HAPPY METAL HALLOWEEN! Today is October 31st and Halloween 2012 is finally here! As you’ll see below, I’ve selected some of my all-time favorite spooky albums and movies, especially for all you Metal ghouls, monsters, witches, zombies and goblins out there. Enjoy!
The scary album cover at the top of this post is Orange Goblin’s fourth studio album Coup De Grace. Released back in 2002 via Rise Above Records, I highly recommend Coup De Grace from the solid-as-steel discography of Orange Goblin. This isn’t a Horror Metal album, yet it is lyrically filled with plenty of strange stories. MonkeyPanic is a true Horror themed song, however. Coup De Grace contains a sensationally cool mix of Stoner Metal, Doom and a cover of the Misfits classicWe Bite, (a song which adds a potent moment of Horror Punk to this album).
As with many of you out there, my favorite King Diamond album is Abigail. One of the greatest Metal concept albums ever written, structured and performed, in my Metal opinion! Released back in 1987 via RoadrunnerRecords, Abigail also features current and longtime Motörhead drummer Mikkey Dee. Abigail is the crème de la crème of the King Diamond discography, without any Metal doubt in my mind.
What would a Metal Halloween be without the super-duper legendary IRON MAIDEN? For that matter, what would Halloween be like without IRON MAIDEN’s iconic mascot Eddie? I cringe at the thoughts! IRON MAIDEN without question, has the greatest assemblage of album covers in Heavy Metal history. Thanks to artists DerekRiggs and Melvyn Grant, Eddie’s mascot celebrity within the world of Metal is second to none.
* Back on March 25th, 2010, I posted a feature titled: My Favorite Heavy Metal Album Cover Is… and you can read all about it by clicking the link below! Hint: It’s IRON MAIDEN.
Directed by the ultra-legendary John Carpenter, They Live was released back in 1988 and is distributed by Universal Studios. This is a Science Fiction-Horro Film that essentially shows what our world would be like if taken over by elitist aliens. Uh, huh. Filthy rich space aliens want to take over the world!
My favorite professional wrestler of all-time is the star of They Live: “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. I feel his performance in They Live was stellar, just like his wrestling career. Rowdy Roddy Piper gives plenty of hurtin’ on these white-collar space aliens, before he, um… I won’t give the ending of this fabulous movie away.
Shout! Factory will be releasing, on November 6th, 2012, a “collector’s edition” of They Live, on both DVD and Blu-ray. Check out Shout! Factory here: http://www.shoutfactory.com
Another Science Fiction thriller directed by John Carpenter! This creepy Sci-Fi film takes place in 1997 and New York City is a maximum security prison! Once you’re put inside this NYC prison, you never come out… unless you’re Snake Plissken.
Legendary actor Kurt Russell is phenomenal in his role as Snake Plissken; his mission is to rescue The President of the United States (Donald Pleasence) from this horrible prison. It’s detailed as to how this all happened! Just get this movie at all Metal costs, if you already haven’t.
* Escape From New York was released back in 1981 and distributed by AVCO Embassy Pictures.
* Escape From New York also stars such other notable actors: Lee Van Cleef, Ernest Borgnine, Adrienne Barbeau and Isaac Hayes as The Duke of New York.
* I once met the producer for Escape From New York! Debra Hill was introduced to me at a wedding I attended (somewhere) in Long Island, (sometime) back in the ’90’s. A very quick “hello” and (I think) handshake and that’s about it. That’s my “brush with fame” when it comes to this unreal terrific movie!
STRYPER – Attention STRYPER fans in South America! Two new dates have been announced via http://www.stryper.com and they are listed below! Metal be thy name!
February 16, 2013 – Buenos Aires, Argentina – Teatro Flores
February 17, 2013 – Sao Paulo, Brazil – Carioca Club
Oct. 30, 2012, LOS ANGELES — ISIS’ demo version of Ghost Key, from the forthcoming retrospective releaseTemporal (Nov. 6, Ipecac), is currently streaming via Pitchfork.com: (http://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/14511-ghost-key/).
The track was recorded in the band’s Los Angeles rehearsal space by Aaron Harris and Aaron Turner in 2007. Ghost Key was included on the band’s final album, Wavering Radiant.
