Archive for the Heavy Metal Category

NIDINGR – Unite With Indie Recordings

Posted in Black Metal, Heavy Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on August 29, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Indie Recordings are pleased to announce the signing of Norwegian Black Metal deviants NIDINGR! Starring present and past members of bands such as Mayhem, Gorgoroth, DHG (Dødheimsgard), 1349 and God Seed, among others, NIDINGR are known for their efficiently complex songwriting, ravagingly dissonant, yet infinitely catchy riffs and breakneck tempos.

Their two previous offerings — 2005’s Sorrow Infinite and Darkness, which the Metal Crypt crowned “one of the most interesting albums that has crawled out of the blackened depths of Norway in many a years” and 2010’s Wolf Father, featuring Mayhem’s Hellhammer on drums — proves what this maniacal assault is capable of.

Said the band in a collective statement: “NIDINGR is looking forward to working with a great label on Norwegian soil. We are sure Indie Recordings is the label we need to get us out to the masses and up to the next level.”

Further info to be released this Fall.

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“NIDINGR has created an extremely dense and concentrated lesson in black metal’s most interesting elements…” – Lords Of Metal

“Wolf Father is a lean, mean disc that hits with the quickness of a raiding party and the heft of broadswords. Its six songs always go for the jugular, leaving a solid clubbing any time they fall short. It’s a beast worth hunting down as Wolf Father has potential as the head of the blackened death metal pack.” – Washington Times

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(Source: Earsplit PR)

To read my review of Wolf Father, click on the link below!

NIDINGR “Wolf Father” – One Of Black Metal’s Blackest Unleash Their Strike

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

http://www.facebook.com/nidingr

http://www.nidingr.no

http://www.indierecordings.net

https://www.facebook.com/indierecordings

LONG LIVE NIDINGR.

Stone.

QUIET RIOT 1996 ‘Greatest Hits’ – Yes, I Bought This CD Today! QUIET RIOT EPK You Must Check Out! WHOA!

Posted in classic rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on August 28, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

QUIET RIOT – This morning I stumbled upon this Quiet Riot Greatest Hits CD at my local Super Walmart. It was released back in 1996 via Epic / Pasha. This CD cost me $5 (U.S.) and that’s not too shabby. What inspired me most (besides being a QR fan) to buy this CD are the two previously unreleased (live) tracks: Bang Your Head (Metal Health) and Let’s Go Crazy. Within the liner notes, there’s no mention as to where these two live tracks were recorded. That’s a shame.

I already own the Super Hits CD of Quiet Riot. The Super Hits was originally released back in 1999 via Sony Music. (See photos of alternate CD covers below). The only songs that are common between these two CD’s I’m discussing here are: Cum On Feel The Noize, Bang Your Head (Metal Health), Slick Black Cadillac and Mama Weer All Crazee Now.

You know how it is. Being loyal to a (huge) group of bands you grew up with can make you want to own every one of their CD titles that’s out there. The way I operate, I grab the greatest hits titles too; especially if the CD covers are different. I’m probably considered a Heavy Metal CD hoarder. I think I’ve mentioned this once or twice in the past about myself. Life goes on regardless…

I’m quite psyched that I finally bought this Quiet Riot Greatest Hits CD. All these years I’ve never realized two previously unreleased (live) tracks were on it. Yes, both live tracks sound very, very cool. I’ll add that both live tracks don’t sound like the (also very cool) 1983 US Festival tracks.

The Heavy Metal of Quiet Riot has lifted my spirits for decades now… and that is something I can never put a price on. Metal be thy name.

QUIET RIOT Greatest Hits – Track Listing:

Cum On Feel The Noize

Bang Your Head (Metal Health)

Slick Black Cadillac

The Wild & The Young

Mama We’re All Crazy Now – (as it’s spelled on the liner notes)

Party All Night

The Joker

Stay With Me Tonight

Callin’ The Shots

Bang Your Head (Metal Health) (Live)

Let’s Go Crazy (Live)

CHECK OUT QUIET RIOT 2012 BELOW! WHOA!

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Here is what the Super Hits CD (the cover version I own) looks like:

QUIET RIOT SUPER HITS – Track Listing:

Cum On Feel The Noize

Metal Health (Bang Your Head)

Slick Black Cadillac

Mama Weer All Crazee Now

Don’t Wanna Let You Go

Condition Critical

I’m Fallin’

Empty Promises

Don’t Wanna Be Your Fool

Sign Of The Times

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Here are 2 alternate covers for the same Quiet Riot Super Hits CD:

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For more info on QUIET RIOT, click on the links below!

http://www.officialquietriot.com

http://www.twitter.com/quietriot

LONG LIVE THE LEGACY OF QUIET RIOT.

Rest In Peace, Kevin DuBrow.

Rest In Peace, Randy Rhoads.

The word “shabby” was used in this post.

Stone.

MISFITS – 2012 North America Tour Dates For October Thru December

Posted in Heavy Metal, horror punk, Music, Punk rock, punk rock albums, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on August 28, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

The Devil’s Rain continues pouring down across North America as the legendary MISFITS take to the stage! Starting in October, the band strikes the East Coast, Canada, Midwest, West Coast, and more on through December. Check out these MISFITS tour dates below, to see if they’ll be near you!

