Hydrogyn
Formed: 2003
From:
Huntington,
WV,
United States
Last Known Status: Disbanded
Background
In January 2004, West Virginia guitarists Jeff Westlake and Jeff Boggs began work on a new experiment – a compelling modern heavy rock tour de force like no other on the scene – an outfit designed to destroy musical and industry barriers.
Jeff Westlake on the blueprints behind HYDROGYN, “We wanted something a broad audience could love but also be something special. Something that stood out."
Fortified with cutting edge riffs, intelligent lyrics and massive hooks delivered by Julie (just “Julie”), a stunning front lady with a multi-octave range, the result is a formula set to conquer everything from Alternative Rock to Modern Hard Rock to Timeless Metal without sacrificing credibility.
HYDROGYN is built to explode.
By the time the band’s self-produced debut hit the scene, the industry was already putting their ears to the ground, picking up on the rumble that is HYDROGYN. Best Served With Volume found the band in favor with soft drink giant Pepsi, who not only sponsored the fledgling outfit but hoisted them in front of tens of thousands strong at NASCAR (Chevy Rocking 400 May 2005). The audience response was nothing short of inspiring. It was clear, even without prior exposure to the band, onlookers fell into the hands of the fivesome’s massive, genre leaping sound and mesmerizing front lady, making the case that Jeff Boggs, Jeff Westlake, Julie, bassist Chris Sammons and drummer Josh Kitchen were onto something.
The audience affect was verified when HYDROGYN began packing clubs in the Midwest and New England areas, selling out venues that seated up to 1500 people. Smaller venues had them booked for multiple nights. HYDROGYN was rapidly becoming a live band to be reckoned with.
Latest Hydrogyn News
Below is our complete Hydrogyn news coverage, including columns and articles pertaining to the band. Some articles listed may be indirectly related, such as side projects of the band members, etc.
Displaying records 21 - 40 of 44 1 2 3 Last
Hydrogyn Gives Tour Update
Hydrogyn's Jeff Westlake checked in with an update for the first leg of the US tour:
"The tour has been awesome to this point and very enjoyable. We have played places that we have never been before and the reaction has been great."
"It is nice to see the great reaction here in the states to the band and it has been so good that we have already booked return dates to alot of the same venues for the future."
Jeff went on to say that the band is filming every night as well and for fans to look out for the video as well as an announcement very soon on how they will be able to view this footage on the internet. This covers everything from actual live footage to behind the scene antics and practical jokes.
Julie is also very busy as well at this time not just with the live dates but she is also doing a lot of charity work as well. One of those is her annual work with MDA and fund raising for the organization. You can find out more about that and helping Julie to help people who are struck with MDA by following this link and doing what you can as well to help.
The band will be announcing more tour dates this week as well as dates in Europe very soon as well. Also look for in store announcements and meet and greets to be announced as well.
Hydrogyn Readies "Deadly Passions"
Hot on the heels of the band's success with their Billboard charting "Bombshell" release in 2006, "Strip'em Blind Live" CD success in 2007, coupled with their relentless touring in Europe, Kentucky based rockers HYDROGYN return to form with the release of their new opus, "Deadly Passions," apparently moved up to a June 10 (from June 23) release via Demolition Records. The haunting, yet powerful vocals of the beautiful Julie Westlake, and the stunning press photos taken by John Scarpati (Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson etc) will ensure that this band are front page news right across the Globe.
Here are the latest Hydrogyn tour dates:
Jun 19 2008 8:00P PARAMOUNT ARTS CENTER Ashland, Kentucky
Jul 24 2008 8:00P LCO CASINO / With Great White Hayward, Wisconsin
Jul 25 2008 1:00P TBA De Pere, Wisconsin
Jul 26 2008 1:00P Hi Pines Music Festival Eagle River, Wisconsin
Aug 1 2008 8:00P QSL Canton, Ohio
Aug 7 2008 9:00P SOUTH RIDGE CENTER South Charleston, West Virginia
Hydrogyn Sign to Demolition Records
Demolition Records has announced the signing of Ashland, Kentucky-based rockers HYDROGYN to the UK-based label DR2. This signing comes on the heels of the band's success with its Billboard-charting "Bombshell" release in 2006, "Strip'em Blind Live" CD success in 2007, coupled with the group's relentless touring in Europe over 2007.
