Archive for heavy metal albums 2012

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KREATOR – Reveal ‘Phantom Antichrist’ Cover Artwork!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal, thrash metal bands with tags , , , , , , , on February 10, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

2012-02-10 – German Thrash Metal legends KREATOR just revealed cover art of the bands highly anticipated new album Phantom Antichrist. The piece has been created by iconic artworker Wes Benscoter who has worked for heavyweights such as SLAYER, DIO and BLACK SABBATH before.

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Phantom Antichrist marks the band’s debut for Nuclear Blast and is set to be released June 1, 2012 (Europe), June 5, 2012 (North America)! The album is currently being produced at the famous Fascination Street Studio with renowned producer Jens Bogren (OPETH, KATATONIA, SOILWORK, DEVIN TOWNSEND, AMON AMARTH) in Örebro, Sweden.

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As announced earlier, KREATOR will also release an exclusive 7“ single of the title song on April 20, 2012. The collector’s item will be available in coloured red vinyl (limited to 250 pieces) as well as in clear vinyl (limited to 250 pieces), exclusively available at the Nuclear Blast Mailorder.

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KREATOR will exclusively perform a new song during their shows at this years METALFEST open air events!
Keep your eyes and ears open – more info coming soon!

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(Source: Nuclear Blast News)

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

Kreator – terrorzone – Official Kreator Website

LONG LIVE KREATOR.

Stone.

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ROYAL THUNDER CVI – Debut Album Set For May 22nd Release On Relapse Records

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, stoner metal, stoner rock with tags , , , on February 9, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Photo credit: Christy Parry
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Atlanta Quartet Touring with Black Tusk; Stop at SXSW
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PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 9 – Royal Thunder, the Atlanta four-piece Brooklyn Vegan described as “Johnette Napolitano of Concrete Blonde fronting Black Sabbath,” have completed recording their debut album, CVI.  The album will be released on CD/2xLP/Digital on May 22 via Relapse Records.
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“We poured all of our hard work and passion into this 10-song LP,” says vocalist/bass player Mlny Parsonz of the band’s mid-2011 recording sessions at Aria Recording Studio in Marietta, Ga. “We saw highs and lows along the way, but in the end we made it. We made something we are so proud of. We look back on our past efforts and take with us the good, and strive to keep going and growing. We can’t wait to see what the future holds and we hope this new album is an inspiration and light in the lives of everyone who listens to it.”
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The band, which includes the aforementioned Parsonz as well as founder Josh Weaver (guitar), Lee Smith (drums) and Josh Coleman (guitar) will join Black Tusk for a half dozen dates leading up to performances at SXSW (specific showcase information to be announced shortly). Royal Thunder will also perform at this Saturday’s Scion Relapse Showcase at The Roxy in Los Angeles.
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Royal Thunder released a self-titled EP in 2010 which won praise from a wide variety of outlets including Paste Magazine (“blues-infused rock’n’roll, wrapped in protective barbed-metal packaging”), NPR (“a revved-up Southern hard-rocker that howls like Led Zeppelin astride a psychedelic unicorn”) and Terrorizer (“‘Royal Thunder’ grabs you right from the first listen”).
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(Source: Speakeasy PR)
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* For more ROYAL THUNDER info/tour dates, click on links below:
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www.facebook.com/royalthundermusic
www.relapse.com
LONG LIVE ROYAL THUNDER.
Stone.

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DERIDE – Signs To Massacre Records, New Album ‘The Void’ Releases April 2012

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on February 8, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

DERIDE has been lurking around for well over a decade by now, making their first appearance in the summer of 1995.

The band released a self-titled EP as well as a 3 track demo tape before releasing the first album “Scars Of Time” in 2001 and the successor “First Round Knockout” in 2003.

After a break the band is now back with a new kick-ass lineup: Founding members Ole Walaunet (guitars) and Kjetil Greve (drums) were joined by vocalist Per Helge Lande and bassist Tony Vetas.

DERIDE’s new album “The Void” is scheduled to be released on April 27, 2012 via Massacre Records!

DERIDE:

Per Helge Lande – Vocals

Ole Walaunet – Guitars

Tony Vetaas – Bass & Vocals

Kjetil Greve – Drums

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

http://www.myspace.com/deridebergen

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Deride/286775824189

http://www.massacre-records.com

LONG LIVE DERIDE.

Stone.

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METALLICA ‘Beyond Magnetic’ – Thrashing Raw, Rough & Tough, As This Legendary Band Was Supposed To Be In The First Place

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal, thrash metal albums with tags , , , , , , , on February 5, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

METALLICA – This Beyond Magnetic four song EP (Warner Bros.) is Thrashing raw, rough, tough and minus Lou Reed. This is the way a Metallica album of any amount of songs should be like. The songs are a reminder that releasing demos or anything rough or close to, is not such a bad idea after all… especially if you are of the legendary status of Metallica. During those golden years of early 80’s Thrash Metal, when tape trading and 8-tracks were commonplace, hearing those subtle and not so subtle mistakes in vocals along with distortion was never the sign of the apocalypse.

