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CINDERELLA – A METAL SPOTLIGHT ON THE M3 ROCK FESTIVAL 2010!

Posted in hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal concerts, heavy metal festivals, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 17, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

CINDERELLA – Since their 1986 debut album – Night Songs, I have been a fan of Cinderella. Be it Rock, Hard Rock, Hair Metal or good ol’ Heavy Metal… Cinderella can play it extremely well and with a classy touch of the Blues. Cinderella is slated for performing at the 2010 M3 Rock Festival, in Columbia, Maryland, on June 19th. Their set time is from 7:40 – 8:40 pm on the Pavilion Stage. They are the last band on the Pavilion Stage to perform before… the ultra legendary Scorpions headline and close out the night!!! I’M THERE! I literally am counting down the hours to this cool festival of Hard Rock ‘N’ Roll and so is my Best Metal Buddy… Scott Coverdale. This will be the third time I will have seen Cinderella live and it has been quite a few years since I’ve seen them last.

To pick my favorite Cinderella album, (there are four studio albums in all), is really not that easy. Metal truth be told, each Cinderella album is uniquely great, in it’s total Rockin’ totality. There is that one Cinderella album, however, that I turn to more often to listen to… Heartbreak Station from 1990. Bluesy, Hard Hittin’, American Rock ‘N’ Roll at it’s finest is the best way to sum up Heartbreak Station. My favorite song from this album is Shelter Me. Man, if there ever was a song that justifies why Cinderella is as genuine as a freshly minted and non-circulated, gold dollar coin… it’s this one. The lyrics of Shelter Me resonate with strong relevance, a song that can surely be adapted to today’s nightly news bull crap. Plus, Cinderella took a fine swipe at the censorship machine known as the PMRC within the lyrics of Shelter Me as well, which makes me very proud as a fan.

The More Things Change is another example of lyrical relevance, coupled with Bluesy Hard Rock excellence. This song opens up Heartbreak Station and truly signaled that Cinderella was more than just merely an inappropriately tagged – Hair Metal Band. For anyone to pigeonhole Cinderella into just the Hair Metal genre is nonsensical… this is an American Rock ‘N’ Roll Band that has proven their Rock diversity through four studio albums, the proof is in their music. Throw in a clear fact that Cinderella has not released a studio album since 1994’s Still Climbing, all the while maintaining a level of popularity that puts them second to the Scorpions on the M3 Rock Festival bill and the word impressive comes to mind.

Cinderella is a perfect example of quality and talent over quantity… their four studio albums hold up against the sands of time. The songs on these Cinderella albums are not just fad infused… these songs were and still are Hard Rockin’ genius. The word relevance keeps popping up as I write this, only it is so applicable to Cinderella. One of the items on my Metal wish list, is for Cinderella to make another studio album sometime soon. Then again, I’m just psyched this great band is still around and still touring, affording me the opportunity to see them live once again at M3!

* Heartbreak Station was released in 1990, on Mercury Records.

Track Listing For Cinderella – Heartbreak Station:

The More Things Change

Love’s Got Me Doin’ Time

Shelter Me

Heartbreak Station

Sick For The Cure

One For Rock & Roll

Dead Man’s Road

Make Your Own Way

Electric Love

Love Gone Bad

Winds Of Change

* Cinderella NOW and as they appeared on Heartbreak Station:

Tom Keifer – lead vocals, guitar, piano

Eric Brittingham – bass

Jeff LaBar – guitar

Fred Coury – drums, percussion, backing vocals

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

CINDERELLA – Official Website

* For more info on the M3 Rock Festival 2010, just click the link below:

M3 Rock Festival 2010

LONG LIVE CINDERELLA!

Stone.

4 Comments »

DIO “INTERMISSION” – LIVE ALBUM FROM 1986 IS A METAL MUST!

Posted in hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal songs, metal odyssey, Music, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 14, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

DIO – Released in June of 1986, DIO – Intermission has always been a favorable listen for me. The lone studio track, Time To Burn is a major reason why I bought Intermission so many years ago. This song just stuck to me instantly, from the very first time I heard it on either WCCC FM or WHCN FM out of Hartford, Connecticut. The combination of the melodic hardness and lyrics of Time To Burn just never seems to dull on my Metal senses. I still get the same ostrich bumps on my arms and face when I listen to this song today. Metal be thy name. The only difference between now and then, while listening to this vintage DIO song, is that at this point in my Metal life… I don’t feel I have that much “Time To Burn” anymore.

