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KATANA – Guitarist Tobias Karlsson Set To Appear On MetalHeadRadio.com on July 18th

Posted in classic metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on July 12, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

KATANA – On Monday, July 18th, 2011, KATANA guitarist Tobias Karlsson will join METALHEADRADIO.COM‘s DJ Rem for an exclusive one-on-one interview. Tune in to DJ Rem’s show, Locked Up, at 9:30 EST on July 18th for what promises to be an unforgettable chat with one of the New Wave of Traditional Metal’s most fierce up and comers.

KATANA from Gothenburg, Sweden, is the next big thing in Traditional Heavy Metal. They deliver a show that is 100 percent pure adrenaline and will take the audience straight back to the golden age of the early eighties. Since the current line up was established in 2008, KATANA has worked hard to perfect their live act, which includes everything one would expect from a true eighties band and then some.

The music of KATANA is heavily influenced by British and German bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Accept. They definitely show that the genre is more alive than ever and their newly recorded debut album will set a new standard for what Classic Heavy Metal is supposed to sound like in 2011.

(Source: ClawHammer PR)

* To read the Metal Odyssey album review for KATANA – HEADS WILL ROLL, (posted on June 13th, 2011), just click on the big header link below!

KATANA – Heads Will Roll: Traditional Heavy Metal Triumphs On This Band’s Debut Album

* For more info on KATANA, click on the links below:

KATANA – Official facebook

KATANA – myspace music

LISTENABLE RECORDS

METALHEADRADIO.COM

LONG LIVE KATANA.

Stone.

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BENEDICTUM – Guitarist Pete Wells Takes Over Metal Express Radio This Friday, July 1st, 2011!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock guitarists, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on June 29, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

METAL EXPRESS RADIO is pleased to announce that this week’s Guest DJ is guitarist Pete Well’s from U.S. Heavy Metal powerhouse BENEDICTUM. Pete heard how much fun his vocalist, Veronica Freeman, had doing the show that he wanted to take command of the DJ chair for himself! He’ll also take a call or two on air! After Pete’s setlist, which is essentially a homage to some classic Metal guitarists, we’ll play some cuts off Benedictum’s latest album entitled Dominion, which is currently available through Frontiers Records.

Tune in to METAL EXPRESS RADIO on Friday, July 1st at 9:00 AM & 3:00 PM EST to listen! 

(Source: ClawHammer PR)

* For more info on BENEDICTUM, click on the links below:

BENEDICTUM – Official Website

BENEDICTUM – facebook

LONG LIVE BENEDICTUM.

Stone.

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LIZZY BORDEN – Summer Of Blood Tour Makes A Stop At The Can! Appointment With Death: Album Review Revisited…

Posted in concerts, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal concerts, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on June 23, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

LIZZY BORDEN – Just as the concert flyer above reads, LIZZY BORDEN will be administering their Metal edict upon the masses on their Summer Of Blood Tour. One particular lucky venue on this tour is The Can, located in Garden Grove, California. The date is July 23rd, 2011… so mark it down if you are a fan of LIZZY BORDEN and/or loyalist to tried and true Metal and live anywhere near Garden Grove!

LIZZY BORDEN:

Lizzy Borden – vocals

Joey Scott – drums

Marten Andersson – bass

Dario Lorina – guitars

AC Alexander – guitars

* A long time ago, in a Metal world far, far away, I wrote a concise review and/or some Metal ramblings (take your pick) on the most recent LIZZY BORDEN album, which was released back in 2007 on Metal Blade Records: Appointment With Death. Actually I wrote about this album a few years ago. You can read it by clicking the link below:

LIZZY BORDEN – APPOINTMENT WITH DEATH

* For more info on LIZZY BORDEN, click on the links below:

LIZZY BORDEN – Official Website

LIZZY BORDEN – Official facebook

METAL BLADE RECORDS

LONG LIVE LIZZY BORDEN.

Stone.

2 Comments »

Metal Odyssey’s – Can You Guess These Heavy Metal Album Covers?

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on June 17, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Hello and welcome to the very first: Metal Odyssey’s – Can You Guess These Heavy Metal Album Covesr? There are no prizes to be won, just the pride and bragging rights that go with guessing the correct Heavy Metal album cover(s) is what you can walk away with. Look below at the 3 partial images. Each partial image represents a massively well known Heavy Metal album cover.

