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HALFORD “MADE OF METAL” – RELEASES SEPTEMBER 28, 2010!

HALFORD – The Metal God… Rob Halford and his mighty band Halford will be seeing their third studio album – Made Of Metal released on September 28, 2010! Rob Halford is a living legend of Metal… with his Metal legacy forever forged as the front man for Judas Priest, Fight and 2wo.

This forthcoming album from Halford just seems to put a Metal exclamation point on the “year of Metal releases”… 2010! I personally can’t wait to hear Made Of Metal. Whoa. Whoa again.

* Made Of Metal will be released on Metal God Entertainment.

* For more info on Rob Halford and HALFORD, just click on link below:

ROB HALFORD.com

Track Listing For: Made Of Metal:

Undisputed

Fire And Ice

Made Of Metal

We Own The Night

Til The Day I Die

There’s No Tomorrow

Speed Of Sound

Heartless

Hell Razor

Thunder And Lightning

Twenty-Five Years

Matador

I Know We Stand A Chance

The Mower

Here is a discography of HALFORD studio albums:

Ressurection (released August 8, 2000)

Crucible (released June 25, 2002)

Halford 3 – Winter Songs (released November 3, 2009)

Yes, Halford 3 – Winter Songs is a studio album, however it is a holiday album. I guess one may still state this is an “official” studio album from Halford and call Made Of Metal the “fourth” studio album. It really makes no difference to me… cause HALFORD rules no matter what.

LONG LIVE ROB HALFORD AND HIS BAND – HALFORD!

Stone.

4 Comments »

PANTERA – “THE WILL TO SURVIVE” DEMO IS A HIDDEN METAL TREASURE

Posted in hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, heavy metal songs, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags 1990's heavy metal albums, 1990's heavy metal bands, cowboys from hell, cowboys from hell deluxe edition, dimebag darrell, guitar legends, hard rock music, heavy metal history, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, pantera, phil anselmo, rex brown, rock music news, the will to survive demo, vinnie paul abbott on September 20, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

PANTERA – On September 14, 2010, Rhino Records released the 3-CD Deluxe Edition of Cowboys From Hell. PANTERA rules. Originally released back on July 17, 1990, on Atco Records, this was the album that catapulted PANTERA as a relentless and blazingly bad-ass live band. Metal be thy name, that is the truth. 2010 ushered in the 20th Anniversay of Cowboys From Hell, whoa… seems like yesterday to me when this unreal great album came out. Cowboys From Hell marked the fifth studio album from PANTERA… the first four being on their own label called Metal Magic. PANTERA rules.

It’s an endless Metal debate, as to which PANTERA album is the very best. I like to go with Cowboys From Hell, Vulgar Display Of Power and Far Beyond Driven as my personal top three. Hell, it’s very difficult for me to pin one PANTERA album against another. PANTERA rules. As I see it, PANTERA was the pit bull in the backyard, that was set loose to protect and spread the cause of Metal in the decade of the ’90’s… and they did just that and then some. Metal be thy name.

There is one demo, that was never released before, on disc 3 (the demo disc) which is The Will To Survive. Whoa, do I like this song a Metal ton. Phil Anselmo sounds like Rob Halford… or can I say has some heavy duty Rob Halford influence in his vocals, on this demo. After listening to this song a couple dozen more times… I will even make a Metal stretch by saying, that I hear a bit of Geoff Tate in the vocals of Phil Anselmo too. The Will To Survive of course was written and had it’s parts recorded well before there was a Vulgar Display Of Power, even before Cowboys From Hell.

I’m calling The Will To Survive demo a hidden Metal treasure. Why? For one, it’s not a song I would have expected to hear on this deluxe edition of Cowboys From Hell. Sure, the thought crossed my mind of maybe hearing something from the Metal Magic era of PANTERA… only this song surpasses what I initially thought it would sound like, both in it’s Traditional Metal style and sound. Trust me… the late and ultra legendary Dimebag sounds fabulous on guitar too, giving The Will To Survive a Speed Metal/Power Metal vibe that really leaves me whining for more.

If there were more hidden Metal treasures like The Will To Survive still on tape somewhere… locked away… I pray that Vinnie Paul, Rex Brown and Phil Anselmo would turn ’em loose on us fans someday, with one entire CD of PANTERA songs that have NEVER been heard before in any form. PANTERA rules.

Why do I keep stating “PANTERA rules” throughout this post you may query? There really is nuthin’ to question here… PANTERA F’N RULES. Always did… always will. Call me a PANTERA fan boy? Hell, I’m not alone there and I’m in good company, thank you very much. Plus, I’m damn proud to be one. Yes, I strongly urge any and all fans of Metal and of course, PANTERA, to get a copy of this Cowboys From Hell – 20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition.

* Recently, I interviewed Phil Anselmo for my very good Metal Buddies over at HARD ROCK HIDEOUT. You can check out this HARD ROCK HIDEOUT exclusive by clicking the large link below or by clicking any HARD ROCK HIDEOUT link you see here.

PHIL ANSELMO – THE HARD ROCK HIDEOUT INTERVIEW!l

*An abbreviated breakdown of the 3 disc Cowboys From Hell – 2oth Anniversary Deluxe Edition:

* Disc 1 is the Cowboys From Hell studio album remastered. Disc 2 contains 12 live songs. Disc 3 has 11 demos from the Cowboys From Hell sessions, which includes The Will To Survive.

LONG LIVE THE METAL OF PANTERA!

REST IN PEACE, DIMEBAG.

Stone.

2 Comments »

CANNIBAL CORPSE – 1998’S “GALLERY OF SUICIDE” ON 180-GRAM VINYL – RELEASES SEPTEMBER 28, 2010!

Posted in Death Metal, death metal music, extreme metal music, extreme music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags 180-gram vinyl gallery of suicide, 1990's death metal bands, 1990's death metal albums, cannibal corpse, death metal albums 2010, death metal bands, death metal legends, death metal music, extreme metal music, gallery of suicide album 2010, heavy metal music, heavy metal on vinyl, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music news on September 19, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

CANNIBAL CORPSE – The sixth studio album from Cannibal Corpse, Gallery Of Suicide, will be re-released on 180-gram vinyl on September 28, 2010, on Plastic Head. Originally released on April 21, 1998, on Metal Blade Records, Gallery Of Suicide was the second album to have George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher on vocals. This was also the first Cannibal Corpse album to have Pat O’Brien on guitar.

This album it outrageously brutal, from the song titles and lyrics to the Death Metal barrage heard within. ‘Nuff said about this album… alright, it’s wicked F’n Heavy. With every Metal re-release on vinyl, it certifies the fact that there are Metalheads out there that want to hear their bands the Old School way. Just like the Metal I live for, vinyl will never go away.

* As with most vinyl and 180-gram vinyl releases, Gallery Of Suicide is being touted as a “limited release”. I have seen it available for pre-order on Amazon.com.

* For more info on CANNIBAL CORPSE, click on the link below:

CANNIBAL CORPSE – Official Website

CANNIBAL CORPSE, as they appeared on Gallery Of Suicide:

George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher – vocals

Jack Owen – guitar

Pat O’brien – guitar

Alex Webster – bass

Paul Mazurkiewicz – drums

Track Listing For Gallery Of Suicide:

I Will Kill You

Disposal Of The Body

Sentenced To Burn

Blood Drenched Execution

Gallery Of Suicide

Dismembered And Molested

From Skin To Liquid

Unite The Dead

Stabbed In The Throat

Chambers Of Blood

Headless

Every Bone Broken

Centuries Of Torment

Crushing The Despised

Stone.

2 Comments »

JIMI HENDRIX – HIS MUSIC FOREVER LIVES ON

Posted in guitar legends, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock guitarists, rock music, rock music history, rock music news with tags 1960's rock music, 1970's rock music, classic rock music, guitar legends, hard rock music, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, jimi hendrix, jimi hendrix tribute, metal odyssey, psychedelic rock music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news, the jimi hendrix experience on September 18, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

JIMI HENDRIX – Back on September 18, 1970, Jimi Hendrix passed away in London, England, at age 27. Forty years ago, the loss of Jimi Hendrix was just getting underway. Getting into the exact details of where Jimi Hendrix died and how he died is not my purpose here. I am solely reflecting on my introduction to his music as a young teen and how his music continues to entertain me to this very day. Check that… the music of Jimi Henrix continues to bring me joy to this very day.

