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 – DarkAdrenaline (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.
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.
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.
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.
’77 – This Hard Rock band ’77 is from Barcelona Spain and man are they… Old School! The second studio album from ’77, High Decibels, is slated for a February 28th release on Listenable Records. This is an album of raw, riff infested and: “share a case o’ beer with your Metal buddy” style of Hard Rock. This is also Hard Rock to crank up in the car, on a long weekend cruise with your chick by your side. Blue collar Hard Rock never sounded so damn fun as ’77 does on High Decibels!
The incredible resemblance that Armand Valeta has vocally to the late Bon Scott is unreal. Musically ’77 does overflow with 70’s AC/DC sound, vibe and feel. With all the AC/DC comparisons aside, what ’77 does very well is they play their Hard Rock with credible passion and they write original songs. The more I’ve listened to High Decibels, the more I hear a band that is fired-up about Rock ‘N Roll and it’s a fever they can easily spread to Rockaholics worldwide like myself.
I am impressed by the old school Hard Rock allegiance that ’77 bestows in their brand of Hard Rock. Too often a band like this will get mocked for being a “rip-off” or dated. My response would be: It’s 77’s style of Rock ‘N Roll that’s spilling from their Rockin’ souls. Metal be thy name. My two favorite songs on High Decibels are: Backdoor Man and Since You’ve Been Gone. I highly dig the bluesy side of ’77’s Hard Rock! Bad-ass Classic Rock is here to stay with ’77 too.
High Decibels is an album where once you hit “play” that’s it. You can’t stop it until it’s over! It’s like a cool party that just got started… why would you want to end a good thing? If you’re a Hard Rock fan from any generation, you should mark ’77 down and make certain to add High Decibels to your “must need” list of good-times and ass kickin’ Rock ‘N Roll albums. Everyone’s album collection deserves a solid kick-in-the-ass and ’77 shall bring it.
MOLLO / MARTIN – Dario Mollo (guitarist & producer) has teamed up with Tony Martin (vocalist) for another new album of Melodic Hard Rock and Heavy Metal songs titled: The Third Cage. This album has ten songs of musical substance, fusing both elements of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal in seamless and memorable fashion.
This is a new release from Mollo / Martin that should not be overlooked. A complete album of songs it is and I can’t hold back by calling The Third Cage as one of the best of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal albums for 2012. The Third Cage will be releasing on January 20, via Frontiers Records.
Below are 5 factors I’m spotlighting as to why The Third Cage is indeed… one of the best in album releases during this new year:
Factor #1:Dario Mollo. This Italian musician is simply wonderful to take in on guitar. You’re not getting anything watered down from Dario, just one stupendous guitarist that knows how to balance the melodic with the heavy. Dario’s solo’s are a treat to my ears and I applaud his precision in keeping each song interesting as hell. You must hear Dario Mollo on guitar to truly understand my appreciation for his skills.
Factor #2:Tony Martin. Yes, Tony is a former vocalist for Black Sabbath and one of the unsung hero’s of Heavy Metal’s history. Whatever Tony has done to keep his vocals in top form after all these years should be bottled up and sold to the highest bidder. Clarity is always key with Tony and his melodic tones resonate all that is golden about a revered era of Traditional Heavy Metal.
Factor #3: Dario exhibits his diversity as a guitarist by adding plenty of Funky licks in Can’t Stay Here. The end result is some Heavy Funk that Tony Martin sings along to brilliantly. This song is a winner and made for a pleasant surprise for me on this album.
Factor #4: The keyboards. The added layer of sound that the keyboards gives to The Third Cage is a keynecessity to establishing the feel and vibe of these songs. War Dance is elevated to the stratosphere due to them keys.
Factor #5: Seasoned talent doesn’t always equate to an excellent album of songs, only this seasoned crop of musicians have proven to my ears there was grand chemistry that swirled amongst them, during the writing and recording process. Not one song sounds like it was “slapped together”, instead, attention to detail and a continuity of quality flows from each song.
