For 12 years Michael Monroe fans in South America have had to wait for this day when we are very happy to announce TWO PERFORMANCES in South America:
23.5.2012 Teatro Vorterix, Buenos Aires
25.5.2012 Blackmore Rock Bar, Sao Paulo
(Source: Michael Monroe.com)
* For more info on MICHAEL MONROE, click on the links below:
http://www.twitter.com/michaelmonroe
LONG LIVE MICHAEL MONROE.
Stone.
GARY MOORE – Live At Montreaux 2010 was released back on September 20th, 2011, via Eagle Records. The legendary Gary Moore had performed at the 44th Montreux Jazz Festival back in 2010. The Festival dates were July 2nd through July 17th of that year. This world-famous festival also showcased the following diverse lineup of bands in 2010: Simply Red, Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Norah Jones, Roxy Music, Mark Knopfler, Tori Amos, Herbie Hancock, Joe Bonamassa and Missy Elliott (to name a several few).
Seven months to the day, after this Montreux performance, Gary Moore passed away from a heart attack. February 6th, 2011 was a very sad day for music indeed. I remember my first time listening to a Gary Moore album in its entirety and it was 1984’s Victims Of The Future. When I first saw Gary Moore in the music video for Shapes Of Things, I was hooked. I thought to myself so long ago… this dude is not acting, this dude is real.
As the Gary Moore discography of Blues piled-up, I regretfully didn’t keep up. Over the years, my habitual leanings towards the “heavy stuff” and being broke time and again seemed to detour my buying habits. It’s okay though, at least I have a Gary Moore want list that I can enjoy filling and exploring still. Plus I’ve held onto Still Got The Blues on cassette after all these years!
Recently, I came across this live Gary Moore CD at Best Buy. I knew I wasn’t leaving the store without it. The whole reality of Gary Moore passing away hit me as well once again, as I held onto this CD. I wasn’t going to be a turd and pass over fine wine for a beer on this shopping trip for music. Not this time. Honestly, this CD surprised the daylights out of me for the track listing screamed of the Hard Rock side of Gary Moore’s late 80’s career. I felt like time froze as I approached the check-out at Best Buy. Really.
As I drove home with this newly purchased Gary Moore CD playing, it felt so right. It also felt so grand to hear Gary Moore playing his harder stuff live too. Odd as it sounds, yet, Gary Moore was alive once again through his music and I just became lost in the midst of these live songs. Gary Moore played three brand new songs at this Montreux Festival and they are included on this album. The new songs are: Days Of Heroes, Where Are You Now and Oh Wild One.
All three new songs that Gary Moore and his band performed are sensational to say the least. Days Of Heroes is vintage Hard Rockin’ Gary Moore. Where Are You Now can be considered a ballad due to its tempo, still, Gary Moore lays his guitar parts and solo down with an exquisite touch, giving this song a Rockin’ edge that is difficult to shake from my brain. The Wild Frontier and After The War days are summoned up by Gary Moore in dazzling fashion, with Oh Wild One. Man, is this a melodic Hard Rock song that became instantly imbedded in my head! Whoa.
The entire band that Gary Moore assembled for this 2010 tour and Montreux performance are seasoned pros (see band lineup below). Honestly, they played damn tight together during this performance and its damn right refreshing to hear such a level of quality from them. Gary Moore just downright shines vocally and (of course) on guitar throughout each song. This live production never comes across as being “tinkered with”, it’s as live as it gets to my senses.
There are guitar legends and then there are those guitar legends that play with such emotion, that their guitar tones come across as vocals to me. Gary Moore was/will forever remain one of those guitar legends for my senses. Just listen to Blood Of Emeralds and So Far Away/Empty Rooms and hopefully you’ll understand what I mean. A mammoth of a song is Blood Of Emeralds, so fully enriched with Gary Moore’s guitar playing and it simply moves me.
Please pardon my lengthy review for this live gem, only this Gary Moore album I could write about for another 50,000 words or so. However, I will come to a close by saying this is a live Gary Moore album that I’ll cherish for the rest of my life. I never had an opportunity to see Gary Moore live so this is as close as it gets. It’s amazing how music can change your mood for the better. Gary Moore Live At Montreux 2010 just elevates my spirits and reminds me once again, that what I was hearing way back in 1984 was real after all… and that was the guitar of Gary Moore.
Gary Moore – vocals, guitar
Neil Carter – keyboards, vocals, guitar
Jon Noyce – bass
Darrin Mooney – drums
Over The Hills And Far Away
Military Man
Days Of Heroes
Where Are You Now
So Far Away/Empty Rooms
Oh Wild One
Blood Of Emeralds
Out In The Fields
Walking By Myself
Johnny Boy
Parisienne Walkways
Rest In Peace, Gary Moore.
