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VALIENT THORR “STRANGER” – A FUNTASTIC, ROCKIN’, THRASHIN’, METAL MASHIN’ OLD SCHOOL METAL BASH!

VALIENT THORR – One look at the above headline for this Valient Thorr – Stranger album pretty much says it all. Or does it? Well, the headline probably could suffice with most Old School Metalheads who don’t give a crap about details… an album is supposed to just deliver the Heavy Music goods and be done with it. Have no fear fellow Metalheads, party freaks, moshers, space travelers, Punks, Thrashers and Old Schoolers… Valient Thorr does deliver something for all of you with Stranger. This is Valient Thorr’s fifth album in seven years, releasing September 14th on Volcom Entertainment. With nearly 250 shows a year for most of this run, touring with everyone from Motorhead to Joan Jett, Valient Thorr has certainly proven they are a knuckles pounding the pavement, no bullshit band with those numbers.

Years ago, I mean decades ago, when the cool word floating around was “crossover”, with bands such as D.R.I. and M.O.D. and to an extent Anthrax, they were taking a little bit of every Hard & Heavy genre out there and incorporating it into their very own sound. Valient Thorr doesn’t just have shades and influences of just about every cool music genre in the history of modern day Rock ‘N’ Roll. This Universe exploring band is potently stocked with all of the hell raising, fist pumping, shot-gun beer swilling and garbage can kicking qualities one could only wish for… and then some. Valient Thorr knows how to play some kick ass music.

Is it appropriate for me to state that Valient Thorr has created a “funtastic” album with Stranger? You bet it is. You see, as I listen to the music, (lyrics aside), of Valient Thorr, it makes me feel like jumping right into this album and being a part of the whole damn scene that is going on within these songs. Lyrically, these songs are not just about chugging down a beer and playing darts. Valient Thorr has something to say and they are more than psyched-out to get their point across.

Escapism is a necessity for me and I seek it out through music, through Rock ‘N’ Roll, um, Metal. Hitching a ride on the escapism Space Shuttle that Valient Thorr is navigating is one hell of a trip. I’m the kind of guy that doesn’t need his steak “cooked to perfection”, in other words, I sometimes like ’em raw. Valient Thorr is spreading their raw talent and raw sound across this globe for good reason… to one day hopefully make all those Kidz Bop CD’s disintegrate into millions of pieces, from the sheer presence of this band’s musical existence.

Plus, Valient Thorr is no slouch band either, fans of Heavy Music will either connect with their sound or run for cover. If running for cover is the option one chooses, then they should make sure to bring along a case of laxatives with them… cause they are obviously chronically constipated. Gillionaire is a wake up call to the materialistic morons of Planet Earth and I can only second Valient Thorr’s strong and resounding message they convey here. Oh, yeah… Gillionaire Rocks with plenty of pent-up attitude and blue collar angst that makes the vibe thrive, through every note.

Sleeper Awakes is even more attitude laced with gang vocals aplenty and scorching guitar leads, with a searing guitar solo that fortifies my hunger for… Metal. Disappearer mixes some speed, speed and more speed with it’s overall… speed. Metal be thy name does Disappearer grab my damn attention and smacks it senseless. Double Crossed has some wholesome Old School rhythm and does not shy away from being guitar friendly. Riffs and solos abound on Double Crossed that semi-convinced me it was 1984 all over again. “You will pay, I’ve just been double crossed” might very well be my #1 Metal chorus of 2010… and beyond.

The more I listen to Stranger, the more I wonder if the members of Valient Thorr were born on Planet Lemmy Kilmister. Why I think that you query? It’s the I don’t give a shit – take our Rock ‘N’ Roll or bust attitude that Valient Thorr radiates so, um, eloquently. Sudden Death Is Nothing is kinda easy for me to point at and declare as my favorite song on Stranger. Whoa… it’s the blitz of Thrash that races unapologetically straight into my ears, that makes Sudden Death Is Nothing so damn memorable.

Woman In The Woods is for all Metal intents and purposes… eerie… and I like that. The guitar tones and even the tempo shifts are haunting. Is there really anything that Valient Thorr doesn’t experiment with musically? Maybe Kidz Bop. “Vision Quest” is relevant Metal, while also being a reminder that Old School Metal never dies. I catch onto some late 80’s Anthrax vibration while listening to “Vision Quest” and “Habituary”, both with the Metal, gang vocals and vocals of Valient Himself.

It would be a dream come true to have Valient Thorr play at one or both of my daughters weddings someday. Hell, it would be the best damn music to ever invade my ears at a wedding for Metal sakes. Throw in the Metal fact this band is just down right contagious, with their free spirited attitude towards Heavy Music and yes Virginia… there is a Thorrior Claus. Valient Thorr would tear the roof off of a wedding hall and I would want to be there to witness it. Um, I wouldn’t want to pay for the damage though.

One final song to mention, “Future Humans” might be a spine-chilling look into the future of mankind, regardless, this song freakin’ Rocks like there is no weekend, um, I mean tomorrow. It’s the thunder stomping beat and guitar driven nature of “Future Humans”, that makes me want to jump up and down on the hood of a pristine limousine, parked outside of a five-star restaurant. Metal be thy name.

Valient Thorr is a band that is difficult not to admire and gravitate to. They are a gritty working man’s Heavy Music band that should really gain some major Metal momentum with the release of Stranger on September 14th. Fans of NWOBHM, Old School/Traditional Metal, Hard Rock and well… any Metal, should hopefully dig Valient Thorr like I do. This band already has some fiery momentum happening already, it’s just the thought of them gaining legions more Thorriors worldwide and galaxy wide that makes me sleep better at night. I’m now a Thorrior… and it serves me right.

VALIENT THORR:

Valient Himself – vocals

Eidan Thorr – guitars

Nitewolf – bass

Sadat Thorr – guitars

Lucian Thorr – drums & percussion

* Stranger is set to release on September 14, 2010, on Volcom Entertainment.

* Stranger is produced, recorded and mixed by Jack Endino.

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

VALIENT THORR – myspace music

VALIENT THORR – Official Website

Track Listing For Valient Thorr – Stranger:

Gillionaire

Sleeper Awakes

Disappearer

Double Crossed

Night Terrors

Sudden Death Is Nothing

Woman In The Woods

Vision Quest

Habituary

The Recognition

Without Hope, Without Fear

Future Humans

Thorriors Of The Galaxy Assemble!

Stone.

2 Comments »

THE NEW CZARS “DOOMSDAY REVOLUTION” – AN INDUSTRIOUS & CREATIVE APPROACH TO ROCK MUSIC DIVERSITY

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, hard rock songs, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags Alice cooper, alternative metal music, doomsday revolution album, doomsday revolution album review, greg hampton musician, hard rock bands 2010, hard rock music, heavy metal albums 2010, heavy metal bands 2010, heavy metal music, industrial metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, modern metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, the new czars on September 8, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

THE NEW CZARS – Releasing on September 14, 2010, on Samson Records, is Doomsday Revolution, the debut album from The New Czars, which electrifies with an approach to making diverse and Heavy Music coexist together. To say that Doomsday Revolution is a storm cloud of Modern Rock/Hard Rock can be another way to describe this album. When a new Hard Rock or Heavy Metal band dares to be original, it’s like an anomaly these days. Doomsday Revolution does mix it up well with moments of Hard, Heavy and Industrial Rock. The New Czars take their mixed bag of music experience and do deliver a debut album that steers away from any same old mentality.

The New Czars do dare and succeed to set themselves away from the rest of the pack and that alone deserves a hell raising horns to the air. Regardless if The New Czars are a new band unto the world of Heavy Music, these are seasoned and talented musicians all the same. Greg Hampton, is no stranger to the Rock Music industry. Greg is the lead vocalist, guitarist, songwriter, lyricist and producer for Doomsday Revolution and he comes packing with impressive Rock ‘N’ Roll credentials. With wearing so many “hats” in getting this album to it’s final pressing, I can only marvel at the true spirit of Rock ‘N’ Roll Greg Hampton possesses.

Greg Hampton was a lead guitarist and songwriter for Alice Cooper’s concept album Along Came A Spider, as well as playing bass and keyboards amongst a variety of other things, on this macabre masterpiece from 2008. Greg also co-produced, mixed and played various instruments on Lita Ford’s 2009 comeback album – Wicked Wonderland. Greg, as with his band mates Paul Ill (bass) and David “Chilli” Moreno (drums), sound as if they have been doing this gig together for quite some time… only this is their debut album and three is not a crowd.

Let’s throw in the fact that a Rock Music legend, the likes of Adrian Belew of King Crimson fame, lends contributions to Doomsday Revolution on guitar and the credibility factor and peer respect for The New Czars only becomes more admirably real. It’s the blue collar and do-it-yourself Rock musicians that give rise to and/or expand on a non-trendy sound and vision, in which they want to share with the rest of the Rock community. Greg and his band The New Czars are doing just that with Doomsday Revolution, without any flirtation with the flavor of the month society.

Doomsday Revolution unwraps it’s heavy side with the Industrial edginess from Keep On Goin’. The hardened vocals and guitar licks of Greg Hampton simultaneously keeps this song moving at an addicting tempo. If this opening track is any indication of the music prowess that The New Czars are intending on releasing unto thine ears… then one best get ready. There are so many more muscular riffs, leads and solos to follow from Greg’s guitar throughout this album. No song style on Doomsday Revolution is immune from the imagination of his guitar playing. Confessions takes right over where keep on goin’ left off, with an almost maddeningly loud vibe that rises from this song. I envision a full scale implosion of my decades old stereo speakers, at any moment, while this song is being cranked to high.

