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!
Archive for the Music Category
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.
Women of Hard Rock & Metal: Pat Benatar
Posted in concerts, Guitar, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Music, Rock, Vocals with tags female vocalist, Grammy Awards, Hard Rock, Music, neil giraldo, pat benatar, Rock on March 31, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
I have decided to add a special feature to my Metal Odyssey blog, Women of Hard Rock & Metal. As far as I see it, there are many great female vocalists, guitarists and musicians out there in the world of Hard Rock & Metal and I do not overlook them one bit. So, what better platform than right here, to celebrate some of these fabulous female Rockers? The first in this series is none other than – Pat Benatar. Yes, Pat has had her share of ballads and Pop Rock charting singles, yet so has Poison, Warrant, Motley Crue and Van Halen. My point I am trying to make here is, there is Hard Rock aplenty with the catalog of music from Pat Benatar!
“All Fired Up”, “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” and “Hell Is For Children” solidifies my stating Pat Benatar can deliver the Hard Rock goods. “Promises”, “Treat Me Right” and “Shadows of the Night” are strong contenders of musically being Hard Rock as well. I had the opportunity to see Pat Benatar live last Summer of 2008, wow, what a show. I had a really great time. The exclamation point to the heaviness of Pat Benatar’s music is solidified by her husband and lead guitarist, Neil Giraldo. Let me tell you this, I have seen my share of some great Hard Rock and Metal guitarists play live, Neil Giraldo takes a back seat to very few. This guy can jam it out, play the leads and kick into the solo like the best of them! Needless to say, I left that concert being thoroughly impressed by Pat Benatar’s ageless vocals, Neil Giraldo’s guitar playing and the song list as well. This was one of those concerts where if you sat down for one song, well, you might as well just go home then.
I never put much stock into the Grammy Awards, yet Pat Benatar has won four of them. Now that is some bragging rights for any female Hard Rock vocalist. It is refreshing and inspiring to say the least, when a vocalist like Pat Benatar can exceed your expectations live and sound just as great if not better, than she did in the 1980’s.
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”
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.
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.
Fight was one incredible Metal band!!
Posted in Album Review, concerts, Drums, Guitar, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Heavy Metal Reviews, Metal, metal concerts, Metal Reviews, Music, Rock, Thrash Metal, Vocals with tags Fight, Heavy Metal, Judas Priest, Music, Reviews, Rob Halford, Thrash Metal on March 28, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
Rob Halford, the “Metal God” of the Metal music world, formed an incredible band in the Summer of 1992 named Fight. Sure, Rob Halford will forever be known as the super famous and powerful lead vocalist for Judas Priest, yet the Metal music that he created with Fight is superior stuff for me. I so very highly recommend Fight to all Metal fans, especially fans of Judas Priest, Pantera and Thrash Metal. I purchased the Fight CD/DVD – “War of Words – The Film”, (released Summer of 2008), whoa was this one powerhouse band. “Into The Pit” is a straight to your face – all out – Thrash Metal tune that does not let up or give in. “Immortal Sin” is more of a Heavy Metal/Metal track that carries along with dark lyrics and vocals courtesy of Rob Halford. “Kill It” is a very aggressive track, again I am amazed at how ahead of their time Fight really was musically. Overall, the songs on “War of Words” are very relevant to what is being created today by the Thrash Metal and Metal community. Rob Halford was joined with Scott Travis on drums in Fight, (Scott Travis being a long time & current drummer for Judas Priest).
The DVD is super loaded, with a documentary of Fight, plenty of comments and anecdotes to be found. A 13 song live concert comes off with all of the necessary Metal goods, both musically and with quality. There are 3 promotional videos as well, “Nailed To The Gun”, “Little Crazy” and “Immortal Sin” are worth their weight in Metal gold. The copy of “War of Words – The Film” that I purchased was a limited edition, numbered out of 5,000 copies for it included an authentic autographed Fight photo! The autograph is of Rob Halford! Not too shabby to have this bonus autograph included. In all Metal seriousness, this is a band and release that is so Metal worthy of listening to and watching. To me, Fight is one of those rare Metal bands that exhibited enormous excitement, great music and lasted way too short for my liking. Rob Halford to me, definitely succeeded musically while he was away from Judas Priest in the early 90’s.