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10/12/12      WORCESTER, MA @ THE PALLADIUM

10/13/12      SAYREVILLE, NJ @ STARLAND BALLROOM

10/18/12      PITTSBURGH, PA @ ALTAR BAR

10/19/12      PHILADELPHIA, PA @ TROCADERO THEATRE

10/20/12      SPRINGFIELD, VA @ EMPIRE

10/21/12      ALLENTOWN, PA @ CROCODILE ROCK

10/25/12      TORONTO, ON @ THE OPERA HOUSE

10/26/12      LANCASTER, PA @ CHAMELEON CLUB

10/28/12      HAMPTON BEACH, NH @ WALLY’S PUB

10/30/12      NEW BRITAIN, CT @ CLUB INTERNATIONAL

10/31/12      NEW YORK, NY @ HIGHLINE BALLROOM

11/01/12      CLEVELAND, OH @ AGORA BALLROOM

11/03/12      DETROIT, MI @ HARPOS

11/04/12      BLOOMINGTON, IL @ CASTLE THEATRE

11/05/12      CHICAGO, IL @ HOUSE OF BLUES

11/08/12      SAN DIEGO, CA @ HOUSE OF BLUES

11/09/12      PHOENIX, AZ @ CELEBRITY THEATRE

11/10/12      LAKE ELSINORE, CA @ L.E MOTORSPORTS PARK

11/11/12      SANTA ANA, CA @ THE OBSERVATORY

11/14/12      SEATTLE, WA @ STUDIO SEVEN

11/16/12      SAN JOSE, CA @ RODEO NIGHT CLUB

11/17/12      VENTURA , CA @ VENTURA THEATRE

12/08/12      POUGHKEEPSIE, NY @ THE CHANCE

MISFITS:

Jerry Only – bass & vocals

Dez Cadena – guitar

Eric “Chupacabra” Arce – drums

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(Source: Official MISFITS Records Newsletter)

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

MISFITS – facebook

MISFITS – Official Website

MISFITS – MySpace Music Page

LONG LIVE MISFITS.

Stone.

MASACHIST – Post New Song And Details Of Forthcoming Album ‘Scorned’

Posted in Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on August 27, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

MASACHIST has revealed the full details on their forthcoming sophomore full-length, Scorned. The anticipated follow-up to the Polish Death Metal squad’s 2009-released Death March Fury was recorded at Monroe Sound Studio, with final production touches taken care by guitarist Aro. Featuring nine brutal and intricate songs, Scorned will be released worldwide by Selfmadegod Records on September 3rd, 2012.

Fans can view the album’s artwork – completed by Anna Rosół (Trynity Art Studio), and the layout by Ataman Tolovy (Ataman Productions) – as well as listen to another track from Scorned, in the form of the crushing “Opposing Normality.” Check it all out AT THIS LOCATION.

Preorders for the album and special package deals have been launched via Selfmadegod’s website HERE.

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Scorned Track Listing:

1. Drilling the Nerves

2. The Process of Elimination

3. Straight and Narrow Path

4. Manifesto (100% D.M.K.M)

5. Higher Authority

6. Opposing Normality

7. Liberation

8. Liberation part II

9. Inner Void

MASACHIST was formed in 2005 by Thrufel (ex-Azarath, ex-Yattering) and Daray (Dimmu Borgir, ex-Vader, Vesania), and later on joined by Heinrich (Vesania, ex-Decapitated, ex-UnSun), Aro (Shadows Land, Torquemada) and Pig (Anal Stench, ex-Decapitated). The band recorded its debut full-length Death March Fury which has since received excellent feedback both from Metal press and the fans around the globe.

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(Source: Earsplit PR)

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

http://www.facebook.com/masachist

http://www.masachist.pl

http://selfmadegod.com

http://www.facebook.com/Selfmadegod

LONG LIVE MASACHIST.

Stone.

FOREVERS EDGE – Announce New Singer And Bassist, Reveal New Album Artwork

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, metal music, Music, Power Metal, progressive metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on August 27, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

After several years of hard work trapped in the dungeons of creating a Heavy Metal masterpiece, NJ/NY Progressive Metal band FOREVERS EDGE have announced the return of singer CLAY BARTON (SUSPYRE) for their sophomore album, Hereafter, as well as bassist NOAH MARTIN (ARSIS).

CLAY BARTON comments:

“When I was first approached about being a part of the second album I wasn’t sure if I was going to have the time or energy to put forward what was needed from a vocalist, but when I started hearing the rough mixes I knew that it had a chance to be something very special. Sal has always been nice enough to give me the freedom to be creative and that makes recording his albums a much more enjoyable experience. If you aren’t having fun with a project, it comes across in the music for everyone to hear. My hope is that when everyone hears the album they experience not only the music, but also experience a little bit of the fun that went into recording it.”

NOAH MARTIN comments:

“I’m glad to have done this recording session with friends, the majority of whom I’ve known for nearly ten years. It’s definitely an effective gelling of musicians, Their music seems to capture the riffs of say, Iced Earth, the length and complexity of Blind Guardian’s arrangements, and the grandeur of Symphony X. It’s been hectic finishing both this and the Arsis album. Much thanks to the guys for asking me to play on their album, being patient, and even giving me a bass solo.”

CLAY BARTON – Vocals

NOAH MARTIN – Bass

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FOREVERS EDGE is:

Sal Pisano: Guitars

Mike Pignataro: Keyboards & Pianos

Clay Barton: Vocals

Noah Martin: Bass

Samus Paulicelli: Drums

Rob DeSimone: Secondary Vocals (Growls)

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(Source: Team All About The Music – Publicity, Management, A&R)

Album artwork designed by Chris D’Andrea

For more info on FOREVERS EDGE, click on the links below!

FACEBOOK

Buy Chaotic Silence

YouTube

LONG LIVE FOREVERS EDGE.

Stone.

