MANOWAR – Fans of REAL Metal the world over unite! MANOWAR will be releasing, via Magic Circle Music, the re-recordedreissue of their 1982 debut Heavy Metal classic – Battle Hymns. On February 1st, 2011, Battle Hymns MMXI shall be unveiled unto the ears of Metalheads of all generations! This reissue includes two live tracks, recorded in 1982, that have never been released before! The tracks are: Fast Taker and Death Tone.
A recent quote by MANOWAR vocalist Eric Adams: “We constantly receive requests for the classics. Our fans love the early songs as much as they love the new ones. Our fans can be sure that we have squeezed every drop of power into Battle Hymns 2011 that today’s technology allows.”
* For this re-recorded reissue, legendary screen actor Sir Christopher Lee has replaced the late and legendary Orson Welles with narration on the classic song – Dark Avenger.
* Original MANOWAR drummer Donnie Hamzik returns on Battle Hymns MMXI.
MANOWAR:
Eric Adams – vocals
Joey DeMaio – bass
Karl Logan – guitar
Donnie Hamzik – drums
Track Listing For Battle Hymns MMXI:
Death Tone
Metal Daze
Fast Taker
Shell Shock
Manowar
Dark Avenger
William’s Tale
Battle Hymn
Fast Taker – (Recorded live at Abilene Taylor City Expo Center Arena, 1982)
Death Tone – (Recorded live at Dallas Reunion Arena, 1982)
* For more info on MANOWAR, click on the links below:
PALE CHALICE – Black Metal has it’s sharpened claws all over the globe. San Francisco, California is well represented by this Blackened and mightily determined genre, with Pale Chalice. This is a band that has been evolving since the end of 2008, honing and molding their Black Metal craft to the fantastical sound I hear on this four song EP – Afflicting the Dichotomy of Trepid Creation. This being a debut Blackened offering from Pale Chalice, it is nearly thirty minutes of intense sound that has penetrated my Black Metal corridor and staked it’s claim.
Music is all about vibrations and it’s those “vibes” that tell me when a band truly “feels” their sound they have created. Pale Chalice “feels” their sound, they convey Black Metal tonality with a welcomed air of vigor. This band is not an underground anomaly, instead they are embarking on a path that will most likely lead them to underground distinction, if they are not already there.
The overriding viciousness of the vocals spills out over each song, while the screams are factually bone chilling. Dark and mysterious are the lyrical content within all four songs, which prey on the extraordinary. This EP thunders along as heaviness is concerned, while the melodic nature of these songs is conclusive. Pale Chalice couples heavy and melodic in an impressive style, never waverering from their Black Metal mystique that sets all four songs ablaze.
The tempo shifts that Pale Chalice utilizes are essential in setting the blackened mood, at times creating melancholic and/or macabre swirls of cognition. When Pale Chalice plays at full speed, the perception is one of victory, that an army of darkness has indeed beaten down any luminous combatants. The quality of sound production is in place, with a raw tinge that blankets the entire auditory experience.
What Afflicting the Dichotomy of Trepid Creation has shown my ears, is that Pale Chalice is a convincingly equipped, underground Black Metal outfit, that wants to prevail. It’s as if Pale Chalice is now biding their time before a debut full-length of their Blackened Metal is unleashed upon the world, that this EP is a worthy teaser. I’m relishing this piece of Blackened work for now… and I’ll be in front of the line when Pale Chalice turns loose that anticipated second round of their Black Metal art.
KISS – Sometime back in 1982 or 1983, I bought the KISS KILLERS album. I can vividly recall when I first saw this album though, it was at a small pop culture store that sold plenty of cool Heavy Metal albums from the 1970’s right up to those early 80’s. My cousin Randy worked at this store, he was always astute at Rock ‘N’ Roll history and what the newest album releases of the day were.
I didn’t hesitate about buying this KISS album then, knowing at the time it was an import, KILLERS was not a mass release within the United States. It was quite an impressive find for any KISS fan back then, even more so today, (see used prices below). The asking price for KILLERS set me back around $7 (U.S.) all those years ago. $7 back in ’82/’83 for a teen Metalhead like me was still a chunk of cheese.
Still having this KISS album in my collection is quite a thrill. I am proud of myself for not selling or trading away this piece of KISStory after all these years. (There are some KISS albums and KISS Kollectibles that I have moronically let go during my lifetime). My copy of KILLERS is in as near perfect condition as you could ever ask for, with no wear to the album jacket or vinyl. I truly took great care of this album over the years.
KILLERS was released a year after The Elder and is the first album cover to have Eric Carr pictured as a member of KISS, being released months before the amazing CreaturesOf The Night album. This album is a greatest hits of the time, with four new studio tracks. Those tracks being: I’m A Legend Tonight, Down On Your Knees, NowhereTo Run and Partners In Crime.
