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2CENTS – “DRESS TO KILL” DELIVERS RAW, HARDCORE, ATTITUDE LACED METAL!

Posted in hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, hardcore metal music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, nu metal music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 2, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

2CENTS – Originating from Los Angeles, California, 2Cents have blended together a Metal meets Hardcore Punk sound and have done so in a raucous and raw manner, which makes them all the more favorable to my Metal ears. April 20, 2010, is when 2Cents released their 13 song studio album, Dress To Kill, on Eight O Five Records and Fontana Distribution. After just my first listen through of Dress To Kill, I realize 2Cents is like the very rowdy dude that shows up at every keg and house party… and only makes the party better.

If you are to listen to Dress To Kill the way it was meant to be… it really should be listened to F’n LOUD. When played LOUD in the car, passerby’s wearing turtlenecks may find the heavy totality of Dress To Kill, coupled with it’s lyrics, to be rather disruptive. Excellent! 2Cents are double loaded with attitude, with many hints of Punk attitude just for good measure. Excellent! There are always going to be those Hard Rock, Heavy Metal and Extreme Bands that won’t give a damn about using profanity in their songs lyrics, 2Cents is just that band. Excellent! Let Metal freedom ring!

Whoever said Rock ‘N’ Roll was supposed to be squeaky clean anyway? Oh, it was probably ABBA. Anyways, 2Cents has one hell of a song that kick starts Dress To Kill off into high F’n gear – Dressed To Kill. It’s the frenetic drumming that opens Dressed To Kill that gets my Metal adrenaline on high, giving way to the Nu Metal meets Rapcore with Hardcore tendencies in-between. Deeply Madly is an extremely heavy song, with Adam O’ Rourke’s shouts overpowering an already powerful rhythm section and blistering guitars.. a thunder stomp, monster of a song.

Wicked By Design is Metal angst all coiled up and bound, then suddenly cut loose to infiltrate and destroy all eardrums, that dare to wear a headset while listening to this song’s extremely heavy outpouring of Metal. The real 2Cents party just gets started with the song Get What?. It’s all about the sheer blitz of heaviness and Hardcore vocals that Get What? translates. Even within all of this song’s extremities, I can still call out this song as standout and most likely a live favorite for 2Cents fans for many years to come.

Choose Your Illusion is so damned heavy and brutal that it probably could tear through a steel door that’s a foot thick. Tear Down Your Reasons is a union of Hardcore and Metal joining forces, creating a blend of Extreme that gets tempered by the memorable and harmonious chorus. This song boasts a powerful and contagious rhythm and tempo that doesn’t let up on it’s fiery attack. The Hollow is an out of control juggernaut in flames that cannot be contained nor controlled… only enjoyed on an almost bizarre level of Metal lovin’ madness. 2Cents knew how to bring Dress To Kill to a close, with The Hollow, it’s Hardcore bursting out at the Metal seams with vicious and extreme muscularity.

Any fan of Metal or even Hard Rock that is looking for a new album release that explodes with ultra revved up heaviness, both in music and vocals, should take a keen Metal liking to 2Cents – Dress To Kill. Some may find listening to Dress To Kill equivalent to opening a six-pack of Metal Music whoop ass… I feel that way. 2Cents incorporates a few Heavy Music genres within it’s core sound, however, they are best summed up as an F’n Heavy Duty, Metal Band. This band is damn good at what they write and play, in my Metal opinion. Add the fact they obviously don’t give a crap about mainstream acceptance only makes 2Cents that much more legit in my Metal mind.

* 2Cents – Dress To Kill receives 4.5 out of 5 Metal Fists rating from Metal Odyssey!

2Cents Are:

Adam O’Rourke – lead vocals & drums

Adair Cobley – guitar

Jason Wendell – bass

Dave O’Rourke – guitar & vocals

Track Listing For Dress To Kill:

Dressed To Kill

Love Like A Riot

Come And Get It

Deeply Madly

Wicked By Design

Now You Know

The Distance Travelled

Get What?

Shes Gone

Choose Your Illusion

Tear Down Your Reasons

Death Vegas

The Hollow

* For more info on 2Cents, just click the link below!

2Cents – MySpace Music Page

* 2Cents has played on the 2010 Jagermeister Music Tour with headliner and the ever legendary – KORN. This tour started on May 2, 2010, with dates through June 2, 2010.

Stone.

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KARNIVOOL – “SOUND AWAKE” IS A KALEIDOSCOPE OF PROGRESSIVE & HEAVY ROCK

Posted in alternative rock music, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, progressive metal music, progressive rock music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 1, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

KARNIVOOL – Released on February 16, 2010, on Sony Music Entertainment, Sound Awake has already achieved Gold Certification in Australia, (Karnivool’s home country). Following their impressive and progressively hard & heavy album debut Themata from 2005, Karnivool has shown their fans and the music world they are not about to be stamped out by any sophomore jinx. If life is about taking chances, then Karnivool has inadvertently self inflicted themselves as being risk takers in the vast world of Heavy Music. A Progressive and Alternative sound can be a make or break proposition, when a band wants to embark on the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Universe. Karnivool has not only embarked with their Themata release from 2005, they have now forged their very own identity and placement, among the Progressive and Alternative Heavy Music battalion with Sound Awake.

Sound Awake opens up with Simple Boy, immediately setting the table for what Karnivool is serving one’s ears. Layered with exquisite guitars, the breakdowns are smart and intensely interesting. Throw in the buzzing sound of a bee and Simple Boy is just the beginning of this Heavy Progressive mind buffet. Ian Kenny on lead vocals resonates, hitting some high pitches that are Arena quality. Set Fire To The Hive showcases vocal and sound effects to heighten the modernism that this song permeates. Karnivool never loses sight of their musical heaviness on Set Fire To The Hive, while delivering an upper cut to the chin with their multi-layered progressive attack.

The Medicine Wears Off times out at 1:50, quite contrary to any Old School Progressive standards. Just bear in mind, this is not about sticking to convention with Sound Awake, a strong musical characteristic that Karnivool bestows is diversity and The Medicine Wears Off mellows down the pace with this semi-surreal song. Illumine can and rightfully should be a standout song on this album. The consistent up-tempo combined with it’s overall melodic vibe, makes Illumine a song that’s incredibly memorable. To label Illumine a hit is non-essential, this song is a star amongst many on Sound Awake.

Deadman is one of two songs on Sound Awake that has a running time of over ten minutes. This is what Progressive Rock is about, the song. If one is looking for the mind journey experience with Karnivool, thou shall not be disappointed with Deadman. Lyrically complete as it is musically precise, Deadman leads with it’s formidable and Alternative vocal presence courtesy of Ian Kenny, which fuses so well with the abstract sound and feel of it’s hard edged music. The abrupt climax to Deadman only exemplifies the artistic style that Karnivool has established for themselves as a band. Listening to Deadman makes me truly realize that Karnivool is all about music and all about the song.

To mention Deadman and not acknowledge the other ten minute-plus epic would be a travesty. Change is a song that develops itself into an array of musical doors that keep opening around me, inviting me in and weaving it’s Progressive signatures, in a manner that is embracingly captivating to my senses. It is very easy to wander off into a kaleidoscope of musical thoughts while listening to Change, an all natural affect that I am more than willing to experience again and again. In it’s totality, Sound Awake is a Progressive Kaleidoscope of songs, just waiting to be heard by anyone who loves music… period.

The musicians of Karnivool are obviously incredibly astute, with an awareness for capturing the nuances of their instruments in their most enhanced state, coupled with the almost sense of urgency to articulate the music as if it is fine art. Has Karnivool broken any new ground in this ever changing landscape of Progressive Rock genres? I can confidently say yes, with their uniqueness being highlighted by their musical and vocal diversity. Karnivool is not a band concentrating on making the hit single. Instead, Karnivool obviously has succeeded at making a complete album of richly written songs, which only reflects on their being a highly talented band that shall continue to rise. Please excuse me now… Sound Awake beckons me to listen once again.

KARNIVOOL IS:

Drew Goddard – guitar

Ian Kenny – vocals

Jon Stockman – bass

Mark Hosking – guitar

Steve Judd – drums

Track Listing For Sound Awake:

Simple Boy

Goliath

New Day

Set Fire To The Hive

Umbra

All I Know

The Medicine Wears Off

The Caudal Lure

Illumine

Deadman

Change

* Check out the music video for Set Fire To The Hive:

* For more info on KARNIVOOL, just click on the links below!

KARNIVOOL – MySpace Music Page

KARNIVOOL – Official Website

YouTube

Stone.

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HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY AMERICA! PLUS A MEMORIAL DAY ALBUM RECOMMENDATION!

