On February 9th, 1980 – The incredible IRON MAIDEN performed at UMIST in Manchester, England. This was a date on the METAL FOR MUTHAS tour.
On this day in 1990 – The Horror movie The Haunting Of Morella was released to wide-screen theaters. This film was written by R.J. Robertson and directed by Jim Wynorski and stars David McCallum and Nicole Eggart. The setting takes place in Colonial America. The plot is that a witch that was put to death seventeen years earlier now wants to take over her daughter’s body. Scary movies are… Metal.
On February 9th, 2007 – Switzerland’s national treasure, KROKUS, performed at Joy Eslava in Madrid, Spain. Did someone say KROKUS kicks 100% Hard Rock ass?
On this day in 2012 – The mighty Megadeth and the great Motörhead performed at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA. Volbeat and Lacuna Coil were the supporting bands. This was one of many stops on Megadeth’s Gigantour.
RACHEL BOLAN
Above L to R: Rachel Bolan and Sebastian Bach. Hit Parader Poster, circa 1989.
Above: Recent SKID ROW band photo, with Rachel Bolan to the far right.
On February 9th, 1966, Rachel Bolan was born in New Jersey. Happy Birthday, Rachel Bolan! Hell and yeah! Rachel Bolan is world-famously known as an original member, bass guitarist and songwriter for Heavy Metal legends: SKID ROW. Long live Rachel Bolan and SKID ROW! Whoa!
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REST IN PEACE, JIMMY “THE REV” SULLIVAN. BORN FEBRUARY 9TH, 1981.
Announcing “Immortal RANDY RHOADS – The Ultimate Tribute”
The Late and Legendary Guitar Hero Memorialized in Sensational Cover Tracks. A Celebratory Album Featuring All-Star Guests SERJ TANKIAN, TOM MORELLO and More, out on March 3rd, 2015 via UDR Music.
Featuring an All-Star Line-Up of Music Greats:
TOM MORELLO
SERJ TANKIAN
RUDY SARZO
FRANKIE BANALI
VINNY APPICE
TIM “RIPPER” OWENS
CHUCK BILLY
ALEXI LAIHO
GEORGE LYNCH
GUS G.
BRUCE KULICK
DOUG ALDRICH
DWEEZIL ZAPPA
BERNIE TORME
JON DONAIS
BRAD GILLIS
… and More
One of the most venerated guitarists ever to grace hard rock music, the late, great Randy Rhoads (heralded as the legendary lead guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne and Quiet Riot) will be celebrated in the truest of fashions with the release of Immortal Randy Rhoads – The Ultimate Tributeon March 3, 2015 via UDR Music.
A collection of 11 classic Rhoads co-written songs, Immortal Randy Rhoads – The Ultimate Tribute is performed by twenty top contemporary artists, including old friends and performing partners Rudy Sarzo and Frankie Banali, his brother Kelle Rhoads and more designated musicians. The album was produced and compiled by the Grammy-award winning guitarist and producer Bob Kulick at his own studio.
Along with the album, Immortal Randy Rhoads – The Ultimate Tribute will also contain a bonus DVD available in the digipack version, including interesting interviews with some of the involved artists, hosted by Bob Kulick and a feature on the Musonia School of Music, a teaching school on North Hollywood, California, set up by Randy’s mother and run by his brother Kelle Rhoads.
Pre-order details coming soon! Immortal Randy Rhoads – The Ultimate Tribute will also be available in double vinyl gatefold and digital formats.
Full track listing with performers:
Crazy Train
Vocals: Serj Tankian
Gtrs: Tom Morello
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Vinny Appice
Over the Mountain
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Gtrs: Jon Donais
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Frankie Banali
Mr Crowley
Vocals: Chuck Billy
Gtrs: Alexi Laiho
Keyboards: Kelle Rhoads
Bass Rudy: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Vinny Appice
Believer
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Gtrs: Doug Aldrich
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Vinny Appice
Back To The Coast (Quiet Riot)
Vocals: Kelle Rhoads
Gtrs: Bruce Kulick
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Frankie Banali
I Don’t Know
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Gtrs: George Lynch
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Brett Chassen
S A T 0
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Rhythm guitars: Bob Kulick
Lead guitar: Dweezil Zappa
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Vinny Appice
Killer Girls (Quiet Riot)
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Gtrs: Joel Hoekstra
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Brett Chassen
Goodbye to Romance
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Gtrs: Gus G.
