Los Angeles, CA – Fools for Rowan, the Nashville based Rock band, is set to release a new album and music video in 2012. It has been almost two years since the band has released new material. Fools For Rowan has written most of their record while on tour over the last year and recently started recording the new songs. In order to achieve the aforementioned goal, the group needs the help of their dedicated fans. The band has launched a Kickstarter campaign to assist in their efforts.
The powerhouse rock group, Fools For Rowan, is defined by their soaring vocals, powerful guitar licks and intense personal lyrics. The band has grown a large committed fan base partly due to the success of their first album, Twisted. Tied Up. Tangled. The album’s first single, “Burnt Around the Edges” received acclaim from the college-age demographic in both the U.S. and Canada.
In addition, the second single, “Dead” received spins on Top 40, College and Modern Rock radio. In addition, the video for the song was featured on Fuse TV. Due to their zealous live performance, Fools For Rowan has recently had the privilege of sharing the stage with such artists as: Evanescence, Trapt, Halestorm, and Sick Puppies.
Kickstarter is an online pledge system that funds creative projects. The Kickstarter campaign, that will raise money for the band’s new album and a music video, has already been initiated online. Fools For Rowan offers a fantastic array of different prizes such as an autographed drumstick, a concert set list, band merchandise, arm wrestling contests, and even a dinner date with members of the band!
“It’s been two years since our last album, so we’re really anxious to get our new music into the hands of our fans,” says lead vocalist, Erin Mullins.Fans will have until January 2st to help the band meet its goal. As always, the group is looking ahead. Fools For Rowan will continue to tour the U.S. in hopes of spreading the power of rock ‘n’ roll!
To learn more about Fools for Rowan’s Kickstarter campaign visithere.
COPPERHEAD – It was sometime during the Spring of 2011 when I came across the Southern Rock band Copperhead, while perusing the internet for all things Rock ‘N Roll. After sampling a few songs from the 1992 S/T debut album from Copperhead, I eagerly purchased it off of iTunes. This is the one andonly studio album that Copperhead ever released too. Going back to 1992, I only remember Copperhead by band name only.
I guess that’s what makes being a lover of Rock ‘N Metal so damn fun, I’m always catching onto a new band from yesteryear! I steered best Metal buddy, Scott Coverdale, to this Copperhead album and he is as huge a believer in this band’s Southern Rock sound as I am. Copperhead may no longer be an active band, still they are a band well worth remembering and checking out. If Copperhead has reunited in any way, shape or form, please leave a comment!
Below are five cool reasons why you should buy this Copperhead S/T debut album. I’ve also included two fun facts about the album.
Reason #1: If you are a fan of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Molly Hatchet, Blackfoot, Marshall Tucker Band, etc., then you shall have no problem at all diving ears first into Copperhead.
Reason #2: This Copperhead album in my most honest opinion… ROCKS from start to finish.
Reason #3:Neil Carswell (vocalist, guitarist & founding member) has that classic Southern Rock voice that’s just as contagious as his band’s music.
Reason #4: Copperhead could jam! From driving guitars to the keyboards, Copperhead just let it all loose on this album. In my opinion, this band kept it real with Southern fried and blue-collar enthusiasm through their songs.
Reason #5: This is straight-up Southern Rock here folks and nothing is watered down. So, crank up some Copperhead, grab your six-pack then kick back, while those good times and Southern Rock vibes take control.
Oh… by the way, my favorite song on this Copperhead album is: Highway. Whoa and Metal be thy name.
Two Fun Facts About This Copperhead Album:
Fun Fact #1: The song Long Way From Home became the title song for the motion picture: Harley Davidson And TheMarlboro Man. Mickey Rourke and Don Johnson starred in this movie too.
Fun Fact #2: The song Busted was included on the 1992 movie soundtrack: Dr. Giggles.
This is the cover for the Dr. Giggles movie soundtrack CD. Dr. Giggles is a Slasher film, can you tell?
COPPERHEAD – Track Listing:
Busted
Whiskey
The Scar
Brown’s Gold
Where Will I Be?
Keepin’ On
Highway
Hard Livin’
Lazy Days
Not My Tear
Born Loser
Long Way From Home
* Copperhead is available on iTunes, via Eastwinds Records. I’ve also seen it for sale on Amazon.
* Live & Lost (released in 2002), is a compilation of Copperhead studio and live tracks. It is also available on iTunes, via Eastwinds Records.
* For more info on NEIL CARSWELL and COPPERHEAD, click on the link below:
L to R: Jack Syperek, John-Angus MacDonald, Sean Dalton, Colin MacDonald
THE TREWS – Back on August 5th, 2011, I posted an album review for THE TREWS newly released studio album Hope & Ruin. The 4th full-length from this Canadian Rock band impressed me so much that I listened to it constantly since early Summer. Now that Winter has settled in, Hope & Ruin has never lost its edgy Rock luster with me. I have listened to many other Rock albums during 2011 and none seemed to enthuse me as the way this new album from THE TREWS has done.
THE TREWS seemed to have captured an old spirit of Rock that I once heard from early R.E.M. and U2, back when these two iconic bands really did care about their songs and fans. A flirtation of retro college radio meets modern Rock vibe overflows with Hope & Ruin. I simply love that. Back on August 18th, I did not fully realize, that this album would eventually stand out amongst the rest of its 2011 Rock album peers in such a special way for me.
