Archive for heavy metal albums 2011

Sarah Jezebel Deva – First Video From New Solo Album “The Corruption Of Mercy” Now Streaming On Singers Official Website

Posted in gothic metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, rock music videos with tags , , , , , , , , , , on July 13, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

The first video from renowned siren Sarah Jezebel Deva’s newest solo album, The Corruption Of Mercy, is now streaming on the singer’s official website. The video for The World Won’t Hold Your Hand was shot at Murder Miles Studios in London by David Kenny, whose previous works include videos for Trigger The Bloodshed and The Dead Lay Waiting, as well as SJD’s first video: A Sign Of The Sublime. Visit SARAH JEZEBEL DEVA – Official Website to check it out.

Her second solo effort, The Corruption Of Mercy marks the singer’s first release for Listenable Records. Already flying  off the shelves in Europe, plans are in place to unleash this masterpiece, which blends beauty and aggression in ways never before explored, in North America soon.

(Source: ClawHammer PR)

* For more info on SARAH JEZEBEL DEVA, click on the links below:

SARAH JEZEBEL DEVA – Official Website

SARAH JEZEBEL DEVA – myspace music

Sarah Jezebel Deva – Official facebook

LISTENABLE RECORDS

LONG LIVE SARAH JEZEBEL DEVA.

Stone.

Sarah Jezebel Deva – “The Corruption Of Mercy”: Atop The List Of Must Have Metal Albums For 2011

Posted in gothic metal, gothic metal bands, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, symphonic metal with tags , , , , , , , , , on July 11, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Sarah Jezebel Deva – The sophomore studio release The Corruption Of Mercy, (June 27, 2011 via Listenable Records), from Sarah Jezebel Deva is an enormous leap forward for this strikingly talented front woman. The band assembled for this album is a driving Metal force behind it’s foreseeable success as well. Under her solo name, Sarah Jezebel Deva is a touring band and one that has created a Metal album that should be atop the list of must haves for 2011. Who exactly must have The Corruption Of Mercy? Anyone who cares about, admires and wants to hear solid song writing, excellent musicianship and exemplary vocals should wrap their eardrums around this album. While putting Metal genre tags aside for a moment, this new Sarah Jezebel Deva album is a complete listen into carefully crafted, dexterously layered and fabulously executed music.

(All band photo credits: Khyrian)

Sarah Jezebel Deva has a plethora of experience as a vocalist, her Metal resume can be considered undeniably impressive. Her association with too numerous bands, (of world class notoriety) to mention, resulting in appearing on over 35 albums is an exclamation point unto itself. Add the Metal fact, Sarah had spent 14 years as a backing singer for the legendary Cradle Of Filth, singing on every COF album with the exceptions of the first and latest of their albums, is Metal bragging rights. With Sarah’s second album under her name, her Metal career is taking on a whole new meaning. Shut the front door… cause Sarah Jezebel Deva has arrived as a premier front and center vocalist. The Corruption Of Mercy is unbelievable proof of the arrival of this top tier vocalist of Metal… and music.

Captivating, mesmerizing…hell, take your pick when it comes to describing the vocals of Sarah Jezebel Deva. Pretty With Effects is a ballad that takes over my surroundings with only delicate piano keys and the hypnotic vocals of Sarah. Whoa… it’s a trance like listen and I’m not kidding around here at all. Metal be thy name. The haunting orchestration of What Lies Before You is a dark and cavernous listen, bringing about a feeling of being lost in some god forbidden place and still I’m at ease with the vibes and chills that I take in from it’s chilling ambience.

The guitars of Dan Abela and Jonny Gray are not about taking over the song, instead their talents are used in bringing the listener along for the memorable Metal ride. Melody and speed are fused together to perfection as Dan and Jonny’s guitar licks are showcased in songs such as: The Eyes That Lie and The Corruption Of Mercy. Rhythmically, the attentiveness to keeping this album filled with passages that are mind gripping is real and so very good. No Paragon Of Virtue (in it’s entirety) and the closing moments to The Corruption Of Mercy are strong highlights to the powerful rhythm section of Ablaz on bass and Jamie Abela on drums.

It’s a difficult challenge for me to pinpoint which songs are my favorite on The Corruption Of Mercy. Okay, here are two very strong choices: The World Won’t Hold Your Hand and A Matter Of Convenience. I point out these two songs, based on the all inclusiveness of sound and power from the music, coupled with the effortless and ever impressive vocals of Sarah. I can’t stress more mightily, that the clean and pronounced vocals of Sarah are to be savored, Metal be thy name. Go ahead, one thorough listen into The Corruption Of Mercy and you hopefully will realize that Sarah Jezebel Deva believes in the ideal of the complete album of songs.

Yes, Gothic Metal and Symphonic Metal fans will delight in the swirls of dark and melodic vibes (respectively) that The Corruption Of Mercy has to offer, only this album transcends itself above and beyond the silliness of being genre specific. Who gives a crap about recommending Sarah Jezebel Deva’s new album to only a certain crowd or to desirable sub-groups of Metal fans? We’re unfortunately living in a mainstream world and my recommending The Corruption Of Mercy to all fans of quality Rock Music is my Metal mission.

No, Sarah Jezebel Deva is not mainstream (of course), yet this album is a kick-to-the-ass at all the mainstream record labels who think they have a clue about vocals and music that Rocks. A Metal kudos to Listenable Records. A vocalist such as Sarah Jezebel Deva and her band included, need to be heard and celebrated for an accomplishment of music that is: The Corruption Of Mercy.

