Tickets are ON SALE for the 2014 Carolina Rebellion in Charlotte, NC! Visit www.CarolinaRebellion.com for tickets and all the details!
Check out that festival flyer above! What an ABSOLUTELY AMAZING 2 day lineup of KICK ASS bands! Metal be thy name!!
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Stone.
Los Angeles, Feb. 11, 2014 – Tweak Bird, the Los Angeles duo featuring brothers Ashton and Caleb Bird, return with their third full-length album, Any Ol’ Way, on May 20 via Let’s Pretend Records.
“We set out to write an album that meant something to us,” explained the Bird brothers. “We wanted to voice our opinions and feel comfortable. We hired our dear old friend, David Allen to engineer and co-produce, which helped us explore new sounds and develop unfinished ideas. We believe in peace, marijuana, individual freedoms and not taking ourselves too seriously. This just happened to be what came out.”
The 11-track album was recorded at King Size Sound Labs in Los Angeles and is self-described by the pair as having the feel of “a movie from the nineties, that takes place in the seventies.”
Tweak Bird’s most recent full-length, a 2010 self-titled album, was followed by Undercover Crops, a seven-song EP released in 2012, which Noisey called “heavy yet blissful stoner-psych rock”
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Feb. 26 Los Angeles, CA Scion Rock Show @ The Satellite
Feb. 28 Ventura, CA Bombay Bar
Additional tour dates will be announced soon.
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* Read the Metal Odyssey album review for Tweak Bird’s self-titled album from 2010, by clicking the link below!
TWEAK BIRD – Self Titled Album Is Eclectic And Heavy!
The above link is for an original post featured on Metal Odyssey, on September 28, 2010.
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(Source: Speakeasy PR & Marketing)
* For more info on TWEAK BIRD:
Website: http://www.tweakbird.com
Facebook: Tweak Bird
Stone.
MONSTER TRUCK – Hamilton, Ontario’s Monster Truck had a breakthrough year in 2013, with their first full-length: Furiosity. With an ever-growing fan base coinciding with raving album and concert reviews, Monster Truck is surely one of the finest exports from Canada next to bacon. A supporting role, during the Summer of 2013, to Rock the live stage for Alice In Chains’ Canadian tour trek is certainly a bad-ass badge of honor as well!
Looking back to 2010, the debut, S/T EP from Monster Truck was born. Self released and produced by Gus Van Go & Werner F, the four songs on this EP are solid fingerprints of Heavy Rock ‘N Roll which draws influences from Classic Rock, Classic Hard Rock and (from what my ears here as) Southern Rock. I cannot help embracing the raw and down-to-earth Heavy Rockin’ sound of this Monster Truck EP! These seasoned musicians were paving their path to Rockin’ fame with this EP and that is now a Rockin’ fact!
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Brandon Bliss on the organ/keys is reason enough for any classic Deep Purple and/or Jon Lord fan to smile in appreciation. Jon Harvey (bass and lead vocals) sounds like his voice was born to be heard on vinyl, with so many shades of natural born talent about it. Steve Kiely (drums & vocals) and Jeremy Widerman (guitar & vocals) complete this Monster Truck story and their debut EP. Understand, that ALL four songs on this EP have played out as an immense launching pad for this (now) world-known band!
Monster Truck plays their Heavy Rock ‘N Roll with both relevance and a two-way ticket on the Classic Rock time machine. It does suck when I return and the Monster Truck songs do come to a close; however, the repeat arrow to hear this band again and again is what makes life so damn good. Metal be thy name. – Stone
You can download for free or buy this (2010) debut EP from Monster Truck, by clicking on the link below. Either way you get it, support Monster Truck and be glad they exist! Whoa.
http://www.ilovemonstertruck.com/releases/
Track Listing:
1 – Lethal Weapon
2 – Death Mistake
3 – Runnin’
4 – Space Nebula
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* For more info on MONSTER TRUCK:
Facebook: Monster Truck
Website: http://www.ilovemonstertruck.com
Stone.
A new musical force to be reckoned with is about to turn the rock world upside down with the release of their self-titled debut, KXM. KXM is comprised of dUg Pinnick of King’s X on vocals/bass, George Lynch of Lynch Mob/Dokken on guitars and Korn’s drum maestro, Ray Luzier, rounds out the powerhouse trio. The band takes its name from the combination of the member’s other projects: K from Korn, X from King’s X and M from Lynch Mob.
The self-titled debut of KXM is something truly unique and special. The songs are powerful, precise, and transcend beyond the boundaries of the imagination. In today’s overpopulated music arena, true gems become harder and harder to find, but KXM’s unified vision rises above the normal and creates its own space. From the opening drum riff of “Stars” to the final chord on “Human Friction,” KXM is an album that is sure to resonate with fans from the band’s original projects, while garnering new ones as well. Songs like “Gun Fight,” “Faith Is A Room” and the first single “Rescue Me” are sure to be instant favorites among fans. The band shows their softer side on the ballad “Never Stop” along with their dark side on the tale of domestic violence, “Sleep.”
KXM formed in early 2013 when dUg, George and Ray spoke about trying to jam together. At the time it wasn’t clear what would come from those jams. The only thing that was clear was that these 3 musicians, at the top of their game, wanted to play together. The self-titled debut, KXM, was born from those jam sessions and is now an important piece in each band member’s musical legacy. In a world that constantly searches for new and unique music, KXM delivers all the power and punch that one would expect from these high level players! Official release date is set for March 11, 2014
CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER YOUR EXCLUSIVE KXM FAN BUNDLES!
CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER THE DEBUT ALBUM FROM KXM!
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Stone.
As reported on KROKUSonline Facebook page:
Just confirmed: Crystal Ball will be our “special guest” on the upcoming “Long Stick Goes Boom” German Tour!
