metal music | Metal Odyssey > Heavy Metal Music Blog

Archive for the metal music Category

HEAVY METAL FLASHBACK: MONSTERS OF ROCK, U.K. 1980, CONCERT POSTER!

Here is a Heavy Metal blast from the past! Man, I wish I attended this Heavy Metal festival! This vintage poster promoted the inaugural Monsters Of Rock festival at Castle Donington Raceway, Derbyshire, U.K., August 16, 1980. I was a freshman in High School back in 1980, plus I did not live in the U.K. either. Regardless, this is as fine a lineup of Heavy Metal bands that you could possibly ask for… going back to 1980. Rainbow headlining, with Graham Bonnet on lead vocals! Obviously, the Down To Earth Tour for Rainbow. Judas Priest, whoa, they were supporting their now ultra classic – British Steel album. Scorpions… wow… their Animal Magnetism album was already in the hands of fans when this festival took place. April Wine was out there supporting their Harder… Faster album, classic. Just how much praise can be said for Saxon? Tons! Saxon was out there, sandwiched in between supporting their Wheels Of Steel album, (released in May 1980) and their upcoming album – Strong Arm Of The Law, (released in October 1980).

Riot was out there supporting their Narita album, (an October 1979 release), while their Fire Down Under album was on the Metal horizon for a February, 1981 release. Touch was a relative newcomer, a melodic Rock/Hard Rock Band, they have the distinction of being the first band to open for this Castle Donington, U.K., Monsters Of Rock Festival. Touch was supporting their debut album, aptly titled… Touch. Neal Kaye I really do not know much about… maybe someone out there does? Drop a comment if you do, it would be Metal welcomed and appreciated.

This is without a Metal doubt, a vintage Heavy Metal concert poster I would love to own, an original printing would be preferred by me too. Aw, heck, I wouldn’t mind owning a reprint as well. I just really get into researching this stuff… it is Heavy Metal History, Rock History. Reading about and reflecting upon Heavy Metal History makes for a strong and great Metal mind. It is these concerts, festivals and the Heavy Metal Bands from yesteryear that played them… that make up the building blocks of what Heavy Metal is today… in 2010. Heavy Metal as we all know it today, would not be the same, without these legendary bands that played this historic Monsters Of Rock festival, back in 1980.

Judas Priest, Scorpions and Saxon are still Heavy Metal powerhouses… ’nuff said about their incredible legacies to Heavy Metal. Rainbow, despite not having a long standing band lineup or lead singer, is nonetheless as important as any Heavy Metal/Hard Rock band from their generation. Every Rainbow band lineup, will forever hold a special place in my Metal heart. From Ronnie James Dio fronted Rainbow to Doogie White at the mic, Rainbow… Rocks. Riot and April Wine may not have received the commercial acclaim of the other bands I have mentioned, regardless, they both are very important contributors to the historical development of Heavy Metal Music… in my Metal opinion.

LONG LIVE HEAVY METAL!

2 Comments »

KROKUS – NEW ALBUM “HOODOO” RELEASES ON FEBRUARY 26, 2010!

Posted in 1970's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1990's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal music, Album Review, classic heavy metal, collecting heavy metal albums, cool album covers, current heavy metal bands, hard rock music, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal bands 2010, heavy metal from switzerland, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2010, metal music, metal odyssey, Metal Reviews, Music, new heavy metal music, old school heavy metal, old school heavy metal bands with tags 1970's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1990's heavy metal bands, chris von rohr bass guitarist, current heavy metal bands, fernando von arb guitarist, freddy steady drummer, hard rock music 2010, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 2010, heavy metal bands 2010, heavy metal from switzerland, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2010, krokus, krokus 2010, krokus heavy metal band, krokus hellraiser album, krokus hoodoo album, krokus rock the block album, marc storace vocalist, mark kohler guitarist, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal on January 1, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

Here is an album from a Heavy Metal heavy weight that I am counting down the days for… Hoodoo from KROKUS! Yes, my fellow Metalheads, Krokus. The Heavy Metal legends from Solothurn, Switzerland, are releasing Hoodoo to the Metal masses on February 26, 2010! It appears that the Metal year 2010 is going to kick into maximum Heavy Metal gear, once this album is unveiled. I will be making every Metal effort to purchase this new Krokus album on it’s release date. Metal source for the February 26, 2010 release date is: KROKUS – Official Website

My Metal anticipation is high for Hoodoo, I am looking forward to some Old School Heavy Metal meets 2010 heaviness. The memories of basking in the Heavy Metal sound of Krokus, back in the early to mid 1980’s, will never fade away for this Krokus fan.Upon my first listen to Metal Rendez-vous, all those years ago, with Headhunter solidifying my Krokus allegiance and The Blitz and Change Of Address strengthening my loyalty to this band, I am Metal smitten Krokus is back with their classic lineup. Sure, Krokus took a commercial route in the mid-late ’80’s… only it was damn good for my Metal ears. Rock The Block from 2003 and Hellraiser from 2006 reminded the planet that Krokus was not just lurking in the Metal woods… they made two back to back Metal legit studio albums. (You can check out my review for Hellraiser by clicking here: KROKUS – HELLRAISER – my review for Rock The Block is a click away on the header directly below:

KROKUS – “ROCK THE BLOCK” Has Rocked My Heavy Metal World

KROKUS IS HEAVY METAL… THE PAST IS BACK TO KICK OUR ASS!

KROKUS IS:

Marc Storace – vocals

Chris Von Rohr – bass

Fernando Von Arb – lead guitar

Mark Kohler – Rhythm Guitar

Freddy Steady – Drums

Leave a comment »

W.A.S.P. “THE HEADLESS CHILDREN” 1989 PICTURE DISC IS FOR KEEPS!

I bought this W.A.S.P. – The Headless Children picture disc way back in 1989, I don’t remember the actual month, all I remember is being completely thrilled by this W.A.S.P. album. I initially bought The Headless Children on cassette… I still have it too… in super duper mint condition. I’ve mentioned in past posts, that I am fortunate by keeping some of my Heavy Metal picture discs from the 1980’s. I really am psyched that I did keep this W.A.S.P. picture disc, especially since W.A.S.P. has never ceased with Heavy Metal output over the years. Add the fact that W.A.S.P. is in my top 5 of favorite lifetime bands and that about says it all. Now that I have immersed myself so deeply into the 2009 release from W.A.S.P. – Babylon, I find myself wanting to collect more offbeat and collectible W.A.S.P. stuff. Time, patience and greenbacks are all key, in striving to achieve any collection that I so crave. I will stumble upon some W.A.S.P. stuff in 2010… and when I do, I will blab away about it right here on Metal Odyssey, you betcha.

Metal Odyssey Note: I just cannot wait to hit up the flea markets and thrift stores in 2010… Metal Music hunting will be turned up a notch this coming year, I vow to make the finds a Metal reality, at low end prices to boot! All of the discarded and unloved Metal memorabilia out there, shall be saved upon my finds! (That felt so tremendously great, to get that out of my system).

Uh, yeah, back to this unreal great picture disc. Blackie Lawless started to get a bit more serious with his song lyrics and themes on The Headless Children, the proof is in the listening and/or reading of these lyrics. My Metal buddy Scott agrees with me on that statement… I think he is the one who actually stated it to me! Blackie Lawless either wrote or co-wrote every song on this album, with the exception of The Real Me, (which was written by Pete Townshend – guitarist/vocalist for the ultra legendary The Who). The Heretic (The Lost Child) and Thunderhead are two songs on this album that Blackie Lawless co-wrote with lead guitarist Chris Holmes. The Headless Children and The Real Me are my two favorite songs on this album. Let me just say that every song on The Headless Children is Old School – wrecking ball – Heavy Metal. No one Metalhead out there can do wrong by buying this album, Metal truth be spoken… it is a must own. In my Metal opinion, I consider The Headless Children to be a very strong W.A.S.P. album, the foundation for the great run of albums Blackie Lawless delivered in the 1990’s. The Headless Children picture disc I have owned for so long, well, it IS a keeper.

The front cover/side A of this picture disc, has the original front cover album artwork, (see image below). On the B side of this picture disc are the complete lyrics to the songs, printed right onto the vinyl. The thick plastic sleeve that this picture disc has been safely stored in, for over 20 years, also came with a cardboard backing insert too… it has a black & white photo of Blackie Lawless with Chris Holmes to his left and Johnny Rod to his right. The cardboard backing – cover photo is right here… look below:

W.A.S.P. as they appeared on The Headless Children:

Blackie Lawless – lead vocals & guitar

Chris Holmes – lead guitar

Johnny Rod – bass guitar & vocals

Frankie Banali – drums

** Lita Ford – provides backing vocals on Thunderhead

The complete track listing, for the original 1989 album release and picture disc of The Headless Children:

Side One:

The Heretic (The Lost Child)

The Real Me

The Headless Children

Thunderhead

Side Two:

Mean Man

The Neutron Bomber

Mephisto Waltz

Forever Free

Maneater

Rebel In The F.D.G.

* A Metal Note: Maneater is NOT the Hall & Oates song, NOT! Ugh.

Release date for The Headless Children original album: April 15, 1989

Release date for The Headless Children picture disc: Sometime in 1989

Record Label: Capitol Records

The Headless Children picture disc code, (whatever that is, it’s on it anyways): ESTPD 2087

Here is what The Headless Children picture disc looks like, front/A side:

If you look really closely at the artwork on The Headless Children, there are quite a few real life bad dudes on the cover. How many can you identify?

14 Comments »

METAL ODYSSEY LOOKS BACK ON HEAVY METAL 2009… AND SOME AWARDS!

Posted in best heavy metal albums 2009, best of album lists, best of heavy metal albums, cool album covers, current heavy metal albums, current heavy metal bands, current heavy metal music, current thrash metal bands, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 2009, heavy metal awards, heavy metal bands, heavy metal favorites, heavy metal history, heavy metal magazines, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2009, heavy metal record companies, heavy metal records, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal vocalists, live heavy metal albums, metal music, metal music albums, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, old school heavy metal bands, power metal albums, rock music, scary album covers, shopping for heavy metal, spooky album covers, thrash metal music with tags 2009 album awards, 2009 heavy metal awards, austrian death machine double brutal album, best heavy metal album cover 2009, heavy metal album awards, heavy metal album covers 2009, heavy metal albums 2009, heavy metal music 2009, heavy metal song of the year 2009, Iron Maiden, iron maiden flight 666 album, Judas Priest, judas priest a touch of evil live, live heavy metal albums 2009, metal music 2009, metal odyssey, metal odyssey heavy metal awards, metal odyssey heavy metal awards 2009, most fun heavy metal album 2009, Music, the best of heavy metal 2009, top live heavy metal albums 2009, worst heavy metal album 2009 on December 29, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

Phew. My two “Top” album lists are done and posted, (Top Ten Hard Rock Albums of 2009 and Top 25 Heavy Metal Albums of 2009). Christmas has arrived and left quicker than an odorless fart. The hustle and bustle has subsided and I am awaiting for the huge snow storm that may or may not hit the Northeast Coast of the United States, (a New Years Eve storm no less). As I kick back and reflect on this past year, I am thankful for being alive to enjoy music – period. I’m also thankful for my incredible wife and twin daughters, all three support my love for Heavy Metal and Extreme Music… they really support me. I said goodbye to my beyond amazing and loving mother this year… she was called to Heaven. I’m sure she probably is watching Buddy Holly, Elvis and Ricky Nelson, live in concert… up in the clouds. I’m thankful for my father who once again, proved to me he is a fighter and survivor. My best Metal buddy Scott has hooked me up all year long to lots o’ great Metal Music, both Old School and new… keep ’em coming buddy! Yeah!

