Archive for the speed metal Category

TRIDROID RECORDS – Releasing On Limited Vinyl: TYRANTS BLOOD “Into The Kingdom Of Graves” This October

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, speed metal, vinyl albums with tags , , , , , , on September 22, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Tyrants Blood - Into The Kingdom Of Graves - promo cover

Don’t forget to pre-order the vinyl album here NOW, as it’s only limited to 500 copies:

http://tridroid.bandcamp.com/album/into-the-kingdom-of-graves

________________________________________________

Tridroid Records is pleased to announce that we will be handling the vinyl release of the new Tyrants Blood album Into the Kingdom of Graves.

Tyrants Blood were conceived in late summer 2005 , and solidified its original lineup in January of 2006. Started by ex Witches Hammer/Blasphemy guitarist Marco Banco (traditional sodomizer of the Goddess of Perversity) and local drummer Kevin Volatile, the group now consists of Marco Banco, ex Abuse drummer Matt Blood Modder, Infernal majesty vocalist Brian Messiah Langley and Bass/vocalist Vinnie Borden.

Their début album was released by Morbid Moon records out of Montreal Quebec in late 2006. Then in 2007 they were signed to Ireland’s main metal company Invictus records, where they released both the 2007 EP titled Prophecy and their latest full length album from 2009 titled, Crushing Onward Into oblivion. This latest release has also been picked up by Mutilation records out of Sao Paolo Brazil for distribution in South America.

Since their inception, Tyrants Blood have supported their efforts with live shows throughout western Canada, South America and Europe. The band recently released their latest album Into the Kingdom of Graves on CD and will be releasing the vinyl version on Tridroid Records in October 2013.

__________________________________________________

(Source: Tridroid Records)

* For More Info On TYRANTS BLOOD:

Facebook: TYRANTS BLOOD

www.tyrantsblood.com

Tridroid Records - Logo - B&W - 2013

TRIDROID RECORDS:

http://tridroid.bandcamp.com/

Facebook: Tridroid Records

http://tridroidrec.blogspot.com/

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE TYRANTS BLOOD.

LONG LIVE TRIDROID RECORDS.

Stone.

INTOXICATED – “Rock ‘N Roll Hellpatrol” (12″ LP) Available At Hells Headbangers Now!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, speed metal with tags , , , , , on July 6, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Intoxicated - Rock 'N Roll Hellpatrol - promo vinyl pic

INTOXICATED are from Osnabrück, a city in Lower Saxony, Germany. Their Rock ‘N Roll is Speed Metal; in the vein of old school, kick-ass Speed Metal that is! If you’re a fan of Motörhead, Raven or any 80’s denim & leather Metal, you’ll become an instant fan of Intoxicated. It’s that Metal simple. Intoxicated are the real underground Metal deal. Metal be thy name.

LISTEN TO THE ENTIRE ALBUM HERE:
http://shop-hellsheadbangers.com/intoxicated-rock-n-roll-hellpatrol-vinyl.asp

_____________________________________________

INTOXICATED:

Löuie – Vocals

El Ranchö – Guitar

ÄC – Drums

Jackhammer – Bass

Intoxicated - Rock 'N Roll Hellpatrol - promo cover pic!

* For more info on INTOXICATED:

Facebook: Intöxicated (official)

Hells Headbangers Records - Logo - B&W

* For more info on Hells Headbangers:

http://www.hellsheadbangers.com

Facebook: HELLS HEADBANGERS

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE INTOXICATED.

Stone.

MUNICIPAL WASTE – PLAYING NEW ZEALAND & AUSTRALIA!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, speed metal, Thrash Metal with tags , , , , , , on March 16, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Municipal Waste - Australia - New Zealand - tour poster - 2013_____________________________________

Virginia’s Speed Metal punks MUNICIPAL WASTE are proud to announce their first trek to New Zealand and their return to Australia!

Tony Foresta, vocalist for the band, shares: “I am really stoked to play New Zealand for the first time ever… Heaps!!! The first MUNICIPAL WASTE tour in Australia was one of my all-time favorite trips I’ve ever been on. I can’t believe we have never came back until now. I’m looking forward to seeing friends I kept in touch with over the years and as well as making new ones.”

Municipal Waste

Upcoming Tour Dates Are:

Thursday, June 13th: Auckland, NZ @ The Kings Arms Tavern

Friday, June 14th: Wellington, NZ @ The Hunter Lounge

Saturday, June 15th: Brisbane, AU @ The Hi Fi

Sunday, June 16th: Sydney, AU @ The Hi Fi

Thursday, June 20th: Adelaide, AU @ Fowlers Live (ALL AGES)

Friday, June 21st: Perth, AU @ The Rosemount Hotel

Saturday, June 22nd: Hobart, AU @ The Brisbane

Sunday, June 23rd: Melbourne, AU @ Corner Hotel – 2 shows: UNDER 18 from 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.; OVER 18 from 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

Get MUNICIPAL WASTE’s latest album, The Fatal Feast at: http://www.nuclearblast.de/shop

municipal waste - the fatal feast cover promo___________________________________________________

(Source: Nuclear Blast)

For more info on MUNICIPAL WASTE, click on the links below!

http://www.facethewaste.com

http://www.facebook.com/municipal-waste

http://www.twitter.com/municipalwaste

http://www.nuclearblastusa.com/

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE MUNICIPAL WASTE.

Stone.

MUNICIPAL WASTE – ‘The Fatal Feast’ Album Cover Art Revealed

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, speed metal, Thrash Metal, thrash metal bands with tags , , , , , , on February 11, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

The cover artwork for MUNICIPAL WASTE’s fifth studio album – due out in North America on April 10th and in Europe on April 13th – was created by Justin Osbourn of Slasher Design.

MUNICIPAL WASTE:

Tony Foresta – Vocals

Ryan Waste  – Guitar

Land Phil – Bass

Dave Witte – Drums

(Source: Nuclear Blast News)

* For more info on MUNICIPAL WASTE, click on the links below:

http://www.facethewaste.com

http://www.facebook.com/municipalwaste

LONG LIVE MUNICIPAL WASTE.

Stone.

Mark Reale (RIOT Founder, Guitarist) – Rest In Peace

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news, speed metal with tags , , , , , , , , on January 26, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Mark Reale, founder and guitarist for RIOT passed away on January 25, 2012, at age 56. Mark was also the cofounder and guitarist for the Hard Rock band Westworld. The following is a direct quote from The Official Web Site of Mark Reale:

“Our brother Mark Reale went home to be with our Lord this day, January 25th, 2012 after a long battle and complications from Crohns disease”. You can read more by clicking here: Mark Reale – Official Web Site

RIOT originates from New York City. Mark Reale and RIOT have influenced and shaped the foundation of American Power Metal, not to mention influencing countless musicians and bands the world over. The Heavy Metal of RIOT and musicianship of Mark Reale will forever be one of a kind. Metal Odyssey expresses condolences to the family, bandmates, friends and fans of Mark Reale. May Mark Reale rest in peace.