Wanna See My JUDAS PRIEST ‘Painkiller / The Sharpest Cuts’ Cassette? It’s Really Cool…

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

JUDAS PRIEST – That’s it at the top! That’s my Judas Priest Painkiller / The Sharpest Cuts cassette! It’s still sealed in its original plastic wrap too. This is a 9 song greatest hits. This title was released back in 1990, via Columbia.

I haven’t opened this cassette to play it for I already have all these songs on CD’s. This very cool Judas Priest cassette I discovered at a thrift store last Winter. I paid a whopping 50 cents (U.S.) for this cassette. 50 cents!

Here is what the back of this Judas Priest cassette looks like:

On the back cassette sleeve is the track listing. A bunch of type (so tiny I cannot read it) is on the right side. With that said, there is this red type in the center that reads: Demonstration Not For Sale. Whoa! I always love it when I stumble upon a vinyl album, CD or cassette that was distributed as a promotional copy only. Usually these “demonstration” copies are not that abundant in the open marketplace.

I’ve searched around the worldwide web, discovering that this particular Judas Priest promo cassette has been offered for sale. In other words, the few occurrences when I found this cassette, it was no longer available. Whoa! I’m leaning towards this promo cassette being kinda rare.

Here is what the spine of this cassette looks like:

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JUDAS PRIEST Painkiller / The Sharpest Cuts – Track Listing:

Painkiller

Exciter

Better By You Better Than Me

Victim Of Changes

Hell Bent For Leather

Breaking The Law

Living After Midnight

Electric Eye

You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’

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For more info on JUDAS PRIEST, click on the links below!

http://www.JudasPriest.com/

http://www.youtube.com/JudasPriest

LONG LIVE JUDAS PRIEST.

Stone.

JOB FOR A COWBOY – More Studio Footage Posted From ‘Demonocracy’ Studio Sessions

Posted in Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on August 26, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Drum Magazine Catches Up With Jon Rice; Band To Play Russia, Ukraine And Belarus

New footage from JOB FOR A COWBOY’s Demonocracy studio sessions is currently available at the band’s official landing page. Witness Jon Rice demolish his kit during “Fearmonger” at THIS LOCATION.

Additionally, Drum Magazine recently caught up with Rice to talk about his natural sounding approach to the critically lauded record noting, “If you detect more of a feel-oriented style on JOB FOR A COWBOY’s Demonocracy, credit Jon ‘The Charn’ Rice for that extra bit of human touch. Eschewing sound replacement, scientific Pro Tools quantizing, and the usual by-the-numbers approach favored by most death metal bands (and their power-hungry producers), Charn and JFAC did it old school; well, almost. While the band certainly used computers to keep the perfect beast drummer in perfect time, they didn’t follow the typical click track route. Similarly, Charn opted for natural drum tones and sounds. All this anti-machine behavior gives Demonocracy a serious kick to the groin, and on songs like ‘Children Of Deceit,’ ‘Imperium Wolves,’ and ‘Fearmonger,’ 24-year-old Charn smacks down single strokes, bleeds double pedal profundity and generally rips the heads off your favorite Death Metal destroyers.” READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

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In related news, at the tail end of their Euro trek, JOB FOR A COWBOY will bring their audio annihilation to Russia, Ukraine and Belarus this October! In the meantime, the band is still ravaging stages across North America on the final days of the Summer Slaughter Tour. See remaining tour dates below.

JOB FOR A COWBOY – Summer Slaughter Festival 2012 w/ Cannibal Corpse, Between The Buried and Me, The Faceless, Periphery, Veil of Maya, Goatwhore, Exhumed, Cerebral Bore [remaining dates]

8/23/2012 Roseland Theater – Portland, OR
8

/24/2012 The Fillmore – San Francisco, CA

8/25/2012 The Grove – Anaheim, CA

JOB FOR A COWBOY w/ Between The Buried And Me, Periphery

08/27/2012 The rock – Tucson , AZ

08/29/2012 Diamond Ballroom – Oklahoma City, OK

08/30/2012 Remintons – Springfield, MI 

JOB FOR A COWBOY – Russia/Ukraine/Belarus Tour 2012 

10/16/2012 Bingo – Kiev, UA

10/17/2012 Re:Public – Minsk, BY

10/19/2012 A2 – Saint Petersburg, RU

10/20/2012 KKZ Moskva – Moscow, RU

10/22/2012 VARITE – Saratov, RU

10/23/2012 Zvezda Club – Samara, RU

10/25/2012 Premio – Nizhniy Novgorod, RU

Praise For Demonocracy:

“…an ass-kicking, skull-cracking record,” — Alternative Press

“…a very strong exercise in slickly-produced, technically sound death metal…” — Decibel,

“Demonocracy affords JOB FOR A COWBOY another album to legitimize their death metal sound, which was set forth starting with Ruination…Bringing in guitarist Tony Sannicandro and Cephalic Carnage bassist Nick Schendzielos translates to dynamics not heard on any JOB FOR A COWBOY album to date…” — About.com

“The album plays like a constant assault, and while never backing off it still manages to add enough structure for individual songs to become memorable… the soloing is surprisingly catchy and well-executed while still managing to sit well in the context of the songs.” — Ultimate-Guitar

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(Source: Earsplit PR)

For more info on JOB FOR A COWBOY, click on the links below!

http://www.metalblade.com/jobforacowboy

http://www.facebook.com/jobforacowboy

LONG LIVE JOB FOR A COWBOY.

Stone.

RETALIATORY MEASURES – Sign With Massacre Records; New Song ‘Pharynx’ Streaming Online!

