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GRAVEWORM – Announces Changes To Band Lineup

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

The Italian Dark Metal outfit GRAVEWORM announce some changes respective to the Line-Up. Founding member and guitar player Stefan Unterpertinger returns after about 10 years to the band.

He takes the guitar-part from Thomas Orgler who left the band because of personal reasons.

Keyboard player Sabine Mair left the band because of personal reasons as well.

Stefano Fiori (vocalist) commented:
“It’s a pity not to have Thomas and Sabine in the band anymore. But of course we wish them all the best for their future. All the more we are glad to have Stefan back in the band. We practise hardly and we feel that there’s still good chemistry between us. With Stefan a GRAVEWORM founding member is back, so: welcome home, Stefan!”

(Source: Nuclear Blast News)

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

GRAVEWORM – Official facebook

http://www.graveworm.de

LONG LIVE GRAVEWORM.

Stone.

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STONECOLLAR – Releases New Single: ‘Swallowed By The Sun’ – Listen To It Streaming Here!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock songs, Heavy Metal, modern rock, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on January 30, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

STONECOLLAR – Cape Town, South Africa has a do-it-yourself Hard Rock band to boast about. They’re called STONECOLLAR. This band has already delivered a fantastic debut album back in 2011: Trial By Fire. Now, STONECOLLAR has released a new single, Swallowed By The Sun, which has ready for radio oozing from its every Rockin’ note. This song is from their latest project: Online Overlord.

States (rhythm guitarist) Clinton Jurgens: “The song is a large-scale Rock ballad telling the epic tale of a loved one’s self demise. Fans of Alter Bridge, Shinedown and fellow countrymen, Seether (and a host of similar Hard Rock bands) will be sure to love this song”.

Clinton Jurgens adds: “To assist the release, we launched our official fan club, Airheads (hosted on the www.airbornemusic.com platform) and it basically works that a fan pays $1 a month to us and they get any content that we release for free. And we intend to release stuff on a weekly basis so that there is a real value to being part of the club”.

Artist page is here: www.airbornemusic.com/stonecollar

I really dig Swallowed By The Sun, it’s a Hard Rockin’ ballad that showcases the quality of songwriting and musicianship that STONECOLLAR bestows. Vocally, Leshem Petersen sounds as passionate for the song as Chris Daughtry… and you can take that to the Metal bank and tell ’em Stone from Metal Odyssey sent you. Metal be thy name.

I was won over by the debut album from STONECOLLAR, now I’m convinced this Hard Rock band MUST be taken seriously by “both” indie and major record labels. STONECOLLAR is happening… is Modern with their Hard Rock sound… they’ve created some serious Hard Rock and they’re a MUST band to catch onto NOW.

Listen to Swallowed By The Sun below! This is one damn good Hard Rock song!

STONECOLLAR:

Leshem Petersen – Bass and Vocals

Sean Tait – Lead Guitar

Clinton Jurgens – Rhythm Guitar

Bryan Nicol – Drums

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

STONECOLLAR – Official facebook

STONECOLLAR – myspace music

* To read my review for Trial By Fire, (posted on June 10th, 2011), click below!

STONECOLLAR – “Trial By Fire” Debut Album Is Ablaze! Two Tracks To Hear Right Now!

LONG LIVE STONECOLLAR.

Stone.

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Mark Reale (RIOT Founder, Guitarist) – Rest In Peace

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news, speed metal with tags , , , , , , , , on January 26, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Mark Reale, founder and guitarist for RIOT passed away on January 25, 2012, at age 56. Mark was also the cofounder and guitarist for the Hard Rock band Westworld. The following is a direct quote from The Official Web Site of Mark Reale:

“Our brother Mark Reale went home to be with our Lord this day, January 25th, 2012 after a long battle and complications from Crohns disease”. You can read more by clicking here: Mark Reale – Official Web Site

RIOT originates from New York City. Mark Reale and RIOT have influenced and shaped the foundation of American Power Metal, not to mention influencing countless musicians and bands the world over. The Heavy Metal of RIOT and musicianship of Mark Reale will forever be one of a kind. Metal Odyssey expresses condolences to the family, bandmates, friends and fans of Mark Reale. May Mark Reale rest in peace.

Mark Reale

1955-2012

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PHARAOH – Premieres ‘Castles In The Sky’ From Their Forthcoming Album ‘Bury The Light’

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

Cruz Del Sur Music officially presents the first track off of the upcoming PHARAOH album Bury the Light. The song, entitled  Castles In The Sky features Mike Wead of King Diamond fame on guitar. To stream Castles In The Sky, visit Cruz Del Sur Music here:  CRUZ DEL SUR MUSIC On SoundCloud. Bury the Light is PHARAOH’s fifth album and will be officially released in Europe on February 24th, 2012, and in North America on March 6th. Available formats include CD,  limited gatefold LP and digital. For more, visit http://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com.

