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BULLETBOYS – “SMOOTH UP IN YA” 1988 SONG & VIDEO REVISITED!

BULLETBOYS – On September 20, 1988, the debut and self titled album BULLETBOYS was released on Warner Bros. Records. I bought the cassette and later down the Metal road… CD of BULLETBOYS. My favorite song from this album and from this band’s career is – Smooth Up In Ya. Man, does this song bring back some fine memories… of hanging out and doin’ just nuthin’ at all besides having a good time. I saw Bulletboys live, on two Metal occasions. I saw these guys with Slaughter and Poison at Lake Compounce Amusement Park in Bristol, (expensive) Connecticut. I later saw them with Cinderella and Winger at the Springfield Civic Center in Springfield, Mass. My girlfriend that was with me at both Bulletboys shows is now my wife. We had a good time seeing Bulletboys (and all the other bands named, of course) live… you betcha!

Marq Torien was quite the flamboyant front man, when I saw Bulletboys live. He always reminded me of someone who looked up to David Lee Roth… not a bad influence to have if your fronting a late 1980’s Hair Metal or Hard Rock Band, in my Metal opinion. Shoot The Preacher Down from this very same debut album is another favorite of mine from Bulletboys. This song strays away from the Hair Metal stylistics and just flat out Rocks for me.

I always got a kick out of the music video for Smooth Up In Ya. The funny, cartoon illustrations that keep flashing throughout this video are a Metal hoot. This video of the Bulletboys does scream 1988 Hair Metal and rightfully so. Bulletboys always was and forever will be a cool and heavy listen for me. Check out the video for Smooth Up In Ya below… hopefully you like this song as much as I do, if so, crank it up loud mutha!!

BULLETBOYS as they appeared on their 1988 debut/self titled album:

Marq Torien – lead vocals

Mick Sweda – guitar

Lonnie Vencent – bass

Jimmy D’Anda – Drums

* BULLETBOYS was produced by Ted Templeman, (Van Halen & Doobie Brothers fame).

LONG LIVE BULLETBOYS!

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RIOT – “RIOT LIVE” EP FROM 1982 IS A HEAVY METAL VINYL FIND!

Posted in 1970's hard rock, 1970's heavy metal, 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's hard rock bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1982 heavy metal music, 1990's heavy metal bands, Album Review, antique shopping finds, collecting heavy metal albums, collecting rock music, current heavy metal bands, hard rock bands, hard rock music, hard to find records, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1982, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1982, heavy metal on vinyl, heavy metal records, metal odyssey, Music, old school hard rock, old school heavy metal, rare heavy metal albums, rock music, vintage heavy metal albums with tags 1970's hard rock bands, 1970's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal ep's, 1980's heavy metal vinyl, 1990's heavy metal bands, hard rock music, heavy metal albums 1982, heavy metal finds, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1982, heavy metal roots, heavy metal vinyl, live heavy metal ep's, mark reale guitarist, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, old school heavy metal bands, rare heavy metal albums, rhett forrester vocalist, riot, riot hard rock band, riot heavy metal band, riot live, riot live ep 1982 on March 2, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

RIOT – RIOT LIVE, was sitting there, on vinyl no less, in a pile of other vintage albums from years long past. In the middle of this antiques mall, there I staked claim to a rare and never seen by my eyes before, RIOT EP… and it was a live EP too! I decided to take a look around this antiques mall this past Sunday, not knowing what I might come across for Metal treasures. For five bucks, (U.S.), I did not hesitate to take this piece of Heavy Metal history home. The funny part of finding this RIOT album is that a Telly Savalas – Who Loves Ya, Baby? album was resting right against it! Whoa, that’s funky stuff… God rest Telly Savalas’s soul. Another funny part of this whole scenario is… someone out there will eventually buy that Telly Savalas album and be just as psyched about their find as I am about mine. Beauty is in the eye of the respective music beholder, in my case it is Old School Heavy Metal vinyl… that is rather… rare. It’s no secret that I own a turntable, uh, a few of them. Buying these Heavy Metal Vinyl Classics are to be enjoyed, by dropping that old needle down on those aging grooves.

These songs are live alright, they are Old School raw too. As I played this album for the first time, I could here the excitement resonating in the air during these live RIOT songs. I can understand that excitement, RIOT has always been a respected Hard & Heavy band, regardless of lineup changes through the years. RIOT has that early years of Metal vibe happening on this EP, I can hear and feel the roots of Heavy Metal from these songs. Despite the NWOBHM sound that was swarming across the Atlantic back in the very late ’70’s and early ’80’s, RIOT was American made. This was a RIOT band with four studio albums under their belt as of 1982 – Rock City (1977), Narita (1979), Fire Down Under (1981) and Restless Breed (1982).

Swords And Tequila is from the studio album the 1981 studio album – Fire Down Under. The other five songs on RIOT LIVE are from the 1982 studio album – Restless Breed.

The Track Listing For RIOT LIVE from 1982:

Hard Lovin’ Man

Showdown

Loved By You

Loanshark

Restless Breed

Swords And Tequila

* RIOT LIVE was released on Electra Records.

* You can hear Restless Breed from RIOT LIVE and many more RIOT songs from their catalog of albums, streaming on the RIOT MySpace Music Page by clicking here: RIOT – MySpace Music Page

Here is what the front cover of this album jacket for RIOT LIVE looks like:

* The bottom line of type on the front cover of RIOT LIVE reads: Limited Edition – Manufacturer Suggested List Price $4.98. That’s cool… I paid 2 cents more than it’s original 1982 price. (Granted, the condition of this vintage vinyl that I acquired is no longer mint).

Using an iphone to take this picture of my RIOT LIVE EP, the black background with the bright red type made for difficulty in clarity. The album jacket itself has worn edges and a few worn spots, that’s o.k. by me, it goes to show this RIOT EP was once loved hard by some other fan. Despite these imperfections of the album jacket, I still am Metal pleased to have found a copy of this RIOT LIVE EP. The album jacket’s back cover is a solid black, with the Elektra Records logo on the bottom center. Taking a pic of this back cover would not make much sense for it’s blankness. (In other words, there’s nothing to look at with the back cover).

LONG LIVE RIOT

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METAL ODYSSEY CELEBRATES 1ST METAL ANNIVERSARY!

Posted in 1970's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1990's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal music, alternative metal music, anniversary, classic rock, classic rock music, collecting metal music, everyday experiences, everyday people, extreme metal music, gothic metal music, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal birthdays, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, horror punk, living, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, people, power metal music, Punk rock, rock and roll, rock music, southern rock music, thrash metal music with tags 1970's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal bands, black metal music, classic rock music, death metal music, extreme metal music, hard rock music, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, metal odyssey 1st year anniversary, metal odyssey first anniversary, Music, overkill thrash metal legends, power metal music, progressive metal music, punk rock bands, rock music, southern rock, thrash metal music on March 1, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

On March 1st, 2009, I embarked on a Rock and Roll journey… to blog my Metal heart out about the music, bands, musicians, albums and songs I love the most. This Rock and Roll journey was named – MetalOdyssey. Both past and present bands, my concert experiences, what I buy for music, album reviews, Heavy Metal hunting finds and my best Metal buddy Scott Coverdale have all been covered. Scott researches Metal like a Metalaholic. Once in awhile, I have vented about what ticks me off: The Rock and Roll Hall of Shame, reality show know-it-all dads, Rolling Stone Magazine, The Grammys and the dreadful PMRC. I even posted about my new cat Toby that my family adopted too. My unreal great wife, well, she is responsible for prodding and suggesting that I do this Metal Odyssey blog gig. I look back now and understand why she wanted me to do this. Without her computer, graphics and software expertise, I never would have gotten this blog off the Metal ground. I Thank her with all the love and everything I’ve got for coaxing me into such a Metal thrill ride! It has been a ton of Metal fun.

Did I think I would cover, (most of the time, like, 90% of the time), Metal Music? Kinda did. You see, I also have a love affair with Hard Rock, Progressive Rock, Southern Rock, Alternative Rock, Rock and… at times, movie soundtracks. So, my Rock and Roll infatuation covers quite a bit of ground… it’s been that way my entire Metal life. Some may want to call me a Rock Music junkie… so Metal be it! I’m not bashful to express my allegiance to ELO, The Moody Blues, Dire Straits, The Doors, Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Boz Scaggs. Nor will I ever fib and say the Rocky movie soundtrack doesn’t still pump me up and psyche me out of my Metal mind! Bill Conti is a musical genius, John Carpenter is too.

What does the future hold for Metal Odyssey? MORE METAL! With that said, I will warn all of my loyal visitors and new visitors right now… don’t ever be bewildered if you find me blabbing and praising about straight forward Rock and Roll either. I love the roots of Heavy Metal, always have I been amazed at how this incredible form of music came to being. Heavy Metal history is sacred to Metal Odyssey.

Punk Rock I like to blab about too from time to time. Misfits, Ramones, Osaka Popstar, Rancid and The Casualties are my top favorites, they all shall get their justified and respected due on Metal Odyssey again.

In the coming months, hopefully years, I will continue on with this Rock and Roll journey called Metal Odyssey just as I have been doing. I would like to continue to inform, entertain and inspire friendly debate through my writings and reviews. I also get the biggest kick out of consistently finding Metal albums and CD’s dirt cheap at thrift stores, antique stores/malls and flea markets… lending my anecdotes and experiences of such finds to the world makes me feel happy. Any and all personal Metal experiences, (no matter how large or small), that I may encounter in the future will no doubt, be found right here on Metal Odyssey!

I also want to thank the new Metal buddies I have encountered through Metal Odyssey. These guys are fun to correspond with and make me more Metal wiser with each new post they create on their respective blogs, due in part to their personal perspective and knowledge of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. Here is a roll call of these great fellow Metalheads who share the same passion as I do for Heavy Metal and Hard Rock music… check them out in the list below, if you already haven’t, they are a Metal kick!