1952 -2011
Stone.
Legendary Alice Cooper Group Drummer and Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Neal Smith Unleashes his NEW Youtube Video of “Squeeze Like A Python” from his latest album “KillSmith Two”.
Click on the link below and listen to Neal Smith on vocals, drums and guitar! Neal Smith and his band flat-out: ROCK! Metal be thy name, Squeeze Like A Python is one Hard Rockin’, memorable, kick-ass classic of a song! The video is very cool itself, with some fine eye candy dancing around. Now that’s Rock ‘N Roll… whoa. – Stone
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO22Ttr_adM
Neal Smith ‘KillSmith Two’ is available from: http://cdbaby.com/cd/nealsmith3
* For more info on NEAL SMITH, click on the links below:
http://www.facebook.com/NealSmithRocks
(Source: Glass Onyon Publicity)
LONG LIVE NEAL SMITH.
Stone.
VAN HALEN – As I pondered about what and how to write my review for A Different Kind Of Truth, these two realizations came over me: A. this album simply ROCKS and B. What can I possibly write that hasn’t already been written, debated and tossed around by countless other fans, bloggers, websites and the mainstream press? Whenever a titanic sized band releases a titanic “comeback” album, such as Van Halen has done, the Rock media world can get obviously flooded with album reviews and for good reason.
Having brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen join Hard Rockin’ and Heavy Hittin’ forces with David Lee Roth once again, on a full-length album, a long-awaited return of this magnitude since the RIAA Diamond Certified – 1984, is something special for fans of this band, (myself included). This Rock historic reunion becomes extra special, due to this new studio album resonating such a vintage return to form for Van Halen. Whoa, this album ROCKS. Regardless of when any “parts” of any of the songs were written for A Different Kind Of Truth, I’m in the crowd that cares only if the songs were written by members of Van Halen… and not ABBA.
Did I mention that this new Van Halen album ROCKS? Anyhow, life is short and when authentic Hard Rock and Heavy Metal can be written and recorded by this iconic band of the Rock music world and delivered to their patient fans, (there hasn’t been a Van Halen studio album released in 14 years), then there is valid cause for Rockin’ jubilation. This is not a reunion of a band that released a lone chart topping album 25 years ago. Van Halen dominated arenas and stadiums then… and will still now. This is a reunion of a band that can easily boast as much “important” musical influence as the likes of “American” Rock historic legends KISS, Aerosmith and The Doors, (to name a few).
Diamond Dave’s hair may be a “tad” shorter in 2012 and legendary bassist Michael Anthony may be absent from this “classic” Van Halen lineup, only the successful result of 100% pure Hard Rock is in the 13 songs my ears and senses have consumed from A Different Kind Of Truth. I’m both ecstatic and impressed simultaneously by this band. My relief from the first several listens of A Different Kind Of Truth lies in the fact that this new Van Halen album is not a dud, that all four of these musicians took the “right road” and decided to keep their sound real and true. Van Halen didn’t have to reinvent themselves just due to it being 2012. By the way, this album ROCKS.
Now, if you’re looking for a return to 1984, you best keep looking. A Different Kind Of Truth is an album that fits in quite fittingly “somewhere” within the first four Van Halen releases… with Diver Down looking over this album’s shoulder. Van Hagar? Certainly a fabulous and memorable era imbedded in my Rockin’ soul. Gary Cherone fronted Van Halen? A unique moment in Van Halen history that (in my Metal opinion) receives too often unwarranted and negative commentary. It’s now 2012 and this is Classic Van Halen. The Return of Van Halen. Diamond Dave fronted Van Halen. The world just became a “tad” brighter for me, as I wrote that preceding line.
* For more info on VAN HALEN, click on the link below:
LONG LIVE VAN HALEN.
The word “tad” appears twice in this post.
Stone.
MOLLY HATCHET – The Southern Rock & Hard Rock sound of the legendary Molly Hatchet lives! Check out below the 2012 “Justice” World Tour dates and maybe Molly Hatchet will be Flirtin’ With Disaster in your backyard!
