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ANA KEFR – “The Burial Tree (II)” Progressively Extreme and Resists Metal Boundaries

Posted in avant-garde music, Extreme Metal, extreme music, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, progressive metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on February 9, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

ANA KEFR – The Burial Tree (II) is the follow up to Volume 1, Ana Kefr’s critically acclaimed full-length debut released back in 2009. Both of these albums have been handed off to the Metal world via their own imprint label: Muse Sick. With a May 3rd, 2011 release date solidified, Ana Kefr’s new album is already making more noise than a sold out Arena of Detroit Red Wings fans. Originating from Riverside, California, Ana Kefr combines Extreme Metal with with progressive elements aplenty.

With smart and philosophical lyrics, Ana Kefr may have very well created their own Metal genre, which I’ll call – Thinking Man’s Extreme Metal. Maybe an easier label to blanket Ana Kefr with is Progressive Extreme Metal, only that would be too academic. Making things easier for us all, I’ll take a line from Hard Rock warriors Tesla: Call it what you want. I’m calling Ana Kefr an open book Extreme Metal Band… Metal be thy name.

It’s very easy to get caught up in Metal genre labels, with that said, Ana Kefr is not going to punch out at the Extreme Metal time clock anytime soon. Time is on this band’s side. What Ana Kefr brings with their extremity is layers of sounds that are so intriguing, my captivation level had reached an all new high while listening to The Burial Tree (II)… and that was during my initial listen through. What Ana Kefr has convincingly conveyed to my ears, is musical influences do not have to stand out as a bulls-eye within the structures of their songs. Ana Kefr has a keen ability to make their musical mood evolve into a potpourri of tonal originality, regardless if they are not pioneers of Metal experimentalism. Musical influences I or anyone else hears within an album of songs, is undeniably subjective. Still, the fun begins once my perception of sound takes that daringly brave leap. I’ll continue onward…

Between the Metal linings of Ana Kefr’s music, I sense influences ranging from Queensryche to Savatage, with a possible yet legitimately subtle nod to Cradle Of Filth. Do I dare state that quite logically, a reference point may have once been The Electric Light Orchestra when it comes to the atmospheric elements to The Burial Tree (II)? Maybe and maybe not. The Trans Siberian Orchestra epic-like canvas of sound hurls itself straight upon my ears from the sensory presence of The Burial Tree (II). Only this band bestows a much darker, outwardly aggresive, mainstream shattering and stormier presentation of music and this album’s non-conforming bark is as muscular as it’s Extreme laden bite. The Burial Tree (II) is a box of puzzle pieces that unloads in my brain, then gets put together fluidly as each song spills forth it’s uniqueness of musical character.

Rhiis D. Lopez creates the feelings and sounds that drive Ana Kefr’s music to such elegantly Extreme profoundness with his wizardry on the keys, not to mention his emotionally Extreme vocals, resulting in that open air journey of the mind I’ve signed on to, before I can even refuse. Around each bend, through the maniacal twists and turns, are those sounds and vibrations that may just go unnoticed after the first six or maybe seven listens of The Burial Tree (II), Ana Kefr is that enterprising of a band. Can Ana Kefr be too complex for their own good? In my Metal opinion, not in this post-Millennium decade.

A thinking man’s Metal will stop me in my tracks, making me realize that there is much more to know and explore about music and it’s infinite possibilities. With a clarinet and saxophone being introduced to the musical repertoire of The Burial Tree (II), Ana Kefr is careful enough to not overstep and become overly creative. Not to dissect apart a need for woodwinds in an already progressively driven atmosphere of Metal, the level of their use substantiates Ana Kefr’s belief in less is more when it comes to not over exploiting these ageless instruments. Devouring an album such as The Burial Tree (II) overnight or over the course of a two week period is absurd. This is an album and a band that just might become your Metal companion for your mind… the big and thick book you can’t push aside.

Expect Blackened Death vocals, searing guitar parts that boils over and gives way to melody, unexpected episodes of calm, with a bounty of synthetic fullness that engulfs the top and background of these 14 songs heard on The Burial Tree (II). All the while, the Extreme Metal direction that Ana Kefr travels never goes astray from it’s determined path of being the equalizer. To put it best, mainstream would walk on the other side of the street upon seeing Ana Kefr emerging from the darkened alley.

Ana Kefr does not present a cut and dry approach, nor do they administer a cut and dry sound to sum up in a tidy album review for Metal aficionado’s on the go. What I will say, is Ana Kefr remarkably joins the highs with the lows, impeccably balancing each song’s tempo and personality to eye popping approval. Those eyes popping are mine by the way. When a band can take me aboard their musical journey, regardless of how Extreme or mellow it may be and bring me to a place I’ve never been before, then that band deserves my Metal commendation. The Burial Tree (II) is a Metal album that encompasses musical elements of various Metal genres. These are intelligent musicians that have given thought to their music and lyric’s complexity and made a fearless album of songs along the way. Ana Kefr shook up my Metal soul with The Burial Tree (II), I’m quite certain they will try to eventually seize it altogether. Metal be thy name, I can’t let it go just yet.

* Album cover art for The Burial Tree (II) was created by the Dutch artist Bianca Van Der Werf and is aptly titled: The Watcher.

ANA KEFR:

Rhiis D. Lopez – lead vocals, keyboards & clarinet

Kyle Coughran – rhythm guitar & vocals

Brendan Moore – lead guitar, saxophone & vocals

Alphonso Jimenez – bass

Shane Dawson – drums & percussion

Track Listing For The Burial Tree (II):

Ash-Shahid

Emago

Monody

In The House Of Distorted Mirrors

Thaumatrope

Bathos And The Iconoclast

The Zephirus Circus

Jeremiad

Apoptosis

Parasites

Paedophilanthrope

Fragment

The Blackening

The Collector

LONG LIVE ANA KEFR.

Stone.

4 Comments »

KATAKLYSM – Spread The Venom Tour North America 2011 – Tour Dates Listed!

Posted in concerts, Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal tours, melodic death metal, metal music, metal odyssey, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 8, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

KATAKLYSM – Headlining their very own Spread The Venom Tour across North America in 2011, is Canada’s very own mega-goliath of a Metal Band – KATAKLYSM. Melodic Death Metal has it’s almighty keeper of the Metal gates and KATAKLYSM holds the key! Supporting KATAKLYSM on this Spread The Venom Tour is: All Shall Perish, Decrepit Birth, Conducting From The Grave and Abysmal Dawn. This is NOT a Metal lineup to mess with, you can’t control them… you can only join them as they embark on their mission in assisting KATAKLYSM to Spread The Venom across North America during 2011!

KATAKLYSM:

Maurizio Iacono – vocals

J-F Dagenais – guitars

Stephane Barbe – bass

Max Duhamel – drums

Spread The Venom Tour North America 2011 Dates – 35 Shows:

02/24 – Cleveland, OH @ Peabody’s

02/25 – Chicago, IL @ Reggie’s Rock Club

02/26 – Detroit, MI @ Harpo’s

02/27 – St. Paul, MN @ Station 4

02/28 – Winnipeg, MB, Canada – Park Theatre

03/01 – Regina, SK, Canada – The Distrikt

03/02 – Edmonton, AB, Canada – Starlite Ballroom

03/03 – Kelowna, BC, Canada – Lake City Bowl

03/04 – Vancouver, BC, Canada – Rickshaw Theatre

03/05 – Seattle, WA @ Studio Seven

03/06 – Portland, OR @ Branx

03/07 – San Francisco, CA @ Slim’s

03/08 – Hollywood, CA @ The Whiskey A Go Go

03/09 – San Diego, CA @ SOMA

03/10 – Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad

03/11 – Amarillo, TX @ El Clen

03/12 – Dallas, TX @ Trees

03/13 – San Antonio, TX @ White Rabbit

03/15 – St. Petersburg, FL @ State Theater

03/16 – Raleigh, NC @ Volume 11

03/17 – Springfield, VA @ JAXX

03/18 – Columbus, OH @ Alrosa Villa

03/19 – Niagara Falls, NY @ Evening Star Music Hall

03/19 – Niagara Falls, NY @ Evening Star Music Hall (CD Release Show)

03/20 – Montreal, QC, Canada @ Club Soda

04/06 – Mexico City, DF, Mexico @ Circo Volador

04/07 – San Jose, San Jose, Costa Rica – Pepper’s Club

04/08 – Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia @ BAR OZ

04/09 – Bogota, Bogotá, Colombia @ Teatro La Mama

04/10 – Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela @ Templo Musical La Realeza Vallenata

04/12 – La Paz, La Paz, Bolivia @ Teatro Mexico

04/17 – São Paulo, SP, Brazil @ Carioca Club

05/06 – Johannesburg, South Africa @ South Africa 2011

05/06 – Johannesburg, South Africa @ Slaughter Camp Open Air Festival

05/13 – Cape Town, South Africa @ Slaughter Camp Open Air Festival

* For more info on KATAKLYSM, plus ticket info, just click on the link below:

KATAKLYSM – MySpace Music Page

* For more info on ALL SHALL PERISH, just click that link below:

All Shall Perish – myspace music

LONG LIVE KATAKLYSM.

