Archive for December, 2012

Humanity. It’s Not Just A Word, It’s What We Should Cherish

Posted in news, people, society, world news with tags , , , , on December 15, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

As I write these words, I’m still in shock of today’s horrific event that took place in Newtown, Connecticut. An evil coward decided to end the lives of innocent children and educators at the Sandy Hook Elementary School. The number of children and educators killed is mind numbing. 20 children in all. I am extending my heartfelt condolences to their families and friends; while praying for each innocent victim and those directly affected.

As a parent, I was touched like never before by the news and video footage of this unthinkable event. I was an educator myself, during a brief moment of my life. I know first-hand the responsibility that comes with being an adult guardian inside an elementary classroom. Children lean upon their teachers for not just learning, they lean upon them for safety as well. All the teachers and staff at Sandy Hook Elementary School are incredible heroes, to me.

As I was tweeting away tonight, I sent out a favorite message of mine that I like: Metal unites us all. Then, seconds later, a friend replied to this tweet with: Humanity unites us all. How immensely true was this reply. Humanity. What are we all here for? What is our purpose on Earth? With wars, violence and hate dominating our world news on a daily basis, It is so very difficult to understand the negative/evil side of civilization.

I thank God for my family, friends and faith. I then thank God for the inspiration and healing affects of music; only on this day (Friday) I couldn’t enjoy the sounds of any song that I tried to listen to. This extremely sad event in Newtown, Connecticut wrapped around my soul like a black blanket. As this day draws to an end, it’s a new beginning and a new day will be upon us all. I will continue to pray to God above and draw inspiration from both my faith and beloved Metal music. I will see my family and friends again; only in an entirely new light, cherishing each and every one of them like never before.

No one can predict the future. No one can make sense out of the tragedy that took place at Sandy Hook Elementary School. We can talk about gun control and stricter legislation regarding firearms; only political rhetoric won’t bring back the precious lives lost from this terrible event. The “bad guys” will (unfortunately) always find a way to obtain guns or any means of weapons. Regardless of that reality check, there is hope, kindness and love in this world. We just need to reach out for it and spread it around like never before. Humanity. It’s not just a word. It’s a gift that each and every one of us should never take for granted.

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MetalOdyssey

Stone.

ENFORCER – Release 7 Inch Single “MESMERIZED BY FIRE”

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on December 14, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Enforcer - Mesmerized By Fire - promo cover pic!

In advance of their new studio album Death By Fire (out: February, 1st), ENFORCER will release a 7inch single called Mesmerized By Fire on January, 18th.

Tracklist:

A-Seite: Mesmerized By Fire

B-Seite: You Can Be (non album track)

Besides the limited edition on vinyl, there will also be a digital release.

Olof Wikstrand comments: 

Mesmerized by Fire is more or less the title track from the Death By Fire album. I think within four minutes it captures pretty much everything about Enforcer: intensity and power mixed with a touch of melody and melancholy. The B-side is a cover of Nagazaki’s You Can Be. It is a track with mega potential from a band that unfortunately never made it in the 80s.”

ENFORCER on tour 2013: 

GRAND MAGUS / ANGEL WITCH / ENFORCER 
Hunting Across Europe – Tour

07.02. D Hamburg – Markthalle
08.02. D Berlin – C-Club
09.02. D Bochum – Matrix
10.02. D Stuttgart – Universum
12.02. A Vienna – Viper Room
13.02. I Milan – TBA
14.02. D Munich – Backstage
15.02. CH Aarau – Kiff
16.02. D Würzburg – Posthalle
17.02. NL Rotterdam – Baroeg

Enforcer - Death By Fire - promo banner - group pic!____________________________________________________________

(Source: Nuclear Blast Records)

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

http://www.enforcer.se

facebook: Enforcer

http://www.nuclearblastusa.com/

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LONG LIVE ENFORCER.

Stone.

HARDCORE SUPERSTAR – Unveil Album Cover & Track List Of “C’MON TAKE ON ME”!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , on December 14, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Hardcore Superstar - C'mon Take On Me - promo cover pic!

Swedish Street Metallers HARDCORE SUPERSTAR are happy to present the album cover of their recently announced new studio album C’mon Take On Me that will be released as a CD in slipcase, digital download, black vinyl and strictly limited pink vinyl (only available at the Nuclear Blast mail order) via Nuclear Blast on the 1st of March 2013! With a wink, drummer Adde grants us insight on the idea behind it:

“We came up with the idea during the recordings of the album. It’s just so sexy when a woman jumps into a drum kit – what could be more exciting? We discussed the concept with photographer Micke Johansson, who loved the idea. What we especially like about it is the combination of sex and bruises!”

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In the same breath, the band presents the album’s tracklist:

01. Cutting The Slack

02. C’mon Take On Me

03. One More Minute

04. Above The Law

05. Are You Gonna Cry Now

06. Stranger Of Mine

07. Won’t Take The Blame pt. 1

08. Won’t Take The Blame pt. 2 (Sect Meeting)

09. Dead Man’s Shoes

10. Because Of You

11. Too Much Business

12. Long Time No See

Check out the first amazing single “One More Minute”:

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For more info on HARDCORE SUPERSTAR, click on the links below!

http://www.hardcoresuperstar.com/

http://www.facebook.com/officialhardcore…

http://www.nuclearblastusa.com/

(Source: Nuclear Blast Records)

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LONG LIVE HARDCORE SUPERSTAR.

