REVERENCE – Watch below an important announcement from Bryan Holland (guitarist/founding member) of REVERENCE, regarding the band’s future European live presence.
REVERENCE – The debut studio album and critically acclaimed When Darkness Calls was released back on July 9th, 2012, via Razar Ice Records.
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* For more info on REVERENCE, click on the links below!
facebook: Reverence
http://www.razaricerecords.com
Stone.
HOMETOWN SHOW ON FEB. 23 AT BEAT KITCHEN
Chicago – Beak, the Chicago-based Post-Metal quartet who made a splash with their 2012 EP release Eyrie, are currently in the studio working on their debut full-length.
“The forthcoming record is a contemplation on beginnings and the struggle for life,” explained vocalist Jon Slusher. “As a follow-up to Eyrie, if in record time was the end of all things, then the new album deals with creation after the destruction, the cycle of life.” The band has reunited with engineer Neil Strauch (Iron and Wine, Bonnie Prince Billy) and are recording at Steve Albini’s Electrical Audio. The album is due this fall.
Beak – Eyrie
Eyrie was an unexpected surprise from a relatively unknown band with review after review noting what a surprising and worthwhile find the five-track release was. Spin said “Chicago post-metal party crashers have songwriting acumen and hardcore bent that… Neur-Isis copycats sorely lack,” Heavy Metal About.com added “I have no doubt that Beak will become a force to be reckoned with” and Stereokiller offered “Eyrie is more than a pleasant surprise. It’s one of the better EPs I’ve heard in sometime. It being an EP is really the only somewhat negative thing I can say. I want more, 5 tracks isn’t enough.”
The band play a hometown show on Feb. 23 at Beat Kitchen where they will perform songs from Eyrie as well as a preview of what’s to come on the new album.
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(Source: Speakeasy PR & Marketing)
* For more info on BEAK, click on the links below!
www.facebook.com/pages/Beak/183159646995
Stone.
You can now pre-order Longing by Bell Witch on double vinyl.
Bell Witch is a minimalist doom duo from Seattle comprised of drummer Adrian Guerra and bassist Dylan Desmond (of Samothrace fame). Uniquely sorrowful, Bell Witch is as much akin to Skepticism as they are to Codeine. Longing is an hour and 10 minutes of doomed desolation, sadness, and sorrow. Originally released on CD and digital formats by Profound Lore Records, Longing was one of the most important doom albums of 2012 featured on numerous year end lists.
Longing will be released as a gatefold double album with thick, old-style case wrapped jackets and comes with a gatefold insert. Comes on both black vinyl and limited red vinyl. Red vinyl is limited to 300 copies. This should ship in March but delays are always possible.
You can view new artwork created specifically for the vinyl version of this release by artist Bryan Proteau below. More images can be viewed here.
eBay:
We have opened an eBay account to raise money for the horde of approaching releases. Deafheaven / Bosse-de-Nage, Lycus, Coffinworm test presses are up now as well as a few out-of-print items with more coming soon. Check it out here.
Soon:
Grayceon – Pearl and the End of Days LP (ships next week)
Botanist – IV: Mandragora CD
Bosse-de-Nage – iii – DLP (probably next week)
Trees – Sickness-In – LP (at press now)
Vestiges/Panopticon – Split gatefold – LP
Out Now:
Deafheaven/Bosse-de-Nage – split LP (pink copies added to store)
Worm Ouroboros – Come the Thaw DLP
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(Source: The Flenser)
* For more info on THE FLENSER, click on the links below!
* For more info on BELL WITCH, click on the links below!
Stone.
Legendary Metal maven DORO PESCH has kicked off her long-awaited North American tour tonight in Tampa, Florida following an explosive performance at this year’s edition of the 70000 Tons Of Metal cruise. DORO will be touring in support of her Raise Your Fist full-length, released worldwide via Nuclear Blast late last year.
Featuring guest appearances by Motörhead’s Lemmy Kilmister and Ozzy/Firewind guitarist Gus G, with artwork by British artist and longtime DORO collaborator Geoffrey Gillespie, Raise Your Fist debuted at #65 on the American Billboard Heatseekers chart upon its first week of release and was commended by Outburn in an 8/10 rating for delivering “50 minutes of expertly crafted Teutonic metal.”
Advance ticket links are available on DORO’s Official Facebook Page and check out some words about the tour from the Metal Queen herself HERE.
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DORO North American Headlining Tour 2013:
2/01/2013 Brass Mug – Tampa, FL
2/02/2013 The Masquerade – Atlanta, GA
2/03/2013 Empire – West Springfield, VA
2/04/2013 B.B. Kings Blues Club – New York, NY
2/05/2013 Soundstage – Baltimore, MD
2/07/2013 Mod Club – Toronto, ON
2/08/2013 Montage Music Hall – Rochester, NY
2/09/2013 Ace Of Clubs – Columbus, OH
2/10/2013 Peabody’s – Cleveland, OH
2/12/2013 Token Lounge – Detroit, MI
2/13/2013 Mojoe’s – Joliet, IL
2/14/2013 Station 4 – St. Paul, MN
2/15/2013 Spicoli’s Grill And The Reverb – Waterloo, IA
2/17/2013 Moe’s – Englewood, CO
2/19/2013 El Corazon – Seattle, WA
2/20/2013 Hawthorne Theatre – Portland, OR
2/21/2013 Thee Parkside – San Francisco, CA
2/22/2013 House Of Blues – West Hollywood, CA
2/23/2013 Rocky Point Cantina – Tempe, AZ
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(Source: Earsplit PR)
* For more info on DORO, click on the links below!
http://www.facebook.com/DoroOfficial
http://www.twitter.com/DoroOfficial
http://www.youtube.com/DoroOfficial
Stone.
DORO – Since I can, today I make the METAL declaration that: DORO “The Queen Of Heavy Metal” is Stone’s METAL Pick Of The Day!
