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MEAT LOAF “Bat Out Of Hell” – A 1977 Rock Classic That’s An Ageless Wonder

MEAT LOAF – I don’t know why I do this. Do what you ask? Why do I think about when I first heard a particular song or album. What age was I? What year was it? How did this song or album affect me then, compared to now. Then, I begin to realize just how important, on a personal level, a respective song or album has been to me throughout my life. I’ve written about many songs and albums like this. I’m amazed as to how many songs and albums there are, that I hold so tremendously tight to my heart… and soul. Step in please, Meat Loaf… Bat Out Of Hell.

When I first heard that Classic Rock Ballad “of all ballads” – Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad, it was definitely on the radio. As I look back on this tiny portion of my life now, owning the Bat Out Of Hell album then was not important to me. As a young lad… it was all about this song and having it on a 45 rpm, to play it anytime I wanted. Trust me, I eventually owned Bat Out Of Hell on vinyl and later CD. I just could not see my music collection complete without it. Then again, when is my music collection ever complete?

Paradise By The Dashboard Light and You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night) were the next two songs I discovered from this prolific album. Yes, I felt spellbound by these Meat Loaf songs, hearing them on the radio back then made me feel like I was “getting older” and I could maybe get a chick and fall in love. These three songs had me maturing in my Rock Music listening habits, without my never knowing it at the time.

Metal truth be told, You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night) still gives me ostrich bumps up and down my arms and face, to this very day. The louder I play this song, the greater the emotional impact it has on me. (Not every song in the world is like that). Jim Steinman was, is and forever shall be a songwriting genius. The combination of Jim Steinman’s soul grabbing writing and Meat Loaf’s soul stirring vocals were a match made in Rock ‘N’ Roll Heaven… for me anyways… and I’m certain I’m not alone in this Metal thought too.

I’m not going to get into “factual numbers and certification” here, however, Bat Out Of Hell is one of the greatest selling Rock albums of all-time. I can understand why. It seems as if this album never loses it’s relevance for me. The songs on Bat Out Of Hell can be lyrically accepted today as they were in those late ’70’s… there really is nothing corn-dog about these song’s themes. As for the Rock Music as a whole, what other album out there today can drop some teary-eyed ballads in the midst of such Rockin’ cool songs and still come across as not selling out with bubble gum? It’s difficult to do.

All Revved Up With No Place To Go is the oft overlooked “hit” from this Meat Loaf album. It registers definitively with all Rock ‘N’ Roll glory. Only Meat Loaf can give this song it’s roller coaster emotion that it fosters. Meat Loaf surely showcased his theatrical Rock vocals on this song… and many other of his songs without a doubt. The title track, Bat Out Of Hell, can be stamped as epic for both it’s length and layering. This is a song that arguably best exemplifies what 1970’s Rock was all about. Bat Out Of Hell was that song on an album that was never meant to become FM friendly due to it’s length, a song meant for the fan of that generation… the astute Rock enthusiast that wanted more than the Bay City Rollers.

For an album of seven songs, Bat Out Of Hell did something that many studio albums of ten, twelve or more songs doesn’t… providing no filler songs. As for the musicians behind Meat Loaf on Bat Out Of Hell, well, all I can say is quality creates quality. Todd Rundgren on guitar, Edgar Winter on saxophone… not too shabby.

My advice to those who never have listened to this tremendous album of Rock is simple: go out and buy it. Listen to it. Take it in. Then, realize, that this is what Rock Music song writing is all about. Afterwards, you shall know as to why the genre of Classic Rock exists in the first place. Meat Loaf, Jim Steinman and Bat Out Of Hell are just three of the reasons… that gave Classic Rock it’s name. Bat Out Of Hell, a Rock Classic… an ageless wonder.

Original Track Listing For Bat Out Of Hell:

Bat Out Of Hell

You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night)

Heaven Can Wait

All Revved Up With No Place To Go

Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad

Paradise By The Dashboard Light

For Crying Out Loud

* Reissued Bonus Tracks:

Great Boleros Of Fire (Live Intro)

Bat Out Of Hell (Live)

* All songs on Bat Out Of Hell were written by Jim Steinman.

* The late, Hall Of Fame Baseball legend, Phil “Scooter” Rizzuto, from my beloved New York Yankees, is credited with the “spoken word” for the play-by-play during Paradise By The Dashboard Light.

* Bat Out Of Hell was originally released in October of 1977, on Epic Records.

LONG LIVE MEAT LOAF & JIM STEINMAN.

Rest In Peace, Phil Rizzuto.

Stone.

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Donovan McNabb: Metal Odyssey Has Your Back!

Posted in football, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, sports with tags can do it song, donovan mcnabb, donovan mcnabb theme song, football, gambling with the devil album, heavy metal musci, helloween, metal odyssey, national football league, news, nfl, sports news, washington redskins on November 7, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

Donovan McNabb – I’m getting pretty sick and tired lately of the trash talking that is directed at Donovan McNabb, quarterback for the Washington Redskins. Yes, I’m a devoted life-long fan of the New York Giants. Still, Donovan McNabb has and still is an opposing quarterback that I have feared and respected when he takes the field against the G-Men. Donovan McNabb’s lifetime statistics should tell anyone, he can… play.

As for Superbowl Championships… how many has Andy Reid, (coach of the Philadelphia Eagles), won? How about former Eagles wide receivers Terrell Owens or Freddie Mitchell? The answer is… “ZERO”. Um, that’s once again… ZERO. So, before all of these NON Superbowl winners make their comments directed at Donovan McNabb… they should all take a long look at their very own NON Superbowl winning careers themselves.

As for current Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan, he does have two Superbowl rings from his days with the Denver Broncos. However, he was also surrounded by a formidable group of NFL players during his tenure with the Broncos… and John Elway and Terrell Davis were players that don’t come around that often on draft day.

