Archive for the heavy metal news Category

JUDGEMENT DAY – Sign With minus Head Records; “POLAR SHIFT” Set For July 31st Release

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , on May 27, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Photo credit: Riki Feldman

Judgement Day, the Oakland based trio that NPR described as “a mix of Progressive Rock and Classical with strings played through distortion pedals and other effects”, have signed on with the eclectic Bay Area label minus Head Records for a July 31 release of Polar Shift.

The band made waves with their 2010 release Peacocks/Pink Monsters, a record Time Out Chicago said “not only spans genres but does away with them altogether… the new school of classical-thrash has its poster boys” and was affectionately dubbed “string metal” by fans and critics.   Following an album cycle that included tours with Dredg, Mates of State and Pinback the band retreated to a Sea Ranch, Calif. cabin to begin work on what would become Polar Shift.

“On this album, we wanted to see if we could make something with unfiltered violin and cello sounds that fits with drums and still rocks as hard as a guitar album does,” explained Anton Pantzer, violinist and songwriter for Judgement Day. What followed was a twenty-day recording session in an isolated wooden room with uniquely vaulted ceilings lending an incredible sound to the fourteen-track release. “It was nice to be away from society and have the opportunity to solely concentrate on music.  We really tapped into something special.

Judgement Day is brothers Anton and Lewis Patzner (Lewis plays cello) with Jon Bush on drums.

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Tour Dates:

June 14    Santa Cruz, CA @ The Crepe Place

June 15    Monterey, CA @ East Village Coffee Lounge

June 23    Davis, CA @ Davis Music Festival

June 30    Salt Lake City, UT @ Crucial Fest

July 3    Reno, NV @ Strega

July 7    Cupertino, CA @ X Bar (Homestead Lanes)

August 3    San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill (Record release show)

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(Source: Speakeasy PR & Marketing)

For more info on JUDGEMENT DAY, click on the link below!

http://www.stringmetal.com

LONG LIVE JUDGEMENT DAY.

Stone.

MORTAL INFINITY – Digital Media Records Releasing “District Destruction” From German Thrashers MORTAL INFINITY On June 15th

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal with tags , , , , , , on May 26, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Canada’s Digital Media Records will release District Destruction from German Thrashers MORTAL INFNITY on June 15th. MORTAL INFINITY offers an album’s worth of surgically precise, immediately memorable, and frighteningly ferocious Thrash Metal. The album was recorded at Sound Lodge Studios from Joerg Uken (God Dethroned, Dew-Scented, etc), ensuring maximum riff crunch and laceration potential.

Taking influence from the likes not only the Bay Area (Exodus, Testament, etc) and German (Destruction, Kreator) scenes, but also acts like Slayer and Lamb of God, MORTAL INFINITY’s District Destruction is one debut album that plays like it was made by 20-year veterans.

District Destruction Cover Art & Track Listing:

Intro

Thrill to Kill

At Dawn of Death

Wake of Devastation

Retribution

District Destruction

Condemned Rising

Radical Response

Sound of Brutality

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Band Background:

Mortal Infinity is a Thrash Metal Band from Bavaria/Germany. The band combines their influences from old school Bands like Exodus, Testament, Pantera and Slayer with modern bands like Lamb of God to create their own trademark. Mortal Infinity was founded 2009 by lead singer Marc Doblinger and bass player Sigi Weinhart. After the usual changes in the early lineup, they hit the stage with guitar players Sebastian Unrath and Thomas Harlander, who both play rhythm and lead guitar, and Frank Fiedler on drums.

Early in 2011 Mathias Erber joined the band to fill in for bass player Sigi W. who quit to attend a university of applied sciences. Later that year Frank F. left the band because of his health issues, so Mathias E. switched to drums and Daniel Hofer joined Mortal Infinity as the new bass player.This is the line up that recorded the debut District Destruction at the Sound Lodge Studios with Joerg Uken (God Dethroned, Dew-Scented) late 2011.

May 2012 had a historic moment for the band when a contract was signed with Digital Media Records, a proud event for the band indeed. Mortal Infinity are playing numerous shows in Europe (e.g. Metalfest Austria with Megadeth) and looking forward to seeing you on the road!

MORTAL INFNITY is:

Marc Doblinger – Vocals

Thomas Harlander – Rhythm Guitar

Sebastian Unrath – Lead Guitar

Daniel Hofer – Bass

Mathias Erber – Drums

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(Source: ClawHammer PR)

For more info on MORTAL INFINITY, click on the link below!

http://www.facebook.com/mortalinfinity

LONG LIVE MORTAL INFINITY.

Stone.

SLIPKNOT – Mick Thomson and Jim Root – On Cover Of June 2012 Issue Of Guitar World

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on May 26, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

SLIPKNOT – This past week I had the opportunity to catch up with the June 2012 issue of Guitar World and what an issue! There is a fabulous interview with Slipknot’s Mick Thomson and Jim Root that no fan of this legendary band should miss. Richard Bienstock asked some real and sincere questions during this interview; an engaging read it is. I truly admire the members of Slipknot for moving forward in the absence of their Metal brother, the late Paul Gray. Long Live Slipknot.

John 5 is also interviewed by Richard Bienstock and what a very cool read! John 5 talks about scoring the upcoming Rob Zombie directed Horror film The Lords of Salem, his gear and new album God Told Me To; plus John 5 reveals about his recording an acoustic album with David Lee Roth! This acoustic album is still to be released. Whoa! This is good stuff!

A tremendous article on PANTERA’s iconic Vulgar Display Of Power is included in this issue! Interviews with the surviving members of PANTERA on the making of this album to personal thoughts on the late Dimebag Darrell, this feature makes for a mandatory Metal read.

