Archive for the Hard Rock Category

Audio Fidelity To Release Classic Alice Cooper Album ‘Billion Dollar Babies’ On Hybrid SACD, On February 4, 2014!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, news, rock bands, rock music, rock music news, world news with tags , , , , , , , on January 30, 2014 by Metal Odyssey

Alice Cooper Billion Dollar SACD - promo cover pic - 2014

Camarillo, CA – Alice Cooper fans worldwide rejoice! Marshall Blonstein’s Audio Fidelity is releasing Alice Cooper’s classic album ‘Billion Dollar Babies’ on Hybrid SACD on February 4, 2014! As a bonus, along with the meticulously reproduced artwork, enclosed in every CD is the very collectible replicated ‘Billion Dollar Bill’.

With ‘Billion Dollar Babies’, Alice Cooper refined the raw grit of their earlier work in favor of a slightly more polished sound resulting in a mega-hit album that reached the top of the US and UK album charts. It’s impossible to overstate how popular the band had become by the time their sixth album was released. The album, is brilliant, decadent and encapsulated all the celebrity trashiness of the 70’s only three years into the decade.

Song for song, ‘Billion Dollar Babies’ is probably the original Alice Cooper group’s finest and strongest. The album’s singles “Elected”, “Hello Hooray”, “Billion Dollar Babies”,and “No More Mr. Nice Guy” all became hits on the Billboard Hot 100. Also included are a pair of perennial concert standards – the disturbing necrophilia ditty “I Love the Dead” and the chilling macabre of “Sick Things”.

Alice Cooper Billion Bill - promo - 2014

After the album was released, the band embarked on a tour which broke the US box office records previously held by the Rolling Stones. The show climaxed with a guillotine execution of Alice. The album and the tour made the band into the world’s preeminent pied pipers of teenage trash culture and the most successful rock band ever to be loathed by American parents.

“Other than the original ‘Alice Cooper Band’ being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame in 2011, our second biggest achievement was when our album ‘Billion Dollar Babies’ went to Number #1 in all three music trade magazines at the same time in April of 1973. Number #1 in Billboard, Number #1 in Record World and Number #1 in Cash Box. We had hoped it would sell Gold or Platinum as a follow-up to the success of our album ‘School’s Out’, but a Number #1 album was something that was totally unexpected. Over the years the title track “Billion Dollar Babies” has become my signature song because of the recognizable drum intro.” – Neal Smith, Alice Cooper drummer and founding member

“I remember we were out on the road when the album finally came out in February 1973. I listened to it in my hotel room and just got this really big smile. I was thinking, ‘It’s amazing, we’re really pulling this off’. The album was very, very unique and very, very different. I was really proud of the songs, especially ‘No More Mr Nice Guy’, ‘Billion Dollar Babies’ and ‘Generation Landslide’.” – Michael Bruce, Alice Cooper guitarist/keyboardist and founding member

Alice Cooper Billion Dollar SACD - promo cover pic - 2014

To purchase: http://www.audiofidelity.net/content/alice-cooper-billion-dollar-babies

TRACKS:

1. Hello Hooray

2. Raped and Freezin’

3. Elected

4. Billion Dollar Babies

5. Unfinished Sweet

6. No More Mr. Nice Guy

7. Generation Landslide

8. Sick Things

9. Mary-Ann

10. I Love the Dead

________________________________

Produced by Bob Ezrin

Mastered by Steve Hoffman at Stephen Marsh Mastering

“…it remains one of rock’s quintessential classic albums!”

___________________________________

(Source: Glass Onyon PR)

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LONG LIVE ALICE COOPER BAND.

LONG LIVE ALICE COOPER.

Stone.

I LOVE RICH – “Respect The Rich” Is Stone’s METAL Pick Of The Day!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Music, news, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news, world news with tags , , , , , , on January 29, 2014 by Metal Odyssey

I Love Rich - Respect The Rich - promo cover pic - 2014

4 Metal Fists Out Of 5!

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I LOVE RICH – It happened a couple of weeks ago. I was minding my own business, while checking out my email inbox. Then I saw it. Rich, the frontman  for “I Love Rich” wanted to know if I would like a copy of his band’s new CD to review: Respect The Rich. The CD arrived in the mail some days later. I opened the package and stared at this fun looking CD cover art and thought, as the legendary Mick Jagger would sing: it’s only Rock And Roll (but I like it).

Before this historical email from Rich, I never heard of his band before. Heck, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. The last thing I need in my Metal life right now is a group of Rock And Roll troublemakers, from Chicago, messing with me to review their new CD. I felt worry overcome me, slightly. I slapped in and listened to this Respect The Rich CD into my laptop; then eventually into my home stereo. Both results were the same. I LOVE RICH ROCKS!!

I Love Rich - Respect The Rich - promo cover pic - 2014

One thing is for certain, Rich and his band have received an obvious influence from early 70’s KISS. That’s a very good thing too. Rich actually has a cool resemblance, vocally, to the legendary Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons. In my Metal opinion, that is. Respect The Rich have 6 original songs on their new CD, with 2 added alternate versions of (You’re So Hot) I’m Gonna Fuck You With The Lights On. It’s honestly a fascinating song and Rocks so well! A true sing-along Hard Rock song if I’ve ever heard one.

I Love Rich plays their Hard Rock with conviction and there’s no smoke or mirrors about their sound or songs. Hell, Classic Rock and red-blooded Hard Rockers should get a dizzying kick out of this band! I Love Rich is a band that makes me proud to live in the Mid West. Just like my other Mid West, DIY band favorites, I Love Rich are contributing to the Rock And Roll cause in a very splendid way, indeed. ALL of the songs on Respect The Rich flat-out Rock and I would love to see I Love Rich in a live setting. Hell yes, I would.

With a BIG guitar driven sound, impressive vocals and kick-ass musicianship all-around, I Love Rich have delivered to me a memorable CD! You can’t kill blue-collar Rock And Roll and I Love Rich are proof positive of this. Life can be filled with Rockin’ surprises and that’s why I do check my email inbox everyday. A talented and underground Rock And Roll band that’s been paying their dues, going on 2 decades, I cannot resist respecting. I Love Rich and their Midwest Rock And Roll kicks legitimate ass. Metal be thy name. – Stone

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Now… go online and buy Respect The Rich, it’s available on iTunes and at cdbaby. Click the cdbaby link below! Whoa!

http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/ILOVERICH

YOU can listen to I Love Rich – Respect The Rich in its entirety, by using that super-amazing SoundCloud song box below! Whoa!

I Love Rich - promo live band pic - 2013 - #4009876

RESPECT THE RICH – Track Listing:

01 – Respect The Rich (Intro)

02 – (You’re So Hot) I’m Gonna Fuck You With The Lights On

03 – Wake Up, Let Me Rock You

04 – We’re Here To Save Rock And Roll

05 – Fight The Fire

06 – If You Don’t Take Your Clothes Off, Tonight’s Gonna Suck

07 – (You’re So Hot) I’m Gonna Fuck You With The Lights On (Rock En Espanol Version)

08 – (You’re So Hot) I’m Gonna Fuck You With The Lights On (Clean radio version AKA (You’re So Hot) I’m Gonna Love You With The Lights On)

I Love Rich - Respect The Rich - promo cover pic - 2014

* For more info on I LOVE RICH:

Facebook: I Love Rich

Website: http://www.iloverich.net

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LONG LIVE I LOVE RICH.

