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Papa Roach – U.S. and Canada Tour Dates for February and March 2011!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, rock tours with tags , , , , , , , , on February 3, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Papa Roach – Below are the U.S. and Canada 2011 tour dates for Papa Roach. This tour kicks off on February 25, in Sacramento, California and ends on March 18th, in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. There are 3 U.S. stops on this tour, the first two in Sacramento, California and Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan on March 14th. The rest of the dates are all Canada. Check out and see if Papa Roach is coming to your neck of the Rockin’ woods!

U.S. and Canada Tour Dates:

2/25/11 – Sacramento, CA, United States @ Ace Of Spades

2/26/11 – Sacramento, CA, United States @ Ace Of Spades

2/28/11 – Vancouver, BC, Canada @ Commodore Ballroom

3/01/11 – Prince George, BC, Canada @ CN Centre

3/02/11 – Dawson Creek, BC, Canada @ EnCana Events Centre

3/04/11 – Edmonton, AB, Canada @ Edmonton Event Centre

3/05/11 – Lloydminster, AB, Canada @ Centennial Civic Centre

3/06/11 – Medicine Hat, AB, Canada @ Medicine Hat Arena

3/08/11 – Calgary, AB, Canada @ MacEwan Hall Ballroom

3/09/11 – Regina, SK, Canada @ Evraz Place

3/10/11 – Winnipeg, MB, Canada @ MTS Centre

3/12/11 – Toronto, ON, Canada @ Sound Academy

3/14/11 – Sault Ste. Marie, MI, United States @ Dream Makers Theatre

3/16/11 – Montreal, QC, Canada @ Metropolis

3/17/11 – Québec, QC, Canada @ Imperial Theater

3/18/11 – Barrie, ON, Canada @ Barrie Molson Centre

* For ticket info and more cool stuff on Papa Roach, click on the link below:

Papa Roach – Official Website

Papa Roach:

Jacoby Shaddix – lead vocals

Jerry Horton – lead guitar, backing vocals

Tobin Esperance – bass guitar, backing vocals

Tony Palermo – drums, percussion

LONG LIVE PAPA ROACH.

Stone.

1 Comment »

Some Rockin’ Albums To Get You Through An Ice Storm Warning!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, weather news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 2, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Well, it’s coming… back for round II. On Tuesday, February 1st, round I came through Pennsylvania and it was enough to cause plenty of headaches and anxiety attacks. As it is, round I was just a teaser compared to the impending “round II”, which is supposed to be bigger, badder and more potent than ever. What is “it”? I can almost see the concerned look on your face, as you begin to mutter: what was round I and what could round II possibly be? What is Stone unravelling about now? An ice storm. Another F’n ice storm. Metal be thy name, ice storms are not fun. Ice storms for all intents and purposes are dangerous to life, liberty and the pursuit of Metal happiness.

I have my snow shovel, yet what can that actually do when it comes to ice? My nearly 4 foot long ice chopper will come in handy though. Rock salt… yup, I have about 15 pounds of it, only it’s not gonna be enough probably. Will we lose our power due to the ice storm’s brutality to tree limbs and power lines? Maybe. Losing power when the temperature outside is below freezing is not something I welcome with open Metal arms.

What can any one of us do when it comes to a raging ice storm? The damn ice storm warning put out by the National Weather Service says it all! With big jack-o-lantern grins on their faces, my late/great uncles (Uncle George and Willard) always used to say to me when I was a young lad: you can’t control or predict Mother Nature. They were not mistaken. All that the Mid-Atlantic and Southern New England States can do now is wait. Wait. Wait for this ice storm to cometh… and…

LISTEN TO SOME ROCK ‘N’ ROLL & F’N METAL!

Below is a list of five albums that are somehow linked to that very cold three letter word… ICE. Be it the band name, song or album title, the reference to ice is there. WARNING: This list just might serve you right. Each album is recommended by Stone for your listening Rockin’ pleasure during – Ice Storm Round II of 2011.

Foreigner – debut/self titled (1977)

Their Classic Rock gem – Cold As Ice is as fitting as any song to listen to during Ice Storm Round II. If these lyrics to Cold As Ice speak to me correctly, this song has some pissed off attitude happening. That’s perfect! For I am pissed off at this ice storm. By the way, this Foreigner debut album is a Classic Rock masterpiece.

Yngwie Malmsteen – Fire & Ice (1992)

Göran Edman is the lead vocalist on Yngwie Malmsteen’s sixth studio album. I’ve always liked this Fire & Ice album and consider it to be one of those best kept secrets from the early 90’s. Can you keep a secret? I still have… Fire & Ice… in mint condition… on cassette. No, it’s not for sale.

AC/DC – BLACK ICE (2008)

If any band in this great land has the ability to cheer me up, especially during Ice Storm Round II of 2011, it’s gonna be AC/DC. This album’s title and it’s title track have those two words no driver wants to hear during these winter months – Black Ice.

Frozen Ghost – The Essentials (2005)

If you dig Night Ranger, Nelson and Survivor, then you just might dig Frozen Ghost. Their melodic and well crafted songs were tailor made for Rock accessibility. This Canadian AOR band released three studio albums from 1987 to 1992. Here’s a Rockin’ fun fact: Frozen Ghost spelled their band name as Frōzen Ghōst on their first and third album covers, (their second album from 1988, Nice Place To Visit, had the spelling Frozen Ghost). Frozen Ghost broke up in 1993 and their mainstream Rock still resonates relevancy to my ears.

ICED EARTH – ALIVE IN ATHENS (1999)

Since their 1990 debut and self-titled album, Iced Earth has been an American Heavy Metal Band that has never buckled down to music trends or watered down their music for any mainstream acceptance… thanks to the legendary Jon Schaffer (founding member/guitarist/songwriter). Matthew Barlow is the lead vocalist on this live gem from Iced Earth.

Alive In Athens bestows some solid production, capturing Iced Earth’s Heavy Metal energy as they play their classics to a fired up mass of fans in Athens, Greece. I can’t ever find myself keeping this CD out of arms reach. Plus, what other band has a name so fitting for an ice storm? On Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011, when I wake up from my Metal slumber… a visible Iced Earth will be awaiting me outside, courtesy of Mother Nature. My great uncles are smiling down on me now.

