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NIDINGR “Wolf Father” Releases January 18, 2011!

Posted in Black Metal, black metal albums, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on December 8, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

NIDINGR – Cult Norwegian Black Metal unit NIDINGR return from a five year hiatus with their raging new album. The assassins that form this deadly unit have culminated their dark arts and aggression on their sophomore full-length Wolf Father, the uncompromising album sure to scathe listeners with its relentless whirlwind of black metal wrath. NIDINGR remain a mainly cult act, although some might conder them a “super group” of sorts when they discover the band is comprised of a long list of notable black metal artisans including bassist/guitarist Teloch (1349, Gorgoroth, Ov Hell, Orcustus, Umoral, Konsortium), bassist/guitarist Blargh (Gravferd, Dødheimsgard), vocalist Cpt. Estrella Grasa (Kort Prosess), and drummer Hellhammer (Immortal, Shining, Thorns, Umoral, Mayhem, Emperor). Wolf Father even features a guest appearance from Ulver’s Kristoffer Rygg (a.k.a. Garm), and features artwork by French visionary Valnoir of Metastazis, known for their work with Watain, Ulver, Peste Noire, Nachtmystium, Anteus and more.

* NIDINGR Wolf Father will be released on Vendlus Records, January 18, 2011.

* For more info on NIDINGR, just click here: NIDINGR – myspace music

(Source: Earsplit press release, December 3, 2010)

Track Listing For Wolf Father:

Fafnismol

Baldrs Draumar

Reginsmol

Voluspo

Hymiskvitha

Lokasenna

LONG LIVE NIDINGR.

Stone.

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THE WRETCHED END: New Track Streaming Via Decibel Magazine!

Posted in Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal with tags , , , , , , , , , , on November 25, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

THE WRETCHED END — the blackthrash trio featuring ex-Emperor/ex-Zyklon guitarist Samoth, Mindgrinder/ex-Scum guitarist Cosmo and ex-Dark Funeral/ex-Aeon drummer Nils Fjellström — recently unleashed their debut full-length, Ominous, via Candlelight Records.

In honor of its release, you can check out “The Armageddonist,” the third track off the debilitating outing, courtesy of Decibel Magazine HERE.

THE WRETCHED END formed in 2008 as a creative collaboration between Samoth and Cosmo, who previously worked together in deathpunk project Scum. In addition, Cosmo played bass with Zyklon when the band toured Europe 2001 with Morbid Angel. The two have long spoken about an extreme metal project and thus, THE WRETCHED END was born.
(Source: Earsplit press release)
LONG LIVE THE WRETCHED END.
Stone.

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EASTERN FRONT “Blood On Snow” – Outwardly Wicked And Saturated With Melodic, Blackened Intensity

Posted in Black Metal, Death Metal, Extreme Metal, extreme music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on November 22, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

EASTERN FRONT – Caution: Eastern Front will tear your eardrums inside out and use them for slingshots, while your eyeballs widen and thine jaw drops in utter amazement from their Extreme Speed, Heaviness and fiery Blackened intensity. That is just the beginning… and I was well convinced after listening to the opening track – Stalinorgel, that Eastern Front has taken an enormously serious approach to their Extreme Music. One must listen to all eight songs that Eastern Front has created here, then absorb them all into thine senses and realize this band is not of the cookie cutter variety. Metal be thy name, has Eastern Front made quite the Black Metal statement with Blood On Snow.

The title track, Blood On Snow, clocks in at 8:31 and it is over eight minutes of 100% Black Metal majesty. From the mind invading and senses pummeling blast beats to the vicious guitar leads… and everything else in between, this title track is a Blackened Metal ride of ferocious euphoria. Can this Eastern Front album get any better? It sure can. The very next song, Unleash The Panzer Division, is an introduction to just how melodic guitar leads can coexist with dark, Black Metal ferocity of sound. These two songs, back-to-back are like a double dose of Eastern Front whoop ass… straight to my skin rippling forehead.

At The Gates Of Moscow is a mini Black epic in it’s own right, with seven minutes of unrelenting and Extreme song writing precision. Nagant’s warrior strong vocals are overwhelming with excessive power on At The Gates Of Moscow. Where Warriors Once Fell, this album’s closer, is the answer to what Iron Maiden would sound like if they were to try their Metal hand at Black Metal. Then again, this is Eastern Front, a Black Metal band that has put forth their very own style with more than subtle confidence. This is a Black Metal band that is overflowing with convincing Metal skill sets. If Eastern Front intended to save their Blackest best for last, they surely have succeeded with Where Warriors Once Fell.

If there is to be one consistent adjective to describe Blood On Snow, it has to be… powerful. From Nagant’s vocals to Holocaust’s unreal guitar leads and every nuance in between, the muscularity of Metal explodes with this bands Blackened style and character. Krieg on rhythm guitar, Destroyer on bass and Destruction on drums all enrich this album to it’s dark and Extreme fullest. Eastern Front sounds razor sharp and very tight on this album, they sound ready to take on the world, with a skull splitting deliverance of their Black Metal power surge.

