SUPER BOWL XLV – Regardless of the performers who have been chosen for this years Super Bowl XLV, I have my own “Dream Metal Halftime Show” I’d like to share with the world. Some may disagree with the performers I have chosen, while others will raise the horns to the air and be pleased. Whichever is the case, this is about “personal” choice. Personal Metal choice, that is.
I’d love to see Lemmy, Phil and Mikkey up on that stage… ripping out Killed By Death. Then, it would be so righteous to see and hear Lemmy state to millions of fans worldwide, via live simulcast: “We’re Motörhead and we’re a Rock ‘N’ Roll Band”.
Just to see and hear Klaus Meine belting out: “big city, big city nights!” on that Super Bowl stage would be a Metal moment to remember… especially since the Scorpions are currently in the midst of their three year farewell tour.
Oh, man, would it be a Metal treat to witness Rob Halford as he stalks the Super Bowl stage… singing with Classic Metal defiance: “some heads are gonna roll!” The vision of K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton side by side, trading off guitar licks would be a Metal sight to behold. A Metal Super Bowl XLV sight to behold, that is. What a tremendous way for Judas Priest to kick off their 2011 farewell tour… the Metal thought of it all is fun stuff.
As a last thought to my “Dream Metal” Super Bowl XLV Halftime Show, I would be psyched out of my Metal mind, to see and hear Hank Williams Jr. bellow out: “are you ready for some Metal!”
It’s just too bad that I, along with other Metalheads that span generations, will have to watch mainstream Pop performing at Super Bowl XLV instead.
METAL BE THY NAME.
* BONUS Super Bowl XLV Fact: Stone is the same age as the Super Bowl.
COHEED AND CAMBRIA – Progressive Rock/Metal giants COHEED AND CAMBRIA are getting ready to tour the U.S. and Toronto, Ontario, Canada this April and May of 2011! Below is the band telling all about this upcoming NEVERENDER SSTB Tour, as quoted from the COHEED AND CAMBRIA newsletter, January 14, 2011:
“Hey All,
In case you haven’t heard, we are performing our debut album, The Second Stage Turbine Blade, in it’s entirety in 23 cities across the US and in Toronto, Canada.
The “Evening with” format means we’ll do the full set electric, along with a 30-40 minute acoustic set, and a bonus electric set. No support bands.
Most of the shows are on sale now, a few go on sale tomorrow (and Oakland on Sunday)”. Full dates and ticket links are posted here:www.coheedandcambria.com
We hope to see you at the shows!!
April & May 2011 Tour Dates:
4/08 Kansas City, MO Midland Theater
4/09 Dallas, TX Palladium
4/11 Austin, TX Stubbs
4/12 Houston, TX Warehouse Live
4/14 Atlanta, GA Tabernacle
4/15 Tampa, FL Jannus Live
4/18 Charlotte, NC Fillmore
4/19 Baltimore, MD Rams Head Live
4/20 Washington, DC 9:30 Club
4/22 Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom
4/25 Boston, MA House of Blues
4/26 Philadelphia, PA Electric Factory
4/27 Toronto, ON Kool Haus
4/29 Detroit, MI Royal Oak Music Theater
4/30 Chicago, IL House of Blues5/02 Denver, CO Ogden Theater
5/03 Salt Lake City, UT In the Venue
5/05 Seattle, WA Showbox Sodo
5/06 Portland, OR Roseland Theater
5/07 Oakland, CA Fox Theater
5/09 Tempe, AZ Marquee Theater
5/10 San Diego, CA House of Blues
5/11 Los Angeles, CA Club Nokia
WINO – Legendary Doom Metal guitarist and vocalist Scott Wino Weinrich (The Obsessed, Saint Vitus, Spirit Caravan, Shrinebuilder), will be performing a solo acoustic set this Saturday, January 15th at Volcom’s store in Los Angeles! At this special one-off performance, Wino will be performing tracks from his first ever collection of acoustic anthems on his new solo album Adrift. The show in LA is FREE to the public, but those attending are to RSVP at Wino’s new website: http://www.scottweinrich.com/
As previously announced, Wino will also hit the road this February on a short acoustic tour with longtime friend and Shrinebuilder band mate Scott Kelly of Neurosis. Sponsored by BrooklynVegan, the tour will venture through California, Texas, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland and New York, showcasing both legendary artists in solo, acoustic mode.
Wino/Scott Kelly February 2011 Tour:
2/05/2011 Viper Room – Hollywood, CA
2/07/2011 Casbah – San Diego, CA
2/08/2011 Emo’s – Austin, TX
2/09/2011 Abbey Pub – Chicago, IL
2/10/2011 Great Scott – Allston, MA
2/11/2011 Sonar – Baltimore, MD w/ Darsombra
2/12/2011 Mercury Lounge – New York, NY w/ Man’s Gin
Adrift is set for North American release on respected German label Exile On Mainstream Records March 8th, 2011, the label now distributed domestically by E1 Entertainment. A limited edition vinyl version of the album featuring extended liner notes and more is to be released in the U.S. on January 18th by Volcom Entertainment.
