Archive for the Heavy Metal Category

KYLESA – RELEASE “ULTRAVIOLET” ON MAY 28th, VIA SEASON OF MIST

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, news, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on February 26, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Kylesa - Laura Pleasants - promo pic - 2013 - #1

Photo from Ultraviolet recording sessions at The Jam Room

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“UNSPOKEN” MP3 AVAILABLE NOW

Feb. 26, 2013, Philadelphia – Kylesa is set to release Ultraviolet, one of the most anticipated Hard Rock releases of the year and the follow-up to their critically acclaimed album Spiral Shadow, on May 28 via Season of Mist (May 24 in Europe).

“Whereas Spiral Shadow was a warm album suggesting concepts of hope, Ultraviolet is a bit colder and darker,” explains songwriter/guitar player Laura Pleasants. “All of our studio albums have their own unique identity and we’ve always been a band who strives for something different than what current fads suggest. With Ultraviolet, we took a step inward and wrote music that we felt we had to write; this album centers around the multiple themes of loss and you can feel it in the music. Everyone goes through it during their lifetime and this record reflects that experience.”

Unspoken, a new song from the eleven-track album is available now for Season of Mist newsletter subscribers (www.season-of-mist.com/news/kylesa-2013-02-26).

The Savannah-based quintet recorded Ultraviolet at The Jam Room in Columbia, SC with the band’s guitar player/songwriter, and sought-after producer, Phillip Cope (Baroness, Black Tusk) once again overseeing production.

Kylesa released a rarities collection in November titled From The Vaults, Vol. 1, which featured unreleased, new and alternate versions of songs spanning the band’s catalogue as well as one new song titled End Truth. Cope and Pleasants spent over a year going through their archives preparing the release.

The band’s most recent studio album, Spiral Shadow, had the highest Metal/Hard Rock entry on the Village Voice’s 2010 Pazz & Jop album poll, led Pitchfork to say “Kylesa would be a household name” following the release and landed the band on the cover of Terrorizer as well as album of the month accolades from Metal Hammer, Rock Sound and Visions Magazines. In 2011, Kylesa became the first Metal band to perform on Last Call with Carson Daly.

Kylesa will return to the road in May with more details forthcoming.

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(Source: Speakeasy PR & Marketing)

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

facebook: KYLESA

http://www.kylesa.com

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE KYLESA.

Stone.

TOKYO DRAGONS “Give Me The Fear” – This Hard Rockin’ Album From 2005 Is: Stone’s METAL Pick Of The Day!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, Music, news, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on February 26, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Tokyo Dragons - Give Me The Fear - promo cover pic!

STONE’S METAL PICK OF THE DAY!

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TOKYO DRAGONS – They came from London, England. They played in-your-face, denim and leather wrapped, good-times Hard Rock. Their debut album Give Me The Fear was released back in 2005, via Escapi Music. This band certainly packed 100% Heavy Rockin’ potency and Give Me The Fear is 100% proof, to my middle-aged and Metal scorched ears. Tokyo Dragons was their name and how I wish they were still in the Hard Rock game!

Apparently, Tokyo Dragons is no longer a band. From what I’ve read, Tokyo Dragons disbanded back in 2008; just after releasing their sophomore album Hot Nuts. With no official website or facebook page existing for this band, the alternative source for information is reading about their career biography on Wikipedia. Now that’s an unfortunate thing.

What I do know is what I hear and Give Me The Fear is an amazing experience of Hard Rock bliss upon my senses! This debut from Tokyo Dragons could have easily been titled: Psyche-You-Out-Of-Your-Hard-Rockin’-Party-Lovin’ Mind! ALL 11 songs on Give Me The Fear are high-octane and pedal to the metal! This is an album that can be enjoyed by both Classic Rock and Hard Rock fans alike; with the 80’s Heavy Metal crowd undoubtedly included!

Tokyo Dragons - large logo - B&W

There’s so many memorable riffs and hooks on Give Me The Fear that it’s flat-out insane! Guitar driven to the maximum and lead vocalist/guitarist Steve Lomax sounds like a seasoned superstar of the Hard Rock world. To me, Tokyo Dragons were (very likely) feeling and sharing some legitimate Hard Rockin’ chemistry as a band, when they recorded their debut; it’s such a damn shame they’re no longer around.

I landed Give Me The Fear on CD this past weekend; finding a used copy at a store called Buybacks Entertainment. For $2.99, I couldn’t have spent my money any wiser! Due to Give Me The Fear, I’ve been transported from being unfamiliar with Tokyo Dragons to being a fan of their heavy music. Tokyo Dragons played some blue-collar, kick-ass Hard Rock. ‘Nuff said.

In my most honest opinion, Tokyo Dragons wasn’t any copycat band. Fans of AC/DC to Cheap Trick (with Helix, Fastway and Motörhead fans in-between) can all find something to savor from Give Me The Fear. I know I’m savoring every moment, each and every time I listen to this album. Now if only Tokyo Dragons would reunite… that would be Hard Rock news to celebrate. Metal be thy name.

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Give Me The Fear – Track Listing:

What The Hell

Get ‘Em Off

Do You Wanna?

Come On Baby

Let It Go

Johnny Don’t Wanna Ride

Teenage Screamers

Ready Or Not

Burn On

Rockin’ The Stew

Chasing The Night

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TOKYO DRAGONS:

Steve Lomax – lead vocals & guitar

Phil Martini – drums & vocals

Mal Bruk – guitar & vocals

Ade Easily – bass guitar

In the liner notes of Give Me The Fear, it reads: “Tokyo Dragons welcome aboard Mathias Stady on Bass Guitar.”

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LONG LIVE THE HARD ROCKIN’ LEGACY OF TOKYO DRAGONS.

