Archive for metal music

AS I LAY DYING & WHITECHAPEL ON BILLBOARD TOP 200 ALBUM CHART!

Posted in death metal music, extreme music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 29, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

As taken from the Metal Blade Records News Update from June 25, 2010:

“Metal Blade Records, still home to two titles on the Billboard Top 200 Chart! Los Angeles based metal label Metal Blade Records is currently home to two of the year’s heaviest titles to break this week’s Billboard Top 200 Chart. Knoxville Tennessee’s WHITECHAPEL spent their second week on the Billboard Top 200 at #153 with the band’s highly anticipated album A New Era of Corruption and San Diego California’s Grammy nominated group AS I LAY DYING is now spending their SIXTH week in the Top 200 Chart, landing the #137 position. Metal Blade Records would like to congratulate both bands for this remarkable achievement and thank them for their dedication and all their hard work in creating the best albums of their career’s to date”.

Metal Odyssey would also like to congratulate As I lay Dying and Whitechapel as well… it is a great feeling when two Extreme Metal Bands make some F’n noise in the mainstream album charts! With my loyal leanings towards the Heavier and Extreme side of Metal, I cannot hold back the Metal appreciation I have for these two bands cracking into a world wide known and accepted album chart like Billboard.

* For more Metal info on As I Lay Dying, click the links below:

http://www.ThePowerlessRise.com

http://www.AsILayDying.com

http://www.myspace.com/asilaydying

* For more Metal info on WHITECHAPEL, click the links below:

http://www.aneweraofcorruption.com

http://www.whitechapel.com

http://www.myspace.com/whitechapel

http:/www.facebook.com/whitechapelmetal

* For more Metal Blade Records info, click the links below:

http://www.metalblade.com

http://www.metalblade.tv

AS I LAY DYING – THE POWERLESS RISE:

* Check out the music video for As I Lay Dying – Parallels, a speed burning and Metal furious song taken from The Powerless Rise album. Just click on that cool box below!

WHITECHAPEL – NEW ERA OF CORRUPTION:

LONG LIVE METAL!

Stone.

M3 ROCK FESTIVAL 2010 PART I: THE STATE OF HEAVY MUSIC ACCORDING TO STONE

Posted in concerts, hair metal music, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal concerts, heavy metal festivals, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock festivals, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 21, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

M3 ROCK FESTIVAL 2010 – As I was a part of the many thousands of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal fans at this year’s M3 Rock Festival in Columbia, Maryland this past Saturday, I came upon a realization… that Heavy Music is alive and very F’n well in 2010. Fans from teens to Old School Metalheads were in attendance at this Heavy Music event and they were not at all bashful at letting their excitement be seen or heard. The excitement for music that moves them, grooves them and makes them all feel like one gigantic and united family. Music, regardless of genre, should and most often does, ignite and bring out the emotions in all of us. How thrilling and satisfying it was, to witness thousands of Heavy Music fans at the M3 Rock Festival, celebrating together, (very peacefully too I might add), some of the greatest songs and bands that time has not forgotten.

We are a rowdy and straight forward bunch, us Heavy Music fans. Yet our rowdiness comes with jubilant horns raised in the air, a handshake, a high five or a slap on the back to our fellow fan. While I was amongst the massive M3 Rock Festival crowd on June 19th, I shared stories, anecdotes and countless quips with what I thought were strangers. After a couple of days have passed since this memorable day in my Metal life, I’ve come to the realization… that these strangers were never really strangers at all. They were passionate and loyal Heavy Music fans, just like myself. We were all family on June 19th, at the M3 Rock Festival. A proud, loud, loyal and raucous family at that.

We all live during a time of war, economic instability and political mud slinging that engulfs the headline news each and every moment. For one day, thousands of Heavy Music fans along with more than a dozen bands and countless vendors, created a world where politicians could never bullshit with or dare enter without running away with their heads caught between their legs. A world where spending eight dollars on a cold beer brought a smile to my face. A world where thousands of us could escape to, away from the crap that our cable network news shoves down our throats continuously. A world where us Heavy Music fans proved once again to society, we did not come to conquer, burn and pillage a community that accepted us in. God Bless the world of Heavy Music and Columbia, Maryland.

As days, weeks and years shall go by, I’ll never forget this 2010 M3 Rock Festival. I shall never forget the bands I Rocked to, the evil humidity that enveloped the air, the beer that went down like candy water and my fellow Heavy Music fans as well. I was truly in my element at the 2010 M3 Rock Festival and so too were thousands of other fellow fans. The state of Heavy Music has never been more defiant, loud and resilient… the 2010 M3 Rock Festival proved this to me, both bands and fans. We are really one big happy and Heavy Music lovin’ family. Metal be thy name.

I will be writing a series of posts that feature this 2010 M3 Rock Festival in the days and most likely, weeks to come. There are many stories to still tell, from the bands to the vendors that made this day ROCK… for me.

STONE.

KATAKLYSM “HEAVEN’S VENOM” – RELEASES AUGUST 2010 & NEW ALBUM ARTWORK!

Posted in Death Metal, death metal music, extreme metal bands, extreme metal music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 15, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

KATAKLYSM – Originating from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Kataklysm is a Death & Extreme Metal Band, that packs a multi-potent blast of energy within the framework of their creativity. Kataklysm will be releasing their eleventh studio album – Heaven’s Venom, on Nuclear Blast Records, on August 20th in Europe and August 24th in North America. Check out the new album artwork above! If this imagery and art for Heaven’s Venom is any indication of just how strong, dark, heavy and extreme the songs within are… then my Metal anticipation for this new Kataklysm album is at the highest Metal level. Whoa. Whoa again. I’m predicting Heaven’s Venom will easily be a Metal Odyssey’s top twenty album pick for 2010… just where it winds up in the list is to be determined.

Since Kataklysm’s 1993 EP release – The Mystical Gate of Reincarnation, this band has 18+ years of bringing their brand of Metal carnage to the masses… with absolutely NO signs of slowing things down for nuthin’. This new album, coupled with Kataklysm’s touring on Ozzfest, should catapult this veteran band to even larger Metal heights, while recruiting new fans along the way.

KATAKLYSM ARE:

MAURIZIO IACONO – vocals

MAX DUHAMEL – drums

JEAN-FRANCOIS DAGENAIS – guitars

STEPHANE BARBE – bass

* The track listing for Heaven’s Venom is not yet fully released. I would not want to give any song titles away on Metal Odyssey without the appropriate credibility.

