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WHITE ZOMBIE “Make Them Die Slowly” – Reflecting On A 1989 CD I Can’t Part With

Posted in alternative metal music, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags 1980's heavy metal music, 1990's heavy metal music, alternative metal music, hard rock music, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, horror metal music, make them die slowly 1989, make them die slowly album review, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rob zombie, rock music, rock music news, white zombie on October 3, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

WHITE ZOMBIE – Released back in good ‘ol 1989, Make Them Die Slowly was the second full-length album from White Zombie, (the first full-length being Soul Crusher, released in 1987). The late ’80’s was an ultra-terrific time for Heavy Metal, only the “wave of glory” of commercial acceptance and attention was starting to drift swiftly towards the Grunge movement, by 1990. White Zombie came upon the scene in ’87 with their brand of Noise Rock, eventually indulging into various music styles, while still keeping the heaviness intact. Industrial, Groove, Funk and Heavy Metal were Metal styles that White Zombie incorporated together all so well. Many articles and Rock historians also refer White Zombie to the Post-Thrash genre as well.

I can openly admit, that this Make Them Die Slowly CD has been in my possession since it’s 1989 release and I cannot part with it. The first reason for this is I really, really, dig this White Zombie album and band. Even in it’s unpolished grandeur, this is White Zombie breaking down some serious status quo. This band was where it all began for Rob Zombie! The second reason is, it is out of print. My original 1989 CD version of Make Them Die Slowly is selling for $169.88 (U.S. funds) as a “used” copy on Amazon.com… and there is currently only “one” for sale there! Whoa, baby, whoa.

There is a 1993 reissue version of Make Them Die Slowly for sale on Amazon.com, selling for $99.99 as “new” and $16.99 as “used”, all in U.S. funds. That is a dramatic drop in the selling price, when comparing the “used” version from 1989 to that of the 1993 reissue. In all Metal honesty, I was not aware of the “actual” value of my CD discussed here, not until today. I always knew it was an original pressing from 1989 and the value would be a bit high… only this is far out amazing to me! In hindsight, I wish I had purchased a dozen copies or more of Make Them Die Slowly back in ’89!

My cousin Randy is to blame for my buying this White Zombie CD back in ’89. He used to manage a combination collectibles and record store that was very, very cool. I would go there just about every day for a number of years, from the mid ’80’s right up to the mid ’90’s. I would cash my paycheck at this store… leaving with enough money to buy beer and gas. The rest of my hard earned loot would go into buying CD’s, tapes, vinyl, sports cards and comics. Those were the days… I know. I no longer buy sports cards or comics, just in case you were wondering.

Randy would always have his finger on “the pulse” of Rock ‘N’ Roll and Heavy Metal. If there was a new and cool band to check out… Randy knew about ’em. There was that one visit to his store, where he had Make Them Die Slowly on display… and Randy wasn’t talking me out of buying it. Thanks Randy! Man, this cool cousin of mine had landed me some fine picture discs of Metallica, Iron Maiden and Motorhead too. Many bands he steered into the direction of my ears… Fight is one that stands out, back in ’93. When Rob Halford left Judas Priest, whoa… that was a big deal back then. Randy is still alive and doing just fine… just in case you are wondering.

When I first listened to Make Them Die Slowly, I realized rather quickly that White Zombie was not the stereotypical ’80’s Arena Rock or Heavy Metal Band. Rather, White Zombie was a band totally different from what I was used to hearing… this band wasn’t Thrash, Traditional Metal, NWOBHM or straight up Hard Rock. This White Zombie band caught me off guard and I initially liked what I was listening to. Sure, this band was “different”, only they were not lean on the heavy side of the Metal aisle and the vocals of Rob Zombie sounded too fiendishly bizarre for me to pass over.

Back in ’89, I felt like I stumbled on some “underground” band that not many people knew about. I never gave it a second thought, as to White Zombie becoming anything special anyhow. Listening to what I liked was the main priority then, as it is now. This White Zombie album was never going to be exalted as a masterpiece, no way. The production across the board is raw and steely on Make Them Die Slowly, arguably an album of demos… not anywhere near the overall sound and production that their 1992 studio album La Sexorcisto: Devil Music, Vol. 1 would radiate. (That album is a multi-million unit seller and still makes my prehistoric stereo speakers smoke).

