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SCORPIONS “FACE THE HEAT” – AN UNDERRATED & CLASSIC 1993 ALBUM REVISITED!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 23, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

SCORPIONS – Back on September 21, 1993, the Scorpions released Face the Heat on Mercury Records. This was studio album #12 from this beyond legendary Heavy Metal Band. On June 19, 2010, Best Metal Buddy, Scott Coverdale slid his Face the Heat CD into his Mercury SUV CD player… as we embarked on our journey to the 2010 M3 Rock Festival in Columbia, Maryland. Scott was not the least bit bashful at playing Face the Heat extremely LOUD on our ride and I was NOT complaining. This is one highly underrated Scorpions album, quite possibly due to it’s being released back in 1993… when Heavy Metal was supposed to be a hurtin’ and dried up genre and scene. (Yeah, right, whatever).

The opening track – Alien Nation, is one absolute powerful and thunderous listening experience of Scorpions Heavy Metal. The rhythm section alone is high octane/psyche-you-out detonation to the maximum level. Alien Nation is easily one of my favorite Scorpions songs ever recorded and I’m sure Scott feels the same way too. If there was to be that one Scorpions song that seemed to set the Metal tone on that ride to M3, it’s certainly Alien Nation. Metal be thy name can this song lift my mood to an unreal high.

Under The Same Sun is another standout song on Face the Heat. This song is a power ballad, one that is inspirational and yes… emotionally uplifting. The basic theme of this intelligent and melodic song is: if we all live under the same sun, then why can’t we all live as one? Yes, a philosophical question does rear it’s mighty ethical head from Under The Same Sun, only it is an almost magical thought to digest.

There is a hidden track at the end of Face the Heat and it does not appear until a few minutes after the CD comes to a close. One must keep the CD on play and not hit the stop button in order to hear this Rockabilly style song from the ever iconic Scorpions. Yes… it’s a Rockabilly song, taken from the mold of the historic and also legendary Queen and their classic song – Crazy Little Thing Called Love. When my ears first became introduced to this hidden track, it was around ten years ago, right around the time my twin daughters were born. I can actually recall that moment I first heard this song… it was as if I discovered a real gold nugget alongside a river bank!   Truth be told, it only took me about seven years to discover this hidden track! I had owned Face the Heat since it’s year of release too, never knowing about the hidden track for so long. Gee Metal whiz.

Face the Heat proved to be a winner of a choice for Scott Coverdale to choose for our ride to the 2010 M3 Rock Festival in Columbia, Maryland. It was great to become reacquainted, once again, with a true classic of a Scorpions album. The overall heightened and Arena Style, Heavy Metal sound on Face the Heat is what makes it so memorable for me. This Scorpions album is not as “modernistic” as some “professional” reviews have alluded to over the many years since it’s release, in my Metal opinion.

If you have never listened to Face the Heat, I urge your doing so, especially if you are a new fan to the Scorpions. I am not endorsing Face the Heat as the greatest Scorpions album of all time, what I am endorsing here is a Scorpions album that should garner the attention and respect it so justifiably deserves. Any fan of Old School, 1980’s or 1990’s Heavy Metal should appreciate what the Scorpions created with Face the Heat – a quality album of melodic Heavy Metal songs. This CD is readily available just about everywhere online… from Best Buy to Amazon.

* Metal Odyssey Notes: This Face The Heat CD I have always owned, is an original American release pressing. Therefore, I do not know if this hidden track is found on any imported version or re-mastered re-release. I do not know the title of this hidden track, it is not found anywhere within the liner notes of Face the Heat, that I own. If anyone out there knows the title of this hidden track, please comment it!

Scorpions as they appeared on Face the Heat:

Klaus Meine – lead vocalist

Matthias Jabs – lead guitar & rhythm guitar

Rudolf Schenker – rhythm guitar, lead guitar & backing vocals

Ralph Rieckermann – bass

Herman Rarebell – drums & percussion

Track Listing for Scorpions – Face the Heat:

Alien Nation

No Pain No Gain

Someone To Touch

Under The Same Sun

Unholy Alliance

Woman

Hate To Be Nice

Taxman Woman

Ship Of Fools

Nightmare Avenue

Lonely Nights

Stone.

9 Comments »

M3 ROCK FESTIVAL 2010 PART I: THE STATE OF HEAVY MUSIC ACCORDING TO STONE

Posted in concerts, hair metal music, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal concerts, heavy metal festivals, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock festivals, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 21, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

M3 ROCK FESTIVAL 2010 – As I was a part of the many thousands of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal fans at this year’s M3 Rock Festival in Columbia, Maryland this past Saturday, I came upon a realization… that Heavy Music is alive and very F’n well in 2010. Fans from teens to Old School Metalheads were in attendance at this Heavy Music event and they were not at all bashful at letting their excitement be seen or heard. The excitement for music that moves them, grooves them and makes them all feel like one gigantic and united family. Music, regardless of genre, should and most often does, ignite and bring out the emotions in all of us. How thrilling and satisfying it was, to witness thousands of Heavy Music fans at the M3 Rock Festival, celebrating together, (very peacefully too I might add), some of the greatest songs and bands that time has not forgotten.

We are a rowdy and straight forward bunch, us Heavy Music fans. Yet our rowdiness comes with jubilant horns raised in the air, a handshake, a high five or a slap on the back to our fellow fan. While I was amongst the massive M3 Rock Festival crowd on June 19th, I shared stories, anecdotes and countless quips with what I thought were strangers. After a couple of days have passed since this memorable day in my Metal life, I’ve come to the realization… that these strangers were never really strangers at all. They were passionate and loyal Heavy Music fans, just like myself. We were all family on June 19th, at the M3 Rock Festival. A proud, loud, loyal and raucous family at that.

We all live during a time of war, economic instability and political mud slinging that engulfs the headline news each and every moment. For one day, thousands of Heavy Music fans along with more than a dozen bands and countless vendors, created a world where politicians could never bullshit with or dare enter without running away with their heads caught between their legs. A world where spending eight dollars on a cold beer brought a smile to my face. A world where thousands of us could escape to, away from the crap that our cable network news shoves down our throats continuously. A world where us Heavy Music fans proved once again to society, we did not come to conquer, burn and pillage a community that accepted us in. God Bless the world of Heavy Music and Columbia, Maryland.

As days, weeks and years shall go by, I’ll never forget this 2010 M3 Rock Festival. I shall never forget the bands I Rocked to, the evil humidity that enveloped the air, the beer that went down like candy water and my fellow Heavy Music fans as well. I was truly in my element at the 2010 M3 Rock Festival and so too were thousands of other fellow fans. The state of Heavy Music has never been more defiant, loud and resilient… the 2010 M3 Rock Festival proved this to me, both bands and fans. We are really one big happy and Heavy Music lovin’ family. Metal be thy name.

I will be writing a series of posts that feature this 2010 M3 Rock Festival in the days and most likely, weeks to come. There are many stories to still tell, from the bands to the vendors that made this day ROCK… for me.

STONE.

4 Comments »

ROCK MUSIC VINYL FLASHBACK: ALICE COOPER – “YOU AND ME” 45 RPM FROM 1977

Posted in classic rock, classic rock music, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music, rock music history with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 20, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

ALICE COOPER –  While on one of my “usual” Rock ‘N’ Roll and Heavy Metal hunts, I found and purchased this vintage Alice Cooper 45 rpm of You And Me, released on Warner Bros. Records back in 1977. The above photo is the 45 rpm sleeve, while the photos below is the 45 rpm, (these are photos of the actual 45 rpm that I bought). The B Side of this 45 rpm is the song – It’s Hot Tonight. Both of these songs are from the Alice Cooper album – Lace And Whiskey, released back in 1977 on Warner Bros. Records. The asking price, for this piece of Alice Cooper vinyl history, set me back a whopping $1 in U.S. funds. Whoa.

This 45 rpm plays very well on my turntable, while the condition of the record sleeve is in very fine condition as well. An ultra worthy addition to my Alice Cooper collection for certain. This is Rock history, Alice Cooper history.