Any old school fan of Motörhead and/or Venom realizes the true essence and magic of the unpolished sound versus the unnecessary polished and (gulp) over polished product. The same Metal school of thought holds 100% true for old school fans of Metallica as well. Or, should I dare say, pre-Black album fans of Metallica. What Metallica has given the fans of both yesterday and today, is an EP that re-establishes the truth that they can write and play Thrash Metal with the same enthusiasm and bad-to-the-bone attitude as they once did for Kill ‘Em All, Ride The Lightning and Master Of Puppets.

I’m not the first to think or state this, yet, can Beyond Magnetic be the olive branch that Metallica is holding out towards us fans who made them world-famous and rich in the first place? I’ve yet to meet or know personally, anyone who has actually rocked-out to Lulu and anyone out there who has, undoubtedly has an extensive ABBA library of vintage vinyl that psyches them out too. If Beyond Magnetic is the Thrashin’ olive branch that Metallica is handing out, then I’m taking such olive branch and saying to this iconic band: THANK YOU.

Has Metallica been forgiven by me for such an avant-garde move with Lulu? Frankly, any artist of any artform can create what they wish. However, when you are of the magnificent influence and fame that Metallica is, this band should realize by now that us old school fans who were with them from the onset have feelings too. We don’t appreciate having our Metal vibes messed with. Beyond Magnetic makes me feel like everything is okay again between me and Metallica. Sound strange? Not to me. Music of any genre can touch the soul in ways that is unexplainable to even overpaid lab scientists. Lulu is the equivalent of McDonalds serving french fries without salt and their hamburgers without buns. Lulu is equal to the beer industry only producing non-alcoholic product.

Beyond Magnetic is Metallica being, well, Metallica once again. I only chuckle when I see that Rick Rubin is credited as being the producer for Beyond Magnetic. What in the world was there for Rick Rubin to produce? Let’s be real. Sorry Rick Rubin, I wasn’t born in 1999. Once Metallica can shed the billion dollar club from getting their claws and names associated with their work, then Metallica will be giving us fans their best work yet. Death Magnetic was a fine Thrash Metal release, only the smooth and polished production that coated that album took away from the mystique of Metallica keeping it real.

If Beyond Magnetic is a “test” that Metallica has launched, then said test is a success to my ears and Metal soul. These guys know fully what the majority of their “loyal” fans want from them, when it comes to their brand of Thrash Metal. Please Metallica, shed away those “fair weather” fans of yours and realize that you can release your next two or three studio albums being this raw, rough and F’n tough.

I am one of those fans of Metallica that can’t afford million dollar works of fine art. Oh, Metallica, let your billion dollar Hollywood fan club and disloyal post-Black album fanbase come to grips that you are truly the kick-ass and defiant band of Metalhead musicians you once were when it all first started. Beyond Magnetic is your stepping stone, Metallica, to waving goodbye to the kowtowing to that elitist establishment that we true Metalheads are not welcomed by. Thank you again, Metallica, for remembering that old school Thrash Metal will never say die. Metal be thy name.

BEYOND MAGNETIC – Track Listing:

Hate Train

Just A Bullet Away

Hell And Back

Rebel Of Babylon

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

METALLICA

LONG LIVE METALLICA.

Stone.

6 Comments »

IRON MASK: New Album ‘Black As Death’ To See February North American Release Via AFM Records

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, melodic metal, metal music, Music, Power Metal, power metal bands, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on February 4, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Black As Death, the new album from Belgian Neo-Classical Power Metal masters IRON MASK, will be released stateside this February 14th, following its European release in December.

What started as a side project for Magic Kingdom guitar master Dushan Petrossi a decade ago, has taken on a life of its own, IRON MASK eventually becoming the more popular of the two outfits.

Following the release of 2009’s Shadow of the Red Baron, the blistering Black As Death is IRON MASK‘s fourth LP in a decade. Boasting over an hour of the band’s renowned talent through a diverse array of lightning-fast Metal, glorious ballads, dizzying neo-classical arrangements and straightforward Hard Rock thunder. Dushan Petrossi and his band merge exceptional musical prowess with epic accessibility, making Black As Death a must-hear for fans of Firewind, Dio, Iron Maiden, Yngwie Malmsteen and Rainbow.

BLACK AS DEATH – Track Listing:

From Light Into The Dark

Black As Death

Broken Hero

Feel The Fire

Genghis Khan

God Punishes, I Kill

Rebel Kid

Blizzard Of Doom

The Absence

Magic Sky Requiem

Nosferatu

When All Braves Fall

(Source: Earsplit PR)

IRON MASK – Lineup:

vocals – Mark Boals (Holy Force, The Codex, ex-Royal Hunt, ex-Yngwie Malmsteen, etc.)

vocals – Roma Siadletski (Magic Kingdom)

guitars – Dushan Petrossi (Magic Kingdom)

bass – Vassili Moltchanov (Magic Kingdom)

drums – Ramy Ali (Evidence One, Justice)

keyboards – Mats Olausson (ex-Ark, ex-Yngwie J. Malmsteen, etc.)