In the midst of all the styles of Heavy Music that White Zombie seemed to tap into, there is always that “sliver” of Punk that I seem to catch onto with their music. Acid Flesh may have it’s non-stop groove and sparse funkiness about it, still it walks a fine line with the Punk flirtation. The same can be said for Power Hungry, only the guitar licks are crunchy enough to make any Punk comparison an extremely mild one. “Demonspeed” carries such a raw atmosphere of sound, it isn’t far fetched to think it’s a live recording during the first half minute it plays. If there is one constant to be heard on this album, it’s that this White Zombie band played with a fiery enthusiasm that my ears cannot dismiss away. “Demonspeed” is one Heavy mutha’ of a song and is my favorite on this album.

Revenge is fueled with enough kick ass, thunder-stomp Metal that it is dizzying. The repeated riff that gives Revenge it’s Metal bite, is extremely close to that of Tony Iommi’s signature riff from Zero The Hero, heard on the 1983 Black Sabbath album – Born Again. Godslayer plays at 7:14 long and is the “epic” on this album. Rob Zombie’s vocals on Godslayer gives way to the notion that maybe he was a fan of Glenn Danzig. I never picked up on the vocal similarities between Rob Zombie and Glenn Danzig, while listening to Godslayer so many years ago. This is the only song where I feel any vocal similarities between these two Metal heavyweights exists. I’m certain though, that it is all coincidental anyways. Maybe.

The overall Heavy Groove and styles that Make Them Die Slowly breathes was another solid building block towards the Metal that Rob Zombie was to eventually release as a solo superstar. Truthfully, listening to this White Zombie album is like listening to the Rob Zombie blueprint and dancing skeletons to his future. To usher in the ’90’s with a band as heavily diverse as White Zombie, probably means more to me now than it did then. I never cared to figure out really, the “fad” sound of any decade. White Zombie was no fad… this was as legit of a Heavy Band as any genre could grasp.

As I look back on the doorstep to the ’90’s, White Zombie was the band that snuck in through the front door and made themselves very comfortable in the hearts, minds and ears of more than just this Metalhead. This is “one of those” Metal albums that I appreciate more in 2010 than I probably did back in ’89. Maybe my growing appreciation lies in the fact, that White Zombie made me realize that it was cool to diversify the Metal menu, having me look upon them now, over two decades later, as Metal innovators.

WHITE ZOMBIE as they appeared on Make Them Die Slowly:

* Note: In doing my Metal research, I have read that John Ricci did not play guitar on Make Them Die Slowly. However, John Ricci is in the group photo found in the liner notes of this CD, with his name appearing below him. I have come across, through Metal research, that John Ricci left White Zombie the day Make Them Die Slowly was completed… due to having Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. I am going with that he played guitar on this album… unless a credible source “close” to the recording of this album can tell me otherwise.

Rob Zombie – vocals

John Ricci – guitar

Ivan DePrume – drums

Sean Yseult – bass guitar

Track Listing For Make Them Die Slowly:

DEMONSPEED

DISASTER BLASTER

MURDERWORLD

REVENGE

ACID FLESH

POWER HUNGRY

GODSLAYER

* More Metal research about Make Them Die Slowly, revealed the following: that “some” CD’s were released with the printing on the liner notes “spine” being incorrect. The “incorrect” spelling or error is: Let Them Die Slowly… appears on the spine. “Let” and not “Make” is the error. My CD version has this error on the liner notes spine… take a look at the pic below to see for yourself:

As you can also see from the above pic, Rob Zombie is one damn cool illustrator!

* Make Them Die Slowly was produced by Bill Laswell

* Make Them Die Slowly was originally released in 1989, on Caroline.

* As stated in the liner notes: All Lyrics – Rob Zombie, All Music – White Zombie and All Illustrations – Rob Zombie.

* The liner notes show “one” Special Thanks, it goes to… Rock & Punk Legend… Iggy Pop.

Here is the White Zombie band photo that is in the liner notes.

From left to right: Ivan DePrume, John Ricci, Sean Yseult and Rob Zombie.

Here is an illustration that is in the liner notes, drawn by Rob Zombie:

The above illustration has the words: “Bite Down Sucker” in top right corner. “Hell” is spelled out on the fist of the monster dude.

LONG LIVE THE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL OF WHITE ZOMBIE!