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Brett Chassen
Suicide Solution
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Gtrs: Brad Gillis
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Brett Chassen
Flying High Again
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Gtrs: Bernie Torme
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Brett Chassen
A lover of classical music, Rhoads had taken initial steps into rock’n’roll as a 16 year old when he formed a band, that soon became Quiet Riot. Rhoads was vaulted to the limelight in 1979 when Ozzy Osbourne chose the relatively unknown guitarist to help shape a new future for him via his band, Blizzard of Oz. The result saw Rhoads co-script two of the most famous albums in hard rock history, Blizzard Of Oz and Diary of A Madman, and rapidly ascended the stairway of fame and recognition for his virtuoso playing and writing. Famed for the way he fused classical flavors with technically-excellent hard rock, Rhoads became one of the most influential lead guitarists in rock.
When he tragically passed away on March 19, 1982 in a plane accident, Rhoads was only 25 years old, but thankfully, the legend of his work, ethos and their continuing influence on a whole new generation of guitarists, has never dimmed.
Celebrate the life and legend of Randy Rhoads with Immortal Randy Rhoads – The Ultimate Tribute!
The “Immortal Randy Rhoads: The Ultimate Tribute” Deluxe Digipakcomes with a CD and Bonus DVD. This DVD contains interviews and Exclusive Features filmed at the Musonia School of Music, where Randy gave guitar lessons!!
“The Final Countdown” to EUROPE’s 10th Album Release Begins!
Swedish rock legends EUROPE will release their 10th studio album, War of Kings, on March 10, 2015 in the United States via Hell & Back Recordings. Recorded at the brand new PanGaia Studios in Stockholm, Sweden, produced by Dave Cobb (Rival Sons) and engineered by John Netti, War of Kings sees the quintet confidently creating 11 monstrously melodic, yet hard-hitting classic rock’n’roll standouts for their fervent global audience.
War of Kings will be available in multiple formats, as a CD digipak, a CD jewel case, a vinyl LP and in digital download format.
Joey Tempest states, “War Of Kings is the album we always wanted to make, ever since we were kids listening to bands like Zeppelin, Purple and Sabbath. And after hearing Dave Cobb’s amazing production for Rival Sons, we simply had to work with him. Our adventure is still ON!”
War of Kings – Track Listing:
1) War Of Kings
2) Hole In My Pocket
3) Second Day
4) Praise You
5) Nothin’ To Ya
6) California 405
7) Days Of Rock n Roll
8) Children Of The Mind
9) Rainbow Bridge
10) Angels (With Broken Hearts)
11) Light Me Up
Bonus: Vasastan (Instrumental)
Photo Credit: Tallee Savage
EUROPE’s place as a legendary Classic Rock band was platinum-stamped early in their career, having enjoyed an explosive period of worldwide success in the ‘80s, under-pinned by their hit album and single The Final Countdown, before going on hiatus between 1992 and 2003. They reunited and quickly settled into a period of re-establishment which has seen them re-enforce their reputation worldwide as one of the premier purveyors of blues-tinged Classic Rock with an edge and some kick. Their last album, 2012’s Bag of Bones, saw EUROPE hit the UK top 40 rock album charts and debut at #2 on the Swedish national charts.
War of Kings is set to take full advantage of the global groundwork EUROPE have put in over the last few years.
Tempest adds: “Hey! We took the long road! But we wanted to re-establish EUROPE the proper way. It’s taken 10 years and countless tours since the re-union, but we’re finally getting there and we’ve done it our way!”
EUROPE:
Joey Tempest – lead vocals, acoustic & rhythm guitar, keyboards
John Norum – lead & rhythm guitars, backing vocals
John Leven – bass, backing vocals
Mic Michaeli – keyboards, piano, backing vocals, rhythm guitar
1969 – The great Led Zeppelin performed at Kinetic Playground, in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Vanilla Fudge and Jethro Tull also performed on this same evening.
1975 – Led Zeppelin performed at The Spectrum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
1985 – The mighty Metallica performed at the Eagles Club Ballroom in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. Metallica were on their Ride The Lightning Tour.
2004 – The legendary IRON MAIDEN performed at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. This was a stop on IRON MAIDEN’s Dance Of Death Tour.
2011 – Ozzy Osbourne performed at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado, USA. Ozzy was touring in support of his eleventh solo studio album, released in the Summer of 2010: Scream.
2012 – The legendary ANTHRAX performed at the Best Buy Theater in New York City, New York, USA. ANTHRAX were touring in support of their tenth studio album, released in September of 2011: Worship Music.
