I 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!
Archive for the Thrash Metal Category
Over Kill “The Years Of Decay” – A Thrash Metal album to behold
Posted in 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's thrash metal, Album Review, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal music, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, metal music, Music, Over Kill, Thrash Metal, thrash metal album review, thrash metal music, thrash metal music reviews with tags "sid" falck, 1980's heavy metal, 1980's metal music, 1980's thrash metal, Album Review, bobby "blitz" ellsworth, bobby gustafson, d.d. verni, d.d. verni bass guitarist, Heavy Metal, heavy metal music, Metal, metal music, Music, Over Kill, over kill thrash metal band, the years of decay thrash metal album, Thrash Metal, thrash metal album review, thrash metal genre on May 3, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
“If it is old school Thrash Metal you are looking for, you have definitely found it! Over Kill does not disappoint, each song is as heavy as the next, TRUE Thrash Metal. This is as great a start as you can get if you are beginning an Over Kill music collection. Over Kill throughout the years have been steadfast and loyal to the Thrash Metal sound and genre, comparing “The Years Of Decay” to their other albums is non sensical, for I admire the entire catalog of albums from this band. “The Years Of Decay” in my opinion, stands out from the vast Thrash Metal album crowd, since it’s release in 1989. For an album that is now twenty plus years old, this brand of Thrash Metal from Over Kill is still Earth shattering, in my Metal opinion. Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth on vocals and D.D. Verni on bass deserve all the accolades. Bobby Gustafson on guitar and “Sid” Falck on drums are both tremendous players on this album as well. I really recommend “The Years Of Decay” to all Metal and Thrash Metal fans alike. New Over Kill fans cannot pass over this heavy hitter.
Rumpelstiltskin Grinder – a fresh breath of new school Thrash Metal
Posted in Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal music, Heavy Metal Reviews, Metal, metal music, Metal Reviews, Thrash Metal, thrash metal album review, thrash metal music reviews with tags cannibal corpse, Death Metal, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, relapse records, rumpelstiltskin grinder, rumpelstiltskin grinder thrash metal band, Thrash Metal, thrash metal album review, thrash metal review on May 2, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
Rumpelstiltskin Grinder. It was just a matter of time before I picked up the newest release from these Thrash Metal dudes. “Living For Death, Destroying The Rest” is their brand new album, (on Relapse Records), it is fast, furious, super heavy, a tad diabolical, well, I made my point. These attributes are exactly what I look for from any Thrash Metal album, so it is safe to say that Rumpelstiltskin Grinder delivered the super Metal goods here, in my Metal opinion. I cannot say enough about the frenzied pace of the Thrash Metal with this album, while driving and listening to these guys, I have to say it is quite exhilarating.
“Graveyard Vandalization” is a tune that Cannibal Corpse should be very proud of. Lyrically, it is completely and insanely gory, disgusting and downright nasty. What else could anyone expect from a song lyrically, when it has a title like that? For me, the tune is still quite entertaining and musically encompasses all things Thrash. It is humorous to me, for when I think of the title for this album – “Living For Death, Destroying The Rest”, well, isn’t that the usual theme of 24 hour network news cable channels? If anyone out there cannot handle the lyrics and tunes from Rumpelstiltskin Grinder, I guess they probably should not be able to handle the nightly news either. It is refreshing for me to know, that a band like Rumpelstiltskin Grinder is running off with the torch of Thrash Metal – I hope they carry on for quite awhile. I recommend this album to any Metal fan who wants to be entertained with some down home, new school, Thrash Metal fury.
DAATH – “The Concealers” is a full blown Metal onslaught!
Posted in Album Review, Century Media, century media records, daath death metal band, Death Metal, death metal guitarists, death metal vocals, Drums, Extreme Metal, Guitar, Heavy Metal, heavy metal guitarists, Metal, Metal Reviews, Thrash Metal, Vocals with tags century media records, Death Metal, death metal album review, death metal guitarists, death metal vocals, emil werstler, Extreme Metal, eyal levi, Heavy Metal, jeremy creamer, kevin talley, Metal, metal music, Music, sean z., the concealers album on April 21, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
I still have my ability to hear, thank goodness, especially after I listened to the new release from the Death Metellars from Atlanta, Georgia, – DAATH. This is my kind of Metal cup of tea – a full blown onslaught of Death Metal, that rages through all eleven new songs like an out of control meteor, ready to strike the desolate and cold planet Mars. The new lead singer for DAATH is Sean Z., one listen to “The Concealers” and I am very convinced that he is up to the task to be a standout Death Metal front man. Sean Z. on vocals just seems to engulf the attitude and strength of the lyrics, belting out with the desire and hunger that the entire Metal world should find captivating.
