Archive for album reviews

My Recent Cassette Purchases: CORPSEGRINDER, BURNING WITCHES And KILLER BE KILLED – Reviewed

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, music reviews, news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 4, 2022 by Metal Odyssey

The self-titled CORPSEGRINDER release is a monstrous and impressive leap for this Death Metal legend. CORPSEGRINDER is jam packed with infectious riffs, entertaining lyrics and more badass grooves than I can count. This is way more like Obituary than Cannibal Corpse; yet CORPSEGRINDER stands alone on its musicianship and overall nod to straight-up Metal.

Killer Be Killed exemplify’s how Metal has evolved up to this point in time; a modern Metal sound that benefits from the brilliance of this supergroup. Max Cavalara shows off clean vocals with his growls, while each song on Reluctant Hero I find to be outstanding. Greg Puciato is a tremendous force on this album. An amazing Metal album which I already consider as a classic.

Burning Witches carry the torch for Traditional Heavy Metal while adding their own recipe of sound. These ladies bring a hefty dose of speed and melody to their songs, along with some growls and European Metal vibes. The Witch Of The North settles into this band’s growing and impressive discography perfectly. If you love DORO, you’ll love Burning Witches.

L.A. Guns’s New Album “Checkered Past” Review by Tanis Enos

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Music, music news with tags , , , , , , , , on November 22, 2021 by Metal Odyssey

Editor’s note: Metal Odyssey proudly introduces Tanis Enos to our staff. She embodies the talents of being a writer, photographer, concert aficionado and interviewer. Enjoy her review below! Welcome aboard, Tanis!

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Tracii Guns and Phil Lewis have joined forces once again to give fans another electric album. They teamed up yet again with the Vampiric Shredder, Ace Von Johnson, and “Stud” Johnny Martin. Checkered Past was released on November 12th, 2021. Before the release, the band gave fans a taste of the new album releasing not only 3 singles (Cannonball, Knock Me Down & Get Along) but also 2 new music videos for Cannonball and Get Along.

Checkered Past has a beautiful mix of both the fast pasted Sleazy sound that fans have come to love and slowed-down emotion invoking melodies and lyrics. The day of the release, If It’s Over Now was part of Apple Music’s Best New Songs list. This song alone leaves fans wondering “Who hurt the writers”. The slower-paced guitar paired with the low vocals and emotional lyrics makes for a truly theatrical experience that gives fans the ability to picture their own story. The same can be said about Let You Down. The feeling of this track can be compared to “a heartache in the rain” scene in a movie. Even though it can’t be seen the feeling of sadness can be heard.

On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, LA Guns have turned out another group of hard rock in-your-face songs that will make you want to grab your leather pants and even your pirate hats. Cannonball is an explosive way to start the album with heavy drums and fast riffs. Living Right Now is special because of its punk-sounding undertone during the verses and Blues Rock sound for the rest. If you didn’t know Phil was British you did after listening to bits of that song.

Though the band has gotten older, Phil’s voice hasn’t changed a bit. Just listen to That Ain’t Why and try to say that it doesn’t sound as clear and clean as listening to Electric Gypsy on their debut album. Tracii Guns will never not have flair, showing off his Jimmy Page like abilities on lead guitar. Now take the talent and grit of Tracii and add the style and skill of Ace Von Johnson and you have the dynamic duo that every band needs.

What is that old saying? “A band is only as good as its bass player”? Well, good thing they have Johnny Martin slapping the bass on this album. You can really hear him shine in songs like Living Right Now and Get Along and he adds the deep groove with the drums in Dog.

The diversity of songs in this album alone is incredible and truly makes it hard to skip any song. Checkered Past will continue the musical high that was given to fans by the release of their 2019 album The Devil You Know. Fans are already crazy about the album, making it the number one best-selling Blues Rock album on Amazon the day it was released. – Tanis Enos

Vocals: Phil Lewis

Lead Guitar: Tracii Guns

Rhythm Guitar: Ace Von Johnson 

Bass: Johnny Martin

Drums: Adam Hamilton / Scot Coogan

Track List: 1. Cannonball, 2. Bad Luck Charm, 3. Living Right Now, 4. Get Along, 5. If It’s Over, 6. Better Than You, 7. Knock Me Down, 8. Dog, 9. Let You Down, 10. That Ain’t Why, 11.Physical Itch

LONG LIVE L.A. GUNS

IRON MAIDEN – “No Prayer For The Dying” – Revisiting This 1990 Metal Classic

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, music news, news, rock music, world news with tags , , , , , on March 21, 2019 by Metal Odyssey

I remember buying No Prayer For The Dying back in 1990. I thought it was so cool that this (now classic) album was releasing in October, the season of Halloween. This album now forever reminds me of Haloween too. Can you dig it? I bought the cassette version first and upgraded to CD some years later.

I still have the same CD (with the original cover art and not the bogus edited version) and just recently sold the cassette. Amazing I had the same cassette all these decades. Unreal. As for the album’s songs, I have my favorites: Tailgunner, Holy Smoke, No Prayer For The Dying, Hooks In You and Bring Your Daughter To The Slaughter. “Holy Smoke… Smells Good”… I love that stuff.

I believe this IRON MAIDEN album doesn’t get the full credit it so deserves. In my Metal opinion, when I look at the Bruce Dickinson era of IRON MAIDEN, this album kicks more Metal ass than Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son and The Final Frontier. Sure, Adrian Smith left the band and Janick Gers came on board with the production of this album; does it really freaking matter after all these years? Both guitarists are living legends, to this Metal maniac. What’s fabulous about this album is the songs are very much written like those of their 80’s classics; with no eleven minute over progressive baloney.

