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DARKBLACK – Announce New EP “Midnight Wraith” And December West Coast Assault!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on November 17, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

DARKBLACK – Northwestern U.S. ragers DARKBLACK have just put the final touches on their bruising new collection of Traditional Metal, in the form of the Midnight Wraith EP!

Following 2009’s blazing Sellsword full-length and constructed by the band’s revamped band lineup since that recording, DARKBLACK prove they’re at their finest hour yet on the freshly completed Midnight Wraith. Composed of five unrelenting Heavy Metal anthems realized in the murky gloom of the band’s hometown of Portland, Oregon and recorded at Revolver Studios by Nalin Silva, the Midnight Wraith tells tales of death, betrayal, unholy spirits and fantastic battles. Check out the opening track Doom Herald by clicking on the link below:

DARKBLACK – myspace music

Midnight Wraith EP Track Listing:

Doom Herald

Power Monger

Golden Idol

Midnight Wraith

Broken Oath

Midnight Wraith will be released on December 1st, 2010, via San Jose, California based Stormspell Records, who also handled the Sellsword album. Midnight Wraith’s ominous cover artwork is by illustrator Richard Smith. (See EP artwork at top of post).

In celebration of the EP’s release, DARKBLACK will kick off a triumphant eight show West Coast tour on the exact day Midnight Wraith will be available to the public. With shows confirmed in Washington, Oregon and California, DARKBLACK will be rocking alongside killer acts like Christian Mistress, Walken, Huntress, Gypsyhawk and more throughout the brief yet brutal trek… including a FREE hometown record release show on December 3rd.

DARKBLACK – December 2010 Midnight Wraith Tour:

12/1/10 – The Black Lodge – Seattle WA, with Skelator, Emeralds, Elk’s Blood

12/2/10 – TBA – Olympia, WA, with Christian Mistress

12/3/10 – Kelly’s Olympian – Portland, OR, (CD release show) with Spellcaster, Dead By Dawn

12/4/10 – Bender’s – San Francisco, CA, with Huntress, Walken

12/5/10 – The Hazmat (Your House) – Oakland, CA, with Dodsfalla, Bruxers, Infernal Graves, Drunken Hardcore

12/6/10 – Cinespace – Los Angeles, CA, with Huntress, Gypsyhawk

12/8/10 – The Cup – Eugene, OR, with Excruciator, Scrolls

12/9/10 – The Know – Portland, OR

(Source: Earsplit press release, November 17, 2010)

Go Get ‘Em DARKBLACK!

Stone.

 

2 Comments »

BLACK RAIN “License To Thrill” – Is Your License To ROCK! Plus Current BLACK RAIN News!

Posted in glam metal, hair metal music, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on November 13, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

BLACK RAIN – Released back on December 29, 2009, on Listenable Records, Black Rain License To Thrill is the first “real” album from this French Sleeze & Glam Metal Band. (Black Rain released a demo album back in 2006). Chock full of Hard Rockin’ vibes that explode with good times, partying, chasing the chicks and who gives a shit about priorities, Black Rain does an exemplary job of curing any funk you may find yourself drifting away in. French producer and Enfer Magazine founder, Dany Terbeche, brings his 80’s producing experience to the forefront of License To Thrill… making this album beefy and saturated with all things glorious about this 80’s Glam Metal sound.

Metal Odyssey’s correspondent and Best Metal Buddy, Scott Coverdale, has given Black Rain every word of Metal praise that’s probably known to mankind’s vocabulary. When Coverdale talks up a band this highly, Stone listens. Black Rain has taken a style, sound and energy from a Glam Metal culture and certainly made it their own brand. These guys would without a Metal doubt, have fit right in back in the mid to late 80’s… only this is 2010 and they fit right in now.

Admittedly, my Metal allegiance crosses over all sub-genres, therefore a healthy dose of License To Thrill is admittedly a listen for gettin’ psyched. Black Rain does have that Old School attitude and their songs just keep comin’ at me. Black Rain’s ability to Rock my senses in ways very similar to that of Motley Crue, Ratt, Quiet Riot and Poison makes me grin and chase my wife around the house. One of these days I’ll catch her.

N.A.S.T.Y. and Rock Your City will have you reachin’ for your unlaced sneakers, worn-torn jeans and concert tee… and a couple of cold six pack’s too. Black Rain is a band that shall make all the turtlenecks in the world cry and make all Glam Metal hungry fans of any generation raise their fists in the air… with post MTV era glee. The title track, License To Thrill, embodies every memorable quality of Black Rain, from the thumping rhythm section and electrifying guitar parts to the Glam laced vocals of Swan.

Kill’em All is my favorite song on this album. The all encompassing Hardness is what makes Kill’em All stand out for me. This song is built around speed as well, making it all the more appealing to my ears. Baby It’s You is a ballad that brings back cool memories of 80’s Arena concerts for me. Swan’s vocals just come across as Arena ready on this power ballad, plus it’s not seeping with sappiness either. Baby It’s You is just a really cool power ballad about, um, well, being in love.

Rock ‘N’ Roll Is Dead Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll begins with a intro riff reminiscent to that of You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’ from the ultra legendary Judas Priest. This can very well be called the Heaviest hitter on License To Thrill, however, Rockstars Don’t Go To Jail is just as Heavy. Both songs MUST be played LOUD for maximum enjoyment… and trust me, Black Rain proves quite easily they have “that” Heavy Metal thunder in their veins. Metal be thy name.

No Forever is a power ballad that exhibits shades of Guns N’ Roses and Cinderella influences. Very melodic and well written, both lyrically and musically. This song just seems to come together from the opening note. The backing vocals compliment the emotional vibe of Swan’s lead vocals with super smooth fashion. Scott Coverdale likens No Forever’s influence to that of Guns N’ Roses ever memorable – November Rain. I’ll have to go along with him on that Metal notion.

Swan has the Glam Metal pipes to carry Black Rain onto the next level of notoriety. Max 2 lends his licks on lead guitar that are both pump-you-up and refreshing, while Heinrich on bass and Iann Lewis on drums keep it tight and balanced. Black Rain surely released a damn decent, debut full-length album with License To Thrill, just the energy alone that pulsates from their songs is evidence enough, that they are taking their music seriously.

With so many Glam/Hair Metal Bands from yesteryear still making quality noize, along with “newer” Glam Bands like Reckless Love and Crashdiet (to name a couple) emerging as legit flag bearers to this genre, Black Rain is jumping onto the scene at an opportune time. There are hooks aplenty with more guitar riffs, leads and solos on License To Thrill to satisfy any die-hard Glam fan the world over. Black Rain may not be a pioneer band of this colorfully loud Glam Metal movement, still, they are as righteously loyal, talented and raucous as their forefathers were with their songs… and that should make plenty of Glam/Hair and Sleeze fans sleep well at night.

* For more info on BLACK RAIN, just click on the cool link below:

BLACK RAIN – myspace music

BLACK RAIN:

Swan – vocals, guitar

Max 2 – guitar

Heinrich – bass

Iann Lewis – drums

Track Listing For License To Thrill:

Rock Your City

Innocent Rosie

N.A.S.T.Y.

True Girls Are Sixteen

License To Thrill

No Forever

Rock ‘N’ Roll Is Dead Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll

Rockstars Don’t Go To Jail

Party War

Kill’em All

Baby It’s You (Bonus Track)

BLACK RAIN will be releasing a brand new studio album on February 14, 2011! Lethal Dose Of… will be the second full-length studio album from BLACK RAIN. I have found the titles to seven songs… they all ROCK quite soundly. Here they are:

My Young Star

Rock’ N’ Jive

Addicted To Failure

Heart Screams

Burn’ n’ Die

Overloaded

I Need My Doctor

* You can listen to all seven new BLACK RAIN songs! Just click below:

OUI FM/La Radio Rock

BLACK RAIN will be playing at the Bring The Noise Festival out in France, this December of 2010! They will be sharing the spotlight with Papa Roach, Airbourne and many more! I can’t read French, so the info on this promo poster pic is all I can share.

LONG LIVE BLACK RAIN.

Stone.

2 Comments »

Yngwie Malmsteen “relentless” – Releases November 22, 2010!

Posted in guitar legends, Hard Rock, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on November 6, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

YNGWIE MALMSTEEN – Guitar legend and arguably guitar god, Yngwie Malmsteen will be releasing relentless on his own Rising Force Records. The street date for relentless is November 22, 2010. Once again, this is another solid reminder, that 2010 is not yet over when it comes to highly anticipated Heavy Metal album releases.

I am used to Tuesday being the “release” date for new albums, the release date of November 22nd falls on a Monday for restless. Everywhere this new Yngwie Malmsteen album is mentioned, the same release date of November 22nd is stated. It really makes no difference to me… I’m Metal psyched just knowing that Yngwie Malmsteen has this album coming out, period!