KILLERS never came with any inside liner notes, nor are there any musician credits listed on the back cover. I’ve read throughout the years, from many sources, that Bob Kulick, (Bruce Kulick’s older brother), was the guitarist on the four new tracks. Obviously, Eric Carr was the drummer on the four new tracks.
Track Listing For KILLERS:
SIDE I:
I’m A Legend Tonight
Down On Your Knees
Cold Gin
Love Gun
Shout It Out Loud
Sure Know Something
SIDE II:
Nowhere To Run
Partners In Crime
Detroit Rock City
God Of Thunder
I Was Made For Loving You
Rock & Roll All Nite (live version)
* KILLERS was released on Casablanca Records, with their parent company phonogram having their logo at the bottom right corner on the back cover.
* As of January 8, 2011, there are 7 used KISS KILLERS albums (vinyl) for sale on Amazon.com. The prices range from $26.98 to $106.04 in U.S. funds.
* KILLERS was produced by Michael James Jackson, (no, not the Michael Jackson). The album cover design is by Howard Marks Advertising, Inc.
There’s definitely better images out there of this KISS KILLERS album cover. I just wanted to show the world the exact copy that I own. The colors on the album cover I own, are much more vibrant than shown. The back cover design is very simple and it never impressed me. You just can’t beat owning any KISS vinyl. Check it out below:
Below is the current list of bands that will be playing at the Sweden Rock Festival 2011. This beyond amazing festival of Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal will be held in Norje Havsbad, Solvesborg, Sweden, June 8, 9, 10 and 11! This list is current as of January 7, 2011. Metal be thy name, from looking at the list below, this looks to be an incredibly potent four days of Rock ‘N’ Metal! For more information on this 2011 Sweden Rock Festival, just click on this link: Sweden Rock Festival 2011
OZZY OSBOURNE
WHITESNAKE
STYX
HELLOWEEN
JOAN JETT AND THE BLACKHEARTS
RHAPSODY OF FIRE
MUSTASCH
MR. BIG
BUCKCHERRY
DESTRUCTION
DAN REED BAND
WALTER TROUT
GHOST
RAUBTIER
MASON RUFFNER
RAGE
JUDAS PRIEST
ROB ZOMBIE
THE CULT
SAXON
CLUTCH
MOLLY HATCHET
JASON & THE SCORCHERS
THE DAMNED
OVERKILL
THE HAUNTED
AGENT STEEL
ELECTRIC WIZARD
MOONSPELL
GROUNDHOGS
FLASKET BRINNER
The Sweden Rock Festival is an annual festival, going Metal strong since June 6, 1992!
(New York, NY) — BRONX CASKET CO. will be releasing their forthcoming record titled “ANTIHERO” on Tuesday, January 25th, 2011 via eOne Music. “This Bronx Casket record is the best we’ve done, and we are looking forward to getting out on the road and doing some shows,” says front man DD Verni. The record also features master shredder Mike Romeo from Symphony X. Romeo can be heard on all guitar solos.
The record can now be pre-ordered via iTunes as well, click here to get it: http://bit.ly/hAy1g3
The band originally formed in 1998 by Overkill co-founder and bassist DD Verni. Having played in one of the most respected thrash bands ever for over 2 decades, why have another band? Two reason states DD, “the challenge of writing interesting new material and for fun of course!” The bands second release caught the ear of playwright Andrea Lepcio. Soon after, Verni and Lepcio were collaborating with 3-time Tony Winner Hinton Battle to direct and choreograph. Soon the seeds of The “Bronx Casket Co, A New Musical” were planted.
Verni quickly recruited several members from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra to perform. The cast consisted of performers from the Broadway shows Hairspray, Rent and Dance of the Vampire. There have been several performances off-Broadway for producers/backers and the show is still in the writing stages. It has a gothic/Broadway score with a twisted love story woven throughout. Songs from the first two Bronx Casket Co. releases are included in the show, as well as 13 new songs D.D. Verni penned just for the musical.
It’s been five years since the BRONX CASKET CO. last released an album and has been well worth the wait.
(Source: eOne Music press release, January 7, 2011)
PHIL KENNEMORE – On January 7, 2011, Y&T bass guitarist Phil Kennemore has passed away from a brave battle with lung cancer. Phil Kennemore was 57. This sad news has been released through Y&T’s vocalist/lead guitarist Dave Meniketti. You can read the entire message as written by Dave Meniketti, by clicking here: Meniketti.com/Y&T Home Page
Metal Odyssey expresses sincere condolences to the family of Phil Kennemore, Y&T, his friends and fans. Yes, I am saddened at the news of Phil Kennemore’s passing, just like countless other Y&T and Rock fans worldwide. Rock ‘N’ Roll Heaven has accepted in, an unreal great bass guitarist.