LONG LIVE CHICAGO.

LONG LIVE ROCK ‘N ROLL.

Stone.

MY CD FIND ALERT! The King Biscuit Flower Hour/Best Of The Best – 25 Years Of Rock

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Music, news, rock bands, rock music, rock music news, world news with tags , , , , , , , on January 26, 2014 by Metal Odyssey

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I stopped by my local Buyback$ (used CD/video/gaming) store last weekend, while searching for used Queen CD’s. I didn’t find any Queen; instead I found and bought the King Biscuit Flower Hour/Best Of The Best – 25 Years Of Rock. I couldn’t resist grabbing this CD right away, for I grew up listening to the King Biscuit Flower Hour and have fond memories of listening to the live concerts that this iconic FM radio show sponsored. Heck, the King Biscuit Flower Hour introduced my ears to full-length live concerts, well before I went to a real live concert! Good times.

From 7th grade through my high school years, (1978 – 1984) the King Biscuit Flower Hour introduced to me many, many Classic Rock bands that I still listen to today. From Genesis to Triumph, with America and The Kinks in-between, this CD not only takes me back on memory lane… this CD flat-out Rocks! There are 16 songs, with 16 different Classic Rock bands represented, in all of their live glory! A solid and honest production, a crisp (and often raw) sound creates an honest-to-goodness live feel which overflows from this whiz-bang CD!

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Isn’t it funny, how back in the 70’s and into the 80’s the genre of Classic Rock really didn’t exist yet? Now we all group these bands and their songs into Classic Rock. Hilarious. Um, not really. This all really means I’m getting old. Then again, if my memory serves me correct, the songs from the 50’s and 60’s were called The Golden Oldies back in the 80’s. Um, yeah.

I paid $3.99 (U.S.) for this used CD. The record label is none other than: King Biscuit Flower Hour Records. The release year is printed on the actual CD as: 1998. You can buy this CD on Amazon.com; where I’ve seen 3 used copies for sale, ranging in price from $3.46 to $26.25 (U.S.). I absolutely love this CD, with The Kinks Lola, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Call Me The Breeze and Carry On Wayward Son from Kansas being grand highlights for me. The liner notes are fabulous, with 4 color and black & white band pics, a tidy history of this legendary live radio show, plus testimonials.

There is, actually, We Will Rock You by (of course) Queen on this CD, therefore, I did find Queen on this trip to Buyback$ after all. Good times. Metal be thy name. – Stone

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The track list is as follows and it’s a dandy:

01 – Genesis – That’s All

02 – Queen – We Will Rock You

03 – The Who – Won’t Get Fooled Again

04 – Foreigner – Cold As Ice

05 – Kansas – Carry On Wayward Son

06 – Lynyrd Skynyrd – Call Me The Breeze

07 – Emerson, Lake & Palmer – Lucky Man

08 – Rush – Limelight

09 – Pat Benatar – Hit Me With Your Best Shot

10 – The Kinks – Lola

11 – America – Horse With No Name

12 – Bachman-Turner Overdrive – Takin’ Care Of Business

13 – Billy Squier – The Stroke

14 – Rick Derringer – Rock And Roll Hoochie Koo

15 – Triumph – Allied Forces

16 – Blondie – One Way Or Another

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LONG LIVE THE LEGACY OF THE KING BISCUIT FLOWER HOUR.

LONG LIVE CLASSIC ROCK.

LONG LIVE ROCK ‘N ROLL.

Stone.

DEF LEPPARD “Slang” Deluxe Edition – Releases February 11th, 2014

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, Music, news, rock bands, rock music, rock music news, world news with tags , , , , , , , on January 25, 2014 by Metal Odyssey

Def Leppard - Slang - Deluxe Edition - promo cover pic - 2014

Def Leppard announce the release of a Deluxe Edition of their 1996 classic album Slang across multiple formats on 11 February.

The Slang reissue will be available in 3 formats: a CD Deluxe Edition and Digital Edition containing the original 11 album tracks re-mastered and original rare bonus tracks made up of demos, alternate versions and mixes with a series of new songs recorded during the time the band was creating Slang. Most of these additional bonus tracks have never been released. A special iTunes Digital Edition will have everything from the Digital Edition, plus a further set of additional bonus tracks. A Double Vinyl Deluxe Edition will also be available and will feature the original album, and its own set of exclusive songs.

The band will release a special Slang Video Collection the same day (February 11th) exclusively on iTunes that will feature videos from singles “Slang,” “Work It Out,” and “All I’ve Ever Wanted.”

Pre-order now:

Walmart

FYE

Best Buy

CD Universe

Barnes & Noble

Amazon

Slang was first released in May 1996 and is considered the band’s most underrated album. At the time of its release, the music industry was at the height of the 90s grunge scene and Def Leppard with bands like Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots and Pearl Jam were dominating the airwaves. Despite this musical shift, Slang charted on the Top Five UK Official Chart and the Top 15 in the US on Billboard’s Top 200 Chart, plus the UK rock magazine Q named the project as one of the Top 10 Albums of the Year.

As a testament to their music transcending through time, Slang was recognized for its musical departure from the band’s signature sound. The collection incorporated new sonic elements that gave the album a slightly darker introspective mood than their previous releases. As Phil Collen stated in an interview with Metal Hammer UK, “We’ve all got personal things that have happened during the recording of Slang, and we’ve just ploughed on and some of it has come out on the record.”

Def Leppard - Slang - Deluxe Edition - promo cover pic - 2014

Slang Deluxe Edition – Track Listings:

CD/ Digital Edition

Disc 1

1. Truth?

2. Turn to Dust

3. Slang

4. All I Want Is Everything

5. Work It Out

6. Breathe a Sigh

7. Deliver Me

8. Gift of Flesh

9. Blood Runs Cold

10. Where Does Love Go When It Dies

11. Pearl of Euphoria

12. Move with Me Slowly

13. Truth? (Original Version)

14. Burn Out

15. Worlds Collide

16. Can’t Keep Away from the Flame

Disc 2

1. Turn to Dust (1st Draft)

2. Raise Your Love

3. All I Want Is Everything (1st Draft)

4. Work It Out (1st Draft)

5. Breathe a Sigh (Rough Mix)

6. Deliver Me (Rough Mix)

7. Black Train

8. Blood Runs Cold (Rough Mix)

9. Where Does Love Go When It Dies (1st Draft)

10. Pearl of Euphoria (Rough Mix)

11. All on Your Touch (2012 Revisit)

12. Anger Me (Deliver Me -1st Draft)

13. Move on Up (Viv Demo)

14. Gift of Flesh (Phil Vocal)

Def Leppard - Slang - Deluxe Edition - promo cover pic - 2014

Double 180g Vinyl

Side 1

1. Truth?

2. Turn to Dust

3. Slang

4. All I Want Is Everything

5. Work It Out

Side 2

6. Breathe a Sigh

7. Deliver Me

8. Gift of Flesh

9. Blood Runs Cold

10. Where Does Love Go When It Dies

Side 3

11. Pearl of Euphoria

12. Move with Me Slowly

13. Truth? (original version)

Side 4

14. Burn Out

15. Worlds Collide

16. Can’t Keep Away from the Flame

17. All on Your Touch (2012 Revisit)

18. Black Train

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* Special contribution by Scott Coverdale.

