Archive for heavy metal albums 2012

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DORO – New Album: Details Revealed For “Raise Your Fist”

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on May 21, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Reigning Queen of Metal, DORO PESCH, has checked-in from her work in the studio to issue the following update:

“The new album will be entitled Raise Your Fist and has been recorded and written in the U.S., Germany, and Scandinavia. Right now we’re in the mixing stages and are close to finishing everything. Most important to me are the power hymns ‘Raise Your Fist In The Air’ and ‘Victory,’ which will also be available on the forthcoming EP! Both songs have been played live on our last tour and also made last year’s Wacken Open Air shake! ‘Raise Your Fist In The Air’ will also be available in French… which is going to be very interesting. For the diehard fans of German songs like ‘Für Immer’ [‘Forever’], there are two songs in the same vein: the sensitive and quite dark ‘Human Rights’ and the very emotional ‘Engel’ [‘Angel’]. There are also a lot of fast songs like ‘Little Headbanger’ and various fist-pumping ones featuring amazing guests like Gus G (Ozzy Osbourne, Firewind) on ‘Last Man Standing’ which fans will for sure dig live. We also have a song that honors the late Ronnie James Dio called ‘Hero’ and another highlight named ‘It Still Hurts’ featuring Motörhead’s Lemmy Kilmister. The cover artwork has once again been created by British artist Geoffrey Gillespie who is a close friend and companion since he made it into the Guinness Book of World Records for his Triumph And Agony cover as the biggest album cover in the world. Since then, he’s done ten covers for us!”

Raise Your Fist will be released in North America this coming Fall. To hold fans over until then, the upcoming Raise Your Fist In The Air EP will be released this Summer.

DORO guested on a recent episode of VH1 Classic’s That Metal Show with Billy Duffy and Ian Astbury of The Cult. Watch the full episode at THIS LOCATION.

Watch exclusive backstage bonus clips HERE. DORO discusses her pre-show rituals HERE.

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(Source: Earsplit PR)

* For more info on DORO, click on the links below!

http://www.doro.de/

http://www.facebook.com/DoroOfficial

http://www.youtube.com/DoroOfficial

http://www.nuclearblastusa.com

http://www.nuclearblast.de

LONG LIVE DORO, THE QUEEN OF HEAVY METAL.

Stone.

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Some “Comeback Albums” Should Go Back Home; While Others Are Welcome To Stay

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on May 21, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Dud Exhibit A: Sledge Leather – Imagine Me Alive

Let’s face it, not every band that hibernates for a number of years (or decades) is going to have a successful comeback. (I’ll get back to this momentarily). I have written numerous album reviews that involve successful comebacks. At least I think they were successful. Trixter and Mr. Big have both released above amazing comeback albums, in my Metal opinion. Tyketto really surprised and psyched the living daylights out of me, with their new (and memorable) comeback album: Dig In Deep.

My open letter to any past successful band and/or musician thinking about recording a comeback album includes some realistic thought. With the Rock, Hard Rock and Metal markets saturated with bands of all generations, all vying for the same money and audiences; many very good new album releases do get lost in the shuffle, regardless if they kick ass. Therefore, a “comeback album” has to consist of unreal quality music with unreal memorable songs. Using smoke and mirrors while resting on laurels doesn’t work anymore. Period. Without quality songs and non-rusted musicianship, any comeback album will fall flat on its face.

Dud Exhibit B: Black ‘n Blue – Hell Yeah!

A once famous “name” isn’t a guarantee of fortune and fame. Lita Ford found that out back in 2009 with her comeback studio “effort” called: Wicked Wonderland. The once popular 80’s Hard Rock band Black ‘n Blue released a mammoth dud with their comeback album from 2011: Hell Yeah! Whoa, it’s a dud. Here in 2012, we have Sledge Leather making a magical comeback. Their new album, Imagine Me Alive, is not that good. As a matter of fact, it sounds like it was slapped together in 3 or less days. Structurally, the songs on Imagine Me Alive lost me and It’s all a complete mess.

I will be the first to admit, in recent years, with the 80’s Hard Rock and Heavy Metal resurgence, many old school bands have Rocked my face off with their comeback albums. Hello KISS and Whitesnake. Then you have the Doobie Brothers and Iron Claw releasing albums of 100% Rockin’substance; both of their comeback albums I still can’t get enough of. Anthrax released an unbelievably grand comeback album with Worship Music; plus they play unquestionably kick-ass live today as they did during the 80’s.

Not all comeback albums are pretty and yet many are gems. Sample songs on the internet and read a few album reviews before you make a comeback album purchase. Metal be thy name.

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LONG LIVE GRAND COMEBACK ALBUMS.

Stone.

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FOR TODAY “Immortal” – Releases On March 29th, 2012, Via Razor & Tie; New Single “Fearless” Available Now On iTunes

Posted in christian metal, christian rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, metalcore, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on May 21, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

FOR TODAY are a Christian Metalcore band (with Hardcore influence) from Sioux City, Iowa that formed back in 2005. Their fourth studio album, Immortal, will be released on March 29th, 2012, via Razor & Tie Records. Immortal will be the band’s debut for Razor & Tie Records, having their prior albums released via Facedown Records.

* You can download their new single “Fearless” on iTunes here: http://bit.ly/FTFEARLESS

* I bought this Fearless single and I’ll have to admit, it’s one heavy song. A very memorable chorus, along with some punishing drums and face-melting hardcore vocals, combines to make Fearless a dominating sonic experience. Metal be thy name.

