Archive for the progressive metal Category

COHEED AND CAMBRIA – New 2 Volume Album “The Afterman”, New Tour Dates & Video Trailer

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, metal music, Music, progressive metal, progressive rock, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on August 1, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Our sixth studio album will be a double concept album entitled, The Afterman,’ and will be released in two separate full-length volumes.  The first volume, ‘The Afterman: Ascension,’ will be available on both physical and digital platforms October 9, 2012 via Hundred Handed/Everything Evil, and distributed through Fontana/Ingrooves. 

The second volume, ‘The Afterman: Descension’ is slated for release in Febrary 2013. The band  has also confirmed a handful of intimate Northeast U.S. club shows leading up to the release of ‘The Afterman.’ The tour starts September 13 in Kingston, NY (dates are below).

Tickets to all fall shows: http://bit.ly/MEn1TU 

A deluxe version of the ‘The Afterman’ will include a hardcover coffee-table book with expansive art by Heidi Taillefer and Nathan Spoor with collaborative written work from singer/creator Claudio Sanchez and writer Peter David that will create a song by song experience.  David previously worked with Sanchez on the prose novel adaptation of the band’s 2010 album “Year of the Black Rainbow,” and the graphic novel adaptation of their 2003 album “In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3 (which reached #4 on the New York Times Bestsellers list for graphic novels earlier this year).” All the band’s titles, including ‘The Afterman,’ fall into a grand sci-fi story arc called ‘The Amory Wars.”It was announced previously at this month’s San Diego Comic Con that The Amory Wars has been picked up by Mark Wahlberg and Stephen Levinson of Leverage Productions to be developed into a live-action feature film.Coheed and Cambria is currently on the road with rock legends, Iron Maiden.UPCOMING TOUR DATES:AUGUST01 Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre with Iron Maiden02 Reno, NV – Knitting Factory*03 Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre w/ Iron Maiden04 Sacramento, CA – Sleep Train Amphitheater w/ Iron Maiden

06 Phoenix, AZ – Ashley Furniture HomeStore Pavilion w/ Iron Maiden

07 Tucson, AZ – Rialto Theater*

09 Irvine, CA – Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre w/ Iron Maiden

10 Irvine, CA – Verizon Wireless Amphitheater w/ Iron Maiden

12 Albuquerque, NM – Hard Rock Pavilion w/ Iron Maiden

13 Denver, CO – Comfort Dental Amphitheater w/ Iron Maiden

15 San Antonio, TX – AT&T Center w/ Iron Maiden

16 Pharr, TX – Pharr Events Center*

17 Dallas, TX – Gexa Energy Pavilion w/ Iron Maiden

18 Houston, TX – Woodlands Pavillion w/ Iron Maiden

*Headline show

24 Reading, UK – Reading Festival

25 Leeds, UK – Leeds Festival

tickets to all fall shows: http://bit.ly/MEn1TU 

SEPTEMBER

13 Kingston, NY – Ulster Performing Arts Center*

15 Chicago, IL – Riot Fest Chicago

16 Charlotte, NC – WEND Wienie Roast

19 Buffalo, NY – Town Hall*

20 Toronto, ON – Mod Club*

21 Rochester, NY –  Water Street*

22 Albany, NY – Hart Theater at The Egg*

24 Syracuse, NY – Wescott Theater*

25 Burlington, VT – Higher Ground*

26 Hartford, CT  Webster Theater*

28 Worcester, MA – Palladium**

29 Atlantic City, NJ – House of Blues**

* w/ 3

** w/ and Deerhunter

OCTOBER

31 Hamburg, DE – Grunspan

NOVEMBER

01 Dortmund, DE – Visions Westend Festival

02 Utrecht, NL – Tivoli

04 Brussels, BE – VK Club

05 Paris, FR – La Fleche D’Or

08 London, UK – Koko

09 Glasgow , UK- ABC

11 Birmingham, UK – Academy

12 Manchester, UK – Ritz Ballroom

About The Amory WarsAn epic, sci-fi fantasy set in an alternate universe (Heaven’s Fence) that chronicles the rise of superhuman dictator Wilhelm Ryan, and the one family that could hold the key to liberating the world from his tyrannical reign. The mythology was originally created by Sanchez to serve as inspiration for the band’s albums, but the series expanded to other mediums, including both prose and graphic novels.

About The Afterman:  Sirius Amory, the most celebrated astronomer/scientist in the alternate universe of Heaven’s Fence is ‘‘The Afterman.’  Sirius (pronounced “Sy-ruhss”) is credited with the discovery of the energy force (known as The Keywork) that binds the 78 planets of these worlds together. He embarks on the greatest discovery of his existence, and possibly mankind’s.  By doing so, what is truly most important to him begins to slip right through his fingers

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(Source: COHEED AND CAMBRIA newsletter)

For more info on COHEED AND CAMBRIA, click on the links below!

http://www.coheedandcambria.com

http://www.twitter.com/coheed

LONG LIVE COHEED AND CAMBRIA.

Stone.

