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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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WARBEAST “Scorched Earth Policy” – A Scorching Thrash Metal Video!

Posted in extreme metal music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, Thrash Metal, thrash metal bands with tags , , , , , , , , on November 12, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

WARBEAST – From their debut album, Krush The Enemy, WARBEAST unleashes their Texas style – Thrash Metal upon the masses with – Scorched Earth Policy. This song not just Thrashes and burns… it shreds with Old School, Metal driven angst. Click on the video box below… and open up a good ol’ fashioned can of Thrash Metal whoop ass. Metal be thy name.

Krush The Enemy was released on Housecore Records, on April 27, 2010.

WARBEAST:

Bruce Corbitt – vocals

Scott Shelby – guitar

Bobby Tillotson aka “J.R.” – guitar

Alan Boves – bass

Joe Gonzalez – drums

“The Governor” Rick Perry – guitar & Warbeast alumni (guitar on Krush The Enemy and above video)

* For more info on WARBEAST, just click on the links below:

WARBEAST – myspace music

WARBEAST – Official Website

* To read the Metal Odyssey album review for Krush The Enemy, just click on the large header below:

WARBEAST “Krush The Enemy” – Thrash Metal That’s Mandatory!

LONG LIVE WARBEAST.

Stone.

 


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METAL MASSACRE XIII – 2006 Compilation Of Metal Is All About Extreme!

Posted in extreme music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock album reviews, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , on October 29, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

METAL MASSACRE – Released on June 13, 2006, Metal Blade Records continued their excellent Metal tradition of delivering a heavy dose of their best signed bands that their label has to offer, with another ear blistering installment to their historic Metal Massacre series – Metal Massacre XII. There are 19 songs on Metal Massacre XIII and that = Metal value. From Bolt Thrower to The Absence, this compilation of Extreme Metal bands never subsides with unmistakable intensity.

Here is a brief and summarized history of the Metal Massacre album series: In 1982, Brian Slagel, the founder and owner of Metal Blade Records, put together and released a compilation of unsigned and underground Metal bands… that first compilation album being aptly titled – Metal Massacre. Onward through the ’80’s and ’90’s, another eleven Metal Massacre compilation albums were released through Metal Blade Records. Back in 1995, Metal Massacre XII was released on Metal Blade Records and was tentatively the last in this incredible series of Metal compilation albums… until eleven years later, in 2006, when Metal Massacre XIII was released!

Admittedly, over the decades and throughout this entire series of Metal Massacre albums, I have been exposed to Metal bands that I was not too familiar with. This still held true with Metal Massacre XIII, with The Absence, The Ocean, Cellador, The Black Dahlia Murder, Gaza and Demiricous being bands that I have pursued with my ears, due to their being featured here. Metal exposure is a good thing… Metal be thy name.

The first band heard on this compilation is Cellador, with Leaving All Behind. Cellador is a Power Metal band from Nebraska… and they are as potently heavy as they are melodic. Leaving All Behind is built around guitar speed that is reminiscent of ’80’s Speed Metal. I’m hoping Cellador carry’s on their Power Metal ways… just an above decent band they are. The Black Dahlia Murder brings on the Extreme with Miasma and it is as punishing as any song they have ever made. Brutal stuff is Miasma… I dig it tremendously.

Six Feet Under is unleashed with Shadow Of The Reaper and it is a Death Metal delight. It’s all about the grooves man… the Death Metal grooves of Six Feet Under! Chris Barnes on vocals ferociously delivers, per usual. The Absence has become a big favorite of mine and From Your Grave is Melodic Death Metal at it’s very finest. A real fine listen on this Metal Massacre album is God Dethroned smashing it down with Sigma Enigma. This song I found to be instantly memorable for it’s hell bent consistency.

Amon Amarth and their song The Pursuit Of Vikings is my favorite song on MMIII. Melodic as all hell, Amon Amarth is a giant of a band. Melodic Death Metal can put me into one super great mood and Amon Amarth never disappoints me. The riffs kick some serious ass on this song, while everything just seems to come together perfectly. Amon Amarth can play my backyard barbecue next Summer… if they liked to. And The Hero Fails definitely provides one meaty dose of Metal Extremity with His Imperial Victory, the same can be said for Gaza with Cult… holy crap I’m telling you all, these two bands are Heeeaaavvvy and Exxxttrreeeeme. ‘Nuff said about that.

You can find Metal Massacre XIII just about anywhere CD’s are sold (online that is). I was able to get my “new” copy a few years back pretty cheap… (around $5 U.S.). Since the inception of Metal Blade Records Metal Massacre I, this is a Metal series well worth diving into with thine ears. Metal Massacre XIII is again, a tremendous value for the money. Plus, you are getting introduced to a bevy of very cool and dynamite Metal bands that your maybe unfamiliar with. I highly recommend, with Metal might, this Metal Massacre XIII to any fan of Metal worldwide… and to all alien Metalheads in outer space too.

* The ultra legendary Metallica were featured on 1982’s Metal Massacre… with their Thrash Classic – Hit The Lights.

Track Listing For Metal Massacre XIII:

Cellador – Leaving All Behind

The Black Dahlia Murder – Miasma

Six Feet Under – Shadow Of The Reaper

Torture Killer – Swarm!

Demiricous – Vagrant Idol

3 – Alien Angel

Bolt Thrower – The Killchain

Into The Moat – Dead Before I Stray

The Red Chord – Fixation On Plastics

Fragments Of Unbecoming – Sterling Black Icon

Paths Of Possession – Bleed The Meek

The Absence – From Your Grave

God Dethroned – Sigma Enigma

Amon Amarth – The Pursuit Of Vikings

Machinemade God – Kiss Me Now Kill Me Later

The Ocean – One With The Ocean

And The Hero Falls – His Imperial Victory

Gaza – Cult

End It All – Echo Of Cries

HAPPY HALLOWEEN WEEKEND, METALHEADS!

LONG LIVE METAL.

LONG LIVE METAL BLADE RECORDS.

Stone.

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CRADLE OF FILTH – “Darkly, Darkly, Venus Aversa” Releases November 9, 2010 In North America!

Posted in black metal music, extreme metal music, gothic metal, Hard Rock, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 25, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

CRADLE OF FILTH – As 2010 is drawing towards a close, the new Metal releases just keep on coming! On Novermber 9, 2010, Cradle Of Filth’s ninth studio album – Darkly, Darkly, Venus Aversa will be released, on Nuclear Blast USA for North America. Dani Filth and his band have returned… and from what I’m hearing, this Cradle Of Filth album is the fastest and heaviest yet! November shall be quite the “filthy” month for Metal once this Cradle Of Filth album hits the street. Did you get it? “Filthy”… Cradle Of “Filth”? Man, my corn-dog side is coming out again.

You can bet your last Metal dollar I’ll be buying this new Cradle Of Filth album… especially after I’ve had to endure looking at thousands of political campaign commercials while I’m trying to watch my nightly ghost hunting and paranormal reality shows on television. It feels like my Metal world has been invaded by all of these lying, slimy and backdoor dealing politicians, each time their overpriced commercial hits the t.v. screen.

