Metal Odyssey &gt; Heavy Metal Music Blog

NIDINGR “Wolf Father” Releases January 18, 2011!

Posted in Black Metal, black metal albums, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags Black Metal, black metal albums 2011, black metal bands, Extreme Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, nidingr, wolf father album on December 8, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

NIDINGR – Cult Norwegian Black Metal unit NIDINGR return from a five year hiatus with their raging new album. The assassins that form this deadly unit have culminated their dark arts and aggression on their sophomore full-length Wolf Father, the uncompromising album sure to scathe listeners with its relentless whirlwind of black metal wrath. NIDINGR remain a mainly cult act, although some might conder them a “super group” of sorts when they discover the band is comprised of a long list of notable black metal artisans including bassist/guitarist Teloch (1349, Gorgoroth, Ov Hell, Orcustus, Umoral, Konsortium), bassist/guitarist Blargh (Gravferd, Dødheimsgard), vocalist Cpt. Estrella Grasa (Kort Prosess), and drummer Hellhammer (Immortal, Shining, Thorns, Umoral, Mayhem, Emperor). Wolf Father even features a guest appearance from Ulver’s Kristoffer Rygg (a.k.a. Garm), and features artwork by French visionary Valnoir of Metastazis, known for their work with Watain, Ulver, Peste Noire, Nachtmystium, Anteus and more.

* NIDINGR Wolf Father will be released on Vendlus Records, January 18, 2011.

* For more info on NIDINGR, just click here: NIDINGR – myspace music

(Source: Earsplit press release, December 3, 2010)

Track Listing For Wolf Father:

Fafnismol

Baldrs Draumar

Reginsmol

Voluspo

Hymiskvitha

Lokasenna

LONG LIVE NIDINGR.

Stone.

KATAKLYSM – MySpace Music Page

KATAKLYSM “Heaven’s Venom” – Death Metal Mastery To Devour

Posted in Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags canadian metal bands, Death Metal, death metal albums 2010, Extreme Metal, heavens venom album review, Heavy Metal, kataklysm, melodic death metal, metal music, metal odyssey on December 2, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

KATAKLYSM – Released on August 24, 2010, on Nuclear Blast America, Heaven’s Venom marks the tenth studio album from Kataklysm, arguably the most brutally powerful Metal band ever exported from The Great White North. This new Kataklysm album is fully loaded with ten songs, which exceed the boundaries of what great Death Metal is supposed to accomplish… by mesmerizing your senses into a state of Extreme Death Metal delirium. It is a tried and true Death Metal band like Kataklysm that I cannot resist rooting for, their tireless effort to make their presence known as a Death Metal force, in the vast world of Metal, is an undisputed benchmark of their existence.

From the onset, Soulless God annihilates with it’s all encompassing and overpowering Death Metal fury. All ten songs for that matter, are an enormous listen into just how Kataklysm has evolved over the past two decades, with their obvious stamp of originality upon the genre of Death Metal, a genre which has become a behemoth in the annals of Metal Music. The melodic nature of Kataklysm’s sound is derived from guitar virtuoso Jean-Francois Dagenais, he can play the heavy while instilling an accessibility to this band from his diverse playing. Even casual Death Metal fans should easily adhere their ears to what Deganais plays here, with loyal fans knowing that he is one of the finest in all of Metal.

Without hesitation, Heaven’s Venom is one of the most engaging Death Metal albums I’ve ever listened to. Slivers of progressiveness will sparingly peer around Kataklysm’s corner, with the spoken word being utilized in the songs: A Soulless God and Hail The Renegade. Kataklysm has never been about fast food Death Metal, this band’s intricacies have always lied within their passion for creating songs that leap out at you with rage and then abruptly casting searing melodic turns without notice. Lyrically, Heaven’s Venom embarks on dark personal struggles and values, with revenge and triumph being touched upon in prolific style, which Maurizio Iacono conveys with undisputed domination. Maurizio is one of those vocalists… when Maurizio sings, Stone listens.

The themes of divide and conquer and good versus evil may seem cliche with their simplicity, only Kataklysm gives forth a larger story than that throughout Heaven’s Venom. The markedness of Heaven’s Venom is truly a carry over from the rest of Kataklysm’s catalog of albums, once again embarking on what I construe to be… thinking man’s Death Metal. Yes, contrary to any department of psychology misnomer, Death Metal can be smart, both lyrically and musically. Along with the forever legendary Death Metal pioneers the likes of Death, Kataklysm will unconditionally receive my Metal accolades for their artistic point style too.

My personal favorite song on Heaven’s Venom is As The Walls Collapse. I will survive all the demons you throw at me, I will deny all the weakness inside… these are lyrics that psyche-me-out beyond Metal belief. Combine intelligent and powerful lyrics with elevated Death Metal grooves and yes, this song is a masterful achievement that will not become obsolete for my ears. I could go as far by saying: As The Walls Collapse sounds superiorly delectable, when listened to ten times in a row, very loudly.

Without exception, is Heaven’s Venom relentless with the double bass and copious rhythmic blasts from Max Duhamel, holy mother of Metal does Max lock himself into a phrenetic groove on every song. Metal be thy name he is outstanding. The combination of Max Duhamel behind the kit and Stephane Barbe on bass makes for an earsplitting wall of Death Metal welcomeness. Heaven’s Venom is what I consider an undeniable right choice for any Death Metal, Metal or Extreme Metal fan alive today. An album such as Heaven’s Venom doesn’t just fall from the sky, this is as creatively heavy as it gets with Death Metal, while being fortified with the upmost intensity and Death Metal proficiency that I’ve come to expect from Kataklysm.

* For more info on KATAKLYSM, just click on the link below:

KATAKLYSM:

Maurizio Iacono – vocals

J-F Dagenais – guitars

Stephane Barbe – bass

Max Duhamel – drums

Track Listing For Heaven’s Venom:

A Soulless God

Determined (Vows Of Vengeance)

Faith Made Of Shrapnel

Push The Venom

Hail The Renegade

As The Walls Collapse

Numb And Intoxicated

At The Edge Of The World

Suicide River

Blind Saviour

LONG LIVE KATAKLYSM.

Stone.

AMON AMARTH – Official Website

AMON AMARTH – Announce Title Of New Album Set For 2011 Spring Release!