Bruce Dickinson sounds so superb on this album, per usual. Bruce truly shows his range on Public Enema Number One; just another memorable song on this album for me. I honestly listened to the cassette version of this album in my car, so many times, it’s nothing short of amazing. Without a trace of doubt, I have never grown tired of No Prayer For The Dying. This release is a MUST for any new IRON MAIDEN fans out there and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. The only reason this album didn’t get it’s just due is for the year of its release. I believe if this album was released in 1987 or 1988 it would be regarded as highly as Somewhere In Time. Just saying. Metal be thy name. – Stone

Martin “The Bishop” Birch produced, engineered and mixed No Prayer For The Dying. This album was released via Epic. The iconic artist Derek Riggs created the incredible album cover.

IRON MAIDEN: Bruce Dickinson (vocals), Dave Murray (guitar), Janick Gers (guitar), Steve Harris (bass) and Nicko McBrain on drums.

LONG LIVE IRON MAIDEN.

STONE.

JORN “Heavy Rock Radio” – A Metal Odyssey Album Review

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Music, news, rock music, world news with tags , , , , on April 24, 2017 by Metal Odyssey

Die-hard and casual fans of Jorn Lande know he can sing lights out. I love the vocals and discography from Jorn Lande, both with Masterplan and solo as JORN. Jorn Lande is a world-class singer of Heavy Metal and he has nothing to lose by releasing Heavy Rock Radio, an album of 12 cover songs… or does he? JORN sings very well on songs: Stormbringer, Rainbow In The Dark and Don’t Stop Believing; only the vocals of David Coverdale, Ronnie James Dio and Steve Perry, respectively, made their songs magical and timeless, whereas JORN is better off at being a fan of these three songs.

Certainly, there are slight differences musically with each song on this album, compared to the original song; for me to get into each and every nuance regarding such differences would make me look like I have nothing better to do. Seriously. I’ll try to give you all the scary details about this album; so strap yourself in for I’m not being Mr. fanboy right now.

JORN fails miserably with the cover of the iconic Queen song: Killer Queen. It’s so stale both vocally and musically that if I was producing this album it would have been left off. Hotel California is no better. Sorry, this song should never, ever, ever be covered by nobody. All that JORN did with the Eagles Hotel California is make it into a second-tier, county fair, who cares, (let’s make a) Heavy Metal cover song. The electric guitar brilliance of Eagles legends Don Felder and Joe Walsh on the original Hotel California song is breathtaking to me, especially their extended dual-solo; why JORN messed with this is beyond me.

Above: Jorn Lande

JORN even (gulp) covers I Know There’s Something Going On by (gulp) ABBA member Frida. Oh my God is this song a disaster. WTF!? JORN? What were you thinking, dude? Why pick this song? JORN’s cover of this early 80’s bubble-gum song should not be. I’m not sorry for saying that. It’s that seriously awful. It just sounds like Jorn Lande was not pumped up for this album at all. I won’t even mention the cover of the Black Sabbath classic: Die Young. Forget about it. Not worth our time here.

The two huge highlights on this album are Jorn Lande and his band knocking the Paul Stanley song, Live To Win, right out of the park. JORN also excels with the cover of John Farnham’s song: You’re The Voice. Jorns’ vocals are powerful on these songs, the way it should be. I honestly love these covers of two such inspirational songs and JORN actually gives them both a jolt or two of extra inspiration. Unfortunately, minus the two aforementioned songs, this album as a sum of its parts is absolutely not very good at all and I am shocked as hell by it all. – Stone

LONG LIVE JORN.

Stone.

BROODING HERD – “Rewired” EP – A Metal Odyssey Album Review

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, music news, news, rock music, world news with tags , , , , on September 23, 2016 by Metal Odyssey

brooding-herd-rewired-promo-album-cover-pic-2016-33ilmfso99mo33

William Herd (guitars, vocals, keyboards) and Brad Lewellyn on drums are the one-two wallop that comprises Portland Oregon’s BROODING HERD. The heaviness of this band’s new EP, Rewired, should be enjoyed by Metal and Hard Rock fans world-wide! From large hints of Black Sabbath like atmosphere (thanks to the guitar solos, riffs and bass) united with a Clutch feel of pounding rhythm, BROODING HERD are as tight and crisp as the most polished of any major label Heavy Rock bands out there today. I am amazed this is an underground band that recorded this underground album. Seriously. That’s my opinion and I’m not bullshitting for fun here.

The five songs on this EP are: Rewired, Cryptic Verses, Leech, Greed Machine and Crawl. Each song plays out at 6 minutes plus, save for the title track which is 5 plus minutes. BROODING HERD are light years from Extreme Metal and still their Heavy Rock/Metal has plenty of power-packed muscle to leave me saying: Holy Metal Shit! William’s clean vocals are of the bad-ass mold and I honestly can say their unique as all hell. William plays guitar so damn good, there’s nothing else I nor my ears can say. Brad on drums kills it. Greed Machine and Crawl are my 2 favorite songs on this EP; they both flow with a thunderous charge, man.

With some impressive moments of progressiveness and no boring moments to be had, Rewired is as solid a Heavy Rock album I’ve listened to this year. Now go get yourself some at their bandcamp site and buy some real music. Metal Be Thy Name. – Stone

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MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE BROODING HERD.

Stone.

COMING UP FOR AIR – New Album “Between The Party Lines” – A Metal Odyssey Album And Live Show Review

Posted in alternative rock, concerts, Hard Rock, Metal, Music, news, rock music with tags , , , , , on May 19, 2016 by Metal Odyssey

Comng Up For Air - Between The Party Lines - promo album cover pic - 2016 - #MO999ILGF

COMING UP FOR AIR is a Dayton, Ohio underground band that crosses over a few Rock genres. Their songs on Between The Party Lines are smartly written lyrically with compositions that may just pave the road to long-term success; as long  as this band stays on their current course and continues to improve, these three lads will be catching some much deserved attention within the Rock Music community outside of Ohio as well.