Now, go and listen to some newly released DORO and… Raise Your Fist!
DORO – RAISE YOUR FIST (2012)
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You can also listen to plenty of DORO classics by getting ahold of this gem:
DORO – Under My Skin / A Fine Selection Of Doro Classics (2012)
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And… step back into METAL time and let some classic WARLOCK into your Rockin’ world! Metal be thy name!
WARLOCK – TRIUMPH AND AGONY (1987)
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* If you wanna read my (really cool) review on DORO’s new album Raise Your Fist, just click on that stupendous link below! Whoa!
DORO “Raise Your Fist” – Heavy Metal Queen’s New Album Is: Stone’s METAL Pick Of The Day!
This DORO – Raise Your Fist album review was posted on Metal Odyssey back on October 14, 2012.
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* For more info on DORO, click on the links below!
http://www.facebook.com/DoroOfficial
http://www.twitter.com/DoroOfficial
http://www.youtube.com/DoroOfficial
Stone.
CORROSION OF CONFORMITY has begun writing material for their next album, the follow-up to the well-received self-titled record released via Candlelight Records late February 2012, the reissue of their Eye For An Eye debut, and recently released Scion A/V EP Megalodon. The album, untitled at this time, will again feature the trio of vocalist/bassist Mike Dean, guitarist Woodroe Weatherman, and drummer Reed Mullin.
Last week the band announced their first live performance for the New Year at the annual Metal Fest Chile on April 13th. It will be the first CORROSION OF CONFORMITY appearance ever in Chile. Mike Dean comments, “We have been talking about going to South American forever and with Chile being a big source of so much of our Facebook traffic, I know it’s going to be epic. Another chance for us to do a festival with Down is always a very good thing.”
The festival follows the completion of the band’s recent US tour that concluded in southern California alongside High On Fire. The trio was also a featured participant on Barge From Hell that left Florida shores on December 7. Dean notes, “The cruise was pretty awesome. We had Rick and Jonathan from Torche masquerading as our crew and watching their antics alone was worth the trip. The seas were calm so there was no hurling over the bow.”
CORROSION OF CONFORMITY continues to promote the self-titled album in interviews with media as well spreading word on their recently released Megalodon EP. The EP, sponsored by the amazing folks at Scion A/V, is available for free now via various outlets. Dean says, “The EP was written, recorded, and released in two months time. It really challenged us in a good way. It feels good to get two releases out in one year and I expect that we will continue that level of productivity.” Continuing he shares, “The self-titled album is holding up very well for me. There is a wide variety of material there. It’s all definitely COC but at the same time everything is really a stretch for us. Within the realm of never being totally satisfied, I am very happy with how it came out.”
Formed in Raleigh, North Carolina in 1982, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY quickly transformed heavy music. Politically charged and socially aware, the band has influenced countless others and today remains humble about their accomplishments. With over 1.1 million albums sold in the United States alone, the band continues to find new fans via non-stop touring.
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“In an era when doom metal keeps growing bleaker and artier, and hardcore skews ever more dire,CORROSION OF CONFORMITY serves as a reminder that swagger, soul, and songcraft still have a place in the heavy-rock underground. CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, indeed.” – Pitchfork
“CORROSION OF CONFORMITY will challenge as many fans as it excites. And that, of course, suits COC’s legacy, no matter which era holds your allegiance.” – Indy Week
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(Source: Earsplit PR)
* For more info on CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, click on links below!
facebook: Corrosion Of Conformity
http://candlelightrecordsusa.com/site/
Stone.
SAMOTHRACE has posted the confirmed routing for their upcoming Winter US tour, as the crew continue to support their acclaimed second LP, Reverence To Stone. The bedlam will unravel with a hometown show in Seattle on February 15th, then continues on a mangled, counter-clockwise loop through the Midwest, Gulf Coast, Southeast and up the East Coast on their way back westward, with eighteen cities confirmed to endure their slow motion turmoil during the venture. The majority of the dates will see SAMOTHRACE forging alongside Metal Blade doom trio Pilgrim.
The touring will continue this Spring, as SAMOTHRACE will advance onto European soil for the first time ever, the band confirmed to perform at Heavy Days in Doomtown, an international DIY doom/stoner/sludge festival in Ungdomshuset, Copenhagen, Denmark running from May 2nd through the 5th. At this year’s event they will rage the stage alongside Graves At Sea, Pagan Altar, Cough, Procession, Danava, Moss, Bell Witch, Dark Buddah Rising, Conan, Lecherous Gaze, labelmates Mournful Congregation and loads more. Following the fest the quartet will traverse the European continent on an additional two-week tour, with dates to be announced in the coming weeks.
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2/15/2013 The Highline – Seattle, WA
2/16/2013 TBA – Portland, OR
2/17/2013 Rotture – Portland, OR
2/20/2013 Aqualung – Denver, CO
2/21/2013 The Conservatory – Oklahoma City, OK
2/22/2013 Rubber Gloves – Denton/Dallas, TX
2/23/2013 Red 7 – Austin, TX
2/24/2013 Siberia – New Orleans, LA w/ Pilgrim
2/25/2013 TBA – Birmingham, AL w/ Pilgrim
2/26/2013 529 – Atlanta, GA w/ Pilgrim
2/27/2013 Slim’s Downtown – Raleigh, NC w/ Pilgrim
2/28/2013 Strange Matter – Richmond, VA w/ Pilgrim
3/01/2013 Saint Vitus Bar – Brooklyn, NY w/ Pilgrim
3/02/2013 Beaumont Warehouse – Philadelphia, PA w/ Pilgrim
3/03/2013 Ottobar – Baltimore, MD w/ Pilgrim
3/04/2013 Howlers – Pittsburgh, PA w/ Pilgrim
3/05/2013 TBA – Cleveland, OH w/ Pilgrim
3/06/2013 The Ultra Lounge – Chicago, IL
Following a literal flood of media attention on their sophomore LP Reverence To Stone, released at the end of July via 20 Buck Spin, the album took the #35 spot in Decibel Magazine’s Top 40 Albums of 2012, in addition to reaping praise from Stereogum, Metalsucks, No Clean Singing and dozens of other outlets. The album is available on CD and LP, alongside their debut album Life’s Trade as well as band gear and more at the SAMOTHRACE merch store or direct from 20 Buck Spin.
