Archive for the Heavy Metal Category

On This Day In METAL History – April 29th… From BILL WARD To GREEN DEATH

Posted in classic rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on April 29, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Def Leppard - Rocket - UK 45rpm version - 1982 - 45rpm label

On April 29th, 1989Def Leppard hits #12, on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart in the U.S., with their hit: Rocket.

Van Halen - Fair Warning - promo album cover pic - #3300330

On this day in 1981Van Halen released their fourth album, Fair Warning. This album went on to reach #5 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart and sell two million (plus) copies in the United States, alone.

Bill Ward - Accountable Beasts - promo cover pic - 2015

On April 29th, 2015 – The newly released solo album, Accountable Beasts, from the legendary drummer Bill Ward (former Black Sabbath) is ranked at #15 on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. This is Bill Ward’s first solo album in 18 years. Whoa, man!

Green Death - Manufacturing Evil - promo album cover pic - 2015

On this day in 2015 – Death Moines, Iowa’s GREEN DEATH is ranked at #1 on Amazon’s Death Metal Digital Sales Chart, with their newly released studio album: Manufacturing Evil. This killer album is also ranked at #17 on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. Whoa!!

Coal Chamber - Rivals - promo cover pic - 2015

On April 29th, 2015 – The forthcoming studio album from COAL CHAMBER, Rivals, is ranked at #37 on iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart.

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Stone - 2011 Photo #1

LONG LIVE METAL.

LONG LIVE THE ROOTS & FAMILY TREE OF METAL.

Stone.

On This Day In METAL History – April 26th… From MACHINE HEAD To HALESTORM

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , on April 26, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Discografía Van Halen – 5150 (1986)

On April 26th, 1986Van Halen reached #1 on the Billboard 200 Albums Chart for the first time with their seventh studio album: 5150. This was Van Halen’s (or Van Hagar, if you like) first album with the dynamic Sammy Hagar as their vocalist. 5150 spent three weeks on top of this chart. By the way, this 5150 album stirs up some really cool and good-times memories for me! Whoa.

Judas Priest -

On this day in 1986 – Metal legends Judas Priest peaked at #17 on the Billboard 200 Albums Chart with their tenth studio album: Turbo. This album went on to sell one million (plus) copies in the United States, alone. By the way, this is my least favorite Judas Priest album and yet I do “like” it. The song Parental Guidance is featured on Turbo and it is one of the lamest Judas Priest songs ever recorded, in my Metal opinion. The title track is just plain strange. Whatever.

Halestorm - The Wild Life - promo album cover pic - 2015 - #HMO0526

On April 26th, 2015 – Pennsylvania’s very own Hard Rock ambassadors, HALESTORM, have their third studio album, Into The Wild Life, debuting at #5, on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. Congratulations, HALESTORM! Yeah!

Aerosmith's Greatest Hits large promo album pic!

On this day in 2015Aerosmith’s Greatest Hits makes a return to the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart, ranked at #151. This fantastic compilation of Aerosmith hits was originally released back in 1980, spending 44 non-consecutive weeks on this chart and peaking at #43. Folks, this album has spanned 4 decades of being a hot seller! Did someone say, timeless Hard Rock? Whoa and holy Metal!!

Machine Head - Bloodstone & Diamonds - promo cover pic - 2014

On April 26th, 2015 – The eighth studio album, Bloodstone & Diamonds, from the mighty MACHINE HEAD, is ranked at #33, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. MACHINE HEAD kicks METAL ass like there’s no tomorrow, on this album, by the way. If you don’t own this MACHINE HEAD album, you are a closet Bay City Rollers fan. Whoa!

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Stone - 2011 Photo #1

LONG LIVE METAL.

LONG LIVE THE ROOTS & FAMILY TREE OF METAL.

Stone.

On This Day In METAL History – April 23rd… The Iconic LED ZEPPELIN

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , on April 23, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Led Zeppelin - ticket stub - The Omni - Atlanta - 04 - 23 - 77 - #10423JPMO

On April 23, 1977 – The impeccable Led Zeppelin performed at The Omni, in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. The ticket price (shown above) was $10, in US funds. $10!! My Metal God Almighty, that is an unbelievable thing! Check out the concert setlist, below:

The Song Remains The Same, (The Rover intro) Sick Again, Nobody’s Fault But Mine, In My Time of Dying, Since I’ve Been Loving You, No Quarter, Ten Years Gone, Battle of Evermore, Going to California, Black Country Woman, Bron-Y-Aur Stomp, White Summer ~ Black Mountainside, Kashmir, (Out On the Tiles intro) Moby Dick, Jimmy Page solo, Achilles Last Stand, Stairway to Heaven, Rock and Roll, Trampled Underfoot.

* Source for above concert setlist: Led Zeppelin Official Website.

Led Zeppelin - Backstage Pass - Atlanta - 1977 - promo pic

Above: A backstage pass to this 1977 Led Zeppelin concert at The Omni.

Stone Says, About Led Zeppelin: Anytime I happen across Led Zeppelin history, I get those good chills. I believe that without Led Zeppelin, the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal sounds we hear today would not be the same. Legendary guitarist Jimmy Page with his melodic (and heavy) mastery and unique expression of scales and chords has certainly penetrated the building blocks of widespread Rock and Heavy Music. The guitar playing of Jimmy Page, to this day, is always like fresh rain water falling from the heavens, in my Metal opinion.