Mark Reale

1955-2012

KING DIAMOND – To Headline At Sweden Rock Festival And Hellfest In 2012!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal festivals, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, speed metal with tags , , , , , , , , on January 26, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

EXCITING KING DIAMOND NEWS JUST KEEPS ON COMING!

KING DIAMOND has recently teamed up with Nick Storch at ICM and Paul Ryan at The Agency Group.

Nick Storch will be in charge of booking KING DIAMOND concerts in North and South America, and Paul Ryan will be in charge of booking concerts in Europe and the rest of the world.

But that’s not all…!

In the past year King Diamond focused on the recovery from an open heart triple bypass surgery and is now going to return to the stage!

Yeah, that’s right:

KING DIAMOND will be headlining the Rock Stage at the Sweden Rock Festival on Saturday, June 9, 2012.

This will be the only show in Scandinavia in 2012!

Please check out the links below for more info:

http://youtu.be/HX97_JOqpDY

http://www.swedenrock.com/index.cfm?pg=1&lg=2

KING DIAMOND will also be headlining the Main Stage 2 at the Hellfest in France on Friday, June 15, 2012!

Visit http://www.hellfest.fr for further information.

King Diamond about the band’s appearance at the Hellfest:

“I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone at HELLFEST for giving us the perfect scenario to return to the stage in France.

The lineup is still:

Andy LaRocque and Mike Wead: Guitars – both from Sweden
Hal Patino: Bass – from Denmark
Matt Thompson: Drums – from the USA.

Of course I’ll be there too, singing and conjuring up the DEVIL at HELLFEST.

We can’t wait to see you there.”

(Source: Massacre Records)

* For more info on KING DIAMOND, click on the link below:

KING DIAMOND

LONG LIVE KING DIAMOND.

Stone.

KING DIAMOND – Some Good News!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, horror metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, speed metal with tags , , , , , , on December 10, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

KING DIAMOND – Ever since King Diamond had undergone open heart triple bypass surgery last year (2010), I’ve been consistently checking in on http://www.covenworldwide.org, (the official website of King Diamond / Mercyful Fate) for any new and/or good news. Here is some good news I’ve found, from December 7th, 2011, regarding the legendary King Diamond, as quoted directly from http://www.covenworldwide.org:

Latest News

Greetings from the US

NEWS

by Ole Bang

2011-12-07

Hi all.

The last news posting is by now about one year old. It was in fact from 12/12 2010, and I would here just like to inform you that King is doing really well. A ‘real’ news post will be up very soon.

Stay tuned ! ! !

* Stone Says: Excellent words to read indeed! “King is doing really well”.

* Stay up-to-date on KING DIAMOND by clicking here: KING DIAMOND

LONG LIVE KING DIAMOND.

Stone.

ELIMINATOR: Release Cover of “Angel of Death” by Slayer – New Album “The One They Were Waiting For” Released

Posted in Black Metal, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, speed metal, Thrash Metal with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on June 22, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

ELIMINATOR – Edison New Jersey’s ELIMINATOR have just released their cover of “Angel of Death” by SLAYER.  The song can be heard/viewed HERE.  The band is a two piece of “Black Speed” Metal as singer/guitarist Warchild has described. Along with drummer Samus (Decrepit Birth, ex-Mutiny Within, ex-Abigail Williams, ex-Suspyre), the two have just released their second full length album The One They Were Waiting For.

The band released their highly popular and sold out debut album Breaking the Wheel which was quickly followed by their latest, The One They Were Waiting For. The band is already hard at work on the next album and are in the process of recording another jaw dropping SLAYER cover.

(Source: Devin Walsh)

ELIMINATOR – Breaking The Wheel  (debut album)

ELIMINATOR – The One They Were Waiting For

* For more info on ELIMINATOR, click on the link below:

ELIMINATOR – REVERBNATION

LONG LIVE ELIMINATOR.

Stone.

The Yngwie Malmsteen Collection – Revisiting This Guitar Legend’s 1991 Greatest Hits

Posted in classic rock, guitarists, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, neoclassical metal, rock music, rock music news, speed metal with tags , , , , , , , , , , on February 6, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

YNGWIE MALMSTEEN – Back in November of 1991, The Yngwie Malmsteen Collection was released on Polydor Records. This Yngwie Malmsteen compilation spans the first six albums of his career, from 1984 to 1990. These albums are: Rising Force (1984), Marching Out (1985), Trilogy (1986), Odyssey (1988), Trial By Fire: Live In Leningrad (1989) and Eclipse (1990).

Of these first six Yngwie Malmsteen albums, the only one I have on CD is Odyssey. Eclipse I have on cassette and the other four I have on vinyl. Sounds crazy, huh? The $ factor comes into play, whenever the desire to upgrade my entire collection of music to CD crosses my Metal mind. Regardless, I have these Yngwie albums on old school formats and I’m content. About seven years ago, on a lazy Saturday, I took a leisurely stroll into Strawberries Records & Tapes, back in my hometown up in very expensive Connecticut. That day I zeroed in on The Yngwie Malmsteen Collection… it was calling my name.

At this time of my life, seven years ago, my wife and I were really cutting corners and trying to make ends meet… and the ends were not interested in meeting either. Purchasing one CD would send me into guilt city. I took the Metal plunge, held my breath and Metal be thy name I purchased this Yngwie Malmsteen bonanza of songs. It has served me right ever since. Yes, by now you might have guessed I am giddy about listening to Yngwie Malmsteen over the years. I really enjoy listening to his guitar playing, his Neoclassical style is pioneering and legendary, in my Metal opinion.

I’ve always enjoyed listening to every vocalist that Yngwie Malmsteen has recruited for his albums as well. I’m not trying to sound like Mr. Sunshine wants everyone happy when I state this. No, I will readily admit that Mark Boals and Joe Lynn Turner are my favorite vocalists from the entire Yngwie Malmsteen catalog, which includes his most recent release of 2010’s Relentless, which boasts Tim “Ripper” Owens on vocals, (with Yngwie singing Look At You Now). If someone out there asks: hey Stone, c’mon, pick one or the other, Mark Boals or Joe Lynn Turner!? My Metal answer is easy: it’s a tie… Metal be thy name, a tie.

I recommend anyone who is just getting interested in Yngwie Malmsteen to get ahold of this CD. These fourteen songs are a magnificent representation of Yngwie’s first six albums. From the live cover of the Jimi Hendrix classic – Spanish Castle Magic, to Queen In Love, this compilation shows not a flaw, in my Metal opinion once again. Veteran fans of Yngwie who don’t own his first six albums on CD entirely, may want to grab this collection for the same reason I did.

