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Diamond Lane ®



Last Updated: 11/19/2009

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Status: Single
City: San Francisco, San Jose, Hollywood
State: California
Country: US
Signup Date: 1/15/2005

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Tuesday, November 17, 2009 


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMk-Udl6ufw

....a little taste of what's coming next.... 2010: Year of the Diamond....are you ready??

Tuesday, October 20, 2009 
2009 has been a whirlwind year for X&m Promotions. Prowler had an amazing showing at the Battle of the Bands. Spëktra are on the rise. New friends have been made, and even better, the shows have been amazing. All of this is has been amazing, but one band is a stand out from all the rest. That band is Diamond Lane. Diamond Lane has been in existence in Hollywood since April of this year, and there hasn't been such a clear cut, all out, balls to the wall, rock quintuplet such as themselves in a long while.

I've been given the chance to interview Brandon, lead vocalist of Diamond Lane, where we go over the history of Diamond Lane, the quick rise in the ranks of Hollywood's music scene, and how it felt to be a part of what would have been an amazing show featuring them, ZZ Top, and Aerosmith. These guys are definitely . . .

Diamonds In The Rough

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For those people who don't know who Diamond Lane is, please give us some insight on the band, the members, and how Diamond Lane was formed
.

Brandon:
Diamond Lane is the monster rock band hailing from Hollywood, CA. DL is the creation of Jarret and myself when we started writing tunes and playing together almost 10 years ago. At the time, the name ‘Diamond Lane’ was suggested to us and after a good laugh, the name actually made perfect sense; shine bright, no stop signs, keep it in the fast lane. The name felt appropriate then, and still does today. We’ll never relinquish such a stellar moniker.

After slugging it out for years in the San Francisco Bay Area as a three piece, we packed our bags and relocated to Hollywood in January of 2009 to expand the band and really give Diamond Lane the extra flavor it deserved. We started the networking ripe and early and were able to draft in the remaining members that we needed to round out the lineup; Bryant on drums, Rayzor on bass, and after a false start with a previous player, we’ve got Ruckus holding in down on the axe.



You definitely have a unique sound. How would you describe your sound and music to a person on the street?

Brandon:
In Diamond Lane, it’s all about writing honest kick ass music that we love to play and listen to. We don’t strive to sound like anybody but ourselves. We’ve gotten comparisons from all over the spectrum about certain stylistic elements here and there, but if I had to describe our music to someone who hasn’t heard?? I’d probably tell them that this is rock music that will kick your ass, shake you down, make you want to have a damn good time and anxiously wait to do it all over again. Sounds like my cup of tea!



What were the reasoning's for the relocation to Los Angeles/Hollywood?

Brandon:
The relocation of Diamond Lane was not only a choice, but a necessity. When you live in a place like the Bay Area, it’s almost like there is a cap on upward mobility, so after investing years into the scene, you realize staying there will only get you so far. Los Angeles is much more of a music Mecca, and it felt right to relocate, expand, and take that next step. Without doing that, we certainly wouldn’t be in the position that we are today.



What are the difference between San Fransciso's and Los Angeles' music scene?


Brandon:
Night and day! The biggest difference between the two would probably have to be the access to venues and opportunity to get your music heard. San Jose in particular has a serious lack of respectable venues, while in LA, there are dozens and dozens of quality places to play. Don’t get me wrong, the Bay Area is our home, and the fans can’t be beat, but there is something to be said about trying to create a thriving music community in an environment that isn’t necessarily conducive to that lifestyle and mentality --- it was an uphill battle in many respects, so we are thankful to be down here is Los Angeles continuing the fight. Sure, there are thousands and thousands of more bands than back home, but at the same time there is that much more opportunity to have your music heard.

The fact that your swimming with the sharks makes you work even harder and pay careful attention to what you’re doing, how you’re doing it and what you’re portraying. You get one opportunity to make a first impression. So far, so good. 



Within the year, you found a new bassist and guitarist. How have they contributed to the growth of Diamond Lane?