What compliments and praise can be said about Yngwie Malmsteen that hasn’t already been stated? My Metal adulation for Yngwie can go on for thousands of words… I guess I’ve made my Metal point. It’s just a cozy feeling knowing that another Yngwie album is coming out… and just in time for Thanksgiving too.

Tim “Ripper” Owens will be making his second appearance as vocalist for Yngwie Malmsteen. His first album with Yngwie was on 2008’s Perpetual Flame. For those who may be unfamiliar, Tim “Ripper” Owens has been the lead vocalist for Judas Priest, Winters Bane and Iced Earth. “Ripper” also founded his own band, Beyond Fear, which they released their one album in 2006, aptly titled, Beyond Fear. Metal Supergroup, Charred Walls Of The Damned showcases “Ripper” on lead vocals and their self-titled debut album was released in February of 2010.

Track Listing For relentless:

Overture

Critical Mass

Shot Across The Bow

Look At You Now

Relentless

Enemy Within

Knight Of The Vasa Order

Caged Animal

Into Valhalla

Tide Of Desire

Adagio B Flat Minor Variation

Axe To Grind

Blinded

Cross To Bear

Arpeggios From Hell

LONG LIVE YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN.

The word “cozy” was used as an adjective in this Metal Odyssey post.

Stone.

4 Comments »

EYEHATEGOD: U.S. 2010/2011 Winter Tour Announced!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, punk rock music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on November 5, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

New Orleans-based, doomed-out, punk/blues/southern rock hardcore freaks, EYEHATEGOD, will head out on another American trek this December in support of absolutely nothing but the glory of hedonism and debauchery. EHG are the originators of a genre now known as “sludge,” a combination of raw, sick vocals and slow, heavy, down-tuned, grooving negative riffs that run together in a live setting in a sometimes volatile mess of guitar feedback, pounding drums, cigarettes, beer, vodka and hurt feelings. See the band in the following cities before they self-destruct:

EYEHATEGOD Winter Tour 2010 w/ Phobia:

11/30/2010 Bottletree – Birmingham, A

12/01/2010 @ Hideaway – Johnson City, TN
12/02/2010 @ Tremont – Charlotte, NC w/ Crowbar
12/03/2010 @ The Oasis – Charleston, SC

12/04/2010 @ The Earl – Atlanta, GA w/ Sons Of Tonatiuh
12/05/2010 @ Hi Tine – Memphis, TN

12/06/2010 @ Birdy’s –  Indianapolis, IN w/ Goatwhore
12/07/2010 @ Downtown – Little Rock, AR w/ Goatwhore
12/08/2010 @ Drifter’s – Fayetteville, AR

12/09/2010 @ The Marquee – Tulsa, OK
12/10/2010 @ Kordova – San Antonio,TX

12/11/2010 @ Reno’s – Dallas, TX
12/12/2010 @ Red Seven – Austin, TX

(Source: Earsplit press release, November 5, 2010)

* For more info on EYEHATEGOD, click the link below:

EYEHATEGOD – myspace music

EYEHATEGOD:

Mike IX Williams – vocals

Jimmy Bower – guitar

Brian Patton – guitar

Gary Mader – bass

Joey LaCaze – drums

GO GET ‘EM  EYEHATEGOD!

Stone.

3 Comments »

WARBEAST “Krush The Enemy” – Thrash Metal That’s Mandatory!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal, thrash metal music with tags , , , , , , , , , on November 4, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

WARBEAST – Released back on April 27, 2010, on Phil Anselmo’s Housecore Records, Krush The Enemy is the debut album from this Thrash Metal juggernaut from Texas called… WARBEAST. To say that Warbeast pummels and Thrashes with a formidable amount of speed and power is a gross miscalculation. Try ultra-formidable speed and Thrash power. This band excels at brandishing their own Thrash Metal identity, leaving me wanting to tell the world they kick some serious Thrashin’ ass.

The dueling guitars of Rick Perry and Scott Shelby are a bounty of unbelievable riffs and leads that don’t sound textbook nor duplicated from Thrash Metal’s glorious past. Double bass explosions are courtesy of Joe Gonzalez, with Alan Bovee keeping the thunderous rhythmic pace throughout this fantastic album. This is real-deal and original Thrashin’ licks happening on Krush The Enemy… with no additives or fillers. As I listen to Warbeast, I don’t get the vibe that they are part of this enormous Thrash revival that has taken over the planet. Instead, it sounds like Warbeast was around since 1984 and are administering their Thrash assault upon the masses with legendary conviction. If I didn’t know any better, I’d be thinking I missed out on Warbeast during those deliriously Metal ’80’s!

Former front man for Rigor Mortis, Bruce Corbitt on vocals comes across punctually angst ridden, with an attitude that’s fiery or pissed off, take your Metal pick. I’ll pick both. Bruce sings these songs on Krush The Enemy as if Warbeast is a Thrash Metal band to reckon with… and I’m reckoning they are. Check that, Warbeast plays Thrash so damn good, they must be reckoned with. Seriously, Krush The Enemy is not just another Thrash Metal CD, where you listen to it once and then plop in on top of the pile. Warbeast plays such potent Thrash, I am going to have Krush The Enemy playing rather frequently, if not daily, for some time.

When bringing up relevance when it comes to Old School Thrash Metal, when has it ever been out of favor in our Metal community? Um, never. I have sincerely arrived to dislike the word relevance anyways. With all of that out of the way, Warbeast’s Krush The Enemy is as close to Old School Thrash Metal as any Metalhead will hear. Damn, is this album a stompingly brutal listen for my ears, making me believe that real Metal is alive and quite well.

A breakdown of songs here would be nonsensical in every Metal sense of the word. Just know that Krush The Enemy is all about the total Thrash Metal package, with ten songs that should come with a whiplash warning to thine neck. Head banging and neck thrashing is not just allowed while listening to Krush The Enemy, it’s mandated.

* For more info on WARBEAST, just click on the links below:

WARBEAST – myspace music

WARBEAST – Official Website

* For more info on Housecore Records, click here: HOUSECORE RECORDS

WARBEAST:

Bruce Corbitt – vocals

Rick Perry – guitar

Scott Shelby – guitar

Alan Bovee – bass

Joe Gonzalez – drums

* As reported on the official WARBEAST website, on August 13, 2010, “The Governor” Rick Perry has been replaced by guitarist Bobby Tillotson, aka “J.R.”. WARBEAST expresses there are no hard feelings, they love Rick Perry and he shall be a member of the WARBEAST family forever.

* Rick Perry and Scott Shelby are former guitarists for Texas Thrash Metallers… Gammacide. Bass guitarist Alan Bovee also played for Gammacide.

* Drummer Joe Gonzalez is formerly from Demonseed, a Death Metal band from Dallas, Texas.

* Krush The Enemy was produced by: Philip H. Anselmo… and a damn great job Phil did producing this album, in my Metal opinion.

Track Listing For Krush The Enemy:

Krush The Enemy

Unleashed

Self Will Run Riot

The Plague At Hand

Born With A Blackened Heart

Scorched Earth Policy

Guardian Angel

The Controller

Stalker

We Are The Vultures

LONG LIVE WARBEAST.

LONG LIVE HOUSECORE RECORDS.

Stone.

1 Comment »

GWAR “BLOODY PIT OF HORROR” – Releases November 9, 2010! Album Artwork & Complete Track Listing!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 24, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

GWAR – In the midst of their two year long celebration of their 25th Anniversary – Slay – A – Bration, GWAR will be having their 13th studio album released on November 9, 2010. (I’m including in their “13” studio albums the 1992 EP – The Road Behind, hell, it has seven songs on it for Metal sakes and it counts). Bloody Pit Of Horror is the new studio album of 11 songs, releasing on Metal Blade Records. It is always comforting to know, that GWAR is lurking around the galaxy and giving us Metalheads on Earth another brand new album to annihilate our eardrums with… just 9 days after Halloween too.

GWAR:

Oderus Urungus – vocals

Balsac the Jaws of Death – guitar

Jizmak Da Gusha – drums

Beefcake The Mighty – bass

Flattus Maximus – guitar

Track Listing For – Bloody Pit Of Horror:

Zombies, March

Come the Carnivore

A Gathering of Ghouls

Storm is Coming

Tick-Tits

Beat You To Death

You are my Meat

Hail, Genocide!

KZ Necromancer

The Litany of the Slain

Sick and Twisted

* On October 28, 2010, GWAR will be performing on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon!!

* For more info on GWAR, their tour schedule and latest news, then click on the links below:

GWAR – Official Cyber-Fortress!