17.05.2014 DE Lindau – Club Vaudeville – http://www.facebook.com/events/646475232079427
18.05.2014 DE Nürnberg – Hirsch – http://www.facebook.com/events/1409518312630389
20.05.2014 DE Bremen – Aladin – http://www.facebook.com/events/420139004755871
21.05.2014 DE Aschaffenburg – Colos-Saal – http://www.facebook.com/events/716793335021512
22.05.2014 DE München – Backstage Werk – http://www.facebook.com/events/539982066120677
24.05.2014 DE Burgrieden – Riffelhof – http://www.facebook.com/events/206857459515165
25.05.2014 DE Bochum – Zeche – http://www.facebook.com/events/572053909543274
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* For more info on KROKUS:
Facebook: KROKUSonline
Website: http://www.krokusonline.com
* For more info on CRYSTAL BALL:
Facebook: Crystal Ball
Website: http://www.crystal-ball.ch
Stone.
Camarillo, CA – Alice Cooper fans worldwide rejoice! Marshall Blonstein’s Audio Fidelity is releasing Alice Cooper’s classic album ‘Billion Dollar Babies’ on Hybrid SACD on February 4, 2014! As a bonus, along with the meticulously reproduced artwork, enclosed in every CD is the very collectible replicated ‘Billion Dollar Bill’.
With ‘Billion Dollar Babies’, Alice Cooper refined the raw grit of their earlier work in favor of a slightly more polished sound resulting in a mega-hit album that reached the top of the US and UK album charts. It’s impossible to overstate how popular the band had become by the time their sixth album was released. The album, is brilliant, decadent and encapsulated all the celebrity trashiness of the 70’s only three years into the decade.
Song for song, ‘Billion Dollar Babies’ is probably the original Alice Cooper group’s finest and strongest. The album’s singles “Elected”, “Hello Hooray”, “Billion Dollar Babies”,and “No More Mr. Nice Guy” all became hits on the Billboard Hot 100. Also included are a pair of perennial concert standards – the disturbing necrophilia ditty “I Love the Dead” and the chilling macabre of “Sick Things”.
After the album was released, the band embarked on a tour which broke the US box office records previously held by the Rolling Stones. The show climaxed with a guillotine execution of Alice. The album and the tour made the band into the world’s preeminent pied pipers of teenage trash culture and the most successful rock band ever to be loathed by American parents.
“Other than the original ‘Alice Cooper Band’ being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame in 2011, our second biggest achievement was when our album ‘Billion Dollar Babies’ went to Number #1 in all three music trade magazines at the same time in April of 1973. Number #1 in Billboard, Number #1 in Record World and Number #1 in Cash Box. We had hoped it would sell Gold or Platinum as a follow-up to the success of our album ‘School’s Out’, but a Number #1 album was something that was totally unexpected. Over the years the title track “Billion Dollar Babies” has become my signature song because of the recognizable drum intro.” – Neal Smith, Alice Cooper drummer and founding member
“I remember we were out on the road when the album finally came out in February 1973. I listened to it in my hotel room and just got this really big smile. I was thinking, ‘It’s amazing, we’re really pulling this off’. The album was very, very unique and very, very different. I was really proud of the songs, especially ‘No More Mr Nice Guy’, ‘Billion Dollar Babies’ and ‘Generation Landslide’.” – Michael Bruce, Alice Cooper guitarist/keyboardist and founding member
To purchase: http://www.audiofidelity.net/content/alice-cooper-billion-dollar-babies
1. Hello Hooray
2. Raped and Freezin’
3. Elected
4. Billion Dollar Babies
5. Unfinished Sweet
6. No More Mr. Nice Guy
7. Generation Landslide
8. Sick Things
9. Mary-Ann
10. I Love the Dead
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Produced by Bob Ezrin
Mastered by Steve Hoffman at Stephen Marsh Mastering
“…it remains one of rock’s quintessential classic albums!”
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(Source: Glass Onyon PR)
Stone.
I LOVE RICH – It happened a couple of weeks ago. I was minding my own business, while checking out my email inbox. Then I saw it. Rich, the frontman for “I Love Rich” wanted to know if I would like a copy of his band’s new CD to review: Respect The Rich. The CD arrived in the mail some days later. I opened the package and stared at this fun looking CD cover art and thought, as the legendary Mick Jagger would sing: it’s only Rock And Roll (but I like it).
Before this historical email from Rich, I never heard of his band before. Heck, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. The last thing I need in my Metal life right now is a group of Rock And Roll troublemakers, from Chicago, messing with me to review their new CD. I felt worry overcome me, slightly. I slapped in and listened to this Respect The Rich CD into my laptop; then eventually into my home stereo. Both results were the same. I LOVE RICH ROCKS!!
One thing is for certain, Rich and his band have received an obvious influence from early 70’s KISS. That’s a very good thing too. Rich actually has a cool resemblance, vocally, to the legendary Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons. In my Metal opinion, that is. Respect The Rich have 6 original songs on their new CD, with 2 added alternate versions of (You’re So Hot) I’m Gonna Fuck You With The Lights On. It’s honestly a fascinating song and Rocks so well! A true sing-along Hard Rock song if I’ve ever heard one.
I Love Rich plays their Hard Rock with conviction and there’s no smoke or mirrors about their sound or songs. Hell, Classic Rock and red-blooded Hard Rockers should get a dizzying kick out of this band! I Love Rich is a band that makes me proud to live in the Mid West. Just like my other Mid West, DIY band favorites, I Love Rich are contributing to the Rock And Roll cause in a very splendid way, indeed. ALL of the songs on Respect The Rich flat-out Rock and I would love to see I Love Rich in a live setting. Hell yes, I would.
With a BIG guitar driven sound, impressive vocals and kick-ass musicianship all-around, I Love Rich have delivered to me a memorable CD! You can’t kill blue-collar Rock And Roll and I Love Rich are proof positive of this. Life can be filled with Rockin’ surprises and that’s why I do check my email inbox everyday. A talented and underground Rock And Roll band that’s been paying their dues, going on 2 decades, I cannot resist respecting. I Love Rich and their Midwest Rock And Roll kicks legitimate ass. Metal be thy name. – Stone
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Now… go online and buy Respect The Rich, it’s available on iTunes and at cdbaby. Click the cdbaby link below! Whoa!
http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/ILOVERICH
YOU can listen to I Love Rich – Respect The Rich in its entirety, by using that super-amazing SoundCloud song box below! Whoa!
