Archive for the heavy metal bands Category

STEEL PROPHET – Cruz del Sur Music To Release “Omniscient” In June Of 2014

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, Metal, metal music, Music, progressive metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on December 5, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Steel Prophet - promo band pic - #100 - 2013

STEEL PROPHET’s long-awaited new album, entitled Omniscient, will be released by Cruz Del Sur Music in June on CD and vinyl formats.

A living reference for all fans of American Heavy Metal, STEEL PROPHET needs no introduction to the metal world. With a long history, the band is particularly known for the technical and versatile guitar work of founding member Steve Kachinsky Blakmoor. Let’s not forget the soaring vocals of Rick Mythiasin, who has returned to sing with the band for the first time since  2002’s Unseen.

Omniscient is a conceptual, sci-fi themed album, textured with a heavy dose of unusual philosophies and ideas that will appeal to fans of early STEEL PROPHET material, especially the Dark Hallucinations era. Omniscient will have a visually striking package that will read like a graphic novel to highlight the story that underlines the music.

STEEL PROPHET is currently planning a European tour to coincide with the album’s release. Stay tuned for more updates as the release of Omniscient nears!

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(Source: CLAWHAMMER PR)

* For more info on STEEL PROPHET:

Facebook: Steel Prophet

Cruz Del Sur Music - Logo - B&W

Website: www.cruzdelsurmusic.com

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LONG LIVE STEEL PROPHET.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

BATTLEROAR – ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM

Posted in epic metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on November 28, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Battleroar - promo band pic - #120 - 2013

Greek Epic Metal Heroes BATTLEROAR have entered Devasoundz Studio in Athens, Greece to start the recording process for Blood of Legends, the band’s first studio album since 2008’s To Death and Beyond… The album will be produced by Thymios Krikos (INNERWISH) together with the band and is expected to be in April of next year on Cruz del Sur Music.

Blood of Legends is the first BATTLEROAR album to feature SACRED STEEL vocalist Gerrit Mutz, who joined the band last year. It also marks the recording debuts of bassist Stavros Aivaliotis and guitarist Antreas Sotiropoulos, both of whom joined BATTLEROAR’s ranks after the release To Death and Beyond…

The song Poisoned Well, taken from Blood of Legends, appears in the Greek fantasy feature film, The Dragonphoenix Chronicles : Indomitable. The instrumental track has been posted for streaming at this location.

For more on the film, visit www.imdb.com/title/tt2182163.

Blood of Legends will be released on digipack, limited-edition vinyl and digital formats.

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(Source: ClawHammer PR)

* For more info on BATTLEROAR:

Facebook: BattleroaR (official)

Website: http://www.battleroar.com

Cruz Del Sur Music - Logo - B&W

Website: http://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com

Music Store: http://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com/store

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LONG LIVE BATTLEROAR.

LONG LIVE GREECE.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

NIGROMANTE – Spanish Heavy Metal Act To Release “Black Magic Night” On January 7th, Via Shadow Kingdom Records

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on November 26, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Nigromante - black magic night - promo cover pic - 2013

Shadow Kingdom Records is proud to introduce NIGROMANTE! The Classic Heavy Metal Spaniards will release Black Magic Night through Shadow Kingdom on January 7.

SKR Commander Tim McGrogran had this to say about the band and album:

“They’ve been around since 2003 trying to perfect their Heavy Metal sound. Spain hasn’t exactly been a melting pot for Classic Heavy Metal, so we’re very lucky to find such a great band there. NIGROMANTE are the big fish in the small pond over there. They are from Spain, but they’re absolutely influenced by the N.W.O.B.H.M. and 80’s US Metal. The vocals are more barbaric, very much like Portugal’s IRONSWORD. The guitar tone on this album is so thick and abrasive, which creates a great heavy metal pounding atmosphere. The songs are well crafted and extremely catchy. They have so many influences from ANVIL, MOTORHEAD, VENOM, BLACK SABBATH, IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST, a tinge of old 80’s Black Metal, and many more.”

Below, is the lyric video for the track Heavy Metal Age:

Nigromante - large band logo - 2013
Selections from album are streaming at: shadowkingdomrecords.bandcamp.com.

Black Magic Night – Track Listing:

Heavy Metal Age

Black Magic Night

In Nomine Pater

Saturnalia of Blood

False Idol

Syndicate of Crime

Soy Un Macarra

Satan Death Squad

Summoning Spell

Nigromante - band promo pic - #325 - 2013

(Source: ClawHammer PR)

* For more info on NIGROMANTE:

Facebook: Nigromante

http://www.nigromante.es

Shadow Kingdom Records - Logo - 4 color - 2013

http://shadowkingdomrecords.com

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LONG LIVE NIGROMANTE.

NIGROMANTE KICKS ABSOLUTE HEAVY METAL ASS.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

PRIMAL FEAR – To Start The Metallic New Year With A Bang! “Delivering The Black” – The New Album – Out On Frontiers Records In January!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, Metal, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on November 6, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Primal Fear - Delivering The Black - promo cover pic - 2013

Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of PRIMAL FEAR’s new album “Delivering the Black” on January 24th in Europe and January 28th in North America.

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PRIMAL FEAR – On the heels of the general consensus met by the previous studio album “Unbreakable” which was the band’s highest chart entry in Germany at Position #31, charting in 7 other countries, PRIMAL FEAR are only getting better with time and metal fans around the world are acknowledging this.

After some very intense songwriting sessions and pre-production schedule, the band started to record the new album, “Delivering The Black” in summer 2013 at the House of Music studios in Germany, with producer Mat Sinner and engineer Achim Koehler. The idea was to create the most powerful PRIMAL FEAR album ever! The band then moved to Denmark in September to finish the album with acclaimed producer/engineer Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Pretty Maids, Amaranthe) handling the mix.

