Archive for the symphonic metal Category

NIGHTWISH – “Storytime” Teaser Video Released!

Posted in gothic metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news, symphonic metal with tags , , , , , , , on October 28, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

NIGHTWISH – Do you dare to take a first step into the Imaginaerum? Click HERE! In another teaser video, Tuomas gives some insight into the making of Nightwish’s new album. You can also take a first peek at behind-the-scenes footage from the film set! Check out the video at THIS location! The first single “Storytime” will be released on November 11th. “Imaginaerum” is set for release on December 2nd, 2011. For more infos, check www.nightwish.com / www.nuclearblast.de/nightwish

(Source: Nuclear Blast News)

LONG LIVE NIGHTWISH.

Stone.

WITHIN TEMPTATION – To Play Unplugged Show For Pinktober Charity

Posted in charities, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, melodic rock, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, symphonic metal with tags , , , , , , on October 22, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

As reported on ROADRUNNER Records.com:

Within Temptation will be performing an unplugged set at the Hard Rock Café in Cologne, Germany on November 17, in support of the “Pinktober” charity campaign to raise funds for the fight against breast cancer.

The performance will take place at 4 PM local time, and will be followed by a signing session. Tickets for this event cost 10 Euros, and will be sold exclusively at Hard Rock Café’s Rock Shop in Cologne.

The first 20 visitors who present a ticket for Within Temptation‘s E-Werk concerts in Cologne on November 16 and November 17 will be granted free admission to the performance at Hard Rock Café.

Singer Sharon den Adel said, “Breast cancer remains one of the most common life-threatening cancers affecting women: One out of eight women will get breast cancer in her life. Every 13 minutes a woman dies of breast cancer. It is therefore very important to keep a high awareness level of the subject in the general public. I am very happy to make a small contribution with my band to a regular event such as Hard Rock Café’s Pinktober campaign.”

* For more info on WITHIN TEMPTATION, click on the links below:

WITHIN TEMPTATION – Official Website

ROADRUNNER RECORDS

* For more info on HARD ROCKS campaign for PINKTOBER, click on the link below:

Pinktober 2011 – Hard Rocks Campaign For Breast Cancer Awareness

LONG LIVE WITHIN TEMPTATION.

MAY PINKTOBER & THE FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER WIN.

Stone.

BENEDICTUM & DESDEMON Spread their wings for select 2011 U.S. Dates!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news, symphonic metal with tags , , , , , , , , , on October 4, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Benedictum & DesDemon team up for Path of the Valkyries tour to promote their recent studio releases.

Benedictum reign from Arizona, fronted by the diabolical mistress “V” Veronica Freeman. The band is known more in European markets and will finally showcase their talent in the U.S. with their current release “Dominion” via Frontiers Records.  Previous releases include “Seasons of Tragedy” and “Uncreation”.

DesDemon hail from New York, fronted by new vixen Chelsea Knaack. Finally released their debut “Through the Gates” via Radtone Music Japan and will soon be available in all retail and on-line markets.   DesDemon have been described as a new force in female fronted Symphonic Metal!!!!

See Benedictum and DesDemon on their Path of the Valkyries in the following cities.

November 10th – The Haven – Orlando/Altamonte Springs , FL

November 11th – The Pathfinder Metalfest 3 – Marietta, GA

November 12th – Volume 11 – Raleigh, NC

November 17th – Metal Thursday @ Ralf’s Diner – Worcester, MA (with Joe Stump)

November 18th – Dublin Pub – New Hyde Park, NY (with HolyHell)

November 19th – Flight of the Valkyries Festival – Sonar – Baltimore, Maryland

BENEDICTUM – DOMINION (Frontiers Records)

Benedictum was recently selected as the pick of the week on VH1 Classics “That Metal Show. “Dominion” is an exciting musical episode building upon their great foundation by adding  Grammy Award winning producer Ryan Greene (Megadeth, F5, NOFX) and are firing on all cylinders. From the onslaught of the opening track Dominion to the epic Epsilon and the heartfelt acoustic track Sanctuary, this album has it all.  Adding to the already explosive sound of “Dominion” are guest appearances by Jeff Pilson (Dokken, Dio, Foreigner), Craig Goldy (Rough Cutt, Dio, Giuffria) and Rudy Sarzo (Ozzy Osbourne, Quite Riot, Whitesnake).