"This is exactly what we were looking for, and the label we were looking to do it with," said guitarist Jeff Westlake. "We feel Demolition has a great focus on their future, they know what they want to do, and have the unique drive that we were looking for in a label to get the job done."
Ged Cook of Demolition stated, "We welcome HYDROGYN to the Demolition family. It really is going to be a pleasure working with them throughout the world." More...
Hydrogyn Complete New Album and Post Tour Dates
HYDROGYN's as-yet-untitled new album is complete. According to the band "many big announcements will be made in the days and weeks to come concerning the new CD."
In addition, the band has confirmed the following live dates, with more due to be announced soon.
April
24 - The Crazy Donkey - Farmingdale, New York
25 - BB King's - New York, New York
August
1 - QSL - Canton, Ohio
7 - South Ridge Center - South Charleston, West Virginia
Hydrogyn Drummer Issues Recording Update
HYDROGYN drummer Josh Kitchen has issued the following update:
"Today, I just finished tracking drums for the new HYDROGYN album ('Deadly Passions') and it will be out soon enough. I am so relieved. We started tracking on Friday, and finished the album on Saturday but one song. Sunday was taken off, then I went back today and finished the rest of the song (one section). We also decided to record on the spur of the moment today, a couple of tunes you may have heard before...but it's a suprise. You'll have to buy the album to hear what they are!!! I'm so relieved...now I can take some time off and relax!!!"
HYDROGYN's current recording lineup consists of Julie Westlake on vocals, Chris Sammons on bass and vocals, Kitchen, Jeff Westlake on guitar, and Andy Caudill on keyboards.
The band's new CD is expected to be released sometime in May.
Hydrogyn Enter Studio This Week
West Virginia's hard rock band HYDROGYN has issued the following update:
"The band is getting ready to enter the studio Tuesday, January 8th to start recording the new CD scheduled for a May release. The band had a great 2007 and is looking forward to an even bigger and better 2008."
"We also want to report that the new CD will be coming out via a new label. That information will be revealed later on this month as well." More...
Hydrogyn Confirm New European Tour Dates
HYDROGYN have confirmed their upcoming European tour schedule, which features the on a bill with FREEDOM CALL, NIGHTMARE And KRAGENS. It is as follows:
November
10 - Opwijk, Belgium - St. Pauluszaal
11 - Mulhouse, France - Noumatroff
12 - Notre Dame De Gravenchon, France - Arcade
13 - St-Nazaire, France - V.I.P.
14 - Pau, France - Parc De Expos
15 - Toulouse, France - Havana Cafe'
16 - Marseille, France - Korygan
17 - Lyon, France - C.C.O. Villeurbanne
18 - Paris, France - Nouveau Casino
19 - Nancy, France - Chez Paulette
22 - Novara, Italy - Le Piccole Iene
23 - Verona, Italy - Lucille
24 - Rome, Italy - Jailbreak
25 - Pisa, Italy - Borderline
Hydrogyn Set New Album Release Date
Hydrogyn is entering the final stages of the writing process for the new CD that is slated for spring release.
"The writing is going great and the songs are shaping up to be very strong and a big growth from Bombshell," says vocalist Julie enthusiastically about the new material.
With writing finishing up the band is also getting ready to go back to Europe to finish up the last live dates of 2007 before entering the studio in December and January to record the yet as untitled new CD.
Hydrogyn has also picked up The Paramour Group for management and its agency group. More...
Nightmare Reveal 'Genetic Disorder' Track Listing
French power metallers NIGHTMARE have finzlied the track listing for their new album, "Genetic Disorder", tentatively due late October via Regain Records. The CD was recorded at Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden with producers Fredrik Nordström and Henrik Udd (IN FLAMES, HAMMERFALL, DIMMU BORGIR, ARCH ENEMY).