Back when I was in high school in the early 1980’s, (1980-85), Jimi Hendrix was a huge favorite amongst the crowd of kids I hung with who listened to Heavy Metal. (Yes, I did “extra time” in high school… big deal). Even the kids who listened to straight up Rock and Hard Rock listened to Jimi Hendrix too. It seemed as if no one dared to say they didn’t dig Hendrix back then… he was too cool and bigger than life, regardless if he had passed away a decade earlier. There was this mystique, an almost reverent aura about the songs that Jimi Hendrix sang and played guitar on back in those days. I still get that sense of mystique, a brilliant vibe of reverence when I listen to Jimi Hendrix now… in 2010.

Why the reverence? The mystique? Well, in my Metal opinion, who else can be looked upon as the leading pioneer of electric Heavy Metal guitar? The riffs. Oh, those riffs. Seriously, who else back in 1967 was playing that style of “heavy guitar”? On a consistent level? Yes, you can go back through Rock ‘N’ Roll history with a magnifying glass and find those guitarists who “flirted” with some “heavy” riffs before and during the Jimi Hendrix era. I’m only being real about the impact that Jimi Hendrix had on Rock Music history. His guitar and vocals were so unique to the time that it’s a mesmerizing thought to behold.

It is difficult to pinpoint which was the first Jimi Hendrix song I ever heard, although I will venture to guess it was Foxy Lady. The three FM radio stations I listened to, while in high school, were WCCC and WHCN out of Hartford, the third being WPLR out of New Haven, Connecticut. Those three FM stations played Jimi Hendrix like it was going out of style the Beatles, The Who, RUSH and Led Zeppelin were also played so continuously, that I found no reason to buy all of their albums right away. It’s quite possible to admit, that I listened to Jimi Hendrix each day of my high school life due to those FM radio stations. Truthfully.

Of course, I borrowed and listened to Are You Experienced, Axis: Bold As Love and Electric Ladyland from my friends before I owned them. Swapping albums was the norm back then… not too many of us had the cash to run out and buy every album we wanted. Those are and always will be the “big 3” Jimi Hendrix albums for me. Sure, there have been many other studio albums released after his death, only these are the three albums that defined Jimi Hendrix and made me one of his countless fans.

To stop and reflect for a second, on just how many times I have listened to Jimi Hendrix over the years is mind numbing. Then, to realize that I have never grown tired of the music that Jimi Hendrix created is a double shot of mind numb. Yes, this is all my personal opinion and the way I truly feel. Jimi Hendrix was a pioneering guitar player who paved the way for Heavy Metal to be where it is today. I sometimes wonder what Jimi Hendrix would think of Metal Music in 2010? What would Jimi Hendrix have to say, during those “building block” years of Heavy Metal during the 1970’s and 1980’s? Man, it would be very cool to know.

There could never be another set of album releases such as the first 3 from the Jimi Hendrix Experience. To have three albums in a row, with such amazingly memorable songs is unparalleled. Purple Haze, Crosstown Traffic and All Along The Watchtower… really, what more can be said for the originality and pure heaviness of their time? Timeless is a powerful word… Jimi Hendrix epitomizes this word each and every time I listen to his music.

Rest In Peace, Jimi Hendrix.

Thank you for your timeless music.

Stone.

5 Comments »

AS I LAY DYING – FALL NORTH AMERICAN 2010 TOUR SCHEDULE WITH ALL THAT REMAINS, UNEARTH & CARNIFEX!

Posted in death metal music, extreme metal music, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, metalcore music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags all that remains, as i lay dying, as i lay dying fall tour 2010, carnifex, death metal bands, death metal music 2010, extreme metal bands, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, heavy metal tours 2010, metal albums 2008, metal albums 2010, metal music, metal odyssey, metalcore bands, Music, rock music news, unearth on September 17, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

AS I LAY DYING – Whoa. Here is a Metal tour that has already gotten underway on September 14, 2010, in El Paso, Texas… As I lay Dying is headlining with support from: All That Remains, Unearth and Carnifex… whoa again. Check out the tour dates below to see if this great Metal tour is in your backyard or down the Metal highway from you:

As I Lay Dying with All That Remains, Unearth and Carnifex:

09/14 – El Paso, TX @ Club 101

09/15 – Odessa, TX @ Dos Amigos

09/16 – Abilene, TX @ Midnight Rodeo 3

09/17 – Little Rock, AR @ The Village

09/18 – Memphis, TN @ New Daisy Theatre

09/19 – Knoxville, TN @ Valarium

09/20 – Covington, KY @ The Madison Theater

09/21 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Orbit Room

09/22 – Cleveland, OH @ Peabody’s

09/23 – Buffalo, NY @ Town Ballroom

09/24 – Clifton Park, NY @ NY Northern Lights

09/25 – Hartford, CT @ Webster Theatre

09/26 – Quebec, QC @ Imperial De Quebec

09/27 – Montreal, QC @ Metropolis

09/28 – Ottawa, ON @ Capital Music Hall

09/29 – London, ON @ Cowboys

10/01 – Winnipeg, MB @ Garrick Center

10/03 – Saskatoon, SK @ Odeon

10/04 – Calgary, AB @ Macewan

10/05 – Edmonton, AB @ Edmonton Event Center

10/07 – Vancouver, BC @ Vogue Theatre

10/08 – Seattle, WA @ El Corazon

10/10 – Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater

10/11 – Chico, CA @ Senator Theatre

10/15 – Yuma, AZ @ Club Blackout – * With Carnifex, Beg For Life and Demise Of Hollywood

* (Source: Metal Blade News Update Newsletter, September 17, 2009)

* For more info on AS I LAY DYING, just click the link below:

AS I LAY DYING – myspace music

* For more info on ALL THAT REMAINS, just click the link below:

ALL THAT REMAINS – myspace music

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

UNEARTH – myspace music

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

CARNIFEX – myspace music

AS I LAY DYING are touring in support of their album The Powerless Rise, released on May 11, 2010, on Metal Blade Records.

ALL THAT REMAINS are touring in support of their album … For We Are Many, released on October 12, 2010, on Razor & Tie.

UNEARTH are touring in support of their album The March, released on October 14, 2008, on Metal Blade Records.

CARNIFEX are touring in support of their album Hell Chose Me, released on February 16, 2010, on Victory Records.

These are some potent and seriously brutal Metal Bands!

LONG LIVE METAL!

Stone.

JOE ELLIOTT’S DOWN ‘N’ OUTZ – “MY REGENERATION” GENERATES A ROCKIN’ GREAT ALBUM!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock bands, classic rock music, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags classic rock albums, classic rock music, cover song albums, def leppard, down 'n' outz, hard rock albums 2010, hard rock music, heavy metal music, joe elliotts down 'n' outz, metal odyssey, mott the hoople, Music, my regeneration album review, rock albums 2010, rock music, rock music news on September 16, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

JOE ELLIOTT’S DOWN ‘N’ OUTZ – The news is out… the very famous lead singer for the very legendary Def Leppard has revealed his favorite Rock Band and he has done so through My ReGeneration. The band? None other than… Mott the Hoople. Not too shabby of a favorite I might add. Apparently, Joe Elliott was invited by Mott the Hoople to “participate in some capacity” in their reforming for a week’s worth of shows at the ol’ legendary… Hammersmith Odeon, (now named Hammersmith Apollo), last October of 2009. This experience proved to be the incubus for Joe Elliott forming Down ‘n’ Outz and making an album of cover songs from “spin offs” of Mott the Hoople.

My ReGeneration contains cover songs from Mott, Ian Hunter and British Lions. The last song on this album, The Flipside Of The Shameless Whelk, was written by Joe Elliott and Ronan McHugh. Quite honestly, it is refreshing to hear songs, good Rock ‘N’ Roll songs, that I would probably never have listened to if it wasn’t for this Rockin’ grand idea by Joe Elliott. Um… thanks Joe… and Down ‘n’ Outz too! To absorb what Joe Elliott and his band has assembled here play, is a lesson in British “Old School” Rock ‘N’ Roll.

Mott the Hoople obviously spawned some inventive and historical Rock Music during their too brief, six year tenure of existence – 1969 to 1974. The creative Rock Music minds that did “spin off” from Mott the Hoople are impressive to say the least. Guitarist and founding member of Mott the Hoople, Mick Ralphs will always be my sentimental favorite… for Mick being a founding and current member of Bad Company is all that to this Rockaholic.

