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OLD SCHOOL METAL 101: SHOK PARIS – “THE HEAT AND THE FIRE” SONG FROM 1989!

Posted in hard rock albums, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 15, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

SHOK PARIS – Digging into some Old School Metal and uncovering my Shok Paris album from 1989 – Concrete Killers, had me realizing how damn decent and cool this band really was. The Heat And The Fire song has all the melodic late 80’s Metal swagger happening, from the strong vocals of Vic Hix to the heated guitar leads and solo from Ken Erb. 1989… essentially 22 years ago and Shok Paris Rocked with “Concrete Killers”. This album still Rocks my ears to this very day, Metal be thy name.

* For more info & band history on Shok Paris, just click on the link below:

SHOK PARIS/Fan Club myspace music

* Concrete Killers was released on I.R.S.

LONG LIVE THE HEAVY ROCK ‘N’ ROLL OF SHOK PARIS!

Stone.

1 Comment »

CINDERELLA – A METAL SPOTLIGHT ON THE M3 ROCK FESTIVAL 2010!

Posted in hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal concerts, heavy metal festivals, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 17, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

CINDERELLA – Since their 1986 debut album – Night Songs, I have been a fan of Cinderella. Be it Rock, Hard Rock, Hair Metal or good ol’ Heavy Metal… Cinderella can play it extremely well and with a classy touch of the Blues. Cinderella is slated for performing at the 2010 M3 Rock Festival, in Columbia, Maryland, on June 19th. Their set time is from 7:40 – 8:40 pm on the Pavilion Stage. They are the last band on the Pavilion Stage to perform before… the ultra legendary Scorpions headline and close out the night!!! I’M THERE! I literally am counting down the hours to this cool festival of Hard Rock ‘N’ Roll and so is my Best Metal Buddy… Scott Coverdale. This will be the third time I will have seen Cinderella live and it has been quite a few years since I’ve seen them last.

To pick my favorite Cinderella album, (there are four studio albums in all), is really not that easy. Metal truth be told, each Cinderella album is uniquely great, in it’s total Rockin’ totality. There is that one Cinderella album, however, that I turn to more often to listen to… Heartbreak Station from 1990. Bluesy, Hard Hittin’, American Rock ‘N’ Roll at it’s finest is the best way to sum up Heartbreak Station. My favorite song from this album is Shelter Me. Man, if there ever was a song that justifies why Cinderella is as genuine as a freshly minted and non-circulated, gold dollar coin… it’s this one. The lyrics of Shelter Me resonate with strong relevance, a song that can surely be adapted to today’s nightly news bull crap. Plus, Cinderella took a fine swipe at the censorship machine known as the PMRC within the lyrics of Shelter Me as well, which makes me very proud as a fan.

The More Things Change is another example of lyrical relevance, coupled with Bluesy Hard Rock excellence. This song opens up Heartbreak Station and truly signaled that Cinderella was more than just merely an inappropriately tagged – Hair Metal Band. For anyone to pigeonhole Cinderella into just the Hair Metal genre is nonsensical… this is an American Rock ‘N’ Roll Band that has proven their Rock diversity through four studio albums, the proof is in their music. Throw in a clear fact that Cinderella has not released a studio album since 1994’s Still Climbing, all the while maintaining a level of popularity that puts them second to the Scorpions on the M3 Rock Festival bill and the word impressive comes to mind.

Cinderella is a perfect example of quality and talent over quantity… their four studio albums hold up against the sands of time. The songs on these Cinderella albums are not just fad infused… these songs were and still are Hard Rockin’ genius. The word relevance keeps popping up as I write this, only it is so applicable to Cinderella. One of the items on my Metal wish list, is for Cinderella to make another studio album sometime soon. Then again, I’m just psyched this great band is still around and still touring, affording me the opportunity to see them live once again at M3!

* Heartbreak Station was released in 1990, on Mercury Records.

Track Listing For Cinderella – Heartbreak Station:

The More Things Change

Love’s Got Me Doin’ Time

Shelter Me

Heartbreak Station

Sick For The Cure

One For Rock & Roll

Dead Man’s Road

Make Your Own Way

Electric Love

Love Gone Bad

Winds Of Change

* Cinderella NOW and as they appeared on Heartbreak Station:

Tom Keifer – lead vocals, guitar, piano

Eric Brittingham – bass

Jeff LaBar – guitar

Fred Coury – drums, percussion, backing vocals

* For more info on Cinderella, click on the link below:

CINDERELLA – Official Website

* For more info on the M3 Rock Festival 2010, just click the link below:

M3 Rock Festival 2010

LONG LIVE CINDERELLA!

Stone.

4 Comments »

DIO “INTERMISSION” – LIVE ALBUM FROM 1986 IS A METAL MUST!

Posted in hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal songs, metal odyssey, Music, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 14, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

DIO – Released in June of 1986, DIO – Intermission has always been a favorable listen for me. The lone studio track, Time To Burn is a major reason why I bought Intermission so many years ago. This song just stuck to me instantly, from the very first time I heard it on either WCCC FM or WHCN FM out of Hartford, Connecticut. The combination of the melodic hardness and lyrics of Time To Burn just never seems to dull on my Metal senses. I still get the same ostrich bumps on my arms and face when I listen to this song today. Metal be thy name. The only difference between now and then, while listening to this vintage DIO song, is that at this point in my Metal life… I don’t feel I have that much “Time To Burn” anymore.

Back in 1986, there was no such thing as itunes, so buying just the song Time To Burn was not an option for me. Buying a song or two like we do today, at any time of the day, with the click of a computer mouse, was pure Science Fiction back then. Of course I wanted the entire song package that Intermission bestowed, as of 1986 there was no official live DIO title until this album was released. Furthermore, I, like so many millions of other DIO fans, was riding the wave of incredible album releases by DIO during those early to mid 80’s… 1983’s Holy Diver, 1984’s The Last In Line and 1985’s Sacred Heart were a triple dose of Heavy Metal ecstasy and still are!

In Metal truth, Intermission can easily be referred to as an EP, with only six songs. Five of the songs are live, with of course Time To Burn being the studio track. Track five is a live medley of three songs – Rock ‘N’ Roll Children, Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll and Man On The Silver Mountain. Adding two classic Rainbow songs into the live mix, with Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll and Man On The Silver Mountain was a brilliantly cool idea from Ronnie James Dio, in my Metal opinion. These two Rainbow songs were and forever will be synonymous with Ronnie James Dio.

The overall sound quality of the live songs are well above average, you won’t be listening to a bootleg when it comes to quality. Intermission will never go down in Metal history as the greatest live album… still it is an excellent live DIO album that is a must for new fans. Old School DIO and Heavy Metal fans should already be familiar with Intermission, embracing it as much as I do could differ from one fan to the next. Ronnie James Dio left us fans with an incredible and unparalleled catalog of music. Intermission is a DIO album that captured a moment in time and is too good to ignore.

Intermission is still readily available at nearly every online music retailer, plus it sells for well under ten dollars, (U.S.), in both new and used condition. I’ve also seen Intermission on vinyl, selling in the ten dollar, (U.S.), range for both new and used condition. Adding this DIO album to your DIO or Heavy Metal Music collection is a smart Metal move… who knows for how much longer it will be in print?

Track Listing For DIO – Intermission:

King Of Rock And Roll

Rainbow In The Dark

Sacred Heart

Time To Burn (Studio Track)

Rock ‘N’ Roll Children/Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll/Man On The Silver Mountain (Medley)

We Rock

* DIO – Intermission was originally released on Warner Bros. Records in North America.

