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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.

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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.

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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.

1 Comment »

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

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on April 8, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

(left: Ed Mundell, right: Greg Hampton)

(Photo credit: Karen Murphy Mundell)

9 CHAMBERS – Anytime I have a conversation with multi-instrumentalist and producer Greg Hampton, he will light up like the Time Square ball on New Years Eve when Classic Rock and Hard Rock is talked about. Greg has assembled a new band, a “supergroup” if you will, that has more reverence and experience in their Rock and Roll veins for that Classic Hard Rock sound than you can shake a Metal stick at. 9 Chambers makeup has four star musicians who know a thing or two about playing Classic Hard Rock, not to mention Heavy Metal as well. With 9 Chambers, it’s a Hard Rock venture that I’m eagerly anticipating.

Check out the lineup for 9 Chambers: Vocalist and guitarist Greg Hampton (Alice Cooper, The New Czars, Lita Ford), guitarist Ed Mundell (ex-Monster Magnet), Jorgen Carlsson on bass (Gov’t Mule) and Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath, Heavn & Hell, DIO) on drums. Whoa. Greg Hampton was not kidding around when he told me he was putting together a new band that would psyche out the Hard Rock community! It doesn’t get any more legit than this lineup… Metal be thy name. You can listen to 4 song samples from 9 Chambers by clicking here: 9 Chambers – Audio Samples

Greg Hampton is aiming for an August 2011 release date for the upcoming debut album from 9 Chambers, while negotiating a record deal with management. Greg states they have close to twenty songs written, so there are obviously many cool choices to be made for their debut album. Greg is enthused that he and Ed share common ground on what “old school” Rock music they both listen to, with Free, Armageddon and Captain Beyond, to name a few. The 1983 Black Sabbath release of Born Again has been getting worn out from playing in Greg’s car as of late too, further noting where his heavy music interest lies.

“Some guest drummers of recognition will be on board to finish off a few songs”, Greg added. On what to expect from the Hard Rock sound of 9 Chambers, Greg stated: “We wanted to stick to our original vision as to how the Hard Rock of 9 Chambers should sound, throw in a Soundgarden variable in the equation with both a 90’s and Crooked Vulture vibe to it. There’s a little Stoner vibe happening as well. This album is a lot less progressive than what I’ve done in the past. There are no synths or drum loops. It’s a purist approach of four guys playing Hard Rock”.

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

9 Chambers – Reverbnation

9 Chambers – Official Website

9 CHAMBERS – Official facebook

LONG LIVE 9 CHAMBERS.

Stone.

5 Comments »

SCREAM 4 – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Releases April 12, 2011, Featuring: The Sounds

Posted in alternative rock, Hard Rock, indie rock, metal odyssey, movie soundtracks, movies, Music, new wave, rock music, rock music news, soundtracks with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 8, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

SCREAM 4 – For all of you Horror Soundtrack fans out there, Scream 4 is releasing on April 12th, 2011, via Lakeshore Records. Scream 4 features two songs from Sweden’s Indie Rock/New Wave sensation: The Sounds. The synth/New Wave classic Axel F, which is covered by composer Raney Shockne, is also featured.

Track Listing For SCREAM 4 – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack:

Something To Die For – The Sounds

Bad Karma – Ida Maria

Cup Of Coffee – The Novocaines

Make My Body – The Chain Gang Of 1974

Don’t Mess With The Original – Marco Beltrami

Yeah Yeah Yeah – The Sounds

Run For Your Life – 6 Day Riot

Axel F – Raney Shockne

On Fire – Locksley

Devils – Say Hi

Denial – Stereo Black

Jill’s America – Marco Beltrami

* Traditionalists of film/Horror film scores take a Metal note: Scream 4 (Score/Soundtrack) with music by Marco Beltrami is releasing on April 19th, 2011, via Varese Sarabande.

* The Sounds two songs heard on Scream 4 are: Something To Die For and Yeah Yeah Yeah. Both songs are also available on their new studio album: Something To Die For. The fourth studio album from The Sounds, it was released on March 29th, 2011 on SideOneDummy Records.

* For more info on The Sounds, click here: The Sounds – Official Website

LONG LIVE HORROR MOVIE SOUNDTRACKS.

LONG LIVE THE SOUNDS.

Stone.

10 Comments »

FAIR TO MIDLAND – Announce New Details On Upcoming Album “Arrows and Anchors” and New Song Streaming Now!