While listening to My ReGeneration, I found that yes… this is Joe Elliott singing, only this is not the lungs of power, ultra charismatic, throat scorching vocalist that has fronted Def Leppard either. What I do hear is Joe Elliott – Rock ‘N’ Roll vocalist extraordinaire. Man, do I dig the vocals of Joe Elliott on My ReGeneration. Now, don’t get too down, all you Def Leppard fanatics out there. Joe Elliott has taken his vocals to a magnificent level here, he has in essence, proven to be as well rounded a Heavy Metal meets Rock vocalist as any other, in my most humble and Metal opinion.

Overnight Angels more than stands out as an incredibly memorable song to my Metal brain, this song just unequivocally makes me feel really good. As a bonus, Joe Elliott more than flirts with delivering some Def Leppard vocals on Overnight Angels, he flat-out sings this song as if it could have been on 1999’s Euphoria album as well. A Hard Rockin’ good time listen that doesn’t subside with it’s up-tempo. Alright, you got me, this song is my favorite on ReGeneration. Hey Joe Elliott… this one cover song alone is worth the purchase of ReGeneration! There, I said it, just like the corn dog I sometimes am.

After a couple of listens to England Rocks and I honestly have to agree… ENGLAND ROCKS! ENGLAND ROCKS! ENGLAND ROCKS! Please excuse me… this song really does ROCK. Shouting And Pointing has an overwhelmingly great Classic Rock vibe from beginning to end. The guitar solo by Paul Guerin is very cool, to be quite simplistically honest. Paul Guerin lays the Heavy down on Shouting And Pointing and Heavy is always welcomed in Stone’s ears. Joe Elliott has some fabulous vocal moments on this song, playing around with his pitch and melody only adds more psyche-out flavoring to the overall dish.

Hey Joe… this Down ‘n’ Outz band does… ROCK. Uh… YEAH! Obviously this band behind Joe Elliott is seasoned, knows their Rock ‘n’ Roll and how to play it.

O.k., here comes the sad and short ballad. Apologies is this song. Clocking in at 1:02 long. Stone don’t likey. Now, that is not to say it is a lousy song, I just don’t do very short and sad ballads. Metal be thy name. Down ‘n’ Outz still does ROCK, um, Joe. Who Do You Love is a bar hoppin’, foot stompin’, beer mug clangin’, it’s Friday night even if it’s Sunday, damn good Rock ‘N’ Rollin’ song. Turn it up!

By Tonight kicks in with a familiar guitar segue that is startling close to that from High ‘n’ Dry (Saturday Night) from Def Leppard’s sophomore album from 1981… High ‘n’ Dry. Stone does likey very much though. This is a Hard Rock song personified and Down ‘n’ Outz jams on it, pushing this song to it’s maximum Rock-Out potential.

I do enjoy the cover songs that Joe Elliott and Down ‘n’ Outz have compiled on ReGeneration. This album is a fun trip down Mott the Hoople’s “spin off” memory lane. Thanks to Joe Elliott though, now I’m gonna have to spend more $$$ and buy all those really cool albums from Ian Hunter, Mott and British Lions. Gee Metal whiz, Joe. I’ll Let It Go though, Joe. Joe Elliott’s Rockaholism only fuels mine and what am I supposed to do? Cranking up the volume on ReGeneration is really the only option here… (make sure to turn it down for Apologies though).

Good Times is a fitting song to be included on this album, this is a good times listen after all. This song is what Rock ‘N’ Roll is all about… “gonna have a good time tonight, Rock ‘N’ Roll Music’s gonna play all night”. This Good Times song is one big blast of feel good vibe. The Flipside Of The Shameless Whelk plays out as a 1:38 long take from a jam session and it Rocks along with cool ease, putting a close to this ReGeneration album.

As noted earlier, it appears that Joe Elliott and Ronan McHugh wrote The Flipside Of The Shameless Whelk, I am coming to the conclusion that Down ‘n’ Outz jammed on it. There are no details other than (Elliott/McHugh) within the liner notes regarding this last song, so if anyone out there knows more about it, please feel free to comment. Up to this point of writing this review, I have no further information on the song – Apologies, other than (Major) as a writing credit. Anyone with further knowledge on Apologies as well can comment, it’s very welcomed.

Fans of Joe Elliott, Def Leppard, Classic Rock, Mott the Hoople and every spin off band from them should give a thorough listen into what Joe Elliott’s Down ‘n’ Outz have done with My ReGeneration. These cover songs are dripping with relevancy, giving these true Classic Rock songs a spotlight and new Rockin’ life. It has been fun for me, to branch off into the direction of the spin off bands of Mott the Hoople and listening to these great songs. Now I have more bands from Rock Music History to delve deeper into and that doesn’t bother me at all!

* My ReGeneration was released on July 13, 2010, on Mailboat Records.

Down ‘n’ Outz:

Joe Elliott – lead vocals, backing vocals, rhythm guitar, acoustic guitar, some piano, various percussion

Paul Guerin – lead & rhythm guitar, backing vocals

Guy Griffin – rhythm guitar, backing vocals

Keith Weir – keyboards, backing vocals

Ronnie Garrity – bass guitar

Phil Martini – drums, backing vocals

* Ron Garrity is the bass guitarist for the Rock/Hard Rock Band – Raw Glory. Paul Guerin, Guy Griffin, Keith Weir and Phil Martini are all members of the Hard Rock Band – The Quireboys.

Track Listing For ReGeneration, Listed With Original Artist:

Golden Opportunity (Ian Hunter)

Storm (Mott)

Overnight Angels (Ian Hunter)

Career (No Such Thing As Rock ‘n’ Roll) (Mott)

England Rocks (Ian Hunter)

Shouting And Pointing (Mott)

By Tonight (Mott)

Apologies (credited to “Major”)

Who Do You Love (Ian Hunter)

One More Chance To Run (British Lions)

3000 Miles From Here (Ian Hunter)

Good Times (Mott, originally recorded by The Easybeats)

The Flipside Of The Shameless Whelk (Elliott/McHugh)

Stone.

5 Comments »

OLD SCHOOL METAL 101: SHOK PARIS – “THE HEAT AND THE FIRE” SONG FROM 1989!

Posted in hard rock albums, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal songs, concrete killers album 1989, hard rock music, heavy metal flashback 1989, heavy metal music, heavy metal songs, metal odyssey, Music, old school metal 101, rock music, shok paris, the heat and the fire song on September 15, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

SHOK PARIS – Digging into some Old School Metal and uncovering my Shok Paris album from 1989 – Concrete Killers, had me realizing how damn decent and cool this band really was. The Heat And The Fire song has all the melodic late 80’s Metal swagger happening, from the strong vocals of Vic Hix to the heated guitar leads and solo from Ken Erb. 1989… essentially 22 years ago and Shok Paris Rocked with “Concrete Killers”. This album still Rocks my ears to this very day, Metal be thy name.

* For more info & band history on Shok Paris, just click on the link below:

SHOK PARIS/Fan Club myspace music

* Concrete Killers was released on I.R.S.

LONG LIVE THE HEAVY ROCK ‘N’ ROLL OF SHOK PARIS!

Stone.

1 Comment »

ACCEPT “BLOOD OF THE NATIONS” – A METAL TRIUMPH AND RETURN TO METAL GLORY FOR ACCEPT!!

Posted in hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, heavy metal songs, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, music reviews, rock music, rock music news with tags 1980's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal bands, accept blood of the nations, accept heavy metal band, accept reunion 2010, blood of the nations album review, frank herman, hard rock music, heavy metal albums 2010, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, heavy metal songs, mark tornillo, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, peter baltes, rock music, rock music news, stefan schwarzmann, wolf hoffmann on September 14, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

ACCEPT – I received in the U.S. mail on Monday… ACCEPT – Blood Of The Nations (deluxe digipak) from Best Metal Buddy – Scott Coverdale. There are many Metal albums that have kicked my ass over the years… and then then came Blood Of The Nations. This new ACCEPT album hasn’t just kicked my ass today… it’s as if I opened up a box of unlimited Metal whoop ass and now I don’t know how to contain it or fight it off. I guess I’ll have to take my Metal whoopin’ as a man each and every time I listen to any or all of Blood Of The Nations. Understand please, what I’m about to say in describing my first listen through of this unreal/new ACCEPT album, here it goes… F’n Metal be thy F’n name.

ACCEPT guitarist and founding member Wolf Hoffmann describes in the liner notes, meeting up with new lead vocalist Mark Tornillo and producer Andy Sneap as “miracles”. As a lifetime fan of ACCEPT, Stone calls holding onto this Blood Of The Nations digipak while these 13 new Metal songs from this legendary band is being absorbed into my ears, at maximum level… a miracle. As a fan, I’ve always embraced the Metal fact that ACCEPT was no more. For nearly fourteen years, the 1996 studio album Predator seemed like it was the last any of us Metalheads would hear from ACCEPT. Well… Metal miracles really do happen and ACCEPT is F’n BACK!

