OVERKILL – The second studio album from this legendary and pioneering Thrash Metal band was released back in 1987, on Megaforce Records, aptly titled – TAKING OVER. When I first heard OVERKILL, that was it. I was hooked. The vocals of Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth combined with the guitar speed and Thrashin’ raging sound that Bobby Gustafson is handing out on this Taking Over album is incredible. With D.D. Verni on bass and Rat Skates on drums… this was vintage OVERKILL. I can remember the days of staring at this Taking Over album cover and thinking two words: bad ass. OVERKILL will always be bad ass for this Metalhead, each and every passing day of my Metal lovin’ life.
In Union We Stand from the Taking Over album has always been a “Metal United” anthem for me. Here’s hoping you get the same Metal thrill from this song as I do!
* A while back, I wrote a mini review on Taking Over. It shouldn’t take too many words to convince someone just how unreal great this album is. You can read it by clicking on this link: OVER KILL – TAKING OVER
IN THIS MOMENT – The third studio album from In This Moment, A Star-Crossed Wasteland, was released on July 13, 2010, on Century Media. Maria Brink, once again, does not disappoint me with her vocals. The Gun Show showcases Maria at her most vocally vicious best! What I admire most about Maria is her ability to capture the emotion she feels for a song… and transfer that energy unto my ears. Whether it’s soft and harmonious or the angst and fire fueled vocals of Maria Brink, I am always impressed beyond Metal belief.
Plus… the band behind her are pretty damned good at what they do too. I hope you enjoy In This Moment – The Gun Show… I know I certainly do.
* For more info on IN THIS MOMENT, click on the link below:
BONDED BY BLOOD – Pomona California’s very own Thrash Metal ambassadors – Bonded By Blood are set to release their second studio album on Earache Records… Exiled To Earth. The North American release date is August 10, 2010 with the U.K. and Europe release date being August 16, 2010.
Bonded By Blood will be playing at the Brutal Assault Open Air Festival in Josefov, Czech Republic , CZ, on August 12, 2010. August 13th thru the 15th finds Bonded By Blood tagged for three concerts in The United Kingdom. August 15th ends with their playing at the Bloodstock Open Air Festival – Mainstage, at Catton Hall, United Kingdom.
August 17, 2010 is the beginning of Bonded By Blood trekking across North America in support of Exiled To Earth, on the March Of Brutality Tour, opening for Thrash Metal legends… EXODUS! Vancouver, BC, Canada, is the first North American city on the schedule, which will commence on December 13th, 2010, in Sin City itself… Las Vegas, Nevada.
Throughout this North American tour, Bonded By Blood will be teaming up with Thrash Metal veterans/legends OVERKILL and Forbidden. Early Man, Evile and Gama Bomb are also slated to be on the bill with Bonded By Blood, on selected dates, throughout this tour.
* For more info onBONDED BY BLOOD and a detailed list of their 2010 tour schedule, just click on the link below:
MAGNUM – Vocalist Bob Catley and guitarist Tony Clarkin are the nucleus and only two original members of Magnum, (since 1978’s debut album Kingdom of Madness),with Mark Stanway manning the keyboards since 1982’s Chase The Dragon album. Regardless of lineup changes, Magnum has created music that touches on four decades, (soon to be five with the 2011 studio release of The Visitation).
Into The Valley Of The Moonking is the fifteenth studio album from Magnum, released on June 16, 2009, on Steamhammer/SPV Records. There are those bands that make music, the kind of music that resonates that classic feel and sound from every turn… this Magnum album resonates this.
Classic Rock is not just a bunch of albums from the ’60’, 70’s and ’80’s. The Classic Rock sound and style is just as relevant in 2010 as any other time in Rock Music history, in my Metal opinion. Magnum unrolls their Classic Rock red carpet and struts down it like royalty on this album.
With delectable nuances and flavors that nod towards The Electric Light Orchestra on such songs as: The Moonking, No One Knows His Name and In My Minds Eye, just to name examples, being lured into these songs due to their mini-epic style is unavoidable for me. Harry James on drums, the guitar tones of Tony Clarkin and Mark Stanway’s keyboards are to blame for my hearing any ELO similarities.
Not a copycat band to any of their peers, Magnum is and always has been as original as they come. As I listen to Magnum, I get the sense that they are re-inventing Classic Rock music while many might think it’s just a continuation of a well known and seasoned band. Album Oriented Rock is not a dinosaur after all, Into The Valley Of The Moonking is twelve songs that substantiate the importance of having depth and not filler on an album.
Magnum incorporates Keyboards as an emotional element throughout their music, with Mark Stanway becoming such an integral part of this band over the years. Never are there keyboard parts that don’t fit or run-off in an annoying endless stream. The keyboard arrangements are priceless on Into The Valley Of The Moonking.
Cry To Yourself is my favorite song, with it’s unrelenting melodic wave. All right, Cry To Yourself moves me. There, I said it. Tony Clarkin on guitar is superb, his playing elevates the emotion of this song. Bob Catley is beyond excellent on vocals, it’s as if this song was born with him. All My Bridges takes me on an up-tempo and melodic ride that is not easy to jump off. Take Me To The Edge is a fist to the air Hard Rock song, accentuated by Tony Clarkin’s guitar licks and the drumming of Harry James. Al Barrow on bass, is right in on the Hard Rock action throughout Take Me To The Edge… a real cool jamming song it must be for this band.
Clocking in at 6:58 long, Blood On Your Barbed Wire Thorns is another Hard Rock number on this album, bringing in some Old School riffs, with some Rock ‘N’ Roll piano. The beat is consistently contagious on this song, making for a legitimate foot stompin’ listen. At the close of Blood On Your Barbed Wire Thorns, the tempo subsides dramatically with the keyboards and guitar adding a subdued and reflective atmosphere.
Magnum puts great emphasis on song lyrics, to coincide with creative song writing. The songs on this album seem to reflect a conscientious attention to detail that Bob Catley, Tony Clarkin and this band have towards making music. It’s the journey that these songs on Into The Valley Of The Moonking send my mind on, from both the lyrics and music, which results in my liking this album all the more. Magnum has made an album here that I will now label as a classic. And why not? Into The Valley Of The Moonking is only going to be labeled as such… two decades from now if not sooner.
