Ronnie Montrose – Legendary guitarist and Hard Rock & Heavy Metal pioneer Ronnie Montrose passed away on Saturday, March 3rd, 2012, at the age of 64. From numerous credible reports, it has been stated that Ronnie Montrose was battling prostate cancer. Metal Odyssey expresses condolences to the family, friends and fans of Ronnie Montrose.
The A-list of musicians that Ronnie Montrose had recorded and played with throughout his legendary career is extensive, (Boz Skaggs, Van Morrison, The Edgar Winter Group) to name a few. Ronnie Montrose had of course, his very own legendary Hard Rock band Montrose, a band in which Sammy Hagar debuted in, fronted and received his career break from. Ronnie Montrose also enjoyed much success with the Rock/Hard Rock/AOR band Gamma.
The Rock N’ Roll of Ronnie Montrose shall live on forever. Rest in peace, Ronnie Montrose.
(Top album photo: Montrose – debut/ST, Warner Bros. from 1973)
Stéphan Forté – This is an instrumental album from guitar virtuoso Stéphan Forté. A seasoned musician who is highly respected within the guitar world of the world-famous and novice alike, Stéphan will have his new album, The ShadowsCompendium, released on February 28th, 2012, via Listenable Records.
Stéphan Forté is exceptionally known for being the founder and guitarist for the French Progressive Metal band – Adagio. This album features the meat and potatoes of a rhythm section, while the keyboards play an extensive and exciting role within these songs. Symphonic, melodic and built on delectable speed, while guitar is the star, The Shadows Compendium is not an album to miss in 2012.
If you’ve never heard the guitar playing of Stéphan, Neoclassical is the key word here. In the event you are a casual fan or die-hard loyalist to Yngwie Malmsteen, then the guitar brilliance of Stéphan will ignite your senses into six and seven-string overdrive and send you into axe shredding bliss. As with his legendary peers, (to name a select few) the likes of Michael Schenker, Vinnie Moore and (of course) Yngwie Malmsteen, Stéphan plays his guitar with such unique emotion that it comes across as vocals.
The technical playing that is showcased by Stéphan is pure art that accentuates his aptitude for speed and melodies, while the never-ending illusion that something magical is happening will always drift into my senses as I listen to The Shadows Compendium. Not an imitator and original as one could wish for from a guitarist of Metal, there is no denying, that Stéphan has his very own alluring tonal identity with his Lag signature guitar.
Stéphan is within a world-class tier of Metal guitarists or guitarists of any genre for that matter. All 8 songs are rich with all the flamboyance of Stéphan’s fret mastery, while never caving in to any dull interludes, (the) ones that usually hinder any sense of musical elevation that’s already been established. Musically sound and stimulating on all grounds, The Shadows Compendium not only showcases a guitarist that has arrived to legendary status, this album reflects Stéphan’s respect for a song’s texture and most importantly its purpose.
MARKS ANNIVERSARY OF JOINING BAND, RELEASING HISTORICAL ALBUMS
TO APPEAR AT THIS YEAR’S LOS ANGELES FIT EXPO – JANUARY 28
MANRAZE – READY NEW SONG FOR ‘I, SUPERBIKER’ SEQUEL
(Los Angeles, CA)-2012 looks to be quite a year for Def Leppard lead guitarist and Manraze founder/vocalist/guitarist PHIL COLLEN. This year marks a number of anniversaries for the prolific axe man namely the 30th anniversary of COLLEN joining Def Leppard as lead guitarist and helping to complete the partially recorded 10x platinum album Pyromania. In addition this year marks the 25th anniversary for the 20x platinum album Hysteria as well as the 20th anniversary of its follow-up Adrenalize.
Last year’s Mirrorball Tour garnered Def Leppard a No. 1 slot on Billboard’s Hot Tours list. Based on ticket totals which grossed over $19 million in ticket sales in the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, and the UK Def Leppard powered across the globe with Heart as a featured act then ending the tour with Motley Crue and Steel Panther for it’s fans in the UK. The band has now sold over 100 million albums worldwide achieving diamond status twice in their career, one of six bands to ever do so.
June 6th, 2012 will bring the much-anticipated Broadway hit musical turned box office blockbuster, Rock of Ages, a star-studded fiesta directed by Adam Shankman and starring Tom Cruise, Russell Brand, Alec Baldwin, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Paul Giamatti and Mary J. Blige. The 80’s heyday tribute to the L.A.’s Sunset Strip named after one of Def Leppard’s hit tunes will include 3 Def Leppard hits-“Pour Some Sugar On Me”, “Bringing On The Heartbreak”, and the title track “Rock Of Ages”.
Manraze, Phil Collen’s alternative groove side project now being hailed as a “supergroup” features bassist Simon Laffy of Phil’s former group Girl and legendary Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook. The three have released PUNKFUNKROOTSROCK, a gritty rock-n-dub stew now available via Rocket Science Ventures/RED. Their critically acclaimed first single “Over My Dead Body” is available for free download at www.soundcloud.com.
Originally released as a limited Holiday download to the Manraze and Def Leppard social media outlets, “Over My Dead Body” reached the download limit within 10 minutes and within 24 hours was streamed over 4500 times. Manraze’s cover tribute of Phil’s favorite guitarist Jimi Hendrix’s classic tune “Fire” has been no less explosive tearing up internet radio stations worldwide and currently #1 on the IHEARTRADIO.COM Rock on Demand chart. Both tracks are set to be released to terrestrial Rock radio in the Spring.
Manraze also recently completed a new single and video titled “Take on the World” featuring newcomer Debbi Blackwell-Cook and written for the 2011 British Superbike racing champion Tommy Hill. The high energy hard rock/dance single, available on iTunes-February 7, is the theme for 2011’s ‘I, Superbiker’ sequel ‘The Showdown: I, Superbiker II’ which will chronicle Tommy’s rise to the 2011 British Superbike championship. The film directed by Mark Sloper is set to be released to 135 theatres in the UK February 21st, 2012.