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

(New York, NY) — FAIR TO MIDLAND will release their brand new full length entitled “Arrows and Anchors” on June 14th, 2011. This is the band’s follow-up to the highly acclaimed record “Fables from a Mayfly: What I Tell You Three Times Is True” released in 2007. The first single off the new record, “Musical Chairs” is streaming today exclusively at Artistdirect.com.

Hear “Musical Chairs” by clicking the link below:

http://bit.ly/eYGDng

“We are a band that makes albums and this is the best one that we’ve ever made. It might be the heaviest non-Metal album you will hear this year,” says front man Darroh Sudderth.

The band recently signed a worldwide deal with eOne Music. This time they enlisted producer Joe Barresi (TOOL, QUEENS OF THE STONEAGE, COHEED AND CAMBRIA). Not wanting to sit still, the band recently embarked on a month long headline tour with friends in PERIPHERY and SCALE THE SUMMIT. The tour has spanned coast to coast with roughly ten shows remaining. Remaining dates can be seen below. With a new record on the horizon, fans can expect summer tour dates announced soon.

4/6/11 – New York, NY – Santos Party House

4/7/11 – West Springfield, PA – Jaxx

4/8/11 – Knoxville, TN – The Cider House

4/9/11 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel

4/10/11 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade

4/12/11 – New Orleans, LA – The Parish at HOB

4/13/11 – Little Rock, AR – Juanita’s

4/14/11 – Tulsa, OK – The Marquee

4/15/11 – Oklahoma City, OK – Conservatory

4/17/11 – Austin, TX – Emo’s Inside

4/18/11 – Houston, TX – Warehouse Live

4/21/11 – Dallas, TX – Trees

Founded in 1998 in the quiet farm town of Sulphur Springs, Texas, FAIR TO MIDLAND quickly became one of the Lone Star State’s fastest rising bands, earning critical acclaim for their first two independent releases, 2001’s “The Carbon Copy Silver Lining” and the 2004 “inter.funda.stifle”.

Since the release of “Fables From a Mayfly,” they have shared the stage with bands such as the Smashing Pumpkins, Flyleaf, Chevelle, Dir en Grey, Alice In Chains, and Serj Tankian throughout the U.S. & Europe. The band has made appearances at festivals such as Coachella, Bamboozle, Download Festival, Rock AM Ring and Rock IM Park.

FAIR TO MIDLAND is Darroh Sudderth (vocals), Cliff Campbell (guitar), Brett Stowers (drums), Matt Langley (keyboards) and Jon Dicken (Bass).

(Source: eOne Music)

* For more info on FAIR TO MIDLAND, please visit:

http://www.ftmband.com/

http://www.myspace.com/fairtomidland

http://www.facebook.com/ftmband

LONG LIVE FAIR TO MIDLAND.

Stone.

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DERAILED – 2011 Live Show Updates On A Fast Rising Canadian Metal Band!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock concerts, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on April 2, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

DERAILED – Here a couple of “live” shows of note that DERAILED fans and Metal fans should know about:

* On Thursday, March 31st, 2011, DERAILED performed a 30 minute set at the Kings Head Pub in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Over $12,000 was raised! All proceeds from this event will go to the Red Cross in support of the recent Japan earthquake disaster. Metal Odyssey gives DERAILED a big horns up for their charitable Metal efforts!!

* DERAILED have made the finals for “Best Original Calgary Band” and will perform a crushing set this Wednesday, April 6th, 2011, at The Viper Room in Calgary, Alberta, Canada! Starting time is 9:00 p.m.! The Viper Room is located at 302-3rd Ave. SW, right next door to the French Maid. Come on down and support original music as this will be a great night! (See The Viper Room link at the bottom of post).

Metal Odyssey wishes DERAILED all the Metal best in winning the “Best Original Calgary Band” title… this is one terrific Metal band that deserves it!!

NEW DERAILED ALBUM UPDATE:

* “Underground”, the new and highly anticipated concept album from DERAILED is well underway. This album will focus on another world “Underground” where one ordinary man becomes the “chosen one” to save a dying race.

* ATTENTION RECORD LABELS THAT KNOW METAL:

DERAILED SHOULD BE SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED. TAKE IT FROM STONE… DERAILED CAN PLAY.

