Archive for Hard Rock

ROYAL THUNDER “CVI” – Unreal Is The Word And This Heavy Album MUST Be Heard!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, stoner metal with tags , , , , , , on May 10, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

ROYAL THUNDER – Ann Wilson of Heart. (the late) Janis Joplin. Melissa Etheridge. Bonnie Raitt. Joan Jett. Mlny Parsonz. These women of Rock all have one essential talent in common; they all sing from the heart and Rock ‘N Roll soul, while singing with believable passion. I also revere each of their voices too. Who is Mlny Parsonz your asking? Mlny is the vocalist and bassist for Royal Thunder. Mlny and Royal Thunder will be bigger than they probably ever fathomed… so they better get used to the accolades that will be coming their way.

I seriously believe a band like Royal Thunder only comes around every several years. Their debut full-length album, CVI, is easily one of the best albums I’ve listened to in years; crossing all Rock genres. Royal Thunder’s sound weaves Hard Rock, Metal, some psychedelia and meaty Stoner Metal with a thunderous vibe of Classic Rock. If there is that one can’t miss band you need to catch onto in 2012, it’s Royal Thunder; and that’s a sincere fact I am delivering to you.

Lyrically personal, emotional and dark, the songs on CVI are all equally sensational; while both the vocals of Mlny and the music are an astonishing match. If there is one legendary vocalist that Mlny is channeling in, that legend would be Janis Joplin. Regardless of comparisons, Mlny’s vocals are as refreshingly new like a long-awaited rain shower, during a late Summer’s drought.

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The band plays their music with a driving passion as well, again, both vocals and music compliment each other on CVI and it’s a thrill a second to listen to. With a sonic retrospective flair being echoed throughout CVI, Royal Thunder still uncannily comes across as relevant with nary a remote hint of pretension. Even though Royal Thunder hasn’t invented the Rock ‘N Roll wheel, they didn’t try to reinvent it either on CVI; and that’s something many other up and coming bands should take note of.

Overall and (most importantly) consistently memorable throughout, CVI comes musically packaged as completeSleeping Witch and the opening track Parsonz Curse offer up substantial riffs and enough heavy texture to make any warm-blooded Metalhead jump for Metal joy. Even when Mlny and band tone things down during songs such as South Of Somewhere and Minus, they’re still heavy with the atmosphere of what’s to come next and what they’re all about.

I am very excited about Royal Thunder and their new album CVI; I imagine it obviously shows. What I’m also excited about is this band (albeit a conscientious maneuver or not) has connected the dots of Heavy Metal, Rock and Hard Rock’s past and written songs that bubbles over with admirably heavy substance in 2012. In a world of fake mainstream Rock and Pop crap that suffocates and kidnaps our youth and misinformed, real talent will always surface to the top and save us all, the crème de la crème which in this instance is… Royal Thunder.

ROYAL THUNDER:

Mlny Parsonz – bass & vocals

Josh Weaver – lead guitar

Lee Smith – drums

Josh Coleman – rhythm guitar

CVI release dates: May 22 (U.S.), May 28 (UK), June 1 (Ger/Benelux) and June 4 (World). CVI will be available on CD and 2xLP and of course digital, via Relapse Records.

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CVI – Track Listing:

Parsonz Curse

Whispering World

Shake and Shift

No Good

Blue

Sleeping Witch

South of Somewhere

Drown

Minus

Black Water Vision

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For more info on ROYAL THUNDER, click on the link below:

www.facebook.com/royalthundermusic

http://bit.ly/RoyalThunderStore

LONG LIVE ROYAL THUNDER.

Stone.

IRON CLAW – New Live Photos From Comlongon Rocks

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

(Photo Courtesy Of Jimmy Ronnie)

Above: Jimmy Ronnie – Guitar

IRON CLAW – Last weekend, (Saturday, May 5th) the legendary Scottish Hard Rockers known as IRON CLAW headlined the Rock Stage at a charity festival in South West Scotland, Comlongon Castle, at Comlongon Rocks. As founding member/guitarist Jimmy Ronnie put it: “A great time was had by all!”

Jimmy Ronnie has shared these two new live concert photos with Metal Odyssey. Both photos taken at Comlongon Rocks. Thanks for sharing Jimmy!

Currently, IRON CLAW are busy working on their forthcoming studio album; a follow-up to their 2011 critically acclaimed album: A Different Game (Ripple Music).

(Photo Courtesy Of Jimmy Ronnie)

Above: Gary Hair – Vocals

Ian McDougall – Drums (background)

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For more info on IRON CLAW, click on the links below!

IRON CLAW – facebook

For more info on Comlongon Rocks, click the link below!

www.comlongonrocks.com

LONG LIVE IRON CLAW.

Stone.

DISASTROID – Bay Area Band To Check Out; Cause They Flat-Out ROCK!

Posted in grunge, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on May 9, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

DISASTROID – Recently, Studio SQ shared an independent band with me and their called: DISASTROID. Whoa. Very, very cool name for a band of any Rock genre. To make the situation even better, the music of DISASTROID is very, very cool too. Very cool. Damn cool. Cool as hell. In other Metal words, Stone digs the two songs I’ve been listening to from DISASTROID.

DISASTROID are from The Bay Area (California) and can easily be tagged as Stoner and Hard Rock Rock meets Grunge. However, there are many musical influences happening within the sound from this band; Even a hint of Punk vibe seem to weave its way about in both songs: Low and Money and Guilt. At the end of the day, it’s Rock ‘N Roll, it’s heavy and damn fun to hear.

