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Archive for the Metal Category
What is “dated” music anyway?
Posted in Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, Power Metal, Rock, Vocals with tags ac/dc, boston red sox, classical music, fenway park, Heavy Metal, metal music, Motorhead, Music, smokey robinson, the rolling stones, Thrash Metal, tom jones, tony bennett on April 7, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
I cannot apply myself to the acceptance of dated music as having any existence. If, there does exist dated Heavy Metal, Rock, etc., then, what would Classical music be considered as? Classical music would have to be called dark ages-super dated. Please note, that I do not consider Classical music to be dated whatsoever. The building blocks of all popular music we listen to today are from Classical music! What makes me shake my head in wonderment is, the professionally paid critics and experts that are out there consistently using the terminology of dated sound – dated music in their respective reviews. It has become so common place, such the norm recently, that I actually state in my unpaid – unprofessional Metal reviews that a particular album or band does not sound dated!
I would never consider the thought to ever, not in a million Metal years, say to the likes of legendary bands such as AC/DC, The Rolling Stones and Motorhead – that they sound dated. AC/DC and The Rolling Stones really have not changed their style for decades and they will still fill arenas and stadiums, playing all of their classic tunes from decades ago. Not to get off the Metal highway, however, I do have the upmost respect for legendary, contemporary recording stars like Tom Jones, Smokey Robinson and Tony Bennett. These three gentleman, to this day, draw an audience that knows NO boundaries when it comes to age, race and gender. Are there pro-paid experts and critics out there who would dare say these three timeless vocalists are dated?
I embrace the old adage – what once was old is new again. I am no fashion guru, yet when I stroll around the mall and see what is being worn by people of all ages, there are times when you do feel like it is 1974, 1985 or 1991 all over again. Why should that be so bad? If anything else, music can and has been trendy, that is a more realistic observation. Are denim jeans dated? What about new televised game shows? Are rubber tires on an automobile dated too, just due to the fact that rubber tires have been around for decades? Are The Boston Red Sox dated because they play their home games in the historic Fenway Park? Not too shabby a team this past decade for being dated. Is planet Earth dated? Heck, this big blue globe we live on has been around for quite some time and it just keeps on doing the same stuff, like spinning around in the solar system constantly.
To sum up my main point, the next time you read a paid expert’s review declaring how the new and veteran Metal bands sound dated, that Thrash Metal, Death Metal and Black Metal have been recycled enough, just snicker and pity these writers out there who have yet to find a clue. Gee, I am worried now, am I dated?
Caught in the midst of deciding – the greatest Metal album ever
Posted in Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, Power Metal, Rock, Thrash Metal with tags Death Metal, Hair Metal, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, progressive metal, Thrash Metal on April 4, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
So far, I have compiled 5 lists of Metal nominees for the greatest Metal album of all time. I never anticipated just how difficult a (dare I say task) it has been. It has been a fun task, affording me the opportunity to dig deeper into the years of Heavy Metal and all of the amazing genres of Metal that are out there. Will my decision make every Metal fan who reads the Metal Odyssey blog happy? I doubt that, for I am really embarking on a personal decision here, a decision not based on record sales, popularity or chart positions. Furthermore, as any fan of Metal music knows, your favorite band or bands are just that – your main bands. My goal here to decide on the greatest Metal album of all time is not to offend any fellow Metal fans in any way. I keep saying, this is a personal choice, yet, I am also looking forward to backing up and defending my decision! Some people might wonder or think, who cares what this guy thinks is the greatest Metal album of all time? My only response to anyone out there who thinks this is just a waste of time is – this endeavor only shows how much I actually embrace and love Metal music. Plus, researching and writing about the greatest Metal album of all time is light years more constructive and interesting for me, than to be chasing around crap stories about politics and crap stories about politicians second cousins and half sisters.
Being a fan of sports my entire life, I also have grown so extremely tired of the constant articles, stories and lists about what athlete is the greatest of their respective sport, of all time. I have heard it enough, the same old answers when it comes to the greatest sports teams and players. It gets to the point where, anyone knows the answer, the debate has truly dried up with greatest lists of sports. Who, honestly, in their right mind, would argue against Tiger Woods being the greatest golfer ever? What sense would it make to not agree that Michael Jordan is the greatest NBA player ever? With MLB, you can have somewhat of a debate, still Babe Ruth is hard to ignore for being the greatest ever. (I apologize for getting away from Metal here, sports is fun to debate, I just want to show that it appears to be easier to decide on a greatest sports athlete – compared to a greatest Metal album).