Back in 1986, there was no such thing as itunes, so buying just the song Time To Burn was not an option for me. Buying a song or two like we do today, at any time of the day, with the click of a computer mouse, was pure Science Fiction back then. Of course I wanted the entire song package that Intermission bestowed, as of 1986 there was no official live DIO title until this album was released. Furthermore, I, like so many millions of other DIO fans, was riding the wave of incredible album releases by DIO during those early to mid 80’s… 1983’s Holy Diver, 1984’s The Last In Line and 1985’s Sacred Heart were a triple dose of Heavy Metal ecstasy and still are!

In Metal truth, Intermission can easily be referred to as an EP, with only six songs. Five of the songs are live, with of course Time To Burn being the studio track. Track five is a live medley of three songs – Rock ‘N’ Roll Children, Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll and Man On The Silver Mountain. Adding two classic Rainbow songs into the live mix, with Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll and Man On The Silver Mountain was a brilliantly cool idea from Ronnie James Dio, in my Metal opinion. These two Rainbow songs were and forever will be synonymous with Ronnie James Dio.

The overall sound quality of the live songs are well above average, you won’t be listening to a bootleg when it comes to quality. Intermission will never go down in Metal history as the greatest live album… still it is an excellent live DIO album that is a must for new fans. Old School DIO and Heavy Metal fans should already be familiar with Intermission, embracing it as much as I do could differ from one fan to the next. Ronnie James Dio left us fans with an incredible and unparalleled catalog of music. Intermission is a DIO album that captured a moment in time and is too good to ignore.

Intermission is still readily available at nearly every online music retailer, plus it sells for well under ten dollars, (U.S.), in both new and used condition. I’ve also seen Intermission on vinyl, selling in the ten dollar, (U.S.), range for both new and used condition. Adding this DIO album to your DIO or Heavy Metal Music collection is a smart Metal move… who knows for how much longer it will be in print?

Track Listing For DIO – Intermission:

King Of Rock And Roll

Rainbow In The Dark

Sacred Heart

Time To Burn (Studio Track)

Rock ‘N’ Roll Children/Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll/Man On The Silver Mountain (Medley)

We Rock

* DIO – Intermission was originally released on Warner Bros. Records in North America.

The musicians of DIO, as heard on Intermission:

Ronnie James Dio – vocals

Vivian Campbell – guitar

Jimmy Bain – bass

Vinny Appice – drums

Claude Schnell – keyboards

Craig Goldy – guitar on Time To Burn (studio track)

* Craig Goldy has been the guitarist for: Rough Cutt, Giuffria and Craig Goldy’s Ritual.

* Intermission was the official introduction of Craig Goldy as the guitarist for DIO, replacing Vivian Campbell.

* Craig Goldy is the guitarist on DIO’s studio albums: Dream Evil (1987), Magica (2000) and Master Of The Moon (2004).

* You can check out more info on Craig Goldy by clicking on the link below:

CRAIG GOLDY – MySpace Music Page

* After leaving DIO, Vivian Campbell joined Whitesnake in 1987 for their World Tour, through 1988. Vivian Campbell went on to play guitar on Lou Gramm’s 1989 solo album – Long Hard Look. He also played guitar for Riverdogs and Shadow King before joining Def Leppard in 1993. The Def Leppard album from 1993, Retro Active, was Vivian Campbell’s first appearance as guitarist with them.

Stone.

5 Comments »

KISS – FIGURINES BOX SET I ADDED TO MY KISS COLLECTION!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 8, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

KISS – It was a cold, dark and dank night this past Winter, when the family and I realized we had a very low supply of food and necessities to keep us alive. So, when a family of four knows they need  the essentials to keep the cupboards and fridge stocked… a grocery store trip soon follows. Hello, Super Walmart. We took our sweet time inspecting and deliberating our vast grocery choices that Winter’s night. And why not? Once in awhile in life, a family of four has to stop to smell the groceries… you know?

Our grocery shopping experience was drawing to a close as we positioned ourselves and shopping cart into a check-out line, when all of a sudden, I hear my two daughters exclaim… KISS! Well, that word is Metal Music to my ears. Knowing that Walmart had some KISS merchandise hidden about the Super Store only made me all the more Metal giddy. My head turned to my daughters, then I saw my wonderful wife holding the most gorgeous KISS surprise! Check out the pics below… this is what the KISS figurine box set that I own looks like, both front and back!