February 24th – Lockport, NY @ The Palace Theatre
February 25th – Plymouth, NH @ Flying Monkey Performance Center
March 24th – Mesa, AZ @ Chester’s Harley Davidson Pavilion
April 7th – Pooler, GA @ Ogelthorpe Speedway Park
April 28th – Fort Worth, TX @ Texas Motor Speedway
May 4th – Smithfield, NC @ Neuse River Amphitheatre
May 18th – Starke, FL – TBA
June 2nd – Scleswig, Germany @ Baltic Open Air Festival 2012
June 10th – Vernon, NJ @ Hidden Valley Club Rock Ribs Ridges
June 15th – Clisson, France @ Hellfest 2012
September 12th – Waterloo, Iowa @McElroy Auditorium National Cattle Congress
September 14th – Abingdon, VA @ Washington County Fair
* 2012 “Justice” World Tour Dates To Be Added
(Source: Molly Hatchet Official Website)
* For more info on MOLLY HATCHET, click on the link below:
Molly Hatchet – Official Website
LONG LIVE MOLLY HATCHET.
Stone.
Alice Cooper – You And Me (1977/Single/Warner Bros.)
ALICE COOPER – Back on February 4th, 1948, Alice Cooper was born. Today, the ultra influential and legendary Alice Cooper turns a young, Rockin’ and Metallin’ 64! So, without further Metal ado…
Alice Cooper – Constrictor (1986/MCA)
Wanna read about that really cool You And Me 45 rpm single you see at the top of this post? Just click on the big header link below! I wrote and posted up this article back on June 20th, 2010. Metal be thy name!
Alice Cooper – Along Came A Spider ( 2008/Steamhammer SPV)
LONG LIVE ALICE COOPER.
Stone.
Tickets On Sale Friday, February 3, at 10AM EST Through Ticketfly
Back for its fourth year with another 2-day festival dedicated to all things Hair, Glam and ROCK, M3 Rock Festival will be Kix-ing off on Friday, May 11th with headlining sets from Baltimore Hair Metal legends Kix, Night Ranger and more! But make sure to save plenty of Aquanet and spandex for an all day Metal slam on Saturday, May 12th featuring two non-overlapping stages and a Festival Village with tons to check out! Indulge in a weekend reliving one of the greatest times of shred-tastic Rock with an all-star 80s lineup for M3-4 at Merriweather Post Pavilion this May!
Purchase your M3 Rock Festival 4 tix here: ticketfly – M3 Rock Festival 2012
Don’t forget to purchase your ticket for the Rock & Bus!
Shuttle service from Powerplant Live! in Baltimore and other locations around the DMV to Merriweather Post Pavilion. Drink specials & parking validation available at Powerplant Live! before and after the show!
(Source: 9:30 Club)
* For more info, click here: M3 Rock Festival – facebook
LONG LIVE M3 ROCK FESTIVAL.
Stone.
STRYPER – Check out below the North American tour dates for Stryper! See if Stryper is playing live in your neck of the Metal woods in 2012!
_________________________________________________________
February 24, 2012 – Sault Ste. Marie, MI @Kewadin Casino
February 25 – 28, 2012 – Fort Lauderdale, FL @ Monsters Of Rock Cruise
May 12, 2012 – Columbia, MD – M3 Rock Festival
May 17, 2012 – Dallas, TX – House Of Blues
May 18, 2012 – Houston, TX – House Of Blues
May 19, 2012 – Las Vegas, NV – Santa Fe Station Hotel & Casino
May 24, 2012 – New York, NY – BB Kings
May 25, 2012 – Foxborough, MA – Showcase Live
_________________________________________________________
(Source: Stryper Official Website)
* To buy tickets and more info, click here: Stryper – Official Website
LONG LIVE STRYPER.
Stone.
Louis St. August, lead singer for Hard Rock/Heavy Metal band MASS, has been nominated in this year’s Limelight Magazine Readers’ Poll that recognizes the bands and musicians who have impacted the local music scene of New England during 2011. Louis St. August has been nominated in the “Male Vocalist Of The Year” category.
The poll will close at 11:45 PM on Friday, Feb. 3rd. Here is the link to the poll:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/limelightmusicawards
* For more info on MASS, click on the link below:
LONG LIVE LOUIS ST. AUGUST & MASS.
Stone.
The biggest embarrassment to the Rock music industry isn’t that Beastie Boys made it into the hall, (all the power to Beastie Boys), it’s that “whoever” in Cleveland feels Beastie Boys are more influential, musically polished and bigger Rock history icons than… The Moody Blues. Whoa.
Here is your forum folks. Let it vent, please. I ask of you right now, do Beastie Boys belong inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame before The Moody Blues? Let’s put the other bands and musicians aside that are factually light years above Beastie Boys musically and that have been snubbed by “whoever” in Cleveland. This is about Beastie Boys versus The Moody Blues based on their respective “all-time” Rock music influence, song writing and musicianship.
At this point in time in the music industry, talking record sales is a pile of bacteria infested horse crap. Why? Cause the Kidz Bop series sells millions of units… does that mean Kidz Bop gets inducted into the hall one day too? Let the Rock ‘N Roll debate begin…
VS.