* For more info on MAGNUM, just click on the link below:
VINNIE VINCENT INVASTION – As years pass, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal CD’s seem to stack up. Many of them unfortunately can get pushed to the side, it is a reality that most of us Metalheads out there share. I only have one set of ears and so many hours in the day, therefore, listening to new releases and older issues can make for quite the Metal balancing act. Step in please… Vinnie Vincent Invasion – All Systems Go. Released in 1988, this was the second and last album from Vinnie Vincent Invasion.
Recently, Best Metal Buddy Scott Coverdale, passed on to me the All Systems Go CD, to feed into my Heavy Metal hungry mind. In Scott’s ever challenging endeavor to consistently research Hard Rock and Heavy Metal history, digging up this album has proved to be quite the Metal deed. This is yet another 1980’s Heavy Metal release that I still have, stashed away on cassette and never upgraded to CD or Mp3… until now, thanks to Coverdale. By the way… Coverdale doesn’t “do” cassettes. Go figure. Maybe I’m just a stubborn Old School corn-dog after all.
Oh, yeah… let’s get into All Systems Go. I’ll readily admit, it has been a very, very, long time since I listened to this Vinnie Vincent Invasion album. That’s just the way it’s turned out. Being the “huge” Mark Slaughter and Slaughter fan I am… shame on my Metal soul. Being the lead vocalist on this album proved to be Mark Slaughter’s career breakout and he sings the daylights out of these songs. Dana Strum plays a thick and mean-ass bass on this album too. Bobby Rock on drums sounds dynamite… as always.
Then there’s Vinnie Vincent on guitar. Really, what can I say? Vinnie Vincent sure can play, that’s damn certain. His signature is all over the songs on All Systems Go and rightfully so, this former KISS guitarist is one of the best axe wielders from that amazing 80’s era of Heavy Metal. Really, that’s how I feel, regardless of how few albums Vinnie Vincent may have appeared on back then. To my ears, Vinnie made the most of what music he created and/or played on with KISS and of course, his own band.
This lineup of Vinnie Vincent Invasion had that 100% “look” of Hair Metal back in ’88, only this album really doesn’t have that stereotypical sound of that genre, in my Metal opinion. I always point directly at the music when defining what “genre” a band fits into. Between Mark Slaughter’s vocals and Vinnie Vincent’s guitar, it’s all pure Heavy Metal to me.
As I listen to All Systems Go now, the thought of what could have been certainly does cross my Metal mind. Needless to say, it’s the albums that do exist from Vinnie Vincent Invasion… that matters most. Besides, I have never been very good with what ifs? anyways. The ever Hard Rockin’ and super melodic Slaughter was eventually born from this Vinnie Vincent Invasion lineup, as fine an offshoot I could ever wish for.
Scott Coverdale likens All Systems Go to unearthing a gem that has been buried away for twenty years. I can’t conveniently argue with him on that analogy. All Systems Go, twenty years later, still is a super inviting album of late ’80’s Heavy Metal, which is undoubtedly loaded with all the melodic fun and arena color of that very loud and proud decade… that I love to revisit time and again.
VINNIE VINCENT INVASION (As they appeared on All Systems Go):
Mark Slaughter – vocals
Vinnie Vincent – guitars & backing vocals
Dana Strum – bass & backing vocals
Bobby Rock – drums
Track Listing For All Systems Go:
Ashes To Ashes
Dirty Rhythm
Love Kills
Naughty Naughty
Burn
Let Freedom Rock
That Time Of Year
Heavy Pettin’
Ecstasy
Deeper and Deeper
Breakout
The Meltdown (Instrumental/Bonus CD Track)
Ya Know I’m Pretty Shot (Instrumental/Bonus CD Track)
THE ABSENCE– On September 14, 2010, The Absence – Enemy Unboundwill be released on Metal Blade Records. Enemy Unbound will be the third studio album released by The Absence, all on Metal Blade Records.
You can listen to the new single from The Absence – Enemy Unboundon their myspace music page, (click link below)… it’s worth multiple listens. Enemy Unbound is fast, heavy and chock full of melodic guitar moments. Don’t be swayed by The Absence bringing melodic guitar to the Metal table though… this song blisters with extreme vocals from Jamie Stewart and the pummeling attack of Jeramie Kling on drums and Mike Leon on bass. Listening to the duo guitars of Peter Joseph and Patrick Pintavalle is a substantial reminder of just how potent The Absence is withtheir Metal sound… and talent. Blending both Death and Thrash Metal styles together, while stirring in strong melodic consistency, is what The Absence delivers.
* Jeramie Kling has rejoined The Absence on drums. Jeramie parted ways after touring in support of their debut album – From Your Grave. (Source: Metal Blade News Update).
THE ABSENCE ARE:
Jamie Stewart – vocals
Peter Joseph – guitar
Patrick Pintavalle – guitar
Jeramie Kling – drums
Mike Leon – bass
Track Listing For Enemy Unbound:
Vertigo
Erased
Deepest Wound
Maelstrom
Enemy Unbound
Solace
The Bridge
Warton
Hidden In White
Vengeance and Victory
Triumph
The Absence Discography:
From Your Grave (2005)
Riders Of The Plague (2007)
* For more info on The Absence, just click on the links below:
MAGIC/A TRIBUTE TO RONNIE JAMES DIO – This compilation of songs, paying tribute to the late and forever legendary Ronnie James Dio, was released on July 20, 2010, on Magic Circle Music. The executive producer for this album is Joey DeMaio, bass guitarist and founding member of Metal legends… MANOWAR. Joey is also the founder and man-in-charge of Magic Circle Music, starting this record label back in 2005. HolyHell, Feinstein and Jack Starr’s Burning Starr are just a few of the many bands under the Magic Circle Music label and appearing on this tribute album as well.
The assemblage of Metal Bands heard on this Ronnie James Dio Tribute album gives it more added appeal, these are bands that are not vying for position at any Hollywood plastic awards shows, which brings a huge sigh of relief to me. Sincerity in Metal is key, especially when it comes to a tribute album for such a legend as Ronnie James Dio. In other words, you won’t hear any “club mix” or “flavor of the month” band here. It’s all real, especially when “The Kings Of Metal” themselves, are included on this album – MANOWAR. Their presence alone solidifies and justifies all the more reason to buy, listen to and enjoy this Ronnie James Dio Tribute. This album contains cover songs from Ronnie James Dio’s career with Rainbow and Black Sabbath, songs in which Ronnie not only sung his heart out on but cowrote as well.
