Archive for Hard Rock

JERRY CANTRELL Announces New Album: I WANT BLOOD – Out October 18 via Double J Music

Posted in guitar legends, guitarists, Hard Rock, Music, music news with tags , , , , on July 26, 2024 by Metal Odyssey

Photo credit: Darren Craig

FEATURING GUEST PERFORMANCES FROM DUFF MCKAGAN, ROBERT TRUJILLO, MIKE BORDIN AND MORE

July 26, 2024, LOS ANGELES – Jerry Cantrell, one of rock music’s most distinctive musicians, returns with I Want Blood, an album brimming with Cantrell’s signature vocals and guitar-driven melodies, on Oct. 18 via Double J Music.

“This record is a serious piece of work. It’s a motherfucker,” Cantrell says of the infectious collection. “It’s hard, no doubt, and completely unlike Brighten. And that’s what you want, to end up in a different place. There’s a confidence to this album. I think it’s some of my best songwriting and playing, and certainly some of my best singing.”

A preview of I Want Blood comes with today’s release of “Vilified” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tGyIln0-pw). The album opener showcases an energy that rivals any of Cantrell’s previous work – powerful, nuanced, and electric – setting the tone for the 45-minute album.

“Vilified travels a lot of places in just four and a half minutes,” Cantrell continues. “It’s got a ferocity and really aggressive vibe to it.”

I Want Blood, co-produced by Cantrell and Joe Barresi (Tool, Queens of the Stone Age, Melvins), was recorded at Barresi’s JHOC Studio in Pasadena, Calif. The album also features contributions from bass heavyweights Duff McKagan (Guns N’Roses) and Robert Trujillo (Metallica), drummers Gil Sharone (Team Sleep, Stolen Babies) and Mike Bordin (Faith No More), and backing vocals from Lola Colette and Greg Puciato (Better Lovers, ex-Dillinger Escape Plan).

I Want Blood cover

I Want Blood – track list:

1.   Vilified

2.   Off The Rails

3.   Afterglow

4.   I Want Blood

5.   Echoes Of Laughter

6.   Throw Me A Line

7.   Let It Lie

8.   Held Your Tongue

9.   It Comes

Album pre-orders, which include CD, digital and multiple 2LP variants are available here: https://bio.to/JerryCantrell. Exclusive to the 2LP vinyl versions of I Want Blood are atmospheric, spoken word versions of each song on the album.

Jerry Cantrell kicks off a North American tour this evening, joining Bush for a seven-week trek across the continent. For complete tour dates and info click here: Jerrycantrell.com

Jerry Cantrell is an iconic American troubadour, celebrated for his distinctive guitar playing, soulful vocals and profound songwriting. Known for his work in both Alice in Chains and as a solo artist, the GRAMMY-nominated musician has sold in excess of 30 million albums, has been named one of the greatest guitar players of all time by both Guitar World and Rolling Stone, and has been instrumental in shaping the sound of modern rock music. Over his career, he has released six studio albums with Alice in Chains, three solo full-lengths, has had his music featured in films from Cameron Crowe, Judd Apatow and Ben Stiller and made cameos in “Deadwood” and “Jerry Maguire.”

Source: Speakeasy PR

BUDDERSIDE White Flame – Album Review by Tanis Enos

Posted in album reviews, Hard Rock, Music, music news with tags , , , , on July 12, 2024 by Metal Odyssey

Budderside released their newest album, White Flame, on July 10th 2024. The minute the album dropped fans immediately shared their love on social media, calling it “top notch” and stating it left them speechless. 

White Flame as an album has a wonderful variety of intensities throughout the songs. “Ghostlighting” and “Good For Nothing” are perfect examples of their fast paced, in your face, kick down a door energy, while songs like “Joker” and the title track slow it down, still holding onto the power that Budderside keep consistent throughout the whole album. 

Lyrically, Budderside goes hard. It’s poetry and it’s relatable. There is no getting past how deep down they go to write these songs. They don’t just write what comes to mind, they draw from experiences and their own feelings. “The Truth” and “Too Far” are prime examples of them working in emotions that might otherwise be overlooked. Lyrics like “Can’t trust myself to be alone, no telling what I’ll do” from “The Truth” and “You feel disconnected, I tell you I’ve been there” from “Too Far” hit on such a relatable topic that’s it’s almost relieving to know that you’re not alone in feeling this way. They might have written from a place of darkness but it will soothe people just like music is supposed to. 

Lead singer Patrick Stone has such a unique voice. It not only amplifies the meaning and emotional strength of the lyrics, but his wide vocal range pairs perfectly with any speed or forcefulness of the 2 guitar geniuses behind Budderside, Sam Koltun and Logan Nikolic. Koltun stated in an interview with Guitar World that writing songs like “Good for Nothing” “capture my intensity.” The two power house guitarists work together to finish off the full weight of the song. 

Overall, Budderside hit it out of the park (and then some) with this new album. Even as this is written fans continue to praise their work. It’s not gonna be long before fans start begging for a tour to hear these masterpieces live. – Tanis Enos

Track List:
Good for Nothing
Voices
A Thousand Teardrops
Never Worth It
The Truth
Evol
Joker
Ghostlighting
Black River
Too Far
Ain’t Alright
Black Flame

STRYPER – Announces New Single “End Of Days” And 40th Anniversary Tour Dates

Posted in christian metal, christian rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news with tags , , , , , , on June 26, 2024 by Metal Odyssey

From Stryper Bandsintown:

Legendary, long-running metal band STRYPER are setting the stage for a great year with a new single entitled “End of Days.” Accompanied by a new lyric video, the track also helps announce the band’s 40th Anniversary Tour dates which begin this fall. After an appearance at the Alive Music Festival in July, tour dates kick off September 11th in Greenville, TN, and conclude November 16th in North Myrtle Beach, SC. A full list of dates is below.