* Source:

http://www.defleppard.com/news

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Facebook: Def Leppard

Website: http://www.defleppard.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/def_leppard

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LONG LIVE DEF LEPPARD.

DEF LEPPARD… ROCKS.

Stone.

LACUNA COIL – Unveil Album Cover And Track Listing For “BROKEN CROWN HALO” – REVOLVER Hottest Chicks In Rock Tour Begins February 20th

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, news, rock music, rock music news, world news with tags , , , , , on January 25, 2014 by Metal Odyssey

Lacuna Coil - Broken Crown Halo - promo cover pic - 2014

Lacuna Coil has released the cover and track-listing for their new album ‘Broken Crown Halo’. The new record will be available in stores and digitally on March 31st in Europe and April 1st in North America, on Century Media Records.

The album is the band’s seventh studio effort, and the highly anticipated follow-up to ‘Dark Adrenaline’, which was released in January 2012 and saw the band tour with acts including Megadeth, Motorhead, Volbeat, Sevendust and Paradise Lost after debuting at No. 15 on the Billboard Top 200 album chart.

BROKEN CROWN HALO – Track Listing:

1.         Nothing Stands In Our Way

2.         Zombies

3.         Hostage To The Light

4.         Victims

5.         Die & Rise

6.         I Forgive (But I Won’t Forget Your Name)

7.         Cybersleep

8.         Infection

9.         I Burn In You

10.       In The End I Feel Alive

11.       On Cold Day

Lacuna Coil - promo band pic - #4499 - 2014

The band had this to say about the album artwork: “We are fighting for a kingdom and a crown that is not what it seems to be, one that in reality represents the moment of confusion we’re living in, and the very fragile situation we’re facing every day.”

LACUNA COIL return to the road to introduce North America to ‘BROKEN CROWN HALO’ as part of the REVOLVER HOTTEST CHICKS IN HARD ROCK TOUR, which launches February 20 and features LACUNA COIL sharing a stage with SICK PUPPIES, Century Media Records labelmates EYES SET TO KILL, and CILVER. The tour launches in Wilmington, NC, and runs through March 20 in Anaheim, CA. See complete itinerary below, and visit www.hottestchickstour.com for additional details and VIP packages.

LACUNA COIL have this to say about ‘BROKEN CROWN HALO’:

“What conflict could run so deep that it takes you to the deepest corners of your inner world? Today we are surrounded by a lot of lies, aliases, and people acting like they are wearing an invisible crown – but you better have thick skin if you want to wear this crown! ‘BROKEN CROWN HALO’ is a cinematic album that could be the soundtrack of our days – it is a dark vision of a near future when survival is second nature, and failure is not something to be avoided, but rather cultivated with lessons learned along the way.

We set the bar pretty high with ‘Dark Adrenaline’ and it hasn’t been easy bringing our sound to the next level, but we have lived, learned and grown through a year full of personal issues and changes. We learned to be strong and get stronger, and we felt an inner vibe in this band that we haven’t felt before. We locked ourselves in an age-old studio in Milan, Italy, where history was strong and the past met with our future, vintage gear and the influence of classic Italian horror movies and bands like Goblin meeting the fresh and rough sounds of the modern world with unique and invigorating results. ‘BROKEN CROWN HALO’ is Lacuna Coil introducing a new order, and letting nothing stand in our way…”

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LACUNA COIL were joined in their native Italy by producer Jay Baumgardner [P.O.D., Sevendust, Evanescence, Papa Roach] and engineer Kyle Hoffmann [P.O.D., Bush, Zebrahead]. ‘BROKEN CROWN HALO’ was mastered by Howie Weinberg, whose credits include Rammstein, Soundgarden, Nirvana, Deftones and Pantera.

Revolver - Hottest Chicks In Hard Rock Tour - 2014 - Lacuna Coil - promo banner

REVOLVER HOTTEST CHICKS IN ROCK TOUR – LACUNA COIL with SICK PUPPIES, EYES SET TO KILL & CILVER

FEBRUARY:

20: Wilmington, NC – Ziggy’s By The Sea
21: Atlanta, GA – Masquerade
22: Lexington, KY – Buster’s
23: Springfield, VA – Empire
24: New York, NY – Irving Plaza
26: Worcester, MA – Palladium
27: Lancaster, PA – Chameleon Club
28: Columbus, OH – Alrosa Villa

MARCH:

01: Joliet, IL – Mojoe’s
02: South Bend, IN – Club Fever
05: Broussard, LA – The Station Live
06: Houston, TX – Scout Bar
07: Austin, TX – Infest
08: Dallas, TX – Gas Monkey
10: Denver, CO – Summit Music Hall
12: Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex
14: Spokane, WA – Knitting Factory
15: Seattle, WA – Studio Seven
19: Los Angeles, CA – House Of Blues
20: Anaheim, CA – House Of Blues

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(Source: Lacuna Coil Facebook & Century Media)

* For more info on LACUNA COIL:

Facebook: Lacuna Coil

Website: http://www.lacunacoil.it

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lacuna_coil

Century Media Records - logo - B&W

Website: http://www.centurymedia.com

Shop: http://www.cmdistro.com

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LONG LIVE LACUNA COIL.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

Michael Sweet Of Stryper – Expresses Thoughts On His New Solo Album “I’m Not Your Suicide”

Posted in christian rock, classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, news, rock music, rock music news, world news with tags , , , , , , , on January 24, 2014 by Metal Odyssey

Michael Sweet - publicity pic - #8558 - 2014

(Photo Credit: Michael Sweet Facebook)

As written by Michael Sweet and originally posted on the STRYPER Facebook page:

It’s an opportunity for me to express myself in new ways, and experiment a little more musically. As a writer, I respect all styles of music and although hard rock/metal is where I lay my head, it’s cool to be able try different things and reach outside the box. Stryper has a particular style and sound and it’s important that we don’t venture too far away from that. My new solo album has some heavy music on it and at the same time, it also has a little more diversity and different instruments going on which makes it very interesting. I used steel guitar on a few tracks, 12 string guitar here and there, mellotron, live cellos, B3, and all kinds of instruments that you don’t or most likely here on a Stryper album.

It’s exciting for me to be able to go into a studio and have the freedom to incorporate new sounds, techniques and instruments. I also brought in quite a few guest singers and musicians to add to the overall sound of the album. Kevin Max, Electra Mustaine, Tony Harnell, Chris Jericho, Doug Aldrich, Kenny Aronoff, Paul McNamara, Charles Foley, John O’Boyle & Pete Adams all helped to make this album the best solo album to date and a record that I’m most proud of. I look forward to all of you hearing it and I want to thank you all for being friends and fans, solo or not:-)

Love & Respect, Always ~ M

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* I’m Not Your Suicide will be released on May 6th, 2014, via Big 3 Records.