Following his other passion in life, physical fitness, PHIL COLLEN will be returning by popular demand to the L.A. Fitness Expo on January 28th, 2012 to meet and sign autographs with the public. He will be accompanied by his longtime trainer, Muay Thai martial arts champion and world champion coach Jean Carrillo. Collen and Carrillo together have started a training program ‘Physical Mechanics’ which will focus on fitness regimens that range from first time workouts to extreme physical muay thai training. A fitness dvd and book are soon to follow.
On Saturday night, January 7th, 2012, the Metal community took another step in dealing with the tragic death of long-time GWAR guitarist Cory Smoot by holding the first of two events in a three-show schedule of shows designed to support the Smoot Family Foundation and honor the life of this prolific artist, who died of a heart attack this past November at the age of only 34.
Cory had played the role of Flattus Maximus in the world’s most infamous band for eleven years, as well as participated in many side projects, while at the same time producing and engineering tons of records at his always busy Karma Studios. In doing so he had become a treasured part of the local and national Metal scene, and they turned out in force to both events, opening their hearts to Cory’s family in a completely selfless display of solidarity, respect, and generosity.
Cory’s widow, Jaime, who is pregnant with Cory’s child, had this message for the fans-
“I want to sincerely thank ALL the friends and fans for their amazing donations and support!! Thanks to Eve and Brent for organizing the events, to the businesses that contributed raffle prizes, and to the venues and bands for making the shows awesome!! You guys made Cory, the baby and me very proud!”
Show highlights included Lamb of God lead singer Randy Blythe singing for thrashers CannabisCorpse. Blythe was later joined by Municipal Waste lead singer Tony Foresta in shearing off five years of hair from GWAR lead singer Dave Brockie’s head, which was raffled off to a lucky winner but ended up everywhere. But the most stirring performance came from Cory’s band mates Mensrea, who pulled themselves together for a powerful and emotional tribute to the life of this truly amazing man.
The show Saturday night at the Canal Club was also the CD release party for Cory’s solo record, WhenWorlds Collide, which will be coming out on Metal Blade Records soon. The next planned event is on March 16th, when GWAR, Municipal Waste, and Ghoul will play at the National Theater. All funds raised at the show will go to the Smoot Family Fund. For those who can’t make it and still wish to donate, they can do so HERE.
Heavy Metal guitarist Zoltan Bathory of the hard-hitting band FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH recently stopped by UFC/TUF’s KYLE WATSON‘S gym, Watson Martial Arts in St. Louis, Missouri, for a session with the MMA fighter. Before a Metal filled evening, Bathory, a successful Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner, stopped by to roll with Watson and teach some students BJJ techniques.
Kyle is returning to the ring after his last bout against John Makdesi in the UFC in which he lost via spinning back fist. Watson will be fighting February 3rd at the upcoming Cage Warriors event.
(Source: Team All About The Music – Publicity, Management, A&R)
Top Ten Rock Albums Of 2011 – This Top Ten Rock Album list comprises various genres, the likes of: Blues, Alternative, Rockabilly, Acoustic, New Wave, some shades of Hard Rock and of course, Rock itself. Isn’t Rock a grand blanket term for such incredible music diversity? I love Rock. Without Rock, there wouldn’t have been Heavy Metal.
If you are counting, there are actually thirteen Rock albums in this Top Ten list. Admittedly, compiling a “Top Ten” of anything is grueling for me, therefore the two “ties” below are as honest as I could ever possibly be, without pulling what hair I have left off of my head. Furthermore, I couldn’t resist adding Jeff Beck – Rock ‘n’ Roll Party/Honoring Les Paul as an “Honorable Mention”. It’s a good times, roots of Rock ‘n’ Roll listen, one that I’ve enjoyed time and again.
I chose the following Rock albums due to how memorable, fun and interesting they came across to my senses. The quality of Rock contained in these following albums, I simply revere. There are some elite musicians and bands on this list for certain. They all have proven to me just how diverse Rock ‘N Roll really is, with their respective albums. These are the Rock albums that I gravitated to and became inspired by most often during 2011. I highly recommend you check ’em out, if you haven’t already.
METAL ODYSSEY’S TOP TEN ROCK ALBUMS OF 2011
Honorable Mention
JEFF BECK – Rock ‘n’ Roll Party Honoring Les Paul
(ATCO)
#10
AFTERLIFE PARADE – REBIRTH
(WATERMAIN)
#9
DARYL HALL – LAUGHING DOWN CRYING
(Verve Forecast)
#8
TESLA – Twisted Wires & The Acoustic Sessions…
(Tesla Electric Company Recordings, Inc.)
#7
CHRIS CORNELL – SONGBOOK
(Universal Music)
#6
GREGG ALLMAN – LOW COUNTRY BLUES
(ROUNDER)
#5 (Tie)
SOCIAL DISTORTION – Hard Times And Nursery Rhymes
(Epitaph)
#5 (Tie)
FOO FIGHTERS – WASTING LIGHT
(RCA)
#4
LOS LONELY BOYS – ROCKPANGO
(Playing In Traffic Records / LonelyTone Records)
#3 (Tie)
THE CARS –MOVE LIKE THIS
(Hear Music / Concord Music Group)
#3 (Tie)
RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS – I’M WITH YOU
(Warner Bros.)
#2
JOE BONAMASSA – DUST BOWL
(J&R Adventures)
#1
THE TREWS – HOPE & RUIN
(Bumstead Productions Ltd.)
