Archive for melodic rock

EVILYN STRANGE – Announce Third Single ‘Everything’ From Forthcoming Album ‘Mourning Phoebe’

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, melodic rock, Music, rock music, rock music news, rock singles with tags , , , , , , on April 7, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Evilyn Strange_Everything - promo cover

EVILYN STRANGE are proud to announce their new single, Everything through Thirteen772 Music. The digital only single is taken from the band’s forthcoming debut album, Mourning Phoebe.  This follows on from the recent success of the song, ‘Love Finds You’, which hit number 4 on the Rock/Metal Hot New Release Chart over at Amazon (UK). The release is also a good opportunity to thank the internet radio stations, DJ’s and websites who have supported the band.

“We really appreciate the contribution that those guys make. They enable people to hear what we do and, just as importantly, let them know that we exist!” says Phillip Strange (vocals/bass).

Alongside Phillip, the band also features Al Strange (drums, backing vocals), and Mikael Johannesson (lead guitar). The trio have co-produced eleven songs with Chris Hughes at Oscillate Studios, Manchester (UK). More details can be found at the bands Official Facebook page… Evilyn Strange

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Stone Says: Evilyn Strange has delivered once again! Everything balances a Hard Rock essence with Melodic Rock splendor. Phillip Strange has the vocals that resonate with both Classic Rock and Modern Rock grandeur, atop this textured song that also showcases the striking guitar playing of  Mikael Johannesson. This trio comprising Evilyn Strange are masterly at their craft and will continue to win fans over worldwide with such accomplished songs as Everything.

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More Info:

Official Twitter:
https://twitter.com/EvilynStrange

Spotify:
http://open.spotify.com/artist/3LMtSV4i5ZbAdCsCJJa3yB

Amazon:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=ntt_srch_drd_B00898E4ES?ie=UTF8&field-keywords=Evilyn%20Strange&index=digital-music&search-type=ss

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LONG LIVE EVILYN STRANGE.

Stone.

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FAITHSEDGE – Announces New Management And Album

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, melodic rock, Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on December 17, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Faithsedge - Promo Banner - Group Pic - 2012

California based rockers FAITHSEDGE has inked a worldwide management deal with Germany’s Rock N Growl Management. The follow up album to the debut is tentativley called “The Answer Of Insanity” is a concept record based on stories from singer/songwriter Giancarlo Floridia’s life that lead up to the first album with an intresting twist at the end. It’s sure to be melodic, progressive and intense!

After the critical acclaim of the Faithsedge debut around the world the band has a new keyboard player Eric Ragno. Eric is internationally known for being on many melodic rock albums such as Fergie Fredrickson (Toto) and Trixter’s return album New Audio Machine and many more. Eric has also done many live gig’s from playing with legends like Graham Bonnet (Rainbow) to also playing with vocal icons of other genre’s like Dawn Robinson of En Vogue.

Faithsedge - Large Logo! - 2012

FAITHSEDGE:

Giancarlo Floridia – Vocals, Guitar

Alex De Rosso – Lead Guitar

Tony Morra – Drums

Eric Ragno – Keyboards

Faithsedge is a heavy Heavy Metal/Hard Rock/Progressive project started by singer/songwriter Giancarlo Floridia in Huntington Beach, California, in early 2009. Giancarlo has a solid musical background, having previously worked with renowned producers such as Mike Talanca (David Bowie/Foreigner) and Juan Croucier (ex-Ratt) among others.

Faithsedge - Giancarlo - Alex - promo pic - 2012

Giancarlo contacted producer and bass player Fabrizio Grossi (Steve Lukather/Alice Cooper) after not only being impressed with his work on numerous albums as a producer but also with his amazing bass playing skills. Fabrizio has worked with some of the biggest names in the most diverse music genres (George Clinton, Ice T and Cypress Hill are among his endless list of collaborations) and after hearing Giancarlo’s demos put together an incredible band to back up the project along with himself playing bass duties and producing the resulting debut CD.

Alex De Rosso joined Faithsedge on guitar. Having handled live lead guitar duties in Dokken, with whom he toured the world and shared the stage with the likes of Scorpions, Whitesnake, Ratt, Warrant and Firehouse among others, Alex has also played on many critically acclaimed albums with artists such as Joseph Williams (Toto/Disney’s The Lion King), Kelly Hansen (Foreigner/Hurricane) and Pamela Moore (also known as Sister Mary from Queensryche’s concept album ‘Operation Mindcrime’).

Tony Morra completes the line-up on drums. Tony owns his own studio in Nashville, Tennessee, the Downtown Batterie and has played with many great artists such as Rebecca St James and Van Zant among others. He is also credited for playing on the Grammy Award winning album ‘Songs From The Neighborhood – A Tribute To Fred Rogers’ in 2006 and for touring as a member of pop legend Stevie B’s Band and Sweet Sensation. Tony has also played drums for different movie soundtracks such as ‘Chronicles Of Narnia’ and ‘Just Married’ to name a few.

The resulting effort is a perfect mix of Hard Rock, Heavy Metal and Progressive, with lots of vocals and hooks, shredding guitar solos, pounding bass and drums and plenty of melodically challenging songwriting. ‘Faithsedge’ was mastered by Tom Baker of Precision Mastering (Judas Priest/Motley Crue).

Faithsedge - Group Promo Pic - 2012 - #1

For more info on FAITHSEDGE, click on the links below!

facebook: Faithsedge

http://www.faithsedgemusic.com

http://www.giancarlofloridia.com

http://www.alexderosso.com

http://www.downtownbatterie.com

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LONG LIVE FAITHSEDGE.

Stone.

Chicago’s Circle Of Fate Release Highly Anticipated New Single “The Other Side Of Me”

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, melodic metal, melodic rock, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , on December 11, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Circle Of Fate - Group Promo Pic - #1 - 2012!