BARONESS’S YELLOW & GREEN LANDS IN BILLBOARD’S TOP 30

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, Music, progressive metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on July 25, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

(Photo Credit: Jimmy Hubbard)

July 25, 2012, Philadelphia – Yellow & Green, the third album from Baroness, has debuted at #30 on Billboard’s Top 200.

The album sold 12,660 copies in its first week of release, the highest debut in Relapse Record’s history.

Baroness spent the entirety of 2011 writing, demoing and recording Yellow & Green, marking the East Coast-based band’s first lengthy break from touring in eight years. John Congleton co-produced the 18-track release, which was recorded at Water Music in Hoboken, N.J. and Elmwood Studio in Dallas, Texas. The album was released on July 17 and is currently streaming at baroness.bandcamp.com.

A video for “Take My Bones Away” premiered yesterday via Rolling Stone’s website (http://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/premiere-baroness-take-my-bones-away-20120724). The live clip was filmed by Jimmy Hubbard during the band’s Spring tour with Meshuggah.

Baroness performs tomorrow in Basel, Switzerland at the Sommercasino. The band returns to the States with an Aug. 29 performance at House of Vans in Brooklyn.

TOUR DATES ARE:

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(Source: Speakeasy PR & Marketing)

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

http://www.baronessmusic.com

http://twitter.com/YourBaroness

http://www.youtube.com/baronessmusic

LONG LIVE BARONESS.

Stone.

Wanna See My IRON MAIDEN Mouse Pad and The Final Frontier Mission Edition CD? They’re Really Cool…

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, metal music, Music, progressive metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on July 13, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

IRON MAIDEN – That’s it at the top! I acquired this cool Iron Maiden mouse pad from purchasing an issue of Metal Hammer (magazine) back in the Summer of 2010. This mouse pad came with a huge Iron Maiden poster too; all inside the plastic wrapper with the magazine. Metal Hammer has done many far-out giveaways with selling their issues over the years and this one is fun stuff.

I don’t use this mouse pad for it would get ruined over time. Instead, I’ve treated this as an Iron Maiden collectible, standing this mouse pad upright against a couple stacks of CD’s on a shelf.

The Final Frontier album release had a strong marketing campaign to bolster its popularity and sales. Metal Hammer obviously had a tremendous Metal hand in bringing massive attention to Iron Maiden’s 15th studio album. I received The Final Frontier on vinyl as a gift, a short while after its release. I’ll most likely take a picture of that album (it’s a gatefold too) and post about in the future.

I did buy The Final Frontier – Mission Edition on CD the week of its release. This “Mission Edition” is basically the CD and liner notes that are stored inside a light-weight metal container, with a circular see-through plastic front that looks like a spacecraft’s window. Another Iron Maiden collectible, if you will. If you haven’t seen one yet, here it is:

The Final Frontier – Mission Edition (Front)

The Final Frontier – Mission Edition (Back)

I bought this Mission Edition of The Final Frontier on one of my trips to Connecticut, at a very cool record store called Music Outlet. Located in Enfield, Connecticut, Music Outlet sells plenty of Metal related CD’s, vinyl, DVD’s, posters, tickets for local concerts and other cool stuff. Best Metal Buddy, Scott Coverdale, introduced me to Music Outlet. I look forward to visiting Music Outlet again someday. Metal be thy name.

LONG LIVE IRON MAIDEN.

Stone.

BEAK – Premiere “BILLIONS OF EYES” Video As “EYRIE” Arrives On Vinyl

Posted in Extreme Metal, extreme music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, metal music, Music, progressive metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on July 10, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Chicago, July 10, 2012 — Beak, the Chicago-based quartet band that eMusic described as “majestic” and said their music “deftly vaults between billowing atmospherics, polyrhythmic prog and face-melting noise “, debut their video for “Billions of Eyes” today via Stereokiller (http://www.stereokiller.com/newsreviews/news.cfm?intarticleid=11295) to celebrate the release of the band’s widely praised debut album Eyrie on vinyl.

Shot on location in the Mojave Desert and The Empty Bottle in Chicago, the video for “Billions of Eyes” is the visual realization of Beak’s bombastic Metal. “Scrambling to take cover in the caves of the barren desert, there is nowhere to hide from the billions of eyes that loom over the earth,” explains Chris Eichenseer, drummer for the post-metal outfit and the director/producer for the clip.  “The hunt is on.  From the heavenly bodies that turn in their grandeur above to the single-minded pursuit of the damned below, the only refuge is fear.” Live footage was shot by Chris Rejano.

Vinyl packages can be purchased here: http://www.beakmusic.com/store/.

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A special message from BEAK:

Thanks to all who came out to support the vinyl release show – and we apologize for the cancellation of the Reckless Records In-Store performance. We will reschedule that soon.

Thanks to all of you again from all of us,

Beak

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Sources: (Speakeasy PR & Marketing) (Beak)

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

http://www.beakmusic.com

www.facebook.com/pages/Beak/183159646995

LONG LIVE BEAK.

Stone.

