Archive for metal music

Heavy Metal theme song for the New York Giants 2009/2010 NFL season is:

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, Metal, Motorhead, Music, national football league, nfl, nfl football, ozzy, Ozzy Osbourne, Rock, rock music, sports - football with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 26, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

6975892I am a sports fan, a REALLY GIGANTIC fan of the THREE TIME – SUPER BOWL CHAMPION: New York Giants!! With being a fan of Metal music and this being Metal Odyssey, I am going to choose the Heavy Metal theme song for the New York Giants upcoming season of 2009-2010. Why am I doing this? The answer is simple, because I can, that is why. (Well, at least it will be my very own – personal choice, of the New York Giants – Heavy Metal theme song). My choice of the Heavy Metal theme song for the New York Giants is – “Hellraiser” – written by Lemmy Kilmister of Motorhead and Ozzy Osbourne. I like the Motorhead version of Hellraiser to be the pick, Ozzy does a great rendition of this song too, however, I have to choose one or the other. The Motorhead version of “Hellraiser” just seems to be kicked up a notch heavier than the Ozzy version, plus Lemmy’s vocals brings out the lyrical message of the song more stronger, in my Metal opinion. You can find this great Heavy Metal tune on Ozzy Osbourne’s 1991 album  – “No More Tears” and Motorhead’s 1992 album “March or Die.”

I am so looking forward to the new NFL season, even though it is still April! Seeing the New York Giants get ousted early in the playoffs last year leaves a sour taste in my mouth, that is one valid reason why I have chosen “Hellraiser” to be the theme song for my favorite NFL team. Eli Manning and his supporting cast of teammates, along with Coach Coughlin, have taken us to Super Bowl glory once before. This should be a Giant year for this team, (as long as we have a new “go-to” wide receiver with leaping ability and great hands). Otherwise, I am pleased with the defensive and offensive lines, plus the running game is a 1-2-3 punch. Special teams have always been a great trademark for this franchise, going way back to the Coach Parcell era. Go Giants! The Big Blue Wrecking Crew!

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

Posted in 1980's heavy metal music, Album Review, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal guitarists, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, Metal Reviews, Music, rock music, W.A.S.P. with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 24, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

13297835“W.A.S.P. “The Last Command” is a Heavy Metal album that has enormous energy, loaded with heavy riffs and guitar leads. I am a W.A.S.P. fan, I by no means want to sound bias, yet this is a classic example of just how sensational, fun and at times provocative the Heavy Metal music and lyrics of W.A.S.P. truly are/were. Released in November of 1985, it is my opinion that “The Last Command” provides more Heavy Metal music muscle than many bands of this genre and time period. The bonus tracks are key, (these bonus tracks are found on the reissue version), there are 7 in all, with W.A.S.P. doing a heavy duty cover of the infamous Mountain song “Mississippi Queen”. Blackie Lawless on lead vocals and bass is the epitome of Heavy Metal then and now, his vocals are a focal point for me, extremely riveting. The 5 live bonus tracks are infused with an electrifying energy of all things Heavy about this band, these songs are quality live recordings. After you listen to the 3 opening songs, the captivating Heavy Metal of W.A.S.P. will have you wishing you owned “The Last Command” for the last 20 plus years! I have never known of or listened to a W.A.S.P. album that I never liked. “The Last Command” kicks the Metal into high gear and should always be played LOUD for maximum enjoyment. I highly recommend “The Last Command” to all W.A.S.P. fans, Heavy Metal and Metal fans and any fan of quality Heavy music from the decade of the ’80’s.

W.A.S.P. on “The Last Command” – Blackie Lawless on lead vocals and bass, Randy Piper on lead, rhythm guitars & background vocals, Chris Holmes on lead & rhythm guitars and Steve Riley on drums & background vocals. The liner notes are outstanding, with 12 pages of complete lyrics, extended artwork, nearly a dozen full color photos of W.A.S.P. and written history behind the making of “The Last Command” and a history of W.A.S.P. as a band.”

DAATH – “The Concealers” is a full blown Metal onslaught!