The New Czars are not all about full-throttle and face to the pavement heaviness on Doomsday Revolution. Why Do U Have 2 Lie exhibits Greg Hampton vocally toning things down, amidst a mid-tempo Hard Rock swirl of sound. The old adage of “less is more” holds true with the lyrics of Why Do U Have 2 Lie, showing lyrics can be emotional and smart by not saying too much. Time Stops is an unexpected surprise on this album. Another mid-tempo ballad, Greg Hampton proves he can croon with a David Coverdale like accessibility. Melodic and hooky, Time Stops also incorporates a sitar for some Eastern World ambiance. The guitar solo more than helps Time Stops to stray away from feeling like a ballad, which is just another amazing musical element to an already amazing song.

Don’t Watch Me showcases some exemplary drumming from David “Chilli” Moreno, with spastic drum fills that coincide perfectly to this song’s anxiety filled lyrics. Greg Hampton let’s it all loose vocally, making Don’t Watch Me sound as an angst filled memoir from a paranoid soul. What separates Greg Hampton from being just another Heavy Music vocalist is his ability to adapt to a song’s theme, turning on and off degrees of emotion in his voice, in such a fantastic way it’s borderline uncanny.

The title track, Doomsday Revolution takes no prisoners with it’s Hard and Heavy Industrial mayhem, which comes across as The New Czars answer to their version of an anthem. Trust me, the chorus on Doomsday Revolution alone is enough to get the adrenaline pumping up the psyche-out meter. Only Dreaming is another ballad stopover, this time around the tempo is slow and unsuspectingly alluring. Greg Hampton could very well shun off the Hard Rock & Metal Gods and make his fortune as an unplugged crooner… only this is a musician who seems to revel in his Rock ‘N’ Roll diversity more than anything else and revel he should.

With 16 songs to digest on Doomsday Revolution, there are no dull moments. How could there be with such a fortified stack of diverse songs such as this? Be it Industrial, Rock, Hard Rock or slivers of Traditional Metal, you will hear it on this album. Just don’t stray too far away… for the Alternative and Electronica bug will be poking you on the back from the likes of Funky Detour. Yes… there is a “Funky” vibe happening within this song that sneaks and swirls it’s way through with subtle ease.

Obviously, I walk away with the impression that Greg Hampton strategically sandwiched himself between two skillful and time tested players in bass guitarist Paul Ill and drummer David “Chilli” Moreno. As it is in the world of professional sports teams… your only as good as your players and The New Czars have come to play.

I can’t resist to mention, that to my Metal ears, I can hear somewhat of an Ian Gillian poise and swagger in the vocals of Greg Hampton. A personal interpretation to the fullest extent of course, so convict me for being a lifelong fan of quality Rock vocalists and hearing what I do. I conclude, that after several thorough listens to Doomsday Revolution, I feel compelled to put Greg Hampton on the list of today’s current quality vocalists. To overlook Greg’s guitar play would be a travesty… really, he is that good.

If ever there was a surefire flag bearer for Music Appreciation 101, then it is Greg Hampton and his band The New Czars. Don’t be afraid to take chances, is what we are all taught from an early age. Greg Hampton has taken many very cool chances with Doomsday Revolution and from the sounds of it, he has come away unscathed. The totality of musicianship from The New Czars Greg Hampton, David “Chilli” Moreno and Paul Ill have left an undeniable impression on my ears, an impression that won’t evaporate for me anytime soon.

Fans of Industrial Rock/Hard Rock, Progressive Rock genres and Modern Hard Rock/Metal should strongly consider picking up Doomsday Revolution. Guitar enthusiasts are urged to take an earful of what Greg Hampton is playing on this album. Old School Metalheads who are looking for an alternative to single-based genres should be forewarned: you might just get hooked on what this album is all about.

* For more info on The New Czars, just click on the link below:

THE NEW CZARS – myspace music

From left to right: Paul Ill, Greg Hampton and David “Chilli” Moreno.

The New Czars:

Greg Hampton – vocals & guitar

Paul Ill – bass

David “Chilli” Moreno – drums

* Adrian Belew (King Crimson) – contributing guitarist & Rock legend

Track Listing For Doomsday Revolution:

keep on goin’

confessions

desperate

why do u have 2 lie

don’t watch Me

Time stops

brush with the devil

so sure

abstract prague

crashed

doomsday revolution

only dreaming

Tell Me

had 2 do it

funky detour

crotch critters

THE NEW CZARS… A WHOLE NEW BREED OF ROCK.

Stone.

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MURDERDOLLS “WOMEN AND CHILDREN LAST” – MY FIRST METAL IMPRESSION

Posted in Album Review, extreme metal music, Hard Rock, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, horror metal, horror punk, metal odyssey, Music, punk rock music, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags Extreme Metal, hard rock music, heavy metal albums 2010, heavy metal music, heavy metal reviews, horror metal, horror punk, joey jordison, metal music, metal odyssey, murderdolls, Music, rock music 2010, wednesday 13, women and children last album on August 31, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

MURDERDOLLS – Yes, I made my Murderdolls CD purchase today, on it’s release date. The deluxe edition looked too fantastic to pass up, therefore I snagged this version of Women And Children Last and so far… it has served me right. The three bonus tracks on the deluxe edition are: Mother F**ker See, Mother F**ker Do, The Funeral Ball and A Moment Of Violence. The bonus DVD includes live songs recorded at The Key Club in W. Hollywood, CA on June 17, 2010.

So, what would my favorite track be thus far? Well, I have listened to Women And Children Last about five times today… and I am not remotely close to growing tired of one song yet. Actually, this new Murderdolls has been quite the escapism for me. The raucous, pissed off and nightmarish lyrics are a sheer delight to listen to… especially after I watched the news at noon today.

The lead single from Women And Children Last, My Dark Place Alone, still blasts out at me like a stick of Metal dynamite, leaving me thinking… this crazy shit is F’n fun! Blood Stained Valentine is one hell of groove infested number… it Rocks so hellishly fine this… Blood Stained Valentine! Summertime Suicide has some deep and depressing lyrics… only the melodic hardness of this song has taken me by surprise and makes it a damn cool song, worthy of hitting the repeat play button multiple times. Pieces Of You is another infectiously heavy and vibe ridden song that has me in Metal stitches.

Wednesday 13 has the vocals of a modern day Horror Punk meets Horror Metal superstar. Joey Jordison is Metal sound and Metal solid on guitar. If there is any question about Joey delivering the licks with a six string, then just one listen to Rock N Roll Is All I Got is the sure fire-slap to the forehead reminder that he is the real deal. Whoa… Rock ‘N’ Roll is (gasp) fun sometimes! Whatever You Got, I’m Against It electrifies with fun vibes throughout, with strong hints and deep shades of Punk Rock flavor… Old School style too.

Well, my first Metal impression of Women And Children Last, after nearly six thorough listens, is that this Murderdolls album is spontaneously contagious! I don’t predict that my Metal impression shall change anytime soon, unless… maybe I’ll like this new Murderdolls album even more with each listen. Murderdolls don’t disappoint on delivering the Heavy, nor do they disappoint on bringing some Horrific Fun back into the world of Rock ‘N’ Roll either. That’s my first Metal impression of Women And Children Last, so let it be Metal written, so let it be Metal done.

LONG LIVE MURDERDOLLS & THEIR ROCK ‘N’ ROLL!

Stone.

2 Comments »

HIGH ON FIRE “FROST HAMMER” – A METAL SONG FOR THE METAL AGES

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal songs, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, stoner metal music with tags frost hammer song, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums 2010, heavy metal bands, heavy metal songs 2010, high on fire, matt pike, metal music, metal odyssey, metal song of the day, Music, rock music, rock music news, snakes for the divine album, stoner metal on August 29, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

HIGH ON FIRE – Good health. Family. Cool Metal buddies. Sunny skies. Free stuff. Cold beer. Finding an independent record and CD store. Finding a quarter in the grocery store parking lot. Taking a relieving dump. Sure, these are all the big and some little things that can perk up the human spirit. However… it’s Metal that never fails to perk me up time and again, year after year, day after day.

Hearing that one Metal song that lifts me up is always a reminder as to why I am hooked on the greatest music in the history of mankind. What’s the greatest music in the history of mankind you query? Uh, it’s Metal. This is Metal Odyssey after all, that you are visiting. Sure, there are other Rock genres covered on Metal Odyssey… only Metal is the end all and be all. Metal be thy F’n name.

I’ll get to the Metal point here: Frost Hammer from the High On Fire album Snakes For The Divine – kicks some serious Metal ass. Frost Hammer is an instant adrenaline surge for me. Whoa… I’ve been Metal supercharged by High On Fire. A charging pissed off beast, out of the dark northern woods of no man’s land is Frost Hammer. Des Kensel on drums plays with enough fierce enthusiasm, with so many cool fills, that it’s mind numbing. Lead vocalist and guitarist Matt Pike leads the way with his nailed to the Metal riffs, leads and a solo so fast and tenaciously addicting that it smacks me senseless.

The triple Metal threat of Matt Pike, Des Kensel and Jeff Matz are as potent as any power trio I’ve ever listened to. For me to state otherwise, would be untruthful. On Frost Hammer these guys play tight, no, super tight, defining what “in-your-face” Metal is supposed to sound like. Frost Hammer is one of those great Metal songs, where I wish it would continue on for another five or ten minutes. Nonetheless, this song will always sound like an epic to me. High On Fire didn’t rewrite any sacred Metal rules with Frost Hammer… they just stayed true to ’em.