As a whole album, I can only state this is quite a musical feat for Coming Up For Air. Without the unnecessary polished production that seems to bring too many underground bands into the overcrowded room full of Warped Tour wannabes, Coming Up For Air play from both their heart and gut. Musical sincerity means a ton nowadays and copycats have become the uninvited norm in 2016. Coming Up For Air are oozing with sincerity and credibility on their debut album and I love that! ALL college radio stations from coast-to-coast should take note: Coming Up For Air are excellent candidates for your playlists.

With subject matter as delving into the human psyche of choosing between right and wrong, Between The Party Lines is as fine an exploratory album as I could ask for. The clean vocals of vocalist/keys/guitarist Eric Ballein are a refreshing listen; he reminds me some (vocally) of the legendary Geddy Lee. Truth. With no bass player, Ridge Higgins carries the full-time duty of giving each song their brilliant beats. Ridge plays drums like those pioneering percussionists of the classic 70’s era; there are tons of feel and knowledge of the song happening with Ridge. Dig it.

Guitarist Dylan Bailey only gives this band its extra musical boost with his colorful rhythms, leads and unique tones. If Coming Up For Air was to never add a bassist, I would be down with it. Then again, it will be exciting to hear such an addition with this band too; either way, this talented trio have a bright musical future ahead of them, as long as they continue to seize the moment.

Coming Up For Air - promo live pic - Blind Bobs - April - 2016 - #MOILMWKSO99

photo credit: Robb Nickell

Between The Party Lines – Track List:

P.S.A., Johnston Red, Serpent Song, Irrational Fear, Side Effects, Two-Minutes Hate, Doublethink, Static Faith, Violet, In Some Mode Of G

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Coming Up For Air – A Live Review:

Dayton, Ohio and its surrounding metropolitan area can surely boast it has a diverse and exciting music scene. From Metal to Indie Rock, Undeground acts to numerous world-famous bands making tour stops, it’s definitely here in this very busy part of Ohio. One new and exciting band that has crossed my path and ears as of late is: Coming Up For Air. If you dig underground Rock, shades of Hard Rock, Progressive Rock and Alternative Rock, Coming Up For Air is a band you seriously want to check out for an evening of live Rock ‘N Roll. Hell and yes.

Coming Up For Air - Dylan - 2016 - #MO0999ILNMS

photo credit: Robb Nickell

Coming Up For Air have just recently begun playing live gigs in Dayton; I was fortunate to see them perform at Blind Bob’s in downtown Dayton, back on April 14th. With Metal Odyssey’s staff photographer Robb Nickell, I enjoyed a live set of songs from Coming Up For Air that left me impressed, feeling good and eager to see them live again very soon. Blind Bob’s proved to be a perfect and intimate setting to be introduced to Coming Up For Air.

Blind Bobs - Dayton - Ohio - April 14 - 2016 - #MO99099

photo credit: Robb Nickell

CUFA had their fans in attendance and the mood of the crowd was decisively upbeat at every note they heard. The sound and volume were perfect for a live setting of this size. No bullshit and very cool vibes were shared by all that night at Blind Bob’s, as Coming Up For Air played with the confidence and maturity that I love to see, especially with a young and rising band. Good times. Good people. Good club. Great band. Dig it. – Stone

Dylan Bailey - April 14 - Blind Bobs - #MO99099

Above: guitarist Dylan Bailey

photo credit: Robb Nickell

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COMING UP FOR AIR are:

Ridge Higgins – Drums, Keys, Aux Percussion

Eric Ballein – Vocals and Guitar

Dylan Bailey – Guitar

Comng Up For Air - Between The Party Lines - promo album cover pic - 2016 - #MO999ILGF

From Coming Up For Air:

Between the Party Lines, our debut release, is now available on all popular streaming platforms! Below will be the several links to the most common ones for you all to check out. Today is momentous for us as musicians because it is the beginning of what we will hopefully continue to do. Please listen to, like, share, stream and purchase our album because each of these things support what he have crafted with love, sweat and the occasional inappropriate remark.

http://comingupforair.bandcamp.com/…/between-the-party-lines

https://play.google.com/…/Coming_Up_For_Air_Between_the_Par…

https://play.spotify.com/album/0MIc6HEApf5AGtUvSao60w

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MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE COMING UP FOR AIR.

LONG LIVE ROCK.

LONG LIVE OHIO.

Stone.

PRIMAL FEAR “Rulebreaker” – A Metal Odyssey Album Review

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, news, rock music with tags , , , , on March 13, 2016 by Metal Odyssey

PRIMAL FEAR - Rulebreaker - promo album cover pic - 2016 - #MO990099ILMFM

5 Out Of 5 METAL Fists!

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PRIMAL FEAR – I’ve come to the Metal conclusion that the powerful PRIMAL FEAR continues to get better and better with each new studio album they release. I’m guilty of being a PRIMAL FEAR loyalist, I’ll readily admit. Only give me a break here, in view of the fact Rulebreaker is an undeniable Metal steamroller of eleven songs. This new studio album from PRIMAL FEAR is my favorite Metal album thus far in 2016 and I don’t believe it will be unseated as such.

Rulebreaker begins with Angels Of Mercy and this commanding song sets the Metal stage for the remainder of the album. There’s a trio of world-class guitarists (Magnus Karlsson, Alex Beyrodt, Tom Naumann) in PRIMAL FEAR that gives Rulebreaker its jaw dropping Metal spirit. Holy Metal shit are there countless mouth watering riffs, leads, rhythms and solos that catapult from this album! I thank my Metal stars every night that these songs were written and recorded by PRIMAL FEAR. My Metal God, I do.

Primal Fear - promo band pic - 2016 - #MO99ILMF6996

The title track and The End Is Near are just two song examples that feature the great Ralf Scheepers falsetto. Ralf is all over this entire album with his ignited vocals! My favorite song on Rulebreaker is the 10:45 epic: We Walk Without Fear. The progressive style intro gives way to what PRIMAL FEAR do best and that’s shred, sing and pound their Metal brilliance straight through my Metal psyche. Spectacular song it is, in my Metal world.

