Archive for Metal

WITCH CROSS “Axe To Grind” – A Legendary Return To Metal Prominence!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on July 31, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

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5 Out Of 5 METAL Fists!

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WITCH CROSS – With two original band members (guitarist/songwriter Mike Koch, bassist Jan Normark), the legendary True Metal attack of WITCH CROSS has returned for their sophomore studio album: Axe To Grind (Hells Headbangers). These Danish Metal warriors indeed have returned! Fans of WITCH CROSS and Traditional Metal most likely never thought a follow-up to 1984’s (debut) Fit For Fight would ever come to pass; I was certainly one of them! Now I’m forever psyched-out… Metal be thy name.

Once news broke of a WITCH CROSS reunion, with live gigs and Festival performances taking flight in Europe these last two years, the momentum of this dynamic Metal band metamorphosed into a flaming Metal juggernaut! Axe To Grind has proven to my Metal soul and senses that it’s truly a spectacular return to Metal prominence for WITCH CROSS; with the songwriting and musicianship capturing the spirit, sound, energy and total atmosphere of what this grand band was and always shall be about.

Below, Check Out The Official Video For Demon In The Mirror:

The addition of new vocalist Kevin Moore has proven to be synonymous with capturing lightning in a bottle; his experience, songwriting and frontman presence has glistened on Axe To Grind; solidifying his place in both WITCH CROSS and Metal history. Mike Koch and Kevin Moore combined to write the majority of Axe To Grind and their skillful success at combining this bands vibes of the past with today’s Metal relevancy is jaw-dropping commendable!

Axe To Grind is a Metal album you absolutely cannot overlook in 2013! WITCH CROSS have delivered and the totality of Metal splendor explodes from such mega-memorable tracks as: Demon In The Mirror, Ride With The Wind, Bird Of Prey and Metal Nation (Raise Your Hands)Axe To Grind is one of those rare Metal albums that flows together so brilliantly; I feel as if I’m discovering a Metal gem for the very first time with each thorough listen!

The double axe attack fury of Mike Koch and Paul Martin are both melodic and blazing, leaving their numerous riffs, leads and solos within my subconscious long after I’ve listened to Axe To Grind. Incredible. The vocals of Kevin Moore have been ingrained into my subconscious as well; his standout performance on Axe To Grind is absolute.

Jan Normark on bass and Lars Bjornstad on drums are a consummate rhythm section that provides the old school boom and thundercracks, further solidifying what is undeniably one of the greatest comebacks in Heavy Metal history that’s forever known as WITCH CROSS.

Witch Cross - Group Promo Pic - 2013 - #5

WITCH CROSS:

Kevin Moore – Vocals

Mike Koch – Guitars

Paul Martin – Guitars

Jan Normark – Bass

Lars Bjornstad – Drums

Witch Cross - Keep It True Fest - 2012 #1

AXE TO GRIND – Track Listing:

March Of The Vikings

Demon In The Mirror

Ride With The Wind

Metal Nation (Raise Your Hands)

Awakening / Pandora’s Box

Axe To Grind

Bird Of Prey

Lost Without Warning

Part Of The Machine

The Killing Of Chelsea 100

Beyond The Veil

Witch Cross - Classic Logo - Large - B&W!!

* Mastered by Flemming Rasmussen and mixed by Chris Tsangarides

FEATURED GUEST ARTISTS:

* Jax Chambers (Girlschool) – guitar solo is featured on The Killing Of Chelsea 100

* Marta Gabriel (Crystal Viper)  vocals featured on Bird Of Prey

* Anders “AC” Hjort (original Witch Cross drummer) – drums on instrumental Axe To Grind

* Graham Oliver (former SAXON) – guitar solo on Ride The Wind

Axe To Grind - CD - Promo Pic - 2013

* For More Info On WITCH CROSS:

Facebook: Witch Cross

http://www.witchcross.dk

Hells Headbangers Records - Logo - B&W

HELLS HEADBANGERS:

http://www.hellsheadbangers.com

Facebook: HELLS HEADBANGERS

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LONG LIVE WITCH CROSS.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

WILT – Canadian Black Metal Outfit Announces 2013 Noctis Metalfest Appearance

Posted in Black Metal, black metal bands, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on July 30, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Wilt-LogoCC - large

Central Canadian Black Metal duo, WILT, will be taking part in this year’s Noctis Metalfest in Calgary, Alberta, Canada on September 19th – 21st.

WILT finds themselves amongst legendary company at Noctis, as performances by CARCASS, EXITER, POSSESSED, SACRIFICE, CANDLEMASS and many more have already been announced. WILT is scheduled to play on Thursday, September 19th. For more information, visit:

http://www.noctisvalkyries.com

In other news, WILT has enlisted Nick Keller (Black Dahlia Murder, Beast Wars and Heresiarch) to design the cover art for their forthcoming new release, Moving Monoliths.

Moving Monoliths is the follow-up to the band’s self-titled debut, which was released in October of last year as a digital download, and is now being offered as a limited editions (300 copies only), 180-gram white vinyl 12-inch. WILT is available on vinyl and digital formats at:

http://wiltmanitoba.bandcamp.com

WILT - Group Promo Pic - #1 - 2012

As if the oldest tree in the forest pulled up its roots and migrated to its afterlife, a ghostly procession of bark and withered leaves. Death and decay are legion, but there’s a real sense of grace to the airy melodies they embed deep into the compositions, while never being as frivolous or cheap sounding as some of the tunes I’ve heard by Agalloch or Woods of Ypres (bands who possess a similar thematic approach to expression). – From the Dust Returned

WILT was unearthed in the winters of 2010. Founded by Jordan Dorge, later recruited Brett Goodchild to capture Jordan’s vision. Experience WILT, dark deprived Black Metal in its truest form hailing from the frozen prairies of Central Canada, WILT intends to take you on a journey into the depths of your soul and every crevice of the earth.