VINCE NEIL
Born on February 8th, 1961 in California was Vince Neil. Happy Birthday, Vince Neil! Whoa! Vince Neil is super well-known as the lead singer, original member and co-songwriter for the incredible Mötley Crüe.
Vince Neil has also released three studio albums during his music career, with Tattoos & Tequila (via Eleven Seven Music) being his most recent from 2010. His debut solo album was released back in 1993, via Warner Bros. Records and is titled: Exposed. Long live Vince Neil!
The eighth studio album from the UK’s Anaal Nathrakh was released back in October of 2014, via Metal Blade Records. Now, say Anaal Nathrakh ten times fast! Sometimes I get into these type of silly Metal moods. Well, let’s just say that Anaal Nathrakh will never perform live on the lame-ass Grammy Awards show. This band has carved a respectable career out of playing Extreme Metal and their latest album, Desideratum, is no stray from the Extreme path.
I really appreciate the diversity of this band, with Extreme Metal leading the way; I also enjoy fully the Power Metal style vocals that compliment the Blackened, Death and Grind vocals. Anaal Nathrakh play a buzz saw and in-your-face brand of Extreme Metal; Desideratum is so delightfully overwhelming that I nearly cry out: my brain and ears are punished, no mas!! Funny thing is, I have played this album on repeat just to take in its stunning intensity.
L to R: David Hunt aka V.I.T.R.I.O.L and Mick Kenney
I’ve always adhered to the Metal notion that there’s a ton to be said about listening to Extreme Metal and taking in the sonic assault from Anaal Nathrakh makes me feel like I’ve punched a heavy bag when I never did; that makes me feel good inside and feeling good from any music is what matters most.
I can’t explain it, however, listening to this album has an almost mysterious addiction about it; it’s Extreme and it’s also a potent Metal statement as to how immensely memorable melodies can co-exist within the framework of an Extreme Metal album.
If you’re a fan of Abiotic, Alterbeast or The Black Dahlia Murder, (for examples), you will become an instant fan of Anaal Nathrakh. Long time fans of this brutal band should be very pleased with Desideratum; I know I’m very pleased. Metal be thy name. – Stone
On February 7th, 1969 – The iconic Led Zeppelin performed at Kinetic Playground in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Rock legends Vanilla Fudge and Jethro Tull also performed on this same night.
On this day in 1975 – Led Zeppelin performed at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York, USA.
On February 7th, 1988 – The legendary DIO performed at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Oklahoma, USA. Megadeth and Savatage were the supporting bands. This was the Dream Evil Tour.
On this day in 1997 – DIO performed at Billboard Live in West Hollywood, California, USA. This was the Angry Machines Tour. AngryMachines was the seventh studio album released by DIO, back in 1996. This also marked the last DIO album to feature the outstanding Vinny Appice on drums.
DAVID BRYAN
On February 7th, 1962, David Bryan was born. Happy Birthday, David! David Bryan is world famously known as the keyboardist/pianist for Bon Jovi. As an original member of Bon Jovi, David has co-written songs and performed backing vocals for the band as well.
As well as being a solo recording artist, David Bryan also wrote Memphis, which became a successful Broadway musical and Tony Award winner. Shown above is the album cover for David’s debut solo album from 1995: On A Full Moon…Long live David Bryan!
SULLY ERNA
On February 7th, 1968, Sully Erna was born. Happy Birthday, Sully Erna! Sully Erna is world famously known as a founding member, lead singer and songwriter for the amazing Hard Rock band: Godsmack. Sully Erna is also a multi-instrumentalist both on album and live for Godsmack. He has also released a critically acclaimed solo album back in 2010: Avalon. Long live Sully Erna!
Vancouver, BC jazz thrash architects EXPAIN has teamed up with Decibel Magazine for the premiere of their latest guitar playthrough video for ‘Allegiance To Pain’. To check out the video, please visit the following link here.
“Hey, Dudes! Hope you enjoy this play-through video! Now order up the most expensive escort you can afford, remove your clothes, and sit back and relax!” comments guitarist Pat Peeve.
The video is in support of their debut album‘Just The Tip‘ released June 2014 and available at the band’sBandcamp.
About:
Birthed out of the womb of Craigslist, where members found one another, EXPAIN delivers music that’s energetic, diverse and thoughtful in every sense of the word. Playing to its sense of humour, ‘Just The Tip‘ also represents the beginning of a musical journey that’s not bound to stop or slow down any time soon. With its lyrical content showcasing everything from overcoming adversity to partying hard, living in an ever-changing city and the state of today’s society as a whole, EXPAIN has captured its true identity on record.