By now, many of you are asking: hey Stone, what about that album cover at the top of this post? Is that a cool album to listen to during Ice Storm Round II of 2011? My answer is very simple. Yes, The Crucible Of Man: Something Wicked Part 2 is a Metal recommendation for any ice storm. It receives Stone’s Metal stamp of approval the whole year long too.

METAL BE THY NAME.

ICE STORMS SUCK.

ICE STORM WARNINGS ARE SPOOKY.

Stone.

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Mötley Crüe and Kid Rock To Headline Cheyenne Frontier Days – July 2011!

Posted in classic rock, country music, country rock music, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock concerts, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 30, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

CHEYENNE FRONTIER DAYS – Held in beautiful Cheyenne, Wyoming, is the Cheyenne Frontier Days. This ten day super event will begin on July 22nd and ends on July 31st. Cheyenne Frontier Days has rodeo, Championship Bull Riding, lot’s O’ fun and… Rock ‘N’ Roll! From Country to Heavy Metal, the schedule of events for Frontier Nights (see below) say it all! Whoa… Cheyenne Wyoming is gonna ROCK for ten days straight! What am I saying? Cheyenne Wyoming already ROCKS!

Check the dates below for Mötley Crüe and KID ROCK!

* For more info on Cheyenne Frontier Days, (including ticket info), click on the link below! It’s a very cool website that will tell you more about this 10 day event than I ever can!

Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo – The Daddy Of Em All

* Below is the concert & event schedule for Frontier Nights, with shows starting at 8:00 p.m.!

July 2011 Schedule:

July 22 – KID ROCK

July 23 – Jason Aldean

July 24 – The Charlie Daniels Band

July 25 & 26 – Championship Bull Riding

July 27 – Mötley Crüe

July 28 – Darius Rucker with Sara Evans

July 29 – Zac Brown Band

July 30 – Toby Keith with Eric Church

KID ROCK – Born Free was released on Atlantic Records, on November 16, 2010.

* For more info on Mötley Crüe and Kid Rock:

MOTLEY CRUE

KID ROCK – Official Website

And… for more info on The Charlie Daniels Band:

The Charlie Daniels Band – Official Website

LONG LIVE CHEYENNE FRONTIER DAYS RODEO.

GOD BLESS AMERICA.

LONG LIVE THE POWER OF ROCK… and METAL.

Stone.

3 Comments »

ZZ TOP “Eliminator” – Metal Odyssey’s Classic Rock Journey Back To 1983

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news, southern hard rock, southern rock with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 29, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

ZZ TOP – It’s a humdinger of a thought, reflecting back to those blissful days of keg parties so long ago, in an open field, while Eliminator from ZZ TOP was blasting from someone’s boom box or car stereo. It was very common to hear Eliminator being cranked up along with Screaming For Vengeance from Judas Priest (released in 1982), Iron Maiden’s The Number Of The Beast and Piece Of Mind (released in 1982 and 1983 respectively) and Quiet Riot’s Metal Health. You have to remember, these were profoundly popular Metal albums of the day and ZZ TOP came knockin’ on the door to party… when all the world was abuzz about Heavy Metal. The really cool thing is, I and the majority of fellow Metalheads I knew then… let ZZ TOP in.

Metal Health was released on March 11, 1983 and Eliminator was released on March 23, 1983. Everyone knows the Metal historical importance of Metal Health being the first #1 Heavy Metal album on the Billboard Chart. (If you did not know, well, now you do. Plus QR rules too). Eliminator cracked that same Billboard Chart peaking at #9. As I reflect on it now, both the Metal Health and Eliminator albums should be hailed more frequently for their combined pop culture impact, it was like a one-two punch to the Hard Rockin’ forehead that felt so damn good back then. It certainly was a great moment in Rock Music history, when MTV really played music videos and while Heavy Metal along with Hard Rock was heard everywhere.

The coexistence of Eliminator alongside such Metal album classics back in 1983 proved that Heavy Metal, Hard Rock and Rock can and does have a common connection. A “weeding out” process was happening amongst us fans and bands back in those early 80’s… resulting in the eventual endless list of sub-genres that we all debate about in 2011. Eliminator seemed to break down any barriers of Rock ‘N’ Roll segregation back in 1983, the Country and Southern Rock fans just might like a band that a Metalhead digs!

I’ve never been one to embrace just Metal as my only music listening experience and ZZ TOP is one major reason why. (Metal is #1 in my Metal heart though). I remember my buddies and I rushing to Strawberries Records & Tapes to buy earlier albums from ZZ TOP after Eliminator was released. This album gave the ZZ TOP back catalog even more notoriety, (even though it was already revered) and helped spotlight the righteousness of Blues Rock and Southern Rock/Southern Hard Rock.

While I write about Eliminator, I’m tapping into my memories of yesteryear, regardless of how dazed they might be. I do remember vividly the social impact that Eliminator had on my group of buddies and the media impact goes without saying. The music videos that spawned from this album were beyond entertaining… they were Rock ‘N’ Roll coolness with an exclamation point. TV Dinners is not just a (gasp) fun song, the music video for this song is flat-out hilarious. The slow driven, thump and stump of TV Dinners “really can’t be beat”, in my Metal opinion.

Not to disrespectfully push the “hits” of Eliminator aside, still, there are other songs on this album that cut loose with their dirt kickin’ and down home Rockin’ vibes. I Got The Six, Dirty Dog, If I Could Only Flag Her Down, I Need You Tonight, Thug and Bad Girl are just as potent as the world popular Legs, Sharp Dressed Man, Gimme All Your Lovin, Got Me Under Pressure and of course… TV Dinners.

Was Eliminator commercial for it’s time? Of course it was and for grand reason. Eliminator will forever have a commercial appeal due to it’s memorable lyrics and good-times feel. It’s that big Texas boogie beat that will always make ZZ TOP and their catalog of albums timeless. Blues and grooves. Add into the sound and style of ZZ TOP these three words as well: Hard, Heavy, Classic. What other Rock power-trio, if you will, manifested more bluesy slick and muscular grooves into their songs such as ZZ TOP? Eliminator only magnified this.

