Archive for hurricane sandy

VISION OF DISORDER Brooklyn Headlining Show Now A RED CROSS BENEFIT For Hurricane Sandy Victims

Posted in charities, charity events, hardcore, hardcore metal, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on November 13, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Today VISION OF DISORDER confirms that all the proceeds from their upcoming headlining concert in Brooklyn later this month will be donated to the Red Cross, in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

What was simply a headlining show for the band has now been dubbed “Picking Up Change: Hardcore For Hurricane Relief.” VISION OF DISORDER initiated this act of support to their community after witnessing the catastrophic demolition across the New York metropolitan area and beyond as Sandy surged through our region on October 29th. VOD, as well as the other bands performing at the Music Hall of Williamsburg on November 24th, will contribute donations to the Red Cross to help aid the decimated areas and many displaced local residents throughout the Northeast as the season grows colder.

In a collective statement the members of VOD had this to say: “Our hearts go out to those severely affected by this tragic incident. Being from Long Island, Hurricane Sandy has (quite literally) hit home for us. The music scene in Long Island, The New York metro area and New Jersey have been so supportive to VOD over the years that we felt donating the proceeds from the Brooklyn show was a no-brainer. We are proud to announce that the opening acts (Primitive Weapons, Yuppicide, Swarm of Arrows) have also agreed to donate their proceeds. We hope that this small gesture can add to the ongoing efforts and help rebuild these traumatized areas. We look forward to seeing you all on Nov 24th to support this cause.”

In addition to the funds generated by VISION OF DISORDER, Yuppicide, Primitive Weapons and Swarm of Arrows at “Picking Up Change: Hardcore For Hurricane Relief” going directly to the Red Cross, show attendees are invited to bring supplies – canned/non-perishable food, batteries, toilet paper, etc. – for area shelters and food banks, as donation bins will be posted outside of the venue. Supplies to aid pets and animals displaced by the storm are also acceptable and will be donated to Last Resort Animal Rescue in New Jersey.

The members of VISION OF DISORDER, in an alliance with Candlelight Records, Earsplit PR, Metal Insider, the Music Hall of Williamsburg and all parties involved with this event, are reaching out to all area hardcore and metal fans to join them on November 24th, not only to take part in what is sure to be a high-action live show, but more importantly to help contribute to this imperative objective of getting the displaced families and businesses back on their feet. Doors open at 7:30pm.

_______________________________________________________

Full ticket info for this event can be found RIGHT HERE.

Picking Up Change: Hardcore For Hurricane Relief

11/24/2012 Music Hall of Williamsburg – Brooklyn, NY

w/ VISION OF DISORDER, Primitive Weapons, Yuppicide, Swarm of Arrows

Those not in the area for this event who wish to help can make donations directly to the Red Cross via the Picking Up Change Firstgiving link.

_______________________________________________________

NYC-based icons VISION OF DISORDER released The Cursed Remain Cursed – their first album in over a decade –via Candlelight Records in September. Inarguably one of the most dynamic and cleverly destructive releases in VOD‘s twenty year history, the critically acclaimed album surges with over forty minutes of brand new material, produced by Will Putney (Shadows Fall, Suicide Silence) and mixed by Cameron Webb (Motörhead, Social Distortion).

_________________________________________________________________

(Source: Earsplit PR)

Above photo credit: Vision Of Disorder Facebook

For more info on VISION OF DISORDER, click on the link below!

http://www.facebook.com/VisionofDisorder

LONG LIVE VISION OF DISORDER.

LONG LIVE PRIMITIVE WEAPONS.

LONG LIVE YUPPICIDE.

LONG LIVE SWARM OF ARROWS.

Stone.

Some Metal and Rock ‘N Roll Thoughts – Sunday, November 4th, 2012

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, rock music, rock music news, weather with tags , , , , , on November 4, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Last week was bizarre and filled with one reality check after another, for me. I live in Eastern Pennsylvania and lived most of my life in (very expensive) Connecticut; therefore my respect and fear of hurricanes is without question real. Our region of the country already suffered through a storm of the century, during the very end of August 2011. A vicious ice storm followed in late October of 2011. Of course, many (if not all) of you know that Hurricane Sandy made her presence felt on the East Coast and Mid-Atlantic.