1. Streetcleaner (Godflesh cover, Recorded in 1999)
2. Hand of Doom (Black Sabbath cover, Originally released on the Sawblade CD, 1999)
3. Not in Rivers, But in Drops (Melvins/Lustmord remix; originally released on Holy Tears, 2007)
4. Holy Tears (Thomas Dimuzio remix; originally released on NIRBID, 2008)
5. Temporal (Recorded in 2009) *
6. Way Through Woven Branches (originally released on Melvins/ISIS split LP, 2010)
7. Pliable Foe (originally released on Melvins/ISIS split LP, 2010)
8. 20 Minutes/40 Years (acoustic version) *
DVD (official music videos)
1. In Fiction
2. Holy Tears
3. Not In Rivers, But in Drops
4. 20 Minutes/40 Years
5. Pliable Foe *
* Previously unreleased
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Aaron Harris, Jeff Caxide and Clifford Meyer recently partnered with Chino Moreno (Deftones) to form Palms (https://www.facebook.com/palmssongs).
The band’s debut album will be out in the Spring of 2013 via Ipecac. Aaron Turner’s Old Man Gloom released No in late June, he is currently touring with Mamiffer. Mike Gallagher continues on with his solo project MGR as well as scoring films, most recently 22nd of May.
Looking to get your Halloween treat a little early? If so, teleport over to the dungeons of Metal Underground where you unearth the startling truth that A BAND OF ORCS have returned, after 5 years, with their first full-length album, Adding Heads to the Pile, due out on Itchy Metal Entertainment on Halloween of 2012, following up their debut 2007 EP WarChiefs of the Apocalypse (Produced by Scott Lee Sargeant, engineered by Juan Urteaga).
The latest offering, Adding Heads to the Pile (Produced and Engineered by Juan Urteaga), a concept album, tells tales of A BAND OF ORCS’ mercenary employment for a human kingdom in the realm of Hirntodia. This craven kingdom of humans hires the Gore-Stained Axe Tribe to “settle their giant troubles” for them with axe and spear, but they get a lot more than they bargained for, once the orcs fulfill the terms of their geas by vanquishing the giants and return to pay the piper. Come listen to songs about war, gold, and betrayal; featuring monstrous foes the likes of dragons, giants, titans, elementals, volcanoes, humans, chaos gods and more.
March over to Metal Underground now, add your head to the pile, and hear the exclusive album stream ofAdding Heads to the Pile. The cover and liner notes for the album contain art by fantasy illustrators Chuck Lukacs and Lorraine Schleter, both of whom have done work for Wizards of the Coast, among other role-playing game companies.
You can assure yourself of being spared when the Domination comes by pre-ordering your copy of “Adding Heads to the Pile” at www.abandoforcs.storenvy.com now.
Saxon live plans – Saxon Facebook has cracked 70k followers!!!
We are still busy with the last final details for the new album! Major announcement re the new album will follow shortly!
In the meantime we want to thank you all for your support! That gives us the strength and the will to move on and to work as hard as we can! Your support is not only viewable in all the nice letters and emails and everything you are sending but also in the fantastic amount of Facebook followers! We have reached the unbelievable number of 70.273!!!
To give you a little bit back we confirmed to play the Bang Your Head Festival in Balingen, Germany on the second July weekend. The great thing is that we don’t just play a “normal” headline gig. We are bringing the mighty “Heavy Metal Thunder” Production we already used on this years Wacken Festival! We will see where else we are able to take this production and keep you of course updated. Further live dates will be also announced soon.
Kolumbarium, the latest slab of old school darkness from masters of Swedish Death Metal MORDBRAND is now available on vinyl 7″ from Deathgasm Records.
MORDBRAND (Swedish for arson) offers two new deadly hymns to the rotten here and when that needle drops into the groove it’s the putrid and unsettling atmosphere you’ll recognize immediately as 100 percent genuine Swedish-made Death!
Stone Says: The Death Metal assault that MORDBRAND unleashes with their song Consume Them has branded my brains with this inscription: Thou Shall Uphold The Swedish Death Metal Of MORDBRAND. Death Metal fans worldwide absolutely must hear and breathe in the Death Metal of MORDBRAND. Metal be thy name.
