Archive for the Hair Metal Category

5 Heavy Metal events that could never possibly take place

Posted in Black Metal, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Iron Maiden, Metal, Music, Rock, Slipknot, W.A.S.P. with tags , , , , , , , , , on April 10, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

metalodyssey4Here I go again, making up hysterical situations that could never, ever happen. Oh, by the way, these situations are all Heavy Metal related. So, sit back, turn up some Iron Maiden, read along and enjoy.

1.    “Larry King Live” will have as special guests, Job For A Cowboy. Larry King will ask Jon Rice if he is a “big fan of John Wayne movies or what young fella”? “Tell the folks at home, are you”?

2.    Al Gore will write a biography titled: “An American Hero – Dee Snider

3.    NBC’s “The Today Show” will dedicate one full week to Black Metal for their famous – “Summer Concert Series”. 

4.    MSNBC will ask Blackie Lawless to join their political analyst team.

5.    Al Roker from NBC’s incredibly informative? “The Today Show”, will be introducing Slipknot onstage for the remainder of their “All Hope Is Gone Tour”

10 Heavy Metal happenings that will never happen.

Posted in Black Metal, Death Metal, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Iced Earth, Metal, Power Metal, Rock with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 9, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

metalodyssey3Every once in awhile, well, I tend to be slightly comedic. What better way to get away from the white useless noise of MSNBC than to have some comic relief that incorporates Heavy Metal? Here are some Heavy Metal happenings that will never, ever, happen in a million Metal years:

#1.   A live Cannibal Corpse concert held in Salt Lake City, Utah, will be aired on PBS this fall.

#2.   The Grammy Awards of 2010, will recognize Motorhead with a lifetime achievement award.

#3.   The American Music Awards will have Iced Earth perform live, on their stage, for their 2010 airing.

#4.   Al Gore will finally admit to Dee Snider that Heavy Metal will not corrupt our youth.

#5.   Oprah Winfrey will have King Diamond on her show, delving into the mystique of horror lyrics in Metal.

#6.   Dan Rather will travel with Motley Crue this Summer, documenting and narrating for film – “Crue Fest 2009”.

#7.   Keith Olberman of MSNBC fame will become the new host for MTV’s “Headbangers Ball” beginning this fall.

#8.   Chris Matthews of MSNBC fame will finally accept the role to play “Aunt Bea” in the new television remake of “The Andy Griffith Show.” David Lee Roth will accept the opportunity to redo the famous show opening whistling song.

#9.    North American concert promoters will announce that Power Metal festivals will be abundant and year long events in all 50 states! 

#10.  Dr. Phil will have Arch Enemy perform on his show. Dr. Phil will then admit to his tongue tied audience that Death Metal is “good, clean, mental therapy.”

Papa Roach “Metamorphosis” – leave your stress behind!

Posted in Album Review, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Heavy Metal Reviews, Metal, Metal Reviews, Music, Rock, Vocals with tags , , , , , , , on April 7, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

9231226What Papa Roach has created with “Metamorphosis” is a Hard Rock meets Heavy Metal good time. My favorite tune, (like many fans I’m sure), is “Lifeline”. An inspirational hard rocking song that is a can’t miss if you are looking for an uplifting moment in Metal. This song pretty much says it all, about the emotions and tribulations that many people are going through in our society at this moment. “Days of War” is a cool and heavy intro – the perfect start for any Heavy Metal album, a strong prelude to get your adrenaline cooking. “Change or Die” is the lead song, very heavy with strong & aggressive  vocals and a pumped up tempo. Every song on “Metamorphosis” is a winner for me, a straight up – melodic ride. This album is an essential listen for leaving your troubles behind you, just move forward with Papa Roach!

Papa Roach the band and “Metamorphosis” the album is not dated! The musical totality of this album is as sincere as it is catchy. Bands do progress, try different styles musically and Papa Roach has proven to me, that they are one of the very finest at broadening the heavy scope, making Hard Rock and Heavy Metal diversity very, very, cool and appreciable. “Metamorphosis” is a must listen for all Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal fans alike, Papa Roach has made this possible by bridging the gap.

Papa Roach is: Jacoby Shaddix on vocals, Jerry Horton on guitars and backing vocals, Tobin Esperance on bass guitars, programming and backing vocals and Tony Palermo on drums, percussion and backing vocals.

What is “dated” music anyway?