Posted in hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, holidays, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 31, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

Metal Odyssey extends a LOUD & PROUD – Happy Memorial Day to The United States of America!! I give unreal thank you’s to all of the Armed Forces of yesterday, to all those brave men and women who fought and/or gave their lives for democracy and protected the great country of America. The current Armed Forces of brave men and women do not go unnoticed here at Metal Odyssey either… thank you for giving up so much of your selves to make certain The United States of America remains a free and protected country. I also thank each and every member of my extended family, who served in the Armed Forces, both past and present. God Bless all of you.

Here is a Metal Odyssey – Metal listening recommendation for your Memorial Day and beyond!

QUEENSRYCHE – AMERICAN SOLDIER

Released on March 31, 2009 on Rhino Records.

This album is an incredibly patriotic listen… Queensryche created a great one here.

You can check out my review I posted for Queensryche – American Soldier, back on April 3, 2009. Just click that really cool and big link below to read all about American Soldier.

Queensryche “American Soldier” is Metal that honors those who serve.

GOD BLESS AMERICA.

Stone.

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NAZARETH “NO MEAN CITY” REISSUE – BEING RELEASED JUNE 15, 2010!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, classic rock music, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 31, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

NAZARETH – From Dunfermline, Scotland, came the now ever legendary Rock & Hard Rock Band – Nazareth. Back in January of 1979, Nazareth released No Mean City, which has been a lifetime favorite album of mine. This ever memorable album of richly crafted Rock and Hard Rock songs will have it’s reissue on June 15, 2010, on the record label called – Salvo. For nearly forty years, Nazareth has been Rockin’ around the globe, bringing their Rockin’ bluesy boogie and Hard Rockin’ blue collar thunder to the masses. Forty years… that is an ultra impressive tenure for a Rock Band, simply amazing. No Mean City deserves it’s recognition and deserves to be heard by a younger generation of Rock, Hard Rock and yes… Heavy Metal fans too. A sub-caption on this No Mean City album cover should read: Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Roots.

It was first brought to my Metal attention about this reissue of No Mean City by Metal buddy Rob Rockitt over at Hard Rock Hideout. Upon Rob informing me of this terrific news, I thought to myself, it’s about time! There are those certain Rock albums of yesteryear that explode with well written songs and incredible musicianship, No Mean City is just one of those albums… in my Metal opinion. Plus, the most current No Mean City CD that is available around the internet record sites, that was released back in 2002 on Eagle Music Europe, sells in the $68.00 range in U.S. funds!! Whoa. Whoa again. This insanely expensive 2002 import/remastered version of No Mean City can soon hit the Metal road… a more competent price point of around $17.00, (U.S. funds), will be the version of choice by fans who know the value of a dollar.

I have excitedly praised this Rock historic band Nazareth over my lifetime, especially this No Mean City album, to just about anyone who cares to lend an ear. Rob Rockitt has been no exception… he is without a Metal doubt, looking forward to giving this No Mean City album a thorough listen. I can’t wait to hear/read about what he has to say, about this all time favorite Rock album of mine.

If you are already a fan of Nazareth and this No Mean City album from 1979, you definitely know what I am talking about with all of my adulation for this Rock album gem. In the Metal event you are “new” to Nazareth and never heard of No Mean City… do the right thing and buy this reissue, thou shall not be disappointed if you are a fan of quality Rock/Hard Rock and/or Classic Rock Music that never dies. Metal be thy name.

For now, you can read the review I wrote/posted on No Mean City… this post was launched on Metal Odyssey on October 9, 2009. Just click the cool header link below for my review:

NAZARETH “NO MEAN CITY” – 1979 HARD ROCK ALBUM IS A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH

Track listing for the 2010 reissue of Nazareth – No Mean City:

Just To Get Into It

May The Sunshine

Simple Solution (Parts 1&2)

Star

Claim To Fame

Whatever You Want Babe

What’s In It For Me

No Mean City (Parts 1&2)

Bonus Tracks:

May The Sunshine (Single Mix)

Snaefell (previously unreleased instrumental)

* This reissue of No Mean City will be packaged in a wallet-style digipak.

Nazareth, as they appear on No Mean City:

Dan McCafferty – lead vocals

Pete Agnew – bass guitar, backing vocals

Manny Charlton – guitars

Zal Cleminson – guitars

Darrell Sweet – drums

Back Cover of the 2010 No Mean City reissue:

LONG LIVE NAZARETH AND THEIR ROCK ‘N’ ROLL!

Stone.

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KROKUS – 1986 FLASHBACK: “BURNING UP THE NIGHT” MUSIC VIDEO AND TOUR POSTER!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 30, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

KROKUS – Back in 1986, Krokus released their really cool, Hard Rockin’ and infectiously melodic album – Change Of Address. One hot single off of this album was Burning Up The Night. A feel-good late ’80’s Hard Rock song that makes me want to check in my nonsensical stress at the Metal door! Each time I listen to this classic Krokus song… I do just that, throw away the negativity and let the Rock be the Rule! Check out the music video below… crank it up LOUD and be glad you did.

Take a Metal look at this vintage concert/tour poster from around 1986! Judas Priest was out supporting their Turbo album, (released in 1986 on Columbia Records), and Krokus supporting, of course, their Change Of Address album released the same year on Arista Records. I’m almost certain Metal buddy Kinger over at Demolish Fanzine – 1980’s Heavy Metal Revival plucked this piece of Metal history out of his Heavy Metal archives and sent it my way… this is the vintage and cool Heavy Metal history you can find over at Demolish, it’s worth the Metal visit to peruse over there.

KROKUS – Change Of Address (1986)

JUDAS PRIEST – Turbo (1986)

Here are some recent posts Metal Odyssey has featured, relating to both Krokus – Change Of Address and Judas Priest – Turbo… click on the header links below if you like and enrich your Metal mind or maybe get semi-annoyed. Either way, feel free to comment on your Metal thoughts regarding these two bands, their albums and incredible accomplishments in Heavy Metal history.

KROKUS “HEADHUNTER BLITZ” – AN ESSENTIAL GREATEST HITS FROM 2002!

JUDAS PRIEST “TURBO” – 1986 ALBUM IN MY METAL RETROSPECT

Oh, yes, Metal Odyssey has one more comment regarding KROKUS:

COME TO AMERICA FOR SOME CONCERT DATES LATER IN 2010! YOUR FANS ARE HERE… WE NEVER LEFT!! THERE IS DEMAND FOR YOUR ROCK ‘N’ ROLL IN AMERICA!

Stone.

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KROKUS “HEADHUNTER BLITZ” – AN ESSENTIAL GREATEST HITS FROM 2002!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 26, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

KROKUS – Once upon a Metal time there was the 1980’s… and Krokus Rocked that decade like there was no tomorrow. Krokus released seven studio albums during those colorful ’80’s, power packed with plenty of memorable songs. If I was to make a “master list” of “must” Hard Rock and/or Heavy Metal Bands from this funtastic decade of the ’80’s, Krokus would no doubt be among my top picks. I recently grabbed ahold of a very cool and addicting greatest hits CD from Krokus to listen to – Headhunter Blitz, released in 2002 on BMG Special Products.

I picked this CD up years ago for two substantive reasons: 1. It’s Krokus for Metal sakes, 2. The ten songs on Headhunter Blitz are a fabulous sampling of an ultra great decade of Krokus albums. Below I’ll give some Metal insight to the ten songs heard on Headhunter Blitz, a modest tribute to an Old School – good times – Hard Rockin’ Band that is still Rockin’ better than ever in 2010!

1980 saw the release of Metal Rendez-vous, with Heart Attack closing out the decade for Krokus in 1988. In between these two albums were the more famous titles within the Krokus catalog of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. There are not too many bands these days, that would or even could release seven studio albums in one decade. Krokus did… and their 1980’s albums are worth every penny you may spend on them today.

In 1982, Krokus began making headway into the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal hearts of fans with One Vice at a Time. Long Stick Goes Boom and the cover song American Woman, (originally made famous by The Guess Who), are the two most popular tracks that jump out and grab me still, as if I am hearing them for the first time.

Released in 1983, Headhunter became the highest U.S. chart topping album in the entire Krokus catalog, retaining thus status to this very day in 2010. I can recall walking the hallways of my old high school, back in ’83, with the Headhunter vinyl underneath my arm, like it was a text book. In essence, it was… to me. Metal be thy name, that Headhunter album “taught” me a thing or two about real Rock ‘N’ Roll.