Hope & Ruin took me by surprise in 2011. THE TREWS captured a Rockin’ vibe that made my mood soar anytime I listened to this album. Melodic songs that glisten lyrically and musically, Hope & Ruin can easily become someone’s Rockin’ companion. THE TREWS are that Rock band you need to know about. This band defies the illogical American Rock mainstream press, proving that exquisite and blue-collar Rock music does exist in places other than Billboard or Rolling Stone magazine.
When I listen to Hope & Ruin, I’m not hearing a Rock band that is out to prove themselves. I’m instead hearing a Rock band that created a complete album of songs, which I imagine is straight from their Rock ‘N Roll hearts.
* To read my review on Hope & Ruin, (posted on August 5th, 2011), click on the large header link below:
Lead guitarist Chris Caffery (TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA &SAVATAGE) has collaborated with High River Sauces to release an amazing gourmet hot sauce called Tears of The Sun. This sauce is a deliciously dangerous blend of habanero peppers and tropical fruit. Your taste buds are greeted by the sweetness, then rising like the sun on a hot summer day, the heat settles in to make this truly a unique sauce. If your food is crying for help… it’s crying for some Tears of the Sun!
The Tears of The Sun Hot Sauce will be released on September 12th and can be pre ordered on the High River Sauces website at http://highriversauces.com/main/shop-hr/. Each bottled pre ordered will be personally signed by Chris Caffery.
High River Sauces will also have a booth at this years 16th Annual Chile Pepper Food Festival in Bowers, PA on September 9th and 10th. (http://pepperfestival.com/Chile_2011/Home.html) Caffery will be attending the festival on Saturday September 10th from 1 PM to 5 PM to do a signing and a showcase tasting for Tears of The Sun.
“Ever since my first world tour in 1987 I have been on a global hunt for great hot sauces. About six years ago I began making my own. Trial and error led me to a sauce that had something very unique. My fellow band and crew members loved it so much I would actually make batches in catering on my recent tours. I am truly excited to finally be able to share Tears of The Sun with fellow chili heads” states Caffery about his inspiration behind his newest craft.
High River Sauces was created by music industry veteran, food junkie and Heavy Metal Cookbook author Steve “Buckshot” Seabury. His cookbook titled “Mosh Potatoes – Recipes, Anecdotes & Mayhem From The Heavyweights Of Heavy Metal” (Simon & Schuster) is a collection of recipes from the biggest names in Hard Rock & Heavy Metal.
High River Sauces also had 3 different hot sauces that were available exclusively on this summer’s Willie Nelson Throwdown Country Tour (Hillbilly Hellfire Hot Sauce), the Vans Warped Tour (King Scott Hot Sauce) and the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival (The Devils Blood Hot Sauce). Each hot sauce is an artisan sauce that promises to give fans who love fiery foods a unique culinary experience. Each recipe captures the finest ingredients, variety of spices and the hottest of peppers to bring you the exceptional blend of heat and balance of expressive flavor.
SLASH – Guns N’ Roses, Velvet Revolver, Slash’s Snakepit, sought after solo artist, legendary guitarist… ’nuff said. Oh, there is one more thing: Slash was born on this date of July 23rd, back in 1965!
BRIAN MAY – On July 19th, 1947, Brian May was born. Brian May turns 64 years young today! Happy Birthday Brian May! Being the legendary guitarist and songwriter for the also legendary Queen, it is difficult to not have Brian’s name mentioned in any discussion about all-time greatest guitarists. His signature guitar sound is so recognizable and downright classic.
While I was growing up as a young lad, I can recall hearing Queen on the radio. I remember thinking to myself, that Queen’s songs moved me in such a psyched-out way. Realistically, all those same Queen songs I heard so long ago, when I didn’t even own a legitimate stereo, still psyche me out today. Timeless Rock written and played by timeless musicians, such as Brian May… never fades away.
* Pictured at top of post: Brian May – Back To The Light, (UK album cover)/Released in 1992 on Parlophone Records (UK) and 1993 on Hollywood Records (U.S.)
METAL EXPRESS RADIO is pleased to announce that this week’s Guest DJ is guitarist Pete Well’s from U.S. Heavy Metal powerhouse BENEDICTUM. Pete heard how much fun his vocalist, Veronica Freeman, had doing the show that he wanted to take command of the DJ chair for himself! He’ll also take a call or two on air! After Pete’s setlist, which is essentially a homage to some classic Metal guitarists, we’ll play some cuts off Benedictum’s latest album entitled Dominion, which is currently available through Frontiers Records.
Tune in to METAL EXPRESS RADIO on Friday, July 1st at 9:00 AM & 3:00 PM EST to listen!
(Source: ClawHammer PR)
* For more info on BENEDICTUM, click on the links below:
Ronnie James Dio & Yngwie Malmsteen – On May 16th, 2010, the ultra-legendary Ronnie James Dio passed away after a valiant battle with cancer. This was a day when Metal cried. Hard Rock cried. Rock and Roll cried. I cried. I’ve always lived by a wonderful thought: “Time heals all wounds”. Each time I listen to any DIO, Rainbow, Elf, Black Sabbath and Heaven & Hell song and/or album now, I realize that Ronnie James Dio’s legacy will foreverlive on.
On the anniversary of Ronnie James Dio passing away, I decided to listen to some of his work that I haven’t pulled out in quite awhile. I remembered having a CD titled: Guitar Gods – The Classic Rock Anthems. On this fantastic CD is a cover song of Aerosmith’s Dream On. Ronnie James Dio sings and Yngwie Malmsteen plays his amazing guitar on this cover song of Dream On. Two legends covering an iconic Rock song, written and recorded by fellow legends. Simply put… the original version and cover version of Dream On are both everlasting.