Dec. 11, 2012 – Chicago, IL – Much to the excitement of fans across the globe, Chicago melodic rock outfit Circle Of Fate released their new single The Other Side Of Me digitally on December 1, 2012. For the last 15 years Circle of Fate has been captivating audiences all over the world and now with their new single, fans of the band will not be disappointed! Lead vocalist and founding member Michele Caruso says, “The song is a punky song about different sides that a woman has to her. You never know what you are going to get. The songs, as always, are open to interpretation to the listener.”

Circle Of Fate features Michele Caruso on Lead Vocals. Michele has done jingle work for Chicago’s hit radio station B-96, and has also been an extra on a Bud Light commercial. On top of all that, Michele was on the Howard Stern show, singing one of her original songs. The show was also aired on live radio, CBS, and E-Entertainment. She has has performed jingles for Chicago’s rock station Q101 and Mancow’s Morning Madhouse where she sang the Gateway Chevrolet song live on the air.

Danny Charatin is feaured on Lead Guitar and Backing Vocals. Danny has been playing the guitar now for about 22 years. Danny’s past bands include Destiny, Moriah, Latent Fury and Ion Vein. Danny has also done some studio work in the past. He has played shows out-of-state to fill in for other bands and has a blues influence in his playing. He also enjoys playing classical pieces. Danny says, “My ideas and style fit perfect with Michele’s melodies and style. Together it’s the perfect combination for real music that comes from the soul”. Most recently the band acquired two new members; Lynn Parkinson on Drums – Lynn has been in the industry for many years and has played many styles of music. Bassist Jimi Swanson has also been in the music industry for a number of years and has been in many national acts such as Energy Vampires and Odette.

Michele describes Circle of Fate’s music as, “A break from the mundane. Our music has great melodies and it’s in your face rock. Our music tells a story and leaves you wanting more.” Andrew Dodge of Blog Critics touts, “This is quite simply driving metal that is done with lots of feeling and ability. If you are into good metal delivered well, then check this lot out soonest, you will be glad you did!” The band’s 2010 break-out release ‘Back To Life’ captured the attention of the music public at large and the response was no less than astounding. Described as “Pop rock with metal undertones”, Circle of Fate’s ‘Back To Life’ is an amalgamation of catchy melodies and hooky rhythms. Produced by Larry Sturm, who has worked with top music artists such as Destiny’s Child, Mary J. Blige and Disturbed, the CD garnered rave reviews worldwide.

Circle Of Fate - Group Promo Pic - #2 - 2012

Here’s what the press raved about Circle Of Fate’s ‘Back To Life ‘CD:

“As Circle Of Fate brings on their heavy repertoire, they may be one of the best bands blending classic hard rock sensibility with modern rock trends, and that in itself is quite an accomplishment. Recommended!” – Dangerdog Music Reviews

“Given a few spins, this one grows on you. It’s good tradesmen like performance highlighting Caruso’s vocal and Charatin’s rather tasty guitar playing. Keep an eye on this outfit for sure!” – Glory Daze Music Magazine

“Circle Of Fate will be the biggest band out of Chicago since the Smashing Pumpkins!” – Rocktober Magazine

In recent news, Circle Of Fate has been asked to perform on Chicago’s Late Night TV program ‘Seven On Ridge’. Danny explains, “We recently were asked to play for the ‘press release’ for the show ‘Seven On Ridge’, which is a new late night show in Chicago. We were booked for a slot on the show and they had to change the date due to extra taping they needed to do for producers in China. We will post the date we will be on once it’s announced. The host of the show is Michael Essany and he formerly had his own show on the E network.” You can see more on the show at http://www.sevenonridge.com

In the past year Circle of Fate has returned to the studio to record a new album, in which the new single “The Other Side Of Me” will be featured on “The new material we are recording will be our 5th CD for original members Danny and I,” explains Michele “With two new members on this CD we are very excited that this will give COF a fresh ‘edge’ in the music scene while keeping our own unique style. This extra ‘edge’ will keep Circle of Fate in the public eye and our fans wondering, ‘What will this band do next?’ This new CD will cross new thresholds for our band and will take us to the next level.” Adds Danny, “The new CD still contains much of Michele’s catchy melodies and strong lyrics, but the music has reformed to having a different edge to it than in the past. We started off on a lighter note on past CDs such as ‘Shades Of Gray’ and ‘Inner Sanctum’, which were more melodic. ‘Dawn Of A New Era’ was much heavier. The new album being put together contains a couple of strong ballads along with heavier faster paced songs such as ‘Too Much’, ‘What If’ and our new single ‘The Other Side Of Me’. We believe when the album is finished it will be a great listen from beginning to end with a nice flow from song to song, so when the CD is finished playing you are wanting more.”

Producer extraordinaire Eric Greedy, who has worked with such music legends as Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Elton John, Steven Tyler, Brian Wilson, Rage Against The Machine, Guns & Roses (the list goes on and on), produced two songs on the new CD. Also, formerly from Slash’s Snakepit, Matt Laug played drums on the two tracks. Both cuts wre mastered by industry legend Big Bass Brian, who’s impressive list of clients include the likes of Alice Cooper, Black Eyed Peas, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Grateful Dead, Hall & Oates and Kiss, just to name a few.

In closing the band has this to impart to their fans and listeners, “We have been together for over 15 years now and truly appreciate all of the support of our fans and listeners. You mean everything to us. We work very hard to not only put out great studio albums but to put on great live performances as well. As always, please spread the word and Step into the Circle… You’ll be glad you did!”

To purchase Circle Of Fate’s “The Other Side Of Me” single: http://www.circleoffate.net/Circle_of_Fate/Store.html

More Circle Of Fate Info:

http://www.circleoffate.net

http://www.reverbnation.com/circleoffate

http://www.zazzle.com/circleoffateband*

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(Source: Glass Onyon PR)

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LONG LIVE CIRCLE OF FATE.

Stone.

