Archive for Metal News

INSANITY ALERT – “Glorious Thrash” (Music Video) And “First Diagnosis” Demo Are: Stone’s METAL Picks Of The Day!

Posted in crossover thrash, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal, thrash metal bands with tags , , , , , on November 26, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

INSANITY ALERT – There’s no question that Thrash Metal does have its crossover history and who gives a f**k attitude. Thrash is truly glorious and Austria’s Insanity Alert are well aware of the before mentioned; pledging their Crossover Thrash and Thrash allegiance with both their Glorious Thrash music video and 6 song demo: First Diagnosis.

Blazing fast Crossover Thrash. Underground Thrash Metal. All of this raw, unruly and (thankfully) under produced Thrashing Metal Madness shall blister your Thrashin’ soaked brain, as it absorbs this First Diagnosis demo. Insanity Alert sound like all their beer cans are in a row. These dudes know how to summon some old school garage Thrash, while not trying to reinvent any sacred wheel.

Run To The Pit is song #6 on First Diagnosis and is a cover of (the legendary) Iron Maiden’s Run To The Hills. Well, not exactly a lyrical cover. Run To The Pit is an exclamation point on this demo from Insanity Alert and I appreciate its risk factor; after all, there’s many threads of insanity in all of us Crossover Thrash maniacs, both from yesterday and today. As a demo, First Diagnosis kicks some legit underground ass. Metal be thy name.

Listen to and watch the Glorious Thrash video below! Whoa!

* You can download the First Diagnosis demo for FREE by clicking this link: http://insanityalert.bandcamp.

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FIRST DIAGNOSIS – Track Listing:

Glorious Thrash

Blood Beach

Straight-Jacket Mosh

Braincell Massacre

Crucified By Zombies

Run To The Pit

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* First Diagnosis was released back on March 21st, 2012.

* First Diagnosis was recorded live at Backyard Blastbox, Innsbruck (AT), 11th of March, 2012 and mixed by Christoph Reese.

BAND BIO:

INSANITY ALERT is a Crossover Thrash Metal band from Innsbruck, Austria. Influenced by the likes of S.O.D., Suicidal Tendencies, D.R.I., Nuclear Assault and newer bands like Municipal Waste, Toxic   Holocaust and Bones Brigade, the band started rehearsing in early 2011. With a basic line-up consisting of guitar, bass, drums and vocals, the four thrashers from Tirol wasted no time. Fast and short songs were written, relying on killer riffs and aggressive vocals. Lyrics about zombies, insanity, weed/beer and thrashing harder!

INSANITY ALERT:

Don Melanzani – Drums

Jatsch Ziag O – Bass

Dave Dave Dave – Guitar

Heavy Kevy – Voice

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* For more info on INSANITY ALERT, click on the links below!

www.facebook.com/insanityalert

LONG LIVE INSANITY ALERT.

Stone.

GAMMA RAY – German Power Metallers To Release Skeletons & Majesties Live CD In North America Next Month

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, Metal, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on November 25, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Legendary German Power Metallers GAMMA RAY will unleash Skeletons & Majesties Live as a two-CD set next month via Eagle Rock imprint Armoury Records. Set for North American release on December 4, 2012, Skeletons & Majesties Live is a near two-hour magnum opus spanning the band’s history and includes classics as well as tracks which were under-represented to date. A DVD version will be released stateside in January. Skeletons & Majesties Live was recorded and filmed during the band’s 2011 European tour at the legendary Z7 in Pratteln, Switzerland and  is the first properly HD-filmed live video production of the band’s epic 20+ year career.

“The [2011 released ] EP, Skeletons & Majesties, is practically a continuation of our Skeletons In The Closet concept, in other words: new versions of songs which didn’t receive the attention they deserve, as well as unplugged versions of some of our classics,” notes founding vocalist/guitarist Kai Hansen.

The DVD offers up a thoroughly gripping performance, from the dynamic openers “Anywhere In The Galaxy” and “Men, Martians And Machines” to the furious finale/Helloween cover “Future World.”

As a special bonus, to accompany the Hansen-penned Helloween classic on stage, GAMMA RAY enlisted the services of former Helloween frontman Michael Kiske. In addition, Kiske can be heard and seen on “Time To Break Free” and “A While In Dreamland”.

The release of Skeletons & Majesties Live will mark the beginning of an eventful 2013 for GAMMA RAY: After Hansen stayed true to his word and spent 2012 concentrating mainly on his second band, Unisonic, he and his three colleagues, guitarist Henjo Richter, bassist Dirk Schlächter and new addition, drummer Michael Ehré (the Firewind/Love.Might.Kill drummer has replaced Daniel Zimmermann, who left the GAMMA RAY fold on friendly terms) are now focusing exclusively on GAMMA RAY once again. A co-headlining European tour with Helloween has been scheduled for March and will also mark the arrival of a new GAMMA RAY studio recording. Stay tuned for release dates and further details.

“GAMMA RAY will have top priority in 2013,” comments Hansen, “and Skeletons & Majesties Live is the perfect harbinger of this!”

