Metal Odyssey &gt; Heavy Metal Music Blog

EGYPT CENTRAL – official myspace

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

Posted in concerts, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, metalcore, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags alternative metal, crocodile rock cafe, egypt central, Hard Rock, hard rock albums 2011, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums 2011, joey chicago, john falls, metal odyssey, metalcore, rock music news, white rabbit album on April 22, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

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

EGYPT CENTRAL:

John Falls – vocals

Joey Chicago – bass

Blake Allison – drums

Jeff James – guitars

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

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

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

(Joey Chicago – bass)

(John Falls – vocals)

(Jeff James – guitar)

(Blake Allison – drums)

Track Listing For White Rabbit:

Ghost Town

White Rabbit

Goodnight

Kick Ass

Change

The Drug (Part 1)

Down In Flames

Enemy Inside (Part 2)

Blame

Dying To Leave

Surrender

Backfire

* All live photo credits: Tom Coderre

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

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

EGYPT CENTRAL – Official Website

FAT LADY MUSIC

LONG LIVE EGYPT CENTRAL.

Stone.

Children Of Bodom – Official Website

Children Of Bodom – “Was It Worth It?” Video Rips, Tears and Burns!

Posted in Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, melodic death metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal with tags alexi laiho, children of bodom, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums 2011, heavy metal videos, melodic death metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Power Metal, rock music news, Thrash Metal, was it worth it video on April 21, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

CHILDREN OF BODOM – Released on March 8th, 2011, via Spinefarm Records, Relentless reckless forever is the newest, brutal, crashin’, Thrashin’, Metalin’, rippin’, tearin’ and burnin’ album from Children Of Bodom. (I think I described this fabulous new album from COB quite well, in the opening sentence). Alexi Laiho is on fire once again with both his Extreme vocals and blistering guitar licks!

Relentless reckless forever is easily one of the BEST Metal albums 0f 2011 that I’ve been exposing my Metal ears to. Metal be thy name: if you haven’t picked up this new COB album just yet, what are you waiting for?

Below is the music video for Was It Worth It? from Relentless, reckless forever. Take my Metal advice, it is worth it to listen to and watch Was It Worth It? below!

CHILDREN OF BODOM:

Alexi Laiho – guitars & vocals

Janne Warman – keyboards

Roope Latvala – guitars

Jaska Raatikainen – drums

Henkka Blacksmith – bass

* For more info on CHILDREN OF BODOM, click the link below:

LONG LIVE CHILDREN OF BODOM.

Stone.

1 Comment »

SYMFONIA – New Album “In Paradisum” Streaming Via AOL Music and Released Today! April 19th, 2011

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, melodic metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags andre matos, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums 2011, in paradisum album, melodic metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Power Metal, rock music news, symfonia, timo tolkki on April 19, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

SYMFONIA, the new Melodic Metal project featuring the all-star lineup of vocalist Andre Matos (ex-Angra), guitarist Timo Tolkki (ex-Stratovarius), drummer Uli Kusch (ex-Helloween), bassist Jari Kainulainen (ex-Stratovarius) and keyboardist Mikko Harkin (ex-Sonata Arctica), unleash their debut full-length today via Armoury Records. Titled In Paradisum, the ten-track offering was recorded mainly in Finland, mixed and mastered in Italy and produced by Timo Tolkki.

In celebration of its release, the album is currently streaming in its entirety via AOL Music. To check it out, point your browser HERE.

(Source: Earsplit PR)

LONG LIVE SYMFONIA.

Stone.

FAITHSEDGE – Official Website

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

Posted in arena rock, classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags arena rock, fabrizio grossi, faithsedge, faithsedge debut album, giancarlo floridia, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums 2011, metal music, metalodyssey, rock music news on April 18, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

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

FAITHSEDGE:

Giancarlo Floridia – vocals & guitar

Fabrizio Grossi – bass

Alex De Rosso – lead guitar

Tony Morra – drums

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

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

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

FAITHSEDGE – facebook

LONG LIVE FAITHSEDGE.

Stone.

MORPHINE KILLER – Official Website

MORPHINE KILLER – “SICKENING” RELEASES APRIL 20TH, 2011! HERE’S THE METAL DETAILS…

Posted in Extreme Metal, gothic metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags belle roka, eski, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums 2011, metal music, metal odyssey, morphine killer, rock music news, sickening album on April 18, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

MORPHINE KILLER – From Garden Grove, California, MORPHINE KILLER returns! The Metal… the Extreme Metal… along with their explosively melodic single Throw It All Away are all heard on the new full-length: SICKENING. April 20th, 2011 is the release date for SICKENING via Final Breath Records.

Following the Metal success of their 2009 EP releases of Unapologetic and Nightmares, MORPHINE KILLER are back with an album of 9 songs that will leave your eardrums scorched and begging for more! SICKENING is the Metal beacon that will stop fans of Metal and Extreme Metal right in their tracks. Don’t miss out on one of 2011’s most anticipated Metal releases… serve yourself Metal right and get your copy of SICKENING!