Both songs on this 45 rpm are classics, with You And Me being a mellow and acoustic ballad, while It’s Hot Tonight being the Hard Rock album opener to Lace And Whisky. The photo of Alice Cooper on the record sleeve above, is not the “usual” image of this Rock Horror living legend. I feel that is what makes this record sleeve so classic, that a more laid back Alice Cooper is shown. The song You And Me coupled with this photo of Alice Cooper, only proves there has always been more to this Rock Music icon than just full blown Hard Rock and Horror… in my Metal opinion.

* The producer for this Alice Cooper 45 rpm and the Lace And Whiskey album was the legendary Bob Ezrin.

* Alice Cooper performed You And Me on a 1978 episode of The Muppet Show.

Here is the A Side – You And Me:

Here is the B Side – It’s Hot Tonight:

Here is what the album cover looks like for Lace And Whisky:

LONG LIVE ALICE COOPER!

Stone.

7 Comments »

SCORPIONS – A METAL SPOTLIGHT ON THE M3 ROCK FESTIVAL 2010!

Posted in classic rock music, concerts, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, live rock music, metal odyssey, Music, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 18, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

SCORPIONS – There are those certain bands that just seem to feel like they are a part of your family. You know that type of band… for some, it’s The Beatles. For others, The Rolling Stones or maybe Elvis. Actually, I have a semi-long list of bands that feel like family to me… and the Beatles and the Scorpions are on it. The Scorpions are a Heavy Metal Band that I grew up with, followed and purchased their album’s either on cassette, vinyl or CD. One can easily take for granted that a band or particular musician shall live forever and continue to make music and tour. Such is not the case though. (Ronnie James Dio passing away is a reality check that I have learned from). With the Scorpions embarking on their three year farewell tour, the M3 Rock Festival, on June 19th, 2010, in Columbia, Maryland, is one of those many dates this ultra legendary band will be performing live.

As I mentioned in my previous post, (Cinderella), I will be at this M3 Rock Festival, accompanied By Best Metal Buddy Scott Coverdale. Rob Rockitt from Hard Rock Hideout and Ryo Vie from The Rock and Roll Guru will be attending this event as well and I look forward to catching up with both of them. With the Scorpions headlining, (of course), it will be a day of incredible Metal anticipation for me. I feel very fortunate to be able to witness not just Heavy Metal history once the Scorpions hit the stage that night… it will be Rock Music history too.

Fellow Metalheads know, it isn’t easy to find the mainstream handing out praise or awards to legitimate/credible Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Bands. No sir, not since I can remember. The Scorpions are above any mainstream silly awards or plastic trophies. I truly hope the Scorpions know, that it is their loyal fans, crossing generations, that are the true reward for them… not some silly gold plated phonograph, on a cheap aluminum base, that’s handed out by the corporate Grammy’s.

No corporate minded Rock and Roll Hall of Fame could even grasp, what the Scorpions mean to their fans. Nor could this plastic and turtle neck wearing (bored) board of directors, at The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, understand what it means to have a band such as the Scorpions, affect one’s life in such a positive and inspiring way like they have for me. The Scorpions never entered any damned popularity contest, nor did they ever record a Pop single for some watered and dumbed down, corporate Disney soundtrack. Thus, that clownish establishment in Cleveland, Ohio is obviously not interested in enshrining the Scorpions… why should they when there are (gulp) bands like ABBA out there who are more “Rock” worthy? Chuckle, chuckle. Ahem. What the Scorpions have done, spanning decades, is create a sound and style of music that is unique unto them and throughout the Rock world and not to be duplicated by any other band in the slightest. Call it what you like… in the end, it’s Scorpions music. Hard, Heavy, melodic, emotional, influential and memorable.

The Scorpions never sold out or compromised… not to my Metal ears, over the years. And NO, the Scorpions never pranced around Hollywood, rubbing elbows with elitists, lobbying day and night that they are the greatest thing to electrify Metal Music, to gain artificial passage or acceptance into a Hall of Shame. A #1 album? Who gives a rats butt about #1 albums. A wise man once told me… it’s lonely at the top. Consistency and quality, with undeniable integrity in their albums, is what the Scorpions have represented and still do. What this incredible band has done for Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal is realistically, immeasurable. Yes, I am a Scorpions fan… Metal be thy name.

* You can catch up on more Scorpions info by clicking the link below:

SCORPIONS – Official Website

* You can find out more about the M3 Rock Festival 2010 by clicking the link below:

M3 Rock Festival 2010

* If you have been cool enough to read thus far, you can check out my album review for the new Scorpions album – Sting In The Tail. Just click on the gigantic header below:

SCORPIONS – “STING IN THE TAIL” DELIVERS THE ANTIDOTE OF HEAVY METAL EUPHORIA!

LONG LIVE SCORPIONS ROCK ‘N’ ROLL!

Stone.

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CINDERELLA – A METAL SPOTLIGHT ON THE M3 ROCK FESTIVAL 2010!

Posted in hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal concerts, heavy metal festivals, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 17, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

CINDERELLA – Since their 1986 debut album – Night Songs, I have been a fan of Cinderella. Be it Rock, Hard Rock, Hair Metal or good ol’ Heavy Metal… Cinderella can play it extremely well and with a classy touch of the Blues. Cinderella is slated for performing at the 2010 M3 Rock Festival, in Columbia, Maryland, on June 19th. Their set time is from 7:40 – 8:40 pm on the Pavilion Stage. They are the last band on the Pavilion Stage to perform before… the ultra legendary Scorpions headline and close out the night!!! I’M THERE! I literally am counting down the hours to this cool festival of Hard Rock ‘N’ Roll and so is my Best Metal Buddy… Scott Coverdale. This will be the third time I will have seen Cinderella live and it has been quite a few years since I’ve seen them last.

To pick my favorite Cinderella album, (there are four studio albums in all), is really not that easy. Metal truth be told, each Cinderella album is uniquely great, in it’s total Rockin’ totality. There is that one Cinderella album, however, that I turn to more often to listen to… Heartbreak Station from 1990. Bluesy, Hard Hittin’, American Rock ‘N’ Roll at it’s finest is the best way to sum up Heartbreak Station. My favorite song from this album is Shelter Me. Man, if there ever was a song that justifies why Cinderella is as genuine as a freshly minted and non-circulated, gold dollar coin… it’s this one. The lyrics of Shelter Me resonate with strong relevance, a song that can surely be adapted to today’s nightly news bull crap. Plus, Cinderella took a fine swipe at the censorship machine known as the PMRC within the lyrics of Shelter Me as well, which makes me very proud as a fan.

The More Things Change is another example of lyrical relevance, coupled with Bluesy Hard Rock excellence. This song opens up Heartbreak Station and truly signaled that Cinderella was more than just merely an inappropriately tagged – Hair Metal Band. For anyone to pigeonhole Cinderella into just the Hair Metal genre is nonsensical… this is an American Rock ‘N’ Roll Band that has proven their Rock diversity through four studio albums, the proof is in their music. Throw in a clear fact that Cinderella has not released a studio album since 1994’s Still Climbing, all the while maintaining a level of popularity that puts them second to the Scorpions on the M3 Rock Festival bill and the word impressive comes to mind.

Cinderella is a perfect example of quality and talent over quantity… their four studio albums hold up against the sands of time. The songs on these Cinderella albums are not just fad infused… these songs were and still are Hard Rockin’ genius. The word relevance keeps popping up as I write this, only it is so applicable to Cinderella. One of the items on my Metal wish list, is for Cinderella to make another studio album sometime soon. Then again, I’m just psyched this great band is still around and still touring, affording me the opportunity to see them live once again at M3!

* Heartbreak Station was released in 1990, on Mercury Records.

Track Listing For Cinderella – Heartbreak Station:

The More Things Change

Love’s Got Me Doin’ Time

Shelter Me

Heartbreak Station

Sick For The Cure

One For Rock & Roll

Dead Man’s Road

Make Your Own Way

Electric Love

Love Gone Bad

Winds Of Change

* Cinderella NOW and as they appeared on Heartbreak Station:

Tom Keifer – lead vocals, guitar, piano

Eric Brittingham – bass

Jeff LaBar – guitar

Fred Coury – drums, percussion, backing vocals

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

CINDERELLA – Official Website

* For more info on the M3 Rock Festival 2010, just click the link below:

M3 Rock Festival 2010

LONG LIVE CINDERELLA!