* Michael Sweet’s autobiography Honestly will be released on May 6th, 2014.

* For more info on MICHAEL SWEET:

Facebook: Michael Sweet

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LONG LIVE MICHAEL SWEET.

LONG LIVE STRYPER.

Stone.

REBEL MEETS REBEL – 2006 Supergroup And Album Of David Allan Coe And Cowboys From Hell – Is Stone’s METAL Pick Of The Day!

Posted in country music, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, news, rock music, rock music news, world news with tags , , , , , , , , on January 23, 2014 by Metal Odyssey

Rebel Meets Rebel - DAC - CFH - promo cover pic - #123

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During breaks from their full-time touring and recording, from 1999 to 2003, three-quarters of the iconic PANTERA (Vinnie Paul, Rex Brown and Dimebag Darrell) joined Metal forces with the legendary Country Outlaw, David Allan Coe, to form a band and record an album appropriately called: Rebel Meets Rebel  (Big Vin Records). D.A.C. and CFH (Cowboys From Hell). A new brand of Metal was born!

I remember like it was yesterday, when I bought Rebel Meets Rebel! I was happier than a farm hog in a pit of stinky hot mud, as I trotted out of my local Super Walmart with this CD in hand. Hell, this was a CD that boasted the guitar prowess of (the late) Dimebag Darrell! From the first moment Nothin’ To Lose started playing, I knew this supergroup was beyond special! I played this CD multiple times everyday, for at least a year! That’s how much I enjoyed this CD and STILL DO enjoy it!

Crank Up Nothin’ To Lose!! Hell Yeah!!

Rebel Meets Rebel is a keeper for life, for me. This CD is so rich with the spirit, vibes and sounds of Country/Southern Metal that it’s dizzying to put into words! Believe me, I consider it a blessing that these four legends decided to record these twelve songs together. It’s just so sad that Dimebag Darrell was not here to see Rebel Meets Rebel released; as it was truly embraced by his fans and climbed the Billboard Album Charts.

From many a PANTERA interview and article I’ve read over the years, combined with this CD’s liner notes, Dimebag Darrell was a huge fan of David Allan Coe. I can understand why. David Allan Coe’s resume speaks for itself and his rebellious songs are stuff of Country Music legend. David Allan Coe’s vocals just comes across as his being one tough son-of-a-bitch and gritty Rock ‘N Roll outlaw, while he surely savored every moment, on every song this CD has to offer! David Allan Coe is credited with writing all the lyrics for these songs as well.

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Dimebag Darrell is superb on guitar, his licks and riffs being so freaking heavy as shit! When anyone ever asks me what Country Metal is, I respond: Rebel Meets Rebel and D.A.C. with the CFH! Vinnie Paul and Rex Brown are (of course) terrific on drums and bass, respectively. Man, as I write this, I get so pissed off that Dimebag Darrell was taken from us all; he never deserved to die so young and so violently by a psychopath. As fans, we are truly blessed to have the music that Dimebag Darrell has left for us.

My favorite song (out of favorite songs) on Rebel Meets Rebel is: Cowboys Do More Dope. I just love, love that song! It’s a song that puts me in a freaking great mood in a micro second! It may not be the fastest Metal song ever; yet it’s one of the heaviest of Metal songs I’ve ever enjoyed, time and again! To paraphrase what David Allan Coe writes in the liner notes: this was to be the first time that the Country and Metal genres were to fuse in such a circumstance; however, Metallica and Garth Brooks get credit for doing it first. It figures. Despite how the timeline of events happened, as David Allan Coe wrote in the CD’s liner notes: “we are the real deal as they say, we are the Cowboys From Hell, that’s for real.”

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This Rebel Meets Rebel CD is the real Metal deal; it’s a thick and potent slice of imperative Metal history that can never be forgotten!

Metal be thy name. – Stone

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LONG LIVE DAVID ALLAN COE.

LONG LIVE VINNIE PAUL.

LONG LIVE REX BROWN.

REST IN PEACE, DIMEBAG DARRELL.

Stone.

QUEEN “Greatest Hits I II & III” – Is Stone’s METAL Pick Of The Day!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, classic rock news, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Music, news, rock music, rock music news, world news with tags , , , , , , , on January 20, 2014 by Metal Odyssey

Queen - Greatest Hits - I II III - promo box set picture - 2014

This beautiful QUEEN CD box set (above) is Stone’s METAL Pick Of The Day and here’s my story why:

Just this past week it was revealed to me, from my (teenage) daughter, that she is a fan of Queen and a huge fan of the late Freddie Mercury. I held back the tears of joy, as she expressed her sincere appreciation of this iconic band’s music to me. Her unquestionably compassionate emotion for the (incredibly) legendary Freddie Mercury is beyond heartwarming, as I listened to her during (at least) three conversations we enjoyed together last week.

The leap I’ve been waiting for has arrived! The stars have aligned and Mother Earth has summoned all creatures both large and small to celebrate in my joy of this news! Stonehenge has moved a centimeter to the right. The Great Pyramid has beamed a laser to the stars. The Classic Rock Gods really do move in mysterious ways. Hallelujah and Metal be thy name. In other words, Stone is a happy and proud dad.

I love my daughter more than words can ever, ever express, regardless if she has become a Queen fan or not. However, as you can tell, her fondness for Queen has me tickled to Metal death. When She asked me for any of my Queen CD’s to listen to, I  told her to give me some time to find them; for my entire CD collection is still (shamefully) unorganized since last February’s big move from Pennsylvania to Ohio. Panic had now begun to stir inside me…

Brian May - Back To The Light - promo cover pic - 2014

BRIAN MAY – Back To The Light (1993)

I remembered having the first solo CD from Brian May not being lost in my collection; so I immediately went to the shelf where I knew I’d find it and there it was! Back To The Light was released back in 1993 and I bought it used a few years ago for around $3 (US). Nice price, huh? Whoa.

I gave this Brian May hidden gem to my daughter for starters, as I continued searching for the only two Queen CD’s I knew I own. The Brian May CD pictured above is the CD cover version that I own and gave her; I realize there is another CD cover art version out there.

Queen - Stone Cold Classics - promo cover pic - 2014

QUEEN – Stone Cold Classics (2006)

You see, being the old school fart I am, I never upgraded my Queen vinyl LP’s or cassettes to CD; with the exception of owning Queen’s Stone Cold Classics and  A Kind Of Magic on CD. My vintage Queen vinyl was swept under by evil water and that’s now an old, lousy, sad story. I wanted and needed to give my daughter as much (digital) Queen as I can currently afford; therefore I took a ride on Sunday (yesterday) to my local Best Buy for a Queen CD hunt. I did stop by a cool store called Buyback$ Entertainment, before I hit Best Buy; this store sells used CD’s galore. There was not one Queen CD at Buyback$ though…

Queen - Some Kind Of Magic - promo cover pic - 2014

QUEEN – A Kind Of Magic (1986)

Best Buy was no better, with only one Queen Greatest Hits II for sale at nearly $12 (US). My local Super Walmart has more Queen CD’s for sale than Best Buy! Unreal. I was readying to leave Best Buy and head to Super Walmart when the whiz-bang sight of Queen’s Greatest Hits I II & III caught my eye and made my Metal heart soar! There this magic CD box set was… on an end cap with other Classic Rock CD’s at Best Buy! The price was just under $19 (US) for 51 Queen songs! Stone is buying! My daughter will have a superb catalog of Queen classics on CD (with very cool liner notes) to enjoy over and over!