Now, I would not be coming across so damn excited here, if it wasn’t for the powerful surge of premium Metal that ACCEPT has created on Blood Of The Nations. Trust me, if this was average or even slightly good Metal from this new ACCEPT album, I would call it out as such or not bother to write about it at all. Instead, the world needs to know… ACCEPT has returned with a Metal double drop kick to the face, with an amazingly energized and psyche-out filled Metal album. Crap, it seems like all of the “Old School dudes” are kicking everyone’s Metal ass in 2010, doesn’t it?

The vintage ACCEPT sound is all heard here on Blood Of The Nations. The dueling guitars of Wolf Hoffman and long time member Frank Herman brings back to Metal glory the searing and scorching riffs, leads and solos that were such a dynamic trademark of this band. Metal… the ACCEPT way. The formidable chorus that bellows behind the lead vocals of Mark Tornillo on songs – Blood Of The Nations and Shades Of Death are a valiant reminder that ACCEPT has returned with their Metal legacy written on their chests. Metal… the ACCEPT way.

Speed is not a bashful guest on Blood Of The Nations. Locked And Loaded is as easily recognizable as a feisty nod to ’80’s Speed Metal as I could ever wish for. Whoa, this song is fast… and it never relents with it’s raging Metal tempo. Locked And Loaded will easily remind fans of the Metal glorious Restless And Wild album and just how the speed jumped out of those songs back in 1982. Time Machine is pumped-up with plenty of muscular Metal grooves and carries along a heavily melodic pace. The Balls To The Wall era background chanting gives Time Machine a retrospective Metal haze, that is yet another Metal signature of ACCEPT.

So, understand please, with what I’m about to say in regards to my listening to Blood Of The Nations for the fourth time today… F’n Metal be thy F’n name. Realistically, the more I listen to this new ACCEPT, the more I’m realizing that Scott Coverdale just might be right in his calling Blood Of The Nations: Metal Album Of The Year. Wolf Hoffmann and Frank Herman aren’t just on fire with their guitar riffs, leads and solos… they are like crazed human Metal torchs on guitar. One listen to Pandemic and my Metal point is made quite clearly here. Pandemic! Pandemic! Hell yes… Metal… the ACCEPT way.

New World Comin’ rises with an intensified Metal groove that is enriched by the bass thumpin’ of founding member Peter Baltes and the thunder stompin’ of Stefan Schwarzmann on drums. New World Comin’ is the ACCEPT Metal anthem of 2010, bringing the mid ’80’s Arena Metal vibe to a new generation of Metalheads worldwide. Is this my favorite song on Blood Of The Nations? F’N HELL YEAH!!

Look, the reason for my elevated Metal excitement every so often, while doing an album review is due to: A. The respective band is a core/lifetime favorite of mine and B. The Metal contained within is absolutely legitimate and reflects what I feel Metal is supposed to be about… loud, powerful and full of pump-you-up sound, style, energy and feel. Blood Of The Nations is all this for me and then some. Just the prolific way in which Blood Of The Nations opens up with Beat The Bastards is evidence alone as to my prior explanation. Beat The Bastards showcases the melodic yet still fast and heavy character of ACCEPT. Angst filled and still victorious laden, the lyrics of this song are stuff of ACCEPT legend.

The Abyss and Blood Of The Nations guide me into this Metal world of ACCEPT 2010 and I am all the better Metalhead for it. This is Metal that isn’t farting around the beer keg here. The song Blood Of The Nations hails freedom, dreams and ideals… all the important aspects of life that are worth “fighting for”. I, like Scott Coverdale, can’t resist the overall patriotic appeal that this song Blood Of The Nations stands for.

Kill The Pain is a strong Metal… ballad. You read that correctly, ACCEPT has created a killer of a ballad, with 0% plastic sappiness, just stark reality of missing someone that is dearly lost. The guitar solo which ends Kill The Pain resonates with the emotion of this songs lyrics. Kill The Pain brings that moment during this ACCEPT album where I can come down from my Metal psyche-out high. All the while I can still enjoy an incredibly arranged song that showcases Mark Tornillo’s vocal diversity.

The overall Metal sensory experience can truly be better described by listening to these songs on Blood Of The Nations for yourself. Just when I think the Metal exhilaration running through my veins will subside… another song begins on this album that maintains the psyche-out level to a maximum level. ACCEPT has been resurrected and their Metal is dominating on Blood Of The Nations. ACCEPT has returned and ACCEPT has fortified my Metal soul once again.

Teutonic Terror has Mark Tornillo singing his lungs out. Mark comes across on this song as if it’s his personal favorite. Is it? I don’t know for sure. This is the ACCEPT lead vocalist now and I’m digging every syllable Mark Tornillo belts out. Do I miss the ultra Metal legend Udo Dirkschneider? Of course I do, I would be sadly mistaken if I didn’t. With the way life constantly intertwines and develops new paths to navigate, people move on and take their own journey. UDO has taken his solo Metal journey and I have and forever shall support him. I can only admire and applaud the loyalty to the cause of Metal that Udo Dirkschneider has exhibited throughout his historically fantastic Metal career.

This isn’t an album that needs to “sit with me” in order to figure out it’s Metal domination factor.

As with so many bands that are still touring and/or recording today, ACCEPT is a Metal franchise. Their name is branded in the Metal hearts, souls and minds of countless Metalheads the world over. Regardless of having a new lead vocalist, if you are going to maintain consistency, having founding and long-time members of a band only adds to the credibility and legitimacy of the music. If a band is going to have a new lead vocalist, he/she better be good and symbolize the true identity and sound of that bands career. Mark Tornillo is damn good. Wolf Hoffmann, Peter Baltes and their band ACCEPT have returned in a most amazingly formidable way, maintaining the Metal sound and style that solidifies this band as… legendary.

ACCEPT:

Mark Tornillo – vocals

Wolf Hoffmann – guitar

Peter Baltes – bass

Frank Herman – guitar

Stefan Schwarzmann – drums

All music & lyrics by: Baltes, Hoffmann and Tornillo*

* Rolling Thunder – music & lyrics by Frank & Tornillo

Track Listing For Blood Of The Nations:

Beat The Bastards

Teutonic Terror

The Abyss

Blood Of The Nations

Shades Of Death

Locked And Loaded

Time Machine – (bonus track)

Kill The Pain

Rolling Thunder

Pandemic

New World Comin’

No Shelter

Bucket Full Of Hate

LONG LIVE ACCEPT!

Stone.

7 Comments »

ACCEPT “BLOOD OF THE NATIONS” – 2 DAYS TO GO UNTIL IT’S U.S. RELEASE! SOME METAL THOUGHTS…

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags 1970's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal bands, accept, accept blood of the nations, accept heavy metal band, blood of the nations album, hard rock music, heavy metal albums 2010, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, rock music, rock music news, the abyss song, wolf hoffman guitarist on September 12, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

ACCEPT – Their back. With a new lead vocalist in Mark Tornillo. Wolf Hoffman and Herman Frank are the guitar duo with Peter Baltes on bass and Stefan Schwarzmann on drums. This is ACCEPT 2010… and I can’t wait to get my ears melted by the scorching Metal that Blood Of The Nations is about.

I’m feeling quite confident that Blood Of The Nations will be a great listen. Why? Well, I entrust in the words from Metal Odyssey’s correspondent Scott Coverdale… who has stated today: “Blood Of The Nations is a strong contender for Metal Album Of The Year“. Scott Coverdale goes on to say: “Regardless of where you purchase your CD’s, be it f.y.e., Best Buy, Target, Walmart or an independent mom/pop record store, if they aren’t carrying Blood Of The Nations… demand it!

Scott Coverdale continues to say: “This album is definately the heaviest album that Accept has ever recorded. I would even say it is a bit faster and heavier than Restless & Wild. For all those who are skeptical of Mark Tornillo being able to fill an UDO-less Accept, you will definately be pleasantly surprised, almost to the point you’ll like his vocals better… in my opinion. Producer Andy Sneap is a genuis”.

