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ALICE COOPER – Happy Rockin’ Birthday From Metal Odyssey!

Posted in celebrity birthdays, classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, horror metal, horror rock, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music birthdays, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on February 4, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Alice Cooper – You And Me (1977/Single/Warner Bros.)

ALICE COOPER – Back on February 4th, 1948, Alice Cooper was born. Today, the ultra influential and legendary Alice Cooper turns a young, Rockin’ and Metallin’ 64! So, without further Metal ado…

HAPPY

ROCKIN’

BIRTHDAY

ALICE

COOPER!

Alice Cooper – Constrictor (1986/MCA)

THANK YOU ALICE COOPER FOR YOUR PIONEERING BRAND OF HEAVY METAL, HORROR ROCK AND PERSONA!

Wanna read about that really cool You And Me 45 rpm single you see at the top of this post? Just click on the big header link below! I wrote and posted up this article back on June 20th, 2010. Metal be thy name!

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

WE’RE NOT WORTHY! WE’RE NOT WORTHY!

Alice Cooper – Along Came A Spider ( 2008/Steamhammer SPV)

LONG LIVE ALICE COOPER.

Stone.

1 Comment »

M3 ROCK FESTIVAL 4 – Tickets On Sale February 3rd, 2012 – Bands Listed & Details!

Posted in classic rock, glam metal, glam rock, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock festivals, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on February 2, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Tickets On Sale Friday, February 3, at 10AM EST Through Ticketfly

Back for its fourth year with another 2-day festival dedicated to all things Hair, Glam and ROCK, M3 Rock Festival will be Kix-ing off on Friday, May 11th with headlining sets from Baltimore Hair Metal legends Kix, Night Ranger and more! But make sure to save plenty of Aquanet and spandex for an all day Metal slam on Saturday, May 12th featuring two non-overlapping stages and a Festival Village with tons to check out! Indulge in a weekend reliving one of the greatest times of shred-tastic Rock with an all-star 80s lineup for M3-4 at Merriweather Post Pavilion this May!

Purchase your M3 Rock Festival 4 tix here: ticketfly – M3 Rock Festival 2012

Don’t forget to purchase your ticket for the Rock & Bus!

Shuttle service from Powerplant Live! in Baltimore and other locations around the DMV to Merriweather Post Pavilion. Drink specials & parking validation available at Powerplant Live! before and after the show!

(Source: 9:30 Club)

* For more info, click here: M3 Rock Festival – facebook

LONG LIVE M3 ROCK FESTIVAL.

Stone.

4 Comments »

STRYPER – North American Tour Dates 2012

Posted in christian heavy metal, christian rock, classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on February 2, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

STRYPER – Check out below the North American tour dates for Stryper! See if Stryper is playing live in your neck of the Metal woods in 2012!

_________________________________________________________

February 24, 2012 – Sault Ste. Marie, MI @Kewadin Casino

February 25 – 28, 2012 – Fort Lauderdale, FL @ Monsters Of Rock Cruise

May 12, 2012 – Columbia, MD – M3 Rock Festival

May 17, 2012 – Dallas, TX – House Of Blues

May 18, 2012 – Houston, TX – House Of Blues

May 19, 2012 – Las Vegas, NV – Santa Fe Station Hotel & Casino

May 24, 2012 – New York, NY – BB Kings

May 25, 2012 – Foxborough, MA – Showcase Live

_________________________________________________________

(Source: Stryper Official Website)

* To buy tickets and more info, click here: Stryper – Official Website

LONG LIVE STRYPER.

Stone.

2 Comments »

Louis St. August of MASS – Nominated For ‘Male Vocalist Of The Year’ In Limelight Magazine Readers’ Poll

Posted in christian rock, classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on February 1, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Louis St. August, lead singer for Hard Rock/Heavy Metal band MASS, has been nominated in this year’s Limelight Magazine Readers’ Poll that recognizes the bands and musicians who have impacted the local music scene of New England during 2011. Louis St. August has been nominated in the “Male Vocalist Of The Year” category.

The poll will close at 11:45 PM on Friday, Feb. 3rd. Here is the link to the poll:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/limelightmusicawards

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

MASS – MASS ROCKS.COM

LONG LIVE LOUIS ST. AUGUST & MASS.

Stone.

5 Comments »

STONECOLLAR – Releases New Single: ‘Swallowed By The Sun’ – Listen To It Streaming Here!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock songs, Heavy Metal, modern rock, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on January 30, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

STONECOLLAR – Cape Town, South Africa has a do-it-yourself Hard Rock band to boast about. They’re called STONECOLLAR. This band has already delivered a fantastic debut album back in 2011: Trial By Fire. Now, STONECOLLAR has released a new single, Swallowed By The Sun, which has ready for radio oozing from its every Rockin’ note. This song is from their latest project: Online Overlord.

