Archive for January, 2011

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AMON AMARTH: “Surtur Rising” Album Cover Art and Track Listing Revealed! Band To Appear On 70,000 Tons Of Metal Cruise Later This Month!

Posted in Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on January 18, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Sweden’s AMON AMARTH are currently gearing up to unleash, Surtur Rising, the eighth studio offering in their critically revered pantheon of Viking-inspired Death Metal. Named in tribute to Surtur, leader of the fire giants of Muspelheim (“flame land”) and the oldest being in the nine worlds of Norse mythology, the record, which was listed among Decibel Magazine’s most anticipated albums of 2011, features 10 tracks of sword-wielding, fist-pumping, hyper climactic battle anthems. The followup to 2008’s monolithic Twilight Of The Thunder God full-length, was recorded, mixed and mastered at Fascination Street Studios Örebro, Sweden with Jens Bogren and features strikingly brutal cover art by Tom Thiel.

Surtur Rising Track Listing:

01. War of the Gods”

02. Töck’s Taunt – Loke’s Treachery Part II

03. Destroyer of the Universe

04. Slaves of Fear

05. Live Without Regrets

06. The Last Stand of Frej

07. For Victory or Death

08. Wrath of the Norsemen

09. A Beast Am I

10. Doom Over Dead Man

As an unofficial kick off to its release, AMON AMARTH will make a live appearance on the long anticipated 70000 Tons Of Metal Cruise, scheduled to take place from January 24th – 28th. The voyage will begin in  Miami, Florida, make its way to Cozumel, Mexico and play host to 40 bands including Voivod, Sodom, Iced Earth, Fear Factory and Obituary. For more info, visit: http://www.70000tons.com

Surtur Rising will be released in North America on March 29, 2011 via Metal Blade Records. Surtur Rising will be released in Europe on March 25, 2011.

http://www.myspace.com/amonamarth

http://www.amonamarth.com

http://www.facebook.com/AmonAmarthBand

http://twitter.com/amonamarthband

LONG LIVE AMON AMARTH.

Stone.

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Metal Odyssey’s Rock Music Book Pick: “A Brief History Of Album Covers”

Posted in album covers, book reviews, classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, Music, punk rock music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news, rock music reviews with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on January 18, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

A BRIEF HISTORY OF ALBUM COVERS – I recently discovered and bought a book that is about one of my favorite Rock ‘N’ Roll topics, that being album covers. A Brief History Of Album Covers set me back just $5 (U.S. funds). The store where I bought this cool book sells nothing higher than $5, hence the store name: Five Below. Now, this is not a used book store, nor a thrift store, all the variety of merchandise is sold as “new” at Five Below. There are a few of these Five Below stores in my area of Eastern Pennsylvania. Finding a book that interests me seems to be the norm, each time I visit a Five Below.

A Brief History Of Album Covers is an entertaining and insightful book to read. Author Jason Draper covers nearly 200 classic album covers, all in chronological order. From the debut and self-titled Elvis Presley album from 1956, to the (best of) Oasis album from 2006 – Stop The Clocks. From the Fifties to the “Noughties” as Jason Draper refers to the Millennium decade, he chooses album covers that are “the most iconic, unusual or representative” of each respective decade. It’s interesting and simply fun to see the album covers which Jason Draper has chosen for this book.

Each album cover has a brief write-up, with an anecdotal approach that works just well with me. Every album that is revisited has it’s respective cover pictured, in full color, along with it’s record label, release dates and songwriters. I find this book to be extremely helpful with it’s details that it offers. A Brief History Of Album Covers could have easily been a mammoth sized coffee table book, however, in this instance, the “less is more” school of thought comes together very attractively. This book has a soft cover and is 384 pages long. The oddball measurements (approximately) for this book are: 6 and 5/8″ x 6 and 1/4″.

There are not an abundance of Heavy Metal album covers found in Jason Draper’s research here and I quite honestly can live with it. Not everyone will submit the same list or book of what they consider to be the standout album covers that span 60 years. Iron Maiden’s third studio album from 1982, The Number Of The Beast is included, along with Van Halen’s 1984 and Led Zeppelin’s ultra-legendary sixth studio album – Physical Graffiti.

(Led Zeppelin – Physical Graffiti)

The diversity is seen here in A Brief History Of Album Covers that lends itself as a tribute to many Rock Music genres, only not all of them. From Frank Sinatra to Lynyrd Skynyrd with Pink Floyd and the Sex Pistols in-between, Jason Draper has accomplished a tidy celebration of album cover art. Sure, if it were my book on a history of album covers I would include representations from Black, Death and Thrash Metal without blinking a Metal eye. As I mentioned earlier though, not everyone will share the same opinion on an absolute list of decade defining album covers.

Even with the lack of Extreme Metal being represented within A Brief History Of Album Covers, I still strongly endorse this book and applaud Jason Draper for revisiting such a tremendous catalog of album covers. His interpretations of the album cover art he compiled, has made me look at these covers with an “open mind” once again. I also commend Jason Draper for paying homage to what is now quickly becoming an obsolete experience for younger generations of music fans, of being able to view and enjoy the album cover art that so often represents the respective music of the album and it’s creators. The LP does live on though, thanks to Jason Draper’s brief journey with all of these cool covers.

There are many interesting facts found in A Brief History Of Album Covers, both historic and artistic. One fact that I was reminded of, (due to my blatantly forgetting about), is the design similarity between Elvis Presley’s 1956 debut album and London Calling by The Clash, which was released back in 1979. Jason Draper refers to The Clash cover as “parodying” the Elvis Presley debut, only I beg to differ. My interpretation is The Clash are paying tribute to a true pioneer of Rock ‘N’ Roll, regardless if the initial intent was to be that of parody or not. Both the Elvis Presley debut album and London Calling are serious representations of their respective Rock genres, therefore the tag of “parody” realistically does not apply. Take a look for yourself below:

Elvis Presley (debut/self titled) – RCA Victor – 1956

The Clash (London Calling) – CBS Records (UK), Epic Records (U.S.)

* Jason Draper is the Reviews Editor for Record Collector Magazine, the United Kingdom’s longest running monthly music magazine, with distribution in the UK and worldwide. Jason Draper is described as a “true collector” on the inside back cover panel of this book… I would tend to agree he surely is, without knowing him.