Posted in Album Review, Century Media, century media records, daath death metal band, Death Metal, death metal guitarists, death metal vocals, Drums, Extreme Metal, Guitar, Heavy Metal, heavy metal guitarists, Metal, Metal Reviews, Thrash Metal, Vocals with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 21, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

9266625I still have my ability to hear, thank goodness, especially after I listened to the new release from the Death Metellars from Atlanta, Georgia, – DAATH. This is my kind of Metal cup of tea – a full blown onslaught of Death Metal, that rages through all eleven new songs like an out of control meteor, ready to strike the desolate and cold planet Mars. The new lead singer for DAATH is Sean Z., one listen to “The Concealers” and I am very convinced that he is up to the task to be a standout Death Metal front man. Sean Z. on vocals just seems to engulf the attitude and strength of the lyrics, belting out with the desire and hunger that the entire Metal world should find captivating.

Overall, this entire new album from DAATH is of course, Death Metal, yet they incorporate an underlying mood of progressiveness, with melancholy echoes and synthetic eerie sounds – creating an atmosphere that is as dark as it is melodious. On “The Unbinding Truth” and “… Of Poisoned Sorrows” both tunes end in an abrupt and distorted manner, with the music skipping – the sounds of crackling, (like an old vinyl record being played), can be heard. (Upon my first listen, I thought I had a defect in my CD). This breakaway from the norm works fine for me, it only adds to the dark tone of what is being conveyed by DAATH.  

Emil Werstler and Eyal Levi on guitars are reaching out to new heights with their skills on this album – they play very heavy and very fast, yet the breakdowns and leads are tastefully done for a Death Metal album. Jeremy Creamer on bass and Kevin Talley on drums pound out the rhythm section with pure force and defiance, that catapults this album into the real-deal realm of Death Metal. My copy of “The Concealers” I purchased directly through Century Media (my favorite record company on planet Earth), it came with an extra copy of the liner notes – authentically autographed by each member of DAATH!! Obviously, I am content with “The Concealers” – this is an album I highly recommend to all Metal and Death Metal fans. DAATH, in my Metal opinion, is a Death Metal force to reckon with and when their tunes are on – I am all ears.

Cannibal Corpse – no bones about it, they deliver the real Death Metal

Posted in cannibal corpse, Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, horror metal, Metal, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , on April 20, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

4513716If there is one band that I can identify the entire Death Metal genre with, it is Cannibal Corpse. Why do I adore Death Metal? I easily embrace the straight up approach and punishing sound that comes from this music. I really do not care in the least if I cannot make out the lyrics coming from lead vocalist George Fisher. Are the vocals still important? Of course, the cookie monster vocals are the trademark identity of what Death Metal is supposed to sound like! Therefore, if I was to choose my favorite Death Metal band, it is Cannibal Corpse. (Arch Enemy comes in a very, very, close second). Cannibal Corpse and the entire Death Metal genre will probably never receive mainstream media acclaim – who cares. Any Death Metal band could never expect any gratitude from anyone except their fans. That is what makes all Metal so special.

I always grin and basically laugh, when I read articles both past and present, in regards to how the album cover artwork and lyrics offend whoever. My, how different gore and horror is perceived by some, especially when it is delivered musically from a Death Metal icon like Cannibal Corpse! In my rational and educated mind, I perceive gore and horror the same, whether it is portrayed through Death Metal or film, like a Steven King novel or movie, the same for Clive Barker, John Carpenter and Rob Zombie as well. Wes Craven was never one to water down his brand of gore and horror through film. Actually, the single worst and most gruesome way to view and/or listen to gore and horror is to watch the nightly news or 24 hour news networks – choose your evil. At least  with Cannibal Corpse, you know what you are buying when their respective album/CD is in your hands, it is fair warning. The news networks, well, they never give you warning anymore when they show dead bodies, body parts or extreme accidents. (They used to, yet it is no longer cool to warn us viewers. Instead they rather have children sitting at home in front of the television be traumatized for an extended period of time. There is no way on Earth to filter out the gore and horror on the network news). Do the people who are offended by Cannibal Corpse and Death Metal in general get just as annoyed by the news networks? Are you kidding! NO. How about Hollywood Horror films? NO again! Actors, writers, film directors and news networks seem to always get the free pass. We live in a society of constant double standards – what is o.k. for Hollywood horror and slasher movies is not o.k. for Cannibal Corpse or any Death Metal band out there. Yet, once a new Cannibal Corpse album comes out, watch out! Cannibal Corpse gets the self righteous fists shaken at them again!

