DEMON HUNTER – Seattle, by way of Nashville’s DEMON HUNTER have seen their seventh studio album released this past week: Extremist via (Solid State). Still boasting a fiery, melodic and potent wall-of-Metal-sound, DEMON HUNTER ceases to buckle over when it comes to constant and never-ending improvement with their albums; Artificial Light, from Extremist, is one example of this.
The all-encompassing, strong Metal grooves, intensity and inspiring lyrics from this Christian Metal band have always stopped me in my Metal tracks. Below is the official music/lyric video for Artificial Light; turn it up and receive a muscular dosage of Metal from DEMON HUNTER. Metal Be Thy Name.
DEMON HUNTER – Artificial Light Is: Stone’s METAL Pick Of The Day!
VALLENFYRE have revealed the cover artwork of their new album Splinters. The new album will be out on May 12th in Europe and May 13th in North America, via Century Media Records.
A video trailer featuring part of the album’s opening track, Scabs, can be heard and viewed below:
VALLENFYRE:
Greg Mackintosh (PARADISE LOST) – Vocals and Lead Guitars
Hamish Glencross (MY DYING BRIDE) – Rhythm and Lead Guitars
Scoot (DOOM, EXTINCTION OF MANKIND) – Bass
Adrian Erlandsson (AT THE GATES, PARADISE LOST, THE HAUNTED) – Drums
MICHAEL SWEET – The legendary Michael Sweet has released (March 4th – Big 3 Records) a grand new music video, I’m Not Your Suicide, which is also the title track of his forthcoming solo album. I’m Not Your Suicide carries a positive message to young people: that choosing suicide from being abused or bullied is not the answer and help is available to those being tormented.
Child abuse in all its forms must be addressed and Michael Sweet has succeeded in raising the awareness to this troubling social crisis, through his song and music video. A suicide crisis hotline number is also shown at the end of this music video: 1-800-4-A-CHILD.
I love this song, both for its incredibly positive message to young people and for its melodic and inspiring music. A brilliantly beautiful song is I’m Not Your Suicide. The vocals of Michael Sweet are filled with intense and undeniable emotion. Amazingly well done. Listen and watch for yourself, below:
Find out more about Michael Sweet’s new single and how a portion of the proceeds are graciously going to benefit Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline:
* The full-length album, I’m Not Your Suicide, will be released on May 6th, 2014, via Big 3 Records.
* Michael Sweet is the vocalist, guitarist, songwriter and co-founding member of the iconic Christian Heavy Metal band: Stryper. Michael Sweet is also an ex-vocalist and guitarist for the super-legendary Boston.
Michael Sweet’s autobiography, Honestly – My Life And Stryper Revealed, will be released on May 6th, 2014.
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* For more related news features on Michael Sweet:
On April 9th, Dutch Black Metal legends COUNTESS will release their long-awaited new full-length album, entitled ‘Ancient Lies And Battle Cries’ through the band’s long-time label Barbarian Wrath.
‘Ancient Lies And Battle Cries’, the band’s fourteenth full-length, features ten tracks of uncompromising METAL, blending first wave Black Metal and traditional Heavy Metal in a way only COUNTESS can. The result of almost three years of writing and recording, ‘Ancient Lies’ will surely satisfy all those who long for the days when Black Metal was still METAL.
Fans can get a first taste of the new record as of today. A video has been released for the song ‘Call Of The Ancient Pantheon’ through the band’s official YT channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/countessmetal?feature=watch
Los Angeles, CA – Bad Wolf has returned with a riveting new music video that is sure to captivate audiences and gratify current fans. “Stay With Me” is the follow-up single to 2013’s “Drowning Beautiful” release, which has garnered nearly 102K views on YouTube. The latest single tells the relatable story of desperately trying to save a broken love, and features Bad Wolf’s signature sound of haunting vocals, heavy guitars, and a hypnotic drumbeat. “Stay With Me” also marks the first single containing backing vocals from Bad Wolf’s Tommy and Alicia. The faerie-inspired rockers have once again teamed up with director, Raiya Corsiglia (Cannes Lion Nominee, eight-time Telly Award Winner) to have their fantasy storybook themes come to life. Bad Wolf consists of Kota Wade (lead vocals and keys), Tommy O. (guitars), Tim Falco (drums), and Alicia Vigil (bass).