Reverence To Stone is streaming in its entirety VIA PITCHFORK.
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Wanna read the Metal Odyssey review for Reverence To Stone? Just click on that link below! Whoa!
SAMOTHRACE “Reverence To Stone” – 2 Songs Of Epic Doom Metal; Unleashes A Massive Atmosphere Of Doom
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(Source: Earsplit PR)
* For more info on SAMOTHRACE, click on the links below!
facebook: Samothrace
http://www.facebook.com/20buckspin
Stone.
HERE IS THE UPDATED LIST OF PERFORMERS FOR RHII; Bands will be spread out over three days, November 7 – 9, 2013, with more acts to be named. VIP and General Admission Tickets on sale NOW at:
http://www.showclix.com/event/3734624/pre-sale
Venue is: House Of Rock 11445 Pulaski Hwy White Marsh, Maryland 21162
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* ROCK HARVEST II is an all-day/multi-day Rock & Metal concert that benefits the police non-profit, Fallen Blue.
* For more info on ROCK HARVEST II 2013:
facebook: Rock Harvest
* For more info on Fallen Blue:
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Attackhead
DC4
Deathriders
Russ Dwarf
Ron Keel
Mitch Malloy
Xander Demos
Leatherwolf
Silent Rage
Modern Superstar
King Kobra
FarCry
Reverence
Edge Of Paradise
Stonebreed
Tango Down
Michael Angelo Batio
Raven
Twisted Tower Dire
Seven Kingdoms
Ghost of War
London
Alloy 20
Mystic Force
Order of Nine
A Sound of Thunder
Hangmans Cry
Line of Fire
Widow
Circle II Circle
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* For more info on RON KEEL:
* For more info on CIRCLE II CIRCLE:
facebook: Circle II Circle
* For more info on REVERENCE:
facebook: Reverence
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* For more info on KING KOBRA:
facebook: Official King Kobra
Stone.
INFALLING – From Cleveland, Ohio, cometh INFALLING. This (multi-genre influenced) trio of Metal musicians are worth every second of your time; especially if you’re into Metal that will assault your ears while you beg for more! Their EP, Path Of Desolation, was released back in September of 2012 and carries a ton of shelf life; INFALLING have created a potent and quality crop of 5 songs. This is an EP I won’t be putting away anytime soon!
INFALLING are three Metal musicians that are gonna go places, I feel and hear it. Their Hardcore meets Metal assault is sandwiched between album instrumental opener Genesis and album instrumental closer Revelations. Both the intro and exit on Path Of Desolation truly defines this band’s Progressive and Classic Rock influences quite soundly.
As for the Hardcore Metal that’s smack-dab-in-the-middle of this astoundingly produced EP: whoop-ass to the maximum potential! Tony Balante is as fierce as a caged rattlesnake on vocals! Tony comes across as very comfortable in his surroundings; there’s nothing that sounds forced or ill contrived, a very confident vocalist is he.
What a Metal band across the Metal board. Seriously. When INFALLING came across my Metal path over this New Years holiday, I was completely impressed; from their totality of destructive Hardcore style of Metal sound to their top-tier quality of songs I inhaled from Path Of Desolation. Get into INFALLING now, before they are selling out the clubs consistently as a headliner. Metal be thy name.
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Path of Desolation EP is currently up now for free Download & Streaming! Check it out on the INFALLING Band Profile on their facebook here:Infalling – Also, this EP hardcopy is now available!
Tony Balante – vocals
Justin Endres – guitars & Bass
Eric Frabotta – drums
Genesis
Forthcoming
Pain Breeds Fury
Nonexistent
Revelations
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INFALLING are three musicians coming from a wide array of musical backgrounds, ranging from Hardcore, Jazz, Prog-Rock to Rap and of course Metal. INFALLING blends together to form a bond between different types of genres. Tony Balante (A FEW ASKEW, STRESSLORD) applies dynamic vocals, Justin Endres (ODIOUS SANCTION, PALE CREATION, STRESSLORD, LAW OF DESTRUCTION) implements brutal riffing, Eric Frabotta (INHUMATION, STRESSLORD) produces explosive percussion.
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* For more info on INFALLING, click on the links below!
http://www.facebook.com/infalling
Stone.
Another year has come and gone. Man, am I getting old. I, Scott Coverdale, am pleased to reveal my much-anticipated Top 10 Metal Albums of 2012. As always, it’s a grueling process and I’m glad it’s over. I think I switched my top 5 about 15 times! Now for my picks…
This album caught me by complete surprise. I happened to be sampling music on the internet a couple of months ago and I came across this debut album from Unisonic. I was hooked from the very first song! Michael Kiske and Kai Hansen, together in the same band. Whoa, I need not say any more. This entire album rocks.
#2
MILLION $ RELOAD – A SINNER’S SAINT
I never heard of Million $ Reload, until Stone hooked me up with this CD of theirs earlier this past Summer. A Sinner’s Saint was one of my most listened to CDs of the year. An album that’s solid from beginning to end.
#3
IRON MAIDEN – EN VIVO
I became an Iron Maiden junky this past year. There is very little in the music world that can be better than Iron Maiden live in person or recorded. Live versions of Blood Brothers and When The Wild Wind Blows back to back is worth the purchase alone.