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FOR TODAY:

MATTIE MONTGOMERY – Vocals

DAVID MORRISON – Drums

RYAN LEITRU – Guitar/Vocals

MIKE REYNOLDS – Guitar

BRANDON LEITRU – Bass

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* For more info on FOR TODAY, click on the links below!

http://www.fortodayband.com

http://www.myspace.com/fortoday

LONG LIVE FOR TODAY.

Stone.

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DARKTRIBE – A Sunday (Or Any Day) METAL Listening Recommendation: “Taiji”

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news, symphonic metal with tags , , , , , on May 20, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

DARKTRIBE – For your Sunday (or any day) Metal listening enjoyment, I present to you, from France: DARKTRIBE and their new song Taiji from their forthcoming debut album: Mysticeti Victoria. The release date is set for August 24th, 2012, via Massacre Records.

A very, very fine Metal song it is, with Power Metal and psyche-you-out vibes overflowing with Symphonic and Melodic Metal sounds; Taiji is my Sunday (or any day) METAL recommendation! Crank it up and let DARKTRIBE flow through your Metal parched eardrums. Metal be thy name.

DARKTRIBE:

Anthony Agnello – Vocals

Loïc Manuello – Guitars

Bruno Caprani – Bass

Julien Agnello – Drums

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(Source: Massacre Records)

* For related DARKTRIBE news on Metal Odyssey, click the large link below!

DARKTRIBE – Signs With Massacre Records, New Album ‘Mysticeti Victoria’ Releasing August 2012

* For more info on DARKTRIBE, click on the links below!

www.darktribe.free.fr

www.youtube.com/user/DarktribeOfficial

http://www.massacre-records.com

LONG LIVE DARKTRIBE.

Stone.

2 Comments »

Some Metal and Rock ‘N Roll Thoughts – Sunday, May 20th, 2012

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on May 20, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

As this weekend embarks on its second half, the yearning for 36 hour days never seems to wane for me. I always feel like I’m catching up on stuff; from yard work, paperwork and paying bills to new Metal album releases. I’m forever guilty of ignoring that golden rule: Don’t sweat the little things. Still, at the beginning and end of every 24 hour day, I am still grateful to be alive!

To anyone who has been kind enough to take the moment from their busy day and visit Metal Odyssey, here are a few Metal and Rock ‘N Roll thoughts that I want to share:

SAXON – This tuesday (May 22nd), in North America, the 2 CD/1 DVD set titled Heavy Metal Thunder – Live – Eagles Over Wacken gets released. I’ll be putting this Saxon release on my Metal want list, there’s no doubt. The price isn’t cheap, then again, there are 2 CD’s and a DVD involved here. Who knows, maybe I’ll find this cool Saxon set sometime in 2017… at an open-air flea market… for 3 dollars.

BLACK SABBATH – As the family feud continues to unfold in the Black Sabbath camp, the latest news is so immature that it’s beyond shocking. Apparently, as its been reported everywhere: vintage and/or recent band photos of Black Sabbath have been placed on the official Black Sabbath website… with Bill Ward cropped out of them! Metal be thy name!

* UPDATE – I guess it’s now being reported, as of mid-day on May 20th, that Bill Ward requested to have his image cropped out of any Black Sabbath group photos, which are shown on the Black Sabbath official website. Whatever. Who cares at this point. This is why I usually don’t write about any band’s soap opera moments. From here on in, I won’t cover any more related news regarding this Black Sabbath story. That’s it. I’m a fan who is fed up. Life is too damn short for me to worry about this nonsense.

Maybe Black Sabbath should just change their band name altogether now? Without Bill Ward, it’s no longer the original Black Sabbath. To assist the Black Sabbath camp in moving forward, here are several sincere and free band name suggestions from Stone:

1. – The Ozzy Trio

2. – Sharon Calls The Shots

3. – Sharon Knows Best

4. – The Osbourne Way

5. – Ozzy & His Band

6. – No Contract For You!

7. – Bill Who?

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Is it just me or are the following two album covers kinda similar? Same artist? I don’t know. Same idea? Looks like it. Both layouts are basically identical too. Weird how this sometimes happens. I’ll also add that the Running Wild album cover has a chunk of Voivod influence with the artwork.

Honestly, I’m not that impressed with either of the album cover art below. This is what I used to see being done in my high school graphic arts class… back in 1983. I used to sit through many critiques in art class while in college, so believe me, I know how proud artists can be about their work. I was always proud of my art, regardless the degree of difficulty. However, these two album covers below were not that difficult to create.

Death By Stereo – Black Sheep Of The American Dream

Running Wild – Shadowmaker

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Okay! That’s it! My Metal and Rock ‘N Roll Thoughts for Sunday, May 20th, have come to a close. I really hope you’ve enjoyed your visit to Metal Odyssey and will come again… and again. Leave a comment! The more comments that are made, the less likelihood that my boss will crop me out of his photographs! Make the most of your day today and watch out for parking lot speed bumps.

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METAL BE THY NAME.

LONG LIVE METAL & ROCK ‘N ROLL.

Stone.

2 Comments »

WITCHCRAFT – Sign With Nuclear Blast! Currently Recording New Album

Posted in doom metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , on May 19, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Nuclear Blast feels honoured to welcome Swedish Doom Metal kings WITCHCRAFT to the family!

