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

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on May 13, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

SHAKRA – Watch out… before you dive your eardrums into this new Shakra studio album Back On Track, bear in mind this veteran band is aiming to kick your Hard Rockin’ and Heavy Metalin’ ass! I just cannot resist warning you all. When an album of 13 songs ROCKS this HARD, HEAVY and MEMORABLE, by God I am gonna raise some noize about it. Released on May 3rd, 2011 via AFM Records, Back On Track has Shakra on track for worldwide Hard Rock domination. Glory be to Metal, this album is a non-stopper… I just can’t hit the stop button when it is playing. I could have easily taken the easy road, by just giving this album a three word review like this: buy this album. Alas, I have to rant and rave about Back On Track.

Based in Switzerland, Shakra is following up on their last album Everest, which soared to #4 on the Swiss album charts back in 2009. I honestly see Shakra making gigantic strides in the States, with enough promotion and (hopefully) consistent radio play, be it FM or satellite. Shakra is tailor made for the Hard & Heavy Rock that makes 80’s old schoolers proud and play with enough relevance for todays younger generation to dig… big time. In a Metal nutshell, Shakra caught my undivided Hard Rockin’ attention from the opener B True B You to the unbelievable closer: Stonger Than Ever. This last song puts the thunder stamp on this album where I’m left muttering… holy crap that was one hell of a goooood listen!

Shakra now has a new lead singer with John Prakesh, (replacing Mark Fox) and he is damn good. Damn good. There are moments where I hear some Marc Storace (influence?) in John’s vocals, only don’t think for one second that John Prakesh isn’t an original. His vocals are a reminder to me, that a band can be elevated by it’s front man. This guy sings the Rockin’ daylights out of this album, Metal be thy name and hallelujah to all. Shakra plays as a cohesive unit, with their energy and Heavy Rock spirit coming through LOUD and very clear on Back On Track. Blazing is the most adequate adjective to describe the sound and total vibe I receive from Shakra, these guys are running on all Hard & Heavy Rock cylinders with Back On Track.

Revved up guitar leads and Hard Rockin’ riffs? Check. Hooks? Check. Melodic and memorable songs? Check. Pumped up chorus? Check. Thumpin’ rhythm section? Check. Psyche-you-out sonic thrills by the minute? Um… check again. Look, I would never praise an album that is the equivalent of bird crap on a windshield. Shakra has created an album that is the equivalent of a Hard & Heavy Rock celebration. This celebration called Back On Track MUST be shared to all fellow Hard Rock and Heavy Metal fans alike. Shakra for all intents and purposes, have smacked it down and let it loose with Back On Track. Spread the Hard Rock word: SHAKRA.

* Recorded and produced with Shakra’s own guitarist Thom Blunier, at Power Ride Studios.

* Back On Track entered the official Swiss Album Charts at #2, the highest charting SHAKRA album ever. Back On Track entered the German Album Charts at #84.

* Back On Track is the eighth studio album from SHAKRA.

SHAKRA:

John Prakesh – vocals

Thom Blunier – lead guitar

Thomas Muster – rhythm guitar

Dominik Pfister – bass

Roger Tanner – drums

Track Listing:

B True B You

I’ll Be

Crazy

Back On Track

When I See You

MMTWGR

Yesterday’s Gone

Someday

Eternity

Lonesomeness

Unspoken Truth

Brand New Day

Stronger Than Ever

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

http://www.shakra.ch

http://www.afm-records.de

LONG LIVE SHAKRA.

Stone.

3 Comments »

WARRANT – ROCKAHOLIC: Hard Rock Glory Has Risen Again!

Posted in classic rock, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on May 9, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

WARRANT –  With a new vocalist in place to front the multi-million selling Hard Rock band we all know and embrace as Warrant, Rockaholic (Frontiers Records) comes at me with a new-found attitude and revved up Hard Rock sound that crunches. Robert Mason (Lynch Mob, Cry Of Love) is now the voice behind Warrant and it’s a return to Hard Rock glory for this group. The stereotypical Hair Metal posturing of years gone by is not the sheen of elegance anymore with Warrant, instead Rockaholic comes at me with more Hard Rock relevance than I ever could have expected.

With original members Jerry Dixon (bass), Erik Turner (rhythm guitar), Joey Allen (lead guitar) and Steven Sweet (drums), the backing vocals they all provide on Rockaholic lends a cool-fueled, feel-good atmosphere and tribute to their legendary Hair Metal roots. The ballad Home reminds me that Warrant still has the fever for making a memorable tear jerker. An inspirational ballad it is, the lyrics aren’t sappy… they just hit home. A well written ballad that has substance… and ballads don’t usually impress me. This one does.

Candy Man is a groovy Rocker that hits on all melodic cylinders. A song that is heavy and filled with gimme more hooks, I can understand if Candy Man becomes a strip club favorite. Sunshine has the up-tempo and sing-a-long savvy to be a live favorite. Something about Sunshine makes it a cool candidate for a beer drinking song for some reason. Sunshine is yet another song on Rockaholic that proves these Warrant dudes know a thing or two about playing some good time Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Life’s A Song has Robert Mason giving Jon Bon Jovi a run for his Hard Rock money. This song should hopefully be on Warrant’s live set list for their 2011 Summer gigs. Cocaine Freight Train embodies the heavier personality of Warrant, with a pedal to the Metal tempo and guitar licks that resonate Classic Rock Americana. What Love Can Do is all about the good-time vibes. Crank this song up, roll down the windows and let the breeze hit you in the face while Warrant makes your lazy day cruise Rock! Metal be thy name, this Warrant album is Hard Rock goodness.

Rockaholic is 14 songs, which have the Rockin’ bookends of Sex Ain’t Love opening and The Last Straw closing out. Both of these songs are critical for Sex Ain’t Love sets the Hard Rockin’ tone of Rockaholic from the onset, while The Last Straw makes me wish this album would go on for another six songs or more. Metal be thy name once again. Ring that Hard Rock bell of glory and tell ’em Stone told you to do so.

Dusty’s Revenge resonates with it’s Rock ‘n’ Roll outlaw sound, courtesy of Joey and Erik’s guitars and Robert’s vocals. This is perhaps my favorite song on Rockaholic, being carried by Robert’s vocals that embody the essence and mystique of a Classic Hard Rock performance. If there is to be more praise handed out here, it’s that Warrant is one band from the late 80’s era that knew how to evolve as a band. Did someone say bubble gum? I respond by saying kiss my Metal lovin’ ass. Warrant Rocks.

The hardened sound of Warrant today coupled with Robert Mason’s vocals, makes this entire album scream: It’s a new beginning! Warrant has surprised me with Rockaholic, fans of Warrant should surely be psyched-out of their minds by this new album. Even those few who may have shunned Warrant over the decades, just might realize, Rockaholic is a Hard Rock powerhouse of an album after just one listen. This is a band that never buckled under to nuthin’ and their fired-up and rejuvenated brand of Hard Rock is in the here and now. Warrant is back… and that is a Hard Rockin’ matter of fact!

* Rockaholic releases on May 13th in Europe and May 17th in the U.S., on Frontiers Records.

