Graspop Metal Meeting – After taking a look at the band lineup for this Metal festival, I am blown away! I wish this festival was in the U.S. and in my Metal reach. Whoa and Metal be thy name.
This very, very, very, very cool Metal festival will be held in Dessel (Belgium) from June 22nd to June 24th, 2012.
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* For more info on GRASPOP METAL MEETING, click link below!
LONG LIVE METAL.
Stone.
69 Chambers – Anhedonia is yet another grand song from the new (sophomore) album by 69 Chambers which is titled: Torque. Nina’s vocals I find irresistible, coupled with 69 Chambers modern and hard-edged sound. If you’re looking to buy a new Heavy Music album this week, I strongly suggest picking up Torque.
This band is not following trends, instead they are creating some refreshingly Heavy Rock that should garner them widespread appeal across many Rock genres. Take a look and listen to Anhedonia below and let the music of 69 Chambers take control! (Hey… that rhymed).
* Torque was released on April 27th, 2012, via Massacre Records.
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Nina Vetterli-Treml – bass & vocals
Tommy Vetterli – guitar
Diego Rapacchietti – drums
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(Source: Massacre Records)
* For more info on 69 CHAMBERS, click on the links below!
http://www.twitter.com/69chambers
http://www.soundcloud.com/69-chambers
http://www.massacre-records.com
LONG LIVE 69 CHAMBERS.
Stone.
LACUNA COIL – Back on January 24th, the sixth studio album, Dark Adrenaline, from Italy’s Lacuna Coil was released, via Century Media. This album was also released two days before my birthday, therefore, I did buy it that week as a gift to myself. I’ve enjoyed Dark Adrenaline a great Metal deal; below are 9 Quick & Easy Reasons as to why you should buy this new Lacuna Coil release for yourself. Or… buy it for a friend. A cool friend.
Quick & Easy Reason #1 – This album lyrically is dark, like its title states. The mood is dark. The vibes are dark. LACUNA COIL is at their best when they are… DARK. Plus, dark is… Metal.
Quick & Easy Reason #2 – Cristina Scabbia and Andrea Ferro are once again, as complete a singing duo as there has ever been, in the history of Rock. Period. What would you rather listen to? Neil Diamond and Barbara Streisand singing You Don’t Bring Me Flowers? That song would have been cool if not for Streisand, by the way.
Quick & Easy Reason #3 – Back to Cristina Scabbia and Andrea Ferro: Their trading off vocal harmonies and their occasional aggression makes for the straw that stirs this Lacuna Coil drink.
Quick & Easy Reason #4 – Totality of musicianship. Hey, look! Quality musicianship! I couldn’t expect anything less from this band.
Quick & Easy Reason #5 – For an accessibly heavy album, Dark Adrenaline has shown the Metal world, that once again, Lacuna Coil can be both a mainstream and back alley darling of a Metal band; appealing to a cross-section of Heavy Rock genres. Yes, Lacuna Coil is a Metal band with subtle and not so subtle Gothic stylings; they surely can’t be taking Air Supply out on tour with them anytime soon.
Quick & Easy Reason #6 – Dark Adrenaline flows with its melodic ride of hard and heavy songs. It’s a flow that comes across so natural, that once this album ends, it’s practically a let-down that there was no warning it would end. Lacuna Coil didn’t have to go over the edge with being any heavier… if they did, then some weirdo would write they were trying to copy KITTIE. Or… something like that. KITTIE Rocks my brains out and I’m grateful for it, by the way.
Quick & Easy Reason #7 – Lacuna Coil’s cover of Losing My Religion from the legendary R.E.M., for all Metal intents and purposes… steals the whole dark show. Really. Lacuna Coil took this 1991 Alternative Rock classic and made it their Metal own in 2012. I honestly love this cover version so much, the original won’t have the same impact on me that it once did. A double dose of Metal be thy name.
Quick & Easy Reason #8 – My Spirit. Lacuna Coil wrote and dedicated this song for the late and great Peter Steele. Partially sung in Italian, this song is emotionally moving and simply superb. A rightfully selective way to finish off Dark Adrenaline, it is.
Quick & Easy Reason #9 – Sample if you will, then buy Dark Adrenaline. After you listen to this new Lacuna Coil album from beginning to end, you can come back here and thank Stone for recommending it. If you don’t like this album, well… then, there’s always an Air Supply Greatest Hits for sale somewhere for you.
