via Jade Tree Records

"R.I.P. FROM ASHES RISE [1997-2005]We here at Jade Tree hate to be the bearers of bad news, but, sadly, FROM ASHES RISE has broken up. The thrash lords of Portland via Nashville had a good run lasting nearly eight years and left behind a legacy of great records... The band made a brief statement regarding the split earlier today:'It was a great ride for many years but all things pass [and] so do punk bands. So to all of you, know that the money you spent, the time and effort on this band was the drive and will for us to continue for many years and for that we give thanks. FROM ASHES RISE played all over and met some of the world’s best people and did some crazy ass shit along the way. You never realize that when you're doing it that it will ever end. But, we all wanted a change and are still doing bands and playing punk rock? As long as people listen to our records, keep memories and want or were part of our long walk on a short pier, then so be it. So now go start your own band!' "

Today is the one year anniversary of the murder of "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott. I truly believe that Dimebag was one of the greatest guitarists that the metal genre has ever produced. His riffs were wonderfully complex and heavy. Go listen to some Pantera or some Damageplan today. Think about him. Perhaps even spend some time thinking about the state of the world today and the violence that has become part of our daily lives. While Dimebag was extremely talented and is missed by millions, countless others are murdered everyday here and abroad; those lives are/were valuable too.

Hope all is well.

For those of you who are interested, I am now reveiwing music over at ADD Reviews. As of this post, I have 85 reviews up. Check them out.

Thanksgiving break was cool but way too short. I went and saw Lamb of God with Confessor and The Tori on Sunday. All three bands were great. Lamb of God were incredible. I am mentioning this because Motley Crue will be playing Richmond in March. I was thinking of going until I found out that the cheapest tickets available are $45 plus service charge. I spent $46.50 at the Lamb of God show, but here's the difference - I got a LOG shirt, a Confessor shirt, a Confessor CD and entrance to the show for that amount. I mean Mick Marrs had his f*ckin' hip replaced last year, is that really worth $45? Is it any wonder, I would rather support "underground" bands?

I hope everything is going well out there. Get your holiday shopping done early - avaoid the rush. Remember if you are ordering things that need to be shipped, order them early so that them will get there in time. The USPS is usually very slow around this time of year.