Author Archive

On This Day In METAL History – April 10th… From IRON MAIDEN To SABATON

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Metal, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , on April 10, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Iron Maiden - The Number Of The Beast - promo cover pic - large

On April 10th, 1982 – The mighty IRON MAIDEN had their third studio album, The Number Of The Beast, reach #1 on the UK Album Chart. This was the first time IRON MAIDEN had a #1 record in the UK. This iconic album spent 2 weeks at #1 as well.

municipal waste - the fatal feast cover promo

On this day in 2012Municipal Waste released their fifth studio album: The Fatal Feast – Waste In Space. This Thrash Metal album kicks unbelievable Metal ass. Seriously, it does. Whoa.

Job For A Cowboy - Demonocracy - Large Promo Cover Pic #6

On April 10th, 2012 – Arizona’s Job For A Cowboy released their third studio album: Demonocracy, via Metal Blade Records. Long live Job For A Cowboy!

Sabaton - Heroes - Deluxe Edition - promo album cover pic - April 7 - 2015 - SMOH

On this day in 2015 – The powerful SABATON have their album Heroes (Deluxe Edition) ranked at #61, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. Whoa! Gather all the villagers around and tell ’em all that Stone says: SABATON RULES! Hail SABATON! Long live SABATON!

Europe - War Of Kings - promo album cover pic - #2015EJTMO

On April 10th, 2015 – The tenth studio album, War Of Kings, from Sweden’s legendary EUROPE is ranked at #81, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. Long live EUROPE!

Van Halen - Tokyo Dome In Concert - promo cover pic - 2015 - #VHMO04

On this day in 2015Van Halen’s new live 2-CD, Tokyo Dome In Concert, debuts on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart at #20. Why was such lame cover art chosen for this release? I just don’t know. You would expect that with the overpriced Van Halen concert tickets that are being sold, this legendary band could afford an artist with clever ideas for an album cover. Apparently not.

At least the EUROPE album cover (above) has imagery and cool photography to it that makes me pause to think.

__________________________

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE METAL.

LONG LIVE THE ROOTS & FAMILY TREE OF METAL.

Stone.

JEFF BECK LIVE+ New Live Album Spanning The Legendary Guitarist’s Vast and Varied Career, Along With Two New Studio Tracks, Available May 5th

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , on April 9, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Jeff Beck Live+ - promo album cover pic - 2015 - JBMIMO0115

LOS ANGELES – Jeff Beck earned raves last year for his spellbinding performances during the hugely successful double-bill tour with ZZ TOP. Fans can relive Beck’s thrilling guitar gymnastics from those shows with a new live album that touches on key eras from the legendary artist’s influential career. The album captures a snapshot of Jeff’s work in 2014, with two newly recorded studio tracks also included, his first new music since 2010’s Grammy®-winning Emotion & Commotion.

Packed with more than an hour of music, JEFF BECK LIVE+ will be available from Atco Records, an imprint of Rhino Entertainment, on May 5 for a list price of $18.98 (CD) and will also be available digitally. The album will arrive as Beck is in the midst of an East Coast solo tour, which includes newly added dates in May. This trek also features make-up dates from the same ZZ TOP tour this album was recorded during, before it was cut short due to an injury to ZZ TOP bassist Dusty Hill.

The 14 live performances on JEFF BECK LIVE+ were recorded at multiple venues in 2014 and feature Beck backed by his band: vocalist Jimmy Hall, bassist Rhonda Smith, drummer Jonathan Joseph and guitarist Nicolas Meier. The quintet explored Beck’s vast catalog—which stretches across five decades—with performances of “Morning Dew” (from Truth, 1968), “Superstition” (from Beck, Bogert, Appice, 1973), “Big Block” (from Jeff Beck’s Guitar Shop, 1989), as well as two Grammy-winning tracks: his cover of the Beatles’ “A Day In The Life” and “Hammerhead.”

LIVE + concludes with two new studio tracks: “Tribal” and “My Tiled White Floor,” with   guest vocals from Ruth Lorenzo and Veronica Bellino, respectively. These aggressive new songs mark Beck’s first studio recordings since 2010 and show a stark departure from the sound on his previous album as the guitarist continues to push the envelope of musical innovation, just as he has his entire career. These tracks are sure to whet the appetite of Beck fans as the guitarist prepares his 17th studio album, which is expected later this year.

Throughout his career, Beck has also proven to be a brilliant interpreter of other’s songs. This live album doesn’t disappoint with covers of “Danny Boy,” Jimi Hendrix’s “Little Wing,” Mahavishnu Orchestra’s “You Know You Know,” and Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come.”

Beck’s career took off in the mid-1960s, after replacing Eric Clapton as lead guitarist for The Yardbirds on the recommendation of his friend Jimmy Page. He played on several of the rock group’s hits, such as “Heart Full of Soul,” “Shapes of Things” and “Over Under Sideways Down.” Beck has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice: once with The Yardbirds in 1992 and again as a solo artist in 2009. He has won numerous Grammy Awards, including two in 2011.

Jeff Beck Live+ - promo album cover pic - 2015 - JBMIMO0115

JEFF BECK LIVE+
Track Listing:

1. “Loaded”
2. “Morning Dew”
3. “You Know You Know”
4. “Why Give It Away”
5. “A Change Is Gonna Come”
6. “A Day In The Life”
7. “Superstition”
8. “Hammerhead”
9. “Little Wing”
10. “Big Block”
11. “Where Were You”
12. “Danny Boy”
13. “Rollin’ And Tumblin’”
14. “Going Down”
15. “Tribal”*
16. “My Tiled White Floor”*

*New Studio Recording

Jeff Beck Solo Dates
April 13 The Capitol Theatre Port Chester, NY
April 15 The Paramount Huntington, NY
April 16 The Paramount Huntington, NY
April 17 The Paramount Huntington, NY
April 18 The Capitol Theatre Port Chester, NY
April 19 Orpheum Theatre Boston, MA
April 21 Ulster Performing Arts Center Kingston, NY
April 22 Bergen Performing Arts Center Englewood, NJ
April 24 Count Basie Theatre Red Bank, NJ
April 25 The Strand – Capital Performing Arts Center York, PA
April 26 The Palace Theatre Greensburg, PA

With ZZ TOP

April 30 Cedar Park Center Cedar Park, TX
May 1 Winstar Casino Thackerville, OK
May 2 Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion The Woodlands, TX
May 3 Concrete Street Corpus Christi, TX
May 7 MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre Tampa, FL
May 8 Cruzan Amphitheater West Palm Beach, FL
May 9 St. Augustine Amphitheatre St. Augustine, FL
May 10 Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Alpharetta, GA

Jeff Beck Newly Added Solo Dates – on sale dates noted:

May 12 The Kentucky Center –Whitney Hall Louisville, KY*
May 14 Michigan Theater Ann Arbor, MI ***
May 15 Hard Rock Live Northfield, OH*
May 16 PNC Pavilion at Riverbend Music Center Cincinnati, OH
May 17 Ryman Auditorium Nashville, TN
May 19 Fox Theater St. Louis, MO *
May 21 Chicago Theatre Chicago, IL **
May 22 Riverside Theatre Milwaukee, WI*
May 23 State Theater Minneapolis, MN*

*on sale April 10
** on sale April 11
*** on sale April 17

_________________________

Source: MAD Ink PR

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE JEFF BECK.

