PRETTY MAIDS – Check out that whiz-bang concert flyer above, for the European Leg of PRETTY MAIDS Motherland 2013 Tour! Whoa! Two Rockin’ words for Europe: You Lucky!
Motherland, the new studio album from PRETTY MAIDS, was released on March 26th in the USA via Frontiers Records.
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* For more info on PRETTY MAIDS:
Facebook: Pretty Maids
* For more info on FRONTIERS RECORDS:
Stone.
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WITCH CROSS – Yes, that’s Johan Hegg, the powerful vocalist for Sweden’s Metal Warriors famously known as AMON AMARTH, gracing the August, 2013 issue of Decibel Magazine. The AMON AMARTH feature/cover story is kick-ass for certain. However, this new issue of Decibel is multi-loaded with other Metal bands that kick-ass too… such as… Danish Metal Legends… WITCH CROSS!
Man, was I psyched-out-of-my-Metal-mind to see the great Decibel give WITCH CROSS some Metal due! With their valiant comeback to both the live stage and on album, WITCH CROSS have proven they are back and are to be reckoned with! Playing numerous Metal festivals across Europe and staying in touch with their fans through social media, WITCH CROSS have proven they have both a killer new album for their legions of fans and are down-to-Metal-Earth Metal defenders as well!
Here’s what the Decibel “upfront profile” feature of WITCH CROSS looks like… Metal be thy name!
The incredible Metal comeback story of the legendary WITCH CROSS can best be heard and enjoyed through their NEW studio album: Axe To Grind. This MUST album of True Metal will be released through Hells Headbangers on July 9th, 2013!
Order your copy of Axe To Grind by clicking the link below! Whoa!
http://shop-hellsheadbangers.com/witch-cross-axe-to-grind.asp
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* For more info on WITCH CROSS:
* Listen to and watch WITCH CROSS’ Demon In The Mirror by clicking the link below!
All Hail The Mighty WITCH CROSS, For “Demon In The Mirror” Is: Stone’s METAL Pick Of The Day!
The above link is for a post featured on Metal Odyssey, on May 15, 2013.
Facebook: Witch Cross
* For more info on HELLS HEADBANGERS:
Facebook: HELLS HEADBANGERS
http://www.hellsheadbangers.com
* For more info on DECIBEL Magazine:
http://www.decibelmagazine.com
Facebook: Decibel Magazine
Stone.
Fullmetal Madness! For two days the best and hardest Metal in the Frisian countryside! Dokk’em Open Air: Friday 21 and Saturday, June 22, 2013, Dokkum.
On Dokk’em Open Air more than 20 of the best international Metal bands perform, spread over two days. Check out the lineup of Metal bands on the above festival flyer!
The event takes place on the festival grounds at the Hiausterdyk, just outside Dokkum, the N356 direction Bornwird / Holwerd (postcode 9101).
There is always plenty of parking.
Of course you can stay on Dokk’em Open Air, the festival campsite is next to the festival site. There are also to be found plenty of nice small hotels in the area. All information can be found at: www.dokkemopenair.eu.
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* For more info on TESTAMENT, click below!
facebook: Testament
http://www.testamentlegions.com
* For more info on ICED EARTH, click below!
facebook: Iced Earth
* For more info on Dokk’em Open Air, click below!
facebook: Dokk’em Open Air
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(Source: Dokk’em Open Air)
Stone.
VENOM have confirmed they will be headlining the Hammer Open Air Metal Festival in Lieto, Finland on 20th July 2013. VENOM last played live in Finland in 2010 at the Nummirock Festival, so their welcome return will be a truly explosive event for their hard-core Finish Legions, Hell Yeah!!!
For more info, click on that link below! Whoa!
http://www.sacrifire.net/hammer/
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(Source: VENOM Official Website)
* For more info on VENOM, click on the links below!
facebook: VENOM
Stone.
Danish Death Metal mercenaries PANZERCHRIST are releasing their seventh album, aptly entitled The 7th Offensive on July 15th on Listenable following their previous and highly – acclaimed 2011 release, Regiment Ragnarok.