Posted in Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, Power Metal, Rock, Vocals with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 7, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

metalodyssey1I cannot apply myself to the acceptance of dated music as having any existence. If, there does exist dated Heavy Metal, Rock, etc., then, what would Classical music be considered as? Classical music would have to be called dark ages-super dated. Please note, that I do not consider Classical music to be dated whatsoever. The building blocks of all popular music we listen to today are from Classical music! What makes me shake my head in wonderment is, the professionally paid critics and experts that are out there consistently using the terminology of dated sound – dated music in their respective reviews. It has become so common place, such the norm recently, that I actually state in my unpaid – unprofessional Metal reviews that a particular album or band does not sound dated!

I would never consider the thought to ever, not in a million Metal years, say to the likes of legendary bands such as AC/DC, The Rolling Stones and Motorhead –  that they sound dated. AC/DC and The Rolling Stones really have not changed their style for decades and they will still fill arenas and stadiums, playing all of their classic tunes from decades ago. Not to get off the Metal highway, however, I do have the upmost respect for legendary, contemporary recording stars like Tom Jones, Smokey Robinson and  Tony Bennett. These three gentleman, to this day, draw an audience that knows NO boundaries when it comes to age, race and gender. Are there pro-paid experts and critics out there who would dare say these three timeless vocalists are dated? 

I embrace the old adage – what once was old is new again. I am no fashion guru, yet when I stroll around the mall and see what is being worn by people of all ages, there are times when you do feel like it is 1974, 1985 or 1991 all over again. Why should that be so bad? If anything else, music can and has been trendy, that is a more realistic observation. Are denim jeans dated? What about new televised game shows? Are rubber tires on an automobile dated too, just due to the fact that rubber tires have been around for decades? Are The Boston Red Sox dated because they play their home games in the historic Fenway Park? Not too shabby a team this past decade for being dated. Is planet Earth dated? Heck, this big blue globe we live on has been around for quite some time and it just keeps on doing the same stuff, like spinning around in the solar system constantly.

To sum up my main point, the next time you read a paid expert’s review declaring how the new and veteran Metal bands sound dated, that Thrash Metal, Death Metal and Black Metal have been recycled enough, just snicker and pity these writers out there who have yet to find a clue. Gee, I am worried now, am I dated? 

Caught in the midst of deciding – the greatest Metal album ever

Posted in Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, Power Metal, Rock, Thrash Metal with tags , , , , , , on April 4, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

8049649So far, I have compiled 5 lists of Metal nominees for the greatest Metal album of all time. I never anticipated just how difficult a (dare I say task) it has been. It has been a fun task, affording me the opportunity to dig deeper into the years of Heavy Metal and all of the amazing genres of Metal that are out there. Will my decision make every Metal fan who reads the Metal Odyssey blog happy? I doubt that, for I am really embarking on a personal decision here, a decision not based on record sales, popularity or chart positions. Furthermore, as any fan of Metal music knows, your favorite band or bands are just that – your main bands. My goal here to decide on the greatest Metal album of all time is not to offend any fellow Metal fans in any way. I keep saying, this is a personal choice, yet, I am also looking forward to backing up and defending my decision! Some people might wonder or think, who cares what this guy thinks is the greatest Metal album of all time? My only response to anyone out there who thinks this is just a waste of time is – this endeavor only shows how much I actually embrace and love Metal music. Plus, researching and writing about the greatest Metal album of all time is light years more constructive and interesting for me, than to be chasing around crap stories about politics and crap stories about politicians second cousins and half sisters.

Being a fan of sports my entire life, I also have grown so extremely tired of the constant articles, stories and lists about what athlete is the greatest of their respective sport, of all time. I have heard it enough, the same old answers when it comes to the greatest sports teams and players. It gets to the point where, anyone knows the answer, the debate has truly dried up with greatest lists of sports. Who, honestly,  in their right mind, would argue against Tiger Woods being the greatest golfer ever? What sense would it make to not agree that Michael Jordan is the greatest NBA player ever? With MLB, you can have somewhat of a debate, still Babe Ruth is hard to ignore for being the greatest ever. (I apologize for getting away from Metal here, sports is fun to debate, I just want to show that it appears to be easier to decide on a greatest sports athlete – compared to a greatest Metal album).

Metal represents a form of music and music representation. Metal music comes out of just about every country/continent on this planet. Depending on the country of it’s Metal origin, the Metal music represents the culture, sounds, views and feelings of that respective nation of origin. Metal music can (and does not always have to) mirror life. My point I am trying to convey is Metal music is not just something that exists, it is not just something that can be thrown aside like hollywood gossip. Metal music is real and I am darn proud to be as passionate about this music that has enriched my entire life.