There was no rushing to the “Prog-Rock” door to impress the fans when it came to the Rock ‘N’ Roll of Eliminator, that’s never been what ZZ TOP was/is known for. Straightforward with their brand of bluesy Southern Rock and Hard Rock is what made ZZ TOP famous for in the first place. As time has gone by, Eliminator just “eliminated” any doubts about this band and album having a huge impact among a cross section of Rock genres. It always feels dandy when I can reflect on an album that has made my Rock lovin’ life so enjoyable. My Eliminator vinyl and CD can never grow moss or collect dust mites… there’s just too many BIG beats and FUN moments that it bulges with, just like a Classic Rock album from ZZ TOP should do.

ZZ TOP:

BILLY GIBBONS – guitar & vocals

DUSTY HILL – bass & vocals

FRANK BEARD – drums

* Eliminator was released on March 23, 1983, on Warner Bros. Records.

* Eliminator was produced by Bill Ham.

LONG LIVE ZZ TOP.

LONG LIVE CLASSIC ROCK.

The word “dandy” was used in the last paragraph.

Stone.

38 Comments »

Henrik Ostergaard – May He Rest In Peace

Posted in Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on January 28, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

HENRIK OSTERGAARD – As quoted from the FnA Records website:

“Henrik Ostergaard, lead singer for the band Dirty Looks and current FnA Recording Artist, passed away this morning, January 27th, 2011 at 9:18 a.m. The Cause of death at this time is unknown and the results of an autopsy are pending.

The Rock world will sadly mourn the loss of this 80’s hard rocker. Ostergaard, who was of Danish descent, lived in Erie, Pa. In 1985, Henrik started the band Dirty Looks. Three independent albums and an EP would soon follow, which led to Dirty Looks getting signed by Atlantic Records. Later in Henrik’s career, he would be signed to Sony Records and most recently FnA Records where he released a new album, I.C.U., in 2010. Ostergaard is survived by his 2 children Henrik Jr. and Elliot”.

* Later credible reports have stated: “The Erie County, Pennsylvania coroner stated that Henrik Ostergaard died of natural causes while under hospice care”.

* Top album photo – Cool From The Wire (1988) Atlantic/Wea

Metal Odyssey expresses sincere condolences to the family, friends, band mates and fans of Henrik Ostergaard.

MAY THE MUSIC OF HENRIK OSTERGAARD LIVE ON.

REST IN PEACE, HENRIK OSTERGAARD

1964-2011

Stone.

4 Comments »

Twisted Sister and Friends: Benefit Concert For Uveitis Research – On April 29, 2011

Posted in charity events, classic rock, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on January 28, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Attention SMFs!
Tickets are on sale NOW for The Pinkburst Project Presents Twisted Sister & Friends – a concert to benefit Uveitis research. The show will take place on Friday, April 29, 2011 at the Best Buy Theater in Times Square, New York City. All proceeds will go to the Ocular Immunology & Uveitis Foundation to raise funds for Uveitis research. Twisted Sister will perform a full show, and we’re bringing some very special guests to the party.

Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster. Order yours today – do not miss this show! 

For more information on the show and to purchase tickets, just click here: Best Buy Theater.com and be sure and visit the new web site for Jay Jay French’s THE PINKBURST PROJECT – a special auction of one-of-a-kind custom guitars and amplifiers to be held on May 1, 2001 at Skinner Auctioneers, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts.

Help Twisted Sister find a cure for Uveitis, the leading cause of blindness among American girls.

Dee, Jay Jay, Eddie, Mark & AJ,
Twisted Sister

* For more info on Twisted Sister: TWISTED SISTER – Official Website

* Thank You – to Scott Coverdale for sharing the news to Metal Odyssey on this great charity event and The Pinkburst Project.

LONG LIVE TWISTED SISTER.

LONG LIVE THE PINKBURST PROJECT.

MAY A CURE BE FOUND THROUGH UVEITIS RESEARCH.

Stone.

 

2 Comments »

Eddie Van Halen – Happy Metal Birthday From Metal Odyssey!

Posted in celebrity birthdays, classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on January 26, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

EDDIE VAN HALEN – Back on January 26, 1955, one of the greatest guitar players that has ever roamed the Rock and Heavy Music landscape was born. This icon of Rock is also a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer as well. Incredibly documented and noted for his superior guitar wizardry, that in turn has made him become a most influential musician spanning Rock ‘N’ Roll generations is – Eddie Van Halen. Happy Metal Birthday Eddie! The legendary founding member and lead guitarist for Van Halen turns a young 56 today! Whoa… YEAH!

(VAN HALEN I – 1978/Warner Bros. Records)

Van Halen I and Van Halen II are both albums that made my eyeballs widen and my jaw drop to the ground when I was just a young lad. All I can remember was thinking to myself… what is this? This music, this Heavy sound, THAT guitar! I would confidently venture to guess, that I’m not alone in that Rock ‘N’ Roll memory. This was 1978 and 1979 when these first two Van Halen albums were released respectively. Van Halen’s wide-open Hard Rock meets Heavy Metal sound and vibe created some excitement, that was and still is damn amazing to my ears to this very day!

CRANK UP SOME VAN HALEN TODAY AND YELL F’N YEAH!

Guess what? Guess who else shares their birthday with Eddie Van Halen on this 26th day of January? Need some hints? He’s a Metalhead lifer. The dude writing this. Stone. That’s me! YEAH! Happy Metal Birthday to me! I turn a very young 18 today! Um, alright… maybe I’m not 18 after all. Just add “27” to “18” and you win the Metal prize… which is the answer to my real age! The older I get, the more Rock ‘N’ Roll I need… and Metal is my all natural elixir.

(VAN HALEN II – 1979/Warner Bros. Records)

LONG LIVE EDDIE VAN HALEN.

LONG LIVE VAN HALEN.

LONG LIVE STONE.

Stone.

14 Comments »

KOPEK – “Cocaine Chest Pains” Music Video Is Out!

Posted in alternative rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, modern rock, Music, rock music, rock music news, rock music videos with tags , , , , , , , , , on January 21, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

KOPEK/Cocaine Chest Pains – From Dublin, Ireland, comes the three piece Mod Rock Band famously known as KOPEK. With their critically acclaimed debut album White Collar Lies released digitally back on June 29, 2010, the Hard Rockin’ momentum of KOPEK is carrying right into 2011 with no end in sight! The physical CD of White Collar Lies will be released this March 1st, 2011. Both digital and physical releases of White Collar Lies are released on Religion Music via SIN/Sony Independent Network. * You can currently purchase the single Cocaine Chest Pains on iTunes.