About the new track, the band shared this:

“’End of Days‘ is a heavy track musically and lyrically. It has a classic sound with a few modern twists and turns along the way. Lyrically, it’s probably the most fitting message according to the times we are living in. It really does feel like the ‘End of Days‘ in many ways. We’re not only a divided nation, we’re a divided world. It’s time to make things right.”

Watch the Lyric Video for “End of Days” HERE

Or listen wherever you stream music.

Looking ahead, STRYPER has completed recording a new studio album set for release in fall 2024, which they hope will continue their trend of improving with each release. The band is also working on a Kickstarter-funded documentary film directed by Chris Atkins. With career album sales exceeding 10 million worldwide and a history of Billboard Top 40 hits, STRYPER continues to record, tour, and perform for devoted fans globally.

The current lineup includes original members Michael SweetRobert Sweet, and Oz Fox, along with bassist Perry Richardson, as they create what they consider their finest and most powerful music yet.

DOKKEN – Cancels All 2024 European Summer Tour Dates

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, Music, music news with tags , , , , , on June 21, 2024 by Metal Odyssey

From Dokken Facebook:

“It is with heavy hearts we have to inform you that all scheduled Dokken European Summer dates need to be postponed.
Due to ongoing complications after extensive neck surgery and a recently fractured ankle, Don will not be able to stand for prolonged periods of time nor travel overseas at this time.

Don believes the European fans deserve the best possible farewell.

With this in mind, he will do his best to make good in 2025. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.” #Dokken

Get well soon, Don Dokken.

BARONESS – US Summer Headline Tour Begins This Friday!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Music, music news with tags , , , , , on May 28, 2024 by Metal Odyssey

From Baroness Bandsintown:

Our headline tour starts THIS Friday with special guests Portrayal Of Guilt, GOZU, Ruby The Hatchet, & Eternal Is Filth on select dates! 

Get tickets & VIP now. Where will we see you?! https://yourbaroness.com/tour

US Summer 2024 Tour:

May 31 | Portland, ME *^
Jun 01 | Norwalk, CT *^
Jun 02 | Rochester, NY *^
Jun 04 | Grand Rapids, MI *^
Jun 05 | Indianapolis, IN *^
Jun 07 | Madison, WI *^
Jun 08 | Palatine, IL *^
Jun 09 | Chicago, IL *^
Jun 10 | Des Moines, IA *^
Jun 12 | Lawrence, KS *>
Jun 14 | Memphis, TN *>
Jun 15 | Oklahoma City, OK *>
Jun 17 | Little Rock, AR *>
Jun 18 | Nashville, TN *>
Jun 19 | Birmingham, AL #>
Jun 21 | Richmond, VA #>
Jun 22 | Charlottesville, VA #>
Jun 23 | Silver Spring, MD #>
Jun 24 | Pittsburgh, PA *>
Jun 26 | Patchogue, NY *>
Jun 27 | Bensalem, PA *>
Jun 30 | Stroudsburg, PA *>

Special Guests:

* Portrayal Of Guilt

^ Gozu

# Ruby The Hatchet

> Filth Is Eternal

STRYPER – To Livestream Acoustic Show Worldwide On May 30th

Posted in christian metal, christian rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news with tags , , , , , on May 21, 2024 by Metal Odyssey

From Stryper newsletter:

Tix available now!

We are gearing up for our first-ever Acoustic Tour – To Hell with the Amps, to support the release of our first-ever Acoustic Album by the same name.  
If we are not coming to your City and you’d like to see the show, here’s your chance….

On May 30, 2024 we will be broadcasting, worldwide, the sold-out show from Madlife Studios in Woodstock GA. This will be a professional broadcast of the entire show.  
Tickets are only $11.99 for this one-of-a-kind event.  

No other show on this tour will be broadcast, and we will not be adding other acoustic dates. This is your one chance to see the acoustic tour if it’s not coming to your city. Worth mentioning – each ticket purchased has a 7-day rewatch period. So if you can’t watch the show live as it happens, that’s okay, you’ve got 7 days to watch it at your convenience (as many times as you’d like).

Get your tickets now at Volume.com/stryper or at Stryper.com

OCCULT WITCHES – Release Stirring New Single “Faustian Bargain”

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Music, music news with tags , , , , , on May 17, 2024 by Metal Odyssey

Embrace the enigmatic allure of 70’s rock with OCCULT WITCHES‘ new single, “Faustian Bargain,” released today under the esteemed Black Throne Productions. This marks the second single from their upcoming album, Sorrows Pyre, due out July 26th via Black Throne Productions.

“Faustian Bargain” explores the dangers of an all too familiar type of deal. “This song is about almost making a deal with Satan and he ain’t fucking patient. Won’t be thanking him for this one,” reveals the band.

OCCULT WITCHES has quickly risen through the ranks, defining a unique space within the rock genre with their captivating blend of music and storytelling. Their songs, rich in narrative and emotion, draw on elements of darkness, witchcraft, and existential struggle, resonating with a wide range of listeners.

The band’s journey from Rimouski, QC, to Hamilton, ON, on their first tour last summer has only solidified their presence in the music scene. With plans for mini-tours this summer, OCCULT WITCHES is poised to reach new heights and captivate more audiences with their powerful performances and profound lyrical themes.

OCCULT WITCHES invites listeners to embark on this dark yet enlightening journey through their music. Stay tuned for more from OCCULT WITCHES as they continue to explore the depths of the human condition and the eternal dance between light and darkness.