If you’d like to give it a Metal try, comment your answers! Guess as often as you like! There is no limit to the number of guesses either! If asked, I might consider dropping a Metal hint, regarding any of these three mystery album covers. Once a correct answer is commented, I’ll step in and congratulate that respective and very knowledgeable Metalhead. Plus, once any album cover is correctly identified, the full album cover image will be posted next to the partial image. Best of Metal luck!

Heavy Metal Album Cover – Mystery #1:

Heavy Metal Album Cover – Mystery #2:

Heavy Metal Album Cover – Mystery #3:

METAL BE THY NAME.

UPDATE!!

On July 11th, 2011, “Anonymous” has guessed the “Heavy Metal Album Cover – Mystery #2”! “Anonymous” nailed it with:

SATYRICON – The Age Of Nero

(partial album cover image)

(full album cover image)

Congratulations Anonymous! You are a true Metalhead!

UPDATE!!

On July 11th, 2011, “Zipper” has guessed the “Heavy Metal Album Cover – Mystery #3”! Zipper nailed it with:

W.A.S.P. – The Last Command

(partial album cover image)

(full album cover image)

Congratulations Zipper! You are a true Metalhead!

LONG LIVE HEAVY METAL.

Stone.

5 Comments »

KATANA – Heads Will Roll: Traditional Heavy Metal Triumphs On This Band’s Debut Album

Posted in classic metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, traditional heavy metal with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on June 13, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

KATANA Heads Will Roll – Gothenburg, Sweden is where Katana calls home, with their current lineup being established back in 2008.  The debut studio album from Katana, Heads Will Roll, was released in the U.S. on May 31st, 2011, on Listenable Records and it is a delectable bounty of Traditional Heavy Metal to devour. Heads Will Roll is an album of nine Heavy Metal songs that will stamp the time travel ticket for any old schooler… back to the days of Classic Metal glory.

The album title Heads Will Roll reminds me of the Judas Priest classic: Some Heads Are Gonna Roll, from their vintage 1984 album Defenders Of The Faith. There’s just something about heads rolling that sounds, well, Metal. All kidding aside, this debut album from Katana seems to gain more Metal steam after each song. This is an album that just sounds alive and comes across scorching in all of it’s Traditional Metal bliss the more I listen to it.

Heart of Tokyo and Asia in Sight are two blockbuster songs that are smack in the Metal middle of this album. Both songs are capable of drop-kicking poser Metal into the next millennium. Hell, this entire Heads Will Roll album screams: Classic Metal Reigns! The overall Classic Metal vibe that is captured by Katana on this album is very impressive. These are musicians that have done their Classic Metal homework and aren’t afraid to look down upon any “new” Metal trends of the week.

If I had to choose the numero uno song on this album that absolutely kicks the most major Metal ass, well then, it’s Rebel Ride. Shades and obvious influence of the Priest’s Metal guitar legends K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton are heard, courtesy from the double guitar attack of Patrik Essén and Tobias Karlsson on Rebel Ride. This influence is clear as day and sounds Metal supreme. Both guitarists are fun to take in throughout this entire album. Back to Rebel Ride… it’s such a fantastic Metal song to get psyched-out by, that I’ve come close to pinching myself to make certain I’m not dreaming.

The vocals of Johan Bernspång resonates the essence of yesteryear’s New Wave Of British Heavy Metal. Eloquent, dynamic and consistently captivating are Johan’s vocals. No, I’m not anointing Johan as the greatest Metal singer I’ve ever heard, I’m only stating he is a Metal vocalist to keep your eyes on and your ears tuned to… for the next twenty years or more. I would have to say with certainty, that Johan reminds me of Kai Hansen (Gamma Ray, ex-Helloween). Don’t mistake me here at all, Johan comes across as a very welcomed and unique Metal vocalist to this sacred community.

At 6:50 long, the mini-epic Quest for Hades finishes off Heads Will Roll, whilst the audio senses of Iron Maiden and even Helloween are swirling through my brain. Comparisons and/or influences aside, Katana comes at me as blatant originals to the Traditional Heavy Metal genre. This band can not only play, they also present themselves as true believers and honor students of Classic Metal. Need proof that Katana is as legit as Metal itself? Then submerse your eardrums into Heads Will Roll and thank the Metal Gods that another young Traditional Metal band has gotten it right.

KATANA HAS TRIUMPHED.