* Rockaholic was produced by Keith Olsen and mixed by Pat Regan.

Rockaholic Track Listing: 

Sex Ain’t Love

Innocence Gone

Sanke

Dusty’s Revenge

Home

What Love Can Do

Life’s A Song

Show Must Go On

Cocaine Freight Train

Found Forever

Candy Man

Sunshine

Tears In The City

The Last Straw

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

WARRANT ROCKS

LONG LIVE WARRANT.

Stone.

6 Comments »

FAITHSEDGE – Debut Album Is Now On iTunes!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on May 6, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

FAITHSEDGE – As has been shouted out today by Giancarlo Floridia, (vocalist, songwriter, guitarist and founder of Faithsedge), the debut Faithsedge album is NOW on iTunes! Just click on the link below to get there… then make your purchase of one of the BEST Hard Rockin’ and Heavy Hittin’ albums of 2011!

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/faithsedge/id435187614

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

FAITHSEDGE – facebook

FAITHSEDGE – Official Website

To read the complete Metal Odyssey album review for FAITHSEDGE, (posted on April 15, 2011), just click on the big header link below:

FAITHSEDGE – Debut Album Is One Of The Year’s Best In Both Hard Rock and Heavy Metal

LONG LIVE FAITHSEDGE.

Stone.

1 Comment »

SHINEDOWN – Somewhere in the Stratosphere: Madness LIVE from Washington State (Electric)… Electrifies!

Posted in alternative metal, alternative rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on May 4, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

SHINEDOWN – After listening to the 17 live songs on Somewhere in the Stratosphere: Madness LIVE from Washington State (Electric), my conclusion is Shinedown electrifies with their live performance. The quality of sound and all encompassing production of this live album is astounding. The sounds of the audience are captured perfectly, with plenty of exaltation and sing-along moments, making this a true live listen into this Shinedown concert.

Before I listened to this live Shinedown album, I did not hear one song prior. I was hoping for high energy from this live concert album, coupled with the commanding spirit of musicianship that Shinedown so dramatically exemplifies. Well… Shinedown sounds electrifying on this live album and I wish I was there to experience this live concert.

Shinedown have released three studio albums with immense commercial success. Leave A Whisper (2003) has gone Platinum, Us and Them (2005) has gone Gold and The Sound of Madness (2008) has reached Platinum status. All three of these studio albums from Shinedown I admire greatly, from the lyrics to the music and all vibes in-between. Shinedown has sold millions of albums for good reason. Albums just don’t sell that easy these days. It’s my guess that the song writing and lyrical themes of Shinedown’s songs obviously touches the human spirit and relates, plus this band really can play lights out.

I’ve always considered Brent Smith to be a premier vocalist in the world of Heavy Music and all of Rock for that matter. Brent has that gift of spilling out real emotion into the lyrics that he sings, nothing has ever come across as fabricated to my ears. To hear these 17 Shinedown songs live, with Brent’s vocals being as inspirational as ever, is riveting. Hearing live versions of Brent singing I Dare You, Heroes, The Crow & The Butterfly and Diamond Eyes (Boom-Lay Boom-Lay Boom) is proof positive that he was meant for the live stage.

Throughout this live album, the entire band plays tighter than the knots in my daughter’s sneaker laces. All the while, I can feel the enthusiasm of Shinedown through these live songs, it just comes through to me this way and I’m not complaining. The pumped-up and heavy grooves that erupt from Sound Of Madness are so lively it’s downright wild. Fly From The Inside is brought to the live stage brilliantly. The cover song of the Lynyrd Skynyrd classic Simple Man is played in acoustic Southern Rock glory. The last verse of Simple Man has Brent Smith inviting the audience to sing-along and it’s simply put… cool and fun stuff.

Second Chance ends this live album of 17 songs by scarring my arms and face with ostrich bumps of emotion. A perfect song to cap off this concert and album. Thank you, Shinedown. Metal be thy name. This new live album from Shinedown should recruit even more new fans into their Rockin’ stable. Longtime fans of Shinedown should presumably be thrilled to hear and own this album. It is my Metal opinion, this is one of those live albums that will be looked upon as being one of the best of it’s generation.

SHINEDOWN:

Brent Smith – vocals

Zach Myers – guitar

Eric Bass – bass

Barry Kerch – drums

Track Listing:

Intro (Scary Fairy)

Sound Of Madness

Devour

I Dare You

Cyanide Sweet Tooth Suicide

If You Only Knew

Diamond Eyes (Boom-Lay Boom-Lay Boom)

.45

Burning Bright

Heroes

The Crow & The Butterfly

Her Name Is Alice

Save Me

Left Out

Simple Man

Fly From The Inside

Second Chance

* This live album was released on May 3rd, 2011, on Atlantic Records.

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

SHINEDOWN – Official Website

SHINEDOWN – facebook

SHINEDOWN – twitter

LONG LIVE SHINEDOWN.

Stone.

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9 CHAMBERS – Hard Rockin’ Studio Update: Through Sights and Sounds!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on May 1, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

(Left: Ed Mundell, Right: Greg Hampton)

(Photo Credit: Rockframe Media/Karen Murphy Mundell)

9 CHAMBERS – Rockin’ right along in the studio and currently making cool progress on their forthcoming debut album is the Hard Rock supergroup known as 9 Chambers. The lineup for 9 Chambers with their storied backgrounds: Vocalist and guitarist Greg Hampton (Alice Cooper, The New Czars, Lita Ford, to name a few), guitarist Ed Mundell (ex-Monster Magnet), Jorgen Carlsson on bass (Gov’t Mule) and Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath, Heavn & Hell, DIO) on drums.

The Rock world is a better place, when musicians such as 9 Chambers can unite and create their unique brand of Hard Rock! Check out the video below for the newly released sights and sounds collection that is 9 Chambers… as they’re recording in the studio right now!

* Stay tuned to Metal Odyssey for constant updates on 9 CHAMBERS, as they progress closer to their debut album’s finish and release date!

* Read the initial cover story about 9 CHAMBERS, as it was posted on Metal Odyssey back on April 8th, 2011 by clicking the big header link below!

9 Chambers – Hard Rock Supergroup Of: Greg Hampton, Ed Mundell, Jorgen Carlsson and Vinny Appice!

* For more info on 9 CHAMBERS, click on the links below:

9 Chambers – Official Website

9 CHAMBERS – Official facebook

9 Chambers – Reverbnation

9 Chambers – Audio Samples

LONG LIVE 9 CHAMBERS.

Stone.

2 Comments »

MADDAM INK – Live At The Crocodile Rock Cafe, Allentown, PA, March 19th, 2011: Exclusive Photos and Overview

Posted in alternative rock, concerts, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, modern rock, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on May 1, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

(Left: Adam Burke/vocals & guitar, Right: Steve Benecke/bass)

(All live photo credits: Tom Coderre)

MADDAM INK – Back on March 19th, 2011, Maddam Ink closed out the evening of Hard Rock at The Crocodile Rock Cafe in Allentown, Pennsylvania. This night featured the Alt/Modern Hard Rock legends COLD on their: A Tour Of The American Dream. On this Hard Rockin’ bill, the other supporting bands for COLD were: Oceans Divide, Kopek and Egypt Central.