HARDCORE SUPERSTAR ROCKS. WHOA.

Stone.

MUTINY WITHIN And Metal Injection Premiere New “Embers” Video – Launch Industry Embers

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, Metal, metal albums, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , on December 14, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Mutiny Within II - Synchronicity - promo cover pic!

The time has finally come!  MUTINY WITHIN is giving fans a full taste of their upcoming album, Synchronicity, with the release of their first single “Embers”.  The band has released a music video directed and produced by Tommy Jones of the studio. (Suffocation, Kataklysm, Soilwork, All Shall Perish) for the song “Embers”, in partnership with Metal Injection.

The song is also available for purchase via MUTINY WITHIN’S Bandcamp.

Mutiny Within - New album - Banner - 2012

MUTINY WITHIN has also partnered with Tommy Jones (the studio) in a brand new anti-piracy movement called Industry Embers.  In a society where “downloading” music for free has become accepted and even the norm, people on the outside rarely are able to grasp the true effects of their stealing and how it trickles down to all the aspects of the entire music industry.

Industry Embers is an anti-piracy organization and movement. The goal is to have individuals from different facets of the music industry spread the truth about the damaging effects piracy has on the music industry as a whole.

If you are purchasing music via service-based options, digital downloads, physical CDs, or vinyl, and paying the asking price, the industry salutes you. Industry Embers encourage fans and supporters of music and the Industry Embers objective to tweet their music purchases, regardless of genre, to @IndustryEmbers with the hashtag #BuyMusicOrItsByeMusic.

Industry Embers - Mutiny Within - large logo banner!

Jones and MUTINY WITHIN know the downside to piracy all too well.  Jones notes, “The guys in Mutiny Within were perfect examples of the difficulty an extremely talented new band faces to succeed in this age of online piracy, even after being signed to one of the largest metal labels.”

If you are reading this message, then you too are affected by piracy.  Support music. Educate yourself.

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 MORE INFO ON MUTINY WITHIN & INDUSTRY EMBERS:

www.IndustryEmbers.org

www.twitter.com/IndustryEmbers

www.facebook.com/IndustryEmbers

www.facebook.com/MutinyWithin

www.youtube.com/MutinyOfficial

www.twitter.com/MutinyWithin

 EMBERS:

Purchase “Embers”

Watch the “Embers” music video

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(Source: Devin Walsh PR)

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LONG LIVE MUTINY WITHIN.

LONG LIVE INDUSTRY EMBERS.

Stone.

Rock Artist Bob Pressner Marries Raw Emotion With Catchy Hooks On New Album “King of Nothing”

Posted in Music, rock albums, rock bands, rock guitarists, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , on December 14, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Bob Pressner - King Of Nothing - promo cover pic!

New York Native Serves up Fifth Full-Length Record

Los Angeles, CA – Rock artist Bob Pressner breathes raw emotion and honesty into every line on his new album King of Nothing, available now on iTunes. Drenched in glowing charisma, Bob shows off his versatility throughout the album as he touches on subjects like love, spirituality and retrospection. With his relatable lyrics and velvety tone, it is no surprise that Bob is becoming a magnetic force for music lovers; the official video for the title track “King of Nothing,” directed by Max Moraga and produced by Kurt J. Zendzain has already garnered more than 18 million views on YouTube!

Hailing from White Plains, NY, Bob has always been a musician at heart. Intrigued by the styles of Jimi Hendrix, Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell and Paul McCartney, he fell in love with the guitar at 15 years old and now has a vast collection. As he grew older, he continued to practice his art and refine his skills – he even studied with the famed 1950’s beat poet Allen Ginsberg. After experiencing a traumatic event and years of being part of the workforce, Bob took a leap of faith to pursue a music career. Later, Bob moved his family to Florida where he began writing and recording heavily. The singer-songwriter soon had his first album Hard Driving Rain, followed by Riding the Wave, Summer in Illusion Land, Me and the Kid from Santa Cruz, and Honor Among Thieves. In addition, Bob was a featured artist on the album A Musical Tribute to the Olympics, which was a commemorative compilation featured at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Bob Pressner - Publicity Pic - #1 - 2012

Delivering an exciting mix of head-bopping songs and tear-jerking ballads, Bob displays charm and grace on his latest effort, King of Nothing, produced by Grammy-nominated producer David Grow (Michael Bolton) and Jim McGorman (Avril Lavigne, The Corrs). With more than three million YouTube views for the music video, “The Blue Has Left Your Eyes” is a catchy mid-tempo track that reveals a more vulnerable Bob. The singer laments the loss of his queen with sweet melodies led by a soft guitar and carried away by wailing violins in the emotional “King of Nothing.” Hoping to meet his internet crush in “iGirl,” Bob’s infectious hook is lead by major rock guitars and supported by a solid vocal performance. Each song on this well-produced album is capable of transporting listeners to different dimensions.

