Charity Spotlight: Sage's Army Receives Donation From Never Take It Off Jewelry Sales

Sharon, left, and Chip, right, present a check from Never Take It Off to Sage's Army's Carmen Capozzi

It's always a heartwarming experience when a person or an organization voluntarily supports a good cause.  And we felt that warm feeling on June 14, 2014 when we had the opportunity to present a generous donation to non-profit organization, Sage's Army, on behalf of Juliet Simms' vow jewelry company, Never Take It Off.

The partnership between Helping Hands Rock Reviews and Never Take It Off started in late 2013, when Never Take It Off created its "Helping Hands" line and offered to donate a portion of the proceeds to one of the charities we support through our publication (see our interview with Juliet Simms for more details).  The launch of the line was very successful and, within a few months, Never Take It Off sent us a check to present to Sage's Army.

We cannot say enough good things about Never Take It Off.  Not only do they make cool jewelry, but each piece they sell comes with a list of vows of positive encouragement to "never give up, never back down and never stop trying."  And if that alone wasn't impressive enough, their commitment to supporting charities like those close to the hearts of Helping Hands Rock Reviews really shows the good hearts of the people behind the company.

Speaking of good hearts, we have to give some love to Sage's Army as well.  After Carmen Capozzi experienced the loss of his son to a heroin overdose, he made it his personal mission to begin reversing the heroin epidemic that devastated him and his family.  Sage's Army speaks at schools, works with legislators, and distributes information to children, families, communities, and others facing the threats posed by the pervasive drug problems in the United States.

We are proud to be part of this partnership with Never Take It Off and Sage's Army that has already contributed to making a difference in the world!

Concert Photos: Stryper Performing at Altar Bar in Pittsburgh, PA on June 12, 2014

Michael Sweet

Through These Walls Bursts Back With New Single, New Style

After a debut album that scored them multiple radio appearances and prime slots opening for national acts, Pittsburgh's Through These Walls found themselves gearing up for their sophomore release, Time Is A Storm, amidst changes and challenges.  Today, the hard rockers released "Into Dawn" - their first new single since their 2011 album, Suicide Doll.

The track was recorded after the departure of long-time bassist, Ryan Goodworth.  And the style of the song is a pretty significant departure from their strict modern metal roots, with its Vans Warped Tour-friendly tones and melody.

Helping Hands Rock Reviews recently caught up with Through These Walls' vocalist/guitarist/bassist, Chris Callen, to discuss these changes and the direction for their future music, as well as what's ahead for the buzzworthy band.

Part of Seattle's New Sound, Cole Childers Lights It Up With "Aurora"

A Seattle-based musician. 

Wearing a plaid shirt in his promo photos. 

Citing Kurt Cobain and Eddie Vedder as influences.

This story will have a predictable ending to it, right?

Wrong!

Everything one might expect from an artist with the above characteristics is quickly and emphatically proven wrong with one listen to Aurora, the new EP from fast-rising Pacific Northwesterner, Cole Childers.  The six songs that make up Aurora are a diverse blend of thoughtful and thought provoking pieces of art, with enough overdrive to win over the hearts of today's most discriminating metal lovers without alienating the mainstream.

Helping Hands Rock Reviews recently had the opportunity to pick Childers' brain about the new EP and what lies ahead for the Jet City songwriter.