Metal represents a form of music and music representation. Metal music comes out of just about every country/continent on this planet. Depending on the country of it’s Metal origin, the Metal music represents the culture, sounds, views and feelings of that respective nation of origin. Metal music can (and does not always have to) mirror life. My point I am trying to convey is Metal music is not just something that exists, it is not just something that can be thrown aside like hollywood gossip. Metal music is real and I am darn proud to be as passionate about this music that has enriched my entire life.
Angel – Heavy Metal roots from 1978
Posted in Album Review, Gene Simmons, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Heavy Metal Reviews, Metal, Music, Rock with tags Album Review, angel rock band, barry brandt, frank dimino, glam metal, glam rock, gregg giuffria, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, kiss, mickie jones, Music, punky meadows on April 4, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
In case you are unfamiliar with Angel, (one of the original Glam Rock/Glam Metal bands from the late 1970’s), here are some semi-quick facts that may stir up some interest:
Angel – original band lineup: Frank Dimino – lead vocals, Punky Meadows – lead guitar, Mickie Jones – bass, Gregg Giuffria – keyboards and Barry Brandt on drums.
* Gene Simmons (from Kiss of course), discovered Angel, while Angel was performing in a nightclub. Angel would eventually sign onto Casablanca Records, the record label that Kiss belonged to.
* “White Hot” was released in 1978 and is the 4th album by Angel, featuring their only true Billboard Hot 100 hit – “Ain’t Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore”. This particular hit peaked at #44 on the Billboard Hot 100 for Angel in 1978.
* If my Metal memory serves me correctly, “The Winter Song”, which is also found on the Angel album “White Hot”, received a fair amount of FM radio airplay back in 1978-79. (Do not laugh at this, however, I do remember listening to “The Winter Song” 45 rpm over and over and over again, with my sister, back in 1978) – (Alright, go ahead and laugh now).
* I really recommend Angel – “White Hot”, I just received a copy this past winter as a gift and I do not regret it. Yes, overall, the sound and feel of “White Hot” is definitive late ’70’s Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. Still, the songs are all very catchy and melodic, they are rock solid and will give you a fabulous insight as to how Metal was evolving back in 1978. I find Angel “White Hot” to be still relevant, for this cool album was yet another building block on the evolution and history of Metal.
* I always like to stay true to the Metal roots. Angel is a band that exemplifies early Hard Rock and Heavy Metal, in essence, they are Metal roots.
Cliff Burton will always be remembered by this Metallica fan.
Posted in concerts, Guitar, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, james hetfield, Metal, Metal Church, metal concerts, Metallica, Music, Rock, Thrash Metal with tags bass guitar, cliff burton, Heavy Metal, james hetfield, kirk hammett, lars ulrich, Metal, Metallica, Music, Ozzy Osbourne, rock and roll hall of fame, Thrash Metal on April 4, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
I was extremely lucky enough to see Cliff Burton, the late bass playing legend for Metallica, at two live gigs in 1986. The first live experience I had seeing Metallica with Cliff Burton was in a large club setting, (The West Hartford Ballroom, West Hartford, Connecticut). Metal Church opened for Metallica, what a night. The second live gig I experienced seeing Cliff Burton was a rather very large gig. Metallica opened for none other than – Ozzy Osbourne! This exciting concert took place at the New Haven Coliseum, New Haven, Connecticut). (During 1986, Metallica was touring in support of their album “Master of Puppets” and Ozzy Osbourne was touring in support of his album “The Ultimate Sin”) My Metal memory cannot recall the exact dates of these shows, yet they both occurred in the brutally cold Winter months of 1986!
Let me say this much, as I witnessed Cliff Burton up close, in the large club setting, I still never have witnessed, to this very day, another Metal bass player that was so electrifying and physically into the music as Cliff was. It was because of Cliff Burton that I emulated his style of headbanging! Cliff Burton, from seeing him so up close that night, made it so vividly clear to me, that he was the master of his bass guitar, he was really enjoying the music he was playing. I could see in his face, the raw and yet enthusiastic emotion of what Thrash Metal really was. I will never forget that night, nor can I forget seeing Cliff Burton truly feel the Thrash music he was playing. Again, this is my own personal, live, first hand account from what I witnessed while watching Cliff Burton play his bass. (I of course remember James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich and Kirk Hammett too from that night!).