Once Maddam Ink took the stage the crowd of fans certainly did thin out quite a bit. It’s a shame for Maddam Ink played a set of songs that Rocked with cool, melodic vibes. The hooks, riffs and head-turning beats were abundant in Maddam Ink’s songs and not one song was a yawner. Tom Coderre (Metal Odyssey’s staff photographer) and I were more than willing to stick around to catch Maddam Ink’s set, we actually were in no big hurry to get home! I’ve always said: it’s not over until the last band plays.

What I like about Maddam Ink isn’t so much that they’re from my home turf of Eastern Pennsylvania, it’s that this band knows how to play accessible Rock and Hard Rock, with a shimmer of Alt and a thick coating of Modern flavor to their overall sound. Adam Burke’s vocals are not sugar coated. Adam’s edgy Hard Rock delivery is unique and downright cool. Maddam Ink is currently playing many a gig to support their sophomore release: Inklination. These guys weren’t pounding their chests on stage, they were four musicians displaying their impressive and credible talents while paying their dues, as they have been doing for several years now.

Before this night of Hard Rock bliss, I never listened to Maddam Ink. I’m listening now though. This is a band that kicked out any annoying Rock Star attitude out the window. It may be just my opinion, still I can see Maddam Ink supporting the likes of Daughtry or even Alter Bridge on an extensive tour… right now. They’d fit right in. Maddam Ink may have something to prove, they proved it to me that they have the sound and style within their well written songs to go as far as they dare to dream.

(Left: Matt Scott/lead guitar, Right: Adam Burke/vocals & guitar)

(Kyle Young – drums)

MADDAM INK:

Adam Burke – lead vocals and guitar

Matt Scott – lead guitar &  backing vocals

Steve Benecke – bass guitar & backing vocals

Kyle Young – drums

MADDAM INK – INKLINATION

* Maddam Ink’s sophomore release Inklination was produced by Grammy nominated engineer/producer David Ivory (Halestorm/Atlantic Records, SilverTide/Sony/BMG and The Roots). Inklination was released back in May of 2010.

* Inklination can be purchased on iTunes, cdbaby and the Maddam Ink online store at their official website: MADDAM INK – Official Website

* Maddam Ink have performed many high profile concerts and festivals. One such high profile festival was the Heaven and Hell Tour/LocoFest at The Tweeter Center in Manchester, New Hampshire, back in 2007. Sharing the stage and an audience of 50,000 fans, Maddam Ink supported legends Heaven and Hell, Alice Cooper and Shadows Fall at this amazing festival of Heavy Music. (Source: Maddam Ink – Official Website)

* For more info on MADDAM INK., click on the links below:

MADDAM INK – Official Website

MADDAM INK – facebook

MADDAM INK/Adam Burke – twitter

MADDAM INK – REVERBNATION

MADDAM INK – myspace music

LONG LIVE MADDAM INK.

Stone.

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FOREIGNER – Revisiting Their 1979 Album: Head Games

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, Hard Rock, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on April 30, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

FOREIGNER – Back in 1979, I was exiting seventh grade in the Spring and entering eighth grade for the coming Fall season. I turned thirteen years of age in January of 1979, kicking off this memorable year as a teen. I used to think the world was mine for the pickings back then… I know much better now. One album that was released back in 1979 was definitely mine for the pickings though, it was Head Games by the forever steady and legendary Foreigner. Head Games was the third studio album from Foreigner, released on Atlantic Records.

When I realized my mother was going to buy me this album, as a reward for doing yard work and other chores, I was ecstatic. You see, Foreigner would be the very first band where I owned every one of their albums! Fortunately for me, Foreigner did not have an extensive catalog of albums back then, so corralling their first three releases was not a difficult task… I just had to earn these albums. Let me tell you this much, I did feel like a big shot and a tad cocky among my school buddies back then, due to my Foreigner loyalty in owning all three of their albums. I chuckle about it now for did it really matter? I guess it did matter at that age.

With albums being such a rare gift or reward for me, (back in 1979 that is), I kept this Head Games album in ultra mint condition. Yes, I did play Head Games like the cows were coming home to fart. I played this album and made certain that my favorite song Dirty White Boy was cranked up the loudest. Being thirteen and turning up the volume to Dirty White Boy, with my bedroom windows open during the warm days, so the neighbors could hear it, was my big idea of rebellion. Yes, I thought I was a rebel by doing that. Metal be thy name.

The big hit was the title track of course and Head Games was played on FM radio all the time back in ’79. I remember like it was yesterday, the ostrich bumps I would get up and down my arms and face whenever I played this song loud… or heard it on the FM dial. Um, I still kinda get ostrich bumps from this song… kinda. Rev on the Red Line is another song on Head Games that never lost it’s Classic Rock cool to my ears… it plays out so smooth and flows so well, while holding it’s hard edge.

Back in ’79, I considered Head Games to be my third favorite Foreigner album, behind their debut/self-titled from 1977 and Double Vision from 1978. I still feel this way. (Double Vision is hands down, my favorite Foreigner album ever). Yes, I do hold fond memories for this Foreigner album. I can remember the album cover giving off the “wow factor” to us kids back then, now I can only shrug and chuckle at it’s classic innocence.

I was into Lou Gramm’s vocals before I ever knew who Joe Lynn Turner was. I was into Foreigner before I can honestly say I was really into Black Sabbath. In reality, thirteen was the age I was during this year of ’79, which was part of the beginning years of my journey, a Rock music journey toward discovering more bands and albums that I could ever dream of. Head Games is an album I will always consider to be a building block of my lifetime infatuation with Hard Rock and yes… Metal.

FOREIGNER as they appeared on Head Games:

Lou Gramm – vocals

Mick Jones – guitar

Rick Wills – bass

Ian McDonald – guitar

Al Greenwood – keyboards

Dennis Elliott – drums

Track Listing For Head Games:

Dirty White Boy

Love on the Telephone

I’ll Get Even With You

Seventeen

Head Games

The Modern Day

Blinded By Science

Do What You Like

Rev on the Red Line

* One nifty fact about Foreigner:  Guitarist (multi-instrumentalist) Ian McDonald was a founding member of the legendary Progressive Rock band: King Crimson.

* For more info on FOREIGNER, click on this link: FOREIGNER

The word “nifty” was used in this Metal Odyssey post. Um, yup.

LONG LIVE FOREIGNER.

Stone.

14 Comments »

MORPHINE KILLER – SICKENING: AN OVERDOSE OF METAL NEVER FELT SO GOOD

Posted in Extreme Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on April 27, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

MORPHINE KILLER – Just about two years removed, from Morphine Killer’s 2009 back-to-back EP releases of Unapologetic and Nightmares… and their first full-length album Sickening is unleashed. Morphine Killer has self produced each release thus far, all released on their very own Final Breath Records. If I’ve said it once, I shall never stop saying: the do-it-yourself ingenuity of Eski and Belle Roka, combined with the music genius and production expertise of Eski and the premier vocals that both musicians bestow are what will catapult this Metal duo to great heights one day… very soon.