Posted in Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags Amon Amarth, Death Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, melodic death metal, metal music, metal odyssey, rock music news, surtur rising album 2011 on November 30, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

Kings of Swedish death metal AMON AMARTH have just announced the title of the their forthcoming album as Surtur Rising. Due out in the spring of 2011, Surtur Rising marks the group’s eighth full-length studio release and undoubtedly one of 2011’s most anticipated albums by fans and critics alike. Surtur Rising is the follow-up to the highly acclaimed 2008 release, Twilight Of The Thunder God, which landed the #7 spot in Revolver Magazine’s Top 20 Albums of 2008 and what MetalSucks called “[a] bottomless gauntlet of riffs that the band endlessly takes gargantuan swigs from, sounding both lush and emotive as well as skull crushingly heavy… every goddamn one is a chest-beating anthem.” Outburn declared how Twilight Of The Thunder God “will render you nothing short of ecstatic” and Time Out New York noted that “AMON AMARTH plays some of the most unabashedly epic metal you’re likely to find these days.” Be sure to stay tuned to MetalBlade.com for more details on Surtur Rising.

AMON AMARTH:

Johan Hegg – vocals

Olavi Mikkonen – guitar

Johan Söderberg – guitar

Ted Lundström – bass

Fredrik Andersson – drums

(Source: Earsplit press release, November 30, 2011)

* For more info on AMON AMARTH, just click on the link below:

* For more info on Metal Blade Records, click here: METAL BLADE RECORDS

LONG LIVE AMON AMARTH.

Stone.

THE WRETCHED END: New Track Streaming Via Decibel Magazine!

Posted in Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal with tags Black Metal, Death Metal, deaththrash, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, ominous album, rock music news, samoth, the wretched end, Thrash Metal on November 25, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

THE WRETCHED END — the blackthrash trio featuring ex-Emperor/ex-Zyklon guitarist Samoth, Mindgrinder/ex-Scum guitarist Cosmo and ex-Dark Funeral/ex-Aeon drummer Nils Fjellström — recently unleashed their debut full-length, Ominous, via Candlelight Records.

In honor of its release, you can check out “The Armageddonist,” the third track off the debilitating outing, courtesy of Decibel Magazine HERE.

THE WRETCHED END formed in 2008 as a creative collaboration between Samoth and Cosmo, who previously worked together in deathpunk project Scum. In addition, Cosmo played bass with Zyklon when the band toured Europe 2001 with Morbid Angel. The two have long spoken about an extreme metal project and thus, THE WRETCHED END was born.

(Source: Earsplit press release)

LONG LIVE THE WRETCHED END.

Stone.

CROWBAR – Announce New Album Title And Track Listing Revealed!

Posted in Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, sludge metal music with tags crowbar, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, metal albums 2011, metal music, metal odyssey, rock music news, sever the wicked hand album, sludge metal on November 24, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

(New York, NY) — Legendary Metal-Sludge giants CROWBAR will release their crushing, long-awaited new studio album, “Sever The Wicked Hand” on Tuesday, February 8th, 2011 via eOne Music.

* The full album is available now for pre-order on iTunes.

The new album, produced by Kirk Windstein and mixed by Zeuss, is the band’s first new album of all new original studio material since 2005’s “Lifesblood for the Downtrodden.” Front man and founder Kirk Windstein recently told Decibel Magazine, “This is probably the most important record of Crowbar’s career.”

(Source: eOne Music press release, November 23, 2010)

Kirk Windstein – Crowbar founding member, vocalist and guitarist.

Sever The Wicked Hand Track listing:

Isolation (Desperation)

Sever The Wicked Hand

Liquid Sky And Cold Black Earth

Let Me Mourn

The Cemetery Angels

As I Become One

A Farewell To Misery

Protectors Of The Shrine

I Only Deal In Truth

Echo An Eternity

Cleanse Me, Heal Me

Symbiosis

Long Live Kirk Windstein and Crowbar.

Stone.

EASTERN FRONT – myspace music

EASTERN FRONT “Blood On Snow” – Outwardly Wicked And Saturated With Melodic, Blackened Intensity

Posted in Black Metal, Death Metal, Extreme Metal, extreme music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags Black Metal, black metal albums, blood on snow album review, Death Metal, eastern front, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, new black metal releases on November 22, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

EASTERN FRONT – Caution: Eastern Front will tear your eardrums inside out and use them for slingshots, while your eyeballs widen and thine jaw drops in utter amazement from their Extreme Speed, Heaviness and fiery Blackened intensity. That is just the beginning… and I was well convinced after listening to the opening track – Stalinorgel, that Eastern Front has taken an enormously serious approach to their Extreme Music. One must listen to all eight songs that Eastern Front has created here, then absorb them all into thine senses and realize this band is not of the cookie cutter variety. Metal be thy name, has Eastern Front made quite the Black Metal statement with Blood On Snow.

The title track, Blood On Snow, clocks in at 8:31 and it is over eight minutes of 100% Black Metal majesty. From the mind invading and senses pummeling blast beats to the vicious guitar leads… and everything else in between, this title track is a Blackened Metal ride of ferocious euphoria. Can this Eastern Front album get any better? It sure can. The very next song, Unleash The Panzer Division, is an introduction to just how melodic guitar leads can coexist with dark, Black Metal ferocity of sound. These two songs, back-to-back are like a double dose of Eastern Front whoop ass… straight to my skin rippling forehead.

At The Gates Of Moscow is a mini Black epic in it’s own right, with seven minutes of unrelenting and Extreme song writing precision. Nagant’s warrior strong vocals are overwhelming with excessive power on At The Gates Of Moscow. Where Warriors Once Fell, this album’s closer, is the answer to what Iron Maiden would sound like if they were to try their Metal hand at Black Metal. Then again, this is Eastern Front, a Black Metal band that has put forth their very own style with more than subtle confidence. This is a Black Metal band that is overflowing with convincing Metal skill sets. If Eastern Front intended to save their Blackest best for last, they surely have succeeded with Where Warriors Once Fell.

If there is to be one consistent adjective to describe Blood On Snow, it has to be… powerful. From Nagant’s vocals to Holocaust’s unreal guitar leads and every nuance in between, the muscularity of Metal explodes with this bands Blackened style and character. Krieg on rhythm guitar, Destroyer on bass and Destruction on drums all enrich this album to it’s dark and Extreme fullest. Eastern Front sounds razor sharp and very tight on this album, they sound ready to take on the world, with a skull splitting deliverance of their Black Metal power surge.

Listening to this album is like getting hit by that continuous storm wind, that malicious wind that comes out of the northern sky with an unnatural vengeance… and all you can do is respect it’s overall strength. Blood On Snow is swirling with melodic speed throughout each song, with tempo changes, string arrangements and sound effects that are not incorporated for listening convenience or sell out, rather they exist due to the real emotions that Eastern Front has built into this beyond entertaining Black album.