After a 5 year hiatus, the band is currently recording the follow-up to 2007’s “The Alchemist” together with renowned producer Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios (KREATOR, OPETH, AMON AMARTH, PARADISE LOST, KATATONIA…).

The albums working title is set to “Legend” and will feature the bands new guitarists and drummer for the first time:

Simon Solomon – guitars
Tom Jondelius – guitars
Oscar Johansson – drums

Furthermore, band leader Magnus Pelander will from now on focus on his unique vocals without playing guitar anymore.

Commented Pelander: “There’s magic going on in the studio and we can hardly wait to eventually give something back to our loyal fans! We know you guys have been waiting for this!”

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(Source: Nuclear Blast News)

* For more info on WITCHCRAFT, click on the link below!

http://www.witchcrafthome.com

LONG LIVE WITCHCRAFT.

Stone.

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ZONARIA – Swedish Death Metal Pack Signs With Listenable Records

Posted in Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on May 19, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

(Photo credit – Emil Nyström)

Listenable Records is proud to announce the addition of ZONARIA to their roster. After releasing several eps, 2 full length albums and having toured Europe with the likes of SATYRICON, PAIN, MARDUK, NILE, and VADER among others, Swedish death commanders ZONARIA have recorded an eleven-track  monster entitled Arrival of the Red Sun with Jonas Kjellgren at Abyss Studios.

The album is scheduled to be released by Listenable on July 23rd in Europe and on August 14th in North America. Arrival of the Red Sun is the band’s most defined and accomplished album so far, get ready for a thick sounding dose of militant rhythms, smashing heavy riffing and stomping drums.

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Track Listing for Arrival of the Red Sun is as follows:

1) Arrival Of The Red Sun

2) Silent Holocaust

3) Gunpoint Salvation

4) Liberation Zero

5) The Blood That Must Be Paid

6) Desert Storms

7) A Lullaby To Those Still Alive

8) Full Spectrum Dominance

9) My Vengeance Remains

10) Face My Justice

11) CC Cowboys  (bonus track Limited edition CD only)

ZONARIA’s most recent official video, for the song “At War With The Inferior” from their 2009 release The Cancer Empire [Century Media Records] is below!

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(Source: ClawHammer PR)

* For more info on ZONARIA, click on the link below!

LISTENABLE RECORDS

LONG LIVE ZONARIA.

Stone.

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TESTAMENT – Reveal “Dark Roots of Earth” Album Details!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal with tags , , , , , on May 19, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Bay Area Thrash titans, TESTAMENT, have revealed the cover art and details for their upcoming Dark Roots of Earth release! Artwork was painted by Eliran Kantor who has worked with such bands as SODOM, ATHEIST and SIGH. Dark Roots of Earth was produced, mixed and mastered once again by the world-renowned Andy Sneap (ARCH ENEMY, NEVERMORE, ACCEPT, EXODUS).

Special bonus tracks were recorded, mixed and mastered by Juan Urteaga (CATTLE DECAPITATION, HEATHEN, VILE, SADUS) at his Trident Studios. The highly anticipated follow-up to their 2008 release The Formation of Damnation will be released on July 27, 2012 (Europe) via Nuclear Blast Records.

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Dark Roots of Earth – Jewel Case CD Track Listing:

01. Rise Up

02. Native Blood

03. Dark Roots Of Earth

04. True American Hate

05. A Day In The Death

06. Cold Embrace

07. Man Kills Mankind

08. Throne Of Thorns

09. Last Stand For Independence

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Dark Roots of Earth – CD/DVD Track Listing:

01. Rise Up

02. Native Blood

03. Dark Roots Of Earth

04. True American Hate

05. A Day In The Death

06. Cold Embrace

07. Man Kills Mankind

08. Throne Of Thorns

09. Last Stand For Independence

Bonus:

10. Dragon Attack (QUEEN cover)

11. Animal Magnetism (SCORPIONS cover)

12. Powerslave (IRON MAIDEN cover)

13. Throne Of Thornes (extended version)

+ Bonus DVD

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Dark Roots of Earth – Vinyl Track Listing:

Side A:

01. Rise Up

02. Native Blood

03. Dark Roots Of Earth

Side B:

04. True American Hate

05. A Day In The Death

06. Cold Embrace

Side C:

07. Man Kills Mankind

08. Throne Of Thorns

09. Last Stand For Independence

Side D (Bonus):

10 Dragon Attack (QUEEN cover)

11 Animal Magnetism (SCORPIONS cover)

12 Powerslave (IRON MAIDEN cover)

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(Source: Nuclear Blast News)

* For more info on TESTAMENT, click on the links below!

http://www.testamentlegions.com

http://www.facebook.com/testamentlegions

http://www.youtube.com/testamentofficial

http://www.nuclearblast.de/de/label/musi…

LONG LIVE TESTAMENT.

Stone.

2 Comments »

NACHTGESCHREI – Announces Martin LeMar As New Vocalist

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , on May 18, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

“After a long search, the decision was made quickly: we rehearsed and did test recordings with a lot of great singers, but one guy just blew us away… Martin LeMar will be the new voice of Nachtgeschrei!