Look for some of my quick Metal thoughts about the July issue of Guitar World which features SLASH on the cover, this coming week! Metal be thy name.

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For more info on GUITAR WORLD, click on the links below!

http://www.guitarworld.com

http://www.twitter.com/guitarworld

LONG LIVE ROCK ‘N METAL.

LONG LIVE GUITAR WORLD.

Rest In Peace, Paul Gray.

Stone.

COFFINWORM “Great Bringer Of Night” LP Now Shipping From FLENSER RECORDS; Other Releases Available

Posted in Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, sludge metal, underground metal with tags , , , , , , on May 26, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Filthy Blackened Sludge from Indianapolis! This is a re-edition of Coffinworm’s legendary initial offering. Great Bringer of Night has been re-mastered by James Plotkin, includes unreleased recordings and features re-imagined artwork by Bryan Proteau. Housed in a heavy jacket and comes with an insert.

ORDER

STREAM/DOWNLOAD

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Wreck and Reference’s follow-up to “Black Cassette” entitled, YOUTH, will be released on vinyl by Flenser Records. A pre-order will be announced soon. Wreck and Reference is a heavy, dark band that utilizes synthesizers and samples and is VERY hard to classify. Please check out the stream/download found in the link below.

You can stream and download Wreck and Reference’s YOUTH HERE

Also check out this review and Interview with Lurkers Path HERE

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The coming weeks will see releases by:

Worm Ouroboros – Wreck and Reference – Bosse-de-Nage

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(Source: Flenser Records)

Visit FLENSER RECORDS at:

http://theflenser.com

https://facebook.com/FlenserRecords

LONG LIVE UNDERGROUND METAL.

Stone.

ADORNED BROOD – German Pagan Metal Pioneers Sign To Massacre Records

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, pagan metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , on May 25, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Massacre Records:

We’re proud to announce the signing of German Pagan Metal pioneers ADORNED BROOD!

When they started in 1993, ADORNED BROOD were just a few young metalheads who loved Metal and who wanted to create their own unique sound by combining elements of Extreme Metal on the one hand and Folk elements, like flutes, on the other.
 
Meanwhile, the band can look back on seven full-length albums, such as “Asgard”, “Heldentat”, “Noor” and their latest album “Hammerfeste”.

ADORNED BROOD faced several line-up changes, but they always stayed true to themselves.

Besides playing at Germany’s Wacken Open Air, Summer Breeze and lots of other festivals, the band played countless gigs, some of them as support for bands such as Subway To Sally, TYR, Alestorm, Turisas or Korpiklaani.

Vocalist and bassist Frost, drummer Mischa, guitarists Thorsten and Jan, keyboardist Niklas and flutist Anne are currently working on new material for their 8th album, which is scheduled to be released in fall 2012.

The band stated:

“We are looking forward to work with such an established label like Massacre Records, which has faith in us and supports us. It’s an honor to be signed to the same label that Eisregen, Legion of the Damned and Wolfchant are signed to!”

ADORNED BROOD as well as their label mates CORONATUS are going to play at Germany’s famous gothic festival WGT (Wave Gotik Treffen) in a couple of days!

For further information visit www.facebook.com/events/320339258038158

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(Source: Massacre Records)

For more info on ADORNED BROOD, click on the links below!

www.adornedbrood.de

www.facebook.com/Adorned.Brood

www.youtube.com/AdornedBroodBand

http://www.massacre-records.com

LONG LIVE ADORNED BROOD.

Stone.

DORO – European Tour Announced! SEVEN Confirmed As Special Guests

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on May 25, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Metal Queen DORO PESCH – who recently revealed first details on the upcoming EP “Raise Your Fist In The Air” (out on the 3rd of August) and her new album “Raise Your Fist”, due to be released on the 19th of October 2012 – will embark on a big European tour in November and December. Check out the tour dates below! Czech metallers SEVEN, whose brilliant record “Freedom Call” was released via Nuclear Blast Records on the 2nd of September 2011, have just been confirmed as special guests for the whole tour.

Together, DORO and SEVEN will unleash a furious thunderstorm of pure premium Heavy Metal anthems – if you miss it, you’ll regret it!

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15.11. D Kiel – Max

16.11. D Bremen – Aladin

17.11. NL Tilburg – O13

18.11. B Antwerp – Trix

20.11. UK London – Garage

21.11. F Paris – Divan Du Monde

23.11. ES Pamplona – Totem

24.11. ES Madrid – Arena

25.11. ES Barcelona – Razzmatazz 2

27.11. CH Pratteln – Z7

28.11. D Stuttgart – LKA Longhorn

30.11. D Memmingen – Kaminwerk

01.12. AT Wien – Scene

02.12. HU Budapest – Club 202

04.12. CZ Prag – Retro Music Hall

06.12. D Bochum – Zeche

07.12. D Karlsruhe – Substage

08.12. D Vacha – Vachwerk

09.12. D Berlin – Huxleys Neue Welt

DORO – Raise Your Fist In The Air EP

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(Source: Nuclear Blast News)

For more info on DORO, click on the links below!

http://www.doro.de/

http://www.facebook.com/DoroOfficial

http://www.youtube.com/DoroOfficial

http://www.nuclearblast.de/de/label/musi…

LONG LIVE DORO.

Stone.

DEMON LUNG – Taps Director Dustin Mills For Upcoming Video Shoot For “Lament Code”

Posted in doom metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on May 24, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

On July 2nd Las Vegas-based Doom Metal band DEMON LUNG will release their debut video for the song “Lament Code” off their self-released EP Pareidolia. The video will be directed by Dustin Mills, Director of independent horror/comedy The Puppet Monster Massacre. More on the video shoot, including a detailed making-of diary, coming soon.