I never measured an NFL athlete by how many Superbowl rings they have won and earned. Dan Marino and Fran Tarkenton are two perfect examples as to why I can’t consider a Superbowl Championship the mark of an “ultimate” NFL player. Trent Dilfer won a Superbowl, (XXXV), as quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens… and he is NO Dan Marino. Even though my beloved New York Giants have won”3″ Superbowls… I never take for granted a champion, nor do I look down upon a Giants team that hasn’t won either.

So, Donovan, just look at the Philadelphia Eagles this season. It’s the same old status quo there. Win a game, lose a game, while coach Andy Reid never accepts responsibility or blame for a loss or NON Superbowl winning franchise. Donovan, your very fortunate to be out of that Eagles “environment”, regardless if it is with the Redskins. Just know that this is one NFL fan who actually sees and calls it… “the way it is”. You don’t have to prove anything to this NFL fan, Donovan. I’ve seen you play your whole career and you can hold your head up high… while the “cry babies” of the NFL continue to make themselves look like the spoiled and over paid whiners they truly are.

So, due to this being Metal Odyssey, I found it appropriate to dedicate a song, a Heavy Metal song, to Donovan McNabb. Helloween – Can Do It. This amazing song is from Helloween’s 2007 album – Gambling With The Devil. This song is extremely inspirational and makes me feel so damned good. Let this song be the “theme” for the rest of Donovan McNabb’s NFL career! Metal be thy name.

LONG LIVE DONOVAN MCNABB.

LONG LIVE HELLOWEEN.

Stone.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Track Listing For relentless:

Overture

Critical Mass

Shot Across The Bow

Look At You Now

Relentless

Enemy Within

Knight Of The Vasa Order

Caged Animal

Into Valhalla

Tide Of Desire

Adagio B Flat Minor Variation

Axe To Grind

Blinded

Cross To Bear

Arpeggios From Hell

LONG LIVE YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN.

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

Stone.

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

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

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

EYEHATEGOD Winter Tour 2010 w/ Phobia:

11/30/2010 Bottletree – Birmingham, A

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EYEHATEGOD – myspace music

EYEHATEGOD:

Mike IX Williams – vocals

Jimmy Bower – guitar

Brian Patton – guitar

Gary Mader – bass

Joey LaCaze – drums

GO GET ‘EM EYEHATEGOD!

Stone.

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

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal, thrash metal music with tags heavy metal music, housecore records, krush the enemy album review, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, thrash metal albums 2010, thrash metal bands, thrash metal music, warbeast on November 4, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

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

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

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

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

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

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

WARBEAST – myspace music

WARBEAST – Official Website

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

WARBEAST:

Bruce Corbitt – vocals

Rick Perry – guitar

Scott Shelby – guitar

Alan Bovee – bass

Joe Gonzalez – drums

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

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

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

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

Track Listing For Krush The Enemy:

Krush The Enemy

Unleashed

Self Will Run Riot

The Plague At Hand

Born With A Blackened Heart

Scorched Earth Policy

Guardian Angel

The Controller

Stalker

We Are The Vultures

LONG LIVE WARBEAST.

LONG LIVE HOUSECORE RECORDS.

Stone.

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BLACK SABBATH “Live Evil” – Some Metal Reflections On This 1982 Live Classic…

Posted in classic rock, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags 1980's heavy metal bands, Black Sabbath, black sabbath live evil, hard rock music, heavy metal music, live evil album, live heavy metal albums, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music on November 3, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

BLACK SABBATH – Released back in December of 1982, on Warner Bros. Records, Live Evil was the first “official” live Black Sabbath album. (Live At Last was released around 1980 and was not sanctioned by Black Sabbath. I picked up Live At Last on CD years ago, ditching my cassette version, sometime in the early 90’s). When Live Evil hit the store shelves, (which was a Caldor department store for me), it was like knowing something special was waiting for my ears… this was Black Sabbath with Ronnie James Dio and it was live.

The double gatefold album jacket was something else for my eyes all those years ago. So many of the songs characters, from the Black Sabbath catalog, finally came to life, on one album cover. I remember adhering to this Black Sabbath lineup, with Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Vinny Appice as being almost sinister, yet so alluring, due to the dark themes heard on the Heaven And Hell and the Mob Rules albums.

There was this extra special mystique happening with this Live Evil album… as it came across to me, upon my first few listens to this album. I still feel this way to this day. Live Evil seemed to emit a certain Metal mystique that only the Heaven And Hell and Mob Rules albums bestowed before it. As Best Metal Buddy Scott Coverdale and I have discussed over the years, this Live Evil album just seems to ignite with atmospheric waves of mysticity. At least we both know what each other means, in describing this overwhelming vibe that comes across to both our senses.

Since the first time I listened to Live Evil until this very day, the atmosphere of sound that this live album projects makes me feel like I am actually there, witnessing this Black Sabbath lineup jamming out their songs. No, I don’t feel as if I’m front row and center stage either… it’s as if I’m hovering around the outskirts of the crowd, all the while taking in each moment these songs provide. I envision a really dark arena that Black Sabbath performs in too. This may sound crazy to some, only it’s just the way I hear this Live Evil album, especially when I close my eyes and drift off to this highly underrated, live Metal classic.

I no longer have the double vinyl of Live Evil, the double CD I received as a gift from Scott Coverdale, some years ago. Sometimes it’s not all about reviewing an album based on “the standard formula”. There are those times, where I want to reveal just how an album affects me or reacts to me, on a personal level. Live Evil just makes me realize I’m listening to real Metal again… as the songs play, my mind then wanders off to those days of yesteryear, of waiting to catch my ride to a keg party in the woods… as I stand outside in the cold New England snow.

Long Live The Metal Mystique Of Black Sabbath… and Live Evil.

Stone.

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DIO “At Donington UK: Live 1983 & 1987” Releases November 9, 2010!