* Blood On Snow was produced by Anders Backelin at Andy LaRocque’s Sonic Train Studios in Sweden. The quality that Andy’s Sonic Train Studio brings to the cascading Black Metal sound on this album is blatantly obvious and arguably, one day in the future… legendary. From the onset to the last note of Blood On Snow, I can hear the painstaking attention to detail, amongst the layers of sound, that great producers like Anders Backelin and Andy are conscientious about. Andy LaRocque is an original member alongside the ultra legendary King Diamond. Andy plays guitar, keyboards and is a songwriter for King Diamond. Andy was also a guitarist for DEATH, appearing on their 1993 studio album – Individual Thought Patterns.

* EASTERN FRONT lists Ipswich, United Kingdom, as their land of origin, on their myspace music page. (See myspace link below).

* EASTERN FRONT – Blood On Snow was released in Europe, on Candlelight Records, on September 13, 2010. Blood On Snow was released in the U.S. on Candlelight Records, on September 21, 2010.

* For more info on EASTERN FRONT, just click on the link below:

EASTERN FRONT:

Nagant – vocals

Holocaust – lead guitar

Krieg – rhythm guitar

Destroyer – bass

Destruction – drums

Blood On Snow – (Back Cover of CD above)

Track Listing For Blood On Snow:

Stalinorgel

Battle Of Smolensk

Blood On Snow

Unleash The Panzer Division

Motherland

Dvenadtzat Kilometrov Ot Moskvy

At The Gates Of Moscow

Where Warriors Once Fell

EASTERN FRONT HAS ARRIVED… BEST TO LET THEM IN.

Stone.

VALDUR “Raven God Amongst Us” – A Raw And Apocalyptic Black Metal Storm

Posted in Black Metal, black metal albums, Extreme Metal, extreme music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags Black Metal, black metal albums, extreme metal music, heavy metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, raven god amongst us album review, valdur on November 18, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

VALDUR – From Mammoth Lakes, California, VALDUR unleashes upon the world… Raven God Amongst Us. A self financed, full length album of Blackened might, Raven God Amongst Us has been released on drummer Sxuperion’s very own Bloody Mountain Records. All nine songs on this formidable album, create a steady flow of darkened melodies that lay within the layers of cataclysmic guitar leads, phrenetic drums, earth trembling bass and vocals that gather electrifying steam, with each passing second. It’s the overall apocalyptic vibe of no turning back, that engages the senses on Raven God Amongst Us.

Taking into account, the back to back songs of Past Of Wolves and Vicious Existence, it is the plummeting and spiraling Blackened atmosphere of falling into the unknown abyss of something uncannily dark. VALDUR presents their Black Metal in a raw state of serrated lined appeal… one could not expect Black Metal to suddenly open up and reveal harmonious chorus over syrupy keyboards. VALDUR is making a statement by realizing a Black Metal foundation is built on key Black Metal fundamentals, a vastly dark atmosphere that tantalizes on the embraceable bizarre, rawness and everything else… Blackened.

Traditional lyrical content, coupled with a luring and engaging sound of Black Metal in it’s most anti-mainstream existence, is amassed within and outside the walls of dark sound as each song plays through on this album. This album mirrors the storm clouds that are about to swallow up a sun-lit sky, it’s the impending winter storm that science could not fathom. Commercialized darkness and Blackness can take a back seat to what VALDUR is creating here… this is underground, this is Black Metal… this is VALDUR and their creation they have named: Raven God Amongst Us.

* For more info on VALDUR, just click on the link below:

VALDUR – myspace music

Track Listing For Raven God Amongst Us:

Intro

Wound Fires In The Afterlife

Great Abyss Unfold

Gravlagt I Morkets Natt!

Med Fjell I Horisonten

Berserrker

Past Of Wolves

Vicious Existence

Creation

VALDUR IS HERE.

Stone.

MORPHINE KILLER – Official Website

MORPHINE KILLER “NIGHTMARES” EP – UNLEASHES UNREAL METAL EXTREMITY!

Posted in Extreme Metal, extreme metal bands, extreme metal music, gothic metal bands, gothic metal music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags current metal bands, current metal music, extreme metal albums, extreme metal bands, extreme metal music, gothic metal music, heavy metal bands, heavy metal eps, heavy metal music, metal music, metal music 2009, metal music reviews, metal odyssey, metal songs 2009, morphine killer nightmares ep review, Music on April 23, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

MORPHINE KILLER – released their Nightmares EP back in October of 2009, on Final Breath Records. What makes this duo of Belle Roka, ( Vocals, Keyboards) and Eski, (Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Drums) stand out is their undying Extreme Metal delivery… which is all structured and written quite well on the five songs heard on this Nightmares EP. Morphine Killer has incorporated all the dark ambiance within their heavy riffs and cyclone guitar leads… just one listen to Clutching Defeat should make the non-believers fall to their weakened knees. Eski exhalts his no compromise Extreme vocals to a prolific level of Metal Grind purity.

With Eski and Belle sharing vocal duties, it’s soft harmony and a swift, crushing extreme blow to my Metal ears that keeps me coming back for more. Morphine Killer has incorporated a mix of Metal genres into their one-two Extreme thunder strike… with convincing and serious results. I have posted the song Pride Comes Before A Fall, on April 15, 2010, realizing that Belle’s luringly tender vocals sucks me into the Extreme Metal explosiveness that their music brandishes. Listening to this Morphine Killer – Nightmares EP is like entering valley of the Extreme Metal grooves, not one song replicates the other, each Metal corner turned seems to be better than the last.

One listen to Home and I can envision Morphine Killer opening for Kittie… and that would be a killer show of Metal proportions. Can I make a fair comparison of Belle Roka to Morgan Lander of Kittie? I certainly can, despite each being unique vocalists… this comparison is a compliment to both of these Metal divas. The influence nod to Classic Rock icon Heart is posted on Morphine Killer’s myspace music page… and I can understand why, each time I hear Belle sing. What is refreshing about Morphine Killer is that they apparently are climbing the Metal ladder the old school way, with their obvious musical talent guiding them each Extreme step of the way.

She’s Slipping Away opens up with a Traditional Metal approach, doom ridden riffs and thunderous drum beats are sewn with a quaking bass that only becomes more deliriously addicting once Belle begins to vocalize the lyrics. Oh, yes, you better watch your Metal back however, the semi-growling and sneering backing vocals are evident courtesy of Eski… dark, creepy and a necessary Metal musical additive. I’m a sucker for the emotions that a keyboard can bring to music. Belle adds just this to She’s Slipping Away, with melancholy atmospherics in the background.

In Silent Agony concludes this Nightmares EP and does so with an Extreme Metal exclamation point. Eski is showcased on vocals throughout In Silent Agony, jumping out from the onset like a catastrophic furnace blast… no warning… and I’m not running, just consumed with Extreme satisfaction, Metal be thy name.