Skeletons & Majesties Live Track Listing:

CD1

01. Welcome (Intro)

02. Anywhere In The Galaxy

03. Men, Martians and Machines

04. The Spirit

05. Wings Of Destiny

06. Farewell

07. Gamma Ray

08. Money

09. Time To Break Free

10. Rebellion In Dreamland (Acoustic)

11. Send Me A Sign (Acoustic)

CD2

01. Induction

02. Dethrone Tyranny

03. Watcher In The Sky

04. Hold Your Ground

05. A While In Dreamland

06. Rise

07. Brothers

08. Insurrection

09. Future World

Skeletons & Majesties Live DVD Track Listing:

01. Anywhere In The Galaxy

02. Men, Martians And Machines

03. The Spirit

04. Wings Of Destiny

05. Farewell

06. Gamma Ray

07. Money

08. Time To Break Free (w/ Michael Kiske)

09. Rebellion In Dreamland (acoustic)

10. Send Me A Sign (acoustic)

11. Dethrone Tyranny

12. Watcher In The Sky

13. Hold Your Ground

14. A While In Dreamland (w/ Michael Kiske)

15. Rise

16. Brothers

17. Insurrection

18. Future World (w/ Michael Kiske)

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(Source: Earsplit PR)

* For more info on GAMMA RAY, click on the links below!

http://www.gammaray.org

facebook: GAMMA RAY (Official)

http://www.eagle-rock.com

LONG LIVE GAMMA RAY.

Stone.

ARMORED SAINT “La Raza” – An Album That I Appreciate More With Every Listen

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on November 23, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

ARMORED SAINT – Back on March 16th, 2010, La Raza, the sixth studio album from Armored Saint was released, via Metal Blade Records. Sometimes I just don’t realize how enormous an album truly is, until I’ve listened to it over the course of a few years. It happens. When La Raza was first released, I really, really liked it. Now, I flat-out love this album to pieces! For me, this is an album that just sounds better after each listen.

I did write about my favorite song from La Raza which is: Chilled. This post goes back to April 19th, 2010. Basically, as the title to that post states: Chilled Chills And Thrills My Metal Soul. Metal be thy name it sure does. Click on the link below and you can read this post if you like!

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

Do you have a Rock, Hard Rock or Metal album that you appreciate more today, compared to when you first started listening to it? Share your Metal thoughts!

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Armored Saint:

John Bush – vocals

Joey Vera – bass

Jeff Duncan – guitar

Phil Sandoval – guitar

Gonzo Sandoval – drums

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La Raza – Track Listing:

Loose Cannon

Head On

Left Hook From Right Field

Get Off The Fence

Chilled

La Raza

Black Feet

Little Monkey

Blues

Bandit Country

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* For more info on ARMORED SAINT, click on the links below!

http://www.armoredsaint.com/

facebook: Armored Saint

LONG LIVE ARMORED SAINT.

Stone.

A Rock N’ METAL Thanksgiving – What I’m Thankful For! WHOA!

Posted in Black Metal, classic rock, Death Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on November 22, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

KISS – debut/ST (1974 – Casablanca Records)

A Rock N’ METAL Thanksgiving – It’s Thanksgiving Day here in the U.S. and I’m thankful as always for my family, friends, Metal Buddies, faith, country and the freedom I’ve grown so accustomed to since being alive. I’m thankful for our U.S. troops that protect us here at home and abroad. The Rock N’ Metal that inspires me each and every day, I am absolutely giving thanks for as well. (See below!)

I’m giving thanks for this clear Metal fact: I’ll be catching up with Best Metal Buddy Scott Coverdale this Thanksgiving weekend… over a couple of cold brews and plates of wings as we discuss… Metal and NFL news.

Now, let’s begin: A Rock N’ METAL Thanksgiving – What I’m Thankful For!

I am thankful for ALL the pioneers of Heavy Metal, aka, Metal. I give Metal thanks to the 1969 debut/ST from Led Zeppelin, with the 1970 debut/ST album from Black Sabbath to follow. I am also thankful for 1974’s KISS debut/ST (see at top of post). Moving forward to 1979’s No Mean City from Nazareth and every other seminal and not so famous Heavy Rock album from those building block years of Metal – I declare my Metal thanks!

AC/DC… WHOA!

From Saxon to Iron Maiden and from Motörhead to Diamond Head, I give Metal thanks. Believe me, if I could list every single band and musician that has psyched-me-out throughout my Metal lovin’ life, I would!

I am thankful for ALL the pre-Heavy Metal history; a Rock and Roll and Classic Rock History that includes all the pioneering bands and musicians that paved the path for Hard Rock and Metal.

I am very, very, thankful for these albums & bands: (A very short list, of course!)

LIZZY BORDEN – Best Of (1994 – Metal Blade Records)

SATYRICON – The Age Of Nero (Koch Records)

DIO – Holy Diver (1983 – Warner Bros.)

SOUNDGARDEN – Down On The Upside (1996 – A&M Records)

SOULFLY – Enslaved (2012 – Roadrunner Records)

SCORPIONS… WHOA!

