Archive for hard rock music

ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME – TRULY IS A HALL OF SHAME.

Posted in 1970's hard rock bands, 1970's hard rock, 1970's heavy metal bands, 1970's heavy metal music, 1970's rock bands, 1980's hard rock bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1990's heavy metal bands, 1990's hard rock bands, classic rock, classic rock bands, classic rock music, current heavy metal bands, hard rock bands, hard rock music, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2010, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, old school heavy metal bands, rock & roll, rock and roll hall of fame complaints, rock and roll hall of fame inductees, rock and roll hall of fame members, rock and roll news, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 22, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

Well, another year has gone by and the “astute” historians and archive keepers of Rock and Roll History – The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, has bumbled another induction. WHERE IS… KISS? You know, the four guys known as GENE SIMMONS, PAUL STANLEY, ACE FREHLEY and PETER CRISS? Oh, god forbid if I dare mention the extended family of musicians that are/were members of KISS as well. I guess ABBA contributed so much more, to the “history” of Rock and Roll. I forgot, that ABBA is so damn hot right now in 2010 as well. Hey, disco needs it’s just due in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame too… of course. While these Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation dorks were at it, why didn’t they just induct The Wiggles right now, alongside ABBA? Get it over with. At this point, Bananarama and The Partridge Family will get inducted well before KISS ever gets their rightful induction into this snobby, uneducated in Heavy Metal, white collar, Pop Music is king… cheap excuse of a building.

Genesis, Jimmy Cliff, The Stooges and The Hollies deserve their rightful and historic recognition. Arguably, it is not ABBA’s fault they are recognized either… but give me a Metal break here. ABBA over KISS? That’s like choosing a glass of warm milk over a cold draft beer.

As quoted directly from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame website:

“The 2010 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame performer inductees were chosen by more than 500 voters of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. Artists are eligible for inclusion in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twenty-five years after their first recording is released.”

* Uh, yeah… what about… anything other than 25 years after their first album is released? Is that the only damn criteria? Crap, I’ll make a record then and wait 25 years to see if I get inducted.

* Who really is… this mysterious… 500 voters of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation? Are they all scholars, who are afraid of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal? Do any of these voters listen to Rock Music in the first place?

* It’s almost as if, these 500 voters of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation receive a copy of Rolling Stone Magazine, a few times a year, read about bands that get the good ol’ Rolling Stone Magazine seal of approval… and then… these voters decide, these are the bands! They must be good if Rolling Stone Magazine says so!

* Apparently, these 500 voters of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation get more psyched out by listening to Dancing Queen and Waterloo instead of Rock and Roll All Nite and Detroit Rock City.

* I’m not going to blab about how many Gold and Platinum Records KISS has achieved, chart singles, concert tickets sold, their impact on American Pop Culture, nor how many total albums they have put out… what’s the use? The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame doesn’t give a crap. ABBA is Back! ABBA = Rock Legends.

* Man, what would Elvis think and say of this mess they call The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Some “important” dude, named Joel Peresman, (who thinks he knows about Rock and Roll by the way), gives this lackluster and embarrassing statement on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame website:

“We are very happy to present this year’s inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as they represent a great cross-section of artists that define the broad spectrum and history of rock and roll and people that have contributed immeasurably to our business” says Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation President & CEO Joel Peresman.

* HEY JOEL: I guess KISS are not considered to be part of the people that have “contributed immeasurably to our business”… huh?

* HEY JOEL: Go slap down some vintage opera vinyl and eat your caviar. Then light up a $10,000 stogie and make a wet fart in your imported silk pajamas.

* HEY JOEL: You really, really, um, really, need to change your sign outside that building in Cleveland, Ohio, to read: ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF SHAME AND EXPENSIVE MUSEUM

LONG LIVE KISS!

KISS – IS HEREBY, THE FIRST BAND EVER, INDUCTED INTO THE METAL ODYSSEY ROCK AND ROLL AND HEAVY MUSIC HALL OF FAME!

I SHALL INDUCT BANDS AND MUSICIANS, WHENEVER I DAMN WELL FEEL LIKE IT, AND HAVE THIS LIST POSTED ON THE METAL ODYSSEY HOME PAGE FOR THE WORLD TO SEE AND ENJOY. A REAL ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME. A REAL HEAVY MUSIC HALL OF FAME.

ON FEBRUARY 21, 2010, KISS HAS BEEN INDUCTED INTO THE METAL ODYSSEY ROCK AND ROLL AND HEAVY MUSIC HALL OF FAME.

CONGRATULATIONS KISS, ON BEING THE FIRST INDUCTEE INTO METAL ODYSSEY’S ROCK AND ROLL AND HEAVY MUSIC HALL OF FAME!



HELIX “DEEP CUTS THE KNIFE” – 1985 HEAVY METAL SONG THAT STILL SOARS!

Posted in 1980's hair metal bands, 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal ballads, 1980's hard rock bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1985 heavy metal music, cool album covers, current hard rock bands, current heavy metal bands, hair metal bands, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1985, heavy metal bands, heavy metal bands from canada, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1985, heavy metal songs, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, old school heavy metal bands, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 20, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

HELIX, one of Canada’s greatest Heavy Metal Bands ever, released their fifth studio album – Long Way To Heaven, (on Capitol Records), back on November 9, 1985. My favorite song from this really cool album is Deep Cuts The Knife, a mid-tempo power ballad. (Check out the song below, if you like). I always had a tough time hearing Helix being labeled… Hair Metal. Not in my Metal opinion… Heavy Metal is Helix, pure and Metal simple. I remember buying Long Way To Heaven at my local Caldor Department Store back in ’85… the vinyl was warped! Believe this or not, this album still played fine… albeit looking rather funky, as it spun around the turntable! Yup, this is just another fine slab of Heavy Metal vinyl that I no longer have. CD’s took over my Metal psyche and now I have remorse for trading and selling away those treasured vinyl albums of yesteryear. It’s alright… I’ll land Long Way To Heaven on vinyl once again… down the Metal road. Deep Cuts The Knife may no longer be relevant to me lyrically, however, the Heavy Metal of Helix and this song’s melodic power always will be! Today, this great song just stuck to my brain like Metal glue… so I just thought I’d share it with the world. Hopefully you enjoy Deep Cuts The Knife as much as I do. In the event you never heard this song before… then passing along some Helix shall be my Metal deed for the day!

LONG LIVE HELIX!

CRANK UP DEEP CUTS THE KNIFE LOUD – AND BE GLAD YOU DID!

HELIX, as they appeared on the 1985 album Long Way To Heaven:

Brian Vollmer – lead vocals

Paul Hackman – guitar and vocals

Brent Doerner – guitar and vocals

Daryl Gray – bass and vocals

Greg Hinz – drums

KEEL – 1987 ALBUM “KEEL” STILL PACKS A HEAVY METAL PUNCH!

Posted in 1980's hair metal albums, 1980's hair metal bands, 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's hard rock bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal guitarists, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1987 heavy metal music, Album Review, current hard rock bands, current heavy metal bands, hair metal albums, hair metal bands, hair metal music, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, hard rock music, hard rock vocalists, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1987, heavy metal bands 2010, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal vocalists, metal odyssey, Music, old school hair metal bands, old school heavy metal bands, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 17, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

When I think of the 1980’s, good times, carelessness, more parties than I can count or remember, no mortgage payments and sleeping real late comes to mind. Hey, why not? It’s all a part of growing up and it all led me down the path to where I am now… and I’m not complaining, I have the best family money or Metal can buy. So when I reach for the albums that remind me of good times, KEEL , (self titled), from 1987 puts a grin on my face and still psyches me out. So Metal be it… KEEL is one of my favorite Hair Metal Bands from the loud, proud and colorful ’80’s. I still have the CD version of KEEL from 1987, liner notes and all. Yes, the liner notes are very important to old school Metalheads like myself. All 10 songs on KEEL are packed with Heavy Metal punch… regardless of KEEL’s Hair Metal tag from that era, it’s all Metal relative. The underlining characteristic of KEEL, is this album has power. Two songs that exemplify this power adjective the best on KEEL are: Somebody’s Waiting and Cherry Lane, plus they are back-to-back… tracks 2 and 3. Does it matter if this was not the hottest selling KEEL album from their catalog? Not in my Metal opinion, at this point in time… does it really even matter?

