Progressive metal supergroup ICEFISH is thrilled to announce the release of their highly anticipated cover of Rush’s classic track “Animate”. Recorded live in Chorzów, Poland, this stunning performance honors the legacy of Rush while delivering ICEFISH’s signature technical brilliance and modern progressive edge.
Featuring a lineup of world-class musicians, Andrea Casali (vocals and bass), Alex Argento (Virgil Donati, Corrado Rustici, Zucchero) – keyboards, Marco Sfogli (James LaBrie, PFM) – guitar, Virgil Donati (Planet X, Asia, Steve Vai) – drums, ICEFISH bring unparalleled precision and passion to this iconic song. Their rendition seamlessly blends the spirit of the original with their unique creative style, offering fans a fresh perspective on one of Rush’s most beloved tracks.
The live video, captured during the band’s powerful performance in Chorzów, Poland, premiered on YouTube, providing fans with a visual experience that showcases ICEFISH’s electrifying stage presence and exceptional musicianship.
Icons of Metal come together to celebrate Ozzy Osbourne’s Final Performance July 5th at Villa Park
All Profits From The Show Will Be SHARED EQUALLY BETWEEN Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Acorn Children’s Hospice
The original Black Sabbath – Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward – will play for the first time in 20 years. The band will take to the stage to headline BACK TO THE BEGINNING on July 5th at Villa Park.
The all-star event will celebrate the true creators of heavy metal and will see Ozzy Osbourne play his own short set before joining with Black Sabbath for his final bow.
“It’s my time to go Back to the Beginning… time for me to give back to the place where I was born,” Ozzy Osbourne said. “How blessed am I to do it with the help of people whom I love. Birmingham is the true home of metal. Birmingham Forever.”
Formed in Birmingham in 1968 and going on to become one of most successful metal bands of all time, Black Sabbath have sold over 75 million albums worldwide across their legendary career. Setting the blueprint for the many routes heavy metal took, Black Sabbath’s influence and importance is as vital today as it was in the early 1970s.
Music Director Tom Morello said: “This will be the greatest heavy metal show ever.”
BACK TO THE BEGINNING will feature sets from Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Alice in Chains, Lamb of God, Anthrax and Mastodon
The all-day event will also feature a supergroup of musicians. Artists announced so far include Billy Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins), David Draiman (Disturbed), Duff McKagan & Slash (Guns ‘n Roses), Frank Bello (Anthrax), Fred Durst (Limp Bizkit), Jake E Lee, Jonathan Davis (Korn), KK Downing, Lzzy Hale (Halestorm), Mike Bordin (Faith No More), Rudy Sarzo, Sammy Hagar, Scott Ian (Anthrax), Sleep Token ii (Sleep Token), Papa V Perpetua (Ghost), Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine), Wolfgang Van Halen and Zakk Wylde.
More names will be announced shortly.
Tickets go on sale at 10am GMT on Friday 14th February 2025 at LiveNation.co.uk.
All profits will go to the following charities: Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Acorns Children’s Hospice, a Children’s Hospice supported by Aston Villa.
Stephen Pearcy RATT founder lead singer; “Never say never, right? There was no question when the idea was brought up doing something with Warren again. It wasn’t even a thought, it’s time, let’s do this. “Pearcy / De Martini” back in the cellar, let’s go! Let’s break the ice, with the utmost respect and do what we do best together, play RATT music. It’ll seem like yesterday instead of years when we’re back onstage regardless. It’s time to RATT n’ Roll again, even if it’s a double shot. It’s about the bands legacy. I know what we can do as a team, and that’s writing great songs and Kickin’ some ass onstage. It’s only appropriate that the first show in years is at M3 2025. It’s a great event. You’re getting ALL the RATT hits and more, let the “Invasion Celebration” begin. Never say never, right”? M3 Rock Festival officialstephenpearcy.com #sepwarnd #2025Ready #80s #rattnroll
Above: Best of John Sykes -album cover – (2000) – Mercury Records Japan
Heavy Metal and Hard Rock guitarist, vocalist and songwriting legend John Sykes passed away on Monday, January 20th at the age of 65. Metal Odyssey expresses condolences to the family, friends. fans and all past bandmates of John Sykes; God Bless him and may he rest in peace.
John Sykes’ illustrious career included being a former member of 1980’s bands Tygers of Pan Tang, Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake and his very own Blue Murder, along with being a successful solo artist. John Sykes also toured Europe in 1983 with the late Phil Lynotts’ solo (live only) band named The Three Musketeers.
