UK Modern Prog Ensemble SANGUINE HUM Release Eagerly Awaited New Studio Album: ‘The Weight Of The World’

Posted in Music, prog rock, progressive rock, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on May 6, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Sanguine_Hum_Album - The Weight Of The World - promo picjpg

London, UK – Esoteric Antenna is pleased to announce the release of the eagerly awaited new studio album by Modern Progressive Rock ensemble Sanguine Hum. ‘The Weight of the World’ sees Oxford, UK’s Sanguine Hum expand their musical horizons on all fronts with a seven-track collection of diverse compositions – technically challenging and exciting yet always melodic and direct. Songs such as “From the Ground Up”, “Cognoscenti” and “System for Solution” pursue the Porcupine Tree meets Radiohead approach of their debut record ‘Diving Bell’ with powerful yet intricate riffs propelling the songwriting that continues to make ever more inventive use of surprising twists and turns in the arrangement.

“Best prog rock album so far this century. The kind of record that prog rock bands 40 years from now will try to copy…”  Michael Bjorn, Strange Days (Japan)

Surprises are to be found as well in the instrumentation as the band open up the sound and more explicitly reference a love of electronica and the music of artists such as Boards of Canada and Aphex Twin, best heard in the song “Day of Release” as synthetic percussion and rumbling synths give way to chiming acoustic guitar and a soaring vocal melody. As a counterpoint, the album also features the highly atmospheric “Phosphor”, which sees Sanguine Hum break new creative ground.

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Perhaps even more exciting for a band that perhaps held some of their progressive influences in check on their debut album, is the 15-minute title track that manages the task of combining effective and emotional songwriting with thrilling musical developments that push the band to the limit. ‘The Weight of the World’ breaks new ground for a band at the forefront of truly “progressive” music.

Recorded at Oxford’s Evolution studios, Joff Winks (vocals, guitars, programming), Matt Baber (keyboards, percussion, programming), Brad Waissman (bass) and Andrew Booker (drums, percussion) have pushed the creative boundaries of Sanguine Hum to produce one of THE truly progressive and landmark albums of 2013.

In support of the release of ‘The Weight of the World’, Sanguine Hum will be performing at The Borderline in London on Friday June 7th with TIN SPIRITS and MATT STEVENS. The band will also be playing at Band on the Wall in Manchester on June 21st – same line-up as at the Borderline.

ESOTERIC RECORDINGS LOGO Promo HI RES

SANGUINE HUM – ‘The Weight of the World’ CD can be purchased at http://www.cherryred.co.uk/esoteric-exd.asp?id=4017

SANGUINE HUM – ‘The Weight of the World’ Limited Digipack 2 disc deluxe edition with Bonus DVD (NTSC Region Free): The Making of ‘The Weight of the World’ home movie.

Cherry Red Records logo

For More Information:

www.troopersforsound.com

www.esotericrecordings.com

Esoteric Antenna is a Cherry Red Records label

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(Source: Glass Onyon PR)

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE SANGUINE HUM.

Stone.

Revolution Harmony To Release All-Star Charity Single; Featuring Serj Tankian, Ihsahn & Devin Townsend

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on May 5, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Revolution Harmony - We Are - Charity Single - flyer promo - July 2013

Revolution Harmony, the brainchild of British music lecturer/journalist Ray Holroyd, has announced the July 18th release of its debut All-Star charity single, We Are. The song features vocals from Serj Tankian (System Of A Down) and Ihsahn (Emperor), as well as guitar solos by Devin Townsend.

Composed, arranged, programmed and produced by Ray Holroyd in Vancouver, the complex international studio project was recorded in North America, England, Norway and New Zealand, then mixed by Rohan Onraet (Slipknot, Machine Head) in London, and mastered by Ted Jensen (Green Day, Muse) in New York. The single also features Stefan Loh (We Claimed Sentience Once – signed to Revolution Harmony) on guitars, and additional vocals from the young up-and-coming UK singer Abbie Johnson.

Revolution Harmony - Large Logo - B&W

Vancouver-based non-profit record label Revolution Harmony was launched in 2011 by Holroyd. After founding the non-profit Grade 9 Records in 2008 and growing the label over three successful years, Holroyd decided to expand upon what he had originally established as a means for his students to sell their music and donate the profits to charity, and Revolution Harmony was born. Revolution Harmony acts as a two-way channel, providing an outlet for artists to release their music worldwide and earn money from it, and providing an inlet for the label profits from that music to be redirected to charities that restore harmony between all people, animals and the environment.

The lyrical theme in ‘We Are’ is based on the concept behind Revolution Harmony, which is essentially the belief that musical harmony has the power to inspire a revolution towards societal harmony. The single is dedicated to Nelson Mandela and the memory of Lucky Dube, regarded as South Africa’s Bob Marley, and will be released worldwide on Mandela Day (18 July), with all proceeds donated to Buskaid, a charity that provides free music lessons and instruments to children in the townships of South Africa.

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(Source: ClawHammer PR)

* For more info on REVOLUTION HARMONY:

http://revolutionharmony.org

facebook: Revolution Harmony

https://twitter.com/RHism

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Please help support the cause of Revolution Harmony and purchase some merch: http://t.co/dMelka707P

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Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE REVOLUTION HARMONY & ALL ITS AFFILIATED ARTISTS.

Stone.