The New Haven concert was of course, bigger, therefore my nose bleed seat did not afford me the exclusiveness of being up close to the stage this time around. However, I did witness Metallica with Cliff Burton for a second time, live – they literally blew the roof off the coliseum with their brand of Thrash Metal fury! I remember gazing down on the entire stage, revering Metallica, taking it all in, taking each person on that stage for granted. Now, reflecting back, I grin while thinking of the New Haven concert. On that night, the thrill of seeing Metallica was euphoric to say the least, yet I was also equally thrilled that night to see Ozzy Osbourne on stage too. Just to pause for a moment, I and no one else for that matter on that particular evening, knew, that this very well would be the last time we would see the great Cliff Burton play his bass guitar live. These Metal life lessons have taught me to no longer take any person you enjoy for granted. Reflecting on these terrific Metal moments of my past reminds me, to cherish the moments I have today, to cherish family, friends, Metal music and good times.
Clifford Lee Burton – February 10, 1962 – September 27, 1986
Congratulations, Cliff Burton, on your induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with your band Metallica, on April 4, class of 2009!
Happy Metal Birthday Mick Mars!
Posted in concerts, Guitar, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal concerts, Music, Rock with tags celebrity birthdays, Hair Metal, Heavy Metal, Metal, Metal News, mick mars, motley crue, Music, Reviews on April 4, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
Motley Crue’s incredibly talented, lead guitarist, Mick Mars has turned the cool age of 53 on Friday, April 3, 2009. Happy Heavy Metal birthday Mick Mars! It is so obvious to me, what Mick Mars has contributed to Motley Crue since 1981, as both musician and song writer. In my opinion, Mick Mars with his guitar playing, has lended extreme credibility to Motley Crue since day one. I had the Metal opportunity to see Motley Crue live in 1987, on the “Girl’s, Girl’s, Girl’s Tour”, Mick Mars was sensational on stage. His mere presence alone made me feel like I was witnessing one of the biggest stars of Heavy Metal – ever. As for Mick Mars shredding on guitar, live, let’s just say I was afforded an opportunity that night, to see one of the very best guitarists in Heavy Metal history. Thank you for all of the unbelievable Metal over the years, Mick Mars!
Rush is my all weather band to lean on while cruising.
Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, Rock with tags alex lifeson, geddy lee, Heavy Metal, Music, neil peart, progressive metal, Rush, rush albums, rush discography on April 3, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
It is raining where I live this morning. The rain is coming down with quite the bad attitude too. This is the kind of rain where, you know, you dread just having to get your garbage container from the roadside; you know the drenching that is about to occur to your body and it is not requested either. Without complaining any further about inclement weather that no human or expert meteorologist can do to rectify it, here is a band that gets me through driving in the lousiest of lousy weather conditions – Rush. I thought about it this morning as I drove the family cab, yes, Rush just seems to straighten my focus and makes me feel like – who cares what the weather is like. It then hit me, Rush is always my first band of choice that I grab when I have to drive in snow, icy hell and tropical/evil thunderstorms. Not to worry, I always have Rush – “Snakes and Arrows” handy for sunny days, do not ask me why, for I correlate sunny, warm and beautiful days to this fine album. (?)
What is really happening here? Why is it that, since the 1980’s, I attribute certain Rush albums to respective weather conditions? “Moving Pictures”, why that is an easy one for me, I make sure this is with me at all costs if I have to drive in Winter snow. (?) I have the Rush “Spirtit of Radio – Greatest Hits” in the family cab like it is a roadside necessity! First aid kit, check, bottle of water, check, maps, check, spare tire, check, emergency flares, check, enough gas in the tank, check, Rush “Greatest Hits” – check! I am very known for, actually this happens on any road trip with my wife and family, even if the trip is 5 minutes to pick up coffee, I will bellow: “Are my Rush CD’s in the car”?
To sum up this non-essential article that is trying to understand my psychological connecting of Rush to weather conditions, I will say this much, Hard Rock, Punk and Metal music obviously mean a great deal to me, especially Rush. This is way beyond my understanding of how the human brain attributes a particular form of music as a basic need, a necessity in order to carry out a task. All I know is, I am not hurting anyone with an addiction to Rush and their pristine Progressive Metal, while I’m driving in various weather conditions. This will not put me on any intervention reality television show any time soon.
Queensryche “American Soldier” is Metal that honors those who serve.
Posted in Album Review, Drums, Guitar, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Heavy Metal Reviews, Metal, Metal Reviews, Music, Rock, Vocals with tags Album Review, american soldier album, ed jackson, geoff tate, Heavy Metal, michael wilton, Music, progressive metal, queensryche, Reviews, scott rockenfield on April 3, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
Queensryche has done it, done it very, very well too. “American Soldier” is a Progressive Metal achievement, in my Metal opinion. This is a concept album, that was written from the words spoken from those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. This release brings Queensryche back to where they belong, at the top of the Metal heap, reminding me of the “Operation Mindcrime” days. This is an album to really follow along to, with the lyrics that are inside the liner notes. Each song does lead itself into the next, both with it’s time line and lyrical content.