It was also back on August 18th, when I had the golden opportunity to interview Colin MacDonald, the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for THE TREWS. As my sincere appreciation for Hope & Ruin grew stronger by the week, I eventually decided to savor the moment, an eventual moment when I would launch this exclusive interview with Colin MacDonald simultaneously with naming Hope & Ruin by THE TREWS… as Metal Odyssey’s 2011 Rock Album Of The Year.
If the late and legendary Ed Sullivan were to come back to life for just one day, I’d love to hear him say: Ladies and Gentlemen… THE TREWS! Instead, I’m announcing this band at this moment and I’m veryproud to have had the opportunity to interview Colin MacDonald. From album reviews to opening for Robert Plant, here is what Colin had to say:
Stone: In the July (2011) issue of Classic Rock AOR Magazine, Hope & Ruin received a nine out of ten review. Taking a quote from this review: “Man, there isn’t a flawed track. Indeed, it’s one of those rare albums where every song could easily become a hit single. It’s rare feat for an album to be so consistently powerful.” How does this type of praise make you feel?
Colin: Awesome. It feels amazing. It’s like Sting had put it: “If you believe the good stuff, it doesn’t make you want to work as hard and if you believe the bad stuff, it only makes you work harder. It’s always great to be recognized for the work we do, especially by a big magazine like that.
Stone: On a personal level, which song on Hope & Ruin means the most to you?
Colin: I really like Hope & Ruin. This song really seems to take on a life of its own live.
Stone: In your music video for Hope & Ruin, there are many scenic backdrops. Where in the world was this footage shot?
Colin: It was shot in Toronto for the city. It was done on the coldest day on record too and I was really freezing out there while I was singing! We also went to the East Coast and Nova Scotia. We created a contrast of city, coast and countryside and it made for an amazing result with this video.
Watch and listen below to THE TREWS – Hope & Ruin, it is an incredible song!
Stone: With The Trews, which is written first, the music or the lyrics?
Colin: Always the music. We’ll come up with a riff, a melody, a little idea and work on it until it becomes a big idea. We take a melody idea and then a line comes with it. You then work your way back from there. I never try to over think the lyrics. I try to balance things out and let the lyrics compliment the song.
Stone: With The Trews being for all intents and purposes, family, what is it like for you guys to sit down, write and record music?
Colin: It’s the only way of life we’ve known for such a long time. I really don’t have anything else to compare it to. We are a tight group of guys. Sure, we have heated arguments, although they can simmer very quick. That’s what has kept us together for so long.
Stone: How important is it for a Rock band today, compared to a decade ago, in adapting to changes in how they promote themselves?
Colin: It’s really important. A band has to always garner new fans. It’s hands on now. There’s not a lot of mystique or mystery to promotion anymore. Our main priority is to always make good music. You must never lose sight in making music that the fans like. You must keep up the musical content. There’s twitter and facebook to reach out to the fans with. Those bands that keep all of this in mind will do well with the new model.
Stone: Is the record industry today more hope or more ruin?
Colin: It depends on who you ask. There are lots of bands getting through today that probably wouldn’t have decades ago, like, Mumford & Sons. Bands are selling out big venues, so that’s hope for sure. The days of signing big money record deals and getting big contracts up front are no more. So that’s ruin.
Stone: Which country has the toughest music market for The Trews to tap into and do you want to conquer that market?
Colin: Right now, we’re doing great in Australia and the UK. We’d like to get bigger in America because it’s close and easy to tour, so obviously we want to break into that market. Any band that are making good music and stays true to themselves will do well and that’s what we try to do.
Stone: What band or which musician would The Trews be honored to share the stage with, where you haven’t shared the stage with before?
Colin: We’d love to play with Neil Young. That would be awesome! We’d love to open for AC/DC.TomPetty and the Heartbreakers. We’ve opened for The Stones. We’ve also opened for Robert Plant across Canada.
Stone: Where did you open for The Rolling Stones?
Colin: We opened for them in Toronto and Phoenix back in 2005. They were secret club gigs.
Stone: Where did you play with Robert Plant?
Colin: It was all across Canada for his entire tour here.
Stone: Is Robert Plant a nice guy?
Colin: Robert Plant is a super cool guy! He’s always interested in new music and never rests on his laurels. I find inspiration in that and it sticks with us. As a lead singer, Robert Plant is always moving forward and that’s a quality about him I admire most.
Stone: As a band, do you guys want to continue experimenting and maturing musically or have you reached a level of self-contentment of where you are now?
Colin: Never man. We keep pushing forward. We have more in us. There’s so much more music in us still and so much more to come. I still feel we have not made our best record yet.
Stone: Is there anything you’d like to tell your fans?
Colin: Thank you for supporting us and for so long! When the fans come out to see us live, it really means a lot to us.
* For more info on THE TREWS, click on the links below:
Metal Odyssey would like to THANK ALL OF YOU who come to visit all year, sharing the same passion for Rock, Hard Rock and… METAL! Throughout the past year, Metal Odyssey receives support in ways too numerous to mention. However, there are those “thank yous” that I need to mention, If I leave anyone out, believe me, you are included.
THANK YOU to all the super cool PR people and record companies that have made it possible for Metal Odyssey to deliver the METAL news and album reviews! Each and every one of you ROCK beyond belief! Without them, I am in the dark.
THANK YOU to all the bands and musicians that have been mentioned, featured and/or interviewed here on Metal Odyssey this past year. Without them, life would suck big time. Really.
THANK YOU to all my Metal Buddies around the world! You know who you are and I don’t take any of you for granted.