With speed and heavy coexisting so deliriously well on Frost Hammer, there is no moment to really catch your breath. This is not even a Thrash Metal song, yet it rivals the fierce and bombastic tempo of such. Just hearing Matt Pike bellow out – “Frost Hammer”! is enough to make me feel secure in my own little Metal world, which I love to get lost in continuously.

High On Fire doesn’t make Metal that’s fashionable, they make Metal that kicks ass… period.

* For more info on High On Fire, just click the link below:

HIGH ON FIRE – myspace music page

* High On Fire – Snakes For The Divine was released on February 23, 2010, on E1 Music.

LONG LIVE HIGH ON FIRE!

Stone.

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DISTURBED – COVERS JUDAS PRIEST “LIVING AFTER MIDNIGHT” ON “ANOTHER WAY TO DIE” CD SINGLE!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags another way to die cd single, disturbed asylum album, disturbed heavy metal band, disturberd livin' after midnight cover song, hard rock music, heavy metal albums 2010, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, Judas Priest, metal music 2010, metal odyssey, Music, rock guitarists, rock music, rock music news, rock vocalists on August 9, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

DISTURBED – On June 8, 2010, Disturbed released the Another Way To Die CD single, (on Reprise Records), as a heavy duty prelude to their forthcoming studio album – Asylum. The title song Another Way To Die is also on the Asylum album, while the “B side” to this CD single is a Judas Priest classic… Living After Midnight. The inclusion of this cover song onto this CD single, makes it a must own for fans… for Living After Midnight is not included on the track listing of Asylum! The price for this CD single is dirt cheap everywhere I’ve seen it… from 99 cents to the $1.88 price I paid at my local Super Walmart. (in U.S. funds).

Judas Priest will forever be Metal elite, pioneering a NWOBHM sound with such iconic albums as Stained Class, Hell Bent For Leather, British Steel, Point Of Entry and Screaming For Vengeance. There have been Judas Priest albums before and after these albums I’ve just mentioned… only these are the Judas Priest albums that I truly sank my Metal ears into a long time ago. These were the Judas Priest albums, that recruited me into being a fan of this amazing band for life.

It’s never a surprise to me whenever any Hard Rock or Heavy Metal band covers a Judas Priest song/classic, how do you honestly measure the influence and importance of Judas Priest? I have to put Judas Priest into that “immeasurable worth and influence” class of bands. You know those bands… do I really need to list ’em?

Disturbed does a hell of job at covering Living After Midnight! Upon my first few listens to this cover song, It hit me immediately that Disturbed served Judas Priest and this iconic song Metal justice. Yes, it’s Disturbed at their Hardest Rockin’ finest… and still, this song can never shake away that Judas Priest aura, no matter how Hard or Heavy this band covers it. It’s Priest… and it’s Disturbed… and the combination of the two makes it a Metal winner for Stone’s ears.

David Draiman sounds like no other on lead vocals, in my opinion he gives Disturbed it’s unique identity. I’m in no way taking away any glory from the rest of this Disturbed band, it’s just that David’s vocal identity stands out so profoundly, within the overall landscape of their fabulous sound. David can make any cover song that Disturbed has done thus far sound so brazenly bad-ass… Land Of Confusion and Shout 2000 are past covers that just ignite the psyche-out meter in my Heavy Music soul.

The opening drum beat that Mike Wengren hammers down on Living After Midnight is new, then the vintage drum beat we all know so well kicks in. As for keeping the original structure of this song intact, Disturbed does just that, until the song begins to subside with a fade out that’s new. Disturbed keeps the original heaviness and Old School vibe alive, with their cover version. Dan Donegan may not be Glen Tipton or K.K. Downing… still he keeps the guitar blazing, adding his heavy signature throughout this song. Dan Donegan has formulated his style and tone over the years and he makes this Living After Midnight cover scorch.

Hey… ‘nuthin beats an original, only Disturbed jams the crap out of Living After Midnight. Classic Metal is to be celebrated and exposed for it’s greatness and that is exactly what Disturbed has done. ‘Nuff said.

Another Way To Die is an undisputed Hard & Heavy gem of a song from Disturbed. David Draiman and Co. tantalize with a toned down intro to this song, both vocally and musically. Then… brace yourself… for Disturbed let’s it all fire up and the grooves are aplenty. This song is where I really point the Metal finger at John Moyer… he adds the bass groovin’ thump that should make your car or house exterior rattle to submission when played very F’n LOUD.

* For more cool info on DISTURBED, just click on the link below:

DISTURBED1.COM

DISTURBED ARE:

David Draiman – vocalist

Dan Donegan – guitarist

John Moyer – bass guitarist

Mike Wengren – drummer, percussionist

* Living After Midnight is on the Judas Priest album – British Steel, released in 1980 on Columbia Records.

* Asylum will be released on August 31, 2010, on Reprise Records!

* Here is the DISTURBED – ASYLUM album cover artwork:

Here is the Track Listing for Asylum:

Remnants

Asylum

The Infection

Warrior

Another Way To Die

Never Again

The Animal

Crucified

Serpentine

My Child

Sacrifice

Innocence

LONG LIVE DISTURBED!

Stone.

5 Comments »

AVENGED SEVENFOLD “NIGHTMARE” – SOME METAL THOUGHTS…

Posted in hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags #1 heavy metal albums, a7x, avenged sevenfold, avenged sevenfold nightmare album, eski of morphine killer, hard rock music, heavy metal albums 2010, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, rock music, rock music news on August 8, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

AVENGED SEVENFOLD – If a band is going to move forward, stay close, remain musically focused and courageously continue on after the tragic loss of a cherished family member, Avenged Sevenfold sure is trying and obviously succeeding. A7X drummer Jimmy “The Reverend” Sullivan passed away on December 28th, 2009. As defined, inventive and polished of a talented drummer as there could ever have been, “The Reverend” without question will forever be missed. Nightmare proves that life really does go on for Avenged Sevenfold in it’s sheer fantastical way… I’m certain “The Reverend” is beyond proud, as he looks down upon his band of brothers. – Stone

Recently, Eski (Metal extraordinaire and founding member of Morphine Killer and Igloo Warfare), gave Metal Odyssey his thoughts on Avenged Sevenfold – Nightmare.

Eski’s take on the new A7X CD:

“I’ve been a huge fan of A7X since their very first CD, ‘Sounding The Seventh Trumpet’ – back then, they were a local band that was very impressive. It has been nothing short of amazing to see what kind of release that ‘Nightmare’ has received, whether people like them or not. The one thing that always gets me about their music, unlike so many other bands I’ve listened to, is the fact that I look forward to listening to every single song on the CD, not just the one or two “good ones”.

When the band goes all out on songs, like “God Hates Us” or the first single “Nightmare”, it really makes my skin tingle. But honestly, there’s two AMAZING stand out tracks, which are the Rev’s final contribution to the CD, the haunting piano driven track “Fiction” (especially the ending), and the incredibly epic “Save Me”, which by the end of the track will have you thinking of nothing but the love that they wanted to give a fallen brother.” – Eski

Eski & Belle/Morphine Killer

* You can find out more about Avenged Sevenfold and their new Nightmare album, by clicking this link: AVENGED SEVENFOLD – myspace music page

* Find out more about Eski, Morphine Killer and Igloo Warfare by clicking the links below:

MORPHINE KILLER – Official Website

MORPHINE KILLER – Myspace music

IGLOO WARFARE – myspace music

LONG LIVE AVENGED SEVENFOLD.

REST IN PEACE, JIMMY “THE REV” SULLIVAN.

Stone.

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IN THIS MOMENT – “THE GUN SHOW” MUSIC VIDEO RAGES!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal videos, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music videos with tags a star crossed wasteland album, hard rock music, heavy metal albums 2010, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2010, heavy metal songs 2010, heavy metal videos, in this moment heavy metal band, maria brink vocalist, metal bands, metal odyssey, the gun show music video on July 30, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

IN THIS MOMENT – The third studio album from In This Moment, A Star-Crossed Wasteland, was released on July 13, 2010, on Century Media. Maria Brink, once again, does not disappoint me with her vocals. The Gun Show showcases Maria at her most vocally vicious best! What I admire most about Maria is her ability to capture the emotion she feels for a song… and transfer that energy unto my ears. Whether it’s soft and harmonious or the angst and fire fueled vocals of Maria Brink, I am always impressed beyond Metal belief.

Plus… the band behind her are pretty damned good at what they do too. I hope you enjoy In This Moment – The Gun Show… I know I certainly do.

* For more info on IN THIS MOMENT, click on the link below:

IN THIS MOMENT – myspace music page

IN THIS MOMENT ARE:

Maria Brink – vocals

Chris Howorth – guitar

Blake Bunzel – guitar

Kyle Konkiel – bass

Jeff Fabb – drums

Track Listing For A Star-Crossed Wasteland:

The Gun Show

Just Drive

The Promise

Standing Alone

A Star Crossed Wasteland

Blazin

The Road

Iron Army

The Last Cowboy

World In Flames

LONG LIVE IN THIS MOMENT!

Stone.

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BONDED BY BLOOD “EXILED TO EARTH” – RELEASE DATES, TRACK LISTING & ALBUM ARTWORK!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, thrash metal bands, thrash metal music with tags bonded by blood thrash metal band, current thrash metal, exiled to earth album, heavy metal albums 2010, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, new metal album releases, rock music news, thrash metal albums 2010, thrash metal bands, thrash metal music on July 27, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

BONDED BY BLOOD – Pomona California’s very own Thrash Metal ambassadors – Bonded By Blood are set to release their second studio album on Earache Records… Exiled To Earth. The North American release date is August 10, 2010 with the U.K. and Europe release date being August 16, 2010.