Stone.

4 Comments »

DIO “INTERMISSION” – LIVE ALBUM FROM 1986 IS A METAL MUST!

Posted in hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal songs, metal odyssey, Music, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 14, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

DIO – Released in June of 1986, DIO – Intermission has always been a favorable listen for me. The lone studio track, Time To Burn is a major reason why I bought Intermission so many years ago. This song just stuck to me instantly, from the very first time I heard it on either WCCC FM or WHCN FM out of Hartford, Connecticut. The combination of the melodic hardness and lyrics of Time To Burn just never seems to dull on my Metal senses. I still get the same ostrich bumps on my arms and face when I listen to this song today. Metal be thy name. The only difference between now and then, while listening to this vintage DIO song, is that at this point in my Metal life… I don’t feel I have that much “Time To Burn” anymore.

Back in 1986, there was no such thing as itunes, so buying just the song Time To Burn was not an option for me. Buying a song or two like we do today, at any time of the day, with the click of a computer mouse, was pure Science Fiction back then. Of course I wanted the entire song package that Intermission bestowed, as of 1986 there was no official live DIO title until this album was released. Furthermore, I, like so many millions of other DIO fans, was riding the wave of incredible album releases by DIO during those early to mid 80’s… 1983’s Holy Diver, 1984’s The Last In Line and 1985’s Sacred Heart were a triple dose of Heavy Metal ecstasy and still are!

In Metal truth, Intermission can easily be referred to as an EP, with only six songs. Five of the songs are live, with of course Time To Burn being the studio track. Track five is a live medley of three songs – Rock ‘N’ Roll Children, Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll and Man On The Silver Mountain. Adding two classic Rainbow songs into the live mix, with Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll and Man On The Silver Mountain was a brilliantly cool idea from Ronnie James Dio, in my Metal opinion. These two Rainbow songs were and forever will be synonymous with Ronnie James Dio.

The overall sound quality of the live songs are well above average, you won’t be listening to a bootleg when it comes to quality. Intermission will never go down in Metal history as the greatest live album… still it is an excellent live DIO album that is a must for new fans. Old School DIO and Heavy Metal fans should already be familiar with Intermission, embracing it as much as I do could differ from one fan to the next. Ronnie James Dio left us fans with an incredible and unparalleled catalog of music. Intermission is a DIO album that captured a moment in time and is too good to ignore.

Intermission is still readily available at nearly every online music retailer, plus it sells for well under ten dollars, (U.S.), in both new and used condition. I’ve also seen Intermission on vinyl, selling in the ten dollar, (U.S.), range for both new and used condition. Adding this DIO album to your DIO or Heavy Metal Music collection is a smart Metal move… who knows for how much longer it will be in print?

Track Listing For DIO – Intermission:

King Of Rock And Roll

Rainbow In The Dark

Sacred Heart

Time To Burn (Studio Track)

Rock ‘N’ Roll Children/Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll/Man On The Silver Mountain (Medley)

We Rock

* DIO – Intermission was originally released on Warner Bros. Records in North America.

The musicians of DIO, as heard on Intermission:

Ronnie James Dio – vocals

Vivian Campbell – guitar

Jimmy Bain – bass

Vinny Appice – drums

Claude Schnell – keyboards

Craig Goldy – guitar on Time To Burn (studio track)

* Craig Goldy has been the guitarist for: Rough Cutt, Giuffria and Craig Goldy’s Ritual.

* Intermission was the official introduction of Craig Goldy as the guitarist for DIO, replacing Vivian Campbell.

* Craig Goldy is the guitarist on DIO’s studio albums: Dream Evil (1987), Magica (2000) and Master Of The Moon (2004).

* You can check out more info on Craig Goldy by clicking on the link below:

CRAIG GOLDY – MySpace Music Page

* After leaving DIO, Vivian Campbell joined Whitesnake in 1987 for their World Tour, through 1988. Vivian Campbell went on to play guitar on Lou Gramm’s 1989 solo album – Long Hard Look. He also played guitar for Riverdogs and Shadow King before joining Def Leppard in 1993. The Def Leppard album from 1993, Retro Active, was Vivian Campbell’s first appearance as guitarist with them.

Stone.

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KISS – FIGURINES BOX SET I ADDED TO MY KISS COLLECTION!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 8, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

KISS – It was a cold, dark and dank night this past Winter, when the family and I realized we had a very low supply of food and necessities to keep us alive. So, when a family of four knows they need  the essentials to keep the cupboards and fridge stocked… a grocery store trip soon follows. Hello, Super Walmart. We took our sweet time inspecting and deliberating our vast grocery choices that Winter’s night. And why not? Once in awhile in life, a family of four has to stop to smell the groceries… you know?

Our grocery shopping experience was drawing to a close as we positioned ourselves and shopping cart into a check-out line, when all of a sudden, I hear my two daughters exclaim… KISS! Well, that word is Metal Music to my ears. Knowing that Walmart had some KISS merchandise hidden about the Super Store only made me all the more Metal giddy. My head turned to my daughters, then I saw my wonderful wife holding the most gorgeous KISS surprise! Check out the pics below… this is what the KISS figurine box set that I own looks like, both front and back!

Front:

The front of this box shows graphics that are slightly different from other retail store chains that carried this KISS “Super Stars” box set. This KISS box set was released in late 2009, when the KISS album Sonic Boom hit the shelves at Walmart. (I still have to take the price sticker off, located at the top right corner on box front).

Back:

(Photo’s and cropping of these KISS images were done by my graphic design guru wife and I thank her with a million Metal hugs!)

Apparently, when I had my head turned, my wife went into the trading card aisle of this Super Walmart… that is where this unreal cool KISS figurine box set was hiding. The price you might ponder? $20 (U.S.) is what it cost for a terrific piece of KISSTORY. If anyone thinks that is too pricey for this KISS gem, just think about the billions of dollars that BP is throwing away each day in the Gulf Coast. An alarming Metal perspective it is… a real Metal reality check I might add too.

Well, enough with BP… on with my KISS figurine story. I had a smile on my face like the Chesire Cat as I gazed at this KISS memorabilia. Guiding it from my wife’s hands onto the check-out conveyor was crucial… this was one item that could not be plopped down on top of the frozen foods. As this KISS box set made it’s way down the conveyor, I made certain no other item banged into it. Now, the next crucial step was getting it past the cashier’s hands without there being a mishap. The cashier that Winter’s evening was courteous and diligent in her handling of my KISS bounty. She deftly placed this KISS box set into it’s very own Walmart shopping bag too. Score!

With our shopping cart very much filled, (again, we really needed a major grocery order), I made certain that the bag containing my KISS booty was delicately placed on top of all the other bags. As we made our way out of this Super Walmart, concern quickly came over me… is it snowing? Could there be, (gasp), freezing rain? The last thing I needed was inclement weather descending upon my KISS box set, regardless if a paper-thin, plastic shopping bag was covering it. As we approached the exit doors, I noticed there was some very minor precipitation falling from the Winter sky… a very light snow. It was not enough however, to cause any Metal alarm or damage to my new found KISS item.

Placement of the bag, that contained this KISS box set, within the car’s trunk was critical. I could not afford another shopping bag the opportunity to fall or even lean against the KISS box set. No Metal way. My Metal mission was accomplished… the drive home proved a success with no bags moving about in the car’s trunk! Getting my new piece of KISSTORY into the house was now a piece of Metal cake. All of my corn dog worrying about transporting this KISS item from my beautiful wife’s hands at Super Walmart to our house was over. Phew. I have this KISS figurine box set on display now… in my Rock ‘N’ Roll room of course.

I truly thank my wife and daughters for scoping out KISS memorabilia at Super Walmart that Winter’s night… they are the heart, soul and light of my life.

LONG LIVE KISS ROCK ‘N’ ROLL!

Stone.