Front:

The front of this box shows graphics that are slightly different from other retail store chains that carried this KISS “Super Stars” box set. This KISS box set was released in late 2009, when the KISS album Sonic Boom hit the shelves at Walmart. (I still have to take the price sticker off, located at the top right corner on box front).

Back:

(Photo’s and cropping of these KISS images were done by my graphic design guru wife and I thank her with a million Metal hugs!)

Apparently, when I had my head turned, my wife went into the trading card aisle of this Super Walmart… that is where this unreal cool KISS figurine box set was hiding. The price you might ponder? $20 (U.S.) is what it cost for a terrific piece of KISSTORY. If anyone thinks that is too pricey for this KISS gem, just think about the billions of dollars that BP is throwing away each day in the Gulf Coast. An alarming Metal perspective it is… a real Metal reality check I might add too.

Well, enough with BP… on with my KISS figurine story. I had a smile on my face like the Chesire Cat as I gazed at this KISS memorabilia. Guiding it from my wife’s hands onto the check-out conveyor was crucial… this was one item that could not be plopped down on top of the frozen foods. As this KISS box set made it’s way down the conveyor, I made certain no other item banged into it. Now, the next crucial step was getting it past the cashier’s hands without there being a mishap. The cashier that Winter’s evening was courteous and diligent in her handling of my KISS bounty. She deftly placed this KISS box set into it’s very own Walmart shopping bag too. Score!

With our shopping cart very much filled, (again, we really needed a major grocery order), I made certain that the bag containing my KISS booty was delicately placed on top of all the other bags. As we made our way out of this Super Walmart, concern quickly came over me… is it snowing? Could there be, (gasp), freezing rain? The last thing I needed was inclement weather descending upon my KISS box set, regardless if a paper-thin, plastic shopping bag was covering it. As we approached the exit doors, I noticed there was some very minor precipitation falling from the Winter sky… a very light snow. It was not enough however, to cause any Metal alarm or damage to my new found KISS item.

Placement of the bag, that contained this KISS box set, within the car’s trunk was critical. I could not afford another shopping bag the opportunity to fall or even lean against the KISS box set. No Metal way. My Metal mission was accomplished… the drive home proved a success with no bags moving about in the car’s trunk! Getting my new piece of KISSTORY into the house was now a piece of Metal cake. All of my corn dog worrying about transporting this KISS item from my beautiful wife’s hands at Super Walmart to our house was over. Phew. I have this KISS figurine box set on display now… in my Rock ‘N’ Roll room of course.

I truly thank my wife and daughters for scoping out KISS memorabilia at Super Walmart that Winter’s night… they are the heart, soul and light of my life.

LONG LIVE KISS ROCK ‘N’ ROLL!

Stone.

10 Comments »

ALICE COOPER “CONSTRICTOR” – 1986 ALBUM REVISITED!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock music, 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, horror metal, metal odyssey, Music, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 5, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

ALICE COOPER – Constrictor was released on September 22, 1986, on MCA Records. Constrictor was the ninth studio album representing the “solo” career of Alice Cooper. This was the album that marked the return of Alice Cooper, (The Nightmare Returns Tour soon began). A three year “retirement” of sorts had begun since Alice Cooper’s 1983 studio album – DaDa. This Constrictor album changed all of that “retirement” thinking… Alice Cooper was really back, on MTV and even at WrestleMania III on March 29, 1987.

Alice Cooper was in the corner of Jake “The Snake” Roberts as he squared against The Honky Tonk Man during WrestleMania III. I can remember watching this all unfold, seeing Alice Cooper in the ring, thinking to myself… man, Alice Cooper could kick some ass right now! (Honestly, I used to think Pro Wrestling was real… the WWF kind that is). I had bought tickets to WrestleMania III with my cousins, only it was tickets for the then extremely popular – closed circuit television at a large theatre.

Ah, Metal… I mean, WrestleMania memories. Now, back to this Constrictor album:

The Constrictor album cover itself is vintage Alice Cooper, shock and horror imagery really goes hand in hand with this Rock ‘N’ Roll icon. Aw, heck, compare this album cover to most Grindcore, Death and Black Metal album covers and you are looking at the age of innocence, with Alice Cooper’s neck and face being the fixture for this boa constrictor. I do love this album cover… it’s the persona and image of what Alice Cooper conveys as a performer.