PANZERCHRIST used three different studio to complete their new assault. Guitars and bass were recorded in the Igloo by HR Swan, drums were recorded at AMP studio by Jens Förster and Markus Ziemer and vocals and the final mix were done in Death Island Studio with engineer Marco Angioni.
Although very extreme musically on a constant basis, PANZERCHRIST have never quite done the same album twice. The 7th Offensive shows a slightly more melodic and evil approach to the guitars; enhancing the grey, sinister feel of a battlefield. The band’s intended bleak sound was without a doubt achieved. The album also sees PANZERCHRIST return to the ultra-guttural and pure death metal styled vocals.
Make no mistake, PANZERCHRIST ‘s new album retain the violence and über-brutality the band has been known for. As the band says, “THE WAR IS OVER, LETS START A NEW ONE , DEATH FOREVER PANZER!”
Stream album track “Dogger Dead” at this location.
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01 Panzer The 7th Offensive
02 Foreign Fields
03 In The Name Of_Massacration
04 Stronghold Of Hill 666
05 Dogger Dead
06 Mass Attack Of The Lychantrope Legion
07 Kill For Revenge
08 Drone Killing
09 Napalm Alarm
10 Pig Parade
Panzer General Michael Enevoldsen on bass and synth
Søren Tintin Lønholdt – Vocals
Nils Petersen – Guitars,
Simon Schilling – Drums
(Source: ClawHammer PR)
* For more info on PANZERCHRIST, click on links below!
facebook: Listenable records
Stone.
Official Metal Odyssey Press Release:
It’s been a wild and crazy ride these past four years at Metal Odyssey. With coverage and promotion of many Metal genres, along with Hard Rock, Classic Rock, Punk Rock and Alternative Rock in the mix, the Rockin’ journey has been more than memorable for me. I only hope the following news does not hurt the relationships I’ve built with so many Metal bands and Metal Buddies worldwide. I thank you all from the bottom of my (still) Metal lovin’ heart.
Now it’s time for a change. It’s not that I’ve grown tired of Metal. I live for Metal. I breathe Metal. This changeover is all about my wanting to break into the mainstream and be accepted for a change by “the big guys of the Pop Music world” like Rolling Stone magazine and the only way to do so is to cover and promote: Pop Music. I certainly hope and pray that ALL the loyal followers to Metal Odyssey and ALL my Metal brethren will understand and support what is happening here. Metal Odyssey is now… Pop Odyssey.
My dream has and always will be to one day cover the Grammy Awards at the red carpet, as the mainstream chart-toppers get out of their limousines for an evening of justified awards and champagne on ice. I need to experience this and “Metal Odyssey” will not take me there.
Believe me, this has all taken many weeks of soul searching. Change is a good thing. Without this change, life would become boring for me as a writer and lover of music. And…
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Stone.
WINGS OF METAL FESTIVAL 2013 – AUGUST 30th – 31st
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WOM final line-up poster with fantastic artwork from Daniel Desecrator!
Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/327795
MANILLA ROAD (Wichita, Kansas)
SATAN (Newcastle, UK)
MIDNIGHT (Cleveland, USA)
MEGIDDO (Toronto)
BLOOD CEREMONY (Toronto)
VOOR (Jonquière/Mtl)
GOAT HORN (Pembroke/Toronto)
MAGIC CIRCLE (Boston, USA)
CAUCHEMAR (Montréal, Canada)
CHTHE’ILIST (Longueuil/McMasterville, Québec)
OCCULT BURIAL (Ottawa)
BEAST WITHIN (Québec)
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Katacombes
1645, St-Laurent
Montréal, Québec
CANADA
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* Source: facebook: Satan (Band)
* For more info on SATAN, click on the links below!
facebook: Satan (Band)
* For more info on MANILLA ROAD, click on the links below!
facebook: Manilla Road
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* For more info on the WINGS OF METAL FESTIVAL:
http://wingsofmetalfest.wordpress.com/
facebook: Wings of Metal Festival
Stone.