Bonded By Blood will be playing at the Brutal Assault Open Air Festival in Josefov, Czech Republic , CZ, on August 12, 2010. August 13th thru the 15th finds Bonded By Blood tagged for three concerts in The United Kingdom. August 15th ends with their playing at the Bloodstock Open Air Festival – Mainstage, at Catton Hall, United Kingdom.

August 17, 2010 is the beginning of Bonded By Blood trekking across North America in support of Exiled To Earth, on the March Of Brutality Tour, opening for Thrash Metal legends… EXODUS! Vancouver, BC, Canada, is the first North American city on the schedule, which will commence on December 13th, 2010, in Sin City itself… Las Vegas, Nevada.

Throughout this North American tour, Bonded By Blood will be teaming up with Thrash Metal veterans/legends OVERKILL and Forbidden. Early Man, Evile and Gama Bomb are also slated to be on the bill with Bonded By Blood, on selected dates, throughout this tour.

* For more info on BONDED BY BLOOD and a detailed list of their 2010 tour schedule, just click on the link below:

BONDED BY BLOOD – myspace music page

BONDED BY BLOOD ARE:

Jose Barrales – vocals

Alex Lee – guitar & vocals

Juan Juarez – guitar

Jerry Garcia – bass & vocals

Carlos Regalado – drums

Track listing for Exiled To Earth:

600 a.B (After the Bomb)

Episodes of Aggression

Prototype: Death Machine

Prison Planet

Genetic Encryption

Blood Spilled Offerings

Exiled To Earth

Parasitic Infection

Desolate Future

Sector 87

Cross-Insemination

GO GET ‘EM, BONDED BY BLOOD!

Stone.

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THE ABSENCE “ENEMY UNBOUND” – RELEASES SEPTEMBER 14, 2010! TRACK LISTING & ALBUM ART!

Posted in death metal music, extreme metal music, extreme music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, heavy metal songs, melodic death metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, thrash metal music with tags extreme metal music, heavy metal albums 2010, heavy metal news, melodic death metal bands, metal odyssey, new metal music, rock music news, the absence on July 23, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

THE ABSENCE – On September 14, 2010, The Absence – Enemy Unbound will be released on Metal Blade Records. Enemy Unbound will be the third studio album released by The Absence, all on Metal Blade Records.

You can listen to the new single from The Absence – Enemy Unbound on their myspace music page, (click link below)… it’s worth multiple listens. Enemy Unbound is fast, heavy and chock full of melodic guitar moments. Don’t be swayed by The Absence bringing melodic guitar to the Metal table though… this song blisters with extreme vocals from Jamie Stewart and the pummeling attack of Jeramie Kling on drums and Mike Leon on bass. Listening to the duo guitars of Peter Joseph and Patrick Pintavalle is a substantial reminder of just how potent The Absence is with their Metal sound… and talent. Blending both Death and Thrash Metal styles together, while stirring in strong melodic consistency, is what The Absence delivers.

* Jeramie Kling has rejoined The Absence on drums. Jeramie parted ways after touring in support of their debut album – From Your Grave. (Source: Metal Blade News Update).

THE ABSENCE ARE:

Jamie Stewart – vocals

Peter Joseph – guitar

Patrick Pintavalle – guitar

Jeramie Kling – drums

Mike Leon – bass

Track Listing For Enemy Unbound:

Vertigo

Erased

Deepest Wound

Maelstrom

Enemy Unbound

Solace

The Bridge

Warton

Hidden In White

Vengeance and Victory

Triumph

The Absence Discography:

From Your Grave (2005)

Riders Of The Plague (2007)

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

THE ABSENCE – myspace music page

METAL BLADE RECORDS

Stone.

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MAGIC “A TRIBUTE TO RONNIE JAMES DIO” – DESERVES A LOUD METAL BRAVO!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock music, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, power metal music, rock music, rock music news with tags 1980's heavy metal bands, dio, dio heavy metal band, dio tribute albums, hard rock music, heavy metal albums 2010, heavy metal bands 2010, heavy metal cover songs, heavy metal history, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music, holyhell heavy metal band, magic a tribute to ronnie james dio album, manowar heavy metal band, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, power metal bands, power metal music, rock music on July 22, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

MAGIC/A TRIBUTE TO RONNIE JAMES DIO – This compilation of songs, paying tribute to the late and forever legendary Ronnie James Dio, was released on July 20, 2010, on Magic Circle Music. The executive producer for this album is Joey DeMaio, bass guitarist and founding member of Metal legends… MANOWAR. Joey is also the founder and man-in-charge of Magic Circle Music, starting this record label back in 2005. HolyHell, Feinstein and Jack Starr’s Burning Starr are just a few of the many bands under the Magic Circle Music label and appearing on this tribute album as well.

The assemblage of Metal Bands heard on this Ronnie James Dio Tribute album gives it more added appeal, these are bands that are not vying for position at any Hollywood plastic awards shows, which brings a huge sigh of relief to me. Sincerity in Metal is key, especially when it comes to a tribute album for such a legend as Ronnie James Dio. In other words, you won’t hear any “club mix” or “flavor of the month” band here. It’s all real, especially when “The Kings Of Metal” themselves, are included on this album – MANOWAR. Their presence alone solidifies and justifies all the more reason to buy, listen to and enjoy this Ronnie James Dio Tribute. This album contains cover songs from Ronnie James Dio’s career with Rainbow and Black Sabbath, songs in which Ronnie not only sung his heart out on but cowrote as well.

There are two songs that are the exception here and are not covers, they are – Far Beyond by Feinstein and Never More by Neoclassical guitarist Dean Cascione. Far Beyond is from the debut album by Feinstein – Third Wish. David “Rock” Feinstein, (original guitarist for Elf and later guitarist/vocalist for the influential Heavy Metal Band – The Rods), can play some lean & mean Metal guitar. He displays his guitar prowess on Far Beyond, making for a fabulous salute to his cousin and former Elf band mate, Ronnie James Dio. Whoa, is this song melodic and John West on vocals is an absolute Metal treat to thine ears.

Dean Cascione showcases his guitar skills in a moving and emotional instrumental that is Never More. If Dean’s guitar could speak, it would be saying… thank you Ronnie, you are so missed. That is exactly how I interpret this guitar instrumental, with having it’s rightful place amongst the other songs on this album. Straight Through The Heart covered by Harlet just flat out Rocks. Todd Michael Hall on vocals is excellent… as he gives this DIO classic it’s just revered due.

MANOWAR cuts loose with the first song, a cover of the revered – Heaven And Hell. MANOWAR unleashes their very own thunder strike of Metal into Heaven And Hell, all the while adhering to this song’s original tempo and mystically dark mood. The bass of Joey DeMaio is heavily prominent in this cover, just as Geezer Butler’s bass is in the original. What a tremendous way to get this Ronnie James Dio Tribute album moving!

HolyHell covers Holy Diver, it’s a live recording done somewhere in Norway. Maria Breon on vocals brings another listening dimension to this ultra classic DIO song. Maria’s eloquent vocal style combined with the Power Metal of HolyHell comes recommended by Stone. I really enjoy listening to this cover and to this band. MetalForce covers The Last In Line. This Power Metal version is a mighty listen with Tristan Visser on guitar leaving quite a Metal impression on me, he takes on the solo with fearless Metal fury. Tarek Maghary on vocals gives The Last In Line the Old School emotion it so deserves.

Now, let’s talk about Jack Starr’s Burning Starr… unreal is the cover version of Catch The Rainbow by this legendary guitarist and his band. Todd Michael Hall on vocals is brilliant. Catch The Rainbow is without question, the most soothing Hard Rock song I have ever listened to… both the Rainbow original and this cover version as well. I’d have to pick this song along with the Heaven And Hell cover from Manowar as the two best songs on this album.

For those who may not know, Jack Starr was the founder and guitarist for the highly influential and renowned 1980’s Power Metal Band from New York – Virgin Steele. After the Virgin Steele era, Jack Starr continued onward with Burning Starr, his solo career, revisiting his love for the blues and having a stake in a few other bands. I could continue on and on with the history of Jack Starr… we’ll just leave that for another post in the future. After Burning Starr’s two decade absence of an album, Defiance was released in 2009 on Magic Circle Music. Defiance marks the fifth studio album release from Jack Starr’s… Burning Starr.

Joey DeMaio and all of these bands mentioned, have delivered quite the Old School and well deserved tribute to the late/great Ronnie James Dio with this compilation album. The historical Heavy Metal linkage associated with this tribute album is a thrill in and of itself! Combine this history with a few younger Metal bands that appear here and Magic – A Tribute To Ronnie James Dio truly bridges the gap between generations of Metal Bands and fans. Even the liner notes seem to glisten with that “days of Metal yesteryear” image. The four pages of photo’s celebrating Ronnie James Dio, within the liner notes, show him as a member of The Electric Elves, Rainbow and Black Sabbath.

I guess my Metal enthusiasm has essentially spilled over on writing about this tribute album to Ronnie James Dio. What I walk away with, after listening to all of the songs on this album and realizing the history behind the music, is that the Heavy Metal genre is very much a diverse and well connected family tree. And this family tree I will continue to climb, love and explore for the rest of my Metal life.

* The very cool & Metal album cover illustration is by – Ken Kelly.

