In an interview with Chandler Sorrells, Faith No More keyboardist Roddy Bottum has revealed that he and bandmates Billy Gould (Bass) and Mike Bordin (Drums) have been steadily working on new music.  This comes three years after the release of the bands comeback album "Sol Invictus."  In the interview, Bottum was asked if there was anything that he could share regarding the current status of the band and where they may be going in the future and this was his statement:
     "The last record was a real struggle to make.  It felt really good and it was a really great exercise in taking us and our inner family creative process to the next level.  It was a place that we kind of needed to go to make 'Sol Invictus'.  We had spent a lot of time sort of coming back together and getting to know each other again and making music again and playing old songs, and then it kind of reached a point where it felt kind of dirty to just do what we were doing, just [playing] these shows of old songs.  So we took it to the next level [by making an album] and that felt really good.  I think we all walked away from that- even though it was like a really hard process to get through that record- I think we all walked away from it with really positive and optimistic sort of perspectives."  He then went on to say, "I will periodically go to San Francisco and make music with those guys.  What we do is a really special, unique thing that we kind of share- especially like me and Mike Bordin and Billy...We were super young - we were, like, 18 or 19 years old-when we started making music, so we kind of get in the room and we have a language that speaks really loud and really clear, at least to the three of us.  I mean, where it goes is questionable, but we have sort of a language that's kind of undeniable in a really sort of family sense.  And I think we all acknowledge that its not something that any of us want to turn our backs on, and its kind of fun to do.  So in hopes of pushing things forward and making new music, we continue to do that, to get together and make new sounds and just have dialogue about prospects and songs and where we go in the future."  Sorrells asked if that means he and the band have been jamming and producing new musical ideas with no set goal, and Roddy stated "Yeah, that's fair to say.  Yes. Absolutely."
     It was just last year that Faith No More front man Mike Patton told Full Metal Jackie that the band was on an "extended break."    He then went on to say that "if something happens, it'll happen organically and naturally.  But I kind of don't think it will.  I kind of feel we've tipped these scales a little bit.  But we'll see.  Who knows?  I've learned my lesson not to say no."  Patton also stressed that he would never rule out performing future shows with the band.  At any rate, this is great news to hear that Faith No More is making progress towards new material. 
     In 2015, 'Sol Invictus' put Faith No More back on the map.  It was an instant classic that reminded fans and critics alike just how amazing the band can be.  It even won Best Album of 2015 for the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards as well as best Alternative Metal Album for the Metal Storm Awards.  The album received positive reception from all professional critics.  Metacritic rated the album 79 out of 100 based on reviews from 25 critics.  Rolling Stone Magazine ranked it the #2 on their top 20 Metal Albums of 2015.  Faith No More is a band that has always been light years ahead of its time.  To hear that the band is even contemplating new music is octaves to our ears.  Whenever I hear Faith No More mentioned, I cant help but go back to the days of MTV videos in 1989 and watching the video for the song "Epic."  Lets just hope that Faith No More's new release will be even more epic.  I cannot wait to hear Mike Patton's level 6 octaves blaring out metal carnage.  Until next time folks, this is Jason Voorhees signing off.

     On Monday the Philadelphia Flyers fired General Manager Ron Hextall.  Ironically, Hextall was relieved of his duties by the same guy that he replaced back on May 17, 2014, Paul Holmgren.  When Holmgren was replaced that season he actually received a promotion to the position of President.  Now maybe I am naïve, but usually when an executive does not have success in a lower level position they generally don't get promoted.  During Holmgren's eight seasons as the general manager, the Flyers had six playoff appearances, one division title, one conference title, and one Stanley Cup appearance (2010).  One would argue that these results were not terrible, but the ultimate truth is that it was more of the same mediocre product on the ice (in a large market organization) that is starving for a championship.  And the name of the game is to win a championship and the Flyers are still searching for that title 43 years later.
     43 years of Failure.  43 years of inconsistency.  43 years of blood, sweat, and tears from loyal passionate fans that are dying to hold Lord Stanley's Cup once again.  43 years of fans getting their hopes up only to be let down like a hot air balloon.  Ed Snider built this organization with the idea that they would be perennial contenders on a yearly basis and that they would be the most feared team in the NHL.  Well those days are way long gone.  NO ONE...I repeat...NO ONE is scared of the Flyers these days.  In fact, teams are licking their chops when they see the Flyers on the schedule.  No more BROAD STREET BULLIES.  These days its the Broad Street Foolies.  It has been one dysfunctional rollercoaster ride through the years.  And the main failure of this franchise has been the inability to adapt to the changing NHL landscape. 
     In this instance, Ron Hextall is just a scapegoat; Paul Holmgren choosing to make a change at a higher level which just masks his own ineptitude.  The easy way out would have been to fire coach Dave Hakstol, although that would have been totally justified as well.  Holmgren cited Hextall's lack of aggressiveness and a philosophical impasse as the reason for making the decision.  Flyers CEO David Scott stated that Hextall was "very confident in his plan and his vision, and he wasn't going to waver from that plan."  Scott explained that the organization believes that the team can be better now rather than two or three years from now.  This suggests that ownership is feeling pressure from the fans and the dip in attendance to improve now; and not continue on the slow gradual incline that the team has been following under Hextall's leadership.
     As a die hard fan, I am not buying what Scott and Holmgren are putting out there.  In my opinion, this Is a classic coup d'état by Holmgren to bring in someone that will be a "yes" man.  Holmgren is the main problem in my opinion and he should have been the one to get the axe.  Holmgren created a cap hell during his tenure as the GM and he never brought this team any success.  At least Ron Hextall was able to build a great farm system and bring in multiple prospects that could blossom into superstars.  Paul Holmgren was a horrible coach, he was a horrible GM, and now he is a horrible President.  This organization needs a total overhaul starting at the TOP.  We need fresh eyes at the wheel and this means Holmgren has to go.
     The long term success of this team hangs in the balance and unless Ed Snider can come back from the dead this team is destined for 43 more years of failure.  Please do the right thing Dave Scott, terminate Paul Holmgren and bring in someone with zero ties to the Flyer organization.  Also, revamp the roster starting with the captain Giroux.  Its time to rebuild.  Giroux comes up small in the playoffs and is not getting any younger.  And for God's sake...please get an NHL quality goaltender.  Enough of the rant...in conclusion...
the Flyers need to blow up the team starting with Holmgren.  Hakstol needs to go as well.  One year the Flyers will finally get things right.  Let's hope that ownership gets their head out of their ass and realize the mistakes of the past.  Keeping the old boys network (Holmgren, Clarke, Smith) in key positions in the organization is not fixing the problem.  So either do something about it or keep drinking the KOOL AID!  More to Come. 