Stone.

Cruz Del Sur Music Inks Deal With FREEDOMS REIGN – Featuring ex-FATES WARNING Guitarist/Vocalist Victor Arduini

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on February 25, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Freedoms Reign - Group Promo Pic - logo - 2013

CRUZ DEL SUR MUSIC is pleased and extremely proud to have signed a deal with FATES WARNING’s original guitarist and founding member Victor Arduini for the release of Arduini’s new band FREEDOMS REIGN.

FREEDOMS REIGN marks Arduini’s comeback to the Metal world since he left FATES WARNING after the release of The Spectre Within in 1985.

Keeping his original, charismatic and unmistakable guitar-style untouched, Arduini returns under the spotlights with fresh enthusiasm and dedication, producing a notable effort of true American-styled Heavy Metal with a classic Ozzy/Sabbath’s flavor. FREEDOMS REIGN was introduced to Cruz Del Sur by long-time friend and “occasional A&R” Tom Phillips (While Heaven Wept) who said about F.R.’s music:

“I think Freedoms Reign would be a welcome addition for anyone into classic heavy rock, early Fates fans, those into both the recent Proto-Metal movement, and the wave of Classic Metal bands that evolved on the outer fringes of the Doom scene!”

Besides Arduini (guitar/vocals) , FREEDOMS REIGN also consists of Tommy Vumback (Guitars), Michael Jones (Bass) and Chris Judge (Drums).

The release of FREEDOMS REIGN’s self-titled debut is set for April 30th to celebrate the Walpurgis Night that originally influenced Fates Warning to release their Night on Bröcken debut exactly 29 years ago.

Freedoms Reign - Group Promo Pic - 2013 - #1

FREEDOMS REIGN has been active in the Connecticut Metal scene since 2011. The idea behind the band’s formation was to simply make some great music that returned the musicians involved to their roots and could deliver on their commitment to making some Old School Metal that would be relevant in today’s scene. Expect nothing less than a true return to heavy, hard and driving Old School Metal. The band’s self-titled debut was produced by Nick Belmore (Toxic Holocaust/Hatebreed) at Dexters Lab in Milford, CT.

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(Source: ClawHammer PR)

For more info on FREEDOMS REIGN, click on the links below!

facebook: Freedoms Reign

http://www.reverbnation.com/freedomsreign

http://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com

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LONG LIVE FREEDOMS REIGN.

Stone.

TOOL – Mark 21st Anniversary Of “OPIATE” With Commemorative Limited Edition Package

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal albums, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on February 25, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Tool - Opiate - EP promo cover

Feb. 25, 2013, Los Angeles – TOOL will release a handcrafted, bonus-laden, limited edition package of their original debut EP, Opiate, on Mar. 26 to mark the 21st anniversary of the six-song release.

The anniversary edition is limited to 5,000 copies and features art direction by Adam Jones, illustrations by legendary artist Adi Granov and design packaging by Mackie Osborne, who has collaborated with TOOL on many albums including 10,000 Days, Lateralus and Salival as well as posters and merchandise.

The 5,000 copies will be broken down as 5 x 1,000 runs with each set featuring a variation of the exterior graphics and included bonus items which include a new stereoscopic image for fans to use with their glasses from  the 10,000 Days packaging.

The packages will only be available via TOOL’s website (www.toolband.com) on Mar. 26 and there will be no pre-orders. A limit of three packages from each of the 5 x 1,000 versions will be in place.  More details to be announced soon.

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(Source: Speakeasy PR & Marketing)

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

http://www.toolband.com

facebook: Tool

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE TOOL.

Stone.

SOEN – Debut From Progressive Supergroup To See Stateside Release This Summer

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, news, progressive metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , on February 23, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Soen - Group Promo Pic - #3 - 2013

SOEN, the Progressive Metal supergroup featuring drummer Martin Lopez (ex-Opeth, Amon Amarth), bassist Steve DiGiorgio (Sadus, Testament, Death, Iced Earth), vocalist Joel Ekelöf (Willowtree), and guitarist Kim Platbarzdis, are pleased to bring their Cognitive debut stateside this Summer.

Initially released digitally via Spinefarm Records last Winter, Cognitive was mixed by David Bottrill (Tool, Coheed and Cambria, Silverchair, Smashing Pumpkins, Muse, etc.), mastered by João Carvalho and features ten tracks of what Lopez describes as “melodic, heavy, intricate and different.” View the band’s video for “Delenda,” at THIS LOCATION.

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Cognitive Track Listing:

01. Fraktal

02. Fraccions

03. Delenda

04. Last Light

05. Oscillation

06. Canvas

07. Ideate

08. Purpose

09. Slithering

10. Savia

Soen - Cognitive - promo cover pic

SOEN – Cognitive

When Lopez joined forces with DiGiorgio, Ekelöf, and Platbarzdis, it was obvious that this collaboration would not be another name-dropping, substance-deprived “super project.” The foursome paint their musical canvas with broad strokes that on first listen may appear gray and sullen, but the true power of the music lies clandestine, just a little below the monochrome surface. More than just a sum of its rather esteemed parts, SOEN weave an intricate network of melody and melancholy. While SOEN may sound Opethian at times, it features none of the guttural vocals and full-on death metal wall of sound of Lopez’ former group. Nothing more is needed however when Ekelöf’s somber voice, Platbarzdis’s transcendent guitar work, Lopez’s trademark drum beats and DiGiorgio’s exquisite bass lines collaborate to build a pensive tide waiting to wash over you.