Released on March 20th, Pareidolia is a 22-minute blend of Traditional and epic Doom Metal, rife with horror imagery and lyrics; influenced by the likes of BLACK SABBATH, CANDLEMASS and vocalist Shanda Fredrick’s worship of COVEN’s Jinx Dawson. Physical copies are available for purchase for $5 through the band’s website and digitally for $4 via Bandcamp. Hex Records will soon be issuing a limited cassette release of Pareidolia.

Forming only two short years ago, DEMON LUNG hit the ground running and demoed over 20 songs, choosing four of the best for inclusion on Pareidolia. Playing their first show in March 2011, DEMON LUNG quickly became the top Doom act in the Las Vegas scene, sharing the stage with such Doom heavyweights as High on Fire, Jucifer, and Pentagram.

Pareidolia Cover Art & Track Listing:

Lament Code

Sour Ground

Death Mask

Pareidolia

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To read the review I wrote for Pareidolia, (posted on April 17th, 2012), click on the large link below!

DEMON LUNG – Doom Metal Debut EP Pareidolia Is A Masterful Metal Listen

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(Source: ClawHammer PR)

Click the links below for more info on DEMON LUNG and/or to purchase Pareidolia:

http://demonlungband.com/

LONG LIVE DEMON LUNG.

Stone.

DRAGONFORCE “The Power Within” – Rises To New Melodic Power Metal Heights; Features New Vocalist Marc Hudson

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on May 24, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

DRAGONFORCE – The U.K.’s Power Metal flag is being raised ever higher and with more pride; now that the fifth studio album from  Dragonforce is available. The Power Within was released on April 17th, 2012, via Roadrunner Records. Trust me, this is a whole new ball of Power Metal wax I’m listening to with Dragonforce in 2012. I’ll tell you why…

Marc Hudson – Whoa, this new guy can sing and has remarkable range. Marc’s falsetto style is not only impressive, it’s downright eye-popping. Marc Hudson replaced original vocalist ZP Theart and has single-handedly turned me from being a casual fan of Dragonforce to an all-out solid and appreciative fan. There isn’t a dull moment I can possibly hear from the vocals of Marc Hudson. Metal as my witness… I’m telling you all how I truly perceive what I hear.

Maturity Yes, every band that wants to continue forward and not be left forgotten, like a bunch of Oprah reruns, needs to consistently mature musically. This Dragonforce lineup is playing tighter than ever on The Power Within and it makes the songs that much more potent. An all-encompassing mature vibe towards the song is what I’m listening to, on The Power Within. Lyrically inspiring and encapsulating substance, it’s difficult for me to not want to know what Marc is singing about.

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The Guitarists Founding members Herman Li and Sam Totman still play their guitars at lightning speed, (their undisputedly talented), only the hell-bent tempo comes across with a new-found legitimacy that is no longer a show-off spectacle; instead, this is Dragonforce and this is what they’ve been about since day one… I just needed Marc Hudson to be that “icing on the cake” for my ears.

The Songs – All ten songs belong. From the powerful album opener Holding On to the acoustic closer of Seasons, this is an album that Dragonforce should be damn proud of. Cry Thunder and Wings Of Liberty are my two favorites on The Power Within; with Wings Of Liberty being a profound and epic listen. Marc Hudson’s vocals gives the acoustic version of Seasons its justifiable place on this album. I’ll say it again, this new guy can sing… and he showcases his vocal diversity with this acoustic number.  

As a whole, Dragonforce come across brilliantly on The Power Within. From the keyboards of Vadim Pruzhanov, to the drumming of Dave Mackintosh and everything else in-between, coupled with what I’ve mentioned. I absolutely have no reservations by calling The Power Within as one of the best Metal albums I’ve listened to in 2012. Melodic and memorable Power Metal is The Power Within. Metal be thy name.

DRAGONFORCE:

Marc Hudson – Lead vocals

Herman Li – Guitar, backing vocals

Sam Totman – Guitar, backing vocals

Frédéric Leclercq – Bass, backing vocals

Vadim Pruzhanov – Keyboards, Theremin, backing vocals

Dave Mackintosh – Drums, backing vocals

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THE POWER WITHIN – Track Listing:

Holding On

Fallen World

Cry Thunder

Give Me The Night

Wings Of Liberty

Seasons

Heart Of The Storm

Die By The Sword

Last Man Stands

Seasons (acoustic version)

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* For more info on DRAGONFORCE, click on the links below!

http://www.dragonforce.com

http://www.youtube.com/dragonforce

ROADRUNNER RECORDS

LONG LIVE DRAGONFORCE.

Stone.

AFM June 19th, 2012 North American Releases: U.D.O., AT VANCE, THE MURDER OF MY SWEET

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on May 24, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

AFM Records will unveil a variety of new releases on North American soil this June 19th, including a massive 2xCD collection of rare tracks from the almighty German Metal force U.D.O., the mammoth ninth studio full-length from German neoclassical metallers AT VANCE, and the sophomore album from Swedish Goth-Metal outfit THE MURDER OF MY SWEET.

U.D.O.

Celebrator: Rare Tracks

After 25 years in existence, having toured across the planet and an incredibly vast release catalog including a massive thirteen full-length studio albums, the time has come to unleash a collection of some of the finest and rarest tracks in the storied lineage of German Heavy Metal heroes U.D.O.!

