Archive for the Hard Rock Category

GARY MOORE – ‘Live At Montreux 2010’ A Celebrative Listen Of A Late, Great Guitar Legend

Posted in classic rock, concerts, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, rock festivals, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on February 16, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

GARY MOORELive At Montreaux 2010 was released back on September 20th, 2011, via Eagle Records. The legendary Gary Moore had performed at the 44th Montreux Jazz Festival back in 2010. The Festival dates were July 2nd through July 17th of that year. This world-famous festival also showcased the following diverse lineup of bands in 2010: Simply Red, Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Norah Jones, Roxy Music, Mark Knopfler, Tori Amos, Herbie Hancock, Joe Bonamassa and Missy Elliott (to name a several few).

Seven months to the day, after this Montreux performance, Gary Moore passed away from a heart attack. February 6th, 2011 was a very sad day for music indeed. I remember my first time listening to a Gary Moore album in its entirety and it was 1984’s Victims Of The Future. When I first saw Gary Moore in the music video for Shapes Of Things, I was hooked. I thought to myself so long ago… this dude is not acting, this dude is real.

As the Gary Moore discography of Blues piled-up, I regretfully didn’t keep up. Over the years, my habitual leanings towards the “heavy stuff” and being broke time and again seemed to detour my buying habits. It’s okay though, at least I have a Gary Moore want list that I can enjoy filling and exploring still. Plus I’ve held onto Still Got The Blues on cassette after all these years!

Recently, I came across this live Gary Moore CD at Best Buy. I knew I wasn’t leaving the store without it. The whole reality of Gary Moore passing away hit me as well once again, as I held onto this CD. I wasn’t going to be a turd and pass over fine wine for a beer on this shopping trip for music. Not this time. Honestly, this CD surprised the daylights out of me for the track listing screamed of the Hard Rock side of Gary Moore’s late 80’s career. I felt like time froze as I approached the check-out at Best Buy. Really.

As I drove home with this newly purchased Gary Moore CD playing, it felt so right. It also felt so grand to hear Gary Moore playing his harder stuff live too. Odd as it sounds, yet, Gary Moore was alive once again through his music and I just became lost in the midst of these live songs. Gary Moore played three brand new songs at this Montreux Festival and they are included on this album. The new songs are: Days Of Heroes, Where Are You Now and Oh Wild One.

All three new songs that Gary Moore and his band performed are sensational to say the least. Days Of Heroes is vintage Hard Rockin’ Gary Moore. Where Are You Now can be considered a ballad due to its tempo, still, Gary Moore lays his guitar parts and solo down with an exquisite touch, giving this song a Rockin’ edge that is difficult to shake from my brain. The Wild Frontier and After The War days are summoned up by Gary Moore in dazzling fashion, with Oh Wild One. Man, is this a melodic Hard Rock song that became instantly imbedded in my head! Whoa.

The entire band that Gary Moore assembled for this 2010 tour and Montreux performance are seasoned pros (see band lineup below). Honestly, they played damn tight together during this performance and its damn right refreshing to hear such a level of quality from them. Gary Moore just downright shines vocally and (of course) on guitar throughout each song. This live production never comes across as being “tinkered with”, it’s as live as it gets to my senses.

There are guitar legends and then there are those guitar legends that play with such emotion, that their guitar tones come across as vocals to me. Gary Moore was/will forever remain one of those guitar legends for my senses. Just listen to Blood Of Emeralds and So Far Away/Empty Rooms and hopefully you’ll understand what I mean.  A mammoth of a song is Blood Of Emeralds, so fully enriched with Gary Moore’s guitar playing and it simply moves me.

Please pardon my lengthy review for this live gem, only this Gary Moore album I could write about for another 50,000 words or so. However, I will come to a close by saying this is a live Gary Moore album that I’ll cherish for the rest of my life. I never had an opportunity to see Gary Moore live so this is as close as it gets. It’s amazing how music can change your mood for the better. Gary Moore Live At Montreux 2010 just elevates my spirits and reminds me once again, that what I was hearing way back in 1984 was real after all… and that was the guitar of Gary Moore.

The Band:

Gary Moore – vocals, guitar

Neil Carter – keyboards, vocals, guitar

Jon Noyce – bass

Darrin Mooney – drums

Gary Moore Live At Montreaux 2010 – Track Listing:

Over The Hills And Far Away

Military Man

Days Of Heroes

Where Are You Now

So Far Away/Empty Rooms

Oh Wild One

Blood Of Emeralds

Out In The Fields

Walking By Myself

Johnny Boy

Parisienne Walkways

Rest In Peace, Gary Moore. 

1952 -2011

Stone.

Legendary Drummer Neal Smith – Unleashes his NEW Youtube Video of “Squeeze Like A Python” from his latest album “KillSmith Two”

Posted in classic rock, drummers, Drums, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on February 15, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Legendary Alice Cooper Group Drummer and Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Neal Smith Unleashes his NEW Youtube Video of “Squeeze Like A Python”  from his latest album  “KillSmith Two”. 

 Click on the link below and listen to Neal Smith on vocals, drums and guitar! Neal Smith and his band flat-out: ROCK! Metal be thy name, Squeeze Like A Python is one Hard Rockin’, memorable, kick-ass classic of a song! The video is very cool itself, with some fine eye candy dancing around. Now that’s Rock ‘N Roll… whoa. – Stone

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO22Ttr_adM

Neal Smith ‘KillSmith Two’ is available from: http://cdbaby.com/cd/nealsmith3

* For more info on NEAL SMITH, click on the links below:

www.NealSmithRocks.com

http://www.facebook.com/NealSmithRocks

(Source: Glass Onyon Publicity)

LONG LIVE NEAL SMITH.