* The foreword for A Brief History Of Album Covers was written by Paul Du Noyer. As the founder of Mojo (music magazine based in the United Kingdom), Paul Du Noyer has also edited many Rock Music reference books and is an author himself.

* A Brief History Of Album Covers was first published in 2008, by Flame Tree Publishing, based in the United Kingdom.

LONG LIVE ALBUM COVERS.

LONG LIVE THE POWER OF MUSIC.

Stone.

11 Comments »

EYEHATEGOD vs. The U.S. – More 2011 Tour Dates Announced!

Posted in Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, sludge metal with tags , , , , , , , , , on January 17, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Not yet satiated by the free booze and such available to them over the last few American jaunts, hardcore blues band EYEHATEGOD again prepare to ride around in a small crappy van and get as unhealthy as possible. The games will commence this February with a blatant hit to the Pacific Northwest in Seattle, Washington on February 5th at El Corazon. The performance will coincide with the club’s six-year anniversary. From there, the depraved New Orleans-based sludge miscreants will  preach to the unwashed masses in the following cities:

 

EYEHATEGOD – February 2011 U.S. Tour
2/05/2011 El Corazon – Seattle, WA
2/16/2011 JB’s –  Philadelphia, PA
2/17/2011 Sonar – Baltimore, MD
2/18/2011 Europa – Brooklyn, NY
2/19/2011 Lucien’s Entertainment Complex – Syracuse, NY
2/20/2011 Lido’s – Boston, MA
2/21/2011 Daniel St. – Milford, CT
2/25/2011 Siberia – New Orleans, LA

Ending the whole fiasco will be the annual EYEHATEGOD Mardi Gras show on February 25 in New Orleans with guests, crust/grind legends Phobia and Texas newcomers Venomous Maximus.

(Source: Earsplit PR, January 17, 2011)

EYEHATEGOD:

Mike IX Williams – vocals

Jimmy Bower – guitar

Brian Patton – guitar

Gary Mader – bass

Joey LaCaze – drums

LONG LIVE EYEHATEGOD.

Stone.

 

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Cheap Trick “Dream Police” – Pops Into My Head, Has Me Revisiting 1979…

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on January 17, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

CHEAP TRICK – Just like it was yesterday. That’s how it feels each time I listen to the 1979 Dream Police album from Cheap Trick. Those days of just playing pick-up basketball games around the neighborhood, going to friends birthday parties on Saturdays, messing around at the roller rink, hanging out at my grandma’s, reading MAD Magazine and having a major crush on Loni Anderson. Back then, I even had a huge crush on Donna Pescow, (she played Angie, on her own sitcom Angie). Yup.

I don’t know exactly why I had Dream Police playing in my head today… maybe because this song reminds me of Winter more than any other season. Songs will do that though… they just “pop” into my head without warning. I’m sure you know what I mean. Wow, maybe “those” Dream Police really do “live inside of my head”. Hey, as long as they’re cool songs that “pop” into my head and not something from The Wiggles (from days when my girls were crawling and rolling on the floor). Whatever the reason why Dream Police caught me off guard today, this song ROCKS and so does Cheap Trick. Metal be thy name.

I hope you enjoy this song and dig Cheap Trick too. This video below is Classic Cheap Trick. ‘Nuff said. If you don’t dig Cheap Trick, well, then go take a laxative and stop watching C-SPAN for awhile.

Back on May 16, 2009, I posted about this Rocktastic Cheap Trick album – Dream Police. If you like to read about it, just click the giant header-link below:

Cheap Trick – “Dream Police” an essential Hard Rock album

CHEAP TRICK SHOULD BE INDUCTED INTO THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME.

LONG LIVE CHEAP TRICK.

Stone.

10 Comments »

Doobie Brothers “World Gone Crazy” – Classic Rock Never Sounded So Superb!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock bands, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on January 16, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

DOOBIE BROTHERS – On September 28, 2010, the Doobie Brothers released their thirteenth studio album titled – World Gone Crazy, via HOR Records. Classic Rock is named such due to it’s ability to cross generations and make us revisit the songs and albums that became the building blocks of what Rock and Hard Rock is today… and Classic Rock continues to build that solid foundation in which Rock finds it’s stability to this very moment. World Gone Crazy is as fine an example of a Classic Rock foundation block as I could ever point out. The Doobie Brothers are Classic Rock warriors, returning with fire and melody in their sound that needs to not just be listened to, their new album needs to be celebrated.

For a new Doobie Brothers album to have what I consider to be my new “favorite all-time” song from them is quite a Rockin’ thrill to tell. You see, China Grove from their third album The Captain and Me, released back in 1973, has forever been my favorite Doobie Brothers song. No more. Now my favorite Doobie Brothers song is My Baby. The Rock infectious melody coupled with the trademark Doobie Brothers chorus is spellbinding to my ears. Listening to My Baby is like I’m taking a journey back to 1978, I’m a young lad once more and I’m listening to the radio… and being introduced to Rock ‘N’ Roll all over again.

I know I can’t just continue on about My Baby the whole time here, however, this song has brought back something to my senses that has been missing for quite some time… and this song just makes me feel so goooooooooood. This song is like the fountain of youth to my ears. Tom Johnston, you wrote one incredible song with My Baby… take a Rockin’ bow. Alright, onto the rest of World Gone Crazy. I’m crazy about this album. Get it? World Gone Crazy… I’m crazy about it? Whatever.

A Brighter Day opens up this Doobie Brothers gem, packed with enough Caribbean flavor oozing from it’s sound, to send my day dreams longing for that island in the sun. The musical flirtation with Funky grooves summons up this song’s positive theme to even greater heights. The title track, World Gone Crazy is a Doobie Brothers take on the state of our economy, (with the way things are going in 2011, you can take your pick on global or U.S. economy). This song, as with the entire album, glistens with every Classic Rock aspect and nuance that The Doobie Brothers are world famous for.

Far From Home is a mid-tempo ballad that beholds some very inspirational lyrics. Far From Home combines it’s soothing lyrics, cool melodies and harmonious vocals to make it a mellow winner among some hot Rockin’ Doobie Brothers numbers. Young Man’s Game is what Doobie Brothers Rock ‘N’ Roll is all about, with a Classic Rockin’ guitar solo and plenty of foot stompin’ piano, all mixed into a non-stop and up-tempo groovin’ listen on this album.