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GARY MOORE “AFTER THE WAR” – A HARD ROCKIN’ & HEAVY HITTING GEM FROM 1989

Posted in hard rock albums, hard rock music, hard rock songs, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock guitarists, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 6, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

GARY MOORE – With twenty studio albums and five live albums to his legendary music credit, Gary Moore has played it all. From Rock to Hard Rock and Heavy Metal to Blues, Gary Moore’s name is synonymous with guitar icon. One of my favorite Gary Moore albums is After The War, which was released back on January 25, 1989 on Virgin Records. After The War is a Hard Rock album and can be easily considered Heavy Metal, due to Gary Moore’s guitar style that he so effortlessly displays. I have always been enamored by Gary Moore’s guitar and his vocals, both are showcased in a grand way on After The War.

Anytime I listen to After The War, it is like turning the key on the ignition and letting these songs take me for a terrific Hard Rockin’ ride. Never does Gary Moore ever lose me while he plays guitar. He is just one of those elite musicians that can make his guitar sing with emotion. In my Metal opinion, Gary Moore has that unique, unintended ability to have me listen more to his guitar playing than his vocals. That is not an insult, it is a significant reality that occurs to my ears and Gary Moore can sing with the best of them.

* As I continue on reviewing After The War, please bear in mind it is the cassette release from 1989 that I am referring to. This is the only version I have owned all of these years. Any regular visitor to Metal Odyssey knows of my never fading fondness for the cassette. I’ve taken care of my cassettes over the years and they have taken care of me. Metal be thy name.

The song opener After The War, is melodic filled, with strong vocals, backing vocals and guitar licks aplenty from Gary Moore. Keyboards play an important atmospheric role throughout this song and entire album, courtesy of Andy Richards and Don Airey. Speak For Yourself is a Heavy Metal song that is standout. Gary Moore makes it all the more Heavy with a mid-song solo that scorches. A fast tempo and loaded with attitude from Gary Moore’s vocals, Speak For Yourself just has that extra crunch I like to hear.

Livin’ On Dreams is yet another standout song, and there are quite a few like this on After The War. Very harmonious backing vocals that compliment Gary Moore’s more spirited vocals are what makes Livin’ On Dreams come across as inspiring. A melodic, Hard Rock listen that is an Old School treat, due to it’s sing-a-long vibe. The Messiah Will Come Again is an instrumental that proves why Gary Moore plays from his heart and Rock ‘N’ Roll soul. The tonal emotion that spills over from his guitar playing, has me staring into space in sheer Metal wonderment, each and every time I listen to this song over the years. With Gary Moore’s touch and feel for the Blues, The Messiah Will Come Again needs to be heard by any and every guitar aficionado the world over.

The accompaniment of musicians that surround Gary Moore on After The War is top tier talent. Step in, Ozzy Osbourne please. On Led Clones, Ozzy is the lead vocalist and he sounds vintage and great. Led Clones is saturated with keyboards, written in such a manner where these keyboards are an audible necessity. The programming of strings and utilizing them in Led Clones really accentuates this song’s subjectivity. This song is about the many bands back in the 1980’s that tried to “copycat” the sound and brilliance of the legendary Led Zeppelin.

Running From The Storm is an excellent song, with it’s pent up heaviness and deliriously melodic sound. It’s as if each musician assembled here brought their A game to this song. Gary Moore just embellishes Running From The Storm with his trademark leads and a potent solo for good measure. Ready For Love is the commercial/mainstream Hard Rocker that makes me feel F’n damn good from head to F’n toe. If Gary Moore’s vocals and guitar doesn’t grab you on this flavorful song, then something is dreadfully wrong. The rhythm section is tight and grooves, keeping the  tempo consistently upbeat and steady. Ready For Love is very relevant to what 2010 Hard Rock and mainstream Heavy Metal is about. What am I saying… this entire After The War album is extremely relevant to the now.

* Check out the music video below – Ready For Love, from 1989! Crank it up LOUD!!

The Musicians On After The War:

Gary Moore – lead vocals & guitar

Andy Richards – keyboards/Fairlight Programming

Don Airey – keyboards

Simon Phillips – drums

Charlie Morgan – drums

Steve Piggot – sequencer bass

Laurence Cottle – Wal Bass

Andrew Eldritch, Chris Thompson, Sam Brown, Miriam Stockley – backing vocals

* Ozzy Osbourne contributes backing vocals on Speak For Yourself.

* Metal Odyssey note: the track listing below is for the cassette release from 1989.

Track Listing For After The War:

Side One:

After The War

Speak For Yourself

Livin’ On Dreams

Led Clones

The Messiah Will Come Again

Side Two:

Running From The Storm

This Thing Called Love

Ready For Love

Blood Of Emeralds

Dunluce

LONG LIVE GARY MOORE & HIS ROCK ‘N’ ROLL!

Stone.

11 Comments »

ALICE COOPER “CONSTRICTOR” – 1986 ALBUM REVISITED!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock music, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, horror metal, metal odyssey, Music, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 5, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

ALICE COOPER – Constrictor was released on September 22, 1986, on MCA Records. Constrictor was the ninth studio album representing the “solo” career of Alice Cooper. This was the album that marked the return of Alice Cooper, (The Nightmare Returns Tour soon began). A three year “retirement” of sorts had begun since Alice Cooper’s 1983 studio album – DaDa. This Constrictor album changed all of that “retirement” thinking… Alice Cooper was really back, on MTV and even at WrestleMania III on March 29, 1987.

Alice Cooper was in the corner of Jake “The Snake” Roberts as he squared against The Honky Tonk Man during WrestleMania III. I can remember watching this all unfold, seeing Alice Cooper in the ring, thinking to myself… man, Alice Cooper could kick some ass right now! (Honestly, I used to think Pro Wrestling was real… the WWF kind that is). I had bought tickets to WrestleMania III with my cousins, only it was tickets for the then extremely popular – closed circuit television at a large theatre.

Ah, Metal… I mean, WrestleMania memories. Now, back to this Constrictor album:

The Constrictor album cover itself is vintage Alice Cooper, shock and horror imagery really goes hand in hand with this Rock ‘N’ Roll icon. Aw, heck, compare this album cover to most Grindcore, Death and Black Metal album covers and you are looking at the age of innocence, with Alice Cooper’s neck and face being the fixture for this boa constrictor. I do love this album cover… it’s the persona and image of what Alice Cooper conveys as a performer.

The most commercial and late 80’s accessible Hard Rock song on this album is without a doubt – He’s Back (The Man Behind The Mask). This keyboard dominated song was also a major song for the movie soundtrack – Friday The 13th Part Vl: Jason Lives. With all of it’s open air silliness, I still like this song. It’s different. Very different. Let’s face it, this song was written and recorded for a purpose, to promote both a major slasher film franchise and Alice Cooper as well. When the Metal goal is to intentionally make a commercial song such as this, (which is obvious), then I’m agreeable.

The Great American Success Story is another mainstream blast of Hard Rock, which teeters on Pop Metal by way of 1986. The Arena style guitar takes the upper hand in making this song navigate through it’s friendly swirl of lyrics and melodic undertaking. Even Alice Cooper himself sounds more amicable than formidable on The Great American Success Story.

Life And Death Of The Party takes a more harder and heavier turn for the Metal better. Alice Cooper even has a semi-sinister delivery with his vocals, a characteristic that is essential to his voice and persona. The more sinister Alice Cooper gets… the better. Thrill My Gorilla can either be construed as tongue-in-cheek or just plain Hard Rockin’ fun, take your Metal pick. This song can only work for Alice Cooper back in 1986… this song in 2010 would go down as ? and in 1978 this song would have been ? as well. Really, c’mon, it’s the Metal truth.

Give It Up, with it’s “Give It Up” chorus and open door friendly ambiance, was tailor made for a late ’80’s motion picture soundtrack about teens in love. The mid to late ’80’s was oozing with these type of flicks… and songs like Give It Up were all over them. There is nothing wrong with it’s appeal, plus it really does “fit” into this mainstream bag o’ tricks that Constrictor musically advertises.

