Image – Brian Tierney / BackStage360
TO HELLION AND BACK
Hellion, originally formed in 1982, is no stranger to the heavy metal scene. After a decade of silence, the roar of Hellion is back and stronger than ever. Founding member/vocalist Ann Boleyen reformed Hellion with a new lineup in late 2013. In April 2014 the band released a two CD anthology, To Hellion and Back. Now Hellion is on tour following the release of their recent album, Karma’s a Bitch, under New Renaissance Records. The lineup of the Karma’s a Bitch tour consists of vocalist Ann Boleyen, drummer Simon Wright (formerly of AC/DC, DIO, and UFO), keyboardist Scott Warren (formerly with DIO and Heaven & Hell), bassist Greg Smith (formerly with Alice Cooper, Rainbow, and Blue Oyster Cult), up-and-coming guitarist Maxxxwell Carlisle, and special guest rhythm guitarist Georg Dolivo of Rhino Bucket.
Image – Brian Tierney / BackStage360
When I first started to go into the studio and record and tour, the first thing I did was contact the original band members, or I should say tried to, and tried to put out invitations. Unfortunately, with everyone’s situations people have got houses, families, mortgages and they can’t just drop it all to go on the road for a month or two at a time. With that said, Simon and Scott were into going out and performing and then we ended up realizing Bjorn Englan wasn’t going to be able to come because he had a conflict in his schedule, so we brought in Greg Smith, who is on the lineup of Ted Nugent’s band and has played with Rainbow, Alice Cooper, and all kinds of amazing things that he’s done. And then we rounded it out with addition of Georg Dolivo as our guitar player. It’s just awesome!”
I caught the show in San Diego and was immediately blown away by Ann’s voice and her energy. The band was tight and in your face for the entire show.Being a fan of Hellion from back in the day the mixture of songs both old and new was perfect. I must say that the new album Karma’s a Bitch is in the same vain as the original Hellion albums in your face Metal.
If anyone has any doubt about Ann’s commitment to Hellion’s live show’s you need to catch them live.. I promise you won’t forget it any time soon.