It wouldn’t be a PRIMAL FEAR album without a killer song titled In Metal We Trust. (Ha, ha). Rulebreaker finishes with a fast and hefty song titled: Raving Mad. Honestly, this album does not give me a moment to catch my Metal breath. I speak Metal truth, here. I can’t see how any Metal loving human being out there can pass over this album.

The renowned Matt Sinner on bass and backing vocals along with Francesco Jovino on drums explode their beats, creating every reason to bang my multi decades old Metal head into Metal rapture! Whoa. In conclusion, Rulebreaker is a True Power Metal album for the Metal ages. Metal Be Thy Name. – Stone

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Rulebreaker was released in January of 2016, via Frontiers Music Srl.

For fans of: Power Metal, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden and all other real Heavy Metal bands that kicks absolute Metal ass.

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For more info on PRIMAL FEAR:

Facebook: Primal Fear

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE PRIMAL FEAR.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

THE MOUNTAIN MAN “Bloodlust” EP – A Metal Odyssey Album Review

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, news, rock music with tags , , , , , on March 12, 2016 by Metal Odyssey

The Mountain Man - Bloodlust EP - 2016 - promo album cover pic - #MO9999ILN

5 Out Of 5 METAL Fists!

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Vancouver’s THE MOUNTAIN MAN are releasing their debut EP, Bloodlust, on Friday, March 25th, 2016. Bloodlust is a five song EP; one that has been searing my brain tissue with a welcomed and mega potent dosage of Extreme Metal. If you’re into the Extreme side of the Metal highway (like I am), you’re gonna be one jubilant, Metal loving, son of a bitch over THE MOUNTAIN MAN. Seriously. I never knew this band existed and now I cannot stop playing their debut EP! FU$K YEAH!

THE MOUNTAIN MAN features Tevyn Pacey on bass, Ryan McCreedy on drums, Parker on vocals, Tyson Tambellini on rhythm guitar and Jordan Orr on lead guitar. These guys came up with some memorable songs of Metal extremity and it’s all not run-of-the-mill stuff either. Insane riffs, blast beats, vocals and break downs abound with a relentless assault of sonic mayhem! Yeah, it’s all here and ready to kick your Metal ass into next month.

The Mountain Man - promo band pic - 2016 - #MO9933ILN

Photo Credit: Shimon Photo

Not one song sucks or even comes close to being average here; this entire Bloodlust EP is killer fuc*ing stuff! There really is nothing else to say, other than buy this EP and go chop a tree down while feeding it to your ears. Think: Lamb Of God meets Pantera and eats Breaking Benjamin and Staind for snacks, while shoving Grammy awards straight up the assholes of Hollywood’s elite. Metal Be Thy Name. – Stone

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Bandcamp – The Mountain Man

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BLOODLUST – Track List:

Bloodlust

Open Graves

Backhand Of God

The Great Decay

Ghost

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MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE THE MOUNTAIN MAN.

LONG LIVE CANADA.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

MURASHITA “Inescapable Damnation” – A Metal Odyssey Album Review

Posted in album reviews, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on October 6, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Murashita - Inescapable Damnation - promo cover pic - 2015 - #03303377MO

5 Out Of 5 METAL Fists!

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Guitarist, songwriter, producer and engineer Masaki Murashita has assembled his own solo band: MURASHITA. The founder and Metal mastermind behind Hemoptysis, Masaki Murashita has proven to me, that he once again, can bring a band of musicians together and create another incredible album of explosive Metal. This five song EP, Inescapable Damnation, will be self-released on October 16th. Masaki brings his lead guitar and scorching vocals back to the forefront with his solo debut and I am left completely jubilant at what I’ve been listening to.

MURASHITA Inescapable Damnation features Metal heavyweights: David Ellefson (Megadeth), Kevin Talley (Suffocation, Six Feet Under, Chimaira), Kelly Conlon (Death, Monstrosity) and Rodney McGlothlin (Voice of Dissent). Mixing was done by award-winning producer, Ryan Greene (Megadeth, NOFX). With a powerhouse lineup like this, MURASHITA delivers on all counts on this EP. I love how the guitar playing transitions from brutal to melodic on these songs, along with Masaki’s unique vocals playing such a tremendous role in this EP’s overall persona and intensity. Only those who have not a clue will find even a minuscule fault in Inescapable Damnation.

Masaki Murashita - promo pic - 2015 - #0303MSSM4E77

Masaki Murashita

With the overall stellar musicianship being nailed down, the songwriting and lyrics are also top-tier on Inescapable Damnation. Conquer The Foe and The Show Must Go On are two examples of perseverance and self-confidence bursting out lyrically; two attributes of Masaki that have made him the underground Metal warrior I have greatly admired since day one. Masaki Murashita and his star-studded band should rightfully be proud of Inescapable Damnation. Metal be thy name. – Stone

Fans of Melodic Death Metal to Thrash will surely want to add this EP to their Metal stash.

Murashita - logo - 2014 - Masaki Murashita

Pre-orders are now available at: masakimurashita.bigcartel.com.

Inescapable Damnation – Track Listing:

  1. Retribution
  2. Inescapable Damnation
  3. Death or Glory
  4. Conquer the Foe
  5. The Show Must Go On

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MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE MURASHITA.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

CROSSPLANE “Masturboned” – A Metal Odyssey Album Review

Posted in Hard Rock, Metal, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , on June 16, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Crossplane_Cover

4 Out Of 5 METAL Fists!

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I never knew about Crossplane until their new studio album, Masturboned, sunk its heavy Rock ‘n’ Roll into my melon sized skull. Crossplane consists of band members: Celli on vocals and guitar, Alex on guitar, Matthias on drums and Schluppi banging out the bass guitar. Crossplane are from Germany and have very cool musical ties to Tom Angelripper of Sodom fame, via vocalist/guitarist Celli. Each time I listen to this Masturboned album, it hasn’t failed to get me into a happy and who gives a shit groove. Now, that’s a big plus anytime of the day or god forsaken night.