Stone.

SKID ROW – Tour Dates & Venues Listed For 2012

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Music, rock concerts, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on February 15, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

SKID ROW – Check out the 2012 tour dates below for the Hard Rockin’ band we all know as – SKID ROW. Maybe they’ll be in your neck of the Rockin’ woods this year… if so, support SKID ROW and tell ’em Stone from Metal Odyssey sent you!

March 30th @ Havana – New Hope, PA

March 31st @ Starland Ballroom – Sayerville, NJ

April 20th @ Revolution – Ft. Lauderdale, FL

April 21st @ GASC Grounds – Cape Coral, FL

May 12th @ M3 Rock Festival – Columbia, MD

June 8th @ Riverfest – Gasden, AL

July 12th @ Rock USA – Oshkosh, WI

August 23rd @ Wolf Den – Uncasville, CT

* For more info on SKID ROW, click on the links below:

http://skidrow.com

http://www.twitter.com/Officialskidrow

LONG LIVE SKID ROW.

Stone.

VAN HALEN ‘A Different Kind Of Truth’ – The Truth Is… This Album ROCKS!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on February 13, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

VAN HALEN – As I pondered about what and how to write my review for A Different Kind Of Truth, these two realizations came over me: A. this album simply ROCKS and B. What can I possibly write that hasn’t already been written, debated and tossed around by countless other fans, bloggers, websites and the mainstream press? Whenever a titanic sized band releases a titanic “comeback” album, such as Van Halen has done, the Rock media world can get obviously flooded with album reviews and for good reason.

Having brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen join Hard Rockin’ and Heavy Hittin’ forces with David Lee Roth once again, on a full-length album, a long-awaited return of this magnitude since the RIAA Diamond Certified – 1984, is something special for fans of this band, (myself included). This Rock historic reunion becomes extra special, due to this new studio album resonating such a vintage return to form for Van Halen. Whoa, this album ROCKS. Regardless of when any “parts” of any of the songs were written for A Different Kind Of Truth, I’m in the crowd that cares only if the songs were written by members of Van Halen… and not ABBA.

Did I mention that this new Van Halen album ROCKS? Anyhow, life is short and when authentic Hard Rock and Heavy Metal can be written and recorded by this iconic band of the Rock music world and delivered to their patient fans, (there hasn’t been a Van Halen studio album released in 14 years), then there is valid cause for Rockin’ jubilation. This is not a reunion of a band that released a lone chart topping album 25 years ago. Van Halen dominated arenas and stadiums then… and will still now. This is a reunion of a band that can easily boast as much “important” musical influence as the likes of “American” Rock historic legends KISS, Aerosmith and The Doors, (to name a few).

Diamond Dave’s hair may be a “tad” shorter in 2012 and legendary bassist Michael Anthony may be absent from this “classic” Van Halen lineup, only the successful result of 100% pure Hard Rock is in the 13 songs my ears and senses have consumed from A Different Kind Of Truth. I’m both ecstatic and impressed simultaneously by this band. My relief from the first several listens of A Different Kind Of Truth lies in the fact that this new Van Halen album is not a dud, that all four of these musicians took the “right road” and decided to keep their sound real and true. Van Halen didn’t have to reinvent themselves just due to it being 2012. By the way, this album ROCKS.

Now, if you’re looking for a return to 1984, you best keep looking. A Different Kind Of Truth is an album that fits in quite fittingly “somewhere” within the first four Van Halen releases… with Diver Down looking over this album’s shoulder. Van Hagar? Certainly a fabulous and memorable era imbedded in my Rockin’ soul. Gary Cherone fronted Van Halen? A unique moment in Van Halen history that (in my Metal opinion) receives too often unwarranted and negative commentary. It’s now 2012 and this is Classic Van Halen. The Return of Van Halen. Diamond Dave fronted Van Halen. The world just became a “tad” brighter for me, as I wrote that preceding line.

* For more info on VAN HALEN, click on the link below:

 VAN HALEN – Official Website

This Album ROCKS. Metal Be Thy Name. 

LONG LIVE VAN HALEN.

The word “tad” appears twice in this post.

Stone.

MOLLY HATCHET – 2012 “Justice” World Tour – Dates, Venues Listed

Posted in classic rock, concerts, Hard Rock, Music, rock music, rock music news, southern hard rock, southern rock with tags , , , , , , on February 12, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

MOLLY HATCHET – The Southern Rock & Hard Rock sound of the legendary Molly Hatchet lives! Check out below the 2012 “Justice” World Tour dates and maybe Molly Hatchet will be Flirtin’ With Disaster in your backyard!

2012 Justice World Tour:

February 24th – Lockport, NY @ The Palace Theatre

February 25th – Plymouth, NH @ Flying Monkey Performance Center

March 24th – Mesa, AZ @ Chester’s Harley Davidson Pavilion

April 7th – Pooler, GA @ Ogelthorpe Speedway Park

April 28th – Fort Worth, TX @ Texas Motor Speedway

May 4th – Smithfield, NC @ Neuse River Amphitheatre

May 18th – Starke, FL – TBA

June 2nd – Scleswig, Germany @ Baltic Open Air Festival 2012

June 10th – Vernon, NJ @ Hidden Valley Club Rock Ribs Ridges

June 15th – Clisson, France @ Hellfest 2012

September 12th – Waterloo, Iowa @McElroy Auditorium National Cattle Congress

September 14th – Abingdon, VA @ Washington County Fair

* 2012 “Justice” World Tour Dates To Be Added

(Source: Molly Hatchet Official Website)

* For more info on MOLLY HATCHET, click on the link below:

Molly Hatchet – Official Website

LONG LIVE MOLLY HATCHET.