THANK YOU to Best Metal Buddy/Metal Researcher Scott Coverdale & staff photographer Tom Coderre.
A very, very, very specialTHANK YOU to Metal Chick.
Now, here are some Metal thoughts, um, ramblings from Stone:
The world will NOT end in 2012. Sorry. If I’m wrong and the dreaded doomsday does come to pass this year, I will hopefully be with my family while anyORANGE GOBLIN album is blasting LOUD around me.
2012 IS GONNA ROCK! WHY?
Cause… Ozzy, Tony, Geezer and Bill are… BACK!
Cause… KISS is releasing a new studio album titled: MONSTER.
Cause… KING DIAMOND is better and… back in action! Just ask Metallica.
Cause… VAN HALEN IS BACK!
BOLD SPORTS PREDICTION:
The New York Yankees will win the 2012 World Series.
STONE’S 2012 NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS:
There are so many that are too boring to list. Okay, here’s two:
I shall eat less potato chips and listen to MORE METAL \m/
STONE’S WISHES FOR 2012:
I wish for an end to world hunger and human suffering of any kind. May there be world peace? On a smaller scale, I wish that Motörhead would receive a deserved “Lifetime Achievement Award” from The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences.
I wish CHEAP TRICK would follow Metal Odyssey on twitter. If this happens, I will write, without hesitation, a positive article on ABBA and feature it right here on Metal Odyssey for the world to read and see. I’m honestly not kidding. CHEAP TRICK F’n RULES.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO SEE MORE OF ON METAL ODYSSEY?
Would you like more album reviews? Short or long album reviews? More/less Metal news? Classic Rock news? Are you demanding more band interviews? Are “lists” good or bad? More or less of Stone’s ramblings? Let your thoughts and feelings be heard by leaving a comment! Man, it would be greatly appreciated!
METAL BE THY NAME.
Thank you to my Metal Buddy down South, for that thoughtful package of CD’s and videos after the hurricane struck. You know who you are.
Sweet will be giving away a Free Live album on their website (www.thesweet.com) starting the 1st of January for one week only. The album is called: 100% Live 2010
The recording is 100% LIVE, no studio trickery or over dubs, just a stereo mix from the FOH mixing desk plus a stereo audience microphone. There are 11 tracks from the 2010 show, plus 2 exclusive bonus tracks.
ROYAL HUNT – The 11th studio album from Denmark’s ROYAL HUNT, Show Me How To Live, was released in North America on November 29th, 2011, via Frontiers Records. On Show Me How To Live, former lead singer D.C. Cooper reunited with this band’s founding member, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer: Andre’Andersen. Along with Jonas Larsen (guitars), Andreas Passmark (bass) and Allan Sørensen on drums, ROYAL HUNT has justifiably reinstated their respected status as a player in the world of Melodic Hard Rock, with Show Me How To Live.
Progressively leaning, symphonic and very much melodic is Show Me How To Live. From the opening track of One More Day, I realized there would be many elements to listen for with this ROYAL HUNT band’s musicianship. In its simplistic comparison, listening to ROYAL HUNT is like listening to a Melodic Hard Rock orchestra. With a backing chorus to compliment the exquisite arrangements of One More Day, this song opens up Show Me How To Live with inspiring musical extravagance.
The melodic ride never subsides with ROYAL HUNT, as Another Man Down is highlighted by a memorable guitar solo from Jonas Larsen and the spot-on drumming of Allan Sørensen. As pivotal components to the music of ROYAL HUNT, orchestration is the vertebrae of this album while the keyboards are its nerve center. The muscle comes through with the guitar and rhythm section. The songs Hard Rain’s Coming and An EmptyShell in and of themselves are my picks for anyone to listen to, in explaining the aforementioned music components.
Throughout all 7 songs, the vocals of D.C. Cooper keeps me engaged in the music. D.C. has excellent range and doesn’t overreach, all the while giving this album a vocal identity that is muscular and downright enjoyable to hear. A true catalyst is D.C. to this band. Andre’ Andersen on keyboards is a thrill a minute. Andre’ impresses me most by not over-saturating this album with his love for the keys. Yes, these synthetic sounds are plentiful, only I don’t hear the over-indulgence that could have been.
I hear a respect for balance within the songs on Show Me How To Live. No instrument is ever buried under the layers. Andre’ and his band give off a vibe of mutual appreciation for the strength of the song and quality certainly overrides quantity on this new ROYAL HUNT album. Fans of Symphonic/Melodic Hard Rock and Metal should dive right into Show Me How To Live and bask in all of its deliciously layered splendor.
ROYAL HUNT:
Andre’ Andersen – keyboards
D.C. Cooper – vocals
Jonas Larsen – guitars
Andreas Passmark – bass
Allan Sørensen – drums
Show Me How To Live – Track Listing:
One More Day
Another Man Down
An Empty Shell
Hard Rain’s Coming
Half Past Loneliness
Show Me How To Live
Angel’s Gone
* For more info on ROYAL HUNT, click on the links below:
HOUSE OF LORDS – Released back in September of 2011 on Frontiers Records, Big Money is the eighth studio album from House Of Lords. The Melodic Hard Rock and AOR flavor of Big Money boils over, reminding me once again, what a tremendous listen this album is. Someday When is a song from Big Money and is enriched with a symphonic sound from the keyboards, elevating the mood and feel of this song.
Hard Rock, as with any music genre, is presented in countless styles. House Of Lords is no exception. Someday When exemplifies House Of Lords capturing their unique musical creativity and style, while allowing it to soar. Take a look and listen to Someday When below. I hope you enjoy this song and video as much as I do!
