https://metaldevastationradio.com/resonant-decay Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:15:22 -0500 https://metaldevastationradio.com/resonant-decay/blog/27849/darbicrash-something-wicked-2025 https://metaldevastationradio.com/resonant-decay/blog/27849 Mon, 11 Aug 2025 11:16:37 -0500 https://metaldevastationradio.com/resonant-decay/blog/25966/muddy-waters-is-a-blues-guitar-icon-who-pioneered-the-sound-of-electric-guitar-and-invented-a-new-solo-language https://metaldevastationradio.com/resonant-decay/blog/25966
Muddy Waters is a blues guitar icon who pioneered the sound of electric guitar and invented a new solo language





Story by David Gerrish



______

T here are few figures in blues history as notable as Muddy Waters. Born McKinley Morganfield in 1913, Muddy was cetral to the evolution of the genre, from its beginnings as the folk music of the southern states to the electrified Chicago sound that served as a bedrock for all later guitar-based music. 





Like many early blues artists, Muddy’s musical education came from church. Singing in Sunday service and emulating local musicians gave him a rich education and deep connection to the country-blues tradition. 
By his teens he was supporting his powerful voice with intricate   blues guitar   work and harmonica embellishments, but his career would really take off when he moved to Chicago in the early ’40s.
Arriving in the big city, Muddy realised he would need to amplify his guitar in order to be heard over the crowds of the music clubs. In doing so, he helped to develop the sound of   electric guitar   as we know it and secure its place at the forefront of popular music.
His music during these years was raw and emotive. The cranked amplifiers delivered a rugged, powerful tone that perfectly suited the music’s primal nature. The licks may be considered somewhat primitive when we listen with modern ears but then it was the dawn of an exciting style never heard before. Muddy and others were essentially inventing a language, and so the study of this source material is vital for any blues guitarist. 
Our solos in this lesson focus on Muddy’s early electrified sound, the first being a   guitar slide   piece in open G tuning (D-G-D-G-B-D). This tuning was traditional for many country blues slide players, and many of Muddy’s early recordings utilised it.
If it’s unfamiliar to you, we recommend spending a little time exploring the fretboard. You will notice that the second, third, and fourth strings remain the same as standard tuning, so familiar shapes will still work here.














The remaining strings are all tuned down a tone, so a little adjustment in your thinking will be required. Do not be deterred, as this tuning can give you access to an abundance of new language.
Our second study delivers more essential vocabulary, this time in standard tuning, as Muddy switched to this later on. The vibe of this is just as important as the notes, and capturing some of Muddy’s swagger is the hardest element of emulating his style.
He would push and pull rhythms and play heavily with dynamics, so aim to capture some of these details for added authenticity. Check out as much of Muddy’s music as possible, as it’s best to learn from the real deal. Just listen to   Voodoo Chile , and you’ll hear that Jimi did, too! 














Get the tone

Amp Settings: Gain 5, Bass 4, Middle 7, Treble 6, Reverb
Muddy was synonymous with his red   Telecaster , but many of his early tracks were recorded with a Gretsch Synchromatic or a   Gibson Les Paul . These were likely paired with a tweed Fender   combo amp . Aim for an edge of breakup tone with plenty of mids and treble. You may need a little more gain than expected for slide, in order to allow the notes to sustain.


Study Piece 1. Slide guitar solo in open G

Our first study demonstrates Muddy’s open G slide guitar chops and showcases some fundamental moves for this style. Intonation is always key when it comes to slide guitar, so practise these licks slowly to ensure you are dead in tune. 
Fingerstyle is probably the best bet here, or pick and fingers, or perhaps thumbpick and fingers. But if you prefer to go the ‘pick only’ route, be careful of any unwanted strings ringing out.
Study Piece 2. Slow shuffle solo

We’re back in standard tuning for our second study which demonstrates Muddy’s vocabulary over a slow shuffle in E. Keeping the rhythm going is what’s important here, as the low strings provide an accompaniment for the higher-string melodies. 
If this is a challenge, work on each bar individually before you put it together. The style of this piece is foundational to so much of the blues that came later, so study it carefully and learn from its simple brilliance. 


