12/18/2013
MIDNITE HELLION is EXTREMELY pleased to announce that we are now working with CLAWHAMMER PR, aka “Two Bald Guys, A Bottle Of Whiskey and A Giant Fucking Clawhammer!!!” They are a most excellent PR company based in the US who have been making waves by taking the bull by the horns! Go check out CLAWHAMMER PR and support them by giving them a “like” on their Facebook page!!
http://www.facebook.com/clawhammerpr
Also, be certain to follow them on their Twitter page!!
http://www.twitter.com/clawhammerpr
http://www.facebook.com/clawhammerpr
Also, be certain to follow them on their Twitter page!!
http://www.twitter.com/clawhammerpr
12/16/2013
2013: A Year In Review
Well, Hellions, 2013 has been a very crazy year for me personally, as a member of MIDNITE HELLION as well as the manager of the band. New friendships and partnerships were made, and old ones were made stronger. The year started off with a bang and ended with a headbang, which is quite perfect! However, everything in between made for a very interesting time.
2013 started with a sold-out show in Brooklyn which was broadcasted world-wide! Straight off of our “Enter The Evilution 2012 Tour” with new friends, PRIME EVIL, we had planned to continue the tour into 2013 together but unfortunately it proved impossible due to lineup issues in both camps. It was fitting that we both performed together at this show which signified the official end of our tour. This show was Mario’s final show with the band and Bill’s first show on lead vocals, so while I had been scrambling to find a permanent singer since Scott’s departure in October 2012, I also had to find a permanent lead guitarist. We had been auditioning numerous guitarists and singers for quite some time at that point, as it was known that both Scott and Mario could not commit permanently. At the end of January, I had volunteered to work the 70,000 Tons Of Metal cruise as a backline technician, and reconnecting with that trade was not only inspiring, but also eye-opening to be reminded of how other bands function. I returned home with a new outlook and determination, and it solidified my confidence in my quest to make MIDNITE HELLION bigger and better!
A new guitarist was found right before I left for the cruise, and he exited shortly after my return, which had an immediate silver lining. I found an ad online for a guitarist and an audition was quickly set with Chris Radice, who was asked to join the band. As we had a pending March tour in the works, Chris politely declined as he would not be able to tour, but he put us in touch with his old neighbor, Nick DiGiovacchino. A jam session was held at Chris’ rehearsal space with Nick, and after some jamming on Metallica tunes, it was known that a missing piece to the puzzle had been located in Nick. He was asked to join right after a “formal” audition on original material, and the band was blessed with his inclusion right from the get-go. His debut show was supporting Diamond Head, which was fitting as his favorite band is Metallica, who notes Diamond Head as one of their primary influences.
Another show followed in May opening for OZ, October 31, and Attacker, in which one of my other favorite past-times was realized as I co-promoted the show, and right before this show discussions started between PJ Berlinghof and myself. We had both known each other in passing, having shared the stage together in former bands and having seen each other around, and to say that we were excited to potentially work together was a severe understatement. PJ came down and nailed her audition, having already learned enough original material to be able to actually have performed the audition in front of a live audience, and so MIDNITE HELLION Mark 6 was set into action!
Originally, I had wished to have a full-length album out by the Spring of 2013, but this was obviously impossible. As both Nick and PJ got up to speed on original material, discussions formulated to release a single with the new lineup, which originally was to have “The Morrigan” as the a-side and “Hour Of The Wolf” as the b-side, which you all know now has flipped the other way around. Out of the blue, Cheryl of Witches Brew had gotten in touch with me, informing me that she has reactivated the label and would like to have MIDNITE HELLION as part of her roster. Having worked with her in the past with HORRIFIER, there was zero hesitation on my part to sign on immediately in June, and discussions began more thoroughly about the single; preproduction to start immediately, tracking to start in August, release to occur in September/October.
Exciting news was announced over the summer that GRIM REAPER would be making their first appearance in the United States since 1987, and it just so happens that it will be at Chicago’s Ragnarökkr Metal Apocalypse in 2014! Having planned to perform in the 2013 edition, plans were screeched to a halt when the lineup was unsecured, but since everything became solidified again, I got in touch with festival organizers Bob and Odin, and we have been confirmed to be included on the lineup!