Cristina Scabbia – Vocals
Andrea Ferro – Vocals
Marco “Maki” Coti-Zelati – Bass
Cristiano “Pizza” Migliore – Guitars
Marco ‘Maus’ Biazzi – Guitars
Cristiano ‘CriZ’ Mozzati – Drums
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Trip The Darkness
Against You
Kill The Light
Give Me Something More
Upsidedown
End Of Time
I Don’t Believe In Tomorrow
Intoxicated
The Army Inside
Losing My Religion
Fire
My Spirit
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* For more info on LACUNA COIL, click on the links below!
http://www.twitter.com/lacuna_coil
LONG LIVE LACUNA COIL.
Stone.
After many harrowing months of delays, disruptions, natural disasters and narrowly thwarted assassination attempts, the bastards in VISE MASSACRE are proud to finally be unleashing their self-financed debut LP through their new online store.
Having recently received the wax attack of their Expendable Humans full-length from the pressing plant, VISE MASSACRE redesigned their website with a gnarly new online store heavily supplied with tons of fresh new threads and urban battle gear in addition to both the vinyl and digital versions of the new album. Support D.I.Y. Metal/Hardcore and stock up RIGHT HERE.
With the LP now in-hand, VISE MASSACRE will comb the lands for live opportunities throughout the tri-state and beyond with more heavy tour action in the planning stages for later in the Summer. Several shows have been confirmed and more are being locked down now, including an Earsplit PR showcase at Lit Lounge in NYC on June 18th…
Expendable Humans is streaming in its beastly, nihilistic entirety via METAL UNDERGROUND.
5/26/2012 Tommy’s Tavern – Brooklyn, NY w/ Parakeets, Respect, All The Heathers Are Dying
6/18/2012 Lit Lounge – New York, NY @ Earsplit PR throwdown
7/07/2012 Elks Lodge – Glen Cove, NY
7/15/2012 Saint Vitus – Brooklyn, NY
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(Source: Earsplit PR)
http://facebook.com/ViseMassacre
http://twitter.com/visemassacre
LONG LIVE VICE MASSACRE.
Stone.
LOVE.MIGHT.KILL are currently working on their second album.
The album’s once again produced by Michael Ehré, while Markus Teske is responsible for the mix and the mastering in his Bazement-Studios.
The band has already announced the title of the record: “2 Big 2 Fail”.
Besides the title track, the album will feature song titles like “XTC”, “Burn The Night” and “The One”.
“2 Big 2 Fail” is set to be released in autumn 2012 via Massacre Records.
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(Source: Massacre Records)
* For more info on LOVE.MIGHT.KILL, click on the links below!
http://www.massacre-records.com
LONG LIVE LOVE.MIGHT.KILL
Stone.
TRIUMPH Stages – Double Live Album (Front Cover)
TRIUMPH – Digging through bins of used vinyl gives me an adrenaline rush like no other. I love it. This past Friday (May 11th) I went to an antiques mall and headed straight to the used records. The dealer that stocks these used records is a nice guy and from my experience talking to him, he knows about the history of Rock ‘N Roll. Everything from Buddy Holly to Iron Maiden picture discs are for sale from this dealer and his inventory is enormous. Hundreds of 45’s, cassettes, CD’s and even some 8-tracks are also available here.
As I stared gleefully at a Samantha Fox picture disc, from the corner of my eye I saw a bin of albums that gave me that special vibe. No, I didn’t buy the Samantha Fox picture disc; I probably would have if it was a buck or two. Alright, back to that bin of special vibes. There was (just about) every album from Krokus in it; only the condition of the albums were nasty. Heavy Metal albums aren’t that abundant from this dealer and it’s probably due to the steady foot traffic of other collectors that I’ve seen there… all looking for the heavy stuff.
TRIUMPH Stages – (Gatefold)
As I pulled this Triumph album from this magic bin of vinyl, I actually began to mutter aloud: Triumph! Stages! Double Vinyl! As I admired the excellent condition of the album jacket, I opened up the gatefold and knew I was holding a gem. The wear on this album jacket is normal and the original gloss is still, for the most part, ever-present. Both albums have played just fine and that’s the icing on the Metal cake for me! This Triumph double live album cost me $6 (U.S.) and I was more than happy to pay it.
TRIUMPH Stages was released back in 1985, on MCA Records. This album definitely belongs in my collection, especially on vinyl. From Classic Rock to Heavy Metal fans, Triumph has a widespread appeal with their fantastic catalog of albums. Stages makes for a great start to new Triumph fans, lending as both a live and greatest hits album. This album ROCKS like there is no tomorrow and I couldn’t be more honest than that.
TRIUMPH Stages – (Back Cover)
At the top of this back cover, in red lettering reads: “Recorded in various cities on the Allied Forces, Never Surrender and Thunder Seven Tours, 1981 to 1985.”
As a surprise bonus to this purchase; the original Triumph Stages merchandise sheet was inside one of the record sleeves! This sheet is in impeccable condition and makes for a Rockin’ conversation item.