GWAR – myspace music

I LIVE FOR METAL.

Stone.

2 Comments »

DARKEST HOUR – Announce 15 Year Anniversary 2011 European Tour!

Posted in concerts, extreme metal music, extreme music, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 18, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

(New York, NY) – DARKEST HOUR will be heading over to Europe this Winter of 2011 and they couldn’t be more excited to get back across the pond. “Put on your winter jacket and get ready for endless nights of good times, because we’re headed back to Europe. We’re bringing the Legacy Tour overseas and playing songs from our entire catalog. We fell in love with Europe in 2000 and have enjoyed touring there for an entire decade. Playing from squats to arenas and everywhere in between, we’ve made some of our closest friends and have had some of the best times of our lives. Experiencing all forms of cultures and enjoying the beautiful diversity of the European Continent has always been a joy for the entire band. Since our European bros are true purists, I am sure they will enjoy the set we have cooked up for them.” – Darkest Hour guitarist, Mike Schleibaum

* Coming along for the ride will be PROTEST THE HERO, BORN OF OSIRIS and PURIFIED IN BLOOD. Ticket info can be found by clicking the link below:

http://www.darkesthour.cc

2011 European Tour Dates:

1/26/11 – Germany Stuttgart @ Röhre

1/27/11 – Holland Nijmegen @ Doornroosje

1/28/11 – UK Manchester @ Club Academy

1/29/11 – UK Nottingham @ Rock City

1/30/11 – UK London @ Garage

1/31/11 – Belgium Antwerpen @ Trix

2/01/11 – Germany Berlin @ Magnet

2/02/11 – Germany Aschaffenburg @ Colos Saal

2/03/11 – Germany Hamburg @ Knust

2/04/11 – Germany Leipzig @ Conne Island

2/05/11 – Germany München @ Feierwerk

2/06/11 – Hungary Budapest @ Dürer Kert

2/07/11 – Austria Vienna @ Arena

2/08/11 – Italy Bologna @ Sottotetto Club

2/09/11 – Italy Rome @ Init Club

2/10/11 – Switzerland @ Aarau Kiff

2/11/11 – Germany Trier @ Exhaus

2/12/11 – Germany Köln @ Essigfabrik

DARKEST HOUR have been busy working on their upcoming full length album with Peter Wichers (SOILWORK) for their debut eOne Music release due out early next year. For more information on DARKEST HOUR and their experience in the studio with Peter, visit http://www.darkesthour.cc for updates over the next few months.

* For even more info, music and videos from DARKEST HOUR, click on this link: DARKEST HOUR – myspace music

DARKEST HOUR:

John Henry – vocals

Mike Schleibaum – guitar

Mike Carrigan – guitar

Ryan Parrish – drums

Paul Burnette – bass

DARKEST HOUR – The Eternal Return, released on June 23, 2009, on Victory Records

In the meantime, DARKEST HOUR will be celebrating their 15 year anniversary as a band, by touring the United States and Canada on the “Legacy Tour” with VEIL OF MAYA, PERIPHERY and REVOCATION. Ticket info can be found at http://www.darkesthour.cc

U.S. and Canada LEGACY TOUR 2010:

11/12/10 – Worcester, MA @ The Palladium

11/13/10 – New York, NY @ Gramercy Theatre

11/14/10 – Allentown, PA @ Crocodile Rock

11/15/10 – Quebec City, QC @ Dagobert

11/16/10  – Montreal, QC @ Tulipe

11/17/10 – Toronto, ON @ Mod Club

11/18/10 – Detroit, MI @ Majestic Theatre

11/19/10 – Cleveland, OH @ Peabody’s

11/20/10 – West Dundee, IL @ Clearwater Theatre

11/21/10 – Des Moines, IA @ People’s Court

11/22/10 – Denver, CO @ Marquis Theatre

11/23/10 – Salt Lake City, UT @ In The Venue

11/24/10 – Las Vegas, NV @ Area 702

11/26/10 – San Diego, CA @ Soma

11/27/10 – Pomona, CA @ The Glasshouse

11/28/10 – San Francisco, CA @ DNA Lounge

11/29/10 – West Hollywood, CA @ The Whisky

11/30/10 – Mesa, AZ @ Nile Theatre

12/01/10 – Albuquerque, NM @ The Launchpad

12/02/10 – Lubbock, TX @ Tequila Jungle

12/03/10 – Austin, TX @ Emo’s

12/04/10 – Dallas, TX @ Trees

12/05/10 – Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live

12/07/10 – St. Petersburg, FL @ State Theatre

12/08/10 – Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade

12/09/10 – Wilmington, NC @ The Soapbox

12/10/10 – Philadelphia, PA @ Starlight Ballroom

12/11/10 – Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar

12/12/10 – Richmond, VA @ Hat Factory

(Source: eOne Music press release, October 18, 2010)

LONG LIVE DARKEST HOUR.

Stone.

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Heavy Metal, Hard Rock And All Extreme Music Rules. Always Has, Always Will.

Posted in classic rock music, extreme music, Hard Rock, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, news, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on October 16, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

So let it be Metal written, so let it be Metal told.

Heavy Metal, Hard Rock, Classic Rock and all Extreme Music Rules. There you have it. That’s how I feel and no one can change my Metal mind on this. When I reference “Extreme Music”… it is an all encompassing and generic term that I personally use. This includes Punk Rock, Death Metal, Black Metal, Gothic Metal, Grindcore, Hardcore and any and all sub genres of such Extreme Music. Metal be thy name.

* To all of the plastic mainstream “awards shows” that are televised throughout the year and continue to ignore the music and bands that are, (gulp), Heavy, (except for Revolver Magazine’s Golden Gods Awards), they can all kiss my Metal lovin’ ass.

* To the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame: (I think you all know this one is coming), you can kiss my Metal lovin’ ass.

* To all the phony millionaire/billionaire record executives throughout the decades that shunned Heavy Music so that zit-faced boy bands and lip syncing performers could get “pushed” up the charts and on radio… you can all really pucker up… and kiss my Metal lovin’ ass.

* To those “Four Cartels” of the music industry, that abolished Heavy Metal from FM airplay and MTV back in the early ’90’s… kiss my Metal lovin’ ass. You losers.

* To all the writers who give “lousy” reviews on a band’s album, (while not bothering to listen to the given album), due to a respective band having conservative views… you all can really kiss my Metal lovin’ ass. You know who you are too, you political phonies with dumb-ass agendas.

* To all the liars behind the misleading and bias “record charts”, just keep on fooling the public and kiss my Metal lovin’ ass while your at it.

* To all the members of the “Flavor Of The Month Club” when it comes to music: Hey! Kiss my Metal lovin’ ass! You bet you know who you are… now your embarrassed.

* To that old and cranky, dictatorial political group known as the PMRC, that wanted to “change the world” through their radical thoughts and abuse of power, many years ago… see below:

* To the idiots that decided to have “amended” versions of CD’s to sell, go ahead… kiss my Metal lovin’ ass. Censorship IS NOT COOL, especially when it comes to music. Um, wasn’t there something once known as – Freedom Of Speech in America? Kiss my Metal lovin’ ass again, you pathetic censor morons.

* To any band or musician who openly supports a presidential or any political candidate and gets mixed up in the immoral and unethical world of politics, by having a benefit concert for “political fundraising”… I don’t want you to kiss my ass. Please, just keep Rock ‘N’ Roll out of electing any millionaire/billionaire politician. Here’s a Metal thought: instead of having a fund-raising concert for some slimy politician, try having a fund-raising concert for a children’s hospital or orphanage. Duh. Duh again.

* To all the Phd’s, text book scholars and lawyers who “think” Heavy Metal promotes and causes violent behavior and deplorable acts on society… you can all take a bow… and while your bending over… kiss my Metal lovin’ ass.

* To all those who are annoyed that I use the fabulous word “Metal” so much in this and other posts on Metal Odyssey… um, you don’t have to kiss my Metal lovin’ ass at all. I actually have pity for you, due to the symptom you have, which is called: Metal envy. It must suck to have it.

I’m in a Metal lovin’ mood of the highest degree today, obviously. Then again, I’m always in a Metal lovin’ mood, only today it just feels so damn good. To all the nay sayers and antagonists of Heavy Music throughout the decades… hey… kiss my Metal lovin’ ass. You know why? Hell, we Metalheads, Punks and Extreme Music fans WON. The bands and the Heavy Music we love never hid, dried up or ran away. Many Heavy and Extreme bands have come and gone… still countless of these bands are still touring and making music to this very second.

