On October 7th, 1978 – The legendary BOSTON were ranked at #7, on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart with their hit: Don’t Look Back. This song is featured on BOSTON’s second studio album from 1978: Don’t Look Back. Everything about this band = timeless Classic Rock. ‘Nuff said.
On October 7th, 2006 – The super-duper IRON MAIDEN performed at the Tweeter Center in Camden, New Jersey. IRON MAIDEN were on their A Matter Of Life And DeathTour.
On October 7th, 2014 – The great ORANGE GOBLIN released their studio album: Back From The Abyss. By the way, in case you didn’t know, ORANGE GOBLIN are a bona-fide, amazing and kick-to-the-ass band. Dig it.
On October 7th, 2014 – The terrific HELLION released their EP: Karma’s A Bitch. Without Ann Boleyn and her band HELLION, well, life would pretty much suck.
On October 7th, 2015 – DEVIL YOU KNOW have their forthcoming studio album, They Bleed Red, ranked at #16, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. Their second studio album, They Bleed Red releases on November 6th, 2015, via Nuclear Blast Entertainment.
On October 7th, 2015 – Savannah, Georgia’s KYLESA have their newly released studio album, Exhausting Fire, ranked at #30, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. Whoa! Shown above: the red vinyl version of this album. Whoa, again!
Guitarist, songwriter, producer and engineer Masaki Murashita has assembled his own solo band: MURASHITA.The founder and Metal mastermind behind Hemoptysis, Masaki Murashita has proven to me, that he once again, can bring a band of musicians together and create another incredible album of explosive Metal. This five song EP, Inescapable Damnation, will be self-released on October 16th. Masaki brings his lead guitar and scorching vocals back to the forefront with his solo debut and I am left completely jubilant at what I’ve been listening to.
MURASHITAInescapable Damnation features Metal heavyweights: David Ellefson (Megadeth), Kevin Talley (Suffocation, Six Feet Under, Chimaira), Kelly Conlon (Death, Monstrosity) and Rodney McGlothlin (Voice of Dissent). Mixing was done by award-winning producer, Ryan Greene (Megadeth, NOFX). With a powerhouse lineup like this, MURASHITA delivers on all counts on this EP. I love how the guitar playing transitions from brutal to melodic on these songs, along with Masaki’s unique vocals playing such a tremendous role in this EP’s overall persona and intensity. Only those who have not a clue will find even a minuscule fault in Inescapable Damnation.
Masaki Murashita
With the overall stellar musicianship being nailed down, the songwriting and lyrics are also top-tier on Inescapable Damnation. Conquer The Foe and The Show Must Go On are two examples of perseverance and self-confidence bursting out lyrically; two attributes of Masaki that have made him the underground Metal warrior I have greatly admired since day one. Masaki Murashita and his star-studded band should rightfully be proud of Inescapable Damnation. Metal be thy name. – Stone
Fans of Melodic Death Metal to Thrash will surely want to add this EP to their Metal stash.
On October 5th, 1991 – FIREHOUSE had their hit power ballad, Love Of A Lifetime, ranked at #5 on the Weekly Top 40. This song is featured on the debut and self-titled album from FIREHOUSE, released back in 1990.
On October 5th, 1991 – METALLICA‘s monster song, Enter Sandman, was ranked at #21, on the Weekly Top 40. This great song is featured on Metallica’s fifth and self-titled studio album (aka The Black Album), released back in 1991.
On October 5th, 1995 – The iconic IRON MAIDEN performed at the Standard Bank Arena in Johannesburg, South Africa. This was a concert on The X Factour. Blaze Bayley was the lead vocalist for IRON MAIDEN, during this period of time. Whoa.
On October 5th, 2015 – The newly released TRIVIUM studio album, Silence In The Snow (Deluxe Edition), is ranked at #1, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. Whoa.
On October 5th, 2015 – The newly released QUEENSRŸCHE studio album, Condition Hüman, is ranked at #2, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. QUEENSRŸCHE kicks absolute Metal ass, my Metal brethren.