Geoff Tate has the vocals that are shearing with pure emotion, hitting the high notes and making it sound like it was done effortlessly. Michael Wilton on lead guitar does not steal the show, nor does he have to on a splendid Metal creation like this. Michael Wilton plays guitar with exactness, creatively lending his unique sound of his playing the six string do the talking. Ed Jackson on bass and Scott Rockenfield combine for as cohesive a rhythm section as can be, all the while giving each other the flexibility to shine in their own musical identity. Emily Tate (Geoff Tate’s daughter), lends her talented, soft and decisive vocals on “Home Again”, an inspirational song that offers hope, that a solider will come back home. You will hear musical elements that have that Middle East ambiance, something we have been hearing every so often now among many recent Metal releases, (Ozzy Osbourne’s “Black Rain” album for example). “A Dead Man’s Words” will definitely let you know, what I exactly mean on this point. You are not going to hear anything close to “Jet City Woman” here, the pumped up Metal this is not. What should or could pump you up about “American Soldier”, is it’s musical tone and lyrical content, which just might set you straight on a Metal reality check about the value of life.
“American Soldier” is better than I expected, bigger in it’s message than I anticipated, this is the pinnacle of the Queensryche Metal music catalog. Reading through the liner notes, listening to the lyrics, I am convinced that Queensryche made “American Soldier” not for a quick buck, nor for stardom. This band already has both. Queensryche created “American Soldier” as a tribute to the men and women who have served the United States Armed Forces during war and peace time, an appreciation for freedom that comes with a price. Anyone who reads these liner notes and lyrics will walk away with this same opinion, it is impossible not to. In my opinion, this is far from being a political album or statement, I judge it as the liner notes state, that these songs are the voices of the soldiers, of their experiences, in their words.
Dream Theater is Progressive perfection.
Posted in Album Review, Guitar, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Metal Reviews, Music, Rock, Vocals with tags Album Review, dream theater, Heavy Metal, james LaBrie, john petrucci, Metal, Music, progressive metal, progressive rock, Reviews on April 3, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
Alas, I found a moment to just kick back, chill out and listen to a Metal CD that caught my eye. This Metal CD was filed in my collection, just waiting for it’s turn to be enjoyed by my hungry ears. Oh, the CD I am talking about? Dream Theater – “Systematic Chaos”. Try hard as I may, it is impossible for me to hear any chaos on this Dream Theater release, none. Instead, what I do hear, is what I will call Progressive perfection. Seriously, for me, the Progressive Metal music of Dream Theater is so accurate, structured, and created on the premise of musical integrity and musical knowledge. Honestly, I am schooled each and every time I give Dream Theater a listen. The musical dynamics that are occurring throughout “Systematic Chaos” makes me realize it may take quite a few more listens before I feel I have heard every key, lyric and note that mystically saturates this incredible album.
In true Progressive Metal form, the songs are long, gloriously long. What better way to be taken away on a Metal mind journey, than to tune into Dream Theater? When I listen to this band, of course I hear influences of legend. In my opinion, I hear greats such as Yes, Rush and early Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force. The Progressive Metal trip with Dream Theater is so musically expansive, I actually hear Megadeth influences, yes, Megadeth. There are times when the vocals of James LaBrie and guitar leads of John Petrucci spark together with shades of Dave Mustaine’s Megadeth. This is an honest compliment from me to both of these Metal bands. If you are already into Dream Theater and can agree entirely with me or just partially, I give you a huge Metal bravo! If you are totally unfamiliar with Dream Theater, well, do yourself one of the biggest Metal favors of your life – buy anything from this Progressive Metal giant! The new Dream Theater album will be released on June 23rd, 2009. Yes, I think I will definitely be looking to buy it. I will listen carefully to the new material on “Black Clouds & Silver Linings” and jump onto the outstanding Progressive Metal ship called Dream Theater!
Happy Birthday Angus Young!!