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(Source: ClawHammer PR)

* For more info on WILT:

http://wiltmanitoba.bandcamp.com

http://waronmusic.com

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LONG LIVE WILT.

LONG LIVE BLACK METAL.

Stone.

Dark Descent Records – Holding Showcase Festival This October!

Posted in Black Metal, concerts, Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on July 29, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Dark Descent Records - showcase festival promo flyer - Oct 2013

Dark Descent Records, in association with Parasitic Records and Ash St. PDX, have announced a two-day showcase festival taking place on October 4th and 5th at the Ash St. Saloon in Portland, OR.

The line-up, much like the label’s roster, is comprised of some of the best that today’s underground Death Metal scene has to offer. Tickets for the showcase are $13 for Friday’s show, $15 for Saturday’s show and $26 for both and can be purchased at this location:

http://darkdescentfest.brownpapertickets.com

For updates and details, visit the event Facebook page

Check out streams and live footage of many of the acts slated to play, courtesy of Decibel Magazine, at this location:

http://www.decibelmagazine.com/featured/dark-descent-records-announce-showcase-festival-oct-4th-and-5th-portland-or/

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Dark Descent Records Showcase lineup:

Mitochondrion

Anhedonist

Gravehill

Weregoat

Dire Omen

Insanity

Horrendous

Vassafor

Ritual Necromancy

Sempiternal Dusk 

Dark Descent Records - Logo - B&W!

* For more info:

 Event Facebook page

*Dark Descent on Facebook

http://www.darkdescentrecords.com

*Hotels in Portland, OR

(Source: ClawHammer PR)

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LONG LIVE DARK DESCENT RECORDS.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

FIGHT OR FLIGHT – Debut Album “A Life By Design?” Is Out NOW!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on July 27, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Fight Or Flight - promo flyer - 2013 - debut album

Stone Says: FIGHT OR FLIGHT IS A SUPERGROUP? TRY… OUT OF THIS WORLD GROUP!

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The debut Fight Or Flight album “A Life By Design?” featuring Dan Donegan & Mike Wengren from Disturbed & Dan Chandler from Evans Blue is available now! Pick it up from your local retailer or download it on iTunes at: http://smarturl.it/fightorflight

I was persuaded to buy this debut album from FIGHT OR FLIGHT by the fine article written by Marisol over at her kick-ass blog site:

Home

Often times, I rely on my fellow Metal bloggers for whiz-bang recommendations on Heavy Music; Marisol at Music Junkie Press hit a Metal bullseye with FIGHT OR FLIGHT! Click on the link below to read and enjoy her full article, which includes the powerful music video for First Of The Last:

Fight or Flight’s new release “A Life by Design?” is one not to miss!

Fight Or Flight - Promo Band Pic - 2013 - #!

FIGHT OR FLIGHT:

Dan Donegan – guitar

Mike Wengren – drums

Dan Chandler – vocals

Sean Corcoran – bass

Jeremy Jayson – guitar

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FIGHT OR FLIGHT was released on July 23rd, via Warner Bros. Records.

* For more info on FIGHT OR FLIGHT:

Facebook: Fight Or Flight

http://www.fightorflightofficial.com

http://www.twitter.com/FightOrFlight

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LONG LIVE FIGHT OR FLIGHT.

LONG LIVE MARISOL & MUSIC JUNKIE PRESS.

Stone.

REPTILIAN DEATH – Signs With Old School Metal Records

Posted in Death Metal, death metal albums, death metal bands, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on July 26, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Reptilian Death - The Dawn Of Consumation And Emergence - promo cover

Mumbai-based Death Metal outfit REPTILIAN DEATH has signed with Old School Metal Records for the October 10th release of the band’s second full-length, The Dawn Of Consummation And Emergence.

REPTILIAN DEATH has long existed in the shadows of the Indian metal scene as the side project of Demonic Resurrection frontman, Demonstealer. The band spent their first 12 years making sporadic live appearances and changing line-ups fairly often. During that time, REPTILIAN DEATH had an almost humorous disposition, writing little spoof Metal epics like ‘5 Easy Ways To Murder Someone’ and ‘Nursery Rhymes For Satan’s Children’ while balancing a handful of serious tracks which eventually found themselves on their 2004 debut, Total Annihilation. In 2006, the band’s direction took a turn for the serious with the release of their EP Intestinal Feast on the Defaced And Split album, which also featured Exhumation, Warface and Narsil.

Reptilian Death - promo band pic - 2013 - #!

Shortly after the release, the band returned to the shadows until resurfacing in early 2013. The band exploded on the scene and completely metamorphosed into a brand new beast. Fronted by Vinay Venkatesh (Bhaynak Maut), dressed in priestly robes with his face painted half black and half white and backed by a band of masked members REPTILIAN DEATH has moved out of the shadows and into the forefront of the global Metal community. The world will now see The Dawn Of Consummation And Emergence.

More details to come…

Video footage of REPTILIAN DEATH performing at Domination: The Deathfest 2013 is below!

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(Source: ClawHammer PR)

For more info on REPTILIAN DEATH:

Facebook: Reptilian Death

http://www.youtube.com/reptiliandeath

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OLD SCHOOL METAL RECORDS:

http://www.osmrecords.net

Facebook: Old School Metal Records

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LONG LIVE REPTILIAN DEATH.

LONG LIVE DEATH METAL.

Stone.