Ranging in influences from progressive tech to thrash groovy jazz (check out their guitar bass playthrough video ‘Aggressions Progression‘ – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3-ynhod1H8), you’ll see what ‘Just The Tip‘ has to offer with a flick of a volume knob!
Music Video – ‘Allegiance To Pain’
Music Video cover of John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’
Track Listing: EXPAIN – Just The Tip
1. Bacchus
2. Aggressions Progression
3. Phoenix Writhing
4. The King
5. Don’t Worry The Worst Is Yet To Come
6. Idol Worship
7. Allegiance To Pain
8. Manatee
9. Headbang Your Head Off
10. A.T.M.
11. Eating A Beating Heart
The legendary WITCH CROSS will be playing at BROFEST in Newcastle, UK this March 1st (Sunday). Advertised as a Classic Rock & Metal Festival, this festival’s bill looks to be locked, stocked and loaded! Metal Be Thy Name!
Washington, D.C. – Periphery, the DC-based Prog/Metal outfit whose decision to release two albums simultaneously was called “the group’s most ambitious project yet” by Rolling Stone, have been rewarded with two entries on the Billboard Top 200: Juggernaut: Alpha (#22) and Juggernaut: Omega (#25).
“Today marks a monumental moment in Sumerian and Periphery history,” said Sumerian Records’ Founder/CEO Ash Avildsen. “We’re incredibly proud of the progressive approach we took to releasing this body of music from such a progressive group of artists. I couldn’t be more elated about the synergy between Sumerian, Outerloop and Periphery in successfully executing the release of Juggernaut: Alpha & Omega. The band has a true cult following that appreciates their art and they just proved to the world that the Peripherals are only continuing to grow beyond boundaries. “
The two new albums, which have received four-star reviews worldwide, also landed at #2 and #3 on Billboard’s Hard Rock chart.
Periphery drummer Matt Halpern added, “We are absolutely thrilled with the amount of positivity and excitement we’re seeing and receiving for the Juggernaut releases. As a band and as individuals we poured our hearts and souls into these releases, so to have this type of response is truly special. Thank you to those who have taken part in the Juggernaut experience so far… We can’t wait to play these songs live for you!”
Periphery is in the midst of a North American tour, playing the Opera House in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, this evening. The band wraps up the first leg of North American dates on Feb. 14 before launching a lengthy European tour on Feb. 26 in Belarus. Periphery has confirmed performances at several festivals including Welcome to Rockville, Carolina Rebellion and Rock on the Range.
February 04 Detroit, MI St. Andrew’s Hall
February 06 Toronto, ON Opera House
February 07 Montreal, QC Corona Theatre
February 08 Albany, NY Upstate Concert Hall
February 09 Rochester, NY Water Street Music Hall
February 11 Boston, MA Paradise Rock Club
February 12 New York, NY Irving Plaza
February 13 Silver Spring, MD The Fillmore
February 14 Philadelphia, PA District N9ne
February 26 Minsk, Belarus Republic
February 27 St. Petersburg, Russia Zal Ozhidaniya
February 28 Moscow, Russia Volta
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March 02 Novosibirsk, Russia Rock City
March 03 Yekaterinburg, Russia Tele-Club
March 05 Paris, France La Cigale
March 06 Karlsruhe, Germany Substage
March 07 Pratteln, Switzerland Z7
March 08 Milan, Italy Live Club
March 10 Munich, Germany Backstage Werk
March 11 Vienna, Austria Arena
March 12 Budapest, Hungary Barba Negra
March 13 Bratislava, Slovakia Majestic
March 14 Prague, Czech Republic Roxy
March 16 Warsaw, Poland Stodola
March 17 Hamburg, Germany Gruenspan
March 18 Aarhus, Denmark Voxhall
March 19 Oslo, Norway Rockefeller
March 21 Seinajoki, Finland Rytmikorjamo
March 22 Helsinki, Finland The Circus
March 24 Stockholm, Sweden Debaser Medis
March 25 Copenhagen, Denmark Amager Bio
March 26 Bochum, Germany Matrix
March 27 Eindhoven, Netherlands Effenaar
March 29 Bristol, UK O2 Academy Bristol
March 30 Glasgow, UK O2 ABC
March 31 Manchester, UK Manchester Academy
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April 01 – London, UK @ O2 Academy Islington
April 25 – 26 – Jacksonville, FL @ Welcome to Rockville Festival
On February 6th, 1975 – The incredible Led Zeppelin performed at the Montreal Forum, in Montreal, QC, Canada.