Vocalist Robert Plant and Jimmy Page equally gave each Led Zeppelin song its own identity, while bassist John Paul Jones and (the late) drummer John Bonham’s less is more styles of play can never be duplicated and only imitated. Metal be thy name. – Stone

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MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE THE LEGACY OF LED ZEPPELIN.

Stone.

CANCER BATS – Confirms Tour With Danzig And Pennywise

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on April 18, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Danzig - Pennywise - Cancer Bats - promo tour flyer - 2015 - #363621MOGD

Canadian Hardcore Punk metallers, CANCER BATS, who are currently on tour in Europe, are ecstatic to announce their inclusion on a string of North American dates with Danzig and Pennywise this July! The tour will commence July 11th in Pomona, California and run through fourteen cities, coming to a close on July 31st in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Vocalist Liam Cormier commented via e-mail from Switzerland: “Were so excited to be heading out with Danzig and Pennywise! Both bands have been our favorites since we first got into punk and metal so to have a chance to tour with both is like a dream come true! We’ll be ripping the pit and headbanging until we puke every night!!”

CANCER BATS’ previously announced performances on June 25th and 26th in Calgary and Edmonton had to be cancelled. Cormier clarifies: “Calgary and Edmonton, I’m so sorry that we have to cancel our upcoming shows in June! You know how much we love you ripping babes and bros and we wouldn’t do it if we didn’t have good reason. The reason we can’t play is because are coming back in July to party with fucking Danzig and Pennywise! It’s going to be fuckin amazing! Sorry for June and see you in July!”

In the meantime, previously released CANCER BATS videos for the “Arsenic In The Year Of The Snake,” “Satellites,” and “True Zero” are currently streaming now at cancerbats.com. Fans in the US can order copies of Searching For Zero now at metalblade.com/cancerbats.

CANCER BATS w/ While She Sleeps:

4/19/2015 Rockhal – Luxembourg, LU
4/20/2015 Petit bain – Paris, FR
4/22/2015 The Institute – Birmingham, GB
4/23/2015 The Ritz – Manchester, GB
4/24/2015 The Nick Rayns LCR, UEA – Norwich, GB
4/25/2015 Hit the Deck Festival – Bristol, GB
4/26/2015 Hit the Deck Festival – Nottingham, GB
4/28/2015 University – Newcastle, GB
4/29/2015 O2 ABC – Glasgow, GB 4/30/2015 Forum – London, GB
5/01/2015 Groezrock Festival – Meerhout, BE

w/ Danzig, Pennywise:

7/11/2015 Fox Theater Pomona – Pomona, CA *no Pennywise
7/12/2015 Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill Park – Flagstaff, AZ
7/14/2015 Bayou Music Center – Houston, TX
7/15/2015 Aztec Theatre – San Antonio, TX
7/17/2015 South Side Ballroom – Dallas, TX
7/18/2015 Club Brady – Tulsa, OK
7/19/2015 Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland – Kansas City, MO
7/21/2015 The Fillmore Auditorium – Denver, CO
7/24/2015 MacEwan Hall – Calgary, AB
7/25/2015 Shaw Conference Centre – Edmonton, AB
7/27/2015 Queen Elizabeth Theatre – Vancouver, BC
7/28/2015 Showbox SODO – Seattle, WA
7/30/2015 The Warfield – San Francisco, CA
7/31/2015 Brooklyn Bowl – Las Vegas, NV

During the summer of 2014, Toronto’s CANCER BATS spent several weeks with legendary multi-platinum producer Ross Robinson (At The Drive-In, Slipknot, The Cure, Sepultura, Glassjaw) at his studio in Venice, California. The Canadian act was pulled out of their normal, more winter-y element to the beaches of California for the tracking of Searching For Zero. Robinson and the band shared a singular vision to create a personal, vibrant album and the results are apparent.

In the series of four studio videos, the CANCER BATS – Liam Cormier, Scott Middleton, Jaye Schwarzer, and Mike Peters — will share their experiences during tracking, what it was like to work with Robinson and what made this recording session different from their previous records. Jaye Schwarzer stated in one episode, “Let everything that’s fake and bullshit fall to the wayside, and you’re left with like a raw, open wound.” Watch episode 1 now at youtube.com/cancerbatsofficial and pre-order your copy on iTunes!

The beloved multiple-JUNO nominated Hardcore Punk Metal band’s fifth studio album, Searching For Zero, features ten tracks that are simultaneously the most melodic, yet menacing CANCER BATS compositions to date.

The record incorporates the crude Hardcore Punk of their 2006 debut, Birthing The Giant, and the more Metal leanings of 2008’s Hail Destroyer, while pushing the heavy hybrid sounds of 2010’s Mayors Bears Scraps And Bones and 2012’s darker Dead Set On Living to a new plateau. The choruses are hookier, the screams more savage, the riffs more vicious, the songs more powerful. This is CANCER BATS at their pinnacle – their “True Zero.”