Posted in Black Metal, Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal with tags , , , , , , on August 26, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

RETALIATORY MEASURES from Finland was founded in early 2009 by Kalle Hahtamo (Guitar), Pessi Haltsonen (Vocals) and Janne Halima (Guitar). Soon Iiro Aittokoski (Drums) and Teemu Heurlin (Bass) joined the band. Teemu left the band about a year later and was repleaced by Marko Mäkipanula.

They released their first demo in late 2009, which gained good feedback from the music media in Finland. A second promo CD entitled “MMX” followed a year later.

RETALIATORY MEASURES have been hitting the stages since the beginning of the band and played with bands such as Omnium Gatherum, Insomniumm, Rotten Sound or Napoleon Skullfukk.

Being asked about the lyrical themes of their songs, Iiro said in an interview with The Core Of Brutality: “(Our songs deal with) death, accepting death, tattoo artists and Mel Gibson.”

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Stone Says: WHOA! Take several listens below to Pharynx. Holy mother of Extreme Metal, does Retaliatory Measures crash, burn and tear the F’n place up with their totality of punishing sound! You will hear some melodic guitar parts/solos in-between the vicious vocals and rhythm section. Retaliatory Measures kicked my Metal lovin’ ass today. Holy Metal shit.

RETALIATORY MEASURES’ debut album Withdrawal Syndromes is going to be released on October 26, 2012 via Massacre Records!

RETALIATORY MEASURES:

Kalle Hahtamo – Guitar

Marko Mäkipanula – Bass

Iiro Aittokoski – Drums

Janne Halima – Guitar

Pessi Haltsonen – Vocals

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(Source: Massacre Records)

For more info on RETALIATORY MEASURES, click on the links below!

www.retaliatorymeasures.net

www.myspace.com/retaliatorymeasures

www.facebook.com/retaliatorymeasures

www.twitter.com/Retaliatoryband

For more info on MASSACRE RECORDS, click on link below!

http://www.massacre-records.com

LONG LIVE RETALIATORY MEASURES.

HAIL FINLAND METAL.

Stone.

MONSTERS RULE! Wanna See My 12 Creature Feature Trading Cards From 1973? They’re Really Cool…

Posted in Heavy Metal, horror movies, metal music, monster movies, monsters, movies, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , , on August 26, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

CREATURE FEATURE TRADING CARDS – Monsters rule. Monsters are Metal. Don’t believe me when I say Monsters are Metal? Just ask Rob Zombie, Glenn DanzigJerry Only, Wednesday 13, Skeletonwitch, Lizzy BordenOrange Goblin or the mega-legendary KISS, Iron Maiden, King Diamond and Alice Cooper if Monsters are Metal! Monsters are to Metal, what hops is to beer. They just go super swell together.

Back in 1973, Topps Chewing Gum released some very scary and very cool trading cards called Creature Feature. I remember vividly, watching Creature Feature on Saturday mornings with my sister. We both were psyched out of our minds to see the black and white film classics of: Frankenstein, The Bride Of Frankenstein, The Creature From The Black Lagoon, The Wolfman, The Hunchback Of Notre Dame, The Invisible Man and ALL the King Kong and Godzilla flicks too! Whoa!

Okay, I’ll throw in the original War Of The Worlds film from 1953 and The Blob from 1958 as being childhood favorites of ours as well. In my opinion, the special effects seen in any of these old-time Horror films deserves an applause! Hell, there were no computers back then to assist in any SFX, like we all know exists today.

Night Of The Living Dead – Original Movie Poster (No, I don’t own this poster… wish I did though).

If I had to name my favorite Horror film stars from the golden years of Hollywood, they would be (in no particular order): Vincent Price, Lon Chaney Sr., Lon Chaney Jr., Bela Lugosi and of course Boris Karloff. Horror film icons all. My favorite Horror film of all time? Why, it’s a tie. Here they are: The Phantom Of The Opera (1925 silent film) and George A. Romero’s Night Of The Living Dead from 1968.

I would share these cards with my sister and we would laugh at the corny jokes that are printed on the backsides of them. The “sayings” on the card fronts are a hoot as well! Here are 9 of my Creature Feature trading cards:

The Frankenstein card in the center reads: “Would Somebody Tell Me A Scary Story?”

Grand memories these Creature Feature cards produce for me. I so often wish my sister was still alive; I miss talking about ghosts, monsters and the paranormal with her. My sister was never at a loss for words when it came to these scary topics! My sister also had a small quantity of Creature Feature cards too. While growing up, we weren’t surrounded with money, therefore, building a complete set of Creature Feature was not even a thought to us.

Here are 3 more of my Creature Feature trading cards:

Here are the backsides of my Creature Feature cards:

On the back of card #93 (shown above) reads the joke:

“Why are you so surprised that I shot a werewolf last night in my pajamas?” 

“I didn’t think a werewolf could fit in your pajamas.”

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I’d like to give a BIG thank you to my Metal Buddy over at ATOTHEWR.COM for prompting me to write about and show off my Creature Feature cards. Please check out his very, very cool site! From movie reviews, books and music to running, you’ll be in for a surprise by stopping by there! Plus, I believe he’s a KISS fan too! Tell ’em Stone sent you. Now, to end with a quote from ATOTHEWAR:

“Metal And Monsters Be Thy Name”

LONG LIVE LEGENDARY MONSTERS.

Rest In Peace, Christine. I Miss You So Much.

Stone.

VIVIAN CAMPBELL – Happy Rockin’ Birthday! WHOA!