THE THIRD CAGE – Track Listing:
Wicked World
Cirque du Freak
Oh My Soul
One Of The Few
Still In Love With You
Can’t Stay Here
Wardance
Don’t Know What It Is About You
Blind Fury
Violet Moon
Mollo / Martin:
Dario Mollo – Guitars, Bass, Keyboards
Tony Martin – Vocals
Roberto Gualdi – Drums
Fulvio Gaslini – Bass
Dario Patti – Keyboards
Brian War – Keyboards
* For more info on MOLLO / MARTIN, click on the link below:
13 is 100% New American Blue Collar Heavy In Your Face Rock!! Catch 13 opening for Finland’s amazing NIGHTWISH at the Key Club Hollywood! The details are right there on that very cool concert flyer below:
LILLIAN AXE – On February 14th (Valentines Day) 2012, XI: The Days Before Tomorrow will be released in North America via CME Records. This will be the first LILLIAN AXE album to feature new vocalist BrianJones.
As stated by guitarist/songwriter Steve Blaze, on the Official LILLIAN AXE Website: ” This is an important album as it introduces Brian Jones on vocals. As I have been writing this record, there has been a feeling of creativity that is similar to that of when I wrote Psychoschizophrenia. The band has really done a great job so far. We can’t wait to get back out on the road to support it.”
As the band stated, (on their CD release/show info newsletter), regarding new vocalist Brian Jones: “The band sounds great and Brian hit it out of the park. Brian’s vocals are angelic yet they have a big set of balls to them. We know it has taken us a really long time to make this album. You, our fans will not be disappointed. We took our time to make an album that you would be proud of.”
* Produced by guitarist & songwriter Steve Blaze. Engineered by Rob Hovey and mixed by Sylvia Massey (Tool, Deftones, Johnny Cash, System of a Down, Prince, Black Crowes).
* XI: The Days Before Tomorrow will be released on February 13th, 2012, in Japan via Disk Union.
* XI: The Days Before Tomorrow will be released in Europe via AFM Records. The European version of the new album will contain a special bonus song called Angels Among Us. Also a special limited edition is being made that will also contain a Lillian Axe T-shirt. The European release date will be January 27. The single being worked in Europe is called Babylon. You can preview Babylonhere.
* The single, Lava On My Tongue, hits Metal radio stations on January 16 and the single, Caged In, hits active Rock radio on February 13. Call your local radio stations and demand to hear new LILLIAN AXE.
XI: THE DAYS BEFORE TOMORROW – Track Listing:
Bablyon
Death Comes Tomorrow
Gather Up The Snow
The Great Divide
Take The Bullet
Bow Your Head
Caged In
Soul Disease
Lava On My Tongue
My Apologies
(Sources: Official LILLIAN AXE Website, CD release/show info newsletter)
* For more info on LILLIAN AXE, click on the link below:
Street credibility? Check. Uncompromising sound? Check. Pure enthusiasm? Check.
GUN BARREL don’t breathe new life into the great tradition of Heavy Metal, they inject it with high pressure. These guys combine old school, misfit Rock ‘n’ Roll and Metal attitude in an ingenious way. Being the representatives of this dirty Metal Rock ‘n’ Roll, they really let it rip during their legendary live performances.
You can feel the animal instinct and the heart and soul that make the band skyrocket on stage. If nothing else, this might be due to the fact that GUN BARREL are among the most frequent performers in Germany. Those, who survived the GUN BARREL live drumfire are totally thrilled and become serial offenders. This is unavoidable.
GUN BARREL are always good for a surprise. Acoustic show or full decibel attack; it is not unusual that guest stars such as Andy Brings appear on stage with them, that they contribute songs to several samplers, take a flight to Spanish island Mallorca by the order of Rock ‘n’ Roll or that they give the audience an understanding of their sound at legendary festivals such as Wacken Open Air or Slovenia’s Metalcamp.