Stone’s thoughts: Wow. Now, for the Metal record, I am an UDO advocate, one who feels strongly that his vocals are the signature of this legendary band we have known and embraced as ACCEPT over the decades. Scott Coverdale has his Metal opinion and he is very much entitled to it, just like anyone else. Indeed, with an “UDO-less” ACCEPT, there will be a huge void to fill in the vocals department, certainly. I have listened to just one song from this new ACCEPT album – The Abyss. I have been Metal impressed by this song since I first heard it, dating back to May 3rd, 2010. The band sounds 100% Metal potent, with Mark Tornillo’s vocals sounding just super to my ears. If anything, while listening to The Abyss, I hear a “touch” of UDO in Mark’s vocals. Is it just me? I don’t know. Still, Mark Tornillo is a unique vocalist, a veteran front-man and comes with plenty of Metal credibility.

Coverdale has already listened to this new ACCEPT album quite a few times now… and he is Metal thrilled to say the least. I look forward to giving my Metal insight/review on this new ACCEPT album in the very near future.

* Producer for Blood Of Nations, Andy Sneap, has woven his legendary Metal career working with the likes of: Megadeth, Exodus, Testament, Blaze Bayley, Arch Enemy and Onslaught… just to name more than a few.

* Legendary ACCEPT guitarist Wolf Hoffman is credited as being the photographer for the front cover image on Blood Of The Nations.

ACCEPT – Blood Of The Nations releases on September 14, 2010 in the U.S. on Nuclear Blast.

* For more info on ACCEPT, just click on the really cool links below:

ACCEPT – Official Website

ACCEPT – myspace music page

* Century Media Records online (aka) CM Distro is a site where you can buy ACCEPT – Blood Of The Nations. Just click right here to get it: Century Media Records/CM Distro

ACCEPT vocalist Mark Tornillo has made his mark in Metal History with New York/New Jersey’s Heavy Metal/Power Metal ambassadors – TT Quick.

* For more info on TT QUICK, click here: TT QUICK – myspace music

* In case you missed it on Metal Odyssey back on May 3rd, 2010, check out the post which featured the still video/song for The Abyss, from Blood Of The Nations. Just click on the big and luring link below and you can listen to The Abyss:

ACCEPT – “THE ABYSS” FROM “BLOOD OF THE NATIONS” ALBUM – HERE IT NOW! PLUS MORE ACCEPT INFO!

Blood Of The Nations – Track Listing:

Beat The Bastards

Teutonic Terror

The Abyss

Blood Of The Nations

Shades Of Death

Locked And Loaded

Time Machine (North American Bonus Track)

Kill The Pain

Rollin’ Thunder

Pandemic

New World Comin’

No Shelter

Bucketful Of Hate

LONG LIVE ACCEPT!

Stone.

7 Comments »

JUDAS PRIEST “METAL GODS” & PRIMAL FEAR COVER OF “METAL GODS” = UNREAL METAL GREATNESS!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, heavy metal songs, metal odyssey, Music, power metal music, rock music, rock music news with tags 1980's heavy metal albums, british steel album 1980, greatest metal songs, hard rock music, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, Judas Priest, metal gods song, metal is forever primal fear album, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, nwobhm, power metal bands, primal fear, ralf scheepers, Rob Halford, rock music, rock music news, the metal god on September 11, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

JUDAS PRIEST & PRIMAL FEAR – What do Judas Priest and Primal Fear have in Metal common, besides both being Metal Bands? METAL GODS. As I and so many countless others will attest, “nothing beats an original”… only Primal Fear covers the Judas Priest original – Metal Gods like they were put on this Earth to do so. Originally heard on the 1980 studio album from Judas Priest – British Steel, Metal Gods has been a lifetime favorite Metal song for me.

Hell, this British Steel album is downright Metal sacred and easily one of the greatest Metal albums ever created. I remember the first time I heard Metal Gods off of this British Steel album… whoa… whoa again. The British Steel album in and of itself is a thoroughbred classic Metal album for the ages… and Metal Gods catapults this reasoning of mine fifty fold.

I can recall, with Metal ease, listening to this one track on British Steel, that is Metal Gods, continuously. I would pick up the turntable needle and drop it back down at the beginning of this incredible song, each time it ended. Metal be thy name. It is the obvious and sheer muscularity of Metal, that this Judas Priest original of Metal Gods bestowed upon thine ears, which made me stand at attention in Metal awe so many years ago. This Judas Priest original still has that same Metal affect on me… and I don’t see it waning anytime soon.

The repeated opening riff throughout Metal Gods is like my very own psyche-out Metal stimulant that makes me feel really, really, good. I vividly remember looking up at my Judas Priest poster, which hung on my bedroom wall when I was a teen, while any Judas Priest album was being cranked up by me. When Metal Gods was played at maximum volume, I would then proceed to play air guitar and bang thine head like an out of control Metal lovin’ maniac. Um, I guess I still do that when I listen to this song… so let it be Metal written, so let it be Metal done. (Only I don’t have a Judas Priest poster on my bedroom wall today… my Metal supporting wife won’t allow it and I do understand).

Being a futuristic look into the unravelling of mankind’s involvement into the “dabbling” and experimenting with the science of robotics, Metal Gods is a song about robotic creatures/machines known as… Metal Gods. These Metal Gods taking control of their surroundings and the very same people who created them, while mankind falls victim to their evil control, is the theme that this song gets across quite clearly. Not too far fetched in my Metal opinion. Who knows how advanced our technology will take us all eventually? Herculean robotic machines may very well be the norm some day in our future… and they could eventually get pissed off at us.

Yes, Rob Halford is the Metal God and I will never dispute that title he carries with Metal honor and pride. However, Ralf Scheepers is no cheap imitation of Rob Halford. Ralf can flat-out sing Metal. Ralf Scheepers… maybe a strong candidate for being the Power Metal God? Listening to the Primal Fear cover version of Metal Gods for the first time was like the second coming of when I first heard this prolifically immense song, so many years ago. Primal Fear could have “covered” Metal Gods or they could have covered it with F’n Metal Might. My Metal senses tell me… Primal Fear covered this Judas Priest classic with F’n Metal Might.

No one has to take my Metal word for it, that both the Metal Gods original and the Primal Fear cover verson are unreal Metal greatness. All you have to do is seek out these Metal songs for yourself and give ’em a Metal try. You can give me a Metal thank you later… after you realize Metal Gods is probably one of the greatest Metal songs ever written. For lifetime/veteran Metalheads out there… hopefully you understand my Metal reasoning and agree with my Metal thoughts on… Metal Gods. I have a funny feeling that many of you fellow Metalheads do understand.

Primal Fear – Metal Is Forever/The Very Best Of Primal Fear was released back on April 3, 2007, on Nuclear Blast. This is a double CD, with CD 1 containing 16 greatest hits and CD 2 containing 9 Metal Classics. The cover of Metal Gods is heard on Metal Classics. This double CD showcases just how fabulous this German Power Metal Band known as… Primal Fear was, is and forever shall be.

* For more info on Judas Priest, click here: JUDAS PRIEST

* For more info on Primal Fear, click here: PRIMAL FEAR – Official Website

LONG LIVE JUDAS PRIEST AND PRIMAL FEAR!

Stone.

5 Comments »

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

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags hard rock music, heavy metal 2010, heavy metal albums 2010, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, nwobhm, old school heavy metal, rock music, rock music news, stranger album review, thrash metal music, valient himself, valient thorr, valient thorr stranger album on September 10, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VALIENT THORR:

Valient Himself – vocals

Eidan Thorr – guitars

Nitewolf – bass

Sadat Thorr – guitars

Lucian Thorr – drums & percussion

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

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

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

VALIENT THORR – myspace music

VALIENT THORR – Official Website

Track Listing For Valient Thorr – Stranger:

Gillionaire

Sleeper Awakes

Disappearer

Double Crossed

Night Terrors

Sudden Death Is Nothing

Woman In The Woods

Vision Quest

Habituary

The Recognition

Without Hope, Without Fear

Future Humans

Thorriors Of The Galaxy Assemble!

Stone.

2 Comments »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE NEW CZARS – myspace music

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

The New Czars:

Greg Hampton – vocals & guitar

Paul Ill – bass

David “Chilli” Moreno – drums

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

Track Listing For Doomsday Revolution:

keep on goin’

confessions

desperate

why do u have 2 lie

don’t watch Me

Time stops

brush with the devil

so sure

abstract prague

crashed

doomsday revolution

only dreaming

Tell Me

had 2 do it

funky detour

crotch critters

THE NEW CZARS… A WHOLE NEW BREED OF ROCK.

Stone.