]]> Thu, 27 Jun 2024 08:01:22 -0500 https://metaldevastationradio.com/resonant-decay/blog/25965/scott-gorham-nearly-lost-his-holy-grail-1957-gibson-les-paul-to-a-customs-officer-just-after-he-bought-it-and-he-had-to-go https://metaldevastationradio.com/resonant-decay/blog/25965
Scott Gorham nearly lost his 'Holy Grail' 1957 Gibson Les Paul to a customs officer just after he bought it – and he had to go to court to get it back





Story by Matt Owen, Guitar World





S cott Gorham’s 1957   Gibson Les Paul   Standard is one of the Thin Lizzy hero’s most prized   electric guitars   – but just a month after buying it, he faced a fight to fly it overseas.
Originally acquired in the late 1970s, the guitar was sold to Gorham for a princely sum of $2,300 by a vintage guitar dealer who visited the band while they were in Boston.
Gorham was besotted with the ‘Holy Grail’ guitar, and – with the enthusiastic encouragement of his colleagues – quickly snapped up the Les Paul, and began playing it while in the States.
When it came to traveling to London a few weeks later, though, Gorham ran afoul of the airport customs security, who seized his new pride and joy while it was entering the country.
“I played that ’57 for a month in the States,” Gorham recalls in the new issue of   Guitarist . “We get back to Heathrow and the customs guy has all our cases out, with the lids flipped up.
“And he went straight for that Les Paul. He says, ‘What a beautiful guitar – how much did you pay for it?’ I said, ‘$2,300.’ He goes, ‘Really? On the carnet here it says $600.’ He closes the lid – whack! ‘That’s my guitar now.’”
As a result of the incorrect carnet – which, in the context of music gear, is effectively a passport for goods that lets you take equipment out of the country without paying tax or duties – Gorham’s newly acquired ‘57 Les Paul Standard was confiscated.














In order to smooth over the issue and get his Les Paul back safe and sound, Gorham had to go to court. Fortunately, London Heathrow airport had its own court, which would hear Gorham’s case.
“So we had to go to court, right there at Heathrow,” he continues. “I didn’t even know they had a court. A guy comes in, he’s got the black robe on, and he goes, ‘Well, Mr Gorham, we find you guilty – and the fine is the price of the guitar, plus £750 for breaking the law.’”














So, what on paper started out as a $2,300 guitar ultimately ended up being a $4,600 guitar with a premium down-payment that, when adjusted for inflation, made it even more expensive.















But Gorham did get the guitar back, and he’d put it to good use for the rest of Thin Lizzy’s career. As he explained in a previous interview with   MusicRadar   (above), it became his number-one recording instrument.
“I used this guitar right after the   Jailbreak   album and right to the end of the band at that point,” he said. “Whatever guitar sounds you’re hearing on those albums, it will be this guitar.”
Visit   Magazines Direct   to pick up the latest issue of   Guitarist , which features the full interview with Gorham.


  ]]> Thu, 27 Jun 2024 07:52:03 -0500 https://metaldevastationradio.com/resonant-decay/blog/25964/joe-bonamassa-has-bought-lowell-georges-dumble-overdrive-special-reverb-after-a-15-year-quest https://metaldevastationradio.com/resonant-decay/blog/25964
Joe Bonamassa has bought Lowell George’s Dumble Overdrive Special Reverb after a 15-year quest