The musicians of DIO, as heard on Intermission:

Ronnie James Dio – vocals

Vivian Campbell – guitar

Jimmy Bain – bass

Vinny Appice – drums

Claude Schnell – keyboards

Craig Goldy – guitar on Time To Burn (studio track)

* Craig Goldy has been the guitarist for: Rough Cutt, Giuffria and Craig Goldy’s Ritual.

* Intermission was the official introduction of Craig Goldy as the guitarist for DIO, replacing Vivian Campbell.

* Craig Goldy is the guitarist on DIO’s studio albums: Dream Evil (1987), Magica (2000) and Master Of The Moon (2004).

* You can check out more info on Craig Goldy by clicking on the link below:

CRAIG GOLDY – MySpace Music Page

* After leaving DIO, Vivian Campbell joined Whitesnake in 1987 for their World Tour, through 1988. Vivian Campbell went on to play guitar on Lou Gramm’s 1989 solo album – Long Hard Look. He also played guitar for Riverdogs and Shadow King before joining Def Leppard in 1993. The Def Leppard album from 1993, Retro Active, was Vivian Campbell’s first appearance as guitarist with them.

Stone.

5 Comments »

KROKUS – 1986 FLASHBACK: “BURNING UP THE NIGHT” MUSIC VIDEO AND TOUR POSTER!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 30, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

KROKUS – Back in 1986, Krokus released their really cool, Hard Rockin’ and infectiously melodic album – Change Of Address. One hot single off of this album was Burning Up The Night. A feel-good late ’80’s Hard Rock song that makes me want to check in my nonsensical stress at the Metal door! Each time I listen to this classic Krokus song… I do just that, throw away the negativity and let the Rock be the Rule! Check out the music video below… crank it up LOUD and be glad you did.

Take a Metal look at this vintage concert/tour poster from around 1986! Judas Priest was out supporting their Turbo album, (released in 1986 on Columbia Records), and Krokus supporting, of course, their Change Of Address album released the same year on Arista Records. I’m almost certain Metal buddy Kinger over at Demolish Fanzine – 1980’s Heavy Metal Revival plucked this piece of Metal history out of his Heavy Metal archives and sent it my way… this is the vintage and cool Heavy Metal history you can find over at Demolish, it’s worth the Metal visit to peruse over there.

KROKUS – Change Of Address (1986)

JUDAS PRIEST – Turbo (1986)

Here are some recent posts Metal Odyssey has featured, relating to both Krokus – Change Of Address and Judas Priest – Turbo… click on the header links below if you like and enrich your Metal mind or maybe get semi-annoyed. Either way, feel free to comment on your Metal thoughts regarding these two bands, their albums and incredible accomplishments in Heavy Metal history.

KROKUS “HEADHUNTER BLITZ” – AN ESSENTIAL GREATEST HITS FROM 2002!

JUDAS PRIEST “TURBO” – 1986 ALBUM IN MY METAL RETROSPECT

Oh, yes, Metal Odyssey has one more comment regarding KROKUS:

COME TO AMERICA FOR SOME CONCERT DATES LATER IN 2010! YOUR FANS ARE HERE… WE NEVER LEFT!! THERE IS DEMAND FOR YOUR ROCK ‘N’ ROLL IN AMERICA!

Stone.

6 Comments »

KROKUS “HEADHUNTER BLITZ” – AN ESSENTIAL GREATEST HITS FROM 2002!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 26, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

KROKUS – Once upon a Metal time there was the 1980’s… and Krokus Rocked that decade like there was no tomorrow. Krokus released seven studio albums during those colorful ’80’s, power packed with plenty of memorable songs. If I was to make a “master list” of “must” Hard Rock and/or Heavy Metal Bands from this funtastic decade of the ’80’s, Krokus would no doubt be among my top picks. I recently grabbed ahold of a very cool and addicting greatest hits CD from Krokus to listen to – Headhunter Blitz, released in 2002 on BMG Special Products.

I picked this CD up years ago for two substantive reasons: 1. It’s Krokus for Metal sakes, 2. The ten songs on Headhunter Blitz are a fabulous sampling of an ultra great decade of Krokus albums. Below I’ll give some Metal insight to the ten songs heard on Headhunter Blitz, a modest tribute to an Old School – good times – Hard Rockin’ Band that is still Rockin’ better than ever in 2010!

1980 saw the release of Metal Rendez-vous, with Heart Attack closing out the decade for Krokus in 1988. In between these two albums were the more famous titles within the Krokus catalog of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. There are not too many bands these days, that would or even could release seven studio albums in one decade. Krokus did… and their 1980’s albums are worth every penny you may spend on them today.

In 1982, Krokus began making headway into the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal hearts of fans with One Vice at a Time. Long Stick Goes Boom and the cover song American Woman, (originally made famous by The Guess Who), are the two most popular tracks that jump out and grab me still, as if I am hearing them for the first time.

Released in 1983, Headhunter became the highest U.S. chart topping album in the entire Krokus catalog, retaining thus status to this very day in 2010. I can recall walking the hallways of my old high school, back in ’83, with the Headhunter vinyl underneath my arm, like it was a text book. In essence, it was… to me. Metal be thy name, that Headhunter album “taught” me a thing or two about real Rock ‘N’ Roll.

From the power ballad of Screaming In The Night, to the Heavy Metal onslaught of the title song Headhunter, this Krokus album shall forever be heralded by me as a complete and great album of Hard and Heavy songs. Eat The Rich is another standout song heard on Headhunter, it’s lean, loud and heavy! Throw in the bluesy heaviness of Stayed Awake All Night and my Metal point is exemplified with ease here.

The Blitz being released in 1984, only made Krokus all the more appealing to FM radio and MTV. Marc Storace showcases his vocal talents with the melodic power ballad Our Love, the melodic Hard Rocker Midnite Maniac and once again a credible cover song with Ballroom Blitz, (originally made famous by Sweet).

If you would like to see the classic Our Love music video from 1984, just click the link below:

KROKUS – “OUR LOVE” MUSIC VIDEO FROM 1984!

1986 came along with once again… another memorable and melodic Hard Rock offering from Krokus! Change Of Address carried over the Hard Rock and ’80’s Arena Rock accessibility with the songs Hot Shot City and Burning Up The Night… with plenty of  chorus and big guitar sound. School’s Out is the cover song on this album and Krokus doesn’t disappoint, with their style and attitude only accentuating it’s lyrics and theme. Alice Cooper’s original School’s Out is legendary… this Krokus cover is classic. Change Of Address is a Krokus album that captured that mid ’80’s wide openness of mainstream Hard Rock/Heavy Metal vibe. Despite whatever reviews may have circulated over the decades, regarding Change Of Address, I just so happen to really, really, really like this Krokus album, so let it be Metal written, so let it be Metal done.

I strongly urge and/or recommend any fan of Old School, 1980’s Hard Rock, Arena Rock and Heavy Metal to get their ears into the Krokus catalog of albums! A greatest hits such as Headhunter Blitz makes for an excellent start for new fans to become acquainted with Switzerland’s biggest and best band to ever cross the Atlantic.