Cognitive isn’t an instantaneously accessible album but with a bit of listening patience, can prove to be one of the most rewarding pieces of “thinking man’s metal” you will ever come across. In a world full of super-compressed albums waging the loudness war, Cognitive breathes with ease thanks to the warmth of Platbarzdis/Lopez production and the masterful mixing work of. Like rain on a windowpane, translucent and free of form, Cognitive breathes like a living entity. The colors are there, lingering within the grays. It’s just up to you to find them.

Further information on SOEN to be revealed in the coming weeks. Stay tuned.

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Critical Praise:

“The instrumental prowess of each of the members aside, the thing that ultimately makes Cognitive a success is the high-caliber of songwriting from beginning to end, a triumph in rhythmic and melodic interplay between all instrumentalists and vocalist Joel Ekelof… a brilliantly executed album.. sure to stand up to repeated listening for a long time to come.” – Ultimate-Guitar

“For a debut album, this is really something to behold. The production is even, the music thematic and smart, and the musicians eager to share every second with the other. Most remarkable is that SOEN simply appear to be on the exact same page.” – The Metal Observer

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(Source: Earsplit PR)

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

facebook: Soen

http://www.spinefarmrecords.com/usa

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE SOEN.

Stone.

2013 Revolver Golden Gods TV Commercial Is METAL Star Studded And Also… Stone’s METAL Pick Of The Day!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Metal, metal music, news, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , on February 23, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Revolver Golden Gods - 5th Anniversary promo flyer

On Thursday, May 2nd, 2013, at Club Nokia in Los Angeles, California, the Revolver Golden Gods 5th Anniversary Show will take place! Hosted by Chris Jericho, this fantastic Metal event is also presented by Epiphone. 5FDP, Anthrax, Stonesour, The Dillinger Escape Plan and Halestorm will be performing! Metallica is headlining too! Metal be thy name!

Take a look and listen below to the fun-filled and Metal star-studded TV commercial promoting this night of Metal mayhem:

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For a related post featured on Metal Odyssey, click the link below!

Revolver Golden Gods Awards – 5th Anniversary Show Returns May 2nd, 2013!

Above link is for a post featured on Metal Odyssey, on February 11, 2013.

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For more info on this very cool event, click on the link below:

facebook: Golden Gods Awards

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LONG LIVE REVOLVER GOLDEN GODS AWARD SHOW.

LONG LIVE HEAVY F’N METAL.

LONG LIVE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL.

Stone.

ASG – Set May 28th Release Date For “Blood Drive” And Kick Off New Tour

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, news, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on February 22, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

ASG - Group Promo Pic - 2013 - #1

TOUR INCLUDES SXSW STOP

Philadelphia – ASG, North Carolina’s favorite Psych-Rock quartet, have set a May 28 release date for Blood Drive, their Relapse Records debut.

Blood Drive was produced by Matt Hyde (Slayer, Fu Manchu) in the Fall of 2012.  “Days Work,” a new song from the album, was released as a split 7″ with Red Fang on Tuesday (http://www.relapse.com/split-7in-ep-blue.html). The new album will be available on CD/2xLP/Digital.

The band also kicked off a new round of tour dates, including a stop at SXSW, with a Wrightsville Beach performance last evening at Red Dog’s.

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Tour dates Are:

February 21     Wrightsville Beach, NC    Red Dog’s

March 9     Myrtle Beach, SC     Island Bar

March 12     St. Augustine, FL     The Standard

March 13     Pensacola Beach, FL     The Break

March 16     Austin, TX     SXSW (Details TBA)

March 19     Little Rock, AR     Downtown Music Hall

March 20     Nashville, TN     The End

March 22     Charlotte NC     The Chop Shop

March 23     Raleigh, NC     The Maywood

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ASG:

Jason Shi – guitar/ vocals

Andy Ellis – bass

Scott Key – drums

Jonah Citty – guitar

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(Source: Speakeasy PR & Marketing)

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

facebook: ASG

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE ASG.

Stone.

STRATOVARIUS – “Nemesis” Album Samples Posted

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, melodic metal, Metal, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on February 21, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Stratovarius - Nemesis - promo cover pic!

Record to See North American Release Next Tuesday!

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In celebration of the upcoming release of their new full-length, Nemesis, Melodic Metal legends STRATOVARIUS are offering up sound/video snippets of its eleven tracks. Produced and mixed by guitarist Matias Kupiainen and mastered by Mika Jussila (Finnvox Studios), Nemesis will be released in North America via earMUSIC in conjunction withArmoury Records next Tuesday, February 26, 2013.

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From the signature power of “Abandon,” and the aggressively energetic “Stand My Ground,” to the folkish elements of “Out Of The Fog,” and the title track “Nemesis,” which boasts medieval melodies and double bass drumming, Nemesis delivers new elements fused with the traditional melodic power metal for which STRATOVARIUS is known.

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In an early review of the record, Metal Underground dubs Nemesis, “one of the finest releases in the band’s history,” while Metal Reviews gushes, “… Nemesis is pure epic! It is grandiose, majestic, melodic yet heavy when it needs to be. It’s an unexpected return to form for STRATOVARIUS. It’s what power metal should sound like, period! It is without the shadow of a doubt STRATOVARIUS‘ best album in ages… Album of the year award? You betchya! If you are a fan of this band, you can’t afford to miss this incredible album.”

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Metalholic, in a perfect 10/10 rating, notes, “Nemesis has a lot of the traditional STRATOVARIUS power metal edge, but they’ve managed to evolve and develop their sound to a much more rounded, matured, and polished heavy metal… This album hit the very depths of my core, my will, my heart, and my soul… This is more than music, it’s a masterpiece and should go down in the book of heavy metal as one of the best heavy metal albums of all time,” while About.com adds, “Nemesis finds the band recapturing the magic of their glory days. Most importantly, the songwriting is excellent as the band seems determined to capture memorable songs that sit alongside the best of their catalog.”