* SICKENING will be available through Amazon.com, iTunes, Emusic, cdbaby and a few other outlets within the next few weeks.

* You can pre-order SICKENING by clicking here: MORPHINE KILLER – STORE

MORPHINE KILLER:

Belle Roka – vocals & keyboards

Eski – vocals, guitar, bass & drums

**Track Listing For SICKENING:**

Another Day In The Flames

Crack The Whip

Sacrilegious Celebration

An Air Of Disrespect

It’s Too Late

The Breeding Ground

Time To Destroy

Throw It All Away

New Industry

* SICKENING includes Throw It All Away, the single released in 2010. This amazing song features the astounding vocals of Belle Roka and the stellar musicianship of Eski. This melodically heavy side of Morphine Killer ignites! Throw It All Away was honored in Metal Odyssey’s Top Ten Songs of 2010! Check it out for yourself and give Throw It All Away a listen by clicking the big links below!

MORPHINE KILLER – NEW SINGLE “THROW IT ALL AWAY” IS OUT NOW AND CAN’T MISS!

Metal Odyssey’s Top Ten Songs Of 2010 And #1 Music Video!

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

MORPHINE KILLER – facebook

MORPHINE KILLER – Myspace music

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

LONG LIVE MORPHINE KILLER.

Stone.

Jamey Jasta – Official Twitter

Jamey Jasta – Announces Solo Record Due Out This Summer 2011, Song Samples Available!

Posted in Extreme Metal, hardcore music, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags Extreme Metal, hardcore metal, hatebreed, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums 2011, jamey jasta, jasta solo album, kingdom of sorrow, Metal, metal odyssey, rock music news, rockstar energy drink mayhem festival on April 15, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

(Photo Credit: Jeremy Saffer)

New York, NY) — JAMEY JASTA of HATEBREED & KINGDOM OF SORROW will be releasing a solo 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 in the video below.

WATCH THE VIDEO WITH SONG SAMPLES BY CLICKING THIS LINK: “JASTA” – Album Announcement Teaser!

A diverse variety of guest appearances can be found on this record. Tim Lambesis (AS I LAY DYING), pro skater Mike Vallely, Philip Labonte (ALL THAT REMAINS), Randy Blythe and Mark Morton (LAMB OF GOD) and Guitar God ZAKK WYLDE just to name a few.

JAMEY will be presenting and performing at this year’s REVOLVER GOLDEN GODS AWARDS next week at the legendary Nokia Theater in downtown Los Angeles.

Jamey will be touring with KINGDOM OF SORROW this summer on the 2011 Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival. Visit Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival 2011 for ticket info, more information and breaking news.

(Source: eOne Music)

* For more info on Jamey Jasta, please visit:

JAMEY JASTA.COM

JASTA – Official Facebook

LONG LIVE JAMEY JASTA.

Stone.

FAITHSEDGE – Official Website

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

Posted in album oriented rock, arena rock, classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, progressive metal, rock music, rock music news with tags aor, arena rock, classic rock, fabrizio grossi, faithsedge, faithsedge album review, giancarlo floridia, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums 2011, melodic heavy metal, metal odyssey, progressive rock, rock music, rock music news on April 15, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Metal Odyssey gives FAITHSEDGE 5 out of 5 Metal Fists!

FAITHSEDGE:

Giancarlo Floridia – vocals & guitar

Fabrizio Grossi – bass

Alex De Rosso – lead guitar

Tony Morra – drums

**Track Listing For FAITHSEDGE:**

Another Chance

There’s Still Hope

Let It End This Way

World Keeps Falling Down

Even If

Hold On

Take You Away

Somewhere In Your Heart

That’s What Happened To Us

Faith-Anne

When It Rains

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

FAITHSEDGE – facebook

SCARLET RECORDS

LONG LIVE FAITHSEDGE.

Stone.

3 Comments »

AMON AMARTH – U.S. Tour To Commence Today! April 14th, 2011

Posted in Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags Amon Amarth, an evening with amon amarth, Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums 2011, melodic death metal, metal music, metal odyssey, surtur rising, viking metal on April 14, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

(Photo Credit: Steve Brown)

Melodic Death Metal titans, AMON AMARTH, today kick off their long-anticipated near two-week run of live dates in support of their latest studio offering: Surtur Rising. Dubbed “An Evening With AMON AMARTH,” this special tour will find the band performing two sets each night with no openers. The first set will feature the band performing Surtur Rising in its entirety while the second will boast a collection of songs from previous releases. The Viking-inspired mayhem will begin tonight in Chicago at The Bottom Lounge.

