Archive for the Power Metal Category

FOREVERS EDGE – Announce New Singer And Bassist, Reveal New Album Artwork

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, metal music, Music, Power Metal, progressive metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on August 27, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

After several years of hard work trapped in the dungeons of creating a Heavy Metal masterpiece, NJ/NY Progressive Metal band FOREVERS EDGE have announced the return of singer CLAY BARTON (SUSPYRE) for their sophomore album, Hereafter, as well as bassist NOAH MARTIN (ARSIS).

CLAY BARTON comments:

“When I was first approached about being a part of the second album I wasn’t sure if I was going to have the time or energy to put forward what was needed from a vocalist, but when I started hearing the rough mixes I knew that it had a chance to be something very special. Sal has always been nice enough to give me the freedom to be creative and that makes recording his albums a much more enjoyable experience. If you aren’t having fun with a project, it comes across in the music for everyone to hear. My hope is that when everyone hears the album they experience not only the music, but also experience a little bit of the fun that went into recording it.”

NOAH MARTIN comments:

“I’m glad to have done this recording session with friends, the majority of whom I’ve known for nearly ten years. It’s definitely an effective gelling of musicians, Their music seems to capture the riffs of say, Iced Earth, the length and complexity of Blind Guardian’s arrangements, and the grandeur of Symphony X. It’s been hectic finishing both this and the Arsis album. Much thanks to the guys for asking me to play on their album, being patient, and even giving me a bass solo.”

CLAY BARTON – Vocals

NOAH MARTIN – Bass

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FOREVERS EDGE is:

Sal Pisano: Guitars

Mike Pignataro: Keyboards & Pianos

Clay Barton: Vocals

Noah Martin: Bass

Samus Paulicelli: Drums

Rob DeSimone: Secondary Vocals (Growls)

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(Source: Team All About The Music – Publicity, Management, A&R)

Album artwork designed by Chris D’Andrea

For more info on FOREVERS EDGE, click on the links below!

FACEBOOK

Buy Chaotic Silence

YouTube

LONG LIVE FOREVERS EDGE.

Stone.

REBELLION – To Release Digital Compilation: “The Best Of Viking History”

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on August 20, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

REBELLION are going to release their digital compilation The Best Of Viking History on October 5th!

The compilation, which will be available for a special price on iTunes, Musicload, Amazon and other digital download stores only, is going to feature the following songs:

01. Ynglinga Saga (To Odin We Call)
02. Blood Rains (The Saga Of King Olaf Trygvason)
03. Canute the Great (The King Of Danish Pride)
04. Harald Hadrade
05. Sweden
06. Kiew
07. Taste Of Steel
08. God Of Thunder
09. The Uprising
10. Arise
11. Odin
12. Runes
13. Ragnarök
14. Einherjar

You can listen to and get your copy of REBELLION’s albums here: http://massacre.musiclogistics.net/search?lang=en&search=Rebellion

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(Source: Massacre Records)

For more info on REBELLION, click on the links below!

http://www.rebellion.st

http://www.massacre-records.com

LONG LIVE REBELLION.

Stone.

VISION DIVINE – To Release New Studio Album “Destination Set To Nowhere” This Fall

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, metal music, Music, Power Metal, power metal bands, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on August 2, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Progressive Power Metal voyagers VISION DIVINE, the band founded by guitarist/songwriter Olaf Thorsen (Labyrinth) and singer Fabio Lione (known for his work in Rhapsody, Rhapsody Of Fire and most recently for having served as lead vocalist with Kamelot during their Poetry For The Poisoned tour) announce the release of their new studio album, Destination Set To Nowhere. Set to drop in North America on September 18, 2012 via Eagle Rock imprint Armoury Records, the band’s seventh full-length offers up a melting pot of Epic Metal anthems with a futuristic twist.

Featuring 11 tracks, the saga follows a man’s journey through outer space. He, along with other like-minded individuals, fled the earth out of social-political frustration. Together they eventually locate a new planet to inhabit where they could truly live out their visions of peace. Slowly though, they revert to the same ideologies they meant to leave behind. The only escape is to set out again, one man leaving alone: destination set to nowhere.

Comments Olaf Thorsen of the offering: “We are sure this album will finally give us the chance to show all of our potential; we worked hard on it in order to give the best possible album. In the end, we went even beyond our expectations thanks to the excitement and the good vibes we got from starting this adventure.”

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Destination Set To Nowhere Track Listing:

1. S´io fosse foco

2. The Dream Maker

3. Beyond The Sun And Far Away

4. The Ark

5. Mermaids From Their Moons

6. The Lighthouse

7. Message To Home

8. The House Of The Angels

9. The Sin Is You

10. Here We Die

11. Destination Set To Nowhere

VISION DIVINE:

Fabio Lione – Vocals

Olaf Thorsen – Guitars

Federico Puleri – Guitars

Alessio Lucatti – Keyboards, Piano

Andrea “Tower” Torricini – Bass

Alessandro Bissa – Drums

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(Source: Earsplit PR)

For more info on VISION DIVINE, click on the links below!

http://www.visiondivine.com

https://www.facebook.com/visiondivineofficial

http://www.eaglerockent.com

https://www.facebook.com/EagleRockEnt

LONG LIVE VISION DIVINE.

Stone.

POWER THEORY – Announces Addition Of Second Guitarist; Local Live Dates Announced

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, metal music, Music, Power Metal, power metal bands, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on July 31, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Philadelphia-based Trad Metal band Power Theory would like to welcome renowned Metal guitarist Steve Stegg, into our family as our newest band member. Steve is a founding member and former guitarist for Blood Feast, Sleepy Hollow, and Tapping the Vein.

