SOUNDGARDEN– Below is the time-lapse of the creation of the King Animal mural at Easy Street Records in Seattle Washington. King Animal is the new studio album in over 15 years from Soundgarden. The sixth studio album overall, King Animal was released on November 13th, via Universal Republic.
The song you’ll be listening to is By Crooked Steps, as it’s featured on King Animal. I dig this song, it grooves and flows along quite excellent. Chris Cornell’s vocals are once again stellar and this band is legendary. Metal be thy name.
THE ROLLING STONES – On its release date of November 13th, I happily purchased the brand new 2CD of greatest hits from The Rolling Stones titled: GRRR! at my local Target store. Here’s a funny blunder I am guilty of while making this GRRR! purchase:
Upon seeing GRRR! stocked upon the CD display at Target, the excitement overcame me; so much so that I read the sale price (incorrectly) as $9.99 (U.S.). After buying this 2CD and a few other items, I thought to myself: “gee whiz, Stone, that amount I paid was higher than I calculated in my brain.” I paused, then came to a complete stop before exiting the store. I needed to check my sales receipt and make sure I didn’t get screwed on the price of an item (which happens more often than not).
* The Rolling Stones 50th Anniversary Logo designed by: Shepard Fairey
* The Rolling Stones tongue logo was originally created by John Pashe, back in 1971.
Sure enough, I read the price sticker wrong on the GRRR! 2CD. Instead of the price being $9.99 (like I thought I read it) it was $19.99 instead! Whoa! I had not a clue. I guess the good news is that I didn’t pay $19.99 for GRRR! after all. Nope. I instead paid the sale price for GRRR! which was: $16.99. That’s very, very cool. Heck, this is a “2” CD after all and it boasts 40 classics from The Rolling Stones! Not too shabby of a Rockin’ buy and YOLO!
The 2 NEW songs on GRRR! are: One More Shot and Doom And Gloom. Both of these songs ROCK!!! WHOA!!! Think: Hard Rock Rolling Stones, (not) Start Me Up or Harlem Shuffle. Seriously, I am very psyched-out about these 2 new songs; they signify that The Rolling Stones can certainly dig-in-deep and continue to put out some kick-ass Classic Hard Rockin’ material!
I highly recommend GRRR! to all Rolling Stones fans and anyone that digs Classic Rock, Hard Rock, Rock and the history of Rock and Roll! Metal be thy name.
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THE ROLLING STONES GRRR! – Track Listing:
(Stone Notes: This is the 40 song track listing. There are 50 and 80 track versions of GRRR! as well).
Disc one:
Come On
Not Fade Away
It’s All Over Now
Little Red Rooster
The Last Time
(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction
Get Off Of My Cloud
As Tears Go By
19th Nervous Breakdown
Have You Seen Your Mother, Baby, Standing In The Shadow?
NEW ZEALAND BUSINESSMAN – MURRAY BOLTON – IS THE WINNING BIDDER
ALL PROCEEDS DONATED TO THE GERSON INSTITUTE SUPPORTING HOLISTIC CANCER THERAPY
Guitar Played Exclusively Throughout Def Leppard “Rock of Ages” Tour This Summer
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(Los Angeles, CA) –In early September, PHIL COLLEN, lead guitarist for the iconic rock band DEF LEPPARD, announced plans for the charitable auction of “Wings” a custom Jackson PC1 guitar that COLLEN had played throughout this summer’s Rock of Ages tour. The auction began exclusively through eBay’s “Giving Works” on September 5th and ended on the morning of September 15th.
Reaching beyond all expectations, the highest bidder paid an amazing $15,000 for the one-of-a-kind guitar. The lucky winner is New Zealand businessman Murray Bolton. COLLEN personally handed “Wings” over to Bolton a few weeks ago when Murray visited COLLEN’s home.
In an extraordinary act of charity Phil included $5000 of his own to the auction’s total in order to deliver a $20,000 check this past Thursday, November 15th, when he performed live at the San Diego based Gerson Institute.
“I am very excited to present this check to the people at the Gerson Institute”, said Collen. “Meeting Murray and handing over “Wings” was bitter-sweet. I really grew to love that guitar but am so happy that it’s going to a great home and the money will help so many more people.”
November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, a more than appropriate time for COLLEN himself to introduce the auction’s winner and present the check to the Gerson Institute, a San Diego based non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the Gerson Therapy, an alternative treatment for cancer and other degenerative diseases.
In early 2012 Jake Willoughby, a guitar and music store owner, asked COLLEN if he would assist in helping to raise money towards the fight against cancer with Jake’s mother Connie having just passed away from pancreatic cancer after a courageous 13-month fight. By tragic coincidence Phil’s own father, Kenneth succumbed to the same disease in 2004. Jake donated a PHILCOLLEN signature guitar, the Jackson PC1 from his music store. In the spirit of hope it was named “Wings”. Mike Learn, a noted artist whose graphics are well-known in the guitar world, donated the graphic custom paint job on the guitar. Ironically, Mike also lost two family members to the same disease.
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About The Gerson Institute:
The Gerson Institute is a non-profit organization in San Diego, California dedicated to providing education and training in the Gerson Therapy, an alternative, non-toxic treatment for cancer and other chronic degenerative diseases.