Sarah Jezebel Deva is:

Dan Abela – guitars

Jonny Gray – guitars

Sarah Jezebel Deva – vocals

Ablaz – bass

Jamie Abela – drums

Pzy-Clone (guest) – programming/orchestration

Gian Pyres (guest) – guitar solos

The Corruption Of Mercy – Track Listing:

No Paragon Of Virtue

The World Won’t Hold Your Hand

A Matter Of Convenience

Silence Please

Zombie

Pretty With Effects

What Lies Before You

Sirens

The Eyes That Lie

The Corruption Of Mercy

* For more info on Sara Jezebel Deva, click on the links below:

SARAH JEZEBEL DEVA – Official Website

SARAH JEZEBEL DEVA – myspace music

Sarah Jezebel Deva – Official facebook

LISTENABLE RECORDS

LONG LIVE SARAH JEZEBEL DEVA.

Stone.

MASTODON – “THE HUNTER”: New Album Artwork and Updated Track Listing!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, progressive metal, progressive rock, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on July 8, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

MASTODON – Progressive Metal titans MASTODON have revealed today, (July 8th, 2011), the official album cover for their forthcoming album: The Hunter. The album cover is based on a sculpture designed by the artist AJ Fosik. The Hunter will be released this Fall of 2011.

Stone says:

I’ve always been a lifelong fan of album artwork. The Progressive Rock genres have historically been associated with sensational album artwork, from legends YES to Dream Theater, with ASIAKing Crimson, RUSH and The Electic Light Orchestra in-between. I really dig the album artwork of The Hunter, the abstract nature of the art is what stands out, with the multiple ears and mouths on this alarming mammal being focal points. There is also an artistic look that is Native American about this sculpted beast’s head.

The chilling depiction of the eyes on this horned creature are what has reached out and grabbed me too. In simplistic Metal terms, I declare The Hunter album artwork as: cool stuff. This album cover is not either a surprise or a disappointment for me, it’s an image that just speaks Mastodon. In essence, The Hunter album artwork is an accurate representation of Mastodon’s Progressive sound and style. I’m looking forward to hearing The Hunter in all its entirety… cause for me, Mastodon… ROCKS. Metal be thy name.

THE HUNTER – Track Listing (Revealed thus far by Mastodon, as of July 8, 2011):

All The Heavy Lifting

Dry Bone Valley

Blasteroids

The Octopus Has No Friends

Stargasm

Curl Of The Burl

(Source: MASTODON – Official Website)

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

Mastodon – Official Website

LONG LIVE MASTODON.

Stone.

TRUTH CORRODED – Sign European/Japan Deal With: ULTIMHATE RECORDS

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal, thrash metal bands with tags , , , , , , , , , on July 8, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Australian Thrash Metal band TRUTH CORRODED have signed a European / Japan deal with ULTIMHATE RECORDS (www.ultimhate-records.com) for the release of the band’s latest album, Worship The Bled. The label will release the album on September 16th with the band following up the release with a European tour in early 2012.

Commenting on the deal, TRUTH CORRODED bass guitarist Greg Shaw states: “The band is extremely pleased to be a part of the label. ULTIMHATE RECORDS have a great and diverse range of bands, and we feel our sound has found the perfect label to represent us in Europe and Japan. Furthermore, like our Australian label (TRUTH INC RECORDS) it is run by musicians who know the industry from going into battle for their own music. After years of hard work to get where we are it is great to be working with a label that has a shared experience and work ethic. The label has been very supportive and plans for touring in support of the album in Europe were put into place immediately. For us this is an aim we have long fought for, and we look foward to taking our music to Europe and building our profile further.

Worship The Bled features Kevin Talley (SIX FEET UNDER, MISERY INDEX, DAATH, CHIMAIRA) on drums and was mixed and mastered by Jonas Kjellgren of SCAR SYMMETRY at Black Lounge Studio in Avesta, Sweden. Artwork for the album was designed by Bjoern Gooses of KILLUSTRATIONS (ABORTED, DEW SCENTED).

Kevin Talley also comments his participation drumming on Worship The Bled, “I really enjoyed playing on this album. There are many different types of beats and a variety of tempos. Great band!”

(Source: Team All About The Music – Publicity)

* For more info on TRUTH CORRODED, click on the links below:

www.truthcorroded.com

www.facebook.com/truthcorroded

www.reverbnation.com/truthcorroded

www.myspace.com/truthcorroded

www.ultimhate-records.com

LONG LIVE TRUTH CORRODED.

Stone.

KRAMPUS – Folk Metal Band From Italy: Releases Debut Album, To Play At Metal Mania Open Air

Posted in folk metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on July 7, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Italy’s Folk Metal sensation KRAMPUS have brought the Metal and flutes to the masses with their debut album Shadows of Our Time.  Rising through the ranks, these legitimate Folk Metallers are taking their home country of Italy by storm and are on their way to world dominion.

In support of their album, the band will be hitting up Europe and stopping to play at METAL MANIA OPEN AIR in Komen, Slovenia with Metal acts like DESTRUCTION and ENTOMBED.

If you are a fan in any shape or form of Folk Metal or Melodic Death Metal, these guys are a must hear.

(Source: Team All About The Music – Publicity)

http://www.teamallaboutthemusic.com

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

www.krampusfolk.com

www.facebook.com/krampusfolk

www.twitter.com/#!/Krampusfolk

www.myspace.com/krampusfolk

www.youtube.com/user/KrampusFolk

LONG LIVE KRAMPUS.

Stone.

IRON CLAW “A Different Game” – Long Awaiting and New Studio Album From Heavy Rock Pioneers: Releases October 4th, 2011!