This week, the music video for KOPEK’S hot Rockin’ single Cocaine Chest Pains, from White Collar Lies, has been released on the official KOPEK sites below. I won’t tell a Metal lie, KOPEK flat out ROCKS in their new Cocaine Chest Pains music video! Just click on either KOPEK’S Official Website or TV Official Channel – YouTube links below to view Cocaine Chest Pains for yourself. (Checking out all 3 KOPEK links below is super cool and recommended!)

Be forewarned: KOPEK will ROCK you like there is no tomorrow!

KOPEK – Official Website

KOPEK TV Official Channel – YouTube

KOPEK – MySpace Music Page

For more info on KOPEK’S 2011 U.S. Tour Dates, click the header link below:

KOPEK – To Tour With HINDER, SAVING ABEL and MY DARKEST DAYS Starting January 21, 2011

KOPEK ARE GOING TO BE HUGE.

LONG LIVE KOPEK.

Stone.

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GAMMA RAY – 2011 North American Tour Begins January 28th in NYC!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on January 20, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

GAMMA RAY – German Power Metal King GAMMA RAY’S previously announced North American mini-tour in support of their 10th studio album To The Metal! begins on January 28th, 2011! These will be the only dates GAMMA RAY plays in North America all year, so make the trip to join the party!

GAMMA RAY North American Tour Dates:

1/28/11 @ Gramercy Theater – New York City, NY

1/29/11 @ Cafe Campus – Montreal, QC

1/30/11 @ Imperial – Quebec City, QC

2/01/11 @ Key Club – Los Angeles, CA

2/03/11 @ Reggie’s – Chicago, IL

By far one of the strongest offerings from GAMMA RAY in their storied history, their tenth studio album To The Metal! proves there is no band better when it comes to Classic Heavy Metal! To The Metal! is out now in North America on EarMusic through Dismanic Distribution/Knife Fight Media.

GAMMA RAY:

Kai Hansen – vocals & guitar

Henjo Richter – guitar & keyboards

Daniel Zimmermann – drums

Dirk Schlächter – bass

* For more info on GAMMA RAY, click here: GAMMA RAY – Official Website

(Source: Earsplit PR)

LONG LIVE GAMMA RAY.

Stone.

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NECROMANCE “Never Look Back” – Demo From 2009 Swells With Metal Promise

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on January 19, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

NECROMANCE – As I see and hear it, the younger Metal bands of today are the future of Metal. It has always been that way, as each decade passes. My curiosity for unsigned bands is constant, every notable Heavy Music band in the world today was unsigned at one point in time. So, while I was searching through a pile of CD’s this past week, I stumbled upon Necromance and their demo from 2009 titled – Never Look Back.

Necromance is a Metal band from Pennsylvania, forming back in 2004, with obvious influences that come from Traditional Metal and hints of American Power Metal from yesteryear. The brother and sister duo of  Sarah Teets (vocals) and Jeff Teets (guitar) along with drummer Kalin Schweizerhof make up the current Necromance lineup, original members all.

As with all demo’s, production is not going to jump out at you and scream perfection. With Never Look Back, there are the expected raw edges that comes with a demo recording and I really like what I hear. Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All is raw and that was this legendary band’s first studio album, an eventual launching pad for their Metal fame. The Queensryche EP from 1984 had it’s raw luster to my ears too and look at what that band has accomplished since. Every band needs that launching pad, Necromance plays their Metal with enough Traditional Metal style to attract a vast audience of fans.

Jeff Teets on guitar plays some hot riffs and leads on Never Look Back, not bashful to unleash a muscular solo when it counts. Stand Up And Fight is a prime Metal example of Jeff’s guitar competence. I can feel the energy and excitement in these songs elevate, due to the guitar licks that Jeff lets loose.

Sarah Teets has vocals that would appeal to Power Metal and even Symphonic Metal fans. There is an evident air of Metal clarity to Sarah’s vocals combined with contagious harmony, this very likely can ignite more widespread accessibility for Necromance. Sarah even reminds me of Maria Breon, who fronts the American Heavy Metal band – HolyHell. This is not an operatic Metal band by any stretch of the imagination. The Melodic Metal that Necromance weaves with such an Old School style, is a never ending reminder of just how relevant that Metal sound really is… to me.

I’ll be on the lookout for Necromance in the future, their Metal fire has been lit with Never Look Back. If this band intends to actually never look back and keeps moving forward, while maintaining a belief in their Metal style, then there possibly may be great Metal moments in the future awaiting them.

* Necromance has opened for these extremely well known bands: Jon Oliva’s Pain, Overkill, Raven, George Lynch, Doro, Chris Caffrey, Circle II Circle and Manticora. That is one Metal impressive list, if I might say.

* For more info on NECROMANCE and to purchase their Never Look Back demo, just click on the very cool links below:

NECROMANCE – Official Website

NECROMANCE – Reverbnation

Track Listing For Never Look Back:

Never Look Back

Stand Up And Fight

Necromance

The End Of Our Days

Breaking The Chains

Destiny Calls

Remember (Acoustic)

NECROMANCE:

Sarah Teets – vocals

Jeff Teets – guitar

Kalin Schweizerhof – drums

* Chad Hontz played bass on the Never Look Back demo.

* John Gaffney is the current temporary bassist, NECROMANCE is currently seeking a bassist

LONG LIVE NECROMANCE.

Stone.

2 Comments »

AMON AMARTH: “Surtur Rising” Album Cover Art and Track Listing Revealed! Band To Appear On 70,000 Tons Of Metal Cruise Later This Month!

Posted in Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on January 18, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Sweden’s AMON AMARTH are currently gearing up to unleash, Surtur Rising, the eighth studio offering in their critically revered pantheon of Viking-inspired Death Metal. Named in tribute to Surtur, leader of the fire giants of Muspelheim (“flame land”) and the oldest being in the nine worlds of Norse mythology, the record, which was listed among Decibel Magazine’s most anticipated albums of 2011, features 10 tracks of sword-wielding, fist-pumping, hyper climactic battle anthems. The followup to 2008’s monolithic Twilight Of The Thunder God full-length, was recorded, mixed and mastered at Fascination Street Studios Örebro, Sweden with Jens Bogren and features strikingly brutal cover art by Tom Thiel.

