New Orleans sludge metal behemoths CROWBAR will support Sepultura and SacredReich on their long-anticipated tour next Spring. Initially scheduled as a 2020 run, the North America Quadra Tour 2022 kicks off March 4th in Sacramento, California and makes its way through a month’s worth of shows, ending on April 9th in Berkeley California. Additional support will be provided by Art Of Shock. All tickets previously purchased for the 2020 dates, will be honored.
CROWBAR recently announced a short stretch of shows supporting Municipal Waste this Fall. The ten-date US journey will commence November 13th in Indianapolis, Indiana and features additional support from Skeletal Remains and Dead Heat. Tickets for all events are on sale now!
Jeff Diehl, AKA “The Nitto Surfer” & StephenPearcy have a long history of working together. If you watched Stephen Pearcy’s Rockumentary, “NOTHING TO LOSE”, you will have heard the stories of Stephen having worked in the pits with Walt Rhodes at an early age in hopes of pursuing his NHRA dreams as a future Funny Car Driver. Life took a turn and Stephen ended up on the music industry but his NRHA dreams are very much a reality in his life as he is a Proud sponsor and has been a presence on the raceway circuit for decades.
This weekend, Stephen will be at the Autoclub Raceway in Pomona to support his friend, Jeff Diehl “The Nitro Surfer” as he hits the Drag Strip in true Bad Ass style!!
Mighty Los Angeles-born, guitar-driven, heavy metal icons, ALCATRAZZ, announce the release of their fifth studio album, aptly titled V, which is set for release via Silver Lining Music on October 15th, 2021.
In advance of the release of V, ALCATRAZZ today unveils new single/video, “Sword Of Deliverance,” and as far as lead statements go, it’s one hell of a reminder that when ALCATRAZZ is firing on all cylinders with all guns blazing, they are a vital part of any metalhead’s day. And there is little doubt that ALCATRAZZ 2021, featuring Doogie White on vocals, founding members Jimmy Waldo and Gary Shea on keyboards and bass respectively, Mark Benquechea on drums, and Joe Stump on guitar, are the chemistry causing the musical fire.
“‘Sword Of Deliverance’ is a mighty, metal monument,” affirms White, “a call to arms for the ALCATRAZZ collective. Loud, proud, and ready!”
View “Sword Of Deliverance,” now playing at THIS LOCATION.
Formed in 1983, ALCATRAZZ became famous for its blend of melodic and progressive rock and for introducing guitar heroes Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai. Emerging in 1983 with No Parole From Rock ‘N’ Roll, which featured the hit “Island In The Sun,” the band continued building popularity in 1985 with their sophomore effort, Disturbing The Peace, which contained the hit, “God Blessed Video.” The band issued one more studio LP, 1986’s Dangerous Games, before ceasing operations the following year. The band regrouped and released highly acclaimed Born Innocent in 2020, their first studio album containing all-new material since 1986.
While Born Innocent was a smart and strong return to the studio, there is a synergy and crackle about V which shows a band both in lockstep with each other and back in love with the writing process. “We all are very happy with the new album. We were all on the same page about the direction and what we were trying to accomplish,” notes Waldo. “We had over twenty songs to pick from. It was tough; we liked them all. That’s very unusual for a band. I think this album sounds like the natural progression from No Parole, only heavier.”
Both vintage and timeless, V treads the ALCATRAZZ textured territories of old but with renewed vigor and verve. Whether it be the choral-echoes sitting inside the storming tempest which is “Nightwatch,” the staunch, speedy melodic metal of “Turn Of The Wheel,” or the thick, bluesy chug of “House Of Lies,” there is little doubt that this ALCATRAZZ is going full-tilt with not one ounce of a shackle holding them back. In that regard, White’s supreme vocal work on all twelves tracks serves as the catalyst for their creative synergy and his supremely positive energy brings the band closer than it has been since, well, 1986!
“The addition of Doogie is a natural transition for the ALCATRAZZ legacy,” states Shea. “He is a hard-working professional who loves to sing and doesn’t shy away from deadlines. His long list of career achievements is the perfect fit for us as we have been leading parallel lives all these years creating music. I am looking forward to bringing this new powerful line-up on the road.”