There are two songs that are the exception here and are not covers, they are – Far Beyond by Feinstein and Never More by Neoclassical guitarist Dean Cascione. Far Beyond is from the debut album by Feinstein – Third Wish. David “Rock” Feinstein, (original guitarist for Elf and later guitarist/vocalist for the influential Heavy Metal Band – The Rods), can play some lean & mean Metal guitar. He displays his guitar prowess on Far Beyond, making for a fabulous salute to his cousin and former Elf band mate, Ronnie James Dio. Whoa, is this song melodic and John West on vocals is an absolute Metal treat to thine ears.
Dean Cascione showcases his guitar skills in a moving and emotional instrumental that is Never More. If Dean’s guitar could speak, it would be saying… thank you Ronnie, you are so missed. That is exactly how I interpret this guitar instrumental, with having it’s rightful place amongst the other songs on this album. Straight Through The Heart covered by Harlet just flat out Rocks. Todd Michael Hall on vocals is excellent… as he gives this DIO classic it’s just revered due.
MANOWAR cuts loose with the first song, a cover of the revered – Heaven And Hell. MANOWAR unleashes their very own thunder strike of Metal into Heaven And Hell, all the while adhering to this song’s original tempo and mystically dark mood. The bass of Joey DeMaio is heavily prominent in this cover, just as Geezer Butler’s bass is in the original. What a tremendous way to get this Ronnie James Dio Tribute album moving!
HolyHell covers Holy Diver, it’s a live recording done somewhere in Norway. Maria Breon on vocals brings another listening dimension to this ultra classic DIO song. Maria’s eloquent vocal style combined with the Power Metal of HolyHell comes recommended by Stone. I really enjoy listening to this cover and to this band. MetalForce covers The Last In Line. This Power Metal version is a mighty listen with Tristan Visser on guitar leaving quite a Metal impression on me, he takes on the solo with fearless Metal fury. Tarek Maghary on vocals gives The Last In Line the Old School emotion it so deserves.
Now, let’s talk about Jack Starr’s Burning Starr… unreal is the cover version of Catch The Rainbow by this legendary guitarist and his band. Todd Michael Hall on vocals is brilliant. Catch The Rainbow is without question, the most soothing Hard Rock song I have ever listened to… both the Rainbow original and this cover version as well. I’d have to pick this song along with the Heaven And Hell cover from Manowar as the two best songs on this album.
For those who may not know, Jack Starr was the founder and guitarist for the highly influential and renowned 1980’s Power Metal Band from New York – Virgin Steele. After the Virgin Steele era, Jack Starr continued onward with Burning Starr, his solo career, revisiting his love for the blues and having a stake in a few other bands. I could continue on and on with the history of Jack Starr… we’ll just leave that for another post in the future. After Burning Starr’s two decade absence of an album, Defiance was released in 2009 on Magic Circle Music. Defiance marks the fifth studio album release from Jack Starr’s… Burning Starr.
Joey DeMaio and all of these bands mentioned, have delivered quite the Old School and well deserved tribute to the late/great Ronnie James Dio with this compilation album. The historical Heavy Metal linkage associated with this tribute album is a thrill in and of itself! Combine this history with a few younger Metal bands that appear here and Magic – A Tribute To Ronnie James Dio truly bridges the gap between generations of Metal Bands and fans. Even the liner notes seem to glisten with that “days of Metal yesteryear” image. The four pages of photo’s celebrating Ronnie James Dio, within the liner notes, show him as a member of The Electric Elves, Rainbow and Black Sabbath.
I guess my Metal enthusiasm has essentially spilled over on writing about this tribute album to Ronnie James Dio. What I walk away with, after listening to all of the songs on this album and realizing the history behind the music, is that the Heavy Metal genre is very much a diverse and well connected family tree. And this family tree I will continue to climb, love and explore for the rest of my Metal life.
* The very cool & Metal album cover illustration is by – Ken Kelly.
* For more info on the bands involved in this great tribute album to Ronnie James Dio, just click on the helpful links below:
STONE: Recently, Boris Randall contacted Metal Odyssey and it is appreciated. Boris is a veteran of Punk and Extreme Metal Music, being a pioneer, in his own right, in the Horror Metal genre. A song writer, vocalist and lead/rhythm guitarist who really adheres to Rock ‘N’ Roll’s true roots, (Boris lists Elvis Presley, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins and Ramones as influences), he is a musician that is self-made and moving forward. Albeit underground or on Coffin Records, the music of Boris Randall has made some noise in the Heavy Music world over the last twenty + years. Boris has given Metal Odyssey, to share with fans, his career breakdown of bands he has founded and what he is up to at the moment. Here is what Boris Randall had to say and share:
BORIS:First off, I’d like to thank you for supporting Hallowmas and my music. Let me give you some history on myself and how Hallowmas came to be and where it stands now.
In 1989 I formed my first hardcore/punk band called THE SPLATTEPUNKS. We released several albums locally and underground. Complete do-it-yourself. We were relatively popular for what we were doing, and the fact that we were the ONLY punk/hardcore band with a horror image and horror lyrics within an 80 mile radius! (remember, in 1989 there was NO “horror punk” genre either) THE SPLATTERPUNKS kicked unholy ass until 1999 when I felt like it was time to move on. Our final release was an anthology that spanned our 10 years. Two cds, 76 songs, and a 28 page booklet that included lyrics and artwork.
HALLOWMAS – THE ROAD TO HALLOW’S EVE album cover:
In 2001 I formed HALLOWMAS. The idea was to take up where I left off with THE SPLATTERPUNKS, but to bring even more elements into it. And I did. I even brought a few of The Splatterpunks’ songs into Hallowmas. Hallowmas was a VERY busy band between releases, shows, interviews, videos, etc. The first Hallowmas release (on a real label) was in 2004 on Coffin Records. The album was called “October Burning.” It sold very well and continues to. It also received great reviews. The follow up was the ep you have called “The Road To Hallows Eve.” We went into the studio in 2006 and recorded our next full-length release, but the band broke up. That album, which I called “Autumn’s Soft Decay,” was never released even though it was finished and is in my possession. It also got leaked on the internet, so search the title and see if you can find it. The complete album is 18 tracks.