REMEMBER… BE TRUE TO METAL AND METAL WILL BE TRUE TO YOU.

I also want to give a Metal thank you to Century Media Records, a.k.a., CM Distro.com – this is one damn incredible record company… the most vast selection of Metal albums – both vinyl and CD to choose from, along with a vast array of Metal memorabilia too. As a bonus, they are professional, generous, speedy and fair to do business with… something that has been missing in the business world for too long now.

A very special thanks goes out to my neighborhood f.y.e., the gals there not only are courteous, friendly and are conversationalists… they know the music they are selling too. (A very uncommon situation to find in 2009). The South Mall f.y.e. rules.

O.k., with all of that off of my chest… here are some more Metal Odyssey lists and/or awards, that need to be thrown out to the world to digest. Hope you enjoy this stuff called Heavy Metal as much as I do…

THE MOST FUN HEAVY METAL ALBUM OF 2009… THAT’S RIGHT… FUN!

AUSTRIAN DEATH MACHINE – DOUBLE BRUTAL

You bet I bought this double CD of Austrian Death Machine! Hey, I like to have some fun with life, why not with Heavy Metal too? Plus, as a bonus, the Heavy Metal brutality on this album is a great combo of Death Metal meets Thrash Metal with Ahhnold butting in throughout. Tim Lambesis, (lead vocalist of As I Lay Dying), is the Metal brainchild behind this Austrian Death Machine project, handling song writing, vocals, guitar, bass and drums. Tim Lambesis does have musical assistance on this album, he names Mark MacDonald as being key in the lead guitar department. Many other special guests appear here as well, (too numerous to mention… they are all listed in the liner notes though). In a Metal nutshell, the songs are yeah… heavy and chug right along at a ferocious pace, just the way I like it. Still, it is Ahhnold that brings the humor and I see nothing wrong with me giving off a freakish smile and chuckle, as I bang my head, each time I listen to Double Brutal.

TOP THREE LIVE HEAVY METAL ALBUMS OF 2009

It just appears to me, that live Heavy Metal albums are not as abundant as studio Heavy Metal albums. Throw in the fact that I did not throw myself into a stack of live CD’s to listen to in 2009 as well, therefore, I list just three:

#1 – IRON MAIDEN FLIGHT 666

Iron Maiden is big. No, Iron Maiden is legend. No, Iron Maiden is everything about Metal Music that I could ever wish for… and they released a dog gone, unreal great, live Heavy Metal album with Flight 666. I’ve said this before… this live album won’t topple over the Iron Maiden classic, Live After Death, yet it did topple over all other live Heavy Metal albums in 2009 – in my Metal opinion. On June 11, 2009, I posted my Metal appreciation for this live, double disc gem… the header link below will bring you to it:

IRON MAIDEN “FLIGHT 666″ is now boarding Metalheads!

#2 – JUDAS PRIEST – A TOUCH OF EVIL LIVE

Whoa. Whoa again. Judas Priest gave me a solid reminder that they are still lurking about in the Metal world… with A Touch Of Evil Live. This is Old School Metal with an exclamation point. No, make that one hundred exclamation points. This is a very good Judas Priest album to own… forever. You can look over my review that I posted on A Touch Of Evil Live, recently on December 22, 2009… it’s only a click away on the header below:

JUDAS PRIEST – “A TOUCH OF EVIL LIVE” 2009 ALBUM IS LIVE AND LEGENDARY PRIEST

#3 – EDGUY – F***ING WITH FIRE LIVE

Power Metal = EDGUY. Tobias Sammet and his band gave me a Metal listen, into their World Tour of 2006-2008. This is a highly energized and turn up the adrenaline – Heavy Metal album to listen to… again and again. And again. Sure, Tobias Sammet likes to talk on this live album, only he can walk the Metal walk too. Just a good time Power Metal experience… for me. Yup, I did a review on this one too… on September 27, 2009, I, ahem, applauded EDGUY for releasing this live album. It’s all there on the header link below:

EDGUY – “F***ING WITH FIRE LIVE” GETS MY HEAVY METAL APPLAUSE

BEST HEAVY METAL SONG OF 2009!

MARILYN MANSON – ARMA-GODD**N-MOTHERF**KIN-GEDDON

Yes Virginia, there is a Marilyn Manson… and he created one helluva Heavy Metal album in 2009 titled: High End Of Low. Furthermore, Marilyn Manson created, in my Metal opinion, the very best Heavy Metal song of 2009 – and it’s on this album… the song is:

Arma-godd**n-motherf**kin-geddon

Metal truth be told, the title of this song backs up the music – and vice versa. This song is super-filled with all of the rage and fiery pissed off attitude that Marilyn Manson can muster… and it also rocks so hard with it’s dark and doom glory, that I get both psyched out and scared straight simultaneously, with each listen. Lyrically speaking, Marilyn Manson has made his Metal point with this song.

HEAVY METAL ALBUM COVER OF THE YEAR – 2009! YEAH!

RUMPELSTILTSKIN GRINDER – LIVING FOR DEATH, DESTROYING THE REST

Um, yes, this is the Heavy Metal Album Cover of the Year – 2009. I mean, look at it! There is a terrible, ungodly and pissed off cyclops from hell on this cover! This angry and hell born cyclops is destroying everything in it’s doomed path! Nothing can stop this monstrosity! Not even the Creature From The Black Lagoon! A city is being destroyed, pandemonium is breaking loose! Smoldering debris, fires breaking out… and a huge, damned, evil skull is even in the sky above! Hell, if this is not Metal… what is? Rumpelstiltskin Grinder gets my Heavy Metal Art Appreciation Award for this cover too!

An extra loud Metal bravo goes out to artist Mike Hrubovcak, his artistic talents created this cover. Mike Hrubovcak is also the vocalist for the bands MONSTROSITY and VILE. Be certain to check out all the Metal artwork created by Mike Hrubovcak by clicking here: VisualDarkness.com

I bought this CD this past year and I have NO Metal regrets. Rumpelstiltskin Grinder is as vicious and maniacal as they come in Metal Music, both in their lyrics and music. I love this stuff. Check out, if you wish, what I wrote about this fine album on May 2, 2009, by clicking the link header below:

Rumpelstiltskin Grinder – a fresh breath of new school Thrash Metal

BEST HEAVY METAL MAGAZINE OF 2009 – REVOLVER

Revolver Magazine is the best Metal mag out there, in 2009. In my Metal opinion, you are hard pressed to find a better publication than this in America… which covers ALL the Extreme Metal genres like a black velcro carpet. Plus… this Metal magazine survived an economic crisis that really put the smack down on the entire printing industry – a huge Metal kudos for Revolver’s perseverance and understanding what Metal fans want from a magazine.

THE ONE ALBUM THAT REALLY DID NOTHING FOR ME IN 2009:

(UM, THIS IS NOT AN AWARD… IT IS FAIR WARNING)

LITA FORD – WICKED WONDERLAND

All I can say, after all has been said and done… ouch. O.k., I’ll say more. Oh, where have you gone, Lita Ford? What happened to the foxy, smooth guitar licks? I/many of us, know it is not the 1980’s anymore… but gee Metal whiz… what is that music called on Wicked Wonderland? After thinking about it for awhile now… I hope and wish for the Lita Ford of the 1980’s to come back with a kick album in 2010? Maybe 2011? Just come back Lita! Honestly, you are so much better than this album. I did a couple of posts on this album on October 29th and November 5th, respectively. You can read on if you like, by clicking on those righteous headers below:

LITA FORD – “Wicked Wonderland” Is Naughty And Bad Combined

I SOLD MY LITA FORD “WICKED WONDERLAND” CD!

I want to thank anyone and everyone who has visited Metal Odyssey in 2009! Thank you for making it all worthwhile! Feel free to check out my two Best Of posts, the links are right below:

METAL ODYSSEY’S TOP 25 HEAVY METAL ALBUMS OF 2009

METAL ODYSSEY’S TOP TEN HARD ROCK ALBUMS OF 2009

*Also, check out these other Hard Rock & Heavy Metal blogs that have put out their Best Of 2009 lists as well… they have all done their Metal homework all year, carrying the flag for Hard Rock, Heavy Metal and Rock and Roll – it is worth the time and it is just good Metal fun.

Heavy Metal Addiction – http://heavymetaladdiction.com/

All Metal Resource – http://allmetalresource.com/

Bring Back Glam – http://bringbackglam.squarespace.com/

Hair Metal Mansion – http://hairbangersradio.ning.com/

Hard Rock Hideout – http://hardrockhideout.com/

Heavy Metal Time Machine – http://metalmark.blogspot.com/

Imagine Echoes – http://www.imagineechoes.com/

Layla’s Classic Rock – http://laylasclassicrock.blogspot.com/

Metal Excess – http://metalexcess.com/

The Metal Minute – http://rayvanhornjr.blogspot.com/

Rock Of Ages – http://rockofages.wordpress.com/

The Ripple Effect – http://www.ripplemusic.blogspot.com/

3 Comments »

JUDAS PRIEST – “A TOUCH OF EVIL LIVE” 2009 ALBUM IS LIVE AND LEGENDARY PRIEST

Judas Priest is one Metal Band that I cannot ignore, especially when they release a new album. These Metal Gods can release a studio, greatest hits and as in this case, a live album and I will eagerly buy it. A Touch Of Evil Live is live with all the glorification of Judas Priest’s heavy history… and why shouldn’t this legendary Metal Band be glorified? The guitar duo of Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing is dominant on each and every song, with the Metal God himself, (Rob Halford), showcasing his vocal exuberance. Ian Hill on bass guitar and Scott Travis on drums are in Metal sync together, they add all the more Metal fuel to these live Judas Priests songs. As I listen to A Touch Of Evil Live, understanding that this is live recordings from 2005 and 2008 fills me with total Metal wonderment, that this band has not grown old, only grown better. In my Metal opinion, Judas Priest sounds as heavy, fast, hard and vicious as they did in the early 1980’s. I would lay it on the Metal table and be truthful, if A Touch Of Evil Live sounded like a bunch of half enthused, Metal musicians, going through the motions. Judas Priest IS Metal, captured live with all the power and mystique that I have appreciated from them, these past three decades.

The song list on A Touch Of Evil Live is a very strong representation of vintage Metal, showing just how many great songs are in the Judas Priest catalog, dating back to 1977. This live album may not have the household hits from Judas Priest, instead, it encapsulates the deep album cuts that made Judas Priest legend. Dissident Aggressor, from the 1977 album Sin After Sin, is brought forth to live sensation three decades after it’s initial release. Beyond The Realms Of Death is re-energized live, giving a nod to the unreal great 1978 album – Stained Class. Eat Me Alive comes across live, with the same Metal nastiness that The Priest originally set out to convey, from their 1984 album Defenders Of The Faith. Painkiller, A Touch Of Evil and Between The Hammer & The Anvil are three potent Metal songs from the now classic Judas Priest album from 1990 – Painkiller.

