London, UK – Much to the excitement of music fans across the planet, Dutch rock legends Focus will be undertaking a worldwide tour beginning November 2012 in support of their forthcoming CD Focus X. With their unique brand of progressive rock, Focus manifested themselves at the start of the ’70s as the most successful and appreciated of all the Dutch pop-rock exports. Fronted by founding member Thijs Van Leer, and best known for their hits “Hocus Pocus”, “House of The King” and “Sylvia”, as well as critically acclaimed albums ‘Moving Waves’, ‘Focus 3’ and ‘Hamburger Concerto’, the iconic Dutch music masters are back with their tenth album, which is guaranteed to please their legions of fans!
After a comeback in the early 2000’s, which resulted in the well-received albums ‘Focus 8’ and ‘Focus 9’, the band regrouped with a fantastic new line-up. Along with Thijs van Leer on vocals, flute and keyboards, back on the drums is famed Focus drummer Pierre van der Linden, who joined the group on their second album ‘Moving Waves’ in 1972. Internationally renowned for his rhythmic skills, Pierre remains a defining factor in the Focus sound. Bassist Bobby Jacobs, who comes from a well-acclaimed Dutch musical family and guitarist Menno Gootjes, who participated in Focus at an earlier stage, completes the band’s current line-up. Recently, Focus’s biggest hit “Hocus Pocus” was used in a 4-minute Nike commercial before the World Cup broadcast. Focus music can be regularly heard on Top Gear and Saxondale TV.
A new Focus era has arrived! There is a rejuvenated passion in the new compositions that adorn the new album ‘Focus X’, which features a full-scale Roger Dean painting on the cover. Says Thijs van Leer, who holds the distinction of being the first ever knighted musician in Holland, “It’s a thrill to have finally completed ‘Focus X’; we are all ecstatic and looking forward to playing the new material on the forthcoming Focus X Tour.”
The first interview I had with Gordon Brown was just after his amicable departure from Heavy Rock legends IronClaw; that interview was posted here on Metal Odyssey practically a year ago to this day, on October 21st, 2011. Now, with a fresh start and always the positive outlook on the future, Gordon Brown has started a new band: DeltaOne Six.
A Scottish gentleman with music flowing from his soul, Gordon Brown has a bluesy voice that fits right into any decade of Rock and Roll. This past year, Gordon Brown shared many of his songs that he has recorded throughout his life, via Soundcloud. (See link at bottom of post). The “open-book” approach that Gordon Brown has taken, with the music he’s created, shows to me the honest-to-goodness personality of this man.
Since I’ve known Gordon Brown, he has always taken a nothing to hide approach with his music and has never dodged a question. This is an artist I’ve been rooting for since I first heard him sing. Recently, Gordon Brown answered another round of questions, being his typical friendly and polite self! I’m proud to present to you, this second interview with Gordon Brown:
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Stone: Can you give more (untold) details as to why the Iron Claw partnership ended?
Gordon: Very simply, the band wanted to play a heavier style of music than I did. Once the recording of the album was finished things just didn’t work out – if it isn’t right it’s time to move on. There’s no animosity, we don’t see each other as we live in different towns, but I dare say at some point we’ll have a pint or two. At this stage it appears unlikely that Iron Claw will perform live again, I was speaking to Alex Wilson recently and told him that I would consider writing lyrics and singing on any future recordings. As far as I’m concerned that door is not shut, only it would have to be music that appealed to me. The music from “A Different Game” lives on in a live sense though, currently I’m doing Southern Sky with a view to possibly adding some others further down the line.
Stone: How has “life after Iron Claw” been treating you?
Gordon: Life has been good, I am working on some collaborations with songwriters in the USA and have started a new band “Delta One Six”, we’re due to go live on November 9th and have a song being included in a compilation of Scottish Blues acts due for release in November. Throughout my musical career I have been fortunate enough to play with some truly amazingly talented musicians, the boys in Delta One Six are an absolute delight to play with.
People have had the chance via You Tube to see some of the very early practice sessions, they were recorded using a mobile phone, the sound quality, despite being taken from one side is pretty good – I think people will enjoy what we’re looking to create – a tiny amount in the way of effects, just ass-kicking blues/rock played with passion.
Check out Delta One Six below, jamming during a rehearsal this past August! This is cool stuff! Metal be thy name!