Don’t Say Goodbye features the legendary and former Doobie Brother, Michael McDonald. This song is a mid-paced and easy listening experience, which fits right into the musical scope of what The Doobie Brothers have ventured into in the past. The only drawback to this song is that Michael McDonald’s vocals are “featured” as background and chorus. Initially, I was expecting a Michael McDonald performance where he takes center stage on vocals, with both lead and background.

With the legendary Country Outlaw we all know as Willie Nelson, his “featured” vocals on I Know We Won are utilized for both lead and background. This song’s lead vocals are shared by both Pat Simmons and Willie Nelson, their duet, if you will, is as fabulous as I could have ever expected. Old Juarez embodies a latin Rock sound and vibe that has me seeking out my Santana albums. I’d swear Carlos Santana plays a lick or two on this song, only his name does not appear in the liner notes. The Doobie Brothers are not falling short on Rock diversity with World Gone Crazy, the shifting of Rock gears makes this album smoke.

Tom Johnston and Pat Simmons both sound excellent on vocals. This Doobie Brothers band has proved to me, they are still a major player in the world of Rock, a Classic Rock icon of a band they truly are. Yes… The Doobie Brothers can still play and jam the Rockin’ lights out. There is comfort food… then there is comfort Rock. The Doobie Brothers epitomize what feel-good Classic Rock sounds like to my ears. Metal be thy name.

In the event I have to recommend that “one” Classic Rock album from 2010 to purchase, (and I guess that this is the event), it is World Gone Crazy. The Doobie Brothers may have let nearly an entire decade pass without a new studio album, yet they have more than made up for the long recess between albums. If The Doobie Brothers are to substitute quality over quantity, then they have unquestionably succeeded, for World Gone Crazy is top tier, Classic Rock quality… magnified ten times.

Doobie Brothers:

Tom Johnston – acoustic & electric guitars, vocals, background vocals

Michael Hossack – drums & percussion

John McFee – acoustic guitars, banjo, mandolin, percussion, violin, electric guitars, resonator guitars & vocals

Pat Simmons – acoustic & electric guitars, vocals & background vocals

Other World Gone Crazy Info:

* Bob Glaub plays bass on all songs except I Know We Won. (There’s no bass on this song, that’s why)

* World Gone Crazy was produced by the legendary Ted Templeman and The Doobie Brothers.

* Ted Templeman plays tambourine on Chateau. (I Thought you’d want to know).

* Nobody is a remake from The Doobie Brothers single Nobody, taken from their debut/self-titled album released back in 1971 on Warner Bros. Records.

* For more info on the Doobie Brothers, click on the link below:

Doobie Brothers – Official Website

World Gone Crazy Track Listing:

A Brighter Day

Chateau

Nobody

World Gone Crazy

Far From Home

Young Man’s Game

Don’t Say Goodbye (Featuring Michael McDonald)

My Baby

Old Juarez

I Know We Won (Featuring Willie Nelson)

Law Dogs

THE DOOBIE BROTHERS SHOULD BE INDUCTED INTO THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME.

LONG LIVE THE DOOBIE BROTHERS.

Stone.

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Super Bowl XLV – My “Dream Metal” Halftime Show I’d Like To Share

Posted in football, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, sports with tags , , , , , , , , , on January 15, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

SUPER BOWL XLV – Regardless of the performers who have been chosen for this years Super Bowl XLV, I have my own “Dream Metal Halftime Show” I’d like to share with the world. Some may disagree with the performers I have chosen, while others will raise the horns to the air and be pleased. Whichever is the case, this is about “personal” choice. Personal Metal choice, that is.

I’d love to see Lemmy, Phil and Mikkey up on that stage… ripping out Killed By Death. Then, it would be so righteous to see and hear Lemmy state to millions of fans worldwide, via live simulcast: “We’re Motörhead and we’re a Rock ‘N’ Roll Band”.

Just to see and hear Klaus Meine belting out: “big city, big city nights!” on that Super Bowl stage would be a Metal moment to remember… especially since the Scorpions are currently in the midst of their three year farewell tour.

Oh, man, would it be a Metal treat to witness Rob Halford as he stalks the Super Bowl stage… singing with Classic Metal defiance: “some heads are gonna roll!” The vision of K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton side by side, trading off guitar licks would be a Metal sight to behold. A Metal Super Bowl XLV sight to behold, that is. What a tremendous way for Judas Priest to kick off their 2011 farewell tour… the Metal thought of it all is fun stuff.

As a last thought to my “Dream Metal” Super Bowl XLV Halftime Show, I would be psyched out of my Metal mind, to see and hear Hank Williams Jr. bellow out: “are you ready for some Metal!”

It’s just too bad that I, along with other Metalheads that span generations, will have to watch mainstream Pop performing at Super Bowl XLV instead.

METAL BE THY NAME.

* BONUS Super Bowl XLV Fact: Stone is the same age as the Super Bowl.

LONG LIVE THE SUPER BOWL.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

21 Comments »

COHEED AND CAMBRIA “NEVERENDER SSTB” U.S. and Toronto 2011 Tour Dates!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, progressive metal, progressive rock, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on January 14, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

COHEED AND CAMBRIA – Progressive Rock/Metal giants COHEED AND CAMBRIA are getting ready to tour the U.S. and Toronto, Ontario, Canada this April and May of 2011! Below is the band telling all about this upcoming NEVERENDER SSTB Tour, as quoted from the COHEED AND CAMBRIA newsletter, January 14, 2011:

“Hey All,

In case you haven’t heard, we are performing our debut album, The Second Stage Turbine Blade, in it’s entirety in 23 cities across the US and in Toronto, Canada.

The “Evening with” format means we’ll do the full set electric, along with a 30-40 minute acoustic set, and a bonus electric set. No support bands.

Most of the shows are on sale now, a few go on sale tomorrow (and Oakland on Sunday)”. Full dates and ticket links are posted here:www.coheedandcambria.com

We hope to see you at the shows!!