Bad Wolf’s state-of-the-art musicvideo pays homage to several different fairytales, including Little Red Riding Hood, Beauty & the Beast, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty. The filming of the video took the band to the Angeles National Forest, where they got up close and personal with the wolves on set. “It was amazing getting to work with real wolves, just seeing them in the forest while we were shooting was magical, and we knew it would push this video over the top!” says lead singer, Kota Wade. “We’re so excited to be able to represent our ‘Wolfpack’ (as we call our fans) with real wolves and a very ‘big bad wolf’ storyline in this video!” Consisting of an elaborate set production and astonishing costumes, Bad Wolf kept a keen eye on the details when developing the storyboard for the ultimate fairytale vision. “In this video we wanted to tell a love story, something we haven’t done in our previous songs, but in a Bad Wolf, dark, faerie rock way!”
Apart from being full-time members of Bad Wolf, the foursome has attained success within their respected individual careers. Kota Wade is a member of the pop group, Girl Radical, organized by *N Sync’s, JC Chasez. She has also graced the cover of LA Weekly, as “One of LA’s Most Interesting People” for her role as owner and operator of the all ages Hollywood venue, Amplify. Tommy O. is currently an electrical engineer who holds a patent in the field of deep brain stimulation. Aside from being a musician, Vigil is also a model and an actress, and can be seen as the lead in the Black Veil Brides movie adaptation, Legion of the Black. With a strong passion to assist kids, drummer Tim Falco is presently obtaining his teaching credentials for adapted physical education for students with special needs.
Music Connection Magazine recently named Bad Wolf one of the Hot 100 Unsigned Acts of the year. They have played alongside national acts such as Semi-Precious Weapons and Panic! at the Disco’s Dallon Weeks. With each release, the band’s fan base continues to grow alongside the crowd at their live show. Watch the video for “Stay With Me” on the group’s YouTube channel and run with the Wolfpack by visiting: www.WeAreBadWolf.com
RED DRAGON CARTEL TO RELEASE THEIR SELF-TITLED DEBUT VIA FRONTIERS RECORDS
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RED DRAGON CARTEL – The ultra legendary guitarist Jake E. Lee is back!! His new band is Red Dragon Cartel and The Metal Gods have answered the cries of countless Heavy Metal and Hard Rock fans across the globe! I couldn’t be more excited for a new album release in 2014 than with this self-titled debut album from Red Dragon Cartel! Below, please find the official press release for Red Dragon Cartel’s debut album; plus the official lyric video for Feeder, which features the legendary Robin Zander (Cheap Trick) on vocals! Metal be thy name! – Stone
Red Dragon Cartel And The Feeder Lyric Video = Stone’s METAL Pick Of The Day!
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Red Dragon Cartel – Official Press Release:
The newest band ready to take aim at the creative void in the hard rock world, Red Dragon Cartel, are set to release their debut album via Frontiers Records. The self-titled debut by the band, made up of guitar legend Jake E. Lee, bassist Ronnie Mancuso, singer D.J. Smith and drummer Jonas Fairley is set for release on January 28th. Jake E. Lee is best known for his work in Badlands and as guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne on Bark at the Moon and The Ultimate Sin albums.
Red Dragon Cartel also features various guest appearances from some of music’s most notable faces, including legendary Cheap Trick vocalist Robin Zander, original Iron Maiden vocalist Paul Di’Anno, Kill Devil Hill/Pantera bassist Rex Brown, Slash’s Conspirators Todd Kearns and Brent Fitz and In This Moment front woman MariaBrink. The album was produced by Ronnie Mancuso and Jake E. Lee and was executive produced, mixed and mastered by Kevin Churko (In This Moment, Ozzy Osbourne, Five Finger Death Punch).
From the opening riff of “Deceived” to final sustained piano chord of “Exquisite Tenderness,” it is clear Red Dragon Cartel has created an album that stands amongst some of the greatest hard rock albums of all time. Infectious songs such as “Shout It Out,” “Wasted” and “Slave” showcase the band’s ability to write memorable hooks and vocal melodies. Robin Zander of Cheap Trick lends his voice to the track “Feeder.” Maria Brink of In This Moment lends her unique vocals to the track “Big Mouth.” Paul Di’Anno and Sass Jordan also lend their talents to the band’s debut. Jake E. Lee’s trademark playing style instantly shines through and picks up right where he left off.