Kataklysm is also on the OZZFEST TOUR 2010. The Ozzfest Tour gets started on August 14th, in San Bernardino, California. Kataklysm is a second stage act, along with Black Label Society, Skeletonwitch, Kingdom Of Sorrow, Drowning Pool, Goatwhore and Saviours. This is one blistering second stage at Ozzfest 2010! The Ozzfest main stage acts are: Ozzy Osbourne, Motley Crue, Halford, Devildriver and  Nonpoint.

* You can get more info on OZZFEST 2010 by clicking the link below:

OZZFEST 2010

* For more info on KATAKLYSM, click the very important link below!

KATAKLYSM – MySpace Music Page

Back on January 4, 2010, I posted about my Kataklysm – Prevail picture disc… and the Prevail album too. You can read it by clicking the ultra-large header below:

KATAKLYSM – “TAKING THE WORLD BY STORM” PICTURE DISC & “PREVAIL” ALBUM = DEATH METAL DOMINATION

LONG LIVE KATAKLYSM!

Stone.

SHOTGUN CURE – METAL BAND LOOKING TO RISE AND CONQUER WITH “DEPRAVITY UNLEASHED” EP

Posted in hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, heavy metal videos, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 9, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

SHOTGUN CURE – It’s always a great Metal feeling, to come across a young band of Thrashers that feed off their Old School Thrash and Metal influences and put it to good Metal use. Shotgun Cure is a Metal Band that does just this and they are doing it damn well too. Originating from Toronto, Canada, Shotgun Cure is not out trying to reinvent any Metal historic genres, instead they are grabbing the Metal torch and running with it… and I only hope they don’t stop for ‘nuthin or nobody. Sure, their five song EP – Depravity Unleashed is raw… however, isn’t that how all the legends of Metal Music used to sound like in the beginning? Plus, how often are we now hearing the veteran Thrash Metal Bands wanting to return to their roots and rediscover their raw energy they once captured and assaulted our Metal senses with?

Having a raw sound is not a negative, it’s being real and blue collar. That’s Metal. There is plenty of time ahead for Shotgun Cure to polish their outer crust a bit… just about every veteran Metal Band has done so eventually. It’s what I hear within the inner core of Shotgun Cure’s Metal that counts. A sound and feel of talent that hits me with a brick load of credibility. With influences that range from Iron Maiden to Opeth, with Pantera, Slayer and Kreator inbetween, Shotgun Cure knows about which bands to learn a thing or two from.

These guys are not looking to be hobby musicians anytime soon. Shotgun Cure brings an energy that comes across as genuine, no pretensions, with aspirations of success spilling out from the vocals and guitar of Harut Savchenko, the thunderous bass playing of James Tulloch and the furious drumming of Kyle Lecourt.

Sustainment has the riff… one that opens up this song with an uncanny reminder that all is well for the future of Metal Music, thanks to rising bands like Shotgun Cure. Add the speed guitar solo from Harut, with a pummeling bass and drums and Sustainment shall sustain any Metalhead’s attention – no questions asked. Unswayed is the 7:35 Metal epic on Depravity Unleashed, forging it’s power and Metal might upon my ears without any remorse. The guitar play of Harut swelters with Thrash enormity of Old School days gone by on Unswayed, just a fine example of how tight Shotgun Cure can play on this song.

Shotgun Cure is a song that elevates this EP to a higher level, with it’s melodic guitar leads and ever memorable riffs. It is only fitting that a standout song on Depravity Unleashed is also the name of the band. Iron Shadow is an all-out Thrash blitz that distinguishes Harut as a natural when it comes to having Thrash Metal vocals… nothing is forced or contrived, it’s all authentic to these ears. Kyle on drums makes his presence quite heard on Iron Shadow, as ballistic as he is on time. Exercise This is an exercise in raw and force driven energy that is channeled through the Metal from Shotgun Cure with no compromises… no slacking on the speed here. If one is to headbang to Exercise This, they might as well order their neck brace in advance. This song is a welcomed punishment to my senses.

The reality heard in Depravity Unleashed, is that of a band giving their all. The unreal cool thought is what the future holds for Shotgun Cure… a future that should find this Canadian Metal Band making headway not only across North America but across the Atlantic as well. Only Metal time will tell, however, as I will be rooting for Shotgun Cure all the way.

* Metal Odyssey gives Shotgun Cure – Depravity Unleashed EP 4 out of 5 Metal Fists!

It’s the younger generation of Metal Bands like Shotgun Cure, that will ensure the music we Old School Metalheads cherish, will continue to reign for decades to come.

Track Listing For Depravity Unleashed EP:

Sustainment

Exercise This

Unswayed

Shotgun Cure

Iron Shadow

* Check out Shotgun CureSustainment – Live by clicking the cool box below… oh yeah… don’t forget to crank this Metal up LOUD too!

* You can check out more cool info on Shotgun Cure and also purchase the Depravity Unleashed EP, plus more merch by clicking the link below:

SHOTGUN CURE – MySpace Music Page

Left to right: James Tulloch (bass), Harut Savchenko (vocals & guitar), Kyle Lecourt (drums).

Stone.

EYES OF FIRE – “DISINTEGRATE” DEBUT EP FROM 2003 REVISITED!

Posted in doom metal albums, doom metal music, extreme metal bands, extreme metal music, extreme music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 28, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

EYES OF FIREDisintegrate is the debut EP released by Eyes Of Fire, back in 2003, on Century Media Records. This is a three song EP that is emblazoned with a mixture of Metal threads. From Doom and Stoner undertones to an all out Sludge Metal assault that takes the upper Metal hand. This debut EP may just have three songs, still, it is a very good Metal barometer of exactly how Eyes Of Fire see, feel, write and play their brand of Heavy Music. It’s EP’s like this, that gives fans a taste of what a band is about… and Eyes Of Fire is about bringing the Sludge Metal hammer down.

Eyes Of Fire is without question, an extremely heavy Sludge Metal Band, only they can create some songs that are entwined with a true semblance of melodic moments. Hopeless is just that song which does capitalize on the heavy side of the Sludge spectrum, yet this song has guitars and keyboards that emphasize key melodious balance throughout.

Disintegrate opens up with the guitar hitting on shades of Peter Buck of R.E.M. fame… only this song dislocates itself very quickly from any musical familiarity with that alternative sound. The guitar intro is more like a sound trap that sucks you into the Sludge Metal pit to the extreme. Tough, anti-mellow and raw, this song forms it’s heaviness around it’s chaotic and speed driven tempo.

Anyone begins with a soft segue, blanketing the atmosphere with tantalizing and head turning progressive tendencies. Not to get fooled though… Eyes Of Fire kicks it into Sludge Metal gear within the blink of a Metal eye, transcending Anyone into a thickly heavy, emotional and angst driven song. Anyone easily is my top pick out of the three songs on Disintegrate, based on it’s credible heaviness and emotion scorched vocals.