WISE GIRL – S/T 3 Song EP Is An Inviting Listen Into Melodic, Power Pop/Rock

Posted in Hard Rock, melodic rock, Music, power pop rock, rock albums, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on December 7, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Wise Girl - Large Logo!!

WISE GIRL – On Monday, December 3rd, I posted a press release featuring the 5 piece Melodic, Power/Pop Rock band known as Wise Girl. This talented band from NYC has a 3 song EP available on iTunes for just under $3 (U.S.) and it’s worth every Rockin’ penny. After I’ve listened (many, many times) to this Wise Girl EP, my only wish is for a full-length album from them… and soon! Um, please.

Sure, the lyrics of Wise Girl’s songs may not be about dragons, skulls, gore, insane keg parties and the fiery depths of hell; my Metal mind is cool with that and it’s all good. The exclamation point is that Wise Girl Rocks like yummy ear candy; while fusing an abundance of retro feel within their ultra relevant Rock sound.

There are those (not so often) occurrences when I hear a new (non-Metal) band for the first time and I wish I could be a record executive at a well-known record label and sign them on the spot. Wise Girl is one of those occurrences to my ears… and senses.

Then again… I’m the dude that feels Cheap Trick should have been inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame many years ago. On that off-topic note, there’s a bit-O Cheap Tricky vibe that does resonate from some of the melodies of Wise Girl, I will confidently add.

Abby Weitz - Wise Girl - Andrew Gardner Photo - #1 - 2012

Abby Weitz

(Photo Credit: Andrew Gardner)

As I listen to the vocals and guitar of Abby Weitz, I cannot resist being reminded of my very early teen years and introduction to The Runaways (and eventual) Joan Jett solo albums. However, that was then and this is now. My appreciation for the Rock sound that Abbey Weitz is creating with Wise Girl feels so right to me. The mainstream should either move or get out of Wise Girl’s way. It’s a band like Wise Girl that clearly defines what a musically primed (underground) Power/Pop Rock band sounds like in 2012.

Abby and her band have created three songs that are clearly the welcome mat to what I believe will be an astounding Rockin’ and Rollin’ career for them. With such an over abundance of crap vocalists and bands winning the “lottery” on televised talent shows these days, Wise Girl is a solid-as-steel reminder to me that credible (Rock) musicians are out there, earning their way up the ladder and glowing with the skills to make a difference in the (severely) watered down mainstream of Power/Pop Rock.

You can purchase the Wise Girl songs Set In Stone, Wishful Thinking and Roles Are Reversed on iTunes, by clicking on the link below! Whoa!

http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/wise-g…

For more detailed band info and the musical background of Abbey Weitz, click on the link below! Hey! Whoa!

WISE GIRL – New York Power Pop/Rock Band Wise Girl Debuts Self-Titled EP

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For more info on WISE GIRL, click on the links below!

http://www.wisegirlmusic.com

facebook: Wise Girl

http://www.myspace.com/wisegirltheband

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LONG LIVE WISE GIRL.

Stone.

ERIC MARTIN – MR. BIG Frontman To Embark On Acoustic Tour Of Europe This November

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, melodic hard rock, melodic rock, Metal, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on July 29, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

ERIC MARTIN – Legendary singer Eric Martin of the also legendary, chart-topping and Melodic Hard Rockers, MR. BIG, will be embarking on an acoustic tour of Europe this November. As reported on MR. BIG’s facebook:

Dear BIG fans in Europe, Eric Martin is going to hold an Acoustic Tour on:

November 2 at the Woodstock (Como, Italy)

November 3 at the Il Peocio (Trofarello, Italy)

November 13 at the Outbaix (Ubach Palenberg, Germany)

November 15 at the Hamtorkrug (Neuss, Germany)

November 17 at the Bluesiana (Velden, Austria)

Don’t miss EM and his guitar! We will keep you posted when more details come! – DW

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Eric Martin photo courtesy of Frontiers Records

For more info on ERIC MARTIN, click on the link below!

http://www.ericmartin.com

For more info on MR. BIG, click on the link below!

http://www.mrbigsite.com/

LONG LIVE ERIC MARTIN.

LONG LIVE MR. BIG.

Stone.

Beggars & Thieves “Innocence” (Official Music Video) – Stone’s Metal Pick Of The Day!

Posted in aor, classic rock, Hard Rock, melodic hard rock, melodic rock, Music, rock music, rock music news, rock music videos with tags , , , , , , , , on June 17, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

BEGGARS & THIEVES – The successful and critically acclaimed comeback album, We Are The Brokenhearted, from Beggars & Thieves was released back in 2011; on November 29th in North America and December 2nd in Europe, via Frontiers Records. Below is yet another very cool music video, inspired from Innocence, heard on the new album.

The Melodic Rock and Hard Rock of Beggars & Thieves weaves their past glory of sound with their present on We Are The Brokenhearted. Plus, once you listen to the new songs from Beggars & Thieves, you shall become convinced that Classic Rock and AOR never says die! I dig this new music video, Innocence is proof that Beggars & Thieves are once again at the top of their Rockin’ game!

The idea of adding some Rock ‘N Roll eye candy to this Innocence music video was genius! Whoa! Oh, um, yeah… back to the song. Innocence can easily get stuck in your head; the melodic flow to this song is terrific. Louie Merlino on vocals and Ronnie Mancuso on guitar have never sounded better! Beggars & Thieves is a band I will always gleefully recommend to any fan of Melodic and Classic Rock. Metal be thy name.

We Are The Brokenhearted – Track Listing:

We Come Undone

Oil & Water

Innocence

Never Gonna See You Again

Beautiful Losers

Seven Seconds

Stranded

Wash Away

Midnight Blue

We Are The Brokenhearted

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For more info on BEGGARS & THIEVES, click on the links below!

http://www.beggarsnthieves.com/

FRONTIERS RECORDS

LONG LIVE BEGGARS & THIEVES.

Stone.