States (rhythm guitarist) Clinton Jurgens: “The song is a large-scale Rock ballad telling the epic tale of a loved one’s self demise. Fans of Alter Bridge, Shinedown and fellow countrymen, Seether (and a host of similar Hard Rock bands) will be sure to love this song”.

Clinton Jurgens adds: “To assist the release, we launched our official fan club, Airheads (hosted on the www.airbornemusic.com platform) and it basically works that a fan pays $1 a month to us and they get any content that we release for free. And we intend to release stuff on a weekly basis so that there is a real value to being part of the club”.

Artist page is here: www.airbornemusic.com/stonecollar

I really dig Swallowed By The Sun, it’s a Hard Rockin’ ballad that showcases the quality of songwriting and musicianship that STONECOLLAR bestows. Vocally, Leshem Petersen sounds as passionate for the song as Chris Daughtry… and you can take that to the Metal bank and tell ’em Stone from Metal Odyssey sent you. Metal be thy name.

I was won over by the debut album from STONECOLLAR, now I’m convinced this Hard Rock band MUST be taken seriously by “both” indie and major record labels. STONECOLLAR is happening… is Modern with their Hard Rock sound… they’ve created some serious Hard Rock and they’re a MUST band to catch onto NOW.

Listen to Swallowed By The Sun below! This is one damn good Hard Rock song!

STONECOLLAR:

Leshem Petersen – Bass and Vocals

Sean Tait – Lead Guitar

Clinton Jurgens – Rhythm Guitar

Bryan Nicol – Drums

* For more info on STONECOLLAR, click on the links below:

STONECOLLAR – Official facebook

STONECOLLAR – myspace music

* To read my review for Trial By Fire, (posted on June 10th, 2011), click below!

STONECOLLAR – “Trial By Fire” Debut Album Is Ablaze! Two Tracks To Hear Right Now!

LONG LIVE STONECOLLAR.

Stone.

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EDGUY – Special Guest of Deep Purple For 2012 Autumn Tour!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on January 28, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

The German Superheros EDGUY will be the Special Guest of legendary DEEP PURPLE on their tour in Autumn 2012:

15.11. KÖLN / LANXESS ARENA
16.11. BREMEN / HALLE 7
17.11. HANNOVER / AWD HALL
20.11. KIEL / SPARKASSEN ARENA
22.11. FRANKFURT / FESTHALLE
23.11. OBERHAUSEN / KÖNIGSPILSNER ARENA
24.11. HAMBURG / O2 WORLD
26.11. LEIPZIG / ARENA
27.11. BERLIN / O2 WORLD
29.11. AUGSBURG / SCHWABENHALLE
30.11. MÜNCHEN / OLYMPIAHALLE
01.12. STUTTGART / SCHLEYERHALLE

More EDGUY Shows 2012:

02.02. UK Manchester – Academy
03.02. UK Birmingham – The Library
04.02 UK London – O2 Academy Islington
17.02 FIN Helsinki – Finish Metal Expo
27.04 D St. Wendel / Bostalsee – Walpurgisschlacht Festival
06.06 S Sölvesborg – Sweden Rock
08.06 NL Eersel – E3 Beach
27.06 S Borlänge – Peace and Love
17.07 CZ Vizovice – Masters Of Rock

(Source: Nuclear Blast News)

* For more info on EDGUY & DEEP PURPLE:

Edguy – Official Website

DEEP PURPLE

LONG LIVE EDGUY.

LONG LIVE DEEP PURPLE.

Stone.

2 Comments »

Some METAL Babbling and Other METAL Thoughts on a Rain-Soaked Friday…

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, weather with tags , , , , , , , on January 27, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Yesterday, January 26th, 2012, was my birthday. I didn’t want to mention it on Metal Odyssey yesterday due to everyone (myself included) trying to absorb the news of Mark Reale (RIOT founder/guitarist) passing away. It just wouldn’t have sat right with me, that’s for certain. It feels like too many “legendary good guys” of Metal have left in the last few years. Way too many.

The entire reason why you see 90% of the time, the “Long Live __” below the Metal Odyssey logo block pic or my thumbnail pic, at the bottom of the posts here, is due to my cherishing life… period. Rock ‘N Metal contributes, in an enormous way, in making my life happy. Therefore, I want every band and musician I cover on Metal Odyssey to live long.

Now, some of you are probably wondering how old I am? Here is a hint: I’m younger than Betty White. Here is another hint: I’m older than Chris Daughtry. With that said, I still have more hair than Chris Daughtry.

I received a very, very, cool birthday present from my family. Let me tell you, I am psyched-out about this gift. Here it is:

Now, for those of you who don’t know who this book is about, you are probably part of “that crowd” getting all giddy about ABBA releasing “The Visitors Deluxe Edition” this April. Get this, ABBA is in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, yet Dave Mustaine and his band MEGADETH aren’t. A wise old Metalhead hermit, that lived deep in the Northern Connecticut woods once told me: “Stone, l-l-life j-j-ust ain’t f’n fair at all”.