Angel – Heavy Metal roots from 1978

Posted in Album Review, Gene Simmons, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Heavy Metal Reviews, Metal, Music, Rock with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 4, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

1208213In case you are unfamiliar with Angel, (one of the original Glam Rock/Glam Metal bands from the late 1970’s), here are some semi-quick facts that may stir up some interest:

Angel – original band lineup: Frank Dimino – lead vocals, Punky Meadows – lead guitar, Mickie Jones – bass, Gregg Giuffria – keyboards and Barry Brandt on drums.

* Gene Simmons (from Kiss of course), discovered Angel, while Angel was performing in a nightclub. Angel would eventually sign onto Casablanca Records, the record label that Kiss belonged to.

* “White Hot” was released in 1978 and is the 4th album by Angel, featuring their only true Billboard Hot 100 hit – “Ain’t Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore”. This particular hit peaked at #44 on the Billboard Hot 100 for Angel in 1978.

* If my Metal memory serves me correctly, “The Winter Song”, which is also found on the Angel album “White Hot”, received a fair amount of FM radio airplay back in 1978-79. (Do not laugh at this, however, I do remember listening to “The Winter Song” 45 rpm over and over and over again, with my sister, back in 1978) – (Alright, go ahead and laugh now).

* I really recommend Angel – “White Hot”, I just received a copy this past winter as a gift and I do not regret it. Yes, overall, the sound and feel of “White Hot” is definitive late ’70’s Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. Still, the songs are all very catchy and melodic, they are rock solid and will give you a fabulous insight as to how Metal was evolving back in 1978. I find Angel “White Hot” to be still relevant, for this cool album was yet another building block on the evolution and history of Metal.

* I always like to stay true to the Metal roots. Angel is a band that exemplifies early Hard Rock and Heavy Metal, in essence, they are Metal roots.

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Happy Metal Birthday Mick Mars!

Posted in concerts, Guitar, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal concerts, Music, Rock with tags , , , , , , , , on April 4, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

9086446Motley Crue’s incredibly talented, lead guitarist, Mick Mars has turned the cool age of 53 on Friday, April 3, 2009. Happy Heavy Metal birthday Mick Mars! It is so obvious to me, what Mick Mars has contributed to Motley Crue since 1981, as both musician and song writer. In my opinion, Mick Mars with his guitar playing, has lended extreme credibility to Motley Crue since day one. I had the Metal opportunity to see Motley Crue live in 1987, on the “Girl’s, Girl’s, Girl’s Tour”, Mick Mars was sensational on stage. His mere presence alone made me feel like I was witnessing one of the biggest stars of Heavy Metal – ever. As for Mick Mars shredding on guitar, live, let’s just say I was afforded an opportunity that night, to see one of the very best guitarists in Heavy Metal history. Thank you for all of the unbelievable Metal over the years, Mick Mars!

Happy Birthday Angus Young!!

Posted in concerts, Guitar, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal concerts, Music, Rock with tags , , , , on April 2, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

5378762O.K., so I am two days belated with saying happy Metal birthday to Angus Young. I am sure Angus Young will not mind. March 31, 2009 marked the big 54th birthday for this Heavy Metal legend. Metal Odyssey speaks for all Metalheads worldwide when we say – HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANGUS YOUNG!!! The incredible, thrilling, heavy duty, pump you up, all-out fabulous & terrific heavy music that Angus Young has given us all to enjoy is a true gift to the world of Metal. (Did I leave out any cool adjectives in that last sentence)? Sometimes, you just have to really be thankful for the Metal musicians who are with us and are still making amazing music throughout these turbulent times. 

I will tell you this much, if I ever need an instant “pick me up” or I start feeling sluggish for whatever reason, AC/DC and Angus Young have never failed to energize me yet!! I have been fortunate enough to have seen AC/DC in concert twice in my life. I cherish these two AC/DC experiences, absolutely. I was able to see this legendary band on the “Blow Up Your Video” tour with my best friend of all time, PLUS see them on “The Razor’s Edge” tour with my amazing and totally Metal supportive wife. Angus Young is one cool showman, his musicianship and stage persona for me, is unparalleled. Seeing Angus Young and AC/DC live, well, it is an experience you remember forever! Thank you for the Metal memories and happy birthday Angus Young!

Metal music facts for Metal fans worldwide!

Posted in Alice cooper, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, Over Kill, Power Metal, Rock, Thrash Metal with tags , , , , , , , on April 2, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

699578Here are 5 interesting Metal facts that you may or may not know. Metal knowledge is pretty cool, especially when you try to “stump” your fellow Metal friends with this stuff. 