Stone.

HOUSE OF LORDS “INDESTRUCTIBLE” – Releasing In Early June, Via Frontiers Music Srl

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Music, rock albums, rock music with tags , , , on April 8, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

House Of Lords - Indestructible - promo album cover pic - 2015

Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce the release of HOUSE OF LORDS tenth studio album, aptly entitled INDESTRUCTIBLE on June 3rd in Europe, June 6th in the UK and June 7th in North America.

The new album shows once again what HOUSE OF LORDS stands for: powerful and heavy songs, with major hooks and melodies and grandiose arrangements. “The name Indestructible was chosen because we all felt that we have been through a lot in our long careers and what better way to say “Hey, I’m still Here” than by giving the cd a BOLD title,” says singer James Christian.

Indestructible features eleven brand new songs, which masterfully combine the best of Heavy and Melodic Hard Rock. “The album is heavier in the beginning, but we love songs that are both Melodic and Heavy” continues Christian, “and the idea was to fill the best of both on one cd without sounding like two different bands. I think we have accomplished that. A good example would be the song “Pillar of Salt” especially gives a good representation of how the new album sounds: a combination of heavy, melodic, and thoughtful lyrics. This song is one of my favorites!”

Besides being House of Lords tenth studio album, the new record sees the new line-up celebrating their first ten years together. “It is amazing to work with BJ, Chris and Jimi” tells James Christian, “they are all very aware of what HOUSE OF LORDS represents and they are committed to making records that complement the history of the band. No matter which HOUSE OF LORDS album you listen to, there is a common thread, which comes from the fact that the four of us are musically in sync. This is the real reason why we have been able to produce records of this calibre”.

House of Lords will exclusively appear at the Frontiers Rock Festival in Trezzo (MI) next Sunday, April 12 and start a European tour in September, with a very special surprise show to be announced. More details soon!

Indestructible track listing includes: Go To Hell; Indestructible; Pillar Of Salt; 100 Mph; Call My Bluff; We Will Always Be One; Die To Tell; Another Dawn; Eye Of The Storm; Ain’t Suicidal; Stand And Deliver.

__________________________

Source:

Frontiers Music SRL - logo - #2014FM

Website: http://www.frontiers.it/

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE HOUSE OF LORDS.

LONG LIVE MELODIC HARD ROCK.

Stone.

GOATWHORE – Announces North American Headlining Dates With Support From Ringworm, Black Breath And Theories

Posted in Metal, metal music, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on April 8, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Goatwhore - Summer Tour 2015 - promo poster - #2015GMO818

Today, Louisiana’s GOATWHORE announces a North American headlining tour in support of their critically lauded full-length, Constricting Rage Of The Merciless. Following a stretch of one-off dates in Mississippi, Florida and Texas in May, the journey will officially commence in June at FreePress Summer Festival in Houston, Texas. The cross-country run will trample its way through thirty-four cities, drawing to a close on July 12th in Atlanta, Georgia. Support will come from Ringworm, Black Breath and label mates, Theories. Tickets for the tour go on sale on Friday, April 10th. The lengthy march follows GOATWHORE‘s extremely successful Australian run last month, and their stomp across Europe, currently underway.

GOATWHORE w/ Skeletonwitch, Mortals [remaining dates]:

4/08/2015 Bastard Club – Osnabruck, DE
4/09/2015 013- Tilburg, NL
4/11/2015 Sound Control – Manchester, UK
4/12/2015 Voodoo Lounge – Dublin, IE
4/13/2015 Ivory Blacks – Glasgow, UK
4/14/2015 The Oobleck – Birmingham, UK
4/15/2015 Corporation – Sheffield, UK
4/16/2015 Underworld – London, UK
4/17/2015 Magasin 4 – Brussels, BE
4/18/2015 Underground – Koln, DE
4/19/2015 Covent Garden – Paris, FR
4/20/2015 La Nef – Angouleme, FR
4/21/2015 Sala Lemon – Madrid, ES
4/22/2015 Sala Razz 3 – Barcelona, ES
4/23/2015 MJC O Totem – Lyon, FR
4/24/2015 Dynamo/Werk 21 – Zurich, CH
4/25/2015 Lo Fi – Milan, IT
4/26/2015 Traffic Live – Rome, IT
4/27/2015 p.m.k. – Innsbruck, AT
4/28/2015 Backstage – Munchen, DE
4/29/2015 Conne Island – Leipzig, DE
4/30/2015 Magnet – Berlin, DE
5/01/2015 Arena – Wien, AT
5/02/2015 Exit-us – Prague, CR

GOATWHORE:

5/08/2015 The Tavern – Hattiesburg, MS
5/09/2015 Crowbar – Metal for the Military Show – Tampa, FL
5/10/2015 Grand Central – Miami, FL
5/22/2015 The Rail Club – Fort Worth, TX
6/06/2015 FreePress Summer Festival 2015 – Houston, TX
w/ Ringworm, Theories:
6/07/2015 Paper Tiger – San Antonio, TX
w/ Ringworm, Black Breath, Theories:
6/08/2015 Inside @ Red 7 – Austin, TX
6/09/2015 Tricky Falls – El Paso, TX
6/10/2015 Launchpad – Albuquerque, NM
6/11/2015 Club Red – Mesa, AZ
6/12/2015 Soda Bar – San Diego, CA
6/13/2015 Stummer’s – Fresno, CA
6/14/2015 The Roxy Theatre – West Hollywood, CA
6/15/2015 The Catalyst Atrium – Santa Cruz, CA
6/16/2015 Oakland Metro Operahouse – Oakland, CA
6/17/2015 Duffy’s Hangar – Salem, OR
6/18/2015 The Crocodile – Seattle, WA
6/19/2015 The Rickshaw Theatre – Vancouver, BC
6/20/2015 Level Upstairs – Kelowna, BC
6/21/2015 Dickens Pub – Calgary, AB
6/22/2015 The Starlite – Edmonton, AB
6/23/2015 O’Brian’s Event Centre – Saskatoon, SK
6/24/2015 The Exchange – Regina, SK
6/25/2015 The Zoo Cabaret – Winnipeg, MB
6/26/2015 Triple Rock Social Club – Minneapolis, MN
6/27/2015 Reggie’s Rock Club – Chicago, IL
6/28/2015 Majestic Jr. – Detroit, MI
6/29/2015 Now That’s Class – Cleveland, OH
6/30/2015 The Altar Bar – Pittsburgh, PA
7/01/2015 The Lost Horizon – Syracuse, NY
7/02/2015 Hard Luck Bar – Toronto, ON
7/03/2015 Les Foufounes Electriques – Montreal, QC
7/04/2015 Mavericks – Ottawa, ON
7/05/2015 Brighton Music Hall – Allston, MA
7/06/2015 Saint Vitus Bar – Brooklyn, NY
7/08/2015 Underground Arts: Black Box – Philadelphia, PA
7/09/2015 Rock & Roll Hotel – Washington, D.C.
7/11/2015 New Brookland Tavern – West Columbia, SC
7/12/2015 The Earl – Atlanta, GA