FOOLS FOR ROWAN – Nashville Based Rock Band Releases New Single on iTunes: “Killed A Man Today”

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock news, melodic rock, Music, rock bands, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on June 4, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Los Angeles, CA – Fools For Rowan pleases their fans once again with their new single, “Killed A Man Today“. The track, off their forth-coming EP, Who Killed Amanda Day?, is currently available on iTunes. The Nashville five-some will also be releasing a new music video to accompany the song.

Known for powerful vocals and fierce guitar progressions, Fools For Rowan are by no means new players to the Rock scene; touring with artists like Evanescence, Halestorm, and Trapt, a national college tour, and three invitations to play Summerfest, are just a few of their many achievements. The band is comprised of five very diverse and equally talented musicians and together they bring a tough, but emotional stance to the table through their lyrics and sound.

Recorded and engineered by Stoker White at Omnisound Studios, in their hometown of Nashville, “Killed A Man Today,” arose from Fools For Rowan’s partnering with producers Shaye Smith and Ken Harrell, as well as mixing and mastering from Beau Hill (Winger and Ratt). The drop of the new single is not only heavily awaited by fans, but also by the band, “We’ve been working on this for a while now so I am just dying to finally get it out there and get it in the hands of the fans that have supported and inspired all of this!” says lead vocalist, Erin Mullins.

Fools For Rowan is making impressive conquests in the rock scene and is a force to be reckoned with as they proceed to gain exposure. Their music video for “Dead” has been featured on Fuse TV On Demand and the band was named one of iHeartRadio’s Artists to Watch, as well as one of the “Hot 100 Unsigned Artists” by Music Connection Magazine. If “Killed A Man Today” provides any sort of looking-glass into the future, then expect great things from their sophomore album, Who Killed Amanda Day?

For more information, check out Fools For Rowan’s website or Facebook page.

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(Source: LaFamos PR & Branding)

LONG LIVE FOOLS FOR ROWAN.

Stone.

HARDLINE – “Danger Zone” Official EPK; Album Out Now Via Frontiers Records

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, melodic hard rock, melodic rock, Music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on June 2, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

HARDLINE – Check out the Official EPK for the new Hardline album Danger Zone below! This being the fourth studio album for Hardline, Danger Zone was released on May 18th in Europe and May 22nd in North America, 2012, via Frontiers Records.

Hardline is back and their Melodic Hard Rock sounds better than ever!

HARDLINE:

Johnny Gioeli – vocals

Alessandro Del Vecchio – keyboards and backing vocals

Thorsten Koehne – guitars

Anna Portalupi – bass

Francesco Jovino – drums

DANGER ZONE – Track Listing:

Fever Dreams

10000 Reasons

Danger Zone

What I’d Like

Stronger Than Me

Never Too Late For Love

Stay

I Don’t Wanna Break Away

Look At You Now

Please Have Faith In Me

Show Me Your Love

The Only One

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For more info on this HARDLINE album, click on the link below!

 FRONTIERS RECORDS

LONG LIVE HARDLINE.

LONG LIVE MELODIC HARD ROCK.

Stone.

SUNSTORM – ‘Emotional Fire’ – The Legendary Joe Lynn Turner and A Melodically Rockin’, Solid Album of Songs

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, heavy metal news, melodic hard rock, melodic rock, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on February 27, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

SUNSTORM – Excuse me for my uncontrollable smile as I write this… the legendary Joe Lynn Turner has returned again with another studio album of 100% pure Melodic Hard Rockin’ energy with Sunstorm and it’s titled: Emotional Fire. With such an extensive history of music and vocal sessions that Joe Lynn Turner has been an integral part of, coupled with talented songwriting from Soren Kronkvist, Tom and James Martin and Daniel Palmqvist, the 11 songs heard on Emotional Fire are beaming of both AOR and Melodic Hard Rock/Rock ultra-quality.

With the undeniably talented nucleus of Sunstorm still intact, this third album from them is one to play loud and over again. Joe Lynn Turner is so close to perfect on vocals on Emotional Fire that it’s scary. Okay, Joe’s vocals sound perfect to my ears anyways. While I listen to Joe sing Gina, I’m thinking hell, covering a Michael Bolton song is not a bad move at all. Just a terrific up-tempo song that resonates with melodic fever.

The opener for Emotional Fire is an inspiring listen called Never Give Up. Both musically and vocally, Never Give Up is signed, sealed and delivered with absolute emotion. This is a Hard Rockin’ song to listen to when the Metal chips are down, whoa. The title track, Emotional Fire, is an exquisite listen into the legendary vocals of Joe Lynn Turner. The vocal harmony from Joe Lynn Turner  just rises to the top and spills over throughout this title track (and entire album for that matter).

Please understand, that this is not about a “once a fan, always a fan” album review for Sunstorm and Joe Lynn Turner. This is about letting those who care know, that Joe Lynn Turner is still a premiere Hard Rock vocalist and after all these years, doesn’t give off a single micro-sign of vocal fatigue. Sunstorm is a side project that is tailor fitted for Joe Lynn Turner. Whether it’s an oozy ballad (All I Am) as this album’s closer or a much heavier hitter like Torn In Half, Joe Lynn Turner can belt out the notes with seamless and confident execution.

The musicians of this Sunstorm project are a treat to listen to. Uwe Reitenauer on guitars is all about Classic Rock meets Hard Rock delight. The rhythm section of Chris Schmidt (drums) and Dennis Ward (bass, partial guitars, backing vocals) are rocklike and play with an affluent flair. Justin Dakey on keyboards gives this album a retrospective feel and vibe that will have you wishing MTV was a real Rock music video channel once again.

Any fan of Classic Rock, Melodic Hard Rock/Rock and AOR should dance themselves silly around their neighborhood after listening to Emotional Fire. Sunstorm and Joe Lynn Turner fans will understand what I mean by that preceding sentence. Emotional Fire is a can’t pass-up album for 2012. Give yourself the gift of quality Melodic Hard Rock this year and buy this new Sunstorm album! Oh, yeah… Metal be thy name.