Surtur Rising Track Listing:

01. War of the Gods”

02. Töck’s Taunt – Loke’s Treachery Part II

03. Destroyer of the Universe

04. Slaves of Fear

05. Live Without Regrets

06. The Last Stand of Frej

07. For Victory or Death

08. Wrath of the Norsemen

09. A Beast Am I

10. Doom Over Dead Man

As an unofficial kick off to its release, AMON AMARTH will make a live appearance on the long anticipated 70000 Tons Of Metal Cruise, scheduled to take place from January 24th – 28th. The voyage will begin in  Miami, Florida, make its way to Cozumel, Mexico and play host to 40 bands including Voivod, Sodom, Iced Earth, Fear Factory and Obituary. For more info, visit: http://www.70000tons.com

Surtur Rising will be released in North America on March 29, 2011 via Metal Blade Records. Surtur Rising will be released in Europe on March 25, 2011.

http://www.myspace.com/amonamarth

http://www.amonamarth.com

http://www.facebook.com/AmonAmarthBand

http://twitter.com/amonamarthband

LONG LIVE AMON AMARTH.

Stone.

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Metal Odyssey’s Rock Music Book Pick: “A Brief History Of Album Covers”

Posted in album covers, book reviews, classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, Music, punk rock music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news, rock music reviews with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on January 18, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

A BRIEF HISTORY OF ALBUM COVERS – I recently discovered and bought a book that is about one of my favorite Rock ‘N’ Roll topics, that being album covers. A Brief History Of Album Covers set me back just $5 (U.S. funds). The store where I bought this cool book sells nothing higher than $5, hence the store name: Five Below. Now, this is not a used book store, nor a thrift store, all the variety of merchandise is sold as “new” at Five Below. There are a few of these Five Below stores in my area of Eastern Pennsylvania. Finding a book that interests me seems to be the norm, each time I visit a Five Below.

A Brief History Of Album Covers is an entertaining and insightful book to read. Author Jason Draper covers nearly 200 classic album covers, all in chronological order. From the debut and self-titled Elvis Presley album from 1956, to the (best of) Oasis album from 2006 – Stop The Clocks. From the Fifties to the “Noughties” as Jason Draper refers to the Millennium decade, he chooses album covers that are “the most iconic, unusual or representative” of each respective decade. It’s interesting and simply fun to see the album covers which Jason Draper has chosen for this book.

Each album cover has a brief write-up, with an anecdotal approach that works just well with me. Every album that is revisited has it’s respective cover pictured, in full color, along with it’s record label, release dates and songwriters. I find this book to be extremely helpful with it’s details that it offers. A Brief History Of Album Covers could have easily been a mammoth sized coffee table book, however, in this instance, the “less is more” school of thought comes together very attractively. This book has a soft cover and is 384 pages long. The oddball measurements (approximately) for this book are: 6 and 5/8″ x 6 and 1/4″.

There are not an abundance of Heavy Metal album covers found in Jason Draper’s research here and I quite honestly can live with it. Not everyone will submit the same list or book of what they consider to be the standout album covers that span 60 years. Iron Maiden’s third studio album from 1982, The Number Of The Beast is included, along with Van Halen’s 1984 and Led Zeppelin’s ultra-legendary sixth studio album – Physical Graffiti.

(Led Zeppelin – Physical Graffiti)

The diversity is seen here in A Brief History Of Album Covers that lends itself as a tribute to many Rock Music genres, only not all of them. From Frank Sinatra to Lynyrd Skynyrd with Pink Floyd and the Sex Pistols in-between, Jason Draper has accomplished a tidy celebration of album cover art. Sure, if it were my book on a history of album covers I would include representations from Black, Death and Thrash Metal without blinking a Metal eye. As I mentioned earlier though, not everyone will share the same opinion on an absolute list of decade defining album covers.

Even with the lack of Extreme Metal being represented within A Brief History Of Album Covers, I still strongly endorse this book and applaud Jason Draper for revisiting such a tremendous catalog of album covers. His interpretations of the album cover art he compiled, has made me look at these covers with an “open mind” once again. I also commend Jason Draper for paying homage to what is now quickly becoming an obsolete experience for younger generations of music fans, of being able to view and enjoy the album cover art that so often represents the respective music of the album and it’s creators. The LP does live on though, thanks to Jason Draper’s brief journey with all of these cool covers.

There are many interesting facts found in A Brief History Of Album Covers, both historic and artistic. One fact that I was reminded of, (due to my blatantly forgetting about), is the design similarity between Elvis Presley’s 1956 debut album and London Calling by The Clash, which was released back in 1979. Jason Draper refers to The Clash cover as “parodying” the Elvis Presley debut, only I beg to differ. My interpretation is The Clash are paying tribute to a true pioneer of Rock ‘N’ Roll, regardless if the initial intent was to be that of parody or not. Both the Elvis Presley debut album and London Calling are serious representations of their respective Rock genres, therefore the tag of “parody” realistically does not apply. Take a look for yourself below:

Elvis Presley (debut/self titled) – RCA Victor – 1956

The Clash (London Calling) – CBS Records (UK), Epic Records (U.S.)

* Jason Draper is the Reviews Editor for Record Collector Magazine, the United Kingdom’s longest running monthly music magazine, with distribution in the UK and worldwide. Jason Draper is described as a “true collector” on the inside back cover panel of this book… I would tend to agree he surely is, without knowing him.

* The foreword for A Brief History Of Album Covers was written by Paul Du Noyer. As the founder of Mojo (music magazine based in the United Kingdom), Paul Du Noyer has also edited many Rock Music reference books and is an author himself.

* A Brief History Of Album Covers was first published in 2008, by Flame Tree Publishing, based in the United Kingdom.

LONG LIVE ALBUM COVERS.

LONG LIVE THE POWER OF MUSIC.

Stone.