Judas Rising and Hellrider are the first two songs on A Touch Of Evil Live, both songs cementing the Metal foundation to follow that is patented and hell bent Judas Priest. These two opening songs, have me appreciating the reunion album Angel Of Retribution from 2005… all the more. Riding On The Wind is a great choice to represent the Screaming For Vengeance album from 1982. Riding On The Wind deserves all the Metal acknowledgment it can derive, being a deeper track from such a monumental Judas Priest album. Prophecy and Death are the two songs taken from the newest Judas Priest studio album released in June 2008, the concept album – Nostradamus.

* My favorite song on A Touch Of Evil Live is… A Touch Of Evil. The thunderous Metal charge, that this song pounds away with, gets me 100%, certified psyched out. Trudging with flares of being an anthem, A Touch Of Evil IS as bona fide a Judas Priest song you can ever ask for.

I have always been a fan of live albums, especially when they are not tweaked apart to death, this live album from Judas Priest is not tweaked over, in my Metal opinion. A Touch Of Evil Live has all the hard and heavy that I have come to expect from Judas Priest, they give these songs that extra Metal power – live. Hey, this is not the greatest Judas Priest album ever, nor is it the greatest live Metal album ever made either. What A Touch Of Evil Live does demonstrate, is that Judas Priest has kicked some Metal butt the past five years, reestablishing themselves as one of the Metal elder statesmen that do and should command Metal respect. Since 2005, one thing has been Metal certain… The Priest Is Back! A Touch Of Evil Live is a very good, live Metal album from an ultra great and Metal historic band… Judas Priest.

A Touch Of Evil Live Was Released On July 14, 2009

1 Comment »

MARIA BRINK/IN THIS MOMENT “PRAYERS” PICTURE DISC – PLUS IN THIS MOMENT DISCOGRAPHY

Posted in alternative metal music, collecting heavy metal albums, collecting metal music, cool album covers, current heavy metal bands, current heavy metal music, diverse metal music, female heavy metal vocalists, female rock vocalists, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 2009, heavy metal bands, heavy metal cover songs, heavy metal favorites, heavy metal memorabilia, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2009, heavy metal on vinyl, heavy metal picture discs, heavy metal records, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal vocalists, melodic heavy metal music, metal music, metal music today, metal odyssey, metalcore bands, metalcore music, Music, rare picture discs, rock music, rock vocalists with tags female hard rock vocalists, female heavy metal vocalists, female rock vocalists, heavy metal albums, heavy metal collectibles, heavy metal music, in this moment, in this moment discography, in this moment heavy metal band, in this moment metalcore band, in this moment picture discs, in this moment prayers picture disc, in this moment songs, in this moment the dream album, maria brink lyricist, maria brink picture discs, maria brink prayers picture disc, maria brink vocalist, metal music, metal music 2007, metal music 2008, metal music 2009, metalcore, metalcore bands, metalodyssey, Music, prayers cd single, rare heavy metal picture discs, rock music on December 19, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

I am always keeping a keen Metal eye out for Heavy Metal collectibles. Picture discs of my favorite bands are an irresistible item for me, with their usual low print run and display appeal. Picture discs are vinyl records, they come as either 7″ or 12″ and have graphics and/or images actually printed on the vinyl itself. Sometimes, picture discs can be found that are die-cut as well, making for an even more unique Heavy Metal collectible. Recently, I have been unearthing some of my Heavy Metal picture discs from years/decades passed, while picking up some new picture disc finds as well. I try not to spend a ton of money on these picture discs either, getting a great Metal deal is my long standing goal. One particular picture disc I purchased this past year is a Maria Brink/ In This Moment – Prayers 7″ and it is hand numbered 292/600. That is a very limited print run… just 600 of these picture discs exist! Um, I would lean towards this picture disc being considered rare. This picture disc was originally released in 2007. I bought this fine Maria Brink/In This Moment picture disc at Century Media Records online or CM Distro… for a whopping five dollars. Five dollars!

The two songs on this picture disc are taken from the In This Moment debut album – Beautiful Tragedy. The two songs are: prayers and daddy’s fallen angel.

This is the Maria Brink/In This Moment – Prayers 7″ Picture Disc I Bought Earlier In 2009:

Maria Brink is the lead vocalist for In This Moment, a Metalcore Band that released their U.S. debut album Beautiful Tragedy on March 20, 2007. Maria Brink delivered some of the heaviest vocals I have ever heard from a female lead Metal vocalist, her Death Metal growls caught my attention very quickly on this terrific album. Don’t be fooled however… Maria Brink can sing lights out, make no Metal mistake about it. This album I highly recommend, especially for fans of Metalcore and Metal female vocalists. Honestly, Beautiful Tragedy should pacify any yearning Extreme Metal fan.

The second album from In This Moment, features much more diverse and matured vocals from Maria Brink. A tremendously more commercial path In This Moment took, with The Dream. Released in the U.S. on September 30, 2008, The Dream not only took me by surprise with it’s 180 degree Metal Music turnaround, it is also one of my favorite albums from that year. The Dream in my Metal opinion, is a top ten Heavy Metal album from 2008. Maria Brink delivers harmonious and melodic vocals on The Dream. Her soothing and ultra emotional vocals on The Promise: Into The Light are beyond memorable for me.

You can read a more detailed album review I wrote on The Dream, by clicking here: IN THIS MOMENT – THE DREAM

Maria Brink has an amazing voice and is an extremely talented lyricist, in my Metal opinion. In 2009, In This Moment re-issued an expanded edition of The Dream, with several new bonus tracks. The one new song, (bonus track), that caught my Metal attention the most is the cover song Call Me from the legendary/Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductee… Blondie. You can read more details I wrote about this song by clicking the heading below:

IN THIS MOMENT – Covers “Call Me” with Heavy Metal respect

A cool CD single I picked up from In This Moment is titled Prayers. I bought it due to my needing anything and everything that Maria Brink’s vocals are on. Plus, I am a collector of this band, so getting ahold of this CD single for only two bucks is a Metal deal of the century. Yes, this CD single was on the clearance rack at Century Media Records online… CM Distro.

Two other In This Moment CD singles are out there that I do not own, yet I will eventually. They are:

Beautiful Tragedy – released in 2007

Forever – released in 2008

I can’t say enough about the musicianship of the entire In This Moment band… both past and present members. After just two studio albums, this is a Metal Band that can only get even better… and I will be as eager as ever to listen. Maria Brink has already elevated herself to the very top of today’s female Metal vocalists, that is my Metal opinion and I am not bashful to admit it.

If anyone out there knows of any other Maria Brink and/or In This Moment picture discs, imports or CD singles that exist, feel free to comment… it would be appreciated with the highest Metal gratitude.

1 Comment »

IRON MAIDEN – 1993 FLASHBACK: “A REAL LIVE ONE” AND “A REAL DEAD ONE”

Posted in 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1980's metal bands, 1980's metal music, 1990's heavy metal albums, 1990's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal music, Album Review, collecting metal music, cool album covers, creepy album covers, current heavy metal bands, essential heavy metal albums, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1993, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1993, live heavy metal albums, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, old school heavy metal bands, rock music, scary album covers, vintage heavy metal albums with tags 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1990's heavy metal albums, 1990's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal music, 1990's live heavy metal albums, a real dead one 1993, a real live one 1993, bruce dickinson vocalist, current heavy metal bands, heavy metal cassettes, heavy metal music, Iron Maiden, iron maiden 1993, iron maiden a real dead one album, iron maiden a real live one album, iron maiden cassettes, iron maiden heavy metal band, iron maiden history, iron maiden memorabilia, live heavy metal albums, live iron maiden albums, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, steve harris bass guitarist on December 14, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

Iron Maiden was alive and well back in the decade that supposedly ignored Heavy Metal… the 1990’s. The year was 1993 and Iron Maiden released not one but TWO live albums. You read that correctly, two. What a splendid feeling it was, back in 1993, to have Iron Maiden release these two live albums. Oh, yeah, here are the two live album titles: A Real Live One and A Real Dead One. (Yes, I did use the word splendid on Metal Odyssey… two lines ago). You see, Heavy Metal did exist in the 1990’s, it never went away, nor did it hide for cover due to any Grunge Bands coming out of Seattle, Washington either. In my Metal opinion, Grunge only enhanced the diversity of Metal Music… Alice In Chains epitomizes that school of thought. Heavy Metal and Iron Maiden never went astray during the 1990’s, all one has to do is just uncover this decade for it’s bounty of Metal worth… it’s out there. Well, not to get off track here, Iron Maiden quietly released these two live albums during what was supposedly “the heart” of the Grunge Music invasion… and they both are really good too.

I totally disregard any lame reviews that these two live Iron Maiden albums have received over the years, (from of course, professionally paid Rock critics), instead I embrace these two albums as being legit as anything Iron Maiden has ever done. No, I am not ever going to say A Real Live One and A Real Dead One are equal to or better than the Iron Maiden classic from 1985 – Live After Death. What these two 1993 live Iron Maiden albums have accomplished is capturing this band at what they do best, playing fast and non-mainstream Heavy Metal in which proves to be an incredible listen as well as Metal historical. How often are fans trying to find live bootleg CD’s and/or DVD’s of their favorite bands? So many times the notion of bootlegs surfacing is considered cool and “must have”… well here are two live Iron Maiden albums that were legitimately released, (originally on Capitol Records) and are light years better in quality than any bootleg available.

In 1993, Iron Maiden stuck to their Metal guns and released two live albums for their fans to embrace. Regardless of what was the mainstream/Rolling Stone Magazine flavor of the month back then, Iron Maiden provided what they always were known for up to that point in time… real Metal. Real live Metal as well. Lately, I have been on an Iron Maiden kick, Metal be damned I’m proud of it. I bought A Real Live One and A Real Dead One on cassette back in 1993. I still have both cassettes too… in super mint condition. I took really great care of the music I bought, regardless if it was an album, cassette or CD… for the Metal Music I bought throughout the decades has taken great care of me.

A Metal Note: The Iron Maiden Band Lineup For Both A REAL LIVE ONE and A REAL DEAD ONE:

Bruce Dickinson – vocalist

Steve Harris – bass guitarist

Dave Murray – guitarist

Janick Gers – guitarist

Nicko McBrain – drummer

A REAL LIVE ONE – was released on March 22, 1993

The Track Listing for A REAL LIVE ONE:

Side One:

Be Quick Or Be Dead

From Here To Eternity

Can I Play With Madness

Wasting Love

Tailgunner

The Evil That Men Do

Side Two:

Afraid To Shoot Strangers

Bring Your Daughter… To The Slaughter

Heaven Can Wait

The Clairvoyant

Fear Of The Dark

* A REAL LIVE ONE was recorded on the Iron Maiden – Fear Of The Dark Tour 1992. The liner notes of A REAL LIVE ONE, (my cassette version from 1993), contains fabulous full color photos of each band member, (the liner notes fold out into 6 panels, double sided). A detailed equipment list for each band member is shown, as well as the usual credits and a cool thank you from Steve Harris/bass guitarist. These liner notes are done right and are very cool indeed. (I said indeed again, wow).