“Power Theory has been looking to add a second dual rhythm/lead guitarist since the end of the recording sessions for An Axe to Grind, but our commitments haven’t given us the time to do anything but start to compile a list of potential candidates,” guitarist Bob “BB” Ballinger explained.

“Steve is a great friend and supporter of the band, and has been a regular at our local shows; in fact he replaced me as the Colossus guitarist and played with Jay Pekala prior to his first Sleepy Hollow tenure. We would always jokingly added Steve as our top candidate when we discussed it, but knew he was very busy with Sleepy Hollow and there was no chance, so we moved on to other names” added BB. “Steve informed us he had become available  in mid July and was interested in jamming to see if there was chemistry and it was evident from the first few minutes it was a great fit for both Power Theory and Steve.”

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Immediate plans for the band are two area shows in August:

August 11th 

FalloutZine Presents: at O’Reilly’s Pub in Philadelphia, PA – October 31, Anvil Bitch, Sinister Realm, Power Theory, Hammer Fight, and Mistress

August 19th 

Magnetar Media and Biz R Entertainment Present at Jimmy’s Place in Allentown, PA: North American Assault – White Wizzard, Icarus Witch, Widow, Power Theory, and Infernal Opera

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“We will then take a short break from live shows to start demo tracking for a new full length CD we are planning to start recording in February  2013 and release in 2013 as well. We are currently negotiating with a legendary artist/producer for the project (more to come soon on that). Steve will be a very big part of the writing and recording process for the new album, and we will resume some live shows in October 2012. European dates are being planned for 2013 with Red Lion Music as well as Warriors of Metal Fest VI, and some US tour dates with Axxenstar and Taberah for summer 2013.”

Power Theory released An Axe to Grind on June 29th via Pure Steel Records. The album is available at http://www.powertheory.net

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(Source: ClawHammer PR)

For more info on POWER THEORY, click on the link below!

http://www.powertheory.net

LONG LIVE POWER THEORY.

Stone.

Chelsea Knaack – Joins Heliosaga as New Lead Vocalist

Posted in Heavy Metal, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news, symphonic metal with tags , , , , , , , on June 26, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Symphonic/Power Metal band Heliosaga are proud to welcome their new vocalist Chelsea Knaack!

Chelsea Knaack is known for her lead vocals in DesDemon and brought her impressive talent to their 2011 release on Radtone Music Japan.

Damien Villarreal formed Heliosaga in 2010 with a dynamic selection of musicians around San Antonio, Texas. Heliosaga’s powerful moving melodies, enhanced by Chelsea Knaack’s passionate soprano voice, will make Heliosaga a force among the ranks of the female fronted genre.

Heliosaga are writing new material and will begin pre-production for label representation following  Chelsea’s relocation to Texas this Summer.

The name Heliosaga is a metaphor derived from helios, the Greek word for sun, and saga meaning the story/ history; thus, Heliosaga represents the journey of life.

Chelsea Knaack states: “I was looking for a new chapter in my life with a new adventure and Heliosaga fit the plan. It was also the chemistry with the guys; we are all very similar in many ways. It will be a great adventure indeed.”

Heliosaga adds: “Chelsea’s vocals are moving, her stage presence is captivating and she has an immense passion for this kind of music. Shortly after meeting we realized how well we click on personal and professional levels, so we can say that we have gained a great friend and an incredible band mate! We are eager to begin recording our debut album together, which will be released early next year.”

Heliosaga look forward to touring in support of their debut album. This year and 2013 will be exciting years for Heliosaga with much more activity.

Heliosaga is Chelsea Knaack (lead vocals), Damien Villarreal (guitars and keyboards), Ken Lambdin (guitars), Jacob Horning (bass), and Jordan Ames (drums).

Heliosaga’s 2011 demo tracks can be accessed at their Reverbnation site. Check often for news updates and new material.

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Weblinks:

Band:  http://www.heliosaga.com

Facebook Band Page:  http://www.facebook.com/Heliosaga

Reverb Nation:  http://www.reverbnation.com/heliosaga

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/#!/heliosaga

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(Source: Dustin Hardman, Press Promotions)

LONG LIVE HELIOSAGA.

Stone.

DORO – Featured In Decibel’s “Women In Metal” Special Issue

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on June 25, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Reigning Queen of Metal DORO PESCH is featured in Decibel Magazine’s August 2012 special “Women In Metal” issue. In an interview conducted by J. Bennett, DORO discusses her new Raise Your Fist record, reminisces about quitting her job in 1986 to tour with Judas Priest, what her one-year stint in a hospital years ago taught her, and the nexus of attitude and being dignified.

Secure your copy of Decibel Issue #94 HERE.

DORO’s Raise Your Fist album was recorded and written in the U.S., Germany, and Scandinavia and will be released in North America this Fall. “Most important to me are the power hymns ‘Raise Your Fist In The Air’ and ‘Victory,’” DORO has previously stated. “Both songs have been played live on our last tour and also made last year’s Wacken Open Air shake!”

Musical guests on Raise Your Fist include Motörhead’s Lemmy Kilmister and Ozzy/Firewind guitarist Gus G. Album artwork has once again been created by British artist and longtime collaborator Geoffrey Gillespie.

DORO appeared in a May episode of VH1 Classic’s That Metal Show with Billy Duffy and Ian Astbury of The Cult; watch it HERE. Exclusive backstage bonus clips are available HERE and DORO discusses her pre-show rituals HERE.