Brandon:
I’d say that the additions have enhanced the growth of Diamond Lane tremendously. Having two guitar players and dedicated musicians makes the world of possibilities present itself. The writing core of the band hasn’t changed, but now there are a few more spices in the spaghetti sauce.



What "spices" do Rayzor, Bryant and Ruckus bring to the Diamond Lane? Alos, describe each band member in one word, including yourself.

Brandon:
The addition of the new guys into the band certainly has provided an extra, even more delicious flavor. Like I said before, having great personalities in the group makes things so much more enjoyable and entertaining than they otherwise could be --- these guys certainly are characters in their own right, but also diligent workers and all around good friends. Also, there’s something to be said about that New Mexico chili! It always seems like such a good idea at the time!! To describe each of the guys in one word?? Jeez, I might have to stretch this a little . . .

Bryant: Larger-than-Life
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Rayzor: Godzilla-Stompin’
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Ruckus: Fearless
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Jarret: Riffmaster
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Myself: Unstoppable
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Chemistry is a huge factor when a band forms. What would you say makes Diamond Lane's chemistry effective compared to other bands?


Brandon:
Chemistry is essential. When Jarret and I were putting together the new lineup, we consciously sought out to find quality individuals. We didn’t want to go out and just find someone who dominates their instrument and is a hollow shell of a person. A band is a marriage, and we wanted to surround ourselves with like minded individuals who have a strong work ethic and a good head on their shoulders. After all, if you can’t stand to be around someone, it quickly turns something so pure and amazing into something forced; a chore. That’s nothing but counterproductive and a pain in my ass. I’m glad we did it the right way this time around.

All in all though, I’d say we have a great group of guys that are willing to break our backs for what the band calls for and wouldn’t have the slightest trouble stealing your girlfriends either Not a bad combo if you ask me!



Stealing girlfriends, huh? Care to go into detail about this subject, or is that all confidential? Ha!


Brandon:
Hahaha! I suppose there’s not much room for anonymity in these years – as soon as someone does or says something it’s plastered all over the internet, so in many respects, there is no privacy and everything is public record these days. I’d say that there is something to be said about owning who you are and what you’re capable of with supreme confidence. Stealing conjures up thoughts of being a thief, and thieves we are not. Pirates maybe, but certainly no thieves! The T.N.T. lyrics say it all!



You've played basically on every stage in Hollywood. Do you have a favorite venue, or is that still to be determined once you've added more shows under your belt?


Brandon:
You know, there are so many kick ass venues out here, and I’d say what stands out more for me than the venues themselves are the shows. We’ve had such a blast sharing our music with all the colorful characters out here. I like the intimacy of the Viper Room when that place is packed to fire code, like a sea of sardines get their faces kicked in. It’s a beautiful thing. Our Key Club shows also stand out in my mind --- that stage gives you a lot of room to do your thing.



You just opened for Steel Panther, which is a huge act in Hollywood. What other national acts would you like to open for one day?

Brandon:
That Steel Panther gig was off the charts. Those guys are not only hilarious, but total professionals! What national acts would we like to open for??? You know, that’s something I try not to think of too much, because that’s one of those things that is out of your hands --- it’d be great to get justice from the Aerosmith and ZZ Top shows. I’d love to go on tour with Lynam. Nickelback? Buckcherry? Sign me up. All I’m saying is that I think we could add a nice mixture to a variety of different rock bands ripping it up right now. Sooner than later a young band is going to come through and lead the charge with some kick ass, undeniable music. We’re fitting right in that glass slipper, so don’t be surprised where you see us next.



When you competed in the Battle of the Bands to open for ZZ Top and Aerosmith, what was the thought process while viewing the other acts compete? Winning? Cancellation of the show?

Brandon:
When we were neck deep in the competition you really have to take a step back and understand that the situation is ultimately out of your hands. The universe is going to place the right band for the slot where they need to be. All you can do is get up on that stage and leave nothing behind. You just have to do what you were made to do and hope all the other bands bring their ‘A’ game. I don’t want win something by being shoe-horned into the situation, I want to win because we were the best band for the job, and evidently, the radio station, bands and judges agreed. It was a very validating feeling to be acknowledged for such an amazing show that it makes all the hard work we've put into this band feel worthwhile. It even makes you hungrier to work even harder. This is just the very beginning of many great things to come.