I consistently try to remind visitors to Metal Odyssey, that there are scores of pathetic and narrow minded groups of people in our society that want to “control” and censor the Heavy Music that has made my life and countless other lives better. Self righteous and mean spirited groups like the PMRC need to be brought up over and over again, so fans of Heavy Music know of their censorship agenda that they set into place more than two decades ago. You can try to bury something that stinks and pretend it never existed… only the “stench” still lingers.

One last thought. To all of the idiots and “deep thinkers” that years ago would tell me “someday you will mature and stop listening to Heavy Metal and all that other garbage your listening to”… KISS MY METAL LOVIN’ ASS.

Metal Be Thy Name.

Stone.

20 Comments »

HATEBREED To Headline Stillborn Fest! Plus: HATEBREED U.K. And Asia Tour Dates!

Posted in concerts, hard rock music, hardcore bands, hardcore metal music, hardcore punk rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 15, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

(New York, NY) — HATEBREED have announced a fist full of east coast headlining shows this winter as STILLBORN FEST. “We’re excited to continue with our Holiday tradition of doing Stillborn Fest. It’s going to be great to play for all of our diehards in the North East.” The band will celebrate the 15 year anniversary of the release of “Under The Knife” which came out on cassette & 7″ in 1995’. Jasta adds, “We’ll definitely be adding some old jams back into the set. See you there!

Supporting on this short run are FOUR YEAR STRONG (Allentown & Poughkeepsie), H20 (Allentown only), A LIFE ONCE LOST, THIS IS HELL, TRAPPED UNDER ICE & Stillborn Recording Artists THY WILL BE DONE, THE WORLD WE KNEW & STRENGTH FOR A REASON (where noted.)

12/27/10 – Syracuse, NY @ Lost Horizon with: A Life Once Lost, Thy Will Be Done, The World We Knew & Hate Your Guts

12/28/10 – Allentown, PA @ Crocodile Rock with: Four Year Strong, H2O, Trapped Under Ice, This Is Hell, Thy Will Be Done, The World We Knew & Strength For A Reason

12/29/10 – Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Chance with: Four Year Strong, A Life Once Lost, Trapped Under Ice, Fireworks, This Is Hell, Thy Will Be Done, The World We Knew & Strength For A Reason

12/30/10 – Hartford, CT @ Webster Theater with: A Life Once Lost, This Is Hell, Thy Will Be Done, Hate Your Guts, The World We Knew & Strength For A Reason

** HATEBREED will also be participating in this year’s 98KUPD’s “BIG RED NIGHT OF THE DEAD” on October 23, 2010, alongside DEFTONES, ALL THAT REMAINS, MUSHROOMHEAD, PRONG, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES & more! For more info click here: 98KUPD Arizona’s Real Rock

HATEBREED will be hitting various parts of the globe as well, with shows in the UK, Japan and a first ever visit to South East Asia! Dates can be found below. Visit HATEBREED – myspace music for more international tour info.

10/27/10 – Tennis Indoor Senayan – Jakarta, INDONESIA

10/30/10 – V Hall Seoul – REPUBLIC OF KOREA

10/31/10 – KHS Auditorium Taipei – TAIWAN

11/02/10 – The Butter Butter Bangkok – THAILAND

11/04/10 – Scape – SINGAPORE

11/06/10 – World Trade Center Hall D Manila – PHILIPPINES

11/08/10 – Club Quattro Tokyo – JAPAN

11/10/10 – Bottom Line Nagoya – JAPAN

11/11/10 – Club Quattro Osaka – JAPAN

HATEBREED – Self Titled and fifth studio album of original songs, released on September 29, 2009, on Koch Records, (now E1 Music).

HATEBREED – UK TOUR DATES:

12/06/10 – Bristol @ The Fleece – UK

12/07/10 – Nottingham @ Rescue Rooms – UK

12/08/10 –  Glasgow @ Garage – UK

12/09/10 – Sheffield @ Corporation – UK

2/10/10 – Birmingham @ Academy 2 – UK

12/11/10 – Stoke @ Sugarmill – UK

12/13/10 – Leeds @ Cockpit – UK

12/14/10 – Manchester @ Club Academy – UK

12/15/10 – Portsmouth @ Wedgewood Rooms – UK

12/16/10 – London @ Garage – UK

(Source: Entertainment One press release, October 14, 2010)

* For more info on HATEBREED, just click on the links below:

HATEBREED – myspace music

HATEBREED – Official Website

HATEBREED – Since 1994 and still HARDCORE!

LONG LIVE HATEBREED & HARDCORE METAL!

Stone.

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ALL THAT REMAINS “… For We Are Many” – A Formidable Album From One Of Metalcore’s Finest

Posted in hard rock albums, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, heavy metal songs, metal music, metal odyssey, metalcore bands, metalcore music, Music, rock music, rock music news, rock music reviews with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 14, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

ALL THAT REMAINS – From the very onset, with the intro Now Let Them Tremble… All That Remains establishes the Metal fact they are not going to sugarcoat a damned note on their fifth studio album – … For We Are Many, released on October 12, 2010 on Prosthetic Records/Razon & Tie. I would never expect anything less than a fast, furious and angrier than a yellow jacket wasp sound from All That Remains, on their new album. That intro really did lead me down the path to an excellent Metalcore storm that … For We Are Many is all about. The Metal pride of Western Massachusetts has fabulously delivered on their new album, making it very difficult for me not to write a 5,000 word review on it.

For We Are Many has Philip Labonte belting out vocals that more than border on Death Metal, he exhibits some ear popping vocal noise that is a welcomed part of All That Remains brand of Metal, to my ecstatic ears. Philip can diversify vocally, like a Metal chameleon he resonates with gritty harmony on The Last Time, a straight edged Metalcore song that exemplifies why this genre can claim it’s Metal legitimacy in my Metal History book. If there could ever be an accessibly Extreme Metal song, then The Last Time is it.

If I have said it once before, I shall say it once again… Oli Herbert is a Metal asset to All That Remains. It’s just a matter of time before Oli becomes a household name amongst the Metal masses, if he hasn’t become one already. Oli can shred, just listening to the leads he comes out with is reason enough to become a fan of All That Remains. Plus, when I listen to Oli on any song, it’s listening to a guitarist who obviously reveres Old School Metal and Hard Rock, by incorporating the vibe of yesterday into the Metal of today.

Not to ignore Mike Martin on guitar, he has more devastating licks in his Metal bag of guitar tricks than I can count. Anytime I listen to All That Remains, especially now with their latest album, I want to scream out to the Metal community that Oli and Mike are a Metal guitar duo that can’t be contained… they have been unleashed unto the here and now and listening to these guys is a Metal reality check. From The Outside is a song that exemplifies exactly what I’m trying to convey here, Metal be thy name this song explodes with guitar driving force.

Now, try to name off five bass guitarists in all of Metal that are female. Nice try. Jeanne Sagan has been the Metal thunder glue for All That Remains since the 2006 diamond in the rough… The Fall Of Ideals. Jeanne isn’t gonna shy away from letting her Metal presence known… she plays stompingly tight alongside drummer Jason Costa, making this All That Remains band a formidable force. I really liked this band lineup on 2008’s Overcome, now I really, really, like this All That Remains lineup.

If Keepers Of Fellow Man doesn’t get your adrenaline fired up, then your probably in a frozen state of consciousness. Melodic driven, with the heaviness of duo guitars, a rhythm section spiraling out bombastic beats and Philip’s barbed wire vocals, carries this song in unison, to stadium crowd heights. Uh, yeah, Keepers Of Fellow Man is more than likely my favorite song on this album. This song is just one of twelve, that truly are all Metal encompassing, like an impermeable net dropping down on my brain and making me succumb to it’s Metal stranglehold.

The Waiting One is such a fantastic song that having it be the album closer is genius. This song is Heavy, even with it’s breakdowns and intervals of acoustic guitar. The layering affect of The Waiting One is what gives it it’s Metal brilliance. Plus, Philip Labonte exhibits a vocal soft side that quite frankly should be exposed more often. Philip gives off the same Metal cool when he croons as he does when he growls and shouts… in my Metal opinion.

All That Remains makes their Metal flow with plenty of melodic moments married with their trademark Metalcore sound throughout … For We Are Many. The heaviness is apparent, like a supercharged continuum, therefore, loyal All That Remains fans can’t possibly be disappointed with their new album. As each All That Remains album gets released, I hear more strength and confidence in the songwriting and music across the Metal board from this excellent band.

Adam Dutkiewicz returns as producer for this new All That Remains album. (Jason Suecof produced 2008’s Overcome). Adam is like a New England “National Metal Treasure”… he has that “knack” for bringing this Metalcore sound and vibe into a state of exceptionality. Anyone familiar knows Adam is a multi-instrumentalist and music producer that has helped catapult his band, Killswitch Engage, into mega-Metal notoriety.