01 – Respect The Rich (Intro)
02 – (You’re So Hot) I’m Gonna Fuck You With The Lights On
03 – Wake Up, Let Me Rock You
04 – We’re Here To Save Rock And Roll
05 – Fight The Fire
06 – If You Don’t Take Your Clothes Off, Tonight’s Gonna Suck
07 – (You’re So Hot) I’m Gonna Fuck You With The Lights On (Rock En Espanol Version)
08 – (You’re So Hot) I’m Gonna Fuck You With The Lights On (Clean radio version AKA (You’re So Hot) I’m Gonna Love You With The Lights On)
* For more info on I LOVE RICH:
Facebook: I Love Rich
Website: http://www.iloverich.net
Stone.
I stopped by my local Buyback$ (used CD/video/gaming) store last weekend, while searching for used Queen CD’s. I didn’t find any Queen; instead I found and bought the King Biscuit Flower Hour/Best Of The Best – 25 Years Of Rock. I couldn’t resist grabbing this CD right away, for I grew up listening to the King Biscuit Flower Hour and have fond memories of listening to the live concerts that this iconic FM radio show sponsored. Heck, the King Biscuit Flower Hour introduced my ears to full-length live concerts, well before I went to a real live concert! Good times.
From 7th grade through my high school years, (1978 – 1984) the King Biscuit Flower Hour introduced to me many, many Classic Rock bands that I still listen to today. From Genesis to Triumph, with America and The Kinks in-between, this CD not only takes me back on memory lane… this CD flat-out Rocks! There are 16 songs, with 16 different Classic Rock bands represented, in all of their live glory! A solid and honest production, a crisp (and often raw) sound creates an honest-to-goodness live feel which overflows from this whiz-bang CD!
Isn’t it funny, how back in the 70’s and into the 80’s the genre of Classic Rock really didn’t exist yet? Now we all group these bands and their songs into Classic Rock. Hilarious. Um, not really. This all really means I’m getting old. Then again, if my memory serves me correct, the songs from the 50’s and 60’s were called The Golden Oldies back in the 80’s. Um, yeah.
I paid $3.99 (U.S.) for this used CD. The record label is none other than: King Biscuit Flower Hour Records. The release year is printed on the actual CD as: 1998. You can buy this CD on Amazon.com; where I’ve seen 3 used copies for sale, ranging in price from $3.46 to $26.25 (U.S.). I absolutely love this CD, with The Kinks Lola, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Call Me The Breeze and Carry On Wayward Son from Kansas being grand highlights for me. The liner notes are fabulous, with 4 color and black & white band pics, a tidy history of this legendary live radio show, plus testimonials.
There is, actually, We Will Rock You by (of course) Queen on this CD, therefore, I did find Queen on this trip to Buyback$ after all. Good times. Metal be thy name. – Stone
The track list is as follows and it’s a dandy:
01 – Genesis – That’s All
02 – Queen – We Will Rock You
03 – The Who – Won’t Get Fooled Again
04 – Foreigner – Cold As Ice
05 – Kansas – Carry On Wayward Son
06 – Lynyrd Skynyrd – Call Me The Breeze
07 – Emerson, Lake & Palmer – Lucky Man
08 – Rush – Limelight
09 – Pat Benatar – Hit Me With Your Best Shot
10 – The Kinks – Lola
11 – America – Horse With No Name
12 – Bachman-Turner Overdrive – Takin’ Care Of Business
13 – Billy Squier – The Stroke
14 – Rick Derringer – Rock And Roll Hoochie Koo
15 – Triumph – Allied Forces
16 – Blondie – One Way Or Another
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Stone.
Def Leppard announce the release of a Deluxe Edition of their 1996 classic album Slang across multiple formats on 11 February.
The Slang reissue will be available in 3 formats: a CD Deluxe Edition and Digital Edition containing the original 11 album tracks re-mastered and original rare bonus tracks made up of demos, alternate versions and mixes with a series of new songs recorded during the time the band was creating Slang. Most of these additional bonus tracks have never been released. A special iTunes Digital Edition will have everything from the Digital Edition, plus a further set of additional bonus tracks. A Double Vinyl Deluxe Edition will also be available and will feature the original album, and its own set of exclusive songs.
The band will release a special Slang Video Collection the same day (February 11th) exclusively on iTunes that will feature videos from singles “Slang,” “Work It Out,” and “All I’ve Ever Wanted.”
Slang was first released in May 1996 and is considered the band’s most underrated album. At the time of its release, the music industry was at the height of the 90s grunge scene and Def Leppard with bands like Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots and Pearl Jam were dominating the airwaves. Despite this musical shift, Slang charted on the Top Five UK Official Chart and the Top 15 in the US on Billboard’s Top 200 Chart, plus the UK rock magazine Q named the project as one of the Top 10 Albums of the Year.
As a testament to their music transcending through time, Slang was recognized for its musical departure from the band’s signature sound. The collection incorporated new sonic elements that gave the album a slightly darker introspective mood than their previous releases. As Phil Collen stated in an interview with Metal Hammer UK, “We’ve all got personal things that have happened during the recording of Slang, and we’ve just ploughed on and some of it has come out on the record.”
