Archive for acoustic rock

SONATA ARCTICA – To Release “Acoustic Adventures – Volume Two” On September 30th Via Atomic Fire

Posted in folk metal, folk rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on August 7, 2022 by Metal Odyssey

Photo by Jarkko Piipari

Finnish five-piece SONATA ARCTICA need no introduction. Besides significantly influencing the power/melodic metal scene, they’re a band that’s not only notorious for consistently delivering high quality studio albums but also for experimenting and breaking out of their musical comfort zone. Such musical flexibility has resulted in the aptly titled Acoustic Adventures touring cycles as well as the release of Volume One of their first acoustic album earlier this year.

Today, SONATA ARCTICA are pleased to announce that the continuation and second chapter of the aforementioned record is set to be unleashed to the world on September 30th via Atomic Fire. The release not only completes the special acoustic saga but serves to finally celebrate the kickoff of their Finnish/European Acoustic Adventures tour, which was postponed multiple times in the midst of the Covid pandemic.

Cover art by Janne Pitkänen

Acoustic Adventures – Volume Two – Track Listing:

  1. I Have A Right
  2. Black Sheep
  3. Half A Marathon Man
  4. Broken
  5. Letter To Dana
  6. FullMoon
  7. Shamandalie
  8. San Sebastian
  9. Gravenimage
  10. Flag In The Ground
  11. My Land
  12. Victoria’s Secret

Like Acoustic Adventures – Volume One, the new offering was recorded and produced by Mikko Tegelman alongside the band at Studio57 in Finland while the cover artwork was designed by Janne Pitkänen.

Preorders as well as the first digital single, the acoustic version of fan favorite “I Have A Right,” will be available next week, on Friday, August 12th. Presave the track now HERE.

In the meantime, find info and tickets for the band’s upcoming tour at THIS LOCATION.

And get in the mood by revisiting Acoustic Adventures – Volume One. Watch SONATA ARCTICA’s previously released lyric video for “The Rest Of The Sun Belongs To Me” HEREand “For The Sake Of Revenge” HERE. Stream/purchase the album HERE.

Source: EARSPLIT PR

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JACK RUSSELL, ROBBY LOCHNER & HERMAN RAREBELL – Together On 2013 Song: “Don’t Make No Promises” – Is Stone’s METAL Pick Of The Day!

Posted in acoustic rock, classic rock, Hard Rock, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on December 11, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Herman Rarebell & Friends - Acoustic Fever - promo cover pic!

On July 2nd, 2013, Herman Rarebell & Friends – Acoustic Fever was released via MFP Music Production. This legendary and (ex) Scorpions drummer, Herman Rarebell, will always be placed high atop a tier of excellence, for me! It’s a nifty lineup of legendary Heavy Rock vocalists that join Herman Rarebell on this fantastic album too! With Gary Barden  (MSG), Tony Martin (Black Sabbath), Don Dokken, Paul Shortino (King Kobra, Rough Cutt), Doogie White (Rainbow) and more joining Herman Rarebell for some acoustic ear candy.

One legendary vocalist I’m happy to see make an appearance on this album is Jack Russell. The legendary founding member and (former) frontman of Great White excels vocally on this acoustic track: Don’t Make No Promises. With his Jack Russell’s Great White steadfastly marching on, Jack Russell has proven he’s never left the building!

Take a listen below for yourself… and know that… Don’t Take No Promises with Jack Russell, Robby Lochner and Herman Rarebell is:

Stone’s METAL Pick Of The Day!

Metal be thy name.

* You can order the MP3 album of Herman Rarebell & Friends  by clicking the link below! Whoa!

http://www.amazon.com/Herman-Rarebell-Friends-Acoustic-Fever/dp/B00DQVHPO4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1386806436&sr=8-2&keywords=HERMAN+RAREBELL+AND+FRIENDS

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* For more info on JACK RUSSELL’S GREAT WHITE:

Facebook: Jack Russell’s Great White Pirates Page

Stone - Motorhead Tee pic:small

LONG LIVE JACK RUSSEL.

LONG LIVE ROBBY LOCHNER.