Posted in concerts, Guitar, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal concerts, Music, Rock with tags ac/dc, angus young, celebrity birthdays, Heavy Metal, Music on April 2, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
O.K., so I am two days belated with saying happy Metal birthday to Angus Young. I am sure Angus Young will not mind. March 31, 2009 marked the big 54th birthday for this Heavy Metal legend. Metal Odyssey speaks for all Metalheads worldwide when we say – HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANGUS YOUNG!!! The incredible, thrilling, heavy duty, pump you up, all-out fabulous & terrific heavy music that Angus Young has given us all to enjoy is a true gift to the world of Metal. (Did I leave out any cool adjectives in that last sentence)? Sometimes, you just have to really be thankful for the Metal musicians who are with us and are still making amazing music throughout these turbulent times.
I will tell you this much, if I ever need an instant “pick me up” or I start feeling sluggish for whatever reason, AC/DC and Angus Young have never failed to energize me yet!! I have been fortunate enough to have seen AC/DC in concert twice in my life. I cherish these two AC/DC experiences, absolutely. I was able to see this legendary band on the “Blow Up Your Video” tour with my best friend of all time, PLUS see them on “The Razor’s Edge” tour with my amazing and totally Metal supportive wife. Angus Young is one cool showman, his musicianship and stage persona for me, is unparalleled. Seeing Angus Young and AC/DC live, well, it is an experience you remember forever! Thank you for the Metal memories and happy birthday Angus Young!
Metal music facts for Metal fans worldwide!
Posted in Alice cooper, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, Over Kill, Power Metal, Rock, Thrash Metal with tags Alice cooper, Black Sabbath, Heavy Metal, lita ford, Music, Over Kill, Thrash Metal, yngwie malmsteen on April 2, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
Here are 5 interesting Metal facts that you may or may not know. Metal knowledge is pretty cool, especially when you try to “stump” your fellow Metal friends with this stuff.
- Lita Ford – her birth name is Carmelita Rosanna Ford.
- Yngwie Malmsteen was born on June 30, 1963, in Stockholm, Sweden.
- The legendary first Black Sabbath album (self titled) Black Sabbath, was released on Friday the 13th, February of 1970.
- Alice Cooper – his birth name is Vincent Damon Furnier.
- Over Kill – these leaders of Thrash Metal do have, indeed, a name for their skeletal bat mascot. The name is Chaly.
Greatest Metal album of all-time list #5!
Posted in Album Review, Alice cooper, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Metal Church, Metal Reviews, Music, Over Kill, Power Metal, Rock, Slipknot, Thrash Metal with tags aerosmith, Alice cooper, dream theater, Heavy Metal, manowar, metal album, Metal Church, mountain, Music, Over Kill, progressive metal, rainbow, Thrash Metal, van halen on April 1, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
Here it is, list #5 in my soul searching quest to determine the greatest Metal album of all-time! I feel like I am nearing closure, the light is at the end of the Metal tunnel. Please feel free to chime in and throw at me any Metal album you have not seen on any of these lists thus far, that you feel is deemed worthy of nomination for the greatest Metal album ever. Why, for me to actually forget a legendary Metal masterpiece? Of course, I am only (Metalhead) human. Plus, the years of Metal have provided such a vast array of genres, so many cool and brilliant albums are out there. I will consider any Metal album suggestion that may come my way, despite my being a Heavy Metal expert – I am kidding of course, all you need to do is read my article on “experts”! Now without any more Metal delay, here goes another 10 nominations (in no particular order) for the greatest Metal album of all-time:
1. Dream Theater – “Images and Words”
2. Mountain – “Climbing”
3. Van Halen – “Van Halen”
4. Alice Cooper – “Billion Dollar Babies”
5. Aerosmith – “Toys In The Attic”
6. Metal Church – “Metal Church”
7. Over Kill – “Feel The Fire”
8. Manowar – “Battle Hymns”
9. Rainbow – “Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll”
10. Slipknot – “Slipknot”
Stay tuned!
Vinyl and turntables forever, Ha, Ha.
Posted in Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, Power Metal, Punk rock, Rock, Thrash Metal with tags album jackets, albums, Heavy Metal, Music, record sleeves, records, turntables, vinyl records on April 1, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
Boy, would I just love to have a sit down conversation with the scholar or scholars who back in the late 1980’s, decided that vinyl records along with turntables, were no longer considered a technological advancement. What did the album ever do to anyone? How about the turntable? Sure, once the CD technology was introduced, (I will not lie), I was the first dude on my side of town to own a CD player and the very 2 CD’s that were currently being sold at the time. I just loved the selection of CD’s that were out there for the first decade, wow. It took about 10 seconds to peruse the 12 titles that were currently being sold. Well, like anyone else, I did sell/and or ditch quite a few albums due to the fact I could not upgrade my turntable for 15 years or so. However, I was smart enough to keep enough of the vintage Heavy Metal vinyl, plus I have obtained most of the vinyl that I parted ways with years ago.