Immediately, the Motörhead influence smacked me in the face like a six-pack of cranium busting bliss; or is that blitz? Vocalist Celli has Lemmy’s vocals down to a science and musically Crossplane could easily be anointed as the greatest Motörhead cover band on planet Earth and beyond. Regardless, Crossplane has compiled original material for Masturboned and they honestly kick immense ass. Crossplane does venture into their own hard-hitting ways with Sweet Little Rockabella and Magical Queen.

Crossplane - promo band pic - 2015 - #223381CMO

To put Crossplane into a time machine which sends them back to the 70’s, these dudes would be an enormous draw at the legendary CBGB’s in New York City’s East Village; in my Metal opinion, that’s what I believe. Hell, I gather they’re a dynamite draw where they play today as well. All that nonsense aside, Crossplane has both a retro and relevant musical vibe about them. By the way, track #14 is called Time Machine and it’s a damn solid and memorable song too.

Along with Motörhead fans, Crossplane should impress Orange Goblin fans too, with their mixture of Punk and Roll meets heavy as shit, dirty, back alley, biker club Rock ‘n’ Roll. Masturboned is one of those albums that is difficult to fast-forward through; picking one favorite song is tough for me, yet here it is: The Battle In Me. At the end of the stinking day, Crossplane serves up 16 songs that makes Masturboned an album to party to, cruise to, lift weights to, eat pizza to, escape from jail to, run a marathon to, have rough sex or safe sex to, as well as being an album to smash some shit apart to. Metal Be Thy Name. – Stone

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* For more info on CROSSPLANE:

Facebook: Crossplane

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE CROSSPLANE.

LONG LIVE HEAVY AS SHIT ROCK ‘N’ ROLL.

Stone.

HELLEBORUS “COILS” – A Metal Odyssey Song Review

Posted in Metal, metal music, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on April 16, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Helleborous - Press Photo - 2015 - #HMO661604

Photo Credit – Carlton Cruz

5 Out Of 5 METAL Fists!

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HELLEBORUS – Two musical brothers are Helleborus and they are from L to R in the top photo: Wyatt Houseman (vocals, lyrics) and Jerred Houseman (producer, all instruments). Helleborus are a Black Metal band from Manitou Springs, Colorado and named after a poisonous flower that blooms in Winter. (The Helleborus flower is native to most of Europe and also grows along the north coast of Turkey).

The new song from Helleborus, Coils, was released on March 26th, 2015 and their debut album, The Carnal Sabbath, is forthcoming. I will forever embrace quality underground Metal, especially underground Black Metal. Helleborus have without question, tapped into my Black Metal psyche with their new song. I honestly cannot stop listening to Coils. Yes, being a devoted fan to Satyricon, I do hear an influence of said band within the textures of Coils. This is strong, melodic Black Metal at its very finest, my Metal brethren.

At 5:06 long, Coils is wonderfully dark escape for my Metal mind. Wyatt Houseman is excellent and convincingly real on vocals. Wyatt’s vocals go straight through me and that’s a plus. Jarred Houseman I applaud highly for being such an exciting multi-instrumentalist. I especially love Jarred’s guitar prowess. I’m always stunned when Coils comes to an end, for this song is so damn good it feels like it plays out for only a minute. I absolutely cannot wait to absorb the upcoming debut album from Helleborus. Black Metal anticipation is a glorious thing. Metal be thy name. – Stone

Helleborus - band logo - 2015 - #HMO160466

Information about Wyatt and Jerred Houseman’s previous band Execration:

Back To The Black Tour 2: Support for Vader & Vital Remains.

Album Release: The Acceptance Of Zero Existence 2012

Festival Appearances:

Building Temples from Death (2012/2013)

Las Vegas Death Fest II (2010 & 2009)

Be Kind & Regrind II (2009)

Gore Growle’s Ball (2009)

Shared the stage with:

Incantation, Origin, Suffocation, Malevolent Creation, All Shall Perish, Allegaeon, The Black Dahlia Murder, Cephalic Carnage, Dehumanized, Misery Index, Soilent Green, Satan’s Host, Lecherous Nocturne, Pathology, Devourment, Condemned, Arkaik, Monstrosity

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* For more info on HELLEBORUS:

Facebook: Helleborus

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE HELLEBORUS.

LONG LIVE COLORADO.

LONG LIVE BLACK METAL.

Stone.

WAR IRON “Precession Of The Equinoxes” – A Metal Odyssey Album Review

Posted in Metal, metal music, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , on April 8, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

WAR IRON - Precession Of The Equinoxes - promo album cover pic - 2015

4.5 Out Of 5 METAL Fists!

4.5 metal-fists-4-5-album-reviews-metal-odyssey

WAR IRON returns with another Sludge and Doom Metal offering: Precession Of The Equinoxes. Their style can even fall into a drone-like beat and it still crunches and rumbles along with a dynamite evil attitude, feel and sound. Due to the epic length of all 4 songs, this is an album I had to listen to many times, before even considering how much I like it or what to say about it. The total running time for this rugged album is: 35:62.

To me, the vocals from Baggy can very easily be interpreted as Black Metal. I can honestly say that Baggy comes across with a striking conviction towards the lyrical content of each song. Baggy also has demonic vocals, without question. I absolutely love the riffs and every guitar part played from Ross. 100% Doom and Gloom floods my ears from this album and when the dark chants kick in on Summon Demon Scream The Abyss, the eeriness all becomes so much more punctuated.