(Judgement Day – debut album – 2010)

* To read my interview with Dean Boland of DERAILED, just click link below:

DERAILED

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

DERAILED – Official Website

DERAILED – myspace music

* For more info on The Viper Room, in Calgary, click link below:

THE VIPER ROOM

* To find out how you can donate/help the victims of Japan’s earthquake & disasters, please click on the link below:

http://www.google.com/intl/en/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html

LONG LIVE DERAILED.

Stone.

1 Comment »

HEAVY MTL 2011 In Montreal, Quebec, Canada: Heavy Metal Festival! Bands Listed and Ticket Info!

Posted in classic rock, concerts, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock festivals, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on April 2, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

HEAVY MTL 2011 – Here are the bands that will be performing at the HEAVY MTL 2011 (Festival) in Montreal, Quebec, Canada at Parc Jean-Drapeau this July 23rd and 24th! Metal be thy name, this looks to be two days of Heavy Metal bliss! For more event and ticket info, see the links at bottom of post.

HEAVY MTL 2011 DATES and BANDS:

SATURDAY, JULY 23RD, 2011:

Disturbed

Godsmack

Billy Talent

In Flames

Trivium

Unearth

Kingdom Of Sorrow

Red Fang

Machine Head

Suicide Silence

All Shall Perish

Straight Line Stitch

SUNDAY, JULY 24TH, 2011:

KISS

Motörhead

Opeth

Anthrax

Children Of Bodom

As I Lay Dying

The Sword

Times Of Grace

DevilDriver

* For ticket info click here: HEAVY MTL 2011 – BAND PRESALE

* For event info click here: HEAVY MTL 2011 – Official Website

Did You Know:

* Montreal is the largest city in the province of Quebec.

* Montreal is the second largest city in Canada, Toronto is the largest.

* French is the official language of Montreal.

* Parc Jean-Drapeau comprises two islands: Saint Helen’s Island and Île Notre-Dame. The island of Île Notre-Dame is an artificial island, created for the Expo 67, which celebrated Canada’s Centennial.

KISS and Motörhead RULES.

LONG LIVE CANADA.

LONG LIVE HEAVY METAL.

Stone.

7 Comments »

KOPEK – ROCKED LIVE & LOUD! Concert Review: The Crocodile Rock Cafe, Allentown, Pennsylvania, March 19th, 2011

Posted in alternative rock, classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, modern rock, Music, rock and roll, rock concerts, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 31, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

KOPEK – Through the years (or is that decades?) I’ve always been a believer in the small club setting for seeing a live night of Rock, Hard Rock or Heavy Metal. Most of my greatest experiences of seeing live concerts have been at small clubs. Seeing KOPEK live, on March 19th, 2011, at The Crocodile Rock Cafe in Allentown, Pennsylvania, was no exception to my long list of memorable, small club, Rock experiences. If anything, as I stood there bopping my head up and down to Kopek’s live set, I understood I was watching an electrifying band that I’ve felt all along will be HUGE one day.

As Kopek played through their set of several songs, taken from their insanely addicting debut album White Collar Lies, I had to redirect my view on this band becoming huge one day. Kopek is already HUGE. What was I thinking? Finally seeing Kopek play live was a validation in my believing in this band from day one. Kopek is as blue collar and unique as any of the “greatest” in Rock Music history. If the world of Rock needed a rejuvenation of itself in 2011, then the world of Rock should thank Dublin, Ireland’s very own… Kopek.

I am not bashful in stating that Kopek is a band that only comes around every fifteen years. The “vibe” I love most about Kopek is the “Rock and Roll mystique” they give off through their music and overall style, a mystique legends such as R.E.M., Pearl Jam, Motörhead, Metallica and Nirvana (to name a few) are historically and famously known for. Kopek took this mystique I hear from their Hard Rock sound and style to an entirely different level for me, on this Saturday evening in mid-March of 2011. Seeing and hearing is believing. Kopek’s live set proved to me, that Rock Music history isn’t an open and shut book after all. Kopek is now. Kopek is HUGE.

KOPEK – White Collar Lies (Religion Music/SIN)

Kopek is currently on a massive tour throughout the U.S. and eventually Europe, which runs throughout the course of 2011. If you have never listened to Kopek’s Alt/Modern/Hard Rock debut album White Collar Lies, I strongly suggest you do. Being left out of the Rock Music history loop is not a cool thing to experience.

* On this night of Rock at The Crocodile Rock Cafe, Kopek played alongside Oceans Divide, Egypt Central, Maddam Ink. and the legendary… COLD.