* For more info on the bands involved in this great tribute album to Ronnie James Dio, just click on the helpful links below:

MANOWAR – Official Website

MAGIC CIRCLE MUSIC

FEINSTEIN – Official Website

Jack Starr’s Burning Starr – Official Website

Jack Starr’s Burning Starr – myspace music page

HOLYHELL – Official Website

HOLYHELL – myspace music page

METALFORCE – myspace music page

DEAN CASCIONE – Official Website

Track Listing For MAGIC – A Tribute To Ronnie James Dio:

Heaven And Hell – Manowar

Holy Diver (Live In Norway) – HolyHell

The Last In Line – Metalforce

Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll – Magic Circle All Star Band

I Speed At Night – Awaken

A Light In The Black – Crosswind

Never More – Dean Cascione

Far Beyond – Feinstein

Straight Through The Heart – Harlet

Catch The Rainbow – Jack Starr’s Burning Starr

* A Metal Roll Call To The Bands Heard On Magic – A Tribute To Ronnie James Dio:

MANOWAR:

Eric Adams – vocals

Donnie Hamzik – drums

Karl Logan – guitar

Joey DeMaio – bass

HOLYHELL:

Maria Breon – vocals

Joe Stump – guitar

Francisco Palomo – keyboards

Jay Rigney – bass

Rhino – drums

METALFORCE:

Tarek Maghary – vocals

Tristan Visser – guitar

Jan Raddaatz – drums

Magic Circle All Star Band:

Sammy “Shmoulik” Avigal – vocals

Joe Stump – guitar

Jack Starr – guitar

AWAKEN:

Glenn DaGrossa – vocals

Artie Dillon – guitar & vocals

Joe Todaro – guitar

Freddy Villano – bass

Nick D’Alessandro – drums

CROSSWIND:

Kyriakos Vasdokas – vocals & guitar

Leon Tsorbatzoglou – guitar

Vasilis Mitsaris – drums

Guest Musician: Yiannis Papadopoulos – backing vocals

DEAN CASCIONE – guitar

FEINSTEIN:

David “Rock” Feinstein – guitar

John West – vocals

Jeff Howell – bass

Nate Horton – drums

Bob Twining – keyboards

HARLET:

Todd Michael Hall – vocals

Tod Walraven – guitar

Jon Hall – bass

Doug Julian – drums

JACK STARR’S BURNING STARR:

Jack Starr – guitar

Todd Michael Hall – vocals

Ned Michael Meloni – bass

Guest Musician: Rhino – drums

LONG LIVE THE MUSIC OF RONNIE JAMES DIO.

REST IN PEACE, RONNIE JAMES DIO.

Stone.

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Murderdolls and ARTISTdirect.com Team Up for Exclusive “My Dark Place Alone” Premiere – ARTISTdirect News!

Posted in hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, heavy metal videos, horror metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags heavy metal albums 2010, heavy metal music 2010, heavy metal music videos 2010, heavy metal news, heavy metal videos, horror metal, horror punk, joey jordison drummer, metal music, metal odyssey, murderdolls women and children last album, Music, new heavy metal albums, roadrunner records, rock music, rock music news, wednesday 13 on July 16, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

Just click the cool link below to view the exclusive premiere of Murderdolls – My Dark Place Alone:

Murderdolls and ARTISTdirect.com Team Up for Exclusive “My Dark Place Alone” Premiere – ARTISTdirect News.

Joey Jordison (Slipknot).

Wednesday 13.

MURDERDOLLS.

Releasing on RoadRunner Records, August 31, 2010!

Stone.

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MURDERDOLLS – “WOMEN AND CHILDREN LAST” RELEASES AUGUST 31, 2010!

Posted in hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, horror metal, horror punk, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags current heavy metal music, glam metal music, hard rock music, heavy metal albums 2010, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2010, heavy metal news, horror metal music, horror punk, metal music, metal odyssey, murderdolls women and children last album, Music, Punk rock, rock music, rock music news on July 13, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

MURDERDOLLS – And on the 13th day, God created the Murderdolls. O.k., so maybe God did. The real Metal fact is this: Murderdolls are BACK! On August 31, 2010, ROADRUNNER Records will be releasing the newest installment of heavy duty carnage, from this Supergroup. The legendary Joey Jordison (Slipknot) plays both guitar and drums on Women And Children Last. Wednesday 13, (Yes, that Wednesday 13!), is the lead vocalist and plays guitar and bass as well.

* Metal Odyssey Note: I did refer to Joey Jordison as “legendary”… and if anyone disagrees, well, you obviously have never listened to any Slipknot albums in your entire life… especially All Hope Is Gone. Metal be thy name.

On June 22, 2010, the RoadRunner Records website was serving up, (for just 48 hours), a free download of the Murderdolls single – My Dark Place Alone, from the forthcoming Women And Children Last. I took full advantage of this Metal freebie. Let me just describe this song as honestly as I can… An F’n intense and brutally supercharged Metal song, fueled with hellishly delectable speed and fury, that shall pummel thine senses into a state of maddening glee. ‘Nuff said. No? All right, here is a song review for the more intolerant and faint of heart out there: My Dark Place Alone shall invade your mind, space and soul by brute force… so grab your first aid kit, food rations, your ABBA albums, loved ones and seek shelter soon.

* Metal Odyssey Note: You can currently purchase My Dark Place Alone on itunes.

As read on the Murderdolls official website, (see link below), Joey Jordison states that Wednesday 13 came up with the new album title of Women And Children Last, being a funny joke on the Van Halen album “title” – Women And Children First, released back in 1980. (Just so the readers know… I revere that Van Halen album). Wednesday 13 reveals on the Murderdolls official website: “So the record is going to have ideas from all over the place. It’s heavy, it’s Glam Rock, it’s Hard Rock, it’s Metal, it’s… there’s not hip-hop though”. Sounds like a kickin’ ass album to Stone.

* From what I have been reading, Motely Crue’s legendary Mick Mars does appear on two songs, making Women And Children Last all the more Metal intriguing. Song titles have been revealed, with the two Mick Mars songs as well… only I don’t want to spell out these songs until it is “officially” stated on a credible site or from a credible source. Maybe this info is out there, already credibly established. Still, I just don’t want to wind up as a corn dog at the end of the day.

* Some of the new album’s song titles have been revealed on the RoadRunner Records website, (see link below), they are: Death Valley Superstars, Summertime Suicide, Drug Me To Hell and of course, My Dark Place Alone.

Murderdolls released their debut album in 2002 – Beyond The Valley Of The Murderdolls, on RoadRunner Records. Initially being a Horror Punk Band, Murderdolls are now promising a wide array of Heavy Music styles on Women And Children Last. From listening to their new single – My Dark Place Alone, Murderdolls have taken a few steps aside from their Horror Punk style of eight years ago. I really am looking forward to hearing this new Murderdolls album in it’s entirety. You can count on this album being reviewed right here on Metal Odyssey. I have a sinister suspicion I’m gonna really like it.

* For more info on Murderdolls, just click on the links below!

MURDERDOLLS – Official Website

www.myspace.com/murderdollsband

ROADRUNNER RECORDS

LONG LIVE MURDERDOLLS!

Stone.

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IRON MAIDEN – “BRAVE NEW WORLD” ALBUM FROM 2000

Posted in hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal videos, metal odyssey, Music, progressive metal bands, progressive metal music, rock music with tags brave new world music video, hard rock music, heavy metal albums 2000, heavy metal albums 2010, heavy metal history, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, iron maiden albums, iron maiden heavy metal band, iron maiden rock in rio, iron maiden the final frontier, metal odyssey, Music, nwobhm, progressive metal music, rock music on July 12, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

IRON MAIDEN – In May of 2000, the beyond legendary Iron Maiden released the twelfth studio album of their unparalleled Heavy Metal career. Brave New World is studio album #12 from Iron Maiden and marked the return of their most prolific lead vocalist – Bruce Dickinson. (After 1992’s Fear Of The Dark album, Bruce Dickinson left Iron Maiden to pursue what became a successful solo career). The two Iron Maiden albums before Brave New World, The X Factor from 1995 and Virtual XI from 1998, featured the strong and capable vocals of Blaze Bayley. There was and always shall be, however, only “one” Bruce Dickinson and Brave New World resonates with his unreal unique, Metal/operatic vocals.

Brave New World is the album that also glistens with the return of long-time Iron Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith. The 1981 album Killers was Adrian Smith’s coming out party for Iron Maiden. With two signature band members in Bruce Dickinson and Adrian Smith, returning to the Heavy Metal historic band known as Iron Maiden, Brave New World was a real return to the make-up of how this band is truly embraced and perceived by their countless fans across the continents.

IRON MAIDEN – Rock In Rio (2002), concert supporting the Brave New World album.

IRON MAIDEN RETURNS! WITH STUDIO ALBUM #15!

THE FINAL FRONTIER – RELEASES AUGUST 17, 2010!!!

LONG LIVE IRON MAIDEN!

Stone.

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KINGDOM OF SORROW – RETURNS WITH THE METAL LETHAL “BEHIND THE BLACKEST TEARS”

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, Heavy Metal Reviews, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, music reviews, rock music with tags bands at ozzfest 2010, behind the blackest tears album review, current metal bands, doom metal music, extreme metal music, hardcore metal music, heavy metal albums 2010, heavy metal history, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2010, heavy metal supergroups, kingdom of sorrow metal band, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, new metal albums 2010, rock music, sludge metal music, stoner metal music on July 2, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

KINGDOM OF SORROW – The triumphant Metal return of Kingdom Of Sorrow commenced on June 8, 2010, with the sophomore release of behind the blackest tears, released on Relapse Records. Better get your Metal game face on and strap yourself in, before you let this new Kingdom Of Sorrow album beat down your eardrums into submission. This album is a listen in the most cement shattering, steel bending and Earth stirring form. Crunching and thunderous invading guitar riffs courtesy of Kirk Windstein, (of Crowbar & Down fame), are an ultimate Metal statement from this Metal legend. Kirk sharing vocals with Jamey Jasta, (of Hatebreed fame) makes for one hell of a bone shattering Metal dynamic duo.

