Just Enough Rope
Electric Lords -Messiah
Far Away Town -Surreal
Floodriders -We Know Stuff
Iron Swan -Fuzz Witch
Magma Rise-The Man in the Maze
Monolith -Hole
Monster Magnet - The Duke (of Supernature)
Solar Corona - Samara
Sonora Ritual -Child Of The Sun
The Ancient Secrets Of Levitation - Protozoic
The Ruiner -The Bull
The Valley -Clearwater (2007)
Venomin James -Sailor's Grave
Volto! -Tocino
Wo Fat -Electric Hellhound
Yidhra -Witch Queen
Please remember, if you like what you hear go to the band's page to get information on how to purchase their music and merchandise. Most are available through Bandcamp!
((facebook||mixcloud))
((facebook||mixcloud))
Saturday, March 27, 2010
VENOMIN JAMES Drummer Critically Ill; Family Needs Support
Jared Koston, the 40-year-old drummer of the Cleveland, Ohio-based metal band VENOMIN JAMES, has been diagnosed with two brain tumors stemming from stage IV melanoma cancer. He was released from University Hospital in Cleveland to be at home with his family.
"Jared's started radiation therapy, but his doctors have basically said that we should prepare for the worst," says VENOMIN JAMES guitarist Joe Fortunato.
"It has all happened so rapidly that it took us all by surprise. He had been getting chemotherapy, but a bad reaction hospitalized him, which is how they found more going on. Originally, it was only in his shoulder but has now spread to his spleen and brain. It may happen that he doesn't survive too much longer.
"We were planning to have a benefit concert for him and for melanoma charities, but it looks like he may not even be around long enough to see it, let alone play at it."
"Jared and his family need financial help immediately," says Auburn Records president Bill Peters.
"Jared has four beautiful children and a wonderful wife by his side.
"Anything you can contribute to the Koston family during their time of need is greatly appreciated.
"This family is doing everything they can to keep things going but can't do it alone.
"Jared and his wife Michele are both hard working people but had to leave their jobs while they continue to battle this illness.
"All of the money raised will go directly to Jared and his family to help cover medical and travel expenses.
"Please take a few minutes to contribute if you are able. No donation is too small. You can make a difference."
Cash, checks and money orders (payable to Jared Koston) can be sent to:
The Koston Family
3060 Princeton Drive
Madison, Ohio 44057
USA
PayPal donations can be sent to: jaredkoston@rocketmail.com (be sure to mark "personal," then select "gift").
There also is a Koston Cancer Funds "cause" page set up on Facebook.
Michele Koston has organized two spaghetti dinner fundraisers at the Stadium Grill in Mentor, Ohio on May 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. and at the Wagon Wheel Restaurant in Madison, Ohio on May 24 from 5 to 8 p.m.
Michele, along with members of VENOMIN JAMES, will appear live on WJCU's "Metal On Metal" radio show, hosted by Peters, on Friday, March 26 at 8:30 p.m. EST to talk about her husband's condition. Listen live at www.wjcu.org or 88.7 FM in the Cleveland, Ohio area.
VENOMIN JAMES is about to release its second album, "Crowe Valley Blues", on Auburn Records in May. An advance track from the CD, "Cosmonaut", will appear on Poland's Hard Rocker magazine "Monuments Of Steel II" compilation CD.
VENOMIN JAMES' full-length debut, "Left Hand Man", came out in 2007.
VENOMIN JAMES lead vocalist Jim Meador also serves as a sergeant in the U.S. Army. He was called to active duty in 2009 and sent overseas to be stationed on the frontlines in Afghanistan. He is scheduled to return home in May. During his absence, the band has been writing and demoing new material for its third studio album. They have also performed a couple of all-instrumental sets in the Cleveland area, including a benefit concert for WJCU in February, to remain active and visible while Meador is overseas.
"VENOMIN JAMES are one of Cleveland's hottest upcoming bands," states Peters, "and Jared is a standout drummer. The band is on the verge of breaking out of this market and going on to the next level. Anyone who has seen them live can attest to that fact. They are facing a lot of adversity but are staying strong and positive to overcome these obstacles.
"All of our thoughts and prayers right now though are focused on Jared's recovery and Jim's safe return home."