Connect with OCCULT WITCHES:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/occult_witches/?hl=en
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/42FafZqn4nFkddSUrRaZjl

Source: C Squared Music

CATEGORY 7 – Metal Supergroup Fronted By John Bush Have Joined Metal Blade Records Roster

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Music, music news with tags , , , on April 14, 2024 by Metal Odyssey

Photo by Rob Shotwell

From Metal Blade Records:

Metal Blade Records is pleased to welcome CATEGORY 7, the new band featuring vocalist John Bush, guitarists Phil Demmel and Mike Orlando, bassist Jack Gibson and drummer Jason Bittner, to its legendary roster! 

With veteran musicians from such legendary acts as Anthrax, Armored Saint, Adrenaline Mob, Machine Head, Overkill, Exodus, and Shadows Fall, it’s hard not to think of CATEGORY 7 as a supergroup. The origins of the band began with discussions between Demmel and Orlando of their mutual desire to form a twin lead guitar hard rock unit harkening back to bands of the ‘70s such as Thin Lizzy. Bittner was next to join the conversation followed by Gibson. After composing some early music, it was obvious that the only vocalist that would fit the concept would be Bush. 

Notes Bush, “Mike Orlando’s and Phil Demmel’s awesome riffs made writing lyrics over the music a piece of cake. The rhythm tandem of Bittner and Gibson rounded out the sound and the connection felt like it was put together in the stars. Obviously, everyone being a veteran of the metal scene made it that much easier.”

Based on Demmel’s and Bush’s long-term relationships with Metal Blade Records, it seemed to be the perfect home for the band. The label agreed and a union was quickly forged. 

Comments Metal Blade Records’ founder Brian Slagel of the signing, “Happy to welcome CATEGORY 7 into the Metal Blade family. Of course, some of them are already in! Seriously love working with this crew and it’s great stuff!”

As crushing and confrontational as an armed rebellion and as fiercely melodic as infectious riffs and aggressive vocals can be, CATEGORY 7 is a new breed of hard rock  that lives up to the storied histories of its members. CATEGORY 7’s debut will see release this Summer with their first single to be unveiled on May 2nd. Stand by for details!

http://www.instagram.com/category7band 

https://www.metalblade.com

AEROSMITH – 2024 PEACE OUT TOUR | New Dates Added Plus Info

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Music, music news with tags , , , , , , on April 10, 2024 by Metal Odyssey

From Aerosmith / Bandsintown:

We’re thrilled to announce new dates for our 2024 PEACE OUT Tour with special guests The Black Crowes! All previously purchased tickets will be honored for the rescheduled shows – you’ll receive more info via email. Tickets for the rescheduled dates & newly added shows go on sale Fri 4/12 @ 10AM local at http://www.aerosmith.com.

Rat Pak Records Set to release Hall Aflame “Amplifire” Featuring Kurdt Vanderhoof

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Music, music news with tags , , , , , on April 7, 2024 by Metal Odyssey

From Rat Pak Records:

Hall Aflame, the rock band which features Metal Church founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof, will release their long-awaited sophomore album “Amplifire” on May 3, 2024 via Rat Pak Records. Originally formed in 1989, the band garnered commercial success with their debut album “Guaranteed Forever”, which was well received by fans and industry peers alike and quickly found themselves opening for ZZ Top on their 1991 “Recycler” tour for a number of dates. As with many bands from that era, facing a decline in interest for AOR rock due to the onslaught of the “grunge” scene, the band went on a lengthy hiatus and reunited again in late 2023 to begin working on a handful of songs. 

Amplifier offers 12 new studio tracks and reunites Kurdt with original bassist Brian Smith, along with drummer Bill Raymond and front-man Scott Nutter. Regarding the album, Kurdt Vanderhoof comments, “This album came about as a project to document all the songs that we had written for the second album that never came to be. We revisited the songs and realized they had to be recorded properly. Then it blossomed into something much better than we had even hoped! So that led us into reforming the band instead of just having it be a project.”

CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER

Bassist Brian Smith adds, “I think anyone that is a fan of “Guaranteed Forever” will see this record as a new and improved “Part II” of Hall Aflame. Great songs, great production and we had a ton of fun putting this together!” Scott Nutter adds, “A good hard rock album should lift you, make you want to sing along and rock out! That’s what this album does for me!”

From the driving album opener “Helltown” to the powerhouse outro track “Keeping Them All Away”, Hall Aflame shines with their signature brand of rock-n-roll. Tracks like “Ripcord”, “In The Same Gutter”, “It Ain’t Enough” and “Gunnin’” are filled with memorable hooks and melodies, while songs like “Pullin Me Apart” and “1974” showcase their unique, classic rock songwriting abilities. With influences that range from Bad Company to Thin Lizzy, “Amplifire” is best described as the perfect blend of classic rock with a modern-day edge!

Track listing:
01 Helltown
02 Ripcord
03 1974
04 This Ain’t Love
05 The Same Gutter
06 It Ain’t Enough
07 Gunnin’
08 Pullin’ Me Apart
09 Long Way Down
10 Keeping Them All Away
11 Cowboy (bonus track) [CD & Digital]
12 Paradise on Ice (bonus track) [CD & Digital]

CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER

Legendary UK Metal Titans ORANGE GOBLIN Announce New Album ‘Science, Not Fiction’ | Out July 19th On Peaceville Records

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news with tags , , , , , , on April 5, 2024 by Metal Odyssey

Legendary UK metal giants Orange Goblin are back with details of their long awaited new studio album Science, Not Fiction. Set for release on July 19thScience, Not Fiction will be the band’s first release on the iconic Peaceville label (Darkthrone, Autopsy, Candlemass).

Pre-orders are available here.