A vast audience of fans and critics call Kingdom Of Sorrow a supergroup and that is justified. I rather look upon Kingdom Of Sorrow as a real Metal group, no jet setting or bragging rants about their red carpet waltz’s… these are two blue collar Metal veterans that aren’t polishing off any plastic Grammy’s that sit atop a grand piano. Jamey Jasta and Kirk Windstein execute their brand of Metal like a crashing meteor, obliterating all the stillness and serene landscape that gets in their way. They serve it up and smack you down with their extreme vocals, combined with heavy as molasses riffs, that explodes Doom meets Stoner and mixed with some good ol’ Sludge in it’s most ferocious form. Listening to behind the blackest tears isn’t comparable to opening up a can of Metal whoop ass, instead it’s like opening up a 5o gallon drum of Metal whoop ass. Metal be thy name.

Enlightened To Extinction greets you with an apocalyptic riff that leads into some melodic heaviness courtesy of a nod to some Metalcore, with Jamey Jasta exhibiting his Metal vocal diversity. God’s Law In The Devil’s Land pulsates with Kingdom Of Sorrow’s Metal fury, giving every reason as to why Jasta and Windstein are so great at sharing lead vocals. This song should be played extremely loud, atop a creepy mountain peek, during a full moon for some unsuspecting innocent village below to get panicked by. As Hardcore as Monuments Of Ash sounds, it’s Metal leanings and fillings are what makes the hair stand up straight on my arms. Whoa, does Monuments Of Ash kick my Metal lovin’ ass.

Behind The Blackest Tears can easily be targeted as my favorite song, it grooves along so incredibly heavy and just gives off some invitingly creepy vibes from every musical angle. From Heroes To Dust is another opportunity where Jamey Jasta lets his vocal diversity be heard. A more somber and turned down vocal delivery only gives From Heroes To Dust it’s proper due. This song is probably the closest thing Kingdom Of Sorrow will ever get to creating a ballad. Salvation Denied is without deliberation, the most Extreme and vocally Hardcore laced song on behind the blackest tears… and a damn good song at that.

No Class, the Motorhead cover song, is done quite impressively by Kingdom Of Sorrow. It’s an intimidating hurdle to cover a true classic like No Class, only Jasta comes impressively close to the legendary Lemmy Kilmister’s unique vocal style. As far as the music and song structure goes, Kingdom Of Sorrow left well enough alone… and that’s a great thing, if it aint broke don’t fix it. Still, hearing this version of No Class on the limited deluxe version of behind the blackest tears is a welcomed Metal treat to my Old School ears.

Soldiers Of Hell, the Running Wild cover song, plays out with an ultra contagious Heavy Metal vibe that is non-stop. The guitar play are an intense high to listen to on Soldiers Of Hell, proving to be a fabulous song choice for Kingdom Of Sorrow to cover. Saluting a real-deal, Old School and pioneering German Heavy Metal Band as Running Wild, along with covering the immortal and ultra important Motorhead, gets a Metal kudos from Metal Odyssey!

I purchased the deluxe edition of behind the blackest tears at my neighborhood fye, at a very decent price of $8.99, (U.S.). The cover pic, at the top of this post, is that of the slipcase cover of this deluxe edition. (The regular cover pic for behind the blackest tears is seen below the band names).

* Metal Odyssey gives behind the blackest tears – 5 out of 5 Metal Fists!

Who am I to find something wrong with this great album? When the Metal is this great, I stand up straight, bang my F’n head, raise the horns to the air and tell it like it F’n is.

* For more info on KINGDOM OF SORROW, just click the links below:

KINGDOM OF SORROW – MySpace Music Page

KINGDOM OF SORROW ARE:

Jamey Jasta – vocals

Kirk Windstein – guitars & vocals

Additional Studio Musicians:

Charlie Bellmore – guitars & bass

Nick Bellmore – drums

Track Listing For behind the blackest tears:

Enlightened To Extinction

God’s Law In The Devil’s Land

Monuments Of Ash

Behind The Blackest Tears

Envision The Divide

From Heroes To Dust

Along The Path To Ruin

With Barely A Breath

The Death We Owe

Sleeping Beast

Torchlight Procession

Salvation Denied

Bonus Tracks On Limited Edition:

No Class (Motorhead Cover Song)

Soldiers Of Hell (Running Wild Cover Song)

* KINGDOM OF SORROW is currently touring with OZZFEST 2010!

* For more OZZFEST 2010 info, just click the cool link below:

OZZFEST 2010

LONG LIVE KINGDOM OF SORROW!

Stone.

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AS I LAY DYING & WHITECHAPEL ON BILLBOARD TOP 200 ALBUM CHART!

Posted in death metal music, extreme music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags as i lay dying parallels music video, billboard top 200 album chart, death metal music, extreme metal albums, extreme metal music, heavy metal albums 2010, heavy metal bands 2010, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, new metal album releases on June 29, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

As taken from the Metal Blade Records News Update from June 25, 2010:

“Metal Blade Records, still home to two titles on the Billboard Top 200 Chart! Los Angeles based metal label Metal Blade Records is currently home to two of the year’s heaviest titles to break this week’s Billboard Top 200 Chart. Knoxville Tennessee’s WHITECHAPEL spent their second week on the Billboard Top 200 at #153 with the band’s highly anticipated album A New Era of Corruption and San Diego California’s Grammy nominated group AS I LAY DYING is now spending their SIXTH week in the Top 200 Chart, landing the #137 position. Metal Blade Records would like to congratulate both bands for this remarkable achievement and thank them for their dedication and all their hard work in creating the best albums of their career’s to date”.

Metal Odyssey would also like to congratulate As I lay Dying and Whitechapel as well… it is a great feeling when two Extreme Metal Bands make some F’n noise in the mainstream album charts! With my loyal leanings towards the Heavier and Extreme side of Metal, I cannot hold back the Metal appreciation I have for these two bands cracking into a world wide known and accepted album chart like Billboard.

* For more Metal info on As I Lay Dying, click the links below:

http://www.ThePowerlessRise.com

http://www.AsILayDying.com

http://www.myspace.com/asilaydying

* For more Metal info on WHITECHAPEL, click the links below:

http://www.aneweraofcorruption.com

http://www.whitechapel.com

http://www.myspace.com/whitechapel

http:/www.facebook.com/whitechapelmetal

* For more Metal Blade Records info, click the links below:

http://www.metalblade.com

http://www.metalblade.tv

AS I LAY DYING – THE POWERLESS RISE:

* Check out the music video for As I Lay Dying – Parallels, a speed burning and Metal furious song taken from The Powerless Rise album. Just click on that cool box below!

WHITECHAPEL – NEW ERA OF CORRUPTION:

LONG LIVE METAL!

Stone.

4 Comments »

DERAILED “JUDGEMENT DAY” – AN OLD SCHOOL WRECKING BALL OF METAL & HARD ROCK!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags canadian heavy metal bands, derailed judgement day album review, hard rock albums 2010, hard rock bands, heavy metal album reviews, heavy metal albums 2010, heavy metal bands 2010, heavy metal debut albums, heavy metal music, heavy metal vocalists, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, rock music on June 26, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

DERAILED – From the Great White North they cometh… straight from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They bring Metal. Old School Metal. Who are they? Derailed. What is their intent? To hand down their Metal edict… and I’m taking it all in like a Metal famished addict. With sharpened threads of Hard Rock entwined within the Metal fabric of Derailed’s debut album – Judgement Day, the total relevance factor of the songs makes for an amazing listen. If there is to be that one debut album, that Hard Rock and Heavy Metal fans should get their hands on in 2010, Derailed’s Judgement Day has to be strongly considered from my recommendation. Judgement Day is scheduled for a September 6, 2010, independent label release… worldwide.

Derailed is a band of veteran musicians, coupling their talents and experience to forge an album of 13 songs that scorch with fiery riffs, guitar leads, hooks and a Metal tight rhythm section of thundering force. Judgement Day’s strength is born from it’s quality song writing and lyrics. This is not a bubble gum/I’m lost in love/let’s party ’cause my parents just left town – album of Metal. With a sound that resonates Hard Rock and Metal maturity, Derailed just doesn’t show their experience on Judgement Day, they show they can flat out kick some serious heavy butt… for this band obviously put their music first and never considered second.

Once your ears digest the back-to-back intros of Into The Mist and Adrenaline, the Hard Rockin’ and Metal stompin’ ride begins with Derailed – Judgement Day. My only advice is don’t feel your alone when you want to replay Adrenaline continuously… Dean Boland on lead guitar tears it up with an Arena style muscularity. These two intros lay down the Hard and Heavy tracks that you will take, in navigating through Judgement Day’s assortment of memorably melodic songs.

Johnie Sin on lead vocals and rhythm guitar is an asset. If you are looking for that traditional Hard Rock and Heavy Metal vocalist from days long past, a “diamond in the rough” vocalist who has never been in the mass media spotlight, well, it’s Johnie Sin. This is a singer from the same Metal class as vocalist Mike Vescera, ( of Obsession, Yngwie J. Malmsteen & Loudness fame). Trust me, he is that good. One listen to just Lock & Load and any seasoned Metalhead will know instantly that Johnie Sin is a player.