“Delivering The Black” combines the strongest Primal Fear moments ever, with a well-balanced typical PRIMAL FEAR trademark riff-vibe, crushing songs and some very ambitious musical journeys. The centerpiece of the album is the two epic tracks “When Death Comes Knocking” and the 10 minute opus “One Night In December”, spiced with big orchestral arrangements and complex sound designs.

Primal Fear - promo band pic - 2013 - #448

Classic and ultra-fresh PRIMAL FEAR riff-rockers like the title track, the album opener “King For A Day” or the groove monsters “Alive And On Fire” and “Road To Asylum” hit the bulls-eye just like the untamed speed killer “Rebel Faction”. The outstanding ballad “Born With A Broken Heart” shows a new side of PRIMAL FEAR with an acoustic guitar vibe and the addition of Liv Kristine (Leaves’ Eyes) on backing vocals.

Singer Ralf Scheepers says: “We worked hard to create our best album ever. I already felt the vibe during the pre-production, that we were working on something very special this time! And now the result is just an amazing Metal album, I’m extremely proud of!”

Producer/bassist Mat Sinner adds: “The songs, the production, the sound – this album is a very special one for me and my career. In my view, everybody in the band just did a killer job and Jacob was fantastic choice to mix the album!”

The release of “Delivering the Black” will be anticipated by the release of the digital only single / video “When Death Comes Knocking” on December 2nd – a song which sets the pace for the outstanding quality of production and songwriting displayed on the full album. You can enjoy a sample of the track below:

“Delivering The Black” will be available in regular cd edition, deluxe edition with 2 bonus tracks and – in cooperation with Soulfood Music – vinyl edition and DVD and limited edition (666 copies only!) of a Super-de-luxe version including a metallic eagle!

“Delivering The Black” Track Listing Includes:

Track Listing: King For a Day; Rebel Faction; When Death Comes Knocking; Alive & On Fire; Delivering the Black; Road to Asylum; One Night In December; Never Pray for Justice; Born with a Broken Heart; Innocent Man (*); Inseminoid; Man Without Shadow (*);When Death Comes Knocking (Single Edit) (*)

(*) Only available on Deluxe edition

DVD (Only available with Deluxe edition) – When Death Comes Knocking (video), King For A Day (video), Making of the Album (video).

Primal Fear - band promo pic - #373 - 2013

PRIMAL FEAR:

Ralf Scheepers – Vocals

Magnus Karlsson – Guitars

Alex Beyrodt – Guitars

Randy Black – Drums

Mat Sinner – Bass & Vocals

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(Source: Frontiers Records)

* For More Info On PRIMAL FEAR:

Facebook: Primal Fear

http://www.primalfear.de

Frontiers Records - logo!

http://www.frontiers.it

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LONG LIVE PRIMAL FEAR.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

PRIMAL FEAR – Artwork For New Single “When Death Comes Knocking” Revealed; Single Releases December 3rd!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, Metal, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on November 3, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Primal Fear - When Death Comes Knocking - promo single cover art - 2013

As reported on the PRIMAL FEAR Facebook page:

Here’s the artwork of the new Primal Fear single! “When Death Comes Knocking” will be released by Frontiers Records on Dec. 03 as the first single/video of the forthcoming Primal Fear album “Delivering The Black”!

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* For More Info On PRIMAL FEAR:

Website: www.primalfear.de

Frontiers Records - logo!

Website: http://www.frontiers.it

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LONG LIVE PRIMAL FEAR.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

TOXIC HOLOCAUST – New Video Now Playing At Vevo; “Chemistry Of Consciousness” To Smother North America Tomorrow!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal with tags , , , , , , on October 28, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Toxic Holocaust - Chemistry Of Consciousness - promo cover pic

Today Portland Metal/Punk unit, TOXIC HOLOCAUST, in conjunction with mega music portal, Vevo, unveils their latest audiovisual undertaking for the track, “Acid Fuzz.” The Technicolor animation film was created by director Adam Avilla and comes on the eve of the official North American release of Chemistry Of Consciousness!

Kick your Monday in the buttcheeks with the ultra-evil, deviously absorbing, tripnotic cartoon adventures of “Acid Fuzz” at THIS LOCATION. 

Chemistry Of Consciousness was recorded by the band, mixed with Kurt Ballou (Converge) at GodCity Studio and mastered by Brad Boatright (Sleep, From Ashes Rise, Nails) at Audiosiege Engineering. Easily TOXIC HOLOCAUST’s most musically and conceptually mature undertaking to date, the record has earned critical fuck-yeahs globally for its blazing riffs, gravelly, venom-coated vocals, and a deadly fixation on the evil in man and a post-apocalyptic world all wrapped in a DIY attitude. Think Discharge on speed; Slayer with a punk rock chip on its shoulder, The Exploited on a Metallica overdose… Chemistry Of Consciousness is currently streaming in its entirety, courtesy of Relapse Records, HERE.

Toxic Holocaust - Acid Fuzz - promo pic - 2013

TOXIC HOLOCAUST will take their sonic wreckage roadside next month on the first tour in support of Chemistry Of Consciousness. The shenanigans will commence November 16th in Trenton, New Jersey and find the band spreading their contagion through much of the Northeast, coming to a close December 1st in Island Park, New York. TOXIC HOLOCAUST will be joined by Ramming Speed and In Defence. Additionally, the band will perform a special Halloween procedural in Portland on October 31st with Stovokor, followed by a show in Seattle with Poison Idea and the Dwarves on November 1st. See a confirmed listing of dates below. More live assaults to be announced in the coming weeks.