Californication Season 4 Music From The Showtime Series – Releasing on January 11, 2011, via Arrival Records/Scion Music Group is Californication Season 4 Music From The Showtime Series. Whenever a team of music supervisors and producers have to choose “those absolute songs” that most reflect the consistent themes and vibes of a television series, a delicate balancing act will be conducted based on both knowledge of that respective series and Rock Music. Nora Felder, Budd Carr and Jonathan Platt can enjoy a collective sigh of relief, that their 13 song selection for Californication Season 4 has flowed together seamlessly, like an assortment of Rock ‘N’ Roll clouds amidst a blue, cool, Summer sky.
The story lines surrounding main character Hank Moody (played by David Duchovny) to the Californication series is more complicated than just blue Summer skies, however. There is plenty of dark and taboo cool, mixed within the reality of this comedy/drama that fans can appreciate and this soundtrack capitalizes on all of it. Life isn’t something that can be followed by any guidelines from a handbook purchased at the corner book store, the songs on this soundtrack dictate exactly how dynamic life is, in all of it’s lovable and not so adored intricacies. Again, another nod to the themes one can find being absorbed into, while watching the Californication series. An overall competence in keeping the relevance between song and series, is accomplished extremely well on this soundtrack.
From MotleyCrüe’s Tommy Lee, to Indie Folk Rock artist Gregory Alan Isakov, this Californication Season 4 soundtrack is liberally represented by a cross-section of Rock genres. It makes me pleased, to see the late and legendary Warren Zevon make his appearance with WantedDead Or Alive, originally performed by Zevon on his 1970 debut album, famously known by the same title. It’s amazing to me, the strong relevance this Warren Zevon classic has in 2011. Tommy Lee takes a more sing-a-long approach, in covering his galaxy famous band’s hit ballad Home Sweet Home. The vibe I feel, while listening to this cover of Home Sweet Home, puts me in the neighborhood bar where everyone knows my name.
Queens of Dogtown are featured here with three cover songs: Would? (Alice In Chains), Last Caress (Misfits) and I Remember You (Skid Row). All three of these songs are monumental Heavy Music classics in their own right, with realistically no room for error when covering even just one of them. With that said, lead vocalist Zoe Kravitz puts her own emotional feel into each song, giving each their justifiable Rock historic respect. In turn, a whole new generation of fans shall hopefully be introduced to these bands, that made these songs timeless, thanks to Queens of Dogtown. I find myself nodding in approval, while Queens of Dogtown cover these three heavy classics with their hardened Semi-Pop Rock sound.
Experimental/Industrial Disco Rock gets coverage on this soundtrack courtesy of My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult or TKK as they are often times referred as. Their song Sex On Wheelz pulls me in with it’s Industrial edge and groove injected up-tempo. Having such a modern sounding invitee to join the party here, makes perfect sense to me. Alternative Rock is represented in excellent form with Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out With Me from Cracker. This song has an uncanny way of making me drift off into cool thoughts… and that isn’t anything too lame to admit.
Eagles Of Death Metal are always a band that takes and makes their brand of Garage Rock serious, even if they did change the title of the Stealers Wheel classic from Stuck In The Middle to Stuck In The Metal. From the 1972 original, to the 2003 cover from Eagles Of Death Metal, it finds home again on Californication Season 4 and it never sounded more Rock righteous. Back in 1989, at the peak of MTV being a real music video network, Love And Rockets was at the top of the charts with their Alternative smash – So Alive. You’ll hear Better Than Ezra put their Alternative cover spin on So Alive, gelling into the mix of this soundtrack and it’s respective Californication theme almost too perfectly.
Soundtracks are either fun, boring or come highly recommended. I’ll omit the boring category here. I will put out to you, that this soundtrack for Californication Season 4 is both fun to listen to and Rocks with enough cool vibes to make me grin defiantly, at a very lousy day. Rock ‘N’ Roll was never supposed to be anti-fun nor anti-cool. Rock ‘N’ Roll was meant to be dangerous, like the series this soundtrack represents. Californication Season 4 has the Rock that sheds away the anti’s and I recommend your getting a copy… especially if you want to have fun and be cool.
* Californication Season 4 Music From the Showtime Series releases on January 11, 2011, on CD and download, on Arrival Records/Scion Music Group.
Take a cool time-out to check out the Californication Season 4 Trailer from SHOWTIME below!
GERRY RAFFERTY – On January 4, 2011, Rock Music Legend Gerry Rafferty passed away from liver disease. A mulit-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter, Gerry Rafferty was only 63 years old. Metal Odyssey gives condolences to the family, friends and fans of Gerry Rafferty.