     As the song says I really have been away for too long.  It feels like eternity since the pen last met paper (or in this case that the finger graced its presence with the keyboard.)  At any rate, I would like to thank the Philly Rock Radio Team (Kevin and Johnny E) for talking me out of retirement.  Hopefully this wont be another KISS reunion tour.  This past year has been a roller coaster ride for me personally and I am looking forward to being able to do what I love again; and that is write about the two most passionate things in my life: heavy metal music and professional sports.  The best part about writing is that it enables the author to connect with its fans in ways that are beyond measure.  I enjoy being able to educate people and bring interesting topics to the table.  Writing is a special type of entertainment because it enables the reader to form their own opinion and interpretation of the writers point of view.  Right, wrong, or indifference are not in play when it comes to a blog.  That is what makes blogging so much fun in my opinion; the fact  that we all have a spoke in the wheel so to speak.  Anyways, enough jargon for the evening.  I just want you all to know that I am happy to be back and thankful to be apart of Philly Rock Radio once again.  I look forward to bringing the Sports N Metal Blog to the next level and maybe eventually having my own radio show to support it as well.
     Some quick sports tidbits...The Flyers gave Ron Hextall the axe today.  I can't say I saw this coming but I am also not surprised.  Scapegoat some would say.  I say its the coach and the players.  Claude Giroux has been an extreme disappointment in the playoffs as has Simmonds and Voracek.  Time will tell...hopefully they take their time and get someone who can change the culture of the franchise.         

  

     Meanwhile, the Phillies have been linked to virtually every free agent and would be trade candidate in the league: Bryce Harper, Manny Machado, Jean Segura, Craig Kimbrell, Patrick Corbin, Paul Goldshmidt, Edwin Diaz, Andrew Miller, JA Happ, and the list goes on and on.  One name you can cross off the list is Josh Donaldson who signed with the Atlanta Braves today.  I actually have a funny story that will blow your mind.  This past summer I purchased MLB 2018 and played the franchise mode where you take a team through season after season as the GM and make trades, sign free agents, etc.  Well, of course it was the off season and this is how I made my play: Signed Manny Machado and Bryce Harper to 10 year $300 million dollar contracts.  Signed Patrick Corbin to a 10 year $125 million dollar contract.  Traded for Paul Goldshmidt.  Signed Craig Kimbrell to a 4 year $54 million dollar contract.  And traded for Jean Segura.  The lineup was Jean Segura, Paul Goldshmidt, Manny Machado, Bryce Harper, Rhys Hoskins, Carlos Santana, Odubel Herera, JP Crawford, and Alfaro.  Lol...what a pipe dream right.  Dreamers can dream.  But hey...this really could happen if the Phillies spend the "stupid" money that they are reportedly looking to spend...stay tuned.
     And yay, the Eagles are finally back in the win column and are one win away from taking over the NFC East lead...who would have thought.  And finally, Markell Fultz is getting his shoulder looked at once again.  What are the odds of him being a sixer any time after this season...not looking good.  Well, if nothing else, 2019 is gonna be one wild ride for philly sports one way or another.  Well this concludes my first day back at the wheel...its great to be back and you will be seeing a lot more of MR VOORHEES going forward so you better watch your back...the red coats are coming.