DesDemon “Through the Gates” transcends you through dark majestic symphonic metal passages with supreme musicianship.  “Through the Gates” has an impressive list of guests musicians from Tim “Ripper” Owens (ex-Judas Priest, ex- Iced Earth, Yngwie Malmsteen, Beyond Fear, Charred Walls of the Damned, Hell Yeah!), Amanda Somerville (Trillium, Avantasia, Somerville / Kiske, HDK, Epica), Sander Gommans (Trillium, After Forever, HDK) & Joe Stump (Holyhell, world-renowned guitar virtuoso).

DesDemon and Benedictum individually have shared the stage with the likes of many international artists like Doro, Primal Fear, Tyr, Korpiklaani, Rotting Christ, Epicurean, Mantic Ritual, Paul DiAnno, Icarus Witch, and have graced the stage of several festivals throughout Europe.

(Source: Frontiers Records)

* For more info, click on the links below:

BENEDICTUM – Official Website

BENEDICTUM – facebook

FRONTIERS RECORDS

DESDEMON – facebook

LONG LIVE BENEDICTUM.

LONG LIVE DESDEMON.

Stone.

ARVEN – Music Of Light: Pre-Listening Of New Album On Massacre Records

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, melodic metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, symphonic metal with tags , , , , , , , , on August 21, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

ARVEN – The debut of the German all-girl band with male drummer. Artwork by Jan Yrlund (Imperia, Korpiklaani, Impaled Nazarene, Stratovarius, Sirenia). Symphonic Metal, like Blind Guardian or Epica meets Gothic and Melodic Metal in the vein of Leaves Eyes or Edenbridge.

Stone Says:

A combination of Symphonic and Melodic Metal, fused with Extreme Metal vocals, makes ARVEN a Metal band to hear and watch! Germany has once again bred another fine band that solidly represents our beloved Metal genre.

Listen to samples of the new debut album from ARVEN here www.massacre-records.com. Titled Music Of Light, this album is set for release on September 23rd, 2011, on Massacre Records.

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

ARVEN – myspace music

LONG LIVE ARVEN.

Stone.

Sarah Jezebel Deva – “The Corruption Of Mercy”: Atop The List Of Must Have Metal Albums For 2011

Posted in gothic metal, gothic metal bands, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, symphonic metal with tags , , , , , , , , , on July 11, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Sarah Jezebel Deva – The sophomore studio release The Corruption Of Mercy, (June 27, 2011 via Listenable Records), from Sarah Jezebel Deva is an enormous leap forward for this strikingly talented front woman. The band assembled for this album is a driving Metal force behind it’s foreseeable success as well. Under her solo name, Sarah Jezebel Deva is a touring band and one that has created a Metal album that should be atop the list of must haves for 2011. Who exactly must have The Corruption Of Mercy? Anyone who cares about, admires and wants to hear solid song writing, excellent musicianship and exemplary vocals should wrap their eardrums around this album. While putting Metal genre tags aside for a moment, this new Sarah Jezebel Deva album is a complete listen into carefully crafted, dexterously layered and fabulously executed music.

(All band photo credits: Khyrian)

Sarah Jezebel Deva has a plethora of experience as a vocalist, her Metal resume can be considered undeniably impressive. Her association with too numerous bands, (of world class notoriety) to mention, resulting in appearing on over 35 albums is an exclamation point unto itself. Add the Metal fact, Sarah had spent 14 years as a backing singer for the legendary Cradle Of Filth, singing on every COF album with the exceptions of the first and latest of their albums, is Metal bragging rights. With Sarah’s second album under her name, her Metal career is taking on a whole new meaning. Shut the front door… cause Sarah Jezebel Deva has arrived as a premier front and center vocalist. The Corruption Of Mercy is unbelievable proof of the arrival of this top tier vocalist of Metal… and music.