Metal Odyssey – This past Friday (March 1st) marked the 4th Year Anniversary of Metal Odyssey. 4 years of Metal existence for Metal Odyssey! Whoa! Quite honestly, I didn’t even remember that March 1st was the anniversary for Metal Odyssey; not until a little gold trophy icon appeared at the top header bar of my WordPress page! I clicked on it and was pleasantly surprised! Funny stuff.
4 years can be looked upon as a long period of time or just a quick burp during this century. Regardless, it’s been a fun and educational trip, while keeping Metal Odyssey running on all its Metal cylinders! I want to thank every visitor to Metal Odyssey; without site visitors there’s no use in doing this Metal gig! I also thank the PR professionals that send Metal Odyssey the stuff necessary for quality news and album reviews.
The countless musicians and bands covered on Metal Odyssey I cannot thank enough! To the major and independent record labels that sign and promote Metal, a thank you is in order. I’ve lived long enough now to realize that the Metal community is home for me. There’s no place like Metal home. No where on Earth have I found more genuine, kind and… badass brethren! Metal Buddies rule! Here’s to another 4 years of Metal Odyssey and… METAL. BE. THY. NAME.
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A Trip Down Metal Odyssey Memory Metal Lane:
If y’all wanna read my very first post I wrote for Metal Odyssey, back on March 1st, 2009, (the launching post if you will), just click on that kick-ass link below! Whoa!
Above link is a post launched on Metal Odyssey, on March 1, 2009.
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BE TRUE TO METAL AND METAL WILL BE TRUE TO YOU.
A Special Thank You To Oatmeal.
A Special Thank You To Scott Coverdale.
Stone.
I did mention back in the Fall of 2012 (both here and on twitter) that my family and I were in the beginning phases of relocating to Ohio. It’s time to report that we are now in the mosh pit of relocating. Things are crazy around here with schedules, packing and basically uprooting our lives to another state. My love and commitment to my family has and always shall be #1, while my everlasting devotion to Metal will never exit my soul.
From now until the beginning days of March (2013) there may not be as many posts launched on Metal Odyssey that you are normally used to. Days and perhaps (worst case scenario) weeks may go by without seeing a new feature or post launched on this site. In the meantime, there will be posts launched throughout January and the archives of Rock N’ Metal will forever be at your reach; right here at Metal Odyssey. Please enjoy them, any or all!
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* During the down periods of posting on Metal Odyssey, I will make every attempt to get on twitter to communicate my Metal thoughts and non-sensical blab to the world! You can always communicate to me on twitter, 24/7 and I will be grateful for your Metal support.
* Here’s where you can follow and/or leave a message for (me) Stone on twitter; just copy and paste into your browser: https://twitter.com/metalodyssey
* The Metal Odyssey contact email will not change! Bands, PR, Record Companies and Metal Buddies can always reach me (in the meantime) via my email, by clicking on this link below:
*Want your music reviewed or to be interviewed by Stone?
I extend my sincerest Metal apologies to everyone for this temporary curve in the Metal road and promise to all of you that Metal Odyssey is NOT closing Metal shop! In fact, Metal Odyssey will once again be back for the Metal attack… and there’s no looking back! Plus, I have a ton of writing to do still once I jump in full-tilt for Hard Rock Nights. Ring that relocation bell and tell all the posers to go straight to hell. Metal be thy name.
YOU come to Metal Odyssey cause YOU are a DEFENDER OF THE FAITH and YOU ROCK.
THANK YOU, TO ALL MY METAL BRETHREN.
Stone
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Stone.
This past week the Rock ‘N Roll world had to sadly say goodbye to Rock ‘N Roll icon Dick Clark, along with Greg Ham (multi-instrumentalist -Men At Work) and Brian Jack (vocalist , guitarist – Child’s Play). That’s three too many. May these gentlemen of Rock ‘N Roll rest in peace. Metal Odyssey expresses heartfelt condolences to each of their families, friends and fans.
Dick Clark was and forever will be a prolific Rock ‘N Roll legend. I, like tens of millions of other Rock fans, grew up with Dick Clark. I remember watching and enjoying American Bandstand as a young lad. Just watching the people dance was fun for me, back then. It will forever be “Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Years Eve” for me. That “other dude” that has been hosting it will NEVER be Dick Clark.