Stone: You list the music you “err towards” as British Blues, Southern Boogie, Chicago Blues and “a hint of Bluegrass chucked in for good measure” on your bio. You’ve obviously excelled, on a grand scale, with (Bluesy) Hard Rock with Iron Claw. What is the one genre you want to sing, that comes straight from your heart and soul?
Gordon: The bluesy thing will remain, it suits the way I like to sing. I always end up coming back to the Blues, having said that I’m not a huge fan of Delta Blues, I much prefer the electric sound. It’s fair to say that I do like ballads as well, the Blues I do is a mash-up of Free, Whitesnake, The Allmans and too many others too mention.
Stone: While growing up as an aspiring musician, what records were in your collection?
Gordon: It kinda went in stages, I started off listening to my elder brothers and sisters music, The Beatles, Stones, Cream, Fleetwood Mac (with Peter Green), the first record I remember listening to was Jigsaw Puzzle Blues, it was the B side to Albatross. When I started secondary school I was a big fan of a band called Slade for a couple of years – then came the Black Sabbath period, but I was also listening to all manner of things like, Atomic Rooster, Wishbone Ash, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Pink Floyd, The Groundhogs, Frankie Miller, Blue Oyster Cult, Humble Pie, Thin Lizzy and in particular one band which has stuck with me since that time – the mighty FREE (and Bad Company ), I’m a huge fan of Paul Rodgers.
Southern Rock came along in the shape of Lynyrd Skynyrd at about age 15 and I’ve loved that genre ever since. Punk arrived when I was 17 – I didn’t think much of it, so pretty much ignored it. The NWOBHM didn’t really shake my boat either – I did enjoy gigs by Saxon and Iron Maiden, but found myself still listening to the things I grew up on and I still do! My little confession is that I’ve always wanted to do a blues/rock cover of At The Car Wash by Rose Royce. Unfortunately, so far no-one shares my vision for it!
Stone: Which well-known bands and/or musicians of today would you want to work with on a “special guest” level of recording?
Gordon: Warren Haynes, Paul Rodgers or Greg Allman would be top of my list, Glenn Hughes, Buddy Guy and so many more including Iron Dave from Diablo Canyon. I think the real answer would be “anyone who asked”!
Stone: These are turbulent times in the world right now; many countries economies and wars have taken it’s toll on the human spirit it seems, yet music seems to be the universal language of peace, hope and friendship that unites fans and bands worldwide. What are your thoughts on the power of music to unite and heal?
Gordon: I agree with you 100% that music brings people together and I would say one genre more than any other to do that is Metal. Music does much already to unite people to combat famine etc. in terms of providing money to assist, alas, I think we humans are too wrapped up in making a profit and fighting over oil.
Stone: If you could change the record industry overnight, what changes would you mandate?
Gordon: Fair contracts for bands. Too many bands sign themselves away just to become a “signed band” and end up being ripped off or having their recordings buried. The most important thing for most bands to understand is that you get back what you put in, if you don’t work hard you’ll go nowhere – the music business is 90% business and 10% music – sad but true!
Stone: Gordon, there is no denying you have an amazing voice and music is in your soul. For all aspiring vocalists out there, what are the golden rules to follow in protecting your voice? Is a true lyricist born or made?
Gordon: Don’t smoke, don’t drink alcohol, avoid air-conditioning and take lots of exercise while eating a healthy balanced diet. Well, I drink, smoke and probably don’t exercise as much as I used to. My simple Golden Rule is practice, practice, practice! I probably sing somewhere between 1 and 2 hours per day (most days!). There are certain songs I use as “training songs” in which I simply sing along to a record and try to match the high and low notes, (for example) Ronnie James Dio singing Heaven and Hell and Catch the Rainbow, maybe a bit of David Coverdale and always some Paul Rodgers, I find it helps with the way I like to phrase songs, I don’t try to imitate them, quite often I’ll do a harmony to their vocal, if possible get some lessons and learn how to breathe properly.
On stage I am always accompanied by Vocalzones, Strepsils, Vicks (for up my nose!) a flask of hot tea and about 3 litres of water, before a gig I do lots of breathing exercises and some scales just to warm up, occasionally I’ll gargle a glass of whisky (sometimes I might even drink it!) but my firmly held view is that when I’m on stage I’m working and therefore no excessive alcohol intake.
Lyricists, I think they can be both born and made, probably more born than made though, I think you have to be in tune with the music and let it talk to and guide you as to the direction the lyrics should take. Unless of course you have the lyric but no tune to go with it, I think that’s harder to do and those who can put a tune to lyrics are born.