GOATWHORE‘s devouring Constricting Rage Of The Merciless full-length was unleashed last July via Metal Blade Records. The record debuted at #81 on Billboard’s Top 200 Chart, toppling their last entry position of #171 with Blood For The Master. Additionally, the record hit the #21 spot on Billboard’s Rock Chart, #7 on the Hard Rock Chart, #13 on the Independent Chart and boasting ten mutinous tracks of thick, predatory, subterranean Metal, continues to reap the exaltation of fans and critics globally.

__________________________

Source: Earsplit PR

* For more info on GOATWHORE:

http://www.facebook.com/thegoat666

http://www.twitter.com/goatwhorenola

http://www.youtube.com/Goatwhorenola666

http://www.metalblade.com/goatwhore

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE GOATWHORE.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

ARTILLERY – Denmark Thrash Veterans To Kick Off United Legions Tour 2015 + First Ever Shows In China Confirmed

Posted in Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on April 8, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Artillery - 2015 - Tour Promo Flyer - #040815AMO37

Denmark Thrash battalion, ARTILLERY, will return to the US this Friday to kick off the United Legions Tour 2015. Set to initiate in Los Angeles, California, the trek will trample sixteen stages including an appearance at RK NYDM Spring Bash in Cudahy, Wisconsin before wrapping up on April 27th in Salt Lake City, Utah. ARTILLERY will be joined by Striker, VX36, Potential Threat and Dahlmers Realm.

From there, ARTILLERY will embark upon their first ever tour of China commencing in Beijing on April 30th and concluding in Tangshan on May 10th. Visit https://www.facebook.com/ARTILLERY.DK for a full listing of dates.

Guitarist Michael Stützer comments:ARTILLERY are proud to return for our first headlining tour in the USA and can’t wait to go to China for the first time! We are looking forward to playing songs from our latest album, Legions, together with old classic songs like ‘Terror Squad’ and ‘Khomaniac!’ Join The Legions!”

Artillery - Classic Band Logo - 040815MOA55

ARTILLERY w/ Striker, VX36:

4/10/2015 Five Star Bar – Los Angeles, CA
4/11/2015 The Drunken Lass – Prescott, AZ
4/12/2015 Blue Max – Midland, TX
4/13/2015 The Three Links – Deep Ellum, TX
4/14/2015 The Dirty Dog – Bar Austin, TX
4/15/2015 Walter’s – Houston, TX
4/16/2015 Siberia- New Orleans, LA
4/17/2015 West End Live – Orlando, FL
4/19/2015 The Brass Mug – Tampa, FL
4/21/2015 The Pour House Music Hall – Raleigh, NC
4/22/2015 The Syndicate Venue – Birmingham, AL
4/23/2015 Good Time Charlie’s – Tupelo, MS
4/24/2015 The Metal Grille RK NYDM Spring Bash ’15- Cudahy, WI
4/25/2015 Vaudeville Mews Des – Moines, IA
4/26/2015 Bushwacker’s Saloon – Denver, CO
4/27/2015 The Metro Bar – Salt Lake City, UT

ARTILLERY was forged in the Copenhagen suburb of Taastrup, Denmark in 1982 by Michael and Morten Stützer. Successfully fusing abrasive brutality, precision and strong melodies, with the bracing guitar leads of the Stützer-brothers serving as highlights, ARTILLERY stands among Europe’s oldest and most important exponents of thrash metal.

On August 2nd, ARTILLERY will return to Medley Studios with producer Søren Andersen to begin recording the follow-up to 2013’s critically lauded Legions. Some working song titles include “Cosmic Brain,” “Deity Machine” and “Sin Of Innocence.” The as-yet-untitled long player will see release via Metal Blade Records in late 2015. Further info to be announced soon. In the meantime, check out music and videos from Legions now at metalblade.com/artillery.

Artillery - Classic Band Logo - 040815MOA55

Critical Praise:

ARTILLERY are doing what they were surely born to do, namely hurling impressively intricate, ridiculously tight thrash anthems from every direction, they are still unstoppable.” – Terrorizer

“…one of the best thrash metal albums this year…” – Iron Fist

“…this new album proves that they’re still fighting on, with no end to the war for thrash metal in sight.” – NewNoiseMagazine.com

_________________________

Source: Earsplit PR

* For more info:

Facebook: Artillery (The Official Page)

Website: http://www.artillery.dk

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE ARTILLERY.

LONG LIVE THRASH METAL.

Stone.

WAR IRON “Precession Of The Equinoxes” – A Metal Odyssey Album Review

Posted in Metal, metal music, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , on April 8, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

WAR IRON - Precession Of The Equinoxes - promo album cover pic - 2015

4.5 Out Of 5 METAL Fists!

4.5 metal-fists-4-5-album-reviews-metal-odyssey

WAR IRON returns with another Sludge and Doom Metal offering: Precession Of The Equinoxes. Their style can even fall into a drone-like beat and it still crunches and rumbles along with a dynamite evil attitude, feel and sound. Due to the epic length of all 4 songs, this is an album I had to listen to many times, before even considering how much I like it or what to say about it. The total running time for this rugged album is: 35:62.

To me, the vocals from Baggy can very easily be interpreted as Black Metal. I can honestly say that Baggy comes across with a striking conviction towards the lyrical content of each song. Baggy also has demonic vocals, without question. I absolutely love the riffs and every guitar part played from Ross. 100% Doom and Gloom floods my ears from this album and when the dark chants kick in on Summon Demon Scream The Abyss, the eeriness all becomes so much more punctuated.