Hey. Stone scored. Scored what you’re asking? Scored this book for 50 f’n cents at a thrift store this past week:

Ghost Rider – The Visual Guide (2006) is written by Andrew Darling and it covers the Ghost Rider origins, comics and Nicolas Cage too. This very cool book is hardcover and is like new as well. Whoa. I’ve kept a few older Ghost Rider comics from when I was a kid, plus I picked up several issues during the 90’s as well. Ghost Rider has always been to me… METAL.

I did buy myself two CD’s for my birthday. Lamb Of God – Resolution (Epic) and Lacuna Coil – Dark Adrenaline (Century Media). (Dark Adrenaline cover is at top of post). I am stoked about this new Lacuna Coil album and I’m super-duper-dee-duper, unbelievably excited about this new Lamb Of God album. Metal be thy name.

RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY!

Yes, the title to this post does contain the words: rain-soaked. Pennsylvania has been overwhelmed with rain for many, many months now it seems. I just don’t know how much more rain the water table can withstand before the area where I live becomes: the sixth Great Lake.

Thank you for taking the time to read my Metal babble.

LONG LIVE ROCK ‘N METAL.

TOO MUCH RAIN SUCKS.

Stone.

7 Comments »

Mark Reale (RIOT Founder, Guitarist) – Rest In Peace

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news, speed metal with tags , , , , , , , , on January 26, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Mark Reale, founder and guitarist for RIOT passed away on January 25, 2012, at age 56. Mark was also the cofounder and guitarist for the Hard Rock band Westworld. The following is a direct quote from The Official Web Site of Mark Reale:

“Our brother Mark Reale went home to be with our Lord this day, January 25th, 2012 after a long battle and complications from Crohns disease”. You can read more by clicking here: Mark Reale – Official Web Site

RIOT originates from New York City. Mark Reale and RIOT have influenced and shaped the foundation of American Power Metal, not to mention influencing countless musicians and bands the world over. The Heavy Metal of RIOT and musicianship of Mark Reale will forever be one of a kind. Metal Odyssey expresses condolences to the family, bandmates, friends and fans of Mark Reale. May Mark Reale rest in peace.

Mark Reale

1955-2012

2 Comments »

ON TOP ‘TOP HEAVY’ – Need A Heavy Rockin’ Fix? The Heavy Metal Potion Is All Here…

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on January 24, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

ON TOP – The first full-length, Top Heavy, from American Heavy Metallers On Top was released back on November 15th, 2011, via Horror Pain Gore Death Productions. If you’re in need of a Heavy Rockin’ fix you’ll hear it on this album, there’s no Metal question about it. This is a band that has obvious Traditional Heavy Metal influences and they are not bashful about showcasing it in their heavy sound.

Top Heavy is super loaded with retrospective Heavy Metal spirit and feel, to the point where  it overspills from the songs for one damn fun listen after another. This Downingtown, Pennsylvania trio knows how to keep the energy level turned on high through their songs, with no ballads to screw things up. A guitar driven album that pays dividends with numerous and memorable solos, courtesy of Alex Kulick. Trust me, Alex can wield his axe and he exhibits a respect for both speed and melody with his admirable playing.

Jason Gulino (vocalist, bassist & founding member) delivers as the frontman, with clean, lean, confident and punctual vocals that standout in a very good way. Danny Piselli on drums plays tight with Jason and lends plenty of old school fills while never overstepping the song. Danny comes across as a “less is more” drummer, (which is a rare talent in itself) and plays beats I can remember. On Top proves you can create some damn cool Heavy Metal without showing off or trying to break any hellish speed barrier.

Gang vocals on Into The Night resonates, an element of Traditional Heavy Metal that always packs an extra punch to a song. Another Night Of Sleaze and Hot Wet are the closest that On Top gets to Sleaze Metal. It’s the overall vibes, beats and lyrics that makes both songs so contagiously sleazy. On Top has rhythm, they aren’t afraid to play fast while not tripping over themselves. Up To No Good and Too Much seals the deal with convincing attitude musically and vocally, with the gang vocals once again… adding that extra Metal kick.

The clear fact that On Top has served up their originality to a time-tested sound only drives home the relevance factor. Top Heavy bestows some downright applaudable balance with its speed, heaviness and melodic sound. A power trio to watch out for is On Top. A good-times party album it is. Blanketed with credible spirit and attitude, Top Heavy is one damn legit Heavy Metal album you must check out… now!

* ON TOP – TOP HEAVY Now available on Itunes, Amazon, Spotify, CD Baby and CD Universe.

* Get your 4 song (free download) Top Heavy sampler here: http://ontop.bandcamp.com/

TOP HEAVY – Track Listing:

Top Heavy

Into The Night

Sleepless

Sick And Tired

Another Night Of Sleaze

Die High

Fire Down Below

Hot ‘N Wet

Success And Excess

Up To No Good

Too Much

* For more info on ON TOP, click on the links below:

http://www.purevolume.com/ONTOP

http://soundcloud.com/ontoprock

http://www.myspace.com/bandontop

http://www.youtube.com/user/ONTOPROCK?fe…

LONG LIVE ON TOP.