Captivating, mesmerizing…hell, take your pick when it comes to describing the vocals of Sarah Jezebel Deva. Pretty With Effects is a ballad that takes over my surroundings with only delicate piano keys and the hypnotic vocals of Sarah. Whoa… it’s a trance like listen and I’m not kidding around here at all. Metal be thy name. The haunting orchestration of What Lies Before You is a dark and cavernous listen, bringing about a feeling of being lost in some god forbidden place and still I’m at ease with the vibes and chills that I take in from it’s chilling ambience.

The guitars of Dan Abela and Jonny Gray are not about taking over the song, instead their talents are used in bringing the listener along for the memorable Metal ride. Melody and speed are fused together to perfection as Dan and Jonny’s guitar licks are showcased in songs such as: The Eyes That Lie and The Corruption Of Mercy. Rhythmically, the attentiveness to keeping this album filled with passages that are mind gripping is real and so very good. No Paragon Of Virtue (in it’s entirety) and the closing moments to The Corruption Of Mercy are strong highlights to the powerful rhythm section of Ablaz on bass and Jamie Abela on drums.

It’s a difficult challenge for me to pinpoint which songs are my favorite on The Corruption Of Mercy. Okay, here are two very strong choices: The World Won’t Hold Your Hand and A Matter Of Convenience. I point out these two songs, based on the all inclusiveness of sound and power from the music, coupled with the effortless and ever impressive vocals of Sarah. I can’t stress more mightily, that the clean and pronounced vocals of Sarah are to be savored, Metal be thy name. Go ahead, one thorough listen into The Corruption Of Mercy and you hopefully will realize that Sarah Jezebel Deva believes in the ideal of the complete album of songs.

Yes, Gothic Metal and Symphonic Metal fans will delight in the swirls of dark and melodic vibes (respectively) that The Corruption Of Mercy has to offer, only this album transcends itself above and beyond the silliness of being genre specific. Who gives a crap about recommending Sarah Jezebel Deva’s new album to only a certain crowd or to desirable sub-groups of Metal fans? We’re unfortunately living in a mainstream world and my recommending The Corruption Of Mercy to all fans of quality Rock Music is my Metal mission.

No, Sarah Jezebel Deva is not mainstream (of course), yet this album is a kick-to-the-ass at all the mainstream record labels who think they have a clue about vocals and music that Rocks. A Metal kudos to Listenable Records. A vocalist such as Sarah Jezebel Deva and her band included, need to be heard and celebrated for an accomplishment of music that is: The Corruption Of Mercy.

Sarah Jezebel Deva is:

Dan Abela – guitars

Jonny Gray – guitars

Sarah Jezebel Deva – vocals

Ablaz – bass

Jamie Abela – drums

Pzy-Clone (guest) – programming/orchestration

Gian Pyres (guest) – guitar solos

The Corruption Of Mercy – Track Listing:

No Paragon Of Virtue

The World Won’t Hold Your Hand

A Matter Of Convenience

Silence Please

Zombie

Pretty With Effects

What Lies Before You

Sirens

The Eyes That Lie

The Corruption Of Mercy

* For more info on Sara Jezebel Deva, click on the links below:

SARAH JEZEBEL DEVA – Official Website

SARAH JEZEBEL DEVA – myspace music

Sarah Jezebel Deva – Official facebook

LISTENABLE RECORDS

LONG LIVE SARAH JEZEBEL DEVA.

Stone.