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(Source: Earsplit PR)

For more info on DORO, click on the links below!

http://www.doro.de/

http://www.facebook.com/DoroOfficial

http://www.twitter.com/DoroOfficial

http://www.youtube.com/DoroOfficial

http://www.myspace.com/DoroBand

LONG LIVE DORO.

Stone.

Metal Odyssey Presents: Ten METAL Albums You NEED For This Summer Of 2012! (Part Two)

Posted in Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal with tags , , , , , , on June 19, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Here is Part Two of Metal Odyssey Presents: Ten Metal Albums You NEED For This Summer Of 2012! Each Metal album below I’ve reviewed; just click the large link below each respective Metal album to read all about it! Each Metal album on this list I’ve obviously enjoyed and continue to listen to. My Metal goal is to pass this valuable Metal information onto my fellow Metal brethren.

As the halfway point of 2012 nears, these are ten recently released Metal albums that have left their scorching mark upon my Metal lovin’ eardrums. Wether it’s an EP or full-length, I look upon any release as an album. There may be an album that was released in late 2011 listed here too… and as Lenny Wolf of Kingdom Come would say: “it is what it is.”

There is a link at the bottom of this post, which will direct you to Part One of this series of 2012 Metal albums you NEED. Agree or disagree with this list, please feel free to comment. Metal be thy name.

ADRENALINE MOB – Omertà

Supergroup? Check. Kick-ass debut album? Check. Is Adrenaline Mob Metal? Well, is Mother Earth round? Anyone who is searching for an electrifying jolt of groove infested Metal to get on with their life… NEEDS Omertà from Adrenaline Mob.

ADRENALINE MOB “Omertà” – 5 Quick Reasons To Buy This Album

ATKINS / MAY PROJECT – Serpents Kiss

Vocalist Al Atkins and guitarist Paul May are AMAZING together! This album is so essential to own if you call yourself a Metalhead. ‘Nuff said.

ATKINS / MAY PROJECT “Serpents Kiss” – A Dynamic Metal Duo; Results In A Galvanizing Heavy Metal Album

CANNIBAL CORPSE – Torture

DEATH METAL! What would any Metal list on Metal Odyssey be like without… F’N DEATH METAL! With Torture, Cannibal Corpse has  reinforced why they hold such legendary status in ALL of Metal.

CANNIBAL CORPSE “TORTURE” – A Death Metal and Headbanging Must For The Metal Masses

PRIMAL FEAR – Unbreakable

I don’t know what it is about the Metal of Primal Fear. Every time I listen to Unbreakable, I personally feel protected by some unknown Metal force of nature.

PRIMAL FEAR ‘Unbreakable’ – The Time Is NOW To Join The METAL NATION

AVATARBlack Waltz

They’re from Sweden. They’re Metal. They’re debut album Black Waltz is an unreal Metal listen. They’re AVATAR and I’m impressed. Very impressed.

AVATAR ‘Black Waltz’ Is Dark, Extreme, Modern and Groove Laden… Metal Bliss

PELICAN – Ataraxia/Taraxis

A 4 song EP that is an instrumental journey into the far reaches of the Metal mind. Whoa, what I just wrote sounds kinda cool huh?

PELICAN ‘Ataraxia/Taraxis – As Excellence In Heavy Instrumental Albums Goes, This EP Is A Prime Pick

NIGHTQUEEN – For Queen And Metal

Nightqueen is from Belgium. Nightqueen has released a powerful album this year with: For Queen And Metal. Massacre Records has a phenomenal stable of bands on their roster and Nightqueen only solidifies this truth.

NIGHTQUEEN ‘For Queen And Metal’ – An Indelible Debut Album Of Heavy Metal

K-OS – Planeta Violento

Spanish Metal Warriors = K-OS. It’s that simple.

K-OS “Planeta Violento” – New Metal Release Is Out Now! Stone’s Metal Pick Of The Day!

HAVOK – Point Of No Return EP

Colorado does export Thrash Metal and it’s called HAVOK. These dudes should have been born in the late sixties, formed a band in 1982 and been a part of some Big 4, Big 5 or something like that. Yes, they’re that good.

HAVOK – Point Of No Return – 4 Song/2 Video EP Blazes With A Thrash Metal Assailment

DEMON LUNG – Pareidolia EP

Demon Lung knows Doom. Demon Lung plays Doom. Demon Lung plays some amazing Doom. Get into Demon Lung and get into some… DOOM.

DEMON LUNG – Doom Metal Debut EP Pareidolia Is A Masterful Metal Listen

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Okay, since you’ve been cool enough to stick around till the end, I’ve decided to surprise you with a Metal bonus! Here is another Metal album (EP) that many of you most likely have seen and read about here, on a few occasions already. This band is badass and they’re from Mexico. ZOMBIEFICATION = DEATH METAL!!! Whoa.

ZOMBIEFICATION – Reaper’s Consecration

ZOMBIEFICATION plays scalding… DEATH METAL! Get on board now with this ZOMBIEFICATION Death express; cause ten years from now you’ll want to say you’ve been their fan since the deadly beginning.

ZOMBIEFICATION “Reaper’s Consecration” – An Ominous and Brutal Death Metal EP

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I strongly encourage you to check out Part One of Metal Odyssey Presents: Ten Metal Albums You NEED For This Summer Of 2012! Just click on that HUGE link below! Whoa!