STRYPER – Released on November 5th, the NEW studio album, No MoreHell To Pay, from the ever-legendary STRYPER has accumulated impressive Billboard Chart positions; while receiving critic and fan praise around the globe!! Another new and official music video from this sensational album has been released and it’s Sympathy.
Michael Sweet sounds ultra-fabulous on vocals and guitar, once again!! The entire band is Rocking on all fired-up Metal cylinders!! This new album isn’t about STRYPER being back. Nope. These Christian Metal icons have never deniedtheir fans of Rockin’ inspiration! STRYPER are always touring, along with consistently reaching out to their fans via social media. No More Hell To Pay is about STRYPERbringing on their Heavy Metal attack!! This is STRYPER’s Metal 2013!! Dig it!! Metal be thy name!!
Below, Listen To Sympathy And Crank Up The Volume, While You Allow The METAL Of STRYPER To Flood Your Soul! Whoa!!
KROKUS – Switzerland’s super legendary Hard Rockers KROKUS not only have a brand-new, kick-ass album out with Dirty Dynamite (The End Records); KROKUS have just recently released a whiz-bang and hilarious music video for their new song: Dög Song. Metal as my witness, this song and music video… ROCKS!!! Metal be thy name!!!
This is Hard Drivin’ Rock ‘N Roll From KROKUS!
Listen to and watch Dög Song! CRANK IT UP MUTHAS! WHOA!
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* For more info on KROKUS, click on the links below! Whoa!
WITCH CROSS – Honestly, the Metal comeback story of the legendary WITCH CROSS is one for the METAL ages. Who would think this Metal band would ever return? And return they have! With a Metal vengeance! With their (also legendary) peers SATAN making a Metal comeback as well in 2013, I couldn’t be more overflowing with Metal glee!
What’s so remarkably impressive about this WITCH CROSS Metal comeback are their (obvious) connection to their fans, their wooing same fans at various European Metal festivals and the lead single, Demon In The Mirror, from their forthcoming NEW studio album: Axe To Grind.
Metal as my witness, Demon In The Mirror has made me feel like a Metal kid again; making me feel the way I did when I first heard such classic Metal songs as: You’ve Got Another ThingComin’ (Judas Priest), Denim And Leather (Saxon), Power (Rainbow) and Bark At The Moon (Ozzy). Why those particular songs? Call it Metal imbedding in my (very own and personal) Metal soul and call it delicious Metal elements all coming together.
Demon In The Mirror exhibits elevated Metal vibes of profound substantial levels, is Old School and has a quasi-energetic outro (courtesy of guitarist Mike Kock) that (to me) rivals what the incredible Jake E. Lee had accomplished so brilliantly with the song classic Bark At The Moon. Kev Moore was born to sing Metal. This band was born to play Metal. For me, Witch Cross has created a thunder strike of Metal bliss with Demon In The Mirror.
Listen to and watch Demon In The Mirror below. If it doesn’t blow you away, your listening to the wrong genre of music. Metal be thy name.
LOVE.MIGHT.KILL – 2 Big 2 Fail, the sophomore album from LOVE.MIGHT.KILL, will be released this October 19th, via Massacre Records. The first music video for this album is XTC. Melodic Metal is played and celebrated in a very big way by LOVE.MIGHT.KILL, with big guitars, a big rhythm section, big keys and melodic vocals.
LOVE.MIGHT.KILL taps into a Melodic Metal atmosphere of sound; one that surrounds my senses and pumps up my Metal adrenaline! A power-packed song is XTC and it’s… Stone’s METAL Pick Of The Day! Metal be thy name.
You can hear it all for yourself by listening to and watching XTC below!
JORN – Bring Heavy Rock To The Land is the new studio album from JORN and it’s a Heavy Rockin’ ride to catch onto. The seventh studio album from JORN, Bring Heavy Rock To The Land, features the bonus track Live And Let Fly; a song that showcases the premiere Heavy Rock vocals of Jorne Lande and his blazingly talented band that backs him.
Take a look and listen below at the official video for Live And Let Fly and turn up the volume with Heavy Rock pride! Metal be thy name.
