Hey Fans – Halloween is fast approaching and here is your chance to join in the KISS Halloween fun.
Grab a pumpkin and your creative spark and carve the KISS logo and/or the band’s likeness into it and send a photo our way using Instagram and the hashtag #kisspumpkin.
We’ll showcase the best entries on the KISS Facebook page and choose a random winner to take home a $100 Amazon gift card and a Monster CD.
MONSTER TRUCK – Firstly, I want to thank my friend Maria Haskins for telling me about this mighty Canadian Hard Rock band that call themselves MONSTERTRUCK. As a fellow twitter fiend and ultra terrific writer/reviewer for the legendary Brian Basher over at Hard Rock Nights, Maria without question, knows her Heavy Rock ‘N Roll!
MONSTER TRUCK calls Hamilton, Ontario, Canada their home. Their new full-length studio album, Furiosity, was released on May 28th, 2013, via dine alone records. Please believe me, when I tell you I am extremely hard pressed to find anything I don’t like about this Furiosity album. This album could very well have been titled: Bad Ass Heavy Rock Rules. Hell yes, I’m not kidding. As 2013 (and any year for that matter) has rolled out more Hard Rock and Metal albums than I can possibly keep up with, Furiosity has risen to the top of my personal favorites heap.
A masterful fusion of Classic Hard Rock and Hard Rock 2013 is this album. The guitar shredding of Jeremy Widerman is mind-blowing! This is one guitarist of Hard Rock that should be on the cover of Guitar World… now. The vocals of Jon Harvey are tough as nails and give this band at least 50% of its bad ass character and sound. Jon Harvey plays a mean bass as well! Brandon Bliss on organ and vocals gives this album a downright wonderful Classic Hard Rock feel, sound and vibe. Steve Kiely on drums and vocals plays the songs and not for himself, making for a fabulous listen to just him alone. What a band!
The twelve songs on Furiosity are a listen into what steak and potatoes Hard Rock is supposed to sound like; both in yesteryear and in 2013. The riffs are there, the old school jams are there and the Hard Rock total package is exploding from Furiosity! Do not ponder purchasing Furiosity! MONSTER TRUCK is a band that has arrived, especially with their opening slot on the Canadian dates for the iconic Alice In Chains this past Summer, the reality of it all speaks for itself. Metal be thy name.
Stone Temple Pilots with Chester Bennington – High RiseEP was released on October 8th, 2013. This is the first of what is to be (hopefully) many more releases with Chester Bennington (of Linkin Park) on vocals. Yes, Chester Bennington hits a cosmic grand slam singing on this EP! Of course, that’s my Metal opinion, however, I guarantee y’all that I’m not alone!
As Chester Bennington had put it, on October 8th, on the Linkin Park Facebook page: “I am very excited that today marks the release of the HIGH RISE EP and the beginning of a new era for Stone Temple Pilots.” I’ll have to 100% agree with Mr. Bennington there! A new era for Stone Temple Pilots indeed! I absolutely believe that Chester Bennington can sing ANY song from the iconic catalog of Stone Temple Pilots with not just ease… he’ll sing any STP song with passion, sincerity and pride!
The Grunge movement, yes, is a storied chapter in Rock history. Regardless of silly genre labeling, STP is a Seattle Heavy Rock ‘N Roll band in my world. With that said, STP (as with Alice In Chains) have (once again) gone into a direction musically that I find as instantly classic! I’m happy to say that this new STP EP is as BIG of a surprise to me than I’ve ever expected! I honestly cannot believe how enormous all 5 songs on High Rise play out and sound! Don’t be misunderstood, STP still comes out strong with their classic sound on this EP; it’s just that STP sounds more confident and bolder than ever before! I commend STP for releasing a 5 song EP with Chester Bennington, while not making their fans yearn for new material.
(Former) vocalist Scott Weiland may be gone and on his own now, still, I won’t turn my nose up at him; regardless of the negative stories that have surrounded him for many years running. Hey, no matter how we try to slice it, Scott Weiland is a Rock legend, just as all the members of STP (including Chester) are. Heck, I will forever get the ostrich bumps on my arms and face, while listening to Scott Weiland sing my 3 favorite STP songs of all time: Plush, Wicked Garden and InterstateLove Song.