I look back on the time when I happened to cross paths with this band and it has served me right ever since. A Metal band that gravitates towards a never ending improvement approach, from album to album, instead of levitating, will continuously create music that will stand out. This is the Metal mindset and work ethic of Morphine Killer. What Eski has accomplished with his multi-instrumental and multi-tasking talents on Sickening is nothing short of stunning. Then again, after becoming so absorbed by this bands first two EP’s, I should have expected an album like Sickening to sound this strong and mature.

Eski recently summed it up best to me: “If you have something to prove, you’ll have an edge to your sound. Each new CD is the next chapter of Morphine Killer”. How true are those words from Eski. Sickening is without doubt, a brand new listen into dark lyrical themes which are carried aloft by edgy Metal vibes. This is what shakes loose any status quo cobwebs within my ears. The Metal of Morphine Killer is real, street and non-contained.

There are Metal bands that want to be cool and accepted, while forgetting about song writing, production and substance. Then there’s Morphine Killer, where the music ingredients and chemistry within the band mean something. Eski states: “The biggest benefit is that it’s just the two of us and we’re constantly evolving which breeds continuity”. We’re most proud of this album production wise, we feel we’ve come into our own vocally on this new album”.

The 2010 Morphine Killer single Throw It All Away has made it’s home on Sickening and it already made it’s mark on Metal Odyssey’s “Top Ten Songs of 2010” list, (posted on December 24, 2010). Belle Roka’s vocals on Throw It All Away, It’s Too Late, Crack The Whip and Sacreligious Celebration makes for a legitimate reminder to me, that she can sing like a Classic Rock diva. Morphine Killer’s wild card strength lies in their approach to Heavy Music diversity. Both Belle and Eski are not bashful in bestowing what Rock genres have influenced their creativity and talents. From Grindcore to Classic Rock, there are many Metal nuances to be heard on Sickening.

An Air Of Disrespect and Time To Destroy are blasting reminders that Morphine Killer will grind it out, shred and deliver their brand of Extreme Metal. This song is a formidable statement that Morphine Killer can get pissed off and put some potent rage into their Metal and vocals. The instrumental New Industry is a swirl of macabre sound, courtesy of some ominous keyboards that swirl about and engulf the atmosphere with chilling vibes. Eski remarked: We introduced keyboards on Sickening more often than in the past. It’s another layer of excitement, another wall of sound versus the guitar, bass and drums.”

When speaking to Eski on what the lyrical thought process was behind Sickening, Eski stated: “People want problems solved, but they want someone else to solve them. In our everyday lives, it really has become a real sickening display of how we say one thing and do another. We can’t write happy songs just because it’s what everyone wants to hear, we write how we feel. There is a real beauty about something being so strange, mysterious and scary, we just want to help show that”.

Morphine Killer has released a killer album with Sickening… certainly one of the best in Metal releases this year.

MORPHINE KILLER:

Belle Roka – vocals & keyboards

Eski – vocals, guitar, bass & drums

Track Listing For SICKENING:

Another Day In The Flames

Crack The Whip

Sacrilegious Celebration

An Air Of Disrespect

It’s Too Late

The Breeding Ground

Time To Destroy

Throw It All Away

New Industry

* Sickening album cover designed by: Bobby Rodriguez.

* For more info on MORPHINE KILLER, click the links below:

MORPHINE KILLER – Official Website

MORPHINE KILLER – facebook

MORPHINE KILLER – Myspace music

MORPHINE KILLER – STORE

IF THE FUTURE OF HEAVY MUSIC IS IN THE HANDS OF BANDS LIKE MORPHINE KILLER, THEN I CAN SLEEP WELL AT NIGHT. – Stone

LONG LIVE MORPHINE KILLER.

Stone.

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SEETHER – Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray: Releases May 17th, 2011!

Posted in alternative metal, alternative rock, Hard Rock, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on April 25, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

SEETHER –  Following their incredibly successful 2007 studio album Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces, Seether will be releasing Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray on May 17th, 2011, via Wind-up. With 12 new songs on this hotly anticipated Seether release, the deluxe edition includes 4 bonus tracks! Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray features Country Song and you can currently purchase this new Hard Rockin’ slice of Seether on iTunes!

Stone says, about Country Song:

Country Song re-establishes Seether as an Alternative Metal/Hard Rock band that leaps away from the Rock norm, while leading by example. The flirtatious Country Rock vibe gives way to the heaviness that is Seether. The combination of Shaun Morgan’s vocals and heavy guitar, with foot stompin’ and fist raising rhythms, inventively elevates Country Song into a stratosphere of Modern Hard Rock perfection. Great music happens, with great song writing.

SEETHER:

Shaun Morgan – lead vocals, guitar

Dale Stewart – bass, backing vocals

John Humphrey – drums

Troy McLawhorn – guitar

Track Listing – Holding Onto Strings Better Left To Fray:

For Cue

No Resolution

Here and Now

Country Song

Master of Disaster

Tonight

Pass Slowly

Fade Out

Roses

Down

Desire For Need

Forsaken

* The Deluxe Edition includes the following bonus tracks:

Dead Seeds 

Yeah

Nobody

Effigy

* For more info on SEETHER, just click the links below:

SEETHER – Official Website

SEETHER – Official facebook

SEETHER – myspace music

Wind-up

LONG LIVE SEETHER.

Stone.

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9 Chambers: In Studio and Recording “Goin’ The Other Way” – See The Video Here!

Posted in Guitar, Hard Rock, hard rock music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 24, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Left: Ed Mundell, Right: Greg Hampton

(All Photo Credits: Rockframe Media/Karen Murphy Mundell)

9 CHAMBERS – Led by multi-instrumentalist and producer Greg Hampton and ex-Monster Magnet guitarist Ed Mundell, the new Hard Rock supergroup of 9 Chambers is currently in the studio and recording for their forthcoming debut album.

The lineup for 9 Chambers with their storied backgrounds: Vocalist and guitarist Greg Hampton (Alice Cooper, The New Czars, Lita Ford, to name a few), guitarist Ed Mundell (ex-Monster Magnet), Jorgen Carlsson on bass (Gov’t Mule) and Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath, Heavn & Hell, DIO) on drums.

“Some guest drummers of recognition will be on board to finish off a few songs”, Greg Hampton has recently told me. Stay tuned for more updates, videos, song samples and news as it breaks from 9 Chambers… it will all be covered right here on Metal Odyssey! Check out Greg Hampton and Ed Mundell below, trading off and playing their guitar licks while recording “Goin’ The Other Way”:

Jorgen Carlsson – bass

Vinny Appice – drums

* Check out some very cool song samples from 9 Chambers by clicking this link: 9 Chambers – Audio Samples

* For more info on 9 Chambers, click on the links below:

9 Chambers – Official Website

9 CHAMBERS – Official facebook

9 Chambers – Reverbnation

* Related post (click below) on 9 Chambers, featured on Metal Odyssey:

9 Chambers – Hard Rock Supergroup Of: Greg Hampton, Ed Mundell, Jorgen Carlsson and Vinny Appice!

LONG LIVE 9 CHAMBERS.

Stone.

2 Comments »

Ted Nugent – “Tied Up In Love” From 1984 Revisited!