Don’t get me wrong, it would be a dream come true to shell out the money for every Queen CD ever released, to present to my daughter; only the prices for the recently reissued Queen CD’s are pricey and would all add up to a small fortune. I do believe my daughter will be quite psyched out of her mind, once she realizes that this Queen CD box set is hers. I know I had fun late Sunday running out for this unexpected Queen bounty! Good times. As I believe, it’s the little things in life that add up and make the human spirit thrive with joy… and Rock ‘N Roll saves the day and another young person once again; just as it has saved me throughout my entire life. Metal be thy name.

Classic Queen - Mick Rock - promo cover pic - 2014

This (beyond) wonderful hardcover book, Classic Queen – Mick Rock, I gave to my daughter last week, after she told me of her loving Queen. The  photos that the legendary Mick Rock had taken of Queen throughout the years are breathtaking to say the least. The quotes from Freddie Mercury are an enormous read, alone, in this book!

Filled with anecdotes and must read history of the iconic Queen, this is a book I was proud to give my daughter to keep as her own. I kept this book long enough in my collection and it was now time to pass it on to someone who will enjoy it (even more) as I have. My daughter’s reaction to receiving this book was: omg, thank you, dad! The smile on her face told the whole story, of how much Freddie Mercury and Queen means to her.

Hearing those words, seeing that smile, were better than hitting the lottery, to me. Priceless.

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* Queen Greatest Hits I II & III was released via Hollywood Records.

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LONG LIVE THE LEGACY OF QUEEN.

REST IN PEACE, FREDDIE MERCURY.

Stone.

THE SOCKS – French Psychedelic Fuzz Rockers To Release Debut Full-Length Via Small Stone; New Video Now Playing

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Music, news, rock bands, rock music, rock music news, world news with tags , , , , , on January 20, 2014 by Metal Odyssey

The Socks - promo debut album cover pic - 2014

French psychedelic fuzz rockers, THE SOCKS, recently joined the Small Stone Recordings family for the release of their self-titled debut full-length! Slated to drop this Spring, The Socks was recorded and mixed by Raphaël Cartellier at Studio Cartellier, France, mastered by Christopher Goosman (Early Man, Sasquatch, Dixie Witch, Solace et al) at Baseline Studio in Ann Arbor, Michigan and features nine tracks of road-tripping goodness where thick, glassy-eyed, jams swell into kaleidoscopic riff torrents, gristly vocal serenades and magnetic grooves.

Elaborates THE SOCKS in a collective statement, “The sound and identity of the band have been shaped through the years to become this psychedelic hard rock, meant to be played live. We’ve recorded all together in a room with analog tapes to focus on the energy and to make it sound real and raw. Now it’s time to take it with us on the road and share it with everyone!”

The Socks will be released via Small Stone Recordings on March 18, 2014. Further info, including preorder links, to be unveiled in the coming weeks. In the meantime, check out THE SOCKS‘ video for second track “Some Kind Of Sorcery” below:

The Socks Track Listing:

1. Lords Of Illusion
2. Some Kind Of Sorcery
3. Next To The Light
4. New Kings
5. Holy Sons
6. Electric War
7. Gypsy Lady
8. We Live
9. The Last Dragon

Some bands simply sound like they were born to do it, and listening to the classic heavy rock groove of THE SOCKS, there can be no doubt it’s what they’re made for. They’re naturals. The duel-guitar French foursome formed in Lyon in 2009 and began surprising audiences almost immediately, eventually settling down to pump out their debut EP the following year. 2010’s Side A offered up five well concentrated songs from a band still finding themselves. Inspired by the teachings of Sabbath and Zeppelin, THE SOCKS supported the release by playing with an array of national and international acts, boasting intensely energetic gigs while continuing to develop their style. The next two years drove the band to write darker, heavier, songs that were more calculating and less frenetic. The resulting 2012 EP, Bedrock spouted a pseudo psychedelic, neo-grunge moodiness that proved captivating upon first listen.

The Soda Shop dubbed it “some pretty epic fucking stoner rock,” while Church Of The Riff opined, “The entire EP shows that THE SOCKS know how to write damn good songs. Everything sounds fleshed out and exciting, without ever getting repetitive or redundant…The riffs, vocal harmonies, tasteful solos and keyboard work show a band that knows exactly what they are doing.” The record eventually caught the ears of Small Stone Recordings. During the Fall of 2012, THE SOCKS completed their first European tour. Drawing on experience garnered from festivals and gigs alongside Karma To Burn, Red Fang, Truckfighters, Horisont, Mars Red Sky, Black Rainbows and many others with whom they share various elements while still maintaining a personality all their own, they were instant crowd pleasers.

As the band continues to thrust themselves into Europe’s next generation of heavy rock ‘n’ roll beside acts like Abrahma, Deville, Asteroid, Isaak, Black Rainbows and Mother of God, Small Stone is pleased to bring their debut full-length to the masses this March.

___________________________________

(Source: Earsplit PR)

* For more info on THE SOCKS:

Website: http://www.thesocks.fr

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thesocks

small stone records - logo - 2013

Website: http://www.smallstone.com

(Source: Earsplit PR)

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LONG LIVE THE SOCKS.

Stone.

SKID ROW – UWR Tour Stops Over In Tokyo This April 14th!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, news, rock music, rock music news, world news with tags , , , , , , , on January 17, 2014 by Metal Odyssey

Skid Row - Tokyo - April - 2014 - show flyer - #144

As reported on the SKID ROW Facebook page:

ATTENTION REBELS JAPAN SECTOR. PREPARE FOR THE TOKYO TAKEOVER!!!

_____________________________________

SKID ROW:

Johnny Solinger – vocals

Scotti Hill – guitar

Rachel Bolan – bass

Snake Sabo – guitar

Rob Hammersmith – drums

_____________________________________

* For more info on SKID ROW:

Facebook: SKID ROW

Website: http://skidrow.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Officialskidrow

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LONG LIVE SKID ROW.

LONG LIVE JAPAN.

Stone.

VOODOO SIX – Plus Special Guests: Santa Cruz – March 2014 UK Tour Dates And Venues Announced

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, news, rock music, rock music news, world news with tags , , , , , , on January 16, 2014 by Metal Odyssey

Voodoo Six - UK March 2014 Tour - promo flyer - #2

VOODOO SIX will be touring the UK this March! Special Guests are Santa Cruz. Take a look at the tour flyer (above) and see if there’s a show in your area of the UK! Metal be thy name.

Tickets are now on sale from SEE Tickets and venue websites for the tour.

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* For more info on VOODOO SIX:

Facebook: Voodoo Six

Santa Cruz - We Are The Ones To Fall UK Tour - promo flyer - 2014

* For more info on SANTA CRUZ:

Facebook: Santa Cruz (Official)

Website: http://www.santacruz.fi

Spinefarm Records - logo - B&W - 2013

Website: http://www.spinefarm.fi

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LONG LIVE VOODOO SIX.