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

(Photo courtesy of Iron Claw)

IRON CLAW – Scotland’s pioneers of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal, IRON CLAW, are gearing up for the long awaiting release of their new studio album: A Different Game. This is the studio album of new material that fans have waited nearly forty years for and… IRON CLAW is BACK! This legendary band shall have no difficulties recruiting  new legions of Hard Rock, Classic Rock and Old School Heavy Metal fans with A Different Game, which releases on October 4th, 2011, on Ripple Music. What Love Left, Southern Skies, Love Is Blind and The Traveler are among 13 new songs on A Different Game.

Physical and digital copies of A Different Game will be available for purchase at: The Ripple Music Store – Ripple Music, CDBaby, Amazon and Ebay. MP3 sales will be available through iTunes, Rhapsody, Napster, etc..

Recently, I asked IRON CLAW guitarist and co-founding member  Jimmy Ronnie: “How excited are you about this new comeback album A Different Game and what can the fans of yesteryear and today expect?”

Jimmy responded: “We couldn’t be more excited about the album release. Everyone involved in the project is buzzing about this now. If current Iron Claw fans are expecting Hard, Heavy Rock then they will not be disappointed. We have stayed absolutely faithful to the original spirit of the band. The decision was taken right at the start of the recording process not to over produce the work. Capturing a really live feel was the intension and I’m pleased to say that we’ve done that. There’s enough highly polished, squeaky clean Rock Music out there already and we have no desire to add to it. This is the best studio work ever done by the band and our new singer, Gordon Brown is sure to impress. Can’t wait to get it out there and to start playing live again”.

* To download your free copy of the new single from IRON CLAW, What Love Left, just click on the cool link below:

Ripple Music – IRON CLAW – What Love Left/Free Download

* Pre-order’s for A Different Game will begin around September 1st, 2011, at Ripple Music.

IRON CLAW:

Gordon Brown – vocals

Jimmy Ronnie – guitars

Alex Wilson – bass

Ian McDougall – drums

* For more related and recent coverage on IRON CLAW posted on Metal Odyssey, click on the big header link below:

IRON CLAW – “What Love Left”: Free Download From Ripple Music! This Song Is On Hard Rockin’ Fire!

* Fo more information on IRON CLAW, click on the links below:

IRON CLAW – facebook

IRON CLAW – twitter

Ripple Music

LONG LIVE IRON CLAW.

Stone.

BENEDICTUM – Guitarist Pete Wells Takes Over Metal Express Radio This Friday, July 1st, 2011!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock guitarists, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on June 29, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

METAL EXPRESS RADIO is pleased to announce that this week’s Guest DJ is guitarist Pete Well’s from U.S. Heavy Metal powerhouse BENEDICTUM. Pete heard how much fun his vocalist, Veronica Freeman, had doing the show that he wanted to take command of the DJ chair for himself! He’ll also take a call or two on air! After Pete’s setlist, which is essentially a homage to some classic Metal guitarists, we’ll play some cuts off Benedictum’s latest album entitled Dominion, which is currently available through Frontiers Records.

Tune in to METAL EXPRESS RADIO on Friday, July 1st at 9:00 AM & 3:00 PM EST to listen! 

(Source: ClawHammer PR)

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

BENEDICTUM – Official Website

BENEDICTUM – facebook

LONG LIVE BENEDICTUM.

Stone.

IRON CLAW – “What Love Left”: Free Download From Ripple Music! This Song Is On Hard Rockin’ Fire!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on June 29, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

IRON CLAW – Are you in dire need of hearing a heavy hittin’ and hard drivin’ song that will guarantee to make you: call it a day and shift into party mode? Well, uncle Stone has just that Heavy Rock song for you, courtesy of Scotland’s Heavy Rock legends IRON CLAW and it’s titled: What Love Left. Oh, trust me… this song will have you flying on a Hard Rockin’ high… quicker than you can say: Metal be thy name.

What Love Left is available right now as a FREE download, courtesy of Ripple Music and IRON CLAW! What Love Left is on the 1st Anniversary Ripple Music Sampler album. This new song is also on their forthcoming studio album A Different Game. Just click the link below to get your own copy of this thunderific Hard Rock gem:

Ripple Music – IRON CLAW – What Love Left/Free Download

Originally founded in 1969, IRON CLAW is a band that truly was a part of pioneering a genre of music that we all know, cherish and love today… which is Heavy Metal. IRON CLAW are back in 2011… welcomed with open Metal arms by Metal Odyssey. The Hard Rock and “Classic Rockin’ feel” that IRON CLAW administers on What Love Left is a solid reminder that Classic Hard Rock lives and thrives!

* Look for a September 2011 release of the new studio album: IRON CLAWA Different Game, via Ripple Music.

IRON CLAW:

Ian McDougall – drums

Gordon Brown – vocals

Alex Wilson – bass

Jimmy Ronnie – guitars

* For more info on IRON CLAW, click on the links below:

IRON CLAW – twitter

IRON CLAW – facebook

Ripple Music

LONG LIVE IRON CLAW.

Stone.

AMON AMARTH – “Destroyer Of The Universe”: Video Premiere On Blank TV

Posted in concerts, Death Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, melodic death metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on June 27, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

(Photo Credit: Steve Brown)

AMON AMARTH – Starting today, fans can check out the new AMON AMARTH music video for the song Destroyer of the Universe off the band’s latest release, Surtur Rising. The live video, which is premiering exclusively on BlankTV , was shot on the band’s May 6th stop in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the Theatre Of Living Arts by director David Brodsky of MyGoodEye (The Black Dahlia Murder, The Devin Townsend Project, Suicide Silence, Municipal Waste, Whitechapel, etc).