LONG LIVE HERMAN RAREBELL.

Stone.

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CONNY OCHS – Sophomore LP “Black Happy” From German Singer/Songwriter To See Release Via Exile On Mainstream

Posted in acoustic rock, Guitar, guitarists, Music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on February 7, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Conny Ochs - Black Happy - promo cover pic!

Following his debut solo album, as well as a collaborative LP with Doom legend Scott “Wino” Weinrich, German singer/songwriter CONNY OCHS is now gearing up to release his second solo studio full-length, Black Happy, once again via Exile On Mainstream. Having produced music for over a decade, local fans have endorsed and worshiped the man’s efforts for years. Yet, it was OCHS’ album co-written with Wino and the heavy touring across Europe and North America in support of the record that put him on the international map.

This leads into this new album Black Happy, the title an absolute indication to the atmospheres CONNY OCHS is able to create. Deeply rooted in the blackened parts of the human soul he carves a mixture of melancholy and catharsis into the rough edges of songs that come out so natural, so organic and sonically sparkling. While keeping his approach pure to the heart and the creation limited to just him and his guitar, OCHS reaches a stark authenticity that can only be worshipped. It draws you in, makes you a part of the music and leads to a deep admiration of the tunes, the pain and beauty relatable to everybody who hears them.

Bound to a tradition and history of great acoustic craftsmanship drawn from but not limited to the American continent, CONNY explores the realms of what of your inner self can sonically portray once you are on your own and armed with a guitar and voice. The path has been walked by many before, but that doesn’t make it a worn-out road.

Just like his previous solo album Raw Love Songs and the Heavy Kingdom album with Wino, Black Happy was engineered, mixed and mastered by Thommy Krawallo in Berlin in pure analog fashion. The album is set for official release in Germany on March 1st, throughout the rest of Europe on March 4th, and in North America on April 2nd, on LP, via digital download, and limited wooden box CD. Preorders are available here.

CONNY OCHS is currently embarked on a European tour in advance of the album’s release, with many more live excursions to be confirmed in the coming weeks. View the current list of dates here.

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Black Happy – Track Listing:

1. Exile

2. No Sleep Tonight

3. Die In Your Arms

4. Faces In The Crowd

5. Stable Chaos

6. Trust In Love

7. Borderline

8. Phantom Pain

9. Lead-Out

10. Blues For My Baby

11. Mouth

Conny Ochs - promo pic - 2012 - #1_______________________________________________________

(Source: Earsplit PR)

* For more info on CONNY OCHS, click on the links below!

http://www.connyochs.com

facebook: Conny Ochs

Stone - Motorhead Tee pic:small

LONG LIVE CONNY OCHS.

Stone.

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NIGHT RANGER – To Release Live CD/DVD Package: “24 STRINGS & A DRUMMER – LIVE & ACOUSTIC” Due Out In October Via FRONTIERS RECORDS

Posted in acoustic rock, classic rock, classic rock albums, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on September 8, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

As a celebration of the 30th anniversary of their debut album, DAWN PATROL, and hot on the heels of their 10th studio album, SOMEWHERE IN CALIFORNIA, Night Ranger will release a very special newly-recorded live “greatest hits” CD/DVD package: 24 STRINGS & A DRUMMER – LIVE & ACOUSTIC is due out on October 19th in Europe and October 22nd in North America via Frontiers Records.

The album and DVD were recorded live in an intimate, all-acoustic setting with a select number of fans at TRI Studios in San Rafael, CA in May, 2012 and features some of their greatest hits such as “(You Can Still) Rock In America” and “Sister Christian” with refreshing new acoustic arrangements. The result is a testament to Night Ranger’s stellar live show and the strength of their songwriting abilities. Please see below for the full track listings.

Night Ranger’s profile has been particularly high of late, with the band recently appearing on an episode of ABC’s “Bachelor Pad” during the final challenge and Night Ranger frontman Jack Blades performing live during the Republican National Convention. Night Ranger’s legendary hits “Sister Christian,” “(You Can Still) Rock in America,” and “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me” are songs that have each significantly impacted popular culture and expanded their ever-growing fanbase since the band’s inception thirty years ago.