A REAL DEAD ONE – was released on October 18, 1993

The Track Listing for A REAL DEAD ONE:

Side One:

The Number Of The Beast

The Trooper

Prowler

Transylvania

Remember Tomorrow

Where Eagles Dare

Side Two:

Sanctuary

Running Free

Run To The Hills

2 Minutes To Midnight

Iron Maiden

Hallowed Be Thy Name

* The liner notes for A REAL DEAD ONE, (my cassette version from 1993), do not contain any photo’s or fold out panels like A REAL LIVE ONE does. A REAL DEAD ONE does contain a fold-out mini poster though!! Yeah man!! It came inside of this cassette back in 1993! My copy is in mint shape, with the crispest of edges too! (Save for the original creases from it having to be folded, to fit inside the cassette box). On the front side of this great little Iron Maiden poster are dozens of mini concert photos of all the Iron Maiden members of 1993! At the top/across of this mini poster is the classic Iron Maiden logo in all of it’s vintage Metal glory! The backside of this mini poster has – get this – an Iron Maiden Family Tree!! Yeah Man! It details all of the Iron Maiden members, (up to 1993, of course), with their respective bands they were a part of, both pre-Iron Maiden and post-Iron Maiden! Iron Maiden history, all detailed here on this mini poster gem!

* This mini poster is an oddball piece of Iron Maiden memorabilia… at an oddball size too, it measures approximately 7″ x 11.5″. I really wonder, just how many of these mini posters survived from A REAL DEAD ONE cassettes over the years? How many Metalheads threw them away? How many became ruined from spilled beer? How many were tacked up onto walls and were subsequently faded and torn? I will go out on a Metal limb right here, stating this mini poster just might be… semi rare… to… rare?

For the first time today, I decided to take this mini poster of Iron Maiden from the safe storage of it’s A REAL DEAD ONE cassette box… and finally put it into a thick and sturdy poster sleeve. Now I can better enjoy it, display it and read the Iron Maiden Family Tree whenever I want to! Yeah! From Steve Harris’s first band – Gypsy’s Kiss to Adrian Smith’s band in 1992 – Untouchables, with Bruce Dickinson’s bands – Shots and Samson in between! Trust me, there is quite a bit involved with this Iron Maiden Family Tree, (and it is only up to 1993), thus making for quite a detailed – future post on Metal Odyssey… that would be a tremendous amount of keystroking!

In Metal summary, I rediscovered A REAL LIVE ONE and A REAL DEAD ONE from 1993, Iron Maiden does not disappoint me. Plus, the rediscovery of the Iron Maiden mini poster and Iron Maiden Family Tree makes this Metal flashback all the more sweeter indeed. (Wow, I said indeed for a third time, as well as the word sweeter… on Metal Odyssey).

LONG LIVE IRON MAIDEN

Leave a comment »

IRON MAIDEN – “KILLERS” STILL REIGNS AS A KILLER OF A METAL ALBUM

Posted in 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1980's metal bands, 1980's metal music, 1981 heavy metal music, 1990's heavy metal bands, Album Review, classic heavy metal albums, cool album covers, creepy album covers, current heavy metal bands, essential heavy metal albums, guitar legends, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1981, heavy metal bands, heavy metal bands from england, heavy metal drummers, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal vocalists, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, progressive metal, rock music, scary album covers, vintage heavy metal albums with tags 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's metal music, adrian smith guitarist, Album Review, classic heavy metal, clive burr drummer, dave murray guitarist, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, Iron Maiden, iron maiden 1981, iron maiden heavy metal band, iron maiden killers album, iron maiden killers album cover, iron maiden songs, killers album 1981, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, paul dianno vocalist, progressive heavy metal, rock music, steve harris bass guitarist, the ides of march song on December 12, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

As decades pass and thousands of Heavy Metal albums are released, there will always be those select titles that are still left standing tall. Iron Maiden Killers is one of those select albums that reigns as a killer for me… 28 years after it’s June 1981, U.S. release. Killers epitomizes Old School Heavy Metal, plus Iron Maiden legitimizes the single word – Metal, as it’s very own sub genre. Whenever I think of “Metal” the first band that comes to my mind is Iron Maiden. I sometimes debate myself senseless, asking why isn’t Iron Maiden my favorite Heavy Metal band of all time? Then, I ease my confusion by just knowing that Iron Maiden is and forever will be a “core” band of mine. Killers essentially was faster and harder than many traditional Heavy Metal albums of it’s time… the great part is that Iron Maiden was just beginning to “touch upon” the progressive side of Metal Music, an attribute they became so legendary for.

Back in 1981, the Thrash Metal movement was the welcomed storm on the horizon… Iron Maiden was the baddest and heaviest outside of just a select group of their peers. Motorhead, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Scorpions and Accept come to mind, when deciphering which Metal bands were as hard and heavy as Iron Maiden, back in 1981. Still, outside of Motorhead, Iron Maiden was about speed, the songs on Killers are overall – fast. Exceptions do exist, Prodigal Son is a slower paced Iron Maiden song without a doubt. The tempo being dictated by the acoustic guitars only magnifies the slender tempered sound of Prodigal Son. (Going back to the debut Iron Maiden album, Remember Tomorrow signified the flirtation with somberness that this legendary band would revisit in future albums, Prodigal Son carry’s over this assertion).

Backtracking to the intro of Killers, The Ides Of March, I insist that this was the sign of all Metal things to come on this prolific album. The Ides Of March is heavy, it is melancholy, dark and foreboding… in essence, a Metal prelude or warning if you will, that Iron Maiden was not fabricating or pretending. Twilight Zone is the song from Killers, where I feel Paul Di’Anno is at his giant best, vocally. Certainly, it is my personal opinion, as is the case with this entire article. Genghis Khan is the Metal instrumental that catapulted the musical identity of Iron Maiden, the trademark sound of this soon to be – historic Metal band. My eyeballs still pop open wide, to this very day, each time I listen to Genghis Khan.

When it comes down to musicianship, what honestly can be nit picked here? Iron Maiden as a unit on Killers made layering famous and vogue – basically instigating Progressive Metal from it’s dormancy. I cannot and never will find a fault with this legendary Iron Maiden lineup, Paul Di’Anno was the lead singer for this band in 1981 and a damned great one too… Metal case closed. Even back in the mid 1980’s, I never gave a damn about comparing Paul Di’Anno to Bruce Dickinson… what’s the point? Any seasoned Metalhead knew then and should know now, that these two lead singers are worlds apart with technique and range. In my Metal opinion, one is not better than the other, they are both unique and stylistically genuine. Paul Di’Anno gave the songs on Killers a mysterious tone, his vocals created a fog invading sound scape that bordered on macabre.

Murders In The Rue Morgue is my favorite song on Killers. Again, it’s speed, hard and heavy that this song illuminates. Paul Di’Anno never needed to hit the highest note on the planet to make Murders In The Rue Morgue an Iron Maiden classic, instead his fiery swagger is not just heard vocally, it is felt. Dave Murray and Adrian Smith unleashing their duo guitar leads proved that there was another one-two Metal guitar punch out there… alongside Metal guitar legends Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing of Judas Priest. Clive Burr on drums was not an enigma, he was THE drummer for Iron Maiden during the most important years of their maturation. And then, there is THE bass guitarist for Iron Maiden. To better accentuate my Metal point here, what Babe Ruth will forever be to the history of baseball, what the Mona Lisa will forever be to the history of fine art portraits, Steve Harris will forever be of equal importance to the history of Heavy Metal and Metal Music. Go ahead, listen or re-listen to Iron Maiden Killers… then listen really closely to the bass guitar playing of Steve Harris, hopefully you might just understand what I mean.

2 Comments »

SLAYER – “REIGN IN BLOOD” 1987 TOUR PROGRAM IS SLATANIC HISTORY

Posted in 1980's thrash metal albums, 1980's thrash metal bands, 1980's thrash metal music, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's metal bands, 1980's metal music, 1980's thrash metal, 1987 thrash metal music, 1990's thrash metal bands, collecting metal music, current thrash metal bands, extreme metal music, guitar legends, heavy metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school thrash metal music, rock music, thrash metal albums, thrash metal bands, thrash metal guitarists, thrash metal legends, thrash metal memorabilia, thrash metal music, thrash metal tour programs with tags 1980's thrash metal albums, 1980's thrash metal bands, 1980's thrash metal music, dave lombardo drummer, def jam recordings, jeff hanneman guitarist, kerry king guitarist, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rick rubin record producer, Slayer, slayer 1987, slayer memorabilia, slayer reign in blood album, slayer reign in blood tour program, slayer thrash metal band, slayer tour program 1987, Thrash Metal, thrash metal bands, thrash metal books, thrash metal memorabilia, thrash metal music, thrash metal tour programs, tom araya bass guitarist & vocalist on December 10, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

It is always thrilling for me, as I continue rummaging around my Metal Music collection, especially when I find an item that isn’t an album or CD and it grabs hold of my Metal attention and brings back memories. F’n Slayer rules. I reintroduced myself to the Slayer Reign In Blood tour program from 1987. I did not buy this Slayer tour program when I saw them on the Reign In Blood tour, rather I bought it from an independent record shop that same year. I am withholding the name of the record shop for the owner was, simply put, a backstabbing, cheapskate creep. (I never bought tour programs at concerts as a rule, they would either get destroyed or lost from a night of Metal debauchery). If my Metal memory serves me correct, I paid $10 U.S. for this Slayer gem. The condition of my Slayer Reign In Blood tour program is essentially… mint. I tend to keep my Metal memorabilia protected with archival supplies when necessary, this Slayer tour program is inside a plastic sleeve while being stored away. Hey, I give a crap about the stuff I own, especially Metal Music stuff. It’s not like I can just replace items like this at the drop of a Metal dime.

The memories of seeing and listening to my favorite bands over the decades will never diminish. Having a Slayer tour program to look through from 1987, only enhances those Metal memories. Seeing Slayer live back in 1987 was an unreal Metal experience. This Slayer tour program measures 9″ x 12″ and has 20 pages, all in full color. The Reign In Blood album flyer/mini poster is stapled into the center spread of the program. This flyer/mini poster is in red and black ink only, showing the famous Slayer group photo that is on the Reign In Blood album backside cover. The headline on this flyer/mini poster reads: This Album Speeds Through Your Brain. Man, that headline isn’t farting around about that… Reign In Blood is the damnedest, most heaviest Metal album I have ever listened to in my Metal life. F’n Slayer history to be enjoyed here, with this tour program.

There are one and a half pages of written material, briefly covering the first four years of Slayer history. The albums Show No Mercy, Hell Awaits and the EP Haunting The Chapel are mentioned, along with the historic signing of Slayer to Def Jam Recordings by Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons. This signing to Def Jam Recordings, through Geffen Records, took place in 1987 with Reign In Blood… the rest is Slatanic history. Each member of Slayer has two pages of photos, while the remaining pages are chock full of Slayer concert photos, (with the exception of the inside front cover page which is dedicated to text. The back cover photo is a full color concert photo of Slayer, Jeff Hanneman and Tom Araya are fully shown, with a glimpse of Kerry King and only a portion of Dave Lombardo’s drum kit. A sensational Slayer back cover photo, nonetheless.

I was foolish, many years ago, to have let go of some incredible tour programs of great and legendary bands. This Slayer tour program I am keeping… to look at and hold any damn time I feel like it. I feel fortunate that this Slayer tour program stayed in my collection for the last 22 years.