From the power ballad of Screaming In The Night, to the Heavy Metal onslaught of the title song Headhunter, this Krokus album shall forever be heralded by me as a complete and great album of Hard and Heavy songs. Eat The Rich is another standout song heard on Headhunter, it’s lean, loud and heavy! Throw in the bluesy heaviness of Stayed Awake All Night and my Metal point is exemplified with ease here.

The Blitz being released in 1984, only made Krokus all the more appealing to FM radio and MTV. Marc Storace showcases his vocal talents with the melodic power ballad Our Love, the melodic Hard Rocker Midnite Maniac and once again a credible cover song with Ballroom Blitz, (originally made famous by Sweet).

If you would like to see the classic Our Love music video from 1984, just click the link below:

KROKUS – “OUR LOVE” MUSIC VIDEO FROM 1984!

1986 came along with once again… another memorable and melodic Hard Rock offering from Krokus! Change Of Address carried over the Hard Rock and ’80’s Arena Rock accessibility with the songs Hot Shot City and Burning Up The Night… with plenty of  chorus and big guitar sound. School’s Out is the cover song on this album and Krokus doesn’t disappoint, with their style and attitude only accentuating it’s lyrics and theme. Alice Cooper’s original School’s Out is legendary… this Krokus cover is classic. Change Of Address is a Krokus album that captured that mid ’80’s wide openness of mainstream Hard Rock/Heavy Metal vibe. Despite whatever reviews may have circulated over the decades, regarding Change Of Address, I just so happen to really, really, really like this Krokus album, so let it be Metal written, so let it be Metal done.

I strongly urge and/or recommend any fan of Old School, 1980’s Hard Rock, Arena Rock and Heavy Metal to get their ears into the Krokus catalog of albums! A greatest hits such as Headhunter Blitz makes for an excellent start for new fans to become acquainted with Switzerland’s biggest and best band to ever cross the Atlantic.

Track Listing For Headhunter Blitz:

Midnite Maniac

Eat The Rich

Ballroom Blitz

Headhunter

American Woman

School’s Out

Stayed Awake All Night

Long Stick Goes Boom

Hot Shot City

Screaming In The Night

Metal Odyssey Note: The classic Krokus lineup from the 1982 album – One Vice At A Time is back together in 2010! With their NEW album release – Hoodoo. If you need some Metal guidance into how great this new Krokus album, Hoodoo, really is… just click on the link below to read my review:

KROKUS “HOODOO” – CASTS A HARD ROCKIN’ & HEAVY METAL CLASSIC SPELL!

The One Vice At A Time, classic Krokus lineup, as they are in 2010:

Marc Storace – vocals

Chris Von Rohr – bass, vocals

Fernando Von Arb – lead guitars, vocals

Mark Kohler – rhythm guitars

Freddy Steady – drums

LONG LIVE KROKUS ROCK ‘N’ ROLL!

Stone.

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ELO’S ORIGINAL AND VELVET REVOLVER’S COVER – “CAN’T GET IT OUT OF MY HEAD”

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock bands, classic rock music, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, hard rock songs, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, progressive rock music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 19, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

What does the Electric Light Orchestra and Velvet Revolver have in common? The song – Can’t Get It Out Of My Head.

Here is the cover version of Can’t Get It Out Of My Head by Velvet Revolver:

Here is the original album version of Can’t Get It Out Of My Head by the Electric Light Orchestra:

Which version of Can’t Get It Out Of My Head do you like better? For me, it’s ELO’s original. Listening to ELO’s original just takes me back to when I first really became interested in music. The exploration and journey into the vast world of music, of Rock and Roll, was a profoundly exhilarating and personal experience for me as a kid. Just hearing the orchestration and the arrangements, makes me marvel at how this song was put together. There is emotion that seeps from both ELO’s original and Velvet Revolver’s cover version, only the ELO original really packs in the higher emotion, due to the string arrangements, in my Metal opinion.

Velvet Revolver substitutes an electric guitar courtesy of the ultra great Slash, in exchange for the piano and synthesizer that ELO used, making for a more harder and edgier sound. Velvet Revolver makes Can’t Get It Out Of My Head really Rock, for certain… while still not losing sight of the song’s original outpouring of emotion, that it is so well known for. My personal feeling, is that this is one of Scott Weiland’s finest moments as a vocalist in his entire career… Stone Temple Pilots, his solo album and Velvet Revolver combined. I do embrace this cover version from Velvet Revolver, no question about it, making for one of my more favorite Velvet Revolver songs from their two albums.

This is the cover for the ELO single Can’t Get It Out Of My Head, released in 1974.

* Electric Light Orchestra released Eldorado, their fourth studio album, back in 1974.

* Velvet Revolver released Libertad, their second studio album, back in July of 2007.

At the end of my Metal day, I can easily recommend both versions of Can’t Get It Out Of My Head to anyone. Yet ELO’s original can never be topped.

Stone.

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METAL ODYSSEY’S ALBUM PICKS OF THE WEEK AND BEYOND: ALL RONNIE JAMES DIO

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 18, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

DIO – With Ronnie James Dio’s passing away on May 16, 2010, I, like so many countless other fans, have been listening to his music this week with a lump in our throats and knots in our stomachs. To recommend a DIO album to someone who is totally “new” to the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal of Ronnie James Dio, I would point out ALL. Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, DIO… the Metal sky is the limit for new fans. Still, the obvious way to recruit new fans to the magical voice that Ronnie James Dio bestowed upon us, is to have that greatest hits available and at the Metal ready.

Any and all new fans to Ronnie James Dio MUST just acquire or purchase  – The Very Beast Of DIO, which was released back in October of 2000. I bought this CD, despite having the albums that are represented on this compilation, be it vinyl, cassette or CD. I was browsing the CD aisle at Walmart a couple of years ago, The Very Beast Of DIO was there and it was only 7 dollars (U.S.), if my Metal memory serves me correct. I bought it finally because it is DIO and this CD was an arms length from me. Plus, all of the “hits” are on this CD… 16 monster hits from DIO! From Stand Up And Shout to Strange Highways, with Mystery and Rock ‘N’ Roll Children in-between, a DIO greatest hits is a Metal necessity.

However… don’t get me wrong… ANY album from DIO shall suffice! Of course, there are the fan favorites to choose, nonetheless, there is not a bummer album out there, with Ronnie James Dio on lead vocals. Metal be thy name.

Dive into Holy Diver from 1983. An amazing debut album from DIO… pure Metal brilliance. You can read what I wrote about this DIO album, back on June 17, 2009, by clicking the header below:

DIO “Holy Diver” – long live this Metal masterpiece!

The Last In Line from 1984 is… incredible. You can check out my post I wrote about this DIO album, back on August 12, 2009, by clicking the header below:

DIO “The Last In Line” will last my Metal Music lifetime

Get submersed into the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal roots of the 1978 Rainbow album – Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll… and don’t forget to sing along once you instantly catch onto the lyrics of the songs. Back on May 19, 2009, I wrote just how I feel about this ultra great Rainbow album with Ronnie James Dio on vocals. If you like, you can read it by clicking that big header below:

Rainbow “Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll” long lives indeed!

The second Black Sabbath album featuring Ronnie James Dio on vocals is… Mob Rules, released back in 1981. An unreal and jaw dropping Heavy Metal album is Mob Rules. On May 23, 2009, I wrote about this album too… and how it RULES. One click to the header below will let you read all about it:

Black Sabbath – “Mob Rules” still rules the Metal world

On April 28, 2009, the reunion album of the Ronnie James Dio fronted Black Sabbath took on an entirely new name… Heaven & Hell. The album title – The Devil You Know. I was not just counting down the weeks and days for this albums release… I was counting the F’n hours! On April 30, 2009, I wrote with Metal glee about how I felt listening to this Heaven & Hell album, with Ronnie James Dio at the vocal helm. Click the header below to read what I had to say… if you like.

Heaven & Hell “The Devil You Know” is Metal greatness!

On March 18, 2010, I wrote just how I feel about Ronnie James Dio. A Hard Rock and Heavy Metal vocalist, lyricist and songwriter that captured my Metal heart and soul so many Metal moons ago. The header below, can take you to read what I had to say, on that day, about Ronnie James Dio:

RONNIE JAMES DIO – A TRUE HEAVY METAL WARRIOR!

As I have had a couple of days to let it all sink in, the passing of Ronnie James Dio is reality. This is what life is about… people are born and people pass on. I love the old saying: As one door closes, another door opens. I certainly pray and assume the door to Heaven has opened for Ronnie James Dio. God Bless you Ronnie James Dio.

Stone.

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KORN – “KORN III REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE” ALBUM COVER ART AND TRACK LISTING REVEALED!