Keith Merrow And Jeff Loomis Project “Conquering Dystopia” Launches Indiegogo Campaign

Posted in guitarists, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on July 19, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Keith Merrow - Jeff Loomis - promo band pic - #1 - Conquering Dystopia

As Reported On: http://jeffloomis.com/site/news/

Hey Everyone,

Keith Merrow and Jeff are launching a special Indiegogo campaign to help get things going with their new project ‘Conquering Dystopia’. Here is the link with all the details:

http://igg.me/at/conqueringdystopia/x/3710734

Conquering Dystopia is:

Keith Merrow – Guitars

Jeff Loomis – Guitars

Alex Webster – Bass

Alex Rüdinger – Drums

A video message from Keith and Jeff:

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Official Facebook Fan Page and Twitter:

facebook.com/ConqueringDystopia

twitter.com/conquerdystopia

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LONG LIVE CONQUERING DYSTOPIA.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

Shadow Kingdom Records Buys Out PsycheDOOMelic Records

Posted in hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, Metal, metal music, Music, news, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , on July 18, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Shadow Kingdom Records - Large Logo!

Heavy metal & Hard Rock label/distro Shadow Kingdom Records, home to the likes of MANILLA ROAD, ALTAR OF OBLIVION, CORSAIR and more, has bought out Austria’s PsycheDOOMelic Records and will be offering the label’s remaining stock on the http://store.shadowkingdomrecords.com.

The owners of both labels commented on the takeover:

Dear Friends, Bands, Supporters of the label and store,

I wanted to thank you for all the years of support. It has truly been a blessing to have all of your support to fund my passion. I’ve taken a new job recently and with that new job and responsibility, I’ve decided to retire the label and store. Our friends over at Shadow Kingdom Records has made an offer to buy out psycheDOOMelic Records in an effort to give you a new safe home to buy records.  Shadow Kingdom Records offers the very best prices and service and even with the higher shipping costs, the Euro to Dollar conversion rate will offset the difference. With that, I would like to encourage all of you to support Shadow Kingdom Records because they are not only the very best online classic heavy metal store (that also specializes in DOOM) in the world, they also have a great record label as well. Thank you very much and all the bestMárk

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Friends,

It’s a great honor to buy out the great psycheDOOMelic Records. Mark has over the years created a great label and he’s been an honest record dealer for over the past 10 years. As of right now the psycheDOOMelic STORE is now closed. We’re working on importing some stock over here and please bear with us because that’s going to take a while to sort out and add to the SKR STORE. Please feel free to take a look at the SKR STORE. The main page is just a preview of the newest stock added and the restocks. Once you dive into the rest of the store, there’s thousands of heavy metal items – with a lot of hard to find stuff in there as well.  If you have any questions/concerns, please reach out to the mail order team or myself. Thanks – Tim 

Stay tuned to http://www.shadowkingdomrecords.com for updates.

Shadow Kingdom Records started in 2004 as a store and small distribution channel. In 2006, a test label was created under a different moniker until 2007. SKR was inspired by and paying tribute to Robert E Howard. SKR has released a massive amount of quality music, showcasing a wide variety of Metal music, from both new and legendary bands as well as unearthed gems from Metal and Hard Rock’s glorious past. Traditional Heavy Metal, NWOBHM, Epic Metal, Doom Metal, Thrash, Speed, Power Metal, Death, Black Metal, Hard Rock, Psych Rock, and so much more can be found on the label as well as maintaining a vast US-based mail order distribution.

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(Source: ClawHammer PR)

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LONG LIVE SHADOW KINGDOM RECORDS.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

Introducing UNHOLY ANARCHY RECORDS

Posted in Black Metal, Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on July 18, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Unholy Anarchy Records - large promo - logo - B&W

Straight from the underground comes the newly launched Unholy Anarchy Records and Distro. Launched in the summer of 2013, Baltimore-based Unholy Anarchy is guided by the philosophy to release quality underground extreme music without boundaries – the only criteria being quality music from great bands.

Run by true Metal fans for true Metal fans, Unholy Anarchy focuses primarily on vinyl releases, but is open to a variety of mediums from acts that share a similar vision. The label’s first release will be a seven-inch split with Belgium’s AGATHOCLES and Pittsburgh, PA’s HOGRA. Due out in early August, the split will be a co-release with Blackseed Records, Jerk Off Records and At War With False Noise.

On the distro side of things, Unholy Anarchy has hundreds of titles on picture disc, 12″, 10″, 7″, CD and cassette formats in stock. Throughout July, the label is offering 15% off all 12″ vinyl purchases and always offers free shipping on any order over $50.

Unholy Anarchy is an independently owned and operated family business that focuses on maintaining the importance of physical music formats, especially vinyl.  The label was founded with the hopes of delivering quality underground Metal, Punk and Hardcore from artists and labels we respect. They are dedicated to helping the scene, the bands, and delivering music to you. Unholy Anarchy has made every effort to stock rare imports and hard to find albums for our U.S. customer base, and hope you find Unholy Anarchy a collective that you can stand behind.

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(Source: ClawHammer PR)

* For more info on UNHOLY ANARCHY RECORDS:

http://www.unholyanarchy.com

http://www.unholyanarchyrecords.bigcartel.com

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LONG LIVE UNHOLY ANARCHY RECORDS.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

SINISTER REALM – Reveal Artwork And Track Listing For “World of Evil”

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on April 7, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Sinister Realm - World Of Evil - promo cover pic

Pennsylvania Traditional Metallists Sinister Realm are scheduled to release their third album World of Evil via Shadow Kingdom Records early this summer. Album artwork and track listing can be viewed below.

Commenting on the album artwork, bass player and founding member John Gaffney had this to say:  “I wanted to do something different from our past album covers which used photos and I really wanted it to embody the feel and mood of the songs. I was lucky to get in touch with a great upcoming artist from Portugal named Augusto Peixoto at Iron Doom Design and he was able to bring my vision for the album cover to life.”