Above: Thin Lizzy – Thunder and Lightning – album cover – (1983) – Warner Bros.
Above: Whitesnake S/T – album cover – (1987) – Geffen Records
Above: BLUE MURDER S/T – album cover – (1989) – Geffen Records
John Sykes was born in Reading, England on July 29, 1959.
Check it out! That’s my Ozzy Osbourne Funko POP! ROCKS mint-in-box! It’s also a Funko.com exclusive, whatever that means. Sounds important though. The date on the lower back cover is 2023. Thanks for visiting and looking, I appreciate it!
Back cover gives date at bottom, in teeny tiny type. Above: side panel
Another year is about to come to a close and I have some random thoughts to share; both Metal and not so Metal. I could easily write volumes of thoughts down, yet I’ll stick to this being an easy read.
We live in a crazy and dynamic world right now; then again, when has there been a time it hasn’t been? We sadly said goodbye to many musicians that have passed away in 2024. Paul Di’Anno, Jack Russell, DickeyBetts, James Kottak, C.J.Snare and Toby Keith are a grouping that hit home for me. Legends all and God bless them. Yes, there were so many others that left us from all music genres.
Above: photo I took of the 2024 Solar Eclipse
The Solar eclipse happened on April 8th and my family and I had front row seats to this event; right in our own backyard in Western Ohio. We all wore those weird cardboard sunglasses that were given out or sold everywhere to look at it straight on. It didn’t get black as night; yet that solar eclipse did come close to doing so. A fun experience it was.
Rickey Henderson was a Major League Baseball player I grew up watching and rooting for. He’s one of my favorites ever. Rickey passed away on December 20th of 2024, leaving behind an incredible Hall of Fame career; best remembered as a member of the Oakland A’s. Rickey did play for over 4 seasons with the New York Yankees and remains the all-time stolen base leader in MLB. God bless him.
Thankyou to all for visiting and supporting Metal Odyssey this past year and have a safe, healthy and prosperous new year!
A very special thank you to Tanis Enos for her amazing and popular contributions to Metal Odysseys’ content; with her concert reviews, interviews, album reviews and photography.
Thankyou to Scott Coverdale, ALL the PR agencies, bands, record labels and every visitor for making this Metal Odyssey machine a success for over 16 years! Metal be thy name. – Stone
I picked up this 8-track cartridge of Black Sabbath ‘Paranoid’ (top photo) for 25 cents at a thrift store a week or so ago. The tape is intact. I love this band and embrace the nostalgia of such an old-time music medium. The ‘Paranoid’ album was released back in 1970. Dig it, my brothers and sisters. 👊🏻
4/05 – The Event at Graton Resort & Casino – Rohnert Park, CA 4/25 – Ruth Eckerd Hall – Clearwater, FL 4/26 – Fillmore – Miami Beach, FL 4/28 – The Moon – Tallahassee, FL 4/29 – Florida Theater – Jacksonville, FL 4/30 – Hard Rock Live – Orlando, FL 5/03 – Beaver Dam Amphitheater – Beaver Dam, KY 5/05 – Count Basie – Red Bank, NJ 5/06 – Wellmont – Montclair, NJ 5/08 – Wind Creek Casino – Bethlehem, PA 5/09 – Paramount – Huntington, NY 5/15 – Fallsview Casino – Niagara Falls, ON 5/20 – Brown County Music Center – Nashville, IN 5/22 – House of Blues – Dallas, TX 5/23 – Tobin Center – San Antonio, TX 5/24 – House of Blues – Houston, TX
Dave Murray was born in England back on December 23rd of 1956. Today, Dave turns 68 years old. Happy birthday Dave! As a lifelong guitarist for Iron Maiden, spanning five decades, Dave Murray has played on every studio and live album of theirs. A tried and true Metal legend is Dave Murray!
Graham Bonnet was born in England back on December 23rd of 1947. Today, Graham celebrates his 77th birthday. Happy birthday, Graham! An iconic Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal vocalist, going back to the late 1960’s, for such powerhouse bands as Rainbow, Michael Schenker Group, Alcatrazz, and Impellitteri. Graham Bonnet has also commanded a brilliant solo music career.
In support of our new record “Leopard Skin” we will be touring heavily next year. Here is the first leg of the tour dates. Album will be released in the beginning of April . Come and join us on The Lucky MF’r Tour!!!