Story by Matt Owen, Guitar World





J oe Bonamassa’s Nerdville   guitar amp   collection has just welcomed its newest member: Lowell George’s   Dumble   Overdrive Special Reverb (ODSR).
According to its new custodian, the legendary amp was last played on June 28, 1979, the night before   Little Feat’s often overlooked guitar genius   died at the age of 34.
Apparently, this particular Dumble – with its matching cab – has been on JoBo’s radar for quite some time, with Bonamassa saying this purchase brings an end to a “15 year quest” to get his hands on it.
It looks as though it’s been worth the wait, though: its proud new owner has called the ODSR “the crown jewel of my amplifier collection”. It makes sense: ODSR's are incredibly scarce at the best of times, so to own one that had once belonged to Lowell George is borderline unbelievable.
“Well there is cool and there is this,” Bonamassa wrote. “The Lowell George Dumble Overdrive Special Reverb serial number 009 has finally made it to the Nerdville green shag after a 15 year quest.
“This amp last played live at the   Lisner Auditorium in Washington, DC on June 28, 1979 ,” he continued. “Lowell tragically died a day later at the age of 34 bringing suddenly to an end the life of one of the most talented and significant musicians in Rock and Roll.
“Little Feat is a hall of fame group and they belong in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame end of story.”










George’s relationship with Howard Alexander Dumble and his amps was well-documented, and the   slide guitar   guru played through a handful of different models during his playing career. This particular head is an extremely early example of an original Dumble, and served as George’s go-to amp.








Related video :   Joe Bonamassa - Fleetwood Mac’s 'Lazy Poker Blues'   (Dailymotion)


https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x905322","perf":{}},"m.c":false,"c.hl":"Joe Bonamassa - Fleetwood Mac’s 'Lazy Poker Blues'"}">























Speaking to   Guitar Playe r back in 1977 , George discussed the custom Dumble he was using at the time, calling it “the best amp I’ve ever played through”.
“I’m using a custom-made Howard Dumble amp which is the best one that I’ve ever played through,” he said. “It’s like a Fender made right.”
This particular amp is absolutely steeped in history, and fortunately Bonamassa has no plans to keep it holed up on display at Nerdville. Instead, he fully intends to take it on the road with him – and it could happen sooner than you might think.












((Image credit: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)) ©   Provided by Guitar World







“This amp will be back on the road again as early as this July,” Bonamassa added, “but most likely in the fall.”
“The opportunity to own one of your top guitar hero's amplifiers made by Alexander Dumble is a once in a lifetime event. I feel very blessed to have it. It is certainly the crown jewel of my amplifier collection. Thank you to Drew and Suren for helping make this happen and to Agent R for picking it up this afternoon.”
Keep your eyes peeled on   Joe Bonamassa's Instagram account   for future Dumble demos.
In the meantime, George's ODSR is safe and sound at Nerdville, whose security systems were bumped up after   a fire almost completely destroyed its entire haul .
]]> Thu, 27 Jun 2024 07:23:24 -0500 https://metaldevastationradio.com/resonant-decay/blog/25479/the-spiral-a-poem-about-mental-health https://metaldevastationradio.com/resonant-decay/blog/25479
By Michael R. Dover, Jr

Don't you remember, you said you loved me.
You'd always be there.
That was me laying on the floor, heart ripped out, as you walked out the door.
I would've moved Heaven and Earth, I would've died for you.
I bowed at your feet, simply 'cuz you said that you'd love me.
Was that a lie or did you even care?
Was it just an illusion or just a twisted game?
I'm not really sure, but It was real pain.

Suck it up, Now, be a man.
Show no emotions, that's the plan.
Feelings I suppressed, so far down.
Stuffed so deep, that I nearly drown.
Fighting an uphill battle, slowly going insane.
Trying to get back, but it's all in vain.
Gripping that bottle, losing self control.
Don't be a fucking baby, know your role.
Man, these thoughts are so smothering, I'm dying inside.
Snap out of it bitch and show some pride.

I thought you said you'd love me.
You'd always be there.
Was that a lie, hello, are you there?
Was it all in my head or just some twisted game?
I don't really know, but I wish you no pain.

Did you even care?
Do I even dare?
Just a figment of the imagination.
Were you really even there?

Crippling depression and soul crushing anxiety.
Negative thoughts, they are now part of me.
Why did you leave?
Am I the enemy?
I smoke away my pain, kill the chaos inside of me.
Full of fearfulness and rage.
I'm like a rat in a cage.
The more I try, the more I cry.
The more I cry, the slower I die.