Within Temptation – “Shot In The Dark”: A Melodic and Symphonic Metal Song That’s Truly Memorable

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, melodic metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, operatic metal, rock music, rock music news, symphonic metal with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on May 26, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

WITHIN TEMPTATION – On March 29th, 2011, the fifth studio album from the Dutch Symphonic Metal band Within Temptation was released, via RoadRunner Records. The Unforgiving is the album and my favorite song from it is Shot In The Dark. Sharon den Adel is an amazingly powerful vocalist, she really summons up a bounty of believable emotion on Shot In The Dark. Within Temptation took Melodic and Symphonic Metal to incredible heights with The Unforgiving. I highly recommend this new album from Within Temptation. I admire and respect the direction that this band has taken on this album and it has become quite the contagious listen for me over the past month. Truly an inspiring album is The Unforgiving.

In the April 2011 issue (Issue 130) of Power Play Rock & Metal Magazine, (vocalist Sharon den Adel stated about the new album’s concept: “It’s a very realistic story, although you don’t see that in the first phase when you see a lot of the supernatural and people being brought back to life to have a second chance. It’s not about bad people but good people making bad choices. There are many layers and characters but it’s about making peace with yourself.”

Watch and listen below to Shot In The Dark… I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Within Temptation:

Sharon den Adel – vocals

Robert Westerholt – electric guitars

Martijn Westerholt – keyboards

Ruud Jolie – acoustic & electric guitars

Jeroen van Veen – bass guitars

Track Listing For The Unforgiving:

Why Not Me

Shot In The Dark

In The Middle Of The Night

Faster

Fire And Ice

Iron

Where Is The Edge

Sinéad

Lost

Murder

A Demon’s Fate

Stairway To The Skies

* For more info on Within Temptation, click the links below:

WITHIN TEMPTATION – Official Website

ROADRUNNER RECORDS

LONG LIVE WITHIN TEMPTATION.

Stone.

Withering Soul – “No Closure” Explodes With Black Metal Impressiveness

Posted in Black Metal, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, symphonic metal with tags , , , , , , , , , on February 20, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

WITHERING SOUL – Rising from the Metal shadows of Chicago, Illinois, Withering Soul has left me somewhat spellbound by their brand of Black Metal. No Closure is their debut full-length, scheduled for a March 8th, 2011 release on Mortal Music, with distribution via MVD Entertainment Group. Seriously, I did not have any pre-conceived thoughts about Withering Soul and their debut album upon my pushing the play button. Halfway through No Closure, I was extremely entertained and gratified by the all-encompassing melodic and Blackened sound that Withering Soul has tapped into.

As each song played out on No Closure, I was awaiting that one song, perhaps two songs that would fall flat to the ground. It never happened. Withering Soul has all their gears rotating with Blackened precision and I truthfully declare there is not a dull moment to be heard on No Closure. Mykil on vocals delivers the evil tones with Black and Death Metal variety. It’s Mykil’s Blackened fury that takes center stage though and he is a feast to listen to. Mykil’s brother Krystofer on guitar and synths lends the melodic thickness and orchestrated atmosphere of darkness, a combination that swirls together with fantastical results.

Night of the Revenant and Requiem of Sorrow are two atmospherical instrumentals that lead me down a darkened path with somber walls caving in around me. These two melancholic songs are what sets Withering Soul apart from being just another all-out Extreme Black Metal band. Withering Soul doesn’t just go for the jugular from the opening note on No Closure, instead, this is a band that takes a reflective tone towards their music by slowing the Extreme Blackened momentum down to a crawl on both instrumentals. This tempered down instrumentation can have a profound affect on the mind and both Night of the Revenant and Requiem Of Sorrow are surreal moments that I embrace.

Sadistic Redress, Tides of the Accursed and The Sequitor are three songs that I single out for grand Extreme Black Metal reason… they each exemplify how Withering Soul can play toe-to-toe with their Extreme peers of any Metal genre. On each of these songs Mykil’s vocal rage (and range), high-speed tempo and full-blown Extremity of Metal musicianship are carved out in Blackened stone. The layering of sounds that Withering Soul creates are reminiscent of Cradle Of Filth, yet what I take away from this album is calling this band an original, without question.