Hear for yourself at THIS LOCATION.

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(Source: Earsplit PR)

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

facebook: Stratovarius

http://www.stratovarius.com/

http://www.stratovarius.com/tour

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LONG LIVE STRATOVARIUS.

Stone.

DANTE – German Progressive Metal Band Looking For A New Bassist

Posted in Heavy Metal, metal music, Music, progressive metal, progressive metal bands, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on February 21, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Dante - band logo

After the tragic loss of their bassist, Markus Berger, in early January, DANTE are now looking for a talented  bassist with studio/live experience, who is able to join the band as soon as possible.

DANTE have recently released their new album November Red on Massacre Records and offer an own recording studio, a huge rehearsal room, a creative work environment and much more.

They expect their bassist to be enthusiastic about the band, have knowledge about their music’s genre (progressive metal), be passionate and to be reliable.

If you think you’re the right man or woman, feel free to contact the band via info@danteband.de

You’ll find further information here: www.dante-sound-aid.de (German only)

Get DANTE’s new album “November Red” here: http://massacre.musiclogistics.net/releases/20424

Dante - November Red - promo cover pic___________________________________________________

Source:

Massacre Records - large logo! Red:black:white

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

facebook: DANTE

http://www.danteband.de

For more info on MASSACRE RECORDS, click links below!

http://www.massacre-records.com

facebook: MASSACRE RECORDS

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE DANTE.

Rest In Peace, Markus Berger.

Stone.

SLAYER – Drummer Dave Lombardo Dismissed By Band For Australian Tour

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal, thrash metal bands with tags , , , , on February 21, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Dave Lombardo - ludwig vistalite kit - 2013

Dave Lombardo and his Ludwig Vistalite kit.

I (first) found this breaking news (this morning) regarding Dave Lombardo being dismissed as Slayer’s drummer for the Australian tour on the very cool and informative: MELODYOFTHESOUL. All I can say, is Dave Lombardo is THE legendary and original Slayer drummer and Slayer is the crème de la crème of Thrash Metal history. I just wish they could all get along… then again… we’re all human. Read on, cause this is one jaw-dropping story! Metal be thy name.

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As reported on the official facebook of PHILM:

Statement From Dave Lombardo Regarding Slayer Australian Tour 2013

I want to personally apologize to all of our fans in Australia who have bought tickets for the tour expecting to see me in my usual place on the drums.

So that you all know the truth, as of the end of the business day on February 14th, I was notified that I would not be drumming for the tour in Australia. I’m saddened, and to be honest I am shocked by the situation.

Last year, I discovered 90% of Slayer’s tour income was being deducted as expenses including the professional fees paid to management, costing the band millions of dollars and leaving 10% or less to split amongst the four of us. In my opinion, this is not the way a band’s business should operate. I tried rectifying it by letting my band mates know, and Tom and I hired auditors to figure out what happened, but I was denied access to detailed information and the necessary back up documents.

I spent the Christmas and New Year holidays realizing I had toured all over the world in 2012, but yet, had not been paid (except a small advance) or provided a proper accounting for a full year’s sweat and blood. On top of this, I was told that I would not be paid until I signed a long form contract which gave me no written assurance of how much or on what basis management would deduct commissions, nor did it provide me access to the financial budgets or records for review. It also forbade me to do interviews or make statements having to do with the band, in effect a gagging order.

Last Monday, I sat down with Kerry and Tom to rehearse for Australia and to propose a new business model that I felt was the best way forward for Slayer to confidently protect itself so we could do what we do best . . . play for the fans. Kerry made it clear he wasn’t interested in making changes and said if I wanted to argue the point, he would find another drummer. On Thursday, I arrived at rehearsals at 1 pm as scheduled, but Kerry did not show. Rather, at 6:24 pm I received an email from the lawyers saying I was being replaced for the Australian dates.

I remain hopeful that we can resolve our issues. But once again, I sincerely apologize to all of our fans in Australia who spent their money expecting to see the 3 of us original Slayer members.
I look forward to seeing you in the future.

Sincerely,
Dave Lombardo

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For more info on SLAYER, click on links below!

http://www.slayer.net

facebook: Slayer band

For more info on Dave Lombardo’s other band PHILM, click below!

facebook: PHILM

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE DAVE LOMBARDO.

LONG LIVE SLAYER.

Stone.

AZURE EMOTE – New Track From All-Star Avant/Death Opus Arises

Posted in Death Metal, death metal bands, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal albums, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on February 20, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Azure Emote - Group Promo Pic - 2013 - #1

AZURE EMOTE, the avant-garde Death Metal entity envisioned and created by Mike Hrubovcak (Monstrosity, Vile, Divine Rapture, Abraxas), will release its second full-length work, The Gravity Of Impermanence, worldwide on April 3rd via Selfmadegod Records.

Under Hrubovcak’s direction, songwriting and full-on participation in its creation, The Gravity Of Impermanence was executed utilizing musicians from Death, Fear Factory, Yakuza, Monstrosity, Tristania, Rumpelstiltskin Grinder and more. With over an hour of material displayed through fourteen tracks, the album is fueled by pummeling blast beats, electronic programming, a mixture of both guttural and haunting vocal styles, violins, saxophone, harmonica and a barrage of other instruments coalescing in a melting pot of misanthropic darkness that defines the AZURE EMOTE ethos, recorded, mixed and mastered by Ron Vento of Aurora Borealis at Nightsky Studios.

Azure Emote - The Gravity Of Impermanence - promo cover pic

The cover art was once again done by AZURE EMOTE’s creator and frontman Mike Hrubovcak, his Visual Darkness works well-known in the death/grind communities for illustrating covers for Sinister, Grave, Cattle Decapitation, Hate Eternal, Mortician, and many others.