Overall, this entire new album from DAATH is of course, Death Metal, yet they incorporate an underlying mood of progressiveness, with melancholy echoes and synthetic eerie sounds – creating an atmosphere that is as dark as it is melodious. On “The Unbinding Truth” and “… Of Poisoned Sorrows” both tunes end in an abrupt and distorted manner, with the music skipping – the sounds of crackling, (like an old vinyl record being played), can be heard. (Upon my first listen, I thought I had a defect in my CD). This breakaway from the norm works fine for me, it only adds to the dark tone of what is being conveyed by DAATH.
Emil Werstler and Eyal Levi on guitars are reaching out to new heights with their skills on this album – they play very heavy and very fast, yet the breakdowns and leads are tastefully done for a Death Metal album. Jeremy Creamer on bass and Kevin Talley on drums pound out the rhythm section with pure force and defiance, that catapults this album into the real-deal realm of Death Metal. My copy of “The Concealers” I purchased directly through Century Media (my favorite record company on planet Earth), it came with an extra copy of the liner notes – authentically autographed by each member of DAATH!! Obviously, I am content with “The Concealers” – this is an album I highly recommend to all Metal and Death Metal fans. DAATH, in my Metal opinion, is a Death Metal force to reckon with and when their tunes are on – I am all ears.
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 Alice cooper, Black Metal, cannibal corpse, Death Metal, ghost hunters, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, horror movies, Iced Earth, jon schaffer, king diamond, kiss, lordie, matthew barlow, mikkey dee, Misfits, Motorhead, Music, paranormal television programs, Power Metal, progressive rock, Punk rock, rob zombie, Slipknot, speed metal, Thrash Metal on April 17, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
It 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 Zombie, Slipknot, 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.
A few Heavy Metal facts to get you through the day
Posted in 1970's hard rock, Black Sabbath, Extreme, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Motorhead, Music, Over Kill, Rock, rock music, ronnie james dio, Thrash Metal, van halen, Vocals with tags Black Sabbath, d.d. verni, dio, Grammy Awards, Heavy Metal, metal music, Motorhead, Music, Over Kill, ronnie james dio, Thrash Metal, van halen on April 15, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
Metal, Heavy Metal is so gooooooood. That is why I like to know facts about my favorite Metal heros and bands – Metal trivia/Heavy Metal history. Here are some facts that you may find interesting, informative or just plain boring. In any regard, you found them here!
* Ronnie James Dio – his real name is – Ronald Padavona
* D.D. Verni – the incredible bass player for Over Kill – his real name is – Carlo Verni
* Motorhead – yes, this legendary Metal band has won a Grammy for Best Metal Performance, in 2005.
* Black Sabbath originated from Birmingham, England – forming their historical Metal band in 1968.
* It is sometimes easy to forget this – Gary Cherone (lead vocalist from Extreme) – was in fact, a one time lead vocalist for Van Halen. The Van Halen album with Gary Cherone on vocals is titled – “Van Halen III.”
I guess these are enough Metal facts for now. I will routinely post a few more of these Metal tidbits.
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 Black Metal, Death Metal, Extreme Metal, gothic metal, Hair Metal, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, Power Metal, progressive metal, speed metal, symphonic metal, Thrash Metal on April 11, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
Metal 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.
Slayer is in my Rock & Roll Hall of Fame!
Posted in Drums, Guitar, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal blade, Metallica, Music, Slayer, Thrash Metal with tags dave lombardo, Grammy Awards, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, jeff hanneman, kerry king, Metal, metal music, Metallica, Music, paul bostaph, rock and roll hall of fame, Slayer, Thrash Metal, tom araya on April 8, 2009 by Metal OdysseyI just do not understand how the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame can induct Metallica on April 4, 2009, into their shrine, yet Slayer is not enshrined along with them. It is to my understanding, that one important prerequisite for enshrinement into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, is to have 25 years pass since the release of a bands first album. Do not mistake me for one Metal second here, I am a steadfast and loyal fan of Metallica since “Kill ‘Em All”, Metallica deserves their enshrinement. It is too unfortunate that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame could not look back on Thrash Metal history for a second. They would realize if they did the research, that Slayer is of equal value in comparison to Metallica in regards to the formation, foundation, evolution and progress of Thrash Metal!
I do not need to see actual sales figures of albums over the last 25 years to know that Metallica has sold more than Slayer, of course that is fact. Regardless, I do not hesitate to assume that sales figures are not a prerequisite for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame membership. I never give much credence to the Grammy Awards, yet Slayer has won two! Slayer, if anything, has never changed course, always have kept the extreme Thrash Metal meter on high for the last three decades. Slayer has stayed true to the Thrash Metal genre, never selling out, never. Slayer released “Show No Mercy” in December of 1983, on Metal Blade Records. I remember that time period very well, my crowd of Metal friends and I looked upon Metallica and Slayer as basically – equal. Throughout the years, I still considered both of these Thrash Metal giants to be of equal status. Metallica did go a more commercial and Heavy Metal route with “Load”, “Re-load” and “St. Anger”, however, I personally never gave up on Metallica just for their experimentation with the Metal. I have seen both Metallica and Slayer live over the years and in my honest Metal opinion, they were equally great!