The Metal accolades I have bestowed upon this new All That Remains album, is due to the sheer fact that this album finishes what it started, a heightened sound and feel to what these twelve great songs give off. With acute care into the songwriting and lyrics, while succeeding in the balancing act of melodic and Heavy Metalcore on … For We Are Many, Philip Labonte, Oli Herbert, Jeanne Sagan, Mike Martin and Jason Costa should by now, have some Metal swagger in their steps.

* For more info on ALL THAT REMAINS, just click the link below:

ALL THAT REMAINS – myspace music

ALL THAT REMAINS:

Philip Labonte – vocals

Oli Herbert – lead guitar

Mike Martin – guitar

Jeanne Sagan – bass

Jason Costa – drums

… For We Are Many – Track Listing:

Now Let Them Tremble

For We Are Many

The Last Time

Some Of The People, All Of The Time

Won’t Go Quietly

Aggressive Opposition

From The Outside

Dead Wrong

Faithless

Hold On

Keepers Of Fellow Man

The Waiting One

LONG LIVE ALL THAT REMAINS.

Stone.

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SAMMY HAGAR – HAPPY BIRTHDAY FROM METAL ODYSSEY!

Posted in celebrity birthdays, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 13, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

SAMMY HAGAR – On October 13, 1947, Sammy Hagar, the “Red Rocker” was born. Sixty Three years later, Sammy Hagar stands tall as one of the greatest in all of Rock. I, along with Scott Coverdale and the entire Metal Odyssey family, wants to wish Sammy a LOUD and fun filled HAPPY BIRTHDAY! My wife especially, well, she wanted to make certain to wish the Red Rocker a happy birthday today… she really digs him and rightfully so.

If Stone could buy a beer today for Sammy… I’d buy ’em by the rounds! A lead vocalist, guitarist and songwriter, Sammy has a vocal presence that is undeniably infectious and resonates nuthin’ but Rock ‘N’ Roll at 100% proof. There is something about listening to Sammy Hagar’s vocals that makes me and countless others feel like everything is alright… it’s all about good times.

Scott Coverdale and I can never get enough of The Red Rocker… he is as cool in 2010 as ever. Chickenfoot, ’nuff said. To keep the relevance fires burning in Rock Music like Sammy continues to do, only reflects on just how legitimate and honest he is as an all-around musician. Thanks for all of the fabulously memorable music you have created over the years Sammy!! Don’t ever stop ROCKIN!

Here is a roll call of the bands that Sammy has been a major part of, over his illustriously Rockin’ career:

MONTROSE (1973-1975)

That’s Sammy pictured in the far right corner of this album photo. This is the Montrose self-titled debut album from 1973. A classic band is Montrose, we’re talkin’ about Hard Rock & Heavy Metal roots here.

SAMMY HAGAR (Solo)

Sammy has released 11 solo studio albums over his legendary career. Street Machine was the fourth solo album from Sammy, released in 1979 on Capitol Records.

My favorite Sammy Hagar solo album is – Standing Hampton. This album was my very first Sammy Hagar album. Standing Hampton was released in 1981 on Geffen Records. I remember buying it at Bradlees department store in the early ’80’s. I worked in a grocery store in the same plaza as Bradlees… this album probably cost half of my paycheck back then, only it was well worth every penny. Baby’s On Fire is probably my favorite Sammy Hagar song ever. There’s Only One Way To Rock is a song that kicks ass from sunrise to sunset. Plus, Heavy Metal is a downright heavy hitter of a song too. Even if you own a Sammy Hagar “Greatest Hits” CD… buy Standing Hampton… you’ll thank Stone later.

HSAS – Hagar Schon Aaronson Shrieve – Released back in 1984, HSAS was a cool supergroup led by Sammy Hagar on lead vocals. Neal Schon (Journey) on guitar, Kenny Aaronson (Dust) on bass and Michael Shrieve (Santana) on drums. This Through The Fire album from HSAS kicks ass, it’s a great Hard Rock album that deserves more attention than it gets. No, this HSAS album is NOT dated… it has that deeply rooted sound that some of today’s Hard Rock Bands can’t capture.

VAN HALEN – Or, if you prefer, Van Hagar. Just an unbelievably smooth transition Sammy Hagar made in becoming the lead vocalist for Van Halen back in 1986… whoa. The debut album showcasing Sammy with Van Halen was 1986’s 5150 and that album will always be an incredible listen for me. If I had to choose a favorite Van Halen album with Sammy on lead pipes… it’s OU812 from 1988. Cabo Wabo, Feels So Good and Black And Blue are three songs that psyche-me-out beyond Metal belief. Metal be thy name.

SAMMY HAGAR and THE WABORITAS / WABOS – Just good times, feel good, party Rock ‘N’ Roll is Sammy’s Wabos band. If you have never checked out any of their albums, your missing out. This band Sammy assembled can Rock, Rock Hard or simply play it ultra-cool at times. My favorite Wabos album is Livin’ It Up from 2006.

CHICKENFOOT – Sammy’s second venture into forming a “supergroup” has succeeded in my Metal opinion. Chickenfoot ROCKS. ‘Nuff said. The detractors of Chickenfoot are just plain jealous, they have what is diagnosed as: Chickenfoot envy. Released in the Summer of 2009, the self-titled, debut album from Chickenfoot has all that Hard Rockin’ Summertime vibe I crave. With Joe Satriani on guitar, Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers) on drums and former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony… yup, it’s a super-duper group.

LONG LIVE SAMMY HAGAR!

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

RED ROCKER.com

SAMMY HAGAR = GOOD TIMES!

Stone.

 

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GRAVE DIGGER – “The Clans Will Rise Again” Releases October 12th In U.S.!!

Posted in hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, Power Metal, power metal bands, power metal music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 9, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

GRAVE  DIGGER – 2010 marks the 30th Anniversary of Grave Digger, further cementing their legendary Heavy, Speed and Power Metal status with the release of their 15th studio album – The Clans Will Rise Again. This new studio album from Grave Digger has a U.S. release date of October 12th, on Napalm Records. * The European release date was October 1st, 2010.

Germany is the birthplace for many important Heavy Metal Bands over the decades, (ACCEPT, Scorpions, Helloween, Gamma Ray, Kreator and Edguy to name a many few), with Grave Digger bestowing their very own identity, brand and sound as well. You cannot discount Grave Digger, when the topic of German Heavy Metal Bands of influence comes up.

Axel Ritt has taken over all guitar duties as the newest member of Grave Digger on The Clans Will Rise Again. Guitarists Thilo Hermann and Manni Schmidt left Grave Digger, due to personal and musical differences, before entering the studio to record The Clans Will Rise Again.

There is no better time of the year than October, to have a brand new studio album released from Grave Digger! With the days growing shorter with sunlight and Halloween only a few weeks away, this new Grave Digger album will be a welcomed listen to my Metal scorched ears!

GRAVE DIGGER:

Chris Boltendahl – vocals

Axel Ritt – guitars

Jens Becker – bass

Stefan Arnold – drums

Hans Peter Katzenburg – piano & keys

* For more info on GRAVE DIGGER, just click on the cool links below:

GRAVE DIGGER CLAN.com

GRAVE DIGGER – myspace music

* Check out the music video for Highland Farewell below! This song is on The Clans Will Rise Again. A Potent and Power packed song that grabbed my Metal attention from the opening bagpipes!

Track Listing For The Clans Will Rise Again:

Days Of Revenge

Paid In Blood

Hammer Of The Scots

Highland Farewell

The Clans Will Rise Again

Rebels

Valley Of Tears

Execution

Whom The Gods Love

Spider

The Piper McLeod

Coming Home

When Rain Turns To Blood

Watch Me Die (Bonus Track)

LONG LIVE GRAVE DIGGER!

Stone.

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HELLOWEEN “7 Sinners” Releases November 9, 2010 In U.S.! Some HELLOWEEN thoughts…

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, power metal albums, power metal bands, power metal music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 7, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

HELLOWEEN – Power Metal pioneers and ultra iconic, HELLOWEEN will be releasing their 13th full-length studio album, 7 Sinners, via The End Records, on November 9th, 2010. (This is the U.S. release date). Originating from Germany, Helloween is an influential and important band in the history of Metal. Since their 1985 album release – Walls Of Jericho, Helloween has been an undisputed leader in the Power Metal genre. I’ll never forget buying Walls Of Jericho on cassette years ago… I thought I was the coolest dude on the block for stumbling onto Helloween. Even though I have Walls Of Jericho on CD, I never let go of the cassette version.