So, I will continue to listen to Cannibal Corpse for as long as I have ears that work. Rob Barrett and Pat O’Brien on guitars, Alex Webster on bass, Paul Mazurkiewicz on drums and George Fisher on vocals are as talented as they come with musicianship, they only deliver their musical skills one way – real Death Metal. Their unrelenting power-charge of forceful and angry Metal, always uncompromising, encompassed by abhorrent lyrics of gore, horror, shock and all extremes known, will forever entertain me to my Metal hearts delight!!

banner12

April 28, 2009 is Heaven & Hell Day for the world of Heavy Metal!

Posted in 1980's heavy metal music, Black Sabbath, dio, Hard Rock, heaven and hell heavy metal band, Heavy Metal, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, Music, rainbow heavy metal band, Rock, rock music, ronnie james dio, Vocals with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 16, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

92776861Mark your Metal calendar – April 28, 2009 – the NEW studio album release from HEAVEN & HELL shall be unleashed to the world of Heavy Metal!! “The Devil You Know” is coming, what a glorious time to be a Metal fan!! I cannot, without doubt, wait for this new Metal material from this prolific, historic, important, musically talented beyond my wildest praise – band. (phew). Can you tell I really, really like Heaven & Hell? I actually find myself referring to them as Black Sabbath more often than not, for that is who they really are. Despite what we Metal fans cannot control in regards to the legalities of – Metal band name rights, Heaven & Hell is one surefire-cool name for this group. Aw, heck, they could call themselves anything they want and I still will be blown away by their Metal tunes, both past and present stuff!

Really, in my honest Metal opinion, how can anyone not agree that this Black Sabbath/Heaven & Hell lineup released 5 insanely great albums? “Heaven and Hell”, “Mob Rules”, “Live Evil”, “Dehumanizer” and  Black Sabbath “The Dio Years” (greatest hits – with 3 new studio tracks) make up the catalog of albums from these super Metal veterans. The combination of Ronnie James Dio on vocals, with Tony Iommi on lead guitar, Geezer Butler on bass guitar and Vinny Appice on drums created what I feel is the ultimate Heavy Metal formula for success. I felt that way since “Heaven and Hell” was released in 1980. Back then, I was in a state of Heavy Metal euphoria! Here was this scenario: the superb frontman of Rainbow is going to join forces with the remaining 3 members of Black Sabbath! Whoa! That was my initial reaction back in 1979/1980, of hearing the news about the new Black Sabbath lineup and that is my reaction now – hearing the solid and factual news that the brand new studio album from Heaven & Hell is coming out on April 28th! 

I really feel the 3 new tracks from Heaven & Hell on “The Dio Years” greatest hits album are Metal worthy and showed that this band still has everything it takes to make quality Metal music. I read about the rumors and hints that maybe a brand new studio album would be released by Heaven & Hell, well, the wait and anxiousness are finally over!! All I can say it this: if you are already a Black Sabbath, Dio and/or Heaven & Hell fan, then you know and can relate as to why I am so incredibly excited. In the event you are unfamiliar with Black Sabbath fronted by Dio and Heaven & Hell, please do yourself the biggest Metal favor – get your hands on this bands material and find out what you have been missing since 1980! Plus, I always live by the motto: quality is far better than quantity – I appreciate the 5 albums that Black Sabbath with Dio have created, their Metal music has been with me for 3 decades now. Album #6 from Heaven & Hell is going to be one terrific milestone for this band and all of their fans worldwide! This new Heaven & Hell album is proof that – Great Metal things happen to those true Metal fans who wait!!