We were privileged and extremely stoked at the opportunity. It was a totally bum deal that the tour got canceled. I’m not going to sit here and say we weren’t very disappointed, because it felt like someone ripped the wind from our sails, but this is one just of those things that you have absolutely no control over. In life and especially this business, you need to be ready for anything and learn to roll with the punches. I know that we’ll get our due justice from this when the time is right, and if anything else, we were hand picked for that spot and that speaks volumes all on its’ own.



So far, you've earned a quiet a following, and it seems to be growing at every show. How does it feel to be a band on the rise in a city such as Los Angeles?

Brandon:
It does appear that the shows keep getting bigger, and honestly, it feels great that people are being receptive to what we’re doing, seeing as how we’ve only been playing out here since April. I’m very appreciative of that fact. In a city with so many bands who seem to be competing with one another, it’s easy to get blended in the mix and forgotten, so it’s refreshing that people are identifying with and holding on to what we’re doing. There are some seriously die hard fans down here, and it feels like the tide is turning a little bit.

A lot of growth is happening on the streets because a handful of kick ass bands relentlessly supporting one another, and all the fans of those bands getting what’s going on here. Instead of alienating and hurting the scene for everybody it’s time to band together and bring some attention to some of the kick ass talent in this city. It’s time to look big picture with this thing.


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How has Myspace aided to the success of Diamond Lane?


Brandon:
I remember when Myspace started getting rolling a couple of years back, and initially, I was very resistant. I outright assumed it was another internet misfire that was going to fill my life with spam and unnecessary hassle. I couldn’t have been more wrong. When my better judgment got the best of me and we started using Myspace, I quickly realized what a valuable, and completely necessary resource it was. We’ve been able to have our music reach and effect people who might not otherwise have known we ever existed. Anybody with a band would be a fool not to capitalize on this.

At the same token though, it’s a double-edged sword. While the site provides a foundation for your music, image and brand name to be accessible by any person with the internet, the site is also very very convoluted and can be misleading. They’ve gotten a lot better at curtailing spam, but my inbox is still flooded with bands across the world who think we would be great “friends”. You almost get a kick out of the generic messages they attach with the requests, but as for us, that’s just not the way we do things. Every friend on our page is there because they are suppose to be. No blind mass request, just the real rockers.
I’ve seen so many bands become obsessive with page views, friend requests and bulletin posts, and think that just because they have a robot that juices their music player with half a million plays and pumps their friends list that they are in some fashion, a rock star, and don’t have to do any other work.

Well, what about that band with all those plays and friends and barely 20 people show up to their concerts? I’ve never understood that mentality and never will. Myspace needs to be used as a tool to help facilitate and promote your music in conjunction with actually getting off your ass to earn your fans and writing great music



Bands not backing up one another is a major problem in Hollywood. How do you stay positive in an environment that can be cutthroat at times?

Brandon:
It’s as simple as this. Bands who don’t back up other bands have no one but themselves to blame for their missed success. In a city with so many bands, I've read some 500+ bands play nightly out here, it’s a shame that there can’t be more of a community. Bands who look at this whole thing as competition instead of community are selling themselves short and missing the boat. Sure, it’s a competition in the sense that not everyone can get that crown, but to me, that has nothing to do with the other bands you’re “competing” with, that’s more of an internal quest.

It’s impossible to gauge your own success by the success of others’, so drop the bullshit and support one another. Every situation is different, just like every band is different. I could list a handful of bands right now that I’ll ruthlessly support and back up in any situation and vice versa. When you immerse yourself in the community, branch out and play nice, everybody wins because nobody likes an asshole.



The writing process is a tricky thing for musicians. What are some of the rituals Diamond Lane goes through while creating a new track?