An underground vibe pulsates enormously within the songs of No Closure, with one exception: Unquiet. This song begins with Traditional Metal guitar licks that continues throughout it’s entirety. Guest vocalist Melissa Ferlaak provides her symphonic touch to Unquiet, giving this song an accessible multi-genre appeal. Coupled with Mykil showcasing his diverse vocals along with a strong hint of Goth vocals, this song truly excels. With Unquiet, the significance of being unique is brought out to the open by Withering Soul, showing this band is unafraid and unashamed to branch out musically within the context of an underground Black Metal style. I find Unquiet to be an admirable creation and dynamic listen by Withering Soul.

The darkened ambient feel that Withering Soul has created on No Closure is indeed an alluring Metal attribute. Symphonic Black Metal is served up with muscular guitar parts and a heavy laden rhythm section on their debut full-length. Make no mistake, Withering Soul is giving out extreme doses of Black Metal vibes and sounds through their music, only this band is not over the top with their style or sound.

Withering Soul does convince me of their reverence to this majestic Black Metal genre that so many of us uphold as the ultimate Metal mystical experience. Withering Soul have created ten songs that are unbelievably memorable for my senses. No Closure is a debut album that may very well be the measuring stick of Withering Soul’s future Black Metal catalog.

* Melissa Ferlaak is an American Soprano and the lead singer for Echoterra.

Withering Soul:

Mykil – vocals

Krystofer – guitars & synths

William – bass

Marek – drums

Track Listing For No Closure:

Night of the Revenant

Phantasmal Chaos Divinity

The Sequitor

Tides of the Accursed

Possession of Deception – Part II

Sadistic Redress

Manifest Transparency

Lifeless They Lie

Unquiet

Requiem of Sorrow

* For more info on WITHERING SOUL, click on the links below!

WITHERING SOUL – REVERBNATION

WITHERING SOUL – Official Website

LONG LIVE WITHERING SOUL.

Stone.

MASTERPLAN – “MK ll” ALBUM IS 100% MELODIC POWER METAL

Posted in Album Review, cool album covers, current power metal bands, essential heavy metal albums, essential power metal albums, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal bands this decade, heavy metal drummers, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal vocalists, melodic power metal bands, melodic power metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school power metal music, Power Metal, power metal albums, power metal bands, power metal guitarists, power metal music, power metal music today, power metal songs, power metal vocalists, rock music, symphonic metal with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 12, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

Masterplan "MK ll" small album picMasterplan released the MK ll album back on February 23, 2007. I have never regretted with catching onto Masterplan. Half the fun of being into Heavy Metal, is knowing there are so many bands from so many genres to sink your ears into… ah, the world of Metal is a good thing. For those not familiar, Masterplan is a Power Metal Band, 100% through and through with no gimmicks. Melodic Metal and Symphonic Metal are two other labels that are just as fitting for Masterplan, the three genres I attribute to this band are adequately interlocking. Masterplan is led by former Helloween guitarist, Roland Grapow, he takes on the roles of guitarist, composer and producer. I gravitate very often to the Power Metal genre, finding this form of Metal Music to be inspiring and ultra credible. I find the Power Metal songs from Masterplan MK ll to be like a Metal soundtrack for my mind… uplifting and scenic thoughts appear for me, reflective thoughts too. Getting revved up is not difficult while listening to Masterplan either, there are plenty of psyche out moments in their songs. Masterplan goes full throttle with their Power Metal, there never seems to be a dull moment, for me.

MK ll has been a CD of choice for me, going back to last weekend. Every so often, I need to expand my Metal horizons and listen to another genre that isn’t extremely fast, hard and heavy. Masterplan are a heavy band in their own Melodic Power Metal right, only it is the symphonic side of this band that really keeps me grounded… and I like that. Diversity in the Heavy Metal universe is what makes this music so worthwhile. The longer I stop to look, listen and read, the better acquainted I get with the vastness of the Heavy Metal family tree. Discovering Masterplan on the Heavy Metal family tree is like finding and picking that almost perfect pear, you just know it’s good and juicy.