Comments guitarist Olavi Mikkonen: “This time around we wanted to catch the energy and atmosphere of a live show, so we simply went for a live video. We look forward to get back to North America in August to continue and fulfill the ‘Evening with’ tour, meanwhile enjoy the video.”

Check out the video by clicking here: YouTube – Blank TV’s Channel and be sure to leave a comment.

In a recap of the band’s last tour in the US, Concertconfessions.com opined: “What is most beautiful about AMON AMARTH‘s triumph of America is that it’s as pure as the music itself… Friends sharing with friends the magic of the music, that is a true token of success and judging on the reaction from Southern California on Easter Sunday 2011 – AMON AMARTH will have success for a very long time.” The Washington Times applauded the band for leaving, “the sold-out crowd awestruck by [their] mastery of melodic death metal,” About.com boasted, “I was highly impressed by AMON AMARTH’s stage presentation, which easily rivals that of bands that normally fill arenas,” while Skullsnbones.com put it simply: “One band came and conquered Atlanta and their name is AMON AMARTH!”

Don’t forget to catch AMON AMARTH live when the band returns to North America for the second leg of the “An Evening with AMON AMARTH” tour.

Scheduled to kick off in Vancouver on August 4, the trek will pillage its way through 21 cities, including several Canadian venues, and come to a close in Boise, Idaho on September 3. The first set will again feature the band performing the Surtur Rising album in its entirety while the second will offer up mixed bag of tunes from their extensive catalog of Norse-inspired awesomeness.

An Evening with AMON AMARTH
8/04/2011 Commodore Ballroom – Vancouver, BC
8/06/2011 MacEwen Hall – Calgary, AB
8/07/2011 Edmonton Events Centre – Edmonton, AB
8/08/2011 Odeon – Saskatoon, SK
8/09/2011 The Garrick Centre – Winnipeg, MB
8/12/2011 The Phoenix Theatre – Toronto, ON
8/13/2011 Metropolis – Montreal, QC
8/14/2011 Imperial de Quebec – Quebec City, QC
8/16/2011 Mr. Small’s – Millvale, PA
8/17/2011 St. Andrew’s Hall – Detroit, MI
8/19/2011 Ram’s Head Live – Baltimore, MD
8/20/2011 Starland Ballroom – Sayreville, NJ
8/21/2011 Water Street Music Hall – Rochester, NY
8/23/2011 Expo Five – Louisville, KY
8/24/2011 The Rave – Milwaukee, WI
8/26/2011 House of Blues – Houston, TX
8/27/2011 House of Blues – Dallas, TX
8/29/2011 Sunshine Theatre – Albuquerque, NM
8/31/2011 House of Blues – Anaheim, CA
9/01/2011 House of Blues – Las Vegas, NV
9/02/2011 The Complex – Salt Lake City, UT
9/03/2011 The Knitting Factory – Boise, ID

The eighth studio offering from one of Sweden’s finest Death Metal exports, Surtur Rising was released in North America on March 29, 2011 via Metal Blade Records and continues to reap praise from fans and critics alike. AMON AMARTH nailed a cover spot of the April 2011 issue of Decibel Magazine and earned a 9/10 rating from Outburn who commended the band for delivering “a collection that is brimming with beefy riffs, insidious melodies, and a truly epic sense of scale.”

Fearnet.com agreed saying AMON AMARTH is now “at the head of the class,” Metal Review gave it a 9.2/10 score calling it “one of the band’s very best releases,” while Metal Army America offered up a grade “A” review noting, “from the Stockholm-bred riff style to frontman Johan Hegg’s Cimmerian-esque performance as growler du jour, AMON AMARTH’s Surtur Rising proves to be an essential and defining listen for band and fans alike.”

(Source: Earsplit PR)

* For more info on AMON AMARTH, click on the links below:

AMON AMARTH – Official Website

http://www.facebook.com/OfficialAmonAmarth

http://twitter.com/amonamarthband

http://www.myspace.com/amonamarth

LONG LIVE AMON AMARTH.

Stone.

CHIMAIRA – Announce New Album, Debut Two New Songs!

Posted in Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on June 20, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

(Photo Credit: Todd Bell)

(New York, NY) — CHIMAIRA have officially announced their new release “The Age Of Hell” which will hit the U.S. August 16, 2011.“Words can’t express what it took to create this album. We hope you love it as much as we do. Turn it up loud, this is Chimaira at it’s finest”, says frontman Mark Hunter.

Two new songs can be heard now:

LIsten to “Trigger Finger” exclusively at Revolvermag.com

Listen to “Born in Blood” (Feat. Phil Bozeman) exclusively at Metalsucks.net 

The record will be released with a DVD containing an intimate in depth interview with the band as well. “The Age Of Hell” will be the band’s newest release since “The Infection” which was released in 2009.

CHIMAIRA is Mark Hunter – Vocals, Rob Arnold – Lead Guitar, Matt DeVries – Guitar, Emil Werstler – Bass, Sean Z – Keys and Austin D’Amond – Drums

The Age Of Hell – Track List:

1. The Age Of Hell
2. Clockwork
3. Losing My Mind
4. Time Is Running Out
5. Year Of The Snake
6. Beyond The Grave
7. Born In Blood
8. Stoma
9. Powerless
10. Trigger Finger
11. Scapegoat
12. Samsara

(Source: eOne Music)

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

CHIMAIRA – Official Website

CHIMAIRA – Official Facebook

CHIMAIRA (chimairaband) On Twitter

CHIMAIRA – myspace music

eOne Metal

LONG LIVE CHIMAIRA.