Over the course of three-plus decade career, the Scottish-born White is undoubtably one of the finest vocalists in hard rock, having fronted Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force, Tank, and Michael Schenker. It is therefore no surprise to hear him dovetail so easily with ALCATRAZZ, indeed, it feels like the most natural of career progressions.
There is little doubt that besides the work of White, much is going to be quite rightly said about the scintillating performance of Joe Stump throughout V, and it feels as though he’s truly found his place alongside previous ALCATRAZZ guitar gods, Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai. Every riff is supremely sharp and every solo carries with it platinum sovereignty, whether engaging in the shred or delivering a more nuanced lead break.
“I really enjoy playing with Joe; he’s not only a great player but a great writer as well,” enthuses Waldo. “He’s really fun to tour and work with. He plays with tons of energy live, kind of the ‘take no prisoners’ vibe.”
Produced by Giles Lavery and Jimmy Waldo, and mixed by Andy Haller (Elton John, Joe Cocker, System Of A Down), V also includes guest appearances from Saxon’s Nigel Glockler (drums on “Guardian Angel” and “Blackheart”), Tank’s Cliff Evans (bass on “Grace Of God”), and Donnie Van Stavern of Riot (bass on “Guardian Angel,” “Nightwatch,” and “Target”), underscoring how perennially popular ALCATRAZZ’s music remains with their peers. V stands for ALCATRAZZ’s fifth studio album of course… but it also stands just as resolutely for Victory; the victory that sees ALCATRAZZ 2021 stronger than ever despite all the odds.
The legendary masters of NOLA sludge, CROWBAR, will return to the stage this November supporting MunicipalWaste. The ten-date US journey will commence November 13th in Indianapolis, Indiana and come to a close November 23rd in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Additional support will be provided by Skeletal Remains and Dead Heat. Comments the band, “We are so excited to get back on the road! This pandemic has been horrible for so many people and has affected their lives tremendously. We just feel blessed to be able to play some music for our fans again.” Tickets are on sale NOW! See all confirmed dates below.
CROWBAR w/ Municipal Waste, Skeletal Remains, Dead Heat:
11/13/2021 Emerson Theater – Indianapolis, IN [tickets]
For nearly three decades, the name CROWBAR has been synonymous with the word “HEAVY.” Since rising ominously from the swamplands of New Orleans in 1990, they’ve been hailed internationally as one of the world’s foremost purveyors of crushing, melodic sludge. The band’s most recent release, The Serpent Only Lies, issued in 2016 via Entertainment One (eOne) in North America and SPV overseas, is both an affirmation of the group’s staying power and a nod to their legacy. It’s an album that stands toe-to-toe with those early CROWBAR classics while maintaining the lumbering hooks of mid-period standouts like 1998’s Odd Fellows Rest and 2000’s Equilibrium.
Wrote Metal Injection, “With CROWBAR being part of the great foundation that makes sludge metal, The Serpent Only Lies encompasses so much of the sound we love of sludge, while finding itself in a place where it is at once heavy, but has room for opportunity.” Added Blabbermouth, “Windstein was born to write crushing riffs. He continues to churn out riffs that will likely make two Hessians driving around blasting the album simultaneously look at one another in acknowledgment of ‘that riff!’ Which one? Those amazing riffs are peppered throughout the album…”
Already listed among the most anticipated records of 2021 by esteemed metal outlets like Revolver, Decibel, BrooklynVegan, MetalSucks, and so many others, CROWBAR’s forthcoming new full-length promises a sonic bone crush like no other. Stay tuned.
That’s my AC/DC bottle opener/keychain. I don’t have a clue as to how I obtained it. It’s just one of those mystery items that you come across while clearing out boxes of stuff. I’m happy I found it, I will say.
The box I found this in I had not opened in over (at least) 8 years. I’ve been to a couple of AC/DC concerts many, many years ago; yet I don’t believe I bought any merch at those shows. Who knows, it was so long ago. I was probably lit anyways. Thanks for checking it out and… “have a drink on me!”