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I cannot believe my eyes! Well, that’s what I was thinking recently, when I walked into the CD aisles of my nearest Best Buy. The shelves were stocked. Really stocked. It felt like the clock turned back a full decade! Older and new releases galore! Tons of independent labels too. Hopefully this is a trend. I hope Best Buy, along with other large retailers, see that there still is a widespread and hungry market for the dinosaur we all call… the CD.
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Look for a really, really, cool interview to surface here on Metal Odyssey soon. Hint: It’s an interview with the lead singer/guitarist of a… Metal band. A kick-ass Metal band too. This interview will simultaneously launch on another world known and widely respected website too! Stay tuned for more details!
Yes, I recently found another KISS Kollectible! The photo at the top of this post tells all! It’s a 1998 KISS The Second Coming tour book. There are 36 full-color pages in all and it measures 8″ x 7.5″. This tour book documents the #1 tour of 1996-1997 and that was… KISS. That is Ace Frehley and Peter Criss on the cover of this tour book too! All four original members of KISS were together for this tour.
There is plenty of KISS Kisstory, concert photos, anecdotes and merchandise offers in this tour book to put a smile on the face of any KISS fanatic. I know it put a smile on my face; especially since I only paid $2 (U.S.) for this little KISS gem. Yup, I discovered this KISS Kollectible at an antiques mall and was amazed at both its incredible condition and price.
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On a closing note, March 1st, 2012 had marked the Three Year Anniversary Of Metal Odyssey. I am proud of the content that I have delivered to the visitors of Metal Odyssey. Hopefully you, the visitor to Metal Odyssey, are enjoying what has been featured here. From one day to the next, I honestly don’t know what I will slap up on Metal Odyssey. Holy shit, that is true!
I strive to have all Heavy Music genres represented here, at one time or another; with some Classic Rock and roots of Rock ‘N Roll thrown in for good measure! There are countless albums, press releases, random news items and tour dates to chase down for posting on Metal Odyssey. Sometimes it feels overwhelming… and I’m not complaining, cause Metal & Rock ‘N Roll is embedded in my Metal soul. Metal be thy name.
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* For more info on KISS, click on the link below:
LONG LIVE METAL.
LONG LIVE KISS.
LONG LIVE ROCK ‘N ROLL.
Stone.
Beggars & Thieves – The comeback album from Beggars & Thieves, We Are The Brokenhearted, has recently been released on Frontiers Records in North America on November 29th and in Europe on December 2nd. We Are The Brokenhearted brings back the AOR, Classic/Melodic Rock sound that Beggars & Thieves are so solid at creating. Louie Merlino (vocals) and Ronnie Mancuso (guitar) are once again proving their songwriting and musicianship belongs heard and enjoyed by their fans of yesteryear and new fans of today.
Check out the official video below for We Come Undone. Also check out the special guests on this video: Ron Keel, Jake E. Lee, Paul Shortino, Blas Elias, Sunset Thomas and quite possibly… Gene Simmons. We Come Undone is a great song from a fabulous band. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
We Come Undone
Oil & Water
Innocence
Never Gonna See You Again
Beautiful Losers
Seven Seconds
Stranded
Wash Away
Midnight Blue
We Are The Brokenhearted
* For more info on this album, click on the link below:
Stone.
The second half of Seattle drone icons EARTH‘s Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light is being prepared for release on Southern Lord in North America this February 14th on CD, LP and digital download formats.
Recorded in the same two-week session as 2011’s lauded Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light I by Stuart Hallerman at Avast and mastered by Mell Detmer, Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light II carries on in the freely and folkloric vein of the last release and invokes even more improvisational and unrestrained energy than its predecessor.