Disc 1
1. Truth?
2. Turn to Dust
3. Slang
4. All I Want Is Everything
5. Work It Out
6. Breathe a Sigh
7. Deliver Me
8. Gift of Flesh
9. Blood Runs Cold
10. Where Does Love Go When It Dies
11. Pearl of Euphoria
12. Move with Me Slowly
13. Truth? (Original Version)
14. Burn Out
15. Worlds Collide
16. Can’t Keep Away from the Flame
Disc 2
1. Turn to Dust (1st Draft)
2. Raise Your Love
3. All I Want Is Everything (1st Draft)
4. Work It Out (1st Draft)
5. Breathe a Sigh (Rough Mix)
6. Deliver Me (Rough Mix)
7. Black Train
8. Blood Runs Cold (Rough Mix)
9. Where Does Love Go When It Dies (1st Draft)
10. Pearl of Euphoria (Rough Mix)
11. All on Your Touch (2012 Revisit)
12. Anger Me (Deliver Me -1st Draft)
13. Move on Up (Viv Demo)
14. Gift of Flesh (Phil Vocal)
Side 1
1. Truth?
2. Turn to Dust
3. Slang
4. All I Want Is Everything
5. Work It Out
Side 2
6. Breathe a Sigh
7. Deliver Me
8. Gift of Flesh
9. Blood Runs Cold
10. Where Does Love Go When It Dies
Side 3
11. Pearl of Euphoria
12. Move with Me Slowly
13. Truth? (original version)
Side 4
14. Burn Out
15. Worlds Collide
16. Can’t Keep Away from the Flame
17. All on Your Touch (2012 Revisit)
18. Black Train
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* Special contribution by Scott Coverdale.
* Source:
http://www.defleppard.com/news
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Facebook: Def Leppard
Website: http://www.defleppard.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/def_leppard
Stone.
This beautiful QUEEN CD box set (above) is Stone’s METAL Pick Of The Day and here’s my story why:
Just this past week it was revealed to me, from my (teenage) daughter, that she is a fan of Queen and a huge fan of the late Freddie Mercury. I held back the tears of joy, as she expressed her sincere appreciation of this iconic band’s music to me. Her unquestionably compassionate emotion for the (incredibly) legendary Freddie Mercury is beyond heartwarming, as I listened to her during (at least) three conversations we enjoyed together last week.
The leap I’ve been waiting for has arrived! The stars have aligned and Mother Earth has summoned all creatures both large and small to celebrate in my joy of this news! Stonehenge has moved a centimeter to the right. The Great Pyramid has beamed a laser to the stars. The Classic Rock Gods really do move in mysterious ways. Hallelujah and Metal be thy name. In other words, Stone is a happy and proud dad.
I love my daughter more than words can ever, ever express, regardless if she has become a Queen fan or not. However, as you can tell, her fondness for Queen has me tickled to Metal death. When She asked me for any of my Queen CD’s to listen to, I told her to give me some time to find them; for my entire CD collection is still (shamefully) unorganized since last February’s big move from Pennsylvania to Ohio. Panic had now begun to stir inside me…
BRIAN MAY – Back To The Light (1993)
I remembered having the first solo CD from Brian May not being lost in my collection; so I immediately went to the shelf where I knew I’d find it and there it was! Back To The Light was released back in 1993 and I bought it used a few years ago for around $3 (US). Nice price, huh? Whoa.
I gave this Brian May hidden gem to my daughter for starters, as I continued searching for the only two Queen CD’s I knew I own. The Brian May CD pictured above is the CD cover version that I own and gave her; I realize there is another CD cover art version out there.
QUEEN – Stone Cold Classics (2006)
You see, being the old school fart I am, I never upgraded my Queen vinyl LP’s or cassettes to CD; with the exception of owning Queen’s Stone Cold Classics and A Kind Of Magic on CD. My vintage Queen vinyl was swept under by evil water and that’s now an old, lousy, sad story. I wanted and needed to give my daughter as much (digital) Queen as I can currently afford; therefore I took a ride on Sunday (yesterday) to my local Best Buy for a Queen CD hunt. I did stop by a cool store called Buyback$ Entertainment, before I hit Best Buy; this store sells used CD’s galore. There was not one Queen CD at Buyback$ though…
QUEEN – A Kind Of Magic (1986)
Best Buy was no better, with only one Queen Greatest Hits II for sale at nearly $12 (US). My local Super Walmart has more Queen CD’s for sale than Best Buy! Unreal. I was readying to leave Best Buy and head to Super Walmart when the whiz-bang sight of Queen’s Greatest Hits I II & III caught my eye and made my Metal heart soar! There this magic CD box set was… on an end cap with other Classic Rock CD’s at Best Buy! The price was just under $19 (US) for 51 Queen songs! Stone is buying! My daughter will have a superb catalog of Queen classics on CD (with very cool liner notes) to enjoy over and over!
Don’t get me wrong, it would be a dream come true to shell out the money for every Queen CD ever released, to present to my daughter; only the prices for the recently reissued Queen CD’s are pricey and would all add up to a small fortune. I do believe my daughter will be quite psyched out of her mind, once she realizes that this Queen CD box set is hers. I know I had fun late Sunday running out for this unexpected Queen bounty! Good times. As I believe, it’s the little things in life that add up and make the human spirit thrive with joy… and Rock ‘N Roll saves the day and another young person once again; just as it has saved me throughout my entire life. Metal be thy name.
This (beyond) wonderful hardcover book, Classic Queen – Mick Rock, I gave to my daughter last week, after she told me of her loving Queen. The photos that the legendary Mick Rock had taken of Queen throughout the years are breathtaking to say the least. The quotes from Freddie Mercury are an enormous read, alone, in this book!
Filled with anecdotes and must read history of the iconic Queen, this is a book I was proud to give my daughter to keep as her own. I kept this book long enough in my collection and it was now time to pass it on to someone who will enjoy it (even more) as I have. My daughter’s reaction to receiving this book was: omg, thank you, dad! The smile on her face told the whole story, of how much Freddie Mercury and Queen means to her.
Hearing those words, seeing that smile, were better than hitting the lottery, to me. Priceless.
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* Queen Greatest Hits I II & III was released via Hollywood Records.
Stone.