  • Lita Ford – her birth name is Carmelita Rosanna Ford.
  • Yngwie Malmsteen was born on June 30, 1963, in Stockholm, Sweden.
  • The legendary first Black Sabbath album (self titled) Black Sabbath, was released on Friday the 13th, February of 1970.
  • Alice Cooper – his birth name is Vincent Damon Furnier.
  • Over Kill – these leaders of  Thrash Metal do have, indeed, a name for their skeletal bat mascot. The name is Chaly.

Greatest Metal album of all-time list #5!

Posted in Album Review, Alice cooper, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Metal Church, Metal Reviews, Music, Over Kill, Power Metal, Rock, Slipknot, Thrash Metal with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 1, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

3646022Here it is, list #5 in my soul searching quest to determine the greatest Metal album of all-time! I feel like I am nearing closure, the light is at the end of the Metal tunnel. Please feel free to chime in and throw at me any Metal album you have not seen on any of these lists thus far, that you feel is deemed worthy of nomination for the greatest Metal album ever. Why, for me to actually forget a legendary Metal masterpiece? Of course, I am only (Metalhead) human. Plus, the years of Metal have provided such a vast array of genres, so many cool and brilliant albums are out there. I will consider any Metal album suggestion that may come my way, despite my being a Heavy Metal expert – I am kidding of course, all you need to do is read my article on “experts”! Now without any more Metal delay, here goes another 10 nominations (in no particular order) for the greatest Metal album of all-time:

1.    Dream Theater – “Images and Words”

2.    Mountain – “Climbing”

3.    Van Halen – “Van Halen”

4.    Alice Cooper – “Billion Dollar Babies”

5.    Aerosmith – “Toys In The Attic”

6.    Metal Church – “Metal Church”

7.    Over Kill – “Feel The Fire”

8.    Manowar – “Battle Hymns”

9.    Rainbow – “Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll”

10.  Slipknot – “Slipknot”

Stay tuned!


Vinyl and turntables forever, Ha, Ha.

Posted in Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, Power Metal, Punk rock, Rock, Thrash Metal with tags , , , , , , , on April 1, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

metalodyssey2Boy, would I just love to have a sit down conversation with the scholar or scholars who back in the late 1980’s, decided that vinyl records along with turntables, were no longer considered a technological advancement. What did the album ever do to anyone? How about the turntable? Sure, once the CD technology was introduced, (I will not lie), I was the first dude on my side of town to own a CD player and the very 2 CD’s that were currently being sold at the time. I just loved the selection of CD’s that were out there for the first decade, wow. It took about 10 seconds to peruse the 12 titles that were currently being sold. Well, like anyone else, I did sell/and or ditch quite a few albums due to the fact I could not upgrade my turntable for 15 years or so. However, I was smart enough to keep enough of the vintage Heavy Metal vinyl, plus I have obtained most of the vinyl that I parted ways with years ago.

Oh, what a sweet Metal feeling it is to now walk into Hot Topic and see real deal vinyl being sold, Metal vinyl too. Turntables are being sold just about everywhere, hmmmmm, where is that person or people now that basically put the death nail into the heart of vinyl records in the ’80’s? The return of vinyl is not just a fad or gimmick, it is real. Anyone who truly listens to music knows the vinyl quality of sound is far superior to digital any day of the week. I remember when DAT tapes were supposed to be the next big thing. I have accumulated over the years, many, many, many CD’s and for good reason. Vinyl was no longer available! I have become quite attached to my CD collection thank you, so once a brand new technology scholar comes up with the plan to abolish the CD, I have my stock and will not make the same mistake twice. Well, I am not going to say welcome back vinyl, for it never went away for this tried and true Heavy Metal fan of vintage albums. I will say ha, ha , to the hi-tech genius(s) who probably now cringe at the sight of brand new vinyl for sale. Oh, what am I thinking, those dudes would never venture into a Hot Topic anyway.