___________________________________________________________
LONG LIVE BEASTIE BOYS.
LONG LIVE THE MOODY BLUES.
Stone.
The German Superheros EDGUY will be the Special Guest of legendary DEEP PURPLE on their tour in Autumn 2012:
15.11. KÖLN / LANXESS ARENA
16.11. BREMEN / HALLE 7
17.11. HANNOVER / AWD HALL
20.11. KIEL / SPARKASSEN ARENA
22.11. FRANKFURT / FESTHALLE
23.11. OBERHAUSEN / KÖNIGSPILSNER ARENA
24.11. HAMBURG / O2 WORLD
26.11. LEIPZIG / ARENA
27.11. BERLIN / O2 WORLD
29.11. AUGSBURG / SCHWABENHALLE
30.11. MÜNCHEN / OLYMPIAHALLE
01.12. STUTTGART / SCHLEYERHALLE
02.02. UK Manchester – Academy
03.02. UK Birmingham – The Library
04.02 UK London – O2 Academy Islington
17.02 FIN Helsinki – Finish Metal Expo
27.04 D St. Wendel / Bostalsee – Walpurgisschlacht Festival
06.06 S Sölvesborg – Sweden Rock
08.06 NL Eersel – E3 Beach
27.06 S Borlänge – Peace and Love
17.07 CZ Vizovice – Masters Of Rock
(Source: Nuclear Blast News)
* For more info on EDGUY & DEEP PURPLE:
LONG LIVE EDGUY.
LONG LIVE DEEP PURPLE.
Stone.
(Los Angeles, CA) Joe Satriani, one of the most respected and innovative guitarist’s in the world today, announces the release of the live-concert film, Satchurated: Live in Montreal. Satchurated was filmed live during Satriani’s “The Wormhole Tour”, supporting his studio album Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards at the Metropolis in Montreal, Canada.
The December 12, 2010 concert was filmed by GRAMMY and EMMY award-winning concert filmmakers Pierre and Francois Lamoureux. Satchurated: Live in Montreal will be released to select theatres throughout the country on March 1, 2012 for a limited engagement.
With a total of ten cameras working to capture the sold-out concert, Satriani’s musical best was recorded in both 2D and 3D HD formats. The high-definition filming makes Satriani’s play as much a pleasure to watch as it is to hear. Every chord change is captured and presented as if one were experiencing a living room concert of your very own!
Fans of “Satch” will be eagerly awaiting the film’s worldwide release in March 2012 with theatrical presentations in both 2D and 3D formats, followed by a shorter version for television broadcast. The soundtrack from Satchurated was produced by Satriani and Mike Fraser and will be released on April 10, 2012 through Epic Records.
Over the last two decades, Satriani has traveled the world, playing to sold-out crowds as both a headliner and as founder of the all-star “G3” guitar extravaganza. His studio and live recordings have sold more than 10 Million copies worldwide to date and of his many solo albums, two have gone platinum and four others went gold, with 15 Grammy nominations between them. His side project, Chickenfoot, featuring former Van Halen front man Sammy Hagar, former bassist Michael Anthony, and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ drummer Chad Smith saw their debut album certified gold and have just released their second studio album.
Satriani also appears in the Academy Award-nominated film Moneyball starring Brad Pitt, recreating a National Anthem performance he gave at the 2002 Opening Day of Major League Baseball’s Oakland A’s. In late 2010, music sensation Nicki Minaj sampled the classic Satriani song, “Always With Me Always With You” in her song, “Right Through Me” from her multi-platinum debut album and in March 2012, Satriani will revive his “G3” Tour ‘down-under’ when he is joined by fellow legendary guitarists Steve Vai & Steve Lukather for a Spring tour of Australia & New Zealand.