GUN BARREL have gone through a lot during the last 10 years; so these dudes became a tough alliance. Rock star affectations? No way. Despite all the glamour, the band remains down-to-earth and continues to look forward – one is still up to much more!
GUN BARREL’s new album Brace For Impact will be released on March 23, 2012 via MassacreRecords!
GUN BARREL:
Patrick Sühl – Vocals
Rolf Tanzius – Guitar
Toni Pinciroli – Drums
Tomcat Kintgen – Bass
(Source: Massacre Records)
* For more info on GUN BARREL, click on the links below:
RELENTLESS– Any dictionary will reveal the meaning of Relentless for you as: that does not relent; unyieldingly severe, strict, or harsh; unrelenting: a relentless enemy. This is a strong word. In my opinion, relentless can make for a tough as nails Hard Rock or Heavy Metal album title. Comedians along with musicians and bands from other music genres have used relentless as an album title, only it does not come across as riveting or true to me outside of Heavy Music.
As I went deeper into researching relentless as an album title, I found too numerous examples to mention and/or list. If I did list all the albums I’ve found with the title of relentless, then that would be rather relentless on my part. What I have learned is relentless is easily one of the most popular album titles ever to be used! Metal be thy name! Is this a bad or good thing? Is relentless overused on album titles? I guess I’ll leave the answer for you to ponder, for I don’t want to pass on any relentless judgement on the popularity of this word.
Alright, I will add, before a comedian, musician or band uses such a forceful word such as relentless, they should seriously consider it’s true definition and make certain if “fits” with their persona and/or album content.
Here are 14 albums (including the Jackyl cover on top of post) that caught my attention while compiling this relentless album title research:
Bill Hicks – Relentless (1992)
This cover photo just doesn’t go with the definition of relentless. Nope.
Sharel Cassity – Relentless (2009)
Maybe Sharel is relentless with her saxophone playing? I just don’t know. I’ve never checked out her music… now I’m curious.
MORTIFICATION – Relentless (2003)
Relentless goes just fine here. These dudes are Christian Metal too. Long Live Mortification.
Jason Aldean – Relentless (2007)
Jason looks too subdued here to be connected to relentless at all.
PENTAGRAM – Relentless (1985)
Yup. Relentless fits quite well on this cover. Doom Metal Legends. Long Live PENTAGRAM.
Natalie Grant – Relentless (2008)
Look at the PENTAGRAM album cover, then look at this Natalie Grant cover. Does relentless have multiple definitions that I’m now aware of?
YNGWIE MALMSTEEN – Relentless (2010)
Yes. Yngwie Malmsteen has been considered by many to be a relentless axe slinger. Long Live Yngwie Malmsteen.
Misty Edwards – Relentless (2008)
A Christian Music vocalist, Misty Edwards digs this title too. The album cover looks Heavy Metal to me though.
Walter Trout and the Radicals – Relentless (2003)
Walter Trout and the Radicals can have an album title of Relentless. It’s all good.
Here are three bands that actually take the word relentless and give it an F’n boost in their album titles. These three bands can get away with it too. You’ll see what I mean…
Asking Alexandria – Reckless & Relentless (2011)
Long Live Asking Alexandria.
Children Of Bodom – Relentless Reckless Forever (2011)
Long Live Children Of Bodom.
Death Angel – Relentless Retribution (2010)
Long Live Death Angel.
Lastly, here is a 1993 Pet Shop Boys album that goes by the title: Very. However, look a little closer at this album cover and you will see Relentless in the album title! It’s probably the one and only “hidden relentless” in the history of album cover titles! Whoa!
This concludes the list of Relentless Album Titles. As you witnessed, this popular word needs to be applied where it truly belongs. In conclusion, relentless isn’t just any word that can be slapped onto any album cover.
13 – If you’re looking to experience a kick-ass evening of 100% New American Blue Collar Heavy In Your Face Rock… then seeing 13live at L.A.’s world famousWhiskey A Go Go on January 28th is your Rockin’ ticket! All the details you need are right above… Metal be thy name.