With influences ranging from Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, Candlemass and Dio, World of Evil will find the band moving in an even darker and more epic direction.  Comments Gaffney, “Many of the songs on the album focus on the evil that man brings to this world, with wars, lies and the dark future that sometimes seems ahead of us.”  Plans are being assembled for the band to hit the road later this year in support of the album.

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WORLD OF EVIL – Track Listing:

01. Dark Angel of Fate

02. Bell Strikes Fear

03. World of Evil

04. The Ghosts of Nevermore

05. Prophets of War

06. Cyber Villain

07. The Forest of Souls

08. Four Black Witches

Sinister Realm - promo pic - 2013 - #1

In other news: Sinister Realm contributed their version of the Anvil classic Forged in Fire to the album Strong as Steel – A Tribute to Anvil, set for release on April 19th on Skol Records, the song can be heard below. John Gaffney had this to say about covering the Anvil classic, “Anvil is the sound of Metal, plain and simple. The jackhammer riffs and Robb’s pounding drums, it doesn’t get much cooler than that! Being a fan of darker sounding riffs and songs with cool drum parts “Forged in Fire” has always been one of my favorite Anvil songs, I hope we do it some justice and maybe even add an extra sinister edge to it….long live heavy metal and long live Anvil!

Check Out Forged In Fire Below!

Formed in 2009 by former Pale Divine bass player John Gaffney and current Pale Divine and current Beelzefuzz drummer Darin McCloskey, Sinister Realm released their 2nd album The Crystal Eye in late 2011.

For more information on SINISTER REALM visit:

www.sinisterrealm.net

facebook: Sinister Realm

http://www.reverbnation.com/sinisterrealm

http://shadowkingdomrecords.com/

Shadow Kingdom Records - Large Logo!_______________________________________________

(Source: ClawHammer PR)

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LONG LIVE SINISTER REALM.

SINISTER REALM KICKS F’N METAL ASS.

Now That’s What I Call A Real METAL Album Cover. Metal Be Thy Name.

Stone.

AxeWound – November & December Tour Dates – Offers Free Track Download On Facebook

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on October 5, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

The Metal supergroup of AxeWound, consisting of members Matt Tuck (Bullet For My Valentine), Liam Cormier (Cancer Bats), Mike Kingswood (Glamour Of The KIll), Joe Copcutt (formerly of Rise To Remain) and Jason Bowld (Pitchshifter) have released their debut album, Vultures, this week.

With dark and pissed-off lyrics, combined with Metal heavy and fast enough to rip the skin off your face, VULTURES is guaranteed to scald your eardrums as you beg for more! AxeWound has taken their Metal show on the road, currently touring the UK. Below are the newly released tour dates for North America, which will see AxeWound making Metal stops to punish the Metal masses during both November and December! Metal be thy name!

NOVEMBER

27th Baltimore, MD – Baltimore Sound Stage

28th New York, NY – The Studio @ Webster Hall

29th Montreal, QC – Katacombes

30th Toronto, ON – The Annex Wreck Room

DECEMBER

1st Chicago, IL – Reggie’s Rock Club

3rd San Francisco, CA – Bottom Of The Hill

4th – Anaheim, CA – Chain Reaction

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AxeWound:

Matt Tuck – guitar & backing vocals

Liam Cormier – lead vocals

Jason Bowld – drums & percussion

Mike Kingswood – guitar

Joe Copcutt – bass

AxeWound – VULTURES was released on October 2nd, via Sony Music / Search And Destroy / The End Records

Visit the Official facebook of AxeWound and download a FREE track! Do it NOW!

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(Source:

For more info on AxeWound, click on the links below!

http://www.AxeWoundUK.com

Official facebook: AxeWound

Long Live AxeWound.

Stone.

K-OS “Planeta Violento” – Title Track Streaming & Thrashing On Metal Odyssey Now!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal with tags , , , , , , on June 20, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

K-OS – Streaming below is the title track from Planeta Violento from Salamanca Spain’s Metal troupe: K-OS.

Crank up the volume on that audio bar and let the Thrashin’ & Metallin’ raw power of K-OS infiltrate your Metal senses! Metal be thy name.

You can listen to the entire Planeta Violento album via this link:

Spotify:

http://open.spotify.com/album/4bgGJFod5qNLplKxjsBKJ6

For more info on K-OS, click on the link below:

http://www.metalk-os.com

You can purchase the digital album on Amazon.com or iTunes.

To read more Metal Odyssey coverage of K-OS, click the link below:

K-OS “Planeta Violento” – New Metal Release Is Out Now! Stone’s Metal Pick Of The Day!

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LONG LIVE K-OS.

Stone.

Metal Odyssey Presents: Ten METAL Albums You NEED For This Summer Of 2012! (Part One)

Posted in Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal albums, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on June 6, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

In my endless Metal pursuit to perform kind Metal deeds, I have compiled a list of Ten Metal albums you need for this Summer of 2012. This list is part one, therefore a part two shall be posted up sometime soon! Please notice the large link below each album chosen for this list; these links will take you directly to my review for that respective album. Enjoy and… Metal be thy name.

 ROYAL THUNDER – CVI

The combination of Mlny Parsonz vocals and the heavy music Royal Thunder plays on CVI is so good that I want to blab about it on billboards across North America. Think: 70’s heavy with a ton of relevance.

ROYAL THUNDER “CVI” – Unreal Is The Word And This Heavy Album MUST Be Heard!

ORANGE GOBLIN – A EULOGY FOR THE DAMNED

Um, the headline on that large link below pretty much says it all. Every time I listen to A Eulogy For The Damned, I keep muttering: holy shit, this album kicks ass! ‘Nuff said.

ORANGE GOBLIN – ‘A Eulogy For The Damned’: This Album Is Mandatory Metal, My Metal Brethren

KING GIANT – DISMAL HOLLOW

Yes Virginia, there is a Metal band that has kicked some Metal sense into me in 2012… and they’re from… Virginia.