I really appreciate the “free spirit” style that DISASTROID exhibits musically. This band plays loose while still coming across as a tight unit. Both songs are obviously produced quite well, while still maintaining a fun “garage-style” atmosphere; which seems to be missing too often in the world of Rock today. The vocals of Enver Koneya remind me of the super legendary Chris Cornell. Regardless, Enver still comes across as original to my ears.

Fans of Queens of the Stone Age to fans of Army Of Anyone, with all other fans in-between and on the side, should get a Rockin’ kick from the memorable Rock ‘N Roll DISASTROID has created.

Below the live group shot, there are 2 links for 2 songs; which will give you a taste for what the Heavy Rock ‘N Roll of  DISASTROID sounds like. Don’t hesitate! Click them cool links, listen to some DISASTROID and leave a comment about what you’ve heard! Your Metal voice counts, here at Metal Odyssey!

“Low” – http://dl.dropbox.com/u/14759375/Virb/artists/Disastroid/Low.mp3

“Money and Guilt” – http://dl.dropbox.com/u/14759375/Virb/artists/Disastroid/MoneyAndGuilt.mp3

DISASTROID – Official Press Release:

DISASTROID – From time to time one stumbles on a record that simply kicks ass. Disastroid’s upcoming LP “Money and Guilt” is no exception. This rock epic takes the listener on a ride through a minefield of tempo changes, metric modulation, and other surprises that turn your guts. By and large it employs the best that rock has to offer while showcasing refined musicianship and purpose.

Huge guitar tone, heavy riffs, driving rhythms, and melodic vocals are the salient components of Disastroid’s music. While their sound can be reminiscent to some of the heroes of 90’s rock (Melvins, Rollins Band, Jesus Lizard, Soundgarden, etc.), the band has a hard time labeling their work. As frontman Enver Koneya points out “We have no real formula… we just make music that pleases ourselves. It just so happens that others like the sound as well.”

Enver assembled Disastroid in San Francisco from spare parts he found on Craigslist. After recording an EP on his own, Travis Williams jumped on board taking over the bass chair. Travis has had great influence on the direction of the group and over the past three years he and Enver have prolifically written and recorded three albums, most recently with Braden McGaw on drums.

Since their inception Disatroid has been busy. In addition to recording the group has been gaining fans steadily as they perform along the west coast. They’ve also managed to amass a devoted following in their home base of San Francisco, a city which tends to be oriented toward the clinically critical and the cynically hipster.

They were recently featured in Thrasher Magazine and have accumulated tons of local and national attention. On Disastroid’s horizon is a tour to the Pacific Northwest to support their release of “Money and Guilt”.

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(Source: Studio SQ)

For more info & tour dates for DISASTROID, click on the link below!

http://disastroid-music.blogspot.com/

LONG LIVE DISASTROID.

Stone.

METAL ODYSSEY’S MOTHER’S DAY SONGS & ALBUMS TO ROCK YOU! 2012 EDITION!

Posted in classic rock, country music, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, holiday songs, holidays, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on May 9, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

MOTHER’S DAY 2012 – Yes, Mother’s Day is upon us. Mothers Rock. On May 13th, 2012, the U.S. will be celebrating Mothers Day. There are different dates for Mothers Day, depending on where you live in the world. I hope you all can give your mother a big hug and thank you on this special day. I’ll be blowing a kiss to the sky this Mother’s Day, to my mother up in heaven.

While compiling this groovy list of mother songs and albums; my research kinda went astray. It happens. You see, I’m not too sure if all of these choices on this list will actually… Rock. Some actually make me laugh just looking at the covers. Sorry, that’s just me, I do tend to have a sense of Metal humor. A couple of albums below came from Metal Odyssey visitor’s suggestions: Queen and Every Mother’s Nightmare.

Hopefully this list of mother songs and albums will provide a definitive starting point for your Mother Album Collection. If not, maybe you can share a laugh or two with me. If you find this list boring, by all means you can go watch an ABBA concert DVD instead and get psyched-out by some live Dancing Queen. Metal be thy name.

Queen – A Day At The Races

Yes, this Queen album Rocks! Tie Your Mother Down is the opening track too. This album comes highly recommended by Stone.

Mum’s The Word – 60 Fabulous Songs Your Mother Should Know

Um, this is a “2 CD set” as well. What if your mother doesn’t know these songs? Then what?

 Mother’s Finest –  The Very Best Of – Not Yer Mother’s Funk

Mother’s Finest for all intents and Metal purposes… ROCKS.

Within Temptation – Mother Earth

Within Temptation ROCKS. ‘Nuff said.

Mother Mother – Oh My

Uh… I have absolutely, positively no idea. It’s an album though.

Every Mother’s Nightmare – (self titled)

This band and their 1990 debut album… ROCKS.

Country Songs For Mother’s Day

I doubt there are any Rockin’ kick-ass songs on this one. Then again, you just never know.

Mama’s Hand – Bluegrass And Mountain Songs About Mother

Whoa! I don’t know which is funnier! The title of “Mama’s Hand” or the picture on this album cover! My interpretation of this album’s picture: Mama blew a nasty cheese fart and her daughter is not amused.

Red Hot Chili Peppers – Mother’s Milk

ATTENTION: Red Hot Chili Peppers… ROCK! This album is highly recommended by Stone.

Robert Gass & On Wings Of Song – Ancient Mother

I am leaning towards this being a picture of an ancient fertility statue? I think? I have no idea what the music sounds like on this album. Maybe chanting? I did research some: Robert Gass is a classically trained musician and he directs the vocal group On Wings Of Song.

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Well, that concludes the 2012 edition of Metal Odyssey’s Mother’s Day Songs & Albums To ROCK YOU! Thank you for visiting and sticking around to the end. Happy Mother’s Day to all you cool mothers out there.