And what a voice – Martin, who already provided the vocals for Tommorow’s Eve and Progressive Metal legend Mekong Delta, just convinced us with his voice and personality. We are absolutely sure that he is the right guy to kick off once again with. You can see brand new pictures of us with Martin on our website!

We are confident that the best is yet to come: currently, we are working on new songs, planning the first shows and have a little surprise for you up our sleeves – so stay tuned on www.nachtgeschrei.de

But before we present you new material, let’s join us for a little retrospective: Massacre Records looks back on six years of Nachtgeschrei with a virtual “best of” compilation album. We have selected 13 favourite tracks from our previous releases, that offer a cross-section of our three studio albums. Whoever wants to have all the favourites of band and fans at one swoop, should mark May 18th, 2012.

Then “Eine Erste Kerbe”, the digital Nachtgeschrei-Best-Of will be available for a special offer at iTunes, Amazon, Musicload and other digital music stores.”

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(Source: Massacre Records)

* For more info on Nachtgeschrei, click on the links below!

www.nachtgeschrei.de

http://www.massacre-records.com

Long Live Nachtgeschrei.

Stone.

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ROYAL THUNDER’S “Blue” Streaming Now; “Whispering World” Live Footage From INDIEATL

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on May 17, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

ALBUM TRAILER UP NOW ON RELAPSE YOUTUBE PAGE

May 17, 2012, Philadelphia – As Royal Thunder prepare for next week’s arrival of CVI (May 22, Relapse Records), Noisecreep is sharing “Blue” from the 10-track album Revolver Magazine described as: “a thick rock hurricane that spins soaring melodies and searing heaviness in almost every direction.”  The link to listen is: http://www.noisecreep.com/2012/05/15/royal-thunder-cvi/.

The band recently recorded an in-studio performance of  “Whispering World,” another track from the forthcoming release, for indieATL, which can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0r2d5xPFOo&feature=youtu.be.   IndieATL is a video partner to Georgia State University’s radio station, WRAS 88.5.

Relapse has also created a trailer for CVI with clips from each of the 10 songs on the album:  http://youtu.be/4C9e_QV0UEg.

For All Royal Thunder Tour Dates, click the large link below:

ROYAL THUNDER – Confirm U.S. Tour, NPR Feature And “Parsonz Curse” MP3 Available Now

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(Source: Speakeasy PR & Marketing)

* For more info on ROYAL THUNDER, click on the links below:

http://bit.ly/RoyalThunderStore

www.facebook.com/royalthundermusic

LONG LIVE ROYAL THUNDER.

Stone.

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LACUNA COIL “Dark Adrenaline” – 9 Quick & Easy Reasons Why You Should Buy This Album

Posted in gothic metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on May 16, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

LACUNA COIL – Back on January 24th, the sixth studio album, Dark Adrenaline, from Italy’s Lacuna Coil was released, via Century Media. This album was also released two days before my birthday, therefore, I did buy it that week as a gift to myself. I’ve enjoyed Dark Adrenaline a great Metal deal; below are 9 Quick & Easy Reasons as to why you should buy this new Lacuna Coil release for yourself. Or… buy it for a friend. A cool friend.

Quick & Easy Reason #1 – This album lyrically is dark, like its title states. The mood is dark. The vibes are dark. LACUNA COIL is at their best when they are… DARK. Plus, dark is… Metal.

Quick & Easy Reason #2 – Cristina Scabbia and Andrea Ferro are once again, as complete a singing duo as there has ever been, in the history of Rock. Period. What would you rather listen to? Neil Diamond and Barbara Streisand singing You Don’t Bring Me Flowers? That song would have been cool if not for Streisand, by the way.

Quick & Easy Reason #3 – Back to Cristina Scabbia and Andrea Ferro: Their trading off vocal harmonies and their occasional aggression makes for the straw that stirs this Lacuna Coil drink.

Quick & Easy Reason #4 – Totality of musicianship. Hey, look! Quality musicianship! I couldn’t expect anything less from this band.

Quick & Easy Reason #5 – For an accessibly heavy album, Dark Adrenaline has shown the Metal world, that once again, Lacuna Coil can be both a mainstream and back alley darling of a Metal band; appealing to a cross-section of Heavy Rock genres. Yes, Lacuna Coil is a Metal band with subtle and not so subtle Gothic stylings; they surely can’t be taking Air Supply out on tour with them anytime soon.

Quick & Easy Reason #6 – Dark Adrenaline flows with its melodic ride of hard and heavy songs. It’s a flow that comes across so natural, that once this album ends, it’s practically a let-down that there was no warning it would end. Lacuna Coil didn’t have to go over the edge with being any heavier… if they did, then some weirdo would write they were trying to copy KITTIE. Or… something like that. KITTIE Rocks my brains out and I’m grateful for it, by the way.

Quick & Easy Reason #7 – Lacuna Coil’s cover of Losing My Religion from the legendary R.E.M., for all Metal intents and purposes… steals the whole dark show. Really. Lacuna Coil took this 1991 Alternative Rock classic and made it their Metal own in 2012. I honestly love this cover version so much, the original won’t have the same impact on me that it once did. A double dose of Metal be thy name.

Quick & Easy Reason #8 – My Spirit. Lacuna Coil wrote and dedicated this song for the late and great Peter Steele. Partially sung in Italian, this song is emotionally moving and simply superb. A rightfully selective way to finish off Dark Adrenaline, it is.