Hard Rock Hideout – I write reviews and do interviews for this unreal cool site… the dudes and dudettes over there are super nice Metal buddies too. Hard Rock Hideout is super loaded with up to the minute news, reviews, interviews, Hard Rock Hideout Radio, videos and… you get the Metal point!

The Metal Files – This Metal buddy was the first to put Metal Odyssey on a blog roll! An industry insider and musician who knows more than a thing or two about what is really going on in Metal. Plus, I really take stock in his Metal opinions, even if he doesn’t like Steelheart.

Heavy Metal Addiction – A Metal buddy who invited me into a group of fellow bloggers to post the “Best Of” lists for 2009. A Metal gracious move I truly appreciate. Great reviews and insight aplenty to be had over there from this Heavy Metal blogging veteran. From his CD Scavenger Hunt to his concert reviews… good Metal stuff.

Metal Excess – This Heavy Metal site is loaded with reviews and honest insight too. A KISS fan exists at Metal Excess, which makes it all the more a Metal pleasure to go there constantly.

Demolish Fanzine – 1980’s Heavy Metal Revival – This Metalhead buddy loves 1980’s Metal, what’s not to love about it? This blog is enriched with the knowledge of a 1980’s fanzine veteran who has loads of Metal interviews and info to share… and I’m reading it.

Heavy Metal Time Machine – An old school Heavy Metal blogger who calls it the way he see it! That’s the way it should be for Metal sakes. Uniquely insightful and fun, (Clash of the Album Covers & Battle of the Bands), the reviews, opinions and anecdotes over there always keeps me thinking.

* I also want to thank WordPress.com for having a kick butt and easy to navigate blog site!

I do want to THANK EACH AND EVERY VISITOR to Metal Odyssey over this past first year! Regardless if your comments were friendly or not, heck, at least you commented! Without visitors to Metal Odyssey, there is no fun in blabbing about the music that gets us all through each day.

BE TRUE TO THE MUSIC YOU LOVE AND THE MUSIC WILL BE TRUE TO YOU!

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND THE FREEDOM TO LISTEN TO THE MUSIC WE CHOOSE!

Thank you all again,

Stone.

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ROB ZOMBIE – “HELLBILLY DELUXE 2” BLASTS WITH HEAVY METAL, HORROR AND DIRTY FUNKY COOL!

Posted in 1990's heavy metal music, album covers, Album Review, cool album covers, creepy album covers, current heavy metal albums, current heavy metal bands, current heavy metal music, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 2010, heavy metal bands, heavy metal bands 2010, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal history, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2010, heavy metal songs, heavy metal vocalists, horror metal, Metal, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags 1990's heavy metal music, hard rock music, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums 2010, heavy metal bands 2010, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2010, hellbilly deluxe 2 album, horror heavy metal songs, horror metal, horror metal music, john 5 guitarist, Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, new heavy metal music, piggy d bass guitarist, rob zombie, rob zombie 2010, rob zombie albums, rob zombie hellbilly deluxe 2, scary album covers, the man who laughs song, tommy clufetos drummer, white zombie, white zombie heavy metal band on February 28, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

ROB ZOMBIE IS BACK. HELLBILLY DELUXE 2 was released on February 2, 2010 on Roadrunner/Loud & Proud Records. If change was in the air, Rob Zombie has not smelled it. Rob Zombie has not even nibbled on the flavor of the month either. Thank the Metal Gods for the fact Rob Zombie has not undergone any self serving and self righteous soul searching with music. What Rob Zombie has created with Hellbilly Deluxe 2 is not the pre-packaged usualness of Heavy Metal. The funky heavy origins of White Zombie will always be hanging out in Rob Zombie’s albums… and why the hell not? Rob Zombie did have a valid Heavy Metal career before his name alone lit up the Metal marquees. Horror themed lyrics, funky grooves, sensational and at times bizarre sound effects, are once again the norm with Rob Zombie. Thank the Metal Gods for that.

If Rob Zombie were to come out with an album that featured acoustic ballads and songs that promoted saving the environment, I would most likely feel like the end was near for certain. Hey, string arrangements are heard on Hellbilly Deluxe 2, (courtesy of Tyler Bates), on The Man Who Laughs. This is the one song where each band member contributed to the writing of it’s music. The string arrangements are chilling, eerie and horror soundtrack material, what else would you expect? Rob Zombie makes any musical idea that comes to his Metal mind sound very cool, once it becomes a song. The percussion and drumming skills of Tommy Clufetos, creates a nightmarish image of one running away from whatever evil entity is chasing them, in my Metal interpretation. At 9:44, The Man Who Laughs is a Rob Zombie nightmare of an epic… which is a Metal compliment.

Werewolf Women Of The S.S. is about telling the truth behind Hitler’s diabolical plans to create a race of super women. Whoa. Now, that is subject matter that I would never, ever, in a million Metal years come up with myself! This is reason #1,000 as to why no one can touch the horrific and melancholic imagination of Rob Zombie. As a bonus, John 5 plays some shades of surf guitar that makes this song all the more surreal. Burn takes it to the Funk and Roll level, the kind of song you want to jump up and down to, in a dark field under a full moon. All Metal kidding aside, Burn really makes me feel like jumping up and down. Piggy D on bass and Tommy Clufetos on drums makes Burn thunder thump, like an invading band of gargantuan aliens from space, taking over a 1970’s disco.

Sick Bubblegum is Rob Zombie and his band accentuating their trademark heaviness with all of it’s non-stop and invitingly corrosive lyrics. This is Rob Zombie Heavy Metal… thank you Mr. Zombie for creating it. You have to look to the living legend of Horror Rock and Horror Metal himself, Alice Cooper, to get an understanding as to why this style of Heavy Metal is so non-negotiable. If you like, you buy and you listen. Rob Zombie has had no problems with people liking or buying over the years… shock and awe sells.

Throw in a clear fact that Rob Zombie has assembled an incredible band behind him… John 5 makes these songs scream Heavy Metal with his creative licks. Jesus Frankenstein is as hair raising as the title suggests, the haunting intro that has more darkness than a remote underground tunnel, John 5 lending a lead that seems to signal the apocalypse and an intermittent chorus of “All hail Jesus Frankenstein”, makes for the embodiment of Horror Heavy Metal legend.

Rob Zombie and John 5 are quite the dynamic Metal duo, I can literally hear the spontaneity that these two must bring to the recording studio, in these songs. (Rob Zombie and John 5 wrote each song, with the exception of The Man Who Laughs, as I noted above). This is Rob Zombie, Hellbilly Deluxe 2, with no artificial or superficial parts or extremities. This album is an eleven part Horror Film for my ears, with Heavy Metal that realistically carries it’s own weight with creativeness that Rocks and lyrics that shocks. Rob Zombie has returned once again… and that’s a sigh of Metal relief.

Stone.

* The sub-title of Hellbilly Deluxe 2 reads: Noble Jackals, Penny Dreadfuls And The Systematic Dehumanization Of Cool

* The liner notes of this CD are unreal great, they are vintage Rob Zombie, from the art and photography to the type fonts as well. Plus, these liner notes unfold to a large poster of Rob Zombie too! Perfect for framing and mounting on your dining room wall.

Track Listing For Hellbilly Deluxe 2:

Jesus Frankenstein

Sick Bubblegum

What?

Mars Needs Women

Werewolf Baby!

Virgin Witch

Death And Destiny Inside The Dream Factory

Burn

Cease To Exist

Werewolf Women Of The SS

The Man Who Laughs

STEELHEART – “TANGLED IN REINS” ALBUM FROM 1992 IS A HEAVY METAL GEM!

Posted in 1990's heavy metal albums, 1990's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal guitarists, 1990's heavy metal songs, 1990's hair metal bands, 1990's heavy metal music, album covers, Album Review, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal vocalists, melodic heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music with tags 1990's heavy metal albums, chris risola guitarist, hair metal bands, hard rock music, heavy metal album review, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal vocalists, james ward bass guitarist, john fowler drummer, metal odyssey, miljenko matijevic vocalist, steelheart, tangled in reins album on February 27, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

STEELHEART – released Tangled In Reins on July 10, 1992 on MCA Records. Cutting to the Metal chase here, holy crap, is this a profoundly great Heavy Metal album of 10 songs! In makes absolutely no sense to beat around the Metal bush, when describing my true feelings towards this Steelheart album. Yes, Steelheart back in ’92 can very well be labeled as a Hair Metal band, with Tangled In Reins being called a Hair Metal album. The inner and outer cores of this album cries out just one universal sound and feel for me… Heavy Metal and it is a gem. The all-encompassing power and memorable songs I hear on Tangled In Reins is pretty darn close to Metal sanctity.

A Metal truth is that I never owned or listened to this Steelheart album until recently. (The early ’90’s were very lean years for my wallet). My best Metal buddy Scott Coverdale landed me this CD… along with his enthusiastic Metal accolades of it as well. Thanks Scott, this CD is quite an indulgence. It just seems like the first half of the ’90’s had some real deal Heavy Metal albums released back then, coming across the ones I missed out on years later is better late than Metal never. Metal buddy Scott and I both conclude… Steelheart’s first two albums are just victims to their time period of release. From 1990 onward through that entire decade, Heavy Metal had an upward battle to fight for any mainstream or positive critical attention. As I always say, Heavy Metal never went away back in the ’90’s, it only silently grew stronger.

In my most humble Metal opinion, Steelheart knew how power ballads were to be written and played for Heavy Metal. Not to come across as redundant, yet I am the ever fickle – ballad critic. Two ballads exist on Tangled In Reins: All Your Love and Mama Don’t You Cry. I don’t hesitate a micro second to put down Heavy Metal power ballads, from any band… ever. These two Steelheart ballads are creme’ de la creme’ of how I want them to sound and come across. Both ballads burst at the emotional seams, still they are loaded with hard-edged and melodic grooves. Miljenko Matijevic has an uncanny, God-given ability to hit the high notes and does not whine away in stereotypical ballad fashion.