Track Listing For Headhunter Blitz:

Midnite Maniac

Eat The Rich

Ballroom Blitz

Headhunter

American Woman

School’s Out

Stayed Awake All Night

Long Stick Goes Boom

Hot Shot City

Screaming In The Night

Metal Odyssey Note: The classic Krokus lineup from the 1982 album – One Vice At A Time is back together in 2010! With their NEW album release – Hoodoo. If you need some Metal guidance into how great this new Krokus album, Hoodoo, really is… just click on the link below to read my review:

KROKUS “HOODOO” – CASTS A HARD ROCKIN’ & HEAVY METAL CLASSIC SPELL!

The One Vice At A Time, classic Krokus lineup, as they are in 2010:

Marc Storace – vocals

Chris Von Rohr – bass, vocals

Fernando Von Arb – lead guitars, vocals

Mark Kohler – rhythm guitars

Freddy Steady – drums

LONG LIVE KROKUS ROCK ‘N’ ROLL!

Stone.

4 Comments »

DANGEROUS TOYS – TEAS’N, PLEAS’N SONG FROM 1989 REVISITED!

Posted in 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1990's heavy metal bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal songs, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 17, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

DANGEROUS TOYS – Just when you thought that 1989 was the beginning of the end for Heavy Metal and Hard Rock going into the ’90’s… think again! Here is yet another example, of a band that made some serious heavy noise at the onset of the Grunge invasion and right into the mid ’90’s… Dangerous Toys. Based on the songs from this 1989 debut album, Dangerous Toys put a dose of the “F” word into their songs lyrics,… “F” for fun that is. Don’t let the fun lyrics fool you though… this band could play the heavy with Metal ease… and still can. Jason McMaster’s vocals is stuff of Old School… this entire album for Metal sakes is, as well.

I like this debut Dangerous Toys album a whole Metal bunch. Teas’n, Pleas’n is just one of many kickin’ songs from that album. I still own a copy of this Dangerous Toys debut on… yeah, yeah, yeah, it’s on cassette. So Metal be it, it still plays!

Here’s hoping you like Dangerous Toys and Teas’n, Pleas’n like I do. If that’s the Metal case, crank up this song LOUD and be glad you did!

* Check out the myspace music page for Dangerous Toys by clicking the link below:

DANGEROUS TOYS

* Dangerous Toys was released on Columbia Records.

LONG LIVE DANGEROUS TOYS!

Stone.

4 Comments »

KROKUS – “OUR LOVE” MUSIC VIDEO FROM 1984!

Posted in hard rock bands, hard rock music, hard rock songs, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal records, heavy metal songs, heavy metal videos, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 11, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

KROKUS – Alright, o.k., this is one Heavy Metal ballad that I can never grow tired of. Never. Our Love just brings back some good time memories… isn’t that what Rock ‘N’ Roll is supposed to do? Hey… it’s KROKUS. Our Love can be played from afar and my Heavy Metal ballad antennae get all fired up. The Blitz is the eighth album released from KROKUS, back in that super year of 1984, on Arista Records. Our Love, Midnite Maniac and the cover song of Sweet’s – Ballroom Blitz are the three songs I can remember getting the major attention of FM radio back then, as well as on MTV.

I hope you enjoy this vintage KROKUS song and video of Our Love as much as I do… if so, crank it up LOUD mutha!!

KROKUS as they appeared on The Blitz:

Marc Storace – vocals

Fernando Von Arb – lead guitar

Jeff Klaven – drums

Mark Kohler – bass guitar

Here is a really cool KROKUS promo pic from around 1988, that Metal Buddy – Kinger from Demolish Fanzine – 1980’s Heavy Metal Revival sent my way. Promo pics like these are visual Heavy Metal history.

Stone.


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METAL ODYSSEY’S MOTHER’S DAY SONGS TO ROCK YOU!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, classic rock music, Hard Rock, hard rock bands with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 8, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

MOTHERS DAY – is here, it’s May 9th, 2010 and more Mom’s will be smiling today while they are remembered, visited upon and bestowed with love and/or flowers, cards and gifts. My Mom will be smiling for her first Mothers Day up in heaven. I love you Mom, for eternity.

I want to wish my mother-in-law, Nonny, my sister-in-law and of course my unreal and beautiful wife a Happy Mother’s Day! So, as with any event, moment or thought that happens in my life… it always gets coated with Metal. What better way to celebrate Mother’s Day, than to also salute some of Rock ‘N’ Roll’s greatest songs, that have Mother as the theme or any reference to Mom in the song title! There are probably hundreds of songs that I may have overlooked… I did not want to embark on an overwhelming list here. If you know of a Heavy Metal or even a Hard Rock or Classic Rock song that incorporates “Mom” into the song title and is not on this list, drop it off as a comment!

* I really can care in the least about the lyrical content of the following songs, it’s the songs having any reference to mother, mom, momma, etc. that is what this list is about. Enjoy… and if you find your not enjoying this list, go watch some Oprah reruns for some real excitement.

DANZIG – Mother (DANZIG debut/self titled)

QUIET RIOT – Mama Weer All Crazee Now (Condition Critical)

Ozzy Osbourne – Mama, I’m Coming Home (No More Tears)

Loggins & Messina – Your Mama Don’t Dance (The Best Of Friends)

Poison – Your Mama Don’t Dance (cover version) (Open Up and Say… Ahh!)

Earth Wind & Fire – Mom ( Last Days And Time)

The Rolling Stones have 2 songs from their 1967 compilation album – Flowers.

Have You Seen Your Mother, Baby, Standing In The Shadow?

Mother’s Little Helper

Electric Light Orchestra – Ma-Ma-Ma Belle (On The Third Day)

King Diamond – Mother’s Getting Weaker (Them)

Aerosmith – MaMa Kin (Debut/Self Titled Album)

GAMMARAY – To Mother Earth (Land Of The Free II)

Here’s a Metal Odyssey “Mother” bonus for you… it’s not a song, instead it’s a super cool, greatest hits album from the beyond legendary – Led Zeppelin… it’s titled… Mothership.

And since I mentioned an actual album “title” that has some “Mother” in it… try out this ultra legendary Rock ‘N’ Roll band for size on Mother’s Day… The Mothers Of Invention.

Freak Out! is the debut double album from The Mothers Of Invention, released back in the magical year of 1966. Freak Out! has the historic distinction of being the very first, double album debut in Rock ‘N’ Roll history. God bless Frank Zappa.

And as you can see, the phrase Freak Out! was made famous long before the Disco/Funk band Chic released their popular 1978 Disco song – Le Freak on their C’est Chic album. (Just thought you would like to know that).

If The Mothers Of Invention are not on your playlist on Mother’s Day… then maybe this iconic band should be… The Mamas & the Papas.

Hey, if your music taste for Mother’s Day is a tad heavier… look no further than… Mother Love Bone. This compilation of songs from Mother Love Bone was released back in 1992.

Here’s hoping this list of Mom related songs and bonus material made for a more wonderful Mothers Day for you. If this cool list did not provide you with any entertainment value, then go take some Ex-Lax and search the television channels for some Brady Bunch reruns.

Stone.

9 Comments »

HEAVY METAL VINYL FLASHBACK: RAINBOW – “JEALOUS LOVER” EP FROM 1981!

Posted in classic rock bands, classic rock music, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, hard rock songs, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal records, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 11, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

RAINBOW – Call this legendary band Hard Rock or Heavy Metal, it’s all the same to me. I have grown more fonder of Rainbow as each year passes, each and every lineup of this band too. Yes, call me a Rainbow fan… guilty as Metal charged. I was in the midst of my high school daze when Rainbow became a core band of mine. What intrigues me about Rainbow, is how widespread the fans were for them all those years ago. Looking back on my buddies and acquaintances from the 1980’s, Rainbow was liked by Motorhead fans as well as Van Halen die hards. I even had many Thrash Metal buddies who swore by Rainbow, back in the ’80’s.