Over the years, the band’s music has made notable contributions to and been featured in many different areas of media and popular culture. Night Ranger’s songs can be heard in the Rock Band and Guitar Hero video games; Rock of Ages hit Broadway musical and film; the Oscar-nominated film Boogie Nights; FOX’s hit TV Show American Dad; JBL’s “Hear The Truth” campaign; and many more! To date, Night Ranger has sold 17 million units worldwide and boasts several platinum- and gold-certified albums.

Night Ranger is Jack Blades (bass guitar, vocals), Kelly Keagy (drums, vocals), Brad Gillis (lead & rhythm guitars), Joel Hoekstra (lead & rhythm guitars) and Eric Levy (keyboards).

24 STRINGS & A DRUMMER – LIVE & ACOUSTIC CD track listing:

  1. This Boy Needs To Rock
  2. When You Close Your Eyes
  3. Sing Me Away
  4. Growin’ Up In California
  5. The Secret Of My Success
  6. Sentimental Street
  7. Four In The Morning
  8. Let Him Run/Goodbye
  9. Forever All Over Again
  10. Don’t Tell Me You Love Me
  11. Sister Christian
  12. (You Can Still) Rock In America
  13. Boys Of Summer – bonus track

24 STRINGS & A DRUMMER – LIVE & ACOUSTIC DVD track listing:

  1. This Boy Needs To Rock
  2. When You Close Your Eyes
  3. Sing Me Away
  4. Growin’ Up In California
  5. The Secret Of My Success
  6. Sentimental Street
  7. Four In The Morning
  8. Let Him Run/Goodbye
  9. Forever All Over Again
  10. Don’t Tell Me You Love Me
  11. Sister Christian
  12. (You Can Still) Rock In America

Bonus Features: Night Ranger All Access/Growin’ Up In California video/Making of the album SOMEWHERE IN CALIFORNIA

DVD Stereo Mix 2.0/5.1 – Screen 16:9

Total DVD length approximately 100 minutes

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(Source: Frontiers Records)

For more info on Night Ranger please visit:

www.nightranger.com

www.frontiers.it

LONG LIVE NIGHT RANGER.

Stone.

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RON KEEL “Alone At Last” – Solo Acoustic Album From 2006 Is Stone’s Metal Pick Of The Day!

Posted in acoustic rock, classic rock, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on June 15, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

RON KEEL –  The first solo album from Ron Keel, Alone At Last, was released back in 2006. This is an all acoustic album. For me, Ron Keel displays a sincere and inspiring performance on Alone At Last, with both his voice and acoustic guitar. One of the most renowned Hard Rock vocalists from the 80’s (and back at it again in 2010) with his band Keel, this album showcases a lighter side to Ron’s voice and approach to his music.

I bought Alone At Last on iTunes a few years ago and with 0% regret. This is an album of 12 songs to simmer down to or retool your spirit with. Does Ron Keel come across as sappy on Alone At Last? Nope. If anything, he shares his voice and guitar with eloquence and reverence for the song… his songs. With Ron Keel’s vocals giving a nod towards his affection towards Rock, Hard Rock and Country, Alone At Last has always kept me listening. This isn’t an album to pull out the tissue box for and it isn’t going to light up the keg party either.

I would imagine it takes a ton of guts for any Hard Rock hero to make an acoustic album; the door opens for criticism from Heavy Music loyalists that don’t want their music tempered down. That old mellow is for an aging fellow school of thought can easily creep in, once the “A” word (for acoustic) is uttered. However, with the album closer Die Fighting, Ron Keel reminds any doubters that he still can’t restrain his strong vocals from airing out its natural-born Hard Rock persona (even on an acoustic album).

Revisiting his bands Keel and Steeler on an acoustic welcome mat with (Calm Before The Storm) and (Serenade), respectively, Ron Keel proves that the song never remains the same. Any song can become an acoustic creation, only Ron Keel gives these two songs an acoustic overhaul that makes them shine on with newfound emotion. If I’m to choose my favorite song from Alone At Last, it’s Dreams Are Not Enough. I strongly feel, Ron Keel lets it all pour out from his soul on Dreams Are Not Enough, a captivating vocal performance it is.