Listening to this album is like getting hit by that continuous storm wind, that malicious wind that comes out of the northern sky with an unnatural vengeance… and all you can do is respect it’s overall strength. Blood On Snow is swirling with melodic speed throughout each song, with tempo changes, string arrangements and sound effects that are not incorporated for listening convenience or sell out, rather they exist due to the real emotions that Eastern Front has built into this beyond entertaining Black album.

* Blood On Snow was produced by Anders Backelin at Andy LaRocque’s Sonic Train Studios in Sweden. The quality that Andy’s Sonic Train Studio brings to the cascading Black Metal sound on this album is blatantly obvious and arguably, one day in the future… legendary. From the onset to the last note of Blood On Snow, I can hear the painstaking attention to detail, amongst the layers of sound, that great producers like Anders Backelin and Andy are conscientious about. Andy LaRocque is an original member alongside the ultra legendary King Diamond. Andy plays guitar, keyboards and is a songwriter for King Diamond. Andy was also a guitarist for DEATH, appearing on their 1993 studio album – Individual Thought Patterns.

* EASTERN FRONT lists Ipswich, United Kingdom, as their land of origin, on their myspace music page. (See myspace link below).

* EASTERN FRONT – Blood On Snow was released in Europe, on Candlelight Records, on September 13, 2010. Blood On Snow was released in the U.S. on Candlelight Records, on September 21, 2010.

* For more info on EASTERN FRONT, just click on the link below:

EASTERN FRONT – myspace music

EASTERN FRONT:

Nagant – vocals

Holocaust – lead guitar

Krieg – rhythm guitar

Destroyer – bass

Destruction – drums

Blood On Snow – (Back Cover of CD above)

Track Listing For Blood On Snow:

Stalinorgel

Battle Of Smolensk

Blood On Snow

Unleash The Panzer Division

Motherland

Dvenadtzat Kilometrov Ot Moskvy

At The Gates Of Moscow

Where Warriors Once Fell

EASTERN FRONT HAS ARRIVED… BEST TO LET THEM IN.

Stone.

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VALDUR “Raven God Amongst Us” – A Raw And Apocalyptic Black Metal Storm

Posted in Black Metal, black metal albums, Extreme Metal, extreme music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , on November 18, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

VALDUR – From Mammoth Lakes, California, VALDUR unleashes upon the world… Raven God Amongst Us. A self financed, full length album of Blackened might, Raven God Amongst Us has been released on drummer Sxuperion’s very own Bloody Mountain Records. All nine songs on this formidable album, create a steady flow of darkened melodies that lay within the layers of cataclysmic guitar leads, phrenetic drums, earth trembling bass and vocals that gather electrifying steam, with each passing second. It’s the overall apocalyptic vibe of no turning back, that engages the senses on Raven God Amongst Us.

Taking into account, the back to back songs of Past Of Wolves and Vicious Existence, it is the plummeting and spiraling Blackened atmosphere of falling into the unknown abyss of something uncannily dark. VALDUR presents their Black Metal in a raw state of serrated lined appeal… one could not expect Black Metal to suddenly open up and reveal harmonious chorus over syrupy keyboards. VALDUR is making a statement by realizing a Black Metal foundation is built on key Black Metal fundamentals, a vastly dark atmosphere that tantalizes on the embraceable bizarre, rawness and everything else… Blackened.

Traditional lyrical content, coupled with a luring and engaging sound of Black Metal in it’s most anti-mainstream existence, is amassed within and outside the walls of dark sound as each song plays through on this album. This album mirrors the storm clouds that are about to swallow up a sun-lit sky, it’s the impending winter storm that science could not fathom. Commercialized darkness and Blackness can take a back seat to what VALDUR is creating here… this is underground, this is Black Metal… this is VALDUR and their creation they have named: Raven God Amongst Us.

* For more info on VALDUR, just click on the link below:

VALDUR – myspace music

Track Listing For Raven God Amongst Us:

Intro

Wound Fires In The Afterlife

Great Abyss Unfold

Gravlagt I Morkets Natt!

Med Fjell I Horisonten

Berserrker

Past Of Wolves

Vicious Existence

Creation

VALDUR IS HERE.

Stone.

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SAMOTH of The Wretched End – A Metal Odyssey Interview!

Posted in Black Metal, extreme metal music, extreme music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music interviews, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 16, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

The Wretched End, above, from left to right: Nils Fjellström (drums), Cosmo (guitar, bass, vocals) and Samoth (guitar).

SAMOTH – When Metal legends come to mind, they are usually of the household variety. The mainstream variety. There are those Metal legends that don’t come pre-packaged and red carpet ready… they are of the underground variety. SAMOTH is a Metal legend of the underground Metal community. As a Black Metal influence, Samoth carved out his very own piece of Rock Music history, with his pioneering Extreme Black Metal band he founded with Ihsahn and Mortis back in 1991 which the world will forever know as – Emperor.