I’m voting… you better believe it, it’s an American privilege that I shall never take for granted. It’s just that these phony politicians aren’t gonna “sway” my vote just because they are name calling and throwing stones at each other every night on television… like a bunch of preschoolers in a playground. I’m into facts and the pursuit of happiness… not mud slinging.

I don’t mean to get off track here… my Metal point is: I’m thankful that Metal exists, that bands like Cradle Of Filth exists, to keep my attention away from the political garbage that network news and politicians try to feed society on a daily basis. Long live Metal and Cradle Of Filth. Metal be thy name.

I’ve listened to Lilith Immaculate several times already… this is a strong epic song to savor on Darkly, Darkly, Venus Aversa. Atmospheric and layered in all of it’s eerily dark richness, with speed and heaviness not taking a back seat. Dani Filth is as vocally Extreme as ever, with Black Metal fire resonating from his every syllable. Extreme, Gothic and Black Metal fans will find plenty to embrace from this fantastic song. If the rest of Darkly, Darkly, Venus Aversa is like this… whoa.

Metal has never messed up a society… politicians have.

Track Listing For Darkly, Darkly, Venus Aversa:

The Cult Of Venus Aversa

One Foul Step From The Abyss

The Nun With The Astral Habit

Retreat Of The Sacred Heart

The Persecution Song

Deceiving Eyes

Lilith Immaculate

The Spawn Of Love And War

Harlot On A Pedestal

Forgive Me Father (I Have Sinned)

Beyond Eleventh Hour

Cradle Of Filth, as they appear on Darkly, Darkly, Venus Aversa:

Dani Filth – lead vocals

Paul Allender – lead guitar

James Mcllory – rhythm guitar

Ashley Ellyllon – keyboards, backing vocals

Dave Pybus – bass

Martin Skaroupka – drums

* For more info on Cradle Of Filth, click on the link below:

CRADLE OF FILTH – Official Website

Metal Reigns Supreme.

Stone.

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DARKEST HOUR – Announce 15 Year Anniversary 2011 European Tour!

Posted in concerts, extreme metal music, extreme music, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 18, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

(New York, NY) – DARKEST HOUR will be heading over to Europe this Winter of 2011 and they couldn’t be more excited to get back across the pond. “Put on your winter jacket and get ready for endless nights of good times, because we’re headed back to Europe. We’re bringing the Legacy Tour overseas and playing songs from our entire catalog. We fell in love with Europe in 2000 and have enjoyed touring there for an entire decade. Playing from squats to arenas and everywhere in between, we’ve made some of our closest friends and have had some of the best times of our lives. Experiencing all forms of cultures and enjoying the beautiful diversity of the European Continent has always been a joy for the entire band. Since our European bros are true purists, I am sure they will enjoy the set we have cooked up for them.” – Darkest Hour guitarist, Mike Schleibaum

* Coming along for the ride will be PROTEST THE HERO, BORN OF OSIRIS and PURIFIED IN BLOOD. Ticket info can be found by clicking the link below:

http://www.darkesthour.cc

2011 European Tour Dates:

1/26/11 – Germany Stuttgart @ Röhre

1/27/11 – Holland Nijmegen @ Doornroosje

1/28/11 – UK Manchester @ Club Academy

1/29/11 – UK Nottingham @ Rock City

1/30/11 – UK London @ Garage

1/31/11 – Belgium Antwerpen @ Trix

2/01/11 – Germany Berlin @ Magnet

2/02/11 – Germany Aschaffenburg @ Colos Saal

2/03/11 – Germany Hamburg @ Knust

2/04/11 – Germany Leipzig @ Conne Island

2/05/11 – Germany München @ Feierwerk

2/06/11 – Hungary Budapest @ Dürer Kert

2/07/11 – Austria Vienna @ Arena

2/08/11 – Italy Bologna @ Sottotetto Club

2/09/11 – Italy Rome @ Init Club

2/10/11 – Switzerland @ Aarau Kiff

2/11/11 – Germany Trier @ Exhaus

2/12/11 – Germany Köln @ Essigfabrik

DARKEST HOUR have been busy working on their upcoming full length album with Peter Wichers (SOILWORK) for their debut eOne Music release due out early next year. For more information on DARKEST HOUR and their experience in the studio with Peter, visit http://www.darkesthour.cc for updates over the next few months.

* For even more info, music and videos from DARKEST HOUR, click on this link: DARKEST HOUR – myspace music

DARKEST HOUR:

John Henry – vocals

Mike Schleibaum – guitar

Mike Carrigan – guitar

Ryan Parrish – drums

Paul Burnette – bass

DARKEST HOUR – The Eternal Return, released on June 23, 2009, on Victory Records

In the meantime, DARKEST HOUR will be celebrating their 15 year anniversary as a band, by touring the United States and Canada on the “Legacy Tour” with VEIL OF MAYA, PERIPHERY and REVOCATION. Ticket info can be found at http://www.darkesthour.cc

U.S. and Canada LEGACY TOUR 2010:

11/12/10 – Worcester, MA @ The Palladium

11/13/10 – New York, NY @ Gramercy Theatre

11/14/10 – Allentown, PA @ Crocodile Rock

11/15/10 – Quebec City, QC @ Dagobert

11/16/10  – Montreal, QC @ Tulipe

11/17/10 – Toronto, ON @ Mod Club

11/18/10 – Detroit, MI @ Majestic Theatre

11/19/10 – Cleveland, OH @ Peabody’s

11/20/10 – West Dundee, IL @ Clearwater Theatre

11/21/10 – Des Moines, IA @ People’s Court

11/22/10 – Denver, CO @ Marquis Theatre

11/23/10 – Salt Lake City, UT @ In The Venue

11/24/10 – Las Vegas, NV @ Area 702

11/26/10 – San Diego, CA @ Soma

11/27/10 – Pomona, CA @ The Glasshouse

11/28/10 – San Francisco, CA @ DNA Lounge

11/29/10 – West Hollywood, CA @ The Whisky

11/30/10 – Mesa, AZ @ Nile Theatre

12/01/10 – Albuquerque, NM @ The Launchpad

12/02/10 – Lubbock, TX @ Tequila Jungle

12/03/10 – Austin, TX @ Emo’s

12/04/10 – Dallas, TX @ Trees

12/05/10 – Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live

12/07/10 – St. Petersburg, FL @ State Theatre

12/08/10 – Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade

12/09/10 – Wilmington, NC @ The Soapbox

12/10/10 – Philadelphia, PA @ Starlight Ballroom

12/11/10 – Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar

12/12/10 – Richmond, VA @ Hat Factory

(Source: eOne Music press release, October 18, 2010)

LONG LIVE DARKEST HOUR.

Stone.

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CANNIBAL CORPSE – 1998’S “GALLERY OF SUICIDE” ON 180-GRAM VINYL – RELEASES SEPTEMBER 28, 2010!

Posted in Death Metal, death metal music, extreme metal music, extreme music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 19, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

CANNIBAL CORPSE – The sixth studio album from Cannibal Corpse, Gallery Of Suicide, will be re-released on 180-gram vinyl on September 28, 2010, on Plastic Head. Originally released on April 21, 1998, on Metal Blade Records, Gallery Of Suicide was the second album to have George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher on vocals. This was also the first Cannibal Corpse album to have Pat O’Brien on guitar.