Stone.

ROYAL THUNDER CVI – Debut Album Set For May 22nd Release On Relapse Records

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, stoner metal, stoner rock with tags , , , on February 9, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Photo credit: Christy Parry
_________________________________
Atlanta Quartet Touring with Black Tusk; Stop at SXSW
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PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 9 – Royal Thunder, the Atlanta four-piece Brooklyn Vegan described as “Johnette Napolitano of Concrete Blonde fronting Black Sabbath,” have completed recording their debut album, CVI.  The album will be released on CD/2xLP/Digital on May 22 via Relapse Records.
__________________________________________________________________________
“We poured all of our hard work and passion into this 10-song LP,” says vocalist/bass player Mlny Parsonz of the band’s mid-2011 recording sessions at Aria Recording Studio in Marietta, Ga. “We saw highs and lows along the way, but in the end we made it. We made something we are so proud of. We look back on our past efforts and take with us the good, and strive to keep going and growing. We can’t wait to see what the future holds and we hope this new album is an inspiration and light in the lives of everyone who listens to it.”
_________________________________________________________________________
The band, which includes the aforementioned Parsonz as well as founder Josh Weaver (guitar), Lee Smith (drums) and Josh Coleman (guitar) will join Black Tusk for a half dozen dates leading up to performances at SXSW (specific showcase information to be announced shortly). Royal Thunder will also perform at this Saturday’s Scion Relapse Showcase at The Roxy in Los Angeles.
_________________________________________________________________________
Royal Thunder released a self-titled EP in 2010 which won praise from a wide variety of outlets including Paste Magazine (“blues-infused rock’n’roll, wrapped in protective barbed-metal packaging”), NPR (“a revved-up Southern hard-rocker that howls like Led Zeppelin astride a psychedelic unicorn”) and Terrorizer (“‘Royal Thunder’ grabs you right from the first listen”).
_________________________________________________________________________
(Source: Speakeasy PR)
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* For more ROYAL THUNDER info/tour dates, click on links below:
___________________________________________
www.facebook.com/royalthundermusic
www.relapse.com
LONG LIVE ROYAL THUNDER.
Stone.

MANRAZE – Premieres Brand New Single/Video Titled “TAKE ON THE WORLD” From SUPERBIKER Film Sequel

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Music, Punk rock, rock bands, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on February 8, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Photo Credit: Helen Collen

 PAYS TRIBUTE TO 2011 BRITISH SUPERBIKE

RACING CHAMPION IN NEW FILM

Video Premiere on ESPN.com

(Los Angeles, CA) – Manraze, that powerful trio consisting of Def Leppard’s lead guitarist Phil Collen who also stands front & center on MR lead vocals, the Sex Pistol’s iconic drummer Paul Cook, and Collen’s former Girl band bassist Simon Laffy brings in 2012 with a fast paced tribute for one of Britain’s best and brightest in the world of BSB.

Tommy Hill secured the MCE Insurance British Super Bike Championship title after an epic climax during the 2011 season celebrating an emotional maiden crown at Brands Hatch back in October 2011. His pivotal journey to winning the championship is chronicled in two documentaries created by avid motorbike rider & veteran film maker Mark Sloper. In 2011 Manraze debuted their kinetic single ‘I, Superbiker’, aptly titled after the film, as the theme song for the first half of this electric series of motorbike racing and personal, introspective looks into the lives of the die-hard contenders. Director Mark Sloper continued his emotional chronicle in part 2 of the series “The Showdown: I, Super Biker II” due to be released in 135 theatres across the UK February 21, 2012. This time around Sloper places an even greater focus on Tommy Hill who lost the 2010 BSB race due to injuries sustained during a crash but manages to triumphantly emerge in the film’s sequel as the 2011 British Super Bike champion winning by 0.006of a second. Once again Mark approached Manraze about delivering a game-changing anthem that would embody the spirit of the British super bike racers.

Manraze’s new energetic rock/dance track ‘Take On The World’ featuring newcomer Debbi Blackwell-Cook, is a tribute written for the strength & unmoving dedication Tommy Hill put forth to win the 2011 BSB championship. Phil Collen states, “Tommy’s been through the ringer. I love stories about people overcoming such adversity. Writing this song for him was a no-brainer. Check out his history. We really admire him.” The song & video due for release and distribution by Primary Wave Music will be available worldwide for download via I-tunes starting February 7, 2012.   A premiere of the Mark Sloper directed video is streaming now on ESPN.com.

ESPN VIDEO Premiere for “Take On The World”

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/thelife/music/news/story?page=phil-collen-manraze

iTunes Link: “Take On The World”

http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=497404681

(Source: MAD Ink, PR)

LONG LIVE MANRAZE.

Stone.

IRON MASK: New Album ‘Black As Death’ To See February North American Release Via AFM Records

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, melodic metal, metal music, Music, Power Metal, power metal bands, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on February 4, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Black As Death, the new album from Belgian Neo-Classical Power Metal masters IRON MASK, will be released stateside this February 14th, following its European release in December.

What started as a side project for Magic Kingdom guitar master Dushan Petrossi a decade ago, has taken on a life of its own, IRON MASK eventually becoming the more popular of the two outfits.