We live on a planet where there are quite a few Metal bands doing their thing and going with the flow… Morphine Killer is doing their thing alright, only their sound and diversity pushes them out in front of the up and coming Metal pack. Anytime a young Metal band creates quality songs through musical talent, while embedding slivers of Old School, I’m going to Metal endorse them to the fullest. It should not take the Metal world too long to grasp with their ears what Morphine Killer is creating here, a Metal sound that encompasses the dark and the light… which makes this Metal fanatic Extremely pleased with their discovery.

* You can purchase Morphine Killer – Nightmares EP directly on the Morphine Killer website or at Amazon.com.

Stone.

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IWREASTELEDABEARONCE – “YOU AIN’T NO FAMILY” MUSIC VIDEO!

Posted in avant-garde metal music, Extreme Metal, extreme metal bands, extreme metal music, extreme music, heavy metal music, Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, metalcore music, Music with tags avant-garde metal music, current metal music, Extreme Metal, extreme metal bands, heavy metal music, iwreastledabearonce, Metal, metal music, metal music 2009, metal music videos, metalcore on March 24, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

IWREASTLEDABEARONCE – An Avant-Garde Metal Band, they do not disappoint on the Extreme whatsoever. Just one listen to You Ain’t No Family will prove this point… very clearly. I always like wandering regularly, into the Extreme Metal side of the Universe. IWREASTLEDABEARONCE has caught my Metal attention and I really do not know how this band could become any heavier or more extreme. Is IWREASTLEDABEARONCE the future of Metal? In my Metal opinion, nope. However, this amazingly Extreme Metal Band is gonna make a run… at being at least a part of the future of Metal!

If you have neighbors that have been really annoying you lately, just turn the volume up very high on You Ain’t No Family, with the repeat button within reach, with your house windows up. This will make anyone aware instantly, that Extreme Metal exists and is not going away anytime soon!

I hope you enjoy this song and video of You Ain’t No Family as much as I do!

WARNING: This video and song is not meant for ABBA fans.

IWREASTLEDABEARONCE released their first full-length studio album – It’s All Happening on June 2, 2009, on Century Media Records. You Ain’t No Family is on this album. IWREASTLEDABEARONCE utilizes an array of music styles, from Metalcore to mellow interludes, only the end result is still the same… Extreme Metal. Avant-Garde, yes, only very Extreme!

LONG LIVE EXTREME METAL!

Stone.

ATROCITY – “COLD BLACK DAYS” EP RESONATES WITH GOTHIC METAL

Posted in cool album covers, current gothic metal bands, Extreme Metal, extreme metal bands, extreme metal music, extreme metal music albums, extreme music, gothic hard rock bands, gothic hard rock music, gothic metal, gothic metal albums, gothic metal bands, gothic metal music, gothic metal music 2004, gothic metal songs, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, Metal, metal music, metal music albums, metal music ep's, metal odyssey, Music with tags alexander krull vocalist, atrocity, atrocity cold black days cd single, atrocity cold black days ep, atrocity cold black days song, atrocity gothic metal band, atrocity industrial metal band, cold black days ep, extreme metal music, german gothic metal bands, gothic metal albums, gothic metal bands, gothic metal music, gothic metal music 2004, gothic metal reviews, gothic metal songs, industrial metal music, metal bands, metal music, metal odyssey, Music on February 23, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

ATROCITY – hailing from the grand Metal country of Germany, has their musical origins tracing back to 1985, while their Atrocity roots date back to 1989. The early years of Atrocity has them as a bona-fide Death Metal Band, with changes in their style taking them in the Industrial Metal and Gothic Metal directions. This brings me to this Atrocity EP – Cold Black Days, a bizarre and chilling track list of four songs. The bizarre adjective used prior, borders alongside haunting. Understandably, these are the adjectives one wants to hear when Gothic Metal is being discussed, it goes with the Gothic territory. To say the songs heard on this EP from Atrocity are a soundtrack to a vampiric slasher film, makes all the sense in the Gothic scheme of things. There are those times when one needs to take a nibble before they order the complete meal, lending an ear to EP’s makes sense… it’s sampling a band before an entire album purchase is made a reality.

I won’t tell a Metal fib… I like this Atrocity band and all of the Gothic nuances that go along with their music. From the articulate arrangements heard on the single Cold Black Days to the eerie atmospherics, with lead vocalist Alexander Krull narrowly hypnotizing my senses with his sinister delivery. I am not running for cover… I am now more intrigued by Atrocity than ever before. Antediluvian World is for all intents and purposes, Gothic in it’s mood and overall heavy appeal. However, this song plays out with some Thrash meets Symphonic, interwoven with a sliver of Hardcore. A wonderful blend of extremities I hear in Antediluvian World, while a dark Gothic cloud of mourning hovers over it. Atrocity has succeeded in welcoming me into their mysterious and melancholy world of Gothic Metal, thanks to this Cold Black Days EP.

ATROCITY, as they appeared on Cold Black Days EP:

Alexander Krull – lead vocals

Mathias Roderer – guitarist

Thorsten Bauer – guitarist

Chris Lukhaup – bass guitarist

Martin Schmidt – drummer

Cold Black Days – EP Track Listing:

Cold Black Days

Cold Black Days (Radio Mix)

Antediluvian World

Cold Black Days (Das Ich Remix)

Cold Black Days EP was released on Napalm Records/SPV in 2004.

KITTIE AND GOD FORBID – 2010 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES!

Posted in concerts, cool album covers, current heavy metal bands, current heavy metal music, Extreme Metal, extreme metal bands, extreme metal music, extreme music, heavy metal albums 2009, heavy metal bands, heavy metal bands 2010, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2010, heavy metal tours, metal music, metal odyssey, Music with tags e1 entertainment, e1 records, extreme metal bands, god forbid, god forbid earths blood album cover, god forbid metal band, god forbid north american tour dates 2010, heavy metal albums 2009, heavy metal bands 2010, heavy metal concerts 2010, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2010, heavy metal tours 2010, ivy vujic bass guitarist, kittie, kittie heavy metal band, kittie in the black album cover, kittie metal band, kittie north american tour dates 2010, mercedes lander drummer, metal albums 2009, metal concerts 2010, metal music, metal music 2010, metal odyssey, morgan lander guitarist, morgan lander vocalist, Music, tara mcleod guitarist on February 9, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

KITTIE and GOD FORBID – TOUR DATE SCHEDULE – NORTH AMERICA!