The Pretty Goodbyes – Illuminates Alternative Indie Rock On Their Debut Demo EP “Now We Run”

Posted in alternative rock, alternative rock bands, indie rock, Music, rock bands, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on May 5, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

The Pretty Goodbyes - Now We Run - promo cover pic

THE PRETTY GOODBYES – The 3 song debut demo EP, Now We Run, from the Loughborough based 4-piece band The Pretty Goodbyes was released back on August 6th, 2012. When very, very cool Alternative/Indie Rock crosses my Rockin’ path, I’m gonna bellow about it; right here on Metal Odyssey. This unsigned UK band would be signed by me in a micro second, if I had the (prestigious) ability to do so for a (knowledgeable) record label.

This Now We Run EP has unveiled 3 songs to my senses and ALL 3 are remarkably memorable, well written and downright (gulp) fun! I always appreciate the way a talented band like The Pretty Goodbyes can coalesce the beauty of 80’s New Wave, late 80’s College Radio and Early 90’s Alternative while still maintaining a balance of Post-Punk and Modern Indie Rock/Alternative sound and vibes; all the while keeping the flames of Indie Pop to a tolerable minimum (if any). Phew! I got that off my chest!

I’m digging this band and the vocals of George Evans are nothing short of terrific. Any serious fan of Alternative and Indie Rock will embrace the music from The Pretty Goodbyes. The Pretty Goodbyes have obviously learned at a very early stage, quality songs are their ticket to success; and I see nothing less happening for this band in the future. Check out The Pretty Goodbyes right now, right here: theprettygoodbyes.bandcamp.com

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NOW WE RUN – Track Listing:

Dirty Hands, Dirty Minds

Green Light District

It’s Not Cheating If You Don’t Get Caught

The Pretty Goodbyes - Band Promo Pic - #1 - 2012

George Evans – lead vocals

Jacob Leeson – lead guitar

 Spike Wright – bass

 Sam O’Neill – drums

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For more info on THE PRETTY GOODBYES:

facebook: The Pretty Goodbyes

http://www.theprettygoodbyes.bandcamp.com

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE THE PRETTY GOODBYES.

Stone.

DIO – “Finding the Sacred Heart Live in Philly 1986” Releases On May 28th, Via Eagle Rock Entertainment

Posted in classic rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on May 5, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

DIO - Finding The Sacred Heart - promo cover pic - 2013

Finding The Sacred Heart – Live In Philly 1986 was recorded at The Spectrum in Philadelphia on 17 June 1986 during the second leg of the “Sacred Heart” tour, which featured new guitarist Craig Goldy. The show was issued in an edited form first on VHS and then DVD. Now for the first time the full concert is being released as a double CD in the original running order and with remastered sound. It’s an extraordinary live show with a giant animatronic dragon towering over the stage and spectacular lasers and pyrotechnics. Ronnie James Dio is in fine voice as ever and the band deliver a blistering live performance featuring tracks from their first three albums alongside Black Sabbath and Rainbow classics. This will be a must-have release for any Dio fan!

Finding The Sacred Heart – Live In Philly 1986 will also be released on DVD, Blu-ray and LP.

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DIO – Band Lineup On Finding The Sacred Heart – Live In Philly 1986:

Ronnie James Dio – Vocals

Jimmy Bain – Bass

Vinny Appice – Drums

Craig Goldy – Guitar

Claude Schnell – Keyboards

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(Source: Eagle Rock Entertainment)

For more info, click on the links below!

facebook: The Official Ronnie James Dio Fan Page

http://www.ronniejamesdio.com

http://www.eagle-rock.com

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE THE LEGACY OF DIO.

REST IN PEACE, RONNIE JAMES DIO.

Stone.

UGLY KID JOE – Returns With First USA Show In Over A Decade!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock news, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Metal, metal music, Music, rock concerts, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on May 5, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Ugly Kid Joe - Stairway To Hell - promo cover pic!

As reported on the facebook page of UGLY KID JOE:

FIRST UKJ USA Show In OVER A DECADE!!!!!!!!!
JUNE 8th at the Badger Band Festival,
506 E. Badger Rd, Madison, WI 53713

Concert, ticket and all info for this event, click on link below!

http://badgerbowl.com/bandfest/june-8-rock-concert/

Go to: http://UglyKidJoe.net/ or facebook: Ugly Kid Joe for a complete list of Summer 2013 UGLY KID JOE tour dates! UGLY KID JOE IS BACK! Metal be thy name!

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* Follow UGLY KID JOE on twitter:

http://twitter.com/UglyKidJoeBand

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE UGLY KID JOE.

Stone.

Queensrÿche – ‘Frequency Unknown’ Hits the Billboard Charts!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on May 4, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Queensryche - Frequency Unknown - promo album pic - Billboard Charting - 2013

Queensrÿche – The legendary Geoff Tate fronted Queensrÿche has debuted on the Billboard Charts at #82 on the Billboard Top 200 and at #25 on the Rock Albums chart! A Metal congratulations to Geoff Tate and his Queensrÿche band! Metal be thy name!

You can purchase Frequency Unknown by clicking the links below:

http://www.cleopatrarecords.com

Also available on iTunes

Queensryche - band pic - promo - #1 - 2013 - B&W

Queensrÿche:

Geoff Tate

Rudy Sarzo

Simon Wright

Robert Sarzo

Kelly Gray

Randy Gane

Cleopatra - Record Label Logo - promo - 2013

(Source: Cleopatra Records)

For more info on Queensrÿche, click on the links below!

http://www.queensryche.com

facebook: Queensryche

Geoff Tate & Stone

LONG LIVE GEOFF TATE.