October 29th and 30th were grueling days, while waiting out this super storm. The biggest fear was waiting out this hurricane Monday night. Looking out the windows, all I or my family could see was total blackness. All we could hear was wind that sounded like freight trains speeding around and on top of our house. This entire experience was all a reality check, once again. We were fortunate to have not been harmed and our house was not damaged. Our power was on again/off again during the first 48 hours; still we never lost power permanently. Call it luck and luck is never a guarantee in life.

NASA satellite imagery of Hurricane Sandy

Our city still has tens of thousands of families without power, as I write this (Saturday at 7:31 pm EST). The New Jersey and New York citizens that have suffered from Hurricane Sandy reminds me of just how lucky my family and I are… this time. I  posted about the charitable organizations that are currently helping in the aftermath of this hurricane. In case you missed it, you can read about it by clicking the link below:

Hurricane Sandy – These Charitable Organizations Are Providing Relief During The Aftermath

On to another reality check. To add more sadness to this Halloween season, on our school district’s designated Halloween night, a classmate of my daughters was struck by a passing car, while trying to cross a street. This innocent young lad passed away from the injuries he sustained. My daughters knew this young lad and have been coping with this tragedy through an open-door policy of discussion within our family. I pray that this young lad finds peace in heaven.

The reminders that keep knocking on my brain’s door these last several days are: life is precious, our time on Earth is not predictable nor guaranteed and material items are worthless compared to being alive. Yes, the comforts of a car, cell phone, laptop, electricity, house and personal items makes life easier; only these things truly are secondary to being alive. Family, friends, Metal Buddies, my faith and music are what matters most to me. Since Metal and Rock ‘N Roll are imbedded in my soul, they’re no longer material items to me. Metal be thy name.

And yet another reality check…

Recently, Metal Buddy and Witch Cross vocalist, Kev Moore, informed Metal Odyssey readership and I the following:

“I want to give a ‘head’s up’ to KING’S X drummer Jerry Gaskill and his wife who’ve lost their NJ home and all their possessions. Jerry also had to contend with a heart attack in February. This year really sucks for him. Buy their albums people! They rock! Friends and family have also launched a campaign to help them rebuild from this second tragedy to blight their lives:”

http://www.giveforward.com/jerrygaskill

You can get more info on Jerry Gaskill’s music here: http://www.jerrygaskill.com

 Jerry Gaskill 

________________________________________________

W.A.S.P. has been celebrating their 30 Years Of Thunder in 2012, coinciding with straight-from-the-heart written installments from the legendary Blackie Lawless (founder, vocalist and guitarist of W.A.S.P.). These 30 Years Of Thunder installments can be read here: http://www.waspnation.com

Installment #14 from Blackie Lawless is… you’ve guessed it… one more reality check. I express my condolences to Blackie Lawless for his personal loss.

________________________________________________

Of course I turned to Metal for soothing away my worries all last week. Funny thing is, the one song that really seemed to cheer me up and inspire me in ways I cannot explain was originally co-written by Charlie Chaplin. Yes, the silent film icon known as Charlie Chaplin.

The song is Smile and it is a cover version from the legendary Jeff Lynne (of Electric Light Orchestra fame). Smile is among 11 cover songs from Jeff Lynne’s solo album Long Wave. All 11 songs are Pre-Rock classics that Jeff Lynne has turned into magic for my ears. The melody and lyrics of Smile simply moves me. Unreal.

JEFF LYNNE – LONG WAVE 

Released on October 9th, 2012, via Frontiers Records.

_________________________________________________________________

LONG LIVE METAL & ROCK ‘N ROLL.

LONG LIVE JERRY GASKILL.

LONG LIVE BLACKIE LAWLESS & W.A.S.P.

LONG LIVE JEFF LYNNE.

HURRICANES REALLY, REALLY SUCK.

Stone.

Hurricane Sandy – These Charitable Organizations Are Providing Relief During The Aftermath

Posted in charities, news, weather, weather news, world news with tags , , , on November 1, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Hurricane Sandy – The second storm of the century in only two years is finally gone. The storm labeled as Frankenstorm has left unbearable paths of destruction to view on the network and cable news. Hurricane Sandy has ruined countless people’s lives on the East Coast, with many areas of New Jersey and New York looking like the end of the world. As I view the aftermath news footage, I cannot envision such a nightmare being inflicted upon my family. However, this has all been a stern reminder, to me, that mother nature doesn’t choose favorites.