Jan. 10, 2012, Chicago – Beak, the Post-Metal quartet formed by local Chicago luminaries ChrisEichenseer and Jason Goldberg previously of The Timeout Drawer, release Eyrie, the band’s debut album on Apr. 3 via Someoddpilot Records.
Recorded and mixed in late-2011 at Engine Studios by Neil Strauch (Sage Francis, Bonnie Prince Billy), the five-track release highlights the band’s adept combination of blistering heaviness and melodic prog-rock.
“Metal for the sake of it just doesn’t interest us. We need more than heavy riffage and the trappings of the genre,” expained Eichenseer. “I wish we could call it something else, because to me it’s more. We’re not afraid to carry influence from our roots in post to Punk Rock. We’re very aware of storytelling and depth. We’re not interested in skulls.”
Vocalist Jon Slusher discussed the conceptual aspect of the debut album: “Eyrie is the nest of a bird of prey built in a high, inaccessible place. The album is conceptual. It’s the path of ruin, the crumbling of empires and the marching of time. ”
Beak is Andy Bosnak (Guitar), Chris Eichenseer (Drums), Jason Goldberg (Bass, Vocals) and Jon Slusher (Guitar, Lead Vocals).
EYRIE – Track Listing:
Angry Mother of Bones
Hands Collide
Men at Arms
Billions of Eyes
The Weight & Time
* The band’s next performance is February 23rd, at Reggie’s (Chicago) with Anvil. An April tour will be announced shortly.
(Source: Speakeasy PR)
* For more info on BEAK, click on the links below:
AC/DC – Whoa. Check out this very, very cool AC/DC pinball machine manufactured and sold by Stern Pinball. The details on this AC/DC pinball machine are unreal! This new AC/DC pinball machine not only looks like it’s gonna be a thrill to play, it also looks like a piece of art! Metal be thy name. Yes, I’m an AC/DC fan… who isn’t? Or so it seems. Maybe if I start saving some money and buy less potato chips, I can maybe get this sensational AC/DC pinball machine… down the Metal road.
Stern Pinball has the company slogan: “The only maker of REAL pinball games on the planet!!”. From looking at this AC/DC pinball machine, they aren’t kidding.
Check out the specs for this amazing pinball machine below:
AC/DC Pro Model Features:
• 1 Ramp Mounted Magnetic Diverter For Cannon Loading
• High Definition Color Cabinet and Decal Artwork
• Motorized Rotating Ball Cannon, Player Controlled
• 3 “Thunderstruck” Standup Targets w/ Super Bright Flash Lamps
Jan. 9, 2011, San Francisco – Mike Patton (Faith No More, Tomahawk, Mr. Bungle) has been selected by writer/director Derek Cianfrance (Blue Valentine) to provide the score for The PlaceBeyond The Pines, which stars Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper and Eva Mendes.
Patton, who rose to prominence as a teenager as the front man for Faith No More and is known as one of music’s most eclectic musicians, has done a series of scores over the past few years including the Italian drama A Solitude of Prime Numbers, Crank 2: High Voltage and the short film A Perfect Place.
Patton is also currently working on a new Tomahawk album with a projected late summer release date.
Back in 2011, the Metal & New American Rock band known as 13 pulled up their Mid-West Rockin’ roots in Toledo, Ohio and Detroit, Michigan… and headed out to L.A. where they are continuing on their contagious brand of Heavy Music noize! Strap yourself in and be prepared to see and read more about 13 in the coming months, right here on Metal Odyssey!
13 – Are they Metal? Is this band 13 original? Are they pissed off at the status quo? Do they instill the fire and talent necessary to cause a stir within the world of Heavy Music? Are their songs worthy of playing at maximum volume? Have they recruited throngs of fans, from biker rallies to festivals and world-famous clubs? Has this band shared the stage with many of Rock and Heavy Metal’s greatest names? The Metal answer is YES to all of the previous questions regarding 13.
