That’s my AC/DC bottle opener/keychain. I don’t have a clue as to how I obtained it. It’s just one of those mystery items that you come across while clearing out boxes of stuff. I’m happy I found it, I will say.
The box I found this in I had not opened in over (at least) 8 years. I’ve been to a couple of AC/DC concerts many, many years ago; yet I don’t believe I bought any merch at those shows. Who knows, it was so long ago. I was probably lit anyways. Thanks for checking it out and… “have a drink on me!”
Heavy hitting rock legends, Night Ranger are set to release their 12th studio album, “ATBPO” (which stands for And The Band Played On), an ode to making music during the covid era. The album will be released on August 6, 2021 via Frontiers Music Srl on CD, Color Vinyl (a variety of limited edition versions), and Digital. The band began writing the album in early 2020, amid the rise of the global pandemic. After narrowing down the song selection and tightening them up to their well-known rock ‘n roll sound, the band hit the studio, although separately, due to the times we are in. Throughout ATBPO we hear Night Ranger continuing their hot streak that kicked off with 2011’s “Somewhere In California”.
Ten years on, and two highly acclaimed albums later, “High Road” and “Don’t Let Up”, the band’s latest studio work shows them still burning with that high octane hard rock energy. Night Ranger has always had a knack for killer melodies, intricate instrumentation, and captivating lyrics; ATBPO delivers all of that and more.
Having sold over 17 Million albums worldwide, performed across more than 4000 stages, and captivated a radio audience that exceeds 1 Billion, Night Ranger has both epitomized and transcended the arena rock sound and style well beyond that era. With multiple songs having a significant impact on popular culture, Night Ranger continue to grow their ever-evolving fan-base. The band is proof that powerful songs alongside, incredibly talented musicians is the perfect formula for continued success.
Night Ranger have earned widespread recognition that includes both multi-platinum and gold album status all while leaving their indelible mark on the music industry with a long list of best-selling albums (Dawn Patrol, Midnight Madness, 7 Wishes, Big Life and Man In Motion). Their popularity is fueled by an impressive number of instantly recognizable hit singles and signature album tracks, including legendary titles such as “Sister Christian”, “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me”, “When You Close YourEyes”, the anthemic “(You Can Still) Rock In America”, along with “Sentimental Street”, “Goodbye”, “Sing Me Away”, and “Four in the Morning”.
Over the years, the band’s music has made notable contributions to and been featured in many different areas of global media and pop culture. Night Ranger was one of the first big “video” bands on MTV, with over ten #1 hit videos. Their songs can be heard in TV Shows like, The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, American Dad, Glee, Grey’s Anatomy, Parks & Recreation.
The band have also had music featured in video games such as, Rock Band, Guitar Hero and Grand Theft Auto, plus hit Broadway musical Rock of Ages, the Oscar-Nominated film Boogie Nights, and other feature films such as Friday the 13th, Teachers, Sixteen Candles, and The Secret of My Success. Most recently the band’s classic hit “Sister Christian” can be heard in a Dr. Pepper commercial. They can also be heard throughout JBL’s “Hear The Truth” brand campaign.
Night Ranger is Jack Blades (bass, vocals), Kelly Keagy (drums, vocals), Brad Gillis (lead & rhythm guitars), Eric Levy (keyboards) and Keri Kelli (lead & rhythm guitars).
Tracklist: Coming For You Bring It All Home To Me Breakout Hard To Make It Easy Can’t Afford A Hero Cold As December Dance The Hardest Road Monkey A Lucky Man Tomorrow Savior (Bonus Track for CD and LP only)
The Metal Tour of the Year co-headlined by MEGADETH and LAMBOFGOD will soon lay waste to cities across North America with special guests TRIVIUM and HATEBREED. Due to international visa issues, special guests INFLAMES will not be able to join the tour, but the highly anticipated trek will finally hit the road beginning August 20 through October 2.
Tickets and limited VIP packages are available at:
metaltouroftheyear.com
Source: MEGADETH
LONG LIVE MEGADETH, LAMB OF GOD, TRIVIUM And HATEBREED.
Posted in Metal with tags metal odyssey on July 10, 2021 by Metal Odyssey
This past week, my family brought home to me this kick-ass Slayer belt buckle. This is a thrift store find that cost $4.99. That’s a very decent price. I seriously never find anythingrelated to Metal at thrift stores; occasionally I’ll find a worthy CD here or there. Honestly, this is the best Metal treasure that either my family or I have found at a thrift store in many years.