Yngwie Malmsteen Facts To Know:

* Yngwie means: young Viking chief

* Born: In Sweden on June 30, 1963

* Yngwie Malmsteen taught himself how to play guitar.

* The late and legendary Jimi Hendrix inspired Yngwie to play guitar, only it was the image of Jimi Hendrix more so than his music that influenced Yngwie.

* At the age of 15, Yngwie quit school and landed a job at a music shop in Stockholm, Sweden, repairing guitars.

* The debut 1984 album Yngwie J. Malmsteen’s Rising Force was nominated for a Grammy Award.

* (Source for these Yngwie facts found in the liner notes of this CD)

* For more info on Yngwie, just click here: YNGWIE MALMSTEEN

* I’ve listed below, next to each song in the track listing, the album of origin along with the respective vocalist. Instrumentals are noted.

Track Listing:

Black Star Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force – (instrumental)

Far Beyond The Sun Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force – (instrumental)

I’ll See The Light Tonight Marching Out – Jeff Scott Soto

You Don’t Remember, I’ll Never Forget Trilogy – Mark Boals

Liar Trilogy – Mark Boals

Queen In Love Trilogy – Mark Boals

Hold OnOdyssey – Joe Lynn Turner

Heaven Tonight Odyssey – Joe Lynn Turner

Deja Vu Odyssey – Joe Lynn Turner

Guitar Solo Trial By Fire: Live In Leningrad – (instrumental)

Spanish Castle Magic Trial By Fire: Live In Leningrad – Joe Lynn Turner

JudasEclipse – Göran Edman

Making Love Eclipse – Göran Edman

Eclipse Eclipse – (instrumental)

LONG LIVE YNGWIE MALMSTEEN.

The word “giddy” was used in paragraph 3.

Stone.

Marty Friedman – Happy Birthday From Metal Odyssey!

Posted in guitar legends, guitarists, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, speed metal, Thrash Metal with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on December 8, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

MARTY FRIEDMAN – World renowned & legendary guitarist Marty Friedman turns 48 years old today, December 8, 2010. Happy Metal Birthday Marty! Marty Friedman solidified his elite guitar status during his days as a Metal axe slinger for the ultra-legendary Megadeth, appearing on five of their albums. Marty played guitar alongside Dave Mustaine, on such seminal Megadeth albums as: Rust In Peace, Countdown To Extinction, Youthanasia, Cryptic Writings and Risk.

Marty was already the established and well revered guitarist among the Heavy Metal universe before that historic gig. Teaming up with guitar great Jason Becker to form Cacophony, releasing Speed Metal Symphony in 1987, on Shrapnel Records. Speed Metal and the art of shredding was highlighted by the neo-classical Metal techniques and skill that Marty and Jason bestowed with their Cacophony team-up. Go Off! was the second and final studio album from Cacophony, released in 1988, (Shrapnel).

That is Marty on the left, Jason on the right, (above album cover). This was a very cool album then and it still is now. Metal Odyssey highly recommends both Cacophony albums… don’t pay attention to any old and stale mainstream album reviews on ’em, those mainstream Rock critics don’t know what they’re listening to anyways.

* Marty Friedman founded the Heavy Metal band Hawaii, back in 1982. From 1983 to 1985, Hawaii released three full-length studio albums. Hawaii could best be described as Speed meets Power Metal.

* Marty Friedman has also released 12 solo albums, (studio & live combined), from 1988 to 2010 and has always been known for his instructional videos/DVD’s on guitar playing and techniques as well.

* Above is a really cool Japanese promo poster/ad for Marty Friedman’s 1996 solo album – True Obsessions, released on Shrapnel Records.

* For more info on Marty Friedman, just click on the cool link below:

Marty Friedman – Official Website

LONG LIVE MARTY FRIEDMAN.

Stone.

VINNIE MOORE – “TIME ODYSSEY” 1988 GUITAR INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM & METAL MARVEL

Posted in Guitar, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock guitarists, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music, speed metal with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 2, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

VINNIE MOORE – It was 1988, I was in college and I listened to Vinnie Moore’s Time Odyssey more times than I could count. Already a seasoned listener to Vinnie’s debut instrumental album – Minds Eye, (released in 1986 on Shrapnel Records), there was in 1988 and still is something about his guitar tone that shoots right through me like a bolt of Metal energy. Listening to Vinnie Moore seems to inspire me to go that extra mile… to actually become more emboldened.

I may have mentioned one time before, in a past post about something to do with… Metal, that I used to listen to Vinnie Moore’s music while doing many (if not all) of my college art projects. Be it drawing, painting or slapping together some weird modern art creation… Vinnie Moore’s guitar was heard in the air. The speed, melodies and pure Metal language that Vinnie’s guitar spoke to me while I labored away on those art and graphic design assignments… somehow made me a better graphics and fine arts student! Metal be thy name.

As with any of Vinnie Moore’s solo instrumental albums, no vocalist is heard, nor is one necessary… the guitar of Vinnie Moore sings… for my ears.

My favorite track from Time Odyssey? It’s not as cut and dry as it may seem. Pieces Of A Picture, Morning Star and the instrumental cover of While My Guitar Gently Weeps stand out amongst the rest, only I honestly love every song on Time Odyssey. The emotion that Vinnie Moore captures on guitar is beyond what my own Metal words can express here. Vinnie Moore is that incredible of a guitarist to my ears and Metal soul.

My admiration for the Beatles and especially George Harrison is incredibly personal. I cried aloud upon hearing the news that George Harrison passed away. It was November 29, 2001, I was alone, driving to work that lousy morning and the radio DJ gave the somber news to my ears. Listening to Vinnie Moore play George Harrison’s unreal legendary song –While My Guitar Gently Weeps brings back memories of being an art student, college life, falling in love with my wife and of course… George Harrison. Whoa… does this Vinnie Moore instrumental version of this song make my head swirl in thoughts and memories!!

There are so many unique and unearthly gifted guitarists that have played in Rock, Hard Rock, Punk and Metal. So many of these guitarists that I embrace… Yngwie J. Malmsteen, Michael Schenker, Jimi Hendrix, Tim Armstrong, Brian Setzer, Jeff Beck, Dez Cadena, George Harrison, Randy Rhoads, Jake E. Lee… these are some of my lifetime top favorites. Then there is Vinnie Moore. I guess if I was forced to choose my top three favorite guitarists of my Metal lifetime… Vinnie Moore, Yngwie and Michael Schenker are the ones.

There was a period of time in my life, where I did not realize what I was doing in trading away and selling away my vinyl albums… this was back in the mid 1990’s. Time Odyssey fell victim to my blundering display of vinyl album unloading…. ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!! Well, as the old saying goes… time heals wounds. Just last week, I was making a trip to pay some (gasp) bills, when there it was in the distance… an antiques mall! This antiques mall contains a used record dealer who always seems to have that record or two, that I so desperately need to bring back into my Metal life.