13 is their name and playing ear stompin’, beer swillin’, knuckle crunchin’, American-made, blue-collar Metal is their game. 13 is ready to seize 2012 and call it their own, currently working on new songs, playing live at L.A.’s the Whiskey A Go Go with Ana Kefr, along with photo and video shoots on their current and busy schedule.
13 is a Heavy Music band on the rise and my best advice to you is this: either join ’em or get out of their way… cause 13 is on a Metal mission to create and play some credible, kick-ass and Heavy Hittin’ Rock ‘N Roll \m/
Yes, I really, really dig the Heavy Crunch of sound that 13 delivers. I’ve chosen two of my favorite songs from this raucous band for your listening enjoyment. Check out these two songs from 13 below! Play ’em LOUD and spread the Metal word: 13 is a Metal Band you must hear and know about!
CLICK BELOW TO HEAR:LOCOMOTIVE
CLICK BELOW TO HEAR:GO FUCK YOURSELF
13have shared the stage with: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kid Rock, Alice In Chains, Mother Love Bone, Kansas, Cheap Trick, Foghat, Yngwie Malmsteen, ACCEPT, Lynch Mob, Monster Magnet, Nuclear Assault, Murder Dolls, Vince Neil, Blue Oyster Cult, Pennywise and GWAR… to name a many few!
MECCA – Joe Vana, vocalist and founding member of MECCA, has once again assembled a group of seasoned musicians to showcase their skills on Undeniable. This being the sophomore release from MECCA, it firmly establishes why Joe Vana has all the reason in the world to carry out his musical visions. Released back on November 29th in North America, on Frontiers Records, Undeniable is undeniably melodic and lyrically engaging.
Wether it’s the mid-paced ballad Did It For Love or the steadier rocker W2W, MECCA bestows the talent for creating a mood within the song that compliments its respective story. Undeniable isn’t going to Rock your face off, instead this album will entertain with its eleven songs of emotion filled vocals from Joe Vana and soothing melodies that do soar, with the title track being a fine example of this. Joe Vana’s vocals are so identifiable for Melodic Rock and he easily seizes these songs on this album.
Life’s Too Short and Perfect World are two songs where MECCA combines philosophical lyrics with AOR quality that too often is missing on current American FM playlists. MECCA presents their music with intelligent lyrics, still the sappy meter does explode on such tracks as Did It For Love and From The Start. It’s the quality of the song, courtesy of the musicianship of MECCA, that makes me overlook any sappy saturation that happens lyrically. If you’ve ever been, want to be or are in love, these songs are accurately relevant.
In a Melodic Rock nutshell, MECCA has proven they can make me fall for the mellow and semi-hard side of Rock once again, with their respect for quality at every turn being a cumulative highlight for my ears. Undeniable is an album that also captures the spirit of AOR with its inspired vibes ever-present and lifeless moments nowhere to be found. This is an album of songs that belongs on my top shelf, I won’t be storing it away anytime soon.
Fans of Survivor, Toto, REO Speedwagon, Bryan Adams, Mister Mister and Foreigner (to name a many few) should enjoy the Rockin’, soothing and melodic ride that MECCA takes on Undeniable. AOR and Melodic Rock fans across the board could justifiably find many, if not all of these songs on Undeniable difficult to forget.
The Black Keys – Yes, I blindly purchased the new CD from The Black Keys (nonesuch) and it’s for some reason titled El Camino. I pay dearly sometimes for making a “blind purchase” when it comes to music. To sum it up, this El Camino CD is boring. It sounds as if DanAuerbach and Patrick Carney are not just huge fans of 70’s Rock… they obviously are both stuck in the “it’s been done already” school of Rock ‘N Roll and are a long way from graduating.
A fuzzy guitar sound with raw and unnecessary fuzzy production is pure nonsense when it comes to this genre of Rock in 2012. The Psychedelic, Stoner, Doom and Black Metal genres can utilize the “fuzz” in their respective sound brilliantly, only a Rock group like The Black Keys should stick to some clarity in their presentation of sound and maybe they won’t come across like a 1977 garage band playing to just their cousins.