Stone.

3 Comments »

Hellfueled – Revisiting “Midnight Lady” EP From 2004!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal videos, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal from sweden, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, hellfueled, hellfueled midnight lady CD single, metal music, metal odyssey, midnight lady ep, midnight lady music video, Music, old school heavy metal, rock music, traditional heavy metal on October 2, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

HELLFUELED – In Metal Odyssey’s quest, this Halloween Season, to deliver reviews on Metal, Hard Rock and Punk Bands that bestow horror-theme tendencies of sound, style and persona, here is the very first installment for this gloriously wicked and frightful October of 2010… Hellfueled. This is one very cool Metal Band from Husqvarna, Sweden, not because I said so, it’s due to the clear fact they can write and play songs that are memorable. Anytime a band’s particular song or sound sticks in my Metal brain, it tells me that band is damn good. Midnight Lady is one hell of a memorable song from one hell of a memorable band that is Hellfueled.

Could it be a personal “gravitation” or “taste” in music happening here with Hellfueled? Probably. The only truth is, I would not go out of my way so often as I do, to just recommend pigeon crap on a platter. I try my hardest, to recommend the “coolest” bands and the creme’ de’ la creme’ of Metal, to my fellow Metalheads of the Metal Odyssey Battalion. Metal be thy name.

The song Midnight Lady opens up with a riff that was born to grab my attention and this song never let’s up on it’s ’80’s Heavy Metal outer-glow. Midnight Lady just lifts off from the onset and never seems to land to the ground, which is what good Heavy Metal is supposed to do in the first place. Despite the resonance of some Old School Heavy Metal from days long past, Hellfueled delivered a very relevant song in 2004 with Midnight Lady and it still is relevant in 2010, when compared to what’s being released at the moment.

Some may concur that Hellfueled isn’t playing anything that hasn’t been heard before. I counter by stating Hellfueled plays an European style of Traditional Heavy Metal and does so with a defiant level of confidence and talent. Just the three songs heard on this Midnight Lady EP, demonstrates the fire and hunger of a band, that trusts their style of sound and the path of heaviness they have chosen.

Reflecting for just a moment, to a band that just might be an influence to Hellfueled… Black Sabbath. Andy Alkman, the lead vocalist for Hellfueled, sounds remarkably close to that of the everlasting and legendary… OZZY. Vocals are supposed to be a unique characteristic, yet sometimes close similarities can occur between different singers, that is reality. I could not be more honest, in stating that Andy’s vocals are tailor-made for this style and sound of Heavy Metal. His vocals come across as natural and unforced, with any resemblance to Ozzy Osbourne being unintentional. If Andy’s intent was to vocally sound like Ozzy, well, then he obviously nailed it. Believe me, this is not the first place where Andy’s vocals have been compared to Ozzy.

The two previously unreleased demo songs, (Endless Work and Big Fat Eight), are very muscular in the Traditional Heavy Metal style, while not sounding as completely polished as Midnight Lady. Nonetheless, both of these demo songs can stand alone and take a pass on any further tweaking on the production side… the rawness brings out a more lean and mean aura to the vocals and overall sound of the band.

The music video for Midnight Lady that comes as a bonus to this EP is fun to watch. A teenage/college age couple are taking a late night cruise when all of a sudden, they drive by the Hellfueled band hitchhiking on the side of a dark and desolate country road. The girl in the car looks at the band as they drive by them and makes a goofy facial gesture at them. Game on.

Watch for yourself, as this couple finds out the hard way not to mess around with Hellfueled! Just click on the video box below!

Hellfueled takes the Traditional Heavy Metal style and plays it in a manner where I feel surrounded by their sound. Very strong, loud and enveloping are Hellfueled as they play on these songs, vocals included, with a guitar driven force. For new fans, this Midnight Lady EP makes for a solid introduction to Hellfueled.

I’ve seen the mp3 and CD/EP of Midnight Lady for sale on Amazon.com. It is worth picking up the entire CD/EP, as you are getting not only the two previously unreleased demo’s, your also getting the music video for Midnight Lady as well. This Midnight Lady EP is a terrific Metal listen and music video from Hellfueled that shouldn’t fly under your Metal radar. Plus… if you ever see Hellfueled hitching for a ride, don’t be foolish by not helping them out.