Oh, what a sweet Metal feeling it is to now walk into Hot Topic and see real deal vinyl being sold, Metal vinyl too. Turntables are being sold just about everywhere, hmmmmm, where is that person or people now that basically put the death nail into the heart of vinyl records in the ’80’s? The return of vinyl is not just a fad or gimmick, it is real. Anyone who truly listens to music knows the vinyl quality of sound is far superior to digital any day of the week. I remember when DAT tapes were supposed to be the next big thing. I have accumulated over the years, many, many, many CD’s and for good reason. Vinyl was no longer available! I have become quite attached to my CD collection thank you, so once a brand new technology scholar comes up with the plan to abolish the CD, I have my stock and will not make the same mistake twice. Well, I am not going to say welcome back vinyl, for it never went away for this tried and true Heavy Metal fan of vintage albums. I will say ha, ha , to the hi-tech genius(s) who probably now cringe at the sight of brand new vinyl for sale. Oh, what am I thinking, those dudes would never venture into a Hot Topic anyway.
Saliva “Cinco Diablo” has all the heavy!
Posted in Album Review, Drums, Guitar, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Heavy Metal Reviews, Metal, Music, Rock, Vocals with tags cinco diablo, Heavy Metal, josey scott, Music, Reviews, saliva on April 1, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
What do I look for from a Heavy Metal band these days? Well, I like the music to be heavy, some bad attitude helps, grit, integrity, rough around the edges while acknowledging some old school riffs and heavy chorus. Step in please, Saliva. Cinco Diablo is not going to achieve a #1 hit single, nor will it be the ordained album of the year either. Instead, Saliva has delivered, for me, an honest to goodness, down home American album, filled with enough angst and heavy tunes this side of the mason dixon line. “Hunt You Down” is definitely a kick track to crank up the volume to after a disastrous day. Man, if this song does not pump you up, try listening to some dated Air Supply then. “Family Reunion” is the way you want a Heavy Metal album to begin, full throttle heaviness, saturated with the toughness of a pit viper on the loose. Josey Scott on lead vocals has what is best described by me as, powerful confidence. When Josey Scott sings, I listen.
I cannot justify ever going over every song on an album during any review, take my word for it, Cinco Diablo has the Heavy Metal spirit that thousands of garage bands aspire for. This album in my opinion, is the sleeper Heavy Metal release of 2009. I highly recommend going out and getting your copy for the Summer of 2009. These are heavy songs that should be played very loud while taking that cruise to the beach, amusement park or even in your backyard if you want to just get your neighbors cranked up a bit. Well done Saliva!
Saliva is: Josey Scott on vocals, Wayne Swinny on lead and rhythm guitar & backing vocals, Dave Novotny on bass & backing vocals, Paul Crosby on drums and Jonathan Montoya on guitar.
Metal facts that might enrich your life!
Posted in Amon Amarth, Death Metal, Drums, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, Power Metal, Rock, Thrash Metal with tags Amon Amarth, black stone cherry, brian robertson, cash cab, Death Metal, Grammy Awards, Heavy Metal, helloween, kentucky headhunters, krokus, Metal News, Motorhead, Music, Power Metal, Thin Lizzy on March 31, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
Here are five quick and easy to read Metal facts! Who knows when this vital Metal information will come in handy? Might you wind up in the Cash Cab? An inter-office Metal trivia contest? Surprise your spouse or companion with some really cool – hey, did you know that…
* Krokus – this legendary Heavy Metal band hails from Solothurn, Switzerland.
- Helloween – these Power Metal icons are currently celebrating, in 2009, their 25th Anniversary! It all started back in 1984, thank you Helloween!
- Scum was the original name for the Swedish Death Metal (Viking) band we all know and embrace as Amon Amarth. The group formed under the name Scum in 1988 and was changed to Amon Amarth in 1992.
- Black Stone Cherry – drummer John Fred Young’s father – Richard – is a founding member of the Grammy Award winning Kentucky Headhunters.
- Legendary lead guitarist Brian Robertson is well known for his career with the great Thin Lizzy, Brian also was a member of Motorhead, playing lead guitar on their 1983 release Another Perfect Day.
Well, that is about it for some quick Metal facts. I promise to deliver more interesting and life inspiring Metal facts, on a more consistent basis. I do want to pass along this bit of Metal advice to all Metalheads worldwide – “BE TRUE TO METAL AND METAL WILL BE TRUE TO YOU”
Greatest Metal album of all time – list #4!