The most commercial and late 80’s accessible Hard Rock song on this album is without a doubt – He’s Back (The Man Behind The Mask). This keyboard dominated song was also a major song for the movie soundtrack – Friday The 13th Part Vl: Jason Lives. With all of it’s open air silliness, I still like this song. It’s different. Very different. Let’s face it, this song was written and recorded for a purpose, to promote both a major slasher film franchise and Alice Cooper as well. When the Metal goal is to intentionally make a commercial song such as this, (which is obvious), then I’m agreeable.

The Great American Success Story is another mainstream blast of Hard Rock, which teeters on Pop Metal by way of 1986. The Arena style guitar takes the upper hand in making this song navigate through it’s friendly swirl of lyrics and melodic undertaking. Even Alice Cooper himself sounds more amicable than formidable on The Great American Success Story.

Life And Death Of The Party takes a more harder and heavier turn for the Metal better. Alice Cooper even has a semi-sinister delivery with his vocals, a characteristic that is essential to his voice and persona. The more sinister Alice Cooper gets… the better. Thrill My Gorilla can either be construed as tongue-in-cheek or just plain Hard Rockin’ fun, take your Metal pick. This song can only work for Alice Cooper back in 1986… this song in 2010 would go down as ? and in 1978 this song would have been ? as well. Really, c’mon, it’s the Metal truth.

Give It Up, with it’s “Give It Up” chorus and open door friendly ambiance, was tailor made for a late ’80’s motion picture soundtrack about teens in love. The mid to late ’80’s was oozing with these type of flicks… and songs like Give It Up were all over them. There is nothing wrong with it’s appeal, plus it really does “fit” into this mainstream bag o’ tricks that Constrictor musically advertises.

Teenage Frankenstein… what more can be said than that? At first glance, this song title appears as one a Punk Rock novice might expect to find… on an early Misfits album. Alas, this song is actually the opening track on Constrictor. The lyrical rhyming coupled with Alice Cooper’s very slick vocals, makes this song actually work it’s Hard Rock wonder with me. Metal be thy name.

Once again, I am convinced that fun lyrical content can coexist in Heavy Music… Alice Cooper has proven this with Constrictor. The front cover of Constrictor may lead one to believe it’s a much heavier and darker album than it really is. What this album exchanges for heaviness, it makes up for with it’s good time 80’s feel and attitude. I’ve owned Constrictor for a very long time, upgraded it to CD without thinking twice, in all Metal honesty.

Sometimes it’s the atmosphere of an album of songs that mesmerizes me so. This Alice Cooper album is a fine example of that. I don’t feel a hint of hesitation in recommending this album to any fan of Classic Rock, Hard Rock or 80’s Heavy Metal. Constrictor is a mirror image of it’s pop cultural backdrop of 1986… lot’s of flash, swagger and accessible songs that one can crank up loud, in a church parking lot, without getting hit by lightning.

The Band Behind – Constrictor:

Alice – vocals

Kane Roberts – guitars, bass, keyboards, background vocals, drums

David Rosenberg – drums

Donnie Kisselbach – bass guitar

Kip Wringer – bass guitar

Paul Delph – keyboards, background vocals on “He’s Back”

Tom Kelly – background vocals on “He’s Back”

Beau Hill – background vocals

Track Listing For Alice Cooper – Constrictor:

Teenage Frankenstein

Give It Up

Thrill My Gorilla

Life And Death Of The Party

Simple Disobediance

The World Needs Guts

Trick Bag

Crawlin’

The Great American Success Story

He’s Back (The Man Behind The Mask)

* Here is what the WrestleMania III promo poster looks like:

When I was a young lad, I witnessed both Andre The Giant and Hulk Hogan wrestle live. It was in my old High School Gym too. (This was way before the WWF became super enormous, long before the WWF changed to the WWE). Andre The Giant was an incredibly large human being and Hulk Hogan… he had muscles growing out of his eyeballs for Metal sakes.

LONG LIVE ALICE COOPER!

Stone.