After mixing and mastering, we took a break from the studio to support the mighty RAVEN, headline Rocktoberfest in Brooklyn, and return to Long Island! Delays at the record plant forced the release of our 7” single to be pushed back further into November, and we performed what would be our last show of 2013 supporting TOXIC HOLOCAUST and IN DEFENCE, which had longtime supporter Will Dromboski filling in on bass. The single then was officially released in Europe on Black Friday, November 29th, and our final show of 2013 has been postponed due to Electra (the snow storm). We also have the honor of having our first live release being produced and distributed by Contaminated Tones, which is the full performance of the final show of 2013 plus an interview. Release date to be determined, stay tuned!
To close off the year, I am proud to announce the first endorsement of MIDNITE HELLION, as I am now a member of the Drumlite family, manufacturers of custom internal lighting systems for drumsets!! I have just received the system and will install it shortly for its debut at our first show of 2014!
2014 will be an even busier year for the band, as not only will we be performing at the Ragnarökkr Metal Apocalypse in Chicago, we have at least two more shows confirmed for the first quarter of the year as well as preproduction for our full-length to be completed prior to heading to Chicago in April. Hopefully tracking will be underway by then as well. Before anything else, I will be returning to the open water to be a backline technician on the 70,000 Tons Of Metal cruise and will return with an even stronger mission of Metal!
I wish to personally thank each and every one of you who has supported and encouraged me during and prior to the HORRIFIER years, through my exit with HORRIFIER on March 1st, 2011 to the formation of MIDNITE HELLION on April 4th, 2011 (I don’t rest on my laurels for very long!), through today and beyond! I remain humbled and thankful for the support and encouragement received even before a note was heard publically of my new band; there’s just too many people to list and I’d be ashamed if I accidently left anybody out, but you all know who you are. You all have proven to not just be faithful supporters, but true friends.
A very special thanks goes to Andy Eichorn of PRIME EVIL; our conversation could not have come at a better time. Cheers, brother!
Happy Holidays, and cheers to you all! One Nation, Under Alloy!
All the best,
Drew
PS - Remaining in tradition of previous years, the 2013 News will be archived, and one can view the previous news since the beginning by clicking at the link at the bottom of the page.
Well, Hellions, 2013 has been a very crazy year for me personally, as a member of MIDNITE HELLION as well as the manager of the band. New friendships and partnerships were made, and old ones were made stronger. The year started off with a bang and ended with a headbang, which is quite perfect! However, everything in between made for a very interesting time.
2013 started with a sold-out show in Brooklyn which was broadcasted world-wide! Straight off of our “Enter The Evilution 2012 Tour” with new friends, PRIME EVIL, we had planned to continue the tour into 2013 together but unfortunately it proved impossible due to lineup issues in both camps. It was fitting that we both performed together at this show which signified the official end of our tour. This show was Mario’s final show with the band and Bill’s first show on lead vocals, so while I had been scrambling to find a permanent singer since Scott’s departure in October 2012, I also had to find a permanent lead guitarist. We had been auditioning numerous guitarists and singers for quite some time at that point, as it was known that both Scott and Mario could not commit permanently. At the end of January, I had volunteered to work the 70,000 Tons Of Metal cruise as a backline technician, and reconnecting with that trade was not only inspiring, but also eye-opening to be reminded of how other bands function. I returned home with a new outlook and determination, and it solidified my confidence in my quest to make MIDNITE HELLION bigger and better!
A new guitarist was found right before I left for the cruise, and he exited shortly after my return, which had an immediate silver lining. I found an ad online for a guitarist and an audition was quickly set with Chris Radice, who was asked to join the band. As we had a pending March tour in the works, Chris politely declined as he would not be able to tour, but he put us in touch with his old neighbor, Nick DiGiovacchino. A jam session was held at Chris’ rehearsal space with Nick, and after some jamming on Metallica tunes, it was known that a missing piece to the puzzle had been located in Nick. He was asked to join right after a “formal” audition on original material, and the band was blessed with his inclusion right from the get-go. His debut show was supporting Diamond Head, which was fitting as his favorite band is Metallica, who notes Diamond Head as one of their primary influences.