Tangled In Reins kicks off with Loaded Mutha and this mutha Rocks with all the delectable, good times heaviness I could ask for. Chris Risola on lead guitar, serves up the licks that makes this song just jump out and come to life. Love ‘Em And I’m Gone lends itself to that carefree, single and party time lifestyle, which has been so well documented in Heavy Metal songs over the decades. This song may not be relevant to me lyrically at my point in life now… still I don’t care, it Rocks! Long live fun Heavy Metal songs! Electric Love Child has a catchy Heavy Metal title and the song itself is even more so. Listening to Electric Love Child makes me appreciate Steelheart as one of the finest and most underrated Heavy Metal bands from the early ’90’s. Steelheart has all their Metal cylinders in sync on not just this song… on the entire album as well.

In Metal summation, Steelheart exercises their potent and muscular Metal abilities and skills at a very high level on Tangled In Reins. This Steelheart lineup played like an extremely tight and content unit on this album, giving every indication from the song lyrics to the lively and free spirit feel of the musicianship. Tangled In Reins is just a must listen from the early ’90’s, an album to revisit on a continuous basis. A powerful Heavy Metal album, to simply state: Heavy Metal never sounded so damn good… Tangled In Reins has reined me in for keeps!

I believe Miljenko Matijevic is an extremely gifted vocalist, knowing he still has his Steelheart band out and running around the globe is a testament to the quality and integrity of the music he represents. Plus, one of these days I’m gonna get my hands on some of that Steelheart coffee! Check out for yourself, the latest news on all things Steelheart, (and the coffee too), by clicking on the link below:

STEELHEART – Official Website

STEELHEART, as they appeared on Tangled In Reins from 1992:

Miljenko Matijevic – lead vocals & piano

Chris Risola – lead guitar

Frank Di Costanzo – rhythm guitar

James Ward – bass guitar

John Fowler – drums

* Jeff Scott Soto – appears on backing vocals

LONG LIVE MILJENKO MATIJEVIC AND STEELHEART!

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RUSH – “WORKING MEN” ROCKS LIVE WITH VINTAGE CUTS

Posted in 1970's classic rock bands, 1970's classic rock songs, 1970's classic rock vocalists, 1970's classic rock music, 1970's hard rock, 1970's progressive rock bands, 1970's Rock, 1970's rock bands, 1970's rock music, 1980's classic rock bands, 1980's rock music, 1980's classic rock music, 1980's hard rock bands, 1980's hard rock songs, 1980's progressive rock bands, 1990's hard rock music, 1990's rock music, 1990's hard rock bands, 1990's progressive rock bands, classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock bands, classic rock music, classic rock songs, current rock bands, hard rock bands, hard rock music, heavy metal history, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, progressive hard rock albums, progressive hard rock music, rock music with tags 1970's classic rock music, 1970's progressive rock bands, 1980's classic rock, 1980's progressive rock bands, 1990's progressive rock bands, alex lifeson guitarist, classic rock, classic rock music, current progressive rock music, geddy lee bass guitarist, geddy lee vocalist, hard rock music, live rush albums, metal odyssey, Music, neil peart drummer, progressive hard rock music, progressive rock bands, progressive rock music, rock music, Rush, rush 2009, rush live dvd's, rush progressive hard rock band, rush progressive rock band, rush songs, rush tom sawyer song, rush working men live album, working men live album 2009 on February 26, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

RUSH is a band that lures me into their progressive Hard Rock world, like an insect flying into a backyard bug lamp. The main difference between me and an insect, (besides my being a human being), is that once I get zapped by the electrifying sound of Rush, I don’t turn crispy and bite the dust. Rush could very well release an album every year and I would buy it. This ultra iconic band’s albums brings back memories and makes new memories for me, on a consistent basis. Metal truth be told, the older I get, the more I have taken a stronger liking to the music of Rush. (I cannot figure this out, therefore, I won’t try to). Rush has released a total of nine live albums over their brilliant career, (counting Working Men), with All The World’s A Stage from 1976 starting this chain. Working Men will never go down as being the greatest live Rush album ever… yet it will not be considered sub standard either. This legendary band can’t compete with themselves, each live album they release, is a signature of where they are as elite musicians. What Rush does best, is give their fans consistency over the decades, while not sacrificing integrity in their musical product. Working Men exemplifies this integrity, with songs that are the most popular from their extensive album catalog.

Geddy Lee, (lead vocals, bass guitar & keyboards), Alex Lifeson, (guitar & vocals) and Neil Peart on drums, possess the uncanny abilities to keep their songs relevant and vibrant. It’s refreshing reality to know that Rush continues onward, entering their fourth decade of creating Progressive Hard Rock, in which they laboriously and consistently helped catapult into a beyond legitimate genre.

All 12 songs are taken from previously released live DVD’s, with the exception of One Little Victory, which is stated as previously unreleased. I come to the conclusion, that this “particular” live version of One Little Victory has never been released, it has appeared on Rush In Rio Live. The studio version of One Little Victory is the opening track for the 2002 Rush album – Vapor Trails. (A tad confusing as to the exactness of the previously unreleased meaning).

Working Men does meld the classics of Rush past, embarking on decades of gems… this live album opens with Limelight, (1981’s Moving Pictures) and Far Cry, (2007’s Snakes & Arrows), is track number six. Having Far Cry in the mix, is a standing true reminder, that Rush is ever the creative trio in recent years. The Snakes & Arrows studio album is an exemplary offering of modern day, Rush Progressive Hard Rock. To acknowledge such a recent Rush song like Far Cry, amidst this vintage lineup of live tracks, was the right move. How can any fan of Rush or such songs as Limelight, Tom Sawyer, Freewill, Working Man or Closer To The Heart resist such a classic compilation of live and Progressive Hard Rock excellence? I can’t resist, no matter how many live go rounds Rush gives these songs.

* The live DVD’s from which these Rush songs were taken from, to compile Working Men: Rush In Rio (2003), R30 (2005) and Snakes & Arrows Live (2008).

The Spirit of Radio, 2112, Dreamline, Subdivisions, and YYZ are the remaining tracks heard on Working Men.

Rush – Working Men was released on November 17, 2009, on Anthem/Atlantic Records.

ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME – TRULY IS A HALL OF SHAME.

Well, another year has gone by and the “astute” historians and archive keepers of Rock and Roll History – The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, has bumbled another induction. WHERE IS… KISS? You know, the four guys known as GENE SIMMONS, PAUL STANLEY, ACE FREHLEY and PETER CRISS? Oh, god forbid if I dare mention the extended family of musicians that are/were members of KISS as well. I guess ABBA contributed so much more, to the “history” of Rock and Roll. I forgot, that ABBA is so damn hot right now in 2010 as well. Hey, disco needs it’s just due in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame too… of course. While these Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation dorks were at it, why didn’t they just induct The Wiggles right now, alongside ABBA? Get it over with. At this point, Bananarama and The Partridge Family will get inducted well before KISS ever gets their rightful induction into this snobby, uneducated in Heavy Metal, white collar, Pop Music is king… cheap excuse of a building.

Genesis, Jimmy Cliff, The Stooges and The Hollies deserve their rightful and historic recognition. Arguably, it is not ABBA’s fault they are recognized either… but give me a Metal break here. ABBA over KISS? That’s like choosing a glass of warm milk over a cold draft beer.

As quoted directly from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame website:

“The 2010 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame performer inductees were chosen by more than 500 voters of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. Artists are eligible for inclusion in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twenty-five years after their first recording is released.”

* Uh, yeah… what about… anything other than 25 years after their first album is released? Is that the only damn criteria? Crap, I’ll make a record then and wait 25 years to see if I get inducted.

* Who really is… this mysterious… 500 voters of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation? Are they all scholars, who are afraid of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal? Do any of these voters listen to Rock Music in the first place?

* It’s almost as if, these 500 voters of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation receive a copy of Rolling Stone Magazine, a few times a year, read about bands that get the good ol’ Rolling Stone Magazine seal of approval… and then… these voters decide, these are the bands! They must be good if Rolling Stone Magazine says so!

* Apparently, these 500 voters of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation get more psyched out by listening to Dancing Queen and Waterloo instead of Rock and Roll All Nite and Detroit Rock City.

* I’m not going to blab about how many Gold and Platinum Records KISS has achieved, chart singles, concert tickets sold, their impact on American Pop Culture, nor how many total albums they have put out… what’s the use? The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame doesn’t give a crap. ABBA is Back! ABBA = Rock Legends.

* Man, what would Elvis think and say of this mess they call The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Some “important” dude, named Joel Peresman, (who thinks he knows about Rock and Roll by the way), gives this lackluster and embarrassing statement on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame website:

“We are very happy to present this year’s inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as they represent a great cross-section of artists that define the broad spectrum and history of rock and roll and people that have contributed immeasurably to our business” says Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation President & CEO Joel Peresman.

* HEY JOEL: I guess KISS are not considered to be part of the people that have “contributed immeasurably to our business”… huh?

* HEY JOEL: Go slap down some vintage opera vinyl and eat your caviar. Then light up a $10,000 stogie and make a wet fart in your imported silk pajamas.

* HEY JOEL: You really, really, um, really, need to change your sign outside that building in Cleveland, Ohio, to read: ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF SHAME AND EXPENSIVE MUSEUM

LONG LIVE KISS!

KISS – IS HEREBY, THE FIRST BAND EVER, INDUCTED INTO THE METAL ODYSSEY ROCK AND ROLL AND HEAVY MUSIC HALL OF FAME!

I SHALL INDUCT BANDS AND MUSICIANS, WHENEVER I DAMN WELL FEEL LIKE IT, AND HAVE THIS LIST POSTED ON THE METAL ODYSSEY HOME PAGE FOR THE WORLD TO SEE AND ENJOY. A REAL ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME. A REAL HEAVY MUSIC HALL OF FAME.