* Metal Odyssey gives Eyes Of Fire – Disintegrate EP, 3.5 Metal Fists out of 5.

Some Eyes Of Fire notes of interest:

* My Metal research has found, that Eyes Of Fire were formed back in 1998 and went by the band name – Shiva.

* The songs Hopeless and Anyone were later included on the Eyes Of Fire full length studio album – Ashes To Embers, released in 2004 on Century Media Records.

* Before the formation of Eyes Of Fire, Dan Kaufman (vocals & guitar) and Matt Fisher (vocals & bass) were the founding members of Mindrot, a mid to late ’90’s Doom Metal Band once signed to Relapse Records.

* Eyes Of Fire originated from Orange County, California.

* As it is stated on their MySpace Music Page… Eyes Of Fire are currently on hiatus.

* A Power/Thrash Metal Band from Kenosha, Wisconsin, goes by the same name – Eyes Of Fire. Their record label is called: Musical Orgasms Publishing.

Eyes Of Fire – Ashes To Embers (studio album from 2004)

Eyes Of Fire – Prisons (last studio album from 2006)

Track Listing For Disintegrate EP:

Disintigrate

Hopeless

Anyone

For more Metal info on Eyes Of Fire, click the cool link below:

Eyes Of Fire – MySpace Music Page

Stone.


METAL BLADE TV – “ON THE BLACK CARPET OF REVOLVER GOLDEN GODS AWARDS” 2010

Posted in hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal awards, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 25, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

Jeff Paulick, lead vocalist/bass guitarist of Lazarus A.D. interviews some of the biggest, baddest and best Metal musicians attending and/or receiving awards at the 2010 Revolver Golden Gods Awards for Metal Blade TV! Vinnie Paul, Alice Cooper, Andrew W.K., Lemmy, Gene Hoglan, Brendon Small, Kerry King, Joey Vera, Burton C. Bell and Marilyn Manson just to name quite a few! Man, would I have loved to do that job with the microphone! Hire me Metal Blade TV! Um… please? Pretty Metal please?

Take a Metal gander at the 2 video’s below to see what I’m all excited about… and enjoy!

The actual broadcast of the 2010 Revolver Golden Gods Awards may have been cut-up and edited to pieces, still, the pre-awards black carpet chatting is cool stuff! A Metal kudos to Metal Blade TV! Maybe Metal Blade TV should just broadcast this event from the inside as well starting next year?

LONG LIVE METAL!

…AND HARD ROCK TOO!

O.K., LONG LIVE METAL BLADE RECORDS AND METAL BLADE TV!

The word “pretty” was used on Metal Odyssey… yup, in the first paragraph.

Stone.

PAUL GRAY – REST IN PEACE, THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC

Posted in hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 24, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

PAUL GRAY – It has been reported today, through numerous news sources, that on this day – May 24, 2010, Paul Gray, founding member, bass guitarist and #2 of Slipknot, has passed away at age 38. I will abstain from any details, except for one, that I have read in regards to Paul Gray’s passing away, I just do not want to pass along any information that may change in the coming hours and/or days. The only detail I feel comfortable relaying is the cause of death is unknown at this time. I will admit, this has been a very sad year thus far for “famous” musicians passing on. Paul Gray was without question, a key figure and talent within Sipknot.

Metal Odyssey expresses the sincerest condolences to Paul Gray’s family, band mates, friends and fans. He shall forever be in peace… and hopefully Rockin’ in Heaven with Ronnie James Dio, Peter Steele, The Reverend, John Lennon, Buddy Holly and Elvis too. That’s how I like to make sense of it all.

I have always looked upon Slipknot as a formidable presence in the world of Heavy Music. I became a fan of their style, music and legitimacy as a top tier band. Paul Gray deserves much credit for his accomplishments with Slipknot. Paul Gray shall certainly be missed.

In the past, I have posted about Slipknot a couple of times. I would like to share them now, with you, if you so desire to read them. I, like so many other fans, want to celebrate the music of Paul Gray… for at the end of the day, that is all it is, in it’s fabulous and inspiring glory, regardless of genre. Music.

SLIPKNOT – “PSYCHOSOCIAL” IS MY 2ND FAVORITE METAL SONG EVER!

SLIPKNOT – ALL HOPE IS GONE

When one door shuts, another door opens… may the door to Heaven open for Paul Gray.

Stone.

FREYA – HARDCORE METAL BAND PUMMELS AND PUNISHES MY METAL SENSES!

Posted in extreme metal music, hardcore metal music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal songs, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 20, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

FREYA – Released their studio album – All Hail The End on January 19, 2010, on Victory Records. Hailing from Syracuse, New York, Freya is one extreme outfit I’m keeping an eye on… while their Metal fries my eardrums. One standout song from this blistering Metal album is The Wanderers. This is a Metal song and Freya is a Metal band that pummels and punishes my Metal senses. I am not kidding around here. Freya is a Metal band that is as heavy, lean and mean as they come and obviously hell bent on making their Metal presence known to all mankind. Hardcore not to be denied here, Freya means serious business. With force driven riffs and vocals that could rip a NYC phone book in half, Freya is handing down the Metal whoop ass in pile driving form. The drumming is a relentless and fortified attack as well, with the bass only adding more fuel to this out of control Metal fire storm heard on The Wanderers.

All Hail The End is Freya throwing their Metal torch into the arena of concept albums. To directly quote a line from their bio, found on their MySpace Music page: “examining humanities constant struggle for power throughout the ages”. Songs like The Guardian and Human Demons ignites All Hail The End into a forceful ball of vicious Metal, that uncoils it’s wrath upon my ears. Metal be thy name. Freya delivers one mighty blow of overpowering Metal with the humanity power struggle theme, making All Hail The End an enormous album to seek out… and let pummel your Metal senses into oblivion in 2010 and beyond.

* Check out all Metal happenings of FREYA by clicking the link below:

FREYA – MySpace Music Page

HEAVY, HARDCORE AND EXTREME… CRANK THE WANDERERS UP LOUD!!

FREYA are:

Karl Buechner – vocals

Brandon Flynn – guitar

John Sullivan – guitar

Mike Lagrow – bass

Joseph Murphy – drums

Stone.

KORN – “KORN III REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE” ALBUM COVER ART AND TRACK LISTING REVEALED!