Teenage Frankenstein… what more can be said than that? At first glance, this song title appears as one a Punk Rock novice might expect to find… on an early Misfits album. Alas, this song is actually the opening track on Constrictor. The lyrical rhyming coupled with Alice Cooper’s very slick vocals, makes this song actually work it’s Hard Rock wonder with me. Metal be thy name.

Once again, I am convinced that fun lyrical content can coexist in Heavy Music… Alice Cooper has proven this with Constrictor. The front cover of Constrictor may lead one to believe it’s a much heavier and darker album than it really is. What this album exchanges for heaviness, it makes up for with it’s good time 80’s feel and attitude. I’ve owned Constrictor for a very long time, upgraded it to CD without thinking twice, in all Metal honesty.

Sometimes it’s the atmosphere of an album of songs that mesmerizes me so. This Alice Cooper album is a fine example of that. I don’t feel a hint of hesitation in recommending this album to any fan of Classic Rock, Hard Rock or 80’s Heavy Metal. Constrictor is a mirror image of it’s pop cultural backdrop of 1986… lot’s of flash, swagger and accessible songs that one can crank up loud, in a church parking lot, without getting hit by lightning.

The Band Behind – Constrictor:

Alice – vocals

Kane Roberts – guitars, bass, keyboards, background vocals, drums

David Rosenberg – drums

Donnie Kisselbach – bass guitar

Kip Wringer – bass guitar

Paul Delph – keyboards, background vocals on “He’s Back”

Tom Kelly – background vocals on “He’s Back”

Beau Hill – background vocals

Track Listing For Alice Cooper – Constrictor:

Teenage Frankenstein

Give It Up

Thrill My Gorilla

Life And Death Of The Party

Simple Disobediance

The World Needs Guts

Trick Bag

Crawlin’

The Great American Success Story

He’s Back (The Man Behind The Mask)

* Here is what the WrestleMania III promo poster looks like:

When I was a young lad, I witnessed both Andre The Giant and Hulk Hogan wrestle live. It was in my old High School Gym too. (This was way before the WWF became super enormous, long before the WWF changed to the WWE). Andre The Giant was an incredibly large human being and Hulk Hogan… he had muscles growing out of his eyeballs for Metal sakes.

LONG LIVE ALICE COOPER!

Stone.

9 Comments »

ALICE COOPER “LIVE AT TORONTO” – INDIE LABEL CD FOR DIEHARD FANS ONLY

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock bands, classic rock music, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock 'n' roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 3, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

Here is an offbeat Alice Cooper CD I found while moseying around a flea market in Quakertown, Pennsylvania recently – Live At Toronto. The exact year this Toronto concert was recorded is a Metal mystery to me, the info just does not exist within the liner notes… for there are no liner notes with this CD! The back of this CD does show the track listing, the usual record company info and a photo credit. Classic Sound, Inc. is the record company/distributor and the front cover photo of Alice Cooper is dated – 1993. I’ve seen this same CD available at Amazon.com, with sellers listing the starting price as low as 2 cents! (Must be Ebay sellers). As you shall read further, this Alice Cooper – Live At Toronto CD is for diehard fans only… for those fans who absolutely, must have every album/CD title out there, of this ultra Rock legend.

With no real liner notes, it is not definite as to who the musicians are backing up Alice Cooper. I would not want to make any guesses without having credible information regarding who exactly played on stage, with Alice Cooper for this recording. My Metal research has turned up nothing, in regards to this CD, other than the “basic” info that I am mentioning in this post. The overall sound quality of Live At Toronto is not going to blow anyone away… it does not impress me at all. The song selection does not contain Alice Cooper’s standout hits, nor even any standout deep album cuts from the Alice Cooper catalog. Listening to Live At Toronto gives my ears the impression that this was a concert in a smaller venue, not an Arena.

It’s really a shame, this live CD could be quite a vintage and Rock solid listen, if only some qualified sound engineer did some tweaking where necessary. There are many moments throughout, where I swear I’m listening to a 45 rpm being played as a 33 1/3 rpm… no kidding. Classic Rock should never be recorded to sound so old. I’ll say this many times though… this is NOT the great Alice Cooper’s fault. Alice Cooper cannot be held accountable for some indie label messing up with one of his concert recording’s and trying to cash in on his legendary and  Classic Rock.

There is a silent break between each song, so the continuity of the “live” concert experience is non-existent. Alice Cooper is not caught live talking it up to the crowd, nor are there any memorable moments that would make me want to recommend this CD to new fans of Alice Cooper. My best Metal advice is stick to the main titles of Alice Cooper, on the major labels. Sometimes these offbeat and indie labels that release live CD’s are not privy to quality standards in live recordings. My disappointment after listening to Live At Toronto is again, not any fault of Alice Cooper, it is obviously a failure on the part of the people behind mastering this live recording.

Track Listing For Alice Cooper – Live At Toronto:

Ain’t That Just Like A Woman

Painting A Picture

Medley: A.C. Instrumental – I’ve Written Home To Mother

Freak Out Song

Goin’ To The River

Nobody Like Me

Science Fiction

I’ll be keeping my Alice Cooper – Live At Toronto CD… and I will most likely listen to it again. My Metal admiration and liking Alice Cooper for so long, makes me one of those fans who finds it very cool, to seek out, find and keep his albums and CD’s within my collection. Even if the CD is a sub-par, indie-label, live recording. Part of being a Metalhead, is having that “gotta have it” Metal mentality… especially when an album or CD is priced dirt cheap.

LONG LIVE ALICE COOPER!

Stone.

11 Comments »

KARNIVOOL – “SOUND AWAKE” IS A KALEIDOSCOPE OF PROGRESSIVE & HEAVY ROCK

Posted in alternative rock music, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, progressive metal music, progressive rock music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 1, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

KARNIVOOL – Released on February 16, 2010, on Sony Music Entertainment, Sound Awake has already achieved Gold Certification in Australia, (Karnivool’s home country). Following their impressive and progressively hard & heavy album debut Themata from 2005, Karnivool has shown their fans and the music world they are not about to be stamped out by any sophomore jinx. If life is about taking chances, then Karnivool has inadvertently self inflicted themselves as being risk takers in the vast world of Heavy Music. A Progressive and Alternative sound can be a make or break proposition, when a band wants to embark on the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Universe. Karnivool has not only embarked with their Themata release from 2005, they have now forged their very own identity and placement, among the Progressive and Alternative Heavy Music battalion with Sound Awake.

Sound Awake opens up with Simple Boy, immediately setting the table for what Karnivool is serving one’s ears. Layered with exquisite guitars, the breakdowns are smart and intensely interesting. Throw in the buzzing sound of a bee and Simple Boy is just the beginning of this Heavy Progressive mind buffet. Ian Kenny on lead vocals resonates, hitting some high pitches that are Arena quality. Set Fire To The Hive showcases vocal and sound effects to heighten the modernism that this song permeates. Karnivool never loses sight of their musical heaviness on Set Fire To The Hive, while delivering an upper cut to the chin with their multi-layered progressive attack.

The Medicine Wears Off times out at 1:50, quite contrary to any Old School Progressive standards. Just bear in mind, this is not about sticking to convention with Sound Awake, a strong musical characteristic that Karnivool bestows is diversity and The Medicine Wears Off mellows down the pace with this semi-surreal song. Illumine can and rightfully should be a standout song on this album. The consistent up-tempo combined with it’s overall melodic vibe, makes Illumine a song that’s incredibly memorable. To label Illumine a hit is non-essential, this song is a star amongst many on Sound Awake.

Deadman is one of two songs on Sound Awake that has a running time of over ten minutes. This is what Progressive Rock is about, the song. If one is looking for the mind journey experience with Karnivool, thou shall not be disappointed with Deadman. Lyrically complete as it is musically precise, Deadman leads with it’s formidable and Alternative vocal presence courtesy of Ian Kenny, which fuses so well with the abstract sound and feel of it’s hard edged music. The abrupt climax to Deadman only exemplifies the artistic style that Karnivool has established for themselves as a band. Listening to Deadman makes me truly realize that Karnivool is all about music and all about the song.