LONG LIVE SANTA CRUZ.

Stone.

Black Space Riders – To Release “D:REI” On January 24th

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, news, psychedelic rock, rock music, rock music news, world news with tags , , , , , , on January 16, 2014 by Metal Odyssey

Black Space Riders - DREI - promo album cover pic - 2014

German extraterrestrial heavy rockers BLACK SPACE RIDERS are proud to announce the January 24 release of their third album, D:REI, on the band’s own BSR label with distribution through Cargo.

On the new opus BLACK SPACE RIDERS are even more colorful, louder, softer, harder, atmospheric, gripping, and above all exalted! D:REI is an exciting journey through rock, metal and psychedelia; the soundtrack to your very own sci-fi epic. The riffs are heavy, inspiring and enduring. The songwriting is classic, the arrangements full of devotion. The two lead vocalists play off each other without seam, interlocking and assuring that the music will lodge in your memory. D:REI is groovy! Sometimes slowly dooming, sometimes oppressively rocking, then irresistibly funky…and suddenly you are dancing around the warp core. And it is all wrapped up in a sound that is natural, transparent, open, yet powerful, and elegant, as it timelessly circumnavigates the retro-trap.

Is D:REI a concept album? Form your own opinion! Read more about this story of retreat, outbreak, total destruction, escape, transformation and new beginnings at www.blackspaceriders.com/drei.

BLACK SPACE RIDERS have traveled farther than ever before and want you to join the trip! Check out the lyric video below for album track The GOD-Survivor:

Critical Praise:

“Black Space Riders always play a mixture of sounds of the 70s, 80s and 90s, but with a view towards the future. A really good album.” – Nachtaktiv

“Psychedelic space Witches Kitchen: The doomy heaviness of Black Sabbath covers rocking riffs and swirling structures. Like it very much!” – LIFT Magazine

“The Münster space, psychedelic, doom and stoner rockers Black Space Riders …in top form, the quintet delivers a philosophically flavored, wonderfully heavy concept album.” – EMP

Black Space Riders - promo band pic - 2014 - #4457

BLACK SPACE RIDERS are:

JE: Lead vocals, guitars, melodies, riffs, words

SEB: Lead vocals, melodies, words

CRIP: Drums, vocals, additional songwriting

SLI: Guitars, additional songwriting

SAQ: Bass guitar, additional songwriting

___________________________________

(Source: CLAWHAMMER PR)

_________________________

You can order BLACK SPACE RIDERS´ new album D:REI now in the band’s new webshop:

http://www.blackspaceriders.com/component/shop/products

* For more info on BLACK SPACE RIDERS:

Website: www.blackspaceriders.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BlackSpaceRiders

YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/blackspaceriders

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LONG LIVE BLACK SPACE RIDERS.

Stone.

WITHIN TEMPTATION – Acoustic Show At HMV London, February 4th, Has Sold Out!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, news, rock music, rock music news, symphonic metal, world news with tags , , , , , , on January 15, 2014 by Metal Odyssey

Within Temptation - Hmv London - Acoustic show - promo banner - 2014

As reported on the Within Temptation Facebook page:

Great news for friends in the UK!

Within Temptation will be doing an intimate acoustic show at a HMV store in London on Tuesday the 4th of February.

The show is completely sold out!

Within Temptation - Hydra - promo banner - pre-order - 2013

Within Temptation’s new studio album, Hydra, will be released on February 4th, 2014, in the USA, via Nuclear Blast.

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* For more info on WITHIN TEMPTATION:

Facebook: Within Temptation

Website: http://www.within-temptation.com

Nuclear Blast USA - Logo - promo

http://www.nuclearblastusa.com/

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LONG LIVE WITHIN TEMPTATION.

Stone.

M3 ROCK FESTIVAL – It All Happens On April 25th And 26th, 2014! Lineup Of Bands Announced!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, Metal, Music, news, rock festivals, rock music, rock music news, world news with tags , , , , , , , , on January 12, 2014 by Metal Odyssey

M3 Rock Festival V - 2014 - promo flyer

The M3 Rock Festival Returns! 

When: April 25th & 26th

Where: Merriweather Post Pavillion, Columbia, Maryland

2 Day Tickets Go On Sale: Friday, January 17th, 2014

Single Day Tickets (If Available) On Sale: Mid February, 2014

Take A Look At The Festival Flyer Above For The Lineup Of Bands!

Metal Be Thy Name!

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* For more info on M3 ROCK FESTIVAL: 

Facebook: M3 Rock Festival

Website: http://www.m3rockfest.com

http://www.merriweathermusic.com

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LONG LIVE M3 ROCK FESTIVAL.

LONG LIVE METAL & HARD ROCK.

Stone.

New Artist Chris Michael Taylor Signs With HighVolMusic

Posted in classic rock, Guitar, Hard Rock, Music, news, rock guitarists, rock music, rock music news, world news with tags , , , , , , on January 8, 2014 by Metal Odyssey

Chris Michael Taylor - publicity pic - #338 - 2014

HighVolMusic is pleased to announce the first signing for 2014 is guitarist, singer, and songwriter Chris Michael Taylor. Chris is working to deliver his debut release which will be an E.P. collection of acoustic rock songs that capture a variety of music emotion.

Chris Michael Taylor is heavily influenced by classic rock and guitar heroes such as Eddie Van Halen, George Lynch, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Jake E. Lee but also by Pop/R&B sensations Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake and Bruno Mars. Chris has many projects going on simultaneously. Chris is the lead guitarist in the up and coming country rock band ‘Early Ray’, lead guitarist with Vinnie and Carmine Appice in ‘Drum Wars’, and lead guitarist in the classic rock tribute band ‘Sunset Strip’.

Below, listen to Chris Michael Taylor’s acoustic cover of Bon Jovi’s Wanted Dead Or Alive:

Chris Michael Taylor is currently in the studio working on the recordings and details for the pending release will be revealed soon. In the meantime you can listen to a sample of the track ‘Dead Man Walkin’ from the forthcoming release here.

HighVolMusic - banner logo - #1 - 2013

Facebook: HighVolMusic

Website: http://www.highvolmusic.com

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LONG LIVE CHRIS MICHAEL TAYLOR.

Stone.

FAITHSEDGE RETURN FOR 2014

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, Music, news, rock music, rock music news, world news with tags , , , , , , on January 7, 2014 by Metal Odyssey

Faithsedge - Large Logo! - 2012

Faithsedge will return in 2014 with a more aggressive approach, while still keeping a melodic/progressive edge to their music. This year the band features Giancarlo Floridia (Vocals/Guitar), Alex Derosso (Lead guitar), Tony “AJ” Morra (Drums) and will once again be produced by Fabrizio Grossi (also handling bass duties). In addition, two melodic rock keyboard greats appear on 3 tracks – Eric Ragno and Alessandro DelVecchio.

The album is just being finished by Peter Doell (David Lee Roth/Richard Marx) at “Universal Mastering” in Universal City California. More details with release dates and label info soon. Pictured is singer Giancarlo Florida at Universal Mastering with Peter Doell.