LONG LIVE QUEENSRYCHE.

Stone.

NEKTAR – UK Prog Legends Nektar To Tour The US Summer 2013!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Music, prog rock, progressive rock, progressive rock bands, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on May 4, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Nektar - Time Machine - promo cover pic

London, UK – One of the summer’s most highly anticipated tours, “Legends of U.K. Classic Rock”, will feature progressive rock legends Nektar, beginning in June 2013. After a bit of an absence from U.S. Stages, Nektar is sure to be a treat for concert-goers who will be fortunate enough to catch one of the shows!

Nektar founding member Roye Albrighton (guitars/lead vocals) says, “We can promise you high quality performances wherever we play. I know I speak on behalf of the band when I say we are all looking forward to it.”

Nektar, featuring Albrighton, founding drummer Ron Howden, keyboardist Klaus Hentasch and bassist Lux Vibratus, is British, but was formed in Hamburg, Germany in 1970. Their early albums featured a heady, exhilarating mix of progressive, experimental rock sounds that soon caught on worldwide at the height of the international prog-rock boom. Touring the world behind numerous album releases throughout the ‘70s & ‘80s helped to cement the band’s reputation as an influential prog-rock legend.

Nektar cleo photo - promo - 2013

Having undergone a variety of personnel changes over the past decade or so, the band now boasts its strongest lineup in years and is ready to prove so yet again to its many fans throughout North America. In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the original release date of the band’s classic album, Remember the Future, Nektar is looking to perform in its entirety this most heralded release from its vast catalog, a rarity in that the band has not performed the entire album live in years.

Nektar’s new album, Time Machine, featuring the band’s first album of new original material in several years, will be released on Cleopatra Records on June 18.

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Nektar Tour Dates:

June 20 – Chantilly, WV – Sully’s

June 21 – Pittsburgh, PA – Altar Bar

June 22 – Sellersville, PA – Sellersville Theatre

June 23 – New York City – B.B. King’s

June 26 – Cleveland, OH – The Winchester Music Hall

June 28 – Milwaukee, WI – Shank Hall

June 29 – Lincolnshire, IL – Viper Alley

June 30 – Minneapolis, MN – Famous Dave’s Blues Club

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For Further Information:
 

Nektar facebook page: 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nektar/198355536955655

Nektar website: http://nektarsmusic.com/nn/home/home_new.asp

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(Source: Glass Onyon PR)

For more info on NEKTAR, click on the link below!

http://www.cleopatrarecords.com

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE NEKTAR.

Stone.

U.D.O. “METAL MACHINE” – First Single And Music Video From Forthcoming “STEELHAMMER” Studio Album Are Released Today, Via AFM Records

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal news, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on May 3, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

U.D.O. - Metal Machine - promo cover pic - 2013

Today, Germany’s AFM Records released the first single and official music video, METAL MACHINE, from the ever legendary U.D.O. and their forthcoming studio album: STEELHAMMER.

Take a listen and look below to METAL MACHINE… a 100% Metal potent offering, from one of Germany’s greatest of Metal bands!

U.D.O. is Heavy Metal personified! Metal be thy name!

BUY THE MP3 FOR METAL MACHINE HERE:

http://afm.musiclogistics.net/releases/52304?lang=en

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STEELHAMMER Release Dates:

May 24th, 2013 (May 21st in USA)

U.D.O. - Steelhammer - promo cover pic!

U.D.O. – STEELHAMMER 

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(Source: AFM Records)

For more info on this forthcoming U.D.O. album release, click on the link below! Whoa!

U.D.O. “STEELHAMMER” – Releases On May 21st In USA, Via AFM Records

The above link is for a post featured on Metal Odyssey, on April 16, 2013.

U.D.O. - Group Photo - 2013 - #1 - promo

Francesco Jovino, Andrey Smirnov, Udo Dirkschneider, Kasperi Heikkinen, Fitty Wienhold

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For more info on U.D.O., click on the links below!

A first album teaser is available here.

http://www.udo-online.de

facebook: U.D.O. (official)

http://www.afm-records.de

http://shop.afm-records.de

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE U.D.O.

LONG LIVE AFM RECORDS.

LONG LIVE HEAVY METAL.

Stone.

ANTHRAX – SCOTT IAN TO CONDUCT UK SPOKEN WORD TOUR!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal, thrash metal bands with tags , , , , on May 3, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Scott Ian - Spoken Word Tour - promo pic - 2013

ANTHRAX guitarist and Metal legend Scott Ian will hit the UK on his spoken word tour, surprisingly entitled “Speaking Words”.

Commented Ian: “I guarantee everyone who comes to my show will have a good time. There’s a saying, ‘there’s no story so good a drink won’t make it better’. My stories, plus drink, equals killer night out. Besides, don’t you want to know how tomato sauce can kill any STD? I have the answers.”

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SCOTT IAN – Spoken Word UK Tour Dates:

24.05. UK Oxford – O2 Academy
25.05. UK Cardiff – The Gate
26.05. UK Gloucester – Guildhall
27.05. UK Plymouth – White Rabbit
28.05. UK York – The Dutchess
29.05. UK Rugby – The Vault
02.06. UK Stoke – Underground
03.06. UK Manchester – Sound Control
04.06. UK Newcastle – The Cluny
05.06. UK Glasgow – The Arches
06.06. UK Coke – Cyprus Avenue
07.06. UK Belfast – Limelight
08.06. UK Dublin – Button Factory
10.06. UK Bournemouth – O2 Academy
11.06. UK London – The Garage

Tickets can be purchased via http://www.scott-ian.com

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(Source: Nuclear Blast)

For more info on ANTHRAX, click on the links below!

http://anthrax.com

facebook: Anthrax

http://www.nuclearblast.de/

www.nuclearblastusa.com

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LONG LIVE SCOTT IAN.