Slayer as I mentioned earlier, have always delivered, without question, very fast, very heavy, Thrash Metal. Slayer has exhibited consistency, loyalty, endurance and quality musicianship to the world of Thrash Metal since 1983, isn’t that worth something to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Slayer has released, since 1983, 10 studio albums (which I am including “Undisputed Attitude”), 2 live albums and 2 EP’s. Compared to a vast majority of any Rock band since 1983, that is quite an impressive catalog of album releases. Just to reiterate, I wholeheartedly agree that Metallica deserves their place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! No one has to convince me of that! It would have been very cool, actually justified, to see Slayer be recognized at the same time.
For now, Tom Araya, Jeff Hanneman, Kerry King and Dave Lombardo are in my very own, self proclaimed, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Paul Bostaph, in my Metal opinion, filled in on drums tremendously while Dave Lombardo was out, therefore, Paul Bostaph is in too. I have spoken my Metal mind.
Caught in the midst of deciding – the greatest Metal album ever
Posted in Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, Power Metal, Rock, Thrash Metal with tags Death Metal, Hair Metal, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, progressive metal, Thrash Metal on April 4, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
So far, I have compiled 5 lists of Metal nominees for the greatest Metal album of all time. I never anticipated just how difficult a (dare I say task) it has been. It has been a fun task, affording me the opportunity to dig deeper into the years of Heavy Metal and all of the amazing genres of Metal that are out there. Will my decision make every Metal fan who reads the Metal Odyssey blog happy? I doubt that, for I am really embarking on a personal decision here, a decision not based on record sales, popularity or chart positions. Furthermore, as any fan of Metal music knows, your favorite band or bands are just that – your main bands. My goal here to decide on the greatest Metal album of all time is not to offend any fellow Metal fans in any way. I keep saying, this is a personal choice, yet, I am also looking forward to backing up and defending my decision! Some people might wonder or think, who cares what this guy thinks is the greatest Metal album of all time? My only response to anyone out there who thinks this is just a waste of time is – this endeavor only shows how much I actually embrace and love Metal music. Plus, researching and writing about the greatest Metal album of all time is light years more constructive and interesting for me, than to be chasing around crap stories about politics and crap stories about politicians second cousins and half sisters.
Being a fan of sports my entire life, I also have grown so extremely tired of the constant articles, stories and lists about what athlete is the greatest of their respective sport, of all time. I have heard it enough, the same old answers when it comes to the greatest sports teams and players. It gets to the point where, anyone knows the answer, the debate has truly dried up with greatest lists of sports. Who, honestly, in their right mind, would argue against Tiger Woods being the greatest golfer ever? What sense would it make to not agree that Michael Jordan is the greatest NBA player ever? With MLB, you can have somewhat of a debate, still Babe Ruth is hard to ignore for being the greatest ever. (I apologize for getting away from Metal here, sports is fun to debate, I just want to show that it appears to be easier to decide on a greatest sports athlete – compared to a greatest Metal album).
Metal represents a form of music and music representation. Metal music comes out of just about every country/continent on this planet. Depending on the country of it’s Metal origin, the Metal music represents the culture, sounds, views and feelings of that respective nation of origin. Metal music can (and does not always have to) mirror life. My point I am trying to convey is Metal music is not just something that exists, it is not just something that can be thrown aside like hollywood gossip. Metal music is real and I am darn proud to be as passionate about this music that has enriched my entire life.
Cliff Burton will always be remembered by this Metallica fan.
Posted in concerts, Guitar, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, james hetfield, Metal, Metal Church, metal concerts, Metallica, Music, Rock, Thrash Metal with tags bass guitar, cliff burton, Heavy Metal, james hetfield, kirk hammett, lars ulrich, Metal, Metallica, Music, Ozzy Osbourne, rock and roll hall of fame, Thrash Metal on April 4, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
I was extremely lucky enough to see Cliff Burton, the late bass playing legend for Metallica, at two live gigs in 1986. The first live experience I had seeing Metallica with Cliff Burton was in a large club setting, (The West Hartford Ballroom, West Hartford, Connecticut). Metal Church opened for Metallica, what a night. The second live gig I experienced seeing Cliff Burton was a rather very large gig. Metallica opened for none other than – Ozzy Osbourne! This exciting concert took place at the New Haven Coliseum, New Haven, Connecticut). (During 1986, Metallica was touring in support of their album “Master of Puppets” and Ozzy Osbourne was touring in support of his album “The Ultimate Sin”) My Metal memory cannot recall the exact dates of these shows, yet they both occurred in the brutally cold Winter months of 1986!