ABOUT CINEMUSICA:
Cinemusica was formed by brothers, Pierre & Francois Lamoureux. Their films have won a Grammy, an Emmy, two Juno, two Gemini, a multitude of industry and technical awards, sold millions of copies on BluRay and DVD and aired all around the world. Pierre & Francois Lamoureux have directed and/or produced concert films and music documentaries for Rush, The Who, Harry Connick, Jr., Slipknot, Rihanna, The Pretenders, Zappa Plays Zappa, Branford Marsalis, Cowboy Junkies, Collective Soul, Ben Harper, Willie Nelson, Deep Purple, The Stray Cats and others. www.cinemusica.tv
ABOUT D&E ENTERTAINMENT:
Based in Hollywood, D&E Entertainment digitally distributes independent films, documentaries and alternative content such as filmed music events to movie theaters across the globe. Formed in 2005 by entertainment executives and digital cinema pioneers Doug Kluthe and Evan Saxon, D&E offers innovative theatrical programming via a worldwide marketing and distribution network. http://www.dandeentertainment.com/
Latest news and touring information for Joe Satriani can be found at www.satriani.com
To watch the trailer for Satchurated, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFwSf8zXWYU
DISC 1:
1. Ice 9
2. Hordes Of Locusts
3. Flying In A Blue Dream
4. Light Years Away
5. Memories
6. War
7. Premonition
8. Satch Boogie
9. Revelation
10. Pyrrhic Victoria
11. Crystal Planet
12. The Mystical Potato Head Groove Thing
13. Dream Song
DISC 2:
1. God Is Crying
2. Andalusia
3. Solitude
4. Littleworth Lane
5. Why
6. Wind In The Trees
7. Always With Me, Always With You
8. Big Bad Moon
9. Crowd Chant
10. Summer Song
BONUS TRACKS:
11. Two Sides To Every Story
12. The Golden Room
Produced by Joe Satriani and Mike Fraser.
Soundtrack from Satchurated, a film by Pierre & François Lemoureaux.
Directed by Pierre & François Lamoureux.
Theatrical Version TRT: 88:59 (1 hour 28 minutes 59 seconds)
(Source: MAD, Ink PR)
LONG LIVE JOE SATRIANI.
Stone.
Mark Reale, founder and guitarist for RIOT passed away on January 25, 2012, at age 56. Mark was also the cofounder and guitarist for the Hard Rock band Westworld. The following is a direct quote from The Official Web Site of Mark Reale:
“Our brother Mark Reale went home to be with our Lord this day, January 25th, 2012 after a long battle and complications from Crohns disease”. You can read more by clicking here: Mark Reale – Official Web Site
RIOT originates from New York City. Mark Reale and RIOT have influenced and shaped the foundation of American Power Metal, not to mention influencing countless musicians and bands the world over. The Heavy Metal of RIOT and musicianship of Mark Reale will forever be one of a kind. Metal Odyssey expresses condolences to the family, bandmates, friends and fans of Mark Reale. May Mark Reale rest in peace.
Mark Reale
1955-2012
TWISTED SISTER – Back in 1984, TWISTED SISTER, the legendary Heavy Metal band from Long Island, New York, released their third studio album: Stay Hungry. One of the three “biggest hits” from this album was I Wanna Rock. The other two “hits” were We’re Not Gonna Take It and The Price. I Wanna Rock became the battle cry for countless Metalheads back in 1984, with its popularity reaching eye-popping heights courtesy of its respective MTV video.
To this day I still love hearing I Wanna Rock cranked up VERY LOUD. This song will forever be an inspiration to me, decades after its release. I recently found the 45 rpm of I Wanna Rock at an antique store located in Zionsville, Pennsylvania. I paid $1.50 (U.S.) for it. Both the vinyl and cover sleeve are in excellent shape.
The B – side to this 45 rpm is The Kids Are Back from 1983’s You Can’t Stop Rock ‘N’ Roll, (the second studio album from TWISTED SISTER). The Kids Are Back is another song that Rocks my face off too. These TWISTED SISTER songs and albums are simply put: F’n timeless. Check out the pics below of my I Wanna Rock 45 rpm. Remember… you can’t even buy a decent cup of coffee these days for $1.50, yet you can buy some Heavy Metal history at this price. Metal be thy name.
Front Cover Sleeve
Back Cover Sleeve
I Wanna Rock – A Side
LONG LIVE TWISTED F’N SISTER.
Stone.
Photo Credit: Helen Collen Photography
MARKS ANNIVERSARY OF JOINING BAND, RELEASING HISTORICAL ALBUMS
TO APPEAR AT THIS YEAR’S LOS ANGELES FIT EXPO – JANUARY 28
MANRAZE – READY NEW SONG FOR ‘I, SUPERBIKER’ SEQUEL
(Los Angeles, CA)-2012 looks to be quite a year for Def Leppard lead guitarist and Manraze founder/vocalist/guitarist PHIL COLLEN. This year marks a number of anniversaries for the prolific axe man namely the 30th anniversary of COLLEN joining Def Leppard as lead guitarist and helping to complete the partially recorded 10x platinum album Pyromania. In addition this year marks the 25th anniversary for the 20x platinum album Hysteria as well as the 20th anniversary of its follow-up Adrenalize.
Last year’s Mirrorball Tour garnered Def Leppard a No. 1 slot on Billboard’s Hot Tours list. Based on ticket totals which grossed over $19 million in ticket sales in the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, and the UK Def Leppard powered across the globe with Heart as a featured act then ending the tour with Motley Crue and Steel Panther for it’s fans in the UK. The band has now sold over 100 million albums worldwide achieving diamond status twice in their career, one of six bands to ever do so.