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Source: Earsplit PR

* For more info on CANCER BATS:

http://metalblade.com/cancerbats

http://www.facebook.com/cancerbats

http://www.twitter.com/cancerbats

http://www.youtube.com/cancerbatsofficial

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE CANCER BATS.

LONG LIVE DANZIG.

LONG LIVE PENNYWISE.

Stone.

Ronnie James Dio Memorial Weekend Information From Ann Boleyn Of Hellion

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, Music, news with tags , , , on April 18, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Ann Boleyn - Hellion - publicity photo - 2015

From Ann Boleyn of Hellion:

Dear Friends,

This email is in response to those of you who have been asking for information about the events on May 15, 16, and 17, to honor the 5th Anniversary of the passing of Ronnie James Dio.

Myself and members of Hellion will be performing at the free Memorial at Forest Lawn on May 16th, and also at the charity fundraiser BBQ on May 17th.  Please note that Hellion will not be performing as a band for these two events, but that individual members are performing.

There is plenty of seating outside on May 16th at Forest Lawn.  There is limited seating inside the auditorium at Forrest Lawn. If you would like to sit inside you will need to request tickets at info@diocancerfund.org. I don’t know if there are any tickets left for the auditorium.  But, if you are interested in sitting inside you will need to contact the Dio Cancer Fund directly.  (If you can’t get tickets for the auditorium, you can watch the concert on the lawn).

For more information about these events, please go to the Dio Charity Fund’s website.

Best,

Ann Boleyn

(Hellion)

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MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE ANN BOLEYN & HELLION.

REST IN PEACE, RONNIE JAMES DIO.

Stone.

On This Day In METAL History – April 17th… From KISS To AUGUST BURNS RED

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on April 17, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Kiss - Shout It Out Loud - promo 45rpm - cover sleeve - 1976 - #077066KMO17

On April 17th, 1976 – The stupendous KISS had their hit single Shout It Out Loud ranked at #31, on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart, in the USA. This song is featured on the fourth studio album from KISS, released in 1976: Destroyer. Incredible stuff, it is.

Van Halen - Pretty Woman - 45rpm - promo cover - 1982 - #0417VHMO1

On this day in 1982 – The great VAN HALEN has their hit cover single (Oh) Pretty Woman ranked at #12, on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart, in the USA. This song is featured on VAN HALEN’s fifth studio album from 1982: Diver Down. The late Roy Orbison co-wrote and performed (Oh) Pretty Woman, releasing in 1964. Roy Orbison’s original version also hit #1 in 1964, on the Billboard Hot 100.

Ugly Kid Joe - Cats In The Cradle - promo 45rpm - cover sleeve - #0417UKJMO01

On April 17th, 1993UGLY KID JOE had their hit cover single Cat’s In The Cradle sitting at #7, on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart, in the USA. Harry Chapin (the late Folk Rock singer, songwriter and musician) co-wrote and recorded Cat’s In The Cradle; this Harry Chapin song version was originally released back in 1974.

Sabaton.band promoheader - 2014

On this day in 2015 – Sweden’s mighty SABATON achieve a sold out concert at the Agora Theatre, in Cleveland, Ohio. Whoa! SABATON are touring in support of their seventh studio album and Metal Odyssey’s #1 Metal Album Of 2014: Heroes.

August Burns Red - Found In Far Away Places - promo album cover pic - 2015 - #0417ABRMO

On April 17th, 2015 – Lancaster Pennsylvania’s AUGUST BURNS RED have their forthcoming studio album, Found In Far Away Places, ranked at #3, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. This album has a release date of June 30th, 2015.

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Stone - 2011 Photo #1

LONG LIVE METAL.

LONG LIVE THE ROOTS & FAMILY TREE OF METAL.

Stone.

On This Day In METAL History – April 16th… From Aerosmith To David Lee Roth

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on April 16, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Aerosmith - Rocks - promo studio album - 1976 - #AMO76011

On April 16th, 1976 – The mighty Aerosmith began their tour in support of their fourth studio album Rocks, at the Kiel Auditorium in St. Louis, Missouri. Long live Aerosmith!

David Lee Roth - Creem - Promo magazine cover pic - 1982 - #DLRMO69

Above: Creem – September 1982

On this day in 1993 – The charismatic and legendary David Lee Roth was arrested, along with 24 other people, in Washington Square Park in New York City. Diamond Dave allegedly bought a $5 bag of marijuana from an undercover police officer. Meanwhile, murders, rapes, assaults, kidnappings and home invasions continued throughout New York City.

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/1993/04/17/nyregion/david-lee-roth-is-arrested.html

KISS - Alive Worldwide - 96:97 - promo tour poster - #KMO33877

On April 16th, 1996 – The iconic KISS announced via a press conference, on the USS Intrepid in Manhattan, New York, that the band would embark on a massive reunion tour called: Alive/Worldwide. The original KISS lineup would once again tour together, for the first time since 1979. Whoa!

Metallica - Classic Band Logo - White on Black - #777493

Corrosion Of Conformity - Classic Logo!

On this day in 1997 – Metal legends Metallica and Corrosion Of Conformity performed at Riverfront Coliseum, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Whoa!!