BURY THE LIGHT – Track Listing:

Leave me Here to Dream

The Wolves

Castles in the Sky

The Year of the Blizzard

The Spider’s Thread

Cry

Graveyard of Empires

Burn with Me

In Your Hands

The Spider’s Thread (reprise)

PHARAOH:

 Tim Aymar – vocals

 Matt Johnsen – guitars

 Chris Black – drums

 Chris Kerns – bass

* PHARAOH originates from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

(Source: ClawHammer PR)

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

PHARAOH – Reverbnation

http://solarflight.net

LONG LIVE PHARAOH.

Stone.

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Warriors Of Metal Fest V Open Air – Forte’, Benedictum and The Last Alliance Are Confirmed!

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

Warriors Of Metal Festival V Open Air 2012 – Press Release:

We are very excited to announce that the Oklahoma City Power / Speed Metal band FORTE’ have officially confirmed their participation in this year’s Warriors Of Metal Fest V Open Air. FORTE’ released 4 great albums from 1992 to 1999 while signed to Germany’s Massacre Records and self released their Limited Edition “Vae Solis” EP in Sept. 2011! They’ll release their 5th full length album in early 2012.

The incredible Rev Jones who plays Bass for STEELHEART and MSG also plays Bass in FORTE’ and he’s something to behold LIVE! We thank FORTE’ for giving us the privilege to showcase them at our 5th year anniversary Metalfest in 2012!

We are also very happy to report that our American Metal Goddess, Veronica Freeman and our friends in BENEDICTUM have confirmed their return to the Warriors Of Metal Fest stage for a repeat performance in 2012, after being the very first female fronted Metal band that graced our stage in 2011.

The return of Benedictum to WOM Fest V Open Air was made possible in large part due to the generous fan sponsorships of Kent & Kathy Wittwer and DJ Valkyrie Lawson (of Hard Rock Radio Live) who are all WOM Fest fans and saw Benedictum in action this past year at WOM Fest IV Open Air and made this great band only the 3rd one to make a return to our stage besides Cleveland’s Vindicator & Brazil’s Machinage. We welcome Benedictum back to our Metal family in 2012!

Queens, New York’s Epic Metal band THE LAST ALLIANCE was the first band to confirm their participation in our special 5th year Anniversary celebration of True Metal in 2012. The Last Alliance self-produced their debut album “Out Of The Ashes” and are now in the process of recording their sophomore full length saga. It can easily be said that The Last Alliance writes songs that one would expect to hear on an Iced Earth or a Blind Guardian album so we are very excited to showcase this highly talented group of musicians at our festival this year.

The Warriors Of Metal Fest V Open Air will take place on June 29th & 30th, 2012 at the Frontier Ranch, 8836 York Road, Pataskala, Ohio which is just a 20 minute drive East of the capital city of Columbus, Ohio. Tickets for this event are now on sale at the Fest website:

http://www.warriorsofmetalfest.com

Weekend passes for adults (17 and up) are just $50 and Weekend 4-Packs for adults (groups of 4 people) are only $40 per person. Adult single day tickets are $30 for each day and $25 per person in a 4-Pack for a single day ticket. Teenager tickets (11-16) are only $15 for the whole weekend, Friday only or Saturday only. Kids under 11 get in for Free. Camping is free and ticket buyers can also pre-order their Fest T-shirts at the time of their ticket purchase.

LONG LIVE WARRIORS OF METAL FEST.

Stone.

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RE-ARMED – To Support Chimaira On The Age Of Hell Tour 2012

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

Good news for all European RE-ARMED fans! The guys are going to support Chimaira at their upcoming The Age Of Hell Tour 2012.

Here are the confirmed dates:

29.03.2012 BE Antwerp – Trix

30.03.2012 NL Amsterdam – Melkweg

31.03.2012 DE Cologne – Underground

01.04.2012 DE Hamburg – Logo

02.04.2012 DE Berlin – Magnet

03.04.2012 DE Munich – Backstage

Re-ARMED’s new album Worldwide Hypnotize will be released via Massacre Records on January 27, 2012!

(Source: Massacre Records)

* For more info on RE-ARMED, click on the links below:

http://www.re-armed.net

http://www.facebook.com/rearmed

http://www.massacre-records.com

* For more info on CHIMAIRA, click here: CHIMAIRA – Official Facebook

Stone.