HOUSE OF LORDS:
James Christian – vocals
Jimi Bell – guitar
Chris McCarvill – bass
Bj Zampa – drums
HOUSE OF LORDS – BIG MONEY (Frontiers Records/2011)
* For more info on HOUSE OF LORDS, click on the links below:
Heavy Metal guitarist Zoltan Bathory of the hard-hitting band FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH recently stopped by UFC/TUF’s KYLE WATSON‘S gym, Watson Martial Arts in St. Louis, Missouri, for a session with the MMA fighter. Before a Metal filled evening, Bathory, a successful Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner, stopped by to roll with Watson and teach some students BJJ techniques.
Kyle is returning to the ring after his last bout against John Makdesi in the UFC in which he lost via spinning back fist. Watson will be fighting February 3rd at the upcoming Cage Warriors event.
(Source: Team All About The Music – Publicity, Management, A&R)
FAITHSEDGE – Southern California’s Hard Rockin’ FAITHSEDGE is currently recording their sophomore studio album. After their successful S/T debut on Scarlet Records earlier in 2011, fans (myself included) are eagerly awaiting this new studio release. Giancarlo Floridia (vocals, guitar, songwriter) and Fabrizio Grossi (bass & producer) are the Rockin’ brain trust of FAITHSEDGE and will no doubt be delivering the Hard Rockin’ goods once again!
Check out below for a preview of two new songs and the addition of keyboardist Eric Ragno to the band!
LONG LIVE FAITHSEDGE
* For more info on FAITHSEDGE, click on the links below:
Today Noisecreep premieres “Red Tide Rising,” the opening track from ORANGE GOBLIN‘s forthcoming A Eulogy For The Damned full-length. Set for North American release on February 14, 2012 via Candlelight Records, A Eulogy For The Damned is the band’s seventh studio album (and first for Candlelight). The ten-track offering was recorded at The Animal Farm studio in South London, UK, produced and engineered by Jamie Dodd and mastered by two-time Grammy-nominated Pink Floyd engineer Andy Jackson at Tube Mastering.
Commented vocalist Ben Ward of the track: “‘Red Tide Rising’ was actually the first song we wrote for the new album and the main riff was written by [guitarist] Joe [Hoare] as far back as 2008. We all knew that this would be the lead song on the album as soon as we wrote it; it felt kind of special and it set the tempo and feel for the whole record. It’s one that we all had a lot of input on so it’s a real band effort and definitely wasn’t rushed. The ending must’ve been changed half a dozen times or so until we were all satisfied! It’s a very typical ORANGE GOBLIN song and I’m confident that it’s going to be a live favorite for many years to come. We’ve actually played it at the last few shows and despite no one knowing it, it got a great response. Lyrically, the song is a tribute to my fascination with the works of horror writer H.P Lovecraft. The theme centers around the rising of Cthulhu from the deep and the ultimate destruction of Earth and mankind. It was fun for me to use my imagination and be able to write about the Elder gods and the end of the world. I think it’ll make a great Heavy Metal video! The title was something I made up and we considered calling the album ‘Red Tide Rising’ for a while. It’s pretty self-explanatory with the idea of the oceans turning to blood and the beasts taking over for the dawn of a new dark age! We are all very proud of this track and honored to preview it with Noisecreep/AOL. With our annual Christmas show looming on Saturday, now seems like the perfect time to unleash this beast on the world!”
SLASH Featuring Myles Kennedy LIVE – Back on November 15th, SLASH Featuring MylesKennedy LIVE / Made In Stoke 24/7/11 was released via Armoury Records. SLASH has a storied career with Guns N’ Roses,Velvet Revolver and his own SLASH’S Snakepit on his enviable Rock ‘N Roll resume.
This set of live songs from the certified Rockin’ career of SLASH is essentially listening to a mandatory chapter of Rock history. I purchased the double CD version, (a 2-CD with a DVD version is out there as well). Check out below my 5 reasons you should BUY this SLASH CD!
1. – This isSLASH, you know, the former and REALGuns N’ Roses guitarist playing some classic Guns N’ Roses songs. The live versions of Paradise City and Mr. Brownstone (for example) are embellished with the trademark guitar tone and licks of the legendary SLASH. Truly one-of-a-kind is SLASH. Accept no substitutes for I sure as hell don’t.
2.- Myles Kennedy. Yeah, yeah, yeah… Myles Kennedy is no Axl Rose only Axl Rose is no Myles Kennedy either. Myles sounds amazing on this live album and he is a top ten Heavy Music vocalist for my ears any second of any day.
3. – The entire band ROCKS so fluently together on all 21 songs. Seriously, to think otherwise you must be constipated. ToddKerns (bass, lead & backing vocals), Brent Fitz (drums) and Bobby Schneck (guitar, backing vocals) play tight and sound like they’ve been together with SLASH and Myles for decades.
4. – This live SLASH CD has put me in a good F’n mood each and every time I’ve listened to it. The Rockin’ energy that these live songs give off is contagious to my senses. It’s like I’m getting hit in the face with a psyche-you-out bat, every time I play this addicting CD.
5. FUN. Oh, oh… I just used the “F” word. If you’re not into FUN then this is not the CD for you. For the rest of us who like to jump around and go crazy while listening to our favorite bands and songs, SLASH has kept the F’n FUN in his R&FN’R!