At the end of the Metal day, it’s all about personal preference and opinion anyways. What once was old is new again… and what albums that did not sell off the shelves, are now being discussed again for those who want to seek out and give a listen to. Going back to Cherry Lane… you won’t find or hear a better tongue-in-cheek Heavy Metal song than this! Cherry Lane is a (gasp) fun song that makes me, (gasp), chuckle a tad almost 25 years later. I’m not embarrassed to admit liking some “fun” in my Hard Rock or Metal. (Hello, David Lee Roth). Calm Before The Storm is a ballad… my finicky side for ballads approved of this song a long time ago. This ballad has a tempo that isn’t so slow you want to scream, it flows very well and lyrically never made me cry and stay in bed for a week… so I have always been down with this song.

The strong vocals of Ron Keel and the chorus from KEEL is what adds to this band’s powerful identity. Marc Ferrari and Bryan Jay on guitars, fuel KEEL with numerous addictive licks on this album to make these songs not just hard & heavy, they also made them memorable going on 3 decades. Toss in a smash ’em up rhythm section of Dwain Miller on drums and Kenny Chaisson on bass guitar and yes Virginia, KEEL delivered a potent Heavy Metal album here. If you are into ’80’s Hair and Heavy Metal and never bought this album, seek it out and give it more than a test drive… crank it LOUD with the car windows down… going at a reasonable speed of course, please.

* Check out the KEEL NATION here: KEEL NATION – Official KEEL website

* Also worth checking out: KEEL – myspace music page

KEEL was released on June 21, 1987, on MCA Records. This was the fourth album release from KEEL.

KEEL Track Listing:

United Nations

Somebody’s Waiting

Cherry Lane

Calm Before The Storm

King Of The Rock

It’s A Jungle Out There

I Said The Wrong Thing To The Right Girl

Don’t Say You Love Me

If Love Is A Crime (I Wanna Be Convicted)

4th Of July

ANGEL – “THE WINTER SONG” IS MY BLIZZARD OF 2010 THEME SONG!

Posted in 1970's classic rock bands, 1970's classic rock songs, 1970's classic rock music, 1970's hard rock, 1970's heavy metal, 1970's heavy metal albums, 1970's heavy metal bands, 1970's heavy metal music, 1970's Rock, 1970's rock bands, 1970's rock music, 1980's hard rock bands, 1980's heavy metal music, classic rock 1978, classic rock albums, classic rock bands, classic rock music, classic rock songs, everyday experiences, everyday people, feel good stories, hard rock bands, hard rock music, hard rock songs, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal bands, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 11, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

It is Thursday, February 11, 2010. The cleanup begins. The cleanup after the Blizzard of 2010 that is. This unreal blizzard attacked the East Coast yesterday, with the great state of Pennsylvania directly in it’s angry path. I’ve seen some major winter storms in my life, this one was a monster in it’s own right. Upwards of nearly two feet of snow blanketed Pennsylvania after 24 hours of snow falling from the sky. Ah, the cleanup that will take place up and down the Eastern Seaboard today… patience shall be a virtue for us all.

As I listened to various music yesterday, I was thinking all along about picking out the perfect blizzard song, a winter song… alas, I was reminded of Angel – The Winter Song. This 1978 song sums it up best… about the spirit of Winter and looking upon this cold, stormy and sometimes isolated season in a different light. Once the holiday season comes to a close, the Winter season takes on it’s own ominous and elongated meaning unlike any other time of year. Still, Winter is here, the blizzards will come and life goes on. Winter, I have learned, is what you make of it. As long as I’m alive to experience this season despite the often times chaotic weather events it brings, I should just be happy that it’s a brand new day.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO MY UNMISTAKABLY LOYAL AND LOVING WIFE TODAY! 15 YEARS! IT’S THE OFFICIAL DAY! THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO AND FOR WORKING SO HARD HONEY! THIS SONG IS FOR YOU TOO!

LONG LIVE ANGEL AND MY MARRIAGE!

If you feel like it, you can check out the post I wrote about Angel and their 1978 Angel album – White Hot, by clicking the header below. I wrote this post back on April 4, 2009.

Angel – Heavy Metal roots from 1978

THE WHO – “GREATEST HITS” IS MY ANNIVERSARY GIFT!

Posted in 1960's classic rock music, 1960's classic rock bands, 1960's rock & roll british invasion, 1960's rock music, 1970's classic rock bands, 1970's classic rock music, 1970's hard rock, 1970's rock bands, 1970's rock music, 1980's classic rock bands, 1980's rock music, 1980's classic rock, 1980's classic rock music, 1980's hard rock bands, 1990's hard rock music, 1990's rock bands, 1990's rock music, 1990's hard rock bands, classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock bands, classic rock music, classic rock songs, cool album covers, current rock bands, family, feel good stories, hard rock bands, hard rock music, life, life stories, living, metal odyssey, Music, real life experiences, Rock, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock and roll hall of fame inductees, rock music, rock music history with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 10, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

My wife and I will celebrate our 15 year Wedding Anniversary on February 11th. Wow, how time has flown by! Tonight, while strolling about at K-Mart, my wife informed me my anniversary gift from her is The Who – Greatest Hits. (Not too shabby, in my Metal opinion). Heck, I’m the guy, I never expect an anniversary gift to begin with… I always make sure my wife gets a gift for certain, still, this feels like a bonus to me!

What’s very exciting about getting this CD from my wife is the pure fact: I have never owned The Who on CD my entire life!! You read that correctly… never did I upgrade The Who to CD, after all these years. Go figure. Of course, I have owned some, (not all), of The Who titles on vinyl and cassette… still have them floating around somewhere. It’s an invigorating feeling to have this Greatest Hits by The Who now… 19 songs and all! What sweetens the deal about this CD is that it was on sale for $9.99! Yes, maybe I have given off hints now and again that I am frugal… it’s from growing up in New England for most of my life… in extremely expensive Connecticut. Believe me, if you live or ever lived in Connecticut, you know what I mean. Living there, man, you have to know how to cut corners and clip coupons… or go broke trying.

Back to The Who… my wife and I, along with my best Metal buddy Scott Coverdale, saw The Who back in the mid ’90’s… seeing them was a thrill beyond belief for me. Drivin N Cryin was the opening band too. I’m thankful I was able to witness John Entwistle live, on bass as well. This legendary show was at the Meadows Music Theater in Hartford, Connecticut.

The Who is a band that I can never, ever, grow tired of. Honestly, The Who just strikes that certain chord within my psyche… and I’m not concerned about figuring it out either. Seeing Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend Rockin’ out during the Super Bowl XLIV half-time special… was something special. I could only hope and pray, that I am in that kind of shape when I hit that age! Sure, Roger Daltrey may not sound like he did in 1980… yet c’mon… he belted it out for the world to know that The Who is still around and damn proud! Pete Townshend also reminded us all, that he too… can still kick some Rock and Roll ass.

My favorite song ever, from The Who, is: Eminence Front. I’m not going to attempt any explanation here, other than this is THE song. You know how it is… there’s always that one particular song from a band that resonates with your mind and soul… Eminence Front is just that song by The Who. I’m thankful for my beautiful wife of 15 years and counting… nothing beats the memories, life experiences and love we have both shared with each other. (We actually have been together since 1988, married in 1995). I’m also thankful I have the memory of seeing The Who, live, with my wife and best friend. Money can’t buy love and memories… but $9.99 can buy me the coolest wedding anniversary gift – The Who, Greatest Hits.

The Who – Greatest Hits was released on December 21, 2009.

LONG LIVE THE WHO!

Reflecting on the good memories of life and staying positive and true to yourself… is what it’s all about. Music is the stimulus of good life memories for me… the Rock Music of The Who is no exception.

FAITH NO MORE – “THE REAL THING” 1989 ALBUM HELPED ME EMBRACE HEAVY MUSIC DIVERSITY

Posted in 1980's alternative metal music, 1980's alternative music, 1980's hard rock albums, 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal hits, 1980's rock albums, 1980's rock music, 1980's hard rock, 1980's hard rock bands, 1980's hard rock songs, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1989 heavy metal music, Album Review, cool album covers, grunge, grunge bands, hard rock bands, hard rock music, hard rock songs, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1989, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1989, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music history with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 7, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

Back in 1989, when I first heard the song Epic by Faith No More, I thought to myself… this is different. Here is a song that seemed to spark my interest, while also psyching me out in a way similar to, (yet not equal to), the way my beloved Metal, Thrash or Death Metal does. I was worried, was this song spelling doom for Metal Music? Was Faith No More conspiring along with the Grunge invasion from Washington State, to take over the world? I liked Epic a great deal, the loyalty for my Metal genres would never be in jeopardy… despite turning onto an Alternative (semi-Heavy Metal) Hard Rock band like Faith No More. How ridiculous it all seems now, the thoughts that went through my head, as I look back upon my first listens to The Real Thing, (Slash Records/Reprise), back in 1989. The self questioning of my Metal loyalty? Whatever. I should have known better then… Metal Music wasn’t going away – ever. Grunge was not going to take over the world either. In fact, since the abrupt and tragic end of Nirvana, I have kept up with the music career of Dave GrohlAlice In Chains has become a core favorite of mine over the years, with Stone Temple Pilots not being too far behind. As for Faith No More, this is a band that mixed things up for me in ’89 and beyond… in a very good way.