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Cory Smoot CD Release / Memorial Show Is A Huge Success

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock guitarists, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on January 16, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

On Saturday night, January 7th, 2012, the Metal community took another step in dealing with the tragic death of long-time GWAR guitarist Cory Smoot by holding the first of two events in a three-show schedule of shows designed to support the Smoot Family Foundation and honor the life of this prolific artist, who died of a heart attack this past November at the age of only 34.

Cory had played the role of Flattus Maximus in the world’s most infamous band for eleven years, as well as participated in many side projects, while at the same time producing and engineering tons of records at his always busy Karma Studios. In doing so he had become a treasured part of the local and national Metal scene, and they turned out in force to both events, opening their hearts to Cory’s family in a completely selfless display of solidarity, respect, and generosity.

Cory’s widow, Jaime, who is pregnant with Cory’s child, had this message for the fans-

“I want to sincerely thank ALL the friends and fans for their amazing donations and support!! Thanks to Eve and Brent for organizing the events, to the businesses that contributed raffle prizes, and to the venues and bands for making the shows awesome!! You guys made Cory, the baby and me very proud!”

Show highlights included Lamb of God lead singer Randy Blythe singing for thrashers Cannabis Corpse. Blythe was later joined by Municipal Waste lead singer Tony Foresta in shearing off five years of hair from GWAR lead singer Dave Brockie’s head, which was raffled off to a lucky winner but ended up everywhere. But the most stirring performance came from Cory’s band mates Mensrea, who pulled themselves together for a powerful and emotional tribute to the life of this truly amazing man.

The show Saturday night at the Canal Club was also the CD release party for Cory’s solo record, When Worlds Collide, which will be coming out on Metal Blade Records soon. The next planned event is on March 16th, when GWAR, Municipal Waste, and Ghoul will play at the National Theater. All funds raised at the show will go to the Smoot Family Fund. For those who can’t make it and still wish to donate, they can do so HERE.

(Source: Metal Blade Records News Update)

Rest In Peace, Cory Smoot.

Stone.

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LILLIAN AXE ‘XI: The Days Before Tomorrow’ – Releases In North America February 14th, 2012! Introduces Brian Jones On Vocals

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on January 15, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

LILLIAN AXE – On February 14th (Valentines Day) 2012, XI: The Days Before Tomorrow will be released in North America via CME Records. This will be the first LILLIAN AXE album to feature new vocalist Brian Jones.

As stated by guitarist/songwriter Steve Blaze, on the Official LILLIAN AXE Website: ” This is an important album as it introduces Brian Jones on vocals. As I have been writing this record, there has been a feeling of creativity that is similar to that of when I wrote Psychoschizophrenia. The band has really done a great job so far. We can’t wait to get back out on the road to support it.”

As the band stated, (on their CD release/show info newsletter), regarding new vocalist Brian Jones: “The band sounds great and Brian hit it out of the park. Brian’s vocals are angelic yet they have a big set of balls to them. We know it has taken us a really long time to make this album. You, our fans will not be disappointed. We took our time to make an album that you would be proud of.”

* Produced by guitarist & songwriter Steve Blaze. Engineered by Rob Hovey and mixed by Sylvia Massey (Tool, Deftones, Johnny Cash, System of a Down, Prince, Black Crowes).

* XI: The Days Before Tomorrow will be released on February 13th, 2012, in Japan via Disk Union.

* XI: The Days Before Tomorrow will be released in Europe via AFM Records. The European version of the new album will contain a special bonus song called Angels Among Us. Also a special limited edition is being made that will also contain a Lillian Axe T-shirt. The European release date will be January 27. The single being worked in Europe is called Babylon. You can preview Babylon here.

* The single, Lava On My Tongue, hits Metal radio stations on January 16 and the single, Caged In, hits active Rock radio on February 13. Call your local radio stations and demand to hear new LILLIAN AXE.

XI: THE DAYS BEFORE TOMORROW – Track Listing:

Bablyon

Death Comes Tomorrow

Gather Up The Snow

The Great Divide

Take The Bullet

Bow Your Head

Caged In

Soul Disease

Lava On My Tongue

My Apologies

(Sources: Official LILLIAN AXE Website, CD release/show info newsletter)

* For more info on LILLIAN AXE, click on the link below:

http://www.lillianaxe.com

LONG LIVE LILLIAN AXE.

Stone.