* For more info on Hellfueled, just click on the links below:

Hellfueled – Official Website

Hellfueled – myspace music

* Current Hellfueled lineup:

Andy Alkman – vocals

Jocke Lundgren – guitar

Henke Lonn – bass

Kent Svensson – drums

* Midnight Lady EP was released in Sweden in December of 2004, on Black Lodge.

* Midnight Lady EP had a worldwide release date in April of 2005, on Black Lodge.

Track Listing For Midnight Lady EP:

Midnight Lady – (Taken from the album Volume One)

Endless Work – (Previously unreleased demo)

Big Fat Eight – (Previously unreleased demo)

* Endless Work and Big Fat Eight are also listed as “Japanese Bonus Tracks” from Hellfueled’s debut album from 2004 – Volume One. (This info is listed on Hellfueled’s official website under “discography”.

* Produced by Fredrik Nordström and Patrik J. Sten

* The legendary producer/musician Fredrik Nordström founded Dream Evil, recruiting the incredible… Gus G. to join on with his band. The rest is Heavy Metal history…

* Extra Bonus Material:

Midnight Lady (Video) – (Directed by Charlie Granberg)

LONG LIVE HELLFUELED!

Stone.

Jerry Lee Lewis – Happy Birthday From Metal Odyssey!

Posted in celebrity birthdays, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock and roll news, rock music, rock music history, rock music news with tags 1950's rock and roll, celebrity birthdays, great balls of fire, jerry lee lewis, mean old man album 2010, metal odyssey, Misfits, Music, project 1950 album, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock and roll birthdays, rock music, rock music legends, rock music news, rock n' roll on September 30, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

JERRY LEE LEWIS – Metal Odyssey wants to extend a LOUD and ROCKIN’… Happy Birthday to Jerry Lee Lewis! On September 29, 1935, this living Rock ‘N’ Roll Legend was born. At age 75, Jerry Lee Lewis is still Rockin’ the house down wherever he plays! It is real Rock ‘N’ Roll Legends like Jerry Lee Lewis who wrote the book on Rockin’ stage presence. Be it Rock ‘N’ Roll, Country or the genre he helped to shape into form, Rockabilly, Jerry Lee Lewis is without question… a timeless singer, songwriter and performer. A pioneer of Rock ‘N’ Roll is he.

When I was just a young lad, I can remember watching the live concert footage of Jerry Lee Lewis on numerous Rock ‘N’ Roll documentaries. My Dad would tell me: “son, Jerry Lee Lewis use to cause quite the ruckus wherever he played back in the ’50’s!” My Dad actually did get to see Jerry Lee Lewis perform live at a theater in Hartford, Connecticut… back in those Rockin’ late ’50’s. He told me time and again, as I grew up, that Jerry Lee Lewis “live” was incredible stuff. From the stories told to me from my Dad, other unreal legends of Rock ‘N’ Roll played at the local Hartford area theaters as well… Fats Domino, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, The Everly Brothers and so on.

There are those moments, where I wish I could go back in time, just like Michael J. Fox did in those fun Back To The Future movies. Just to see the likes of Jerry Lee Lewis performing live, in the decade of those fabulous ’50’s, would be a Rockin’ time traveling experience for certain. Aw, heck, I would want to see all the legends of Rock ‘N’ Roll playing live back then… making for a very long stay, on a trip back through time. I guess those good ‘ol news reels and live concert footage from the ’50’s, that make up so many Rock ‘N’ Roll documentaries, will have to do for now.

* Jerry Lee Lewis was inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 1986.

* Jerry Lee Lewis has a brand new studio album out, it’s titled: Mean Old Man and was released on September 7, 2010, on Verve Forecast/Shangri La. There are some very cool and legendary guest musicians on this album with Jerry Lee Lewis too. Here are just “some” of the great names: Ringo Starr, Kid Rock, Slash, Tim McGraw, Ronnie Wood, John Fogerty, Willie Nelson, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Sheryl Crow and… Eric Clapton! This is an abbreviated list too! I feel it’s pretty fine when some of the biggest names in Rock and Country Music can rally around Jerry Lee Lewis like that for his new album. A Metal kudos to all of ’em!

* There are 10 songs on the standard issued CD of Mean Old Man, with 18 songs on the deluxe edition.

