DISCONNECTEDSOULS are continuing their annual tradition of releasing a Christmas cover. 2021 sees their fourth cover, John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s “Merry Xmas (War Is Over)” receive a dramatic, heavy reimagining. Fusing metalcore sounds with intense electronics, folk instruments and a choir singing in Latin, the genre busting outfit have produced their most dynamic seasonal treat yet.
The band comments:
“This year’s Christmas cover was a challenge! We knew that the song could be interpreted in a number of different styles, but we didn’t want to release multiple versions and so chose to combine all our ideas into one. Despite the trials of mixing so many ideas into one track, we’re thrilled with the result.”
“Merry Xmas (War Is Over” will be released on December 17th 2021 on all streaming platforms.
Los Angeles, CA – Long-time bassist for multi-platinum rockers Quiet Riot, Chuck Wright, proudly presents the release of the first single from his new solo album. Wright has also worked alongside such rock music luminaries as Alice Cooper, Greg Allman, Ted Nugent, various members of Guns N’ Roses and Kiss to name a few, and now embarks on his first-ever solo excursion.
The first single is a hard-rocking, intense interpretation of Björk’s 1995 hit “Army of Me” and is accompanied by a video that represents Wright’s exploration into disorder and parallels with the recent chaotic state of world affairs. The visuals include a 3D animation of an “army” of Ruth Bader Ginsburgs, the late Supreme Court Justice, feminist icon, and steadfast advocate for women’s rights and gender equality. “I chose to recognize the late Justice Ginsburg in this video as she was such a formidable presence on and off the bench. She challenged the status quo knocking down legal obstacles to women’s equality and inspired an army of believers.”
The track “Army Of Me” features several of Wright’s musical peers including the late Pat Torpey (Mr. Big) on drums, guitarist Lanny Cordola (House of Lords), and Sven Martin (Jonathan Davis Band) on keyboards along with songstress Whitney Tai, the recent “Best Vocalist” winner at The Intercontinental Music Awards.
The full-length album from Chuck Wright’s Sheltering Sky, coming in 2022, features over 30 guest performers including members of Mr. Big, Skid Row, Tesla, Dream Theater, Great White, Asia, Jefferson Starship, acclaimed solo artists Allen Hinds, Toshi Yanagi, and many others. Wright is finally stepping out on his own with a wide range of genres, from Jazz Fusion, Prog, Funk to in-your-face Hard Rock, which was in itself one of the things that led him to want to forge his own way and create this unique collection of songs within his “Sheltering Sky” project.
Photos: Top photo: Mari Kawaguchi Bottom photo: Tim Janssens
Finnish heavy rockers Rough Grind have released their first single from the upcoming new album, “Hardened” (Inverse Records). The single hit the airwaves on 17 November, while the album is due on 28 January 2022.
The hard-stompin’ new single, titled “The Road Song”, is a wild run down the memory lane to the world of action movie classics and a powerful reminder that high-quality hard rock doesn’t necessarily have to be out for blood – gasoline will do just fine. Guaranteed to earn unwary listeners a speeding ticket or ten, the new piece makes it very clear that Rough Grind have cranked their songwriting game up several notches.
Founded in 2011, Rough Grind’s resumé includes three EPs – “Son of a Gun” (2014), “Four for the Road” (2017) and “Trouble or Nothing” (2018) – and their debut album “Pieces of Resistance” was released in 2020. The releases have been well-received around the globe, getting airtime from radio stations in USA, Canada, UK, France and Germany, among others.
“The Road Song” single was also released as a lyric video, and it’s available on the Inverse Records YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/9hAPUxTrb_g
Editor’s note: Metal Odyssey proudly introduces Tanis Enos to our staff. She embodies the talents of being a writer, photographer, concert aficionado and interviewer. Enjoy her review below! Welcome aboard, Tanis!