On October 5th, 2015 – California’s DEAFHEAVEN have their newly released studio album, New Berumuda, ranked at #4, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. Yup. In case you didn’t know, DEAFHEAVEN receives the Metal Odyssey Seal Of Metal Approval.
Underground Black Metal label Acephale Winter Productions is proud to announce that it has now released Shadows of Ancestors by Twilight Fauna. The album contains 8 tracks and is available on compact disc or as a digital download. You can stream the album in full and order a copy direct from the label at this location: https://acephalewinter.bandcamp.com/album/shadows-of-ancestors
About Twilight Fauna:
Twilight Fauna is a one-person Atmospheric Metal project from Appalachia. Constantly pushing the boundaries between genres, multi-instrumentalist Paul Ravenwood uses a variety of traditional folk instruments alongside more conventional Black Metal guitar work and primitive drumming to create a unique blend of blackened folk music.
Since forming in 2011, Twilight Fauna has released multiple full lengths, EPs and splits, including the much acclaimed Hymns of a ForgottenHomeland LP. With songs steeped in atmosphere, Twilight Fauna is one man’s deeply personal vision into the history of himself and of the mountains of his birthplace.
Praise for Shadows of Ancestors:
“Ambient, cinematic, hypnotic and still wonderfully savage. ‘Shadows Of Ancestors’ is an introspective and genuinely moving album that transcends its Black Metal roots and builds on the foundations of its predecessor. Twilight Fauna continues to improve as a project and is crafting some very interesting music that is begging to be explored. ” – Intravenous Magazine
“Ravenwood’s tireless work ethic and prolific output have helped Twilight Fauna grow at a pretty rapid pace. “Shadows of Ancestors” is proof of that artistic development, as this sometimes strange, often moving project keeps getting richer and more defined. It’ll never be everyone’s cup of tea, but those who do relish these sounds will find themselves immersed in a haunting place with rogue spirits showing you the way.” – Meat Mead Metal
The Finnish Pagan Metal band VORNA will release their second full length album ”Ei valo minua seuraa” (transl. ”No Light Follows Me”) on 4th December 2015. The album will be released through Inverse Records.
The album has been mixed by Tuomas Kokko from Electric Fox Studios (e.g. Swallow the Sun, Ghost Brigade) and mastered by Jaakko Viitalähde from Virtalähde Mastering (e.g. Black Crucifixion, Alghazanth, Ghost Brigade). The album cover artworks have been designed by Jarno Lahti from Kaamos Illustration & Design (e.g. Pain, Hypocrisy, Before the Dawn).
The lead-vocalist Vesa Salovaara shared a few words about the album recordings and about the actual album:
”This year has most certainly been Vorna’s busiest one to date and the whole album making process was quite intensive experience as well. The song material was constantly evolving from the earliest demo sessions in April all the way to the mixing which took place in July. As a result we think we’re holding our most mature, diverse and also, in a way, darkest album yet. Still, neither risks nor untamed intuitive ideas were avoided and we believe that one might find even somewhat surprising shades from it’s depths. Lyrically ”Ei valo minua seuraa” is dealing with quite universal and timeless themes. The story is fundamentally about a journey towards mental or spiritual equilibrium which is being torned by contradictive identities and generally estranged world.
”Jälkemme” represents the more straightforward approach of the album and that’s one of the reasons we chose it to be the first single. It’s quite a beast of a song and we believe it has a lot to offer in live environment. Come to our show and witness it yourself!”
Tracklist:
1. Harmaudesta (Away from Grey)
2. Jälkemme (Heritage)
3. Itsetön (Soul Shriven)
4. Sieluni varjossa (In the Nightside of Self)
5. Vaipunut (Of Life Descended)
6. Yksin (Alone)
7. Hiljaiset rauniot (Silent Ruins)
VORNA will head out for a European tour in October. The shows in October are co-headlined with the German Black Metal titans Thyrgrim and the two shows in Sweden in November with the Swedish Folk/Viking Metal band Grimner. Below you may find all tour dates:
IRON MAIDEN will open The Book Of Souls World Tour in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on 24 February 2016, playing nine shows in total, finishing up at The Forum, LA on April 15th.