9043055

A few Heavy Metal facts to get you through the day

Posted in 1970's hard rock, Black Sabbath, Extreme, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Motorhead, Music, Over Kill, Rock, rock music, ronnie james dio, Thrash Metal, van halen, Vocals with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on April 15, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

412609Metal, Heavy Metal is so gooooooood. That is why I like to know facts about my favorite Metal heros  and bands – Metal trivia/Heavy Metal history. Here are some facts that you may find interesting, informative or just plain boring. In any regard, you found them here!

*  Ronnie James Dio – his real name is – Ronald Padavona

*  D.D. Verni – the incredible bass player for Over Kill – his real name is – Carlo Verni

*  Motorhead – yes, this legendary Metal band has won a Grammy for Best Metal Performance, in 2005.

*  Black Sabbath originated from Birmingham, England – forming their historical Metal band in 1968.

*  It is sometimes easy to forget this – Gary Cherone (lead vocalist from Extreme) – was in fact, a one time lead vocalist for Van Halen. The Van Halen album with Gary Cherone on vocals is titled – “Van Halen III.”

I guess these are enough Metal facts for now. I will routinely post a few more of these Metal tidbits.

Tobias Sammet & Edguy – Power Metal you cannot pass up!!

Posted in Album Review, Century Media, Edguy, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Heavy Metal Reviews, Metal, Metal Reviews, Music, Power Metal, Rock, rock music, symphonic metal with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on April 13, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

92019811I look around and listen to a healthy dose of all Metal music, naturally. Power Metal has always been a staple for me, with DIO, Helloween, GammaRay, Blind Guardian, Yngwie Malsmsteen and so many others leading the way. I by no means take anything away from any other Power Metal band out there when I say that Edguy, led by Tobias Sammet, is at the top of my Power Metal play list. If I say it once, I will say it a million Metal times, Tobias Sammet is one amazing song writer and Power Metal vocalist. The brand new album from Edguy, “Tinnitus Sanctus” is for me, superb. This new release from Edguy, (January, 2009), is more edgier, dark and philosophical than their past albums have been. I sincerely recommend every studio album, live album and EP that Edguy has ever released, they are that incredible to my Metal ears.

A quality starting point for new Edguy fans would be another new release titled – “The Singles”. The songs on “The Singles” are not new, yet this compilation album is, released in early 2009. This album consists of the songs from the Edguy EP’s – “King of Fools”, “Superheroes” and “Lavatory Love Machine”. To sum up Edguy, their Power Metal is a brand of super pumped up – get psyched tunes, they are extremely melodic and extraordinarily catchy. Throw in the fact that Edguy is a group of high powered, quality musicians, complimented by Tobias Sammet’s powerful vocal brilliance and you have one of the very best of Power Metal bands on the planet today! I cannot deny the comparison of Tobias Sammet to that of the legendary Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden, the vocals are just that similar in my Metal opinion. (granted, there will always and forever be just one Bruce Dickinson).

I get the sense that, if this was the 1980’s, Edguy’s Power Metal would be all over the FM dial! It is a Metal shame that North American mainstream FM radio does not catch on to the unbelievable European Power Metal that is currently blitzing the continents today. Regardless, FM mainstream radio plays little current Metal as it is, only the Classic Metal from days gone by gets air time nowadays. (that is a good thing, at least some veteran Metal is heard on FM). My main goal with this article, of course, is to promote Edguy to the world, fuel some interest with new Edguy fans and HIGHLY RECOMMEND EDGUY to the entire Rock, Hard Rock and Metal communities!

The current Edguy lineup – Tobias Sammet on vocals, Dirk Sauer on rhythm guitar, Jens Ludwig on lead guitar, Tobias Exxel on bass guitar and Felix Bohnke on drums.

7459546

Saturday, April 11, 2009, is National Heavy Metal Day!

Posted in Black Metal, Extreme Metal, gothic metal, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, Power Metal, symphonic metal, Thrash Metal with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 11, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

metalodyssey5Metal Odyssey has taken upon itself to proclaim: Saturday, April 11, is National Heavy Metal Day! Therefore, you may take these helpful tips/advice and put them into action, (if you like) and spread and/or share the great music of Heavy Metal to those around you.