I would think that a vast majority of STP fans will be bouncing off the ceiling for this new era of the band. I tried to bounce off my ceiling only it just didn’t work out too good. Emails have poured in asking me which is my favorite song off of High Rise. My favorite song is: Black Heart. (See above link to hear it!) This ultra Rockin’ song, as with this entire EP, are sonic proof that you don’t need to get too complicated with Rock ‘N Roll in order to make an instant Rock classic. BUY this High Rise EP and be happy that STP exists in 2013. Metal be thy name.
One last Metal thought:
By the way, if y’all found I ranted along too much here, please do not complain to my supervisor. Please don’t. Have some heart. Working here at Metal Odyssey is so fucking cool, cause the owner lets me take (many) beer breaks.
HIGH RISE EP – Track Listing:
Out Of Time
Black Heart
Same On The Inside
Cry Cry
Tomorrow
The new High Rise EP featuring “Out of Time” and “Black Heart” is now available! Purchase the High Rise EP on iTunes by clicking here: http://bit.ly/stphighrise
KILLER DWARFS – What once was old is new again. What once was forgotten is rediscovered and glistens like a full and welcomed beer keg under a moonlit sky. This beer keg being referenced is the “lost” studio album, Start @ One, from one of Canada’s greatest of Heavy Rock bands ever: KILLER DWARFS. With KILLER DWARFS new studio album Start @ One, the bright lights of Arena Rock and party like you’re 18 again magic of this 1980’s/early 90’s Hard Rock/Heavy Metal band has returned!
This album was meant to be released years ago; only the timing and circumstances surrounding it would not allow this darling batch of nine songs to see its delivery upon the Dwarf Nation. Now it’s here! Unlaced Nike high-top sneakers as my witness, this KILLER DWARFS album is as fun, entertaining and Hard Rockin’ today, as it would have been back in the day. This is an album and a band that is brimming with so much appeal. Many, many from the Classic Rock, Hard Rock, Hair Metal and Melodic Heavy Metal crowds should be stoked by the gallant return of KILLER DWARFS!
Quality Melodic Hard Rock of yesteryear will never lose it’s luster, flavor or psyche-you-out impact on me. Start @ One is proof positive of this. It’s the colorful and booming sound of KILLER DWARFS, with major league songs that have always made them so memorable and this album is once again confirmation of just that; with the band’s chemistry of good times and Rock ’till you drop attitude spilling over each song!
Russ Dwarf should now be considered in every conversation of celebrated vocalists of 80’s Hard Rock up to present day. Solid Ground, Sky Is Falling and seven other songs are my choice favorites on Start @ One… and I’m not messing around! If you’re to take my Metal advice and run with it, then, go and buy Start @ One and be reminded that KILLER DWARFS have reunited and returned to conquer the villages, rural centers and all urban dwellings, while raising the Dwarf Nation flag to more grandiose heights! Metal be thy name.
As reported on the VIXEN Facebook page, on October 11th, 2013:
It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Vixen founder and lead guitarist, Jan Kuehnemund, who lost a fierce battle with cancer on Thursday, October 10, 2013. Though most well known for her gifted guitar playing and other musical talents, Jan was a rare friend and beautiful in every sense of the word. Humble, thoughtful, loyal and kind, she was the most gracious of women, possessing the quiet strength of a true warrior. She genuinely loved and appreciated her friends and fans more than most could ever know. Those who were most fortunate to have known her and loved her are heartbroken at the loss of Jan, whose spirit will shine through her music eternally.
All of us at Metal Odyssey expresses the sincerest of condolences, to the family, bandmates, friends and fans of Jan Kuehnemund. Her prized contributions to Rock ‘N Roll shall live on forever. May Jan Kuehnemund rest in peace.
STRYPER Will Be Recording This Concert For Their Upcoming Live CD/DVD!
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STRYPER – Live At The Whisky! Stryper records their live CD/DVD at The Legendary Whisky A Go Go! Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of history as they perform classics along with all new material from the new release, “No More Hell To Pay”.