————————————————————-
Tracii Guns and Phil Lewis have joined forces once again to give fans another electric album. They teamed up yet again with the Vampiric Shredder, Ace Von Johnson, and “Stud” Johnny Martin. CheckeredPast was released on November 12th, 2021. Before the release, the band gave fans a taste of the new album releasing not only 3 singles (Cannonball, KnockMeDown & GetAlong) but also 2 new music videos for Cannonball and GetAlong.
CheckeredPast has a beautiful mix of both the fast pasted Sleazy sound that fans have come to love and slowed-down emotion invoking melodies and lyrics. The day of the release, IfIt’sOverNow was part of Apple Music’s Best New Songs list. This song alone leaves fans wondering “Who hurt the writers”. The slower-paced guitar paired with the low vocals and emotional lyrics makes for a truly theatrical experience that gives fans the ability to picture their own story. The same can be said about LetYouDown. The feeling of this track can be compared to “a heartache in the rain” scene in a movie. Even though it can’t be seen the feeling of sadness can be heard.
On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, LA Guns have turned out another group of hard rock in-your-face songs that will make you want to grab your leather pants and even your pirate hats. Cannonball is an explosive way to start the album with heavy drums and fast riffs. LivingRightNow is special because of its punk-sounding undertone during the verses and Blues Rock sound for the rest. If you didn’t know Phil was British you did after listening to bits of that song.
Though the band has gotten older, Phil’s voice hasn’t changed a bit. Just listen to ThatAin’tWhy and try to say that it doesn’t sound as clear and clean as listening to ElectricGypsy on their debut album. Tracii Guns will never not have flair, showing off his Jimmy Page like abilities on lead guitar. Now take the talent and grit of Tracii and add the style and skill of Ace Von Johnson and you have the dynamic duo that every band needs.
What is that old saying? “A band is only as good as its bass player”? Well, good thing they have Johnny Martin slapping the bass on this album. You can really hear him shine in songs like LivingRightNow and GetAlong and he adds the deep groove with the drums in Dog.
The diversity of songs in this album alone is incredible and truly makes it hard to skip any song. CheckeredPast will continue the musical high that was given to fans by the release of their 2019 album TheDevilYouKnow. Fans are already crazy about the album, making it the number one best-selling Blues Rock album on Amazon the day it was released. – Tanis Enos
Vocals: Phil Lewis
Lead Guitar: Tracii Guns
Rhythm Guitar: Ace Von Johnson
Bass: Johnny Martin
Drums: Adam Hamilton / Scot Coogan
Track List: 1. Cannonball, 2. Bad Luck Charm, 3. Living Right Now, 4. Get Along, 5. If It’s Over, 6. Better Than You, 7. Knock Me Down, 8. Dog, 9. Let You Down, 10. That Ain’t Why, 11.Physical Itch
First thing, my respect for what Dee Snider has accomplished for our community of Metal is steadfast. Dee Snider has DEFENDED METAL and Rock ‘N Roll his entire life and his discography has proven to be timeless. Seriously, a gold life-size statue of Dee Snider should be created and erected at the entrance of The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. I don’t give a rats shit about who disagrees with me on that last sentence either. My belief. My blog. My life.
This past Summer, I bought this incredible Dee Snider autographed photo from the Martyr Hardcore Metal Online Store. This website is also the home to all the merch for HATEBREED. Dee Snider had tweeted about his autographed photo being available at this site mentioned; thus how I found out about it!
The cost for this historic piece of Metal history was $30 plus a few bucks for shipping. Compare that to how much other bands/musicians charge for autographs and you’ll agree this is an extremely fair price! C’mon, $30 for an authentic autograph of Dee Snider!!
Man, there are many unbelievable deals you can find by just shopping around! My autographed photo also included a DEE FUCKING SNIDER patch and sticker! Metal Be Thy Name!! – Stone
Stephen Pearcy and his Ratt Bastard’s Rocked the House at Quechan Casino Resort for the Veteran’s Day Concert that was originally slated with Vince Neil.