Bonus Reason To Buy: It doesn’t sound like there was an over abundance of production tweaking going on for this live concert recording. Okay, so we live in a digital age, still, the overall RAW Rock ‘N Roll Thunder that SLASH and his band dishes out here is evidence to me, that less is more when it comes to producing a live album in 2011. When I play this live SLASH CD extremely loud, I swear I’m actually there that evening in Stoke… and I wish I really was.
Malice In Wonderland have released a brand new Christmas song!
The band’s front man Chris Wicked comments on the song. “While the world doesn’t exactly scream for another Christmas song, in my mind there is not a lot of high quality Christmas songs out there. We thought it would be fun to write something original, not just record a classic, so we rigged up a studio in Tracy’s (guitarist) living room and recorded everything in two days. It was fun and we’re just putting it up on our youtube site. It’s not a typical Christmas song, but the tune has a great atmosphere that I think a lot of people can find appealing”.
About Malice In Wonderland:
The Norwegian Rock band entered the Scandinavian rock scene with their self titled debut album in 2005. Led by hit single “Lucifer’s Town” the band was quickly labeled 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, toured in Norway and Europe several times and even played some very successful shows in China. In 2008 and 2009 the band lived partly in Finland where 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. Malice In Wonderland in November finished recording their album entitled The Royal Brigade. The band is currently seeking a suitable record label to release the CD in 2012.
Press release as it appears on The Official Website of Great White:
OFFICIAL STATEMENT REGARDING JACK RUSSELL ANNOUNCEMENT
First and foremost, our main concern is our fans. We have spent 30 years trying to be the best we can be and bring our fans the top quality of music they have become accustomed to and deserve. It saddens us today to have to respond to Jack Russell’s announcement.
Jack Russell announced on Facebook on Saturday, December 10, 2011 that he was returning to Great White with a new line-up. This was a complete shock to the entire Great White Family.
This couldn’t be further from the truth.
As we all know Jack Russell has been fighting drug and alcohol abuse for many years. He has had numerous stints in and out of treatment facilities and hospitals.
In 2010 Jack’s physical condition deteriorated to the point that he routinely fell on and off stage, forgot lyrics and we had to cancel shows due to his inability to perform. In the past two years, Jack has had five major surgeries and has almost died three times. His drug abuse was so bad that his body began to shut down and ultimately resulted in colostomy surgery from a perforated bowel (he nearly died during this procedure). The colostomy surgery saved his life, but vanquished him with a colostomy bag for a year.
We stood by Jack; we supported his sobriety and eagerly awaited his return.
Jack was first slated to return to Great White this past summer. Unfortunately his frail body and his drug abuse prohibited this event. In the following months, Jack had three more surgeries that delayed his return. Finally, he chose February 2012 as his target return date. We had five clear conditions for Jack’s return:
1. Jack had to be drug free. Off all Opiates, Methadone, Valium or Xanax.
2. Jack had to be off Prednisone (a steroid that ate away at Jack’s internal organs that caused the perforated bowl).
3. Jack had to be sober and off crack cocaine and all alcohol.
4. Jack had to agree to weekly drug tests.
5. Jack must attend weekly meetings for AA and NA.
Last week Jack notified management he would not make it back by February 2012. Jack referred to his doctor’s opinion that he would not be ready. He had just started physical rehabilitation again and his legs and back needed more rehab to handle the rigors of touring. Jack thought he would be ready by May to start the summer touring season. However, he wasn’t sure if he could be off the Methadone by then or ever. Management reiterated that he had to be completely drug free for his return. He owed it to the fans. He owed it to us. He owed to himself.
Out of nowhere, we all received an email on Saturday, December 10, 2011 stating that he was coming back now and that he was starting his own (a different lineup) Great White. As you can imagine, this was shocking to say the least. We were saddened and hurt from this shocking announcement..
We only want to do right by our fans. We aim to give the best possible show and have every fan leave the show feeling they got their monies worth. This band is sober and music is our passion. With Jack Russell, not being drug free and unable to physically perform on stage. It will only let down our fans.
Time and again, Jack Russell has let down his band and fans. His addictions have ruined his life the past eight years. We will not sit by and enable our brother to abuse alcohol and drugs to kill himself. We have lost too many loved ones to this madness. After the passing of our dear friend, the talented Jani Lane, it has become more evident that this has to stop. It must end.
Since Jack’s departure in August 2010, Great White has performed almost 100 concerts. We’ve had no shortened sets, cancellations or song choice limitations due to vocal issues. In this struggling economy, fans need and deserve more—not less. We owe it to our fans and the promoters to not to allow Jack Russell and some garage band to hurt Great White’s classic rock legacy and bright future.
Jack Russell does not have the right to start his own Great White or use the name without our names in the lineup. We will litigate any promoter that books ‘Jack Russell’s Great White’ or uses any logo featuring the name Great White.
We give you our word, we will continue through 2012 and beyond to provide you with the top quality musical performances you have been accustomed and deserve. We hope and pray that Jack gets healthy, happy and sober. His health and well-being is the only thing that matters.
Keep Rocking, God Bless and Happy Holidays!
Mark, Audie, Michael, Scott and Terry
GREAT WHITE
* For more info on GREAT WHITE, click on the link below:
GREAT WHITE vocalist Jack Russell has issued the following statement:
“Just wanted to announce that I will be coming back with my band Great White and a brand new lineup. My new bandmates are some of the most incredible musicians I have ever had the privilege to play with: Matthew Johnson – former guitarist for Great White, Derrick Pontier – former drummer for Great White, Dario Seixas – former bassist for FIREHOUSE and the STEPHEN PEARCY band, and RobbyLochner – former guitarist for ROB HALFORD’s band and CHERIE CURRIE.”