Faithsedge - Giancarlo Floridia - Peter Doell - 2014

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* For more info on FAITHSEDGE:

Facebook: Faithsedge

__________________________________

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LONG LIVE FAITHSEDGE.

Stone.

Start The Year Off With BANG! US 70’s Proto-Metal Power Trio BANG Return!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, news, rock music, rock music news, world news with tags , , , , , , , on January 7, 2014 by Metal Odyssey

Bang Classic Band Logo - 2014 - #550

Philadelphia, PA – Often called America’s answer to Black Sabbath, one of the most unsung bands in the history of US hard rock music, BANG, is back! With the heaviness of Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, coupled with the groove of Grand Funk Railroad, BANG released three critically acclaimed albums on Capitol Records in the early 1970s before disappearing into obscurity for a number of years. Says original drummer and founding member Tony Diorio, “Basically we’re back to finish what was started a long time ago and cut short by forces out of our control.”

The 1971 self-titled debut album ‘BANG’ is considered an important forerunner to the early Doom Metal genre. Undoubtedly one of America’s heaviest ‘proto-metal’ bands from the period, BANG also had a strong sense of melodic power. The band’s versatility and songwriting skills are second to none. Highly regarded as a cult act by many for years, it’s now time for this truly amazing rock band to be enjoyed by a new audience worldwide!

Back in the spring of 1972, BANG was shaping up to be the proverbial ‘next big thing’. Signed a few months earlier to Capitol Records, the band’s first single “Questions” was taking off in the Billboard Hot 100. With the enthusiastic support of their record label, the trio’s self-titled debut album was also climbing in the charts. The group’s management had them opening shows for just about every major band of the era. Moreover, BANG had recently opened for their all time favorite band Black Sabbath, and by common consensus of opinion, stole the show! With two band members, guitarist Frank Gilcken and lead singer/bassist Frank Ferrara, still in their teens, and drummer/lyricist Tony Diorio, BANG seemed to be unstoppable!

Bang - band promo pic - circa early 70s - #160

Somehow, though, it didn’t quite work out. Even as “Questions” was charting, a corporate shakeup at Capitol saw the band’s supporters moving on and replaced by A&R men who had their own signings to promote. With the band’s producer, Michael Sunday, also leaving the label, BANG’s support system was crumbling. Their new producer engineered a change in personnel that led to drummer/lyricist Tony Diorio’s departure. Meanwhile, the label insisted that BANG develop a more mainstream, pop oriented sound.

Trying to keep the dream alive, they changed management companies, only to discover that they were being blacklisted, making gigs scarce. With a much more commercial approach, the group released a 3rd album, ‘BANG Music’ in 1973, which, although did contain some great songs and performances, failed to chart. By 1974, just a couple of years after their initial success, a tired and disillusioned BANG had lost their direction, momentum and self-belief. They went their separate ways.

Despite the relative briefness of their career, BANG left behind a powerful recorded legacy: four albums, including their unreleased 1971 concept album ‘Death Of A Country’, as well as a trio of non-album tracks that were recorded as singles when their deal with Capitol was about to expire. In 1996, much to everyone’s surprise, BANG reunited! The band recorded and released in 1998 a new album titled ‘Return To Zero’, with the more metal-oriented album titled ‘The Maze’ (featuring new versions of old favorites “Love Sonnet” and “Bow To The King”) following in 2004, proving once again that the band still had the magic that made them great back in the early 70’s!

And now, much to the excitement of their fans, BANG is preparing to play live in 2014! The group is currently rehearsing for shows in the new year. Says Tony, “We will be webcasting all our shows and fans can sign up in our forum to be notified of dates.” Frank Ferrara adds, “The three of us realized that BANG was still a musical force. And even though a lot of years have passed, we were writing songs as if it were yesterday. The dream is alive, and with renewed thirst and love of the music, we are resuming our quest.” With drummer Matt Calvarese, and the Franks, the band will remain a three-piece, sounding just like the records!

Bang Classic Band Logo - 2014 - #550

BANG is making available free ringtones! Free Frank Gilcken guitar solos for iPhones and Androids! http://www.bangmusic.com/ringtones/

Also, all BANG songs are now available for 99 cents mp3 downloads at: http://www.bangmusic.com/shop/mp3s/

BANG’s complete recorded catalog is available as well through their website, which includes the band’s latest CD releases ‘Return To Zero’ and ‘The Maze’. To purchase BANG CD’s, Vinyl and Digital Album Downloads at: http://www.bangmusic.com/shop/cds-and-vinyl/

Also the website contains never seen videos of BANG! http://www.bangmusic.com/videos/ as well as the BANG story – a must read and see! http://www.bangmusic.com/bangstory/

__________________________________

(Source: Glass Onyon PR)

(Above photo & logo used by permission)

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LONG LIVE BANG.

BANG IS BACK! METAL BE THY NAME.

Stone.

Metal Odyssey’s Stone Picks His Top Ten Hard Rock Albums Of 2013

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on January 6, 2014 by Metal Odyssey

The Winery Dogs - promo cover pic - 2013

#1

THE WINERY DOGS – S/T

I’ve written that Motörhead are the greatest power trio alive on planet Earth. Well, um, The Winery Dogs are too. Take your pick! Mike Portnoy (drums), Richie Kotzen (vocals) and Billy Sheehan (bass) were born to make music together! The Winery Dogs are a supergroup prototype. Amen and hallelujah.

I don’t know how to put it all into words, other than WHOA! This is a #1 Hard Rock album of any year! Excellent songs and I won’t waste time on the musicianship. If this is what American Hard Rock is supposed to sound like in 2013 and beyond, then count me in! Freaking legends of Rock ‘N Roll are The Winery Dogs. Metal be thy name.

Alice In Chains - The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here - promo cover

#2

ALICE IN CHAINS

The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here

Alice In Chains couldn’t have delivered a more incredible follow-up to their 2009 gem Black Gives Way To Blue, with The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here. William Duvall once again soars vocally, while Jerry Cantrell’s guitar resonates splendid licks, riffs and tones that equate to iconic territory. This is very much a Classic Rock leaning album; just know the Hard Rock is mouth-watering.

Buckcherry - Confessions - promo - outside cover pic

#3

BUCKCHERRY – Confessions

The best Buckcherry album ever? It comes very, very, very close. Oh, yes, Confessions psyches me out of my Hard Rockin’ mind. I’m guessing that great Hard Rock albums are supposed to do just that.

Read Stone’s album review for Confessions here:

BUCKCHERRY – “Confessions” Is Out Now And It’s: Stone’s METAL Pick Of The Day!

Above review posted on February 24, 2013, on Metal Odyssey.

Black Star Riders - All Hell Breaks Loose - promo cover

#4

BLACK STAR RIDERS  – All Hell Breaks Loose

With current members of Thin Lizzy joining forces with drummer Jimmy DeGrasso, Black Star Riders was born. Led by the legendary guitarist Scott Gorham and fronted by Ricky Warwick, the debut album, All Hell Breaks Loose, from Black Star Riders, became an instant Hard Rock Classic to my ears and soul.

The spirit and legacy of Thin Lizzy still reigns within the world-class talent of Black Star Riders; and the songwriting, lyrics and total vibe of this album taps into everything that’s wonderful about Classic Hard Rock. This is an album I never expected to happen and now it’s a keeper for life! Metal be thy name.

