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:
DERAILED announces new bass player and details to their forthcoming sophomore studio album Underground!
Calgary Alberta Canada’s very own Metal Warriors, DERAILED, have issued the following exciting updates from their Metal camp:
Derailed are proud to introduce Greg Kristianson as the new bass player for the group. Greg’s musical background includes current Metallica & Iron Maiden tribute bands, ‘Disposable Heroes’ & ‘Edward the Great’ in the local Alberta Metal scene. Greg’s enthusiasm & dedication to perfection are a welcome addition to the band!
On the recording front, drums & bass tracks are now finished for the upcoming conceptual CD, Underground, to be released sometime in April/May of 2012. Guitars & vocals are next! The boys are extremely excited on the progress thus far, much more heavier & aggressive!
Stay tuned for more updates as we get them.
Happy New Year to all!
* Underground will be the follow-up to Derailed’s critically acclaimed 2010 debut album: Judgement Day.
* For more info on DERAILED, click on the links below:
Metal Odyssey would like to THANK ALL OF YOU who come to visit all year, sharing the same passion for Rock, Hard Rock and… METAL! Throughout the past year, Metal Odyssey receives support in ways too numerous to mention. However, there are those “thank yous” that I need to mention, If I leave anyone out, believe me, you are included.
THANK YOU to all the super cool PR people and record companies that have made it possible for Metal Odyssey to deliver the METAL news and album reviews! Each and every one of you ROCK beyond belief! Without them, I am in the dark.
THANK YOU to all the bands and musicians that have been mentioned, featured and/or interviewed here on Metal Odyssey this past year. Without them, life would suck big time. Really.
THANK YOU to all my Metal Buddies around the world! You know who you are and I don’t take any of you for granted.
THANK YOU to Best Metal Buddy/Metal Researcher Scott Coverdale & staff photographer Tom Coderre.
A very, very, very specialTHANK YOU to Metal Chick.
Now, here are some Metal thoughts, um, ramblings from Stone:
The world will NOT end in 2012. Sorry. If I’m wrong and the dreaded doomsday does come to pass this year, I will hopefully be with my family while anyORANGE GOBLIN album is blasting LOUD around me.
2012 IS GONNA ROCK! WHY?
Cause… Ozzy, Tony, Geezer and Bill are… BACK!
Cause… KISS is releasing a new studio album titled: MONSTER.
Cause… KING DIAMOND is better and… back in action! Just ask Metallica.
Cause… VAN HALEN IS BACK!
BOLD SPORTS PREDICTION:
The New York Yankees will win the 2012 World Series.
STONE’S 2012 NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS:
There are so many that are too boring to list. Okay, here’s two:
I shall eat less potato chips and listen to MORE METAL \m/
STONE’S WISHES FOR 2012:
I wish for an end to world hunger and human suffering of any kind. May there be world peace? On a smaller scale, I wish that Motörhead would receive a deserved “Lifetime Achievement Award” from The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences.
I wish CHEAP TRICK would follow Metal Odyssey on twitter. If this happens, I will write, without hesitation, a positive article on ABBA and feature it right here on Metal Odyssey for the world to read and see. I’m honestly not kidding. CHEAP TRICK F’n RULES.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO SEE MORE OF ON METAL ODYSSEY?
Would you like more album reviews? Short or long album reviews? More/less Metal news? Classic Rock news? Are you demanding more band interviews? Are “lists” good or bad? More or less of Stone’s ramblings? Let your thoughts and feelings be heard by leaving a comment! Man, it would be greatly appreciated!
METAL BE THY NAME.
Thank you to my Metal Buddy down South, for that thoughtful package of CD’s and videos after the hurricane struck. You know who you are.
Queensrÿche – live at The Crocodile Rock Cafe, August 2nd, 2011
(Photo Credit: Tom Coderre)
Best Of The Rest Awards For 2011 – Now that the Metal Odyssey “Best Of 2011” lists are posted for Rock, Hard Rock and Metal albums, along with Hard Rock and Metal Songs respectively, I turn my attention to Metal Odyssey’s Best Of The Rest Awards. What exactly are the Best Of The Rest? Scroll down, read on and enjoy! Oh… and…. Metal be thy name.