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VENOM – South America Festival News For 2012

Posted in Black Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal with tags , , , , , , , , on January 15, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

As reported on The Official VENOM Website aka “The Official Website Of Black Metal”:

Venom’s Management have just announced that they are currently in negotiations with the 
Promoters of a fantastic new festival in Latin America called “Metal Open Air Brazil“.
The ‘M.O.A.’ Festival will be a 3 day event in Sao Luiz [Northern Brazil] and will take place between 20 to 22 April 2012.
The event is now attracting some big names including Venom who are looking to headline on Sunday 22 April 2012.

Also in South America, Chile are currently organising a festival called “The Metal Fest Chile” on 
28 April 2012. Venom have been invited to appear as ‘special guests’ to Anthrax.

More details, confirmations & other possible dates to follow soon.

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

VENOM – Official Website

LONG LIVE VENOM.

Stone.

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GUN BARREL – Signs To Massacre Records

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on January 14, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Street credibility? Check. Uncompromising sound? Check. Pure enthusiasm? Check.

GUN BARREL don’t breathe new life into the great tradition of Heavy Metal, they inject it with high pressure. These guys combine old school, misfit Rock ‘n’ Roll and Metal attitude in an ingenious way. Being the representatives of this dirty Metal Rock ‘n’ Roll, they really let it rip during their legendary live performances.

You can feel the animal instinct and the heart and soul that make the band skyrocket on stage. If nothing else, this might be due to the fact that GUN BARREL are among the most frequent performers in Germany. Those, who survived the GUN BARREL live drumfire are totally thrilled and become serial offenders. This is unavoidable.

GUN BARREL are always good for a surprise. Acoustic show or full decibel attack; it is not unusual that guest stars such as Andy Brings appear on stage with them, that they contribute songs to several samplers, take a flight to Spanish island Mallorca by the order of Rock ‘n’ Roll or that they give the audience an understanding of their sound at legendary festivals such as Wacken Open Air or Slovenia’s Metalcamp.

GUN BARREL have gone through a lot during the last 10 years; so these dudes became a tough alliance. Rock star affectations? No way. Despite all the glamour, the band remains down-to-earth and continues to look forward – one is still up to much more!

GUN BARREL’s new album Brace For Impact will be released on March 23, 2012 via Massacre Records!

GUN BARREL:

Patrick Sühl – Vocals

Rolf Tanzius – Guitar

Toni Pinciroli – Drums

Tomcat Kintgen – Bass

(Source: Massacre Records)

* For more info on GUN BARREL, click on the links below:

http://www.gunbarrel.de

http://www.facebook.com/GunBarrel

http://www.massacre-records.com

LONG LIVE GUN BARREL.

Stone.

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BATTLE BEAST – Entire Debut Album ‘Steel’ Available For Online Streaming!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on January 13, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Aspiring Finnish Heavy Metal newcomers BATTLE BEAST just made their debut album Steel available for free online streaming at the band’s own Facebook profil! Drop by, like it and ROCK!! Get your extra-dose of true 80s-like Heavy Metal now – freshly delivered by BATTLE BEAST! Steel will be released on January 27th via Nuclear Blast!

(Source: Nuclear Blast News)

LONG LIVE BATTLE BEAST.

Stone.

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ZEBULON PIKE – Full Album Stream Of ‘Space Is The Corpse Of Time’ Available At The Obelisk

Posted in doom metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, instrumental metal, instrumental music, metal music, Music, progressive metal, progressive rock, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on January 13, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Minneapolis-based instrumental Prog/Doom goliaths ZEBULON PIKE unleashed their Space Is The Corpse Of Time full-length in 2011. Inspired in equal parts by heavy sounds of the ’70s (Mountain, Pentagram, Captain Beyond, early Judas Priest), Progressive Rock (King Crimson, Rush), and 20th century Classical (Bela Bartok, Arvo Part, and many others), the self-released, five-track offering is the band’s fourth and most ambitious work to date.

Dubbed “an epic feast of might and majesty” by Aquarius Records, ZEBULON PIKE churn an intriguing mixture of melodic melancholy, old-school guitar-isms, and Wagnerian dynamics that marks a mighty presence in the world of heavy music.



As a treat for those who’ve yet to witness the band’s unsung sonic sanctity, the fine folks at The Obelisk are currently streaming Space Is The Corpse Of Time in its entirety at THIS LOCATION.

(Source: Earsplit  PR)

* For more info on ZEBULON PIKE, click on the links below:

https://www.facebook.com/zebulonpike

http://www.zebulonpike.com

LONG LIVE ZEBULON PIKE.

Stone.