WITCH CROSS IS BACK! WITH KEV MOORE! WHOA!

STRYPER… WHOA!

MASS… WHOA!

DORO… WHOA! WHOA AGAIN!

CHRIS BARNES and SIX FEET UNDER… WHOA!

SKELETONWITCH… WHOA!

VENOM… WHOA!

HATEBREED… WHOA!

ORANGE GOBLIN… WHOA!

THE BIG FOUR… WHOA!

OVERKILL… WHOA!

TESTAMENT… WHOA!

EXODUS… WHOA!

BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION – Afterglow

(2012 – J&R Adventures)

3 INCHES OF BLOOD – Long Live Heavy Metal

(2012 – Century Media)

BLACK SABBATH – Sabbath Bloody Sabbath

(1973 – Warner Bros.)

QUEENSRYCHE – Operation Mindcrime (1988 – EMI)

What and/or who are you thankful for on this Thanksgiving Day? If you’re thankful for a favorite band and/or musician… let it be known by commenting! Whoa!

_________________________________________________________________

LONG LIVE METAL.

LONG LIVE ROCK & HARD ROCK.

METAL BE THY NAME.

Stone.

ANGER AS ART – To Headline Puerto Rico Show For Rock Spot Plus TV; Special ABATTOIR Set Planned

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal, thrash metal bands with tags , , , , , , on November 21, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Thrashers ANGER AS ART will be headlining a festival-style show in San Juan, Puerto Rico on December 15th that will be broadcast on TV show Rock Spot Plus. The gig will be recorded/videotaped for possible future release by ANGER AS ART. In addition to performing ANGER AS ART material the band will close out the performance with a short set of ABATTOIR songs.

A promotional video for the Rock Spot Plus show can be viewed here:

ANGER AS ART will release Hubris Inc. on February 5th,  2013 via Old School Metal Records. ANGER OF ART founder and Veteran of the Metal Wars Steve Gaines (Abattoir, Bloodlust, Tactics, Bitch, Dreams of Damnation, Pagan War Machine) states that the band’s fourth album, which follows the well-received Disfigure, offers the kind of vicious, memorably penned Thrash/Speed Metal that fans have come to expect without simply retracing the steps taken on previous albums.

Adding to the album’s immense appeal is a range of special guest appearances. “Rage and Retribution” features Betsy Bitch on vocals, Jim Durkin (Dark Angel) on lead guitar and Timothy Gaines (Stryper) on bass. Steve Nelson (Evil Dead) contributes backing vocals on “The Evil You Create.” And last but certainly not least, “Speed Kills,” which features Mark Caro (Abattoir) on lead guitar, was actually written for Abattoir back in 1984 and is performed by all Abattoir members.

HUBRIS INC. – Track Listing:

1. Hubris Inc.

2. Time Devours Life

3. Gods of Hate

4. Anger is the Reason

5. Speed Kills

6. This is why I Hate

7. As the Exalted Seethe

8. Pearls Before the Swine

9. Divided We Fall

10. Head of the Snake

11. The Evil you Create

12. Pieces of Red

13. Rage and Retribution

14. Never Forgive Never Forget

__________________________________________________________________

(Source: ClawHammer PR)

* For more info on ANGER AS ART, click on the links below!

http://www.angerasart.com

facebook: Anger As Art

LONG LIVE ANGER AS ART.

Stone.

Decibel Magazine Streaming New INCANTATION Album “Vanquish In Vengeance” In Full

Posted in Death Metal, death metal albums, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on November 20, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Decibel Magazine has posted an exclusive full album stream of Vanquish in Vengeance, the new album from Death Metal pioneers INCANTATION.

The stream comes one week before the album’s November 27th release date via Listenable Records and features a track-by-track commentary from (guitarist) Alex Bouks. Listen to Vanquish in Vengeance in its entirety at this location: http://www.decibelmagazine.com

INCANTATION’s long-awaited follow-up to 2006’s Primordial Domination features over 50 minutes of the band’s trademark dark and unholy Death Metal. Recorded at the infamous Mars Recording Compound with Engineer Bill Korecky and mixed and mastered by the legendary Dan Swano at Unisound studios, Vanquish in Vengeance deals with the numerous counts of genocide in the name of religion our society has witnessed over a millennia.

“Death metal excellence.” – Ghost Cult

“After two decades’ worth of albums and a positively legendary number of lineup changes, [INCANTATION] are still as vital as ever.” – Metal Sucks

“Vanquish in Vengeance sounds like it could have come out in 1991 and calls bullshit on the legions of poseurs who disguise a paucity of ideas under a blizzard of fret-wankery and offal. This is death metal for the ages, and the masters have once again returned to view their unholy kingdom.” This Is Not A Scene

Chuck Sherwood – Bass

Alex Bouks – Guitar

Kyle Severn – Drums

John McEntee – Guitar, Vocals

_________________________________________________________________

(Source: ClawHammer PR)

* For more info on INCANTATION, click on the links below!

facebook: Incantation (Official fan page)

http://www.incantation.com

LONG LIVE INCANTATION.

Stone.