Stone: You have showcased your musical evolution on Soundcloud. I find this “open-book” approach to your musical resume commendable and inspiring. What and/or who has been most influential to you, in creating your life’s soundtrack?
Gordon: In everything you do, there is something that shapes the person you become, every person you meet from your parents onwards define your path. Personally, I think I’ve led a full and interesting life so far, it’s had its highs and lows, but I’m very much an optimist, if you get knocked down, get up, brush yourself down and keep moving forward. The open book approach and putting up videos of band rehearsals and recordings that weren’t the greatest was a gamble, it could have put people off completely and fortunately that hasn’t been the case.
Very simply, I think that people can appreciate an honest approach, they know that live music isn’t about every note being perfect (even the best bands/artists make mistakes), live music is about finding a vibe and making the audience believe in what you’re doing.
Stone Says: I’d like to thank Gordon Brown for this interview and for being such a cool long-distance Metal Buddy!
DIO DISCIPLES are currently on the road, spreading “A Celebration of the Life and Music of Ronnie James Dio!”
Dio Disciples is comprised of singers Tim “Ripper” Owens (Judas Priest) and Oni Logan (Lynch Mob), guitarist Craig Goldy (Dio), bassist Bjorn Anglund (Yngwie Malmsteen), keyboardist Scott Warren (Dio,Heaven & Hell), and drummer Simon Wright (Dio, AC/DC, UFO).
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Check out the tour dates below to see if Dio Disciples will be jamming near you!
10/24 Hawthorne, Portland OR
10/26 Hard Rock On The Strip, Las Vegas NV
10/27 Club Red, Tempe AZ
10/28 Ventura Theater, Ventura CA
10/30 Brick By Brick, San Diego CA
10/31 Avalon Theater,
2nd Annual RJD Stand Up And Shout Gala, Hollywood CA
11/3 House Of Rock, El Paso TX
11/4 Trees, Dallas TX
11/7 Underground, Sandusky OH
11/8 Pierre’s Ft. Wayne IN
11/10 Harpo’s Detroit MI
11/11 Tap House, Akron OH
11/13 Asylum, Portland ME
11/15 Starland, Sayerville NJ
11/16 The Met, Providence RD
11/17 Revolution, Amyityville NY
11/18 The Chance, Poughkeepsie NY
11/20 Crocodile Rock, Allentown PA
DIO – THE VERY BEAST OF VOL. 2 was released on October 9th, 2012, via Niji Entertainment. My strong Metal advice is buy it and celebrate the legacy of Ronnie James Dio… loud and proud! Horns Up! Metal be thy name.
RUSH – Canada’s greatest Rock & Progressive Rock band ever. You can even throw in Canada’s greatest Hard Rock band ever too, if you like. Simply put, one of the greatest bands in Rock Music history. RUSH has been ignored by The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame for what reason(s) again? I would certainly like to know the reason(s) for RUSH not being enshrined inside that building in Cleveland, Ohio.
Let’s face it, the legendary RUSH has been influencing countless bands and musicians, while psyching-out their fans, going on 5 decades now! RUSH is a pioneering Progressive Rock band that makes credible all-time lists at every turn, with absolutely no sign of stopping! Whoa! Metal be thy name!
The musical excellence that Geddy Lee (bass & vocals), Alex Lifeson (guitars) and Neil Peart (drums & percussion) radiates from their vast catalog of studio and live albums is mind-boggling to me… and I shall never stop saluting this unreal important band.
Okay, with all that cool stuff blabbed, it’s time for your voice to be heard! Take the poll below and answer this simple question: Shouldn’t RUSH be in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame by now?
RUSH – Stats Of Note:
* Debut/ST album released in 1974
* Inducted into the Canadian Music Hall Of Fame – Class Of 1994
* Inducted into Canada’s Songwriting Hall Of Fame – Class Of 2010
* Bestowed the Order of Canada – 1997
* Have earned 24 Gold Records
* Have earned 14 Platinum Records
* RUSH has sold more than 40 million records worldwide
* 3 records have gone multi-platinum
* 7-time Grammy Nominee
* Winner of 8 JUNO Awards
* Awarded a star on both the Hollywood Walk Of Fame (2010) and Canada’s Walk Of Fame (1999)
Digitally restored video & audio, with two previously unreleased tracks! In stores October 22!