I found Vinnie Moore – Time Odyssey on that trip into the antiques mall last week! I felt like I was floating on air… I wanted to tell the cashier how ecstatic I was, only I bit my Metal lip. I paid a ridiculous low price of 3 dollars U.S. as well for this Vinnie Moore marvel! The album is in unreal excellent condition too… it plays on my turntable without a single crackle or pop. The album jacket is in excellent shape as well. (See my album pics below). This time in my Metal life… I’m not parting with Vinnie Moore – Time Odyssey again. No way. Someone would have to offer me the Metal moon for it… and even then, I would not consider the offer. What would I possibly do with a Metal moon anyways?

* As a bonus, the prior owner of this Vinnie Moore album had inserted an 8 page article on Vinnie Moore, in the album jacket. This article was ripped out of an Issue of Guitar World, dated July 1987. I’m keeping it with this album… as it was meant to be.

* The band behind Vinnie Moore on Time Odyssey:

Jordan Rudes – keyboards

Joe Franco – drums

Michael Bean – bass

* Vinnie Moore – Time Odyssey was released on Squawk/Mercury/Polygram Records.

Track Listing For Vinnie Moore – Time Odyssey:

Side One:

Morning Star

Prelude/Intro The Future

Beyond The Door

Message In A Dream

As Time Slips By

Side Two:

Race With Destiny

While My Guitar Gently Weeps

The Tempest

Pieces Of A Picture

April Sky

Here is what the front cover of my Time Odyssey album looks like, note there is some minor wear on the top left corner… whoopee Metal doo is what I say!

Here is what the back cover of my Time Odyssey album looks like:

Here is what the 8 page Guitar World article looks like, that I found inside the album jacket:

LONG LIVE VINNIE MOORE!

* “Whoopee Metal doo” was stated for the very first time on Metal Odyssey, courtesy of this post.

Stone.


POWERMAD – “THE MADNESS BEGINS…” IS A HUGE HEAVY METAL FIND ON VINYL!!

Posted in 1980's thrash metal albums, 1980's thrash metal bands, 1980's thrash metal music, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's metal bands, cool album covers, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1988, heavy metal records, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school thrash metal bands, rare heavy metal albums, rock music, speed metal, Thrash Metal, thrash metal albums, thrash metal bands, thrash metal music, thrash metal songs with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 17, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

POWERMAD – This Speed Metal meets Thrash Metal band formed back in 1984, hailing out of the great state of Minnesota. In 1986, Powermad released their self titled and debut EP on Combat Records. In 1988, Reprise Records picked up Powermad, releasing their EP – The Madness Begins… and this is the very EP that I found hiding in an antique co-op mall just yesterday!! (See pics of it below). Whoa. Whoa again, is how I first felt upon gazing my eyes upon this Heavy Metal super find! It’s Powemad… I thought to myself, thinking, can this be really happening? I am looking at and holding the vinyl EP copy of The Madness Begins…!?!

ANTIQUE STORES F’N ROCK.

In Metal summary, as you can tell, I was extremely psyched out of my mind about this Heavy Metal find… and I still am. I paid a meager – $6 for this Powermad gem! Six dollars! The total condition of this Powermad EP is in excellent to near mint too! The top right and bottom corners of the album jacket are the only areas that show a tad of wear. Otherwise, the original gloss on both sides of the album jacket still literally shines on it!

The original circular sticker is on the front side as well. The text printed on the circumference of the circle sticker reads: “Powermad Specially – Priced Mini – LP”. Specially priced alright, only six dollars, after more than two decades after it’s initial release… and it’s super, super, rare!! The inside text on the circle sticker reads: “Warning: Due to the intense nature of this music, neck braces may be required”. That’s vintage stuff… Old School.

There are four songs on this EP, all four are Thrash Metal and Old School too. Upon my first handling of the actual vinyl record itself, I could not believe there were no visible signs of it ever being handled! (Unless someone really, really took great care of it in the past). Once I dropped the turntable needle down on this POWERMAD EP to play, the sweet sound of analog filled the air, with not a crackle or pop. Take my word for it, these songs are incredibly worthy of multi-multiple listens on a regular basis.

Terminator is the opening track, it begins with thunderous drum beats in unison with vintage, heavy riffs that tell me immediately I’m in for a Metal treat. This song sizzles and then explodes into Thrash Metal glory. Joel Dubay on lead vocals has a coherent delivery, only watch out for his screach… he can hit the high note without any trouble and it’s superb. Hunter Seeker is faster than Terminator, it kicks right in where Terminator left off. This song is a rifftastic display of Old School Thrash Metal – period. I find this song rips, tears and burns each and every second… give me more POWERMAD please.

Gimmee Gimmee Shock Treatment is the shortest song on this EP and it offers up some heavy grooves to go along with the Thrash. This is a Ramones cover song, a Thrashtastic version at that. It blisters along with all the fury one could wish for from a quality, late 1980’s Thrash Metal Band. Credible stuff. Blind Leading The Blind opens up with a spoken word, to the best of my Metal ears, it goes like this: “Your gonna do some praying for me now boy”. The voice of this spoken word sounds like an eerie backwoods hermit that you might bump into at a remote, country keg party. The backing, (gang), vocals on this song just screams Old School. Blind Leading The Blind is by far and large, the fastest song on this EP. Unreal great.

POWERMAD, as they appeared on their 1988 EP – The Madness Begins…

Joel Dubay – lead & backing vocals, rhythm & lead guitars

Todd Haug – lead & rhythm guitars, backing vocals

Jeff Litke – bass guitar, backing vocals

Adrian Liberty – drums & backing vocals

Track listing & running times for the Powermad EP – The Madness Begins…

Side One:

Terminator (4:20)

Hunter Seeker (2:52)

Side Two:

Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment (1:45)

Blind Leading The Blind (4:23)

Here is what the front cover of my POWERMAD Vinyl EP looks like:

Man, I couldn’t have asked for this POWERMAD EP to be in any better condition than this! You can see how it still bestows the original gloss on these front and back covers.

Here is what the back cover of my POWERMAD vinyl EP looks like:

POWERMAD, from left to right on this back cover:

Todd Haug, Joel Dubay, Jeff Litke, Adrian Liberty

* POWERMAD – The Madness Begins… was released in 1988 on Reprise Records.

* POWERMAD released their only full length album in 1989 – Absolute Power, on Reprise Records.

This is what the album cover looks like for Absolute Power:

I don’t own a copy of Absolute Power… yet. I will find one though, preferably on vinyl… you betcha.

* The 1986 self titled POWERMAD EP on Combat Records was released as part of the Combat Boot Camp Series, showcasing a heavy band’s demo.

Stone.