#4
JACKYL – BEST IN SHOW
Over the past 20 years I never really became a fan of Jackyl, however, I am a big fan of this album! Jackyl really put out a kick ass “Fun Rockin” album this past year!!
#5
SLASH – FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY AND THE CONSPIRATORS
APOCALYPTIC LOVE
I definitely think this is the best work to date from Slash. I had a chance to see Slash and Myles Kennedy in Beirut this past Summer; only I didn’t go. Instead I went to the Casino Du Liban. I should have rethought that decision; I ended up getting yelled at by a couple of Arabs (They were bad blackjack players) and losing 300,000 Lebanese pounds; which is the equivalent of $200 (U.S.).
#6
WIG WAM – WALL STREET
A really good album from a band I wasn’t familiar with until (again) Stone turned me onto them.
#7
T&N – SLAVE TO THE EMPIRE
Basically a Dokken Album without Don. I really like the heavier redo’s of the (some) classic Dokken tunes. In addition, the original tunes on this CD are excellent also.
#8
ECLIPSE – BLEED & SCREAM
I really like this band! Eclipse have become one of my favorite AOR bands! They’ve put out another quality album this past year.
#9
TRIXTER – NEW AUDIO MACHINE
20 years ago I might have been a little shy to admit that I liked Trixter; only it’s not 20 years ago! This CD is really, really good.
#10
ACCEPT – STALINGRAD
Stalingrad is an excellent follow-up to Blood Of The Nations. Is Stalingrad as good as Blood Of The Nations? No! Yet it truly is a kick ass album. I’m hoping Accept can keep it up. By the way, if you have a chance to listen to Herman Frank’s latest solo album Right in the Guts, it too is really good; however, I am only doing a top 10 here.
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I ENJOYED SHARING MY TOP 10 WITH EVERYONE AND I HOPE YOU ALL ENJOYED READING IT. I WOULD LIKE TO WISH EVERYONE A HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS 2013. LET’S KEEP THE METAL FAITH. THANK YOU MY METAL BUDDY STONE!!!
T.T.F.N.Y.
COVERDALE
2012 was a GRAND year for METAL. Each day that I live and breathe, it’s a GRAND day for METAL. Here are the TOP 30 METAL ALBUMS that made my 2012 METAL year complete. Okay, there’s really 32 METAL albums on this list, cause there’s 2 ties. Oh darn. It’s like the legendary Lenny Wolf of Kingdom Come would say: It is what it is. My personal METAL Crème de la crème of 2012 is below and let those METAL bells toll.
These are the METAL albums released during 2012 that I turned to most often and highly recommend to ALL. Each album below bestows the METAL qualities my METAL senses and soul yearns for. I want to thank each and every band below for existing and creating these albums. METAL BE THY NAME.
* Links you’ll find on this list will take you to the reviews and/or other features I wrote, in regards to that respective album. Thank you for your supporting METAL and Metal Odyssey!
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#30
PHARAOH – BURY THE LIGHT
Pennsylvania has its share of terrific METAL bands and PHARAOH is one of them. This is a band and album that exclaims quality from every angle.
PHARAOH – ‘Bury The Light’ – Weaves Both Melodic and Epic Metal, While Keeping It Heavy
#29
AVATAR – BLACK WALTZ
AVATAR are from Sweden and they are a BIG reason why the future of METAL looks to be so grand.
AVATAR ‘Black Waltz’ Is Dark, Extreme, Modern and Groove Laden… Metal Bliss
AVATAR “Torn Apart” (Official Video) – Mandatory Metal From Sweden!
#28
ZOMBIEFICATION – REAPER’S CONSECRATION
Old School, gut wrenching and blood soaked Death Metal is alive and well with Zombiefication.
ZOMBIEFICATION “Reaper’s Consecration” – An Ominous and Brutal Death Metal EP
#27
GRAVEYARD – THE ALTAR OF SCULPTED SKULLS
Once again, Old School, blood splattered and scary as shit Death Metal is alive and well… and GRAVEYARD will kick your ass if you disagree. METAL be thy name.
GRAVEYARD ‘The Altar Of Sculpted Skulls’ – Death Metal That’s Built To Kick Your Ass
#26
CANNIBAL CORPSE – TORTURE
Death Metal would not be the same without CANNIBAL CORPSE being around touring and making new records. F’n brutal and skull crushing is TORTURE. Whoa.
CANNIBAL CORPSE “TORTURE” – A Death Metal and Headbanging Must For The Metal Masses
#25
DRAGONFORCE – THE POWER WITHIN
With new lead vocalist, Marc Hudson, DRAGONFORCE has transformed themselves into an even more powerful band. I tremendously applaud the vocals of Marc Hudson; becoming a fan (and not just a casual listener) of this band due to THE POWER WITHIN. Fabulous songs and POWER throughout!
#24
COHEED AND CAMBRIA – THE AFTEMAN: ASCENSION
My favorite Progressive Metal album of 2012. Metal Odyssey promoted COHEED AND CAMBRIA at each and every step, leading up to this album’s release. The Afterman: Ascension lived up to its positive pre-release billing to my ears… and then some.
#23
FEAR FACTORY – THE INDUSTRIALIST
Burton C. Bell and Dino Cazares are Industrial Metal icons. ‘Nuff said. Okay, this album is a thunder slap of Industrial Metal on my brain.
FEAR FACTORY – Let’s Ponder The Concept Of ‘The Industrialist’
#22
ADRENALINE MOB – OMERTA
This supergroup led by the legendary Mike Portnoy is THE REAL METAL DEAL. Wouldn’t be surprised to see this album #1 on other end-of-year lists throughout the METAL community.
ADRENALINE MOB “Omertà” – 5 Quick Reasons To Buy This Album
#21
SAINT VITUS – LILLIE: F-65
SAINT VITUS IS BACK! This album is already a DOOM METAL classic in my METAL world.