After Vince Neil’s recent fall, he cancelled the Veteran’s Day show dated November 11th, 2021 but showed up on a yacht to play a private show the day before on November 10th, 2021.
Pearcy and his Boys ROCKED the house then stayed after to meet and hang with the many great Rock n’ Rollers that have served this Country. “This was an Important show” Pearcy said “It was an honor to be here”.
Pearcy played a 14 song Powerhouse set that included a mix of all things Stephen Pearcy, from early RATT “You Got It” (written by Pearcy in “78-“79) to Arcade’s “Nothing to Lose”
LONG LIVE STEPHEN PEARCY. A TRUE AMERICAN PATRIOT.
GRAMMA VEDETTA’s new album The Hum of The Machine will be released on May 27, 2022. The London-based dynamic duo draw inspiration from vintage sci-fi of the late 70s and early 80s. Heavily distorted guitars, soaring melodies and driving rhythms create a huge progressive sound that transcends this dimension.
“We’re stoked by what we achieved with The Hum Of The Machine. This album is a complete audio and visual experience – we can’t stop listening to it. Each song has been crafted with great attention to detail and top-notch production. Talented illustrators helped us to translate our sounds to images and we can’t stop exploring it. With this album we have definitely reached a higher level, with our own sound, different from everything you ever heard before.”
Forming in 2017, GRAMMA VEDETTA released their debut EP Proof of Concept in 2018 with a grunge focus, followed by the 2020 EP A.C.I.D Compliant that leaned into stoner rock. The new album delves further into the progressive world. The Hum of The Machine is a collection of nine scenes that tell the story of a man who seeks to remain unique in a world where compliance ensures you a place in the upper echelons of society. “A Chance To Win The Orb” delivers an explosive opening to the album producing a wall of sound. Throughout the album the duo unleashes their creativity through different styles. The fuzz-driven banger “Robots For Wars” precedes a darker, haunting atmosphere unveiled in “A Broken Time Machine”, while “The Future Of The Past” brings immense impact through the guitars and an incredibly catchy vocal hook.
Characterised by immense sounding riffs, down-tuned instruments and their passion for science fiction. Aptly portraying themes explored in Sci-Fi literature and films with their own distinctive vision, GRAMMA VEDETTA have designed a thrilling album. The Hum of The Machine is an exploration into the unknown that is not to be missed.
CRASHDÏET are one of the biggest names in the glam metal/sleaze rock scene and the band recently signed to global rock powerhouse label: Golden Robot Records.
CRASHDÏET are back in the studio working on their 6th studio album, due out early 2022. They are set to deliver a taste of what’s to come with their upcoming single ‘No Man’s Land’ which will be released digitally on the 19th of November.
‘No Man’s Land’ is the first single from CRASHDÏET’s new studio album, which will be their first since 2019’s Rust. The single is sung with powerful and precise vocals, surrounded by thick driving bass, heavy guitar chops, rock-solid drums and scintillating production. ‘No Man’s Land’ is a story about looking inwards and moving forward, no matter the cost. ‘No Man’s Land’ sees the band on top of their game and once again proving Sweden as a world leader in this genre.
Legendary vocalist SARAHJEZEBELDEVA has revealed her song “A Sign Of Sublime (Redux)”. The track is a re-working of her classic song from her debut solo album and features guest appearances from Lindsay Schoolcraft (Juno nominated singer/Songwriter) and Ghul (MAYHEM).