LONG LIVE ANTHRAX.

Stone.

PANTERA – ICONIC METAL BAND IS: STONE’S METAL PICK OF THE DAY!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on May 3, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Pantera - publicity pic - #15 - dimebag

On this METAL Friday, May 3rd, 2013, I hereby METAL declare:

Pantera - large band logo - B&W - #4

IS

STONE’S

METAL

PICK

OF

THE

DAY!

‘NUFF SAID.

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Pantera - Revolver Magazine - Special - promo cover!

* PANTERA has been a METAL Pick Of The Day before! Read all about it by clicking that kick-ass link below! Metal be thy name!

PANTERA – Revolver Magazine Special Collector’s Issue: Stone’s Metal Pick Of The Day!

The above link is for a post featured on Metal Odyssey, on April 21, 2012.

Pantera - Piss - single cover promo pic!_________________________________________________

For more info on PANTERA, click on the links below! Whoa!

facebook: Pantera

http://www.pantera.com

http://www.panterastore.com

http://twitter.com/pantera

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE THE METAL LEGACY OF PANTERA.

REST IN PEACE, DIMEBAG.

Stone.

COFFINS – Japanese Death/Doom Monarchs Announce Details To Debut Relapse LP

Posted in Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on May 3, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Coffins - The Fleshland - promo cover pic - 2013

The massively anticipated fourth LP from Japan’s Death/Doom Metal kings COFFINS will finally arrive this Summer in the form of The Fleshland, the band’s maiden LP under the banner of Relapse Records.

The Fleshland will be the first proper studio album from COFFINS since their commended Buried Death album, released by 20 Buck Spin in 2008, undoubtedly making it one of the most awaited death/doom albums of 2013. Recorded late 2012/early 2013 at Tokyo’s Noise Room Studio with engineer Shigenori Kobayashi, and produced by Bungo Uchino and the rest of COFFINS, The Fleshland shows the revamped and expanded band lineup smashing down everything in their path, having upped the lineup from a trio to a quartet with a new drummer and full-time vocalist since Buried Death.

Nine grisly numbers thunder with the unbeatable mid-paced COFFINS stomp, laying down over forty-five minutes of bruising low-end sludge-infiltrated, plodding doom with possibly the best production values in the band’s meaty catalog of carnage.

Relapse will roll out The Fleshland via CD, download and mammoth 2xLP, the bloodsoaked opus now locked for a North American release date of July 9th. In addition, a deluxe black and white artwork edition on 2xLP, Cassette and CD will be made available only via Relapse direct. Today the label has released the album’s cover art, as with their previous albums, COFFINS having once again chosen the gruesome hands of Chris Moyen (Morbosidad, Black Witchery, Incantation, Blasphemy, etc.) to illustrate their works, along with a visual trailer for the album as well as preorder packages. Check it all out RIGHT HERE.

Coffins - band logo - black & white

Since infiltrating the Death/Doom underworld in 1996, Tokyo-based COFFINS has released a mountain of material via three LPs and several EPs through labels including Razorback, Hammerheart, Imperium Productions, 20 Buck Spin and others, not to mention their arsenal of splits with bands from across the heavy spectrum including Otesanek, Spun In Darkness, Warhammer, Sourvein, Macabra, Mala Suerte and more. With a sound comparable to a bathtub drain backing up with rotting human flesh while Satan himself spins his Motörhead at half the recommended RPM’s, COFFINS releases are a detrimental purchase to all diehards of Autopsy, Hooded Menace, Pungent Stench, Corrupted and Encoffination.

Stay tuned for more info on the The Fleshland as well as 2013 live actions for COFFINS to be released in the coming weeks.

Coffins - The Fleshland - promo cover pic - 2013

The Fleshland  – Track Listing:

1. Here Comes Perdition

2. Hellbringer

3. The Colossal Hole

4. No Saviour

5. The Vacant Pale Vessel

6. Rotten Disciples

7. Dishuman

8. The Unhallowed Tide

9. Tormentopia

Coffins - The Fleshland - promo cover pic - 2013

COFFINS Crew:

Bungo Uchino – guitars/vocals

Takuya Koreeda – bass/vocals

Ryo Yamada – vocals

Satoshi Hikida – drums

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Relapse Records - logo - B&W - small

(Source: Earsplit PR)

For more info on COFFINS, click on the links below!

http://www.coffins.jp

https://www.facebook.com/intothecoffin

http://www.youtube.com/CoffinsJP

https://www.twitter.com/CoffinsJP

http://www.relapse.com

http://relapserecords.bandcamp.com

http://www.facebook.com/RelapseRecords

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE COFFINS.

Stone.

Jeff Hanneman, Slayer Guitarist & Founding Member Passes Away; Forever Shall Be Missed

Posted in Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal, thrash metal bands with tags , , , , on May 2, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Jeff Hanneman - publicity pic - 2010 - #1 - Slayer facebook credit

Photo Credit: Slayer band facebook

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As reported on the Slayer band facebook page, on May 2nd, 2013:

Slayer is devastated to inform that their bandmate and brother, Jeff Hanneman, passed away at about 11AM this morning near his Southern California home. Hanneman was in an area hospital when he suffered liver failure. He is survived by his wife Kathy, his sister Kathy and his brothers Michael and Larry, and will be sorely missed.