Receiving “Top Honors” for his outstanding YouTube views, the New York native has been cranking out live performances left and right for his fans. Bob’s performances landed him a gig at the South By Southwest Music Festival and his very own Comcast-produced OnDemand concert entitled, “Bob Pressner at Infinity Music Hall.” The concert was promoted on cable channels like A&E, AMC, ESPN, CNN, Bravo, MTV, VH1, and TBS.

With four albums under his belt, Bob has let go of all inhibitions and nothing can hold him back. The world better get ready. Keep up with Bob Pressner by visiting www.BobPressner.com or Facebook.

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(Source: LaFamos PR & Branding)

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LONG LIVE BOB PRESSNER.

Stone.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra “Dreams of Fireflies (On A Christmas Night)” – Is Stone’s METAL Pick Of The Day!

Posted in christmas, christmas albums, christmas rock albums, Heavy Metal, Music, progressive metal, progressive rock, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on December 13, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Dreams of Fireflies (On A Christmas Night) - promo cover!

Trans-Siberian Orchestra – Paul O’Neill has once again assembled his ultra-magnificent musicians and vocalists of Trans-Siberian Orchestra for a brand new studio offering titled: Dreams of Fireflies (On A Christmas Night). This 5 song EP is everything brilliant about TSO, with majestic orchestration, Progressive Rock, vocals to leave you spellbound and plenty of Christmas atmosphere to last beyond the holiday season!

With more than 7 million albums sold throughout this now legendary journey of TSO, loyal fans know this tidy EP is a must have. New fans will surely be born from the spirited musicianship that Paul O’Neill (guitars), Jon Oliva (keyboards), Al Pitrelli (guitars), Chris Caffrey (guitars), John O’Reilly (drums), Jeff Plate (drums), Johnny Lee Middleton (bass) and a host of other talents have created here!

I without a micro-doubt embrace TSO! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this new EP from TSO and it has added that extra spark to my holiday season, while thrilling my Metal soul with every note! That is why Dreams of Fireflies (On A Christmas Night) from Trans-Siberian Orchestra is: Stone’s METAL Pick Of The Day! Metal be thy name.

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Take Note, Cause This Is Cool: This newly released 5 song EP is also included with every online ticket purchased to the live debut of The Lost Christmas Eve 2012 Tour as a digital download!

Produced by Paul O’Neill and Co-Produced By Dave Wittman

Lead Vocals:

Erika Jerry – (I Had A Memory)

Tim Hockenberry – (Someday)

Georgia Napolitano – (Time You Should Be Sleeping)

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Dreams of Fireflies (On A Christmas Night) – Track List:

Winter Palace

Dreams of Fireflies (On A Christmas Night)

I Had A Memory

Someday

Time You Should Be Sleeping

Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Logo - Red!________________________________________________________

For more info on TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA, click below!

http://www.trans-siberian.com

facebook: Trans-Siberian Orchestra

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LONG LIVE TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA.

Stone.

TRAIL OF TEARS – Sign With Massacre Records

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, symphonic metal with tags , , , , , on December 12, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Trail Of Tears - promo pic - #1 - 2012

Originally formed in 1994 under the name Natt, the band changed their name to TRAIL OF TEARS in 1997. Shortly after they recorded a 3-track demo tape entitled “When Silence Cries…”

The debut album “Disclosure In Red” was released in November 1998 via the Dutch label DSFA Records, which was followed by “Profoundemonium” about 2 years later. They signed to Napalm Records in 2001 and released 4 further albums over the course of 8 years.

TRAIL OF TEARS played a lot of shows worldwide, among others with Tristania, Therion, The Sins Of Thy Beloved, Cradle Of Filth or Biohazard. They also performed at festivals such as Wacken Open Air, Wave Gotik Treffen, Metal Mania Open Air, Metal Crowd Festival or Summer Breeze.

The band went through a couple of line-up changes, most recently with the departure of the band’s former drummer Cato Jensen. Bjørn Dugstad Rønnow joined the band as new drummer in March 2012.

TRAIL OF TEARS have now signed with Massacre Records and plan to release their 7th full-length album Oscillation in spring 2013.

Trail Of Tears - Oscillation - promo cover pic!

Ronny Thorsen, the band’s vocalist, commented:

“After a recording process full of challenges we are very happy to announce the signing to Massacre Records for our seventh album ‘Oscillation’. Massacre (Records) has a long history and a strong reputation and has shown interest and support towards the band for a long time. We look forward to detonate ‘Oscillation’ upon you all through the channels of Massacre (Records)!”

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TRAIL OF TEARS:

Ronny Thorsen – vocals

Cathrine Paulsen – Soprano vocals

Bjørn Ness – guitars

Endre Moe – bass

Bjørn Dugstad Rønnow – drums

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Source:

Massacre Records - large logo! Red:black:white

For more info on TRAIL OF TEARS, click on the links below!

www.trailoftears.no

www.facebook.com/pages/Trail-of-Tears-Official/109476819087800

www.twitter.com/trailoftearsno

http://www.youtube.com/TrailoftearsOfficial

http://www.massacre-records.com

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LONG LIVE TRAIL OF TEARS.