Emotional Fire was released on February 24th, 2012, via Frontiers Records.

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Emotional Fire – Track Listing:

Never Give Up

Emotional Fire

Lay Down Your Arms

You Wouldn’t Know Love

Wish You Were Here

Torn In Half

Gina

The Higher You Rise

Emily

Follow Your Heart

All I Am

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Emotional Fire was produced and mixed by Dennis Ward.

For more info on SUNSTORM, click on the links below:

http://www.joelynnturner.com

FRONTIERS RECORDS

LONG LIVE JOE LYNN TURNER.

LONG LIVE SUNSTORM.

Stone.

MECCA ‘Undeniable’ – A Melodic Rock Album Which Accentuates AOR Quality

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, melodic rock, melodic rock bands, Music, rock albums, rock bands, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on January 7, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

MECCAJoe Vana, vocalist and founding member of MECCA, has once again assembled a group of seasoned musicians to showcase their skills on Undeniable. This being the sophomore release from MECCA, it firmly establishes why Joe Vana has all the reason in the world to carry out his musical visions. Released back on November 29th in North America, on Frontiers Records, Undeniable is undeniably melodic and lyrically engaging.

Wether it’s the mid-paced ballad Did It For Love or the steadier rocker W2W, MECCA bestows the talent  for creating a mood within the song that compliments its respective story. Undeniable isn’t going to Rock your face off, instead this album will entertain with its eleven songs of emotion filled vocals from Joe Vana and soothing melodies that do soar, with the title track being a fine example of this. Joe Vana’s vocals are so identifiable for Melodic Rock and he easily seizes these songs on this album.

Life’s Too Short and Perfect World are two songs where MECCA combines philosophical lyrics with AOR quality that too often is missing on current American FM playlists. MECCA presents their music with intelligent lyrics, still the sappy meter does explode on such tracks as Did It For Love and From The Start. It’s the quality of the song, courtesy of the musicianship of MECCA, that makes me overlook any sappy saturation that happens lyrically. If you’ve ever been, want to be or are in love, these songs are accurately relevant.

In a Melodic Rock nutshell, MECCA has proven they can make me fall for the mellow and semi-hard side of Rock once again, with their respect for quality at every turn being a cumulative highlight for my ears. Undeniable is an album that also captures the spirit of AOR with its inspired vibes ever-present and lifeless moments nowhere to be found. This is an album of songs that belongs on my top shelf, I won’t be storing it away anytime soon.

Fans of Survivor, Toto, REO Speedwagon, Bryan Adams, Mister Mister and Foreigner (to name a many few) should  enjoy the Rockin’, soothing and melodic ride that MECCA takes on Undeniable. AOR and Melodic Rock fans across the board could justifiably find many, if not all of these songs on Undeniable difficult to forget.

MECCA:

Joe Vana – vocals

Joey Vana – guitars, backing vocals

Brian Moritz – keyboards

Paul Pisciotto – synthesizers

Wally Hustin – bass

Rick Vitek – drums

Mark Alano – guitars

UNDENIABLE – Track Listing:

Perfect World

Closing Time

Ten Lifetimes

Life’s Too Short

I Know

Did It For Love

From The Start

Deceptive Cadence

W2W

Undeniable

As I Walk Alone

* For more info on MECCA, see the links below:

FRONTIERS RECORDS

http://www.myspace.com/meccaofmusic

LONG LIVE MECCA.

Stone.

House Of Lords – ‘Someday When’ (Official Video): From 2011 Album ‘Big Money’

Posted in aor, classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, melodic rock, Music, music videos, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on December 28, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

HOUSE OF LORDS – Released back in September of 2011 on Frontiers Records, Big Money is the eighth studio album from House Of Lords. The Melodic Hard Rock and AOR flavor of Big Money boils over, reminding me once again, what a tremendous listen this album is. Someday When is a song from Big Money and is enriched with a symphonic sound from the keyboards, elevating the mood and feel of this song.

Hard Rock, as with any music genre, is presented in countless styles. House Of Lords is no exception. Someday When exemplifies House Of Lords capturing their unique musical creativity and style, while allowing it to soar. Take a look and listen to Someday When below. I hope you enjoy this song and video as much as I do!

HOUSE OF LORDS:

James Christian – vocals

Jimi Bell – guitar

Chris McCarvill – bass

Bj Zampa – drums

HOUSE OF LORDS – BIG MONEY (Frontiers Records/2011)

* For more info on HOUSE OF LORDS, click on the links below:

HOUSE OF LORDS – Official Website

FRONTIERS RECORDS

LONG LIVE HOUSE OF LORDS.

Stone.

MASS – Louis St. August Interview: Discusses The “Sea Of Black” Album With Metal Odyssey!

Posted in christian rock, classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on December 8, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

MASS & Louis St. August – If there is that one excellent album from 2010 that I was late in grasping my ears onto, that album is Sea Of Black from MASS. Louis St. August (vocalist) and his band wrote a complete album of songs with Sea Of Black, there is no question in my Metal mind about that. An all inspiring listen that encompasses me is Sea Of Black, song after song. Add the fact that this album Rocks so solidly for me, that I can’t resist telling the world that Sea Of Black is a must acquisition from 2010.

The Right Side and the title track are two heavy hitters on Sea Of Black that are tailor-made for an open-air festival, with both songs carrying an anthem vibe and own unique message of spirituality. All The Years Gone is my favorite song on this album. This song sparks my thoughts to drift in retrospect, as I think about my own life and personal moments. MASS essentially created an amazing album with Sea Of Black. I find this album’s decisive appeal in its walloping sound of later 80′s Arena Rock commingling with a Hard Rock sound of today.