Metal Odyssey Presents: Ten METAL Albums You NEED For This Summer Of 2012! (Part One)

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Thank you for stopping by and checking out this list of Metal albums you NEED for this Summer of 2012! Wether you NEED all ten Metal albums above or just one, I hope my album reviews will serve to assist your Metal needs. Stay tuned for a Part Three edition of Metal Albums (from 2012) you NEED! I’ll probably have Part Three ready in late Summer! Rock Steady and keep the Metal flag waving high and proud.

Metal Be Thy Name.

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LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.


SABATON – Say Thank You! Chart Positions Revealed For “Carolus Rex”

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on June 18, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

From Nuclear Blast News:

The SABATON headquarters just sent over this message in order to thank their loyal and steadily growing fanbase:

A big THANK YOU from SABATON!

We just found out the amazing news that SABATON entered the Worldcharts at position 50. With that SABATON are at the moment the best-selling Swedish artist, WORLD WIDE, all because of YOU who bought the brand new album “Carolus Rex”!

Some amazing chart positions:

Sweden: #2

Poland: #7

Germany: #7

Finland: #9

Worldchart #50

Thank you!

/SABATON

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(Source: Nuclear Blast News)

For more info on SABATON, click on the links below!

http://www.sabaton.net

http://www.facebook.com/sabaton

http://www.nuclearblast.de/sabaton

LONG LIVE SABATON.

Stone.

LUCA TURILLI’s RHAPSODY – Official Trailer Released (Video + Free MP3); “Ascending To Infinity” Releases June 22nd, Via Nuclear Blast

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news, symphonic metal with tags , , , , , on June 16, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

RHAPSODY are proud to present the official video trailer for their upcoming album ASCENDING TO INFINITY (to be released on JUNE 22 by NUCLEAR BLAST). It can be seen HERE ! The audio version of the same trailer can be downloaded as FREE MP3 from the band’s official website or HERE. Additionally you can now LISTEN HERE to 90 second samples of all the songs of ASCENDING TO INFINITY.

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(Source: Nuclear Blast News)

LONG LIVE  LUCA TURILLI’S RHAPSODY.

Stone.

SONATA ARCTICA – Worldwide Chart Domination! “Stones Grow Her Name” Out Now Via Nuclear Blast

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on June 2, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

With their fantastic new record “Stones Grow Her Name”, SONATA ARCTICA not only achieved gold status in their home country Finland, but also entered charts worldwide.

We´re pround to announce the chart entries so far:

Finland 1

Hungary 13

Switzerland 21

Germany 24

Austria 29

Sweden 37

Norway 39

France 54

Italy 72

Holland 72

Canada 79

Belgium Wallonie 79

Spain 97

Sweden Rock Charts 5

Canada Rock Charts 7

UK Rock Charts 9

Great news also from the US camp:

After hearing that SONATA ARCTICA’s latest album, Stones Grow Her Name, achieved “highest 1st week sales” status in the USA with 2,225 copies sold and has debuted at #9 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart, vocalist/songwriter Tony Kakko checked in from his home in Finland with the following message:

“North America! Awesome! Our best ever 1st week sales with Stones Grow Her Name! Thank you so much! Feels good to hear this kind of news from the other side of the great puddle. Especially now, when the times are what they are… You guys rock! Sure hope to get all the tour plans ready as soon as possible, so we can announce out next great North American adventure. See you guys hopefully soon! Miss ya! Cheers!” 

SONATA ARCTICA – “Stones Grow Her Name World Tour 2012” 

German dates presented by: Rock Hard, MusiX and BLAST! Magazine

03.11.12 PL-Warsaw Progresja

04.11.12 D-Berlin Columbiaclub

06.11.12 D-Hamburg Markthalle

07.11.12 D-Cologne Essigfabrik

08.11.12 B-Antwerpen Trix

09.11.12 NL-Tilburg 013)

11.11.12 D-Bochum Zeche

12.11.12 D-Aschaffenburg Colos-Saal

13.11.12 F-Lille Le Splendid

14.11.12 F-Paris Bataclan

16.11.12 E-Madrid La Riviera

17.11.12 E-Barcelona Razzmatazz

19.11.12 F-Lyon Le Transpordeur

20.11.12 D-Stuttgart LKA Longhorn

21.11.12 CH-Pratteln Z7

22.11.12 I-Milano Alcatraz

24.11.12 CZ-Prag Winter Masters of Rock

27.11.12 D-Munich Backstage Halle

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(Source: Nuclear Blast News)

For more info on SONATA ARCTICA, click on the links below!

Free Songpier App:

http://songpier.com/sonataarctica

Watch the video for “I Have A Right” here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sue_ufnvqcs

Visit SONATA ARCTICA online at:

http://www.SONATAARCTICA.info

http://www.facebook.com/SONATAARCTICA

http://www.nuclearblast.de/sonataarctica

CONGRATULATIONS SONATA ARCTICA!

LONG LIVE SONATA ARCTICA.

Stone.

DORO – European Tour Announced! SEVEN Confirmed As Special Guests

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on May 25, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Metal Queen DORO PESCH – who recently revealed first details on the upcoming EP “Raise Your Fist In The Air” (out on the 3rd of August) and her new album “Raise Your Fist”, due to be released on the 19th of October 2012 – will embark on a big European tour in November and December. Check out the tour dates below! Czech metallers SEVEN, whose brilliant record “Freedom Call” was released via Nuclear Blast Records on the 2nd of September 2011, have just been confirmed as special guests for the whole tour.

Together, DORO and SEVEN will unleash a furious thunderstorm of pure premium Heavy Metal anthems – if you miss it, you’ll regret it!