Black Country Communion – Afterglow is the third studio album from the supergroup that should really be named: Classic Rock Champions. All kidding aside, this Kevin “The Caveman” Shirley produced album is so much more than I expected. With super legendary musicians joining forces with such a prominent producer, the first two BCC albums were magnificent in their own right; only Afterglow is by far the very best out of the three albums from this band, in my Rock infested opinion.
Glenn Hughes wrote the lyrics to every song, with Jason Bonham lending a pen on This Is Your Timeand Common Man. With the writing of the music for Afterglow, it’s a collective effort from the entire band, which is broken down so nicely in the liner notes. These four musicians are undoubtedly legends and they have written and recorded a wonderful album of eleven songs.
Afterglow stands out from the first two BCC albums with its unbelievably memorable songs. These are songs that just instantly stick inside my head with their melodies, rhythm, beats and (of course) vocals. Whereas the first two albums had a song or two that may sound like (just above) average offerings, Afterglow is a listening sensation of Classic Hard Rock from beginning to end. My God, I’m tickled to death by Afterglow and I’m strongly considering it to be my top Hard Rock album of 2012… and quite possibly my favorite album across the board from this year!
Watch & listen to below: The Making Of Afterglow – Black Country Communion Episode 1
The sunny skies of Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple certainly shine over this album, with Big Train, Afterglow and Confessor (respectively); giving every musical indication that even legends such as BCC will give a nod to other Classic Rock sounds other than their own. Let there be no misunderstanding however, that BCC is a band as original as the Great Pyramid of Giza.
Jason Bonham doesn’t over extend on drums (and never has in his career), while Derek Sherinian follows suit on keyboards. I applaud them both for I’m so convinced that the less is more plan of attack always comes out victorious in Rock and Roll. Joe Bonamassa is such a talented guitarist it’s spooky. His lead vocals on Cry Freedom are superb and makes for an added bonus on an album filled with pure Rockin’ magic.
Lead vocals and bass are brought to you by none other than Glenn Hughes. What can I possibly write that has never been written before about this legend of Rock? Glenn Hughes is one of those vocalists walking the planet today with a captivating voice. I listen to Glenn’s vocals and lyrics on The Circle and have to pick my jaw up off the floor each time this song ends. Overall, BCC has whisked my memories back to the slower days when FM radio actually meant something to all of us; while (thankfully) reminding me that majestic Hard Rock can still be created. Metal be thy name.
* Black Country Communion Afterglow was released on October 30th, 2012, via J&R Adventures.
BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION:
Glenn Hughes – lead vocals and bass guitar, (acoustic guitar on The Giver)
Joe Bonamassa – lead and acoustic guitars, (lead vocals on Cry Freedom)
Jason Bonham – drums and percussion, (backing vocals on This Is Your Time)
KYLESA – Fans of Kylesa know that this Savannah Georgia band can play heavy as molasses, sludgy, doomy and hard as railroad spikes, while (obviously) keeping an open mind approach to atmosphere of sound, feel, mood and vibes within each and every song they’ve ever recorded. Kylesa has never carbon copied their own creations. Kylesa is not a band built on slamming down the Metal hammer of sound and acting out the parts. No way.
With FromThe Vaults, Vol. 1, (releasing on November 20th, via Season Of Mist), Kylesa takes their multi-heavy genre approach to momentous heights, by offering up a combination of new, unreleased and alternate versions of songs, spanning their notable catalog of albums. New fans of Kylesa shall be born from listening to this excellent collection of songs on From The Vaults, Vol. 1.
Drained(previously unreleased Buzzov-en cover) showcases the thundering doom persona that Kylesa can unleash musically upon the senses, with an air of remarkable ease. Kylesa has taken a gilded pillar of a Pink Floyd song (Set theControls for the Heart of the Sun) and without question, have made said song their very own. The Psychedelic, Progressive and Stoner elements seem to marry into one another in (dare I say) miraculous heavy ways, while my ears inhale this Pink Floyd cover. At 6:58, this cover song is epic; the flow of musical sounds makes for a mind journey that I thank Kylesa for taking me on.
The new song on From The Vaults, Vol. 1 is End Truth. This song is dreamy, with a strong hint of melancholy and swirls of early 70’s Sabbath-like atmosphere. With that said, there is an amazing charge of relevance spilling from End Truth; so much so, that it’s a profoundly wonderful listen for me.
When one asks why a band would record alternate versions of their songs, the answer I’ll always give is: “whereas they can.” On Bottom Line II, Kylesa doesn’t hold back on a Punk spontaneity that’s built on speed, combined with a sudden and not so subtle lapse of Sludge. Another grand moment on this album.
Heavy Rock genius isn’t learned from a text-book, it’s earned from both experience and mastering one’s musicalskills. Kylesa has exemplified their genius impressively well with From The Vaults, Vol. 1. There’s no “I” in this band, just a whole lot of unique heavy that’s always a welcomed sound experience. Metal be thy name.
Nov. 12, 2012, Philadelphia – Royal Thunder, who are currently on tour with Corrosion of Conformity and ASG, will join Monster Magnet for a pair of mid-December dates: Dec. 14 at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn and Dec. 16 at The Trocadero in Philadelphia.