April & May 2011 Tour Dates:

4/08 Kansas City, MO – Midland Theater
4/09 Dallas, TX – Palladium
4/11 Austin, TX – Stubbs
4/12 Houston, TX – Warehouse Live
4/14 Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle
4/15 Tampa, FL – Jannus Live
4/18 Charlotte, NC – Fillmore
4/19 Baltimore, MD – Rams Head Live
4/20 Washington, DC – 9:30 Club
4/22 Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom
4/25 Boston, MA – House of Blues
4/26 Philadelphia, PA – Electric Factory
4/27 Toronto, ON – Kool Haus
4/29 Detroit, MI – Royal Oak Music Theater
4/30 Chicago, IL – House of Blues5/02 Denver, CO – Ogden Theater
5/03 Salt Lake City, UT – In the Venue
5/05 Seattle, WA – Showbox Sodo
5/06 Portland, OR – Roseland Theater
5/07 Oakland, CA – Fox Theater
5/09 Tempe, AZ – Marquee Theater
5/10 San Diego, CA – House of Blues
5/11 Los Angeles, CA – Club Nokia

www.coheedandcambria.com
www.twitter.com/coheed
www.facebook.com/coheedandcambria

COHEED AND CAMBRIA – Year Of The Black Rainbow was released on April 13, 2010, via Sony.

LONG LIVE COHEED AND CAMBRIA.

Stone.

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BLACK SABBATH “Cross Purposes” – 1994 Album Revisited, Some Metal Thoughts…

Posted in Metal with tags , , , , , , , , on January 14, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

BLACK SABBATH – On February 8, 1994, Black Sabbath released their seventeenth studio album – Cross Purposes via I.R.S. Records. Of course this is not the original lineup of Black Sabbath heard on this album, with the exceptions of Tony Iommi (guitar) and Geezer Butler (bass). Nor is the late and legendary Ronnie James Dio present here. Tony Martin (vocals), Bobby Rondinelli (drums) and Geoff Nicholls (keyboards) join up with Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler, to make what I consider a formidable Black Sabbath lineup, that created some intense and memorable Heavy Metal with Cross Purposes.

It never bothered me in the least, each time Black Sabbath changed it’s band lineup around. The constant Metal presence of Tony Iommi, with his signature tones and riffs roaring from his Gibson guitar, has given every Black Sabbath album one of it’s mighty trademark sounds regardless of lineup changes. Am I wrong to feel this way? Of course not, it’s my personal Metal opinion. I’m a lifetime Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler fan, so when this album was released I was thrilled to hear them and their new songs. For sake of Metal argument, I’m a fan of every musician and vocalist that Black Sabbath has ever had. I’m guilty of being a fan of the entire Black Sabbath musical tree… Metal be thy name.

Adopting the band name of Heaven & Hell back in 2007 never swayed me to love the music of Black Sabbath anymore than I already do. Legalities over a band’s trademark name like Black Sabbath certainly surrounded around money, more than it did anything else… that’s understandable and completely logical. So, if one can get past the fact that Black Sabbath was an interchangeable band from 1983 through 1995, (counting the classic Ronnie James Dio aka Heaven & Hell lineup with 1992’s Dehumanizer in the mix), then one can focus on the music and appreciate what Tony Iommi and his Black Sabbath band(s) have truly accomplished with Heavy Metal.

Check out below, the black & white promo music video for Black Sabbath – The Hand That Rocks The Cradle, which was released back in 1994:

Cross Purposes was released in 1994, a time when the Grunge explosion was beginning to lose some steam. It seems (at times) that the 90’s decade gets a bum rap on Heavy Metal releases, only I beg to differ. Heavy Metal was alive and well during the 90’s, only it was not covered by the mainstream or held the arena and stadium limelight compared to those colorful 80’s. Truth be told, it’s like that now, only Heavy Metal is considered “the comeback kid” by some, where I consider this genre’s perseverance to be the result of it’s loyal fan base, along with relentless and exceptionally talented bands that never say die. Cross Purposes was an album that surprised me then, with it’s completeness resulting in being a quality album and it still entertains me now with it’s Old School heaviness.

Cross Purposes has that Sabbath doom vibe sprinkled all over the top of the songs, with the main incubus to this dark sound being Tony Iommi himself. Yes, Geezer Butler is evident in his playing on this album. That Geezer Butler was on this album alongside Tony Iommi, makes a world of difference in capturing that Sabbath vibe. Tony Martin (along with Ray Gillen) may very well be the most unsung lead vocalists from any of the Black Sabbath lineups. I really admire Tony Martin’s vocals, they are of the Classic or Old School era that fits right into what Ian Gillan and Glenn Hughes have done with this same band. (Ozzy Osbourne and Ronnie James Dio are the two untouchables who’ve fronted Black Sabbath, in my Metal opinion). This is herculean company to be in, Tony Martin can look back and realize he was part of a family line of not just talented vocalists for Black Sabbath, they all are immeasurably historic to Rock Music itself.

Geoff Nicholls always has added that impending and dark atmosphere for Black Sabbath with his keyboards. It’s no different on Cross Purposes, with atmosphere playing a key role in making this album spill over with once again… that Sabbath vibe. Tony Iommi was and forever will be the “Riff King” to my ears, Cross Purposes is potently stocked with his patented riffs. Cross Of Thorns is the song I’ll point out as my favorite on this album, with all of it’s Sabbath glory exploding from it’s dark sound and slow to mid-paced tempo. I can confidently say there isn’t a song on Cross Purposes that is fast forward material. Cross Purposes is an album worth checking out and getting familiar with if you already haven’t. Sure, this album is not the greatest Black Sabbath album ever recorded, still it is a legitimate offering of Heavy Metal, played by an excellent group of musicians, from a decade that supposedly squashed our beloved genre.

Track Listing For Cross Purposes:

I Witness

Cross Of Thorns

Psychophobia

Virtual Death

Immaculate Deception

Dying For Love

Back To Eden

The Hand That Rocks The Cradle

Cardinal Sin

Evil Eye

LONG LIVE THE METAL OF BLACK SABBATH.

Stone.

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WINO Acoustic Performance In LA This Saturday! Plus More Tour Dates With Scott Kelly Listed!