3/3/10 – Toronto, ON. Opera House
3/4/10 – Mar Montreal, QC. Underworld
3/6/10 – Sayreville, NJ. Starland Ballroom
3/7/10 – Raleigh, NC. Volume 11
3/8/10 – Allentown, PA. Crocodile Rock
3/10/10 – Huntington, WV. V Club
3/11/10 – Covington, KY. Mad Hatter
3/14/10 – Milwaukee, WI. The Rave
3/16/10 – Waterloo, IA. Spicoli’s Rock Garden
3/19/10 – Columbus, OH. Al Rosa Villa
3/20/10 – Flint, MI. Machine Shop
3/21/10 – Cleveland, OH. Peabodys
3/23/10 – New York, NY. BB Kings
3/24/10 – Foxborough, MA. Showcase Live
3/25/10 – Nashua, NH. Amber Room
3/26/10 – Orono, ME. Ultra Lounge
3/27/10 – Poughkeepsie, NY. The Chance

Two unreal great Metal Bands… together… this shall make for one HELL of a show!

SKELETONWITCH – “Breathing the Fire” Set My Metal World Ablaze

Posted in Album Review, Black Metal, black metal 2009, black metal albums 2009, collecting heavy metal albums, cool album covers, creepy album covers, current black metal albums, current black metal music, current death metal albums, current death metal music, current extreme metal albums, current extreme metal music, current heavy metal albums, current heavy metal music, current metal albums, current thrash metal, current thrash metal albums, current thrash metal music, Death Metal, death metal 2009, death metal guitarists, death metal music, death metal vocalists, essential death metal albums, essential heavy metal albums, essential metal music albums, essential thrash metal albums, Extreme Metal, extreme metal bands, extreme metal music, extreme metal music albums, extreme music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums 2009, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2009, Heavy Metal Reviews, melodic death metal albums, melodic death metal music, Metal, metal music, metal music today, metal odyssey, Metal Reviews, Music, new thrash metal albums, scary album covers, scary rock music songs, spooky album covers, spooky metal album covers, thrash metal 2009, thrash metal music, thrash metal today with tags Album Review, black metal music, blinding black rage song, breathing the fire album 2009, chance garnette vocalist, Death Metal, death metal albums, death metal music, derrick "mullet chad" nau drummer, evan "loosh" linger bass guitarist, extreme metal albums, extreme metal music, f.y.e., Heavy Metal, heavy metal album review, Metal, metal albums 2009, metal music, metal music 2009, metal odyssey, Music, nate "n8 feet under" garnette guitarist, scott "scunty d." hedrick guitarist, skeletonwitch, skeletonwitch breathing the fire album, skeletonwitch extreme metal band, skeletonwitch heavy metal band, Thrash Metal, thrash metal music on October 14, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

SKELETONWITCH released their second full studio album with Prosthetic Records, Breathing the Fire, on October 13, 2009. I could not resist the Metal temptation and need of picking up this new CD on my visit to f.y.e. today. As I stood there staring at the hellish and downright evil artwork on the front cover of Breathing the Fire, it dawned on me… the Metal wait is over for this new Skeletonwitch. Yeah, very often enough I want my Metal pretty damned fast and extreme in every musical facet. All twelve songs on this album are extremely worthy, I can’t point out any skip overs whatsoever. Skeletonwitch does not fall short of Extreme Metal – every song on Breathing the Fire is blended with the very best of several Metal genres.

Skeletonwitch brings forth the Thrash Metal attack combined with Old School Speed Metal, adding Death Metal and Black Metal influences just for great Metal measure. With all of these incredible Metal genres explored here, Skeletonwitch is a Metal band that I cannot pigeonhole into one genre. That is fine with me, I am sure Skeletonwitch could care in the least as well… Metal is… Metal. Breathing the Fire is one incredible Metal album to look back upon for 2009, it is like the late season, supercharged and extreme power blast of Metal Music that has set my Metal world ablaze. I always say, that with Metal bands like this, it makes me feel confident knowing that the flag for Metal will be waving high for years to come. Chance Garnette on lead vocals is as mean and talented as I could hope for – his dual Death Metal growls and Black Metal screams are what this music is about. Anyone familiar with Extreme Metal should agree, that this style of Metal was not meant for crooning out the ballads. Chance Garnette gets my Metal horns with thunderous praise. In my Metal opinion, Skeletonwitch can play, it’s not the easiest task to make an album of this Metal genre sound like a standout.

The guitar leads, dual leads and solos have a melodic, Old School – Speed Metal appeal, while never taking away from the overall dark mood of any of the songs. The rhythm section holds everything together like a vice and these songs grip my Metal psyche with pure Metal domination. I once read a professionally paid Rock critic write – melodic and heavy do not coexist… uh, they do. The Metal proof is in actually listening to Skeletonwitch and Breathing the Fire… the rest is Extreme and at times, melodic Metal candy for your ears. To extract each song and dissect it here would be nonsense, the overall themes to know are that these songs are about death and submitting to evil. ‘Nuff said. Ah, Metal. I will state, Blinding Black Rage is as horrific, evil and nightmarish of a song lyrically that I have ever heard. Ah, Metal… Extreme Metal, I love this stuff. This is the new generation of Extreme Metal, take it or leave it… I’m taking it. If you are looking for the current Metal that is happening now, take my advice and give Skeletonwitch – Breathing the Fire a thorough listen… it served me right.

Skeletonwitch as they appear on Breathing the Fire:

Nate “N8 Feet Under” Garnette – guitars

Chance Garnette – lead vocals

Derrick “Mullet Chad” Nau – drums

Scott “Scunty D.” Hedrick – guitars

Evan “Loosh” Linger – bass

Track Listing For Breathing the Fire:

Submit to the Suffering

Longing for Domination

Where the Light has Failed

Released from the Catacombs

Stand Fight and Die

The Despoiler of Human Life

Crushed Beyond Dust

Blinding Black Rage

Gorge Upon My Soul

Repulsive Salvation

Strangled by Unseen Hands

… And into the Flame

Skeletonwitch "Breathing The Fire" large album pic

THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER – “Deflorate” debuts at #43 on Billboard top 200 album chart

Posted in cool album covers, creepy album covers, current death metal albums, current extreme metal albums, current extreme metal music, current heavy metal music, current metal albums, essential death metal albums, essential metal music albums, Extreme Metal, extreme metal bands, extreme metal music, extreme metal music albums, extreme music, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 2009, heavy metal bands this decade, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2009, independent metal music record labels, melodic death metal music, Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, scary album covers, spooky album covers, spooky metal album covers with tags billboard top 200 album chart, brian eschbach guitarist, cannibal corpse death metal band, deflorate album, deflorate extreme metal album 2009, extreme metal music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums 2009, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2009, metal blade records, metal music, metal music 2009, metal odyssey, Music, ryan bart williams bass guitarist, ryan knight guitarist, shannon lucas drummer, the black dahlia murder, the black dahlia murder metal band, trevor strnad vocalist on September 28, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