I honestly can say Gerry Rafferty was one of the reasons why AM Radio really did Rock for me, back in those late 70’s. The Rock I heard from Gerry Rafferty back in 1978, while going on so many long family day trips, were songs with soothing vocal harmony, a kick-it-up-a-notch sax and melodic guitar. Of course, the two “popular” songs that immediately play out in my mind, are: Baker Street and Right Down The Line from his 1978 studio album – City To City. I remember staring at the City To City album cover so long ago, staring at Gerry Rafferty holding the guitar neck with his left hand, wearing those shades… that was cool stuff for my eyes back then, it still is.
It’s not that difficult in mentioning Gerry Rafferty’s two biggest hits as being most memorable for me, especially when these are two songs that were imbedded in my mind and ears as a young lad. Of course there is much more to this legend’s music catalog. Gerry Rafferty had a soothing characteristic to his vocals, while still coming across as very cool. I never found it difficult either, in my adult life, to crank up to the maximum, Right Down The Line, each and every time it came on my car radio. That song just touches off something in me… and makes me feel extremely good. I would hopefully suppose that is exactly what Gerry Rafferty intended to do with his music, make people feel good… and he succeeded with me.
SODOM – Taking a Thrash Metal swath through four decades now, Germany’s very own SODOM is back with studio album #13 – In War And Pieces. Led by founding member and Thrash Metal legend Tom Angelripper, (bass & vocals), SODOM is proving their once again back to kick our Thrash loyal asses!
Since their debut album of 1986 – Obsessed By Cruelty, SODOM has forged their name upon Metal history as one of Germany’s pioneering Thrash Metal bands. Thrash Metal never sleeps or quits and SODOM is delivering their wake-up call to the world with In War And Pieces.
In War And Pieces will be released on Steamhammer/SPV, on January 11, 2011, in the United States.In War And Pieces has already been released in Germany on November 19, 2010 and in Europe on November 22, 2010.
SODOM As They Appear On In War And Pieces:
Tom Angelripper – bass & vocals
Bernd “Bernemann” Kost – guitars
Bobby Schottkowski – drums
* Markus “Makka” Freiwald – current drummer
* Release Formats For In War And Pieces:
Limited Edition Digipak contains bonus live CD of tracks from Wacken 25th Anniversary Show in 2007
Double LP Gatefold – blood red vinyl with 1 bonus track: Murder One
Legendary MOTORHEAD front man Lemmy Kilmister has a recipe that is so metal it could only be featured in Steve Seabury’s heavy metal cook book “Mosh Potatoes – Recipes, Anecdotes and Mayhem From The Heavyweights of Heavy Metal”. LoudTrax.com, the rock, metal, punk download and merch site has decided to partner up with Lemmy and “Mosh Potatoes” to dare all the metal heads around the world to cook up their version of Lemmy’s “Krakatoa Surprise”.
The idea for the contest came about when author Steve Seabury and LoudTrax.com founder Antonio Marsillo were hanging out in Times Square, smoking a couple of Cuban cigars. Steve handed Antonio a copy of the book and they were making jokes about the many recipes. Many beers later, the idea to dare metal heads around the world to cook up Lemmy’s recipe was born.
Lemmy himself liked the idea so much, he offered up an autographed, framed photograph and as well as a signed CD. In addition to Lemmy’s prizes, the winner of this contest receives a boat load of prizes including Lemmy shirts, Harley-Davidson (R) boots, and more. Participants must send a video of them cooking up this monster, upload it to YouTube and then submit it on the Lemmy Contest section of LoudTrax.com.
LoudTrax.com is the world’s first and only website specializing in Rock, Metal, Punk downloads and merchandise. It’s made by rock music fans, for rock music fans. The site boosts 17 dedicated sub genres ranging from Thrash Metal, Hard Rock, Black Metal, Death Metal, Punk, Classic Rock, and more.
Mosh Potatoes is the heavy metal cook book with recipes, anecdotes and mayhem from the heavyweights of heavy metal. Seabury managed to get recipes from 147 artist including LEMMY, ZAKK WYLDE, MOTLEY CRUE, GUNS & ROSES, DREAM THEATER, PANTERA, TESTAMENT, LITA FORD, MEGADETH, LAMB OF GOD and a who’s who of Heavy Rock artists.
Disclaimer. LoudTrax.com, Mosh Potatoes or any party involved is not responsible for damaged kitchens, blown up ovens, burnt cooking mitts, burnt hair, or any other injuries that result from attempting to cook this crazy ass recipe.
The Recipe – Krakatoa Surprise. Lemmy, Motorhead
¼ pound flour
½ pound chocolate syrup
¼ pound refried beans
½ pound curry powder
1 bottle strawberry syrup
¼ bottle brandy
Mix flour, syrup, beans and curry powder into a model of Krakatoa Island. Pour strawberry syrup over it to simulate lava. Pour brandy over all. Strike a match. Eat while still burning. SURPRISE!