Sarah comments:
“I’ve made it no secret that most of us involved with the out come of the album “A Sign Of Sublime” was a total disappointment, I’m not talking the orchestral tracks as 2 of them were off of the demo that Chris Rehn and I did before we formed Angtoria. I’m talking about the metal tracks. I never wanted to be just a backing singer, it was never the plan, so when you get a record deal under your own name, it’s a huge thing. To spare you the details, it ruined what dreams I had before the solo career started. I remember Dan, the guy mixing it saying to me outside the studio how over edited everything was and he literally couldn’t do a thing to save the album, basically you can’t roll a dog turd in icing sugar in the hope it will taste good. I’ve never seen a penny from the album, never seen a sales or streaming statement and the whole experience leaves a bitter taste in ya mouth. The guitarist who also had a dream, well I couldn’t explain what had happened as I knew he wouldn’t believe me and we stopped talking, but years later, trying to close the door on the album and company that destroyed it, we decided to re record the title track and show people how it should have been, how it should have sounded. Since meeting Dan, we have become really good friends, he has been by my side since he attempted to mix that album, so without him, this track wouldn’t haven’t happened. I’ve had so many good people, friends, get involved or give their blessing for this re recording, I am honoured and extremely lucky. We may record Lady Tyranny early next year also, but once that’s done, the door is closed. I hope people love it, but I do ask not to stream or buy the original album, go to YouTube and check it if you must. Hope this all makes sense and thank you.”
Swedish metal band TRUMBITEN have released an awesome playthrough video for their song “Break Out”. The song is from their critically acclaimed EP Out which was recently released.
The band comments:
“It’s amazing that we could pull this off even if we never have had the opportunity to meet face-2-face. Today’s technology like smartphones and online tools made it possible”
TRUMBITEN channel the philosophy of cultivating a positive mindset, and the ecstatic feeling born from creating music with others. The new EP explores difficulties in life and feelings of being trapped in oneself, or in a bad company, or in difficult situations and a wish to get out and break free in order to find confidence and trust in oneself.
Out is a powerhouse of energy, heavy distortion, and soaring vocals. Beginning with the impactful opener “Break out”, recorded by the talented musician Adam, with lyrics by Tommy. The EP progressing on a meaningful journey to conclude with “Run”, Out is an emotive display of the human condition and how we overcome the dark aspects of life.
Line-up: Tommy Arngren – songwriter, lyrics, drums, bass, keyboard Adam Arngren – songwriter, guitar, bass João Miguel – on guitars Leonel Silva – lead vocalist and composer
Mike Howe “In Memoriam” (Remembering Mike Howe) 60 page full color 8×11 memorial booklet and official tribute shirt is now available for a limited time. A visual celebration & tribute to Mike Howe’s music career, including photos from his days with Hellion, Snair, Heretic and Metal Church!
On January 14 2022 psychedelic rockers SPACECOKE will release their new album Lunacy.
The band comments: “We have an origin theme that a trip to space is a breakaway from a society gone mad. A planet that has built up civilizations based on power and oppression. Also mix that with the SPACE COKE scene from Cheech and Chong’s movie. Reno grew up in a diverse multicultural household and likes his music and musical companions to reflect that. SPACE COKE is aural magic to ground us in how small our planet and its affectations are in an immeasurable existence.”
Lunacy is a Twilight Zone-like journey and will be both darker and more occult themed than previous albums. Each musician’s influences add to the complexity of the album and lend to something far beyond the traditional hallmarks of fuzz and bass. Reno Gooch pulls from his childhood of listening to Indian classical, as well as contemporary artists such as SUN RA, SONIC YOUTH and ANTHONY BRAXTON, plus some of rocks most well known godfathers: BLACK SABBATH, MOTHERS OF INVENTION and JIMI HENDRIX.
If you’re ready to embark on a journey from which you may not return, SPACE COKE will be your guide. As they say: If the amp don’t smoke, it ain’t SPACE COKE.
SHADOWKINGDOMRECORDS is proud to announce the signing of LEATHÜRBITCH. The first fruit of this union will be the band’s highly anticipated second album, to be released in 2022.
Formed in 2015 in Portland, Oregon, LEATHÜRBITCH have quickly ascended the underground ranks with the release of their self-titled debut EP in 2018 and successive debut album, Into the Night, a year later via High Roller Records. With the sound of early ‘80s Sunset Strip AND first Metal Massacre comps as their foundation, LEATHÜRBITCH have created an addicting blend of vicious sleaze and propulsive speed, all done with power, poignancy, and above all, a larger-than-life charisma.