BEST METAL COVER SONG
AS I LAY DYING – HELLION / ELECTRIC EYE
(Metal Blade Records)
Tim Lambesis vocally made this Judas Priest classic his very own. Electric Eye being sung in Death Metal tones is, well, F’n fun to hear! As a Metal bonus, this band gives a 100% effort in giving Hellion / Electric Eye their deserved Classic Metal respect. To be street about it, As I Lay Dying kicks Metal ass with this classic intro and cover song.
BEST ALBUM COVER ART (TIE)
PENTAGRAM – LAST RITES
(Metal Blade Records)
ARTIST: MO MOUSSA
Choosing the best album cover art is, like music itself: subjective. There are many, many album covers from 2011 that I adore. I chose the PENTAGRAM and HAVOK album covers due to my staring at them for semi-long periods of time. Does that sound funny? I don’t think it’s funny. Okay, maybe a tad funny.
The Grim Reaper has always been the dark and sinister mascot of Metal. Mo Moussa captured that oldschool Metal look with this Last Rites art and I extend myMetal appreciation for that.
HAVOK – TIME IS UP
(Candlelight Records)
ARTIST: HALSEY SWAIN
The skull on this macabre skeleton is chilling! The attention to detail is incredible on this HAVOK cover, with the lightning outside the window and other skeletons in the backdrop adding to the overall horror appeal. From what lead vocalist & guitarist David Sanchez told me, (during a Hard Rock Hideout interview), Halsey Swain actually put brush to canvas for this ultra-fabulous Time Is Up album cover. Old School strikes once again! Hey… if it wasn’t for Old School, there would be no new school.
BEST BOX SET
DORO – 25 YEARS IN ROCK … AND STILL GOING STRONG
(Nuclear Blast)
Whoa what a box set this is! A 16 page, full color, hardcover concert photo book. Two DVD’s, (1 concert & 1 documentary) with 16 pages of more incredible concert photos & cool liner notes. 1 live CD. It’s all DORO, The Queen of Heavy Metal, her amazing voice and her band!
This amazing DORO package features the celebration of her 25th Anniversary concert on December 13, 2008, at the ISS Dome in Düsseldorf, Germany, (Doro’s hometown). Pure quality, from beginning to end, with both the DVD’s and live CD. The concert photo book is so hard to put down. A timeless and priceless DORO box set for me.
The following Queensrÿche photos credited to: Tom Coderre
Geoff Tate & Stone
Michael Wilton & Stone
Scott Rockenfield & Stone
BEST PERSONAL METAL MOMENT
Queensrÿche
When I received the assignment from Rob Rockitt, over at HARD ROCK HIDEOUT, to cover Queensrÿchelive at The Crocodile Rock Cafe in Allentown, Pennsylvania… I was psyched out of myMetal mind! Metal Odyssey staff photographer Tom Coderre and I had a blast on this evening of Queensrÿche Metal.
Yes, this was my Best Metal Moment Of 2011, however, this was the Best Metal Moment Of My Life as well. To personally meet Geoff Tate and each member of Queensrÿche, back on August 2nd, 2011, made for Rock ‘N Roll dreams to come true. I personally thank each member of Queensrÿche for their being incredibly professional and polite. This band kicked ass onstage that night too! Metal be thy name they did.
I also thank Tom Coderre for being my Metal Buddy on that momentous evening and documenting so professionally this Queensrÿche concert and personal Metal moment. Thank you Rob Rockitt and Hard Rock Hideout for the golden opportunity to cover & meet the legendary Queensrÿche.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL & LONG LIVE METAL \m/\m/
Stone.
* For more cool “2011 Best Of Lists” of Rock, Hard Rock and Metal, click on the links below and visit these fantastic blogs/websites!