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Cheap Trick “Dream Police” – Pops Into My Head, Has Me Revisiting 1979…

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on January 17, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

CHEAP TRICK – Just like it was yesterday. That’s how it feels each time I listen to the 1979 Dream Police album from Cheap Trick. Those days of just playing pick-up basketball games around the neighborhood, going to friends birthday parties on Saturdays, messing around at the roller rink, hanging out at my grandma’s, reading MAD Magazine and having a major crush on Loni Anderson. Back then, I even had a huge crush on Donna Pescow, (she played Angie, on her own sitcom Angie). Yup.

I don’t know exactly why I had Dream Police playing in my head today… maybe because this song reminds me of Winter more than any other season. Songs will do that though… they just “pop” into my head without warning. I’m sure you know what I mean. Wow, maybe “those” Dream Police really do “live inside of my head”. Hey, as long as they’re cool songs that “pop” into my head and not something from The Wiggles (from days when my girls were crawling and rolling on the floor). Whatever the reason why Dream Police caught me off guard today, this song ROCKS and so does Cheap Trick. Metal be thy name.

I hope you enjoy this song and dig Cheap Trick too. This video below is Classic Cheap Trick. ‘Nuff said. If you don’t dig Cheap Trick, well, then go take a laxative and stop watching C-SPAN for awhile.

Back on May 16, 2009, I posted about this Rocktastic Cheap Trick album – Dream Police. If you like to read about it, just click the giant header-link below:

Cheap Trick – “Dream Police” an essential Hard Rock album

CHEAP TRICK SHOULD BE INDUCTED INTO THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME.

LONG LIVE CHEAP TRICK.

Stone.

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Super Bowl XLV – My “Dream Metal” Halftime Show I’d Like To Share

Posted in football, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, sports with tags , , , , , , , , , on January 15, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

SUPER BOWL XLV – Regardless of the performers who have been chosen for this years Super Bowl XLV, I have my own “Dream Metal Halftime Show” I’d like to share with the world. Some may disagree with the performers I have chosen, while others will raise the horns to the air and be pleased. Whichever is the case, this is about “personal” choice. Personal Metal choice, that is.

I’d love to see Lemmy, Phil and Mikkey up on that stage… ripping out Killed By Death. Then, it would be so righteous to see and hear Lemmy state to millions of fans worldwide, via live simulcast: “We’re Motörhead and we’re a Rock ‘N’ Roll Band”.

Just to see and hear Klaus Meine belting out: “big city, big city nights!” on that Super Bowl stage would be a Metal moment to remember… especially since the Scorpions are currently in the midst of their three year farewell tour.

Oh, man, would it be a Metal treat to witness Rob Halford as he stalks the Super Bowl stage… singing with Classic Metal defiance: “some heads are gonna roll!” The vision of K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton side by side, trading off guitar licks would be a Metal sight to behold. A Metal Super Bowl XLV sight to behold, that is. What a tremendous way for Judas Priest to kick off their 2011 farewell tour… the Metal thought of it all is fun stuff.

As a last thought to my “Dream Metal” Super Bowl XLV Halftime Show, I would be psyched out of my Metal mind, to see and hear Hank Williams Jr. bellow out: “are you ready for some Metal!”

It’s just too bad that I, along with other Metalheads that span generations, will have to watch mainstream Pop performing at Super Bowl XLV instead.

METAL BE THY NAME.

* BONUS Super Bowl XLV Fact: Stone is the same age as the Super Bowl.

LONG LIVE THE SUPER BOWL.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

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COHEED AND CAMBRIA “NEVERENDER SSTB” U.S. and Toronto 2011 Tour Dates!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, progressive metal, progressive rock, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on January 14, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

COHEED AND CAMBRIA – Progressive Rock/Metal giants COHEED AND CAMBRIA are getting ready to tour the U.S. and Toronto, Ontario, Canada this April and May of 2011! Below is the band telling all about this upcoming NEVERENDER SSTB Tour, as quoted from the COHEED AND CAMBRIA newsletter, January 14, 2011:

“Hey All,

In case you haven’t heard, we are performing our debut album, The Second Stage Turbine Blade, in it’s entirety in 23 cities across the US and in Toronto, Canada.

The “Evening with” format means we’ll do the full set electric, along with a 30-40 minute acoustic set, and a bonus electric set. No support bands.

Most of the shows are on sale now, a few go on sale tomorrow (and Oakland on Sunday)”. Full dates and ticket links are posted here:www.coheedandcambria.com

We hope to see you at the shows!!

April & May 2011 Tour Dates:

4/08 Kansas City, MO – Midland Theater
4/09 Dallas, TX – Palladium
4/11 Austin, TX – Stubbs
4/12 Houston, TX – Warehouse Live
4/14 Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle
4/15 Tampa, FL – Jannus Live
4/18 Charlotte, NC – Fillmore
4/19 Baltimore, MD – Rams Head Live
4/20 Washington, DC – 9:30 Club
4/22 Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom
4/25 Boston, MA – House of Blues
4/26 Philadelphia, PA – Electric Factory
4/27 Toronto, ON – Kool Haus
4/29 Detroit, MI – Royal Oak Music Theater
4/30 Chicago, IL – House of Blues5/02 Denver, CO – Ogden Theater
5/03 Salt Lake City, UT – In the Venue
5/05 Seattle, WA – Showbox Sodo
5/06 Portland, OR – Roseland Theater
5/07 Oakland, CA – Fox Theater
5/09 Tempe, AZ – Marquee Theater
5/10 San Diego, CA – House of Blues
5/11 Los Angeles, CA – Club Nokia

www.coheedandcambria.com
www.twitter.com/coheed
www.facebook.com/coheedandcambria

COHEED AND CAMBRIA – Year Of The Black Rainbow was released on April 13, 2010, via Sony.

LONG LIVE COHEED AND CAMBRIA.

Stone.

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WINO Acoustic Performance In LA This Saturday! Plus More Tour Dates With Scott Kelly Listed!

Posted in doom metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on January 13, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

WINO – Legendary Doom Metal guitarist and vocalist Scott Wino Weinrich (The Obsessed, Saint Vitus, Spirit Caravan, Shrinebuilder), will be performing a solo acoustic set this Saturday, January 15th at Volcom’s store in Los Angeles! At this special one-off performance, Wino will be performing tracks from his first ever collection of acoustic anthems on his new solo album Adrift. The show in LA is FREE to the public, but those attending are to RSVP at Wino’s new website: http://www.scottweinrich.com/

As previously announced, Wino will also hit the road this February on a short acoustic tour with longtime friend and Shrinebuilder band mate Scott Kelly of Neurosis. Sponsored by BrooklynVegan, the tour will venture through California, Texas, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland and New York, showcasing both legendary artists in solo, acoustic mode.