This album it outrageously brutal, from the song titles and lyrics to the Death Metal barrage heard within. ‘Nuff said about this album… alright, it’s wicked F’n Heavy. With every Metal re-release on vinyl, it certifies the fact that there are Metalheads out there that want to hear their bands the Old School way. Just like the Metal I live for, vinyl will never go away.

* As with most vinyl and 180-gram vinyl releases, Gallery Of Suicide is being touted as a “limited release”. I have seen it available for pre-order on Amazon.com.

* For more info on CANNIBAL CORPSE, click on the link below:

CANNIBAL CORPSE – Official Website

CANNIBAL CORPSE, as they appeared on Gallery Of Suicide:

George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher – vocals

Jack Owen – guitar

Pat O’brien – guitar

Alex Webster – bass

Paul Mazurkiewicz – drums

Track Listing For Gallery Of Suicide:

I Will Kill You

Disposal Of The Body

Sentenced To Burn

Blood Drenched Execution

Gallery Of Suicide

Dismembered And Molested

From Skin To Liquid

Unite The Dead

Stabbed In The Throat

Chambers Of Blood

Headless

Every Bone Broken

Centuries Of Torment

Crushing The Despised

Stone.

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THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER – THE DEFLORATE TOUR 2010… NORTH AMERICAN DATES LISTING!

Posted in death metal music, extreme metal music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on August 28, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER – Deflorate, the fourth studio album from The Black Dahlia Murder, was released on September 15, 2009, on Metal Blade Records. Deflorate reached #43 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart and went to #5 on the Billboard Top Independent Albums Chart. With subsequent worldwide touring since, The Black Dahlia Murder are now setting their Extreme Metal sights on a North American tour… The Deflorate Tour. This blazingly Metal fierce band will be headlining, with opening bands – Goatwhore and ARKAIK.

The Black Dahlia Murder:

Trevor Strnad – vocals

Brian Eschbach – guitar

Ryan Knight – guitar

Ryan “Bart” Williams – bass

Shannon Lucas – drums

Check out the tour dates below… The Deflorate Tour just might be in your backyard.

* For more info on The Black Dahlia Murder, just click the link below:

The Black Dahlia Murder – myspace page

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

GOATWHORE – myspace page

Goatwhore are touring in support of their 2009 studio album release – Carving Out The Eyes Of God, released on Metal Blade Records, on June 23, 2009.

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

ARKAIK – myspace page

ARKAIK are touring in support of their new studio album – Reflections Within Dissonance, which was released on Unique Leader, on January 26, 2010.

THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER – THE DEFLORATE TOUR WITH GOATWHORE AND ARKAIK/U.S. AND CANADIAN DATES:

09/28 – Columbus, OH @ Skully’s

09/29 – Buffalo, NY @ Mohawk Place

09/30 – Brooklyn, NY @ Europa

10/01 –  Hartford, CT @ Webster Underground

10/02 –  Bucksport, ME @ The Kave

10/03 – Quebec, QC @ Imperial de Quebec

10/04 – Montreal, QC @ Petit Cafe

10/05 – Ottawa, ON @ Ritual

10/06 – Toronto, ON @ The Wreck Room

10/07 – Lemoyne, PA @ Championship

10/08 – Richmond, VA @ Canal Club

10/09 – Wilmington, NC @ The Soapbox Laundrolounge

10/10 – Charlotte, NC @ The Casbah

10/12 – East St. Louis, MO @ Pop’s

10/13 – Des Moines, IA @ The Vaudeville Mews

10/14 – DeKalb, IL @ House Cafe

10/15 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Mixtape Cafe

10/16 – Toledo, OH @ Headliners

(Source: Metal Blade News Update Newsletter, August 27, 2010)

EXTREME METAL RULES.

Stone.

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WHITECHAPEL – “THE CORRUPTOUR” FALL 2010 SCHEDULE!

Posted in death metal music, extreme metal music, extreme music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on August 23, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

WHITECHAPEL – Now that Whitechapel are finished with being a potent part of the Vans Warped Tour Twenty Ten, they are set to headline their very own tour… The Corruptour. Whitechapel will be supported by Impending Doom, Miss May I, Oceano and I Declare War, beginning on October 1st, 2010, in Macon, Georgia and culminating on October 23rd, 2010, in Nashville, Tennessee.

Out supporting their third studio album – A New Era Of Corruption, released June 8th, 2010 on Metal Blade Records, Whitechapel is an all-out Extreme Metal Force of Deathcore Fury… and The Corruptour shall showcase this Metal fact.

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

http://www.thediseased.com/

Whitechapel Are:

Phil Bozeman – vocals

Ben Savage – lead guitar

Alex Wade – guitar

Zach Householder – guitar

Gabe Crisp – bass

Kevin Lane – drums

Whitechapel – The Corruptour

With:Impending Doom, Miss May I, Oceano, I Declare War:

10/01 – Macon, GA @ The 567

10/02 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Culture Room

10/03 – St. Petersburg, FL @ State Theatre

10/04 – Jacksonville, FL @ Rain (Plush Complex)

10/05 – Spartanburg, SC @ Ground Zero

10/06 – Charlotte, NC @ Tremont Music Hall

10/07 – Raleigh, NC @ Volume 11 Tavern

10/08 – Norfolk, VA @ Norva

10/09 – Jermyn, PA @ Eleanor Rigby’s

10/10 – Hartford, CT @ Webster Theatre

10/12 – Boston, MA @ Harper’s Ferry

10/13 – Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Chance Theatre

10/14 – Syracuse, NY @ Lost Horizon

10/15 – Toledo, OH @ Headliner’s

10/16 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Intersection

10/17 – Elgin, IL @ Mad Maggies

10/19 – Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave

10/20 – Sauget, IL @ Pop’s

10/21 – Louisville, KY @ Headliners Music Hall

10/22 – Birmingham, AL @ Zydeco

10/23 – Nashville, TN @ Rocketown

MONSTER MOSH II

With: The Devil Wears Prada, Enter Shikari, Black Veil Brides:

10/31 – Frisco, TX @ Dr. Pepper Arena

(Source: Metal Blade News Update, August 20th, 2010)

KICK SOME EXTREME DEATH METAL & DEATHCORE ASS WHITECHAPEL!

Stone.

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MUSIC OUTLET – ENFIELD CONNECTICUT STORE HAS HEAVY METAL APLENTY!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news, travel with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on August 22, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

MUSIC OUTLET – I journeyed back to Connecticut last week, the state where I was born and lived forty years of my life. Usually, the words: very expensive are always used to describe Connecticut on Metal Odyssey. Connecticut is very expensive, I should know. However, there is one store up in very expensive Connecticut that isn’t expensive at all. IT’S AN INDEPENDENT RECORD AND CD STORE! Located in the very friendly and cool city of Enfield, this store is called – Music Outlet. (See store contact info at bottom of post).

Scott Coverdale, our Metal Odyssey correspondent and Heavy Metal think tank, took me to Music Outlet on Friday, August 13th. Always bragging about just how incredible the selection of Metal is at this Music Outlet, Scott couldn’t wait to get me there. It felt like 1988 all over again… two Metal buddies, taking a long cruise to buy some Metal. Scott is a loyal customer at Music Outlet and has longed for the day, when I could finally browse through the vast selection that this store carries for Hard and Heavy Music.