EARLY MAN – “BEWARE THE CIRCLING FINS” EP IS CAN’T MISS METAL

Posted in cool album covers, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, independent record labels, Metal, metal music, metal music ep's, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, rock music, speed metal, thrash metal album review, thrash metal albums, thrash metal bands, thrash metal music, thrash metal music 2008 with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 15, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

EARLY MAN. Beware The Circling Fin is an EP of 4 songs, only don’t be fooled, these songs are can’t miss Metal. I only wish Early Man had slapped down a few more tracks for this EP, their Metal is that good. Early Man is no newcomer to the Metal world, they released back on April, 5, 2005, the Early Man EP, which contained 3 songs. Early Man then signed on to Matador Records and released their first full length album – Closing In on October 11, 2005. Beware The Circling Fin was released on October 14, 2008, on independent label The End Records. I find Early Man to be quite the Old School Metal Band, (Traditional Metal, if you will), with total disregard for all things commercial… I like that very much.

Beware The Circling Fin was produced by Jack Endino, who has worked with Nirvana, High On Fire and Mudhoney, to name a few. Early Man hooking up with with a producer of this caliber is not too shabby, in my Metal opinion. Back in 2005, when Early Man first hit the streets with their debut EP, the Thrash Metal revival was heating up. Revival aside, Thrash Metal, (all Metal for that matter), never crawled under a rock… it has only grown stronger. With veteran Thrash Metal Bands making valiant returns, (hello Testament), while other veteran Thrashers like Slayer and Megadeth never relented, younger bands like Early Man can only solidify and bond the Metal cause all the more. (That’s another Metal opinion of mine).

Beware The Circling Fin EP has been my starting point… venturing into the Early Man brand of Metal. One characteristic of this EP that I like is the overall rawness that seems to creep around each song. I’m not talking demo raw here, just good ol’ Metal. Amongst this trio of Early Man, I don’t here one overpowering the other… the vocals and Metal Music seem to gather steam together… another good quality.

Suck Me Dry tends to sway away from total Thrash, this song borders on the Punk side… with it’s play time of 1:31, it’s aggressiveness wrapped with attitude and especially the vocals of Mike Conte. Is that bad? Uh, not for me. Beware The Circling Fin has Mike Conte reaching for the high notes vocally, sounding credible and reminding me of vintage Rob Halford of Judas Priest. The riffs, leads and all encompassing sound of Coiled Like A Snake has me feeling Early Man knows a thing or two about Metal’s founding fathers. Sinking The Blade is for me, the heaviest and fastest song on this EP. If Thrash is Early Man’s forte, they proved it with Sinking The Blade – in my Metal opinion. Early Man has shown they can intertwine their sound from Thrash to semi-Punk, what’s in between these songs is all the stuff I’ve always admired about Metal in the first place.

EARLY MAN as they appeared on Beware The Circling Fin:

Mike Conti – vocals, guitar & bass

Pete Macy – guitar

Adam Bennati – drums

* Tim Ramage is listed as the current bass guitarist, as seen on the Early Man myspace music page.

* Early Man’s myspace music page has their current location listed as Los Angeles, California. You can check out the Early Man myspace music page by clicking here: EARLY MAN – myspace music page

* An eagerly anticipated and forthcoming new studio album from Early Man is titled – Death Potion. This info can be found directly on Early Man’s official website: EARLY MAN ARMY.com – Official Website of EARLY MAN

* Lead singer and guitarist Mike Conte has his own blog, click the link below to check it out:

WHIPLASH HEAVY METAL – Early Man’s Mike Conte blog

RAVAGE – “The End Of Tomorrow” – A Monster Of A Heavy Metal Album

Posted in Album Review, classic heavy metal, classic heavy metal albums, classic metal, collecting heavy metal albums, collecting metal music, collecting rock music, cool album covers, cover songs, creepy album covers, current heavy metal albums, current heavy metal bands, current heavy metal music, essential heavy metal albums, essential heavy metal songs, essential metal music albums, halloween songs, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 2009, heavy metal bands from boston, heavy metal cover songs, heavy metal drummers, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2009, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal songs 2009, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, metal music, metal music albums, metal music today, metal odyssey, Metal Reviews, Music, new heavy metal album, old school heavy metal, rock music, scary album covers, speed metal, spooky album covers, spooky metal album covers, thrash metal music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 22, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

Ravage - Banner group photo  2009

Ravage is a Heavy Metal Band from Boston, (actually Malden), Massachusetts and is hell bent on keeping Classic Metal Music alive, loud and damn proud. Every song on this second album from Ravage, The End Of Tomorrow, (their Metal Blade Records debut, released on August 18, 2009), is writhing with Old School Heavy Metal influence. Ravage does a credible job at flexing their Metal muscles on each song, heavy, hard and speed are irreversible elements that dominate The End Of Tomorrow. No where is the Old School Heavy Metal influence more evident than in the cover of the Judas Priest classic – Nightcrawler. Ravage shows Judas Priest their deserved Metal respect by not ripping Nightcrawler to pieces with any unnecessary fills or excessiveness. A fabulous cover Ravage does with this song, Nightcrawler is a genius choice to add to their track list on this album, based on it’s creepy and dark theme.

I have found that, the more I listen to The End Of Tomorrow, the more I am being convinced that this album was released back around 1985. Alas, that is not such the Metal case… Ravage brings forth to 2009 the Heavy Metal song structures and ambiance of what I have come to expect from vintage Metal Church and early Judas Priest and Armored Saint albums, to name just a few Old Schoolers. After each listen to this album, it is very obvious that the members of Ravage have done their Classic Heavy Metal homework. Knowing and creating all of the heavy nuances of their influences only catapults quality and integrity, on an upmost consistent level throughout The End Of Tomorrow. The Halls Of Madness not only has a vintage Metal title, it also is quite the convincing Heavy Metal instrumental intro that brings back memories of early Helloween and Savatage, for me. There really is not a scapegoat song to point out on The End Of Tomorrow, all twelve songs have their own distinctive Metal bite, an album that I can hit play and let the Heavy Metal assault take it’s natural course. Excuse me for a Metal second as I proclaim The End Of Tomorrow as being a top favorite Heavy Metal album for me in 2009, in my Metal opinion. Ravage can play Heavy Metal… their original brand too… I would not tell a Metal lie.

Ravage "The End Of Tomorrow" tiny picReign Fall lyrically expresses the ghastly imagery of what happens to those who cannot think for themselves, wasting away at the mercy of ones very own doing. Reign Fall, as well as every song on The End Of Tomorrow, is a throwback Metal feast of melodic speed crashing into riffs that are beyond run of the mill. Al Ravage reminds me thoroughly of a young Rob Halford, (Judas Priest), intertwined with a young Paul Dianno, (of early Iron Maiden). Hey, I am by no means putting Al Ravage in this heroic class of Heavy Metal vocalists… (not yet anyways), what I am pointing out is Al Ravage can sing Heavy Metal with marked influences and originality combined. Ravage knows they are Old School, using this phrase so much doing a review may sound very redundant, yet for any veteran fan of Heavy Metal from yesteryear, you know just how juicy it can get when a new album excretes all things good about the glory days of MetalThe End Of Tomorrow is an unleashed monster of what I am talking about here.