Posted in classic rock, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal music, live rock music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags dio, dio at donington uk live cd, hard rock music, heavy metal albums 2010, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, live heavy metal albums, metal odyssey, Music, rock music news, ronnie james dio on November 1, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

DIO – The late, ultra great and infinitely legendary Ronnie James Dio will be celebrated once again, on DIO – At Donington UK: Live 1983 & 1987. This double live CD, power packed with 25 songs, will be released on November 9th, 2010. This extremely cool DIO double CD will be released on Niji Entertainment Group.

By looking at the track listing, (see below), there is an excellent mix of DIO, Rainbow and Black Sabbath songs on this double live CD! I can no longer pick my favorite band that Ronnie James Dio had fronted… I love each one to the fullest. Each band that Ronnie sang for had their unique style, sound and character… that can never be duplicated. Yes, this DIO release I will be purchasing without a hiccup of uncertainty. Metal be thy name.

* 1983 = DIO – Holy Diver Tour and 1987 = DIO – Dream Evil Tour.

Front Cover:

Back Cover:

Track Listing For DIO – At Donington UK: Live 1983 & 1987:

Disc 1 (1983):

Stand Up And Shout

Straight Through The Heart

Children Of The Sea

Rainbow In The Dark

Holy Diver

Drum Solo

Stargazer

Guitar Solo

Heaven And Hell

Man On The Silver Mountain

Starstruck

Man On The Silver Mountain (Reprise)

Disc 2 (1987):

Dream Evil

Neon Knights

Naked In The Rain

Rock And Roll Children

Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll

The Last In Line

Children Of The Sea

Holy Diver

Heaven And Hell

Man On The Silver Mountain

All The Fools Sailed Away

The Last In Line (Reprise)

Rainbow In The Dark

LONG LIVE THE MUSIC OF RONNIE JAMES DIO.

REST IN PEACE, RONNIE JAMES DIO.

Stone.

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METAL MASSACRE XIII – 2006 Compilation Of Metal Is All About Extreme!

Posted in extreme music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock album reviews, rock music with tags Death Metal, extreme metal music, heavy metal music, metal blade records, metal massacre 2006, metal massacre albums, metal music, metal music history, metal odyssey, Music on October 29, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

METAL MASSACRE – Released on June 13, 2006, Metal Blade Records continued their excellent Metal tradition of delivering a heavy dose of their best signed bands that their label has to offer, with another ear blistering installment to their historic Metal Massacre series – Metal Massacre XII. There are 19 songs on Metal Massacre XIII and that = Metal value. From Bolt Thrower to The Absence, this compilation of Extreme Metal bands never subsides with unmistakable intensity.

Here is a brief and summarized history of the Metal Massacre album series: In 1982, Brian Slagel, the founder and owner of Metal Blade Records, put together and released a compilation of unsigned and underground Metal bands… that first compilation album being aptly titled – Metal Massacre. Onward through the ’80’s and ’90’s, another eleven Metal Massacre compilation albums were released through Metal Blade Records. Back in 1995, Metal Massacre XII was released on Metal Blade Records and was tentatively the last in this incredible series of Metal compilation albums… until eleven years later, in 2006, when Metal Massacre XIII was released!

Admittedly, over the decades and throughout this entire series of Metal Massacre albums, I have been exposed to Metal bands that I was not too familiar with. This still held true with Metal Massacre XIII, with The Absence, The Ocean, Cellador, The Black Dahlia Murder, Gaza and Demiricous being bands that I have pursued with my ears, due to their being featured here. Metal exposure is a good thing… Metal be thy name.

The first band heard on this compilation is Cellador, with Leaving All Behind. Cellador is a Power Metal band from Nebraska… and they are as potently heavy as they are melodic. Leaving All Behind is built around guitar speed that is reminiscent of ’80’s Speed Metal. I’m hoping Cellador carry’s on their Power Metal ways… just an above decent band they are. The Black Dahlia Murder brings on the Extreme with Miasma and it is as punishing as any song they have ever made. Brutal stuff is Miasma… I dig it tremendously.

Six Feet Under is unleashed with Shadow Of The Reaper and it is a Death Metal delight. It’s all about the grooves man… the Death Metal grooves of Six Feet Under! Chris Barnes on vocals ferociously delivers, per usual. The Absence has become a big favorite of mine and From Your Grave is Melodic Death Metal at it’s very finest. A real fine listen on this Metal Massacre album is God Dethroned smashing it down with Sigma Enigma. This song I found to be instantly memorable for it’s hell bent consistency.

Amon Amarth and their song The Pursuit Of Vikings is my favorite song on MMIII. Melodic as all hell, Amon Amarth is a giant of a band. Melodic Death Metal can put me into one super great mood and Amon Amarth never disappoints me. The riffs kick some serious ass on this song, while everything just seems to come together perfectly. Amon Amarth can play my backyard barbecue next Summer… if they liked to. And The Hero Fails definitely provides one meaty dose of Metal Extremity with His Imperial Victory, the same can be said for Gaza with Cult… holy crap I’m telling you all, these two bands are Heeeaaavvvy and Exxxttrreeeeme. ‘Nuff said about that.

You can find Metal Massacre XIII just about anywhere CD’s are sold (online that is). I was able to get my “new” copy a few years back pretty cheap… (around $5 U.S.). Since the inception of Metal Blade Records Metal Massacre I, this is a Metal series well worth diving into with thine ears. Metal Massacre XIII is again, a tremendous value for the money. Plus, you are getting introduced to a bevy of very cool and dynamite Metal bands that your maybe unfamiliar with. I highly recommend, with Metal might, this Metal Massacre XIII to any fan of Metal worldwide… and to all alien Metalheads in outer space too.

* The ultra legendary Metallica were featured on 1982’s Metal Massacre… with their Thrash Classic – Hit The Lights.

Track Listing For Metal Massacre XIII:

Cellador – Leaving All Behind

The Black Dahlia Murder – Miasma

Six Feet Under – Shadow Of The Reaper

Torture Killer – Swarm!