Brandon:
I wouldn’t say there’s too much ritualism in the process. In Diamond Lane we’re big on serving the song. Generally, Jarret and I will canvas in the core of the idea – be it a monster riff, melody, lyrical idea – and run with it from there and get it smoothed out. If one of the other guys has a quality idea to add to the mix, or brings something else to the table, awesome. Every idea is worth trying because worst case you just move on from it. You’ll know right away if it works or not and you never really know when you have a hidden gem on your hands.

Other times it’s like the song almost writes itself, but it’s certainly not a process that you can force, not if you want it to last at least. You just need to make yourself available to tackle and harness those ideas once the inspiration comes. Especially in a town like this, with thousands of bands, the bullshit gets weeded out real quick and the goodness and real music will rise to the top. This ain’t rocket science, it’s art.


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Give us some details on your upcoming album World Without Heroes.

Brandon:
This record is something that Jarret and I have been looking forward to for years and years. Back in the Bay Area we created the title and initial mission, and after set backs and dealing with a lot of internal things, not to mention the member search and our eventual relocation down south, this record will finally see the light of day in the first part of 2010.

Bands these days seem complacent with putting out a record with one or two good tracks and the rest filler garbage. Attitudes like that make me sick, because it’s a responsibility to give music fans something worth consuming. Our motto on this one is “all killer no filler.” We just started demoing tracks and pre-production with Rev. Tom Chandler, who definitely has a big picture vision and we’re super pumped to get the ball rolling on this.

World Without Heroes will encompass what we sought out initially; to put out a record of bad ass rock music that is simply undeniable. That’s exactly what we’re doing, because that’s exactly what Diamond Lane is; Undeniable Rock n Roll.



What are a couple of your favorite tracks on World Without Heroes that you believe will turn into fan favorites?

Brandon:
A couple of my favorite tracks? Well, damn, that’s a real tough one. You see, in the process of writing so many songs to narrow down to the final batch, there are things and pieces from various tracks that really stand out for me. I don’t really have one favorite, because they all kick ass in their own way. I think that Open Fire is going to be a standout, but I’m not really in a position to say what I think the fans will love. Hopefully it’s the whole damn record, because that’s been the mission since the beginning.



Do you have any last words for the readers and for your fans?

Brandon:
Thanks to you Xander for the interview! You definitely have done your homework! To all the die hard Diamond Laniacs, thank you for your ruthless dedication in Hollywood, The Bay and beyond. We’re immensely looking forward to absolutely crushing you with World Without Heroes next year and will be hitting it harder than ever once it drops. It’s been a while on the horizon, but I promise, this is the record worth waiting for.

And to all the readers who aren’t yet fans, dip your toe in the Diamond Lane ocean and see how it feels…it’s never to late to find your favorite new band!

2010: Year of the Diamond --- we’ll be ready, will you???



Brandon, after this interview, I know I will be ready for the up coming album, and every single show that will follow. As said by Brandon himself, 2010 will be the year of the Diamond. Your future has arrived. Are you ready to go?

-Xander


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Currently listening:
Goin' Insane
By Totally Insane
Release date: 2006-06-06
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 

Current mood:  excited
We have just gotten wind that we have been chosen as a finalist by 107.7 The Bone in San Francisco to compete to open for AEROSMITH and ZZ TOP at Bone Bash X!!!!!!!!!!
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This is an extraordinary opportunity and we need all of YOU to make this happen. Diamond Lane will be playing live THIS Sunday July 26th @ The Saddle Rack in Fremont, CA. The show starts at 3 p.m. (DL's stage time will be determined soon) ---- the way this works is that a total of 12 bands will play over 2 separate dates and the one band who receives the most votes will receive the honor to open for these 2 legendary bands! This next point is critical:

We need all of your faces in the crowd!! Without all of you coming out and showing your support and voting for Diamond Lane, we won't have a shot in the world~ We need, we beg, we plead that you come out and support Diamond Lane this Sunday!! This will be our first Bay Area performance in over 2 years!! 