SINGLE BULLET THEORY – Releases New Track “Edge Of Broken”; Ready For North American Devastation Tour 2012

Posted in Death Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, progressive metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on June 20, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

SINGLE BULLET THEORY have made the recently recorded track “Edge of Broken” available for download via their Bandcamp page at: http://singlebullettheory.bandcamp.com/. The song is a reworked piece of older material that will appear as a bonus track on the band’s forthcoming self-titled album, which the band is set to record this fall. Guitarist/vocalist Matt DiFabio had the following to say about “Edge of Broken”:

“This is the song that got the band moving again after an almost three-year hiatus. Written about the rise and fall of Single Bullet Theory and the “Never Say Die” approach that I (Matt DiFabio) has toward this band or my musical vision. I personally feel that this is one of the best SBT tracks ever recorded as it exemplifies exactly what this band is made of musically. This track really came to life by the help of Mr. John Ruszin III. Everyone reaches the “Edge of Broken” at one point in their life… It’s all about what you do once you get there!”

“Edge of Broken” is available for $1 at singlebullettheory.bandcamp.com. The band recently completed a video for the track which is set to debut on July 1st.

SINGLE BULLET THEORY is currently gearing up for the North American Devastation Tour with INTO ETERNITY and RIKISHA. The tour will kick off on August 9th in Cudahy, WI.  SINGLE BULLET THEORY will stay out on the road until August 21st and then hit the studio to record their fifth full-length album.

A promo video for Single Bullet Theory’s upcoming tour:

SINGLE BULLET THEORY Live:

6/22/12 – Mojo 13, Caymont, DE. (with World Lost)

w/ Into Eternity and Riksha:

8/09/12   Blue Pig:  Cudahy, WI

8/10/12   The Reverb Rock Garden, Waterloo, IA

8/11/12   Another Hole in The Wall, Steger, IL

8/12/12   I-Rock: Detroit, MI.

8/13/12   The Foundry, Lakewood, OH

8/14/12   California Brew Haus: Rochester, NY

8/15/12   Hard Luck bar, Toronto, Ontario

8/16/12   Petit Campus, Montreal Qeubec

8/17/12 – Middle East, Boston MA.

8/18/12   The Loft, Poughkeepsie, NY

8/19/12   Saint Vitus, Brooklyn, NY

8/20/12 – Empire (Formerly Jaxx): Springfield, VA

8/21/12 – Mojo 13, Claymont, DE

8/22/12 – Duck Inn, Evansville, IN (no SBT)

8/23/12 – Planet Rock, Battle Creek, MI. (no SBT)

8/24/12 – Station 4, St Paul MN. (no SBT)

Check out Single Bullet Theory in action from April of this year, playing “Diabolical” at Tango in Philadelphia:

SINGLE BULLET THEORY 2012:

Matt Difabio – Guitar/Vocals

 Jeff Kalber – Bass

 Patrick Brose – Guitar/Vocals

 Joe Brannigan – Guitar

  Nick Bunczk – Drums

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(Source: ClawHammer PR)

For more info on SINGLE BULLET THEORY, click on the links below!

http://www.myspace.com/singlebullettheory

http://singlebullettheory.bandcamp.com/

LONG LIVE SINGLE BULLET THEORY.

Stone.

COHEED AND CAMBRIA – Introduces Zach Cooper as New Bassist

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, progressive metal, progressive rock, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on April 28, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

COHEED AND CAMBRIA – Check out the video below for introduction to bassist Zach Cooper, the newest family member to Coheed And Cambria.

Stone Says: Zach Cooper appears to be one cool dude. Plus, he must play some damn fine bass if Coheed And Cambria came knocking on his door! Congratulations and all the best to Zach Cooper! Metal be thy name.

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COHEED AND CAMBRIA 2012 TOURS:

For ALL 2012 Tour Dates/Venues, click the large links below!

COHEED AND CAMBRIA – Announce Intimate Club Shows In The Southeast For Spring 2012

COHEED AND CAMBRIA – Announces 2012 Tour Dates With IRON MAIDEN

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For more info on COHEED AND CAMBRIA, click on the link below!

CoheedAndCambria.com

LONG LIVE COHEED AND CAMBRIA.

Stone.

RUSH – 2012 North American Tour Dates!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Music, progressive metal, progressive rock, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on April 22, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

RUSH – The 20th studio album, Clockwork Angels, from Progressive Rock legends RUSH, will be released on June 12th, 2012, via Roadrunner Records. A legendary touring band as well, RUSH will be hitting the road in support of Clockwork Angels! Check out the (initial) 2012 North American tour dates (with venues) below!