"Genetic Disorder" track listing:
01. Nothing Left Behind
02. Battleground For Suicide
03. Queen Of Love & Pain
04. Conspiracy
05. Leader Of The Masquerade
06. Final Procession
07. The Dominion Gate (Part II)
08. The Winds Of Sin
09. Forsaken Child
10. A Thrill Of Death
11. Wicked White Demon
12. Dawn Of Darkness
NIGHTMARE will embark on a headlining tour of France in November with special guests FREEDOM CALL, HYDROGYN and KRAGENS.
Dio Guitarist Schedules Kentucky Clinics
DIO/HYDROGYN guitarist Craig Goldy will be at Thunder Bay Studio Friday in Ashland, KY this Friday (July 13) from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. doing his Destiny Bridge guitar clinic. Craig will cover everything from technique to industry information and much more.
For more details, call Thunder Bay at 1-606-325-1238 and ask for Terry.
Craig is currently working on new material for the new HYDROGYN CD, due out later this year.
Goldy recently stated regarding his decision to join West Virginia's HYDROGYN, "While Ronnie [James Dio] is touring and recording with HEAVEN AND HELL I am proud to announce my journey with HYDROGYN. I am looking forward to writing, recording and touring with them during the all too often well known 'hiatus' of the band DIO.
"It's quickly become much more than a one-off situation with HYDROGYN. During the negotiation process involved in our mutual desire to work together, we forged a strong bond that I believe will continue well into the future in all aspects of an endeavor such as this one has become.
"Upon Ronnie's return I will be anxiously awaiting the writing, recording and touring that will follow and highly anticipating an awesome [DIO] CD release alongside my family Ronnie, Rudy, Simon and Scott. Until then I will be operating at my fullest potential with HYDROGYN with whom I've also been honored to form a long-term friendship with and build an alliance with DA Records and my program Destiny Bridge. It is my sincere hope and desire to continue in this capacity long into the future."
Hydrogyn is In Songwriting Mode
West Virginia melodic hard rockers HYDROGYN have just recently returned from a three-week U.K./French tour, where the band found themselves playing to many packed venues.
Guitarist Jeff Westlake stated, "Our first European tour was a phenomenal success for the band and we are currently in preparations to head out before the end of the year on a much more extensive European tour. A big thanks to all of the U.K. and French rock fans who made this trip for us an unforgetable experience."
On the musical front, HYDROGYN will release its first-ever in-concert digital-only release titled "Live Explosion". Recorded without overdubs on September 1, 2006 at the Sternwheel Regatta show in Charleston, West Virginia, which featured QUIET RIOT, WARRANT and HYDROGYN. The band was able to fully capture its performance featuring all of its incendiary rock songs from their "Bombshell" CD before an enthusiastic crowd. "Live Explosion" will be available via digital distribution only in the U.S. starting in July 2007. HYDROGYN will also release a multi-format video CD, which will feature footage from the Sternwheel Regatta show in Charleston, West Virginia; the entire pay-per-view show from the Strip 'Em Blind U.S. tour; the U.K./French Sex N' Sin tour to include acoustic performances; the original videos for "The Sand" and "Breaking Me Down" from the "Best Serverd With Volume" out-of-print CD and behind-the-scenes footage of the band in the studio; at band practice and on tour. The video CD will be available via their official website in the summer 2007. More...
Hydrogyn Post 'Breaking Me Down' Video Online
West Virginia's HYDROGYN has uploaded its promotional video for the song "Breaking Me Down" at this location. The track comes off the band's debut album, "Bombshell", which was released through Chavis Records.
Destroy All Records Entertainment will release HYDROGYN's "Live Explosion", a digital-download-only concert recording captured during the West Virginia-based band's summer 2006 shows in Charleston; Huntington, West Virginia and Dayton, Ohio.
According to a press release, "Live Explosion" finds the band "delivering over-the-top versions of songs from their highly acclaimed 'Bombshell' CD to enthusiastic crowds in the Eastern United States. The release includes never-before-heard arrangements of 'Bombshell' songs which make the live HYDROGYN experience highly stimulating to the ears. A brand new [previously unreleased] song is included in the release."
Look for "Live Explosion" to hit the digital world in May. More...