Being a founding member of an internationally acclaimed Extreme Black Metal Band the likes of Emperor, all those years ago as a teenager, was a building block towards Metal immortality. Samoth later co-founded the Blackened Death Metal band – Zyklon, which after thirteen years of Metal existence they disbanded in 2010. His musical affiliation and membership with many other Black and Extreme Metal bands are many, including SCUM and Satyricon.

Samoth reflects on his days with Emperor, touches on balancing a career and family, speaks about his influences, horror movies, his very own Nocturnal Art Productions and of course his newest Metal project, The Wretched End and their new Death/Thrash studio album of Extreme Metal intensity – “Ominous”. While I spoke to Samoth, I realized very quickly there are many sides to this legend of Metal. Samoth is all about Metal, through a do it yourself attitude, coupled with a business savvy awareness that has made him a success for twenty years and counting. Samoth is a multi-instrumentalist, a songwriter and a self-made record label owner, who speaks more fluent than most college professors that stood before me lecturing.

Every answer from this enormous figure of Metal History made legitimate sense to me… there was never a dry tone nor a sense of arrogance or self righteousness about Samoth. A man such as Samoth, has been to the top of the mountain (and actually lives on a mountain too) and considers The Wretched End a new beginning for him. I walked away from my interview with Samoth with reaffirming Metal respect. Here is what Samoth had to say:

Stone: What’s the story behind The Wretched End coming together?

SAMOTH: After the decision to split up Zyklon, I decided on forming a new band with Cosmo. We both worked together with Scum (Deathpunk Band). Cosmo also did live bass for Zyklon on tour as well. We live close by to each other, so we talked about doing this project together. In 2008 and 2009 we wrote all the material for the “Ominous” album and recorded in the Summer of 2009. Nils Fjellström (drums) joined on with us in the Summer of 2009.

Stone: Ominous has become for me, one of the high points in Metal for 2010. Are you pleased with all of the initial positive response?

SAMOTH: Yeah we are! I’ve just been doing a lot of press as of late for it. The people and fans really seem to like it. I’m pretty pleased with the album. We knew we made a great album.

Stone: How did the lyrics to Human Corporation evolve?

SAMOTH: The lyrics are about how everything is very monetary in our society, especially in the Western World. It’s about how free we are, yet in reality we are influenced in our everyday life… we’re told how to act, what to eat, what to look like, what to buy and what to wear. It’s all the horror of human corporation. Human Corporation is about how man is being removed from nature.

Stone: Will The Wretched End be touring North America in the near future? Any tour plans?

SAMOTH: Unfortunately, no. The Wretched End is a studio project. Still, we’ll see what happens for the future. I want to go ahead with another album. I’m already in pre-production for the next album. I’m happy with the working relationship of this band. I’m more active with the song writing process now. There are those long periods on the road, where I miss making music. I’d do writing on the road and try to motivate myself on the road, still, it started to feel too long, these periods between making music. I started to think about making a new band and The Wretched End came together. The Wretched End is a new beginning for me, even though the band name says otherwise.

Stone: You mention urban decay and factories as influences on your myspace. Can you elaborate further?

SAMOTH: It’s more like a nature influence. I live up on a mountain, in a beautiful setting. Urban decay is atmosphere of the world crumbling, being ruined by man’s hand. It’s all the self destruction of mankind.

Stone: Is the combination of Death, Thrash and Black Metal the ultimate Metal sound for you to capture?

SAMOTH: I guess it is. For the past twenty years it’s what I’ve been doing. Death, Thrash and Black Metal, compared to Zyklon, these are obvious similarities with the music. This is the music I’m most comfortable with. This is the music I’m influenced with and the foundation of my being a musician. It’s more interesting to me. I do draw more influences into my music, I like to become experimental at times. If it fits, I use it.

Stone: I see you list Tangerine Dream under your music influences, right in the midst of Slayer and Iron Maiden!

SAMOTH: Yeah, I listen to them. I do like ambient and electronic music. I find it to be inspiring. I prefer to listen to this music on a personally inspiring level.

Stone: Did you ever have a mentor?

SAMOTH: Not completely, no. I’ve always like to walk my own way and push myself to succeed. An artist inspiring me as I was growing up, that all took place.

Stone: Who inspired you?

SAMOTH: The classics are what inspired me. I liked KISS, W.A.S.P. and Judas Priest. My mom hated Blackie Lawless and that made me love him all the more!

Stone: Did you ever share the stage with W.A.S.P.?

SAMOTH: We played with W.A.S.P. in Finland, back in 2007. W.A.S.P. was larger than life when I was young, only when I got older, it’s not like that anymore. I like keeping my art dark, with death. It doesn’t mean my everyday life isn’t as dark.

Metal Odyssey Note: Emperor and W.A.S.P. shared the stage at the Tuska Open Air Metal Festival in Finland, on June 30, 2007. This Metal festival took place in Kaisaniemi Park, in the middle of Helsinki, Finland. Tuska Open Air Metal Festival has been an annual event, since 1998.

Stone: How was your Nocturnal Art Productions conceived?