* My personal favorite Jerry Lee Lewis song is Great Balls Of Fire. Sure, it may seem like an obvious choice, only it is my favorite from him. This song was covered by an all-time favorite band of mine… the MISFITS. Great Balls Of Fire can be heard on their 2003 studio album – Project 1950. This is an album of ten cover songs… all legendary hits from the fabulous ’50’s. The Misfits Jerry Only sings Great Balls Of Fire the only way that he can… and it’s fiendishly great. I highly recommend Project 1950 to any fan of Rock ‘N’ Roll… any.

I think the album cover for Project 1950 is very cool.

LONG LIVE JERRY LEE LEWIS!

LONG LIVE THE MISFITS!

AW, HECK… AS THE LATE AND ULTRA GREAT RONNIE JAMES DIO ONCE SANG… LONG LIVE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL!!

4 Comments »

ALICE COOPER – Is Finally “Nominated” To The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame… Now What?

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags 1970's rock bands, 1980's heavy metal, Alice cooper, alice cooper the band, classic rock music, hard rock music, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, kiss, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll hall of fame, rock music, rock music legends, rock music news, rock music vocalists on September 29, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

ALICE COOPER – Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you, Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame for “acknowledging” that Alice Cooper exists! Wow… that must really had been a strenuous and heated debate for all of you “corporate” board of directors over there to make. So, what are all of us Alice Cooper fans supposed to do now? Are we supposed to be excited? Are we all supposed to fall for your phony “corporate” game over there at The Rock And Roll Hall Of Shame? This is the same “institution” that nominated the uncannily iconic KISS last year and then decided not to induct them. DOLTS! Now… KISS isn’t even nominated this year!? WTF? Alas, the whole KISS debacle is for another post… another day.

Rock ‘N’ Roll History 101 to the “corporate” Rock Music scholars over at The Rock And Roll Hall Of Shame: Alice Cooper was known as a “band”. That’s right, Alice Cooper (The Band). From 1969 to 1973, Alice Cooper (The Band) released 7 studio albums. Alice Cooper then went solo, with the release of Welcome To My Nightmare in 1975. Alice Cooper (solo) has released a total of 18 studio albums from 1975 to 2008.

SO… WHICH IS IT… ALICE COOPER (THE BAND) OR ALICE COOPER (SOLO) THAT IS NOMINATED? GET IT STRAIGHT ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF SHAME. GET WITH IT. IT SHOULD BE BOTH THAT ARE NOMINATED, YOU POP-MAINSTREAM DUNCES. DOLTS!

I have been a lifelong fan of Alice Cooper (The Band) and Alice Cooper (Solo). No, I am not seventeen years old either, there are those days I wish I was though. I am old enough to know that the selection process for the nominees and inductees into this Rock And Roll Hall Of Shame is politically motivated by a clique of decision makers who thinks ABBA carries more “musical excellence” than the likes of: RUSH, Cheap Trick, KISS, T. Rex and The Moody Blues. (LOL). There are many more to add to this legendary list, however, my Metal point has been made clear.

At the end of the day, true fans of Alice Cooper (The Band & Solo), will never tire of their loyalty. A true fan cherishes the music their favorite bands and musicians create, regardless of what some millionaire CEO and his “out of touch” board of directors may say, in some overpriced building in Cleveland, Ohio.

A Rock ‘N’ Roll icon such as Alice Cooper does not need to be reassured of his status and acceptance by induction into any damn hall of fame. Sure, it is an honor to be inducted… only it should be a bigger honor to know your fans revere your music and accept you for who you are, regardless. Alice Cooper is BIGGER than The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame… and that “establishment” knows it.

I say this time and again… that I revere many of the bands and musicians that have been inducted into this building. The slimy political posturing, that affects the nomination and induction process is what ruins what would have been a very grand idea from the very beginning… to have a credible Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame for fans to gravitate to. Sadly, that “type” of Hall Of Fame just doesn’t exist for this Rock ‘N’ Roll fan.

* Here is the “original” band lineup for Alice Cooper (The Band)… maybe someone can pass this information along to the Rock Music “scholars” that oversee who gets inducted into that building in Cleveland.

Alice Cooper – vocalist

Glen Buxton – guitarist

Michael Bruce – guitarist, keyboardist

Dennis Dunaway – bass guitarist

Neal Smith – drummer

LONG LIVE ALICE COOPER!