TOXIC HOLOCAUST

10/31/0213 White Owl Social Club – Portland, OR w/ Stovokor

11/01/2013 El Corazon – Seattle, WA w/ Poison Idea, the Dwarves

w/ Ramming Speed, In Defence 

11/16/2013 Championship – Trenton, NJ

11/17/2013 Dusk – Providence, RI

11/18/2013 Nectars – Burlington, VT

11/19/2013 Sounds Asylum – Middletown, NY

11/20/2013 Mojo Main – Newark, DE

11/21/2013 Metro Gallery – Baltimore, MD

11/22/2013 Kingdom – Richmond, VA *supporting Municipal Waste

11/23/2013 The Foundry – Lakewood, OH

11/24/2013 Rockstar Pro Arena – Dayton, OH

11/25/2013 Magic Stick – Detroit, MI

11/26/2013 Reggie’s – Chicago, IL

11/27/2013 The Shop – Pittsburgh, PA

11/29/2013 St. Vitus – Brooklyn, NY

11/30/2013 Cherry St. Station – Wallingford, CT

12/01/2013 No Fun Clubn – Island Park, NY

Chemistry Of Consciousness will detonate in North America tomorrow, October 29th on CD, LP and digitally. Preorder packages are still available now HERE. For iTunes preorders, point your browser HERE.

And don’t forget to nab your copy of the December 2013 issue of Decibel featuring a mammoth TOXIC HOLOCAUST cover story! Order your copy today at THIS LOCATION!

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“…if there ever was a band to be the soundtrack for the end of mankind and society it would be TOXIC HOLOCAUST.” – Skullbanger

Toxic Holocaust - Classic Band Logo - Yellow & Black

(Source: Earsplit PR)

* For More Info On TOXIC HOLOCAUST:

Facebook: Toxic Holocaust

Website: http://www.toxicholocaust.com

Relapse Records - logo - B&W - small

Relapse Records Official Site: www.relapse.com

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LONG LIVE TOXIC HOLOCAUST.

Stone.

Revolver’s The Hottest Chicks In Hard Rock Calendar 2014 – Is Out Now!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on October 26, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Revolver - Hottest Chicks In Hard Rock - 2014 - Calendar - promo pic

Revolver’s exclusive Hottest Chicks in Hard Rock 2014 calendar is back! The 2014 edition stars cover girls Heidi Shepherd & Carla Harvey of Butcher Babies. This year’s calendar features 15 of the loveliest ladies in Hard Rock and Heavy Music.

The calendar also packs plenty of Hard Rock and Metal trivia, including landmark album release dates, historic concerts, musician birthdays, and much more!

The 2014 Lineup Includes:

Lzzy Hale from Halestorm

Taylor Momsen from the Pretty Reckless

Jill Janus from Huntress

Nita Strauss from The Iron Maidens

Anissa & Alexia Rodriguez from Eyes Set to Kill

and many more!!

ORDER YOUR COPY HERE: Revolver Calendar 2014

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(Source: Revolver)

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LONG LIVE REVOLVER.

LONG LIVE HOT CHICKS IN HARD ROCK.

METAL BE THY NAME.

Stone.

WITCH CROSS – Danish Metal Legends To Play Stengade, Copenhagen, On November 21st, 2013

Posted in concerts, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on October 24, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Witch Cross - Danish Metal - show flyer - November - 2013

In November, the mighty WITCH CROSS will be back in Copenhagen. On the 21st, WITCH CROSS will be playing Stengade, together with two other Danish bands: Wasted and Death Rides a Horse. See ticket information below! On November 22nd, WITCH CROSS will head up north to Oslo, Norway, where they will be playing at the venue Revolver. Special guest in Oslo will be Magister Templi.

Tickets for November 21st now available:
https://www.place2book.com/da/choose_ticket_sales_workflow?seccode=11c5e55d51

Venue Info: www.stengade.dk

WitchCross-CoverArt-DimitarNikolov.psd

WITCH CROSS AXE TO GRIND IS OUT NOW!

PURCHASE WITCH CROSS AXE TO GRIND AT:

http://www.hellsheadbangers.com

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Read Metal Odyssey’s album review for Axe To Grind:

WITCH CROSS “Axe To Grind” – A Legendary Return To Metal Prominence!

The above link is for a post featured on Metal Odyssey, on July 31, 2013.

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* For More Info On WITCH CROSS:

Website: http://www.witchcross.dk

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

Hells Headbangers Records - Logo - B&W

http://www.hellsheadbangers.com

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LONG LIVE WITCH CROSS.

LONG LIVE WASTED.

LONG LIVE DEATH RIDES A HORSE.

LONG LIVE DANISH METAL.

Stone.

NEWSTED “HEAVY METAL MUSIC” – IS KICK ASS HEAVY METAL MUSIC!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on October 19, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Newsted - Heavy Metal Music - promo cover pic - 2013

5 Out Of 5 METAL Fists!

Metalfistredbckgrndsmall5

NEWSTEDJason Newsted has more than proven there is a life after Metallica; one listen into Heavy Metal Music only accentuates my point! Jason Newsted plays his powerhouse bass and is also the lead vocalist for his band. Heavy Metal Music was produced by Jason Newsted; proving here that he does not need to spend 100 million dollars on a Rick Rubin to make this album kick 100% Heavy Metal ass!

I confidently declare Heavy Metal Music as one of the very best of Metal albums I’ve enjoyed in 2013; and enjoyed in the past several years for that matter! I also dig very, very much the vocals of Jason Newsted. His vocals are Metal. Hell, Jason Newsted can freaking sing! The band that Jason Newsted has assembled here are tremendous musicians, in my most sincere Metal opinion. Newsted’s Metal is not Thrash, yet has that hint in a few spots. This is American Heavy Metal 2013, minus the modern Metal template that too many bands are following these days.