Too numerous are the moments on El Camino where I recognize that IT HAS BEEN DONE BEFORE! The Black Keys are not pushing the Rock ‘N Roll envelope here folks and that’s what makes this CD such a waste of time. Where’s the relevance? Listening to this band is like listening to a severely slow-paced Wolfmother with a hangover. The worst song on El Camino is hands down: Little BlackSubmarines. This song is so annoying, that upon my first listen I wanted to break down and cry, fearing that it made me constipated.
The one and only “bright spot” on El Camino is Sister. This song rocks like there is no tomorrow. MindEraser ends this CD on a cool note, still it’s too late. If only The Black Keys stuck to this Rockin’ blueprint of Sister and Mind Eraser throughout all 11 songs… and they didn’t. The digipak and liner notes are equally repetitive and humdrum as the music. Do we really need to waste paper like this? The liner notes are 16 pages which dedicate 15 of these pages to photos of what else? El Caminos. The digipak is a four-fold that features… 8 more photos of… El Caminos! Laugh out loud and Metal be thy name!
By now you realize I’m not a fan of what The Black Keys are trying to accomplish with their Rock sound. If you’re looking for a memorable and original sounding Rock CD you are better off picking up the newest CD from The Trews. Trust me, a thorough listen into Hope & Ruin from The Trews is a quantum leap forward compared to El Camino. The Black Keys surely won’t care about anyone who doesn’t dig their music. Why? They made the cover of Rolling Stone! Life goes on…
Los Angeles, CA – Fools for Rowan, the Nashville based Rock band, is set to release a new album and music video in 2012. It has been almost two years since the band has released new material. Fools For Rowan has written most of their record while on tour over the last year and recently started recording the new songs. In order to achieve the aforementioned goal, the group needs the help of their dedicated fans. The band has launched a Kickstarter campaign to assist in their efforts.
The powerhouse rock group, Fools For Rowan, is defined by their soaring vocals, powerful guitar licks and intense personal lyrics. The band has grown a large committed fan base partly due to the success of their first album, Twisted. Tied Up. Tangled. The album’s first single, “Burnt Around the Edges” received acclaim from the college-age demographic in both the U.S. and Canada.
In addition, the second single, “Dead” received spins on Top 40, College and Modern Rock radio. In addition, the video for the song was featured on Fuse TV. Due to their zealous live performance, Fools For Rowan has recently had the privilege of sharing the stage with such artists as: Evanescence, Trapt, Halestorm, and Sick Puppies.
Kickstarter is an online pledge system that funds creative projects. The Kickstarter campaign, that will raise money for the band’s new album and a music video, has already been initiated online. Fools For Rowan offers a fantastic array of different prizes such as an autographed drumstick, a concert set list, band merchandise, arm wrestling contests, and even a dinner date with members of the band!
“It’s been two years since our last album, so we’re really anxious to get our new music into the hands of our fans,” says lead vocalist, Erin Mullins.Fans will have until January 2st to help the band meet its goal. As always, the group is looking ahead. Fools For Rowan will continue to tour the U.S. in hopes of spreading the power of rock ‘n’ roll!
To learn more about Fools for Rowan’s Kickstarter campaign visithere.
COPPERHEAD – It was sometime during the Spring of 2011 when I came across the Southern Rock band Copperhead, while perusing the internet for all things Rock ‘N Roll. After sampling a few songs from the 1992 S/T debut album from Copperhead, I eagerly purchased it off of iTunes. This is the one andonly studio album that Copperhead ever released too. Going back to 1992, I only remember Copperhead by band name only.
I guess that’s what makes being a lover of Rock ‘N Metal so damn fun, I’m always catching onto a new band from yesteryear! I steered best Metal buddy, Scott Coverdale, to this Copperhead album and he is as huge a believer in this band’s Southern Rock sound as I am. Copperhead may no longer be an active band, still they are a band well worth remembering and checking out. If Copperhead has reunited in any way, shape or form, please leave a comment!