Quick & Easy Reason #9 – Sample if you will, then buy Dark Adrenaline. After you listen to this new Lacuna Coil album from beginning to end, you can come back here and thank Stone for recommending it. If you don’t like this album, well… then, there’s always an Air Supply Greatest Hits for sale somewhere for you.

LACUNA COIL:

Cristina Scabbia – Vocals

Andrea Ferro – Vocals

Marco “Maki” Coti-Zelati – Bass

Cristiano “Pizza” Migliore – Guitars

Marco ‘Maus’ Biazzi – Guitars

Cristiano ‘CriZ’ Mozzati – Drums

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Dark Adrenaline – Track Listing:

Trip The Darkness

Against You

Kill The Light

Give Me Something More

Upsidedown

End Of Time

I Don’t Believe In Tomorrow

Intoxicated

The Army Inside

Losing My Religion

Fire

My Spirit

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* For more info on LACUNA COIL, click on the links below!

http://www.lacunacoil.it

http://www.twitter.com/lacuna_coil

LONG LIVE LACUNA COIL.

Stone.

1 Comment »

LUCA TURILLI’S RHAPSODY – Download The Complete Version Of “DARK FATE OF ATLANTIS” For FREE!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, symphonic metal with tags , , , , , on May 14, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Download the first single of RHAPSODY, entitled DARK FATE OF ATLANTIS (extracted from the album ASCENDING TO INFINITY to be released on JUNE 22 by NUCLEAR BLAST), in its original album version of 6:29 minutes and as high quality MP3, for FREE.

This complete version of the song features a longer intro, a longer guitar solo and an additional keyboard solo performed by Luca Turilli. The cover artwork of the single was realized once again by Felipe Machado Franco.

To download DARK FATE OF ATLANTIS for FREE click on the following link: http://www.nuclearblast.de/gratisdownload/index.php?link_kampagne=Rhapsody-DarkFateOfAtlantis

To watch the official video of the song (shorter edited video version) click here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFqOkq8ta8U

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Stone Says: I downloaded Dark Fate Of Atlantis! Symphonic, operatic, layered, exquisite keyboards, Neo-Classical guitar and it’s… METAL! Metal be thy name.

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(Source: Nuclear Blast News)

* For more info on RHAPSODY, click on the link below!

www.ltrhapsody.com

LONG LIVE LUCA TURILLI’S RHAPSODY.

Stone.

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HELLDORADOS – Announce Cover Artwork and Track List; Album Releases This July, Via Massacre Records

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, sleaze metal with tags , , , , , , on May 14, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Album release date: 07-13-12 via Massacre Records

With the publication of the cover artwork and the whole track list, Stuttgart’s Sleaze Metal band Helldorados are giving an inside look into their debut album that will be released on July 13th. The internationally known artist and Unesco prize winner Timo Wuerz is responsible for the design.

After just signing  a worldwide recording contract with the Traditional Heavy Metal label Massacre Records in March, Helldorades were able to win another high-quality partner:  the artist and comic draftsman Timo Wuerz. “We have gotten to know Timo Wuerz by accident at an art and commerce congress. Between all of the geeks he looked more like us,“ claims Helldorados singer Pierre. At the same time they discovered many things they have in common, the love for rock music and art.“Moreover, we both grew up in the same small town. That probably connects“ complements Pierre, smiling. At the age of 14 Timo Wuerz already had his first exhibition, at the age of 20 he published his first album Aaron and Baruch.

Today he lives in Hamburg and is responsible for dozens of comics and books, among others Marvel, and for the creation of films, shows, theme parks, architecture, stamps, toys, posters and CD covers. The works of the Unesco prizewinner can also be seen in international galleries and museums, for example, in the museum of modern art, New York.

HELLDORADOS:

Pierre – Vocals

Chris – Drums

Steve – Guitar

Gunnar – Bass

From February to April Helldorados spent time in the famous Horus Sound Studios in Hannover to record their album. A total of 12 pieces of music were created for the self entitled album. It was produced under the direction of Mirko Hofmann who already took up the four songs strong promotional EP a year ago. ELOY frontman and founder of the Horus Sound Studios, Frank Bornemann, acted as “a godfather”.

The result is musically versatile, somewhere between Metallica, Hardcore Superstar, the old Scorpions and ABBA. The track list reads as follows:

01. IN THE BEGINNING

02. NEVER GONNA STOP

03. YOU LIVE, YOU LEARN, YOU DIE

04. GO TO HELL

05. CHANGES

06. SHOUT OUT

07. HUNTER

08. DOUBLE DEALER

09. GONE

10. TORTURE IS MY NAME

11. GIRLS

12. GOT LAID

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(Source: Massacre Records)

* For more info on HELLDORADOS, click on the links below!

http://www.helldorados.com

http://www.massacre-records.com

LONG LIVE HELLDORADOS.

Stone.

1 Comment »

ROYAL THUNDER “CVI” – Unreal Is The Word And This Heavy Album MUST Be Heard!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, stoner metal with tags , , , , , , on May 10, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

ROYAL THUNDER – Ann Wilson of Heart. (the late) Janis Joplin. Melissa Etheridge. Bonnie Raitt. Joan Jett. Mlny Parsonz. These women of Rock all have one essential talent in common; they all sing from the heart and Rock ‘N Roll soul, while singing with believable passion. I also revere each of their voices too. Who is Mlny Parsonz your asking? Mlny is the vocalist and bassist for Royal Thunder. Mlny and Royal Thunder will be bigger than they probably ever fathomed… so they better get used to the accolades that will be coming their way.