Rainbow just seemed to be that band everyone liked. Really, I can’t recall anyone back in the ’80’s walking up to me and saying… hey, turn off that Rainbow song or Rainbow isn’t cool. If my Metal memory serves me right, not liking Rainbow back in the ’80’s would be like disliking Van Halen as well. Everyone I came across seemed to like Van Halen, even the turtlenecks that had alligators stitched onto their polo shirts did too. Hey, this is the way I saw it then, on a social level. Granted, there is ultimately going to be those who dislike both Rainbow and Van Halen… so Metal be it.

As I have always interpreted it, Rainbow just seems to leap over the genres with their Melodic Hard Rock and Heavy Metal albums. Rainbow with Joe Lynn Turner on lead vocals received some hefty FM radio airplay while I was growing up in expensive Connecticut. This seemed to be the Rainbow lineup that connected with the mainstream crowd, more so than the Ronnie James Dio or Graham Bonnet fronted Rainbow… in my Metal opinion. I look upon the DIO fronted Rainbow as ultra legendary however. Graham Bonnet appeared on only one Rainbow album, Down To Earth from 1979. Unreal great album Down To Earth is… for me.

Doogie White fronted Rainbow as well, on the 1995 release – Stranger In Us All. This is well after the glory years of Rainbow, of course. Still, Doogie White is a bona fide cool vocalist in my Metal book. Back in 1995, it was a fantastic feeling to hear Rainbow being resurrected once again. Ritchie Blackmore. What can I say about this important and historical guitarist? An amazing musical talent is Ritchie Blackmore. Amazing.

When I stumbled upon this Rainbow – Jealous Lover EP today, (I found it in my stash of lifetime vinyl that I absolutely can’t part with), I just wanted to blab and brag about how much this band has meant to me over the years. I held this Rainbow vinyl in my hands today, just looking at it really took me back in time. This was one of those moments, where I was reminded of just how much I appreciate a band… and a vintage slab of Heavy Metal vinyl. Yes, I will be playing a fair amount of Rainbow this coming week and well after that. Metal be thy name.

Here is the front cover of my Rainbow – Jealous Lover EP:

Here is the back cover of my Rainbow – Jealous Lover EP:

* Rainbow – Jealous Lover EP was released as a 12″ on Polydor Records, in 1981. I remember buying it at Strawberries Records & Tapes in a very, very, expensive town in very, very, expensive Connecticut.

* Rainbow – Jealous Lover is also referred to as a single, I prefer EP for there are 4 songs. (Hey, it’s a personal choice of labeling this record as an EP, so Metal be it).

Track Listing For Rainbow – Jealous Lover EP:

Side A:

Jealous Lover

Weiss Helm

Side B:

Can’t Happen Here

I Surrender

* I Surrender and Can’t Happen Here are also found on the 1981 studio album from Rainbow – Difficult To Cure. Jealous Lover and Weiss Helm were not included on Difficult To Cure.

Rainbow, as they appeared on Jealous Lover EP and Difficult To Cure:

Ritchie Blackmore – guitar

Joe Lynn Turner – vocals

Roger Glover – bass

Bobby Rondinelli – drums

Don Airey – keyboards

Here is what the Difficult To Cure album cover looks like:

LONG LIVE THE MUSIC OF RAINBOW…  FROM EVERY LINEUP OF THIS INCREDIBLE BAND TOO!

Stone.

4 Comments »

RONNIE JAMES DIO – A TRUE HEAVY METAL WARRIOR!

Posted in 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1980's heavy metal videos, 1980's metal bands, 1980's metal music, 1984 heavy metal music, 1990's heavy metal bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1984, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1984, heavy metal videos, heavy metal vocalists, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, old school heavy metal bands, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 18, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

RONNIE JAMES DIO – The prolific and ultra legendary lead singer for bands: Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, DIO and currently Heaven & Hell. A Heavy Metal warrior is Ronnie James Dio… in my Metal opinion. I grew up following Ronnie James Dio, as countless other Old School Metal fans did as well. Without question, the Heaven And Hell and Mob Rules albums from the Dio fronted Black Sabbath are Heavy Metal benchmarks, never to be duplicated and only to be revered. Thanks to these two albums, 1980 and 1981 were a time when Heavy Metal shed away any identity crisis and made a lasting mark on the world. Ronnie James Dio, through his vocals and lyrics, gave Heavy Metal a new found darkness that I couldn’t resist, from Man On The Silver Mountain to Lady Evil to Mystery.

A new DIO album always incited the Heavy Metal psyche within me… the anticipation of hearing Dio’s vocals once again, on all new songs. I could probably carry on for another five thousand words, explaining just how personally important Dio’s vocals and lyrics have meant to me, throughout the decades. As the years have gone by, I never have taken for granted any of my favorite bands or musicians. I couldn’t think of it. I always feel lucky when I get to see a band I like, live and onstage. Seeing DIO years ago at The New Haven Coliseum was a Metal thrill, (seeing Savatage and Megadeth open up for DIO made it a triple Metal thrill too). Best Metal Buddy Scott and friend Rob should remember that evening… they left me stranded in a dark, cold and foreboding New Haven alley while I was taking a leak, after the concert. Gee Metal whiz… no pun intended. I found my way home though… fellow Metalheads are always eager to lend aid to one another in time of need.

There isn’t a week that goes by, where I don’t listen to part of or a whole album that Ronnie James Dio is lead singer on. It’s just been that way… and I hope it never stops.

What makes Ronnie James Dio so special is his ability to connect through song… his lyrics come to life if you let your Metal mind wander. Plus, Ronnie James Dio is a fighter… that’s what being a Metalhead is and always will be about.

I always and forever will love the DIO album – The Last In Line, (from 1984), especially the title track. Yes, the video for The Last In Line may have been outdone over the years with newfound special effects and video technology… still, this music video brings back some very cool Metal memories for me. I hope you enjoy this unreal great DIO song as much as I do… if so, crank it up LOUD and raise the horns to the air!

LONG LIVE RONNIE JAMES DIO!

Stone.

6 Comments »

KISS – “HOT IN THE SHADE” – REVISITING A 1989 KISS KLASSIC!

Posted in 1970's heavy metal bands, 1980's classic rock music, 1980's hard rock bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1989 heavy metal music, 1990's heavy metal bands, classic rock bands, current hard rock bands, current heavy metal bands, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1989, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1989, heavy metal songs, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal bands, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 15, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

KISS – I honestly don’t know what’s not to love about this KISS album. Since it’s October release back in 1989, I can’t ever refuse Hot In The Shade the moment my eyes make contact with it… I just have to play it and play it LOUD. This album is chock full of the patented KISS hard & heavy… with all the vocal harmony I could ever wish for. Melodic isn’t the word for a song like Hide Your Heart, super melodic is more like it. There should have been a disclaimer within the liner notes of Hot In The Shade for Hide Your Heart… that stating: Warning – this song is extremely contagious to your Hard Rock and Heavy Metal health!

Hot In The Shade opens up with Rise To It, man, if this KISS song doesn’t get a rise out of any fan of Hard Rock or ’80’s Heavy Metal, then that person should check into the: Sprawling Meadows Mellow Clinic for the Dazed and Confused. Seriously, if I am having a semi-funky day or I’m starting to feel a tad down, Hot In The Shade is a pump you up and psyche you out Heavy Metal prescription I reach for. Metal be thy name.