Venerable scene news outlet/community Lambgoat.com is hosting an exclusive stream of the opening track to The Gravity Of Impermanence. Unleash the brilliantly unique destruction of “Epoch Of De-Evolution” AT THIS LOCATION.

Experience the epic closing track to the album “Puppet Deities” and more on AZURE EMOTE RIGHT HERE.

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(Source: Earsplit PR)

For more info on AZURE EMOTE, click on the links below!

http://www.azureemote.com

http://www.facebook.com/azureemote

http://www.azureemote.bandcamp.com

http://www.selfmadegod.com

http://www.selfmadegod.bandcamp.com

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE AZURE EMOTE.

Stone.

Waylander – Will Not Be Performing At Heathen Crusade Festival 2013

Posted in Heavy Metal, metal music, Music, rock festivals, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , on February 20, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Waylander - Group Promo Pic - 2013 - #1

In a statement from Dave Briggs, the band have confirmed that Waylander will not be performing at this years Heathen Crusade Festival which is scheduled to take place later this year in St Paul, USA. The band had refused to make a public announcement about their participation until certain terms of the agreement between the band and festival promoters were met. The festival organisers made a premature announcement that Waylander would be headlining, however the terms were yet to be met. The band have given ample time for the festival promoters to meet the terms but it’s came to a point were discussions have now ended and the band have now been forced to make a public statement that they will not be performing at Heathen Crusade.

“It is with great regret that we are forced to announce that Waylander will not be playing the Heathen Crusade Festival. The Heathen Crusade promoters have repeatedly promised but never provided us any funds to arrange transport to the USA. Although we are available, and nothing would make us happier than to play for some of our American fans, Heathen Crusades inability to meet the terms that they had agreed to makes it impossible for us.

We make this announcement now so that fans are aware of the situation and do not make any plans around the assumption that we are playing. We had refused to confirm that we were playing until it was certain, but Heathen Crusade announced it very prematurely. We can only say that we are very sorry to any fans who were looking forward to seeing us live, and that we are as disappointed as you are.”

The band recently announced a string of European dates including an appearance at the annual ‘Cerninnos Paganfest’ in Paris, France which takes place in just a few days.

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Tour Dates:

24/02/13 – Cerninnos Paganfest – La Machine du Moulin Rouge – Paris, France

06/03/13 – Seachtain Na Gaeilge – Kellys – Galway, Ireland

17/04/13 – Fonobar Club – Warsaw, Poland

18/04/13 – Rock Out Club – Zielona Góra, Poland

19/04/13 – Blackland – Berlin, Germany

20/04/14 – Fenris Club – Klein-Pöchlarn, Austria

21/04/13 – Blue Hell Club – Budapest, Hungary

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Listen To  ‘Twin Fires Of Beltíne’

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4hTjIjVjF8

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(Source: Andrew Future PR)

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

www.clanwaylander.com
www.facebook.com/clanwaylander

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE WAYLANDER.

Stone.

Stone’s Relocation Files: Part Three – My CD Collection Is A Mess!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, news, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on February 20, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

CD Stack - 2013 - Stone's Relocation Files

Okay, so there are worse things in life to worry about. I know that. I am thankful my family and I are all alive and healthy after our big relocation to Ohio; via Pennsylvania. Still, I am floored by how messed up my CD collection has become, since the unpacking commenced! I, like so many of my fellow Metal brethren, have always strived for some sort of “system” to the way I group my CD collection. I’m far from being a perfectionist, however, I’ve come close to it, when it comes to my CD organization skills.

Part of my CD collection used to be in alphabetical order. Other parts of my CD collection used to be divided up into bands and genres. Now my CD’s are just divided up into a where is it? collection! You see, I was told not to pack my CD’s by the moving company; they were hired to do all the packing of all our possessions for us. I should have packed my own CD’s. Glory be to the Metal Gods, I should have!

Eventually, I’ll have my “systems” all back into place and my CD collection will be back to normal. For now, I’ll just get by with having my Hatebreed and Electric Light Orchestra CD’s next to each other. I’ll ignore that my Venom CD’s are on top of my Santana CD’s too. I’m certain that these CD’s will all get along with each other; unless the Venom CD’s have something to say about it! Metal be thy name.

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Need to catch-up on past posts of Stone’s Relocation Files? Have no Metal fear! Just click on those fabulous links below! Whoa!

Stone’s Relocation Files: Part One – My METAL Head Is Spinning!

(Featured on Metal Odyssey – February 8, 2013)

Stone’s Relocation Files: Part Two – It’s The Final Countdown!

(Featured on Metal Odyssey – February 9, 2013)

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LONG LIVE CD COLLECTIONS.

LONG LIVE METAL.

LONG LIVE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL.

Stone.

DORO Issues Roadside Update On Raise Your Fist North American Tour

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Metal, metal music, Music, news, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on February 19, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Doro - Publicity Photo - 2012 - #1!

Legendary Metal Queen DORO PESCH is currently finishing up the Raise Your Fist North American Tour which commenced with a fiery appearance on the 70000 Tons Of Metal Cruise late last month! Touring in support of the anthemic Raise Your Fist full-length, released worldwide via Nuclear Blast late last year, the iconic songstress continues to enthrall the masses with her permeating voice, metallic grace and infectious, onstage charm.

Comments the perpetually upbeat DORO: “So far the tour has been so amazing! It’s the best North American tour we’ve ever done. The venues have been packed and so many have sold out. The fans have been truly amazing and so supportive, it’s been overwhelming! The Joliet, Illinois show was so intense, we’re saving some of the live footage for an upcoming DVD. Some shows have been very long — everyone wants to hear so many songs; so many encores! We are so looking forward to playing the rest of these shows, especially Hollywood! The old Warlock members, our label and so many friends are coming out. I truly thank all the fans who’ve made these shows so amazing and possible.”