Hydrogyn Announce European Dates
West Virginia's HYDROGYN has fully confirmed the first part of the upcoming European tour which will begin in the U.K. in late February. The initial dates are as follows:
Feb. 23 - The Tavern - Wigan, UK
Feb. 24 - Rock City - Nottingham, UK
Feb. 25 - Cert 18 - York, UK
Feb. 27 - Adelphia - Hull, UK
Feb. 28 - TJ's - New Port - Wales
Mar. 01 - Gasworks - Bradford West Yorkshire, UK
Mar. 02 - The Tunnels - Aberdeen, Scotland
Mar. 05 - The Underworld - London, UK
Mar. 09 - French Promotional Tour With UNDERCLASS - Paris, France
Mar. 10 - French Promotional Tour With UNDERCLASS - Paris, France
Mar. 11 - French Promotional Tour With UNDERCLASS - Paris, France
Mar. 12 - French Promotional Tour With UNDERCLASS - Paris, France
Mar. 15 - Theatre Barbey - Bordeaux, France
Mar. 16 - BCS Cafe - Poitiers, France
Mar. 17 - Anciens Abattoirs - Cognac, France
Mar. 18 - Signing Session / Le Grand Cercle - France
Mar. 19 - French Promotional Tour With UNDERCLASS - France
Mar. 20 - Le Nouveau Casino - Paris, France
Hydrogyn Announce More Tour Dates
Hydrogyn kicked off their 'Strip Em' Blind Tour' in Baltimore, MD on May 15th and have been criss crossing the US ever since supporting their highly successful debut release 'Bombshell'. Part of the tour has been taken out of the conventional club or venue and injected into premiere strip clubs across the US where the dancers and Julie mix company with the band creating a spectacular show.
The band will continue their US trek and have announced additional dates:
Aug 4, Pure Gold, Lexington, KY
Aug 6, Columbia Gold
Aug 11, Dayton, OH
Aug 12, Pullman Square, Huntington, WV
Aug 18, Lady Godiva's, Huntington, WV
Aug 19, Rally On The River
Aug 25, Gibson Showcase, Nashvile, TN
Sept 1, w/ Quiet Riot & Warrant
Sept 2, Back To School Show
Sept 16, Pikeville, KY
Sept 22-23, Monterrey Metal Fest, Monterrey Mexico
Additional dates to be announced.
Hydrogyn Announce New Bassist
West Virginia's HYDROGYN have announced the addition of bassist Chris Sammons to the group's ranks. "Chris is replacing the now departed Dave Moody," the group write in a statement. "Chris comes into the band delivering a thunderous playing style and keen knack for playing in the pocket. Chris adds new dimensions to the HYDROGYN sound and brings a wealth of knowledge on his instrument from years of study in jazz.
"Chris has been rehearsing with the band for the past month and played his first gig with HYDROGYN at CBGBs in NYC this past Saturday, June 17th."
HYDROGYN's new album, "Bombshell" — which features a cover of SKID ROW's "18 and Life" (audio found on their Myspace page) — was released through Chavis Records. Audio samples can be heard at the band's official web site, www.hydrogyn.com.
Hydrogyn Announce "Strip Em' Blind" Tour Dates
HYDROGYN launched the "STRIP EM' BLIND TOUR" on May 13th at the House of Rock in Baltimore. The latest tour dates are as follows:
May 26 2006 9:00P @ ELKS CLUB, ASHLAND, KY
Jun 3 2006 12:00P @ LADY GODIVA'S, Barboursville, WV
Jun 15 2006 8:00P @ Monkey Bar W/Skid Row, Huntington, WV
Jun 16 2006 8:00P @ Jaxx W/Funny Money, Springfield, VA
Jun 17 2006 9:00P @ CBGB's, Lower East Side of Manhattan, NY
Jun 23 2006 10:00P @ HOUSE OF ROCK, BALTIMORE, MD
Jul 2 2006 12:00P @ Covington, KY
Jul 14 2006 7:00P @ Sharkey's Pool side Lounge, Dayton, OH
Aug 11 2006 8:00P @ Sharkey's Pool Side Lounge (Dayton Marriott), Dayton, OH
Aug 12 2006 9:00P @ RIB FEST, HUNTINGTON, WV
Aug 19 2006 9:00P @ Rally on the River, Ironton, OH
Sep 1 2006 6:00P @ CHARLESTON REGATTA WITH ROCK 105, Charleston, WV
Hydrogyn To Embark on Strip Club Tour
Chavis Records/DA Records and West Virginia's legacy FM radio station Rock 105 have announced The Strip Em' Blind Tour featuring HYDROGYN. Beginning this month, HYDROGYN will embark on the Strip Em' Blind Tour and will be rockin' the hottest strip clubs across the US. HYDROGYN will also mix in conventional shows across the US beginning this week (May 13th) in Baltimore playing with Funny Money (Steve Whiteman, KIX) at the House Of Rock. More tour news and dates to be announced.