Demiricous – Vagrant Idol

3 – Alien Angel

Bolt Thrower – The Killchain

Into The Moat – Dead Before I Stray

The Red Chord – Fixation On Plastics

Fragments Of Unbecoming – Sterling Black Icon

Paths Of Possession – Bleed The Meek

The Absence – From Your Grave

God Dethroned – Sigma Enigma

Amon Amarth – The Pursuit Of Vikings

Machinemade God – Kiss Me Now Kill Me Later

The Ocean – One With The Ocean

And The Hero Falls – His Imperial Victory

Gaza – Cult

End It All – Echo Of Cries

HAPPY HALLOWEEN WEEKEND, METALHEADS!

LONG LIVE METAL.

LONG LIVE METAL BLADE RECORDS.

Stone.

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MANOWAR “The Dawn Of Battle” – EP From 2002 Revisited

Posted in Album Review, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags 1980's heavy metal bands, dawn of battle cd single, heavy metal albums, heavy metal music, heavy metal songs, manowar, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, rock music on October 27, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

MANOWAR – Over the decades, when it comes to my favorite bands, the collector “bug” will always kick in whenever I come across CD singles, EP’s, picture discs, 7″ vinyl, etc. that have been released with their music. Manowar released The Dawn Of Battle EP or as it is also called, enhanced CD single, back in 2002 on Nuclear Blast. Magic Circle Music, (founded by Manowar’s co-founding member and bass guitarist, Joey DeMaio), is also the co-label.

There are three songs, (The Dawn Of Battle, I Believe and Call To Arms) and CD-ROM bonus material on The Dawn Of Battle. My favorite out of the three songs is Call To Arms, it just thunders along with classic Manowar Heavy Metal power. There is nothing better than a heavy duty, psyche-out, Heavy Metal anthem to invigorate my Metal senses. Call To Arms supplies an ample dose of psyche-out splendor for me, with Eric Adams pronouncing each syllable of this song’s lyrics with a victorious Metal cockiness that he is so damn great at.

I Believe is a song straight from the Manowar text book of personal power, strength and victory. The tempo is dictated by the rhythm section of Joey DeMaio on bass and Scott Columbus on drums. The sheer power that the Heavy Metal stomp of Manowar provides on I Believe, is enough to make my home stereo speakers shudder at their mountings. Hail Manowar Heavy Metal!

The Dawn Of Battle is without a doubt, the fastest and Heaviest of the three songs heard on this EP. Eric Adams comes across with more vindictiveness on this song vocally, than on the other two songs. He does the near-spoken word at the mid-point of The Dawn Of Battle, which is characteristic. Manowar has a fabulous way of making their breakdowns feel awe inspiring. Guitarist Karl Logan is his excellent self on all three songs, providing plenty of melodic leads and ground shifting riffs.

Oh yeah… how about this cover artwork for The Dawn Of Battle… damn, it’s brutally intense stuff! It’s MANOWAR. I make no apologies for digging it myself… Metal be thy name.

* Call To Arms is also found on the 2002 studio album from Manowar – Warriors Of The World. I Believe and The Dawn Of Battle are found on Warriors Of The World “Gold Edition” as bonus tracks.

This CD/EP also includes some very cool bonus material. There is a documentary, that lasts about 6 minutes or so, that features some behind the scenes footage of Manowar’s “Ringfest” performance from August of 2002. It has the sound engineer for Manowar, Jeff Hair, talking about how his responsibility to take care of the “live” sound details. The stage/equipment/instrument tech for Manowar who goes by the name of Dawk, also talks about how everything you see on a Manowar stage is “real” and put together by him. Dawk also states that Manowar plays at “7000 rms watts of power”… whoa, that’s power! It is mentioned that Dawk has been with Manowar since the early 80’s… since the beginning of Manowar. Jan Freitag, Manowar’s production manager, speaks on this documentary as well… only he speaks in a different language that sounds European to me, maybe German?

There are snippets of “live” footage showing Manowar performing at this 2002 “Ringfest”, showing Joey DeMaio (bass guitarist) taunting the police that supposedly were called to shut down Manowar from performing… due to the “live” music being played too loud. It’s funny stuff to watch, as Joey DeMaio drops a bucket load of “F” bombs on the evening’s developments. Needless to say, this “Ringfest” performance by Manowar was not shut down by anybody.

* A promotional trailer for the Manowar “Fire & Blood” DVD is also on this EP. It goes by rather quickly, lasting just over a minute or so. Still, it’s fun to have this stuff added to this EP… in my Metal opinion.

* The “live production lighting animation” segment of the bonus material lasts no more than 30 seconds. It shows still photos of the different stage lighting and setups that Manowar used during their tours. It’s nothing to jump up and down about due to it being “still” photos changing over, nonetheless it is interesting to look at.

It was fun to dig this Manowar CD/EP out and slap it into the computer to watch these bonus material segments, even if the running time on them was short. I definitely recommend this Dawn Of Battle EP to all Manowar fans… and Heavy Metal fans worldwide.

HAIL MANOWAR!

Track Listing For Dawn Of Battle:

The Dawn Of Battle

I Believe

Call To Arms

* For more info on MANOWAR, click here: MANOWAR – Official Website

LONG LIVE MANOWAR.

Stone.

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CRADLE OF FILTH – “Darkly, Darkly, Venus Aversa” Releases November 9, 2010 In North America!

Posted in black metal music, extreme metal music, gothic metal, Hard Rock, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags black metal music, british metal bands, cradle of filth, dani filth, darkly darkly venus aversa album, extreme metal music, gothic metal music, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, horror metal, metal album 2010, metal music, metal odyssey, new metal album releases, political races 2010, politics, rock music, rock music news on October 25, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

CRADLE OF FILTH – As 2010 is drawing towards a close, the new Metal releases just keep on coming! On Novermber 9, 2010, Cradle Of Filth’s ninth studio album – Darkly, Darkly, Venus Aversa will be released, on Nuclear Blast USA for North America. Dani Filth and his band have returned… and from what I’m hearing, this Cradle Of Filth album is the fastest and heaviest yet! November shall be quite the “filthy” month for Metal once this Cradle Of Filth album hits the street. Did you get it? “Filthy”… Cradle Of “Filth”? Man, my corn-dog side is coming out again.