Posted in doom metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on January 13, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

WINO – Legendary Doom Metal guitarist and vocalist Scott Wino Weinrich (The Obsessed, Saint Vitus, Spirit Caravan, Shrinebuilder), will be performing a solo acoustic set this Saturday, January 15th at Volcom’s store in Los Angeles! At this special one-off performance, Wino will be performing tracks from his first ever collection of acoustic anthems on his new solo album Adrift. The show in LA is FREE to the public, but those attending are to RSVP at Wino’s new website: http://www.scottweinrich.com/

As previously announced, Wino will also hit the road this February on a short acoustic tour with longtime friend and Shrinebuilder band mate Scott Kelly of Neurosis. Sponsored by BrooklynVegan, the tour will venture through California, Texas, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland and New York, showcasing both legendary artists in solo, acoustic mode.

Wino/Scott Kelly February 2011 Tour:

2/05/2011 Viper Room – Hollywood, CA
2/07/2011 Casbah – San Diego, CA
2/08/2011 Emo’s – Austin, TX
2/09/2011 Abbey Pub – Chicago, IL
2/10/2011 Great Scott – Allston, MA
2/11/2011 Sonar – Baltimore, MD w/ Darsombra
2/12/2011 Mercury Lounge – New York, NY w/ Man’s Gin

Adrift is set for North American release on respected German label Exile On Mainstream Records March 8th, 2011, the label now distributed domestically by E1 Entertainment. A limited edition vinyl version of the album featuring extended liner notes and more is to be released in the U.S. on January 18th by Volcom Entertainment.

(Source: Earsplit PR, January 13, 2011)

LONG LIVE WINO.

LONG LIVE SCOTT KELLY.

Stone.

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VANDEN PLAS “Holes In The Sky” – Music Video… ROCKS!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, Power Metal, progressive metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on January 13, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

VANDEN PLAS – Holes In The Sky, the brand new music video from German Progressive Metal Band VANDEN PLAS, is the “first regular video clip in VANDEN PLAS band history”… and it flat out Rocks! Holes In The Sky is a melodically heavy song that has caught my Metal attention like a thunder strike. This song is from the new and sixth VANDEN PLAS studio album Seraphic Clockwork, released in the U.S. on June 22, 2010 via Frontiers Records. I like everything about this song, from the  smooth and harmonious vocals of Andy Kuntz to the atmospheric keyboards of Günter Werno.

If you are into Power Metal, Progressive Power Metal and/or Melodic Metal, then check out this exceptional song below and give your ears the candy it deserves. My ears are asking for more…

VANDEN PLAS:

Andy Kuntz – vocals

Stephan Lill – guitars

Torsten Reichert – bass

Günter Werno – keyboards

Andreas Lill – drums

Track Listing For: The Seraphic Clockwork:

Frequency

Holes In The Sky

Scar Of An Angel

Sound Of Blood

The Final Murder

Quicksilver

Rush Of Silence

On My Way To Jerusalem

Eleyson (bonus track)

(Seraphic Clockwork back cover)

* For more info on VANDEN PLAS, click here: VANDEN PLAS – Official Website

LONG LIVE VANDEN PLAS.

Stone.

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KOPEK – To Tour With HINDER, SAVING ABEL and MY DARKEST DAYS Starting January 21, 2011!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock and roll news, rock concerts, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on January 12, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

KOPEK – See Ireland’s hottest, Hard Rockin’ and critically acclaimed band from Dublin! KOPEK is coming back to America and will be touring with HINDER, MY DARKEST DAYS and SAVING ABEL on the dates/venues listed below! This highly anticipated tour begins on January 21st in Jackson Mississippi! Welcome back to the U.S.A. KOPEK… now ROCK the daylights out of your fans!

01/21/11 @ Fire – Jackson, MS

01/23/11 @ The Masquerade – Atlanta, GA

01/25/11 @ Hard Rock Live – Orlando, FL

01/27/11 @ Carolina Theater – Greensboro, NC

01/28/11 @ Harrah’s Cherokee – Cherokee, NC

01/29/11 @ House Of Blues – Myrtle Beach, SC

01/30/11 @ The Norva – Norfolk, VA

02/01/11 @ Northern Lights – Clifton Park, NY

02/02/11 @ Royale – Boston, MA

02/04/11 @ Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel – Providence, RI

02/05/11 @ The Armory – Manchester, NH

02/08/11 @ Best Buy Theater – New York, NY

02/09/11 @ State Theater – Portland, ME

02/10/11 @ Sherman Theater – Stroudsburg, PA

02/12/11 @ Club Fever – Southbend, IN

02/13/11 @ Dow Event Center – Saginaw, MI

02/14/11 @ House Of Blues – Chicago, IL

02/15/11 @ Verizon Wireless Center – Mankato, MN

02/17/11 @ Osage Elm Casino – Tulsa, OK

02/19/11 @ First Council Casino – Newkirk, OK

* More dates will be announced shortly!

KOPEK:

Daniel Jordan – lead vocals & guitar

Brad Kinsella – bass guitar

Shane Cooney – drums

The digital release of White Collar Lies was released back on June 29, 2010. * The U.S. debut release for the physical CD of White Collar Lies is March 1st, 2011! White Collar Lies is being released on Religion Music via SIN/Sony Independent Network.

This debut album from KOPEK has received it’s Hard Rockin’, double-fist to the air approval from Metal Odyssey! White Collar Lies was chosen as the #5 Album Of The Year for 2010 by Metal Odyssey! You can read the complete album review for White Collar Lies, as it was featured on Metal Odyssey back on June 28, 2010. Just click the large header below!

KOPEK “WHITE COLLAR LIES” – DEBUT ALBUM IS A PRESENT & FUTURE STANDOUT OF MODERN ROCK

On July 20, 2010, Metal Odyssey featured an interview with Daniel Jordan, vocalist/guitarist for KOPEK! If you missed it, you can still read it by clicking the big header link below:

KOPEK VOCALIST/GUITARIST DANIEL JORDAN – A METAL ODYSSEY INTERVIEW!

* For more info on KOPEK, just click on the link below:

KOPEK – MySpace Music Page

KOPEK… ROCKS!

LONG LIVE KOPEK.

Stone.

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CROWBAR “The Cemetery Angels” Music Video – Raging Sludge Metal For Your Ears And Eyes!