HALLOWMAS – OCTOBER BURNING album cover:
HALLOWMAS – classic promo group photo:
In 2006 I also released a solo disc called “Season Of Death: The Last Halloween.” I limited it to 50 copies, which lasted about 4 weeks. I filled the time from 2007 to now by working with various bands, writing background music for the Rue Morgue Radio show, did the music for a Rue Morgue Radio video promo, and wrote the score for the Bill Hanzman’s Night Of The Living Dead stage play.
Currently, I’m playing lead guitar in the extreme metal band NECROPHAGIA. If you’re well versed in metal I’m sure you know who they are. We’re in the studio right now working on our new album.
I’ve also got my own band that will have a debut release very soon, but I’m keeping the whole thing under wraps for right now.
That’s pretty much the light detail version of my history. Here’s a more detailed “time line” from my bands and their releases:
THE SPLATTERPUNKS:
1989 “Rat Boy”
1990 “It’s Only Murder”
1993 “The Ghoul Rock Session”
1994 “Live In Wellsville”
1996 “The Devil’s Empyrean”
1997 “1997 B.C.”
1999 “The Demonology” (anthology)
HALLOWMAS:
2002 “Zodiac” (single)
2002 “From Beyond” (single)
2003 “Unholy Autumn” (ep)
2004 “Dead And Buried” (ep)
2004 “October Burning” (Coffin Records)
2005 “Death Comes In Threes” (split full length)
2005 “The Road To Hallows Eve (Coffin Records)
2006 “Autumn’s Soft Decay” (STILL UNRELEASED)
THE AUTUMN DEAD:
This was a side project with Hallowmas bassist, Johnny Coffin. We made one release:
2003 “Demos”
BORIS RANDALL (solo):
2006 “Season Of Death: The Last Halloween”
I’ve also made guest appearances on:
Nokturne “Kruelty Kampaign”
Necrophagia “Goblins Be Thine”
Morgue Wagon “Morgue Wagon”
Garbage Pail Kids “Lover’s Lane”
I think that about covers it…….so far. I’ve got tons more music on the way. If you like Hallowmas I can’t wait for you to hear what I’ve got cooking. Plus, I hope you’ll enjoy my work in Necrophagia.
Thanks for your interest and support,
stay evil,
Boris
Metal Odyssey Note: Thank you Boris. It is always a thrill to get the “story straight” directly from the source. You and all of your bands are always welcomed at Metal Odyssey! Plus… I have a sinister suspicion I’m gonna like your work with Necrophagia’s new album… Deathtrip 69.
NECROPHAGIA – 2010:
From left to right: Boris Randall (guitar), Killjoy (vocals), Undead Torment (guitar), Shawn Slusarek (drums), Damien Matthews (bass).
* For even more info on Boris Randall and Necrophagia, just click the links below:
* In case any visitor missed it, check out the album review I did on Hallowmas – The Road To Hallow’s Eve, back on September 25, 2009, by clicking on the link below:
KOPEK – Unless you have been on an extended vacation from Rock ‘N’ Roll, you should have heard of a band named KOPEK by now. This 3-piece Hard Rock Band comes from the beautiful country of Ireland, with a twist… they are redefining what Modern Hard Rock sounds like. I’ve even thrown the adjective of “special” at KOPEK, that’s how serious I am about their debut album – White Collar Lies. This KOPEK gem had it’s U.S. digital release on June 29, 2010 and a forthcoming physical release on September 14, 2010, on Religion Music via SIN/Sony Music Independent Network.
KOPEK’S three musicians;Daniel Jordan, (lead vocals & guitar), Brad Kinsella, (bass guitar) and Shane Cooney, (drums), probably should brace themselves for what’s ahead… and that’s plenty of Rock ‘N’ Roll attention this side of the Atlantic. O.k., worldwide Rock ‘N’ Roll attention too. Yes… KOPEK’S Hard Rock sound is that good, with a vibe of newness spilling out from every crevice, lending for cool accessibility that peeks in at the mainstream.
Lead vocalist and guitarist Daniel Jordan recently took a few moments from his stacked schedule to talk to Metal Odyssey about KOPEK, White Collar Lies, the new Love Is Dead video and what bands would be very cool to tour with, amongst other Rockin’ discussion. Dan’s polite demeanor and nonexistent ego will only carry KOPEK and himself to greater acceptance and respectability. Here is what Dan had to say:
Stone: How did the sound of KOPEK’S brand of Rock evolve? Was there ever a period of time for experimentation?
Dan: We’re actually experimenting more now as a band. As a three piece it can be so basic and we try new ways and new tricks to make the sound better. With our album, it’s a solid three piece base. When we were younger, we did play in different bands, with different set-ups.
Stone: I have written that KOPEK can really play like their lives depend on it. Do the three of you realize just how great White Collar Lies sounds and feels?
Dan: I suppose it has grown on us a bit, not as a product but as a finished piece of work we really feel strongly about.
Stone: It’s an amazing album and I can’t stop listening to it!
Dan: Thanks, I appreciate that!
Stone: How important to you, is the message conveyed in your song White Collar Lies?
Dan:Very important. It is something that I feel so strongly about, that it’s enough to write a song for. This song is about people at the top making bad decisions, that eventually affect us people below. A number of years ago I wrote this song. Now it’s on our album as well as the album title.
Stone: Writing the song White Collar Lies years ago and it is such a strong song today. That shows just how relevant this song’s theme is. Just watching the nightly or cable news makes me shake my head at all the corruption that is happening around me.
Dan: It goes to show nothing really changes. Your not the only country where this stuff happens, we have the same thing going on in Ireland too, it’s going on everywhere.
Stone: Floridian, besides it’s melodic up-tempo, has emotional lyrics that you resonate in such a fantastic way. What’s the influence behind Floridian?
Dan: It’s a love song, yet I don’t want to say it just that way. It can be a song for a friend. Floridian is about creating something new, to give a new kind of meaning to what you want. Floridian is about an object of desire. It’s also a need as well I suppose.
Stone: Love Is Dead is an absolute hot hit, both song and video! Did you guys get to choose the model for this music video?