Stone.

12 Comments »

World EXCLUSIVE Premiere – The Jimi Hendrix Experience “HEY JOE” Is Covered By THE NEW CZARS! LISTEN HERE FIRST!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock music, classic rock songs, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, hard rock music, hard rock songs, Heavy Metal, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock guitarists, rock music, rock music news with tags breaking news in rock music, classic rock, greg hampton musician, hard rock music, hard rock songs 2010, heavy metal music, hey joe cover song the new czars, jimi hendrix, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, the jimi hendrix experience, the new czars, the new czars cover hey joe, world premiere exclusive hey joe cover song on September 26, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

THE NEW CZARS – Metal Odyssey is extremely proud and honored, to present to the Rock Music world, the World Premiere Exclusive listen of Hey Joe covered by The New Czars! Metal Odyssey is the only place you will hear this cover version right now! *(Just click on the arrow in the bar below, to hear this song, in it’s entirety for yourself!). This ultra classic song from the ever legendary and late Jimi Hendrix is timeless. Hey Joe was released by The Jimi Hendrix Experience, on their debut album, Are You Experienced in 1967.

This cover of Hey Joe by The New Czars is solid in both it’s relevancy and classic heaviness carried over from it’s time. Greg Hampton adds his unique vocals and guitar skills to a song that some may consider sacred and does so with such rightful Rock reverence, which makes me say whoa, well done! Greg’s vocals have an instilled “Classic Rock sound and vibe” that only makes his singing Hey Joe that much more real to me. In my Metal opinion, Greg Hampton and The New Czars have nailed down the true Rock essence of Hey Joe. Jimi Hendrix is probably smiling from above, as he hears this cover version of Hey Joe.

Greg Hampton tells Metal Odyssey: “I have been a lifelong fan of Jimi Hendrix. With the fortieth anniversary of Jimi Hendrix’s passing approaching, I’ve been listening to a lot of his music. I wanted to do something to commemorate Jimi Hendrix on this important anniversary, through song. This cover of Hey Joe I’ve been working on for quite some time and I am very proud of it. I hope the fans will appreciate this cover of Hey Joe and like it as much as I do”.

* This cover version of Hey Joe by The New Czars will be available for purchase on itunes, on October 5, 2010.

* Hey Joe will also be featured on the forthcoming EP from The New Czars, titled: Mining The Ruins. This EP is slated for a November 30, 2010 release.

* Greg Hampton, (founding member of The New Czars), plays all instruments on this cover of Hey Joe, except for drums which are played by The New Czars alumni and multi-instrumentalist Chris Collier.

* To listen to the World Exclusive Premiere of Hey Joe by The New Czars, click the arrow in the bar below!

Long live the music of Jimi Hendrix!

Long live The New Czars!

Stone.

15 Comments »

ARSON ANTHEM “INSECURITY NOTORIETY” – RELEASES OCTOBER 12, 2010!

Posted in hard rock music, hardcore bands, hardcore metal music, hardcore punk rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, Punk rock, punk rock albums, punk rock bands, punk rock music, rock and roll, rock guitarists, rock music, rock music news with tags arson anthem, assjack band, down, extreme music, hank williams III, hardcore albums 2010, hardcore music, hardcore punk, hardcore punk bands 2010, heavy metal music, louisiana hardcore bands, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, phil anselmo, ponykiller band, Punk rock, rock music news, Thrash Metal on September 24, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

ARSON ANTHEM – The first “full length” studio album from ARSON ANTHEM – Insecurity Notoriety, will be released on October 12, 2010, on Phil Anselmo’s very own… Housecore Records. The triple threat combination of Hardcore, Thrash and Punk are what you can expect from ARSON ANTHEM… with the onslaught of Hardcore dominating their music. Sure, you can call ARSON ANTHEM a “supergroup” based on their incredible lineup, only this is a band that brings it Hard… Heavy… and F’n Hardcore! No bullshit found in the music of ARSON ANTHEM.