Following the release of 2009’s Shadow of the Red Baron, the blistering Black As Death is IRON MASK‘s fourth LP in a decade. Boasting over an hour of the band’s renowned talent through a diverse array of lightning-fast Metal, glorious ballads, dizzying neo-classical arrangements and straightforward Hard Rock thunder. Dushan Petrossi and his band merge exceptional musical prowess with epic accessibility, making Black As Death a must-hear for fans of Firewind, Dio, Iron Maiden, Yngwie Malmsteen and Rainbow.

BLACK AS DEATH – Track Listing:

From Light Into The Dark

Black As Death

Broken Hero

Feel The Fire

Genghis Khan

God Punishes, I Kill

Rebel Kid

Blizzard Of Doom

The Absence

Magic Sky Requiem

Nosferatu

When All Braves Fall

(Source: Earsplit PR)

IRON MASK – Lineup:

vocals – Mark Boals (Holy Force, The Codex, ex-Royal Hunt, ex-Yngwie Malmsteen, etc.)

vocals – Roma Siadletski (Magic Kingdom)

guitars – Dushan Petrossi (Magic Kingdom)

bass – Vassili Moltchanov (Magic Kingdom)

drums – Ramy Ali (Evidence One, Justice)

keyboards – Mats Olausson (ex-Ark, ex-Yngwie J. Malmsteen, etc.)

* For more info on IRON MASK, click on the links below:

http://www.iron-mask.com

http://www.dushanpetrossi.com

http://www.afm-records.de

LONG LIVE IRON MASK.

Stone.

ALICE COOPER – Happy Rockin’ Birthday From Metal Odyssey!

Posted in celebrity birthdays, classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, horror metal, horror rock, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music birthdays, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on February 4, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Alice Cooper – You And Me (1977/Single/Warner Bros.)

ALICE COOPER – Back on February 4th, 1948, Alice Cooper was born. Today, the ultra influential and legendary Alice Cooper turns a young, Rockin’ and Metallin’ 64! So, without further Metal ado…

HAPPY

ROCKIN’

BIRTHDAY

ALICE

COOPER!

Alice Cooper – Constrictor (1986/MCA)

THANK YOU ALICE COOPER FOR YOUR PIONEERING BRAND OF HEAVY METAL, HORROR ROCK AND PERSONA!

Wanna read about that really cool You And Me 45 rpm single you see at the top of this post? Just click on the big header link below! I wrote and posted up this article back on June 20th, 2010. Metal be thy name!

ROCK MUSIC VINYL FLASHBACK: ALICE COOPER – “YOU AND ME” 45 RPM FROM 1977

WE’RE NOT WORTHY! WE’RE NOT WORTHY!

Alice Cooper – Along Came A Spider ( 2008/Steamhammer SPV)

LONG LIVE ALICE COOPER.

Stone.

M3 ROCK FESTIVAL 4 – Tickets On Sale February 3rd, 2012 – Bands Listed & Details!

Posted in classic rock, glam metal, glam rock, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock festivals, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on February 2, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Tickets On Sale Friday, February 3, at 10AM EST Through Ticketfly

Back for its fourth year with another 2-day festival dedicated to all things Hair, Glam and ROCK, M3 Rock Festival will be Kix-ing off on Friday, May 11th with headlining sets from Baltimore Hair Metal legends Kix, Night Ranger and more! But make sure to save plenty of Aquanet and spandex for an all day Metal slam on Saturday, May 12th featuring two non-overlapping stages and a Festival Village with tons to check out! Indulge in a weekend reliving one of the greatest times of shred-tastic Rock with an all-star 80s lineup for M3-4 at Merriweather Post Pavilion this May!

Purchase your M3 Rock Festival 4 tix here: ticketfly – M3 Rock Festival 2012

Don’t forget to purchase your ticket for the Rock & Bus!

Shuttle service from Powerplant Live! in Baltimore and other locations around the DMV to Merriweather Post Pavilion. Drink specials & parking validation available at Powerplant Live! before and after the show!

(Source: 9:30 Club)

* For more info, click here: M3 Rock Festival – facebook

LONG LIVE M3 ROCK FESTIVAL.

Stone.

STRYPER – North American Tour Dates 2012

Posted in christian heavy metal, christian rock, classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on February 2, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

STRYPER – Check out below the North American tour dates for Stryper! See if Stryper is playing live in your neck of the Metal woods in 2012!

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February 24, 2012 – Sault Ste. Marie, MI @Kewadin Casino

February 25 – 28, 2012 – Fort Lauderdale, FL @ Monsters Of Rock Cruise

May 12, 2012 – Columbia, MD – M3 Rock Festival

May 17, 2012 – Dallas, TX – House Of Blues

May 18, 2012 – Houston, TX – House Of Blues

May 19, 2012 – Las Vegas, NV – Santa Fe Station Hotel & Casino

May 24, 2012 – New York, NY – BB Kings

May 25, 2012 – Foxborough, MA – Showcase Live

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(Source: Stryper Official Website)

* To buy tickets and more info, click here: Stryper – Official Website

LONG LIVE STRYPER.

Stone.

Louis St. August of MASS – Nominated For ‘Male Vocalist Of The Year’ In Limelight Magazine Readers’ Poll

Posted in christian rock, classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on February 1, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Louis St. August, lead singer for Hard Rock/Heavy Metal band MASS, has been nominated in this year’s Limelight Magazine Readers’ Poll that recognizes the bands and musicians who have impacted the local music scene of New England during 2011. Louis St. August has been nominated in the “Male Vocalist Of The Year” category.