Posted in alternative metal bands, alternative metal music, alternative rock music, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 15, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

KORN – RoadRunner Records revealed on Friday, May 14, 2010, via their website, the new album artwork for KORN III Remember Who You Are, along with the track listing. KORN III Remember Who You Are will be the ninth studio release from this legendary Nu Metal/Alternative Metal giant. Call it what you will… KORN is still heavy and the Heavy Metal world only gets more muscle bound by their return… in my Metal opinion. Check out the track listing for KORN III Remember Who You Are below! Also, the new album cover is really chilling… whoa. Leave it to KORN to get into the issues of our society once again! What do you think of this album cover? I’ll tell you right now… it creeps the hell out of me. This album cover speaks volumes for what currently is a societal evil that exists and lurks today, an evil that the world can live without. What else can I say, really, that’s my honest Metal opinion. Leave a comment and get it off your Metal chest!

Track Listing For KORN III Remember Who You Are:

Uber Time

Oildale (Leave Me Alone)

Pop A Pill

Fear Is A Place To Live

Move On

Lead The Parade

Let The Guilt Go

The Past

Never Around

Are You Ready To Live?

Holding All These Lies

KORN IS:

Jonathan Davis – vocals

James “Munky” Shaffer – guitar

Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu – bass guitar

Ray Luzier – drums

* For more info on KORN, click here: KORN – Official Website

* For more info on RoadRunner Records, click here: ROADRUNNER RECORDS

KORN III Remember Who You Are is to be released on July 13, 2010, on RoadRunner Records.

Stone.

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STYGIAN – “FURY RISING” RISES WITH SOLID, HEAVY SONGS WORTH CATCHING ONTO

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, heavy metal songs, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 14, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

STYGIAN – At first glance of this Stygian – Fury Rising album cover, one would guess the music within is Death Metal. Stygian instead, is a Hard Rock fused with Heavy Metal band, their music can go either way, depending on the song. As I hear it, Stygian’s Hard Rock and Heavy Metal is heavy in the vein of Metallica’s Load and ReLoad. This comparison sounds rather exemplary, sure, only Fury Rising is still more rough around the edges than any Metallica album from the ’90’s… and that is not a bad thing. After all, Stygian like so many bands before them, are going to be influenced by greatness such as Metallica, while trying to differentiate themselves from the pack. If I had a dime for every time I’ve read an interview of a band and/or musician who states The Beatles are their influence, I would be a rich Metalhead for certain. Metallica has taken the reins over the years… as being that influence to so many new and young bands. It’s a Metal fact of life and I’m down with it.

Some semblance of Thrash is mixed about on Fury Rising, with plenty of Old School riffs and leads of speed. Just don’t go looking for Overkill’s legendary style of Thrash Metal… (I’m only trying to dissect the sound and music style as best as I Metal can here). Overall, Fury Rising is as solid and muscular of a Heavy Metal album as they come, especially from a young band that seems to wear their influences on their sleeves. There is nothing wrong with a young band exhibiting some slices of Old School Metal in their songs.

Frank Leary on vocals and guitar does come across as the ever competent front man. His vocals have the strength and potency to make the songs on this album all the more bolder. On Fever Slide, Frank Leary adapts his vocals to accommodate this song’s tempered Rock energy, essentially a hardened ballad is Fever Slide. Patrick Hayden on lead guitar just pulls me in like a Metal vacuum, lean and mean licks abound. The song Fury Rising is a Metal attention grabber, a highlight on this album for my Metal ears and definitely my favorite.

Stygian is a band that could easily open up for Godsmack, Saliva as well as Metallica. Stygian has the sound, songs and obvious talent to keep moving forward, with all the Metal confidence in the world. Fury Rising is a fistful of memorable songs, with heavy grooves aplenty. After a few listens to Fury Rising, you just may agree with me, that this is an album that is bursting out at the seams with quality written and played songs. I look forward to hearing more from Stygian in the years to come, a band that sounds this good now can’t possibly resist striving for greatness… just like their influences.

* STYGIAN – Fury Rising, was released on February 9, 2010 on Mortal Music.

* STYGIAN means: dark or gloomy, infernal; hellish. (source: Dictionary.com)

* This STYGIAN band is not to be confused with the other STYGIAN band from the mid 1990’s, which released an album titled: Planetary Destruction, released in 1994.

* For more info on STYGIAN, click here: STYGIAN – Myspace Music Page

STYGIAN ARE:

Frank Leary – vocals & guitar

Patrick Hayden – lead guitar

Mike Stewart – bass

Steve Bacchia – drums

Track Listing For Fury Rising:

Suffer Patiently

Fury Rising

Crimson Sand

My Regret

One More Shot

Last Redemption

Unstrung Hero

The Fear

Glass Legacy

Fever Slide

Stone.

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HAIR METAL 101: POISON – “GREAT BIG HITS LIVE! BOOTLEG”

Posted in Hair Metal, hair metal albums, hair metal bands, hair metal music, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, hard rock songs, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 13, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

POISON – Of course the extremely world famous Poison has and forever will be classified as a Hair Metal Band. You know what… at the end of my Metal day… it’s all Rock ‘N’ Roll anyways. I like Poison a good deal, always have. What’s really not to like? C.C. Deville has delighted my Metal ears for many years with his guitar play, plus his affiliation with the legendary Motorhead is forever etched in Metal… C.C. appears on the 2007 Motorhead album – Kiss Of Death, playing the guitar solo on God Was Never On Your Side.

Bret Michaels really is the real deal front man, a showman and he can surely sing. My Metal take on Bret Michaels has always been that he is the total Rock ‘N’ Roll package as a lead singer. I’m not saying he is the greatest lead vocalist in Hard Rock and Heavy Metal history… he just fits right in to the whole Poison persona, without him… no Poison. (In my Metal opinion). I or anyone can make their own “personal” list of “total package” Rock ‘N’ Roll musicians and/or singers… it’s all about Metal preference. It’s just very hard to argue that Bret Michaels is not really great at what he has done/does for Poison and Rock ‘N’ Roll in general.

Poison became a gigantic brand over the decades due to their loyalty to their fans and vice versa, constant touring and staying extremely relevant. It’s actually a refreshing example, that Poison never called it a day when all the nay sayers were out there putting down Old School Hard Rock and Heavy Metal in the early to mid 1990’s. Poison just kept doing what they always did best… tour and play their songs. Poison never went away… Metal be thy name.

I did get to see Poison once, back on Saturday, June 8, 1991 at Lake Compounce Amusement Park in Bristol, Connecticut. I will attest to the Metal fact, that Poison played LOUD and were very, very, very, good live. Slaughter and Bulletboys opened up for Poison on that night. Slaughter played an all acoustic set. That was a night I’ll never forget… a damn good time we had, my wife, (she was my girlfriend at the time), was with me for this night of Hair Metal glory. My wife’s sister and boyfriend also were with us at this concert… they eventually married each other too. This Metal memory of that Poison concert so many years ago, gets rekindled each time I play Great Big Hits Live! Bootleg.

Great Big Hits Live! Bootleg may not go down in Rock history as the greatest live album ever… still it is a cool listen into Poison’s live Rock ‘N’ Roll. All the crucial hits are on this album, my favorite song being Unskinny Bop. That funky bass line I hear on Unskinny Bop gets me every time. Look What The Cat Dragged In and Talk Dirty To Me are two Poison classics… these two songs for Metal sakes flat out ROCK. To see and hear Poison play these two songs live, is proof in the Metal pudding as to what I exactly mean. I’ve never been the most thrilled fan of the ballad – Every Rose Has It’s Thorn, (hey, I can’t like ’em all!), regardless, the live version proves to be a more cool listen to my Metal ears.

There are live albums that will go down in Rock history as being impeccable… this live Poison album should just go down in Rock history as being a Rockin’ good time listen and (gasp) fun. There are many moments on this live album where the songs do not run into one another… the lack of continuity may be a minor downer. At the end of I Want Action, the song is cut off while Bret Michaels is chatting up the crowd. Overall, this is a live Poison album that I will listen to without giving a second Metal thought.

The more I listened to this live Poison album recently, the more I realized that Bret Michaels, with his amazing and inspiring medical recovery, really has given his fans… Something To Believe In.

* Here is my concert ticket stub from that cool night of Hair Metal, back in 1991:

POISON:

Bret Michaels – vocalist

C.C. Deville – guitar

Bobby Dall – bass

Rikki Rockett – drums

Track Listing For Great Big Hits Live! Bootleg:

Look What the Cat Dragged In

I Want Action

Something to Believe In

Love on the Rocks

Fallen Angel

Let It Play

Every Rose Has Its Thorn

Unskinny Bop

Nothin’ But a Good Time

Talk Dirty to Me

* The songs on Great Big Hits Live! Bootleg were recorded in Nashville, Tennessee, Atlanta Georgia and Charlotte, North Carolina in 1999.