The questioning of my self Metal loyalty back in ’89 and into the early ’90’s was due in part to the Metal is done “misinformation” that the mass media was playing around with. The commercial media just was not covering the Metal Music and Metal Bands during these supposed dark times. Therefore, being a devout Metalhead, listening to anything remotely considered to be Alternative, meant that I was part of this out in the open and massive conspiracy, designed to thwart and defeat Metal Music from planet Earth altogether. Nonsense! The real conspiracy were the ridiculous and self imposed thoughts that permeated through my brain back in those days!

The Grunge and Alternative Metal movements have taught me a valuable Metal lesson, one that I have become empowered by and carry out to this very day in 2010: I listen to what I like, what moves and inspires me, regardless of it’s respective genre.

The Real Thing album includes the cover of a legendary and ultra historic Heavy Metal song – War Pigs by Black Sabbath. REDEMPTION!! Buying The Real Thing by Faith No More back in 1989 was Metal worthy after all!! In my Metal opinion, while listening to the Faith No More cover of War Pigs, I get the impression Michael Patton on vocals, Jim Martin on guitar, Bill Gould on bass and Mike Bordin on drums sound very much like a Heavy Metal Band to me. Besides, Mike Bordin transitioned his Alternative Heavy Music style to full-on Heavy Metal, flawlessly, while being the drummer for Ozzy Osbourne too.

Woodpecker From Mars isn’t just a far-out and cool song title, this instrumental is Metal, Arabian atmospherics and all. Woodpecker From Mars has become my Alternative Metal soundtrack to my Alternative Rock and Metal embracing, Metalhead life. Each time I listen to Surprise! You’re Dead!, it justifies my liking Faith No More and The Real Thing as much as I do, this is just an incredibly heavy song, real heavy. Since 1989, I have listened to and enjoyed this Faith No More album, it really is The Real Thing for me.

Stone.

BRUCE KULICK “BK3” – A MENAGERIE OF ROCK, HARD ROCK & HEAVY METAL

Posted in 1980's heavy metal guitarists, 1980's heavy metal music, 1990's heavy metal guitarists, 2010 hard rock albums, 2010 heavy metal albums, current hard rock albums, current heavy metal albums, Hard Rock, hard rock album review, hard rock guitarists, hard rock music, hard rock music 2010, hard rock vocalists, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal history, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2010, heavy metal solo albums, heavy metal solo artists, heavy metal solo vocalists, heavy metal vocalists, metal odyssey, Music, new heavy metal music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 5, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

BRUCE KULICK – BK3 was released on February 2, 2010. I bought BK3 on it’s release date at Walmart for $10… not a shabby price at all, especially since this is an extremely likable album of eleven songs. Bruce Kulick has presented to the world, a menagerie of Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal songs. No, there are no Folk songs on BK3, just solid musicianship all, with Bruce Kulick as the main attraction and in the guitar spotlight. Bruce plays bass guitar on five of the eleven songs as well. I have always enjoyed the guitar tone of Bruce Kulick, he doesn’t disappoint me again with his skills and sound on BK3. As the lead KISS guitarist on their studio albums from 1985 to 1992 aside, there has been so much more to an impressive and storied career behind Bruce Kulick and his guitar. BK3 is not about looking back on the past, it’s better described as building on the future while cementing a legitimate and thoroughly enjoyable third solo album.

Any hints of trying to conjure up the Hair Metal version of 1980’s KISS are not found in the music of BK3. I applaud Bruce Kulick for being creative on this album, while reaching out to some of his vocal friends for melodic and harmonious diversity. Other musical guests abound on BK3, each contributing their own signature to this album of spontaneity. A Guitar legend in his very own right, Steve Lukather, jams his way through the instrumental – Between The Lines. The combination of Bruce Kulick and Steve Lukather on one song is a Hard Rockin’ treat to my ears.

I’m The Animal exhibits the vocal talent of Edguy’s Tobias Sammet and drumming/KISS legend – Eric Singer, a Heavy Metal all-star cast. Bruce Kulick fires away delectable licks on I’m The Animal, making this song an instant favorite of mine. Final Mile is an entwining glow of Rock meets Hard Rock – up tempo ballad. Final Mile is also a convincing nod to the never aging Classic Rock genre. To compare Bruce Kulick vocally to someone else, without this sounding too much of a Metal stretch, my pick would be none other than Ace Frehley. Yes, both are unique vocalists, still, making a comparison is all this really is.

I’ll Survive features Bruce Kulick on vocals as well, (he sings lead vocals on five songs in all), a dramatic Rock song, lyrically tapping into the human spirit, while reflecting on being thankful for being alive and having one’s life spared from the grasp of uncertain death. Hand Of The King is a Heavy Metal surprise that features Nick Simmons on lead vocals. (In my Metal opinion, Nick does sound a bunch like his dad Gene Simmons). If comparisons to his dad Gene Simmons, proves to be of any detriment to Nick Simmons and his music career… well then, Metal be damned for his vocals sound terrific to me. Metal kudos to you, Nick.

No Friend Of Mine is without question, another favorite song on BK3 for me. John Corabi is the lead vocalist on this fast paced and semi-ballad. No Friend Of Mine has enough Hard Rock edges, encircling its Heavy Metal core, to tempt me into hitting the repeat button for this song multiple times. John Corabi vocally sounds excellent, a real standout on BK3, in my Metal opinion, once again. Doug Fieger is yet another fantastic surprise to hear on Dirty Girl, this song captures the essence of Rock relevancy through the decades, a good time, Hard Rockin’ song that reminds me of the Summer months… (yes, it really does).

KISS icon – Gene Simmons impresses with lending his lead vocals on Ain’t Gonna Die… yes, this song illuminates Heavy Metal… Old School too. Life ends BK3 in straight forward Rock style, with Bruce Kulick giving his lyrics added sincerity through his own vocals. To sum up the heartening reality of this songs lyrics, two lines say it best: Love is a gift in life, Be careful of what you choose. Bruce Kulick definitely has a mellow side, then again, I guess I do too… Bruce Kulick has reminded me of that.

* Catch up on more Bruce Kulick news and info by clicking here: BRUCE KULICK – Official Website

* BK3 was released on Twenty 4 Records/Rocket Science.

Track Listing For BK3:

Fate

Ain’t Gonna Die

No Friend Of Mine

Hand Of The King

I’ll Survive

Dirty Girl

Final Mile

I’m The Animal

And I Know

Between The Lines

Life


SCARS ON BROADWAY – “THEY SAY” 2008 7″ PICTURE DISC SINGLE & VIDEO I’D LIKE TO SHOW YA’

Posted in 1990's alternative metal bands, alternative metal bands, alternative metal music, cool album covers, current heavy metal bands, hard rock bands, hard rock music, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music, heavy metal picture discs, heavy metal records, heavy metal songs 2008, heavy metal videos, metal music, metal music albums, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 2, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

SCARS ON BROADWAY. Daron Malakian, (guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, organs and vocalist) and John Dolmayan, (drums), need no formal introduction, due to their legendary careers with System of a Down. The debut and self titled album Scars On Broadway was released back on July 29, 2008. The single from their debut album – They Say was also released as a 7″ picture disc back in 2008. My picture disc version of They Say, is shown below – both sides. (There is a U.K. version that is limited to 2,000 pressings, with a different image as well) (My picture disc version of They Say has no exact number to it’s limited pressing, to the best of my Metal knowledge). This picture disc was released by Velvethammer with the song licensed to Interscope Records.

As for the song itself… great song! I simply get into this song like there is no tomorrow! The lyrics of They Say basically speaks exactly how I feel about the nightly news and all the depressing information and disinformation, that is fed into the minds of people, on a constant, daily basis. Through the lyrics of They Say, Daron Malakian is honestly stating that the world’s news isn’t all peaches and cream. Lyrical reality about society can and does exist in Metal and Hard Rock songs. When expressed in matter of fact language, such as They Say, the points are driven home and are related quite easily for my interpretation. Sure, They Say Rocks hard and gets me psyched out… yet it also makes me stop to think – about the reality of the world we live in. In my Metal opinion, this song is riveting.