VANDEN PLAS – Holes In The Sky, the brand new music video from German Progressive Metal Band VANDEN PLAS,is the “first regular video clip in VANDEN PLAS band history”… and it flat out Rocks! Holes In The Sky is a melodically heavy song that has caught my Metal attention like a thunder strike. This song is from the new and sixth VANDEN PLAS studio album Seraphic Clockwork, released in the U.S. on June 22, 2010 via Frontiers Records. I like everything about this song, from the smooth and harmonious vocals of Andy Kuntz to the atmospheric keyboards of Günter Werno.
If you are into Power Metal, Progressive Power Metal and/or Melodic Metal, then check out this exceptional song below and give your ears the candy it deserves. My ears are asking for more…
KOPEK – See Ireland’s hottest, Hard Rockin’ and critically acclaimed band from Dublin! KOPEK is coming back to America and will be touring with HINDER, MY DARKEST DAYS and SAVING ABEL on the dates/venues listed below! This highly anticipated tour begins on January 21st in Jackson Mississippi! Welcome back to the U.S.A. KOPEK… now ROCK the daylights out of your fans!
01/21/11 @ Fire – Jackson, MS
01/23/11 @ The Masquerade – Atlanta, GA
01/25/11 @ Hard Rock Live – Orlando, FL
01/27/11 @ Carolina Theater – Greensboro, NC
01/28/11 @ Harrah’s Cherokee – Cherokee, NC
01/29/11 @ House Of Blues – Myrtle Beach, SC
01/30/11 @ The Norva – Norfolk, VA
02/01/11 @ Northern Lights – Clifton Park, NY
02/02/11 @ Royale – Boston, MA
02/04/11 @ Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel – Providence, RI
02/05/11 @ The Armory – Manchester, NH
02/08/11 @ Best Buy Theater – New York, NY
02/09/11 @ State Theater – Portland, ME
02/10/11 @ Sherman Theater – Stroudsburg, PA
02/12/11 @ Club Fever – Southbend, IN
02/13/11 @ Dow Event Center – Saginaw, MI
02/14/11 @ House Of Blues – Chicago, IL
02/15/11 @ Verizon Wireless Center – Mankato, MN
02/17/11 @ Osage Elm Casino – Tulsa, OK
02/19/11 @ First Council Casino – Newkirk, OK
* More dates will be announced shortly!
KOPEK:
Daniel Jordan – lead vocals & guitar
Brad Kinsella – bass guitar
Shane Cooney – drums
The digital release of White Collar Lies was released back on June 29, 2010. * The U.S. debut release for the physical CD of White Collar Lies is March 1st, 2011! White Collar Lies is being released on Religion Music via SIN/Sony Independent Network.
This debut album from KOPEK has received it’s Hard Rockin’, double-fist to the air approval from Metal Odyssey! White Collar Lies was chosen as the #5 Album Of The Year for 2010 by Metal Odyssey! You can read the complete album review for White Collar Lies, as it was featured on Metal Odyssey back on June 28, 2010. Just click the large header below!
On July 20, 2010, Metal Odyssey featured an interview with Daniel Jordan, vocalist/guitarist for KOPEK! If you missed it, you can still read it by clicking the big header link below:
CROWBAR – This is not a meat and potatoes Metal band. No sir. Instead, CROWBAR is: a roast the entire pig over an open pit of fire, while the beer is flowing from the kegs… Sludge Metal band. Metal be thy name, CROWBAR is one serious band of maximized and seriously Heavy sound. Take a Metal moment to watch and listen for yourself below, TheCemetery Angels.
Listen to The Cemetery Angels and get set Metal straight from the raging and mind jolting vocals of Kirk Windstein. Listen intently also to Kirk, the riff master, then tell me he isn’t one bad ass leader of CROWBAR. At Metal Odyssey, Kirk Windstein and CROWBAR are forever bad ass… so let it be Metal written, so let it be Metal done. Play this song LOUD and it will serve you right.
I hope you get as Metal thrilled as I do, from CROWBAR and TheCemetary Angels.
* The Cemetery Angels is from the forthcoming CROWBAR album – Sever The Wicked Hand.
* Sever The Wicked Hand releases in the U.S. on February 8th, 2011, on eOne Music.
* For more info on CROWBAR, click on the links below:
FUNNIEST HEAVY METAL ALBUM COVERS – It’s time to laugh out loud or at least crack a smile… or maybe two. I have always been a fan of memorable album covers. From Horror themes to dragons and every flaming Flying V guitar in-between, I find album artwork to be a representation of the respective musician or band’s music heard within. This may not always be the case, however, it is more often than not a pretty good gauge when caught up in a “blind purchase”. Funny album covers are out there as well and there are perhaps a countless variety of them.