ON FEBRUARY 21, 2010, KISS HAS BEEN INDUCTED INTO THE METAL ODYSSEY ROCK AND ROLL AND HEAVY MUSIC HALL OF FAME.

CONGRATULATIONS KISS, ON BEING THE FIRST INDUCTEE INTO METAL ODYSSEY’S ROCK AND ROLL AND HEAVY MUSIC HALL OF FAME!

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CHARRED WALLS OF THE DAMNED – DEBUT ALBUM IS FULL BLOWN METAL!

Posted in Album Review, cool album covers, current heavy metal albums, current heavy metal bands, current heavy metal music, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 2010, heavy metal bands, heavy metal bands 2010, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2010, heavy metal musicians, Metal, metal music, metal music albums, metal odyssey, Music, new heavy metal music, old school heavy metal, old school heavy metal bands, power metal albums, power metal bands, power metal music, rock music with tags charred walls of the damned, charred walls of the damned debut album, current heavy metal bands, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 2010, heavy metal bands 2010, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2010, jason suecof guitarist, jason suecof record producer, melodic metal music, Metal, metal blade records, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, Power Metal, power metal bands, richard christy drummer, steve digiorgio bass guitarist, the howard stern show, tim ripper owens vocalist on February 19, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

Charred Walls of the Damned released their self titled, debut album on February 2, 2010 on Metal Blade Records. Cutting to the Metal chase here, my ears are telling me Charred Walls of the Damned are not just a supergroup, they are an excellent Metal Band… period. There are many shades of Power Metal found within this debut album from Charred Walls of the Damned. How many dozens of American bred Power Metal Bands can you name? Europe outnumbers America in the Power Metal category, thus anytime a North American band even sounds remotely close to Power Metal, it peeks my Metal interest. That is why I am rather excited that founding member and drummer, Richard Christy, decided to embark on an Old School Speed Metal meets Power Metal adventure like this band. Shaking loose from the confines of The Howard Stern Show to create a legit and convincing Metal album is what Richard Christy has done. After listening to Charred Walls of the Damned several times, I’ve come to the Metal conclusion that Richard Christy could probably quit his day job. Then again, it’s not too shabby a gig, to be part of The Howard Stern Show either.

Richard Christy and Tim “Ripper” Owens played together as members of Iced Earth, from 2003 to 2004. Bass guitarist Steve Digiorgio has built his Metal legacy as a founding member of Sadus, while also playing for Death, Testament, Iced Earth and Autopsy… there are a few more, yet the Metal point is made here. Throw in the fact that Richard Christy was also the drummer for Death, from 1996 to 2001 and you have Metal credibility oozing from the Metal seams here. Legendary Metal producer Jason Suecof takes the helm on guitar and of course, producing Charred Walls of the Damned. It is in my sincerest Metal opinion, that Tim “Ripper” Owens does not have to look upon himself as ever being that other lead singer for Judas Priest… never again. Charred Walls of the Damned spotlights the Ripper’s vocals, while he clearly magnifies the power and emotion of each song with Metal conviction.

Truly, an album that has no dog for a song is rare during any era of Metal Music. Charred Walls of the Damned is just that album… from Ghost Town to Fear In The Sky, the unrelenting Metal assault that is unmistakably power charged, comes at you like an out of control heat seeking missile. Jason Suecof demonstrates his guitar appreciation with unreal great confidence and clarity. The Metal leads, riffs and solos rage throughout Charred Walls of the Damned, Jason Suecof can play. If I sound over zealous about this debut album, it’s that I’m only extremely psyched that these four Metal players have combined their skills and minds to deliver a quality Metal product.

Overall, these songs are built on speed, blended with the Power Metal vocals of Ripper and thunder struck by Steve Digiorgio on bass and Christy on drums. Charred Walls of the Damned teamed up to tinker with the traditional brilliance’s of Metal. Oh, did they tinker… the end result is the Metal parts are just as great as the Metal sum with their debut album. I really hope this is just the beginning of a long line of albums, from this “new” Metal Band they call – Charred Walls of the Damned.

For more about Charred Walls of the Damned, click here: Charred Walls of the Damned – myspace music page

CHARRED WALLS OF THE DAMNED – Track Listing:

1. Ghost Town

2. From The Abyss

3. Creating Our Machine

4. Blood on Wood

5. In a World So Cruel

6. Manifestations

7. Voices Within the Walls

8. The Darkest Eyes

9. Fear in the Sky

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KEEL – 1987 ALBUM “KEEL” STILL PACKS A HEAVY METAL PUNCH!

Posted in 1980's hair metal albums, 1980's hair metal bands, 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's hard rock bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal guitarists, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1987 heavy metal music, Album Review, current hard rock bands, current heavy metal bands, hair metal albums, hair metal bands, hair metal music, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, hard rock music, hard rock vocalists, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1987, heavy metal bands 2010, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal vocalists, metal odyssey, Music, old school hair metal bands, old school heavy metal bands, rock music with tags 1980's hair metal albums, 1980's hair metal bands, 1980's hair metal songs, 1980's heavy metal bands, bryan jay guitarist, cherry lane song, current hard rock bands, current heavy metal bands, dwain miller drummer, hair metal music, hard rock music, heavy metal albums 1987, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, keel, keel 1987 album, keel cherry lane song, keel hair metal band, keel heavy metal band, keel nation, kenny chaisson bass guitarist, marc ferrari guitarist, metal odyssey, Music, old school hair metal, rock music, ron keel hard rock vocalist, ron keel heavy meal vocalist, ron keel vocalist on February 17, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

When I think of the 1980’s, good times, carelessness, more parties than I can count or remember, no mortgage payments and sleeping real late comes to mind. Hey, why not? It’s all a part of growing up and it all led me down the path to where I am now… and I’m not complaining, I have the best family money or Metal can buy. So when I reach for the albums that remind me of good times, KEEL , (self titled), from 1987 puts a grin on my face and still psyches me out. So Metal be it… KEEL is one of my favorite Hair Metal Bands from the loud, proud and colorful ’80’s. I still have the CD version of KEEL from 1987, liner notes and all. Yes, the liner notes are very important to old school Metalheads like myself. All 10 songs on KEEL are packed with Heavy Metal punch… regardless of KEEL’s Hair Metal tag from that era, it’s all Metal relative. The underlining characteristic of KEEL, is this album has power. Two songs that exemplify this power adjective the best on KEEL are: Somebody’s Waiting and Cherry Lane, plus they are back-to-back… tracks 2 and 3. Does it matter if this was not the hottest selling KEEL album from their catalog? Not in my Metal opinion, at this point in time… does it really even matter?

At the end of the Metal day, it’s all about personal preference and opinion anyways. What once was old is new again… and what albums that did not sell off the shelves, are now being discussed again for those who want to seek out and give a listen to. Going back to Cherry Lane… you won’t find or hear a better tongue-in-cheek Heavy Metal song than this! Cherry Lane is a (gasp) fun song that makes me, (gasp), chuckle a tad almost 25 years later. I’m not embarrassed to admit liking some “fun” in my Hard Rock or Metal. (Hello, David Lee Roth). Calm Before The Storm is a ballad… my finicky side for ballads approved of this song a long time ago. This ballad has a tempo that isn’t so slow you want to scream, it flows very well and lyrically never made me cry and stay in bed for a week… so I have always been down with this song.

The strong vocals of Ron Keel and the chorus from KEEL is what adds to this band’s powerful identity. Marc Ferrari and Bryan Jay on guitars, fuel KEEL with numerous addictive licks on this album to make these songs not just hard & heavy, they also made them memorable going on 3 decades. Toss in a smash ’em up rhythm section of Dwain Miller on drums and Kenny Chaisson on bass guitar and yes Virginia, KEEL delivered a potent Heavy Metal album here. If you are into ’80’s Hair and Heavy Metal and never bought this album, seek it out and give it more than a test drive… crank it LOUD with the car windows down… going at a reasonable speed of course, please.

* Check out the KEEL NATION here: KEEL NATION – Official KEEL website

* Also worth checking out: KEEL – myspace music page

KEEL was released on June 21, 1987, on MCA Records. This was the fourth album release from KEEL.

KEEL Track Listing:

United Nations

Somebody’s Waiting

Cherry Lane

Calm Before The Storm

King Of The Rock

It’s A Jungle Out There

I Said The Wrong Thing To The Right Girl

Don’t Say You Love Me

If Love Is A Crime (I Wanna Be Convicted)

4th Of July

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ANGEL – “THE WINTER SONG” IS MY BLIZZARD OF 2010 THEME SONG!

Posted in 1970's classic rock bands, 1970's classic rock songs, 1970's classic rock music, 1970's hard rock, 1970's heavy metal, 1970's heavy metal albums, 1970's heavy metal bands, 1970's heavy metal music, 1970's Rock, 1970's rock bands, 1970's rock music, 1980's hard rock bands, 1980's heavy metal music, classic rock 1978, classic rock albums, classic rock bands, classic rock music, classic rock songs, everyday experiences, everyday people, feel good stories, hard rock bands, hard rock music, hard rock songs, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal bands, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags 1970's classic rock bands, 1970's classic rock songs, 1970's hard rock bands, 1970's classic rock music, 1970's heavy metal bands, 1970's rock bands, angel, angel 1978, angel hard rock band, angel heavy metal band, angel rock band, angel the winter song, angel white hot album, blizzard of 2010, classic rock music, gregg giuffria, hard rock albums 1978, hard rock music, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, pennsylvania blizzard 2010, rock music, snow, the winter song, white hot album 1978, winter on February 11, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

It is Thursday, February 11, 2010. The cleanup begins. The cleanup after the Blizzard of 2010 that is. This unreal blizzard attacked the East Coast yesterday, with the great state of Pennsylvania directly in it’s angry path. I’ve seen some major winter storms in my life, this one was a monster in it’s own right. Upwards of nearly two feet of snow blanketed Pennsylvania after 24 hours of snow falling from the sky. Ah, the cleanup that will take place up and down the Eastern Seaboard today… patience shall be a virtue for us all.