The dates are:
FEB 24 – Ft Lauderdale, FLA – BB&T Center
FEB 26 – Tulsa, OK – BOK Center
FEB 28 – Las Vegas, NV – Mandalay Bay Events Center
MAR 30 – New York – Madison Square Garden
APR 05 – Detroit, MI – Palace Of Auburn Hills
APR 06 – Chicago, IL – United Center
APR 11 – Tacoma, WA – Tacoma Dome
APR 13 – Denver, CO – Pepsi Center
APR 15 – Los Angeles, CA – The Forum
Tickets are on sale Oct 10th with fanclub presale on Oct 6th – see ironmaiden.com for details.
French Occult Doom-rockers Akasava have announced new shows in their homeland, two in their local Le Havre and one in Rouen.
The band give an especial shout-out to Belgian doom lot Bathsheba, with whom they are playing in Le Havre. “We are honoured that we get to play with such an excellent band,” enthuses frontman Louis Hauguel.
He goes on to drop some further excellent news from the Akasava camp: the band are currently demoing new material that they are planning to record “beginning next year.” The songs follow an extremely well-received EP this year entitled Strange Aeons, which you can check out on Bandcamp here:
The magnificent MEGADETH will be releasing their fifteenth studio album, Dystopia, on January 22nd, 2016. What a grand Metal way to start off the new year of 2016, with new MEGADETH!
How about the album cover art for Dystopia? I’m digging it. Looks like Vic Rattlehead is some kind of cyborg security officer or bounty hunter, in a futuristic and devastated city? That destroyed bridge on the album cover carries some social symbolism; a bridge to nowhere, maybe? I am looking forward to getting this CD and… Metal Be Thy Name.
Along with co-founding members Dave Mustaine and David Ellefson: LAMB OF GOD drummer Chris Adler is featured on this entire Dystopia release, along with Brazilian guitarist Kiko Loureiro of ANGRA fame.
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DID YOU KNOW: The definition of Dystopia is: an imaginative or real society where everything is horrible and immoral, while the environment is forever deteriorating. This is also a society that is ruled by a totalitarian government.
London’s NWOBHM Legends GIRLSCHOOL are to release their 13th studio album, Guilty As Sin, on November 13th, via UDR Music. Guilty As Sin will be available in red colored vinyl gatefold album and digipack. This hotly anticipated album was produced by the great Chris Tsangarides (Judas Priest, Thin Lizzy, Witch Cross, among others).
GIRLSCHOOL’s cover song of the Bee Gees huge 70’s Disco hit, Staying Alive, ought to be very interesting, indeed! Uh, oh. “Disco” was mentioned here on Metal Odyssey. May the Metal Gods forgive us all. Metal Be Thy Name!
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GIRLSCHOOL Are:
Kim McAuliffe – Vocals and Guitar
Enid Williams – Vocals and Bass
Jackie Chambers – Lead Guitar and Backing Vocals
Denise Dufort – Drums
CD:
Come the Revolution
Take it like a band
Guilty as Sin
Treasure
Awkward Position
Staying Alive ( Bee Gees Cover)
Perfect Storm
Painful
Night Before
Everybody Loves (Saturday Night)
Coming your Way* BONUS*
Tonight BONUS
* only available on limited edition and digital album
On October 2nd, 1978 – Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss’ solo studio albums were each certified Gold & Platinum by the RIAA. Whoa! By the way, my favorite KISS solo album has always been Paul Stanley. Then again, it’s Ace Frehley. Gene Simmons has a very cool 1978 solo album too. Okay, I can’t make up my Metal mind, after all these Metal years. Metal be thy name!
On October 2nd, 2015 – The newly released studio album, CONDITION HÜMAN, from the great QUEENSRŸCHE is ranked at #5, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. Hip, hip Metal hooray! By the way, I am a RŸCHER. Dig it.