Posted in Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, sludge metal with tags , , , , , , , , on January 12, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

CROWBAR – This is not a meat and potatoes Metal band. No sir. Instead, CROWBAR is: a roast the entire pig over an open pit of fire, while the beer is flowing from the kegs… Sludge Metal band. Metal be thy name, CROWBAR is one serious band of maximized and seriously Heavy sound. Take a Metal moment to watch and listen for yourself below, The Cemetery Angels.

Listen to The Cemetery Angels and get set Metal straight from the raging and mind jolting vocals of Kirk Windstein. Listen intently also to Kirk, the riff master, then tell me he isn’t one bad ass leader of CROWBAR. At Metal Odyssey, Kirk Windstein and CROWBAR are forever bad ass… so let it be Metal written, so let it be Metal done. Play this song LOUD and it will serve you right.

I hope you get as Metal thrilled as I do, from CROWBAR and The Cemetary Angels.

* The Cemetery Angels is from the forthcoming CROWBAR album – Sever The Wicked Hand.

* Sever The Wicked Hand releases in the U.S. on February 8th, 2011, on eOne Music.

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

CROWBAR – Official Website

CROWBAR – myspace music

CROWBAR:

Kirk Windstein – vocals & guitar

Matthew Brunson – guitar

Patrick Bruders – bass

Tommy Buckley – drums

LONG LIVE CROWBAR.

LONG LIVE KIRK WINDSTEIN.

Stone.

1 Comment »

Funniest Heavy Metal Album Covers… Here’s Five!

Posted in album covers, classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on January 11, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

FUNNIEST HEAVY METAL ALBUM COVERS – It’s time to laugh out loud or at least crack a smile… or maybe two. I have always been a fan of memorable album covers. From Horror themes to dragons and every flaming Flying V guitar in-between, I find album artwork to be a representation of the respective musician or band’s music heard within. This may not always be the case, however, it is more often than not a pretty good gauge when caught up in a “blind purchase”. Funny album covers are out there as well and there are perhaps a countless variety of them.

I dug up five funny album covers recently, just to throw out to the world for some Metal lightheartedness. Drop a comment about any other funny album cover you want to laugh about. I hope you get a chuckle out of ’em like I have. If these funny album covers don’t have you cracking even the slightest smile, well, then, your most likely constipated and it is making you grouchy.

#5

PRIMUS – Frizzle Fry

No matter how you slice it, Les Claypool and his Funky band PRIMUS do belong in the Heavy Metal family. This “head thing” in the frying pan, on the 1990 album cover for Frizzle Fry, always has me laughing out loud. Plus, there have been times, where an omelette I’ve cooked slightly resembles this grotesquely funny atrocity. This is not the type of thing you want to find, staring up at you from a port-O-potty toilet at the country fair.

#4

Ugly Kid Joe – America’s Least Wanted

Another Funky Heavy Metal band, Ugly Kid Joe’s kid mascot always put’s a grin on my face. This time around, on America’s Least Wanted, (their 1992 debut full-length), that cartoon mascot kid can’t bug on any adult conversation.

#3

Scorpions – Lovedrive

Released back in 1979, on Mercury Records, this is a classic Scorpions album, even if it doesn’t boast a Top 40 ballad or an MTV smash hit video. Coast To Coast and Holiday are two songs worth the price of picking up this album alone. Now, can someone explain to me, how a dude can get caught in a pickle like this? What makes it so funny to me, is it’s visually bizarre… plus, seeing a huge sticky wad of bubble gum, being pulled from this ballroom babe’s breast is downright funny!

#2

NOISY MAMA – Everybody Has One

Released back in 1991, on ATCO/Atlantic Records, this NOISY MAMA album cover is simply a funny classic. The album cover illustration was created by Ed “Big Daddy” Roth, who created the iconic hot-rod mascot of the 1960’s and ’70’s known as Rat Fink. “Big Daddy” opened the door to custom automotive cartoon art. As a custom car builder, he helped to create and innovate Kustom Kulture. Ed “Big Daddy” Roth passed away back in 2001, still, his legendary custom cars, album artwork and illustrations for the hot-rod community live on. It’s album artwork like you see here, that makes it so damn cool to buy the physical CD and have the liner notes to enjoy. Take that mp3’s.

For all Metal intents and purposes, this NOISY MAMA band knew how to play some good-times, Hard Rockin’ songs. Everybody Has One… ROCKS! You can hear for yourself, by clicking on the link below. This link will take you to a myspace music fan page for NOISY MAMA, where there are some of their songs streaming to ROCK OUT to!

NOISY MAMA – myspace music fan page

#1

DANGER DANGER – Screw It!

From 1991, it’s DANGER DANGER with Screw It. This was their second studio album, released on Epic Records. A while back, best Metal buddy Scott Coverdale reminded me of this hilarious album cover, which in turn, prompted me to revisit it and take in these songs from Screw It! once again. I’m telling you, that gorilla is funny, while he is holding that jungle hottie while she is ready to devour that lucky banana! In my Metal opinion, this is an excellent Hair Metal album from Danger Danger. Screw It! is definitely worth owning. The only drawback, is Yeah, You Want It! is a Rap/Metal song that stinks like skunk poop that’s roasting in the hot Summer sun.

LONG LIVE FUNNY HEAVY METAL ALBUM COVERS.

Stone.

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THE HUMAN ABSTRACT – Sign To eOne Music, Added To ATTICUS METAL III TOUR!

Posted in Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, metalcore, Music, progressive metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on January 11, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

(New York, NY) — California Metal act, THE HUMAN ABSTRACT has signed a worldwide deal with eOne Music. Their brand new record “Digital Veil” will be released on March 8th, 2011.

“We are really pleased to begin the year with eOne as our new label. This relationship will only prove beneficial to the release of “Digital Veil” and help push the band a step forward into a productive and exciting future,” says bassist Henry Selva.

After releasing a pair of records via Hopeless Records, this will be the bands third official full length. Founding guitarist A.J. Minette has also returned to the band and couldn’t be more excited. He states, “It has been a pleasure working with The Human Abstract again. I am looking forward to supporting Digital Veil out on tour.”