French psychedelic fuzz rockers, THE SOCKS, recently joined the Small Stone Recordings family for the release of their self-titled debut full-length! Slated to drop this Spring, The Socks was recorded and mixed by Raphaël Cartellier at Studio Cartellier, France, mastered by Christopher Goosman (Early Man, Sasquatch, Dixie Witch, Solace et al) at Baseline Studio in Ann Arbor, Michigan and features nine tracks of road-tripping goodness where thick, glassy-eyed, jams swell into kaleidoscopic riff torrents, gristly vocal serenades and magnetic grooves.
Elaborates THE SOCKS in a collective statement, “The sound and identity of the band have been shaped through the years to become this psychedelic hard rock, meant to be played live. We’ve recorded all together in a room with analog tapes to focus on the energy and to make it sound real and raw. Now it’s time to take it with us on the road and share it with everyone!”
The Socks will be released via Small Stone Recordings on March 18, 2014. Further info, including preorder links, to be unveiled in the coming weeks. In the meantime, check out THE SOCKS‘ video for second track “Some Kind Of Sorcery” below:
1. Lords Of Illusion
2. Some Kind Of Sorcery
3. Next To The Light
4. New Kings
5. Holy Sons
6. Electric War
7. Gypsy Lady
8. We Live
9. The Last Dragon
Some bands simply sound like they were born to do it, and listening to the classic heavy rock groove of THE SOCKS, there can be no doubt it’s what they’re made for. They’re naturals. The duel-guitar French foursome formed in Lyon in 2009 and began surprising audiences almost immediately, eventually settling down to pump out their debut EP the following year. 2010’s Side A offered up five well concentrated songs from a band still finding themselves. Inspired by the teachings of Sabbath and Zeppelin, THE SOCKS supported the release by playing with an array of national and international acts, boasting intensely energetic gigs while continuing to develop their style. The next two years drove the band to write darker, heavier, songs that were more calculating and less frenetic. The resulting 2012 EP, Bedrock spouted a pseudo psychedelic, neo-grunge moodiness that proved captivating upon first listen.
The Soda Shop dubbed it “some pretty epic fucking stoner rock,” while Church Of The Riff opined, “The entire EP shows that THE SOCKS know how to write damn good songs. Everything sounds fleshed out and exciting, without ever getting repetitive or redundant…The riffs, vocal harmonies, tasteful solos and keyboard work show a band that knows exactly what they are doing.” The record eventually caught the ears of Small Stone Recordings. During the Fall of 2012, THE SOCKS completed their first European tour. Drawing on experience garnered from festivals and gigs alongside Karma To Burn, Red Fang, Truckfighters, Horisont, Mars Red Sky, Black Rainbows and many others with whom they share various elements while still maintaining a personality all their own, they were instant crowd pleasers.
As the band continues to thrust themselves into Europe’s next generation of heavy rock ‘n’ roll beside acts like Abrahma, Deville, Asteroid, Isaak, Black Rainbows and Mother of God, Small Stone is pleased to bring their debut full-length to the masses this March.
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(Source: Earsplit PR)
* For more info on THE SOCKS:
Website: http://www.thesocks.fr
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thesocks
Website: http://www.smallstone.com
(Source: Earsplit PR)
Stone.
VOODOO SIX will be touring the UK this March! Special Guests are Santa Cruz. Take a look at the tour flyer (above) and see if there’s a show in your area of the UK! Metal be thy name.
Tickets are now on sale from SEE Tickets and venue websites for the tour.
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* For more info on VOODOO SIX:
Facebook: Voodoo Six
* For more info on SANTA CRUZ:
Facebook: Santa Cruz (Official)
Website: http://www.santacruz.fi
Website: http://www.spinefarm.fi
Stone.
When: April 25th & 26th
Where: Merriweather Post Pavillion, Columbia, Maryland
2 Day Tickets Go On Sale: Friday, January 17th, 2014
Single Day Tickets (If Available) On Sale: Mid February, 2014
Take A Look At The Festival Flyer Above For The Lineup Of Bands!
Metal Be Thy Name!
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* For more info on M3 ROCK FESTIVAL:
Facebook: M3 Rock Festival
Website: http://www.m3rockfest.com
http://www.merriweathermusic.com
Stone.
Faithsedge will return in 2014 with a more aggressive approach, while still keeping a melodic/progressive edge to their music. This year the band features Giancarlo Floridia (Vocals/Guitar), Alex Derosso (Lead guitar), Tony “AJ” Morra (Drums) and will once again be produced by Fabrizio Grossi (also handling bass duties). In addition, two melodic rock keyboard greats appear on 3 tracks – Eric Ragno and Alessandro DelVecchio.
The album is just being finished by Peter Doell (David Lee Roth/Richard Marx) at “Universal Mastering” in Universal City California. More details with release dates and label info soon. Pictured is singer Giancarlo Florida at Universal Mastering with Peter Doell.
__________________________________
* For more info on FAITHSEDGE:
Facebook: Faithsedge
__________________________________
Stone.
I’ve written that Motörhead are the greatest power trio alive on planet Earth. Well, um, The Winery Dogs are too. Take your pick! Mike Portnoy (drums), Richie Kotzen (vocals) and Billy Sheehan (bass) were born to make music together! The Winery Dogs are a supergroup prototype. Amen and hallelujah.
I don’t know how to put it all into words, other than WHOA! This is a #1 Hard Rock album of any year! Excellent songs and I won’t waste time on the musicianship. If this is what American Hard Rock is supposed to sound like in 2013 and beyond, then count me in! Freaking legends of Rock ‘N Roll are The Winery Dogs. Metal be thy name.
Alice In Chains couldn’t have delivered a more incredible follow-up to their 2009 gem Black Gives Way To Blue, with The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here. William Duvall once again soars vocally, while Jerry Cantrell’s guitar resonates splendid licks, riffs and tones that equate to iconic territory. This is very much a Classic Rock leaning album; just know the Hard Rock is mouth-watering.
The best Buckcherry album ever? It comes very, very, very close. Oh, yes, Confessions psyches me out of my Hard Rockin’ mind. I’m guessing that great Hard Rock albums are supposed to do just that.