#20
MUNICIPAL WASTE – THE FATAL FEAST
Thrash Metal is FUN again! Oops, did I just say that? Yes I did and MUNICIPAL WASTE can Thrash with the best of ’em. I wish this band was around in 1984… their classic Thrash sound sure makes me think they were.
#19
OVERKILL – THE ELECTRIC AGE
OVERKILL. F’N. RULES. The most consistent Thrash Metal band that ever lived continued their legendary consistency and superiority in 2012 with THE ELECTRIC AGE.
OVERKILL ‘The Electric Age’ – Once Again, A Reminder Of Thrash Metal Supremacy
#18
BEAK – EYRIE
BEAK ‘EYRIE’ – An Extreme, Modern and Uncompromising Post-Metal Album Debut
JASON GOLDBERG of BEAK – A Metal Odyssey Interview!
If one of them “world-known” and/or popular METAL labels has any eye on the METAL future, they will sign BEAK today and be thankful Stone told ’em so. Metal be thy name.
#17
NIGHTQUEEN – FOR QUEEN AND METAL
Founding member & guitarist Rex Zeco has one hell-of-a-band with NIGHTQUEEN. Symphonic/Power Metal is elevated to psyche-you-out heights with FOR QUEEN AND METAL. Keely Larreina on vocals is nothing short of fabulous.
NIGHTQUEEN ‘For Queen And Metal’ – An Indelible Debut Album Of Heavy Metal
#16 (Tie)
BAD BRAINS – INTO THE FUTURE
The Hardcore Punk meets Reggae meets Rock meets METAL sound of the iconic BAD BRAINS cannot be duplicated. Ever since I bought INTO THE FUTURE, I have been a student of this band once again. I can’t put my finger on it, yet this new BAD BRAINS album carries me off into a who-gives-a-f**ck state of mind; helping me to cope with all the unnecessary bad shit happening in the world today.
#16 (Tie)
BLACK TORA – RAISE YOUR FISTS
This 5 song EP from BLACK TORA is an ultra-potent dosage of old school Heavy Metal that screams relevance simultaneously. From Mcallen, Texas, Chris Daniel (vocals & bass), RazorDave (guitar) and Nicky X (drums) have made a lasting METAL impression on me. ALL 5 songs kick some serious Heavy Rockin’ ass and I’m psyched-out to tell you just that.
BLACK TORA ‘RAISE YOUR FISTS’ EP – Available NOW on iTunes!
#15
CORROSION OF CONFORMITY – S/T
One of the greatest bands ever to incorporate Rock ‘N Roll, Punk, Heavy Metal, Stoner, Sludge and… well, the genres are endless with C.O.C. and at the end of the day this band is atop the METAL food chain looking down at the countless bands they’ve influenced. BUY THIS ALBUM!!
#14
TESTAMENT – DARK ROOTS OF EARTH
Seeing this band live in 2012 was one of the greatest moments in my METAL life. DARK ROOTS OF EARTH may very well be the BEST Thrash Metal album of 2012.
#13
LAMB OF GOD – RESOLUTION
The METAL musicianship of LAMB OF GOD takes a back seat to no METAL band in the land. There, I said it. Long live Randy Blythe, Mark Morton, Will Adler, John Campbell and Chris Adler. RESOLUTION is that CD that I carry around with me… just to make sure it’s safe and sound.
#12 (Tie)
IRON SAVIOR – THE LANDING
I love this album so much it makes me cry. Really. I’m not kidding around.
IRON SAVIOR ‘The Landing’ – German Power Metal Force Returns, In A Mammoth Way!
#12 (Tie)
REVERENCE – WHEN DARKNESS CALLS
From KID ROCK’s hometown comes the Power Metal (Supergroup) famously known as REVERENCE. If Classic Metal, American-made Power Metal or any METAL is your addiction, then REVERENCE is REQUIRED METAL ear candy! These seasoned Metallions kick METAL ass. Period.
REVERENCE – Too Late (Official Video) Is Stone’s Metal Pick Of The Day!
#11
DOWN – PURPLE EP
Philip Anselmo on vocals, Jimmy Bower on drums, Pat Bruders on bass, Pepper Keenan on guitar and Kirk Windstein on guitar = DOWN. If you don’t do DOWN… you aren’t METAL.
#10
69 CHAMBERS – TORQUE
69 Chambers has so much upside as a band that it’s downright scary. Musical talent personified. From Rock to METAL, 69 Chambers can play it all and I’ll be doing headstands over Torque for many years to come!
69 CHAMBERS “The Peep Hole” – Official Music Video: Stone’s Metal Pick Of The Day!
#9
DORO – RAISE YOUR FIST
HAIL DORO, THE HEAVY METAL QUEEN! This DORO album is so terrific, it underscores why DORO is synonymous with: Heavy Metal Legends.
DORO “Raise Your Fist” – Heavy Metal Queen’s New Album Is: Stone’s METAL Pick Of The Day!
#8
THE WRETCHED END – INROADS
When the super-legendary Samoth makes a new record with his band… Stone listens. This very, very heavy album is very dark and very, very, very good. A top ten METAL album in any METAL year on record, for me.
THE WRETCHED END “INROADS” – This Dark & Extreme Metal Album Is: Stone’s METAL Pick Of The Day!
#7
3 INCHES OF BLOOD – LONG LIVE HEAVY METAL
3 INCHES OF BLOOD gets it. This is an album that is Classic METAL from front-to-back and side-to-side. LONG LIVE HEAVY METAL is Classic METAL whoop-ass that I crave.
3 Inches Of Blood “Long Live Heavy Metal” – This Album Is: Stone’s METAL Pick Of The Day!
#6
TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION – PEACEMAKER
Red Dirt Metal. Best get to know what that is. Best way to find out is BUY this THC album known as PEACEMAKER. This album is not recommended by Stone… it’s HIGHLY F’N RECOMMENDED by Stone.