Stone.

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LYNYRD SKYNYRD “SKYNYRD NATION” – Previously Released Songs From This Iconic Southern Rock Band

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, live rock music, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news, southern hard rock, southern rock with tags , , , , , , , , on February 7, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

LYNYRD SKYNYRD – If I’m ever to be proven guilty for something, then my guilt is for the loyalty I have for the bands that I’ve listened to my whole life. Lynyrd Skynyrd is one such band, their Southern Rock/Hard Rock has moved and entertained me through good times and bad. I’m sure many of you out there know what I’m talking about. Therefore, whenever I see a CD for sale that I don’t own, with that classic Lynyrd Skynyrd logo on it… I’m buying.

From the offbeat compilations to the live Extended Versions, I can’t resist picking up some good ol’ Skynyrd. Regardless if I already own the songs on these compilations, Lynyrd Skynyrd is one of those bands that secured my allegiance a long time ago, therefore building a collection of their vinyl and CD’s is fun. Hey, I just recently saw on television a woman who collects finger and toe nails. She then makes little “creatures of art” with them. Yes I did see that. Therefore, collecting the CD offbeats and compilations of Lynyrd Skynyrd is not a bad deal.

All along, the patriotic lyrics and vibes that shine through the songs of Lynyrd Skynyrd is an attribute that I find very special. Being born and living my entire life in America has obviously made me proud to be an American and to love my country. Still, the patriotic nature of this band with their undying love for America should serve as a symbol for anyone out there to love their respective country as well. It’s like that old saying: there’s no place like home.

With regards to lineup changes over the decades that have reshaped Lynyrd Skynyrd’s makeup, past tragedy and death are facts of life and are unavoidably sad. Changes in this Lynyrd Skynyrd family has never compromised their original sound or character. This is an American Band that has prospered on the dedication to their music, acting on what they believe in and forging ahead despite what tragic roadblocks may have stood in their way. This characteristic of Lynyrd Skynyrd alone has made them an inspiration to me… and to countless others that are know as: SKYNYRD NATION.

* SKYNYRD NATION was released on RoadRunner Records/Loud & Proud Records, on January 11, 2011.

SKYNYRD NATION Track Listing:

Tracks 1 thru 5 are from the 2009 album: God & Guns


01 – Still Unbroken

02 – Skynyrd Nation

03 – Simple Life

04 – That Ain’t My America

05 – Southern Ways

Tracks 6 thru 10 are from the 2010 album: Live From Freedom Hall

* Recorded live at Freedom Hall, Louisville, KY, June 15, 2007


06 – Travelin’ Man (live)

07 – Workin’ (live)

08 – Red White & Blue (live)

09 – Sweet Home Alabama (live)

10 – Free Bird (live)

LYNYRD SKYNYRD:

Gary Rossington – lead guitar

Billy Powell – keyboards

Johnny Van Zant – vocals

Rickey Medlocke – lead guitar

Mark “Sparky” Matejka – guitar

Ean Evans – bass

Michael Cartellone – drums

HONKETTES:

Dale Krantz Rossington – back-up vocals

Carol Chase – back-up vocals

Back on October 2nd, 2009, I posted the review for God & Guns. You can read it by clicking on the cool header link below:

LYNYRD SKYNYRD – “GOD & GUNS” IS ALREADY A SOUTHERN ROCK CLASSIC

LONG LIVE THE SKYNYRD NATION.

LONG LIVE LYNYRD SKYNYRD.

Rest In Peace, Billy Powell.

Rest In Peace, Ean Evans.

Stone.

7 Comments »

GARY MOORE, GUITAR LEGEND – REST IN PEACE

Posted in blues rock, classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on February 6, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

GARY MOORE – The Official Website for Gary Moore has reported today, Sunday, February 6, 2011, the following sad message: “It is with deep sorrow and regret, that we have to announce that Gary Moore passed away while on holiday in Spain last night. Our thoughts are with his children, family and friends at this sad time. Gary Moore, RIP.”

Metal Odyssey expresses heartfelt condolences to the children, family, friends and fans of Gary Moore. Gary Moore was and forever will be a guitar legend. The sounds I’ve always heard come from the guitar of Gary Moore were also musical lyrics… for Gary Moore could make his guitar sing to my ears. As a vocalist, Gary Moore kept it real, there were no pretensions.

To say that I am saddened and shocked at learning the news of Gary Moore passing away is an absolute understatement. Gary Moore has left us all with an incredible and extensive catalog of music, that will live on forever. From Hard Rock to the Blues, Gary Moore’s music has made many happy moments for me throughout my life. The music of Gary Moore will continue to have that same affect on me, without question. I’m certain countless others feel this same way. The music of Gary Moore will live on forever.

One of my favorite albums from Gary Moore is After The War. This album was released back in 1989. I can’t say it enough times, just how much this album has lifted my spirits and made me feel great over the years. That’s the magical thing that musicians and vocalists can do… they can move you to greater emotional heights, especially when you are feeling down. Thank you Gary Moore for making this fan feel great from the music you created.

Back on June 6th, 2010, I wrote a review on the album – After The War. I aimed to salute this sensational album and give Gary Moore his deserved and just applause. If you would like to read it, just click the header below:

GARY MOORE “AFTER THE WAR” – A HARD ROCKIN’ & HEAVY HITTING GEM FROM 1989

REST IN PEACE, GARY MOORE.

1952 – 2011

Stone.

20 Comments »

The Yngwie Malmsteen Collection – Revisiting This Guitar Legend’s 1991 Greatest Hits

Posted in classic rock, guitarists, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, neoclassical metal, rock music, rock music news, speed metal with tags , , , , , , , , , , on February 6, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

YNGWIE MALMSTEEN – Back in November of 1991, The Yngwie Malmsteen Collection was released on Polydor Records. This Yngwie Malmsteen compilation spans the first six albums of his career, from 1984 to 1990. These albums are: Rising Force (1984), Marching Out (1985), Trilogy (1986), Odyssey (1988), Trial By Fire: Live In Leningrad (1989) and Eclipse (1990).

Of these first six Yngwie Malmsteen albums, the only one I have on CD is Odyssey. Eclipse I have on cassette and the other four I have on vinyl. Sounds crazy, huh? The $ factor comes into play, whenever the desire to upgrade my entire collection of music to CD crosses my Metal mind. Regardless, I have these Yngwie albums on old school formats and I’m content. About seven years ago, on a lazy Saturday, I took a leisurely stroll into Strawberries Records & Tapes, back in my hometown up in very expensive Connecticut. That day I zeroed in on The Yngwie Malmsteen Collection… it was calling my name.

At this time of my life, seven years ago, my wife and I were really cutting corners and trying to make ends meet… and the ends were not interested in meeting either. Purchasing one CD would send me into guilt city. I took the Metal plunge, held my breath and Metal be thy name I purchased this Yngwie Malmsteen bonanza of songs. It has served me right ever since. Yes, by now you might have guessed I am giddy about listening to Yngwie Malmsteen over the years. I really enjoy listening to his guitar playing, his Neoclassical style is pioneering and legendary, in my Metal opinion.

I’ve always enjoyed listening to every vocalist that Yngwie Malmsteen has recruited for his albums as well. I’m not trying to sound like Mr. Sunshine wants everyone happy when I state this. No, I will readily admit that Mark Boals and Joe Lynn Turner are my favorite vocalists from the entire Yngwie Malmsteen catalog, which includes his most recent release of 2010’s Relentless, which boasts Tim “Ripper” Owens on vocals, (with Yngwie singing Look At You Now). If someone out there asks: hey Stone, c’mon, pick one or the other, Mark Boals or Joe Lynn Turner!? My Metal answer is easy: it’s a tie… Metal be thy name, a tie.

I recommend anyone who is just getting interested in Yngwie Malmsteen to get ahold of this CD. These fourteen songs are a magnificent representation of Yngwie’s first six albums. From the live cover of the Jimi Hendrix classic – Spanish Castle Magic, to Queen In Love, this compilation shows not a flaw, in my Metal opinion once again. Veteran fans of Yngwie who don’t own his first six albums on CD entirely, may want to grab this collection for the same reason I did.

Yngwie Malmsteen Facts To Know:

* Yngwie means: young Viking chief

* Born: In Sweden on June 30, 1963

* Yngwie Malmsteen taught himself how to play guitar.