Read Stone’s album review for Confessions here:
BUCKCHERRY – “Confessions” Is Out Now And It’s: Stone’s METAL Pick Of The Day!
Above review posted on February 24, 2013, on Metal Odyssey.
With current members of Thin Lizzy joining forces with drummer Jimmy DeGrasso, Black Star Riders was born. Led by the legendary guitarist Scott Gorham and fronted by Ricky Warwick, the debut album, All Hell Breaks Loose, from Black Star Riders, became an instant Hard Rock Classic to my ears and soul.
The spirit and legacy of Thin Lizzy still reigns within the world-class talent of Black Star Riders; and the songwriting, lyrics and total vibe of this album taps into everything that’s wonderful about Classic Hard Rock. This is an album I never expected to happen and now it’s a keeper for life! Metal be thy name.
Brand New Machine is an American Hard Rock band YOU NEED to get into! One of the best Rockin’ surprises of 2013 is this album! From start to finish, The Devil Made Me Do It is high-octane Hard Rock on steroids!
Read Stone’s album review for The Devil Made Me Do It here:
BRAND NEW MACHINE “The Devil Made Me Do It” – A Supercharged Hard Rock Debut!
Above review posted on August 21, 2013, on Metal Odyssey.
As power trio’s go, this album will slap you Hard Rockin’ senseless!! I found this CD without knowing of its release at Best Buy and bought it without hearing a single note. That tells you something right there. Yes, there are those times when you CAN judge a book by its cover! Pinnick Gales Pridgen have unreal musical chemistry together and their songs are proof positive!
Pinnick Gales Pridgen also landed in Metal Odyssey’s Top Ten Songs of 2013, with Collateral Damage. Click the link below to enjoy the song and video yourself! Whoa!
METAL ODYSSEY’S TOP TEN SONGS OF 2013
Above link is for a Metal Odyssey feature, posted on December 23, 2013.
Johnny Solinger sounds amazing on vocals and this entire legendary band has made a Hard Rock statement with this EP! Extremely contagious songs! Make no mistake, SKID ROW is on a mission and I cannot wait for Chapter Two!!
Read Stone’s album review for UWR Chapter One below:
SKID ROW “UNITED WORLD REBELLION (CHAPTER ONE)” EP – 5 Reasons To BUY This Kick Ass CD!
Above review posted on May 11, 2013, on Metal Odyssey.
Now What ?! is Deep Purple’s first studio album since 2005’s Rapture Of The Deep. Now What ?! is a continuation of arguably the most consistent Hard Rock band that ever lived. The undeniably influential Deep Purple have once again taken their unique, rich, Classic Hard Rock sound throughout an entire album and made it sound so complete. Ian Gillan and band have nothing more to prove. Now, it’s time for The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame to understand this.
If you wanna have a good time listening to a good times Hard Rock album, then put your good times face on and BUY this fun CD from the everlasting KING KOBRA. Now, let’s all campaign LOUDLY in 2014 to get the ultra legendary Carmine Appice into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. Thank you very much and Metal be thy name.
Read Stone’s album review for II here:
KING KOBRA “II” IS OUT NOW! YES, IT KICKS HARD ROCKIN’ ASS!
Above review posted on July 14, 2013, on Metal Odyssey.
King Kobra’s music video Have A Good Time, a hit single from II, was chosen as Stone’s Metal Pick Of The Day, back on July 26th, 2013! Click the link below to enjoy it for yourself! YEAH!!
KING KOBRA “Have A Good Time” Music Video Is: Stone’s METAL Pick Of The Day!
Above link is for a feature posted on Metal Odyssey, on July 26, 2013.
My God, I never imagined Chester Bennington fronting the grand Stone Temple Pilots. It’s Rock ‘N Roll genius!! This tidy EP packs a genuine punch of incredible musicianship, vocals and songs that are memorable from the start!
Read Stone’s album review of High Rise here:
Stone Temple Pilots With Chester Bennington “High Rise” EP – An Instant Rock Classic? Yes It Is!
Above review posted on October 15, 2013, on Metal Odyssey.
To all the naysaying critics out there, Tom Scholz has created a gift for Boston fans. The songs on this album would never have seen the light of day, if it were not for Tom Scholz. Songs of personal importance to this musical mastermind are they; and they come across with Classic Rock brilliance!
The late Brad Delp, along with David Victor, Kimberley Dahme, Tommy DeCarlo and Tom Scholz are all featured lead singers. Louis St. August of Mass lends his talents with backing harmonies on album opener and album gem: Heaven On Earth. Another total surprise release, for me, was Life Love & Hope. Thank you, Tom Scholz.
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Stone.
As any loyal visitor to Metal Odyssey knows, Scott Coverdale is my Best Metal Buddy on planet Earth. He also is an asset to Metal Odyssey with his research and contributions, which benefits in getting the Metal facts straight around here! You might just bump into Scott Coverdale as he’s hunting down coveted and rare CD’s or run into him at many a live show; therefore, keep your Metal guard up! I proudly step aside now, for Scott Coverdale’s 2013 best list. – Stone
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Another 365 Days have passed so it’s time to unveil Scott Coverdale’s Top 10 Hard Rock/AOR albums of the year. As always these lists are always tough for me to comprise, especially since I can’t listen to everything that was released during the year.
For this year’s list I decided to comprise it of full length albums and EP’s. Of the dozens of Disc’s that I was able to purchase here are my personal bests:
Krokus’s best Album since Headhunter.
One of the best debuts I’ve listened to in a long time. Contains my favorite song of 2013 “Everything”.
Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies
An incredible Album from a Legendary Guitar player. I am so glad I didn’t over look this incredible album.
No More Hell To Pay
C’mon Take On Me
Ceremonial
United World Rebellion, Chapter One
The Way Life Goes
Free Fall
To all of the visitors, who have taken the time to view my list I’ve assembled here, have a Healthy, Prosperous, and Happy 2014!! Rock On!!! – Scott Coverdale
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Scott Coverdale.