Women of Hard Rock & Metal: Pat Benatar

Posted in concerts, Guitar, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Music, Rock, Vocals with tags , , , , , , on March 31, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

7717731I have decided to add a special feature to my Metal Odyssey blog, Women of Hard Rock & Metal. As far as I see it, there are many great female vocalists, guitarists and musicians out there in the world of Hard Rock & Metal and I do not overlook them one bit. So, what better platform than right here, to celebrate some of these fabulous female Rockers? The first in this series is none other than – Pat Benatar. Yes, Pat has had her share of ballads and Pop Rock charting singles, yet so has Poison, Warrant, Motley Crue and Van Halen. My point I am trying to make here is, there is Hard Rock aplenty with the catalog of music from Pat Benatar

“All Fired Up”, “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” and “Hell Is For Children” solidifies my stating Pat Benatar can deliver the Hard Rock goods. “Promises”, “Treat Me Right” and “Shadows of the Night” are strong contenders of musically being Hard Rock as well. I had the opportunity to see Pat Benatar live last Summer of 2008, wow, what a show. I had a really great time. The exclamation point to the heaviness of Pat Benatar’s music is solidified by her husband and lead guitarist, Neil Giraldo. Let me tell you this, I have seen my share of some great Hard Rock and Metal guitarists play live, Neil Giraldo takes a back seat to very few. This guy can jam it out, play the leads and kick into the solo like the best of them! Needless to say, I left that concert being thoroughly impressed by Pat Benatar’s ageless vocals, Neil Giraldo’s guitar playing and the song list as well. This was one of those concerts where if you sat down for one song, well, you might as well just go home then.

I never put much stock into the Grammy Awards, yet Pat Benatar has won four of them. Now that is some bragging rights for any female Hard Rock vocalist. It is refreshing and inspiring to say the least, when a vocalist like Pat Benatar can exceed your expectations live and sound just as great if not better, than she did in the 1980’s.

Metal facts that might enrich your life!

Posted in Amon Amarth, Death Metal, Drums, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, Power Metal, Rock, Thrash Metal with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 31, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

4671028Here are five quick and easy to read Metal facts! Who knows when this vital Metal information will come in handy? Might you wind up in the Cash Cab? An inter-office Metal trivia contest? Surprise your spouse or companion with some really cool – hey, did you know that…

*  Krokus – this legendary Heavy Metal band hails from Solothurn, Switzerland.

  •  Helloween – these Power Metal icons are currently celebrating, in 2009, their 25th  Anniversary! It all started back in 1984, thank you Helloween!
  • Scum was the original name for the Swedish Death Metal (Viking) band we all know and embrace as Amon Amarth. The group formed under the name Scum in 1988 and was changed to Amon Amarth in 1992.
  • Black Stone Cherry – drummer John Fred Young’s father – Richard – is a founding member of the Grammy Award winning Kentucky Headhunters.
  • Legendary lead guitarist Brian Robertson is well known for his career with the great Thin Lizzy, Brian also was a member of Motorhead, playing lead guitar on their 1983 release Another Perfect Day.

Well, that is about it for some quick Metal facts. I promise to deliver more interesting and life inspiring Metal facts, on a more consistent basis. I do want to pass along this bit of Metal advice to all Metalheads worldwide – BE TRUE TO METAL AND METAL WILL BE TRUE TO YOU”

Greatest Metal album of all time – list #4!

Posted in Alice cooper, Black Metal, Gene Simmons, Guitar, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Heavy Metal Reviews, james hetfield, Led Zeppelin, Metal, Metallica, Paul Stanley, Rock, Thrash Metal, Vocals, W.A.S.P. with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 30, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

412770Well, here I am, continuing my research and very own and personal Metal journey of deciding what the greatest Metal album of all time is. As with the past 3 lists that I have compiled, these lists are nominees only, in no particular order. Plus, a point I need to make is, it would be “fun” and “cool” to add every Metallica, every Led Zeppelin album ever released to these lists, wouldn’t it? I just cannot do that, for I need to keep “some” integrity flowing around here! There will be a few entries from respective Metal bands however, only due to their enormous impact on the evolution and culture of Heavy Metal. I should not be too far away from “finishing” these lists, I cannot wait to see what Metal album I choose as the greatest ever! Once I do make that illustrious and personal Metal decision, I will definitely detail the reasons for why I chose that particular Metal album, you bet. Without further delay, here are another 15 classic Metal albums that I nominate for greatest ever:

1.   Led Zeppelin – “ll”

2.   Led Zeppelin – “lV”

3.   Metallica – “Kill ‘Em All”

4.   Quiet Riot – “Metal Health”

5.   Venom – “Black Metal”

6.   Krokus – “Headhunter”

7.   Kiss – “Love Gun”

8.   Mercyful Fate – “Melissa”

9.   Rush – “Moving Pictures”

10. W.A.S.P. – “The Last Command”

11. Twisted Sister – “Under The Blade”

12. Twisted Sister – “Stay Hungy”

13. Accept – “Restless and Wild”

14. Alice Cooper – “Welcome To My Nightmare”

15. Ted Nugent – “Cat Scratch Fever”

I will continue on with the deliberations, I will keep all of you fellow Metalheads worldwide posted on this ongoing personal Metal journey towards the greatest Metal album of all time!