You can bet your last Metal dollar I’ll be buying this new Cradle Of Filth album… especially after I’ve had to endure looking at thousands of political campaign commercials while I’m trying to watch my nightly ghost hunting and paranormal reality shows on television. It feels like my Metal world has been invaded by all of these lying, slimy and backdoor dealing politicians, each time their overpriced commercial hits the t.v. screen.

I’m voting… you better believe it, it’s an American privilege that I shall never take for granted. It’s just that these phony politicians aren’t gonna “sway” my vote just because they are name calling and throwing stones at each other every night on television… like a bunch of preschoolers in a playground. I’m into facts and the pursuit of happiness… not mud slinging.

I don’t mean to get off track here… my Metal point is: I’m thankful that Metal exists, that bands like Cradle Of Filth exists, to keep my attention away from the political garbage that network news and politicians try to feed society on a daily basis. Long live Metal and Cradle Of Filth. Metal be thy name.

I’ve listened to Lilith Immaculate several times already… this is a strong epic song to savor on Darkly, Darkly, Venus Aversa. Atmospheric and layered in all of it’s eerily dark richness, with speed and heaviness not taking a back seat. Dani Filth is as vocally Extreme as ever, with Black Metal fire resonating from his every syllable. Extreme, Gothic and Black Metal fans will find plenty to embrace from this fantastic song. If the rest of Darkly, Darkly, Venus Aversa is like this… whoa.

Metal has never messed up a society… politicians have.

Track Listing For Darkly, Darkly, Venus Aversa:

The Cult Of Venus Aversa

One Foul Step From The Abyss

The Nun With The Astral Habit

Retreat Of The Sacred Heart

The Persecution Song

Deceiving Eyes

Lilith Immaculate

The Spawn Of Love And War

Harlot On A Pedestal

Forgive Me Father (I Have Sinned)

Beyond Eleventh Hour

Cradle Of Filth, as they appear on Darkly, Darkly, Venus Aversa:

Dani Filth – lead vocals

Paul Allender – lead guitar

James Mcllory – rhythm guitar

Ashley Ellyllon – keyboards, backing vocals

Dave Pybus – bass

Martin Skaroupka – drums

* For more info on Cradle Of Filth, click on the link below:

CRADLE OF FILTH – Official Website

Metal Reigns Supreme.

Stone.

2 Comments »

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

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags 1990's heavy metal bands, 2010 metal music, gwar, gwar bloody pit of horrors album, heavy metal albums 2010, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, horror metal, late night with jimmy fallon, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, oderus urungus, rock music, rock music news, shock rock, thrash metal music on October 24, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

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

GWAR:

Oderus Urungus – vocals

Balsac the Jaws of Death – guitar

Jizmak Da Gusha – drums

Beefcake The Mighty – bass

Flattus Maximus – guitar

Track Listing For – Bloody Pit Of Horror:

Zombies, March

Come the Carnivore

A Gathering of Ghouls

Storm is Coming

Tick-Tits

Beat You To Death

You are my Meat

Hail, Genocide!

KZ Necromancer

The Litany of the Slain

Sick and Twisted

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

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

GWAR – Official Cyber-Fortress!

GWAR – myspace music

I LIVE FOR METAL.

Stone.

2 Comments »

DENIAL FIEND “They Rise” – Horror Metal With Bludgeoning Grooves From 2007

Posted in Death Metal, death metal music, extreme metal music, extreme music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, horror metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags death, Death Metal, death metal bands, denial fiend, denial fiend they rise album, down by law, Extreme Metal, heavy metal music, horror metal, lowbrow, mantas, massacre, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, nasty savage, pseudo heroes, six feet under, they rise album review on October 21, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

DENIAL FIEND – They Rise, released back on October 16, 2007, on Ibex Moon Records, is as perfect a recommendation for your Horror Metal listening pleasure this Halloween season as any. The Death Metal growls, groans, gurgles and screaming are intertwined so fantastically with the sounds of spurting blood and vomiting, on this exceptionally horrific album. Listening to They Rise actually spooks me out more than watching any Exorcist sequel. (The original Exorcist movie was and always will be scary-bad-ass for me).

Denial Fiend, (calling Valrico, Florida their home base), takes the Horror Metal/Death Metal combination to the maximum and they don’t allow a millisecond for you to catch your breath or check your pulse. Maybe you can try to do this between songs, only I don’t recommend it, just kick back and enjoy the bludgeoning drumming, chugging and riffing while the Death Metal grooves pummel you senseless. This veteran “supergroup” of Extreme Horror and Death Metal, should hopefully realize they have made an album that is sure to be a cult favorite for dark ages to come. Metal be thy name, They Rise kicks some serious Horror Metal ass.

Which song on They Rise is my Metal favorite you query? It’s a no brainer… Return To The Tombs Of The Cursed Blind Dead, of course. Just the song title alone is a winner in my Metal book. I actually find myself singing along to this Extreme and groove saturated, Horror Metal gem. The chorus that belts out this song title leaves me in Metal awe, in that it just sounds so damn good to thine ears. Flesheater is no slouch song either. Heavy, fast and brutally Heavy again is Flesheater, what more can I say?

There is a hint of Horror Punk within the framework of Denial Fiend’s Death Metal assault. Gang vocal chanting with a nod to vintage Misfits is common amongst this album, with Flesheater, The Day Of The Undead and They Rise as examples. Blazing guitar leads are abundant, with Cover Me In Blood having plenty of them. The guitar solo that is heard in Cover Me In Blood is the stuff of Old School Death Metal-take it or leave it carnage. Ripped Inside Out is just freaking scary. Metal be thy name. “I Ripped You Inside Out”! Whoa. Plus, as an Extreme bonus, the sounds of gore does rear it’s heinous head within this song too. Whoa again.