On October 2nd, 2015 – The newly released studio album, GOLGOTHA, from the wonderful W.A.S.P. is ranked at #46, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. Leaping Metal lizards! Um… Blackie Lawless for U.S. President.
On October 2nd, 2015 – The Metal supergroup DENNER / SHERMANN have their newly released EP, SATAN’S TOMB, ranked at #47 on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. This incredible Metal lineup features: Michael Denner on guitar, Hank Shermann on guitar, Sean Peck as lead vocalist, Snowy Shaw on drums and Marc Grabowski on bass. Holy shit, that’s a freaking legendary lineup of Metal musicians.
Watch the trailer below for SATAN’S TOMB:
DID YOU KNOW: I am going to buy this DENNER / SHERMANN CD and play it a billion times and maybe more. I will also put this CD under my pillow at night and thank the MIGHTY METAL GODS from Center Earth for having this band assemble. Holy Metal shit and hallelujah.
Who: PHIL COLLEN – Lead guitarist for the Legendary band DEF LEPPARD with
OC-Based writer, Chris Epting
What: Exclusive Book Signing and Q&A Event with Phil Collen
When: Monday October 19, 2015 7:00 PM
Where: Barnes & Noble – Huntington Beach
Bella Terra
7881 Edinger Ave. #110
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
714-897-8781
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Details: Phil Collen, lead guitarist of the legendary band Def Leppard, will discuss and sign his new memoir, Adrenalized: Life. Def Leppard, and Beyond. He’ll be joined by his co-author Chris Epting for a Q&A session. Chris Epting is an award-winning journalist and the author of 25 books.
In the mid-1980s, Def Leppard catapulted to rock n’ roll superstardom with their blockbuster album Pyromania – until tragedy threatened to put a quick end to their rocket ascent. Now, surviving lead guitarist Phil Collen reveals the truth behind the mythology of the band with his memoir ADRENALIZED: MY LIFE IN DEF LEPPARD AND BEYOND (Atria Books; October 27, 2015/ ISBN 9781476751658/ $26.00), setting the record straight in a rags-to-riches story populated with biggest names in music history.
A voyeuristic peek into the inner-sanctum of rock stardom, ADRENALIZED is more than the usual cautionary tale; Phil Collen – an unlikely rock star from the start — offers an inspirational portrait of self-discipline and human resilience.
Special Instructions:
This is a wristband event. Wristbands will be distributed beginning at 9:00AM on October 19 with the purchase of Adrenalized. Please call 714.897.8781 for more details.
The godfathers of Nekrofolk and the most popular act from the Let The World Burn collective, Furia, will perform this October in Ukraine and Moldova as a headliner during the Asymmetry on the Road tour. The Silesian act will be joined by Entropia and Thaw.
Furia who have led Polish black metal into entirely new regions, are influenced by the astounding and brutal beauty of their home province of Silesia. The band’s heartfelt music is spiced up with lyrics written by Nihil, who is one of the most gifted Polish artists of the decade. Furia’s latest full-length, Nocel, was released in October 2014 via Pagan Records and dominated the Polish metal charts. The band also represented Poland at prestigious festivals such as Off Festival or Primavera Sound Festival.
The band members of Furia also take part in other bands of the Let The World Burn collective such as Morowe, MasseMord, FDS and Duszę Wypuścił.
Asymmetry on the Road tour dates:
21.10.2015 – Tarnopol (Ukraine): Klub Koza, Bulvar Shevchenka 23
22.10.2015 – Iwano–Frankowsk (Ukraine): Bar Duck, Sichovykh Striltsiv 24A
More information regarding the concerts can be found at the promoter’s website. Furia is currently working on new material for the upcoming full-length which will be recorded this Autumn. Stay tuned for updates.
Follow Furia via the Let The World Burnwebsite. Watch a music video to “Zamawianie Drugie” filmed at Dark Fest 2015 here.