Listen To And Watch Below, The Sensational, Official Lyric Video For: Above All

Guitarists Mike Mushok and Jessie Farnsworth are damn amazing to listen to; Heavy Metal Music is a riff fest and their guitar tones are original and old school, not the vomit we hear from so many younger copy cat bands. Jesus Mendez, Jr. on drums just kills it! No instrument is buried here, the Metal from this album is in your face! All eleven songs are prime cuts with NO artificial flavorings!

Jason Newsted and his band have to be fucking proud of themselves! This is an album that our Metal community needs and is a potent drop kick to the ass to those who think Metallica’s Death Magnetic was something special. Here’s to one of Heavy Metal’s greatest bassists that has ever lived… and to an album that YOU should not be living without! This album has made me a very, very happy Metalhead. Listen To Metal. Metal be thy name.

Newsted - band pic - 2013 - #1

HEAVY METAL MUSIC – Track Listing:

Heroic Dose

Soldierhead

…As The Crow Flies

Ampossible

Long Time Dead

Above All

King Of The Underdogs

Nocturnus

Twisted Tail Of The Comet

Kindevillusion

Futureality

Newsted - band promo banner - itunes - 2013

NEWSTED:

Jason Newsted – bass & vocals

Mike Mushok – guitars

Jessie Farnsworth – guitars & backing vocals

Jesus Mendez, Jr. – drums & percussion

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HEAVY METAL MUSIC Is Available Now On iTunes:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/heavy-metal-music/id667605733

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* For More Info On NEWSTED:

Facebook: Jason Newsted

http://newstedheavymetal.com/

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LONG LIVE NEWSTED.

LONG LIVE HEAVY METAL MUSIC.

Stone.

KISS – Halloween Pumpkin Contest Is Underway! Enter To WIN!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, halloween, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on October 19, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Kiss - Halloween Pumpkins - promo pic - 2013 - Kiss Pumpkin Contest

As reported on the KISS Facebook page:

Hey Fans – Halloween is fast approaching and here is your chance to join in the KISS Halloween fun.

Grab a pumpkin and your creative spark and carve the KISS logo and/or the band’s likeness into it and send a photo our way using Instagram and the hashtag #kisspumpkin.

We’ll showcase the best entries on the KISS Facebook page and choose a random winner to take home a $100 Amazon gift card and a Monster CD.

For MORE info and contest rules: http://www.kisspumpkin.com/

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* For More Info On KISS:

Facebook: KISS

http://www.kissonline.com

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LONG LIVE KISS.

LONG LIVE HALLOWEEN.

Stone.

TONY HARNELL And TNT – TWO LEGENDARY FORCES ARE TOGETHER AGAIN!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on October 18, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Tony Harnell - promo photo - 2013 - #111

As reported on the Tony Harnell Facebook page:

After much discussion and lots of soul searching I’m happy to officially announce that I’ll be back behind the microphone with TNT. I’m very proud of all we accomplished over the years and proud to have written and recorded all those great songs with my brother from another mother, Ronni Le Tekro. Sometimes it’s just time to give the fans what they’re asking for. 2014 is the 25th anniversary of the successful Intuition album and we thought it would be a good time to get out and re-launch this little machine for you guys! Can’t wait to see you all on tour! TH

TNT - band logo - Gold on Black - 2013

* For More Info On TONY HARNELL:

Facebook: Tony Harnell

http://www.tonyharnell.com

* For More Info On TNT:

http://www.tnttheband.com

Facebook: TNT

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LONG LIVE TONY HARNELL.

LONG LIVE TNT.

Stone.

CRISS OLIVA – Remembering This Guitar Legend On The Anniversary Of His Passing

Posted in guitarists, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on October 17, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Savatage - Ghost In The Ruins - A tribute to Criss Oliva - promo cover

CRISS OLIVA was the co-founder of the iconic SAVATAGE and the younger brother to (The Man Of Music) Jon Oliva. Criss Oliva was (and still is) a guitarist who has inspired and influenced countless of musicians across our planet. Criss Oliva’s tragic death on October 17th, 1993, from an oncoming drunk driver was a tremendous shock to the music world. The music of Criss Oliva lives on and he shall never be forgotten by this fan.

Below was a reminder I came across this morning, from Bryan Holland, co-founder/guitarist and songwriter of the outstanding Metal band Reverence, that the 20th anniversary of Criss Oliva’s passing is today.

As reported on the Reverence Facebook page:

Today marks the 20th anniversary of the passing of Criss Oliva, guitarist of Savatage. Please take a few minutes today and listen to this hugely talented band and massively underrated guitarist who personally influenced Pete Rossi and myself’s playing and writing more thank anyone else ever has.

You won’t regret it…Keep his and the band’s music alive, that way Criss and Savatage will live on forever.

~ Bryan Holland

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0ZRDWH7G0Q

Metal Odyssey Note: The drummer for Reverence, Steve Wacholz, is also a co-founding member of Savatage. Criss Oliva’s former Savatage bandmate, the legendary Chris Caffery, wrote a heartfelt piece about Criss Oliva today as well; you can read it by going to the Savatage Facebook page here: Savatage

Savatage - Ghost In The Ruins - A tribute to Criss Oliva - promo cover

After I read memorial pieces that Bryan Holland and Chris Caffery wrote, I knew I had to listen to Savatage today in memory of Criss Oliva. The Savatage CD I chose from my collection: Ghost In The Ruins – A Tribute To Criss Oliva. This CD was released back in 1995, via Nuclear Blast America. All 13 songs are live and the sound is stellar! I included in the track listing (below) the year and venue for each song’s live recording. The production by Paul O Neill and Jon Oliva I applaud for having this CD sound like a continuous concert performance, with no silent breaks between the songs.