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15.11. D Kiel – Max

16.11. D Bremen – Aladin

17.11. NL Tilburg – O13

18.11. B Antwerp – Trix

20.11. UK London – Garage

21.11. F Paris – Divan Du Monde

23.11. ES Pamplona – Totem

24.11. ES Madrid – Arena

25.11. ES Barcelona – Razzmatazz 2

27.11. CH Pratteln – Z7

28.11. D Stuttgart – LKA Longhorn

30.11. D Memmingen – Kaminwerk

01.12. AT Wien – Scene

02.12. HU Budapest – Club 202

04.12. CZ Prag – Retro Music Hall

06.12. D Bochum – Zeche

07.12. D Karlsruhe – Substage

08.12. D Vacha – Vachwerk

09.12. D Berlin – Huxleys Neue Welt

DORO – Raise Your Fist In The Air EP

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(Source: Nuclear Blast News)

For more info on DORO, click on the links below!

http://www.doro.de/

http://www.facebook.com/DoroOfficial

http://www.youtube.com/DoroOfficial

http://www.nuclearblast.de/de/label/musi…

LONG LIVE DORO.

Stone.

DRAGONFORCE “The Power Within” – Rises To New Melodic Power Metal Heights; Features New Vocalist Marc Hudson

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on May 24, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

DRAGONFORCE – The U.K.’s Power Metal flag is being raised ever higher and with more pride; now that the fifth studio album from  Dragonforce is available. The Power Within was released on April 17th, 2012, via Roadrunner Records. Trust me, this is a whole new ball of Power Metal wax I’m listening to with Dragonforce in 2012. I’ll tell you why…

Marc Hudson – Whoa, this new guy can sing and has remarkable range. Marc’s falsetto style is not only impressive, it’s downright eye-popping. Marc Hudson replaced original vocalist ZP Theart and has single-handedly turned me from being a casual fan of Dragonforce to an all-out solid and appreciative fan. There isn’t a dull moment I can possibly hear from the vocals of Marc Hudson. Metal as my witness… I’m telling you all how I truly perceive what I hear.

Maturity Yes, every band that wants to continue forward and not be left forgotten, like a bunch of Oprah reruns, needs to consistently mature musically. This Dragonforce lineup is playing tighter than ever on The Power Within and it makes the songs that much more potent. An all-encompassing mature vibe towards the song is what I’m listening to, on The Power Within. Lyrically inspiring and encapsulating substance, it’s difficult for me to not want to know what Marc is singing about.

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The Guitarists Founding members Herman Li and Sam Totman still play their guitars at lightning speed, (their undisputedly talented), only the hell-bent tempo comes across with a new-found legitimacy that is no longer a show-off spectacle; instead, this is Dragonforce and this is what they’ve been about since day one… I just needed Marc Hudson to be that “icing on the cake” for my ears.

The Songs – All ten songs belong. From the powerful album opener Holding On to the acoustic closer of Seasons, this is an album that Dragonforce should be damn proud of. Cry Thunder and Wings Of Liberty are my two favorites on The Power Within; with Wings Of Liberty being a profound and epic listen. Marc Hudson’s vocals gives the acoustic version of Seasons its justifiable place on this album. I’ll say it again, this new guy can sing… and he showcases his vocal diversity with this acoustic number.  

As a whole, Dragonforce come across brilliantly on The Power Within. From the keyboards of Vadim Pruzhanov, to the drumming of Dave Mackintosh and everything else in-between, coupled with what I’ve mentioned. I absolutely have no reservations by calling The Power Within as one of the best Metal albums I’ve listened to in 2012. Melodic and memorable Power Metal is The Power Within. Metal be thy name.

DRAGONFORCE:

Marc Hudson – Lead vocals

Herman Li – Guitar, backing vocals

Sam Totman – Guitar, backing vocals

Frédéric Leclercq – Bass, backing vocals

Vadim Pruzhanov – Keyboards, Theremin, backing vocals

Dave Mackintosh – Drums, backing vocals

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THE POWER WITHIN – Track Listing:

Holding On

Fallen World

Cry Thunder

Give Me The Night

Wings Of Liberty

Seasons

Heart Of The Storm

Die By The Sword

Last Man Stands

Seasons (acoustic version)

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* For more info on DRAGONFORCE, click on the links below!

http://www.dragonforce.com

http://www.youtube.com/dragonforce

ROADRUNNER RECORDS

LONG LIVE DRAGONFORCE.

Stone.

AFM June 19th, 2012 North American Releases: U.D.O., AT VANCE, THE MURDER OF MY SWEET

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on May 24, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

AFM Records will unveil a variety of new releases on North American soil this June 19th, including a massive 2xCD collection of rare tracks from the almighty German Metal force U.D.O., the mammoth ninth studio full-length from German neoclassical metallers AT VANCE, and the sophomore album from Swedish Goth-Metal outfit THE MURDER OF MY SWEET.

U.D.O.

Celebrator: Rare Tracks

After 25 years in existence, having toured across the planet and an incredibly vast release catalog including a massive thirteen full-length studio albums, the time has come to unleash a collection of some of the finest and rarest tracks in the storied lineage of German Heavy Metal heroes U.D.O.!

Set for North American release on June 19th, the massive 2xCD Celebrator: Rare Tracks collection bears 25 U.D.O. anthems, accumulating an array of bonus tracks, alternate versions of classic songs, previously unreleased material, guest appearances, cover tracks and much more. The cover artwork was created by Dirk Hüttner (CappOVision) and the album’s layout features tons of rare, private and never before seen pictures of the band with personal foreword from ex-Accept frontman and U.D.O. mastermind Udo Dirkschneider himself.