The female-fronted Atlanta quartet released their debut album, CVI, in the Spring via Relapse Records. Spin described the release as a “stunning breakthrough,” Revolver called the album “essential” and Decibel Magazine placed singer Mlny Parsonz on the cover of their inaugural women in metal issue.
Royal Thunder are currently working on a video for “Blue,” with a premiere to come in the next few weeks.
Spending the bulk of the year on the road, the band has toured with Black Tusk, Baroness, Pallbearer, Valient Thorr and the aforementioned Corrosion of Conformity. Royal Thunder have also done their own headlining dates around the United States with their next solo date on Dec. 17 at The Rock and Roll Hotel in Washington, D.C.
Royal Thunder will return to the road in early 2013 with an April date at Roadburn 2013 (Apr. 13 at Het Patronaat) already confirmed.
KISS KOLLECTIBLES – That’s it at the top! That’s my KISS Rock And Roll Over neon clock, lit up in all its kisstastic glory! I bought this very cool KISS neon clock a few years ago at Hot Topic. Guess what? It set me back just $10.00 (U.S.) cause I found it on a… markdown shelf! The original price was more than double that too. Metal be thy name!
This neon clock can either be hung on a wall or stood up on a shelf. The diameter measures approximately 11.5″. I have a choice of using 1 AAA battery or just plugging this neon clock into a socket. Not too shabby.
I threw away the original box this KISS neon clock came in. What the hell was I thinking? Sometimes Stone brain farts… big time. It’s like that elder Metal troll told me recently: “Stone, y-y-you c-c-can’t fret over c-c-chucking away t-t-that KISS neon c-c-clock b-b-box.”
Here’s all the boring info (regarding who made this neon clock):
* Made In China
* Produced by Rabbit Tanaka Corp. Ltd
* 2007 KISS Catalog, Ltd – Under License By Signatures Network
Check out my KISS neon clock unlit below! Whoa!
By the way, if you haven’t yet bought MONSTER, you absolutely, positively, 100%, certainly should! Yes, I am quite ecstatic over this new KISS album. Metal be thy name.
Minneapolis based, MetalKast music video network announces their exciting new TV series Rög’s Talkin’ DrumZ. Production for the first season is underway with a few episodes complete. This new exciting television series aims to attract music fans and dedicated musicians.
On November 5th 2012, Rög’s Talkin’ DrumZ started a Kickstarter fundraiser campaign to help complete production for the first season. The campaign will run through December 6th and offers fans and musicians great packages for your pledge. The Kickstarter campaign can be found here.
Rög’s Talkin’ DrumZ is one of MetalKast flagship shows aimed at rediscovering music television. Until recently, before shows like Metal Evolution and That Metal Show, we have had a void in “music video networks”, from music to non-music-related programming. MetalKast has been testing web distribution for years. With support from record labels, artist promotion companies and the artists themselves, we are filling the void left by others.
In support for this Kickstarter project, Rög’s Talkin’ DrumZ is making available for the first time it’s promotional DVDs, Blu-Ray, and HD digital formats available as gifts for supporting this project. Additionally offering numerous signed DVDs and drum sticks from these amazing players: Jeremy Spencer (Five Finger Death Punch), Mikkey Dee (Motorhead, King Diamond, Don Dokken), Bill Bruford (King Crimson, Earthworks, UK, Yes), Carl Palmer (Elp, Asia), Larry Paterson (Blaze Bayley, Chokehold), Bobby Rondinelli (Rainbow, Black Sabbath, BOC, The Lizards), Frankie Banali (Quiet Riot, W.A.S.P.), Mark Zonder (Fates Warning, Slavior, Warlord), Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath, DIO, WWIII), and Randy Black (Primal Fear, Bif Naked, Annihilator).
Rög’s Talkin’ DrumZ first full season will include Tobias Ralph (Adrian Belew, Crimson Projekct) and Pat Mastelotto (King Crimson, Stick Men), Bill Bruford (King Crimson, Yes), and Carl Palmer (ELP, Asia).
Filming major events in the drumming world have also included activity at Vic’s Drum Shop (Victor Salazar) with interviews, statements and clinics from Terry Bozzio (Frank Zappa, UK, Missing Persons), Will Calhoun (Living Colour), Jimmy Chamberlin (The Smashing Pumpkins), Gavin Harrison (Iggy Pop, Ed Poole), Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater, Liquid Tension Experiment, Adrenaline Mob), Todd Sucherman (Stix), Paul Collier (Angel Corpse, Final Revenge), Jason Bittner (Shadows Fall), Derek Roddy (Hate Eternal, Nile), Charlie Benante (Anthrax), Chad Wackerman (Frank Zappa, Alan Holdsworth, Steve Vai), Hanna Ford (Bellevue Suite, Prince), Nathaniel Townsley (Stevie Wonder, Special EFX, Mariah Carey), and many more.
Additionally, RTD filmed interviews with famed photographer/drummer Rob Shanahan (Ringo Starr’s Personal Photographer) and John Douglas (Alex Van Halen’s drum tech, custom drum builder, artist and drummer). Upcoming episodes include a feature on Larry Mullen’s tech/U2 crew chief Sam O’Sullivan.