The same appalling and nightmarish subject matter that box office Slasher films boast are on They Rise… the only difference being the lack of any macabre and grotesque “visual” effects. Who cares about visual effects anyways, when you can listen to Denial Fiend. In all Metal honesty, I’d rather listen to They Rise than watch a bunch of actors in a Slasher film… (I do get squeamish at gross visual effects sometimes). Listening to Horror Metal and Death Metal is an acquired taste I have developed over many years, I just don’t understand why I still have to watch a Friday The 13th sequel with one eye closed… go figure.

Frankenstein Conquers The World is a whirlwind of Horror Metal… fun. (Gasp), did I just use the word “fun” in reviewing They Rise? I sure did and the lyrics to Frankenstein Conquers The World are to blame. It’s a great song that’s built on a full-scale blitz of Death Metal grooves, resulting in an instantly memorable listen for me. Let The Blood Flow starts off with a chain saw revving up… then the nightmare from hell begins and that’s a Horror/Death Metal compliment. Whoa, this song is F’n heavy, I really don’t know any other way to describe it. I can’t get all academic on reviewing Denial Fiend’s They Rise album… I don’t think this band would want it that way either.

The Day Of The Undead puts the bloody lid on They Rise, with plenty of saluting to the living dead happening. Good stuff. “It’s the day of the undead, it’s the end of everything”… good stuff again. As this song comes to a close, an eerie warning of “the dead coming back to life” and the precautionary measures that should be taken is heard, from a news broadcasters concerned voice… a creepy vibe spills all over the place as I listen to it. An undisputed creepy vibe at that. This song could and should be included on a major motion picture soundtrack for a Living Dead sequel. There, I’ve made my Horror Metal appeal to Hollywood.

In the end, Denial Fiend does accomplish two things: 1. their songs lyrics do send shivers up and down my Metal spine and 2. they play some very damn good Horror/Death Metal with unrelenting and Extreme Heaviness. Extreme, Horror and Death Metal fans should be able to wrap their ears around Denial Fiend and their 2007 album They Rise without a wince. Old School Hardcore and Thrash Metal fans are invited to check out Denial Fiend’s They Rise as well… there’s plenty of speed and heaviness to go around. Happy Halloween… all you ghoulish Metalheads!

DENIAL FIEND as they appeared on They Rise:

Kam Lee – vocals

Terry Butler – bass

Sam Williams – guitar

Curtis Beeson – drums

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

DENIAL FIEND – myspace music

Track Listing For They Rise:

They Rise

Return To The Tombs Of The Cursed Blind Dead

Flesheater

Cover Me In Blood

Ripped Inside Out

L.O.D.

Son Of The Creature From The Black Lagoon

Frankenstein Conquers The World

Let The Blood Flow

Children Shouldn’t Play With Deadthings

The Day Of The Undead

Long Live Denial Fiend and Horror Metal.

Stone.

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DARKEST HOUR – Announce 15 Year Anniversary 2011 European Tour!

Posted in concerts, extreme metal music, extreme music, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags born of osiris, darkest hour, darkest hour american tour 2010, darkest hour european tour 2011, darkest hour legacy tour 2010, extreme metal music, heavy metal music, metal concerts 2010, metal concerts 2011, metal music, metal music news, metal odyssey, metal tours 2010, metal tours 2011, protest the hero, purified in blood, rock music news on October 18, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

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

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

http://www.darkesthour.cc

2011 European Tour Dates:

1/26/11 – Germany Stuttgart @ Röhre

1/27/11 – Holland Nijmegen @ Doornroosje

1/28/11 – UK Manchester @ Club Academy

1/29/11 – UK Nottingham @ Rock City

1/30/11 – UK London @ Garage

1/31/11 – Belgium Antwerpen @ Trix

2/01/11 – Germany Berlin @ Magnet

2/02/11 – Germany Aschaffenburg @ Colos Saal

2/03/11 – Germany Hamburg @ Knust

2/04/11 – Germany Leipzig @ Conne Island

2/05/11 – Germany München @ Feierwerk

2/06/11 – Hungary Budapest @ Dürer Kert

2/07/11 – Austria Vienna @ Arena

2/08/11 – Italy Bologna @ Sottotetto Club

2/09/11 – Italy Rome @ Init Club

2/10/11 – Switzerland @ Aarau Kiff

2/11/11 – Germany Trier @ Exhaus

2/12/11 – Germany Köln @ Essigfabrik

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

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

DARKEST HOUR:

John Henry – vocals

Mike Schleibaum – guitar

Mike Carrigan – guitar

Ryan Parrish – drums

Paul Burnette – bass

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

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

**U.S. and Canada LEGACY TOUR 2010:**

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

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

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

11/15/10 – Quebec City, QC @ Dagobert

11/16/10 – Montreal, QC @ Tulipe

11/17/10 – Toronto, ON @ Mod Club

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

11/19/10 – Cleveland, OH @ Peabody’s

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

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

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

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

11/24/10 – Las Vegas, NV @ Area 702

11/26/10 – San Diego, CA @ Soma

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

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

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

11/30/10 – Mesa, AZ @ Nile Theatre

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

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

12/03/10 – Austin, TX @ Emo’s

12/04/10 – Dallas, TX @ Trees

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

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

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

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

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

12/11/10 – Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar

12/12/10 – Richmond, VA @ Hat Factory

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

LONG LIVE DARKEST HOUR.

Stone.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Metal Be Thy Name.

Stone.