Gary, the owner of Music Outlet, is very knowledgeable about Heavy Metal, Hard Rock and Rock ‘N’ Roll. That is exactly how a record and CD store owner should be… knowledgeable about the product, the bands, the musicians and their music. I have to admit, it is always an unreal thrill to find an independent record and CD store, especially when we live during a transitional period of how Rock ‘N’ Roll is being listened to, bought and sold. This is the age of the mp3 and itunes. We can buy mp3’s on Amazon, Best Buy and countless other websites 24/7. Despite this unbeatable technology of digital downloading… I’m steadfast Old School and damn proud of it.

After one visit to Music Outlet, I have come to the realization that Gary is Old School too. There is a market out there that wants their Rock ‘N’ Roll on vinyl and/or CD still. I’m a part of that Old School market. Gary’s store has the goods… and there is Heavy Metal, Hard Rock, Punk Rock and Rock ‘N’ Roll aplenty to be found at this Music Outlet. From vinyl to CD’s, from the obscure to posters, with band t’s and music DVD’s in-between, Gary’s store is bolstered with every sub-genre of Metal Music that is known! As an added bonus… Gary has all upcoming Metal and Hard Rock album release dates posted up for all customers to see.

There are the “little things” that an Old School Metalhead may need to buy at Music Outlet as well… blank cassettes, vinyl album sleeves and CD jewel cases are also available to purchase. You read that correctly… blank cassette tapes! Now… that’s Old School! Plenty of promo posters from various record companies are hung about Music Outlet and the Metal is played loud throughout the store.

The prices are very competitive to any online record/CD store, with both used and new albums & CD’s being sold at Music Outlet. There are many great CD titles being sold new for around $10, with used CD’s being around $6. I found the selection of new CD’s to be the best I’ve come across in years, at an actual physical location and not online! Whoa. Easily, I could have spent well over my budgeted limit… it took some very strong Metal will power to not go overboard! Admittedly, I was semi-shaking at the overall selection of Metal CD’s that Music Outlet had for sale.

Gary told me I can call him anytime to order by phone, he said he has no problem in shipping out the Metal! Mail order Metal! I’m more than happy to pay for shipping, especially when a hard to find or highly sought after Metal CD can be found at Music Outlet. Meeting Gary, perusing his abundant supply of Metal CD’s and taking in the Old School, independent Record & CD store experience at Music Outlet, was a fabulous way to spend some of my time while back in Connecticut.

* Here are the 3 CD’s I bought at Music Outlet:

Iron Maiden – The Final Frontier (Mission Edition)

Primal Fear – Metal Is Forever

Bonded By Blood – Exiled To Earth

Scott Coverdale’s 3 CD’s purchased at Music Outlet:

Iron Maiden – The Final Frontier

Holy Mother – Toxic Rain

Michael Schenker Group – Built To Destroy

* I without hesitation, recommend any Metalhead or fan of any Rock genre to stop by Music Outlet in Enfield, CT… or give Gary and his Metal crew a call and order your Metal fix by phone! Patronize Music Outlet… it will serve you right. Tell ’em Stone and Scott Coverdale sent you.

Music Outlet Contact Info:

Owner: Gary

Store Location/Address: 151 Hazard Avenue, Enfield, CT, 06082

Phone: 1-860-749-2050

ROCK STEADY MUSIC OUTLET!

Thanks Scott Coverdale for hooking me up with Music Outlet!

Stone.

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KITTIE ANNOUNCES FINAL TOUR DATES WITH DEVILDRIVER

Posted in death metal music, extreme metal music, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on August 17, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

(New York, NY) – KITTIE have announced their full itinerary of support dates alongside DEVILDRIVER. “We are extremely excited and honored to have been asked to participate in DEVILDRIVER’s upcoming headlining tour.  We cannot wait to get out there and bring the insanity to both new and old fans alike.  Add KATAKLYSM to the mix, and this is a definite must see!” says Front woman Morgan Lander. Confirmed dates are:

25 Aug – Jerymn, PA @ Elenor Rigby’s

26 Aug – London, ON @ London Music Hall

27 Aug – Columbus, OH @ Al Rosa Villa

28 Aug – Detroit, MI @ Harpos

29 Aug – Cleveland, OH @ Peabody’s

31 Aug – Houston, TX @ Scout Bar

01 Sep – San Antonio TX @ Scout Bar

02 Sep – Dallas, TX @ Trees

03 Sep – Corpus Christie, TX @ Pavillion @ Concrete Street

04 Sep – Lubbock, TX  @ Jake’s

05 Sep – Odessa, TX  @ Dos Amigos

07 Sep – Des Moines, IA @ People’s Court

08 Sep – Mounds View, MN @ Roberts

10 Sep – Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall

11 Sep – Salt Lake City UT @ Complex

13 Sep – Seattle, WA @ Studio Seven

14 Sep – Portland, OR @ Berbatti’s Pan

15 Sep – Orangevale, CA @ Boardwalk

16 Sep – Los Angeles CA @ Key Club

17 Sep – Tuscon, AZ  @ The Rock

18 Sep – Farmington, NM @ Gator’s

19 Sep – Colorado Springs, CO @ Black Sheep

21 Sep – Salina, KS @ Blue Goat

22 Sep – Lincoln, NE @ Knickerbockers

23 Sep – Waterloo, IA @ Spicoli’s Rock Garden

24 Sep – Elgin, IL @ Roadhouse

25 Sep – Traverse City, MI @ Ground Zero

KITTIE just finished a successful run on the THRASH AND BURN TOUR in the US. Both of these tours are in part of their non-stop touring plan supporting their latest record IN THE BLACK, which was released last year via E1 Music.

Sisters Mercedes and Morgan Lander founded KITTIE in 1996. They were just 15 and 17 years of age when their first C.D., “Spit”, was released on NG/Artemis records. “Spit” was quickly certified gold and to date, they have sold well over 1,250,000 units worldwide with 4 Albums and 2 EP’s under their belts. (Source: entertainmentone press release, August 16, 2010)

For additional info, please visit:

http://www.twitter.com/OFFICIALKITTIE

http://www.myspace.com/officialkittie

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Kittie-Page/17636243514?ref=s

http://www.youtube.com/user/kittiechannel

For more information on E1 Metal please visit http://www.e1metal.com/ or follow @E1MetalATTACK

METAL IS THE LAW OF THE LAND.

Stone.

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DARKEST HOUR – TO ENTER STUDIO & ANNOUNCES PRODUCER FOR NEW RECORD!

Posted in Death Metal, death metal music, Hard Rock, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, metalcore music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on August 2, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

DARKEST HOUR TO ENTER STUDIO &

ANNOUNCE PRODUCER FOR NEW RECORD

(New York, NY) — DARKEST HOUR are about to enter the studio and they have announced that they are teaming up with renowned SOILWORK shredder Peter Wilchers. The band has put a lot of time and thought into choosing the right producer for this record and they’re convinced they’ve found one. “We’re really excited about working with Peter on this album.  It’s going to be amazing collaborating with such an inventive and unique guitarist/musician to produce and document what we feel is the most emotional and melodic Darkest Hour album to date,” says drummer Ryan Parish.