The legendary Jean Beauvoir (Gary US Bonds, The Plasmatics, Little Steven & The Disciples of Soul – see more below) has contacted me regarding the following special news involving the recording of his new Crown Of Thorns EP:
“I’m reaching out because I am running a Pledge Music Campaign for the recording of a new Crown Of ThornsEP… A new way to do it! It’s very cool and to those who have Pledged, I’ve been giving great free updates that include, acoustic concerts, free albums, duet of myself and Bruce Springsteen and lots of other stuff, (there’s) more to come so it’s well worth it for the fans.”
“Thanks and all the best!”
Jean Beauvoir
Crown Of Thorns, KISS, Ramones and so on!
Pledge what you can by clicking on the link below!
(To read complete Jean Beauvoir biography, click here: Jean Beauvoir)
Beauvoir selling over 1,5 million copies worldwide from his first solo effort, lead to productions and co-writing ventures with artists such as KISS, The Ramones, N’Sync, John Waite, Deborah Harry, Lionel Richie, The Pretenders, Carol Davis, Nile Rogers, Nona Hendryx, Desmond Child, Jim Vallance and many more. He toured and performed with the Eurythmics, David Bowie, Tina Turner, Bon Jovi, Van Halen, Little Steven, BruceSpringsteen and The Who. He’s made hundreds of personal and TV appearances throughout the world and has sold in excess of 20 million records worldwide as an artist, producer and songwriter.
Jean also expanded his musical horizons through his groups, Voodoo X and Crown of Thorns, he released four additional solo records to date and was also actively involved in the hugely successful Hand in HandCharity in Berlin Germany amongst others throughout the years.
AEROSMITH – Call it nostalgia. Call it an impulse purchase. Call it being a big softy for Classic Rock. Call it appreciating Aerosmith’s perseverance and the majority of their albums; especially their catalog from the 70’s decade. Regardless of all the reasons, I bought Aerosmith’s 15th studio (album) CD, Music From Another Dimension!(Columbia), on November 6th at my local Super Walmart.
I’ve listened to this new Aerosmith CD several times now and I dig most of it. Music From Another Dimension! doesn’t Rock like 70’s Aerosmith, then again this CD doesn’t Rock like 80’s or 90’s Aerosmith either. This new Aerosmith offering does Rock, let there be no mistake. Lot’s of (radio friendly) Rock/Hard Rock relevance, mixed together with funky and bluesy vibes and a solid nod to good ol’ American Rock ‘N’ Roll. Aerosmith has a whiz-bang album here; trying to top any of their early classics or 80’s chart-toppers isn’t what I was looking for anyways.
Steven Tyler’s vocals are so trademarked that it’s astonishing. Really, who else has ever or currently sounds like Steven Tyler? Steven Tyler, Joe Perry (guitar), Brad Whitford (guitar), Tom Hamilton (bass) and Joey Kramer (drums) all sound groovy, like a well oiled Aerosmith machine. Good and well written songs coupled with legendary musicians sure do go a very long way. Aerosmith certainly surprised me here, I was afraid this new album was going to be overly sticky bubble-gum. Instead it’s a good time on the mainstream Rock ‘N’ Roll highway.
Carrie Underwood sings a duet with Steven Tyler on Can’t Stop Lovin’ You. I wish Joan Jett, BonnieRaitt, Melissa Etheridge, Stevie Nicks or Ann Wilson sang a duet with Steven Tyler on this album instead. Can’t Stop Lovin’ You is a fine song, I just would have appreciated a legendary Classic Rock gal instead. Then again, that’s just me.
Hollywood superstar Johnny Depp sings backing vocals on Freedom Fighter. Who cares. I really don’t. Apparently I never answered the phone quick enough to get that backing vocal gig with Aerosmith. Next time I’ll hustle to my cell phone or at least listen to my messages quicker. Um… yeah.
I recommend this CD to my fellow Rockaholics, it’s all good and understood that this album was intended for widespread appeal. That’s a given. A new generation of Aerosmith fans will certainly be sowed, courtesy of this band’s always current world-wide popularity and new album. Here’s some last second Rockin’ advice: while you listen to MusicFrom Another Dimension!, just pretend that American Idol doesn’t exist and everything will be okay.
So that’s about it. I’m not gonna blab anything more about Music From Another Dimension! other than:
1. I really, really, really dig the album cover artwork. Retro rules.
2. Another Last Goodbye is a (gulp) ballad. Ugh.
2. The Walmart version of this CD has the exclusive bonus track: Shakey Ground. It’s a Rockin’ cool song for a bonus track, making for a terrific way to close out this new Aerosmith album.
GEOFF TATE – The Voice Of Queensrÿche. For over three decades running, Geoff Tate is a top-tier vocalist who spans Rock, Hard Rock and of course… Metal. Geoff Tate is a name that comes up when other well-known musicians talk to me about influences. The only vocalist that I identify with Queensrÿche is Geoff Tate.
I’ve been fortunate to hear the vocals of/and witness Geoff Tate in a live setting, on multiple occasions while he was fronting Queensrÿche. Wether it was an arena or club, I’ve observed Geoff Tate commanding both stage and crowd.