Our Brother Jeff Hanneman, May He Rest In Peace (1964 – 2013)

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Metal Odyssey extends condolences to the family, friends, bandmates and fans of Jeff Hanneman. This is a profoundly sad day in the world of Metal and the entire music world. To say Jeff Hanneman will be missed is an obvious understatement. Jeff Hanneman was a young 49 years old. Rest In Peace, Jeff Hanneman.

Jeff Hanneman - publicity pic - 2011 - #1 - Big 4

Jeff Hanneman – live on stage at the Big 4! (2011)

Photo Credit: Slayer band facebook

I guess I’m like every other Slayer, Metal and Extreme Music fan right now. Saddened to see a mighty warrior of Slayer fall. I never thought about a member of Slayer leaving us for the other side. No one from Slayer is supposed to ever die! Metal icons like Slayer are invincible! Slayer is about being the baddest, strongest and most prolific Metal band on the face of the Earth. A day like today is another somber reminder as to how precious and fragile life is. Reality check, please. What allows me to make sense out of dying so young, is that Jeff Hanneman is no longer feeling any pain and struggle.

I’ve never hid my belief in heaven and I am a man raised on faith, therefore, my faith will always kick into high gear during times like this. If a Rock ‘N Roll heaven really does exist (and I believe it does) then Jeff Hanneman is raising some noise right about now with Ronnie James Dio, Buddy Holly, Randy Rhoads, Dimebag, Paul Gray and… the entire Metal and Rock ‘N Roll family.

Slayer - Reign In Blood - promo cover pic!

It was back around 1987 when I first saw Slayer live. It was a medium-sized club then known as The West Hartford Ballroom, in West Hartford, Connecticut. Overkill and Motörhead opened for Slayer on that cold Winter night. Talk about a night of legendary Metal! Forget about The Big 4 for a second… that night was The Big 3 in my land of Metal memories!

Seeing Slayer take the stage and perform one blistering song after another made me spellbound. I never saw such a fast and heavy-ass band like this before and I had already seen Metallica live. Slayer and of course Jeff Hanneman left a lasting impression on me that night. I was already a fan of theirs; only this first experience of seeing them live made me realize how real they really were. No other band in the world like them. No other guitarist like Jeff Hanneman either. Metal memories are not bought, they’re made. Thank you Jeff Hanneman for the Metal memories.

Slayer "Reign In Blood" 1987 Tour Program!

Left To Right: Tom Araya, Jeff Hanneman, Dave Lombardo and Kerry King.

I bought this 1987 tour program from an independent record store; right after I saw Slayer in concert. I’m thrilled that I still own it. Metal be thy name.

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For more info, click on the links below:

facebook: Slayer band

http://www.slayer.net

http://www.twitter.com/SlayerBand

MetalOdyssey

REST IN PEACE, JEFF HANNEMAN.

SLAYER AND METAL ARE FOREVER.

January 31st, 1964 – May 2nd, 2013

Stone.

KILLER DWARFS – RUSS DWARF Announces Unreleased Killer Dwarfs Album “Start@One” Releasing This Summer!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock news, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Metal, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on May 2, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Killer Dwarfs - large band logo - B&W

KILLER DWARFS – The exciting Rockin’ news has broken! As officially reported on the (official) facebook page of RUSS DWARF, an unreleased KILLER DWARFS album, Start@One will be releasing this Summer! Metal be thy name! Check out the dandy-cool teaser video below! Whoa!

Russ Dwarf - 80s - publicity pic - Killer Dwarfs

RUSS DWARF – circa 80’s

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* For more info on RUSS DWARF & KILLER DWARFS:

facebook: Russ DWaRf

http://www.russdwarf.com/

https://twitter.com/RussDWaRf

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE RUSS DWARF.

LONG LIVE THE ROCKIN’ LEGACY OF KILLER DWARFS.

Stone.

RUSS DWARF “WIRELESS” – An Acoustic Rock Prize… From Start, Middle To Finish

Posted in acoustic rock, classic rock, classic rock albums, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on May 2, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

russ dwarf - wireless

RUSS DWARF – The legendary Russ Dwarf, (most famous as the frontman/founding member of Killer Dwarfs) has taken me on an acoustic Rock journey; one that is so memorable, it’s like being given a prize! The prize is Wireless and it’s the new Acoustic Rock album that Russ Dwarf has released, filled with songs from his Killer Dwarfs catalog and featuring some of the finest musicians in the industry today. (See musicians listed at end of post).

I am now convinced that Russ Dwarf has become equally famous as a solo artist; now that he’s excelling in such quality musical fashion during his post-Killer Dwarfs era. Transforming Heavy Rock songs into acoustic versions of themselves can be a risky move for any famous name within said genre; Tesla, Mr. Big, Nirvana and Foreigner (to name a few) have all succeeded with an unplugged stopover and Russ Dwarf can be rightfully added to that grand list, in my respectful opinion.

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On Wireless, the vocals of Russ Dwarf are as engaging as they’ve ever been, with his immediately identifiable voice reminding me of an era when Heavy Metal was loud, proud and unequivocally colorful. With that said, the atmosphere of Wireless is upbeat and gives way to a feel-good listening experience. Wireless and its ten songs comes across as such a natural progression of acoustic gladness, that it’s undeniably refreshing to even my Extreme Metal soul.