I can personally guarantee that this will be a performance worth catching! Tons of new material and an even fiercer version of Diamond Lane than you could imagine! It's a promise!! Besides, it's a Sunday afternoon and there's no better way to end the week~~~

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LOOKS GOOD DOESN'T IT??????????

For more information, visit: http://www.1077thebone.com/BB_BattleBands/tabid/741/Default.aspx and we CAN'T WAIT to see you all rocking out on Sunday!!!

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦CHEERS!!♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦
Currently listening:
Permanent Vacation
By Aerosmith
Release date: 2001-11-20
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 
Damn, time is blowing by real fast!! It's too bad, because we're just having such a good time over here! There's many things on the table right now but first and foremost we're now unleashing a brand-spanking new track called 'Born to be Your Master' that we recorded with Chris Rakestraw (Danzing, Motorhead ---- this dude seriously rocks) barely two weeks ago. It was in a single volume's up session that we pumped this out in....and needless to say, we can't wait for you to rip loose to the soundtrack and hear how much you're loving it!! This is just a little taste of some of the music that will be our album 'World Without Heroes' that we're trying to record and release around around years' end...we're still on the 'figuring out the how we're going to finance it, where it's gonna be and who's producing it' side of the coin....you'll know as soon as we do, and yes, we're always open to recommendations....

World Without Heroes Poster

Just thrown down on the books is a killer Friday show that we have coming up on August 7th @ The Key Club on sunset!! There is a lot of talent on this bill, so make sure you get your asses out early and support Diamond Lane kicking off the Cd Release night, 8 p.m. sharp! We're going to be unleashing a plethora of new tunes and this will be our first show out with Ruckus battling with us on axe duty, so don't be lazy and come out early....CHECK IT OUT!

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Last and certainly not least least is that our little Rayzor is officially all grown up, turning 21 this past weekend !!!! Make sure you seriously swing by his page and send him lots of glittery and flashing birthday salutations!! In celebration, we ripped it up to the maximum in true Diamond Lane fashion this weekend in Sin City...if they say a picture is worth a 1000 words, then the one's we have are going to be bankrolling the city with paperbacks! More on that to come......it's a whole 'nother story, as they say it!! 

...ok ok...just a taste...

Only the strong survive....in Vegas

Really and truly though, we're super excited for the rest of this year, and while there's much to be conquered, we can't wait to enjoy it and share with all of you!! Keep it rockin, blast the new demo track and WE WILL SEE YOU ON THE 7th!!!

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And don't forget to swing by the merch shop for your DL swag!! Everything is on special!! http://www.diamondlanerocks.com/products-page/

Bark at the moon!!! Owwwww Owww Owwwww!!!!

-Brandon // DL

Currently listening:
Bad
By Michael Jackson
Release date: 1990-10-25
Sunday, May 31, 2009 
So I was diggin through the archives this weekend and came across a track that was recorded for our EP but we never posted. This is not a NEW song, but maybe new to many of you. It's certainly a change of pace for us, so if you dig it, dig it, if not, no sweat~

We're gearing up to throw down some brand new recordings in the coming weeks...just getting the songs canvased right. It's ALL about the rock n roll, so the songs need to serve that justice...surely you can understand.....and I promise, it will be more electric and explosive than ever before....just my 2 cents~

I hope everyone is savoring the transition into summer and that you're making life everything it can be --- it's FAR too short to do anything otherwsie*~

Be well and keep it killer!

-Brandon // Diamond Lane
Monday, April 13, 2009 

Current mood:  thankful
Wooah wooah! I suppose it took a full weekend to recover from the madness of our debut show at The Viper Room this past Friday night.....and what a debut it was!! We first want to thank each and every one of you who came through and banged your head with us to make it a sold out show!!! It was a HUGE reception and it simply would not have been possible without all of you and your support!! Wether you traveled from down the street or across the country, your allegiance and belief in Diamond Lane is what makes this machine burn and turn....we simply cannot wait to get out there and rock you some more!! The Viper staff and everyone at SHP were a delight -- so thank you! As our appreciation, we have a FREE show for all the Hollywood maniacs and travelers alike, so all you have to do is print this flyer, and you're good as gold! A week from this Tuesday!! Let's do it all again!!