* The late and legendary Jimi Hendrix inspired Yngwie to play guitar, only it was the image of Jimi Hendrix more so than his music that influenced Yngwie.

* At the age of 15, Yngwie quit school and landed a job at a music shop in Stockholm, Sweden, repairing guitars.

* The debut 1984 album Yngwie J. Malmsteen’s Rising Force was nominated for a Grammy Award.

* (Source for these Yngwie facts found in the liner notes of this CD)

* For more info on Yngwie, just click here: YNGWIE MALMSTEEN

* I’ve listed below, next to each song in the track listing, the album of origin along with the respective vocalist. Instrumentals are noted.

Track Listing:

Black Star – Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force – (instrumental)

Far Beyond The Sun – Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force – (instrumental)

I’ll See The Light Tonight – Marching Out – Jeff Scott Soto

You Don’t Remember, I’ll Never Forget – Trilogy – Mark Boals

Liar – Trilogy – Mark Boals

Queen In Love – Trilogy – Mark Boals

Hold On – Odyssey – Joe Lynn Turner

Heaven Tonight – Odyssey – Joe Lynn Turner

Deja Vu – Odyssey – Joe Lynn Turner

Guitar Solo – Trial By Fire: Live In Leningrad – (instrumental)

Spanish Castle Magic – Trial By Fire: Live In Leningrad – Joe Lynn Turner

Judas – Eclipse – Göran Edman

Making Love – Eclipse – Göran Edman

Eclipse – Eclipse – (instrumental)

LONG LIVE YNGWIE MALMSTEEN.

The word “giddy” was used in paragraph 3.

Stone.

2 Comments »

ADVERSARIAL – Release Artwork and Track List for “Prophetic Plain of Abyssal Revelation” LP

Posted in Black Metal, Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on February 5, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

ADVERSARIAL – This March, Dark Descent Records will release an LP featuring newly recorded Adversarial material along with the original Thralls demo material (released by Blood Harvest in 2008). This LP/CD will be titled Prophetic Plain of Abyssal Revelation and will contain the three Thralls demo tracks in their original recorded state, two unreleased tracks and two cover songs. The two cover tracks are Incantation’s “A Once Holy Throne” and Archgoat’s “The Light Devouring Darkness”.

Track Listing For Prophetic Plain of Abyssal Revelation:

Side A

1. Scourge of a World Ablaze

2. A Hatred Tempered and Trialed

3. Thralls

4. Prophetic Plain of Abyssal Revelation

Side B

5. Impending Eternal Blackness

6. The Light Devouring Darkness (Archgoat’s cover)

7. A Once Holy Throne (Incantation Cover)

Above artwork: Prophetic Plain of Abyssal Revelation LP

* For more info on ADVERSARIAL and Dark Descent Records, click on the links below:

ADVERSARIAL – myspace music

Dark Descent Records

EXTREME METAL RULES.

Stone.

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STRYPER “The Covering” – A Commanding Celebration of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Classics

Posted in christian heavy metal, christian rock, classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on February 4, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

STRYPER – Christian Heavy Metal and Hard Rock’s genre pioneer, influence, household name and undisputed legend of a band are back again. This time around, they are releasing an album of 12 covers songs with an additional original song. This original song is aptly titled: God. This substantial undertaking of covering such lifetime dependable classics is known as The Covering, to be released on Big 3 Records on February 15, 2011.

Stryper. The name alone resonates the positive energy and glorious power of their Christian belief and unity, not to mention they are one incredibly talented group of musicians. To understand and accept each respective Heavy Music genre is to be open minded to the bands that illuminate each genre, like a shooting star in the midnight sky. Stryper has been a shooting star for Christian Heavy Metal and Hard Rock since their 1984 debut The Yellow and Black Attack. Spanning four decades as a band of any genre is an admirable feat, while still being able to legitimize their sound and style through quality musicianship, after all these years, to multiple generations of fans, is undeniably respectable. For me, this is what Stryper has consistently accomplished to date.

There has been that moment when Stryper tried their hand at breaking away from their lyrical style and to a degree, musical style as well, with 1990’s Against The Law proving they were just as muscular and driven as a band than ever before. Stryper has branched out once again with The Covering, justifying they are not just an enormous Heavy Metal Band, they are colossal fans of Heavy Metal and Hard Rock’s roots. The Covering offers up the stylistic depth of Stryper, a Heavy Metal aptitude that they have bestowed upon songs that many of us old and new school Metalheads find uncompromisingly sacred.

From Iron Maiden to Kansas, with the Ronnie James Dio era Black Sabbath in-between, Stryper doesn’t need to wear their influences on their sleeves… they cover them with the upmost Heavy Metal reverence on The Covering. It is with much applause from this Classic Rock admirer, that a much prominent hit from the catalog of Sweet is exposed for it’s timeless Rockin’ sheen. Set Me Free is credibly set free with Stryper’s trademark Arena style vibe, acknowledging Sweet for their rightful place among Rock legends. Michael Sweet never wavers vocally throughout The Covering, he only makes each song rise with their power and energy that they originally were christened with by their creators.

As stated by me so often in the past, nothing beats the original. However, when done with acute and painstaking care, an album of cover songs can Rock my world and leave me appreciative and begging for more when done the Stryper way. How difficult can it be to cover a Scorpions song? Klaus Meine’s vocals alone are so unique and identifiable it’s simply scary. If it were up to me, I would never mess with trying to cover a Scorpions song… only Stryper did just that. On Blackout, I cannot control the enthusiastic feeling that devours my senses, as Michael Sweet belts out the lyrics to this classic Scorpions song. The only thing I can say about the cover of Highway Star is: holy Metal does Stryper embellish this song with impressive guitar driven prowess! And it’s built on speed!

Any tried and true Metalhead will come down with a serious case of ostrich bumps up and down their body, as the psych-you-out adrenaline bursts within like a volcano, each time they hear Heaven and Hell by the Ronnie James Dio fronted Black Sabbath. Stryper may never exceed those heavenly supercharges of Heavy Metal ecstasy that I feel from the original Heaven and Hell… only Stryper does come close. It may be that this song means so damn much, to so many of us, coupled with Stryper’s anointing Heaven and Hell with their approval of influence, that in turn triggers such an ignited feeling within my Metal soul. I’m certain the late Ronnie James Dio is smiling down, from above.

Over The Mountain is yet another super Heavy Metal classic from a legend of legends… Ozzy Osbourne. No, Oz Fox nor Michael Sweet are going to out-do the late Randy Rhoads on guitar, nor will Michael Sweet become an instant sound alike to Ozzy either. The Metal point is, this is Stryper simply covering a song with a sincerity that heavily seeps through their music in an uncanny way, which at the end of the Metal day cannot be ignored or denied. When I can catch myself singing along to these covered classics from Heavy Metal’s storied past, the realization sets in that Stryper has done good. Damn good too.

Carry On Wayward Son from an ultra-influential band like Kansas is untouchable right? Well, Stryper touches it and fires up their version with the heightened emotion it was always meant to release. If there is one song on The Covering that doesn’t smack it down for me, it’s Stryper’s version of The Immigrant Song by the infinitely legendary Led Zeppelin. Yes, some classics are best left untouched and Led Zeppelin is a monumental band to cover, regardless of the song. It just comes across as Stryper not staying true to the original hardness of The Immigrant Song, any slight watering down of such a classic will stand out and scream at me in a millisecond. Where’s Great White when I need The Immigrant Song covered?

The lone original song on The Covering, as I mentioned earlier is God. Whoa, this song is super saturated with emotion and can easily be looked upon as one of the most inspiring songs Stryper has ever written and recorded. It’s ostrich bumps time folks… and God is a candidate for Michael Sweet’s finest vocal performance of his very own legendary career. I found myself playing this song the most since I’ve obtained The Covering from Best Metal Buddy and Metal Researcher… Scott Coverdale. Yes, Scott has given The Covering his highest of Metal praise and understandably so. Stone’s Message to Stryper: God is one “heck” of a song and The Covering is one hell of an album. Metal be thy name.

I’m pleased as a fan, that Styper has shown the world that they do have Hard Rock and Heavy Metal influences that are not of the flower garden variety. What else would any Stryper or Heavy Metal fan expect? Michael Sweet has his affiliation as a member of Boston and the Heavy Rock family tree does extend outside the lines of the Christian genre for Stryper. These guys are human, just like me and you, they are not martyrs sent to us from the Vatican. This is a band that has been influenced by some of the most iconic acts in the Heavy Rockin’ land and The Covering proves it. Stryper will always be a Christian Metal Band and I sincerely respect that. I also respect the fact that Stryper has taken this path down Hard Rock and Heavy Metal roots lane and covered some of the greatest songs of Rock Music’s history.