Posted in Alice cooper, Black Metal, Gene Simmons, Guitar, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Heavy Metal Reviews, james hetfield, Led Zeppelin, Metal, Metallica, Paul Stanley, Rock, Thrash Metal, Vocals, W.A.S.P. with tags Alice cooper, Blackie Lawless, Frankie Banali, Heavy Metal, kiss, krokus, Led Zeppelin, Metallica, Music, Quiet Riot, Rush, Thrash Metal, W.A.S.P. on March 30, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
Well, here I am, continuing my research and very own and personal Metal journey of deciding what the greatest Metal album of all time is. As with the past 3 lists that I have compiled, these lists are nominees only, in no particular order. Plus, a point I need to make is, it would be “fun” and “cool” to add every Metallica, every Led Zeppelin album ever released to these lists, wouldn’t it? I just cannot do that, for I need to keep “some” integrity flowing around here! There will be a few entries from respective Metal bands however, only due to their enormous impact on the evolution and culture of Heavy Metal. I should not be too far away from “finishing” these lists, I cannot wait to see what Metal album I choose as the greatest ever! Once I do make that illustrious and personal Metal decision, I will definitely detail the reasons for why I chose that particular Metal album, you bet. Without further delay, here are another 15 classic Metal albums that I nominate for greatest ever:
1. Led Zeppelin – “ll”
2. Led Zeppelin – “lV”
3. Metallica – “Kill ‘Em All”
4. Quiet Riot – “Metal Health”
5. Venom – “Black Metal”
6. Krokus – “Headhunter”
7. Kiss – “Love Gun”
8. Mercyful Fate – “Melissa”
9. Rush – “Moving Pictures”
10. W.A.S.P. – “The Last Command”
11. Twisted Sister – “Under The Blade”
12. Twisted Sister – “Stay Hungy”
13. Accept – “Restless and Wild”
14. Alice Cooper – “Welcome To My Nightmare”
15. Ted Nugent – “Cat Scratch Fever”
I will continue on with the deliberations, I will keep all of you fellow Metalheads worldwide posted on this ongoing personal Metal journey towards the greatest Metal album of all time!
ICED EARTH – “Tribute to the Gods” is a fine Metal tribute indeed.
Posted in Alice cooper, Century Media, Gene Simmons, Guitar, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Heavy Metal Reviews, Iced Earth, Iron Maiden, Metal, Metal Reviews, Music, Paul Stanley, Rock, Vocals with tags ac/dc, Alice cooper, Black Sabbath, cover songs, Heavy Metal, Iced Earth, Iron Maiden, jon schaffer, matthew barlow, Music, Reviews on March 30, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
Iced Earth released the Metal cover song album – Tribute to the Gods in 2002. This album packs quite the Metal tribute, to some of the most revered bands in the history of Metal. A sampling of some of the songs covered, with their respective legendary Metal band: Kiss – Creatures of the Night & God of Thunder, Black Sabbath – Black Sabbath, Judas Priest – Screaming for Vengeance, AC/DC – Highway To Hell, Iron Maiden – Hallowed Be Thy Name & Number Of The Beast. There are 11 Metal cover songs in all, with Alice Cooper and Blue Oyster Cult rounding out the tribute list of Metal bands.
Jon Schaffer, founding member, plays rhythm, lead and acoustic guitar. Jon Schaffer is someone I hold in extremely high regard as a musician and song writer. Every song is covered with exceptional Metal brilliance on Tribute to the Gods, the musicianship that is heard here takes nothing away from the original songs. To put it plain and simple, this album is as fine a tribute as you will ever hear for these classic Metal tunes, giving nod of appreciation and a thunderous Metal thanks to all the legendary Metal bands listed earlier. Matthew Barlow on lead vocals is tremendous, I always look to him as the lead singer for Iced Earth. Matthew Barlow has his signature vocals that stand out, he never over reaches on any of these vintage Metal tracks. If you are new to Iced Earth, this is a great starting point for catching up on one of the Metal world’s most underrated bands to ever exist.
Some nifty thoughts from a Metal mind.
Posted in Metal with tags anderson cooper, dallas cowboys, Grammy Awards, greenhouse effect, new york yankees, sports, sports stadiums on March 29, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
There are those tidbits of thoughts that I have that just need to be read by the entire world. No, these thoughts are not dirty, so if that is what you are looking for keep searching. Instead, these thoughts are rather more like opinions, than anything else. See if you agree or disagree, either way, these are from a Metal mind.