I dug up five funny album covers recently, just to throw out to the world for some Metal lightheartedness. Drop a comment about any other funny album cover you want to laugh about. I hope you get a chuckle out of ’em like I have. If these funny album covers don’t have you cracking even the slightest smile, well, then, your most likely constipated and it is making you grouchy.
#5
PRIMUS – Frizzle Fry
No matter how you slice it, Les Claypool and his Funky band PRIMUS do belong in the Heavy Metal family. This “head thing” in the frying pan, on the 1990 album cover for Frizzle Fry, always has me laughing out loud. Plus, there have been times, where an omelette I’ve cooked slightly resembles this grotesquely funny atrocity. This is not the type of thing you want to find, staring up at you from a port-O-potty toilet at the country fair.
#4
Ugly Kid Joe – America’s Least Wanted
Another Funky Heavy Metal band, Ugly Kid Joe’s kid mascot always put’s a grin on my face. This time around, on America’s Least Wanted, (their 1992 debut full-length), that cartoon mascot kid can’t bug on any adult conversation.
#3
Scorpions – Lovedrive
Released back in 1979, on Mercury Records, this is a classic Scorpions album, even if it doesn’t boast a Top 40 ballad or an MTV smash hit video. Coast To Coast and Holiday are two songs worth the price of picking up this album alone. Now, can someone explain to me, how a dude can get caught in a pickle like this? What makes it so funny to me, is it’s visually bizarre… plus, seeing a huge sticky wad of bubble gum, being pulled from this ballroom babe’s breast is downright funny!
#2
NOISY MAMA – Everybody Has One
Released back in 1991, on ATCO/Atlantic Records, this NOISY MAMA album cover is simply a funny classic. The album cover illustration was created by Ed “Big Daddy” Roth, who created the iconic hot-rod mascot of the 1960’s and ’70’s known as Rat Fink. “Big Daddy” opened the door to custom automotive cartoon art. As a custom car builder, he helped to create and innovate Kustom Kulture. Ed “Big Daddy” Roth passed away back in 2001, still, his legendary custom cars, album artwork and illustrations for the hot-rod community live on. It’s album artwork like you see here, that makes it so damn cool to buy the physical CD and have the liner notes to enjoy. Take that mp3’s.
For all Metal intents and purposes, this NOISY MAMA band knew how to play some good-times, Hard Rockin’ songs. Everybody Has One… ROCKS! You can hear for yourself, by clicking on the link below. This link will take you to a myspace music fan page for NOISY MAMA, where there are some of their songs streaming to ROCK OUT to!
From 1991, it’s DANGER DANGER with Screw It. This was their second studio album, released on Epic Records. A while back, best Metal buddy Scott Coverdale reminded me of this hilarious album cover, which in turn, prompted me to revisit it and take in these songs from Screw It! once again. I’m telling you, that gorilla is funny, while he is holding that jungle hottie while she is ready to devour that lucky banana! In my Metal opinion, this is an excellent Hair Metal album from Danger Danger. Screw It! is definitely worth owning. The only drawback, is Yeah, YouWant It! is a Rap/Metal song that stinks like skunk poop that’s roasting in the hot Summer sun.
(New York, NY) — California Metal act, THE HUMAN ABSTRACT has signed a worldwide deal with eOne Music. Their brand new record “Digital Veil” will be released on March 8th, 2011.
“We are really pleased to begin the year with eOne as our new label. This relationship will only prove beneficial to the release of “Digital Veil” and help push the band a step forward into a productive and exciting future,” says bassist Henry Selva.
After releasing a pair of records via Hopeless Records, this will be the bands third official full length. Founding guitarist A.J. Minette has also returned to the band and couldn’t be more excited. He states, “It has been a pleasure working with The Human Abstract again. I am looking forward to supporting Digital Veil out on tour.”
The band will be part of the Atticus Metal III tour with Darkest Hour, Born Of Osiris, As Blood Runs Black and more running from February 25-March 27. For additional information feel free to head over to http://www.facebook.com/atticusmetaltour
THE HUMAN ABSTRACT have been seen on tour with acts such as AS I LAY DYING, DIREN GREY, ALL THAT REMAINS and THE VANS WARPED TOUR in recent years.
THE HUMAN ABSTRACT is: Travis Richter (vocals), Henry Selva (bass), Dean Herrera (guitar), Brett Powell (drums) and A.J. Minette (guitar).
MANOWAR – Fans of REAL Metal the world over unite! MANOWAR will be releasing, via Magic Circle Music, the re-recordedreissue of their 1982 debut Heavy Metal classic – Battle Hymns. On February 1st, 2011, Battle Hymns MMXI shall be unveiled unto the ears of Metalheads of all generations! This reissue includes two live tracks, recorded in 1982, that have never been released before! The tracks are: Fast Taker and Death Tone.