See the cover art, an official trailer for the 2xCD set and more HERE.

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Celebrator: Rare Tracks Track Listing:

Disc 1:

1. Stormbreaker (Rev-Raptor Japan Bonus)

2. Tallyman (Taken from the Rev-Raptor recording session)

3. Run! (Remix)

4. Free Or Rebellion (Bonus Leatherhead Single)

5. Bleeding Heart (Dominator Japan Bonus)

6. The Silencer (Taken from the Dominator recording session)

7. Bodyworld (Bonus Infected Single)

8. Systematic Madness (Bonus Infected Single)

9. Head Over Heels (Hammerall feat. Udo Dirkschneider)

10. Balls To The Wall (Piano Version)

11. Artificialized (Taken from the Mastercutor recording session)

12. They Only Come Out At Night (Lordi feat. Udo Dirkschneider)

13. Streets Of Sin (Bonus Wrong Side Of Midnight Single)

Disc 2:

1. Tears Of A Clown (Classical Version)

2. Man A King Ruler (Mastercutor Japan Bonus)

3. Hardcore Lover (Remix from 24/7 – Single)

4. Scream Killers (Bonus 24/7 Single)

5. Platchet Soldat (Remix featuring Faktor2)

6. Borderline (Thunderball Japan Bonus)

7. Dancing With An Angel (Remix featuring Doro)

8. X-T-C (Remix from A Tribute To ACCEPT Vol. 2)

9. Azrael (Remix from No Limits)

10. The Key (Remix from No Limits Japan Bonus)

11. Metal Gods (from “A Tribute To Judas Priest”)

12. Born to be Wild (Raven featuring Udo Dirkschneider)

AT VANCE

Facing Your Enemy

It’s clear that AT VANCE, the band led by master guitar magician and composer Olaf Lenk and fronted by the charismatic singer Rick Altzi, has once again gone beyond its calling and produced an extremely strong masterstroke with their new record, Facing Your Enemy.

Set for North American release on June 19th, the ninth studio full-length from Germany’s neoclassical Power Metal masters AT VANCE, Facing Your Enemy boasts fifty minutes of some of the band’s finest material to date, soaring with epic songs and a professional recording fans have come to expect, all recorded and produced in the band’s own studio. The recording lineup for the album includes Casey Grill of Kamelot on drums and is visually captured with cover art from Thomas Ewerhard (Avantasia, Edguy, etc.).

See the cover art, an official video for the album’s title track and more HERE.

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Facing Your Enemy Track Listing:

1. Heaven Is Calling

2. Facing Your Enemy

3. Eyes Of A Stranger

4. Fear No Evil

5. Live & Learn

6. Don’t Dream

7. See Me Crying

8. Saviour

9. Tokyo

10. March Of The Dwarf

11. Fame And Fortune

12. Things I Never Needed

THE MURDER OF MY SWEET

Bye Bye Lullaby

Since the release of their debut album Divanity in January 2010, and the single that pre-ceded it in 2009 (“Bleed Me Dry” – which reached No. 14 in the Swedish National Singles Charts), female-fronted Rock/Metal band THE MURDER OF MY SWEET have become amongst the biggest hopes on the European scene. Their individual, easily recognizable and high value sound, has touched the lives of many fans and with its mix of modern, groovy, hard rock, beautiful melodies, and progressive, cinematic flair. The band, led by singer Angelica Rylin, has secured a remarkable fanbase already, far from the shores of Stockholm, where the band was formed in 2007; the name inspired by the 1944 ‘film-noir’ “Murder, My Sweet”.

The sophomore album from THE MURDER OF MY SWEET was produced in their own Sound vs. Science Studio and mastered at the Cutting Room (Gorgoroth, Candlemass, Glenn Hughes), and features guest appearances by Jesper Strömblad (In Flames), Peter Wichers (Soilwork) & Fredrik Åkesson (Opeth). The cover art was created by Felipe Machado (Rhapsody Of Fire, Blind Guardian, Iron Savior etc.), and one track from the album was featured on the soundtrack of the movie “The Ice Dragon”, which was featured at the Berlin Film Festival.

Check out a lyric video for the band’s track “Black September” and more HERE.

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Bye Bye Lullaby Track Listing:

1. Armageddon

2. Fallen

3. Unbreakable

4. I Dare You

5. Violently Peaceful

6. Meant To Last Forever

7. Idolize

8. Kind Of Lousy

9. The One

10. Resurrection

11. Waiting For The 27th (Booh Prologue)

12. Black September

13. Phantom Pain

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(Source: Earsplit PR)

For more info, click on the links below!

http://www.afm-records.de

http://www.udo-online.com

https://www.facebook.com/atvanceofficial

http://www.myspace.com/themurderofmysweet

LONG LIVE THESE BANDS & METAL.

LONG LIVE AFM RECORDS.

Stone.