Set for North American release on June 19th, the massive 2xCD Celebrator: Rare Tracks collection bears 25 U.D.O. anthems, accumulating an array of bonus tracks, alternate versions of classic songs, previously unreleased material, guest appearances, cover tracks and much more. The cover artwork was created by Dirk Hüttner (CappOVision) and the album’s layout features tons of rare, private and never before seen pictures of the band with personal foreword from ex-Accept frontman and U.D.O. mastermind Udo Dirkschneider himself.

See the cover art, an official trailer for the 2xCD set and more HERE.

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Celebrator: Rare Tracks Track Listing:

Disc 1:

1. Stormbreaker (Rev-Raptor Japan Bonus)

2. Tallyman (Taken from the Rev-Raptor recording session)

3. Run! (Remix)

4. Free Or Rebellion (Bonus Leatherhead Single)

5. Bleeding Heart (Dominator Japan Bonus)

6. The Silencer (Taken from the Dominator recording session)

7. Bodyworld (Bonus Infected Single)

8. Systematic Madness (Bonus Infected Single)

9. Head Over Heels (Hammerall feat. Udo Dirkschneider)

10. Balls To The Wall (Piano Version)

11. Artificialized (Taken from the Mastercutor recording session)

12. They Only Come Out At Night (Lordi feat. Udo Dirkschneider)

13. Streets Of Sin (Bonus Wrong Side Of Midnight Single)

Disc 2:

1. Tears Of A Clown (Classical Version)

2. Man A King Ruler (Mastercutor Japan Bonus)

3. Hardcore Lover (Remix from 24/7 – Single)

4. Scream Killers (Bonus 24/7 Single)

5. Platchet Soldat (Remix featuring Faktor2)

6. Borderline (Thunderball Japan Bonus)

7. Dancing With An Angel (Remix featuring Doro)

8. X-T-C (Remix from A Tribute To ACCEPT Vol. 2)

9. Azrael (Remix from No Limits)

10. The Key (Remix from No Limits Japan Bonus)

11. Metal Gods (from “A Tribute To Judas Priest”)

12. Born to be Wild (Raven featuring Udo Dirkschneider)

AT VANCE

Facing Your Enemy

It’s clear that AT VANCE, the band led by master guitar magician and composer Olaf Lenk and fronted by the charismatic singer Rick Altzi, has once again gone beyond its calling and produced an extremely strong masterstroke with their new record, Facing Your Enemy.

Set for North American release on June 19th, the ninth studio full-length from Germany’s neoclassical Power Metal masters AT VANCE, Facing Your Enemy boasts fifty minutes of some of the band’s finest material to date, soaring with epic songs and a professional recording fans have come to expect, all recorded and produced in the band’s own studio. The recording lineup for the album includes Casey Grill of Kamelot on drums and is visually captured with cover art from Thomas Ewerhard (Avantasia, Edguy, etc.).

See the cover art, an official video for the album’s title track and more HERE.

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Facing Your Enemy Track Listing:

1. Heaven Is Calling

2. Facing Your Enemy

3. Eyes Of A Stranger

4. Fear No Evil

5. Live & Learn

6. Don’t Dream

7. See Me Crying

8. Saviour

9. Tokyo

10. March Of The Dwarf

11. Fame And Fortune

12. Things I Never Needed

THE MURDER OF MY SWEET

Bye Bye Lullaby

Since the release of their debut album Divanity in January 2010, and the single that pre-ceded it in 2009 (“Bleed Me Dry” – which reached No. 14 in the Swedish National Singles Charts), female-fronted Rock/Metal band THE MURDER OF MY SWEET have become amongst the biggest hopes on the European scene. Their individual, easily recognizable and high value sound, has touched the lives of many fans and with its mix of modern, groovy, hard rock, beautiful melodies, and progressive, cinematic flair. The band, led by singer Angelica Rylin, has secured a remarkable fanbase already, far from the shores of Stockholm, where the band was formed in 2007; the name inspired by the 1944 ‘film-noir’ “Murder, My Sweet”.

The sophomore album from THE MURDER OF MY SWEET was produced in their own Sound vs. Science Studio and mastered at the Cutting Room (Gorgoroth, Candlemass, Glenn Hughes), and features guest appearances by Jesper Strömblad (In Flames), Peter Wichers (Soilwork) & Fredrik Åkesson (Opeth). The cover art was created by Felipe Machado (Rhapsody Of Fire, Blind Guardian, Iron Savior etc.), and one track from the album was featured on the soundtrack of the movie “The Ice Dragon”, which was featured at the Berlin Film Festival.

Check out a lyric video for the band’s track “Black September” and more HERE.

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Bye Bye Lullaby Track Listing:

1. Armageddon

2. Fallen

3. Unbreakable

4. I Dare You

5. Violently Peaceful

6. Meant To Last Forever

7. Idolize

8. Kind Of Lousy

9. The One

10. Resurrection

11. Waiting For The 27th (Booh Prologue)

12. Black September

13. Phantom Pain

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(Source: Earsplit PR)

For more info, click on the links below!

http://www.afm-records.de

http://www.udo-online.com

https://www.facebook.com/atvanceofficial

http://www.myspace.com/themurderofmysweet

LONG LIVE THESE BANDS & METAL.

LONG LIVE AFM RECORDS.

Stone.

JORN “Bring Heavy Rock To The Land” – Some Metal Thoughts On This Heavy Rock Keeper

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on May 23, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

JORNBring Heavy Rock To The Land will be releasing on June 1st in Europe and on June 5th in North America, via Frontiers Records. Produced by Jorn Lande and mixed by Tommy Hansen at Jailhouse Studios in Denmark; Bring Heavy Rock To The Land is the seventh original studio album for Jorn.