Heavy hitting rock legends, Night Ranger are set to release their 12th studio album, “ATBPO” (which stands for And The Band Played On), an ode to making music during the covid era. The album will be released on August 6, 2021 via Frontiers Music Srl on CD, Color Vinyl (a variety of limited edition versions), and Digital. The band began writing the album in early 2020, amid the rise of the global pandemic. After narrowing down the song selection and tightening them up to their well-known rock ‘n roll sound, the band hit the studio, although separately, due to the times we are in. Throughout ATBPO we hear Night Ranger continuing their hot streak that kicked off with 2011’s “Somewhere In California”.
Ten years on, and two highly acclaimed albums later, “High Road” and “Don’t Let Up”, the band’s latest studio work shows them still burning with that high octane hard rock energy. Night Ranger has always had a knack for killer melodies, intricate instrumentation, and captivating lyrics; ATBPO delivers all of that and more.
Having sold over 17 Million albums worldwide, performed across more than 4000 stages, and captivated a radio audience that exceeds 1 Billion, Night Ranger has both epitomized and transcended the arena rock sound and style well beyond that era. With multiple songs having a significant impact on popular culture, Night Ranger continue to grow their ever-evolving fan-base. The band is proof that powerful songs alongside, incredibly talented musicians is the perfect formula for continued success.
Night Ranger have earned widespread recognition that includes both multi-platinum and gold album status all while leaving their indelible mark on the music industry with a long list of best-selling albums (Dawn Patrol, Midnight Madness, 7 Wishes, Big Life and Man In Motion). Their popularity is fueled by an impressive number of instantly recognizable hit singles and signature album tracks, including legendary titles such as “Sister Christian”, “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me”, “When You Close YourEyes”, the anthemic “(You Can Still) Rock In America”, along with “Sentimental Street”, “Goodbye”, “Sing Me Away”, and “Four in the Morning”.
Over the years, the band’s music has made notable contributions to and been featured in many different areas of global media and pop culture. Night Ranger was one of the first big “video” bands on MTV, with over ten #1 hit videos. Their songs can be heard in TV Shows like, The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, American Dad, Glee, Grey’s Anatomy, Parks & Recreation.
The band have also had music featured in video games such as, Rock Band, Guitar Hero and Grand Theft Auto, plus hit Broadway musical Rock of Ages, the Oscar-Nominated film Boogie Nights, and other feature films such as Friday the 13th, Teachers, Sixteen Candles, and The Secret of My Success. Most recently the band’s classic hit “Sister Christian” can be heard in a Dr. Pepper commercial. They can also be heard throughout JBL’s “Hear The Truth” brand campaign.
Night Ranger is Jack Blades (bass, vocals), Kelly Keagy (drums, vocals), Brad Gillis (lead & rhythm guitars), Eric Levy (keyboards) and Keri Kelli (lead & rhythm guitars).
Tracklist: Coming For You Bring It All Home To Me Breakout Hard To Make It Easy Can’t Afford A Hero Cold As December Dance The Hardest Road Monkey A Lucky Man Tomorrow Savior (Bonus Track for CD and LP only)
The Metal Tour of the Year co-headlined by MEGADETH and LAMBOFGOD will soon lay waste to cities across North America with special guests TRIVIUM and HATEBREED. Due to international visa issues, special guests INFLAMES will not be able to join the tour, but the highly anticipated trek will finally hit the road beginning August 20 through October 2.
Tickets and limited VIP packages are available at:
metaltouroftheyear.com
Source: MEGADETH
LONG LIVE MEGADETH, LAMB OF GOD, TRIVIUM And HATEBREED.
Posted in Metal with tags metal odyssey on July 10, 2021 by Metal Odyssey
This past week, my family brought home to me this kick-ass Slayer belt buckle. This is a thrift store find that cost $4.99. That’s a very decent price. I seriously never find anythingrelated to Metal at thrift stores; occasionally I’ll find a worthy CD here or there. Honestly, this is the best Metal treasure that either my family or I have found at a thrift store in many years.
With over 40 years playing guitar and songwriting as a professional musician, career firsts are minimal for someone as prolific as George Lynch. On August 20th, George gets to add another highlight with the release of his first-ever full-length instrumental album, Seamless. The album features nine brand new tracks and three bonus tracks from Lynch who is backed by drummer Jimmy D’Anda and bassist Eric Loiselle.