I can’t even adequately put into words, just how sensational, how riveting this cover song of Dream On is to my senses. Ronnie James Dio sings the lyrics of Dream On in such a remarkable way… it’s Ronnie James Dio. With Yngwie Malmsteen stamping his signature tone to this song, it’s hands down the single greatest cover song I have ever heard of DreamOn… Metal case closed. To admit I receive countless ostrich bumps up and down my entire body whenever I listen to this cover of Dream On is real and not fantasy.
This entire CD is a MUSTbuy for any fan of Rock, Classic Rock, Hard Rock and/or Metal. If there ever was that hidden gem of a Ronnie James Dio song, then this cover of Dream On is it. If there ever was that hidden gem of a Hard Rock/Heavy Metal compilation CD, then GuitarGods – The Classic Rock Anthems is it. Wanna know something? I found this CD at Kmart about two years ago. Kmart. Metal be thy name and kiss the F’n sky. That is no lie.
Legends are galore on this CD, with Ted Nugent giving his spin on another Aerosmith classic: Rag Doll. The Motor City Madman sings and plays his patented guitar licks on Rag Doll and it’s a hell raiser. Just look at the track listing with the respective artists below, it’s ’nuff said and ring the Metal bell for glory! This CD is so electrified with guitar legends and vocalists that it’s Metal mind boggling.
I’ll say this much: Slash and Roger Daltrey cover Alice Cooper’s Rock classic No More Mr. Nice Guy with Hard Rockin’ brilliance. Whoa, the legenday duo of Slash and Roger Daltrey make an infinite impression on my Metal soul. Steve Lukather covers Pink Floyd’s Shine On You Crazy Diamond… it’s jaw dropping. I truly don’t know what else to say about that. An unreal CD that I have revisited and won’t be putting away again for a very, very, long time.
* Guitar Gods – The Classic Rock Anthems was released back in 2006, via Fantastic Price Records.
* Guitar Gods – The Classic Rock Anthems was mastered by Anthony Focx at Foxhole Underground Studio, Los Angeles.
* I’ve seen this CD for sale at Amazon.com for just under $10 (U.S. funds).
* For some odd reason, I can’t play this CD in my car’s CD player. Every time I slide this CD into the car’s player, it gets sent back out! WTF? However, this CD plays just fine on my home stereo system.
Track Listing:
Slash & Roger Daltrey – No More Mr. Nice Guy
Ted Nugent – Rag Doll
Jimmy Page – Burn Up
Jake E. Lee & Phil Lewis – Journey To The Center Of The Mind
(Overnight Sensation/1996 – L to R: Phil, Lemmy & Mikkey)
PHIL CAMPBELL – Happy Birthday Phil Campbell! On May 7th, 2011, legendary guitarist Phil Campbell turns a stellar 50! Since 1984, Phil Campbell has been the guitarist for the world’s greatest, fastest and most persevering Rock ‘n’ Roll band known as: Motörhead. Thank you Phil for all the enormous Rock ‘n’ Roll you’ve created!
Phil was hired by Motörhead founder and ultra-legendary Lemmy Kilmister back in 1984. Former Motörhead guitarist Würzel was also hired at the same time. With the trio of Lemmy (bass & vocals), Mikkey Dee (drums) and Phil, Motörhead continue to be the lean, mean, Rock ‘n’ Roll machine in 2011 with NO end in sight!
Phil Campbell Rock ‘n’ Roll Facts:
* Phil Campbell formed the Heavy Metal band Persian Risk back in 1979, in Cardiff, Wales.
* Phil Campbell first appeared on the Motörhead compilation album No Remorse, which was released back in 1984 on Bronze Records. The songs on No Remorse (vinyl/LP version) which Phil Campbell played guitar on: Killed By Death, Snaggletooth, Steal YourFace and Locomotive. Phil Campbell played guitar for two versions of Under The Knife, found on the No Remorse double CD as bonus tracks.
* Phil Campbell has played guitar on 14 Motörhead studio albums, the first being Orgasmatron from 1986 and the most recent being The Wörld Is Yours released in December of 2010.
* For more info on Motörhead, click here: Motörhead
THE NEW CZARS – Metal Odyssey is extremely proud and honored, to present to the Rock Music world, the World Premiere Exclusive listen of Hey Joe covered by The New Czars! Metal Odyssey is the only place you will hear this cover version right now! *(Just click on the arrow in the bar below, to hear this song, in it’s entirety for yourself!). This ultra classic song from the ever legendary and late Jimi Hendrix is timeless. Hey Joe was released by The Jimi Hendrix Experience, on their debut album, Are You Experienced in 1967.
This cover of Hey Joe by The New Czars is solid in both it’s relevancy and classic heaviness carried over from it’s time. Greg Hampton adds his unique vocals and guitar skills to a song that some may consider sacred and does so with such rightful Rock reverence, which makes me say whoa, well done! Greg’s vocals have an instilled “Classic Rock sound and vibe” that only makes his singing Hey Joe that much more real to me. In my Metal opinion, Greg Hampton and The New Czars have nailed down the true Rock essence of Hey Joe. Jimi Hendrix is probably smiling from above, as he hears this cover version of Hey Joe.
Greg Hampton tells Metal Odyssey: “I have been a lifelong fan of Jimi Hendrix. With the fortieth anniversary of Jimi Hendrix’s passing approaching, I’ve been listening to a lot of his music. I wanted to do something to commemorate Jimi Hendrix on this important anniversary, through song. This cover of Hey Joe I’ve been working on for quite some time and I am very proud of it. I hope the fans will appreciate this cover of Hey Joe and like it as much as I do”.
* This cover version of Hey Joe by The New Czars will be available for purchase on itunes, on October 5, 2010.
* Hey Joe will also be featured on the forthcoming EP from The New Czars, titled: Mining The Ruins. This EP is slated for a November 30, 2010 release.