KATANA:

Johan Bernspång – vocals

Patrik Essén – guitars

Tobias Karlsson – guitars

Susanna Salminen – bass

Anders Persson – drums

HEADS WILL ROLL – Track Listing:

Livin’ Without Fear

Blade of Katana

Phoenix on Fire

Neverending World

Heart of Tokyo

Asia in Sight

Across the Stars

Rebel Ride

Quest for Hades

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

KATANA – myspace music

LONG LIVE KATANA.

Stone.

1 Comment »

PHARAOH – TEN YEARS EP: This Is American Power Metal… Loud, Proud and Heavy Hitting

Posted in classic heavy metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on June 3, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

PHARAOH: TEN YEARS EP – American Power Metal is well represented when a band such as Pharoah exists. Seriously. The six songs on the Ten Years EP are a strong representation of just how excellent the musicianship of Pharaoh is. Metal truth be told, I wish this was a 12 song album, Pharaoh hammers out their one-of-a-kind Metal sound that well. This is a durable band with mighty Metal experience (see band lineup below) and this experience comes through remarkably well on each song.

The Classic Heavy Metal feel and vibes are unmistakable as I listen to Ten Years. Pharaoh plays their American-made Power Metal with relevant muscularity, with melodic moments flourishing throughout their sound.  One Metal constant about Pharaoh is their ability to sound raw and tough, with an old school sensibility. It’s this raw toughness in the Metal mix that adds to Pharaoh’s mystique, for me.

Ten Years will be released on June 7th, 2011, on Cruz Del Sur. This EP contains two unreleased songs from the Be Gone (2008) recording sessions, two tracks previously released only as a bonus 7″ and two cover songs: Slayer’s Tormentor and New Model Army’s White Light. Ten Years sets the Metal stage for the forthcoming and fourth studio album from Pharaoh, which is scheduled for release later in 2011.

Pharaoh does a standup  job at covering Slayer’s Tormentor, with no slippage on the speed factor on both guitar and the rhythm section. Tim Aymar may not be Tom Araya on vocals, still he embellishes this song with the necessary searing notes, leathery vocals and pissed-off attitude. Tim Aymar can hit the high notes with ease as well as delivering gritty, old school tones. A great example of just how diverse Tim’s vocals are is the title track Ten Years. This song is a Metal showcase for Tim’s vocals, there’s no doubt to my ears about that.

The thick and melodic sounds of Matt Johnsen’s guitar are totally enjoyable. Matt’s flirtation’s and nod’s to Classic Speed Metal are apparent and very welcomed to my Metal lovin’ ears. Matt Johnsen has his own signature tone happening on guitar and perhaps should be looked upon as one of Metal’s best kept secrets.

Pharaoh has always been a dynamite Power Metal band, it’s time for scores of Metal fans out there to realize just how excellent a band they truly are. I highly recommend all of Pharaoh’s works from the past and this Ten Years EP. Pharaoh was formed back in 1997 and there hasn’t been a better time than now to be catching onto their sound. Classic Heavy Metal and American Power Metal lives… and Pharaoh carries these two sub-genre’s torches with Metal pride.

PHARAOH on Ten Years EP:

Tim Aymar – vocals (Control Denied)

Matt Johnsen – guitar (Fool’s Game, Dawnbringer)

Chris Kerns – bass

Chris Black – drums (Dawnbringer, Superchrist, High Spirits, ex-Nachtmystium)

Ten Years – Track List:

Ten Years

When We Fly

White Light

Reflection and the Inevitable Future

Nothing I Can Say

Tormentor

* For more info on PHARAOH, click on the links below:

http://www.solarflight.net

http://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com

LONG LIVE PHARAOH.

Stone.

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BENEDICTUM – Premieres “Bang” On StereoKiller.com

Posted in classic metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on June 1, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

U.S. Heavy Metal powerhouse BENEDICTUM has made “Bang” available for streaming at Stereo Killer.com/Benedictum. Featuring Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot) on bass, “Bang!” is a quintessential anthem of defiance and one hell of a grooving slam. Vocalist Veronica Freeman calls it “my non-Prom song for those of us who didn’t make the cut… or even those who did but were totally misunderstood. It’s time to rise and not let them define us!” Just one of many monster cuts from BENEDICTUM’s third effort Dominion, “Bang” epitomizes what Heavy Metal is supposed to be (but rarely is these days): Loud, proud, and impossible to forget!

(Source: ClawHammer PR)

* For more info on BENEDICTUM, click on the links below:

BENEDICTUM – Official Website

BENEDICTUM – facebook

LONG LIVE BENEDICTUM.