11 Comments »

VANDENBERG “BURNING HEART” – THIS 1982 POWER BALLAD STILL GLISTENS

Posted in classic rock music, classic rock songs, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, hard rock songs, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock guitarists, rock music with tags 1980's heavy metal ballads, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal guitarists, 1980's power ballads, adrian vandenberg, burning heart song 1982, hard rock guitarists, hard rock music, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, vandenberg 1982, vandenberg debut album on September 7, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

VANDENBERG – Let’s go back to 1982. I was a sophomore in high school and very proud of my ability to draw the band logos for Styx, Michael Schenker Group and of course… KISS. (The Judas Priest band logo was and forever will be too difficult for me to draw freehand). Hirax, Hellhammer and Armored Saint were formed, just to name a few Metal bands. Alright, W.A.S.P. was formed in 1982 too. World famous pro basketball star, (UCONN & Pheonix Mercury) Diana Taurasi was born.

Ronald Reagan was the United States President and Bryant Gumbel began his 15 year career as NBC’s The Today Show co-host. The Weather Channel also launched into cable television back in 1982. Well, enough with the 1982 trivia… this post is about guitarist Adrian Vandenberg’s own Hard Rock band which debuted their self-titled album Vandenberg, this very same year on Atco Records.

This Vandenberg debut album was and always will be an excellent listen for me. My favorite song from this album is Burning Heart. That’s correct… a ballad. A Power Ballad too. Me, the dude who likes to tip-toe around ballads in almost any album review I do, really digs Burning Heart. Ever since I first heard this song on the FM dial back in 1982, I have been an admirer of it. Bert Heerink was the lead vocalist on this song and album. Could it be the strength in Bert’s vocals that I hear be the deciding factor for my liking Burning Heart so much? How about the guitar talent of Adrian Vandenberg himself? Adrian’s solo in Burning Heart is as articulately placed and played as any I’ve ever heard over all these years.

Adrian’s tone and feel that comes out at me from his guitar just always seemed to have that wallop. On Burning Heart, Adrian makes his guitar come across with such a free floating sound, making this Power Ballad come together perfectly… he dictated this song and commanded it with his guitar eloquence. Burning Heart from the very onset of my hearing it, never came across to me as being sappy. It is quite an emotional song for certain and radiates that essential vibe that seems to be lacking in so many Power Ballads over the decades.

Does Burning Heart remind me of a love I once had? Nope. Does it remind me of a love I could never have? Nope again. Despite this, this is a song that just reminds me of a time in my life when I was seeking out my place amongst my peers and just trying to get along. In actuality, that is really what I’m still doing, to this very day. Any song, from the vast and seemingly infinite world of music, will hold it’s own unique affect on an individual. Burning Heart stays in my music mind files as being… timeless.

* Besides being a legendary guitarist, find out more about Adrian Vandenberg and his other artistic talent… as a world renowned painter in the fine arts. Peruse Adrian’s brilliant artwork by clicking this link: ADRIAN VANDENBERG – ARTIST

Vandenberg, as they appeared on the debut/self titled album:

Adrian Vandenberg – guitar, keyboards and backing vocals

Bert Heerink – lead vocals

Dick Kemper – bass and backing vocals

Jos Zoomer – drums and backing vocals

LONG LIVE ADRIAN VANDENBERG & HIS MUSIC

Stone.

5 Comments »

TEN VERY UNCOOL HARD ROCK & HEAVY METAL ALBUM COVERS PART II

Posted in classic rock music, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags food network, hard rock music, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, helloween, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news, uncool hard rock album covers, uncool heavy metal album covers on September 5, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER?

I don’t advertise myself to be an “expert” in Hard Rock and Heavy Metal album cover design. Nor am I a photography expert either. What I do know is this… a Hard Rock or Heavy Metal album cover should entice fans or potential fans to buy the album. Skulls, flames, guitars, dragons, sword & sorcery, space aliens, monsters, spooky landscapes, the paranormal and the macabre is right up my Metal alley when it comes to album covers. You won’t find this cool stuff on the album covers below. Marketing Hard Rock and Heavy Metal should be simple, right? Well, that is not always the Metal case, as you shall see from the following list of ten very uncool album covers that I have compiled… just for you… and it’s “Part II”!

Years ago, I did earn a degree in Graphic Communications, therefore I think I know what cool Hard Rock and Heavy Metal album artwork is supposed to look like. Then again, what do I know? Some, if not many of the albums in this top ten list have probably sold millions of copies worldwide… so my opinion on these very uncool album covers is probably one big, nasty and smelly fart in the wind anyways.

* Just because an album cover is uncool, doesn’t necessarily mean that the music contained within is lousy. This list, as with the first list, only points out those Hard Rock & Heavy Metal album covers which Metal Odyssey finds so extremely boring and embarrassing that they are… well, uncool.

Here are Metal Odyssey’s Top Ten Very Uncool Hard Rock & Heavy Metal Album Covers Part II, enjoy! Or, try to enjoy.

#10:

Hard Rock Essentials: 1980’s (1995)

Wow. Is that supposed to be a guitar in the center? Um, it’s missing some parts. Ahhh! Those two skulls are so NOT scary! These aren’t the skulls and guitar that I’m looking for on an album cover! This is what a record company gets, when they don’t want to pay the $$$ for decent Hard Rock artwork. Instead, it looks like some record company gave a kindergartner the “go” on this one. Or, it’s some overpaid record executive’s fourth grade kid that did it. Either way… this artwork stinks like rotten cabbage.

#9:

Metal Church – The Human Factor (1991)

Look, anyone who knows me, knows I revere Metal Church… every Metal Church lineup too. With that said, this album cover does this Metal Church lineup NO Metal justice whatsoever. It looks like these guys are laying down on a (gulp) Disco dance floor from Saturday Night Fever. The Metal Church “classic logo” is there, only it’s not enough.

#8:

Torben Enevoldsen – Heavy Persuasion (2007)

Alright, Torben, sit right there and hold up your guitar’s neck directly in front of your face… o.k., a little to the right, hold still now, why aren’t you smiling? Sit still… done! What a picture we got! That didn’t take too long now, did it? Man, Torben, this is gonna make an awesome album cover!

#7:

Lee Aaron – Metal Queen (1984)

Um, yup. Anyways, Lee Aaron really doesn’t look like a queen here at all. Instead, let’s be real, she looks more like a lady barbarian. Where’s the queen’s clothing? Hey… that’s a cardboard sword! Is that backdrop a soiled shower curtain? Regardless, this is not the sword & sorcery I’m talkin’ about. Where’s Doro Pesch when we really need her!?

#6:

Koushik – be with

Apparently, Koushik is a Canadian electronic musician. That’s what my Metal research has uncovered. Despite the lack of Hard Rock or Heavy Metal tags associated with Koushik, this album cover is just a MUST to make this list. I should have never thrown away my kids drawings from when they were one years old. Damn, I could be selling them right now… to record companies as album covers! I could have been rich! I could understand if this cover was for Kids Bop though.

#5:

Symphonity – Voice From The Silence (2008)

Trust me… these dudes called Symphonity ROCK. However, the Power Metal & Speed Metal that this cool band is great at just does NOT resonate on this album cover. Honestly, if I did not know about this Symphonity band, I would swear this was a Gospel album.

#4:

Helloween – Chameleon (1993)

As with Metal Church, Helloween is a band that I honestly revere. Helloween invented Power Metal for Metal sakes. Helloween F’n Rules. However, Chameleon is hands down, my least favorite Helloween album ever released… and it has the worst Helloween album cover ever created. Yes… Metal be thy name.

#3:

Heavy Metal: Head Bangin’ Hits (2003)

It’s some girl wearing a Dee Snider Halloween wig and Jerry Garcia glasses. Um… not my idea of a “Heavy Metal Chick”. It’s covers like this that makes me ask… WTF?

#2:

Heart Of Metal 2 – Various Artists (2001)

Yeah, o.k., like every Metalhead out there is gonna give their sweetheart a barbed wire heart, as a token of their Metal love. Here baby… I love you baby… uh, don’t get cut on this barbed wire heart. Over the years, it never ceases to amaze me, the over zealous stereotyping that we Metalheads receive. Like we are all a bunch of cash strapped barbarians, that rummage through landfills for anniversary gifts. If I gave my wife a barbed wire heart… she would then know that I totally lost my Metal mind, plus I’d get kicked out of the house as well. Hey, not even Hot Topic sells these barbed wire hearts. Not yet anyways.