Below are five cool reasons why you should buy this Copperhead S/T debut album. I’ve also included two fun facts about the album.
Reason #1: If you are a fan of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Molly Hatchet, Blackfoot, Marshall Tucker Band, etc., then you shall have no problem at all diving ears first into Copperhead.
Reason #2: This Copperhead album in my most honest opinion… ROCKS from start to finish.
Reason #3:Neil Carswell (vocalist, guitarist & founding member) has that classic Southern Rock voice that’s just as contagious as his band’s music.
Reason #4: Copperhead could jam! From driving guitars to the keyboards, Copperhead just let it all loose on this album. In my opinion, this band kept it real with Southern fried and blue-collar enthusiasm through their songs.
Reason #5: This is straight-up Southern Rock here folks and nothing is watered down. So, crank up some Copperhead, grab your six-pack then kick back, while those good times and Southern Rock vibes take control.
Oh… by the way, my favorite song on this Copperhead album is: Highway. Whoa and Metal be thy name.
Two Fun Facts About This Copperhead Album:
Fun Fact #1: The song Long Way From Home became the title song for the motion picture: Harley Davidson And TheMarlboro Man. Mickey Rourke and Don Johnson starred in this movie too.
Fun Fact #2: The song Busted was included on the 1992 movie soundtrack: Dr. Giggles.
This is the cover for the Dr. Giggles movie soundtrack CD. Dr. Giggles is a Slasher film, can you tell?
COPPERHEAD – Track Listing:
Busted
Whiskey
The Scar
Brown’s Gold
Where Will I Be?
Keepin’ On
Highway
Hard Livin’
Lazy Days
Not My Tear
Born Loser
Long Way From Home
* Copperhead is available on iTunes, via Eastwinds Records. I’ve also seen it for sale on Amazon.
* Live & Lost (released in 2002), is a compilation of Copperhead studio and live tracks. It is also available on iTunes, via Eastwinds Records.
* For more info on NEIL CARSWELL and COPPERHEAD, click on the link below:
L to R: Jack Syperek, John-Angus MacDonald, Sean Dalton, Colin MacDonald
THE TREWS – Back on August 5th, 2011, I posted an album review for THE TREWS newly released studio album Hope & Ruin. The 4th full-length from this Canadian Rock band impressed me so much that I listened to it constantly since early Summer. Now that Winter has settled in, Hope & Ruin has never lost its edgy Rock luster with me. I have listened to many other Rock albums during 2011 and none seemed to enthuse me as the way this new album from THE TREWS has done.
THE TREWS seemed to have captured an old spirit of Rock that I once heard from early R.E.M. and U2, back when these two iconic bands really did care about their songs and fans. A flirtation of retro college radio meets modern Rock vibe overflows with Hope & Ruin. I simply love that. Back on August 18th, I did not fully realize, that this album would eventually stand out amongst the rest of its 2011 Rock album peers in such a special way for me.
It was also back on August 18th, when I had the golden opportunity to interview Colin MacDonald, the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for THE TREWS. As my sincere appreciation for Hope & Ruin grew stronger by the week, I eventually decided to savor the moment, an eventual moment when I would launch this exclusive interview with Colin MacDonald simultaneously with naming Hope & Ruin by THE TREWS… as Metal Odyssey’s 2011 Rock Album Of The Year.
If the late and legendary Ed Sullivan were to come back to life for just one day, I’d love to hear him say: Ladies and Gentlemen… THE TREWS! Instead, I’m announcing this band at this moment and I’m veryproud to have had the opportunity to interview Colin MacDonald. From album reviews to opening for Robert Plant, here is what Colin had to say:
Stone: In the July (2011) issue of Classic Rock AOR Magazine, Hope & Ruin received a nine out of ten review. Taking a quote from this review: “Man, there isn’t a flawed track. Indeed, it’s one of those rare albums where every song could easily become a hit single. It’s rare feat for an album to be so consistently powerful.” How does this type of praise make you feel?