Louis and his band sound so sharp and reclaimed on Sea Of Black that it’s downright infectious. I recently was afforded the opportunity to ask Louis some questions regarding this Sea Of Black album. Louis was amicable as always and here’s what he had to say:

Stone: What was the chemistry like with the band, as you wrote and recorded “Sea Of Black”?

Louis: The band was itching and ready to get started on a brand new MASS album since our last release (Crack Of Dawn) was well over three years ago and with some of those songs recorded at various places and times. So “Sea of Black” was a more of a complete album for us and a real back to how we like to record. Myself and Gene would get together a few times and just set some basic foundations like melodies and basic song structure. We would then take it down to band rehearsals and Michael and Joey would all add their ideas and we were on our way building Sea Of Black.

The band was tight and we knew exactly what we were going to do before we entered the studio. The chemistry was great and the band laid down all twelve basic tracks in just two days. Then we added additional guitar tracks, lead solos, Lead vocals and backup vocals wrapping up the recording part of it in a little more than three weeks time.

It has been a while since we recorded a full album in just one studio and it was perfect. A week later the tracks were flown to Sweden where Martin Kronlund mixed and mastered the album. Every time a song was mixed we would all listen and tweak it until it was to our liking! Thank god for today’s technology that we can now work with overseas producers.

Louis St. August – 2011

Stone: I personally feel “Sea Of Black” is the best Mass album in your catalog. Were you at any point, aiming to create the best Mass album ever or did you just let fate take control?

Louis: Obviously you always go in with the intentions of trying to create the best album you possible can and try to surpass the last release. But it really does come down to fate on how it will all end up sounding in the end. With Sea of Black we really wanted to get back to more of our roots and style and what MASS was all about with big Guitars, Big Drums, Big Vocals and Big Bass. A “MASSive” sound you might say. (Laughs). I think we achieved that and the great reception from our old fans, new fans and media proved it.

Stone: Your intro vocal scream on “The Right Side” reminds me of Ian Gillan’s vocal intro on “Highway Star”. Was this a deliberate salute to a classic vocal moment in Rock history or an original idea of yours?

Louis: (Laughs). Funny you said that I remember saying that to Gene in the studio that it sounded very “Ian Gillanish”. So I am keeping it in. I am honored to have any comparisons with such a great Rock Icon for he was one of my many vocal idols growing up. But actually the scream is sort of a little trademark I have done over the years. It started with our first album where I do a similar scream on “Watch her walk”, then on our “Take you Home” album on a song called “Want it Back” and there may be a few others too. (Laughs).

Stone: Where, what or who did you draw inspiration from when writing the lyrics and/or music for “Sea Of Black”?

Louis: Most of the lyrics I write are autobiographical something I have personally experienced in my life or have either seen on the news, read in a book or witness happening to a friend. Songs like “Falling From Grace”, “The Right Side” are about my personal beliefs in accepting God into my life and choosing the right path for me. A song like “Justify” was written about 911 and how I felt on that and “Thru The Rain” is about war itself.

On “Till We Meet Again” I simply just put myself in the shoes of an old friend who recently had lost his dear wife, soul mate, lover and friend and how I would react and feel if it were to happen to me. The song is dedicated to the lovely Kyle Sweet (Wife of Michael Sweet of Stryper) who sadly passed away from cancer whom we had the pleasure of knowing for a short time.

Stone: Is MASS stronger today than they have ever been as a band? Is the present day for MASS a “New Birth” part two?

Louis: Yes I believe we have persevered over the years and have finally come to a point where we have gained much attention and respect from the music industry on what we started here in Boston over 30 years ago. Now in our late 40’s we appreciate what we have accomplished, created and are very thankful for all our loyal fans that have stood by us over the years. For we are truly nothing without them!

It does feel like a New Birth part two in a way, with a great 2010 being one of our busiest years with 3 releases and 2011 with continued rise in album sales and with some great recorded live performances to boot. Who knows what the future holds? With that we look forward to recording our ninth album this winter and releasing it worldwide in 2012! So stay tuned MASS fans, the best is yet to come!

* For more info on MASS, click on the link below:

MASS – MASS ROCKS.COM

LONG LIVE MASS.

Stone.

BEGGARS & THIEVES – “We Come Undone” Official Video!

Posted in aor, classic rock, Hard Rock, melodic rock, Music, rock music, rock music news, rock music videos with tags , , , , , , , , on December 6, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Beggars & Thieves – The comeback album from Beggars & Thieves, We Are The Brokenhearted, has recently been released on Frontiers Records in North America on November 29th and in Europe on December 2nd. We Are The Brokenhearted brings back the AOR, Classic/Melodic Rock sound that Beggars & Thieves are so solid at creating. Louie Merlino (vocals) and Ronnie Mancuso (guitar) are once again proving their songwriting and musicianship belongs heard and enjoyed by their fans of yesteryear and new fans of today.

Check out the official video below for  We Come Undone. Also check out the special guests on this video: Ron Keel, Jake E. Lee, Paul Shortino, Blas Elias, Sunset Thomas and quite possibly… Gene Simmons. We Come Undone is a great song from a fabulous band. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

We Are The Brokenhearted – Track Listing:

We Come Undone

Oil & Water

Innocence

Never Gonna See You Again

Beautiful Losers

Seven Seconds

Stranded

Wash Away

Midnight Blue

We Are The Brokenhearted

WELCOME BACK BEGGARS & THIEVES! 

* For more info on this album, click on the link below:

FRONTIERS RECORDS

Stone.

DAUGHTRY “Break The Spell” Album & “Outta My Head” – Here’s What Stone Thinks…

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, melodic rock, metal odyssey, modern rock, Music, rock bands, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on November 28, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Okay, I’ve listened to the new & third studio album from DAUGHTRY, Break The Spell, several times over now. It ROCKS. Damn it ROCKS. Memorable songs. Damn memorable. That’s fine. The only thing is, I had to ring that Rock ‘N Roll bell earlier this afternoon and blow a Rockin’ kiss to the F’n sky. For Stone cannot tell a Metal lie. Why?