What a blast from the Slayer Thrash Metal past, is this front cover photo of the band on this Reign In Blood tour program, (see below). Check it out… Kerry King really did have hair back then. From left to right: Tom Araya (lead vocals & bass), Jeff Hanneman (guitar), Dave Lombardo (drums) and Kerry King (guitar). F’n Slayer Rules.

2 Comments »

ARMORED SAINT – NEW ALBUM “LA RAZA” RELEASING IN MARCH 2010!

Posted in 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's metal bands, 1980's metal music, 1990's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal music, classic heavy metal, current heavy metal bands, current heavy metal music, heavy metal bands, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2010, heavy metal vocalists, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, new heavy metal album, old school heavy metal, old school heavy metal bands, old school metal bands, rock music, traditional heavy metal music, vintage heavy metal bands with tags 1980's heavy metal, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, armored saint 2009, armored saint heavy metal band, armored saint la raza album, current heavy metal bands, gonzo sandoval drummer, heavy metal albums 2010, heavy metal music, jeff duncan guitarist, joey vera bass guitarist, john bush vocalist, metal blade records, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal bands, old school heavy metal music, phil sandoval guitarist on December 9, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

The following news about the upcoming Armored Saint album, La Raza, was taken from the Metal Blade Records newsletter, dated December 4, 2009. In this newsletter, as told by Joey Vera, bass guitarist for Armored Saint:

Album Title – La Raza

Release Date – March 2010 – (no actual Tuesday date was mentioned)

Record Label – Metal Blade Records

Production Status – all the songs have been recorded and mixed * mastering, photo shoots, CD artwork and the running order of the songs are currently being finished up.

According to Joey Vera, this new Armored Saint album – La Raza, is “full on cardiovascular failure stuff” and is “Old School baby”!

* Heavy Metal credit where it is due: I first caught wind of a new Armored Saint album being finished and it’s release being on the horizon, over at The Metal Files – look for the post titled: DC4 and Warrior – 11/7/09 – Whisky A-Go-Go. It’s a really cool and credible read with an insiders view.

I’m really looking forward to this new Armored Saint album in March. After all these years I admire the Old School Heavy Metal bands that are still around and playing/making valid music. Armored Saint paid their Metal dues, now it’s time for this band to remind everyone what they are all about… 100% traditional/Old School Heavy Metal. 2010 is looking to be another unreal great year for Heavy Metal Music… thanks to Armored Saint’s return!

Armored Saint:

John Bush – Vocals

Joey Vera – Bass

Jeff Duncan – Guitars

Gonzo Sandoval – Drums

Phil Sandoval – Guitars

3 Comments »

SLAYER “WORLD PAINTED BLOOD” – AN UNREAL GREAT, OLD SCHOOL THRASH METAL ALBUM

Posted in 1980's thrash metal bands, 1980's thrash metal music, 1990's thrash metal bands, cool album covers, current thrash metal albums, current thrash metal music, essential thrash metal albums, extreme metal music, guitar legends, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school thrash metal music, thrash metal 2009, thrash metal albums, thrash metal bands, thrash metal guitarists, thrash metal legends, thrash metal music, thrash metal today with tags 1980's thrash metal bands, 1980's thrash metal music, dave lombardo drummer, jeff hanneman guitarist, kerry king guitarist, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school thrash metal music, Slayer, slayer thrash metal band, Thrash Metal, thrash metal albums, thrash metal albums 2009, thrash metal bands 2009, thrash metal guitarists, thrash metal legends, thrash metal music, thrash metal today, tom araya bass guitarist & vocalist, world painted blood album on December 7, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

When I bought the new release from Slayer, World Painted Blood, on it’s release date of November 3, 2009, I had it in the back of my Metal mind that I was going to eventually do a review on it. Now, after owning World Painted Blood and listening to it for a month, I am thinking… why should I review this? Who am I to give a review on the greatest Thrash Metal Band on the planet? Review, in depth, the greatest Thrash Metal Band that ever existed? Man, that would be embarrassing for me, to actually try to “review” an elite Thrash Metal album of songs like World Painted Blood. For Metal sakes, World Painted Blood is just down right, unreal great. Old school and (thankfully) toned down in the polished production department, that is about it from me. Every song is insanely great. Even Playing With Dolls is a darned great track… which I have read dork reviews on this song already. (Once again, it is professionally paid Rock critics who never bother to listen to an album in it’s entirety, they are the ones who give out the lame butt reviews on sensational Metal Music). All eleven songs are enormously great on World Painted Blood, end of my Metal review.

In the past, maybe I reviewed a vintage Slayer album or two… I’m done with that. Reviewing a Slayer album is like reviewing a Beatles or Elvis Presley album… anyone should know what they are getting from Slayer by now. Gee Metal whiz. Old school Thrash Metal and Slayer fans know that this World Painted Blood album is worth owning. For me to even consider breaking down the songs on this amazing album, the guitar leads and riffs of Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman, the vocals/bass play of Tom Araya and the drumming of Dave Lombardo… c’mon, are you kidding? What is there to breakdown? Not often do I feel this way, that an album should just be accepted for it’s unreal great Metal worthiness and not dilly dally around the archaic “review” bush. Metal fans worldwide… take it from me, this is a Slayer album to buy and enjoy for a lifetime. World Painted Blood – nuff’ said. You can call this an Old School Metal review if you like… F’n Slayer RULES.

Here is the track listing for World Painted Blood:

1. World Painted Blood

2. Unit 731

3. Snuff

4. Beauty Through Order

5. Hate Worldwide

6. Public Display Of Dismemberment

7. Human Strain

8. Americon

9. Psychopathy Red

10. Playing With Dolls

11. Not Of This God

3 Comments »

TWISTED SISTER – “A TWISTED CHRISTMAS” IS A HEAVY METAL HOLIDAY MUST LISTEN!

Posted in 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, Album Review, christmas, christmas albums, christmas rock albums, christmas rock songs, christmas songs, cool album covers, essential heavy metal albums, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal christmas albums, heavy metal christmas songs, heavy metal music, heavy metal vocalists, holiday songs, holidays, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal bands, rock music, rock vocalists with tags 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, a twisted christmas album, a twisted christmas album 2006, christmas albums, christmas holiday, christmas rock music, christmas rock songs, christmas songs, dee snider, dee snider heavy metal hero, heavy metal albums, heavy metal christmas albums, heavy metal christmas songs, heavy metal music, heavy metal vocalists, holiday rock music, lita ford, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, twisted sister on December 4, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

This is by far, my favorite Christmas album ever. Twisted Sister A Twisted Christmas is not just a standard, run of the mill Heavy Metal Christmas album. These are 10 Christmas songs that are truly played with spirited enthusiasm and high energy by Twisted Sister. Dee Snider really sings his heart out, honestly giving a tremendous effort especially on O Come All Ye Faithful and I’ll Be Home For Christmas. Dee Snider sings every verse, of each song, in eloquent fashion, accentuating the lyrics when the song dictates. (Hey, I’m not saying that Dee Snider is Frank Sinatra here, just that he really sings great on this album). The music is what you would come to expect, in Twisted Sister/Heavy Metal fashion. Lita Ford appears on vocals alongside Dee Snider on I’ll Be Home For Christmas, this song is played and sung so well that it is an instant natural high for me. My twin daughters, (they are ten years old), told me the other day, that this Twisted Sister album really gets them in the Christmas spirit too… and that is without my prodding or asking them their opinion on it. To have a Christmas tradition with my daughters, that involves Twisted Sister, well, quite frankly it makes me all warm and fuzzy inside.

Twisted Sister puts their original sound and Heavy Metal flavor to these songs, yet they do this with the upmost class. These classic Christmas songs are treated here with respect by Twisted Sister and in my Metal opinion, have made a Heavy Metal Christmas classic. I can honestly say that this album puts me in the Christmas spirit, it has now become an annual listen starting at the beginning of November! You absolutely, positively, cannot serve yourself wrong by purchasing or giving a listen to A Twisted Christmas. You most certainly will be missing out on a good time, Heavy Metal, Twisted Christmas celebration – if you don’t check this album out.

A quick Metal Odyssey note: Dee Snider is a true American Heavy Metal Hero.

A second quick Metal Odyssey note: A Twisted Christmas was released on October 17, 2006.

Oops, one more quick Metal Odyssey note: Merry Heavy Metal Christmas to the PMRC!

Leave a comment »

A HEAVY METAL MUSIC FLASHBACK FROM 1987!

Posted in 1980's hair metal bands, 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's hair metal music, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's thrash metal, 1987 heavy metal music, 1990's heavy metal bands, classic heavy metal, current heavy metal bands, heavy metal albums 1987, heavy metal bands, heavy metal concert posters, heavy metal festivals, heavy metal history, heavy metal memorabilia, heavy metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, old school thrash metal music, rock music, thrash metal albums, thrash metal bands, thrash metal legends, vintage heavy metal albums, vintage heavy metal bands, vintage thrash metal bands with tags 1980's thrash metal bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, anthrax thrash metal band, Blackie Lawless, bon jovi, cinderella heavy metal band, dio, heavy metal bands 1987, heavy metal flashback 1987, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Metallica, monsters of rock 1987, monsters of rock promo advertisement, Music, old school heavy metal bands, w.a.s.p. heavy metal band on November 30, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

Now this is a flashback of Heavy Metal history. This is a promotional advertisement from 1987 for the Monsters Of Rock (festival) at Donington Park out in the U.K., the lineup of bands was obviously powerhouse! This huge Heavy Metal event took place on August 22, 1987. Metallica was just on the rise, (sounds weird saying that), with their unreal great, 1986 Master Of Puppets album, which catapulted them to historical Metal heights. Cinderella was still promoting their debut album Night Songs. Anthrax was supporting their Among The Living album, a great Thrash Metal album indeed. DIO being on the bill was perfect timing, with Dream Evil being released on July 21, 1987. W.A.S.P. was a hot ticket for this Monsters Of Rock, after their Inside The Electric Circus album’s release in November of 1986. Then there was the headliner, Bon Jovi, being almost a year to the date of the Slippery When Wet album release of August 18, 1986.

Would these same bands actually be included in a Heavy Metal festival like this in 2009? I doubt it, especially when you look at the direction in which Bon Jovi has taken musically. Anthrax and Cinderella are not in the spotlight currently. DIO is touring, only not at a level of intensity of the late 1980’s, nonetheless, Ronnie James Dio and his band would be a solid compliment to a Heavy Metal jamboree anywhere today. Metallica would be the headliner in 2009, without question!! W.A.S.P. would be a perfect band for any Heavy Metal event in 2009, not a second thought about that one!

Over the years, um, decades, I have seen Cinderella, DIO and Metallica live. Memorable Metal moments for me, each one. I would still be ecstatic to see W.A.S.P. someday live… man, that would be the Metal icing on the cake for me. W.A.S.P. is definitely my favorite band out of this group. I would gladly accept a chance to see Anthrax live somewhere in the future as well, regardless of who is at lead vocals. The artwork on this promo is, in my Metal opinion, old school 1980’s Heavy Metal. Neat stuff.