BLUE ASIDE – This Underground Doom Metal power trio from Boston, Massachusetts, that call themselves Blue Aside are not bashful on laying down some potent, Earth rattling psychedelia. Blue Aside is one heavy band, as heavy and thick as an unopened can of Castrol motor oil from 1966. (Man, that sounded hoochie, yet my point has been made). This five song debut EP, The Orange Tree, was released on Hydro-Phonic Records in the Fall of 2010. If a band of any heavy genre wants to make an instant impression on me with a debut EP, then Blue Aside has without a doubt succeeded.
The Traveler of Time and Space begins with a synthetic intro that makes me feel like I’m helplessly floating in outer space without a cell phone or I’m being chased by Zombies that can’t run… take your pick. The riff is king here and it leads me down the path to all things spectacular about Psychedelic Doom Metal, bringing me to the realization that Iron Butterfly is indeed an influential band in 2010. The retrospective nature of Blue Aside is not a dominant force, however. They integrate such imagination into their sound, that it makes for a simultaneous vibe that is both now and futuristic.
The vocals change off from being dark and downright evil to semi-harmonious with echos. One well schooled Rockaholic can easily point the progressive finger, with certainty, at Blue Aside. Stoner Metal fans that are looking for songs that are not 15 minutes long can easily fall victim to what Blue Aside is banging out on The Orange Tree. Picture The Mars Volta deciding they want to get down on some Doom Metal and make their music more eye popping heavy, while maintaining a non-mainstream grip on avant-garde, minus any stretching vocals and this is Blue Aside. Adam Abrams (guitar), Matt Neto (drums) and Joe Twomey (bass) can play, making me feel as if this is their third or fourth album after ten years of touring. As anti-commercial as a five song EP can ever be, The Orange Tree never slips into passages of mainstream cow-towing.
Comparisons aside, this trio is hitting the bulls-eye on being unique. Each song has it’s own flavor, with Orange Eyes being a more guitar oriented song, with it’s melodic leads and slow motion Punk like vocals. Otis’ Sun is much more Doom laden with it’s riffs and vocals and marches on with a more apocalyptic feel, never compromising on it’s melancholic mood. Black Rays has a strong emphasis on drums, with a guitar driven attack that keeps the tempo on high, being the one song on TheOrange Tree that can be described as groove laden. Black Rays is my favorite song on this EP, I always fall over for the grooves… man, I dig that stuff.
The Inevitable Journey is a journey into one damn cool, hard and heavy tunnel of sound. The Tony Iommi inspired riffs are infectious, with the Doom infested tempo making this song worthy of repeated listens. Alright, this is my second favorite song on The Orange Tree and it proved to be extremely memorable for me after the very first listen. I could carry on more about this song, adding, that it’s muscular Old School-Stoner vibe meets present day Doom sound, is very close to Metal exhilaration.
Doom. Psychedelic. Stoner. Progressive. At the end of my Metal day, this is one very good, up and coming Metal band period. Smart musicianship coupled with smart lyrics that I hear on The Orange Tree, will take Blue Aside a long way down the Metal road. Fans of the heavy genres mentioned in this review should be able to wrap their ears around the sound that Blue Aside has created on The Orange Tree. Blue Aside has made a lasting Metal impression on me. I’ll be looking forward to Blue Aside releasing a full-length in the future… a band with this much talent, is going to be around for quite some Metal time.
In a year end message from Swedish black metal legion, WATAIN: “North and South America have now been left in ashes, and with that the Lawless Darkness Tour 2010 is over. Hail to those who made it possible, and those who made it even more triumphant; North: Watain Disciples USA, Goatwhore, Black Anvil, Decibel Magazine, Liz and Dave at Earsplit, Jimmy and the Duff’s crew, Josh at Dean Guitars, Engl Amps, Black Witchery, Negative Plane, Averse Sefira, Hod. South: Arma Productions, Hells Angels Antofagasta, Careloco and The Chilean Watain Militia, Kythrone, the mighty Mortuary Drape, the Tumba crew, and all those whose presence strengthened us along the long and winding road through hell and back. You know who you are. A special mention to S.L of The Devil’s Blood who took on the lead guitar duties in North America; hail brother! Finally, a thunderous salute to our iron crew, without whom none of this would have been possible.
To view a clip from Swedish TV (with English subtitles) about WATAIN‘s appearance at the Sweden Rock festival in June earlier this year, point your browserHERE. The concert was aired on the Swedish national radio program P3-Live on Thursday December 23rd.