On July 5th, 1968, The Doors took to the stage of the Hollywood Bowl for a concert that has since passed into legend. The Doors were performing on the back of their 3rd album release “Waiting For The Sun” and the US No.1 single “Hello, I Love You”. They had been honing their live performances over the previous 2 years and were on absolute peak form.
Now for the first time the original film footage from the Hollywood Bowl has been digitally scanned and restored to present the show better and more complete than it’s ever been seen before, with 2 previously unreleased tracks (Hello, I Love You & The WASP (Texas Radio And The Big Beat)) returned to the running order and with sound newly remixed and mastered from the original multitrack tapes by The Doors’ engineer and co-producer BruceBotnick. This is now the definitive edition of this famous performance and features over an hour of bonus material!
Stone Says: I’ve read some excerpts already from this Peter Criss book and they are heartwarming, heartbreaking and hilarious. I don’t think you need to be just a KISS or Rock ‘N Roll fan to buy this book; all you need to be is a fan of life. I simply cannot wait to buy this book and read it entirely. Metal be thy name.
KISS KOLLECTIBLES – That’s it at the top! That’s my KISS Peter Criss (Johnny Lightning) die-cast race car I bought many years ago. Each member of the Klassic KISS lineup was featured on a die-cast in this Johnny Lightning series. This series was featured as “Racing Dreams” and referred to by Johnny Lightning as “the greatest race cars that never were!”
Stone Notes: Yes, as any loyal visitor to Metal Odyssey knows, I keep most of my KISS Kollectibles sealed in their original packaging… unless they’re CD’s, magazines, comic books or books. Uh, you get the Metal point.
A (Johnny Lightning) KISS trading card was also a part of this package (see above photo). My Peter Criss car came with an Ace Frehley trading card; it is #20 of a 50 card set. Along with being card #20, “Ace… ready for a good time!” is the card designation within the set. I do own 1 die-cast of Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons and Ace Frehley from this Johnny Lightning series as well.
I don’t own the complete trading card set from this line; maybe someday I’ll track the set down (for a reasonable price) and buy it. The year of issue for this really cool die-cast was 1997 (the date is found on the back of the packaging). Remembering which retail store I bought this KISS Peter Criss die-cast is fuzzy; Walmart or Kmart would be my best guesses for I’ve bought many die-cast cars at both locations, over the decades. Metal be thy name.
Depicted on the hood of this die-cast car is the Peter Criss solo album portrait:
KISS – Okay. Unless you’ve been living on the Moon or have been out-of-touch with humanity for the past year, there is a brand new KISS album for sale and it’s called: MONSTER. The 20th studio album from the ICONIC KISS was released this past Tuesday, on October 9th, via UMe. Yup, this new album is exactly that… an F’n MONSTER and I mean that in the most grandest way too. Metal be thy name and ring that KISS Army bell. Tell all the naysayers and posers to go to F’n hell.
You see, being a lifetime KISSaholic, how could I write an album review for MONSTER with just one post? I did write reviews in the past for other KISS albums; where I cover the album’s songs and how it sounds, feels, blah, blah, blah and F’n blah again. This time around, for MONSTER, I’m gonna do things a tad different. I’ll write about one song, about the album cover or whatever the hell I want to write about, in reference to this ABSOLUTE ROCKING KISS ALBUM. One F’n post at a time. Metal be thy KISSaholic name and tell all the naysayers… SHAME!
What’s my favorite song on MONSTER? Which song have I played over and over and over and Rock And Roll Over again? That’s easy. Here it is:
LONG WAY DOWN
I’m telling you right now, this song has CLASSIC ROCK oozing from it’s every crevice and the guitars are the HUGE giveaway here. For those who never thought KISS could make a song that would elevate them into the upper stratosphere of ROCK RELEVANCE… think again. With Long Way Down, KISS reached back into their CLASSIC HARD ROCK ROOTS and have delivered a very (un)KISS-like sound that somehow sounds like… KISS.
Paul Stanley sounds SUPERB on vocals while Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer sound simply invincible as musicians on this song. (Aw, hell, that pretty much sums up KISS on this whole album). Listen for yourself and maybe you’ll agree… that KISS MONSTER is 100% KICK-ASS KISSTORY.