Stone.

Death Metallers XUL Offer FREE DOWNLOAD Of Debut Album ‘Malignance’

Posted in Death Metal, death metal bands, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal albums, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on December 12, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

XUL - group promo pic - 2012 - #1

Left to right: Bill Ferguson (Vocals/Guitar), Wallace Huffman (Guitar), Marlow Deiter (Bass), Lowell Winters (Drums), Levi Meyers (Vocals) Photo Credit: Bailey Gottlieb

Brutal Western Canadian Death Metallers XUL are offering their debut full length ‘Malignance’ released earlier this year as a FREE DOWNLOAD as the band currently works on their follow-up EP. If you’re a fan of Behemoth, Dissection and Immortal this is one album not to be missed as the band forges their brand of Blackened Death MetalMalignance features eight tracks of crushing rhythms seamlessly coalescing into atmospheric passages, accompanied by punishing percussion waves and subtle vocal harmonies.

FREE DOWNLOAD at the following link here. (http://xulmetal.bandcamp.com/album/malignance)

XUL vocalist Levi Meyers comments:

“”We are excited to offer our debut album, “Malignance” for free (or by pay what you want donation) to our fans as a token of our appreciation for the endless support they offer us. We are currently writing an EP, which will be due out sometime in 2013.”

XUL - Malignance - promo cover pic!

Track Listing – Malignance

1. Battlestorm 04:27

2. Mastication of Putrescent Empyrean Remains 05:14

3. Porta Noctis 05:08

4. Vengeance 03:28

5. Winter’s Reign 04:26

6. Hordes of Black 05:29

7. Incinerate the Earth 04:17

8. Tomb of Tyrants 05:54

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For more info on XUL, please visit these links:

www.xulofficial.ca

http://www.facebook.com/Xulband

http://www.twitter.com/xulofficial

http://xulmetal.bandcamp.com/

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About XUL:

A five piece group based out of Vernon, British Columbia, Canada, following in the footsteps of bands such as: Behemoth, Dissection, and Immortal, XUL have left the beaten path and set out to forge their own brand of Blackened Death Metal.

An energetic and interactive live performance – with crushing rhythms seamlessly coalescing into atmospheric passages, accompanied by punishing percussion waves and subtle vocal harmonies – expands upon the previously established essence of the sub-genre. With songs reminiscent of war-torn landscapes, destructive human nature and evil intent, XUL has captivated audiences and garnered positive reviews, and on June 16, 2012, released their first full length album, entitled “Malignance”.

Driven by determination and a diverse accumulation of musical comprehension, XUL has toured Western Canada, as well as proven themselves worthy to share the stage with bands such as: Obscura, Exhumed, Vreid, Kampfar, Woods of Ypres, Macabre, Withered, Cephalic Carnage, Archspire and 3 Inches of Blood. With a spring 2013 tour looming, XUL is determined to build on an impressive local following by infecting Western Canada with hopes of Canada in its entirety in the near future. XUL’s focus for winter 2012 is to meticulously craft new material for another release in 2013.

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XUL – MALIGNANCE – 2012

GENRE: Blackened Death Metal

RELEASE DATE: JUNE 16, 2012

LABEL: SELF-RELEASE

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(Source: Asher Media Relations)

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LONG LIVE XUL.

Stone.

ULCER “Grant Us Death” Out On February 19th, 2013, Through Pulverised Records

Posted in Death Metal, death metal bands, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on December 12, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Pulverised Records - Large Logo!! B&W!Ulcer - band logo! - B&W!

Poland’s morbid sextet ULCER returns this time in worship of the old-school Swedeath chainsaw laceration!

Never for a moment losing focus on the authentic Swedish fucking Death Metal sound that has terrorized the globe for decades, the band’s new full-length effort Grant Us Death is truly an unspeakable act of zombie-invoking riffs, heavily dosed with horror-theme inspired melody lines but yet spewing forth some of the most extremely well-(de)composed filthy-as-fuck Death Metal in the recent years.

Featuring the exclusive macabre painting by Bartek Kurzok (Abigail, Demonic Slaughter, Goat Tyrant, etc) and alluring layout by Kontamination Design, Grant Us Death was recorded, mixed and mastered at Sinquest Sound Studio, Lublin (Blaze Of Perdition, Moon, etc) by Grzegorz Kulawiak and ULCER.      

Grant Us Death is a rotten bag filled with unpretentious D-Beats and blast beats, HM-2 buzzsaw overkill in the name of hate and misanthropy!  The album will be out on February 19, 2013 in North America (January 28th in Europe).

ULCER has posted album track “The Love Song” at facebook: Ulcer

Ulcer - Grant Us Death - promo cover pic!