THE RESISTANCE – Swedish Metal Troupe Featuring Former Members Of In Flames, The Haunted And Kaamos Join The Armoury Records Roster

Posted in Death Metal, hardcore metal, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on November 20, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Teaser Track Unveiled

Eagle Rock imprint Armoury Records, in conjunction with Hamburg, Germany-based earMUSIC, are pleased to announce the official signing of Swedish Metal troupe, THE RESISTANCE. Featuring within its ranks some of Sweden’s most esteemed musicians, THE RESISTANCE includes In Flames’ founder (and main songwriter until his departure in 2010)  Jesper Strömblad on guitar alongside second guitarist Glenn Ljungström (ex-In Flames, ex-Dimension Zero), vocalist Marco Aro (ex-The Haunted, Facedown) and drummer Chris Barkensjö (Carnal Forge, ex-Kaamos, ex-Repugnant etc.).

THE RESISTANCE will make its musical debut in the form of the four-track Rise From Treason EP, set for North American release on January 29, 2013 with a full length to follow later in the year. The EP will be released as a digital download and limited edition 7″ vinyl.

Sample teaser track “Slugger” at THIS LOCATION.

Far from a “supergroup” or “side project,” THE RESISTANCE is a veritable gang embracing the musical attitude and sounds of Swedish old school Death Metal and the traditional “no compromise” values of Hardcore. Comments Strömblad: “We’re extremely happy that we have been given the opportunity to sign a worldwide recording deal with earMUSIC. Together we will spread our vision of Swedish old school Death Metal with a nice blend of hardcore energy. Watch out for our upcoming EP and album. This is gonna be some good violent fun!”

______________________________________________________________

(Source: Earsplit PR)

* For more info on THE RESISTANCE, click on the links below!

http://www.facebook.com/theresistanceswe

http://www.eaglerockent.com

LONG LIVE THE RESISTANCE.

Stone.

STEALING GADSBY – Rhode Island Heavy Rockers Recording First Full-Length Album; Kickstarter Campaign Has 10 Days Left!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , on November 20, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

“We are producing our first full length album after 3 long years and we want the world to hear it.”

STEALING GADSBY – Providence Rhode Island’s Stealing Gadsby are in the middle of recording their first full-length album and started a kickstarter campaign to help fund its production. Currently, Stealing Gadsby are short of reaching their goal of $1,500 and there’s only 10 days left! Fans of Hard Rock and Metal like you can help! All it takes is only a $1 minimum pledge!

Just click on that cool link below to check out Stealing Gadsby’s kickstarter campaign!

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/stealinggadsby/stealing-gadsbys-first-full-length-album-release

The money will be used to produce physical copies of the album and merchandise, distribute the album online, and fulfill the prizes and incentives to all the people that helped make this happen.

_______________________________________________________________

STEALING GADSBY:

Jesse Gadsby – vocals

Steve Marold – guitar

Adam Garner – guitar

Bryan Barnsbach – drums

Ian Haas – bass

_______________________________________________________________

* For more info on STEALING GADSBY, click on the links below!

http://www.facebook.com/stealinggadsby

http://www.stealinggadsby.com

LONG LIVE STEALING GADSBY.

Stone.

KYLESA’S “FROM THE VAULTS, VOL. 1” Streaming In Its Entirety Via LOUDWIRE

Posted in doom metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on November 19, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

COLLECTION OF RARITIES AVAILABLE TOMORROW

Nov. 19, 2012, Philadelphia – From The Vaults, Vol. 1 (Nov. 20, Season of Mist), Kylesa’s twelve-song collection which features unreleased, new and alternate versions of songs spanning the Savannah-based band’s catalogue, is now streaming in its entirety via Loudwire (http://loudwire.com/kylesa-from-the-vaults-vol-1-exclusive-album-stream/).

“This project has been a labor of love,” explained guitarist/singer/producer Phillip Cope. “We have spent over a year going through old songs, covers, etc. and collected those we felt went well together; remixing and finishing them up.  We didn’t want to release something just thrown together so we put a lot of thought and time into it.  I am really happy about how this came together.  I think it is a good representation of Kylesa’s different styles from early on to present day.”

Singer/guitar player Laura Pleasants recently gave Decibel Magazine an in-depth look at the songs included on From The Vaults, Vol. 1 with a track-by-track rundown:

http://www.decibelmagazine.com/featured/kylesas-laura-pleasants-track-by-track-preview-of-from-the-vaults-vol-1/.

The band is currently recording a new album at The Jam Room in Columbia, South Carolina with Cope once again producing the album. He has previously produced releases from Baroness, Withered and Black Tusk.

From The Vaults, Vol. 1 pre-order bundles can be found here: www.indiemerch.com/kylesa/pre-orders.  A full list of retailers carrying the album can be found below.