Released on March 29 via Metal Blade Records, Surtur Rising has topped the charts both domestically and abroad and continues to reap praise from critics and fans around the globe for its sheer debilitating heaviness. Said Decibel of the offering: “…it’s a pleasure to learn one of metal’s most consistent bands remains as indefatigable as ever.” L.A. Music Blog called Surtur Rising, “the epitome of what death metal should be: ferocious and crushing. It’s possibly the band’s best work to date,” Blabbermouth compared the record to being, “…bludgeoned by your favorite warhammer. Definitely a contender for this year’s best,” while Metal Bite commended the record saying, “Surtur Rising is not just an album, it’s a fantastic tale that’s presented with honor and dignity. This is some of the band’s most dynamic work yet and I cannot emphasize enough how you need to pick up a copy when this is released!” Metal Curse called it, “absolutely amazing from beginning to end,” while Crave Metal put it simply: “EPIC!”

Commented guitarist Olavi Mikkonen: “We can’t thank our fans enough for showing their appreciation of our music and making this album our most successful release to date. We are looking forward to performing the songs from Surtur Rising live and delivering a powerful, crushing set! See you on tour, cheers!”

An Evening With AMON AMARTH

4/14/2011 @ The Bottom Lounge – Chicago, IL

4/15/2011 @ Station 4 – Saint Paul, MN

4/16/2011 @ Granada Theater – Lawrence, KS

4/17/2011 @ The Summit Music Hall – Denver, CO

4/19/2011 @ Wonder Ballroom – Portland, OR

4/20/2011 @ Showbox Sodo – Seattle, WA

4/22/2011 @ The Regency – San Francisco, CA

4/23/2011 @ Ace Of Spades – Sacramento, CA

4/24/2011 @ House of Blues – West Hollywood, CA

4/25/2011 @ Nile Theatre – Mesa, AZ

4/27/2011 @ White Rabbit – San Antonio, TX

4/29/2011 @ Culture Room – Fort Lauderdale, FL

4/30/2011 @ Beacham Theatre – Orlando, FL

5/01/2011 @ Masquerade – Atlanta, GA

5/02/2011 @ Jaxx – Springfield, VA

5/03/2011 @ Peabody’s – Cleveland, OH

5/05/2011 @ Best Buy Theater – New York, NY

5/06/2011 @ Theatre Of Living Arts – Philadelphia, PA

5/07/2011 @ Paradise Rock Club – Boston, MA

(Source: Earsplit PR)

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

LONG LIVE AMON AMARTH.

Stone.

HEMOPTYSIS – Official Website

Hemoptysis – Announce European Release Details and Bonus!

Posted in Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal with tags Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums 2011, heavy metal news, hemoptysis, masaki murashita, metal music, metal odyssey, misanthropic slaughter album, rock music news, Thrash Metal on April 11, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

HEMOPTYSIS – Phoenix Arizona Metallers Hemoptysis have announced that their debut album “Misanthropic Slaughter” will be available in stores throughout Europe on May 27, 2011.

The album is being released throughout Europe via Rock It Up Records and the European version will include the music video for “Shadow of Death” as a bonus feature. A list of retailers will be available soon. Digital copies can be purchased at this location: Hemoptysis – Official Merchandise Store

In other Hemoptysis news, the band are gearing up to shoot a new music video for an as of yet – undisclosed song from “Misanthropic Slaughter”.

Upcoming Tour Dates:

Friday, April 29, 2011 @ The Drunken Lass – Prescott, Arizona

Saturday, April 30, 2011 @ Burts Tiki Lounge – Albuquerque, New Mexico

Saturday, May 7, 2011 @ The Clubhouse – Tempe, Arizona*

* With Sepultura, D.R.I., Hate, Belphegor, Neuraxis, Bonded By Blood and Keep of Kalessin. Tickets are available for $25. Call or txt: 480-570-7599 for free delivery.

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

HEMOPTYSIS – myspace music

HEMOPTYSIS – Facebook

HEMOPTYSIS – bandcamp page

Rock It Up / IceWarrior Records

LONG LIVE HEMOPTYSIS.

Stone.

AMON AMARTH: “Surtur Rising” First-Week Album Sales Revealed

Posted in Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, melodic death metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags Amon Amarth, amon amarth tour dates 2011, Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums 2011, heavy metal news, melodic death metal, metal music, metal odyssey, rock music news, surtur rising album, viking metal on April 6, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Surtur Rising, the latest studio album from Swedish Death Metal tyrants, AMON AMARTH sold approximately 15,000 copies in the United States landing the band the #34 on the Billboard Top 200, #6 on the Billboard Top Independent Albums, #1 on the Billboard Top Hard Music Albums and #10 on the Indy/Small Chain Core Store Chart. The record entered Austria’s Top 40 Chart at #12 and Switzerland’s Top 100 at #20. In Germany, Surtur Rising sold over 14,000 units, entered the Top 100 Chart at #8 and is in the official Media Mark Charts at #14 in its second week.