Let me say this much, as I witnessed Cliff Burton up close, in the large club setting, I still never have witnessed, to this very day, another Metal bass player that was so electrifying and physically into the music as Cliff was. It was because of Cliff Burton that I emulated his style of headbanging! Cliff Burton, from seeing him so up close that night, made it so vividly clear to me, that he was the master of his bass guitar, he was really enjoying the music he was playing. I could see in his face, the raw and yet enthusiastic emotion of what Thrash Metal really was. I will never forget that night, nor can I forget seeing Cliff Burton truly feel the Thrash music he was playing. Again, this is my own personal, live, first hand account from what I witnessed while watching Cliff Burton play his bass. (I of course remember James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich and Kirk Hammett too from that night!).
The New Haven concert was of course, bigger, therefore my nose bleed seat did not afford me the exclusiveness of being up close to the stage this time around. However, I did witness Metallica with Cliff Burton for a second time, live – they literally blew the roof off the coliseum with their brand of Thrash Metal fury! I remember gazing down on the entire stage, revering Metallica, taking it all in, taking each person on that stage for granted. Now, reflecting back, I grin while thinking of the New Haven concert. On that night, the thrill of seeing Metallica was euphoric to say the least, yet I was also equally thrilled that night to see Ozzy Osbourne on stage too. Just to pause for a moment, I and no one else for that matter on that particular evening, knew, that this very well would be the last time we would see the great Cliff Burton play his bass guitar live. These Metal life lessons have taught me to no longer take any person you enjoy for granted. Reflecting on these terrific Metal moments of my past reminds me, to cherish the moments I have today, to cherish family, friends, Metal music and good times.
Clifford Lee Burton – February 10, 1962 – September 27, 1986
Congratulations, Cliff Burton, on your induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with your band Metallica, on April 4, class of 2009!
Metal music facts for Metal fans worldwide!
Posted in Alice cooper, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, Over Kill, Power Metal, Rock, Thrash Metal with tags Alice cooper, Black Sabbath, Heavy Metal, lita ford, Music, Over Kill, Thrash Metal, yngwie malmsteen on April 2, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
Here are 5 interesting Metal facts that you may or may not know. Metal knowledge is pretty cool, especially when you try to “stump” your fellow Metal friends with this stuff.
- Lita Ford – her birth name is Carmelita Rosanna Ford.
- Yngwie Malmsteen was born on June 30, 1963, in Stockholm, Sweden.
- The legendary first Black Sabbath album (self titled) Black Sabbath, was released on Friday the 13th, February of 1970.
- Alice Cooper – his birth name is Vincent Damon Furnier.
- Over Kill – these leaders of Thrash Metal do have, indeed, a name for their skeletal bat mascot. The name is Chaly.
Greatest Metal album of all-time list #5!
Posted in Album Review, Alice cooper, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Metal Church, Metal Reviews, Music, Over Kill, Power Metal, Rock, Slipknot, Thrash Metal with tags aerosmith, Alice cooper, dream theater, Heavy Metal, manowar, metal album, Metal Church, mountain, Music, Over Kill, progressive metal, rainbow, Thrash Metal, van halen on April 1, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
Here it is, list #5 in my soul searching quest to determine the greatest Metal album of all-time! I feel like I am nearing closure, the light is at the end of the Metal tunnel. Please feel free to chime in and throw at me any Metal album you have not seen on any of these lists thus far, that you feel is deemed worthy of nomination for the greatest Metal album ever. Why, for me to actually forget a legendary Metal masterpiece? Of course, I am only (Metalhead) human. Plus, the years of Metal have provided such a vast array of genres, so many cool and brilliant albums are out there. I will consider any Metal album suggestion that may come my way, despite my being a Heavy Metal expert – I am kidding of course, all you need to do is read my article on “experts”! Now without any more Metal delay, here goes another 10 nominations (in no particular order) for the greatest Metal album of all-time:
1. Dream Theater – “Images and Words”
2. Mountain – “Climbing”
3. Van Halen – “Van Halen”
4. Alice Cooper – “Billion Dollar Babies”
5. Aerosmith – “Toys In The Attic”
6. Metal Church – “Metal Church”
7. Over Kill – “Feel The Fire”
8. Manowar – “Battle Hymns”
9. Rainbow – “Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll”
10. Slipknot – “Slipknot”
Stay tuned!
Vinyl and turntables forever, Ha, Ha.