A recent quote by MANOWAR vocalist Eric Adams: “We constantly receive requests for the classics. Our fans love the early songs as much as they love the new ones. Our fans can be sure that we have squeezed every drop of power into Battle Hymns 2011 that today’s technology allows.”
* For this re-recorded reissue, legendary screen actor Sir Christopher Lee has replaced the late and legendary Orson Welles with narration on the classic song – Dark Avenger.
* Original MANOWAR drummer Donnie Hamzik returns on Battle Hymns MMXI.
MANOWAR:
Eric Adams – vocals
Joey DeMaio – bass
Karl Logan – guitar
Donnie Hamzik – drums
Track Listing For Battle Hymns MMXI:
Death Tone
Metal Daze
Fast Taker
Shell Shock
Manowar
Dark Avenger
William’s Tale
Battle Hymn
Fast Taker – (Recorded live at Abilene Taylor City Expo Center Arena, 1982)
Death Tone – (Recorded live at Dallas Reunion Arena, 1982)
* For more info on MANOWAR, click on the links below:
PALE CHALICE – Black Metal has it’s sharpened claws all over the globe. San Francisco, California is well represented by this Blackened and mightily determined genre, with Pale Chalice. This is a band that has been evolving since the end of 2008, honing and molding their Black Metal craft to the fantastical sound I hear on this four song EP – Afflicting the Dichotomy of Trepid Creation. This being a debut Blackened offering from Pale Chalice, it is nearly thirty minutes of intense sound that has penetrated my Black Metal corridor and staked it’s claim.
Music is all about vibrations and it’s those “vibes” that tell me when a band truly “feels” their sound they have created. Pale Chalice “feels” their sound, they convey Black Metal tonality with a welcomed air of vigor. This band is not an underground anomaly, instead they are embarking on a path that will most likely lead them to underground distinction, if they are not already there.
The overriding viciousness of the vocals spills out over each song, while the screams are factually bone chilling. Dark and mysterious are the lyrical content within all four songs, which prey on the extraordinary. This EP thunders along as heaviness is concerned, while the melodic nature of these songs is conclusive. Pale Chalice couples heavy and melodic in an impressive style, never waverering from their Black Metal mystique that sets all four songs ablaze.
The tempo shifts that Pale Chalice utilizes are essential in setting the blackened mood, at times creating melancholic and/or macabre swirls of cognition. When Pale Chalice plays at full speed, the perception is one of victory, that an army of darkness has indeed beaten down any luminous combatants. The quality of sound production is in place, with a raw tinge that blankets the entire auditory experience.
What Afflicting the Dichotomy of Trepid Creation has shown my ears, is that Pale Chalice is a convincingly equipped, underground Black Metal outfit, that wants to prevail. It’s as if Pale Chalice is now biding their time before a debut full-length of their Blackened Metal is unleashed upon the world, that this EP is a worthy teaser. I’m relishing this piece of Blackened work for now… and I’ll be in front of the line when Pale Chalice turns loose that anticipated second round of their Black Metal art.
KISS – Sometime back in 1982 or 1983, I bought the KISS KILLERS album. I can vividly recall when I first saw this album though, it was at a small pop culture store that sold plenty of cool Heavy Metal albums from the 1970’s right up to those early 80’s. My cousin Randy worked at this store, he was always astute at Rock ‘N’ Roll history and what the newest album releases of the day were.
I didn’t hesitate about buying this KISS album then, knowing at the time it was an import, KILLERS was not a mass release within the United States. It was quite an impressive find for any KISS fan back then, even more so today, (see used prices below). The asking price for KILLERS set me back around $7 (U.S.) all those years ago. $7 back in ’82/’83 for a teen Metalhead like me was still a chunk of cheese.
Still having this KISS album in my collection is quite a thrill. I am proud of myself for not selling or trading away this piece of KISStory after all these years. (There are some KISS albums and KISS Kollectibles that I have moronically let go during my lifetime). My copy of KILLERS is in as near perfect condition as you could ever ask for, with no wear to the album jacket or vinyl. I truly took great care of this album over the years.
KILLERS was released a year after The Elder and is the first album cover to have Eric Carr pictured as a member of KISS, being released months before the amazing CreaturesOf The Night album. This album is a greatest hits of the time, with four new studio tracks. Those tracks being: I’m A Legend Tonight, Down On Your Knees, NowhereTo Run and Partners In Crime.
KILLERS never came with any inside liner notes, nor are there any musician credits listed on the back cover. I’ve read throughout the years, from many sources, that Bob Kulick, (Bruce Kulick’s older brother), was the guitarist on the four new tracks. Obviously, Eric Carr was the drummer on the four new tracks.