As I listened to various music yesterday, I was thinking all along about picking out the perfect blizzard song, a winter song… alas, I was reminded of Angel – The Winter Song. This 1978 song sums it up best… about the spirit of Winter and looking upon this cold, stormy and sometimes isolated season in a different light. Once the holiday season comes to a close, the Winter season takes on it’s own ominous and elongated meaning unlike any other time of year. Still, Winter is here, the blizzards will come and life goes on. Winter, I have learned, is what you make of it. As long as I’m alive to experience this season despite the often times chaotic weather events it brings, I should just be happy that it’s a brand new day.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO MY UNMISTAKABLY LOYAL AND LOVING WIFE TODAY! 15 YEARS! IT’S THE OFFICIAL DAY! THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO AND FOR WORKING SO HARD HONEY! THIS SONG IS FOR YOU TOO!

LONG LIVE ANGEL AND MY MARRIAGE!

If you feel like it, you can check out the post I wrote about Angel and their 1978 Angel album – White Hot, by clicking the header below. I wrote this post back on April 4, 2009.

Angel – Heavy Metal roots from 1978

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THE WHO – “GREATEST HITS” IS MY ANNIVERSARY GIFT!

Posted in 1960's classic rock music, 1960's classic rock bands, 1960's rock & roll british invasion, 1960's rock music, 1970's classic rock bands, 1970's classic rock music, 1970's hard rock, 1970's rock bands, 1970's rock music, 1980's classic rock bands, 1980's rock music, 1980's classic rock, 1980's classic rock music, 1980's hard rock bands, 1990's hard rock music, 1990's rock bands, 1990's rock music, 1990's hard rock bands, classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock bands, classic rock music, classic rock songs, cool album covers, current rock bands, family, feel good stories, hard rock bands, hard rock music, life, life stories, living, metal odyssey, Music, real life experiences, Rock, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock and roll hall of fame inductees, rock music, rock music history with tags 1960's rock bands, 1970's hard rock bands, 1970's classic rock music, 1970's rock bands, 1980's rock bands, 1990's rock bands, classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock bands, classic rock music, eminence front song, feel good story, hall of fame rock bands, hard rock music, john entwistle bass guitarist, kmart, metal odyssey, Music, pete townshend guitarist, rock and roll british invasion, rock and roll music, rock music, rock music legends, roger daltrey vocalist, super bowl XLIV, the who, the who 2010, the who favorite song, the who greatest hits 2009, the who greatest hits album, the who super bowl half time special, wedding anniversary on February 10, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

My wife and I will celebrate our 15 year Wedding Anniversary on February 11th. Wow, how time has flown by! Tonight, while strolling about at K-Mart, my wife informed me my anniversary gift from her is The Who – Greatest Hits. (Not too shabby, in my Metal opinion). Heck, I’m the guy, I never expect an anniversary gift to begin with… I always make sure my wife gets a gift for certain, still, this feels like a bonus to me!

What’s very exciting about getting this CD from my wife is the pure fact: I have never owned The Who on CD my entire life!! You read that correctly… never did I upgrade The Who to CD, after all these years. Go figure. Of course, I have owned some, (not all), of The Who titles on vinyl and cassette… still have them floating around somewhere. It’s an invigorating feeling to have this Greatest Hits by The Who now… 19 songs and all! What sweetens the deal about this CD is that it was on sale for $9.99! Yes, maybe I have given off hints now and again that I am frugal… it’s from growing up in New England for most of my life… in extremely expensive Connecticut. Believe me, if you live or ever lived in Connecticut, you know what I mean. Living there, man, you have to know how to cut corners and clip coupons… or go broke trying.

Back to The Who… my wife and I, along with my best Metal buddy Scott Coverdale, saw The Who back in the mid ’90’s… seeing them was a thrill beyond belief for me. Drivin N Cryin was the opening band too. I’m thankful I was able to witness John Entwistle live, on bass as well. This legendary show was at the Meadows Music Theater in Hartford, Connecticut.

The Who is a band that I can never, ever, grow tired of. Honestly, The Who just strikes that certain chord within my psyche… and I’m not concerned about figuring it out either. Seeing Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend Rockin’ out during the Super Bowl XLIV half-time special… was something special. I could only hope and pray, that I am in that kind of shape when I hit that age! Sure, Roger Daltrey may not sound like he did in 1980… yet c’mon… he belted it out for the world to know that The Who is still around and damn proud! Pete Townshend also reminded us all, that he too… can still kick some Rock and Roll ass.

My favorite song ever, from The Who, is: Eminence Front. I’m not going to attempt any explanation here, other than this is THE song. You know how it is… there’s always that one particular song from a band that resonates with your mind and soul… Eminence Front is just that song by The Who. I’m thankful for my beautiful wife of 15 years and counting… nothing beats the memories, life experiences and love we have both shared with each other. (We actually have been together since 1988, married in 1995). I’m also thankful I have the memory of seeing The Who, live, with my wife and best friend. Money can’t buy love and memories… but $9.99 can buy me the coolest wedding anniversary gift – The Who, Greatest Hits.

The Who – Greatest Hits was released on December 21, 2009.

LONG LIVE THE WHO!

Reflecting on the good memories of life and staying positive and true to yourself… is what it’s all about. Music is the stimulus of good life memories for me… the Rock Music of The Who is no exception.

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TRIUMPH – “SPELLBOUND” SONG FROM 1984 STILL PACKS THE POWER!

Posted in 1970's classic rock bands, 1970's hard rock bands, 1970's classic rock music, 1970's hard rock, 1970's rock bands, 1970's rock music, 1980's classic rock bands, 1980's hard rock albums, 1980's hard rock vocalists, 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's hard rock bands, 1980's hard rock songs, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1980's rock bands, 1984 heavy metal music, 1990's hard rock bands, classic rock, classic rock bands, classic rock music, cool album covers, guitar legends, hard rock bands, hard rock music, hard rock songs, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1984, heavy metal bands, heavy metal bands from canada, heavy metal history, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music, heavy metal videos, metal odyssey, Music, progressive hard rock albums, progressive hard rock music, progressive rock music, rock music with tags 1970's classic rock music, 1980's hard rock albums, 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's classic rock music, 1980's hard rock bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal songs, canadian heavy metal bands, classic rock, classic rock bands, classic rock music, gil moore drummer, heavy metal albums 1984, heavy metal from Canada, heavy metal songs 1984, mike levine bass guitarist, progressive rock music, rik emmett guitarist, spellbound song, spellbound song video, thunder seven album, triumph, triumph hard rock band, triumph heavy metal band, triumph progressive rock band, triumph spellbound, triumph thunder seven album on February 8, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

Triumph released the album – Thunder Seven, on November 10, 1984. I thoroughly enjoyed Thunder Seven back in those days… still do. A fabulous album of songs, melodic and memorable, all the while exhibiting the heavy style of Triumph. The reality of my never getting this album on CD has set in, I really need to upgrade! I still own the cassette, it plays and it’s worth it’s weight in Metal gold to me. There are those songs that stick with me through life. Spellbound from Thunder Seven is exactly one of those songs. The first time I ever heard this song, I actually felt spellbound… and I’m not trying to sound cute stating that either. In my Metal opinion, the all-out power and intensity that Spellbound delivers is nothing short of amazing. Spellbound and the entire Thunder Seven album just reminds me of the days when I grew up, in the south end of my old home town… in extremely expensive Connecticut. My neighborhood buddies and me, we really played the heck out of this cassette I still own, it’s a Metal miracle that I still have it!

Killing Time and Follow Your Heart are two other standout songs from Thunder Seven. I really like Killing Time, just as much as Spellbound. Thunder Seven is just a solid chunk of vintage Hard and Heavy Rock from Triumph… wow. The old cliche goes: they just don’t make albums like this anymore. Granted, there have been a ton of albums throughout time I or anyone can say that about… it’s just Metal fitting to use that cliche for Thunder Seven. Am I on a Thunder Seven high? You bet… since 1984 too.

My best Metal buddie Scott Coverdale and I, we had many a conversation about this song and album years back and still to this day… the great Rock and Roll Hall of Fame debate not withstanding either. Triumph would be in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame if I ran it’s duh? operation. Then again, my list for bands belonging in that building in Cleveland, Ohio, is rather long… and Metal rightfully so. I no longer think this… I know this… the world needs a legitimate Hard Rock & Heavy Metal Hall of Fame. Triumph would be embedded in this much needed Hall of Fame, exactly where they belong.

Rik Emmett, (on lead vocals and guitar), is an unreal great musician – in my Metal opinion. Not to take anything away from the rest of the Triumph lineup throughout the years, especially Gil Moore on drums/vocals and Mike Levine on bass & keyboards… unreal great as well, what a legendary band. Triumph – a Canadian Treasure. I hope you like Spellbound as much as I do… enjoy the song below and crank it up LOUD!

LONG LIVE TRIUMPH!