DORO – New Album: Details Revealed For “Raise Your Fist”

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on May 21, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Reigning Queen of Metal, DORO PESCH, has checked-in from her work in the studio to issue the following update:

“The new album will be entitled Raise Your Fist and has been recorded and written in the U.S., Germany, and Scandinavia. Right now we’re in the mixing stages and are close to finishing everything. Most important to me are the power hymns ‘Raise Your Fist In The Air’ and ‘Victory,’ which will also be available on the forthcoming EP! Both songs have been played live on our last tour and also made last year’s Wacken Open Air shake! ‘Raise Your Fist In The Air’ will also be available in French… which is going to be very interesting. For the diehard fans of German songs like ‘Für Immer’ [‘Forever’], there are two songs in the same vein: the sensitive and quite dark ‘Human Rights’ and the very emotional ‘Engel’ [‘Angel’]. There are also a lot of fast songs like ‘Little Headbanger’ and various fist-pumping ones featuring amazing guests like Gus G (Ozzy Osbourne, Firewind) on ‘Last Man Standing’ which fans will for sure dig live. We also have a song that honors the late Ronnie James Dio called ‘Hero’ and another highlight named ‘It Still Hurts’ featuring Motörhead’s Lemmy Kilmister. The cover artwork has once again been created by British artist Geoffrey Gillespie who is a close friend and companion since he made it into the Guinness Book of World Records for his Triumph And Agony cover as the biggest album cover in the world. Since then, he’s done ten covers for us!”

Raise Your Fist will be released in North America this coming Fall. To hold fans over until then, the upcoming Raise Your Fist In The Air EP will be released this Summer.

DORO guested on a recent episode of VH1 Classic’s That Metal Show with Billy Duffy and Ian Astbury of The Cult. Watch the full episode at THIS LOCATION.

Watch exclusive backstage bonus clips HERE. DORO discusses her pre-show rituals HERE.

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(Source: Earsplit PR)

For more info on DORO, click on the links below!

http://www.doro.de/

http://www.facebook.com/DoroOfficial

http://www.youtube.com/DoroOfficial

http://www.nuclearblastusa.com

http://www.nuclearblast.de

LONG LIVE DORO, THE QUEEN OF HEAVY METAL.

Stone.

DARKTRIBE – A Sunday (Or Any Day) METAL Listening Recommendation: “Taiji”

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news, symphonic metal with tags , , , , , on May 20, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

DARKTRIBE – For your Sunday (or any day) Metal listening enjoyment, I present to you, from France: DARKTRIBE and their new song Taiji from their forthcoming debut album: Mysticeti Victoria. The release date is set for August 24th, 2012, via Massacre Records.

A very, very fine Metal song it is, with Power Metal and psyche-you-out vibes overflowing with Symphonic and Melodic Metal sounds; Taiji is my Sunday (or any day) METAL recommendation! Crank it up and let DARKTRIBE flow through your Metal parched eardrums. Metal be thy name.

DARKTRIBE:

Anthony Agnello – Vocals

Loïc Manuello – Guitars

Bruno Caprani – Bass

Julien Agnello – Drums

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(Source: Massacre Records)

For related DARKTRIBE news on Metal Odyssey, click the large link below!

DARKTRIBE – Signs With Massacre Records, New Album ‘Mysticeti Victoria’ Releasing August 2012

For more info on DARKTRIBE, click on the links below!

www.darktribe.free.fr

www.youtube.com/user/DarktribeOfficial

http://www.massacre-records.com

LONG LIVE DARKTRIBE.

Stone.

DORO – That Metal Show Episode Airs Tomorrow

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on May 11, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Episode 7 of That Metal Show’s tenth season will air tomorrow and features none other than the Queen of Metal herself, DORO PESCH.

Tune in to VH1 Classic on Saturday night, May 12th, at 8 p.m. PACIFIC / 11 p.m. EASTERN to watch DORO, Billy Duffy, and Ian Astbury of The Cult visit with That Metal Show hosts Eddie Trunk, Don Jamieson, and Jim Florentine.

Catch a sneak-peek of Saturday’s episode here. Check out behind-the-scenes photos (“Recent Images”) at Twitter.com/#!/thatmetalshow.

DORO is busy working on the follow-up to last September’s 25 Years In Rock mammoth 2 DVD/CD set, which has immortalized her 2,500th live concert. Her Raise Your Fist In The Air EP will be released later this year.

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(Source: Earsplit PR)

Keep up with all things DORO at:

http://www.DORO.de

http://www.facebook.com/DOROOFFICIAL

http://www.Twitter.com/DOROOFFICIAL

http://www.YouTube.com/DOROOFFICIAL

 LONG LIVE DORO.

Stone.

FIREWIND “Few Against Many” – Releases In North America On May 22nd, 2012; “Wall Of Sound” Official Video Released!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on May 6, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

FIREWIND – The seventh studio album from the Metal warriors of Greece, the band we all know as FIREWIND, releases in Europe on May 21st and North America on May 22nd, 2012. Guitar legend Gus G. will be leading his FIREWIND band to Heavy Metal glory once again!

Few Against Many boasts the album debut of FIREWIND’s new drummer: Jo Nunez.

Few Against Many will be released in Europe on May 21 via Century Media Records and May 22nd in North America through DisManic Distribution via eOne Distribution.

Century Media has recently released the NEW and Official Video for Wall Of Sound. This is FIREWIND at their Metal finest, my Metal brethren! Gus G. shreds! Apollo’s vocals are 100% fabulous! Wall Of Sound is a Metal must! Take a look and listen below for yourself! Metal be thy name!

FIREWIND:

Gus G. – guitar

Apollo Papathanasio – vocals

Petros Christo – bass

Bob Katsionis – keyboards & guitar

Jo Nunez – drums

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FEW AGAINST MANY – Track Listing:

Wall Of Sound

Losing My Mind

Few Against Many

The Undying Fire

Another Dimension

Glorious

Edge Of A Dream

Destiny

Long Gone Tomorrow

No Heroes, No Sinners

Battleborn (bonus digipak version)

No Heroes, No Sinners (acoustic) (bonus digipak version)

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For more info on FIREWIND, click on the links below!

http://www.firewind.gr

http://www.myspace.com/firewind

LONG LIVE FIREWIND.