Another show followed in May opening for OZ, October 31, and Attacker, in which one of my other favorite past-times was realized as I co-promoted the show, and right before this show discussions started between PJ Berlinghof and myself. We had both known each other in passing, having shared the stage together in former bands and having seen each other around, and to say that we were excited to potentially work together was a severe understatement. PJ came down and nailed her audition, having already learned enough original material to be able to actually have performed the audition in front of a live audience, and so MIDNITE HELLION Mark 6 was set into action!
Originally, I had wished to have a full-length album out by the Spring of 2013, but this was obviously impossible. As both Nick and PJ got up to speed on original material, discussions formulated to release a single with the new lineup, which originally was to have “The Morrigan” as the a-side and “Hour Of The Wolf” as the b-side, which you all know now has flipped the other way around. Out of the blue, Cheryl of Witches Brew had gotten in touch with me, informing me that she has reactivated the label and would like to have MIDNITE HELLION as part of her roster. Having worked with her in the past with HORRIFIER, there was zero hesitation on my part to sign on immediately in June, and discussions began more thoroughly about the single; preproduction to start immediately, tracking to start in August, release to occur in September/October.
Exciting news was announced over the summer that GRIM REAPER would be making their first appearance in the United States since 1987, and it just so happens that it will be at Chicago’s Ragnarökkr Metal Apocalypse in 2014! Having planned to perform in the 2013 edition, plans were screeched to a halt when the lineup was unsecured, but since everything became solidified again, I got in touch with festival organizers Bob and Odin, and we have been confirmed to be included on the lineup!
After mixing and mastering, we took a break from the studio to support the mighty RAVEN, headline Rocktoberfest in Brooklyn, and return to Long Island! Delays at the record plant forced the release of our 7” single to be pushed back further into November, and we performed what would be our last show of 2013 supporting TOXIC HOLOCAUST and IN DEFENCE, which had longtime supporter Will Dromboski filling in on bass. The single then was officially released in Europe on Black Friday, November 29th, and our final show of 2013 has been postponed due to Electra (the snow storm). We also have the honor of having our first live release being produced and distributed by Contaminated Tones, which is the full performance of the final show of 2013 plus an interview. Release date to be determined, stay tuned!
To close off the year, I am proud to announce the first endorsement of MIDNITE HELLION, as I am now a member of the Drumlite family, manufacturers of custom internal lighting systems for drumsets!! I have just received the system and will install it shortly for its debut at our first show of 2014!
2014 will be an even busier year for the band, as not only will we be performing at the Ragnarökkr Metal Apocalypse in Chicago, we have at least two more shows confirmed for the first quarter of the year as well as preproduction for our full-length to be completed prior to heading to Chicago in April. Hopefully tracking will be underway by then as well. Before anything else, I will be returning to the open water to be a backline technician on the 70,000 Tons Of Metal cruise and will return with an even stronger mission of Metal!
I wish to personally thank each and every one of you who has supported and encouraged me during and prior to the HORRIFIER years, through my exit with HORRIFIER on March 1st, 2011 to the formation of MIDNITE HELLION on April 4th, 2011 (I don’t rest on my laurels for very long!), through today and beyond! I remain humbled and thankful for the support and encouragement received even before a note was heard publically of my new band; there’s just too many people to list and I’d be ashamed if I accidently left anybody out, but you all know who you are. You all have proven to not just be faithful supporters, but true friends.
A very special thanks goes to Andy Eichorn of PRIME EVIL; our conversation could not have come at a better time. Cheers, brother!
Happy Holidays, and cheers to you all! One Nation, Under Alloy!
All the best,
Drew
PS - Remaining in tradition of previous years, the 2013 News will be archived, and one can view the previous news since the beginning by clicking at the link at the bottom of the page.
12/14/2013
Due to the weather, tonight's show at St. Vitus in Brooklyn is cancelled in the interest of everybody's safety, bands and attendees. While the storm is not too bad yet, it will only get worse as the night progresses, as dropping temperatures and freezing rain will make the commute home treacherous. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused anybody, but the safety of everyone involved is most important.
The show will be rescheduled for a later date, so stay tuned!
The show will be rescheduled for a later date, so stay tuned!