Stone’s Metal Thoughts:

I consider Jorn Lande to be one of the finest Hard Rock and Heavy Metal vocalists out there today. My first impression of this new album from Jorn was so incredibly positive. It still is. I’ve been assured, after several (call it 6) thorough listens, that Bring Heavy Rock To The Land is one of the heavyweights of the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal genres in 2012.

Jorn Lande has a striking band behind his stupendous vocals. Damn striking. Big guitars playing unforgettable leads and solos; with delectable beats, melodies and rhythms seeping out of every crevice of this album. Guitarists Tore Moren and Jimmy Iversen are purely electrifying to listen to.

It’s never been a secret that Jorn Lande loves doing cover songs. Jorn singing Ride Like The Wind is spine-tingling to me; Jorn sings the living daylights out of this Christopher Cross classic from 1980. The band nails it too, giving Ride Like The Wind a Hard and Heavy persona, one that I never knew could possibly be created with such undisputed power. A grand tribute to such a legendary Rock song.

From beginning to end and from top to bottom, Jorn has put together a Heavy Rock keeper for us Defenders Of The Faith. Jorn ends this captivating album with I Came To Rock. The lyrics are breathtaking for my ears and soul. Even if you’ve never heard or owned a Jorn album before; Bring Heavy Rock To The Land will make you want to own every album Jorn Lande has ever been a part of.

I never doubted for a second, that Jorn and his band would Rock like hell with their new album. My Metal brethren, please assemble and behold, that Jorn came to Rock and it must be told. Metal be thy name.

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JORN:

Jorn Lande – vocals

Willy Bendiksen – drums

Nic Angileri – bass

Tore Moren – guitar

Jimmy Iversen – guitar

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Bring Heavy Rock To The Land – Track Listing:

My Road

Bring Heavy Rock To The Land

A Thousand Cuts

Ride Like The Wind

Chains Around You

The World I See

Time To Be King

Ride To The Guns

Black Morning

I Came To Rock

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For more info on JORN, click on the link below!

http://www.jornlande.com

FRONTIERS RECORDS

LONG LIVE JORN.

Stone.

SIX FEET UNDER – Welcome New Guitarist; “Undead” Drops Today!

Posted in Death Metal, death metal albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on May 22, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Band To Embark Upon 18 Nights Of Blood Tour Next Month

Death Metal ministers SIX FEET UNDER today announces the addition of rhythm guitarist Ola Englund to their legendary ranks. Englund, who will make his first official appearance with the band on the 18 Nights Of Blood Tour set to commence next month, takes the place of Rob Arnold.

Comments founding vocalist Chris Barnes of the new recruit:  “Ola is an amazing guitarist and was chosen for his superlative technique and style of playing. We believe he will be the perfect complement to Steve Swanson, and the devastating rhythm section that is Talley/Hughell. Steve, Kevin, Jeff and myself are so looking forward to Ola’s entrance into the band upon the release of Undead and the commencement of our first tour next month with Dying Fetus and Revocation. We can’t wait for you to witness the new killing machine that is SIX FEET UNDER! Ola takes over duties for our good friend and death metal warrior Rob Arnold who will be retiring from touring but will remain a central writing partner and fellow collaborator on future SFU releases. We are all sad to not have Rob on the road with us, but are confidant and 110% psyched that Ola is now within the ranks of the Undead and will be ready to lay waste to every stop along the way! Hails!”

Adds Englund: “When I got the call from Chris, it felt unreal; first thing that popped up in my head was, ‘why the hell did he want me — the total gear nerd from Sweden — to join his awesome band? To be able to share the stage with one of the biggest icons in Death Metal and the other killer musicians in SFU is a complete honor and a dream come true for me. I couldn’t be happier about the situation! Also the new album blew my mind the first time I heard it, it’s intense as hell, but still has the riffs and the grooves that SIX FEET UNDER swears by. Fans are going to love it! I’m looking forward to kick some serious ass together with Chris, Kevin, Steve and Jeff! See you on tour!”

Check out video footage documenting Englund’s guitar skills at THIS LOCATION.

Undead was officially released in North America today via Metal Blade Records. Called “the best thing SFU have recorded since Maximum Violence,” in a recent 8/10 review by Decibel Magazine, the record was produced by Mark Lewis (Deicide, Devildriver), mixed by Jason Suecof (Whitechapel, Job For A Cowboy) and features the recording line up of Barnes alongside guitarist Rob Arnold (ex- Chimaira), longtime guitarist Steve Swanson (ex-Massacre), bassist Jeff Hughell (ex-Brain Drill, ex-Vile), and drummer Kevin Talley (Dying Fetus, Misery Index, Chimaira).

To celebrate its release SIX FEET UNDER will slaughter souls on a near three-week run of live ceremonies this June. The 18 Nights Of Blood Tour will begin in Atlanta, Georgia on June 8. Support will be provided by Dying Fetus and Revocation.

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(Source: Earsplit PR)

For more info on SIX FEET UNDER, click on the links below!

http://metalblade.com/sixfeetunder

http://www.sfu420.com

http://www.facebook.com/sixfeetunder

http://twitter.com/sixfeetofficial

http://www.youtube.com/sixfeetunder

LONG LIVE SIX FEET UNDER.

Stone.

BIBLE OF THE DEVIL “For The Love Of Thugs & Fools” – A Heavy Rock Prize For 2012 And Beyond

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on May 22, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

BIBLE OF THE DEVIL – The sixth studio album, For The Love Of Thugs & Fools, from Chicago’s Bible Of The Devil, has been released on May 8th, 2012, via Cruz Del Sur. This is a Rock ‘N Metal band that has been around the block several times… and their newest album chronicles the experiences they’ve encountered and seen. This is denim and leather. This is genuine bad-ass Rock ‘N Roll. This is Bible Of The Devil.