Back in February of 2010, I had the opportunity to interview Ron Keel for Hard Rock Hideout. As expressed to me during that interview, here are Ron Keel’s most personal thoughts on Alone At Last:

“It was the biggest and most personal music achievement of my career. I sang the best of my career on Alone At Last. I want my next generation to listen to it and know that grandpa gave this to them, to know that I am at my happiest when by myself with a guitar and song. Alone At Last was the single most demanding project that I have ever done in my life. My fingers literally bled while making that album. Alone At Last is driving at night songs, through the desert.”

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ALONE AT LAST – Track Listing:

Private Lies

The Time Of My Life

Hillbilly Heavy Metal Rock N Roll Soul

Dreams Are Not Enough

Give Me All Your Love Tonight

Serenade

Haunted Saloon

Here Today Gone Tomorrow

Calm Before The Storm

Last Call

You Can Have What’s Left Of Me

Die Fighting

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* For more info on RON KEEL, click on the links below!

http://ronkeel.com

http://twitter.com/ronkeel

LONG LIVE RON KEEL.

Stone.

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MR. BIG – Live From The Living Room – Is An Acoustic Ride To Revel In

Posted in acoustic rock, classic rock, classic rock bands, Hard Rock, Music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on February 21, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

MR. BIG – Releasing on February 24th in Europe and February 28th in North America, via Frontiers Records, is Live From The Living Room from MR. BIG. This album documents the first ever live acoustic performance from MR. BIG, which took place back in late January of 2011, at the WOWOW TV Studios in Tokyo, Japan. With the idea of an acoustic performance already in place, MR. BIG also embraced a string quintet to add to the overall ambiance of this live acoustic production. The arrangements were provided by Takashi Miyazaki.

If there are two bands from the world of Hard Rock that can pull off a live acoustic set, one is Tesla and the other certainly is MR. BIG. Too often the word acoustic can send shivers down a Hard Rock die-hard’s spine, the mere thought of MR. BIG (gulp) watering down any of their songs surely can bring tears to my eyes. For Metal sakes, this is MR. BIG and they did receive my personal pick of “Best Hard Rock Album of 2011” with their ultra-fabulous What If…

Undertow psyches me out. This acoustic version um… psyches me out too. Is it the overall melody? Can it be the groovy acoustic strings that Paul Gilbert is playing? Billy Sheehan’s signature sound on bass? I don’t know exactly, it’s a cumulative thing happening here and it sounds very cool. Eric Martin never sings in any “acoustic sort of way” either, therefore there is an underlying Hard Rock backbone that is ever-present from his vocals.

Yes Virginia, them Hard Rock dudes that play acoustic sure can shred. Paul Gilbert doesn’t hold back on Still Ain’t Enough For Me. Eric Martin sounds fantastic throughout this entire performance and really shines on Voodoo Kiss, Stranger In My Life and As Far As I Can See. Take Cover just resonates the undeniable richness of sound that translates from an acoustic version. MR. BIG makes it sound just too easy… and fun too. To Be With You doesn’t stray far from its original package and is an acoustic showstopper.

Even if you are not a fan of MR. BIG, this just might be the album to make you one. You will hear four top-tier musicians in their prime, playing their songs in celebratory fashion, courtesy of an acoustic approach. Despite any lack of Hard Rock power, these songs still play-out as MR. BIG and sound like the band I’ve admired for many years counting. Yes, take this acoustic ride with MR. BIG and don’t be afraid to sing along to the songs either.

Okay, there is one drawback about this live acoustic album from MR. BIG. I’m very disappointed that these guys didn’t choose my living room to perform and record in. Maybe next time.

MR. BIG:

Eric Martin – lead vocals

Billy Sheehan – bass & backing vocals

Paul Gilbert – guitar & backing vocals

Pat Torpey – drums, percussion & backing vocals

__________________________________________________

LIVE FROM THE LIVING ROOM – Track Listing:

Undertow

Still Ain’t Enough For Me

As Far As I Can See

Voodoo Kiss

Take Cover

Around The World

Stranger In My Life

All The Way Up

To Be With You

Nobody Left To Blame

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* For more info on MR. BIG, click on the links below:

http://www.mrbigsite.com

FRONTIERS RECORDS

LONG LIVE MR. BIG.