As for the songs on MK ll, there are no loafers to be found. This album has a cool, consistent flow about it, making MK ll one of those albums I can listen to from start to finish, no leap frogging is necessary! My two favorite songs on MK ll are: I’m Gonna Win and Watching The World. These two songs are #6 and #7, respectively on the track list. Both of these songs project this majestic high that just wraps around my senses and psyches me out. Mike DiMeo is everything you could expect from a Power Metal vocalist, he surely can hit the high notes and harmonizes effortlessly throughout MK ll. Mike Terrana on drums is darn great to listen to, there are moments when his playing is the focal point. Jan S. Eckert keeps the rhythm solid with Terrana, a very tight unit. The keyboards are a major musical ingredient with this Power Metal outfit, Axel Mackenrott makes his presence known by providing the atmospheric and symphonic environment within the songs. I look forward to a brand new Masterplan album in 2010, Roland Grapow has some Power Metal momentum going for him, with Masterplan.

The momentum of Masterplan will be getting even stronger, now that news has been broken, of Jorn Lande returning as lead vocalist. (You can read the official news of Jorn Lande returning by going on the official Masterplan website at http://www.master-plan.net). I will always appreciate the vocals that Mike DiMeo brought to Masterplan, honestly, he is very good, in my Metal opinion. Jorn Lande is a premier Heavy Metal vocalist period. Jorn’s solo career and vocal contribution to Avantasia, coupled with his past Masterplan albums is proof positive he is at the top of the Power Metal pyramid. Welcome back to Masterplan Jorn!

Masterplan "MK ll" large album pic

LULLACRY – “Fire Within” EP – Gothic Metal Music and a W.A.S.P. cover too

Posted in Album Review, cover songs, gothic hard rock bands, gothic hard rock music, gothic metal, gothic metal albums, gothic metal bands, gothic metal from finland, gothic metal music, gothic metal music 2004, gothic metal music this decade, gothic metal songs, hard rock music this decade, heavy metal albums, heavy metal music, Heavy Metal Reviews, Music, rock music, symphonic metal, Vocals with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on August 11, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

16842Lullacry is a Gothic Metal/Hard Rock band straight out of Helsinki, Finland. I stumbled upon this band, by perusing the incredibly insane selection of Metal Music – over at Century Media Records online, (CM Distro.com). What caught my attention with this Lullacry “Fire Within” EP were two things: the price was $2 for the CD (!) and this band does a cover of the legendary W.A.S.P. song – “L.O.V.E. Machine”. Hey, for two bucks it seemed like a pretty risk free proposition… especially since I never listened to this band before. (I purchased several items on this order, therefore my shipping cost per CD was low). One of the recurring living on the edge moments of my life is when I purchase a Metal CD without really knowing what I’m getting. Well, what I did get with Lullacry, is a darned solid and sound Gothic Metal/Hard Rock band that has raised my curiosity in their other albums out there. This is the only Lullacry CD that I own… delving deeper into their catalog of music might be a Metal option for me in the near future. Before I go any further, this band is not for every Metalhead out there, the overriding Metal sound is Gothic, due in large part to the lead vocals of Tanja. This female vocalist is very reminiscent of Amy Lee, (from Evanescence fame), on the song “Crucify My Heart pt. II (piano version)”, as Gothic sounding of a song if there is one. This song is definitely a Gothic ballad, Tanja emits quite a captivating voice here, in my Metal opinion.