Stone.

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

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, heavy metal news, Music, rock & roll, rock albums, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on January 20, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

’77 – This Hard Rock band ’77 is from Barcelona Spain and man are they… Old School! The second studio album from ’77, High Decibels, is slated for a February 28th release on Listenable Records. This is an album of raw, riff infested and: “share a case o’ beer with your Metal buddy” style of Hard Rock. This is also Hard Rock to crank up in the car, on a long weekend cruise with your chick by your side. Blue collar Hard Rock never sounded so damn fun as ’77 does on High Decibels!

The incredible resemblance that Armand Valeta has vocally to the late Bon Scott is unreal. Musically ’77 does overflow with 70’s AC/DC sound, vibe and feel. With all the AC/DC comparisons aside, what ’77 does very well is they play their Hard Rock with credible passion and they write original songs. The more I’ve listened to High Decibels, the more I hear a band that is fired-up about Rock ‘N Roll and it’s a fever they can easily spread to Rockaholics worldwide like myself.

I am impressed by the old school Hard Rock allegiance that ’77 bestows in their brand of Hard Rock. Too often a band like this will get mocked for being a “rip-off” or dated. My response would be: It’s 77’s style of Rock ‘N Roll that’s spilling from their Rockin’ souls. Metal be thy name. My two favorite songs on High Decibels are:  Backdoor Man and Since You’ve Been Gone. I highly dig the bluesy side of ’77’s Hard Rock! Bad-ass Classic Rock is here to stay with ’77 too.

High Decibels is an album where once you hit “play” that’s it. You can’t stop it until it’s over! It’s like a cool party that just got started… why would you want to end a good thing? If you’re a Hard Rock fan from any generation, you should mark ’77 down and make certain to add High Decibels to your “must need” list of good-times and ass kickin’ Rock ‘N Roll albums. Everyone’s album collection deserves a solid kick-in-the-ass and ’77 shall bring it.

’77:

Armand Valeta – Frontman & Guitar

LG Valeta – Lead Guitar

Johnnie Dolphin – Drums

Mr. Raw – Bass

HIGH DECIBELS – Track Listing:

High Decibels

(Gotta Go) Gotta Hit The Road

Are You Ready For Rock ‘n’ Roll

Let’s Beat It Up

Backdoor Man

Gimme A Dollar

This Girl Is On Fire

Meltin’ In A Spoon

Since You’ve Been Gone

Promised Land

Things You Can’t Talk About

* For more info on ’77, click on the links below:

’77 – facebook

http://www.myspace.com/seventysevenrocks

LISTENABLE RECORDS

LONG LIVE ’77

Stone.

4 Comments »

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

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

MOLLO / MARTIN – Dario Mollo (guitarist & producer) has teamed up with Tony Martin (vocalist) for another new album of Melodic Hard Rock and Heavy Metal songs titled: The Third Cage. This album has ten songs of musical substance, fusing both elements of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal in seamless and memorable fashion.

This is a new release from Mollo / Martin that should not be overlooked. A complete album of songs it is and I can’t hold back by calling The Third Cage as one of the best of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal albums for 2012. The Third Cage will be releasing on January 20, via Frontiers Records.

Below are 5 factors I’m spotlighting as to why The Third Cage is indeed… one of the best in album releases during this new year:

Factor #1: Dario Mollo. This Italian musician is simply wonderful to take in on guitar. You’re not getting anything watered down from Dario, just one stupendous guitarist that knows how to balance the melodic with the heavy. Dario’s solo’s are a treat to my ears and I applaud his precision in keeping each song interesting as hell. You must hear Dario Mollo on guitar to truly understand my appreciation for his skills.

Factor #2: Tony Martin. Yes, Tony is a former vocalist for Black Sabbath and one of the unsung hero’s of Heavy Metal’s history. Whatever Tony has done to keep his vocals in top form after all these years should be bottled up and sold to the highest bidder. Clarity is always key with Tony and his melodic tones resonate all that is golden about a revered era of Traditional Heavy Metal.

Factor #3: Dario exhibits his diversity as a guitarist by adding plenty of Funky licks in Can’t Stay Here. The end result is some Heavy Funk that Tony Martin sings along to brilliantly. This song is a winner and made for a pleasant surprise for me on this album.

Factor #4: The keyboards. The added layer of sound that the keyboards gives to The Third Cage is a key necessity to establishing the feel and vibe of these songs. War Dance is elevated to the stratosphere due to them keys.

Factor #5: Seasoned talent doesn’t always equate to an excellent album of songs, only this seasoned crop of musicians have proven to my ears there was grand chemistry that swirled amongst them, during the writing and recording process. Not one song sounds like it was “slapped together”, instead, attention to detail and a continuity of quality flows from each song.