BIG DAD RITCH of TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION – An Exclusive Interview With The Champion Of Red Dirt Metal
#5
SIX FEET UNDER – UNDEAD
UNDEAD is the BEST Death Metal album released in 2012. Chris Barnes and his band should take a METAL bow for this one. Unless you lose your hearing from playing this album super F’n LOUD, UNDEAD is as close to Death Metal perfection as you’re gonna hear.
SIX FEET UNDER “UNDEAD” – A Merciless Sonic Experience Of Death Metal
#4
ORANGE GOBLIN – A EULOGY FOR THE DAMNED
This album is mandatory METAL. ORANGE GOBLIN has created an album here that is the METAL icing on their catalog of GREAT METAL.
ORANGE GOBLIN – ‘A Eulogy For The Damned’: This Album Is Mandatory Metal, My Metal Brethren
#3
SOULFLY – ENSLAVED
SOULFLY is easily one of the finest METAL bands that ever existed. If you’ve never listened to SOULFLY, start with ENSLAVED and work your way backwards through their exemplary METAL catalog. METAL diversity is what makes SOULFLY so damn powerful and ENSLAVED is an instant METAL classic for me.
SOULFLY ‘ENSLAVED’ – Soulfly Has Raised Their Own Bar Of Metal Excellence
#2
PRIMAL FEAR – UNBREAKABLE
PRIMAL FEAR has psyched me out of my METAL brains more times than I can count. PRIMAL FEAR has done it again with UNBREAKABLE. This album is so pumped-up with ultra-powerful METAL sound, feel and vibes that it’s not only “unbreakable”… it’s F’n unstoppable! Metal be thy name!
PRIMAL FEAR ‘Unbreakable’ – The Time Is NOW To Join The METAL NATION
Kevin Heybourne (guitar, vocals & founding member) has resurrected ANGEL WITCH back to True METAL prominence. This once NWOBHM pioneering band has reminded their faithful that METAL history can repeat itself with As Above, So Below. The atmosphere and raw, classic METAL (era) vibes that are projected from this album are jaw-dropping to an old school Metalhead like myself.
As Above, So Below has put me into a retrospective METAL la-la dream world. To say that this album is perfect in so many ways is not over-stretching any truths on my METAL part. The mood that this album puts me in is difficult to explain; it’s as if I’m once again introduced to what METAL was and is supposed to sound like. I suppose that’s cause to label the affects this ANGEL WITCH album has had on me as… priceless.
METAL BE THY NAME.
ANGEL WITCH “As Above, So Below” Is: Stone’s METAL Pick Of The Day!
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Stone.
Another year down and another one to follow, Asher Media Relations, the PR company behind some of Canada’s best up and coming Metal talents is proud to offer a holiday sampler to fans near and far to head bang their season greetings.
Featuring nineteen tracks of AMR’s 2012 roster, the sampler showcases Metal genres ranging from Brutal Death, Thrash, Power, Prog to Folk, and a taste of some Heavy Rock.
To get your FREE DOWNLOAD, please visit the following link here. (http://ashermedia.bandcamp.com/album/happy-metal-annihilation-vol-2)
Happy Metal Annihilation! Vol. 2 – Track Listing:
01. Titans Eve – Destined To Die 03:08
02. Adrenechrome – Titans Fall 03:18
03. Chariots of The Gods – Tides of War 03:20
04. Auroch – From Forgotten Worlds 04:35
05. Tribune – The Succubus 03:14
06. Mortor – Under The Flag 03:00
07. Psychostick – Jolly Old Sadist 03:24
08. Dark Century – Kill The Crowd 03:55
09. XUL – Mastication of Putrescent Empyrean Remains 05:14
10. Odium – No Way Out 04:18
11. Vesperia – Pints Held High 04:21
12. Scythia – Sailor’s Accolade 03:19
13. Edge of Attack – Forever 03:46
14. All Else Fails – This Burden of Life 05:13
15. The Rabid Whole – Future 03:56
16. Arcane Saints – Never Say Die 04:07
17. Project Mars – Hey! 03:07
18. New Jacobin Club – My Smile 02:36
19. The In & Outs – Sleepy Sheep 03:35
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Stone Says: Happy Holidays back at Asher Media Relations! Thank you for the very cool free Holiday Sampler of METAL (bands) that you guys represent, for the fans worldwide! Asher Media Relations… ROCKS! Metal be thy name!
Stone.
Presented by Rock Hard, Guitar, Musix, Slam, Noizeletter, Metalnews & Blast!
07.02.2013 DE Hamburg – Markthalle
08.02.2013 DE Berlin – C-Club
09.02.2013 DE Bochum – Matrix
10.02.2013 DE Stuttgart – Universum
12.02.2013 AT Wien – Viper Room
13.02.2013 IT Milano – tba
14.02.2013 DE München – Backstage
15.02.2013 CH Aarau – Kiff
16.02.2013 DE Würzburg – Posthalle
17.02.2013 NL Rotterdam – Baroeg
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Tickets will be available soon at www.hardticket.eu
BAND INFO:
facebook: Angel Witch
facebook: Enforcer
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GRAND MAGUS – The Hunt was released on June 5th, 2012, via Nuclear Blast Records.
ANGEL WITCH – As Above, So Below was released on March 26th, 2012, via Metal Blade Records / Rise Above Records.
ENFORCER – DEATH BY FIRE will be released on February 1st, 2013, via Nuclear Blast Records.
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Stone.
Back on September 15, Metal Blade Records and Scion A/V teamed up to bring you the label’s showcase featuring SIX FEET UNDER, CATTLE DECAPITATION, BATTLECROSS, GYPSYHAWK, and PILGRIM for a free matinee show at the Glasshouse in Pomona, Calif. As if the free showcase that celebrated 30 years of Metal Blade Records wasn’t cool enough, Scion A/V had a crew on hand to conduct interviews with each of the bands for a series of video interviews and record the showcase for a free limited 7″ release and digital download/stream featuring a track each from GYPSYHAWK and PILGRIM.