KING GIANT “Dismal Hollow” – Stone’s Metal Pick Of The Day!

IRON SAVIOR – THE LANDING

Yes, this new IRON SAVIOR album is such a powerful Metal experience to my senses, that it brought me to tears.

IRON SAVIOR ‘The Landing’ – German Power Metal Force Returns, In A Mammoth Way!

CORROSION OF CONFORMITY – S/T

Corrosion Of Conformity RETURNS! This album from COC is an exclamation point on their legendary career. This is American Metal with 0% additives, flavorings or fillers. Down home Metal is COC. Yes, I really, really, really dig this COC album. I really do.

CORROSION OF CONFORMITY – ‘Corrosion Of Conformity’ – Get Ready Cause This Heady Album Transports The Very Heavy, Very Steady

SIX FEET UNDER – UNDEAD

Chris Barnes = Death Metal Legend. Six Feet Under = Death Metal Legends.

SIX FEET UNDER “UNDEAD” – A Merciless Sonic Experience Of Death Metal

OVERKILL – THE ELECTRIC AGE

Overkill never left the building. Overkill is to Thrash Metal what beer is to kegs. This is THE band that should turn The Big 4 into The Big 5. Metal be thy name.

OVERKILL ‘The Electric Age’ – Once Again, A Reminder Of Thrash Metal Supremacy

BEAK – EYRIE

The debut album from Chicago’s Beak is can’t miss. Beak seamlessly fuses Extreme and Modern Metal, with an exquisite attention to Metal detail that is so unreal it’s scary. Did I mention I dig this album?

BEAK ‘EYRIE’ – An Extreme, Modern and Uncompromising Post-Metal Album Debut

GRAVEYARD – THE ALTAR OF SCULPTED SKULLS

Come on now, did you really think I would have just “one” Death Metal album on this list? Graveyard has made some deadly noise in 2012. I meant it when I wrote: Death Metal That’s Built To Kick Your Ass. Only six songs, still, extremely potent Death Metal to savor.

GRAVEYARD ‘The Altar Of Sculpted Skulls’ – Death Metal That’s Built To Kick Your Ass

PHARAOH – BURY THE LIGHT

RETURN OF THE PHARAOH! Just a damn cool listen into Melodic and Epic Metal. Fabulous songwriting and musicianship. Pharaoh should be mighty proud of this album. I’m proud of this album.

PHARAOH – ‘Bury The Light’ – Weaves Both Melodic and Epic Metal, While Keeping It Heavy

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Thank you for stopping by and checking out this list of Metal albums you NEED for this Summer of 2012! Wether you NEED all ten Metal albums above or just one, I hope my album reviews served to assist your Metal needs. Stay tuned for Part 2! Rock Steady and… make sure you wash off any vegetables that may fall on your kitchen floor.

Metal Be Thy Name.

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LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

ATKINS / MAY PROJECT “Serpents Kiss” – A Dynamic Metal Duo; Results In A Galvanizing Heavy Metal Album

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on May 17, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

ATKINS / MAY PROJECT – Original Judas Priest vocalist Al Atkins and Christian guitarist Paul May joined Metal forces to form Atkins / May Project. A formidable Metal duo they are! Being a former founding member of Judas Priest and firmly staying in the Metal loop over the years, (5 solo albums & autobiography), Al Atkins has proven he has cemented his rightful place in Heavy Metal history; while convincingly staying true to Metal. Serpents Kiss is as true as it gets here, my Metal brethren.

Al Atkins sings with sandpapered tones; these tones resonate a Metal toughness and blue-collar legitimacy to this man’s career. Al doesn’t sing over-the-top on Serpents Kiss, instead, he allows the music to be the driving force; while his tones set the table for a Traditional Metal ride. Al’s vocals are the muscle behind this album’s Metal.

Paul May is the finesse behind this album’s Metal. He is the main credited songwriter for Serpents Kiss, while being co-writer for Dream Maker, Signz and Judge. As both a songwriter and guitarist, Paul May is a five-star talent, to my ears. I liken Paul’s guitar tones to fall somewhere between these two legendary axe men: Phil Campbell of Motörhead and Ted Nugent. Don’t get me wrong, this guitarist plays with an exemplary feel and is as original as they come. Paul has a fabulous resume as a guitarist and he excels with delectable riffs, leads and solos; his melodies and rhythms are flat-out contagious.

(Photo Courtesy of Paul May)

Serpents Kiss has drawn me in and there’s not a boring moment to be heard. From start to finish, this album should satisfy any Traditional or Contemporary Metal hunger you may have. With a Metal atmosphere that is, for the most part, irresistibly retrospective, the consistency of quality never subsides on these ten songs.

Paul May does a grand job at combining the Metal feel of yesterday, with what Metal feels like today. One cover song is on Serpents Kiss: Cold Gin. This KISS/Ace Frehley classic is given its rightful respect by both Al and Paul. This cover of Cold Gin is heavier than the original and quite frankly is a Metal wallop.

My favorite song from Serpents Kiss? Honestly, that’s a tough question. This album is that good. The album opener The Shallowing sets the Metal tone from the onset; one that warned me Serpents Kiss had the potential to soar; and soar this album does! Betta Than Twisted is fortified with psyche-out Metal grooves; certainly a song that I cannot get enough of. The closing track, Theatre Of Fools, is an epic listen and one that thunder stamps an exclamation point on a grand Metal album.

If my Metal opinion was to ever count, I would strongly suggest to Al Atkins and Paul May to keep this Atkins / May Project moving forward! Songs such as these on Serpents Kiss are what Metal is all about: loud, proud, muscular and memorable. I’m very impressed. Atkins / May Project nailed it with a Metal war hammer, with Serpents Kiss.