Grant Us Death

Devilspeed

Bloodpainted Salvation

The Love Song

Godcremation

Thanatoeuphoria

Devialize

The Pact

My Lord Has Horns

When Horror Comes

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Ulcer was formed in 2006 by Lucass and intended to be his solo project, but it quickly evolved into regular band due to joining of D. (vocals), Mścisław (guitar) and Kuba (bass). Two demo materials: A Property of God? (2006) and Slitwrist Society (2007) were spread among the people but they were never released. In the meantime Kuba left the band and the second vocalist Angelfuck joined. In this line-up, debut album entitled Serpent Trinity was recorded in summer 2007. The material still had no real drummer, which was the most probable reason it met the same fate as the demos.

After a period of silence, after joining of drummer of flesh and bones – Vizun, and Kamil – new bass player, the band comes back in 2011 with brand new material offering Pure Death Metal Inferno in the vein of ancient Swedish gods and signs a contract with well-known label Pulverised Records, which will release Ulcer’s new album Grant Us Death.

Ulcer - group promo pic - #1 - 2012

ULCER:

D. – vocal

Angelfuck – vocal

Lucass – guitar

Mscislaw – guitar

Szwed – bass

Vizun – drums

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(Source: ClawHammer PR)

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

facebook: Ulcer

http://www.pulverised.net

http://www.myspace.com/ulcerdeathmetal

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ULCER KICKS DEATH METAL ASS.

LONG LIVE ULCER.

Stone.

RUSH – To Finally Be Inducted Into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame! HEART Are Finally Inducted Too! Whoa!

Posted in blues rock, classic rock, disco, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Music, progressive rock, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on December 11, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

RUSH - publicity pic - #1 - 2011

As reported by Roadrunner Records:

It’s official; Rush will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. They will join Public Enemy, Heart, Randy Newman, Albert King, and Donna Summer. Lou Adler and Quincy Jones will both receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award for non-performers. The ceremony will be held on April 18 at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, CA.

Read Geddy’s Lee’s comments here!

Pick up a copy of Rush’s latest record, Clockwork Angels, from the Roadrunner store. It’s 20% off for a limited time!

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Heart - Fanatic - cover promo pic!

As reported on the facebook of HEART:

It’s official…we have been inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! Thank you to all of our fans for the support throughout our musical journey. We wouldn’t be here without you!

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

http://www.rush.com

facebook: RUSH

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

http://www.heart-music.com

facebook: Heart

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CONGRATULATIONS RUSH! WHOA!

LONG LIVE RUSH.

CONGRATULATIONS HEART! WHOA!

LONG LIVE HEART.

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Rest In Peace, Donna Summer.

Rest In Peace, Albert King.

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CONGRATULATIONS RANDY NEWMAN & PUBLIC ENEMY.

CONGRATULATIONS LOU ADLER & QUINCY JONES.

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.

SKID ROW “Jingle Bells” – Christmas Cover Song Is Stone’s METAL Pick Of The Day!

Posted in christmas, christmas rock albums, christmas rock songs, classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on December 11, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

skid row promo group pic/logo 2011

SKID ROW – JINGLE BELLS  is a Christmas cover song taken from the Monster Ballads X-Mas album. This album was released in 2007 via Razor & Tie. Take a look and listen below to this Hard Rockin’ cover of Jingle Bells! ! Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad and Happy Holidays! Metal be thy name.

Animation created by Serge Volsky.

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Monster Ballads - XMAS - cover promo pic!

Wanna read about this Monster Ballads X-Mas album? Metal Odyssey has it covered! Just click on that cool link below! Whoa!

MONSTER BALLADS X-MAS (2007) – Stone’s METAL Pick Of The Day!

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For more info on SKID ROW, click on the links below! Hey! Whoa!

http://skidrow.com

facebook: SKID ROW

http://www.twitter.com/Officialskidrow

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LONG LIVE SKID ROW.

Stone.

Metal Blade Records Signs Rivers Of Nihil – Demo From Upcoming Album Streaming Now!

Posted in Death Metal, death metal bands, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, progressive death metal, progressive metal with tags , , , , , , on December 10, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

rivers-of-nihil

A new demo of track from the Reading, PA Modern Progressive Metal outfit’s upcoming Metal Blade debut now live!

Metal Blade Records is pleased to announce the signing of RIVERS OF NIHIL! The Modern Progressive Death Metal quintet, who formed in 2009, was born from the ruins of their decaying hometown of Reading, Pennsylvania and are on a relentless path of taking their music to the next level. RIVERS OF NIHIL‘s music is as dark and heavy as the coal and iron their home city was built upon, taking influences from some of Death Metal’s heaviest, most abrasive hitters: Morbid Angel, Gojira, Spawn of Possession and Decapitated, to name a few.

“We’re super stoked to be a part of the Metal Blade family! Being on a such a strong label with some of our favorite bands is truly an honor and we look forward to the future with Metal Blade.”

Go HERE to listen to the demo version of the new song “Rain Eater” from RIVERS OF NIHIL‘s upcoming Metal Blade Records full-length debut, which will be recorded with Erik Rutan (Hate Eternal) at Mana Recording Studios in Tampa, FL in March of 2013. Stay tuned to the band’s official Facebook page for updates from the studio and release date info.