To accompany the announcement, the band have shared their new single “(Not) Rocket Science” – a matter of fact observation on the human tendency to over-complicate life – alongside a swirling animated lyric video by Matthew Vickerstaff  (https://www.instagram.com/matthew_vickerstaff)

Speaking on the track, frontman and lyricist Ben Ward says “It’s basically saying that life can be pretty simple and straightforward if you just stop wasting your time and make each day count. Be prepared to work hard, don’t expect any hand outs and basically enjoy yourself along the way. When Chris came up with the music he said it needed something that could be delivered in a Bon Scott / Lemmy style and I think it came out really well”.

Stream / download (Not) Rocket Science – here
(https://orcd.co/not_rocket_science_listen)

Science, Not Fiction was recorded at Woodworm Studios UK in late 2023, with production and mixing duties carried out by Grammy winning producer Mike Exeter (most notable for his work with Black Sabbath, Judas Priest and Tony Iommi) and mastering conducted by the esteemed Peter Hewitt-Dutton at The Bakery in LA.

From the explosive death-boogie of opener “The Fire At The Centre Of The Earth Is Mine” onwards, the band’s tenth album crackles with energy and belligerence. Following the departure of long serving bassist Martyn Millard in 2020, Orange Goblin welcomed close friend Harry Armstrong (formerly Hangnail) into the fray, making Science, Not Fiction his first studio outing with the band.

Photo credit – Tina Korhonen (www.tina-k.com)
Astrophotography courtesy of Giancarlo Erra (https://theski.es/ )

With the new line-up fizzing with chemistry, the hard rocking likes of “(Not) Rocket Science”, “The Fury Of A Patient Man” and “The Justice Knife” breathe new life into some classic Orange Goblin tropes. Meanwhile, twisted prog-doom detours like “False Hope Diet” and “Cemetary Rats” take the Londoners into epic new territory, with everything from skull-shattering punk ‘n’ roll to transcendent space rock hurled into the swirling brew.

“It is a continuation of what we’ve been doing, and that’s because when we write, it’s a big mixing bowl of all of our influences and favourite artists, and we try and create the perfect band that we always wanted to hear,” Ben states. “This album, it’s just more accomplished and mature, I guess. None of us are spring chickens anymore and we’ve got ten albums under our belts now. I feel like we’re more professional in the recording studio, I feel like we’re better musicians and writers, and now with me looking after myself, I feel like my performance is better as well. It’s all moving in the right direction.”

For the last 30 years, Orange Goblin, London-based hard rock lifers, have tirelessly flown the flag for balls-out heavy metal and maximum rock ‘n’ roll. Driven by passion, persistence and heartfelt love for metal’s dark magic, Orange Goblin have always been a vital force and a risk-free bet. While some may be content to trade on past glories, Orange Goblin view heavy metal as a lifelong pursuit. In 2024, they open a new chapter in their heroic saga, marking it with the release of their tenth studio album: Science, Not Fiction.

“People have funny ideas about what heavy metal is. But to me, it’s an attitude, it’s a lifestyle, it’s not something you decide to dip into. You either are or you’re not. And it’s for life.” Ben Ward, Orange Goblin

Orange Goblin – Science, Not Fiction track-list:

  1. The Fire At The Centre Of The Earth Is Mine
  2. (Not) Rocket Science
  3. Ascend The Negative
  4. False Hope Diet
  5. Cemetary Rats
  6. The Fury Of A Patient Man
  7. Gemini (Twins Of Evil)
  8. The Justice Knife
  9. End Of Transmission

Bonus track on CD Deluxe & LP:
10. Eye Of The Minotaur

Science, Not Fiction will be released on 19th July on the following formats. Pre-orders are available here.

  • CD Deluxe with Bonus track presented in a digipack with a 20 page booklet
  • Limited Edition Gatefold 2LP Green and Black Marble vinyl edition available exclusively from the band & Peaceville stores
  • Limited Edition Gatefold 2LP Crystal Clear vinyl edition.
  • Gatefold 2LP in classic black vinyl
  • CD Jewel case with 16 page booklet (9 tracks)
  • Digitally

Plus exclusive merch bundles and signed art card are available through the official band store – Eyesore Merch

Orange Goblin are:
Ben Ward – vocals
Joe Hoare – guitar
Chris Turner – drums
Harry Armstrong – bass

The band will be supporting the release of Science, Not Fiction with a full live campaign starting on April 6thwith a tour in April, of Japan, Australia and New Zealand, more shows and festivals are due to be announced very soon.

Geoff Tate and Fire & Water | Photo Gallery of Concert at Tally Ho Theater in Leesburg, Virginia on March 28, 2024

Posted in classic rock, concerts, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, music news with tags , , , , , , on April 5, 2024 by Metal Odyssey

Staff contributor and photographer Tanis Enos has presented this exemplary concert photo gallery of Geoff Tate and his band; taken from the Tally Ho Theater in Leesburg, Virginia, on March 28, 2024.

See also below, the concert photo gallery of opening band Fire & Water. Click on any photo in this gallery to enlarge and enjoy!

GEOFF TATE – photo gallery credit: Tanis Enos

FIRE & WATER – photo gallery credit: Tanis Enos

Australian Hard Rockers TAROT Release New Single: “Leshy’s Warning”

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Music, music news, music videos with tags , , , , , , on March 24, 2024 by Metal Odyssey

Australian Hard Rockers Tarot have released “Leshy’s Warning,” the second single from forthcoming album, Glimpse of the Dawn. Check it out on the Cruz Del Sur Music YouTube Channel: youtu.be/2D-n14FZQAU

Glimpse of the Dawn, the band’s first album for Cruz Del Sur Music, will be released April 12 on CD, vinyl, and digital formats! The long-awaited sophomore album re-imagines heavy, Hammond B3 organ hard rock for a new generation!