Angels Of Darkness, Demons Of Light II is striking in many ways, not least in the wildly improvised nature of this particular recording. The songs “Sigil Of Brass” and “The Corascene Dog” perfectly emphasize how the interplay between the foursome has evolved even further since the first installment. Meanwhile, the track “His Teeth Did Brightly Shine” veers further into an entirely other direction, recalling sounds of the great British Acid Folk generation. This new material brings forth some highly original and deeply mesmerizing tones throughout, at times more hopeful and less dark and death oriented than previous work. Angels Of Darkness, Demons Of Light II is ultimately a completely unanticipated direction for EARTH, and a very welcome one at that.
The line-up again consists of Dylan Carlson on guitar, Adrienne Davies on drums and percussion (on this release there is more percussion of all sorts), Lori Goldston (Nirvana, David Byrne, Black Cat Orchestra, Laura Veirs) returns on cello, and Karl Blau (K Records, Laura Veirs, Microphones) plays bass. This also marks the first time the band on the record has toured outside of the US West Coast in preparation for the album. As with the first part, it again has truly amazing artwork by Stacey Rozich. View the cover art and more at this location.
(Source: Earsplit PR)
Angels Of Darkness, Demons Of Light II – Track Listing:
Sigil of Brass
His Teeth Did Brightly Shine
Multiplicity of Doors
The Corascene Dog
The Rakehell
* For more info on EARTH, click on the links below:
http://www.thronesanddominions.com
http://www.facebook.com/thronesanddominions?ref=ts
LONG LIVE EARTH.
Stone.
Finnish Heavy Metal sextet BATTLE BEAST – the new star rising in the sky of every 80’s Metal fan and the latest addition to Nuclear Blast’s band roster – proudly presents the video clip for the song “Enter The Metal World” on the official Nuclear Blast YouTube channel! The track is taken from the band’s brilliant upcoming debut album “Steel”, out on the 27th of January 2012.
Dare to enter the Metal world? Click HERE!
Every fan whose anticipation goes through the roof after watching the clip can already pre-order “Steel” as a CD in slipcase, including the bonus track “Stay Black”, as well as on silver or limited red vinyl through the Nuclear Blast web shop: http://bit.ly/rF4MS4
(Source: Nuclear Blast News)
Stone.
That Metal Show’s Jim Florentine and Don Jamieson will be performing stand up live and in person at On the Rox, the upstairs room at The Roxy, on Thursday, December 15th in Hollywood, CA. This is a small, intimate room and tickets WILL sell out. The guys will be performing live stand up as heard on their Metal Blade Records comedy albums, which were both released earlier this year, from 7:00pm-9:00pm. Official Don Jamieson and Jim Florentine merch, CDs and DVDs will be available for purchase at the show.
Tickets to the show can be purchased now at indiemerch.com HERE.
(Source: Metal Blade Records News Update)
* For more info see the links below:
www.donjamieson.com
Stone.
MYSTIC PROPHECY has now announced the first batch of dates for their upcoming tour in spring 2012!
They will be part of the Wolfsnaechte tour with Powerwolf, STORMWARRIOR and Lonewolf!
30.03.12 DE Lindau – Club Vaudeville
31.03.12 AT Wörgl – Komma
01.04.12 DE Ludwigsburg – Rockfabrik
05.04.12 DE Hannover – Musikzentrum
07.04.12 CH Zizers – Eventstage
08.04.12 BE Mons – PPM Festival
09.04.12 DE Augsburg – Spectrum
13.04.12 DE Langen – Stadthalle
14.04.12 DE Berlin – C-Club
27.04.12 DE Speyer – Halle 101
28.04.12 DE Geiselwind – Musichall
29.04.12 DE Hamburg – Markthalle
30.04.12 DE Bochum – Matrix
(Source: Massacre Records)
* For more info on Mystic Prophecy & STORMWARRIOR:
Stone.
Top Ten Hard Rock Songs Of 2011 – Welcome to Metal Odyssey’s Top Ten Hard Rock Songs Of 2011! These ten Hard Rock songs are the ones that I turned to most often throughout 2011, to get psyched-out and inspired by. Yes, I listened to many Hard Rock albums during 2011, all containing such a wide assortment of excellent songs.