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METALLICA ‘Beyond Magnetic’ – North American Release On CD Is January 31st… Some Metal Thoughts

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal, thrash metal bands with tags , , , , , , , on January 13, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

METALLICA – Yes, being the “old school” dude that I am, I’ve been holding out on buying the 4 song EP Beyond Magnetic from Metallica until it’s release on CD. It is cool of Metallica to go old school with a CD release, especially since there are only 4 songs and this is the era of digital downloads. I’ll add that it is a very cool gesture on the part of Metallica, by releasing material to get our minds off of Lulu. Metal be thy name about that.

Any regular visitor to Metal Odyssey knows I have a diverse taste for Rock, Hard Rock and of course Metal. However, there are those times when I draw the Metal line and Lulu was not going to have me flagging down the “open your mind for something different bus”. Metal as my witness, I’m not that easy.

I’ve never lost my Metal faith with Metallica, it’s just that this band has veered off into bizarre directions creatively in the past and I’m not going to love everything they’ve ever done. At the end of my Metal day on January 31st, this CD EP will be added to my Metallica collection… minus Lulu and St. Anger of course.

As for the four songs on Beyond Magnetic, as stated by Metallica on their website: “As a refresher, these four songs are the rough mixes, unfinished to their original degree of mixing from March of 2008”.

BEYOND MAGNETIC – Track Listing:

Hate Train

Just A Bullet Away

Hell And Back

Rebel Of Babylon

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

METALLICA

LONG LIVE METALLICA.

Stone.

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LYNCHMADA – To Support CAVALERA CONSPIRACY On Upcoming National Australian Tour!

Posted in Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on January 13, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Brisbane crushers LYNCHMADA will dominate stages across the country as main support on the Cavalera Conspiracy (Roadrunner Records) January Australian tour!

LYNCHMADA recently toured Australia in support of the band’s crushing new album To The Earth which was released through Truth Inc. Records. The album was produced by the mighty Zeuss (Hatebreed, Whitechapel, The Acacia Strain, more) and demonstrates the strength of what this country has to offer to not only its local audiences, but to the world.

The album and band’s live performance have been receiving outstanding reviews from across Australia, and the band now have the opportunity to show Australian audiences why LYNCHMADA are a devastating force to be reckoned with.

LYNCHMADA also recently unveiled another new song, “Blackout”, which is being premiered exclusively via Hails And Horns Magazine.  Listen to “Blackout” here: http://www.hailsandhorns.com/streaming-2/featured-stream-blackout-by-lynchmada-off-of-the-album-to-the-earth/.  Hails And Horns is your resource for all things heavy!

LYNCHMADA will be supporting CAVALERA CONSPIRACY on the following shows:
JAN 24 – Newcastle, AU @ Panthers
JAN 26 – Canberra, AU @ Anu Bar
JAN 28 – Sydney, AU @ Metro Theatre
FEB 01 – Melbourne, AU @ Billboard
FEB 06 – Brisbane, AU @ The Hi Fi

(Source: Team All About The Music – Publicity, Management, A&R)

* For more info on purchasing LYNCHMADA – To The Earth, click on the link below:

www.truthincrecords.com

* For more info on CAVALERA CONSPIRACY, click on the link below:

CAVALERA CONSPIRACY – Official Website

LONG LIVE LYNCHMADA.

LONG LIVE CAVALERA CONSPIRACY.

Stone.

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RELENTLESS – As An Album Title, How Popular Or Overused Is This Word?

Posted in album covers, classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on January 12, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Jackyl – Relentless (2002)

Long Live Jackyl.

RELENTLESS– Any dictionary will reveal the meaning of Relentless for you as: that does not relent; unyieldingly severe, strict, or harsh; unrelenting: a relentless enemy. This is a strong word. In my opinion, relentless can make for a tough as nails Hard Rock or Heavy Metal album title. Comedians along with musicians and bands from other music genres have used relentless as an album title, only it does not come across as riveting or true to me outside of Heavy Music.

As I went deeper into researching relentless as an album title, I found too numerous examples to mention and/or list. If I did list all the albums I’ve found with the title of relentless, then that would be rather relentless on my part. What I have learned is relentless is easily one of the most popular album titles ever to be used! Metal be thy name! Is this a bad or good thing? Is relentless overused on album titles? I guess I’ll leave the answer for you to ponder, for I don’t want to pass on any relentless judgement on the popularity of this word.

Alright, I will add, before a comedian, musician or band uses such a forceful word such as relentless, they should seriously consider it’s true definition and make certain if “fits” with their persona and/or album content.