Did you ever care?
Were you ever there?
A figment of the imagination.
Do you really exist?
Trying to find answers, what did I miss?]]> Mon, 04 Mar 2024 18:01:15 -0600 https://metaldevastationradio.com/resonant-decay/blog/18475/my-take-on-general-grant-cigars https://metaldevastationradio.com/resonant-decay/blog/18475
[General Grant]





[The Body]
Mellow - Medium

[The Deets]
Sumatra Wrapper
Dominican Republic Made
Not Flavored
Not Pressed
Not Sweet

[The Vitola]
Corona (5"x42)
Cigarillo (3.2"x26)
[The Price]
-MSRP-
$32.50(usd) /box
$1.08(usd) /corona
$0.54(usd) /cigarillo





  I've been wanting to try these, for a while actually, and I was excited that I finally snagged some.  I won a box of 30 corona in a an auction bid but that's neither here, nor there.  So, when they arrived I was so stoked.


  Can we just talk about the box itself?  When I opened the packaging they were shipped in, the first thing that I thought of was "Merica!"  I mean,  It's a print of the man's bust draped with with old glory.  Not to mention the several banners plastered on the edges of the box.  On the inside of the lid is the same bust but in color.
  Upon opening the beautiful box, everything was how it should be.  They came individually wrapped, which isn't that big of a deal.  However, after inspecting the cigars themselves, I noticed they are actually a Cheroot.  They were spongy and loosely wrapped, think of a corona sized backwoods with a peel of "cap."  I was unaware that they were a "CRS" type of cigar.  Nowhere in the description on the auction was it stated they were a Cigar Ready to Smoke, which means no cutting is necessary.  I'm thinking this is to pay homage to the era.  They definitely have one thing going for them, they're ugly, which was actually the selling point for me, I love ugly cigars.
                          [The Smoke Session]

               

  With all that said, now for the actual experience.  For this review, I smoked around 6-7 of the 30 in the box, just to be sure of consistency.  Which was relatively good.  On the light, these lil' guys light up like a cigarette, and stay lit. I stepped away for 2 or 3 minutes, and when I came back it was still lit to my surprise.  I did not toast the foot, I felt it would scorch the cigar, rather than warm it up, since it took no time at all to light.  Also, If these are anything like the cigars that the namesake smoked, no wonder he smoked a dozen or so per day.  These are quick burners for sure, roughly a 15-20 minute window, enough time for a smoke break.  As I stated above, the construction on these are less than par, once the cigar warms up it tends to want to collapse like a cheroot will do.  So, not really the type you'd bring to a Chill session with the boys.  Tons of lightly aromatic smoke is put out, but, not a huge amount of flavor. However, slight pepper and chocolate notes can be picked up throughout the experience.  Overall, and despite the minor downfalls, these are really a great every day smoke.  Just don't relight.



[The Rating]
Presentation... 4/5
Construction... 2/5
Draw............... 3/5
Burn................ 3/5
Aroma............. 4/5
Taste............... 2/5
Consistency.... 4/5
]]> Mon, 14 Feb 2022 14:17:05 -0600 https://metaldevastationradio.com/resonant-decay/blog/18462/my-take-on-cigars-tampa-city https://metaldevastationradio.com/resonant-decay/blog/18462                                          
  I have to admit, I was skeptical at first, however when I mentioned I am looking to spotlight small shops.  She offered to send me samples to review.  I was expecting corona or robusto shorts, you know, just to give me a taste of their selection.  It became apparent to me that small is not what they do, sample or not, what she sent was above and beyond.   They were some of the biggest vitolas I have ever seen or smoked. 

  The proper names for the samples that were sent are Figurado and Master Toro, however, I have dubbed them "El Bomba" (bomb) and "El Mamut" (mammoth).  Please, feel free to scan the QR code above or visit their website to view their full selection .

                                 

 Ok, I know what you're saying, "Mikey, they look like a CO2 cartridge."  You'd be 100% right.  Here's why I have dubbed them "El Bomba."  It's mainly because this medium body stogie explodes with pepper straight away, then eases into notes of cocoa, just to smack you again with pepper and leather, without being overpowering.  "El Mamut" is the exact same dimensions of the Ogre by Asylum 13, they could be twins, their makeup is so similar.  I should mention they are mellowing together in my Humidor. 