With records such as ALL THAT REMAINS’ “The Fall of Ideals” and SOILWORK’s latest effort, “The Panic Broadcast” under his belt, DARKEST HOUR are quite confident in what Peter brings to the table. “Peter is someone we’ve admired and very much respected as a musician and producer for quite some time.  Being a pioneer of the Swedish metal sound, (which has so greatly influenced our band) we hope to refine all of those classic elements with him and incorporate new methods to improve our songwriting” says font man John Henry.

This time around, these songs we’re done a bit differently. Guitarist and founding member Mike Schleibaum explains, “We have been working on these tunes ever since we left the studio lastD April. The Eternal Return was written during a very dark, bleak time for the band and I think that record matches that in both tone and character. Our vision was for it to be an in your face, no frill aggressive assault.  The new material shares in that aggression and pushes Darkest Hour beyond the unknown.” The new songs are just about finished and ready for the studio. “I am very exited to work alongside the Darkest Hours guys, and I know from hearing some of their new material that it will be a killer one,” says Wilchers himself.

For more information on DARKEST HOUR and their experience in the studio with Peter, visit http://www.darkesthour.cc for updates over the next few months.

http://www.myspace.com/darkesthour / http://twitter.com/Darkesthourrock

* (Source: entertainmentone – press release, August 2, 2010)

GO GET ‘EM DARKEST HOUR!

Stone.

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THE ABSENCE “ENEMY UNBOUND” – RELEASES SEPTEMBER 14, 2010! TRACK LISTING & ALBUM ART!

Posted in death metal music, extreme metal music, extreme music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, heavy metal songs, melodic death metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, thrash metal music with tags , , , , , , , on July 23, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

THE ABSENCE – On September 14, 2010, The Absence – Enemy Unbound will be released on Metal Blade Records. Enemy Unbound will be the third studio album released by The Absence, all on Metal Blade Records.

You can listen to the new single from The Absence – Enemy Unbound on their myspace music page, (click link below)… it’s worth multiple listens. Enemy Unbound is fast, heavy and chock full of melodic guitar moments. Don’t be swayed by The Absence bringing melodic guitar to the Metal table though… this song blisters with extreme vocals from Jamie Stewart and the pummeling attack of Jeramie Kling on drums and Mike Leon on bass. Listening to the duo guitars of Peter Joseph and Patrick Pintavalle is a substantial reminder of just how potent The Absence is with their Metal sound… and talent. Blending both Death and Thrash Metal styles together, while stirring in strong melodic consistency, is what The Absence delivers.

* Jeramie Kling has rejoined The Absence on drums. Jeramie parted ways after touring in support of their debut album – From Your Grave. (Source: Metal Blade News Update).

THE ABSENCE ARE:

Jamie Stewart – vocals

Peter Joseph – guitar

Patrick Pintavalle – guitar

Jeramie Kling – drums

Mike Leon – bass

Track Listing For Enemy Unbound:

Vertigo

Erased

Deepest Wound

Maelstrom

Enemy Unbound

Solace

The Bridge

Warton

Hidden In White

Vengeance and Victory

Triumph

The Absence Discography:

From Your Grave (2005)

Riders Of The Plague (2007)

* For more info on The Absence, just click on the links below:

THE ABSENCE – myspace music page

METAL BLADE RECORDS

Stone.

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BORIS RANDALL OF SPLATTERPUNKS, HALLOWMAS & NOW… NECROPHAGIA: IN HIS OWN WORDS!

Posted in death metal music, extreme metal bands, extreme metal music, extreme music, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, horror metal, horror punk, horror punk albums, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 21, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

BORIS RANDALL

STONE: Recently, Boris Randall contacted Metal Odyssey and it is appreciated. Boris is a veteran of Punk and Extreme Metal Music, being a pioneer, in his own right, in the Horror Metal genre. A song writer, vocalist and lead/rhythm guitarist who really adheres to Rock ‘N’ Roll’s true roots, (Boris lists Elvis Presley, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins and Ramones as influences), he is a musician that is self-made and moving forward. Albeit underground or on Coffin Records, the music of Boris Randall has made some noise in the Heavy Music world over the last twenty + years. Boris has given Metal Odyssey, to share with fans, his career breakdown of bands he has founded and what he is up to at the moment. Here is what Boris Randall had to say and share:

BORIS: First off, I’d like to thank you for supporting Hallowmas and my music. Let me give you some history on myself and how Hallowmas came to be and where it stands now.

In 1989 I formed my first hardcore/punk band called THE SPLATTEPUNKS. We released several albums locally and underground. Complete do-it-yourself. We were relatively popular for what we were doing, and the fact that we were the ONLY punk/hardcore band with a horror image and horror lyrics within an 80 mile radius! (remember, in 1989 there was NO “horror punk” genre either) THE SPLATTERPUNKS kicked unholy ass until 1999 when I felt like it was time to move on. Our final release was an anthology that spanned our 10 years. Two cds, 76 songs, and a 28 page booklet that included lyrics and artwork.

HALLOWMAS – THE ROAD TO HALLOW’S EVE album cover:

In 2001 I formed HALLOWMAS. The idea was to take up where I left off with THE SPLATTERPUNKS, but to bring even more elements into it. And I did. I even brought a few of The Splatterpunks’ songs into Hallowmas. Hallowmas was a VERY busy band between releases, shows, interviews, videos, etc. The first Hallowmas release (on a real label) was in 2004 on Coffin Records. The album was called “October Burning.” It sold very well and continues to. It also received great reviews. The follow up was the ep you have called “The Road To Hallows Eve.” We went into the studio in 2006 and recorded our next full-length release, but the band broke up. That album, which I called “Autumn’s Soft Decay,” was never released even though it was finished and is in my possession. It also got leaked on the internet, so search the title and see if you can find it. The complete album is 18 tracks.

HALLOWMAS – OCTOBER BURNING album cover:

HALLOWMAS – classic promo group photo:

In 2006 I also released a solo disc called “Season Of Death: The Last Halloween.” I limited it to 50 copies, which lasted about 4 weeks. I filled the time from 2007 to now by working with various bands, writing background music for the Rue Morgue Radio show, did the music for a Rue Morgue Radio video promo, and wrote the score for the Bill Hanzman’s Night Of The Living Dead stage play.

Currently, I’m playing lead guitar in the extreme metal band NECROPHAGIA. If you’re well versed in metal I’m sure you know who they are. We’re in the studio right now working on our new album.

I’ve also got my own band that will have a debut release very soon, but I’m keeping the whole thing under wraps for right now.