Back in 2010, I compiled the first installment of Metal Odyssey’s Mother’s Day Songs. It is a Metal Must if you’ve missed it. Check it out if you like, by clicking the large link below! Whoa!

METAL ODYSSEY’S MOTHER’S DAY SONGS TO ROCK YOU!

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LONG LIVE MOTHERS.

The word “groovy” was used in this post.

Stone.

CINDERELLA & MASS – Rockin’ Together! June 28th, 2012, In Foxboro, Massachusetts!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Music, rock concerts, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on May 7, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

YOU READ THAT HEADLINE RIGHT!

CINDERELLA & MASS WILL SHARE THE STAGE!

METAL BE THY NAME!

CLICK LINK BELOW FOR TICKET INFO!

SHOWCASE LIVE

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For more info on CINDERELLA & MASS, click below!

MASS – MASS ROCKS.COM

http://cinderella.net

LONG LIVE CINDERELLA.

LONG LIVE MASS.

Stone.

Some Metal and Rock ‘N Roll Thoughts – Saturday, May 5th, 2012

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on May 5, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Back at the beginning of the year, I purchased Revelator; the debut from Tedeschi Trucks Band. This is a CD that I found myself plopping into the car’s player and letting the Rock ‘N Roll from this exquisite band soar. Derek Trucks is simply put, a wow guitarist. Susan Tedeschi is simply put, a wow vocalist.

Fabulous songs and so many tones and rhythms happening from a vast assembly of musicians; that it’s a whirlwind of musical bliss. Anyone unfamiliar with Susan Tedeschi should think: Sheryl Crow. Fans of so many Rock genres can get a kick out of what Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi have accomplished with their band here. Quality personified.

It was sad to hear that Adam Yauch passed away on Friday, May 4th. A founding member of the Beastie Boys is no longer around and he left way too young. Metal Odyssey expresses condolences to the family, bandmates, friends and fans of Adam Yauch.

An album I have caught onto this past week is: Michael Thompson Band – Future Past. This potent dose of AOR and Melodic Hard Rock was released back on February 24th of this year, via Frontiers Records. Michael Thompson is superb on guitar and keyboards. Michael Thompson has been a name in the world of Rock and Pop since the late 80’s, with a who’s who list of legendary celebrities he has played for; from Michael Jackson and Celine Dion to Vince Neil.

Vocalist Larry King (no, not the dude who retired from CNN) has an amazing voice. A trademark AOR/Melodic Rock voice. My ears surely dig how he sings these songs on Future Past. I’ve enjoyed listening to Future Past so much, I am hoping Michael Thompson will create more studio albums with Larry King. Good stuff. I also hope to write more about this album in the near future.

I don’t know about you, yet I am blown away by the album artwork of the new Municipal Waste album cover for The Fatal Feast. Justin Osbourn of Slasher Design created this fantastic cover. If Metal Odyssey adds a new award category of album artwork for the “Best Of” year-end lists; The Fatal Feast will be a muscular Metal contender! Add this one to my list of Metal albums I want to write more about… soon.

Municipal Waste – The Fatal Feast was released back on April 10th of this year, via Nuclear Blast America.

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Okay. Those are my Metal and Rock ‘N Roll thoughts for Saturday, May 5th, 2012. Comment on them please! The Metal Odyssey boss said I need to draw more Metal commentary; otherwise I will be yelled at badly. Have a Rockin’ and cool Metal weekend. Also… If you still rent VHS tapes… “be kind and rewind.”

Rest In Peace, Adam Yauch. 1964 – 2012

Rest In Peace, Jeff.

Stone.

SHAKRA “Back On Track” (Official Music Video) – Stone’s Metal Pick Of The Day!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock bands, hard rock news, hard rock videos, Heavy Metal, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , on May 4, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

SHAKRABack On Track was released back in May of 2011, via AFM Records. Back On Track was one of the best Hard Rock albums my ears came across in 2011, no question. SHAKRA are from Switzerland; they have been around the Hard Rockin’ block and know how to ROCK!

Check out the official music video below for Back On Track… hopefully you’ll see and hear exactly what I mean! My Metal Pick Of The Day! Metal be thy name.

SHAKRA:

John Prakesh – vocals

Thom Blunier – guitar

Thomas Muster – guitar

Dominik Pfister – bass

Roger Tanner – drums

To read the album review I wrote for Back On Track (May 13, 2011) click on the large link below!

SHAKRA – Back On Track: Swiss Hard Rock Band Is Blazing Forward!

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

http://www.shakra.ch

LONG LIVE SHAKRA.

Stone.

BARONESS – Posts Trailer For YELLOW & GREEN; Pre-Orders For New Album Available Now

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on May 3, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

May 3, 2012, Philadelphia – Baroness, currently on tour previewing material from their forthcoming album Yellow & Green (July 17, Relapse Records), have posted a trailer for the upcoming release, giving listener’s their first hint of music from the eagerly anticipated album.

Pre-orders for Yellow & Green are available now with the release available in multiple formats: 2CD, Deluxe 2CD, 2xLP and Deluxe 2xLP.  The deluxe versions are limited edition, one time pressings of 2CD and 2LP sets with expanded artwork.  The deluxe 2CD and 2LP sets will each be housed in a heavy-duty 28+ page perfect-bound hard covered book set featuring the art of front man John Baizley.  The pre-order link:  http://bit.ly/BaronessYellowGreen.

Take My Bones Away,” the first single from Yellow & Green, will premiere online on  May 14 via Baroness’s  YouTube page (www.youtube.com/baronessmusic) and the band’s website (www.baronessmusic.com).  The single will be available via iTunes on May 15.