9 Comments »

ALICE COOPER “LIVE AT TORONTO” – INDIE LABEL CD FOR DIEHARD FANS ONLY

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock bands, classic rock music, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock 'n' roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 3, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

Here is an offbeat Alice Cooper CD I found while moseying around a flea market in Quakertown, Pennsylvania recently – Live At Toronto. The exact year this Toronto concert was recorded is a Metal mystery to me, the info just does not exist within the liner notes… for there are no liner notes with this CD! The back of this CD does show the track listing, the usual record company info and a photo credit. Classic Sound, Inc. is the record company/distributor and the front cover photo of Alice Cooper is dated – 1993. I’ve seen this same CD available at Amazon.com, with sellers listing the starting price as low as 2 cents! (Must be Ebay sellers). As you shall read further, this Alice Cooper – Live At Toronto CD is for diehard fans only… for those fans who absolutely, must have every album/CD title out there, of this ultra Rock legend.

With no real liner notes, it is not definite as to who the musicians are backing up Alice Cooper. I would not want to make any guesses without having credible information regarding who exactly played on stage, with Alice Cooper for this recording. My Metal research has turned up nothing, in regards to this CD, other than the “basic” info that I am mentioning in this post. The overall sound quality of Live At Toronto is not going to blow anyone away… it does not impress me at all. The song selection does not contain Alice Cooper’s standout hits, nor even any standout deep album cuts from the Alice Cooper catalog. Listening to Live At Toronto gives my ears the impression that this was a concert in a smaller venue, not an Arena.

It’s really a shame, this live CD could be quite a vintage and Rock solid listen, if only some qualified sound engineer did some tweaking where necessary. There are many moments throughout, where I swear I’m listening to a 45 rpm being played as a 33 1/3 rpm… no kidding. Classic Rock should never be recorded to sound so old. I’ll say this many times though… this is NOT the great Alice Cooper’s fault. Alice Cooper cannot be held accountable for some indie label messing up with one of his concert recording’s and trying to cash in on his legendary and  Classic Rock.

There is a silent break between each song, so the continuity of the “live” concert experience is non-existent. Alice Cooper is not caught live talking it up to the crowd, nor are there any memorable moments that would make me want to recommend this CD to new fans of Alice Cooper. My best Metal advice is stick to the main titles of Alice Cooper, on the major labels. Sometimes these offbeat and indie labels that release live CD’s are not privy to quality standards in live recordings. My disappointment after listening to Live At Toronto is again, not any fault of Alice Cooper, it is obviously a failure on the part of the people behind mastering this live recording.

Track Listing For Alice Cooper – Live At Toronto:

Ain’t That Just Like A Woman

Painting A Picture

Medley: A.C. Instrumental – I’ve Written Home To Mother

Freak Out Song

Goin’ To The River

Nobody Like Me

Science Fiction

I’ll be keeping my Alice Cooper – Live At Toronto CD… and I will most likely listen to it again. My Metal admiration and liking Alice Cooper for so long, makes me one of those fans who finds it very cool, to seek out, find and keep his albums and CD’s within my collection. Even if the CD is a sub-par, indie-label, live recording. Part of being a Metalhead, is having that “gotta have it” Metal mentality… especially when an album or CD is priced dirt cheap.

LONG LIVE ALICE COOPER!

Stone.

11 Comments »

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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BRET MICHAELS IS BACK! … PHEW.

Posted in hair metal bands, hair metal music, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock 'n' roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 27, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

BRET MICHAELS – The lead singer for Poison, solo artist and Celebrity Apprentice “champ” seems to be out and about… just about everywhere these days. How I see it, great for him! Heck, Bret Michaels has every reason in the world to make things happen now. If I was in the same position, I would have an extreme sense of urgency to get it done… especially if you have the musical talent, contacts, resources and funds to lean on. The incredible turnaround for Bret Michaels health only makes me feel great inside, it inspires me to enjoy each moment of each day, like there really is no tomorrow.

Having a sense of urgency to accomplish life’s goals is a great thing to bestow… in my Metal opinion. Witnessing this incredible comeback by Bret Michaels inspires me to “get it done” and not sweat the small stuff. (Well, I’ll still complain about crap and act like a corn dog from time to time). I wish Bret Michaels nothing but the very best at life… we are all only given one pass on Earth as it is… and there are no rain checks or reverse button to push for living life either.

Welcome back Bret Michaels!