The poll will close at 11:45 PM on Friday, Feb. 3rd. Here is the link to the poll:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/limelightmusicawards

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

MASS – MASS ROCKS.COM

LONG LIVE LOUIS ST. AUGUST & MASS.

Stone.

MASTODON, OPETH & GHOST – Heritage Hunter Tour – North America 2012: Tour Dates Listed

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, progressive metal, progressive rock, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on January 31, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

HERITAGE HUNTER TOUR 2012NORTH AMERICA DATES:

Mastodon and Opeth will head out on a co-headlining US tour with Ghost opening all dates, starting May 4th. General ticket sales begin on February 3rd and 4th, but you can get tickets before anyone else by heading to http://mastodon.artistarena.com starting tomorrow, February 1st at 3pm local time. Check out the dates below!

And make sure to tune in to the Grammy Awards on February 12th on CBS to see if Mastodon win for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance.

HERITAGE HUNTER TOUR 2012 – NORTH AMERICA DATES:

04/04 – Portland, ME @ State Theater

04/05 – Boston, MA @ Orpheum Theater

04/06 – Montreal, QC @ Metropolis

04/07 – Toronto, ON @ Sony Centre

04/09 – Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory

04/10 – Wallingford, CT @ The Dome

04/11 – New York, NY @ Roseland Ballroom

04/13 – Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theatre

04/14 – Grand Rapids, MI @ The Intersection

04/15 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE

04/16 – Knoxville, TN @ TN Theater

04/18 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom

04/19 – Dallas, TX @ Palladium Ballroom

04/20 – San Antonio, TX  @ Back Stage Live

04/21 – Corpus Christi, TX @ Concrete Street

04/23 – Denver, CO @ Fillmore Auditorium

04/25 – Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues

04/26 – Los Angeles, CA @ Gibson Amphitheatre

04/27 – Oakland, CA @ Fox Theatre

04/28 – Reno, NV @ Grand Sierra Resort

04/30 – Seattle, WA @ The Paramount

05/01 – Vancouver, BC @ Orpheum Theatre

05/03 – Edmonton, AB @ Edmonton Events Center

05/04 – Calgary, AB @ MacEwan Hall

05/05 – Saskatoon, SK @ The Odeon

05/06 – Winnipeg, MB @ Burton Cummings Theatre

05/09 – Washington, DC @ The Fillmore

05/10 – Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore

05/11 – Myrtle Beach, SC @ House of Blues

05/12 – Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade Music Park

(Source: Mastodon Official Website)

* For more info, click on the links below:

Mastodon – Official Website

OPETH – Official Website

http://ghost-official.com

LONG LIVE MASTODON, OPETH & GHOST.

Stone.

STONECOLLAR – Releases New Single: ‘Swallowed By The Sun’ – Listen To It Streaming Here!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock songs, Heavy Metal, modern rock, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on January 30, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

STONECOLLAR – Cape Town, South Africa has a do-it-yourself Hard Rock band to boast about. They’re called STONECOLLAR. This band has already delivered a fantastic debut album back in 2011: Trial By Fire. Now, STONECOLLAR has released a new single, Swallowed By The Sun, which has ready for radio oozing from its every Rockin’ note. This song is from their latest project: Online Overlord.

States (rhythm guitarist) Clinton Jurgens: “The song is a large-scale Rock ballad telling the epic tale of a loved one’s self demise. Fans of Alter Bridge, Shinedown and fellow countrymen, Seether (and a host of similar Hard Rock bands) will be sure to love this song”.

Clinton Jurgens adds: “To assist the release, we launched our official fan club, Airheads (hosted on the www.airbornemusic.com platform) and it basically works that a fan pays $1 a month to us and they get any content that we release for free. And we intend to release stuff on a weekly basis so that there is a real value to being part of the club”.

Artist page is here: www.airbornemusic.com/stonecollar

I really dig Swallowed By The Sun, it’s a Hard Rockin’ ballad that showcases the quality of songwriting and musicianship that STONECOLLAR bestows. Vocally, Leshem Petersen sounds as passionate for the song as Chris Daughtry… and you can take that to the Metal bank and tell ’em Stone from Metal Odyssey sent you. Metal be thy name.

I was won over by the debut album from STONECOLLAR, now I’m convinced this Hard Rock band MUST be taken seriously by “both” indie and major record labels. STONECOLLAR is happening… is Modern with their Hard Rock sound… they’ve created some serious Hard Rock and they’re a MUST band to catch onto NOW.

Listen to Swallowed By The Sun below! This is one damn good Hard Rock song!

STONECOLLAR:

Leshem Petersen – Bass and Vocals

Sean Tait – Lead Guitar

Clinton Jurgens – Rhythm Guitar

Bryan Nicol – Drums

* For more info on STONECOLLAR, click on the links below:

STONECOLLAR – Official facebook

STONECOLLAR – myspace music

* To read my review for Trial By Fire, (posted on June 10th, 2011), click below!

STONECOLLAR – “Trial By Fire” Debut Album Is Ablaze! Two Tracks To Hear Right Now!

LONG LIVE STONECOLLAR.

Stone.