Yellow & Green – Album Trailer:

Baroness Tour Dates Are (all dates with Meshuggah):

May 3  Tempe, AZ  Marquee Theatre

May 4  Anaheim, CA  House of Blues

May 5  West Hollywood, CA  House of Blues

May 6  San Francisco, CA  The Fillmore

May 8  Vancouver, BC  Commodore Ballroom

May 9  Seattle, WA  Showbox at the Market

May 11  Denver, CO  Ogden Theatre

May 13  Minneapolis, MN  First Avenue

May 15  Chicago, IL  House of Blues

May 16  Detroit, MI  St. Andrew’s Hall

May 17  Toronto, ON  Sound Academy

May 18  Philadelphia, PA  Theatre of Living Arts

May 19  Worcester, MA  The Palladium

May 20  Montreal, QC  Olympia de Montreal

May 22  Silver Spring, MD  The Fillmore Silver Spring

May 23  New York, NY  Terminal 5

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(Source: Speakeasy PR & Marketing)

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

www.baronessmusic.com

www.facebook.com/yourbaroness

LONG LIVE BARONESS.

Stone.

SATCHURATED: LIVE IN MONTREAL – By Guitar Legend JOE SATRIANI Lands At #3 On BILLBOARD’S DVD CHART

Posted in Guitar, guitarists, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Music, rock concerts, rock guitarists, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on May 2, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

RELEASED ON 3D BLU-RAY, DVD & CD APRIL 24, 2012, THROUGH EPIC RECORDS

(Los Angeles, CA)  Joe Satriani, one of the most respected and innovative guitarist’s in the world, released his critically-acclaimed live concert Satchurated: Live in Montreal last week on 3D Blu-ray, DVD and Soundtrack CD, through Epic Records and today, the DVD enters at # 3 on The Billboard DVD chart.

Joe is about to hit the road on Friday with his ‘other’ band, Chickenfoot, this Friday but from rehearsals, had this to say:

“Satchurated 3D” DVD is #3!!! Big thanks to all of my fans worldwide for making this happen.  See you out there on the road!”

Satchurated was recorded and filmed in front of a live audience during Satriani’s “The Wormhole Tour”, supporting his studio album Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards, at the Metropolis in Montreal, Canada. The December 12, 2010 concert was filmed by GRAMMY and EMMY award-winning concert filmmakers Pierre and Francois Lamoureux. Satchurated: Live in Montreal was recently released for a limited engagement on March 1, 2012 to select theatres throughout the country. The high-definition recording makes Satriani’s performance as much a pleasure to see by DVD, as it is to hear by CD.

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(Source: MAD Ink, PR)

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

http://www.satriani.com

LONG LIVE JOE SATRIANI.

Stone.

HALESTORM – JUNE / JULY 2012 TOUR DATES

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, heavy metal news, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on May 1, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

HALESTORM – Below are the June and July 2012 tour dates for Pennsylvania’s Hard Rockin’ HALESTORM. Their new chart successful album The Strange Case Of… was released back on April 10th, via Atlantic Records. Check ’em out below to see if Lzzy Hale and her band will be in your area! Metal be thy name.

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06/23 – Portland, OR – State Theater (New Medicine only)

06/25 – South Burlington, VT – Higher Ground

06/26 – Northampton, MA – Pearl Street

06/27 – Providence, RI – Lupo’s

06/29 – Dewey Beach, DE – Bottle & Cork

06/30 – Stroudsburg, PA – Sherman Theater

07/01 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom

07/04 – Toronto, ON – The Mod Club

07/07 – Tremont, IL – Twisted Spoke

07/10 – Des Moines, IA – People’s Court

07/13 – Colorado Springs, CO – The Black Sheep

07/14 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Depot

07/16 – Missoula, MT – Wilma Theatre

07/17 – Billings, MT – Babcock Theatre

07/19 – Fargo, ND – The Venue @ Playmaker’s

w/ New Medicine & Emphatic

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(Source: HALESTORM Official Website)

For more info on HALESTORM, click on the link below:

http://www.halestormrocks.com

LONG LIVE HALESTORM.

Stone.

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

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, melodic hard rock, melodic rock, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on April 30, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

JEFF SCOTT SOTO – This past March 23rd, Jeff Scott Soto’s fifth full-length album, Damage Control, was released via Frontiers Records. Melodic Hard Rock, 80’s Arena Rock, Rock and AOR fans should find no problem embracing the songs on Damage Control; I’ve embraced them and I will tell you why:

01 – Jeff’s voice. Whoa. Harmonious, melodic and so damn smooth. Rockin’ cool smooth. If I can put Joe Lynn Turner on a pedestal all of my Rockaholic life, then Jeff Scott Soto shares that same pedestal.

02 – The Songs. It always comes down to quality and I don’t care if it’s Extreme Metal or Melodic Hard Rock that I’m listening to… the songwriting has to be standout. Damage Control could easily have been titled: 11 Standout Songs.

03 – Inspirational. Wether it’s the lyrics, the vibes or a combination of both, Damage Control makes me feel good and feeling good is something I usually invite into my Rock ‘N Roll soul. Give A Little More and Look Inside Your Heart are my top two exhilarating listens, on this album of melodically fortified and memorable Hard Rock.

04 – Quality Musicianship. Um, do you think Jeff Scott Soto would surround himself with anything less? This is an artist who has Yngwie Malmsteen, TalismanJourney and Trans Siberian Orchestra on his prolific resume, therefore, Damage Control is an album that’s built-to-last and stand the test of Rock ‘N Roll time.