While I have listened to this War Iron album, I’ve repeatedly have had visions of being lost inside an endless, dark and cold cave, with stalagmites and stalactites filling the creepy atmosphere around me; thus I am overcome with some sort of nightmarish joy. In other words, this is Metal that honestly carries me away mentally to another world. Metal be thy name. – Stone

Track Listing: Bludgeon Lord, Summon Demon Scream The Abyss, Precession Of The Equinoxes, From Napalm Altar

WAR IRON:

Baggy – vocals

Ross – guitar

Dave – bass

Marty – drums

__________________________

* WAR IRON are from Northern Ireland.

* For more info on WAR IRON:

Facebook

Bandcamp

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE WAR IRON.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

SACRAL RAGE – Streaming ‘Illusions In Infinite Void’ In Its Entirety

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music with tags , , , on April 7, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Sacral Rage - Illusions In Infinite Void - promo album cover pic - 2015

Illusions in Infinite Void, the full-length debut from Greek Heavy Metal Force SACRAL RAGE is out now on Cruz Del Sur Music. The album is streaming in its entirety at this location or below:

Illusions in Infinite Void can be ordered here. 

Illusions in Infinite Void is a monumental piece of Metal from start to finish. Indeed it’s an ever-changing Metal vortex with countless rhythmic-changes and  no weak moments, a tense state of aggression in which singer Dimitri’s excellent performance and the textured guitar lines stand out.

The band plays U.S. style Metal with some European influences. Acts such as JAG PANZER, ANNIHILATOR, MERCYFUL FATE, JUDAS PRIEST, WATCHTOWER, and RUSH are major influences. Lyrics about horror, supernatural, dark fantasy, soul-searching, forbidden religions, perfectly match the band’s  dark, aggressive, technical and paranoid music.

On Illusions in Infinite Void, the band proves to be more than just a mere replica of the most influential bands of  the Golden Age of (especially) U.S .Metal. Hand in hand with a granitic rhythmic session, their songs turn, change and evolve endlessly into a wide variety of riffs, screams and roars!  SACRAL RAGE have undoubtedly written one of the most inspired releases of 2015.

Track Listing:

1. Harbinger
2. En Cima Del Mal
3. Lost Chapter E.: Sutratma
4. Panic in Urals (Burning Skies)
5. Waltz in Madness
6. Into Mental East
7. Inner Sanctum Asylum
8. A Tyrannous Revolt
9. Lost Chapter E.: Amarna’s Reign

Sacral Rage - Illusions In Infinite Void - promo album cover pic - 2015

Critical Praise:

“Astonishing riff-centric brilliance.” – Stereogum.com

“If you write killer metal, it will be entertaining by its very nature. Sacral Rage achieves this with every vocal wail, jittery thrash riff, and intense forward drive.” – Last Rites

“High-Pitched Terrorism! I’m pretty sure that if this album had been released back in 1987, today we would all wait desperately for an anniversary tour.” – Metal Hammer (GR), 9/10

“A good dose of speed and progressive metal! Fine album!” – Queens Of Steel

Sacral Rage - promo band pic - 2015 - #3304157

SACRAL RAGE:

Vaggelis F. – Drums
Marios P. – Guitar
Spyros S. – Bass
Dimitris K. – Vocals

___________________________

* For more info:

https://www.facebook.com/SacralRage

www.cruzdelsurmusic.com

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE SACRAL RAGE.

LONG LIVE METAL.

LONG LIVE GREECE.

Stone.

Mike Portnoy Is New Twisted Sister Drummer

Posted in classic rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, rock drummers, rock music with tags , , , , on April 7, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Mike Portnoy - Tweets On Twisted Sister Drumming - April 7 - 2015 - MOMPTS

The above 2 Twitter tweets posted by Mike Portnoy, (The Winery Dogs, Dream Theater), pretty much says it all. These 2 tweets were posted tonight, on April 7th. I am very happy to see that Twisted Sister has a legend such as Mike Portnoy chosen to be their drummer. Metal be thy name. – Stone

___________________________

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE TWISTED SISTER.

REST IN PEACE, AJ PERO.

Stone.

INCANTATION – Iconic Death Metal Legion Continues To Brutalize The Masses On The Ongoing Dirges Of Elysium Tour

Posted in Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on April 7, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Incantation - Classic Band Logo - #04082015IMO736

Additional Live Dates To Be Announced

Iconic Death Metal legion, INCANTATION, will continue to raze stages throughout North America in support of their Dirges Of Elysium full-length. The latest bout of live assaults will begin on April 17th in Hempstead, New York at El Relax Lounge. The following day, INCANTATION will head to Worcester, Massachusetts to play this year’s edition of the New England Metal & Hardcore Festival at the Palladium. From there, the band will bring their audio malevolence to stages in Pittsburgh, Brooklyn, Syracuse and Buffalo. The onstage abrasions continue the following month when INCANTATION ravages their way through seven more cities before bringing their brutality to the Maryland Death Fest Pre-Party on May 20th in Baltimore.

In June, INCANTATION will summon the dead at the Farmageddon Festival FOA in Vancouver and in August the band will take part in the Wolves Of Apocalypse Festival in Denver. The band’s latest bout of onstage obliteration follows their recent West Coast takeover and first ever performance in Hawaii this Winter with additional 2015 live devourement in the conspiring stages.

Incantation - Dirges Of Elysium - promo cover pic

INCANTATION released Dirges Of Elysium last year via Listenable Records. Crowned, “one of the most influential death metal bands of all time,” by Metal Injection, who further elaborated of the record, “With all the evil-sounding riffs, squealing pinch-harmonics and crushing dirges scattered throughout, this is the sound that made INCANTATION legends. This is some profoundly dark and creepy stuff,” the record continues to raise the brows of death metallers old and new. Sputnik Music dubbed Dirges Of Elysium, “a breath of fresh air for INCANTATION, and another fine addition to their discography, ” Metal Forces gushed, “It’s all ungodly but all so bloody brilliant, and with ‘Charnel Grounds’ smoldering from the stench of char-coaled flesh and the blustering bluster of ‘Dominant Ethos’ dragging us into the mud-clogged shredder that is ‘Elysium (Eternity Is Nigh),’ I hold up my severed stumps in surrender for another harangue of hate from one of death metal’s most criminally underrated bands,” while Exclaim added, “INCANTATION preserve their archetypal ominous atmosphere, while the production gives the band a more modern edge, making Dirges Of Elysium a consistent yet fresh release from the influential band.”

Comments the band in a collective statement: “The response to the Dirges Of Elysium album and tour has just been amazing! We still have a lot of touring left to go for this release. We are looking forward to seeing all you deathbangers on the road!”

INCANTATION large logo!