Check out, if you so choose, the still music video for They Say below. It is a still video, showing the debut/self titled album cover – Scars On Broadway, with this great song being played with NO lyrics being edited… crank it LOUD!

Here is what my 7″ picture disc looks like, Scars On Broadway – They Say:

Daron Malakian is pictured on the left, John Dolmayan is pictured on the right of this picture disc photo.

*This picture disc version contains They Say on both sides.

I bought this picture disc sometime back in 2008… guess where? Hot Topic. If you guessed Office Depot or Walgreens Pharmacy… you were way off.

* For more info, music, videos, news and images of Scars On Broadway, click on the link below for a direct visit to their official website:

SCARS ON BROADWAY

As for the entire debut and self titled album – Scars On Broadway, I will praise it on a future post… it’s that darn good! Here’s what the Scars On Broadway album cover looks like:

Thanks for visiting and/or making return visits to Metal Odyssey! It’s Metal appreciated, believe me.

McAULEY SCHENKER GROUP – “SAVE YOURSELF” 1989 ALBUM REVISITED

Posted in 1980's hair metal albums, 1980's hair metal bands, 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal ballads, 1980's heavy metal hits, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal guitarists, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1980's metal music, 1989 heavy metal music, Album Review, cool album covers, hard rock bands, hard rock music, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1989, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1989, heavy metal videos, heavy metal vocalists, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, old school heavy metal bands, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 1, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

I have forever and always will be an admirer of Michael Schenker, the lead guitarist of The Michael Schenker Group, McAuley Schenker Group, UFO and of course, an original guitarist for the Scorpions. Michael Schenker has also released numerous albums through a solo career and side projects. McAuley Schenker GroupSave Yourself, was a choice Metal pick of mine today… I reached for this CD and let it’s Heavy Metal engulf my ears. Released on October 25, 1989, Save Yourself was an instant Metal favorite for me since it’s release. Always the impeccable Metal guitarist, Michael Schenker, through his signature sound, is such an amazing standout figure in the history of Heavy Metal… in my Metal opinion. Is this the greatest Michael Schenker guitar led album ever? Not necessarily, yet Save Yourself does come across with it’s melodic Metal power – amazingly well for my liking. This is an album that I have never grown tired of, nor ever will. Is Robin McAuley my favorite vocalist on a Michael Schenker album? No, Gary Barden is, that is not an insult to Robin McAuley, it’s just my personal choice. I really like the vocals of Robin McAuley, Old School and never overreaching.

Metal Odyssey Warning: There is NOT one bad or sub-par song on Save Yourself, in my Metal opinion. Seek out this album and listen to it at your own Metal risk… you just might find yourself liking this album a great deal.

I Am Your Radio is a prototypical 1980’s Heavy Metal anthem. With its heavy stomping and power driven rhythm section, accompanied with a backdrop fused with all the electrifying guitar leads and riffs you can ask for… throw in a climactic solo for good Metal measure too. Can this song be construed as ’80’s corn dog? Not in my Metal mind… especially when this song is played LOUD, like it was meant to be heard. What We Need is an engaging Heavy Metal song, strong vocals from McAuley and muscular guitar licks from Schenker abound. Shadow Of The Night is rich with it’s Heavy Metal chorus, a true ’80’s melodic anthem, a sing-along for MSG die hards!

There Has To Be Another Way is the lone instrumental on Save Yourself. This is not Michael Schenker showing off, no ego is prevailing here… just a bitter sweet sound of emotion being spoken from his flying V. (As fine of a mellow/Metal guitar instrumental I’ve ever heard). Get Down To Bizness has the attitude and flamboyancy that late 1980’s Heavy Metal was so notorious for. Combine the vocals and solo of this song and you have a molten ball of Heavy Metal, raging with all the greatness of this era’s heavy music. Anytime is a power ballad THAT I EQUATE TO HEAVY METAL GREATNESS. That is correct… a ballad that I revere!! Wow, there really are Heavy Metal ballads that get Metal recognition on Metal Odyssey after all! Simply put, Anytime with it’s lyrics, melody, tempo and complete musicianship… is an all time favorite song of mine… period. Anytime gives me salamander bumps up and down my arms and across my face, each time I hear it. (Don’t repeat this to anyone… you all MUST Metal promise!).

Bad Boys gets the adrenaline flowing on high, it’s not a knock you out song, it’s just a song that has bite with raw undertones. Besides, Michael Schenker makes good on his guitar solo on Bad Boys, regardless of how shortened it is. Save Yourself as the album opener, opens with Michael Schenker letting it be known he is THE guitar god on this album and with his band. Save Yourself is arguably the heaviest song on this album. Take Me Back is the last song on this album, it is almost like Robin McAuley and Michael Schenker wanted to save one of the best for last… for Take Me Back IS one of the best songs on Save Yourself. A commercially accessible song is Take Me Back, still it is Heavy Metal with Michael Schenker leaving his signature – guitar stamp of approval all over it. Steve Mann, not to be ignored, plays alongside Michael Schenker on this album and my ears hear his credibility throughout, both on guitar and keyboards.

Check out and listen to the power ballad – Anytime… this song just gets better for me with each listen:

McAuley Schenker Group as they appeared on Save Yourself:

Michael Schenker – lead guitar

Robin McAuley – lead vocals

Steve Mann – guitar and keyboards

Rocky Newton – bass guitar

Bodo Schopf – drums

Track Listing For Save Yourself:

Save Yourself

Bad Boys

Anytime

Get Down To Bizness

Shadow Of The Night

What We Need

I Am Your Radio

There Has To Be Another Way (instrumental)

This Is My Heart

Destiny

Take Me Back (bonus track)

Save Yourself was originally released on Capitol Records.

HARDLINE – “DOUBLE ECLIPSE” 1992 DEBUT ALBUM REIGNS WITH HARD ROCK RELEVANCY

Posted in 1990's heavy metal albums, 1990's rock bands, 1990's rock guitarists, 1990's rock music, 1990's hard rock albums, 1990's hard rock bands, 1990's hard rock videos, 1990's heavy metal music, 1990's rock albums, Album Review, hard rock album review, hard rock albums 1992, hard rock bands, hard rock guitarists, hard rock music, hard rock songs, hard rock vocalists, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1992, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal videos, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music history with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 31, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

Best Metal buddy Scott Coverdale landed me another album, that flew under my Hard Rock radar many years ago. Here is how the phone conversation went, (after many, many moments of trying to guess what band Scott was quizzing me on): Dude, have you ever heard of Hardline? Neal Schon, man! Whoa… this band Rocks! This is one unbelievable album! The praise Hardline – Double Eclipse was getting from Scott went on and on. I don’t recall one microscopic fault that Scott could find with this album. Some excitable F bombs were probably dropped around in his praise as well, from what I recall. Metal truth be told, I informed Scott that I vaguely remember the Gioeli brothers being involved in a band… however, I never listened to them, ever. Connecting Neal Schon to Hardline was not in my Metal memory… that is why Scott is a Metal Odyssey – Metal Researcher. (I remember vividly Neal Schon being a key member of HSAS, with Sammy Hagar, back in ’84. I always liked the HSAS album Through The Fire a whole lot. Throw in the Metal facts that I revere Neal Schon for his accomplishments as a Rock/Hard Rock guitarist and my adoration for Journey, (and not all the Journey ballads)… well, Hardline – Double Eclipse needed to be finally heard by me!!

I do agree with Scott that Double Eclipse is a great album, it has many hard and heavy moments. I do differ on one key musical aspect of Double Eclipse… the ballads. Oh, they are present… oh yeah. Can’t Find My Way is as annoying to me as a long line at the gas pumps. Lead vocalist Johnny Gioeli is fabulous on Double Eclipse, it’s just that dreaded sappy emotion of Can’t Find My Way that ruins it for me. I’ll Be There is much more upbeat, both with the believably emotional vocals of Johnny Gioeli and the up-tempo of the entire song. Still, it’s a ballad. Change Of Heart brings on that love is in the air feeling… ugh. Understand, I have never embraced ballads in Hard Rock and Heavy Metal my entire life… I am very finicky about them. Ballads have their place… only why interrupt the Hard Rock flow of an album with them? Bad Taste rocks the F’n house down… and it is a song right before Can’t Find My Way! I got all pumped up, psyched out, only to get bummed out immediately after with sappy silliness.