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Rik Emmett – guitars & vocals
Mike Levine – bass & keyboards
Gil Moore – drums & vocals
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(All songs are live, except where noted)
Side One:
When The Lights Go Down
Never Surrender
Allied Forces
Hold On
Side Two:
Magic Power
Rock And Roll Machine
Lay It On The Line
Side Three:
A World Of Fantasy
Druh Mer Selbo
Midsummer’s Daydream
Spellbound/Follow Your Heart
Side Four:
Fight The Good Fight
Mind Games – (Studio Track)
Empty Inside – (Studio Track)
_________________________________
LONG LIVE TRIUMPH.
Stone.
Photo Credit: Jimmy Hubbard
May 14, 2012, Philadelphia – Baroness are giving fans an early listen to music from the eagerly anticipated new album, Yellow & Green (July 17, Relapse Records) with new song, “Take My Bones Away,” posted today on the band’s website (www.baronessmusic.com), YouTube (http://youtu.be/PZKPpeuHvJk) and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/YourBaroness/app_178091127385) pages.
“Take My Bones Away” will be available via iTunes on May 15. Pre-orders for Yellow & Green are currently available via http://bit.ly/BaronessYellowGreen.
Baroness, who are currently on a North American tour with Meshuggah, have also announced their first round of European tour dates in support of Yellow & Green which includes stops at the Roskilde and Oya Festivals.
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w/Meshuggah through May 23
May 15 Chicago, IL House of Blues
May 16 Detroit, MI St. Andrew’s Hall
May 17 Toronto, ON Sound Academy
May 18 Philadelphia, PA Theatre of Living Arts
May 19 Worcester, MA Palladium
May 20 Montreal, QC Olympia de Montreal
May 22 Silver Spring, MD The Fillmore
May 23 New York, NY Terminal 5
July 01 Helsinki, Finland Tuska Open Air
July 03 Gothenburg, Sweden Sticky Fingers *
July 04 Stockholm, Sweden Debasser Slussen *
July 60 Roskilde, Denmark Roskilde Festival
July 15 Dour, Belgium Dour Festival
July 25 Wiesbaden, Germany Raucherkammer *
July 28 Florence, Italy Viper Theatre *
July 30 Milan, Italy Civic Arena
August 1 Vienna, Austria Chelsea
August 4 Katowice, Poland Off Festival
August 5 Berlin, Germany Magnet *
August 6 Hamburg, Germany Logo *
August 9 Oslo, Norway Oya Festival
August 17 – 19 Luedinghausen, Germany Area4
August 18 Leipzig, Germany Highfield Festival
September 6 Raleigh, NC Hopscotch Music Festival
* indicates headlining show. More dates to come.
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(Source: Speakeasy PR & Marketing)
* For more info on BARONESS, click on the links below!
LONG LIVE BARONESS.
Stone.
Greyhaze Records is proud to announce the formation and signing of brand new Death Metal act WARFATHER, a devastating new unit conceived by ex-Morbid Angel gladiator Steve Tucker!
In a statement on what Metal fans are to expect from WARFATHER, Tucker stated: “This is my new band; it will be my main focus…. it is my kind of Death Metal.” Having been known for his vocal and bass skills in all of his previous acts, while still holding down vocal duties here, Tucker has moved on to guitar with this project. “I have always played the guitar and I think now is the time for me to make the move. I think doing solos and extra guitar parts will allow me to express myself in a whole new way!”
Also on guitars is Armatura, formerly of Cincinnati-based Death Metal band Dominion. Recruited to the drum kit is Deimos, a Death Metal veteran currently playing in the band Temple and also having played with bands such as Severe Torture. The bass is dispatched by Nick McMaster (Krallice, Nader Sadek, Castevet). Additional guitar contributions will be tracked by friends of WARFATHER, which include many notable Death Metal stalwarts; full details will be announced shortly.
WARFATHER are currently in the final stages of tracking the yet-to-be-titled album, with mixing to take place immediately after. Tucker himself is producing the entire release, as he did for the 2011-released Nader Sadek album In the Flesh, which Tucker also performed on. The artwork is in the final stages as well, and will be unveiled shortly, along with the details on the album, which is being slated for release this Fall. Upon its’ release, WARFATHER will take their battle to the highways of the planet on tour in support of the album.
After starting out as vocalist/bassist for Death/Thrash act Ceremony, Steve Tucker moved on to handle bass and vocals on Morbid Angel’s infamous Formulas Fatal to the Flesh, Gateways to Annihilation and Heretic LPs. In 2009 Tucker was recruited to take part in the Nader Sadek album In the Flesh for release through then brand new label Greyhaze Records and licensed to Season of Mist Records. The project also featured Flo Mounier (Cryptopsy), Rune Eriksen (Mayhem, Ava Inferi) and more. During this time Tucker struck up a great relationship with Greyhaze Records, and together they decided to bring the reality of WARFATHER to fruition.