About the Band:
The members of RIVERS OF NIHIL honed their chops as high schoolers in various bands in the Reading scene, eventually coming together to form RIVERS OF NIHIL in 2009. They recorded their first EPHierarchy that year with Carson Slovak (Century), regularly toured the Northeast and Midwest, and scored local opening gigs for the likes of Decapitated, Decrepit Birth, Suffocation, Dying Fetus, and Misery Index. Two years later they regrouped with producer Len Carmichael to record their next EP Temporality Unbound, which saw the band earn recognition in the national metal scene as well as start to attract the attention of record labels and eventually saw the band signing with Metal Blade Records in late 2012.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/riversofnihil

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RIVERS OF NIHIL is:

Jake Dieffenbach – Vocals

Brody Uttley – Guitars

Jon Kunz – Guitars

Adam Biggs – Bass/Vocals

Ron Nelson – Drums

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(Source: Metal Blade Records)

For more info on METAL BLADE RECORDS, click on link below!

http://www.metalblade.com

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 LONG LIVE RIVERS OF NIHIL.

Stone.

SUFFOCATION – “Pinnacle Of Bedlam” Track List Unveiled! Album Releases February 15th, 2013, Via Nuclear Blast

Posted in Death Metal, death metal bands, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on December 10, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Suffocation _ Pinnacle Of Bedlam - promo cover pic!

New York Death Metal veterans SUFFOCATION have unveiled the track listing for their highly anticipated upcoming release, Pinnacle of Bedlam. The album features 10 genre-defining-bone-crushing tracks and also marks the return of drummer Dave Culross, who played with the band previously on their Despise The Sun EP. Founding member and former drummer Mike Smith also makes a special guest appearance on the re-recorded Breeding the Spawn track, Beginning of Sorrow.

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Pinnacle of Bedlam – Track Listing:

01. Cycles of Suffering

02. Purgatorial Punishment

03. Eminent Wrath

04. As Grace Descends

05. Sullen Days

06. Pinnacle of Bedlam

07. My Demise

08. Inversion

09. Rapture of Revocation

10. Beginning of Sorrow

Pinnacle of Bedlam was produced by the band and tracked at Full Force Studios in New York by longtime collaborator Joe Cincotta. The mixing and mastering was handled this time around by world-renowned producer/engineer Zeuss (HATEBREED, ARSIS, SUICIDE SILENCE). Cover artwork for Pinnacle of Bedlam was created by artist Raymond Swanland (DEEDS OF FLESH, PSYCROPTIC).

Pinnacle of Bedlam will be released February 15, 2013 via Nuclear Blast.

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(Source: Nuclear Blast Records)

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

http://www.facebook.com/suffocation

http://www.twitter.com/suffocationband

http://www.youtube.com/suffocation

http://www.nuclearblastusa.com/

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LONG LIVE SUFFOCATION.

Stone.

MISFITS – THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE XMAS > Sunday December 16th At Highline Ballroom, NYC

Posted in Music, Punk rock, punk rock bands, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on December 10, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Misfits - The Nightmare Before Xmas - promo poster - Dec - 2012

Sandy claws moved Halloween to December Fiends….

all 10/31/12 NYC tickets will be honored at the Dec. 16th show!

MISFITS ON TOUR NOW:

12/12/12      WASHINGTON, DC @ HOWARD THEATRE

12/16/12      NEW YORK CITY, NY @ HIGHLINE BALLROOM (TIX FROM THE CANCELLED 10/31 SHOW WILL BE HONORED)

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(Source: Official MISFITS Records Newsletter)

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

http://misfits.com/

http://misfitsrecords.com/

facebook: Misfits

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LONG LIVE MISFITS.

Stone.

Christmas Album Covers That Are FUNNY! 2012 Edition From Metal Odyssey!

Posted in album covers, christmas, christmas albums, funk, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on December 9, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Crazy Christmas Time - promo cover pic!

Welcome aboard to Metal Odyssey’s 2012 edition of: Christmas Album Covers That Are FUNNY! Take a look around here at these 8 funny Christmas albums; all are currently for sale on the World Wide Web. Each Christmas album cover below has made the staff here at Metal Odyssey… F’n laugh! Laughter is good Metal medicine too. The album cover (above) pretty much says it all: Crazy Christmas Time. That’s funny and true combined!

Hopefully you’ll get a chuckle from these Christmas album covers as well. Enjoy and thank you for stopping by for some (hopefully) good holiday laughter!

Boobs For Christmas - promo cover pic!

Boobs For Christmas – richard d. curtin

This album title sounds very, very good to me! Does the gal on this cover look like a dude… who looks like a lady?

Funny Cat - Christmas Songs - promo cover pic!

Funny Cat – Christmas Songs

That cat (if it’s real) looks… FUNNY! Since I’m a cat owner, this Christmas album cover is all the more FUNNY.

Motor Booty Affair - A Mothership Christmas - promo cover pic!