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FAITH NO MORE – “THE REAL THING” 1989 ALBUM HELPED ME EMBRACE HEAVY MUSIC DIVERSITY

Posted in 1980's alternative metal music, 1980's alternative music, 1980's hard rock albums, 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal hits, 1980's rock albums, 1980's rock music, 1980's hard rock, 1980's hard rock bands, 1980's hard rock songs, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1989 heavy metal music, Album Review, cool album covers, grunge, grunge bands, hard rock bands, hard rock music, hard rock songs, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1989, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1989, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music history with tags 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's alternative metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1990's alternative metal bands, alternative hard rock music, alternative metal music, bill gould bass guitarist, faith no more, faith no more 1989, faith no more epic song, faith no more the real thing album, grunge, grunge bands, hard rock music, heavy metal albums 1989, heavy metal bands 1989, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, jim martin guitarist, metal odyssey, michael patton vocalist, mike bordin drummer, Music, rock music, the real thing album 1989, woodpecker from mars instrumental on February 7, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

Back in 1989, when I first heard the song Epic by Faith No More, I thought to myself… this is different. Here is a song that seemed to spark my interest, while also psyching me out in a way similar to, (yet not equal to), the way my beloved Metal, Thrash or Death Metal does. I was worried, was this song spelling doom for Metal Music? Was Faith No More conspiring along with the Grunge invasion from Washington State, to take over the world? I liked Epic a great deal, the loyalty for my Metal genres would never be in jeopardy… despite turning onto an Alternative (semi-Heavy Metal) Hard Rock band like Faith No More. How ridiculous it all seems now, the thoughts that went through my head, as I look back upon my first listens to The Real Thing, (Slash Records/Reprise), back in 1989. The self questioning of my Metal loyalty? Whatever. I should have known better then… Metal Music wasn’t going away – ever. Grunge was not going to take over the world either. In fact, since the abrupt and tragic end of Nirvana, I have kept up with the music career of Dave Grohl. Alice In Chains has become a core favorite of mine over the years, with Stone Temple Pilots not being too far behind. As for Faith No More, this is a band that mixed things up for me in ’89 and beyond… in a very good way.

The questioning of my self Metal loyalty back in ’89 and into the early ’90’s was due in part to the Metal is done “misinformation” that the mass media was playing around with. The commercial media just was not covering the Metal Music and Metal Bands during these supposed dark times. Therefore, being a devout Metalhead, listening to anything remotely considered to be Alternative, meant that I was part of this out in the open and massive conspiracy, designed to thwart and defeat Metal Music from planet Earth altogether. Nonsense! The real conspiracy were the ridiculous and self imposed thoughts that permeated through my brain back in those days!

The Grunge and Alternative Metal movements have taught me a valuable Metal lesson, one that I have become empowered by and carry out to this very day in 2010: I listen to what I like, what moves and inspires me, regardless of it’s respective genre.

The Real Thing album includes the cover of a legendary and ultra historic Heavy Metal song – War Pigs by Black Sabbath. REDEMPTION!! Buying The Real Thing by Faith No More back in 1989 was Metal worthy after all!! In my Metal opinion, while listening to the Faith No More cover of War Pigs, I get the impression Michael Patton on vocals, Jim Martin on guitar, Bill Gould on bass and Mike Bordin on drums sound very much like a Heavy Metal Band to me. Besides, Mike Bordin transitioned his Alternative Heavy Music style to full-on Heavy Metal, flawlessly, while being the drummer for Ozzy Osbourne too.

Woodpecker From Mars isn’t just a far-out and cool song title, this instrumental is Metal, Arabian atmospherics and all. Woodpecker From Mars has become my Alternative Metal soundtrack to my Alternative Rock and Metal embracing, Metalhead life. Each time I listen to Surprise! You’re Dead!, it justifies my liking Faith No More and The Real Thing as much as I do, this is just an incredibly heavy song, real heavy. Since 1989, I have listened to and enjoyed this Faith No More album, it really is The Real Thing for me.

Stone.

9 Comments »

BRUCE KULICK “BK3” – A MENAGERIE OF ROCK, HARD ROCK & HEAVY METAL

Posted in 1980's heavy metal guitarists, 1980's heavy metal music, 1990's heavy metal guitarists, 2010 hard rock albums, 2010 heavy metal albums, current hard rock albums, current heavy metal albums, Hard Rock, hard rock album review, hard rock guitarists, hard rock music, hard rock music 2010, hard rock vocalists, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal history, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2010, heavy metal solo albums, heavy metal solo artists, heavy metal solo vocalists, heavy metal vocalists, metal odyssey, Music, new heavy metal music, rock music with tags bk3 album 2010, bk3 album review, bruce kulick bk3 album, bruce kulick guitarist, bruce kulick solo album, bruce kulick vocalist, current hard rock albums, doug fieger vocalist, eric singer drummer, gene simmons vocalist, grand funk railroad, guitar legends, hard rock albums 2010, hard rock music, heavy metal albums 2010, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2010, john corabi vocalist, kiss heavy metal band, kiss history, metal odyssey, Music, new album releases 2010, nick simmons vocalist, rock music, steve lukather guitarist, tobias sammet vocalist on February 5, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

BRUCE KULICK – BK3 was released on February 2, 2010. I bought BK3 on it’s release date at Walmart for $10… not a shabby price at all, especially since this is an extremely likable album of eleven songs. Bruce Kulick has presented to the world, a menagerie of Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal songs. No, there are no Folk songs on BK3, just solid musicianship all, with Bruce Kulick as the main attraction and in the guitar spotlight. Bruce plays bass guitar on five of the eleven songs as well. I have always enjoyed the guitar tone of Bruce Kulick, he doesn’t disappoint me again with his skills and sound on BK3. As the lead KISS guitarist on their studio albums from 1985 to 1992 aside, there has been so much more to an impressive and storied career behind Bruce Kulick and his guitar. BK3 is not about looking back on the past, it’s better described as building on the future while cementing a legitimate and thoroughly enjoyable third solo album.

Any hints of trying to conjure up the Hair Metal version of 1980’s KISS are not found in the music of BK3. I applaud Bruce Kulick for being creative on this album, while reaching out to some of his vocal friends for melodic and harmonious diversity. Other musical guests abound on BK3, each contributing their own signature to this album of spontaneity. A Guitar legend in his very own right, Steve Lukather, jams his way through the instrumental – Between The Lines. The combination of Bruce Kulick and Steve Lukather on one song is a Hard Rockin’ treat to my ears.

I’m The Animal exhibits the vocal talent of Edguy’s Tobias Sammet and drumming/KISS legend – Eric Singer, a Heavy Metal all-star cast. Bruce Kulick fires away delectable licks on I’m The Animal, making this song an instant favorite of mine. Final Mile is an entwining glow of Rock meets Hard Rock – up tempo ballad. Final Mile is also a convincing nod to the never aging Classic Rock genre. To compare Bruce Kulick vocally to someone else, without this sounding too much of a Metal stretch, my pick would be none other than Ace Frehley. Yes, both are unique vocalists, still, making a comparison is all this really is.

I’ll Survive features Bruce Kulick on vocals as well, (he sings lead vocals on five songs in all), a dramatic Rock song, lyrically tapping into the human spirit, while reflecting on being thankful for being alive and having one’s life spared from the grasp of uncertain death. Hand Of The King is a Heavy Metal surprise that features Nick Simmons on lead vocals. (In my Metal opinion, Nick does sound a bunch like his dad Gene Simmons). If comparisons to his dad Gene Simmons, proves to be of any detriment to Nick Simmons and his music career… well then, Metal be damned for his vocals sound terrific to me. Metal kudos to you, Nick.

No Friend Of Mine is without question, another favorite song on BK3 for me. John Corabi is the lead vocalist on this fast paced and semi-ballad. No Friend Of Mine has enough Hard Rock edges, encircling its Heavy Metal core, to tempt me into hitting the repeat button for this song multiple times. John Corabi vocally sounds excellent, a real standout on BK3, in my Metal opinion, once again. Doug Fieger is yet another fantastic surprise to hear on Dirty Girl, this song captures the essence of Rock relevancy through the decades, a good time, Hard Rockin’ song that reminds me of the Summer months… (yes, it really does).

KISS icon – Gene Simmons impresses with lending his lead vocals on Ain’t Gonna Die… yes, this song illuminates Heavy Metal… Old School too. Life ends BK3 in straight forward Rock style, with Bruce Kulick giving his lyrics added sincerity through his own vocals. To sum up the heartening reality of this songs lyrics, two lines say it best: Love is a gift in life, Be careful of what you choose. Bruce Kulick definitely has a mellow side, then again, I guess I do too… Bruce Kulick has reminded me of that.

* Catch up on more Bruce Kulick news and info by clicking here: BRUCE KULICK – Official Website

* BK3 was released on Twenty 4 Records/Rocket Science.

Track Listing For BK3:

Fate

Ain’t Gonna Die

No Friend Of Mine

Hand Of The King

I’ll Survive

Dirty Girl

Final Mile

I’m The Animal

And I Know

Between The Lines

Life

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SCARS ON BROADWAY – “THEY SAY” 2008 7″ PICTURE DISC SINGLE & VIDEO I’D LIKE TO SHOW YA’

Posted in 1990's alternative metal bands, alternative metal bands, alternative metal music, cool album covers, current heavy metal bands, hard rock bands, hard rock music, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music, heavy metal picture discs, heavy metal records, heavy metal songs 2008, heavy metal videos, metal music, metal music albums, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags alternative metal bands, alternative metal music, current metal music, daron malakian musician, daron malakian vocalist, hard rock music, hard rock picture discs, heavy metal music, heavy metal picture discs, john dolmayan drummer, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, scars on broadway, scars on broadway 2008, scars on broadway album, scars on broadway they say picture disc single, system of a down, they say 7" picture disc single, they say single, they say song, they say song video on February 2, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

SCARS ON BROADWAY. Daron Malakian, (guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, organs and vocalist) and John Dolmayan, (drums), need no formal introduction, due to their legendary careers with System of a Down. The debut and self titled album Scars On Broadway was released back on July 29, 2008. The single from their debut album – They Say was also released as a 7″ picture disc back in 2008. My picture disc version of They Say, is shown below – both sides. (There is a U.K. version that is limited to 2,000 pressings, with a different image as well) (My picture disc version of They Say has no exact number to it’s limited pressing, to the best of my Metal knowledge). This picture disc was released by Velvethammer with the song licensed to Interscope Records.