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(Source: Earsplit PR)
* For more info on WARFATHER, click on the links below!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Steven-Tucker/153640528038846
http://www.greyhazerecords.com
http://www.facebook.com/greyhazerecords
LONG LIVE STEVE TUCKER.
LONG LIVE WARFATHER.
Stone.
Download the first single of RHAPSODY, entitled DARK FATE OF ATLANTIS (extracted from the album ASCENDING TO INFINITY to be released on JUNE 22 by NUCLEAR BLAST), in its original album version of 6:29 minutes and as high quality MP3, for FREE.
This complete version of the song features a longer intro, a longer guitar solo and an additional keyboard solo performed by Luca Turilli. The cover artwork of the single was realized once again by Felipe Machado Franco.
To download DARK FATE OF ATLANTIS for FREE click on the following link: http://www.nuclearblast.de/gratisdownload/index.php?link_kampagne=Rhapsody-DarkFateOfAtlantis
To watch the official video of the song (shorter edited video version) click here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFqOkq8ta8U
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Stone Says: I downloaded Dark Fate Of Atlantis! Symphonic, operatic, layered, exquisite keyboards, Neo-Classical guitar and it’s… METAL! Metal be thy name.
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(Source: Nuclear Blast News)
* For more info on RHAPSODY, click on the link below!
LONG LIVE LUCA TURILLI’S RHAPSODY.
Stone.
Album release date: 07-13-12 via Massacre Records
With the publication of the cover artwork and the whole track list, Stuttgart’s Sleaze Metal band Helldorados are giving an inside look into their debut album that will be released on July 13th. The internationally known artist and Unesco prize winner Timo Wuerz is responsible for the design.
After just signing a worldwide recording contract with the Traditional Heavy Metal label Massacre Records in March, Helldorades were able to win another high-quality partner: the artist and comic draftsman Timo Wuerz. “We have gotten to know Timo Wuerz by accident at an art and commerce congress. Between all of the geeks he looked more like us,“ claims Helldorados singer Pierre. At the same time they discovered many things they have in common, the love for rock music and art.“Moreover, we both grew up in the same small town. That probably connects“ complements Pierre, smiling. At the age of 14 Timo Wuerz already had his first exhibition, at the age of 20 he published his first album Aaron and Baruch.
Today he lives in Hamburg and is responsible for dozens of comics and books, among others Marvel, and for the creation of films, shows, theme parks, architecture, stamps, toys, posters and CD covers. The works of the Unesco prizewinner can also be seen in international galleries and museums, for example, in the museum of modern art, New York.
Pierre – Vocals
Chris – Drums
Steve – Guitar
Gunnar – Bass
From February to April Helldorados spent time in the famous Horus Sound Studios in Hannover to record their album. A total of 12 pieces of music were created for the self entitled album. It was produced under the direction of Mirko Hofmann who already took up the four songs strong promotional EP a year ago. ELOY frontman and founder of the Horus Sound Studios, Frank Bornemann, acted as “a godfather”.
The result is musically versatile, somewhere between Metallica, Hardcore Superstar, the old Scorpions and ABBA. The track list reads as follows:
01. IN THE BEGINNING
02. NEVER GONNA STOP
03. YOU LIVE, YOU LEARN, YOU DIE
04. GO TO HELL
05. CHANGES
06. SHOUT OUT
07. HUNTER
08. DOUBLE DEALER
09. GONE
10. TORTURE IS MY NAME
11. GIRLS
12. GOT LAID
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(Source: Massacre Records)
* For more info on HELLDORADOS, click on the links below!
http://www.massacre-records.com
LONG LIVE HELLDORADOS.
Stone.
I am writing this open letter to all Hard Rock & Heavy Metal legends for legitimate reasons. 1. I respect any legend of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal; these said “legends” are those who have pioneered, innovated and paved the way for our beloved Heavy Music to exist in 2012.. 2. I want these said legends to understand that this fan is fed up with some of these legends forgetting their roots.
Broadway albums. Humorous books on personal health. Scripted Reality Television Shows. Lulu. Judging a Pop-crap, televised singing contest. Performing on the same Pop-crap, televised singing contest; one which has discovered only one legitimate Rock/Hard Rock superstar known as Chris Daughtry. These legends know who they are. It appears that once you’ve been elevated to Hollywood superstar status, the old school roots are no longer looked upon as anything more than a lost chapter in these legends autobiographies.