Today, Geoff Tate’s sophomore solo album, Kings And Thieves, will be released via InsideOut Music. Whoa! If you are a fan of Geoff Tate and/or Classic Heavy Rock, like myself, the celebration of this vocal and songwriting legend never ceases! Legendary vocalists are born and not made and give their songs profound emotion. Geoff Tate is living proof of this. Metal be thy name.
Take a listen (and read) below to the lyric video for Dark Money… this song ABSOLUTELY ROCKS!
Last week was bizarre and filled with one reality check after another, for me. I live in Eastern Pennsylvania and lived most of my life in (very expensive) Connecticut; therefore my respect and fear of hurricanes is without question real. Our region of the country already suffered through a storm of the century, during the very end of August 2011. A vicious ice storm followed in late October of 2011. Of course, many (if not all) of you know that Hurricane Sandy made her presence felt on the East Coast and Mid-Atlantic.
October 29th and 30th were grueling days, while waiting out this super storm. The biggest fear was waiting out this hurricane Monday night. Looking out the windows, all I or my family could see was total blackness. All we could hear was wind that sounded like freight trains speeding around and on top of our house. This entire experience was all a reality check, once again. We were fortunate to have not been harmed and our house was not damaged. Our power was on again/off again during the first 48 hours; still we never lost power permanently. Call it luck and luck is never a guarantee in life.
NASA satellite imagery of Hurricane Sandy
Our city still has tens of thousands of families without power, as I write this (Saturday at 7:31 pm EST). The New Jersey and New York citizens that have suffered from Hurricane Sandy reminds me of just how lucky my family and I are… this time. I posted about the charitable organizations that are currently helping in the aftermath of this hurricane. In case you missed it, you can read about it by clicking the link below:
On to another reality check. To add more sadness to this Halloween season, on our school district’s designated Halloween night, a classmate of my daughters was struck by a passing car, while trying to cross a street. This innocent young lad passed away from the injuries he sustained. My daughters knew this young lad and have been coping with this tragedy through an open-door policy of discussion within our family. I pray that this young lad finds peace in heaven.
The reminders that keep knocking on my brain’s door these last several days are: life is precious, our time on Earth is not predictable nor guaranteed and material items are worthless compared to being alive. Yes, the comforts of a car, cell phone, laptop, electricity, house and personal items makes life easier; only these things truly are secondary to being alive. Family, friends, Metal Buddies, my faith and music are what matters most to me. Since Metal and Rock ‘N Roll are imbedded in my soul, they’re no longer material items to me. Metal be thy name.
And yet another reality check…
Recently, Metal Buddy and Witch Cross vocalist, Kev Moore, informed Metal Odyssey readership and I the following:
“I want to give a ‘head’s up’ to KING’S X drummer Jerry Gaskill and his wife who’ve lost their NJ home and all their possessions. Jerry also had to contend with a heart attack in February. This year really sucks for him. Buy their albums people! They rock! Friends and family have also launched a campaign to help them rebuild from this second tragedy to blight their lives:”
W.A.S.P. has been celebrating their 30 Years Of Thunder in 2012, coinciding with straight-from-the-heart written installments from the legendary Blackie Lawless (founder, vocalist and guitarist of W.A.S.P.). These 30 Years Of Thunder installments can be read here: http://www.waspnation.com
Installment #14 from Blackie Lawless is… you’ve guessed it… one more reality check. I express my condolences to Blackie Lawless for his personal loss.
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Of course I turned to Metal for soothing away my worries all last week. Funny thing is, the one song that really seemed to cheer me up and inspire me in ways I cannot explain was originally co-written by Charlie Chaplin. Yes, the silent film icon known as Charlie Chaplin.
The song is Smile and it is a cover version from the legendary Jeff Lynne (of Electric Light Orchestra fame). Smile is among 11 cover songs from Jeff Lynne’s solo album Long Wave. All 11 songs are Pre-Rock classics that Jeff Lynne has turned into magic for my ears. The melody and lyrics of Smile simply moves me. Unreal.
JEFF LYNNE – LONG WAVE
Released on October 9th, 2012, via Frontiers Records.
Germany’s cult label Ván Records is proud to unleash the opening track to Interbellum, the debut album from Dutch Rock outfit, GOLD, confirmed for worldwide release on the edge of the Mayan calendar, December 7th, 2012.
Recorded at the Amsterdam Recording Company, Interbellum offers nine hard-rocking pop songs that will enrich the contemporary Rock landscape with its fresh vocals, catchy riffing, its driving rhythms and refreshing songwriting. A world in crisis needs a Rock album full of urgency, anger and hope. Here it is.
The opening track to Interbellum, “One Of Us,” was shot on a gloomy Autumn afternoon at GOLD‘s rehearsal space at Studio SanteBoutique, Rotterdam. Check it out below!