We are very pleased to give you our 2025 show schedule so far:
16 Apr // BR, Brasília // Arena of Rock 19 Apr // BR, São Paulo // Monsters of Rock 24 Apr // CL, Santiago // Masters of Rock 30 Apr // CO, Cota // Monsters of Rock
24 May // NO, Kopervik // Kopervik Festival 07 Jun // FR, Maxeville // Heavy Weekend 21 Jun // NO, Steinkjer // Steinkjer Festival 28 Jun // SE, Nyköping // Hamnplan 03 Jul // SE, Borlänge // Alive Festival 06 Jul // ES, Chiclana // Concert Music Festival 08 Jul // ES, Marbella // Starlite Festival 10 Jul // ES, Murcia // Plaza de Toros de Murcia 15 Jul // IT, Bologna // Sequioe Music Park 16 Jul // IT, Altidona // Wondergate Music Festival 25 Jul // SE, Vadstena // Vadstena Slott 26 July // NO, Tønsberg // Foynhagen Concert Series Honørbrygga 01 Aug // SE, Karlskrona // Karlskrona Skärgårdsfest 02 Aug // SE, Arvika // Hamnfest
Rising heavy rock collective THE DEVIL’S BLIND HORSE is set to unleash their electrifying new single, “Dragon,” this Friday, November 29, on all major streaming platforms. Alongside this highly anticipated release, the band has dropped a gripping lyric video, available now on YouTube: Watch the lyric video here.
Dragon,” described as a mid-tempo, riff-heavy powerhouse, is the first release from THE DEVIL’S BLIND HORSE, a project driven by the creative vision of guitarist, producer, writer and founder Alex Knoll. The track features the band’s signature fusion of hard rock, metal, and progressive elements, topped with the soulful energy of vintage Hammond organ and Mellotron.
“THE DEVIL’S BLIND HORSE is an unabashed celebration of all of the things that I love about music” says Alex – adding: “It is the journey in pursuing the music that I hear in my head… It’s my definition of that perfect collection of sounds and songs, artistically earnest and uncompromising, from beginning to end.”
The track showcases an all-star lineup of musicians, including VK Lynne’s commanding lead vocals, Rikard Zander’s (EVERGREY) keys, Johan Niemann’s (EVERGREY) thunderous bass, and Dicki Fliszar’s (BRUCE DICKINSON) propulsive drumming.
“Dragon” marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for The Devil’s Blind Horse. The group is already gaining buzz for their forthcoming EP, “…Alas, we ride…”, expected to drop in 2025.
Knoll, a veteran of the Los Angeles metal scene with a storied past in 999 Society and a brief stint in SPINESHANK, has crafted a unique soundscape with THE DEVIL’S BLIND HORSE. Drawing inspiration from legends like BLACK SABBATH, DEEP PURPLE, ROBIN TROWER, GRAVEYARD and OPETH, the band’s music transports listeners to a golden era of rock and roll, imbued with fresh energy and innovation.
The Devil’s Blind Horse is:
Alex Knoll – Guitars and others VK Lynne – Lead and Background Vocals
About THE DEVIL’S BLIND HORSE:
Founded by Brazilian-born guitarist Alex Knoll, The Devil’s Blind Horse is a heavy rock and roll project that blends 60s, 70s, and early 80s influences with progressive metal aesthetics. With a lineup of seasoned artists, the band delivers a powerful, genre-defying sound that resonates with fans of classic rock and metal alike.
“Dragon” Credits:
Written by Alex Knoll and VK Lynne
Produced by Alex Knoll
Mixed and Mastered by Robert Pehrsson (Studio Humbucker – Stockholm, Sweden)
Featured Musicians: Alex Knoll (guitars, percussion), VK Lynne (vocals), Johan Niemann (bass), Rikard Zander (keys), and Dicki Fliszar (drums).
Oct. 15, 2024, LOS ANGELES – Jerry Cantrell’s new album, I Want Blood, arrives this Friday, and to celebrate its arrival the iconic musician has announced a North American tour of the same name.
The trek kicks off on Jan. 31 in Niagara Falls and makes its way across the country, concluding in Cantrell’s home state of Washington.
Tickets go on-sale this Friday at 10 a.m. local time with an exclusive artist pre-sale starting Wednesday at 10 a.m. For ticket information, visit jerrycantrell.com/tour. Filter supports on all dates.