We’re not talking about a Metal legend making a Rock album here or creating fine art, nor is this about my not liking artistic diversity; instead, this is about decisions that are being made by prominent figures in Heavy Music, which essentially affect the long-standing integrity of their being… real.
There are fans out there that do give a shit. I’m one of them. It’s just like being a pro athlete; when is enough suitcases of millions enough? Legends of Heavy Music must understand: you don’t have to accept every lame-ass and mainstream offer that comes your way. These same legends of Heavy Music that used to write, sing and preach about “not taking any bullshit from the man” are the same ones who are being manipulated by the man today. That “man” is the almighty Hollywood dollar and mainstream popularity contest.
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Whatever happened to keeping it real? Staying true? Sure, I will write about some mellow albums here on Metal Odyssey once in a great while… only they are not so far out of the realm that it causes me embarrassment. These legends have to understand, there are fans out there who are not going to like everything you stamp your name on. That’s it. That’s reality.
I’ve come to the realization, that there is enormous truth about forgetting where you came from. I’ll never forget where I came from. Hell no. I turn down requests to review Pop albums on a weekly basis. Why? I’m keeping it F’n real; to both myself and the visitors to Metal Odyssey. I’ll acknowledge when a Pop legend passes away, I feel it’s the right thing to do. I do listen to a cornucopia of music. Still, I’m not jumping onto every popular bandwagon that chugs into town either, unlike some of these legends are doing.
In the end, is it any of my F’n business as to what any Legend of Heavy Music does with their respective fame and fortune? No and yes. No, due to this is a free society in America and capitalism reigns. Each man and woman for themselves. Yes, cause I’ve been suckered after decades of thinking that some of these legends were “really” street and against the same plastic people they are now making a fortune with. Make no mistake, there are countless Heavy Music legends out there that are keeping it real and won’t jump at every dumb-ass offer that’s left on their voice mail.
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They don’t make them like Cronos of Venom anymore. You’d never see that legend cow-tow to any moron who doesn’t give a rats ass about Metal. The morons are out there looking for our Heavy Music legends, to make millions on their “name” (a means to an end) and haven’t a clue about Hard Rock or Heavy Metal history.
It’s just like the iconic AC/DC song: MONEY TALKS. It’s like the legendary TESTAMENT song: Practice What You Preach. In this case, it’s practice what you used to preach. Just as the legendary Dee Snider of Twisted Sister once riveted my Metal soul with We’re Not Gonna Take It… well… I’m not taking it. I’m also not buying it. Metal be thy name.
LONG LIVE KEEPING HARD ROCK & METAL REAL.
Stone.
Italy’s Dark Metal Band, GRAVEWORM, will be embarking on an European tour this coming Autumn! The Fragments Of Death Tour 2012! GRAVEWORM’s special guests will be: Agathodamion, Hellsaw & Kadavrik. Check out the dates and venues below to see if the Fragments Of Death Tour will be near you!
08.11.12 (DE) Hamburg – Ballroom
09.11.12 (DE) Oberhausen – Helvete
10.11.12 (NL) Kerkrade – Rock Temple
11.11.12 (DE) Berlin – K 17
12.11.12 (CZ) Prag – Exite Club
13.11.12 (DE) München – Backstage Club
14.11.12 (CH) Pratteln – Z7
15.11.12 (DE) Siegburg – Kubana
16.11.12 (DE) Rostock – Alte Zuckerfabrik
17.11.12 (DE) Erfurt – Club Centrum
18.11.12 (NL) Rotterdam – Baroeg
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(Source: Nuclear Blast News)
* For more info on GRAVEWORM, click on the link below!
LONG LIVE GRAVEWORM.
Stone.
CHAOS THEORY are going to release their debut album through Massacre Records!
The band from Italy has signed a record deal with us and will release their debut album “Bio-Death” in late June!
The band was formed in autumn 2009 by guitarist Giovanni and drummer Michele. Vocalist Claudio, bassist Daniele and the other guitarist Davide joined the line-up and they soon recorded their first self-titled demo, which was released in 2010.
Daniele left the band during the recordings of their upcoming album. This had no effect on the quality of the album. Multi-instrumentalist Maurizio Fracchetti, who is also responsible for the mix and mastering, stepped in as bassist on “Bio-Death”. CHAOS THEORY are still looking for a bassist, though.
Watch out for CHAOS THEORY, ’cause they’re playing fucking hard and fucking heavy!
Claudio Peterlini – Vocals
Giovanni Spagnolli – Lead Guitar
Davide Benedetti – Lead Guitar
Michele Finadri – Drums
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(Source: Massacre Records)
* For more info on CHAOS THEORY, click on the links below!
www.facebook.com/pages/Chaos-Theory/190885467591902
http://www.myspace.com/ChaosTheoryThrash
http://www.massacre-records.com
LONG LIVE CHAOS THEORY.