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SACRILEGIUM Finished Recording New Material for New Album
Pagan Records is honoured to announce that legendary Pagan Black Metal act Sacrilegium have finished recording material for their upcoming new album. This will be the band’s second full-length and follow-up to the cult release, Wicher (1996, Pagan Records). The first mix already sounds impressive and the band members are greatly excited. It is official, Sacrilegium are back!
The Book Of Souls World Tour will open in the U.S.A in late February with Ed Force One flying in for three shows before, in early March, heading into Central America visiting MEXICO, followed by a much-anticipated first ever concert in EL SALVADOR and a return to COSTA RICA. Ed Force One then proceeds into South America for concerts in ARGENTINA, CHILE and a number of shows in BRAZIL before flying back to the USA at the end of March for ten more cities covering the USA and, of course, CANADA in the first two weeks of April.
A long-awaited return to JAPAN follows later in April, and then the band are delighted to be playing their first ever shows in CHINA before heading to NEW ZEALAND and AUSTRALIA for a comprehensive tour during the first half of May. Shows in SOUTH AFRICA, Maiden’s first visit there with Bruce, will be the last port of call before Ed Force One heads to EUROPE for a very extensive tour starting in late May and finishing in early August.
I guess I’m going to my local Barnes & Noble to buy this issue of Decibel! Metal Be Thy Name! – Stone
This Decibel issue (#133) also features:
Deafheaven, Autopsy, The Black Dahlia Murder, Kylesa, W.A.S.P., Pentagram, plus the Decibel Hall of Fame: The making of Napalm Death’s From Enslavement to Obliteration. Also: With the Dead, Ramming Speed, Die Choking, Vhöl, Christian Mistress and Horrendous.
On September 27th, 2010 – The Metal God and his band HALFORD had their studio album Halford IV:Made Of Metal released. One of my favorite Metal songs of all-time is on this fabulous album: Thunder And Lightning.
If that HALFORD song above doesn’t psyche-you-out, there is evidently a serious constipation issue that must be addressed.
On September 27th, 2013 – The untouchable IRON MAIDEN performed at Estadio River Plate in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This was a concert on the Maiden England Tour. IRON MAIDEN Forever!
On September 27th, 2015 – The newly released studio album, Long Live, from California’s ATREYU is ranked at #2, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. ATREYU is BACK and WHOA!
On September 27th, 2015 – Seattle’s BLACK BREATH have their newly released studio album, Slaves Beyond Death, ranked at #18 on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. Jumping juju beans!
On September 27th, 2015 – The sensational HUNTRESS have their newly released studio album, Static, ranked at #21, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. Holy freaking hell and yeah!
US cult Power Metal perennials Sacred Oath have just posted a new music video for “Taken” – the first single from their brand new album “Ravensong” – on YouTube. View it with the link or watch it below:
The band members all live in Connecticut, a state where graveyards can be found on just about every street corner, so it’s no surprise that the new music video for “Taken” was shot on an abandoned island in Bridgeport with a cast of creatures from the “other side.” We’re talking Zombies here, nasty ones and they apparently heed the whims of their siren mistress (played by tattoo model/Instagram starling Leah Jung). Jung lures the band to her isle of the damned where they are condemned to play their classic, hard-hitting Metal style for her and her legions – eternally.
“What’s cool is that this video is really a return for us to how the band got started,” says Sacred Oath singer Rob Thorne. “Back in ’85 we would have our bass player crawling out of a coffin drenched in blood to deliver (the band’s signature anthem) “Rising From the Grave” at our live shows and the kids loved it! It’s cool to be back in a horror vibe with the “Taken” video, especially with an album that we’re so excited about.”
Thorne was approached by a former guitar student of his, Jordan Elizabeth Gelber, back in April about producing the video. Her company Starbaby Enterprises in New York was looking for a short film project and it seemed like a great way for both Starbaby and the band to benefit.
“Jordan became a good friend over the years and I always trusted that she had a good sense of what Sacred Oath was all about. It was a no-brainer to bring her on for this video. She’s incredibly ambitious.”