Brand New Machine - The Devil Made Me Do It - promo cover pic

#5

BRAND NEW MACHINE

The Devil Made Me Do It

Brand New Machine is an American Hard Rock band YOU NEED to get into! One of the best Rockin’ surprises of 2013 is this album! From start to finish, The Devil Made Me Do It is high-octane Hard Rock on steroids!

Read Stone’s album review for The Devil Made Me Do It here:

BRAND NEW MACHINE “The Devil Made Me Do It” – A Supercharged Hard Rock Debut!

Above review posted on August 21, 2013, on Metal Odyssey.

Pinnick Gales Pridgen - promo cover pic - 2013

#6

PINNICK GALES PRIDGEN – S/T

As power trio’s go, this album will slap you Hard Rockin’ senseless!! I found this CD without knowing of its release at Best Buy and bought it without hearing a single note. That tells you something right there. Yes, there are those times when you CAN judge a book by its cover! Pinnick Gales Pridgen have unreal musical chemistry together and their songs are proof positive!

Pinnick Gales Pridgen also landed in Metal Odyssey’s Top Ten Songs of 2013, with Collateral Damage. Click the link below to enjoy the song and video yourself! Whoa!

METAL ODYSSEY’S TOP TEN SONGS OF 2013

Above link is for a Metal Odyssey feature, posted on December 23, 2013.

Skid Row - United World Rebellion - Chapter One - promo cover

#7

SKID ROW

UNITED WORLD REBELLION CHAPTER ONE

Johnny Solinger sounds amazing on vocals and this entire legendary band has made a Hard Rock statement with this EP! Extremely contagious songs! Make no mistake, SKID ROW is on a mission and I cannot wait for Chapter Two!!

Read Stone’s album review for UWR Chapter One below:

SKID ROW “UNITED WORLD REBELLION (CHAPTER ONE)” EP – 5 Reasons To BUY This Kick Ass CD!

Above review posted on May 11, 2013, on Metal Odyssey.

Deep Purple - Now What ?! - promo cover pic

#8

DEEP PURPLE – NOW WHAT ?!

Now What ?! is Deep Purple’s first studio album since 2005’s Rapture Of The Deep. Now What ?! is a continuation of arguably the most consistent Hard Rock band that ever lived. The undeniably influential Deep Purple have once again taken their unique, rich, Classic Hard Rock sound throughout an entire album and made it sound so complete. Ian Gillan and band have nothing more to prove. Now, it’s time for The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame to understand this.

King Kobra - II - promo cover pic

#9 (Tie)

KING KOBRA – II

If you wanna have a good time listening to a good times Hard Rock album, then put your good times face on and BUY this fun CD from the everlasting KING KOBRA. Now, let’s all campaign LOUDLY in 2014 to get the ultra legendary Carmine Appice into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. Thank you very much and Metal be thy name.

Read Stone’s album review for II here:

KING KOBRA “II” IS OUT NOW! YES, IT KICKS HARD ROCKIN’ ASS!

Above review posted on July 14, 2013, on Metal Odyssey.

King Kobra’s music video Have A Good Time, a hit single from II, was chosen as Stone’s Metal Pick Of The Day, back on July 26th, 2013! Click the link below to enjoy it for yourself! YEAH!!

KING KOBRA “Have A Good Time” Music Video Is: Stone’s METAL Pick Of The Day!

Above link is for a feature posted on Metal Odyssey, on July 26, 2013.

Stone Temple Pilots - High Rise - EP - promo cover

#9 (Tie)

STONE TEMPLE PILOTS WITH CHESTER BENNINGTON

HIGH RISE

My God, I never imagined Chester Bennington fronting the grand Stone Temple Pilots. It’s Rock ‘N Roll genius!! This tidy EP packs a genuine punch of incredible musicianship, vocals and songs that are memorable from the start!

Read Stone’s album review of High Rise here:

Stone Temple Pilots With Chester Bennington “High Rise” EP – An Instant Rock Classic? Yes It Is!

Above review posted on October 15, 2013, on Metal Odyssey.

Boston - Life Love & Hope - promo album pic - 2013 - #1

#10

BOSTON – Life Love & Hope

To all the naysaying critics out there, Tom Scholz has created a gift for Boston fans. The songs on this album would never have seen the light of day, if it were not for Tom Scholz. Songs of personal importance to this musical mastermind are they; and they come across with Classic Rock brilliance!

The late Brad Delp, along with David Victor, Kimberley Dahme, Tommy DeCarlo and Tom Scholz are all featured lead singers. Louis St. August of Mass lends his talents with backing harmonies on album opener and album gem: Heaven On Earth. Another total surprise release, for me, was Life Love & Hope. Thank you, Tom Scholz.

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LONG LIVE HARD ROCK.

LONG LIVE CLASSIC ROCK.

Stone.

METAL HAMMER – Special Edition February Issue #253 Goes Star Wars… METAL Style

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, magazines, Metal, metal music, Music, news, rock music, rock music news, world news with tags , , , , , , , on January 5, 2014 by Metal Odyssey

Metal Hammer - Star Wars Metal Strikes Back cover - 2014

Check out the cover for Metal Hammer’s Special Edition February, 2014 #253 issue above! The theme is 2014 Metal Strikes Back. Check and see how many Legends Of Metal you can identify on this cover! I believe Yoda (on bottom left) is Max Cavalera, while Darth Vader is (of course), none other than Iron Maiden’s mascot Eddie. I’ve identified Lemmy Kilmister as an Imperial Officer, (bottom right, in middle). Cool stuff! Metal be thy name.

This issue of Metal Hammer goes on sale January 7th and is available for pre-order (and eventually order) now! Just click on the Metal link below! Whoa!

Metal Hammer – Order: http://tinyurl.com/kufoa4d

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LONG LIVE METAL.

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KXM – New Supergroup Of George Lynch, Doug Pinnick And Ray Luzier Are Putting Final Touches On Upcoming Debut Release!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, news, rock music, rock music news, world news with tags , , , , , , , , , on January 5, 2014 by Metal Odyssey

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As reported by Rat Pak Records:

[KXM UPDATE- 1/3/2014] The new super-group “KXM” featuring Ray Luzier of Korn, Doug Pinnick of Kings X and George Lynch are heading into the studio this weekend to put a few final touches on their upcoming debut release. We’ve obviously heard the tracks so here is an accurate description of what you can expect. The songs are truly amazing. Ray’s drumming sounds like 3 dimensional thunder, George’s guitar playing will leave you to wonder if he’s really playing through an amp or if he’s directly plugged into some kind universal energy that only the guitar gods have access to..…then add in Doug Pinnick who brings his rock solid bass grooves, intelligible lyrics and seasoned songwriting talents to the table…..no hype and no joke, KXM is the real deal and you are going to love this album! We will announce official release date sometime later this month. In the meantime, add the KXM official page https://www.facebook.com/KXMofficial

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Rat Pak Records - logo - 2013

Rat Pak Records: http://www.ratpakrecords.com

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LONG LIVE KXM. 

LONG LIVE RAT PAK RECORDS.

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