I honestly just bought this CD (used) for the first time, over this past Summer, for an amazing price of $2.99 (U.S.) at Omega Music, in downtown Dayton, Ohio. Unreal. To say I recommend this Tribute To Criss Oliva CD is an understatement! Hearing the guitar wizardry of Criss Oliva on this CD is incredible! The Criss Intro (guitar solo) is grand! The finale is Post Script, which is a sound check by Criss Oliva; it makes for a fittingly perfect way to end this CD. This Savatage lineup was simply… superb.

I feel very fortunate that I was able to see Savatage (back in 1987) perform live, as they were out supporting their Metal classic: Hall Of The Mountain King. I feel very, very fortunate.

SAVATAGE – Lineup On GHOST IN THE RUINS – A TRIBUTE TO CRISS OLIVA:

Jon Oliva – vocals and keyboards

Criss Oliva – guitar

Johnny Lee Middleton – bass

Chris Caffery – guitar

Steve Wacholz – drums

GHOST IN THE RUINS – A TRIBUTE TO CRISS OLIVA

City Beneath The Surface – N.Y.C. – The Ritz – 1990

24 Hours Ago – Spectrum Coliseum – Philadelphia – 1988

Legions – Spectrum Coliseum – Philadelphia – 1988

Strange Wings – Spectrum Coliseum – Philadelphia – 1988

Gutter Ballet – Los Angeles Palace – 1990

When The Crowds Are Gone – Hollywood Palace – 1990

Of Rage And War – Brooklyn – Lamour – 1990

The Dungeons Are Calling – Long Island – Nassau Coliseum – 1988

Sirens – Long Island – Nassau Coliseum – 1988

Hounds – Brooklyn – Lamour – 1990

Criss Intro – Cleveland – Agora – 1987

Hall Of The Mountain King – Brooklyn – Lamour – 1990

Post Script – Sound Check – Hollywood Palace – 1990

Savatage - Classic Logo - B&W

* For More Info On The Life Of CRISS OLIVA:

http://www.crissoliva.com

* For More Info On SAVATAGE:

http://www.savatage.com

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LONG LIVE THE LEGACY OF SAVATAGE.

REST IN PEACE, CRISS OLIVA.

Stone.

CRYSTAL VIPER “POSSESSION” – Releasing On December 13th, Via AFM Records!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on October 16, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Crystal Viper - Possession - promo cover pic - 2013

CRYSTAL VIPER News: the new album from Poland’s CRYSTAL VIPER, Possession, will be released on Friday, December 13th, via AFM Records! See the cover artwork above!

Stone Says: NICE album cover art! Whoa! Looks like a concept album to me!? That’s my Metal guess anyways, based on the images of the album art. Such a damn fine METAL band is CRYSTAL VIPER. True Metal warriors are they. I can’t wait to hear this new CRYSTAL VIPER offering!! Whoa.

Crystal Viper - band promo pic - 2013 - #923

Band photo by Wojtek Gabriel

MARTA GABRIEL –  vocals and guitars

ANDY WAVE – guitars

TOM “GOLEM” DANCZAK – drums

MICHAL BADOCHA – bass guitar

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* For More Info On CRYSTAL VIPER:

Facebook: Crystal Viper

http://www.crystalviper.com

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LONG LIVE CRYSTAL VIPER.

LONG LIVE METAL.

METAL BE THY NAME.

Stone.

RAT PAK RECORDS SET TO RELEASE BEASTO BLANCO “LIVE FAST DIE LOUD”

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on October 15, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Beasto Blanco - live fast die loud - promo album cover pic

Pre-order your copy of Beasto Blanco “Live Fast Die Loud” here: www.RatPakRecords.com/BeastoBlanco

Listen to Beasto Blanco “Vegas Baby Vegas” aka “Dirty Los Vegas” from the forthcoming CD “Live Fast Die Loud” here: https://soundcloud.com/rat-pak-records/vegas

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With influences ranging from White Zombie to Motorhead, Beasto Blanco’s “LIVE FAST DIE LOUD” is a full-length anthemic hard rock offering that keeps you amped on “10” from start to finish! The progeny of long time Alice Cooper bassist Chuck Garric, “LIVE FAST DIE LOUD” yields a powerful combination of heavy riffs, driving bass, and melodic choruses that are bound to stick in your head after just one listen! Beasto Blanco is quickly becoming a favorite of the music and movie industry’s most respected talents! Here is what just a few of them have to say about “LIVE FAST DIE LOUD”:

Johnny Depp: “What an honor to hear something as beastly and killer as this!!! It’s truly, truly great and wonderfully kind of life affirming! Makes one feel ownership of their being!”

Nicko McBrain (Iron Maiden): “Chuck has got himself a ‘KIN’ blazing band here. “LIVE FAST DIE LOUD” from Beasto Blanco is a solid piece and rockin’ like there is no tomorrow! Well done me old china!”

Alice Cooper: “Beasto Blanco to me is an East L.A ‘Day Of The Dead’ kind of hard rock band. They seem dangerous – don’t stand too close, this is a band that I see exploding in the next few years. The “LIVE FAST DIE LOUD” video shows my grown daughter Calico crawling around like some sort of animal, which is of course, just how I remember her as a child!”

Bob Ezrin (Producer): “Chuck Garric is a modern-day monster, one of the most talented and heaviest rock musicians I’ve ever worked with!”