Stone.

GEORGE LYNCH – KILL ALL CONTROL: Album Artwork and Track Listing! Releases July 19, 2011!

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

GEORGE LYNCH – The ever legendary George Lynch, aka Mr. Scary, will be releasing his eleventh solo album KILL ALL CONTROL on July 19th, 2011, via Rocket Science. Joining Heavy Rockin’ forces with George Lynch on his new album are: drummer Adrian Ost (POWERMAN 5000) and vocalist London LeGrand (Brides Of Destruction).

London LeGrand is also credited as the singer for George’s Hard Rockin’ supergroup – Souls Of We, with their 2008 debut studio album Let The Truth Be Known receiving praise across the Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal communities.

* KILL ALL CONTROL features world famous vocalists/artists: Marc Torien (Bullet Boys), Will Marten (Earshot), Keith St. John (Montrose) and drummer Fred Coury (Cinderella).

* George Lynch is the ex-lead guitarist for Arena Rock and Hair Metal/Heavy Metal legends DOKKEN. George founded the Hard Rock/Heavy Metal band Lynch Mob. Their 1990 debut studio album Wicked Sensation stands as their highest chart topping album. In 2008, George reunited Lynch Mob with original vocalist Oni Logan.

Lynch Mob have since released a brand new studio album of extremely memorable Hard Rock & Heavy Metal songs, with 2009’s: Smoke and Mirrors. A new and highly anticipated Lynch Mob album is forthcoming, later in 2011.

KILL ALL CONTROL – Track Listing:

Kill All Control

Brand New Day

Done

Flys On The Wall

Wicked Witch

Man On Fire

Voices In My Head

Resurrect

Here Comes The Sun

My Enemy

Son of Scary – (Featuring Fred Coury on drums)

* For more info on GEORGE LYNCH, click on the link below:

George Lynch – The Official Website Of Mr. Scary

LONG LIVE GEORGE LYNCH aka MR. SCARY.

Stone.

JASTA – Reveals Album Cover, Track List and Featured Artists On New Album

Posted in hardcore metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 16, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

(New York, NY) — JASTA has revealed the cover, (above), track list and a list of featured artists on the upcoming self titled album due out this summer.

JASTA – Track Listing W/Featured Artists:

01. Walk That Path Alone
02. Mourn The Illusion
03. Screams From The Sanctuary
04. Nothing They Say
05. Anthem Of The Freedom Fighter
06. Something You Should Know (Ft. Phil Labonte of All That Remains)
07. Set You Adrift
08. Enslaved, Dead or Depraved (Ft. Randy Blythe of Lamb of God)
09. With A Resounding Voice (Ft. Tim Lambesis of As I Lay Dying)
10. The Fearless Must Endure (Ft. Zakk Wylde of Black Label Society)
11. Heart Of A Warrior (Ft. Mike Vallely)
12. Death Bestowed (Ft. Mark Morton of Lamb Of God)

JASTA will be releasing a record simply titled “JASTA” this summer on July 26th, 2011 via eOne Music. A record many years in the making, this is a very different project for Jasta. He explains in his own words.

(Source: eOne Music)

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

JAMEY JASTA.COM

Jamey Jasta – Official Twitter

JASTA – Official Facebook

eOne Metal

LONG LIVE JAMEY JASTA.

Stone.

DESTRUCTION – Covers A DIO Classic ‘Stand Up And Shout’ With Legendary, Unyielding Thrash Intensity!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal, thrash metal albums with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 16, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

DESTRUCTION – The German Thrash Metal band Destruction released their eleventh studio album on March 8th, 2011, via Nuclear Blast America. On this immensely Thrash fortified album is the cover song of the DIO classic: Stand Up And Shout. Covering a legendary classic such as this song takes Metal balls… and Destruction are legends that can deliver the Thrashin’ goods. Destruction accomplished quite the Metal feat with their cover of Stand Up And Shout, creating an all-out Thrashtastic tribute to the late Ronnie James Dio, in my Metal opinion.

With their very own legendary Thrash style on Stand Up And Shout, Destruction tears it up and kicks some legitimate Metal ass. A Metal song that will be the battle cry of Metalheads for ions to come, Stand Up And Shout!!

DESTRUCTION:

Schmier – bass & vocals

Mike – guitars

Vaaver – drums

* Stand Up And Shout is a bonus track on Day Of Reckoning.

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

DESTRUCTION – Official Website

LONG LIVE DESTRUCTION.

Stone.

KITTIE – Announces Headlining 2011 Summer Tour & New Album Update

Posted in Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal tours, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on June 14, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

(New York, NY) — Veteran road warriors, KITTIE will be hitting the road this summer on a headlining run spanning the entire U.S. including the notorious “Gathering Of The Juggalos” festival. DIRGE WITHIN andDIAMOND PLATE will offer support.

The band has been in the studio since April recording their yet untitled new record. What promises to be a grittier record than their previous effort “In the Black,” front woman Morgan Lander offers her own words:

“We have been working exceptionally hard, crafting what is to be our 6th full length release, and our second for eOne. In some cases these new songs are faster, darker and much more sinister than our previous release. It contains some of the most difficult and personal subject matter I have had the pleasure (or displeasure) of writing.”

Once again the band has enlisted the producing talent of Siegfried“Siggy” Meier at Beach Road Studios in Goderich Ontario, Canada.“The girls have written some incredible and personal songs this time around. They’re heavy as shit and relentless. It’s a pleasure and an honor to be doing another record with one of the best metal bands of our time,” says Meier. The new record will be released later this year.