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

http://www.iron-mask.com

http://www.dushanpetrossi.com

http://www.afm-records.de

LONG LIVE IRON MASK.

Stone.

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MASTER – Czech Death Metal Band: New Album Info & Track Unveiled!

Posted in Death Metal, death metal albums, death metal bands, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on February 4, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Legendary Czech Death Metal legion MASTER have completed work on their eleventh studio offering. Entitled The New Elite, the 11-track work of deviance was again recorded at Shaark Studios and features cover art by German graphic designer Mark Bridgeman, viewable at THIS LOCATION.

Commented MASTER founding bassist/vocalist Paul Speckmann: “The New Elite deals with the problems we face in society at this current time. The rich are getting richer and the poor are starving on the streets all around the world while men battle each other for world dominance! Governments are grabbing the world by the balls and dictating the new rules of the soon-to-be New Elite, while the youth of today just sit down and take it. I really wonder if and when the youth of today will take a stand against these crazy fucked-up, ruthless world leaders. The time has come to stand up and be counted!”

To check out “Smile As You’re Told,” the fourth track off the new offering, click here: Pulverised Records SoundCloud Page.

THE NEW ELITE – Track Listing:

01) The New Elite

02) Rise Up And Fight

03) Remove The Knife

04) Smile As You’re Told

05) Redirect The Evil

06) Out Of Control

07) As Two Worlds Collide

08) New Reforms

09) Guide Yourself

10) Souls To Dissuade

11) Twist Of Fate

The New Elite will be released via Pulverised Records.

MASTER:


Paul Speckmann – Vocals, Bass


Alex Nejezchleba – Guitars


Zdenek Pradlovsky – Drums

(Source: Earsplit PR)

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

http://master-speckmetal.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Master/18521536017

http://www.myspace.com/masterspeckmann

http://www.pulverised.net

LONG LIVE MASTER.

Stone.

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KREATOR – Reveal New Album Title, Release Date and Announce Exclusive 7″ Single!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal with tags , , , , , , on February 3, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

PHANTOM ANTICHRIST – 7″ cover

German Thrash titans KREATOR just revealed the title of the bands upcoming album: Phantom Antichrist. The album is currently being produced at the famous Fascination Street Studio with renowned producer Jens Bogren (OPETH, KATATONIA, SOILWORK, DEVIN TOWNSEND, AMON AMARTH) in Örebro, Sweden.

Phantom Antichrist marks the bands debut for Nuclear Blast and is set to be released June 1, 2012 (Europe), June 5, 2012 (North America)!

Furthermore, KREATOR will also release an exclusive 7“ single of the title song on April 20, 2012. The collector’s item will be available in coloured red vinyl (limited to 250 pieces) as well as in clear vinyl (limited to 250 pieces, exclusively available at the Nuclear Blast Mailorder: http://www.nuclearblast.de/suche/kreator%20phantom%20antichrist ).

KREATOR will exclusively perform a new song during their shows at this years METALFEST open air events! Keep your eyes and ears open – more info coming soon!

(Source: Nuclear Blast News)

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

http://www.facebook.com/KreatorOfficial

http://www.kreator-terrorzone.de

http://www.youtube.com/user/kreatorofficial

LONG LIVE KREATOR.

Stone.

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LAMB OF GOD – Guitar World Cover Feature For March 2012 Issue

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal news, magazines, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal with tags , , , , , , , on February 3, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

LAMB OF GOD – Just this morning, the March issue of Guitar World fell in my lap and I couldn’t be a happier Metalhead. Lamb Of God is the cover feature and I’m very excited over their new album – Resolution. Eventually I will write about why I am digging Resolution so much. Look for a post on Resolution in the coming week for sure.

There are some very cool articles in this new issue of Guitar World, so I’ll be looking to chill-out sometime this weekend and read ’em. Dweezil Zappa, Robby Krieger, Mastodon, Joe Satriani and a 2012 Reader’s Poll have all caught my eye while quickly browsing through this essential mag.

Metal be thy name I’m psyched it’s… F’N FRIDAY!!!!

* For more info on LAMB OF GOD, click on the link below:

Lamb of God – Official Website

LONG LIVE LAMB OF GOD.

LONG LIVE GUITAR WORLD.

Stone.