Stone.

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TWISTED TOWER DIRE – Make It Dark: Classic Metal Triumphs Once Again

Posted in classic metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, traditional metal with tags , , , , , , , , , on May 6, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

TWISTED TOWER DIRE – The fifth full-length studio album from Virginia’s Twisted Tower Dire has been released on May 3rd, 2011, via Cruz Del Sur Music and it’s worth more than it’s weight in Metal gold. As the classically inspired album cover from famed UK artist Martin Hanford and the type fonts suggests, Twisted Tower Dire is a Classic Metal band and Make It Dark is an eight song Traditional Metal triumph.

This is a band that has had to overcome prolific tragedy in the past year. Vocalist Tony Taylor was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident back on February 6th, 2010, being replaced by Johnny Aune (Viper). The triumph of human spirit that this band has bestowed in regrouping, coupled by the fearless drive that Make It Dark reverberates with it’s Classic Metal, is nothing short of admirable.

Throughout Make It Dark, the songs come across as not just well written, they are all extremely well executed. Metal resolve is a very good thing and Twisted Tower Dire bring it on their new album. This album reminds me of days long ago, hanging out in the moonlit field with my Metal brethren, while the sweet smell of ganga filled the air and the beers were in no short supply. Um, uh, back to the album review and 2011…

Johnny Aune is a bona-fide Classic Metal vocalist. In my Metal opinion, Johnny is a vocalist that guitar legend Yngwie Malmsteen would dig… and maybe he does? The Classic Metal echo fills this entire album, while leaving signatures of welcomed semi-raw and non-plasticized production every step of the way. The bass of Jim Hunter coupled with Mark Stauffer’s drumming is a rhythmic feast built on that Classic Metal speed. We’re in the midst of an age that’s called a Classic Metal revival and that school of thought is fine with me, only I and obviously countless others have never turned away from Classic Metal.

This old school Metal sound will never die due to bands such as Twisted Tower Dire. With the likes of their peers Enforcer, White Wizzard, Ravage, 3 Inches Of Blood, Derailed and Darkblack making their presence heard, the flame of this Metal genre has never burned brighter. Old school fans of Grim Reaper, Obsession and Paul Dianno fronted Iron Maiden should take a keen Metal liking to the dual guitars of Scott Waldrop and Dave Boyd. These two axe slingers exchange some very melodic and speedy guitar licks that are like the Metal icing on the Metal cake.

Yes, Speed Metal too can once again reign Metal supreme while Make It Dark is played at maximum volume. The old school vibes never subside while I listen to Make It Dark and I like it that way. Mystera, White Shadow, Torture Torture and Beyond The Gate are Classic Metal gems. Beyond The Gate is remarkable in it’s ability to suck my senses right into it’s Classic Metal richness, therefore, this is my favorite song on Make It Dark.

With there being so many Metal choices out there for new album purchases in 2011, Make It Dark is as upstanding as I can declare. Make It Dark is a reminder to us all, that Metal truly does sound real again. Make the credible Metal choice and buy Make It Dark for yourself… it will serve you Metal right.

TWISTED TOWER DIRE:

Johnny Aune  – vocals

Jim Hunter – bass

Scott Waldrop – guitar

Dave Boyd – guitar

Mark Stauffer – drums

Make It Dark Track Listing:

Mystera

Snow Leopard

The Stone

Make It Dark

White Shadow

The Only Way

Torture Torture

Beyond the Gate

* For more info on TWISTED TOWER DIRE, click the links below:

http://www.twistedtowerdire.com

http://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com

LONG LIVE TWISTED TOWER DIRE.

Rest In Peace Tony Taylor.

Stone.

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ARGUS: Full Album Stream and Contest Hosted By MetalReview Is Live Today! April 25th, 2011

Posted in doom metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, stoner metal with tags , , , , , , , , , on April 25, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

With the street date for Pennsylvania-based traditional/Doom Metal warriors ARGUS‘ sophomore album, Boldly Stride The Doomed, just over a week away, high-traffic Metal ‘zine MetalReview.com is hosting a stream of the entire ten-song opus until its official for North American release on May 3, via Cruz Del Sur Records. Stop by and crank up the album stream at this location now!