June 6th, 2012 will bring the much-anticipated Broadway hit musical turned box office blockbuster, Rock of Ages, a star-studded fiesta directed by Adam Shankman and starring Tom Cruise, Russell Brand, Alec Baldwin, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Paul Giamatti and Mary J. Blige. The 80’s heyday tribute to the L.A.’s Sunset Strip named after one of Def Leppard’s hit tunes will include 3 Def Leppard hits-“Pour Some Sugar On Me”, “Bringing On The Heartbreak”, and the title track “Rock Of Ages”.
Manraze, Phil Collen’s alternative groove side project now being hailed as a “supergroup” features bassist Simon Laffy of Phil’s former group Girl and legendary Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook. The three have released PUNKFUNKROOTSROCK, a gritty rock-n-dub stew now available via Rocket Science Ventures/RED. Their critically acclaimed first single “Over My Dead Body” is available for free download at www.soundcloud.com.
Originally released as a limited Holiday download to the Manraze and Def Leppard social media outlets, “Over My Dead Body” reached the download limit within 10 minutes and within 24 hours was streamed over 4500 times. Manraze’s cover tribute of Phil’s favorite guitarist Jimi Hendrix’s classic tune “Fire” has been no less explosive tearing up internet radio stations worldwide and currently #1 on the IHEARTRADIO.COM Rock on Demand chart. Both tracks are set to be released to terrestrial Rock radio in the Spring.
Manraze also recently completed a new single and video titled “Take on the World” featuring newcomer Debbi Blackwell-Cook and written for the 2011 British Superbike racing champion Tommy Hill. The high energy hard rock/dance single, available on iTunes-February 7, is the theme for 2011’s ‘I, Superbiker’ sequel ‘The Showdown: I, Superbiker II’ which will chronicle Tommy’s rise to the 2011 British Superbike championship. The film directed by Mark Sloper is set to be released to 135 theatres in the UK February 21st, 2012.
Following his other passion in life, physical fitness, PHIL COLLEN will be returning by popular demand to the L.A. Fitness Expo on January 28th, 2012 to meet and sign autographs with the public. He will be accompanied by his longtime trainer, Muay Thai martial arts champion and world champion coach Jean Carrillo. Collen and Carrillo together have started a training program ‘Physical Mechanics’ which will focus on fitness regimens that range from first time workouts to extreme physical muay thai training. A fitness dvd and book are soon to follow.
(Source: MAD Ink, PR)
LONG LIVE PHIL COLLEN.
Stone.
DIO Holy Diver 24 KT GOLD CD – Releasing on Valentines Day, February 14th, 2012, is a limited & numbered 24 KT Gold CD of the iconic Heavy Metal album: DIO Holy Diver. This terrific DIO collectible CD will be released via Audio Fidelity. Amazon.com is taking pre-orders at $19.87 (U.S.).
Holy Diver was originally released back in 1983 on Warner Bros. Records. I uphold Holy Diver as being one of the greatest Heavy Metal albums I’ve ever listened to. The first time I listened to this album I was a junior in High School. The awe-struck feeling that came over me as this album played for my ears, that very first time, I shall never forget.
Ronnie James Dio – vocals, keyboards
Vivian Campbell – guitar
Jimmy Bain – bass & keyboards
Vinny Appice – drums
* For more info on Audio Fidelity, click on the link below:
Rest In Peace, Ronnie James Dio.
Stone.
’77 – This Hard Rock band ’77 is from Barcelona Spain and man are they… Old School! The second studio album from ’77, High Decibels, is slated for a February 28th release on Listenable Records. This is an album of raw, riff infested and: “share a case o’ beer with your Metal buddy” style of Hard Rock. This is also Hard Rock to crank up in the car, on a long weekend cruise with your chick by your side. Blue collar Hard Rock never sounded so damn fun as ’77 does on High Decibels!
The incredible resemblance that Armand Valeta has vocally to the late Bon Scott is unreal. Musically ’77 does overflow with 70’s AC/DC sound, vibe and feel. With all the AC/DC comparisons aside, what ’77 does very well is they play their Hard Rock with credible passion and they write original songs. The more I’ve listened to High Decibels, the more I hear a band that is fired-up about Rock ‘N Roll and it’s a fever they can easily spread to Rockaholics worldwide like myself.