“I am very excited about this new beginning. I am feeling better than ever, despite any rumors you may hear to the contrary. Unfortunately, and as confusing as it will be, my former band mates and their manager have decided to continue to tour next year under the name I created, Great White. I will be touring under the name Great White featuring Jack Russell, to try avoid any confusion. So now the true fans will know the difference. I will be announcing tour dates as soon as they become available.”
“Our first performance will be at the Pre-NAMM Jam January 14 2012. Only shows advertised as Great White featuring Jack Russell will include myself on vocals. I have missed all of you terribly and look forward to seeing you all on the road. You have no idea how much your love and devotion has meant to me during what has been one of the hardest periods of my life.
Happy Holidays! Much peace and love to you and your families. Have a blessed New Year. Yours as always, Jack Russell, founder and lead vocalist, Great White PS. JACK IS BACK!!!!!!!!”
Russell recently recovered from surgery after suffering a perforated bowel. Terry Ilous of XYZ has replaced Jack on vocals in Great White.
SWEDEN ROCK FESTIVAL 2012 – Mötley Crüe and Lynyrd Skynyrd will be sharing the stage as headliners at the 2012 Sweden Rock Festival! This year’s Sweden Rock Festival will be June 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th in Sölvesborg, Sweden. An amazing lineup of bands have this 2012 Sweden Rock Festival looking like the only place on Earth I’d like to be on these dates come June!
Since June 6th of 1992, the Sweden Rock Festival has celebrated Rock & Metal. Take a look at the promotional poster below for the full-roster of bands at the 2012 Sweden Rock Festival. There will be approximately 70 bands! Metal be thy name!
ROLL CALL OF SOME VERY COOL BANDS ON THE BILL:
DIMMU BORGIR
EXODUS
PENTAGRAM
GIRLSCHOOL
DANKO JONES
* For more info & ticket info on the Sweden Rock Festival 2012, click on this link here: Sweden Rock Festival 2012
MASS & Louis St. August – If there is that one excellent album from 2010 that I was late in grasping my ears onto, that album is Sea Of Black from MASS. Louis St. August (vocalist) and his band wrote a complete album of songs with Sea Of Black, there is no question in my Metal mind about that. An all inspiring listen that encompasses me is Sea Of Black, song after song. Add the fact that this album Rocks so solidly for me, that I can’t resist telling the world that Sea Of Black is a must acquisition from 2010.
The Right Side and the title track are two heavy hitters on Sea Of Black that are tailor-made for an open-air festival, with both songs carrying an anthem vibe and own unique message of spirituality. All The Years Gone is my favorite song on this album. This song sparks my thoughts to drift in retrospect, as I think about my own life and personal moments. MASS essentially created an amazing album with Sea Of Black. I find this album’s decisive appeal in its walloping sound of later 80’s Arena Rock commingling with a Hard Rock sound of today.
Louis and his band sound so sharp and reclaimed on Sea Of Black that it’s downright infectious. I recently was afforded the opportunity to ask Louis some questions regarding this Sea Of Black album. Louis was amicable as always and here’s what he had to say:
Stone: What was the chemistry like with the band, as you wrote and recorded “Sea Of Black”?
Louis: The band was itching and ready to get started on a brand new MASS album since our last release (Crack Of Dawn) was well over three years ago and with some of those songs recorded at various places and times. So “Sea of Black” was a more of a complete album for us and a real back to how we like to record. Myself and Gene would get together a few times and just set some basic foundations like melodies and basic song structure. We would then take it down to band rehearsals and Michael and Joey would all add their ideas and we were on our way building Sea Of Black.
The band was tight and we knew exactly what we were going to do before we entered the studio. The chemistry was great and the band laid down all twelve basic tracks in just two days. Then we added additional guitar tracks, lead solos, Lead vocals and backup vocals wrapping up the recording part of it in a little more than three weeks time.
It has been a while since we recorded a full album in just one studio and it was perfect. A week later the tracks were flown to Sweden where Martin Kronlund mixed and mastered the album. Every time a song was mixed we would all listen and tweak it until it was to our liking! Thank god for today’s technology that we can now work with overseas producers.
Louis St. August – 2011
Stone: I personally feel “Sea Of Black” is the best Mass album in your catalog. Were you at any point, aiming to create the best Mass album ever or did you just let fate take control?
Louis: Obviously you always go in with the intentions of trying to create the best album you possible can and try to surpass the last release. But it really does come down to fate on how it will all end up sounding in the end. With Sea of Black we really wanted to get back to more of our roots and style and what MASS was all about with big Guitars, Big Drums, Big Vocals and Big Bass. A “MASSive” sound you might say. (Laughs). I think we achieved that and the great reception from our old fans, new fans and media proved it.
Stone: Your intro vocal scream on “The Right Side” reminds me of Ian Gillan’s vocal intro on “Highway Star”. Was this a deliberate salute to a classic vocal moment in Rock history or an original idea of yours?
Louis: (Laughs). Funny you said that I remember saying that to Gene in the studio that it sounded very “Ian Gillanish”. So I am keeping it in. I am honored to have any comparisons with such a great Rock Icon for he was one of my many vocal idols growing up. But actually the scream is sort of a little trademark I have done over the years. It started with our first album where I do a similar scream on “Watch her walk”, then on our “Take you Home” album on a song called “Want it Back” and there may be a few others too. (Laughs).