* Listen to any or all Metal genres today!

* Play any or all Metal music LOUD today!

* Wear your favorite Metal t-shirt with pride today!

* Listen to any or all Metal genres with someone you love today!

* Buy or trade some Metal music today!

* Buy that special someone or your favorite buddy a Metal music gift! (give the gift of Metal)

* Share a Metal album/CD with someone!

* Share your Metal music knowledge with someone today!

* Read a decent mainstream or underground Metal magazine today, (not a Metal mag written by babies).

* If you are lucky enough, go to a Metal concert/club gig today!

* Watch a cool Metal movie today – “Trick or Treat”, any John Carpenter film or any Metal concert film will suffice.

* Surf the net for all of your favorite Metal bands and Metal news!

* Find an outdoor flea market for Metal music stuff – here’s a tip – buy low!

* Organize your Metal album/CD collection!

* Hang up a Metal poster of your favorite band(s) with pride!

Come to think of it, it seems like every day is a National Heavy Metal Day for me! It might feel that way to some of you out there too. Regardless, it just sounds and feels so cool, a National Heavy Metal Day, doesn’t it? Remember – BE TRUE TO METAL AND METAL WILL BE TRUE TO YOU.

Women of Hard Rock & Metal – Cristina Scabbia of Lacuna Coil

Posted in Century Media, gothic metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, lacuna coil, Metal, metal music from Italy, Music, Rock, symphonic metal, Vocals with tags , , , , , , , , , , on April 10, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

9125332Gosh, is the mainstream Rock radio world missing out or what. Try listening to any desensitized FM radio station these days, try as you may, you will never hear who I feel is Hard Rock and Metal’s most underrated female vocalist today – Cristina Scabbia of Lacuna Coil. Symphonic, Gothic and at the end of the day, Lacuna Coil is still – Metal. Cristina Scabbia has proven to me, that you can have a beautiful female voice and still sing Metal music. I find Metal brilliance in Lacuna Coil for many reasons, (Cristina Scabbia’s vocals being #1), including the total musicianship and co-vocalist Andrea Ferro. Lacuna Coil means empty spiral, there is nothing that I find empty about any of the music created by Lacuna Coil. 

I find Cristina Scabbia and Andrea Ferro to compliment each other extremely well, vocally. Cristina’s vocals  can lead you down many paths, from gentle solitude to dark and gothic to emphatic emotion. Then, Andrea will come in and either maintain the mood or sweep it off the table. These two vocalists do work vice versa as well, Andrea can be hitting the emotional anger on high and Cristina lends a symphonic vocal interlude that seamlessly blends into the song. There is no question that Lacuna Coil has their world following, deservedly so. There have been and continue to be many great articles written about Lacuna Coil in mainstream Rock and Metal magazines. Lacuna Coil and Cristina Scabbia are justifiably popular, I just feel that this band should be on the FM dial as often as Nickelback.

If you are already a fan of Lacuna Coil, you are then familiar with the bounty of integrity and musicianship they bestow. In the event you are new or unfamiliar with Lacuna Coil, I suggest a great starting ground would be their EP’s: “Lacuna Coil” and “Halflife.” In my opinion, every album from Lacuna Coil is worthy of Metal praise. The union of so many musical styles with two featured lead vocalists, providing incredible dual harmonies is quite tough to pull off. Lacuna Coil has been succeeding with this unique Metal style since 1997, Cristina Scabbia is the vocal centerpiece that is easy to embrace.

10 Heavy Metal happenings that will never happen.

Posted in Black Metal, Death Metal, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Iced Earth, Metal, Power Metal, Rock with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 9, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

metalodyssey3Every once in awhile, well, I tend to be slightly comedic. What better way to get away from the white useless noise of MSNBC than to have some comic relief that incorporates Heavy Metal? Here are some Heavy Metal happenings that will never, ever, happen in a million Metal years:

#1.   A live Cannibal Corpse concert held in Salt Lake City, Utah, will be aired on PBS this fall.