With over 40 years playing guitar and songwriting as a professional musician, career firsts are minimal for someone as prolific as George Lynch. On August 20th, George gets to add another highlight with the release of his first-ever full-length instrumental album, Seamless. The album features nine brand new tracks and three bonus tracks from Lynch who is backed by drummer Jimmy D’Anda and bassist Eric Loiselle.
“Seamless is my attempt at creating a guitar driven instrumental record that delivers something outside the realm of what most people would expect from a guitar instrumental record coming from a semi-redeemed 80’s hair shredder. I wanted the record to be challenging but not exhausting; personal without being belligerently self-indulgent and include a fair amount of guitar histrionics and pay tribute to the masters without making it sound like I’m competing to be the end all summation of all guitar legacies that preceded me. I also wanted the underlying music to be more than vehicles for solos; I wanted the compositions to be able to stand on their own,” explains Lynch.
From the driving guitar riff of album opener “Quiver” to the haunting outro of album closer “Falling Apart,” it is clear George Lynch was looking to explore his writing and love for the guitar. Songs like “Cola,” “Sharks With Laser Beams,” and “Supersonic Hypnotic Groove Thing” explore the various musical styles George likes to play while giving him room to experiment with new sounds alongside his signature tone. The album on all formats includes three bonus tracks that were added to the album after the extra tracks were presented to the label. “Blue Light Effect,” House Of Eternal Return” and “The Weight” also show the musical diversity that only George Lynch as a trio can create.
Bay Area Thrashers INFEX have released a lyric video for “The Abyss,” a track from forthcoming album Burning in Exile. The video was directed and edited by Lance Woodruff. Commence thrashing at youtu.be/k-4IbkTi9dk or below:
Concerning the lyrical inspiration for “The Abyss,” the band had this to say:
“The Abyss was inspired by the famous quote from Friedrich Nietzsche – ‘Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.’
We find the quote relatable more than ever in today’s super-charged political and existential social climates. That which we hate, we become. The Abyss is a metaphor for the oppressive anxiety of the modern day social climate. It’s like staring into the darkness of the Abyss, overwhelmed with fear of what happens when we come out the other side. As it consumes you, you become one with it, and panic attack becomes the daily norm.”
INFEX will self-release Burning in Exile on August 13th on CD, digital and limited edition red translucent 12″ vinyl formats.
In case you missed it, check out the official video for album track “Acid Reign” at youtu.be/EDjRsqTlfCE
Line-up: Jack – Guitars and Vocals, Adam – Guitars and vocals, RC – Bass and vocals, Corey – Drums
Though the sound of Burning inExile is firmly anchored in a ripping form of thrash metal, elements of old school hardcore and crossover metal are present as well. Having grown up during the Thrash Metal heyday and listening to genre pioneers like Exodus, Kreator, Destruction, Slayer, Dark Angel and the like, along with old-school hardcore influences like Discharge, Attitude Adjustment, Cryptic Slaughter, DRI, and Excel, INFEX blends the styles of all these and more into a raw outpouring of aggression and anger.
Burning in Exile was recorded at Trident Studios in Martinez, CA (Machine Head, Vio-Lence, Testament, Exodus). It was produced, engineered, mixed and mastered by Juan Urteaga. INFEX booked the studio time in late 2019 and began recording in March of 2020, right as the Covid-19 pandemic became serious. Due to the lockdown, the recording sessions were spaced out further than anticipated, resulting in the inspiration for the album title, Burning in Exile. The band’s album release show happens on August 14th at 3 Disciples Brewing in Santa Rosa, California.
So happy to show you the cover artwork of “Triumph And Agony Live”. It’s released on September 24 and includes the whole “Triumph And Agony” album in awesome live versions on CD, vinyl, Blu-ray and in the most beautiful boxset we ever had. I love the new cover art so much! Check it out!
Long-running heavy metal supergroup DOWN, featuring vocalist Philip H. Anselmo, guitarists Pepper Keenan and Kirk Windstein, drummer Jimmy Bower, and bassist Pat Bruders, will return to the stage Friday, August 13th for a very special in-person live and virtual experience!
The fittingly titled NOLA Town Throwdown will take place at the Fillmore in New Orleans, Louisiana. Fans can attend the show in person while those who can’t make it, can still catch it in real time from the comfort of their living room! Support will be provided by special guest comedian Dave Hill.
Comments the band:
Philip H. Anselmo: “It’s gonna be great to play our home town again! Always a blast!”
Pepper Keenan: “NOLA Town Throwdown is a long time coming. Let’s do this and make it epic! Up the hammers!”