Sweet will be giving away a Free Live album on their website (www.thesweet.com) starting the 1st of January for one week only. The album is called: 100% Live 2010
The recording is 100% LIVE, no studio trickery or over dubs, just a stereo mix from the FOH mixing desk plus a stereo audience microphone. There are 11 tracks from the 2010 show, plus 2 exclusive bonus tracks.
ROYAL HUNT – The 11th studio album from Denmark’s ROYAL HUNT, Show Me How To Live, was released in North America on November 29th, 2011, via Frontiers Records. On Show Me How To Live, former lead singer D.C. Cooper reunited with this band’s founding member, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer: Andre’Andersen. Along with Jonas Larsen (guitars), Andreas Passmark (bass) and Allan Sørensen on drums, ROYAL HUNT has justifiably reinstated their respected status as a player in the world of Melodic Hard Rock, with Show Me How To Live.
Progressively leaning, symphonic and very much melodic is Show Me How To Live. From the opening track of One More Day, I realized there would be many elements to listen for with this ROYAL HUNT band’s musicianship. In its simplistic comparison, listening to ROYAL HUNT is like listening to a Melodic Hard Rock orchestra. With a backing chorus to compliment the exquisite arrangements of One More Day, this song opens up Show Me How To Live with inspiring musical extravagance.
The melodic ride never subsides with ROYAL HUNT, as Another Man Down is highlighted by a memorable guitar solo from Jonas Larsen and the spot-on drumming of Allan Sørensen. As pivotal components to the music of ROYAL HUNT, orchestration is the vertebrae of this album while the keyboards are its nerve center. The muscle comes through with the guitar and rhythm section. The songs Hard Rain’s Coming and An EmptyShell in and of themselves are my picks for anyone to listen to, in explaining the aforementioned music components.
Throughout all 7 songs, the vocals of D.C. Cooper keeps me engaged in the music. D.C. has excellent range and doesn’t overreach, all the while giving this album a vocal identity that is muscular and downright enjoyable to hear. A true catalyst is D.C. to this band. Andre’ Andersen on keyboards is a thrill a minute. Andre’ impresses me most by not over-saturating this album with his love for the keys. Yes, these synthetic sounds are plentiful, only I don’t hear the over-indulgence that could have been.
I hear a respect for balance within the songs on Show Me How To Live. No instrument is ever buried under the layers. Andre’ and his band give off a vibe of mutual appreciation for the strength of the song and quality certainly overrides quantity on this new ROYAL HUNT album. Fans of Symphonic/Melodic Hard Rock and Metal should dive right into Show Me How To Live and bask in all of its deliciously layered splendor.
ROYAL HUNT:
Andre’ Andersen – keyboards
D.C. Cooper – vocals
Jonas Larsen – guitars
Andreas Passmark – bass
Allan Sørensen – drums
Show Me How To Live – Track Listing:
One More Day
Another Man Down
An Empty Shell
Hard Rain’s Coming
Half Past Loneliness
Show Me How To Live
Angel’s Gone
* For more info on ROYAL HUNT, click on the links below:
HOUSE OF LORDS – Released back in September of 2011 on Frontiers Records, Big Money is the eighth studio album from House Of Lords. The Melodic Hard Rock and AOR flavor of Big Money boils over, reminding me once again, what a tremendous listen this album is. Someday When is a song from Big Money and is enriched with a symphonic sound from the keyboards, elevating the mood and feel of this song.
Hard Rock, as with any music genre, is presented in countless styles. House Of Lords is no exception. Someday When exemplifies House Of Lords capturing their unique musical creativity and style, while allowing it to soar. Take a look and listen to Someday When below. I hope you enjoy this song and video as much as I do!
HOUSE OF LORDS:
James Christian – vocals
Jimi Bell – guitar
Chris McCarvill – bass
Bj Zampa – drums
HOUSE OF LORDS – BIG MONEY (Frontiers Records/2011)
* For more info on HOUSE OF LORDS, click on the links below:
Heavy Metal guitarist Zoltan Bathory of the hard-hitting band FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH recently stopped by UFC/TUF’s KYLE WATSON‘S gym, Watson Martial Arts in St. Louis, Missouri, for a session with the MMA fighter. Before a Metal filled evening, Bathory, a successful Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner, stopped by to roll with Watson and teach some students BJJ techniques.