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

Stryper – Official Website

STRYPER:

Michael Sweet – lead vocals & guitar

Robert Sweet – drums

Oz Fox – guitar & vocals

Timothy Gaines – bass & vocals

Track Listing For The Covering:

Set Me Free – (Sweet)

Blackout – (Scorpions)

Heaven and Hell – (Black Sabbath)

Lights Out – (UFO)

Carry On Wayward Son – (Kansas)

Highway Star – (Deep Purple)

Shout It Out Loud – (KISS)

Over The Mountain – (Ozzy Osbourne)

The Trooper – (Iron Maiden)

Breaking The Law – (Judas Priest)

On Fire – (Van Halen)

Immigrant Song – (Led Zeppelin)

God

LONG LIVE STRYPER.

Stone.

16 Comments »

Papa Roach – U.S. and Canada Tour Dates for February and March 2011!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, rock tours with tags , , , , , , , , on February 3, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Papa Roach – Below are the U.S. and Canada 2011 tour dates for Papa Roach. This tour kicks off on February 25, in Sacramento, California and ends on March 18th, in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. There are 3 U.S. stops on this tour, the first two in Sacramento, California and Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan on March 14th. The rest of the dates are all Canada. Check out and see if Papa Roach is coming to your neck of the Rockin’ woods!

U.S. and Canada Tour Dates:

2/25/11 – Sacramento, CA, United States @ Ace Of Spades

2/26/11 – Sacramento, CA, United States @ Ace Of Spades

2/28/11 – Vancouver, BC, Canada @ Commodore Ballroom

3/01/11 – Prince George, BC, Canada @ CN Centre

3/02/11 – Dawson Creek, BC, Canada @ EnCana Events Centre

3/04/11 – Edmonton, AB, Canada @ Edmonton Event Centre

3/05/11 – Lloydminster, AB, Canada @ Centennial Civic Centre

3/06/11 – Medicine Hat, AB, Canada @ Medicine Hat Arena

3/08/11 – Calgary, AB, Canada @ MacEwan Hall Ballroom

3/09/11 – Regina, SK, Canada @ Evraz Place

3/10/11 – Winnipeg, MB, Canada @ MTS Centre

3/12/11 – Toronto, ON, Canada @ Sound Academy

3/14/11 – Sault Ste. Marie, MI, United States @ Dream Makers Theatre

3/16/11 – Montreal, QC, Canada @ Metropolis

3/17/11 – Québec, QC, Canada @ Imperial Theater

3/18/11 – Barrie, ON, Canada @ Barrie Molson Centre

* For ticket info and more cool stuff on Papa Roach, click on the link below:

Papa Roach – Official Website

Papa Roach:

Jacoby Shaddix – lead vocals

Jerry Horton – lead guitar, backing vocals

Tobin Esperance – bass guitar, backing vocals

Tony Palermo – drums, percussion

LONG LIVE PAPA ROACH.

Stone.

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Some Rockin’ Albums To Get You Through An Ice Storm Warning!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, weather news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 2, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Well, it’s coming… back for round II. On Tuesday, February 1st, round I came through Pennsylvania and it was enough to cause plenty of headaches and anxiety attacks. As it is, round I was just a teaser compared to the impending “round II”, which is supposed to be bigger, badder and more potent than ever. What is “it”? I can almost see the concerned look on your face, as you begin to mutter: what was round I and what could round II possibly be? What is Stone unravelling about now? An ice storm. Another F’n ice storm. Metal be thy name, ice storms are not fun. Ice storms for all intents and purposes are dangerous to life, liberty and the pursuit of Metal happiness.

I have my snow shovel, yet what can that actually do when it comes to ice? My nearly 4 foot long ice chopper will come in handy though. Rock salt… yup, I have about 15 pounds of it, only it’s not gonna be enough probably. Will we lose our power due to the ice storm’s brutality to tree limbs and power lines? Maybe. Losing power when the temperature outside is below freezing is not something I welcome with open Metal arms.

What can any one of us do when it comes to a raging ice storm? The damn ice storm warning put out by the National Weather Service says it all! With big jack-o-lantern grins on their faces, my late/great uncles (Uncle George and Willard) always used to say to me when I was a young lad: you can’t control or predict Mother Nature. They were not mistaken. All that the Mid-Atlantic and Southern New England States can do now is wait. Wait. Wait for this ice storm to cometh… and…

LISTEN TO SOME ROCK ‘N’ ROLL & F’N METAL!

Below is a list of five albums that are somehow linked to that very cold three letter word… ICE. Be it the band name, song or album title, the reference to ice is there. WARNING: This list just might serve you right. Each album is recommended by Stone for your listening Rockin’ pleasure during – Ice Storm Round II of 2011.

Foreigner – debut/self titled (1977)

Their Classic Rock gem – Cold As Ice is as fitting as any song to listen to during Ice Storm Round II. If these lyrics to Cold As Ice speak to me correctly, this song has some pissed off attitude happening. That’s perfect! For I am pissed off at this ice storm. By the way, this Foreigner debut album is a Classic Rock masterpiece.

Yngwie Malmsteen – Fire & Ice (1992)

Göran Edman is the lead vocalist on Yngwie Malmsteen’s sixth studio album. I’ve always liked this Fire & Ice album and consider it to be one of those best kept secrets from the early 90’s. Can you keep a secret? I still have… Fire & Ice… in mint condition… on cassette. No, it’s not for sale.

AC/DC – BLACK ICE (2008)

If any band in this great land has the ability to cheer me up, especially during Ice Storm Round II of 2011, it’s gonna be AC/DC. This album’s title and it’s title track have those two words no driver wants to hear during these winter months – Black Ice.

Frozen Ghost – The Essentials (2005)

If you dig Night Ranger, Nelson and Survivor, then you just might dig Frozen Ghost. Their melodic and well crafted songs were tailor made for Rock accessibility. This Canadian AOR band released three studio albums from 1987 to 1992. Here’s a Rockin’ fun fact: Frozen Ghost spelled their band name as Frōzen Ghōst on their first and third album covers, (their second album from 1988, Nice Place To Visit, had the spelling Frozen Ghost). Frozen Ghost broke up in 1993 and their mainstream Rock still resonates relevancy to my ears.

ICED EARTH – ALIVE IN ATHENS (1999)

Since their 1990 debut and self-titled album, Iced Earth has been an American Heavy Metal Band that has never buckled down to music trends or watered down their music for any mainstream acceptance… thanks to the legendary Jon Schaffer (founding member/guitarist/songwriter). Matthew Barlow is the lead vocalist on this live gem from Iced Earth.

Alive In Athens bestows some solid production, capturing Iced Earth’s Heavy Metal energy as they play their classics to a fired up mass of fans in Athens, Greece. I can’t ever find myself keeping this CD out of arms reach. Plus, what other band has a name so fitting for an ice storm? On Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011, when I wake up from my Metal slumber… a visible Iced Earth will be awaiting me outside, courtesy of Mother Nature. My great uncles are smiling down on me now.

By now, many of you are asking: hey Stone, what about that album cover at the top of this post? Is that a cool album to listen to during Ice Storm Round II of 2011? My answer is very simple. Yes, The Crucible Of Man: Something Wicked Part 2 is a Metal recommendation for any ice storm. It receives Stone’s Metal stamp of approval the whole year long too.

METAL BE THY NAME.

ICE STORMS SUCK.

ICE STORM WARNINGS ARE SPOOKY.

Stone.

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STRAIGHT LINE STITCH – Added To Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal festivals, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock festivals, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on February 1, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

(photo credit: Tom Medvedich)

(New York, NY) — STRAIGHT LINE STITCH have been added to the robust lineup that is the 2011 ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL featuring MEGADETH, DISTURBED and GODSMACK. The band will be appearing on the “Extreme Stage” on all dates along with SUICIDE SILENCE & ALL SHALL PERISH. “Getting added to Mayhem is definitely a highlight of our careers thus far. There are so many amazing bands we thought we’d never get the opportunity to play with & now we get to. It’s gonna be a surreal summer for sure.” says front woman Alexis Brown. Dates can be seen below. STRAIGHT LINE STITCH has completed work on their new studio album, “The Fight Of Our Lives” due for release on March 22, 2011 via eOne Music. The new album is set to include eleven new songs and will be the follow-up to their album, “When Skies Wash Ashore” released in 2008.

NEW BEHIND THE SCENES STUDIO FOOTAGE AVAILABLE NOW:

The band has uploaded the first video of a series of behind the scenes studio footage as well, watch it here: http://bit.ly/hlKJIg

Brown couldn’t be happier with the way the album turned out. She offers, “The only thing that comes to mind when I think of our new record is excitement! As a band, we’ve have grown leaps and bounds in comparison to our last release.” “Conversion” is a first glimpse of the band’s new music is available now for streaming here, http://bit.ly/hBIVb0. An iTunes version can be downloaded here, http://bit.ly/f29QqO

Brown continues, “Conversion is one of my favorite songs on the record because its about shedding old skin & becoming a whole another being. I’m really stoked that its the first single off our new record.”