Dan: It was out of our hands, although the lads did a good job!
Stone: You bet they did! (laughs)
Dan:Oh yeah! (laughs)
Stone: Did you have a good time making the video?
Dan: It was lot’s of fun! This song is so good lyrically to sing. Johann, the director, did an excellent job in creating the tattoos appearing on the nude. Love Is Dead is all about Rock ‘N’ Roll excess and is definitely a great song for us.
Stone: There really are so many songs on White Collar Lies that can be tagged as a hit single. I am blown away by Fever!
Dan: Fever has good kinds of memories for me. We went to L.A. on a self financed trip and stopped by Crazy Girls. Fever was born out of that situation, it was just a good time we had there at Crazy Girls!
Stone: Did you like L.A. itself?
Dan:Oh yeah! We like New York City as well, it’s really easier to get around there.
Stone: Coming from Ireland, how much of an influence is U2, if any at all, to KOPEK?
Dan: We were into their earlier albums, listened to Achtung Baby and Zooropa. U2 opened boundaries for younger bands and musicians in Ireland. They opened up a whole new musical ground for us too.
Stone: Does having the backing of Religion Music Group, coupled with Sony Music Independent Network, elevate your desire and confidence as a band?
Dan: KOPEK has been together for a few years now, so we do our thing regardless. There is a level of confidence we share, all the way through our career as a band. We travelled all around the world as a band beforehand. Still, it’s good to know there is money to record albums behind us. Sony, to have them on board in America is great for us.
Stone: Is a North American tour in the near future for KOPEK?
Dan: I hope so! We are very anxious to get over there to America. The crowds in America are so responsive to our music. America is the first place on our list for a tour! Our fans can keep checking the web for news on a tour, maybe in a couple of months or so we’ll know something.
Stone: What bands would you want to tour with in North America?
Dan: AC/DC! Them Crooked Vultures! Bruce Springsteen!
Stone: That’s a pretty cool and diverse list.
Dan: We listen to a little of everything.
Stone: Describe the general state of Rock ‘N’ Roll in Ireland today.
Dan: The heavier or Rocky stuff is not prominent. Indie and lighter sounding bands are on the radio.
Stone: Gee whiz.
Dan: The U.K. is where it would be at for bands that are heavier. A few bands can make it out of Ireland but it’s not many and not easy.
Stone: If you could pick a guest musician for the second KOPEK album, who would it be and why?
Dan: Jimmy Page. I love the work he does on guitar and his knowledge of music. To me, there is no one else like him. Led Zeppelin is a huge influence on KOPEK’S sound as a three piece.
Stone: Thanks Dan for sharing your time and thoughts. Good luck to KOPEK on your new album! Tell Brad and Shane, Stone says hey.
GAMMA RAY – Have you ever had one of those moments, where you listen to a particular song and it hits you just right? Of course you have. If you say – “no, I don’t know what your trying to convey here”… then your just a turtle neck wearing grump, who feels it’s no longer necessary to use the turn signal on your car. For those of you that know what I mean, about a song hitting your psyche-out meter on the bulls-eye, this quick story is for you.
I was “free styling” with my Heavy Metal & Hard Rock songs today… in technical terminology, I was “shuffling” the song choices that were being played for my eardrums. It was late this afternoon and my itunes library was at the ready. Assorted songs from KROKUS, Slaughter, KOPEK and then… GAMMA RAY. Whoa. The song was… To The Metal. Whoa again. With my computer mouse, I clicked on that mighty “replay” button to hear To The Metal once again. Then again… and again. I could not stop replaying this Heavy Metal Anthem. Gamma Ray was pulling me in and making me feel like I was leading a Heavy Metal charge through some gilt edged, halls of glory.
Yes, make no mistake, the legendary Kai Hansen of Gamma Ray without doubt, sings To The Metal as if he is a fierce Heavy Metal warrior of the land. The beat and melodic flow of this song, coupled with it’s Old School heaviness, is as superior of a Heavy Metal Anthem as I’ve ever heard in my entire Metal lovin’ life. Yes, there have been near countless Heavy Metal Anthems that came before To The Metal… only today, Gamma Ray delivered their Metal anthem goods to my ears, mind and soul.
If there was to be that “one song” to send out into the outer reaches of the Universe, to let alien beings hear as a representation of Old School Heavy Metal from 2010… To The Metal is “that song”. Stone has spoken.
I lost count, after eight plays in a row of To The Metal today. So be it. It felt damn good. For during that Heavy Metal interval, that I experienced today, this was an all natural high. Um, I mean all natural Metal high. That’s my quick story of listening repeatedly to Gamma Ray’s – To The Metal. Oh, if you haven’t heard this song just yet… seek it out… it’s worth giving into and getting psyched out by. Metal be thy name.
* One last Metal thought… you might just want to buy this entire To The Metal album. This might very well be considered an extremely abbreviated album review, nonetheless, here it goes: To The Metal is worth your time and hard earned $$$. Old School Metalheads and Power Metal fans should take quite a liking to this GAMMA RAY album.
* Take a listen for yourself at just how powerful To The Metal sounds:
* For more info on GAMMA RAY, just click on the links below:
WHITECHAPEL– Released their third full length album and second on Metal Blade Records – A New Era Of Corruption, on June 8, 2010. Now… Whitechapel has launched their new and official website! This new & official Whitechapel website is Metal muscle bound with music videos, live videos, video interviews, tour dates, news, store and more! To access the media, blogs, contests and forum portions of Whitechapel’s website, you have to buy a membership.
Stone’s Note:This is a 1 year interactive membership you would buy.Regardless, there are 3 levels of paid membership you can choose to purchase, with each level having different Whitechapel merchandise included with the paid membership, (the higher your level of membership, the better and more merch that is offered… and the third level is loaded). Click on the link below to see for yourself!
WHITECHAPEL is bringing their brand of Death Metal Technicality and all out Extreme Metal fury to the thousands of fans attending the Vans Warped Tour Twenty Ten! Find out more about Vans Warped Twenty Ten by clicking the all-knowing link below:
RAVEN– After releasing WALK THROUGH FIREon March 30, 2010, on Metal Blade Records, RAVEN are on tour in support of this fabulous album of Old School Metal. RAVEN may be in your neck of the woods between July 31st and October 24th, 2010… so check out the tour dates below!