Mikkey Dee (Motorhead):  LIVE FAST DIE LOUD is a real ass-kicker and I wouldn’t expect anything less when Chuck is at the forefront, keep slammin!

John Corabi: “I totally love “LIVE FAST DIE LOUD”! This is the real deal, it’s 100% raw energy from start to finish!”

“LIVE FAST DIE LOUD” features Chuck Garric, Calico Cooper, Glen Sobel, Jonathan Mover, Chris Latham, Tiffany Lowe and more!

Official release date is scheduled for October 29th 2013.

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TRACK LISTING:

ILL NOSTRO SPIRITO

BEASTO BLANCO

BLOOD SHOT

CALIFORNIA

BREAKDOWN

VEGAS

MOTOR QUEEN

FREAK

BEG TO DIFFER

LIVE FAST DIE LOUD

NO MORE MAN

Beasto Blanco - live fast die loud - promo album banner - 2013(Source: RAT PAK RECORDS)

Facebook: Beasto Blanco

Rat Pak Records - logo - 2013

Website: www.ratpakrecords.com

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LONG LIVE BEASTO BLANCO.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

KILLER DWARFS “START @ ONE” – A Classic Hard Rock Album Is Resurrected!

Posted in classic rock, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, Music, rock bands, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on October 14, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Killer Dwarfs - Start @ One - promo cover pic

5 Out Of 5 METAL Fists!

Metalfistredbckgrndsmall5

KILLER DWARFSWhat once was old is new again. What once was forgotten is rediscovered and glistens like a full and welcomed beer keg under a moonlit sky. This beer keg being referenced is the “lost” studio album, Start @ One, from one of Canada’s greatest of Heavy Rock bands ever: KILLER DWARFS. With KILLER DWARFS new studio album Start @ One, the bright lights of Arena Rock and party like you’re 18 again magic of this 1980’s/early 90’s Hard Rock/Heavy Metal band has returned!

This album was meant to be released years ago; only the timing and circumstances surrounding it would not allow this darling batch of nine songs to see its delivery upon the Dwarf Nation. Now it’s here! Unlaced Nike high-top sneakers as my witness, this KILLER DWARFS album is as fun, entertaining and Hard Rockin’ today, as it would have been back in the day. This is an album and a band that is brimming with so much appeal. Many, many from the Classic Rock, Hard Rock, Hair Metal and Melodic Heavy Metal crowds should be stoked by the gallant return of KILLER DWARFS!

KillerDwarfsMadness1-logo - promo

Quality Melodic Hard Rock of yesteryear will never lose it’s luster, flavor or psyche-you-out impact on me. Start @ One is proof positive of this. It’s the colorful and booming sound of KILLER DWARFS, with major league songs that have always made them so memorable and this album is once again confirmation of just that; with the band’s chemistry of good times and Rock ’till you drop attitude spilling over each song!

Russ Dwarf should now be considered in every conversation of celebrated vocalists of 80’s Hard Rock up to present day. Solid Ground, Sky Is Falling and seven other songs are my choice favorites on Start @ One… and I’m not messing around! If you’re to take my Metal advice and run with it, then, go and buy Start @ One and be reminded that KILLER DWARFS have reunited and returned to conquer the villages, rural centers and all urban dwellings, while raising the Dwarf Nation flag to more grandiose heights! Metal be thy name.

Now… get your very own copy of Start @ One by clicking this link right here: http://russdwarf.bandcamp.com/

START @ ONE – Track Listing:

Lonely Road

Solid Ground

Sky Is Falling

Adalina

Psycho Circus

Start @ One

Down In Hollywood

Walk On By

The Crowd

Killer Dwarfs - large band logo - B&W

Russ “Dwarf” Graham – vocals

Darrell “Dwarf” Millar – drums & vocals

Gerry “Cod Dwarf” Finn – guitars & vocals

Ronald “Bad Ronbo Dwarf” Mayer – bass & vocals

Additional Players:

John “Skully” Macintosh – keyboards

Fred Duvall – vocals

Cosimo Crupi – keyboards & vocals

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* Album Art & Design: Chris Hale

* For More Info On KILLER DWARFS:

Facebook: Killer Dwarfs

Website: http://killerdwarfsband.com

Russ Dwarf: http://russdwarf.com

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LONG LIVE KILLER DWARFS.

METAL BE THY NAME.

Stone.

HUNTRESS – Starbound Beast Tour 2013; Supporting LAMB OF GOD And KILLSWITCH ENGAGE

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, rock concerts, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on October 13, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Huntress-Stream-Page-Pic

As reported on the HUNTRESS Facebook page:

Lamb of GodKillswitch Engage,Testament & Huntress are touring North America this fall! We are honored to join these legends of metal on the road and can’t wait to meet our fans! Come find us after our set, we’ll be at merch giving away Jägermeister USA/Huntress items to our 21+ fans, taking photos & signing posters! Get your tickets now, some shows are already SOLD OUT!