Think early Ratt, W.A.S.P., and even Mötley Crüe meets equally early Jag Panzer, Bitch, and Armored Saint – and SHADOW KINGDOM will be bringing that to stereos soon with the band’s second album!
Alternative hard rock quartet JESTR, will release their debut album The Dead & The Riches on Feb 11th 2021. The band draws inspiration from mythology, the paranormal along with any curious manifestations or bizarre tales. Based out of Lafayette, Louisiana, JESTR was initially devised as a solo project by Brett Bradley at the end of 2019, the name JESTR comes from a strong spiritual experience Brett had. Recording for the debut album began in late 2020, with the band’s current line-up materialising in spring of 2021.
“We are absolutely overjoyed to share with you all our debut LP The Dead & Riches. This album has been one heck of an experience and we cannot wait for y’all to take the driver’s seat with this record. We hope you have as good a time listening to it as we did making it!”
Ranging from intimate vocals with acoustic guitar accompaniment, through to heavy distortion and powerful rhythms, The Dead and Riches is a dynamic album that isn’t afraid to have some fun. “Ghost of You” alludes to alt rock of the early noughties while “Birth of a Charlatan” delivers a darkly humorous impact. Throughout the record, instrumental and vocal melodies are artfully crafted into experimental harmonies and high energy levels elevate JESTR’s sound.
JESTR aren’t afraid to explore the unfavourable aspects of life, but make sure to come out the other side laughing. The energetic outfit have aptly portrayed some hauntingly dark themes with a humorous, light-hearted twist. The Dead and Riches is an unexpected and highly enjoyable album to experience.
The world-class Foreigner will be performing at this year’s 95th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! If you’re not in The Big Apple to see this celebration live, you can tune in for live coverage on NBC.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will begin at 9:00am EST on November 25th.
New Jersey! Appearing at the New Jersey Horror Con and Film Festival, Nov 12, 13 and 14th in Atlantic City! Come on down to @njhorrorcon and we’ll see you there! For info, visit newjerseyhorrorcon.com
Canadian heavy metal powerhouse STRIKER is back from the grave!
With rumours running rampant of the band calling it quits after they posted an image that was titled “RIP Striker 2007-2021” on their social media earlier this week, the award-winning shredders are excited to reveal that it was all just an ambiguous post that got fans speculating on the band’s future and was made to prepare them for the new music.
“We are finally ready to share our new single Deathwish. Inspired by 1980s AOR with a modern twist, Deathwish is a heavy metal banger we can’t wait to play live someday soon!” adds vocalist Dan Cleary.
The single is the first taste of new recordings since releasing their Juno award-winning album 2018’s “Play To Win” along with it being Striker‘s introductory track with new drummer Jonathan Webster and bassist Pete Klassen who join the band in 2019.
In additional news, Striker was scheduled to support Unleash The Archers on their upcoming European tour this November, which was just recently announced as canceled. The band does vow there will be live shows in the cards for them in 2022 with concert updates to be shared when confirmed.
Champions in blending classic heavy metal, hard rock, and 80’s hair metal, Striker have been making shredtacular anthems since 2007. The band has toured multiple times across Europe and North America along with festival appearances at 70,000 Tons of Metal, Bang Your Head Festival (Germany), and more to add to their almost 1000 shows performed in their decade-plus career.
The band has been honoured with multiple Best Album awards in their home country of Canada from the JUNO Awards, Western Canadian Music Awards, and the Edmonton Music Awards. Since their inception, Striker has released six studio albums: Eyes in the Night (2010, Iron Kodex), Armed to The Teeth (2012, Napalm), City of Gold (2014, Napalm), Stand in the Fire (2016, Record Breaking), Striker (2017, Record Breaking), and Play to Win (2018, Record Breaking).
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
Metal Odyssey's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"
Metal Odyssey > Heavy Metal Music Blog 
You must be logged in to post a comment.