SAMOTH: I started Nocturnal Art Productions back in ’93. I decided to start an underground record label, with no experience. A seven inch (vinyl) Emperor was the initial start. There was a lot of limited edition stuff. As I became more serious about it, I put more money into it, began to sign bands and created distribution. I did mail order for a period of time, still I needed a proper network. It takes up a lot of time and it took balance with being in a band. My main priority then was always the bands and Emperor. Through my relationship with Candlelight Records, Nocturnal became an imprint label with them, run by me through their network. This equals freedom for me. I always like to keep the Nocturnal name going, it makes a lot of sense for me as an artist.

Stone: It sounds so easy, the way you tell the story, only it must have been a great deal of work.

SAMOTH: I started from scratch, with a do it yourself attitude. I’ve always had a business sense and liked both sides of the music spectrum. This has helped me as an artist, to create contacts.

Stone: Who is the one musician Samoth wants to create music with still?

SAMOTH: That’s a tough one. You know who intrigues me is Devin Townsend. He has done some interesting stuff. He is a guy I would use for a producer. That’s the one for me to choose, Devin Townsend.

Metal Odyssey Note: Devin Townsend is both a musician and record producer, widely respected amongst Extreme Metal and Metal fans, musicians and the industry. Devin is the founder, vocalist and guitarist for Strapping Young Lad, which disbanded in 2007. Devin is carrying on his incredible career as a successful solo artist and producer.

Stone: What is your favorite Horror movie?

SAMOTH : I hardly watch them anymore, I hardly have anytime to watch them. When I used to watch Horror movies, it was the Omen trilogy. These movies inspired me. The soundtrack, the music itself is what really inspired me. I did enjoy Hellraiser, it was very dark. The first Evil Dead is a classic. On Blu-ray, these movies are not the same though. Watching the first Evil Dead on a beat up VHS, with the screen flickering, you can’t beat that.

Stone: You’re old school Samoth!

SAMOTH: I’m caught up in the digital chaos at my office though! Atmosphere is key to Horror movies. If there is no atmosphere, there is nothing. Today’s Horror movies are all caught up in special effects, there’s no atmosphere.

Stone: You have been a key member and a huge part of many bands over your career. Which band would you say was your proudest experience?

SAMOTH: Most definitely Emperor. We formed Emperor as teens. We had such an energy and were dedicated to the lifestyle of Black Metal. We all put everything into that band and built it into an international Extreme Metal influence. Emperor emotionally is my proudest experience right into my older life, it has led me to the musician I am today. It’s been twenty years already, since Emperor formed, holy crap! Before you know it, your an old geezer! I’m only thirty six years old and I’m talking like I’m ancient.

Stone: Well, the life of a Rock musician will probably have that affect on you, it must be grueling, with the lifestyle of touring and meeting your own recording deadlines.

SAMOTH: It’s because I started in my mid teens and had success in an early part of my life. Emperor did a fair share of touring and Zyklon toured much more. I like my home life, I’m a man at home. I strive for balance, between being a musician and my family.

Stone: If Metal took over the world, would you want to be it’s leader?

SAMOTH: If Metal took over the world, I like that. Sounds really stressful! It would be way too much stress. I have way too much stress on my plate already!

The Wretched End – Ominous, was released on October 25, 2010, on Candlelight Records.

* For more info on The Wretched End and SAMOTH, click below:

The Wretched End – myspace music

SAMOTH – Official Myspace Music

LONG LIVE SAMOTH AND HIS METAL.

Thank you, Samoth.

Stone.

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MORPHINE KILLER – “PRIDE COMES BEFORE A FALL” – TAKE A METAL LISTEN!

Posted in extreme metal music, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 15, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

Here is an up and coming Metal Band from California that crossed my Metal path on Wednesday… MORPHINE KILLER. This song you can listen to below, (by clicking on that magic You Tube box) – Pride Comes Before A Fall is from their Nightmares EP, released in October 2009. This song is heavy, with an infectious groove happening from the opening riff. With co-vocalists Belle Roko and Eski, this song shimmers with crooning and rages with Metal extremity as well. I hope you like this Morphine Killer song as much as I do… so give it a Metal listen and crank it LOUD mutha’s!!

I’ll be posting a larger review on Morphine Killer in the very near future… stay Metal tuned!

Morphine Killer is:

Belle Roko – vocals, keyboards

Eski – vocals, guitar, bass, drums

Find out more about Morphine Killer by clicking on this link below:

MORPHINE KILLER – Official Website

Stone.