* Great Big Hits Live! Bootleg was released on July 4, 2006, on Sony/BMG Music Entertainment.

LONG LIVE POISON ROCK ‘N’ ROLL!

KEEP THE FAITH, KEEP FIGHTIN’ BRET MICHAELS.

Stone.

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POP EVIL & CHARM CITY DEVILS CONCERT REVIEW: CROCODILE ROCK, ALLENTOWN, PA, MARCH 26, 2010

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock concerts, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 12, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

POP EVIL – When Metal buddy Ryo Vie over at The Rock and Roll Guru had emailed me, asking if I was interested in going to the Pop Evil and Charm City Devils concert, at Crocodile Rock in Allentown, PA… two Metal thoughts quickly crossed my Metal mind: 1. Cool, I like Charm City Devils very much, 2. Pop who? In the grand Metal scheme of things, it really is impossible to have a pulse on each and every Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal band out there. Throw in the other genres and I’m playing Metal catch up like my cat chasing his tail. I have procrastinated in blabbing about this concert in detail, I did blurb a thought on this night back on March 27, 2010, still, the boss here at Metal Odyssey, (me), says it’s cool. Best damned boss I’ve ever worked for.

I need to clear something up here… Allentown, PA, F’n ROCKS. Why you ask? Well, the Crocodile Rock is one good reason. Anyone and everyone from KITTIE to JACKYL with the MISFITS in between comes here. Add in The Great Allentown Fair, (this year RUSH is scheduled!) and it’s can’t miss! Plus, you have the annual MUSIKFEST in our neighboring city of Bethlehem, PA which boasts a bevy of incredible bands of all genres. So… enjoy the Billy Joel classic – Allentown, just understand that it is not a dying city or area of the country. Good people, good music, great place to live and work.

Oh, yeah, back to the Pop Evil concert review. Many times, when I am introduced or stumble upon a new and/or younger band, I feel like that Burl Ives Snowman from the iconic Christmas Special Classic created by Rankin/Bass – Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer. I believe that pudgy little snowman stated, during this Christmas Special… “ah, youth”. That thought crosses my Metal mind more often now, than during any other time in my Metal life. I’m NOT old, plus I do still look up to patriarchs of Rock and Metal like… Lemmy, Ozzy and Ronnie James Dio, like a little kid with a runny nose. Burl Ives… his music and voice will forever be timeless.

As Ryo and I drove up to Crocodile Rock, I was able to pull a “U” turn on the one-way and get a MINT parking spot right across the street from the front door! That’s Metal. Crocodile Rock is a fairly large club, a restaurant is located in the front, with a pool table and plenty of reminders that you are in a blue collar sanctuary. Once you enter the doors to the concert area, there are two large bars and plenty of standing room. Crocodile Rock can accommodate many patrons… that exact amount I won’t try to guess. There had to be at least a couple hundred people there to see Pop Evil and Charm City Devils. If I’m wrong with that figure, who cares.

Ryo and I bullshitted and had a few beers while we listened to Charm City Devils. Again, I really like Charm City Devils, Ryo doesn’t care for them too much… it’s alright though, ’cause eventually, one day, I’ll make him into a Cannibal Corpse fan. John Allen, (singer, songwriter and founding member) of Charm City Devils is as legitimate a front man for a Hard Rock band as any. I still say, if Charm City Devils was around in the late ’80’s, they would probably be filling arenas. Those were the days. Overall, Charm City Devils ROCKED, I know I blabbed that before, yet it is my Metal opinion and I’m sticking to it. I would without doubt, go see Charm City Devils again… and again. John Allen worked the crowd pretty good and the band was solid.

You see, when I go to a concert, I don’t write down the songs that the bands played. Why you ask? Well, once a couple of beers gets into my system… I’m just not interested in holding a pen and paper. I WANNA GET MY EARS ROCKED! Let’s just say, Charm City Devils played songs from their debut album Let’s Rock-N-Roll, with the title track being my highlight of seeing them live.

Step up onto the stage… POP EVIL. Ah, youth. Leigh Kakaty, the lead singer for POP EVIL, was animated, energetic, enthusiastic, dynamic and just DAMN GOOD. As a front man, Leigh is probably one of the biggest stars in the waiting when it comes to Rock and Hard Rock. Aw, heck, Leigh gave these POP EVIL songs an added boost of psyche-you-out fuel during the entire set. Metal be thy name. POP EVIL is Heavy Music diversity personified. From Rock to Heavy Metal, add in the Alternative and Funk ingredients to their musical recipe too. Whoa… I had a real great time watching these guys called POP EVIL. This band had the crowd in front of the stage in their very own, spellbound euphoria.

Matt DiRito on bass worked the stage like a seasoned Heavy Metal veteran, he has all the classic moves and poses patented… he can back up his swagger with his playing. Dave Grahs and Tony Greve made for a terrific exchange of guitar licks, real pro’s. Dylan Allison on drums made an impression on me too… no showboating… just playing with real emotion. Not to stray off into the corn dog field of dreams here… yet, POP EVIL is one mighty cool and Heavy band. Greatness is being sown here with POP EVIL… if an opportunity comes your way to see this band, grab ahold of it and experience this band LIVE.

* A Metal kudos goes out to POP EVIL for acknowledging their music heroes during their live set… one in particular is the late Dimebag Darrell Abbott of the mightily incredible – PANTERA. Leigh Kakaty had the crowd in a Metal frenzy upon his tribute to Dimebag… then when POP EVIL broke into WALK from PANTERA… it was Metal euphoria for me. To hear a live band such as POP EVIL, pay tribute to such an important Metal band and song, made me realize that the genres of Heavy Music are in good hands for years to come.

Ah, youth. Ah, POP EVIL. I’ve jumped on board for the ride… and I’m not getting off.

* For more info on POP EVIL, click here: POP EVIL – Official Website

* For more info on Charm City Devils, click here: Charm City Devils – Official Website

* For more info on Crocodile Rock, click here: Crocodile Rock

* POP EVIL was supporting their album lipstick on the mirror, released back on August 12, 2008, on Universal Republic Records.

* Charm City Devils was supporting their album Let’s Rock-N-Roll, released on May 26, 2009, on Eleven Seven Music.


Thanks Ryo, I’m now a POP EVIL fan.

Stone.

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JACKYL – “WHEN MOONSHINE AND DYNAMITE COLLIDE” LET’S THE HEAVY BOOGIE RUN WILD!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, hard rock songs, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, heavy metal songs, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 10, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

JACKYL – And on the eighth day… God created Jackyl. The only thing is, I don’t think even God knew just how true to the bone, blue-collar and hard hittin’ this band was going to be with their Rock ‘N’ Roll. If I have said it once, I’ll say it again… just so everyone knows… Jackyl is as American as F’n apple pie. This is one Hard Rockin’ and Heavy Metalin’ band that I don’t ever want to see call it a day. Metal alas… a NEW Jackyl album is OUT! Even with Jackyl earning the distinction of being a touring band over the last several years, these Southern Fried, Heavy Metal foot stompers have released – When Moonshine And Dynamite Collide, released on May 4, 2010, on Mighty Loud Records.

Listening to Jesse James Dupree belt out his grainy, sandpapered vocals to the Janis Joplin classic – Mercedes Benz, only solidifies the fact that Jackyl aint lookin’ to cow tow to no status quo. Long live Janis Joplin… for Jackyl hasn’t forgotten her! I like the vocal cover that Jesse did with Mercedes Benz, I dare anyone to tell him it sucks… to his face. Cover songs are a mainstay to Rock ‘N’ Roll, they exist to salute the Rock legends and influences of our past… Metal be thy name.

Jackyl’s Rock ‘N’ Roll brand has always sizzled with, dare I say… fun? Good Lord… Jackyl is not only still loud, hard & heavy with plenty of bang, bang, boogie beat, they are having a damned good time too! Somebody call the good times police… Jackyl is back with a new album!!

* If there is one warning that should come with this new Jackyl album, it is: When Moonshine And Dynamite Collide – must be played very F’n LOUD!

* Oh, another warning should read: Not meant for the fragile and clean ears of turtlenecks.

In the event that I have to point out my favorite song from When Moonshine And Dynamite Collide, (well, that event is now), the wood splittin’ winner is – She’s Not A Drug. Metal be damned, this song kicks my ass from sunset to sunrise. This song is saturated with Hard Rockin’, fist pumpin’ psyche-you-out glory… PUH-POW!!