Pat Bruders: “Through the hard times and now for the good times, this is gonna be a very special show for everyone! We’re ready to turn it up and slam it DOWN!”
Kirk Windstein: “Playing on stage with my brothers in DOWN is always a special moment to me. We can’t wait to blow the roof off of The Fillmore! Being in NOLA takes this to a whole new level!”
Jimmy Bower: “It’s been way too long, y’all! I can’t remember the last time we played NOLA. On Friday, August 13th we will play our hometown. A DOWNshow y’all! Old friends, good times, and great tunes on a superstitious night! We’re ready to jam, are you?”
Tickets go on sale Friday, July 9th at 10:00am central time through Livenation.com for the live event and down-nola.com for the livestream. Don’t miss out – tickets will go quick!
You know it’s DOWN as soon as you hear them. That’s the way it’s always been, and nothing will ever change that. There’s no mistaking those gargantuan riffs, swamp blues leads, crashing drums, and hypnotic howls for absolutely anybody else under the sun. Philip H. Anselmo, Pepper Keenan, Jimmy Bower, Pat Bruders, and Kirk Windstein uphold a certain tradition that countless fans celebrate, expanding their own musical mythos as they leave its pillars intact and untouched.
With a collective resume encompassing Pantera, Corrosion Of Conformity, Crowbar, and EyeHateGod, the quintet puffed out its first haze of sonic smoke from the belly of gritty old New Orleans on the 1995 platinum-selling classic, NOLA. At that moment, they naturally summoned something akin to a ritual, continually partaking in it with critically revered offerings — Down II: A Bustle In Your Hedgerow in 2002, Down III: Over The Under in 2007, Down IV – Part One in 2012, and Down IV – Part Two in 2014. Their shows built a certain live lore with unforgettable runs alongside Metallica and Heaven & Hell as well as coveted spots on iconic fests like Download, Soundwave, Ozzfest, and so many others forever delivering passionate, powerful, pure heavy music you can feel deep down in your soul.
Italian melodic death metallers LUNARSEA have a pleasure to announce that they will play at the 3-days CamuniaSonoraFest in Brescia – Italy, on Sunday, July 25th!
The band stated: “FINALLY BACK ON STAGE! We will share the stage with legends as Sodom and SAMAEL at Camunia Sonora on Sunday 25th July.”
Based out of Portland, Oregon, White Crone is the metal brainchild of award winning blues artist and bassist / vocalist Lisa Mann. Growing up in the mosh pits of the 80s, she was inspired by bands such as Iron Maiden, Mercyful Fate, Black Sabbath, Manowar, Dio and more. A mostly one-woman project, White Crone is a love letter to this grand era of metal, and a lyrical homage to mystical storytelling traditions of yore.
Never losing the blues swagger, White Crone delivers traditional heavy Metal, with traces of prog, proto & black – rounded out with classic Dickinsonian female vocals.All of this culminated in the debut album “The Poisoner”. “The Poisoner”will take you “back to the day.”
Lisa Mann comments: “I was inspired to write metal songs a few years ago, after hearing the band Ghost during the Grammy voting process. I taught myself to play guitar and drums in order to record at home. After I had tracked several songs in my spare time, it occured to me that other people might want to hear this music as well. So I hired a professional drummer (Larry London) to record in a real studio (Opal Studio, Portland OR), added Mehdi Farjami and Vinny Appice to some tracks, painstakingly tracked my own guitar parts, and voila, White Crone was born. As a well known Contemporary Blues artist, I knew it was risky to dive into the field of metal, but I felt the need to pursue this dream. I really just wanted to make an album that I would have listened to when I was 16!”
This heartfelt cover of the classic Rainbow track was mixed and mastered at Opal Studio by Kevin Hahn. Lisa Mann performs on vocals and bass guitar. The bass and keyboard tracks were recorded at home by Lisa and her husband Allen (Bass Salad Studio). Blues Rock artist Alastair Greene (Santa Barbara, CA) plays guitar on the track. On keyboards is Eric Lawrence. The legendary Vinny Appice fills out the Stargazer lineup on drums.
The song is even longer and more self-indulgent than the original, clocking in at almost 9 minutes. It will be released in digital format only on the day before Ronnie James Dio’s birthday, in his honor. It will be available for streaming on select platforms as well as available for download at the White Crone website.
It’s with a saddened heart to write that Johnny Solinger has passed away this past weekend from liver failure. Johnny Solingers’ musical career spanned Country to Heavy Metal. He is most famously known for fronting Skid Row; accomplishing an amazing tenure as their lead singer.