* Atkins / May Project – Serpents Kiss was released back on November 15th, 2011, via gonzo Multimedia.

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SERPENTS KISS – Track Listing:

The Shallowing

Traitors Hand

Dream Maker

Can You Hear Me

Signz

Fight

Judge

Betta Than Twisted

Cold Gin

Theatre Of Fools

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For more info on Al Atkins & Paul May, click on links below!

ATKINS / MAY PROJECT

http://www.alatkins.com

LONG LIVE AL ATKINS.

LONG LIVE PAUL MAY.

Stone.

LACUNA COIL “Dark Adrenaline” – 9 Quick & Easy Reasons Why You Should Buy This Album

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

LACUNA COIL – Back on January 24th, the sixth studio album, Dark Adrenaline, from Italy’s Lacuna Coil was released, via Century Media. This album was also released two days before my birthday, therefore, I did buy it that week as a gift to myself. I’ve enjoyed Dark Adrenaline a great Metal deal; below are 9 Quick & Easy Reasons as to why you should buy this new Lacuna Coil release for yourself. Or… buy it for a friend. A cool friend.

Quick & Easy Reason #1 – This album lyrically is dark, like its title states. The mood is dark. The vibes are dark. LACUNA COIL is at their best when they are… DARK. Plus, dark is… Metal.

Quick & Easy Reason #2 – Cristina Scabbia and Andrea Ferro are once again, as complete a singing duo as there has ever been, in the history of Rock. Period. What would you rather listen to? Neil Diamond and Barbara Streisand singing You Don’t Bring Me Flowers? That song would have been cool if not for Streisand, by the way.

Quick & Easy Reason #3 – Back to Cristina Scabbia and Andrea Ferro: Their trading off vocal harmonies and their occasional aggression makes for the straw that stirs this Lacuna Coil drink.

Quick & Easy Reason #4 – Totality of musicianship. Hey, look! Quality musicianship! I couldn’t expect anything less from this band.

Quick & Easy Reason #5 – For an accessibly heavy album, Dark Adrenaline has shown the Metal world, that once again, Lacuna Coil can be both a mainstream and back alley darling of a Metal band; appealing to a cross-section of Heavy Rock genres. Yes, Lacuna Coil is a Metal band with subtle and not so subtle Gothic stylings; they surely can’t be taking Air Supply out on tour with them anytime soon.

Quick & Easy Reason #6 – Dark Adrenaline flows with its melodic ride of hard and heavy songs. It’s a flow that comes across so natural, that once this album ends, it’s practically a let-down that there was no warning it would end. Lacuna Coil didn’t have to go over the edge with being any heavier… if they did, then some weirdo would write they were trying to copy KITTIE. Or… something like that. KITTIE Rocks my brains out and I’m grateful for it, by the way.

Quick & Easy Reason #7 – Lacuna Coil’s cover of Losing My Religion from the legendary R.E.M., for all Metal intents and purposes… steals the whole dark show. Really. Lacuna Coil took this 1991 Alternative Rock classic and made it their Metal own in 2012. I honestly love this cover version so much, the original won’t have the same impact on me that it once did. A double dose of Metal be thy name.

Quick & Easy Reason #8My Spirit. Lacuna Coil wrote and dedicated this song for the late and great Peter Steele. Partially sung in Italian, this song is emotionally moving and simply superb. A rightfully selective way to finish off Dark Adrenaline, it is.

Quick & Easy Reason #9 – Sample if you will, then buy Dark Adrenaline. After you listen to this new Lacuna Coil album from beginning to end, you can come back here and thank Stone for recommending it. If you don’t like this album, well… then, there’s always an Air Supply Greatest Hits for sale somewhere for you.

LACUNA COIL:

Cristina Scabbia – Vocals

Andrea Ferro – Vocals

Marco “Maki” Coti-Zelati – Bass

Cristiano “Pizza” Migliore – Guitars

Marco ‘Maus’ Biazzi – Guitars

Cristiano ‘CriZ’ Mozzati – Drums

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Dark Adrenaline – Track Listing:

Trip The Darkness

Against You

Kill The Light

Give Me Something More

Upsidedown

End Of Time

I Don’t Believe In Tomorrow

Intoxicated

The Army Inside

Losing My Religion

Fire

My Spirit

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For more info on LACUNA COIL, click on the links below!

http://www.lacunacoil.it

http://www.twitter.com/lacuna_coil

LONG LIVE LACUNA COIL.

Stone.

VISE MASSACRE – Debut LP Obtainable Via Band’s Online Store; Tour Dates Announced

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

After many harrowing months of delays, disruptions, natural disasters and narrowly thwarted assassination attempts, the bastards in VISE MASSACRE are proud to finally be unleashing their self-financed debut LP through their new online store.

Having recently received the wax attack of their Expendable Humans full-length from the pressing plant, VISE MASSACRE redesigned their website with a gnarly new online store heavily supplied with tons of fresh new threads and urban battle gear in addition to both the vinyl and digital versions of the new album. Support D.I.Y. Metal/Hardcore and stock up RIGHT HERE.

With the LP now in-hand, VISE MASSACRE will comb the lands for live opportunities throughout the tri-state and beyond with more heavy tour action in the planning stages for later in the Summer. Several shows have been confirmed and more are being locked down now, including an Earsplit PR showcase at Lit Lounge in NYC on June 18th…

Expendable Humans is streaming in its beastly, nihilistic entirety via METAL UNDERGROUND.

VISE MASSACRE Confirmed Live Savagery:

5/26/2012 Tommy’s Tavern – Brooklyn, NY w/ Parakeets, Respect, All The Heathers Are Dying

6/18/2012 Lit Lounge – New York, NY @ Earsplit PR throwdown

7/07/2012 Elks Lodge – Glen Cove, NY

7/15/2012 Saint Vitus – Brooklyn, NY

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(Source: Earsplit PR)

http://www.visemassacre.com

http://facebook.com/ViseMassacre

http://twitter.com/visemassacre

LONG LIVE VICE MASSACRE.