Track Listing For KILLERS:
SIDE I:
I’m A Legend Tonight
Down On Your Knees
Cold Gin
Love Gun
Shout It Out Loud
Sure Know Something
SIDE II:
Nowhere To Run
Partners In Crime
Detroit Rock City
God Of Thunder
I Was Made For Loving You
Rock & Roll All Nite (live version)
* KILLERS was released on Casablanca Records, with their parent company phonogram having their logo at the bottom right corner on the back cover.
* As of January 8, 2011, there are 7 used KISS KILLERS albums (vinyl) for sale on Amazon.com. The prices range from $26.98 to $106.04 in U.S. funds.
* KILLERS was produced by Michael James Jackson, (no, not the Michael Jackson). The album cover design is by Howard Marks Advertising, Inc.
There’s definitely better images out there of this KISS KILLERS album cover. I just wanted to show the world the exact copy that I own. The colors on the album cover I own, are much more vibrant than shown. The back cover design is very simple and it never impressed me. You just can’t beat owning any KISS vinyl. Check it out below:
Below is the current list of bands that will be playing at the Sweden Rock Festival 2011. This beyond amazing festival of Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal will be held in Norje Havsbad, Solvesborg, Sweden, June 8, 9, 10 and 11! This list is current as of January 7, 2011. Metal be thy name, from looking at the list below, this looks to be an incredibly potent four days of Rock ‘N’ Metal! For more information on this 2011 Sweden Rock Festival, just click on this link: Sweden Rock Festival 2011
OZZY OSBOURNE
WHITESNAKE
STYX
HELLOWEEN
JOAN JETT AND THE BLACKHEARTS
RHAPSODY OF FIRE
MUSTASCH
MR. BIG
BUCKCHERRY
DESTRUCTION
DAN REED BAND
WALTER TROUT
GHOST
RAUBTIER
MASON RUFFNER
RAGE
JUDAS PRIEST
ROB ZOMBIE
THE CULT
SAXON
CLUTCH
MOLLY HATCHET
JASON & THE SCORCHERS
THE DAMNED
OVERKILL
THE HAUNTED
AGENT STEEL
ELECTRIC WIZARD
MOONSPELL
GROUNDHOGS
FLASKET BRINNER
The Sweden Rock Festival is an annual festival, going Metal strong since June 6, 1992!
(New York, NY) — BRONX CASKET CO. will be releasing their forthcoming record titled “ANTIHERO” on Tuesday, January 25th, 2011 via eOne Music. “This Bronx Casket record is the best we’ve done, and we are looking forward to getting out on the road and doing some shows,” says front man DD Verni. The record also features master shredder Mike Romeo from Symphony X. Romeo can be heard on all guitar solos.
The record can now be pre-ordered via iTunes as well, click here to get it: http://bit.ly/hAy1g3
The band originally formed in 1998 by Overkill co-founder and bassist DD Verni. Having played in one of the most respected thrash bands ever for over 2 decades, why have another band? Two reason states DD, “the challenge of writing interesting new material and for fun of course!” The bands second release caught the ear of playwright Andrea Lepcio. Soon after, Verni and Lepcio were collaborating with 3-time Tony Winner Hinton Battle to direct and choreograph. Soon the seeds of The “Bronx Casket Co, A New Musical” were planted.
Verni quickly recruited several members from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra to perform. The cast consisted of performers from the Broadway shows Hairspray, Rent and Dance of the Vampire. There have been several performances off-Broadway for producers/backers and the show is still in the writing stages. It has a gothic/Broadway score with a twisted love story woven throughout. Songs from the first two Bronx Casket Co. releases are included in the show, as well as 13 new songs D.D. Verni penned just for the musical.
It’s been five years since the BRONX CASKET CO. last released an album and has been well worth the wait.
(Source: eOne Music press release, January 7, 2011)
PHIL KENNEMORE – On January 7, 2011, Y&T bass guitarist Phil Kennemore has passed away from a brave battle with lung cancer. Phil Kennemore was 57. This sad news has been released through Y&T’s vocalist/lead guitarist Dave Meniketti. You can read the entire message as written by Dave Meniketti, by clicking here: Meniketti.com/Y&T Home Page
Metal Odyssey expresses sincere condolences to the family of Phil Kennemore, Y&T, his friends and fans. Yes, I am saddened at the news of Phil Kennemore’s passing, just like countless other Y&T and Rock fans worldwide. Rock ‘N’ Roll Heaven has accepted in, an unreal great bass guitarist.
Californication Season 4 Music From The Showtime Series – Releasing on January 11, 2011, via Arrival Records/Scion Music Group is Californication Season 4 Music From The Showtime Series. Whenever a team of music supervisors and producers have to choose “those absolute songs” that most reflect the consistent themes and vibes of a television series, a delicate balancing act will be conducted based on both knowledge of that respective series and Rock Music. Nora Felder, Budd Carr and Jonathan Platt can enjoy a collective sigh of relief, that their 13 song selection for Californication Season 4 has flowed together seamlessly, like an assortment of Rock ‘N’ Roll clouds amidst a blue, cool, Summer sky.