This five song EP opens with “Fire Within”, it is a fast paced and catchy Heavy Metal song, no real trace of Gothic styles, musically. Tanja’s vocals on “Fire Within” can be compared to Dale Bozzio of early 1980’s New Wave Band – Missing Persons (yeah, that is my Metal opinion, believe it or not). “Be My God (tribal reprise)” has all the Gothic Metal elements happening, the guitars, vocals and slow downs make for a rather impressive song at that. “The #1 Rebel” is Gothic Metal with a faster tempo and a tad edgier than “Be My God (tribal reprise)”. Now, for the cover song from Heavy Metal legends W.A.S.P. – “L.O.V.E. Machine”… Blackie Lawless and only Blackie Lawless can sing this song… with W.A.S.P.’s crushing Heavy Metal overpowering everything and anything around it. With that said, it is an interesting and cool cover version. Listening to Tanja sing this song, only solidifies why I consider myself such a diversified Metal Music fan in the first place. Lullacry as a band, will never match the Metal intensity of W.A.S.P. with “L.O.V.E. Machine”, yet I do not think that this was their intention to begin with.

 

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As I previously mentioned, Lullacry is definitely a band for Gothic Metal fans or fans of Metal Music that do not mind diversifying outside their own Metal genre realm. Symphonic Metal fans and fans of Lacuna Coil might just get a kick out of Lullacry as well. A commercially accessible and at times, heavy Gothic band can lend itself to a cool listen, for me, Lullacry is just that. The Lullacry lineup, as they appeared on the “Fire Within” EP: Tanja on vocals, Sami Vauhkonen on lead guitar, Sauli Kivilahti on guitar, Heavy on bass and Jukka Outinen on drums & percussion. This “Fire Within” EP was released in 2004. The website for Lullacry is Lullacry.com.

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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

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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”.

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Tobias Sammet & Edguy – Power Metal you cannot pass up!!

Posted in Album Review, Century Media, Edguy, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Heavy Metal Reviews, Metal, Metal Reviews, Music, Power Metal, Rock, rock music, symphonic metal with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on April 13, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

92019811I look around and listen to a healthy dose of all Metal music, naturally. Power Metal has always been a staple for me, with DIO, Helloween, GammaRay, Blind Guardian, Yngwie Malsmsteen and so many others leading the way. I by no means take anything away from any other Power Metal band out there when I say that Edguy, led by Tobias Sammet, is at the top of my Power Metal play list. If I say it once, I will say it a million Metal times, Tobias Sammet is one amazing song writer and Power Metal vocalist. The brand new album from Edguy, “Tinnitus Sanctus” is for me, superb. This new release from Edguy, (January, 2009), is more edgier, dark and philosophical than their past albums have been. I sincerely recommend every studio album, live album and EP that Edguy has ever released, they are that incredible to my Metal ears.

A quality starting point for new Edguy fans would be another new release titled – “The Singles”. The songs on “The Singles” are not new, yet this compilation album is, released in early 2009. This album consists of the songs from the Edguy EP’s – “King of Fools”, “Superheroes” and “Lavatory Love Machine”. To sum up Edguy, their Power Metal is a brand of super pumped up – get psyched tunes, they are extremely melodic and extraordinarily catchy. Throw in the fact that Edguy is a group of high powered, quality musicians, complimented by Tobias Sammet’s powerful vocal brilliance and you have one of the very best of Power Metal bands on the planet today! I cannot deny the comparison of Tobias Sammet to that of the legendary Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden, the vocals are just that similar in my Metal opinion. (granted, there will always and forever be just one Bruce Dickinson).

I get the sense that, if this was the 1980’s, Edguy’s Power Metal would be all over the FM dial! It is a Metal shame that North American mainstream FM radio does not catch on to the unbelievable European Power Metal that is currently blitzing the continents today. Regardless, FM mainstream radio plays little current Metal as it is, only the Classic Metal from days gone by gets air time nowadays. (that is a good thing, at least some veteran Metal is heard on FM). My main goal with this article, of course, is to promote Edguy to the world, fuel some interest with new Edguy fans and HIGHLY RECOMMEND EDGUY to the entire Rock, Hard Rock and Metal communities!

The current Edguy lineup – Tobias Sammet on vocals, Dirk Sauer on rhythm guitar, Jens Ludwig on lead guitar, Tobias Exxel on bass guitar and Felix Bohnke on drums.