Kai Hansen was terrific as the lead vocalist and guitarist for Helloween. (Gamma Ray obviously gets my Metal endorsement to the fullest). Michael Kiske was formidable as the lead vocalist for Helloween, his vocals on Keeper Of The Seven Keys Part I are legendary. I’d have to pick Keeper Of The Seven Keys Part I as my favorite Helloween album of all time… alright, tied with Walls Of Jericho! It’s not that easy, in choosing my favorite Helloween album of all time. (Chameleon from 1993… is not my favorite).

Yes, I even liked Unarmed – Best Of 25th Anniversary, which was released on March 30, 2010. No, it was not the Power Metal force we have all come to expect from Helloween, only this album I found to be a very cool listen. Some of the greatest Helloween songs ever, were re-structured with string arrangements and a choir. Dr. Stein really gets a Rock ‘N’ Roll makeover that I find to be a fun listen. At the end of the Metal day though, I’m sure relieved and psyched that Helloween is back, with their potent Power Metal that I’m expecting on 7 Sinners.

Andi Deris is an incredible vocalist as well, he can sing Metal lights out. Whoa… can Andi carry a note and sing the roof off. I can honestly say that Gambling With The Devil from 2007 is so powerful, that having a “three way tie” for my #1 Helloween album is Metal justified. Gambling With The Devil is simply put… riveting. Plus… I’ll throw in the Metal fact that founding member and guitarist Michael “Weiki” Weikath is a super nice guy to interview, one of the “good guys” of Metal… hands down. Kai Hansen is also a super nice guy to talk to… a genuine class act.

So, yeah, I get all pumped up anytime Helloween is about to release a new album. This is a band that I could easily write 500,000 words about and still want to write more. Seriously though, how many bands have their been in Metal, or any Rock genre for that matter, that can boast having “3” amazing lead vocalists in their bands history? Not too many I would imagine. I’m really looking forward to getting my copy of 7 Sinners… and on that day I’m going to be one psyched-out Metalhead. Those are my Metal thoughts for now about Helloween… I’m certain I’ll be reviewing 7 Sinners come November, you can bet your bottom Metal dollar on that one!

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

HELLOWEEN – Official Website

HELLOWEEN

Track Listing For HELLOWEEN – 7 Sinners:

Where The Sinners Go

Are You Metal?

Who Is Mr. Madman?

Raise The Noise

World Of Fantasy

Long Live The King

The Smile Of The Sun

You Stupid Mankind

If A Mountain Could Talk

The Sage, The Fool, The Sinner

My Sacrifice

Not Yet Today

Far In The Future

* The premium version of 7 Sinners will include a deluxe digpak, extended booklet and an exclusive bonus track. (Source: Helloween Official Website)

LONG LIVE HELLOWEEN!

Stone.


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HALFORD IV “MADE OF METAL” – THE METAL GOD… Has Returned With A Vengeance!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 6, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

HALFORD – Oh, how The Metal God has cometh and made a Metal album that is mega-primed for satisfying my Metal hunger! Halford IV – Made Of Metal, released on September 28, 2010, on Metal God Entertainment, is clearly a raised fist to the air hailing all things… METAL. If one has a difficult time understanding as to why Rob Halford is called… The Metal God… and one is clueless about Judas Priest and Fight, then all one needs to do is sink their ears and awareness into Halford IV – Made Of Metal and thy should understand what the hell The Metal God is all about.

Not detracting here from what has put Rob Halford on the highest level of the Metal hierarchy, Halford IV – Made Of Metal is like a symbol of what The Metal God is all about… singing his lungs out on exceptionally written songs, both in Metal music and lyrics. It would be too damn easy for Rob Halford to rest on his laurels and reap the decades of Metal glory that he has so rightfully earned. Instead, Rob Halford has come out with all guns Metal blazing and has released an album that should make the earth shift off of it’s axis, just a tad, when played at it’s maximum volume.

Now, there is a song on this new Halford album that just seems to be so unbelievably great to my Metal ears and soul, that I’m pinching myself to make certain I’m not dreaming as I listen to it. It’s an exhilarating experience, of a profound mega-Metal high when I listen to this song… Thunder And Lightning. Throughout all of my Metal lovin’ life, I have continuously searched out for the songs, albums and the bands that make me Metal high. Thunder And Lightning is that thunder strike of a song, that I shall turn to for inspiration and psyche-out therapy for the rest of my Metal guided life.

Rob Halford is simply classic on vocals during Thunder And Lightning, with Roy Z. and Metal Mike Chlasciak on guitars making it freaking soar, trading off their licks to Metal perfection. It’s the intensity and the non-stop groove that’s happening with this song that makes it so damn delicious to my Metal senses. When a song can capture and hold onto a psyche-out vibe like this, it is a song that is worthy of my telling the entire world about.

Honestly, I can’t count how many times I have listened to Thunder And Lightning in the short time that I have owned Halford IV – Made Of Metal. Whatever Rob Halford and Roy Z. have tapped into when they wrote this song, it is nothing short of mystical for me. This song only solidifies the fact that music is indeed… a language all it’s own. Let those Metal vibrations pour into my Metal soul!! Metal be thy name.

I Know We Stand A Chance, based on it’s lyrics, is a love song. This song plays out with both a Hard Rock and Metal feel, with Rob Halford’s vocal harmony streaming through the music flawlessly. A very memorable song, both for it’s music and lyrics. Three quarters through this song it kicks up a couple of notches with some electrifying and melodic fret work that I know I’ll be hearing in my sleep.

Like There’s No Tomorrow showcases Rob Halford, the Metal vocalist for the ages. Sure, Rob Halford has his vocal peers amongst him, the difference is, this is The Metal God we are listening to on this album. This song is incredibly memorable beyond belief. Is it the vocals of Rob? Could it be the dualing guitars? The imbedded bass thumping? The drum beats and cymbal smashing? Try all of the above. Melodic and soaringly heavy is this song, drawing it’s strength from the totality of the band.

Twenty-Five Years is a powerful and Heavy ballad, both with it’s music and lyrics. Rob Halford exemplifies why he is truly a remarkable vocalist as he sings Twenty-Five Years. By delivering this song through his emotionally charged vocals, in a story form, that lends itself as being deeply personal to The Metal God. This is by far not a depressing song for me, it is a serious break in the Metal experience that I cannot shun away. Lyrically there are life lessons that are taught here, making for a Metal reality check that has been handed down by this living Metal Legend.

We Own The Night and Heartless are melodic listen’s into just how Rob Halford and his band can play accessibly Heavy songs, one’s that probably would have been a huge hit if Heavy Metal ruled MTV and FM radio like it once did in those loud and colorful ’80’s. Even when Halford comes across with some commercial appeal, they are still damn Heavy as hell… flooded with Metal molasses. Rob Halford just sounds like he beamed up his vintage vocal self, from decades long ago, surpassing my Metal expectations on not just these two songs… the entire album.

Yes, The Mower is by far and large… the heaviest, meanest and most Metal song on this new Halford album. Even Rob’s vocals are screeching with an evil intensity that is downright scary on The Mower. I love it. This is the other side to Rob Halford’s vocals, piercing, angry and impressively dark. Speed Of Sound has the vibe and sound that is tailor made for a Judas Priest – Turbo Part II… if there ever was to be such an album. However, Speed Of Sound is Heavy and doesn’t get saturated with any synthetic sounds that the long past Turbo album radiates.

Alright, there is a “semi-stinker” on this album. I’ll give Rob Halford and his band a pass on this though. I owe ’em that much for making my Metal world so deliriously fine from Thunder And Lightning. Um, well, this song is pretty much a stinker. Made Of Metal is the song. There are some bad flashbacks happening in my brain, each time I hear the techno-electronic voice that is part of the intro to this song. Mr. Roboto flashbacks that is. I still have never recovered from Styx messing around with electronica… and that goes too far back for my own liking. The “roboto” voice re-appears towards the end of this song too, not cool. It’s just a dated song that doesn’t fit the Metal mold of this album and I don’t like to use the word… dated.

Make the bad Mr. Roboto go away, make the bad Mr. Roboto go away, make him go now.

Undisputed is the one song on Halford IV – Made Of Metal that can be of “big time” commercial value for the future. The lyrics are borderline corny… this song is about an undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, whoever that may be. This song would be perfect for the next (gasp) Rocky sequel or as an entrance theme for some WWE Wrestling Superstar. The Metal itself is brilliance on Undisputed, with scorching guitar leads and tough as nails riffs. Vocally, Rob Halford resonates with late ’70’s Judas Priest on Undisputed, capturing his very own classic self as only he can do.