* JORN – Bring Heavy Rock To The Land was released in Europe back on June 1st, 2012 and on June 5th in North America, via Frontiers Records.
* To read my album review for Bring Heavy Rock To The Land, (posted back on May 23rd, 2012), click on the link below!
JORN is back! Bring Heavy Rock To The Land will be released on June 1st in Europe and June 5th in North America, via Frontiers Records. Produced by Jorn Lande and mixed by Tommy Hansen at Jailhouse Studios in Denmark; Bring Heavy Rock To The Land is the seventh original studio album for JORN.
Watch and listen to the official music video of Bring Heavy Rock To The Land below! Heavy Rock grows only more powerful by the day and Jorn Lande delivers this reminder to the world, with his band’s newest music. Metal be thy name.
JORN:
Jorn Lande – vocals
Willy Bendiksen – drums
Nic Angileri – bass
Tore Moren – guitar
Jimmy Iversen – guitar
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* To read my album review for Bring Heavy Rock To The Land, click on the large link below!
HOUSE OF LORDS – Released back in September of 2011 on Frontiers Records, Big Money is the eighth studio album from House Of Lords. The Melodic Hard Rock and AOR flavor of Big Money boils over, reminding me once again, what a tremendous listen this album is. Someday When is a song from Big Money and is enriched with a symphonic sound from the keyboards, elevating the mood and feel of this song.
Hard Rock, as with any music genre, is presented in countless styles. House Of Lords is no exception. Someday When exemplifies House Of Lords capturing their unique musical creativity and style, while allowing it to soar. Take a look and listen to Someday When below. I hope you enjoy this song and video as much as I do!
HOUSE OF LORDS:
James Christian – vocals
Jimi Bell – guitar
Chris McCarvill – bass
Bj Zampa – drums
HOUSE OF LORDS – BIG MONEY (Frontiers Records/2011)
* For more info on HOUSE OF LORDS, click on the links below:
Top Ten Hard Rock Albums Of 2011 – I have listened to many Hard Rock albums released during 2011. There seems to be quite a few Hard Rock albums that are of standout quality, this past year for me. With that said, my “Top Ten Hard Rock Albums Of 2011” simply cannot represent the totality of Hard Rockin’ thrills I’ve experienced with my ears these past 12 months.
What my Top Ten list does represent are the Hard Rock albums I turned to most often to play… LOUD! I lean towards the “complete” album of songs, an album that goes further than just 4 or 5 great tracks. I gravitate towards the Hard Rock albums that psyched-me-out and made me feel very damn good inside. These are the Hard Rock albums that made a difference to me. A personal list it is and hopefully there are a few here you may agree with. Thank you for visiting Metal Odyssey in 2011 and supporting Rock ‘N Roll! Happy Holidays, Rock Steady and Happy New Year to all!
#10
IRON CLAW – A DIFFERENT GAME
(Ripple Music)
#9
REV THEORY – JUSTICE
(Interscope)
#8
KING KOBRA – S/T
(Frontiers Records)
#7
FAITHSEDGE – S/T
(Scarlet Records)
#6
BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION – 2
(J&R Adventures)
#5
WARRANT – ROCKAHOLIC
(Frontiers Records)
#4
9 CHAMBERS – S/T
(Samson Records / eOne Music)
#3
JOURNEY – ECLIPSE
(NOMOTA LLC)
#2 (TIE)
SEBASTIAN BACH – KICKING & SCREAMING
(Frontiers Records)
#2 (TIE)
SEETHER – HOLDING ONTO STRINGS BETTER LEFT TO FRAY
(Wind-Up)
#1
MR. BIG – WHAT IF…
(Frontiers Records)
Yes, the return of MR. BIG left a big Hard Rockin’ impression on my ears. If ever there was an album that grew on me, over the course of time, then said album is What If… and it has served me right. EricMartin’s vocals have never sounded better. Sound cliche? Not in my mind. On What If…Billy Sheehan (bass), Paul Gilbert (guitar) and Pat Torpey (drums) all sound as if there was never a recording break of ten years. Their seventh studio album may just be their best Hard Rock creation, in my honest opinion.
My favorite song from What If… is Undertow. Check out the music video of MR. BIG below, hopefully you’ll enjoy Undertow as much as I do!