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Sep-7 Manchester, NH Verizon Wireless Arena

Sep-9 Washington, DC Jiffy Lube Live Amphitheater

Sep-11 Pittsburgh, PA CONSOL Energy Center

Sep-13 Indianapolis, IN Bankers Life Fieldhouse

Sep-15 Chicago, IL United Center

Sep-18 Detroit, MI Palace of Auburn Hills

Sep-20 Columbus, OH Nationwide Arena

Sep-22 St. Louis, MO Scottrade Center

Sep-24 Minneapolis, MN Target Center

Sep-26 Winnipeg, MB MTS Centre

Sep-28 Saskatoon, SK Credit Union Centre

Sep-30 Edmonton, AB Rexall Place

Oct-10 Bridgeport, CT Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard

Oct-12 Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center

Oct-14 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre

Oct-18 Montreal, QC Bell Centre

Oct-20 Newark, NJ Prudential Center

Oct-22 Brooklyn, NY Barclays Center

Oct-24 Boston, MA TD Garden

Oct-26 Buffalo, NY First Niagara Center

Oct-28 Cleveland, OH Quicken Loans Arena

Oct-30 Charlotte, NC Time Warner Cable Arena

Nov-1 Atlanta, GA Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

Nov-3 Tampa, FL 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre

Nov-13 Seattle, WA KeyArena

Nov-15 San Jose, CA HP Pavilion

Nov-17 Anaheim, CA Honda Center

Nov-19 Los Angeles, CA Gibson Amphitheatre

Nov-23 Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand Garden Arena

Nov-25 Phoenix, AZ US Airways Center

Nov-28 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center

Nov-30 San Antonio, TX AT&T Center

Dec-2 Houston, TX Toyota Center

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(Source: Roadrunner Records)

For more info on RUSH, click on the links below:

RUSH

ROADRUNNER RECORDS

LONG LIVE RUSH.

Stone.

DOG SHREDDER – New Record Released April 17th And Streaming In Its Entirety; Confirmed 2012 Tour Dates

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, progressive metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , on April 18, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

DOG SHREDDER‘s Brass Tactics 12″ is out (released April 17th) via Seattle’s Good To Die Records! The record shows the scorching underbelly of the Bellingham, Washington-based trio at their most over three technical, caustic, unrestrained, psychotically-charged tracks that consume fifteen minutes. To help disseminate the release of this beast upon the lands, the folks at Invisible Oranges are hosting a full stream of Brass Tactics… CLICK HERE!

A stint of DOG SHREDDER live appearances throughout the Pacific Northwest are also confirmed, beginning with two record release shows next week followed by a trio of dates in early May. A more extensive West Coast tour is being devised for early June and will be announced in the coming weeks.

DOG SHREDDER – Confirmed Tour Dates:

4/26/2012 Barboza – Seattle, WA – Brass Tactics Record Release Show w/ Sandrider, Monogamy Party, Brokaw

4/27/2012 The Shakedown – Bellingham, WA – Brass Tactics Record Release Show w/ Sandrider + more

5/10/2012 Dante’s – Portland, OR w/ Black Elk, White Orange, Norska

5/11/2012 The Comet – Seattle, WA w/ The Ruby Doe, Black Elk, Akimbo

5/12/2012 The Shakedown – Bellingham, WA w/ The Ruby Doe, Black Elk, Akimbo

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(Source: Earsplit PR)

http://dogshredder.bandcamp.com

http://dogshredder.blogspot.com

http://www.facebook.com/dogshredder

http://www.goodtodierecords.com

LONG LIVE DOG SHREDDER.

Stone.

IRON MAIDEN – EN VIVO! Is Stone’s Metal Pick Of The Day

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

IRON MAIDEN EN VIVO! – Released on March 26th, 2012, via Universal Music, is the live 2-CD from Iron Maiden: En Vivo! This amazing Iron Maiden concert was recorded on April 10, 2011, with over 50,000 fans in attendance at the Estadio Nacional in Santiago, the capital of Chile. I’m telling it like it is here, this is one incredibly fun listen and a must own for fans of Iron Maiden. Any Metalhead across the globe should find this double live Iron Maiden to have kick-ass Metal credentials!

Kevin “Caveman” Shirley produced, engineered and mixed this concert event into a top-tier live Metal album, so good is the production and sound quality that En Vivo! surpassed my expectations. Steve Harris co-produced this live gemstone and I cannot express enough admiration I have for his bass playing prowess. No one else even sounds remotely close to Steve Harris on bass. His signature tones are all over every song and… ’nuff said.

Bruce Dickinson sounds just fine and dandy to my middle-aged ears. I seriously walk away impressed by how Bruce sings on these live songs. Vintage. After all these years, it’s incredible to hear Bruce Dickinson sing at this level of quality… live. Certainly it’s not 1985 anymore and vocalists do adapt. If there was any technological assistance in making his vocals sound so grand, I’m not hearing it on En Vivo! or I’m missing it.

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With six golden old-school classics of 2 Minutes To Midnight, The Trooper, Iron Maiden, The Number Of The Beast, Hallowed Be Thy Name and Running Free; En Vivo! glistens with the songs that put Iron Maiden at the very top of the Metal food chain. I cannot shake away those psyche-out ostrich bumps that grow on my arms and face, as I listen to these iconic Iron Maiden songs, on this live double CD.

The newest studio album from Maiden, The Final Frontier, is represented well on En Vivo! The intro of Satellite 15 ushers in The Final Frontier to start this stunning concert and I’ve realized once again why It’s my favorite song from that album. The vibes of Iron Maiden 2012 just combine so perfectly with those vibes of Iron Maiden’s past on En Vivo! and it’s terrifically addicting!