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From The Vaults, Vol. 1 – Track Listing:

01.  Intro  **

02.  Inverse  **

03.  111 Degree Heat Index ***

04.  Between Silence and Sound II ***

05.  Paranoid Tempo  **

06.  End Truth *

07.  Bottom Line II ***

08.  Wavering **

09.  Bass Salts **

10.  Drained **

11.  Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun **

12.  Drum Jam **

* New

** Previously unreleased/limited availability

*** Alternate Version

________________________________________________

Retailers carrying From The Vaults, Vol. 1:

National:

Best Buy

FYE

Hastings

HMV (Canada)

Sunrise (Canada)

Regional Chains:

Bull Moose

Dimple

Everyday Music

Exclusive Company

Gallery of Sound

Gray Whale

Independent

Newbury

Rasputin

Reckless Records

Zia

And available at hundreds of independent stores everywhere!

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* To read the Metal Odyssey album review for Kylesa’s  From The Vaults, Vol. 1, click on the link below! Whoa!

KYLESA “From The Vaults, Vol. 1″ – Unveiling An Exceptional Bounty Of Sonic Heaviness!

_______________________________________________________________

(Source: Speakeasy PR & Marketing)

* For more info on KYLESA, click on the links below!

www.facebook.com/kylesamusic

http://www.kylesa.com

LONG LIVE KYLESA.

Stone.

MASSACRE RECORDS – Album Releases For November 23rd, 2012!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, Metal, metal albums, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on November 19, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

MASSACRE RECORDS – Germany’s premiere Metal record label, Massacre Records, has four killer albums set for release on November 23rd! Check ’em out below! You’ll see a link below each album for pre-listening and to directly purchase the mp3’s directly from Massacre Records. Metal be thy name.

ADORNED BROOD -Kuningaz


http://massacre.musiclogistics.net/releases/19706?lang=en

SARATAN -Martya Xwar


http://massacre.musiclogistics.net/releases/19741?lang=en

DIRT -Rock N Roll Accident


http://massacre.musiclogistics.net/releases/19719?lang=en

FAREWELL TO ARMS -Perceptions


http://massacre.musiclogistics.net/releases/19730?lang=en

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* For more info on these kick-ass bands, click on the links below!

Adorned Brood: http://www.adornedbrood.de/

Saratan: http://www.saratan.pl

Dirt: www.dirt-music.de

Farewell To Arms:

http://www.farewelltoarmsofficial.com

LONG LIVE MASSACRE RECORDS.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

IRON MAIDEN – “The Number Of The Beast” And “Piece Of Mind” Picture Discs Release This Week!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal picture discs, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on November 18, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

IRON MAIDEN – Check out those whiz-bang Iron Maiden picture discs above and below! Whoa! That’s what I call collectible Metal vinyl! 1982’s The Number Of The Beast and 1983’s Piece Of Mind are both iconic! I always loved picture discs, going all the way back to the 80’s.

If I have the extra cash, then I’ll pick up these two Iron Maiden gems down the Metal road. They’re selling for $32.99 (U.S.) each. Whoa. That’s basically 2 pennies under $66.00, making for a hefty chunk of change. If you can afford it, I feel these picture discs are definitely worth it. What are your thoughts on these super Iron Maiden picture discs?

Both of these Iron Maiden picture discs will release on November 19th, via UMe.

IRON MAIDEN – THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST

IRON MAIDEN – PIECE OF MIND

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* For more info on IRON MAIDEN, click on the links below!

http://www.ironmaiden.com

facebook: Iron Maiden

LONG LIVE IRON MAIDEN.

The words “whiz-bang” were used in this post.

Stone.

Guitar Virtuoso James Williams Releases New CD ‘Eclectic Shred’ Featuring Symphony X and James Labrie Members

Posted in Guitar, guitarists, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , on November 18, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Plano, TX – Much to the excitement of guitarists around the world, guitar virtuoso James Williams has released his new solo CD Eclectic Shred on October 20, 2012. Featuring guest appearances by Mike LePond from Symphony X and Matt Guillroy from James Labrie/Yngwie Malmsteen and released on the Eclectic Shred label, the new CD by James Williams is an exercise in guitar wizardry, the likes of which have not been heard before!

“Quality songs, quality players. Just an honor to work with James Williams and be part of this kick-ass project.” – Mike LePond, Symphony X

Hailing from Tulsa, Oklahoma, James Williams was raised on classical music; his mother was a singer in the church choir and sang Opera locally, and sister sang professionally for the San Francisco Metropolitan Opera for ten years. Composers such as Bach, Vivaldi, Stravinsky, Mozart, Carl Orf, Chopin were all part of James’s early musical vocabulary. By the age 12, Jimi Hendrix became his fascination, followed by guitarists Robin Trower, Larry Carlton, Al Dimeola, Gary Moore, Jeff Beck, Alan Holdsworth, Frank Marino, Yngwie Malmsteen and bands like Thin Lizzy, Deep Purple, Scorpions, ELP, Yes, Boston and Kansas.

James has appeared in Guitar Player Magazine with Mike Varney of Shrapnel Records, who said, “James’s impressive guitar pyrotechnics are highlighted by arpeggios, speed picking, vibrato and guitar harmonies that work together to create inspiring high level passages that sometimes remind me of Yngwie Malmsteen.” James has recorded with the late bassist Wyman Tisdale and also legendary bassist/composer/arranger Marcus Miller. Performances with guitarist Norman Brown, saxophonist Gerald Albright and many other top artists, along with years of exposure to classical, jazz, metal and R&B, James has created a diverse sound that is on the cutting edge of today’s guitarists. Says James,“My inspiration is always to achieve something musical that will last and inspire others.”