Cause

Outta My Head

Has Made Me

Psyched Out Of My F’n Rockin’ Mind!

And…

Metal Be Thy F’n Name.

LONG LIVE DAUGHTRY.

Stone.

Metal Odyssey Mulls Over: Why Are Classic Rock Bands Re-Recording Their Greatest Hits?

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, melodic rock, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on November 16, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

I am not a curmudgeon when it comes to cover songs. Actually, I’ve always embraced a good (and sometimes) excellent cover song and/or album of such songs. I like to look upon a cover song as celebrating the Rock historical impact of its respective original. When a Classic Rock band “re-records” their own songs from the past, they are essentially covering their own songs. The preceding sentence sounds a tad silly huh?

My admiration for a multi-vast number of Classic Rock bands is real and I’ll use four current and legendary bands as examples for this post, all in which have toured extensively while releasing new studio albums in recent years: KISSJourney, Foreigner and Styx. No doubt, I’ve enjoyed listening to all four of these bands re-recorded compilations. The classic quote “what’s old is new again” can seriously be applied to the recent re-recordings of these highly influential bands.

The above mentioned bands each have a catalog of albums that span four decades plus, therefore, breathing a newfound energy and modern relevance into their classic songs is not such a negative move. Or is it? I don’t want to come across as hypocritical when I say “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” or “nothing beats an original”, especially after I’ve stated that I’ve enjoyed these bands rejuvenated greatest hits. Certainly there is money to be made from these four bands re-recording their classics, however, the generations of new fans that are recruited, due to the lure of these re-recordings, is what really matters. In turn, these new fans will (hopefully) keep the Classic Rock flame burning for many years to come.

Even though I spend the money on re-recorded greatest hits from these bands, it doesn’t mean I’ll ignore the original material and look upon it as dated. Truth be told, I’d much rather listen to the original (1978) Pieces Of Eight by Styx and Foreigner’s (1978) Double Vision albums before I reach for the newly re-recorded comps. I’m old school, yet I’m also for moving forward as well. Numerous Classic Rock bands have moved forward, with lineup and lead vocal changes being an inevitable part of the Rock business model. Longevity doesn’t guarantee that an original lineup stays intact and re-recording songs from long ago unites the past with the present.

KISS, Journey, Foreigner and Styx each have earned a brand recognition in the global music marketplace, each carrying on their unique style of Classic Hard Rock, without compromising the quality I have grown to expect from them. I guess when it’s done right and with reverence to the song, any Classic Rock band can re-record their classics for the world to hear and enjoy. At the end of my Metal day, re-recordings from these four bands I’ve discussed or from any Classic Rock band for that matter, is history that I don’t mind hearing and being repeated. Of course I may not like every re-recorded song (or cover song) out there. What I do like is knowing the door to Classic Rock’s past will never be closed anytime soon.

LONG LIVE KISS, JOURNEY, FOREIGNER & STYX.

LONG LIVE CLASSIC ROCK.

Stone.

FAITHSEDGE – Second Album Studio Report! All The Cool Details!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, melodic rock, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on November 2, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

FAITHSEDGE – The Hard Rockin’ brain trust of FAITHSEDGEGiancarlo Floridia (vocals & guitar) and Fabrizio Grossi (bass & producer), have done a video/interview, where they both discuss in detail all you need to know about their second forthcoming studio album! Take a listen below all of you FAITHSEDGE and Hard Rock fans out there… and get your update now!

* This video interview was done by ROCK ON! Press. Click here to visit their site: ROCK ON! Press

FAITHSEDGE ROCKS!

* For more info on FAITHSEDGE, click on the links below:

FAITHSEDGE – Official Website

FAITHSEDGE – facebook

LONG LIVE FAITHSEDGE.

Stone.

WITHIN TEMPTATION – To Play Unplugged Show For Pinktober Charity

Posted in charities, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, melodic rock, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, symphonic metal with tags , , , , , , on October 22, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

As reported on ROADRUNNER Records.com:

Within Temptation will be performing an unplugged set at the Hard Rock Café in Cologne, Germany on November 17, in support of the “Pinktober” charity campaign to raise funds for the fight against breast cancer.

The performance will take place at 4 PM local time, and will be followed by a signing session. Tickets for this event cost 10 Euros, and will be sold exclusively at Hard Rock Café’s Rock Shop in Cologne.

The first 20 visitors who present a ticket for Within Temptation‘s E-Werk concerts in Cologne on November 16 and November 17 will be granted free admission to the performance at Hard Rock Café.

Singer Sharon den Adel said, “Breast cancer remains one of the most common life-threatening cancers affecting women: One out of eight women will get breast cancer in her life. Every 13 minutes a woman dies of breast cancer. It is therefore very important to keep a high awareness level of the subject in the general public. I am very happy to make a small contribution with my band to a regular event such as Hard Rock Café’s Pinktober campaign.”

* For more info on WITHIN TEMPTATION, click on the links below:

WITHIN TEMPTATION – Official Website

ROADRUNNER RECORDS

* For more info on HARD ROCKS campaign for PINKTOBER, click on the link below:

Pinktober 2011 – Hard Rocks Campaign For Breast Cancer Awareness

LONG LIVE WITHIN TEMPTATION.

MAY PINKTOBER & THE FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER WIN.

Stone.

Kimball Jamison – Can’t Wait For Love (Official Music Video): A Melodic Rock Gem Of A Song

Posted in album oriented rock, classic rock, Hard Rock, melodic rock, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on October 8, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

KIMBALL JAMISON – Alright, it’s time to get those psyche-out ostrich bumps to rise up on your arms and face from an amazing song that boasts two legendary Rock vocalists: Bobby Kimball and Jimi Jamison. Trust me, I am still trying to shake the psyche-out fever I’ve contracted from Can’t Wait For Love. The dual vocal harmonies from Bobby and Jimi, on this song, are instantly identifiable and surely ever memorable.