To mention Deadman and not acknowledge the other ten minute-plus epic would be a travesty. Change is a song that develops itself into an array of musical doors that keep opening around me, inviting me in and weaving it’s Progressive signatures, in a manner that is embracingly captivating to my senses. It is very easy to wander off into a kaleidoscope of musical thoughts while listening to Change, an all natural affect that I am more than willing to experience again and again. In it’s totality, Sound Awake is a Progressive Kaleidoscope of songs, just waiting to be heard by anyone who loves music… period.

The musicians of Karnivool are obviously incredibly astute, with an awareness for capturing the nuances of their instruments in their most enhanced state, coupled with the almost sense of urgency to articulate the music as if it is fine art. Has Karnivool broken any new ground in this ever changing landscape of Progressive Rock genres? I can confidently say yes, with their uniqueness being highlighted by their musical and vocal diversity. Karnivool is not a band concentrating on making the hit single. Instead, Karnivool obviously has succeeded at making a complete album of richly written songs, which only reflects on their being a highly talented band that shall continue to rise. Please excuse me now… Sound Awake beckons me to listen once again.

KARNIVOOL IS:

Drew Goddard – guitar

Ian Kenny – vocals

Jon Stockman – bass

Mark Hosking – guitar

Steve Judd – drums

Track Listing For Sound Awake:

Simple Boy

Goliath

New Day

Set Fire To The Hive

Umbra

All I Know

The Medicine Wears Off

The Caudal Lure

Illumine

Deadman

Change

* Check out the music video for Set Fire To The Hive:

* For more info on KARNIVOOL, just click on the links below!

KARNIVOOL – MySpace Music Page

KARNIVOOL – Official Website

YouTube

Stone.

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HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY AMERICA! PLUS A MEMORIAL DAY ALBUM RECOMMENDATION!

Posted in hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, holidays, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 31, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

Metal Odyssey extends a LOUD & PROUD – Happy Memorial Day to The United States of America!! I give unreal thank you’s to all of the Armed Forces of yesterday, to all those brave men and women who fought and/or gave their lives for democracy and protected the great country of America. The current Armed Forces of brave men and women do not go unnoticed here at Metal Odyssey either… thank you for giving up so much of your selves to make certain The United States of America remains a free and protected country. I also thank each and every member of my extended family, who served in the Armed Forces, both past and present. God Bless all of you.

Here is a Metal Odyssey – Metal listening recommendation for your Memorial Day and beyond!

QUEENSRYCHE – AMERICAN SOLDIER

Released on March 31, 2009 on Rhino Records.

This album is an incredibly patriotic listen… Queensryche created a great one here.

You can check out my review I posted for Queensryche – American Soldier, back on April 3, 2009. Just click that really cool and big link below to read all about American Soldier.

Queensryche “American Soldier” is Metal that honors those who serve.

GOD BLESS AMERICA.

Stone.

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NAZARETH “NO MEAN CITY” REISSUE – BEING RELEASED JUNE 15, 2010!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, classic rock music, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 31, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

NAZARETH – From Dunfermline, Scotland, came the now ever legendary Rock & Hard Rock Band – Nazareth. Back in January of 1979, Nazareth released No Mean City, which has been a lifetime favorite album of mine. This ever memorable album of richly crafted Rock and Hard Rock songs will have it’s reissue on June 15, 2010, on the record label called – Salvo. For nearly forty years, Nazareth has been Rockin’ around the globe, bringing their Rockin’ bluesy boogie and Hard Rockin’ blue collar thunder to the masses. Forty years… that is an ultra impressive tenure for a Rock Band, simply amazing. No Mean City deserves it’s recognition and deserves to be heard by a younger generation of Rock, Hard Rock and yes… Heavy Metal fans too. A sub-caption on this No Mean City album cover should read: Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Roots.

It was first brought to my Metal attention about this reissue of No Mean City by Metal buddy Rob Rockitt over at Hard Rock Hideout. Upon Rob informing me of this terrific news, I thought to myself, it’s about time! There are those certain Rock albums of yesteryear that explode with well written songs and incredible musicianship, No Mean City is just one of those albums… in my Metal opinion. Plus, the most current No Mean City CD that is available around the internet record sites, that was released back in 2002 on Eagle Music Europe, sells in the $68.00 range in U.S. funds!! Whoa. Whoa again. This insanely expensive 2002 import/remastered version of No Mean City can soon hit the Metal road… a more competent price point of around $17.00, (U.S. funds), will be the version of choice by fans who know the value of a dollar.

I have excitedly praised this Rock historic band Nazareth over my lifetime, especially this No Mean City album, to just about anyone who cares to lend an ear. Rob Rockitt has been no exception… he is without a Metal doubt, looking forward to giving this No Mean City album a thorough listen. I can’t wait to hear/read about what he has to say, about this all time favorite Rock album of mine.

If you are already a fan of Nazareth and this No Mean City album from 1979, you definitely know what I am talking about with all of my adulation for this Rock album gem. In the Metal event you are “new” to Nazareth and never heard of No Mean City… do the right thing and buy this reissue, thou shall not be disappointed if you are a fan of quality Rock/Hard Rock and/or Classic Rock Music that never dies. Metal be thy name.

For now, you can read the review I wrote/posted on No Mean City… this post was launched on Metal Odyssey on October 9, 2009. Just click the cool header link below for my review:

NAZARETH “NO MEAN CITY” – 1979 HARD ROCK ALBUM IS A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH

Track listing for the 2010 reissue of Nazareth – No Mean City:

Just To Get Into It

May The Sunshine

Simple Solution (Parts 1&2)

Star

Claim To Fame

Whatever You Want Babe

What’s In It For Me

No Mean City (Parts 1&2)

Bonus Tracks:

May The Sunshine (Single Mix)

Snaefell (previously unreleased instrumental)

* This reissue of No Mean City will be packaged in a wallet-style digipak.

Nazareth, as they appear on No Mean City:

Dan McCafferty – lead vocals

Pete Agnew – bass guitar, backing vocals

Manny Charlton – guitars

Zal Cleminson – guitars

Darrell Sweet – drums

Back Cover of the 2010 No Mean City reissue:

LONG LIVE NAZARETH AND THEIR ROCK ‘N’ ROLL!

Stone.

3 Comments »

KROKUS – 1986 FLASHBACK: “BURNING UP THE NIGHT” MUSIC VIDEO AND TOUR POSTER!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 30, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

KROKUS – Back in 1986, Krokus released their really cool, Hard Rockin’ and infectiously melodic album – Change Of Address. One hot single off of this album was Burning Up The Night. A feel-good late ’80’s Hard Rock song that makes me want to check in my nonsensical stress at the Metal door! Each time I listen to this classic Krokus song… I do just that, throw away the negativity and let the Rock be the Rule! Check out the music video below… crank it up LOUD and be glad you did.

Take a Metal look at this vintage concert/tour poster from around 1986! Judas Priest was out supporting their Turbo album, (released in 1986 on Columbia Records), and Krokus supporting, of course, their Change Of Address album released the same year on Arista Records. I’m almost certain Metal buddy Kinger over at Demolish Fanzine – 1980’s Heavy Metal Revival plucked this piece of Metal history out of his Heavy Metal archives and sent it my way… this is the vintage and cool Heavy Metal history you can find over at Demolish, it’s worth the Metal visit to peruse over there.

KROKUS – Change Of Address (1986)

JUDAS PRIEST – Turbo (1986)

Here are some recent posts Metal Odyssey has featured, relating to both Krokus – Change Of Address and Judas Priest – Turbo… click on the header links below if you like and enrich your Metal mind or maybe get semi-annoyed. Either way, feel free to comment on your Metal thoughts regarding these two bands, their albums and incredible accomplishments in Heavy Metal history.

KROKUS “HEADHUNTER BLITZ” – AN ESSENTIAL GREATEST HITS FROM 2002!

JUDAS PRIEST “TURBO” – 1986 ALBUM IN MY METAL RETROSPECT

Oh, yes, Metal Odyssey has one more comment regarding KROKUS:

COME TO AMERICA FOR SOME CONCERT DATES LATER IN 2010! YOUR FANS ARE HERE… WE NEVER LEFT!! THERE IS DEMAND FOR YOUR ROCK ‘N’ ROLL IN AMERICA!

Stone.