INCANTATION – Tour Dates:

4/17/2015 El Relax Lounge – Hempstead, NY
4/18/2015 New England Metal/Hardcore Festival – Worcester, MA
4/23/2015 Smiling Moose – Pittsburgh, PA w/ FaithXtractor
4/24/2015 Saint Vitus Bar – Brooklyn, NY w/ FaithXtractor
4/25/2015 Lost Horizon – Syracuse, NY w/ FaithXtractor
4/26/2015 Broadway Joes – Buffalo, NY
5/13/2015 The Foundry – Lakewood, OH w/ Funerus, FaithXtractor
5/14/2015 Madison Theater – Cincinnati, OH w/ Funerus, FaithXtractor
5/15/2015 Expo Five – Louisville, KY w/ Funerus
5/16/2015 The End – Nashville, TN w/ Funerus
5/17/2015 The Masquerade – Atlanta, GA w/ Funerus
5/18/2015 The Motlight – Asheville, NC w/ Funerus
5/19/2015 Kung Fu Necktie – Philadelphia, PA w/ Funerus
5/20/2015 Maryland Death Fest Pre-Party – Baltimore MD
6/13/2015 Farmageddon Festival FOA – Vancouver, BC
8/15/2015 Wolves of Apocalypse Festival- Summit Music Hall – Denver, CO

New INCANTATION developments will be announced in the weeks to come. In the meantime, visit the INCANTATION merch store at THIS LOCATION. And if you missed it, check out the band’s video for “Impalement Of Divinity” at THIS LOCATION.

____________________________

Source: Earsplit PR

* For more info:

http://www.incantation.com

http://www.facebook.com/IncantationOfficial

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE INCANTATION.

LONG LIVE DEATH METAL.

Stone.

SKID ROW And Johnny Solinger Split – Tony Harnell Announced As New Lead Singer

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , on April 6, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Skid Row - large logo - red & black

As reported on the SKID ROW Facebook timeline:

New York, NY – After 14 years of touring and 4 releases, SKID ROW has released singer Johnny Solinger.

Founding member Snake Sabo said, “We had a lot of great times together and created a lot of great music. We wish him nothing but the best.”

“Sometimes things just end. People go in different directions and grow apart and you have to make a decision. He will always be our brother” adds co-founder Rachel Bolan.

The vacancy for a new front man has been filled by powerhouse vocalist Tony Harnell. This news comes hot of the heels of his departure from Norway based band, TNT. “Tony’s experience, power and undeniable range made our decision an easy one” commented guitarist Scotti Hill. Drummer Rob Hammersmith added, “I believe this will be a great year for SKID ROW. I’m looking forward for things to come.”

When asked about joining forces with SKID ROW Harnell said, “I’m so excited and honored to be a part of such a great band with an amazing legacy and legions of faithful fans! The guys and I have known each other for many years and this is such a natural fit. I look forward to getting out there and playing live together and being a part of making new music and creating our future together. It’s time to rock!”

The band will head into the studio to record the third chapter of the United World Rebellion trilogy this summer. They will also hit the road for another world tour in support.

_________________________

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE SKID ROW.

LONG LIVE JOHNNY SOLINGER.

Stone.

FOREVER STILL – RELEASE NEW SINGLE “AWAKE THE FIRE” AND LET FANS PAY WHAT THEY WANT FOR IT

Posted in Hard Rock, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music with tags , , , on April 6, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Maja Schønning - Forever Still - Awake The Fire - promo banner - April 2 - 2015

Independent female fronted Rock band Forever Still have released a new single called “Awake the Fire”. The single is the first single from their upcoming EP “Save Me”. The “Save Me” EP is the part two of three digital EPs that will eventually end up as one physical full length album later in 2015. The single can be downloaded directly from the band’s website: www.foreverstill.dk where the band lets their fans pay what they want for it.

“We believe that music should be available to everyone – both those who are broke, and those who have a little extra to spare in support of the artists they love” Maja Schønning explains. We’ve put a lot of time and effort into this song, so if people want to give us some help for the time and effort, we are very grateful! But if they don’t have any money right now, they can take it, share it and if they love it, come back and kick in later.

The EP is recorded, mixed and mastered in Copenhagen by band member Mikkel Haastrup in the band’s own studio. Mikkel is a trained sound engineer by Flemming ‘Metallica’ Rasmussen. “We like our music and everything surrounding it to be 100% honest and we felt the only way we could achieve that was by doing everything ourselves” says Mikkel.

The upcoming EP is Part 2 of the band’s debut album which is a concept album about a  suppressed individual struggling through depression, anxiety, and worthlessness and getting stronger in the process. “The songs are all very raw, emotional and somewhat imperfect, because we wanted it to sound like someone falling apart and trying to put the pieces back together” says Maja.

Forever Still - The Open Wound Tour - April - May - 2015 - promo banner - band pic

The first EP in the series “Scars” has been welcomed with open arms by both fans and media:

“Scars is one of the most exciting new releases in the last 12 months and if there is justice in the music world, 2015 has to be the year of Forever Still. 5/5” – PlanetMosh

“The power in the vocals, the musicianship of every member and even the production is perfection(…)Scars’ is three tracks every rock fan should have. 5/5” – Genius Babble

“Frontwoman Maja Schønning is the driving force behind the band, bringing powerful vocals in abundance. If we were to place our faith in one female to successfully lead a band to the top of the metal scene, Maja would be it. 4/5” – HD Music Promotions

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Forever Still are from Copenhagen, Denmark.

Facebook: Forever Still

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE FOREVER STILL.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

Metal Bands Khaotika And Wormreich, Involved In Fatal I-85 Crash In Georgia

Posted in Metal, metal bands, metal music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , on April 6, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Khaotika - promo band logo - 2015 - #06KMO33

Wormreich - promo band logo - 2015 - #66WRMO

According to local authorities, three people passed away Monday when a van carrying members of two metal bands crashed in Northeast Georgia. The two Metal bands involved are: Khaotika and Wormreich. This tragic accident happened at around 7:00 A.M. EST, on the southbound side of I-85 in Jackson County, Georgia. It has been reported that a total of 12 people were in the van, at the time of the crash. Khaotika and Wormreich were on a mini tour together, heading towards Atlanta, Georgia.

No names of the deceased have been released as of this posting. Metal Odyssey will be keeping these two bands, their families and friends in our heaviest of thoughts. – Stone

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Contributor: Bill Chamberlain

MetalOdyssey

Stone.