Greatest Metal album of all time – list #3!

Posted in Guitar, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, Rock, Scorpions, Slayer, Slipknot, Thrash Metal, W.A.S.P. with tags , , , , , , , , , on March 29, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

9030425In continuing my personal search for the greatest Metal album of all time, I will now submit to the world, list #3! Here are 10 more solid choices, that I have personally chosen as nominees. Again, this is a delicate and important process for me, as a life long metalhead to be making such a personal choice of greatest Metal album ever. Agree or disagree, this journey for me making this decision is more fun than watching reruns of “Monster Quest – The Legend of the Lochness Monster.” Please refer to my prior “Greatest Metal Album of all time” articles for past nominees. (as always, the list here is in no particular order, nominees only)

1.   Def Leppard – “Pyromania”

2.   Motorhead – “Another Perfect Day”

3.   Nazareth – “Hair of the Dog”

4.   Judas Priest – “British Steel”

5.   Scorpions – “Blackout”

6.   W.A.S.P. – “Dying For The World”

7.   Slayer – “Show No Mercy”

8.   Slipknot – “The Subliminal Verses”

9.   Helloween – “Walls of Jericho”

10. Dio – “Holy Diver”

This series of articles will continue, as my quest for choosing the greatest Metal album of all time continues. Stay tuned.

What is the greatest Metal album ever? Something to ponder…

Posted in Album Review, Death Metal, Drums, Extreme Metal, Guitar, Hair Metal, Heavy Metal, Heavy Metal Reviews, james hetfield, Metal, Metal Reviews, Metallica, Music, ozzy, Power Metal, Slayer, Slipknot, Thrash Metal, Vocals with tags , , , , , , , , , on March 27, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

3117816Here we go, a “fun” exercise in Heavy Metal debate, one of the more controversial question’s in Metal music history. What Metal band made the greatest Metal album ever? I like to cut to the chase by having this debate as “all inclusive,” meaning every Metal genre get’s involved here. This without doubt, becomes a personal issue for most Metal fans, I can accept that for I take this topic very personal as well. I never like to get caught up with which genre of Metal is better, nor do I like to get childish and say Slipknot is better than… 

The age old question of what is the greatest Metal album ever has more of a historical importance to it. This is really an open ended question, for what merits the album to be the greatest anyway? Does the greatest Metal album have to be from the onset of Heavy Metal, say the late 1960’s – early 1970’s? Would this be due in part for the greatest Metal album would be the cornerstone and/or building block of the future of all Metal music? It is an obvious acceptance in the world of Metal music, that “hit” singles do not constitute any appreciation, applause or adulation amongst real Metal fans. Metal music, as a rule, is underground, dark, no hits needed please. The Heavy Metal and Hair Metal genres have garnered most of the “hit” singles for us, that is fine with me. My main point I am conveying here is it should not be necessary for the greatest Metal album ever to be loaded with radio friendly hit songs.

There are many ideas to consider when choosing the greatest Metal album ever, the list could actually be endless with criteria! Here are some questions that could be posed to this debate:

1. Is the album groundbreaking for it’s Metal genre?

2. Is the album representative of a sound that is fresh & new while still staying true to Metal?

3. Musically, is the album cutting edge? Is the album musically basic?

4. Does the greatest Metal album incorporate several Metal genres? Does it bestow influences of past Metal?

5. How memorable should this Metal album be? Quite memorable for me I am sure.

6. Is the greatest Metal album ever – created by a powerhouse/well known Metal band, or a more “fan favorite” underground Metal band? 

7. Just as I feel about the hit singles approach, I do not/never have given any credence to the sales figures or chart position of any of my favorite Metal albums, I leave that to the “Pop” & “bubble gum” music world thank you.

8. Is this greatest Metal album ever a concept album? Could it possibly be an EP?

9. Could the greatest Metal album ever be just instrumental? Partial vocals? 

10. Could the album cover have any influence on how a person feels about the music? I could not be swayed by the album art when making a decision on the greatest Metal album ever.

Well, it is all about preference when it really counts. Many Metal fans want their greatest Metal album to be the heaviest music there is out there, while other Metal fans may opt for history being made in the music, on this album. I really do not see any wrong or right way to judge, I feel it becomes far too personal a choice for me to truly make. This is why I have to chuckle when some music critic in the mainstream media comes up with a personal choice of the greatest Metal album of all time. A bigger chuckle for me is when a readers choice poll gets printed in a mainstream music magazine and it is the classic, cliche’ unveiling of a Metal album that is thrown down your throat – that this is the Metal album of the ages.