“[This album] packs a punch and it hits you in the face,” Cantrell shared in a recent interview with Loudwire adding, “I couldn’t think of a more impactful title than I Want Blood.”
Ahead of the album’s release, Cantrell has been featured on the cover of Revolver, participated in a career-spanning conversation with Rick Beato, and has received widespread praise album for the collection’s heavier sound. Metal Hammer described I Want Blood as having an “iconic sound, sludgy guitars and soulful vocals.”
I Want Blood was recorded at Joe Barresi’s JHOC Studio in Pasadena, Calif., and features contributions from Duff McKagan (Guns N’Roses), Mike Bordin (Faith No More), Robert Trujillo (Metallica), Greg Puciato (Better Lovers, ex-Dillinger Escape Plan), Gil Sharone (Team Sleep, Stolen Babies), and Lola Colette.
Jerry Cantrell tour dates:
October 17 Pioneertown, CA Pappy & Harriet’s SOLD OUT
November 8 Huechuraba, Chile Fauna Primavera November 10 Comuna 15, Argentina C Complejo Art Media November 12 São Paulo, Brazil Audio
January 31 Niagara Falls, ON Fallsview Casino Resort February 1 Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom February 2 Portland, ME Aura February 4 Boston, MA Citizens House of Blues Boston February 5 New York, NY Irving Plaza February 7 Silver Spring, MD The Fillmore – Silver Spring February 8 Bensalem, PA Parx Xcite Center February 11 Huntington, NY The Paramount February 12 Norfolk, VA The NorVa February 14 Raleigh, NC The Ritz February 15 Atlanta, GA Buckhead Theatre February 16 Louisville, KY Mercury Ballroom February 18 Columbus, OH The Bluestone February 19 Indianapolis, IN Murat Egyptian Room at Old National Centre February 22 St. Louis, MO The Hawthorn February 23 Chicago, IL The Vic Theatre February 25 Tulsa, OK Tulsa Theater February 26 Houston, TX House of Blues Houston February 27 San Antonio, TX The Aztec Theatre March 1 Mesa, AZ The Nile Theater March 2 Las Vegas, NV House of Blues Las Vegas March 4 Los Angeles, CA The Belasco March 5 Ventura, CA The Majestic Ventura Theater March 7 Spokane, WA Knitting Factory – Spokane March 8 Portland, OR Wonder Ballroom March 9 Seattle, WA Moore Theatre
I Want Blood is available on CD, digitally, and multiple 2LP vinyl variants: https://bio.to/JerryCantrell. A bonus spoken word version of each song on I Want Blood is included with each vinyl release.
Photo credit: Darren Craig
Jerry Cantrell is an iconic American troubadour, celebrated for his distinctive guitar playing, soulful vocals and profound songwriting. Known for his work in both Alice In Chains and as a solo artist, the GRAMMY-nominated musician has sold in excess of 30 million albums, has been named one of the greatest guitar players of all time by both Guitar World and Rolling Stone, and has been instrumental in shaping the sound of modern rock music. Over his career, he has released six studio albums with Alice in Chains, three solo full-lengths, has had his music featured in films from Cameron Crowe, Judd Apatow and Ben Stiller and made cameos in “Deadwood” and “Jerry Maguire.”
FEAT. SPECIAL GUESTS BILLY DUFFY, LITA FORD & CHARLIE STARR PRE-ORDER HERE
NEW SINGLE ‘DON’T LEAVE ME IN THE DARK’ FEAT. LITA FORD WATCH THE VIDEO HERE | LISTEN HERE
Ricky Warwick has announced the release of his new solo album Blood Ties, which will be out on March 14th via Earache Records. You can pre-order the album here.
To coincide with the announcement, Ricky Warwick will release his new single ‘Don’t Leave Me In The Dark’ which sees legendary The Runaways guitarist & famed solo artist Lita Ford joining on vocals duties.
About the single, Ricky comments, “This was the first song written for the album and details the intricacies of love and the battles we fight to stay in it. When you put everything into a relationship and the significant other doesn’t reciprocate, there’s always a huge mental toll, a price to pay on commitment.”
About the duet Rickycontinues, “Lita Ford is a true hardcore rocker, she’s the real deal in every way. The attitude, energy and professionalism she brought to the video shoot was inspiring on every level…She also brought her famous original Hamer Guitar that dates way back to her time in The Runaways. When I wrote the lyrics for ‘Don’t Leave Me In The Dark’ I knew right away the song needed to be performed as a duet. Lita instantly sprang to mind. I’m honoured that she agreed to be a part of it. She absolutely nailed it sonically and visually as I knew she would.”