11/29/2013
Ready for the attack, our new single is out now, so head over to Witches Brew to secure your copy now!!! The US copies will be available at our next show with Attacker, Liege Lord, October 31, and Leech on Saturday, December 14th at St. Vitus in Brooklyn. Check out all of the goodies included below, and no, that’s not a backdrop, that’s a full-sized poster that is included with EVERY 7”!!!
11/7/2013
Witches Brew has just announced the release date for the new MIDNITE HELLION 7” single, “Hour Of The Wolf,”
to be unveiled on Friday, November 29th, 2013. There will be two versions available, one on blue translucent vinyl
(limited to 100 hand-numbered copies), and the other on standard black vinyl (limited to 400 hand-numbered copies). The blue translucent vinyl will also include a sticker of the cover artwork, and both editions will feature a
full-color A1-sized poster (33.1” x 23.4”), lyric sheet, and merchandise order form.
The presale for both editions has begun, with the blue translucent vinyl already almost sold out.
Presale links are as follows:
Blue Translucent Vinyl Edition Black Standard Vinyl Edition
to be unveiled on Friday, November 29th, 2013. There will be two versions available, one on blue translucent vinyl
(limited to 100 hand-numbered copies), and the other on standard black vinyl (limited to 400 hand-numbered copies). The blue translucent vinyl will also include a sticker of the cover artwork, and both editions will feature a
full-color A1-sized poster (33.1” x 23.4”), lyric sheet, and merchandise order form.
The presale for both editions has begun, with the blue translucent vinyl already almost sold out.
Presale links are as follows:
Blue Translucent Vinyl Edition Black Standard Vinyl Edition
08/14/2013
Studio Update: Last night, the thunder roar of the drums of doom has been successfully captured on tape! Artillery of the axes will begin tomorrow. Get ready, this single is going to blow fuses!!!
07/18/2013
Thank you to everybody who made it out to the show last night – it is always a pleasure to see everybody!! Extra special thanks to Thrashole for coming out, even though today is a gig day for them at Champs as well, so do come out to support them!! Extreme thanks to the Techs of Terror/Drivers of Doom – Ben and Beaner!! Video footage will be hosted within the next few days, so keep your eye out on our YouTube pages to feed your head with Metal lead!!
If you were in attendance, you were the first to witness the reborn MIDNITE HELLION with our new vocalist. For those of you who didn't make the show, we are pleased to announce that our new singer is Pamela ("P.J.") Berlinghof from the New York based classic metal band Twilight Odyssey!! You can learn more about P.J. and Twilight Odyssey by visiting the following links:
http://pjberlinghof.com
www.reverbnation.com/twilightodyssey
Updated band photos and information will be appearing on the official MIDNITE HELLION sites shortly!
In other most excellent news, we are honored to announce that together with our new brothers in The Devil In God, we will be supporting RAVEN and MPIRE OF EVIL at The Brighton Bar in Long Branch, NJ on Thursday, September 19th!! Advanced tickets will be available shortly, so reply to this message to secure yours! RAVEN needs no introduction, but for those unfamiliar with MPIRE OF EVIL, it is the new band featuring Mantas and Demolition Man of VENOM!!! Their set includes plenty of VENOM classics to make your head spin and to make your ears bleed!!
We are running low on select merchandise designs which will never be available again, so secure them now before it’s too late! The Enter The Evilution Tour 2012 shirt is down to XL (2) and XXL (2) only, the Dark Ascension Festival shirt is available in white only and size small (2), and the MIDNITE HELLION logo shirt is down to just one small. Check out these and other designs here.
As always, thank you to everybody for your continued support; it never goes unnoticed and it is always truly appreciated!!
If you were in attendance, you were the first to witness the reborn MIDNITE HELLION with our new vocalist. For those of you who didn't make the show, we are pleased to announce that our new singer is Pamela ("P.J.") Berlinghof from the New York based classic metal band Twilight Odyssey!! You can learn more about P.J. and Twilight Odyssey by visiting the following links:
http://pjberlinghof.com
www.reverbnation.com/twilightodyssey
Updated band photos and information will be appearing on the official MIDNITE HELLION sites shortly!