RELEASE DATES:
Germany – January 17th, 2014
Europe – January 20th, 2014
USA – January 21st, 2014
Left to Right: Bobby Rondinelli, Ferdy Doernberg, Johnny Gioeli, Axel Rudi Pell, Volker Krawczak
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Below is a snippet of Burning Chains, from Into The Storm. Check it out, play it LOUD and… Metal be thy name!!
1. THE INQUISITORIAL PROCEDURE 1:48
2. TOWER OF LIES 4:26
3. LONG WAY TO GO 5:32
4. BURNING CHAINS 5:23
5. WHEN TRUTH HURTS 6:46
6. CHANGING TIMES 6:05
7. TOUCHING HEAVEN 7:02
8. HIGH ABOVE 4:49
9. HEY HEY MY MY 5:02
10. INTO THE STORM 10:35
DIGIPAK BONUSTRACKS:
11. WHITE CATS (Opus #6 Scivolare) 4:54
12. WAY TO MANDALAY 7:52
* For more info on AXEL RUDI PELL:
Stone.
Check ’em out above! Those are 7 cassette singles that I recently dug out of my collection. There’s KIX, Queen, Aerosmith, Slaughter, Metallica and Queensrÿche! Whoa! I have many more cassette singles; I’ll show and tell more of ’em in the future. Honestly, I will.
Before there was the compressed MP3 revolution, there were 45 rpm’s and eventually cassette singles. These (now) analog relics gave me and countless others, a quick fix for an inexpensive Rock ‘N Metal high, back in the day. My cassette collection has continued to survive over the decades and I’m thankful for that.
Regardless of the digital world we live in, I’ll still dig through my cassettes and listen to whatever catches my mood at the moment. I’ll always have a stash of cool cassettes put aside for listening to in my (2000) Ford Taurus and “combo” stereo in the house. Metal be thy name.
Here are what the back covers of these 7 cassette singles looks like:
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Stone.
METAL ODYSSEY’S TOP TEN SONGS OF 2013 – Within the release of untold thousands of Hard Rock and Metal songs during this past year, these are the songs chosen as Metal Odyssey’s Top Ten Of 2013!
This is a list of songs that I’ve turned to countless times during 2013; songs to psyche me out, lift me up and shake me loose! I hail the musicians and songwriters behind each song listed here; for each song on this list is uniquely special. A link is below each album cover; sending you to a 2013 Metal Odyssey post featured on that respective song. I sincerely hope you can enjoy one, a few or all of these songs!
Metal be thy name. – Stone
Above link is for an original post featured on Metal Odyssey on June 27, 2013.
Above link is for an original post featured on Metal Odyssey on November 30, 2013.
Above link is for an original post featured on Metal Odyssey on September 15, 2013.
Above link is for an original post featured on Metal Odyssey on September 2, 2013.
Above link is for an original post featured on Metal Odyssey on September 3, 2013.
The above link is for a press release featured on Metal Odyssey on September 28, 2013.
The above link is for an original post featured on Metal Odyssey on June 17, 2013.
Above link is for an original post featured on Metal Odyssey on November 21, 2013.
The above link is for an original post featured on Metal Odyssey on May 15, 2013.
Stone Says: Below, Listen to the song We Are and read it’s inspiring and mystical lyrics. A brilliant song from top to bottom, an epic song that gives me the chills… in a grand way. A powerful song is We Are; thanks to thepowerful musicians and vocalists that have made it soar so prolifically. We Are is: ten stars out of ten stars… and 5 Metal fists out of 5 Metal fists! Metal be thy name.
Metal Odyssey is proud to support Ray Holroyd, Revolution Harmony and the charity http://www.buskaid.org.za that benefits from the sale of We Are.
Above link is for a press release featured on Metal Odyssey on July 8, 2013.
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Stone.
METAL And HARD ROCK 2013 – It’s my Metal opinion, that 2013 was a revival year for many, many quality Rockin’ EP’s. I honestly cannot recall such a fantastic year for EP’s since (maybe) the glorious and colorful 80’s decade. From Stone Temple Pilots to Night Demon, these EP’s that I’ve listened to and enjoyed this past year deserve all the attention and recommendation I can possibly give them, right here on Metal Odyssey.
I’ve compiled a roll call below, of the 26 EP’s I want to celebrate from 2013. Please understand, these EP’s are in no particular order! However, my favorite #1 EP and choice for favorite cover song EP from 2013 are stated below! Many shall find their way onto Metal Odyssey’s 2013 Best Of Albums lists; that’s when the ranking will come into play (if you will). My apologies to any band’s EP that I’ve missed from 2013, I can’t hear ’em all! Please leave your favorite or missing EP from this list, via comment!!
For now, peruse or glance at this Best EP’s Of 2013 list below and know I heavily endorse each and every EP and band below! Whoa! Please support as many bands you’ll see here as you can! Also look for an EP review link or written review below each title!
Metal be thy name – Stone
ADRENALINE MOB – COVERTA
Above review was featured on Metal Odyssey, on April 5, 2013.
SKID ROW – United World Rebellion / Chapter One
Above review was featured on Metal Odyssey, on May 11, 2013.
KILL FOR EDEN – Living On Mars
Kill For Eden are from London, England and have an enormously contagious 3 song EP that’s titled: Living On Mars. This Hard Rock band mixes up both heaviness and melodies like a delicious treat, straight from the Rock ‘N Roll bakery of ear pastry! Lyla D’Souza has captured the essence of a true Hard Rock vocalist with legitimacy covering her from head to toe! Think: a modern-day Debbie Harry; only not a clone. ALL 3 songs on this EP are ROCK SOLID!
Combined with mega talent, mega songs, a memorable sound and credibility oozing from every musical crevice, Kill For Eden should one day be bigger than they could ever dream imaginable! At least that’s how I feel about this dynamic band. Whoa!