Once I listened to the album opener Keep The Spirit Alive, the realization had set in that Russ Dwarf hasn’t lost a micro step as a veritable Rock star; he has brought his Rockin’ past into the present with a confidence that I both hear and feel. Wireless isn’t the acoustic Rock album to wind the party down to; it’s actually just the opposite! The animated vocals of Russ Dwarf, coupled with the vibrant acoustic tones that blankets Wireless, makes this album one of the foremost of its kind that I’ve listened to in years.

Russ Dwarf - Publicity Pic - 2013 - #1

WIRELESS – Track Listing:

Keep The Spirit Alive

Stand Tall

I’m Alive

Startin’ To Shine

Doesn’t Matter

Comin’ Through

Dirty Weapons

Look Around

Four Seasons

Driftin’ Back

Russ Dwarf - Publicity Pic - #7 - 2013

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Musicians:

Russ Dwarf – vocals

Glenn Belcher – guitars, sitars, banjo, wood

Rob “Zaks” Zakojc – bass, all backing vocals

Additional Musicians:

Kevin Simpson (guitar), Dan Lear (guitar), Kevin Reid (guitar), Fred Duvall (bottles of anger), Cosimo Crupi (keyboards), Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal (guitar) and Glen Drover (guitar).

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For more info on RUSS DWARF, click on the links below!

facebook: Russ DWaRf

http://www.russdwarf.com/

https://twitter.com/RussDWaRf

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LONG LIVE RUSS DWARF.

Stone.

DEEP PURPLE – Current Classic Rock Magazine Covers Are: Stone’s METAL Pick Of The Day!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on May 2, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Deep Purple - 2013 - Russian - Classic Rock Magazine - promo pic

Above: CLASSIC ROCK MAGAZINE – RUSSIA – MAY, 2013

The new issue of Classic Rock also comes with a fabulous free CD: 24 Carat Gold with 15 nuggets from Deep Purple, Big Country, Alice In Chains, Black Star Riders, Tracer and more…

Deep Purple - Classic Rock Mag - 2013 - promo cover

Above: CLASSIC ROCK MAGAZINE – UK – JUNE, 2013

Stone Says: Deep Purple has spanned across 6 decades. Deep Purple has had world-class musicians representing their Mark I through Mark VIII lineups, with sub-lineups in-between. Legends ALL.

The family tree of Deep Purple is a Rock History lesson in and of itself! Deep Purple helped pioneer Heavy Metal and Hard Rock simultaneously. There shall never be another band like Deep Purple. Metal be thy name.

Deep Purple - Now What ?! - promo cover pic

NOW WHAT?! is the 19th studio album from DEEP PURPLE, released on April 30th in North America, via Eagle Rock Entertainment.

Deep Purple - Now What?! - promo band album banner - 2013

* For more info on DEEP PURPLE:

facebook: Deep Purple

www.deeppurple.com

http://www.deeppurple-nowwhat.com

http://www.eagle-rock.com

* For more info on CLASSIC ROCK MAGAZINE:

http://www.classicrockmagazine.com

facebook: Classic Rock Magazine

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LONG LIVE DEEP PURPLE.

LONG LIVE CLASSIC ROCK MAGAZINE.

WHY ISN’T DEEP PURPLE IN THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME?

Stone.

HUMILIATION – Announces New Album Details And Song Premier

Posted in Death Metal, death metal albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on May 1, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Humiliation - Turbulence From The Deep - promo cover pic

Malaysian war-themed Death Metal soldiers, Humiliation, have announced Turbulence From the Deep as the title of their fourth studio album, first for Deepsend Records, to be unleashed May 28th.

With that said, Humiliation have unveiled Phosphorous Shell as the first taste of Metal from this tank of Malaysian death at this location:

http://deepsendrecords.bandcamp.com/album/turbulence-from-the-deep

Pre-orders for Turbulence From the Deep are also available at the above link.

It should be no surprise the band worship at the tank known as Bolt Thrower. Musically, Humiliation focus on mid-tempo headbangers with heavy anthems of war, lack of humanity and minimal guitar solos. Turbulence From the Deep sees the band shift to a more Doom/Death Asphyx approach to songwriting. Eleven mid-paced, tank-heavy headbangers to assault your ears too. The Malaysian hellbrigade have unleashed a powerful necksnapper of an album that will surely become a staple in death’s unholy collection.

Humiliation - Group Promo Pic - 2012 - #1

TURBULENCE FROM THE DEEP – Track Listing:

No Return

Operation Obeo One

Phosphorous Shell

Calibrated Chaos

Bachok’s Invasion

Sea Denial

Home Front

Total War

Order of Battle

The Deadly Double

Submerged At the Seabed

Deepsend Records - Large Logo - 2013 - B&W

Deepsend Records is pleased to announce their newly launched Bandcamp.com page. Fans can now stream, download and order albums from Deepsend’s brutality laden catalog. Albums from CORPUS MORTALE, ETERNAL REST, EMBRYONIC DEVOURMENT and DAWN OF DEMISE are currently available. Previews of upcoming releases from HYBRID and HUMILIATION have been posted as well.

_________________________________________________

(Source: ClawHammer PR)

For more info on HUMILIATION, click on the links below!

facebook: Deepsend Records

http://www.deepsend.com

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LONG LIVE HUMILIATION.

Stone.