Head over to AOL Music to download (or stream) the digital copy of the 7″ and to check out the video interviews with all of the bands that performed the showcase as well as interviews with members of Metal Blade’s staff who offer some insight into the world of the heavy metal music industry.
* Download your FREE digital copy here as well: http://scionav.com/
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More Info:
http://www.facebook.com/sixfeetunder/
http://www.facebook.com/cattledecapitation/
http://www.facebook.com/Gypsyhawkusa/
http://www.facebook.com/hailthepilgrim/
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(Source: Metal Blade Records)
Stone.
SOMEONE ELSE (Pt. II) will be released on DAMNATION ANGELS’ new album called BRINGER OF LIGHT, releasing on February, 22nd, 2013, via Massacre Records. Check it out now!
Stone Says: What a brilliant song! Lyrically and musically, Someone Else (Pt. II) is a heightened listen of top-tier Symphonic Metal. DAMNATION ANGELS is a band that MUST be heard and referred by our Metal communities worldwide! Metal be thy name!
Will Graney – guitars, orchestration, backing vocals
PelleK – vocals
Stephen Averill – bass
John Graney – drums
Dawn Trigg – keyboards
* DAMNATION ANGELS are from Doncaster, England.
* Bringer Of Light has already been released in Japan; back in March of 2012, via Radtone Music.
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Source:
* For more info on DAMNATION ANGELS, click on the links below!
http://www.damnationangels.com
facebook: Damnation Angels
http://www.massacre-records.com
Stone.
ORANGE GOBLIN – Check out below the 2013 touring schedule for ORANGE GOBLIN! These dates cover January through March. ORANGE GOBLIN kicks Metal ass. Metal be thy name.
* All tour info as reported on ORANGE GOBLIN Facebook.
Sat 26 – Workmans Club, Dublin, Rep. of Ireland
Sun 27 – Limelight 2, Belfast, N. Ireland
Wed 30 – Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff, Wales
Thu 31 – The Haunt, Brighton, England
Fri 1 – Talking Heads, Southampton, England
Sat 2 – White Rabbit, Plymouth, England
Sun 3 – The Fleece, Bristol, England
Tue 5 – Waterfront Studio, Norwich, England
Wed 6 – Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, England
Thu 7 – Corporation, Sheffield, England
Fri 8 – The Duchess, York, England
Sat 9 – NQ Live, Manchester, England
Mon 11 – King Tuts, Glasgow, Scotland
Tue 12 – o2 Academy 2, Liverpool, England
Wed 13 – Rock City, Nottingham, England
Fri 15 – o2 Islington Academy, London, England
Sat 23 – Soundwave Festival, Brisbane, Australia
Sun24 – Soundwave Festival, Sydney, Australia
Fri 1 – Soundwave Festival, Melbourne, Australia
Sat 2 – Soundwave Festival, Adelaide, Australia
Mon 4 – Soundwave Festival, Perth, Australia
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Straight after Australia the band will fly to North America for a full, extensive tour of the US and Canada.
Following this the band will be doing a FULL EUROPEAN TOUR throughout June, July and August.
We will then return to North America in September and October with plans also being made for Mexico, South America and Asia.
Keep checking the OG sites for more details.
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Click on the link below for tour dates & info on the 2013 CLUTCH Earth Rocker World Tour; ORANGE GOBLIN will be main support for CLUTCH!
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To read the Metal Odyssey album review for A Eulogy For The Damned, click on the link below!
ORANGE GOBLIN – ‘A Eulogy For The Damned’: This Album Is Mandatory Metal, My Metal Brethren
* For more info on ORANGE GOBLIN, click on the links below!
facebook: Orange Goblin
http://www.youtube.com/orangegoblinofficial
Stone.
TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION are playing with Hillbilly Herald & Drek at The Beaumont Club in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 19th!!
Tix On Sale Here: http://bit.ly/TztdNr
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Big Dad Ritch – vocals
John Exall – bass guitar
Wes Wallace – guitar
Timmy Braun – drums
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* To read the Metal Odyssey album review for PEACEMAKER, click on the link below!
* To read the Metal Odyssey interview with BIG DAD RITCH, click on the link below!
BIG DAD RITCH of TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION – An Exclusive Interview With The Champion Of Red Dirt Metal
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* For more info on TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION, click on the links below!
facebook: Texas Hippie Coalition
http://www.youtube.com/thcofficial
Stone.
The time has finally come! MUTINY WITHIN is giving fans a full taste of their upcoming album, Synchronicity, with the release of their first single “Embers”. The band has released a music video directed and produced by Tommy Jones of the studio. (Suffocation, Kataklysm, Soilwork, All Shall Perish) for the song “Embers”, in partnership with Metal Injection.
The song is also available for purchase via MUTINY WITHIN’S Bandcamp.
MUTINY WITHIN has also partnered with Tommy Jones (the studio) in a brand new anti-piracy movement called Industry Embers. In a society where “downloading” music for free has become accepted and even the norm, people on the outside rarely are able to grasp the true effects of their stealing and how it trickles down to all the aspects of the entire music industry.
Industry Embers is an anti-piracy organization and movement. The goal is to have individuals from different facets of the music industry spread the truth about the damaging effects piracy has on the music industry as a whole.
If you are purchasing music via service-based options, digital downloads, physical CDs, or vinyl, and paying the asking price, the industry salutes you. Industry Embers encourage fans and supporters of music and the Industry Embers objective to tweet their music purchases, regardless of genre, to @IndustryEmbers with the hashtag #BuyMusicOrItsByeMusic.