Posted in guitarists, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Music, rock guitarists, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on August 25, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Today, August 25th, is legendary guitarist Vivian Campbell’s birthday. Vivian turns 50 today while he is currently out on the Rock Of Ages tour with his fellow legendary bandmates known as DEF LEPPARDPoison and Lita Ford are sharing the stage with Def Leppard on this tour. So, without further ado…

HAPPY

ROCKIN’

BIRTHDAY

VIVIAN

CAMPBELL!

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(Photo courtesy of Frontiers Records)

For more info on VIVIAN CAMPBELL & DEF LEPPARD:

http://www.defleppard.com

LONG LIVE VIVIAN CAMPBELL.

LONG LIVE DEF LEPPARD.

Stone.

TESTAMENT – HITS TOP TEN of the World Sales Chart!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal, thrash metal bands with tags , , , , , , on August 25, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Bay Area Thrash Metal legends TESTAMENT, hit #9 on the world sales chart with a total of approximately 58,500 copies sold world-wide of their new album Dark Roots of Earth, in its first week of sales. This is a huge accomplishment for a Metal band, debuting on a chart that is currently being dominated by such pop artists as ADELE, JUSTIN BIEBER, LINKIN PARK, JENNIFER LOPEZ and MAROON 5.

TESTAMENT continues to dominate the US Billboard Top 200, coming in at #55 in its second week on the charts.

TESTAMENT recently scanned 20,720 copies of their new album Dark Roots of Earth in its first week of sales in the United States according to Nielson Soundscan. The album debuted at No. 12 on the US Billboard Top 200 chart, making it their highest first week sales since the inception of Soundscan. This also marks the highest first week sales for a Nuclear Blast artist yet.

Dark Roots of Earth First-Week Chart Positions Around the Globe:
#21 Austria Top 75
#62 Belgium Top 100
#86 Belgium Flanders
#40 Belgium Walloonia
#12 Canadian Top 200
#04 Germany Top 100
#04 Finland Top 50
#13 Ireland Top 20
#32 Netherlands Top 200
#10 Switzerland (CH)
#57 United Kingdom Top 200
#03 United Kingdom Indie Top 40
#03 United Kingdom Rock Top 40

Critics Rave:

“Numerical groupings be damned, perennial underdogs TESTAMENT are the best thrash band still standing.” – DECIBEL MAGAZINE (US)

“TESTAMENT maintain their hard-won reputation as the only one of the major ‘80s thrash bands who still haven’t released a crappy record.” – REVOLVER MAGAZINE (US)

“Those of us who consider ourselves TESTAMENT die-hards will probably die holding tightly to this album.” – BLABBERMOUTH.NET

“Hail and kill! Fuckin’ awesome!” – METAL HAMMER (UK)

“Polish the crown because 2012’s thrash kings have been crowned!” – TERRORIZER (UK)

“Heaviness and melody nearly perfectly balanced. Who ever doubted TESTAMENT would belong to the Big 4 should be convinced now!” – METAL HAMMER (GER)

Dark Roots of Earth was produced, mixed and mastered by acclaimed British producer Andy Sneap (ARCH ENEMY, NEVERMORE, ACCEPT, EXODUS). Special bonus tracks were recorded, mixed and mastered by Juan Urteaga (MACHINE HEAD, EXODUS, TED NUGENT, NIGHT RANGER) at his Trident Studios. Eliran Kantor, who has previously worked with ATHEIST, SIGH, ANACRUSIS and GWAR, among others, provided the cover artwork.

Get you digital copy at iTunes or order your physical copy HERE!

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(Source: Nuclear Blast)

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

http://www.testamentlegions.com

http://www.facebook.com/testament-legions

http://www.youtube.com/testamentofficial

http://www.twitter.com/testamentlegion

http://www.twitter.com/testamentband

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CONGRATULATIONS TESTAMENT!

METAL BE THY NAME!

LONG LIVE TESTAMENT.

JUDAS PRIEST ‘Screaming For Vengeance’ – Special 30th Anniversary Edition (CD/DVD) Releases September 4th, 2012

Posted in classic rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on August 25, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

JUDAS PRIEST – Back in July of 1982, the eighth studio album, Screaming For Vengeance, from Judas Priest was released. This album was an instant Metal classic. Now, in 2012, this album is iconic. On September 4th, Screaming For Vengeance – Special 30th Anniversary Edition (CD/DVD) will be released via Legacy.

I remember this album being released in ’82 like it was yesterday! I just cannot believe it’s been 30 years though. Screaming For Vengeance is exhibit #1 of what timeless Heavy Metal sounds like. Multi- Platinum and incredibly influential to the world of Metal. I knew back in ’82 that this album was sensational; little did I know that I would look upon it now with such immeasurable Metal reverence. Metal be thy name.

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The CD includes 6 bonus tracks, 4 of which are previously unreleased live tracks (Electric Eye, Riding On The Wind, Screaming For Vengeance and You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’), recorded live on September 10, 1982 in San Antonio, Texas on the Screaming For Vengeance Tour.

* Includes Judas Priest’s historic 1983 US Festival performance, available for the first time on DVD.

* Included are never before seen photos and new liner notes written by That Metal Show’s, Eddie Trunk.

Judas Priest, as they appeared on the original 1982 Screaming For Vengeance album:

Rob Halford – vocals

Glenn Tipton – guitar

K.K. Downing – guitar

Ian Hill – bass

Dave Holland – drums

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Back on July 28th, 2009, I wrote about how much this Screaming For Vengeance album means to me. You can read all about it, by clicking that cool link below!

Judas Priest “Screaming for Vengeance” Still Screams Metal Today

For more info on JUDAS PRIEST, click on the links below!

http://www.JudasPriest.com/

http://www.youtube.com/JudasPriest

LONG LIVE JUDAS PRIEST.