Posted in classic rock, Guitar, guitar legends, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on April 23, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

TED NUGENT – Back in 1984, the 8th studio album from guitar and Rock legend Ted Nugent was released on Atlantic Records. This album was Penetrator and it ROCKS, regardless of what any snotty, red carpet, plastic faced, poser ridden, “professional” and overpaid Rock critics may have written about it over the decades. Ted Nugent had the vocal talent of Brian Howe on Penetrator. I’ve always enjoyed the vocals of Brian Howe, his solo material and (career) albums with Bad Company is always an excellent listen for me.

I bought Penetrator on vinyl back in ’84 at a department store called Bradlees. I no longer have that slab of vinyl… it’s a shame. One of my favorite songs from Penetrator is Tied Up In Love. This Ted Nugent album saw the inclusion of keyboards. Tied Up In Love gets a tempo boost from the keyboards. The elevation of sound these keys give this song never fails to psyche-me-out. Ted Nugent also adds many kickin’ guitar licks to Tied Up In Love. A true hard and heavy song classic from an album that I’ve never forgotten about. Metal be thy name.

Getting back to the keyboards, which are so prevalent in this melodically accessible Ted Nugent piece of history, is my maybe being a tad bias about keyboards in the first place. I’ve always revered the Classic Rock backbone sound of the B3 organ, only that takes us off topic by a few strands of corn hair. My love affair for the keyboards in Hard Rock and Heavy Metal is rather unshakable. The too numerous to count European Power Metal bands that I scream for in Metal glee, is true Metal measurement, to my everlasting infatuation towards the mighty sound that the keyboards bring to the Rock ‘N’ Roll party.

Here’s hoping you dig Ted Nugent’s Tied Up In Love as much as I do!

Track Listing For Penetrator:

Tied Up In Love

(Where Do You) Draw The Line

Knockin’ At Your Door

Don’t You Want My Love

Go Down Fighting

Thunder Thighs

No Man’s Land

Blame It On The Night

Lean Mean R&R Machine

Take Me Home

* For more info on TED NUGENT, just click on the link below:

TED NUGENT

TED NUGENT SHOULD BE INDUCTED INTO THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME. DAMMIT.

LONG LIVE TED NUGENT.

Stone.

15 Comments »

EGYPT CENTRAL – White Rabbit: Releases May 17th, 2011! Exclusive Live Concert Photos From 2011 Tour!

Posted in concerts, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, metalcore, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 22, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

EGYPT CENTRAL  – Memphis Tennessee’s Alternative Metal/Hard Rock foursome of Egypt Central will be releasing their ultra-anticipated sophomore album, White Rabbit, on May 17th, 2011, via Fat Lady Music. As a follow-up to their successful self-titled debut album, White Rabbit has 12 new songs for fans to get revved up for!

EGYPT CENTRAL:

John Falls – vocals

Joey Chicago – bass

Blake Allison – drums

Jeff James – guitars

Back on March 19, 2011, I had the opportunity to check out Egypt Central perform live at The Crocodile Rock Cafe in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Egypt Central opened for Modern/Alt Rock legends COLD on the: A Tour Of The American Dream, with Oceans Divide and Kopek also lending support . Local favorites and rising Hard Rockers Maddam Ink. capped off the evening of Heavy Music.

With the talented eye and lens of Metal Odyssey’s staff photographer Tom Coderre, these very cool photos (below) were taken at that show. Egypt Central kicked some major Rockin’ ass that night. ‘Nuff said. This is a band that took ownership of the stage and had their fans psyched-out beyond belief.

(Left: John Falls on vocals, Right: Jeff James on guitar)

(Joey Chicago – bass)

(John Falls – vocals)

(Jeff James – guitar)

(Blake Allison – drums)

Track Listing For White Rabbit:

Ghost Town

White Rabbit

Goodnight

Kick Ass

Change

The Drug (Part 1)

Down In Flames

Enemy Inside (Part 2)

Blame

Dying To Leave

Surrender

Backfire

* All live photo credits: Tom Coderre

* White Rabbit was produced & mixed by Skidd Mills for Skiddco Music LLC

* For more info on EGYPT CENTRAL, click on the link below:

EGYPT CENTRAL – official myspace

EGYPT CENTRAL – Official Website

FAT LADY MUSIC

LONG LIVE EGYPT CENTRAL.

Stone.

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OCEANS DIVIDE – Concert Overview: The Crocodile Rock Cafe, Allentown, Pennsylvania, March 19th, 2011

Posted in alternative rock, concerts, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, modern rock, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on April 20, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

(All Photo Credits: Tom Coderre)

OCEANS DIVIDE – I went to the Crocodile Rock Cafe in Allentown, Pennsylvania, back on March 19th, 2011, to catch A Tour Of The American Dream. This tour is headlined by Modern/Alt Rock/Hard Rock legends COLD. Oceans Divide, Egypt Central and Ireland’s very own Rockin’ juggernaut known as KOPEK, each took the stage that night in support of COLD. Pennsylvania’s local favorite and steadily rising Maddam Ink. capped off the evening of Hard Rock noize.

And what a night of Hard Rock it was. I remember turning to Tom Coderre (Metal Odyssey’s staff photographer) and saying: “this is like a mini-indoor Hard Rock festival tonight”. Tom agreed and was stoked to get his camera into Rockin’ gear. The mood among the huge crowd of Hard Rock lovin’ fans was laid back and friendly. Once the Hard Rock was played on stage though, the mood of the fans quickly shifted into psyche-out mode. Oh, there is nothing more exhilarating than standing among a crowded club of fellow Heavy Music fans, all with one common goal to… GET ROCKED OUT!

Chris McCoy – vocals

Chris McCoy – The vocalist for Oceans Divide bestowed complete confidence onstage, with a touch of swagger in his step. Chris also has the vocals to back it up. Harmonious and still hard edged, Chris’s vocals gives an identity to the band he founded and leads.

Oceans Divide can take some hefty credit for psyching out their fans in attendance. Their hook laden and melodic style of sound, coupled with the high energy level they exhibited, convinced me Oceans Divide has something very cool and now going on. My Metal perception told me Oceans Divide looked and played comfortable on stage, exhibiting signs of a band that plays tight and gets along. I’ll say this much: I went to the Crocodile Rock that night familiar with a few songs from Oceans Divide… and left as a jubilant believer of this band.

Anyone unfamiliar with Oceans Divide should get acquainted with their self-titled debut album, which has the subtitle: the ep. Oceans Divide plays Rock and Hard Rock, fused with some Modern style relevance, at a level of quality I’m used to hearing from bands such as Creed, Alter Bridge and CAVO, to name a few. Yes, these guys from Spokane, Washington are new… and they’re really good. Melodically driven songs carried out through stellar musicianship and head turning vocals, are what makes Oceans Divide a band worth listening to and watching play live.

Silas McQuain – On drums, Silas was letting his beats be known and felt, as he kept the live rhythmic pace of Oceans Divide moving and the fans grooving.

Left: Dan Goodman on bass with Chris McCoy. Dan’s twin brother John plays lead guitar for Oceans Divide, (not shown).

