May 30th, 2014 - To Hellionvation And Back!

Evening kiddies!!  The Meista here with a big ol' pairing of kick-ass and infernal metal and artisan brew for you tonight... a Hellevation IPA from Roosters Brewing Company and "To Hell And Back" by Hellion!!  HELL YEAH!!

Released April 1st, 2014, "To Hell And Back" is the brilliant new anthology from Los Angeles heavy metal band Hellion.  The 26 songs on the album chronicle the band's musical career from their early beginnings in 1982 to the present day.  The album includes fan favorites, rare tracks, and 2 demos produced by the late Ronnie James Dio, as well as a brand new track recorded by the newest incarnation of the band (which includes DIO drummer Simon Wright and keyboardist Scott Warren).  Over the years, the line-up has changed, but one constant is of course the driving force behind Hellion, the amazingly talented vocalist Ann Boleyn!  Her vocal delivery combines the sultriness of Anne Wilson, the explosive power and depth of Ronnie James Dio, and the pure metal aggression of Rob Halford!  (Interestingly enough, Ms. Boleyn is credited with coining the phrase "speed metal".)  Each song on the album is pure, high-octane heavy metal!  A MUST for any true metal head!  I special ordered this signed metal gem from my buddy Kevin at the Heavy Metal Shop and picked it up earlier today... you need to get yourself a copy too!!  Check out the Heavy Metal Shop at www.heavymetalshop.com and order a copy of "To Hell And Back"!

The Hellevation pours a cloudy bronze with a 1-finger, creamy white head.  As the head dissipates, it leaves some nice foamy islands and sticky, spider web lacing behind.  The nose is both malty and hoppy.  There are notes of citrus, pine, juniper, toffee, and baked bread.  Like the nose, the flavor is a nice blend of malty and hoppy with some slight sweetness.  Medium bodied with moderate carbonation, the Hellevation has a slightly sticky mouthfeel with a nice, dry bitter finish.  Hellevation IPA from Roosters Brewing Company is an aggressive, hop forward, and complex brew... a fitting companion for the metal monstrosity known as Hellion!

 Cheers and hails!!