Here are 14 albums (including the Jackyl cover on top of post) that caught my attention while compiling this relentless album title research:

Bill Hicks – Relentless (1992)

This cover photo just doesn’t go with the definition of relentless. Nope.

Sharel Cassity – Relentless (2009)

Maybe Sharel is relentless with her saxophone playing? I just don’t know. I’ve never checked out her music… now I’m curious.

MORTIFICATION – Relentless (2003)

Relentless goes just fine here. These dudes are Christian Metal too. Long Live Mortification.

Jason Aldean – Relentless (2007)

Jason looks too subdued here to be connected to relentless at all.

PENTAGRAM – Relentless (1985)

Yup. Relentless fits quite well on this cover. Doom Metal Legends. Long Live PENTAGRAM.

Natalie Grant – Relentless (2008)

Look at the PENTAGRAM album cover, then look at this Natalie Grant cover. Does relentless have multiple definitions that I’m now aware of?

YNGWIE MALMSTEEN – Relentless (2010)

Yes. Yngwie Malmsteen has been considered by many to be a relentless axe slinger. Long Live Yngwie Malmsteen.

Misty Edwards – Relentless (2008)

A Christian Music vocalist, Misty Edwards digs this title too. The album cover looks Heavy Metal to me though.

Walter Trout and the Radicals – Relentless (2003)

Walter Trout and the Radicals can have an album title of Relentless. It’s all good.

Here are three bands that actually take the word relentless and give it an F’n boost in their album titles. These three bands can get away with it too. You’ll see what I mean…

Asking Alexandria – Reckless & Relentless (2011)

Long Live Asking Alexandria.

Children Of Bodom – Relentless Reckless Forever (2011)

Long Live Children Of Bodom.

Death Angel – Relentless Retribution (2010)

Long Live Death Angel.

Lastly, here is a 1993 Pet Shop Boys album that goes by the title: Very. However, look a little closer at this album cover and you will see Relentless in the album title! It’s probably the one and only “hidden relentless” in the history of album cover titles! Whoa!

This concludes the list of Relentless Album Titles. As you witnessed, this popular word needs to be applied where it truly belongs. In conclusion, relentless isn’t just any word that can be slapped onto any album cover.

RELENTLESS FOREVER.

Stone.

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CORONATUS ‘Terra Incognita’ – 5 Reasons Why You Should Get Into This Gothic Metal Album

Posted in gothic metal, gothic metal bands, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, melodic metal, metal music, rock music, rock music news, symphonic metal with tags , , , , , , , , on January 11, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

CORONATUS – One of the best albums I’ve listened to from 2011 is Terra Incognita from Germany’s Gothic Metal Band: Coronatus. This is a band and album that can’t be overlooked by any diverse Metal fan. I would love to see Coronatus become a huge favorite among the Metal masses in North America, their entire sound and attention to detail with their music is impressive and lures me in song after song. Below are five reasons why you should consider adding Terra Incognita to your list of must have albums.

Reason #1: Coronatus is a band that obviously loves music, period. This is a Metal band, only Coronatus knows how to create music. They cross over many Metal genres with Terra Incognita. Yes, this band and album will appeal highly to Gothic Metal fans, yet Melodic, Symphonic and Traditional Metal fans can easily hear many elements on Terra Incognita that they can surely embrace.

Reason #2: On Terra Incognita, everything comes together so fine. The keyboard arrangements and orchestration belongs with and compliments so well the melodic guitar parts and heavy riffs. The union of melodic and heavy just sounds and feels incredibly genuine throughout this entire album.

Reason #3: Mareike Makosch (Alto Voice) and Lady Ada Flechtner (Rock Soprano) could easily steal the show on Terra Incognita, if not for the masterful totality of musicianship that this band excels with. However, I find my ears absorbing the vocals of these two beautiful voices and being left nearly spellbound. This is an album that I listen to time and again and still hear something new consistently.

Reason #4: The European sound and vibe from Coronatus is infectious. Regardless if the song is sung in German (Fernes Land) or English (Dead Man’s Tale), the end result is a definitive listen into just how passionate these two female vocalists are about the song. This passion for song that I hear is a universal language all its own.

Reason #5: There is never a moment where I want to skip over a song on Terra Incognita. The cumulative listen brings about a mood that is epic and a vibe that is celebratory. The cool aspect of listening to a band such as Coronatus and their newest gem Terra Incognita, is that I know I will hear a presentation that is all importantly memorable. Standing out and being original are qualities that this band easily bestows and conveys musically on Terra Incognita.