Posted in Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, Power Metal, Punk rock, Rock, Thrash Metal with tags album jackets, albums, Heavy Metal, Music, record sleeves, records, turntables, vinyl records on April 1, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
Boy, would I just love to have a sit down conversation with the scholar or scholars who back in the late 1980’s, decided that vinyl records along with turntables, were no longer considered a technological advancement. What did the album ever do to anyone? How about the turntable? Sure, once the CD technology was introduced, (I will not lie), I was the first dude on my side of town to own a CD player and the very 2 CD’s that were currently being sold at the time. I just loved the selection of CD’s that were out there for the first decade, wow. It took about 10 seconds to peruse the 12 titles that were currently being sold. Well, like anyone else, I did sell/and or ditch quite a few albums due to the fact I could not upgrade my turntable for 15 years or so. However, I was smart enough to keep enough of the vintage Heavy Metal vinyl, plus I have obtained most of the vinyl that I parted ways with years ago.
Oh, what a sweet Metal feeling it is to now walk into Hot Topic and see real deal vinyl being sold, Metal vinyl too. Turntables are being sold just about everywhere, hmmmmm, where is that person or people now that basically put the death nail into the heart of vinyl records in the ’80’s? The return of vinyl is not just a fad or gimmick, it is real. Anyone who truly listens to music knows the vinyl quality of sound is far superior to digital any day of the week. I remember when DAT tapes were supposed to be the next big thing. I have accumulated over the years, many, many, many CD’s and for good reason. Vinyl was no longer available! I have become quite attached to my CD collection thank you, so once a brand new technology scholar comes up with the plan to abolish the CD, I have my stock and will not make the same mistake twice. Well, I am not going to say welcome back vinyl, for it never went away for this tried and true Heavy Metal fan of vintage albums. I will say ha, ha , to the hi-tech genius(s) who probably now cringe at the sight of brand new vinyl for sale. Oh, what am I thinking, those dudes would never venture into a Hot Topic anyway.
Metal facts that might enrich your life!
Posted in Amon Amarth, Death Metal, Drums, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, Power Metal, Rock, Thrash Metal with tags Amon Amarth, black stone cherry, brian robertson, cash cab, Death Metal, Grammy Awards, Heavy Metal, helloween, kentucky headhunters, krokus, Metal News, Motorhead, Music, Power Metal, Thin Lizzy on March 31, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
Here are five quick and easy to read Metal facts! Who knows when this vital Metal information will come in handy? Might you wind up in the Cash Cab? An inter-office Metal trivia contest? Surprise your spouse or companion with some really cool – hey, did you know that…
* Krokus – this legendary Heavy Metal band hails from Solothurn, Switzerland.
- Helloween – these Power Metal icons are currently celebrating, in 2009, their 25th Anniversary! It all started back in 1984, thank you Helloween!
- Scum was the original name for the Swedish Death Metal (Viking) band we all know and embrace as Amon Amarth. The group formed under the name Scum in 1988 and was changed to Amon Amarth in 1992.
- Black Stone Cherry – drummer John Fred Young’s father – Richard – is a founding member of the Grammy Award winning Kentucky Headhunters.
- Legendary lead guitarist Brian Robertson is well known for his career with the great Thin Lizzy, Brian also was a member of Motorhead, playing lead guitar on their 1983 release Another Perfect Day.
Well, that is about it for some quick Metal facts. I promise to deliver more interesting and life inspiring Metal facts, on a more consistent basis. I do want to pass along this bit of Metal advice to all Metalheads worldwide – “BE TRUE TO METAL AND METAL WILL BE TRUE TO YOU”
Greatest Metal album of all time – list #4!
Posted in Alice cooper, Black Metal, Gene Simmons, Guitar, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Heavy Metal Reviews, james hetfield, Led Zeppelin, Metal, Metallica, Paul Stanley, Rock, Thrash Metal, Vocals, W.A.S.P. with tags Alice cooper, Blackie Lawless, Frankie Banali, Heavy Metal, kiss, krokus, Led Zeppelin, Metallica, Music, Quiet Riot, Rush, Thrash Metal, W.A.S.P. on March 30, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
Well, here I am, continuing my research and very own and personal Metal journey of deciding what the greatest Metal album of all time is. As with the past 3 lists that I have compiled, these lists are nominees only, in no particular order. Plus, a point I need to make is, it would be “fun” and “cool” to add every Metallica, every Led Zeppelin album ever released to these lists, wouldn’t it? I just cannot do that, for I need to keep “some” integrity flowing around here! There will be a few entries from respective Metal bands however, only due to their enormous impact on the evolution and culture of Heavy Metal. I should not be too far away from “finishing” these lists, I cannot wait to see what Metal album I choose as the greatest ever! Once I do make that illustrious and personal Metal decision, I will definitely detail the reasons for why I chose that particular Metal album, you bet. Without further delay, here are another 15 classic Metal albums that I nominate for greatest ever:
1. Led Zeppelin – “ll”
2. Led Zeppelin – “lV”
3. Metallica – “Kill ‘Em All”
4. Quiet Riot – “Metal Health”
5. Venom – “Black Metal”
6. Krokus – “Headhunter”
7. Kiss – “Love Gun”
8. Mercyful Fate – “Melissa”
9. Rush – “Moving Pictures”
10. W.A.S.P. – “The Last Command”
11. Twisted Sister – “Under The Blade”
12. Twisted Sister – “Stay Hungy”
13. Accept – “Restless and Wild”
14. Alice Cooper – “Welcome To My Nightmare”
15. Ted Nugent – “Cat Scratch Fever”
I will continue on with the deliberations, I will keep all of you fellow Metalheads worldwide posted on this ongoing personal Metal journey towards the greatest Metal album of all time!