On this day in 1977 – The iconic QUEEN performed at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, Long Island, New York. The legendary Thin Lizzy were the supporting band. Whoa!! Above ticket stub photo credit: Queenconcerts.com.
On February 6th, 2005 – The New England Patriots beat the Philadelphia Eagles (24 to 21) in Super Bowl XXXIX, on February 6th, 2005. During the halftime of this Super Bowl XXXIX, both MTV and MTV2 aired a 15-minute preview of MTV2’s second relaunch. This (actual) second relaunch occurred at midnight on February 7th, 2005.
On this day in 2015 – Papa Roach debuts at #15, on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart, with their eighth studio album: F.E.A.R., with Maria Brink from In This Moment guesting on vocals for the song Gravity.
On February 6th, 2015 – Sweet & Lynch debut at #120, on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart, with their studio album Only To Rise. This album features Heavy Metal legends Michael Sweet of Stryper and George Lynch of Lynch Mob, KXM and ex-Dokken.
On this day in 2015 – Nickelback drops to #115 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. This eight studio album from these Canadian Hard Rockers has spent 11 consecutive weeks on the chart, while peaking at #4.
On February 6th, 2015 – Marilyn Manson sits at #36, on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart, with their ninth studio album: The Pale Emperor. This new release from Marilyn Manson has spent two weeks on this chart, debuting at #8.
On this day in 2015 – Led Zeppelin’s compilation album, Mothership, re-enters the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart, at #200. This greatest hits package has spent 192 non-consecutive weeks on this chart, peaking at #7.
AXL ROSE
Born on February 6th, 1962 was Axl Rose. Happy Birthday, Axl Rose! Whoa. Axl Rose is world-famously known as a classic member, singer and songwriter for Guns N’ Roses. Long live Axl Rose! Guns N’ Roses were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, back in 2012.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOB MARLEY & REST IN PEACE. FEBRUARY 6th, 1945 – MAY 11th, 1981.
With four full-lengths and seven EPs to their name and having played in an astounding twenty-one countries, Oakland, California-based Metal unit, SAVIOURS, continues to forge ahead with their towering riffs, colossal rhythms, infectious guitar harmonies and an obsession with the end of times, the occult, psychedelics and the arcane. Still building upon the foundation that Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Thin Lizzy and Motörhead laid, SAVIOURS opens a new chapter in their winding career with a partnership with French label Listenable Records who will release the band’s new album this Fall.
Said SAVIOURS in a collective statement: “We’re very happy to finally announce our deal with Listenable. They’re true supporters of what we do and have been a pleasure to work with thus far. Since last June we’ve been beating the new songs into submission and now it’s really starting to take shape and sound killer. There are some doomy crushers and faster ragers in the mix so it’s sounding like a natural and logical continuation of where we left off with Death’s Procession. In March we’ll play some West Coast shows then begin recording at Type Foundry in Portland with the inimitable Billy Anderson. Can’t wait to get this new record out, it’s been too fucking long!”
Stand by for further SAVIOURS updates to be transmitted in the weeks to come.
SAVIOURS: Austin Barber – guitar, vocals Sonny Reinhardt – guitar, vocals Scott Batiste – drums Andy Anderson – bass
“A dual-guitar riff-fest inspired by NWOBHM and ’70s proto-doom.” – Revolver
“You know you’re playing a good set when your music not only commands the attention of the likes of J Mascis and Matt Pike, but you’re sounding so tight that it compels the two guitar greats to air shred like a couple of Maiden fans circa 1980.” – Decibel
ALTERBEAST originate from Sacramento, California and released their debut full-length album, Immortal, back in March of 2014 via Unique Leader Records. You can call ALTERBEAST Death Metal and/or Technical Death Metal. The guitars and bass were recorded at Augmented Audio in Los Angeles, with former The Black Dahlia Murder bassist Ryan “Bart” Williams.
ALTERBEAST formed in 2011 under the working title: Gary Busey Amber Alert (GBAA). Unreal stuff. If you’re a fan of Metal that combines an extreme rhythm section with hell inspired vocals and big melodic guitars then ALTERBEAST should sonically satisfy your Metal craving. The guitars of Rusty Cornell and Andrew Lamb on Immortal are both violent and dare I say, Neo-Classical? Regardless, I absolutely love listening to these two guitarists alone.