20 Comments »

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

Posted in concerts, hard rock music, hardcore bands, hardcore metal music, hardcore punk rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags 98kupd arizona's real rock, big red night of the dead, connecticut metal bands, hardcore bands, hardcore metal, hardcore punk rock, hatebreed, hatebreed asia tour dates 2010, hatebreed tour dates 2010, hatebreed uk tour dates 2010, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, jamey jasta, metal music, metal odyssey, metalcore, Music, rock music news, stillborn fest 2010 on October 15, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10/31/10 – KHS Auditorium Taipei – TAIWAN

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

11/04/10 – Scape – SINGAPORE

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

11/08/10 – Club Quattro Tokyo – JAPAN

11/10/10 – Bottom Line Nagoya – JAPAN

11/11/10 – Club Quattro Osaka – JAPAN

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

HATEBREED – UK TOUR DATES:

12/06/10 – Bristol @ The Fleece – UK

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

12/08/10 – Glasgow @ Garage – UK

12/09/10 – Sheffield @ Corporation – UK

2/10/10 – Birmingham @ Academy 2 – UK

12/11/10 – Stoke @ Sugarmill – UK

12/13/10 – Leeds @ Cockpit – UK

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

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

12/16/10 – London @ Garage – UK

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

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

HATEBREED – myspace music

HATEBREED – Official Website

HATEBREED – Since 1994 and still HARDCORE!

LONG LIVE HATEBREED & HARDCORE METAL!

Stone.

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

Posted in hard rock albums, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, heavy metal songs, metal music, metal odyssey, metalcore bands, metalcore music, Music, rock music, rock music news, rock music reviews with tags ... for we are many album review, adam dutkiewicz, all that remains, heavy metal albums 2010, heavy metal music, jeanne sagan, metal music, metal odyssey, metalcore, metalcore albums 2010, metalcore bands, Music, new england metal bands, oli herbert, philip labonte, rock album reviews, rock music, rock music news, rock music reviews on October 14, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ALL THAT REMAINS – myspace music

ALL THAT REMAINS:

Philip Labonte – vocals

Oli Herbert – lead guitar

Mike Martin – guitar

Jeanne Sagan – bass

Jason Costa – drums

… For We Are Many – Track Listing:

Now Let Them Tremble

For We Are Many

The Last Time

Some Of The People, All Of The Time

Won’t Go Quietly

Aggressive Opposition

From The Outside

Dead Wrong

Faithless

Hold On

Keepers Of Fellow Man

The Waiting One

LONG LIVE ALL THAT REMAINS.

Stone.

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SAMMY HAGAR – HAPPY BIRTHDAY FROM METAL ODYSSEY!

Posted in celebrity birthdays, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags celebrity birthdays, chickenfoot, hard rock music, heavy metal albums, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, hsas, hsas through the fire album, metal odyssey, montrose, Music, rock 'n' roll birthdays, rock and roll, rock music, rock music birthdays, rock music legends, rock music news, sammy hagar, standing hampton album, the red rocker, van halen on October 13, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

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

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

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

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

MONTROSE (1973-1975)

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

SAMMY HAGAR (Solo)

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

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

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

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

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

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

LONG LIVE SAMMY HAGAR!

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

RED ROCKER.com

SAMMY HAGAR = GOOD TIMES!

Stone.

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IRON MAIDEN “The Number Of The Beast” – Metal Excellence From 1982 Is Never Forgotten

Posted in hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal songs, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, new wave of british heavy metal, progressive metal music, rock music, rock music news with tags 1980's heavy metal albums, Black Sabbath, bruce dickinson, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, Iron Maiden, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, new wave of british heavy metal, nwobhm, progressive metal music, rock music, sabbath bloody sabbath album, steve harris bass guitarist, the number of the beast album on October 11, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

IRON MAIDEN – Just the album cover art with Eddie descending upon the devil is Metal excellence. Derek Riggs was the real deal in creating Iron Maiden album covers… no one else comes even close in my Metal opinion. Getting past the album cover art from The Number Of The Beast and diving into the songs is like a parallel journey of the Metal senses. This is an album, where the cover art represents the songs heard within to brilliant perfection. Invaders, The Number Of The Beast, Run To The Hills, Hallowed Be Thy Name and Children Of The Damned are songs that I can listen to and instantly have this album cover art imbedded in my minds eye. Every song on this ultra-incredible Iron Maiden album does this to me for argument sakes.

This album cover art for The Number Of The Beast has never lost it’s awestruck affect on me, nor have the songs. I toil away, within my own thoughts, as to which album is the “greatest” Heavy Metal album ever… almost on a daily basis. I chose the Black Sabbath classic, Sabbath Bloody Sabbath from 1973, some years ago and have stuck to it since, as being the “greatest” Heavy Metal album ever. Of course this is a “personal” choice of mine and it may change one day… so is the life of being a devout Metalhead, I guess. What gets at me though, is every time I listen to The Number Of The Beast, I feel as this album can very well be considered “the greatest” Heavy Metal album ever. Metal be thy name.

I have always looked upon the first six Iron Maiden albums as being my personal favorites. Convict me of being “Old School”… only I’m not crying in any damned beer about it. God forbid If I remember which albums are the true “classics” of the Heavy Metal genre. To embrace Iron Maiden’s The Final Frontier as the way it “should be” and totally disregard the true essence of this legendary band’s Metal identity of style and sound would make me a phony fan. The Number Of The Beast is an unforgettable Heavy Metal album for me, due to it’s dark themes and 100% dark sound, feel and vibe. The Final Frontier is a new album from Iron Maiden, while The Number Of The Beast is a pulsating highlight of this bands career.

The Number Of The Beast would be the last studio album that has Clive Burr sitting behind the drums. Yes, Iron Maiden did have another drummer… and he was pretty damn good too. Clive Burr was the drummer on the first two Iron Maiden albums as well: Iron Maiden and Killers. This album is also the first that showcases the uncannily soaring vocals of Bruce Dickinson. I look upon The Number Of The Beast as one of the keys that unlocked the door to Metal for me, introducing me to a darker side of Metal when it came to lyrics, as well as the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal – (NWOBHM).