Kyle is returning to the ring after his last bout against John Makdesi in the UFC in which he lost via spinning back fist. Watson will be fighting February 3rd at the upcoming Cage Warriors event.
(Source: Team All About The Music – Publicity, Management, A&R)
Top Ten Rock Albums Of 2011 – This Top Ten Rock Album list comprises various genres, the likes of: Blues, Alternative, Rockabilly, Acoustic, New Wave, some shades of Hard Rock and of course, Rock itself. Isn’t Rock a grand blanket term for such incredible music diversity? I love Rock. Without Rock, there wouldn’t have been Heavy Metal.
If you are counting, there are actually thirteen Rock albums in this Top Ten list. Admittedly, compiling a “Top Ten” of anything is grueling for me, therefore the two “ties” below are as honest as I could ever possibly be, without pulling what hair I have left off of my head. Furthermore, I couldn’t resist adding Jeff Beck – Rock ‘n’ Roll Party/Honoring Les Paul as an “Honorable Mention”. It’s a good times, roots of Rock ‘n’ Roll listen, one that I’ve enjoyed time and again.
I chose the following Rock albums due to how memorable, fun and interesting they came across to my senses. The quality of Rock contained in these following albums, I simply revere. There are some elite musicians and bands on this list for certain. They all have proven to me just how diverse Rock ‘N Roll really is, with their respective albums. These are the Rock albums that I gravitated to and became inspired by most often during 2011. I highly recommend you check ’em out, if you haven’t already.
METAL ODYSSEY’S TOP TEN ROCK ALBUMS OF 2011
Honorable Mention
JEFF BECK – Rock ‘n’ Roll Party Honoring Les Paul
(ATCO)
#10
AFTERLIFE PARADE – REBIRTH
(WATERMAIN)
#9
DARYL HALL – LAUGHING DOWN CRYING
(Verve Forecast)
#8
TESLA – Twisted Wires & The Acoustic Sessions…
(Tesla Electric Company Recordings, Inc.)
#7
CHRIS CORNELL – SONGBOOK
(Universal Music)
#6
GREGG ALLMAN – LOW COUNTRY BLUES
(ROUNDER)
#5 (Tie)
SOCIAL DISTORTION – Hard Times And Nursery Rhymes
(Epitaph)
#5 (Tie)
FOO FIGHTERS – WASTING LIGHT
(RCA)
#4
LOS LONELY BOYS – ROCKPANGO
(Playing In Traffic Records / LonelyTone Records)
#3 (Tie)
THE CARS –MOVE LIKE THIS
(Hear Music / Concord Music Group)
#3 (Tie)
RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS – I’M WITH YOU
(Warner Bros.)
#2
JOE BONAMASSA – DUST BOWL
(J&R Adventures)
#1
THE TREWS – HOPE & RUIN
(Bumstead Productions Ltd.)
Hope & Ruin took me by surprise in 2011. THE TREWS captured a Rockin’ vibe that made my mood soar anytime I listened to this album. Melodic songs that glisten lyrically and musically, Hope & Ruin can easily become someone’s Rockin’ companion. THE TREWS are that Rock band you need to know about. This band defies the illogical American Rock mainstream press, proving that exquisite and blue-collar Rock music does exist in places other than Billboard or Rolling Stone magazine.
When I listen to Hope & Ruin, I’m not hearing a Rock band that is out to prove themselves. I’m instead hearing a Rock band that created a complete album of songs, which I imagine is straight from their Rock ‘N Roll hearts.
* To read my review on Hope & Ruin, (posted on August 5th, 2011), click on the large header link below:
Top Ten Hard Rock Albums Of 2011 – I have listened to many Hard Rock albums released during 2011. There seems to be quite a few Hard Rock albums that are of standout quality, this past year for me. With that said, my “Top Ten Hard Rock Albums Of 2011” simply cannot represent the totality of Hard Rockin’ thrills I’ve experienced with my ears these past 12 months.