STRAIGHT LINE STITCH is set to hit the ground running in 2011. After finishing recent dates supporting NONPOINT, the band will now jump on the much anticipated debut tour of TIMES OF GRACE, a new collaborative effort between Adam Dutkiewicz and Jesse Leach. Additional support on that tour will come from the mighty WAR OF AGES.

Supporting Times of Grace:

2/01 Baltimore, MD @ The Quarter

2/02 Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade

2/04 Dallas, TX @ The Door

2/05 Austin, TX @ Emo’s

2/07 Mesa, AZ @ Nile Theatre

2/08 West Hollywood, CA @ Troubadour

2/09 San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill

2/11 Seattle, WA @ El Corazon

2/12 Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theater

2/14 Salt Lake City, UT @ The Complex

2/15 Denver, CO @ Marquis Theatre

2/17 St. Paul, MN @ Station 4

2/18 Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge

2/19 Pontiac, MI @ Eagle Theater

2/20 Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom

2/21 Toronto, ON @ Mod Club

2/22 New York, NY @ Gramercy

2/24 West Chester, PA @ The Note

2/25 Millvale, PA @ Mr. Smalls

2/26 Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Chance

2/27 Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club

Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival 2011 tour dates:

Jul. 09 – San Bernardino, CA @ San Manuel Amphitheatre

Jul. 10 – San Francisco, CA @ Shoreline Amphitheatre

Jul. 12 – Seattle, WA @ White River Amphitheater

Jul. 13 – Boise, ID @ Idaho Center Amphitheatre

Jul. 15 – Phoenix, AZ @ Cricket Wireless Pavilion

Jul. 16 – Albuquerque, NM @ Hard Rock Casino Presents: The Pavilion

Jul. 17 – Denver, CO @ Comfort Dental Amphitheatre

Jul. 19 – St. Louis, MO @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

Jul. 20 – Cincinnati, OH @ Riverbend Music Center

Jul. 22 – Boston, MA @ Comcast Center

Jul. 23 – Montreal, QUE @ Parc Jean Drapeau

Jul. 24 – Hartford, CT @ The Comcast Theatre

Jul. 27 – Holmdel, NJ @ P.N.C. Bank Arts Center

Jul. 29 – Pittsburgh, PA @ First Niagara Pavilion

Jul. 30 – Washington, DC @ Jiffy Lube Live

Jul. 31 – Camden, NJ @ Susquehanna Bank Center

Aug. 02 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Verizon Wireless V. Beach Amphitheater

Aug. 03 – Raleigh, NC @ Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek

Aug. 05 – Chicago, IL @ First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre

Aug. 06 – Detroit, MI @ DTE Energy Music Theatre

Aug. 07 – Indianapolis, IN @ Verizon Wireless Music Center

Aug. 09 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Zoo Amphitheatre

Aug. 10 – Dallas, TX @ Superpages.com Center

Aug. 12 – Atlanta, GA @ Lakewood Amphitheatre

Aug. 13 – Tampa, FL @ 1-800-Ask-Gary-Amphitheatre

Aug. 14 – West Palm Beach, FL @ Cruzan Amphitheater

STRAIGHT LINE STITCH, originally hail from Knoxville, TN, features Alexis Brown on vocals, Seth Thacker on guitar, Jason White on bass, and Kanky Lora on drums.

For more info on Straight Line Stitch, please visit:

http://www.facebook.com/straightlinestitch

http://www.twitter.com/slsband1

http://www.allinmerch.com/straightlinestitch

http://www.myspace.com/straightlinestitch

http://www.youtube.com/straightlinestitch1

LONG LIVE STRAIGHT LINE STITCH.

LONG LIVE THE ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL.

Stone.

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EARTH’s Entire New Album Streaming On NPR Until February 7th, 2011!

Posted in avant-garde music, drone metal, hard rock music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 31, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Angels Of Darkness, Demons Of Light 1, the latest organic opus from EARTH, is now streaming in its entirety as an NPR “Exclusive First Listen.” Click here to check out the whole album, where it will stream for free until February 7th.

Set for release on February 22nd, once again for Southern Lord Recordings, Angels Of Darkness, Demons Of Light 1 represents yet another new chapter in the EARTH lineage, as the band continues to expand their trademark slow-morphing drone a bit beyond the realms they’ve explored on their last handful of releases and recent years of touring, and continuing to reproduce continually inspiring music as they have with every recording to date.

EARTH have also announced an official hometown record release show for Angels Of Darkness, Demons Of Light 1, scheduled for March 3rd at The Tractor Tavern in Seattle.

EARTH Record Release Show:

3/3/2011 The Tractor Tavern – Seattle, WA w/ Mount Eerie, Low Hums

LONG LIVE EARTH.

Stone.

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METALLIANCE TOUR 2011 – Support Bands Announced, Tickets On Sale Now!

Posted in doom metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal festivals, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, stoner metal with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on January 31, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

(New York, NY) – The 2011 Metalliance Tour has just announced the complete line up for their already impressive and highly anticipated tour. The run of dates are now complete and will be supported by metal heavyweights KYLESA, RED FANG, HOWL and ATLAS MOTH.  The tour organizers had the honor of having Brian Mercer also provide all of the visuals and artwork for The Metalliance Tour. He is best known  for creating artwork for such bands as EYEHATEGOD, ZOROASTER, BLACK TUSK, LAMB of GOD and countless others. (www.mercerrock.com) 

Dates have officially been announced. The tour sponsored by Revolver Magazine, Loudtrax.com, Brooklyn Vegan, Mosh Potatoes Cookbook and Giddy Up! Sauces is proud to announce HELMET, SAINT VITUS and CROWBAR for its inaugural line up. “We are glad to be part of this tour; I think it’s a great bill. The bands I have heard so far each have a strong musical identity as opposed to so much of the generic, lowest common denominator music out there,” says HELMET front man Page Hamilton.

03/17/11    Dallas, TX @ Southside Music Hall
03/18/11    Austin, TX @ Dirty Dog / SXSW
03/19/11    New Orleans, LA @ One Eyed Jacks
03/20/11    St Petersburg, FL @ State Theater
03/21/11    Orlando, FL @ Firestone Live
03/22/11    Greensboro, NC @ Greene Street
03/23/11    Springfield, VA @ Jaxx
03/24/11    Worcester, MA @ Palladium
03/25/11    New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
03/26/11    Cleveland, OH @ Peabody’s
03/27/11    Joliet, IL @ Mojoe’s
03/29/11    Denver, CO @ The Summit
03/31/11    Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
04/01/11    Seattle, WA @ El Corazon
04/03/11    San Francisco, CA @ Mezzanine
04/05/11    Hollywood, CA @ House Of Blues

$50 VIP tickets will be available courtesy of Artist Arena. This very special package will include:

– A General Admission Ticket
– Access to a Meet & Greet with Metalliance lineup
– A Metalliance hot sauce bottle
– A Commemorative VIP Show Laminate
– An Autographed poster
– 1 Issue of Revolver Magazine

One grand prize winner will be randomly selected for a Dinner With The Bands, an autographed Mosh Potatoes Cookbook and one T-shirt from each of the bands.

One second-place winner will randomly be selected for a one-on-one guitar lesson with Kirk Windstein from Crowbar and an autographed Mosh Potatoes Cookbook.

VIP tickets are on sale NOW. Click here for more information on this once in a lifetime experience!  http://bit.ly/gLC2to

Legendary alternative Metal band HELMET will perform their 1992 platinum-selling release of Meantime in its entirety. The Interscope Records release gave the band mainstream attention with songs like “Unsung” and “In The Meantime”.  With the band’s renewed success after getting back together in 2004, this tour will be one of the most anticipated of 2011.

One of the most highly influential Doom Metal bands in America, SAINT VITUS are regarded as one of the first bands of the genre starting out as early as the 1970’s. The band featuring Scott “Wino” Weinrich, bassist Mark Adams, guitarist Dave Chandler and drummer Henry Vasquez have influenced so many bands in Doom and Metal . “Saint Vitus is more than ready to infect The Metalliance Tour! We’ve been wanting to do something like this for some time now…so prepare for destruction!!” says lead guitarist Dave Chandler. The band has done a handful of shows and some European Festivals but this will be their first full US tour in over a decade.

CROWBAR front man Kirk Windstein concludes, “Wow! This tour is gonna rule! I’ve loved Helmet since the beginning and loved St. Vitus even longer. With the new Crowbar record having hit the streets by then, look out! This bill will bring just what we need to crush each city with an avalanche of stylistic thunder!”