CUT UP – Death Metal Supergroup Releasing Debut Studio Album Via Metal Blade Records

Posted in Death Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music with tags , , , on April 6, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Cut Up - promo band pic - #0415CUMBMO0031

Cut Up - band logo - #2015MBMOCU8808

As reported by Metal Blade Records:

Everyone please welcome Cut Up to the Metal Blade roster! The band features Tobias Gustafsson and Erik Rundqvist of Vomitory fame, as well as Ander Bertilsson from Coldworker, and Andreas Björnson from Fetus Stench.

Fans can expect a violent, catchy, groovy album of pure Swedish death metal this summer!

Drummer Tobias Gustafsson comments: “I am very happy, proud, honoured and excited to team up with Metal Blade Records once again, this time with CUT UP! Can’t stay away from playing death metal, obviously, so it feels fantastic to have this murderous ensemble together so soon after putting Vomitory into eternal sleep. Cut Up is not just “another project”, but all four members’ new main band. We have made a debut album that we are tremendously satisfied with, both material and production-wise. We can’t wait to let you hear it! Cut Up aim to hit the stages as soon as the album is released, so we hope to see you all in the front row and in the pit!”

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Website: http://www.metalblade.com

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE CUT UP.

LONG LIVE DEATH METAL.

Stone.

On This Day In METAL History – April 6th… From California Jam To Sepultura

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on April 6, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

California Jam - 1974 - promo concert poster - #0674CJMO00777

On April 6th, 1974 – The first California Jam was held at the Ontario Motor Speedway in Ontario, California. This inaugural California Jam featured such music legends as: Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, The Eagles, Rare Earth, Earth Wind & Fire, Seals & Crofts and Black Oak Arkansas. Now that was a diverse Rock festival! Whoa, man!

The California Jam poster (above) was created by the world-class artist Drew Struzan.

Led Zeppelin - Chicago Stadium - April 6 - 1977 - Full Ticket Promo Pic - #06MOLZ77

On this day in 1977 – The great Led Zeppelin performed at Chicago Stadium in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Chicago Stadium opened in 1929 and closed in 1994. The above ticket to this Rock historic concert cost only… $9 in U.S. funds. Aw, man!!

Triumph - classic band logo - #3377MOTCRR0612

On April 6th, 2008 – In Calgary, Alberta, Canada,  Triumph was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall Of Fame at the Juno Awards. Triumph also belongs inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. Just Saying.

Sepultura - Classic Band Logo - #3370386SMO06

On this day in 2012 – The incredible Sepultura performed at Moskva Hall in Moscow, Russia. This was one of many concerts on their Eastern European & Baltic Tour 2012.

Black Sabbath - Iron Man - promo cover pic - #008777MOBSIM06

On April 6th, 2015 – The iconic Black Sabbath song, Iron Man, is the #1 best-selling Heavy Metal song on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Songs Chart. Whoa! This song is featured on the second studio album from Black Sabbath, released in 1970: Paranoid. 45 years old and going strong, this song is #1. Nothing short of remarkable. Metal be thy name!

Ozzy Osbourne - Crazy Train - 45rpm - promo pic - #100777OSMO06

On this day in 2015 – The legendary Ozzy Osbourne has his timeless hit, Crazy Train, ranked at #4 on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Songs Chart. Whoa, again! This memorable song is featured on Ozzy Osbourne’s debut solo album from 1980: Blizzard Of Ozz.

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Stone - 2011 Photo #1

LONG LIVE METAL.

LONG LIVE THE ROOTS & FAMILY TREE OF METAL.

Stone.

NELSON “Peace Out” – New Studio Album Releases In May, Via Frontiers Music Srl

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Music, rock albums, rock music with tags , , , , on April 5, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Nelson - Peace Out - promo album cover pic - 2015 - #05NMOPO33

NELSON SOARS WITH PEACE OUT

New Studio Album Returns Band To Classic Melodic Rock Format.

To Be Released By Frontiers Music Srl May 15th in Europe, May 19th in North America.

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Pre-order on Amazon.com here: http://geni.us/PeaceOutAmazon

In their 25-year career as a musical duo, Matthew and Gunnar Nelson, collectively known simply as Nelson, have grown from pop music idols to seasoned songwriters and performers. Now, as the brothers celebrate a quarter century at the forefront of the international music scene, they return with Peace Out, their most ambitious studio album to date.

Set for release in Europe on May 15th and North America on May 19th by Frontiers Music Srl, PEACE OUT marks a return to the well crafted songs that put the band at the top of the Billboard charts in the 1990s. From the anthemic “Invincible” to the rollicking soon-to-be classic “Back In the Day”, PEACE OUT is quintessential Nelson from start to finish.

“We set a pretty high standard with our previous release with Frontiers – Lightning Strikes Twice. That record received by far the most critical acclaim of any Nelson record to date… Peace Out was expected to be even BETTER, so the goal was to push ourselves to very limit- past what we believed we could do,” says Gunnar Nelson. “We wanted to write and record the most exciting, authentic, uplifting, and rockin’ Nelson record ever made! The mission: to make a classic.”

The brothers have always had their work cut out for themselves, being the third generation in one of America’s most celebrated entertainment families, who came into US households every week from 1952 through 1966 on the ABC sitcom, The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet. Their grandfather, Ozzie Nelson, was a celebrated big band leader, whose orchestra featured their grandmother, Harriet; and their late father, Ricky, was one of Rock’n’Roll’s earliest superstars, a member of The Rock N Roll Hall of Fame, and generally credited with creating the country-rock format.

When the Nelson twins burst onto the music scene with their own Billboard #1 hit “(I Can’t Live Without Your) Love & Affection,” in 1990, they set a Guinness World Record by being the only family to have three generations of #1 hits on the charts!

Nelson has gone on to release a half-dozen Rock albums selling nearly 7 million records, beginning with the multi-platinum After The Rain. Peace Out marks their fourth release on Frontiers since 2010. Look for Nelson to embark on a world tour upon the new album’s release. “We’re putting the live show together as we speak… And it will incorporate the very best live songs from our career… Focusing heavily on the PEACE OUT album,” says Gunnar.

The Nelsons have worked in a number of musical styles including pop, hard rock and even country. Now, Peace Out takes them to the musical home they have known the best: harmony-driven pop rock whose melodies are as infectious as they are lasting.

Peace Out – Track Listing:

1. Hello Everybody
2. Back In The Day
3. Invincible
4. Let It Ride
5. I Wanna Stay Home
6. On The Bright Side
7. Rockstar
8. Autograph
9. What’s Not To Love?
10. You And Me
11. Bad For You
12. Leave The Light On For Me

For all things NELSON, please visit:

http://www.matthewandgunnarnelson.com

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Frontiers Music SRL - logo - #2014FM

Website: http://www.frontiers.it/

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE NELSON.

Stone.