In addition, Surtur Rising came in at #19 on Canada’s Top 200 Chart, #5 on the Independent Charts and #2 on Hard Charts. The record is #1 in Canada on iTunes’ Top Metal albums, and also charted on the following: #16 Top 200, #3 Top Rock and #1 Top Metal. In the U.S., the record ranked in at #2 on iTunes’ Rock Album chart and #20 in the Top 200 (overall album chart).

Released on March 29 via Metal Blade Records, Surtur Rising is AMON AMARTH’s eighth studio offering in a winding discography that’s helped shape the very face of epic, Viking-inspired death metal. Named in tribute to Surtur, leader of the fire giants of Muspelheim (“flame land”) and the oldest being in the nine worlds of Norse mythology, the record was recorded, mixed and mastered at Fascination Street Studios Örebro, Sweden with Jens Bogren and bears the striking cover art by Tom Thiel.

The mammoth long-player has been reaping incredible praise from critics nationwide. In a 9/10 review, Blabbermouth compared Surtur Rising to being, “…bludgeoned by your favorite warhammer. Definitely a contender for this year’s best.” Fearnet called it a, “feast of world-destroying metal on par with the band’s career-defining 2008 release Twilight Of The Thunder God,” while Decibel Magazine commended the band noting, “it’s a pleasure to learn one of metal’s most consistent bands remains as indefatigable as ever.” Pop Matters called the record “…another momentous album for AMON AMARTH, leaving no doubt that they are one of the best Metal bands in the world!,” and Live-Metal agreed: “…one of the strongest, most massively heavy Death Metal bands around…”

In conjunction with Surtur Rising‘s release, AMON AMARTH will make their way to the U.S. for a near two-week stretch of live dates later this month. Dubbed “An Evening With AMON AMARTH,” this special trek will find the band performing two separate sets each night: one which will feature Surtur Rising in its entirety and another boasting a collection of songs from previous releases. Confirmed dates below:

An Evening With AMON AMARTH

4/14/2011 The Bottom Lounge – Chicago, IL

4/15/2011 Station 4 – Saint Paul, MN

4/16/2011 Granada Theater – Lawrence, KS

4/17/2011 The Summit Music Hall – Denver, CO

4/19/2011 Wonder Ballroom – Portland, OR

4/20/2011 Showbox Sodo – Seattle, WA

4/22/2011 The Regency – San Francisco, CA

4/23/2011 Ace Of Spades – Sacramento, CA

4/24/2011 House of Blues – West Hollywood, CA

4/25/2011 Nile Theatre – Mesa, AZ

4/27/2011 White Rabbit – San Antonio, TX

4/29/2011 Culture Room – Fort Lauderdale, FL

4/30/2011 Beacham Theatre – Orlando, FL

5/01/2011 Masquerade – Atlanta, GA

5/02/2011 Jaxx – Springfield, VA

5/03/2011 Peabody’s – Cleveland, OH

5/05/2011 Best Buy Theater – New York, NY

5/06/2011 Theatre Of Living Arts – Philadelphia, PA

5/07/2011 Paradise Rock Club – Boston, MA

(Source: Earsplit PR)

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

THE PENTAGRAM ARCHIVES – myspace music

LONG LIVE AMON AMARTH.

Stone.

1 Comment »

PENTAGRAM “Last Rites” – New Studio Album Releases April 12th, 2011 On Metal Blade Records!

Posted in classic metal, doom metal, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags bobby liebling, classic metal, doom metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums 2011, metal blade records, metal music, metal odyssey, pentagram, pentagram 40th anniversary, pentagram last rites album on April 4, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

PENTAGRAM – Last Rites, the seventh studio album from Doom Metal Pioneers and Metal legends, Pentagram, will be released on April 12th, 2011, on Metal Blade Records. Last Rites is the first of a three album agreement Pentagram has with Metal Blade Records. Pentagram is led by it’s founding member and ever constant vocalist Bobby Liebling.

Pentagram alumnus and guitarist Victor Griffin returned to Pentagram in 2010, collaborating with Bobby Liebling on a studio album for the first time since 1994’s Be Forewarned. Last Rites contains eleven brand new studio tracks, proving once again, that Pentagram is far from closing the Metal history book on their Metal legacy.

* Last Rites has the Metal distinction of being the studio album released during the 40th Anniversary of Pentagram.

PENTAGRAM:

Bobby Liebling – vocals

Victor Griffin – guitar

Greg Turley – bass

Tim Tomaselli – drums

Track Listing For Last Rites:

Treat Me Right

Call the Man

Into the Ground

Everything’s Turning To Night

Windmills and Chimes

American Dream

Walk in Blue Light

Horseman

Death in 1st Person

Nothing Left

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

METAL BLADE RECORDS

LONG LIVE PENTAGRAM.

Stone.