“Seamless is my attempt at creating a guitar driven instrumental record that delivers something outside the realm of what most people would expect from a guitar instrumental record coming from a semi-redeemed 80’s hair shredder. I wanted the record to be challenging but not exhausting; personal without being belligerently self-indulgent and include a fair amount of guitar histrionics and pay tribute to the masters without making it sound like I’m competing to be the end all summation of all guitar legacies that preceded me. I also wanted the underlying music to be more than vehicles for solos; I wanted the compositions to be able to stand on their own,” explains Lynch.
From the driving guitar riff of album opener “Quiver” to the haunting outro of album closer “Falling Apart,” it is clear George Lynch was looking to explore his writing and love for the guitar. Songs like “Cola,” “Sharks With Laser Beams,” and “Supersonic Hypnotic Groove Thing” explore the various musical styles George likes to play while giving him room to experiment with new sounds alongside his signature tone. The album on all formats includes three bonus tracks that were added to the album after the extra tracks were presented to the label. “Blue Light Effect,” House Of Eternal Return” and “The Weight” also show the musical diversity that only George Lynch as a trio can create.
Bay Area Thrashers INFEX have released a lyric video for “The Abyss,” a track from forthcoming album Burning in Exile. The video was directed and edited by Lance Woodruff. Commence thrashing at youtu.be/k-4IbkTi9dk or below:
Concerning the lyrical inspiration for “The Abyss,” the band had this to say:
“The Abyss was inspired by the famous quote from Friedrich Nietzsche – ‘Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.’
We find the quote relatable more than ever in today’s super-charged political and existential social climates. That which we hate, we become. The Abyss is a metaphor for the oppressive anxiety of the modern day social climate. It’s like staring into the darkness of the Abyss, overwhelmed with fear of what happens when we come out the other side. As it consumes you, you become one with it, and panic attack becomes the daily norm.”
INFEX will self-release Burning in Exile on August 13th on CD, digital and limited edition red translucent 12″ vinyl formats.
In case you missed it, check out the official video for album track “Acid Reign” at youtu.be/EDjRsqTlfCE
Line-up: Jack – Guitars and Vocals, Adam – Guitars and vocals, RC – Bass and vocals, Corey – Drums
Though the sound of Burning inExile is firmly anchored in a ripping form of thrash metal, elements of old school hardcore and crossover metal are present as well. Having grown up during the Thrash Metal heyday and listening to genre pioneers like Exodus, Kreator, Destruction, Slayer, Dark Angel and the like, along with old-school hardcore influences like Discharge, Attitude Adjustment, Cryptic Slaughter, DRI, and Excel, INFEX blends the styles of all these and more into a raw outpouring of aggression and anger.
Burning in Exile was recorded at Trident Studios in Martinez, CA (Machine Head, Vio-Lence, Testament, Exodus). It was produced, engineered, mixed and mastered by Juan Urteaga. INFEX booked the studio time in late 2019 and began recording in March of 2020, right as the Covid-19 pandemic became serious. Due to the lockdown, the recording sessions were spaced out further than anticipated, resulting in the inspiration for the album title, Burning in Exile. The band’s album release show happens on August 14th at 3 Disciples Brewing in Santa Rosa, California.
So happy to show you the cover artwork of “Triumph And Agony Live”. It’s released on September 24 and includes the whole “Triumph And Agony” album in awesome live versions on CD, vinyl, Blu-ray and in the most beautiful boxset we ever had. I love the new cover art so much! Check it out!
Long-running heavy metal supergroup DOWN, featuring vocalist Philip H. Anselmo, guitarists Pepper Keenan and Kirk Windstein, drummer Jimmy Bower, and bassist Pat Bruders, will return to the stage Friday, August 13th for a very special in-person live and virtual experience!
The fittingly titled NOLA Town Throwdown will take place at the Fillmore in New Orleans, Louisiana. Fans can attend the show in person while those who can’t make it, can still catch it in real time from the comfort of their living room! Support will be provided by special guest comedian Dave Hill.
Comments the band:
Philip H. Anselmo: “It’s gonna be great to play our home town again! Always a blast!”
Pepper Keenan: “NOLA Town Throwdown is a long time coming. Let’s do this and make it epic! Up the hammers!”
Pat Bruders: “Through the hard times and now for the good times, this is gonna be a very special show for everyone! We’re ready to turn it up and slam it DOWN!”