In 2011, Magna Carta Records released the critically acclaimed album by James’s under the name X Opus titled ‘The Epiphany CD’; the band was essentially James on all instruments with two vocalists. Sea Of Tranquility raved about the album, “If you like heavy progressive music with celestial lyrical themes you most certainly won’t go wrong if you invest in this one.”

In regards to the outcome of his latest album ‘Eclectic Shred’, James explains, “There is so much diversity in this record it should satisfy the solo hungry guitar fans, the song composition fans, and anyone who likes fusion with odd time signatures, power Symphony X rhythms to Hendrix, Ynwie and classical lovers of guitar and keys.” Adding to his impressive guitar virtuosity, James also plays bass, keyboards, drum programming, along with composing all the symphony arrangements. He also produced and mixed the album at his personal recording facility, X Opus studio.

Says James, “As far as the players on ‘Eclectic Shred’, I am really happy with how that turned out, as it can be a challenge to communicate to guys that are in other parts of the US and can’t come to your studio. However, the players I used were great at doing their thing. I am so happy to be able to have gotten my good friend Mike LePond from Symphony X to play bass on the album – he is a bass god! His timing and interpretation is masterful, and he wrote his own lines and played the way he wanted as he heard it. Mike is the best prog-metal has to offer – Symphony X is my favorite modern metal band and the best out there musically. I got in touch with Matt Guillroy through my good friend Mike Varney, the famed progressive guitar producer who brought us Yngwie and Jason Becker. Matt plays keyboards for James Labrie and has worked with Yngwie – he is better on keys sounding like a guitar than most guitar players. He is a master of the keys and I was so glad to get him on the record shredding solos!” Also included on the recordings are guitarists Dave Thomas and Richard Tull.

In conclusion, James has this to impart to his fans and listeners, “I hope that people benefit spiritually as well as musically from this record.”

To purchase James Williams ‘Eclectic Shred’: http://cdbaby.com/cd/jameswilliams12

For more information: www.jameswilliamseclecticshred.com

http://www.facebook.com/jameswilliamseclecticshred

http://www.facebook.com/jameswilliamsguitar

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(Source: Glass Onyon PR)

LONG LIVE JAMES WILLIAMS.

Stone.

ELYSION – Digital “Killing My Dreams EP” Is Out NOW!

Posted in alternative metal, gothic metal, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on November 18, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

ELYSION – Originating from Greece, Elysion is a band that you’ll find difficult to resist; especially if you’re into Alternative Metal, Gothic Metal or just quality Metal/Heavy Music. The vocals of Christianna are a remarkable listen, while the band is bursting with skillful musicianship!

I highly recommend Elysion and their new digital EP release Killing My Dreams to all my fellow Metal brethren and Rockaholics worldwide!

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Listen to snippets and get your copy here: http://massacre.musiclogistics.net/releases/19323?lang=en

The EP is also available at other digital music stores.

http://www.amazon.de/dp/B009M6JZKY

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B009M5KZEU

http://amzn.com/B009M7MWF8

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/killing-my-dreams-ep/id568243185

http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/killing-my-dreams-ep/id568243185

http://itunes.apple.com/de/album/killing-my-dreams-ep/id568243185

KILLING MY DREAMS – Track Listing:

Killing My Dreams

Killing My Dreams (Acoustic)

Don’t Say A Word (Acoustic)

Never Forever (Demo Version)

Dreamer (Live)

Killing My Dreams (Live)

Walk Away (Live)

The Rules (Live)

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ELYSION:

Christianna – Vox

Johnny Zero – Guitars

FXF – Bass

Laitsman – Drums

Nid – Guitars

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Source:

* For more info on ELYSION, click on the links below!

www.elysionofficial.com

www.facebook.com/elysionofficial

http://www.massacre-records.com

LONG LIVE ELYSION.

Stone.

DESTRUCTION – “Carnivore” Official Video And “Cyanide” Lyric Video Are Here!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, Metal, metal albums, Music, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal, thrash metal bands with tags , , , , , on November 17, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Legendary German Thrashers DESTRUCTION, whose 30-years-anniversary album Spiritual Genocide will be released on November 23, proudly present the official video clip for the brand-new song Carnivore, which was produced by Polish “Mania Studio”.

Main man Schmier comments:

“Hell-come to our little horror movie! We are very proud to finally present you the Butcher in this creepy clip for the brand-new song “Carnivore”. I can promise you some scary moments and shivers with a pinch of self-irony! We know that the song will arouse diverse reactions from the scene ‘cause it s NOT a typical DESTRUCTION tune, but we needed an atmospheric and groovy track to present the mad butcher and the plot in the most intense way. No worries, there will be plenty of speed and brutal THRASH on the record! Enjoy this spine-chilling urban legend flick and some real hot chicks – for your pleasure & entertainment only!”