THE THIRD CAGE – Track Listing:

Wicked World

Cirque du Freak

Oh My Soul

One Of The Few

Still In Love With You

Can’t Stay Here

Wardance

Don’t Know What It Is About You

Blind Fury

Violet Moon

Mollo / Martin:

Dario Mollo – Guitars, Bass, Keyboards

Tony Martin – Vocals

Roberto Gualdi – Drums

Fulvio Gaslini – Bass

Dario Patti – Keyboards

Brian War – Keyboards

* For more info on MOLLO / MARTIN, click on the link below:

FRONTIERS RECORDS

LONG LIVE DARIO MOLLO & TONY MARTIN.

Stone.

3 Comments »

13 – Opening For Nightwish At Key Club Hollywood: Here’s The Details!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, melodic metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, symphonic metal with tags , , , , , , , , on January 18, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

13 is 100% New American Blue Collar Heavy In Your Face Rock!! Catch 13 opening for Finland’s amazing NIGHTWISH at the Key Club Hollywood! The details are right there on that very cool concert flyer below:

* For more info on 13, click on the link below:

http://www.reverbnation.com/13rocks

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

www.nightwish.com

LONG LIVE 13.

LONG LIVE NIGHTWISH.

Stone.

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LILLIAN AXE ‘XI: The Days Before Tomorrow’ – Releases In North America February 14th, 2012! Introduces Brian Jones On Vocals

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

LILLIAN AXE – On February 14th (Valentines Day) 2012, XI: The Days Before Tomorrow will be released in North America via CME Records. This will be the first LILLIAN AXE album to feature new vocalist Brian Jones.

As stated by guitarist/songwriter Steve Blaze, on the Official LILLIAN AXE Website: ” This is an important album as it introduces Brian Jones on vocals. As I have been writing this record, there has been a feeling of creativity that is similar to that of when I wrote Psychoschizophrenia. The band has really done a great job so far. We can’t wait to get back out on the road to support it.”

As the band stated, (on their CD release/show info newsletter), regarding new vocalist Brian Jones: “The band sounds great and Brian hit it out of the park. Brian’s vocals are angelic yet they have a big set of balls to them. We know it has taken us a really long time to make this album. You, our fans will not be disappointed. We took our time to make an album that you would be proud of.”

* Produced by guitarist & songwriter Steve Blaze. Engineered by Rob Hovey and mixed by Sylvia Massey (Tool, Deftones, Johnny Cash, System of a Down, Prince, Black Crowes).

* XI: The Days Before Tomorrow will be released on February 13th, 2012, in Japan via Disk Union.

* XI: The Days Before Tomorrow will be released in Europe via AFM Records. The European version of the new album will contain a special bonus song called Angels Among Us. Also a special limited edition is being made that will also contain a Lillian Axe T-shirt. The European release date will be January 27. The single being worked in Europe is called Babylon. You can preview Babylon here.

* The single, Lava On My Tongue, hits Metal radio stations on January 16 and the single, Caged In, hits active Rock radio on February 13. Call your local radio stations and demand to hear new LILLIAN AXE.

XI: THE DAYS BEFORE TOMORROW – Track Listing:

Bablyon

Death Comes Tomorrow

Gather Up The Snow

The Great Divide

Take The Bullet

Bow Your Head

Caged In

Soul Disease

Lava On My Tongue

My Apologies

(Sources: Official LILLIAN AXE Website, CD release/show info newsletter)

* For more info on LILLIAN AXE, click on the link below:

http://www.lillianaxe.com

LONG LIVE LILLIAN AXE.

Stone.

1 Comment »

GUN BARREL – Signs To Massacre Records

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on January 14, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Street credibility? Check. Uncompromising sound? Check. Pure enthusiasm? Check.

GUN BARREL don’t breathe new life into the great tradition of Heavy Metal, they inject it with high pressure. These guys combine old school, misfit Rock ‘n’ Roll and Metal attitude in an ingenious way. Being the representatives of this dirty Metal Rock ‘n’ Roll, they really let it rip during their legendary live performances.

You can feel the animal instinct and the heart and soul that make the band skyrocket on stage. If nothing else, this might be due to the fact that GUN BARREL are among the most frequent performers in Germany. Those, who survived the GUN BARREL live drumfire are totally thrilled and become serial offenders. This is unavoidable.

GUN BARREL are always good for a surprise. Acoustic show or full decibel attack; it is not unusual that guest stars such as Andy Brings appear on stage with them, that they contribute songs to several samplers, take a flight to Spanish island Mallorca by the order of Rock ‘n’ Roll or that they give the audience an understanding of their sound at legendary festivals such as Wacken Open Air or Slovenia’s Metalcamp.

GUN BARREL have gone through a lot during the last 10 years; so these dudes became a tough alliance. Rock star affectations? No way. Despite all the glamour, the band remains down-to-earth and continues to look forward – one is still up to much more!