Stone.

INCANTATION – Comments On Recent Tour; Reveals New Album Title

Posted in Death Metal, death metal bands, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on August 24, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

After a successful trek through Brazil with IMMOLATION and European summer festival campaign, Death Metal pioneers INCANTATION are back in the U.S. to wrap up work on their long-awaited eighth album. The band had this to say about the tour:

Guitarist/vocalist John McEntee:I would like to thank everyone on behalf of INCANTATION for making this festival run our most successful to date. To get the opportunity to play for so many diehard death metal fans was absolutely amazing. We are especially thankful to all our supporters for giving us a warm welcome at all the festivals, you guys were amazing and totally raging every day. Most of all we would like to thank Sam Inzerra [Mortician / Funerus] for doing a phenomenal job filling in for Kyle  on drums. Without you this run would probably not be able to happen.”

Bassist Chuck Sherwood:To the hoards of thousands that littered the fests of this past run. Old friends and new, brothers whom we shared a stage, and the  unmatched support of the staff of each fest respectively. It’s my hope that our performance reflected the metal rage that you gave us, Hails!

Live footage of INCANTATION performing at Motocultor Festival 2012 in France is seen below!

In other news, the band has revealed that their forthcoming release will be a concept album entitled Vanquish In Vengeance. Expect a November release via Listenable Records.

McEntee comments: “The title track is about the massacre of Saxons in the town of Verdun in 782, called on by order of King Charlemagne. As an album title it has a different meaning to me. Vanquish in Vengeance symbolizes the long history of the band. We have fought many battles over the years to keep things going. We have always stayed true to our original vision and have never caved into trends. After a long wait between albums we are back with a vengeance with some of our darkest and heaviest material to date.”

INCANTATION:

Chuck Sherwood – Bass

Alex Bouks – Guitar

Kyle Severn – Drums

John McEntee – Guitar, Vocals

_________________________________________________________________

(Source: ClawHammer PR)

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

http://www.incantation.com

LONG LIVE INCANTATION.

Stone.

SATAN’S WRATH – Greek Satanic Blackened Thrash Outfit Summon Debut Album

Posted in Black Metal, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal with tags , , , , , , , on August 24, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

First Single, Cover Art and Track Listing Revealed

Now that the thousand-faced moon is risen SATAN’S WRATH is upon thee… Awakened by you, the legions of Satan and blessed by the forces of the archfiend, this abominable band delivers Satanic necrometal drenched in sacrificial blood. Relentless blasphemy, unholy sacraments of evil made by dwellers of the twilight, horrors that will make priests vomit in agony, abominations that the prophecies of old kept hidden!

The Greek Satanic Blackened Thrash outfit have just launched the first single from their upcoming new album Galloping Blasphemy. Head over to metalblade.com/satanswrath to stream “Between Belial And Satan” now. Pre-orders are also available and include CD, LP, as well as CD/LP and t-shirt bundles.

Formed in 2011 by multi-instrumentalist Tas Danazoglou (vocals, drums, bass) and Stamos K (guitars), SATAN’S WRATH deal in a style of heavy metal music which harkens to the times when the Death, Black and Thrash genres were all considered one in the same, and only leather, spikes and bullets were real!

The band’s debut release, Galloping Blasphemy, contains nine tracks of unholy terror and is to be released on September 25th in North America, and September 21/24th in Europe.

All Danazoglou had to say about the new album was:”REAL METAL! DEATH TO POSERS!”

_____________________________________

Galloping Blasphemy – Track Listing:

1. Leonard Rising – Night of the Whip

2. Between Belial and Satan

3. One Thousand Goats in Sodom

4. Hail Tritone, Hail Lucifer

5. Galloping Blasphemy

6 .Death Possessed

7. Death to Life

8. Slaves of the Inverted Cross

9. Satan’s Wrath

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(Source: Earsplit PR)

For more info on SATANS WRATH, click on the link below!

http://www.metalblade.com/satanswrath

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

UNHERZ – 3rd Studio Album ‘Die Wahrheit Liegt Dazwischen’ Releases Tomorrow! Track List Revealed…

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on August 23, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

UNHERZ are going to release their third studio album Die Wahrheit Liegt Dazwischen on August 24th via Massacre Records!

The album was produced by Gerhard Magin (Crematory, Totenmond, Catamenia et al.) and will contain 11 songs.

The complete track listing looks like this:

01. Schmerz, Neu Definiert

02. Mein Weg, Mein Wille, Mein Leben

03. Seite An Seite

04. Benzin

05. Paranoia

06. Dieser Traum

07. King Kongs Schwester

08. Jag Mich Zum Teufel

09. Nur Wenn Du Träume Hast

10. Leuchtfeuer

11. Alles Was Ich Will (Bonus Track)

You can already listen to UNHERZ’s upcoming album here: http://massacre.musiclogistics.net/releases/17075?lang=en

_________________________________________________________________

(Source: Massacre Records)

For related news on this UNHERZ album, click on link below!

UNHERZ – Reveal Album Artwork; 3rd Studio Album Releases August 24th, via Massacre Records!

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

http://www.unherz.de

http://www.massacre-records.com

LONG LIVE UNHERZ.

Stone.

An Open Letter To Dee Snider – August 23rd, 2012

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, politics, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on August 23, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Hello Dee, it’s Stone. I’ve read today that you requested Vice Presidential nominee, Paul Ryan, to stop using the (your) Twisted Sister song “We’re Not Gonna Take It”. I also understand you (obviously) don’t support Paul Ryan or the Republican party.