Alright, enough with ballads, why I despise most of them and onward with the songs on Double Eclipse – that rage with the hard and heavy! Takin’ Me Down, (see music video below), takes me down a Hard Rock colliding with Heavy Metal path that I don’t mind taking. Neal Schon is scorching on guitar throughout the non-ballads of Double Eclipse, he really takes it to the top on Takin’ Me Down. The vintage guitar tone of Neal Schon never screams louder than on Hot Cherie… just a damn great Hard Rock song. Everything is a song that sounds like a ballad that was modified to become a more edgier and harder song at the very end, a memorable song for my anti-ballad ears.

Life’s A Bitch, Dr. Love and Rhythm From A Red Car are the first three songs on Double Eclipse, it’s a shame that the entire album could not have followed the Hard and Heavy blueprint of them. These first three songs are what Hard Rock meshing with Heavy Metal is all about! At the end of my Metal day, I will listen to Double Eclipse again… and again. My personal distaste for ballads is just that… personal. I will state, that the ballads heard on Double Eclipse are fantastic for what they are, especially if you are into Rock/Hard Rock ballads!

Just because the ballads heard on Double Eclipse don’t move me, does not mean that they should never be praised or enjoyed by others. Across the Metal board, the credibility in the vocals of Johnny Gioeli and the musicianship of each member of Hardline cannot be ignored or disputed. Johnny Gioeli has the quintessential Hard Rock meets Heavy Metal vocals… a standout singer who really seems to feel the songs, something I find most admirable. This 1992 debut album from Hardline holds strong Hard Rock relevance to what’s currently being created in 2010 and arguably better than a noticeable percentage of current Rock/Hard Rock today… ballads included.

Here is the music video for Takin’ Me Down… it’s pretty darn cool, despite the visual being a tad fuzzy:

Hardline – Double Eclipse was released on April 28, 1992, on MCA Records.

Hardline, as they appeared on their debut album – Double Eclipse:

Johnny Gioeli – lead vocalist

Neal Schon – lead guitar

Joey Gioeli – rhythm guitar

Todd Jensen – bass guitar

Deen Castronovo – drums

Track Listing For Hardline – Double Eclipse:

Life’s A Bitch

Dr. Love

Rhythm From A Red Car

Change Of Heart

Everything

Takin’ Me Down

Hot Cherie

Bad Taste

Can’t Find My Way

I’ll Be There

31-91 (Metal Odyssey note: an acoustic guitar instrumental – very mellow, yet good)

In The Hands Of Time

MOUNTAIN – The Best Of Live: A Listen In Hard Rock And Heavy Metal Roots

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock music, guitar legends, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 30, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

I pulled out a classic of a CD to crank up today: The Best Of Mountain Live. Arguably, a bona fide pioneer of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal, Mountain even played at Woodstock in 1969. That’s simply very cool. The original Mountain lineup of Leslie West, (guitar & vocals), the late Felix Pappalardi, (bass & piano) and (Canadian born) Corky Laing, (drums & percussion), were probably one of the earliest power trio’s in Rock History. The heaviness of Mountain’s sound from the very start, is what I point to in regarding them as Heavy Metal pioneers.

Leslie West introduced to the world, his guitar tone that leaned away from the early to mid 1960’s Rock and Roll Pop and late 1960’s Psychedelic Rock comfort zone. Being an American Rock Band, there was no Rock and Roll British Invasion wave that Mountain found themselves riding in on. Just straight up, bluesy, hard and heavy Rock and Roll… in essence, Hard Rock. Mississippi Queen from the 1970 Mountain debut album – Climbing! was a building block of Heavy Metal before the world even knew or understood the genre.

Yes, America did stake a claim in the formation of Heavy Metal, Mountain is as credible an example as any band I can think of. Listening to The Best Of Mountain Live only solidifies my Metal opinion on this. Hey, with Corky Laing being Canadian born, let’s give some Heavy Metal pioneering credit to Canada too… eh?

The Best Of Mountain Live is not going to blow anyone over with polished production, what this album does incite is the importance of Mountain’s contributions to the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal genres. Are the vintage Mountain songs and cover songs heard on The Best Of Live a mirror image of Heavy Metal 2010? Of course they’re not. What these live songs do tell my ears, is that Hard Rock and Heavy Metal evolved from bands just like Mountain, into what we all know and hear as Heavy Music today.

I picked up this CD a few years ago, for just a few bucks. Sure, I could easily have reached for and listened to a Mountain studio album today. Instead, this live CD with all it’s recorded Rock history is what lured me all the more. It was the raw, unpolished and live sensory experience that I was yearning for, from a band that helped shape the Heavy Music sound and style that I find so endearing in 2010.

Sometimes I find it hard to believe, that the roots of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal were being forged by Mountain, while they performed at Woodstock in 1969. I was not even three years old then. Then, I stop to think that Leslie West, Corky Laing and their band Mountain are still around and playing their songs, their own heavy way, still touring recently in 2009.

When it’s all said and Metal done, if you happen to stumble upon Mountain – The Best Of Live, take ownership of it and give your ears some Heavy Music roots. Yes, you will find NO glitz and glam and NO egos heard in the heavy musicianship of Mountain… now doesn’t that just sound too good to pass up?

For more info, current news and the history of MOUNTAIN, click on the link below:

MOUNTAIN – Official Web-Site

Track listing for Mountain – The Best Of Live:

Mississippi Queen

Never In My Life

For Yasgur’s Farm

Rocky Mountain Way

Theme For An Imaginary Western

Why Dontcha

Crossroads

Spark

House Of The Rising Sun

(Released in 2006, on St. Clair Entertainment Group Inc.)

LONG LIVE MOUNTAIN.

Stone.

 

HEAVY METAL HISTORY: LOLLAPALOOZA – 1996 CONCERT POSTER!

Posted in 1990's rock bands, 1990's rock music, concerts, grunge, grunge bands, metal odyssey, Music, rock festivals, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 29, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

A concert or festival that exhibits a diverse lineup of bands and/or solo musicians is always going to make some noise. The 1996 Lollapalooza concert, held on July 23, 1996, at the Tad Gormley Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana takes the Metal prize here for diversity! Just take a look at the concert poster below, listing some of the acts that took to the stages of Lollapalooza in ’96: METALLICA, SOUNDGARDEN, WAYLON JENNINGS, RAMONES, RANCID and SCREAMING TREES. I revere the Ramones, listen to Rancid on a regular basis and could never be more proud of it… Tim Armstrong just amazes me with his song writing, vocals and musical multi-talents. Soundgarden I took a liking to from the start, definitely my favorite Grunge Band ever… Black Hole Sun… ’nuff said. Screaming Trees, (quiet pioneers of the Grunge style in their own right), I will give an open ear to from time to time still. Waylon Jennings, a country legend… he passed away too damn young at age 64, back in 2002. Metallica, a core band of mine. Thrash Metal giants, icons, regardless if Load from ’96, ReLoad from ’97 and St. Anger from 2003 were not up to my Metallica standards. (Hey, any Metalhead or fan of any music genre has their unique personal standards). I never gave up on Metallica… Death Magnetic proves Metallica never gave up on their fans either.

Looking back on this Lallapalooza concert in ’96 is Heavy Metal history. No, not everyone on the bill was/is Heavy Metal, nonetheless… this event was Heavy Metal history. The same can be said that Lallapalooza ’96 was Punk Rock history too. Country and Grunge history at that. If I had attended this Lallapalooza Concert back then, I have a funny feeling, I would have had a tremendous time. Musical diversity was found at this concert and that is not a bad thing at all… in my Metal opinion. (Throw in the fact that Lollapalooza did not have any televised talent show contestants/winners on stage… and you have instant credibility).

This is a very plain and unexciting looking concert poster. Still, these posters were hung up on telephone poles, handed off to passers-by and maybe hung inside convenience store windows as well? I cringe at the thought of just how many of these historical posters were ripped down, torn up and thrown away, once this concert came to pass. The bottom Metal line is that this poster represents a moment in time, a moment in Rock history, Heavy Metal history.

BADLANDS – “DREAMS IN THE DARK” 1989 VIDEO REVISITED!

Posted in 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal guitarists, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1989 heavy metal music, cool album covers, guitar legends, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1989, heavy metal videos, heavy metal vocalists, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, old school heavy metal bands with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 28, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

I am always in that Old School Heavy Metal mood. All someone needs to do is simply whisper an Old School Band or musician’s name to me and I’m checking in… into Old School U. BADLANDSDreams In The Dark video from 1989 is a trip down Metal memory lane. The vocals and energy from the late Ray Gillen, combined with the guitar wizardry of Jake E. Lee, gives this Dreams In The Dark song and video it’s Classic Heavy Metal appeal. Let’s not count out the powerful rhythm section of Greg Chaisson on bass and Eric Singer on drums… wow. In my Metal opinion, Badlands was a great Heavy Metal Band, this video only solidifies my Metal claim. My best Metal buddy and Metal Odyssey’s Metal researcher Scott Coverdale landed me a copy of the Badlands debut album, on CD, back in the Fall of 2009. I yapped all about getting this Badlands CD upgrade along with a review on October 26, 2009… you can check it out by clicking the header below the video, (if you like).  I hope you enjoy this Badlands video as much as I do!