Even Michael Bolton got in on the act with Hot In The Shade, co-writing the power ballad – Forever alongside Paul Stanley. I guess if you need some teary eyed lyrics, just call Michael Bolton up and he will deliver the kleenex worthy goods. Never the excitable ballad fan that I am, Forever is one inspirational and love infested song. For being the power ballad that it is, I respect Forever and find it to be a decent listen. Plus, due to the intense psyched out mood I’m in while listening to Hot In The Shade, once Forever comes on… I keep on listening. It’s kinda funny how Forever is the song right after Love’s A Slap In The Face too.

Even a deep album track like Boomerang Rocks like there is no tomorrow, Gene Simmons sounds classic on vocals. Silver Spoon is another example of a deep track that resonates the classic hard & heaviness of KISS. Hot In The Shade was released at the tail end of the 80’s Heavy Metal boom… and what an asterisk KISS put at the end of this power packed decade. At the end of my Metal day, this is a KISS album from the past, that I would have no problem recommending to someone, who has never listened to this iconic band before. Is this the greatest KISS album ever? Of course it isn’t… yet it isn’t the Asylum album either.

KISS as they appeared on Hot In The Shade:

Gene Simmons – bass & vocals

Paul Stanley – guitar & vocals

Eric Carr – drums

Bruce Kulick – guitar

Track Listing for Hot In The Shade:

Rise To It

Betrayed

Hide Your Heart

Prisoner Of Love

Read My Body

Love’s A Slap In The Face

Forever

Silver Spoon

Cadillac Dreams

King Of Hearts

The Street Giveth And The Street Taketh Away

You Love Me To Hate You

Somewhere Between Heaven And Hell

Little Caesar

Boomerang

* KISS – Hot In The Shade was released on Mercury Records.

LONG LIVE KISS ROCK ‘N ROLL!!!

Stone.

13 Comments »

ALCATRAZZ – “ISLAND IN THE SUN” 1983 VIDEO AND BAND REVISITED!

Posted in 1980's hard rock albums, 1980's hard rock bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal guitarists, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1983 heavy metal music, classic rock music, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal history, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1983, heavy metal songs, heavy metal videos, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 8, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

ALCATRAZZ – released their debut album No Parole From Rock ‘N’ Roll back in 1983. Island In The Sun was the “hit” song that was on MTV’s rotation and received some FM radio airplay as well. Alcatrazz featured Graham Bonnet on vocals and soon to be guitar legend – Yngwie J. Malmsteen. (Steeler released their debut and self titled album that same year, also featuring Yngwie J. Malmsteen and Ron Keel on vocals). Both Alcatrazz and Steeler are bands I liked very much back in the good ol’ ’80’s… still do. I’ve always and forever will be an admirer of Graham Bonnet’s vocals. Graham Bonnet has fronted many bands, my favorites are: Rainbow, Alcatrazz, Michael Schenker Group and Impellitteri. Yngwie J. Malmsteen is simply put… a core favorite of mine since I first heard him play with this Alcatrazz band. There is a whole bunch of Heavy Metal history surrounding Graham Bonnet and Yngwie J. Malmsteen, the number of bands, musicians and albums they have been connected with is amazing. A live version of Island In The Sun is also found on the live Alcatrazz album from 1984 – Live Sentence, with the subtitle No Parole From Rock ‘N’ Roll. Yngwie J. Malmsteen is the guitarist on Live Sentence as well. Eventually the great Steve Vai stepped in to become the guitarist for Alcatrazz, on their 1985 album – Disturbing The Peace.

No Parole From Rock ‘N’ Roll and Live Sentence are just two solid 1980’s Heavy Metal albums to revisit, listen to and enjoy. I really like the song Island In The Sun, the vocal harmony of Graham Bonnet combined with the guitar melodies of Yngwie J. Malmsteen just does it for me. This entire Alcatrazz lineup from 1983 was solid, in my Metal opinion. The video for Island In The Sun brings back some memories for certain… those late nights watching MTV with one eye open, back in the early ’80’s, (when MTV was just one station and really played music videos!) This video for Island In The Sun is goofy… it has that early 1980’s fun and appeal all over it. Nonetheless, the song itself is one terrific and melodic Rocker! Hopefully you will enjoy Island In The Sun as much as I do… you don’t have to like the goofiness of the video though! If anything, there never was a guarantee of an acting career for any of these Alcatrazz musicians… that’s for sure.

* Both No Parole From Rock ‘N’ Roll and Live Sentence were released on Polydor Records.

Crank up Island In The Sun… and have a chuckle or two at this video!

Here is what the 1984 Live Sentence album looks like:

Alcatrazz, as they appeared on both the debut album No Parole From Rock ‘N’ Roll and Live Sentence:

Graham Bonnet – vocals

Yngwie J. Malmsteen – guitar

Gary Shea – bass

Jimmy Waldo – keyboards

Jan Uvena – drums

The Best Of Alcatrazz was released back in October of 1998. This Best Of album also contains the studio version of Island In The Sun as well.

LONG LIVE ALCATRAZZ!

LONG LIVE YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN!

LONG LIVE GRAHAM BONNET!

Stone.

1 Comment »

BULLETBOYS – “SMOOTH UP IN YA” 1988 SONG & VIDEO REVISITED!

Posted in 1980's hair metal albums, 1980's hair metal bands, 1980's hard rock albums, 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal hits, 1980's hair metal music, 1980's hard rock, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1980's heavy metal videos, 1988 heavy metal music, 1990's heavy metal bands, album covers, cool album covers, current heavy metal bands, hair metal albums, hair metal bands, hair metal music, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1988, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1988, heavy metal songs, heavy metal videos, heavy metal vocalists, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 3, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

BULLETBOYS – On September 20, 1988, the debut and self titled album BULLETBOYS was released on Warner Bros. Records. I bought the cassette and later down the Metal road… CD of BULLETBOYS. My favorite song from this album and from this band’s career is – Smooth Up In Ya. Man, does this song bring back some fine memories… of hanging out and doin’ just nuthin’ at all besides having a good time. I saw Bulletboys live, on two Metal occasions. I saw these guys with Slaughter and Poison at Lake Compounce Amusement Park in Bristol, (expensive) Connecticut. I later saw them with Cinderella and Winger at the Springfield Civic Center in Springfield, Mass. My girlfriend that was with me at both Bulletboys shows is now my wife. We had a good time seeing Bulletboys (and all the other bands named, of course) live… you betcha!

Marq Torien was quite the flamboyant front man, when I saw Bulletboys live. He always reminded me of someone who looked up to David Lee Roth… not a bad influence to have if your fronting a late 1980’s Hair Metal or Hard Rock Band, in my Metal opinion. Shoot The Preacher Down from this very same debut album is another favorite of mine from Bulletboys. This song strays away from the Hair Metal stylistics and just flat out Rocks for me.

I always got a kick out of the music video for Smooth Up In Ya. The funny, cartoon illustrations that keep flashing throughout this video are a Metal hoot. This video of the Bulletboys does scream 1988 Hair Metal and rightfully so. Bulletboys always was and forever will be a cool and heavy listen for me. Check out the video for Smooth Up In Ya below… hopefully you like this song as much as I do, if so, crank it up loud mutha!!