In addition to the album stream, MetalReview is also hosting a contest in conjunction with Cruz Del Sur and ARGUS directly. Running from now until the May 3 North American release date, the “Name That Mascot and Tell Us What the Hell He’s Doing On Those Two Covers” contest focuses on the cover art for ARGUS‘ new Boldly Stride The Doomed full-length, as well as their 2009 self-titled debut album, both crafted by artist Brad Moore. Check out the full details and enter the contest at this location.

(Source: Earsplit PR)

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

ARGUS – myspace music

LONG LIVE ARGUS.

Stone.

1 Comment »

PENTAGRAM “Last Rites” – New Studio Album Releases April 12th, 2011 On Metal Blade Records!

Posted in classic metal, doom metal, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on April 4, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

PENTAGRAM – Last Rites, the seventh studio album from Doom Metal Pioneers and Metal legends, Pentagram, will be released on April 12th, 2011, on Metal Blade Records. Last Rites is the first of a three album agreement Pentagram has with Metal Blade Records. Pentagram is led by it’s founding member and ever constant vocalist Bobby Liebling.

Pentagram alumnus and guitarist Victor Griffin returned to Pentagram in 2010, collaborating with Bobby Liebling on a studio album for the first time since 1994’s Be Forewarned. Last Rites contains eleven brand new studio tracks, proving once again, that Pentagram is far from closing the Metal history book on their Metal legacy.

* Last Rites has the Metal distinction of being the studio album released during the 40th Anniversary of Pentagram.

PENTAGRAM:

Bobby Liebling – vocals

Victor Griffin – guitar

Greg Turley – bass

Tim Tomaselli – drums

Track Listing For Last Rites:

Treat Me Right

Call the Man

Into the Ground

8

Everything’s Turning To Night

Windmills and Chimes

American Dream

Walk in Blue Light

Horseman

Death in 1st Person

Nothing Left

* For more info on PENTAGRAM, click the links below:

THE PENTAGRAM ARCHIVES – myspace music

METAL BLADE RECORDS

LONG LIVE PENTAGRAM.

Stone.

2 Comments »

HUNTED “Welcome The Dead” – Colossal Progressive Metal To Prize

Posted in classic metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, progressive metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on March 23, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

HUNTED – In my Metal quest for delivering to visitors of Metal Odyssey, unsigned bands that are decidedly worthy of their Metal existence, I have uncovered yet another exemplary band. This Progressive Metal band is based in Cardiff, Wales and is known as HUNTED. Remember the name of this band, cause once a record label signs them (and Hunted will get signed) you can say, with Metal pride, you knew about them “back in the day”. Welcome The Dead is the debut album of ten songs that ruptures with proficiency, the Progressive Metal of Hunted. Hunted is a band that’s on the Metal advance and I’m on board for their Metal offensive.

The Metal influences are easily detectable from the Progressive Metal sound that Hunted plays. I hear Geoff Tate’s influence resonate from the vocals of Chris G and trust me, this guy can sing like his life depends on it. Picture if you will, Iron Maiden fusing their Progressive Metal with Dream Theater and you have what Hunted reminds this Old Schooler of and openly agrees with. Hunted is light years from being a copy-cat band, so rest assured you will be listening to a band that has taken such legendary Metal influences and carved out their own flaming ball of Metal originality.

Minus any keyboard atmospherics, Hunted remarkably pulls off an ambiance of Progressive Metal space that excels. This band can play heavy, my ears don’t doubt this for a second. I Want Nothing has it’s tempo changes, only it plays out quite Heavy in both it’s Metal and vocal personality. There is a lot to be said, as to how Hunted structures their songs, leading the listener on a Metal landscape that evolves with it’s intensity and simmers down with melodic majesty.

The totality of musicianship and the vocals of Chris G carry Hunted in unison, combining for a band that plays extremely tight. While not radiating an over-polished listen in sound, there is an air of rawness to this album that many superstar bands are missing today. I am impressed by the talents of Tim Hamill and Hunted in producing and mixing this album, these are songs that can’t be thrown together with their delicate parts. Hunted comes across as a band that planned this Welcome The Dead album a long time ago, in a Metal galaxy far, far away. This is not an album you can listen to three times over and write about. Instead, Welcome The Dead is an album that needs to be digested for a month, enjoyed and continually savored.

The articulation of Chris G’s vocals coinciding with the Metal articulation of Steven Barberini on guitar could not have happened overnight… or over the course of one year, these songs are that luminous with profound energy, thought and dynamism. The melodic leads and solos that Steven plays are so flavorful, that I am launched into a world of swirling Metal highs because of my hearing them. Sounds sappy? Not to me. Music, especially Metal, can move me like there’s no tomorrow. Metal be thy name.