ADORNED BROOD’s new album is going to be released on November 23, 2012 via Massacre Records!
“Kuningaz” was recorded at the Kohlekeller Studio in Seeheim-Jugenheim, Germany, with producer Kai Stahlenberg and will also be available as limited digipak. It will include a new recording of ADORNED BROOD’s old song “Totenmarsch” as bonus track.
Germany’s cult label Ván Records is proud to unleash the opening track to Interbellum, the debut album from Dutch Rock outfit, GOLD, confirmed for worldwide release on the edge of the Mayan calendar, December 7th, 2012.
Recorded at the Amsterdam Recording Company, Interbellum offers nine hard-rocking pop songs that will enrich the contemporary Rock landscape with its fresh vocals, catchy riffing, its driving rhythms and refreshing songwriting. A world in crisis needs a Rock album full of urgency, anger and hope. Here it is.
The opening track to Interbellum, “One Of Us,” was shot on a gloomy Autumn afternoon at GOLD‘s rehearsal space at Studio SanteBoutique, Rotterdam. Check it out below!
The main drive of GOLD’s songwriting takes place between vocalist Milena Eva and guitarist Thomas Sciarone (ex-The Devil’s Blood). Longtime friends, drummer Igor Wouters and bassist Harm Haverman provide a steady yet adventurous foundation and guitarist Nick Polak completes the bunch with his talent for harmony and melody. Each song on Interbellum is a well-crafted piece of music and a story on its own, and overall is a monument to our time and to a civilization in decline. It deals with instability and the fear of things to come, yet offers a spark of love and hope in an attempt to give meaning to life in modern times. The album’s authentic tone and warmth completes the richness of GOLD’s sound, produced by Igor Wouters and Vanderbuyst main man Willem Verbuyst.
GOLD will be performing live by the end of 2012, delivering their songs to every soul that cares to listen.
Interbellum Track Listing:
1. One Of Us
2. Antebellum
3. Love, The Magician
4. Gone Under
5. Dreams
6. North
7. Medicine Man
8. The Hunt
9. Ruby
Stone Says: I dig this band! GOLD ROCKS! From the vocals of Milena Eva to the overall melodic Rockin’ sound that this band generates, GOLD is a band to keep our Rockaholic eyes and ears on! Metal be thy name.
Deepsend Records will release Godless, the new album from Danish old school Death Metallers DEUS OTIOSUS on November 20th. The Danes’ sophomore effort (and first for Deepsend) is the follow-up to debut album Murderer, which was released by FDA Rekotz and American Line Productions.
Take a listen to album track Pest Grave below!
Visit the Deepsend Records Webstore for ordering information:
In a world where no god watches or guides, humankind is left to fend for itself like feral children. And in this world, horror and cruelty of every unspeakable kind lives and breathes amongst us. These horrors are echoed in Godless. This is old school death metal with nuances of black and thrash, creating a heavy, down-tuned force that will appease the servants of Hell while they slave for their sins.
HURRICANE SANDY – I live in Central/Eastern Pennsylvania, right near the border of New Jersey. Therefore, the impact of Hurricane Sandy is very real to me and my family. As was the case last year, with Hurricane Irene, taking safety precautions and hunkering down is my #1 concern. I’ve been trying to make sure no items are left in the yard that will become dangerous flying debris; while checking off our list of necessities: batteries, first-aid supplies, radio, non-perishable food, gas for the car and of course… bottled water.
It’s a very melancholy mood for us right now, while awaiting the arrival of Hurricane Sandy. I’m sure anyone living on the East/Northeast Coast knows what I mean. What’s so outrageous and creepy is just last year, we all endured the wrath of Hurricane Irene and a major ice storm (back-to-back); both storms left their mark, that’s for certain.
Apparently, Hurricane Sandy will make her presence known sometime around Sunday night, with her outer bands of wind and rain. The “main impact” of this hurricane will be felt here on Tuesday. I hope and pray that life and property are not impacted as heavily as the forecasters predict. Life is precious and my main concern is for family, friends and Metal Buddies.