All That Remains - The Order Of Things - promo album cover pic - 2015 - #71707ATRMO

On April 16th, 2015All That Remains have the #1 album on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart with their seventh studio album: The Order Of Things. Excellent stuff!

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MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE METAL.

LONG LIVE THE ROOTS & FAMILY TREE OF METAL.

Stone.

BEHOLD! THE MONOLITH – Entering The Studio To Record New Album

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, Music, rock music with tags , , , on April 14, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Behold! The Monolith - live promo band pic - 2014 - #36634

Photo courtesy of Ides Bergen

Los Angeles Stoner Metal band BEHOLD! THE MONOLITH will be entering the studio May 8th with legendary producer Billy Anderson to record the follow-up to acclaimed 2012 release Defender, RedeemistThe as-yet untitled album is tentatively scheduled for a Summer 2015 release

The new album will mark the debut of vocalist Jordan Nalley who took the reigns following the tragic 2013 death of Kevin McDade in a car accident. The album will also be the first for new bassist Jason “Cas” Casanova (SASQUATCH).

The band has posted a video of its March 18th performance at Los Globos in L.A. Check it out at this location.

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Source: ClawHammer PR

www.facebook.com/beholdthemonolith

beholdthemonolith.bandcamp.com

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE BEHOLD! THE MONOLITH.

LONG LIVE METAL.

REST IN PEACE, KEVIN MCDADE.

Stone.

On This Day In METAL History – IRON MAIDEN Edition!

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on April 14, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Iron Maiden - Large Classic Logo!

On April 14th, 1980 – The great IRON MAIDEN performed at The Ruskin Arms in London. The IRON MAIDEN lineup was Paul Di’Anno (vocals), Clive Burr (drums), Steve Harris (bass), Dave Murray (guitars), and Dennis Stratton (guitars).

Iron Maiden - debut album - promo cover pic - large!

On this day in 1980 – The debut and self-titled studio album from IRON MAIDEN was released. These titans of NWOBHM never looked back and the rest is absolute and incredible Metal history! Whoa! I’ll always love the vocals of Paul Di’Anno. Remember Tomorrow is my favorite song on this iconic album, regardless it not being the heaviest track.

Iron Maiden - The Final Frontier World Tour - promo flyer - 2011 - #3366IMMO11

On April 14th, 2011IRON MAIDEN performed at the Tampa Bay Times Forum in Tampa, Florida, USA. This was one of numerous dates on IRON MAIDEN’s The Final Frontier World Tour.

Iron Maiden - "Live After Death" large album pic!!

On this day in 2015 – IRON MAIDEN’s double live album, Live After Death, is ranked at #33 on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. This amazing live album was originally released back in 1985.

Iron Maiden "From Fear To Eternity" large promo album pic!

On April 14th, 2015 – From Fear to Eternity: The Best of 1990 – 2010 is ranked at #35, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. This IRON MAIDEN compilation spans from the No Prayer For The Dying (1990) to The Final Frontier (2010) studio albums.

IRON MAIDEN - Brave New World - promo album cover pic - 2000 - #33303IMMO

On this day in 2015Brave New World is ranked at #37, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. The twelfth studio album from IRON MAIDEN, Brave New World was released back in 2000.

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MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE IRON MAIDEN.

LONG LIVE EDDIE.

REST IN PEACE, CLIVE BURR.

Stone.

On This Day In METAL History – April 13th… A Brief PANTERA Edition

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on April 13, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Pantera - Classic Band Logo - #1991DDABV1FMO1

On April 13th, 1991 – The mighty PANTERA performed at The Ritz in Roseville, Michigan, USA.

Pantera - The Best Of - Promo Album Cover pic - #333777PDDMO04

On April 13th, 2015 – The Best of Pantera: Far Beyond the Great Southern Cowboy’s Vulgar Hits! is ranked at #17 on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. Honestly, if you do not own any PANTERA CDs, start off with this gem; it will get you hooked into buying everything else in their discography. Plus, this release also contains a DVD with a dozen of PANTERA’s music video’s. Freaking amazing stuff it is.

Pantera - Vulgar Display Of Power - Promo Cover Pic!

2015PANTERA’s sixth studio album, Vulgar Display Of Power, is ranked at #50 on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. Yes, this album features the timeless Metal songs: Walk, Hollow and Fucking Hostile. This incredible album was released back in February of 1992. This PANTERA album is such an essential album to own that it’s beyond mandatory. Really.

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MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE THE LEGACY OF PANTERA.

REST IN PEACE DIMEBAG DARRELL.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

On This Day In METAL History – April 12th… A Brief SYSTEM OF A DOWN Edition

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on April 12, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

System Of A Down - Toxicity - promo album cover pic - #0412MOSOAD777

On April 12th, 2015 – The second studio album, Toxicity, from System Of A Down, is ranked at #4 on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. Toxicity is also ranked at #91 on the iTunes Top Rock Albums Chart for today.

Toxicity, released back in 2001, has sold over 12 million copies across the globe. Toxicity was released back in 2001.

System Of A Down - Mezmerize - promo album cover pic - #330412MO

On April 12th, 2015 – The fourth studio album, Mezmerize, from System Of Down, is ranked at #10 on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. This fantastic album was released back in May of 2005.