BULLETBOYS as they appeared on their 1988 debut/self titled album:

Marq Torien – lead vocals

Mick Sweda – guitar

Lonnie Vencent – bass

Jimmy D’Anda – Drums

* BULLETBOYS was produced by Ted Templeman, (Van Halen & Doobie Brothers fame).

LONG LIVE BULLETBOYS!

10 Comments »

HELIX “DEEP CUTS THE KNIFE” – 1985 HEAVY METAL SONG THAT STILL SOARS!

Posted in 1980's hair metal bands, 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal ballads, 1980's hard rock bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1985 heavy metal music, cool album covers, current hard rock bands, current heavy metal bands, hair metal bands, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1985, heavy metal bands, heavy metal bands from canada, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1985, heavy metal songs, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, old school heavy metal bands, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 20, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

HELIX, one of Canada’s greatest Heavy Metal Bands ever, released their fifth studio album – Long Way To Heaven, (on Capitol Records), back on November 9, 1985. My favorite song from this really cool album is Deep Cuts The Knife, a mid-tempo power ballad. (Check out the song below, if you like). I always had a tough time hearing Helix being labeled… Hair Metal. Not in my Metal opinion… Heavy Metal is Helix, pure and Metal simple. I remember buying Long Way To Heaven at my local Caldor Department Store back in ’85… the vinyl was warped! Believe this or not, this album still played fine… albeit looking rather funky, as it spun around the turntable! Yup, this is just another fine slab of Heavy Metal vinyl that I no longer have. CD’s took over my Metal psyche and now I have remorse for trading and selling away those treasured vinyl albums of yesteryear. It’s alright… I’ll land Long Way To Heaven on vinyl once again… down the Metal road. Deep Cuts The Knife may no longer be relevant to me lyrically, however, the Heavy Metal of Helix and this song’s melodic power always will be! Today, this great song just stuck to my brain like Metal glue… so I just thought I’d share it with the world. Hopefully you enjoy Deep Cuts The Knife as much as I do. In the event you never heard this song before… then passing along some Helix shall be my Metal deed for the day!

LONG LIVE HELIX!

CRANK UP DEEP CUTS THE KNIFE LOUD – AND BE GLAD YOU DID!

HELIX, as they appeared on the 1985 album Long Way To Heaven:

Brian Vollmer – lead vocals

Paul Hackman – guitar and vocals

Brent Doerner – guitar and vocals

Daryl Gray – bass and vocals

Greg Hinz – drums

3 Comments »

TRIUMPH – “SPELLBOUND” SONG FROM 1984 STILL PACKS THE POWER!

Posted in 1970's classic rock bands, 1970's hard rock bands, 1970's classic rock music, 1970's hard rock, 1970's rock bands, 1970's rock music, 1980's classic rock bands, 1980's hard rock albums, 1980's hard rock vocalists, 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's hard rock bands, 1980's hard rock songs, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1980's rock bands, 1984 heavy metal music, 1990's hard rock bands, classic rock, classic rock bands, classic rock music, cool album covers, guitar legends, hard rock bands, hard rock music, hard rock songs, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1984, heavy metal bands, heavy metal bands from canada, heavy metal history, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music, heavy metal videos, metal odyssey, Music, progressive hard rock albums, progressive hard rock music, progressive rock music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 8, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

Triumph released the album – Thunder Seven, on November 10, 1984. I thoroughly enjoyed Thunder Seven back in those days… still do. A fabulous album of songs, melodic and memorable, all the while exhibiting the heavy style of Triumph. The reality of my never getting this album on CD has set in, I really need to upgrade! I still own the cassette, it plays and it’s worth it’s weight in Metal gold to me. There are those songs that stick with me through life. Spellbound from Thunder Seven is exactly one of those songs. The first time I ever heard this song, I actually felt spellbound… and I’m not trying to sound cute stating that either. In my Metal opinion, the all-out power and intensity that Spellbound delivers is nothing short of amazing. Spellbound and the entire Thunder Seven album just reminds me of the days when I grew up, in the south end of my old home town… in extremely expensive Connecticut. My neighborhood buddies and me, we really played the heck out of this cassette I still own, it’s a Metal miracle that I still have it!

Killing Time and Follow Your Heart are two other standout songs from Thunder Seven. I really like Killing Time, just as much as Spellbound. Thunder Seven is just a solid chunk of vintage Hard and Heavy Rock from Triumph… wow. The old cliche goes: they just don’t make albums like this anymore. Granted, there have been a ton of albums throughout time I or anyone can say that about… it’s just Metal fitting to use that cliche for Thunder Seven. Am I on a Thunder Seven high? You bet… since 1984 too.

My best Metal buddie Scott Coverdale and I, we had many a conversation about this song and album years back and still to this day… the great Rock and Roll Hall of Fame debate not withstanding either. Triumph would be in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame if I ran it’s duh? operation. Then again, my list for bands belonging in that building in Cleveland, Ohio, is rather long… and Metal rightfully so. I no longer think this… I know this… the world needs a legitimate Hard Rock & Heavy Metal Hall of Fame. Triumph would be embedded in this much needed Hall of Fame, exactly where they belong.

Rik Emmett, (on lead vocals and guitar), is an unreal great musician – in my Metal opinion. Not to take anything away from the rest of the Triumph lineup throughout the years, especially Gil Moore on drums/vocals and Mike Levine on bass & keyboards… unreal great as well, what a legendary band. Triumph – a Canadian Treasure. I hope you like Spellbound as much as I do… enjoy the song below and crank it up LOUD!

LONG LIVE TRIUMPH!

13 Comments »

FAITH NO MORE – “THE REAL THING” 1989 ALBUM HELPED ME EMBRACE HEAVY MUSIC DIVERSITY

Posted in 1980's alternative metal music, 1980's alternative music, 1980's hard rock albums, 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal hits, 1980's rock albums, 1980's rock music, 1980's hard rock, 1980's hard rock bands, 1980's hard rock songs, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1989 heavy metal music, Album Review, cool album covers, grunge, grunge bands, hard rock bands, hard rock music, hard rock songs, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1989, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1989, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music history with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 7, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

Back in 1989, when I first heard the song Epic by Faith No More, I thought to myself… this is different. Here is a song that seemed to spark my interest, while also psyching me out in a way similar to, (yet not equal to), the way my beloved Metal, Thrash or Death Metal does. I was worried, was this song spelling doom for Metal Music? Was Faith No More conspiring along with the Grunge invasion from Washington State, to take over the world? I liked Epic a great deal, the loyalty for my Metal genres would never be in jeopardy… despite turning onto an Alternative (semi-Heavy Metal) Hard Rock band like Faith No More. How ridiculous it all seems now, the thoughts that went through my head, as I look back upon my first listens to The Real Thing, (Slash Records/Reprise), back in 1989. The self questioning of my Metal loyalty? Whatever. I should have known better then… Metal Music wasn’t going away – ever. Grunge was not going to take over the world either. In fact, since the abrupt and tragic end of Nirvana, I have kept up with the music career of Dave Grohl. Alice In Chains has become a core favorite of mine over the years, with Stone Temple Pilots not being too far behind. As for Faith No More, this is a band that mixed things up for me in ’89 and beyond… in a very good way.

The questioning of my self Metal loyalty back in ’89 and into the early ’90’s was due in part to the Metal is done “misinformation” that the mass media was playing around with. The commercial media just was not covering the Metal Music and Metal Bands during these supposed dark times. Therefore, being a devout Metalhead, listening to anything remotely considered to be Alternative, meant that I was part of this out in the open and massive conspiracy, designed to thwart and defeat Metal Music from planet Earth altogether. Nonsense! The real conspiracy were the ridiculous and self imposed thoughts that permeated through my brain back in those days!