05 – One Of The Best. In my Metal opinion, Jeff Scott Soto is one of the best male vocalists I’ve ever listened to. It’s not all about Heavy Metal with Jeff’s career and his voice can carry through a range of music genres. Damage Control is a significant piece of work for Jeff Scott Soto; this album doesn’t go over any Pop Rock deep end and it Rocks like 80’s Journey meets Bent Out Of Shape era Rainbow.

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Guests Of Note:

Dave Meniketti – (Y&T)

Jamie Borger – (Talisman/Treat)

Casey Grillo – (Kamelot)

Joel Hoekstra – (Night Ranger)

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DAMAGE CONTROL – Track Listing:

Give A Little More

Damage Control

Look Inside Your Heart

Die A Little

If I Never Let Her Go

Tears That I Cry

BonaFide

Krazy World

How To Love Again

AfterWorld

NeverEnding War

Deluxe Edition Bonus Tracks:

Take U Down

Elena

Afraid To Die

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For more info on JEFF SCOTT SOTO, click links below!

http://www.jeffscottsoto.com

http://www.facebook.com/JeffScottSoto

FRONTIERS RECORDS

LONG LIVE JEFF SCOTT SOTO.

Stone.

URIAH HEEP “Live In Armenia” – Stone’s Metal Pick Of The Day!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on April 27, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

URIAH HEEP – Playing live on hired equipment, with technical problems to overcome, didn’t prevent Rock/Hard Rock legends URIAH HEEP from putting on an amazing live show; before thousands of enthusiastic fans in Armenia. This concert proved to be the first time URIAH HEEP played in Armenia… 40 years in the making! Just my hearing the excited fans in the background, singing along to these ultra classic URIAH HEEP songs, gives me the chills.

I get these Rock ‘N Roll chills for the simple fact; that URIAH HEEP is still around and playing their songs for the world! Guitarist and founding member Mick Box has kept his URIAH HEEP brand of smokin’ hot Hard Rock proudly upright; regardless of lineup changes over the decades. Live In Armenia is a celebration of URIAH HEEP Rock ‘N Roll and exemplifies just how timeless the sounds and songs of URIAH HEEP truly are.

I can’t get over how fine this live recording sounds. Both band and Bernie Shaw’s vocals sound excellent to my ears and I couldn’t say it any better than that. Easy Livin’, Sunrise and Angels Walk With You are my top three songs, however, as with so many Classic Rock bands, picking favorite songs is not a perfect science for me. I love listening to the guitar of Mick Box, the vocals of Bernie Shaw and the keyboards of Phil Lanzon. I love it all, man.Whoa, I do.

Longtime URIAH HEEP fans, Classic Rock/Rock/Hard Rock fans and any fan of damn righteous Rock ‘N Roll should own Live In Armenia. Metal be thy name, they should. This double CD was released on Frontiers Records, back on September 23rd, 2011. Live In Armenia was originally released with a companion DVD of this Concert as well.

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URIAH HEEP:

Bernie Shaw – vocals

Mick Box – guitar

Phil Lanzon – keyboards

Trevor Bolder – bass guitar

Russell Gilbrook – drums

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Live In Armenia – Track Listing:

CD ONE:

Wake The Sleeper

Overload

Tears Of The World

Stealin

Book Of Lies

Gypsy

Look At Yourself

What Kind Of God

Angels Walk With You

CD TWO:

Shadow

July Morning

Easy Livin

Sunrise

Sympathy

Lady In Black

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Live In Armenia was produced by Mike Paxman.

* For more info on URIAH HEEP, click on the links below:

URIAH HEEP – THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE

FRONTIERS RECORDS

LONG LIVE URIAH HEEP.

Stone.

PHILM – Video Chat On May 1st Via YOWIE.COM; Los Angeles Record Release Show On May 15th

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock bands, heavy metal news, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on April 26, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Photo credit: Cammy Kinney

LOS ANGELES TRIO’S DEBUT ALBUM, HARMONIC, OUT MAY 15 VIA IPECAC

April 26, 2012, Los Angeles — PHILM, the Los Angeles power trio featuring Slayer’s Dave Lombardo, War’s Pancho Tomaselli and Gerry Nestler of Civil Defiance, are taking fan questions on May 1 at 4 pm eastern/1 pm pacific via live video chat site Yowie.com (http://www.yowie.com/videochat/60z-philm).

The three-piece have a busy month ahead with a May 15 release of their debut album, Harmonic, and a hometown show that evening at The Viper Room.

“When people hear about my involvement in PHILM, they automatically assume that it will compare to Slayer’s sound,” explains Lombardo.  “They couldn’t be more different.  I have scaled down my drum set to a four-piece, reminiscent of the drummers from the late ’60s that influenced me.  Each song is unique in itself, I like to refer to it as ‘rhythmic emotion.”  It’s almost like taking all the heavy songs of the ’60s and bringing that era to a modern plateau, then blending them with the modern trance and psychedelic sounds of today.”

“We decided to record Harmonic in the intimate setting of a home, with various vintage recording equipment. ” says Lombardo on the band’s debut album.  “The music was written collectively in an improvisational manner, unlike the majority of recordings I’ve done before.  This was very important given this is my first recording where I’m carrying the title of Producer and performer.   The album achieves a dense, unholy convergence of tones and discords.  We also touch on haunting, desolate, ambient sounds.  Our music tends to be written in a manner where we never know the outcome until we listen back to what we recorded.  A Harmonic journey.”

A highly anticipated release, PHILM officially took form in late 2010 with a handful of tour dates and an early four-song demo that quickly began to make the rounds of in-the-know music critics.  Noisecreep said the band “has crafted a crunchy, thrashy, yet thoroughly unclassifiable sound” and the OC Weekly said of the trio: “PHILM’s ability to melt down metal influences and mix them with the elements of funk, ambient jazz and punk… is potent and has left audiences wondering how so much noise could emanating from just three musicians.”