Aria (In Memoriam) plays out at 8:49 and is one of the finest Progressive Metal epic songs I’ve ever listened to. Emotion spills over from both this songs music and vocals. If your going to make Progressive Metal songs that last this long, the key is to keep the emotion on high and never let up and Hunted does just that. The title track/intro begins with the sounds of war, bullets ripping through the air, marching boots and an air raid siren. This is Progressive Metal. An intro such as this sets the stage, mood and impending anatomy to the songs that follow.

Hunted plays as if they have been together for twenty years. Layered songs with clever lyrics, the enthusiasm and competence this band exhibits through their playing of these songs cannot be denied. I’m already looking forward to another album from Hunted… right now. Then again, Metal, Progressive Metal that is this grand, cannot be manufactured or served up fast-food style. Welcome The Dead is an album of Progressive Metal and Metal for discerning fans of Metal Music. I’ll just end this rave review by adding: Hunted is without question, in the sparse crème de la crème crowd of unsigned Metal bands. Metal be thy name.

Track Listing For Welcome The Dead:

Welcome The Dead (1:19)

The Silence Of Minds (6:03)

Chosen (4:28)

Aria (In Memoriam) (8:48)

The Incident (0.33)

Impaled (5.11)

Scars (5.23)

I Want Nothing (5.41)

Shadows (7.00)

The Heart Collector (Bonus Track) (5.49)

HUNTED:

Chris G – vocals

Steven Barberini – guitars

Jon Letson – bass

Matt “Animal” Thomas – drums

Metal Odyssey gives HUNTED Welcome The Dead Five Metal Fists out of Five!

* Welcome The Dead was mixed and produced by Tim Hamill and Hunted.

* Welcome The Dead was mastered by John K. (Biomechanical)

* Welcome The Dead was recorded & edited by Tim Hamill at Sonic One Studio, Wales, UK.

* Album cover art by: Marcela Bolivar

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

LONG LIVE HUNTED.

Stone.

4 Comments »

HELSTAR – Announce New Texas and NYC Area Shows!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on March 3, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

HELSTAR – Riding high on the incredible response to their recently released seventh full-length Glory Of Chaos, Houston’s HELSTAR are busy booking live appearances for the coming months. In addition to their appearance this weekend at the San Antonio Metalfest, several brand new Summer appearances have also been confirmed, both in their home state of Texas as well as two appearances in Northern New Jersey, with more to be announced for New York City and more shortly.

HELSTAR Confirmed Live Appearances:

3/05/2011 The Dorm – San Antonio, TX

6/17/2011 The Rail – Fort Worth, TX

6/18/2011 Dirty Dog – Austin, TX

6/24/2011 Dingbatz – Clifton, NJ

6/25/2011 *TBA – New York, NY

Released in North America via AFM Records in early February, HELSTAR’s Glory Of Chaos is a ballsy, blazing full-length display of pure American heavy metal, taking their classic sound to aggressive new measures on the new album.

(Source: Earsplit PR)

* For more info on HELSTAR, click the links below:

HELSTAR – Official Website

HELSTAR – myspace music

LONG LIVE HELSTAR.

Stone.

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Super Bowl XLV – My “Dream Metal” Halftime Show I’d Like To Share

Posted in football, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, sports with tags , , , , , , , , , on January 15, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

SUPER BOWL XLV – Regardless of the performers who have been chosen for this years Super Bowl XLV, I have my own “Dream Metal Halftime Show” I’d like to share with the world. Some may disagree with the performers I have chosen, while others will raise the horns to the air and be pleased. Whichever is the case, this is about “personal” choice. Personal Metal choice, that is.

I’d love to see Lemmy, Phil and Mikkey up on that stage… ripping out Killed By Death. Then, it would be so righteous to see and hear Lemmy state to millions of fans worldwide, via live simulcast: “We’re Motörhead and we’re a Rock ‘N’ Roll Band”.

Just to see and hear Klaus Meine belting out: “big city, big city nights!” on that Super Bowl stage would be a Metal moment to remember… especially since the Scorpions are currently in the midst of their three year farewell tour.

Oh, man, would it be a Metal treat to witness Rob Halford as he stalks the Super Bowl stage… singing with Classic Metal defiance: “some heads are gonna roll!” The vision of K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton side by side, trading off guitar licks would be a Metal sight to behold. A Metal Super Bowl XLV sight to behold, that is. What a tremendous way for Judas Priest to kick off their 2011 farewell tour… the Metal thought of it all is fun stuff.