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PHARAOH – ‘Bury The Light’ – Weaves Both Melodic and Epic Metal, While Keeping It Heavy

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, melodic metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on January 31, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

PHARAOH –  Returning with their new full-length, Bury The Light, Pennsylvania’s Pharaoh has weaved Melodic and Epic Metal together, with slivers of progressiveness, making for a marvelous listen. This being the fourth album from Pharaoh, it is a 10 song experience, guitar driven, rhythmically pumped and vocally solid. Tim Aymar is not just belting out Heavy Metal lyrics, he is singing songs of story-filled substance. The Helloweenish bass of Chris Kerns and stellar drumming of Chris Black are a potent and fun listen together, throughout this album.

Then there is the guitar playing of Matt Johnsen, where he embellishes that progressive tone on par with what I’ve grown accustomed to from the six-string wizards of Iron Maiden and Queensrÿche.   To a flirtatious degree, Matt exhibits the poignant tones of  Steve Howe’s eloquence. Matt isn’t all about tearing-it-up and piling-up the riffs, instead this is one polished guitarist who plays with a glorious respect for Melodic Metal.

If you’re unfamiliar with Pharaoh, Tim Aymar is a vocally muscular Dan McCafferty. Gritty, sandpapered vocal cords and still able to sing on a melodic level. I could no doubt deny that Tim Aymar could sing the entire No Mean City album from the legendary Nazareth and  blow my mind away in doing so. Regardless of my comparative silliness, Pharaoh is a paradigm for younger bands to hear and realize that Heavy Metal as music isn’t just about booze, fast women and overdosing to near death.

Castles In The Sky is the signature song on Bury The Light for my ears. Flowing with every nugget of Melodic Metal that Pharaoh can muster, while infusing synthetic vocals akin to that of ELO or Mr. Roboto, this band can turn a surprise progressive trick when they want to. The Year Of The Blizzard is the epic that you must hear, to understand fully just how authentic Pharaoh is as a group of musicians. Summoning up the twilight dreamscape of RUSH’s brilliance from 2112, Pharaoh has genuinely tapped into a progressive realm they can surely call their own on The Year Of The Blizzard.

Please excuse all the previous musical comparisons, only when an album this great can trigger my mind to recall works of art from Hard Rock and Metal of years long past, then said album may indeed one day be recalled a work of art itself. For now, Bury The Light is that honest and great album of Melodic Metal from skilled musicians, an album that doesn’t compromise on heaviness, nor shall it short change you on its dynamical presentation.

BURY THE LIGHT – Track Listing:

Leave Me Here To Dream

The Wolves

Castles In The Sky

The Year Of The Blizzard

The Spider’s Thread

Cry

Graveyard Of Empires

Burn With Me

In Your Hands

The Spider’s Thread (reprise)

* Bury The Light will be released on March 6th, 2012, via Cruz Del Sur.

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

PHARAOH – Reverbnation

http://solarflight.net

http://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com

LONG LIVE PHARAOH.

Stone.

3 Comments »

IRON MAIDEN – EN VIVO! 2 CD and Blu-ray Disc Releases On March 27th, 2012!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, heavy metal videos, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on January 30, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

IRON MAIDEN – EN VIVO! was filmed on April 10, 2011, in front of over 50,000 ecstatic fans at the Estadio Nacional, Santiago, during the Round The World In 66 Days leg of The Final Frontier World Tour. The 2 CD and Blu-ray Disc will be released in North America on March 27th, 2012, via Universal Music.

EN VIVO! (2 CD Track Listing):

Disc: 1

1. Satellite 15

2. The Final Frontier

3. El Dorado

4. 2 Minutes To Midnight

5. The Talisman

6. Coming Home

7. Dance Of Death

8. The Trooper

9. The Wicker Man

Disc: 2

1. Blood Brothers

2. When The Wild Wind Blows

3. The Evil That Men Do

4. Fear Of The Dark

5. Iron Maiden

6. The Number Of The Beast

7. Hallowed Be Thy Name

8. Running Free

Blu-ray Disc – Details & Track Listing:

01. Satellite 15

02. The Final Frontier

03. El Dorado

04. 2 Minutes To Midnight

05. The Talisman

06. Coming Home

07. Dance Of Death

08. The Trooper

09. The Wicker Man

10. Blood Brothers

11. When The Wild Wind Blows

12. The Evil That Men Do

13. Fear Of The Dark

14. Iron Maiden

15. The Number Of The Beast

16. Hallowed Be Thy Name

17. Running Free

18. Behind The Beast documentary

19. Satellite 15…The Final Frontier promo video (director s cut)

20. The Making of Satellite 15…The Final Frontier promo

21. The Final Frontier World Tour Show Intro

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

IRON MAIDEN

LONG LIVE IRON MAIDEN.

Stone.

1 Comment »

ORANGE GOBLIN – Behind-The-Scenes Footage Of The “Red Tide Rising” Video Brought To You By Noisecreep

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, stoner metal with tags , , , , , , on January 28, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Today Noisecreep premieres behind-the-scenes footage of ORNAGE GOBLIN’s “Red Tide Rising” video, the opening track off the band’s forthcoming A Eulogy For The Damned full-length, set for North American release on February 14, 2012. The video clip is loosely based on H.P. Lovecraft stories and was shot in a series of dilapidated buildings around the UK.