Eight years have passed since Tarot’s first full-length, Reflections, to their new long-player, Glimpse of the Dawn. It was like a lifetime for the 1970s-rock-tinged Australians. The band embarked on its first-ever live shows after Reflections, essentially coming together as a unit while on stage.

Live activity then opened the door for increased collaboration between all members of the band. Now operating as a cohesive, free-flowing outfit, Tarot amassed a lively, spacious album in the form of Glimpse of the Dawn that earnestly pays tribute to their core influences of Uriah Heep, Rainbow and Deep Purple while blazing an identity of its own.

Glimpse of the Dawn was recorded across several studios in the band’s native Tasmania, starting with drum tracking by Joe Haley at Crawlspace Productions. From there, the band retreated to its own Heavy Chains Studio and Riff Cabin to complete tracking, yet it was the face-to-face sessions with Haley that gave the album its live and natural feel.

This approach, once an industry standard and now becoming a rarity, found Tarot simply cracking open a few beers, letting the tape roll and letting the results happen as they may. To that end, Tarot purposely left open spaces to allow for improvisation.

Photo Credit: Saint Bradshaw

Many of the album’s lead guitar sections were written on the fly in the studio and were subsequently kept, allowing forTarot to “catch lightning in a bottle.” This approach is perhaps best exemplified on the title track, which kicks off the album in grand fashion with rollicking Hammond keyboards and vocal trade-offs between founding member Will Spectre, guitarist Felix Russell and keyboardist Dave Harrington-George.

In fact, collaboration defines Glimpse of the Dawn. Whereas Spectre previously shouldered the songwriting load, the album features contributions from all members of Tarot. This communal, open vibe is yet another throwback to the bands Tarot has taken inspiration from.

The closeness of all five members allowed for a free exchange of ideas, thus sharpening every facet of the album. It helped further expand Tarot’s sound, which is often driven by the classic Hammond B3 organ, mellotron string and choir and various analog synths. The members of Tarotput an immense amount of thought into the interplay between Harrington-George’sparts and its guitar lines, ultimately producing an album with equal breadth and depth.

Glimpse of the Dawn is tailor-made for the live arena. Tarot already has plans to hit its Australian homeland and Europe throughout 2024, bringing its hard-rocking, anthemic songs to audiences deserving of a band that perfectly embodies the spirit of 1970s rock.

Pre-order:

Cruz Del Sur Music: tinyurl.com/2aatdx6e

Bandcamp: hcrtarot.bandcamp.com/album/glimpse-of-the-dawn

Track Listing:

  1. Glimpse of the Dawn
  2. The Winding Road
  3. Leshy’s Warning
  4. Echoes Through Time
  5. The Harrier
  6. The Vagabond’s Return
  7. Dreamer in the Dark
  8. Heavy Weighs the Crown

Line-Up:

Will Spectre – Vocals/Guitar
Felix Russell – Guitar
David Walsh – Bass
Dave Harrington-George – Keyboards
The Hermit – Drums

THE MORRISON PROJECT – Releases Single & Video “Crack Cocaine” – Featuring OZZY OSBOURNE On Vocals

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , , on March 23, 2024 by Metal Odyssey

Single cover artwork • “Crack Cocaine
(Written by Billy Morrison/ Ozzy Osbourne/Steve Stevens)

“The Morrison Project”  Official Album release:
April 19, 2024

Billy Morrison, the British guitarist, singer, and songwriter primarily known as Billy Idol’s rhythm guitar player for the past 15 years alongside lead guitarist Steve Stevens, and for his previous role as bassist in The Cult, has assembled an electrifying 12 songs including guest performances by Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol, DMC, Corey Taylor, Al Jourgensen, Steve Vai, Steve Stevens, Linda Perry, Tommy Clufetos, John5, and more!

I guess the way that your love makes me feel/Must mean I’m really addicted,” sings OZZY OSBOURNE on “Crack Cocaine”, the newly released track out on March 21st from BILLY MORRISON’s new solo album THE MORRISON PROJECT. This album is releasing on April 19th, via The Label Group’s partnership with TLG ZOID through Virgin Music Group.

Crack Cocaine” (04:01 min)
Music video Premiere: March 21, 2024
YouTube
Video by IVO RAZA

Official release on March 21, 2024 
Label: TLG ZOID • Virgin Music

Crack Cocaine” is the second single/video from THE MORRISON PROJECT and follows the single/video “Drowning”. Stream it HERE

This seismic collaboration also features STEVE STEVENS on guitar and was co-written by MORRISON, OSBOURNE, and STEVENS who all appear in the video with PARIS JACKSON playing the glamorous/romantic interest, with cameos from visual artist RISK and actor JEFF HILLIARD.

“Crack Cocaine” marks the first new song with OZZY on vocals since the 2022 release of his worldwide smash album Patient Number 9 which earned him two Grammy Awards (“Best Rock Album,” “Best Metal Performance”).
“I was in the same room as Billy and Steve,” says OZZY about co-writing the song. “The lyrics just came out of the blue. It was written in about 20 minutes.”

BILLY MORRISON • 2024
📸  JaneStuartPhotos

BILLY, the British guitarist, singer and songwriter primarily known as Billy Idol’s rhythm guitar player for the past 15 years alongside lead guitarist Steve Stevens, sheds more light on the song’s origins:
“The music was a direct result of sitting in a room with Steve, both with de-tuned guitars, and writing what we felt was an ultimate Ozzy riff. From there, we brought Ozzy over and we all sat around working on the lyrics, but 90% of those came from Ozzy himself. He’s the one that suddenly stood up and sang “Like Crack Cocaine”! We looked at each other and knew we had the title!”