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SATYRICON – “BLACK CROW ON A TOMBSTONE” VIDEO IS A BLACK METAL TRIUMPH

Posted in Black Metal, black metal 2008, black metal albums, black metal music, black metal songs, black metal videos, black metal vocalists, extreme metal music, extreme music, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal videos, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, scary album covers, spooky album covers with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 21, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

Satyricon – The Age Of Nero was released back on November 3, 2008. This is an album that gets increasingly greater for me, after each listen. One song in particular, Black Crow On A Tombstone, just stays in my head for days… weeks on end. I am not going to fight it off, it’s a fantastic song that I immensely enjoy. I can remember distinctly, the first time I listened to The Age Of Nero in it’s entirety… it blew me away. The grooves are abundant throughout this album, Black Metal reigns supreme through these songs. Satyricon created an album with The Age Of Nero that I would easily consider to be… Metal Album of the Decade. I’m not kidding around… the Metal… Black Metal, on this album is representative of what incredible song writing is all about, both musically and lyrically. Satyr proved to me, that you do not need to get mathematical, intricate or go over the top, in order to create a sensational Black Metal album such as this. Here is the video for Black Crow On A Tombstone – the darkness of the video compliments this song. Satyr sings this song with unreal conviction, which is an attribute I find so admirable and remarkable. Being pre-warned by the sight of a black crow, that impending doom is upon you, is the theme of this song. Here’s hoping you enjoy this great song and video as much as I do…

If you wish, you can read my full review for Satyricon – The Age Of Nero, which I posted on April 7, 2009, by clicking the header below:

Satyricon “The Age Of Nero” – this is serious Metal

LONG LIVE SATYRICON.

Well, sorry fellow Metalheads and Satyricon fans… apparently “WMG” (yeah, that record compnay) doesn’t want to “share” their music video’s with blogs like Metal Odyssey. It’s too bad, due to the fact that Metal Odyssey gives away FREE advertising for record companies like WMG day in and day out. Wherever you do go to finally see this amazing Satyricon music video, I hope you do enjoy it. Black Crow On A Tombstone is one HELL of a music video from one incredible Black Metal Band that is Satyricon.

Stone.

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Abigail Williams – “In The Shadow Of A Thousand Suns” – Real, Extreme, Black Metal

Posted in Album Review, Black Metal, black metal 2009, black metal albums 2009, black metal music 2009, cool album covers, creepy album covers, current black metal albums, current black metal music, extreme black metal music, Extreme Metal, extreme metal music, extreme music, extreme music today, Metal, metal music, metal music today, Metal Reviews, Music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 10, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

9061631I have added a new band to my Black Metal favorites list, they are Abigail Williams. Abigail Williams is void of having the heavy grooves of Satyricon’s superior recent releases, void of having the progressiveness of the incredible Enslaved. What Abigail Williams does offer up musically, is the extreme and brutal sounds of Black Metal. Yes, the very, very, heavy side of Black Metal. The layering of music is similar to what Cradle of Filth has accomplished with their infamous albums, minus any over exaggeration of melody. O.K., I have pointed out where Abigail Williams lines up musically, compared to their Black Metal counterparts, (or some of them anyway). On “In The Shadow Of A Thousand Suns”, (released on October 28, 2008 – candlelight records), Sorceron on lead vocals is alarmingly convincing, while the entire band plays very tight, giving every indication musically, that they know these are ten solid songs.

If you are looking for a seriously heavy, fast and Extreme band, regardless of the genre, Abigail Williams will engulf your musical senses with unrelenting and foreboding Black Metal force. This is a Black Metal band that sounds like they have been set loose from any musical restraints, given the command to set forth and spread their onslaught of enraged Black Metal unto the masses. The symphonic moments heard throughout this album lends itself as the bridge, that connects this Black Metal extremity of aggressiveness. After a couple of listens to “In The Shadow Of A Thousand Suns”, I realized that I waited too long to purchase this Black Metal creation. Abigail Williams has made one fine, full length album, of Extreme Black Metal music with this release. I hope that any band lineup changes that have occurred, will not prevent Abigail Williams from moving forward with powerful momentum. Sorceron is the nucleus of this band, he must continue to surround himself with quality musicians, just like the lineup found on this album. This is my Metal opinion and I recommend Abigail Williams “In The Shadow Of A Thousand Suns” to anyone who’s interest I may have peaked.

Abigail Williams as they appeared on “In The Shadow Of A Thousand Suns” are: Sorceron on lead vocals & lyricist, Mike Wilson on lead guitar, Plaguehammer on bass, Bjornthor on guitar, Trym on drums, Samus on drums and Ashley Ellyllon on keyboards and piano. Sorceron also plays guitar, bass and keyboards on this album as well. James Murphy appears as a guest guitarist.

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Enslaved “Vertebrae” – Progressive, Black Metal raises the bar

Posted in Album Review, Black Metal, black metal 2008, black metal 2009, black metal from norway, cool album covers, current heavy metal albums, current heavy metal music, current progressive metal albums, essential heavy metal albums, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2009, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, metal music, metal music today, Metal Reviews, Music, new heavy metal album, norwegian black metal, progressive metal, progressive metal albums, progressive metal music, recent heavy metal albums with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 3, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

main-150Enslaved, from Norway, has created quite the exquisite Black Metal album with “Vertebrae”. Why do I use the adjective exquisite to describe this album? Well, I revere the Progressive Metal of Mastodon and Dream Theater, the legendary Progressive Rock of Pink Floyd and the groove infested Black Metal of Satyricon. Enslaved encompasses the most Metal and progressively delicious elements from these favorite bands of mine, while incorporating them into their very own startlingly, mind popping sound. What Enslaved has done here, is taken Rock and Metal influences to a new level, creating an album that embraces everything that is brilliant about Heavy and Progressive music. (I am not saying Enslaved actually looked to these bands for inspiration, this is just my musical and Metal interpretation and/or opinion). Enslaved has their roots in Black Metal, a musical track record that overflows with Metal bragging rights… “Vertebrae” by no means exemplifies this band as not being original. This album is as original as it gets… I cannot truly count how many Metal bands there are, that dare to experiment with music so valiantly.