#2.   The Grammy Awards of 2010, will recognize Motorhead with a lifetime achievement award.

#3.   The American Music Awards will have Iced Earth perform live, on their stage, for their 2010 airing.

#4.   Al Gore will finally admit to Dee Snider that Heavy Metal will not corrupt our youth.

#5.   Oprah Winfrey will have King Diamond on her show, delving into the mystique of horror lyrics in Metal.

#6.   Dan Rather will travel with Motley Crue this Summer, documenting and narrating for film – “Crue Fest 2009”.

#7.   Keith Olberman of MSNBC fame will become the new host for MTV’s “Headbangers Ball” beginning this fall.

#8.   Chris Matthews of MSNBC fame will finally accept the role to play “Aunt Bea” in the new television remake of “The Andy Griffith Show.” David Lee Roth will accept the opportunity to redo the famous show opening whistling song.

#9.    North American concert promoters will announce that Power Metal festivals will be abundant and year long events in all 50 states! 

#10.  Dr. Phil will have Arch Enemy perform on his show. Dr. Phil will then admit to his tongue tied audience that Death Metal is “good, clean, mental therapy.”

Slayer is in my Rock & Roll Hall of Fame!

Posted in Drums, Guitar, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal blade, Metallica, Music, Slayer, Thrash Metal with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 8, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

I just do not understand how the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame can induct Metallica on April 4, 2009, into their shrine, yet Slayer is not enshrined along with them. It is to my understanding, that one important prerequisite for enshrinement into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, is to have 25 years pass since the release of a bands first album. Do not mistake me for one Metal second here, I am a steadfast and loyal fan of Metallica since “Kill ‘Em All”, Metallica deserves their enshrinement. It is too unfortunate that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame could not look back on Thrash Metal history for a second. They would realize if they did the research, that Slayer is of equal value in comparison to Metallica in regards to the formation, foundation, evolution and progress of Thrash Metal!

I do not need to see actual sales figures of albums over the last 25 years to know that Metallica has sold more than Slayer, of course that is fact. Regardless, I do not hesitate to assume that sales figures are not a prerequisite for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame membership. I never give much credence to the Grammy Awards, yet Slayer has won two! Slayer, if anything, has never changed course, always have kept the extreme Thrash Metal meter on high for the last three decades. Slayer has stayed true to the Thrash Metal genre, never selling out, never. Slayer released “Show No Mercy” in December of 1983, on Metal Blade Records. I remember that time period very well, my crowd of Metal friends and I looked upon Metallica and Slayer as basically – equal. Throughout the years, I still considered both of these Thrash Metal giants to be of equal status. Metallica did go a more commercial and Heavy Metal route with “Load”, “Re-load” and “St. Anger”, however, I personally never gave up on Metallica just for their experimentation with the Metal. I have seen both Metallica and Slayer live over the years and in my honest Metal opinion, they were equally great!8421371

Slayer as I mentioned earlier, have always delivered, without question, very fast, very heavy, Thrash Metal. Slayer has exhibited consistency, loyalty, endurance and quality musicianship to the world of Thrash Metal since 1983, isn’t that worth something to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Slayer has released, since 1983, 10 studio albums (which I am including “Undisputed Attitude”), 2 live albums and 2 EP’s. Compared to a vast majority of any Rock band since 1983, that is quite an impressive catalog of album releases. Just to reiterate, I wholeheartedly agree that Metallica deserves their place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! No one has to convince me of that! It would have been very cool, actually justified, to see Slayer be recognized at the same time.

For now, Tom Araya, Jeff Hanneman, Kerry King and Dave Lombardo are in my very own, self proclaimed, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Paul Bostaph, in my Metal opinion, filled in on drums tremendously while Dave Lombardo was out, therefore, Paul Bostaph is in too. I have spoken my Metal mind.