Also, don’t forget to check out the lyric video for the new track “Cyanide”!

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(Source: Nuclear Blast)

* For more info on DESTRUCTION, click on the links below!

http://www.destruction.de/

http://www.facebook.com/destruction

http://www.twitter.com/destruction

http://www.youtube.com/DestructionDE

http://www.nuclearblastusa.com/

LONG LIVE DESTRUCTION.

Stone.

HATEBREED – New Song “Put It To The Torch” Premieres At IMPERICON.COM!

Posted in hardcore, hardcore metal, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on November 16, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Put It To The Torch, the first single off HATEBREED’s upcoming mosh feast, The Divinity Of Purpose, has premiered at IMPERICON.COM.

Surf to http://www.impericon.com/eu/hatebreed.html to check out the official lyric video!

The Divinity Of Purpose marks the band’s first album for new label partners Nuclear Blast (Europe + more) and Razor & Tie (North America) and is said to be “their best effort since The Rise Of Brutality, bringing back the power of their legendary first three records!”

The album will be released January 25, 2013 and will see the band touring Europe alongside label mates AGNOSTIC FRONT early next year:

PERSISTENCE TOUR 2013:

HATEBREED

AGNOSTIC FRONT

H2O

STICK TO YOUR GUNS

NEAERA

THE ACACIA STRAIN

10.01. D Berlin – Astra

11.01. B Lint – Eurocam Media Center

12.01. D Oberhausen – Turbinenhalle

13.01. F Paris – Bataclan

14.01. D Saarbrücken – Garage

15.01. D Wiesbaden – Schlachthof

16.01. D Hamburg – Docks

17.01. D Stuttgart – LKA

18.01. D Lichtenfels – Stadthalle

19.01. D Dresden – Even Werk

20.01. NL Tilburg – O13

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* New album cover art done by Eliran Kantor (Testament, Sodom, etc.).

* The Divinity Of Purpose releases January 29th in North America.

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Jamey Jasta – Vocals

Frank Novinec – Guitar

Chris Beattie – Bass

Wayne Lozinak – Guitar

Matt Byrne – Drums

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(Source: Nuclear Blast)

* For more info on HATEBREED, click on the links below!

http://WWW.HATEBREED.COM

facebook: Hatebreed

LONG LIVE HATEBREED.

Stone.

MUTINY WITHIN – Breakdown The Hook For Their New Song “Machines”

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal albums, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , on November 16, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Songwriter/bassist AJ Jacobs of MUTINY WITHIN sat down to give a piece by piece breakdown of the killer hook in the bands new song “Machines”.  AJ gives fans a glimpse into the layering of the multiple instruments and sounds it takes to produce the hook. From starting with just a single guitar to ending with the full composition of guitars, drums, bass and vocals, fans can hear the evolution of an instant MUTINY WITHIN classic.

While basking in the electricity of his re-powered metal dungeon in New Jersey, AJ also gave a quick demonstration of “In My Veins”, another song off the upcoming Synchronicity album.

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Official track listing for Synchronicity:

01. Embers

02. In My Veins

03. In A Moment

04. Falls To Pieces

05. Machines

06. Never

07. Become

08. Lights

09. Balance

10. Life To Dust

11. Signs

12. The Unsaid

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

* For more info on MUTINY WITHIN, click on the links below!

www.facebook.com/mutinywithin

www.youtube.com/mutinyofficial

www.twitter.com/mutinywithin

LONG LIVE MUTINY WITHIN.

Stone.

INFERNAL TENEBRA – Sign With Massacre Records

Posted in Black Metal, Death Metal, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on November 15, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Massacre Records:

We’re happy to welcome INFERNAL TENEBRA from Croatia to our family!

Brutally honest, creative and constantly evolving, Croatian based INFERNAL TENEBRA withstood the test of time in the metal underground.

Originating with pure black metal in 1999, adding a death metal foundation in the following years.

INFERNAL TENEBRA shared the stage with a vast number of metal icons including Kreator, Vader, Symphony X, Exodus, Blind Guardian, Agathodaimon, Pro-Pain and Grave Digger and played festivals like Bloodstock Open Air, Metalcamp and Metalfest.

With two self-released albums Beneath The Twilight and The Essence Of Chaos, the band is heading to a new chapter with the upcoming album, which is going to be released on December 7th via Massacre Records!

INFERNAL TENEBRA:

Darko Etinger – Guitars, Vocals

Paolo Grizonić – Bass

Ivo Petrović – Guitars

Sandi Orbanić – Drums

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Source:

* For more info on INFERNAL TENEBRA, click on the links below!

http://www.infernaltenebra.com

http://www.facebook.com/infernaltenebraofficial

http://www.twitter.com/infernaltenebra

http://www.youtube.com/infernaltenebra

http://www.massacre-records.com

LONG LIVE INFERNAL TENEBRA.

Stone.