Greatest Metal album of all time – list #3!
Posted in Guitar, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, Rock, Scorpions, Slayer, Slipknot, Thrash Metal, W.A.S.P. with tags Blackie Lawless, def leppard, dio, Heavy Metal, helloween, Motorhead, Music, nazareth, ronnie james dio, Thrash Metal on March 29, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
In continuing my personal search for the greatest Metal album of all time, I will now submit to the world, list #3! Here are 10 more solid choices, that I have personally chosen as nominees. Again, this is a delicate and important process for me, as a life long metalhead to be making such a personal choice of greatest Metal album ever. Agree or disagree, this journey for me making this decision is more fun than watching reruns of “Monster Quest – The Legend of the Lochness Monster.” Please refer to my prior “Greatest Metal Album of all time” articles for past nominees. (as always, the list here is in no particular order, nominees only)
1. Def Leppard – “Pyromania”
2. Motorhead – “Another Perfect Day”
3. Nazareth – “Hair of the Dog”
4. Judas Priest – “British Steel”
5. Scorpions – “Blackout”
6. W.A.S.P. – “Dying For The World”
7. Slayer – “Show No Mercy”
8. Slipknot – “The Subliminal Verses”
9. Helloween – “Walls of Jericho”
10. Dio – “Holy Diver”
This series of articles will continue, as my quest for choosing the greatest Metal album of all time continues. Stay tuned.
Fight was one incredible Metal band!!
Posted in Album Review, concerts, Drums, Guitar, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Heavy Metal Reviews, Metal, metal concerts, Metal Reviews, Music, Rock, Thrash Metal, Vocals with tags Fight, Heavy Metal, Judas Priest, Music, Reviews, Rob Halford, Thrash Metal on March 28, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
Rob Halford, the “Metal God” of the Metal music world, formed an incredible band in the Summer of 1992 named Fight. Sure, Rob Halford will forever be known as the super famous and powerful lead vocalist for Judas Priest, yet the Metal music that he created with Fight is superior stuff for me. I so very highly recommend Fight to all Metal fans, especially fans of Judas Priest, Pantera and Thrash Metal. I purchased the Fight CD/DVD – “War of Words – The Film”, (released Summer of 2008), whoa was this one powerhouse band. “Into The Pit” is a straight to your face – all out – Thrash Metal tune that does not let up or give in. “Immortal Sin” is more of a Heavy Metal/Metal track that carries along with dark lyrics and vocals courtesy of Rob Halford. “Kill It” is a very aggressive track, again I am amazed at how ahead of their time Fight really was musically. Overall, the songs on “War of Words” are very relevant to what is being created today by the Thrash Metal and Metal community. Rob Halford was joined with Scott Travis on drums in Fight, (Scott Travis being a long time & current drummer for Judas Priest).
The DVD is super loaded, with a documentary of Fight, plenty of comments and anecdotes to be found. A 13 song live concert comes off with all of the necessary Metal goods, both musically and with quality. There are 3 promotional videos as well, “Nailed To The Gun”, “Little Crazy” and “Immortal Sin” are worth their weight in Metal gold. The copy of “War of Words – The Film” that I purchased was a limited edition, numbered out of 5,000 copies for it included an authentic autographed Fight photo! The autograph is of Rob Halford! Not too shabby to have this bonus autograph included. In all Metal seriousness, this is a band and release that is so Metal worthy of listening to and watching. To me, Fight is one of those rare Metal bands that exhibited enormous excitement, great music and lasted way too short for my liking. Rob Halford to me, definitely succeeded musically while he was away from Judas Priest in the early 90’s.
Fight was: Rob Halford on lead vocals, Scott Travis on drums, Russ Parrish on guitar, Brian Tilse on guitar & keyboards and Jay Jay on bass guitar.
Greatest Metal album ever – the saga continues!