System Of A Down - Chop Suey! - CD single cover promo pic - 2001 - #041215MO1

On April 12th, 2015System Of A Down’s single, Chop Suey, is ranked at #31 on the iTunes Top 100 Rock Songs. This song is featured on their second studio album from 2001: Toxicity.

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Stone - 2011 Photo #1

LONG LIVE METAL.

LONG LIVE SYSTEM OF A DOWN.

LONG LIVE THE ROOTS & FAMILY TREE OF METAL.

Stone.

IRON MAIDEN – 19 Albums From Band’s Catalogue Have Been Mastered For iTunes

Posted in classic rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on April 11, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Iron Maiden - Mastered For iTunes - promo banner pic - april 7 - 2015 - #IMMO77603

As reported on the IRON MAIDEN Facebook:

Parlophone Records (BMG/INgrooves Music Group for the USA) are delighted to announce the release of nineteen IRON MAIDEN catalogue albums which have been Mastered For iTunes (iTunes.com/IronMaiden), encoded from 24-bit / 96 khz high-resolution masters and now re-mastered with iTunes in mind, delivering the music to listeners exactly the way the artist and recording engineer intended. These are brand new re-masters from their original analogue sources, exclusively produced for iTunes.

All fifteen studio albums, 2 Best Of compilations and 2 live albums were personally selected by Maiden’s founder member Steve Harris for this superior mastering technique : Iron Maiden, Killers, The Number Of The Beast, Piece Of Mind, Powerslave, Somewhere In Time, Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son, No Prayer For The Dying, Fear Of The Dark, The X Factor, Virtual XI, Brave New World, Dance Of Death, A Matter Of Life And Death, The Final Frontier, Somewhere Back In Time, From Fear To Eternity (2CD), Live after Death (2CD) and Rock In Rio( 2CD)

Iron Maiden - Eddie Collage - 777MOBD

Steve comments:

“The Mastering For iTunes procedure allows the listener to experience the music as close as possible to the way the artist intended it to be heard. So of course I was very keen for the Maiden albums to be mastered in this way. The records have been available digitally before, when this medium first became a platform for music distribution but that was mastered with CDs in mind. The iTunes process involves a different approach and it’s great to finally deliver the music to our fans in as close to a pure and accurate sound as we could possibly achieve.For example, as most people know, I was never really happy with the sound on the first Maiden album but listening to it now, the guitars are louder, the drums more substantial and the overall tone is so very much improved in my opinion. Tony Newton and Ade Emsley who worked closely with me on the project did a terrific job recapturing everything from the original masters and together we’ve re- mastered them all digitally and I’m really happy with the results.”

Iron Maiden - Eddie Collage - 777MOBD

Tony Newton adds:

“The process started with locating all of the original album mix tapes (or whichever format they were mixed to). Then the choice of analogue to digital converter was chosen for the most accurate capture to make it as close as possible to the sound of the mix as it was intended by the band. When a lot of these tapes were last captured it was in the 1980’s, early days of digital and only 44.1khz/16bit files were possible. On top of this the new A/D converters are far superior now, and of course it is possible to produce files of far higher resolution. The result of this is that the songs now sound more defined with added depth and warmth. I was very excited to be asked to be part of this project, I honestly feel that there is a massive improvement in the quality of these classic albums.”

Get it at iTunes.com/IronMaiden | iTunes

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MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE IRON MAIDEN.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

On This Day In METAL History – April 11th… From Eddie Van Halen To Mr. Bean

Posted in classic rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on April 11, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Eddie Van Halen - Valerie Bertinelli - The Love Book - cover promo - 1982 - #VHVBMO

On April 11th, 1981 – Guitarist icon Eddie Van Halen married the talented and beautiful actress Valerie Bertinelli, before an audience of approximately 450 friends and family members. Unfortunately, the pair later divorced in 2005. Above photo: Tiger Beat Star Presents: The Love Book (November 1984).

Bruce Dickinson - Rowan Atkinson - Mr Bean - Elected single cover pic - #880077MO

On this day in 1992 – Legendary Iron Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson and famed British comedian Rowan Atkinson aka Mr. Bean reached #9 on the UK Singles Chart, with their cover version of Alice Cooper’s song classic: Elected. This song was recorded for the UK’s charity organization Comic Relief.

Pearl Jam - Saturday Night Live - promo photo - 1992 - #PJ9233MOW

On April 11th, 1992Pearl Jam made their debut as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live. Pearl Jam performed their classics Alive and Porch. Cool stuff!

Iron Maiden - Somewhere Back In Time - greatest hits - promo album cover pic - #IMMO00990

On this day in 2015 – The super incredible IRON MAIDEN have their 2008 compilation album, Somewhere Back in Time – The Best of: 1980 – 1989, ranked at #11, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. Whoa, yeah! This album was released back in 2008.

Agnostic Front - The American Dream Died - promo album cover pic - 2015 - #AFMO660663

On April 11th, 2015 – The eleventh studio album, The American Dream Died, from NYC’s Hardcore, Crossover Thrash legends, AGNOSTIC FRONT, is ranked at #27 on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. This superb album was released on April 7th, 2015, via Nuclear Blast Records. Long live AGNOSTIC FRONT!