Colin: Awesome. It feels amazing. It’s like Sting had put it: “If you believe the good stuff, it doesn’t make you want to work as hard and if you believe the bad stuff, it only makes you work harder. It’s always great to be recognized for the work we do, especially by a big magazine like that.
Stone: On a personal level, which song on Hope & Ruin means the most to you?
Colin: I really like Hope & Ruin. This song really seems to take on a life of its own live.
Stone: In your music video for Hope & Ruin, there are many scenic backdrops. Where in the world was this footage shot?
Colin: It was shot in Toronto for the city. It was done on the coldest day on record too and I was really freezing out there while I was singing! We also went to the East Coast and Nova Scotia. We created a contrast of city, coast and countryside and it made for an amazing result with this video.
Watch and listen below to THE TREWS – Hope & Ruin, it is an incredible song!
Stone: With The Trews, which is written first, the music or the lyrics?
Colin: Always the music. We’ll come up with a riff, a melody, a little idea and work on it until it becomes a big idea. We take a melody idea and then a line comes with it. You then work your way back from there. I never try to over think the lyrics. I try to balance things out and let the lyrics compliment the song.
Stone: With The Trews being for all intents and purposes, family, what is it like for you guys to sit down, write and record music?
Colin: It’s the only way of life we’ve known for such a long time. I really don’t have anything else to compare it to. We are a tight group of guys. Sure, we have heated arguments, although they can simmer very quick. That’s what has kept us together for so long.
Stone: How important is it for a Rock band today, compared to a decade ago, in adapting to changes in how they promote themselves?
Colin: It’s really important. A band has to always garner new fans. It’s hands on now. There’s not a lot of mystique or mystery to promotion anymore. Our main priority is to always make good music. You must never lose sight in making music that the fans like. You must keep up the musical content. There’s twitter and facebook to reach out to the fans with. Those bands that keep all of this in mind will do well with the new model.
Stone: Is the record industry today more hope or more ruin?
Colin: It depends on who you ask. There are lots of bands getting through today that probably wouldn’t have decades ago, like, Mumford & Sons. Bands are selling out big venues, so that’s hope for sure. The days of signing big money record deals and getting big contracts up front are no more. So that’s ruin.
Stone: Which country has the toughest music market for The Trews to tap into and do you want to conquer that market?
Colin: Right now, we’re doing great in Australia and the UK. We’d like to get bigger in America because it’s close and easy to tour, so obviously we want to break into that market. Any band that are making good music and stays true to themselves will do well and that’s what we try to do.
Stone: What band or which musician would The Trews be honored to share the stage with, where you haven’t shared the stage with before?
Colin: We’d love to play with Neil Young. That would be awesome! We’d love to open for AC/DC.TomPetty and the Heartbreakers. We’ve opened for The Stones. We’ve also opened for Robert Plant across Canada.
Stone: Where did you open for The Rolling Stones?
Colin: We opened for them in Toronto and Phoenix back in 2005. They were secret club gigs.
Stone: Where did you play with Robert Plant?
Colin: It was all across Canada for his entire tour here.
Stone: Is Robert Plant a nice guy?
Colin: Robert Plant is a super cool guy! He’s always interested in new music and never rests on his laurels. I find inspiration in that and it sticks with us. As a lead singer, Robert Plant is always moving forward and that’s a quality about him I admire most.
Stone: As a band, do you guys want to continue experimenting and maturing musically or have you reached a level of self-contentment of where you are now?
Colin: Never man. We keep pushing forward. We have more in us. There’s so much more music in us still and so much more to come. I still feel we have not made our best record yet.
Stone: Is there anything you’d like to tell your fans?
Colin: Thank you for supporting us and for so long! When the fans come out to see us live, it really means a lot to us.
* For more info on THE TREWS, click on the links below:
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
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