Black Metal has gone through a bit of a metamorphosis over the years… so have the other Metal genres. There will always be the blue collar – true to the roots style of Black Metal, it deserves it’s rightful place in the Metal universe. Enslaved, like their counterparts Satyricon, have taken the Black Metal stylings and tweaked them, in this case, Enslaved progressively tweaked. As with anything in life, change is a natural necessity that either is accepted or rejected. Change in the musical circles of Metal can often times be equated to selling out or mellowing down, every fan of Metal has their own right to personally object or accept what they want from their music. My point I am trying to make here is, Enslaved has not deceived me or let me down with their brand of Progressive, Black Metal on “Vertebrae”. Vintage Venom and Mercyful Fate will forever and always be at my Metal reach, Enslaved “Vertebrae” is an extension of what happens when musical and Metal barriers are broken down. 

In an all encompassing summary of the seven songs on “Vertebrae”, I hear the nod to the forefathers of Black Metal, with especially the lead vocals and the dark, macabre and searingly moody ambiance, coming from the musical background elements. The keyboards and organ can create Black Metal which pays homage to the original sound of this band and genre, it can also create the progressive path in which “Vertebrae” aims for as well. Herbrand Larsen is simply unreal on the keys, organ and vocals. The same can be said for each member of Enslaved… as a cohesive unit they have connected not only with each other with their Metal skills and prowess, they have also raised the bar musically, in a Metal world that is rapidly interconnecting with each others genres. I cannot resist myself by recommending highly “Vertebrae”, Enslaved has created an album that will be at the top of my Metal list for decades to come.

The members of Enslaved are: Ivar Bjornson on guitars, Grutle Kjellson on vocals & bass, Herbrand Larsen on keyboards, organ & vocals, Cato Bekkevold on drums and Ice Dale on guitars. Enslaved has given the Metal world seven brilliant new songs with “Vertebrae”, thus inspiring me to delve and journey even further into the vast genres and sub-genres of Metal music.

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Heavy Metal 101: 10 (or more) most underrated Metal albums you need to know

Posted in 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's metal music, 1980's thrash metal, 1990's heavy metal music, Album Review, Black Metal, Black Sabbath, classic metal, cool album covers, essential heavy metal albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal music, Heavy Metal Reviews, horror metal, king diamond, Metal, metal music, Metal Reviews, Motorhead, Music, old school heavy metal, Over Kill, Power Metal, speed metal, Thrash Metal, thrash metal album review, thrash metal music, thrash metal music reviews, tony iommi heavy metal guitarist, vintage heavy metal albums with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 28, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

 

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If you are a veteran Metalhead, these ten (or more) Metal albums that I consider underrated may not surprise you. Heck, you may already have owned them for several years or even decades. In the Metal event you are a new recruit to the dynamic world of Heavy Metal, welcome aboard and go out and BUY THESE METAL ALBUMS for they will serve you right! Oh, what do I mean by underrated? Well, for starters, these are Classic/Vintage Metal albums that do not seem to get enough attention these days – as I surf around the world wide web, these are the albums that tend to go unnoticed for some oddball reason or another. It is my goal to surround the readers of Metal Odyssey with the knowledge necessary, to make prudent Metal album buying decisions too. These ten Metal albums, in my Metal opinion, have most definitively stood the test of Metal time. Enjoy and absorb this list, please note that these Metal albums are not in any specific order. (These Metal albums are my own personal choices for most underrated, I am sure many knowledgeable Metalheads out there will have differing opinions).

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MERCYFUL FATE – “MELISSA” – King Diamond, plus, absolutely NO radio friendly tunes found here. This band laid down a whole bunch of Black Metal groundwork for others to learn from.

TWISTED SISTER – “YOU CAN’T STOP ROCK ‘N’ ROLL” – Just before Dee Snider & the boys became really famous. I find this album to be just as inspiring today as it was in 1983. My favorite Twisted Sister album.

BLACK SABBATH – “BORN AGAIN” – Ian Gillian on vocals, ’nuff said. O.K., this is one tough album or CD to find. “Trashed” is very heavy stuff, a very fast Black Sabbath tune. This version of Black Sabbath is incredibly good. Bev Bevan of Electric Light Orchestra fame actually was the drummer on the “Born Again” Tour during 1984/85. That is correct. You did read this right. Now that is cool, having an ELO and Black Sabbath connection. 