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I have drafted some posts in advance of this hurricane and have scheduled them to launch throughout this coming week of Halloween. In the event you see posts begin to cease come next weekend or I’m not leaving reply comments on the posts and emails go unanswered, then that means our power is out. I surely hope we don’t lose power. Predictions for power outages are being discussed in the news by length of “weeks” and not days!
That’s the update thus far, on what to expect from Metal Odyssey’s coverage of Rock N’ Metal this coming week. I wish everyone living on the East/Northeast Coast to stay safe and strong, through this awful ordeal that Mother Nature has once again dealt us. Meteorologists have been calling Hurricane Sandy the storm of the century, the perfect storm and even… Frankenstorm. Scary times indeed. Metal be thy name.
London, UK – Much to the excitement of music fans across the planet, Dutch rock legends Focus will be undertaking a worldwide tour beginning November 2012 in support of their forthcoming CD Focus X. With their unique brand of progressive rock, Focus manifested themselves at the start of the ’70s as the most successful and appreciated of all the Dutch pop-rock exports. Fronted by founding member Thijs Van Leer, and best known for their hits “Hocus Pocus”, “House of The King” and “Sylvia”, as well as critically acclaimed albums ‘Moving Waves’, ‘Focus 3’ and ‘Hamburger Concerto’, the iconic Dutch music masters are back with their tenth album, which is guaranteed to please their legions of fans!
After a comeback in the early 2000’s, which resulted in the well-received albums ‘Focus 8’ and ‘Focus 9’, the band regrouped with a fantastic new line-up. Along with Thijs van Leer on vocals, flute and keyboards, back on the drums is famed Focus drummer Pierre van der Linden, who joined the group on their second album ‘Moving Waves’ in 1972. Internationally renowned for his rhythmic skills, Pierre remains a defining factor in the Focus sound. Bassist Bobby Jacobs, who comes from a well-acclaimed Dutch musical family and guitarist Menno Gootjes, who participated in Focus at an earlier stage, completes the band’s current line-up. Recently, Focus’s biggest hit “Hocus Pocus” was used in a 4-minute Nike commercial before the World Cup broadcast. Focus music can be regularly heard on Top Gear and Saxondale TV.
A new Focus era has arrived! There is a rejuvenated passion in the new compositions that adorn the new album ‘Focus X’, which features a full-scale Roger Dean painting on the cover. Says Thijs van Leer, who holds the distinction of being the first ever knighted musician in Holland, “It’s a thrill to have finally completed ‘Focus X’; we are all ecstatic and looking forward to playing the new material on the forthcoming Focus X Tour.”
As reported on the Official MANOWAR Website – The Kingdom Of Steel:
MANOWAR will return to Germany’s cult show ‘TV Total’ on October 30 and reunite with TV Total host and entertainer Stefan Raab.
2012 not only marks the 10 year anniversary of MANOWAR’s hit album ‘Warriors Of The World’, but also the band’s last visit on TV Total and Stefan’s memorable performance during the Warriors Of The World Tour.
MANOWAR will perform ‘Touch The Sky’ live, a track from the new album ‘The Lord Of Steel’ that is now available in stores and on iTunes worldwide.
“Stefan is a really cool guy and a true metal brother.” said Joey DeMaio. “We look forward to meeting him again and to shake the studio walls with the new sound of MANOWAR!”
The show will be aired on October 30, 2012 at 11:10PM CET on Pro7.
SUICIDE SILENCE fans can now win one of guitarist Mark Heylmun’s signature LTD MKH-7 guitars! Simply head over to Mark’s official Facebook, like the page, and then enter your details to be placed into the drawing to win one of these awesome guitars. This competition is open to anyone in any country. Contest ends November 15th.
SUICIDE SILENCE recently announced that they have inked a deal with Nuclear Blast Entertainment, the new division of Nuclear Blast formed by Nuclear Blast owner Markus Staiger and former Roadrunner A&R chief, Monte Conner. As one of the leaders of the Extreme Modern Metal movement, it is only fitting that their new home be one of the biggest Metal labels on the planet. It’s a union that is sure to bring much success to both parties in the not so distant future.
SUICIDE SILENCE’s Nuclear Blast Entertainment debut is tentatively scheduled for a Summer 2013 release.
Go to Mark Heylmun’s facebook by clicking on link below!