The band will be part of the Atticus Metal III tour with Darkest Hour, Born Of Osiris, As Blood Runs Black and more running from February 25-March 27. For additional information feel free to head over to http://www.facebook.com/atticusmetaltour

THE HUMAN ABSTRACT have been seen on tour with acts such as AS I LAY DYING, DIREN GREY, ALL THAT REMAINS and THE VANS WARPED TOUR in recent years.

THE HUMAN ABSTRACT is: Travis Richter (vocals), Henry Selva (bass), Dean Herrera (guitar), Brett Powell (drums) and A.J. Minette (guitar).

For more information, please visit:

http://www.facebook.com/thehumanabstract

http://www.myspace.com/thehumanabstract

LONG LIVE THE HUMAN ABSTRACT.

Stone.

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MANOWAR – Battle Hymns MMXI – Reissue Releases February 1st, 2011!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on January 10, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

MANOWAR – Fans of REAL Metal the world over unite! MANOWAR will be releasing, via Magic Circle Music, the re-recorded reissue of their 1982 debut Heavy Metal classic – Battle Hymns. On February 1st, 2011, Battle Hymns MMXI shall be unveiled unto the ears of Metalheads of all generations! This reissue includes two live tracks, recorded in 1982, that have never been released before! The tracks are: Fast Taker and Death Tone.

A recent quote by MANOWAR vocalist Eric Adams: “We constantly receive requests for the classics. Our fans love the early songs as much as they love the new ones. Our fans can be sure that we have squeezed every drop of power into Battle Hymns 2011 that today’s technology allows.”

* For this re-recorded reissue, legendary screen actor Sir Christopher Lee has replaced the late and legendary Orson Welles with narration on the classic song – Dark Avenger.

* Original MANOWAR drummer Donnie Hamzik returns on Battle Hymns MMXI.

MANOWAR:

Eric Adams – vocals

Joey DeMaio – bass

Karl Logan – guitar

Donnie Hamzik – drums

Track Listing For Battle Hymns MMXI:

Death Tone

Metal Daze

Fast Taker

Shell Shock

Manowar

Dark Avenger

William’s Tale

Battle Hymn

Fast Taker – (Recorded live at Abilene Taylor City Expo Center Arena, 1982)

Death Tone – (Recorded live at Dallas Reunion Arena, 1982)

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

MANOWAR – Official Website

MANOWAR – myspace music

* For more info on Magic Circle Music, click here: MAGIC CIRCLE MUSIC

LONG LIVE MANOWAR.

Stone.

6 Comments »

Pale Chalice “Afflicting the Dichotomy of Trepid Creation” – An Exemplary Black Metal Debut EP

Posted in Black Metal, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on January 10, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

PALE CHALICE – Black Metal has it’s sharpened claws all over the globe. San Francisco, California is well represented by this Blackened and mightily determined genre, with Pale Chalice. This is a band that has been evolving since the end of 2008, honing and molding their Black Metal craft to the fantastical sound I hear on this four song EP – Afflicting the Dichotomy of Trepid Creation. This being a debut Blackened offering from Pale Chalice, it is nearly thirty minutes of intense sound that has penetrated my Black Metal corridor and staked it’s claim.

Music is all about vibrations and it’s those “vibes” that tell me when a band truly “feels” their sound they have created. Pale Chalice “feels” their sound, they convey Black Metal tonality with a welcomed air of vigor. This band is not an underground anomaly, instead they are embarking on a path that will most likely lead them to underground distinction, if they are not already there.

The overriding viciousness of the vocals spills out over each song, while the screams are factually bone chilling. Dark and mysterious are the lyrical content within all four songs, which prey on the extraordinary. This EP thunders along as heaviness is concerned, while the melodic nature of these songs is conclusive. Pale Chalice couples heavy and melodic in an impressive style, never waverering from their Black Metal mystique that sets all four songs ablaze.

The tempo shifts that Pale Chalice utilizes are essential in setting the blackened mood, at times creating melancholic and/or macabre swirls of cognition. When Pale Chalice plays at full speed, the perception is one of victory, that an army of darkness has indeed beaten down any luminous combatants. The quality of sound production is in place, with a raw tinge that blankets the entire auditory experience.

What Afflicting the Dichotomy of Trepid Creation has shown my ears, is that Pale Chalice is a convincingly equipped, underground Black Metal outfit, that wants to prevail. It’s as if Pale Chalice is now biding their time before a debut full-length of  their Blackened Metal is unleashed upon the world, that this EP is a worthy teaser. I’m relishing this piece of Blackened work for now… and I’ll be in front of the line when Pale Chalice turns loose that anticipated second round of their Black Metal art.

PALE CHALICE:

Oram Evad

Masthantric Nodrab

Baneist Nonrutin

Ephemeral Domignostika

Grobahn Huv

* For more info on Pale Chalice, click here: Pale Chalice – myspace music

* Pale Chalice has been a live supporting act for Watain and Goatwhore.

* Both a CD and digital release for Afflicting the Dichotomy of Trepid Creation is set for March 8, 2011, on The Flenser (Flenser Records).

* For more info on The Flenser, click here: FLENSER Records

Track Listing:

Transplant Of Dimensional Recourse

Command of the Formless

Caressed by a Feeble Flame

Ascend the idyllic Sphere

LONG LIVE PALE CHALICE.

Stone.

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KISS “KILLERS” – A Piece Of Vinyl KISStory From 1982!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on January 9, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

KISS – Sometime back in 1982 or 1983, I bought the KISS KILLERS album. I can vividly recall when I first saw this album though, it was at a small pop culture store that sold plenty of cool Heavy Metal albums from the 1970’s right up to those early 80’s. My cousin Randy worked at this store, he was always astute at Rock ‘N’ Roll history and what the newest album releases of the day were.

I didn’t hesitate about buying this KISS album then, knowing at the time it was an import, KILLERS was not a mass release within the United States. It was quite an impressive find for any KISS fan back then, even more so today, (see used prices below). The asking price for KILLERS set me back around $7 (U.S.) all those years ago. $7 back in ’82/’83 for a teen Metalhead like me was still a chunk of cheese.

Still having this KISS album in my collection is quite a thrill. I am proud of myself for not selling or trading away this piece of KISStory after all these years. (There are some KISS albums and KISS Kollectibles that I have moronically let go during my lifetime). My copy of KILLERS is in as near perfect condition as you could ever ask for, with no wear to the album jacket or vinyl. I truly took great care of this album over the years.