I Can’t Stop and Loads Of Fun reaches back for some extra heavy on all counts, with the chorus electrifying each song to the good ol’ Arena Rock heights. The song – When Moonshine And Dynamite Collide, escalates into the sound of a Southern Hard Rock Classic, almost instantly upon my first listen, to my Jackyl tailored ears.

Guitarist Jeff Worley consistently garnishes this new Jackyl album with fired up, inventive and groovy licks. Jesse James Dupree’s vocals has his Old School, heavy hurlin’ attitude and back roads swagger heard loud and F’n clear on each and every song… PUH-POW!

Roman Glick on bass and Chris Worley on drums hold all this infectiously Hard & Heavy fun, uh, I mean music, together. I just find it difficult for myself to hold it all together each time I listen to When Moonshine And Dynamite Collide… if this new Jackyl album doesn’t make you get up and move, then check yourself into… yes, here it comes… The Rolling Hills Lame Ass and Uptight Clinic. I hear they are giving out free turtlenecks too.

* For more info on JACKYL, just click this link: JACKYL – Official Website

Track Listing For When Moonshine And Dynamite Collide:

Loads Of Fun

I Can’t Stop

She’s Not A Drug

My Moonshine Kicks Your Cocaine Ass

Get Mad At It

The Overflow Of Love

When Moonshine And Dynamite Collide

Just Like A Negro

Deeper In Darkness

Freight Train

Mercedes Benz

Full Throttle

LONG LIVE JACKYL!

Stone.


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ENUFF Z’NUFF – “NEW THING” IS METAL ODYSSEY’S SONG OF THE DAY!

Posted in glam metal music, hair metal albums, hair metal bands, hair metal music, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 5, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

ENUFF Z’NUFF – I recently stumbled upon the CD single of Enuff Z’nuff – New Thing during one of my Heavy Metal hunts. For $2 I figured what the Metal heck, it is an out of print CD single, still sealed and I like my Rock ‘N’ Roll collectibles. This song is just drooling and seeping with that late 80’s Arena Rock and Hair/Glam Metal sound. New Thing is an up tempo song, it kinda reminds me of a humid and sunny day in late July, as I’m running through a water park, care free, acting like a corn dog.

Sometimes there are those songs that just give me that good times feeling… the feeling of having a ton of money even if I’m broke or feeling like it’s a vacation day even when it’s not. New Thing just seems to provoke that embarrassingly funny feeling – inside of me. This song is… (gasp), fun. Metal be thy name.

Do I like this song? Hey, I did make it the “Metal Odyssey Song Of The Day” for May 5, 2010. I’m down with it. I tend to listen to a vast array of bands and songs… add Enuff Z’nuff to that list. New Thing is from the Enuff Z’nuff debut/self titled album, released back on August 22, 1989, on Atco Records.

Check out the music video below for New Thing. It’s really kinda corn dog… then again, I’m a corn dog most of the time myself.

ENUFF Z’NUFF as they appeared on their debut/self titled album:

Donnie Vie – lead vocals, guitar & keyboards

Chip Z’Nuff – bass guitar, guitar & vocals

Derek Frigo – lead guitar

Vikki Fox – drums

Track Listing For the 1989 ENUFF Z’NUFF debut/self titled album:

New Thing

She Wants More

Fly High Michelle

Hot Little Summer Girl

In The Groove

Little Indian Angel

For Now

Kiss The Clown

I Could Never Be Without You

Finger On The Trigger

Stone.

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VINNIE MOORE – “TIME ODYSSEY” 1988 GUITAR INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM & METAL MARVEL

Posted in Guitar, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock guitarists, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music, speed metal with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 2, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

VINNIE MOORE – It was 1988, I was in college and I listened to Vinnie Moore’s Time Odyssey more times than I could count. Already a seasoned listener to Vinnie’s debut instrumental album – Minds Eye, (released in 1986 on Shrapnel Records), there was in 1988 and still is something about his guitar tone that shoots right through me like a bolt of Metal energy. Listening to Vinnie Moore seems to inspire me to go that extra mile… to actually become more emboldened.

I may have mentioned one time before, in a past post about something to do with… Metal, that I used to listen to Vinnie Moore’s music while doing many (if not all) of my college art projects. Be it drawing, painting or slapping together some weird modern art creation… Vinnie Moore’s guitar was heard in the air. The speed, melodies and pure Metal language that Vinnie’s guitar spoke to me while I labored away on those art and graphic design assignments… somehow made me a better graphics and fine arts student! Metal be thy name.

As with any of Vinnie Moore’s solo instrumental albums, no vocalist is heard, nor is one necessary… the guitar of Vinnie Moore sings… for my ears.

My favorite track from Time Odyssey? It’s not as cut and dry as it may seem. Pieces Of A Picture, Morning Star and the instrumental cover of While My Guitar Gently Weeps stand out amongst the rest, only I honestly love every song on Time Odyssey. The emotion that Vinnie Moore captures on guitar is beyond what my own Metal words can express here. Vinnie Moore is that incredible of a guitarist to my ears and Metal soul.

My admiration for the Beatles and especially George Harrison is incredibly personal. I cried aloud upon hearing the news that George Harrison passed away. It was November 29, 2001, I was alone, driving to work that lousy morning and the radio DJ gave the somber news to my ears. Listening to Vinnie Moore play George Harrison’s unreal legendary song –While My Guitar Gently Weeps brings back memories of being an art student, college life, falling in love with my wife and of course… George Harrison. Whoa… does this Vinnie Moore instrumental version of this song make my head swirl in thoughts and memories!!

There are so many unique and unearthly gifted guitarists that have played in Rock, Hard Rock, Punk and Metal. So many of these guitarists that I embrace… Yngwie J. Malmsteen, Michael Schenker, Jimi Hendrix, Tim Armstrong, Brian Setzer, Jeff Beck, Dez Cadena, George Harrison, Randy Rhoads, Jake E. Lee… these are some of my lifetime top favorites. Then there is Vinnie Moore. I guess if I was forced to choose my top three favorite guitarists of my Metal lifetime… Vinnie Moore, Yngwie and Michael Schenker are the ones.

There was a period of time in my life, where I did not realize what I was doing in trading away and selling away my vinyl albums… this was back in the mid 1990’s. Time Odyssey fell victim to my blundering display of vinyl album unloading…. ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!! Well, as the old saying goes… time heals wounds. Just last week, I was making a trip to pay some (gasp) bills, when there it was in the distance… an antiques mall! This antiques mall contains a used record dealer who always seems to have that record or two, that I so desperately need to bring back into my Metal life.

I found Vinnie Moore – Time Odyssey on that trip into the antiques mall last week! I felt like I was floating on air… I wanted to tell the cashier how ecstatic I was, only I bit my Metal lip. I paid a ridiculous low price of 3 dollars U.S. as well for this Vinnie Moore marvel! The album is in unreal excellent condition too… it plays on my turntable without a single crackle or pop. The album jacket is in excellent shape as well. (See my album pics below). This time in my Metal life… I’m not parting with Vinnie Moore – Time Odyssey again. No way. Someone would have to offer me the Metal moon for it… and even then, I would not consider the offer. What would I possibly do with a Metal moon anyways?

* As a bonus, the prior owner of this Vinnie Moore album had inserted an 8 page article on Vinnie Moore, in the album jacket. This article was ripped out of an Issue of Guitar World, dated July 1987. I’m keeping it with this album… as it was meant to be.

* The band behind Vinnie Moore on Time Odyssey:

Jordan Rudes – keyboards

Joe Franco – drums

Michael Bean – bass

* Vinnie Moore – Time Odyssey was released on Squawk/Mercury/Polygram Records.

Track Listing For Vinnie Moore – Time Odyssey:

Side One:

Morning Star

Prelude/Intro The Future

Beyond The Door

Message In A Dream

As Time Slips By

Side Two:

Race With Destiny

While My Guitar Gently Weeps

The Tempest

Pieces Of A Picture

April Sky

Here is what the front cover of my Time Odyssey album looks like, note there is some minor wear on the top left corner… whoopee Metal doo is what I say!

Here is what the back cover of my Time Odyssey album looks like:

Here is what the 8 page Guitar World article looks like, that I found inside the album jacket:

LONG LIVE VINNIE MOORE!

* “Whoopee Metal doo” was stated for the very first time on Metal Odyssey, courtesy of this post.

Stone.