While I have listened to this War Iron album, I’ve repeatedly have had visions of being lost inside an endless, dark and cold cave, with stalagmites and stalactites filling the creepy atmosphere around me; thus I am overcome with some sort of nightmarish joy. In other words, this is Metal that honestly carries me away mentally to another world. Metal be thy name. – Stone

Track Listing: Bludgeon Lord, Summon Demon Scream The Abyss, Precession Of The Equinoxes, From Napalm Altar

WAR IRON:

Baggy – vocals

Ross – guitar

Dave – bass

Marty – drums

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* WAR IRON are from Northern Ireland.

* For more info on WAR IRON:

Facebook

Bandcamp

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE WAR IRON.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

COUNTLESS SKIES – S/T EP – A Metal Odyssey Album Review

Posted in album reviews, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on March 30, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Countless Skies - promo album cover pic - 2015 - #4404MOCS

3.5 Out Of 5 METAL Fists!

Metal Fists - 3.5 - Metal Odyssey

COUNTLESS SKIES – This debut and self-titled EP from Hertfordshire, England’s Countless Skies was released back on November 7th of 2014. A self-released EP, Countless Skies does not hold back on creating a crisp production of layered Melodic Death Metal.

The Death Metal vocals of guitarist Ross King and clean vocals of bassist Phil Romeo work well together on this EP and compliment the overall somber atmosphere and vibes that I hear and feel. Then again, there are a good many musical moments within these songs that metamorphosis to a more neutral mood, moments which I can interpret as jubilation trying to fend off a sonic wall of melancholy; if that makes any sense. Countless Skies plays out as a mellifluous dreamscape with a Melodic Death Metal backdrop.

SONY DSC

Please give me some style points for trying to explain! I found this EP to be a quasi-challenge to review, regarding how I would describe it musically. Some may even interpret Countless Skies as progressive in its structure. I do recommend fans of Enslaved to Amorphis to give this band a listen and support them. I recommend Countless Skies to any Metal fan looking for a new and talented band to check out, for that matter.

Melodic Death Metal fans that are looking for the thunder of Amon Amarth be forewarned, Countless Skies are much more subtle about the power to devour. This is an EP I will definitely add to my playlist and I’m happy to spread the Metal word about. Metal be thy name – Stone

Below, listen to and support Countless Skies:

Track List: Ethereal, Penance, Everlast, Reverence

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Countless Skies:

Ross King – vocals and guitars

James Pratt – guitars

Phil Romeo – vocals and bass

Nathan Robshaw – drums

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* For more info on Countless Skies:

Facebook: Countless Skies

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE COUNTLESS SKIES.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

MERIDIUS Self-Titled EP – A Metal Odyssey Album Review

Posted in Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, Thrash Metal with tags , , , , , on March 29, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Meridius - promo EP cover pic - 2015 - #03MMOEP1

4 Out Of 5 METAL Fists!

Metalfistredbckgrndsmall4

MERIDIUS is a Thrash Metal band out of British Columbia, Canada and their 3 song, self-titled EP has been released on March 20th. I really dig this band’s logo and the chosen color of red on black. That’s old school, man. Hopefully I don’t use this “old school” phrase too often; only old school kicks major ass and I live for old school Metal. Are you old school?

This EP contains a whole lot of guitar crunch, along with plenty of reasons to crank up the volume LOUD and bang thy head. The guitar solo on Walk The Plank is unreal good stuff and I admire how MERIDIUS mellows out musically in the final minute of this song; a courageous touch that works just fine for me.

Meridius - Promo Band Pic - 2015 - #03M21MO

I’m really impressed by how in-your-face the guitars are and still the vocals and rhythm section explode into the forefront as well. In other words, nothing gets buried in these songs. Another impressive element to MERIDIUS is the vocals of Eric Willmott who pronounces the lyrics in a Tom Araya (South Of Heaven) style.

What I really enjoy most is this band is a bounty of Thrash Metal promise and they don’t go for the need-for-speed route; one that would transform them into an Extreme band anyways. MERIDIUS sounds like they’re on course for some great achievements in Metal, both with their convincing musical talent and strong EP of songs. I’ll be keeping my eyes and ears on MERIDIUS. Metal be thy name. – Stone

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Track Listing: Meridius – Self Titled EP

  1. Speed Kills (3:42) – BandcampSoundcloudYoutube
  2. Walk The Plank (5:27) – Bandcamp| SoundcloudYoutube
  3. Conquer The Throne (4:17) – Bandcamp| SoundcloudYoutube

EP Length: 13:27

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EP and Live Band Line Up:

Kieran Marquis – Lead Guitar

Eric Willmott – Vocals

Sam Buchanan – Rhythm Guitar

Peter Reimann – Bass Guitar

Nolan Olson – Drums

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MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE MERIDIUS.

LONG LIVE CANADA.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

BIOTOXIC WARFARE “Lobotomized” – A Metal Odyssey Album Review

Posted in Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, Thrash Metal with tags , , , , on March 28, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Biotoxic Warfare - Lobotomized - promo cover pic - #2015BW

4.5 Out Of 5 METAL Fists!

4.5 metal-fists-4-5-album-reviews-metal-odyssey

Biotoxic Warfare released their debut full-length, Lobotomized, on January 19th of this year, via Slaney Records. This amazing album will be released in North America on June 23rd, 2015 via Static Tension Recordings. Biotoxic Warfare originates from Greece and list Kreator, Sodom and many of the U.S. old school Death Metal bands as their influences. Biotoxic Warfare have learned well from listening to such legendary influences and it is heard loud and clear on Lobotomized.

The opening track Mors Indecepta is an instrumental, one which builds up at a moderate pace, reminding me of Metallica’s Ride The Lightning era. Biotoxic Warfare plays Thrash Metal that is refreshingly original and they are obviously committed to what their peers Havok and Warbringer have done; that is to write, record and execute old school Thrash with 0% smoke and mirrors.