Elaborated vocalist Ben Ward of the video: “We made the terrible decision to make the video for ‘Red Tide Rising’ the day after the London Christmas show so it meant we all had to be up bright and early, with very severe hangovers and head down to the New Forest. Luckily it was a bright, sunny day so everyone was in good spirits and the production crew went to work setting up at the location, which was some sort of abandoned army barracks in the middle of nowhere! It could have doubled as the location for Hostel 4!

In the meantime, the band was dragged halfway across Dorset to do a photo shoot whilst being attacked by rampaging horses! When we returned, thankful to be alive, we were ready to go and the recording process was very pleasant and quite a lot of fun! We already knew that the footage of us would be mixed with some animation that we’d acquired the use of so we weren’t required to do anything too ambitious, just repeatedly go over the track imagining we were playing it to 100,000 people at Wembley stadium! Fuelled by tea and biscuits we got the job done and the results look great!”

Check out the making-of video at THIS LOCATION.

A Eulogy For The Damned is ORANGE GOBLIN’s seventh studio album and first for Candlelight Records. The ten-track offering was recorded at The Animal Farm studio in South London, UK, produced and engineered by Jamie Dodd and mastered by two-time Grammy-nominated Pink Floyd engineer Andy Jackson at Tube Mastering.

(Source: Earsplit PR)

* For more info on ORANGE GOBLIN, click on the links below:

http://www.orange-goblin.com

http://www.facebook.com/orangegoblinofficial

http://candlelightrecordsusa.com

LONG LIVE ORANGE GOBLIN.

Stone.

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OVERKILL – Details On New Album ‘The Electric Age’ Revealed!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal, thrash metal bands with tags , , , , , on January 27, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Legendary Thrash band, OVERKILL have announced their next full length entitled “The Electric Age” due out on Nuclear Blast March 30, 2012.

“The Electric Age” was recorded and mixed at Gain Studios in New Jersey, owned and operated by bassist D.D. Verni. This is the bands followup record to “Ironbound” released in 2010 which received much critical praise. Decibel Magazine went as far to add, “Call this Thrash, or whatever: to us, it’s just Metal. And damn good Metal, at that.”

OVERKILL:

Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth – (Vocals)

D.D. Verni – (Bass, Backing Vocals)

Dave Linsk – (Lead and Rhythm Guitars)

Derek “The Skull” Tailer – (Rhythm Guitars, Backing Vocals)

Ron Lipnicki – (Drums)

(Source: Nuclear Blast News)

* For more info on OVERKILL, click on this link: OVERKILL

LONG LIVE OVERKILL.

Stone.

2 Comments »

Some METAL Babbling and Other METAL Thoughts on a Rain-Soaked Friday…

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, weather with tags , , , , , , , on January 27, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Yesterday, January 26th, 2012, was my birthday. I didn’t want to mention it on Metal Odyssey yesterday due to everyone (myself included) trying to absorb the news of Mark Reale (RIOT founder/guitarist) passing away. It just wouldn’t have sat right with me, that’s for certain. It feels like too many “legendary good guys” of Metal have left in the last few years. Way too many.

The entire reason why you see 90% of the time, the “Long Live __” below the Metal Odyssey logo block pic or my thumbnail pic, at the bottom of the posts here, is due to my cherishing life… period. Rock ‘N Metal contributes, in an enormous way, in making my life happy. Therefore, I want every band and musician I cover on Metal Odyssey to live long.

Now, some of you are probably wondering how old I am? Here is a hint: I’m younger than Betty White. Here is another hint: I’m older than Chris Daughtry. With that said, I still have more hair than Chris Daughtry.

I received a very, very, cool birthday present from my family. Let me tell you, I am psyched-out about this gift. Here it is:

Now, for those of you who don’t know who this book is about, you are probably part of “that crowd” getting all giddy about ABBA releasing “The Visitors Deluxe Edition” this April. Get this, ABBA is in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, yet Dave Mustaine and his band MEGADETH aren’t. A wise old Metalhead hermit, that lived deep in the Northern Connecticut woods once told me: “Stone, l-l-life j-j-ust ain’t f’n fair at all”.

Hey. Stone scored. Scored what you’re asking? Scored this book for 50 f’n cents at a thrift store this past week:

Ghost Rider – The Visual Guide (2006) is written by Andrew Darling and it covers the Ghost Rider origins, comics and Nicolas Cage too. This very cool book is hardcover and is like new as well. Whoa. I’ve kept a few older Ghost Rider comics from when I was a kid, plus I picked up several issues during the 90’s as well. Ghost Rider has always been to me… METAL.

I did buy myself two CD’s for my birthday. Lamb Of God – Resolution (Epic) and Lacuna Coil – Dark Adrenaline (Century Media). (Dark Adrenaline cover is at top of post). I am stoked about this new Lacuna Coil album and I’m super-duper-dee-duper, unbelievably excited about this new Lamb Of God album. Metal be thy name.

RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY!

Yes, the title to this post does contain the words: rain-soaked. Pennsylvania has been overwhelmed with rain for many, many months now it seems. I just don’t know how much more rain the water table can withstand before the area where I live becomes: the sixth Great Lake.

Thank you for taking the time to read my Metal babble.

LONG LIVE ROCK ‘N METAL.

TOO MUCH RAIN SUCKS.

Stone.

7 Comments »

BIBLE OF THE DEVIL – Releasing ‘For The Love of Thugs and Fools’ on May 8th, 2012, via Cruz Del Sur Music

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on January 26, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Veteran Chicago Rock n’ Roll band Bible of the Devil have announced the completion of their sixth full-length album and third for Rome, Italy, based label Cruz Del Sur Music and have set May 8th, 2012 as the album’s release date.

Entitled For the Love of Thugs and Fools, Bible of the Devil’s eagerly anticipated follow-up to their 2008 release, Freedom Metal, is an assembly of raging Rock n’ Roll songs that encapsulate the band’s saga musically and personally over the years since the last full-length. Returning to Phantom Manor studios in Chicago to work with engineer Mike Lust, who has engineered numerous BOTD recordings in the past, the band sought to emphasize their trademark bludgeoning two-guitar attack and mammoth hooks with an increased attention to soaring, anthemic vocals.

For the Love of Thugs and Fools is viewed by the band as a document of the many characters they have encountered through the life of the band, whether it be in love, loss, friendship, or hatred. Having toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe since the band’s inception in late 1999 and living in the volatile urban environment of Chicago, where encounters with crime, violence, and ‘street justice’ are unavoidable, there has been much subject matter for the band to draw from.

Embracing the philosophy that a bottle of whiskey and some loud guitar is often the best cure available for these challenges and ordeals, Bible of the Devil have chosen to document their grievances in the form of one devastating Rock n’ Roll platter.

Said singer/guitarist Mark Hoffmann, “The few years since the last full-length have been like a dare.  A dare to create a soaring, punishing Rock n’ Roll record of this magnitude. It is a dare that we have been forced to answer ourselves.” Fans of Bible of the Devil can expect yet another collection of fist-pumping heavy guitar classics-in-the-making, For the Love of Thugs and Fools.

Upcoming BIBLE OF THE DEVIL Live Dates:

Jan. 27th – Milwaukee, WI @ Frank’s Power Plant w/New Labor, Architects of the Aftermath – $8 cover 9:30pm Doors 21+

Jan. 28th – Chicago, IL @ The Red Line Tap w/Stallion, New Labor, The Swan King – $7 cover 9pm Doors 21+

Feb. 10th -Indianapolis, IN @ The Melody Inn w/Zuul, The Cocaine Wolves -$6 cover 9pm Doors 21+

Feb. 11th – Fort Wayne, IN @ The Brass Rail w/The Lurking Corpses, Zuul, Necrodemon – $5 cover 10:00pm Doors 21+

Feb. 25th – Rock Island, IL @ RIBCO w/The Horde, A Hill To Die Upon – $6 cover 10:00pm Doors 21+

(Source: ClawHammer PR)

* For more info on BIBLE OF THE DEVIL, click on the link below:

http://www.bibleofthedevil.com

LONG LIVE BIBLE OF THE DEVIL.

Stone.

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SOULFLY – New Track ‘World Scum’ Available For Free Download Now!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal with tags , , , , , , on January 25, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

SOULFLY – The 8th studio album from SOULFLY, Enslaved, will be released on March 13th, via Roadrunner Records. Currently SOULFLY are offering a FREE download of a new track from this forthcoming album. You can get your free download of World Scum right now, by going here: SOULFLY – facebook

There’s a 48 hour window starting today for this free download of World Scum. You must “like” the page before downloading as well!

SOULFLY:

Max Cavalera – Vocals and Rhythm Guitar

Marc Rizzo – Lead Guitar

Tony Campos – Bass Guitar

David Kinkade – Drums

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

http://www.soulflyweb.com

http://www.youtube.com/soulfly

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com

LONG LIVE SOULFLY.

Stone.

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NIGHTQUEEN – Brand New Track ‘Nightfall’ Streaming Online Now!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal news, melodic metal, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on January 25, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

NIGHTQUEEN – Releasing on February 24th, 2012, is the third full-length album from Belgium’s NIGHTQUEEN. For Queen And Metal will be released on Massacre Records. A brand new track from For Queen And Metal, titled Nightfall, is currently streaming now at: http://www.massacre-records.com.

I highly recommend you check out this new song from NIGHTQUEEN and crank it up LOUD! Metal be thy name…

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

http://www.nightqueen.be/

NIGHTQUEEN – myspace

MASSACRE RECORDS

LONG LIVE NIGHTQUEEN.