With a stellar combination of influences ranging from Classic Rock to Metal, the overall sound of Bible Of The Devil is so embracing and original that it’s unavoidably addicting. Heavy, hard and crunchy guitars, a foot stomping rhythm section, with a caravan of melodic moments to dive your voracious eardrums into; For The Love Of Thugs & Fools is a Heavy Rock delicacy that’s all wrapped up in a blue-collar package.

I can hear the spirit of classic Thin Lizzy and early KISS cascading from these songs that Bible Of The Devil play; and these guys play so damn accomplished. A “no remorse” vibe swirls around this album and I dig that a ton. Once again, originality is the key element and this band summons up what is exuberant about the golden years of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. Duo guitars and sing-along chorus’ elevate this album to a level of Hard Rockin’ intoxication. Mark Hoffmann (vocals, guitar) sings with a free and easy enthusiasm; a cool reminder that Heavy Rock is supposed to be loose and not uptight after all.

I’ve been swept off my Heavy Rockin’ feet by Bible Of The Devil with their new album; an album so memorable, that it’s a flat-out prize which has been set loose on the Heavy Music world in 2012. Raw and Order, Anytime, Yer Boy and The Parcher are all heavy hitting’ gems among 9 gemstones. If you’re looking for a Rock ‘N Metal band that carries their street attitude into their music, with absolutely 0% bullshit, then you’ve obviously been looking for Bible Of The Devil all along.

Bible Of The Devil. For The Love Of Thugs & Fools. Metal be thy name.

BIBLE OF THE DEVIL:

Mark Hoffmann – Vocals, Guitars

Nathan Perry – Guitars, Vocals

Greg Spalding – Drums, Loathing

Darren Amaya – Bass

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For The Love Of Thugs & Fools – Track Listing:

Sexual Overture/Away

Out for Blood

Raw and Order

The Parcher

I Know What is Right (In the Night)

Anytime

Can’t Turn Off the Sun

Yer Boy

Night Street

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For more info on BIBLE OF THE DEVIL, click the link below!

http://www.bibleofthedevil.com

LONG LIVE BIBLE OF THE DEVIL.

Stone.

NOVEMBERS DOOM’s Paul Kuhr and Mike Feldman Launch CHARRED OWEN Vinyl Label

Posted in Death Metal, doom metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, vinyl albums with tags , , , , , , , on May 21, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Paul Kuhr and Mike Feldman of U.S. Death/Doom pioneers NOVEMBERS DOOM have officially launched CHARRED OWEN, a record label catering to vinyl enthusiasts and collectors. Below is a statement from Paul about the label.

Having a mutual love for what is collectable and a vinyl format now considered classic, Novembers Doom members Paul Kuhr and Mike Feldman have brought to life a newly formed record label. CHARRED OWEN was created out of nostalgia and a desire to see our own work released on a timeless format, vinyl. Not only is it collectable, but no other format has even been able to capture the full beauty of cover art, along with a tonal warmth only vinyl could bring.

We will start with a collaboration with The End Records to release select Novembers Doom titles, starting with “APHOTIC” available June 19th,  but we won’t stop there. Plans for other releases in the future are already in the works, with other bands in consideration.

As musicians in the Metal industry and fans of the same genre, our goal with CHARRED OWEN is to create collectable quality vinyl, from talented bands. We have many plans for the future, and we’re looking forward to seeing it all come to life.

For more information and pre-order information please visit: CHARRED OWEN

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(Source: ClawHammer PR)

LONG LIVE NOVEMBERS DOOM.

LONG LIVE CHARRED OWEN.

Stone.

DORO – New Album: Details Revealed For “Raise Your Fist”

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on May 21, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Reigning Queen of Metal, DORO PESCH, has checked-in from her work in the studio to issue the following update:

“The new album will be entitled Raise Your Fist and has been recorded and written in the U.S., Germany, and Scandinavia. Right now we’re in the mixing stages and are close to finishing everything. Most important to me are the power hymns ‘Raise Your Fist In The Air’ and ‘Victory,’ which will also be available on the forthcoming EP! Both songs have been played live on our last tour and also made last year’s Wacken Open Air shake! ‘Raise Your Fist In The Air’ will also be available in French… which is going to be very interesting. For the diehard fans of German songs like ‘Für Immer’ [‘Forever’], there are two songs in the same vein: the sensitive and quite dark ‘Human Rights’ and the very emotional ‘Engel’ [‘Angel’]. There are also a lot of fast songs like ‘Little Headbanger’ and various fist-pumping ones featuring amazing guests like Gus G (Ozzy Osbourne, Firewind) on ‘Last Man Standing’ which fans will for sure dig live. We also have a song that honors the late Ronnie James Dio called ‘Hero’ and another highlight named ‘It Still Hurts’ featuring Motörhead’s Lemmy Kilmister. The cover artwork has once again been created by British artist Geoffrey Gillespie who is a close friend and companion since he made it into the Guinness Book of World Records for his Triumph And Agony cover as the biggest album cover in the world. Since then, he’s done ten covers for us!”

Raise Your Fist will be released in North America this coming Fall. To hold fans over until then, the upcoming Raise Your Fist In The Air EP will be released this Summer.

DORO guested on a recent episode of VH1 Classic’s That Metal Show with Billy Duffy and Ian Astbury of The Cult. Watch the full episode at THIS LOCATION.