BADLANDS – 1989 Heavy Metal Debut Album Still Reigns Supreme

DOMMIN “LOVE IS GONE” RELEASES IN FIVE DAYS – FEBRUARY 2, 2010!

Posted in alternative metal music, alternative rock music, collecting rock music, cool album covers, current hard rock bands, current heavy metal music, gothic metal albums, gothic metal bands, gothic metal music, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, hard rock music, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal bands 2010, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2010, melodic hard rock bands, melodic heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 27, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

DOMMIN. A blend of Rock, Hard Rock, Gothic and Heavy Metal. Yes, I am into the songs and sound of DOMMIN, at the end of the Metal day, I am a very diversified Metalhead. Admittedly, I am also NOT ashamed to admit that. DOMMIN. Taking Metal detours is an adventure… heck, you only live once. My self diagnosis is that I love music, period. No, not Daughtry… I stated music, afterall, I’m not into garbled bubble gum slop from a televised talent show. On February 2, 2010, I will be picking up my reserved copy of Love Is Gone at my neighborhood fye and will skip all the way to my car with a sinister smile on my face. (O.k., I am just kidding about the “skipping to my car” part). This new DOMMIN album will be in my hands just 5 days from now… (I am counting Thursday thru Monday).

DOMMIN – Love Is Gone – (ROADRUNNER Records)

If you feel like it, check out the blabbing I did on October 19, 2009, regarding the DOMMIN E.P., just click on the link below:

DOMMIN – “E.P.” Has Me Hooked

SCORPIONS – A METAL THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC AND MEMORIES!

Posted in 1970's heavy metal, 1970's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's metal bands, 1990's heavy metal bands, classic rock music, current heavy metal bands, current heavy metal music, hard rock music, heavy metal bands, heavy metal bands 2010, heavy metal birthdays, heavy metal from germany, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal history, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, old school heavy metal bands, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 26, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

SCORPIONS. Legends of Heavy Metal, Hard Rock and Rock History. Really, what can I truly say about the inevitable retirement of the Scorpions, that has not already been said today, across the world? All I can say, from my very own personal, Metal perspective, is THANK YOU. Thank you Scorpions for the albums of songs, the videos, the tours, the loyalty to the fans and for just knowing that you were THERE for me to listen to as a young teen, all the way through adulthood. With three years left to go before the official Metal curtain falls… I will make every Metal effort to say goodbye at a live show. There is still three more years of Scorpions memories to be had. Plus, with the new studio album Sting In The Tail coming out this March, there has never been a better time than 2010 to celebrate a true Champion of Heavy Metal – SCORPIONS! I actually have duck bumps going up and down my arms as I write this… it’s like I am saying thank you and goodbye to a good buddy. In the grand Metal scheme of things, yes, the Scorpions were always my buddy… one of my core Heavy Metal bands to turn to for inspiration, enjoyment and of course… partying, (when I was a young lad and could stay up all night).

A fan becomes a part of a band, whether or not that band knows it or not. The Heavy Metal community is family and it’s a day like January 25, 2010, when this realization really sets in. Just like when a favorite New York Yankee of mine retires or gets traded, it leaves that notorious lump in my throat. Well, I have that lump in my throat today… only it’s a Metal lump. To commemorate this iconic Heavy Metal Band, I have compiled a list, a Metal roll call if you will, of the musicians of the Scorpions – both past and present. I thank each and everyone of them. I also have blabbed about my Metal adoration for the Scorpions a few times on Metal Odyssey, during my short time in doing this blog gig. Please check out these three posts if you feel like it, just click on the headers below the Scorpions roll call.

Scorpions – Present:

Klaus Meine – vocalist

Rudolf Schenker – guitarist

Matthias Jabs – guitarist

Pawel Maciwoda – bass guitarist

James Kottak – drummer

Scorpions – Past: (In no particular order)

Michael Schenker – guitarist

Ulrich Roth – guitarist

Francis Buchholz – bass guitarist

Herman Rarebell – drummer

Wolfgang Dziony – drummer

Lothar Heimberg – bass guitarist

Jurgen Rosenthal – drummer

Achim Kirschning – keyboardist

Rudy Lenners – drummer

Barry Sparks – bass guitarist

Ralph Rieckermann – bass guitarist

Curt Cress – drummer

Ken Taylor – bass guitarist

Ingo Powitzer – bass guitarist

(And of course, the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra too)

* Please note, if I happened to overlook any former Scorpions musician from the past, please let me know through a comment and that respective musician shall be added to this list. Any Metal oversight is wholeheartedly unintentional on the part of Metal Odyssey and I apologize now in case this was to happen.

From the 1972 studio album release of Lonesome Crow to the highly anticipated Sting In The Tail studio album of 2010, with every single studio and live album in between, the Heavy Metal from the Scorpions will live on for future generations to embrace and enjoy.

LONG LIVE SCORPIONS HEAVY METAL!

SCORPIONS – “SAVAGE AMUSEMENT” 1988 ALBUM FLASHBACK

Scorpions “World Wide Live” – 1985 album revisited

Happy Metal Birthday, Klaus Meine – Scorpions vocalist

BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME – “THE GREAT MISDIRECT” IS A PROGRESSIVE & HEAVY MIND ADVENTURE

Posted in Album Review, alternative metal music, current heavy metal albums, current progressive metal albums, current progressive metal music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums 2009, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, Metal, metal music, metal music albums, metal odyssey, Music, prog metal albums, prog metal music, progressive metal, progressive metal 2009, progressive metal albums, progressive metal bands, progressive metal music, progressive metal songs, progressive rock music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 23, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME – The Great Misdirect is a Progressive Metal album that was released on October 26, 2009, on Victory Records. I received this CD as a Christmas gift from my wife and daughters, therefore, my first listen to The Great Misdirect was in the final days of last year. Metal truth be told, this is my very first Between The Buried And Me album that I have ever owned… or listened to. Stagnant, same-old, status quo and ho-hum are words that DO NOT describe The Great Misdirect. Heavy, progressive, semi-psychedelic, retrospective, layered and mind adventure are words THAT DO describe this dynamic album. As I listened intently to The Great Misdirect, I swear that this is a band that has taken a time machine from the mid 1970’s to present day… and they have been kidnapped and forced to create heavier music than they are used to, while still being able to incorporate their own style of Classic Rock into the structure of the songs. Call this thought nutty, call it science fiction, still, this is the type of mind wandering that Between The Buried And Me are all about with their lyrics anyways! It’s not just a fascination with this band being different that gets me… it’s the sheer fascination that this band is damned good at writing Heavy Progressive Music and playing it too.

Just by reading the lyrics to Fossil Genera – A Feed From Cloud Mountain, I realize that BTBAM’s vocalist Tommy Rogers is open minded and embraces the science fiction side of thought and conspiracy theories, (where his actual views stand on such topics, I do not know). Needless to say, just reading the lyrics found within the liner notes is an adventure. As goes Progressive Metal, the moment I sit back and chill to a lengthy interlude of mellow musical interplay, the quicker I have to sit up/get up to the heavy guitar riffs and leads, the bombastic rhythm section and/or the Extreme Metal vocals. (Pssst… I don’t mind it one Metal bit).

Yes, Grand Funk Railroad and any other Classic Rock band of legend should be proud of the astute usage of keyboards found within The Great Misdirect. Once again, Tommy Rogers is at the helm on the keys, raising such a familiar 1970’s sound that actually seems to resonate above the heaviness. Tommy Rogers also seems to go back and forth from extreme to traditional vocals rather effortlessly. As a unit, BTBAM are smart as they are talented with their playing, improvisation with this band in a live setting should never pose a problem.

Mirrors opens The Great Misdirect in a solemn, ultra mellow and quaint way. Lyrically, Mirrors exhibits a person who is without question, disassociated with the world around him/her… both people and things included. Ah, don’t let the opener of Mirrors fool you however, Obfuscation burrows right into my Metal soul… almost without warning, then subsides into a legitimate progressive pattern that BTBAM have indeed succeeded at. Metal Odyssey Note: Obfuscation means to be unclear, evasive or confusing. I actually had to look this word up, yeah, I did. Using a dictionary is cool.