Narrowing down ten of my favorites was a nail-biting endeavor for me. I actually have a “tie” in this top ten list, an event that is not unprecedented in Rock music lists at all. Hopefully some of these Hard Rock songs you dig as well. Thank you for supporting the following bands and Metal Odyssey. Now, onward with the list!
#10
URIAH HEEP – Nail On The Head
(Frontiers Records)
The Uriah Heep Rockin’ Train just seems to keep right on rollin’ in 2011, with the legendary Mick Box leading the way. Nail On The Head from their Into The Wild studio album nailed me from the very start, with its infectious thump and stump and less is more style of Hard Rockin’ bliss.
#9
THE POODLES – I Want It All
(Frontiers Records)
An inspiring Hard Rock song from Sweden’s The Poodles this is. I can’t get enough of the uplifting spirit that I Want It All supplies to my senses. Hard Rockin’ and so deliciously melodic, this song is the intense beacon from an album of star-studded songs. Don’t let their name fool you, this band plays Hard Rock like bad-ass backyard guard dogs.
#8
Black Stone Cherry – Killing Floor
(ROADRUNNER RECORDS)
With Black Stone Cherry, the Classic Rock meets Modern Rock wall of sound is electrified on Killing Floor. Between The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea accentuates the maturation of Black Stone Cherry and this song seemed to reach out and grab me from the opening note. Truly a standout song from an album that is loaded with standout songs.
#7
BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION – I Can See Your Spirit
(J&R Adventures)
Glenn Hughes sounds so unreal legendary on this song it gives me the chills. The threads of old school are intertwined with a hefty dose of Hard Rock relevance, within the music of Black Country Communion. There is Deep Purple mystique about this song, which comes courtesy of the keyboards. Joe Bonamassa is an incredible listen on guitar and should be put upon any guitar aficionado’s pedestal.
#6
CHICKENFOOT – Different Devil
(eOne Music)
Sammy Hagar never sounded better and Michael Anthony proves once again his backing vocals are a secret Hard Rock weapon. Different Devil from III is the direction that I prayed Chickenfoot would take on this album and my prayer was answered. A retrospective nod to the past and still boiling over with relevancy, Different Devil showcases the unique vibes of these Rock legends with ease.
#5
JOURNEY – Anything Is Possible
(NOMOTA LLC)
Journey blew me away with Eclipse in 2011. With that said, my favorite song from this wildly memorable album is: Anything Is Possible. Once again, an inspiring Hard Rock song carried me off into the Rockin’ sunset this past year. If music is supposed to touch you, then Anything Is Possible did just that, in more positive ways than I can count. Arnel Pineda is a grand vocalist and the musicianship is superior on this song (and the entire album for that matter). Neal Schon sounds perfect on guitar, what else could I expect from such an authentic legend?
#4
KING KOBRA – Midnight Woman
(Frontiers Records)
What Midnight Woman bestows is a melodic trip down Hard Rock goodness lane. This song is heavy where it should be, with legendary drummer Carmine Appice’s beats and kick-to-the-teeth guitars ablaze. Paul Shortino gives this song (and entire album) the vocal coolness that King Kobra deserves. Yes, King Kobra returned in an impressive way in 2011 and it’s a song like Midnight Woman that reminds me that Hard Rock is one of life’s golden necessities.
#3
SEETHER – Here And Now
(Wind-Up)
Shaun Morgan knows how to tug at my sentimental side. His songwriting and lyrical messages are stuff of legend. Here And Now would probably be my #1 pick if it hadn’t made me cry so many damn times. An emotionally charged song, which realistically can be interpreted in many different ways. From the musicianship and song structure to Shaun’s vocals, this song is already a SEETHER classic in my Hard Rock world.
#2 (tie)
DAUGHTRY – Outta My Head
(RCA / 19)
Okay. Alright. If Chris Daughtry wanted to impress Stone, well, he done did it with Outta My Head. Metal as my witness, this song psyches me out in ways words can’t describe. Daughtry tapped into some old school mojo while combining it with plenty of modern feel and vibe, that in turn has Outta My Head soaring with its unbridled and potent Hard Rock energy. Chris Daughtry sings lights-out on this song. So let it be Metal written, so let it be Metal told.