EDGUY – Special Guest of Deep Purple For 2012 Autumn Tour!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on January 28, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

The German Superheros EDGUY will be the Special Guest of legendary DEEP PURPLE on their tour in Autumn 2012:

15.11. KÖLN / LANXESS ARENA
16.11. BREMEN / HALLE 7
17.11. HANNOVER / AWD HALL
20.11. KIEL / SPARKASSEN ARENA
22.11. FRANKFURT / FESTHALLE
23.11. OBERHAUSEN / KÖNIGSPILSNER ARENA
24.11. HAMBURG / O2 WORLD
26.11. LEIPZIG / ARENA
27.11. BERLIN / O2 WORLD
29.11. AUGSBURG / SCHWABENHALLE
30.11. MÜNCHEN / OLYMPIAHALLE
01.12. STUTTGART / SCHLEYERHALLE

More EDGUY Shows 2012:

02.02. UK Manchester – Academy
03.02. UK Birmingham – The Library
04.02 UK London – O2 Academy Islington
17.02 FIN Helsinki – Finish Metal Expo
27.04 D St. Wendel / Bostalsee – Walpurgisschlacht Festival
06.06 S Sölvesborg – Sweden Rock
08.06 NL Eersel – E3 Beach
27.06 S Borlänge – Peace and Love
17.07 CZ Vizovice – Masters Of Rock

(Source: Nuclear Blast News)

* For more info on EDGUY & DEEP PURPLE:

Edguy – Official Website

DEEP PURPLE

LONG LIVE EDGUY.

LONG LIVE DEEP PURPLE.

Stone.

SATCHURATED: LIVE IN MONTREAL – A Filmed Concert Performance By World Renowned Guitarist JOE SATRIANI – Set For March 1, 2012 Release In Theaters

Posted in classic rock, concert movies, guitarists, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, movies, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on January 27, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Film will be shown in both 2D & 3D HD

Soundtrack to be released on April 10, 2012 through Epic Records

(Los Angeles, CA)  Joe Satriani, one of the most respected and innovative guitarist’s in the world today, announces the release of the live-concert film, Satchurated: Live in Montreal.   Satchurated was filmed live during Satriani’s “The Wormhole Tour”, supporting his studio album Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards at the Metropolis in Montreal, Canada.

The December 12, 2010 concert was filmed by GRAMMY and EMMY award-winning concert filmmakers Pierre and Francois Lamoureux.  Satchurated: Live in Montreal will be released to select theatres throughout the country on March 1, 2012 for a limited engagement.

With a total of ten cameras working to capture the sold-out concert, Satriani’s musical best was recorded in both 2D and 3D HD formats.  The high-definition filming makes Satriani’s play as much a pleasure to watch as it is to hear. Every chord change is captured and presented as if one were experiencing a living room concert of your very own!

Fans of “Satch” will be eagerly awaiting the film’s worldwide release in March 2012 with theatrical presentations in both 2D and 3D formats, followed by a shorter version for television broadcast.  The soundtrack from Satchurated was produced by Satriani and Mike Fraser and will be released on April 10, 2012 through Epic Records.

Over the last two decades, Satriani has traveled the world, playing to sold-out crowds as both a headliner and as founder of the all-star “G3” guitar extravaganza.  His studio and live recordings have sold more than 10 Million copies worldwide to date and of his many solo albums, two have gone platinum and four others went gold, with 15 Grammy nominations between them.  His side project, Chickenfoot, featuring former Van Halen front man Sammy Hagar, former bassist Michael Anthony, and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ drummer Chad Smith saw their debut album certified gold and have just released their second studio album.

Satriani also appears in the Academy Award-nominated film Moneyball starring Brad Pitt, recreating a National Anthem performance he gave at the 2002 Opening Day of Major League Baseball’s Oakland A’s.  In late 2010, music sensation Nicki Minaj sampled the classic Satriani song, “Always With Me Always With You” in her song, “Right Through Me” from her multi-platinum debut album and in March 2012, Satriani will revive his “G3” Tour ‘down-under’ when he is joined by fellow legendary guitarists Steve Vai & Steve Lukather for a Spring tour of Australia & New Zealand.

ABOUT CINEMUSICA:

Cinemusica was formed by brothers, Pierre & Francois Lamoureux.  Their films have won a Grammy, an Emmy, two Juno, two Gemini, a multitude of industry and technical awards, sold millions of copies on BluRay and DVD and aired all around the world. Pierre & Francois Lamoureux have directed  and/or produced concert films and music documentaries for Rush, The Who, Harry Connick, Jr., Slipknot, Rihanna, The Pretenders, Zappa Plays Zappa, Branford Marsalis, Cowboy Junkies, Collective Soul, Ben Harper, Willie Nelson, Deep Purple, The Stray Cats and others. www.cinemusica.tv

ABOUT D&E ENTERTAINMENT:

Based in Hollywood, D&E Entertainment digitally distributes independent films, documentaries and alternative content such as filmed music events to movie theaters across the globe. Formed in 2005 by entertainment executives and digital cinema pioneers Doug Kluthe and Evan Saxon, D&E offers innovative theatrical programming via a worldwide marketing and distribution network. http://www.dandeentertainment.com/

Latest news and touring information for Joe Satriani can be found at www.satriani.com

To watch the trailer for Satchurated, go to:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFwSf8zXWYU

SATCHURATED: LIVE IN MONTREAL:

DISC 1:

1.         Ice 9

2.         Hordes Of Locusts

3.         Flying In A Blue Dream

4.         Light Years Away

5.         Memories

6.         War

7.         Premonition

8.         Satch Boogie

9.         Revelation

10.        Pyrrhic Victoria

11.        Crystal Planet

12.        The Mystical Potato Head Groove Thing

13.        Dream Song

DISC 2:

1.         God Is Crying

2.         Andalusia

3.         Solitude

4.         Littleworth Lane

5.         Why

6.         Wind In The Trees

7.         Always With Me, Always With You

8.         Big Bad Moon

9.         Crowd Chant

10.        Summer Song

BONUS TRACKS:

11.        Two Sides To Every Story

12.        The Golden Room

Produced by Joe Satriani and Mike Fraser.