However, please understand Dee, that our beloved Heavy Metal community is unlike the mainstream Rock and Pop communities. I speak for all Metalheads when I say we are: unified. We have and always will be unified regardless of race, sex, (I would hope religion) or political party affiliation. Anyone who disagrees is not a true “Defender Of The Faith”.

Certainly, there’s nothing wrong with an honest and open discussion of politics, after all, you fought for our civil rights when it comes to freedom of speech, when you stood up to the PMRC. Political commentary, sex and drugs in lyrics are here to stay due to your heroics on Capitol Hill. However, no political group or Hollywood clique has ever supported you as loyally as your fans have; please don’t turn your back on a large group of us now.

Political nonsense shall never steer me away from a band or musician. It’s always been about the music for me. I’ve never let politics cloud my judgement with an album review or interview. Please remember there are conservative fans that have looked upon Twisted Sister’s songs for inspiration, going on four decades strong. I can guarantee that there are many conservative politicians who grew up as Twisted Sister fans. “I Am, (I’m Me)”.

Dee, you have been a leader and legendary contributor to the history of Heavy Metal. Please don’t forget your fans that may support Paul Ryan and the Republican Party; for these same fans have loyally supported you since day one.

Please Dee, don’t get caught up with “those other guys” that have made political statements as a part of their overall claim to fame. Here at Metal Odyssey, bands are supported regardless of what political party they are loyal to. “You Can’t Stop Rock ‘N’ Roll”. Please Dee, don’t get onboard with the political Hollywood celebrity mainstream. You’re too good for that. Metal be thy name.

_______________________________________________________

LONG LIVE DEE SNIDER.

Stone.

KING DIAMOND – Official Merch Store And Website Now Live!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , on August 23, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

King Diamond guest on upcoming episode of That Metal Show!

King Diamond fans, rejoice! Metal Blade Records has teamed up with the infamous master of Metal himself, KING DIAMOND, to unleash a brand new official website and line of official merchandise. KingDiamondCoven.com is the new go-to spot for all things KING DIAMOND and MERCYFUL FATE; there you will find all the latest news, videos, photos, tour dates, discography, and more! In the brand new official web store, items ranging from t-shirts, hoodies, gym shorts, and bootie shorts, to items like beanies, sweat cuffs, and backpacks are currently available for preorder with more items set to be added each month!

Designs will cover KING DIAMOND’s entire catalog, not just the Metal Blade releases, so be sure to head over to KingDiamondStore.com (European fans go HERE) to check out current designs available for preorder and be sure to check back every few weeks for new designs and exclusive items including limited items that once sold out, will not be made again.

Metal Blade Records’ team has been working tirelessly around the clock with the King himself to bring his devoted fans high quality and highly demanded merchandise; gone are the days of having to pay too much money for low quality bootlegged merch! All items are being made with the utmost care to design and quality, worthy of even the most devout fans celebrated collection.

In other KING DIAMOND news; King recently took a trip out to Southern California to be a guest on the 11th season of VH1 Classic’s “That Metal Show” with hosts Eddie Trunk, Jim Florentine, and Don Jamieson. Tune into VH1 Classic on Saturday, September 8 @ 11pm EST. Go HERE for all the latest news on “That Metal Show.”

http://www.kingdiamondcoven.com/

http://www.kingdiamondstore.com/

__________________________________________

For more info on Metal Blade Records, click on the links below!

http://www.metalblade.com/

http://www.facebook.com/metalbladerecords

http://twitter.com/MetalBlade

http://www.youtube.com/MetalBladeRecords

____________________________________________________________

(Source: Metal Blade Records)

LONG LIVE KING DIAMOND.

LONG LIVE METAL BLADE RECORDS.

Stone.

TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION’S ‘PEACEMAKER’ MAKES ITS MARK

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

Red Dirt Metal rockers Texas Hippie Coalition continue their string of success with the release of their incredible third studio album ‘Peacemaker’ (Carved Records). This week, the band made their highest Billboard debut at #4 on Billboard’s Heatseeker chart as well as #31 on Record Label Indie Current Albums and #20 on Current Hard Music Albums.

On the radio front, the band debuted at #15 on CMJ’s Loud Rock Chart and #39 on the Mediabase Active Rock Chart. So far, the band has garnered over 1,000 Media-base monitored spins reaching over 2.4 million listeners earning major-market airplay including WIIL/Chicago, WRIF/Detroit, KBPI/Denver and KUPD/Phoenix.

Meanwhile, THC is riding a swarm of rave reviews as critics embrace their most ambitious album to date. Loudwire exclaims they are “the bastard that spawned from a threesome between Monster Magnet, Willie Nelson and Pantera… What ‘Peacemaker’ does is takes that brand and elevates it to a more significant level. The band sounds tighter than ever, the guitar riffs are incredibly crushing to say the least and the lyrics are exactly what you’ve come to love and adore about this band.” About.com says “Peacemaker is furious witness to THC cranking through 11 tracks that declare what bad-ass outlaws they are…”

“Whether you want to call it “red dirt metal” [or]… “Southern fried Texas rock,” T.H.C. combines a little of everything for a rock/metal melting pot that garners fans from across the musical spectrum. – Metal Underground

Texas Hippie Coalition are currently on the road including a handful of dates opening for Lynyrd Skynyrd. Stay tuned for more tour dates.

________________________________________________________

To read Stone’s album review for Peacemaker, click on the link below!

TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION ‘PEACEMAKER’ – A Paramount Hard & Heavy Rock Album; One You Should Be Required To Own

_________________________________________________________________

(Source: Carved Records)

For more info on TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION, click on the links below!

http://www.thcoutlaw.com

http://www.twitter.com/thcofficial

http://www.youtube.com/thcofficial

LONG LIVE TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION.