The Number Of The Beast was released back in March of 1982, while Screaming For Vengeance by Judas Priest was released in July of the same year. Suffice to say, I realized quickly that these British Heavy Metal Bands were very serious about their Metal back then… and still are. The mood that The Number Of The Beast radiates is untouchable by any other band, a mood so unique that it seems to zero in on my sub-conscious and touches off a feeling of eerie psyche-outness.

Hallowed Be Thy Name is my favorite song on this album, very haunting and desolate are the lyrics. Waiting for your time to die by hanging is as depressingly creepy as you can get with lyrics, only Iron Maiden makes this song seem almost inspiring through it’s melodic Metal… thanks to Dave Murray and Adrian Smith on guitars. Steve Harris on bass even makes the rhythmic melody escalate on this classic Metal song.

On these earlier Iron Maiden albums, especially The Number Of The Beast, the sound coming from Steve Harris’s bass is unlike anything I had ever heard before, almost like Steve Harris was a lead guitarist playing bass. Steve Harris brought to my attention as a young lad, that the bass guitar was just as magical as the guitar to my Metal sponges otherwise known as ears. The atmosphere that Steve Harris created with his bass along with Dave and Adrian’s duo guitars throughout the songs on The Number Of The Beast is what gives this album and band their Metal trademark, in my Metal opinion.

Even as a young lad, I never interpreted Iron Maiden to be a Satanic band due to this or any album they created before it. I was into Creature Feature on Saturday mornings and I never thought of Boris Karloff, Béla Lugosi or Lon Chaney Sr. or Jr. to be Satanists either. I’ve always left the Satanic finger pointing to the self-righteous Phd’s and scholars, that try to tell the human race how to live. Metal be thy name.

Any band of any Rock genre can tweak or change their entire approach, in how they want to sound or write music. The one constant that can never change is which album or albums that any respective band created that are considered to be measuring sticks of a particular Metal era… and looked upon as classics. The Number Of The Beast is one such classic, from an era when Heavy Metal was not just being molded into form, Heavy Metal was breathing a new found life into a generation of fans that are undisputedly loyal to this very moment. I’m one of them… and The Number Of The Beast shall continue to breathe it’s tantalizing, Old School and macabre teetering spell on me till the end of days.

This is one Iron Maiden album I still have the vinyl copy of… still in unreal great condition too. I without question, upgraded this classic to CD years ago as well. No, I don’t have a cassette version, yet if I find one I’d probably buy it, just to play in my good ‘ol Ford Taurus. The Number Of The Beast has become, over the decades, not just a required album to own if you are a Metalhead… this Iron Maiden album could easily be described as an absolute and necessary appendage to thine Metal senses. This is my Metal opinion, so let it be Metal written, so let it be Metal done.

* For more info on IRON MAIDEN, just click this link: IRON MAIDEN

IRON MAIDEN as they appeared on The Number Of The Beast:

Bruce Dickinson – lead vocals

Steve Harris – bass

Dave Murray – guitar

Adrian Smith – guitar

Clive Burr – drums

Original 1982 Track Listing For The Number Of The Beast:

Invaders

Children Of The Damned

The Prisoner

22 Acacia Avenue

The Number Of The Beast

Run To The Hills

Gangland

Hallowed Be Thy Name

* On May 9, 2009, I posted why I feel Black Sabbath – Sabbath Bloody Sabbath is the “Greatest Heavy Metal Album of All Time”. Just click the large header below to read it… if you like.

The greatest Heavy Metal album of all time is…

* On December 6, 2009, I posted about my antique store find… the picture disc of IRON MAIDEN – Run To The Hills. The B side is the song – Total Eclipse, which did not appear on The Number Of The Beast in 1982. Total Eclipse later appeared on the 1995 CD reissue of The Number Of The Beast. You can read more about this fantastic picture disc I found, with photos of it, by clicking the oversized header below:

IRON MAIDEN “RUN TO THE HILLS” PICTURE DISC – AN ANTIQUE STORE FIND!

LONG LIVE IRON MAIDEN.

Stone.

2 Comments »

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

Posted in hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, Power Metal, power metal bands, power metal music, rock music, rock music news with tags german power metal bands, grave digger, grave digger highland farewell song, hard rock music, heavy metal albums 2010, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music, heavy metal songs 2010, heavy metal videos, highland farewell music video, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, power metal albums 2010, power metal bands, rock music news, speed metal music, the clans will rise again album on October 9, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

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

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

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

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

GRAVE DIGGER:

Chris Boltendahl – vocals

Axel Ritt – guitars

Jens Becker – bass

Stefan Arnold – drums

Hans Peter Katzenburg – piano & keys

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

GRAVE DIGGER CLAN.com

GRAVE DIGGER – myspace music

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

Track Listing For The Clans Will Rise Again:

Days Of Revenge

Paid In Blood

Hammer Of The Scots

Highland Farewell

The Clans Will Rise Again

Rebels

Valley Of Tears

Execution

Whom The Gods Love

Spider

The Piper McLeod

Coming Home

When Rain Turns To Blood

Watch Me Die (Bonus Track)

LONG LIVE GRAVE DIGGER!

Stone.

1 Comment »

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

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, power metal albums, power metal bands, power metal music, rock music, rock music news with tags 1980's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal bands, andi deris, heavy metal albums 2010, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, helloween, helloween 7 sinners, metal music, metal odyssey, michael weikath, Music, Power Metal, power metal albums, power metal bands, rock music news on October 7, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

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

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

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

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

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

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

HELLOWEEN – Official Website

HELLOWEEN

Track Listing For HELLOWEEN – 7 Sinners:

Where The Sinners Go

Are You Metal?

Who Is Mr. Madman?

Raise The Noise

World Of Fantasy

Long Live The King

The Smile Of The Sun

You Stupid Mankind

If A Mountain Could Talk

The Sage, The Fool, The Sinner

My Sacrifice

Not Yet Today

Far In The Future

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

LONG LIVE HELLOWEEN!

Stone.

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

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