As for the song itself… great song! I simply get into this song like there is no tomorrow! The lyrics of They Say basically speaks exactly how I feel about the nightly news and all the depressing information and disinformation, that is fed into the minds of people, on a constant, daily basis. Through the lyrics of They Say, Daron Malakian is honestly stating that the world’s news isn’t all peaches and cream. Lyrical reality about society can and does exist in Metal and Hard Rock songs. When expressed in matter of fact language, such as They Say, the points are driven home and are related quite easily for my interpretation. Sure, They Say Rocks hard and gets me psyched out… yet it also makes me stop to think – about the reality of the world we live in. In my Metal opinion, this song is riveting.

Check out, if you so choose, the still music video for They Say below. It is a still video, showing the debut/self titled album cover – Scars On Broadway, with this great song being played with NO lyrics being edited… crank it LOUD!

Here is what my 7″ picture disc looks like, Scars On Broadway – They Say:

Daron Malakian is pictured on the left, John Dolmayan is pictured on the right of this picture disc photo.

*This picture disc version contains They Say on both sides.

I bought this picture disc sometime back in 2008… guess where? Hot Topic. If you guessed Office Depot or Walgreens Pharmacy… you were way off.

* For more info, music, videos, news and images of Scars On Broadway, click on the link below for a direct visit to their official website:

SCARS ON BROADWAY

As for the entire debut and self titled album – Scars On Broadway, I will praise it on a future post… it’s that darn good! Here’s what the Scars On Broadway album cover looks like:

Thanks for visiting and/or making return visits to Metal Odyssey! It’s Metal appreciated, believe me.

3 Comments »

McAULEY SCHENKER GROUP – “SAVE YOURSELF” 1989 ALBUM REVISITED

I have forever and always will be an admirer of Michael Schenker, the lead guitarist of The Michael Schenker Group, McAuley Schenker Group, UFO and of course, an original guitarist for the Scorpions. Michael Schenker has also released numerous albums through a solo career and side projects. McAuley Schenker Group – Save Yourself, was a choice Metal pick of mine today… I reached for this CD and let it’s Heavy Metal engulf my ears. Released on October 25, 1989, Save Yourself was an instant Metal favorite for me since it’s release. Always the impeccable Metal guitarist, Michael Schenker, through his signature sound, is such an amazing standout figure in the history of Heavy Metal… in my Metal opinion. Is this the greatest Michael Schenker guitar led album ever? Not necessarily, yet Save Yourself does come across with it’s melodic Metal power – amazingly well for my liking. This is an album that I have never grown tired of, nor ever will. Is Robin McAuley my favorite vocalist on a Michael Schenker album? No, Gary Barden is, that is not an insult to Robin McAuley, it’s just my personal choice. I really like the vocals of Robin McAuley, Old School and never overreaching.

Metal Odyssey Warning: There is NOT one bad or sub-par song on Save Yourself, in my Metal opinion. Seek out this album and listen to it at your own Metal risk… you just might find yourself liking this album a great deal.

I Am Your Radio is a prototypical 1980’s Heavy Metal anthem. With its heavy stomping and power driven rhythm section, accompanied with a backdrop fused with all the electrifying guitar leads and riffs you can ask for… throw in a climactic solo for good Metal measure too. Can this song be construed as ’80’s corn dog? Not in my Metal mind… especially when this song is played LOUD, like it was meant to be heard. What We Need is an engaging Heavy Metal song, strong vocals from McAuley and muscular guitar licks from Schenker abound. Shadow Of The Night is rich with it’s Heavy Metal chorus, a true ’80’s melodic anthem, a sing-along for MSG die hards!

There Has To Be Another Way is the lone instrumental on Save Yourself. This is not Michael Schenker showing off, no ego is prevailing here… just a bitter sweet sound of emotion being spoken from his flying V. (As fine of a mellow/Metal guitar instrumental I’ve ever heard). Get Down To Bizness has the attitude and flamboyancy that late 1980’s Heavy Metal was so notorious for. Combine the vocals and solo of this song and you have a molten ball of Heavy Metal, raging with all the greatness of this era’s heavy music. Anytime is a power ballad THAT I EQUATE TO HEAVY METAL GREATNESS. That is correct… a ballad that I revere!! Wow, there really are Heavy Metal ballads that get Metal recognition on Metal Odyssey after all! Simply put, Anytime with it’s lyrics, melody, tempo and complete musicianship… is an all time favorite song of mine… period. Anytime gives me salamander bumps up and down my arms and across my face, each time I hear it. (Don’t repeat this to anyone… you all MUST Metal promise!).

Bad Boys gets the adrenaline flowing on high, it’s not a knock you out song, it’s just a song that has bite with raw undertones. Besides, Michael Schenker makes good on his guitar solo on Bad Boys, regardless of how shortened it is. Save Yourself as the album opener, opens with Michael Schenker letting it be known he is THE guitar god on this album and with his band. Save Yourself is arguably the heaviest song on this album. Take Me Back is the last song on this album, it is almost like Robin McAuley and Michael Schenker wanted to save one of the best for last… for Take Me Back IS one of the best songs on Save Yourself. A commercially accessible song is Take Me Back, still it is Heavy Metal with Michael Schenker leaving his signature – guitar stamp of approval all over it. Steve Mann, not to be ignored, plays alongside Michael Schenker on this album and my ears hear his credibility throughout, both on guitar and keyboards.

Check out and listen to the power ballad – Anytime… this song just gets better for me with each listen:

McAuley Schenker Group as they appeared on Save Yourself:

Michael Schenker – lead guitar

Robin McAuley – lead vocals

Steve Mann – guitar and keyboards

Rocky Newton – bass guitar

Bodo Schopf – drums

Track Listing For Save Yourself:

Save Yourself

Bad Boys

Anytime

Get Down To Bizness

Shadow Of The Night

What We Need

I Am Your Radio

There Has To Be Another Way (instrumental)

This Is My Heart

Destiny

Take Me Back (bonus track)

Save Yourself was originally released on Capitol Records.

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HARDLINE – “DOUBLE ECLIPSE” 1992 DEBUT ALBUM REIGNS WITH HARD ROCK RELEVANCY

Posted in 1990's heavy metal albums, 1990's rock bands, 1990's rock guitarists, 1990's rock music, 1990's hard rock albums, 1990's hard rock bands, 1990's hard rock videos, 1990's heavy metal music, 1990's rock albums, Album Review, hard rock album review, hard rock albums 1992, hard rock bands, hard rock guitarists, hard rock music, hard rock songs, hard rock vocalists, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1992, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal videos, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music history with tags 1990's hard rock music, 1990's hard rock albums, 1990's hard rock bands, 1990's hard rock songs, 1990's hard rock videos, 1990's rock album review, deen castronovo drummer, double eclipse album 1992, hard rock album reviews, hard rock music, hardline, hardline debut album 1992, hardline double eclipse album, hardline hard rock band, hardline music video 1992, hardline rock band, heavy metal music, joey gioeli guitarist, johnny gioeli vocalist, journey rock band, metal odyssey, Music, neal schon guitarist, rock music, takin' me down music video, todd jensen bass guitarist on January 31, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

Best Metal buddy Scott Coverdale landed me another album, that flew under my Hard Rock radar many years ago. Here is how the phone conversation went, (after many, many moments of trying to guess what band Scott was quizzing me on): Dude, have you ever heard of Hardline? Neal Schon, man! Whoa… this band Rocks! This is one unbelievable album! The praise Hardline – Double Eclipse was getting from Scott went on and on. I don’t recall one microscopic fault that Scott could find with this album. Some excitable F bombs were probably dropped around in his praise as well, from what I recall. Metal truth be told, I informed Scott that I vaguely remember the Gioeli brothers being involved in a band… however, I never listened to them, ever. Connecting Neal Schon to Hardline was not in my Metal memory… that is why Scott is a Metal Odyssey – Metal Researcher. (I remember vividly Neal Schon being a key member of HSAS, with Sammy Hagar, back in ’84. I always liked the HSAS album Through The Fire a whole lot. Throw in the Metal facts that I revere Neal Schon for his accomplishments as a Rock/Hard Rock guitarist and my adoration for Journey, (and not all the Journey ballads)… well, Hardline – Double Eclipse needed to be finally heard by me!!

I do agree with Scott that Double Eclipse is a great album, it has many hard and heavy moments. I do differ on one key musical aspect of Double Eclipse… the ballads. Oh, they are present… oh yeah. Can’t Find My Way is as annoying to me as a long line at the gas pumps. Lead vocalist Johnny Gioeli is fabulous on Double Eclipse, it’s just that dreaded sappy emotion of Can’t Find My Way that ruins it for me. I’ll Be There is much more upbeat, both with the believably emotional vocals of Johnny Gioeli and the up-tempo of the entire song. Still, it’s a ballad. Change Of Heart brings on that love is in the air feeling… ugh. Understand, I have never embraced ballads in Hard Rock and Heavy Metal my entire life… I am very finicky about them. Ballads have their place… only why interrupt the Hard Rock flow of an album with them? Bad Taste rocks the F’n house down… and it is a song right before Can’t Find My Way! I got all pumped up, psyched out, only to get bummed out immediately after with sappy silliness.

Alright, enough with ballads, why I despise most of them and onward with the songs on Double Eclipse – that rage with the hard and heavy! Takin’ Me Down, (see music video below), takes me down a Hard Rock colliding with Heavy Metal path that I don’t mind taking. Neal Schon is scorching on guitar throughout the non-ballads of Double Eclipse, he really takes it to the top on Takin’ Me Down. The vintage guitar tone of Neal Schon never screams louder than on Hot Cherie… just a damn great Hard Rock song. Everything is a song that sounds like a ballad that was modified to become a more edgier and harder song at the very end, a memorable song for my anti-ballad ears.