RAVENare:
John Gallagher – vocals & bass guitars
Mark Gallagher – guitars
Joe Hasselvander – drums & percussion
The following are the RAVEN tour dates from July 31, 2010 to October 24, 2010, covering both European and North American cities. (Source: Metal Blade News Update)
* Metal Odyssey has no further concert information other than the dates disclosed.
European Tour Dates:
07/31 – Brande-Hörnerkirchen,DE Headbangers Open Air Germany
08/01 – Kerkradde, NL The Rock Temple
08/04 – Den Haag, NL Het Paard Club
08/06 – Wacken, DE Waken Festival
08/07 – Deinze, BE Alcatraz Festival
North America Tour (U.S. & Canada)Dates:
09/10 – Baltimore, MD, Sonar
09/11 – Virginia Beach, VA, Gill’s
09/12 – Springfield, VA, Jaxx
09/16 – Toronto, ON, Wreck Room
09/17 – Cleveland, OH, Peabody’s
09/18 – Chicago, IL, The Abbey Pub
09/19 – Detroit, MI, Blondies
10/01 – Seattle, WA, El Corazon
10/02 – Vancouver, BC, Red Room
10/03 – Portland, OR, Peters Room
10/22 – Dallas TX, Trees
10/23 – Houston, TX, Scout Bar
10/24 – San Antonio, TX, Scout Bar
*You can check out the album review for RAVEN – WALK THROUGH FIRE, which I posted on April 29, 2010, by clicking on that really cool header below:
REDEMPTION – Snowfall On Judgement Day is an entertaining listen in quality Progressive Melodic Metal. Released on October 6, 2009, (on InsideOut Music/The Century Family Inc.). Snowfall On Judgement Day marks the fourth studio album release from Redemption. Each song is thoughtfully written lyrically, with very impressive musicianship throughout. The songs on this album are layered with an almost exquisite sheen, with all the ambiance and textures one can expect from a Progressive Metal Band of substance.
The vocals of Ray Alder are pronounced, while never overreaching. Ray Alder is a veteran of the Metal Music world, while also being the lead vocalist for the quite famous – Fates Warning. Redemption plays as a seamless and cohesive unit, making each song the star on Snowfall On Judgement Day. Nick van Dyk and Bernie Versailles are a potent duo on guitars, adding very interesting and downright likable melodic moments from beginning to end on this album. Greg Hosharian on keyboards adds all the atmospheric and melodic elements of mysticism, openness, sense of flight and emotional highs and lows. I guess Greg seems to cover it all, when it comes to sensory interpretation of his keyboard playing.
Chris Quirarte plays drums in the spirit and style of one Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater fame. This comparison may sound complimentary, which is rightfully justified, in my Metal opinion. Chris comes across to me as a drummer not trying to play hard and stand out, he is just simply mastering the beats and adding all the right drum fills within each song heard. What more can one ask for from their drummer? With each musician in Redemption seeming to convey their astuteness for their craft, I still need to mention Sean Andrews on bass, who helps anchor the rhythm section and doesn’t fall short on speed when the song dictates.
James LaBrie, lead vocalist for Dream Theater,is a guest vocalist on the song Another Day Dies. This song captures an almost total Euro Power Metal sound and feel. It’s the guitar leads and solo that seem to keep it from melting over completely into this comparison. James LaBrie’s vocals makes for a perfect match, with this Progressive Metal style that is Redemption. I still like Ray Alder fronting this band though, he is by no means a second tier front man. The harmony and tone of Ray Alder’s vocals are tailor made for Redemption… to my ears anyways.
Hopefully, my descriptive thoughts on Redemption as musicians, can help you understand just how the songs play out on Snowfall On Judgement Day. This band and this particular album should not be relegated to the back of the line. Flying under the Progressive Metal radar can’t be a reality in Redemption’s future. When there are so many bands and their albums to choose from in the vast world of Heavy Music genres, it’s a band like Redemption that just can’t go overlooked. I invite anyone who loves to hear songs and not four minute hits, to step right into the Progressive Metal creation that is Snowfall On Judgement Day.
Fans of Dream Theater, Queensryche, Coheed And Cambria and Mastodon should be very enthused by Redemption and Snowfall On Judgement Day. I’m pleased to have purchased this album and I highly recommend Redemption to any fan of Hard Rock or Heavy Metal that is looking to expand their music listening interests in a more progressive way.
* The song Keep Breathing, is an emotional and tender song written in dedication to Nick van Dyk’s daughter Parker. On the last page of the liner notes, what I read broke my heart. Being a father of twin daughters, the medical battle that Nick’s daughter Parker is going through just really hit home with me. To directly quote Nick van Dyk: “my daughter Parker was diagnosed with a terrible eye condition called Cone Dystrophy. This is a genetic condition, that prevents the retina from forming properly, resulting in the loss of central vision”. Nick writes: “there is currently no cure or treatment for Cone Dystrophy… even with corrective lenses, her vision will be 20/200 or worse. She will be unable to drive a car and do many things that people take for granted”.
Nick van Dyk continues, in the liner notes: If you are looking for a charity to support, please consider the Foundation Fighting Blindness, which can be found at http://www.blindness.org”.
* For more info on Redemption, just click on the links below:
IRON MAIDEN – The fifteenth studio album from the unparalleled legends of Metal will be released on August 17, 2010, on Sony Legacy. The album is called…
IRON MAIDEN – THE FINAL FRONTIER
Check out – The Final Frontier – Directors Cut, which was aired worldwide on July 13, on Iron Maiden’s official website! (See link below)
As a lifelong fan of IRON MAIDEN, I will readily admit my unreal anticipation and excitement for The Final Frontier. Each time I listen to the song, Satellite 15..The Final Frontier, (the new Iron Maiden music video), I realize that Bruce Dickinson’s vocals have never sounded more prolific and the band never more powerful. IRON MAIDEN hasn’t just stood the test of time, they have obliterated any thoughts of not staying on top of the Metal world.
The Metal world as I know and listen to it… would never be this dynamic, proud, supercharged and full-scale if not for IRON MAIDEN. Truth be told… my life as a Metalhead would not have been the same, if not for the catalog of albums created by IRON MAIDEN. I can only state this about a select group of Metal bands… and IRON MAIDEN rises triumphantly from this group. Metal be thy name.