I am impressed by the old school Hard Rock allegiance that ’77 bestows in their brand of Hard Rock. Too often a band like this will get mocked for being a “rip-off” or dated. My response would be: It’s 77’s style of Rock ‘N Roll that’s spilling from their Rockin’ souls. Metal be thy name. My two favorite songs on High Decibels are: Backdoor Man and Since You’ve Been Gone. I highly dig the bluesy side of ’77’s Hard Rock! Bad-ass Classic Rock is here to stay with ’77 too.
High Decibels is an album where once you hit “play” that’s it. You can’t stop it until it’s over! It’s like a cool party that just got started… why would you want to end a good thing? If you’re a Hard Rock fan from any generation, you should mark ’77 down and make certain to add High Decibels to your “must need” list of good-times and ass kickin’ Rock ‘N Roll albums. Everyone’s album collection deserves a solid kick-in-the-ass and ’77 shall bring it.
Armand Valeta – Frontman & Guitar
LG Valeta – Lead Guitar
Johnnie Dolphin – Drums
Mr. Raw – Bass
High Decibels
(Gotta Go) Gotta Hit The Road
Are You Ready For Rock ‘n’ Roll
Let’s Beat It Up
Backdoor Man
Gimme A Dollar
This Girl Is On Fire
Meltin’ In A Spoon
Since You’ve Been Gone
Promised Land
Things You Can’t Talk About
* For more info on ’77, click on the links below:
http://www.myspace.com/seventysevenrocks
LONG LIVE ’77
Stone.
Jackyl – Relentless (2002)
Long Live Jackyl.
RELENTLESS– Any dictionary will reveal the meaning of Relentless for you as: that does not relent; unyieldingly severe, strict, or harsh; unrelenting: a relentless enemy. This is a strong word. In my opinion, relentless can make for a tough as nails Hard Rock or Heavy Metal album title. Comedians along with musicians and bands from other music genres have used relentless as an album title, only it does not come across as riveting or true to me outside of Heavy Music.
As I went deeper into researching relentless as an album title, I found too numerous examples to mention and/or list. If I did list all the albums I’ve found with the title of relentless, then that would be rather relentless on my part. What I have learned is relentless is easily one of the most popular album titles ever to be used! Metal be thy name! Is this a bad or good thing? Is relentless overused on album titles? I guess I’ll leave the answer for you to ponder, for I don’t want to pass on any relentless judgement on the popularity of this word.
Alright, I will add, before a comedian, musician or band uses such a forceful word such as relentless, they should seriously consider it’s true definition and make certain if “fits” with their persona and/or album content.
Here are 14 albums (including the Jackyl cover on top of post) that caught my attention while compiling this relentless album title research:
Bill Hicks – Relentless (1992)
This cover photo just doesn’t go with the definition of relentless. Nope.
Sharel Cassity – Relentless (2009)
Maybe Sharel is relentless with her saxophone playing? I just don’t know. I’ve never checked out her music… now I’m curious.
MORTIFICATION – Relentless (2003)
Relentless goes just fine here. These dudes are Christian Metal too. Long Live Mortification.
Jason Aldean – Relentless (2007)
Jason looks too subdued here to be connected to relentless at all.
PENTAGRAM – Relentless (1985)
Yup. Relentless fits quite well on this cover. Doom Metal Legends. Long Live PENTAGRAM.
Natalie Grant – Relentless (2008)
Look at the PENTAGRAM album cover, then look at this Natalie Grant cover. Does relentless have multiple definitions that I’m now aware of?
YNGWIE MALMSTEEN – Relentless (2010)
Yes. Yngwie Malmsteen has been considered by many to be a relentless axe slinger. Long Live Yngwie Malmsteen.
Misty Edwards – Relentless (2008)
A Christian Music vocalist, Misty Edwards digs this title too. The album cover looks Heavy Metal to me though.
Walter Trout and the Radicals – Relentless (2003)
Walter Trout and the Radicals can have an album title of Relentless. It’s all good.
Here are three bands that actually take the word relentless and give it an F’n boost in their album titles. These three bands can get away with it too. You’ll see what I mean…
Asking Alexandria – Reckless & Relentless (2011)
Long Live Asking Alexandria.
Children Of Bodom – Relentless Reckless Forever (2011)
Long Live Children Of Bodom.
Death Angel – Relentless Retribution (2010)
Long Live Death Angel.
Lastly, here is a 1993 Pet Shop Boys album that goes by the title: Very. However, look a little closer at this album cover and you will see Relentless in the album title! It’s probably the one and only “hidden relentless” in the history of album cover titles! Whoa!
This concludes the list of Relentless Album Titles. As you witnessed, this popular word needs to be applied where it truly belongs. In conclusion, relentless isn’t just any word that can be slapped onto any album cover.
RELENTLESS FOREVER.
Stone.