Fight was: Rob Halford on lead vocals, Scott Travis on drums, Russ Parrish on guitar, Brian Tilse on guitar & keyboards and Jay Jay on bass guitar.
Jeff Healey was a real guitar hero.
Posted in Music, Rock with tags Deep Purple, Grammy Awards, Hard Rock Cafe, Jeff Healey, Jeff Healey Band, Music, New York City on March 28, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
The late Jeff Healey, now he was a genuine, real guitar hero. I just cannot resist how much of a role model he can still be, for any youngster wanting to take up playing guitar or any musical instrument for that matter. Jeff Healey was Canadian born, (March 25, 1966) and passed away on March 2, 2008. Jeff Healey lost his eye sight at infancy, despite this handicap, he became an accomplished and world renowned Jazz and Blues/Rock guitarist & vocalist. Jeff Healey & The Jeff Healey Band rose to fame with his 1988 album “See The Light”, which includes the hit single “Angel Eyes”. A Grammy nomination was from this same album for the instrumental “Hideaway”.
A unique guitar player Jeff Healey was, playing the guitar flat down on his lap, this is a perfect example that the music being created was far more important than the stereotypical or flamboyant guitar “pose”. As a blind musician, this was how Jeff Healey learned to play the guitar. Jeff Healey appeared on Ian Gillan’s CD/DVD “Gillan’s Inn”, released in 2006. (Ian Gillan is of course, the great lead singer for the legendary Deep Purple).
I can recall a moment in time, when I was at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York City, a short time after The Jeff Healey Band released “See The Light”. The two friends I was with at the time immediately recognized Jeff Healey sitting down, having lunch with a group of people. My two friends were not bashful, they each politely asked Jeff Healey to sign their Hard Rock Cafe napkins for them, without question or hesitation, Jeff Healey obliged. I was awe struck at how congenial, respectful and happy Jeff Healey was towards my friends at that moment. I never forgot that moment, never forgot how this famous musician took his time away from his own personal friends and lunch to accommodate two autograph requests.
My regret is that I never asked for Jeff Healey to sign a Hard Rock Cafe napkin for myself. Instead, I sat at the bar, staring over at my friends having a shining moment with Jeff Healey. One thing I will never regret though, is the memory of seeing Jeff Healey as a real person, responding to my friends as a true gentleman, as a real guitar hero.
Thin Lizzy “Still Dangerous” reminds me Metal never ages.
Posted in Album Review, concerts, Guitar, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Heavy Metal Reviews, Metal, metal concerts, Music, Rock, Vocals with tags Heavy Metal, Reviews, rock concert, Thin Lizzy, VH1 Classic Records on March 27, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
The late Phil Lynott, of Thin Lizzy, lives on again with the release of Still Dangerous – Live At The Tower Theatre Philadelphia 1977. 32 years later, this concert is still being enjoyed and revered by Metal, Hard Rock and Rock fans and any fan of great Classic Rock. It is obvious to me, that when VH1 Classic Records releases this genre of music now, it tells the world that Heavy Metal never ages. The vocals, song writing and bass playing of the late Phil Lynott will be handed down for generations through CD releases like this. Thin Lizzy, to me, represents the sound of 1970’s Heavy Metal, when this genre was just beginning to evolve and blossom into what it is today. The live music on Still Dangerous is such an essential listen for both young and veteran Metal, Hard Rock and Classic Rock fans around the globe.