Detroit Rock City - promo movie poster pic - Kiss - April - 11 - 2015 - #777MO

On this day in 2015 – On AXS TV, the fun film Detroit Rock City and a special KISS concert from the European Monster World Tour will both be aired, beginning at 9pm EST. Whoa!

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Stone - 2011 Photo #1

LONG LIVE METAL.

LONG LIVE THE ROOTS & FAMILY TREE OF METAL.

Stone.

SACRAL RAGE – Streaming ‘Illusions In Infinite Void’ In Its Entirety

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music with tags , , , on April 7, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Sacral Rage - Illusions In Infinite Void - promo album cover pic - 2015

Illusions in Infinite Void, the full-length debut from Greek Heavy Metal Force SACRAL RAGE is out now on Cruz Del Sur Music. The album is streaming in its entirety at this location or below:

Illusions in Infinite Void can be ordered here. 

Illusions in Infinite Void is a monumental piece of Metal from start to finish. Indeed it’s an ever-changing Metal vortex with countless rhythmic-changes and  no weak moments, a tense state of aggression in which singer Dimitri’s excellent performance and the textured guitar lines stand out.

The band plays U.S. style Metal with some European influences. Acts such as JAG PANZER, ANNIHILATOR, MERCYFUL FATE, JUDAS PRIEST, WATCHTOWER, and RUSH are major influences. Lyrics about horror, supernatural, dark fantasy, soul-searching, forbidden religions, perfectly match the band’s  dark, aggressive, technical and paranoid music.

On Illusions in Infinite Void, the band proves to be more than just a mere replica of the most influential bands of  the Golden Age of (especially) U.S .Metal. Hand in hand with a granitic rhythmic session, their songs turn, change and evolve endlessly into a wide variety of riffs, screams and roars!  SACRAL RAGE have undoubtedly written one of the most inspired releases of 2015.

Track Listing:

1. Harbinger
2. En Cima Del Mal
3. Lost Chapter E.: Sutratma
4. Panic in Urals (Burning Skies)
5. Waltz in Madness
6. Into Mental East
7. Inner Sanctum Asylum
8. A Tyrannous Revolt
9. Lost Chapter E.: Amarna’s Reign

Sacral Rage - Illusions In Infinite Void - promo album cover pic - 2015

Critical Praise:

“Astonishing riff-centric brilliance.” – Stereogum.com

“If you write killer metal, it will be entertaining by its very nature. Sacral Rage achieves this with every vocal wail, jittery thrash riff, and intense forward drive.” – Last Rites

“High-Pitched Terrorism! I’m pretty sure that if this album had been released back in 1987, today we would all wait desperately for an anniversary tour.” – Metal Hammer (GR), 9/10

“A good dose of speed and progressive metal! Fine album!” – Queens Of Steel

Sacral Rage - promo band pic - 2015 - #3304157

SACRAL RAGE:

Vaggelis F. – Drums
Marios P. – Guitar
Spyros S. – Bass
Dimitris K. – Vocals

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* For more info:

https://www.facebook.com/SacralRage

www.cruzdelsurmusic.com

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE SACRAL RAGE.

LONG LIVE METAL.

LONG LIVE GREECE.

Stone.

Mike Portnoy Is New Twisted Sister Drummer

Posted in classic rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, rock drummers, rock music with tags , , , , on April 7, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Mike Portnoy - Tweets On Twisted Sister Drumming - April 7 - 2015 - MOMPTS

The above 2 Twitter tweets posted by Mike Portnoy, (The Winery Dogs, Dream Theater), pretty much says it all. These 2 tweets were posted tonight, on April 7th. I am very happy to see that Twisted Sister has a legend such as Mike Portnoy chosen to be their drummer. Metal be thy name. – Stone

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MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE TWISTED SISTER.

REST IN PEACE, AJ PERO.

Stone.

On This Day In METAL History – April 6th… From California Jam To Sepultura

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on April 6, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

California Jam - 1974 - promo concert poster - #0674CJMO00777

On April 6th, 1974 – The first California Jam was held at the Ontario Motor Speedway in Ontario, California. This inaugural California Jam featured such music legends as: Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, The Eagles, Rare Earth, Earth Wind & Fire, Seals & Crofts and Black Oak Arkansas. Now that was a diverse Rock festival! Whoa, man!

The California Jam poster (above) was created by the world-class artist Drew Struzan.

Led Zeppelin - Chicago Stadium - April 6 - 1977 - Full Ticket Promo Pic - #06MOLZ77

On this day in 1977 – The great Led Zeppelin performed at Chicago Stadium in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Chicago Stadium opened in 1929 and closed in 1994. The above ticket to this Rock historic concert cost only… $9 in U.S. funds. Aw, man!!

Triumph - classic band logo - #3377MOTCRR0612

On April 6th, 2008 – In Calgary, Alberta, Canada,  Triumph was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall Of Fame at the Juno Awards. Triumph also belongs inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. Just Saying.