“Ravensong” is the band’s seventh studio album and was released this past Friday September 18th by Angel Thorne Music/Caroline/Universal. “Taken” also premiered this past Friday on the popular Heavy Metal website Bravewords.com.
PURPLE SET FOR DEC. 18th RELEASE; PRE-ORDER BUNDLES AVAILABLE NOW
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PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 24, 2015 – Baroness, who recently announced the release of their fourth album, Purple (Dec. 18, Abraxan Hymns), launch their first U.S. tour in support of the ten-song album with a round of intimate performances beginning Nov. 27 at the Ace of Cups in Columbus, Ohio.
“We’ve been off tour for too long,” said John Baizley. “It’s time for Baroness to start playing shows in the U.S. again. We’re doing a short run through the eastern half of the States, in small clubs, getting our new songs stage ready for 2016. Who knows, maybe we’ll even throw in a few songs from the very early EPs and albums. See you soon…”
In conjunction with the tour announcement, the band have unveiled the official music video for “Chlorine & Wine” via their website (www.yourbaroness.com). The clip, which was directed by Jimmy Hubbard, gives fans a raw, behind-the-scenes peek into the making of the song, including footage of Baroness writing and rehearsing the track as well as recording at producer Dave Fridmann’s Tarbox Road Studios.
A European outing kicked off the band’s live dates in support of Purple, with slots at both the Reading and Leeds Festivals, saw the first live performance of “Chlorine & Wine.” Baroness also joined Metallica for the Sept. 16 opening at the Centre Videotron in Quebec.
November 27 Columbus, OH Ace of Cups
November 28 Chicago, IL Beat Kitchen
November 29 Madison, WI Frequency
December 1 St. Louis, MO The Demo
December 2 Lawrence, KS Jackpot Music Hall
December 4 Oklahoma City, OK 89th Street Collective
December 5 Dallas, TX Double Wide
December 6 Austin, TX Mohawk
December 8 Houston, TX Rudyard’s
December 9 New Orleans, LA Gasa Gasa
December 11 Gainesville, FL 8-BIT Bar
December 12 Savannah, GA The Jinx
December 13 Atlanta, GA The Earl
December 15 Chapel Hill, NC Local 506
December 16 Richmond, VA Strange Matter
December 18 Baltimore, MD Metro Gallery
December 19 Philadelphia, PA Johnny Brenda’s
December 20 Brooklyn, NY Saint Vitus Bar
Pre-order packages for Purple, which feature an instant download of “Chlorine & Wine” as well as a limited edition colored vinyl version of the new album, two picture discs, t-shirts and other unique items are available now via this link: http://smarturl.it/dpurple.
Yellow & Green landed atop most 2012 year-end lists with Entertainment Weekly awarding the release the #1 spot on their best Metal albums round-up and saying “’Take My Bones Away’ hit harder and popped sharper than anything on rock radio in a decade. The double album was similarly lauded by Decibel (#2), Pitchfork (#3), Revolver (#4), Village Voice (#6), Spin (#6) and the BBC (#13).
Baroness is John Baizley (guitar, vocals), Pete Adams (guitar, vocals), Nick Jost (bass, keyboards) and Sebastian Thomson (drums).
Iced Earth Fans, Iced Earth is in the process of setting up a new headquarters for all things concerning the band, including a new studio for future recordings. Jon Schaffer has decided to sell some guitars from his massive collection to help finance the new project.
Schaffer states, “I’m selling a few guitars that have been on various recordings as well as some that were bought for my personal collection. We need to raise a large amount of money to complete the vision of our new headquarters, and begin this new chapter in the bands march to independence, to thrive in the ever-changing music business. There are some pretty killer guitars in the collection, so I urge die-hard fans, and guitar collectors alike, to go to Carter Vintage Guitars and see what’s there.” Those interested can follow the link below.
The SCORPIONS continue to celebrate their 50th year in Rock with a special national screening event of their first theatrical release, the documentary film, Forever And A Day, beginning Wednesday, October 14th.
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
Metal Odyssey's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"
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