Morgan Mallory on rhythm guitar

I had an opportunity to chat with rhythm guitarist Morgan Mallory after their set. Filling in for Eric Varnell on this tour only, Morgan (more than) appeared to fit right in with Oceans Divide, both onstage and off. Morgan proved to be a friendly, outgoing and very likable guy. Morgan is also the frontman for LUCID, a Rock/Metal band from the state of Washington. You can find out more about Morgan Mallory by clicking here: Morgan Mallory.com

(Left: Stone “that’s me”, Right: Chris McCoy/vocalist)

Chris McCoy, as with every member of Oceans Divide, is a class act. Chris stopped to chat with fans all night long. Signing autographs and posing for pictures for his fans seemed like a call of duty for the Oceans Divide frontman. As COLD later took the stage, Chris motioned to Cold’s frontman Scooter Ward and said to me: “It’s because of Scooter Ward and Cold that I’m doing what I do today. I was listening to Cold when I was fourteen years old. He and that band paved the way for bands like ours, he is an inspiration to me”.

OCEANS DIVIDE – ep (Released February 2011) This 7 song ep was released via UEG (Union Entertainment Group, Inc.) * This OCEANS DIVIDE ep comes with: The Metal Odyssey Hard Rockin’ stamp of approval.

This is the “lit-up” signage above the merch table for Oceans Divide.

Here is a cool cymbal that was for sale at the Oceans Divide merch table. Notice it is autographed by the band too! I didn’t buy it, um, I had already spent my limit on CD’s and beer. Metal be thy name.

* For more info on OCEANS DIVIDE, just click the link below:

OCEANS DIVIDE – Official Website

LONG LIVE OCEANS DIVIDE.

Stone.

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FAITHSEDGE – AOL Music Is Streaming Entire Debut Album Now! April 18th, 2011

Posted in arena rock, classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on April 18, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

FAITHSEDGE – The debut and self-titled album of Melodic Hard Rock and Heavy Metal from FAITHSEDGE will be released tomorrow, April 19th, 2011, on Scarlet Records. Originating from Huntington Beach, California, FAITHSEDGE is a band of Rock Music industry pros… and they’re worth every millisecond of your time to check out!  You can listen to the entire album streaming, right now, at AOL Music! Just click this link: AOL MUSIC – FAITHSEDGE

FAITHSEDGE:

Giancarlo Floridia – vocals & guitar

Fabrizio Grossi – bass

Alex De Rosso – lead guitar

Tony Morra – drums

* To read the complete album review I wrote for FAITHSEDGE, just click on the big link below:

FAITHSEDGE – Debut Album Is One Of The Year’s Best In Both Hard Rock and Heavy Metal

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

FAITHSEDGE – facebook

FAITHSEDGE – Official Website


LONG LIVE FAITHSEDGE.

Stone.

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AEROSMITH – Revisiting Their Greatest Hits Album From 1980

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 16, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

AEROSMITH – If I had a buffalo nickel for every good-time moment I had, while this 1980 Greatest Hits album from Aerosmith played, I’d be a wealthy Metal lovin’ dude. Then again, the wealth of good-time memories that I’ve accumulated from listening to Aerosmith’s Greatest Hits can’t be taken away from me… like money can. Sometime in the early 80’s I bought this album due to my not owning every Aerosmith album at the time, it just made good sense to have their hits all in one shot.

If my Metal memory serves me correct, just about every keg party and date I experienced through high school had this Aerosmith album playing in the background. Granted, it was not the only cool Rock ‘N’ Roll being played, yet it was played. In all Metal honesty, I had my cassette copy of Aerosmith’s Greatest Hits in my car, straight through my college years. Whenever I listen to this album today, I can vividly picture cruising in my 1985, dark blue, Cutlass Supreme… and driving in my 1984 Dodge Charger 2.2… looking for a party and chicks. Not hot rods were my cars back then, only they got the Metal job done. Ah, Metal youth and easy daze. Um, I mean easy days.

This Aerosmith album was released back when a “greatest hits” was truly just that. These were days when bands actually had ten or more solid hits to compile for their fans both old and new. All ten of these Aerosmith songs were FM radio hits and not supposed hits, b-sides or rarities, like many of today’s greatest hits albums boast. The ten songs on this album are undisputed classics, crossing through the Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal genres. Steven Tyler’s vocals and Joe Perry’s guitar are as identifiable as Mick Jagger and Keith Richards or Steve Perry and Neal Schon. Icons all.

Little did I know back in 1980, that the legendary guitar duo of Joe Perry and Brad Whitford would not be on the following 1982 Aerosmith studio album (and seventh overall) Rock In A Hard Place. Brad Whitford did play guitar on Lightning Strikes, which is my favorite song on Rock In A Hard Place. I do remember the “buzz” being written regarding the departure of Joe Perry and Brad Whitford back then, in Hard Rock magazines such as Creem and Hit Parader. As soon as 1985 came around, Aerosmith released Done With Mirrors with Joe Perry and Brad Whitford back in the saddle again, (no pun intended).

Regardless of the time edited versions of Same Old Song and Dance, Sweet Emotion, Kings and Queens and Walk This Way, I never balked at this greatest hits. Heck, back in those days I didn’t know the damn difference anyways! As decades have passed since this album’s release date, there have been at least ten more greatest hits compilations from Aerosmith, with a 2004 revised version of this 1980 classic as well.

With more than ten million copies sold, this 1980 Greatest Hits has been certified Diamond by the RIAA. Any greatest hits album that becomes certified Diamond must be a tried and true collection of exemplary songs, which stand the test of time. At the end of my Metal day, the one real Aerosmith Greatest Hits is this memories filled and certified Diamond from 1980.

* Aerosmith’s Greatest Hits was released on Columbia Records.

Track Listing For Aerosmith’s Greatest Hits:

Dream On

Same Old Song and Dance

Sweet Emotion

Walk This Way

Last Child

Back In The Saddle

Draw The Line

Kings and Queens

Come Together

Remember (Walking In The Sand)

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

AEROSMITH – Official Website

LONG LIVE AEROSMITH.

Stone.

5 Comments »

FAITHSEDGE – Debut Album Is One Of The Year’s Best In Both Hard Rock and Heavy Metal

Posted in album oriented rock, arena rock, classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, progressive metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 15, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

FAITHSEDGE – I’m a believer in the old adage “what’s old is new again”. In other words, Old School Hard Rock and Heavy Metal will never fall out of relevance in my Metal world. Step in please, from Southern California… Faithsedge. This band of Rock industry veterans have created a debut and self-titled album of Hard Rock meets Heavy Metal songs that are anointed with the double M. What’s the double M you query? Melodic and Memorable. Simply stated, this debut album from Faithsedge is one of the best albums thus far, that I’ve listened to in 2011. Releasing on April 19th, 2011, on Scarlet Records, this album has more melodic momentum in it’s heavy that it’s dizzying. Faithsedge will (not should) make some serious noise in the Heavy Rock world.

If a band today wants to make an impression from the very onset, it’s quality that will win over fickle Hard Rock and Metal fans. It all starts with songwriting and the songs I hear on this album are a reminder that Rock is supposed to Roll. This is an album that I’ve been listening to for a few weeks now and it only sounds better each time I push play. Before you read on any further, take out your blackberry or a post-it-note and remind yourself to buy this new Faithsedge debut album. It’s that much of a guarantee of Rockin’ satisfaction… Metal be thy name.