Jailbreak, Cowboy Song, Soldier Of Fortune and Boys Are Back In Town never sounded better, plus these songs are captured in all of their heavy, live brilliance from 1977. While I listen to Dancing In The Moonlight, live, it proves to me, that a heavy band can become legendary by not playing heavy constantly. It is a must deserved tribute to a legendary band – Thin Lizzy. To have this live music from Thin Lizzy released in 2009, is an important listening lesson and moment to revisit – in Rock Music history.
Thin Lizzy on “Still Dangerous”: Phil Lynott – lead vocals and bass, Brian Robertson – guitar, Scott Gorham – guitar and Brian Downey on drums.
Greatest Metal album ever – the saga continues!
Posted in Album Review, Death Metal, Drums, Extreme Metal, Guitar, Heavy Metal, Heavy Metal Reviews, Iron Maiden, james hetfield, Led Zeppelin, Metal, Metal Reviews, Metallica, Music, ozzy, Thrash Metal with tags Deep Purple, Heavy Metal, Metallica, Music, Ozzy Osbourne, Thrash Metal on March 27, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
You know, after writing my last article regarding the greatest Metal album ever, I will refuse to ponder! After sleeping on the thoughts of what makes a Metal album the greatest of all time, I realized that I cannot be a jelly head and not step up and announce what I feel is the greatest Metal album ever created. Patience is a virtue however, I need to continue my research, add more lists of great & legendary Metal albums as nominees, follow my Metal heart and then decide. So, in a Metal nutshell, this topic shall be a series of articles leading up to my personal Metal decision on what Metal album is the greatest of greats. I may have a decision within days, it may take a couple of weeks, I am in no rush to make such an important and personal Metal decision! For once the decision is made, I cannot go back on my Metal word and say – “but” or “I changed my mind” – none of that immaturity will I bestow on the world of my fellow Metalheads out there. Now, without further delay, here is a list of 15 more incredible Metal albums that I have personally nominated to might become the greatest of all time. (There is no importance at this time in regards to the order of this list, these again, are nominees):
1. Guns N’ Roses – “Appetite for Destruction”
2. Metallica – “Ride the Lightning”
3. Thin Lizzy – “Jailbreak”
4. AC/DC – “Back In Black”
5. AC/DC – “Powerage”
6. Iron Maiden – “Iron Maiden”
7. Iron Maiden – “Piece of Mind”
8. Judas Priest – “Stained Class”
9. King Diamond – “Abigail”
10. Exodus – “Bonded By Blood”
11. Ozzy Osbourne – “Blizzard of Oz”
12. Black Sabbath – “Heaven and Hell”
13. Deep Purple – “Machine Head”
14. Anthrax – “Among the Living”
15. Pantera – “Cowboys From Hell”
I definitely will have to continue on with some more nominations here, I am not going to just rattle them off the top of my Metal head, I need to clearly think about the albums and then justify to myself their significance to the world of Metal. I find this truly fun, it really beats watching the 24 hour news networks and listening to their robotic talking heads reading from tele-prompters! There will be more nominees to come, stay tuned, be patient, I will make an informed Metal decision on choosing the greatest Metal album ever.
What is the greatest Metal album ever? Something to ponder…
Posted in Album Review, Death Metal, Drums, Extreme Metal, Guitar, Hair Metal, Heavy Metal, Heavy Metal Reviews, james hetfield, Metal, Metal Reviews, Metallica, Music, ozzy, Power Metal, Slayer, Slipknot, Thrash Metal, Vocals with tags Black Sabbath, Heavy Metal, Led Zeppelin, Metallica, Motorhead, Music, Ozzy Osbourne, Rush, Slayer, Slipknot on March 27, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
Here we go, a “fun” exercise in Heavy Metal debate, one of the more controversial question’s in Metal music history. What Metal band made the greatest Metal album ever? I like to cut to the chase by having this debate as “all inclusive,” meaning every Metal genre get’s involved here. This without doubt, becomes a personal issue for most Metal fans, I can accept that for I take this topic very personal as well. I never like to get caught up with which genre of Metal is better, nor do I like to get childish and say Slipknot is better than…
The age old question of what is the greatest Metal album ever has more of a historical importance to it. This is really an open ended question, for what merits the album to be the greatest anyway? Does the greatest Metal album have to be from the onset of Heavy Metal, say the late 1960’s – early 1970’s? Would this be due in part for the greatest Metal album would be the cornerstone and/or building block of the future of all Metal music? It is an obvious acceptance in the world of Metal music, that “hit” singles do not constitute any appreciation, applause or adulation amongst real Metal fans. Metal music, as a rule, is underground, dark, no hits needed please. The Heavy Metal and Hair Metal genres have garnered most of the “hit” singles for us, that is fine with me. My main point I am conveying here is it should not be necessary for the greatest Metal album ever to be loaded with radio friendly hit songs.