Metal Odyssey expresses condolences to the family, bandmates, friends and fans of Johnny Solinger. May he rest and Rock in peace.
If you never tuned into the Johnny Solinger era of Skid Row, please do so for I highly recommend that historic moment in heavy music history. The Johnny Solinger era of Skid Row will forever remain a favorite of mine. God Bless Johnny Solinger and his family.
NOW IT’S TIME FOR HAPPINESS: Our new album “Helloween” has entered the official German album charts at the top position – the first time EVER for a HELLOWEEN album! Our gratitude and appreciation for all our fans, not only in Germany, but WORLDWIDE is beyond words!
A&E’s definitive documentary film “Biography: KISStory” celebrates five decades of KISS! The four-hour, two-night event airs this Sunday, June 27th and Monday, June 28th from 9-11pm ET/PT.
Posted in Metal with tags metal odyssey on June 23, 2021 by Metal Odyssey
Gore Metal maniacs EXHUMED return to the stage this Fall! The Worming Through America tour begins October 22 and features support from Creeping Death, Bewitcher & Enforced! Tickets are on sale this Friday and a full schedule is available below.
EXHUMED Comments:
“We’re beyond psyched to be back on the road AT LAST! It’s been far too long since the teeming masses have choked on our foul stench. We’ve put together a killer, diverse lineup to crack craniums and rupture eardrums in a town (hopefully) near you, as well as some new surprises, including ‘Worming,’ an exclusive ‘tour-only’ vinyl EP. Gas up your chainsaws, put your beers and corpses on ice and get ready for us to roll into your neck of the woods and wake up some neighbors!”
EXHUMED TOUR DATES:
All Dates Oct 22 – Nov 20 w/ Creeping Death / Bewitcher / Enforced (Drops after Nov 13)
Posted in Metal with tags metal odyssey on June 21, 2021 by Metal Odyssey
Credit: Mark Weiss
KIX CURRENTLY ON THE ROAD PLAYING DATES THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY AND HEADLINING M3 ROCK FESTIVAL JULY 2
New York, NY – June 18, 2021 – For the first time in his 35+ year history of as the lead singer and front man of KIX, Steve Whiteman will release his first ever solo album, You’re Welcome, on July 2, 2021. The 12-song album was co-produced by Whiteman along with his trusted collaborators Brad Divens, Jimmy Chalfant, and Bob Paré; it was recorded and mixed by Divens at Fixintogetmixin Studio.
Though the recent pandemic essentially derailed the last year-plus of KIX’s touring plans, it gave Whiteman the chance to settle in at home for a critical period of time and vocal rest, the results of which he was able to channel directly into writing and recording You’re Welcome. “Not being able to play for over a year gave me the opportunity to get together with some friends and make an album of these songs,” said Whiteman. “It was great having something to do during COVID. We all had a great time making this record and I’m very proud of it!”
You’re Welcome is chock full of hard-rock gems. “I knew pretty early on this music wasn’t KIX music and that it was definitely going to be for my solo thing,” says Whiteman. Whether it’s the harmonica-splattered conflict of “Bad Blood,” the bluesy strike of “Lightning Bolt,” the instantly catchy “Do Me Like You Done Me Before,” the heartfelt and somewhat melancholy “Kid Dynamite,” a tribute to Ronnie Younkins [KIX guitarist], who’s been going through another bout of rehab, or the lusty wink-nudgery of “Tug of Luv” (one of the artist’s personal favorite tracks), You’re Welcome adds yet another exciting chapter to Whiteman’s storied recorded legacy.
If Whiteman’s loyal KIX fanbase feels like the album title sounds familiar, they’d be right. “It comes from a bit I do during KIX shows where I ask our crowds for a response. I demand they reply, ‘You’re welcome’ every time I say, ‘Thank you,’” Whiteman explains. And if the cover art gives them an incredible sense of déjà vu — it depicts Whiteman’s signature at the top, and a large, self-drawn stick figure underneath it, they’re exactly right. “Yeah, that started when KIX’s first album came out and the label had us do all these local in-stores,” Whiteman recounts. “It was madness, because we would be sitting there for like two or three hours just signing albums. People were always saying things like, ‘Write something special to me’ or ‘do something special,’ and I just ran out of ideas. Finally, I just started doing this little stick man as a portrait — and it kinda stuck. When people ask for my autograph now, they want my stick man — and now everybody can get it on the cover of my album.”