Legendary songs. An iconic Metal band. Excellence in vocals and musicianship. Spot-on production. The highest quality of live sound surrounds my senses. IRON MAIDEN. En Vivo! Honestly, what more can I say? There is more… buy this double CD of live Iron Maiden and play it F’n LOUD! Metal be thy name.

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IRON MAIDEN:

Bruce Dickinson – vocals

Steve Harris – bass

Dave Murray – guitars

Adrian Smith – guitars

Janick Gers – guitars

Nicko McBrain – drums

EN VIVO! – Track Listing:

CD 01:

Satellite 15

The Final Frontier

El Dorado

2 Minutes To Midnight

The Talisman

Coming Home

Dance Of Death

The Trooper

The Wicker Man

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CD 02:

Blood Brothers

When The Wild Wind Blows

The Evil That Men Do

Fear Of The Dark

Iron Maiden

The Number Of The Beast

Hallowed Be Thy Name

Running Free

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For more info on IRON MAIDEN, click on the link below:

IRON MAIDEN

LONG LIVE IRON MAIDEN.

The word “dandy” was once again used on Metal Odyssey.

Stone.

ROYAL HUNT – 2012 Tour Presentation (Official Video)

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, progressive metal, rock music, rock music news, symphonic metal with tags , , , , , , on April 15, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

ROYAL HUNT – Denmark’s Metal champions and Frontiers Records recording artists, ROYAL HUNT, are embarking on their 20th Anniversary World Tour! Check out the ROYAL HUNT 2012 Tour Presentation (official video) below! Led once again by DC Cooper on vocals, ROYAL HUNT will be supporting their newest studio album: Show Me How To Live.

Melodic, Symphonic and Progressive… the Metal of ROYAL HUNT cannot be denied!

ROYAL HUNT – Show Me How To Live

To read my album review on Show Me How To Live, click on the large link below!

ROYAL HUNT – ‘Show Me How To Live’ Is A Listen Into Melodic & Symphonic Hard Rock Grandeur

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For more info on ROYAL HUNT, click on the links below:

ROYAL HUNT – Official Website

FRONTIERS RECORDS

LONG LIVE ROYAL HUNT.

Stone.

RUSH – Clockwork Angels – 20th Studio Album Releases June 12th, 2012

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Music, progressive metal, progressive rock, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on April 15, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

RUSH – Progressive Rock/Hard Rock legends. Pioneering a sound so unique to the Rock world and expanding on their musical genius that spans five decades. RUSH. Enormously influential to generations of other musicians and bands alike. RUSH. Canada’s national treasure. RUSH. Clockwork Angels, the 20th studio album from their illustrious musical career, will be released on June 12th, 2012, on Roadrunner Records.

Produced by Nick Raskulinecz and co-produced by RUSH. Nick Raskulinecz produced the last RUSH album; 2007’s Snakes & Arrows as well. The first single from Clockwork Angels will be Headlong Flight; arriving April 19th on Rock radio. A North American tour to support Clockwork Angels will be announced shortly!

RUSH:

Geddy Lee – Vocals, Bass & Keys

Alex Lifeson – Guitar

Neil Peart – Drums & Percussion

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CLOCKWORK ANGELS – Track Listing:

Caravan

BU2B

Clockwork Angels

The Anarchist

Carnies

Halo Effect

Seven Cities of Gold

The Wreckers

Headlong Flight

BU2B2

Wish Them Well

The Garden

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

http://www.rush.com

LONG LIVE RUSH.

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.

SAVATAGE ‘Hall Of The Mountain King’ – Stone’s Metal Pick Of The Day

Posted in classic rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, progressive metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on April 6, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

SAVATAGE – I once owned Hall Of The Mountain King on vinyl. Years later, the vinyl is gone and I have it on CD. Yes, I prefer the vinyl. That’s besides the Metal point though, for Hall Of The Mountain King is such a classic of Metal classics, listening to it on a hissing cassette would still likely be okay by me.

When this album was released back in 1987, I was introduced to the title track first on MTV’s Headbangers Ball. The music video for this song was pretty cool, epic and entertaining, not the run-of-the-mill Heavy Metal video of the time. I found the title track to be undeniably progressive, compared to the Metal that Savatage was known for. This title track grew on me quickly and I ran out and bought the album… I was psyched.

From the artwork of Gary Smith to ALL ten songs, Hall Of The Mountain King had me hooked. I’ll say it again: a classic of classics. I’ll go as far by stating this album is a “top ten favorite of mine for all time” too. The more I listen to Hall Of The Mountain King, the more I love it. Picking a favorite song on this album is not easy for me. Strange Wings and The Price You Pay are two that get “repeat play” more often by me though.

Check out the classic – Hall Of The Mountain King music video below! Whoa!

The vocals of Jon Oliva on these songs are stuff of Metal legend. This amazing vocalist/musician never had to croon, continuously hit eye-popping high notes or try to sound like anyone else to be etched in my Metal senses so solidly. This is Jon Oliva and I swear he is one of the most underrated vocalists of all time, spanning any Rock or Metal genre. Speaking of the band itself: world-class musicians. Period.