THE WRETCHED END – The second studio album, Inroads, from Norway’s The Wretched End was released this past Summer, via Candlelight Records. The Metal muscular supergroup of Samoth (lead/rhythm guitars), Cosmo (lead/rhythm guitars, bass & vocals) and Nils Fjellström are so incredible together that it’s scary. These three musicians are at the very top of their Metal tier once again with Inroads.
Dark lyrically, Extreme with a blackened atmosphere and mood; I cannot get enough of this sophomore release from The Wretched End. The combination of Cosmo’s vocals and the Metal music are for all intents and purposes… Extreme perfection. If our Metal community needs an ambassador band to stand up to all the societal bullshit we must (all) endure, then I’m electing The Wretched End.
Samoth is a Metal legend. Period. His presence is heard and remarkably felt all over these songs on Inroads and it’s a grand experience to take in. Nils Fjellström on drums is so damn great to listen to. Honestly, this band was meant-to-be and they play like they’ve been together forever. This entire album is a favorite for me, with each song blazing into the next in all of its Extreme and Blackened Metal glory.
Inroads is easily one of the very best among Metal albums of 2012, in my personal Metal opinion. This is an album you must hear and spread the Metal word about. Fans of Emperor, Dark Funeral, Scum and Zyklon know these guys are unreal at mastering their Metal craft. What’s important to know is – The Wretched End bestows Black Metal, Death Metal, Thrash Metal and all grand attributes of Extreme Metal, all wrapped into one.
The Wretched End blew my Metal mind with their 2010 debut Ominous; this follow-up titled Inroads has had the same, if not more of an effect on me; in turn, solidifying my highest level of recommendation of their Metal to all my fellow Metal brethren. The Wretched End is what Metal is all about. Metal be thy name.
We’re thrilled to announce the signing of HATRIOT!
Steve ‘Zetro’ Souza (Exodus, Legacy (now Testament)) takes his musical roots back in time to the 1980’s when Metal was fast, furious and yet still melodic.
He writes all of his own twisted lyrics, and with the help of his young guitar wizard, Kosta “V”, the two of them collaborate to bring you the music of HATRIOT.
Backed by his two sons, bassist Cody Souza and drummer Nick Souza, plus second guitarist Miguel Esparza, Zetro is out to crush and destroy everything in his path.
Few bands can be fast, loud, powerful and ferocious, while staying musical, melodical and crushing. HATRIOT gives you that, along with the pure intensity of a hungry band that wants nothing more than to tour and play live music to fans.
HATRIOT have earned worldwide respect supporting Testament and Forbidden. You’ve wanted something new and you’ve wanted something heavy. Look out! HATRIOT will hit the road and destroy a city near you very soon!
HATRIOT’s debut album “Heroes Of Origin” is expected to be released on January 25, 2013!
If you’re living California, you can see them live here:
The first interview I had with Gordon Brown was just after his amicable departure from Heavy Rock legends IronClaw; that interview was posted here on Metal Odyssey practically a year ago to this day, on October 21st, 2011. Now, with a fresh start and always the positive outlook on the future, Gordon Brown has started a new band: DeltaOne Six.
A Scottish gentleman with music flowing from his soul, Gordon Brown has a bluesy voice that fits right into any decade of Rock and Roll. This past year, Gordon Brown shared many of his songs that he has recorded throughout his life, via Soundcloud. (See link at bottom of post). The “open-book” approach that Gordon Brown has taken, with the music he’s created, shows to me the honest-to-goodness personality of this man.
Since I’ve known Gordon Brown, he has always taken a nothing to hide approach with his music and has never dodged a question. This is an artist I’ve been rooting for since I first heard him sing. Recently, Gordon Brown answered another round of questions, being his typical friendly and polite self! I’m proud to present to you, this second interview with Gordon Brown:
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Stone: Can you give more (untold) details as to why the Iron Claw partnership ended?
Gordon: Very simply, the band wanted to play a heavier style of music than I did. Once the recording of the album was finished things just didn’t work out – if it isn’t right it’s time to move on. There’s no animosity, we don’t see each other as we live in different towns, but I dare say at some point we’ll have a pint or two. At this stage it appears unlikely that Iron Claw will perform live again, I was speaking to Alex Wilson recently and told him that I would consider writing lyrics and singing on any future recordings. As far as I’m concerned that door is not shut, only it would have to be music that appealed to me. The music from “A Different Game” lives on in a live sense though, currently I’m doing Southern Sky with a view to possibly adding some others further down the line.