"Jared's started radiation therapy, but his doctors have basically said that we should prepare for the worst," says VENOMIN JAMES guitarist Joe Fortunato.
"It has all happened so rapidly that it took us all by surprise. He had been getting chemotherapy, but a bad reaction hospitalized him, which is how they found more going on. Originally, it was only in his shoulder but has now spread to his spleen and brain. It may happen that he doesn't survive too much longer.
"We were planning to have a benefit concert for him and for melanoma charities, but it looks like he may not even be around long enough to see it, let alone play at it."
"Jared and his family need financial help immediately," says Auburn Records president Bill Peters.
"Jared has four beautiful children and a wonderful wife by his side.
"Anything you can contribute to the Koston family during their time of need is greatly appreciated.
"This family is doing everything they can to keep things going but can't do it alone.
"Jared and his wife Michele are both hard working people but had to leave their jobs while they continue to battle this illness.
"All of the money raised will go directly to Jared and his family to help cover medical and travel expenses.
"Please take a few minutes to contribute if you are able. No donation is too small. You can make a difference."
Cash, checks and money orders (payable to Jared Koston) can be sent to:
The Koston Family
3060 Princeton Drive
Madison, Ohio 44057
USA
PayPal donations can be sent to: jaredkoston@rocketmail.com (be sure to mark "personal," then select "gift").
There also is a Koston Cancer Funds "cause" page set up on Facebook.
Michele Koston has organized two spaghetti dinner fundraisers at the Stadium Grill in Mentor, Ohio on May 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. and at the Wagon Wheel Restaurant in Madison, Ohio on May 24 from 5 to 8 p.m.
Michele, along with members of VENOMIN JAMES, will appear live on WJCU's "Metal On Metal" radio show, hosted by Peters, on Friday, March 26 at 8:30 p.m. EST to talk about her husband's condition. Listen live at www.wjcu.org or 88.7 FM in the Cleveland, Ohio area.
VENOMIN JAMES is about to release its second album, "Crowe Valley Blues", on Auburn Records in May. An advance track from the CD, "Cosmonaut", will appear on Poland's Hard Rocker magazine "Monuments Of Steel II" compilation CD.
VENOMIN JAMES' full-length debut, "Left Hand Man", came out in 2007.
VENOMIN JAMES lead vocalist Jim Meador also serves as a sergeant in the U.S. Army. He was called to active duty in 2009 and sent overseas to be stationed on the frontlines in Afghanistan. He is scheduled to return home in May. During his absence, the band has been writing and demoing new material for its third studio album. They have also performed a couple of all-instrumental sets in the Cleveland area, including a benefit concert for WJCU in February, to remain active and visible while Meador is overseas.
"VENOMIN JAMES are one of Cleveland's hottest upcoming bands," states Peters, "and Jared is a standout drummer. The band is on the verge of breaking out of this market and going on to the next level. Anyone who has seen them live can attest to that fact. They are facing a lot of adversity but are staying strong and positive to overcome these obstacles.
"All of our thoughts and prayers right now though are focused on Jared's recovery and Jim's safe return home."
*A message to the readers of Heavy Planet. Let's show our support and help a brother out. You can help the family by donating on behalf of Heavy Planet. Just click the button below to make your donation. Thank you so much.
Friday, May 2, 2008
VENOMIN JAMES: New Album Details Revealed
Cleveland, Ohio based stoner-metal band VENOMIN JAMES has set "Crowe Valley Blues" as the title of its second full-length album, due late summer 2008 through Kultland Recordings. The CD will be a deluxe limited edition of 1,000 in an elegantly designed eco-friendly package.
"Crowe Valley Blues" track listing (order subject to change):
01. Make No Mistake
02. Desert Rider
03. Skull Sessions
04. Cosmonaut
05. Dire Days
06. Under the Gun
07. Death's Wings
08. Penitentiary Glen
The band will begin taking pre-orders on July 1, 2008 through the Kultland Recordings online store. Fans pre-ordering the album will receive a limited-edition sticker and a free download package containing demos, live tracks, and video from the band.
VENOMIN JAMES is working on a DVD containing live footage, several music videos, and studio footage from the making of "Crowe Valley Blues". A winter 2008 release is expected.