The Black Dahlia Murder "Deflorate" small album pic As a life long Metalhead, whenever you see a Heavy Metal Band crack the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart it is cause for Metal celebration. With that said, whenever I witness an Extreme Metal Band crack this same album chart, well, the world suddenly becomes a better place indeed. Step in The Black Dahlia Murder… please. Their newest album – Deflorate, (Metal Blade Records), debuted at #43 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart the week of September 15, 2009. (12,000 units were sold in the first week of this albums release). YEAH! In the midst of dozens of bubble gum – Pop Music new releases, there arises… The Black Dahlia Murder. Let this debut week showing of this incredible band and album, be a Metal reminder to the commercial Pop/Elevator Music world, that Extreme Music lurks around every corner, back road, corn field, city street and CD aisle. Earlier this year, Cannibal Corpse cracked this same Billboard Top 200 Album Chart as well, I see an Extreme Metal pattern of awareness starting to develop here in 2009. Metal Odyssey is Extreme Metal proud of The Black Dahlia Murder, (and still damn Metal proud of Cannibal Corpse too). Real music… Metal Music. All of us Metalheads and the Metal Bands we follow are not going away anytime soon… METAL RULES.

*Deflorate also debuted at #5 on Billboard’s Top Independent Albums Chart.

*Deflorate also debuted at #4 on Billboard’s Top Hard Music Albums Chart.

*Source: Metal Blade Records News Update – Newsletter – dated September 25, 2009.

THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER is:

Trevor Strnad – vocals
Brian Eschbach – guitar
Ryan Knight – guitar
Ryan Bart Williams – bass
Shannon Lucas – drums

The Black Dahlia Murder "Deflorate" large album pic

OBITUARY – “Darkest Day” brings the darkest and heaviest Death Metal

Posted in 1980's death metal bands, 1990's death metal bands, 1990's death metal music, Album Review, cool album covers, creepy album covers, current death metal albums, current death metal music, current metal albums, Death Metal, death metal 2009, death metal guitarists, death metal music, death metal vocalists, death metal vocals, doom metal music, essential death metal albums, Extreme Metal, extreme metal music, extreme music, extreme music today, heavy metal music 2009, melodic death metal music, Metal, metal music, metal music this decade, metal music today, metal odyssey, Metal Reviews, Music, old school death metal music, spooky album covers, vintage death metal bands with tags darkest day album 2009, Death Metal, death metal album review, death metal albums 2009, death metal guitarists, death metal music 2009, death metal vocals, donald tardy drummer, frank watkins bass guitarist, john tardy vocalist, Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, obituary, obituary darkest day album, obituary death metal band, ralph santolla guitarist, trevor peres guitarist on September 9, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

Obituary "Darkest Day" small cover pic Alright, I am more than thrilled at this new Obituary album, “Darkest Day”, I am enthralled with Metal jubilation. Death Metal jubilation. I am also reminded as to why I am lured into the heaviest, most Metal bludgeoning genre there is… it is Obituary. These guys are not about making nice with the trend setters… forget about it. Obituary is Old School Death Metal lathered with extreme. Understand, however, that Obituary delivers grooves by the Death Metal bushels. From it’s deadly beginning track – “List of Dead” to it’s deadly ending “Left To Die”, I am going out on a Metal limb here by stating… “Darkest Day” is one of 2009’s best Metal albums period. Being one of the true forefathers of the Death Metal genre, Obituary lays their Death Metal cards out on the table here, you either are with them or with them. This is not a Death Metal band that you just want to try out, if you buy an Obituary album, you are either a fan or your about to become one.

“Outside My Head” is like a Death Metal march to take over the Metal Universe, Donald Tardy on drums is as decidedly relentless as a yellow jacket wasp, stinging it’s prey. “Your Darkest Day” has it’s vintage nod to Doom with riffs that will either scare the hell out of you or make you beg for more… I beg for more, please. Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath should feel so proud, that a Death Metal band of the caliber like Obituary, can incorporate the early Metal years – feel and vibe to their music… without straying away from the Death Metal manuscript of today. Obviously, this is my Metal opinion, what one Metalhead hears within “Darkest Day” can severely differ from another. “See Me Now” is extremely heavy – underscored, my choice pick as favorite track. John Tardy on vocals only enhances the seething heaviness of “See Me Now”. For that matter, John Tardy just flat out enhances this entire album with his vintage and aggressive vocals, this is all about vocal confidence and not being over the top.

By the time I hear “Truth Be Told”, it feels like “Darkest Day” has only lasted five minutes… it is that unreal good. Ordinarily, with an average Death Metal up and coming band, “Truth Be Told” would be their greatest song – with Obituary, every song here can be considered as great. What can be said about Trevor Peres and Ralph Santolla on guitars? They are damn good, no, damn unreal good. Lest not forget Frank Watkins on bass, he keeps the Death Metal rhythm moving at a fiery pace, giving me every reason to suffer from whiplash. Cool. Acknowledgment of Metal greatness is priority number one whenever I discuss the Metal genres with anyone or post on Metal Odyssey. My Metal goal is to get the word out about unreal heavy bands and/or albums… the word on “Darkest Day” is this – real, extreme and forged with Death Metal integrity. “Darkest Day”… Metal ownership of this album is a must, (what am I thinking), it is required. Obituary… Death Metal legends.

Obituary "Darkest Day" large album pic

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Unearth, Chimaira, Throwdown and Daath – Co-Headlining European Tour – Fall 2009

Posted in concerts, current death metal music, current thrash metal, current thrash metal music, daath death metal band, Death Metal, death metal 2009, death metal concerts, death metal music, death metal music concerts, european metal music tours, Extreme Metal, extreme metal music, extreme metal music concerts, extreme music, extreme music today, Metal, metal concerts, metal music, metal music concerts 2009, metal music today, metal music tours, metal odyssey, Music, Thrash Metal, thrash metal 2009, thrash metal music, thrash metal music concerts, thrash metal today with tags chimaira extreme metal band, co-headlining european tour 2009, daath, daath extreme metal band, daath metal band, european metal concerts 2009, extreme metal concerts 2009, extreme metal tours 2009, metal concerts 2009, metal music tours 2009, metalcore concerts 2009, metalcore tours 2009, thrash metal concerts 2009, thrash metal tours 2009, throwdown extreme metal band, throwdown hardcore metal band, unearth thrash metal band on September 6, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

Now this looks like one damn cool and Extreme Metal tour to catch… if you are in Europe for these dates, (tour duration is September 15, 2009 – October 12, 2009). My two favorites out of this tour are Unearth and Daath. I cannot endorse these two bands any louder than this… UNREAL HEAVY – UNREAL GOOD. I have posted nothing but total Metal admiration in the past for both Unearth and Daath. Chimaira and Throwdown are cool and extreme in their own right… I listen to these two bands as well, I have never been let down by either when it comes to heaviness. This tour looks to be a Metal powerhouse to reckon with. Have a Metal ball with this tour Europe… it looks Metal potent.