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Saturday, April 11, 2009, is National Heavy Metal Day!

Posted in Black Metal, Extreme Metal, gothic metal, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, Power Metal, symphonic metal, Thrash Metal with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 11, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

metalodyssey5Metal Odyssey has taken upon itself to proclaim: Saturday, April 11, is National Heavy Metal Day! Therefore, you may take these helpful tips/advice and put them into action, (if you like) and spread and/or share the great music of Heavy Metal to those around you.

* Listen to any or all Metal genres today!

* Play any or all Metal music LOUD today!

* Wear your favorite Metal t-shirt with pride today!

* Listen to any or all Metal genres with someone you love today!

* Buy or trade some Metal music today!

* Buy that special someone or your favorite buddy a Metal music gift! (give the gift of Metal)

* Share a Metal album/CD with someone!

* Share your Metal music knowledge with someone today!

* Read a decent mainstream or underground Metal magazine today, (not a Metal mag written by babies).

* If you are lucky enough, go to a Metal concert/club gig today!

* Watch a cool Metal movie today – “Trick or Treat”, any John Carpenter film or any Metal concert film will suffice.

* Surf the net for all of your favorite Metal bands and Metal news!

* Find an outdoor flea market for Metal music stuff – here’s a tip – buy low!

* Organize your Metal album/CD collection!

* Hang up a Metal poster of your favorite band(s) with pride!

Come to think of it, it seems like every day is a National Heavy Metal Day for me! It might feel that way to some of you out there too. Regardless, it just sounds and feels so cool, a National Heavy Metal Day, doesn’t it? Remember – BE TRUE TO METAL AND METAL WILL BE TRUE TO YOU.

Women of Hard Rock & Metal – Cristina Scabbia of Lacuna Coil

Posted in Century Media, gothic metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, lacuna coil, Metal, metal music from Italy, Music, Rock, symphonic metal, Vocals with tags , , , , , , , , , , on April 10, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

9125332Gosh, is the mainstream Rock radio world missing out or what. Try listening to any desensitized FM radio station these days, try as you may, you will never hear who I feel is Hard Rock and Metal’s most underrated female vocalist today – Cristina Scabbia of Lacuna Coil. Symphonic, Gothic and at the end of the day, Lacuna Coil is still – Metal. Cristina Scabbia has proven to me, that you can have a beautiful female voice and still sing Metal music. I find Metal brilliance in Lacuna Coil for many reasons, (Cristina Scabbia’s vocals being #1), including the total musicianship and co-vocalist Andrea Ferro. Lacuna Coil means empty spiral, there is nothing that I find empty about any of the music created by Lacuna Coil. 

I find Cristina Scabbia and Andrea Ferro to compliment each other extremely well, vocally. Cristina’s vocals  can lead you down many paths, from gentle solitude to dark and gothic to emphatic emotion. Then, Andrea will come in and either maintain the mood or sweep it off the table. These two vocalists do work vice versa as well, Andrea can be hitting the emotional anger on high and Cristina lends a symphonic vocal interlude that seamlessly blends into the song. There is no question that Lacuna Coil has their world following, deservedly so. There have been and continue to be many great articles written about Lacuna Coil in mainstream Rock and Metal magazines. Lacuna Coil and Cristina Scabbia are justifiably popular, I just feel that this band should be on the FM dial as often as Nickelback.

If you are already a fan of Lacuna Coil, you are then familiar with the bounty of integrity and musicianship they bestow. In the event you are new or unfamiliar with Lacuna Coil, I suggest a great starting ground would be their EP’s: “Lacuna Coil” and “Halflife.” In my opinion, every album from Lacuna Coil is worthy of Metal praise. The union of so many musical styles with two featured lead vocalists, providing incredible dual harmonies is quite tough to pull off. Lacuna Coil has been succeeding with this unique Metal style since 1997, Cristina Scabbia is the vocal centerpiece that is easy to embrace.