For all intents and Metal purposes, Halford is backed up by one damned fabulous band. Mike Davis on bass and Bobby Jarzombek on drums hold it all together like a Heavy Metal pillar of unbreakable steel, giving each song an added dose of supercharged thump. I without hesitation, openly admit, that Halford IV – Made Of Metal has rolled into 2010 and taken me for a sensational Metal ride. This Metal ride I’m highly endorsing to fellow Metalheads, both young and old, stateside and worldwide. Don’t let this new Halford album be “the one” that you pass over for another day. Halford IV – Made Of Metal needs to heard… NOW… and forever.

* For more info on HALFORD, just click here: ROB HALFORD.com

Track Listing For HALFORD IV – MADE OF METAL:

Undisputed

Fire And Ice

Made Of Metal

Speed Of Sound

Like There’s No Tomorrow

Till The Day I Die

We Own The Night

Heartless

Hell Razor

Thunder And Lightning

Twenty-Five Years

Matador

I Know We Stand A Chance

The Mower

LONG LIVE HALFORD.

THE METAL GOD HAS RETURNED.

Stone.

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DEATH ANGEL – 2011 NORTH AMERICAN RETRIBUTION TOUR – DATES LISTED!

Posted in hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal, thrash metal albums, thrash metal bands, thrash metal music, thrash metal tours with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 4, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

DEATH ANGEL – In support of their new and incredible sixth studio album, Relentless Retribution, DEATH ANGEL will be touring the United States with one stop in Canada, beginning on January 30, 2011. Beginning in Raleigh, North Carolina and commencing on February 26, 2011, in the city that these Bay Area Thrash Metal Legends know very well… San Francisco California! EARLY MAN, LAZARUS A.D., BONDED BY BLOOD and HeXeN will be on tour with DEATH ANGEL as well! This looks to be a kick-ass tour of Old School joining forces with New School Thrash Metal!

* DEATH ANGEL – Relentless Retribution was released on September 14, 2010, on Nuclear Blast USA.

2011 NORTH AMERICAN RETRIBUTION TOUR DATES:

January 30 @ Volume 11, Raleigh, NC

January 31 @ The Casbah, NC

February 1 @ Jaxx, W. Springfield, VA

February 2 @ Crazy Donkey, Farmingdale, NY

February 3 @ Rocko’s, Manchester, NH

February 4 @ Club Hell, Providence, RI

February 5 @ Montage Music Hall, Rochester, NY

February 6 @ Mod Club, Toronto, ON, Canada

February 7 @ Peabody’s, Cleveland, OH

February 8 @ Blondie’s, Detroit, MI

February 9 @ Reggie’s Rock Club, Chicago, IL

February 10 @ Phoenix Hill Tavern, Louisville, KY

February 11 @ Riot Room, Kansas City, MO

February 12 @ Conservatory, Oklahoma City, OK

February 13 @ Numbers, Houston, TX

February 14 @ Emo’s, Austin, TX

February 15 @ White Rabbit, San Antonio, TX

February 16 @ Rail Club, Ft. Worth, TX

February 18 @ Club DV8, Tucson, AZ

February 19 @ Clubhouse, Tempe, AZ

February 20 @ Chain Reaction, Anaheim, CA

February 21 @ Cheyenne Saloon, Las Vegas, NV

February 22 @ The Key Club, Hollywood, CA

February 23 @ Brick By Brick, San Diego, CA

February 24 @ The Boardwalk, Orangevale, CA

February 25 @ Lost On Main, Chico, CA

February 26 @ Slim’s, San Francisco, CA

(Source: DEATH ANGEL – Official Website)

* For more info on DEATH ANGEL, just click on the links below:

DEATH ANGEL – MySpace Music Page

DEATH ANGEL – Official Website

* For more info on EARLY MAN, just click on the links below:

EARLY MAN – myspace music page

EARLY MAN ARMY.com – Official Website of EARLY MAN

* For more info on LAZARUS A.D., just click on the link below:

LAZARUS A.D. – myspace music

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

HeXeN – myspace music

EARLY MAN will be touring to support their new studio album, DEATH POTION, released on July 20, 2010, on The End Records.

BONDED BY BLOOD will be touring to support their new studio album, EXILED TO EARTH, released on August 10, 2010, on Earache Records.

LAZARUS A.D. will be touring to support their 2009 studio album, THE ONSLAUGHT, released on March 3, 2009, on Metal Blade Records.

LAZARUS A.D. will also be supporting their sophomore release – Black River Flows, which is slated for a February 1st, 2011 release on Metal Blade Records!

HeXeN will be touring to support their 2008 studio album, STATE OF INSURGENCY, released on August 5, 2008, on OSM Records.

LONG LIVE DEATH ANGEL.

LONG LIVE THRASH METAL.

Stone.

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ALICE COOPER – Is Finally “Nominated” To The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame… Now What?

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 29, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

ALICE COOPER – Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you, Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame for “acknowledging” that Alice Cooper exists! Wow… that must really had been a strenuous and heated debate for all of you “corporate” board of directors over there to make. So, what are all of us Alice Cooper fans supposed to do now? Are we supposed to be excited? Are we all supposed to fall for your phony “corporate” game over there at The Rock And Roll Hall Of Shame? This is the same “institution” that nominated the uncannily iconic KISS last year and then decided not to induct them. DOLTS! Now… KISS isn’t even nominated this year!? WTF? Alas, the whole KISS debacle is for another post… another day.

Rock ‘N’ Roll History 101 to the “corporate” Rock Music scholars over at The Rock And Roll Hall Of Shame: Alice Cooper was known as a “band”. That’s right, Alice Cooper (The Band). From 1969 to 1973, Alice Cooper (The Band) released 7 studio albums. Alice Cooper then went solo, with the release of Welcome To My Nightmare in 1975. Alice Cooper (solo) has released a total of 18 studio albums from 1975 to 2008.

SO… WHICH IS IT… ALICE COOPER (THE BAND) OR ALICE COOPER (SOLO) THAT IS NOMINATED? GET IT STRAIGHT ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF SHAME. GET WITH IT. IT SHOULD BE BOTH THAT ARE NOMINATED, YOU POP-MAINSTREAM DUNCES. DOLTS!

I have been a lifelong fan of Alice Cooper (The Band) and Alice Cooper (Solo). No, I am not seventeen years old either, there are those days I wish I was though. I am old enough to know that the selection process for the nominees and inductees into this Rock And Roll Hall Of Shame is politically motivated by a clique of decision makers who thinks ABBA carries more “musical excellence” than the likes of: RUSH, Cheap Trick, KISS, T. Rex and The Moody Blues. (LOL). There are many more to add to this legendary list, however, my Metal point has been made clear.

At the end of the day, true fans of Alice Cooper (The Band & Solo), will never tire of their loyalty. A true fan cherishes the music their favorite bands and musicians create, regardless of what some millionaire CEO and his “out of touch” board of directors may say, in some overpriced building in Cleveland, Ohio.

A Rock ‘N’ Roll icon such as Alice Cooper does not need to be reassured of his status and acceptance by induction into any damn hall of fame. Sure, it is an honor to be inducted… only it should be a bigger honor to know your fans revere your music and accept you for who you are, regardless. Alice Cooper is BIGGER than The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame… and that “establishment” knows it.

I say this time and again… that I revere many of the bands and musicians that have been inducted into this building. The slimy political posturing, that affects the nomination and induction process is what ruins what would have been a very grand idea from the very beginning… to have a credible Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame for fans to gravitate to. Sadly, that “type” of Hall Of Fame just doesn’t exist for this Rock ‘N’ Roll fan.

* Here is the “original” band lineup for Alice Cooper (The Band)… maybe someone can pass this information along to the Rock Music “scholars” that oversee who gets inducted into that building in Cleveland.

Alice Cooper – vocalist

Glen Buxton – guitarist

Michael Bruce – guitarist, keyboardist

Dennis Dunaway – bass guitarist

Neal Smith – drummer

LONG LIVE ALICE COOPER!

Stone.

12 Comments »

ARSON ANTHEM “INSECURITY NOTORIETY” – RELEASES OCTOBER 12, 2010!

Posted in hard rock music, hardcore bands, hardcore metal music, hardcore punk rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, Punk rock, punk rock albums, punk rock bands, punk rock music, rock and roll, rock guitarists, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 24, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

ARSON ANTHEM – The first “full length” studio album from ARSON ANTHEM – Insecurity Notoriety, will be released on October 12, 2010, on Phil Anselmo’s very own… Housecore Records. The triple threat combination of Hardcore, Thrash and Punk are what you can expect from ARSON ANTHEM… with the onslaught of Hardcore dominating their music. Sure, you can call ARSON ANTHEM a “supergroup” based on their incredible lineup, only this is a band that brings it Hard… Heavy… and F’n Hardcore! No bullshit found in the music of ARSON ANTHEM.