The main drive of GOLD’s songwriting takes place between vocalist Milena Eva and guitarist Thomas Sciarone (ex-The Devil’s Blood). Longtime friends, drummer Igor Wouters and bassist Harm Haverman provide a steady yet adventurous foundation and guitarist Nick Polak completes the bunch with his talent for harmony and melody. Each song on Interbellum is a well-crafted piece of music and a story on its own, and overall is a monument to our time and to a civilization in decline. It deals with instability and the fear of things to come, yet offers a spark of love and hope in an attempt to give meaning to life in modern times. The album’s authentic tone and warmth completes the richness of GOLD’s sound, produced by Igor Wouters and Vanderbuyst main man Willem Verbuyst.
GOLD will be performing live by the end of 2012, delivering their songs to every soul that cares to listen.
Interbellum Track Listing:
1. One Of Us
2. Antebellum
3. Love, The Magician
4. Gone Under
5. Dreams
6. North
7. Medicine Man
8. The Hunt
9. Ruby
Stone Says: I dig this band! GOLD ROCKS! From the vocals of Milena Eva to the overall melodic Rockin’ sound that this band generates, GOLD is a band to keep our Rockaholic eyes and ears on! Metal be thy name.
London, UK – Much to the excitement of music fans across the planet, Dutch rock legends Focus will be undertaking a worldwide tour beginning November 2012 in support of their forthcoming CD Focus X. With their unique brand of progressive rock, Focus manifested themselves at the start of the ’70s as the most successful and appreciated of all the Dutch pop-rock exports. Fronted by founding member Thijs Van Leer, and best known for their hits “Hocus Pocus”, “House of The King” and “Sylvia”, as well as critically acclaimed albums ‘Moving Waves’, ‘Focus 3’ and ‘Hamburger Concerto’, the iconic Dutch music masters are back with their tenth album, which is guaranteed to please their legions of fans!
After a comeback in the early 2000’s, which resulted in the well-received albums ‘Focus 8’ and ‘Focus 9’, the band regrouped with a fantastic new line-up. Along with Thijs van Leer on vocals, flute and keyboards, back on the drums is famed Focus drummer Pierre van der Linden, who joined the group on their second album ‘Moving Waves’ in 1972. Internationally renowned for his rhythmic skills, Pierre remains a defining factor in the Focus sound. Bassist Bobby Jacobs, who comes from a well-acclaimed Dutch musical family and guitarist Menno Gootjes, who participated in Focus at an earlier stage, completes the band’s current line-up. Recently, Focus’s biggest hit “Hocus Pocus” was used in a 4-minute Nike commercial before the World Cup broadcast. Focus music can be regularly heard on Top Gear and Saxondale TV.
A new Focus era has arrived! There is a rejuvenated passion in the new compositions that adorn the new album ‘Focus X’, which features a full-scale Roger Dean painting on the cover. Says Thijs van Leer, who holds the distinction of being the first ever knighted musician in Holland, “It’s a thrill to have finally completed ‘Focus X’; we are all ecstatic and looking forward to playing the new material on the forthcoming Focus X Tour.”
The first interview I had with Gordon Brown was just after his amicable departure from Heavy Rock legends IronClaw; that interview was posted here on Metal Odyssey practically a year ago to this day, on October 21st, 2011. Now, with a fresh start and always the positive outlook on the future, Gordon Brown has started a new band: DeltaOne Six.
A Scottish gentleman with music flowing from his soul, Gordon Brown has a bluesy voice that fits right into any decade of Rock and Roll. This past year, Gordon Brown shared many of his songs that he has recorded throughout his life, via Soundcloud. (See link at bottom of post). The “open-book” approach that Gordon Brown has taken, with the music he’s created, shows to me the honest-to-goodness personality of this man.
Since I’ve known Gordon Brown, he has always taken a nothing to hide approach with his music and has never dodged a question. This is an artist I’ve been rooting for since I first heard him sing. Recently, Gordon Brown answered another round of questions, being his typical friendly and polite self! I’m proud to present to you, this second interview with Gordon Brown:
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Stone: Can you give more (untold) details as to why the Iron Claw partnership ended?
Gordon: Very simply, the band wanted to play a heavier style of music than I did. Once the recording of the album was finished things just didn’t work out – if it isn’t right it’s time to move on. There’s no animosity, we don’t see each other as we live in different towns, but I dare say at some point we’ll have a pint or two. At this stage it appears unlikely that Iron Claw will perform live again, I was speaking to Alex Wilson recently and told him that I would consider writing lyrics and singing on any future recordings. As far as I’m concerned that door is not shut, only it would have to be music that appealed to me. The music from “A Different Game” lives on in a live sense though, currently I’m doing Southern Sky with a view to possibly adding some others further down the line.
Stone: How has “life after Iron Claw” been treating you?
Gordon: Life has been good, I am working on some collaborations with songwriters in the USA and have started a new band “Delta One Six”, we’re due to go live on November 9th and have a song being included in a compilation of Scottish Blues acts due for release in November. Throughout my musical career I have been fortunate enough to play with some truly amazingly talented musicians, the boys in Delta One Six are an absolute delight to play with.
People have had the chance via You Tube to see some of the very early practice sessions, they were recorded using a mobile phone, the sound quality, despite being taken from one side is pretty good – I think people will enjoy what we’re looking to create – a tiny amount in the way of effects, just ass-kicking blues/rock played with passion.
Check out Delta One Six below, jamming during a rehearsal this past August! This is cool stuff! Metal be thy name!