The story lines surrounding main character Hank Moody (played by David Duchovny) to the Californication series is more complicated than just blue Summer skies, however. There is plenty of dark and taboo cool, mixed within the reality of this comedy/drama that fans can appreciate and this soundtrack capitalizes on all of it. Life isn’t something that can be followed by any guidelines from a handbook purchased at the corner book store, the songs on this soundtrack dictate exactly how dynamic life is, in all of it’s lovable and not so adored intricacies. Again, another nod to the themes one can find being absorbed into, while watching the Californication series. An overall competence in keeping the relevance between song and series, is accomplished extremely well on this soundtrack.
From MotleyCrüe’s Tommy Lee, to Indie Folk Rock artist Gregory Alan Isakov, this Californication Season 4 soundtrack is liberally represented by a cross-section of Rock genres. It makes me pleased, to see the late and legendary Warren Zevon make his appearance with WantedDead Or Alive, originally performed by Zevon on his 1970 debut album, famously known by the same title. It’s amazing to me, the strong relevance this Warren Zevon classic has in 2011. Tommy Lee takes a more sing-a-long approach, in covering his galaxy famous band’s hit ballad Home Sweet Home. The vibe I feel, while listening to this cover of Home Sweet Home, puts me in the neighborhood bar where everyone knows my name.
Queens of Dogtown are featured here with three cover songs: Would? (Alice In Chains), Last Caress (Misfits) and I Remember You (Skid Row). All three of these songs are monumental Heavy Music classics in their own right, with realistically no room for error when covering even just one of them. With that said, lead vocalist Zoe Kravitz puts her own emotional feel into each song, giving each their justifiable Rock historic respect. In turn, a whole new generation of fans shall hopefully be introduced to these bands, that made these songs timeless, thanks to Queens of Dogtown. I find myself nodding in approval, while Queens of Dogtown cover these three heavy classics with their hardened Semi-Pop Rock sound.
Experimental/Industrial Disco Rock gets coverage on this soundtrack courtesy of My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult or TKK as they are often times referred as. Their song Sex On Wheelz pulls me in with it’s Industrial edge and groove injected up-tempo. Having such a modern sounding invitee to join the party here, makes perfect sense to me. Alternative Rock is represented in excellent form with Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out With Me from Cracker. This song has an uncanny way of making me drift off into cool thoughts… and that isn’t anything too lame to admit.
Eagles Of Death Metal are always a band that takes and makes their brand of Garage Rock serious, even if they did change the title of the Stealers Wheel classic from Stuck In The Middle to Stuck In The Metal. From the 1972 original, to the 2003 cover from Eagles Of Death Metal, it finds home again on Californication Season 4 and it never sounded more Rock righteous. Back in 1989, at the peak of MTV being a real music video network, Love And Rockets was at the top of the charts with their Alternative smash – So Alive. You’ll hear Better Than Ezra put their Alternative cover spin on So Alive, gelling into the mix of this soundtrack and it’s respective Californication theme almost too perfectly.
Soundtracks are either fun, boring or come highly recommended. I’ll omit the boring category here. I will put out to you, that this soundtrack for Californication Season 4 is both fun to listen to and Rocks with enough cool vibes to make me grin defiantly, at a very lousy day. Rock ‘N’ Roll was never supposed to be anti-fun nor anti-cool. Rock ‘N’ Roll was meant to be dangerous, like the series this soundtrack represents. Californication Season 4 has the Rock that sheds away the anti’s and I recommend your getting a copy… especially if you want to have fun and be cool.
* Californication Season 4 Music From the Showtime Series releases on January 11, 2011, on CD and download, on Arrival Records/Scion Music Group.
Take a cool time-out to check out the Californication Season 4 Trailer from SHOWTIME below!
GERRY RAFFERTY – On January 4, 2011, Rock Music Legend Gerry Rafferty passed away from liver disease. A mulit-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter, Gerry Rafferty was only 63 years old. Metal Odyssey gives condolences to the family, friends and fans of Gerry Rafferty.
I honestly can say Gerry Rafferty was one of the reasons why AM Radio really did Rock for me, back in those late 70’s. The Rock I heard from Gerry Rafferty back in 1978, while going on so many long family day trips, were songs with soothing vocal harmony, a kick-it-up-a-notch sax and melodic guitar. Of course, the two “popular” songs that immediately play out in my mind, are: Baker Street and Right Down The Line from his 1978 studio album – City To City. I remember staring at the City To City album cover so long ago, staring at Gerry Rafferty holding the guitar neck with his left hand, wearing those shades… that was cool stuff for my eyes back then, it still is.