As a last thought to my “Dream Metal” Super Bowl XLV Halftime Show, I would be psyched out of my Metal mind, to see and hear Hank Williams Jr. bellow out: “are you ready for some Metal!”

It’s just too bad that I, along with other Metalheads that span generations, will have to watch mainstream Pop performing at Super Bowl XLV instead.

METAL BE THY NAME.

* BONUS Super Bowl XLV Fact: Stone is the same age as the Super Bowl.

LONG LIVE THE SUPER BOWL.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

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IRON MAIDEN “FLIGHT 666” is now boarding Metalheads!

Posted in 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's metal music, Album Review, classic metal, concerts, cool album covers, current heavy metal albums, current heavy metal music, current live heavy metal albums, current metal albums, current prog metal albums, current prog metal music, current progressive metal albums, essential heavy metal albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 2009, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2009, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal this decade, heavy metal vocalists, Iron Maiden, Metal, metal music, metal music today, Metal Reviews, Music, new heavy metal album, old school heavy metal, prog metal albums, prog metal music, progressive metal, progressive metal albums, progressive metal music, progressive metal today, recent heavy metal albums with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 11, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

fullsizeYou bet your Metal memory I picked up the new and live double CD “Flight 666” from Iron Maiden, (released June 9, 2009). How could I possibly pass it up? This is Iron Maiden we are talking about… Metal icons… Metal elite. I first saw this new Iron Maiden CD, yesterday, at f.y.e., they were asking $16.99… I knew I could do better than that. So, I went to good ol’ Super Walmart to pick up necessities, like… food, then my body was on automatic pilot and went straight to the CD aisles. Iron Maiden is a necessity in my Metal life, therefore, I purchased “Flight 666” along with various food items from Walmart. I embarked for my car, with my daughters by my side and I am one happy dude. The Walmart price? I paid $13.88 for “Flight 666”, if I continued to search for a cheaper price than that, I would be wasting gas in my tank. Plus, I was able to save $3.23… sounds like chump change, yet it adds up throughout the years when you shop around a tad. I am going to put the DVD version of “Flight 666” on my want list for now… I listen to Metal light years more often than I watch Metal.

Now, for the Metal music on “Flight 666″… again, this is Iron Maiden! What in the Metal world could I possibly find fault with here? This live double CD is juiced up with many prime Metal tunes from the expansive Iron Maiden catalog of albums. Quality, quality and more quality. That is what you hear from the production, sound and of course, the Metal from this Iron Maiden live CD. No Iron Maiden and/or Metal fan could possibly expect any less from this band. When I listen to “Flight 666”, I truly realize how I have never grown weary of any Iron Maiden tunes. If anything, listening to this CD makes me appreciate this band all the more, Iron Maiden is still cranking out Metal across the world… and doing so with their trademark, brilliant musicianship. These guys have not missed a step going on three decades. “Flight 666” is proof of this. The Progressive Metal exuberance of Iron Maiden, with their multi-layered triple guitar attack are in a Metal class all their own. Being a live CD, the nuances and ambiance of the musicianship and the thousands of screaming Iron Maiden fans make for an exciting listen. Not everyone is into live albums… I never fell in love with every live Metal album I have listened to either – “Flight 666” is a live Metal album that I will boast about forever.

There are six tracks on “Flight 666” that are post “Powerslave” era Iron Maiden. “Wasted Years” and “Heaven Can Wait” are from the “Somewhere In Time” album. “Heaven Can Wait” is my favorite post “Powerslave” Iron Maiden tune, it is played live in incredible Metal fashion here. “Fear Of The Dark” is from, of course, the “Fear Of The Dark” album. “The Clairvoyant”, “Moonchild” and “Can I Play With Madness” are off of the “Seventh Son of a Seventh Son” album. The remaining eleven tracks are just killer, vintage and monumental Iron Maiden from the debut “Iron Maiden” album up to and including, the “Powerslave” album. The opening live trademark of “Churchill’s Speech” gets the Metal juices flowing for what is about to come… “Aces High”… pure Iron Maiden, pure Metal intensified! “2 Minutes To Midnight” and “The Number Of The Beast” roar with Iron Maiden – Metal history. I am glad to see that “Rime Of The Ancient Mariner”, from the “Powerslave” album, is added to this amazing set of Iron Maiden classics… at almost 14 minutes long, Iron Maiden makes an epic story turn to epic Metal greatness. My favorite Iron Maiden tune ever is found on “Flight 666” as well and I am ecstatic… “Revelations” from the “Piece Of Mind” album.