Stone: How has “life after Iron Claw” been treating you?
Gordon: Life has been good, I am working on some collaborations with songwriters in the USA and have started a new band “Delta One Six”, we’re due to go live on November 9th and have a song being included in a compilation of Scottish Blues acts due for release in November. Throughout my musical career I have been fortunate enough to play with some truly amazingly talented musicians, the boys in Delta One Six are an absolute delight to play with.
People have had the chance via You Tube to see some of the very early practice sessions, they were recorded using a mobile phone, the sound quality, despite being taken from one side is pretty good – I think people will enjoy what we’re looking to create – a tiny amount in the way of effects, just ass-kicking blues/rock played with passion.
Check out Delta One Six below, jamming during a rehearsal this past August! This is cool stuff! Metal be thy name!
Stone: You list the music you “err towards” as British Blues, Southern Boogie, Chicago Blues and “a hint of Bluegrass chucked in for good measure” on your bio. You’ve obviously excelled, on a grand scale, with (Bluesy) Hard Rock with Iron Claw. What is the one genre you want to sing, that comes straight from your heart and soul?
Gordon: The bluesy thing will remain, it suits the way I like to sing. I always end up coming back to the Blues, having said that I’m not a huge fan of Delta Blues, I much prefer the electric sound. It’s fair to say that I do like ballads as well, the Blues I do is a mash-up of Free, Whitesnake, The Allmans and too many others too mention.
Stone: While growing up as an aspiring musician, what records were in your collection?
Gordon: It kinda went in stages, I started off listening to my elder brothers and sisters music, The Beatles, Stones, Cream, Fleetwood Mac (with Peter Green), the first record I remember listening to was Jigsaw Puzzle Blues, it was the B side to Albatross. When I started secondary school I was a big fan of a band called Slade for a couple of years – then came the Black Sabbath period, but I was also listening to all manner of things like, Atomic Rooster, Wishbone Ash, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Pink Floyd, The Groundhogs, Frankie Miller, Blue Oyster Cult, Humble Pie, Thin Lizzy and in particular one band which has stuck with me since that time – the mighty FREE (and Bad Company ), I’m a huge fan of Paul Rodgers.
Southern Rock came along in the shape of Lynyrd Skynyrd at about age 15 and I’ve loved that genre ever since. Punk arrived when I was 17 – I didn’t think much of it, so pretty much ignored it. The NWOBHM didn’t really shake my boat either – I did enjoy gigs by Saxon and Iron Maiden, but found myself still listening to the things I grew up on and I still do! My little confession is that I’ve always wanted to do a blues/rock cover of At The Car Wash by Rose Royce. Unfortunately, so far no-one shares my vision for it!
Stone: Which well-known bands and/or musicians of today would you want to work with on a “special guest” level of recording?
Gordon: Warren Haynes, Paul Rodgers or Greg Allman would be top of my list, Glenn Hughes, Buddy Guy and so many more including Iron Dave from Diablo Canyon. I think the real answer would be “anyone who asked”!
Stone: These are turbulent times in the world right now; many countries economies and wars have taken it’s toll on the human spirit it seems, yet music seems to be the universal language of peace, hope and friendship that unites fans and bands worldwide. What are your thoughts on the power of music to unite and heal?
Gordon: I agree with you 100% that music brings people together and I would say one genre more than any other to do that is Metal. Music does much already to unite people to combat famine etc. in terms of providing money to assist, alas, I think we humans are too wrapped up in making a profit and fighting over oil.
Stone: If you could change the record industry overnight, what changes would you mandate?
Gordon: Fair contracts for bands. Too many bands sign themselves away just to become a “signed band” and end up being ripped off or having their recordings buried. The most important thing for most bands to understand is that you get back what you put in, if you don’t work hard you’ll go nowhere – the music business is 90% business and 10% music – sad but true!