6 Comments »

BRET MICHAELS IS BACK! … PHEW.

Posted in hair metal bands, hair metal music, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock 'n' roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 27, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

BRET MICHAELS – The lead singer for Poison, solo artist and Celebrity Apprentice “champ” seems to be out and about… just about everywhere these days. How I see it, great for him! Heck, Bret Michaels has every reason in the world to make things happen now. If I was in the same position, I would have an extreme sense of urgency to get it done… especially if you have the musical talent, contacts, resources and funds to lean on. The incredible turnaround for Bret Michaels health only makes me feel great inside, it inspires me to enjoy each moment of each day, like there really is no tomorrow.

Having a sense of urgency to accomplish life’s goals is a great thing to bestow… in my Metal opinion. Witnessing this incredible comeback by Bret Michaels inspires me to “get it done” and not sweat the small stuff. (Well, I’ll still complain about crap and act like a corn dog from time to time). I wish Bret Michaels nothing but the very best at life… we are all only given one pass on Earth as it is… and there are no rain checks or reverse button to push for living life either.

Welcome back Bret Michaels!

Stone.

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KROKUS “HEADHUNTER BLITZ” – AN ESSENTIAL GREATEST HITS FROM 2002!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 26, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

KROKUS – Once upon a Metal time there was the 1980’s… and Krokus Rocked that decade like there was no tomorrow. Krokus released seven studio albums during those colorful ’80’s, power packed with plenty of memorable songs. If I was to make a “master list” of “must” Hard Rock and/or Heavy Metal Bands from this funtastic decade of the ’80’s, Krokus would no doubt be among my top picks. I recently grabbed ahold of a very cool and addicting greatest hits CD from Krokus to listen to – Headhunter Blitz, released in 2002 on BMG Special Products.

I picked this CD up years ago for two substantive reasons: 1. It’s Krokus for Metal sakes, 2. The ten songs on Headhunter Blitz are a fabulous sampling of an ultra great decade of Krokus albums. Below I’ll give some Metal insight to the ten songs heard on Headhunter Blitz, a modest tribute to an Old School – good times – Hard Rockin’ Band that is still Rockin’ better than ever in 2010!

1980 saw the release of Metal Rendez-vous, with Heart Attack closing out the decade for Krokus in 1988. In between these two albums were the more famous titles within the Krokus catalog of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. There are not too many bands these days, that would or even could release seven studio albums in one decade. Krokus did… and their 1980’s albums are worth every penny you may spend on them today.

In 1982, Krokus began making headway into the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal hearts of fans with One Vice at a Time. Long Stick Goes Boom and the cover song American Woman, (originally made famous by The Guess Who), are the two most popular tracks that jump out and grab me still, as if I am hearing them for the first time.

Released in 1983, Headhunter became the highest U.S. chart topping album in the entire Krokus catalog, retaining thus status to this very day in 2010. I can recall walking the hallways of my old high school, back in ’83, with the Headhunter vinyl underneath my arm, like it was a text book. In essence, it was… to me. Metal be thy name, that Headhunter album “taught” me a thing or two about real Rock ‘N’ Roll.

From the power ballad of Screaming In The Night, to the Heavy Metal onslaught of the title song Headhunter, this Krokus album shall forever be heralded by me as a complete and great album of Hard and Heavy songs. Eat The Rich is another standout song heard on Headhunter, it’s lean, loud and heavy! Throw in the bluesy heaviness of Stayed Awake All Night and my Metal point is exemplified with ease here.

The Blitz being released in 1984, only made Krokus all the more appealing to FM radio and MTV. Marc Storace showcases his vocal talents with the melodic power ballad Our Love, the melodic Hard Rocker Midnite Maniac and once again a credible cover song with Ballroom Blitz, (originally made famous by Sweet).

If you would like to see the classic Our Love music video from 1984, just click the link below:

KROKUS – “OUR LOVE” MUSIC VIDEO FROM 1984!

1986 came along with once again… another memorable and melodic Hard Rock offering from Krokus! Change Of Address carried over the Hard Rock and ’80’s Arena Rock accessibility with the songs Hot Shot City and Burning Up The Night… with plenty of  chorus and big guitar sound. School’s Out is the cover song on this album and Krokus doesn’t disappoint, with their style and attitude only accentuating it’s lyrics and theme. Alice Cooper’s original School’s Out is legendary… this Krokus cover is classic. Change Of Address is a Krokus album that captured that mid ’80’s wide openness of mainstream Hard Rock/Heavy Metal vibe. Despite whatever reviews may have circulated over the decades, regarding Change Of Address, I just so happen to really, really, really like this Krokus album, so let it be Metal written, so let it be Metal done.

I strongly urge and/or recommend any fan of Old School, 1980’s Hard Rock, Arena Rock and Heavy Metal to get their ears into the Krokus catalog of albums! A greatest hits such as Headhunter Blitz makes for an excellent start for new fans to become acquainted with Switzerland’s biggest and best band to ever cross the Atlantic.

Track Listing For Headhunter Blitz:

Midnite Maniac

Eat The Rich

Ballroom Blitz

Headhunter

American Woman

School’s Out

Stayed Awake All Night

Long Stick Goes Boom

Hot Shot City

Screaming In The Night

Metal Odyssey Note: The classic Krokus lineup from the 1982 album – One Vice At A Time is back together in 2010! With their NEW album release – Hoodoo. If you need some Metal guidance into how great this new Krokus album, Hoodoo, really is… just click on the link below to read my review:

KROKUS “HOODOO” – CASTS A HARD ROCKIN’ & HEAVY METAL CLASSIC SPELL!

The One Vice At A Time, classic Krokus lineup, as they are in 2010:

Marc Storace – vocals

Chris Von Rohr – bass, vocals

Fernando Von Arb – lead guitars, vocals

Mark Kohler – rhythm guitars

Freddy Steady – drums

LONG LIVE KROKUS ROCK ‘N’ ROLL!

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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PAUL GRAY – REST IN PEACE, THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC

Posted in hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 24, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

PAUL GRAY – It has been reported today, through numerous news sources, that on this day – May 24, 2010, Paul Gray, founding member, bass guitarist and #2 of Slipknot, has passed away at age 38. I will abstain from any details, except for one, that I have read in regards to Paul Gray’s passing away, I just do not want to pass along any information that may change in the coming hours and/or days. The only detail I feel comfortable relaying is the cause of death is unknown at this time. I will admit, this has been a very sad year thus far for “famous” musicians passing on. Paul Gray was without question, a key figure and talent within Sipknot.

Metal Odyssey expresses the sincerest condolences to Paul Gray’s family, band mates, friends and fans. He shall forever be in peace… and hopefully Rockin’ in Heaven with Ronnie James Dio, Peter Steele, The Reverend, John Lennon, Buddy Holly and Elvis too. That’s how I like to make sense of it all.

I have always looked upon Slipknot as a formidable presence in the world of Heavy Music. I became a fan of their style, music and legitimacy as a top tier band. Paul Gray deserves much credit for his accomplishments with Slipknot. Paul Gray shall certainly be missed.

In the past, I have posted about Slipknot a couple of times. I would like to share them now, with you, if you so desire to read them. I, like so many other fans, want to celebrate the music of Paul Gray… for at the end of the day, that is all it is, in it’s fabulous and inspiring glory, regardless of genre. Music.

SLIPKNOT – “PSYCHOSOCIAL” IS MY 2ND FAVORITE METAL SONG EVER!

SLIPKNOT – ALL HOPE IS GONE

When one door shuts, another door opens… may the door to Heaven open for Paul Gray.

Stone.

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DREAM EVIL – “CHILDREN OF THE NIGHT” EP, FEATURING GUS G., FROM 2003 REVISITED! PLUS MORE GUS G. INFO!

Posted in hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, heavy metal songs, heavy metal videos, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 23, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

DREAM EVIL – Children Of The Night EP was released back in October of 2003 on Century Media Records. This EP contains four songs, three in which were previously unreleased tracks up until 2003, those three songs are: Dragonheart, Betrayed and an unplugged/acoustic version of Evilized. A music video is also on this EP – Children Of The Night, which was filmed on February 20th, 2003, in Gothenburg, Sweden, on Dream Evil’s Evilized European Tour while supporting Hammerfall. The lead guitarist of Dream Evil on this Children Of The Night EP, Gus G., is now the new guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne and featured on the upcoming Ozzy album Scream, to be released on June 22, 2010.