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(Source: Speakeasy PR & Marketing)

For more info on PHILM, click on the links below:

www.facebook.com/PHILMOfficial

www.ipecac.com

LONG LIVE PHILM.

Stone.

SWEET – “New York Groove” Cover Song Streaming On Metal Odyssey! Stone’s Metal Pick Of The Day!

Posted in classic rock, glam rock, Hard Rock, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on April 26, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

SWEET – Glam Rock pioneers and Rock legends come to my mind when I hear a song from Sweet. It’s 2012 and I’m certain it’s pretty safe to call Sweet: Classic Rock icons. The new cover song album from Sweet, New York Connection, is on the doorstep of being released and one fabulous song from it is New York Groove. Sweet embellishes their trademark sound on New York Groove, uplifting its beat, rhythm, vocals and chorus to more spectacular heights than ever before!

Believe me, you’ll be mesmerized, by the sensational and celebratory blanket of Rock sound that Sweet covered New York Groove with! Do yourself a Rockin’ Sweet favor right now and click that arrow on the audio bar below… crank it up high, then let the good time vibes swirl within your Rock ‘N Roll soul! I let them swirl through mine. Excuse me… I have to go dancing in the street now.

Don’t forget to let us know what you think of Sweet’s cover of New York Groove by commenting!

SWEET:

Pete Lincoln – Lead Vocal / Bass

Andy Scott – Guitar / Vocals

Tony O’Hora – Keyboards / Vocals

Bruce Bisland – Drums / Vocals

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Release Dates:

Central Europe: April 27th, 2012

UK: May 8th, 2012

Amazon.com has a U.S. release date for May 8th, 2012.

CD’s are available through the bands website!

New York Connection – Track Listing:

New York Groove

Gold On The Ceiling

All Moving Faster

New York Connection

Shapes Of Things

You Spin Me Round

Because The Night

Sweet Jane

Blitzkrieg Bop

On Broadway

Join Together

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New York Groove history: Written by Russ Ballard and recorded by Hello in 1975. Ace Frehley recorded this song back in 1978.

A very special thank you to Sweet and Glass Onyon PR for making this post possible.

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For more info on SWEET, click on the links below:

http://www.thesweet.com

LONG LIVE SWEET.

Stone.

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

Posted in blues rock, classic rock, Hard Rock, Music, rock albums, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news, southern rock with tags , , , , , on April 23, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

MY DYNAMITE – Releasing on June 19th, 2012, is the debut and self-titled album from Australia’s My Dynamite. Listenable Records has signed a dandy Rock ‘N Roll band here. My Dynamite is a very talented Rock band you should know about and their debut album you should strongly consider buying this Summer, I’ll tell you why:

01. – Hot Rockin’. No, I’m not talking about the fabulously riveting Judas Priest song, I’m talking about this entire My Dynamite album. Honestly, from start to finish, My Dynamite has given the world ten songs to party to or just kick back and enjoy the moment to. This album can turn a shit day into an easy livin’ one, in under 30 seconds. It happened for me already.

02. – My Dynamite may sound like The Black Crowes and don’t sound like ABBA, while lead singer Pat Carmody may sound like Chris Robinson; still My Dynamite is an original from Down Under and obviously know the true meaning of Rock Steady. They mix Southern Rock, Blues Rock and 70’s Party Rock with a commendable and all-encompassing Classic Rock feel and vibe. It all sounds like Rock ‘N Roll hallelujah to me.

03. – My Dynamite have “written songs that express what is going on in their personal lives directly” and it comes across just so. This album is as blue-collar as they come, with a flair for the backwoods and small town Rock ‘N Roll spirit; a spirited sound which comes at me from every turn.

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04. – This cool band plays feel-good Rock ‘N Roll for sure and those good-times vibrations are spilling out from these songs like a waterfall. Pat Carmody’s vocals and harmonica on Take It Or Leave It sends me back to those days when technology didn’t rule my every move and that alone is good-times for me.

05. – What this debut album from My Dynamite will give you, is that slick Rock ‘N Roll head-slap that everyone needs once in a while. No blanket of Modern Hard Rock sound. No fancy gimmicks or tricks. No Alternative or Progressive leanings. No extremes. Just straight-up Rock that has tons of Roll is what My Dynamite delivers and this debut from them is a Rockin’ knock-out punch.

Now… kick your pissed-off and constipated attitude out the door… and get yourself some My Dynamite.

MY DYNAMITE:

Patrick Carmody – Lead Vocals

Jorge Balas – Guitar

Travis Fraser – Bass

Simon Aarons – Drums

Benny Wolf – Guitar

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MY DYNAMITE – Track Listing:

Take It Or Leave It

Inside Out

If We’re Livin’

Dirty Game

Watch Yourself Grow

Raise Your Glasses

Singing Stormy Weather

Big Attraction

All That She Brings

Fork In Your Tongue

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For more info on MY DYNAMITE, click on the links below:

http://mydynamite.net

http://www.listenable.net/

LONG LIVE MY DYNAMITE.

Stone.

RUSH – 2012 North American Tour Dates!

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

RUSH – The 20th studio album, Clockwork Angels, from Progressive Rock legends RUSH, will be released on June 12th, 2012, via Roadrunner Records. A legendary touring band as well, RUSH will be hitting the road in support of Clockwork Angels! Check out the (initial) 2012 North American tour dates (with venues) below!