Stone.

WARFATHER – Ex-Morbid Angel Member Steve Tucker Forms New Death Metal Unit; Signs To Greyhaze Records

Posted in Death Metal, death metal bands, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on May 14, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Greyhaze Records is proud to announce the formation and signing of brand new Death Metal act WARFATHER, a devastating new unit conceived by ex-Morbid Angel gladiator Steve Tucker!

In a statement on what Metal fans are to expect from WARFATHER, Tucker stated: “This is my new band; it will be my main focus…. it is my kind of Death Metal.” Having been known for his vocal and bass skills in all of his previous acts, while still holding down vocal duties here, Tucker has moved on to guitar with this project. “I have always played the guitar and I think now is the time for me to make the move. I think doing solos and extra guitar parts will allow me to express myself in a whole new way!”

Also on guitars is Armatura, formerly of Cincinnati-based Death Metal band Dominion. Recruited to the drum kit is Deimos, a Death Metal veteran currently playing in the band Temple and also having played with bands such as Severe Torture. The bass is dispatched by Nick McMaster (Krallice, Nader Sadek, Castevet). Additional guitar contributions will be tracked by friends of WARFATHER, which include many notable Death Metal stalwarts; full details will be announced shortly.

WARFATHER are currently in the final stages of tracking the yet-to-be-titled album, with mixing to take place immediately after. Tucker himself is producing the entire release, as he did for the 2011-released Nader Sadek album In the Flesh, which Tucker also performed on. The artwork is in the final stages as well, and will be unveiled shortly, along with the details on the album, which is being slated for release this Fall. Upon its’ release, WARFATHER will take their battle to the highways of the planet on tour in support of the album.

After starting out as vocalist/bassist for Death/Thrash act Ceremony, Steve Tucker moved on to handle bass and vocals on Morbid Angel’s infamous Formulas Fatal to the Flesh, Gateways to Annihilation and Heretic LPs. In 2009 Tucker was recruited to take part in the Nader Sadek album In the Flesh for release through then brand new label Greyhaze Records and licensed to Season of Mist Records. The project also featured Flo Mounier (Cryptopsy), Rune Eriksen (Mayhem, Ava Inferi) and more. During this time Tucker struck up a great relationship with Greyhaze Records, and together they decided to bring the reality of WARFATHER to fruition.

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(Source: Earsplit PR)

For more info on WARFATHER, click on the links below!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Steven-Tucker/153640528038846

http://www.greyhazerecords.com

http://www.facebook.com/greyhazerecords

LONG LIVE STEVE TUCKER.

LONG LIVE WARFATHER.

Stone.

HELLDORADOS – Announce Cover Artwork and Track List; Album Releases This July, Via Massacre Records

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, sleaze metal with tags , , , , , , on May 14, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Album release date: 07-13-12 via Massacre Records

With the publication of the cover artwork and the whole track list, Stuttgart’s Sleaze Metal band Helldorados are giving an inside look into their debut album that will be released on July 13th. The internationally known artist and Unesco prize winner Timo Wuerz is responsible for the design.

After just signing  a worldwide recording contract with the Traditional Heavy Metal label Massacre Records in March, Helldorades were able to win another high-quality partner:  the artist and comic draftsman Timo Wuerz. “We have gotten to know Timo Wuerz by accident at an art and commerce congress. Between all of the geeks he looked more like us,“ claims Helldorados singer Pierre. At the same time they discovered many things they have in common, the love for rock music and art.“Moreover, we both grew up in the same small town. That probably connects“ complements Pierre, smiling. At the age of 14 Timo Wuerz already had his first exhibition, at the age of 20 he published his first album Aaron and Baruch.

Today he lives in Hamburg and is responsible for dozens of comics and books, among others Marvel, and for the creation of films, shows, theme parks, architecture, stamps, toys, posters and CD covers. The works of the Unesco prizewinner can also be seen in international galleries and museums, for example, in the museum of modern art, New York.

HELLDORADOS:

Pierre – Vocals

Chris – Drums

Steve – Guitar

Gunnar – Bass

From February to April Helldorados spent time in the famous Horus Sound Studios in Hannover to record their album. A total of 12 pieces of music were created for the self entitled album. It was produced under the direction of Mirko Hofmann who already took up the four songs strong promotional EP a year ago. ELOY frontman and founder of the Horus Sound Studios, Frank Bornemann, acted as “a godfather”.

The result is musically versatile, somewhere between Metallica, Hardcore Superstar, the old Scorpions and ABBA. The track list reads as follows:

01. IN THE BEGINNING

02. NEVER GONNA STOP

03. YOU LIVE, YOU LEARN, YOU DIE

04. GO TO HELL

05. CHANGES

06. SHOUT OUT

07. HUNTER

08. DOUBLE DEALER

09. GONE

10. TORTURE IS MY NAME

11. GIRLS

12. GOT LAID

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(Source: Massacre Records)

For more info on HELLDORADOS, click on the links below!

http://www.helldorados.com

http://www.massacre-records.com

LONG LIVE HELLDORADOS.

Stone.

An Open Letter To All Hard Rock & Heavy Metal Legends

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , on May 14, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

I am writing this open letter to all Hard Rock & Heavy Metal legends for legitimate reasons. 1. I respect any legend of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal; these said “legends” are those who have pioneered, innovated and paved the way for our beloved Heavy Music to exist in 2012.. 2. I want these said legends to understand that this fan is fed up with some of these legends forgetting their roots.