Uh, oh. Stone gets a tad pissed off here:
It’s funny how all the BIG NAME mags and newspaper Rock critics all want to be a part of the KISS ARMY now that they’ve listened to MONSTER. Where were all these naysayers and posers since KISS Dynasty was released? KISS MY ASS is what I say to them all. KISS it baby. SSSMMMAAACCCKKK!
Okay, Stone is mellow again. Um, Kinda.
Stay tuned for some more Fun & Rockin’ Thoughts From Stone regarding MONSTER… I promise to keep the blah, blah, blah out of the mix and the constipated KISS naysayers pissed! Metal be thy name.
KISS – On October 9th, the 20th studio album, MONSTER, from the iconic KISS shall be released upon the world! I cannot wait! I absolutely LOVE their lead single Hell Or Hallelujah and I’m not bashful to admit this song psyches-me-out. I bought this song on iTunes and it has served me Metal right.
Currently on KISSONLINE.COM, you can listen to the following 2 songs from Monster, in their entirety: LongWay Down, All For The Love Of Rock & Roll. I’ve listened to both songs (several times) and they flat-out… ROCK! Go here to listen: http://www.kissonline.com
Check out the KISS – MONSTER television commercial below!
If the Rock & Roll from KISS is no longer fun for you, then you’re probably too damn old and/or severelyconstipated. If you unfortunately fall into one or both of these categories (then) take some Ex-Lax, slap down some Air Supply vinyl on your turntable and go bitch to someone who gives a crap. Metal be thy name.
AC/DC Live At River Plate was recorded in Buenos Aires in December 2009 when nearly 200,000 fans (over 3 sold-out nights) thunderously welcomed AC/DC back after a 13-year absence from Argentina. AC/DC Live At River Plate captures the legendary grandeur, excitement and energy that AC/DC’s live performances are renowned for. This ultimate live recording chronicles one of the largest shows from their massively successful Black IceWorld Tour (where they performed to over 5 million fans in 108 cities in over 28 countries).
* Live At River Plate is the first live album for AC/DC in twenty years!
THE ROLLING STONES– The release dates for GRRR! ( a greatest hits collection) will be as follows: (as reported on http://www.rollingstones.com: GRRR! will be released on 12th November 2012 for the world, excluding North America, and on the 13th November 2012 in North America.
I’ll buy GRRR! cause quite honestly, I don’t own every album from The Rolling Stones. Not even close. I’ve got some catching up to do. Hey… wanna know which are my top two favorite songs from The Rolling Stones? That’s easy. Here you go: Emotional Rescue and Gimme Shelter. Metal be thy name.
KISS KOLLECTIBLES – That’s it at above! That’s my KISS Puzzle Cube Key Chain! I bought this kool KISS Kollectible at a mall store called SPENCER’S about a year or so ago. This store specializes in selling Rock Music memorabilia, (adult/naughty) gifts, gag/humor gifts, body jewelry and tons more of oddball and pop-culture items. I paid $1.50 (U.S.) for this KISS Puzzle Cube Key Chain, finding it on a clearance hook. I only paid $1.50! Whoa!
As you can see in the above photo, I had a difficult time getting the price sticker off the blister package; so I just gave up on removing it. Obviously, I’m going to keep this KISS Kollectible sealed in its original package for my KISS Kollection!
* On this puzzle cube, each KISS solo album portrait is shown, along with the Klassic KISS logo and the KISS character symbols.
* The manufacturer of this fabulous KISS Kollectible is Rabbit Tanaka Corp. Ltd. and under license by Signatures Network and KISS ONLINE. The date printed on the back of this package is 2007. Here’s what the package back looks like:
There seems to be countless KISS Kollectibles out in the marketplace! Whenever I cross paths with a KISS Kollectible that is this inexpensive, I buy it!
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My name is Stone and I’m a KISSaholic. Metal be thy name.
* Wanna read about my other KISS Kollectibles I’ve written about? Just click on those kool links below!
KIX – There are hundreds of famous bands still bringing it from the dazzling, loud, trendsetting, colorful and arena-filled decade known as the 80’s. That decade also boasts some incredibly loyal Hard Rock and Heavy Metal fans. I am proud of my growing up as a teen during that brilliant decade of excessive Rock heaviness, glitz, glam and Metal toxicity. One band from the 80’s that has triumphantly returned and kept their Hard Rock adrenaline on a full-on-high is Hagerstown, Maryland’s KIX.