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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METAL BLADE TV – “ON THE BLACK CARPET OF REVOLVER GOLDEN GODS AWARDS” 2010

Posted in hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal awards, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 25, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

Jeff Paulick, lead vocalist/bass guitarist of Lazarus A.D. interviews some of the biggest, baddest and best Metal musicians attending and/or receiving awards at the 2010 Revolver Golden Gods Awards for Metal Blade TV! Vinnie Paul, Alice Cooper, Andrew W.K., Lemmy, Gene Hoglan, Brendon Small, Kerry King, Joey Vera, Burton C. Bell and Marilyn Manson just to name quite a few! Man, would I have loved to do that job with the microphone! Hire me Metal Blade TV! Um… please? Pretty Metal please?

Take a Metal gander at the 2 video’s below to see what I’m all excited about… and enjoy!

The actual broadcast of the 2010 Revolver Golden Gods Awards may have been cut-up and edited to pieces, still, the pre-awards black carpet chatting is cool stuff! A Metal kudos to Metal Blade TV! Maybe Metal Blade TV should just broadcast this event from the inside as well starting next year?

LONG LIVE METAL!

…AND HARD ROCK TOO!

O.K., LONG LIVE METAL BLADE RECORDS AND METAL BLADE TV!

The word “pretty” was used on Metal Odyssey… yup, in the first paragraph.

Stone.

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PAUL GRAY – REST IN PEACE, THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC

Posted in hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 24, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

PAUL GRAY – It has been reported today, through numerous news sources, that on this day – May 24, 2010, Paul Gray, founding member, bass guitarist and #2 of Slipknot, has passed away at age 38. I will abstain from any details, except for one, that I have read in regards to Paul Gray’s passing away, I just do not want to pass along any information that may change in the coming hours and/or days. The only detail I feel comfortable relaying is the cause of death is unknown at this time. I will admit, this has been a very sad year thus far for “famous” musicians passing on. Paul Gray was without question, a key figure and talent within Sipknot.

Metal Odyssey expresses the sincerest condolences to Paul Gray’s family, band mates, friends and fans. He shall forever be in peace… and hopefully Rockin’ in Heaven with Ronnie James Dio, Peter Steele, The Reverend, John Lennon, Buddy Holly and Elvis too. That’s how I like to make sense of it all.

I have always looked upon Slipknot as a formidable presence in the world of Heavy Music. I became a fan of their style, music and legitimacy as a top tier band. Paul Gray deserves much credit for his accomplishments with Slipknot. Paul Gray shall certainly be missed.

In the past, I have posted about Slipknot a couple of times. I would like to share them now, with you, if you so desire to read them. I, like so many other fans, want to celebrate the music of Paul Gray… for at the end of the day, that is all it is, in it’s fabulous and inspiring glory, regardless of genre. Music.

SLIPKNOT – “PSYCHOSOCIAL” IS MY 2ND FAVORITE METAL SONG EVER!

SLIPKNOT – ALL HOPE IS GONE

When one door shuts, another door opens… may the door to Heaven open for Paul Gray.

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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RONNIE JAMES DIO – REST PEACEFULLY AND ROCK WITH THE ANGELS

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

RONNIE JAMES DIO – Metal Odyssey wants to extend the deepest, most heart felt condolences to Wendy Dio, all of Ronnie James Dio’s family, friends, band mates of both past and present and his fans. Upon learning the sad news of Ronnie James Dio passing away today, May 16, 2010, I felt shock and grief, just as any fan has. Ronnie James Dio put up his valiant fight against cancer and heaven gained a Hard Rock and Heavy Metal patriarch. Arguably the greatest, if not one of the greatest singers in Hard Rock and Heavy Metal history was Ronnie James Dio. I, myself, have revered and enjoyed his voice, lyrics and songwriting for more than words can describe.

When I was a young teen, I did not listen very well to the adults trying to teach me in school. I did however, listen quite well to Ronnie James Dio through his songs. Be it Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath or his very own band DIO, the vocals and lyrics of Ronnie James Dio spoke to me… a friend that I only knew through songs and albums. I, like so many countless other fans, have felt that connection to Ronnie James Dio every time an album of his is played. For me, it never matters as to which Ronnie James Dio album that I listen to… I love them all. Ronnie James Dio was a living Hard Rock and Heavy Metal legend for decades and he shall remain a legend for eternity.