My other favorite songs on this album are: The Grapes Of Wrath, which takes a Heavy Metal swipe at all the idiot talking heads on television, these plastic morons get called out on the Metal carpet by Al Ravage here rather eloquently. Plus, The Grapes Of Wrath is authentically memorable for my Metal mind, I just cannot shake this song out of my senses. The Shredder is another manifestation of early Judas Priest influence, only it takes on it’s own Ravage originality… reminding me of the Judas Priest classic – The Ripper, only The Shredder is absolutely not a knock off or copy cat by any means. The End Of Tomorrow is one powerful way to conclude this album, fittingly the title song… lyrically doom laden, the end result is a reality check on the life we are leading and living now. The End Of Tomorrow has a Power Metal approach that echos of great Heavy Metal triumphs to come in the future for this killer “new” band they call Ravage.

Ravage, as they appear on The End Of Tomorrow:

Al Ravage on lead vocals

Eli Firicano on lead and rhythm guitars

Nick Izzo on lead and rhythm guitars

G.T.B. on drums

Howie Snow on bass

Track Listing for The End Of Tomorrow:

The Halls Of Madness

Reign Fall

Freedom Fighter

Damn Nation

The Shredder

Into The Shackles

In Shattered Dreams

The Nightmare’s Hold: Part One

Nightcrawler

The Nightmare’s Hold: Part Two

Grapes Of Wrath

The End Of Tomorrow

C’mon, is this album cover OLD SCHOOL HEAVY METAL or what? Not only does the Heavy Metal of Ravage stand on it’s own, (they could have issued a plain blue cover and that would not change the quality of Metal songs heard inside one bit), yet man, this is cool throwback artwork happening here. I cry out a huge Metal bravo! – to artist Edward J. Repka for creating a REAL Heavy Metal album cover for Ravage.

Ravage - "The End Of Tomorrow" x-large pic

HAMMERFALL “No Sacrifice, No Victory” – Power Metal on high

Posted in 1970's Rock, 1980's power metal music, 1980's heavy metal music, 1990's power metal music, 1990's heavy metal music, 2009 power metal music, Album Review, classic metal, cool album covers, cover songs, current heavy metal albums, current metal albums, european power metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 2009, heavy metal music 2009, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal this decade, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, metal music today, Metal Reviews, Music, new heavy metal album, old school heavy metal, power metal from sweden, power metal music today, speed metal, symphonic metal, Vocals with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 20, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

banner3

 

 

HAMMERFALL has done it again. This Power Metal outfit wasn’t about to release a sound scape of easy listening, calming, ocean waves… no way. “No Sacrifice, No Victory” (released March 24, 2009), is Power Metal with several exclamation points after it. For anyone new to Hammerfall, they are similar in musical style to that of Helloween, a long standing originator of this Power Metal genre. With approximately 15 studio albums behind them, (not counting EP’s, Greatest Hits or Singles), Hammerfall on this new release, sound as if they are hell bent on dominating the world with their Power Metal brand. I am not about to get in their way, if anything I will raise my Metal fist into the air and cry out the lyrics to “Hallowed Be My Name” and be glad I did. If you are totally into Power Metal and cannot become inspired by “No Sacrifice, No Victory”, well, then you are not into Power Metal music at all.

In my Metal opinion, I find beauty to be an attribute of the musical sound of Power Metal. (Yeah, I did say beauty… let’s not get carried away here). On “Something For The Ages”, if one cannot hear the beauty in the melodic guitar leads and solos, then I will stand alone with my belief. (From this day forward, I shall call it Metal beauty). How many Metal bands can make a church organ sound cool in any song? Hammerfall can… on “Between Two Worlds”, courtesy of Power Metal veteran Jens Johansson. Now, do not hesitate to think for one Metal second, that Hammerfall does not hand unto us a heavy, Power Metal album… they do hammer down the heavy, the power… the Power Metal. The background vocals throughout are trademark and at the upmost heightened level throughout “No Sacrifice, No Victory”. Without these backing vocals on high, it would not be Power Metal. If I was to choose one track off this album that carries each crucial characteristic of Hammerfall’s Power Metal, it is “One Of A Kind”. The sweeping and confident lead vocals of Joacim Cans coupled with the musical totality of this band make this song a signature example, for me.

I found it to be a cool surprise, that Hammerfall added the cover version of “My Sharona” to this new album. (Not that Hammerfall is new to cover songs, their “Masterpieces” album is nothing but Vintage Metal cover tunes). The Knack originally released this song on their “Get The Knack” album, (circa 1979), a band and album I always felt was at least a decade ahead of their time. (I found this vintage album at a thrift store a couple months ago… mint condition and 50 cents too). Not to get stranded here, I really do admire Hammerfall for covering “My Sharona” and recognizing a true classic, a song that bordered and teetered on Punk, New Wave and Rock – an interwoven treat of a band is celebrated here by Hammerfall, The Knack should feel great about now. As for the cover version by Hammerfall? It Rocks, very well indeed. I have made a new rule about this “My Sharona” cover song… I must always play it extremely loud for maximum listening pleasure. Will Hammerfall resurrect “My Sharona” and once again make it a #1 hit single? Of course not, yet who cares? This song, being the last track on the album, is a grand way to end “No Sacrifice, No Victory”.

From the high, all enveloping lead and backing vocals, to the searing and soaring guitar leads, numerous and melodic solos, combined with the groove and thump of the rhythm section – add the keyboards and organ for the sensory surround sound that gives Power Metal it’s name… you will have ventured into the Metal world of Hammerfall’s “No Sacrifice, No Victory”.

fullsize

Cannibal Corpse – Domestic and International Tour Dates you should know for 2009

Posted in Bullet For My Valentine, cannibal corpse, cannibal corpse concert tour dates, current heavy metal music, Death Metal, death metal concerts, death metal festivals, death metal guitarists, death metal vocals, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal festivals, heavy metal music, horror metal, Metal, metal concerts, metal music, metal music today, Music, old school heavy metal, speed metal, Thrash Metal with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 29, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

cannibal_corpse_small

 

 

 

 

 

Here are the 2009 United States (domestic) and International tour dates for Cannibal Corpse. I researched and found these dates on the “Metal Blade” newsletter. As any seasoned Metalhead concert goer knows, tour dates are always subject to change. This does make for a cool guide in tracking down where these guys are playing and when… possibly in your neck of the woods or continent. Man, is that Mayhem Festival a potent lineup of intense bands or what! Take a look…