The production of Paul O’Neill is superb and he brought in his vision for a future Savatage, one that none of us would have ever expected in our wildest Metal dreams. I remember the first time I listened to Prelude To Madness and I was awestruck. I thought, what is Savatage doing? This is Electric Light Orchestra gone Heavy Metal! It only made me more psyched out of my Metal mind, in part by being a huge fan of Electric Light Orchestra.

The overall sound, feel and vibe of Hall Of The Mountain King could never be duplicated, in my Metal opinion. If I had to recommend a Savatage album to someone unfamiliar with this band’s legacy, Hall Of The Mountain King would be it. My “Metal Pick Of The Day” or any day for that matter. Metal be thy name.

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Hall Of The Mountain King – Track Listing:

24 Hrs. Ago

Beyond The Doors Of The Dark

Legions

Strange Wings

Prelude To Madness

Hall Of The Mountain King

The Price You Pay

White Witch

Last Dawn

Devastation

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Wanna read about Jon Oliva’s Pain upcoming concert, where they’ll be playing Hall Of The Mountain King live and in all of its Metal glory? Then click that big link below!

JON OLIVA’S PAIN – To Perform & Celebrate SAVATAGE Classic: ‘Hall Of The Mountain King’

LONG LIVE THE METAL LEGACY OF SAVATAGE.

Rest In Peace, Criss Oliva.

Stone.

Power Prog & Metal Fest 2012 – Lotto Mons Expo, Mons, Belgium – Lineup Of Bands and Info

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal festivals, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, progressive metal, rock festivals, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on March 29, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

POWER PROG & METAL FEST – 2012 Edition: April 6th, 7th & 8th 2012 at Lotto Mons Expo – Mons – Belgium. 3 days/32 Bands/2 Stages! At Power Prog & Metal Fest, the bands don’t play at the same time!

This looks to be 3 days of incredible Metal to me! Just look at that lineup of bands on the festival poster! If you live in Belgium, this is one destination to get your “live” Metal fix! ACCEPT and Sonata Arctica on the same day, with Belgium’s very own Nightqueen! Each day has some powerhouse headliners. Whoa and Metal be thy name.

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For more info on Power Prog & Metal Fest:

www.ppmfest.com

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

VOYAGER – Australian Prog Architects Confirm 2012 North American Tour

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, progressive metal, progressive rock, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , on March 24, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Australian Prog-Rock heavyweights VOYAGER will be heading to North America to tour as main support for iconic Italian Symphonic Power Metal band Rhapsody Of Fire this Spring!

Fresh on the heels of releasing their latest critically acclaimed masterpiece The Meaning of I, and after winning over stateside crowds at the prestigious annual ProgPower USA festival in 2011, VOYAGER are pumped to hit North American shores once more to spread the ‘V’ message far and wide. The comprehensive tour will run from coast to coast and everywhere else in between.

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VOYAGER North American tour with Rhapsody Of Fire:

5/25/2012 The Trocadero – Philadelphia, PA

5/26/2012 Soundstage – Baltimore, MD

5/27/2012 The Palladium – Worcester, MA

5/29/2012 Gramercy Theatre – New York, NY

5/30/2012 Club Soda – Montreal, QC

5/31/2012 Imperial de Quebec – Quebec, QC

6/01/2012 Mod Club – Toronto, ON

6/03/2012 Peabody`s – Cleveland, OH

6/04/2012 Altar Bar – Pittsburgh, PA

6/05/2012 Mojoes – Joliet, IL

6/06/2012 Station 4 St. Paul, MN

6/08/2012 Gothic Theater – Englewood, CO

6/10/2012 El Corazon – Seattle, WA

6/11/2012 Hawthorne Theatre – Portland, OR

6/12/2012 Slim’s – San Francisco, CA

6/14/2012 House of Blues – San Diego, CA

6/15/2012 The Grove – Anaheim, CA

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VOYAGER‘s peculiar and unique sound merges Amorphis’ thirst for melody, Soilwork’s heaviness and the crystal vocal clarity of A-Ha’s Morton Harket into a sound all their own. The Meaning of I was released in October via Sensory Records, in conjunction with the band’s ultra-successful first tour on North American soil alongside labelmates Creation’s End, including their stellar performance at ProgPower USA.

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(Source: Earsplit PR)

For more info on VOYAGER, click on the links below:

http://www.voyager-australia.com

http://www.facebook.com/voyageraustralia

http://www.lasersedgegroup.com

LONG LIVE VOYAGER.

Stone.

UFOMAMMUT ‘Oro: Opus Primum’ – A Multi-Sound, Metal Mind Quest

Posted in doom metal, drone metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, progressive metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on March 12, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

UFOMAMMUT – Oro is the title for UFOMAMMUT’s latest work and encompasses ten (tracks) movements overall. To be released separately as two albums, the first is Oro: Opus Primum, which will be released April 17th, 2012, via Neurot Recordings. The second chapter of OroOpus Alter, will be released in September of 2012. This album’s press release states Both Oro chapters are to be interpreted as a “single track” (to make a long story short) due to the way in which the music was written and flows.