#1:

Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives: Road Songs That Rock – Hand Picked by Guy Fieri (Compilation) – (2008)

F’n Whoa. Hey, I don’t need that Food Network or Guy Fieri hand picking ANY Rock, Hard Rock or Heavy Metal songs for me. Stick to eating your high cholesterol foods Guy. Plus, I don’t see the F’n connection between the Food Network and Rock ‘N’ Roll anyways. Furthermore, I NEVER connected Guy Fieri to Hard Rock, Heavy Metal or any Rock Music for that F’n matter. All of a sudden, Guy Fieri is the second coming of Wolfman Jack.

Do you think the Food Network would let me have a 30 minute show called… Cooking With Stone? Bet your Metal butt they wouldn’t. Yet it’s alright for the Food Network to set loose their “food experts” on the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal world. Gee Metal whiz.

This is a perfect example of a corporate entity getting involved where they DON’T BELONG! It’s all about the quick $$$ isn’t it Food Network? By the way… the track listing is not too shabby on this CD. I don’t own it and would never buy it… due to the Metal fact it has a damn Food Network logo on it with Guy Fieri laughing all the way to the bank… or should I say refrigerator?

Stone.

5 Comments »

BLACKIE LAWLESS OF W.A.S.P. – HAPPY METAL BIRTHDAY!!

Posted in celebrity birthdays, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock music, rock music history, rock music news with tags 1980's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal bands, Blackie Lawless, celebrity birthdays, hard rock music, heavy metal birthdays, heavy metal history, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, W.A.S.P. on September 4, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

BLACKIE LAWLESS – On September 4, 1956, Blackie Lawless was born. On that day, the history of Heavy Metal was solidified and secured. Blackie Lawless turns a Metal cool 54 today! Happy Metal Birthday Blackie Lawless! You are a Metal Odyssey – Lifetime Metal Warrior. With 14 studio albums and 4 live albums as the founding Metal leader of W.A.S.P., I and Scott Coverdale give you a Metal salute and a rousing THANK YOU!

THANK YOU Blackie Lawless for also standing up against the PMRC back in 1985… our freedom to listen to the music that we love in America was on the brink due to this PMRC “group” and WE WON due to our Metal and Music community banding together as one. Scott Coverdale and I don’t forget what you stood up for back in those late 80’s. Stone and Scott Coverdale shall never forget their Metal roots, therefore, we shall never forget the history of Blackie Lawless and W.A.S.P.!

THANK YOU for creating Babylon. This 2009 studio album of unreal & supercharged Metal was heralded as the #1 Heavy Metal album of 2009, right here, on Metal Odyssey! On December 28, 2009, Metal Odyssey posted their “Top 25 Heavy Metal Albums Of 2009”. Anyone who missed it can read all about it and check out W.A.S.P. Babylon being #1, just by clicking on the big and cool link below:

METAL ODYSSEY’S TOP 25 HEAVY METAL ALBUMS OF 2009

* After the release of Babylon, I was so psyched out of my Metal mind about this album, that praising one song at a time from it seemed like a logical Metal choice. Here is the post, from November 14, 2009, that gives Metal praise to the Chuck Berry classic Promised Land, that W.A.S.P. so admirably covered on Babylon:

W.A.S.P. COVERS CHUCK BERRY CLASSIC – “PROMISED LAND” ON “BABYLON” ALBUM

* On November 11, 2009, I gave a Metal thumbs up to the song Crazy from Babylon:

W.A.S.P. “CRAZY” FROM “BABYLON” ALBUM IS WOVEN WITH HEAVY METAL MATURITY

* And on November 10, 2009, I ranted and Metal raved about W.A.S.P. covering the Deep Purple classic Burn that is heard on Babylon:

W.A.S.P. COVERS THE DEEP PURPLE CLASSIC “BURN” WITH HEAVY METAL PRIDE ON BABYLON ALBUM!

* On March 10, 2010, Metal Odyssey posted about just how incredible W.A.S.P. Live… In The Raw truly is. You can check it out by clicking on the magic link below:

W.A.S.P. – “LIVE… IN THE RAW” RESONATES THE LIVE POWER AND SOUL OF HEAVY ROCK ‘N ROLL!!

* On January 14, 2010, Metal Odyssey featured a post about the collector side of Stone when it comes to W.A.S.P., the 12″ single of The Real Me is shown in all of it’s Metal glory! Click that jim dandy link below to check it out:

W.A.S.P. – “THE REAL ME” 12″ SINGLE FROM 1989 REVISITED!

* On December 30, 2009, Metal Odyssey got all Metal giddy about the 1989 picture disc of The Headless Children. Yes… that fine link below will take you right to this post:

W.A.S.P. “THE HEADLESS CHILDREN” 1989 PICTURE DISC IS FOR KEEPS!

* Going back to April April 24, 2009, Metal Odyssey wasn’t bashful about being Metal psyched about the 1985 studio album – The Last Command. Metal be thy name, this is a fabulous W.A.S.P. album! Read for yourself, if you so choose, by clicking the link below:

W.A.S.P. “The Last Command” is a Heavy Metal classic!

* Back on March 21, 2009, Metal Odyssey celebrated 26 years of W.A.S.P. Heavy Metal! A terrific post was written to celebrate this amazing and historic Heavy Metal event. The link below shall guide you to this Metal read:

Celebrating 26 years of W.A.S.P. Heavy Metal!

* For those who want to learn about more incredible W.A.S.P. albums from the past, all you need to do is click on the links below. These are all album reviews written by Stone!

* From March 15, 2009:

W.A.S.P. – DYING FOR THE WORLD

* From March 15, 2009:

W.A.S.P. – STILL NOT BLACK ENOUGH

* From March 15, 2009:

W.A.S.P. – HELLDORADO

* From March 14, 2009:

W.A.S.P. – THE CRIMSON IDOL

So, as anyone can see, Blackie Lawless and his amazingly important and Metal historic band W.A.S.P. are and forever will be embraced here on Metal Odyssey.

LONG LIVE BLACKIE LAWLESS!

BLACKIE LAWLESS = HEAVY METAL & ROCK ‘N’ ROLL LEGEND

Stone.

1 Comment »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LONG LIVE MURDERDOLLS & THEIR ROCK ‘N’ ROLL!

Stone.

2 Comments »

RUDOLF SCHENKER – HAPPY BIRTHDAY FROM METAL ODYSSEY!

Posted in classic rock music, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock guitarists, rock music, rock music news with tags classic rock music, guitar legends, hard rock music, heavy metal birthdays, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music birthdays, rock music news, rudolf schenker, Scorpions, scorpions sting in the tail on August 30, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

RUDOLF SCHENKER – Born on August 31, 1948, Rudolf Schenker turns a Rockin’ cool… 62! Tuesday, August 31, 2010, is Rudolf Schenker day at Metal Odyssey! Happy Birthday Rudolf! Metal Odyssey wishes you all the very best in your Metal endeavors on your birthday! May all the peace, love and good health be with you always!

Words cannot express, just how much your music with the Scorpions has meant to me, during my whole life.

* Pictured in above Scorpions photo, left to right: Pawel Maciwoda, Klaus Meine, Matthias Jabs, James Kottak and the birthday dude… Rudolf Schenker!

* On June 27, 2010, I posted about my Rockin’ experience seeing the Scorpions live at the 2010 M3 Rock Festival. Click on the big ol’ link below to read about it if you like:

SCORPIONS AT M3 ROCK FESTIVAL 2010 – THANK YOU SCORPS!!

LONG LIVE RUDOLF SCHENKER!

LONG LIVE SCORPIONS ROCK ‘N’ ROLL!

Stone.

THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER – THE DEFLORATE TOUR 2010… NORTH AMERICAN DATES LISTING!

Posted in death metal music, extreme metal music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags arkaik, Death Metal, deathcore, extreme metal music, goatwhore, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, heavy metal tours 2010, melodic death metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, north america metal tours, rock music news, the black dahlia murder, the deflorate tour on August 28, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER – Deflorate, the fourth studio album from The Black Dahlia Murder, was released on September 15, 2009, on Metal Blade Records. Deflorate reached #43 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart and went to #5 on the Billboard Top Independent Albums Chart. With subsequent worldwide touring since, The Black Dahlia Murder are now setting their Extreme Metal sights on a North American tour… The Deflorate Tour. This blazingly Metal fierce band will be headlining, with opening bands – Goatwhore and ARKAIK.

The Black Dahlia Murder:

Trevor Strnad – vocals

Brian Eschbach – guitar

Ryan Knight – guitar

Ryan “Bart” Williams – bass

Shannon Lucas – drums

Check out the tour dates below… The Deflorate Tour just might be in your backyard.