There are many ideas to consider when choosing the greatest Metal album ever, the list could actually be endless with criteria! Here are some questions that could be posed to this debate:
1. Is the album groundbreaking for it’s Metal genre?
2. Is the album representative of a sound that is fresh & new while still staying true to Metal?
3. Musically, is the album cutting edge? Is the album musically basic?
4. Does the greatest Metal album incorporate several Metal genres? Does it bestow influences of past Metal?
5. How memorable should this Metal album be? Quite memorable for me I am sure.
6. Is the greatest Metal album ever – created by a powerhouse/well known Metal band, or a more “fan favorite” underground Metal band?
7. Just as I feel about the hit singles approach, I do not/never have given any credence to the sales figures or chart position of any of my favorite Metal albums, I leave that to the “Pop” & “bubble gum” music world thank you.
8. Is this greatest Metal album ever a concept album? Could it possibly be an EP?
9. Could the greatest Metal album ever be just instrumental? Partial vocals?
10. Could the album cover have any influence on how a person feels about the music? I could not be swayed by the album art when making a decision on the greatest Metal album ever.
Well, it is all about preference when it really counts. Many Metal fans want their greatest Metal album to be the heaviest music there is out there, while other Metal fans may opt for history being made in the music, on this album. I really do not see any wrong or right way to judge, I feel it becomes far too personal a choice for me to truly make. This is why I have to chuckle when some music critic in the mainstream media comes up with a personal choice of the greatest Metal album of all time. A bigger chuckle for me is when a readers choice poll gets printed in a mainstream music magazine and it is the classic, cliche’ unveiling of a Metal album that is thrown down your throat – that this is the Metal album of the ages.
For those who feel I should be more adventurous and just say which Metal album is what I consider to be the greatest of all time, well, here are a few candidates I feel are worthy. Forgive me for not being able to say which album I deem as the all time greatest Metal masterpiece. I am guilty of loving all Metal and I am infatuated with too many Metal albums to nail it down to just one greatest. Here is my top ten list, not in any particular order, for nominees of the greatest Metal album of all time.
1. Metallica – “Master of Puppets”
2. Queensryche – “Operation Mindcrime”
3. Black Sabbath – “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath”
4. Slipknot – “All Hope Is Gone”
5. Jimi Hendrix Experience – “Are You Experienced”
6. Led Zeppelin – “Physical Graffiti”
7. Slayer – “Reign In Blood”
8. Rush – “2112”
9. Black Sabbath – “Black Sabbath”
10. Motorhead – “Ace of Spades”
In a perfect world, sure, I would pick one of these fine Metal albums above and bestow it as the greatest ever. I am certain my list of nominees are quite different than my fellow Metalhead fans out there, some may agree partially to my list. Tomorrow, for heaven sake, this list of mine could change in a heartbeat! That is how amazing Metal music is for me, I could honestly come up with another list of 10 nominees for greatest Metal album ever! Somewhere out in the world of Metal music, is the greatest Metal album ever recorded. It is definitely being listened to and enjoyed by an unknown number of Metalheads, at this moment you are reading this article. Rest assured, this list is not set in Metal stone for me, yet I do reflect back to these Metal releases each and every time that I ponder the greatest Metal album ever…
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