Yes, I highly recommend Terra Incognita. Coronatus receives a well deserved Metal bravo from me and I stand by this Metal sentiment.

* Terra Incognita is the fourth studio album from Coronatus, released via Massacre Records on November 18th, 2011.

Watch and listen to Fernes Land below! 

TERRA INCOGNITA – Track Listing:

01. Saint Slayer

02. Fernes Land

03. A Dead Man‘s Tale

04. Sie Steh’n Am Weg

05. Vor der Schlacht

06. Hateful Affection

07. In Signo Crucis Trilogy I: Der Kleriker

08. In Signo Crucis Trilogy II: Das Zweite Gesicht

09. In Signo Crucis Trilogy III: In Signo Crucis

10. Der Letzte Freund

11. Traumzeit

12. Terra Incognita

* Digipak Bonus Tracks:

13. Mein Herz (Live At Roehre Stuttgart 2011)

14. Kristallklares Wasser (Live Version) [* Japanese Edition]

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

CORONATUS – Official Website

MASSACRE RECORDS

LONG LIVE CORONATUS.

Stone.

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ZERO DEGREE – Signs To Massacre Records

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on January 10, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

ZERO DEGREE was formed in 2006 by Pascal, Tobias and Thomas. Up to that, the three were part of other bands, but they decided to look for a new challenge. Their purpose was to create music in the style of In Flames, Dark Tranquillity and Iron Maiden.

To recreate their music and harmonized guitar sounds live, they consequently needed three guitarists. Over the course of the year André, Maik and Sebastian joined the band.

The now complete line-up played their first shows in 2007. 
Throughout their career the guys were able to share the stage with bands from different genres of metal. These included Eisregen, Maroon, Mercenary, Deadlock, Suidakra and Anima.

In 2007 the band produced their first demo “The Storm And The Silence” which was mainly used as promotion on MySpace and for concert promoters.

ZERO DEGREE’s debut album Surreal World is going to be released on March 23, 2012 via Massacre Records.

ZERO DEGREE:

Thomas – Vocals

Pascal – Guitar

Maik – Guitar

Tobias – Drums

André – Bass

Sebastian – Guitar

(Source: Massacre Records)

* For more info on ZERO DEGREE, click on the links below:

http://www.zerodegreemetal.com

http://www.facebook.com/zerodegreemeta

MASSACRE RECORDS

Stone.

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MESHUGGAH – Reveals 2012 Release Date For New Album

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

Swedish Math Metal icons MESHUGGAH have revealed the release date of the bands upcoming new album:

“After a long time of deep soul-searching and intense wrecking of the psyches, the new album is finally done. Soon you will meet this colossus that will pulverize your being. Welcome to the other side on March 27.”

The release for most European countries is set for March 30, 2012.

(Source: Nuclear Blast News)

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

http://www.meshuggah.net

http://www.facebook.com/meshuggah

LONG LIVE MESHUGGAH.

Stone.

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Metal Odyssey’s ‘Best Of The Rest’ Awards For 2011! Queensrÿche Live, Best Metal Cover Song, Album Art and More!

Posted in album covers, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal concerts, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock concerts, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on December 30, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Queensrÿche – live at The Crocodile Rock Cafe, August 2nd, 2011

(Photo Credit: Tom Coderre)

Best Of The Rest Awards For 2011 – Now that the Metal Odyssey “Best Of 2011” lists are posted for Rock, Hard Rock and Metal albums, along with Hard Rock and Metal Songs respectively, I turn my attention to Metal Odyssey’s Best Of The Rest Awards. What exactly are the Best Of The Rest? Scroll down, read on and enjoy! Oh… and…. Metal be thy name.

BEST METAL COVER SONG

AS I LAY DYING – HELLION / ELECTRIC EYE

(Metal Blade Records)

Tim Lambesis vocally made this Judas Priest classic his very own. Electric Eye being sung in Death Metal tones is, well, F’n fun to hear! As a Metal bonus, this band gives a 100% effort in giving Hellion / Electric Eye their deserved Classic Metal respect. To be street about it, As I Lay Dying kicks Metal ass with this classic intro and cover song.

BEST ALBUM COVER ART (TIE)

PENTAGRAM – LAST RITES

(Metal Blade Records)

ARTIST: MO MOUSSA

Choosing the best album cover art is, like music itself: subjective. There are many, many album covers from 2011 that I adore. I chose the PENTAGRAM and HAVOK album covers due to my staring at them for semi-long periods of time. Does that sound funny? I don’t think it’s funny. Okay, maybe a tad funny.