2 Comments »

VASTUM “CARNAL LAW” – Death Metal Debut Album Unleashes Wicked, Raw and Old School Savagery

Posted in Death Metal, death metal bands, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags carnal law album review, death meal, death metal albums 2011, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums 2011, metal music, metal odyssey, rock music news, vastum, vastum carnal law album on April 3, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

VASTUM CARNAL LAW – In the vastness of the dark and melancholy world that is my love affair I have for Extreme Metal, one genre that never fails to recruit it’s bands and followers is Death Metal. A new Death Metal band has emerged from California’s San Francisco Bay Area and they are not playing it safe, nor are they carbon copying legends of this savage and torment stricken sound. Carnal Law releases on May 31, 2011, on 20 Buck Spin. Carnal Law is a Death Metal album that should grab ahold of Death Metal loyalists and shake their enraged Metal world apart… it has shook mine and I’m pleading for more.

The paths that Carcass, Death, Autopsy, Cannibal Corpse, Obituary and Grave (to name a many few) have made for new Death Metal bands to navigate will forever be revered by the Old School. When a band like VASTUM can take the Deathly Metal influence from such legends and fabricate their own vicious sound, style and grooves, then I’m not just listening… I’m breathing a Metal sigh of relief that a new Death Metal band gets it and gets it done. VASTUM exhibits that credible Death Metal persona in their sound, which should make them quite known among the Metal masses in a hurry.

With six songs to sink your Metal scorched ears into on Carnal Law, I only wish there were twelve. Then again, these six songs stack up with such raw Death Metal intensity, that this album more than saturates the inner depths of my Death Metal hungry soul. The dual vocals of Dan and Leila spewing forth Deathly resounding regurgitation, mixes together with extremely memorable riffs and leads, all congealed together with a potently penetrating rhythm section. The Death Metal grooves I hear on Carnal Law thunder along, without the need for over-the-top technical bullshit or over impressive speed. Metal be thy name.

As a Metal bonus, these songs are not annoying Death Metal epics, the Death Metal blitz is done in Old School fashion, without needless passages of unnecessary exquisiteness. There are many melodic guitar moments, which exemplifies the keen awareness that VASTUM has towards making a Death Metal album of songs… and not noise coming from a rented garage. Lyrically tapping into the gray-shades of psychological disparity and yes, death themes, VASTUM are Death Metal students that have studied their Metal craft with merit. VASTUM are ready to share their own Death Metal thesis with all and they are… with Carnal Law.

VASTUM:

Dan – vocals

Kyle – guitar

Leila – vocals & guitar

Luca – bass

RD – drums

Metal Odyssey Gives VASTUM – Carnal Law 4 out of 5 Metal Fists!

Track Listing For Carnal Law:

Primal Seduction

Re-Member

Devoid

Umbra Interna

Carnal Law

Spirit Abused

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

VASTUM – myspace music

20 BUCK SPIN

LONG LIVE DEATH METAL.

LONG LIVE VASTUM.

Stone.

2 Comments »

ARGUS “Boldly Stride The Doomed” – Sophomore Metal Album Releases On May 3rd, 2011!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags argus, boldly stride the doomed album, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums 2011, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, pennsylvania metal bands, rock music news, traditional heavy metal on April 3, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Italian Heavy Metal label Cruz Del Sur Music confirms May 3, 2011 as the official release date for the sophomore album from Pennsylvania-based ARGUS, entitled Boldly Stride The Doomed. This is the first release from ARGUS via Cruz Del Sur.

Boldly Stride The Doomed Track Listing:

1. Abandoning The Gates Of Byzantium

2. A Curse On The World

3. Wolves Of Dusk

4. The Ladder

5. Durendal

6. 42-7-29

7. Boldly Stride The Doomed

8. Fading Silver Light

9. Pieces Of Your Smile

10. The Ruins Of Ouroboros

ARGUS stormed onto the underground Metal scene with their twin guitar-driven, Doom-tinged, working class Metal sound with a self-recorded demo in early 2007, on John Brenner’s (Revelation/Against the Nature) DIY label, Bland Hand Records. The band was roundly welcomed by the Metal community at home as well as abroad and established its foundation amongst friends/fans within the scene. With this initial momentum, the band created a buzz that was only solidified by their punishing live performances. Their self-titled debut album was released on Shadow Kingdom Records in 2009 receiving praise from media outlets worldwide. The band continued to gain notoriety attracting like-minded fans worldwide who celebrate the genre and its core values of: hard work, discipline and integrity.

Featuring the powerful voice of former Penance vocalist Butch Balich, ARGUS prepares to cement themselves within the Metal archives with their sophomore effort, Boldly Stride the Doomed!

(Source: Earsplit PR)

Stone Says:

* Head on over to ARGUS – myspace music and hear for yourself Wolves Of Dusk currently streaming… this song is nothing short of amazing! The riffs stick in my Metal mind like Metal glue! Old School Metal, Traditional Metal or just Metal. Call it what you want… ARGUS plays it damn great. ARGUS = METAL. Metal be thy name.

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

http://www.myspace.com/theargus

http://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com

http://www.myspace.com/cruzdelsurmusic

LONG LIVE PENNSYLVANIA METAL.