Giancarlo Floridia on vocals sounds every bit the seasoned pro, with many moments of Joe Lynn Turner like resonance. Hitting the high notes and exhibiting some of the best vocal harmony this side of Jon Bon Jovi, Giancarlo is top tier. Not to be mistaken, Giancarlo is as original as they come, only he’s so good I have to compare him to the finest out there. Alex De Rosso lays down more delectable chops on guitar than I can count. The leads, solos and riffs that Alex plays are abundant, making this album easily tagged as guitar driven.

Initially, I listened to the five songs that were streaming on the Faithsedge website and was extremely impressed by all of them. Then, once I listened to all eleven songs it dawned on me… this is as good as it gets when it comes to a complete album of quality songs. No, there is not even a hint of a bugger on this Faithsedge album. AOR and Classic Rock has it’s roots buried within the sound that Faithsedge has captured here, while never compromising on relevant Hard Rock and arena style Heavy Metal. If there ever was an album tailor-made for a Summertime psyche-you-out experience, then this is it and let the good times roll!

With up-tempo as a constant on this album, a song such as That’s What Happened To Us comes across to my ears as: ready for radio airplay now. Faithsedge is not lacking in the accessibility department when it comes to their songs. You will be searching in a vain effort to find any cheese-its illuminating from this album. The heavy thumper of World Keeps Falling Down appeals from both it’s speed and Power Metal flair, while visions of Faithsedge playing this song in an arena or festival one day doesn’t seem that inappropriate in my Metal mind.

I spoke to Giancarlo Floridia recently, to characterize him as a musician who is grounded while being ever enthusiastic about the future of Faithsedge is appropriate. “I’m really fortunate, going from being homeless at one point to where I am now”. Giancarlo continued: “I’m fortunate and I appreciate everything that is happening, I’m a singer that realizes I can lose everything”. “Things happen in our lives and we have to get through them. Even the dark stuff needs to be addressed, I write, sing and play these songs because I want to help people get through tough times”.

I can’t help liking a musician such as Giancarlo, especially when he added: “The lyrics represent what was going on in my life on a day to day basis. These songs are about my story, my comeback in life. Hopefully, people can relate to it. I don’t party or do drugs. Paul Stanley and Joe Lynn Turner are two big heros of mine and I want to be where they are in another twenty years”.

“To take in the overall sound of the album, you have to listen to the whole thing through”, is how Giancarlo characterizes the many Rock genre tags that have been used to describe Faithsedge. “There was so much special stuff happening while making this record, from Tony’s drumming to Alex just doing it with his solo’s! I don’t know how they did it, they just did it!”

The songwriters for Faithsedge are Giancarlo and Fabrizio Grossi. “Fab” as Giancarlo calls him, is a world renowned bass player and record producer. Giancarlo affectionately refers to “Fab” as “The Godfather” when talking about his experience working with and listening to his advice. The appreciation and respect that Giancarlo has for “Fab” pours out of him with admirable sincerity.

Fans of 1980’s Hard Rock, Arena Rock and Heavy Metal should feel quite content as they listen to Faithsedge. Any fan of Rock who wants a complete album of songs, with no fatty acids thrown in, should be all over this Faithsedge debut. This band has all the melodically Hard and Heavy credentials to share the stage and open for the likes of Whitesnake, Bon Jovi, KISS, Edguy or Journey. It makes perfect Metal sense to me. Faithsedge proves with their debut album of immensely contagious songs that they are for real and they belong. I’m on board for this melodic Rockin’ ride with Faithsedge… I hope countless others will join me.

Metal Odyssey gives FAITHSEDGE 5 out of 5 Metal Fists!

FAITHSEDGE:

Giancarlo Floridia – vocals & guitar

Fabrizio Grossi – bass

Alex De Rosso – lead guitar

Tony Morra – drums

Track Listing For FAITHSEDGE:

Another Chance

There’s Still Hope

Let It End This Way

World Keeps Falling Down

Even If

Hold On

Take You Away

Somewhere In Your Heart

That’s What Happened To Us

Faith-Anne

When It Rains

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

FAITHSEDGE – Official Website

FAITHSEDGE – facebook

SCARLET RECORDS

LONG LIVE FAITHSEDGE.

Stone.

3 Comments »

Ed Kowalczyk – 2011 Tour Dates Listed!

Posted in alternative rock, Hard Rock, metal odyssey, modern rock, Music, rock music, rock music news, rock tours with tags , , , , , , , , on April 14, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

ED KOWALCZYK – Former lead vocalist and guitarist for Alternative Rock/Hard Rock band LIVE, Ed Kowalczyk, has released his first and critically acclaimed solo album ALIVE, on Soul Whisper Records, back in the Summer of 2010. Tour dates are posted below for Ed Kowalczyk, which begins on May 6th, 2011 in Irvington, New York.

Ed’s vocals have never sounded better, as one listen through of ALIVE will attest. An album of eleven songs that touch on the human spirit, faith and moving forward, ALIVE is a quality listen into the Rock that makes Ed Kowalczyk stand tall once again.

ED KOWALCZYK – 2011 TOUR DATES:

05/06/11 – Irvington, NY @ Irvington Town Hall Theater

05/20/11 – Atlantic City, NJ @ Backstage Party Pit at Showboat Casino (Free Show)

05/27/11 – Biloxi, MS @ Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Biloxi

05/28/11 – Noblesville, IN @ WRZX May Day

06/30/11 – São Paulo, Brazil @ HSBC Brazil

07/01/11 – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil @ Vivo Rio

07/03/11 – Porto Alegre, Brazil @ Pepsi On Stage

08/06/11 – Gilford, NH @ Soul Fest

08/14/11 – Bethlehem, PA @ Musikfest

08/20/11 – Bodo, Norway @ Parkenfestival

(Source: Ed Kowalczyk.com)

* For more info on Ed Kowalczyk, click the link below:

ED KOWALCZYK.COM

LONG LIVE ED KOWALCZYK.

Stone.

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Revolver Magazine’s Hell Hath No Fury Tour 2011- Dates and Venues Listed!

Posted in concerts, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal tours, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock festivals, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 12, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Revolver Presents Hell Hath No Fury Tour 2011 – Beginning on April 22, 2011, at the Galaxy Theatre in Santa Ana, California, the Hell Hath No Fury Tour begins! This Revolver Magazine sponsored tour spotlights their chosen “Hottest Chicks In Hard Rock” with: In This Moment (Maria Brink), System Divide (Miri Milman), Straight Line Stitch (Alexis Brown) and Sister Sin (Liv Jagrell). Each band has their own unique, talented and beautiful front woman to lead the Hard Rock and Metal charge on this Hell Hath No Fury Tour! Check the dates and venues below to see if this Hell Hath No Fury Tour is coming near you!

