Archive for Hard Rock

Wanna See My AC/DC Dodge Ram Toy Truck Collectible? It’s Really Cool…

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on July 10, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

AC/DC – That’s it at the top! That’s my AC/DC Dodge Ram Toy Truck Collectible and it’s really cool. I suppose you can consider this an AC/DC collectible that is affordable, versus owning an autographed guitar from Angus Young. As you can see, I’ve kept it sealed and mint-in-package. I really don’t know what it’s worth; I collect this stuff for enjoyment only.

This AC/DC truck collectible is 1:64 scale and is suggested for ages 8+. I guess I’m just about old enough to own it. The sticker on the side of the truck is the album cover for Fly On The Wall; which was released back in 1985 on Atlantic Records. I’ve always dug that AC/DC album and Sink The Pink is my favorite song from it. Danger comes in at a very close second for me; that song chugs along like a welcomed earth tremor. I do have Fly On The Wall on CD and it’s a digipak with fabulous liner notes. Yes, I once owned it on vinyl…

In case you’re unfamiliar with this AC/DC album, here is what the full album cover for Fly On The Wall looks like:

I always and forever will appreciate that psychotic looking fly. Unreal.

Muscle Machines is the trademark on the packaging of this truck (and) is the registered trademark of Funline Merchandise Co., Incorporated. The date printed on the back packaging is 2005. I remember buying this AC/DC goody sometime around 2006. Guess where I bought it? Super Walmart, where else? There were other AC/DC album versions of this truck for sale at the same time as well; with High Voltage (1976) coming to mind.

______________________________

AC/DC:

Angus Young – guitar

Malcolm Young – guitar

Brian Johnson – vocals

Phil Rudd – drums

Cliff Williams – bass

_______________________________________________________

For more info on AC/DC, click on the link below!

http://www.acdc.com

LONG LIVE AC/DC.

The word “goody” was used in this post.

Stone.

Wanna See My Vintage Metal Blade Records Button? It’s Really Cool…

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on July 8, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

METAL BLADE RECORDS – That’s my vintage Metal Blade Records button right above! You can’t beat that vintage logo, with the blood dripping! Whoa. I’m honestly amazed that this button is still in my possession after all these years! Back around 1983/84 is when I obtained this button too. Here’s the Metal story:

I vividly remember ordering (via mail-order) from Metal Blade Records the debut full-length, Show No Mercy, from the legendary Slayer. I also ordered the debut full-length, Be My Slave from Bitch. This Metal Blade Records button came inside the package with the two albums. Strange as it sounds, both of these vintage vinyls are no longer in my Metal collection; yet this button is! Don’t worry… I do have Slayer’s Show No Mercy on both cassette and CD still. Hell, yes I do! I never replaced that Bitch album though.

This is what the Metal Blade Records logo looks like in 2012.

I kinda chuckle now, at how stuff was ordered back in the “old days” and I shudder at the thought. Back in those early 80’s there was no internet. There was no QVC. It was “snail mail” or bust, baby! I remember requesting a Metal Blade Records flyer via “snail mail” and weeks later it arrived. That’s how it was done. Patience was a virtue for us pre-internet Metalheads and/or Rockaholics. Hell, yes it was!

I guess I’ll continue to keep this cool button and sell it down the Metal road for a ton of money. Just kidding about the ton of money part. Wait a Metal minute. No I’m not. Metal be thy name.

Metal Blade Records was founded by Brian Slagel, back in 1982.

__________________________________________________

Slayer – Show No Mercy (1983)

BITCH – Be My Slave (1983)

_______________________________________________________

For more info on METAL BLADE RECORDS, click on that link below!

METAL BLADE RECORDS

LONG LIVE METAL BLADE RECORDS.

LONG LIVE KEEPING COOL VINTAGE METAL STUFF.

Stone.

TOMAHAWK – Return From Hiatus With ODDFELLOWS This January; Schedule First Live Performance in Nine Years This October

Posted in Hard Rock, Music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on June 28, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

June 28, 2012, San Francisco – Tomahawk, the eclectic Rock band featuring Duane Denison (The Jesus Lizard, Unsemble), Trevor Dunn (Fantomas, Melvins Lite), Mike Patton (Mondo Cane, Faith No More) and John Stanier (Battles, Helmet), is set to release Oddfellows this January.

Follow this link to view a trailer for the new album: http://youtu.be/ctEh2s9wcHE

“It’s dark and claustrophobic here, light and spacious there,” says Denison of the new album.  “Live in the studio, all together in one room.  Oddfellows indeed.”  Oddfellows was recorded at Easy Eye Sound Studio in Nashville (which is owned by The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach) and co-produced by Tomahawk and Collin Dupuis (The Black Keys, The Nocturnals).

As Denison recently told Rolling Stone (http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/tomahawks-duane-denison-talks-new-album-20120626), Tomahawk is essentially re-launching after a lengthy hiatus.  Oddfellows is the band’s first new album in five years and marks the addition of bass player Trevor Dunn (Patton’s longtime cohort dating back to their teenage years in Mr. Bungle).  Tomahawk’s first live performance in nearly a decade is slated for the New Orlean’s Voodoo Music and Arts Experience in late October. Additional dates will be announced soon.

_________________________________________________________

(Source: Speakeasy PR & Marketing)

For more info on TOMAHAWK, click on the links below!

www.facebook.com/tomahawkband

www.facebook.com/ipecac

LONG LIVE TOMAHAWK.

Stone.

BARONESS – Discuss Expanded Sound Of “Yellow & Green” In New Studio Clip Available Via Paste

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, Music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on June 24, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

(Photo Credit: Jimmy Hubbard)

BARONESS – The second behind-the-scenes clip from Baroness’s recording of Yellow & Green, available now via Paste (http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/av/2012/06/video-premiere-baroness—yellow-green.html) and on Baroness’s website (www.baronessmusic.com), shares personal insights from the band on the expanded musical palette present on the highly anticipated album.