The Grunge and Alternative Metal movements have taught me a valuable Metal lesson, one that I have become empowered by and carry out to this very day in 2010: I listen to what I like, what moves and inspires me, regardless of it’s respective genre.

The Real Thing album includes the cover of a legendary and ultra historic Heavy Metal song – War Pigs by Black Sabbath. REDEMPTION!! Buying The Real Thing by Faith No More back in 1989 was Metal worthy after all!! In my Metal opinion, while listening to the Faith No More cover of War Pigs, I get the impression Michael Patton on vocals, Jim Martin on guitar, Bill Gould on bass and Mike Bordin on drums sound very much like a Heavy Metal Band to me. Besides, Mike Bordin transitioned his Alternative Heavy Music style to full-on Heavy Metal, flawlessly, while being the drummer for Ozzy Osbourne too.

Woodpecker From Mars isn’t just a far-out and cool song title, this instrumental is Metal, Arabian atmospherics and all. Woodpecker From Mars has become my Alternative Metal soundtrack to my Alternative Rock and Metal embracing, Metalhead life. Each time I listen to Surprise! You’re Dead!, it justifies my liking Faith No More and The Real Thing as much as I do, this is just an incredibly heavy song, real heavy. Since 1989, I have listened to and enjoyed this Faith No More album, it really is The Real Thing for me.

Stone.

9 Comments »

KROKUS – “ALIVE AND SCREAMIN'” IS A HEAVY METAL FIND ON VINYL!

Posted in 1980's hard rock albums, 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal ballads, 1980's live heavy metal albums, 1980's hard rock bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal guitarists, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1980's metal bands, 1980's metal music, 1986 heavy metal albums, 1986 heavy metal music, Album Review, cool album covers, current heavy metal bands, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1986, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal records, live heavy metal albums, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal bands, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 22, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

KROKUS – Alive and Screamin’, on vinyl and in mint condition, with it’s original album plastic still covering it… there it was, on one of my recent Heavy Metal hunting expeditions, sitting in an antique mall screamin’ for me to buy it. Five bucks I shelled out to bring this vintage, Old School Heavy Metal album home with me. Five bucks. This great Krokus album was opened by someone in the past, still, the vinyl and original inner sleeve itself is mint! Plus, as a Metal bonus, it plays just fine! I deliberately went to visit this antique mall for a find … a Metal find that is. It’s not as if there are truck loads of vintage or current Heavy Metal albums and memorabilia at this antique mall, not in the least. I really have to scour the goods, peruse the aisles and sniff out the Heavy Metal from where it is hiding. It’s good times for me, searching for Heavy Metal albums or anything Hard Rock/Heavy Metal related at these kind of places. I’m a nostalgic Metalhead, always was, always will be. Finding and collecting the Heavy Metal vinyl I once owned or never owned is a natural Metal high for me, especially when I land them mint and cheap! As long as I have a turntable or two to play these albums on, the Metal enjoyment shall carry on long after the purchase.

Alive and Screamin’ marked the first live album released by Krokus. Overall, this live album has fantastic sound quality, a very well produced live album. This live Krokus album proves for me, to be an Old School and heavy warm-up to the new upcoming Krokus album – Hoodoo, that is set for a February 26, 2010 release! What a heavy duty way for Alive and Screamin’ to start off, kicking into Heavy Metal gears with Long Stick Goes Boom, Krokus sets the tone for the remainder of this live album, they made the statement a long time ago… that they came to kick some Heavy Metal ass.

Stayed Awake All Night and Eat The Rich sound unreal great, with all of the heavy and live elements happening, it’s psyche you-out city! Metal truth be told, I really had a blast revisiting Alive and Screamin’… I actually spun this album on the turntable four times in a row! No skips or crackles… just a real mint album I found here. I actually wonder if this album was ever played in the past at all. I’m playing this album on a regular basis, loud too!

Headhunter is certainly the heaviest Krokus song on Alive and Screamin’, an all-time favorite Krokus song of mine too. Another Metal truth be told is: I actually like the live version of Midnite Maniac better than the studio version. Often times it happens this way for my Metal ears.

Screaming In The Night proves to be a quintessential Heavy Metal ballad, of historical Krokus importance. To this very day, I cannot get enough of Screaming In The Night, this song just seems to flow in it’s heavy uniqueness. Marc Storace on vocals sounds terrific on each song, the same can be said for each member of Krokus on Alive and Screamin’. Fernando Von Arb and Marc Kohler on guitars just  seem to ignite these classic Krokus songs.

Krokus, as they appeared on Alive and Screamin’:

Marc Storace – lead vocals

Fernando Von Arb – lead guitar

Mark Kohler – rhythm guitar

Tommy Keiser – bass guitar

Jeff Klaven – drums

* Alive and Screamin’ was recorded live in the following cities: Amarillo, Texas, Cincinnati Ohio, Baltimore Maryland, Poughkeepsie, New York and Toronto, Canada. (Source: liner notes on the inside album sleeve).

Track listing for Alive and Screamin’:

(Note: Krokus studio album from where song originated in parentheses)

Long Stick Goes Boom – (One Vice At A Time)

Eat The Rich – (Headhunter)

Screaming In The Night – (Headhunter)

Hot Shot City – (Change Of Address)

Midnite Maniac – (The Blitz)

Bedside Radio – (Metal Rendez-vous)

Lay Me Down – (Alive and Screamin’)

Stayed Awake All Night – (Headhunter)

Headhunter – (Headhunter)

* Lay Me Down was the first time this song appeared on a Krokus album.

* Alive and Screamin’ was released in October of 1986, on Arista Records.

* The front cover of Alive and Screamin’ was created by world renowned illustrator – Les Edwards.

* I really, really, really, dig the front cover album artwork of Les Edwards – that is one evil looking vampire. If it’s not a vampire, then it is one vile and evil looking dude that I would not want to encounter in a dark alley. Metal be damned, this evil face sincerely reminds me of my old High School chemistry teacher as well. I wouldn’t want to encounter a vampire or my old H.S. chemistry teacher in a dark alley either.

5 Comments »

GRIM REAPER – “SEE YOU IN HELL” 1984 VIDEO EXPLODES OLD SCHOOL HEAVY METAL!

Posted in 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1980's metal bands, 1980's metal music, 1984 heavy metal albums, 1984 heavy metal bands, 1984 heavy metal music, cool album covers, current heavy metal bands, hard rock music, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1984, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1984, heavy metal videos, heavy metal vocalists, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, new wave of british heavy metal, old school heavy metal, old school heavy metal bands, rock music, scary album covers, vintage heavy metal albums, vintage heavy metal bands with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 16, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

Grim Reaper – See You In Hell. This album was released in 1984, (on RCA Records). I was a senior in high school and in dire need of some Metal “pick-me-up” on a daily basis… Grim Reaper delivered with this album and song. Metal truth be told, See You In Hell was my very own anthem, that I would sing under my breath to my antagonists, back in those days. See You In Hell is still a very inspirational song for me today… and why not? It’s more polite to sing these lyrics under my breath at those who irritate me, than to say f**k off to them. I am a considerate Metalhead after all. Looking back on this debut album – See You In Hell from Grim Reaper, it just screams Old School Heavy Metal from every dark corner. Raw. Very raw. Grim Reaper later polished their Metal up a bit with their next two albums: Fear No Evil (1985) and Rock You To Hell (1987). Nonetheless, this debut album from Grim Reaper remains my favorite out of their three studio albums. I can remember catching this video for See You In Hell on MTV’s Headbangers Ball, it was absolutely a favorite Heavy Metal Music video of mine, back in the ’80’s… it still is.