For more information, visit www.venominjames.com.
"Crowe Valley Blues" track listing (order subject to change):
01. Make No Mistake
02. Desert Rider
03. Skull Sessions
04. Cosmonaut
05. Dire Days
06. Under the Gun
07. Death's Wings
08. Penitentiary Glen
The band will begin taking pre-orders on July 1, 2008 through the Kultland Recordings online store. Fans pre-ordering the album will receive a limited-edition sticker and a free download package containing demos, live tracks, and video from the band.
VENOMIN JAMES is working on a DVD containing live footage, several music videos, and studio footage from the making of "Crowe Valley Blues". A winter 2008 release is expected.
For more information, visit www.venominjames.com.
Monday, April 21, 2008
StonerRockOhio.com News
From StonerRockOhio.com:
Hello,
On Friday, April 25, StonerRockOhio.com is hosting a show featuring some of Ohio`s up-and-coming stoner rock bands at the Jigsaw Saloon in Parma, Ohio.
9:00 - 9:30: Masters of Luxury
9:40 - 10:15: Newport
10:25 - 11:00: Threefold Law
11:10 - 11:45: Lo-Pan
12:00 - 1:15: Venomin James
Show starts promptly at 9:00 pm.
Hello,
On Friday, April 25, StonerRockOhio.com is hosting a show featuring some of Ohio`s up-and-coming stoner rock bands at the Jigsaw Saloon in Parma, Ohio.
9:00 - 9:30: Masters of Luxury
9:40 - 10:15: Newport
10:25 - 11:00: Threefold Law
11:10 - 11:45: Lo-Pan
12:00 - 1:15: Venomin James
Show starts promptly at 9:00 pm.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
New Band To Burn One To-Venomin James
VENOMIN JAMES
Venomin James's music recalls classic bands like Black Sabbath, Cream, and Led Zeppelin, and contemporary sounds like Kyuss, Down, C.O.C., Acid Bath, and Entombed. The band describes their music as "Stoner Metal" or "Heavy Doomrock".
On Venomin James' debut album, "Left hand man", some of the doom-soaked themes are directly influenced by vocalist Jim Meador's experiences serving as a Sergeant in Iraq. Meador is one of thousands who are now haunted by memories of intense violence and the unforgiving ugliness of war. Political statements, however, are notably absent. Within the lyrics of such songs as "Abu Ghraib" and "Downer", there are only lyrical snapshots of what soldiers face on a day-to-day basis. The album's lyrics as a whole act as a conduit for Meador's repressed emotions, attempting to exorcise demons and ghosts plaguing his thoughts. The overriding arc of "Left Hand Man" deals not only with violence and war, but also of situations existing within contemporary society.
Says Meador of the themes present in Venomin James' music: "There is an apocalyptic vibe everywhere these days. Mass media, news, art, music, the stock market, and even our environment is soaked with the feeling of impending doom." He adds, "I think our music reflects the uncertainty, fears and confusion of this generation."
When Meador returned to the States after his tour was up, he sought an outlet. He had faced his mortality and was ready to speak about it. In the spring of 2006, the band Venomin James were seeking a vocalist that would compliment their heavy, doomrock sound.
Guitarists Tomasz Scull and Joe Fortunato grew up as ravenous listeners of classic guitar rock and heavy metal. Bassist Erin Corcoran combines Geezer Butler's style from early Sabbath, with groove and tasteful dynamics. Drummer Jared Koston brings precision and power, a highlight to the band's hybrid metal sound. Meador's angry and introspective lyrics fit well with Venomin James' doom-laden music, and some of his harsh and more questioning observations communicate the group's more brutal and frantic pieces.
Venomin James is also heavily inspired by their home, the historic Kirtland area of eastern Cleveland, Ohio. Known as "Kultland" by the locals, Kirtland has a strange, esoteric past that reads like the gothic horror of Lovecraft or Poe. From the first Mormon temple in 1836 to the 1989 Lundgren cult slayings, there is a sense of mysticism and foreboding in the area - even the air feels noticeably colder as you travel through certain parts. "You know when you're in Kirtland because you feel it in your bones," says guitarist Joe Fortunato, "and our music embodies that feeling."