Posted in Album Review, Death Metal, Drums, Extreme Metal, Guitar, Heavy Metal, Heavy Metal Reviews, Iron Maiden, james hetfield, Led Zeppelin, Metal, Metal Reviews, Metallica, Music, ozzy, Thrash Metal with tags Deep Purple, Heavy Metal, Metallica, Music, Ozzy Osbourne, Thrash Metal on March 27, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
You know, after writing my last article regarding the greatest Metal album ever, I will refuse to ponder! After sleeping on the thoughts of what makes a Metal album the greatest of all time, I realized that I cannot be a jelly head and not step up and announce what I feel is the greatest Metal album ever created. Patience is a virtue however, I need to continue my research, add more lists of great & legendary Metal albums as nominees, follow my Metal heart and then decide. So, in a Metal nutshell, this topic shall be a series of articles leading up to my personal Metal decision on what Metal album is the greatest of greats. I may have a decision within days, it may take a couple of weeks, I am in no rush to make such an important and personal Metal decision! For once the decision is made, I cannot go back on my Metal word and say – “but” or “I changed my mind” – none of that immaturity will I bestow on the world of my fellow Metalheads out there. Now, without further delay, here is a list of 15 more incredible Metal albums that I have personally nominated to might become the greatest of all time. (There is no importance at this time in regards to the order of this list, these again, are nominees):
1. Guns N’ Roses – “Appetite for Destruction”
2. Metallica – “Ride the Lightning”
3. Thin Lizzy – “Jailbreak”
4. AC/DC – “Back In Black”
5. AC/DC – “Powerage”
6. Iron Maiden – “Iron Maiden”
7. Iron Maiden – “Piece of Mind”
8. Judas Priest – “Stained Class”
9. King Diamond – “Abigail”
10. Exodus – “Bonded By Blood”
11. Ozzy Osbourne – “Blizzard of Oz”
12. Black Sabbath – “Heaven and Hell”
13. Deep Purple – “Machine Head”
14. Anthrax – “Among the Living”
15. Pantera – “Cowboys From Hell”
I definitely will have to continue on with some more nominations here, I am not going to just rattle them off the top of my Metal head, I need to clearly think about the albums and then justify to myself their significance to the world of Metal. I find this truly fun, it really beats watching the 24 hour news networks and listening to their robotic talking heads reading from tele-prompters! There will be more nominees to come, stay tuned, be patient, I will make an informed Metal decision on choosing the greatest Metal album ever.
What is the greatest Metal album ever? Something to ponder…
Posted in Album Review, Death Metal, Drums, Extreme Metal, Guitar, Hair Metal, Heavy Metal, Heavy Metal Reviews, james hetfield, Metal, Metal Reviews, Metallica, Music, ozzy, Power Metal, Slayer, Slipknot, Thrash Metal, Vocals with tags Black Sabbath, Heavy Metal, Led Zeppelin, Metallica, Motorhead, Music, Ozzy Osbourne, Rush, Slayer, Slipknot on March 27, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
Here we go, a “fun” exercise in Heavy Metal debate, one of the more controversial question’s in Metal music history. What Metal band made the greatest Metal album ever? I like to cut to the chase by having this debate as “all inclusive,” meaning every Metal genre get’s involved here. This without doubt, becomes a personal issue for most Metal fans, I can accept that for I take this topic very personal as well. I never like to get caught up with which genre of Metal is better, nor do I like to get childish and say Slipknot is better than…
The age old question of what is the greatest Metal album ever has more of a historical importance to it. This is really an open ended question, for what merits the album to be the greatest anyway? Does the greatest Metal album have to be from the onset of Heavy Metal, say the late 1960’s – early 1970’s? Would this be due in part for the greatest Metal album would be the cornerstone and/or building block of the future of all Metal music? It is an obvious acceptance in the world of Metal music, that “hit” singles do not constitute any appreciation, applause or adulation amongst real Metal fans. Metal music, as a rule, is underground, dark, no hits needed please. The Heavy Metal and Hair Metal genres have garnered most of the “hit” singles for us, that is fine with me. My main point I am conveying here is it should not be necessary for the greatest Metal album ever to be loaded with radio friendly hit songs.
There are many ideas to consider when choosing the greatest Metal album ever, the list could actually be endless with criteria! Here are some questions that could be posed to this debate:
1. Is the album groundbreaking for it’s Metal genre?
2. Is the album representative of a sound that is fresh & new while still staying true to Metal?
3. Musically, is the album cutting edge? Is the album musically basic?
4. Does the greatest Metal album incorporate several Metal genres? Does it bestow influences of past Metal?
5. How memorable should this Metal album be? Quite memorable for me I am sure.
6. Is the greatest Metal album ever – created by a powerhouse/well known Metal band, or a more “fan favorite” underground Metal band?
7. Just as I feel about the hit singles approach, I do not/never have given any credence to the sales figures or chart position of any of my favorite Metal albums, I leave that to the “Pop” & “bubble gum” music world thank you.
8. Is this greatest Metal album ever a concept album? Could it possibly be an EP?
9. Could the greatest Metal album ever be just instrumental? Partial vocals?
10. Could the album cover have any influence on how a person feels about the music? I could not be swayed by the album art when making a decision on the greatest Metal album ever.