The Grim Reaper has always been the dark and sinister mascot of Metal. Mo Moussa captured that old school Metal look with this Last Rites art and I extend my Metal appreciation for that.

HAVOK – TIME IS UP

(Candlelight Records)

ARTIST: HALSEY SWAIN

The skull on this macabre skeleton is chilling! The attention to detail is incredible on this HAVOK cover, with the lightning outside the window and other skeletons in the backdrop adding to the overall horror appeal. From what lead vocalist & guitarist David Sanchez told me, (during a Hard Rock Hideout interview), Halsey Swain actually put brush to canvas for this ultra-fabulous Time Is Up album cover. Old School strikes once again! Hey… if it wasn’t for Old School, there would be no new school.

BEST BOX SET

DORO – 25 YEARS IN ROCK … AND STILL GOING STRONG

(Nuclear Blast)

Whoa what a box set this is! A 16 page, full color, hardcover concert photo book. Two DVD’s, (1 concert & 1 documentary) with 16 pages of more incredible concert photos & cool liner notes. 1 live CD. It’s all DORO, The Queen of Heavy Metal, her amazing voice and her band!

This amazing DORO package features the celebration of her 25th Anniversary concert on December 13, 2008, at the ISS Dome in Düsseldorf, Germany, (Doro’s hometown). Pure quality, from beginning to end, with both the DVD’s and live CD. The concert photo book is so hard to put down. A timeless and priceless DORO box set for me.

The following Queensrÿche photos credited to: Tom Coderre

Geoff Tate & Stone

Michael Wilton & Stone

Scott Rockenfield & Stone

BEST PERSONAL METAL MOMENT

Queensrÿche

When I received the assignment from Rob Rockitt, over at HARD ROCK HIDEOUT, to cover Queensrÿche live at The Crocodile Rock Cafe in Allentown, Pennsylvania… I was psyched out of my Metal mind! Metal Odyssey staff photographer Tom Coderre and I had a blast on this evening of Queensrÿche Metal.

Yes, this was my Best Metal Moment Of 2011, however, this was the Best Metal Moment Of My Life as well. To personally meet Geoff Tate and each member of Queensrÿche, back on August 2nd, 2011, made for Rock ‘N Roll dreams to come true. I personally thank each member of Queensrÿche for their being incredibly professional and polite. This band kicked ass onstage that night too! Metal be thy name they did.

I also thank Tom Coderre for being my Metal Buddy on that momentous evening and documenting so professionally this Queensrÿche concert and personal Metal moment. Thank you Rob Rockitt and Hard Rock Hideout for the golden opportunity to cover & meet the legendary Queensrÿche.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL & LONG LIVE METAL \m/\m/

Stone.

* For more cool “2011 Best Of Lists” of Rock, Hard Rock and Metal, click on the links below and visit these fantastic blogs/websites!

All Metal Resource — http://allmetalresource.com/

Bring Back Glam — http://bringbackglam.squarespace.com/

The Crash Pad of Ray Van Horn, Jr. – http://www.rayvanhornjr2.blogspot.com/

Hair Metal Mansion — http://hairbangersradio.ning.com/

Hard Rock Nights — http://hardrocknights.com

Heavy Metal Addiction — http://heavymetaladdiction.com/

Heavy Metal Time Machine — http://metalmark.blogspot.com/

Imagine Echoes — http://www.imagineechoes.com/

Layla’s Classic Rock — http://laylasclassicrock.blogspot.com/

Metal Excess — http://metalexcess.com/

The Ripple Effect — http://www.ripplemusic.blogspot.com/

Stone.

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Benedictum – Vote for Benedictum at Unleash The Furies, Plus: Benedictum Plays New Years Eve Gig In Las Vegas

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, melodic metal, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on December 27, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Here are two very current news items on America’s very own… Benedictum. If you haven’t listened to Benedictum’s recent Frontiers Records release Dominion, you are missing out on getting your Metal lovin’ ass kicked! Trust me… Benedictum’s Dominion has kicked my Metal lovin’ass. Metal be thy name.

Vote For Benedictum At Unleash The Furies:

Benedictum – What better way to show your allegiance to the Veronica-led Benedictum than to vote for the band in the “Band of the Month – January 2012” contest over at Unleash The Furies? UTF is a blog dedicated to Female -Fronted Metal You Should Know.

Click here to visit the site and vote! You can vote every day up until December 31. Vote early, vote often!

(Source: Benedictum Official Website)

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

BENEDICTUM – facebook

BENEDICTUM – Official Website

LONG LIVE BENEDICTUM.

Stone.

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