Fancy getting your hands on a signed BLACK STAR RIDERS vinyl banner? It measures in at almost 40 inches x 40 inches and is signed by ALL of the band. Get involved over on Classic Rock Magazine‘s website, here: http://bit.ly/14yRY4u
Be sure to catch the band live on their upcoming UK / EU tour – dates and tickets can be found, here: http://bit.ly/BSRTour
BLACK STAR RIDERS All Hell Breaks Loose Is Out NOW!
STRYPER – On November 5th, 2013, the eighth original studio album from STRYPER, No More Hell To Pay, will be released via Frontiers Records. A stirring and fabulous song that is featured on this forthcoming STRYPER album is Revelation. Below, you can follow this song’s lyrics while cranking up the Heavy Metal!! Just a fantastically well-written and executed song. By the way, the guitar solo is nothing short of maximum whiz-bang! Metal be thy name.
2013 Coach of the Year to become team’s first head coach
McMillen to Bring His Football Expertise and AFL Knowledge to Los Angeles
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LOS ANGELES, CA – LA KISS Co-Owners GeneSimmons, Paul Stanley, Doc McGhee and Brett Bouchy have announced the inaugural Head Coach of the team as AFL veteran, Bob McMillen.
Before joining LA KISS as their new head coach, McMillen had a lengthy playing career in the AFL and retired in 2007 as the league’s second all-time leading rusher for both career yards and rushing attempts. After retiring as a player, McMillen was hired by the Chicago Rush and served as Head Coach for the team for three years. In 2013 McMillen was also elected into the AFL Hall of Fame for his services to the game.
Brett Bouchy, co-owner of LA KISS said “During our search for the first-ever head coach of LA KISS, we knew we had to get a coach with relevant AFL playing and coaching experience – someone well respected around the league and beyond”
In 2013, McMillen received Head Coach of the Year honors from the Arena Football League and was elected into the Arena Football Hall of Fame.
“I’m beyond excited to be given the honor of being named the first head coach of LA KISS,” stated Bob McMillen, head coach of LA KISS. “I’m very much looking forward to putting in the hard work with our team and owners, and in the end producing a top tier product both on and off the field.”
McMillen will be tasked with leading the charge for LA KISS on the field in their inaugural season, and expectations will be high with the new AFL franchise. LA KISS ownership is confident in his ability to lead the team and field an excellent team that will be expected to make an immediate impact.
Gene Simmons of KISS said, ‘‘We’re proud to announce Bob McMillen as head coach of our LA KISS AFL team. Bob shares our passion for bringing real, in-your-face football to the fans and he has a take no prisoner’s attitude which is the LA KISS philosophy. Go big, or go home’’
Paul Stanley of Kiss added ‘’Bob McMillen is another step in deepening our line in the sand. From the ground up we are building a team that will accept nothing less than victory. We will win’’
The AFL (www.arenafootball.com), which is dedicated to playing and promoting in-arena professional football around the world, will mark its 27th season in 2014, as well as the inaugural season for LA KISS.
For more information on LA KISS, or to purchase season tickets, please visit www.lakissfootball.com
Big Guns are a new Classic Rock band born from the ashes of the highly regarded Twister. Renowned for their powerful live rock performances and having played extensively across Ireland on the pub, bike rally & festival circuit, Big Guns are set to inject a new leash of life into Classic Hard Rock.
Founded by Kieran ‘Twerp’ McArdle (Guitar & Vocals) & Tony Drumm (Bass), the band later introduced Lisa Howe (Drums) & Daniel ‘Baldo’ O’Toole (Guitar) to complete a powerhouse line-up with a wealth of playing experience and a sound that proves it.
The band’s debut album Down But Not Out draws influences from the sounds of AC/DC, Thin Lizzy and Judas Priest – it’s guaranteed to get you singing, headbanging and tapping along.
Drummer Lisa Howe comments on the album: “The whole band are very excited, we’ve really put our hearts into making this album & we’re very proud of it. We can’t wait to take it on the road & see how it’s received! Hard rockin’, catchy & full on. Think Judas Priest from ’83 with a modern production.”
EUROPE – This concert which was captured at Sweden Rock Festival on the 7th of June 2013, is not only a massive greatest hits show in front of 30,000 people, it also marks the 30th anniversary of Europe’s existence. They celebrate this by playing 28 songs spanning their whole career including songs never before performed.