That’s pretty much the light detail version of my history. Here’s a more detailed “time line” from my bands and their releases:

THE SPLATTERPUNKS:
1989 “Rat Boy”
1990 “It’s Only Murder”
1993 “The Ghoul Rock Session”
1994 “Live In Wellsville”
1996 “The Devil’s Empyrean”
1997 “1997 B.C.”
1999 “The Demonology” (anthology)

HALLOWMAS:
2002 “Zodiac” (single)
2002 “From Beyond” (single)
2003 “Unholy Autumn” (ep)
2004 “Dead And Buried” (ep)
2004 “October Burning” (Coffin Records)
2005 “Death Comes In Threes” (split full length)
2005 “The Road To Hallows Eve (Coffin Records)
2006 “Autumn’s Soft Decay” (STILL UNRELEASED)

THE AUTUMN DEAD:
This was a side project with Hallowmas bassist, Johnny Coffin. We made one release:
2003 “Demos”

BORIS RANDALL (solo):
2006 “Season Of Death: The Last Halloween”

I’ve also made guest appearances on:
Nokturne “Kruelty Kampaign”
Necrophagia “Goblins Be Thine”
Morgue Wagon “Morgue Wagon”
Garbage Pail Kids “Lover’s Lane”

I think that about covers it…….so far. I’ve got tons more music on the way. If you like Hallowmas I can’t wait for you to hear what I’ve got cooking. Plus, I hope you’ll enjoy my work in Necrophagia.

Thanks for your interest and support,
stay evil,
Boris

Metal Odyssey Note: Thank you Boris. It is always a thrill to get the “story straight” directly from the source. You and all of your bands are always welcomed at Metal Odyssey! Plus… I have a sinister suspicion I’m gonna like your work with Necrophagia’s new album… Deathtrip 69.

NECROPHAGIA – 2010:

From left to right: Boris Randall (guitar), Killjoy (vocals), Undead Torment (guitar), Shawn Slusarek (drums), Damien Matthews (bass).

* For even more info on Boris Randall and Necrophagia, just click the links below:

www.myspace.com/borisrandall

Boris Randall (solo) – myspace music page

NECROPHAGIA – myspace music page

* In case any visitor missed it, check out the album review I did on Hallowmas – The Road To Hallow’s Eve, back on September 25, 2009, by clicking on the link below:

HALLOWMAS – “The Road To Hallow’s Eve” Is Horror Punk To Scream For

Stone.

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WHITECHAPEL – LAUNCHES NEW & OFFICIAL WEBSITE!

Posted in death metal music, extreme metal music, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 18, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

WHITECHAPEL – Released their third full length album and second on Metal Blade Records – A New Era Of Corruption, on June 8, 2010. Now… Whitechapel has launched their new and official website! This new & official Whitechapel website is Metal muscle bound with music videos, live videos, video interviews, tour dates, news, store and more! To access the media, blogs, contests and forum portions of Whitechapel’s website, you have to buy a membership.

Stone’s Note: This is a 1 year interactive membership you would buy. Regardless, there are 3 levels of paid membership you can choose to purchase, with each level having different Whitechapel merchandise included with the paid membership, (the higher your level of membership, the better and more merch that is offered… and the third level is loaded). Click on the link below to see for yourself!

http://www.thediseased.com/

WHITECHAPEL is bringing their brand of Death Metal Technicality and all out Extreme Metal fury to the thousands of fans attending the Vans Warped Tour Twenty Ten! Find out more about Vans Warped Twenty Ten by clicking the all-knowing link below:

Vans Warped Tour Twenty Ten

WHITECHAPEL ARE:

Phil Bozeman – vocals

Ben Savage – lead guitar

Alex Wade – guitar

Zach Householder – guitar

Gabe Crisp – bass

Kevin Lane – drums

Stone.

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KINGDOM OF SORROW – RETURNS WITH THE METAL LETHAL “BEHIND THE BLACKEST TEARS”

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, Heavy Metal Reviews, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, music reviews, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 2, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

KINGDOM OF SORROW – The triumphant Metal return of Kingdom Of Sorrow commenced on June 8, 2010, with the sophomore release of behind the blackest tears, released on Relapse Records. Better get your Metal game face on and strap yourself in, before you let this new Kingdom Of Sorrow album beat down your eardrums into submission. This album is a listen in the most cement shattering, steel bending and Earth stirring form. Crunching and thunderous invading guitar riffs courtesy of Kirk Windstein, (of Crowbar & Down fame), are an ultimate Metal statement from this Metal legend. Kirk sharing vocals with Jamey Jasta, (of Hatebreed fame) makes for one hell of a bone shattering Metal dynamic duo.

A vast audience of fans and critics call Kingdom Of Sorrow a supergroup and that is justified. I rather look upon Kingdom Of Sorrow as a real Metal group, no jet setting or bragging rants about their red carpet waltz’s… these are two blue collar Metal veterans that aren’t polishing off any plastic Grammy’s that sit atop a grand piano. Jamey Jasta and Kirk Windstein execute their brand of Metal like a crashing meteor, obliterating all the stillness and serene landscape that gets in their way. They serve it up and smack you down with their extreme vocals, combined with heavy as molasses riffs, that explodes Doom meets Stoner and mixed with some good ol’ Sludge in it’s most ferocious form. Listening to behind the blackest tears isn’t comparable to opening up a can of Metal whoop ass, instead it’s like opening up a 5o gallon drum of Metal whoop ass. Metal be thy name.

Enlightened To Extinction greets you with an apocalyptic riff that leads into some melodic heaviness courtesy of a nod to some Metalcore, with Jamey Jasta exhibiting his Metal vocal diversity. God’s Law In The Devil’s Land pulsates with Kingdom Of Sorrow’s Metal fury, giving every reason as to why Jasta and Windstein are so great at sharing lead vocals. This song should be played extremely loud, atop a creepy mountain peek, during a full moon for some unsuspecting innocent village below to get panicked by. As Hardcore as Monuments Of Ash sounds, it’s Metal leanings and fillings are what makes the hair stand up straight on my arms. Whoa, does Monuments Of Ash kick my Metal lovin’ ass.

Behind The Blackest Tears can easily be targeted as my favorite song, it grooves along so incredibly heavy and just gives off some invitingly creepy vibes from every musical angle. From Heroes To Dust is another opportunity where Jamey Jasta lets his vocal diversity be heard. A more somber and turned down vocal delivery only gives From Heroes To Dust it’s proper due. This song is probably the closest thing Kingdom Of Sorrow will ever get to creating a ballad. Salvation Denied is without deliberation, the most Extreme and vocally Hardcore laced song on behind the blackest tears… and a damn good song at that.

No Class, the Motorhead cover song, is done quite impressively by Kingdom Of Sorrow. It’s an intimidating hurdle to cover a true classic like No Class, only Jasta comes impressively close to the legendary Lemmy Kilmister’s unique vocal style. As far as the music and song structure goes, Kingdom Of Sorrow left well enough alone… and that’s a great thing, if it aint broke don’t fix it. Still, hearing this version of No Class on the limited deluxe version of behind the blackest tears is a welcomed Metal treat to my Old School ears.

Soldiers Of Hell, the Running Wild cover song, plays out with an ultra contagious Heavy Metal vibe that is non-stop. The guitar play are an intense high to listen to on Soldiers Of Hell, proving to be a fabulous song choice for Kingdom Of Sorrow to cover. Saluting a real-deal, Old School and pioneering German Heavy Metal Band as Running Wild, along with covering the immortal and ultra important Motorhead, gets a Metal kudos from Metal Odyssey!

I purchased the deluxe edition of behind the blackest tears at my neighborhood fye, at a very decent price of $8.99, (U.S.). The cover pic, at the top of this post, is that of the slipcase cover of this deluxe edition. (The regular cover pic for behind the blackest tears is seen below the band names).