Revolver Presents: Hell Hath No Fury Tour 2011

04/22/11 – Galaxy Theatre – Santa Ana, CA

04/23/11 – Jerry’s – Bakersfield, CA

04/24/11 – Ace Of Spades – Sacramento, CA

04/25/11 – The Alley – Sparks, NV

04/27/11 – Knitting Factory – Boise, ID

04/28/11 – Studio Seven – Seattle, WA

04/29/11 – Bossanova Ballroom – Portland, OR

04/30/11 – The A Club – Spokane, WA

05/01/11 – The Railyard – Billings, MT

05/03/11 – The House Of Bricks – Des Moines, IA

05/05/11 – The Annex – Madison, WI

05/06/11 – The Intersection – Grand Rapids, MI

05/07/11 – Penny Rd Pub – Barrington, IL

05/08/11 – Boney Jones – Evansville, IN

05/09/11 – Downtown Music – Little Rock, AR

05/10/11 – The Bottleneck – Lawrence, KS

05/11/11 – The Marquee – Tulsa, OK

05/13/11 – Launchpad – Albuquerque, NM

05/15/11 – The Orpheum – Flagstaff, AZ

(Source for tour dates: Metal Blade News Update 4/12/11)

* For more info on the bands and tour, click the links below:

REVOLVER MAGAZINE

eOne Music – facebook

VICTORY METAL.COM

METAL BLADE RECORDS

Century Media Records

IN THIS MOMENT – myspace music

Straight Line Stitch – myspace music

SYSTEM DIVIDE – myspace music

SISTER SIN – Official Website

LONG LIVE THE HOTTEST CHICKS IN HARD ROCK and METAL.

Stone.

4 Comments »

David Gilmour – Revisiting His Solo Debut Album From 1978

Posted in classic rock, classic rock music, Hard Rock, metal odyssey, Music, progressive rock, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on April 10, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

DAVID GILMOUR – I just can’t go any longer without writing about the David Gilmour debut and self-titled solo album, (which was released back in May of 1978 on Columbia Records). I get drawn into the bluesy and progressive feel, tones and vibes that David Gilmour plays with his guitar, always have and will. The album opener Mihalis, is an instrumental that not only serves me right while taking a long cruise in the car, it serves me right while I’m kicked back on my recliner… while I’m brain surfing with eclectic thoughts. The same can be said for this entire album, which was produced by David Gilmour.

Without any question, it is my personal belief that this debut album from David Gilmour was the crème de la crème genius coming from this Rock legend, while not making Rock historical music with Pink Floyd. This album proved David Gilmour could step outside the world famous shadow of Pink Floyd and create a Rock legacy as an individual. An album so captivating in it’s mellow simplicity, all the while these nine songs are very far removed from being construed as simple. As with his iconic tenure with Pink Floyd, David Gilmour enriches the song through his tempered vocals and astute guitar playing on his solo debut, consequently both accentuates unrivaled and enormous clarity.

The backing chorus on So Far Away cries out Pink Floyd character, while the piano gives a richness to the overall sound and everlasting appeal that comes across to my ears. As I listen to this album, especially the song Short And Sweet, I realize that this Rock music that David Gilmour wrote and/or played is a progression of Psychedelic Rock. David Gilmour, along with Pink Floyd, seemed to capture a sound that was both Psychedelic and Progressive combined, fusing the two into a whole new genre of sound. Was Pink Floyd the first band to accomplish this? Realistically no, once you factor The Moody Blues into the Rock music history discussion.

It’s extremely difficult to write about this David Gilmour album without mentioning Pink Floyd, frankly it’s impossible. Just the vocal presence alone of David Gilmour should remind Rock enthusiasts of Pink Floyd. When you hear David’s guitar chops on Raise My Rent, how can one not hear or think of Pink Floyd? Nevertheless, this is not a Pink Floyd album, it is David Gilmour at his most prolific and inspiring. I may not listen to this album every day, still, I do listen to this album at least once a week… a couple of times. Sometimes I will only listen to certain songs, with the instrumentals Mihalis and Raise My Rent along with There’s No Way Out Of Here being my top three favorites.

I’ve stopped long ago, trying to figure out the magic behind the vocals and guitar of David Gilmour. I turn to this album when I need to find some sort of clarity in my thoughts, even if it makes my thoughts stray into that eclectic stratosphere. Without trying to over think what I hear, all I can do is just listen and absorb the Rock music that David created. The sounds that escape from this David Gilmour solo album are calming and cool for my senses, making me step back momentarily, having me realize that what I’m hearing can dictate a change in my mood… in ways I’ll never take for granted.

Track Listing For David Gilmour:

Mihalis

There’s No Way Out Of Here

Cry From The Street

So Far Away

Short And Sweet

Raise My Rent

No Way

Deafinitely

I Can’t Breath Anymore

Musicians:

David Gilmour – guitars, keyboards, vocals

Rick Wills – bass & vocals

Willie Wilson – drums & percussion

* Mick Weaver & David Gilmour – piano on So Far Away

* Backing vocals on So Far Away and There’s No Way Out Of Here: Carlena Williams, Debbie Doss and Shirley Roden

* For more info on David Gilmour, click the link below:

DAVID GILMOUR – Official Website

LONG LIVE DAVID GILMOUR.

Stone.

2 Comments »

VOLBEAT UPDATE: Win a Limited Edition Autographed Poster! U.S. Tour Dates Listed and 16 Dollars Video!

Posted in concerts, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news, rockabilly with tags , , , , , , , , , , on April 9, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Volbeat is in the middle of their first U.S. headlining tour, which is receiving rave reviews. In addition to giving away tickets to some of the U.S. shows via their Facebook, fans can now access the Volbeat Poster tab and enter to in an autographed limited edition tour poster!

Volbeat also has a new music video for 16 Dollars! Watch it here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tR_-PAWM9es&feature=channel_video_title

Volbeat’s video for “16 Dollars” is 1959 aesthetics wrapped up in smoke, fire and twisted love. The piece follows the adventures of the skullrider with beautiful images of metalbilly madness, created by Plastickid and featuring Jakob Øelund of Taggy Tones.

Part computer graphics, part blue  screen and part real life, the video for 16 dollars stays true to Volbeat’s fashion – undeniable rock n’ roll action.

Volbeat’s latest album, Beyond Hell/ Above Heaven debuted at #1 across Europe, reached #1 on CMJ’s Loud Rock chart, debuted in the top 10 on the iTunes Rock chart and was #5 on Revolver Magazine’s best albums of 2010 list.

Volbeat will also be performing at Revolver’s Golden God Awards, where they are nominated for Album of the Year.

Check out Volbeat on:

VOLBEAT – Official Website

Facebook

Twitter

Beyond Hell / Above Heaven is available on iTunes | Amazon

CURRENT U.S. TOUR DATES:

4/09 – Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues

4/10 – San Diego, CA @ House of Blues

4/13 – Dallas, TX @ House of Blues

4/14 – Houston, TX @ Scout Bar

4/16 – Atlanta, GA @ Center Stage Theatre

4/17 – Lake Buena Vista, FL @ House of Blues Orlando

4/22 – Baltimore, MD @ Sonar

4/23 – Clifton Park, NY @ Northern Lights

4/25 – Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club

4/27 – NY, NY @ Irving Plaza

(Source: Universal Motown Republic Group)

LONG LIVE VOLBEAT.

Stone.

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