“We knew change was coming,” singer/guitarist John Baizley says at the clip opens, with the band addressing the freedom they felt during the recording of the double-disc album. The six-minute video focuses on the recording of “March to the Sea,” which was recently released as an iTunes single (http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/march-to-the-sea-single/id533819524).  A stream of the song is available here:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxNYPOaPhE&list=UUyLHwuG01TYfbeFdzNZGI0w&index=1&feature=plcp.

Pre-orders for the 2CD or 2xLP album are available now: http://bit.ly/BaronessYellowGreen.

Baroness performed at the Orion Music & More festival in Atlantic City before heading to Europe for a seven-week tour before returning to the States to perform at the FYF Fest in early September.  Tour dates are:

July 01    Helsinki, Finland    Tuska Open Air

July 03    Gothenburg, Sweden    Sticky Fingers

July 04    Stockholm, Sweden    Debasser Slussen

July 06    Roskilde, Denmark    Roskilde Festival

July 09    Birmingham, UK    Academy 3

July 10    Glasgow, UK    Stereo

July 11    Manchester, UK    Moho Live

July 12    London, UK    Barfly, Camden    SOLD OUT

July 14    Nijmegen, Netherlands    De Affaire

July 15    Dour, Belgium    Dour Festival

July 17    Beaumont, France    Le Tremplin

July 19    Bilbao, Spain    Kafe Antzokia

July 20    Barcelos, Portugal    Milhoes de Festa

July 22    Barcelona, Spain    Apolo 2

July 25    Wiesbaden, Germany    Raucherkammer

July 26    Basel, Switzerland    Sommercasino

July 27    Zurich, Switzerland    Dynamo

July 28    Florence, Italy    Viper Theatre

July 30    Milan, Italy    Civic Arena

___________________

August 01    Munich, Germany    59to1

August 03    Prague, Czech Republic    Klub 007

August 04    Katowice, Poland    Off Festival

August 05    Berlin, Germany    Magnet

August 06    Hamburg, Germany    Logo

August 09    Oslo, Norway    Oya Festival

August 13    Sheffield, UK    Corporation

August 14    Bristol, UK    The Fleece

August 15    Southampton, UK    Talking Heads

August 17    Hasselt, Belgium    Pukkelpop

August 18    Leipzig, Germany    Highfield Festival

August 19    Ludinghausen, Germany    Area4 Festival

___________________

September    Los Angeles, CA    FYF Fest

September 6    Raleigh, NC    Hopscotch Music Festival

___________________

October 27    Gainesville, FL    The Fest 11

November    Austin, TX    Fun Fun Fun Fest

__________________________________________________________

(Source: Speakeasy PR & Marketing)

For more info on BARONESS, click on the links below!

www.baronessmusic.com

www.relapse.com

LONG LIVE BARONESS.

Stone.

Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel Featured In New Book: “Tales From The Stage”

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on June 22, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Take a personal journey with some of the biggest names from the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal movement as they relive their past, discuss the present, and enlighten us about their plans moving forward in the music industry.

Tales from the Stage Volume 1, written by Michael Toney, consists of 15 in-depth interviews with some of the most influential names from the hard rock and heavy metal genre. Each interview starts with basic personal questions (birthday, hometown, education, marital status, etc.), then dives into their career leaving no stone unturned. Interviews include Tracii Guns, Eddie Trunk, Tim “Ripper” Owens, Jeff Duncan, and Metal Blade’s own Brian Slagel, just to name a few.

A portion of the proceeds from each book sold are being donated to Ride For Dime,  a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting music education through America’s youth.

Order your copy HERE and be sure to use the discount code METALBLADE to receive 15% off your purchase.

__________________________________________________________

(Source: Metal Blade News Update)

For more info, click on the links below!

http://talesfromthestage.com

http://www.facebook.com/talesfromthestage

http://www.metalblade.com

LONG LIVE BRIAN SLAGEL.

LONG LIVE MICHAEL TONEY.

LONG LIVE HARD ROCK & METAL.

Stone.

FANGORIA – KISS “MONSTER” The Official Album And Tour Magazine Hits Newsstands June 26th!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on June 18, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

KISSFANGORIA, “the planet’s number one cult film, horror and fantasy culture entertainment magazine” will be issuing: KISS “Monster” (the official album and tour magazine). This spectacular and collectible issue will hit newsstands everywhere on June 26th, 2012 and be available through FANGORIA.com and KISSONLINE.com.

“This is a KISS magazine made by KISS fans for KISS fans”. This is a glossy, 72 page collector’s item for all KISSaholics! Includes: new and never before published photographs and brand new interviews with each member of KISS! Metal be thy name! I’m getting my copy of this KISS gem!

To pre-order you copy, click on the link below! Whoa!

http://www.Fangoria.com

___________________________________________________________

(Source: FANGORIA.com)

For more info on KISS, click on the link below!

KISS

Follow FANGORIA on twitter:

http://www.Twitter.com/Fangoria

LONG LIVE KISS.

LONG LIVE FANGORIA.

Stone.

SPIDER ROCKETS “BITTEN” – Strap Yourself In… For One Hell Of A Hard Rockin’ Ride With Plenty Of Bite!

Posted in alternative rock, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on June 18, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

SPIDER ROCKETS – The new studio album, Bitten, from New Jersey’s Spider Rockets was released on June 5th, 2012, via P-Dog Records. Better strap yourself in for this bevy of Hard Rockin’ songs that shoot out from Bitten! Spider Rockets have raised their own bar of musical accomplishment with their new album and it undeniably Rocks from A to Z! Admittedly, I was expecting a great Spider Rockets album with Bitten; only I wasn’t expecting a standout album of this magnitude.

After my initial listen-through of Bitten, I realized these 10 songs kicked my ass. After reality settled in and several more listens, I also realized that Bitten is one of the BEST albums I’ve listened to across ALL Rock genres thus far in 2012. Crisscrossing Heavy Metal, Alternative Rock/Metal and Hard Rock, Spider Rockets take their sound to a level of fun and excitement that I’ve always yearned for from a band. Any band. You know, like Anthrax and Misfits fun.