Soundtrack from Satchurated, a film by Pierre & François Lemoureaux.

Directed by Pierre & François Lamoureux.

Theatrical Version TRT: 88:59  (1 hour 28 minutes 59 seconds)

(Source: MAD, Ink PR)

LONG LIVE JOE SATRIANI.

Stone.

Some METAL Babbling and Other METAL Thoughts on a Rain-Soaked Friday…

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, weather with tags , , , , , , , on January 27, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Yesterday, January 26th, 2012, was my birthday. I didn’t want to mention it on Metal Odyssey yesterday due to everyone (myself included) trying to absorb the news of Mark Reale (RIOT founder/guitarist) passing away. It just wouldn’t have sat right with me, that’s for certain. It feels like too many “legendary good guys” of Metal have left in the last few years. Way too many.

The entire reason why you see 90% of the time, the “Long Live __” below the Metal Odyssey logo block pic or my thumbnail pic, at the bottom of the posts here, is due to my cherishing life… period. Rock ‘N Metal contributes, in an enormous way, in making my life happy. Therefore, I want every band and musician I cover on Metal Odyssey to live long.

Now, some of you are probably wondering how old I am? Here is a hint: I’m younger than Betty White. Here is another hint: I’m older than Chris Daughtry. With that said, I still have more hair than Chris Daughtry.

I received a very, very, cool birthday present from my family. Let me tell you, I am psyched-out about this gift. Here it is:

Now, for those of you who don’t know who this book is about, you are probably part of “that crowd” getting all giddy about ABBA releasing “The Visitors Deluxe Edition” this April. Get this, ABBA is in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, yet Dave Mustaine and his band MEGADETH aren’t. A wise old Metalhead hermit, that lived deep in the Northern Connecticut woods once told me: “Stone, l-l-life j-j-ust ain’t f’n fair at all”.

Hey. Stone scored. Scored what you’re asking? Scored this book for 50 f’n cents at a thrift store this past week:

Ghost Rider – The Visual Guide (2006) is written by Andrew Darling and it covers the Ghost Rider origins, comics and Nicolas Cage too. This very cool book is hardcover and is like new as well. Whoa. I’ve kept a few older Ghost Rider comics from when I was a kid, plus I picked up several issues during the 90’s as well. Ghost Rider has always been to me… METAL.

I did buy myself two CD’s for my birthday. Lamb Of God – Resolution (Epic) and Lacuna Coil – Dark Adrenaline (Century Media). (Dark Adrenaline cover is at top of post). I am stoked about this new Lacuna Coil album and I’m super-duper-dee-duper, unbelievably excited about this new Lamb Of God album. Metal be thy name.

RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY!

Yes, the title to this post does contain the words: rain-soaked. Pennsylvania has been overwhelmed with rain for many, many months now it seems. I just don’t know how much more rain the water table can withstand before the area where I live becomes: the sixth Great Lake.

Thank you for taking the time to read my Metal babble.

LONG LIVE ROCK ‘N METAL.

TOO MUCH RAIN SUCKS.

Stone.

Mark Reale (RIOT Founder, Guitarist) – Rest In Peace

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news, speed metal with tags , , , , , , , , on January 26, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Mark Reale, founder and guitarist for RIOT passed away on January 25, 2012, at age 56. Mark was also the cofounder and guitarist for the Hard Rock band Westworld. The following is a direct quote from The Official Web Site of Mark Reale:

“Our brother Mark Reale went home to be with our Lord this day, January 25th, 2012 after a long battle and complications from Crohns disease”. You can read more by clicking here: Mark Reale – Official Web Site

RIOT originates from New York City. Mark Reale and RIOT have influenced and shaped the foundation of American Power Metal, not to mention influencing countless musicians and bands the world over. The Heavy Metal of RIOT and musicianship of Mark Reale will forever be one of a kind. Metal Odyssey expresses condolences to the family, bandmates, friends and fans of Mark Reale. May Mark Reale rest in peace.

Mark Reale

1955-2012

ON TOP ‘TOP HEAVY’ – Need A Heavy Rockin’ Fix? The Heavy Metal Potion Is All Here…

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on January 24, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

ON TOP – The first full-length, Top Heavy, from American Heavy Metallers On Top was released back on November 15th, 2011, via Horror Pain Gore Death Productions. If you’re in need of a Heavy Rockin’ fix you’ll hear it on this album, there’s no Metal question about it. This is a band that has obvious Traditional Heavy Metal influences and they are not bashful about showcasing it in their heavy sound.

Top Heavy is super loaded with retrospective Heavy Metal spirit and feel, to the point where  it overspills from the songs for one damn fun listen after another. This Downingtown, Pennsylvania trio knows how to keep the energy level turned on high through their songs, with no ballads to screw things up. A guitar driven album that pays dividends with numerous and memorable solos, courtesy of Alex Kulick. Trust me, Alex can wield his axe and he exhibits a respect for both speed and melody with his admirable playing.

Jason Gulino (vocalist, bassist & founding member) delivers as the frontman, with clean, lean, confident and punctual vocals that standout in a very good way. Danny Piselli on drums plays tight with Jason and lends plenty of old school fills while never overstepping the song. Danny comes across as a “less is more” drummer, (which is a rare talent in itself) and plays beats I can remember. On Top proves you can create some damn cool Heavy Metal without showing off or trying to break any hellish speed barrier.