There is an abundance of musical substance on this album, from the lyrics to the blazing guitar solos, with the formidable rhythm section of bassist Michael Zamora and seasoned drummer Gabe Seeber holding it all together. Vocalist Cam Rogers is damn good and when I try to sing a verse along to this album it’s a total disaster. Extreme Metal singers are a breed of their own and Cam Rogers is a powerful vocalist to reckon with.
ALTERBEAST unleashed their first demo in 2012 and then officially began touring, doing numerous shows while opening for such Metal legends as Deicide, Dying Fetus, Testament, Revocation, Exhumed, Severed Savior and many others. When you open for a Metal crowd like that, it equates to Metal respect.
ALTERBEAST did create moments for the listener to catch their breath, during their sonic Death and destruction on Immortal; the sounds of (what I think are) geese can be heard as part of the outro to Mutilated Marvel. There is evil chanting that is the intro to Serpentspire. Excellent! Throne Of Maggots is the album closer and its outro is the sound of distant winds. Going backwards to the album opener, Flesh Bound Text begins with the peaceful sounds of an old 78rpm playing a strings and piano number… then ALL hell breaks loose. Love it. I look forward to great Metal things from ALTERBEAST. Metal be thy name. – Stone
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Immortal – Track List: 1. Flesh Bound Text, 2. Of Decimus Divine, 3. Vile Remnants, 4. Ancient’s Retribution, 5. Mutilated Marvel, 6., Into Oblivion, 7. Serpentspire, 8. Throne Of Maggots
Yngwie J. Malmsteen has been blowing minds across the globe with his incredible guitar skills and showmanship for over 35 years and in June 2015, Yngwie and his band will be returning to Australia and New Zealand for the first time in a decade to strike awe into the legions of guitar fans.
With the release of the brand new 2CD+DVD album Live In Tampa, the excitement levels are reaching fever pitch. Quite simply, ten years is far too long since Yngwie and band have rocked downunder and anticipation for what are sure to be absolutely stunning shows is building like a feedback loop.
The Swedish born, but now US-based, guitar legend is venerated as one of the founders of the art of guitar shredding. His neo-classical style and the sheer speed of his playing made him the most notable musician in the genre, and he has influenced a new era of music and guitarists alike.
Yet Yngwie is not known purely for the speed with which his fingers fly up and down the guitar neck. Yes, Malmsteen’s playing is fast, but there’s a crystal clarity to each of his notes that few can imitate. From his ground breaking early work with Steeler and Alcatraz, through his time alongside Joe Satriani and Steve Vai as a member of G3, to his more recent forays leading the Guitar Gods, there are few that can compare to Yngwie J. Malmsteen.
Over more than 25 astounding albums, the Grammy nominated Malmsteen has unleashed countless fretboard blistering solos, with both Fender and Marshall honouring him with his own model guitar and amplifier.
Don’t miss your chance to see the Master of the Stratocaster live in person and for those extra dedicated fans there are still a handful of VIP tickets available granting access to an exclusive Q&A session and for a few very lucky fans the extremely rare opportunity to meet Yngwie J. Malmsteen in person.
“Far from just being a high-speed and volume artist, his deep knowledge of music theory differentiates him from other shredders.” – High Octane Music News
Yngwie J. Malmsteen Australia & New Zealand Tour Dates:
I know I am in line as one of the biggest critics of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame; however I do want to congratulate artists that do get elected in and that I dig beyond all belief. One such artist/band is Joan Jett & The Blackhearts. I realize this is rather old news in today’s up-to-the-second information chain; yet I still wanted to give Joan Jett & The Blackhearts their proper due on Metal Odyssey for achieving what seems to be the impossible: impressing the voters of the Rock Hall.
It almost seems as if this Power Pop meets gritty Rock ‘N’ Roll gal and her band have quietly persevered over the decades, never reinventing the wheel and just staying true to their sound and style that I grew to love very quickly as a young lad. I’ve stated this before on Metal Odyssey and I’m proud to state it again: I had a wicked crush on Joan Jett when I was a freshman and sophomore in high school. Whoa. I did see Joan Jett & The Blackhearts in concert once, back in the late 80’s and I remember it being a very cool show. Good times.
Without question, it was long overdue for the late Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble to get inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. The late Stevie Ray Vaughan was and forever will be one of the greatest in Rock ‘N’ Roll history, for me. Man, if you ever want to perk yourself up and shred away negativity around you, just listen to Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble. For real.