In other most excellent news, we are honored to announce that together with our new brothers in The Devil In God, we will be supporting RAVEN and MPIRE OF EVIL at The Brighton Bar in Long Branch, NJ on Thursday, September 19th!! Advanced tickets will be available shortly, so reply to this message to secure yours! RAVEN needs no introduction, but for those unfamiliar with MPIRE OF EVIL, it is the new band featuring Mantas and Demolition Man of VENOM!!! Their set includes plenty of VENOM classics to make your head spin and to make your ears bleed!!
We are running low on select merchandise designs which will never be available again, so secure them now before it’s too late! The Enter The Evilution Tour 2012 shirt is down to XL (2) and XXL (2) only, the Dark Ascension Festival shirt is available in white only and size small (2), and the MIDNITE HELLION logo shirt is down to just one small. Check out these and other designs here.
As always, thank you to everybody for your continued support; it never goes unnoticed and it is always truly appreciated!!
07/05/2013
Happy Fourth of July, Hellions!!! We've got some most excellent news for you all - not only have we finally secured a singer, we have also signed to the recently reactivated German label, Witches Brew!! We will enter the studio on August 12th to cut two brand-new songs for you all and will be releasing a vinyl 7" single this Fall.
We are currently running a contest to win a pair of tickets to their show on Wednesday, July 17th at The Backstage at Champs in Trenton, NJ if one can correctly guess who their new singer is. Those who are already familiar with her work in previous bands should know her distinct trademark vocal style, and The only hint we are providing is that she has been a staple in the NYC Metal scene, having world-wide recognition in her prior bands. The contest will end next week, which is when the new singer will be officially announced. A sample of her work is available at this location.
Check out the tour dates page for the latest shows, including the aforementioned Champs show, as well as a headling free BBQ show!
We are currently running a contest to win a pair of tickets to their show on Wednesday, July 17th at The Backstage at Champs in Trenton, NJ if one can correctly guess who their new singer is. Those who are already familiar with her work in previous bands should know her distinct trademark vocal style, and The only hint we are providing is that she has been a staple in the NYC Metal scene, having world-wide recognition in her prior bands. The contest will end next week, which is when the new singer will be officially announced. A sample of her work is available at this location.
Check out the tour dates page for the latest shows, including the aforementioned Champs show, as well as a headling free BBQ show!
03/20/2013
We are extremely pleased to announce the addition of shred lord Nick DiGiovacchino on lead guitar!! He will be making his live debut on Thursday, April 25th when we support the legendary DIAMOND HEAD at the Brighton Bar in Long Branch, NJ!! If you need tickets, they are only $11.00 each and can be purchased here. Please give Nick a warm Hellion welcome!!
Nick comes in replacing Matt Runge, as Matt unfortunately did not have the time to commit to the band. We wish Matt well with his future endeavors. More news coming soon!
Nick comes in replacing Matt Runge, as Matt unfortunately did not have the time to commit to the band. We wish Matt well with his future endeavors. More news coming soon!
01/25/2013
MIDNITE HELLION is extremely pleased to announce our participation on the OZ and OCTOBER 31 “Turn The
States Upside Down Tour 2013” stop in Trenton, NJ!! Also appearing on this date will be the mighty ATTACKER,
who have just signed with Metal On Metal Records (run by Jowita Kaminska-Peruzzi, who also painted the artwork
for our “Enter The Unknown” EP), and will be performing their first all-ages show in NJ since the addition of new
singer, Bobby “Leatherlungs” Lucas. If that isn’t enough Heavy Metal to ignite the fire in your brains, NJ Thrashers ANTISTASIS will also be appearing, and make sure to get there early to witness the Venomus debut of MAXIMUM OVERSATAN.
The madness will happen at The Backstage at Champs, which is located at 931 Chambers Street in Trenton, NJ.
The show is all-ages, doors are at 5:00, and it is only $12.00 in advance and $15.00 at the door! Advance tickets
are currently available through MIDNITE HELLION here.
MIDNITE HELLION has recently added guitarist Matt Runge, replacing Mario DiBartolo after his exit earlier this
month. Matt is another Jersey native, who brings a ferocious playing style into the realm of the band. We cannot
wait to get back in action and introduce him to our fans!
Another major show announcement is coming soon, so stay tuned to http://www.midnitehellion.com and http://www.facebook.com/midnitehellion for the latest news.