INCITE “DIE ALONE” MP3 AVAILABLE TODAY VIA SKULLSNBONES

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, Metal, metal albums, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , on November 15, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Photo credit: Andrew Whitaker

Left to right: Richie Cavalera, Zak Sofaly, Luis Marrufo and Gene Macazan

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PHOENIX-BASED BAND RELEASE ALL OUT WAR ON TUESDAY

Nov. 15, San Francisco, Calif. – Incite, who are set to release their sophomore album All Out War on Tuesday via Minus Head Records, are offering an mp3 of Die Alone via SkullsNBones (http://snblnk.com/2eo).

Revolver said the album is “full of mean riffing and serious aggression” while Metal Hammer said the band “harnesses the kind of groove-driven power that Lamb of God and, in more recent years, Devildriver have always nailed so perfectly.”

The Phoenix-based band recorded All Out War with producer Logan Mader (Gojira, Soulfly) at Darth Mader Music in Hollywood, Calif.

A North American tour for 2013 will be announced soon.

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* Source: Speakeasy PR & Marketing

* For more info on INCITE, click on the links below!

www.facebook.com/INCITEband

www.minusheadrecords.com

LONG LIVE INCITE.

Stone.

TOXIC HOLOCAUST Tune To Be Included In FX Series Sons Of Anarchy

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, punk metal, Punk rock, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal with tags , , , , , on November 14, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

The song Bitch from punk metal derelicts TOXIC HOLOCAUST will be clawing its way through your speakers during next week’s episode of FX drama series Sons of Anarchy (season 5; episode 11).

Comments TOXIC band leader Joel Grind: “We are all excited to announce the inclusion of our song ‘Bitch’ in the upcoming episode of Sons of Anarchy. All of us are huge fans of the show and this season especially seems to be upping the ante with each episode.”

Tune in to FX on Tuesday, November 20 at 10:00pm EST/PST to check it out.

Sons of Anarchy is based on the lives of a close-knit outlaw motorcycle club from a fictional town in California′s Central Valley. The show centers on then-vice president Jackson “Jax” Teller (Charlie Hunnam), who begins questioning the club and himself. Sons of Anarchy premiered in the Fall of 2008 and has since become FX’s highest rated series ever.

“Bitch” comes off TOXIC HOLOCUAST’s mercilessly abrasive Conjure And Command full-length, released via Relapse Records last year. The record, which Revolver praised for its “nuclear reactive riffage and Repo Man punk attitude,” continues to reap critical hails. Conjure And Command is available across several formats including a limited edition, deluxe CD and DVD set that includes a full TOXIC HOLOCAUST live show. The album is available for purchase through Relapse HERE and iTunes HERE. In addition, check out the iTunes bonus track from the record — a cover of Repulsion’s “Helga Lost Her Head” – at the band’s OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE.

Critical Praise:

“…sweetly redolent of thrash, d-beat, and raw sewage, the album simmers with tar-thick riffage, staggering breakdowns, and a corroded dose of self-loathing…” – The Onion’s A.V. Club

“…it’s refreshing to hear a thrash band that is so single-minded about its whirlwind riffs and pastor-baiting lyrics.” – The Washington City Paper

“If The Exploited and Nuclear Assault had a kid, TOXIC HOLOCAUST would take it’s lunch money and toss it in the dumpster.” – Hails & Horns

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(Source: Earsplit PR)

* For more info on TOXIC HOLOCAUST, click on the links below!

http://www.toxicholocaust.com

facebook: Toxic Holocaust

LONG LIVE TOXIC HOLOCAUST.

Stone.

EYEHATEGOD To Tour Australia For The First Time Ever, Band Appears In HBO’s Treme

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, sludge metal with tags , , , , on November 14, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Following a torrid Summer run of live takeovers across Europe and the West Coast, New Orleans’ minstrels of blown speakers and bruised feelings will bring their audio wreckage to Australian fans for the first time ever! The trek will commence November 17 with a local, pre-tour performance at Siberia [Tickets].

From there, the band will head to the land down under where they’ll play their first show in Brisbane on November 21 before systematically leveling stages through Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne. And the beatings don’t end there: The Louisiana dirge miscreants will bring 2012 to a celebratory close with two shows at Saint Vitus Bar in Brooklyn.

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EYEHATEGOD Tour Dates Fall 2012:

11/17/2012 Siberia – New Orleans, LA

11/21/2012 The Zoo – Brisbane, Australia

11/22/2012 Manning Bar – Sydney, Australia

11/23/2012 ANU Bar – Canberra, Australia

11/24/2012 Billboards – Melbourne, Australia

11/25/2012 Cherryfest – Melbourne, Australia

11/27/2012 Saint Vitus Bar – Brooklyn, NY [Tickets]

11/28/2012 Saint Vitus Bar – Brooklyn, NY [Tickets]

In related news, EYEHATEGOD recently appeared in an episode #27 of HBO series Treme. Check out the scene at THIS LOCATION.

Additionally, new track “New Orleans Is The New Vietnam” recently made its recorded debut in 7” form via A389 Recordings! Copies are still available HERE.

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(Source: Earsplit PR)

* For more info on EYEHATEGOD, click on the links below!

http://eyehategod.ee/

facebook: EYEHATEGOD

LONG LIVE EYEHATEGOD.

Stone.