DORO - Raise Your Fist - Large Promo Cover Pic!!

Additionally, DORO devotees in Tempe, Arizona will have the opportunity to meet Pesch and her bandmates at a special in-store meet & greet on Saturday, February 23, 2013 at Naked Dave’s Music located at 2155 E. University Drive, Tempe, AZ. The signing session will run from 5:00pm – 6:30pm. For more info, go to THIS LOCATION.

DORO North American Headlining Tour 2013 [remaining dates]:
2/19/2013 El Corazon – Seattle, WA
2/20/2013 Hawthorne Theatre – Portland, OR
2/21/2013 Thee Parkside – San Francisco, CA
2/22/2013 House Of Blues – West Hollywood, CA
2/23/2013 Rocky Point Cantina – Tempe, AZ

Advance ticket links are available on DORO’s Official Facebook Page.

Raise Your Fist features guest appearances by Motörhead’s Lemmy Kilmister and Ozzy/Firewind guitarist Gus G, with artwork by British artist and longtime DORO collaborator Geoffrey Gillespie. The offering debuted at #65 on the American Billboard Heatseekers chart upon its first week of release and was commended by Outburn in an 8/10 rating for delivering “50 minutes of expertly crafted Teutonic metal.”

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Critical Praise For Raise Your Fist:

 “…probably the classiest lady in metal.” – Outburn

“Raise Your Fist is a solid outing for DORO PESCH and at this stage in the game, would expect nothing less from her. She still manages to savor that hard rock image and make it work for her and I hope she never stops doing this. I say raise your fist in the air babe, and never let it go.” – Blistering

“On her 12th solo album, German metal maiden DORO PESCH sounds more assured than ever, particularly as a songwriter on these 13 taut, Teutonic tunes.” – Revolver

Doro - Portrait Promo banner - nuclear blast

(Source: Earsplit PR)

Read how meeting DORO on this Raise Your Fist North American Tour was Stone’s Metal Dream Come True by clicking the link below!

DORO – Meeting Doro Pesch Was My Metal Dream Come True: Columbus Ohio, Ace Of Cups, February 9th, 2013

Above link is for a post featured on Metal Odyssey, on February 15, 2013.

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

http://www.doro.de/

http://www.facebook.com/DoroOfficial

http://www.twitter.com/DoroOfficial

http://www.youtube.com/DoroOfficial

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

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LONG LIVE DORO, THE QUEEN OF HEAVY METAL.

Stone.

EUROPE “Always The Pretenders” – This CD Single From 2006 I Won In A Magazine Contest!

Posted in arena rock, classic rock, classic rock albums, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on February 19, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Europe - Always The Pretenders - CD single - cover promo

EUROPE – ALWAYS THE PRETENDERS CD SINGLE

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It was sometime back in 2006 and I saw a contest ad in Revolver Magazine; with the prize being a CD single of Always The Pretenders by EUROPE. I forget what the actual questions(s) I had to answer were, to win this CD single. I believe the contest was run by Sanctuary (Records), then again my memory is vague on it. I guess that stuff doesn’t really matter anymore!

All I do know: I still own this CD single (that I won) and I recently stumbled upon it while rummaging through some CD’s I haven’t listened to in years. This (lead) single Always The Pretenders was used to promote the seventh EUROPE studio album released back in 2006: Secret Society (Sanctuary). This CD single was released via T&T / Sanctuary.

The song Always The Pretenders and album Secret Society is not the Glam/Arena/Hair Metal version of EUROPE from the 80’s; instead, this is a much more Modern and Hard Rockin’ version of the latter. Honestly, the sound that EUROPE tapped into back in 2004 with Start From The Dark married well with their sound on Secret Society from 2006. Relevancy is key here, my Metal brethren.

Europe - promo group pic - 2006 - #1

EUROPE – 2006

What makes this CD single extra cool is there are 4 songs on it. Here’s the track listing: Always The Pretenders (Radio Edit), 2. Always The Pretenders (Album Version), 3. Flames (Live) and 4. Superstitious (Live). The 2 live songs were previously unreleased. Both live songs were recorded at B.B. King in New York.

Superstitious originally appeared on Out Of This World; the fourth studio album from EUROPE released back in 1988. Flames originally appeared on Start From The Dark; the sixth studio album from EUROPE, released back in 2004. Both live songs are solid listens from EUROPE, with some top-tier sound quality happening.

I surely recommend this CD single from EUROPE to all Classic Rock and 80’s Hard Rock/Arena Rock fans. As for this EUROPE CD single being a collectible one day, who knows? I’ve seen this CD single selling between $4 and $10 (U.S.) around the internet, both used and new.

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Here’s what the album cover of EUROPE – Secret Society looks like:

Europe - Secret Society - promo cover pic!

Released back in 2006 via Sanctuary Records, this Secret Society CD doesn’t come cheap! I’ve seen “used” CD prices range from $22 to $75+ (U.S.) around the internet. Granted, some used copies are imports and command import prices, nonetheless, this EUROPE CD has become collectible. Metal be thy name!

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Europe - Sweden Rock Festival - 2013 - promo banner - 30th Anniversary

EUROPE – 2013:

Mic Michaeli – Keys

John Levén – Bass

Joey Tempest – Vocals

John Norum – Guitars

Ian Haugland – Drums

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

http://www.europetheband.com

facebook: Europe

http://www.youtube.com/europethebandtv

http://europethebandblog.blogspot.com

http://www.twitter.com/europetheband

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LONG LIVE EUROPE.

LONG LIVE COOL CD SINGLES THAT ROCK.

Stone.