Metalliance Website Site: www.metalliancetour.com
LONG LIVE THE METALLIANCE TOUR.
Stone.

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NACHTMYSTIUM: 2011 North American Tour With Cradle Of Filth Begins February 1st!

Posted in Black Metal, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal tours, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, progressive metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on January 31, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

The anticipated Creatures From The Black Abyss Tour — featuring Chicago’s black meddlers NACHTMYSTIUM as direct support for Cradle of Filth — embarks this Tuesday, February 1st! The massive expedition will invade 30 North American cities, engulfing the continent in a clockwise vortex over the next six-and-a-half weeks. As NACHTMYSTIUM’s first major tour of 2011, and first tour since their massive North American headlining tour with Zoroaster, The Atlas Moth and Dark Castle last fall, these dates will showcase the unit unveiling much of the material on last year’s incredible Addicts: Black Meddle Part II album which the band have not previously performed live. Check out the full tour schedule below.

Addicts: Black Meddle Part II was released by Century Media in North America in June 2010, and has since infected the planet with it’s blackened but genre-defying experimentation, holding top spots on year-end lists worldwide and continually garnishing major press coverage. NACHTMYSTIUM were recently also featured on the main cover of the massive Chicago-area music newspaper The Illinois Entertainer, showing their local scene embracing the act more than ever as they continue to infiltrate the rest of the planet.

Creatures From The Black Abyss Tour with: Cradle Of Filth, Nachtmystium, Turisas and Daniel Lioneye:

2/01/2011 Warehouse Live – Houston, TX

2/02/2011 Palladium Ballroom – Dallas, TX

2/04/2011 Marquee Theatre – Tempe, AZ

2/05/2011 Fox Theater – Pomona, CA

2/06/2011 House Of Blues – Las Vegas, NV

2/08/2011 Club Nokia Live – Los Angeles, CA

2/09/2011 The Regency – San Francisco, CA

2/11/2011 Showbox Theatre – Seattle, WA

2/12/2011 Knitting Factory – Spokane, WA

2/13/2011 Commodore Ballroom – Vancouver, BC

2/15/2011 Edmonton Events Centre – Edmonton, AB

2/16/2011 MacEwan Hall Ballroom – Calgary, AB

2/18/2011 Gothic Theatre – Englewood, CO

2/20/2011 House Of Blues – Chicago, IL

2/21/2011 The Rave – Milwaukee, WI

2/22/2011 Newport Music Hall – Columbus, OH

2/23/2011 Club Zoo – Pittsburgh, PA

2/25/2011 Harpo’s – Detroit, MI

2/26/2011 Sound Academy – Toronto, ON

2/27/2011 Metropolis – Montreal, QC

2/28/2011 Imperial De Quebec – Quebec City, QC

3/02/2011 Trocadero – Philadelphia, PA

3/03/2011 Best Buy Theater – New York, NY

3/04/2011 The Palladium – Worcester, MA

3/05/2011 Starland Ballroom – Sayreville, NJ

3/08/2011 Norva Theatre – Norfolk, VA

3/09/2011 The Orange Peel – Asheville, NC

3/11/2011 Revolution – Fort Lauderdale, FL

3/12/2011 Firestone – Orlando, FL

3/13/2011 The Masquerade – Atlanta, GA

* For more info on Nachtmystium and Cradle Of Filth, click the links below:

Nachtmystium – myspace music

CRADLE OF FILTH – Official Website

LONG LIVE NACHTMYSTIUM.

LONG LIVE CRADLE OF FILTH.

LONG LIVE TURISAS AND DANIEL LIONEYE.

Stone.

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Mötley Crüe and Kid Rock To Headline Cheyenne Frontier Days – July 2011!

Posted in classic rock, country music, country rock music, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock concerts, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 30, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

CHEYENNE FRONTIER DAYS – Held in beautiful Cheyenne, Wyoming, is the Cheyenne Frontier Days. This ten day super event will begin on July 22nd and ends on July 31st. Cheyenne Frontier Days has rodeo, Championship Bull Riding, lot’s O’ fun and… Rock ‘N’ Roll! From Country to Heavy Metal, the schedule of events for Frontier Nights (see below) say it all! Whoa… Cheyenne Wyoming is gonna ROCK for ten days straight! What am I saying? Cheyenne Wyoming already ROCKS!

Check the dates below for Mötley Crüe and KID ROCK!

* For more info on Cheyenne Frontier Days, (including ticket info), click on the link below! It’s a very cool website that will tell you more about this 10 day event than I ever can!

Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo – The Daddy Of Em All

* Below is the concert & event schedule for Frontier Nights, with shows starting at 8:00 p.m.!

July 2011 Schedule:

July 22 – KID ROCK

July 23 – Jason Aldean

July 24 – The Charlie Daniels Band

July 25 & 26 – Championship Bull Riding

July 27 – Mötley Crüe

July 28 – Darius Rucker with Sara Evans

July 29 – Zac Brown Band

July 30 – Toby Keith with Eric Church

KID ROCK – Born Free was released on Atlantic Records, on November 16, 2010.

* For more info on Mötley Crüe and Kid Rock:

MOTLEY CRUE

KID ROCK – Official Website

And… for more info on The Charlie Daniels Band:

The Charlie Daniels Band – Official Website

LONG LIVE CHEYENNE FRONTIER DAYS RODEO.

GOD BLESS AMERICA.

LONG LIVE THE POWER OF ROCK… and METAL.

Stone.

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MACABRE “Grim Scary Tales” – A Bloody Good and Terror Filled Escape of Metal Tales!

Posted in Death Metal, Extreme Metal, grindcore, Heavy Metal, horror metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal with tags , , , , , , , , , , on January 30, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

MACABRE – WARNING: What you are about to read may just have you buying this album and allowing it to serve you bloody Metal right. Metal be thy name I’ve warned you.

You see, it all started one day last week when I innocently went into my email inbox, to see if anyone cares to communicate with me. Oh, except there was someone out there who did give a damn that Stone needs Metal fed to him, just like a tomato plant needs it’s soil nutrients. Stored away inside this mysterious email, I was fed, from a very cool Metal Buddy, (actually a Metal operative whose identity cannot be revealed)… the brand spanking new… MACABRE album of mp3’s! The album title you query? It’s located up on the header of this post and on the album cover photo. Go look for yourself. Gee Metal whiz.

Now, if this wasn’t Christmas morning and Halloween night all rolled up into one tight little Metal ball for Stone! Upon the realization that I was going to listen to 14 new songs from MACABRE, I bellowed aloud for no one else to hear: “Yes Virginia, Stone is one psyched-out Metal camper today!”. Um, I really don’t know who Virginia is, the name just sounds clever when I shout it. Regardless, onto this new MACABRE album… what’s the title? Grim Scary Tales. Now, don’t forget it for I will be repeating it numerous times in this review. Um, yeah, that came out right, didn’t it? By the way… MACABRE is from Chicago… so if you ever wind up on Jeopardy! this bit of Metal trivia may win you some ca$h.

This is MACABRE’S first album since Murder Metal was released back in 2003. That’s about 8 years ago. Wow, I added that pretty well. (And to think, my old algebra teacher said I sucked at math as he threw the chalk-filled eraser at my Metal head back in ’84). That old algebra teacher was a good aim too, I have the indentations on my temple and forehead to prove it. Crap, I’m getting off-base here… onward to the MACABRE facts and Grim Scary Tales album review! I don’t want my boss (who is me) to get pissed off at my ranting.

You see, MACABRE recorded this new entree of hemoglobin oozing songs during their 25th Anniversary. Longevity = you are doing something right in the Metal world… and MACABRE needs to make no excuses to me for not releasing an album a year, like Bon Jovi does with greatest hits albums. This trio named MACABRE have been extremely grinding it out since 1985 and have undoubtedly earned themselves the tag of being called… bloody legends.

The Gore/Grindcore and Murder Metal that MACABRE serves up is getting better by the album, this extreme trio of Metal musicians have not disappointed me when it comes to: Extremity, Speed, Heaviness, Punkness, Rhyme Schemes, Folk Verses and Entertainment Value. The Black Knight encompasses all the essentials I just listed and the same can be said for all 14 songs. Rhyme schemes? Folk verses? Someone in the back just asked… well, yes, there is rhyming gorelore mixed with a tad of Folk vocal passages in the Extreme Metal of MACABRE. Or, is that galore? I like gorelore a ton of beer kegs better.