TOTO “XIV” – New Studio Album Lands In Top 10 On The Charts In Nine Countries

Posted in classic rock, Music, rock albums, rock music with tags , , , , on April 5, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Toto - XIV - promo album cover pic - 2015 - #MOT777

As reported by Frontiers Music SRL:

From Toto:

“A HUGE Thank You to the fans for the first week success of TOTO XIV!

The album landed in the Top 10 on the charts in nine countries (Germany #4, Netherlands #2, Japan #2, Denmark #7, Czech Republic #10, Finland #5, Norway #6, Sweden #4 and Switzerland #3). TOTO XIV also became the first new studio album to chart in the US & UK since 1988’s The Seventh One.

“We’re pleasantly stunned at the response,” exclaimed David Paich. “We couldn’t be more pleased with this initial success! And we’re always blown away when a new TOTO album bursts onto the Charts. We owe it all to our friends and Fans!”

“I am happily shocked, thankful and surprised,” echoed Steve Lukather. “ I can’t begin to thank you all for the support of buying real music and the love and kindness you have all showed this band for 38 years. So much thanks to our team and Frontiers records and all the people that work with us and most of all to the fans and our friends. It means so much to us. This one is for Mike and Jeff and all the Porcaro’s!”

TOTO XIV was released on March 20th in Europe & March 24th in North America.

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Toto XIV - album logo - #09777TMO

Website: http://www.totoofficial.com/

Frontiers Music SRL - logo - #2014FM

Website: http://www.frontiers.it/

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE TOTO.

REST IN PEACE, JEFF & MIKE PORCARO.

Stone.

On This Day In METAL History – April 4th… The Album Charts – From NIGHTWISH To IRON MAIDEN

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , on April 4, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Nightwish - Endless Forms Most Beautiful - promo album cover pic - 2015 - #44008

On this day in 2015 – The new studio album (deluxe version) from Nightwish, Endless Forms Most Beautiful, sits at #1 on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. The regular studio album release is at #3 on this same chart. Whoa!

Kamelot - Haven - promo studio album cover pic - 2015 - #KMO7709

On this day in 2015Kamelot’s new studio album, Haven (Deluxe Edition), is ranked at #13 on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. This studio album releases in North America on May 4th, 2015.

Thy Art Is Murder - Hate - promo album cover pic - 2015 - #220HMO

On this day in 2015 – The new album, Hate, from Thy Art Is Murder is ranked at #94, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. The album cover art above is freaking incredible and is what METAL is all about! Whoa!

Iron Maiden - Powerslave - 1984 - promo album cover pic - #IMMO3366

On this day in 2015 – The magnificent IRON MAIDEN have their incredible 1984 studio album, Powerslave, ranked at #27, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. Yeah, man!

Toto - XIV - promo album cover pic - 2015 - #MOT777

On this day in 2015TOTO XIV debuts at #98 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. This new TOTO album was released on March 23rd, via Frontiers Music SRL. If this album was released 30 years ago, it would be sitting in the top ten of all albums charts. Seriously, it would. This is not an insult, it is a compliment to TOTO for they are musically superior to 100% of the Pop shit and watered down mainstream Country that is selling huge today. Metal be thy name.

Nickelback - No Fixed Address - promo album cover pic - 2014 - #99740

On this day in 2015Nickelback’s latest studio album, No Fixed Address, is hanging on by a thread, on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart! This album is now at… #200.

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Stone - 2011 Photo #1

LONG LIVE METAL.

LONG LIVE THE ROOTS & FAMILY TREE OF METAL.

Stone.

KRONOS – French Brutal Death Metal Veterans Join Unique Leader Records For The Release Of Their Fourth Full-Length This Summer

Posted in Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on April 4, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Kronos - promo band pic - 2015 - #6659KMO

Extreme Metal powerhouse, Unique Leader Records, is very pleased to announce the addition of French Death Metal legion, KRONOS, to their expanding roster of mind-bending brutality.

Comments Unique Leader: “We are very proud to announce the multi album signing (of) France’s KRONOS. The band has been an influence on many acts over their extensive career and continue to push the envelope in the genre with their aggressive form of extreme metal madness.”

Adds the band:KRONOS is beyond stoked and proud to join Unique Leader Records… the perfect fit for the Titan’s awakening! Unique Leader Records is one of the best extreme metal labels and has many talented bands from the brutal/technical death metal scene on its roster. We’re absolutely pleased to be part of the UL family and eager to release our forthcoming new album very soon. Expect some real fury….the Titan is back!”

KRONOS - classic band logo - 2015 - #kMO96677301

A name derived from the Greek god of time, Cronos, father of Zeus, KRONOS was forged over fifteen years ago and quickly established a name for themselves based solely on their musical unity of harmony and violence. Featuring a continuous textual reference to the gods of ancient civilizations, KRONOS punctures ears with a heightened level of dynamics accomplished by only by a select number of bands.

It all began in a small town in the Northeastern province of Alsace-Lorraine. Following various lineup shifts and musical experimentation, the pandemonium squad recorded their first demo in 2000. One year later, KRONOS would unleash their Titan’s Awakening debut. Produced entirely by the band, the lethal creation lead to a union with French imprint Warpath Records (formerly known as Shockwave). By the end of 2001, Titan’s Awakening was expelled once again into the world, this time with a brand new cover designed by Deather (Gurkkhas, Vital Remains, Angel Corpse) as well as a visually disquieting booklet.

KRONOS later joined forces with Spanish label Xtreem Music run by Avulsed’s Dave Rotten, for the unleashing of their next two full-lengths. Second offering, Colossal Titan Strife was discharged in 2004 to the applause of underground critics in the proverbial know. Metal Crypt commended the band’s, “diversified guitar work… intricate drum patterns… wicked guitar solos and.. good number of catchy yet non-compromising hooks,” further insisting, “This French outfit is definitely worth checking out,” while Sputnik Music championed, “an impressive album that shows off the capabilities of death metal done right. KRONOS managed to pack a metric ton of creativity into each song and you will barely hear the same riff twice.”

Added Last Rites simply, “worth your time if you… need some solid, well-produced death metal.” Third offspring, The Hellenic Terror, emerged in April 2007 and served as an attestation of the band’s enormous capacity for skilled execution and originality. Said Metal Crypt in a near perfect review of the release, “The Hellenic Terror contains more melodic sections than Colossal Titan Strife, but still possesses almost as much brutality…. KRONOS is one of the few death metal bands that manage to be melodic, brutal and still remain catchy as hell in their riffs and solos. This is definitely a must-have for fans of death metal.”

Now that this Gallic Titan has blossomed into a powerful entity, they’re ready to vanquish and destroy the world with musical bloodlust and a new album to be released via Unique Leader Records this Summer. Further details to be unveiled in the coming weeks.