dragonfly1_inv




As for the madness of the the night, it truly felt great to finally drop the curtain and open the floodgates for Diamond Lane. To see so many people into the songs, savoring the atmosphere and giving the energy right back to the stage is quite a treat!! I know there were a ton of great photos snapped, so if you were rocking behind the lens, we'd love to see what you saw! Feel free to drop us a link and let us know!! Check our pics section for updated pics as we get them, and of course, the new ones will be added into the mix accordingly~~



[Deep Image Photos]
X19 Jarret
x19 group


Lastly, if you weren't able to make the madness, we found a video of a brand new song floating around on YouTube....check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGqJfUUuj9U

And as always, keep it killer and NEVER stop rocking~!!

CHEERS!!!

~Diamond Lane

Currently listening:
The Thorny Crown of Rock and Roll
By The Golden Gods
Release date: 2006-04-25
Thursday, March 05, 2009 
Hosted By:
Diamond Lane ® [April 10th debut @ Viper Room]

When:
Friday, April 10, 2009

Where:
The Viper Room
8852 W. Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood
90069

Description:
Catch the DEBUT show of Diamond Lane!! On Friday April 10th it's time to unleash the beast, so when the sun sets, the rock n roll begins!..

Click Here To View Event
Sunday, February 22, 2009 
Welcome to the show indeed......I'm posting to simply say that Friday April 10th will be a night to remember. It seems like ages ago that the journey began to find the perfect pieces of the puzzle to complete the machine that is Diamond Lane. Now that the sights are set and the plans have been laid, it's time to buckle down and give everyone who's been dedicated, as well as the lovely individuals we've squired along the way, both face to face and interfaced, something worth waiting for.

Friday April 10th @ The Viper Room in West Hollywood will mark the debut of Diamond Lane.

If you're half as pumped as we are, then surely, if applicable, you'll be there rocking your asses off, and in turn, getting your asses ROCKED*

Trust me on this, we can't wait to wine and dine you with some delicious rock n roll!!

...And who said life ain't grand??????

SHAKE SHAKE IT~*

-Brandon // Diamond Lane
Wednesday, January 14, 2009 

Current mood:  savage
After​ month​s of vigor​ous searc​hing,​ all the piece​s of the Diamo​nd Lane puzzl​e are compl​ete!​ We proud​ly welco​me Ray into the band,​ layin​g down the bass hot and heavy​ like Godzi​lla on steroids!​!​ Pleas​e hit up his page (in the top frien​ds)​ and welco​me him into the famil​y!​!​ Stay tuned​ on the new page for many new updat​es,​ websi​te launc​h,​ new merch​,​ and yes, the long await​ed retur​n to the live circu​it!​ It's time to rip the roof off.​.​.​.​.​.​.​get your danci​n'​ boots​ ready​!​!​!​ Cheer​s~​~​*​*​
Currently listening:
Bark at the Moon
By Ozzy Osbourne
Release date: 2002-06-25
Friday, December 12, 2008 
Just wanted to pen a little update about everything going on right now in the land of DL. We've been spending the last couple of weeks working through a batch of new tunes with the new lineup & things are coming together on such a different level, it's really feeling great. If you haven't already, go show Bryant 'The Giant' & Will "Rattlesnake" some Diamond Lane family love on their pages!!

We continue the search for the right bassist simultaneously and promise to bring the Thunder and lightning bolts reigning down from the high heavens' as soon as humanly possible.....the aim is the first part of '09~

The continued support from the original diehards and the fresh faces that keeps joining the family are welcome additions and motivations to raise the bar and deliver! With many great things on the horizon, we look forward to storming the front lines with you all and making this one hell of a rock n' roll experience!

Keep it loud, keep it honest and keep it ROCK!!

The calvary is on its' way.......

~~Brandon // Diamond Lane
Currently listening:
Chinese Democracy
By Guns N' Roses