Shine is a my creme’ de la creme’ song pick on Judgement Day. Whoa good is Shine. This song leans on the Hard Rock side of the tracks, blended with enough melodic and Old School moments to make me be beg for Metal mercy… then I play Shine again… and again. There is nuthin’ better than inflicting ones ears with great, heavy songs and Judgement Day is loaded with them. Your World is an instrumental that shall Rock your senses with it’s rhythmically contagious and heavily strewn, melodic guitar play, that is up tempo and psyche-you-out. Metal be thy name.

Grey Skies is an up tempo ballad that finds it’s coolness from the hardened vocals of Johnie Sin and Dean Boland’s lean, mean and slick guitar leads and climactic solo. At 8:26 long, Grey Skies is an epic not just for it’s length, it’s epic for it’s total strength. I’d Love To Change The World is the lone cover song on Judgement Day. Originally written by Alvin Lee of Ten Years After and released in 1971, Derailed adds some impressive heaviness to this Rock classic in 2010. Derailed gives this cover song some need for speed, with plenty of convincing angst from the vocals of Johnie Sin.

Dean Boland not only plays lead and rhythm guitar, he also mans the keyboards and provides backing vocals. A lyricist and songwriter for this Judgement Day album as well, Dean Boland’s accomplishments heard here are Metal commendable. Dean Boland seems to wear many Metal hats within Derailed, producing Judgement Day is one of them. The production and sound across the board, on this album, is what us traditionalists crave hearing… nothing is over polished and raw tendencies surface for air.

2010 is the year to get Derailed and Judgement Day is the reason why. Without a Metal doubt in my mind, I recommend Derailed – Judgement Day to any Hard Rock and/or Heavy Metal fan. Old School Hard Rock and Heavy Metal fans will want to sink their ears into Derailed’s combination of past and present heavy sound.

* Metal Odyssey gives Derailed – Judgement Day:

4.5 out of 5 Metal Fists!

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

DERAILED – Official Website

www.myspace.com/derailedmetal

DERAILED ARE:

Dean Boland – lead, rhythm & acoustic guitars, keyboards, vocals

Johnie Sin – lead vocals & rhythm guitar

Terry Cornelson – drums

Steve Legault – bass, vocals

* Dean Boland has enjoyed international success, with the following music projects: Random Damage, Aragathor, Vicious Circle, Doomsayer and Boland Plan.

Track Listing For Judgement Day:

Into The Mist

Adrenaline

Derailed

Judgement Day

Shine

Insane

Rush

I’d Love To Change The World

Skinned

Lock & Load

Fade Away

Your World

Grey Skies

LONG LIVE DERAILED!

Stone.

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2CENTS – “DRESS TO KILL” DELIVERS RAW, HARDCORE, ATTITUDE LACED METAL!

Posted in hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, hardcore metal music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, nu metal music, rock music with tags 2cents dress to kill album review, 2cents heavy metal band, hard rock albums 2010, hardcore metal music, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album reviews, heavy metal albums 2010, heavy metal music, metal albums, metal music 2010, metal odyssey, Music, nu metal music, Punk Metal, Punk rock, rock music on June 2, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

2CENTS – Originating from Los Angeles, California, 2Cents have blended together a Metal meets Hardcore Punk sound and have done so in a raucous and raw manner, which makes them all the more favorable to my Metal ears. April 20, 2010, is when 2Cents released their 13 song studio album, Dress To Kill, on Eight O Five Records and Fontana Distribution. After just my first listen through of Dress To Kill, I realize 2Cents is like the very rowdy dude that shows up at every keg and house party… and only makes the party better.

If you are to listen to Dress To Kill the way it was meant to be… it really should be listened to F’n LOUD. When played LOUD in the car, passerby’s wearing turtlenecks may find the heavy totality of Dress To Kill, coupled with it’s lyrics, to be rather disruptive. Excellent! 2Cents are double loaded with attitude, with many hints of Punk attitude just for good measure. Excellent! There are always going to be those Hard Rock, Heavy Metal and Extreme Bands that won’t give a damn about using profanity in their songs lyrics, 2Cents is just that band. Excellent! Let Metal freedom ring!

Whoever said Rock ‘N’ Roll was supposed to be squeaky clean anyway? Oh, it was probably ABBA. Anyways, 2Cents has one hell of a song that kick starts Dress To Kill off into high F’n gear – Dressed To Kill. It’s the frenetic drumming that opens Dressed To Kill that gets my Metal adrenaline on high, giving way to the Nu Metal meets Rapcore with Hardcore tendencies in-between. Deeply Madly is an extremely heavy song, with Adam O’ Rourke’s shouts overpowering an already powerful rhythm section and blistering guitars.. a thunder stomp, monster of a song.

Wicked By Design is Metal angst all coiled up and bound, then suddenly cut loose to infiltrate and destroy all eardrums, that dare to wear a headset while listening to this song’s extremely heavy outpouring of Metal. The real 2Cents party just gets started with the song Get What?. It’s all about the sheer blitz of heaviness and Hardcore vocals that Get What? translates. Even within all of this song’s extremities, I can still call out this song as standout and most likely a live favorite for 2Cents fans for many years to come.

Choose Your Illusion is so damned heavy and brutal that it probably could tear through a steel door that’s a foot thick. Tear Down Your Reasons is a union of Hardcore and Metal joining forces, creating a blend of Extreme that gets tempered by the memorable and harmonious chorus. This song boasts a powerful and contagious rhythm and tempo that doesn’t let up on it’s fiery attack. The Hollow is an out of control juggernaut in flames that cannot be contained nor controlled… only enjoyed on an almost bizarre level of Metal lovin’ madness. 2Cents knew how to bring Dress To Kill to a close, with The Hollow, it’s Hardcore bursting out at the Metal seams with vicious and extreme muscularity.

Any fan of Metal or even Hard Rock that is looking for a new album release that explodes with ultra revved up heaviness, both in music and vocals, should take a keen Metal liking to 2Cents – Dress To Kill. Some may find listening to Dress To Kill equivalent to opening a six-pack of Metal Music whoop ass… I feel that way. 2Cents incorporates a few Heavy Music genres within it’s core sound, however, they are best summed up as an F’n Heavy Duty, Metal Band. This band is damn good at what they write and play, in my Metal opinion. Add the fact they obviously don’t give a crap about mainstream acceptance only makes 2Cents that much more legit in my Metal mind.

* 2Cents – Dress To Kill receives 4.5 out of 5 Metal Fists rating from Metal Odyssey!

2Cents Are:

Adam O’Rourke – lead vocals & drums

Adair Cobley – guitar

Jason Wendell – bass

Dave O’Rourke – guitar & vocals

Track Listing For Dress To Kill:

Dressed To Kill

Love Like A Riot

Come And Get It

Deeply Madly

Wicked By Design

Now You Know

The Distance Travelled

Get What?

Shes Gone

Choose Your Illusion

Tear Down Your Reasons

Death Vegas

The Hollow

* For more info on 2Cents, just click the link below!

2Cents – MySpace Music Page

* 2Cents has played on the 2010 Jagermeister Music Tour with headliner and the ever legendary – KORN. This tour started on May 2, 2010, with dates through June 2, 2010.

Stone.

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KARNIVOOL – “SOUND AWAKE” IS A KALEIDOSCOPE OF PROGRESSIVE & HEAVY ROCK

Posted in alternative rock music, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, progressive metal music, progressive rock music, rock music with tags alternative metal music, alternative rock music, current progressive rock bands, hard rock albums 2010, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums 2010, karnivool progressive rock 2010, karnivool sound awake album review, metal odyssey, Music, progressive metal music, progressive rock music, progressive rock music 2010, rock music on June 1, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

KARNIVOOL – Released on February 16, 2010, on Sony Music Entertainment, Sound Awake has already achieved Gold Certification in Australia, (Karnivool’s home country). Following their impressive and progressively hard & heavy album debut Themata from 2005, Karnivool has shown their fans and the music world they are not about to be stamped out by any sophomore jinx. If life is about taking chances, then Karnivool has inadvertently self inflicted themselves as being risk takers in the vast world of Heavy Music. A Progressive and Alternative sound can be a make or break proposition, when a band wants to embark on the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Universe. Karnivool has not only embarked with their Themata release from 2005, they have now forged their very own identity and placement, among the Progressive and Alternative Heavy Music battalion with Sound Awake.

Sound Awake opens up with Simple Boy, immediately setting the table for what Karnivool is serving one’s ears. Layered with exquisite guitars, the breakdowns are smart and intensely interesting. Throw in the buzzing sound of a bee and Simple Boy is just the beginning of this Heavy Progressive mind buffet. Ian Kenny on lead vocals resonates, hitting some high pitches that are Arena quality. Set Fire To The Hive showcases vocal and sound effects to heighten the modernism that this song permeates. Karnivool never loses sight of their musical heaviness on Set Fire To The Hive, while delivering an upper cut to the chin with their multi-layered progressive attack.

The Medicine Wears Off times out at 1:50, quite contrary to any Old School Progressive standards. Just bear in mind, this is not about sticking to convention with Sound Awake, a strong musical characteristic that Karnivool bestows is diversity and The Medicine Wears Off mellows down the pace with this semi-surreal song. Illumine can and rightfully should be a standout song on this album. The consistent up-tempo combined with it’s overall melodic vibe, makes Illumine a song that’s incredibly memorable. To label Illumine a hit is non-essential, this song is a star amongst many on Sound Awake.