What my Top Ten list does represent are the Hard Rock albums I turned to most often to play… LOUD! I lean towards the “complete” album of songs, an album that goes further than just 4 or 5 great tracks. I gravitate towards the Hard Rock albums that psyched-me-out and made me feel very damn good inside. These are the Hard Rock albums that made a difference to me. A personal list it is and hopefully there are a few here you may agree with. Thank you for visiting Metal Odyssey in 2011 and supporting Rock ‘N Roll! Happy Holidays, Rock Steady and Happy New Year to all!
#10
IRON CLAW – A DIFFERENT GAME
(Ripple Music)
#9
REV THEORY – JUSTICE
(Interscope)
#8
KING KOBRA – S/T
(Frontiers Records)
#7
FAITHSEDGE – S/T
(Scarlet Records)
#6
BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION – 2
(J&R Adventures)
#5
WARRANT – ROCKAHOLIC
(Frontiers Records)
#4
9 CHAMBERS – S/T
(Samson Records / eOne Music)
#3
JOURNEY – ECLIPSE
(NOMOTA LLC)
#2 (TIE)
SEBASTIAN BACH – KICKING & SCREAMING
(Frontiers Records)
#2 (TIE)
SEETHER – HOLDING ONTO STRINGS BETTER LEFT TO FRAY
(Wind-Up)
#1
MR. BIG – WHAT IF…
(Frontiers Records)
Yes, the return of MR. BIG left a big Hard Rockin’ impression on my ears. If ever there was an album that grew on me, over the course of time, then said album is What If… and it has served me right. EricMartin’s vocals have never sounded better. Sound cliche? Not in my mind. On What If…Billy Sheehan (bass), Paul Gilbert (guitar) and Pat Torpey (drums) all sound as if there was never a recording break of ten years. Their seventh studio album may just be their best Hard Rock creation, in my honest opinion.
My favorite song from What If… is Undertow. Check out the music video of MR. BIG below, hopefully you’ll enjoy Undertow as much as I do!
THANK YOU to all of the bands above and Long Live Hard Rock!
LONG LIVE MR. BIG
Stone.
* For more cool “Best Of 2011 Lists” of Rock, Hard Rock and Metal Albums, click on the links below and visit these other fantastic blogs/websites!
FAITHSEDGE – Southern California’s Hard Rockin’ FAITHSEDGE is currently recording their sophomore studio album. After their successful S/T debut on Scarlet Records earlier in 2011, fans (myself included) are eagerly awaiting this new studio release. Giancarlo Floridia (vocals, guitar, songwriter) and Fabrizio Grossi (bass & producer) are the Rockin’ brain trust of FAITHSEDGE and will no doubt be delivering the Hard Rockin’ goods once again!
Check out below for a preview of two new songs and the addition of keyboardist Eric Ragno to the band!
LONG LIVE FAITHSEDGE
* For more info on FAITHSEDGE, click on the links below:
As is posted on the Official IRON MAIDEN Website, (December, 2011):
Lauren Harris’s new band SIX HOUR SUNDOWN are releasing their first track.
Joining Lauren on this new venture as a complete band unit are Tom Gentry (guitar), James Bennett (guitar) Mitch Witham (bass) and Olly Smith (drums).
‘JEKYLL & HYDE’ is SIX HOUR SUNDOWN’s foot-to-the-floor debut release.
As a taster from the forthcoming album, Jekyll & Hyde demonstrates SIX HOUR SUNDOWN’s ability to blur the boundaries of musical genres with edgy modern Rock riffs, driven by a solid rhythm section and topped off by contemporary melody lines.
Their first performance video was recorded at Millennium Studios in Bedfordshire with lighting by Ronan Willson and directed by John McMurtrie.