Satyricon “The Age Of Nero” – this is serious Metal

Posted in Album Review, Drums, Guitar, Heavy Metal, Metal, Metal Reviews, Music, Vocals with tags , , , , , , , , on April 7, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

175248311As “Commando” kicks in, there is no glimmer or hint that Satyricon “The Age Of Nero” is going to disappoint. The groove heavy Black Metal and black as night lyrics are two powerful characteristics of this entire great album. “The Wolfpack” pick up where “Commando” leaves off, with unrelenting and extremely likable riffs and leads that has me nodding, knowing that Satyricon has quite possibly created an album, that is the very best in all of Metal for 2009. “Black Crow On A Tombstone” is indicative of just how Satyricon can be creatively dark and creepy, both lyrically and musically, without over stating any traditional or obvious themes. In my opinion, throughout “Age Of Nero”, I hear nothing less than rock solid confidence through Satyr’s vocals and guitar playing. A serious approach musically has captured Black Metal greatness in a black bottle for Satyricon.

I admire the respect Satyricon has for the Black Metal genre, when I listen to “Age Of Nero” I am reminded of this every black blissful second. Frost on drums is nothing short of amazing. Frost clearly demonstrates what drums should sound like in Metal, distinct as well as blazingly black in overall sound. Satyr and Frost combined have made “Age Of Nero” an instant classic for me. Satyricon and “The Age Of Nero”, is a justified statement that Black Metal is a permanent musical fixture in the world today. The Metal community has their strong and lean Doberman Pinscher in their backyard – it’s name is Satyricon.banner2

Papa Roach – Stripped Performances (Live Video)!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, Rock, Vocals with tags , , , , , , on April 7, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

[clearspring_widget title=”Stripped Performances (Live)” wid=”492203f58fcd497b” pid=”49dab003fb6f516e” width=”300″ height=”250″ domain=”widgets.clearchannelmusic.com”]

What is “dated” music anyway?

Posted in Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, Power Metal, Rock, Vocals with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 7, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

metalodyssey1I cannot apply myself to the acceptance of dated music as having any existence. If, there does exist dated Heavy Metal, Rock, etc., then, what would Classical music be considered as? Classical music would have to be called dark ages-super dated. Please note, that I do not consider Classical music to be dated whatsoever. The building blocks of all popular music we listen to today are from Classical music! What makes me shake my head in wonderment is, the professionally paid critics and experts that are out there consistently using the terminology of dated sound – dated music in their respective reviews. It has become so common place, such the norm recently, that I actually state in my unpaid – unprofessional Metal reviews that a particular album or band does not sound dated!

I would never consider the thought to ever, not in a million Metal years, say to the likes of legendary bands such as AC/DC, The Rolling Stones and Motorhead –  that they sound dated. AC/DC and The Rolling Stones really have not changed their style for decades and they will still fill arenas and stadiums, playing all of their classic tunes from decades ago. Not to get off the Metal highway, however, I do have the upmost respect for legendary, contemporary recording stars like Tom Jones, Smokey Robinson and  Tony Bennett. These three gentleman, to this day, draw an audience that knows NO boundaries when it comes to age, race and gender. Are there pro-paid experts and critics out there who would dare say these three timeless vocalists are dated? 

I embrace the old adage – what once was old is new again. I am no fashion guru, yet when I stroll around the mall and see what is being worn by people of all ages, there are times when you do feel like it is 1974, 1985 or 1991 all over again. Why should that be so bad? If anything else, music can and has been trendy, that is a more realistic observation. Are denim jeans dated? What about new televised game shows? Are rubber tires on an automobile dated too, just due to the fact that rubber tires have been around for decades? Are The Boston Red Sox dated because they play their home games in the historic Fenway Park? Not too shabby a team this past decade for being dated. Is planet Earth dated? Heck, this big blue globe we live on has been around for quite some time and it just keeps on doing the same stuff, like spinning around in the solar system constantly.

To sum up my main point, the next time you read a paid expert’s review declaring how the new and veteran Metal bands sound dated, that Thrash Metal, Death Metal and Black Metal have been recycled enough, just snicker and pity these writers out there who have yet to find a clue. Gee, I am worried now, am I dated?