MOTORHEAD – “ANOTHER PERFECT DAY” –  Of all the Motorhead albums, this one deserves more respect. The tune “One Track Mind” is reason alone to own this vintage Motorhead release, plus the album cover artwork and liner notes are extremely diabolical and cool. 

GRIM REAPER – “See You In Hell” – The album title says it all… the title track “See You In Hell” is for me, a Heavy Metal anthem that brings back memories to my Metal heart. This was one heavy duty band for me… worth every Metal second of listening enjoyment. Overall, great band, great album, I wish they could have done twenty albums.

EXODUS – “FABULOUS DISASTER” – Gary Holt is such an important guitar player in Thrash Metal history. Exodus is always grouped in with the Thrash Metal originators. In my Metal opinion, each original Bay Area Thrash Band is just as important as the next… I am giving Exodus their just due here and “Fabulous Disaster” is just that, fabulous Thrash Metal.

VINNIE MOORE – “MINDS EYE” – Hey, this guy can play guitar. Heavy Metal guitar too. An all Metal instrumental album could never hurt no one, especially a Metalhead. Listening to Vinnie Moore in college helped me get unreal grades in fine arts, I am not kidding. I drew some of my best stuff listening to Vinnie Moore – thanks Vinnie.

MANOWAR – “HAIL TO ENGLAND” – Very loud and Old School Metal. This album has all the Metal attitude and heavy music you could ever ask for, plus, as a bonus, these guys are quality Metal musicians too! There are those times, when I need a cool Power Metal band that is Old School, that I can sing along to. They very well might be… “The Kings of Metal” as they advertise… heck, I would never think of telling them they are not.

OVER KILL – Every album they have ever made. Yeah, this sounds crazy, yet these guys are that great at playing Thrash Metal. Over Kill always seems to have been the hardest working Thrash band on the planet, with no star status or star treatment from the wide world of professionally paid critics. Different lineups throughout the years has not affected my loyalty… as long as there is Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth and D.D. Verni leading this potent Thrash attack, I am Metal happy.

W.A.S.P. – “K.F.D.” – This is one heavy, monster of a W.A.S.P. album. Extremely heavy W.A.S.P. – Blackie Lawless was not fooling around with this album… I listen to “K.F.D.” when I have both good and bad days, the end affect is still just like opening up a can of Metal whoop ass and getting straightened out – Blackie Lawless style. Thanks Blackie Lawless.

KROKUS – “HEADHUNTER” – O.K., sure, there is some commercial appeal here with the tune “Screaming In The Night”, yet it is a far cry from any of the heavy ballads that blitzed us all in the 1980’s. Factor in the raging track “Headhunter” and the Metal grooviness of “Stayed Awake All Night” and you have served up yourself some decent party tunes.

Black Sabbath "Born Again"

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Paranormal reality television and scary Metal music mirror one another

Posted in Alice cooper, Black Metal, Danzig, Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Gene Simmons, ghost hunters, gothic metal, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal vocalists, horror metal, Iced Earth, king diamond, Metal, Misfits, Motorhead, Music, paranormal television shows, Power Metal, Punk rock, rob zombie, Rock, rock music, Slipknot, speed metal, Thrash Metal, Vocals, W.A.S.P. with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 17, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

3283538It is an obvious Metal music marriage, the paranormal being put to lyrics in Metal songs. Any King Diamond album supports this statement, that is for certain. Horror and the paranormal rules the Metal world’s lyrics with it’s mystery, shock, and imagery. This to me, is one of the great attributes to Metal music, the paranormal and horror has given personality and life to throngs of Metal bands as: Alice Cooper, Misfits, Kiss (with makeup), Lordi, Rob Zombie, Slipknot, Danzig, W.A.S.P., Cannibal Corpse and of course, King Diamond again. The list could go on and on, regarding which Metal bands represent the horror and paranormal subjects best.

I highly recommend taking a listen to Iced Earth – “The Horror Show”, this is an album dedicated to just the legendary horror movie monsters: Dracula, The Wolfman, Frankenstein and The Phantom of the Opera are covered just fine by Matt Barlow’s vocals and the writing and musical genius of Jon Schaffer. I also highly recommend the horror concept album, that for me is now a true Metal classic – “Abigail” from King Diamond, released in 1987. In my opinion, “Abigail” was/is a triumphant representation of Black Metal, even though the music includes heavy duty Speed Metal throughout. This King Diamond lineup on “Abigail” also bestows the talented Mikkey Dee on drums, who has been a mainstay with Motorhead, since 1992.

When I listen to my favorite Metal bands playing tunes about the macabre, horror and the paranormal, I cannot help reflecting on my favorite paranormal television shows. The material that King Diamond covers, for example, mirrors what many of the paranormal shows offer. My favorite scary & spooky television shows are: “Ghost Hunters”, “Penn State Paranormal”, “Most Haunted”, “UFO Hunters” and “Monster Quest”, all delving into the mysteriously unknown, paranormal, the dark side and real life monsters. Any Metal band can get hordes of information and subject matter for their music, just by watching this scary paranormal reality television.