KITTIE released “In the Black” in 2009 to critical acclaim, “Kittie’s fifth record sees the gals back in heavier form, with Morgan’s much-improved clean vocals soaring alongside mountain-sized riffage.” says Revolver Magazine. Blabbermouth.net even hailed the record as the“biggest metal shock of the year.” The girls spent the next two years on successful tours with acts like DEVILDRIVER, ICP and last year’s THRASH AND BURN TOUR. Multiple music videos were shot for singles like “Sorrow I know” and “Die My Darling”, all can be seenHERE

KITTIE is: Morgan Lander (guitar), Mercedes Lander (drums), Tara McLeod (guitar) and Ivy Vujic (bass).

KITTIE – 2011 Summer Headlining Tour:

8/11 Cave In Rock, IL – Hog Rock (Gathering of the Juggalos)

8/12 Waterloo, IA – Spicoli’s Rock Garden
8/13 Milwaukee, WI – The Rave
8/14 Joliet, IL. – Mojoes
8/16 Sauget, IL – Pop’s
8/19 Columbus, OH – Al Rosa Villa
8/20 Lake Odessa, MI – Carnival Of Chaos
8/21 Battle Creek, MI – Planet Live
8/24 Cleveland, OH – Peabody’s
8/25 Syracuse, NY – Lost Horizon
8/26 Clifton Park, NY – Northern Lights
8/27 Allentown, PA – Crocodile Rock
8/28 Clifton, NJ – Dingbatz
8/30 New York, NY – Highline Ballroom
8/31 Springfield, VA – Jaxx
9/1 Fayetteville, NC – Jesters
9/2 Jacksonville, NC – Hooligans
9/3 Spartanburg, SC – Ground Zero
9/4 Atlanta, GA – Masquerade
9/7 Houston, TX – Scout Bar
9/8 San Antonio, TX – Backstage Live
9/9 Dallas, TX – Trees
9/10 Lubbock, TX – Jake’s
9/12 Farmington, NM – Top Deck
9/13 Tempe, AZ – Clubhouse
9/14 Los Angeles, CA – The Whisky
9/15 Anaheim, CA – Chain Reaction
9/16 Santa Clara, CA – Avalon
9/17 Orangevale, CA – Boardwalk
9/20 Denver, CO – Marquis Theater
9/21 Colorado Springs, CO – Black Sheep

(Source: eOne Music)

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

KITTIE – Official Website

eOne Metal

LONG LIVE KITTIE.

Stone.

KATANA – Heads Will Roll: Traditional Heavy Metal Triumphs On This Band’s Debut Album

Posted in classic metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, traditional heavy metal with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on June 13, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

KATANA Heads Will Roll – Gothenburg, Sweden is where Katana calls home, with their current lineup being established back in 2008.  The debut studio album from Katana, Heads Will Roll, was released in the U.S. on May 31st, 2011, on Listenable Records and it is a delectable bounty of Traditional Heavy Metal to devour. Heads Will Roll is an album of nine Heavy Metal songs that will stamp the time travel ticket for any old schooler… back to the days of Classic Metal glory.

The album title Heads Will Roll reminds me of the Judas Priest classic: Some Heads Are Gonna Roll, from their vintage 1984 album Defenders Of The Faith. There’s just something about heads rolling that sounds, well, Metal. All kidding aside, this debut album from Katana seems to gain more Metal steam after each song. This is an album that just sounds alive and comes across scorching in all of it’s Traditional Metal bliss the more I listen to it.

Heart of Tokyo and Asia in Sight are two blockbuster songs that are smack in the Metal middle of this album. Both songs are capable of drop-kicking poser Metal into the next millennium. Hell, this entire Heads Will Roll album screams: Classic Metal Reigns! The overall Classic Metal vibe that is captured by Katana on this album is very impressive. These are musicians that have done their Classic Metal homework and aren’t afraid to look down upon any “new” Metal trends of the week.

If I had to choose the numero uno song on this album that absolutely kicks the most major Metal ass, well then, it’s Rebel Ride. Shades and obvious influence of the Priest’s Metal guitar legends K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton are heard, courtesy from the double guitar attack of Patrik Essén and Tobias Karlsson on Rebel Ride. This influence is clear as day and sounds Metal supreme. Both guitarists are fun to take in throughout this entire album. Back to Rebel Ride… it’s such a fantastic Metal song to get psyched-out by, that I’ve come close to pinching myself to make certain I’m not dreaming.

The vocals of Johan Bernspång resonates the essence of yesteryear’s New Wave Of British Heavy Metal. Eloquent, dynamic and consistently captivating are Johan’s vocals. No, I’m not anointing Johan as the greatest Metal singer I’ve ever heard, I’m only stating he is a Metal vocalist to keep your eyes on and your ears tuned to… for the next twenty years or more. I would have to say with certainty, that Johan reminds me of Kai Hansen (Gamma Ray, ex-Helloween). Don’t mistake me here at all, Johan comes across as a very welcomed and unique Metal vocalist to this sacred community.

At 6:50 long, the mini-epic Quest for Hades finishes off Heads Will Roll, whilst the audio senses of Iron Maiden and even Helloween are swirling through my brain. Comparisons and/or influences aside, Katana comes at me as blatant originals to the Traditional Heavy Metal genre. This band can not only play, they also present themselves as true believers and honor students of Classic Metal. Need proof that Katana is as legit as Metal itself? Then submerse your eardrums into Heads Will Roll and thank the Metal Gods that another young Traditional Metal band has gotten it right.