At the end of the Metal day, See You In Hell is an album I look upon with the fondest of Metal memories. This wasn’t a superstar Heavy Metal band, instead this was a blue collar Metal band that brought the heavy goods to an eighteen year old who needed it most back in 1984. Grim Reaper was not built on selling their looks and style for GQ magazine… they were built on Metal. I understand lineup changes occur over the years, still, I sincerely hope for Steve Grimmett and Grim Reaper to maybe consider a strengthening of their Metal reformation – into a new album of headbanging songs… that would make my middle-aged Metal day.

The See You In Hell video below just explodes everything Old School Heavy Metal. From the overall production to the Metal of Grim Reaper… this was back in the day when the song and Metal mattered the most and not the smoke and mirrors of a visual experience.

To learn all you want about the career of Steve Grimmett, (lead vocalist of Grim Reaper, Onslaught, Lionsheart and The Steve Grimmett Band, click on his MySpace Music Page link here: Steve Grimmett/Grim Reaper/Solo Artist – MySpace Music Page

Here is a cool Grim Reaper – Tribute Site to check out: GRIM REAPER – Tribute Site

Grim Reaper, as they appeared on See You In Hell:

Steve Grimmett on vocals

Nick Bowcott on guitar

Dave Wanklin on bass

Lee Harris on drums

Track listing for See You In Hell:

See You in Hell

Dead on Arrival

Liar

Wrath of the Ripper

Now or Never

Run for Your Life

The Show Must Go On

All Hell Let Loose

LONG LIVE GRIM REAPER!

SEE YOU IN HELL!

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YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN’S RISING FORCE “HEAVEN TONIGHT” MUSIC VIDEO!

Posted in 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal hits, 1980's power metal bands, 1980's power metal music, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal guitarists, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1980's metal bands, 1980's metal music, 1990's heavy metal guitarists, collecting heavy metal albums, guitar legends, hard rock music, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1988, heavy metal bands, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1988, heavy metal vocalists, melodic heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, power metal bands, power metal guitarists, power metal music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 15, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

Due to some cool and Metal thought provoking – recent discussions and comments found on Metal Odyssey, (which I whole heartedly appreciate), I have decided to showcase a guitarist and lead vocalist that I really think the Metal world of. Yngwie J. Malmsteen and Joe Lynn Turner both joined Metal forces on the 1988 studio album – Yngwie J. Malmsteen’s Rising Force – Odyssey. Yes, I bought the CD Odyssey right around it’s release date of March 28, 1988, with no Metal regrets. Here is the music video for Heaven Tonight… my favorite song from Odyssey. In my Metal opinion, this song resonates the power of 1980’s Heavy Metal, with the classic guitar brilliance of Yngwie J. Malmsteen and the combination of Joe Lynn Turner’s harmoniously heavy vocals, this was as potent a Heavy Metal combination as any from the late 1980’s. I hope you enjoy this song and video as much as I always have! Metal truth be told… this song psyches me out.

Not every Heavy Metal Band, album or song is going to make the same personal impact on everyone. Yeah, I have read the professionally paid Rock critics reviews over the years regarding the album Odyssey. If I was to listen to what every professionally paid Rock critic says or thinks over the decades… I would then have an album collection numbering around – twelve. Music is a form of self expression, a world of escape. Music is like food… not everyone likes sardines on their pizza. I like to escape to the Heavy Metal Music that moves me, just like… Heaven Tonight and the album Odyssey.

LONG LIVE YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN & JOE LYNN TURNER!

I’m sorry to admit, that after this video was available for “sharing” it unfortunately was “pulled” from being an available video to share. Regardless, this is a fantastic video of Yngwie J. Malmsteen and Joe Lynn Turner together.

LONG LIVE YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN.

LONG LIVE JOE LYNN TURNER.

Stone.

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W.A.S.P. – “THE REAL ME” 12″ SINGLE FROM 1989 REVISITED!

Posted in 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal cover songs, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal guitarists, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1980's metal bands, 1980's metal music, 1990's heavy metal bands, collecting heavy metal albums, collecting music, cool album covers, guitar legends, hard to find records, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1989, heavy metal cover songs, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal history, heavy metal memorabilia, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1989, heavy metal on vinyl, heavy metal records, heavy metal vocalists, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, old school heavy metal bands, rare heavy metal records, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 14, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

Back in April of 1989, W.A.S.P. released The Headless Children, this proved to be THE album that really made me a lifetime fan of Blackie Lawless and his band. My best Metal buddy Scott, he is to blame for getting me into this album to begin with, I thank him for that. Sometime in 1989, (I can’t remember the exact month for Metal sakes), I bought the 12″ vinyl single of The Real Me from a back stabbing and obnoxious record dealer in very expensive Connecticut. The price back in ’89 for this W.A.S.P. record was $9.98. I could not resist the purchase, it was the only copy in that decrepit record store, it’s W.A.S.P. and the collectible side of my Metal brain always wins out in the end… especially when an item doesn’t cost a ton of dough. As a bonus, this 12″ single is enclosed inside a very, very, large W.A.S.P. poster, (see pics below). Back in ’89, I was still living at home, (with my parents), so my living space was a very small bedroom with walls already adorned with Metal posters… posters I just could not take down due to my loyalty and allegiance to so many bands. I am now glad I never hung this poster years ago, it’s basically in mint condition still.

The Real Me is a cover song from The Who, written by Pete Townshend… undisputed Rock legends. This song is found on The Headless Children album:

Here is what The Real Me 12″ single – record poster/jacket looks like when folded up flat:

The B – Side (or) Side Two Songs On The Real Me Single Are:

Lake Of Fools and War Cry

Lake Of Fools and War Cry are later found on the 1998 reissued CD version of The Headless Children.

The Real Me 12″ single was put out on Capitol Records. 1989 Sanctuary Productions Inc. is also printed on the back of this poster/cover.

Made In England is found on this same back poster/cover, (it appears to be rubber stamped). So, needless to say… this 12″ single of The Real Me is an import.

Please excuse the quality of my images below. Besides, being perfect is NOT Metal.

Here is the front side of this W.A.S.P. – The Real Me poster/record jacket:

The caricatures of Blackie Lawless, (guitar, vocals), Johnny Rod, (bass), Chris Holmes, (lead guitar) and Frankie Banali, (drums) are fun stuff. It’s Old School Heavy Metal. I probably won’t attempt to hang this poster up today… it’s just too vintage to ruin now. (Unless I find a poster frame large enough to hold it). Besides my picture disc of The Headless Children, this is the only other cool W.A.S.P. record I have, that is considered a limited vinyl collectible. I know I say this often, still, I’m just thankful for the stuff I did get ahold of and kept after all these years. Maybe I’ll find another W.A.S.P. vinyl collectible down the road, on one of my Metal hunts.

Here is the backside of this W.A.S.P. – The Real Me poster/record jacket:

The photo’s of W.A.S.P. on this poster are really cool and nostalgic to me. 1989 was a moment in Heavy Metal time that will never be forgotten by Metal Odyssey… I’m sure I speak for throngs of Metalheads worldwide.

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