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TEN VERY UNCOOL HARD ROCK & HEAVY METAL ALBUM COVERS

Posted in album covers, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, humor, lists, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 1, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

I don’t advertise myself to be an “expert” in Hard Rock and Heavy Metal album cover design. Nor am I a photography expert either. What I do know is this… a Hard Rock or Heavy Metal album cover should entice fans or potential fans to buy the album. Skulls, flames, guitars, dragons, sword & sorcery, space aliens, monsters and the macabre is right up my Metal alley when it comes to album covers. You won’t find this cool stuff on the album covers below. Marketing Hard Rock and Heavy Metal should be simple, right? Well, that is not always the Metal case, as you shall see from the following list of ten very uncool album covers that I have compiled… just for you.

Years ago, I did earn a degree in Graphic Communications, therefore I think I know what cool Hard Rock and Heavy Metal album artwork is supposed to look like. Then again, what do I know? Some, if not many of the albums in this top ten list have probably sold millions of copies worldwide… so my opinion on these very uncool album covers is probably one big and smelly fart in the wind anyways.

Here are my Top Ten Very Uncool Hard Rock & Heavy Metal Album Covers, enjoy! Or, try to enjoy.

#10:

WHITE LION – BIG GAME (1989)

What this White Lion album cover really is… too many ideas that seemed to collide onto one front cover. You have The White House, some woods, a field and a lion. Wow… very compelling… where is there any darned hint of Hard Rock? Forget about any imagery of Heavy Metal… this entire image makes me want to fall asleep in a field somewhere. This album went Gold too… gee Metal whiz.

#9:

BREAKING BENJAMIN – SO COLD EP (2004)

Look, if I was to actually read all the jibber jabber on this Breaking Benjamin front cover, It would give me a migraine headache . The album cover eludes to So Cold being a “spoken word” EP for Metal sakes. I always thought tons of text was supposed to be found in the damned liner notes anyways. Despite this being an EP, it makes my list… so Metal be it.

#8:

MR. BIG – BUMP AHEAD (1993)

Ha, ha, hee. Was I supposed to laugh? Ahhhhhhh! Am I supposed to be frightened? What is this enormous man-head doing in the middle of a busy city street? Just another fine example of a genius and artsy idea gone astray. I can’t find any hidden and profound message in this album cover art either. Some linkage to Mr. Big being tied into Hard Rock and commercial Heavy Metal would have helped here.

#7:

BON JOVI – LOST HIGHWAY (2007)

Gosh, just what I need to look at… some strangers cluttered dashboard. No semblance of Rock ‘N’ Roll in this front cover pic. Lost Highway is a perfect title for this Bon Jovi album… for the art direction became totally lost in the creation of this album cover. Plus, as a bonus… it is IMPOSSIBLE for a highway to become lost! Grammatically incorrect alert!! Yeah, yeah, yeah… Bon Jovi gets the last laugh here, due to his selling a million albums a month. This cover still stinks though.

#6:

SAXON – INNOCENCE IS NO EXCUSE (1985)

What appears to be a teenaged girl eating an apple… well, it’s not cool. What’s the point? It’s NOT Heavy Metal either. Adding the Saxon logo that’s carved into the apple is just plain ridiculous too. This Saxon album cover does not advertise head banging music heard within at all. A superiorly unimpressive album cover from a band that I really, really like… what a Metal shame.

#5:

VIXEN – LIVE & LEARN (2006)

Whoa! This Vixen album cover just SCREAMS Heavy Metal! Look out! Vixen looks so thrilled doing this cover shot too. Sorry, I don’t buy the connection of the front cover photo to the album title either. This album cover is simply boring and boring again. Did I mention it was boring?

#4:

KILLER DWARFS – BIG DEAL (1988)

Um, uh, yup.

#3:

NICKELBACK – CURB (2002 reissue alternate cover)

Well, at least we now know where Bon Jovi got his inspiration for the anti-amazing Lost Highway album cover. If I am not mistaken, this road really needs some traffic… and Curb really needs a new album cover.

#2:

GUNS N’ ROSES – “THE SPAGHETTI INCIDENT?” (1993)

This Guns N’ Roses album cover does not make me yearn for opening and eating a can of Spaghettio’s. I actually lose my appetite for half a day each time I stare at this album cover. I’d rather look at any and all of the Cannibal Corpse album covers before I look at this disgustingly stale spaghetti on this album cover. Again, I am so wowed at the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal imagery found here.

#1:

AEROSMITH – GET A GRIP (1993)

Voila! Here it is! What I consider to be the upmost in uncool… an F’n pierced cow udder. This is so Rock ‘N’ Roll. NOT. The fake Aerosmith branding into the side of this cow only makes matters worse. What were everyone involved with creating this album cover thinking? Yeah… just as the album title states, the culprits involved in the decision making of this extremely uncool album cover should… get a grip.

Stone.

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AIDEN “RAIN IN HELL” EP – FEATURES MISFITS AND BILLY IDOL COVERS

Posted in alternative rock bands, alternative rock music, gothic metal bands, gothic metal music, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, horror punk, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, punk rock music, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 24, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

AIDEN – released the EP, Rain In Hell on October 31, 2006, on Victory Records. Rain In Hell is a CD/DVD, with 6 songs on the CD. I have always taken a liking to Aiden, they exhibit a menagerie of genres with their music… in essence, Aiden is a Heavy Alternative Rock Band, in my Metal opinion. When Rain In Hell was released, I was thrilled to see they covered a classic Misfits song – Die Die My Darling. Of course the original Misfits version of Die Die My Darling can never be topped, still Aiden does a respectable job at covering this song. The all encompassing Punk and raw sound, with attitude, is captured by Aiden, giving credibility to the reason they covered Die Die My Darling in the first place.

Aiden can take a Metal bow for their cover of White Wedding, the incredibly famous Post Punk meets New Wave song, written and recorded by the legendary Billy Idol. White Wedding first appeared on Billy Idol’s 1982 debut and self titled album. Aiden does not try to reinvent the Rock ‘N’ Roll wheel with their cover version of White Wedding, the tempo is stepped up a bit with Aiden’s trademark angst, otherwise it’s an alternate listen that won me over the very first time it invaded my ears.

I have to give Aiden credit for tackling both a Misfits and Billy Idol song to cover. To point at both of these cover songs as feature tracks on Rain In Hell is not a falsehood. WiL Francis on lead vocals comes across with Punk Rock legitimacy on the cover songs, making them all the more a credible listen.

There are four other songs on this Rain In Hell EP that are Aiden originals. A Candlelight (Intro) is a melancholy and flat out spooky song that runs as an instrumental for the first half of the song, with thunder and lightning atmospherics added in, a chilling theme it is… then WiL Francis steps in with Gothic illuminated vocals, with the lyrical theme about lighting candles and showing the world were all lined up to die, backed up with a Horror Punk chorus chant. Hey, this Aiden CD isn’t called Rain In Hell for nothing!

Silent Eyes is an acoustic song that visits the world of extreme depression and complete despair. If you are not familiar with this song, it is not one that you want to play loud, on your first date… you will probably scare away any potential long lasting or even short lasting relationship! Aw, heck, what am I saying? I’m the dude that adores Death Metal and Black Metal… this song lyrically is no stranger to my extreme listening ears. At the end of the Metal day, I like the acoustic guitar paired up with WiL Francis’s emotion filled and alternative laced vocals.

We Sleep Forever exemplifies the melodic side of Aiden, while being hard around the edges. The breakdown midway only seems to accentuate this songs lyrical theme of what I interpret as suicide… whether it’s emotional or physical. Aiden touches on the human side of emotion and despair, of a more extreme and delicate topic with We Sleep Forever.

The bonus DVD proves to be just that, with the following footage:

These songs were filmed live at House Of Blues in Chicago, IL, during the Never Sleep Again Tour in December of 2006: Knife Blood Nightmare, The Last Sunrise, Die Romantic, I Set My Friends On Fire, World By Storm.

Three music video’s included are: Knife Blood Nightmare, The Last Sunrise and Die Romantic. Four live video’s included are: The Last Sunrise, Die Romantic, Unbreakable and I Set My Friends On Fire.

Aiden, as they appeared on Rain In Hell:

WiL Francis – lead vocals, piano

Angel Ibarra – lead guitar, backing vocals

Nick Wiggins – bass, backing vocals

Jake Davison – drums & percussion

Jake Wambold – rhythm guitar, backing vocals

Stone.

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RATT – “INFESTATION” IS RATTASTIC RATT ‘N’ ROLL!