 Although, the draw was nice, there was a reoccuring theme while smoking the "El Bomba" sticks.  They burned uneven and often "canoed" if not corrected.  Not necessarily due to cigar construction, because that was on point   The weather here in Central New York, and the fact that it's the middle of winter, could be a huge factor.

Either way, I thoroughly enjoyed my experience with these big rings from Ybor City.  I recommend CTC, and I have encouraged friends check them out.
 


So, I guess it comes down to my overall rating, like it matters, I'm just a metal DJ.    

 Rating 

Presentation... 4/5
Construction... 5/5
Draw............... 4/5
Burn................ 4/5
Aroma............. 4/5
Taste............... 4/5


for event info or questions;
please contact the store.





813-532-0984
sales@cigarstampacity.com
www.cigarstampacity.com


]]> Sun, 13 Feb 2022 13:24:33 -0600 https://metaldevastationradio.com/resonant-decay/blog/18460/my-take-on-slaughterhouse-cigars https://metaldevastationradio.com/resonant-decay/blog/18460




[NATURAL]
Wrapper: Dominican Republic
Binder: Mexican Sumatra
Blend: Multi-Country
Body: Mild - Medium
Churchill (7 x 48) | Robusto (4.75 x 50) | Toro (6 x 50)





[MADURO]
Wrapper: San Andreas
Binder: Mexican Sumatra
Blend: Multi Country
Body: Mild - Medium
Churchill (7 x 48) | Robusto (4.75 x 50) | Toro (6 x 50)  










I've been thinking of how to word this review, and I want to be as accurate and fair as possible. Not that it matters, I'm just a regular dude that likes cigars.  I'll just say this, I make it a rule to not form an opinion on sticks until I've had at least two.

Let's just start at the beginning.  I received my first slaughterhouse some months back in a "make your own sampler."  Somewhere between delivery and when I decided to remove it from the humidor, something went terribly wrong, as the first stick cracked and unraveled so bad I couldn't even light it.  To state that I was upset would be an understatement, upon my dismay, I checked forums and groups for answers to whether this was normal for the brand or if I had gotten a fluke.  It was to no avail.

However, a week later, I received another Slaughterhouse stick, this time it was a Maduro Robusto.  I let this one mellow for two - three weeks, as well.  I had a far better experience the second time around, "I'll tell you hwat." Smoked it to the nub.

Let me take you to where this smoke took me.  First off, I love the way the sticks are presented, nothing fancy, just a "butcher paper" like band, I'm a sucker for the bare bones approach.  It's as if they know they are for the common man, and not trying anything fancy.  It reminded me of butcher shops with a dude named sammy cutting steaks up while smoking a stogie, all my old school fellas and grown and sexy know the dude I'm talking about. 

Upon the toasting and throughout the first third, I got a Bold, Peppery and Beefy flavor to the palate.  I'll admit, I had doubts, because this one had me working to keep it lit throughout the first third.  However, as the cigar warmed up, the smoke was more voluminous and took another direction. I was getting a slightly sweet aroma, almost like a wine.  It then reminded me of a visit to a local Olive Garden.  You can get dinner for two, at a reasonable price.  I won't say the word "cheap," because the quality was not so bad.  I got these two tones throughout the whole experience.

The only downfalls to the experience were the fact that I had to puff on the thing constantly throughout the first third and I did get a "tobacco salad" with my steak.  Even though there's probably more hits than misses with this brand, that first experience I had, would probably stop others from trying it again.

Overall, Slaughterhouse has chops.  Like I said, I love the way they are presented.  I love the fact that they aren't trying to doctor it up with fancy bands.  They may be ugly, but I love that, I'm ugly too.

My Rating..... 3/5... all day.

follow the link to see where to purchase  Slaughterhouse  cigars.   
]]> Sun, 13 Feb 2022 09:29:57 -0600