IRON MAIDEN “No Prayer For The Dying” From 1990 Is: Stone’s METAL Pick Of The Day!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, Metal, metal music, Music, progressive metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on May 1, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Iron Maiden - No Prayer For The Dying - promo cover pic

IRON MAIDEN – Back on October 1st, 1990, the 8th studio album, No Prayer For The Dying, from the iconic IRON MAIDEN was released. I bought this highly underrated IRON MAIDEN release on cassette, somewhere around its release date. It took many years before I upgraded No Prayer For The Dying to CD. Upgrading to CD’s after years of cassette, vinyl and (gulp) 8-track purchases is costly, you know?

Before I go any further in celebrating this IRON MAIDEN classic, (yes, it’s a classic to me), I shall make this Metal declaration:

___________________________________

IRON MAIDEN

NO PRAYER FOR THE DYING IS:

STONE’S METAL PICK OF THE DAY!

___________________________________

Over the decades, I’ve read many mixed reviews and comments about this IRON MAIDEN offering. What the hell gives? It’s not like this album can be compared to The Number Of The Beast, Powerslave or even the Paul Di’Anno era IRON MAIDEN. As the legendary Lenny Wolf of Kingdom Come would say: It is what it is.

I honestly feel No Prayer For The Dying is one ROCK SOLID slab of IRON MAIDEN, especially since this album was released back in 1990; when Heavy Metal was supposedly butchered by bands that came out of Seattle. Whatever. That’s for another Metal day and debate I guess.

Iron Maiden - No Prayer For The Dying - promo cover pic

My favorite song on this IRON MAIDEN album is: Holy Smoke. Holy shit, does this song actually… SMOKE! I’m telling anyone who wants to listen: this song revs me up like there’s no Metal tomorrow! Holy Smoke is 100% relentless with its guitar driven attack! Whoa. Plus, the infinitely legendary Bruce Dickinson sings his ass off on this song and the entire album for that matter. ‘Nuff said about that, my fellow Metal brethren.

No Prayer For The Dying has the omission of (the also legendary) guitarist Adrian Smith. That did (and still does) super suck to the maximum potential. I gather it’s a long story and who really gives a crap now? Adrian Smith has been back with IRON MAIDEN for years now; since Brave New World was released in 2000. For No Prayer For The Dying, the already Metal seasoned Janick Gers stepped into the guitar slot left vacant by Adrian Smith, joining guitar guru Dave Murray; and Janick Gers hasn’t left IRON MAIDEN since.

Released via Epic Records, No Prayer For The Dying has been certified Gold by the RIAA Gold & Platinum Program (for U.S. sales). Metal be thy name.

Iron Maiden - Large Classic Logo!

NO PRAYER FOR THE DYING – Track Listing:

Tailgunner                

Holy Smoke               

No Prayer For The Dying                

Public Enema Number One            

Fates Warning                      

The Assassin             

Run Silent Run Deep                       

Hooks In You            

Bring Your Daughter… To The Slaughter            

Mother Russia

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For more info on IRON MAIDEN, click on the links below!

facebook: Iron Maiden

http://www.ironmaiden.com

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE IRON MAIDEN.

WHY ISN’T IRON MAIDEN IN THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME?

Stone.

DRUNK DAD – Noise/Sludge Quartet’s EP Is The Eolian Empire’s Next Conquest

Posted in experimental rock, grindcore, Music, noise rock, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on April 30, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Eolian Empire Compilation - promo cover - 2013

In a constant barrage of new noise from Portland-based D.I.Y. noisemongers Eolian Empire, the label’s next conquest comes by way of the filthifying new 12” from local metalworkers DRUNK DAD.

If they weren’t such dirty fuckers they’d be one of the town’s shining success stories of unrelenting hard work and dedication: in a surprisingly short time DRUNK DAD went from favorite-band-shirts-on-their-hearts-on-their-sleeves to a unique and dynamic fusion of the heavy, the noisy, and the aggro, with a healthy dose of high drama, as they consistently churn out some of the most devastating live sets Portland has seen in years. Complex but in-your-face arrangements, push-pull duel-guitar interplay, searing behind-the-head leads, heavy motherfucking bass, and hard-hitting, tight, technical traps with dynamic, disturbing vocals to hold it all together evolves to ethical scumbaggery at its finest.

Morbid Reality, the first vinyl release from Portlandian shitstarters DRUNK DAD, merges off-kilter sludge/noise the Pacific Northwest perpetuates so well into a drugged-out but aggro vibe; elements of scathing crust-ish degenerate punk brutality of El Dopa or Dystopia are cold-filtered with slow-motion acerbic sludge basslines and noxious riffage with a post-Melvins experimental vibe.

Eolian Empire will drop the four-song Morbid Reality via 12” vinyl and digital download on June 11th. In the meantime, DRUNK DAD were recently caught intoxicating the public via Eolian’s massive KEEP OUR HEADS Portland underground compilation alongside twenty-five more of the city’s finest filthriffing acts. Get wrecked with their pungent “S.O.U.” anthem from the comp RIGHT HERE.

Following their spot on one of the Eolian Empire KEEP OUR HEADS record release shows over the weekend, DRUNK DAD have the coolers loaded with frothy ammo as they plan on stumbling south across California this week, with shows booked in Eureka, Oakland and a happy-hour double in San Francisco. They also just booked a hometown record release show at Portland’s Ash Street Saloon with labelmates Diesto on June 7th, with much more public drunkenness to be had in the Summer months.