Biotoxic Warfare - promo band photo - #2015BWTM

Lyrically, Biotoxic Warfare takes no prisoners in standing up to world religions and religious beliefs, on Lobotomized. The cover art to Lobotomized says it all and I do declare the artwork screams: F’N METAL!! What is so great is how much Biotoxic Warfare makes me want to put on unlaced sneakers and a denim jacket, yet I can’t due to the freaking super cold weather we keep having here in Ohio. Yeah, my work boots and leather jacket do keep me warmer. Sorry for the momentary rant.

There are (too many to count) delectable riffs and solos exploding from Lobotomized. Mike on vocals is fabulous and doesn’t sound like any other big name from the past; something I find very embracing! Dimator on lead guitar and Stelios on rhythm guitar are an unreal six string duo to listen to, damn right they are! The rhythm section of Panagiwtis PS on bass and Orestis on drums round out this band and yes they kick Metal ass on Lobotomized too.

LISTEN to ENTIRE album below! Whoa!

Seriously, Biotoxic Warfare is a Thrash Metal band that the Metal community across every continent MUST know about and get on board with. All 8 songs on Lobotomized are formidable and worthy of being the opening track to this album. It would be sensational to see one of our Big 4 bands take Biotoxic Warfare out on tour with them; Thrash fans need to know that our Metal future has Biotoxic Warfare in it and all will be okay. Metal be thy name. – Stone

Lobotomized – Track List: Mors Indecepta, Proclaim The Gospel Of Lies, Baptized In Blood And Greed, Dysphoric Reality, Lobotomized, Lust For Hate, Parasitic Life, As We Rot (Promises Of Heaven)

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* For more info on BIOTOXIC WARFARE:

Facebook: Biotoxic Warfare

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE BIOTOXIC WARFARE.

LONG LIVE GREECE.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

BAILEY “Long Way Down” – A Metal Odyssey Album Review

Posted in album reviews, classic rock, Hard Rock, rock music with tags , , , , on March 27, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Bailey - Long Way Down - promo album cover pic - 2015 - #4466BMO - 03

5 Out Of 5 METAL Fists!

Metalfistredbckgrndsmall5

Bailey Long Way Down was released back on December 9th, 2014, via Frontiers Music SRL. This is a solo project for Nigel Bailey, the frontman for Three Lions. As a songwriter and guitarist, Nigel Bailey soars on Long Way Down; his vocals are contagious and melodious, while being reminiscent of a Lou GrammJohn Parr and Joe Lynn Turner style. Maybe it’s unfair to compare Nigel Bailey to the three aforementioned vocalists; still he is an excellent vocalist in his own right. Frankly, every singer is unique, in my Metal opinion.

Musically, this album’s songs are so enjoyable for me to take in, time and again. Both Bailey’s vocals and the music makes me feel so damn inspired. Very, very melodic is the Hard Rock on Long Way Down. This is an album that should appeal to a vast array of Rock music fans, from Classic Rock to Hard Rock with AOR in-between. I could easily see Bailey open for Foreigner, Styx and the like; this is quality here, my Hard Rock brethren.

Nigel Bailey - publicity photo - 2014 - #007731MO

Bailey unearths the glory days of Classic Hard Rock with this album. A key word I use often when writing album reviews is memorable and Long Way Down has it from start to finish. This is such a splendid guitar-driven album too. Bailey’s vocals sound so perfect on top of the music, it’s nothing short of amazing. I am very impressed at how Bailey could take an 80’s Hard Rock sound and make it all sound so relevant.

My favorite songs on this album are Bad Reputation, Feed The Flames and Stay; they are such outstanding songs! Heck, there are so many favorite songs of mine on this Bailey album! Once again, melodic, memorable and top-tier quality songs, vocals and musicianship are the makeup of this solo Bailey album. I 100% recommend this Bailey album to any Rock or Hard Rock fan looking for a new album they can enjoy listening to countless times over for years to come. Metal be thy name. – Stone

Track List: Feed The Flames, In The Name Of The King, Dirty Little Secret, Bad Reputation, Stay, Somewhere In Oslo, Long Way Down, Spend The Night, Love Falls Down, Ticket To Yesterday, Dirty Angel

Bailey - classic logo - 2014 - #77733MOB

* For more info on BAILEY:

Facebook: Bailey

Website: http://www.baileyrocks.com/

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE BAILEY.

LONG LIVE MELODIC HARD ROCK.

Stone.

NEPENTE “I Will Get Your Soul” – A Metal Odyssey Album Review

Posted in album reviews, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music with tags , , , on March 27, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Nepente - I Will Get Your Soul - promo album cover pic - 2015 - #0323NMOBM

4.5 Out Of 5 METAL Fists!

4.5 metal-fists-4-5-album-reviews-metal-odyssey

Releasing on March 31st is the I Will Get Your Soul EP from Colombia’s NEPENTE, via Cimmerian Shade Recordings. NEPENTE is a Blackened Death Metal band and they turn it up many notches on the Extreme as well. Metal truth be told, I Will Get Your Soul has to rank in the top 50 of most Extreme Metal albums I’ve ever listened to. Let’s face it, that isn’t too shabby. Shit, no.

This EP is mandatory Metal for every underground Hell Rat, Center Earth Dweller and Extreme Metaller. The totality of force that NEPENTE drives into my skull with their Metal is simply invigorating! I love this stuff and it feels great to listen to. The demon on the album cover artwork is a bullseye symbol for NEPENTE’s Metal extremity. The song titles (see below) I adore and are lyrically smashing!

If you have neighbors giving you shit, just crank up this new NEPENTE EP and they’ll never bother you again. Seriously. If Extreme Metal ever needed a new ambassador to spread the word and defend its Metal faithful then NEPENTE is it! Guitarist/songwriter Pablo Vasquez and his band are Metal warriors and this EP is 100% sonic proof. Metal be thy name. – Stone

All music created by Pablo Vasquez. The Nepente logo was created by Julian Carddona. The above cover art was created by Leonardo Duarte Enciso.