Leave a comment »

STRYPER – “EXTENDED VERSIONS” IS A LIVE AND ROCKIN’ GOOD TIME CD

Posted in christian heavy metal bands, christian metal, christian rock, classic rock, hair metal music, Hard Rock, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags christian metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, stryper, stryper extended versions cd, stryper live on November 29, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

I could not resist the urge to buy this Stryper Extended Versions CD, (Sony/BMG). Two reasons I needed this Stryper Extended Versions: it being a live CD, coupled with the fact I was fortunate enough to see Stryper live, back in the ’80’s on their To Hell With The Devil Tour. Yup, I made up my Metal mind a long time ago, that Stryper is my favorite Christian Heavy Metal Band. Let’s face it, Stryper back in the 1980’s were easily part of the Hair Metal invasion as well. I like the accessibility of Stryper’s songs, they are inspiring and motivating for certain, combined with all of the dynamics and elements of 1980’s Heavy Metal. This Extended Versions CD was recorded back on November 11, 2003, at Earthlink Live in Atlanta, Georgia. The release year for this CD was 2006. The overall production of this live CD sits just fine with me. I will admit, after 12 years of Stryper not touring before this concert was recorded, they sound pretty darned good. (Michael Sweet actually remarks about their return after 12 years to the audience, during the opening song Makes Me Wanna Sing).

As with any live album, there are those – as they happen moments, such as Michael Sweet talking to the audience and an over excited crowd of fans shouting, screaming and singing along. Those aspects have always been what I find most refreshing about a live album… especially when the band plays as tight and good as Stryper does here. Free is and always has been a tremendously favorite Stryper song of mine, hearing Michael Sweet sing this song as the audience sings along sends chills up and down my arms. Oz Fox on guitar sounds unreal good in this 2003 concert recording, just as he did when I saw him for myself so many years ago. You Won’t Be Lonely is a great up tempo ballad for my Metal tastes… it makes for a nice fit into this live set list. Calling On You, being one of the more famous Stryper songs ever, has all of the melodic power and harmony as the original studio version, a fantastic song from this band.

Reach Out is a sure-fire crowd sing-along, yet, what Stryper song isn’t? The Way is arguably one of the fastest and heaviest Stryper song on this live Extended Versions, Oz Fox energizes this song with his stealth guitar leads and hot solo. Soldiers Under Command plays out in the same fast and heavy fashion as The Way, a Stryper song that is a necessity in any of their live gigs. Again, Oz Fox stimulates my Metal senses with his guitar brilliance on Soldiers Under Command – oh yeah. Timothy Gaines on bass and backing vocals along with Robert Sweet on drums are the Heavy Metal nuts and bolts that keeps this live album rhythmically astounding. Brent Jeffers is on keyboards and backing vocals, making for a nice addition to this Stryper concert.

Another favorite Stryper classic of mine is To Hell With The Devil, it is song #9 in the set list and it flat out rocks this Extended Versions into a Christian Heavy Metal winner. Stryper plays this song live quite powerfully, based on my remembrance of actually seeing them live and hearing it on this CD. Honestly closes out this Stryper Extended Versions CD. The live version of Honestly is not any heavier than the studio version, this ballad has its rightful place in any Stryper concert. Before this song even begins, Michael Sweet tells the audience, Honestly is the song that took them out of the clubs and put them into the arenas. I will not disagree with Michael Sweet on that evaluation whatsoever.

I bought this Stryper Extended Versions CD over this past Summer of 2009, I’m glad for it. I am also happy to know that Stryper is still around and making their brand of Heavy Metal Music, their new album Murder By Pride is an enormous album of songs. Sometime in the future I will blab about how much I enjoy the newest Stryper album. I am a fan of all Heavy Metal genres, Stryper is and always will be a mainstay band of mine.

1 Comment »

MOTORHEAD – “THE ONE TO SING THE BLUES” WAS MY 1991 RECORD CONVENTION FIND

Posted in 1970's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal songs, 1990's heavy metal music, classic hard rock music, classic heavy metal, collecting heavy metal albums, collecting music, collecting rock music, essential heavy metal songs, everyday experiences, feel good stories, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal 45 rpm records, heavy metal bands, heavy metal memorabilia, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1991, heavy metal on vinyl, heavy metal record finds, heavy metal records, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, personal stories, rare heavy metal albums, rare vinyl record imports, record conventions, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock music, shopping for rock music, vintage heavy metal bands, vintage heavy metal songs with tags 1980's heavy metal music, 1990's heavy metal music, dead man's hand song, hard rock music, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal songs, lemmy, lemmy kilmister bass guitarist, metal odyssey, Motorhead, motorhead 45 rpm the one to sing the blues, motorhead 45 rpm's, motorhead 7" singles, motorhead albums, motorhead imports, motorhead record imports, motorhead songs, motorhead vinyl, Music, new haven coliseum, phil campbell guitarist, philthy animal taylor drummer, record conventions, the one to sing the blues song, u.k. record imports, wtg records, wurzel guitarist on November 26, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

Back in the early Spring of 1991, my girlfriend, (now my wife), and I ventured down to the New Haven Coliseum in New Haven, Connecticut… to frolic through a record convention. Record conventions are the best. I am guilty of not going to enough of these glorious events in my lifetime. Regardless, this record convention was chock full of vinyl, CD’s and all things Rock memorabilia that I could ever wish for. Oh yeah, there was Heavy Metal aplenty at this record convention back then… tons of it. The only parameter I needed to follow at this show was to narrow down my search, (I was not loaded with cash back then and I’m still not). Motorhead was at the top of my search list, going to this record convention. There was quite the choice of Motorhead vinyl, cassettes and CD’s to buy there… I settled on the 7″ vinyl, (45 rpm), The One To Sing The Blues. Even though I can’t remember what I actually paid for this Motorhead record, compared to purchasing a 12″ album import at the time, it was a good deal. Seven dollars keeps coming back to me, as to the purchase price though.

We left that record convention that day with just a couple of purchases. The other purchase I will save for a future post, (it was a cool piece of vinyl as well). I still own this Motorhead 45 rpm, rediscovering it recently as it was hidden away in my collection. Am I psyched that I still have it after 19 years? You betcha. I would safely guess this Motorhead record is kinda rare. The backside cover to this record sleeve has the header – Motorhead On Tour, it lists the U.K. concert dates for February 1991. There are 14 concert dates listed. Also on this backside record sleeve cover, are the complete lyrics to The One To Sing The Blues. Sure, I look back and wish I gobbled up every Motorhead vinyl treasure there was at that record convention, nonetheless, I am content with what I do have. This little record has it’s rightful place in my record collection, it being a Motorhead collectible and finding it with my wife, (then girlfriend), makes for a great memento.

Here is additional info on this Motorhead 45 rpm, The One To Sing The Blues:

Side A: The One To Sing The Blues

Side B: Dead Man’s Hand

* This record being bought in the U.S., is an import… with a Made In The U.K. sticker on the front sleeve of my copy I own.

* The One To Sing The Blues later appears on the Motorhead 1991 album – 1916. The backside record sleeve states this song as: Taken from the forthcoming LP/MC/CD “1916”

* The record label(s) as designated on the backside of the record sleeve and record: WTG Records and Epic

Motorhead, as they appeared on The One To Sing The Blues and Dead Man’s Hand:

Lemmy Kilmister – bass and lead vocals

Wurzel – guitar

Phil Campbell – guitar

Philthy Animal Taylor – drums

Leave a comment »

HEAVY METAL 101: GREATEST HITS CD’S WORTH OWNING

Posted in 1970's heavy metal albums, 1970's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1990's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal music, Album Review, cool album covers, essential heavy metal albums, guitar legends, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, heavy metal vocalists, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, old school heavy metal bands, progressive metal music, rock music, vintage heavy metal albums, vintage heavy metal bands with tags 1970's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal bands, Alice cooper, alice cooper the band, Black Sabbath, dee snider, dio, heaven and hell band, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal best of albums, heavy metal greatest hits albums, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, jimi hendrix, kiss double platinum album, kiss heavy metal band, lemmy kilmister, metal odyssey, Motorhead, motorhead songs, Music, queensryche progressive metal band, ronnie james dio, ted nugent, twisted sister on November 22, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

In striving to make the world a better place, by spreading the blissful two words of Heavy Metal (and any and all Extreme Music), here is a cool list of Greatest Hits CD’s from some very worthy bands and musicians. This list may quite possibly trigger a mad dash to itunes or your nearest record/CD store upon your review. Greatest Hits or Best Of CD’s are sometimes the perfect fix if you do not have any of the respective band’s albums/CD’s already. If you are like me, (a collector and sometimes over excited fan), you may like some or many bands so much, you just need to own everything that is available by such bands, including Greatest Hits. If this list of incredible Greatest Hits CD’s recruits even one new fan to the Heavy/Extreme Music genres, then I have done a fine Metal deed. Please note, I own each Greatest Hits or so named CD on this list… I could never recommend an album/CD without listening to it’s entirety and/or having ownership of. Integrity in Heavy Metal Music recommendations is an ethical must.

The Best Of Ted Nugent – Great Gonzos! – Absolutely a Hard Rock meets Heavy Metal fusion with The Motor City Madman. Cat Scratch Fever, Stranglehold, Wango Tango, Free For All and Dog Eat Dog are late 1970’s into early 1980’s FM radio Classics. Old School and not a lick here that isn’t memorable for Metal life. Plus, the reissue has 3 bonus tracks too.

IRON MAIDEN – Somewhere Back In Time/The Best Of 1980 – 1989 – An undeniably great assortment of Iron Maiden classics, spanning the unreal Metal ’80’s. 2 Minutes To Midnight and The Trooper are enough to get me psyched out of my Metal mind for at least an hour. In my Metal opinion, Iron Maiden could have/should have released a 2 – disc greatest hits, they have that many incredible songs in their Metal catalog. Yes they do.

Jimi Hendrix – Experience Hendrix: The Best of Jimi Hendrix – A Hard Rock evolving into Heavy Metal history lesson is heard here on this album. This album of Jimi Hendrix songs are beyond great… their damn sacred. Purple Haze, The Wind Cries Mary, Hey Joe, Foxy Lady, All Along The Watchtower and the Rock historical – Star Spangled Banner… c’mon, these songs are the Metal building blocks of every Heavy Metal and/or Hard Rock genre out there today. 20 songs total on this masterful collection, not a must have… a no brainer must own.

DIO – The Very Beast Of DIO – Ronnie James Dio is a living Metal legend. His vocals for me, are the epitome of what Heavy Metal singing is all about. Dio’s solo career takes center stage on this amazing collection of greatest hits. Holy Diver, Rainbow In The Dark, Rock and Roll Children, Mystery and The Last In Line are DIO songs that pack the same potent Metal punch to my ears and senses… as they did back in the 1980’s. 16 songs total on this DIO disc. Metal masterpieces only sound better with age.

Black Sabbath – The Dio Years – I find this collection of Black Sabbath songs to be uncannily irresistible. These are the Black Sabbath songs from the Ronnie James Dio era, with the Heaven and Hell, Mob Rules, Live Evil and Dehumanizer albums all represented. This same Black Sabbath lineup may be called Heaven and Hell in 2009, yet does it really matter? Their still Black Sabbath to me.

Twisted Sister – Big Hits and Nasty Cuts – Dee Snider made Heavy Metal all the more visible on MTV with the Twisted Sister video We’re Not Gonna Take It, back in 1984. This Twisted Sister greatest hits album is loaded with 6 live bonus tracks as well. This is another band that could easily fill up more than one disc of great songs from their Heavy Metal catalog. Under The Blade and The Kids Are Back are my two favorites on this one.