*As Phil Anselmo has stated about Insecurity Notoriety: “This is vicious Hardcore, so trip out on this record!” – (Hard Rock Hideout Interview, September 20, 2010)

ARSON ANTHEM:

Mike IX Williams – vocalist

Phil Anselmo – guitars

Hank Williams III – drums

Collin Yeo – bass guitar

* Brief Metal career background on the members of ARSON ANTHEM:

Phil Anselmo has forged in Metal, his legendary career as lead vocalist for the iconic Pantera. Phil is the vocalist for the kick-ass and Louisiana born Metal Band – Down. Superjoint Ritual and Christ Inversion are just two more past bands that Phil has been a driving force behind. Mike Williams is the lead vocalist for the Metal Band – Eyehategod. Hank Williams III played bass for Superjoint Ritual and is a vocalist/guitarist for his very own Metal/Punk Band – Assjack. Collin Yeo heads up his eerie and alternatively contagious band – PonyKiller.

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

ARSON ANTHEM – myspace music

* For more info on Housecore Records, just click on link below:

HOUSECORE RECORDS

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

DOWN – myspace music

* For more info on Hank Williams III and Assjack, just click the link below:

Hank Williams III – Official Website

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

EYEHATEGOD – myspace music

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

PonyKiller – myspace music

* The debut and self-titled ARSON ANTHM EP, (8 songs), was released on February 19, 2008, on Housecore Records.

Track Listing For ARSON ANTHEM EP:

Year Of The Fork

Doomed Morale

Bunker Life

Hammer Them Out

Wrecked Like Clockwork

Cops Shoot Coke

The Avoider

Sri Lankan Medication

LONG LIVE THE HARDCORE OF ARSON ANTHEM!

Stone.

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HALFORD “MADE OF METAL” – RELEASES SEPTEMBER 28, 2010!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 21, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

HALFORD – The Metal God… Rob Halford and his mighty band Halford will be seeing their third studio album – Made Of Metal released on September 28, 2010! Rob Halford is a living legend of Metal… with his Metal legacy forever forged as the front man for Judas Priest, Fight and 2wo.

This forthcoming album from Halford just seems to put a Metal exclamation point on the “year of Metal releases”… 2010! I personally can’t wait to hear Made Of Metal. Whoa. Whoa again.

* Made Of Metal will be released on Metal God Entertainment.

* For more info on Rob Halford and HALFORD, just click on link below:

ROB HALFORD.com

Track Listing For: Made Of Metal:

Undisputed

Fire And Ice

Made Of Metal

We Own The Night

Til The Day I Die

There’s No Tomorrow

Speed Of Sound

Heartless

Hell Razor

Thunder And Lightning

Twenty-Five Years

Matador

I Know We Stand A Chance

The Mower

Here is a discography of HALFORD studio albums:

Ressurection (released August 8, 2000)

Crucible (released June 25, 2002)

Halford 3 – Winter Songs (released November 3, 2009)

Yes, Halford 3 – Winter Songs is a studio album, however it is a holiday album. I guess one may still state this is an “official” studio album from Halford and call Made Of Metal the “fourth” studio album. It really makes no difference to me… cause HALFORD rules no matter what.

LONG LIVE ROB HALFORD AND HIS BAND – HALFORD!

Stone.

4 Comments »

PANTERA – “THE WILL TO SURVIVE” DEMO IS A HIDDEN METAL TREASURE

Posted in hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, heavy metal songs, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 20, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

PANTERA – On September 14, 2010, Rhino Records released the 3-CD Deluxe Edition of Cowboys From Hell. PANTERA rules. Originally released back on July 17, 1990, on Atco Records, this was the album that catapulted PANTERA as a relentless and blazingly bad-ass live band. Metal be thy name, that is the truth. 2010 ushered in the 20th Anniversay of Cowboys From Hell, whoa… seems like yesterday to me when this unreal great album came out. Cowboys From Hell marked the fifth studio album from PANTERA… the first four being on their own label called Metal Magic. PANTERA rules.

It’s an endless Metal debate, as to which PANTERA album is the very best. I like to go with Cowboys From Hell, Vulgar Display Of Power and Far Beyond Driven as my personal top three. Hell, it’s very difficult for me to pin one PANTERA album against another. PANTERA rules. As I see it, PANTERA was the pit bull in the backyard, that was set loose to protect and spread the cause of Metal in the decade of the ’90’s… and they did just that and then some. Metal be thy name.

There is one demo, that was never released before, on disc 3 (the demo disc) which is The Will To Survive. Whoa, do I like this song a Metal ton. Phil Anselmo sounds like Rob Halford… or can I say has some heavy duty Rob Halford influence in his vocals, on this demo. After listening to this song a couple dozen more times… I will even make a Metal stretch by saying, that I hear a bit of Geoff Tate in the vocals of Phil Anselmo too. The Will To Survive of course was written and had it’s parts recorded well before there was a Vulgar Display Of Power, even before Cowboys From Hell.

I’m calling The Will To Survive demo a hidden Metal treasure. Why? For one, it’s not a song I would have expected to hear on this deluxe edition of Cowboys From Hell. Sure, the thought crossed my mind of maybe hearing something from the Metal Magic era of PANTERA… only this song surpasses what I initially thought it would sound like, both in it’s Traditional Metal style and sound. Trust me… the late and ultra legendary Dimebag sounds fabulous on guitar too, giving The Will To Survive a Speed Metal/Power Metal vibe that really leaves me whining for more.

If there were more hidden Metal treasures like The Will To Survive still on tape somewhere… locked away… I pray that Vinnie Paul, Rex Brown and Phil Anselmo would turn ’em loose on us fans someday, with one entire CD of PANTERA songs that have NEVER been heard before in any form. PANTERA rules.

Why do I keep stating “PANTERA rules” throughout this post you may query? There really is nuthin’ to question here… PANTERA F’N RULES. Always did… always will. Call me a PANTERA fan boy? Hell, I’m not alone there and I’m in good company, thank you very much. Plus, I’m damn proud to be one. Yes, I strongly urge any and all fans of Metal and of course, PANTERA, to get a copy of this Cowboys From Hell – 20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition.

* Recently, I interviewed Phil Anselmo for my very good Metal Buddies over at HARD ROCK HIDEOUT. You can check out this HARD ROCK HIDEOUT exclusive by clicking the large link below or by clicking any HARD ROCK HIDEOUT link you see here.

PHIL ANSELMO – THE HARD ROCK HIDEOUT INTERVIEW!l

*An abbreviated breakdown of the 3 disc Cowboys From Hell – 2oth Anniversary Deluxe Edition:

* Disc 1 is the Cowboys From Hell studio album remastered. Disc 2 contains 12 live songs. Disc 3 has 11 demos from the Cowboys From Hell sessions, which includes The Will To Survive.

LONG LIVE THE METAL OF PANTERA!

REST IN PEACE, DIMEBAG.

Stone.


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CANNIBAL CORPSE – 1998’S “GALLERY OF SUICIDE” ON 180-GRAM VINYL – RELEASES SEPTEMBER 28, 2010!

Posted in Death Metal, death metal music, extreme metal music, extreme music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 19, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

CANNIBAL CORPSE – The sixth studio album from Cannibal Corpse, Gallery Of Suicide, will be re-released on 180-gram vinyl on September 28, 2010, on Plastic Head. Originally released on April 21, 1998, on Metal Blade Records, Gallery Of Suicide was the second album to have George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher on vocals. This was also the first Cannibal Corpse album to have Pat O’Brien on guitar.

This album it outrageously brutal, from the song titles and lyrics to the Death Metal barrage heard within. ‘Nuff said about this album… alright, it’s wicked F’n Heavy. With every Metal re-release on vinyl, it certifies the fact that there are Metalheads out there that want to hear their bands the Old School way. Just like the Metal I live for, vinyl will never go away.

* As with most vinyl and 180-gram vinyl releases, Gallery Of Suicide is being touted as a “limited release”. I have seen it available for pre-order on Amazon.com.

* For more info on CANNIBAL CORPSE, click on the link below:

CANNIBAL CORPSE – Official Website

CANNIBAL CORPSE, as they appeared on Gallery Of Suicide:

George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher – vocals

Jack Owen – guitar

Pat O’brien – guitar

Alex Webster – bass

Paul Mazurkiewicz – drums

Track Listing For Gallery Of Suicide:

I Will Kill You

Disposal Of The Body

Sentenced To Burn

Blood Drenched Execution

Gallery Of Suicide

Dismembered And Molested

From Skin To Liquid

Unite The Dead

Stabbed In The Throat

Chambers Of Blood

Headless

Every Bone Broken

Centuries Of Torment

Crushing The Despised

Stone.

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