* For more info on The Black Dahlia Murder, just click the link below:

The Black Dahlia Murder – myspace page

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

GOATWHORE – myspace page

Goatwhore are touring in support of their 2009 studio album release – Carving Out The Eyes Of God, released on Metal Blade Records, on June 23, 2009.

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

ARKAIK – myspace page

ARKAIK are touring in support of their new studio album – Reflections Within Dissonance, which was released on Unique Leader, on January 26, 2010.

THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER – THE DEFLORATE TOUR WITH GOATWHORE AND ARKAIK/U.S. AND CANADIAN DATES:

09/28 – Columbus, OH @ Skully’s

09/29 – Buffalo, NY @ Mohawk Place

09/30 – Brooklyn, NY @ Europa

10/01 – Hartford, CT @ Webster Underground

10/02 – Bucksport, ME @ The Kave

10/03 – Quebec, QC @ Imperial de Quebec

10/04 – Montreal, QC @ Petit Cafe

10/05 – Ottawa, ON @ Ritual

10/06 – Toronto, ON @ The Wreck Room

10/07 – Lemoyne, PA @ Championship

10/08 – Richmond, VA @ Canal Club

10/09 – Wilmington, NC @ The Soapbox Laundrolounge

10/10 – Charlotte, NC @ The Casbah

10/12 – East St. Louis, MO @ Pop’s

10/13 – Des Moines, IA @ The Vaudeville Mews

10/14 – DeKalb, IL @ House Cafe

10/15 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Mixtape Cafe

10/16 – Toledo, OH @ Headliners

(Source: Metal Blade News Update Newsletter, August 27, 2010)

EXTREME METAL RULES.

Stone.

MEGADETH “RUST IN PEACE LIVE” – RELEASES SEPTEMBER 7th, 2010! TRACK LISTING & ALBUM ARTWORK

Posted in hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal, thrash metal albums, thrash metal bands, thrash metal music with tags 1980's thrash metal, dave mustaine, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, live heavy metal albums, live thrash metal albums, megadeth, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, rust in peace live, thrash metal albums 2010, thrash metal bands, thrash metal music on August 27, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

MEGADETH – Dave Mustaine and his Thrash Metal legacy continues, with his band MEGADETH. Rust In Peace Live will be Released on September 7th, 2010, on Shout Factory! The entire MEGADETH studio album Rust In Peace is a known Thrash Metal Classic and this gem is performed live in it’s entirety on Rust In Peace Live. Rust In Peace was the fourth studio album from MEGADETH, released back in 1990, on Capitol Records. There are several other MEGADETH songs on this forthcoming live album as well… classics all.

You bet your Metal ass I’m gonna be buying Rust In Peace Live! Once a MEGADETH fan… always a MEGADETH fan and there is no copping out. The front cover album artwork is vintage MEGADETH, with the unmistakable logo and the image of Vic Rattlehead in the foreground. MEGADETH can keep on releasing the Thrash Metal goods… and I’ll keep on buyin’ em up. Metal be thy name.

* Rust In Peace Live was recorded at The Hollywood Palladium, March 31, 2010.

* For more info on MEGADETH, just click here: MEGADETH – Official Website

MEGADETH:

Dave Mustaine – vocals, guitar

Chris Broderick – guitar

David Ellefson – bass

Shawn Drover – drums, percussion

Here is the front cover album artwork for the 1990 studio album – Rust In Peace:

Track Listing For – RUST IN PEACE *LIVE*:

Holy Wars… The Punishment Due

Hangar 18

Take No Prisoners

Five Magics

Poison Was The Cure

Lucretia

Tornado Of Souls

Dawn Patrol

Rust In Peace… Polaris

Holy Wars Reprise

Skin O’ My Teeth

In My Darkest Hour

She-Wolf

Trust

Symphony Of Destruction

Peace Sells

LONG LIVE MEGADETH!

Stone.

5 Comments »

Ten Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Songs That I Can Do Without

Posted in classic rock, classic rock music, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags 1980's hard rock bands, 1980's hard rock songs, 1980's heavy metal bands, hard rock music, heavy metal music, heavy metal songs, lousy hard rock songs, lousy heavy metal songs, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music on August 25, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

Here at Metal Odyssey, not every Hard Rock or Heavy Metal song ever created is going to be praised. There are those songs that give me an instant headache. Then, there are those songs that make me want to barf. Of course, there are songs that make me wonder… why? Here is a list of 10 songs that I honestly cannot listen to ever again. It’s all personal preference here and just because I may dislike the song listed does not mean I don’t like the band that recorded it.

There are bands and musicians on this list that are beyond legendary. Enjoy or become annoyed with this list, regardless, these songs are NOT going to ever “psyche out the party”. God forbid if these songs were to psyche out a party… then that party must be at the Lame-O Ranch At Rolling Hills.

01 – White Lion – When The Children Cry: Yeah, yeah, yeah… it’s a serious song about a sad and serious topic and I truly respect that aspect of this song. It’s just so damn sad that for years it made me want to scream every time I heard it. Now, one micro second of this song’s beginning is enough for me.

02 – Twisted Sister – Leader Of The Pack: Of course Twisted Sister is a legendary band. The only problem is this cover song they did way back in 1985 is not a crowning moment for this icon band. The silver lining about this cover song is it made me appreciate the albums Under The Blade and You Can’t Stop Rock ‘n’ Roll all the more.

03 – Ozzy Osbourne & Lita Ford – Close My Eyes Forever: Just like When The Children Cry, I realize this is a serious song with a deep and somber meaning. However, this would be a much more tolerable song if the duet performing it was Celine Dion and Josh Groban… and then I still wouldn’t listen to it.

04 – Metallica – One: Back in 1989 I was the biggest Metallica fan on the Metal block. Upon my very first listen to One… I was clutching onto my Slayer, Overkill, Anthrax and Exodus albums and running for cover. My Mercyful Fate albums too. Oh, for the record, I was 0% impressed by the music video for One as well. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll always be a Metallica fan. Just realize there is no law that requires me to love everything that Metallica ever did.

05 – Honeymoon Suite – New Girl Now: Um, again… not every Hard Rock or Heavy Metal song is gonna get Stone psyched out. Two words of note here – bubble gum.

06 – Ozzy Osbourne – So Tired: Look, I revere Ozzy, he’s the Godfather of Heavy Metal for Metal sakes. Regardless, I grew tired of So Tired the very day I bought Bark At The Moon back in 1983. If I whined just like Ozzy does on this song… my wife would slug me in the head and boot me in the butt.

07 – Ace Frehley/Frehley’s Comet – Dolls: C’mon. The lyrics are just plain weird. Space Ace is another musician I have revered since the late ’70’s and I’m a KISS fan for life. I love every song Ace Frehley has ever played guitar and/or sung on. The exception is this song.

08 – Metallica – Turn The Page: This is one instance where nothing beats the original. Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band never created this Classic Rock masterpiece for Metallica to improve on it. Sure, it’s a multi-million dollar seller for Metallica… and multi-millions of turtleneck wearing Bananarama fans bought it too.

09 – Styx – Mr. Roboto – I can vividly remember, like it was yesterday. Either WHCN or WCCC FM, (which FM station is not vivid), out of Hartford, Connecticut was announcing the “new” Styx single… Mr. Roboto. I was ecstatic. Bring on the “new” Styx is all I was saying. Then… this song played. Ouch. At the end of Mr. Roboto, the DJ asked listeners to call in and give their opinion on the song. Back then, (1983), my family and everyone else I knew had the clunky… rotary phones. The phones in which you had to “dial” by finger, one number at a time. Anyways… I was in a state of despair… too upset to call any damn DJ at that moment anyhow. All I do remember is clutching onto The Grand Illusion album, slowly rocking back and forth as I sat there on the floor, half crying, muttering this one lone word over and over… why?, why?, WHY?!

10 – Queen – Radio Ga Ga – I also remember too vividly this song being released as well. Queen is so enormously legendary, it’s just a shame there is a Queen song out there that I cannot listen to. Radio Ga Ga is that song. Look, I already took a beating in 1983 with Mr. Roboto… now only a year later, it’s another revered band of mine taking a stylistic music detour as well. I don’t care if this song’s meaning is about radio playing lousy songs and programming back in the day. This song was not the Queen I fell head over heals with as a young lad. To this day, I cannot figure out what the “Ga Ga” was suppose to mean. Maybe Lady Ga Ga figured it out.

Stone.

13 Comments »

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