Taking a bloody stab at nursery rhymes and giddy sing-a-longs, while incorporating them into Grim Scary Tales is the entertainment value that you will be hard pressed to find among your conventional Metal band of today… or yesterday for that matter. Realistically speaking, or realistically writing that is, no other band can do this type of gig as potently well as this tormented trio can. MACABRE has me slapping my knees and reaching for some ancient Hee Haw VHS tapes while they bang out The Bloody Benders, enticing me into joining in to their spooky sing-a-long. Then, without being warned, Burke and Hare comes at my eardrums with it’s Metal velocity aplenty and grinding gore grooves, all in which makes my Hee get scared out of my freakin’ Haw.

Countess Bathory does not flinch with it’s extreme rhythm, maniacal vocals and bouncing beats that pummel my brain into Metal glee. Or is that Metal submission? Either way, it feels damn gooooood. In all Metal seriousness here folks, that is what the entire gore-grinding, Thrashin’ and Death Metalin’ contents of Grim Scary Tales does to me, it picks me up and throws me against the wall while kicking me straight in the ass. I get up, shake it off, then proceed to listen to Grim Scary Tales once again. Why? MACABRE is one bloody good band of distempered Metal musicians, so bloody good that they are always welcomed inside my fried eardrums and unhinged senses.

If your looking to buy that new album of heavy shit that’s gonna make you grin while fulfilling your extreme Metal side, as it’s pissing off your neighbors and mother-in-law when such album is being played at maximum level… then MACABRE and their Grim Scary Tales is the bloody gore meal-ticket for you. I know it’s mine.

* Grim Scary Tales will be released on MACABRE’S very own Decomposed Records. Grim Scary Tales is directly licensed for North American release on February 8, 2011, via Willowtip Records. A January 31, 2011 release date for Europe is set on Hammerheart Records.

* Grim Scary Tales was recorded and mixed at the Ensomberoom by Geoff Montgomery (The Chasm, Coffinworm, Shub Niggurath, Couldron).

* Scott Jackson of Monsterman Graphics and Rock N Roll Comics notoriety, is responsible for the unreal terrific original album artwork and layout.

* For more info on MACABRE, click on the links below:

MACABRE – REVERBNATION

MACABRE – myspace music

MACABRE – MURDER METAL

MACABRE:

Corporate Death – lead vocals & guitar

Dennis The Menace – drums

Nefarious – bass & vocals

Track Listing For Grim Scary Tales:

Locusta

Nero’s Inferno

The Black Knight

Dracula

The Big Bad Wolf

Countess Bathory

Burke and Hare

Mary Ann

The Bloody Benders

Lizzie Borden

The Ripper Tramp From France

Bella The Butcher

The Kiss of Death

The Sweet Tender Meat Vendor

LONG LIVE MACABRE.

LONG LIVE EXTREME METAL.

LONG LIVE ANY METAL.

Stone.

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ZZ TOP “Eliminator” – Metal Odyssey’s Classic Rock Journey Back To 1983

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news, southern hard rock, southern rock with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 29, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

ZZ TOP – It’s a humdinger of a thought, reflecting back to those blissful days of keg parties so long ago, in an open field, while Eliminator from ZZ TOP was blasting from someone’s boom box or car stereo. It was very common to hear Eliminator being cranked up along with Screaming For Vengeance from Judas Priest (released in 1982), Iron Maiden’s The Number Of The Beast and Piece Of Mind (released in 1982 and 1983 respectively) and Quiet Riot’s Metal Health. You have to remember, these were profoundly popular Metal albums of the day and ZZ TOP came knockin’ on the door to party… when all the world was abuzz about Heavy Metal. The really cool thing is, I and the majority of fellow Metalheads I knew then… let ZZ TOP in.

Metal Health was released on March 11, 1983 and Eliminator was released on March 23, 1983. Everyone knows the Metal historical importance of Metal Health being the first #1 Heavy Metal album on the Billboard Chart. (If you did not know, well, now you do. Plus QR rules too). Eliminator cracked that same Billboard Chart peaking at #9. As I reflect on it now, both the Metal Health and Eliminator albums should be hailed more frequently for their combined pop culture impact, it was like a one-two punch to the Hard Rockin’ forehead that felt so damn good back then. It certainly was a great moment in Rock Music history, when MTV really played music videos and while Heavy Metal along with Hard Rock was heard everywhere.

The coexistence of Eliminator alongside such Metal album classics back in 1983 proved that Heavy Metal, Hard Rock and Rock can and does have a common connection. A “weeding out” process was happening amongst us fans and bands back in those early 80’s… resulting in the eventual endless list of sub-genres that we all debate about in 2011. Eliminator seemed to break down any barriers of Rock ‘N’ Roll segregation back in 1983, the Country and Southern Rock fans just might like a band that a Metalhead digs!

I’ve never been one to embrace just Metal as my only music listening experience and ZZ TOP is one major reason why. (Metal is #1 in my Metal heart though). I remember my buddies and I rushing to Strawberries Records & Tapes to buy earlier albums from ZZ TOP after Eliminator was released. This album gave the ZZ TOP back catalog even more notoriety, (even though it was already revered) and helped spotlight the righteousness of Blues Rock and Southern Rock/Southern Hard Rock.

While I write about Eliminator, I’m tapping into my memories of yesteryear, regardless of how dazed they might be. I do remember vividly the social impact that Eliminator had on my group of buddies and the media impact goes without saying. The music videos that spawned from this album were beyond entertaining… they were Rock ‘N’ Roll coolness with an exclamation point. TV Dinners is not just a (gasp) fun song, the music video for this song is flat-out hilarious. The slow driven, thump and stump of TV Dinners “really can’t be beat”, in my Metal opinion.

Not to disrespectfully push the “hits” of Eliminator aside, still, there are other songs on this album that cut loose with their dirt kickin’ and down home Rockin’ vibes. I Got The Six, Dirty Dog, If I Could Only Flag Her Down, I Need You Tonight, Thug and Bad Girl are just as potent as the world popular Legs, Sharp Dressed Man, Gimme All Your Lovin, Got Me Under Pressure and of course… TV Dinners.

Was Eliminator commercial for it’s time? Of course it was and for grand reason. Eliminator will forever have a commercial appeal due to it’s memorable lyrics and good-times feel. It’s that big Texas boogie beat that will always make ZZ TOP and their catalog of albums timeless. Blues and grooves. Add into the sound and style of ZZ TOP these three words as well: Hard, Heavy, Classic. What other Rock power-trio, if you will, manifested more bluesy slick and muscular grooves into their songs such as ZZ TOP? Eliminator only magnified this.

There was no rushing to the “Prog-Rock” door to impress the fans when it came to the Rock ‘N’ Roll of Eliminator, that’s never been what ZZ TOP was/is known for. Straightforward with their brand of bluesy Southern Rock and Hard Rock is what made ZZ TOP famous for in the first place. As time has gone by, Eliminator just “eliminated” any doubts about this band and album having a huge impact among a cross section of Rock genres. It always feels dandy when I can reflect on an album that has made my Rock lovin’ life so enjoyable. My Eliminator vinyl and CD can never grow moss or collect dust mites… there’s just too many BIG beats and FUN moments that it bulges with, just like a Classic Rock album from ZZ TOP should do.

ZZ TOP:

BILLY GIBBONS – guitar & vocals

DUSTY HILL – bass & vocals

FRANK BEARD – drums

* Eliminator was released on March 23, 1983, on Warner Bros. Records.

* Eliminator was produced by Bill Ham.

LONG LIVE ZZ TOP.

LONG LIVE CLASSIC ROCK.

The word “dandy” was used in the last paragraph.

Stone.

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Henrik Ostergaard – May He Rest In Peace

Posted in Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on January 28, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

HENRIK OSTERGAARD – As quoted from the FnA Records website:

“Henrik Ostergaard, lead singer for the band Dirty Looks and current FnA Recording Artist, passed away this morning, January 27th, 2011 at 9:18 a.m. The Cause of death at this time is unknown and the results of an autopsy are pending.

The Rock world will sadly mourn the loss of this 80’s hard rocker. Ostergaard, who was of Danish descent, lived in Erie, Pa. In 1985, Henrik started the band Dirty Looks. Three independent albums and an EP would soon follow, which led to Dirty Looks getting signed by Atlantic Records. Later in Henrik’s career, he would be signed to Sony Records and most recently FnA Records where he released a new album, I.C.U., in 2010. Ostergaard is survived by his 2 children Henrik Jr. and Elliot”.

* Later credible reports have stated: “The Erie County, Pennsylvania coroner stated that Henrik Ostergaard died of natural causes while under hospice care”.

* Top album photo – Cool From The Wire (1988) Atlantic/Wea

Metal Odyssey expresses sincere condolences to the family, friends, band mates and fans of Henrik Ostergaard.

MAY THE MUSIC OF HENRIK OSTERGAARD LIVE ON.

REST IN PEACE, HENRIK OSTERGAARD

1964-2011

Stone.