BILLY:
“The song is 100% about how certain relationships can FEEL like an addiction. It’s nothing whatsoever to do with the drug! It’s a comparison. Ozzy is talking about being in that dysfunctional situation with a partner that feels so wrong, but you keep going back again and again. ‘Loving you is driving me insane. I put you down and pick you up again’ – it’s exactly like a drug addiction.”

Importantly, reveals STEVE, “First and foremost, Billy and I discussed what an Ozzy fan would really love to hear. We really zeroed in on the ‘90s-era Ozzy, the truly heavy stuff. We cast aside any rules both musically and lyrically. It was really a great team and Billy is just such a great motivator. Obviously as a guitarist, to contribute to an Ozzy song is like a kid in a candy store. He’s played with such an amazing array of guitarists that I tried my best to honor that tradition.”

Adds STEVE:
“I think the fact that Billy and I have spent the better part of 16 years working together in Billy Idol means we are almost telepathic in how we arrange guitars, etc. Billy and Ozzy have such an amazing friendship that it was easy to feel inspired and want to help them achieve any idea I could assist with. As we worked in my home studio, I tried to make the actual recording process almost invisible. Forget any technical aspects and really have some fun. To Ozzy’s credit, he was totally focused; and man the first time I heard him sing in what was essentially my living room, fucking chills ran down my spine.”

Line-Up:
Ozzy Osbourne • Vocals
Billy Morrison • Rhythm guitar
Steve Stevens • Lead guitar
Tommy Clufetos • Drums

Crack Cocaine” is the second single/video from THE MORRISON PROJECT and follows the single/video “Drowning”. Stream it HERE

💿 DISCOGRAPHY:
2008 • Stimulator • Full-length
2015 • The God Shaped Hole • Full-length
2024 • The Morrison Project • Full-length

Sources:

THE DEAD DAISIES – Announces June U.S. Tour 2024

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Music, music news with tags , , , , , , , on March 19, 2024 by Metal Odyssey

From: The Dead Daisies newsletter/website

We’re thrilled to announce an exclusive run of U.S. Tour dates kicking off in New York City on June 6th at Racket NYC. We’ll be hitting some of our favourite cities and venues across the country.

We’re going to give you a taste of some of our new music and will be releasing a single in support of the tour. So you’ll be hearing some new stuff as well as your favourites at these shows.

Keeping it in the family, John, Doug, David, and Michael look forward to welcoming heavy hitting Tommy Clufetos (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath) back to the line-up.

“We’re looking FORWARD to seeing all of our incredibly supportive friends, fans, and family out on the road, right here in the “Good Old U.S. of A” kicking off June 6th… Thank you, we love you!!!” – John Corabi

June 2024 U.S. Tour:

06 Racket NYC New York, NY
08 The Landis Theater Vineland, NJ
09 Mickey’s Black Box Lititz, PA
11 The Machine Shop Flint, MI
12 The Arcada Theatre St. Charles, IL US
14 The King Of Clubs Columbus, OH
15 Blue Note Harrison, OH
16 The Basement East Nashville, TN
19 House Of Blues San Diego, CA
20 Whiskey a Go Go Los Angeles, CA
22 Goldfield Trading Post Roseville, CA

Vandenberg and Geoff Tate Country Music Hall of Fame, March 5, 2024 – Review by Tanis Enos

Posted in classic rock, concert reviews, concerts, guitarists, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, Music, music news with tags , , , , , , on March 12, 2024 by Metal Odyssey

Two big names of the 80s teamed up and took the Music City by its cowboy boots. Adrian Vandenberg, and Geoff Tate played the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville Tennessee on March 5th, to a very rock n roll hungry crowd.

Adrian’s band, properly named Vandenberg, took the stage first. The screams of excitement started right when the first member hit the stage. Vandenberg opened with “Hit the Ground Running” off their newest album, Sin, released in 2023. Not only was the album well received by fans all over the world but the song they did play was the perfect way to open the show. A few days prior to this show Adrian took to his social media accounts to express how much he enjoys having so many Whitesnake songs in the set as it was 12 years of his career. Vandenberg played 7 Whitesnake songs out of an 11 song set and the crowd devoured every song.

Vandenberg’s current lead singer, Mats Levén, has quite the resume, including working with Yngwie Malmsteen and touring with Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Levén has a very seductive voice that pairs very well with the overall sex appeal of almost every Whitesnake song. He stays nicely in a lower register which is perfect for songs like “Sailing Ships,” but when he needs to hit the high notes, like in “Still of the Night,” he hits them spot on. Ears perk up and bras come off. (Not literally but it wouldn’t be surprising). Adrian even stated he had vocal cords of steel.

Adrian started Vandenberg when he was around 27 years young, watching him play on stage 43 years later he is still that lively young man who stole hearts with the power of his guitar in the 80s. Whether you understand how to play or not there is no questioning Adrian’s abilities. Every guitarist says they always have more to learn but watching and listening to him play it’s easy to say that every young guitarist could learn a lot from him.

The rhythm sections is currently made up of Randy Van derElsen on bass and Joey Marin on drums. 10 out of 10 and absolutely solid pair. Van der Elsen absolutely tears up the bass and his facial expressions show that he’s not just playing the notes but feeling the music as he goes. Marin destroys the drums with such speed yet such grace and happily holds up the thunderous sounds of Vandenberg and Whitesnake. Last but certainly not least, Len Van de Laak adds those finishing touches on the keyboard. 

Vandenberg had a very good mix of high and low energy songs transitioning from the intensity of Vandenberg’s “Freight Train” to the slightly more subdued sound of Whitesnake’s “Sailing Ships.” The most intimate moment of their whole show was during “Here I go Again.” As the band began their final song every fan in the audience knew their role. 

Levén let the crowd have their moment singing the chorus back at him, and even had the crowd repeat it back to him one extra time. Needless to say, Vandenberg set the crowd on fire and prepared them for who was to take the stage next.