THANK YOU to all of the bands above and Long Live Hard Rock!
LONG LIVE MR. BIG
Stone.
* For more cool “Best Of 2011 Lists” of Rock, Hard Rock and Metal Albums, click on the links below and visit these other fantastic blogs/websites!
CORONATUS – Releasing on November 18th, 2011, on Massacre Records, is the new studio album from the German Gothic Metal band Coronatus: Terra Incognita. Below is the music video for Fernes Land and I’m digging it a Metal ton. It’s those beautiful vocals from those two beautiful gals that seals the deal for me! Mareike Makosch (Alto Voice) and Lady Ada Flechtner (Rock Soprano) come across as relaxed and ultra talented with this duet. The guitar solo kicks some serious ass too.
This is one fantastic band to keep your ears out for and support! Listen and watch the music video below for Fernes Land, hopefully you might dig it as much as I do.
* The North American release date for Terra Incognita is December 6th, 2011.
* For more info on CORONATUS, click on the link below:
KING KOBRA – We unfortunately live in a world that could use a ton more peace, love and Rock ‘N Roll. You don’t need to be a Deadhead and follow psychedelic bands to understand that. Being a Metalhead, I can relate quite well to peace, love and Rock ‘N Roll and why wouldn’t I? There already is enough hate, envy and mean people around us all, so why shouldn’t I spread the Hard Rockin’ and positive vibes of the legendary KING KOBRA today, with their music video: Turn Up The Good Times.
The self-titled comeback album (and fifth studio album overall) from KING KOBRA, has reminded me once again that there still are Hard Rock bands that want to write and record a feel-good album. KING KOBRA is led by founding member and ultra legendary drummer: Carmine Appice. Rounding out KING KOBRA is: Paul Shortino (vocals), David Michael-Philips (guitar), Mick Sweda (guitar) and Johnny Rod (bass).
* KING KOBRA was released on April 15th, 2011 in Europe and May 5th, 2011 in North America on Frontiers Records.
TURN UP THE VOLUME ON KING KOBRA’S TURN UP THE GOOD TIMES BELOW!
* Directed by Mario Ruiz/Spain
* For more info on KING KOBRA, click on the links below:
(Photo used by permission from Spider Rockets management)
(L to R: Dan Prestup (drums), Helena Cos (vocals), Johnny Nap (guitar))
SPIDER ROCKETS – Over the decades, New Jersey is a State that some heavy duty and downright legendary bands and musicians have called home. It’s an impressive list: Misfits, DANZIG, Overkill, BruceSpringsteen and The E Street Band along with Bon Jovi, have carved out their very own legendary status in Rock history.
Of course, other high profile bands of many Rock genres have formed out of this fabulous East Coast state, such as: Skid Row, TheSmithereens, Blues Traveler, God Forbid, Symphony X, Mutiny Within, Trixter, Starz, The Gaslight Anthem, The Parlor Mob, Senses Fail, Ill Niño, The Dillinger Escape Plan and My Chemical Romance. New Jersey ROCKS.
Then there’s The Garden State’s Spider Rockets. This band has created their own blueprint on how to ROCK. Will Spider Rockets one day be considered legends? Only time will tell… for now, I’ll just get my ears ROCKEDOUT by Spider Rockets and it shall serve meright. This is a band that formed in the very late 90’s with four studio albums under their Rockin’ belt. Those Spider Rockets are seasoned.
There’s no better time than RIGHT NOW to check out the back catalog of Spider Rockets and get smacked in the face by their expansive and heavy hittin’ sound and style. I extremely dig the attitude and Hard Rockin’ potency of Spider Rockets, this is a band that obviously disdains following the norm and they are all the better for it. Some sound Metal advice: Once you get bitten by what you hear from the Spider Rockets, it most often becomes an infectious craving to want more!
Screamis a song to be included on the forthcoming Spider Rockets studio album. Check out the music video below for Scream… witness and hear for yourself how Spider Rockets can deliver some hefty Rockin’ noize. Revved up noize that’s guaranteed to slap away any lame-ass mood you might be in at this moment. Metal be thy name.
SPIDER ROCKETS:
Helena Cos – vocals
Johnny Nap – guitar
Dan Prestup – drums
* For more info on SPIDER ROCKETS, click on the links below:
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
Metal Odyssey's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"
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