7 DAYS DEAD – Beyond Within
Above review was featured on Metal Odyssey, on March 9, 2013.
ANTHRAX – Anthems
Above review was featured on Metal Odyssey, on August 15, 2013.
STONE TEMPLE PILOTS – With Chester Bennington
High Rise
Above review was featured on Metal Odyssey, on October 15, 2013.
NIGHT DEMON – S/T
Above review was featured on Metal Odyssey, on June 25, 2013.
GOREGAST – Covered In Skin
Above review was featured on Metal Odyssey, on September 26, 2013.
UGLY KID JOE – Stairway To Hell
(2013 Reissue With Bonus Tracks)
Above review was featured on Metal Odyssey, on June 21, 2013.
THE BEAUTIFULLY DEMOLISHED – S/T
Above review was featured on Metal Odyssey, on June 1, 2013.
HOD – The Uncreated Demo
Above review was featured on Metal Odyssey, on August 10, 2013.
HALESTORM
ReAniMate 2.0: The CoVeRs eP
I’ve enjoyed this second covers EP from Halestorm light years more than their first! The song selection here is unreal good! With the weakest cover song being the AC/DC classic, Shoot To Thrill, 5 out of 6 cover songs that have Rocked my brain loose is fun-fabulous for me! Lzzy Hale and band NAILED it on part 2!
Lzzy Hale is incredible on Fleetwood Mac’s Gold Dust Woman. One track that surprised the hell out of me is the cover of Daft Punk’s Get Lucky… Halestorm makes this song soar!
MAMMOTH SALMON – Internet EP 2
Above review was featured on Metal Odyssey, on June 20, 2013.
WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS (Split EP)
Philip H. Anselmo And The Illegals – Warbeast
With 2 previously unreleased studio tracks from Philip H. Anselmo And The Illegals, along with 2 previously unreleased live tracks from Warbeast, the end result is nothing short of a Metal bliss trip! 4 heavy-as-shit songs worth their weight in 10 beer kegs! Philip H. Anselmo is a Metal icon x 100.
BAT – Primitive Age (Demo)
When Ryan Waste (Bass/Vocals), Nick Poulos (Guitar) and Felix Griffin (Drums) united to form BAT, I just knew their Metal was gonna kick my ass. Oh, it has. Old school Metal with no bells or whistles on the production end, Primitive Age is an absolute Metal MUST for each Metalhead alive today.
If I had to choose a #1 favorite original recordings EP on this list, it’s this EP Demo. BAT has reminded me, once again, that EP demos are stuff of legend. Listen for yourself, name your price and buy it by clicking the link below:
http://bewareofthebat.bandcamp.com/
NIGHTBITCH – Chainmaker
Above review was featured on Metal Odyssey, on June 11, 2013.
LAIR OF THE MINOTAUR – Godslayer
Above review was featured on Metal Odyssey, on June 13, 2013.
NUCLEAR – Apátrida
Above review was featured on Metal Odyssey, on April 25, 2013.
SIOUX – S/T EP
Above review was featured on Metal Odyssey, on June 19, 2013.
HELLBASTARD – Sons Of Bitches
Above review was featured on Metal Odyssey, on June 27, 2013.
INHALE THE FALL – Debut S/T EP
From Cork, Ireland comes Inhale The Fall. Vocalist Jenny O’ Keeffe is brilliant! This entire band is rolling in talent! Think: Modern Hard Rock/Metal that isn’t a carbon copy of another carbon copy. I certainly hope grand Metal events happen for Inhale The Fall, this band is too good.
You can purchase this tremendous EP from Inhale The Fall by going to iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/ie/album/inhale-the-fall-ep/id682167489
GHOST – If You Have Ghost
As a follow-up to their outstanding 2013 full-length, Infestissumam, Ghost releases the If You Have Ghost EP. Production is a quantum leap forward, compared to their (already classic) debut: Opus Eponymous.
Melodic and AOR leaning on these 4 cover songs (and 1 live track), with musical and vocal talent galore, Ghost is still Old School with lots of hazy and macabre like atmosphere. It’s just a crying shame that someone talked Ghost into covering ABBA’s I’m A Marionette. That is Metal sacrilege for such a grand band to go near such a pile of shit as that.
Papa Emeritus II and these nameless ghouls of Metal have effectively established themselves as a top-tier band and brand in our beloved genre. Fans of the legendary Dave Grohl will be tickled senseless, knowing that he produced this EP; along with playing drums, percussion and rhythm guitar on select songs. Metal be thy name!
FOR TODAY – Prevailer
The Christian Hardcore/Metal warriors, For Today, didn’t disappoint my ears with their EP: Prevailer. Once again, For Today keeps their incredible energy level on full-throttle, with their intense Metal exploding from every nook and cranny!
The bonus track is an acoustic version of Fearless (original non-acoustic version is heard on their 2012 studio album: Immortal) and it is a highlight of highlights on this MUST Metal EP from For Today. Make no Metal mistake, For Today delivers brutal Metal. Period. Wow good.
SANGUS – Vengeful Brutality
Without a Metal doubt, SANGUS has the most brutal, extreme and vein exploding EP on this “Best EP’s Of 2013” list! Metal be thy name, SANGUS doesn’t just want to kick you ass into oblivion with their Metal… this band sounds like they want to destroy all Metal non-believers! Perfect.
With (only) 3 songs, the proof is in the Metal from SANGUS and they deliver like a rabid raccoon, filled with rage on a street full of outdoor Summer barbecues! Black Crusted Death Thrash never sounded so insanely good!
Check out Vengeful Brutality for yourself, by clicking the link below! You can buy this killer EP by naming your price too! Whoa!
Bandcamp: http://sangus.bandcamp.com
INFALLING – Path Of Desolation
Above review was featured on Metal Odyssey, on January 3, 2013.
ARMAROTH – False Vision
Above review was featured on Metal Odyssey, on July 8, 2013.
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Stone.
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
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