Between the heavy rock songs they also sit down for an emotional accoustic set which brings a unique intimate feel to this otherwise massive arena show.
To pay tribute to their own heroes they invite legendary guests artists Scott Gorham (Thin Lizzy) and Michael Schenker (UFO, MSG) to join them on stage.
The band has made nothing short of a remarkable return since they started up again in 2004. Their latest album BAG OF BONES was awarded the 16th best Rock album in the world by the prestigious Classic Rock Magazine in 2012.
Together with the four latest CD releases to come out this side of the millennium and the five albums they produced in the eighties and nineties. They sit on an enormous song treasure.
The DVD Includes The Songs:
Seven doors hotel, Open Tour heart, Rock The Night, Carrie, Superstitious, Prisoners in Paradise. Always the pretenders, Last look at Eden, New love in town, Not supposed to sing the blues, Firebox, Lights out (with MichaelSchenker), Jailbreak (with Scott Gorham) and many more.
Over two hours and fourty minutes of concert footage, behind the scenes material and an exclusive interview with the band, makes this the definitive Europe Live DVD. Also released as Blu-Ray and live CD.
Mic Michaeli – Keys
John Levén – Bass
Joey Tempest – Vocals
John Norum – Guitars
Ian Haugland – Drums
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NORDIC CUSTOMERS, PRE-ORDER YOUR CD / DVD & BLU-RAY BY USING THE FOLLOWING LINKS!
ARE YOU AN ULTIMATE STRYPER FAN? THEN YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS THE STRYPER FAN WEEKEND! BOOK NOW, LIMITED TO 100 ULTIMATE FANS!
As Reported on the STRYPER Facebook page:
Following last month’s announcement of the first annual Stryper Fan Weekend, to be held in Nashville, Tennessee from October 11-13, 2013, the multi-platinum rock band is pleased to release additional details and the complete schedule.
The three-day fan event, limited to only 100 fans, will be packed with live performances from Stryper, exciting events, surprise guests, giveaways (including Michael Sweet’s very own Merida C35-OMCES custom guitar) and exclusive access to the band. In addition, the entire weekend will be filmed for an upcoming live DVD to be released worldwide by Frontiers Records in 2014.
VIEW COMPLETE STRYPER FAN WEEKEND SCHEDULE & PURCHASE PACKAGES ON OUR WEBSITE: http://www.stryper.com
No More Hell To Pay – Releasing on November 5th, 2013, via FrontiersRecords. You can pre-order by clicking the link below! Whoa!
BURNING KINGDOM – Watch the official video for Watching As It Burns, (below), from the (forthcoming) new Burning Kingdom release Simplified, available worldwide on October 22nd, via Avispa Records. Simplified, is Burning Kingdom’s third studio album, marking their first with vocalist DannyVaughn of Tyketto (and Waysted) fame.
The Melodic Hard Rock sound of BURNING KINGDOM is 100% contagious to my senses! With Danny Vaughn’s soaring, clean and inspiring vocals, coupled with the totality of meritable musicianship from the band, the official video for Watching As It Burns is:
SCORPION CHILD – Following in a very long line of flat-out terrific bands from Texas, SCORPION CHILD (from Austin) has apparently mixed together the perfect formula for Classic Hard Rock nectar. Released via Nuclear Blast in North America on June 25th, 2013, this debut and self-titled album from SCORPION CHILD is quite the album that has grown on me.
SCORPION CHILD has proven to me, rather quickly, what they’ve tried to accomplish with their Rock ‘N Roll: a return to when albums were just that. The AOR, Classic Rock, Hard Rock, Stoner and (to an extent) Psychedelic Rock crowds should be absolutely thrilled by this SCORPION CHILD album. Yes, SCORPION CHILD does cover some impressive Rock genre ground here, with their overall sound and stylings they’ve created.
As with Sacramento’s legendary TESLA, this dynamic SCORPION CHILD band can (to my ears) easily fit in with any Rock ‘N Roll crowd. The songs on this debut album are exactly what us retro Rockers could use more of, as it all harkens back to those dreamy 70’s and early 80’s; when vinyl was still king.