LONG LIVE ARGUS.

Stone.

4 Comments »

THE HAUNTED “UNSEEN” – Releases March 29th 2011 In U.S.!

Posted in Death Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, melodic death metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal with tags Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums 2011, melodic death metal, metal odyssey, rock music news, the dead eye album 2006, the haunted, Thrash Metal, unseen album 2011 on March 28, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

THE HAUNTED – Releasing on March 29th, 2011, via Century Media Records, is the seventh studio album, Unseen, from Sweden’s very own… The Haunted. I’m looking forward to getting my ears into this new album from The Haunted. While earlier reviews on Unseen have not been very positive or mixed, the experimental and detoured direction of the Metal that The Haunted have taken seems to have alienated some. From what has been written thus far from other reviews I’ve read, a Sludge Metal sound with many clean vocal moments from Peter Dolving are heard on Unseen.

I’ll keep an “open Metal mind” and deliver a review for Unseen in the near future. If you’ve never checked out any album from The Haunted, you must… this is a Metal band that goes back to 1996 with their debut/self titled album releasing in 1998.

THE HAUNTED:

Peter Dolving – vocals

Anders Björler – lead guitar

Patrik Jensen – rhythm guitar

Jonas Björler – bass

Per Möller Jensen – drums

**Track Listing For UNSEEN:**

Never Better

No Ghost

Catch 22

Disappear

Motionless

Unseen

The Skull

Ocean Park

The City

Them

All Ends Well

Done

My “all-time” favorite song from The Haunted is The Cynic, from their fifth studio album released back in 2006 – The Dead Eye. Jonas Björler on bass just makes The Cynic sound so melancholy and creepy… it’s right up my Metal alley. Metal truth be told, The Dead Eye is Heavy stuff, I recommend The Dead Eye to all Metal fans across the globe. Peter Dolving on vocals can sing as vicious as any in the world of Metal, while giving way to those tempered down moments when the song dictates. Another Metal truth be told, I’ve never met an album from The Haunted that I didn’t like.

For more info on THE HAUNTED, just click the link below:

THE HAUNTED – Official Website

Century Media Records

LONG LIVE THE HAUNTED.

Stone.

4 Comments »

AMON AMARTH – “Surtur Rising” Deluxe, Limited Edition Box Set: Releases March 29th, 2011!

Posted in Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, melodic death metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags Amon Amarth, Death Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums 2011, melodic death metal, metal music, metal odyssey, rock music news, surtur rising album, surtur rising deluxe box set, viking metal on March 27, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

AMON AMARTH – On March 29th, 2011, the Deluxe and Limited Edition Box Set of AMON AMARTH – Surtur Rising will be released via Metal Blade Records! This is a Metal potent box of Metal goodies, that will have Amon Amarth fans raising their swords to the sky in Metal victory! It’s gonna be a Metal treat to hear Amon Amarth cover the “2” Heavy Metal Classics included in this box set: KISS – War Machine and ACCEPT – Balls To The Wall. Whoa… now we’re talking about Heavy Metal reverence here and I’m nodding in Metal approval!

Surtur Rising Deluxe, Limited Edition Box Set Includes:

* Limited and collectable Surtur Figure

* Surtur Rising 10 track album

* 2 Bonust Tracks: KISS “War Machine” and ACCEPT “Balls To The Wall”

* 28 page full-color booklet

* Multi-panel digipak

* DVD includes over 4 hours of live concert footage!

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

Between The Buried And Me – myspace music

LONG LIVE AMON AMARTH.

The words “goodies” and “treat” were used in this post.

Stone.

5 Comments »

Between The Buried And Me – “The Parallax: Hypersleep Dialogues” Releases April 12, 2011! Some Metal Info and Thoughts…

Posted in Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, progressive metal, progressive rock, rock music, rock music news with tags between the buried and me, Death Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums 2011, metal blade records, metal odyssey, metalcore, progressive metal, progressive rock, rock music news, the parallax: hypersleep dialogues album on March 26, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME – Here is some excellent news for all of you fellow Between The Buried And Me, Progressive Metal and Metal fans… The Parallax: Hypersleep Dialogues is being released on April 12th, 2011 on Metal Blade Records! This will be the seventh studio album released by BTBAM and their first on Metal Blade Records.

Currently, as of March 26th, 2011, a brand new track (Specular Reflection) from The Parallax: Hypersleep Dialogues is streaming right here: Between The Buried And Me – myspace music and here: METAL BLADE RECORDS. This new BTBAM song is worth every Metal micro-second of listening to and absorbing!

Specular Reflection clocks in at 11:21 and is progressively enriched with all things great about BTBAM. The piano key intro accompanied with orchestration and chorus, only leads me into the mind blowing, Extreme Metal journey that this ultra-talented band is so vastly known for creating. BTBAM fans won’t be disappointed while new fans shall be mesmerized and pulled into the Progressive and Extreme circle of sound that they’ll hear from Specular Reflection. Without a Metal doubt, I’m buying this new BTBAM album.