Stone: You list the music you “err towards” as British Blues, Southern Boogie, Chicago Blues and “a hint of Bluegrass chucked in for good measure” on your bio. You’ve obviously excelled, on a grand scale, with (Bluesy) Hard Rock with Iron Claw. What is the one genre you want to sing, that comes straight from your heart and soul?
Gordon: The bluesy thing will remain, it suits the way I like to sing. I always end up coming back to the Blues, having said that I’m not a huge fan of Delta Blues, I much prefer the electric sound. It’s fair to say that I do like ballads as well, the Blues I do is a mash-up of Free, Whitesnake, The Allmans and too many others too mention.
Stone: While growing up as an aspiring musician, what records were in your collection?
Gordon: It kinda went in stages, I started off listening to my elder brothers and sisters music, The Beatles, Stones, Cream, Fleetwood Mac (with Peter Green), the first record I remember listening to was Jigsaw Puzzle Blues, it was the B side to Albatross. When I started secondary school I was a big fan of a band called Slade for a couple of years – then came the Black Sabbath period, but I was also listening to all manner of things like, Atomic Rooster, Wishbone Ash, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Pink Floyd, The Groundhogs, Frankie Miller, Blue Oyster Cult, Humble Pie, Thin Lizzy and in particular one band which has stuck with me since that time – the mighty FREE (and Bad Company ), I’m a huge fan of Paul Rodgers.
Southern Rock came along in the shape of Lynyrd Skynyrd at about age 15 and I’ve loved that genre ever since. Punk arrived when I was 17 – I didn’t think much of it, so pretty much ignored it. The NWOBHM didn’t really shake my boat either – I did enjoy gigs by Saxon and Iron Maiden, but found myself still listening to the things I grew up on and I still do! My little confession is that I’ve always wanted to do a blues/rock cover of At The Car Wash by Rose Royce. Unfortunately, so far no-one shares my vision for it!
Stone: Which well-known bands and/or musicians of today would you want to work with on a “special guest” level of recording?
Gordon: Warren Haynes, Paul Rodgers or Greg Allman would be top of my list, Glenn Hughes, Buddy Guy and so many more including Iron Dave from Diablo Canyon. I think the real answer would be “anyone who asked”!
Stone: These are turbulent times in the world right now; many countries economies and wars have taken it’s toll on the human spirit it seems, yet music seems to be the universal language of peace, hope and friendship that unites fans and bands worldwide. What are your thoughts on the power of music to unite and heal?
Gordon: I agree with you 100% that music brings people together and I would say one genre more than any other to do that is Metal. Music does much already to unite people to combat famine etc. in terms of providing money to assist, alas, I think we humans are too wrapped up in making a profit and fighting over oil.
Stone: If you could change the record industry overnight, what changes would you mandate?
Gordon: Fair contracts for bands. Too many bands sign themselves away just to become a “signed band” and end up being ripped off or having their recordings buried. The most important thing for most bands to understand is that you get back what you put in, if you don’t work hard you’ll go nowhere – the music business is 90% business and 10% music – sad but true!
Stone: Gordon, there is no denying you have an amazing voice and music is in your soul. For all aspiring vocalists out there, what are the golden rules to follow in protecting your voice? Is a true lyricist born or made?
Gordon: Don’t smoke, don’t drink alcohol, avoid air-conditioning and take lots of exercise while eating a healthy balanced diet. Well, I drink, smoke and probably don’t exercise as much as I used to. My simple Golden Rule is practice, practice, practice! I probably sing somewhere between 1 and 2 hours per day (most days!). There are certain songs I use as “training songs” in which I simply sing along to a record and try to match the high and low notes, (for example) Ronnie James Dio singing Heaven and Hell and Catch the Rainbow, maybe a bit of David Coverdale and always some Paul Rodgers, I find it helps with the way I like to phrase songs, I don’t try to imitate them, quite often I’ll do a harmony to their vocal, if possible get some lessons and learn how to breathe properly.
On stage I am always accompanied by Vocalzones, Strepsils, Vicks (for up my nose!) a flask of hot tea and about 3 litres of water, before a gig I do lots of breathing exercises and some scales just to warm up, occasionally I’ll gargle a glass of whisky (sometimes I might even drink it!) but my firmly held view is that when I’m on stage I’m working and therefore no excessive alcohol intake.
Lyricists, I think they can be both born and made, probably more born than made though, I think you have to be in tune with the music and let it talk to and guide you as to the direction the lyrics should take. Unless of course you have the lyric but no tune to go with it, I think that’s harder to do and those who can put a tune to lyrics are born.
Stone: You have showcased your musical evolution on Soundcloud. I find this “open-book” approach to your musical resume commendable and inspiring. What and/or who has been most influential to you, in creating your life’s soundtrack?
Gordon: In everything you do, there is something that shapes the person you become, every person you meet from your parents onwards define your path. Personally, I think I’ve led a full and interesting life so far, it’s had its highs and lows, but I’m very much an optimist, if you get knocked down, get up, brush yourself down and keep moving forward. The open book approach and putting up videos of band rehearsals and recordings that weren’t the greatest was a gamble, it could have put people off completely and fortunately that hasn’t been the case.