It’s not that difficult in mentioning Gerry Rafferty’s two biggest hits as being most memorable for me, especially when these are two songs that were imbedded in my mind and ears as a young lad. Of course there is much more to this legend’s music catalog. Gerry Rafferty had a soothing characteristic to his vocals, while still coming across as very cool. I never found it difficult either, in my adult life, to crank up to the maximum, Right Down The Line, each and every time it came on my car radio. That song just touches off something in me… and makes me feel extremely good. I would hopefully suppose that is exactly what Gerry Rafferty intended to do with his music, make people feel good… and he succeeded with me.
SODOM – Taking a Thrash Metal swath through four decades now, Germany’s very own SODOM is back with studio album #13 – In War And Pieces. Led by founding member and Thrash Metal legend Tom Angelripper, (bass & vocals), SODOM is proving their once again back to kick our Thrash loyal asses!
Since their debut album of 1986 – Obsessed By Cruelty, SODOM has forged their name upon Metal history as one of Germany’s pioneering Thrash Metal bands. Thrash Metal never sleeps or quits and SODOM is delivering their wake-up call to the world with In War And Pieces.
In War And Pieces will be released on Steamhammer/SPV, on January 11, 2011, in the United States.In War And Pieces has already been released in Germany on November 19, 2010 and in Europe on November 22, 2010.
SODOM As They Appear On In War And Pieces:
Tom Angelripper – bass & vocals
Bernd “Bernemann” Kost – guitars
Bobby Schottkowski – drums
* Markus “Makka” Freiwald – current drummer
* Release Formats For In War And Pieces:
Limited Edition Digipak contains bonus live CD of tracks from Wacken 25th Anniversary Show in 2007
Double LP Gatefold – blood red vinyl with 1 bonus track: Murder One
Legendary MOTORHEAD front man Lemmy Kilmister has a recipe that is so metal it could only be featured in Steve Seabury’s heavy metal cook book “Mosh Potatoes – Recipes, Anecdotes and Mayhem From The Heavyweights of Heavy Metal”. LoudTrax.com, the rock, metal, punk download and merch site has decided to partner up with Lemmy and “Mosh Potatoes” to dare all the metal heads around the world to cook up their version of Lemmy’s “Krakatoa Surprise”.
The idea for the contest came about when author Steve Seabury and LoudTrax.com founder Antonio Marsillo were hanging out in Times Square, smoking a couple of Cuban cigars. Steve handed Antonio a copy of the book and they were making jokes about the many recipes. Many beers later, the idea to dare metal heads around the world to cook up Lemmy’s recipe was born.
Lemmy himself liked the idea so much, he offered up an autographed, framed photograph and as well as a signed CD. In addition to Lemmy’s prizes, the winner of this contest receives a boat load of prizes including Lemmy shirts, Harley-Davidson (R) boots, and more. Participants must send a video of them cooking up this monster, upload it to YouTube and then submit it on the Lemmy Contest section of LoudTrax.com.
LoudTrax.com is the world’s first and only website specializing in Rock, Metal, Punk downloads and merchandise. It’s made by rock music fans, for rock music fans. The site boosts 17 dedicated sub genres ranging from Thrash Metal, Hard Rock, Black Metal, Death Metal, Punk, Classic Rock, and more.
Mosh Potatoes is the heavy metal cook book with recipes, anecdotes and mayhem from the heavyweights of heavy metal. Seabury managed to get recipes from 147 artist including LEMMY, ZAKK WYLDE, MOTLEY CRUE, GUNS & ROSES, DREAM THEATER, PANTERA, TESTAMENT, LITA FORD, MEGADETH, LAMB OF GOD and a who’s who of Heavy Rock artists.
Disclaimer. LoudTrax.com, Mosh Potatoes or any party involved is not responsible for damaged kitchens, blown up ovens, burnt cooking mitts, burnt hair, or any other injuries that result from attempting to cook this crazy ass recipe.
The Recipe – Krakatoa Surprise. Lemmy, Motorhead
¼ pound flour
½ pound chocolate syrup
¼ pound refried beans
½ pound curry powder
1 bottle strawberry syrup
¼ bottle brandy
Mix flour, syrup, beans and curry powder into a model of Krakatoa Island. Pour strawberry syrup over it to simulate lava. Pour brandy over all. Strike a match. Eat while still burning. SURPRISE!
BLUE ASIDE – This Underground Doom Metal power trio from Boston, Massachusetts, that call themselves Blue Aside are not bashful on laying down some potent, Earth rattling psychedelia. Blue Aside is one heavy band, as heavy and thick as an unopened can of Castrol motor oil from 1966. (Man, that sounded hoochie, yet my point has been made). This five song debut EP, The Orange Tree, was released on Hydro-Phonic Records in the Fall of 2010. If a band of any heavy genre wants to make an instant impression on me with a debut EP, then Blue Aside has without a doubt succeeded.