Posted in alternative metal bands, alternative metal music, alternative rock music, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 15, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

KORN – RoadRunner Records revealed on Friday, May 14, 2010, via their website, the new album artwork for KORN III Remember Who You Are, along with the track listing. KORN III Remember Who You Are will be the ninth studio release from this legendary Nu Metal/Alternative Metal giant. Call it what you will… KORN is still heavy and the Heavy Metal world only gets more muscle bound by their return… in my Metal opinion. Check out the track listing for KORN III Remember Who You Are below! Also, the new album cover is really chilling… whoa. Leave it to KORN to get into the issues of our society once again! What do you think of this album cover? I’ll tell you right now… it creeps the hell out of me. This album cover speaks volumes for what currently is a societal evil that exists and lurks today, an evil that the world can live without. What else can I say, really, that’s my honest Metal opinion. Leave a comment and get it off your Metal chest!

Track Listing For KORN III Remember Who You Are:

Uber Time

Oildale (Leave Me Alone)

Pop A Pill

Fear Is A Place To Live

Move On

Lead The Parade

Let The Guilt Go

The Past

Never Around

Are You Ready To Live?

Holding All These Lies

KORN IS:

Jonathan Davis – vocals

James “Munky” Shaffer – guitar

Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu – bass guitar

Ray Luzier – drums

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

* For more info on RoadRunner Records, click here: ROADRUNNER RECORDS

KORN III Remember Who You Are is to be released on July 13, 2010, on RoadRunner Records.

Stone.

STYGIAN – “FURY RISING” RISES WITH SOLID, HEAVY SONGS WORTH CATCHING ONTO

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, heavy metal songs, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 14, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

STYGIAN – At first glance of this Stygian – Fury Rising album cover, one would guess the music within is Death Metal. Stygian instead, is a Hard Rock fused with Heavy Metal band, their music can go either way, depending on the song. As I hear it, Stygian’s Hard Rock and Heavy Metal is heavy in the vein of Metallica’s Load and ReLoad. This comparison sounds rather exemplary, sure, only Fury Rising is still more rough around the edges than any Metallica album from the ’90’s… and that is not a bad thing. After all, Stygian like so many bands before them, are going to be influenced by greatness such as Metallica, while trying to differentiate themselves from the pack. If I had a dime for every time I’ve read an interview of a band and/or musician who states The Beatles are their influence, I would be a rich Metalhead for certain. Metallica has taken the reins over the years… as being that influence to so many new and young bands. It’s a Metal fact of life and I’m down with it.

Some semblance of Thrash is mixed about on Fury Rising, with plenty of Old School riffs and leads of speed. Just don’t go looking for Overkill’s legendary style of Thrash Metal… (I’m only trying to dissect the sound and music style as best as I Metal can here). Overall, Fury Rising is as solid and muscular of a Heavy Metal album as they come, especially from a young band that seems to wear their influences on their sleeves. There is nothing wrong with a young band exhibiting some slices of Old School Metal in their songs.

Frank Leary on vocals and guitar does come across as the ever competent front man. His vocals have the strength and potency to make the songs on this album all the more bolder. On Fever Slide, Frank Leary adapts his vocals to accommodate this song’s tempered Rock energy, essentially a hardened ballad is Fever Slide. Patrick Hayden on lead guitar just pulls me in like a Metal vacuum, lean and mean licks abound. The song Fury Rising is a Metal attention grabber, a highlight on this album for my Metal ears and definitely my favorite.

Stygian is a band that could easily open up for Godsmack, Saliva as well as Metallica. Stygian has the sound, songs and obvious talent to keep moving forward, with all the Metal confidence in the world. Fury Rising is a fistful of memorable songs, with heavy grooves aplenty. After a few listens to Fury Rising, you just may agree with me, that this is an album that is bursting out at the seams with quality written and played songs. I look forward to hearing more from Stygian in the years to come, a band that sounds this good now can’t possibly resist striving for greatness… just like their influences.

* STYGIAN – Fury Rising, was released on February 9, 2010 on Mortal Music.

* STYGIAN means: dark or gloomy, infernal; hellish. (source: Dictionary.com)

* This STYGIAN band is not to be confused with the other STYGIAN band from the mid 1990’s, which released an album titled: Planetary Destruction, released in 1994.

* For more info on STYGIAN, click here: STYGIAN – Myspace Music Page

STYGIAN ARE:

Frank Leary – vocals & guitar

Patrick Hayden – lead guitar

Mike Stewart – bass

Steve Bacchia – drums

Track Listing For Fury Rising:

Suffer Patiently

Fury Rising

Crimson Sand

My Regret

One More Shot

Last Redemption

Unstrung Hero

The Fear

Glass Legacy

Fever Slide

Stone.

MORPHINE KILLER – NEW SINGLE “THROW IT ALL AWAY” IS OUT NOW AND CAN’T MISS!

Posted in hard rock bands, hard rock music, hard rock songs, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal songs, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 9, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

MORPHINE KILLER/Final Breath Records:

Released this past March, 2010, the NEW and unreal solid single from Stanton California’s very own Morphine Killer – Throw It All Away is out now and available for purchase through the following cool outlets:

* MORPHINE KILLER – Official Website

* iTunes

* Amazon.com

* ReverbNation

In my Metal opinion, this is THE song that should catapult Morphine Killer onto an entirely new level of Metal notoriety. This song for all Metal intents and purposes… ROCKS. The vocals of Belle have never sounded more alluring. She has proved to this veteran Metalhead, that she can be counted as one of the top new female vocalists in Heavy Music today. Metal be thy name.

Eski’s tireless work ethic and Metal Music prowess shines through on Throw It All Away, with extremely contagious riffs and a melodic, driving sound. The outer crust of Throw It All Away has the flavor of Old School and that makes it all the better. Polished, while still delivering the Hard & Heavy, this single is one of the best introductions to those unfamiliar with Morphine Killer. This single can easily be one of the Hard Rock/Heavy Metal songs of 2010 that fans of Heavy Music shouldn’t miss!

IF THE FUTURE OF HEAVY MUSIC IS IN THE HANDS OF BANDS LIKE MORPHINE KILLER, THEN I CAN SLEEP WELL AT NIGHT.

Stone.

METAL CHURCH: DON’T CALL IT QUITS… IT’S TOO SOON.

Posted in hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 7, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

METAL CHURCH: Back on July 7, 2009, the home page for the official Metal Church website read:

“A message from the band..

July 7 , 2009

To all of our fans and friends…

We regretfully announce that Metal Church is calling it quits.

The performance at Rocklahoma will be our last show. We have had to cancel the shows scheduled for August and that, among other things, has led us to have to make this decision.

There has been far too much frustration and disappointment in trying to keep moving forward. The collapse of our record company, SPV, has made it next to impossible for us continue in any kind of professional manner due to lack of tour support. This decision was not made lightly.

We do have unfinished business in the studio, and with any luck we will have something that will be of interest to Metal Church fans in the near future.