During the 80’s, KIX released four (charting) albums that spilled over with Hard Rock goodness, courtesy of KIX’s guitar driven, bass thumping, drum pounding, memorable songs; with lyrics sung by the flamboyant Steve Whiteman that motivated so many of us to sing along to, during an any occasion keg party or get together with the pack. KIX was a significant puzzle piece to that decade of Heavy Music decadence and now you can hear for yourself with Live In Baltimore as to why this is righteously so. (KIX would later release 2 more studio albums that charted in the early 90’s).
If you’ve never had a chance to see KIX play live, this album is the second-best thing; Live In Baltimore is your invitation to shed away any moral cobwebs that have kidnapped your thoughts and dreams about good-times Rock ‘N Roll. The 16 plus minutes of Yeah, Yeah, Yeahis a live KIX staple and never fails to remind me that Rock ‘N Roll was supposed to be (gulp) fun to begin with. Make that F’n fun. Steve Whiteman never disappoints my Rockin’ funny bone with his chatter on Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, regardless of how many times I hear it.
Cold Blood will crank-up my adrenaline for eternity, a song that can easily transform a crappy mood I’m in… into one of Hard Rock jubilation. Again, Steve Whiteman makes this live version of Cold Blood 200% better, just from his interaction with the happily screaming fans. Don’t Close Your Eyesis timeless for me, with the emotion that spills over from both its lyrics and music. If you play this power ballad with your #1 gal, she’s guaranteed to get all mushy in your arms. If this song doesn’t have that sort of affect I just described, then your #1 gal is a mannequin.
From start-to-finish, KIX undeniably kicks some heavy Rock ‘N Roll ass on this Live In Baltimore album. KIX will make you move, laugh and sing aloud like you’re supposed to do while listening to live, energy-charged, heavy Rock ‘N Roll. KIX turned me into a fan of their stuff many, many years ago. When I (finally) saw KIX live back in 2010, I experienced why I was a fan of this band for so long. With Live In Baltimore, I can constantly revisit and refresh my KIXaholic enthusiasm. Buy this live KIX album. It will serve you right. Metal be thy name.
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* KIX – Live In Baltimore was released in Europe on September 21st and in North America on September 25th, via Frontiers Records.
LED ZEPPELIN – Celebration Day is a historically documented Rock Music event, in which the ultra iconic Led Zeppelin performed onstage, on December 10th, 2007, at The O2 Arena in London. This was a tribute concert for the late Ahmet Ertegun, the founder of Atlantic Records.
Over two hours of Led Zeppelin classics were filmed and recorded on this amazing night of Rock Music history, showcasing the everlasting talents of Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and (the late John Bonham’s son) Jason Bonham.
Releasing on November 19th, 2012, via Atlantic Records, Celebration Day will be available as 2-CD, 2-CD + 1-DVD and 2-CD + 2-DVD formats.
With this event being the first concert for Led Zeppelin in 27 years, 20 million fans (worldwide) put in for tickets, with only 18,000 lucky fans obtaining a once-in-a-lifetime seat.
Check out the Celebration Day concert movie trailer below! Celebration Day hits the cinemas this October!
As reported on Tom Keifer Official & MEROVEE RECORDS websites:
Singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Tom Keifer is finally releasing his long-awaited and highly anticipated solo album in the Spring of 2013 after entering into a partnership with Merovee Records (a joint venture with Worldwide Pants, Inc.). The as-yet-untitled collection of 14 new songs ranges from intimate, organic, acoustic tracks to driving hard rock. It embraces the blues, rock and country roots that have always been present in his unique sound that has generated the sale of over 15 million records worldwide.
The upcoming release is a raw, introspective look at the roller coaster ride that has been Keifer’s life for the past 15 years. From being told that he would never sing again as a result of a partially paralyzed left vocal cord, to the emotional and personal battles that followed, his solo debut is a story of perseverance, a testament to the power of passion and will, when combined with a true love of music.
THE ORDER – Attention all fans of 80’s Hard Rock, Arena Rock, Classic Rock and early MTV era Heavy Metal: The Order have recorded an album that ushers in the loud, proud, colorful and ultra pumped-up energy that our beloved 80’s Heavy Music had to offer and it’s titled 1986. There’s no doubt in my Metal mind that 1986 was a magnificent year for Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. Now there’s no doubt that this 1986 album is a priority recommendation of mine and one of the very best Hard Rock meets Heavy Metal albums I’ve listened to in 2012… or in the last few years for that matter.