Jones and MUTINY WITHIN know the downside to piracy all too well. Jones notes, “The guys in Mutiny Within were perfect examples of the difficulty an extremely talented new band faces to succeed in this age of online piracy, even after being signed to one of the largest metal labels.”
If you are reading this message, then you too are affected by piracy. Support music. Educate yourself.
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MORE INFO ON MUTINY WITHIN & INDUSTRY EMBERS:
www.twitter.com/IndustryEmbers
www.facebook.com/IndustryEmbers
www.youtube.com/MutinyOfficial
EMBERS:
Watch the “Embers” music video
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(Source: Devin Walsh PR)
Stone.
Left to right: Bill Ferguson (Vocals/Guitar), Wallace Huffman (Guitar), Marlow Deiter (Bass), Lowell Winters (Drums), Levi Meyers (Vocals) Photo Credit: Bailey Gottlieb
Brutal Western Canadian Death Metallers XUL are offering their debut full length ‘Malignance’ released earlier this year as a FREE DOWNLOAD as the band currently works on their follow-up EP. If you’re a fan of Behemoth, Dissection and Immortal this is one album not to be missed as the band forges their brand of Blackened Death Metal. Malignance features eight tracks of crushing rhythms seamlessly coalescing into atmospheric passages, accompanied by punishing percussion waves and subtle vocal harmonies.
FREE DOWNLOAD at the following link here. (http://xulmetal.bandcamp.com/album/malignance)
XUL vocalist Levi Meyers comments:
“”We are excited to offer our debut album, “Malignance” for free (or by pay what you want donation) to our fans as a token of our appreciation for the endless support they offer us. We are currently writing an EP, which will be due out sometime in 2013.”
1. Battlestorm 04:27
2. Mastication of Putrescent Empyrean Remains 05:14
3. Porta Noctis 05:08
4. Vengeance 03:28
5. Winter’s Reign 04:26
6. Hordes of Black 05:29
7. Incinerate the Earth 04:17
8. Tomb of Tyrants 05:54
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For more info on XUL, please visit these links:
http://www.facebook.com/Xulband
http://www.twitter.com/xulofficial
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A five piece group based out of Vernon, British Columbia, Canada, following in the footsteps of bands such as: Behemoth, Dissection, and Immortal, XUL have left the beaten path and set out to forge their own brand of Blackened Death Metal.
An energetic and interactive live performance – with crushing rhythms seamlessly coalescing into atmospheric passages, accompanied by punishing percussion waves and subtle vocal harmonies – expands upon the previously established essence of the sub-genre. With songs reminiscent of war-torn landscapes, destructive human nature and evil intent, XUL has captivated audiences and garnered positive reviews, and on June 16, 2012, released their first full length album, entitled “Malignance”.
Driven by determination and a diverse accumulation of musical comprehension, XUL has toured Western Canada, as well as proven themselves worthy to share the stage with bands such as: Obscura, Exhumed, Vreid, Kampfar, Woods of Ypres, Macabre, Withered, Cephalic Carnage, Archspire and 3 Inches of Blood. With a spring 2013 tour looming, XUL is determined to build on an impressive local following by infecting Western Canada with hopes of Canada in its entirety in the near future. XUL’s focus for winter 2012 is to meticulously craft new material for another release in 2013.
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XUL – MALIGNANCE – 2012
GENRE: Blackened Death Metal
RELEASE DATE: JUNE 16, 2012
LABEL: SELF-RELEASE
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(Source: Asher Media Relations)
Stone.
Portland’s caecothrophic collective RABBITS have excreted their very first hare-raising video to help ruin your day, constructed for the rampant skronking riffage of Fight Right, the second track off from their recently birthed Bites Rites LP. The cinematic mayhem was completed by Wes Johnson of Good to Die Productions — the film team responsible for label mates Deadkill’s “Oh God Help You” video — utilizing early live footage shot by the fourth Rabbit Daniel Abell and RABBITS’ own warped “us-versus-them” concept.
Unleash the visual chaos of “Fight Right” and more from the RABBITS vermin RIGHT HERE.
For this year’s Record Store Day these racket practitioners dropped a two-song flexi postcard thing called Flexihead, busting out conflicting covers of Minor Threat’s “Straight Edge” and Black Flag’s “Wasted” in the relentlessly blaring noise-infested RABBITS rage. Portland Mercury’s music editor issued a short blog post, highlighting the hand-written love note from the band stating “Enjoy your desperate attempts to make this thing play.”
Through the RABBITS Bandcamp outpost stream all of the “Straight Edge/Wasted” Flexihead HERE and the entire Bites Rites fiasco HERE.
RABBITS Stagefuckeries:
12/07/2012 The Josephine – Seattle, WA w/ Fist Fite, Monogamy Party, Brokaw
12/08/2012 Club 21 – Portland, OR w/ Fist Fite, Monogamy Party, Brokaw
1/18/2013 Alleyway – Portland, OR w/ Gaytheist, Transient
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Journalist Praise:
“…sounds like it was recorded in a collapsing steelworks…” – This Is Not A Scene
“Ever wonder what would happen if you put your Butthole Surfers records through a buzz saw?” – Vancouver Weekly
“… like running headfirst into a wall until you see stars.” – Portland Mercury
“Sort of like the soundtrack to a cheap slasher film with car sex, but better.” – Seattle Weekly
“…a choppy and rhythmically alarming dig toward hell. Guitars slice and poke, eventually slowing toward a bad trip of unsettling, drowning screams. Ugh…” – Heavy Planet
“…sped up and aggro hateful, like some mean, ratty pissed off uncles of Fu Manchu from up north of the redwood/good bud curtain.” – Your Flesh
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(Source: Earsplit PR)
* For more info on RABBITS, click on the links below!
http://www.rabbitusmaximus.com
facebook: RABBITS
http://www.goodtodierecords.com
Stone.
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
Metal Odyssey > Heavy Metal Music Blog 
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