Very simply, I think that people can appreciate an honest approach, they know that live music isn’t about every note being perfect (even the best bands/artists make mistakes), live music is about finding a vibe and making the audience believe in what you’re doing.
Stone Says: I’d like to thank Gordon Brown for this interview and for being such a cool long-distance Metal Buddy!
Candlelight Records confirms November 6 as the North American release date of CORROSION OFCONFORMITY’s Eye For An Eye. This special reissue has been remastered/packaged and includes the EP Six Songs With Mike Singing. Both titles have been out of print for years. It follows the successful release of the band’s self-titled album earlier this year. A deluxe digibook edition of the album, limited to 1000 for North America, will be available at limited retailers and via Candlelight’s official webstore. The digibook version includes extended liner notes and a rare pictorial gallery.
Twenty-six songs showcase the early sonic years of the North Carolina-based band. Far more punk than their later recordings, the album found an immediate fanbase. Amazon customers over the years have called the album an “undisputed classic,” while noting it is “for the true skaters of the mid-to-late-‘80s,” and “brings me back to a good time of hardcore/punk.”
Guitarist Woody Weatherman comments: “We were just kids when we wrote and recorded these tunes.” Vocalist/bassist Mike Dean notes, “Making that album was our dream and we worked hard to make it happen because it was the vehicle to allow us to go out and play two hundred shows a year, like the bands we looked up to – Black Flag, Bad Brains, D.O.A.”
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Originally released in 1984, Eye for An Eye featured the original lineup of Weatherman, Dean, drummer ReedMullin, and vocalist Eric Eycke. Reissued to incorporate the 1989 EP by Mike Dean (who left the band between 1987-1992), Eye for An Eye is raw in sound but focused on message. The years that followed would see the band rise to worldwide popularity with breakthrough and Billboard-charting releases Blind and Deliverance.
Formed in Raleigh in 1982, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY quickly transformed heavy music. Politically charged and socially aware, the band has influenced countless others and today remains humble about their accomplishments. With over 1.1 million albums sold in the United States, the band continues to find new fans via nonstop touring.
“We had a lot of fun doing it and it’s great to have this album officially back out there again,” says Weatherman. “I had basically written this off as being our sloppy beginner’s effort but listening to it now, I really hear a few songs that hold up well,” adds Dean.
RUSH – Canada’s greatest Rock & Progressive Rock band ever. You can even throw in Canada’s greatest Hard Rock band ever too, if you like. Simply put, one of the greatest bands in Rock Music history. RUSH has been ignored by The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame for what reason(s) again? I would certainly like to know the reason(s) for RUSH not being enshrined inside that building in Cleveland, Ohio.
Let’s face it, the legendary RUSH has been influencing countless bands and musicians, while psyching-out their fans, going on 5 decades now! RUSH is a pioneering Progressive Rock band that makes credible all-time lists at every turn, with absolutely no sign of stopping! Whoa! Metal be thy name!
The musical excellence that Geddy Lee (bass & vocals), Alex Lifeson (guitars) and Neil Peart (drums & percussion) radiates from their vast catalog of studio and live albums is mind-boggling to me… and I shall never stop saluting this unreal important band.
Okay, with all that cool stuff blabbed, it’s time for your voice to be heard! Take the poll below and answer this simple question: Shouldn’t RUSH be in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame by now?
RUSH – Stats Of Note:
* Debut/ST album released in 1974
* Inducted into the Canadian Music Hall Of Fame – Class Of 1994
* Inducted into Canada’s Songwriting Hall Of Fame – Class Of 2010
* Bestowed the Order of Canada – 1997
* Have earned 24 Gold Records
* Have earned 14 Platinum Records
* RUSH has sold more than 40 million records worldwide
* 3 records have gone multi-platinum
* 7-time Grammy Nominee
* Winner of 8 JUNO Awards
* Awarded a star on both the Hollywood Walk Of Fame (2010) and Canada’s Walk Of Fame (1999)
EVILYN STRANGE are proud to reveal the new artwork for their forthcoming album Mourning Phoebe. The band is also happy for people to hear a sample of the six-minute epic Everything taken from the debut album. This latest sample showcases the work of Al Strange (drums) and Mikael Johannesson (lead guitar). The debut album artwork and sample of the music can be seen and heard below!
This follows the recent release of the band’s debut single “The Ballad Of Evilyn Strange”
The full version of The Ballad Of Evilyn Strange can be heard on Soundcloud, just click the link below!
Stone Says: Evilyn Strange are part English and Swedish. There’s no question in my Metal mind that Evilyn Strange are seriously on to something very special here, with their Melodic Metal meets Hard Rock sound. They’re modern and (then again) their Classic Rock influences seem to have taught them very well. With confident and astute musical vibes swirling about, there is something different about this band’s heaviness and melodies that makes them sound so damn refreshing to my ears… and I totally dig what I’m hearing! Metal be thy name.
Lizzy Borden bass player Marten Andersson will be jamming at the Rock Harvest/Fallen blue charity with guys like Don Dokken, Doug Aldrich, Mark Boals, Keith St. John and many more.
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
Metal Odyssey's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"
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