Broadway albums. Humorous books on personal health. Scripted Reality Television Shows. Lulu. Judging a Pop-crap, televised singing contest. Performing on the same Pop-crap, televised singing contest; one which has discovered only one legitimate Rock/Hard Rock superstar known as Chris Daughtry. These legends know who they are. It appears that once you’ve been elevated to Hollywood superstar status, the old school roots are no longer looked upon as anything more than a lost chapter in these legends autobiographies.

We’re not talking about a Metal legend making a Rock album here or creating fine art, nor is this about my not liking artistic diversity; instead, this is about decisions that are being made by prominent figures in Heavy Music, which essentially affect the long-standing integrity of their being… real.

There are fans out there that do give a shit. I’m one of them. It’s just like being a pro athlete; when is enough suitcases of millions enough? Legends of Heavy Music must understand: you don’t have to accept every lame-ass and mainstream offer that comes your way. These same legends of Heavy Music that used to write, sing and preach about “not taking any bullshit from the man” are the same ones who are being manipulated by the man today. That “man” is the almighty Hollywood dollar and mainstream popularity contest.

_______________________________

Whatever happened to keeping it real? Staying true? Sure, I will write about some mellow albums here on Metal Odyssey once in a great while… only they are not so far out of the realm that it causes me embarrassment. These legends have to understand, there are fans out there who are not going to like everything you stamp your name on. That’s it. That’s reality.

I’ve come to the realization, that there is enormous truth about forgetting where you came from. I’ll never forget where I came from. Hell no. I turn down requests to review Pop albums on a weekly basis. Why? I’m keeping it F’n real; to both myself and the visitors to Metal Odyssey. I’ll acknowledge when a Pop legend passes away, I feel it’s the right thing to do. I do listen to a cornucopia of music. Still, I’m not jumping onto every popular bandwagon that chugs into town either, unlike some of these legends are doing.

In the end, is it any of my F’n business as to what any Legend of Heavy Music does with their respective fame and fortune? No and yes. No, due to this is a free society in America and capitalism reigns. Each man and woman for themselves. Yes, cause I’ve been suckered after decades of thinking that some of these legends were “really” street and against the same plastic people they are now making a fortune with. Make no mistake, there are countless Heavy Music legends out there that are keeping it real and won’t jump at every dumb-ass offer that’s left on their voice mail.

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They don’t make them like Cronos of Venom anymore. You’d never see that legend cow-tow to any moron who doesn’t give a rats ass about Metal. The morons are out there looking for our Heavy Music legends, to make millions on their “name” (a means to an end) and haven’t a clue about Hard Rock or Heavy Metal history.

It’s just like the iconic AC/DC song: MONEY TALKS. It’s like the legendary TESTAMENT song: Practice What You Preach. In this case, it’s practice what you used to preach. Just as the legendary Dee Snider of Twisted Sister once riveted my Metal soul with We’re Not Gonna Take It… well… I’m not taking it. I’m also not buying it. Metal be thy name.

LONG LIVE KEEPING HARD ROCK & METAL REAL.

Stone.

GRAVEWORM – Fragments Of Death Tour: Dates & Venues Listed

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, melodic death metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on May 13, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Italy’s Dark Metal Band, GRAVEWORM, will be embarking on an European tour this coming Autumn! The Fragments Of Death Tour 2012! GRAVEWORM’s special guests will be: Agathodamion, Hellsaw & Kadavrik. Check out the dates and venues below to see if the Fragments Of Death Tour will be near you!

FRAGMENTS OF DEATH – Tour Dates:

08.11.12 (DE) Hamburg – Ballroom

09.11.12 (DE) Oberhausen – Helvete

10.11.12 (NL) Kerkrade – Rock Temple

11.11.12 (DE) Berlin – K 17

12.11.12 (CZ) Prag – Exite Club

13.11.12 (DE) München – Backstage Club

14.11.12 (CH) Pratteln – Z7

15.11.12 (DE) Siegburg – Kubana

16.11.12 (DE) Rostock – Alte Zuckerfabrik

17.11.12 (DE) Erfurt – Club Centrum

18.11.12 (NL) Rotterdam – Baroeg

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(Source: Nuclear Blast News)

For more info on GRAVEWORM, click on the link below!

http://www.graveworm.de

LONG LIVE GRAVEWORM.

Stone.

INCANTATION To Tour Brazil With IMMOLATION – Avalanche Metalfest Date Scheduled

Posted in Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on May 12, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

This could the ultimate NY Death Metal package of all time. INCANTATION are teaming up with their long-time friends IMMOLATION for a series of dates in Brazil.

Guitarist Alexander Bouks and band founder John McEntee (FUNERUS) commented: “This is going to be some historical shows to be sharing the stage with our longtime brothers in Immolation. We are ready to devastate the Brazilian Metal legions with our Death Metal darkness.”

John added : ‘”Yes it will be great. It’s always an honor to play for them, there are many true Death Metal Incantation supporters in Brazil.

INCANTATION w/ IMMOLATION:

July 5th – Curitiba, Brazil @ Hangar Bar

July 6th – Belo Horizont, Brazil @ Music Hall

July 7th – São José do Rio Preto, Brazil @ Avalanche Metalfest

July 8th – São Paulo, Brazil @ Hangar 110

July 9th – Porto Alegre, Brazil @ Beco

_______________________________

INCANTATION are currently completing the songwriting process for their forthcoming album to be released later this year.

Watch INCANTATION’s video below for “Dying Divinity” (with former bassist Joe Lombard who sadly passed away earlier this year, RIP).

________________________________________________________

(Source: ClawHammer PR)

For more info, click on the links below!

http://www.incantation.com/

http://www.facebook.com/immolation

LONG LIVE INCANTATION & IMMOLATION.

Rest In Peace, Joe Lombard.

Stone.