Posted in hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 21, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

RATT –  O.k., so I bought the new RATT album, um, CD yesterday, on it’s release date of April 20, 2010. Take my Metal word for it… RATT is BACK! Infestation has exceeded my Metal expectations and I am a better Metalhead for it. Actually, I’m in a damn good and cool mood because of this new RATT CD. That’s exactly what these new songs on Infestation does to me, they put me in an – everything is really fine in my world mood. No kidding. Take for example, today… as I drove around the city trying to accomplish some errands, I was cut-off and slighted by many self-entitled, turtleneck wearing, plastic people in their cars. Ah, did I care? Nope. I had the new RATT – Infestation blasting away in my car! All is well with the Metal world!

My favorite song on Infestation is, without a single Metal doubt in my Metal mind… as good as it gets. Whoa, this is RATT 2010 and I’m really, really, psyched out of my Metal skull about this song! While I have listened to this entire Infestation CD, I have come to the realization that this is NOT a RATT CD that needs to be listened to numerous times, in order to make an opinion on. Infestation will either grab your 1980’s Hard Rock and Hair Metal soul or it won’t. RATT has come out swinging, with 11 new songs that exemplify all the great things I remember about this band. Melodic, catchy and Hard & Heavy… RATT ‘N’ ROLL.

Stephen Pearcy has not lost any of his cool swagger with his vocals. Carlos Cavazo can still contribute like a Metal whiz kid, with writing music and playing guitar. Warren DeMartini has not skipped a beat as a lead guitarist. Bobby Blotzer hits the skins on Infestation like his life depends on it. Robbie Crane has arrived and conquered on bass. Metal be thy name. Holy crap, RATT was not fooling around with this comeback album.

Some may point the finger at me and say… “hey, dude, your on a RATT high”. My Metal response to such a remark is… damn right I am. Music… Hard Rock and Heavy Metal… are an all natural high for me or any human being to enjoy in life. RATT – Infestation is the new high on the Metal street. Gimme, gimme, gimme more sir. So lest it be written, so lest it be known, right here on Metal Odyssey, on this very day… that this calendar year of 2010 has been… RATTIFIED.

And I’m Metal gratified.

There always was and will be, those nay sayers out there that just don’t like RATT. Well, I don’t like sushi. I like my damn fish cooked please. For those Hard Rock and Heavy Metal fans out there, who do like RATT, love RATT or are just infatuated with this band since their RATT EP came out in 1983… rejoice and accept the rattaholic status you are currently in.

My name is Stone… and I’m a Rattaholic.

After one listen through with Infestation, you are either with the Ratt Pack or out of the Ratt Pack. If your out, there are plenty of ABBA, Jim Nabors and Boxcar Willie albums out there for you to, uh, enjoy. Or, instead, watch some reruns of Dr. Phil.

I feel like I’m on a roll today… RATT ‘N’ ROLL that is.

Track Listing For Infestation:

eat me up alive

best of me

a little too much

look out below

last call

lost weekend

as good as it gets

garden of eden

take a big bite

take me home

don’t let go

* RATT – Infestation was released on RoadRunner Records.

LONG LIVE RATT ‘N’ ROLL!

TURTLENECKS ARE NOT COOL. NOT AT ALL.

Stone.



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ASIA – REFLECTING ON THIER 1982 PROGRESSIVE ROCK ALBUM DEBUT

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock bands, classic rock music, classic rock songs, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, metal odyssey, Music, progressive rock, progressive rock bands, progressive rock music, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 20, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

ASIA – in March of 1982, the debut and self-titled album of this Progressive Rock supergroup was released unto the world… with a little help from Geffen Records. Being a sophomore in high school in ’82, I had my musical tastes ranging from Judas Priest to The Electric Light Orchestra with Cheap Trick, AC/DC and Foreigner in between. KISS of course, ruled my teenage planet. So when I first heard ASIA being played on my favorite FM radio stations, I instantly took a major liking to their sound. My infatuation with ELO and The Moody Blues made it very easy for me to embrace ASIA as a young teen… I can thank my late sister Christine for getting me “into” the Moody Blues.

Learning very quickly, that YES guitar great Steve Howe was in ASIA, just gave me the hint that this supergroup was to be reckoned with. I knew of some YES songs, thanks of course to FM once again. I did not own a YES album at all, back in ’82… yes, I do look back in disbelief over that one. It seemed as if everyone else I knew, had at least one YES album to boast of back then. With Carl Palmer on drums, I was familiar with his name being equated to the legendary Progressive Rock band – Emerson, Lake and Palmer. Once again though, I did not own a single Emerson, Lake and Palmer album in 1982 either.

When I learned that bass guitarist John Wetton was formerly with the incredibly diverse King Crimson, it was once again, a Rock Music history lesson for me. What took the Rock and Roll cake for me, upon learning quickly about the members of ASIA, was that Geoff Downes was half part of the New Wave sensation called – The Buggles! Just about every kid I knew, back in 1980, had heard the song – Video Killed The Radio Star by The Buggles. Heck, Video Killed The Radio Star was actually the very first music video that MTV aired on August 1, 1981! Now, if that isn’t Rock and Roll history… then I don’t know what is!

Well, with all of the ASIA band history aside, it was actually very fun for this sixteen year old in 1982, in becoming more informed about other great Rock bands, that were an indirect part of the formation of ASIA. For the life of me however, I just could not believe how astoundingly textured, layered and inspirational the songs sounded on this very first ASIA album. The bonus was that this debut ASIA album Rocked my ears off of this sixteen year old too! I singled out the song – Sole Survivor… very quickly. I must have dropped the turntable needle onto that Sole Survivor song… more times than I could ever imagine! That section of vinyl that Sole Survivor represented on the album, was for certain, the most worn!

Despite the FM airplay that Sole Survivor, Heat of the Moment and Only Time Will Tell received back in 1982 and into the years ahead, I never wavered away from playing them, in their entirety, on my turntable. As it stands to this very day in 2010, my favorite song from this ASIA album is Wildest Dreams. I like to reminisce about the ultra Classic Rock albums of the past, especially the one’s that made the biggest impact on my music loving life. ASIA is an ultra Classic Rock album for me. I can remember losing my thoughts, amidst the Progressive Rock brilliance of this amazing album. As I look back upon this ASIA album now, it was like music therapy for me as a sixteen year old.

Why I feel this ASIA album has stood the test of Rock Music time, is simply two words: quality musicianship. Once the quality is instilled, the rest seems to always fall into place, regardless of what project is being discussed. The songs on this ASIA album soothed, inspired and yes, as I stated before, Rocked me. I did realize at the time, back in 1982, what a profound Rock Music family tree that ASIA embodied. What I did not realize back in 1982, was that I would carry the same ecstatic feelings and emotions for this ASIA album so many years later into my life… and then be writing about it for the whole world to read in 2010, in an unbelievably vast place called the world wide web.

LONG LIVE ASIA!

Stone.

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REVOLVER MAGAZINE’S “THE ART OF HARD ROCK & HEAVY METAL” SPECIAL ISSUE IS WORTH OWNING!

Posted in hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 16, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

REVOLVER MAGAZINE – has put out a very, very, cool special issue: The Art Of Hard Rock & Heavy Metal. This mag is out now and worth every Metal penny to own! Many past regular issues of Revolver, has included an article pertaining to the history behind a classic Heavy Metal or Hard Rock album cover. This history behind these album covers involves the artist and what thoughts, stories and details surrounded the artwork – from concept to finish. I always state… one can never take in enough Heavy Metal or Hard Rock history, this magazine is Metal knowledge that can only benefit me and you.

I came upon this Revolver Special Issue today, as I was grocery shopping at my local supermarket called Weis. Deciding to take a chance as I meandered down the magazine aisle, hoping that maybe, just maybe, there would be a worthy magazine to pick up, that covers the music I love… and I’m NOT talking about Rolling Stone either. That stroll down the magazine aisle served me right! There it was, this Revolver special issue, with Iron Maiden’s mascot Eddie on the front cover… depicted from their vintage 1981 album cover Killers. The cover price for the magazine is $6.99 (U.S.)… not a shabby deal at all for Heavy Metal and Hard Rock history.

A sampling of album covers that are featured in this Revolver Magazine special issue are: Quite Riot – Metal Health, Megadeth – Peace Sells But Who’s Buying, Sepultura – Chaos A.D., Pantera – Far Beyond Drive, King Diamond – Abigail, Motorhead – Motorhead and Slayer – Reign In Blood. Whoa, unreal great and historic album covers all. A huge Metal kudos to Revolver Magazine for unleashing such a spectacular special issue!

If you can’t locate a copy of Revolver’s – The Art Of Hard Rock & Heavy Metal at retail, click on the link below that takes you right to Revolver’s website, where you can purchase it right there on their online store:

REVOLVER MAGAZINE

Stone.

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