This Dream Evil lineup was a solid one, delivering straight-up European Power Metal that did not go over the top with keyboards. Clearly, the focal point of this Dream Evil lineup is certainly Gus G. on lead guitar. As vibrant and melodic as he is fierce with his tone, Gus G. does not compromise his playing with unnecessary excessiveness on the need for speed. Gus G. can play fast with the best of them, only he makes the songs come alive with an almost boastful restraint on this Children Of The Night EP. There is a mammoth amount of bite and might in the guitar playing of Gus G. and the songs heard on this EP are a fitting Metal example.

Evilized is an unplugged/acoustic version that emanates an unrestrained dark hardness. Before you listen to this acoustic version of Evilized, please check your sappiness hat and coat at the front Metal door. The lyrics have not changed from the original Power Metal version… Evilized still gets it’s evil point across within this acoustic blanket of sound.

Children Of The Night, (see & hear video below), is a deliciously heavy and melodic Dream Evil song. Gus G. really displays his guitar muscularity on this song, with flashes of Old School licks. Niklas Isfeldt on vocals doesn’t over extend his range, while giving all the emotion that is necessary to Children Of The Night. A fine singer is Niklas, not exuding any annoying or notorious Metal swagger… he just got the Metal job done with Dream Evil.

Dragonheart begins with Gus G. leading the speed attack on guitar. The tempo never subsides throughout this song, it only picks up more steam with Gus G. unleashing a blazing guitar solo. Snowy Shaw is just dead on perfect on drums… what more can be said about him, besides he is as quality driven as they come in Metal. Dragonheart is a surefire song to get any Old School or new fan to bang thy head.

Betrayed just gets my adrenaline all pumped up, from the opening guitar riff this song just kicks out relentless flashes of Power Metal goodness. While some songs in Metal history are not so well known, Betrayed is a Dream Evil song that just has to be known and heard by Heavy Metal fans… Metal be thy name.

This Dream Evil EP, Children Of The Night, makes for a mandatory must own for all Dream Evil fans. With the collectible factor thrown in, this is a CD that could become quite rare down the Metal road. I have seen it for sale online still… a new copy can fetch over $20 (U.S.), so maybe there are used copies out there floating around that are more inexpensive.

* Using the “new” Metal Odyssey album review rating system… Dream Evil – Children Of The Night EP gets 4.5 out of 5 Metal Fists!

* Check out the 2003 music video for Children Of The Night below… and turn it up LOUD!

DREAM EVIL as they appear on Children Of The Night:

Gus G. – guitars

Niklas Isfeldt – vocals

Fredrik Nordstrom – guitars & keyboards

Peter Stalfors – bass

Snowy Shaw – drums

Track Listing For Children Of The Night:

Children Of The Night

Dragonheart

Betrayed

Evilized (Unplugged Version)

Children Of The Night (Video Clip Enhancement)

Japanese Track Listing:

Metal Odyssey Note: I do not own this Japanese version, I will someday though!

Children of the Night

Take the World

The Prophecy (demo)

Heavy Metal in the Night (demo)

Evilized (acoustic version)

Children Of The Night (Video Enhancement)

Here are the first two Dream Evil albums, (with Gus. G. on lead guitar), released before the Children Of The Night EP:

Dragonslayer – released on June 25, 2002:

Evilized – released on March 25, 2003:

* Here are some Gus G. related websites you might find of Metal interest:

Gus G. Official MySpace Music Page

FIREWIND – Official MySpace Music Page

DREAM EVIL – Official MySpace Music Page

Ozzy Osbourne – Official MySpace Music Page

OZZFEST 2010

KAMELOT – Official MySpace Music Page

HERE ARE SOME GUS G. METAL FACTS YOU MAY NEED TO KNOW! ENJOY!

* Gus G. was born in Thessaloniki, Greece.

* At age 18, Gus G. attended the famed – Berklee College of Music, in Boston, Massachusetts.

* Famed Gothenburg producer and Dream Evil guitarist Fredrik Nordstrom and Gus G. united to form Dream Evil, beginning their idea for the band in 1999.

* Gus G. first played live with Ozzy Osbourne at the BlizzCon annual convention. This was during the closing ceremony on August 22, 2009. Blizzard Entertainment celebrates their major franchise games such as Warcraft, StarCraft and Diablo at these conventions. This BlizzCon convention was held at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim, California… wish I was there to see that historical moment in Heavy Metal history!

* Gus G. also played with Melodic Death Metal icon – Arch Enemy as a touring guitarist in 2005. Gus G. played the solo on the song Taking Back My Soul, on the Arch Enemy album Doomsday Machine, released in 2005.

* Gus G. is founder and lead guitarist of the fantastic Power Metal Band – Firewind, releasing five studio albums between 2002 – 2008.

* Gus G. has also played guitar for German Power Metal Band – Mystic Prophecy, from 2001-2005.

* Gus G. also played on demos for and helped out Greek/Swedish Melodic Death Metal Band – Nightrage.

* Gus G. adds his talent/solo on a song for the upcoming/new – Kamelot album.

* Original Dream Evil drummer Snowy Shaw also played for the ultra legendary – King Diamond and Mercyful Fate.

HERE ARE SOME GEOGRAPHICAL FACTS CONNECTED TO GUS G.! ENJOY!

* Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece and the capital of Macedonia.

* Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden. The largest city in Sweden is Stockholm.

* Disneyland opened on July 18, 1955, in Anaheim California.

Gus G. has quietly built quite an impressive and credible Heavy Metal career for himself. As you have seen and read above, NO, Gus G. did not just come out of “nowhere” to become the featured guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne. Gus G. is a talent, has paid his Metal dues, and is a unique guitarist that Ozzy knew about… as well as countless other Metal fans have worldwide, for quite some time. Ozzy has chosen well… in my Metal opinion.

Stone.

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ELO’S ORIGINAL AND VELVET REVOLVER’S COVER – “CAN’T GET IT OUT OF MY HEAD”

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock bands, classic rock music, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, hard rock songs, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, progressive rock music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 19, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

What does the Electric Light Orchestra and Velvet Revolver have in common? The song – Can’t Get It Out Of My Head.

Here is the cover version of Can’t Get It Out Of My Head by Velvet Revolver:

Here is the original album version of Can’t Get It Out Of My Head by the Electric Light Orchestra:

Which version of Can’t Get It Out Of My Head do you like better? For me, it’s ELO’s original. Listening to ELO’s original just takes me back to when I first really became interested in music. The exploration and journey into the vast world of music, of Rock and Roll, was a profoundly exhilarating and personal experience for me as a kid. Just hearing the orchestration and the arrangements, makes me marvel at how this song was put together. There is emotion that seeps from both ELO’s original and Velvet Revolver’s cover version, only the ELO original really packs in the higher emotion, due to the string arrangements, in my Metal opinion.

Velvet Revolver substitutes an electric guitar courtesy of the ultra great Slash, in exchange for the piano and synthesizer that ELO used, making for a more harder and edgier sound. Velvet Revolver makes Can’t Get It Out Of My Head really Rock, for certain… while still not losing sight of the song’s original outpouring of emotion, that it is so well known for. My personal feeling, is that this is one of Scott Weiland’s finest moments as a vocalist in his entire career… Stone Temple Pilots, his solo album and Velvet Revolver combined. I do embrace this cover version from Velvet Revolver, no question about it, making for one of my more favorite Velvet Revolver songs from their two albums.

This is the cover for the ELO single Can’t Get It Out Of My Head, released in 1974.

* Electric Light Orchestra released Eldorado, their fourth studio album, back in 1974.

* Velvet Revolver released Libertad, their second studio album, back in July of 2007.

At the end of my Metal day, I can easily recommend both versions of Can’t Get It Out Of My Head to anyone. Yet ELO’s original can never be topped.

Stone.

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