#2 (tie)
SEBASTIAN BACH – One Good Reason
(Frontiers Records)
Holy Hard Rock crap this is a damn great song. Sebastian Bach has become registered with Metal Odyssey as having a lethal set of vocal cords, all due to his lifetime contributions of making my eardrums the scorched flaps of flesh they really are. One Good Reason is dominated by Sebastian’s beyond amazing vocals. Hard, heavy, melodic and undisputedly powerful is this song, from start to F’n finish. Metal be thy F’n name.
(Samson Records/eOne Music)
If I had to sum up in six words, the Hard Rock vision of Greg Hampton (guitarist, songwriter, producer of 9 Chambers) it would be: Keep It Real, Let It Rock. Alongside guitarist Ed Mundell, these two guitarists seem to feed off each other like long-lost guitar soul-mates. The guitar solo in Indeed The Sun gives me goose-bumps the size of tennis balls. This song comes across with the real and feel that Hard Rock was built upon so many decades ago, when creating a complete album of songs was practically a mandate.
Indeed The Sun never relents in its Hard Rockin’ momentum, it just takes off at the onset and never subsides with its contagious, melodic driven and hard-edged sound. When a Hard Rock song such as Indeed The Sun makes my face tingle out-of-control then that said song is #1 for me. I salute Greg, Ed, Jorgen and Vinny for keeping it real. Music is an art-form and a song like Indeed The Sun is indeed… a work of Hard Rock art.
* Check out Metal Odyssey’s Top Ten Metal Songs Of 2011 (posted on December 1st) by clicking on the large link below!
LONG LIVE HARD ROCK.
Stone.
Title of new Epica album released: Epica’s 5th full-length album which will be released on the 9th of March 2012 by Nuclear Blast will be called:
REQUIEM FOR THE INDIFFERENT
This title refers to the end of an era. Mankind can no longer stick their head in the sand for the things that are happening around us. We are facing many challenges. There is an enormous tension between different religions and cultures, wars, natural disasters and a huge financial crisis, which is getting out of control. More than ever we will need each other to overcome these problems. As we are all connected; the universe, earth, nature, animals and human beings, this period in time will be the prelude to the end for those who still don’t want to, or simply won’t see it. A REQUIEM FOR THE INDIFFERENT but also a possibility for a new beginning with great new chances!
Epica will present this album to the public on the 16th of March 2012, in 013, Tilburg (NL) tickets are still available but are going out fast!
Keep an eye on the official Epica website and social media for regular updates on REQUIEM FOR THE INDIFFERENT!
(Source: Nuclear Blast News)
Stone.
The Bastardized Recordings-Team is happy to announce the signing of Italians Vegan Straight Edge-Powerhouse Purification. The band has just signed a deal with us and will release a new full-length in 2012. We are really happy to work with a band we know and support since the days of our youth.
Here is what the band has to say:
“We are very excited to finally have signed a deal with Bastardized records, we were looking for a solid German label and we are stoked to be able to work with Marco. Expect our new record A Torch To Pierce The Night to be released in the next months, it took a few months for us to officialise this after we recorded the songs before our South American Tour but we’ll be finally able to have it on CD!”
(Source: Massacre Records)
* For more info on PURIFICATION, click on the links below:
http://www.facebook.com/pvrification
http://www.myspace.com/pvrification
Stone.
Christmas Album Covers – I love the Christmas holiday. I dig giving more than receiving too. Really, I do. That is why I am giving you this list of Christmas album covers to laugh at, talk about and at times… gaze at. Maybe this list will encourage you to buy one of these Christmas albums? I dunno. The main Metal objective I have here is to have fun. So, without any further ado, let’s get the Christmas album cover party started!
Rockin’ Little Christmas
Since when is pile-driving your wife or girlfriend a “thing to do” at Christmas? Whoa.
MAYBE THIS CHRISTMAS
Maybe what? Maybe the power goes out on Christmas day? Maybe Bigfoot finally gets his beef jerky? At least this is a funny Christmas album cover. Okay, semi-funny.