KATANA HAS TRIUMPHED.

KATANA:

Johan Bernspång – vocals

Patrik Essén – guitars

Tobias Karlsson – guitars

Susanna Salminen – bass

Anders Persson – drums

HEADS WILL ROLL – Track Listing:

Livin’ Without Fear

Blade of Katana

Phoenix on Fire

Neverending World

Heart of Tokyo

Asia in Sight

Across the Stars

Rebel Ride

Quest for Hades

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

KATANA – myspace music

LONG LIVE KATANA.

Stone.

The Devin Townsend Project – Deconstruction and Ghost: Both New Albums Release June 21st, 2011!

Posted in Extreme Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, progressive metal, progressive rock, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on June 12, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

THE DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT – The third and fourth albums in The Devin Townsend Project series, Deconstruction and Ghost, respectively, will be released simultaneously on June 21st, 2011, via Devin Townsend’s record label HevyDevy and Insideout Music.

Stone Says:

Legendary multi-instrumentalist, singer, producer and songwriter Devin Townsend has proven his Metal and music genius time and again. From Strapping Young Lad to The Devin Townsend Project with his solo material in-between, there is much to be enthralled by and digested from the unique and extraordinary catalog of albums that Devin Townsend has stamped his musical imprint on. From Extreme Metal to Experimental, with Progressive not withstanding, Devin Townsend has touched on multiple music genres and has created an impressive legacy that continues into 2011 and beyond.

Deconstruction – Track Listing:

Praise The Lowered

Stand

Juular

Planet Of The Apes

Sumeria

The Mighty Masturbator

Pandemic

Deconstruction

Poltergeist

GHOST – Track Listing:

Fly

Heart Baby

Feather

Kawaii

Ghost

Blackberry

Monsoon

Dark Matters

Texada

Seams

Infinite Ocean

As You Were

* For more info on Devin Townsend’s other solo albums, Strapping Young Lad albums and The Devin Townsend Project, click on the link below:

DEVIN TOWNSEND

LONG LIVE DEVIN TOWNSEND.

Stone.

IRON MAIDEN – From Fear To Eternity: Essential Maiden To Own

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, progressive metal, progressive rock, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on June 9, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

IRON MAIDEN – Yes, as the die-hard Iron Maiden fan that I am, I bought From Fear To Eternity on Tuesday, June 7th, 2011. The sub-title is: The Best Of 1990-2010. There’s something about “needing” a new CD of songs that I already own… it’s called what am I thinking? In fairness, I actually never owned the live version of Man On The Edge… until now. Apparently this live version was the B-side of the Wicker Man single. I’ll mention Man On The Edge again in this post…

Regardless of my buyers remorse over this new Iron Maiden “best of”, the cover artwork looks super cool and the liner notes are Metal dandy. A killer center-spread in the liner notes depicts 7 versions of (mascot) Eddie from the past 20 years, with a second center-spread documenting all 8 studio albums from this time period as well.

Having 23 of Iron Maiden’s “best” songs from the last two decades, on two CD’s makes for a convenient listen, whether I’m on the go or just chillin’ out. Plus, there is much to be said about us collectors wanting a complete run of our core bands. As I look at it a few days later, I’m psyched that I bought From Fear To Eternity. This is Iron Maiden! (Even though my favorite Iron Maiden era is the 80’s decade). Heck, there are times when I will spend a quick ten bucks on coffee in one day or that same amount on beer and I won’t even bat an eye. Well, I kinda do.

I do wish that the songs from the two albums that had lead vocalist Blaze Bayley  (The X Factor, Virtual XI) were included as the original studio tracks. The 3 songs from these two albums are presented live with the legendary Bruce Dickinson on vocals. The 3 songs are: Man On The Edge, Sign Of The Cross and The Clansman. Blaze Bayley was a member of Iron Maiden after all (which is quite a Metal feat) and he should get his deserved recognition on this “best of”. In the end, it’s like Lenny Wolf of Kingdom Come would say: “it is what it is”.

* From Fear To Eternity was released on June 7th, 2011 on Universal Music.

* The album cover artwork was designed/illustrated by Melvyn Grant.

Track Listing:

CD One: The Wicker Man * Holy Smoke * El Dorado * Paschendale * Different World * Man On The Edge (live) * The Reincarnation Of Benjamin Breeg * Blood Brothers * Rainmaker * Sign Of The Cross (live) * Brave New World * Fear Of The Dark (live)

CD Two: Be Quick Or Be Dead * Tailgunner * No More Lies * Coming Home * The Clansman (live) * For The Greater Good Of God * These Colours Don’t Run * Bring Your Daughter… To The Slaughter * Afraid To Shoot Strangers * Dance Of Death * When The Wild Wind Blows

* For more info on IRON MAIDEN, click on the link below:

IRON MAIDEN

LONG LIVE IRON MAIDEN.

The word “dandy” was used in this post.

Stone.

DREAM THEATER – Announce New Album Title, Track Listing and Release Date

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, progressive metal, progressive rock, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on June 8, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

The following is a press release from RoadRunner Records, on June 8th, 2011:

(New York, NY): The recent announcement that Mike Mangini would be joining Dream Theater, replacing departed drummer Mike Portnoy caused such fanfare that  Mangini was a trending topic on Twitter, second only to England’s Royal Wedding. Now, the band is revealing more information about their upcoming album. The new album is titled A Dramatic Turn of Events. The much-anticipated platter, which marks Mangini’s recorded debut, will be released via Roadrunner Records on September 13th and will be supported by a massive world tour.