Stone.

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WINO Acoustic Performance In LA This Saturday! Plus More Tour Dates With Scott Kelly Listed!

Posted in doom metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on January 13, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

WINO – Legendary Doom Metal guitarist and vocalist Scott Wino Weinrich (The Obsessed, Saint Vitus, Spirit Caravan, Shrinebuilder), will be performing a solo acoustic set this Saturday, January 15th at Volcom’s store in Los Angeles! At this special one-off performance, Wino will be performing tracks from his first ever collection of acoustic anthems on his new solo album Adrift. The show in LA is FREE to the public, but those attending are to RSVP at Wino’s new website: http://www.scottweinrich.com/

As previously announced, Wino will also hit the road this February on a short acoustic tour with longtime friend and Shrinebuilder band mate Scott Kelly of Neurosis. Sponsored by BrooklynVegan, the tour will venture through California, Texas, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland and New York, showcasing both legendary artists in solo, acoustic mode.

Wino/Scott Kelly February 2011 Tour:

2/05/2011 Viper Room – Hollywood, CA
2/07/2011 Casbah – San Diego, CA
2/08/2011 Emo’s – Austin, TX
2/09/2011 Abbey Pub – Chicago, IL
2/10/2011 Great Scott – Allston, MA
2/11/2011 Sonar – Baltimore, MD w/ Darsombra
2/12/2011 Mercury Lounge – New York, NY w/ Man’s Gin

Adrift is set for North American release on respected German label Exile On Mainstream Records March 8th, 2011, the label now distributed domestically by E1 Entertainment. A limited edition vinyl version of the album featuring extended liner notes and more is to be released in the U.S. on January 18th by Volcom Entertainment.

(Source: Earsplit PR, January 13, 2011)

LONG LIVE WINO.

LONG LIVE SCOTT KELLY.

Stone.

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Seether – acoustic or heavy, this band is a gem!

Posted in acoustic rock album, acoustic rock concert, Album Review, concerts, Guitar, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, metal concerts, Metal Reviews, Music, Rock, rock music, rock music vocals, seether acoustic rock album, seether rock band, Vocals with tags , , , , , , , , , , on April 23, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

7873731When I first purchased Seether “One Cold Night”, I knew I was going to hear a live, acoustic concert. What I did not expect, was how incredible the songs from Seether’s past albums would sound acoustically. As the subtitle of this CD states – “An Intimate Acoustic Performance”, “Feb 22 2006” – the entire musical atmosphere does definitely come across as mellow and intimate. That is what playing acoustically does, the once Heavy Metal or Hard Rock songs become more personal to the listener/audience with even deeper meaning, in my Metal opinion. Shaun Morgan to me, is brilliant as a vocalist and guitarist. He can sing the acoustic versions of his songs, making me believe that this could very well be the only versions. When I listen to the acoustic versions of “Gasoline”, “Diseased” and “Immortality”, It makes me listen more to the lyrics and song structure.

The copy of this CD I purchased came as a duel CD/DVD. The DVD is the actual Seether acoustic concert from February 22, 2006. The DVD also includes the music video for the song – “The Gift”. It is a cool concert no matter how you slice it, from the sound quality to the camera angles. A bonus feature at the end of the concert DVD has Seether sitting on stage being interviewed after the show, ( some local Philadelphia dj does the interview and conducts it well). Shaun Morgan answers every question without an ounce of attitude – his demeanor and the way he carries himself during this interview dictates what a class act he really is. The Seether lineup for this concert CD: Shaun Morgan on lead vocals & guitar, Pat Callahan on guitar, Dale Stewart on bass and John Humphrey on drums. I cannot force anyone to like the music that I do, I can only recommend and say take a listen. However, with Seether “One Cold Night”, I really recommend to all fans of quality Rock, Hard Rock and Metal music.

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