We would like to thank all the fans that have stuck with Metal Church through all these years, the line-up changes and the ups and downs.

We can’t tell you how much your support has meant to us, we appreciate each and every one of you.

It’s been a great ride… thanks for being a part of it.

Metal Church”

I can understand that there are situations that are beyond any band’s control… yet this news has NOT set right with me since last July of 2009. Consistently, over the past year, I have tried to ignore this news of Metal Church calling it quits, thinking that one of these days I would visit their website, to read that they are coming back after all. Unfortunately, that has not been the Metal case.

Please, Kurdt Vanderhoof, reassess the might and magnitude that your Metal Church band still has to offer. Lineup changes are common place in Rock ‘N’ Roll across the board… each and every Metal Church lineup over the years has been extremely credible, from the song writing and lyrics to the Metal Music itself, Metal Church was and always will be an ultra quality Metal brand and band in the vast world of music. Sure, there will always be an opinion as to the best Metal Church lineup and album comparisons within the Metal Church catalog. Yet, I don’t want those debates or discussions to ever end!

If there ever was a time in Hard Rock and Heavy Metal history, where the excitement has been so high for these incredible genres, reunions of Old School Bands so numerous, credible new albums being released from veteran bands and the loyalty from a generation of 1980’s fans so rabid… it is NOW. Any record company with any comprehension of how popular Metal Church is, should be jumping at the chance to sign you. Please reconsider calling it quits Kurdt Vanderhoof and Metal Church… your not that old yet, your fans aren’t going away and I’m speaking for hopefully, most of them. A Heavy Metal world without Metal Church leaves a unique void.

At the end of the Metal day, I can still respect and accept the fact that Kurdt Vanderhoof needs to close the book on this Metal Church legacy. In no Metal way, shape or form, do I want to come across as a selfish fan. I believe in that old saying… when one Metal door shuts, another Metal door opens. It just doesn’t feel like it should be the end though…

LONG LIVE METAL CHURCH.

IT IS LIKE SAYING GOODBYE TO A METAL BUDDY, YET SAYING GOODBYE WAY TOO SOON.

To visit the official website for Metal Church, click here: METAL CHURCH – Official Website

Stone.

METALMEISTER – A 1996 METAL BLADE RECORDS, COMPILATION OF UNRULY & EXTREMELY HEAVY… METAL!

Posted in black metal music, death metal music, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal songs, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 6, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

METALMEISTER – Released back on July 23, 1996, on the legendary Metal Blade Records, this compilation of fifteen songs is a molten fireball of Metal Music! Fifteen bands, all signed to the Metal Blade Records label, (as of 1996), are featured on Metalmeister. From Cannibal Corpse and GWAR to Armored Saint, Metal Blade Records never put up any boundaries when it comes to Metal Music… and they still don’t. Metalmeister may be out of print, alas, I have seen numerous new copies for sale at Amazon.com for slightly over $1 U.S.!! That’s one meager buck for a heavy swath of Metal, Metalheads!

The one track on Metalmeister that isn’t heavy at all is Fall-Dark Waters by Decoryah. It’s quite an atmospheric song, reminiscent of The Alan Parsons Project. (!) Believe me, that is my most honest Metal opinion I have of this song. Plus, as a mellow bonus, this song clocks in at 7:16 too. I am not dismissing myself from ever listening to this song ever again, it’s just that it does not “fit in” with this Metalmeister compilation at all. In case you are wondering… Decoryah was a dark/ambient Doom Metal band from Finland, releasing two albums, two EP’s and two demos from 1992 to 1997. My Metal research has found this band broke up in 1997.

Wretched by The Crisis is just that, plus it sounds like the Pop Rock Band… Hanson going all Death Metal on my brain. I really don’t know of any other songs and or albums from The Crisis, this is just my Metal opinion on the one song from them, heard straight from Metalmeister.

Thankfully, the track immediately following this Wretched song is Here In After by Immolation. (Phew), Immolation does a Metal brain good, especially after listening to a Metal? song that leaves me bewildered. The song Here In After is Immolation NOT fooling around… this Death Metal Band always delivers the heaviest of goods to my ears. Metal be thy name.

Meat Sandwich by GWAR is… vintage… GWAR. There is something about these unearthly beings that makes me listen to them, with the upmost Metal curiosity. Meat Sandwich is as entertaining lyrically as it is Metal groovy.

Meat Sandwich can be found on the RAGNAROK album, released back on October 24, 1995, on of course, Metal Blade Records. Here is what the RAGNAROK album cover looks like:

Well, I covered my least liked songs first… then Immolation and GWAR saved the Metal day… now for the really cool Metal… step in Armored Saint. Creepy Feelings is listed on Metalmeister as previously unreleased material and from a 1989 demo tape. This was 1996 when this album was released, thus Creepy Feelings was very much a previously unreleased track of the time. Fast forward to March 7, 2000, when the Armored Saint album – Revelation was released… Creepy Feelings was included on it. This song is a killer… a melodic and hard driving force is Creepy Feelings with John Bush vocally at his finest.

This is what the Revelation album looks like:

I also posted a review for Armored Saint – Revelation back on July 24, 2009. You can read it if you like, by clicking the link below:

Armored Saint – “Revelation” brings forth Heavy Metal intensity

Psychotic Companion by Galactic Cowboys exhibits flashes of Thrash, Funk Metal and Heavy Metal commercial accessibility. One damn decent band was Galactic Cowboys, a cool song to have in this Metalmeister mix of Metal candy.

Blue Suit, Brown Shirt by one of Thrash Metal’s best non-limelight bands – Sacred Reich, is as hot as a blow torch firing straight up from hell. This song lasts 2:27 and it alone is worth the $1 and change you will pay for this Metalmeister CD. Mercyful Fate appears with Into The Unkown and is always worth a half dozen repeat listens… for me. King Diamond… ’nuff said. Into The Unknown is from the 1996 Mercyful Fate album… you guessed it… Into The Unknown.

Here is what the Into The Unknown album cover looks like:

Track Listing For Metalmeister – A Metal Blade Compilation:

Mummified In Barbed Wire Cannibal Corpse

Psychotic Companion Galactic Cowboys

Blue Suit, Brown ShirtSacred Reich

Into The UnknownMercyful Fate

Meat SandwichGWAR

The Enemy Inside Six Feet Under

She Said Skrew

Scorched EarthWardog

Here In After Immolation

Wretched Crisis

Before Today, Beyond TomorrowDesultory

The CurseAncient

Kill Yourself For BusinessUnited

Fall-Dark WatersDecoryah

Creepy FeelingsArmored Saint

* I received this Metalmeister CD as part of a “Christmas present stash” from Best Metal buddy Scott Coverdale… thanks buddy! This CD has proven to be the Metal gift that keeps on giving.