HUNTRESS – STARBOUND BEAST TOUR:

Huntress Headlining Off-Dates:
Oct 15: Salt Lake City, UT @ Burts Tiki-Lounge
Oct 16: Colorado Springs, CO @ The Black Sheep w/ Battlecross (co-headline)
Oct 17: Lincoln, NE @ Bourbon Theatre
Oct 20: Cleveland, OH @ Peabody’s (Pirates Cove)

Huntress - Lamb Of God - Testament - tour promo banner - 2013

HUNTRESS On Tour With Lamb of God, Killswitch Engage And Testament:

10/22/13 – Toronto, ON – Kool Haus
10/23/13 – Toronto, ON – Sound Academy
10/24/13 – Montreal, QC – Metropolis
10/25/13 – New York, NY – Roseland Ballroom
10/26/13 – Wallingford, CT – Toyota Presents Oakdale Theatre
10/28/13 – Columbus, OH – The LC Pavilion
10/29/13 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit
10/30/13 – Chicago, IL – Congress Theater
11/01/13 – Kansas City, MO – The Midland by AMC
11/02/13 – Grand Prairie, TX – Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie
11/03/13 – Socorro, TX – Socorro Entertainment Center
11/05/13 – Denver, CO – The Fillmore Auditorium
11/07/13 – Tempe, AZ – The Marquee
11/08/13 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium
11/09/13 – Oakland, CA – Fox Theater
11/11/13 – Kent, WA – ShoWare Center
11/12/13 – Vancouver, BC – Queen Elizabeth Theatre
11/14/13 – Edmonton, AB – Shaw Conference Centre
11/15/13 – Calgary, AB – Big Four
11/16/13 – Saskatoon, SK – Saskatoon Prairieland Park
11/18/13 – St. Paul, MN – Myth
11/19/13 – Milwaukee, WI – Eagles Ballroom
11/20/13 – Grand Rapids, MI – The Orbit Room
11/22/13 – Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom
11/23/13 – Boston, MA – House of Blues
11/24/13 – Philadelphia, PA – Electric Factory
11/25/13 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE
11/26/13 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring

Huntress Headlining Off-Dates:

Nov 29: Louisville, KY @ Phoenix Hill Tavern
Nov 30: Sauget, IL @ Pop’s Concert Venue
Dec 01: Oklahoma City, OK @ Leon’s Lounge/Chameleon Room
Dec 03: Tucson, AZ @ The Rock

Huntress - Starbound Beast - promo cover pic

HUNTRESS STARBOUND BEAST was released on July 2nd, 2013, via Napalm Records. BUY IT. PLAY IT LOUD and THANK the METAL GODS that HUNTRESS exists. Metal be thy name.

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* For More Info On HUNTRESS:

Facebook: Huntress

http://www.HuntressKills.com

http://www.HuntressKills.com/store

http://www.twitter.com/huntresskills

Napalm Records - logo - B&W - 2013

http://www.napalmrecords.com

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LONG LIVE HUNTRESS.

LONG LIVE METAL.

METAL BE THY NAME.

Stone.

BENEDICTUM – US METAL RISING STARS BENEDICTUM TO UNLEASH THEIR FOURTH ALBUM “OBEY” ON FRONTIERS RECORDS IN DECEMBER

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on October 13, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Benedictum - Obey - promo cover pic

Heavy Metal gets a needed shot in the arm with the long-awaited and much-anticipated new album from BENEDICTUM’s OBEY due out for release on Frontiers Records on November 29th in Europe and December 3rd in North America. With a sound that nods to the legends of Metal such as early Rainbow, the stylings of Savatage, Warrior, Rough Cutt, and Pyschotic Waltz, along with shades of Black Sabbath; Benedictum unleashes ‘OBEY’ that will surely bring pleasure to the Gods of Heavy Metal and their legions of fans around the world!

Veronica Freeman - Benedictum promo pic #1

Led by the sultry and powerful vocal gymnastics of lead singer Veronica Freeman, whose voice has been praised on the television show, That Metal Show, on VH1 among others; BENEDICTUM displays a plethora of aggressive riffs, fierce rhythms, and powerful melodies full of delicate textures that grow spikes with shredding leads to converge at the crossroads of tradition and innovation.

The rise of BENEDICTUM began when the band caught the ear and attention of DIO guitarist Craig Goldy, who in turn had his friend Jeff Pilson (Dokken, Dio, Foreigner) check them out. With the groups raw power and pure potential just beginning to surface, Pilson then produced and recorded Benedictum’s debut album ‘UNCREATION’ in 2005. The band garnered rave reviews and won over enthusiastic fist-pumping fans rapidly. Their second album ‘SEASONS OF TRAGEDY’ released in 2008 to more undeniable Metal love from around the world. All of this led to BENEDICTUM being signed to a contract with FRONTIERS RECORDS and further upping the ante in the studio.

Check Out The BENEDICTUM OBEY EPK (Official) Below!

The band and Grammy Award winning producer Ryan Greene (Megadeth, F5, NOFX) joined forces for 2011’s ‘DOMINION’ and BENEDICTUM had arrived. The band jumped onto the world stage playing such events as Wacken Open Air Festival, Doro’s Warrior Soul Tour, HeadBangers Open Air and more. The CD was also a pick of the week by Don Jamison on That Metal Show.Pete Wells - Benedictum - promo pic - #308

Pete Wells – Founding Member/Guitarist

BENEDICTUM went through some personnel changes and challenges, but have landed on the soles of The V’s high-heeled boots to record their highly anticipated fourth album ‘OBEY’. Joining founding members Veronica Freeman and Pete Wells are Rikard Stjernquist (Jag Panzer) on drums and Aric Avina (Tynator) on bass. There is an unmistakable swell of excitement building in chat rooms and fan pages online not only for the album, but to also have BENEDICTUM perform at a venue near them soon.

Obey track-listing includes: Dream Of The Banshee; Fractured; Obey; Fighting For My Life; Scream; Evil That We Do; Crossing Over; Cry; Thornz; Die To Love You; Apex Nation; Retrograde

To the world, BENEDICTUM merely says: bow and OBEY!

It is important that the band informs you of two duets on the album; one with A Sound Of Thunder vocalist Nina Osegueda on ‘Thornz’ and the other with the incomparable Tony Martin (Black Sabbath) on the song ‘Cry’. The band is humbled and appreciative!