* Greg Hampton, (founding member of The New Czars), plays all instruments on this cover of Hey Joe, except for drums which are played by The New Czars alumni and multi-instrumentalist Chris Collier.
* To listen to the World Exclusive Premiere of Hey Joe by The New Czars, click the arrow in the bar below!
ARSON ANTHEM – The first “full length” studio album from ARSON ANTHEM – Insecurity Notoriety, will be released on October 12, 2010, on Phil Anselmo’s very own… Housecore Records. The triple threat combination of Hardcore, Thrash and Punk are what you can expect from ARSON ANTHEM… with the onslaught of Hardcore dominating their music. Sure, you can call ARSON ANTHEM a “supergroup” based on their incredible lineup, only this is a band that brings it Hard… Heavy… and F’n Hardcore! No bullshit found in the music of ARSON ANTHEM.
*As Phil Anselmo has stated about Insecurity Notoriety: “This is vicious Hardcore, so trip out on this record!” – (Hard Rock Hideout Interview, September 20, 2010)
ARSON ANTHEM:
Mike IX Williams – vocalist
Phil Anselmo – guitars
Hank Williams III – drums
Collin Yeo – bass guitar
* Brief Metal career background on the members of ARSON ANTHEM:
Phil Anselmo has forged in Metal, his legendary career as lead vocalist for the iconic Pantera. Phil is the vocalist for the kick-ass and Louisiana born Metal Band – Down. Superjoint Ritual and Christ Inversion are just two more past bands that Phil has been a driving force behind. Mike Williams is the lead vocalist for the Metal Band – Eyehategod. Hank Williams III played bass for Superjoint Ritual and is a vocalist/guitarist for his very own Metal/Punk Band – Assjack. Collin Yeo heads up his eerie and alternatively contagious band – PonyKiller.
*For more info on ARSON ANTHEM, just click the link below:
JIMI HENDRIX – Back on September 18, 1970, Jimi Hendrix passed away in London, England, at age 27. Forty years ago, the loss of Jimi Hendrix was just getting underway. Getting into the exact details of where Jimi Hendrix died and how he died is not my purpose here. I am solely reflecting on my introduction to his music as a young teen and how his music continues to entertain me to this very day. Check that… the music of Jimi Henrix continues to bring me joy to this very day.
Back when I was in high school in the early 1980’s, (1980-85), Jimi Hendrix was a huge favorite amongst the crowd of kids I hung with who listened to Heavy Metal. (Yes, I did “extra time” in high school… big deal). Even the kids who listened to straight up Rock and Hard Rock listened to Jimi Hendrix too. It seemed as if no one dared to say they didn’t dig Hendrix back then… he was too cool and bigger than life, regardless if he had passed away a decade earlier. There was this mystique, an almost reverent aura about the songs that Jimi Hendrix sang and played guitar on back in those days. I still get that sense of mystique, a brilliant vibe of reverence when I listen to Jimi Hendrix now… in 2010.
Why the reverence? The mystique? Well, in my Metal opinion, who else can be looked upon as the leading pioneer of electric Heavy Metal guitar? The riffs. Oh, those riffs. Seriously, who else back in 1967 was playing that style of “heavy guitar”? On a consistent level? Yes, you can go back through Rock ‘N’ Roll history with a magnifying glass and find those guitarists who “flirted” with some “heavy” riffs before and during the Jimi Hendrix era. I’m only being real about the impact that Jimi Hendrix had on Rock Music history. His guitar and vocals were so unique to the time that it’s a mesmerizing thought to behold.
It is difficult to pinpoint which was the first Jimi Hendrix song I ever heard, although I will venture to guess it was Foxy Lady. The three FM radio stations I listened to, while in high school, were WCCC and WHCN out of Hartford, the third being WPLR out of New Haven, Connecticut. Those three FM stations played Jimi Hendrix like it was going out of style the Beatles, The Who, RUSH and Led Zeppelin were also played so continuously, that I found no reason to buy all of their albums right away. It’s quite possible to admit, that I listened to Jimi Hendrix each day of my high school life due to those FM radio stations. Truthfully.
Of course, I borrowed and listened to Are You Experienced, Axis: Bold As Love and Electric Ladyland from my friends before I owned them. Swapping albums was the norm back then… not too many of us had the cash to run out and buy every album we wanted. Those are and always will be the “big 3” Jimi Hendrix albums for me. Sure, there have been many other studio albums released after his death, only these are the three albums that defined Jimi Hendrix and made me one of his countless fans.
To stop and reflect for a second, on just how many times I have listened to Jimi Hendrix over the years is mind numbing. Then, to realize that I have never grown tired of the music that Jimi Hendrix created is a double shot of mind numb. Yes, this is all my personal opinion and the way I truly feel. Jimi Hendrix was a pioneering guitar player who paved the way for Heavy Metal to be where it is today. I sometimes wonder what Jimi Hendrix would think of Metal Music in 2010? What would Jimi Hendrix have to say, during those “building block” years of Heavy Metal during the 1970’s and 1980’s? Man, it would be very cool to know.
There could never be another set of album releases such as the first 3 from the Jimi Hendrix Experience. To have three albums in a row, with such amazingly memorable songs is unparalleled. Purple Haze, Crosstown Traffic and All Along The Watchtower… really, what more can be said for the originality and pure heaviness of their time? Timeless is a powerful word… Jimi Hendrix epitomizes this word each and every time I listen to his music.
VANDENBERG– Let’s go back to 1982. I was a sophomore in high school and very proud of my ability to draw the band logos for Styx, Michael Schenker Group and of course… KISS. (The Judas Priest band logo was and forever will be too difficult for me to draw freehand). Hirax, Hellhammer and Armored Saint were formed, just to name a few Metal bands. Alright, W.A.S.P. was formed in 1982 too. World famous pro basketball star, (UCONN & Pheonix Mercury) DianaTaurasi was born.
Ronald Reagan was the United States President and Bryant Gumbel began his 15 year career as NBC’s The Today Show co-host. The Weather Channel also launched into cable television back in 1982. Well, enough with the 1982 trivia… this post is about guitarist Adrian Vandenberg’s own Hard Rock band which debuted their self-titled album Vandenberg, this very same year on Atco Records.
This Vandenberg debut album was and always will be an excellent listen for me. My favorite song from this album is Burning Heart. That’s correct… a ballad. A Power Ballad too. Me, the dude who likes to tip-toe around ballads in almost any album review I do, really digs Burning Heart. Ever since I first heard this song on the FM dial back in 1982, I have been an admirer of it. Bert Heerink was the lead vocalist on this song and album. Could it be the strength in Bert’s vocals that I hear be the deciding factor for my liking Burning Heart so much? How about the guitar talent of Adrian Vandenberg himself? Adrian’s solo in Burning Heart is as articulately placed and played as any I’ve ever heard over all these years.
Adrian’s tone and feel that comes out at me from his guitar just always seemed to have that wallop. On Burning Heart, Adrian makes his guitar come across with such a free floating sound, making this Power Ballad come together perfectly… he dictated this song and commanded it with his guitar eloquence. Burning Heart from the very onset of my hearing it, never came across to me as being sappy. It is quite an emotional song for certain and radiates that essential vibe that seems to be lacking in so many Power Ballads over the decades.
Does Burning Heart remind me of a love I once had? Nope. Does it remind me of a love I could never have? Nope again. Despite this, this is a song that just reminds me of a time in my life when I was seeking out my place amongst my peers and just trying to get along. In actuality, that is really what I’m still doing, to this very day. Any song, from the vast and seemingly infinite world of music, will hold it’s own unique affect on an individual. Burning Heart stays in my music mind files as being… timeless.
* Besides being a legendary guitarist, findout more about Adrian Vandenberg and his other artistic talent… as a world renowned painter in the fine arts. Peruse Adrian’s brilliant artwork by clicking this link:ADRIAN VANDENBERG – ARTIST
Vandenberg, as they appeared on the debut/self titled album:
Adrian Vandenberg – guitar, keyboards and backing vocals
BLACKMORE’S NIGHT – Ritchie Blackmore has never abandoned his love affair for creating incredible classical sounds with his guitar. The lure and attraction for Renaissance music has made Ritchie Blackmore and Candice Night become an impeccable duo of musical minds and talent since their 1997 Blackmore’s Night album debut – Shadow Of The Moon. With 1970’s era Rainbow, Ritchie Blackmore intertwined the Renaissance sound with bluesy Rock and Hard Rock like no other. It only makes sense to me, that Ritchie has taken his immeasurable musical talents to this extraordinary level of existence with Blackmore’s Night, so many years ago.
No one will find the supercharged Hard Rock sound of Straight Between The Eyes or Bent Out Of Shape with Blackmore’s Night. This is another world of music prowess for Ritchie Blackmore and I’m admittedly hooked on this Secret Voyage… it’s an impossible thought for me not to embrace this music. If it’s not the guitar virtuosity of Ritchie, then it’s the beautiful and mesmerizing voice of Candice Night that thrills my ears and mind into a state of… joy.
Rainbow Eyes is such a wonderful song to hear and Candice Night’s vocals just might have me growing wings and flying through the sky… in my Secret Voyage dreams that is. Taking a Rainbow classic, such as Rainbow Eyes from the 1978 album Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll and covering it this way is certainly a musically credible move by Ritchie Blackmore, in my Metal opinion.
The liner notes to Secret Voyage characterize the music created by Blackmore’s Night as Renaissance/Folk/Rock and I won’t disagree. What should be conveyed here to all, is this style of music should not be judged until it is heard. Anytime the words “Folk” or “Renaissance” come into view of a Rock/Hard Rock or Heavy Metal platform such as Metal Odyssey, it can become quite deceptive. Music genres unfortunately can fall victim to stereotyping, sad but true.
In listening to Blackmore’s Night, I have become all the more rich in my quest for hearing all the great works of Ritchie Blackmore. The elements and styles of music heard from Blackmore’s Night are not worlds apart compared to that of early Rainbow and many of the works of Yngwie J. Malmsteen. I can even go further by adding in TheElectric Light Orchestra or The Moody Blues as well, when it comes to stylistic comparisons.
Can’t Help Falling In Love is easily guilty of being the “heaviest” song on Secret Voyage, with both it’s tempo and overall energy of sound. Trust me, this is not the molasses sweet and teary eyed original version of Can’t Help Falling In Love made famous and sung by the unreal legendary Elvis Presley in the 1961 film – Blue Hawaii. Forget the UB40 cover version of this song as well… for Candice Night and Ritchie Blackmore make Can’t Help Falling In Love an upbeat, Rockin’ and inspirational listen, like it has never been done before.
The Renaissance fair kicks into high gear with the song – Peasant’s Promise. Once again, the music shares center stage with Candice Night’s vocals. As I listen to this song, I surely wish I owned and could play a shawm, so I could bounce around my surroundings while I gleefully take part in this Renaissance Folk euphoria that I’m experiencing. I’m not kidding or being a wise-guy here. The more I listen to Secret Voyage, the more I wonder as to why this album did not win one of those coveted Grammy’s? Politics I reason.
Far Far Away has a tinge of Enya “style” background chorus/vocals, which only enhances the sensory backdrop of this earthy fortified song. Very mellow, very soft are the vocals of Candice Night on Empty Words… coupled with the acoustic magic that resonates from Ritchie’s guitar are enough to make my Metal heart melt, like a slab of butter on an open fire. Hey Celine Dion… I have two words for you… Candice Night. Metal be thy name.
Guitar enthusiasts, Rainbow and Ritchie Blackmore fans should already be in the know with Blackmore’s Night. Fans of Folk, Renaissance Folk/Rock may very well become enriched with the sounds of Secret Voyage. Any Old School Metalhead like myself, that has a spot in their Metal heart for the guitar greats of our generation, might just take a dive into Blackmore’s Night and fall victim to this living legend’s guitar once again. Ritchie Blackmore and Candice Night come across to my ears as two musicians who were born to be together, not only as husband and wife, as Blackmore’s Night as well.
* Blackmore’s Night – Secret Voyage was released on July 15, 2008, on Steamhammer/SPV. Secret Voyage is the seventh studio album from Blackmore’s Night.
* For more info on Ritchie Blackmore, Candice Night and Blackmore’s Night, just click on the link below:
RUDOLF SCHENKER – Born on August 31, 1948, Rudolf Schenker turns a Rockin’ cool… 62! Tuesday, August 31, 2010, is Rudolf Schenker day at Metal Odyssey! Happy Birthday Rudolf! Metal Odyssey wishes you all the very best in your Metal endeavors on your birthday! May all the peace, love and good health be with you always!
Words cannot express, just how much your music with the Scorpions has meant to me, during my whole life.
* Pictured in above Scorpions photo, left to right: Pawel Maciwoda, Klaus Meine, Matthias Jabs, James Kottak and the birthday dude… Rudolf Schenker!
* On June 27, 2010, I posted about my Rockin’ experience seeing the Scorpions live at the 2010 M3 Rock Festival. Click on the big ol’ link below to read about it if you like:
SANTANA – I am guilty of associating many songs, albums and even bands/musicians to a certain season of the year. In the past, I wrote that RUSH is my Winter band… a band I turn to when I’m driving in snowstorms. Maybe the whole music imbedding “thing” comes into play here. When I used to live in Northwestern Connecticut, the snowstorms were very generous and very consistent, couple that with RUSH being a super HUGE band in that area of the world and maybe the exposure factor really left it’s mark with me.
Come Wintertime, it just felt as if FM stations played RUSH every 5 minutes while I was growing up, in very expensive Connecticut. Therefore, I gather that all the parameters were lining up for my RUSH/Winter imbedding many years ago.
I led with my RUSH and Wintertime “vibe” (as I’ll now call it), to introduce what is my Summertime “vibe” band… or musician… take your pick for it’s Santana. Yes, we all know that Santana is an exemplary musician and yes, Santana has always had a fabulous band behind him, (the original Santana band lineup is in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame). Therefore, referring to Santana as either a band or musician can go both ways. Now, if you want to get picky, I can say… Carlos Santana, the exemplary and legendary guitarist. I’ll just stick to “Santana” and hopefully we can all agree.
Since I was a young lad, Santana always had an open sound to his guitar tone… a feeling of sunny days and hot weather just seems to drift over me when I hear him play. Driving to the beach comes to mind each time I listen to Black Magic Woman. This song has me seeing visions of ocean waves slapping against the hot sand of the beach, while I feel my feet burrowing into the deeper depths of the cool sand. Black Magic Woman has always been a Summer chill-out song for me… so listening to it while driving in a snowstorm would ruin it’s ambiance, in my own mind.
Santana can tell a story with his guitar, having a lead vocalist on his songs proves to be a bonus for my ears. If there ever was a song that Santana speaks that mystical guitar language through his playing, it is Black Magic Woman. Captivating is the word.
Back in the Summer of 1999, my wife was expecting with our twin daughters… and so was I expecting too. We were on the threshold of a forever life changing event, the birth of our daughters with a target date of late September. That Summer of ’99 was extremely hot and humid… abnormally humid as the “weather experts” were saying back then. (You know those “weather experts”… they get it right every time). One album that kept my wife and I from going bananas during that period in our lives was… Santana – Supernatural.
As Metal as my witness, this Santana album chilled us out, as well as it lifted our spirits and made us feel very comfortable… on our journey to becoming first time parents. This Supernatural album just cast a magical spell on us… we would listen each day and night to those Summer Grooves and melodies of Santana’s guitar and be glad we did. Our favorite song from Supernatural was of course, Smooth, with Rob Thomas on lead vocals. That song is a quintessential Summertime Santana song if there ever was one. The music video for Smooth was a hit back in ’99 too… it radiates Summertime cool in the city streets.
It has gotten to the point, that when I see a photo of Carlos Santana, I think of Summer. Carlos “Summertime” Santana. Gee Metal whiz… it’s just me I guess. The same can be said for Jimmy Buffet, only equating Summertime and the ocean to Jimmy is way too obvious. Jimmy Buffet is all about songs that stir up images of the Tropics and fun in the Summer sun. However… I can never eat a cheeseburger without thinking of Jimmy Buffet… (I don’t drink Margaritas by the way).
I never want to resist or ignore the positive memories and images that music provides me. Just as I equate a song, album, musician or band to a season, I can equally equate them to specific moments in my life. Santana just happens to be an example of just how good music makes me feel.
* Santana (entire original band), was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 1998.
* For more info on the ever legendary guitarist, songwriter, musician and Rock And Roll Hall Of Famer – Carlos Santana, just click on this link:SANTANA – Official Web Site
* For more info on my favorite Wintertime band, RUSH, click here:RUSHAw, heck, RUSH is a favorite of mine all year long.
KOPEK – Unless you have been on an extended vacation from Rock ‘N’ Roll, you should have heard of a band named KOPEK by now. This 3-piece Hard Rock Band comes from the beautiful country of Ireland, with a twist… they are redefining what Modern Hard Rock sounds like. I’ve even thrown the adjective of “special” at KOPEK, that’s how serious I am about their debut album – White Collar Lies. This KOPEK gem had it’s U.S. digital release on June 29, 2010 and a forthcoming physical release on September 14, 2010, on Religion Music via SIN/Sony Music Independent Network.
KOPEK’S three musicians;Daniel Jordan, (lead vocals & guitar), Brad Kinsella, (bass guitar) and Shane Cooney, (drums), probably should brace themselves for what’s ahead… and that’s plenty of Rock ‘N’ Roll attention this side of the Atlantic. O.k., worldwide Rock ‘N’ Roll attention too. Yes… KOPEK’S Hard Rock sound is that good, with a vibe of newness spilling out from every crevice, lending for cool accessibility that peeks in at the mainstream.
Lead vocalist and guitarist Daniel Jordan recently took a few moments from his stacked schedule to talk to Metal Odyssey about KOPEK, White Collar Lies, the new Love Is Dead video and what bands would be very cool to tour with, amongst other Rockin’ discussion. Dan’s polite demeanor and nonexistent ego will only carry KOPEK and himself to greater acceptance and respectability. Here is what Dan had to say:
Stone: How did the sound of KOPEK’S brand of Rock evolve? Was there ever a period of time for experimentation?
Dan: We’re actually experimenting more now as a band. As a three piece it can be so basic and we try new ways and new tricks to make the sound better. With our album, it’s a solid three piece base. When we were younger, we did play in different bands, with different set-ups.
Stone: I have written that KOPEK can really play like their lives depend on it. Do the three of you realize just how great White Collar Lies sounds and feels?
Dan: I suppose it has grown on us a bit, not as a product but as a finished piece of work we really feel strongly about.
Stone: It’s an amazing album and I can’t stop listening to it!
Dan: Thanks, I appreciate that!
Stone: How important to you, is the message conveyed in your song White Collar Lies?
Dan:Very important. It is something that I feel so strongly about, that it’s enough to write a song for. This song is about people at the top making bad decisions, that eventually affect us people below. A number of years ago I wrote this song. Now it’s on our album as well as the album title.
Stone: Writing the song White Collar Lies years ago and it is such a strong song today. That shows just how relevant this song’s theme is. Just watching the nightly or cable news makes me shake my head at all the corruption that is happening around me.
Dan: It goes to show nothing really changes. Your not the only country where this stuff happens, we have the same thing going on in Ireland too, it’s going on everywhere.
Stone: Floridian, besides it’s melodic up-tempo, has emotional lyrics that you resonate in such a fantastic way. What’s the influence behind Floridian?
Dan: It’s a love song, yet I don’t want to say it just that way. It can be a song for a friend. Floridian is about creating something new, to give a new kind of meaning to what you want. Floridian is about an object of desire. It’s also a need as well I suppose.
Stone: Love Is Dead is an absolute hot hit, both song and video! Did you guys get to choose the model for this music video?
Dan: It was out of our hands, although the lads did a good job!
Stone: You bet they did! (laughs)
Dan:Oh yeah! (laughs)
Stone: Did you have a good time making the video?
Dan: It was lot’s of fun! This song is so good lyrically to sing. Johann, the director, did an excellent job in creating the tattoos appearing on the nude. Love Is Dead is all about Rock ‘N’ Roll excess and is definitely a great song for us.
Stone: There really are so many songs on White Collar Lies that can be tagged as a hit single. I am blown away by Fever!
Dan: Fever has good kinds of memories for me. We went to L.A. on a self financed trip and stopped by Crazy Girls. Fever was born out of that situation, it was just a good time we had there at Crazy Girls!
Stone: Did you like L.A. itself?
Dan:Oh yeah! We like New York City as well, it’s really easier to get around there.
Stone: Coming from Ireland, how much of an influence is U2, if any at all, to KOPEK?
Dan: We were into their earlier albums, listened to Achtung Baby and Zooropa. U2 opened boundaries for younger bands and musicians in Ireland. They opened up a whole new musical ground for us too.
Stone: Does having the backing of Religion Music Group, coupled with Sony Music Independent Network, elevate your desire and confidence as a band?
Dan: KOPEK has been together for a few years now, so we do our thing regardless. There is a level of confidence we share, all the way through our career as a band. We travelled all around the world as a band beforehand. Still, it’s good to know there is money to record albums behind us. Sony, to have them on board in America is great for us.
Stone: Is a North American tour in the near future for KOPEK?
Dan: I hope so! We are very anxious to get over there to America. The crowds in America are so responsive to our music. America is the first place on our list for a tour! Our fans can keep checking the web for news on a tour, maybe in a couple of months or so we’ll know something.
Stone: What bands would you want to tour with in North America?
Dan: AC/DC! Them Crooked Vultures! Bruce Springsteen!
Stone: That’s a pretty cool and diverse list.
Dan: We listen to a little of everything.
Stone: Describe the general state of Rock ‘N’ Roll in Ireland today.
Dan: The heavier or Rocky stuff is not prominent. Indie and lighter sounding bands are on the radio.
Stone: Gee whiz.
Dan: The U.K. is where it would be at for bands that are heavier. A few bands can make it out of Ireland but it’s not many and not easy.
Stone: If you could pick a guest musician for the second KOPEK album, who would it be and why?
Dan: Jimmy Page. I love the work he does on guitar and his knowledge of music. To me, there is no one else like him. Led Zeppelin is a huge influence on KOPEK’S sound as a three piece.
Stone: Thanks Dan for sharing your time and thoughts. Good luck to KOPEK on your new album! Tell Brad and Shane, Stone says hey.
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
Metal Odyssey's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"
Metal Odyssey > Heavy Metal Music Blog 
You must be logged in to post a comment.