* Metalmeister – A Metal Blade Compilation was produced by Brian Slagel.

LONG LIVE METAL BLADE RECORDS!

Stone.

DEATH “LIVE IN L.A.” – A MUST LISTEN INTO DEATH METAL AND METAL HISTORY

Posted in death metal history, death metal legends, death metal music, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 4, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

DEATH – I’d have to say, without any hesitation, that Death – Live In L.A. (Death & Raw) is a scorcher of a live Death Metal album. If one wants to know where it all began with the Death Metal genre… one needs to get their ears glazed over with the power and force of Death’s original brand of Metal. A gigantic band in the history of Metal music is Death, with the late Chuck Schuldiner bringing to the forefront a Metal sound of extreme muscularity, embodied with his vocals, guitar and song writing. An unreal and unparalleled legacy of music… Death Metal Music, has Chuck Schuldiner left for us Metal fans to enjoy for generations to come.

Live In L.A. is rich with the heavy sound of Death, a top quality recording. This is not just some live album slapped and pieced together here… listening to Live In L.A. actually takes me there in my mind, to that actual Death concert back in 1998. I wish I really was at this concert, unfortunately I never did see Death live. The reality is in the listening to this excellent album of live Death songs, I can only marvel at how Chuck Schuldiner can pull me into the music he and Death are playing. This Live In L.A. album needs to be brought up for it’s credibility as a live album and for it’s powerful listen into Old School Death Metal.

When the topic of “most important” Metal bands comes my way, I most certainly consider Death to be in the equation. To incorporate lyrical themes of gore as well as social reality, in the way Chuck Schuldiner had accomplished, was only magnified to a profound level, by the extremely heavy sound of Death’s music. Chuck Schuldiner and Death figured most prominently in the formation of the Death Metal genre, still, putting genres aside, the legacy of Chuck Schuldiner and Death have also figured equally prominent in the history of Metal Music too… in my Metal opinion.

If I can recruit just a few readers to check out this live Death album, then I have done my Metal deed for the day. The heavy grooves are there, just waiting to be savored and heard on Live In L.A. (Death & Raw). Veteran Death fans know. New fans and younger generations should at least know, that Chuck Schuldiner and his band Death defined a genre. You won’t read that in any mainstream Pop Rock magazine.

* Live In L.A. was recorded on December 5, 1998, in of course, L.A., at Whiskey A Go-Go. This was one of 24 tour dates on The Sound Of Perseverance 1998 America Tour.

* Death – Live In L.A. (Death & Raw) was released on October 16, 2001 on Nuclear Blast Records.

* For those new to this legendary band known as DEATH, Chuck Schuldiner passed away on December 13, 2001, at age 34.

DEATH as they appeared on Live In L.A. (Death & Raw):

Chuck Schuldiner – vocals & guitar

Richard Christy – drums

Scott Clendenin – bass

Shannon Hamm – guitar

Track Listing For DEATH- LIVE IN L.A. (Death & Raw):

Intro / The Philosopher

Spirit Crusher

Trapped In A Corner

Scavenger Of Human Sorrow

Crystal Mountain

Flesh And The Power It Holds

Zero Tolerance

Zombie Ritual

Suicide Machine

Together As One

Empty Words

Symbolic

Pull The Plug

Rest In Peace, Chuck Schuldiner, your music lives on.

Stone.

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

Posted in hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music, heavy metal songs, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 3, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

ACCEPT – has returned! On September 14, 2010, the twelfth studio album – Blood Of The Nations, from this legendary Heavy Metal band from Germany, will be unleashed upon the world of Metal! Just click on that really cool video box below to hear the track – The Abyss from the forthcoming Blood Of The Nations.

It’s been 14 years since the last ACCEPT album was released – 1996’s Predator. Founding member and lead singer Udo Dirkschneider is unfortunately no longer with ACCEPT, instead he is continuing on with a very strong and successful solo  career with his very own Heavy Metal band – U.D.O., which testifies to Udo’s unrelenting allegiance to Metal. In my Metal opinion, ACCEPT with Udo Dirkschneider as lead singer is the real deal. Regardless, there are many other instances in the history of Metal where legendary lead singers change bands… (Black Sabbath, Judas Priest and Iron Maiden), just to name a few Heavy Metal powerhouses that have had a changeover at the mic.

* ACCEPT has been down this Metal road before, regarding a change at lead vocalist. The 1989 ACCEPT studio album – Eat The Heat featured David Reece on lead vocal duty.

The new lead singer for ACCEPT – Mark Tornillo, (of TT Quick fame), is leading the vocal charge in 2010 and I really, really, like what I hear thus far from his vocals, on the song – The Abyss. ACCEPT returns with original members – Wolf Hoffman on guitar and Peter Baltes on bass. ACCEPT alumnus and guitarist Herman Frank is on board with this 2010 reunion album as well. Heavy Metal drummer extraordinaire and ACCEPT alum, Stefan Schwarzmann, will be reigning behind the kit.

* Upon my Metal research, I have found no definitive or official track listing for Blood Of The Nations as of May 3rd, 2010. I don’t want to post any “tentative” song titles just yet… staying credible is Metal rule #1 at Metal Odyssey. The Abyss is obviously a legitimate and yes, credible song that has been released to the general public thus far… and what a Heavy Metal song it is! The Abyss is heavy, hard, lean and gritty… Old School too! Just the way I Metal like it. Welcome back ACCEPT!

* A Metal kudos goes out to Scott Coverdale for steering me straight towards this new ACCEPT track – The Abyss! Thanks Metal buddy!

* Get more ACCEPT info – up to the minute by clicking on these ACCEPT links below:

ACCEPT – myspace music page

ACCEPT – Official Website


LONG LIVE ACCEPT!

Stone.

EDGUY “LAVATORY LOVE MACHINE” – CD SINGLE FROM 2004 THAT’S OUT OF PRINT!

Posted in hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, power metal bands, power metal music, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 27, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

EDGUY – Released their CD single Lavatory Love Machine back on June 21st, 2004, on Nuclear Blast Records. I purchased this cool EDGUY CD single about two years ago, on the Century Media Records website… CM Distro. Now, Lavatory Love Machine is out of print, still I have currently seen it for sale both new and used through Amazon.com.

For anyone unfamiliar with EDGUY, they are a Power Metal/Heavy Metal band from Germany. EDGUY could have easily fit right into the mid to late 80’s Heavy Metal mix – for their sound has all the trappings of Old School flavor… in my Metal opinion. From 1997 thru 2009, EDGUY has released eight studio albums, two live albums, three CD singles, two EP’s and two compilation/greatest hits albums.