CANNIBAL CORPSE
ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL
Tour w/ SLAYER, Marilyn Manson, Bullet For My Valentine, Trivium, All That Remains, God Forbid, Behemoth, Job For A Cowboy, The Black Dahlia Murder, Whitechapel
07/10 Sacramento, CA Sleep Train Amphitheatre
07/11 San Francisco, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre
07/12 San Bernardino, CA Glen Helen Pavilion
07/14 Seattle, WA White River Amphitheater
07/17 Phoenix, AZ Cricket Pavilion
07/18 Albuquerque, NM Journal Pavilion
07/19 Denver, CO Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater
07/21 Kansas City, KS Sandstone Amphitheater
07/22 St. Louis, MO Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
07/24 Atlanta, GA Lakewood Amphitheater
07/25 Indianapolis, IN Verizon Wireless Music Centre
07/26 Chicago, IL First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
07/28 Toronto, ON Molson Amphitheater
07/29 Scranton, PA Toyota Pavilion
07/31 Cleveland, OH Blossom Music Center
08/01 Pittsburgh, PA Post Gazette Pavilion
08/02 Detroit, MI DTE Energy Music Theatre
08/04 Boston, MA Tweeter Center for the Perf. Arts
08/06 Virginia Beach, VA Virginia Beach Amphitheater
08/07 Camden, NJ Susquehanna Bank Center
08/08 Hartford, CT New England Dodge Music Center
08/09 Washington, DC Nissan Pavilion
08/11 Tampa, FL Ford Amphitheatre
08/12 West Palm Beach, FL Cruzan Amphitheater
08/14 San Antonio, TX Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
08/15 Dallas, TX Superpages.com Center

4513716

 

 

 

 

 

Australian Tour Dates:

CANNIBAL CORPSE
09/07 Auckland, NZ Transmission Room
09/08 Christchurch, NZ The Bedford
09/10 Perth, AU Capitol
09/11 Adelaide, AU Fowlers Live
09/12 Sydney, AU The Roundhouse
09/13 Brisbane, AU The HiFi
09/15 Melbourne, AU Billboard The Venue

Japan Tour Dates:

CANNIBAL CORPSE
06/08 Tokyo, JP Shibuya Club Quattro
06/09 Osaka, JP Shinsaibashi Club Quattro
06/11 Nagoya, JP Club Quattro

9179729

 

 

 

 

 

CANNIBAL CORPSE – European Tour Dates:

Tour w/ Dying Fetus, Evocation, Obscura
10/02 Oberhausen, DE Death Feast Ultimate
10/03 Lichtenfels, DE Way Of Darkness Festival
10/04 Pratteln, CH Z7
10/05 Saarbrücken, DE Garage
10/06 Vosselaar, BE Biebob
10/07 Paris, FR La Locomotive
10/09 Barcelona, ES Razzmatazz 2
10/10 Madrid, ES Heineken
10/11 Bilbao, ES Rock Star
10/12 Lyon, FR Transbordeur
10/13 Milan, IT Alcatraz
10/14 Rome, IT Alpheus
10/16 Athens, GR Gagarin 205
10/17 Thessaloniki, GR Principal Club Theatre
10/18 Belgrade, RS SKC
10/19 Bratislava, SK DK Dubravka
10/20 Cracow, PL Studio
10/21 Berlin, DE Columbia Club
10/23 München, DE Backstage
10/24 Linz, AT Posthof
10/25 Ludwigsburg, DE Rockfabrik
10/26 Dordrecht, NL Bibelot
10/27 Zwolle, NL Hedon
Tour w/ Dying Fetus, Trigger The Bloodshed, Annotations Of An Autopsy
10/28 Colchester, UK Arts Centre
10/29 London, UK Koko
10/30 Sheffield, UK Corporation
10/31 Glasgow, UK ABC
11/01 Leamington Spa, UK Assembly

wallpaper1_thumb

Heavy Metal 101: 10 (or more) most underrated Metal albums you need to know

Posted in 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's metal music, 1980's thrash metal, 1990's heavy metal music, Album Review, Black Metal, Black Sabbath, classic metal, cool album covers, essential heavy metal albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal music, Heavy Metal Reviews, horror metal, king diamond, Metal, metal music, Metal Reviews, Motorhead, Music, old school heavy metal, Over Kill, Power Metal, speed metal, Thrash Metal, thrash metal album review, thrash metal music, thrash metal music reviews, tony iommi heavy metal guitarist, vintage heavy metal albums with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 28, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

 

 1096030

 

If you are a veteran Metalhead, these ten (or more) Metal albums that I consider underrated may not surprise you. Heck, you may already have owned them for several years or even decades. In the Metal event you are a new recruit to the dynamic world of Heavy Metal, welcome aboard and go out and BUY THESE METAL ALBUMS for they will serve you right! Oh, what do I mean by underrated? Well, for starters, these are Classic/Vintage Metal albums that do not seem to get enough attention these days – as I surf around the world wide web, these are the albums that tend to go unnoticed for some oddball reason or another. It is my goal to surround the readers of Metal Odyssey with the knowledge necessary, to make prudent Metal album buying decisions too. These ten Metal albums, in my Metal opinion, have most definitively stood the test of Metal time. Enjoy and absorb this list, please note that these Metal albums are not in any specific order. (These Metal albums are my own personal choices for most underrated, I am sure many knowledgeable Metalheads out there will have differing opinions).

42959617239865

3283645

4296112

 

 

 

 

 

MERCYFUL FATE – “MELISSA” – King Diamond, plus, absolutely NO radio friendly tunes found here. This band laid down a whole bunch of Black Metal groundwork for others to learn from.

TWISTED SISTER – “YOU CAN’T STOP ROCK ‘N’ ROLL” – Just before Dee Snider & the boys became really famous. I find this album to be just as inspiring today as it was in 1983. My favorite Twisted Sister album.

BLACK SABBATH – “BORN AGAIN” – Ian Gillian on vocals, ’nuff said. O.K., this is one tough album or CD to find. “Trashed” is very heavy stuff, a very fast Black Sabbath tune. This version of Black Sabbath is incredibly good. Bev Bevan of Electric Light Orchestra fame actually was the drummer on the “Born Again” Tour during 1984/85. That is correct. You did read this right. Now that is cool, having an ELO and Black Sabbath connection. 

MOTORHEAD – “ANOTHER PERFECT DAY” –  Of all the Motorhead albums, this one deserves more respect. The tune “One Track Mind” is reason alone to own this vintage Motorhead release, plus the album cover artwork and liner notes are extremely diabolical and cool. 

GRIM REAPER – “See You In Hell” – The album title says it all… the title track “See You In Hell” is for me, a Heavy Metal anthem that brings back memories to my Metal heart. This was one heavy duty band for me… worth every Metal second of listening enjoyment. Overall, great band, great album, I wish they could have done twenty albums.