If your unfamiliar with Spider Rockets you absolutely must take Stone’s word here: Spider Rockets are the missing F’n link in today’s American Heavy Music. Spider Rockets sound LOUD even when the volume is down. Spider Rockets spread an infectious energy into my senses upon the opening note of Better When It’s Loud. Yes, as vocalist Helena Cos sings, it’s “better when it’s loud, it’s better when it’s fast” and I’ll confidently state: this Spider Rockets band is built-to-last!

Helena Cos illuminates the song, she has a vocal identity unlike no other female front woman I’ve heard in my 100 years of living. I state this due to the similarity factor that too often seems to come into play within the world of Rock. Helena accentuates the lyrics and sings with the confidence and attitude that any aspiring singer should emulate. Did I mention this band can play? With Bitten as proof, this band is as solid as a newly forged set of railroad spikes.

The cover of Golden Earring’s 1982 #1 hit, Twilight Zone, makes the news here. Spider Rockets spray paints more Rockin’ relevance on this (decades long) over played song… that I actually like it again! The tempo is turned up a notch and the curled-lip vibe from Helena’s vocals makes Twilight Zone a brand new and welcomed listen to my ears. If you have already heard and dug the lead single Scream (which was aired all over the internet months ago), you’re in for an enormous treat: there are songs on Bitten equal to and even better than that single!

Spider Rockets will make you move… and if you don’t move to the fist-pumping, headbanging, carefree, riff-infested, melodic, rhythm saturated, bass thumping, Alternative Hard Rock inspired style of songs on Bitten, then forget about it cause you obviously have no pulse. Album opener Going Down sets the party mood and who-gives-a-shit vibrations afire; while album closer Bring Me Around has me wishing there were 2, 3, 4 or 5 more songs to flow through my Rock ‘N Roll hungry eardrums and veins.

Seriously, Spider Rockets have declared the status quo of Hard Rock as public enemy #1 with Bitten. Collectively these songs play-out so fabulously that Bitten is an album that ends way, way, way too soon. Ring that Spider Rockets bell and tell all the people in the streets… Stone has been Bitten. And I want to get bitten again… and again. It’s now your turn to get bitten by Spider Rockets. Metal be thy name.

SPIDER ROCKETS:

Helena Cos – vocals

Johnny Nap – guitar

Dan Prestup – drums

Timmy Tobin – bass

___________________________________

BITTEN – Track Listing:

Going Down

So High

Scream

Don’t Need You

Break

Gasoline

Twilight Zone

Better When It’s Loud

Nothing Left

Bring Me Around

________________________________________________________

For more info on SPIDER ROCKETS, click on the links below!

http://www.spiderrockets.com

https://twitter.com/SpiderRockets

http://www.youtube.com/SpiderRockets

http://spiderrockets.buzznet.com/

LONG LIVE SPIDER ROCKETS.

Stone.

Some Metal and Rock ‘N Roll Thoughts – Sunday, June 17th, 2012

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on June 17, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

CHERRI BOMB… ROCKS.

__________________________________

Say it isn’t so, Queensrÿche. With all the feuding going on in the Queensrÿche camp right now, I am not even going to elaborate nor will I take sides. I’m loyal to Geoff Tate, which makes me a “tater” and I’m loyal to the members of Queensrÿche, which makes me a “rÿcher”… or something like that I guess.

Am I taking the easy way out here with writing about the whole Queensrÿche fiasco? Nope. I’m just not going to run Metal Odyssey like an F’n tabloid, that’s all.

Here’s living Metal proof that Stone is a “tater”!

Here’s living Metal proof that Stone is a “rÿcher”!

(Both above photos credit: Tom Coderre)

________________________________________

I did receive the new CHERRI BOMB CD as a Fathers Day gift today. Yes, I dig ’em.

CHERRI BOMB – This Is The End Of Control was released on May 15th, 2012, via Hollywood Records.

________________________________________

That’s really the extent of my Metal and Rock ‘N Roll thoughts for Sunday, June 17th, 2012. I have to spend time with my family and didn’t want to get too long-winded, you know? There’s some grillin’ & chillin’ to enjoy before Fathers Day is over with! Thanks a Metal ton for stopping by to read this, it’s appreciated. Metal be thy name.

________________________________________

HAPPY METAL FATHERS DAY! WHOA.

_______________________________________________

LONG LIVE METAL & ROCK ‘N ROLL.

Rest In Peace, Rodney King.

Stone.

TAINTED NATION – Sign To Massacre Records

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on June 15, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Massacre Records:

We’re happy to announce the signing of TAINTED NATION!

TAINTED NATION was officially introduced as a band in late October 2010, but the band’s history began earlier in 2009 when Pete Newdeck (Eden’s Curse, Steve Grimmet) started to write songs with his friend Ian Nash (Steve Grimmet).

Soon Pete and Mark Cross (Firewind, Kingdom Come) became close friends while being on tour together and talked about forming a new band with Pete as the lead singer. Pontus Egberg (The Poodles) joined TAINTED NATION in spring 2010 and completed the line-up.

TAINTED NATION music can be described as a modern and powerful sounding Hard Rock.

The debut album, produced by Pete Newdeck and mixed and mastered by Dennis Ward, was recorded in Greece, Sweden and the UK.

“F.E.A.R.” will be released in December 2012  via Massacre Records.

______________________________________

TAINTED NATION Line-Up:

Pete Newdeck – vocals

Mark Cross – drums

Ian Nash – guitar

Pontus Egberg – bass

________________________________________________________

(Source: Massacre Records)

For more info on TAINTED NATION, click on the links below!

www.facebook.com/taintednation

www.taintednation.co.uk

www.myspace.com/taintednation.co.uk

http://www.massacre-records.com

LONG LIVE TAINTED NATION.

Stone.

KISSTORY – Which KISS Drummer Is Your Favorite Of All-Time?

Posted in classic rock, drummers, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on June 14, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

KISS – Alright, this question is not the easiest for me to answer! If I’m to choose who my favorite KISS drummer is of “All-Time” then it’s Peter Criss. Done! I grew up with Peter Criss being the drummer for KISS. I also cannot get enough of 70’s KISS, which would be my choice for “favorite era” of this enormously legendary band. With that said, I have immensely appreciated each drummer’s amazing contributions to KISSTORY. Now it’s your time to answer! Metal be thy name.

_____________________________________________

For more info on KISS, click on the link below!

KISS

LONG LIVE KISS.

Rest In Peace, Eric Carr.

Stone.

KEEL “Larger Than Live” From 1989 – A Vinyl Find I’d Like To Show You…

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, Music, rock music, rock music news, vinyl albums with tags , , , , , , , on June 10, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

KEEL – That’s it at the top! I recently found this 1989 KEEL album, Larger Than Live, at an antiques mall. I paid $4 for it (U.S.). Usually I’ll go to this antiques mall about once a month or so. There are a few record dealers there to visit; typically I can find and (sometimes) buy at least one or two albums on each trip. Condition always is critical with used albums; therefore I find myself passing on many potential purchases.

Passing on buying this KEEL album was not an option for me, on this day. I always listened to KEEL over the years and Ron Keel made quite a comeback with his band too; with 2010’s Streets Of Rock & Roll (Frontiers Records) proving to be an excellent Hard Rock album for my ears. Overall, this album is in excellent shape, both the jacket and vinyl. After all these years, I never owned Larger Than Live. I do own it now… and it’s on vinyl.

KEEL – 1989 Lineup:

Ron Keel – vocals & guitar

Kenny Chaisson – bass guitar & vocals

Dwain Miller – drums, vocals & percussion

Tony “The Kid” Palmucci – lead guitar

Scott Warren – keyboards & vocals

Bryan Jay – lead guitar

Larger Than Live – Track Listing:

Two new live tracks were picked for the album: Hard As Hell (Live) and Private Lies (Live).

The LARGE side represents six new studio tracks.

LARGE (All New):

Evil Wicked Mean & Nasty

Riding High

Die Fighting

Dreams Are Not Enough

So Many Good Ways To Be Bad

Fool For A Pretty Face

LIVE:

Hard As Hell (new)

Rock And Roll Animal

Private Lies (new)

Rock ‘N Roll Outlaw

The Right To Rock

Larger Than Live – (back cover)

Not much to it. The track listing and some liner notes are printed on this back cover.

______________________________

Some Larger Than Live liner notes:

Larger Than Live was released on Gold Castle Records.

Larger Than Live was produced by Ron Keel with Allen Isaacs.

The LIVE side was recorded during 2 sold out shows at the Roxy in Hollywood by Westwood One Mobile Recording, March 18th, 1989.

The LARGE side was recorded at Sound City, Van Nuys, by Allen Isaacs.

____________________________________________________

For more info on KEEL, click on the links below!

http://keelnation.com

http://ronkeel.com

http://twitter.com/ronkeel

LONG LIVE KEEL.

Stone.

ROCK OF AGES Wins Metal Odyssey’s Chicken Crap Movie Soundtrack Of 2012! Plus Some More Metal and Rock ‘N Roll Thoughts for Sunday, June 10th, 2012

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, movie soundtracks, movies, Music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on June 10, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

CHICKEN CRAP MOVIE SOUNDTRACK OF 2012:

___________________________________

It’s Sunday, June 10th, 2012 and I’m passing along some more Metal and Rock ‘N Roll thoughts. If money and time were not an issue, I would jump on a plane and go to every Rock, Hard Rock and Metal festival that I see advertised.

Here’s a 2 day & 2 city Metal Festival that looks rather exciting to me:

Speaking of Rock ‘N Roll legends; The Beach Boys aren’t about to call it a day…

On June 5th, 2012, The Beach Boys released their 29th studio album: That’s Why God Made The Radio, via Capitol. It’s quite a Rockin’ feat that The Beach Boys are celebrating their 50th Anniversary in 2012; reuniting with both a new studio album and tour. I bought this CD this past week for my mother and father in-law… and they were psyched to get it! They’ve both seen The Beach Boys in concert. After all these years, I never have seen them live.

Maybe the image of Charlie Sheen sells to an unknown portion of the public, only I am bored out of my mind by his whole story right about now. Once again, another issue of Rolling Stone that I won’t be buying.

By now you’re aware that I’m calling this Rock Of Ages – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Chicken Crap Movie Soundtrack Of 2012. Then again, it might very well be the All-Time Chicken Crap Movie Soundtrack. I  listened to the songs from this CD and I wanted to puke. This soundtrack is an embarrassment to the legendary bands whose songs are featured on it. A 100% shameful embarrassment to the entire Rock Music community.

I’ve never heard Rock You Like A Hurricane by the legendary Scorpions destroyed so badly. After I listened to Julianne Hough and Tom Cruise completely ruin Rock You Like A Hurricane, I realized there is no shame in Hollywood. Tom Cruise singing (I mean trying to sing) Def Leppard’s Pour Some Sugar On Me was extremely painful and ultimately sad for me. Um, someone should remind Tom Cruise: YOU’RE NOT A ROCK STAR! A sub-par karaoke singer is Tom Cruise, yes. Rock Star… NO!

I can care less if Rock Of Ages was on Broadway too. This is about the movie soundtrack in question here. I shudder to think that any musicians from the bands represented on Rock Of Ages had any input to the production of this 20 song mess. To see these revered songs of Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal go to hell like this is unimaginable to me… only it has happened and it’s chicken crap. Stinky, bacteria-infested chicken crap.

I can also sincerely state: Rock Of Ages is the All-Time Worst cover song album ever recorded. Thank God I did not buy this chicken crap Rock Of Ages CD. I highly DO NOT recommend it to anyone; especially those who want to keep the classics of Rock ‘N Metal TRUE.

METAL BE THY NAME.

__________________________________________

That concludes my Metal and Rock ‘N Roll thoughts for Sunday, June 10th, 2012. Sometimes things out there aren’t all that pretty and I’ll call it the way I hear and see it.

___________________________________________________

LONG LIVE ROCK ‘N METAL.

LONG LIVE KEEPING ROCK ‘N METAL TRUE.

Stone.

KISS KOLLECTIBLES – Wanna See My KISS / Gene Simmons Phone Card From 1996?

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on June 9, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

KISS – Back in 1996, I received this very cool KISS Kollectable PrePaid Phone Card as a Christmas gift. This phone card is the Gene Simmons version. As you can see from the top photo, I never opened the packaging to use it. I did have a cell phone back in ’96, therefore, this card was more valuable to me as a KISS Kollectible than anything else.

This is the only KISS phone card I have from this particular series. If I remember correctly, one of the large book seller chains was selling these KISS phone cards back then. I can’t recall if any record store chain was selling them or not. This phone card set commemorated the 1996 KISS reunion of the original four. Creative Communications is the company that appears to have released these phone cards.

Check out the back of the packaging:

It appears from the photos on this flip-side of the packaging, that there were 10 different KISS phone cards to kollect in all. It would be cool to own the entire set of these KISS phone cards. For now, I’m content to have just this Gene Simmons phone card in my KISS Kollection. Metal be thy name.

________________________________________________

For more info on KISS, click on the link below!

KISS

LONG LIVE KISS.

Stone.

JOE WALSH “Analog Man” – Some Fun & Random Thoughts From Stone (Part One)

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, Guitar, guitarists, Hard Rock, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on June 8, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

JOE WALSH – Yesterday I bought the new Joe Walsh CD, Analog Man (the CD/DVD Limited Deluxe Edition) and I’m quite chipper about it. This is the first solo album from Joe Walsh in two decades; I have found both the music and lyrics to be incredibly inspiring. I find it remarkably amazing, how one new album such as Analog Man can trigger so many thoughts about music and life! I’ve always felt that music can connect the dots and profoundly act as a universal language within our fast-paced world.

The Rock ‘N Roll thoughts have been pouring from my brain, since my picking up Analog Man and delving into its music, lyrics and bountiful liner notes. Therefore, I will be writing about my thoughts on Analog Man, from the lyrical content to my memories of hearing Joe Walsh on the radio as an innocent young lad in the seventies. My writings will be posted in parts, all being inspired from Analog Man.

This is a Joe Walsh – Analog Man custom sport metallic watch! Whoa. Do I own one? Nope.

Here Is Part One:

I’ve always been lured by the vocals, musicianship and songwriting of Joe Walsh. What’s “always” Stone? Well, it all started a long time ago, in a childhood far, far, away. I used to hear the song Walk Away from James Gang being played on the radio back in the 70’s and fell in love with it quite easily. I couldn’t get the lyrics or guitar out of my head! Did I actually know who Joe Walsh was back then? Of course I didn’t.

Onto the Eagles. I would hear Hotel California, Life In The Fast Lane and New Kid In Town on none other than… the radio. Onto the solo career of Joe Walsh and the radio airwaves consistently played Life’s Been Good. I was in 7th grade during 1978 and thought this song was damn good! All these songs I’ve mentioned remind me of going camping with my family back in those late 70’s. (Whoa). It’s due to the widespread campers playing their radios really loud all the time… it would be “battle of the Woolworth’s, Montgomery Ward (or Sears) cheap radios”. This was before the big (and expensive) “boom boxes” became popular.

Joe Walsh – But Seriously, Folks… (1978 – Asylum)

During 1976, 1977 and 1978, I still had no clue that Joe Walsh was a key figure involved in these (eventual) iconic songs. However, that all changed in 1979. Read on for more excitement…

When the Eagles released The Long Run, I was psyched-out by Heartache Tonight. Every kid in my class was psyched-out by this song back then. 1979 was a huge year for me; kissing a girl (or two) for the first time, getting chicken pox, missing my eighth grade graduation from Parochial school due to the chicken pox, going to the Dom Perno’s University Of Connecticut Summer Basketball Camp and receiving The Long Run (on vinyl) as a christmas present from my parents. Phew.

Uh… before I actually received The Long Run as a Christmas gift, well, um… I honestly thought Heartache Tonight was titled and sung as: Party Tonight. Red Forman, the father character from That 70’s Show would have said to me: “Stone, you’re a dumb ass.” As messed up as it sounds, my school friends and I would sing at the top of our lungs, during recess: “There’s gonna be a party tonight! A party tonight I know!” Back in ’79, we were all a bunch of dumb asses in that Parochial school playground.

I remember the album jacket  for The Long Run was a gatefold. I would stare at each member of The Eagles, as each song from this album played on my turntable. It got to the point where I actually thought each band member was staring back at me. (Whoa). My favorite song from The Long Run then and now? In The City. Guess what? After holding and staring at that gatefold album jacket of The Long Run and listening to In The City about 999 times on my $25 turntable and before the New Year of 1980 was ushered in, I finally knew who Joe Walsh really was. Metal be thy name!

In The City appears on The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack for the 1979 film: The Warriors. I remember (finally) seeing this movie on HBO during the early 80’s. It’s a (violent) cult classic. I’ve never owned this soundtrack; I probably will buy it eventually, one day.

My Joe Walsh – Analog Man thoughts will continue… stay tuned!

___________________________________________________

Joe Walsh – Analog Man was released on June 5th, 2012, via Fantasy.

For more info on JOE WALSH, click on the link below!

http://joewalsh.com/

LONG LIVE JOE WALSH.

Stone.

GREAT WHITE “ELATION” – A Great Album… Only Is It Really Great White?

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on June 7, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

GREAT WHITE – It’s difficult for me to write a review for Elation without admitting that I greatly miss hearing the vocals of Jack Russell. My generation of the 80’s grew up with Jack Russell as the frontman for Great White and his vocals were an identity to this bands overall sound. Thank goodness there is a back catalog of Great White that has Jack Russell’s voice all over it.

I don’t really care what the feud between Jack Russell and the members of Great White was or is about; all I know is Elation doesn’t sound like Great White to me. Is that a terrible thing? No. Elation does feed my ears quite impressively, with new vocalist Terry Ilous (of XYZ fame) giving it his all and sounding like the bona fide Rock star that he truly is. The tried and true musicians of Great White all sound, well, great. It’s just not the Great White vibes I was looking for. Something is missing and it’s Jack Russell.

Musically, this is still Great White and their playing some memorable Hard Rock; various parts bluesy and filled with plenty of spirited energy, along with a party till dawn atmosphere. Elation is an elevation of Hard Rock compared to their 2009 album Rising, still, no J.R. to hear. The mid-tempo and sappy ballad of Love Is Enough should have been shelved. This entire song sounds like a struggle for Terry to sing. I listen to Heart Of A Man, Lowdown, Just For Tonight and Shotgun Willie’s and I’m thrilled by each note!

Still, something is missing and… it’s… Jack Russell. Warrant couldn’t replace (the late) Jani Lane with Jaime St. James. That wasn’t Warrant for me. Yet, Warrant pulled it off marvelously with Robert Mason and now… they’re Warrant again. Many world-class bands have successfully changed over vocalists, I realize that. It’s just different with Great White, you know? I guess my Metal point is not every band can replace their long-time vocalist and expect every fan to celebrate in the streets with their decision.

I’ll make it clear, Terry is a talented Heavy Rock vocalist, no question. It’s just my interpretation (after listening to Elation several times) that the band “name” of Great White does not ring like it once did for me. Why couldn’t these guys have chosen a brand new name for their band? What would have been so terrible about the band name: Terry & The Titans? Or maybe: The band formerly known as Great White? Let’s try: The Sharks/Featuring Terry Ilous?

Certainly  “branding” is key in any industry and  the music world is familiarized with the (band) name Great White. That draws the money in for touring, merch and record sales, no problem. I get it. I have no reservations about recommending Elation to Rock, Hard Rock and Arena Rock fans; this album is a foot stomping, dirt kicking, quality album of Hard Rock songs. However, I really don’t know what to tell long-time Great White fans. It’s an essence thing that’s at issue here and Jack Russell carried 50% of it with his voice.

My late mother used to say “it takes two to tango” and that way of thinking makes perfect sense to me here. I only wish Great White and Jack Russell would tango together again. This entire Great White saga has me reflecting on this quote, as taken from the iconic 1967 film, Cool Hand Luke: “What we’ve got here is failure to communicate.” Then again, the late and legendary Frank Sinatra once sang a song called “That’s Life” and I couldn’t have expressed my opinions here more truthfully as I have done.

Elation is the twelfth studio album from Great White, released back on May 18th, 2012, via Frontiers Records.

_________________________________

GREAT WHITE:

Terry Ilous – vocals

Mark Kendall – lead guitar

Scott Snyder – bass guitar

Audie Desbrow – drums

Michael Lardie – guitar & keyboards

ELATION – Track Listing:

(I’ve Got) Something For You

Feelin’ So Much Better

Love Train

Heart Of A Man

Hard To Say Goodbye

Resolution

Shotgun Willie’s

Promise Land

Lowdown (Bonus Track)

Just For Tonight

Love Is Enough

Complicated

____________________________________________________

For more info on GREAT WHITE, click on the links below!

Great White – Official Website

FRONTIERS RECORDS

LONG LIVE GREAT WHITE.

LONG LIVE JACK RUSSELL.

Stone.

Metal Odyssey Presents: Ten HARD ROCK Albums You NEED For This Summer Of 2012!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, melodic hard rock, melodic rock, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on June 7, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Jeff Scott Soto (Courtesy of Frontiers Records)

I’ve decided to extend another kind Metal deed upon my Rockin’ brethren this week. This time around, it’s Ten Hard Rock albums you NEED for the Summer of 2012! Whoa! Please notice the large link below each album chosen for this list; these links will take you directly to my review for that respective album. Enjoy and… Metal be thy name.

TRIXTER – NEW AUDIO MACHINE

TRIXTER has underscored the meaning of comeback. New Audio Machine is a thrill a second! If you’ve never listened to even one TRIXTER album from their brief past, this is THE album of theirs to start with. New Audio Machine is Hard Rock that is once again colorful, melodic, loud and (oops) fun!

TRIXTER “New Audio Machine” – 100% ROCKS! TRIXTER IS BACK!

 VAN HALEN – A DIFFERENT KIND OF TRUTH

It’s a year of Hard Rock comebacks and Van Halen is a BIG participant! How can any red-blooded Rockaholic deny their ears A Different Kind Of Truth? It just can’t happen! No matter how you slice or dice it, a David Lee Roth fronted Van Halen album = instant classic. At least I think so!

VAN HALEN ‘A Different Kind Of Truth’ – The Truth Is… This Album ROCKS!

SUNSTORM – EMOTIONAL FIRE

Joe Lynn Turner could release an album of Barbara Streisand cover songs and I would still listen with glee. With that said, Joe’s Sunstorm project returns and the Melodic Hard Rock ride on Emotional Fire is worth taking… again and again. Yes, my name is Stone and I’m a Joe Lynn Turneraholic.

SUNSTORM – ‘Emotional Fire’ – The Legendary Joe Lynn Turner and A Melodically Rockin’, Solid Album of Songs

MY DYNAMITE – S/T

Australia’s My Dynamite are all about meat and potatoes Rock ‘N Roll. Nothing fancy, no smoke and mirrors, just Hard Rock played the old-fashioned way! There’s some striking influence of The Black Crowes and 0% influence of Air Supply with My Dynamite. This is a band I NEED to see live in a club, before doomsday.