Weblinks: http://www.benedictum.net  /

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Benedictum.Official

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(Source: Benedictum Official Website)

Frontiers Records - logo!

http://www.frontiers.it

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LONG LIVE BENEDICTUM.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

ICED EARTH – “PLAGUES OF BABYLON” LYRIC VIDEO STREAMING ONLINE NOW!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on October 13, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Iced Earth - Plagues Of Babylon - promo cover pic

ICED EARTH – Watch the new ICED EARTH lyric video off their upcoming album Plagues of Babylon:

Stone Says: Man, is this title song for the upcoming ICED EARTH album heavy-duty solid or what?! I’ve been pumped to get this new ICED EARTH album all along and now I’m quadruple mega-pumped!! Simply put, this song kicks incredible Metal ass!! There’s really no other way to put it!! WHOA!

Stu Block (once again) sounds fabulous and the guitars are on fire, in this song! Raphael Saini just pummels the Metal crap out of his kit!! I absolutely cannot wait to buy Plagues Of Babylon, this coming January of 2014!! Metal be thy name!!

Iced Earth - promo band pic - #77 - 2013 - B&W

Jon Schaffer – Rhythm & Lead Guitar, Vocals

Stu Block – Lead Vocals

Troy Seele – Lead Guitar

Luke Appleton – Bass Guitar

Raphael Saini – Drums

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(Source: Century Media Records)

* For More Info On ICED EARTH:

Facebook: Iced Earth

http://www.icedearth.com

Century Media Records - logo - B&W

http://www.centurymedia.com

http://www.cmdistro.com

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LONG LIVE ICED EARTH.

LONG LIVE HEAVY METAL.

METAL BE THY NAME.

Stone.

SCAR THE MARTYR – OPENING FOR KORN AND ROB ZOMBIE ON THE: NIGHT OF THE LIVING DREADS TOUR

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, horror metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, shock rock with tags , , , , , , on October 12, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Scar The Martyr - promo band pic - 2013 - #1

Remember when Slipknot‘s Joey Jordison filled in on drums for Korn on the 2007 edition of the Family Values Tour?

Joey will be hitting the road on the ‘Night Of The Living Dreads’ Tour with Korn and Rob Zombie opening up the show every night with his new band Scar The Martyr.

Tickets and VIP packages for the ‘Night Of The Living Dreads’ Tour are on sale now here: http://korn.com/events/

The “NIGHT OF THE LIVING DREADS” tour kicks off Sunday, November 3rd in Reno, Nevada and encompasses 17 dates across the U.S before wrapping November 26th in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

‪#‎KornTour2013 ‪#‎NightOfTheLivingDreads

FULL LIST OF KORN TOUR DATES:  http://bit.ly/KornShows

Korn - Rob Zombie - Night Of The Living Dreads - Tour Promo Flyer - 2013

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(Source: KORN Facebook)

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LONG LIVE JOEY JORDISON.

LONG LIVE KORN.

LONG LIVE ROB ZOMBIE.

LONG LIVE SCAR THE MARTYR.

Stone.

U.D.O. “STEELHAMMER” – Hammers Through With The Heavy Metal Charge!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on October 10, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

U.D.O. - Steelhammer - promo cover pic!

4.5 Metal Fists Out Of 5!

Metalfistredbckgrndsmall4Half - Metal Fist - metal odyssey

STEELHAMMER marks the 14th studio album from Germany’s undisputed Heavy Metal champions: U.D.O.. Led by the constant and legendary frontman Udo Dirkschneider, U.D.O. has seized the Metal moment in 2013! Steelhammer sounds just like it’s title! The marketing sticker on the CD jewel case states “Heavy Metal Album Of The Year” and that’s not a bunch of hot air by any stretch. I find Steelhammer to stand up valiantly, amongst the best Metal albums of 2013, myself.

What makes Steelhammer pound and pummel so well is the classic age of Heavy Metal sound that these songs are all wrapped up in. U.D.O.’s guitarists (Andrey SmirnovKasperi Heikkinen) have their names written all over the superior Heavy Metal sound that explodes from Steelhammer! Udo’s vocals are so excellent that it’s scary. Long live Udo Dirkschneider!

U.D.O. - Group Photo - 2013 - #1 - promo

Udo’s clean vocals are spotlighted (hugely) with Heavy Rain. A ballad on this U.D.O. album does put the brakes on the Heavy Metal tidal wave that carried me through tracks 1 through 4, nonetheless, it is fun hearing Udo sound so much more calm as a vocalist. After all these grand Metal years and catalog of albums that Udo Dirkschneider has given the Metal community, his ballad is given a horns up from this middle-aged hell rat. Book Of Faith is both a symphonic and diverse way to close out Steelhammer; reminding me that Heavy Metal isn’t always about the riff or blast beat.

Old School Metalheads, U.D.O. and Accept fans just have to salivate over Steelhammer! Younger fans of Metal need to buy Steelhammer and hear a tried and true legend sing Heavy Metal… the Udo way. This entire U.D.O. lineup kicks ass, pure and simple. “Heavy Metal Album Of The Year”? With Steelhammer’s Heavy Metal being this memorable to me, I’m sure it has a credible shot.

U.D.O. - Band Logo - large!

Udo Dirkschneider – vocals

Andrey Smirnov – guitar

Kasperi Heikkinen – guitar

Fitty Wienhold – bass

Francesco Jovino – drums

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Steelhammer was released in North America, back on May 21st, 2013, via AFM Records.

* For More Info On U.D.O.

Facebook: U.D.O. (official)

http://www.udo-online.de

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LONG LIVE U.D.O.

LONG LIVE UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER.

LONG LIVE HEAVY METAL.

Stone.