For anyone unfamiliar with UFOMAMMUT, this band can get quite deep with their album concepts. I will use this album’s press release quote to sum up what Oro is conveying conceptually. Believe me, I would never be aware of this album’s concept from just listening to the music itself. Who could? Here it is:

“As with all previous UFOMAMMUT albums, the concepts behind Oro are expansive and multi-faceted, mutating the Italian palindrome which translates to “gold” with the Latin translation of “I prey.” Oro explores the concept of knowledge and its power; the magical stream controlled by the human mind to gain control of every single particle of the World surrounding us. Oro is the alchemical process to transform the human fears into pure essence; into Gold”.

Here is my honest interpretation of Oro: Opus Primum, based on the music, Metal and sounds I’ve taken in. Please note, all five (songs) movements are instrumentals:

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EMPIREUM opens Oro: Opus Primum and swirls its ambient vibrations of spacey progressiveness throughout my thoughts. It’s Pink Floyd meets a psychotic thriller soundtrack. While building up its thick temp, the Doom atmosphere picks up mid-way through EMPIREUM, without losing grip on its creepy sound scape. I can get really, really lost in this opening track and love every second of it. At nearly 14 minutes long, EMPIREUM ends with a subdued atmosphere of sound, bringing about a melancholy affect upon me which I easily embrace.

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AUREUM – Opens with a more crunchy guitar sound and the Metal has arrived. The drum beats and bass lines are heavier and very distinct. With a copious backdrop of synthetic sounds, AUREUM flows along like strong river rapids, only these rapids are controlled with musical precision. The overall Metal wall of sound is worthy to bang your head to while throwing down some cold brews in the process. At 12:28 long, could this be Psychedelic Metal at it’s finest? It surely can be interpreted that way by me.

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INFEARNATURAL – Begins with an epic-like feel with its off in the distance chorus. There is plenty of Metal stomp, with chunky Doom laden guitar that never ceases throughout. Synth layers are aplenty, with more unique sounds than my ears can grasp, even after multiple listen-throughs. There are remote-like spoken words that are both audible and inaudible. Overall, this is a multi-layered movement that I found captivating and its strong Metal personality wins the day. At 7:26 this is the shortest movement on this album.

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MAGICKON – This is by far the “foreboding entry” amongst these five movements I’ve listened to on Oro: Opus Primum. I just get that overall dark and cavernous vibe from MAGICKON. Doom, Doom, Doom and Doom again. MAGICKON just throws that Doom hammer down and covers me over in its heavy Doom blanket of sound. MAGICKON plays out at 7:57 long.

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MINDOMINE – The tempo and repetitions of MINDOMINE could be considered by some as Drone Metal. With Doom riffs and distant screams ever the continuum, this movement can produce some chills. It’s a fine-line trying to consider some of these distant screams as being nearly “tribal-like” chants. An eerie ending to this first chapter of Oro is MINDOMINE. Picture yourself floating in outer-space (thanks to the synths) while the skull melting sounds of Drone and Doom Metal encircle your senses. Clocking in at 9:18, that’s MINDOMINE.

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Musically complex, while consistently maintaining a Metal feel and vibe throughout its totality of sound, Oro: Opus Primum has allowed me to open my own mind to its world of unique sounds. Richly textured and layered, there is no doubt, that with each synth sound, drum beat or note, it all opens the doors to a vast wealth of other audible vibrations. Weaving itself through the Doom, Drone, Progressive, Psychedelic and Ambient Metal genres, Oro: Opus Primum is both a listening experience and Metal mind quest.

UFOMAMMUT:

Poia – guitars and effect

Urlo – bass, vocals and synths

Vita – drums

Ciccio – soundlord

Lu – visuals

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For more info on UFOMAMMUT, click on the links below:

http://www.ufomammut.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/UFOMAMMUT/83336386071

http://www.neurotrecordings.com

LONG LIVE UFOMAMMUT.

Stone.

ASCARIASIS – Debut EP “Ocean of Colour” Is Available Now!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, progressive death metal, progressive metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on March 4, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Canadian Progressive Death Metal band Ascariasis have released their debut EP Ocean of Colour. The EP consists of five songs: Shatter, Torchbearer, Eleven, Ocean of Colour, and Carving the World. The album art was designed by Cameron Gray, notable for creating album art for bands such as Born of Osiris, Dead Letter Circus and Fallujah.

Ascariasis embodies a new breed of Modern Canadian Metal. This four piece, founded in 2009, includes Evan Watton (vocals), Devin Kendall (bass), Mike Valeri (guitars), and Mark Poelmann (drums). They bring a unique mix of crushing brutality, agonizing passages and soaring melodies to the scene. With influences ranging from the most technical and chaotic Metal styles to Ambient and Classical, the band seeks to break beyond expectations and deliver a fresh blend of Melodic, Technical and Progressive Death Metal while staying true to their local roots.

“I think this EP is a good window into the mindset that shapes our view on music and Metal in general,” says bassist Devin Kendall. “We look at it in the sense that we don’t have to assign a particular genre to our sound and we leave it as free-form and thought-provoking as possible.”

Ascariasis has been featured in various publications including heavyblogisheavy.com. They are currently working on their debut album, which is set to be released in 2013.

ASCARIASIS originates from Burlington, Ontario.

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For more info/Metal on ASCARIASIS, click on the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/user/AscariasisBand

Download (name your price) and/or stream Ocean Of Colour:

http://ascariasis.bandcamp.com/album/ocean-of-colour

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LONG LIVE ASCARIASIS.

Stone.

TRIBUNE “THE SUCCUBUS” – Check Out This New Track From Their Forthcoming Album!

Posted in Death Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, metal music, Music, progressive metal, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal with tags , , , , , , , on March 1, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

TRIBUNE – Out of Burnaby, BC (Canada), comes a Metal legion that’s armed with a cornucopia of Metal sound and grooves. TRIBUNE (pronounced TRY-BUNE) are releasing their third CD and second full length officially on Tuesday, March 20th, 2012 called “Elder Lore / The Dark Arts” on their independent label Corpse Corrosion Music. Plus they will be hitting the road to tour Canada and USA in April and May.

Combining both clean and extreme vocals, with a heaping dose of melodic zest musically, while not compromising on the heaviness and speed, TRIBUNE unleashes a potent new song among us: The Succubus. WARNING: Once you push that play button below, The Succubus must not be played loud… it must be played F’n LOUD!

Go ahead and dive your Metal craving senses into The Succubus NOW!

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(Source: Asher Media Releations)

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

TRIBUNE – Reveal Album Artwork and Track Listing For “Elder Lore/The Dark Arts”

LONG LIVE TRIBUNE.

Stone.

COHEED AND CAMBRIA – Announce Intimate Club Shows In The Southeast For Spring 2012

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, progressive metal, progressive rock, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on February 28, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

INTIMATE CLUB SHOWS IN THE SOUTHEAST

As reported on Coheed And Cambria Newsletter:

Howdy All,

We are excited to announce a string of intimate club dates in the Southeastern U.S. (and a couple in the Midwest) this Spring. These will be Josh’s first shows with us in a long time, and we hope you can come show him some Southern Hospitality for his return! We’ll be working out some new songs and a bunch you already know. Joining us will be Moving Mountains and Pianos Become The Teeth.

We’re also playing Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis, TN.

The dates officially go on sale this Friday and Saturday, March 2nd and 3rd, at 10AM local time. YOU CAN GET YOURS TOMORROW, starting at noon through our special fanclub links.

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IRON MAIDEN TICKETS GO ON SALE THIS WEEKEND!

In addition to our Southeastern U.S. dates, Iron Maiden tickets will also go on sale this Friday and Saturday – We start July 24th in Winnipeg, MB. More info HERE.

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COHEED AND CAMBRIA FULL TOUR DATES

With Moving Mountains, Pianos Become The Teeth 
General on sale March 2nd* and March 3rd** 10AM local time.

Apr 29 Charlottesville, VA – Jefferson Theater*

Apr 30 Charleston, SC – Music Farm*

May 3 Gainesville, FL – Florida Theater*

May 5 Athens, GA – 40 Watt**

May 6 Memphis, TN – Beale Street Music Festival

May 7 Chattanooga, TN – Track 29*

May 8 Bloomington, IN – Bluebird** (21+)

May 10 Lexington, KY – Kentucky Theater*

May 11 Urbana, IL – Canopy Club**

May 12 Knoxville, TN – Bijou Theater*

May 13 Raleigh, NC – Lincoln Theater*

May 15 Tallahassee, FL – Coliseum*

May 16 Birmingham, AL – Workplay Soundstage*

May 17 Baton Rouge, LA – Varsity Theater**

May 18 Gulf Shore, AL – Hangout Festival

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With Iron Maiden

Jul 24 Winnipeg, MB – MTS Center*

Jul 26 Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Saddledome*

Jul 27 Edmonton, AB – Rexall Place*

Jul 29 Vancouver, BC – Pacific Coliseum**

Jul 30 Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre**

Aug 1 Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre**

Aug 3 San Francisco, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre*

Aug 4 Sacramento, CA – Sleepy Train Amphitheater*

Aug 6 Phoenix, AZ – Ashley Furniture HomeStore Pavilion**

Aug 9 Irvine, CA – Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre**
A

ug 10 Irvine, CA – Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre**

Aug 12 Albuquerque. NM – Hard Rock Pavilion**

Aug 13 Denver, CO – Comfort Dental Amphitheatre**

Aug 15 San Antonio, TX – AT&T Center**

Aug 17 Dallas, TX – Gexa Energy Pavilion**

Aug 18 Houston, TX – The Woodlands**

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For more information go to CoheedAndCambria.com

LONG LIVE COHEED AND CAMBRIA.

LONG LIVE IRON MAIDEN.

Stone.