Stone.

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ON TOP ‘TOP HEAVY’ – Need A Heavy Rockin’ Fix? The Heavy Metal Potion Is All Here…

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on January 24, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

ON TOP – The first full-length, Top Heavy, from American Heavy Metallers On Top was released back on November 15th, 2011, via Horror Pain Gore Death Productions. If you’re in need of a Heavy Rockin’ fix you’ll hear it on this album, there’s no Metal question about it. This is a band that has obvious Traditional Heavy Metal influences and they are not bashful about showcasing it in their heavy sound.

Top Heavy is super loaded with retrospective Heavy Metal spirit and feel, to the point where  it overspills from the songs for one damn fun listen after another. This Downingtown, Pennsylvania trio knows how to keep the energy level turned on high through their songs, with no ballads to screw things up. A guitar driven album that pays dividends with numerous and memorable solos, courtesy of Alex Kulick. Trust me, Alex can wield his axe and he exhibits a respect for both speed and melody with his admirable playing.

Jason Gulino (vocalist, bassist & founding member) delivers as the frontman, with clean, lean, confident and punctual vocals that standout in a very good way. Danny Piselli on drums plays tight with Jason and lends plenty of old school fills while never overstepping the song. Danny comes across as a “less is more” drummer, (which is a rare talent in itself) and plays beats I can remember. On Top proves you can create some damn cool Heavy Metal without showing off or trying to break any hellish speed barrier.

Gang vocals on Into The Night resonates, an element of Traditional Heavy Metal that always packs an extra punch to a song. Another Night Of Sleaze and Hot Wet are the closest that On Top gets to Sleaze Metal. It’s the overall vibes, beats and lyrics that makes both songs so contagiously sleazy. On Top has rhythm, they aren’t afraid to play fast while not tripping over themselves. Up To No Good and Too Much seals the deal with convincing attitude musically and vocally, with the gang vocals once again… adding that extra Metal kick.

The clear fact that On Top has served up their originality to a time-tested sound only drives home the relevance factor. Top Heavy bestows some downright applaudable balance with its speed, heaviness and melodic sound. A power trio to watch out for is On Top. A good-times party album it is. Blanketed with credible spirit and attitude, Top Heavy is one damn legit Heavy Metal album you must check out… now!

* ON TOP – TOP HEAVY Now available on Itunes, Amazon, Spotify, CD Baby and CD Universe.

* Get your 4 song (free download) Top Heavy sampler here: http://ontop.bandcamp.com/

TOP HEAVY – Track Listing:

Top Heavy

Into The Night

Sleepless

Sick And Tired

Another Night Of Sleaze

Die High

Fire Down Below

Hot ‘N Wet

Success And Excess

Up To No Good

Too Much

* For more info on ON TOP, click on the links below:

http://www.purevolume.com/ONTOP

http://soundcloud.com/ontoprock

http://www.myspace.com/bandontop

http://www.youtube.com/user/ONTOPROCK?fe…

LONG LIVE ON TOP.

Stone.

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CORROSION OF CONFORMITY – ‘Corrosion Of Conformity’ – Get Ready Cause This Heady Album Transports The Very Heavy, Very Steady

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, sludge metal, stoner metal with tags , , , , , , on January 23, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

CORROSION OF CONFORMITY – On February 28th, 2012, the 8th studio album from North Carolina’s legendary Corrosion Of Conformity will be released via Candlelight Records. This self-titled album is 13 songs that are undisputedly heavy and steady from front to back. Woodroe “Woody” Weatherman (guitar), Mike Dean (bass, vocals) and Reed Mullin (drums, vocals) have delivered a thunder stomp of an album that’s speed fueled and one fans have been yearning for since 2005’s In The Arms Of God.

As with 1985’s COC gem, Animosity, this power trio is what makes the album a necessity. Always meshing together brilliantly the sounds of Stoner, Sludge, Crossover Thrash and a slice of Hardcore Punk, COC always was and shall forever remain as an American Heavy Metal achievement to my ears. If America ever needed an answer to Motörhead, then that answer is Corrosion Of Conformity. Wow, I’ve always wanted to write that and it felt great. Metal be thy name.

At the core of this comeback album from COC is pure heavy Rock ‘N Roll in all of it’s non-mainstream glory. The molasses thick guitar riffs that cascade from all 13 songs are just part of the chug-a-chug Heavy Metal party that this trio invites your ears, mind and soul into. The Doom exemplifies this party and reveals the many Metal sides to COC, from Stoner to… Doom. Rat City and Leeches are Punk songs played the heavy COC way and potent high-points on this electrifying album.

The Moneychangers will have any fan of Motörhead realizing why I liken this band as the American equivalent to Lemmy’s gang. Part Punk, part  Stoner on speed drive, this song summons up all the reasons why COC is so interchangeable musically. Each song on COC brings something new to hear, there are no parts where you swear you’ve heard them earlier on. This makes for all the more reason why COC is difficult to stereotype as a band and corner into any specific Metal genre. An achievement unto itself that is for this (gasp) fun band to immerse your ears into.