AC/DC – Whoa. Check out this very, very cool AC/DC pinball machine manufactured and sold by Stern Pinball. The details on this AC/DC pinball machine are unreal! This new AC/DC pinball machine not only looks like it’s gonna be a thrill to play, it also looks like a piece of art! Metal be thy name. Yes, I’m an AC/DC fan… who isn’t? Or so it seems. Maybe if I start saving some money and buy less potato chips, I can maybe get this sensational AC/DC pinball machine… down the Metal road.
Stern Pinball has the company slogan: “The only maker of REAL pinball games on the planet!!”. From looking at this AC/DC pinball machine, they aren’t kidding.
Check out the specs for this amazing pinball machine below:
AC/DC Pro Model Features:
• 1 Ramp Mounted Magnetic Diverter For Cannon Loading
• High Definition Color Cabinet and Decal Artwork
• Motorized Rotating Ball Cannon, Player Controlled
• 3 “Thunderstruck” Standup Targets w/ Super Bright Flash Lamps
• 4 “ROCK” Standup Targets (on right)
• Lit Start/Fire Cannon Button w/ Laser Cut S/S Trim Plate
• Back Panel Jukebox Song Selector w/ Flashing Red Horns
• Posi-Lock Ball Ejector and Electric Top Gate
• 2 Molded Super Speed Ramps
• T.N.T. Explosion Butyrates In Key Locations
• 2 High Powered Slingshots
• 3 Super Bright LED Jet Bumpers
• 1 “Greased Lightning” Spinning Target
• Traditional Country-Specific Coin Door
• 8 Inch Cabinet Speaker with bold, enhanced sound quality
• QR Codes
• Molded “Hells Bell” Toy, Fixed, W/Standup Target
• Fixed T.N.T. Detonator
• Band Member Butyrate Display
• 5 AC/DC Standup Targets (on left)
• 3 T.N.T. Standup Targets (center)
• Black ABS Lower Arch
• “Latch” Lockdown Bar
* Thanks to Metal Buddy Dan, on the heads up for this story.
* For more info/visit Stern Pinball by clicking on the link below:
LONG LIVE AC/DC
LONG LIVE STERN PINBALL.
Stone
MECCA – Joe Vana, vocalist and founding member of MECCA, has once again assembled a group of seasoned musicians to showcase their skills on Undeniable. This being the sophomore release from MECCA, it firmly establishes why Joe Vana has all the reason in the world to carry out his musical visions. Released back on November 29th in North America, on Frontiers Records, Undeniable is undeniably melodic and lyrically engaging.
Wether it’s the mid-paced ballad Did It For Love or the steadier rocker W2W, MECCA bestows the talent for creating a mood within the song that compliments its respective story. Undeniable isn’t going to Rock your face off, instead this album will entertain with its eleven songs of emotion filled vocals from Joe Vana and soothing melodies that do soar, with the title track being a fine example of this. Joe Vana’s vocals are so identifiable for Melodic Rock and he easily seizes these songs on this album.
Life’s Too Short and Perfect World are two songs where MECCA combines philosophical lyrics with AOR quality that too often is missing on current American FM playlists. MECCA presents their music with intelligent lyrics, still the sappy meter does explode on such tracks as Did It For Love and From The Start. It’s the quality of the song, courtesy of the musicianship of MECCA, that makes me overlook any sappy saturation that happens lyrically. If you’ve ever been, want to be or are in love, these songs are accurately relevant.
In a Melodic Rock nutshell, MECCA has proven they can make me fall for the mellow and semi-hard side of Rock once again, with their respect for quality at every turn being a cumulative highlight for my ears. Undeniable is an album that also captures the spirit of AOR with its inspired vibes ever-present and lifeless moments nowhere to be found. This is an album of songs that belongs on my top shelf, I won’t be storing it away anytime soon.
Fans of Survivor, Toto, REO Speedwagon, Bryan Adams, Mister Mister and Foreigner (to name a many few) should enjoy the Rockin’, soothing and melodic ride that MECCA takes on Undeniable. AOR and Melodic Rock fans across the board could justifiably find many, if not all of these songs on Undeniable difficult to forget.
Joe Vana – vocals
Joey Vana – guitars, backing vocals
Brian Moritz – keyboards
Paul Pisciotto – synthesizers
Wally Hustin – bass
Rick Vitek – drums
Mark Alano – guitars
Perfect World
Closing Time
Ten Lifetimes
Life’s Too Short
I Know
Did It For Love
From The Start
Deceptive Cadence
W2W
Undeniable
As I Walk Alone
* For more info on MECCA, see the links below:
http://www.myspace.com/meccaofmusic
LONG LIVE MECCA.
Stone.
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 > Heavy Metal Music Blog 
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