The sadness I feel for the people who have been affected by this evil storm has prompted me to shout-out and applaud the charitable organizations that are currently helping with this unimaginable aftermath. People have died and too many people have lost their homes and jobs, as a result from this super storm. This is a time to reach into your heart and donate whatever you can to the charities I’ve listed below. Every act of kindness right now matters for the people directly affected by Hurricane Sandy, even if it’s only a dollar donation.

My family and I were extremely blessed to have not lost power like our neighbors have; (last year’s Hurricane Irene and the follow-up ice storm were different stories for us). As I drove around my area of Eastern Pennsylvania, I couldn’t believe the unbelievable lines of people waiting for ice, coffee and pizza at the very few establishments that were open. Just around the corner from our house are a Dunkin’ Donuts and Pizza Hut and both were (as of yesterday) the only stops for such comforts as food and hot drink in this (immediate) area.

Many charities will accept clothing and non-perishable food too. Don’t forget our animal friends as well! Pet food always makes for an alternative way to donate. There are many, many charitable organizations out there that I have not listed. Local food banks and shelters can always benefit from your donation(s). Please make sure that any charity that solicits you by phone or door is reputable! Too often during times of disaster, immoral people are out there to scam the innocent; so be certain the personal check you hand over to someone is truly looking out for the cause.

Please remember, Hurricane Sandy was an international storm as well, leaving a path of sorrow and devastation to the country of Haiti.

____________________________________________

American Red Cross:

http://www.redcross.org

The Salvation Army USA: 

http://salvationarmyusa.org/

facebook: The Salvation Army USA

AmeriCares:

www.AmeriCares.org

unicef:

http://www.unicef.org

_________________________________________________________

LONG LIVE THE EAST COAST.

GOD BLESS AMERICA.

Stone.

Hurricane Sandy – How Will This Storm Affect Metal Odyssey?

Posted in Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, rock music, rock music news, weather, weather news with tags , , , on October 27, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

HURRICANE SANDY – I live in Central/Eastern Pennsylvania, right near the border of New Jersey. Therefore, the impact of Hurricane Sandy is very real to me and my family. As was the case last year, with Hurricane Irene, taking safety precautions and hunkering down is my #1 concern. I’ve been trying to make sure no items are left in the yard that will become dangerous flying debris; while checking off our list of necessities: batteries, first-aid supplies, radio, non-perishable food, gas for the car and of course… bottled water.

It’s a very melancholy mood for us right now, while awaiting the arrival of Hurricane Sandy. I’m sure anyone living on the East/Northeast Coast knows what I mean. What’s so outrageous and creepy is just last year, we all endured the wrath of Hurricane Irene and a major ice storm (back-to-back); both storms left their mark, that’s for certain.

Apparently, Hurricane Sandy will make her presence known sometime around Sunday night, with her outer bands of wind and rain. The “main impact” of this hurricane will be felt here on Tuesday. I hope and pray that life and property are not impacted as heavily as the forecasters predict. Life is precious and my main concern is for family, friends and Metal Buddies.

___________________________________________

I have drafted some posts in advance of this hurricane and have scheduled them to launch throughout this coming week of Halloween. In the event you see posts begin to cease come next weekend or I’m not leaving reply comments on the posts and emails go unanswered, then that means our power is out. I surely hope we don’t lose power. Predictions for power outages are being discussed in the news by length of “weeks” and not days!

That’s the update thus far, on what to expect from Metal Odyssey’s coverage of Rock N’ Metal this coming week. I wish everyone living on the East/Northeast Coast to stay safe and strong, through this awful ordeal that Mother Nature has once again dealt us. Meteorologists have been calling Hurricane Sandy the storm of the century, the perfect storm and even… Frankenstorm. Scary times indeed. Metal be thy name.

______________________________________________________________

Surface wind image/map at top of post from: weather.com

For more up to the second info on Hurricane Sandy, click on the link below!

http://www.weather.com

LONG LIVE METAL.

LONG LIVE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL.

SCREW YOU, HURRICANE SANDY.

Stone.