Sepultura - Classic Band Logo - #3370386SMO06

On this day in 2012 – The incredible Sepultura performed at Moskva Hall in Moscow, Russia. This was one of many concerts on their Eastern European & Baltic Tour 2012.

Black Sabbath - Iron Man - promo cover pic - #008777MOBSIM06

On April 6th, 2015 – The iconic Black Sabbath song, Iron Man, is the #1 best-selling Heavy Metal song on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Songs Chart. Whoa! This song is featured on the second studio album from Black Sabbath, released in 1970: Paranoid. 45 years old and going strong, this song is #1. Nothing short of remarkable. Metal be thy name!

Ozzy Osbourne - Crazy Train - 45rpm - promo pic - #100777OSMO06

On this day in 2015 – The legendary Ozzy Osbourne has his timeless hit, Crazy Train, ranked at #4 on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Songs Chart. Whoa, again! This memorable song is featured on Ozzy Osbourne’s debut solo album from 1980: Blizzard Of Ozz.

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Stone - 2011 Photo #1

LONG LIVE METAL.

LONG LIVE THE ROOTS & FAMILY TREE OF METAL.

Stone.

On This Day In METAL History – April 4th… The Album Charts – From NIGHTWISH To IRON MAIDEN

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , on April 4, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Nightwish - Endless Forms Most Beautiful - promo album cover pic - 2015 - #44008

On this day in 2015 – The new studio album (deluxe version) from Nightwish, Endless Forms Most Beautiful, sits at #1 on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. The regular studio album release is at #3 on this same chart. Whoa!

Kamelot - Haven - promo studio album cover pic - 2015 - #KMO7709

On this day in 2015Kamelot’s new studio album, Haven (Deluxe Edition), is ranked at #13 on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. This studio album releases in North America on May 4th, 2015.

Thy Art Is Murder - Hate - promo album cover pic - 2015 - #220HMO

On this day in 2015 – The new album, Hate, from Thy Art Is Murder is ranked at #94, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. The album cover art above is freaking incredible and is what METAL is all about! Whoa!

Iron Maiden - Powerslave - 1984 - promo album cover pic - #IMMO3366

On this day in 2015 – The magnificent IRON MAIDEN have their incredible 1984 studio album, Powerslave, ranked at #27, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. Yeah, man!

Toto - XIV - promo album cover pic - 2015 - #MOT777

On this day in 2015TOTO XIV debuts at #98 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. This new TOTO album was released on March 23rd, via Frontiers Music SRL. If this album was released 30 years ago, it would be sitting in the top ten of all albums charts. Seriously, it would. This is not an insult, it is a compliment to TOTO for they are musically superior to 100% of the Pop shit and watered down mainstream Country that is selling huge today. Metal be thy name.

Nickelback - No Fixed Address - promo album cover pic - 2014 - #99740

On this day in 2015Nickelback’s latest studio album, No Fixed Address, is hanging on by a thread, on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart! This album is now at… #200.

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Stone - 2011 Photo #1

LONG LIVE METAL.

LONG LIVE THE ROOTS & FAMILY TREE OF METAL.

Stone.

ORDEN OGAN “Ravenhead” – A Metal Odyssey Album Review

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music with tags , , , , on April 1, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Orden Ogan - Ravenhead - promo album cover pic - 2015 - #1123

5 Out Of 5 METAL Fists!

Metalfistredbckgrndsmall5

ORDEN OGAN – Arnsberg, Germany’s Power Metal warriors, ORDEN OGAN, released their new 11 song studio album, Ravenhead, this past February 3rd in North America, via AFM Records. Ravenhead is a tremendous follow-up to 2012’s To The End, in my Metal opinion.

With the fittingly titled Orden Ogan, a triumphant symphonic intro with haunting chants, this compelling Ravenhead album begins. The title track kicks in with all the aural power and atmospheric energy that Orden Ogan are so gifted at creating and playing; this experience does not subside throughout the album. I cannot help letting myself being carried away by the layered songs of Ravenhead, Orden Ogan have undoubtedly turned it up a few notches between albums.

Orden Ogan - promo band pic - 2015 - #011615OOMO

Orden Ogan is a band whose albums you must really listen to and absorb, in order to take in every sonic nuance. I swear I hear bagpipes on the song F.E.V.E.R. I believe I do. Plus, as a bonus, Ravenhead can be interpreted as a concept album, if one so chooses to do so. Evil Lies In Every Man has a creepy spoken word intro of what I perceive to be a female elder from the blackest of forests; in other words a witch to my ears? Creepy nonetheless and this song soars with its Power Metal intensity. Ravenhead flows along so very fine, with the last song, Too Soon, being of the rightly chosen, moderate tempo and mood to close the listening experience out with.

Orden Ogan - Ravenhead - back cover - promo pic - Andreas Marschall

Above: back cover artwork for Ravenhead

Vocalist Seeb is a wonderful listen with his clean vocals and he also plays guitar and keyboards as well. Tobi on lead guitar, Niels on bass and Dirk on drums round out this German Power Metal band that I feel so good writing about. I absolutely love the chorus throughout Ravenhead; this is what makes European Power Metal so incredibly moving!