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CHILDREN OF BODOM – “Skeletons In The Closet” album devoted to cover songs

Posted in 1990's thrash metal bands, Alice cooper, cover songs, creepy album covers, current extreme metal albums, current extreme metal music, current heavy metal albums, current heavy metal music, current metal albums, current thrash metal, current thrash metal albums, current thrash metal music, Death Metal, essential metal music albums, essential thrash metal albums, Extreme Metal, extreme metal music, extreme music, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 2009, heavy metal bands this decade, heavy metal cover songs, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2009, heavy metal this decade, melodic death metal music, Metal, metal music, metal music ep's, metal music today, metal odyssey, Music, new thrash metal albums, scary album covers, spooky metal album covers, Thrash Metal, thrash metal 2009, thrash metal cover songs, thrash metal music, thrash metal today with tags alexi laiho guitarist, alexi laiho vocalist, Alice cooper, billy idol, britney spears pop music singer, children of bodom 2009, children of bodom cover songs album, children of bodom skeletons in the closet album, children of bodom thrash metal band, cob, creedence clearwater revival, death metal music, finland thrash metal bands, heavy metal music, henkka t. blacksmith bass guitarist, Iron Maiden, janne warman keyboardist, jaska raatikainen drummer, kenny rogers country singer, metal music, Music, pat benatar rock music vocalist, poison hair metal band, Ramones, roope latvala guitarist, scorpions heavy metal band, sepultura metal band, skeletons in the closet album of cover songs, slayer thrash metal band, spinefarm records, thrash metal albums 2009, thrash metal music, thrash metal music 2009, w.a.s.p. heavy metal band on September 5, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

Children of Bodom "Skeletons In The Closet" small pic I am Metal psyched about another great Metal album coming out in this month of September of 2009, Children of Bodom – Skeletons In The Closet, (on SPINEFARM records). This is an album totally devoted to cover songs. (See complete track list below). It is my Metal opinion, that Children of Bodom have blended together, the great Metal genres of Death Metal, Thrash Metal and Speed Metal… a unique fusion of styles that are heavily laden with keyboards, courtesy of Janne Warman. Alexi Laiho is as competent and skilled of a Metal guitarist as you can ask for, one of the best there is today. Alexi is as equally talented on lead vocals as well… again, this is my Metal opinion and this style of Extreme Metal is my preference. Three cover songs on Skeletons In The Closet have been previously released, (these are the 3 that I am aware of): She Is Beautiful and the Alice Cooper classic – Bed of Nails, can be heard on the Children of Bodom EP Trashed, Lost & Strung Out. The Billy Idol classic Rebel Yell was released as part of the Blooddrunk import single.

Children of Bodom group photo blue I cannot wait to get my hands on this new album and crank it up extremely loud, on September 23, 2009, I will. I am just very curious as to how the Britney Spears cover of Oooops! I Did It Again… is going to sound like. What about the Kenny Rogers song? Man, that should be a Metal hoot. Knowing the way Children of Bodom play their Metal, I am confident they will rage these songs into Extreme Metal bliss. Still, I cannot believe I am writing about Britney Spears, Kenny Rogers and Children of Bodom in the same post. One thing is for sure here, Children of Bodom can never be accused of not being diversified. The cover songs represent a darn cool list of bands here… Slayer, W.A.S.P., Iron Maiden, Alice Cooper, Scorpions, Ramones – these are legendary bands without question. Thank you, Finland, for the fine Metal export they call Children of Bodom.

Children of Bodom are:

Alexi Laiho - vocals, guitar
Roope Latvala - guitar
Henkka T. Blacksmith - bass
Janne Warman - keyboards
Jaska Raatikainen - drums

Tracklist:

01 Lookin' Out My Back Door
     (Creedence Clearwater Revival)
02 Hell Is For Children
     (Pat Benatar)
03 Somebody Put Something In My Drink
     (Ramones)
04 Mass Hypnosis
     (Sepultura)
05 Don´t Stop At The Top
     (Scorpions)
06 Silent Scream
     (Slayer)
07 She Is Beautiful
     (Andrew W.K.)
08 Just Dropped In  (To See What
     Condition My Condition Was In)
     (Kenny Rogers)
09 Bed Of Nails
     (Alice Cooper)
10 Hellion
     (W.A.S.P.)
11 Aces High
     (Iron Maiden)
12 Rebel Yell
     (Billy Idol)
13 No Commands
     (Stone)
14 Antisocial
     (Trust/Anthrax)
15 Talk Dirty To Me
     (Poison)
16 War Inside My Head
     (Suicidal Tendencies)
17 Ooops!… I Did It Again
     (Britney Spears)

Abigail Williams – “In The Shadow Of A Thousand Suns” – Real, Extreme, Black Metal

Posted in Album Review, Black Metal, black metal 2009, black metal albums 2009, black metal music 2009, cool album covers, creepy album covers, current black metal albums, current black metal music, extreme black metal music, Extreme Metal, extreme metal music, extreme music, extreme music today, Metal, metal music, metal music today, Metal Reviews, Music with tags abigail williams, abigail williams black metal 2009, abigail williams black metal band, Album Review, ashley ellyllon keyboardist, bjornthor guitarist, Black Metal, black metal album review, black metal bands, black metal music 2009, candlelight usa records, enslaved black metal band, in the shadow of a thousand suns album, james murphy guitarist, metal music, metal odyssey, mike wilson guitarist, Music, plaguehammer bass guitarist, Reviews, samus drummer, satyricon black metal band, sorceron vocalist, trym drummer on July 10, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

9061631 I have added a new band to my Black Metal favorites list, they are Abigail Williams. Abigail Williams is void of having the heavy grooves of Satyricon’s superior recent releases, void of having the progressiveness of the incredible Enslaved. What Abigail Williams does offer up musically, is the extreme and brutal sounds of Black Metal. Yes, the very, very, heavy side of Black Metal. The layering of music is similar to what Cradle of Filth has accomplished with their infamous albums, minus any over exaggeration of melody. O.K., I have pointed out where Abigail Williams lines up musically, compared to their Black Metal counterparts, (or some of them anyway). On “In The Shadow Of A Thousand Suns”, (released on October 28, 2008 – candlelight records), Sorceron on lead vocals is alarmingly convincing, while the entire band plays very tight, giving every indication musically, that they know these are ten solid songs.