Stone: Gordon, there is no denying you have an amazing voice and music is in your soul. For all aspiring vocalists out there, what are the golden rules to follow in protecting your voice? Is a true lyricist born or made?
Gordon: Don’t smoke, don’t drink alcohol, avoid air-conditioning and take lots of exercise while eating a healthy balanced diet. Well, I drink, smoke and probably don’t exercise as much as I used to. My simple Golden Rule is practice, practice, practice! I probably sing somewhere between 1 and 2 hours per day (most days!). There are certain songs I use as “training songs” in which I simply sing along to a record and try to match the high and low notes, (for example) Ronnie James Dio singing Heaven and Hell and Catch the Rainbow, maybe a bit of David Coverdale and always some Paul Rodgers, I find it helps with the way I like to phrase songs, I don’t try to imitate them, quite often I’ll do a harmony to their vocal, if possible get some lessons and learn how to breathe properly.
On stage I am always accompanied by Vocalzones, Strepsils, Vicks (for up my nose!) a flask of hot tea and about 3 litres of water, before a gig I do lots of breathing exercises and some scales just to warm up, occasionally I’ll gargle a glass of whisky (sometimes I might even drink it!) but my firmly held view is that when I’m on stage I’m working and therefore no excessive alcohol intake.
Lyricists, I think they can be both born and made, probably more born than made though, I think you have to be in tune with the music and let it talk to and guide you as to the direction the lyrics should take. Unless of course you have the lyric but no tune to go with it, I think that’s harder to do and those who can put a tune to lyrics are born.
Stone: You have showcased your musical evolution on Soundcloud. I find this “open-book” approach to your musical resume commendable and inspiring. What and/or who has been most influential to you, in creating your life’s soundtrack?
Gordon: In everything you do, there is something that shapes the person you become, every person you meet from your parents onwards define your path. Personally, I think I’ve led a full and interesting life so far, it’s had its highs and lows, but I’m very much an optimist, if you get knocked down, get up, brush yourself down and keep moving forward. The open book approach and putting up videos of band rehearsals and recordings that weren’t the greatest was a gamble, it could have put people off completely and fortunately that hasn’t been the case.
Very simply, I think that people can appreciate an honest approach, they know that live music isn’t about every note being perfect (even the best bands/artists make mistakes), live music is about finding a vibe and making the audience believe in what you’re doing.
Stone Says: I’d like to thank Gordon Brown for this interview and for being such a cool long-distance Metal Buddy!
Queensland crushers LYNCHMADA are about to slay across Australia on the WHIPLASH tour in support of the mighty MNEMIC (Nuclear Blast Records) and will unleash a new single “Immerser” to coincide with the tour.
Commenting on the new single, label manager Greg Shaw states:“Immerser” is Lynchmada at the band’s very best, it demonstrates what this incredible band is truly capable of. The song is epic, anthemic and more aggressive than previous material, and also offers an appeal to a cross section of heavy music listeners. I really look forward to hearing what Lynchmada will offer next.”
LYNCHMADA and Truth Inc. Records are also very pleased to announce that the band are now officially endorsed by one of the world’s leading guitar companies – ESP guitars. Commenting on the endorsement, guitarist Simon Connor states “We are so incredibly pleased to be a part of the ESP shredding community, a community that features some of the world’s leading metal bands. Be sure that our new axes will be getting a work out on the upcoming national tour alongside Mnemic”
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Check out LYNCHMADA on the following WHIPLASH dates with MNEMIC:
25TH OCTOBER – GOSFORD SIDESHOW
Youth Arts Warehouse, Gosford NSW
26TH OCTOBER – NEWCASTLE^
Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle NSW
27TH OCTOBER – CANBERRA
ANU Bar, Canberra ACT
28TH OCTOBER – MELBOURNE
Hi Fi, Melbourne VIC
also performing at THE NEW DEAD METALFEST #3 – ADELAIDE
Fowlers Live, Adelaide SA
DIO DISCIPLES are currently on the road, spreading “A Celebration of the Life and Music of Ronnie James Dio!”
Dio Disciples is comprised of singers Tim “Ripper” Owens (Judas Priest) and Oni Logan (Lynch Mob), guitarist Craig Goldy (Dio), bassist Bjorn Anglund (Yngwie Malmsteen), keyboardist Scott Warren (Dio,Heaven & Hell), and drummer Simon Wright (Dio, AC/DC, UFO).