I seriously believe a band like Royal Thunder only comes around every several years. Their debut full-length album, CVI, is easily one of the best albums I’ve listened to in years; crossing all Rock genres. Royal Thunder’s sound weaves Hard Rock, Metal, some psychedelia and meaty Stoner Metal with a thunderous vibe of Classic Rock. If there is that one can’t miss band you need to catch onto in 2012, it’s Royal Thunder; and that’s a sincere fact I am delivering to you.

Lyrically personal, emotional and dark, the songs on CVI are all equally sensational; while both the vocals of Mlny and the music are an astonishing match. If there is one legendary vocalist that Mlny is channeling in, that legend would be Janis Joplin. Regardless of comparisons, Mlny’s vocals are as refreshingly new like a long-awaited rain shower, during a late Summer’s drought.

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The band plays their music with a driving passion as well, again, both vocals and music compliment each other on CVI and it’s a thrill a second to listen to. With a sonic retrospective flair being echoed throughout CVI, Royal Thunder still uncannily comes across as relevant with nary a remote hint of pretension. Even though Royal Thunder hasn’t invented the Rock ‘N Roll wheel, they didn’t try to reinvent it either on CVI; and that’s something many other up and coming bands should take note of.

Overall and (most importantly) consistently memorable throughout, CVI comes musically packaged as complete. Sleeping Witch and the opening track Parsonz Curse offer up substantial riffs and enough heavy texture to make any warm-blooded Metalhead jump for Metal joy. Even when Mlny and band tone things down during songs such as South Of Somewhere and Minus, they’re still heavy with the atmosphere of what’s to come next and what they’re all about.

I am very excited about Royal Thunder and their new album CVI; I imagine it obviously shows. What I’m also excited about is this band (albeit a conscientious maneuver or not) has connected the dots of Heavy Metal, Rock and Hard Rock’s past and written songs that bubbles over with admirably heavy substance in 2012. In a world of fake mainstream Rock and Pop crap that suffocates and kidnaps our youth and misinformed, real talent will always surface to the top and save us all, the crème de la crème which in this instance is… Royal Thunder.

ROYAL THUNDER:

Mlny Parsonz – bass & vocals

Josh Weaver – lead guitar

Lee Smith – drums

Josh Coleman – rhythm guitar

* CVI release dates: May 22 (U.S.), May 28 (UK), June 1 (Ger/Benelux) and June 4 (World). CVI will be available on CD and 2xLP and of course digital, via Relapse Records.

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CVI – Track Listing:

Parsonz Curse

Whispering World

Shake and Shift

No Good

Blue

Sleeping Witch

South of Somewhere

Drown

Minus

Black Water Vision

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* For more info on ROYAL THUNDER, click on the link below:

www.facebook.com/royalthundermusic

http://bit.ly/RoyalThunderStore

LONG LIVE ROYAL THUNDER.

Stone.

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ROYAL THUNDER – Confirm U.S. Tour, NPR Feature And “Parsonz Curse” MP3 Available Now

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

Photo Credit: Christy Parry

May 8, 2012, Philadelphia — Royal Thunder, the Atlanta-based quartet Brooklyn Vegan described as “Johnette Napolitano of Concrete Blonde fronting Black Sabbath,” will tour with Valient Thorr and Holy Grail this Summer.

Mlny Parsonz and Josh Weaver were recently interviewed by NPR with that piece and an mp3 of “Parsonz Curse” available today here: http://www.npr.org/blogs/allsongs/2012/05/08/151945138/behind-parsonz-curse-the-bellowing-howl-of-royal-thunder.

CVI, the band’s debut album, is available May 22 via Relapse Records with pre-orders offered here:  http://www.relapse.com/label/cvi-cd.html.

“Finally!  We get to tour with our new album,CVI, coming out before we hit the road,” said Parzonz about the six-week U.S. trek.  “I’ve seen Valient Thorr several times and every time they make me smile from ear to ear.  To be doing this run with them , the Kick Ass and Holy Grail is sure to be a good time.”

Royal Thunder tour dates (all shows with Valient Thorr and Holy Grail except May 26):

May 26    Atlanta, GA    The Earl

June 10    Richmond, VA    Strange Matter

June 12    Huntington, WV    V Club

June 13    Pittsburgh, PA    The Smiling Moose

June 14    Lancaster, PA    Chameleon Club

June 16    Allston, MA    Great Scott

June 17    New York, NY    Mercury Lounge

June 19    Cleveland, OH    The Grog Shop

June 20    Chicago, IL    Double Door

June 21    Detroit, MI    Small’s

June 22    Grand Rapids, MI    The Pyramid Scheme

June 23    Madison, WI    The Frequency

June 24    Minneapolis, MN    Triple Rock Social Club

June 26    Lincoln, NE    Rye Room @ Bourbon Theatre

June 27    Denver, CO    The Marquis Theater

June 28    Salt Lake City, UT    In The Venue

June 29    Boise, ID    Neurolux

June 30    Seattle, WA    El Corazon

July 1    Portland, OR    The Star Theatre

July 2    Sparks, NV    The Alley

July 3    San Francisco, CA    Bottom of the Hill

July 5    Los Angeles, CA   The Down & Out

July 6    San Diego, CA    The Casbah

July 7    Santa Ana, CA    The Constellation Room @ The Observatory

July 10    Phoenix, AZ    Rhythm Room

July 12    Colorado Springs, CO    The Black Sheep

July 13    Omaha, NE    Sokol Underground

July 14    Columbia, MO    Mojo’s

July 15    Indianapolis, IN    Birdy’s Live

July 18    Chattanooga, TN    JJ’s Bohemia

July 19    Charlotte, NC    Chop Shop

Royal Thunder recently recorded a live performance of “Sleeping Witch” for indieATL, an online partner of Georgia State University radio station WRAS 88.5.  The clip can be seen here: http://indieatl.com/indieatl-videos/first-video-from-royal-thunder-indieatl-session-sleeping-witch/.