Track List: I Will Get Your Soul, Show Me That You Are Suffering, Gray Land, Last Rites

Nepente - promo live band collage - 2015 - #0323NMO

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* For more info on NEPENTE:

Nepente – Death Black Metal Colombia

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE NEPENTE.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

DEAD EARTH POLITICS “Men Become Gods” – A Metal Odyssey Album Review

Posted in album reviews, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music with tags , , , on March 27, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Dead Earth Politics - Men Become Gods - promo EP cover pic - #2015DEPMO

4.5 Out Of 5 METAL Fists!

4.5 metal-fists-4-5-album-reviews-metal-odyssey

Men Become Gods is the second of three EPs that Dead Earth Politics are serving up to the Metal masses. Originating from Austin, Texas, Dead Earth Politics deliver a Classic Metal meets Groove Metal style, with plenty of relevant Metal vibes cascading from their songs, on this EP. With 4 songs to sink your Metal ears into, Dead Earth Politics do play melodic songs without sacrificing on the heavy side. The rhythm section is both strapping and rapid, while the guitarists are an absolute treat to listen to. Overall, the vocals from Ven are clean and aggressive; you’ll catch on to the lyrics without any problem… think James Hetfield and/or Sully Erna.

Dead Earth Politics - promo band pic - 2015 - #0327DEPMO

In a perfect world that does not exist, Dead Earth Politics are a band that has created some great songs that walk the fine-line of being mainstream acceptable; this band should really have no problem continuing their catapult to much wider success around the world-wide Metal community. Dead Earth Politics have combined the raw power of today’s American made Metal and solid production that is downright impressive. I became a believer in Dead Earth Politics, with their first EP release: The Queen Of Steel; now I am a boasting fan of these Metal Texans. Metal be thy name. – Stone

Track List: Casting Stones, Men Become Gods, Ice & Fire, Crimson Dichotomy

Below, listen to, enjoy and support Dead Earth Politics:

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* For more info:

Facebook: Dead Earth Politics

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE DEAD EARTH POLITICS.

LONG LIVE TEXAS.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

SAHHR – Self-Titled EP – A Metal Odyssey Album Review

Posted in Album Review, Black Metal, Metal, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on March 26, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Sahhr - debut EP - promo cover pic - 2014

4.5 Out Of 5 METAL Fists!

Metal fists - 4.5 - album reviews metal odyssey

SAHHR call Los Angeles, California home and are a Black Metal band. Their new 3 song and self-titled EP is bloodthirsty and scalding to my Metal senses! Whoa, I dig this EP and highly recommend  it to ALL Black Metal fans across planet Earth. Each time I listen to this EP, it carries me off to another imaginary and mystical Metal world; that’s what excellent Black Metal does for me. I appreciate any songs SAHHR wanted to include on this EP; still I beg SAHHR to release MORE of their Blackened rage very soon!!

Sahhr - promo band pic - 2015 - #6626SMO

It’s all here, the blistering blackened Metal, vocals from the fiery depths of the nether world and an enjoyable atmosphere of fire and brimstone. No this isn’t cliché hot air coming from me, SAHHR is a Black Metal band to keep on your Metal radar and their new EP is worthy of buying and telling all your Metal peers about. By the way, the EP cover artwork is magnificent, to my eyes. Metal be thy name. – Stone

Track List: Altar Of Maggots, Slay The Savior, Miscreant

Below, listen to, enjoy and support SAHHR:

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MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE SAHHR.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

PINK VELVET KRUSH “F.S.O.A.” – A Metal Odyssey Album Review

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Metal, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on March 7, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Pink Velvet Krush - fsoa - promo cover pic - 2014 - #0412

5 Out Of 5 METAL Fists! Whoa!

Metalfistredbckgrndsmall5

Supergroup Pink Velvet Krush originate from Long Island, New York and they released a marvelous EP of five songs in the latter part of 2014, via HighVolMusic. If this EP from Pink Velvet Krush, F.S.O.A., is an indication of what’s to come from them, then I am holding my spot as first in line! Everything about this EP is BIG sonically and makes me feel freaking amazingly great!

Buy, Support And Check Out Pink Velvet Krush:

I cannot help hearing the passion that Pink Velvet Krush has towards their own music and the Rock ‘N’ Roll legends that have influenced them. This band is so grand to listen to on this E.P. that it’s downright stunning. Make no mistake, Pink Velvet Krush are an original group and are/would be an asset to any open-air festival of Hard Rock and/or Metal. Pink Velvet Krush ROCK so damn fine that Mötley Crüe, Judas Priest, Def Leppard and KISS should be knocking down PVK’s door to be their opening band. I’m not talking shit here, I put my Metal reputation on it. All five songs on F.S.O.A. rain down with that glorious 80’s Arena vibe and chills. I love that. I NEED to see this band live!

Pink Velvet Krush - band promo photo - 2015 - #33PVKHVMMO03

If you take the classic Hard Rock atmosphere (aka) 80’s Arena Rock, Bon Jovi’s New Jersey album with Salty Dog and mix it all together, you get… Pink Velvet Krush. Maybe I’m getting too nostalgic or something, still, Pink Velvet Krush come packaged with enough relevancy and talent to challenge many current and well-known Hard Rock bands on the scene today. Metal be thy name. – Stone

PINK VELVET KRUSH includes former Gene Loves Jezebel drummer Joe Larsen, former Steelheart/Britny Fox guitarist Greg Polcari, former Dust and Bones guitarist Sean Quidgeon, former Vaudeville vocalist Doug ‘Savage’ Ramey, and former Sacred Edge bassist Shane West.

F.S.O.A. – Track List: 1. Nothin’ To Lose, 2. Take My Life, 3. F.S.O.A. (Fifty Shades Of Anything), 4. These Chains, 5. Obsession

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* For more info:

Facebook: Pink Velvet Krush

HighVolMusic - banner logo - #1 - 2013

http://www.highvolmusic.com/

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE PINK VELVET KRUSH.

LONG LIVE HARD ROCK.

Stone.

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