I do like to collect the rare and out of print albums, cassettes and CD’s of my favorite bands. Many times, I have no Metal clue that a particular title is even out of print… until I stumble on an article or online music retail store that expresses those magic words: product discontinued by manufacturer.

The single Lavatory Love Machine is from the 2004 EDGUY studio album – Hellfire Club. This song has all the power driven, Arena style Heavy Metal that the late 80’s was famous for. An acoustic version of Lavatory Love Machine is on this single as well, of course it is much more mellow and toned down. I’ll Cry For You is an acoustic ballad as well, it showcases the open approach that lead vocalist Tobias Sammet has taken musically, throughout his entire career, with EDGUY. This is a band that can slam it down unreal heavy and still sound great (and cool) doing the soft stuff.

Reach Out is another… ballad. More on the “power” ballad side, Reach Out I gravitate towards courtesy of Tobias Sammet… I really like the believable emotion his vocals radiate on this song. There is no guitar, bass or drums on Reach Out, just some inspiring keyboards and piano. The “power” of this song is derived from Tobias Sammet’s vocals, in my Metal opinion.

I sound like a broken record when stating that I’m not the big ballad dude, only there are those times where I do listen to them, they fall into my lap so to speak. Keeping an open Metal mind is what I try to do and if the ballad works for my ears, then Metal be thy name.

* The music video for Lavatory Love Machine is also on this CD single, I’d swear it was a late 80’s music video due to it’s Old School approach. A fun video to watch!

* I’ll Cry For You is a cover song originally found on the Europe album from 1991 – Prisoners in Paradise.

* Tracks 1 thru 3 can also be found on the 2008 EDGUY album – The Singles.

* Reach Out can be found on the Japanese import version of EDGUY – Rocket Ride, released in 2006. Lavatory Love Machine (Acoustic Version) is found on this same Japanese version of Rocket Ride too. It gets very confusing, when tracking down when specific songs were released and on what album!

Track Listing For Lavatory Love Machine:

1. Lavatory Love Machine

2. Lavatory Love Machine (Acoustic Version)

3. I’ll Cry For You – (Europe Cover Song)

4. Reach Out

Lavatory Love Machine – (video clip) – complete music video

EDGUY, as they appeared on the Lavatory Love Machine CD Single:

Tobias Sammet – vocals

Jens Ludwig – guitar & backing vocals

Dirk Sauer – guitar & backing vocals

Tobias “Eggi” Exxel – bass & backing vocals

Felix Bohnke – drums, percussion

* Frank Tischer – plays piano on Reach Out. It is my best Metal guess, that Tobias Sammet plays keyboards on Reach Out, no documentation can be found in the liner notes to support this Metal guess however.

Stone.


MORPHINE KILLER “NIGHTMARES” EP – UNLEASHES UNREAL METAL EXTREMITY!

Posted in Extreme Metal, extreme metal bands, extreme metal music, gothic metal bands, gothic metal music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 23, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

MORPHINE KILLER – released their Nightmares EP back in October of 2009, on Final Breath Records. What makes this duo of Belle Roka, ( Vocals, Keyboards) and Eski, (Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Drums) stand out is their undying Extreme Metal delivery… which is all structured and written quite well on the five songs heard on this Nightmares EP. Morphine Killer has incorporated all the dark ambiance within their heavy riffs and cyclone guitar leads… just one listen to Clutching Defeat should make the non-believers fall to their weakened knees. Eski exhalts his no compromise Extreme vocals to a prolific level of Metal Grind purity.

With Eski and Belle sharing vocal duties, it’s soft harmony and a swift, crushing extreme blow to my Metal ears that keeps me coming back for more. Morphine Killer has incorporated a mix of Metal genres into their one-two Extreme thunder strike… with convincing and serious results. I have posted the song Pride Comes Before A Fall, on April 15, 2010, realizing that Belle’s luringly tender vocals sucks me into the Extreme Metal explosiveness that their music brandishes. Listening to this Morphine Killer – Nightmares EP is like entering valley of the Extreme Metal grooves, not one song replicates the other, each Metal corner turned seems to be better than the last.

One listen to Home and I can envision Morphine Killer opening for Kittie… and that would be a killer show of Metal proportions. Can I make a fair comparison of Belle Roka to Morgan Lander of Kittie? I certainly can, despite each being unique vocalists… this comparison is a compliment to both of these Metal divas. The influence nod to Classic Rock icon Heart is posted on Morphine Killer’s myspace music page… and I can understand why, each time I hear Belle sing. What is refreshing about Morphine Killer is that they apparently are climbing the Metal ladder the old school way, with their obvious musical talent guiding them each Extreme step of the way.

She’s Slipping Away opens up with a Traditional Metal approach, doom ridden riffs and thunderous drum beats are sewn with a quaking bass that only becomes more deliriously addicting once Belle begins to vocalize the lyrics. Oh, yes, you better watch your Metal back however, the semi-growling and sneering backing vocals are evident courtesy of Eski… dark, creepy and a necessary Metal musical additive. I’m a sucker for the emotions that a keyboard can bring to music. Belle adds just this to She’s Slipping Away, with melancholy atmospherics in the background.

In Silent Agony concludes this Nightmares EP and does so with an Extreme Metal exclamation point. Eski is showcased on vocals throughout In Silent Agony, jumping out from the onset like a catastrophic furnace blast… no warning… and I’m not running, just consumed with Extreme satisfaction, Metal be thy name.

We live on a planet where there are quite a few Metal bands doing their thing and going with the flow… Morphine Killer is doing their thing alright, only their sound and diversity pushes them out in front of the up and coming Metal pack. Anytime a young Metal band creates quality songs through musical talent, while embedding slivers of Old School, I’m going to Metal endorse them to the fullest. It should not take the Metal world too long to grasp with their ears what Morphine Killer is creating here, a Metal sound that encompasses the dark and the light… which makes this Metal fanatic Extremely pleased with their discovery.

* You can purchase Morphine Killer – Nightmares EP directly on the Morphine Killer website or at Amazon.com.

MORPHINE KILLER – Official Website

Stone.

OZZY OSBOURNE – “SPEAK OF THE DEVIL” 1982 LIVE ALBUM WAS ONCE BANNED!

Posted in hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal awards, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, people, personal stories, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 23, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

OZZY OSBOURNE – released his very first solo live album Speak Of The Devil back on November 27, 1982. I remember getting excited about this new Ozzy album coming out… it was live… it was Ozzy! My late sister Christine, she worked at a department store named Stars back in 1982. This Stars department store sold just about anything and everything, it was a store where you could find faucet washers or chain link that no other hardware store carried. From tampons to cookies to records, Stars had it all! It was our Walmart before we had… a Walmart. Well, this store did not have a very bright store manager… as you will soon find out.