For those who feel I should be more adventurous and just say which Metal album is what I consider to be the greatest of all time, well, here are a few candidates I feel are worthy. Forgive me for not being able to say which album I deem as the all time greatest Metal masterpiece. I am guilty of loving all Metal and I am infatuated with too many Metal albums to nail it down to just one greatest. Here is my top ten list, not in any particular order, for nominees of the greatest Metal album of all time.

1. Metallica – “Master of Puppets”

2. Queensryche – “Operation Mindcrime”

3. Black Sabbath – “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath”

4. Slipknot – “All Hope Is Gone”

5. Jimi Hendrix Experience – “Are You Experienced”

6. Led Zeppelin – “Physical Graffiti”

7. Slayer – “Reign In Blood”

8. Rush – “2112”

9. Black Sabbath – “Black Sabbath”

10. Motorhead – “Ace of Spades”

In a perfect world, sure, I would pick one of these fine Metal albums above and bestow it as the greatest ever. I am certain my list of nominees are quite different than my fellow Metalhead fans out there, some may agree partially to my list. Tomorrow, for heaven sake, this list of mine could change in a heartbeat! That is how amazing Metal music is for me, I could honestly come up with another list of 10 nominees for greatest Metal album ever! Somewhere out in the world of Metal music, is the greatest Metal album ever recorded. It is definitely being listened to and enjoyed by an unknown number of Metalheads, at this moment you are reading this article. Rest assured, this list is not set in Metal stone for me, yet I do reflect back to these Metal releases each and every time that I ponder the greatest Metal album ever…

Heavy Metal in Heaven? I certainly hope so.

Posted in Drums, Guitar, Hair Metal, Heavy Metal, Metal, Metallica, ozzy, Punk rock, Ramones, Rock, Thrash Metal, Vocals on March 25, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

4276768I like to think of Heaven as my destination goal, once I leave this world of course. Yeah, it is cool for the Metal genres to write and sing about hell, hell’s kitchen, fires of hell, “Highway To Hell”, etc., etc., yet that is not where I want to be going. I often hope and wonder, will Heaven have everything that is “good” about our lives? Will heaven allow Heavy Metal? I would hope and pray that the late Jimi Hendrix is allowed to have his guitar and play up there in the clouds. I would not doubt for a second, that the angels and saints could not enjoy the late Joey Ramone’s singing. Music as a whole, has made planet Earth more enjoyable, music has definitely made my life more fun and inspiring, I am comfortable thinking I speak for millions of people.

Essentially, I believe in Heaven, therefore I believe there is all music represented up there since the beginning of time itself. From primitive to modern day, I have to believe the history of music is heard in Heaven. Well, it is always a hoot to imagine what kind of Metal bands have formed up in Heaven, with so many Rock legends hopefully being up there. I wonder if the late Buddy Holly is jamming out with the late Stevie Ray Vaughn? Is the late Jim Morrison leading a band or embarking on a career in poetry amongst the clouds and rainbows?

Here is a Heavy Metal band that could have possibly formed up in Rock & Roll Heaven. (I am sure there can be hundreds of different bands put together with this topic, this is just one band lineup that looks really cool).

Kevin DuBrow – lead vocals – (Quiet Riot)

Randy Rhoads – lead guitar – (Quiet Riot, Ozzy Osbourne)

Steve Clark – lead guitar too! – (Def Leppard)

Eric Carr – drums & percussion – (Kiss)

Cliff Burton – bass guitar – (Metallica)

Now, would this be a great band to see or what? I certainly think this band would be a kick! I also hope, that up there in Heaven, the battle of the Metal genres comes to a screeching halt. That is why I have the late Cliff Burton playing bass guitar with a bunch of Hair Metal legends. Wait a second, the late Randy Rhoads was not a Hair Metal guy, he was just plain amazing. The late Kevin DuBrow with Quiet Riot hold the honor and distinction of being the very first Heavy Metal album to hit #1 on the album charts. This achievement surely paved the way for Heavy Metal storming into the mainstream. I sure miss each and every one of these guys, the music they created will last here on Earth forever – or until that big unknown space rock collides with Earth and we are all evaporated within a zillionth of a micro second. That is why it is so essential to believe that all music, especially all the Metal genres are up there in Heaven waiting for all of us Metalheads – who believe.

HEAVY METAL – here yesterday, here today, here to stay!