Stone.

COHEED AND CAMBRIA – Reveal ‘THE AFTERMAN: ASCENSION’ Album Art; New Midwest Tour Dates Announced

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, metal music, Music, progressive metal, progressive rock, rock concerts, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on August 22, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

The album art (above) for the new COHEED AND CAMBRIA album, The Afterman:Ascension. The release date for this highly anticipated album is October 9th, 2012.

Today, COHEED AND CAMBRIA launched the pre-order of “The Afterman Limited Deluxe Box Set” for their new album, The Afterman: Ascension, available October 9th. It includes a 78 Page Book, 4 CD’s, VIP Tour Laminate, a Medallion & Certificate and a Documentary DVD.

Visit CoheedandCambria.com right now to pre-order!

_____________________________________________________

Take a look below at the NEW Midwest Tour Dates!

Pre-sale tickets for the mid-west dates below will be available Wednesday at 12pm CST/1pm EST HERE!

Oct 16: Cleveland, OH – House of Blues**

Oct 17: Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s**

Oct 18: Fort Wayne, IN – Piere’s**

Oct 20: Madison, WI – Majestic Theatre**

Oct 21: Sauget, IL – Pops Nightclub**

Oct 23: Oklahoma City, OK – Diamond Ballroom**

Oct 26: Springfield, MO – Gillioz Theatre **

Oct 27: Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works**

* w/ 3

** w/ 3 and Deerhunter

__________________________________________________________________

(Source: COHEED AND CAMBRIA)

For more info on COHEED AND CAMBRIA, click on the links below!

http://www.coheedandcambria.com

http://www.twitter.com/coheed

LONG LIVE COHEED AND CAMBRIA.

Stone.

TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION ‘PEACEMAKER’ – A Paramount Hard & Heavy Rock Album; One You Should Be Required To Own

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

TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION – Everybody get your hands up, I said reach for the sky! Why? Cause Big Dad Ritch says so… that’s why. When Big Dad Ritch aka The King Of Texas sings with his powerful lungs, I’m listening. You better believe it. The album featured here is Peacemaker and the band of outlaws who created it are famously known as Texas Hippie Coalition aka THC. Best you remember that, my Hard Rock and Metal brethren. Best you all do.

Released on Carved Records on August 14th, Peacemaker is without question in my Metal mind, a paramount Hard Rock album. If I could dictate Metal Marshall Law (and that would be very cool) I would make it a requirement that all of the worldwide Hard Rockin’ populace buy and play loud: Peacemaker. That’s it and there would be no F’n way around it either. Big Dad Ritch and his band have added that extra boost of Heavy Rockin’ Texan juju into this sophomore album of theirs and it’s an F’n thrill to experience.

THC is as American as homemade beer. Screw that apple pie crap. THC blends Southern Hard Rock with a classic Hard Rock nod, while brandishing plenty of Heavy Metal aptitude and this band summons the roots of their own Rock and Country Rock influence. THC exemplifies how this genre should be played and delivered into your ears, veins and Rock ‘N Roll soul. If the Southern Hard Rock torch has been handed down, then THC is the band that took such torch with patriotic and Rockin’ pride. I personally couldn’t think of a better band to lead the Southern Hard & Heavy Rock charge for our future generations.

Take a listen and look below to the Turn It Up music video and… TURN IT UP!

From Hands Up to Turn It Up, the level of Hard Rock authority is so stunning that it’s an F’n dreamland of kicking the shit out of your worries, anxieties and fears combined. You will feel personal power from listening to Peacemaker. You don’t need to read any epic Tony Robbins book to get personal power anymore; cause THC will administer it through Peacemaker. Go ahead, tell Tony that Stone said that too.

From Wicked to the title track, the uncompromising heaviness of THC continues to reign. With guitar muscle supplied by Wes Wallace, the leads, rhythm, riffs and mini-solos will leave you begging for mercy… as you continue to hit the replay button. John Exall (bass) and Timmy Braun (drums) provide more heavy Texas thunder than a raging coastal storm heading straight for Corpus Christi. Crash, boom, bang and I’m not fibbing about a damn thang.

Where Big Dad Ritch ignites this album (non-stop) with his prolific vocals; he also brings Peacemaker to a surprisingly softer and momentous closing as he sings… a ballad. With piano keys as an intro, the stage is set for Think Of Me to be that song to make all the gals cry. Man, Big Dad Ritch can croon (still) he sings verses in Think Of Me with his trademark branding iron vocals. Wes Wallace lays down the (Arena Rock style) licks on guitar, while John and Timmy keep the heavy beats raining down on this mid-tempo (heavy) ballad.

Don’t pass up on Peacemaker. This album is just too entertaining and too damn energized with all grand things about Heavy Rock ‘N Roll! THC is a band to reckon with in our Heavy Rock world. It’s like I say to everyone who cares to listen: You either join THC or get the hell out of their way, cause Big Dad Ritch and his band are here to stay. Metal be thy name.

TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION:

Big Dad Ritch – Vocals

John Exall – Bass Guitar

Wes Wallace – Guitar

Timmy Braun – Drums

PEACEMAKER – Track Listing:

Hands Up

Damn You To Hell

8 Seconds

Outlaw

Turn It Up

Wicked

Don’t Come Lookin’

Sex & Drugs & Rock And Roll

Paw Paw Hill

Peacemaker

Think Of Me

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

http://www.thcoutlaw.com

http://www.twitter.com/thcofficial

http://www.youtube.com/thcofficial

LONG LIVE TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION.

Stone.