Geoff Tate and his band closed out the night. The second the lights went out, the crowd was on their feet trying to get as close to the stage as a seated venue would allow. They opened the show with “Empire,” the title track off Queensryche’s fourth studio album. Tate and his band treated fans to at least one song off of six different Queensryche albums including Operation: Mindcrime, Rage for Order, and Promised Land

Very little has changed with Tate’s vocal range since the release of the self titled EP Queensryche in 1983. Every vocalist who has been doing this for as long as he has should be aware of what notes they can and can’t hit. Tate smoothly transitioned over pieces that he may have felt weren’t going to come out like the album, but also added a little spice to those high notes he knew he could hold. 

Sound is definitely very important when putting on a good show for obvious reasons but so is having good chemistry between band mates. The best way to describe the relationship between Tate and his band is a loving and encouraging father and his 6 sons. Tate has put together a nice blend of young international rockstars.

Tate had up to 4 guitarists raising hell behind him, including James Brown (Ireland), Dario Parente (Italy), Amaury Altmayer (France), and Cillian Plummer (Ireland). The fun didn’t stop with the guitarists. The fiery rhythm section was made up of Jack Ross (Scotland) on bass and Danny Laverde on Drums. As a group they play like they are the original line up of Queensryche! 

Fans sang along to every song never missing a beat and it fed the energy of everyone on stage. Tate even conducted the crowd during “Operation: Mindcrime.” After singing “Screaming in Digital,” Tate explained how he loves singing that song because of how accurate it is in this day and age with AI and all the new technology that has come along since the song was released.

Tate is not only a wonderful musician but there is something oddly satisfying about his story telling. Right before going into “Silent Lucidity,” he tells a silly story of being recognized at a gas station but not for being Geoff Tate! As the show comes close to the end Tate asks what everyone would like to hear as the last song. Unanimously the crowd screams for “Queen of the Reich” and honestly it was the perfect way to close out the show.

Tate and Vandenberg came together to remind the crowd of what fun the 80s were or for those of us not alive then, to give us a little taste of what it was like. – Tanis Enos

BARONESS And RED FANG – Unite For First Ever Joint U.S. Tour

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news with tags , , , , , , , on March 6, 2024 by Metal Odyssey

March 6, 2024 – Baroness and Red Fang have announced five special co-headlining performances this May, bringing back-to-back sets from two of heavy music’s most beloved bands, for the first time ever.

“It will be great to get out and play some shows with our old friends in Red Fang,” Baroness collectively shared. “Surprisingly, we’ve never properly toured together, so we’re all excited to bring these shows to you this spring. Furthermore, it will be great to have another opportunity to support and perform songs from our latest record, STONE, with you!”

Red Fang’s Bryan Giles adds: “We’re stoked to be paying shows with Baroness this Spring! I’m pretty sure these shows are gonna go off!”

Baroness/Red Fang tour dates:

May 13 Winston Salem, NC The Ramkat
May 14 Norfolk, VA Elevation 27
May 15 Baltimore, MD Ram’s Head Live
May 16 Asbury Park, NJ The Stone Pony
May 18 Harrisburg, PA HMAC

Tickets for the newly announced, non-festival dates are on-sale this Friday at 10 am local time. Ticketing links can be found on: YourBaroness.com.

Baroness – photo credit: Ebru Yildiz

About Baroness:

Founded in 2003, Baroness is John Baizley (vocals/guitar), Gina Gleason (guitar), Nick Jost (bass) and Sebastian Thomson (drums). The Philadelphia-meets-Brooklyn foursome have released six full-length albums to date: STONE(2023), Gold & Grey (2019), Purple (2015), Yellow & Green(2012), Blue Record (2009), and the Red Album (2007). 

Red Fang – photo credit: James Rexroad

About Red Fang:

Red Fang is Aaron Beam (bass/vocals/guitar/keyboards), Bryan Giles (guitar/vocals), John Sherman (drums) and David Sullivan (guitars). The Portland, Oregon-based band have released five studio albums: Arrows (2021), Only Ghosts(2016), Whales and Leeches(2013), Murder the Mountains(2011), and Red Fang (2009)

Redfang.net

Source: Speakeasy PR

CRASHDÏET – Announce New Vocalist And New Permanent Drummer

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news with tags , , , , , on February 20, 2024 by Metal Odyssey

photo from: CRASHDÏET bandsintown

From CRASHDÏET bandsintown:

The time has come to enter the next chapter in the CRASHDÏET book of madness.
After much soul-searching, Gabriel has decided to leave the band to focus on other things in life.

We are shaken by his decision, but we respectfully wish him all the best in his future endeavors and thank him for the years he worked with us and his contribution to the last two studio albums.

Taking over the vocal duties will be none other than John Elliot. A good friend and excellent singer from the band Confess! He has the drive and the hunger to lead us into a promising future.

We also welcome Martin’s brother, Michael, as the band’s permanent drummer! He has stepped in for Eric on countless shows since 2011 and is a natural fit for us. Now that Peter is back and full of energy, we can proudly announce the lineup of CRASHDÏET in 2024:

John Elliot
Martin Sweet
Peter London
Michael Sweet

See you on the long and winding road!

Tour dates: https://bnds.us/1z7csb

//CRASHDÏET

Powerhouse Supergroup THE END MACHINE Announces New Album ‘The Quantum Phase’ Set for Release on March 8th, 2024

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Music, music news, music videos with tags , , , , , on February 18, 2024 by Metal Odyssey

Set for Release on March 8th, 2024
Pre-Order HERE

First Single “Silent Winter” Out Now 
+ Music Video — Watch HERE

2024 launches with a bang thanks to the announcement of ‘The Quantum Phase’, the highly anticipated new record from supergroup THE END MACHINE. The announcement signals a notable change in personnel as well. Singer Robert Mason has officially parted ways with the group, paving the way for Girish Pradhan, the rising superstar vocalist known for his work under the moniker Girish And The Chronicles and, more recently, with Joel Hoekstra’s 13.