I have listened to this new song called Specular Reflection many, many, times now and I’m going to continue listening… and listening. I’ve always felt that Between The Buried And Me have been slightly ahead of their Metal time, now I feel they have arrived at being labeled “a Metal measuring stick” for their sub-genre. Metal be thy name.

BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME:

Tommy Rogers – vocals & keyboards

Dustie Waring – guitar

Paul Waggoner – guitar

Dan Briggs – bass

Blake Richardson – drums & percussion

**Track Listing For The Parallax: Hypersleep Dialogues:**

Specular Reflection

Augment of Rebirth

Lunar Wilderness

* The Parallax: Hypersleep Dialogues was produced and engineered by Grammy award winning David Bottril alongside BTBAM.

* The Parallax: Hypersleep Dialogues was recorded at Metalworks Studios and Rattlebox Studios.

* For more info on Between The Buried And Me, click the links below:

Between The Buried And Me – facebook

METAL BLADE RECORDS

LONG LIVE BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME.

Stone.

AMON AMARTH – Full Album Stream of “Surtur Rising” Hosted By Bloody Disgusting!

Posted in Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, melodic death metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags Amon Amarth, Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums 2011, melodic death metal, metal music, metal odyssey, rock music news, surtur rising album, surtur rising album stream, viking metal on March 25, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Today, popular Horror site Bloody Disgusting streams AMON AMARTH’s long-anticipated full-length, Surtur Rising, in its entirety! Scheduled for North American release via Metal Blade on March 29, 2011, the record, which was voted among Decibel Magazine’s most anticipated albums of 2011, marks the eighth studio offering from the melodic death metal tyrants. The stream will go live at 11:59pm EST on March 25, 2011 and ends at 11:59pm EST on March 28, 2011.

Noted Decibel of the record: “it’s a pleasure to learn one of metal’s most consistent bands remains as indefatigable as ever.” Stereokiller commended the production stating: “Johan Hegg’s vocals continue to be one of the bands strongest points, captivating the listener with clearly enunciated, yet gruff and powerful vocals,” while Metal Assault commended the band for “an album that has enormous aggression, entrancing melody and everything in between… the band’s most well-rounded and musically richest album to date.” Added L.A. Music Blog, “Surtur Rising is the epitome of what death metal should be: ferocious and crushing…possibly the band’s best work to date.”

To check out Surtur Rising, point your browser HERE at midnight.

Pre-order packages for Surtur Rising are still available at tha band’s official landing page: http://www.SurturRising.com.

Coinciding with the record release, AMON AMARTH will make their way to the U.S. for a near two-week stretch of live dates. Simply dubbed “An Evening With AMON AMARTH,” this very special trek will find the band performing two separate sets each night, one which will feature Surtur Rising in its entirety while the other will boast a collection of songs from the band’s previous releases. The Viking-inspired festivities will commence on April 14 in Chicago, Illinois. Confirmed dates below:

An Evening With AMON AMARTH

4/14/2011 The Bottom Lounge – Chicago, IL

4/15/2011 Station 4 – Saint Paul, MN

4/16/2011 Granada Theater – Lawrence, KS

4/17/2011 The Summit Music Hall – Denver, CO

4/19/2011 Wonder Ballroom – Portland, OR

4/20/2011 Showbox Sodo – Seattle, WA

4/22/2011 The Regency – San Francisco, CA

4/23/2011 Ace Of Spades – Sacramento, CA

4/24/2011 House of Blues – West Hollywood, CA

4/25/2011 Nile Theatre – Mesa, AZ

4/27/2011 White Rabbit – San Antonio, TX

4/29/2011 Culture Room – Fort Lauderdale, FL

4/30/2011 Beacham Theatre – Orlando, FL

(Source: Earsplit PR)

* Tickets are on sale now through all local ticket outlets.

* For more info on Amon Amarth, click the links below:

Straight Line Stitch – MySpace.com

LONG LIVE AMON AMARTH.

Stone.

1 Comment »

STRAIGHT LINE STITCH – Stream Entire New Album “The Fight Of Our Lives”, Giving Away Single For FREE Via iTunes!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal festivals, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags Extreme Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums 2011, heavy metal festivals 2011, metal music, metal odyssey, rock music news, straight line stitch, the fight of our lives album, the fight of our lives album streaming on March 22, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

(Photo Credit: Tom Medvedich)

(New York, NY) — STRAIGHT LINE STITCH is streaming their entire new album “The Fight Of Our Lives” this week over at AOL Music, to celebrate it’s release that comes out today, March 22, 2011.