Cover Art: Steve Whiteman
KIX has released seven albums over their career including last year’s Midnite Dynamite Re-Lit, released on the 35th anniversary of the release of Midnite Dynamite. KIX will be on the road for the rest of the year, including headlining the M3 Rock Festival at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD on July 2. See all KIX tour dates HERE
You’re Welcome Track Listing:
1. Easy 2. Talking Bout Luv 3. Get The Wild Out 4. Shock 5. Prick Teaser 6. Bad Blood 7. Kid Dynamite 8. Lightning Bolt 9. Strip 10. Tug of Luv 11. Do Me Like You Done Me Before 12. Shook Me In My Shoes
Black Donut Records is pleased to announce that they will release “World Without End: An Underground Tribute to Samhain” on July 9th 2021.
While celebrating well-known legends is certainly a worthwhile endeavor, sometimes the underdog deserves a tribute. In that spirit, it’s high time for the unholy Samhain to enjoy a little bit of the limelight. Black Donut Records–in collaboration with twelve underground bands unified by a singular passion for Danzig’s lesser-known work–is pleased to present their inaugural release: a compilation album dedicated to the finest purveyors of gritty occult deathrock. World Without End: An Underground Tribute to Samhain will be released on July 9th, with a pre-order available now.
From a curatorial perspective, Black Donut Records seeks to shed some well-deserved love on an act regrettably neglected by the fickle tides of fame and fortune. Wedged in the timeline between the beloved horror-punk of Misfits and the blusier doom of Danzig, the legacy of the ghoulish Samhain has been regrettably lost in the fray. Their catalog has been out of print for decades, and is unavailable on streaming services–a death knell in the modern era, if e’er there was. With the small-yet-dedicated fandom left to scrounge YouTube’s dark corners for a modicum of access to their discography, the unfortunately inaccessible Samhain are long overdue for some attention.
While the bands collected herein deliver a wide array of sonic styles and aesthetic approaches, a singular passion and an instantly recognizable rough ‘n’ tumble Samhain spirit serves as the glue that holds the compilation together. Take, for example, Night Goat’s bombastically highoctane take on “Moribund,” DemonScar’s faithfully gritty “November’s Fire,” or Spellgrinder’s slick and sleazy interpretation of the intrinsically jubilant “All Murder, All Guts, All Fun.” A project larger, by default, than the sum of its component parts, this compilation will undoubtedly appeal to any fan who holds the source material in high regard.
World Without End Tracklist 1. “Black Dream” – Atomic Kavemen ft Marron Chaplin 2. “All Murder, All Guts, All Fun” – Spellgrinder 3. “Horror Biz” – Dead Eye Doll 4. “The Shift” – Rift Valley 5. “Archangel” – Energy 6. “Moribund” – Night Goat 7. “I Am Misery”- Bovine Nightmares 8. “Mother of Mercy” – Dead Rites 9. “To Walk the Night” – The Zenith 10. “Let the Day Begin” – The Red Edges 11. “November’s Fire” – DemonScar 12. “Death…In Its Arms” – Matte Martin
January Moon’, the new single from Alternative-Gothic artist Mordian, is to be released July 2nd. Produced by Evan Graham Dunn, it’s a haunting offering meant to carve the path for the next era of music; Mordian is eager to release more material after a period of rumination.
‘January Moon’ follows her debut EP ‘Romance in Disguise’ which released in May 2019 and contains three distinctive sections which explore contrasting moods and atmospheres. Opening with serene entwining of vocal harmonies and clean guitar chords, this section has a personal feel with a strong uplifting atmosphere. Soulful vocals produce a beautiful sound before thundering into heavily distorted metal instrumentation and melodic elements. Emerging from the depths, the concluding passage brings a delicate melody performed on classical guitar with a haunting spoken narrative.
Journeying through intense moods, the distinctive musical style of each part delivers its own powerful impact. Mordian’s overarching Gothic themes and ethereal sounds are certain to evoke a whole world of feelings within.
METALLICA is slated as the headliner for HELLFEST 2022! This HELLFEST is absolutely stocked with Metal legends, just look at the flyer above! MERCYFULFATE! TRIPTYKON! Heck, even UglyKidJoe is among the mix!
350 bands will perform across six stages! HELLFEST will be a two-part festival, with the following dates: June 17, 18, 19 and June 23, 24, 25, 26. METALLICA will headline on June 26th.
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
Metal Odyssey's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"
Metal Odyssey > Heavy Metal Music Blog 
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