Motor Booty Affair – A Mothership Christmas

Now this is FUNNY! Motor Booty Affair spreads some Christmas funky cheer across the galaxy! Remember what Motor Booty Affair says:

It is your duty…to SHAKE YOUR BOOTY!

Motor Booty Affair is also having a Funky Christmas fundraiser on December 21st, in Portland Maine. For more Funkalicious details, click on the link here: Motor Booty Affair

Sexy Christmas House Tunes Vol. 2 - promo cover pic!

Sexy Christmas House Tunes Vol 2

Um… this “sexy” gal on this album cover appears to have only 1 arm and 1 leg. I feel so bad for her. I guess I shouldn’t have put this one on the “Funny List” huh?

The Hot Dogs - Holy Shit, It's Christmas - promo cover pic!

THE HOT DOGS – Holy Shit, It’s Christmas!

This Christmas CD cover needs NO images to be funny! Just the name of this band and the title to their CD is F’n funny stuff! HOLY SHIT THIS IS FUNNY!

Holiday Classics - The Bob & Tom Show - promo cover pic!

Holiday Classics – The Bob & Tom Show

I can’t help it. This Christmas album cover just comes across as FUNNY to me. Metal be thy name.

Funny Christmas Songs! - promo cover pic!

FUNNY CHRISTMAS SONGS!

We started this feature with Santa on an album cover… now we’re ending this feature with who else? Santa! The  funny thing is… this Santa is not quite “right” looking. Add the fact that the word “FUNNY” is in this album’s title; then you have a FUNNY Christmas album cover!

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Here’s hoping you had a laugh or two… or a semi-chuckle!

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MERRY CHRISTMAS, FELIZ NAVIDAD AND…

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Stone.

ALL SHALL PERISH – Tour Dates w/ IN FLAMES, DEMON HUNTER And BATTLECROSS Announced!

Posted in concerts, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on December 9, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

In Flames - Demon Hunter - NA Tour - poster promo - 2012

Oakland California based Extreme Metal Band, ALL SHALL PERISH, have just announced the first leg of dates of their tour in support of IN FLAMES and DEMON HUNTER. The trek will span five weeks and include shows in both the U.S.A. and Canada. Look for more shows to be announced shortly.

“Oh man, this February is gonna be sick titties,” commented an ecstatic and inebriated ALL SHALL PERISH bassist by the name of Mike Tiner. “Going out with IN FLAMES, DEMON HUMTER, and BATTLECROSS? Sheeeeeit, what more could you ask for? You know, other than, some lube and a stick to bite in case the steel hurts too much. Am I right? Come out and see us, fuckers!”

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Confirmed dates so far: 

IN FLAMES, DEMON HUNTER, ALL SHALL PERISH, BATTLECROSS

2/02/13  Revolution – Ft. Lauderdale, FL

2/04/13  Georgia Theatre – Athens, GA

2/05/13  The Orange Peel – Asheville, NC

2/07/13  The Madison Theater – Covington, KY

2/08/13  Mojoe’s – Joliet, IL

2/09/13  Bourbon Theatre – Lincoln, NE

2/10/13  Boulder Theater – Boulder, CO

2/12/13  Orpheum Theatre – Flagstaff, AZ

2/13/13  House of Blues – San Diego, CA

2/14/13  The Catalyst – Santa Cruz, CA

2/15/13  Majestic Ventura Theatre – Ventura, CA

2/16/13  Knitting Factory – Reno, NV

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(Source: Facebook: Nuclear Blast USA)

For more info on ALL SHALL PERISH, click on the links below!

http://www.allshallperish.com

http://www.facebook.com/allshallperish

http://www.twitter.com/allshallperish

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LONG LIVE ALL SHALL PERISH.

LONG LIVE IN FLAMES & DEMON HUNTER.

LONG LIVE BATTLECROSS.

Stone.

SOILWORK – Announce “The Living Infinite” Artwork, Release Date And Track List

Posted in Metal with tags , , , , , on December 9, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Soilwork - The Living Infinite - promo cover pic!

The Living Infinite, the ninth studio album and first double album release by Swedish Melodic Death Metal maestros SOILWORK, will be unleashed on February 27th in Asia (via license to Marquee Records), in Europe on March 1st, and in North America on March 5th.

Produced by Jens Bogren (OPETH, AMON AMARTH, BLOODBATH), The Living Infinite features artwork by MNEMIC’s Mircea Gabriel Eftemie who shares:

“Seven years ago, I created the artwork for the Stabbing The Drama album and I can’t believe how time flies! Here we are, with sexy grey hairs, working with my friends in SOILWORK again. This time, we built the cover around a maritime concept, aiming for something direct and symbolic. I believe we achieved that quite well. From my creative deck, I salute you and say: Long Live The Living Infinite.”

SOILWORK states: “After commissioning some pretty elaborate covers for the last couple of records, we decided to try something more sober and design-oriented for The Living Infinite. Who better to call than the man who created the iconic Stabbing The Drama cover? Mircea Gabriel Eftemie is not only a close friend but also an incredible graphic designer. We’re all stoked about his work which is different from anything SOILWORK has ever done and perfectly suits the elegant oceanic concept of The Living Infinite. Enjoy folks!”