GUN BARREL’s new album Brace For Impact will be released on March 23, 2012 via Massacre Records!

GUN BARREL:

Patrick Sühl – Vocals

Rolf Tanzius – Guitar

Toni Pinciroli – Drums

Tomcat Kintgen – Bass

(Source: Massacre Records)

* For more info on GUN BARREL, click on the links below:

http://www.gunbarrel.de

http://www.facebook.com/GunBarrel

http://www.massacre-records.com

LONG LIVE GUN BARREL.

Stone.

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RELENTLESS – As An Album Title, How Popular Or Overused Is This Word?

Posted in album covers, classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on January 12, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Jackyl – Relentless (2002)

Long Live Jackyl.

RELENTLESS– Any dictionary will reveal the meaning of Relentless for you as: that does not relent; unyieldingly severe, strict, or harsh; unrelenting: a relentless enemy. This is a strong word. In my opinion, relentless can make for a tough as nails Hard Rock or Heavy Metal album title. Comedians along with musicians and bands from other music genres have used relentless as an album title, only it does not come across as riveting or true to me outside of Heavy Music.

As I went deeper into researching relentless as an album title, I found too numerous examples to mention and/or list. If I did list all the albums I’ve found with the title of relentless, then that would be rather relentless on my part. What I have learned is relentless is easily one of the most popular album titles ever to be used! Metal be thy name! Is this a bad or good thing? Is relentless overused on album titles? I guess I’ll leave the answer for you to ponder, for I don’t want to pass on any relentless judgement on the popularity of this word.

Alright, I will add, before a comedian, musician or band uses such a forceful word such as relentless, they should seriously consider it’s true definition and make certain if “fits” with their persona and/or album content.

Here are 14 albums (including the Jackyl cover on top of post) that caught my attention while compiling this relentless album title research:

Bill Hicks – Relentless (1992)

This cover photo just doesn’t go with the definition of relentless. Nope.

Sharel Cassity – Relentless (2009)

Maybe Sharel is relentless with her saxophone playing? I just don’t know. I’ve never checked out her music… now I’m curious.

MORTIFICATION – Relentless (2003)

Relentless goes just fine here. These dudes are Christian Metal too. Long Live Mortification.

Jason Aldean – Relentless (2007)

Jason looks too subdued here to be connected to relentless at all.

PENTAGRAM – Relentless (1985)

Yup. Relentless fits quite well on this cover. Doom Metal Legends. Long Live PENTAGRAM.

Natalie Grant – Relentless (2008)

Look at the PENTAGRAM album cover, then look at this Natalie Grant cover. Does relentless have multiple definitions that I’m now aware of?

YNGWIE MALMSTEEN – Relentless (2010)

Yes. Yngwie Malmsteen has been considered by many to be a relentless axe slinger. Long Live Yngwie Malmsteen.

Misty Edwards – Relentless (2008)

A Christian Music vocalist, Misty Edwards digs this title too. The album cover looks Heavy Metal to me though.

Walter Trout and the Radicals – Relentless (2003)

Walter Trout and the Radicals can have an album title of Relentless. It’s all good.

Here are three bands that actually take the word relentless and give it an F’n boost in their album titles. These three bands can get away with it too. You’ll see what I mean…

Asking Alexandria – Reckless & Relentless (2011)

Long Live Asking Alexandria.

Children Of Bodom – Relentless Reckless Forever (2011)

Long Live Children Of Bodom.

Death Angel – Relentless Retribution (2010)

Long Live Death Angel.

Lastly, here is a 1993 Pet Shop Boys album that goes by the title: Very. However, look a little closer at this album cover and you will see Relentless in the album title! It’s probably the one and only “hidden relentless” in the history of album cover titles! Whoa!

This concludes the list of Relentless Album Titles. As you witnessed, this popular word needs to be applied where it truly belongs. In conclusion, relentless isn’t just any word that can be slapped onto any album cover.

RELENTLESS FOREVER.

Stone.

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13 – Whiskey A Go Go Live Gig On January 28th, 2012: Here’s The Details!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, live rock music, metal music, Music, rock bands, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on January 11, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

13 – If you’re looking to experience a kick-ass evening of 100% New American Blue Collar Heavy In Your Face Rock… then seeing 13 live at L.A.’s world famous Whiskey A Go Go on January 28th is your Rockin’ ticket! All the details you need are right above… Metal be thy name.

* For more info on 13, click on the links below:

http://www.reverbnation.com/13rocks

13 – Metal You Must Hear, A Heavy Hittin’ Band You Must Know About!

LONG LIVE 13.

Stone.

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AC/DC – Stern Pinball Machine: AC/DC Pro You MUST Check Out!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Music, pinball machines, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on January 10, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

AC/DC – Whoa. Check out this very, very cool AC/DC pinball machine manufactured and sold by Stern Pinball. The details on this AC/DC pinball machine are unreal! This new AC/DC pinball machine not only looks like it’s gonna be a thrill to play, it also looks like a piece of art! Metal be thy name. Yes, I’m an AC/DC fan… who isn’t? Or so it seems. Maybe if I start saving some money and buy less potato chips, I can maybe get this sensational AC/DC pinball machine… down the Metal road.