The addition of Girish Pradhan to the band is a testament to the keen discernment of Serafino Perugino, president, and founder of Frontiers Records. Perugino, who serves as the executive producer for THE END MACHINE, recognized the incredible talent and potential in Pradhan and brought him to the attention of the band.

To herald this fantastic change and new album, THE END MACHINE shares their first single off of ‘The Quantum Phase,’ entitled “Silent Winter.” The track is accompanied by a new music video.

Jeff Pilson comments on the new track: “‘Silent Winter’ is a song about the bleak prospects for humanity if we keep on our current trajectory. ‘Quantum Phase’ – the album – deals with what we must do to change course.”

Check Out the Music Video for “Silent Winter” HERE.

Established in 2018, THE END MACHINE released their eponymous debut album, ‘The End Machine,’ in 2019 bringing early acclaim for not only contemporary production and a modern attitude, but also their perfectly crafted songs, paying homage to their roots and the music that they love. This attitude and talent was equally on display with their 2021 sophomore album, ‘Phase2’. 

In delivering 2024’s ‘The Quantum Phase,’ THE END MACHINE has not only surpassed expectations but has penned the record of their lives! With each note and lyric, they have exceeded their own artistic aspirations, collectively crafting the album they always wished they had written. This monumental work stands as a testament to THE END MACHINE’s evolution, showcasing not only their musical prowess but also their unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of their creative expression.

Pre-Order ‘The Quantum Phase’ HERE.

Photo from: Frontiers Music s.r.l.

Band Members:
George Lynch
Girish Pradhan
Steve Brown
Jeff Pilson

Track-list:

1) Black Hole Extinction
2) Silent Winter
3) Killer of the Night
4) Hell or High Water
5) Stand Up
6) Burning Man
7) Shattered Glass Heart
8) Time
9) Hunted
10) Stranger in the Mirror
11) Into the Blazing Sun

Produced By: Jeff Pilson for Pilsound Music Inc
Studio: Pilsound Studios, Santa Clarita CA
Recorded By: Jeff Pilson and Girish Pradhan, additional engineering: Olivia Pilson
Mixed By: Alessandro Del Vecchio
Mastered By: Alessandro Del Vecchio

Source: Frontiers Music s.r.l.

Time To Rock THE NEPTUNE POWER FEDERATION’s “Lock & Key” Video

Posted in Hard Rock, Music, music news with tags , , , , , , on February 3, 2024 by Metal Odyssey

Indomitable Australian rockers The Neptune Power Federation have released the official video for “Lock & Key,” the second single from their forthcoming sixth album, Goodnight My Children.

This new album is a collection of feverish nighttime stories set to uproarious pure rock with a pop twist! Cruz Del Sur Music will release the album in the United States and Canada on April 5 (European release date is March 8).

“Lock & Key” (Official Video): youtu.be/SQKFqA9TYsk.

Pure Australian rock glory meets the Sunset Strip on Goodnight My Children!

Love songs were on the mind of Australian psychedelic rock and roll brigade The Neptune Power Federation for their 2021 full-length, Le Demon De L’Amour. The album was the raucous re-imagination of a bygone era filtered through the lens of a band unafraid to blur genres. Fast-forward three years and children’s stories are on the brain for The Neptune Power Federation; with a decidedly early 1980s American sound on Goodnight My Children.

This new album finds The Neptune Power Federation leaning into the poppier side of their sound (think the Sunset Strip merging with late 1970s radio rock). The album’s eight cuts bang and mash with pure rock fervor, complete with roaring guitar solos and the always-memorable, convincing, enticing and mesmerizing “The Imperial Priestess,” otherwise known as Screamin’ Loz Sutch, on lead vocals.

Photo Credit: Stephen B. Oxshall

Line-Up:
Screaming Loz Sutch – Vocals
Search and DesTroy – Guitar
Inverted CruciFox – Guitar
Jaytanic Ritual – Bass
River Sticks – Drums

Indeed, Goodnight My Children may be Sutch’s finest vocal performance to date. The recording process (which took place at bass player JayTanic Ritual’s The Pet Food Factory in Marrickville, Sydney, with mixing duties handled by Mo Mayhem), involved Sutch doing huge banks of layered backing vocals that followed her peculiar and idiosyncratic sensibilities. The sessions were organic and intuitive, allowing Sutch to expand upon the classic pop structures of the eight songs.

Sutch’s spellbinding vocal performance lent perfectly to the theme of Goodnight My Children, which symbolizes a collection of nighttime stories that, no matter how horrifying, leave the listener in the caring embrace of Sutch, the Imperial Priestess. And, as an added bonus, fans will be treated to an illustrated book of fairy tales that will accompany the release.

2024 will find The Neptune Power Federation making its long-awaited return to European shores for a round of tour dates. With the band approaching 15 years as a unit, milestones like a sixth studio album and international acclaim are not taken lightly by the band. While its origins as a casual studio project were simple, the emergence of Sutch and the notoriety for their sweaty, bombastic live shows has turned The Neptune Power Federation into a rock and roll cult that is impossible to ignore.

Track Listing:

  1. Let Us Begin [Video]
  2. Lock & Key [Video]
  3. Twas A Lie
  4. Woe Be Father’s Troubled Mind
  5. Bethrothed to the Serpent
  6. Evermore
  7. Hariette Mae
  8. Goodnight My Children

theneptunepowerfederation.bandcamp.com

cruzdelsurmusic.com

Source: ClawHammer PR