Soilwork - group banner - promo - 2012

Tracklisting for The Living Infinite is as follows:

CD 1

01. Spectrum Of Eternity

02. Memories Confined

03. This Momentary Bliss

04. Tongue

05. The Living Infinite I

06. Let The First Wave Rise

07. Vesta

08. Realm Of The Wasted

09. The Windswept Mercy

10. Whispers And Lights

CD 2

01. Entering Aeons

02. Long Live The Misanthrope

03. Drowning With Silence

04. Antidotes In Passing

05. Leech

06. The Living Infinite II

07. Loyal Shadow

08. Rise Above The Sentiment

09. Parasite Blues

10. Owls Predict, Oracles Stand Guard

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(Source: Nuclear Blast Records)

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

http://www.soilwork.org

http://www.facebook.com/soilwork

http://www.twitter.com/_soilwork

http://www.nuclearblastusa.com/

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LONG LIVE SOILWORK.

Stone.

KISS Kollectibles – Wanna See My Gene Simmons Christmas Ornament? It’s Really Cool…

Posted in christmas, classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Music, rock music, rock music collectibles, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on December 8, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

KISS - Gene Simmons Ornament - front pic - 2012

KISS KOLLECTIBLES – That’s it at the top! That’s my really cool Gene Simmons Christmas Ornament! Whoa! My family bought this KISS Kollectible for me a couple of weeks ago; they found it at Walgreens (a large retail & pharmaceutical store).

It cost $5 (U.S.) if you buy 2 of any similar kind; otherwise the ornament costs $5.99. Apparently, this was the only KISS ornament left for sale! Metal be thy name! The box measures approximately 3.5″ x 5.25″.

For those who’ve never seen a Walgreens, here’s a look:

Walgreens Store - Photo - 2012

Here’s what the side panel to this KISS Christmas ornament box looks like:

KISS - Gene Simmons - Ornament - side panel - 2012

Here’s what the top of this KISS ornament box looks like:

KISS - Gene Simmons - Ornament Box Top - 2012

Here’s all the boring manufacturing info found on the KISS ornament box bottom:

KISS - Gene Simmons - box bottom pic! - 2012

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For more info on KISS, click on the link below!

http://www.kissonline.com

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LONG LIVE KISS.

LONG LIVE GENE SIMMONS.

LONG LIVE KISS KOLLECTIBLES.

Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad and…

Happy Holidays!

Stone.

RABBITS – Ruins Your Day With New Video, Drops “Straight Edge/Wasted” Flexi

Posted in Metal, metal albums, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on December 8, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Rabbits - Bites Rites - cover promo pic!

Portland’s caecothrophic collective RABBITS have excreted their very first hare-raising video to help ruin your day, constructed for the rampant skronking riffage of Fight Right, the second track off from their recently birthed Bites Rites LP. The cinematic mayhem was completed by Wes Johnson of Good to Die Productions — the film team responsible for label mates Deadkill’s “Oh God Help You” video — utilizing early live footage shot by the fourth Rabbit Daniel Abell and RABBITS’ own warped “us-versus-them” concept.

Unleash the visual chaos of “Fight Right” and more from the RABBITS vermin RIGHT HERE.

For this year’s Record Store Day these racket practitioners dropped a two-song flexi postcard thing called Flexihead, busting out conflicting covers of Minor Threat’s “Straight Edge” and Black Flag’s “Wasted” in the relentlessly blaring noise-infested RABBITS rage. Portland Mercury’s music editor issued a short blog post, highlighting the hand-written love note from the band stating “Enjoy your desperate attempts to make this thing play.”

Rabbits - flexihead - promo pic!

Through the RABBITS Bandcamp outpost stream all of the “Straight Edge/Wasted” Flexihead HERE and the entire Bites Rites fiasco HERE.

RABBITS Stagefuckeries:

12/07/2012 The Josephine – Seattle, WA w/ Fist Fite, Monogamy Party, Brokaw

12/08/2012 Club 21 – Portland, OR w/ Fist Fite, Monogamy Party, Brokaw

1/18/2013 Alleyway – Portland, OR w/ Gaytheist, Transient

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Journalist Praise:

“…sounds like it was recorded in a collapsing steelworks…” – This Is Not A Scene

“Ever wonder what would happen if you put your Butthole Surfers records through a buzz saw?” – Vancouver Weekly 

“… like running headfirst into a wall until you see stars.” – Portland Mercury

“Sort of like the soundtrack to a cheap slasher film with car sex, but better.” – Seattle Weekly 

“…a choppy and rhythmically alarming dig toward hell. Guitars slice and poke, eventually slowing toward a bad trip of unsettling, drowning screams. Ugh…” – Heavy Planet 

“…sped up and aggro hateful, like some mean, ratty pissed off uncles of Fu Manchu from up north of the redwood/good bud curtain.” – Your Flesh

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(Source: Earsplit PR)

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

http://www.rabbitusmaximus.com

facebook: RABBITS

http://www.goodtodierecords.com

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LONG LIVE RABBITS.

Stone.