Stern Pinball has the company slogan: “The only maker of REAL pinball games on the planet!!”. From looking at this AC/DC pinball machine, they aren’t kidding.

Check out the specs for this amazing pinball machine below:

AC/DC Pro Model Features:

• 1 Ramp Mounted Magnetic Diverter For Cannon Loading

• High Definition Color Cabinet and Decal Artwork

• Motorized Rotating Ball Cannon, Player Controlled

• 3 “Thunderstruck” Standup Targets w/ Super Bright Flash Lamps

• 4 “ROCK” Standup Targets (on right)

• Lit Start/Fire Cannon Button w/ Laser Cut S/S Trim Plate

• Back Panel Jukebox Song Selector w/ Flashing Red Horns

• Posi-Lock Ball Ejector and Electric Top Gate

• 2 Molded Super Speed Ramps

• T.N.T. Explosion Butyrates In Key Locations

• 2 High Powered Slingshots

• 3 Super Bright LED Jet Bumpers

• 1 “Greased Lightning” Spinning Target

• Traditional Country-Specific Coin Door

• 8 Inch Cabinet Speaker with bold, enhanced sound quality

• QR Codes

• Molded “Hells Bell” Toy, Fixed, W/Standup Target

• Fixed T.N.T. Detonator

• Band Member Butyrate Display

• 5 AC/DC Standup Targets (on left)

• 3 T.N.T. Standup Targets (center)

• Black ABS Lower Arch

• “Latch” Lockdown Bar

* Thanks to Metal Buddy Dan, on the heads up for this story.

* For more info/visit Stern Pinball by clicking on the link below:

Stern Pinball

LONG LIVE AC/DC

LONG LIVE STERN PINBALL.

Stone

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13 – Metal You Must Hear, A Heavy Hittin’ Band You Must Know About!

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

Back in 2011, the Metal & New American Rock band known as 13 pulled up their Mid-West Rockin’ roots in Toledo, Ohio and Detroit, Michigan… and headed out to L.A. where they are continuing on their contagious brand of Heavy Music noize! Strap yourself in and be prepared to see and read more about 13 in the coming months, right here on Metal Odyssey!

13 – Are they Metal? Is this band 13 original? Are they pissed off at the status quo? Do they instill the fire and talent necessary to cause a stir within the world of Heavy Music? Are their songs worthy of playing at maximum volume? Have they recruited throngs of fans, from biker rallies to festivals and world-famous clubs? Has this band shared the stage with many of Rock and Heavy Metal’s greatest names? The Metal answer is YES to all of the previous questions regarding 13.

13 is their name and playing ear stompin’, beer swillin’, knuckle crunchin’, American-made, blue-collar Metal is their game. 13 is ready to seize 2012 and call it their own, currently working on new songs, playing live at L.A.’s the Whiskey A Go Go with Ana Kefr, along with photo and video shoots on their current and busy schedule.

13 is a Heavy Music band on the rise and my best advice to you is this: either join ’em or get out of their way… cause 13 is on a Metal mission to create and play some credible, kick-ass and Heavy Hittin’ Rock ‘N Roll \m/

Yes, I really, really dig the Heavy Crunch of sound that 13 delivers. I’ve chosen two of my favorite songs from this raucous band for your listening enjoyment. Check out these two songs from 13 below! Play ’em LOUD and spread the Metal word: 13 is a Metal Band you must hear and know about!

CLICK BELOW TO HEAR: LOCOMOTIVE

CLICK BELOW TO HEAR: GO FUCK YOURSELF

13 have shared the stage with: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kid Rock, Alice In Chains, Mother Love Bone, Kansas, Cheap Trick, Foghat, Yngwie Malmsteen, ACCEPT, Lynch Mob, Monster Magnet, Nuclear Assault, Murder Dolls, Vince Neil, Blue Oyster Cult, Pennywise and GWAR… to name a many few!

13:

BOBBY K – drums & vocals

ZAK – vocals

SNARL – guitar & vocals

SIN – bass & vocals

* For more info on 13, click on the link below:

http://www.reverbnation.com/13rocks

LONG LIVE 13.

Stone.

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MECCA ‘Undeniable’ – A Melodic Rock Album Which Accentuates AOR Quality

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

MECCA – Joe Vana, vocalist and founding member of MECCA, has once again assembled a group of seasoned musicians to showcase their skills on Undeniable. This being the sophomore release from MECCA, it firmly establishes why Joe Vana has all the reason in the world to carry out his musical visions. Released back on November 29th in North America, on Frontiers Records, Undeniable is undeniably melodic and lyrically engaging.