The Traveler of Time and Space begins with a synthetic intro that makes me feel like I’m helplessly floating in outer space without a cell phone or I’m being chased by Zombies that can’t run… take your pick. The riff is king here and it leads me down the path to all things spectacular about Psychedelic Doom Metal, bringing me to the realization that Iron Butterfly is indeed an influential band in 2010. The retrospective nature of Blue Aside is not a dominant force, however. They integrate such imagination into their sound, that it makes for a simultaneous vibe that is both now and futuristic.
The vocals change off from being dark and downright evil to semi-harmonious with echos. One well schooled Rockaholic can easily point the progressive finger, with certainty, at Blue Aside. Stoner Metal fans that are looking for songs that are not 15 minutes long can easily fall victim to what Blue Aside is banging out on The Orange Tree. Picture The Mars Volta deciding they want to get down on some Doom Metal and make their music more eye popping heavy, while maintaining a non-mainstream grip on avant-garde, minus any stretching vocals and this is Blue Aside. Adam Abrams (guitar), Matt Neto (drums) and Joe Twomey (bass) can play, making me feel as if this is their third or fourth album after ten years of touring. As anti-commercial as a five song EP can ever be, The Orange Tree never slips into passages of mainstream cow-towing.
Comparisons aside, this trio is hitting the bulls-eye on being unique. Each song has it’s own flavor, with Orange Eyes being a more guitar oriented song, with it’s melodic leads and slow motion Punk like vocals. Otis’ Sun is much more Doom laden with it’s riffs and vocals and marches on with a more apocalyptic feel, never compromising on it’s melancholic mood. Black Rays has a strong emphasis on drums, with a guitar driven attack that keeps the tempo on high, being the one song on TheOrange Tree that can be described as groove laden. Black Rays is my favorite song on this EP, I always fall over for the grooves… man, I dig that stuff.
The Inevitable Journey is a journey into one damn cool, hard and heavy tunnel of sound. The Tony Iommi inspired riffs are infectious, with the Doom infested tempo making this song worthy of repeated listens. Alright, this is my second favorite song on The Orange Tree and it proved to be extremely memorable for me after the very first listen. I could carry on more about this song, adding, that it’s muscular Old School-Stoner vibe meets present day Doom sound, is very close to Metal exhilaration.
Doom. Psychedelic. Stoner. Progressive. At the end of my Metal day, this is one very good, up and coming Metal band period. Smart musicianship coupled with smart lyrics that I hear on The Orange Tree, will take Blue Aside a long way down the Metal road. Fans of the heavy genres mentioned in this review should be able to wrap their ears around the sound that Blue Aside has created on The Orange Tree. Blue Aside has made a lasting Metal impression on me. I’ll be looking forward to Blue Aside releasing a full-length in the future… a band with this much talent, is going to be around for quite some Metal time.
In a year end message from Swedish black metal legion, WATAIN: “North and South America have now been left in ashes, and with that the Lawless Darkness Tour 2010 is over. Hail to those who made it possible, and those who made it even more triumphant; North: Watain Disciples USA, Goatwhore, Black Anvil, Decibel Magazine, Liz and Dave at Earsplit, Jimmy and the Duff’s crew, Josh at Dean Guitars, Engl Amps, Black Witchery, Negative Plane, Averse Sefira, Hod. South: Arma Productions, Hells Angels Antofagasta, Careloco and The Chilean Watain Militia, Kythrone, the mighty Mortuary Drape, the Tumba crew, and all those whose presence strengthened us along the long and winding road through hell and back. You know who you are. A special mention to S.L of The Devil’s Blood who took on the lead guitar duties in North America; hail brother! Finally, a thunderous salute to our iron crew, without whom none of this would have been possible.
To view a clip from Swedish TV (with English subtitles) about WATAIN‘s appearance at the Sweden Rock festival in June earlier this year, point your browserHERE. The concert was aired on the Swedish national radio program P3-Live on Thursday December 23rd.
And it is that time of the year again, when the media compile their lists and distribute awards. WATAIN has received the following awards and nominations for 2010:
#1 Album Of The Year – Close Up Magazine
#1 Album Of The Year – Sweden Rock Magazine
#1 Band Of The Year – Terrorizer Readers Poll
#1 Personality Of The Year – Terrorizer Readers Poll
#2 Album Of The Year – Decibel Magazine
WATAIN have also been nominated for:
“Hardrock” Category of the Swedish Grammy Awards
“Hardrock” Category of the P3 Gold Awards
“Nordic Album 2010” of the Nordic Music Price Awards
In light of all this, we would like you to contemplate upon the following lines:
“It is the magic combination of fierceness and beauty that makes the Wolf an exception even in nature. Revered outlaws, feared in their bestial nature, yet also objects of fascination and curiosity, of naturally inhabited and unreachable grace, that men love to hate, and hate to love. But regardless of what judgement the vox populi might pass on the nighttime predators, they remain just that; a rare breed of hunters; alone, aside, untamed, always hungry…”
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