Watch exclusive backstage bonus clips HERE. DORO discusses her pre-show rituals HERE.

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(Source: Earsplit PR)

For more info on DORO, click on the links below!

http://www.doro.de/

http://www.facebook.com/DoroOfficial

http://www.youtube.com/DoroOfficial

http://www.nuclearblastusa.com

http://www.nuclearblast.de

LONG LIVE DORO, THE QUEEN OF HEAVY METAL.

Stone.

Some “Comeback Albums” Should Go Back Home; While Others Are Welcome To Stay

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on May 21, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Dud Exhibit A: Sledge Leather – Imagine Me Alive

Let’s face it, not every band that hibernates for a number of years (or decades) is going to have a successful comeback. (I’ll get back to this momentarily). I have written numerous album reviews that involve successful comebacks. At least I think they were successful. Trixter and Mr. Big have both released above amazing comeback albums, in my Metal opinion. Tyketto really surprised and psyched the living daylights out of me, with their new (and memorable) comeback album: Dig In Deep.

My open letter to any past successful band and/or musician thinking about recording a comeback album includes some realistic thought. With the Rock, Hard Rock and Metal markets saturated with bands of all generations, all vying for the same money and audiences; many very good new album releases do get lost in the shuffle, regardless if they kick ass. Therefore, a “comeback album” has to consist of unreal quality music with unreal memorable songs. Using smoke and mirrors while resting on laurels doesn’t work anymore. Period. Without quality songs and non-rusted musicianship, any comeback album will fall flat on its face.

Dud Exhibit B: Black ‘n Blue – Hell Yeah!

A once famous “name” isn’t a guarantee of fortune and fame. Lita Ford found that out back in 2009 with her comeback studio “effort” called: Wicked Wonderland. The once popular 80’s Hard Rock band Black ‘n Blue released a mammoth dud with their comeback album from 2011: Hell Yeah! Whoa, it’s a dud. Here in 2012, we have Sledge Leather making a magical comeback. Their new album, Imagine Me Alive, is not that good. As a matter of fact, it sounds like it was slapped together in 3 or less days. Structurally, the songs on Imagine Me Alive lost me and It’s all a complete mess.

I will be the first to admit, in recent years, with the 80’s Hard Rock and Heavy Metal resurgence, many old school bands have Rocked my face off with their comeback albums. Hello KISS and Whitesnake. Then you have the Doobie Brothers and Iron Claw releasing albums of 100% Rockin’substance; both of their comeback albums I still can’t get enough of. Anthrax released an unbelievably grand comeback album with Worship Music; plus they play unquestionably kick-ass live today as they did during the 80’s.

Not all comeback albums are pretty and yet many are gems. Sample songs on the internet and read a few album reviews before you make a comeback album purchase. Metal be thy name.

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LONG LIVE GRAND COMEBACK ALBUMS.

Stone.

FOR TODAY “Immortal” – Releases On March 29th, 2012, Via Razor & Tie; New Single “Fearless” Available Now On iTunes

Posted in christian metal, christian rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, metalcore, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on May 21, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

FOR TODAY are a Christian Metalcore band (with Hardcore influence) from Sioux City, Iowa that formed back in 2005. Their fourth studio album, Immortal, will be released on March 29th, 2012, via Razor & Tie Records. Immortal will be the band’s debut for Razor & Tie Records, having their prior albums released via Facedown Records.

You can download their new single “Fearless” on iTunes here: http://bit.ly/FTFEARLESS

I bought this Fearless single and I’ll have to admit, it’s one heavy song. A very memorable chorus, along with some punishing drums and face-melting hardcore vocals, combines to make Fearless a dominating sonic experience. Metal be thy name.

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FOR TODAY:

MATTIE MONTGOMERY – Vocals

DAVID MORRISON – Drums

RYAN LEITRU – Guitar/Vocals

MIKE REYNOLDS – Guitar

BRANDON LEITRU – Bass

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For more info on FOR TODAY, click on the links below!

http://www.fortodayband.com

http://www.myspace.com/fortoday

LONG LIVE FOR TODAY.

Stone.

DARKTRIBE – A Sunday (Or Any Day) METAL Listening Recommendation: “Taiji”

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news, symphonic metal with tags , , , , , on May 20, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

DARKTRIBE – For your Sunday (or any day) Metal listening enjoyment, I present to you, from France: DARKTRIBE and their new song Taiji from their forthcoming debut album: Mysticeti Victoria. The release date is set for August 24th, 2012, via Massacre Records.

A very, very fine Metal song it is, with Power Metal and psyche-you-out vibes overflowing with Symphonic and Melodic Metal sounds; Taiji is my Sunday (or any day) METAL recommendation! Crank it up and let DARKTRIBE flow through your Metal parched eardrums. Metal be thy name.

DARKTRIBE:

Anthony Agnello – Vocals

Loïc Manuello – Guitars

Bruno Caprani – Bass

Julien Agnello – Drums

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(Source: Massacre Records)

For related DARKTRIBE news on Metal Odyssey, click the large link below!

DARKTRIBE – Signs With Massacre Records, New Album ‘Mysticeti Victoria’ Releasing August 2012

For more info on DARKTRIBE, click on the links below!

www.darktribe.free.fr

www.youtube.com/user/DarktribeOfficial

http://www.massacre-records.com

LONG LIVE DARKTRIBE.

Stone.

Some Metal and Rock ‘N Roll Thoughts – Sunday, May 20th, 2012

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on May 20, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

As this weekend embarks on its second half, the yearning for 36 hour days never seems to wane for me. I always feel like I’m catching up on stuff; from yard work, paperwork and paying bills to new Metal album releases. I’m forever guilty of ignoring that golden rule: Don’t sweat the little things. Still, at the beginning and end of every 24 hour day, I am still grateful to be alive!

To anyone who has been kind enough to take the moment from their busy day and visit Metal Odyssey, here are a few Metal and Rock ‘N Roll thoughts that I want to share:

SAXON – This tuesday (May 22nd), in North America, the 2 CD/1 DVD set titled Heavy Metal Thunder – Live – Eagles Over Wacken gets released. I’ll be putting this Saxon release on my Metal want list, there’s no doubt. The price isn’t cheap, then again, there are 2 CD’s and a DVD involved here. Who knows, maybe I’ll find this cool Saxon set sometime in 2017… at an open-air flea market… for 3 dollars.

BLACK SABBATH – As the family feud continues to unfold in the Black Sabbath camp, the latest news is so immature that it’s beyond shocking. Apparently, as its been reported everywhere: vintage and/or recent band photos of Black Sabbath have been placed on the official Black Sabbath website… with Bill Ward cropped out of them! Metal be thy name!

* UPDATE – I guess it’s now being reported, as of mid-day on May 20th, that Bill Ward requested to have his image cropped out of any Black Sabbath group photos, which are shown on the Black Sabbath official website. Whatever. Who cares at this point. This is why I usually don’t write about any band’s soap opera moments. From here on in, I won’t cover any more related news regarding this Black Sabbath story. That’s it. I’m a fan who is fed up. Life is too damn short for me to worry about this nonsense.

Maybe Black Sabbath should just change their band name altogether now? Without Bill Ward, it’s no longer the original Black Sabbath. To assist the Black Sabbath camp in moving forward, here are several sincere and free band name suggestions from Stone:

1. – The Ozzy Trio

2. – Sharon Calls The Shots

3. – Sharon Knows Best

4. – The Osbourne Way

5. – Ozzy & His Band

6. – No Contract For You!

7. – Bill Who?

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Is it just me or are the following two album covers kinda similar? Same artist? I don’t know. Same idea? Looks like it. Both layouts are basically identical too. Weird how this sometimes happens. I’ll also add that the Running Wild album cover has a chunk of Voivod influence with the artwork.

Honestly, I’m not that impressed with either of the album cover art below. This is what I used to see being done in my high school graphic arts class… back in 1983. I used to sit through many critiques in art class while in college, so believe me, I know how proud artists can be about their work. I was always proud of my art, regardless the degree of difficulty. However, these two album covers below were not that difficult to create.

Death By Stereo – Black Sheep Of The American Dream

Running Wild – Shadowmaker

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Okay! That’s it! My Metal and Rock ‘N Roll Thoughts for Sunday, May 20th, have come to a close. I really hope you’ve enjoyed your visit to Metal Odyssey and will come again… and again. Leave a comment! The more comments that are made, the less likelihood that my boss will crop me out of his photographs! Make the most of your day today and watch out for parking lot speed bumps.

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METAL BE THY NAME.

LONG LIVE METAL & ROCK ‘N ROLL.

Stone.

WITCHCRAFT – Sign With Nuclear Blast! Currently Recording New Album

Posted in doom metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , on May 19, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Nuclear Blast feels honoured to welcome Swedish Doom Metal kings WITCHCRAFT to the family!

After a 5 year hiatus, the band is currently recording the follow-up to 2007’s “The Alchemist” together with renowned producer Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios (KREATOR, OPETH, AMON AMARTH, PARADISE LOST, KATATONIA…).

The albums working title is set to “Legend” and will feature the bands new guitarists and drummer for the first time:

Simon Solomon – guitars
Tom Jondelius – guitars
Oscar Johansson – drums

Furthermore, band leader Magnus Pelander will from now on focus on his unique vocals without playing guitar anymore.

Commented Pelander: “There’s magic going on in the studio and we can hardly wait to eventually give something back to our loyal fans! We know you guys have been waiting for this!”

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(Source: Nuclear Blast News)

For more info on WITCHCRAFT, click on the link below!

http://www.witchcrafthome.com

LONG LIVE WITCHCRAFT.

Stone.

ZONARIA – Swedish Death Metal Pack Signs With Listenable Records

Posted in Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on May 19, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

(Photo credit – Emil Nyström)

Listenable Records is proud to announce the addition of ZONARIA to their roster. After releasing several eps, 2 full length albums and having toured Europe with the likes of SATYRICON, PAIN, MARDUK, NILE, and VADER among others, Swedish death commanders ZONARIA have recorded an eleven-track  monster entitled Arrival of the Red Sun with Jonas Kjellgren at Abyss Studios.

The album is scheduled to be released by Listenable on July 23rd in Europe and on August 14th in North America. Arrival of the Red Sun is the band’s most defined and accomplished album so far, get ready for a thick sounding dose of militant rhythms, smashing heavy riffing and stomping drums.

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Track Listing for Arrival of the Red Sun is as follows:

1) Arrival Of The Red Sun

2) Silent Holocaust

3) Gunpoint Salvation

4) Liberation Zero

5) The Blood That Must Be Paid

6) Desert Storms

7) A Lullaby To Those Still Alive

8) Full Spectrum Dominance

9) My Vengeance Remains

10) Face My Justice

11) CC Cowboys  (bonus track Limited edition CD only)

ZONARIA’s most recent official video, for the song “At War With The Inferior” from their 2009 release The Cancer Empire [Century Media Records] is below!

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(Source: ClawHammer PR)

For more info on ZONARIA, click on the link below!

LISTENABLE RECORDS

LONG LIVE ZONARIA.

Stone.