Everything about these 10 songs on 1986 is huge! Huge guitars, huge vocals, huge drums, huge bass. Just a rainstorm of good-times lyrics surrounded by 80’s old school Hard and Heavy Rock ‘N Roll thunder! With 1986, The Order have taken the old adage of what once was old is new again and have written it across the sky. 1986 is the fourth album from these Swiss Hard Rockers and they’ve proven their seasoned musicianship is truly something to behold.
Gianni Pontillo on vocals should make the legendary (and fellow countryman) Marc Storace (of Krokus fame) very, very, very proud. Damn proud. To say it’s a Metal treat to take in the vocals of Gianni on this album is a gross understatement. Bruno Spring dials-in on every tiny guitar nuance that is golden about that arena-era of sound, glitz and glam! The solos, leads and all-encompassing melodic blanket of sound that Bruno plays throughout 1986 is 100% contagious to my Metal lovin’ and Hard Rockin’ senses. Holy Heavy Rockin’ shit.
Take a listen, no, take several listens to the opening track The Power Of Lovebelow! This song is only 1 of 10 that kicks supreme Heavy Rockin’ ass like there’s no tomorrow!
If you can make it through the first four songs on 1986 without getting the psyche-you-out police breaking down the front door, then you’re in for an amazing sonic experience of Hard and Heavy Rock ‘N’ Roll! Just when I thought I’ve listened to it all, this is an album that has lifted me up, spun me around and kicked me straight in the ass with an old school Timberland boot; a boot full of Hard Rockin’ shock and Heavy Metallin’ awe. Holy Heavy Rockin shit, again.
The Order even recorded a ballad that kicks mammoth Metal ass. Under The Rain is the ballad and it’s a diamond-status moment for Gianni on vocals. Now, don’t take my Metal word for it. Take my F’n Metal word for it. The Order are a band you absolutely must know about and their 1986 album is one you absolutely must own. Metal be thy name.
1986 was released on July 27th, 2012, via Massacre Records.
Armored Saint will be playing an all ages show at the House Of Blues in West Hollywood, California, on November 30th. As part of the Metal Blade Records 30th Anniversary Show, Armored Saint will be joined by Gypsyhawk.
As reported on Armored Saint facebook, regarding this House Of Blues show:
Working on some cool things for the show. We’re gonna have some special friends come up and jam with us. Not to be missed.
It’s also been reported that Armored Saint will be co-headlining at ProgPower USA XIV. Bassist Joey Vera had sent this message out on September 15th, via twitter: “Armored Saint is playing next years Prog Power USA Sept 7, 2013. More info to come….”
Broken Bones the new DOKKEN album will be out on Frontiers Records. Available in CD and Deluxe CD/DVD edition including a “Making of the Album” Release date: Europe: September 21st / North America: September 25th
Check out the Broken Bones Official EPK below!
* For more related DOKKEN news, click on the link below!
Superstar-filled tribute to one of the greatest Classic Rock albums of all time! Available on CD September 25!
2012 is the 40th anniversary of the release of Deep Purple’s landmark album Machine Head. In recognition of Deep Purple’s influence, and that of the “Machine Head” album in particular, some of rock music’s biggest names have each contributed a version of their favorite track on the album to create “Re-Machined – A Tribute To Deep Purple’s Machine Head”.
1) Smoke On The Water – Carlos Santana & Jacoby Shaddix
2) Highway Star – Chickenfoot
3) Maybe I’m A Leo – Glenn Hughes & Chad Smith
4) Pictures Of Home – Black Label Society
5) Never Before – Kings Of Chaos (Joe Elliott, Steve Stevens, Duff McKagan, Matt Sorum)
6) Smoke On The Water – Flaming Lips
7) Lazy – Jimmy Barnes with Joe Bonamassa
8) Space Truckin’ – Iron Maiden
9) When A Blind Man Cries – Metallica
10.) Highway Star – Glenn Hughes, Steve Vai, Chad Smith, Lachlan Doley
Stone Says: What a grand album and band, in all the history of Rock ‘N Roll! Re-Machined certainly is a celebration of an iconic band, album and Heavy Rock sound! Machine Head is an album that shall forever live on for generations! Metal be thy name.
If you’d like to read my piece on Deep Purple’s Machine Head, click on the link below!
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
Metal Odyssey's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"
Metal Odyssey > Heavy Metal Music Blog 
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