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(Source: Speakeasy PR & Marketing)

* For more info on ROYAL THUNDER, click on the links below!

http://bit.ly/RoyalThunderStore

www.facebook.com/royalthundermusic

LONG LIVE ROYAL THUNDER.

Stone.

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69 CHAMBERS “The Peep Hole” – Official Music Video: Stone’s Metal Pick Of The Day!

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

69 CHAMBERS – There’s something about that voice of Nina Vetterli-Treml. Her vocals are Metal meets 80’s New Wave and she radiates both presence and relevancy with a slickness that I find quite alluring. The newest music video from 69 Chambers is The Peep Hole; a song from their sophomore album Torque. The Peep Hole is percussion driven; while showcasing this band’s accessible appeal to both Hard Rock and Metal fans alike.

I find 69 Chambers to be cutting-edge and not about any blueprint from Rock’s storied past. Instead, 69 Chambers proves that they are a band with “an accessible sound” while still being heavy and carrying their own back alley and blue-collar vibes through song. The mainstream doesn’t know what they’re missing with 69 Chambers; quite frankly, the mainstream doesn’t deserve this talented band either.

69 Chambers is in our Heavy Music world to stay. Man, I dig this band. Take a look and listen below and see why 69 Chambers and their  video The Peep Hole is my Metal Pick Of The Day.

69 CHAMBERS:

Nina Vetterli-Treml – bass & vocals

Tommy Vetterli – guitar

Diego Rapacchietti – drums

* Torque was released on April 27th, 2012, via Massacre Records.

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* For more info on 69 CHAMBERS, click the links below!

http://www.69chambers.com

http://www.twitter.com/69chambers

http://www.soundcloud.com/69-chambers

LONG LIVE 69 CHAMBERS.

Stone.

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The Metal Community Rejoice! The Return Of LEATHER LEONE And SANDY SLEDGE On “IMAGINE ME ALIVE”

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on May 7, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

In absence for more than two decades, we embrace new material from Leather Leone (Chastain, Rude Girl, Malibu Barbi) and drummer Sandy Sledge (Rude Girl, Malibu Barbi, Warbride, WeaponsVan) in their new project Sledge Leather.

The Sledge Leather debut album “Imagine Me Alive” was inspired in 2010 when Leather Leone called Sandy Sledge to collaborate on the Ronnie James Dio track “Egypt” for a demo tribute recording. Due to the overwhelming response for more material, Sledge Leather was born and were confirmed for Germany’s Keep it True Festival, April 30, 2011.

Sledge Leather entered the studio in 2011 to record their comeback album “Imagine Me Alive”, engulfing the listener in an onslaught of heavy metal with 11 cohesive tracks that resurrects a classic HEAVY metal sound with Dio’s former band members Scott Warren (keyboards), and Jimmy Bain (bass).

“Imagine Me Alive” is currently available from the band and soon through all on-line outlets.

“We wanted to finish what we started with Rude Girl in the ‘80s – straight up heavy a** metal,” Sandy Sledge explains, “This album truly shows the different ways that Leather’s voice can create music.”

Leather Leone comments: “It’s great for me to finally have a huge say in what’s written and how it’s written. With Sledge, I feel like it’s writing with a soul mate — same beliefs, same ideas — because we are writing what comes to us naturally and what comes to us naturally is HEAVY music. This is metal. It’s just ‘metal.’ Heavy, metal.”

Respected industry friends Mike Varney and Monte Connor comment on Sledge Leather:

“Sledge and Leather are the most powerful team of female rockers on the metal scene today,” says Mike Varney, founder of Shrapnel Records.

”Leather sounds as great as she ever did and kicks even more ass than she did in the ‘80s!,” says Monte Connor of Roadrunner Records.

Sledge Leather’s album line-up includes: Leather Leone (vocals), Sandy Sledge (drums), Matthias Weisheit (guitars), Scott Warren (keyboards/orchestration), and Jimmy Bain (bass).

“Imagine Me Alive” is currently available from the band and soon through all on-line outlets.

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(Source: Dustin Hardman Press Promotions)

* For more info on SLEDGE LEATHER, click on the links below!

http://sledgeleather.com

https://www.facebook.com/SledgeLeatherProject

http://youtube.com/sledgeleather

http://twitter.com/SledgeLeather

LONG LIVE SLEDGE LEATHER.

Stone.

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MASTIC SCUM – Sign To Massacre Records

Posted in Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on May 7, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

We want to introduce you to our latest signing, MASTIC SCUM from Austria!