Disease, Injury, Madness is over eleven minutes long, basically a Progressive Metal epic. Too bad this song wasn’t an hour long… it’s that good for me. As being an admirer of Mastodon, DaathDream Theater, Yes and The Electric Light Orchestra, my progressive Rock fan roots are as diverse as the Universe itself. Then again, when I think about it, isn’t the word diverse a major characteristic of Progressive Metal to begin with? Between The Buried And Me have recruited a NEW fan, I will gleefully dig into their back catalog without blinking a Metal eye.

Track Listing for The Great Misdirect:

Mirrors and Obfuscation – Metal Odyssey Note: (Mirrors plays out as an introduction to Obfuscation)

Disease, Injury, Madness

Swim To The Moon

Desert Of Song

Fossil Genera – A Feed from Cloud Mountain

Between The Buried And Me, as they appear on The Great Misdirect:

Tommy Rogers – vocals, keys and lyrics

Dan Briggs – bass, fretless bass

Dustie Waring – electric guitar, slide guitar, acoustic guitar and guitar effects

Paul Waggoner – electric guitar, steel string acoustic guitar, classical guitar and lap steel guitar

Blake Richardson – drums and percussion

KROKUS – “ALIVE AND SCREAMIN'” IS A HEAVY METAL FIND ON VINYL!

Posted in 1980's hard rock albums, 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal ballads, 1980's live heavy metal albums, 1980's hard rock bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal guitarists, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1980's metal bands, 1980's metal music, 1986 heavy metal albums, 1986 heavy metal music, Album Review, cool album covers, current heavy metal bands, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1986, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal records, live heavy metal albums, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal bands, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 22, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

KROKUS – Alive and Screamin’, on vinyl and in mint condition, with it’s original album plastic still covering it… there it was, on one of my recent Heavy Metal hunting expeditions, sitting in an antique mall screamin’ for me to buy it. Five bucks I shelled out to bring this vintage, Old School Heavy Metal album home with me. Five bucks. This great Krokus album was opened by someone in the past, still, the vinyl and original inner sleeve itself is mint! Plus, as a Metal bonus, it plays just fine! I deliberately went to visit this antique mall for a find … a Metal find that is. It’s not as if there are truck loads of vintage or current Heavy Metal albums and memorabilia at this antique mall, not in the least. I really have to scour the goods, peruse the aisles and sniff out the Heavy Metal from where it is hiding. It’s good times for me, searching for Heavy Metal albums or anything Hard Rock/Heavy Metal related at these kind of places. I’m a nostalgic Metalhead, always was, always will be. Finding and collecting the Heavy Metal vinyl I once owned or never owned is a natural Metal high for me, especially when I land them mint and cheap! As long as I have a turntable or two to play these albums on, the Metal enjoyment shall carry on long after the purchase.

Alive and Screamin’ marked the first live album released by Krokus. Overall, this live album has fantastic sound quality, a very well produced live album. This live Krokus album proves for me, to be an Old School and heavy warm-up to the new upcoming Krokus albumHoodoo, that is set for a February 26, 2010 release! What a heavy duty way for Alive and Screamin’ to start off, kicking into Heavy Metal gears with Long Stick Goes Boom, Krokus sets the tone for the remainder of this live album, they made the statement a long time ago… that they came to kick some Heavy Metal ass.

Stayed Awake All Night and Eat The Rich sound unreal great, with all of the heavy and live elements happening, it’s psyche you-out city! Metal truth be told, I really had a blast revisiting Alive and Screamin’… I actually spun this album on the turntable four times in a row! No skips or crackles… just a real mint album I found here. I actually wonder if this album was ever played in the past at all. I’m playing this album on a regular basis, loud too!

Headhunter is certainly the heaviest Krokus song on Alive and Screamin’, an all-time favorite Krokus song of mine too. Another Metal truth be told is: I actually like the live version of Midnite Maniac better than the studio version. Often times it happens this way for my Metal ears.

Screaming In The Night proves to be a quintessential Heavy Metal ballad, of historical Krokus importance. To this very day, I cannot get enough of Screaming In The Night, this song just seems to flow in it’s heavy uniqueness. Marc Storace on vocals sounds terrific on each song, the same can be said for each member of Krokus on Alive and Screamin’. Fernando Von Arb and Marc Kohler on guitars just  seem to ignite these classic Krokus songs.

Krokus, as they appeared on Alive and Screamin’:

Marc Storace – lead vocals

Fernando Von Arb – lead guitar

Mark Kohler – rhythm guitar

Tommy Keiser – bass guitar

Jeff Klaven – drums

* Alive and Screamin’ was recorded live in the following cities: Amarillo, Texas, Cincinnati Ohio, Baltimore Maryland, Poughkeepsie, New York and Toronto, Canada. (Source: liner notes on the inside album sleeve).

Track listing for Alive and Screamin’:

(Note: Krokus studio album from where song originated in parentheses)

Long Stick Goes Boom – (One Vice At A Time)

Eat The Rich – (Headhunter)

Screaming In The Night – (Headhunter)

Hot Shot City – (Change Of Address)

Midnite Maniac – (The Blitz)

Bedside Radio – (Metal Rendez-vous)

Lay Me Down – (Alive and Screamin’)

Stayed Awake All Night – (Headhunter)

Headhunter – (Headhunter)

* Lay Me Down was the first time this song appeared on a Krokus album.

* Alive and Screamin’ was released in October of 1986, on Arista Records.

* The front cover of Alive and Screamin’ was created by world renowned illustrator – Les Edwards.

* I really, really, really, dig the front cover album artwork of Les Edwards – that is one evil looking vampire. If it’s not a vampire, then it is one vile and evil looking dude that I would not want to encounter in a dark alley. Metal be damned, this evil face sincerely reminds me of my old High School chemistry teacher as well. I wouldn’t want to encounter a vampire or my old H.S. chemistry teacher in a dark alley either.

THE LONDON QUIREBOYS – “A BIT OF WHAT YOU FANCY” FROM 1990 IS A HARD ROCK BLAST!

Posted in 1980's hair metal music, 1980's hard rock, 1980's heavy metal music, 1990's heavy metal bands, 1990's rock bands, 1990's rock music, 1990's hair metal bands, 1990's hard rock albums, 1990's hard rock bands, 1990's heavy metal music, 1990's rock albums, Album Review, cool album covers, hair metal albums, hair metal bands, hair metal music, hard rock album review, hard rock bands, hard rock music, hard rock songs, hard rock vocalists, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1990, heavy metal bands, heavy metal bands from england, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1990, metal odyssey, Music, old school hair metal bands, old school hard rock, old school heavy metal, old school heavy metal bands, rock and roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 20, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

The London Quireboys – A Bit Of What You Fancy is a reason why I’m psyched I never unloaded my cassettes from years… um, decades past. I slapped this cassette into my home stereo today and I am just as enthused by the Hard Rock blast from The London Quireboys… as I was back in 1990. The London Quireboys put the Hard Rock pedal to the Metal on A Bit Of What You Fancy, no smoke and mirrors to be heard… just great, heavy, Rock and Roll! When I initially bought this cassette back in 1990, I did so only having heard their biggest hit from this album on the FM dial… 7 o’clock. This is a song that my wife, (girlfriend at that time) and I played over and over… and over again back in ’90! Is 7 o’ clock a party song? You bet your Metal life it is! Take a long drive to this entire album and leave your cares behind? Go for it! A Bit Of What You Fancy is like that hidden Hard Rock gem from 1990… only it is not hidden in my Heavy Music collection, no way! A Bit Of What You Fancy carries into my ears all the good times spirit that Rock and Roll is all about – with The London Quireboys delivering it in unabashed Hard Rock style. I should warn those of you, that have never listened to this album before… it is ADDICTIVE!

With my warning aside, I cannot tell people what to buy or listen to… only this time it is different. The London Quireboys debut album is certainly a MUST for fans of Old School Hair Metal, Hard Rock or just damn good Rock and Roll period. I imagine seeing The London Quireboys at a beer soaked, small club… while they play this album in it’s entirety, amidst a crowd of psyched out and Rockin’ fans going nuts all over the place. That’s right. The song – long time comin’ is as heavy and steady of a Hard Rock song that you will ever give to your ears. Am I going off too much on praising this album? Nope, it’s that great. Anytime an album can make me feel so damn good, is an album that shall be praised up and down, inside and out… for the world to read.