KISS – Double Platinum – I have proudly owned this album since it’s release back in 1978. I was in seventh grade back then and this was my very first KISS album. My Double Platinum album is still in beautiful condition too. A 2 record set, opening up as a gatefold, this album also included a platinum record certificate to the fan who purchased it. (I wish I kept this piece of KISS memorabilia, it was just made of paper and it hung on my bedroom wall for several years, when I was a kid of course). The important thing is I still have Double Platinum on vinyl… plus I upgraded Double Platinum by buying the CD many years ago too. (It is not a double CD, all the songs are on just one… I don’t know if this ever changed over to a double CD over the years). Just about every important and cool KISS song from the 1970’s is on Double Platinum, with Hard Luck Woman and Calling Dr. Love being my two vintage KISS favorites.

Queensryche – Sign of the Times, The Best Of Queensryche – Buying this CD suited me well since many of my Queensryche “albums” were purchased on cassette years ago. Queensryche has always been a favorite of mine, a high powered – progressive Metal Band that crossed over into Rock and Hard Rock too. Musical diversity is no stranger to Queensryche. My two favorites are Queen of the Reich and Jet City Woman. Yes, those two songs are tops on my list.

Alice Cooper – Alice Coopers Greatest Hits – This album was released back in 1974, it is the Greatest Hits of Alice Cooper (The Band). Man, this is Old School Heavy Metal. Sure, some may argue it is comprised of Old School Hard Rock as well… that is fine by me. The Metal bottom line is this: Alice Cooper (The Band), was just as much as important to the creation of Heavy Metal as any other band of their time or before them. That is my Metal opinion and I have to tell it to the world. Oh, yeah, my favorite songs from this Greatest Hits are – No More Mr. Nice Guy, Under My Wheels and well, just every song on this Greatest Hits is great.

Motorhead – The Best Of Motorhead – This is one great and comprehensive double disc, greatest hits of Motorhead. I bought this Motorhead disc due to my needing any and all of their releases, regardless if I already have the songs. This Best Of was released in 2000, with two live bonus tracks included. There are 40 songs total on this double disc Motorhead bounty! Also found on The Best Of Motorhead are: Hawkwind playing Motorhead, Girlschool covers Bomber and Headgirl covering Please Don’t Touch. The history of Motorhead is covered up to the year 2000, from Ace of Spades to the Motorhead cover version of God Save The Queen. Plus, my favorite Motorhead song of all time is on here too – Killed By Death, from the No Remorse (Greatest Hits album). Long live Lemmy and Motorhead.

I could go on and on with this list of Heavy Metal Greatest Hits CD’s worth owning. Showing and quipping about some of the Greatest Hits CD’s I own, can maybe help out someone who is on the fence about one of these bands or musicians. These CD’s above are all consistently listened to by me, they are perfect for when I’m in the mood to hear the choice songs from these bands/musicians. As Dee Snider has sung, with Heavy Metal pride: You can’t stop Rock and Roll!

Leave a comment »

EXODUS “LET THERE BE BLOOD” – A TRIBUTE TO THEIR VERY OWN THRASH METAL LEGACY

Posted in 1980's thrash metal albums, 1980's thrash metal bands, 1980's thrash metal music, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's metal bands, 1980's metal music, 1985 thrash metal music, Album Review, cover songs, current thrash metal music, essential thrash metal albums, extreme metal music, guitar legends, heavy metal albums, heavy metal music, metal music, metal music albums, metal odyssey, Music, old school thrash metal music, spooky album covers, thrash metal album review, thrash metal albums, thrash metal bands, thrash metal legends, thrash metal music, thrash metal music 2008, thrash metal today, vintage thrash metal bands with tags 1980's thrash metal albums, 1980's thrash metal music, Album Review, exodus, exodus bonded by blood album, exodus let there be blood album, exodus thrash metal album covers, exodus thrash metal band, gary holt guitarist, heavy metal album review, heavy metal music, jack gibson bass guitarist, lee altus guitarist, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, paul baloff vocalist, rob dukes vocalist, thrash metal bands, thrash metal music, thrash metal music 1985, thrash metal music 2008, thrash metal originators, tom hunting drummer on November 21, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

The Exodus album Let There Be Blood, (released on October 28, 2008), is a complete cover album of their very own debut release from 1985 – Bonded By Blood. Exodus is from a select group of Thrash Metal Bands, considered by me to be one of the originals who were instrumental in shaping and defining the Thrash Metal genre. I have been listening to Exodus since their debut, this band has had their share of ups and downs, just knowing they are still around making music is a great feeling for me. Let There Be Blood is dedicated to Paul Baloff, the original lead singer for Exodus, who passed away from a stroke in 2002. Gary Holt, the life long guitarist and leader for Exodus, states very clearly in the liner notes of this CD as to why Bonded By Blood was covered in it’s entirety with Let There Be Blood. To paraphrase Gary Holt, he states these songs are his lifetime connection to Paul Baloff. He also states “no way can you replace Bonded By Blood.” As Gary Holt sees it, people can discover the original Exodus lineup from 1985 and their Classic Thrash Metal debut album, by listening to Let There Be Blood.

I never needed to be convinced that covering Bonded By Blood was a great idea by the current Exodus lineup, many bands have recently been doing the same thing lately as well. Foreigner and Journey are perfect examples, both of these Hard Rock titans have issued a full greatest hits CD recently, that spotlights their current lead singer and lineup. Exodus has paid a tribute to not just an album of songs, Bonded By Blood was and still is an important Thrash Metal album, one that represents a time period of the birth and creation of the prolific Thrash Metal genre. Paul Baloff was not the run of the pack Thrash Metal vocalist either, he was unique in keeping his voice from overpowering the song… I have never heard another singer like him since, truly irreplaceable.

Rob Dukes, the vocalist for Exodus on Let There Be Blood also is quoted in the liner notes, “this (Let There Be Blood) was recorded for fun, not to replace the original. The origninal (Bonded By Blood) will always be there and will always stand the test of time.” Plus, Rob Dukes refers to Paul Baloff in the most sincerest and reverent way. True class acts are Gary Holt and Rob Dukes, for the way they expressed themselves through these statements, found in the liner notes of Let There Be Blood. With Tom Hunting on drums, Exodus has two original members playing on Let There Be Blood.

I have read some pretty despicable and mean spirited album reviews over the years… from guess who? Answer: professional overpaid music critics who do not listen to the albums they review! Instead, their idea of “listening” to an album is “sampling” and/or they are jealous they are not famous Rock musicians themselves. Exodus, in my Metal opinion, DID NOT ATTEMPT TO CASH-IN ON THE LEGACY OF BONDED BY BLOOD. The Old School Thrash Metal Bands have their core following, while enlisting younger and new fans along the way. This album was never going to hit #1 on any damned and useless music chart to begin with. Old School Thrash Metal is about pride… something that the lame mainstream Rock music critics no nothing about. Grubby politicians cash-in everyday on tax payers… Exodus is too busy kicking ass with their Thrash Metal legacy and credibility, rather than cashing in on any of their fans.

In my Metal opinion, sure this is a heavier version than the original. Yes, Rob Dukes sings with a much more aggressive and angered tone than the late and legendary Paul Baloff. Rob Dukes is a powerhouse Thrash Metal vocalist – period. He is his own persona, just as Paul Baloff once was. The end result is, for me, a quality driven, Thrash Metal celebration of one of the greatest albums of it’s genre. Gary Holt made a great point in the liner notes, that these same songs are performed live by Exodus to this day. As I see it, this is Exodus, regardless if this is a 2008 version of this band or a listen to the 1985 original Bonded By Blood. I cannot deny or condemn any Thrash Metal Music that Gary Holt and Tom Hunting want to recapture or create with their band. All I can do is be thankful that they are still alive and capable of keeping the Exodus Thrash Metal machine forging ahead. I appreciate my favorite bands and never have or ever will… take them for granted.

Exodus, as they appear on the 2008 album Let There Be Blood:

Gary Holt – guitars

Tom Hunting – drums

Jack Gibson – bass

Rob Dukes – vocals

Lee Altus – guitars

Here is the original cover artwork for the 1985 Bonded By Blood album:

Leave a comment »

W.A.S.P. COVERS CHUCK BERRY CLASSIC – “PROMISED LAND” ON “BABYLON” ALBUM

Posted in 1960's rock and roll albums, 1960's vintage rock albums, 1960's rock & roll, 1960's rock music, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal bands, collecting rock music, cool album covers, current heavy metal albums, current heavy metal bands, current heavy metal music, current heavy metal songs, essential heavy metal albums, essential heavy metal songs, essential rock and roll albums, guitar legends, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal cover songs, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2009, heavy metal songs 2009, heavy metal vocalists, independent metal music record labels, metal music, Metal Reviews, Music, new heavy metal album, old school heavy metal, rock & roll, rock & roll hall of fame inductees, rock and roll, rock music, scary album covers, vintage rock and roll songs with tags 1960's rock and roll songs, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, blackie lawless guitarist, blackie lawless vocalist, chuck berry, chuck berry guitar legend, chuck berry songs, cover songs, doug blair guitarist, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums 2009, heavy metal music 2009, heavy metal songs 2009, meat loaf rock vocalist, metal odyssey, Music, promised land 1964 song, promised land cover song, promised land song, promised land song 1964, st. louis to liverpool album, the grateful dead, W.A.S.P., w.a.s.p. babylon album 2009, w.a.s.p. covers promised land, w.a.s.p. heavy metal band on November 14, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

W.A.S.P. has brought the Chuck Berry 1964 Rock and Roll Classic Promised Land to the Heavy Metal forefront. Promised Land is from the Chuck Berry album from 1964, St. Louis To Liverpool. Appearing on their new studio album Babylon, Promised Land is the last song, closing out a tremendously catchy and hook laden, Old School Heavy Metal album. W.A.S.P.’s Heavy Metal lays down the riffs, leads and solos that resonates power and electrifies this song. The rhythm section of W.A.S.P. sets and maintains the Metal pulse of Promised Land, balancing out a groovy ride. When an early 1960’s Rock and Roll Classic like Promised Land can be covered with the passion and intensity that W.A.S.P. brings, it is the Old School Heavy Metal balance and basics that makes this song come to life. W.A.S.P. makes this song crush with heaviness without sacrificing any early 1960’s Rock guitar sound and energy.

Nothing is overdone with W.A.S.P. covering Promised Land. This is not a cover song that is a filler for this Babylon album. I always feel, that if you are going to cover a Rock and Roll Classic, there better be plenty of emotional integrity with the music and vocals combined. A cover song has to really convey the original song’s essence and fire. Blackie Lawless does live up to my expectations with covering Promised Land vocally, he really sings the lyrics as if he penned them himself. Blackie Lawless sings the lyrics of Promised Land as if he truly was the poor boy, (in this song), traveling across the country to California. To camouflage oneself within a song’s lyrics, to make the song sound so believable as Blackie Lawless does with his vocals, is worth taking a bow. In my Metal opinion, listening to Blackie Lawless sing Promised Land makes me believe that he would have owned an enormous crowd of frenzied Rock and Roll fans back in 1964. This same sentiment goes to the entire W.A.S.P. band here, based on how authentic Promised Land plays out on Babylon. W.A.S.P. would have torn the roof down, (literally), at any given theater that catered to Rock and Roll concerts – back in the early 1960’s.