Gang vocals on Into The Night resonates, an element of Traditional Heavy Metal that always packs an extra punch to a song. Another Night Of Sleaze and Hot Wet are the closest that On Top gets to Sleaze Metal. It’s the overall vibes, beats and lyrics that makes both songs so contagiously sleazy. On Top has rhythm, they aren’t afraid to play fast while not tripping over themselves. Up To No Good and Too Much seals the deal with convincing attitude musically and vocally, with the gang vocals once again… adding that extra Metal kick.

The clear fact that On Top has served up their originality to a time-tested sound only drives home the relevance factor. Top Heavy bestows some downright applaudable balance with its speed, heaviness and melodic sound. A power trio to watch out for is On Top. A good-times party album it is. Blanketed with credible spirit and attitude, Top Heavy is one damn legit Heavy Metal album you must check out… now!

* ON TOP – TOP HEAVY Now available on Itunes, Amazon, Spotify, CD Baby and CD Universe.

* Get your 4 song (free download) Top Heavy sampler here: http://ontop.bandcamp.com/

TOP HEAVY – Track Listing:

Top Heavy

Into The Night

Sleepless

Sick And Tired

Another Night Of Sleaze

Die High

Fire Down Below

Hot ‘N Wet

Success And Excess

Up To No Good

Too Much

* For more info on ON TOP, click on the links below:

http://www.purevolume.com/ONTOP

http://soundcloud.com/ontoprock

http://www.myspace.com/bandontop

http://www.youtube.com/user/ONTOPROCK?fe…

LONG LIVE ON TOP.

Stone.

DEF LEPPARD Lead Guitarist PHIL COLLEN – Celebrates Career Milestones In 2012

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, Music, Punk rock, rock guitarists, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on January 23, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Photo Credit: Helen Collen Photography

MARKS ANNIVERSARY OF JOINING BAND, RELEASING HISTORICAL ALBUMS

TO APPEAR AT THIS YEAR’S LOS ANGELES FIT EXPO – JANUARY 28

MANRAZE – READY NEW SONG FOR ‘I, SUPERBIKER’ SEQUEL

(Los Angeles, CA)-2012 looks to be quite a year for Def Leppard lead guitarist and Manraze founder/vocalist/guitarist PHIL COLLEN.  This year marks a number of anniversaries for the prolific axe man namely the 30th anniversary of COLLEN joining Def Leppard as lead guitarist and helping to complete the partially recorded 10x platinum album Pyromania.  In addition this year marks the 25th anniversary for the 20x platinum album Hysteria as well as the 20th anniversary of its follow-up Adrenalize. 

Last year’s Mirrorball Tour garnered Def Leppard a No. 1 slot on Billboard’s Hot Tours list. Based on ticket totals which grossed over $19 million in ticket sales in the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, and the UK Def Leppard powered across the globe with Heart as a featured act then ending the tour with Motley Crue and Steel Panther for it’s fans in the UK.  The band has now sold over 100 million albums worldwide achieving diamond status twice in their career, one of six bands to ever do so.

June 6th, 2012 will bring the much-anticipated Broadway hit musical turned box office blockbuster, Rock of Ages, a star-studded fiesta directed by Adam Shankman and starring Tom Cruise, Russell Brand, Alec Baldwin, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Paul Giamatti and Mary J. Blige. The 80’s heyday tribute to the L.A.’s Sunset Strip named after one of Def Leppard’s hit tunes will include 3 Def Leppard hits-“Pour Some Sugar On Me”, “Bringing On The Heartbreak”, and  the title track “Rock Of Ages”.

Manraze, Phil Collen’s alternative groove side project now being hailed as a “supergroup” features bassist Simon Laffy of Phil’s former group Girl and legendary Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook. The three have released PUNKFUNKROOTSROCK, a gritty rock-n-dub stew now available via Rocket Science Ventures/RED. Their critically acclaimed first single “Over My Dead Body” is available for free download at www.soundcloud.com.

Originally released as a limited Holiday download to the Manraze and Def Leppard social media outlets, “Over My Dead Body” reached the download limit within 10 minutes and within 24 hours was streamed over 4500 times.  Manraze’s cover tribute of Phil’s favorite guitarist Jimi Hendrix’s classic tune “Fire” has been no less explosive tearing up internet radio stations worldwide and currently #1 on the IHEARTRADIO.COM Rock on Demand chart. Both tracks are set to be released to terrestrial Rock radio in the Spring.

Manraze also recently completed a new single and video titled “Take on the World” featuring newcomer Debbi Blackwell-Cook and written for the 2011 British Superbike racing champion Tommy Hill. The high energy hard rock/dance single, available on iTunes-February 7, is the theme for 2011’s ‘I, Superbiker’ sequel ‘The Showdown: I, Superbiker II’ which will chronicle Tommy’s rise to the 2011 British Superbike championship. The film directed by Mark Sloper is set to be released to 135 theatres in the UK February 21st, 2012.

Following his other passion in life, physical fitness, PHIL COLLEN will be returning by popular demand to the L.A. Fitness Expo on January 28th, 2012 to meet and sign autographs with the public. He will be accompanied by his longtime trainer, Muay Thai martial arts champion and world champion coach Jean Carrillo.  Collen and Carrillo together have started a training program ‘Physical Mechanics’ which will focus on fitness regimens that range from first time workouts to extreme physical muay thai training. A fitness dvd and book are soon to follow.

(Source: MAD Ink, PR)

LONG LIVE PHIL COLLEN.

Stone.