Michael Buble’ – Christmas
I find this cover for Michael Buble’ Christmas to be rather, well, uncomfortable. You see, if I saw a dude in my neighborhood acting like this, I’d call the cops. A “stalking vibe” just screams out at me here. It looks like Michael is trying to squeeze out a last second fart, before he enters wherever he is going.
A VERY SHE & HIM CHRISTMAS
What was She & Him thinking here? They didn’t need to over-cool a cool look like that, to the point where it is not even cool at all. At least I think this cover is funny, in a non-cool way.
Classic Rockin’ Christmas
Whoa. I don’t trust that face on this Santa. A mean looking Santa. To me, it looks like this Santa had a bad day with the elves and now he’s looking for revenge. I’m just glad I don’t have anyone living nearing me who looks like this dude. By the way, I wouldn’t trust any egg nog he may be offering either.
Classic Rockin’ Christmas
Now this is the Classic Rockin’ Christmas I’m talkin’ about.
BOWLING FOR SOUP! MERRY FLIPPIN’ CHRISTMAS VOLUME I
Ha, ha, ha, ha! That’s so righteous man! Ahem. Whatever.
WE WISH YOU A HAIRY CHRISTMAS
Um, We Wish You A Hairy Christmas. Metal Odyssey is NOT supposed to be XXX here. I’m just the messenger, so please excuse me as I bust out in laughter from this Christmas album title. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know. This is a compilation album of Christmas songs from a bunch of famous Hair Metal bands. Still, give me a Metal break.
WE WISH YOU A HAIRY CHRISTMAS
Now, this is a much more classier “look” than the previous We Wish You A Hairy Christmas album cover. The weird, plastic reindeer and huge candy cane are what makes this cover so damn memorable.
HEAVY METAL CHRISTMAS
Yes! This Christmas album cover is my favorite! Why? Cause it has “Heavy Metal” in it’s title and those Iron Maiden “like” fonts are the best! Plus, I can’t tell a Metal lie here… I’ve always been a HUGE admirer of Christmas decorative bows. Metal be thy name.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A METAL NIGHT.
Stone.
It’s heavy, fast, extreme – but at the same time virtuosic and melodic: the new RAGE album “21” (OUT: 24th of February 2012). Once again the CD was produced in the “Twilight Hall Studios” in Krefeld, Germany by Victor Smolski and Charlie Bauerfeind.
Peavy, vocalist and founder of the band, explains: “It may have already got about that our new album will come off pretty heavy. We’ve been bubbling over with creativity and it was huge fun to work on the songs – as always, it was real teamwork. Working with such fantastic musicians like Victor and André is great”.
At the past weekend, the CD was presented to an international group of journalists which were gobsmacked and delighted at the same time.
“21 sounds harsher and more virtuosic. The waiting time will be darn hard”, states Tobias Blum of Rock Hard Germany. Andrea Vignati of Italian Metal Hammer is even more enthusiastic: “This is a milestone for Rage’s future”.
The artwork of “21” was created by Felipe Machado (BLIND GUARDIAN, RHAPSODY OF FIRE u.a.) and represents the power RAGE are radiating in the year 2012.
The following tracks can be found on the CD:
House Wins
Twenty One
Forever Dead
Feel My Pain
Serial Killer
Psycho Terror
Destiny
Death Romantic
Black And White
Concrete Wall
Eternally
From March on, RAGE will be on tour under the slogan “Metal Firestorm“ together with their label mates COMMUNIC as well as TYR.
23.03. D Speyer – Halle 101
24.03. D Andernach – JUZ
25.03. D Braunschweig – Meier Music Hall
27.03. D Hamburg – Markthalle
28.03. D Nürnberg – Hirsch
29.03. D Bochum – Zeche
30.03. D Aschaffenburg – Colos-Saal
31.03. D Mauerstetten – Sonnenhof
01.04. CH Pratteln – Z7
More dates will follow…
(Source: Nuclear Blast News)
Stone.
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
Metal Odyssey > Heavy Metal Music Blog 
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