* All the live photos you see here are taken from the talented lens of Metal Odyssey’s staff photographer Tom Coderre. I’d like to say: A Metal job well done Tom!

Daniel Jordan, the lead singer and guitarist for Kopek, gave a tremendous performance live. His almost stationary presence on stage had me realizing to myself, that you don’t need to carry on like a Rock Star to be a real Rock Star. No theatrics. No selfish or plastic image to be seen, while my eyes were affixed on Daniel Jordan on this night. As Daniel broke into the vocals for Fever, it gave me the chills… his vocals are that uniquely amazing for me. As soon as Kopek broke out Love Is Dead, I was in Hard Rock la-la land. Hearing Kopek play this song live was an instant Rockin’ high!

I especially appreciated the moment when Daniel dedicated the song White Collar Lies to the United States Troops that are scattered around the globe, protecting our free societies each and every day. Thank you Daniel for acknowledging and remembering our U.S. service men and women. I told Daniel it was difficult in restraining my urge to jump around and go crazy during their set. Daniel understood the dilemma I went through and he added: keeping it cool is the better rule. Sometimes I just feel like a kid. Metal be thy name.

Brad Kinsella on bass was always aware of the crowd! This is a musician that shows he feels the music he is playing, with his fun and cool on-stage mannerisms. Never pretentious, just legit personified. This is a guy who loves what he does for a living. Brad had the fans up front instantly initiated into his Kopek world… and they were all loving every second of it. I had fun just watching Brad perform… plus he plays a thumping bad-ass bass.

Shane Cooney is not easy to ignore, especially when he was laying down the hard hittin’ beats that made it difficult for me to not move. Shane is another non-egotistical member of this amazing band. As a bonus, there was never a “look-at-me” drum solo to be heard from Shane. This is a drummer who does it the old-fashioned way, keeping it simple, keeping it real.

Daniel and Stone finally meet! After a year of knowing who each other was, Daniel and I were able to exchange conversation about the band, touring, the fans and the night’s show. Daniel is a Rock musician who is proud by all the success and attention that Kopek has received thus far. Kopek deserves every bit of success that comes their way. They are earning it. To say Daniel is happy about Kopek is an understatement. When I asked him if he’s had a good time touring America, Daniel never hesitated to give an emphatic – yes! Daniel eagerly signed for the fans all night long. There was nary a moment, the entire night, when Daniel wasn’t accessible to speak to or hang out with.

Stone finally meets Brad and Shane! As with Daniel, Brad and Shane knew my name, only getting “a face with the name” makes it all the better… and my face is not that pretty either. Brad had nothing but kind words to say about America, the fans, the bands they’ve toured with and the people behind the scenes. Brad is especially pumped up to play at this years Rocklahoma. Shane was the ever polite Rock and Roll drummer. Brad and Shane thanked me for the past promotion of their album on Metal Odyssey. (!) I in turn, thanked Brad and Shane for the music they are making.

Luc Nyhus is a touring guitarist with Kopek. Luc’s presence and guitar playing was strong and confident, while he trekked about the stage. In my Metal opinion, Luc fit right in with Kopek. Off the stage, Daniel, Brad, Shane and Luc got along like a brotherhood. Luc is one big dude, so I’m speculating Kopek has a body guard to watch their backs while on tour too! Luc was a cool and friendly guy to meet as well.

It’s always a thrill, to meet musicians like Kopek that I hold in high regard. Hearing Kopek thank me (!) for writing cool stuff about them this past year will forever be remembered by me. Their understanding of how it “gets done” in todays record industry, along with their friendliness, work ethic, grueling tour schedule and of course, musicianship is above admirable. It’s even a more immense thrill to realize that Kopek are fantastically good guys, they know where they came from and where they are going… which is straight to the top.

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

KOPEK – Official Website

KOPEK – MySpace Music Page

KOPEK TV Official Channel – YouTube

Visit The Crocodile Rock Cafe here: Crocodile Rock Cafe

THANK YOU KOPEK.

LONG LIVE KOPEK.

Stone.

6 Comments »

THE HUMAN ABSTRACT – Announces Headlining Tour Plus Brand New Live Music Video!