And it is that time of the year again, when the media compile their lists and distribute awards. WATAIN has received the following awards and nominations for 2010:
#1 Album Of The Year – Close Up Magazine
#1 Album Of The Year – Sweden Rock Magazine
#1 Band Of The Year – Terrorizer Readers Poll
#1 Personality Of The Year – Terrorizer Readers Poll
#2 Album Of The Year – Decibel Magazine
WATAIN have also been nominated for:
“Hardrock” Category of the Swedish Grammy Awards
“Hardrock” Category of the P3 Gold Awards
“Nordic Album 2010” of the Nordic Music Price Awards
In light of all this, we would like you to contemplate upon the following lines:
“It is the magic combination of fierceness and beauty that makes the Wolf an exception even in nature. Revered outlaws, feared in their bestial nature, yet also objects of fascination and curiosity, of naturally inhabited and unreachable grace, that men love to hate, and hate to love. But regardless of what judgement the vox populi might pass on the nighttime predators, they remain just that; a rare breed of hunters; alone, aside, untamed, always hungry…”
DevilDriver – On February 22, 2011, DevilDriver will be seeing their fifth studio album release, all on RoadRunner Records. Since their 2003 self-titled debut, DevilDriver has been recruiting fans by the masses, luring them into their Groove Metal meets Melodic Death Metal barrage. Founding member and lead singer Dez Fafara has been quoted, in speaking about Beast: “It’s a sincere, pissed off street record… this album is about the daily fight that is life.”
DevilDriver is a Metal force to reckon with and I’m on-board with getting my head invaded by their new album – Beast. This band has never disappointed Stone with their full-on Metal aggressiveness and attitude, which comes smashing through their catalog of albums with a non-forgiving and blitzing momentum. Either get out of the way or raise the horns to the sky in Metal triumph… DevilDriver’s Beast is upon us!
* Mixing for Beast was done by Andy Sneap and produced by Mark Lewis.
DEVILDRIVER:
Dez Fafara – vocals
Jeff Kendrick – guitar
Mike Spreitzer – guitar
Jon Miller – bass
John Boecklin – drums
Track Listing For Beast:
Dead To Rights
Bring The Fight (To The Floor)
Hardened
Shitlist
Talons Out (Teeth Sharpened)
You Make Me Sick
Coldblooded
Blur
The Blame Game
Black Soul Choir
Crowns Of Creation
Lend Myself To The Night
The above cover is the CD/DVD edition of Beast, slated for a February 22, 2011 release. The threebonus tracks on this CD/DVD edition:
Lost
Fortune Favors The Brave
Grinfucked (live)
Bonus DVD Material:
“You May Know Us From The Stage” – full length film chronicling DevilDriver’s history from the very start.
ESKI OF MORPHINE KILLER – So 2010 has come and gone and that leaves me wondering – what is to become of this decade, music-wise? Will bands go and try to be “heavier” than any other band has gotten, or will we go back to a retro-pre-click track lo-fi days? It always seems like bands try to follow “trends” (if you want to call them that), instead of establishing a real identity. I always enjoy listening to what bands bring to the table, as opposed to listening to them because “they sound like so-and-so”. Here is my list for 2010:
#10
THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA – ZOMBIE EP
#9
HELLOWEEN – 7 SINNERS
#8
THE CHARIOT – LONG LIVE
#7
OF MICE & MEN – OF MICE & MEN
#6
SOILWORK – THE PANIC BROADCAST
#5
HALFORD – HALFORD IV: MADE OF METAL
#4
DÅÅTH – DÅÅTH
#3
NEVERMORE – THE OBSIDIAN CONSPIRACY
#2
ESCAPE THE FATE – ESCAPE THE FATE
#1
AVENGED SEVENFOLD – NIGHTMARE
Honorable Mention (Non-Metal):
LIL WAYNE – I AM NOT A HUMAN BEING
Here’s to 2011 and hoping that Morphine Killer will be making everyone’s list next year!
* Below is a list of other great sites/bloggers that cover Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal and will be sharing their “Best Of 2010” lists and thoughts as well. It is well worth the trip to any and/or all of them!
2011 is HERE! Metal Odyssey wants to extend a very LOUD: Happy METAL New Year to ALL! A very special THANK YOU goes out to each and every visitor to Metal Odyssey this past year… without the fans of the Metal and music that is covered here, it would not be the same. THANK YOU to all the regular visitors and subscribers to Metal Odyssey… your comments are extremely appreciated!
Another very special THANK YOU goes out to ALL the bands and musicians that are covered here on Metal Odyssey, without them, there is no Metal Odyssey! Every band that I interviewed this past year gets a horns up and a THANK YOU as well! Below is a Thank You list going out to those who made 2010 very memorable, insightful and helpful for me and Metal Odyssey… um, THANK YOU!
THANK YOU:
To my beautiful wife for her graphics and technical support, not to mention ALL of her support for everything!
To my twin daughters for listening to all the Metal in the house and giving their Metal two cents about what they hear! Yes girls, KISS was around when daddy was a little boy.
To Rob Rockitt at HARD ROCK HIDEOUTfor allowing me to interview more Rock ‘N’ Roll stars than I could ever imagine! Whoa… HELL YEAH! Metal be thy name.