MY DYNAMITE – 5 Reasons To Buy This Solid Rockin’ Debut / ST Album Showcasing These Australian Rockers

JEFF SCOTT SOTO – DAMAGE CONTROL

I’ve come to the realization that Jeff Scott Soto is a good vocalist. Scratch that. Jeff Scott Soto is a world premiere vocalist! The bonus with Damage Control is that the band behind Jeff ROCKS like their lives depend on it. Melodic Hard Rock that’s superbly memorable  = Damage Control.

JEFF SCOTT SOTO “Damage Control” – 5 Reasons To Buy This Sterling Album

’77 – HIGH DECIBELS

They’re from Barcelona, Spain and they sound like Bon Scott era AC/DC. Sound cool to you? Well, ’77 and their sophomore album, High Decibels, has become a contagious listen for me! This band has reinvented the raw and hard Rock ‘N Roll wheel and I’m sticking to that.

’77 ‘High Decibels’ – Hard Rock That’s Old School & Damn Cool!

TYKETTO – DIG IN DEEP

Look! Right behind you! It’s another successful Hard Rock comeback story of 2012! Which one are we talking about now Stone? Why none other than… TYKETTO. Dig In Deep is an album that surprised the Hard Rockin’ hell out of me and I’m ringing that TYKETTO Melodic Hard Rock bell!

TYKETTO – Triumphs With Comeback Album “DIG IN DEEP”

SWEET – NEW YORK CONNECTION

Yes, the legendary Sweet has recorded an album of cover songs. Yes, these Rock historical songs have been covered by Sweet with: ROCK AUTHORITY! Whoa.

SWEET “New York Connection” – Cover Song Album Transcends and Celebrates The Classics Of Rock

JORN – BRING HEAVY ROCK TO THE LAND

I feel the new Jorn album can be placed on a Hard Rock or Metal list of albums. I’ve decided to place Bring Heavy Rock To The Land on this list. Jorn won’t mind. If you buy this fabulous album and play it respectfully LOUD through its entirety, you’ll realize just how much Jorn Lande means to our Heavy Rock community.

JORN “Bring Heavy Rock To The Land” – Some Metal Thoughts On This Heavy Rock Keeper

MOLLO / MARTIN – THE THIRD CAGE

Dario Mollo and Tony Martin are a formidable Heavy Rockin’ duo! At least that’s what I believe. This is old school Heavy Music that’s spray painted with heavy-duty relevancy. This album belongs. Period. When two talents  the likes of Dario Mollo and Tony Martin join forces, the resulting album is nothing short of a mandatory buy and keep.

MOLLO / MARTIN ‘The Third Cage’ – 5 Factors Spotlighting This Notable Album Of Hard Rock & Heavy Metal

___________________________________________

Thank you for stopping by and checking out this list of Hard Rock albums you NEED for this Summer of 2012! Wether you NEED all ten Hard Rock albums above or just one, I hope my album reviews served to assist your Hard Rockin’ needs. Rock Steady and… give a hoot, don’t pollute!

Metal Be Thy Name.

______________________________________________________

LONG LIVE HARD ROCK.

The word “hoot” was used in this post.

Stone.

LIZZY BORDEN – Co-Headlining At Kavarna Rock Festival, July 15th, 2012

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal festivals, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock festivals, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on May 31, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

 The legendary LIZZY BORDEN will be co-headlining at the Kavarna Rock Festival in Kavarna, Bulgaria on July 15th. Stryper will be co-headling on July 14th. The ever legendary Michael Schenker is scheduled for July 13th. Whoa! These three days look like they’re gonna ROCK!

I’m guessed at the spelling of Glen Hughez. Is it supposed to be the iconic Glenn Hughes? Maybe that is how the name is spelled in Bulgaria? Could it be a Glenn Hughes “All-Star” Tribute Band? I just don’t know.

Whoever is going to this very cool festival, have a kick-ass Rockin’ time! Metal be thy name.

_______________________________________

LONG LIVE LIZZY BORDEN.

Stone.

ADRENALINE MOB “Omertà” – 5 Quick Reasons To Buy This Album

Posted in album reviews, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on May 29, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

ADRENALINE MOB – After repeatedly listening to Omertà, the debut album from supergroup Adrenaline Mob; I’ve come to the Metal conclusion; that there is a life after Dream Theater for founding member/drummer Mike Portnoy after all. I’ll add that Mike Portnoy sounds like a drummer unleashed upon his drum kit with a Metal mission to raise some hell and fun.

I get psyched-out by listening to Omertà and can’t resist this band’s full-throttle approach to playing at such a kick-ass level of excitement. Below are my 5 reasons to buy this intense album of Heavy Metal.

01Mike Portnoy ignites Omertà with his drumming! Those fills! A top ten drummer in the world and no one can tell me any different. ‘Nuff said.

02Russell Allen – A premiere Heavy Rock vocalist is Russell and he comes across as commanding as ever on this album. Russell flexes his muscular vocals on Undaunted, Believe MePsychosane, Feelin’ MeAll On The Line and Indifferent with an intensity that can only be marveled by my ears. Yes, Russell’s range is showcased throughout Omertà and he sings with an iron fist, no doubt about it.

03Mike Orlando plays guitars and bass on Omertà and has given these songs their unreal and memorable melodic moments. Mike shreds, entertains and soars throughout all 11 songs. His Groove Metal style is a thunder strike on this album and he is a consummate player. One listen to Omertà and my Metal brethren should hopefully agree… Mike Orlando is versed in Metal history. Hit The Wall is a grand sonic showcase for Mike Orlando; among many I’ve enjoyed on Omertà.