* Metal Odyssey gives behind the blackest tears – 5 out of 5 Metal Fists!

Who am I to find something wrong with this great album? When the Metal is this great, I stand up straight, bang my F’n head, raise the horns to the air and tell it like it F’n is.

* For more info on KINGDOM OF SORROW, just click the links below:

KINGDOM OF SORROW – MySpace Music Page

KINGDOM OF SORROW ARE:

Jamey Jasta – vocals

Kirk Windstein – guitars & vocals

Additional Studio Musicians:

Charlie Bellmore – guitars & bass

Nick Bellmore – drums

Track Listing For behind the blackest tears:

Enlightened To Extinction

God’s Law In The Devil’s Land

Monuments Of Ash

Behind The Blackest Tears

Envision The Divide

From Heroes To Dust

Along The Path To Ruin

With Barely A Breath

The Death We Owe

Sleeping Beast

Torchlight Procession

Salvation Denied

Bonus Tracks On Limited Edition:

No Class (Motorhead Cover Song)

Soldiers Of Hell (Running Wild Cover Song)

* KINGDOM OF SORROW is currently touring with OZZFEST 2010!

* For more OZZFEST 2010 info, just click the cool link below:

OZZFEST 2010

LONG LIVE KINGDOM OF SORROW!

Stone.

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AS I LAY DYING & WHITECHAPEL ON BILLBOARD TOP 200 ALBUM CHART!

Posted in death metal music, extreme music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 29, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

As taken from the Metal Blade Records News Update from June 25, 2010:

“Metal Blade Records, still home to two titles on the Billboard Top 200 Chart! Los Angeles based metal label Metal Blade Records is currently home to two of the year’s heaviest titles to break this week’s Billboard Top 200 Chart. Knoxville Tennessee’s WHITECHAPEL spent their second week on the Billboard Top 200 at #153 with the band’s highly anticipated album A New Era of Corruption and San Diego California’s Grammy nominated group AS I LAY DYING is now spending their SIXTH week in the Top 200 Chart, landing the #137 position. Metal Blade Records would like to congratulate both bands for this remarkable achievement and thank them for their dedication and all their hard work in creating the best albums of their career’s to date”.

Metal Odyssey would also like to congratulate As I lay Dying and Whitechapel as well… it is a great feeling when two Extreme Metal Bands make some F’n noise in the mainstream album charts! With my loyal leanings towards the Heavier and Extreme side of Metal, I cannot hold back the Metal appreciation I have for these two bands cracking into a world wide known and accepted album chart like Billboard.

* For more Metal info on As I Lay Dying, click the links below:

http://www.ThePowerlessRise.com

http://www.AsILayDying.com

http://www.myspace.com/asilaydying

* For more Metal info on WHITECHAPEL, click the links below:

http://www.aneweraofcorruption.com

http://www.whitechapel.com

http://www.myspace.com/whitechapel

http:/www.facebook.com/whitechapelmetal

* For more Metal Blade Records info, click the links below:

http://www.metalblade.com

http://www.metalblade.tv

AS I LAY DYING – THE POWERLESS RISE:

* Check out the music video for As I Lay Dying – Parallels, a speed burning and Metal furious song taken from The Powerless Rise album. Just click on that cool box below!

WHITECHAPEL – NEW ERA OF CORRUPTION:

LONG LIVE METAL!

Stone.

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KATAKLYSM “HEAVEN’S VENOM” – RELEASES AUGUST 2010 & NEW ALBUM ARTWORK!

Posted in Death Metal, death metal music, extreme metal bands, extreme metal music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 15, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

KATAKLYSM – Originating from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Kataklysm is a Death & Extreme Metal Band, that packs a multi-potent blast of energy within the framework of their creativity. Kataklysm will be releasing their eleventh studio album – Heaven’s Venom, on Nuclear Blast Records, on August 20th in Europe and August 24th in North America. Check out the new album artwork above! If this imagery and art for Heaven’s Venom is any indication of just how strong, dark, heavy and extreme the songs within are… then my Metal anticipation for this new Kataklysm album is at the highest Metal level. Whoa. Whoa again. I’m predicting Heaven’s Venom will easily be a Metal Odyssey’s top twenty album pick for 2010… just where it winds up in the list is to be determined.

Since Kataklysm’s 1993 EP release – The Mystical Gate of Reincarnation, this band has 18+ years of bringing their brand of Metal carnage to the masses… with absolutely NO signs of slowing things down for nuthin’. This new album, coupled with Kataklysm’s touring on Ozzfest, should catapult this veteran band to even larger Metal heights, while recruiting new fans along the way.

KATAKLYSM ARE:

MAURIZIO IACONO – vocals

MAX DUHAMEL – drums

JEAN-FRANCOIS DAGENAIS – guitars

STEPHANE BARBE – bass

* The track listing for Heaven’s Venom is not yet fully released. I would not want to give any song titles away on Metal Odyssey without the appropriate credibility.

Kataklysm is also on the OZZFEST TOUR 2010. The Ozzfest Tour gets started on August 14th, in San Bernardino, California. Kataklysm is a second stage act, along with Black Label Society, Skeletonwitch, Kingdom Of Sorrow, Drowning Pool, Goatwhore and Saviours. This is one blistering second stage at Ozzfest 2010! The Ozzfest main stage acts are: Ozzy Osbourne, Motley Crue, Halford, Devildriver and  Nonpoint.

* You can get more info on OZZFEST 2010 by clicking the link below:

OZZFEST 2010

* For more info on KATAKLYSM, click the very important link below!

KATAKLYSM – MySpace Music Page

Back on January 4, 2010, I posted about my Kataklysm – Prevail picture disc… and the Prevail album too. You can read it by clicking the ultra-large header below:

KATAKLYSM – “TAKING THE WORLD BY STORM” PICTURE DISC & “PREVAIL” ALBUM = DEATH METAL DOMINATION

LONG LIVE KATAKLYSM!

Stone.

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SHOTGUN CURE – METAL BAND LOOKING TO RISE AND CONQUER WITH “DEPRAVITY UNLEASHED” EP

Posted in hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, heavy metal videos, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 9, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

SHOTGUN CURE – It’s always a great Metal feeling, to come across a young band of Thrashers that feed off their Old School Thrash and Metal influences and put it to good Metal use. Shotgun Cure is a Metal Band that does just this and they are doing it damn well too. Originating from Toronto, Canada, Shotgun Cure is not out trying to reinvent any Metal historic genres, instead they are grabbing the Metal torch and running with it… and I only hope they don’t stop for ‘nuthin or nobody. Sure, their five song EP – Depravity Unleashed is raw… however, isn’t that how all the legends of Metal Music used to sound like in the beginning? Plus, how often are we now hearing the veteran Thrash Metal Bands wanting to return to their roots and rediscover their raw energy they once captured and assaulted our Metal senses with?

Having a raw sound is not a negative, it’s being real and blue collar. That’s Metal. There is plenty of time ahead for Shotgun Cure to polish their outer crust a bit… just about every veteran Metal Band has done so eventually. It’s what I hear within the inner core of Shotgun Cure’s Metal that counts. A sound and feel of talent that hits me with a brick load of credibility. With influences that range from Iron Maiden to Opeth, with Pantera, Slayer and Kreator inbetween, Shotgun Cure knows about which bands to learn a thing or two from.