* Visit the IRON MAIDEN official website by clicking here: IRON MAIDEN
* The Final Frontier album cover artwork is created by Melvyn Grant. For more info on this amazing artist, click the link below:
SERGEANT STEEL – Calling all open minded record companies around the world… there is a Hard Rock Band that has released an album of melodic driven, heavy hittin’, memorable and fun songs. They call themselves Sergeant Steel and call home Austria. Sergeant Steel’s debut album – Lover’s & Maniacs, (released March 6, 2010), is a decisive upper-cut to the mid-section of the Hard Rock world. Sergeant Steel’s debut release reminds us all once again what Hard Rock songs sound like when a band puts skills and writing first and doesn’t try to “fit in” with any trendy “sound of the month” club.
So, RoadRunner Records, Century Media Records and a score of other record companies out there, who without question, have their ears on “the pulse” of what bands are hot… Sergeant Steel has arrived with Lovers & Maniacs and they are making no excuses and not looking back. This is a band that is looking to the future with hunger in their Hard Rock souls, something that many up and coming bands out there today are in dire need of.
I reviewed this Sergeant Steel debut album – Lovers & Maniacs on July 1, 2010. You can click on the link at the bottom of this interview, to read all about it.
The following interview is with Sergeant Steel’s charismatic lead vocalist, Phil Vanderkill. Recently, Phil took the time to answer some questions for Metal Odyssey and proved to be as candid and cool as they come. Phil’s answers are just as the songs you hear on Lovers & Maniacs… genuine. Here is what Phil had to say:
STONE: Hey Phil, How are you doing? It’s wicked HOT here in Pennsylvania. We have been under a “severe heat warning” for many days now. My lawn I no longer have to mow… it’s fried! Hope the air over in Austria is more tolerable.
PHIL: It’s about 35 degrees Celsius. That’s also pretty hot but the humidity is quite low at present. Austrians get out of their shell at this time of the year. If you know “Sound Of Music” you have an imagination about our wonderful Lakeland areas and vintage cities like Salzburg and Vienna.
STONE: Creating a studio album for world wide release is for certain hard work. Still, what and how much fun was it to create and record “Lovers & Maniacs”?
PHIL: It is still hard work to promote the record, too. We have been donating a lot of our leisure on this record. But it’s still fun. Now that the album is released, we enjoy it when people sing along at our live shows!
STONE: Who or what bands are an influence to Sergeant Steel?
PHIL: Our major influence are bands from the 70’s like pomp/classic rockers Queen, Rainbow and Aerosmith. We appreciate glamsters like Slade and The Sweet, too. Of course we also love 80’s hair bands like Ratt, Cinderella, Europe and Extreme. We also adore the guitar driven yet melodic heavy metal sound of Judas Priest.
STONE: Describe the reaction your getting from your fans when playing live in Austria.
PHIL: There are only a very few hard rock acts on the map. Most people in the crowd experience arena rock live for their first time at a SERGEANT STEEL show. We always play in front of a grateful public. It doesn’t seem to be difficult to carry the Austrian audience. Rather the challenge is to convince bookers and organizers. Classic hard rock tunes are everything else than common in the public awareness over here.
STONE: Are you setting sights on touring North America one day?
PHIL: Well, Jack and me, (guitarist & producer Jack Power), are going to travel overseas in the fall 2011. We are ready and willing to expand our contacts in the USA.
STONE: If you could choose a guest musician to be on the next Sergeant Steel album, who would it be?
PHIL: We’d have some honorable gentlemen on the bill, e.g. Alice Cooper, Lemmy Kilmister, Stephen Pearcy (Ratt) and John Sykes (ex- Whitesnake). I think they are all unique performers and accomplished songwriters.
STONE: Having “Lovers & Maniacs” mastered by Beau Hill is impressive. How was this working relationship born between Beau Hill and Sergeant Steel?
PHIL: Beau can be characterized by a maximum of politeness and reliability. We came in contact with Beau via Myspace, then sent him some demo tunes by mail and he became a real fan of our music (To quote Beau: “This record really kicks ass!”). Of course, we are extremely proud about that. It is highly probable to work with him on further material this year.
STONE: Which famous phrase best describes Sergeant Steel: “Sex, drugs & Rock’N’ Roll” or “I wanna Rock ‘N’ Roll all night and party every day”?
PHIL: Definitely “Rock ‘N’ Roll all night, party every day”. We enjoy life, because we believe in the most important message of rock music: Fun!!! Yes, we are occasional drinkers and smokers. But we DO NOT believe in permanent self-destruction. Look at Gene Simmons and Ted Nugent. Both live straight but they are crazy motherfuckers on stage and deserved songwriters. That is what it depends on.
STONE: “Lovers & Maniacs” is a solid Hard Rockin’ album of 10 songs, an unreal great debut album. Were there any songs that just missed the cut that you wish were on the finished album?
PHIL: Thank you for showing us your appreciation! When we determined the tracklist for “Lovers & Maniacs” we had to choose out of 35 pre-produced tunes. Meanwhile we have over 90 demo songs to be at choice for a second record. You know, there will always be some songs that will be missed on a finished album by someone.
STONE: Which song or songs from “Lovers & Maniacs” gets the fans most fired up when you play live? Are there any “vintage” cover songs that you guys enjoy playing live?
PHIL: Our most renowned live smashers from “Lovers & Maniacs” are “Hammer Of Love”, “Still In Love” and “Nuts Of Steel”. People also get loco everytime we play a cover version of “Jailhouse Rock”!
STONE: How would you describe the “state of” Hard Rock and Heavy Metal in Austria?
PHIL: Well, being in a hard rock band in Austria is like being a human rights activist in fucking North Korea. As I told you before there are only a handful of bands playing that stuff. Anyway there’s no competitive thinking among these bands. We organize concerts together and exchange our experiences in the music business.
STONE: Are European Festival dates in the future for Sergeant Steel?
PHIL: We play at a local festival in 2011, which is going to be attended by about 4000 visitors. Beside that there’s nothing official yet.
STONE: From looking at the photos and “Hammer Of Love” video, along with listening to the Hard Rock glory of “Lovers & Maniacs”, I get the perception Sergeant Steel has a tight bond among themselves. How accurate is my perception?