Anytime a band of any Rock or Heavy Metal genre pays tribute to such an icon such as Chuck Berry, it makes for quite the Rock and Roll history lesson. Younger bands should take notice, saluting a Rock and Roll originator such as Chuck Berry, through a high quality cover song such as W.A.S.P. has done, is of the highest compliment to this Rock and Roll legend. This cover version of Promised Land had me hooked from the opening note, it is the Heavy Metal of W.A.S.P. taking over a soda hop from 1964 and bringing it into 2009.

W.A.S.P. is not the first band in Rock and Roll history to cover Promised Land. This song is too great for it not to have been previously covered. The late and unreal legendary Elvis Presley covered this song, found on his 1975 album Promised Land. Rock icon The Grateful Dead have covered this song, (it was a staple in their live sets), plus other Rock luminaries such as Meat Loaf, James Taylor and Dave Edmunds have covered Promised Land on album too.

W.A.S.P. "Babylon" large album pic #2

1 Comment »

MASTERPLAN – “MK ll” ALBUM IS 100% MELODIC POWER METAL

Posted in Album Review, cool album covers, current power metal bands, essential heavy metal albums, essential power metal albums, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal bands this decade, heavy metal drummers, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal vocalists, melodic power metal bands, melodic power metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school power metal music, Power Metal, power metal albums, power metal bands, power metal guitarists, power metal music, power metal music today, power metal songs, power metal vocalists, rock music, symphonic metal with tags axel mackenrott keyboardist, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal music, helloween power metal band, i'm gonna win song, jan s. eckert bass guitarist, jorn lande vocalist, masterplan, masterplan melodic metal band, masterplan mk ll album, masterplan power metal band, masterplan symphonic metal band, metal music, metal odyssey, mike dimeo vocalist, mike terrana drummer, Music, power metal albums, power metal bands, power metal music 2007, power metal vocalists, rock music, roland grapow guitarist, symphonic metal music, watching the world song on November 12, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

Masterplan released the MK ll album back on February 23, 2007. I have never regretted with catching onto Masterplan. Half the fun of being into Heavy Metal, is knowing there are so many bands from so many genres to sink your ears into… ah, the world of Metal is a good thing. For those not familiar, Masterplan is a Power Metal Band, 100% through and through with no gimmicks. Melodic Metal and Symphonic Metal are two other labels that are just as fitting for Masterplan, the three genres I attribute to this band are adequately interlocking. Masterplan is led by former Helloween guitarist, Roland Grapow, he takes on the roles of guitarist, composer and producer. I gravitate very often to the Power Metal genre, finding this form of Metal Music to be inspiring and ultra credible. I find the Power Metal songs from Masterplan MK ll to be like a Metal soundtrack for my mind… uplifting and scenic thoughts appear for me, reflective thoughts too. Getting revved up is not difficult while listening to Masterplan either, there are plenty of psyche out moments in their songs. Masterplan goes full throttle with their Power Metal, there never seems to be a dull moment, for me.

MK ll has been a CD of choice for me, going back to last weekend. Every so often, I need to expand my Metal horizons and listen to another genre that isn’t extremely fast, hard and heavy. Masterplan are a heavy band in their own Melodic Power Metal right, only it is the symphonic side of this band that really keeps me grounded… and I like that. Diversity in the Heavy Metal universe is what makes this music so worthwhile. The longer I stop to look, listen and read, the better acquainted I get with the vastness of the Heavy Metal family tree. Discovering Masterplan on the Heavy Metal family tree is like finding and picking that almost perfect pear, you just know it’s good and juicy.

As for the songs on MK ll, there are no loafers to be found. This album has a cool, consistent flow about it, making MK ll one of those albums I can listen to from start to finish, no leap frogging is necessary! My two favorite songs on MK ll are: I’m Gonna Win and Watching The World. These two songs are #6 and #7, respectively on the track list. Both of these songs project this majestic high that just wraps around my senses and psyches me out. Mike DiMeo is everything you could expect from a Power Metal vocalist, he surely can hit the high notes and harmonizes effortlessly throughout MK ll. Mike Terrana on drums is darn great to listen to, there are moments when his playing is the focal point. Jan S. Eckert keeps the rhythm solid with Terrana, a very tight unit. The keyboards are a major musical ingredient with this Power Metal outfit, Axel Mackenrott makes his presence known by providing the atmospheric and symphonic environment within the songs. I look forward to a brand new Masterplan album in 2010, Roland Grapow has some Power Metal momentum going for him, with Masterplan.

The momentum of Masterplan will be getting even stronger, now that news has been broken, of Jorn Lande returning as lead vocalist. (You can read the official news of Jorn Lande returning by going on the official Masterplan website at http://www.master-plan.net). I will always appreciate the vocals that Mike DiMeo brought to Masterplan, honestly, he is very good, in my Metal opinion. Jorn Lande is a premier Heavy Metal vocalist period. Jorn’s solo career and vocal contribution to Avantasia, coupled with his past Masterplan albums is proof positive he is at the top of the Power Metal pyramid. Welcome back to Masterplan Jorn!

Masterplan "MK ll" large album pic

Leave a comment »

W.A.S.P. “CRAZY” FROM “BABYLON” ALBUM IS WOVEN WITH HEAVY METAL MATURITY

Posted in 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1980's metal bands, 1990's heavy metal bands, 1990's metal bands, Album Review, classic heavy metal, classic heavy metal albums, cool album covers, creepy album covers, current heavy metal albums, current heavy metal bands, current heavy metal music, essential heavy metal albums, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1985, heavy metal albums 2009, heavy metal bands, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2009, heavy metal vocalists, independent record labels, Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, new heavy metal album, old school heavy metal, rock music, scary album covers, spooky album covers, vintage heavy metal albums, vintage heavy metal bands, vintage heavy metal songs with tags 1980's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal bands, blackie lawless guitarist, blackie lawless vocalist, demolition records, doug blair guitarist, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 2009, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2009, heavy metal songs, heavy metal vocalists, lyrical messages, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, W.A.S.P., w.a.s.p. albums, w.a.s.p. babylon album, w.a.s.p. babylon songs, w.a.s.p. crazy song, w.a.s.p. heavy metal band, w.a.s.p. the last command album, w.a.s.p. wild child song on November 11, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

W.A.S.P. Babylon small album pic Thank you Blackie Lawless. Thank you for not going away, taking an extended leave of absence or selling out. There are too many 1980’s Heavy Metal Bands that did just those things, now they are scrambling to make their triumphant comeback or best album ever. Some are doing just that, only Blackie Lawless does not belong to that club. The Heavy Metal membership card that Blackie Lawless holds says two words… for life. Why shouldn’t it say just that? The true fans of Heavy Metal and/or W.A.S.P. are in it for life. While the 1990’s ushered in the Grunge genre and scores of pretentious bands (being mistakenly labeled) Heavy Metal, all the while lining up at Hollywood’s red carpet gala’s for accolades, W.A.S.P. was too busy making real Heavy Metal albums of integrity. The politically correct mainstream press was not a necessity for W.A.S.P.’s survival then, it certainly is not now. There is no return of or part ll theme happening with W.A.S.P., just a band that is a Heavy Metal mainstay, due to the perseverance and creativity of Blackie Lawless. To take a quote from Blackie Lawless, (as stated in the liner notes from Babylon)… If it is not the truth, it will not stand.

As I mentioned in my previous post, I will be writing a series of reviews on the new W.A.S.P. studio album, Babylon. Concentrating on individual songs, musical elements and lyrics from Babylon makes for a more enlightening Metal experience for me, hopefully visitors to Metal Odyssey will agree. When an album of Heavy Metal has such a powerful impact on me, as does Babylon, a generalized review is about as fulfilling as a stale beer sitting in the hot sun. Could I have predicted Babylon would have impacted me in such a fantastic way? Of course not, yet the surprise is more expected than unexpected.

Crazy is the opening song on Babylon. The weight of the world always seems to be put on the opening track of any album. The first song sets the table for the remainder of the album, good or bad, this all important track can either be the demise or exclamation point for the songs that follow. With Crazy, this song kicks and extends it’s Heavy Metal tentacles like a giant sea squid on a caffeine rush. Crazy is the prelude to nine Heavy Metal songs of substance, this song alone foretells that W.A.S.P. connects in 2009. Blackie Lawless borrowed some of his Old School Heavy Metal and fused it with a more mature presentation, both with lyrics and tempo. Sure, Crazy is a fast moving song, only it’s the streamlined sound of it’s speed that makes it so appreciable. The consistency of Heavy Metal muscle is what I have come to expect from W.A.S.P., Crazy illuminates and flexes it from the opening note. My best Metal buddy Scott cued me into the comparison of Crazy to Wild Child, from the 1985 W.A.S.P. classic, The Last Command. (This was well before I owned a copy of Babylon, Scott was a lucky one who nailed Babylon on it’s import release date of October 13th). The opening guitar intro to both Crazy and Wild Child are very similar, still not a mirror image note for note.

The vocals of Blackie Lawless during Crazy extends maturity, not a voice that needs a stretcher… Blackie Lawless is not fooling anyone or pulling any high tech tricks. Doug Blair on lead guitar sounds like a rising star that Ozzy Osbourne would have plucked out of the bushel to call his own, decades ago. Instead, Blackie Lawless has a guitarist that doesn’t just play… emotion is emanated from the guitar of Doug Blair. Listening to the guitar solo on Crazy reminds me as to why I love Heavy Metal in the first place. Crazy is as commercially viable as any song from the storied Heavy Metal history of W.A.S.P., (only it has never been about accessibility with this band)… thank God for that. This is absolutely not an accusation that Blackie Lawless has set out to make a hit single, rather it is a Heavy Metal song that is so melodically driven that it is awe inspiring.

Lyrics, as with music itself, is art. One persons interpretation of a songs lyrics will differ far and wide against another’s. My interpretation of the lyrics for Crazy is – don’t fall in love with anyone or anything that cannot love you back. The symbolic person or thing that won’t accept love in Crazy sends a deep message of steering clear from personal hurt. Human emotion is a very volatile subject and Blackie Lawless has penned some intriguing lyrics with this song. You cannot draw love from drugs, alcohol or hate. These are things that will make anyone look crazy for loving. Inanimate objects are never going to love anyone. A tremendous Heavy Metal song is Crazy, this is the one song I have listened to the most from Babylon thus far… isn’t that crazy?

W.A.S.P. "Babylon" large album pic #2

1 Comment »

	Metal Odyssey on Metal Show & Tell: IRON MA…
	80smetalman on Metal Show & Tell: IRON MA…
	Metal Odyssey on The Best Of JUDAS PRIEST…
	mikeladano on The Best Of JUDAS PRIEST…
	80smetalman on Symphony X, TSO Vocalist Russe…

Archive for the metal music Category

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Contact Stone:

Follow Metalodyssey on Twitter

Metal Odyssey Subscription

Metal Odyssey – STONE

Recent Posts

ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES

CHARITABLE SITES THAT ARE VERY COOL!

Cool ROCK Blogs

FOLLOW THIS GAMING BLOG!

Heavy Metal & Rock 'N' Roll Related Websites!

METAL & HARD ROCK BLOG-SITE WARRIORS!

Metal Odyssey Interview Archives!

Metal Odyssey's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"

Some Band Websites To Check Out:

WordPress Links

Recent Comments

Archives

Meta