Posted in aiden, Album Review, Alice cooper, Amon Amarth, Bad Company, Black Label Society, Black Metal, Bullet For My Valentine, Century Media, concerts, Danzig, Death Metal, Disturbed, Drums, Edguy, Extreme, Extreme Metal, GammaRay, Gene Simmons, Great White, Guitar, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Heavy Metal Reviews, Iced Earth, Iron Maiden, james hetfield, Kreator, Lamb of God, Led Zeppelin, Metal, metal blade, Metal Church, metal concerts, Metal Edge, Metal Reviews, Metallica, Misfits, Music, Over Kill, ozzy, Paul Stanley, Power Metal, Punk rock, Ramones, revolver magazine, Rock, rockabilia, Scorpions, Skid Row, Slayer, Slipknot, styx, Thrash Metal, Trivium, Vocals, W.A.S.P. with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 12, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

7505434It is so refreshing, extremely comforting, to know that there are factually dozens of Heavy Metal and Hard Rock bands that MATTER, bashing out their new releases and touring, since the 1970’s and in some instances, the late 1960’s!! So much for critics who cite “shelf life” of Heavy Metal. There are so many legendary Heavy Metal bands out there that are in their 3rd or 4th decade of championing the flag of Metal for all of us Metalheads. I hereby SALUTE the following list of legendary and historical bands that were/still are instrumental in shaping and defining the world of METAL music – as we know it and enjoy it today. I say THANK YOU to these bands! It is my opinion, that these bands are still around today for they are masters of their musical craft. It is my METAL opinion, that each and every one of these bands belongs in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. (some bands on this list already are there). I may miss some bands that should be on this list, however feel free to comment on those bands who belong on this HEAVY METAL & HARD ROCK list and they shall be added. The criteria I am using is: The band is Heavy Metal or Hard Rock * The band has been around since the late 1960’s or 1970’s and still are performing as a band or members are doing solo careers and/or recording new material – the band is current. Here is the list (in no particular order), enjoy:

DEEP PURPLE * MOTORHEAD * NAZARETH * BLACK SABBATH(HEAVEN AND HELL) * VAN HALEN * SAXON * AC/DC * TED NUGENT * MISFITS * RUSH * KROKUS * OZZY OSBOURNE * ZZ TOP * QUEEN & PAUL RODGERS * JUDAS PRIEST * CHEAP TRICK * IRON MAIDEN * ROBERT PLANT * GIRLSCHOOL * FOREIGNER * PAUL STANLEY * LITA FORD *  TOMMY SHAW * STYX * DENNIS DEYOUNG * GLENN DANZIG * TWISTED SISTER * WHITESNAKE * HEART * Y&T * SAMMY HAGAR * REO SPEEDWAGON * MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP * UFO * SCORPIONS * UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER * PETER FRAMPTON * JOURNEY * GARY MOORE * ALICE COOPER * MOUNTAIN * KISS * URIAH HEEP *

To compile a complete list on this topic would be rather time consuming and laborious. The point I strive to make here is that as this list proves, quality musicianship coupled with Metal and/or Hard Rock will forever be in demand and last for decades. I have always been a strong believer that the Hard Rock of the late 1960’s and that of the 1970’s helped evolve Heavy Metal into the 1980’s and beyond. I simply cannot help but feel that bands such as Styx, Cheap Trick and Foreigner are relevant to the glorious world of Heavy Metal. I have been won over by these Hard Rock bands that stood the test of time. Listening to Cheap Trick’s “Gonna Raise Hell” from the “Dream Police” album is all the proof I need to hear in regards to any relevance to Heavy Metal. The same holds true for me in regards to “Renegade” by Styx and “Double Vision” by Foreigner. If these same songs were written today, would they have the same historical significance of “shaping Heavy Metal”? I believe the answer is no. These Hard Rock bands and their songs were born in the 1970’s, at a time when there were no multiple genres of Metal.

To make an analogy, in professional sports, athletes and fans are always reminded to be reverent of the past sports teams and athletes who helped shape and change their respective sport for the better. I definitely admire, respect and continue to listen to these bands that helped Metal evolve. By no means do I ignore or disregard the Heavy Metal and Hard Rock bands of yesteryear that for one reason or another disbanded and are no longer current. This article is a celebration of quality Heavy Metal and Hard Rock bands that have persevered, stood the test of time through the Disco era, the PMRC and their silly “parental advisory stickers”, the changing cultural and economic climates over the decades, with little or no help from the mainstream media and yet these bands still exist in 2009! I praise all of these bands and say to them all – WELL DONE!