Posted in alternative metal, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, metalcore, Music, progressive metal, rock festivals, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on March 30, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

(New York, NY) — THE HUMAN ABSTRACT have announced a headlining run this spring entitled ALTERNATIVE PRESS PRESENTS: THE “PULL ME FROM THE GALLOWS” TOUR. Support duties will hail from SCALE THE SUMMIT, THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE, LETLIVE, NO BRAGGING RIGHTS and ACROSS THE SUN.

Co-sponsors include: Bleeding Star Clothing, Skelanimals and Ernie Ball Guitars & Strings. VIP Ticket packages will be announce shortly. Visit the brand new Facebook application to keep up on the latest news about the tour here, http://on.fb.me/fUSZj0. Having just finished a successful run supporting the ATTICUS METAL III TOUR, the band is excited to head back out on the road.

The band is also releasing a brand new live video for their single Faust, watch that here: http://bit.ly/g97cJC

THE HUMAN ABSTRACT released their newest full length record entitled Digital Veil earlier this month to much critical acclaim.

“The result is a re-tuned, tightened and reinvigorated sound that’s going to make a serious impact on the modern metal scene,” says Metalsucks.com.

* The new record Digital Veil is available for preview or purchase via iTunes by clicking here: http://bit.ly/eXv7Rb.

THE HUMAN ABSTRACT is: Travis Richter (vocals), Henry Selva (bass), Dean Herrera (guitar), Brett Powell (drums) and A.J. Minette (guitar).

THE “PULL ME FROM THE GALLOWS” TOUR:

FRI, MAY 13, 2011 ANAHEIM, CA @ Chain Reaction (w/ Elitist)

SAT, MAY 14, 2011 PHOENIX, AZ @ The Underground

MON, MAY 16, 2011 LUBBOCK, TX @ Jake’s Sports Cafe

TUE, MAY 17, 2011 DALLAS, TX @ Trees

WED, MAY 18, 2011 SAN ANTONIO, TX @ The White Rabbit

THU, MAY 19, 2011 HOUSTON, TX @ Numbers

FRI, MAY 20, 2011 PENSACOLA, FL @ The Handlebar

SAT, MAY 21, 2011 WEST PALM BEACH, FL @ The Pit

SUN, MAY 22, 2011 JACKSONVILLE, FL @ The Pit

TUE, MAY 24, 2011 DOUGLASVILLE, GA @ The 7 Venue

WED, MAY 25, 2011 RALEIGH, NC @ Volume 11

FRI, MAY 27, 2011 SPRINGFIELD, VA @ Jaxx

SAT, MAY 28, 2011 BRONX, NY @ The Point

SUN, MAY 29, 2011 MANCHESTER, NH @ Rocko’s

MON, MAY 30, 2011 ALLENTOWN, PA @ Crocodile Rock Cafe

TUE, MAY 31, 2011 TORONTO, ON  @ The Wreckroom

WED, JUN 1, 2011 CLEVELAND, OH @ Peabody’s

THU, JUN 2, 2011 COLUMBUS, OH @ The Seven Venue

FRI, JUN 3, 2011 TOLEDO, OH @ Headliners

SAT, JUN 4, 2011 JOLIET, IL @ Mojoe’s

SUN, JUN 5, 2011 ST. LOUIS, MO @ Fubar

MON, JUN 6, 2011 OMAHA, NE @ Sokol Underground

WED, JUN 8, 2011 DENVER, CO @ The Marquis Theater

THU, JUN 9, 2011 SALT LAKE CITY, UT @ In The Venue

FRI, JUN 10, 2011 BOISE, ID @ Mardi Gras

SAT, JUN 11, 2011 SPOKANE, WA @ The Hop

SUN, JUN 12, 2011 SEATTLE,WA @ Studio Seven

MON, JUN 13, 2011 PORTLAND, OR @ Branx

TUE, JUN 14, 2011 LOS GATOS, CA @ The Venue

THU, JUN 16, 2011 CAMARILLO, CA @ Rock City (w/ Elitist)

FRI, JUN 17, 2011 WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA @ The Whisky A Go Go (w/ Elitist)

SAT, JUN 18, 2011 SAN DIEGO, CA @ SOMA (w/ Elitist)

* For more information on THE HUMAN ABSTRACT, please visit:


http://www.twitter.com/humanabstract


http://www.facebook.com/thehumanabstract


http://www.myspace.com/thehumanabstract


The Human Abstract : MerchNOW http://bit.ly/gCoUQN

(Source: eOne Metal)

LONG LIVE THE HUMAN ABSTRACT.

Stone.

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