4 Comments »

Twisted Sister and Friends: Benefit Concert For Uveitis Research – On April 29, 2011

Posted in charity events, classic rock, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on January 28, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Attention SMFs!
Tickets are on sale NOW for The Pinkburst Project Presents Twisted Sister & Friends – a concert to benefit Uveitis research. The show will take place on Friday, April 29, 2011 at the Best Buy Theater in Times Square, New York City. All proceeds will go to the Ocular Immunology & Uveitis Foundation to raise funds for Uveitis research. Twisted Sister will perform a full show, and we’re bringing some very special guests to the party.

Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster. Order yours today – do not miss this show! 

For more information on the show and to purchase tickets, just click here: Best Buy Theater.com and be sure and visit the new web site for Jay Jay French’s THE PINKBURST PROJECT – a special auction of one-of-a-kind custom guitars and amplifiers to be held on May 1, 2001 at Skinner Auctioneers, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts.

Help Twisted Sister find a cure for Uveitis, the leading cause of blindness among American girls.

Dee, Jay Jay, Eddie, Mark & AJ,
Twisted Sister

* For more info on Twisted Sister: TWISTED SISTER – Official Website

* Thank You – to Scott Coverdale for sharing the news to Metal Odyssey on this great charity event and The Pinkburst Project.

LONG LIVE TWISTED SISTER.

LONG LIVE THE PINKBURST PROJECT.

MAY A CURE BE FOUND THROUGH UVEITIS RESEARCH.

Stone.

 

2 Comments »

CRYSTAL VIPER “Legends” – An Infectious Metal Album, Receives My Metal Commendation

Posted in album reviews, classic metal, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news, traditional heavy metal with tags , , , , , , , , , , on January 27, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

CRYSTAL VIPER – On February 22, 2011, Poland’s Metal vindicator’s Crystal Viper will be releasing their fourth studio album  – Legends. This date is for the North American release on AFM Records. Crystal Viper beckons me with their Classic Heavy Metal sound, swirled within a Power Metal climate of songs which illuminates melodic Metal thunder! I’m telling you right now, Crystal Viper has created an album that I won’t be filing away anytime soon.

Legends is not limited to a select few songs that are desirable, this entire album has captivated me, from it’s album cover artwork to the choice talents of vocalist/guitarist Marta Gabriel. Crystal Viper plays it’s potent style of Traditional Metal at such an impressive level, they have me thinking: this band could have fit in perfectly during the early to mid 80’s. Nonetheless, Crystal Viper are making themselves be heard in 2011 and their Metal sound couldn’t be more appreciated by this Metalhead lifer.

The strength of the Classics from Metal’s storied history and big guns has kept the Traditional sound and it’s power extremely relevant in 2011. The catalogs of Obsession, Warlock, Virgin Steele and Manowar have never collected dust in any knowledgeable Metal fans collection… Crystal Viper’s new album Legends is NOT going to be a dust collector. Crystal Viper is drawing in that classic relevancy of Metal’s past and making it succeed through their own style and sound, making me salute the Metal Gods of yesteryear while I’m jumping for Metal joy at what I’m hearing on Legends today.

Marta Gabriel will undoubtedly draw comparisons to the legendary Heavy Metal Queen, Doro Pesch. This elite comparison goes deeper than just being a female lead vocalist for a rising Heavy Metal band, Marta can unquestionably sing her Metal heart out. Doro Pesch has been an elite and influential vocalist for over twenty five years. Doro is so legendary it may be unfair and too academic to start a comparison rally between these two Metal diva’s vocals. With that said, I know what I hear and Marta’s vocals give off that special and harmonious Metal vibe that I can’t overlook or deny. Marta is very well in a Metal class all her own.

I could say with Metal confidence, that Marta Gabriel’s vocals reminds me of Bruce Dickinson’s vocal range… okay, I opened up the Metal floodgates now. One or more listens one may seek out with Secret Of The Black Water may just substantiate my stating this. Sydonia Bork is a strong ballad which does not take on any characteristic of an 80’s power ballad, instead Marta gives this ballad a sincere emotion. It’s almost as if Marta has taken this ballad by her hand and guided the music to it’s stirring splendor.

Legends starts off with a spoken word intro with The Truth, that centers it’s message on the closing words: “Evil always returns and greed is blind”. Crystal Viper reminds us of humanity’s never ending battle of good versus evil with their thought provoking intro, while setting the Metal table for what enigmatic and imaginative themes lie ahead in the songs on Legends. TV War is an ACCEPT classic that Crystal Viper covers with admirable Metal proficiency. The tempo is on high and Crystal Viper makes TV War live again through their Metal moxie.

The duo guitars of Andy Wave and Marta are a delectable Metal treat for my ears. These songs on Legends are guitar driven, with a plethora of psyche-you-out leads and solos that leave me helplessly revisiting those Old School daze in my Metal mind! Black Leviathan should be as prime of an example of what I mean by – guitar driven. Blood Of The Heroes busts loose at the midway point with such guitar splendor that it’s dizzying. The Ghost Ship blends speed and Melodic Metal to it’s melting point, with an air of European Metal glory transcending throughout, especially on this songs chorus. Goddess Of Death is a fist and horns to the sky, head banging Metal anthem. This song should turn any doubters into instant fans of Marta Gabriel’s vocals and Crystal Viper’s Metal legitimacy. Goddess Of Death is perhaps my favorite song on this album… only there are so many excellent songs on Legends.

Melodic, powerful, traditional and pure Classic sounding are all ten songs on Legends. (The Truth intro doesn’t count as an actual song). Each musician of Crystal Viper has proven to my ears and senses their incisive Metal skills. Legends is an album that can’t be ignored or pushed to the side for any Metal reason. Real Metal like I hear on Legends will always prevail and stand the test of Metal time. Crystal Viper is a Metal Band and Legends is a Metal album that you MUST check out sooner rather than later. Crystal Viper has created an album they named Legends and this said album of astounding Metal has rocked my Metal soul. Metal be thy name.

* Legends features guest appearances by the following Metal “legends”: Stefan Kaufmann (ACCEPT/U.D.O.), Mat Sinner (Primal Fear/Sinner), Rhino (Manowar/Angels Of Babylon) and Sven D’Anna & Dano Boland (Wizard).

* TV War was originally recorded by ACCEPT on their 1986 studio album: Russian Roulette. This cover of TV War will be on the first edition of Legends.

* Legends was produced by Bart Gabriel (Halloween, Metalucifer, Sabbat etc.)

* For more info on Crystal Viper, click on the links below:

CRYSTAL VIPER – myspace music

CRYSTAL VIPER – Official Website

CRYSTAL VIPER:

Marta Gabriel – vocals and guitar

Andy Wave – guitar

Tom Woryna – bass guitar

Golem – drums

Track Listing For Legends:

The Truth (Intro)

The Ghost Ship

Blood Of The Heroes

Greed Is Blind

Sydonia Bork

Goddess Of Death

Night Of The Sin

Secret Of The Black Water

A Man Of Stone

Black Leviathan

TV War

LONG LIVE CRYSTAL VIPER.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

1 Comment »

GOREAPHOBIA: Legendary Philadelphia Death Metallers To Release New Full-Length!

Posted in Death Metal, Extreme Metal, gore metal, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on January 26, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

“The new tunes will once again contain 1000% occult metal nihilism!”

Legendary Philadelphia death metal squadron GOREAPHOBIA are currently putting the finishing touches on their long-anticipated new full-length fittingly titled: Apocalyptic Necromancy. The follow-up to Mortal Repulsion, released in 2009, the 12-track long player was recorded, mixed and mastered by drummer Jim Roe and features new guitarist VJS (Kult ov Azazel, Crimson Moon, Demoncy, etc.).

Comments guitarist Alex Bouks of the band’s latest output: “All of us in the GOREAPHOBIA camp are real excited about finishing the new record. The new tunes will once again contain 1000% occult Metal nihilism! The only way I can describe our new endeavor is that’s it’s very diverse and takes us back to the band’s roots. Jim has once again recorded and mixed the record at his home studio, Neanderthal. Apocalyptic Necromancy also marks the debut of our new guitar player VJS. There’s a highly positive and magical vibe for the band at the present time. For me, this record is a true progression from the song writing and production on Mortal Repulsion. We hope to have it out soon for all our long time and newer fans.”

GOREAPHOBIA will release Apocalyptic Necromancy later this year. Further details to be announced soon.

GOREAPHOBIA 2011:
Chris Gamble – Vocals/Bass
Alex Bouks – Guitars
Jim Roe – Drums
VJS – Guitar

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

GOREAPHOBIA – myspace music

(Source: Earsplit PR, January 26, 2011)

LONG LIVE GOREAPHOBIA.

LONG LIVE DEATH METAL.

LONG LIVE… GORE.

Stone.

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