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Sep-7 Manchester, NH Verizon Wireless Arena

Sep-9 Washington, DC Jiffy Lube Live Amphitheater

Sep-11 Pittsburgh, PA CONSOL Energy Center

Sep-13 Indianapolis, IN Bankers Life Fieldhouse

Sep-15 Chicago, IL United Center

Sep-18 Detroit, MI Palace of Auburn Hills

Sep-20 Columbus, OH Nationwide Arena

Sep-22 St. Louis, MO Scottrade Center

Sep-24 Minneapolis, MN Target Center

Sep-26 Winnipeg, MB MTS Centre

Sep-28 Saskatoon, SK Credit Union Centre

Sep-30 Edmonton, AB Rexall Place

Oct-10 Bridgeport, CT Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard

Oct-12 Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center

Oct-14 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre

Oct-18 Montreal, QC Bell Centre

Oct-20 Newark, NJ Prudential Center

Oct-22 Brooklyn, NY Barclays Center

Oct-24 Boston, MA TD Garden

Oct-26 Buffalo, NY First Niagara Center

Oct-28 Cleveland, OH Quicken Loans Arena

Oct-30 Charlotte, NC Time Warner Cable Arena

Nov-1 Atlanta, GA Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

Nov-3 Tampa, FL 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre

Nov-13 Seattle, WA KeyArena

Nov-15 San Jose, CA HP Pavilion

Nov-17 Anaheim, CA Honda Center

Nov-19 Los Angeles, CA Gibson Amphitheatre

Nov-23 Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand Garden Arena

Nov-25 Phoenix, AZ US Airways Center

Nov-28 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center

Nov-30 San Antonio, TX AT&T Center

Dec-2 Houston, TX Toyota Center

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(Source: Roadrunner Records)

For more info on RUSH, click on the links below:

RUSH

ROADRUNNER RECORDS

LONG LIVE RUSH.

Stone.

MALICE IN WONDERLAND – Video Teaser For Upcoming Album “The Royal Brigade” Plus More Band News

Posted in alternative rock, alternative rock bands, Hard Rock, Music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on April 22, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Remember Malice In Wonderland?

The Norwegian Rock band burst onto the Scandinavian Rock scene with their self titled debut album in 2005. Led by hit single Lucifer’s Town the band was quickly labelled as one of the most promising underground Rock acts and their fan base grew quickly with fan clubs and supporters in every corner of the world.

The quartet, renowned as a great energetic live act, toured in Norway and Europe and even played some very successful shows in China. In 2008 and 2009 the band lived partly in Finland were lots of concerts and TV performances were held. In 2010 the band withdraw from the spotlight, built their own recording studio and concentrated on writing and recording their sophomore album entitled “The Royal Brigade”.

“We had to take a step back and figure out what direction we wanted with the new album and with the band as a whole” frontman Chris Wicked reveals. “It`s been a long time since our debut. We also have a new line up now so there were several things we had to sort out, but I’ll tell you we are extremely pleased with how things have been progressing lately.”

Check out the video teaser for The Royal Brigade below!

Malice In Wonderland recently finished recording their sophomore album entitled “The Royal Brigade” and the band will now start looking for a suitable label to release the CD. Chris is positive about the future: “There is a whole new energy within in the group now! New music, new line up and a new area for Malice In Wonderland in general. The new album is filled with catchy, killer tracks that we are positive will please both new and old fans. We can’t wait to show people what we have been up to lately!”

If Rock n’ Roll is dead, someone must have forgotten to tell these Norwegians. With a new record full of bombastic high energetic quality Rock songs, these guys are eager to prove that they indeed are a force to reckon with.

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(Source: Malice In Wonderland)

For more info on Malice In Wonderland:

www.malice-in-wonderland.com

 http://www.youtube.com/MaliceInWonderlandOf

http://www.reverbnation.com/MaliceInWonderland

http://www.twitter.com/MIWofficial

LONG LIVE MALICE IN WONDERLAND.

Stone.

Some Metal and Rock ‘N Roll Thoughts – Saturday, April 21st, 2012

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on April 21, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

This past week the Rock ‘N Roll world had to sadly say goodbye to Rock ‘N Roll icon Dick Clark, along with Greg Ham (multi-instrumentalist -Men At Work) and Brian Jack (vocalist , guitarist – Child’s Play). That’s three too many. May these gentlemen of Rock ‘N Roll rest in peace. Metal Odyssey expresses heartfelt condolences to each of their families, friends and fans.

Dick Clark was and forever will be a prolific Rock ‘N Roll legend. I, like tens of millions of other Rock fans, grew up with Dick Clark. I remember watching and enjoying American Bandstand as a young lad. Just watching the people dance was fun for me, back then. It will forever be “Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Years Eve” for me. That “other dude” that has been hosting it will NEVER be Dick Clark.

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I cannot believe my eyes! Well, that’s what I was thinking recently, when I walked into the CD aisles of my nearest Best Buy. The shelves were stocked. Really stocked. It felt like the clock turned back a full decade! Older and new releases galore! Tons of independent labels too. Hopefully this is a trend. I hope Best Buy, along with other large retailers, see that there still is a widespread and hungry market for the dinosaur we all call… the CD.

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Look for a really, really, cool interview to surface here on Metal Odyssey soon. Hint: It’s an interview with the lead singer/guitarist of a… Metal band. A kick-ass Metal band too. This interview will simultaneously launch on another world known and widely respected website too! Stay tuned for more details!

Yes, I recently found another KISS Kollectible! The photo at the top of this post tells all! It’s a 1998 KISS The Second Coming tour book. There are 36 full-color pages in all and it measures 8″ x 7.5″. This tour book documents the #1 tour of 1996-1997 and that was… KISS. That is Ace Frehley and Peter Criss on the cover of this tour book too! All four original members of KISS were together for this tour.