Stone: Where, what or who did you draw inspiration from when writing the lyrics and/or music for “Sea Of Black”?
Louis: Most of the lyrics I write are autobiographical something I have personally experienced in my life or have either seen on the news, read in a book or witness happening to a friend. Songs like “Falling From Grace”, “The Right Side” are about my personal beliefs in accepting God into my life and choosing the right path for me. A song like “Justify” was written about 911 and how I felt on that and “Thru The Rain” is about war itself.
On “Till We Meet Again” I simply just put myself in the shoes of an old friend who recently had lost his dear wife, soul mate, lover and friend and how I would react and feel if it were to happen to me. The song is dedicated to the lovely Kyle Sweet (Wife of Michael Sweet of Stryper) who sadly passed away from cancer whom we had the pleasure of knowing for a short time.
Stone: Is MASS stronger today than they have ever been as a band? Is the present day for MASS a “New Birth” part two?
Louis: Yes I believe we have persevered over the years and have finally come to a point where we have gained much attention and respect from the music industry on what we started here in Boston over 30 years ago. Now in our late 40’s we appreciate what we have accomplished, created and are very thankful for all our loyal fans that have stood by us over the years. For we are truly nothing without them!
It does feel like a New Birth part two in a way, with a great 2010 being one of our busiest years with 3 releases and 2011 with continued rise in album sales and with some great recorded live performances to boot. Who knows what the future holds? With that we look forward to recording our ninth album this winter and releasing it worldwide in 2012! So stay tuned MASS fans, the best is yet to come!
IRON CLAW – Many bands and solo musicians make comebacks in the world of Rock each year. Notable acts the likes of Alice Cooper (The Band) and KING KOBRA made their impressive comebacks for certain in 2011. Anthrax made an album comeback (Worship Music) with JoeyBelladonna returning to the forefront. BIOHAZARD is back. Beggars & Thieves are back too. The list is impressive as it is long. No, Black Sabbath can’t really count until next years album and tour. However, the one comeback band that amazed me beyond belief with their story during 2011 was: IRON CLAW.
IRON CLAW are in my mind, Heavy Music pioneers. IRON CLAW was a band on the scene when Heavy Metal was growing roots from Hard Rock. This band calls Scotland home and released an album of Classic Hard Rock in 2011 that you should know about (if you don’t know already). A Different Game made IRON CLAW the topic of conversation in many Hard Rock circles this past year. Released on Ripple Music, A Different Game was the first taste of new music from this band in nearly 4 decades!
I never, ever heard of IRON CLAW until this past year. I’ll tell you this much, IRON CLAW has served me right. Congratulations IRON CLAW on being named: Metal Odyssey’s Comeback Band Of 2011! Plus having: Metal Odyssey’s Comeback Album Of 2011!Metal be thy name!
See below the timeline of IRON CLAW posts featured on Metal Odyssey during 2011. Everything you’ve ever needed to know about IRON CLAW is right there for you! Feel free to become informed on the series of events leading up to the release of A Different Game, along with the intriguing Hard Rockin’ history (both past and present) of IRON CLAW. Each large link in this timeline will take you directly to that respective post!
Beggars & Thieves – The comeback album from Beggars & Thieves, We Are The Brokenhearted, has recently been released on Frontiers Records in North America on November 29th and in Europe on December 2nd. We Are The Brokenhearted brings back the AOR, Classic/Melodic Rock sound that Beggars & Thieves are so solid at creating. Louie Merlino (vocals) and Ronnie Mancuso (guitar) are once again proving their songwriting and musicianship belongs heard and enjoyed by their fans of yesteryear and new fans of today.
Check out the official video below for We Come Undone. Also check out the special guests on this video: Ron Keel, Jake E. Lee, Paul Shortino, Blas Elias, Sunset Thomas and quite possibly… GeneSimmons. We Come Undone is a great song from a fabulous band. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
We Are The Brokenhearted – Track Listing:
We Come Undone
Oil & Water
Innocence
Never Gonna See You Again
Beautiful Losers
Seven Seconds
Stranded
Wash Away
Midnight Blue
We Are The Brokenhearted
WELCOME BACK BEGGARS & THIEVES!
* For more info on this album, click on the link below:
That Metal Show’s Jim Florentine and Don Jamieson will be performing stand up live and in person at On the Rox, the upstairs room at The Roxy, on Thursday, December 15th in Hollywood, CA. This is a small, intimate room and tickets WILL sell out. The guys will be performing live stand up as heard on their Metal Blade Records comedy albums, which were both released earlier this year, from 7:00pm-9:00pm. Official Don Jamieson and Jim Florentine merch, CDs and DVDs will be available for purchase at the show.
Tickets to the show can be purchased now at indiemerch.com HERE.
Top Ten Hard Rock Songs Of 2011 – Welcome to Metal Odyssey’s Top Ten Hard Rock Songs Of 2011! These ten Hard Rock songs are the ones that I turned to most often throughout 2011, to get psyched-out and inspired by. Yes, I listened to many Hard Rock albums during 2011, all containing such a wide assortment of excellent songs.
Narrowing down ten of my favorites was a nail-biting endeavor for me. I actually have a “tie” in this top ten list, an event that is not unprecedented in Rock music lists at all. Hopefully some of these Hard Rock songs you dig as well. Thank you for supporting the following bands and Metal Odyssey. Now, onward with the list!