Life’s A Bitch, Dr. Love and Rhythm From A Red Car are the first three songs on Double Eclipse, it’s a shame that the entire album could not have followed the Hard and Heavy blueprint of them. These first three songs are what Hard Rock meshing with Heavy Metal is all about! At the end of my Metal day, I will listen to Double Eclipse again… and again. My personal distaste for ballads is just that… personal. I will state, that the ballads heard on Double Eclipse are fantastic for what they are, especially if you are into Rock/Hard Rock ballads!

Just because the ballads heard on Double Eclipse don’t move me, does not mean that they should never be praised or enjoyed by others. Across the Metal board, the credibility in the vocals of Johnny Gioeli and the musicianship of each member of Hardline cannot be ignored or disputed. Johnny Gioeli has the quintessential Hard Rock meets Heavy Metal vocals… a standout singer who really seems to feel the songs, something I find most admirable. This 1992 debut album from Hardline holds strong Hard Rock relevance to what’s currently being created in 2010 and arguably better than a noticeable percentage of current Rock/Hard Rock today… ballads included.

Here is the music video for Takin’ Me Down… it’s pretty darn cool, despite the visual being a tad fuzzy:

Hardline – Double Eclipse was released on April 28, 1992, on MCA Records.

Hardline, as they appeared on their debut album – Double Eclipse:

Johnny Gioeli – lead vocalist

Neal Schon – lead guitar

Joey Gioeli – rhythm guitar

Todd Jensen – bass guitar

Deen Castronovo – drums

Track Listing For Hardline – Double Eclipse:

Life’s A Bitch

Dr. Love

Rhythm From A Red Car

Change Of Heart

Everything

Takin’ Me Down

Hot Cherie

Bad Taste

Can’t Find My Way

I’ll Be There

31-91 (Metal Odyssey note: an acoustic guitar instrumental – very mellow, yet good)

In The Hands Of Time

9 Comments »

MOUNTAIN – The Best Of Live: A Listen In Hard Rock And Heavy Metal Roots

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock music, guitar legends, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags 1970's rock bands, classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock music, corky laing drummer, hard rock music, leslie west, metal odyssey, mountain, mountain rock band, mountain the best of live, Music, rock music, rock music news, woodstock 1969 on January 30, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

I pulled out a classic of a CD to crank up today: The Best Of Mountain Live. Arguably, a bona fide pioneer of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal, Mountain even played at Woodstock in 1969. That’s simply very cool. The original Mountain lineup of Leslie West, (guitar & vocals), the late Felix Pappalardi, (bass & piano) and (Canadian born) Corky Laing, (drums & percussion), were probably one of the earliest power trio’s in Rock History. The heaviness of Mountain’s sound from the very start, is what I point to in regarding them as Heavy Metal pioneers.

Leslie West introduced to the world, his guitar tone that leaned away from the early to mid 1960’s Rock and Roll Pop and late 1960’s Psychedelic Rock comfort zone. Being an American Rock Band, there was no Rock and Roll British Invasion wave that Mountain found themselves riding in on. Just straight up, bluesy, hard and heavy Rock and Roll… in essence, Hard Rock. Mississippi Queen from the 1970 Mountain debut album – Climbing! was a building block of Heavy Metal before the world even knew or understood the genre.

Yes, America did stake a claim in the formation of Heavy Metal, Mountain is as credible an example as any band I can think of. Listening to The Best Of Mountain Live only solidifies my Metal opinion on this. Hey, with Corky Laing being Canadian born, let’s give some Heavy Metal pioneering credit to Canada too… eh?

The Best Of Mountain Live is not going to blow anyone over with polished production, what this album does incite is the importance of Mountain’s contributions to the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal genres. Are the vintage Mountain songs and cover songs heard on The Best Of Live a mirror image of Heavy Metal 2010? Of course they’re not. What these live songs do tell my ears, is that Hard Rock and Heavy Metal evolved from bands just like Mountain, into what we all know and hear as Heavy Music today.

I picked up this CD a few years ago, for just a few bucks. Sure, I could easily have reached for and listened to a Mountain studio album today. Instead, this live CD with all it’s recorded Rock history is what lured me all the more. It was the raw, unpolished and live sensory experience that I was yearning for, from a band that helped shape the Heavy Music sound and style that I find so endearing in 2010.

Sometimes I find it hard to believe, that the roots of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal were being forged by Mountain, while they performed at Woodstock in 1969. I was not even three years old then. Then, I stop to think that Leslie West, Corky Laing and their band Mountain are still around and playing their songs, their own heavy way, still touring recently in 2009.

When it’s all said and Metal done, if you happen to stumble upon Mountain – The Best Of Live, take ownership of it and give your ears some Heavy Music roots. Yes, you will find NO glitz and glam and NO egos heard in the heavy musicianship of Mountain… now doesn’t that just sound too good to pass up?

For more info, current news and the history of MOUNTAIN, click on the link below:

MOUNTAIN – Official Web-Site

Track listing for Mountain – The Best Of Live:

Mississippi Queen

Never In My Life

For Yasgur’s Farm

Rocky Mountain Way

Theme For An Imaginary Western

Why Dontcha

Crossroads

Spark

House Of The Rising Sun

(Released in 2006, on St. Clair Entertainment Group Inc.)

LONG LIVE MOUNTAIN.

Stone.

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DOMMIN “LOVE IS GONE” RELEASES IN FIVE DAYS – FEBRUARY 2, 2010!

Posted in alternative metal music, alternative rock music, collecting rock music, cool album covers, current hard rock bands, current heavy metal music, gothic metal albums, gothic metal bands, gothic metal music, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, hard rock music, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal bands 2010, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2010, melodic hard rock bands, melodic heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags 2010 album releases, alternative hard rock music, alternative rock music, dommin, dommin 2010, dommin ep, dommin gothic rock band, dommin hard rock band, dommin love is gone album, dommin rock band, fye, gothic hard rock music, gothic rock, hard rock albums 2010, hard rock music, hard rock music 2010, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2010, melodic hard rock music, metal odyssey, Music, roadrunner records, rock music on January 27, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

DOMMIN. A blend of Rock, Hard Rock, Gothic and Heavy Metal. Yes, I am into the songs and sound of DOMMIN, at the end of the Metal day, I am a very diversified Metalhead. Admittedly, I am also NOT ashamed to admit that. DOMMIN. Taking Metal detours is an adventure… heck, you only live once. My self diagnosis is that I love music, period. No, not Daughtry… I stated music, afterall, I’m not into garbled bubble gum slop from a televised talent show. On February 2, 2010, I will be picking up my reserved copy of Love Is Gone at my neighborhood fye and will skip all the way to my car with a sinister smile on my face. (O.k., I am just kidding about the “skipping to my car” part). This new DOMMIN album will be in my hands just 5 days from now… (I am counting Thursday thru Monday).

DOMMIN – Love Is Gone – (ROADRUNNER Records)

If you feel like it, check out the blabbing I did on October 19, 2009, regarding the DOMMIN E.P., just click on the link below:

DOMMIN – “E.P.” Has Me Hooked

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SCORPIONS – A METAL THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC AND MEMORIES!

SCORPIONS. Legends of Heavy Metal, Hard Rock and Rock History. Really, what can I truly say about the inevitable retirement of the Scorpions, that has not already been said today, across the world? All I can say, from my very own personal, Metal perspective, is THANK YOU. Thank you Scorpions for the albums of songs, the videos, the tours, the loyalty to the fans and for just knowing that you were THERE for me to listen to as a young teen, all the way through adulthood. With three years left to go before the official Metal curtain falls… I will make every Metal effort to say goodbye at a live show. There is still three more years of Scorpions memories to be had. Plus, with the new studio album Sting In The Tail coming out this March, there has never been a better time than 2010 to celebrate a true Champion of Heavy Metal – SCORPIONS! I actually have duck bumps going up and down my arms as I write this… it’s like I am saying thank you and goodbye to a good buddy. In the grand Metal scheme of things, yes, the Scorpions were always my buddy… one of my core Heavy Metal bands to turn to for inspiration, enjoyment and of course… partying, (when I was a young lad and could stay up all night).

A fan becomes a part of a band, whether or not that band knows it or not. The Heavy Metal community is family and it’s a day like January 25, 2010, when this realization really sets in. Just like when a favorite New York Yankee of mine retires or gets traded, it leaves that notorious lump in my throat. Well, I have that lump in my throat today… only it’s a Metal lump. To commemorate this iconic Heavy Metal Band, I have compiled a list, a Metal roll call if you will, of the musicians of the Scorpions – both past and present. I thank each and everyone of them. I also have blabbed about my Metal adoration for the Scorpions a few times on Metal Odyssey, during my short time in doing this blog gig. Please check out these three posts if you feel like it, just click on the headers below the Scorpions roll call.

Scorpions – Present:

Klaus Meine – vocalist

Rudolf Schenker – guitarist

Matthias Jabs – guitarist

Pawel Maciwoda – bass guitarist

James Kottak – drummer

Scorpions – Past: (In no particular order)

Michael Schenker – guitarist

Ulrich Roth – guitarist

Francis Buchholz – bass guitarist

Herman Rarebell – drummer

Wolfgang Dziony – drummer

Lothar Heimberg – bass guitarist

Jurgen Rosenthal – drummer

Achim Kirschning – keyboardist

Rudy Lenners – drummer

Barry Sparks – bass guitarist

Ralph Rieckermann – bass guitarist

Curt Cress – drummer

Ken Taylor – bass guitarist

Ingo Powitzer – bass guitarist

(And of course, the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra too)

* Please note, if I happened to overlook any former Scorpions musician from the past, please let me know through a comment and that respective musician shall be added to this list. Any Metal oversight is wholeheartedly unintentional on the part of Metal Odyssey and I apologize now in case this was to happen.

From the 1972 studio album release of Lonesome Crow to the highly anticipated Sting In The Tail studio album of 2010, with every single studio and live album in between, the Heavy Metal from the Scorpions will live on for future generations to embrace and enjoy.

LONG LIVE SCORPIONS HEAVY METAL!

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