Hydrogyn's latest album, "BOMBSHELL" with the cover of 18 & Life is now in stores. The limited edition release with Back in Black is no longer available.
Hydrogyn's "Bombshell" Being Re-pressed
With Hydrogyn's new hit single '18 & Life' blasting airwaves across the US, Chavis Records / DA Records have received numerous inquiries from fans, radio stations, distributors and media on how to get their new cover track '18 & Life'. Starting in April, "Bombshell" will be released with the new track '18 & Life' replacing 'Back in Black'. The initial pressing of Bombshell, featuring the track 'Back in Black', is now considered a limited edition collector piece.
'18 & Life' gained high profile notoriety by rockers Skid Row whose debut was released in 1989 and produced by Michael Wagener.
This limited edition dubbed the 'Back In Black' version is still available, but in very short supply.
Hydrogyn Releases "18 & Life" Single
Chavis Records has sent the following release:
"In yet another monumental turn of events radio and media giant Clear Channel pick up the newly released single ’18 & Life’ recorded by HYDROGYN. Radio stations WAMX 106.1 FM, WKEE 100.5 FM, and WKLC 105.1 FM and others throughout the western region will spin ’18 & Life’ in regular rotation. Chavis Records / DA Records are proud to announce our association with Clear Channel and look forward to expanding our music throughout the US."
"‘18 & Life’ gained high profile notoriety by rockers Skid Row whose debut was released in 1989 and produced by Michael Wagener. Call your local radio stations and request HYDROGYN – ’18 & Life’."
Chavis Records To Co-Brand Hydrogyn Release
Chavis Records / DA Records have teamed up together for the co-branded release of "Bombshell" by HYDROGYN. Here is the background:
"HYDROGYN guitarist Jeff Westlake sets out to build a "compelling and modern day heavy rock tour de force" like no other, something that stands out in the forefront of today's rock scene. Music fortified with radical riffs, intelligent lyrics with massive hooks all delivered by a eye-catching front lady with a multi octave range. The formula used is set to conquer all facets of the rock genre without sacrificing credibility. With the band intact and gaining incredible momentum, HYDROGYN gains affiliations with Eagle Distributing Company and soft drink giant Pepsi. HYDROGYN enters the studio with legendary producer Michael Wagener (Metallica, Skid Row, Ozzy Osbourne, Motley Crue, Alice Cooper) to begin recording BOMBSHELL in 2005. Endorsement deals with Randall Amps, Washburn Guitars, Pearl, and Vic Firth soon follow in rapid succession. With the completion of BOMBSHELL, it is time to drop the bomb into the scene that is HYDROGYN which means putting together a team of professionals with like minded goals to help propel the band to stratospheric limits.
"One independent record label kept coming up in conversation with key industry personal - Chavis Records. Jeff contacts CEO Bill Chavis and the talks begin. After months of discussions, sharing ideas and action plans, both sides knew this would be a great team and began to develop the plan of attack. HYDROGYN also enlisted the expertise of Chris Keaton Productions, a major player in the music industry, responsible for publishing and consulting. Chris brings a wealth of music industry knowledge to the team and shares the same passions and commitment about music and the project as does HYDROGYN and Chavis Records.
With team HYDROGYN in place, it is now time to let the world know. With tour dates, major shows, media and publicity campaigns currently in the works, 2006 will prove to be the year that the HYDROGYN bomb explodes WORLDWIDE!"