#10
URIAH HEEP – Nail On The Head
(Frontiers Records)
The Uriah Heep Rockin’ Train just seems to keep right on rollin’ in 2011, with the legendary Mick Box leading the way. Nail On The Head from their Into The Wild studio album nailed me from the very start, with its infectious thump and stump and less is more style of Hard Rockin’ bliss.
#9
THE POODLES – I Want It All
(Frontiers Records)
An inspiring Hard Rock song from Sweden’s The Poodles this is. I can’t get enough of the uplifting spirit that I Want It All supplies to my senses. Hard Rockin’ and so deliciously melodic, this song is the intense beacon from an album of star-studded songs. Don’t let their name fool you, this band plays Hard Rock like bad-ass backyard guard dogs.
#8
Black Stone Cherry – Killing Floor
(ROADRUNNER RECORDS)
With Black Stone Cherry, the Classic Rock meets Modern Rock wall of sound is electrified on KillingFloor. Between The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea accentuates the maturation of Black Stone Cherry and this song seemed to reach out and grab me from the opening note. Truly a standout song from an album that is loaded with standout songs.
#7
BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION – I Can See Your Spirit
(J&R Adventures)
Glenn Hughes sounds so unreal legendary on this song it gives me the chills. The threads of old school are intertwined with a hefty dose of Hard Rock relevance, within the music of Black Country Communion. There is Deep Purple mystique about this song, which comes courtesy of the keyboards. JoeBonamassa is an incredible listen on guitar and should be put upon any guitar aficionado’s pedestal.
#6
CHICKENFOOT – Different Devil
(eOne Music)
Sammy Hagar never sounded better and Michael Anthony proves once again his backing vocals are a secret Hard Rock weapon. Different Devil from III is the direction that I prayed Chickenfoot would take on this album and my prayer was answered. A retrospective nod to the past and still boiling over with relevancy, Different Devil showcases the unique vibes of these Rock legends with ease.
#5
JOURNEY – Anything Is Possible
(NOMOTA LLC)
Journey blew me away with Eclipse in 2011. With that said, my favorite song from this wildly memorable album is: Anything Is Possible. Once again, an inspiring Hard Rock song carried me off into the Rockin’ sunset this past year. If music is supposed to touch you, then Anything Is Possible did just that, in more positive ways than I can count. Arnel Pineda is a grand vocalist and the musicianship is superior on this song (and the entire album for that matter). Neal Schon sounds perfect on guitar, what else could I expect from such an authentic legend?
#4
KING KOBRA – Midnight Woman
(Frontiers Records)
What Midnight Woman bestows is a melodic trip down Hard Rock goodness lane. This song is heavy where it should be, with legendary drummer Carmine Appice’s beats and kick-to-the-teeth guitars ablaze. Paul Shortino gives this song (and entire album) the vocal coolness that King Kobra deserves. Yes, King Kobra returned in an impressive way in 2011 and it’s a song like Midnight Woman that reminds me that Hard Rock is one of life’s golden necessities.
#3
SEETHER – Here And Now
(Wind-Up)
Shaun Morgan knows how to tug at my sentimental side. His songwriting and lyrical messages are stuff of legend. Here And Now would probably be my #1 pick if it hadn’t made me cry so many damn times. An emotionally charged song, which realistically can be interpreted in many different ways. From the musicianship and song structure to Shaun’s vocals, this song is already a SEETHER classic in my Hard Rock world.
#2 (tie)
DAUGHTRY– Outta My Head
(RCA / 19)
Okay. Alright. If Chris Daughtry wanted to impress Stone, well, he done did it with Outta My Head. Metal as my witness, this song psyches me out in ways words can’t describe. Daughtry tapped into some old school mojo while combining it with plenty of modern feel and vibe, that in turn has Outta My Head soaring with its unbridled and potent Hard Rock energy. Chris Daughtry sings lights-out on this song. So let it be Metal written, so let it be Metal told.
#2 (tie)
SEBASTIAN BACH – One Good Reason
(Frontiers Records)
Holy Hard Rock crap this is a damn great song. Sebastian Bach has become registered with Metal Odyssey as having a lethal set of vocal cords, all due to his lifetime contributions of making my eardrums the scorched flaps of flesh they really are. One Good Reason is dominated by Sebastian’s beyond amazing vocals. Hard, heavy, melodic and undisputedly powerful is this song, from start to F’n finish. Metal be thy F’n name.
#1
9 CHAMBERS – Indeed The Sun
(Samson Records/eOne Music)
If I had to sum up in six words, the Hard Rock vision of Greg Hampton (guitarist, songwriter, producer of 9 Chambers) it would be: Keep It Real, Let It Rock. Alongside guitarist Ed Mundell, these two guitarists seem to feed off each other like long-lost guitar soul-mates. The guitar solo in Indeed The Sun gives me goose-bumps the size of tennis balls. This song comes across with the real and feel that Hard Rock was built upon so many decades ago, when creating a complete album of songs was practically a mandate.
Indeed The Sun never relents in its Hard Rockin’ momentum, it just takes off at the onset and never subsides with its contagious, melodic driven and hard-edged sound. When a Hard Rock song such as Indeed The Sun makes my face tingle out-of-control then that said song is #1 for me. I salute Greg, Ed, Jorgen and Vinny for keeping it real. Music is an art-form and a song like Indeed The Sun is indeed… a work of Hard Rock art.
* Check out Metal Odyssey’s Top Ten Metal Songs Of 2011 (posted on December 1st) by clicking on the large link below!
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
Metal Odyssey's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"
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