These guys are not looking to be hobby musicians anytime soon. Shotgun Cure brings an energy that comes across as genuine, no pretensions, with aspirations of success spilling out from the vocals and guitar of Harut Savchenko, the thunderous bass playing of James Tulloch and the furious drumming of Kyle Lecourt.

Sustainment has the riff… one that opens up this song with an uncanny reminder that all is well for the future of Metal Music, thanks to rising bands like Shotgun Cure. Add the speed guitar solo from Harut, with a pummeling bass and drums and Sustainment shall sustain any Metalhead’s attention – no questions asked. Unswayed is the 7:35 Metal epic on Depravity Unleashed, forging it’s power and Metal might upon my ears without any remorse. The guitar play of Harut swelters with Thrash enormity of Old School days gone by on Unswayed, just a fine example of how tight Shotgun Cure can play on this song.

Shotgun Cure is a song that elevates this EP to a higher level, with it’s melodic guitar leads and ever memorable riffs. It is only fitting that a standout song on Depravity Unleashed is also the name of the band. Iron Shadow is an all-out Thrash blitz that distinguishes Harut as a natural when it comes to having Thrash Metal vocals… nothing is forced or contrived, it’s all authentic to these ears. Kyle on drums makes his presence quite heard on Iron Shadow, as ballistic as he is on time. Exercise This is an exercise in raw and force driven energy that is channeled through the Metal from Shotgun Cure with no compromises… no slacking on the speed here. If one is to headbang to Exercise This, they might as well order their neck brace in advance. This song is a welcomed punishment to my senses.

The reality heard in Depravity Unleashed, is that of a band giving their all. The unreal cool thought is what the future holds for Shotgun Cure… a future that should find this Canadian Metal Band making headway not only across North America but across the Atlantic as well. Only Metal time will tell, however, as I will be rooting for Shotgun Cure all the way.

* Metal Odyssey gives Shotgun Cure – Depravity Unleashed EP 4 out of 5 Metal Fists!

It’s the younger generation of Metal Bands like Shotgun Cure, that will ensure the music we Old School Metalheads cherish, will continue to reign for decades to come.

Track Listing For Depravity Unleashed EP:

Sustainment

Exercise This

Unswayed

Shotgun Cure

Iron Shadow

* Check out Shotgun Cure – Sustainment – Live by clicking the cool box below… oh yeah… don’t forget to crank this Metal up LOUD too!

* You can check out more cool info on Shotgun Cure and also purchase the Depravity Unleashed EP, plus more merch by clicking the link below:

SHOTGUN CURE – MySpace Music Page

Left to right: James Tulloch (bass), Harut Savchenko (vocals & guitar), Kyle Lecourt (drums).

Stone.

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EYES OF FIRE – “DISINTEGRATE” DEBUT EP FROM 2003 REVISITED!

Posted in doom metal albums, doom metal music, extreme metal bands, extreme metal music, extreme music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 28, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

EYES OF FIRE – Disintegrate is the debut EP released by Eyes Of Fire, back in 2003, on Century Media Records. This is a three song EP that is emblazoned with a mixture of Metal threads. From Doom and Stoner undertones to an all out Sludge Metal assault that takes the upper Metal hand. This debut EP may just have three songs, still, it is a very good Metal barometer of exactly how Eyes Of Fire see, feel, write and play their brand of Heavy Music. It’s EP’s like this, that gives fans a taste of what a band is about… and Eyes Of Fire is about bringing the Sludge Metal hammer down.

Eyes Of Fire is without question, an extremely heavy Sludge Metal Band, only they can create some songs that are entwined with a true semblance of melodic moments. Hopeless is just that song which does capitalize on the heavy side of the Sludge spectrum, yet this song has guitars and keyboards that emphasize key melodious balance throughout.

Disintegrate opens up with the guitar hitting on shades of Peter Buck of R.E.M. fame… only this song dislocates itself very quickly from any musical familiarity with that alternative sound. The guitar intro is more like a sound trap that sucks you into the Sludge Metal pit to the extreme. Tough, anti-mellow and raw, this song forms it’s heaviness around it’s chaotic and speed driven tempo.

Anyone begins with a soft segue, blanketing the atmosphere with tantalizing and head turning progressive tendencies. Not to get fooled though… Eyes Of Fire kicks it into Sludge Metal gear within the blink of a Metal eye, transcending Anyone into a thickly heavy, emotional and angst driven song. Anyone easily is my top pick out of the three songs on Disintegrate, based on it’s credible heaviness and emotion scorched vocals.

* Metal Odyssey gives Eyes Of Fire – Disintegrate EP, 3.5 Metal Fists out of 5.

Some Eyes Of Fire notes of interest:

* My Metal research has found, that Eyes Of Fire were formed back in 1998 and went by the band name – Shiva.

* The songs Hopeless and Anyone were later included on the Eyes Of Fire full length studio album – Ashes To Embers, released in 2004 on Century Media Records.

* Before the formation of Eyes Of Fire, Dan Kaufman (vocals & guitar) and Matt Fisher (vocals & bass) were the founding members of Mindrot, a mid to late ’90’s Doom Metal Band once signed to Relapse Records.

* Eyes Of Fire originated from Orange County, California.

* As it is stated on their MySpace Music Page… Eyes Of Fire are currently on hiatus.

* A Power/Thrash Metal Band from Kenosha, Wisconsin, goes by the same name – Eyes Of Fire. Their record label is called: Musical Orgasms Publishing.

Eyes Of Fire – Ashes To Embers (studio album from 2004)

Eyes Of Fire – Prisons (last studio album from 2006)

Track Listing For Disintegrate EP:

Disintigrate

Hopeless

Anyone

For more Metal info on Eyes Of Fire, click the cool link below:

Eyes Of Fire – MySpace Music Page

Stone.


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METAL BLADE TV – “ON THE BLACK CARPET OF REVOLVER GOLDEN GODS AWARDS” 2010

Posted in hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal awards, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 25, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

Jeff Paulick, lead vocalist/bass guitarist of Lazarus A.D. interviews some of the biggest, baddest and best Metal musicians attending and/or receiving awards at the 2010 Revolver Golden Gods Awards for Metal Blade TV! Vinnie Paul, Alice Cooper, Andrew W.K., Lemmy, Gene Hoglan, Brendon Small, Kerry King, Joey Vera, Burton C. Bell and Marilyn Manson just to name quite a few! Man, would I have loved to do that job with the microphone! Hire me Metal Blade TV! Um… please? Pretty Metal please?

Take a Metal gander at the 2 video’s below to see what I’m all excited about… and enjoy!

The actual broadcast of the 2010 Revolver Golden Gods Awards may have been cut-up and edited to pieces, still, the pre-awards black carpet chatting is cool stuff! A Metal kudos to Metal Blade TV! Maybe Metal Blade TV should just broadcast this event from the inside as well starting next year?

LONG LIVE METAL!

…AND HARD ROCK TOO!

O.K., LONG LIVE METAL BLADE RECORDS AND METAL BLADE TV!

The word “pretty” was used on Metal Odyssey… yup, in the first paragraph.

Stone.

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