Venomin James has shared the stage with a variety of respected acts, including: Ringworm, Fu Manchu, Brand New Sin, Seemless, Unearthly Trance, Mushroomhead, Bad Wizard, Early Man, 3 Inches of Blood, facedowninshit, Artimus Pyledriver, Abdullah, and Red Giant.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Press:
Number 10 On 10 Bands to Watch in 2008
If Clutch and Alice in Chains had a baby raised by Kyuss and Cream, this would be Venomin James. The band - drummer Jared Koston, singer Jim Meador, guitarist Tom Scull, bassist Erin Corcoran and guitarist Joe Fortunato - released Left-Hand Man at the end of 2007. With lyrics transcribed from Meador's wartime journal (he served in Iraq), the themes are tortured yet delicate, with the occasional growl included for emphasis. "Abu Ghraib" rips open the disc with straight stoner rock. Doom/stone rockers will love "Iron Horse," as the guitar work is stellar. "Feed the Flames" is a standout with lines such as "I found serenity in madness, found my peace of mind," and then it takes off with Meador's soulful, rousing call to "burn it all." "El Brujo" closes out the CD with insane guitar riffs and tighter-than-tight drumming. Too many times, you hear a band's influences and not the band itself. This is simply not the case with these guys as VJ manages to have its own vibe while delivering a cool vintage Black Sabbath/Skynyrd sound. Also, while Meador's army experience certainly accounts for his lyrics, it's the band as a whole that works together so well on its debut CD. (Jara Anton, Cleveland Free Times January 2-8, 2008 edition)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It's a sad truth that it was only a matter of time until the Iraq war/quagmire started directly influencing music. There have been a number of protest songs from Important Artists With Important Things to Say, but by my count, not many that were the result of personal involvement.
Venomin James' vocalist Jim Meador is among that unfortunate new niche – a good amount of the Cleveland-based group's Left Hand Man is lyrically inspired by his tour of duty. Good thing the music backs up the dour themes. Much like fellow Ohioans Fuzztub, Venomin James plays a strain of muscular riff rock that touches upon the traditional doom. The band (Meador, guitarists Tomasz Scull and Joe Fortunato, bassist Erin Cocoran, and drummer Jared Koston) doesn't really stretch out too much – simple and direct is their MO, but that serves songs like “Feed the Flames,” “Downer,” or “El Brujo” well. Same goes for the production, although that could've benefited from a little more oomph. It's one of those albums that hints at what the band sounds like live but doesn't necessarily deliver at the same level.
All in all, Left Hand Man is a weighty slab of riff-doom-rock. Fans of Down, Solace, and Sixty Watt Shaman ought to give this a shot. (John Pegoraro, StonerRock.com)
Track Listing:
01. Abu Ghraib
02. Bullet Juice
03. Tears of the Scorpion
04. Feed the Flames
05. Downer
06. Iron Horse
07. Undertow
08. El Brujo
Check Out A Few Live Performances From Venomin James
VENOMIN JAMES
Venomin James
MySpace
Official Website
Buy CD at CDBaby
Venomin James's music recalls classic bands like Black Sabbath, Cream, and Led Zeppelin, and contemporary sounds like Kyuss, Down, C.O.C., Acid Bath, and Entombed. The band describes their music as "Stoner Metal" or "Heavy Doomrock".
On Venomin James' debut album, "Left hand man", some of the doom-soaked themes are directly influenced by vocalist Jim Meador's experiences serving as a Sergeant in Iraq. Meador is one of thousands who are now haunted by memories of intense violence and the unforgiving ugliness of war. Political statements, however, are notably absent. Within the lyrics of such songs as "Abu Ghraib" and "Downer", there are only lyrical snapshots of what soldiers face on a day-to-day basis. The album's lyrics as a whole act as a conduit for Meador's repressed emotions, attempting to exorcise demons and ghosts plaguing his thoughts. The overriding arc of "Left Hand Man" deals not only with violence and war, but also of situations existing within contemporary society.
Says Meador of the themes present in Venomin James' music: "There is an apocalyptic vibe everywhere these days. Mass media, news, art, music, the stock market, and even our environment is soaked with the feeling of impending doom." He adds, "I think our music reflects the uncertainty, fears and confusion of this generation."
