Archive for April 7, 2009

Satyricon “The Age Of Nero” – this is serious Metal

Posted in Album Review, Drums, Guitar, Heavy Metal, Metal, Metal Reviews, Music, Vocals with tags , , , , , , , , on April 7, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

175248311As “Commando” kicks in, there is no glimmer or hint that Satyricon “The Age Of Nero” is going to disappoint. The groove heavy Black Metal and black as night lyrics are two powerful characteristics of this entire great album. “The Wolfpack” pick up where “Commando” leaves off, with unrelenting and extremely likable riffs and leads that has me nodding, knowing that Satyricon has quite possibly created an album, that is the very best in all of Metal for 2009. “Black Crow On A Tombstone” is indicative of just how Satyricon can be creatively dark and creepy, both lyrically and musically, without over stating any traditional or obvious themes. In my opinion, throughout “Age Of Nero”, I hear nothing less than rock solid confidence through Satyr’s vocals and guitar playing. A serious approach musically has captured Black Metal greatness in a black bottle for Satyricon.

I admire the respect Satyricon has for the Black Metal genre, when I listen to “Age Of Nero” I am reminded of this every black blissful second. Frost on drums is nothing short of amazing. Frost clearly demonstrates what drums should sound like in Metal, distinct as well as blazingly black in overall sound. Satyr and Frost combined have made “Age Of Nero” an instant classic for me. Satyricon and “The Age Of Nero”, is a justified statement that Black Metal is a permanent musical fixture in the world today. The Metal community has their strong and lean Doberman Pinscher in their backyard – it’s name is Satyricon.banner2

Papa Roach “Metamorphosis” – leave your stress behind!

Posted in Album Review, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Heavy Metal Reviews, Metal, Metal Reviews, Music, Rock, Vocals with tags , , , , , , , on April 7, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

9231226What Papa Roach has created with “Metamorphosis” is a Hard Rock meets Heavy Metal good time. My favorite tune, (like many fans I’m sure), is “Lifeline”. An inspirational hard rocking song that is a can’t miss if you are looking for an uplifting moment in Metal. This song pretty much says it all, about the emotions and tribulations that many people are going through in our society at this moment. “Days of War” is a cool and heavy intro – the perfect start for any Heavy Metal album, a strong prelude to get your adrenaline cooking. “Change or Die” is the lead song, very heavy with strong & aggressive  vocals and a pumped up tempo. Every song on “Metamorphosis” is a winner for me, a straight up – melodic ride. This album is an essential listen for leaving your troubles behind you, just move forward with Papa Roach!

Papa Roach the band and “Metamorphosis” the album is not dated! The musical totality of this album is as sincere as it is catchy. Bands do progress, try different styles musically and Papa Roach has proven to me, that they are one of the very finest at broadening the heavy scope, making Hard Rock and Heavy Metal diversity very, very, cool and appreciable. “Metamorphosis” is a must listen for all Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal fans alike, Papa Roach has made this possible by bridging the gap.

Papa Roach is: Jacoby Shaddix on vocals, Jerry Horton on guitars and backing vocals, Tobin Esperance on bass guitars, programming and backing vocals and Tony Palermo on drums, percussion and backing vocals.

Papa Roach – Stripped Performances (Live Video)!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, Rock, Vocals with tags , , , , , , on April 7, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

[clearspring_widget title=”Stripped Performances (Live)” wid=”492203f58fcd497b” pid=”49dab003fb6f516e” width=”300″ height=”250″ domain=”widgets.clearchannelmusic.com”]

What is “dated” music anyway?

Posted in Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, Power Metal, Rock, Vocals with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 7, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

metalodyssey1I cannot apply myself to the acceptance of dated music as having any existence. If, there does exist dated Heavy Metal, Rock, etc., then, what would Classical music be considered as? Classical music would have to be called dark ages-super dated. Please note, that I do not consider Classical music to be dated whatsoever. The building blocks of all popular music we listen to today are from Classical music! What makes me shake my head in wonderment is, the professionally paid critics and experts that are out there consistently using the terminology of dated sound – dated music in their respective reviews. It has become so common place, such the norm recently, that I actually state in my unpaid – unprofessional Metal reviews that a particular album or band does not sound dated!

I would never consider the thought to ever, not in a million Metal years, say to the likes of legendary bands such as AC/DC, The Rolling Stones and Motorhead –  that they sound dated. AC/DC and The Rolling Stones really have not changed their style for decades and they will still fill arenas and stadiums, playing all of their classic tunes from decades ago. Not to get off the Metal highway, however, I do have the upmost respect for legendary, contemporary recording stars like Tom Jones, Smokey Robinson and  Tony Bennett. These three gentleman, to this day, draw an audience that knows NO boundaries when it comes to age, race and gender. Are there pro-paid experts and critics out there who would dare say these three timeless vocalists are dated? 

I embrace the old adage – what once was old is new again. I am no fashion guru, yet when I stroll around the mall and see what is being worn by people of all ages, there are times when you do feel like it is 1974, 1985 or 1991 all over again. Why should that be so bad? If anything else, music can and has been trendy, that is a more realistic observation. Are denim jeans dated? What about new televised game shows? Are rubber tires on an automobile dated too, just due to the fact that rubber tires have been around for decades? Are The Boston Red Sox dated because they play their home games in the historic Fenway Park? Not too shabby a team this past decade for being dated. Is planet Earth dated? Heck, this big blue globe we live on has been around for quite some time and it just keeps on doing the same stuff, like spinning around in the solar system constantly.

To sum up my main point, the next time you read a paid expert’s review declaring how the new and veteran Metal bands sound dated, that Thrash Metal, Death Metal and Black Metal have been recycled enough, just snicker and pity these writers out there who have yet to find a clue. Gee, I am worried now, am I dated?