* Correct me if I am wrong but wasn’t Anderson Cooper alot more cool, at times mysterious and chilled out when he was the host of the reality show “The Mole”? Since CNN has basically declared him the authority of reading a tele-prompter, well, he reminds me of the substitute teacher no fellow teachers even like.
* The Dallas Cowboys of the NFL and the New York Yankees of MLB are both unveiling their multi-hundred million dollar stadiums this year. (yawn). It would be nice if just one, billion dollar sports franchise owner would build a new children’s hospital here in America for our very own sick and needy children.
* Corporations scramble, fall head over heels and spend hundreds of millions of dollars to earn themselves “naming rights” on a sports stadium. (yawn). Why don’t corporations get just as giddy to spend that same amount of money by putting their name on a research hospital or orphanage?
* I see that there has been blizzard conditions in the midwest the past few days, (week of March 22, 2009), with some areas of the midwest reporting upwards of 3 feet of snow. The greenhouse effect is really in full swing now. After living in the North East United States all of my life, maybe, just maybe, I will write a book and call it – “The Ice Box effect”. It will be a glorious day for me, once I see a greenhouse effect on my heating bill. I am still waiting for that day…
* How come, the “Grammy Awards” does not just change their annual show’s name to: “The Anti-Metal Music Grammy Awards”? Just get rid of the “token” “Best Metal Performance” award over there at the Grammy’s, puh-lease!!
Queensryche – where it all began for this superior Metal band.
Posted in Album Review, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Metal Reviews, Rock, Vocals with tags geoff tate, Heavy Metal, Music, progressive metal, queensryche, Reviews on March 29, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
It was 1983 when I first heard Queensryche on the radio, I heard them on an FM station of course, on a radio show that aired on Saturday nights that was called “Metal Shop.” The very first song I ever heard from Queensryche was “Queen of the Reich,” I was hooked by this band ever since. Geoff Tate, in my opinion, has always had just as powerful and prolific vocals as any other singer in the history of Metal. Queensryche can and has fit right into a few different Metal genres, Heavy Metal, Metal and Progressive Metal. With their debut EP “Queensryche” released in 1983, I easily embraced this great Metal band and remembered telling anyone who would listen that this band was for real. Only 4 songs were on the “original” Queensryche EP, – “Queen of the Reich”, “Nightrider”, “Blinded” and “The Lady Wore Black”. These four songs paved the way of the Metal future for Queensryche, without a doubt, an important and historical Metal EP this is. 27 years of recording and touring, Queensryche proved to the world just how real they are! You can still buy this EP, it has since been re-released, (2003), with the addition of 10 bonus tracks. Now, that is far more tunes than the original 4 song, vinyl record I bought back in 1983!
On March 31, 2009, Queensryche will release their brand new studio album, a concept album, titled – “American Soldier.” I have heard bits and pieces of the songs from around the internet already, tremendous and emotionally moving Metal is what I can honestly say at this point. I simply cannot wait to own this album and listen to it time and again! Once I get my copy on March 31, I will listen with Metal glee, then I guarantee a “must buy” review for “American Soldier” right here, on Metal Odyssey.
Greatest Metal album of all time – list #3!
Posted in Guitar, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, Rock, Scorpions, Slayer, Slipknot, Thrash Metal, W.A.S.P. with tags Blackie Lawless, def leppard, dio, Heavy Metal, helloween, Motorhead, Music, nazareth, ronnie james dio, Thrash Metal on March 29, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
In continuing my personal search for the greatest Metal album of all time, I will now submit to the world, list #3! Here are 10 more solid choices, that I have personally chosen as nominees. Again, this is a delicate and important process for me, as a life long metalhead to be making such a personal choice of greatest Metal album ever. Agree or disagree, this journey for me making this decision is more fun than watching reruns of “Monster Quest – The Legend of the Lochness Monster.” Please refer to my prior “Greatest Metal Album of all time” articles for past nominees. (as always, the list here is in no particular order, nominees only)
1. Def Leppard – “Pyromania”
2. Motorhead – “Another Perfect Day”
3. Nazareth – “Hair of the Dog”
4. Judas Priest – “British Steel”
5. Scorpions – “Blackout”
6. W.A.S.P. – “Dying For The World”
7. Slayer – “Show No Mercy”
8. Slipknot – “The Subliminal Verses”
9. Helloween – “Walls of Jericho”
10. Dio – “Holy Diver”
This series of articles will continue, as my quest for choosing the greatest Metal album of all time continues. Stay tuned.
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