Listen to “The Fight Of Our Lives” here: http://aol.it/gLKCmO

Their current single, “Conversion” is featured on iTunes as the FREE “Discovery Download” single of the week. Download it here: http://bit.ly/hLdGni

The band has no qualms about staying on the road this year. They recently announced off-dates with the one and only IN FLAMES during their run on the 2011 ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL. They’ve also announced a handful of dates with road mates NONPOINT, Revolver magazine’s “Hottest Chicks In Hard Rock: Hell Hath No Fury” tour supporting IN THIS MOMENT and last but not least, DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL. All dates can be found below.

Supporting Nonpoint:

4/6 Tallahassee, FL @ Floyd’s Music Store

4/7 Charleston, SC @ Jimbo’s Rock Lounge

4/8 Jacksonville, NC @ Hooligans

4/9 Johnson City, TN @ Capones

4/10 Winston Salem, NC @ Johnny and Junes

4/18 Fayetteville, AR @ Rogue

4/19 Amarillo, TX @ The Sorority House

4/20 Farmington, NM @ Top Deck

Supporting In This Moment:

4/25 Sparks, NV @ The Alley

4/27 Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory

4/28 Seattle, WA @ Studio Seven

4/29 Portland, OR @ Bossanova Ballroom

4/30 Spokane, WA @ The A Club

5/01 Billings, MT @ Railyard

5/03 Des Moines, IA @ House Of Bricks

5/05 Madison, WI @ The Annex

5/06 Grand Rapids, MI @ Intersection

5/07 Barrington, IL @ Penny Road Pub

5/08 Evansville, IN @ Boney Junes

5/09 Little Rock, AR @ Downtown Music Hall

5/10 Lawrence, KS @ The Bottleneck

5/11 Tulsa, OK @ The Marquee

5/12 Lubbock, TX @ Jake’s

5/13 Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad

5/14 Tucson, AZ @ The Rock

5/15 Flagstaff, AZ @ The Orpheum

Supporting In Flames:

7/18 Omaha, NE @ Sokol Auditorium

7/25 Niagara Falls, NY @ Rapids Theatre

7/26 Clifton Park, NY @ Northern Lights

8/01 Charlotte, NC @ Amos’ Southend

8/08 Kansas City, MO @ Harrah’s

Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival 2011 Tour Dates:

Jul. 09 – San Bernardino, CA @ San Manuel Amphitheatre

Jul. 10 – San Francisco, CA @ Shoreline Amphitheatre

Jul. 12 – Seattle, WA @ White River Amphitheater

Jul. 13 – Boise, ID @ Idaho Center Amphitheatre

Jul. 15 – Phoenix, AZ @ Cricket Wireless Pavilion

Jul. 16 – Albuquerque, NM @ Hard Rock Casino Presents: The Pavilion

Jul. 17 – Denver, CO @ Comfort Dental Amphitheatre

Jul. 19 – St. Louis, MO @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

Front woman Alexis Brown is the featured “Hottest Chick in Hard Rock”, in the newest issue of REVOLVER MAGAZINE. Copies are on stands now!

STRAIGHT LINE STITCH originally hailing from Knoxville, TN, features Alexis Brown on vocals, Seth Thacker and Kris Norris on guitar, Jason White on bass, and Kanky Lora on drums.

(Source: eOne Music)

* For more info on STRAIGHT LINE STITCH, click the links below:

http://www.facebook.com/straightlinestitch

LONG LIVE STRAIGHT LINE STITCH.

Stone.

WITHERING SOUL – Official Website

Withering Soul – Apochs.net Now Streaming Four Tracks From “No Closure”!

Posted in Black Metal, Death Metal, Extreme Metal, gothic metal, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags Black Metal, black metal albums 2011, Death Metal, Extreme Metal, gothic metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums 2011, melodic death metal, metal music, metal odyssey, no closure album review, rock music news, withering soul on March 22, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

WITHERING SOUL – Packed with more Metal than your grandma’s hip replacement, our good buds at Apochs.net have again extended a fiery set of horns and are currently streaming four (yes, four) new tracks from the recently released slab of Blackened brilliance No Closure from Chicago’s WITHERING SOUL. Hook your laptop up to the good speakers and cruise over to: Apochs.net – Apochs Metal Review

No Closure is a combination of Symphonic Black Metal and Melodic Death Metal with some Gothic overtones thrown is as well. As an added treat, guest backing vocals have been provided by Melissa Ferlaak. Inclusive of quality Scandinavian influences, but now with mature competency, they have carved their own path that is destined to generate a buzz in the underground and capture fans across the board.

(Source: Clawhammer PR)

* Check out my full review for No Closure (posted on February 20, 2011), by clicking the big header link below:

Withering Soul – “No Closure” Explodes With Black Metal Impressiveness

Track Listing For No Closure:

Night of the Revenant

Phantasmal Chaos Divinity

The Sequitor

Tides of the Accursed

Possession of Deception – Part II

Sadistic Redress

Manifest Transparency

Lifeless They Lie

Unquiet

Requiem of Sorrow

* For more info on WITHERING SOUL, click the links below:

WITHERING SOUL – REVERBNATION

LONG LIVE WITHERING SOUL.

Stone.