REVELATION – “Inner Harbor” Releasing Via Shadow Kingdom Records On April 30th

Posted in doom metal, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, progressive metal, progressive rock, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on February 18, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Revelation - Inner Harbor - promo cover pic!

April 30th, 2013 will see the release of Inner Harbor, the newest album from long-running Prog Rock/Doom outfit REVELATION.

In existence since the mid-80’s REVELATION has earned the respect of many bands and fans from all around the world and are often credited with creating the Progressive Doom Metal genre. They’ve taken the very best sounds of Rush, Black Sabbath, and early Heavy Metal to  create yet another masterpiece amongst a catalog of many with Inner Harbor. This is quite possibly the band’s most fluid and laid-back release to date. While the sound is difficult to pinpoint, one can hear classic REVELATION mixed in with a dash of 70’s Italian Progressive Rock. The music flows through you so smoothly and freely, that you’re going to feel like you’re in a state of deep relaxed meditation.

The combined creative forces of drummer Steve Branagan, guitarist/vocalist John Brenner and bassist Bert Hall Jr. are responsible for over twenty full-length releases – split between REVELATION and their eclectic alter-ego AGAINST NATURE – and countless demos and EPs. Inner Harbor was made available as a digital release last year by the band’s own Bland Hand Records (www.againstnature.us/BH/) and will see worldwide distribution on CD format by Shadow Kingdom Records in April. Pre-orders are being taken at the newly revamped Shadow Kingdom Records Webstore at http://shadowkingdomrecords.com.

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CRITICAL PRAISE:

“Inner Harbor is a deft blend of the classic doom and progressive rock you expect from this trio…” – Terrible Certainty ‘Zine

“Inner Harbor finds Revelation as productive and relevant as ever. Long gone is the echo-y crunch of 20 years ago, and in its place is a record proudly recorded in a basement and challenging the very meaning of doom as many people claim to understand it.” -Stereokiller.com

Shadow Kingdom Records - Large Logo!_______________________________________________________

(Source: ClawHammer PR)

For more info on REVELATION & SHADOW KINGDOM RECORDS, click on the links below!

http://shadowkingdomrecords.com

facebook: Shadow Kingdom Records

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LONG LIVE REVELATION.

Stone.

EVILYN STRANGE – Bursts Onto Amazon UK Hard Rock/Metal New Release Chart, With “Love Finds You” At #5!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on February 18, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

EvilynStrange_LoveFindsYou_Promo Cover

EVILYN STRANGE – Love Finds You

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EVILYN STRANGE – It’s grand Metal news! The UK’s very own and Heavy Rockin’ EVILYN STRANGE has burst upon the Amazon UK Hard Rock/Metal Chart with Love Finds You, right at #5!

A METAL HAILS TO PHIL, AL AND MIKE OF EVILYN STRANGE!

Take a Metal look for yourself by clicking that ultra cool link below!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/new-releases/dmusic/118643031/ref=zg_bsnr_nav_dmusic_2_digital-music-track#1

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You can currently purchase this HOT single from EVILYN STRANGE now, via Amazon UK, by clicking on those kick-ass links below! Whoa!

Amazon.co.uk:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_6/279-4932559-2228524?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-music&field-keywords=evilyn+strange&sprefix=evilyn%2Caps%2C432

* LOVE FINDS YOU Is Also Available For Purchase On iTunes *

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* For more related info and to read Metal Odyssey’s review of Love Finds You, click on the link below and… whoa again!

EVILYN STRANGE – UK Trio Releases Second Single “Love Finds You” And Is Also: Stone’s Metal Pick Of The Day!

The above link is for a post published on Metal Odyssey – February 14, 2013.

Evilyn Strange - profile pic - promo - 2012______________________________________________________

For more info on EVILYN STRANGE, click on the links below!

Official Site:

www.evilynstrange.co.uk

Purchase music:
http://www.tunecore.com/widgets/show/25695

Official Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Evilyn-Strange/120496958047309?sk=wall&filter=12

Official Twitter:
http://twitter.com/#!/EvilynStrange

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LONG LIVE EVILYN STRANGE.

Stone.

SIX FEET UNDER “UNBORN” – Releases March 19th; Legendary Chris Barnes Comments On Creating Album

Posted in Death Metal, death metal albums, death metal bands, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on February 17, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Six Feet Under - Unborn - promo cover pic!

As reported on the official facebook of SIX FEET UNDER:

“The journey to create, write, and record UNDEAD and UNBORN has been the most challenging and exciting musical endeavor and process I have ever been involved with,” expresses vocalist and founder Chris Barnes. “Working with all these amazing writers and musicians like Ben Savage (Whitechapel) on songs like Neuro Osmosis and Fragment are some of the most dynamic, beautiful, and brutal songs I’ve ever had the pleasure of putting lyrics to. I believe Ben is a true innovator of the death metal genre. It was also a lot of fun working Jari Laine from Torture Killer again. We wrote a great album together a few years back called SWARM! –one of my favorite releases I’ve been involved with– and Jari is someone who I have really wanted to work with again ever since. I wanted to revisit collaborating with Jari because of how well we work together; proof of that on UNBORN are the hook heavy sounds of songs like Zombie Blood Curse and Incision.” – Chris Barnes

Listen to & order UNBORN: http://www.metalblade.com/sixfeetunder

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UNBORN – Track Listing & Song Writers:

Neuro Osmosis (Ben Savage/Chris Barnes)

Prophecy (Ola Englund/Chris Barnes)

Zombie Blood Curse (Jari Laine/Chris Barnes)

Decapitate (Ben Savage/Chris Barnes)

Incision (Jari Laine/Chris Barnes)

Fragment (Ben Savage/Chris Barnes)

Alive to Kill You (Steve Swanson/Chris Barnes)

The Sinister Craving (Ben Savage/Chris Barnes)

Inferno (Jari Laine/Chris Barnes)

Psychosis (Rob Arnold/Chris Barnes)

The Curse of the Ancients (Ola Englund/Chris Barnes)

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Six Feet Under - UNBORN - bundles promo pic

“UNBORN” bundles are available for pre-order:

http://metalblade.com/sixfeetunder/

Deluxe Bundle Includes:

– Unborn CD

– “Logo” t-shirt

– 3’x3′ flag

– Bite kit

– 10″ x 7″ polyethylene Outbreak Warning sign

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

facebook: ~ Six feet under ~

http://www.metalblade.com/sixfeetunder

http://twitter.com/sixfeetofficial

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LONG LIVE SIX FEET UNDER.