Stone.
This could the ultimate NY Death Metal package of all time. INCANTATION are teaming up with their long-time friends IMMOLATION for a series of dates in Brazil.
Guitarist Alexander Bouks and band founder John McEntee (FUNERUS) commented: “This is going to be some historical shows to be sharing the stage with our longtime brothers in Immolation. We are ready to devastate the Brazilian Metal legions with our Death Metal darkness.”
John added : ‘”Yes it will be great. It’s always an honor to play for them, there are many true Death Metal Incantation supporters in Brazil.
July 5th – Curitiba, Brazil @ Hangar Bar
July 6th – Belo Horizont, Brazil @ Music Hall
July 7th – São José do Rio Preto, Brazil @ Avalanche Metalfest
July 8th – São Paulo, Brazil @ Hangar 110
July 9th – Porto Alegre, Brazil @ Beco
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INCANTATION are currently completing the songwriting process for their forthcoming album to be released later this year.
Watch INCANTATION’s video below for “Dying Divinity” (with former bassist Joe Lombard who sadly passed away earlier this year, RIP).
________________________________________________________
(Source: ClawHammer PR)
* For more info, click on the links below!
http://www.facebook.com/immolation
LONG LIVE INCANTATION & IMMOLATION.
Rest In Peace, Joe Lombard.
Stone.
Another week, another Metal dollar (or many Metal dollars) spent on paying bills and taxes. Expendable income is something I always try to handle with care. I like looking for deals when shopping for Metal. Finding a cool buy makes Stone a happy dude. The top photo of PANTERA 1990 – 2000 A Decade Of Domination proved to be my Metal surprise buy of the week.
I paid $5 (U.S. funds) for this PANTERA CD, at my local Super Walmart. A (10 song) greatest hits of PANTERA at 50 cents per song! Whoa. I already have these iconic PANTERA songs, still the “Only At Walmart” sticker on the wrapper made the completist collector side of me make the buy. Having this CD handy and at the ready has served me right.
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Is it just me or does that Honda Odyssey commercial that plays The Hellion from the ultra-legendary Judas Priest rub you the wrong way? This commercial has been aired for over a year (it seems) and it takes the air out of a Metal classic, in my Metal opinion.
The Hellion is a psyche-you-out intro that leads into the (also) Metal classic: Electric Eye. Just the mass commercialization of The Hellion hasn’t sat right with me ever since I first saw this commercial. I guess it’s what you call: money talks.
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Speaking of selling out… Aerosmith will be playing live, on the season finale of American Idol. This season finale will be aired on May 23rd, on the Fox network. Money and mammoth publicity reigns. I truly miss 70’s Aerosmith.
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Scott Coverdale (Best Metal Buddy and Metal Odyssey correspondent) brought to my attention what the legendary Dee Snider is up to. You see, Scott and I both consider Dee Snider as a True American Metal Hero. Nothing shall ever change this mindset for us. With that said, I’m a bit bewildered as to Dee Snider’s current album project. Well… here is what Dee Snider is up to:
Dee Does Broadway. Metal be thy name. Metal be thy name… again. I’m thinking of that classic Cinderella song right about now. Which Cinderella song? Somebody Save Me.
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Apocalyptic Love from SLASH – Featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators will be released on May 22nd, 2012. I will buy this CD. Hopefully I can land it for around $10 at (you guessed it) Super Walmart. Best Buy will surely have it. Target won’t have it. No way. Hell, the Target near me hasn’t yet stocked the new Iron Maiden En Vivo! and that’s startling to say the least. This same Target location has made it a point to stock at least 250 copies of that new Nicki Minaj. Um, make that 500+ copies.
Yes, I did get off topic here. It happens. My closing thought on this new SLASH album is: excellent cover art! The cover art for Apocalyptic Love screams… ROCK ‘N ROLL! Then again, this is SLASH we’re talking about and I don’t think he’d have it any other way.
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Those are my Metal and Rock ‘N Roll Thoughts for Saturday, May 12th, 2012. So let it be Metal written, so let it be Metal told. Metal be thy name.
LONG LIVE ROCK ‘N ROLL & METAL.
Stone.
Episode 7 of That Metal Show’s tenth season will air tomorrow and features none other than the Queen of Metal herself, DORO PESCH.
Tune in to VH1 Classic on Saturday night, May 12th, at 8 p.m. PACIFIC / 11 p.m. EASTERN to watch DORO, Billy Duffy, and Ian Astbury of The Cult visit with That Metal Show hosts Eddie Trunk, Don Jamieson, and Jim Florentine.