Returning to that all sacred word – heavy, this is the one constant that COC illuminates with, on an all fantastical level. In an impressive retrospective approach to heaviness, COC never steers away from that sound of pioneering Heavy Metal. The level of relevance still comes across so astounding on this album due to COC playing so damn real. What We Become, with its Heavy Metal attitude and near anthem like power, could be just as memorable and befitting in the mid 80’s as it is in 2012.

Corrosion Of Conformity is both an album and band that administers Heavy Metal with no gimmicks or artificial flavors. I can’t express more openly, just how psyched-out I’ve been about this new COC album. There is nothing for you to ponder in regards to purchasing COC. Buy it, play it LOUD and if this new COC doesn’t serve you right… then you’re a constipated Pop Rock elitist.

CORROSION OF CONFORMITY – Track Listing:

Psychotic Vampire

River of Stone

Leeches

el Lamento de las Cabras

Your Tomorrow

The Doom

The Moneychangers

Come Not Here

What We Become

Rat City

Time of Trials

Canyon Man (deluxe/vinyl only)

The Same Way (deluxe/vinyl only)

* For more info on CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, click on the links below:

http://www.coc.com

http://www.facebook.com/corrosionofconformity

http://candlelightrecordsusa.com

LONG LIVE CORROSION OF CONFORMITY.

Stone

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ACCEPT – Spring 2012 Tour Preview & Trailer!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on January 20, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

No rest for the Teutonic ACCEPT. To promote their upcoming Album (stay tuned) ACCEPT will hit the stages in Spring 2012. See below for dates and check out their new tour trailer! Check all tour dates HERE! The new record Stalingrad will be released on April, 6th, 2012.

(Source: Nuclear Blast News)

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

ACCEPT – Official Website

LONG LIVE ACCEPT.

Stone.

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MOLLO / MARTIN ‘The Third Cage’ – 5 Factors Spotlighting This Notable Album Of Hard Rock & Heavy Metal

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on January 19, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

MOLLO / MARTIN – Dario Mollo (guitarist & producer) has teamed up with Tony Martin (vocalist) for another new album of Melodic Hard Rock and Heavy Metal songs titled: The Third Cage. This album has ten songs of musical substance, fusing both elements of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal in seamless and memorable fashion.

This is a new release from Mollo / Martin that should not be overlooked. A complete album of songs it is and I can’t hold back by calling The Third Cage as one of the best of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal albums for 2012. The Third Cage will be releasing on January 20, via Frontiers Records.

Below are 5 factors I’m spotlighting as to why The Third Cage is indeed… one of the best in album releases during this new year:

Factor #1: Dario Mollo. This Italian musician is simply wonderful to take in on guitar. You’re not getting anything watered down from Dario, just one stupendous guitarist that knows how to balance the melodic with the heavy. Dario’s solo’s are a treat to my ears and I applaud his precision in keeping each song interesting as hell. You must hear Dario Mollo on guitar to truly understand my appreciation for his skills.

Factor #2: Tony Martin. Yes, Tony is a former vocalist for Black Sabbath and one of the unsung hero’s of Heavy Metal’s history. Whatever Tony has done to keep his vocals in top form after all these years should be bottled up and sold to the highest bidder. Clarity is always key with Tony and his melodic tones resonate all that is golden about a revered era of Traditional Heavy Metal.

Factor #3: Dario exhibits his diversity as a guitarist by adding plenty of Funky licks in Can’t Stay Here. The end result is some Heavy Funk that Tony Martin sings along to brilliantly. This song is a winner and made for a pleasant surprise for me on this album.

Factor #4: The keyboards. The added layer of sound that the keyboards gives to The Third Cage is a key necessity to establishing the feel and vibe of these songs. War Dance is elevated to the stratosphere due to them keys.

Factor #5: Seasoned talent doesn’t always equate to an excellent album of songs, only this seasoned crop of musicians have proven to my ears there was grand chemistry that swirled amongst them, during the writing and recording process. Not one song sounds like it was “slapped together”, instead, attention to detail and a continuity of quality flows from each song.

THE THIRD CAGE – Track Listing:

Wicked World

Cirque du Freak

Oh My Soul

One Of The Few

Still In Love With You

Can’t Stay Here

Wardance

Don’t Know What It Is About You

Blind Fury

Violet Moon

Mollo / Martin:

Dario Mollo – Guitars, Bass, Keyboards

Tony Martin – Vocals

Roberto Gualdi – Drums

Fulvio Gaslini – Bass

Dario Patti – Keyboards

Brian War – Keyboards

* For more info on MOLLO / MARTIN, click on the link below:

FRONTIERS RECORDS

LONG LIVE DARIO MOLLO & TONY MARTIN.

Stone.

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