Lita Ford adds, “When I first got the call to record a duet with Ricky Warwick my first thought was about the legacy that this man carries. From our beloved early Thin Lizzy days up to today, Ricky carries that torch. An era that is close to my soul. Ricky’s image and voice is as dark and mysterious as his black leather and black Les Paul, but at the same time, a super cool and mega-talented artist. When I heard the song ‘Don’t Leave Me In The Dark’ I felt that it would be a killer duet because our vocal styles and images would complement each other.I really enjoyed working with someone who is so talented, down to earth, and has real grit and determination!”
Ricky dug deep for Blood Ties and by doing so has made this one of his most personal records yet. Big cathartic guitar sounds and life-affirming, often joyous assessments of where he is in life right now have made it a standout body of work in a career that has spanned over four decades at the coalface of rock’n’roll.
“I mined a deep seam to make this record, it’s in the darkest, most uncharted of places where the real energy is to be found.” Ricky notes. “There comes a time in everyone’s life when the game is afoot, and the decision is taken to face down and exorcise personal demons. The situation finally seemed right to deal with these and try to express my feelings, fears and anxieties in as uplifting a way as possible, turning negativity into positivity. To do that I had to make sure the guitars were turned up way beyond driven.”
As a solo artist and an esteemed singer/songwriter in his own right, Ricky Warwick has also collaborated with some of the finest musicians on the planet and with Blood Ties, has enlisted some notable guests including the aforementioned Lita Ford, Billy Duffy (The Cult) and Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke).
Blood Ties Album Artwork
The album was produced by Ricky’s friend and creative compadre Mr Keith Nelson (Buckcherry). The cover of the Blood Ties was also designed and drawn by Ricky’s stepdaughter Zoe Hinton.
Ricky Warwick remains undoubtedly one of the hardest working men in rock’n’roll and his creativity continues to roar with Blood Ties being as much a celebration of his stellar songwriting as it is his ethos towards doing the best he can for himself and for the fans.
“If people can connect with this album, musically, lyrically, its artwork, or better still all three then that is all I can really ask and hope for. If it means as much to someone else as it does to me then I feel my work is done.”
“For me, it’s all about what other people think!! What’s the point in creating art if you don’t share and care!”
Blood Ties is out on 14th March 2025 via Earache Records and is available to pre-order here.
The Mighty Saxon are pleased to announce the extensive “Hell, Fire And Steel” European tour. The Tour will see us perform our classic album Wheels of Steel in its entirety on what will be its 45th anniversary, plus all the hits, fan favourites and songs from our new album Hell Fire and Damnation.
This is a Saxon tour like no other and one you are not going to want to miss! The “Hell, Fire And Steel” tour kicks off in Bremen in Germany on February 4th, a listing of dates are below.
Tickets are available via general on sale Friday 4th October with various pre-sales prior, with Sweden general on sale Monday 7th October.
Tickets on sale for Milan and Tilburg as of Tuesday 1st October ** Tickets on sale for Copenhagen, Prague, Kraków, Vienna and Warsaw as of Wednesday 2nd October
FEB 04 – Aladin Music Hall, Bremen (DE) FEB 06 – Amager Bio, Copenhagen (DK)** FEB 07 – Conventum, Orebro (SE) FEB 08 – Värmekyrkan, Norrköping (SE) FEB 09 – Slagthuset, Malmö (SE) FEB 11 – Rockefeller, Oslo (NO) FEB 13 – Trädgär’n, Gothenburg (SE) FEB 14 – Folkets Park, Huskvarna (SE) FEB 15 – Cirkus, Stockholm (SE) FEB 17 – Docks, Hamburg (DE) FEB 19 – Lucerna Music Bar, Prague (CZ)** FEB 20 – Studio, Kraków (PL)** FEB 21 – Gasometer, Vienna (AT)** FEB 23 – Progresja, Warsaw (PL)** FEB 25 – Muffathalle, Munich (DE) FEB 26 – Live Club, Milan (IT)* FEB 28 – Volkshaus, Zurich (CH) MAR 01 – Central, Erfurt (DE) MAR 02 – 013, Tilburg (NL)* MAR 04 – Huxleys, Berlin (DE) MAR 05 – Haus Auensee, Leipzig (DE)
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"
Metal Odyssey > Heavy Metal Music Blog 
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