LONG LIVE DEATH METAL.

Stone.

TEN METAL ALBUMS I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT – PART ONE

Posted in classic rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, Metal, metal albums, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on February 17, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Black Sabbath - Heaven And Hell - promo cover pic!

Ten METAL Albums I Cannot Live Without

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You know which Metal albums you can’t possibly live without! Those are the Metal albums you turn to so often, they feel like they’re a part of you! Metal albums that I can’t live without are just like Metal Buddies; they’re always there to lean on and hang out with! Here is a list of ten Metal albums I can’t live without.

This list is a part one, cause in reality, there are probably a few hundred more Metal albums that I couldn’t live without! By no means is this my top ten Metal albums of all time; in essence, what this list represents is a grand starting point for me! Therefore, a part two, three, four and more to this topic will most likely happen! Hallelujah and ring that Metal bell!

This list of Metal albums are in no particular order, other than I can’t live without them. I hope you enjoy this list and feel free to add your Metal albums you can’t live without via a comment. Metal be thy name!

As shown at the top of this post, Heaven And Hell (1980) from the Ronnie James Dio era Black Sabbath is a keeper for life. Whoa.

PANTERA "Cowboys From Hell"

PANTERA – Cowboys From Hell (1990)

Metallica - Master Of Puppets promo album pic #2!

METALLICA – Master Of Puppets (1986)

Motorhead - Ace Of Spades - promo cover pic!!

MOTORHEAD – Ace Of Spades (1980)

DIO "Holy Diver" large promo album pic!

DIO – Holy Diver (1983)

Angel Witch - As Above So Below - Promo Cover Pic - Large!

ANGEL WITCH – As Above, So Below (2012)

Overkill - Horrorscope - promo cover pic!

OVERKILL – Horrorscope (1991)

Queensryche - Operation Mindcrime - promo cover pic!

QUEENSRYCHE – Operation Mindcrime (1988)

Black Sabbath - Sabbath Bloody Sabbath - promo cover pic!

BLACK SABBATH – Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (1974 U.S. Release)

BLACK SABBATH could very well be THE band that started METAL in the first place. It sure wasn’t Air Supply or The Carpenters that invented Metal. (That last sentence was funny, wasn’t it?)

Satyricon - The Age Of Nero - large promo album pic!

SATYRICON – The Age Of Nero (2008)

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A METAL BONUS ADDITION TO THIS LIST! YES, IT’S KISS!

KISS - Destroyer - Promo Album Pic #2!

KISS – Destroyer (1976)

Yes, “back in the day” KISS was as close to Metal as Alice Cooper, Uriah Heep, UFO and Ted Nugent were. That’s my Metal opinion anyways!

Compiling this first installment of Ten Metal Albums I Can’t Live Without was (gulp) fun! You can count on me to continue onward with this Metal topic! It’s too enticing a Metal topic to ignore!

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LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

Von Records Presents “Dark Gods: Seven Billion Slaves” – Set For Digital Release On March 22nd

Posted in Black Metal, black metal albums, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal albums, metal music, Music, news, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on February 17, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

VON - Seven Billion Slaves - promo cover pic

Exclusive Track Streams + Digital Downloads Available; Special Preorder Package Announced

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Summon The Darkness…Dark Gods will rise! In the cold path of darkness, among the dread and pain deep within us, it is the will of the dark ones to enslave us. Dark Gods manifest around us, besides us, inside us. Seven Billion Slaves delves deeper into the cold and dark minds of VON. VON‘s creator and mastermind VENIEN!!! has tapped into his inner psyche and has willingly summoned many dark tales and ruthless hymns for the world’s seven billion slaves.

Dark Gods: Seven Billion Slaves is the first of three volumes to begin VON’s Dark Gods trilogy, set for digital release March 22, 2013 via Von Records. The path begins with two advance album streams in the form of “Ancient Flesh of The Dark Gods” (featuring Coffinworm) and “MONSTER!” available for your audio devourment at THIS LOCATION.

To preorder Dark Gods: Seven Billion Slaves, point your browser HERE. Additionally, preorders for VON’s latest work of sonic indecency will receive a free download code to an advance demo release by VON mastermind VENIEN!!! Titled Tribal Blood: Ritual Manifestation, the demo includes “Black Coming of VENIEN,” “REVOLT!,” “God is Dead” and “Inssside Wittthhh Usss” plus four extra bonus tracks. Order today!

Dark Gods: Seven Billion Slaves Track Listing:

1. They Have Come

2. Ancient Flesh Of The Dark Gods (Featuring Coffinworm)

3. Hands Of Black Death

4. Dark Gods

5. MONSTER!

6. DevilWhore

7. iAmInHuman

8. RawRot

9. Black Eyes

Further info on VON’s Dark Gods trilogy to be announced in the coming weeks.

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(Source: Earsplit PR)

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

http://www.VONBLACKMETAL.com

http://www.vonrecords.com

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LONG LIVE VON.

Stone.