KILLERS was released a year after The Elder and is the first album cover to have Eric Carr pictured as a member of KISS, being released months before the amazing Creatures Of The Night album. This album is a greatest hits of the time, with four new studio tracks. Those tracks being: I’m A Legend Tonight, Down On Your Knees, Nowhere To Run and Partners In Crime.

KILLERS never came with any inside liner notes, nor are there any musician credits listed on the back cover. I’ve read throughout the years, from many sources, that Bob Kulick, (Bruce Kulick’s older brother), was the guitarist on the four new tracks. Obviously, Eric Carr was the drummer on the four new tracks.

Track Listing For KILLERS:

SIDE I:

I’m A Legend Tonight

Down On Your Knees

Cold Gin

Love Gun

Shout It Out Loud

Sure Know Something

SIDE II:

Nowhere To Run

Partners In Crime

Detroit Rock City

God Of Thunder

I Was Made For Loving You

Rock & Roll All Nite (live version)

* KILLERS was released on Casablanca Records, with their parent company phonogram having their logo at the bottom right corner on the back cover.

* As of January 8, 2011, there are 7 used KISS KILLERS albums (vinyl) for sale on Amazon.com. The prices range from $26.98 to $106.04 in U.S. funds.

* KILLERS was produced by Michael James Jackson, (no, not the Michael Jackson). The album cover design is by Howard Marks Advertising, Inc.

There’s definitely better images out there of this KISS KILLERS album cover. I just wanted to show the world the exact copy that I own. The colors on the album cover I own, are much more vibrant than shown. The back cover design is very simple and it never impressed me. You just can’t beat owning any KISS vinyl. Check it out below:

Front cover of KISS KILLERS

Back cover of KISS KILLERS

LONG LIVE KISS.

LONG LIVE KISS ROCK ‘N’ ROLL.

Stone.

13 Comments »

Sweden Rock Festival 2011 – Confirmed Bands Listed!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal with tags , , , , , , , , , , on January 8, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

SWEDEN ROCK FESTIVAL 2011

Below is the current list of bands that will be playing at the Sweden Rock Festival 2011. This beyond amazing festival of Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal will be held in Norje Havsbad, Solvesborg, Sweden, June 8, 9, 10 and 11! This list is current as of January 7, 2011. Metal be thy name, from looking at the list below, this looks to be an incredibly potent four days of Rock ‘N’ Metal! For more information on this 2011 Sweden Rock Festival, just click on this link: Sweden Rock Festival 2011

OZZY OSBOURNE

WHITESNAKE

STYX

HELLOWEEN

JOAN JETT AND THE BLACKHEARTS

RHAPSODY OF FIRE

MUSTASCH

MR. BIG

BUCKCHERRY

DESTRUCTION

DAN REED BAND

WALTER TROUT

GHOST

RAUBTIER

MASON RUFFNER

RAGE

JUDAS PRIEST

ROB ZOMBIE

THE CULT

SAXON

CLUTCH

MOLLY HATCHET

JASON & THE SCORCHERS

THE DAMNED

OVERKILL

THE HAUNTED

AGENT STEEL

ELECTRIC WIZARD

MOONSPELL

GROUNDHOGS

FLASKET BRINNER

The Sweden Rock Festival is an annual festival, going Metal strong since June 6, 1992!

LONG LIVE THE SWEDEN ROCK FESTIVAL.

LONG LIVE ROCK, HARD ROCK & METAL.

Stone.

5 Comments »

THE BRONX CASKET CO. – Announce New Record Details, New Song Streaming Now!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on January 7, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

(New York, NY) — BRONX CASKET CO. will be releasing their forthcoming record titled “ANTIHERO” on Tuesday, January 25th, 2011 via eOne Music. “This Bronx Casket record is the best we’ve done, and we are looking forward to getting out on the road and doing some shows,” says front man DD Verni. The record also features master shredder Mike Romeo from Symphony X. Romeo can be heard on all guitar solos.

The title track “ANTIHERO” is streaming in full here: http://bit.ly/f4EMDn

The record can now be pre-ordered via iTunes as well, click here to get it: http://bit.ly/hAy1g3

The band originally formed in 1998 by Overkill co-founder and bassist DD Verni. Having played in one of the most respected thrash bands ever for over 2 decades, why have another band? Two reason states DD, “the challenge of writing interesting new material and for fun of course!” The bands second release caught the ear of playwright Andrea Lepcio. Soon after, Verni and Lepcio were collaborating with 3-time Tony Winner Hinton Battle to direct and choreograph. Soon the seeds of The “Bronx Casket Co, A New Musical” were planted.

Verni quickly recruited several members from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra to perform. The cast consisted of performers from the Broadway shows Hairspray, Rent and Dance of the Vampire. There have been several performances off-Broadway for producers/backers and the show is still in the writing stages. It has a gothic/Broadway score with a twisted love story woven throughout. Songs from the first two Bronx Casket Co. releases are included in the show, as well as 13 new songs D.D. Verni penned just for the musical.

It’s been five years since the BRONX CASKET CO. last released an album and has been well worth the wait.

(Source: eOne Music press release, January 7, 2011)

LONG LIVE THE BRONX CASKET CO.

Stone.

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Phil Kennemore – May He Rest In Peace

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on January 7, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

(photo credit: Jill Meniketti)

PHIL KENNEMORE – On January 7, 2011, Y&T bass guitarist Phil Kennemore has passed away from a brave battle with lung cancer. Phil Kennemore was 57. This sad news has been released through Y&T’s vocalist/lead guitarist Dave Meniketti. You can read the entire message as written by Dave Meniketti, by clicking here: Meniketti.com/Y&T Home Page

Metal Odyssey expresses sincere condolences to the family of Phil Kennemore, Y&T, his friends and fans. Yes, I am saddened at the news of Phil Kennemore’s passing, just like countless other Y&T and Rock fans worldwide. Rock ‘N’ Roll Heaven has accepted in, an unreal great bass guitarist.

THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC, PHIL KENNEMORE.

REST IN PEACE, PHIL KENNEMORE

October 20, 1953 – January 7, 2011

Stone.

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