Below, listen to and watch the lyric video for Liquor:
Classic Rock influences run wild through this SCORPION CHILD album; easily too many influences to mention, with the spirit of Led Zeppelin, YES and Boston showing through via the guitars, vocals, rhythm section and atmosphere of sound. No worries though, SCORPION CHILD is an original band of cats that won’t have any trouble building upon their already rapidly growing following.
Liquor may be the psyche-you-out hit; only it’s the entire album that wins the Classic Hard Rock badge of legitimacy for SCORPION CHILD. Red Blood (The River Flows) is an obvious Rock epic, at 13:44 long. This ambitious and talented band took a huge risk in including this song on their debut, especially with such a long progressive interval of crickets that bridges this song together. Yes, crickets. Nonetheless, quality breeds success! With the instant gratification society our music industry and mp3 public have unfortunately morphed into, to actually sit and listen to a song that plays for over 13 minutes, in 2013, means you are either a Progressive Rock loyalist or a REAL fan of Rock ‘N Roll. By the way, this epic song is a splendid listen, indeed; just as this entire SCORPION CHILD album is as well.
The final track, Keep Goin’, is a gem of a cover song. Originally written and recorded in 1970, by the legendary Lucifer’s Friend, Keep Goin’ is a dazzling Classic Rock finish to SCORPION CHILD’s debut! Metal be thy name.
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SCORPION CHILD – Track Listing:
Kings Highway (4:26)
Polygon Of Eyes (4:34)
The Secret Spot (4:30)
Salvation Slave (5:15)
Liquor (4:35)
Antioch (5:30)
In The Arms Of Ecstasy (4:23)
Paradigm (3:51)
Red Blood (The River Flows) (13:44)
Keep Goin’ (Bonus Track) (5:17)
Aryn Jonathan Black – vocals
Shaun Avants – bass & background vocals
Chris Cowart – lead guitar & background vocals
Shawn Alvear – percussion
Tom “The Mole” Frank – rhythm guitar & background vocals
On the eve of his fourth decade in Rock & Roll, Grammy Award®-winning, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Sammy Hagar has teamed with a seminal array of his legendary rock and country artist friends and bandmates, past and present, for his first-ever rock collaborations album, Sammy Hagar and Friends.
The release will see Hagar joining forces with award-winning artists including Kid Rock, Nancy Wilson (Heart), Toby Keith, Taj Mahal, Ronnie Dunn (Brooks & Dunn), Michael Anthony (ex-Van Halen, Chickenfoot), Neal Schon (Journey), Chad Smith & Joe Satriani (Chickenfoot), Bill Church & Denny Carmassi (Montrose), The Wabos and more on an epic collection of 10 new songs and unexpected covers. “Sammy Hagar and Friends” is produced by Hagar and Grammy winning engineer/producer, JohnCuniberti.
From new original songs including “Not Going Down” (a song specifically written for Hagar by Jay Buchanan of Rival Sons), “Knockdown Dragout,” “Bad On Fords and Chevrolets,” “All We Need Is An Island,” and “Father Sun,” to reimagined covers of classics including Bob Seger’s, “Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man,” and Depeche Mode’s “Personal Jesus,” – Hagar has masterfully assembled an album that delves into rock, country, pop and blues.
In addition to the 10-track standard edition album, fans will also have an opportunity to purchase a Deluxe edition of “Sammy Hagar and Friends,” packaged in a high-gloss Digipak. The Deluxe CD/DVD package includes an exclusive bonus audio track, “Space Station #5,” recorded live at the Ronnie Montrose Tribute Concert held on April 29, 2012 in San Francisco, as well as the “Making of” album documentary which includes bonus video of the first single “Knockdown Dragout,” and more.
Tracklisting: Winding Down; Not Going Down; Personal Jesus; Father Sun; Knockdown Dragout; Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man; Bad On Fords An Chevrolets; Margaritaville; All We Need Is An Island; Going Down (Live In Studio-Take 1); Space Station #5 (Live From Ronnie Montrose Tribute Concert) (Bonus Track – Deluxe Edition only)
DVD: Knockdown Dragout (videoclip) – “Making of the Album” documentary
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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