I feel blessed that I was able to see Ronnie James Dio in concert once, with his own band DIO. I still look back on that concert as if it were yesterday. Savatage and Megadeth were the opening bands for this DIO concert too… a Metal memory forever forged into my mind and soul. I shall miss knowing Ronnie James Dio is still around and making music. However, God wanted Ronnie James Dio to suffer no more… my only message to Heaven and the angels above is this – your all going to Rock like you never have before and Ronnie James Dio is gonna show you how.

In all of my life, I swear to never take the family and friends that surround me for granted. I don’t take for granted the musicians and bands that I am a fan of either. There shall never be another Ronnie James Dio and I shall never, ever, stop listening to his music for as long as I live. I will miss you Ronnie James Dio, words will never be able to express just how much. My tears today are not to be mistaken for only sadness of your passing… instead, they are to be understood as just how much your music meant to me on a deep and personal level. This by far, is the most difficult time I have ever had in my life writing for I am saying goodbye to Ronnie James Dio. Still, I am writing about a man that has given my life incredible joy through his music and I owe him a heartfelt thank you.

Rest In Peace Ronnie James Dio, you deserve your rightful place in Heaven.

1942 – 2010

LONG LIVE THE MUSIC OF RONNIE JAMES DIO.

Stone.

9 Comments »

MORPHINE KILLER – A Metal Odyssey Interview!

Posted in extreme metal music, gothic metal music, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, interviews, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music interviews with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 16, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

MORPHINE KILLER – Belle Roka is a singer and plays keyboards. Eski, he too is a singer and also plays bass, guitar and drums. These two talents combined have created what I consider to be one dynamic Metal Band… Morphine Killer. If diversity is the key to success, Morphine Killer is on the fast track. From Extreme Metal to Rock, this Stanton, California Metal Band is making some serious Heavy Music, so good in fact they caught my Metal attention with ease. Add in the pluses of contagious enthusiasm for music, a deep respect for Classic Rock and the roots of Rock ‘N’ Roll, Belle and Eski have the discipline, skills and foresight to make Morphine Killer soar.

With their 2009 EP releases of Unapologetic and Nightmares, a brand new single Throw It All Away released in March of 2010 and a new album to be released towards the end of this year, Morphine Killer is steadily building a credible catalog of Heavy Music. I caught up to Eski and Belle recently, as they took the time out of their hectic schedule to chat to Metal Odyssey. Here is what they had to say:

Metal Odyssey: Where and how did Belle and Eski cross musical paths?

Belle: We met through mutual friends. It was right away, that we began talking about music, Eski said he could record me and I said great!

Eski: Both of our musical projects were coming to an end, so it just made sense and felt right that we should make music together.

Metal Odyssey Note: Eski’s two previous bands were Reckoning Day and Honor The Fallen. Belle’s previous music project was Xob.

Metal Odyssey: Your band name Morphine Killer just screams Metal, how did this name come about?

Eski: Originally, when there was no name for our band, I was looking at song titles, like Nightmare and In Silent Agony. Then we went with Morphine Killer. In Silent Agony was just too depressing!

Metal Odyssey: Is your new single “Throw It All Away”, which Rocks the hell out me by the way, a prelude to an upcoming album or EP?

Eski: We’re finishing up on a full length album now, with a release date towards the end of the year. There will be ten or eleven new songs on this album and Throw It All Away is included on it. We never considered putting any of the songs from our two EP’s on this upcoming album, it just would not sit right with us.

Metal Odyssey: Yeah, I’ve seen so many bands over the years do just that, put a previously released EP on a future album. It’s like paying for the songs twice if your a fan.

Eski: I agree.

Metal Odyssey: Does Eski and Bell agree to disagree?

Belle: We don’t always agree, most of the time it all gels together and in the name of music it’s totally worth it.

Eski: We have a song that is slower than anything that we have ever done, more of a ballad, that’s on our upcoming album. The slow ones, those are the songs you really have to work on.

Belle: To the benefit of the song, we work things out.

Metal Odyssey: Morphine Killer has fused together, rather seamlessly, two separate worlds of vocals. The dark and extreme can really coexist with soothing harmony, can’t it?

Belle: Yeah!

Eski: Definitely.

Belle: We have been exposed to an underground L.A. Metal scene that has beautiful sounds of screaming and harmony together.

Eski: Out in Europe, I like looking at what Epica and After Forever have done with vocals.

Belle: We really love bringing something different to music. We wouldn’t be pushing the boundaries of music if we both sounded the same.