04Come Undone. This 1993 Duran Duran classic is turned into Heavy Metal gold by Adrenaline Mob. Whoa. Yes, Adrenaline Mob made Come Undone their very Metal own; they took the psyche-you-out key and turned the Metal ignition onto overdrive with their cover of this song. Lzzy Hale of Halestorm lends her dazzling vocals to Come Undone and it’s the lightning strike that puts this song right over-the-top. Chills city my Metal brethren… chills city.

05The Vibes – Adrenaline Mob raided some Metal vibe warehouse somewhere and ran off with the entire F’n inventory. This album is so power-packed with Metal vibes, beats and grooves that it has knocked me Metal senseless. Omertà is easily a required Metal album to own; it’s also a blazing comet of Metal whoop ass that I never want to get out-of-the-way from. Metal be thy name.

Omertà was released on March 13th, 2012, via Elm City Music.

Omertà – Track Listing:

Undaunted

Psychosane

Indifferent

All On The Line

Hit The Wall

Feelin’ Me

Come Undone

Believe Me

Down To The Floor

Angel Sky

Freight Train

____________________________________________________

For more info on ADRENALINE MOB, click on the links below!

http://www.adrenalinemob.com

http://www.twitter.com/adrenalinemob

LONG LIVE ADRENALINE MOB.

Stone.

Some Metal and Rock ‘N Roll Thoughts – Friday, May 25th, 2012

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, holidays, metal music, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on May 25, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Memorial Day – CD Cover (Knightsbridge – 2009)

Memorial Day weekend is upon us here, in the grand country of America. A federal holiday, Memorial Day is always celebrated on the last Monday of May. Memorial Day is for remembering and honoring all service men and women who’ve died in all the wars which America has been involved in. Parades, memorial services, fireworks shows and family picnics are four common ways in which Memorial Day is celebrated.

I am thankful to all the soldiers who gave their lives for American freedom. I’m also thankful to all the active duty service men and women of our armed forces who keep our country safe each day; as well as those who survived these terrible wars; both the wounded and retired.

____________________________

Mark Tremonti (founding member/guitarist of Creed and Alter Bridge) will be having his debut solo album, All I Was, releasing in early July. The one and only time I interviewed Mark was for Hard Rock Hideout, back in March of 2011. Mark was a soft-spoken, polite and nice guy. You can read this interview in its entirety by clicking the large link below!

Mark Tremonti of Alter Bridge and Creed – The Hard Rock Hideout Interview!

____________________________

The new Aerosmith album, Music From Another Dimension, will be released on August 28th, 2012. This will be the 15th studio album from Aerosmith (counting their 2004 cover album Honkin’ On Bobo). I hope it’s a good Rockin’ album. The album artwork looks cool; it’s very retro. I will sample this album online before I make a purchase though…

What is mandatory Rock ‘N Roll? Check below:

Motörhead – Ace Of Spades (1980 – Bronze) 

What is mandatory Metal? Check below:

Testament – Live In London (2005 – Spitfire)

_________________________________________________

This past Sunday, May 20th, Robin Gibb passed away at age 62. My condolences to the family, friends and fans of Robin Gibb. If I have to name a favorite Bee Gees song… it’s… Nights On Broadway.

Those are my Metal and Rock ‘N Roll thoughts for Friday, May 25th, 2012. I wish everyone a safe, healthy and Rockin’ weekend, wherever you may roam. Reuse, Refurbish and Recycle. Metal be thy name.

LONG LIVE METAL AND ROCK ‘N ROLL.

Stone.

JORN “Bring Heavy Rock To The Land” – Some Metal Thoughts On This Heavy Rock Keeper

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on May 23, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

JORNBring Heavy Rock To The Land will be releasing on June 1st in Europe and on June 5th in North America, via Frontiers Records. Produced by Jorn Lande and mixed by Tommy Hansen at Jailhouse Studios in Denmark; Bring Heavy Rock To The Land is the seventh original studio album for Jorn.

Stone’s Metal Thoughts:

I consider Jorn Lande to be one of the finest Hard Rock and Heavy Metal vocalists out there today. My first impression of this new album from Jorn was so incredibly positive. It still is. I’ve been assured, after several (call it 6) thorough listens, that Bring Heavy Rock To The Land is one of the heavyweights of the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal genres in 2012.

Jorn Lande has a striking band behind his stupendous vocals. Damn striking. Big guitars playing unforgettable leads and solos; with delectable beats, melodies and rhythms seeping out of every crevice of this album. Guitarists Tore Moren and Jimmy Iversen are purely electrifying to listen to.

It’s never been a secret that Jorn Lande loves doing cover songs. Jorn singing Ride Like The Wind is spine-tingling to me; Jorn sings the living daylights out of this Christopher Cross classic from 1980. The band nails it too, giving Ride Like The Wind a Hard and Heavy persona, one that I never knew could possibly be created with such undisputed power. A grand tribute to such a legendary Rock song.

From beginning to end and from top to bottom, Jorn has put together a Heavy Rock keeper for us Defenders Of The Faith. Jorn ends this captivating album with I Came To Rock. The lyrics are breathtaking for my ears and soul. Even if you’ve never heard or owned a Jorn album before; Bring Heavy Rock To The Land will make you want to own every album Jorn Lande has ever been a part of.

I never doubted for a second, that Jorn and his band would Rock like hell with their new album. My Metal brethren, please assemble and behold, that Jorn came to Rock and it must be told. Metal be thy name.

____________________________

JORN:

Jorn Lande – vocals

Willy Bendiksen – drums

Nic Angileri – bass

Tore Moren – guitar

Jimmy Iversen – guitar

____________________________

Bring Heavy Rock To The Land – Track Listing:

My Road

Bring Heavy Rock To The Land

A Thousand Cuts

Ride Like The Wind

Chains Around You

The World I See

Time To Be King

Ride To The Guns

Black Morning

I Came To Rock

_________________________________________________

For more info on JORN, click on the link below!

http://www.jornlande.com

FRONTIERS RECORDS

LONG LIVE JORN.

Stone.