The London Quireboys put together an album that utilizes string arrangements, some brass and a keyboard player. Not quite the straight ahead approach of Hair Metal for 1990, was A Bit Of What You Fancy. A standout is take me home, this is absolutely a great song to end this album… so memorable, so much energy, a Hard Rockin’ exclamation point multiplied by 100. The London Quireboys took Hair Metal from the late ’80’s and added some, (a lot), of their very own Hard Rock character to the basic standards. Their style can be blatantly described as a combination of The Black Crowes and Cinderella, fused together with the admirable energy and enthusiasm of a band that obviously enjoyed creating these songs.

Spike on vocals, lends thick credibility to the hardness that this album radiates. Spike’s ultra raspy and gritty vocals makes the songs sound blue collar, an unintended characteristic that just seems to elevate this album and band. Guy Bailey and Guy Griffin on guitars just play man, there are no “steal the show” solos to drown out the total band feel. Chris Johnstone on keyboards, gives this album of songs the Classic Hard Rock texture and feel that I cannot ignore. Nigel Mogg on bass and Ian Wallace on drums provide all the tight and contagiously rhythmic grooves that hold these outstanding songs together. Thank you again, London England, for sowing yet another fabulous Rock and Roll band like The London Quireboys.

The Track Listing For The London Quireboys – A Bit Of What You Fancy:

7 o’clock

man on the loose

whippin’ boy’

sex party

sweet mary ann

i don’t love you anymore

hey you

misled

long time comin’

roses & rings

there she goes again

take me home

A Bit Of What You Fancy was originally released on Capitol Records.

A 20th Anniversary Edition of A Bit Of What You Fancy was released in 2009 on the Jerkin Crocus record label. There are 8 demo’s as bonus tracks found on this 20th Anniversary Edition. (I aim to get myself a copy of it down the Metal road… that’s for sure).


MASTODON – “DIVINATIONS” PICTURE DISC SINGLE IS A METAL MUSIC FIND!

Posted in collecting heavy metal albums, collecting metal music, cool album covers, current progressive metal music, hard rock bands, hard rock music, hard rock music 2009, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal on vinyl, heavy metal picture discs, heavy metal record finds, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, picture discs, prog metal albums, prog metal music, progressive hard rock albums, progressive hard rock music, progressive metal, progressive metal 2009, progressive metal albums, progressive metal bands, progressive metal music, progressive rock music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 19, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

MASTODON. Hot Topic. What do these two Metal Music names have in common? I recently, (last weekend), found the Mastodon – Divinations, 12″ picture disc single… at Hot Topic. Oh, that’s not all… this Mastodon picture disc single only set me back $2.54! That’s not a type-o… $2.54. Much cheaper than a pound of imported ham, currently selling at the local deli. (The original retail price for this picture disc runs around $14). You might query, as to how did I pay such a rock bottom price for this unreal great, Mastodon picture disc. Clearance racks RULE. As I entered Hot Topic, my wife informed me she was heading to the back of the store… to the clearance racks, was my Metal suspicion. It’s funny how I always become engaged by looking over the other stuff at Hot Topic, each time I go there, forgetting to hit the clearance racks first. The t-shirts, rings, vinyl album and CD racks never fail to distract my attention from those glorious clearance racks. I can always count on my wife to hone in on those racks of discounted Metal treasures though!

It’s always a Metal thrill when you can score your favorite bands on the discount racks. This is not the first time we have found very cool vinyl, discounted at Hot Topic. Just as we were checking out at the register, one of the Hot Topic employees raced over to the discount racks where this Mastodon picture disc was found… this employee proceeded to nab the lone remaining copy of Divinations, as well as other assorted vinyl too. She said she wanted to make her move, before the discounted stuff was gone. I can’t blame her one Metal bit. We did pick up other discounted vinyl at Hot Topic that same visit… I will wait to blab about it on future posts because the finds are that unreal great.

This Mastodon Divinations, 12″ picture disc single has the following two songs:

Side A: Divinations(From the 2009 release – Crack The Skye)

Side B: Divinations (Instrumental)

I really, really, like the Progressive Metal that simmers with touches of psychedelia, from the Crack The Skye album that Mastodon released in 2009. I like it so much that I picked it to be #7 in my list of top 25 Heavy Metal albums for 2009. You can check it out by clicking the link below:

METAL ODYSSEY’S TOP 25 HEAVY METAL ALBUMS OF 2009

You can also just click on the header below to read my review for Mastodon – Crack The Skye, which I posted on May 6, 2009:

Mastodon “Crack The Skye” is a cool Metal journey to take

Here is the front view of this terrific Mastodon 12″ Divinations picture disc single:


THE ROLLING STONES – FLASHBACK: 1964 NEW HAVEN ARENA CONCERT CANCELLED!

Posted in 1960's classic rock music, 1960's rock and roll albums, 1960's vintage rock albums, 1960's classic rock bands, 1960's rock & roll, 1960's rock & roll british invasion, 1960's rock music, 1970's classic rock bands, 1970's hard rock, 1970's rock bands, 1970's rock music, 1980's hard rock bands, 1980's rock bands, 1990's rock bands, 1990's hard rock bands, classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock bands, classic rock music, hard rock bands, hard rock music, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock & roll hall of fame inductees, rock and roll, rock and roll hall of fame members, rock and roll memorabilia, rock concert posters, rock music, rock music history with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 18, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

I just get into Rock History sometimes… well, all the time that is. It’s all about the roots of Rock and Roll that peeks my Metal interest. The Rock Music legends of yesterday are the reason we have Hard Rock and Heavy Metal today. I may have mentioned this before, (here I go again), in the event a time machine does ever get off the ground… I’m on it! My destination? A Rock concert from the 1960’s or 1970’s. If I was to take a trip back in time, it would be just my Metal luck to travel to this night on Thursday, June 18, 1964. Once I arrived to the New Haven Arena, in New Haven, Connecticut, I would then be informed that The Rolling Stones were NOT going on stage! You read that correctly… the concert was cancelled, due to poor ticket sales! Granted, this was the very early years, uh, days of The Rolling Stones… only give me a Metal break! Gee Metal whiz.

Look at those ticket prices! $2, $3, and $4 respectively! Golly… if you spent an additional $2, your probably going from nose bleed seating to front row! Plus, it was only one show! If The Rolling Stones were to appear for only one show today, or any day, anywhere in the last four and a half decades… your talking pandemonium breaking loose! Throw in the fact, this historical concert poster also states there are three opening acts as well – The Chiffons, Younger Bros and The Epics… no fans for them either in New Haven, Connecticut, back in 1964!

I can easily stare at this concert poster of The Rolling Stones and easily wonder – what was the general public thinking back around this date? Maybe the hardness of The Rolling Stones was a tad too controversial for the general public, after all, American Rock and Roll back around 1964 was all about falling in love and surfing. (No, I am NOT making fun of American Rock and Roll of that time, only I am trying to make sense out of this cancelled concert). Maybe the cancellation of The Rolling Stones that evening correlates with America not being ready for a harder Rock sound? Were people scared to go see The Rolling Stones? It was in the month of June after all, a blizzard cannot be blamed for New Haven Connecticut not being into The Rolling Stones. A Hurricane? Doesn’t seem likely. Whatever the case might have been for this concert not selling tickets, it is one heck of a Rock moment in time to ponder!

Granted, The Rolling Stones were extremely new Rock and Roll recording artists to The United States general public, embarking on their first American Tour, with their second American album – 12 x 5 still to be released in October of 1964. Essentially, The Rolling Stones were touring with just one American album release under their Rock and Roll belts, (after only one month), that being England’s Newest Hit Makers, (released in May of 1964). Still, there is NO excuse! The Rolling Stones should have had some type of a showing of fans, at the New Haven Arena that Summer night on June 18, 1964. (In my Metal opinion).

The whole premise of my bringing this historic date in Rock and Roll history to light, is to wonder out loud to the world… WHAT WERE PEOPLE THINKING back on June 18, 1964? It’s THE ROLLING STONES! Without argument, one of the most historic, influential, original, talented and famous Rock bands to ever walk planet Earth! The Rolling Stones, (along with The Who, The Beatles, The Animals and The Kinks), arguably CREATED HARD ROCK! If this date in Rock History proves one thing, it’s that yes, The Rolling Stones DID pay their Rock and Roll dues. At the end of my Metal day, I am leaving this up to social psychologists, cultural think tanks and Rock Music historians to figure out. All I can do is look back on this date in Rock Music history and shake my head in disbelief.

* Please note that the word Golly was used on Metal Odyssey, yes it was, in the second paragraph.

* Metal Odyssey’s source for this unreal great story on The Rolling Stones cancelled concert of June 18, 1964 and it’s historic poster is from: Vintage Concert Posters.com