Stone.

DORO – Reveals Details On Upcoming EP “Raise Your Fist In The Air”

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on May 4, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

DORO, the Queen of Heavy Metal, has just revealed some details on the upcoming EP “Raise Your Fist In The Air” which will be released August 3, 2012. The EP will contain the following songs and will be issued on CD, vinyl and as digital download: DORO – Raise Your Fist In The Air 01. Raise your fist in the air 02. Victory 03. Engel 04. Lève ton poing vers le ciel “Raise Your Fist In The Air” can now be pre-ordered at THIS location!

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(Source: Nuclear Blast News)

For more info on DORO, click on the links below!

http://www.doro.de/

http://www.facebook.com/DoroOfficial

http://www.nuclearblast.de/de/label/musi…

LONG LIVE DORO.

Stone.

BENEDICTUM & Jeff Pilson Join Forces Again!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on April 19, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Benedictum are proud to announce their continued collaboration with Jeff Pilson on the development of their next release via Frontiers Records!!!!

The result will bring back the magic Benedictum and Jeff Pilson captured during their earlier releases from “Seasons of Tragedy” and their 2006 debut “Uncreation”.

This year and 2013 will be an exciting year for Benedictum with their recent addition of new drummer Rikard Stjernquist known for his exceptional talent in Jag Panzer for 25 years.

Jeff Pilson known for his extensive list of musicianship with legendary acts Dokken and Dio, while currently with  Foreginer and producer for Adler’s Appetite.

Jeff Pilson states:  “I’m very excited about producing the new Benedictum record. I’m very passionate about their music and love working with the band. V’s vocals, Pete’s guitars, the band’s energy and the songs are all something that are very close to my heart. This record will be their crowning achievement- of that I have no doubts!”

Benedictum was formed in 2005. After being noticed by Craig Goldy (Dio, Guiffria, Budgie) the wheels were set in motion and eventually lead to their debut CD “Uncreation”.

Coming soon will be more exciting news regarding their next release!!!!!!

Benedictum is Veronica Freeman (lead vocals), Pete Wells (lead guitar), Chris Shrum (bass) and Rikard Stjernquist (drums/percussion).

Benedictum discography includes “Uncreation”, “Seasons of Tragedy”, and “Dominion”.

(Source: Frontiers Records)

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Weblinks:

Band:  http://www.benedictum.net

Veronica Freeman:  http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=736850320

Veronica Freeman:  http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002710835082

Facebook Band Page:  http://www.facebook.com/Benedictum.Official

Record Label:  http://www.frontiers.it

LONG LIVE BENEDICTUM.

LONG LIVE JEFF PILSON.

Stone.

ENTHRALL “Throes Of Fire” – Sophomore Album Showcases The Metal Strengths Of Vocalist/Multi-Instrumentalist Neil Rego

Posted in classic metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, progressive metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on April 9, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

ENTHRALL – Originating from Bangalore, India and eventually being signed by Greece independent label METALFIGHTERS, founding member and multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Neil Rego has his solo project ENTHRALL causing quite the buzz within the worldwide Metal underground. The roots of ENTHRALL go back to 1995, when ENTHRALL was initially a unified band. Family commitments and the inability to relocate are the legitimate reasons as to why the remaining original members of ENTHRALL had to step aside.

With guest musicians appearing on his latest (second overall) ENTHRALL album, Neil Rego has given every indication that he is a well-rounded songwriter and lyricist, coupled with his undeniable and admirable proficiency as a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist. No Metal rock should be left unturned and ENTHRALL is one solid Metal rock worth discovering.

The influences of Classic Metal, Classic Rock, Progressive Rock/Metal and old school Speed Metal are all interwoven into a unique texture of sound on Throes Of Fire, courtesy of Neil’s musical vision. Neil’s clean vocals are married with his brand of Metal in such a smooth way that I cannot help myself liking what I hear, throughout Throes Of Fire. If I had to choose my favorite song, the title track keeps replaying in my mind.

Melodic from beginning to end and most essentially memorable is Throes Of Fire. With no flashy gimmicks of an over-produced product, Neil Rego has compiled these ten songs on this album to sound effectively efficient, in an early 80’s Classic Metal sort of way. Throes Of Fire has grown on me and has left an imprint of uniqueness upon my ears that is so ultimately important.

As a sophomore release from ENTHRALL, Neil Rego has shown that he can act upon his Metal vision and create an album that dominates on the melodic side of the spectrum, while knowing when to let loose the hard and heavy without crossing that fine line of filler territory. I recommend checking out ENTHRALL to any fan of Heavy Metal or even Hard Rock. There is a vast bounty of Metalheads out there, that should find Throes Of Fire to be an album worthy of their time. It’s been worth my Metal time. Metal be thy name.

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BAND:

Neil Rego – vocals, guitars & bass

Featured Musicians:

Pranav Murthy – guitars

Max Wamby – guitars

Suraj Dutt – guitars

Varun Sood – drums & percussion

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Throes Of Fire – Track Listing:

Burden

The Bullying Bull

Stoned

Fuzzy

Lame Sunk Esteem

Agony Bound

Retribution

Throes Of Fire

Spill Cyanide

Natural Instinct

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For more info on ENTHRALL, click on the link below:

www.weareenthrall.com

LONG LIVE ENTHRALL.

Stone.