Wino/Scott Kelly February 2011 Tour:

2/05/2011 Viper Room – Hollywood, CA
2/07/2011 Casbah – San Diego, CA
2/08/2011 Emo’s – Austin, TX
2/09/2011 Abbey Pub – Chicago, IL
2/10/2011 Great Scott – Allston, MA
2/11/2011 Sonar – Baltimore, MD w/ Darsombra
2/12/2011 Mercury Lounge – New York, NY w/ Man’s Gin

Adrift is set for North American release on respected German label Exile On Mainstream Records March 8th, 2011, the label now distributed domestically by E1 Entertainment. A limited edition vinyl version of the album featuring extended liner notes and more is to be released in the U.S. on January 18th by Volcom Entertainment.

(Source: Earsplit PR, January 13, 2011)

LONG LIVE WINO.

LONG LIVE SCOTT KELLY.

Stone.

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VANDEN PLAS “Holes In The Sky” – Music Video… ROCKS!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, Power Metal, progressive metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on January 13, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

VANDEN PLAS – Holes In The Sky, the brand new music video from German Progressive Metal Band VANDEN PLAS, is the “first regular video clip in VANDEN PLAS band history”… and it flat out Rocks! Holes In The Sky is a melodically heavy song that has caught my Metal attention like a thunder strike. This song is from the new and sixth VANDEN PLAS studio album Seraphic Clockwork, released in the U.S. on June 22, 2010 via Frontiers Records. I like everything about this song, from the  smooth and harmonious vocals of Andy Kuntz to the atmospheric keyboards of Günter Werno.

If you are into Power Metal, Progressive Power Metal and/or Melodic Metal, then check out this exceptional song below and give your ears the candy it deserves. My ears are asking for more…

VANDEN PLAS:

Andy Kuntz – vocals

Stephan Lill – guitars

Torsten Reichert – bass

Günter Werno – keyboards

Andreas Lill – drums

Track Listing For: The Seraphic Clockwork:

Frequency

Holes In The Sky

Scar Of An Angel

Sound Of Blood

The Final Murder

Quicksilver

Rush Of Silence

On My Way To Jerusalem

Eleyson (bonus track)

(Seraphic Clockwork back cover)

* For more info on VANDEN PLAS, click here: VANDEN PLAS – Official Website

LONG LIVE VANDEN PLAS.

Stone.

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KOPEK – To Tour With HINDER, SAVING ABEL and MY DARKEST DAYS Starting January 21, 2011!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock and roll news, rock concerts, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on January 12, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

KOPEK – See Ireland’s hottest, Hard Rockin’ and critically acclaimed band from Dublin! KOPEK is coming back to America and will be touring with HINDER, MY DARKEST DAYS and SAVING ABEL on the dates/venues listed below! This highly anticipated tour begins on January 21st in Jackson Mississippi! Welcome back to the U.S.A. KOPEK… now ROCK the daylights out of your fans!

01/21/11 @ Fire – Jackson, MS

01/23/11 @ The Masquerade – Atlanta, GA

01/25/11 @ Hard Rock Live – Orlando, FL

01/27/11 @ Carolina Theater – Greensboro, NC

01/28/11 @ Harrah’s Cherokee – Cherokee, NC

01/29/11 @ House Of Blues – Myrtle Beach, SC

01/30/11 @ The Norva – Norfolk, VA

02/01/11 @ Northern Lights – Clifton Park, NY

02/02/11 @ Royale – Boston, MA

02/04/11 @ Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel – Providence, RI

02/05/11 @ The Armory – Manchester, NH

02/08/11 @ Best Buy Theater – New York, NY

02/09/11 @ State Theater – Portland, ME

02/10/11 @ Sherman Theater – Stroudsburg, PA

02/12/11 @ Club Fever – Southbend, IN

02/13/11 @ Dow Event Center – Saginaw, MI

02/14/11 @ House Of Blues – Chicago, IL

02/15/11 @ Verizon Wireless Center – Mankato, MN

02/17/11 @ Osage Elm Casino – Tulsa, OK

02/19/11 @ First Council Casino – Newkirk, OK

* More dates will be announced shortly!

KOPEK:

Daniel Jordan – lead vocals & guitar

Brad Kinsella – bass guitar

Shane Cooney – drums

The digital release of White Collar Lies was released back on June 29, 2010. * The U.S. debut release for the physical CD of White Collar Lies is March 1st, 2011! White Collar Lies is being released on Religion Music via SIN/Sony Independent Network.

This debut album from KOPEK has received it’s Hard Rockin’, double-fist to the air approval from Metal Odyssey! White Collar Lies was chosen as the #5 Album Of The Year for 2010 by Metal Odyssey! You can read the complete album review for White Collar Lies, as it was featured on Metal Odyssey back on June 28, 2010. Just click the large header below!

KOPEK “WHITE COLLAR LIES” – DEBUT ALBUM IS A PRESENT & FUTURE STANDOUT OF MODERN ROCK

On July 20, 2010, Metal Odyssey featured an interview with Daniel Jordan, vocalist/guitarist for KOPEK! If you missed it, you can still read it by clicking the big header link below:

KOPEK VOCALIST/GUITARIST DANIEL JORDAN – A METAL ODYSSEY INTERVIEW!

* For more info on KOPEK, just click on the link below:

KOPEK – MySpace Music Page

KOPEK… ROCKS!

LONG LIVE KOPEK.

Stone.

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Funniest Heavy Metal Album Covers… Here’s Five!

Posted in album covers, classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on January 11, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

FUNNIEST HEAVY METAL ALBUM COVERS – It’s time to laugh out loud or at least crack a smile… or maybe two. I have always been a fan of memorable album covers. From Horror themes to dragons and every flaming Flying V guitar in-between, I find album artwork to be a representation of the respective musician or band’s music heard within. This may not always be the case, however, it is more often than not a pretty good gauge when caught up in a “blind purchase”. Funny album covers are out there as well and there are perhaps a countless variety of them.