 “I’m incredibly psyched with the way this album came out and can’t wait to share it with everybody,” guitarist John Petrucci, who also serves as the producer for A Dramatic Turn of Events, said. “We are currently in the mix stage with the great Andy Wallace and it’s all sounding amazing!”

 “We have poured our hearts and minds into the creation of this album,” keyboardist Jordan Rudess offered. “All the life changing events that surrounded us before,  as well as during the whole process, fueled our desire to dig deep within ourselves and create the best music we possibly could.”

Vocalist James LaBrie said, “In the grand scheme of Dream Theater’s career, the last several months have been such an incredibly positive, fulfilling and rewarding experience. The new songs and sound has never been so spirited or rejuvenating. I cannot wait for every one of our fans to sink their audio senses into this batch of tunes.”

The track listing for A Dramatic Turn of Events is as follows:

1. On the Backs of Angels

2. Build Me Up, Break Me Down

3. Lost Not Forgotten 

4. This is the Life 

5. The Shaman’s Trance 

6. Outcry 

7. Far From Heaven 

8. Breaking All Illusions 

9. Beneath The Surface

* For more info on DREAM THEATER, click on the links below:

Dream Theater

ROADRUNNER RECORDS

LONG LIVE DREAM THEATER.

Stone.

URIAH HEEP – Nail On The Head: Official Video… ROCKS!

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

URIAH HEEP – Into The Wild is the 23rd studio album from the legendary Uriah Heep and was released on Frontiers Records on May 3rd, 2011. Since 1970, Uriah Heep has been Rockin’ the globe! Founding member and guitarist Mick Box has his band once again playing some of the best Hard Rock in the land! Throughout this iconic band’s reign, be it progressive, melodic, hard or heavy, one thing is for certain… after 40 years of Uriah Heep Rock ‘n’ Roll, this band is unquestionably steady!

Below is the Hard Rockin’ and thunder stompin’ song: Nail On The Head. Take a look and listen for yourself below… URIAH HEEP are Classic Rock Kings!

URIAH HEEP:

Mick Box – guitar & vocals

Bernie Shaw – lead vocals

Trevor Bolder – bass & vocals

Russell Gilbrook – drums & vocals

Phil Lanzon – keyboards & vocals

* For more info on URIAH HEEP, click on the links below:

URIAH HEEP – Official Website

URIAH HEEP – MySpace Music Page

www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords

LONG LIVE URIAH HEEP.

Stone.

PHARAOH – TEN YEARS EP: This Is American Power Metal… Loud, Proud and Heavy Hitting

Posted in classic heavy metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on June 3, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

PHARAOH: TEN YEARS EP – American Power Metal is well represented when a band such as Pharoah exists. Seriously. The six songs on the Ten Years EP are a strong representation of just how excellent the musicianship of Pharaoh is. Metal truth be told, I wish this was a 12 song album, Pharaoh hammers out their one-of-a-kind Metal sound that well. This is a durable band with mighty Metal experience (see band lineup below) and this experience comes through remarkably well on each song.

The Classic Heavy Metal feel and vibes are unmistakable as I listen to Ten Years. Pharaoh plays their American-made Power Metal with relevant muscularity, with melodic moments flourishing throughout their sound.  One Metal constant about Pharaoh is their ability to sound raw and tough, with an old school sensibility. It’s this raw toughness in the Metal mix that adds to Pharaoh’s mystique, for me.

Ten Years will be released on June 7th, 2011, on Cruz Del Sur. This EP contains two unreleased songs from the Be Gone (2008) recording sessions, two tracks previously released only as a bonus 7″ and two cover songs: Slayer’s Tormentor and New Model Army’s White Light. Ten Years sets the Metal stage for the forthcoming and fourth studio album from Pharaoh, which is scheduled for release later in 2011.

Pharaoh does a standup  job at covering Slayer’s Tormentor, with no slippage on the speed factor on both guitar and the rhythm section. Tim Aymar may not be Tom Araya on vocals, still he embellishes this song with the necessary searing notes, leathery vocals and pissed-off attitude. Tim Aymar can hit the high notes with ease as well as delivering gritty, old school tones. A great example of just how diverse Tim’s vocals are is the title track Ten Years. This song is a Metal showcase for Tim’s vocals, there’s no doubt to my ears about that.

The thick and melodic sounds of Matt Johnsen’s guitar are totally enjoyable. Matt’s flirtation’s and nod’s to Classic Speed Metal are apparent and very welcomed to my Metal lovin’ ears. Matt Johnsen has his own signature tone happening on guitar and perhaps should be looked upon as one of Metal’s best kept secrets.

Pharaoh has always been a dynamite Power Metal band, it’s time for scores of Metal fans out there to realize just how excellent a band they truly are. I highly recommend all of Pharaoh’s works from the past and this Ten Years EP. Pharaoh was formed back in 1997 and there hasn’t been a better time than now to be catching onto their sound. Classic Heavy Metal and American Power Metal lives… and Pharaoh carries these two sub-genre’s torches with Metal pride.

PHARAOH on Ten Years EP:

Tim Aymar – vocals (Control Denied)

Matt Johnsen – guitar (Fool’s Game, Dawnbringer)

Chris Kerns – bass

Chris Black – drums (Dawnbringer, Superchrist, High Spirits, ex-Nachtmystium)

Ten Years – Track List:

Ten Years

When We Fly

White Light

Reflection and the Inevitable Future

Nothing I Can Say

Tormentor

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

http://www.solarflight.net

http://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com

LONG LIVE PHARAOH.

Stone.