Can’t Wait For Love Rocks in an elevated style, while showcasing the magical vocal fires that Kimball Jamison are combined. This is an AOR and Classic Rock gem of a melodic song, one that only Bobby Kimball and Jimi Jamison’s vocals could bring to such a heightened level of inspiration. Bobby Kimball is most famously known for his vocals and musical contributions with Toto. Jimi Jamison’s career is highlighted with his successful years he spent as a lead vocalist and songwriter with Survivor.

Check out Can’t Wait For Love below and crank it up! I hope you enjoy this song  as much as I do.

* Kimball Jamison releases October 14, 2011 in Europe and October 18th, 2011 in North America on Frontiers Records.

KIMBALL JAMISON – Track Listing:

Worth Fighting For

Can’t Wait For Love

Sail Away

Chasing Euphoria

Find Another Way

Get Back In The Game

I Did Everything Wrong

Shadows Of Love

Hearts Beat Again

We Gotta Believe

Kicking And Screaming

Your Photograph

* For more info on this Kimball Jamison album, click on the link below:

FRONTIERS RECORDS

LONG LIVE BOBBY KIMBALL.

LONG LIVE JIMI JAMISON.

Stone.

THE POODLES “I Want It All” – This Song and Music Video… Indubitably ROCKS!

Posted in glam metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, rock music videos with tags , , , , , , , , , on September 13, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

THE POODLES – The song I Want It All by Sweden’s very famous Hard Rockin’ and Heavy Metalin’ band, The Poodles, has it all. Uplifting with its melodic vibrations and inspirational with its lyrics, I Want It All is a song that has motivated me recently, while trying to deal with crap that life sometimes throws my way. Take a listen to I Want It All for yourself below and maybe this is the song you need to pick yourself up with today.

I Want It All is the opening track from The Poodles 4th studio album: Performocracy. I’ve written before about this Performocracy album and I can’t recommend it highly enough. In my Metal opinion, The Poodles have released one of the years best in Melodic Heavy Metal/Hard Rock albums. Jakob Samuel on vocals is as underrated as they come and this band plays some damn memorable songs on Performocracy.

Performocracy was released in North America on May 3rd, 2011, via FRONTIERS RECORDS.

* For more info on THE POODLES, click on the link below:

THE POODLES – Official Online Headquarters

LONG LIVE THE POODLES.

Stone.

Toto and Jefferson Starship – My Early FM Radio Introduction To Melodic Hard Rock

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, Hard Rock, melodic rock, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on August 29, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

During the late 70′s I was just a kid and (almost) ready to become a teenager. I’ve written before that I did not own many cool albums in the late 70′s. ELO (Out Of The Blue), Foreigner (S/T), Foreigner (Double Vision), KISS (Double Platinum), KISS (Dynasty), Paul Stanley (KISS – solo album) and Cheap Trick (At Budokan) were really the only albums I owned going into 1980.

I had some cool 45′s. Queen and Bad Company come to mind. Really. I was twelve years old in 1978 and just happy with what I had. My main source for finding out about new and “old” Rock Music (besides American Bandstand and Soul Train) was the mighty FM dial on my beloved radio.

Many of us know how it was to listen to FM back in the day. It was exhilarating to say the least. No MTV. No internet with youtube and band websites. Streaming music was stuff of science fiction back then. I hate sounding old, yet those late 70′s were the good old days. My FM radio I had received as a Christmas gift from my parents, when I was in sixth grade, was pure Rock N’ Roll gold to me back then.

I try to tell my daughters about how things used to be and they just giggle and shake their heads at me. They can’t picture a world without the internet being their #1 source for music. I can’t blame them at all. I used to shake my head at my Dad too, especially when he would tell me that a double-feature at the movies only cost a quarter.

I recently had two Classic Rock songs that began playing in my head, (no, not at the same time). These two songs I vividly remember hearing on the Connecticut FM stations: WCCC, WHCN and WPLR for years, stretching right into the 80′s and beyond. During those last two years of the 70′s decade, these two songs were a grand introduction of Melodic Hard Rock/AOR to my young ears. Here they are:

JEFFERSON STARSHIP – Jane (Freedom At Point Zero - 1979)

I remember when I first heard Mickey Thomas singing Jane and I was in awe that a guy could sing such high notes. I only thought Freddie Mercury could do that back then. Hey… my young ears weren’t introduced to Rob Halford just yet. Jane popped into my head and it made me realize that this song justifiably Rocks for me, after all these decades. I kinda get psyched out when I still hear it.

Side notes: Rock Music is also a damn cool Rockin’ song too. The amazing thing about this Jefferson Starship album is: I’ve never owned it! Hey… it doesn’t come cheap on CD right now either. Apparently Freedom At Point Zero is out of print. Try $40 (U.S.) used and $70 (U.S.) new. Those are the current prices on Amazon.com. Whoa!

TOTO - (S/T – 1978)

When I used to hold my FM radio up to my ears late at night, all those years ago, I would pray that Hold The Line would be the next song played. What is it about Hold The Line that makes it not lose its Rockin’ appeal? It’s a song that has been played on FM radio (and now) Classic Rock FM stations a million times since 1978. Now, every time I hear it, I get pumped up. I summarize that this song is obviously timeless… for me. I’m certain there are those of you who might agree.

Side Notes: Unlike Freedom at Point Zero, I didn’t let this Toto album get away. I never owned this Toto debut album on vinyl. Yes, it did take me years to finally buy it on CD too. If my Metal memory serves me correct, I bought this Toto CD back in 2000. Whoa! After listening to this entire Toto album, all I kept wondering to myself was: what in the hell took me so long to buy this incredible album of quality Classic Rock? Go figure.

LONG LIVE TOTO & JEFFERSON STARSHIP. 

LONG LIVE CLASSIC ROCK.

Stone.

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