Wether it’s the mid-paced ballad Did It For Love or the steadier rocker W2W, MECCA bestows the talent  for creating a mood within the song that compliments its respective story. Undeniable isn’t going to Rock your face off, instead this album will entertain with its eleven songs of emotion filled vocals from Joe Vana and soothing melodies that do soar, with the title track being a fine example of this. Joe Vana’s vocals are so identifiable for Melodic Rock and he easily seizes these songs on this album.

Life’s Too Short and Perfect World are two songs where MECCA combines philosophical lyrics with AOR quality that too often is missing on current American FM playlists. MECCA presents their music with intelligent lyrics, still the sappy meter does explode on such tracks as Did It For Love and From The Start. It’s the quality of the song, courtesy of the musicianship of MECCA, that makes me overlook any sappy saturation that happens lyrically. If you’ve ever been, want to be or are in love, these songs are accurately relevant.

In a Melodic Rock nutshell, MECCA has proven they can make me fall for the mellow and semi-hard side of Rock once again, with their respect for quality at every turn being a cumulative highlight for my ears. Undeniable is an album that also captures the spirit of AOR with its inspired vibes ever-present and lifeless moments nowhere to be found. This is an album of songs that belongs on my top shelf, I won’t be storing it away anytime soon.

Fans of Survivor, Toto, REO Speedwagon, Bryan Adams, Mister Mister and Foreigner (to name a many few) should  enjoy the Rockin’, soothing and melodic ride that MECCA takes on Undeniable. AOR and Melodic Rock fans across the board could justifiably find many, if not all of these songs on Undeniable difficult to forget.

MECCA:

Joe Vana – vocals

Joey Vana – guitars, backing vocals

Brian Moritz – keyboards

Paul Pisciotto – synthesizers

Wally Hustin – bass

Rick Vitek – drums

Mark Alano – guitars

UNDENIABLE – Track Listing:

Perfect World

Closing Time

Ten Lifetimes

Life’s Too Short

I Know

Did It For Love

From The Start

Deceptive Cadence

W2W

Undeniable

As I Walk Alone

* For more info on MECCA, see the links below:

FRONTIERS RECORDS

http://www.myspace.com/meccaofmusic

LONG LIVE MECCA.

Stone.

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The Black Keys ‘El Camino’ – An El Boring Listen Into What’s Already Been Done In Rock ‘N Roll

Posted in alternative rock, Hard Rock, rock album reviews, rock albums, rock bands, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on January 6, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

The Black Keys – Yes, I blindly purchased the new CD from The Black Keys (nonesuch) and it’s for some reason titled El Camino. I pay dearly sometimes for making a “blind purchase” when it comes to music. To sum it up, this El Camino CD is boring. It sounds as if Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney are not just huge fans of 70’s Rock… they obviously are both stuck in the “it’s been done already” school of Rock ‘N Roll and are a long way from graduating.

A fuzzy guitar sound with raw and unnecessary fuzzy production is pure nonsense when it comes to this genre of Rock in 2012. The Psychedelic, Stoner, Doom and Black Metal genres can utilize the “fuzz” in their respective sound brilliantly, only a Rock group like The Black Keys should stick to some clarity in their presentation of sound and maybe they won’t come across like a 1977 garage band playing to just their cousins.

Too numerous are the moments on El Camino where I recognize that IT HAS BEEN DONE BEFORE! The Black Keys are not pushing the Rock ‘N Roll envelope here folks and that’s what makes this CD such a waste of time. Where’s the relevance? Listening to this band is like listening to a severely slow-paced Wolfmother with a hangover. The worst song on El Camino is hands down: Little Black Submarines. This song is so annoying, that upon my first listen I wanted to break down and cry, fearing that it made me constipated.

The one and only “bright spot” on El Camino is Sister. This song rocks like there is no tomorrow. Mind Eraser ends this CD on a cool note, still it’s too late. If only The Black Keys stuck to this Rockin’ blueprint of Sister and Mind Eraser throughout all 11 songs… and they didn’t. The digipak and liner notes are equally repetitive and humdrum as the music. Do we really need to waste paper like this? The liner notes are 16 pages which dedicate 15 of these pages to photos of what else? El Caminos. The digipak is a four-fold that features… 8 more photos of… El Caminos! Laugh out loud and Metal be thy name!

By now you realize I’m not a fan of what The Black Keys are trying to accomplish with their Rock sound. If you’re looking for a memorable and original sounding Rock CD you are better off picking up the newest CD from The Trews. Trust me, a thorough listen into Hope & Ruin from The Trews is a quantum leap forward compared to El Camino. The Black Keys surely won’t care about anyone who doesn’t dig their music. Why? They made the cover of Rolling Stone! Life goes on…

El Camino – Track Listing:

Lonely Boy

Dead And Gone

Gold On The Ceiling

Little Black Submarines

Money Maker

Run Right Back

Sister

Hell Of A Season

Stop Stop

Nova Baby

Mind Eraser

Stone.

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