To Best Metal Buddy Scott Coverdale, his Hard Rock and Metal research sometimes amazes me… and really plays a key Metal role in getting a story or review straight!
To Sean over at THE METAL FILES, THANK YOU for writing the best damn “personal account” stories of concerts, life as a Metalhead and Rock ‘N’ Roll! Now… keep those forks away from your eyeballs!
To Steve at Heavy Metal Addiction for rallying a bunch of us Hard Rock and Metal lovin’ dudes to post our “Best Of” lists throughout the holiday season!
MISFITS – Currently being sold NOW at MISFITS – Official Website is the clear yellow vinyl edition of the 12″ – LAND OF THE DEAD. Both the red vinyl and green vinyl editions of this unreal MISFITS collectible were released in 2009 on MISFITS Records and are sold out. Anytime a MISFITS 12″ vinyl is released, you have to act fast… they are highly sought after by fellow Fiends the world over! I was lucky (and smart enough) to have ordered the red vinyl edition of LAND OF THE DEAD (back in September of 2009)… and it has served me right.
As stated on the Official MISFITS website: “This clear yellow vinyl edition will be the final color-way pressed before these “Demo of the Dead” recordings are succeeded by new studio versions of both songs on the forthcoming “Twilight Of The Dead” Limited Edition 12-inch”.
The Official MISFITS website also has stated: “Fiends can expect to draw first blood from the ALL-NEW MISFITS ALBUM titled “THE DEVIL’S RAIN” COMING IN 2011!
Now… to say that Stone is psyched-out-of-his-Horror Punk and Metal mind is an amazing understatement! A NEW MISFITS ALBUM IN 2011! Happy Horror Punk days are here again… and the skies above are gray again!
Arrival Records/Scion Music Group – Will release the new soundtrack for the hit SHOWTIME comedy series Californication. Season 4: Music From The Showtime Series Californication will include tracks that play a part in bringing to life many of the storylines of the new season (premiering Sunday, January 9, 2011 at 9pm PT/ET on SHOWTIME).
On Californication, David Duchovny stars in his Golden Globe wining role as TV’s favorite anti-hero, Hank Moody – a hedonistic writer who struggles to raise his teenage daughter Becca (Madeleine Martin) while still carrying a torch for her mother, his ex-girlfriend (Natascha McElhone). This season, Becca joins an all-girl rock band fronted by Pearl, (played by singer and actress Zoë Kravitz) called “Queens of Dogtown” and plots will evolve with an emphasis on music and Rock culture.
Soundtrack exclusives will feature three Rock classics reinvented by Queens Of Dogtown as well as Tommy Lee’s (MotleyCrüe) solo version of Home Sweet Home. Music by Shooter Jennings & Hierophant, Eagles Of Death Metal, Better Than Ezra, My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult, Monster Magnet vs. Adrian Young, Cracker, The Soundtrack Of Our Lives, Warren Zevon and Gregory Alan Isakov will also set the tone throughout episodes of Season 4 and on Season 4: Music From TheShowtime Series Californication.
Nora Felder and Budd Carr, the series Californication music supervisors and soundtrack co-producers, recently received the HMMA (Hollywood Music in Media Award) for “Outstanding Music Supervision in TV”. Other producers for Season 4: Music From The Showtime Series Californication are Jonathan Platt, Tom Kapinos and label heads: Mark Spier and Rick Rand.
Soundtrack Track Listing As Follows:
F**k You (I’m Famous) – Shooter Jennings & Hierophant
Stuck In The Metal – Eagles Of Death Metal
So Alive – Better Than Ezra
Would? – Queens Of Dogtown
Sex On Wheels – My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult
Last Caress – Queens Of Dogtown
Mirror People – Monster Magnet vs. Adrian Young
Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out With Me – Cracker
I Remember You – Queens Of Dogtown
Second Life Replay – The Soundtrack Of Our Lives
Wanted Dead Or Alive – Warren Zevon
If I Go, I’m Goin – Gregory Alan Isakov
Home Sweet Home – Tommy Lee
Season 4: Music From The Showtime Series Californication will be released online, in stores and digitally on January 11, 2011.
Life is filled with surprises, sometimes good, sometimes lousy. This “thank you” post is about a lousy surprise that came through my email box this past Christmas weekend. My neighborhood f.y.e. store is closing. Closing. Could it be? Is this some sort of vile prank? No, unfortunately, this email came directly from f.y.e.’s online marketing department… just letting me know that there were to be closeout deals to be had, due to the Allentown/South Mall store being eventually closed. Deals. I think it is a RAW deal whenever any store closes, especially a store that is notoriously known for stocking the best assortment of Metal CD’s this side of the Atlantic.