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Source: Earsplit PR

* For more info:

Facebook: KRONOS

Unique Leader Records - logo - B&W - 2013

http://www.uniqueleader.com

http://www.facebook.com/UniqueLeaderRecords

http://www.twitter.com/UniqueLeaderRec

http://www.youtube.com/uniqueleaderrecords

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE KRONOS.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

Euro-Melting Pot Strauss Announce Second EP “Luia”

Posted in Metal, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on April 3, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Strauss - Luia - EP cover promo pic  - 2015 - 3040215MOS77

London brings people together from all walks of life. So when a French guitarist met two Italians, a Spanish guitarist and a British bassist, it seemed destiny to make noise together as Strauss (a Germanic name of course). They’re now set to release their second EP Luia around late May. Drawing from common wells of Kylesa, Kyuss and Red Fang, the fuzz-charged grooves they conjure up on Luia are infectious and dirt-laden, so you may well catch something. Meanwhile vocalist Stef possesses both crooning tones and a manic bark to contrast, and even a rap-style vocal in the vein of Zack la Rocha (Rage Against The Machine) on final track ‘2015’.

Strauss started out with modest intentions: “met one day and decided to make some noise…that’s it really.” The group eventually centered around London as their stomping ground, and quickly got their heads together to create their début self-titled EP, which received high praise from reviewers around the ‘net. Building on this success, the band hit the road far and wide, even reaching Latvia’s Fontaine Festival and Sweden’s SandvikFest to bring their manic parties. Now, it’s time for round two of hitting the studio, and Luia has taken shape spectacularly. The UK fuzz scene has never been in healthier shape, and rarely with a more wicked sense of humor.

Strauss are:

Stef – vocals
Charles – guitars
Bill – bass
Luca Immovili – drums

FFO: Red Fang, Kylesa, Kruger

Digital release is set for late May.

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“This is a damn fine first release from Strauss and for fans of catchy stoner grooves with a dirty sludgier edge, this is essential listening.” – Heavy Planet

“A sound rooted somewhere between Kylesa and Red Fang with a nice progressive touch. All in all this EP is packed with some great tunes and worth checking out.” – Stonerobixxx

“Even though it’s got these familiar elements, this stew of tunes is quite unlike any sludge/metal/stoner acts I’ve heard before.” – Ride With The Devil

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Source: Dewar PR

Strauss – Online:

Facebook

Twitter

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE STRAUSS.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

IMMORTAL BIRD – Midwest Blackened Death Grind Ensemble Confirms Western Migration Tour

Posted in Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, rock music with tags , , , on April 3, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Immortal Bird - promo band photo - 2015 - #040315IBMO1

Band To Unleash New Full-Length This Summer + “New” Drummer Announced

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Midwest blackened death grind ensemble, IMMORTAL BIRD, will release a brand new full-length this Summer. Titled Empress/Abscess, the five track follow-up to 2013’s Akrasia EP, which Decibel Magazine dubbed, “dark and twisting,” and The Chicago Reader called, “…sick and greasy black metal that does an admirable job inventing the sound of a mind tearing itself apart,” was captured by Pete Grossmann (Weekend Nachos, Harm’s Way, Dead In The Dirt) at Bricktop Recording in Chicago, Illinois earlier this year and mixed and mastered by Colin Marston (Gorguts, Krallice, Nader Sadek, Atheist, Origin etc.) at Menegroth, The Thousand Caves in Queens, New York. Empress/Abscess includes a guest appearance by John Hoffman of Weekend Nachos and finds former drummer/vocalist, Rae Amitay, trading in her drum stool for a full-time position at the mic.

Elaborates Amitay: “I’ve stepped away from drumming duties and enlisted our live drummer, Garry Naples (Novembers Doom). Essentially, I had to set my ego aside and determine what was going to be the best for this music. [Guitarist] Evan [Berry] and I wrote some incredibly challenging material for Empress/Abscess, and Garry had been playing it live for months, whereas I’d been focusing a lot of my drumming energy on the newest Thrawsunblat album. My chops are in a very different place than they were when we recorded Akrasia and it would take me a week in the studio to do what Garry can accomplish in two days. Having him behind the kit saved us time, the finished product is stronger, and I was able to delve into the vocal performances and lyrics with my undivided attention. Will I play drums on future IMMORTAL BIRD albums? It’s entirely likely, but for Empress/Abscess, I passed the sticks over to the best person for the job.”

An official release date for Empress/Abscess is forthcoming, but expected to drop in late June. As a precursor to its official unveiling, the band will embark upon the Western Migration Tour 2015. Slated to kick off on April 27th in Louisville, Kentucky, IMMORTAL BIRD will traverse eleven states in over a dozen cities, with the journey coming to a close on May 14th in Madison, Wisconsin. In addition to a the West Coast trek, IMMORTAL BIRD recently confirmed appearances at Shadow Woods Metal Fest and Southwest Terror Fest with future live demolitions in their plotting stages.

“We’re really looking forward to hitting all new cities on this run of dates,” relays Amitay, “It’s time to bring Akrasia to the West Coast before we release the new record! We’ll be playing a bunch of previously unperformed material, and will again be enlisting the talents of guitarist Eric Kornfeind on this tour. Stoked to spend a few weeks playing for our friends in the West.”

IMMORTAL BIRD 2015 Western Migration Tour:

4/27/2015 Diamond Pub – Louisville, KY
4/28/2015 House Show – Nashville, TN
4/29/2015 Vino’s – Little Rock, AR
4/30/2015 Tomcats – Fort Worth, TX
5/02/2015 Lost Well – Austin, TX
5/03/2015 TBA – San Antonio, TX
5/04/2015 Sandbox – El Paso, TX
5/05/2015 The Cottage House – Flagstaff, AZ
5/06/2015 Yucca Tap Room – Tempe, AZ
5/07/2015 Katz Alley – Redlands, CA
5/08/2015 TBA – San Diego, CA
5/09/2015 TBA – Los Angeles, CA
5/10/2015 The Launchpad – Albuquerque, NM
5/11/2015 Flux Capacitor – Colorado Springs, CO
5/12/2015 TBA – Omaha, NE
5/14/2015 The Wisco – Madison, WI

IMMORTAL BIRD:

Evan Berry – guitars
Rae Amitay – vocals
Garry Naples – drums
John Picillo – bass

IMMORTAL BIRD - West Coast Tour - promo flyer - 2015 - #04MOIBE

Source: Earsplit PR

* For more info on IMMORAL BIRD:

http://www.facebook.com/immortalbirdband

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE IMMORTAL BIRD.

LONG LIVE THE MIDWEST.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.