Speaking of the great Ringo Starr, it’s hard to believe it took this damn long for the Rock Hall to induct him as a solo artist. Unreal. I can still see my late sister’s 45rpm of Ringo Starr’sYou’re Sixteen, spinning on the old turntable. Man, it seems like yesterday, to me. Pictured above is the cover sleeve for the 45rpm of You’re Sixteen. Good times.
Last Summer (July) I ventured up to Connecticut and was able to hang out with my Best Metal Buddy and Metal Odyssey contributor/researcher Scott Coverdale. One of our to-do boxes was checked off when we went to Music Outlet in Enfield, Connecticut. If you look closely at the above photo, you’ll notice that Scott Coverdale has a psyched-out look on his face, cause he is about to buy a couple of new CD’s. Good times!
Above: The CD soundtrack cover for Wedding Crashers, released back in 2005. I do not own it, nope.
This may be off the Metal topic, still, here is a question to ponder: What are your five favorite movies of all time? It seems as if my top five movies change around every now and again. Even so, here are my (current) top five movies of all time and in no particular order: They Live, Escape From New York, Field Of Dreams, Night Of The Living Dead (original black & white) and the super hilarious Wedding Crashers. Best Metal Buddy Scott Coverdale insisted I watch Wedding Crashers, several years ago; I nearly split open from laughter, while watching it the first time! No, Fried Green Tomatoes doesn’t make my list. Metal Be Thy Name!
COVER ART AND TRACK LISTING REVEALED; PRE-ORDERS AVAILABLE
Feb. 4, 2015, ATLANTA – Royal Thunder offer a first listen to music from the their sophomore album, Crooked Doors (April 7, Relapse Records), with a brief trailer featuring music from the eleven-song release below:
The band began work on the album in early 2014, returning to record at the Aria Recording Studio where they created the band’s critically lauded debut, CVI. Pitchfork described singer Mlny Parsonz as “a blues-rock banshee of a woman, equal parts riot grrl and gospel diva” while Spin said she “commands a bluesy mix of Led Zep and Sleater-Kinney.” Rolling Stone’s David Fricke said Weaver’s playing has “the meaty, base elements of early-Seventies British blues.”
Orion Landau, who also designed the artwork for Red Fang’s Whales and Leeches and Yob’s Clearing the Path to Ascend, created the album’s evocative artwork.
Crooked Doors – Track List:
01 – Time Machine
02 – Forget You
03 – Wake Up
04 – Floor
05 – The Line
06 – Forgive Me, Karma
07 – Glow
08 – Ear On The Fool
09 – One Day
10 – The Bear I
11 – The Bear II
Royal Thunder is: Mlny Parsonz, Josh Weaver, Evan Diprima and Will Fiore.
On February 3rd, 1975 – The super-great Led Zeppelin performed at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
On this day in 1979 – The legendary Ace Frehley has his cover song of New York Groove sitting at #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. This song is featured on Ace Frehley’s memorable self-titled solo album from 1978, released via Casablanca Records. New York Groove was written by Russ Ballard and originally recorded by Hello, back in 1975.
On February 3rd, 1990 – The renowned SKID ROW had their hit power ballad, I Remember You, sitting at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. This fabulous song is featured on SKID ROW’s self-titled and debut album, released back in 1990.
On this day in 2015 – The tenth studio album, Beyond The Red Mirror, from Germany’s Blind Guardian is released in North America, via Nuclear Blast. The symphonic, Power Metal bliss that flows from this album is mind-bending! Metal be thy name!
On February 3rd, 2015 – Germany’s Symphonic Power Metal band, Orden Ogan, release their new studio album, Ravenhead, in North America, via AFM Records. Ravenhead is a marvelous album and I highly recommend it to all Power Metal and Symphonic Metal fans world-wide! Whoa.
On this day in 2015 – The fifteenth studio album from Germany’s U.D.O. is released in North America, via AFM Records. The album title is Decadent and the artwork is, in my opinion, sensational! U.D.O. are mightier than ever and I recommend this album to all Metalheads across the globe!
RICHIE KOTZEN
On February 3rd, 1970, Richie Kotzen was born in the great state of Pennsylvania. Happy Birthday, Richie Kotzen! Hell and yeah! Richie Kotzen is an enormously successful solo artist, multi-instrumentalist and a world-class guitarist, with over twenty solo albums to his credit. Currently, Richie Kotzen is a songwriter, guitarist and lead singer for the power-trio The Winery Dogs.