States Upside Down Tour 2013” stop in Trenton, NJ!! Also appearing on this date will be the mighty ATTACKER,
who have just signed with Metal On Metal Records (run by Jowita Kaminska-Peruzzi, who also painted the artwork
for our “Enter The Unknown” EP), and will be performing their first all-ages show in NJ since the addition of new
singer, Bobby “Leatherlungs” Lucas. If that isn’t enough Heavy Metal to ignite the fire in your brains, NJ Thrashers ANTISTASIS will also be appearing, and make sure to get there early to witness the Venomus debut of MAXIMUM OVERSATAN.
The madness will happen at The Backstage at Champs, which is located at 931 Chambers Street in Trenton, NJ.
The show is all-ages, doors are at 5:00, and it is only $12.00 in advance and $15.00 at the door! Advance tickets
are currently available through MIDNITE HELLION here.
MIDNITE HELLION has recently added guitarist Matt Runge, replacing Mario DiBartolo after his exit earlier this
month. Matt is another Jersey native, who brings a ferocious playing style into the realm of the band. We cannot
wait to get back in action and introduce him to our fans!
Another major show announcement is coming soon, so stay tuned to http://www.midnitehellion.com and http://www.facebook.com/midnitehellion for the latest news.
01/14/2013
Hey Hellions, quite a bit happening on our front. First of all, thank you again to everybody who supported the
show on Saturday by showing up or tuning in to the live broadcast. Thanks to Ed Farshtey of Wendigo Productions
and Scott McPartland, Brian Crean, and Ron at Metal Thunder Radio for hosting the event; we are honored to have
been a part of such a great event! The show was sold out and Malignancy, Deceased, Prime Evil, Sacrificial Blood,
and Thorn Constellation were firing on all cylinders!! The live broadcast will be available for download this week,
which we will be notifying everybody about as soon as it is available.
We’re extremely pleased to announce the addition of Matt Runge on the lead guitar!!! Matt hails from Howell, NJ
and brings his unique style of shredding to the madness of MIDNITE HELLION! He’ll be making his live debut
in the very near future, so keep an eye out for our next show soon.
We’d also like to take a moment out to thank Mario DiBartolo for his year and a half of service with
MIDNITE HELLION. We wish him the best of luck in returning to college and in all future endeavors. Also, we’d
like to thank Scott Alpert for his assistance in keeping the band going from June through October; his help was immense in the success of our first tour!! Best of luck to Scott as well.
Patches have been delayed due to unforeseen circumstances, but should be arriving this week. We will notify
you upon the arrival.
Finally, the upcoming tour in March is being postponed, as the headliner is experiencing Visa issues. As soon
as more information is available, it will be posted.
Thank you for all of your support – looking forward to an incredible 2013 with all of you.
Also, in tradition with last year, last year's news updates will now be in the news achive, located at the bottom
of the page.
show on Saturday by showing up or tuning in to the live broadcast. Thanks to Ed Farshtey of Wendigo Productions
and Scott McPartland, Brian Crean, and Ron at Metal Thunder Radio for hosting the event; we are honored to have
been a part of such a great event! The show was sold out and Malignancy, Deceased, Prime Evil, Sacrificial Blood,
and Thorn Constellation were firing on all cylinders!! The live broadcast will be available for download this week,
which we will be notifying everybody about as soon as it is available.
We’re extremely pleased to announce the addition of Matt Runge on the lead guitar!!! Matt hails from Howell, NJ
and brings his unique style of shredding to the madness of MIDNITE HELLION! He’ll be making his live debut
in the very near future, so keep an eye out for our next show soon.
We’d also like to take a moment out to thank Mario DiBartolo for his year and a half of service with
MIDNITE HELLION. We wish him the best of luck in returning to college and in all future endeavors. Also, we’d
like to thank Scott Alpert for his assistance in keeping the band going from June through October; his help was immense in the success of our first tour!! Best of luck to Scott as well.
Patches have been delayed due to unforeseen circumstances, but should be arriving this week. We will notify
you upon the arrival.
Finally, the upcoming tour in March is being postponed, as the headliner is experiencing Visa issues. As soon
as more information is available, it will be posted.
Thank you for all of your support – looking forward to an incredible 2013 with all of you.
Also, in tradition with last year, last year's news updates will now be in the news achive, located at the bottom
of the page.