Deals. What about the store employees? Their losing their jobs is no deal… and being notified on the Christmas bulls eye, right during the heart of the Christmas holiday, is no damn deal. Plus, this will now be one less store that record companies can have their CD’s and merchandise stocked at… no deal. Maybe for the “casual” customer, the one who buys two CD’s and/or DVD’s per year at f.y.e. will see this as a “deal”… where they can walk in and stock up on the six CD’s that they would have purchased throughout an entire year… at 30% off. This is NO deal for the customers, like myself, who spends quite an impressive amount of money throughout the entire year, on dozens of CD’s.
Factor in the relationships a customer like myself makes, with the employees of this f.y.e. over the years and this store location closing – is no damn deal. The employees of this f.y.e. store were and still are world class when it comes to professionalism and knowledge in their product. Never did I encounter a situation where any employee at this f.y.e. did not know what I was asking for… or talking about. Besides knowledge of music, these employees I dealt with here, also bestow something else that is not commonly found in retail this day and age… they were all (gasp) friendly.
It is a sign of the times, that CD sales are dipping and the mp3 is celebrating it’s dominance upon music fans. I can’t dispute any corporate entity for having to cut costs and make their bottom line look appealing to investors… it’s a cyclical force of capitalism. What I can point out, however, is the lack of vision that giant retailers have towards the music industry as a whole. There is a product out there to sell, CD’s and DVD’s along with entertainment merchandise will never go away, (unless CD’s and DVD’s are no longer manufactured)… some other retail location “somewhere” will have it for sale. In the meantime, with all of the “shrinking aisles” of CD’s and music store closings happening in realtime, I don’t want to hear anyone balk about Super Walmart carrying the goods… and having CD’s for sale at competitive prices too.
Where I live, there is no abundance of independent CD and record stores. There’s flea markets during the non-winter months. Then, there’s Super Walmart. Sure, Best Buy still carries CD’s and limited vinyl releases… only their aisles are shrinking with this product too. Forget Target… it’s the flavor-of-the-month when it comes to their CD aisles. Super Walmart never had an Extreme Metal selection as an f.y.e. does… and they never will. If there was/is any competition between an f.y.e. and a Super Walmart, it is for the Walmart “only” titles of CD’s and bubble gum Pop Music. When it comes to Metal, forget it… f.y.e. has the biggest selection. Apparently, having the biggest Metal selection is not enough, if your not selling at a level where the corporate profit margin is not making the rich happy… and richer.
I will miss my neighborhood f.y.e. and without question, miss the interaction I continuously had with their employees. Each one of them made Stone feel like he belonged in their store… each one listened to what Stone had to say. I wish I could say that about every store I frequent, only I can’t. I have to grin and shake my head, while realizing that f.y.e. has NO CLUE as to the quality people that have worked very hard for them at this location… working diligently to make f.y.e. rich. So, f.y.e., it’s no deal for me to save 30% on my CD purchases I made today… it is an important and sad deal though, to have to say goodbye to these following exceptional employees:
NATALIE
STACY
JOHN
ERIC
DANNY
Whenever a company or store closes it’s doors, PEOPLE are affected… and employees are people. I wish the above named employees of this f.y.e. store all the very best that life can bring them. They all made my shopping experience at this f.y.e. store worth my time and money, as well as memorable. Thank you, my Metal Buddies at the South Mall f.y.e., YOU ROCK!
AOL Noisecreep is currently streaming “Sacrament Of Buyan,” the eighth track from KHORS’ latest full-length, Return To Abandoned, released last month via Paragon Records. On their fourth long player, the Ukrainian black metal horde yield the harsher, brooding sounds of earlier works whilst mixing in the melancholy and atmosphere of 2008’s unsung blackened gem, “Mysticism”. “Sacrament Of Buyan,” is based in Slavic mythology — Buyan is reportedly the only place where you’ll find “Koschei the Deathless” soul buried inside a needle inserted into an egg that lurks in a magical oak tree.
(Earsplit PR, December 29, 2010)
To check out “Sacrament Of Buyan,” point your browser HERE.
LAZARUS A.D. – The sophomore release from Wisconsin’s very own Thrashin’ and Metal bashin’ LAZARUS A.D. will be released on February 1st, 2011, on the legendary Metal Blade Records. Their new album is titled: Black Rivers Flow and it is destined to be one of the most sought after Metal releases of 2011!
* Black Rivers Flow was recorded during July and August of 2010, at Belle City Sound with Chris Djuricic. James Murphy mixed and mastered Black Rivers Flow at Safehouse Production.
* For more info on LAZARUS A.D., just click on the links below:
LAZARUS A.D. are a supporting Metal force for undisputed legends of Thrash Metal… DEATH ANGEL, on their North American Retribution Tour. Other supporting Thrash Metal warriors for DEATH ANGEL are: EARLY MAN, BONDED BY BLOOD and HEXEN. To view the complete schedule for this North American Retribution Tour, just click on the large header below!
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's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"
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