Now, do I believe in all of this paranormal subject matter that these shows discuss/cover? Do I believe in real life monsters like Bigfoot, Moth Man and UFO aliens? Let’s just say, I get entertained and spooked out like anyone else, I really like the unknown aspect of these topics. I am also never going to be one of those, who back when Christopher Columbus sailed the seven seas, thought our planet Earth was square. It is an absolute fact, that new species of any of our known living organisms, (plants, fish, animals, insects), are being discovered on a daily basis. There are many, many, mysteries and dark questions out there that still have to be answered, for me it is great fun delving into these scary topics through Metal music and paranormal reality television. My feeling is that, paranormal reality television and Metal music just seem to go together, both never cease to thrill and entertain me.

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Saturday, April 11, 2009, is National Heavy Metal Day!

Posted in Black Metal, Extreme Metal, gothic metal, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, Power Metal, symphonic metal, Thrash Metal with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 11, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

metalodyssey5Metal Odyssey has taken upon itself to proclaim: Saturday, April 11, is National Heavy Metal Day! Therefore, you may take these helpful tips/advice and put them into action, (if you like) and spread and/or share the great music of Heavy Metal to those around you.

* Listen to any or all Metal genres today!

* Play any or all Metal music LOUD today!

* Wear your favorite Metal t-shirt with pride today!

* Listen to any or all Metal genres with someone you love today!

* Buy or trade some Metal music today!

* Buy that special someone or your favorite buddy a Metal music gift! (give the gift of Metal)

* Share a Metal album/CD with someone!

* Share your Metal music knowledge with someone today!

* Read a decent mainstream or underground Metal magazine today, (not a Metal mag written by babies).

* If you are lucky enough, go to a Metal concert/club gig today!

* Watch a cool Metal movie today – “Trick or Treat”, any John Carpenter film or any Metal concert film will suffice.

* Surf the net for all of your favorite Metal bands and Metal news!

* Find an outdoor flea market for Metal music stuff – here’s a tip – buy low!

* Organize your Metal album/CD collection!

* Hang up a Metal poster of your favorite band(s) with pride!

Come to think of it, it seems like every day is a National Heavy Metal Day for me! It might feel that way to some of you out there too. Regardless, it just sounds and feels so cool, a National Heavy Metal Day, doesn’t it? Remember – BE TRUE TO METAL AND METAL WILL BE TRUE TO YOU.

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5 Heavy Metal events that could never possibly take place

Posted in Black Metal, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Iron Maiden, Metal, Music, Rock, Slipknot, W.A.S.P. with tags , , , , , , , , , on April 10, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

metalodyssey4Here I go again, making up hysterical situations that could never, ever happen. Oh, by the way, these situations are all Heavy Metal related. So, sit back, turn up some Iron Maiden, read along and enjoy.

1.    “Larry King Live” will have as special guests, Job For A Cowboy. Larry King will ask Jon Rice if he is a “big fan of John Wayne movies or what young fella”? “Tell the folks at home, are you”?

2.    Al Gore will write a biography titled: “An American Hero – Dee Snider”

3.    NBC’s “The Today Show” will dedicate one full week to Black Metal for their famous – “Summer Concert Series”. 

4.    MSNBC will ask Blackie Lawless to join their political analyst team.

5.    Al Roker from NBC’s incredibly informative? “The Today Show”, will be introducing Slipknot onstage for the remainder of their “All Hope Is Gone Tour”

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Satyricon “The Age Of Nero” – this is serious Metal

Posted in Album Review, Drums, Guitar, Heavy Metal, Metal, Metal Reviews, Music, Vocals with tags , , , , , , , , on April 7, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

175248311As “Commando” kicks in, there is no glimmer or hint that Satyricon “The Age Of Nero” is going to disappoint. The groove heavy Black Metal and black as night lyrics are two powerful characteristics of this entire great album. “The Wolfpack” pick up where “Commando” leaves off, with unrelenting and extremely likable riffs and leads that has me nodding, knowing that Satyricon has quite possibly created an album, that is the very best in all of Metal for 2009. “Black Crow On A Tombstone” is indicative of just how Satyricon can be creatively dark and creepy, both lyrically and musically, without over stating any traditional or obvious themes. In my opinion, throughout “Age Of Nero”, I hear nothing less than rock solid confidence through Satyr’s vocals and guitar playing. A serious approach musically has captured Black Metal greatness in a black bottle for Satyricon.

I admire the respect Satyricon has for the Black Metal genre, when I listen to “Age Of Nero” I am reminded of this every black blissful second. Frost on drums is nothing short of amazing. Frost clearly demonstrates what drums should sound like in Metal, distinct as well as blazingly black in overall sound. Satyr and Frost combined have made “Age Of Nero” an instant classic for me. Satyricon and “The Age Of Nero”, is a justified statement that Black Metal is a permanent musical fixture in the world today. The Metal community has their strong and lean Doberman Pinscher in their backyard – it’s name is Satyricon.banner2

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