I guess you may have figured out by now, that I am a life long fan of Iron Maiden. I am obviously not alone with my Metal allegiance towards this band. I could go on forever about how much I dig this band and “Flight 666”, however, all great Metal posts must come to an end. If you are already an Iron Maiden fan, you know you will own this album, (if you not already have it). For new fans of Metal or Iron Maiden, it is time to get on board for “Flight 666”!!

Iron Maiden are: Bruce Dickinson on lead vocals, Dave Murray on lead & rhythm guitars, Adrian Smith on lead & rhythm guitars, Janick Gers on lead & rhythm guitars, Steve Harris on bass and Nicko Mcbrain on drums. If these guys are not legitimate Rock & Roll Hall of Famers, then nobody is. Iron Maiden is in my Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and they epitomize what the word Metal means.

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Danzig – debut album from 1988 is all Metal muscle

Posted in 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's hard rock, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's metal music, Album Review, classic metal, cool album covers, Danzig, essential hard rock albums, essential heavy metal albums, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal vocalists, horror metal, Metal, metal music, Metal Reviews, Misfits, Music, old school heavy metal, rock music, vintage heavy metal albums, Vocals with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 27, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

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Listening to the debut album from Danzig, (titled “Danzig”), is always a refresher course in what smash mouth Metal is about. Released in 1988, this album in my Metal opinion, has all the ingredients necessary to be looked upon as a muscular Metal Classic. I will admit, that this is one of my favorite Metal albums ever and Danzig does hold high rank in my Metal universe. Before Glenn Danzig went the all Metal route with his music, well, was there anyone else in Metal that sounded like him? My answer is nope. I liken Danzig’s vocals to be of profound Metal uniqueness, where he will clearly deliver the spoken word, then sing and/or belt out vocally with real conviction.  Sure, I even agree that Danzig’s vocals sound a tad like Jim Morrison at times… not a bad dude to be compared to for vocals. The ten tracks on “Danzig” are laced with the lyrical darkness that are open for interpretation. Musically, Glenn Danzig is a Metal mastermind at combining the straight up and anti-commercial approach to these songs, while not over complicating any of the songs structure. “Mother” is the closest you will get to ever seeing a Danzig tune dabble with mainstream popularity.

I can recall how the great Danzig song “Mother” gave me an unexpected surprise that actually made my day. My best buddy in the Galaxy, well, he is a steadfast and loyal Boston Red Sox fan, (I am not). He took me along to Fenway Park a couple of times, (paid for my tickets too) and we both took in two fine games. I will always appreciate his generosity. Well, at one of these Red Sox games, the relief pitcher – closer was called in to the game, his name was Keith Foulke. I did not realize that this pitchers theme song and/or warm-up song to get pumped up to – was none other than Danzig’s “Mother”. Here I am, innocently sitting in the historical Fenway Park, by the historical “Pesky Pole”, within a sea of Red Sox fans and I am taken by Metal surprise to the electrifying and heavy loudness of Danzig’s “Mother” coming over the stadium speakers! I felt so proud to be a Danzig fan at that moment. Let me tell you, that song lit up the thousands of Red Sox fans at Fenway Park that day. 

Now, back to this Danzig album, my favorite four tunes, (not in any specific order), are: “Twist Of Cain” – which has the sandpaper tough, do not mess with me attitude oozing from the lyrics and music, “She Rides” – a track that has that slowly driven, heavy beat that gives me an instant, devious, Metal grin, “End Of Time” – which is melancholy and spooky lyrically and rocks heavy with thick Metal grooves, leads & riffs, then of course, “Mother”. I will say that in my Metal opinion, all ten songs on “Danzig” are fully loaded for maximum heavy musical enjoyment. The Danzig lineup for this debut album was: Glenn Danzig on vocals, Eerie Von on bass, John Christ on lead guitar and Chuck Biscuits on drums. Not that Glenn Danzig needed any introduction to the Rock universe back in 1988, he did arrive with storied and musically historical careers with the Misfits and Samhain behind him. However, I firmly believe that this debut album was built to last, succeeding in launching the Metal legacy that Danzig has so brilliantly created.

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