When Meador returned to the States after his tour was up, he sought an outlet. He had faced his mortality and was ready to speak about it. In the spring of 2006, the band Venomin James were seeking a vocalist that would compliment their heavy, doomrock sound.
Guitarists Tomasz Scull and Joe Fortunato grew up as ravenous listeners of classic guitar rock and heavy metal. Bassist Erin Corcoran combines Geezer Butler's style from early Sabbath, with groove and tasteful dynamics. Drummer Jared Koston brings precision and power, a highlight to the band's hybrid metal sound. Meador's angry and introspective lyrics fit well with Venomin James' doom-laden music, and some of his harsh and more questioning observations communicate the group's more brutal and frantic pieces.
Venomin James is also heavily inspired by their home, the historic Kirtland area of eastern Cleveland, Ohio. Known as "Kultland" by the locals, Kirtland has a strange, esoteric past that reads like the gothic horror of Lovecraft or Poe. From the first Mormon temple in 1836 to the 1989 Lundgren cult slayings, there is a sense of mysticism and foreboding in the area - even the air feels noticeably colder as you travel through certain parts. "You know when you're in Kirtland because you feel it in your bones," says guitarist Joe Fortunato, "and our music embodies that feeling."
Venomin James has shared the stage with a variety of respected acts, including: Ringworm, Fu Manchu, Brand New Sin, Seemless, Unearthly Trance, Mushroomhead, Bad Wizard, Early Man, 3 Inches of Blood, facedowninshit, Artimus Pyledriver, Abdullah, and Red Giant.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Press:
Number 10 On 10 Bands to Watch in 2008
If Clutch and Alice in Chains had a baby raised by Kyuss and Cream, this would be Venomin James. The band - drummer Jared Koston, singer Jim Meador, guitarist Tom Scull, bassist Erin Corcoran and guitarist Joe Fortunato - released Left-Hand Man at the end of 2007. With lyrics transcribed from Meador's wartime journal (he served in Iraq), the themes are tortured yet delicate, with the occasional growl included for emphasis. "Abu Ghraib" rips open the disc with straight stoner rock. Doom/stone rockers will love "Iron Horse," as the guitar work is stellar. "Feed the Flames" is a standout with lines such as "I found serenity in madness, found my peace of mind," and then it takes off with Meador's soulful, rousing call to "burn it all." "El Brujo" closes out the CD with insane guitar riffs and tighter-than-tight drumming. Too many times, you hear a band's influences and not the band itself. This is simply not the case with these guys as VJ manages to have its own vibe while delivering a cool vintage Black Sabbath/Skynyrd sound. Also, while Meador's army experience certainly accounts for his lyrics, it's the band as a whole that works together so well on its debut CD. (Jara Anton, Cleveland Free Times January 2-8, 2008 edition)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It's a sad truth that it was only a matter of time until the Iraq war/quagmire started directly influencing music. There have been a number of protest songs from Important Artists With Important Things to Say, but by my count, not many that were the result of personal involvement.
Venomin James' vocalist Jim Meador is among that unfortunate new niche – a good amount of the Cleveland-based group's Left Hand Man is lyrically inspired by his tour of duty. Good thing the music backs up the dour themes. Much like fellow Ohioans Fuzztub, Venomin James plays a strain of muscular riff rock that touches upon the traditional doom. The band (Meador, guitarists Tomasz Scull and Joe Fortunato, bassist Erin Cocoran, and drummer Jared Koston) doesn't really stretch out too much – simple and direct is their MO, but that serves songs like “Feed the Flames,” “Downer,” or “El Brujo” well. Same goes for the production, although that could've benefited from a little more oomph. It's one of those albums that hints at what the band sounds like live but doesn't necessarily deliver at the same level.
All in all, Left Hand Man is a weighty slab of riff-doom-rock. Fans of Down, Solace, and Sixty Watt Shaman ought to give this a shot. (John Pegoraro, StonerRock.com)
Track Listing:
01. Abu Ghraib
02. Bullet Juice
03. Tears of the Scorpion
04. Feed the Flames
05. Downer
06. Iron Horse
07. Undertow
08. El Brujo
Check Out A Few Live Performances From Venomin James
VENOMIN JAMES
Venomin James
MySpace
Official Website
Buy CD at CDBaby
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