Deadman is one of two songs on Sound Awake that has a running time of over ten minutes. This is what Progressive Rock is about, the song. If one is looking for the mind journey experience with Karnivool, thou shall not be disappointed with Deadman. Lyrically complete as it is musically precise, Deadman leads with it’s formidable and Alternative vocal presence courtesy of Ian Kenny, which fuses so well with the abstract sound and feel of it’s hard edged music. The abrupt climax to Deadman only exemplifies the artistic style that Karnivool has established for themselves as a band. Listening to Deadman makes me truly realize that Karnivool is all about music and all about the song.

To mention Deadman and not acknowledge the other ten minute-plus epic would be a travesty. Change is a song that develops itself into an array of musical doors that keep opening around me, inviting me in and weaving it’s Progressive signatures, in a manner that is embracingly captivating to my senses. It is very easy to wander off into a kaleidoscope of musical thoughts while listening to Change, an all natural affect that I am more than willing to experience again and again. In it’s totality, Sound Awake is a Progressive Kaleidoscope of songs, just waiting to be heard by anyone who loves music… period.

The musicians of Karnivool are obviously incredibly astute, with an awareness for capturing the nuances of their instruments in their most enhanced state, coupled with the almost sense of urgency to articulate the music as if it is fine art. Has Karnivool broken any new ground in this ever changing landscape of Progressive Rock genres? I can confidently say yes, with their uniqueness being highlighted by their musical and vocal diversity. Karnivool is not a band concentrating on making the hit single. Instead, Karnivool obviously has succeeded at making a complete album of richly written songs, which only reflects on their being a highly talented band that shall continue to rise. Please excuse me now… Sound Awake beckons me to listen once again.

KARNIVOOL IS:

Drew Goddard – guitar

Ian Kenny – vocals

Jon Stockman – bass

Mark Hosking – guitar

Steve Judd – drums

Track Listing For Sound Awake:

Simple Boy

Goliath

New Day

Set Fire To The Hive

Umbra

All I Know

The Medicine Wears Off

The Caudal Lure

Illumine

Deadman

Change

* Check out the music video for Set Fire To The Hive:

* For more info on KARNIVOOL, just click on the links below!

KARNIVOOL – MySpace Music Page

KARNIVOOL – Official Website

YouTube

Stone.

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KROKUS “HEADHUNTER BLITZ” – AN ESSENTIAL GREATEST HITS FROM 2002!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's hard rock bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, hard rock albums 2010, hard rock legends, hard rock music, heavy metal albums 2010, heavy metal history, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music, krokus album covers, krokus discography, krokus hoodoo album, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, rock music on May 26, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

KROKUS – Once upon a Metal time there was the 1980’s… and Krokus Rocked that decade like there was no tomorrow. Krokus released seven studio albums during those colorful ’80’s, power packed with plenty of memorable songs. If I was to make a “master list” of “must” Hard Rock and/or Heavy Metal Bands from this funtastic decade of the ’80’s, Krokus would no doubt be among my top picks. I recently grabbed ahold of a very cool and addicting greatest hits CD from Krokus to listen to – Headhunter Blitz, released in 2002 on BMG Special Products.

I picked this CD up years ago for two substantive reasons: 1. It’s Krokus for Metal sakes, 2. The ten songs on Headhunter Blitz are a fabulous sampling of an ultra great decade of Krokus albums. Below I’ll give some Metal insight to the ten songs heard on Headhunter Blitz, a modest tribute to an Old School – good times – Hard Rockin’ Band that is still Rockin’ better than ever in 2010!

1980 saw the release of Metal Rendez-vous, with Heart Attack closing out the decade for Krokus in 1988. In between these two albums were the more famous titles within the Krokus catalog of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. There are not too many bands these days, that would or even could release seven studio albums in one decade. Krokus did… and their 1980’s albums are worth every penny you may spend on them today.

In 1982, Krokus began making headway into the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal hearts of fans with One Vice at a Time. Long Stick Goes Boom and the cover song American Woman, (originally made famous by The Guess Who), are the two most popular tracks that jump out and grab me still, as if I am hearing them for the first time.

Released in 1983, Headhunter became the highest U.S. chart topping album in the entire Krokus catalog, retaining thus status to this very day in 2010. I can recall walking the hallways of my old high school, back in ’83, with the Headhunter vinyl underneath my arm, like it was a text book. In essence, it was… to me. Metal be thy name, that Headhunter album “taught” me a thing or two about real Rock ‘N’ Roll.

From the power ballad of Screaming In The Night, to the Heavy Metal onslaught of the title song Headhunter, this Krokus album shall forever be heralded by me as a complete and great album of Hard and Heavy songs. Eat The Rich is another standout song heard on Headhunter, it’s lean, loud and heavy! Throw in the bluesy heaviness of Stayed Awake All Night and my Metal point is exemplified with ease here.

The Blitz being released in 1984, only made Krokus all the more appealing to FM radio and MTV. Marc Storace showcases his vocal talents with the melodic power ballad Our Love, the melodic Hard Rocker Midnite Maniac and once again a credible cover song with Ballroom Blitz, (originally made famous by Sweet).

If you would like to see the classic Our Love music video from 1984, just click the link below:

KROKUS – “OUR LOVE” MUSIC VIDEO FROM 1984!

1986 came along with once again… another memorable and melodic Hard Rock offering from Krokus! Change Of Address carried over the Hard Rock and ’80’s Arena Rock accessibility with the songs Hot Shot City and Burning Up The Night… with plenty of chorus and big guitar sound. School’s Out is the cover song on this album and Krokus doesn’t disappoint, with their style and attitude only accentuating it’s lyrics and theme. Alice Cooper’s original School’s Out is legendary… this Krokus cover is classic. Change Of Address is a Krokus album that captured that mid ’80’s wide openness of mainstream Hard Rock/Heavy Metal vibe. Despite whatever reviews may have circulated over the decades, regarding Change Of Address, I just so happen to really, really, really like this Krokus album, so let it be Metal written, so let it be Metal done.

I strongly urge and/or recommend any fan of Old School, 1980’s Hard Rock, Arena Rock and Heavy Metal to get their ears into the Krokus catalog of albums! A greatest hits such as Headhunter Blitz makes for an excellent start for new fans to become acquainted with Switzerland’s biggest and best band to ever cross the Atlantic.

Track Listing For Headhunter Blitz:

Midnite Maniac

Eat The Rich

Ballroom Blitz

Headhunter

American Woman

School’s Out

Stayed Awake All Night

Long Stick Goes Boom

Hot Shot City

Screaming In The Night

Metal Odyssey Note: The classic Krokus lineup from the 1982 album – One Vice At A Time is back together in 2010! With their NEW album release – Hoodoo. If you need some Metal guidance into how great this new Krokus album, Hoodoo, really is… just click on the link below to read my review:

KROKUS “HOODOO” – CASTS A HARD ROCKIN’ & HEAVY METAL CLASSIC SPELL!

The One Vice At A Time, classic Krokus lineup, as they are in 2010:

Marc Storace – vocals

Chris Von Rohr – bass, vocals

Fernando Von Arb – lead guitars, vocals

Mark Kohler – rhythm guitars

Freddy Steady – drums

LONG LIVE KROKUS ROCK ‘N’ ROLL!

Stone.

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FREYA – HARDCORE METAL BAND PUMMELS AND PUNISHES MY METAL SENSES!

Posted in extreme metal music, hardcore metal music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal songs, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags death metal music, extreme metal bands, extreme metal music, freya metal band, hardcore metal bands 2010, hardcore metal music, heavy metal albums 2010, heavy metal music, heavy metal reviews, heavy metal songs 2010, metal bands 2010, metal music, metal music 2010, metal odyssey, Music on May 20, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

FREYA – Released their studio album – All Hail The End on January 19, 2010, on Victory Records. Hailing from Syracuse, New York, Freya is one extreme outfit I’m keeping an eye on… while their Metal fries my eardrums. One standout song from this blistering Metal album is The Wanderers. This is a Metal song and Freya is a Metal band that pummels and punishes my Metal senses. I am not kidding around here. Freya is a Metal band that is as heavy, lean and mean as they come and obviously hell bent on making their Metal presence known to all mankind. Hardcore not to be denied here, Freya means serious business. With force driven riffs and vocals that could rip a NYC phone book in half, Freya is handing down the Metal whoop ass in pile driving form. The drumming is a relentless and fortified attack as well, with the bass only adding more fuel to this out of control Metal fire storm heard on The Wanderers.

All Hail The End is Freya throwing their Metal torch into the arena of concept albums. To directly quote a line from their bio, found on their MySpace Music page: “examining humanities constant struggle for power throughout the ages”. Songs like The Guardian and Human Demons ignites All Hail The End into a forceful ball of vicious Metal, that uncoils it’s wrath upon my ears. Metal be thy name. Freya delivers one mighty blow of overpowering Metal with the humanity power struggle theme, making All Hail The End an enormous album to seek out… and let pummel your Metal senses into oblivion in 2010 and beyond.

* Check out all Metal happenings of FREYA by clicking the link below:

FREYA – MySpace Music Page

HEAVY, HARDCORE AND EXTREME… CRANK THE WANDERERS UP LOUD!!

FREYA are:

Karl Buechner – vocals

Brandon Flynn – guitar

John Sullivan – guitar

Mike Lagrow – bass

Joseph Murphy – drums

Stone.

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