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DRUNK DAD Public Intoxications:

5/02/2013 The Shanty – Eureka, CA w/ Apocryphon, AM Beers

5/03/2013 Eli’s Mile High Club – Oakland, CA w/ Augers, Old Crow, Abstractor

5/04/2013 Hemlock Tavern – San Francisco, CA w/ Prizehog, Connoisseur

5/05/2013 Bay Area 51 – San Francisco, CA w/ Unifried, Mansion

6/07/2013 Ash Street Saloon – Portland, OR w/ Diesto

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Morbid Reality – Track Listing:

1. Guts

2. Seizure

3. Ritual

4. Scum Fee

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(Source: Earsplit PR)

For more info on DRUNK DAD, click on the links below!

facebook: Drunk Dad

http://eolianempire.com

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LONG LIVE DRUNK DAD.

Stone.

DEADLANDS – California Power Metal Band Debuts With Massacre Records Album

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, Metal, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on April 30, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Deadlands - Evilution - promo cover pic

Evilution, the debut from Sacramento, California-based power metal act DEADLANDS is out now on Massacre Records. Boasting killer hooks, dynamic vocals, aggressive riffing, epic solos, catchy lyrics, driving drums and intricate bass lines that combine heavy, thrash, power, groove, and speed metal with shredding hard rock overtones, this band of seasoned performers delivers a heavy and energetic yet commercial musical approach in its songwriting and execution.

Formed in the summer of 2010 by lead vocalist Brian O’Connor (Consfearacy, ex-Vicious Rumors), lead guitarist Michael J. Gardner (The Council), lead guitarist Kevin Rohr (Spectre), bassist Steve “Dedbass” Northam and drummer Danny Sablan (HateFX, The Council), these longtime friends and experienced musicians had a clear vision of creating a powerful and unique Heavy Metal group. DEADLANDS is quickly establishing a large fan base, being nominated for a 2012 Sacramento Area Music Award (SAMMIES), playing live, and sharing the stage with artists such as Exodus, Anvil, Y&T, Great White, Death Angel and more. They have received great reviews and high praise for their music and live performances from fans, concert promoters and media sources.

DEADLANDS’ debut full-length Evilution bears forty-three minutes of the band’s diehard power metal, and features guest solo appearances by legendary Metal guitarists Hank Shermann (Mercyful Fate), Michael Denner (Mercyful Fate, King Diamond), Andy LaRocque (King Diamond), Claudeous Creamer (Dragonlord), Mike Wead (Mercyful Fate, King Diamond), Glen Alvelais (Forbidden, Testament, HateFX), and Steve Smyth (Nevermore, Forbidden). Evilution was mixed and mastered by DEADLANDS and Juan Urteaga (Machine Head, Testament) at Trident Studios, and bears artwork by Erick Zombie.

Check out DEADLANDS’ killer high-action video for the album’s title track and more RIGHT HERE.

DEADLANDS GROUP - Promo Pic - 2012

Evilution – Track Listing:

1. Pandemic Genocide

2. Deadlands

3. Ground And Pound

4. Final Solution

5. She’s On Fire

6. Asphyxiate The Masses

7. Path We’ve Chosen

8. Gone Wrong

9. Legions Of The Damned

10. Shed My Skin

11. The Last In Line

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Europe: Purchase DEADLANDS Evilution here:

Amazon: www.amazon.de/dp/B00A8CUE4M

iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/de/album/evilution/id596493780

Massacre Records MP3 Store: http://massacre.musiclogistics.net/releases/23854

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DEADLANDS - Evilution - promo banner - 2012

(Source: Earsplit PR)

For more info on DEADLANDS, click on the links below!

http://www.DeadlandsMusic.com

facebook: Deadlands

http://www.massacre-records.com

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE DEADLANDS.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

W.A.S.P. – The Legendary Blackie Lawless And His Band = Stone’s METAL Pick Of The Day!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on April 30, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

W.A.S.P. - Classic Logo - X-Large!!

W.A.S.P. – Without further delay, I hereby make this METAL declaration on Tuesday, April 30th, 2013, that:

W.A.S.P.

IS

STONE’S

METAL PICK

OF THE DAY!

AND…

METAL BE

THY NAME.

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W.A.S.P. 2013 FESTIVAL DATES:

W.A.S.P. - Tour Dates - Festivals - 2013

Here is Stone’s favorite W.A.S.P. album of all-time:

W.A.S.P. "The Last Command" x-large album pic!!!

W.A.S.P. – THE LAST COMMAND – (1985)

Stone Says: There’s truly never been a W.A.S.P. album I’ve never liked. Some W.A.S.P. albums I just like more than others. It’s my Metal belief, that, Best Metal Buddy Scott Coverdale really did get me hooked on W.A.S.P. (back in the day). Around 6 years ago or so, Scott Coverdale reinvigorated my allegiance to the W.A.S.P. Nation once again… and I thank him for that. Hell yes, I do.

W.A.S.P. "Live In The Raw" large album pic!!!

W.A.S.P. – LIVE IN THE RAW (1987)

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For more info on W.A.S.P., click on the links below! Whoa!

http://www.waspnation.com

facebook: W.A.S.P.

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LONG LIVE W.A.S.P.

LONG LIVE BLACKIE LAWLESS.

LONG LIVE THE W.A.S.P. NATION.

I also hope that one day, toilet paper is manufactured with the PMRC letters on it; so I can wipe my METAL lovin’ ass with it.

Stone.