Catch a sneak-peek of Saturday’s episode here. Check out behind-the-scenes photos (“Recent Images”) at Twitter.com/#!/thatmetalshow.
DORO is busy working on the follow-up to last September’s 25 Years In Rock mammoth 2 DVD/CD set, which has immortalized her 2,500th live concert. Her Raise Your Fist In The Air EP will be released later this year.
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(Source: Earsplit PR)
Keep up with all things DORO at:
http://www.facebook.com/DOROOFFICIAL
http://www.Twitter.com/DOROOFFICIAL
http://www.YouTube.com/DOROOFFICIAL
LONG LIVE DORO.
Stone.
Los Angeles, California-based online metal radio station Kosher Metal have crossed over into the realm of concert promotion. The first Kosher Koncert Series event will take place on Saturday, August 4th 2012 at The Vibe in Riverside, CA – located at 1805 University Ave. This event will be all ages with raffle prizes provided in part by Sam Ash Music, Nuclear Blast Records and RH Merch.
Tickets for the event go on sale Saturday, May 12th at 10am PST via TicketLeap at www.koshermetal.ticketleap.com.
An official trailer for the event can be seen at http://youtu.be/TPEfNQSDRGk.
There is also a compilation available for FREE download that contains one track from each band performing. Performers include: Ana Kefr, Sangre, Nekrogoblikon, Dyer, Awaiting the Apocalypse, Portrait of Gray, Xanthochroid & Head Transfer Process. The compilation can be downloaded via www.koshermetal.bandcamp.com.
Kosher Metal founder, and on-air personality, Max ‘ManJewky’ Wallis had this to say about the new venture: “It feels good to get back in the promoting game. I worked for a major promoter in the Hollywood area for a couple of years and they were some of the most fun years of my life. It’s all part of the all-encompassing passion that is helping local bands get to the next level, the more I can do the happier I am. Of course, it can be very stressful at times… but there’s nothing like seeing a bunch of people having a good time at an event that you created. ”
Kosher Metal is an online radio station that can be heard via the web and most smartphones. It started as a weekly radio program in June 2010 and became a 24 hour operation in April of 2011. Kosher Metal founder and on-air personality, ManJewky, is a graduate of the Music Business Program at Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA.
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(Source: Sundisc PR)
* For more info on KOSHER METAL, click the links below!
www.facebook.com/KosherMetalOfficial
LONG LIVE KOSHER METAL.
Stone.
DISINTEGRATE – There is some kick-to-the-teeth Melodic Death Metal coming from the north of Holland and DISINTEGRATE is bringing it on! Signed to Massacre Records, the forthcoming album from DISINTEGRATE, Parasites of a shifting future, will be released on July 27th, 2012.
Take a look and listen below to the NEW and official music video for Shatter Them. Let the blazing Melodic Death Metal of DISINTEGRATE kick-start your Metal adrenaline for the weekend and beyond! This Dutch Metal pack means Metal business… so crank it up… and… Metal be thy name!
Danny Boonstra – Vocals & Keyboards
Jos Hindriks – Guitars
Leo van Leijen – Guitars
Sander Stegeman – Bass
Joran Dijkstra – Drums
DISINTEGRATE – Parasites of a shifting future
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(Source: Massacre Records)
* For more info on DISINTEGRATE, click on the links below!
www.facebook.com/disintegrateband
www.youtube.com/user/Disintegrateofficial
http://www.massacre-records.com
LONG LIVE DISINTEGRATE.
Stone.
Vesperia formerly known as Bolero as it was previously announced last week are proud to release the title track from their new demo ‘The Swordsman’ as the first of four free downloads set to be unleashed over the month of May.
FREE download at the following link here.
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Vesperia will also be on tour with fellow Metal warriors Crimson Shadows playing the following dates in Ontario.
May 18, 2012 – The Port – Barrie, ON w/ Crimson Shadows, Goliath, The Isosceles Project
June 1, 2012 – The Granite Club – North Bay, ON w/ Crimson Shadows, The Killing Field, Face the Hate, Sign of the Raven
June 2, 2012 – The Serbian Centre – Sudbury, ON w/ Crimson Shadows, Before the Black Gates
June 8, 2012 – The Corktown Pub – Hamilton, ON w/ Crimson Shadows, Deathmarch
June 9, 2012 – Dominion House Tavern – Windsor, ON w/ Crimson Shadows, Aeron’s Wake, Final Stage, Nepenthe
June 22, 2012 – The Atria – Oshawa, ON w/ Crimson Shadows
June 29, 2012 – The Brass Monkey – Ottawa, ON w/ Sonburst, Crimson Shadows, Signs of Chaos
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Morgan Rider – vocals, bass & keys
Tim Ferriman – guitar, vocals & mandolin
Casey Elliot – guitar
Cory Hofing – drums
1. The Swordsman 04:42
2. Huntress 03:28
3. To Times End We Ride 07:47
4. A Silence Prolonging (In Longing) 04:58
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ABOUT VESPERIA: After several months of deep thinking and more than half a decade of live shows, line-up changes and the constant shake-ups in the music industry, the four musicians behind Bolero decided it was time for a big move – a change in name and mentality. Ladies, gentlemen and metal Vikings, we present to you, VESPERIA formerly known as Bolero.