Today Noisecreep premieres “Red Tide Rising,” the opening track from ORANGE GOBLIN‘s forthcoming A Eulogy For The Damned full-length. Set for North American release on February 14, 2012 via Candlelight Records, A Eulogy For The Damned is the band’s seventh studio album (and first for Candlelight). The ten-track offering was recorded at The Animal Farm studio in South London, UK, produced and engineered by Jamie Dodd and mastered by two-time Grammy-nominated Pink Floyd engineer Andy Jackson at Tube Mastering.
Commented vocalist Ben Ward of the track: “‘Red Tide Rising’ was actually the first song we wrote for the new album and the main riff was written by [guitarist] Joe [Hoare] as far back as 2008. We all knew that this would be the lead song on the album as soon as we wrote it; it felt kind of special and it set the tempo and feel for the whole record. It’s one that we all had a lot of input on so it’s a real band effort and definitely wasn’t rushed. The ending must’ve been changed half a dozen times or so until we were all satisfied! It’s a very typical ORANGE GOBLIN song and I’m confident that it’s going to be a live favorite for many years to come. We’ve actually played it at the last few shows and despite no one knowing it, it got a great response. Lyrically, the song is a tribute to my fascination with the works of horror writer H.P Lovecraft. The theme centers around the rising of Cthulhu from the deep and the ultimate destruction of Earth and mankind. It was fun for me to use my imagination and be able to write about the Elder gods and the end of the world. I think it’ll make a great Heavy Metal video! The title was something I made up and we considered calling the album ‘Red Tide Rising’ for a while. It’s pretty self-explanatory with the idea of the oceans turning to blood and the beasts taking over for the dawn of a new dark age! We are all very proud of this track and honored to preview it with Noisecreep/AOL. With our annual Christmas show looming on Saturday, now seems like the perfect time to unleash this beast on the world!”
SLASH Featuring Myles Kennedy LIVE – Back on November 15th, SLASH Featuring MylesKennedy LIVE / Made In Stoke 24/7/11 was released via Armoury Records. SLASH has a storied career with Guns N’ Roses,Velvet Revolver and his own SLASH’S Snakepit on his enviable Rock ‘N Roll resume.
This set of live songs from the certified Rockin’ career of SLASH is essentially listening to a mandatory chapter of Rock history. I purchased the double CD version, (a 2-CD with a DVD version is out there as well). Check out below my 5 reasons you should BUY this SLASH CD!
1. – This isSLASH, you know, the former and REALGuns N’ Roses guitarist playing some classic Guns N’ Roses songs. The live versions of Paradise City and Mr. Brownstone (for example) are embellished with the trademark guitar tone and licks of the legendary SLASH. Truly one-of-a-kind is SLASH. Accept no substitutes for I sure as hell don’t.
2.- Myles Kennedy. Yeah, yeah, yeah… Myles Kennedy is no Axl Rose only Axl Rose is no Myles Kennedy either. Myles sounds amazing on this live album and he is a top ten Heavy Music vocalist for my ears any second of any day.
3. – The entire band ROCKS so fluently together on all 21 songs. Seriously, to think otherwise you must be constipated. ToddKerns (bass, lead & backing vocals), Brent Fitz (drums) and Bobby Schneck (guitar, backing vocals) play tight and sound like they’ve been together with SLASH and Myles for decades.
4. – This live SLASH CD has put me in a good F’n mood each and every time I’ve listened to it. The Rockin’ energy that these live songs give off is contagious to my senses. It’s like I’m getting hit in the face with a psyche-you-out bat, every time I play this addicting CD.
5. FUN. Oh, oh… I just used the “F” word. If you’re not into FUN then this is not the CD for you. For the rest of us who like to jump around and go crazy while listening to our favorite bands and songs, SLASH has kept the F’n FUN in his R&FN’R!
Bonus Reason To Buy: It doesn’t sound like there was an over abundance of production tweaking going on for this live concert recording. Okay, so we live in a digital age, still, the overall RAW Rock ‘N Roll Thunder that SLASH and his band dishes out here is evidence to me, that less is more when it comes to producing a live album in 2011. When I play this live SLASH CD extremely loud, I swear I’m actually there that evening in Stoke… and I wish I really was.
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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