Orden Ogan represent European Power Metal in such an abundant way; anyone unfamiliar with this genre can tag Orden Ogan as a bullseye for a starting point. There is not only the power behind Ordan Ogan’s impressive Metal on Ravenhead; fascinating bridges lead this listener to such a dynamic listen of vast Metal sounds. Speed, ambience, acoustical, flamenco and symphonic moments, with fist raising guitar solos, European Power Metal guitar tones, and a roof raising rhythm section are all in store for you within the songs on Ravenhead.

I highly recommend Orden Ogan’s Ravenhead to any fan of Power Metal and Metal for that matter; Orden Ogan has created so much to offer here on their new album. Metal be thy name. – Stone

Orden Ogan - promo band pic - 2015 - #00333OOMO0401

ORDEN OGAN:

SEEB – vocals, lead-guitar, keyboards

TOBI – lead-guitar

NIELS – bass

DIRK – drums

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* For more info on ORDEN OGAN:

Facebook: ORDEN OGAN

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE ORDEN OGAN.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

On This Day In METAL History – April 1st… From David Lee Roth To Iron Maiden

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on April 1, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

David Lee Roth - Hit Parader Magazine - promo cover - April - 1984 - #0401DLRMO1

On April 1st, 1985David Lee Roth left Van Halen to begin a solo career. Yup. Shown above is the April, 1984 edition of Hit Parader, with Diamond Dave as the cover feature. Yup.

Cheap Trick - Promo Album Cover Pic!

On this day in 2008 – In the state of Illinois, this date marked the first Cheap Trick Day. This special day was decided upon, in June of 2007, in the state of Illinois. Whoa, man! Happy Cheap Trick Day, Illinois! Long live Cheap Trick!

IRON MAIDEN "The Number Of The Beast" large album pic!!

On April 1st, 2015IRON MAIDEN’s The Number Of The Beast is ranked at #33 on the iTunes Top 100 Metal Albums Chart. This iconic Metal album was released back in 1982 and is the third studio album from the legendary IRON MAIDEN. Whoa! Long live IRON MAIDEN!

Iron Maiden - Piece Of Mind - promo album cover pic - 1982 - #66IMMO0104

On this day in 2015IRON MAIDEN’s Piece Of Mind is ranked at #45 on the iTunes Top 100 Metal Albums Chart. Released back in 1983, this is the fourth studio album from the mighty IRON MAIDEN.

Iron Maiden - Brave New World - promo album cover pic - 2000 - #0401BDASMO

On April 1st, 2015IRON MAIDEN’s Brave New World is ranked at #53 on the iTunes Top 100 Metal Albums Chart. Released back in 2000, this is the twelfth studio album from the magnificent IRON MAIDEN. Brave New World also marked the return of vocalist Bruce Dickinson, after his successful solo career; guitarist Adrian Smith also marked his return on this fabulous album. Whoa!

Pantera - Vulgar Display Of Power - Promo Cover Pic!

On this day in 2015PANTERA’s Vulgar Display Of Power is ranked at #39 on the iTunes Top 100 Metal Albums Chart. Originally released back in 1992, this is the sixth studio album from the great PANTERA. Long live the legacy of PANTERA! RIP, Dimebag Darrell.

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METAL BE THY NAME!

Stone - 2011 Photo #1

LONG LIVE METAL.

LONG LIVE THE ROOTS & FAMILY TREE OF METAL.

Stone.

W.A.S.P. “GOLGOTHA” – New Studio Album Set For Release This August, Via Napalm Records

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on March 29, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Wasp - Classic Band Logo - white on black - 03291577BLWNRMO33

WASP - Golgotha - promo album title - 032415WBLMO29 -

COMING AUGUST 2015!

As reported by Napalm Records:

Almost six years have passed since the world saw a new studio album from Metal Icons W.A.S.P. That is about to change as W.A.S.P. has signed a new worldwide record deal with Austria’s Napalm Records. W.A.S.P. will release their 15th studio album titled Golgotha this August.

“W.A.S.P. are excited to announce they have signed an exclusive recording contract with Napalm Records. We chose Napalm for their personal belief and professional commitment to our career. We’re looking forward to years of great success together starting with the release of our upcoming album Golgotha”, states W.A.S.P. front man Blackie Lawless.

“It is a true honor to announce this signing today, a dream has come true. With their impressive career and ability to create musical masterpieces W.A.S.P have always been one of the most influential Metal bands out there since the beginning of their career. We are thrilled about the upcoming album Golgotha which will be released this summer!” – Vice President of Napalm Records Thomas Caser

W.A.S.P. came out of the Los Angeles Metal scene in 1982 gaining notoriety for their shock rock antics. With a career spanning over 3 decades, 17 world tours, and now their 15th studio album, they are a metal band that has evolved in maturity without having lost their signature sound, unlike many of their peers from their origins. Golgotha will continue down the path that 2007’s Dominator and 2009’s Babylon started on, both in production style and theme. Six years in the making, Golgotha will undoubtedly lead the listeners on the emotionally epic undertaking that W.A.S.P. has become acclaimed for!

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Special thanks to Scott Coverdale for story.

* For more info:

http://waspnation.com/waspnation.htm

Napalm Records - logo - B&W - 2013

Napalm Records

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE W.A.S.P.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.