If you are looking for a seriously heavy, fast and Extreme band, regardless of the genre, Abigail Williams will engulf your musical senses with unrelenting and foreboding Black Metal force. This is a Black Metal band that sounds like they have been set loose from any musical restraints, given the command to set forth and spread their onslaught of enraged Black Metal unto the masses. The symphonic moments heard throughout this album lends itself as the bridge, that connects this Black Metal extremity of aggressiveness. After a couple of listens to “In The Shadow Of A Thousand Suns”, I realized that I waited too long to purchase this Black Metal creation. Abigail Williams has made one fine, full length album, of Extreme Black Metal music with this release. I hope that any band lineup changes that have occurred, will not prevent Abigail Williams from moving forward with powerful momentum. Sorceron is the nucleus of this band, he must continue to surround himself with quality musicians, just like the lineup found on this album. This is my Metal opinion and I recommend Abigail Williams “In The Shadow Of A Thousand Suns” to anyone who’s interest I may have peaked.

Abigail Williams as they appeared on “In The Shadow Of A Thousand Suns” are: Sorceron on lead vocals & lyricist, Mike Wilson on lead guitar, Plaguehammer on bass, Bjornthor on guitar, Trym on drums, Samus on drums and Ashley Ellyllon on keyboards and piano. Sorceron also plays guitar, bass and keyboards on this album as well. James Murphy appears as a guest guitarist.

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Job For A Cowboy “Ruination” – Extreme Death Metal album is a high point for 2009

Posted in Album Review, cannibal corpse, cool album covers, current death metal albums, current death metal music, current extreme metal albums, current extreme metal music, current heavy metal albums, current heavy metal music, Death Metal, death metal 2009, death metal guitarists, death metal music, death metal vocals, Extreme Metal, extreme metal music, extreme music, extreme music today, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 2009, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2009, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal this decade, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, metal music, metal music today, Metal Reviews, Music, new heavy metal album, scary album covers, spooky album covers, Vocals with tags al glassman guitarist, Album Review, bobby thompson guitarist, brent riggs bass guitarist, cannibal corpse death metal band, current death metal albums, current death metal music, current extreme metal albums, current heavy metal albums, death metal album review, death metal music 2009, extreme metal album review, heavy metal album review, heavy metal music, job for a cowboy, job for a cowboy 2009, job for a cowboy death metal band, job for a cowboy extreme metal band, job for a cowboy ruination album, jon rice drummer, jonny davy vocalist, Metal, metal blade records, metal music, metal music today, Music, Reviews, ruination album, target stores on July 9, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

fullsize I have an appetite for the most Extreme Metal Music out there. Job For A Cowboy is without question, a healthy dose of Extreme Metal. Death Metal is this bands calling card. Playing every musical instrument in their band extremely fast and heavy is an understatement. Blast beats and the infamous cookie monster vocals are lathered all over the songs on “Ruination”, (released on Metal Blade Records, July 7, 2009). So, with all of the expected characteristics of being an Extreme – Death Metal band aside, Job For A Cowboy does prove to me one thing… they are more concerned about global and societal troubles than one might expect. I am not going to admit, I can actually make out the lyrics to these songs, from the vocals of Jonny Davy. Nope, instead, I have the assistance of the sacred liner notes, that come with the complete lyrics for every song on “Ruination”. For me, not understanding the words being pronounced from the Death Metal growls of Jonny Davy comes with the territory of this Metal genre. With this genre of Metal, the lead vocalist is just as equally important as any of the musical instruments being played. It is the anger driven vocals that gives the songs on “Ruination” their intended extreme force and purpose, if you will. Jonny Davy on vocals is equivalent to a wasp nest being disturbed by a broom stick. His vocals will swarm all over your Metal soul, clutching it, beating it into shape and then slapping you in the face with it. Job For A Cowboy delivers a lesson in Extreme – Death Metal whoop ass that has me saying… thank you sir, can I please have more?

jfac_photo_small Just when I thought that Cannibal Corpse’s “Evisceration Plague” was the lightning strike of an Extreme – Death Metal album of 2009, well, now I have my own personal Metal controversy. Between Cannibal Corpse and Job For A Cowboy, it is a pick ’em as to who punishes and obliterates my Metal senses more in 2009. “March To Global Enslavement” may be a bit much on the side of extreme paranoia, then again, this is Extreme Metal I am listening to here with “Ruination”. “Unfurling A Darkened Gospel” in my Metal interpretation is anti-war and anti-corporate handshakes, thus making for quite the anti theme song, an undisputed Death Metal barrage. It is an invigorating feeling to know that bands like Job For A Cowboy can speak their minds and serve up their opinions without any American government suppression or censorship. When you stop and really think about it, America really is the land of the free. (Thank you Dee Snider for making certain this Metal Music freedom remained for us all). This is what Metal is all about, creating the heaviest and most extreme music while shouting out about things that really irritate you.

“To Detonate And Exterminate” is a horrible reminder of what may come to pass if our nuclear powers ever decide to wage war. Nuclear War is not a cheery topic, it is a Death Metal topic though. Job For A Cowboy paints the morbid picture for us to envision, if stupidity ever engineers the decision for enacting a nuclear war. The Extreme – Death Metal scene is not a society of uneducated dopes. This genre has something to say every once in a while, therefore I do find substance and thought provoking topics of world concern, with the lyrics on “Ruination”. Job For A Cowboy enables me to stay in touch with the younger generation of Extreme Metal, these guys are part of the big picture of Metal Music, a band that is only going to enhance the future of this genre. I cannot ignore the viciousness and total annihilation that is the Metal Music on “Ruination”, this is total Metal brutality from Job For A Cowboy – I could not bestow a higher compliment.

Some extra info to nourish the Metal mind:

Job For A Cowboy, as they appear on “Ruination”: Jonny Davy on lead vocals, Bobby Thompson on guitar, Al Glassman on guitar, Brent Riggs on bass and Jon “Charn” Rice on drums. “Ruination” comes with a 24 page, full color booklet that is extremely cool. As I mentioned earlier, the lyrics for all 10 songs are in this booklet, with eye popping extended artwork, that fits right into the themes heard on “Ruination”. (As a side note, I purchased this CD on the day of it’s release, July 7, 2009, at Target… for $7.98! – on sale! – not a bad retail price for quality Metal these days – smart move Target). I wish all new CD’s were at this price point.

Job For A Cowboy "Ruination" album pic large