Well, it is all about preference when it really counts. Many Metal fans want their greatest Metal album to be the heaviest music there is out there, while other Metal fans may opt for history being made in the music, on this album. I really do not see any wrong or right way to judge, I feel it becomes far too personal a choice for me to truly make. This is why I have to chuckle when some music critic in the mainstream media comes up with a personal choice of the greatest Metal album of all time. A bigger chuckle for me is when a readers choice poll gets printed in a mainstream music magazine and it is the classic, cliche’ unveiling of a Metal album that is thrown down your throat – that this is the Metal album of the ages.
For those who feel I should be more adventurous and just say which Metal album is what I consider to be the greatest of all time, well, here are a few candidates I feel are worthy. Forgive me for not being able to say which album I deem as the all time greatest Metal masterpiece. I am guilty of loving all Metal and I am infatuated with too many Metal albums to nail it down to just one greatest. Here is my top ten list, not in any particular order, for nominees of the greatest Metal album of all time.
1. Metallica – “Master of Puppets”
2. Queensryche – “Operation Mindcrime”
3. Black Sabbath – “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath”
4. Slipknot – “All Hope Is Gone”
5. Jimi Hendrix Experience – “Are You Experienced”
6. Led Zeppelin – “Physical Graffiti”
7. Slayer – “Reign In Blood”
8. Rush – “2112”
9. Black Sabbath – “Black Sabbath”
10. Motorhead – “Ace of Spades”
In a perfect world, sure, I would pick one of these fine Metal albums above and bestow it as the greatest ever. I am certain my list of nominees are quite different than my fellow Metalhead fans out there, some may agree partially to my list. Tomorrow, for heaven sake, this list of mine could change in a heartbeat! That is how amazing Metal music is for me, I could honestly come up with another list of 10 nominees for greatest Metal album ever! Somewhere out in the world of Metal music, is the greatest Metal album ever recorded. It is definitely being listened to and enjoyed by an unknown number of Metalheads, at this moment you are reading this article. Rest assured, this list is not set in Metal stone for me, yet I do reflect back to these Metal releases each and every time that I ponder the greatest Metal album ever…
Heavy Metal in Heaven? I certainly hope so.
Posted in Drums, Guitar, Hair Metal, Heavy Metal, Metal, Metallica, ozzy, Punk rock, Ramones, Rock, Thrash Metal, Vocals on March 25, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
I like to think of Heaven as my destination goal, once I leave this world of course. Yeah, it is cool for the Metal genres to write and sing about hell, hell’s kitchen, fires of hell, “Highway To Hell”, etc., etc., yet that is not where I want to be going. I often hope and wonder, will Heaven have everything that is “good” about our lives? Will heaven allow Heavy Metal? I would hope and pray that the late Jimi Hendrix is allowed to have his guitar and play up there in the clouds. I would not doubt for a second, that the angels and saints could not enjoy the late Joey Ramone’s singing. Music as a whole, has made planet Earth more enjoyable, music has definitely made my life more fun and inspiring, I am comfortable thinking I speak for millions of people.
Essentially, I believe in Heaven, therefore I believe there is all music represented up there since the beginning of time itself. From primitive to modern day, I have to believe the history of music is heard in Heaven. Well, it is always a hoot to imagine what kind of Metal bands have formed up in Heaven, with so many Rock legends hopefully being up there. I wonder if the late Buddy Holly is jamming out with the late Stevie Ray Vaughn? Is the late Jim Morrison leading a band or embarking on a career in poetry amongst the clouds and rainbows?
Here is a Heavy Metal band that could have possibly formed up in Rock & Roll Heaven. (I am sure there can be hundreds of different bands put together with this topic, this is just one band lineup that looks really cool).
Kevin DuBrow – lead vocals – (Quiet Riot)
Randy Rhoads – lead guitar – (Quiet Riot, Ozzy Osbourne)
Steve Clark – lead guitar too! – (Def Leppard)
Eric Carr – drums & percussion – (Kiss)
Cliff Burton – bass guitar – (Metallica)
Now, would this be a great band to see or what? I certainly think this band would be a kick! I also hope, that up there in Heaven, the battle of the Metal genres comes to a screeching halt. That is why I have the late Cliff Burton playing bass guitar with a bunch of Hair Metal legends. Wait a second, the late Randy Rhoads was not a Hair Metal guy, he was just plain amazing. The late Kevin DuBrow with Quiet Riot hold the honor and distinction of being the very first Heavy Metal album to hit #1 on the album charts. This achievement surely paved the way for Heavy Metal storming into the mainstream. I sure miss each and every one of these guys, the music they created will last here on Earth forever – or until that big unknown space rock collides with Earth and we are all evaporated within a zillionth of a micro second. That is why it is so essential to believe that all music, especially all the Metal genres are up there in Heaven waiting for all of us Metalheads – who believe.
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