Continuing to derive influences from thrash, black metal and traditional folk music, Vesperia are not leaving their epic orchestrations, throat-crushing speed nor ear-piercing guitar riffs behind, rather, they’re intensifying each element, adding more energy to their live shows just when fans thought they couldn’t get any more amped up and prepping to release their new demo as Vesperia, entitled ‘The Swordsman’.
Converting listeners and critics across the globe into believers and preachers of symphonic Celtic death metal since 2007, it’s clear VESPERIA has no plans of slowing down.
VESPERIA (Official) ‘PINTS HELD HIGH’ Music Video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlaCcVvVfVY
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(Source: Asher Media Relations)
LONG LIVE VESPERIA.
Stone.
ROYAL THUNDER – Ann Wilson of Heart. (the late) Janis Joplin. Melissa Etheridge. Bonnie Raitt. Joan Jett. Mlny Parsonz. These women of Rock all have one essential talent in common; they all sing from the heart and Rock ‘N Roll soul, while singing with believable passion. I also revere each of their voices too. Who is Mlny Parsonz your asking? Mlny is the vocalist and bassist for Royal Thunder. Mlny and Royal Thunder will be bigger than they probably ever fathomed… so they better get used to the accolades that will be coming their way.
I seriously believe a band like Royal Thunder only comes around every several years. Their debut full-length album, CVI, is easily one of the best albums I’ve listened to in years; crossing all Rock genres. Royal Thunder’s sound weaves Hard Rock, Metal, some psychedelia and meaty Stoner Metal with a thunderous vibe of Classic Rock. If there is that one can’t miss band you need to catch onto in 2012, it’s Royal Thunder; and that’s a sincere fact I am delivering to you.
Lyrically personal, emotional and dark, the songs on CVI are all equally sensational; while both the vocals of Mlny and the music are an astonishing match. If there is one legendary vocalist that Mlny is channeling in, that legend would be Janis Joplin. Regardless of comparisons, Mlny’s vocals are as refreshingly new like a long-awaited rain shower, during a late Summer’s drought.
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The band plays their music with a driving passion as well, again, both vocals and music compliment each other on CVI and it’s a thrill a second to listen to. With a sonic retrospective flair being echoed throughout CVI, Royal Thunder still uncannily comes across as relevant with nary a remote hint of pretension. Even though Royal Thunder hasn’t invented the Rock ‘N Roll wheel, they didn’t try to reinvent it either on CVI; and that’s something many other up and coming bands should take note of.
Overall and (most importantly) consistently memorable throughout, CVI comes musically packaged as complete. Sleeping Witch and the opening track Parsonz Curse offer up substantial riffs and enough heavy texture to make any warm-blooded Metalhead jump for Metal joy. Even when Mlny and band tone things down during songs such as South Of Somewhere and Minus, they’re still heavy with the atmosphere of what’s to come next and what they’re all about.
I am very excited about Royal Thunder and their new album CVI; I imagine it obviously shows. What I’m also excited about is this band (albeit a conscientious maneuver or not) has connected the dots of Heavy Metal, Rock and Hard Rock’s past and written songs that bubbles over with admirably heavy substance in 2012. In a world of fake mainstream Rock and Pop crap that suffocates and kidnaps our youth and misinformed, real talent will always surface to the top and save us all, the crème de la crème which in this instance is… Royal Thunder.
Mlny Parsonz – bass & vocals
Josh Weaver – lead guitar
Lee Smith – drums
Josh Coleman – rhythm guitar
* CVI release dates: May 22 (U.S.), May 28 (UK), June 1 (Ger/Benelux) and June 4 (World). CVI will be available on CD and 2xLP and of course digital, via Relapse Records.
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Parsonz Curse
Whispering World
Shake and Shift
No Good
Blue
Sleeping Witch
South of Somewhere
Drown
Minus
Black Water Vision
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* For more info on ROYAL THUNDER, click on the link below:
www.facebook.com/royalthundermusic
http://bit.ly/RoyalThunderStore
LONG LIVE ROYAL THUNDER.
Stone.
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 > Heavy Metal Music Blog 
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