You see, I asked my sister back in late November of 1982, if she could pick me up the new Ozzy Osbourne album for me… Speak Of The Devil. She said it would be no problem at all. Well, it did become a problem. Apparently, the store manager of Stars decided he wanted to “play the dictator card” and ban the Speak Of The Devil album from being sold at Stars. My sister was just as miffed at this as I was back then. She told me, “he” (the store manager), did not like Ozzy Osbourne and abhorred the album cover artwork of Speak Of The Devil, therefore, he did not want this album or any Ozzy Osbourne album for that matter, sold at Stars. The guy was a first class moron, a first rate censorship warlord.

I won’t mention this idiot managers name, (just to protect any of his embarrassed family members). However, his daughter did go to my high school, was a year or two younger than me and she was… a Metalhead. Poor girl, to have a dip-crap father like that… it’s no wonder she didn’t go insane. Plus, this censor police chief of a store manager wore… get this… polyester pants and… turtlenecks. F’n turtlenecks! That is probably where my absolute hatred for turtlenecks was sown. Turtleneck traumatized was I, at a very young age. Seeing that fart face store manager pacing up front of that store, man, the memory is so damned vivid now. Excuse me please, I think I want to go puke right now.

Anyway, to make a sad censorship story better… I did get my hands on Speak Of The Devil at a very non-censored store called Strawberries Records & Tapes. Kiss my Metal butt Stars and your third world nation store manager. My trips to Stars did continue even years after this censorship “issue” with the Speak Of The Devil and all Ozzy Osbourne albums. Stars later named another dude as store manager and he was cool. As for the censorship addict that once reigned as store manager there… well, I don’t really know what happened to him and really don’t give a maggot infested, moose crap either.

Heavy Metal took a beating back in the early days, especially the 1980’s, with censorship jackasses. Maybe this former store manager of Stars became a fan of the overly constipated PMRC? One never knows. All I know is that censorship is creepy, scary and wrong. Censorship of music, art, books or any other “freedom of speech” that America takes for granted has happened and can still happen at any time. Censorship is probably happening right now, in some shape or form, in yes… America. Freedom is fragile, sometimes it is too easy to forget that.

Granted, this story may come across as a “micro” incident in small town America, too long ago to even blink an eye at. Don’t be fooled… history does have a funny way of unfortunately repeating itself.

LONG LIVE ARTISTIC FREEDOM!

AND OZZY OSBOURNE TOO.

Stone.

ARMORED SAINT – “CHILLED” SONG FROM “LA RAZA” ALBUM CHILLS AND THRILLS MY METAL SOUL

Posted in hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 19, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

ARMORED SAINT – released their brilliant comeback album La Raza on March 16, 2010. An Old School Heavy Metal with shades of Hard Rock album is La Raza, an unreal quality listen. My favorite song on La Raza is Chilled. Currently, Chilled is a very strong candidate for Metal Odyssey’s song of the year. If I had to choose today, Chilled would be song of the year for 2010… Metal hands down. The lyrics coupled with the melodic totality of this song, just reaches into my Metal soul and shakes me up… in a most exhilarating way!

The vocals of John Bush with every second of Armored Saint’s music consistently heightens the emotion and realism of this song. I have not been this excited over one song in a very, very, long time.

If you have not listened to Chilled from La Raza just yet, here is your chance! As well written a song I have ever heard in my entire Metal life… in my Metal opinion. Just click on the box below and prepare to get Chilled! Oh, uh, don’t forget to play it LOUD too.

Armored Saint, as they appear on La Raza:

John Bush – vocals

Joey Vera – bass

Jeff Duncan – guitar

Phil Sandoval – guitar

Gonzo Sandoval – drums

Stone.

D.R.I. – “CROSSOVER” ALBUM FROM 1987 REVISITED! “MILLENNIUM EDITION” RELEASES MAY 25, 2010!

Posted in hardcore bands, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, punk rock music, rock music, thrash metal bands with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 18, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

D.R.I. – (Dirty Rotten Imbeciles) released Crossover back in 1987 on Metal Blade Records. To describe D.R.I. for those unfamiliar with them, they are an Old School Punk and Metal crossover Band that combined Thrash, Traditional Metal and thick Hardcore flavor with a Punk attitude to their overall sound. D.R.I. gets described as Crossover Thrash over the years too, which is just fine and Metal dandy with me. I can’t get too carried away here with the genre tags, just take my Metal word for it… D.R.I. is a Metal Band worth listening to. D.R.I. may not be the household name from the 1980’s, only they are as legit, credibly heavy and blue collar as any Metal or Extreme band that has walked upon planet Earth.

The Crossover album has always been a great listen for me, past and present. The extremities of Metal and Hardcore just seem to boil over on Crossover. Each time I listen to this D.R.I. album, I realize how closely linked Punk Rock and Metal really are, I get that same feeling each time I listen to the legendary Misfits as well. D.R.I. was not looking for any commercial hugs from the mainstream with their brand of Metal meets Hardcore, this band just blazed away with uncompromising attitude and astute, extreme musicianship.

D.R.I. has toured on and off, rather consistently for years, even into 2010, despite their last studio album Full Speed Ahead being released back in 1995. This is a band that would make my Metal day with a new studio album release… then again, their back catalog and especially Crossover, is a Metal and Extreme bounty that has and always will stand the test of time for me.

As I sunk my Metal ears into Crossover this past weekend, I found out once again, just how addicting D.R.I. really can be. After my third listen through to Crossover today, it felt like I opened up a can of Old School Extreme whoop ass, which slapped me in the face… and it set me straight.

** Crossover: Millennium Edition will be released on May 25, 2010, on Beer City Records!!

* Just a sample of where this CD is available for pre-order: You can pre-order Crossover: Millennium Edition on amazon.com and Best Buy.com. Amazon.com is selling it for $15.98 versus Best Buy.com’s price of $13.99… prices don’t include shipping.

* Check out all you need to know about D.R.I. by clicking on the two links below:

D.R.I. – myspace music page

D.R.I. Official Website

D.R.I. as they appeared on Crossover:

Kurt Brecht – vocals

Spike Cassidy – guitars

Josh Pappe – bass

Felix Griffin – drums

Track Listing For Crossover:

One:

Five Year Plan

Tear It Down

A Coffin

Probation

I.D.K.Y.

Decisions

Two:

Hooked

Go Die

Redline

No Religion

Fun & Games

Oblivion

* The word “dandy” was used on Metal Odyssey, in the first paragraph of this D.R.I. post.

Stone.