Metal Odyssey: “Clutching Defeat” from the “Nightmares” EP seems to be the heaviest and angriest Morphine Killer song. Where did you draw the extreme inspirtation for this intensely great Metal song?

Eski: “Clutching Defeat” has an Old School, Thrash vibe, with a Metallica like riff. It’s a song I took on all myself. It’s a song about knowing you get defeated all the time and you are always being close to winning, then something takes it away.

Metal Odyssey: How supportive has Final Breath Records been to Morphine Killer?

Eski: That’s our company!

Metal Odyssey: Hey, great for you guys! That’s very cool.

Eski: We started this label to back our own stuff.

Belle: It’s being entrepreneurs and we really enjoy knowing we can do this.

Eski: To be taken seriously as musicians, we have to do this and have control of our music.

Metal Odyssey: A rising band like Morphine Killer can utilize a vast array of internet platforms to gain exposure. Does utilizing the internet for promotion take away some of the stress of needing to get your name and music out to the world?

Eski: Sometimes, only there are a lot of other people using the same platforms as us. Interviews and reviews do help of course!

Belle: There is always going to be equal stress, we still have to be going to places for promoting ourselves. The internet is a fantastic gateway of course, the best gateway right now is selling on itunes. It’s the way of the future and we use the technology to our most advantage. Eski is in charge of our marketing and promotion, he’s our publicist as well. Eski is the one behind our website and Myspace Music Page. The amount of exposure Morphine Killer has generated in just two years, is remarkable.

Metal Odyssey: No one can say the two of you are lazy, that’s for sure! I give both of you enormous credit for taking charge and making it happen.

Eski and Belle: Thanks!

Metal Odyssey: “She’s Slipping Away” just resonates with emotion in both Belle’s vocals and the lyrics. Is this song about a personal experience?

Belle: Yes it is. This is a song I wrote about my Mom. She passed away a couple of years ago from cancer. It was a terrible experience, to watch someone I love so much suffer and die this way.

Metal Odyssey: I’m very sorry to hear that Belle. I’m sorry for your loss.

Belle: I wanted to really put my emotions in song for others to hear it, so people could relate. Instead of sitting around at home and doing nothing about what I was feeling and going through, I wrote this song, both the music and lyrics. I do want people to take away whatever inspiration they want from this song, fans don’t have to relate it to my personal loss.

Metal Odyssey: Eski, you and Belle are without question, multi-talented musically, the “Nightmares” and “Unapologetic” EP’s prove this. With that said, would you ever consider adding musicians to Morphine Killer?

Eski: I would like to. It would be a different vibe, as opposed to playing instruments back to you vs. a live environment.

Metal Odyssey: Eski, what is your favorite instrument to play?

Eski: I’m trying to make the bass more fun. I’m more inclined to play the bass live.

Metal Odyssey: You have posted many of your music influences on the Morphine Killer Myspace Music Page. Which band or what musician is your most personal influence?

Eski: Metallica! I especially like “Master Of Puppets”, it’s just awesome! Avenged Sevenfold as well.

Belle: I like Classic Rock. Heart and more recently, Gwen Stefani. Vocally, it’s Ann Wilson and Gwen Stefani, I love those two women! I was raised on Classic Rock because of my parents. Classic Rock was imbedded in our minds, it was the music our parents played in the car and at home.

Eski: As a kid growing up, I knew about bands like Boston and Deep Purple before I knew of Metal!

Metal Odyssey: What band or bands are you aspiring to tour with down the Metal road?

Belle: Good question!

Eski: Metallica, someday!

Metal Odyssey: Hey, there’s nothing wrong with aiming high!

Belle: Avenged Sevenfold is what Eski always says as well. Nine Inch Nails would be great!

Eski: Deathklok, just because of the way their assembled. I really admire what Brendon Small has accomplished with Deathklok, just the way he built that band.

Metal Odyssey: Where will Morphine Killer be in ten years?

Eski: Hopefully on the radio!

Belle: Oh yeah!

Metal Odyssey: Well, something tells me you will be. Especially with the talent and attitude you both have.

Stone.

* You can check out more Morphine Killer by clicking onto their official website and Myspace Music Page links below!

MORPHINE KILLER – Official Website

MORPHINE KILLER – Myspace music

LONG LIVE MORPHINE KILLER!

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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