There is plenty of KISS Kisstory, concert photos, anecdotes and merchandise offers in this tour book to put a smile on the face of any KISS fanatic. I know it put a smile on my face; especially since I only paid $2 (U.S.) for this little KISS gem. Yup, I discovered this KISS Kollectible at an antiques mall and was amazed at both its incredible condition and price.

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On a closing note, March 1st, 2012  had marked the Three Year Anniversary Of Metal Odyssey. I am proud of the content that I have delivered to the visitors of Metal Odyssey. Hopefully you, the visitor to Metal Odyssey, are enjoying what has been featured here. From one day to the next, I honestly don’t know what I will slap up on Metal Odyssey. Holy shit, that is true!

I strive to have all Heavy Music genres represented here, at one time or another; with some Classic Rock and roots of Rock ‘N Roll thrown in for good measure! There are countless albums, press releases, random news items and tour dates to chase down for posting on Metal Odyssey. Sometimes it feels overwhelming… and I’m not complaining, cause Metal & Rock ‘N Roll is embedded in my Metal soul. Metal be thy name.

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

KISS

LONG LIVE METAL.

LONG LIVE KISS.

LONG LIVE ROCK ‘N ROLL.

Stone.

BENEDICTUM & Jeff Pilson Join Forces Again!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on April 19, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Benedictum are proud to announce their continued collaboration with Jeff Pilson on the development of their next release via Frontiers Records!!!!

The result will bring back the magic Benedictum and Jeff Pilson captured during their earlier releases from “Seasons of Tragedy” and their 2006 debut “Uncreation”.

This year and 2013 will be an exciting year for Benedictum with their recent addition of new drummer Rikard Stjernquist known for his exceptional talent in Jag Panzer for 25 years.

Jeff Pilson known for his extensive list of musicianship with legendary acts Dokken and Dio, while currently with  Foreginer and producer for Adler’s Appetite.

Jeff Pilson states:  “I’m very excited about producing the new Benedictum record. I’m very passionate about their music and love working with the band. V’s vocals, Pete’s guitars, the band’s energy and the songs are all something that are very close to my heart. This record will be their crowning achievement- of that I have no doubts!”

Benedictum was formed in 2005. After being noticed by Craig Goldy (Dio, Guiffria, Budgie) the wheels were set in motion and eventually lead to their debut CD “Uncreation”.

Coming soon will be more exciting news regarding their next release!!!!!!

Benedictum is Veronica Freeman (lead vocals), Pete Wells (lead guitar), Chris Shrum (bass) and Rikard Stjernquist (drums/percussion).

Benedictum discography includes “Uncreation”, “Seasons of Tragedy”, and “Dominion”.

(Source: Frontiers Records)

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Weblinks:

Band:  http://www.benedictum.net

Veronica Freeman:  http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=736850320

Veronica Freeman:  http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002710835082

Facebook Band Page:  http://www.facebook.com/Benedictum.Official

Record Label:  http://www.frontiers.it

LONG LIVE BENEDICTUM.

LONG LIVE JEFF PILSON.

Stone.

The Story Of Rock ‘N’ Roll Comics – NYC DVD Release Party, Theatrical Screening, and more

Posted in comic books, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on April 19, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

The Story Of Rock ‘N’ Roll Comics is coming to NYC for a multi-event celebration of the DVD release on April 24…

On April 23, Forbidden Planet (840 Broadway, NYC) will host a release party/artists signing from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Original Rock ‘n’ Roll Comics artists will be in attendance signing old issues of RnR Comics, trade paperbacks, DVDs, etc. Original copies of the actual comics will be randomly given away to attendees. Artists confirmed include Jay Allen Sanford, Spike Steffenhagen, and Robert V. Conte. Also in attendance will be director Ilko Davidov, doing a Q&A session and signing DVDs.

Following the release party, Cinema Village (22 East 12th Street, NYC) will host a screening of the film at 9:00pm. It will be followed by a Q&A with the director and artists. Free copies of the DVD will be given away to random attendees at the theater.

Then on April 28 and 29, Nitehawk Cinema (136 Metropolitan Avenue – Brooklyn, NY 11249) will host a “Rock N Roll Comics” brunch at 12:00pm. The brunch includes food, drinks and a screening of the film, followed by a special Q&A session with cast and crew.

The Story Of Rock ‘N’ Roll Comics charts the short and controversial life of publisher Todd Loren, whose scandalous series of unauthorized comic book biographies of rock stars enraged and sometimes charmed his subjects, provoked numerous lawsuit threats from the likes of Bon Jovi, Guns N Roses and Skid Row, and eventually led to a landmark First Amendment case, all before he was savagely murdered in 1992.

This documentary mixes animation and eerie home video of Todd Loren along with interviews and commentary that reflect the range of opinions regarding his cultural legacy – Including firsthand accounts from many of the artists and writers who were inspired and exploited by Loren, all peppered with insights from both the Rock & Roll and comic book communities from such luminaries as Alice Cooper, Gary Groth, Ian Shirley, Mojo Nixon and more.

Details:

* S.R.P.: $19.99

* Running Time: 80 minutes

* Features: Over two hours of bonus features, extended interviews, TV news clips, commercials, trailers and a Revolution Comics/ Rock ‘N’ Roll Comics cover art gallery. Liner notes from Rock ‘N’ Roll Comics co-creator Jay Allen Sanford, as well as from rock critic Rob O’Connor.

* Release Date: April 24, 2012

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(Source: Earsplit PR)

For more info, click on the link below:

http://facebook.com/wild.eye.releasing

Stone.