The four-piece was originally formed in 1992. A year later, the band released their first 12” EP “Ephemeral Cerebral Butchery”. Several demos, EPs and split CDs followed, leading to the release of their debut album “Zero” in the summer of 1999 through Noise Variations.

Within the following years, MASTIC SCUM released their albums “Scar” (Cudgel Agency, 2002), “Mind” (Cudgel Agency, 2005) and the latest album “Dust” (Twilight Rec., 2009), which was nominated for an Amadeus Austrian Music Award in 2010.

The band has already played a lot of club and festival shows in Europe, Asia and the US, joining Marduk and Vader at their “Funeral Nation Tour” through Europe in early 2010, for example!

There were a few line-up changes in the past years and when Alex joined vocalist Maggo, guitarist Harry and drummer Man in spring 2010 as bassist, MASTIC SCUM were stronger than ever!

Guitarist Harry about the signing:

“We are proud to announce that we signed a worldwide deal with one of our favorite labels. We know Massacre Records since quite a long time and are happy to be a part of it now!”

The band’s currently working on their fifth studio album, which is scheduled to be released in fall 2012!

MASTIC SCUM:

Maggo Wenzel – Vocals

Harry Gandler – Guitars

Alex Schmid – Bass

Man Gandler – Drums

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(Source: Massacre Records)

* For more info on MASTIC SCUM, click on the links below!

www.masticscum.com

www.facebook.com/MasticScum

http://www.youtube.com/masticscum

http://www.massacre-records.com

LONG LIVE MASTIC SCUM.

Stone.

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PERPETUATE “Above And Beyond” – Debut Official Music Video; Stone’s Metal Pick Of The Day!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, symphonic metal with tags , , , , , on May 7, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

(Photo Credit: Gene Schilling)

PERPETUATE – From Windsor, Ontario, Canada arrives the up and coming and talented Metal band Perpetuate. Their debut and self-titled CD is available now (see details below) and they are a band to keep a Metal eye on! With Symphonic and Classic Metal stylings, Perpetuate capitalizes on melodic sound with guitar parts that are standout. The vocals of Kim McInnis are emotion packed and heightens the total impact of their debut music video: Above And Beyond.

What I appreciate about Kim’s Soprano delivery, is she doesn’t attempt to sound pristine and keeps it real with her range. Kim is a delight to hear and watch, while Perpetuate plays their instruments with impressive clarity and aptitude. I hope you enjoy this debut from Perpetuate as much as I do; this is Stone’s Metal Pick Of The Day! Now, feel free to turn up the volume and let the Metal of Perpetuate amplify your mood for the better!

PERPETUATE:

Kim McInnis (vocals, keyboards)

Jamie Hush (guitars, vocals)

Chris Rafinski (guitars, vocals)

Michael Wiznuk (drums, vocals)

Calvin Love (bass, vocals)

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Above And Beyond video and debut CD background info:

The video was directed by Spectre Sound owner and celebrated Metal producer Glenn Fricker. It features a bombastic light show from Marz Media and dizzying slow motion effects.

Fricker’s other video credits include “Primal Citizen” by Central Slang, “I Once Was” by Assassinate the Following and “Kill or Be Killed” by Aquila.

“Above and Beyond” is the fearless first track from Perpetuate’s self-titled debut CD. The mini-album is distributed by CDN Records and now available from Century Media Distro, iTunes, and other digital retailers everywhere.

Perpetuate is a five-piece Heavy Metal act featuring wild lead guitar and the soaring soprano vocals of keyboardist Kim McInnis.

Be sure to follow Perpetuate online at www.perpetuate.ca and facebook.com/perpetuate for upcoming show dates and other announcements.

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* For more info on PERPETUATE, click on the links below!

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/perpetuate

http://www.reverbnation.com/perpetuate

LONG LIVE PERPETUATE.

Stone.

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FIREWIND “Few Against Many” – Releases In North America On May 22nd, 2012; “Wall Of Sound” Official Video Released!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on May 6, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

FIREWIND – The seventh studio album from the Metal warriors of Greece, the band we all know as FIREWIND, releases in Europe on May 21st and North America on May 22nd, 2012. Guitar legend Gus G. will be leading his FIREWIND band to Heavy Metal glory once again!

* Few Against Many boasts the album debut of FIREWIND’s new drummer: Jo Nunez.

* Few Against Many will be released in Europe on May 21 via Century Media Records and May 22nd in North America through DisManic Distribution via eOne Distribution.

Century Media has recently released the NEW and Official Video for Wall Of Sound. This is FIREWIND at their Metal finest, my Metal brethren! Gus G. shreds! Apollo’s vocals are 100% fabulous! Wall Of Sound is a Metal must! Take a look and listen below for yourself! Metal be thy name!

FIREWIND:

Gus G. – guitar

Apollo Papathanasio – vocals

Petros Christo – bass

Bob Katsionis – keyboards & guitar

Jo Nunez – drums

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FEW AGAINST MANY – Track Listing:

Wall Of Sound

Losing My Mind

Few Against Many

The Undying Fire

Another Dimension

Glorious

Edge Of A Dream

Destiny

Long Gone Tomorrow

No Heroes, No Sinners

Battleborn (bonus digipak version)

No Heroes, No Sinners (acoustic) (bonus digipak version)

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* For more info on FIREWIND, click on the links below!

http://www.firewind.gr

http://www.myspace.com/firewind

LONG LIVE FIREWIND.

Stone.

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