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Check out the tour dates below to see if Dio Disciples will be jamming near you!
10/24 Hawthorne, Portland OR
10/26 Hard Rock On The Strip, Las Vegas NV
10/27 Club Red, Tempe AZ
10/28 Ventura Theater, Ventura CA
10/30 Brick By Brick, San Diego CA
10/31 Avalon Theater,
2nd Annual RJD Stand Up And Shout Gala, Hollywood CA
11/3 House Of Rock, El Paso TX
11/4 Trees, Dallas TX
11/7 Underground, Sandusky OH
11/8 Pierre’s Ft. Wayne IN
11/10 Harpo’s Detroit MI
11/11 Tap House, Akron OH
11/13 Asylum, Portland ME
11/15 Starland, Sayerville NJ
11/16 The Met, Providence RD
11/17 Revolution, Amyityville NY
11/18 The Chance, Poughkeepsie NY
11/20 Crocodile Rock, Allentown PA
DIO – THE VERY BEAST OF VOL. 2 was released on October 9th, 2012, via Niji Entertainment. My strong Metal advice is buy it and celebrate the legacy of Ronnie James Dio… loud and proud! Horns Up! Metal be thy name.
Dark Descent Records has recently inked (in blood) a deal with London blackened Death Metal band Lvcifyre for the release of their as-of-yet-untitled sophomore full-length, which is due out in early 2013. The band commented:
“We are proud to announce the addition of Lvcifyre to the Dark Descent Records roster. The label will be responsible for releasing Lvcifyre’s second full-length opus and follow-up to the seminal debut The Calling Depths.
Over the past three years, Dark Descent has built up a notorious reputation of delivering the highest-calibre works of Death Metal Darkness from the underground and proudly propagating the Fallen Light. Thus, it is the perfect lurking place for Lvcifyre. With the new album, Lvcifyre will unleash the most wrathful and apocalyptic sonic plague heard by Man; manifesting the hidden forces beyond the threshold to awaken the Darkness lurking deep inside you! HDHM!”
Live footage of Lvcifyre performing the song “The Faceless One” can be seen/heard below!
Candlelight Records confirms November 6 as the North American release date of CORROSION OFCONFORMITY’s Eye For An Eye. This special reissue has been remastered/packaged and includes the EP Six Songs With Mike Singing. Both titles have been out of print for years. It follows the successful release of the band’s self-titled album earlier this year. A deluxe digibook edition of the album, limited to 1000 for North America, will be available at limited retailers and via Candlelight’s official webstore. The digibook version includes extended liner notes and a rare pictorial gallery.
Twenty-six songs showcase the early sonic years of the North Carolina-based band. Far more punk than their later recordings, the album found an immediate fanbase. Amazon customers over the years have called the album an “undisputed classic,” while noting it is “for the true skaters of the mid-to-late-‘80s,” and “brings me back to a good time of hardcore/punk.”
Guitarist Woody Weatherman comments: “We were just kids when we wrote and recorded these tunes.” Vocalist/bassist Mike Dean notes, “Making that album was our dream and we worked hard to make it happen because it was the vehicle to allow us to go out and play two hundred shows a year, like the bands we looked up to – Black Flag, Bad Brains, D.O.A.”
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Originally released in 1984, Eye for An Eye featured the original lineup of Weatherman, Dean, drummer ReedMullin, and vocalist Eric Eycke. Reissued to incorporate the 1989 EP by Mike Dean (who left the band between 1987-1992), Eye for An Eye is raw in sound but focused on message. The years that followed would see the band rise to worldwide popularity with breakthrough and Billboard-charting releases Blind and Deliverance.
Formed in Raleigh in 1982, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY quickly transformed heavy music. Politically charged and socially aware, the band has influenced countless others and today remains humble about their accomplishments. With over 1.1 million albums sold in the United States, the band continues to find new fans via nonstop touring.
“We had a lot of fun doing it and it’s great to have this album officially back out there again,” says Weatherman. “I had basically written this off as being our sloppy beginner’s effort but listening to it now, I really hear a few songs that hold up well,” adds Dean.
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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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