Kirk Windstein: “Playing on stage with my brothers in DOWN is always a special moment to me. We can’t wait to blow the roof off of The Fillmore! Being in NOLA takes this to a whole new level!”
Jimmy Bower: “It’s been way too long, y’all! I can’t remember the last time we played NOLA. On Friday, August 13th we will play our hometown. A DOWNshow y’all! Old friends, good times, and great tunes on a superstitious night! We’re ready to jam, are you?”
Tickets go on sale Friday, July 9th at 10:00am central time through Livenation.com for the live event and down-nola.com for the livestream. Don’t miss out – tickets will go quick!
You know it’s DOWN as soon as you hear them. That’s the way it’s always been, and nothing will ever change that. There’s no mistaking those gargantuan riffs, swamp blues leads, crashing drums, and hypnotic howls for absolutely anybody else under the sun. Philip H. Anselmo, Pepper Keenan, Jimmy Bower, Pat Bruders, and Kirk Windstein uphold a certain tradition that countless fans celebrate, expanding their own musical mythos as they leave its pillars intact and untouched.
With a collective resume encompassing Pantera, Corrosion Of Conformity, Crowbar, and EyeHateGod, the quintet puffed out its first haze of sonic smoke from the belly of gritty old New Orleans on the 1995 platinum-selling classic, NOLA. At that moment, they naturally summoned something akin to a ritual, continually partaking in it with critically revered offerings — Down II: A Bustle In Your Hedgerow in 2002, Down III: Over The Under in 2007, Down IV – Part One in 2012, and Down IV – Part Two in 2014. Their shows built a certain live lore with unforgettable runs alongside Metallica and Heaven & Hell as well as coveted spots on iconic fests like Download, Soundwave, Ozzfest, and so many others forever delivering passionate, powerful, pure heavy music you can feel deep down in your soul.
Italian melodic death metallers LUNARSEA have a pleasure to announce that they will play at the 3-days CamuniaSonoraFest in Brescia – Italy, on Sunday, July 25th!
The band stated: “FINALLY BACK ON STAGE! We will share the stage with legends as Sodom and SAMAEL at Camunia Sonora on Sunday 25th July.”
Based out of Portland, Oregon, White Crone is the metal brainchild of award winning blues artist and bassist / vocalist Lisa Mann. Growing up in the mosh pits of the 80s, she was inspired by bands such as Iron Maiden, Mercyful Fate, Black Sabbath, Manowar, Dio and more. A mostly one-woman project, White Crone is a love letter to this grand era of metal, and a lyrical homage to mystical storytelling traditions of yore.
Never losing the blues swagger, White Crone delivers traditional heavy Metal, with traces of prog, proto & black – rounded out with classic Dickinsonian female vocals.All of this culminated in the debut album “The Poisoner”. “The Poisoner”will take you “back to the day.”
Lisa Mann comments: “I was inspired to write metal songs a few years ago, after hearing the band Ghost during the Grammy voting process. I taught myself to play guitar and drums in order to record at home. After I had tracked several songs in my spare time, it occured to me that other people might want to hear this music as well. So I hired a professional drummer (Larry London) to record in a real studio (Opal Studio, Portland OR), added Mehdi Farjami and Vinny Appice to some tracks, painstakingly tracked my own guitar parts, and voila, White Crone was born. As a well known Contemporary Blues artist, I knew it was risky to dive into the field of metal, but I felt the need to pursue this dream. I really just wanted to make an album that I would have listened to when I was 16!”
This heartfelt cover of the classic Rainbow track was mixed and mastered at Opal Studio by Kevin Hahn. Lisa Mann performs on vocals and bass guitar. The bass and keyboard tracks were recorded at home by Lisa and her husband Allen (Bass Salad Studio). Blues Rock artist Alastair Greene (Santa Barbara, CA) plays guitar on the track. On keyboards is Eric Lawrence. The legendary Vinny Appice fills out the Stargazer lineup on drums.
The song is even longer and more self-indulgent than the original, clocking in at almost 9 minutes. It will be released in digital format only on the day before Ronnie James Dio’s birthday, in his honor. It will be available for streaming on select platforms as well as available for download at the White Crone website.
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
Metal Odyssey's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"
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