EXODUS – “FABULOUS DISASTER” – Gary Holt is such an important guitar player in Thrash Metal history. Exodus is always grouped in with the Thrash Metal originators. In my Metal opinion, each original Bay Area Thrash Band is just as important as the next… I am giving Exodus their just due here and “Fabulous Disaster” is just that, fabulous Thrash Metal.

VINNIE MOORE – “MINDS EYE” – Hey, this guy can play guitar. Heavy Metal guitar too. An all Metal instrumental album could never hurt no one, especially a Metalhead. Listening to Vinnie Moore in college helped me get unreal grades in fine arts, I am not kidding. I drew some of my best stuff listening to Vinnie Moore – thanks Vinnie.

MANOWAR – “HAIL TO ENGLAND” – Very loud and Old School Metal. This album has all the Metal attitude and heavy music you could ever ask for, plus, as a bonus, these guys are quality Metal musicians too! There are those times, when I need a cool Power Metal band that is Old School, that I can sing along to. They very well might be… “The Kings of Metal” as they advertise… heck, I would never think of telling them they are not.

OVER KILLEvery album they have ever made. Yeah, this sounds crazy, yet these guys are that great at playing Thrash Metal. Over Kill always seems to have been the hardest working Thrash band on the planet, with no star status or star treatment from the wide world of professionally paid critics. Different lineups throughout the years has not affected my loyalty… as long as there is Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth and D.D. Verni leading this potent Thrash attack, I am Metal happy.

W.A.S.P. – “K.F.D.” – This is one heavy, monster of a W.A.S.P. album. Extremely heavy W.A.S.P. – Blackie Lawless was not fooling around with this album… I listen to “K.F.D.” when I have both good and bad days, the end affect is still just like opening up a can of Metal whoop ass and getting straightened out – Blackie Lawless style. Thanks Blackie Lawless.

KROKUS – “HEADHUNTER” – O.K., sure, there is some commercial appeal here with the tune “Screaming In The Night”, yet it is a far cry from any of the heavy ballads that blitzed us all in the 1980’s. Factor in the raging track “Headhunter” and the Metal grooviness of “Stayed Awake All Night” and you have served up yourself some decent party tunes.

Black Sabbath "Born Again"

main-150-1

main-150

 

 

 

 

 

main-150Over Kill "I Hear Black" big picmain-150-2

Anthrax “Among The Living” is a Thrash Metal jewel

Posted in 1980's hard rock, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's thrash metal, Album Review, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, metal music, Music, speed metal, Thrash Metal, thrash metal album review, thrash metal music, thrash metal music reviews with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 12, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

381232I really enjoy the entire Anthrax catalog of albums, yet “Among The Living” is definitely my most favorite release from this veteran Thrash Metal band. Released in 1987, this album is loaded with all the power and explosiveness of pure Thrash, the Anthrax way. “Efilnikufesin (N.F.L.)” is one heavy tune that is rebellious and fun, to actually here the lyrics for yourself would explain what I mean. “Among The Living” earns it’s ferocity courtesy of the talented musicians of Anthrax. Scott Ian on guitar is, in my opinion, one of the best in Thrash Metal history. Joey Belladonna on vocals can carry a note extremely well, he is as valid to “Among The Living” as the music itself. I find Belladonna to be a Thrash Metal vocalist who is quite punctual, without compromising the heaviness whatsoever. I have the upmost respect for the vocals of Belladonna on this album. “Indians” is a great song for me, a Thrash Metal jewel of a tune with inspired lyrics. Every song here adds to the credibility of “Among The Living”. Fast music, fast vocals, fast background vocals, everything on this album is fast. That’s what makes Thrash Metal so profoundly heavy, the speed and it is all here waiting for you courtesy of Anthrax! I do not hesitate for a second, to recommend “Among The Living” to all Metal fans worldwide!

Paranormal reality television and scary Metal music mirror one another

Posted in Alice cooper, Black Metal, Danzig, Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Gene Simmons, ghost hunters, gothic metal, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal vocalists, horror metal, Iced Earth, king diamond, Metal, Misfits, Motorhead, Music, paranormal television shows, Power Metal, Punk rock, rob zombie, Rock, rock music, Slipknot, speed metal, Thrash Metal, Vocals, W.A.S.P. with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 17, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

3283538It is an obvious Metal music marriage, the paranormal being put to lyrics in Metal songs. Any King Diamond album supports this statement, that is for certain. Horror and the paranormal rules the Metal world’s lyrics with it’s mystery, shock, and imagery. This to me, is one of the great attributes to Metal music, the paranormal and horror has given personality and life to throngs of Metal bands as: Alice Cooper, Misfits, Kiss (with makeup), Lordi, Rob ZombieSlipknot, Danzig, W.A.S.P., Cannibal Corpse and of course, King Diamond again. The list could go on and on, regarding which Metal bands represent the horror and paranormal subjects best.

I highly recommend taking a listen to Iced Earth – “The Horror Show”, this is an album dedicated to just the legendary horror movie monsters: Dracula, The Wolfman, Frankenstein and The Phantom of the Opera are covered just fine by Matt Barlow’s vocals and the writing and musical genius of Jon Schaffer. I also highly recommend the horror concept album, that for me is now a true Metal classic – “Abigail” from King Diamond, released in 1987. In my opinion, “Abigail” was/is a triumphant representation of Black Metal, even though the music includes heavy duty Speed Metal throughout. This King Diamond lineup on “Abigail” also bestows the talented Mikkey Dee on drums, who has been a mainstay with Motorhead, since 1992.

When I listen to my favorite Metal bands playing tunes about the macabre, horror and the paranormal, I cannot help reflecting on my favorite paranormal television shows. The material that King Diamond covers, for example, mirrors what many of the paranormal shows offer. My favorite scary & spooky television shows are: “Ghost Hunters”, “Penn State Paranormal”, “Most Haunted”, “UFO Hunters” and “Monster Quest”, all delving into the mysteriously unknown, paranormal, the dark side and real life monsters. Any Metal band can get hordes of information and subject matter for their music, just by watching this scary paranormal reality television.

Now, do I believe in all of this paranormal subject matter that these shows discuss/cover? Do I believe in real life monsters like Bigfoot, Moth Man and UFO aliens? Let’s just say, I get entertained and spooked out like anyone else, I really like the unknown aspect of these topics. I am also never going to be one of those, who back when Christopher Columbus sailed the seven seas, thought our planet Earth was square. It is an absolute fact, that new species of any of our known living organisms, (plants, fish, animals, insects), are being discovered on a daily basis. There are many, many, mysteries and dark questions out there that still have to be answered, for me it is great fun delving into these scary topics through Metal music and paranormal reality television. My feeling is that, paranormal reality television and Metal music just seem to go together, both never cease to thrill and entertain me.

%d bloggers like this: