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9 CHAMBERS – Debut S/T: Pump Up The Volume On This Hard Rock Stunner!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, modern rock, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on September 9, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Greg Hampton (vocals, guitar & producer) and Ed Mundell (guitar) have joined Rockin’ forces to create 9 Chambers, recruiting Jorgen Carlsson (bass) and Vinny Appice (drums) to seal the deal on this Hard Rock titan of a band. These musicians have seemed to set aside their past accolades and industry status, while instead they ventured to use their Rockin’ talents like hungry musicians looking to make their mark for the very first time. This 9 Chambers debut is fourteen songs that are memorable and relevant, with quality and consistency being their Hard Rock standard.

I look upon this 9 Chambers album for its several strengths that it bestows: songwriting, lyrics, musicianship and the uncanny accomplishment of intertwining a wealth of sounds representing a palette of genres, from Stoner to Modern, which in turn all lends this album its strong and unique character. With that said, the one constant on 9 Chambers is it being a Hard Rock experience. Bury Yourself has the psychedelic vibe happening with a hardened and modern edge. If you’re looking for a song to Rock your face off, this is the one. Can’t Turn Your Back is a mid-tempo Rocker that showcases 9 Chambers as a band that can deliver the Hard Rock goods on both a heavy and laid back level. A ballad with muscle is another way to describe this cool song.

My favorite song on this album is All But Done. I had to pick that one song that has absolutely Rocked my boring and rain-soaked world, rescuing me from a post Hurricane Irene syndrome. Greg’s vocals, coupled with the insane guitar chops and thumping rhythmic beats, so solidly accentuates the totality of coolness that All But Done resonates. It’s a thrill a second, while I listen to the duo guitars of Greg and Ed throughout this album. As they swap leads, riffs and solos, the Rockin’ vibes are felt from two guitarists that believe in the music they are playing and come across as believing in each other. Ed has obviously adapted to his post Monster Magnet life, capturing some axe slinging juju in a bottle and calling it his own.

I was impressed before on the multi-instrumental and vocal talents of Greg Hampton. His last band called The New Czars, released a Modern/Industrial Hard Rock statement I’ll forever admire known as Doomsday Revolution. This time around, I’m more impressed with what Greg Hampton has achieved on all levels, with his vocals sounding notably more confident (kick ass) and relaxed while fronting 9 Chambers. Greg is a singer that knows his limits, he has a classic voice that can adapt to the multi-genres of Rock that 9 Chambers taps into.

Greg vocally exhibits the skillful ability to carry a heavy song. Indeed The Sun is a shining moment for Greg vocally and I can’t resist getting psyched out while listening to this song. Indeed The Sun has everything going for it, with abundant guitar licks and a fired-up rhythm section as well. Harmonious and modern tones appear to come very natural for Greg and Use U Up exemplifies my point. Mid-paced and resonating with an AOR vibe, Use U Up can be a candidate for Rock radio in my Metal opinion. I’ll leave vocal comparisons aside, saying that as a vocalist on this album Greg has once again: reached up high and pulled the sun from the sky.

Vinny Appice is always a delight to listen to on drums. With Jorgen Carlsson on bass this is as accomplished a rhythm section as you’re going to hear in Hard Rock or Rock. Darker Side Of Sunshine accentuates the musical strengths that Vinny and Jorgen bring to 9 Chambers. A justifiably Heavy, Modern Rock song that jams so steadily along. It’s one of those songs I wish would carry on for twenty minutes, it’s that Rockin’ delicious. To create an album of Hard Rock songs and make it sound so incredibly complete is quite an admirable accomplishment of 9 Chambers. I give a Metal salute to the songwriting prowess of Greg and Ed, creating Hard Rock this damn cool is sincerely something else.

9 Chambers has successfully executed their Hard Rock edict with their debut album. Hard Rock fans of any generation should get into the Hard Rockin’ world of 9 Chambers now and escape away from the cut and paste albums that you may find coming at you. Classes for Hard Rock Appreciation 101 begins the moment you listen to this album. 9 Chambers is a Hard Rock album that I easily rank as one of the years best and hopefully the first of many more to come from this dynamic band.

I’ll ring that Metal bell, raise my fists to the air and blow an F’n kiss to the sky. Why?  For 9 Chambers is a band and album I can’t possibly deny. Metal be thy name.

* 9 Chambers releases on September 27th, 2011, on Samson Records/E1 Entertainment.

* Band photo credits: Rockframe Photography

9 CHAMBERS:

Greg Hampton – vocals & guitar

Ed Mundell – guitar

Jorgen Carlsson – bass

Vinny Appice – drums

Left to right: Greg Hampton, Ed Mundell

9 CHAMBERS – Track Listing:

Life Moves On

Majick Number

One Thing Missing

Know Your Enemy

Whats It Gonna Get U

All But Done

Bury Yourself

Can’t Turn Your Back

Other Side Of Time

Indeed The Sun

Use U Up

Cut-N-Runn

No Escape

Darker Side Of Sunshine

* For more info on 9 CHAMBERS, click on the links below:

9 CHAMBERS – Official facebook

www.9chambers.com

9 Chambers – Reverbnation

LONG LIVE 9 CHAMBERS.

Stone.

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NICKELBACK – New Album “Here And Now” Coming November 21, 2011: NICKELBLACK MONDAY!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on September 8, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

NICKELBACK – As stated by the bands newsletter on August 8th, 2011:

You’ve waited, we’ve teased you and now the big news is finally here!

The brand new Nickelback album, Here and Now, is heading your way November 21, 2011 also known as “NICKELBLACK MONDAY!”  The first singles, “Bottoms Up” and “When We Stand Together” will ship to rock and pop radio respectively on September 26th, 2011.

Stay tuned for even more big news and keep an ear open for the new music!

* For more info on NICKELBACK, click on the link below:

www.NICKELBACK.com

LONG LIVE NICKELBACK.

Stone.

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URIAH HEEP – Live In Armenia: Releases In North America, September 27th, 2011 on Frontiers Records

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on August 28, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

URIAH HEEP – On September 27th, 2011, the 14th live album from Rock & Hard Rock legends Uriah Heep will be released in North America on Frontiers Records. Live In Armenia (2 CD & 1 DVD) showcases 15 Uriah Heep classics, a live album that demonstrates both the long-lasting reverence fans have for both song and band. From the Classic Rock staple of Easy Livin’ to Wake The Sleeper, the deep and influential catalog of tracks are represented and played with Hard Rockin’ pride on Live In Armenia by a Rock historic band that never says die.

Founding member and guitarist Mick Box has his band on full-throttle, with their 23rd studio album Into The Wild having been released (to a bounty of critical praise) on May 3rd, 2011 in North America via Frontiers Records.

* A September 23rd release date in Europe is slated for Live In Armenia.

* Watch the trailer for URIAH HEEP – Live In Armenia below!

URIAH HEEP:

Bernie Shaw – vocals

Mick Box – guitar

Trevor Bolder – bass

Russell Gilbrook – drums

Phil Lanzon – keyboards

LIVE IN ARMENIA – Track Listing:

CD One:

Wake The Sleeper

Overload

Tears Of The World

Stealin’

Book Of Lies

Gypsy

Look At Yourself

What Kind Of God

Angels Walk With You

CD Two:

Shadow

July Morning

Easy Livin’

Sunrise

Sympathy

Lady In Black

DVD Tracks:

Wake The Sleeper

Overload

Tears Of The World

Stealin’

Book Of Lies

Gypsy

Look At Yourself

What Kind Of God

Angels Walk With You

Shadow

July Morning

Easy Livin’

Sunrise

Sympathy

Lady In Black

* For more info on URIAH HEEP, click on the link below:

URIAH HEEP – THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE

LONG LIVE URIAH HEEP.

Stone.

3 Comments »

SALTY DOG – Every Dog Has Its Day: This Hard Rockin’ Album From 1990 Has Its Day On Metal Odyssey

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on August 11, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

SALTY DOG – Going back to 1990, here is a band that I Rocked out to and was reminded about while rummaging through my “vintage” cassette collection late last night: Salty Dog. I remember buying the cassette for Every Dog Has Its Day instead of the CD due to my not having a CD player in my car. Cassette players in cars ruled the day back then. Heck, back in 1990, who did have a CD player in their car? No one in my crowd!

Holding onto the cassettes of my past enables me to go back in time and listen to albums that I never upgraded to CD. Many of my cassettes are not even available on CD either due to the “out-of-print” syndrome that seems to affect so many cool bands and albums of decades past. My apologies for often times overstating this annoying music industry fact.

Salty Dog may have been ahead of their time or time was just standing still for Hard Rock and Heavy Metal in 1990. Take your pick. The Rockin’ tenure for Salty Dog was 1986 to 1991, with Every Dog Has Its Day being their album of note. Looking back, 1990 was not a generous time for up and coming bands of Heavy Music. With that said, there were and always will be an audience of fans and supporters for the kind of hard-edged Rock and Roll Salty Dog created and played. I’m living proof and I know I’m not alone.

Every Dog Has Its Day was originally released on Geffen Records in 1990. That was a tough year and time period for Hard Rock and Heavy Metal bands, with so many record labels looking for the next Nirvana. I wonder out loud, just how popular this Salty Dog album would be if it were “newly” released today? Gambling with my guess, I’m leaning towards Every Dog Has Its Day as being a hit. Why not? The Bluesy, Hard Rockin’ sound of Salty Dog should be appealing to the Hard Rock, Arena Rock and Classic Rock fans of 2011.

This is an old school, party till it’s four in the morning album… that comes with a spinning back kick of Hard Rockin’ relevance. (To my ears anyways). I remember the song Come Along like it was yesterday and it’s easily my favorite on this album. I looked up the availability of Every Dog Has Its Day on Amazon.com and used copies are available for around $13 (U.S.). Trust me, these “used” CD prices for this title go even higher! However, new or unopened copies of this original CD fetch a far bigger price: upwards to around $100 (U.S.). A 2010 reissue on a label called Bad Reputation has the new price floating at the $30 level (U.S.).

For a one album band, Salty Dog is surely remembered as delivering some memorable Rockin’ goods. Check ’em out by picking up this CD. Only get it at a decent price!

BELOW: Is a very cool & rare promo bio picture sheet that was distributed by Geffen Records back in 1989. This Salty Dog promo is courtesy of Metal Buddy Kinger over at Demolish Fanzine – 1980’s Heavy Metal Revival. Thanks Kinger!

SALTY DOG:

Jimmi Bleacher – vocals

Pete Reveen – guitar

Michael Hannon – bass

Khurt Maier – drums

Every Dog Has Its Day – Track Listing:

Come Along

Cat’s Got Nine

Ring My Bell

Where The Sun Don’t Shine

Spoonful

Just Like A Woman

Sim Sala Bim

Keep Me Down

Heave Hard (She Comes Easy)

Lonesome Fool

Slow Daze

Sacrifice Me

Nothin’ But A Dream

(CD Back Cover)

LONG LIVE SALTY DOG – EVERY DOG HAS ITS DAY.

Stone.

10 Comments »

THE TREWS – “HOPE & RUIN”: A Rock Album of Solid and Memorable Songs

Posted in alternative rock, alternative rock bands, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, metal odyssey, Music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on August 5, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

THE TREWS – One Rock album that I’ve been listening to consistently since it’s April 12th release date is Hope & Ruin from The Trews. Released on Bumstead Productions Ltd., this album is enriched with memorable melodies, standout vocal harmonies and Alternative stylings aplenty. With two gold records and ten top ten singles on their Rock resume, The Trews in my Rockin’ opinion are one of the best of bands imported from The Great White North. Based in Toronto, Canada, The Trews exemplify to me, just how grand a Rock album can sound when equal importance is given to lyrics and music.

Hope & Ruin makes it rather non difficult, when comparing The Trews to their Rock peers such as Counting Crows and Goo Goo Dolls. Song structures, lyrical diligence, tempos and degrees of Rock hardness all come into play when making such a comparison. The Trews just don’t bang-it-out on this album, they play the song and take you on an escalator of Rock, one that is aimed for being memorable and not run of the mill. There’s no question The Trews are accomplished artists and Hope & Ruin solidifies this, in my Rockin’ opinion.

You Gotta Let Me In is the mellow song on Hope & Ruin, with an acoustic listen that also takes advantage of soothing strings to compliment the soothing vocals of Colin MacDonald. Wether you listen to You Gotta Let Me In first or last, this song is a Folk Rock welcome mat from The Trews, which ultimately suggests this band’s admirable level of music appreciation. Upon hearing the guitar intro to The World I Know, the realization that The Trews are about to Rock-it-out is ever apparent. Latter days of The Alarm and early days of R.E.M. jump out at me, while The World I Know is cranked up, reminding me that yes, there is an old school Alternative Rock heaviness swirled about in this song.

Stay With Me is just an undisputed song of Rock excellence, both musically and lyrically. It’s easy for me to say this song would be a number one single on Billboard (if it were only 1985 all over again)… only real Rock music like this in 2011 takes a pounding from teen-Pop on those sacred charts. Rock fans with a pulse, know a number one single with relevance when they hear it and Stay With Me soars. The Trews compliment Stay With Me with yet another foot stomping and body jumping number called: People of the Deer. What this song substantiates, is, the true desire to move your body to Rock and Roll and let the vibes from the song take control.

Misery Loves Company is a short Hard Rock number (2:57) that flirts with a Punk fever tempo and bouncy bop to its beat. No, The Trews are not so diverse on this album that they lose their identity, their sound and semi-raw delivery is all there to be heard and recognized. Love Is The Real Thing encapsulates all good things about The Trews on Hope & Ruin: up-tempo, lyrical competence and a sensibility of some lean, blue-collar Rock, while hovering in and out with an Alternative appeal.

If You Wanna Start Again opens with delicate piano keys, only to become a guitar and chorus driven mover. Colin sings his Rockin’ heart out and John- Angus plays his guitar with unreal memorable licks on this song. The title track is yet another solid song on an already solid Rock album. With the tempo level being raised steadily as Hope & Ruin plays out, this song captivates with its unending Rock passion, from the vocals and backing vocals and all the way along its rhythmic beats. A fabulous title track to have, especially when it’s such an inspiring listen.

On Hope & Ruin, The Trews capture the sound, mood and vibes of Rock, Alternative Rock and Hard Rock with an efficiency that is easy to seize and enjoy. If you’re looking for an album that has been created with Rock discernment in mind, this is for you. Hope & Ruin pours with a sound of Rock that is not only real and sincere, it’s downright distinguished with its Rock stylings. Wether it’s a long drive, party time or you’re just chilling out, this is an album to turn to often for a cool dose of Rock.

THE TREWS:

Colin MacDonald – vocals

John-Angus MacDonald – guitar

Sean Dalton – drums

Jack Syperek – bass

Hope & Ruin – Track Listing:

Misery Loves Company

One By One

People Of The Deer

Stay With Me

Hope & Ruin

If You Wanna Start Again

The World I Know

Dreaming Man

I’ll Find Someone Who Will

Love Is The Real Thing

Burned

You Gotta Let Me In

* For more info on THE TREWS, click on the links below:

http://www.thetrewsmusic.com

http://www.myspace.com/thetrews

LONG LIVE THE TREWS.

Stone.

3 Comments »

9 CHAMBERS – Self-Titled Debut Album Releasing On September 27th, 2011!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on July 30, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

(Photo Credit: Rockframe Photography)

9 CHAMBERS – Hard Rock Supergroup 9 Chambers will be making Rock n’ Roll history on September 27th, 2011… this is THE release date for their self-titled debut album! With Greg Hampton (vocals & guitar), Ed Mundell (guitar), Jorgen Carlsson (bass) and Vinny Appice (drums), this album boasts four incredible musicians with legendary experience. Metal be thy name.

9 Chambers will be released via Samson Records/E1 Entertainment. Mark your Rockin’ calendar for this highly anticipated, Hard Rock debut album from 9 Chambers!

9 CHAMBERS:

Greg Hampton – vocals & guitar: (Alice Cooper, Lita Ford, Bootsy Collins and world respected album producer & songwriter)

Ed Mundell – guitar: (ex-Monster Magnet)

Jorgen Carlsson – bass:(Gov’t Mule)

Vinny Appice – drums (as schedules permit): (Black Sabbath, DIO, Heaven & Hell)

* For more info on 9 Chambers, click on the links below:

9 Chambers – Official Website

9 CHAMBERS – Official facebook

9 Chambers – Reverbnation

9 Chambers – Audio Samples

* For related info and posts on 9 Chambers, (from the Metal Odyssey archives), click on the big header links below!

9 Chambers – Hard Rock Supergroup Of: Greg Hampton, Ed Mundell, Jorgen Carlsson and Vinny Appice!

9 Chambers: In Studio and Recording “Goin’ The Other Way” – See The Video Here!

9 CHAMBERS – Hard Rockin’ Studio Update: Through Sights and Sounds!

9 CHAMBERS – Posts New Song Sample: “One Thing Missing”

9 Chambers – “All But Done”: New and Complete Track Is Streaming Here Now! Yes, It ROCKS!

LONG LIVE 9 CHAMBERS.

Stone.

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UFO Themes On Rock Album Covers: Through The Years

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, metal odyssey, movie soundtracks, Music, Punk rock, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on July 21, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

(Misfits – Walk Among Us – 1982/Ruby/Slash Records)

UFO’s On Rock Album Covers – Over the decades, the image or images of UFO’s (call ’em spaceships if you prefer) have graced numerous Rock album covers. From Punk Rock to Progressive Rock, the always mysterious UFO makes for some fun and interesting album covers. Most of these album covers with a UFO theme, that I’ve decided to share with you, are without question classics, both in their album cover artwork and music within, in my Metal opinion.

Take a look at ’em and see just how unique each album cover is, with it’s portrayal of the UFO and notice some are much more detailed than others. If you know of a Rock album cover from the past or present with a UFO on it, feel free to share the info via a comment!

(Electric Light Orchestra – Out Of The Blue – 1977/Jet Records)

(Electric Light Orchestra – Ticket To The Moon/The Very Best Of Vol. 2 – 2008/Epic)

ELO has used their trademark UFO on many of their album covers over the decades. When ELO didn’t have their spaceship on an album cover, it never seemed right to me. Then again, an album cover doesn’t affect the music so I’m not totally devastated.

(Boston – Boston – 1976/Epic)

(Boston – Corporate America – 2002/Artemis)

Boston has always held onto their recognizable UFO theme, with each of their respective album’s artwork. This Boston album cover is really cool… heck, the UFO is shaped like a guitar!

(The Flaming Lips – U.F.O.S At The Zoo – 2007/WEA/Reprise)

(Journey – Escape – 1981/Columbia Records)

After all these years, this album cover to Journey – Escape is still an all-time favorite of mine for it’s amazing artwork. Okay, it looks like a flying beetle ship escaping from a big bubble… that’s a UFO to me.

(UFO – II/Space Rock/Flying – 1971/Beacon)

What would a list of Rock album covers with UFO’s on ’em be… without the legendary UFO being represented? Metal be thy name.

(Transformers – Dark Of The Moon – 2011/Warner Bros.)

Those look like two very unfriendly alien vehicles in the sky, on this new album cover for: Transformers Dark Of The Moon (soundtrack). Well, this Transformers Dark Of The Moon soundtrack brings us up to the present day, when it comes to seeing a UFO on an album cover. Until next time, keep your eyes peeled to the sky… and to those Rock album covers too!

A UFO ON A ROCK ALBUM COVER IS COOL. YEAH.

Stone.

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Metal Odyssey’s – Can You Guess These Classic Rock Album Covers?

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, metal odyssey, Music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on July 20, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Hello and welcome to the very first: Metal Odyssey’s – Can You Guess These Classic Rock Album Covesr? There are no prizes to be won, just the pride and bragging rights that go with guessing the correct Classic Rock album cover(s) is what you can walk away with. Look below at the 3 partial images. Each partial image represents a massively well known Classic Rock album cover.

If you’d like to give it a Classic Rockin’ try, comment your answers! Guess as often as you like! There is no limit to the number of guesses either! If asked, I might consider dropping a Classic Rockin’ hint, regarding any of these three mystery album covers. Once a correct answer is commented, I’ll step in and congratulate that respective and very knowledgeable Classic Rockaholic. Plus, once any album cover is correctly identified, the full album cover image will be posted next to the partial image. Best of Classic Rockin’ luck!

Classic Rock Album Cover – Mystery #1:

Classic Rock Album Cover – Mystery #2:

Classic Rock Album Cover – Mystery #3:

CLASSIC ROCK LIVES.

UPDATE!

On July 20, 2011, Metal Buddy Kev Moore guessed the “Classic Rock Album Cover – Mystery #2”! Kev’s correct answer is: Uriah Heep – Very ‘eavy… Very ‘umble. This Classic Rock album was released back in 1970. Congratulations Kev! You are a tried & true Classic Rockaholic! Yeah!

Above: Classic Rock Album Cover – Mystery #2

Above: Classic Rock Album Cover: Uriah Heep – Very ‘eavy… Very ‘umble

LONG LIVE CLASSIC ROCK!

Stone.

4 Comments »

Theory Of A Deadman “The Truth Is” – What I Like About This Album: Part One

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on July 16, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

THEORY OF A DEADMAN – The fourth studio album from Canada’s Rockin’ Theory Of A Deadman was released on July 12, 2011, on RoadRunner Records. The Truth Is… has been quite a cool listen for me and I’m digging this album. I bought the special edition of The Truth Is… due to there being six bonus tracks. Seriously, how can you go wrong by spending about three bucks more for six more songs? Essentially, there are eighteen songs on the special edition version… and that’s a lot of Rock ‘n Roll from Theory Of A Deadman.

My favorite song thus far on The Truth Is… comes as no surprise to myself. You see, on a personal level, I’m a sucker for songs that have inspirational lyrics. There are those moments when even Stone needs some uplifting words of encouragement to keep moving forward. My favorite song I’m referring to is: Head Above Water. This song really brings out the very best of Tyler Connolly’s smooth and clean vocals. As a mid-tempo ballad, Head Above Water does Rock along with positive vibes spilling out from it’s every note. It’s just a tremendous song, in my Metal opinion.

The liner notes kick tremendous ass, with very cool artwork galore that succeeds in complimenting the album’s front cover artwork. Two center spreads are in these liner notes, with a black & white photo showing Tyler contemplating in the recording studio and a color photo of the band . Lyrics to the songs are included as well. I am, was and forever will be the strong supporter of liner notes. This little pamphlet of band info, photos and lyrics only give the listener a better angle on what they are listening to. MP3’s without liner notes flat out suck.

* I will add, that Bitch Came Back is not my favorite song on this album. The song Rocks along with it’s music, only the lyrics just seem to grow a bit tiresome. Aw hell, I’ll still listen to the song… Stone isn’t that crabby.

I’ll revisit this new album from Theory Of A Deadman again soon, with another post. In the meantime, there are sixteen other songs to digest on The Truth Is… that are not mentioned here and I want to take in what I’m listening to. Metal be thy name.

* For more info on THEORY OF A DEADMAN, click on the link below:

THEORY OF A DEADMAN – Official Website

THEORY OF A DEADMAN:

Tyler Connolly – vocals & guitar

Dave Brenner – guitar

Dean Back – bass

Joe Dandeneau – drums

Track Listing – The Truth Is… 

Lowlife

Bitch Came Back

Hurricane

Out Of My Head

Gentleman

Love Is Hell

The Truth Is… (I Lied About Everything)

Head Above Water

Drag Me To Hell

What Was I Thinking

Easy To Love You

We Were Men

BONUS TRACKS:

Careless

Does It Really Matter

Villain

Better Or Worse

Out Of My Head

Easy To Love You

LONG LIVE THEORY OF A DEADMAN.

The word “crabby” was used in this post.

Stone.

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IRON CLAW – “A Different Game”: Bluesy, Classic Hard Rock That Points To The Past And Leads Us To The Present

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock bands, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 15, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

IRON CLAW – Step aside, Anvil… there’s a Rock n’ Roll comeback story that blows yours into the stratosphere. IRON CLAW is the Rock n’ Roll comeback story of legend. We’re looking at a band that hasn’t released new material in nearly forty years and now A Different Game will be set loose upon the Rock Music world on October 4th, 2011, on Ripple Music. For IRON CLAW, it is “a different game” and they haven’t a thing to lose, only amazing praise to gain from anyone who respects and enjoys beyond memorable Classic Hard Rock and vintage Heavy Metal.

You see, IRON CLAW was playing their brand of Heavy Rock at live gigs when Heavy Metal was just getting it’s name. The early 70’s were the building blocks for the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal that we all cherish deeply in 2011… and IRON CLAW was there… planting the seeds. Touring during the early years with the legendary likes of The Kinks, Spencer Davis and Pink Fairies, (to name a few), IRON CLAW easily can be considered an important underground player within the structure of the British Rock Movement. Without a “coveted” record contract, the Rock history books have overlooked too many silent legends, the pioneers of Heavy Metal and Hard Rock such as IRON CLAW. With A Different Game, their role in Rock history shall never go unspoken again.

Stone at Metal Odyssey won’t overlook IRON CLAW, no Metal way. If you have even a sliver of Hard Rock or vintage Heavy Metal in your Rock n’ Roll soul, you too will not overlook IRON CLAW and their forthcoming Hard Rock gemstone: A Different Game. Life is funny and filled with surprises. IRON CLAW has been my most personal biggest Rock n’ Roll surprise I’ve ever encountered in my entire Metal lovin’ and Hard Rockin’ life. With all this said, you can’t possibly short change yourself from being a part of what I consider to be “one of”, if not “the biggest” Rock n’ Roll comebacks in Rock Music history and it’s IRON CLAW –  A Different Game.

(Photo courtesy of IRON CLAW)

(L to R: Jimmy (guitar), Gordon (vocals), Ian (drums) and Alex (bass))

These Rockin’ dudes from Scotland would never have considered even an attempt at a comeback, if they felt this new album wasn’t their best work of their lives. It is their best work. A Different Game contains the thick and muscular riffs from Jimmy Ronnie’s guitar that will guarantee to make the iconic Tony Iommi nod with approval and pride. Jimmy can jam, so go spread the Rockin’ word. As I listen to Jimmy Ronnie play guitar on this album, I realize that a new page must be added to any and all coffee table books on Rock guitarists. Add a chapter for this entire band in any Rock Music encyclopedia… right now. Their songs are that fantastic.

A Different Game is a reminder that Rock n’ Roll was born from the Blues and Gordon Brown’s vocals will have you searching to see if he ever “once” sang for Deep Purple. So fluid, so classic is the voice of Gordon’s that I swear he has a famously storied Rock career, one that VH1 would have a documentary on… only it’s all heard and told here on A Different Game. Alex Wilson on bass and Ian McDougall on drums play in rhythmic old school unison, fostering those visions of a world without big brother watching you and FM programming returning to AOR formats.

The relevance of IRON CLAW lies in the Hard Rockin’ and Bluesy sound they are so gifted at playing and is what countless bands of any age are trying to capture to this very day. Before I sat down to write this review on A Different Game, I wondered how inappropriate it would be to not call out individual songs and break ’em down. Then, the realization poured over me: what in the hell is there to point out, other than this IRON CLAW album holding it’s Hard Rock merit valiantly as a whole? IRON CLAW is a band that was bred when listening to an album from front to back was second nature. My album review here is one of totality and A Different Game is the total Classic Rock package.

A Different Game must be listened to and enjoyed from beginning to end. The underlying and deliberate rawness of sound, coupled with this bands old school style and musicianship, may hopefully be utilized one day as a blueprint to a young band’s future, while also serving as a reminder to us seasoned Rockaholics that the past is never a closed book. Instead, the roots of Rock are a never ending gateway and guide to where Rock Music is today and tomorrow. IRON CLAW has returned and their unfinished business might just Rock your world… It’s Rocked mine.

IRON CLAW:

Gordon Brown – vocals

Jimmy Ronnie – guitar

Alex Wilson – bass

Ian McDougall – drums

A Different Game – Track Listing:

What Love Left

Saga

The Traveler

A Different Game

Angel Woman

Southern Sky

Falling Down

It’s Easy

My Way Down

Love Is Blind

Targets

See Them Fall

Closing In

* For more info on IRON CLAW, click on the links below:

IRON CLAW – facebook

IRON CLAW – twitter

Ripple Music

Ripple Music – IRON CLAW – What Love Left/Free Download

LONG LIVE IRON CLAW.

Stone.

4 Comments »

IRON CLAW “A Different Game” – Long Awaiting and New Studio Album From Heavy Rock Pioneers: Releases October 4th, 2011!

Posted in blues rock, classic rock, classic rock bands, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on July 6, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

(Photo courtesy of Iron Claw)

IRON CLAW – Scotland’s pioneers of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal, IRON CLAW, are gearing up for the long awaiting release of their new studio album: A Different Game. This is the studio album of new material that fans have waited nearly forty years for and… IRON CLAW is BACK! This legendary band shall have no difficulties recruiting  new legions of Hard Rock, Classic Rock and Old School Heavy Metal fans with A Different Game, which releases on October 4th, 2011, on Ripple Music. What Love Left, Southern Skies, Love Is Blind and The Traveler are among 13 new songs on A Different Game.

Physical and digital copies of A Different Game will be available for purchase at: The Ripple Music Store – Ripple Music, CDBaby, Amazon and Ebay. MP3 sales will be available through iTunes, Rhapsody, Napster, etc..

Recently, I asked IRON CLAW guitarist and co-founding member  Jimmy Ronnie: “How excited are you about this new comeback album A Different Game and what can the fans of yesteryear and today expect?”

Jimmy responded: “We couldn’t be more excited about the album release. Everyone involved in the project is buzzing about this now. If current Iron Claw fans are expecting Hard, Heavy Rock then they will not be disappointed. We have stayed absolutely faithful to the original spirit of the band. The decision was taken right at the start of the recording process not to over produce the work. Capturing a really live feel was the intension and I’m pleased to say that we’ve done that. There’s enough highly polished, squeaky clean Rock Music out there already and we have no desire to add to it. This is the best studio work ever done by the band and our new singer, Gordon Brown is sure to impress. Can’t wait to get it out there and to start playing live again”.

* To download your free copy of the new single from IRON CLAW, What Love Left, just click on the cool link below:

Ripple Music – IRON CLAW – What Love Left/Free Download

* Pre-order’s for A Different Game will begin around September 1st, 2011, at Ripple Music.

IRON CLAW:

Gordon Brown – vocals

Jimmy Ronnie – guitars

Alex Wilson – bass

Ian McDougall – drums

* For more related and recent coverage on IRON CLAW posted on Metal Odyssey, click on the big header link below:

IRON CLAW – “What Love Left”: Free Download From Ripple Music! This Song Is On Hard Rockin’ Fire!

* Fo more information on IRON CLAW, click on the links below:

IRON CLAW – facebook

IRON CLAW – twitter

Ripple Music

LONG LIVE IRON CLAW.

Stone.

2 Comments »

IRON CLAW – “What Love Left”: Free Download From Ripple Music! This Song Is On Hard Rockin’ Fire!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on June 29, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

IRON CLAW – Are you in dire need of hearing a heavy hittin’ and hard drivin’ song that will guarantee to make you: call it a day and shift into party mode? Well, uncle Stone has just that Heavy Rock song for you, courtesy of Scotland’s Heavy Rock legends IRON CLAW and it’s titled: What Love Left. Oh, trust me… this song will have you flying on a Hard Rockin’ high… quicker than you can say: Metal be thy name.

What Love Left is available right now as a FREE download, courtesy of Ripple Music and IRON CLAW! What Love Left is on the 1st Anniversary Ripple Music Sampler album. This new song is also on their forthcoming studio album A Different Game. Just click the link below to get your own copy of this thunderific Hard Rock gem:

Ripple Music – IRON CLAW – What Love Left/Free Download

Originally founded in 1969, IRON CLAW is a band that truly was a part of pioneering a genre of music that we all know, cherish and love today… which is Heavy Metal. IRON CLAW are back in 2011… welcomed with open Metal arms by Metal Odyssey. The Hard Rock and “Classic Rockin’ feel” that IRON CLAW administers on What Love Left is a solid reminder that Classic Hard Rock lives and thrives!

* Look for a September 2011 release of the new studio album: IRON CLAW – A Different Game, via Ripple Music.

IRON CLAW:

Ian McDougall – drums

Gordon Brown – vocals

Alex Wilson – bass

Jimmy Ronnie – guitars

* For more info on IRON CLAW, click on the links below:

IRON CLAW – twitter

IRON CLAW – facebook

Ripple Music

LONG LIVE IRON CLAW.

Stone.

4 Comments »

TESLA – Scarlet Records To Release: ‘Twisted Wires & The Acoustic Sessions…’

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on June 28, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

As reported on the Scarlet Records website, June 28th, 2011:

TESLA – Scarlet Records is proud to announce that it will be releasing Californian rock legends’ Tesla new album Twisted Wires & The Acoustic Sessions… on July 25th in Europe. The album will feature 6 tracks that were recorded back in 2005 at bassist Brian Wheat’s J Street Recorders studio (which are the last recordings with original member Tommy Skeoch) and 6 newly recorded tracks which include acoustic remakes of songs from their entire catalog and two brand new songs called 2nd Street and Better Off Without You. Twisted Wires & The Acoustic Sessions… is the follow up to 2008’s Forever More.

2011 also marks the 25th anniversary of the band! To stay updated on everything Tesla visit their Official Site (www.teslatheband.com), Facebook page (www.facebook.com/teslatheband) and Youtube channel (www.youtube.com/teslatheband).

(Source: SCARLET RECORDS)

LONG LIVE TESLA.

Stone.

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GEORGE LYNCH – KILL ALL CONTROL: Album Artwork and Track Listing! Releases July 19, 2011!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on June 18, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

GEORGE LYNCH – The ever legendary George Lynch, aka Mr. Scary, will be releasing his eleventh solo album KILL ALL CONTROL on July 19th, 2011, via Rocket Science. Joining Heavy Rockin’ forces with George Lynch on his new album are: drummer Adrian Ost (POWERMAN 5000) and vocalist London LeGrand (Brides Of Destruction).

* London LeGrand is also credited as the singer for George’s Hard Rockin’ supergroup – Souls Of We, with their 2008 debut studio album Let The Truth Be Known receiving praise across the Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal communities.

* KILL ALL CONTROL features world famous vocalists/artists: Marc Torien (Bullet Boys), Will Marten (Earshot), Keith St. John (Montrose) and drummer Fred Coury (Cinderella).

* George Lynch is the ex-lead guitarist for Arena Rock and Hair Metal/Heavy Metal legends DOKKEN. George founded the Hard Rock/Heavy Metal band Lynch Mob. Their 1990 debut studio album Wicked Sensation stands as their highest chart topping album. In 2008, George reunited Lynch Mob with original vocalist Oni Logan.

* Lynch Mob have since released a brand new studio album of extremely memorable Hard Rock & Heavy Metal songs, with 2009’s: Smoke and Mirrors. A new and highly anticipated Lynch Mob album is forthcoming, later in 2011.

KILL ALL CONTROL – Track Listing:

Kill All Control

Brand New Day

Done

Flys On The Wall

Wicked Witch

Man On Fire

Voices In My Head

Resurrect

Here Comes The Sun

My Enemy

Son of Scary – (Featuring Fred Coury on drums)

* For more info on GEORGE LYNCH, click on the link below:

George Lynch – The Official Website Of Mr. Scary

LONG LIVE GEORGE LYNCH aka MR. SCARY.

Stone.

2 Comments »

STONECOLLAR – “Trial By Fire” Debut Album Is Ablaze! Two Tracks To Hear Right Now!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock songs, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on June 10, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

STONECOLLAR – Recently, a very cool Hard Rock band from Cape Town, South Africa crossed my Metal path. STONECOLLAR. Whoa. These dudes are for real. Hard Rock seems to be alive and quite well over in Cape Town. This up and coming Hard Rock battalion takes the best from what Old School Hard Rock and Metal has taught them and they combine it with a Modern Hard Rockin’ sound and psyched-out vibes aplenty.

In my Metal opinion, STONECOLLAR has grasped onto what Hard Rock is supposed to sound like… edgy, heavy, hard and simply put, bad-ass. I hear that Hard Rock fire in Stonecollar’s recently released debut album Trial By Fire, a fire of a hungry band that is on a mission to spread their kick ass brand of Heavy Music across the globe. It’s always a grand surprise to stumble upon a band like Stonecollar, reminding me that the glorious flag of Hard Rock truly has been passed down once again.

Trial By Fire was produced, recorded and mastered by the band members themselves. The raw thunder you’ll here is credible, there’s nothing over polished to a chrome sheen heard on Trial By Fire, therefore, no gimmicks, no false pretensions. Stonecollar has made Hard Rock the old fashioned way, fusing their sound with blue-collar craftsmanship. When a band is over produced to well done, that band loses it’s flavor. Not so with this band. Stonecollar has just the right amount of rawness for seasoned Hard Rock fans to digest and beg for more!

* Below you can listen to two tracks from Stonecollar’s debut album: Trial By Fire and SQT:

CLICK THE PLAY BUTTON BELOW TO HEAR: TRIAL BY FIRE

CLICK THE PLAY BUTTON BELOW TO HEAR: SQT

Sean Tait on lead guitar and Clinton Jurgens on rhythm guitar bring back those hallowed days of dual guitar domination on album. Léshem Petersen on vocals carries enough Modern Hard Rock harmony and edginess to please the younger generation(s), while still emitting an attitude that stirs up those Old School daze of yesteryear. A very impressive vocalist is Léshem, his ability to diverse vocally only strengthens and heightens the songs on Trial By Fire. Léshem also plays one lean and mean bass, which is a Hard Rockin’ asset.

It’s just a matter of time before Stonecollar becomes a recognizable force in the Hard Rock world. This is a band that has torn away from any leash holding them back… best to either get outta’ their way or sign onto their Hard Rockin’ charge towards success. I’m signing on, I know better.

STONECOLLAR:

Léshem Petersen – vocals & bass

Sean Tait – lead guitar

Clinton Jurgens – rhythm guitar

Bryan Nicol – drums

Trial By Fire – Track Listing:

Not For Good

Trial By Fire

SQT

Turn A Blind Eye

Poison The Well

Say Your Prayers

Unnatural Selection

…As the Crow Flies

Loose Cannon

Dying Breed

* Recently STONECOLLAR signed a management deal with Headline Artists, joining their stable of successful rock bands across South Africa.

* For more info on STONECOLLAR, click on the link below:

STONECOLLAR – myspace music

STONECOLLAR – Official facebook

LONG LIVE STONECOLLAR.

Stone.

5 Comments »

URIAH HEEP – Nail On The Head: Official Video… ROCKS!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock music, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, melodic rock, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, rock music videos with tags , , , , , , , , , , on June 8, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

URIAH HEEP – Into The Wild is the 23rd studio album from the legendary Uriah Heep and was released on Frontiers Records on May 3rd, 2011. Since 1970, Uriah Heep has been Rockin’ the globe! Founding member and guitarist Mick Box has his band once again playing some of the best Hard Rock in the land! Throughout this iconic band’s reign, be it progressive, melodic, hard or heavy, one thing is for certain… after 40 years of Uriah Heep Rock ‘n’ Roll, this band is unquestionably steady!

Below is the Hard Rockin’ and thunder stompin’ song: Nail On The Head. Take a look and listen for yourself below… URIAH HEEP are Classic Rock Kings!

URIAH HEEP:

Mick Box – guitar & vocals

Bernie Shaw – lead vocals

Trevor Bolder – bass & vocals

Russell Gilbrook – drums & vocals

Phil Lanzon – keyboards & vocals

* For more info on URIAH HEEP, click on the links below:

URIAH HEEP – Official Website

URIAH HEEP – MySpace Music Page

www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords

LONG LIVE URIAH HEEP.

Stone.

4 Comments »

FOOLS FOR ROWAN – Twisted. Tied Up. Tangled: Steady Rockin’, Alternative and Absolutely Can’t Miss!

Posted in alternative rock, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, melodic rock, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on June 6, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

FOOLS FOR ROWAN – They’re hip. They’re now. They’re Steady Rockin’ and Alternative. They’re a Modern Rock band that will eventually be more famous than they could ever probably imagine. They’re: FOOLS FOR ROWAN. Let me say this, this band isn’t foolin’ around with their contagious and legit Alternative-Rock meets Hard Rock sound and style. Originating from the grand and Rock historical city of Nashville, Tennessee, this five piece is commercially accessible while still bestowing a blue-collar appeal. Fools For Rowan released their debut album Twisted. Tied Up. Tangled back in 2009, via Lava Lamp Records and it is a can’t miss of it’s genre.

It’s very difficult for me to not be impressed by the vocals of Erin Mullins, she is a show stealer. Erin’s range is head turning and she comes across as so damn natural that it’s scary. Nothing sounds forced as I listen to Erin sing on this entire album. Just a true vocal talent is she. Not to overlook the rest of this band that makes Fools For Rowan sound so inventively Rockin’, this young group of musicians sound as if they’ve been together for a decade.

As I listen to Twisted. Tied Up. Tangled, I hear a vocalist and band that doesn’t seem to hold nuthin’ back. When Fools For Rowan are playing full-tilt with Tangled, Burnt Around the Edges and Living Dangerously, they’re high octane energy to let it all Rock is infectious. Metal be thy name. There are ballads on this album and they showcase Erin’s provocative crooning skills, she could probably make a pissed-off copperhead snake transform into vapors… yeah, she’s that good. No and Dead are two well written ballads that don’t light up the sappy meter, both fit right into the diverse Rockin’ mix I hear on Twisted. Tied Up. Tangled.

If forced to choose my favorite song from this album, then that song is: It’s Alright. I cannot help being reminded of the legendary Joan Jett as I listen to Erin Mullins vocals on this Rockin’ and boppin, free groovin’ strewn song. Rachel Brandsness on lead guitar and Ryan Harrison Nanney on rhythm guitar both dish out some creative licks that are guaranteed not to go unnoticed. A refreshing Rock sound and originality sure does go a long way, Fools For Rowan have both qualities.

Fools For Rowan have created quite an impressive sound, incorporating Rock and Hard Rock with a blend of Alternative stylings. Rock fans who want to catch onto a band that is rising faster than a thermostat in the deep South, in the middle of July, should take notice here. I sincerely look forward to witnessing Fools For Rowan continue their climb on the ladder of Rock ‘n’ Roll success.

* Take a look and listen to Burnt Around the Edges below:

FOOLS FOR ROWAN:

Erin Mullins – vocals

Rachel Brandsness – lead guitar

Ryan Harrison Nanney – rhythm guitar

Aaron Elliott – bass

Jordan Cullen – drums

Twisted. Tied Up. Tangled – Track Listing:

Burnt Around the Edges

Take Me Down

Dead

Tangled

Light Me Up

No 

I Don’t Have the Strength

It’s Alright

Isn’t It Enough

Living Dangerously

Burnt – Remix

* For more info on FOOLS FOR ROWAN, click on the links below:

FOOLS FOR ROWAN – Official Website

FOOLS FOR ROWAN – Official facebook Fan page

LONG LIVE FOOLS FOR ROWAN.

Stone.

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Five (More) Hard Rock Albums You Must Own This Summer Of 2011 – Part II: Whitesnake, The Poodles and…

Posted in classic rock, classic rock music, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, melodic rock, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on June 5, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

It’s been a fantastic year thus far for Hard Rock album releases. No, make that super fantastic. The obvious trend I’ve seen with all these incredible Hard Rock albums of 2011 is: A majority of these albums are from seasoned or old school bands. There have been many comeback albums released so far this year that absolutely ROCK… hello King Kobra, The Cars, Warrant, Mr. Big and Nelson, to name more than a few.

Realistically, I cannot possibly listen to every Hard Rock album that’s been released at this point in the year, therefore this list of MUST OWN albums for this Summer of 2011 may not correspond with your favorites in parts or in whole. As we approach the midway point of 2011, these are the Hard Rock albums that have ROCKED my brains out! In my Metal opinion, these are five albums worth your hard earned money to buy and crank up LOUD during this coming Summer of 2011… and beyond.

* Metal Odyssey Note: This list is in no particular order and it is Part II of a series. All the albums chosen are 2011 releases. You have to wait for the “Metal Odyssey Best Of 2011” lists that come out around Christmas/New Years for a definitive list. Be patient, that time will come quicker than we all know!

SHAKRA – From Switzerland comes the Hard Rockin’ and much experienced… SHAKRA. This band puts double exclamation points after their brand of Hard Rock and I’m listening! Back On Track (AFM Records) is the 8th studio release from SHAKRA, plus they are showcasing a new lead singer: John Prakesh, replacing Mark Fox. John comes across as an original with some slight Mark Storace (Krokus) influence here and there.

Old Schoolers from the 80’s heydays of Arena dwelling just have to dig what SHAKRA plays for Hard Rock, I know I dig ’em. Mixed into all 13 melodically driven songs on this album, there’s so much thump and stomp and tasty guitar licks happening that it makes for an above memorable listen time and again. Once you buy and listen to this new SHAKRA album, it might just become a top favorite on your playlist, due to the Hard Rockin’ ass kicking it gives you.

THE POODLES – Attention North America: There is a Hard Rock band from Sweden that are a hot ticket over in Europe and they deservedly should catch on over this side of the Atlantic, they call themselves: THE POODLES. On May 3rd, 2011, the fourth studio album from this Swiss Hard Rockin’ outfit, Performocracy, was released in the U.S. via Frontiers Records. This new album is incredibly loaded with everything great about Melodic Hard Rock and… quality songs are the rule!

From the lead vocals of Jakob Samuel and the beyond catchy chorus, to the driving guitar of Henrik Bergqvist, Performocracy has 13 songs without one filler to be heard. THE POODLES make it their mission to ROCK like a late 80’s Arena Band while bestowing a bounty of impressive hard edged relevancy. This band steers away from the corn-dog lyrics that so often becomes recycled from generation to generation. I really dig listening to THE POODLES. Fans of 80’s Hard Rock along with connoisseurs of today’s mainstream and non-mainstream Hard Rock should find them very appealing too.

Warning: There is “something” about the overall sound, feel and vibes of THE POODLES songs, thus becoming unavoidably contagious to the ears, resulting in ultra-repeated listens to Performocracy.

SEETHER – I wrote in a previous post regarding this new SEETHER album, that the song Here And Now brought me to tears. I will never shy away from the Metal truth, that song hit me on a personal level like an emotional avalanche. Just a tremendous song it is, with it’s unbelievably melodic ride. Released on May 17th, via Wind-up, Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray is yet another Hard Rockin’ milestone in the growing and always impressive catalog from SEETHER.

Shaun Morgan proved to me a long time ago he is a premier songwriter, musician and vocalist. Shaun’s lyrical expressions are simply amazing on this new album. I can’t prevent myself from calling this album a contender for Hard Rock album of the year… or even album of the year. Country Song became an instant hit once it was available on iTunes as the lead single… and for good reason, this song Rocks. SEETHER convincingly shows they are a band that can play the ever legit Heavy Rock, with their unique Alternative style, while the mainstream absorbs them like a Hard Rock hungry sponge.

WHITESNAKE – There is that mystique about David Coverdale’s vocals that just makes me feel like everything is alright… that everything is gonna be okay. It’s always felt that way to me, regarding David’s vocals, going back three decades now. David Coverdale can sing the Hard Rock daylights out of the sky and still he comes across as soothing to my ears. Does that sound corn-dog? Maybe… at least I’m being honest though.

David Coverdale has never sounded mightier, while his band is as melodic and Hard Rock driven as ever, on the eleventh studio album from Whitesnake. Forevermore, which released back in March on Frontiers Records is solid proof that Whitesnake reigns atop the Hard Rock heap, looking up at no one. Doug Aldrich and Reb Beach are quickly becoming a legendary Hard Rock guitar duo and Forevermore is the audio evidence. Between deluxe editions, Amazon.com and iTunes, there are loads of bonus tracks out there for Forevermore that you can sink your Hard Rockin’ senses into.

What separates Whitesnake from the pack of other old school Hard Rock bands, is this band’s uncanny ability to write and play songs that instantly scream out: timeless. To not own Forevermore, if your a Hard Rock fan, is a crime under the Metal Odyssey “Code Of Rock”. My favorite song on Forevermore is One of These Days. It’s just like I said at the beginning of this post… David Coverdale sings this song and it’s alright… my vibes tell me everything is gonna be okay.

BLACK STONE CHERRY – Back in 2006, Black Stone Cherry released their self-titled debut on RoadRunner Records and I was drawn into their Classic Rock influence from the onset. The raw sound of this band may have diminished a good deal since that first album, still there is an air of Classic Rock roots about their sound that makes Between The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea so attention grabbing. This being the third studio album from Black Stone Cherry, all with RoadRunner Records, this one can easily be pointed out as their best. This band is a throwback to when artists cared about writing and playing a complete album of songs.

The bluesy vocals of Chris Robertson mingles so well with his Hard Rock and Southern Rock tones. The song Killing Floor is a can of psyche-you-out whoop-ass that I’ll need to drink in for many more years to come. The nod of reverence to old school seems to illuminate from Black Stone Cherry like a beacon, making it a quality that I admire most. With the cover of Can’t You See, originally written by (the late) Toy Caldwell for The Marshall Tucker Band, it only shows the Southern and Classic Rock roots will never fade away for this group. This is an album of 12 songs that will stand the test of Rock ‘n’ Roll time… and forever be labeled a Hard Rock gem from 2011.

* For more info on the bands and their albums listed above, just click on the very cool links provided below:

WHITESNAKE – Official Website

THE POODLES – Official Online Headquarters

Black Stone Cherry – Official Website

SEETHER – Official Website

SEETHER – Official facebook

http://www.shakra.ch

http://www.afm-records.de

LONG LIVE HARD ROCK.

777

Stone.

6 Comments »

Five Hard Rock Albums You Must Own This Summer Of 2011 – Part I

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 4, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

It’s been a fantastic year thus far for Hard Rock album releases. No, make that super fantastic. The obvious trend I’ve seen with all these incredible Hard Rock albums of 2011 is: A majority of these albums are from seasoned or old school bands. There have been many comeback albums released so far this year that absolutely ROCK… hello King Kobra, The Cars, Warrant, Mr. Big and Nelson, to name a few.

Many of these bands can easily be tagged as 80’s Heavy Metal, Hair Metal, Glam Metal, Classic Rock or Arena Rock and I’m down with that. Deciding which Rock genre a band nestles into comfortably is not difficult. Heck, it’s not like figuring out calculus or some insane Food Network recipe. Many bands are often placed into multiple genres anyways. Metal be thy name.

Realistically, I cannot possibly listen to every Hard Rock album that’s been released at this point in the year, therefore this list of MUST OWN albums for this Summer of 2011 may not correspond with your favorites in parts or in whole. As we approach the midway point of 2011, these are the Hard Rock albums that have ROCKED my brains out! In my Metal opinion, these are five albums worth your hard earned money to buy and crank up LOUD during this coming Summer of 2011… and beyond.

* Metal Odyssey Note: This list is in no particular order and it is Part I of a series. All of the albums chosen are 2011 releases. You have to wait for the “Metal Odyssey Best Of 2011” lists that come out around Christmas/New Years for a definitive list. Be patient, that time will come quicker than we all know!

KING KOBRA – Yes, King Kobra is back. Why? Well, cause Carmine Appice says so. Plus, this self-titled comeback album from King Kobra ROCKS like every day is F’n Friday. Metal be thy name, Carmine should have given this album a title after all… and named it Feel Good. Carmine assembled the original King Kobra lineup once again for this 2011 edition… only the lead singer is the exception. Paul Shortino (Rough Cutt & Quiet Riot) has taken over the vocal lead now. Why? Well, cause Carmine asked him to that’s why. Plus, as a bonus, Paul can sing pretty damn good. (King Kobra was released on Frontiers Records).

WARRANT – No, no, no. And no again. This is NOT the Warrant you remember from 1989, 1990 or even 2006. Nope. This Warrant can kick any of those Warrant’s asses. Why you ask? Cause this Rockaholic album (Frontiers Records) kicked my ass into next wednesday. Except at lead vocals, an “original” Warrant lineup is in place on Rockaholic. This third vocalist for Warrant has turned out to be their BEST, in my crazed Metal opinion. Robert Mason (Lynch Mob) and a “less cheese is more” approach has made this Warrant album smoke, from start to finish. (Rockaholic was released on Frontiers Records).

JOURNEY – Somewhere along the line, someone told Neal Schon to make a Journey album that would psyche-out Stone over at Metal Odyssey to the point of ridiculous Hard Rockin’ ecstasy. Neal and his band did just that… and it’s titled Eclipse. Thank you Neal. By the way… this new Journey album, excuse me, I mean CD, is a Walmart exclusive. It’s o.k. to go to Walmart and buy this new Journey CD. For Metal sakes, Walmart is not going to bite you in the ass and give you an infection if you go there to buy Eclipse.

FAITHSEDGE – For those of you who recognizes this Faithsedge album cover from being at the top of this post, well done. This Southern California Hard Rock band not only released their self-titled debut this year, they’ve also made one of the BEST Hard Rockin’ albums I’ve heard all year. Melodic, contagious and simply 100% memorable is this Faithsedge album. By the way, remember this name: Giancarlo Floridia. Why you query? Cause this Rockin’ dude is more than likely the next Joe Lynn Turner of Hard Rock. (Faithsedge was released on Scarlet Records).

REV THEORY – Whoa. Uh, was Rev Theory beamed up by space aliens, only to arrive at Planet Kick-Ass Hard Rock? I think they were. Cause upon returning to this round ball of 75% water that we call Earth: Rev Theory have released their third studio album Justice, one that thunders along like an out of control micro-cell in the hot, humid, Summer sky. Not one song on Justice can I ignore, this album is that damn consistent with it’s Hard Rockin’ intensity. What you need to do here is: buy Justice, play it LOUD and get psyched-out. After that, you may thank me for a month of Saturdays.

* For more info on the bands and their albums listed above, just click on the very cool links provided below:

JOURNEY

FAITHSEDGE – facebook

FAITHSEDGE – Official Website

WARRANT ROCKS

REV THEORY – Official Website

REV THEORY – myspace music

www.myspace.com/officialkingkobra

KING KOBRA – Official facebook

www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords

LONG LIVE HARD ROCK.

The word “nestles” was used in this post.

Stone.

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JOURNEY – “ECLIPSE”: Get The Quickest Album Review Here!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock music, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, melodic rock, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 24, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

WHOA!

ECLIPSE IS ROCKIN’ SOLID… FRONT, BACK AND CENTER!

JOURNEY IS A ROCK INSTITUTION.

CLASSIC ROCK LIVES THROUGH JOURNEY.

WHOA AGAIN!

RING THAT HARD ROCKIN’ BELL AND KISS THE CLASSIC ROCK SKY… ‘CAUSE JOURNEY’S ECLIPSE IS THE REASON WHY!

ARNEL. NEAL. ROSS. JONATHAN. DEEN.

AND… METAL BE THY NAME.

THIS IS MY FIRST IMPRESSION… AFTER 4 LISTENS. IT’S A LASTING IMPRESSION TOO. A PROPER REVIEW SHALL FOLLOW DOWN THE METAL ROAD… STAY TUNED. 

* For more info on JOURNEY, just click here: JOURNEY

LONG LIVE JOURNEY.

Stone.

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