I dug up five funny album covers recently, just to throw out to the world for some Metal lightheartedness. Drop a comment about any other funny album cover you want to laugh about. I hope you get a chuckle out of ’em like I have. If these funny album covers don’t have you cracking even the slightest smile, well, then, your most likely constipated and it is making you grouchy.

#5

PRIMUS – Frizzle Fry

No matter how you slice it, Les Claypool and his Funky band PRIMUS do belong in the Heavy Metal family. This “head thing” in the frying pan, on the 1990 album cover for Frizzle Fry, always has me laughing out loud. Plus, there have been times, where an omelette I’ve cooked slightly resembles this grotesquely funny atrocity. This is not the type of thing you want to find, staring up at you from a port-O-potty toilet at the country fair.

#4

Ugly Kid Joe – America’s Least Wanted

Another Funky Heavy Metal band, Ugly Kid Joe’s kid mascot always put’s a grin on my face. This time around, on America’s Least Wanted, (their 1992 debut full-length), that cartoon mascot kid can’t bug on any adult conversation.

#3

Scorpions – Lovedrive

Released back in 1979, on Mercury Records, this is a classic Scorpions album, even if it doesn’t boast a Top 40 ballad or an MTV smash hit video. Coast To Coast and Holiday are two songs worth the price of picking up this album alone. Now, can someone explain to me, how a dude can get caught in a pickle like this? What makes it so funny to me, is it’s visually bizarre… plus, seeing a huge sticky wad of bubble gum, being pulled from this ballroom babe’s breast is downright funny!

#2

NOISY MAMA – Everybody Has One

Released back in 1991, on ATCO/Atlantic Records, this NOISY MAMA album cover is simply a funny classic. The album cover illustration was created by Ed “Big Daddy” Roth, who created the iconic hot-rod mascot of the 1960’s and ’70’s known as Rat Fink. “Big Daddy” opened the door to custom automotive cartoon art. As a custom car builder, he helped to create and innovate Kustom Kulture. Ed “Big Daddy” Roth passed away back in 2001, still, his legendary custom cars, album artwork and illustrations for the hot-rod community live on. It’s album artwork like you see here, that makes it so damn cool to buy the physical CD and have the liner notes to enjoy. Take that mp3’s.

For all Metal intents and purposes, this NOISY MAMA band knew how to play some good-times, Hard Rockin’ songs. Everybody Has One… ROCKS! You can hear for yourself, by clicking on the link below. This link will take you to a myspace music fan page for NOISY MAMA, where there are some of their songs streaming to ROCK OUT to!

NOISY MAMA – myspace music fan page

#1

DANGER DANGER – Screw It!

From 1991, it’s DANGER DANGER with Screw It. This was their second studio album, released on Epic Records. A while back, best Metal buddy Scott Coverdale reminded me of this hilarious album cover, which in turn, prompted me to revisit it and take in these songs from Screw It! once again. I’m telling you, that gorilla is funny, while he is holding that jungle hottie while she is ready to devour that lucky banana! In my Metal opinion, this is an excellent Hair Metal album from Danger Danger. Screw It! is definitely worth owning. The only drawback, is Yeah, You Want It! is a Rap/Metal song that stinks like skunk poop that’s roasting in the hot Summer sun.

LONG LIVE FUNNY HEAVY METAL ALBUM COVERS.

Stone.

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KISS “KILLERS” – A Piece Of Vinyl KISStory From 1982!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on January 9, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

KISS – Sometime back in 1982 or 1983, I bought the KISS KILLERS album. I can vividly recall when I first saw this album though, it was at a small pop culture store that sold plenty of cool Heavy Metal albums from the 1970’s right up to those early 80’s. My cousin Randy worked at this store, he was always astute at Rock ‘N’ Roll history and what the newest album releases of the day were.

I didn’t hesitate about buying this KISS album then, knowing at the time it was an import, KILLERS was not a mass release within the United States. It was quite an impressive find for any KISS fan back then, even more so today, (see used prices below). The asking price for KILLERS set me back around $7 (U.S.) all those years ago. $7 back in ’82/’83 for a teen Metalhead like me was still a chunk of cheese.

Still having this KISS album in my collection is quite a thrill. I am proud of myself for not selling or trading away this piece of KISStory after all these years. (There are some KISS albums and KISS Kollectibles that I have moronically let go during my lifetime). My copy of KILLERS is in as near perfect condition as you could ever ask for, with no wear to the album jacket or vinyl. I truly took great care of this album over the years.

KILLERS was released a year after The Elder and is the first album cover to have Eric Carr pictured as a member of KISS, being released months before the amazing Creatures Of The Night album. This album is a greatest hits of the time, with four new studio tracks. Those tracks being: I’m A Legend Tonight, Down On Your Knees, Nowhere To Run and Partners In Crime.

KILLERS never came with any inside liner notes, nor are there any musician credits listed on the back cover. I’ve read throughout the years, from many sources, that Bob Kulick, (Bruce Kulick’s older brother), was the guitarist on the four new tracks. Obviously, Eric Carr was the drummer on the four new tracks.

Track Listing For KILLERS:

SIDE I:

I’m A Legend Tonight

Down On Your Knees

Cold Gin

Love Gun

Shout It Out Loud

Sure Know Something

SIDE II:

Nowhere To Run

Partners In Crime

Detroit Rock City

God Of Thunder

I Was Made For Loving You

Rock & Roll All Nite (live version)

* KILLERS was released on Casablanca Records, with their parent company phonogram having their logo at the bottom right corner on the back cover.

* As of January 8, 2011, there are 7 used KISS KILLERS albums (vinyl) for sale on Amazon.com. The prices range from $26.98 to $106.04 in U.S. funds.

* KILLERS was produced by Michael James Jackson, (no, not the Michael Jackson). The album cover design is by Howard Marks Advertising, Inc.

There’s definitely better images out there of this KISS KILLERS album cover. I just wanted to show the world the exact copy that I own. The colors on the album cover I own, are much more vibrant than shown. The back cover design is very simple and it never impressed me. You just can’t beat owning any KISS vinyl. Check it out below:

Front cover of KISS KILLERS

Back cover of KISS KILLERS

LONG LIVE KISS.

LONG LIVE KISS ROCK ‘N’ ROLL.

Stone.

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