PHIL: You are absolutely right! Being in SERGEANT STEEL is being among friends! It took a lot of patience and understanding to reach that level of fellowship, but now we are all geared up to take the world by storm.
STONE: Thanks again Phil!
PHIL: Thank you very much Stone. Best regards to the American rockers over there. We are proud about gaining fans in the home country of many of our favorite bands!!
* Here is some late-breaking Sergeant Steel news, as told by Phil Vanderkill: Ronny Roxx succeeds founding member Cosy Coxx on bass guitar. Cosy leaves the band in a friendly way due to personal reasons.
* For more info on Sergeant Steel, click on the links below:
MURDERDOLLS – And on the 13th day, God created the Murderdolls. O.k., so maybe God did. The real Metal fact is this: Murderdolls are BACK! On August 31, 2010, ROADRUNNER Records will be releasing the newest installment of heavy duty carnage, from this Supergroup.The legendary Joey Jordison (Slipknot) plays both guitar and drums on Women And Children Last. Wednesday 13, (Yes, that Wednesday 13!), is the lead vocalist and plays guitar and bass as well.
* Metal Odyssey Note: I did refer to Joey Jordison as “legendary”… and if anyone disagrees, well, you obviously have never listened to any Slipknot albums in your entire life… especially All Hope Is Gone. Metal be thy name.
On June 22, 2010, the RoadRunner Records website was serving up, (for just 48 hours), a free download of the Murderdolls single – My Dark Place Alone, from the forthcoming Women And Children Last. I took full advantage of this Metal freebie. Let me just describe this song as honestly as I can… An F’n intense and brutally supercharged Metal song, fueled with hellishly delectable speed and fury, that shall pummel thine senses into a state of maddening glee. ‘Nuff said. No? All right, here is a song review for the more intolerant and faint of heart out there: My Dark Place Alone shall invade your mind, space and soul by brute force… so grab your first aid kit, food rations, your ABBA albums, loved ones and seek shelter soon.
* Metal Odyssey Note: You can currently purchase My Dark Place Alone on itunes.
As read on the Murderdolls official website, (see link below), Joey Jordison states that Wednesday 13 came up with the new album title of Women And Children Last, being a funny joke on the Van Halen album “title” – Women And Children First, released back in 1980. (Just so the readers know… I revere that Van Halen album). Wednesday 13 reveals on the Murderdolls official website: “So the record is going to have ideas from all over the place. It’s heavy, it’s Glam Rock, it’s Hard Rock, it’s Metal, it’s… there’s not hip-hop though”. Sounds like a kickin’ ass album to Stone.
* From what I have been reading, Motely Crue’s legendary Mick Mars does appear on two songs, making Women And Children Last all the more Metal intriguing. Song titles have been revealed, with the two Mick Mars songs as well… only I don’t want to spell out these songs until it is “officially” stated on a credible site or from a credible source. Maybe this info is out there, already credibly established. Still, I just don’t want to wind up as a corn dog at the end of the day.
* Some of the new album’s song titles have been revealed on the RoadRunner Records website, (see link below), they are: Death Valley Superstars, Summertime Suicide, Drug Me To Hell and of course, My Dark Place Alone.
Murderdolls released their debut album in 2002 – Beyond The Valley Of The Murderdolls, on RoadRunner Records. Initially being a Horror Punk Band, Murderdolls are now promising a wide array of Heavy Music styles on Women And Children Last. From listening to their new single – My Dark Place Alone, Murderdolls have taken a few steps aside from their Horror Punk style of eight years ago. I really am looking forward to hearing this new Murderdolls album in it’s entirety. You can count on this album being reviewed right here on Metal Odyssey. I have a sinister suspicion I’m gonna really like it.
* For more info on Murderdolls, just click on the links below!
IRON MAIDEN – In May of 2000, the beyond legendary Iron Maiden released the twelfth studio album of their unparalleled Heavy Metal career. Brave New World is studio album #12 from Iron Maiden and marked the return of their most prolific lead vocalist – Bruce Dickinson. (After 1992’s Fear Of The Dark album, Bruce Dickinson left Iron Maiden to pursue what became a successful solo career). The two Iron Maiden albums before Brave New World, The X Factor from 1995 and Virtual XI from 1998, featured the strong and capable vocals of Blaze Bayley. There was and always shall be, however, only “one” Bruce Dickinson and Brave New World resonates with his unreal unique, Metal/operatic vocals.
Brave New World is the album that also glistens with the return of long-time Iron Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith. The 1981 album Killers was Adrian Smith’s coming out party for Iron Maiden. With two signature band members in Bruce Dickinson and Adrian Smith, returning to the Heavy Metal historic band known as Iron Maiden, Brave New World was a real return to the make-up of how this band is truly embraced and perceived by their countless fans across the continents.
IRON MAIDEN – Rock In Rio (2002), concert supporting the Brave New World album.
DANZIG – In 1992, Danzig III: How The Gods Killwas released. My favorite DANZIG song of all-time is on this album… Dirty Black Summer. Oh yeah. This is the one. There’s something about the wickedness of this song’s tone, atmosphere and grooves. Plus, this song’s edgy heaviness and lyrics are what puts that sinister smirk on my face and attitude in my step. Dirty Black Summer is not a “fun in the Summer sun” song by any stretch of the imagination. With that said, all the guitar parts seem to remind me of those hot and humid Summer nights, where I am taking a long cruise in the car, with the window down, as fog begins to formulate in the air. I guess it’s just me.
Some time ago, I wrote up a brief review on this great DANZIG album. You can read it if you so wish, I actually recommend that you do. Just click the link below:
Oh, yeah, one more Metal thought. Glenn Danzig F’n RULES.
DANZIG as they appeared on DANZIG III: How The Gods Kill:
Glenn Danzig – vocals
Eerie Von – bass
John Christ – guitar
Chuck Biscuits – drums
Check out the DANZIG – Dirty Black Summermusic video below. Hopefully you enjoy this song as much as I do. If not, well, you can always go back to your cross stitching and listen to the Fiddler On TheRoof soundtrack. Metal be thy name.
CRANK IT LOUD MUTHA!
* For more info on DANZIG, just click the link below:
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
Metal Odyssey's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"
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