Back in 1999, Richie Kotzen teamed-up with Jazz legend Stanley Clarke and they formed the band: Vertu. Richie Kotzen is a former member of Poison; he co-wrote and played lead guitar on Poison’s 1993 studio album: Native Tongue. Richie Kotzen is also a former member of Mr. Big; he co-wrote and played lead guitar on the Mr. Big studio albums: Get Over It (1999) and Actual Size (2001). Long live Richie Kotzen!
An Italian Dark, Melodic Metal band is Lykaion and they have released a new music video For Love. This track is taken from their upcoming second studio album, Heavy Lullabies, which will be released on February 6th 2015, via Inverse Records.
With clean vocals and habit-forming melodic waves of Metal, Lykaion have once again released a new song that is 100% tremendous! Listen to For Love below and raise a pint to Lykaion! Metal be thy name.
Nearly two years in the making, Burweed’s debut album HIDE presents the most interesting new act to follow in the Finnish Metal scene.
After receiving praise for two EP-length releases, the process of making the first Burweed full-length did not turn out to be as easy. Writing the album was a long and difficult task. Confidence in the material and the band were completely buried at the end of the recording sessions.
The album was finished in early 2014, however, it laid untouched for over six months. The distance gained during this period showed the album in a new light. The difficulties faced, the frustration, and the dedication to the album are heard in an uncompromising, passionate, and an overwhelmingly cathartic whole. “Hide” had risen from the ashes.
Burweed – Lie (Official Music Video)
Burweed was formed in 2009 in the midst of a creative outburst. The trio found their own voice on the praised “Eyes Down South EP” in 2012. What does Burweed sound like? Try combining the groove of Deftones with the gritty riffs of Mastodon and top the mix with some melodies the size of a tidal wave.
Above: Burweed – HIDE album cover
Burweed’s debut full-length HIDE comes out February 20th, 2015 on Inverse Records. Hide was recorded in 2013 at Korkeakoski Studios (Insomnium, Bob Malmström). The record was mixed by Antti Loponen, the mastermind behind Consciousness Removal Project, and mastered at Audiosiege by Brad Boatright (responsible of mastering Converge, Sleep. Sunn O))) among others).
On February 2nd, 1969 – The celebrated LED ZEPPELIN performed at The Rock Pile in Toronto, Canada. Notice on the concert flyer above, it reads: Led Zeppelin Featuring Jimmy Page. During those early days, “Featuring Jimmy Page” was used in promoting this eventual iconic band!
On this day in 1981 – The magnificent IRON MAIDEN released their second studio album: KILLERS. This album features lead vocalist Paul Di’Anno; subsequently, this would be the last IRON MAIDEN album he would sing on.
On February 2nd, 1986 – The incredible ZZ TOP performed at the Omaha Civic Auditorium, in Omaha, Nebraska, USA. This was a stop on ZZ TOP’s Afterburner World Tour. The band’s Afterburner studio album was released in late 1985.
BY THE WAY… HAPPY GROUNDHOG DAY! WHOA!
YES, THE GROUNDHOG DID SEE HIS SHADOW TODAY. THIS MEANS 6 MORE WEEKS OF WINTER AND THAT SUPER SUCKS LIKE A BAG OF STALE, GREEN POTATO CHIPS.
On this day in 1990 – NELSON had their hit single, After The Rain, sitting at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. This song is featured on NELSON’s debut album from 1990: After The Rain. This album was released by Geffen Records and has been certified double platinum in the USA by the RIAA. NELSON are cool dudes.
On February 2nd, 2010 – The self-titled debut studio album CHARRED WALLS OF THE DAMNED was released, via Metal Blade Records. This supergroup features the Metal legends: Tim “Ripper” Ownes (vocals), Richard Christy (drums), Steve DiGiorgio (bass) and Jason Suecof (guitar). Whoa, yeah!!
On this day in 2012 – The renowned DEATH ANGEL performed at the Tabernacle in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. DEATH ANGEL were on tour with and special guests for the legendary ANTHRAX and TESTAMENT. This was a stop on the Earth Is On Hell Tour.
2012 – The mighty MEGADETH performed at Colisée Pepsi in Quebec City, QC, Canada. This was a stop on MEGADETH’s Gigantour 2012.
Kaotoxin Records is proud to announce that two of its bands, DRAWERS and NOLENTIA, will tour Cuba in February. Part of the ongoing Brutal Fest bi-annual tour series, the tour will bring five international bands (also including LA HORE, SICKRET and SUPERBUTT) to Cuba in February, where they’ll play a series of gigs around the country along with local acts (Combat Noise, Darkness Fall, Blinder, Trendkill, Claim…). Check out the Brutal Fest Tour Trailer at this location.
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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"
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