*As Phil Anselmo has stated about Insecurity Notoriety: “This is vicious Hardcore, so trip out on this record!” – (Hard Rock Hideout Interview, September 20, 2010)

ARSON ANTHEM:

Mike IX Williams – vocalist

Phil Anselmo – guitars

Hank Williams III – drums

Collin Yeo – bass guitar

* Brief Metal career background on the members of ARSON ANTHEM:

Phil Anselmo has forged in Metal, his legendary career as lead vocalist for the iconic Pantera. Phil is the vocalist for the kick-ass and Louisiana born Metal Band – Down. Superjoint Ritual and Christ Inversion are just two more past bands that Phil has been a driving force behind. Mike Williams is the lead vocalist for the Metal Band – Eyehategod. Hank Williams III played bass for Superjoint Ritual and is a vocalist/guitarist for his very own Metal/Punk Band – Assjack. Collin Yeo heads up his eerie and alternatively contagious band – PonyKiller.

* For more info on ARSON ANTHEM, just click the link below:

ARSON ANTHEM – myspace music

* For more info on Housecore Records, just click on link below:

HOUSECORE RECORDS

* For more info on DOWN, just click on the link below:

DOWN – myspace music

* For more info on Hank Williams III and Assjack, just click the link below:

Hank Williams III – Official Website

* For more info on EYEHATEGOD, just click the link below:

EYEHATEGOD – myspace music

* For more info on PonyKiller, just click on the cool link below:

PonyKiller – myspace music

* The debut and self-titled ARSON ANTHM EP, (8 songs), was released on February 19, 2008, on Housecore Records.

Track Listing For ARSON ANTHEM EP:

Year Of The Fork

Doomed Morale

Bunker Life

Hammer Them Out

Wrecked Like Clockwork

Cops Shoot Coke

The Avoider

Sri Lankan Medication

LONG LIVE THE HARDCORE OF ARSON ANTHEM!

Stone.

HOLY MOTHER “TOXIC RAIN” – 1998 METAL ALBUM FOREVER UNLEASHES IT’S METAL POTENCY!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags 1990's heavy metal bands, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, holy mother heavy metal band, holy mother toxic rain 1998, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, Power Metal, power metal bands, rock music news, speed metal, toxic rain album review, traditional heavy metal music on September 22, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

HOLY MOTHER – This third studio album, Toxic Rain, released in 1998 by Holy Mother, is one hell of a solid chunk of Traditional Metal. Toxic Rain downpours with a sound and style of American Power Metal in the vein of DIO and Obsession, along with a thick influence from Judas Priest and the Old School/Traditional Metal essence that the NWOBHM is so remembered and revered for.

With Metal roots originating from Long Island, New York, Holy Mother is a Metal Band that should not be bypassed for any lack of commercial success, mainstream snubbing or mid-’90’s media ignorance towards Heavy Metal. Great and real Metal will always rise from the ashes or raise it’s victorious fist from any catacombs of dormancy.

Becoming aware of Holy Mother and Toxic Rain all started with my trip to Music Outlet in Enfield, Connecticut. Best Metal Buddy, Scott Coverdale took me to this very cool and independently owned record and CD store that he frequents consistently. That day, I observed Scott walking about Music Outlet with a sinister grin upon his face… “I got it”… is what he said to me. I looked down upon the CD he was holding and it was Toxic Rain. Man, Scott was psyched out of his mind to have landed this CD… and now I know why.

Now that I own my personal copy of Toxic Rain, I realize the reason why Scott was grinning from ear to ear at Music Outlet that day. This album = Metal. Damn, you could not find a better representation of Traditional Metal, built with speed, blazing guitar leads and victorious riffs, than this Holy Mother album. The drumming of Jim Harris is like a battle call to Metal arms, his ultra-potent fills and supercharged timing are the icing on the Metal cake for Toxic Rain.

Vocalist Mike Tirelli is not gonna be in the back of the line ever, not according to my Metal scorecard. Mike is also a former vocalist for Riot and Burning Starr, making for an impressive Metal resume. I can compare Mike’s vocals to that of Mark Boals (of Yngwie J. Malmsteen fame) and Michael Vescera (of Obsession and Loudness fame), only adding in a harder edge.

Rich Naso on guitar lays it down heavy and steady from start to finish on Toxic Rain, with shades of Speed Metal wizardry gelled together with many extremely relevant and Traditional Metal tones. Rich never runs out of ultra delectable guitar licks… he’s just a cool player to hear on this album. Randy Coven on bass, has played with Yngwie J. Malmsteen and Riot during his Metal career. Creating a Metal family tree is evident, with this Holy Mother lineup of 1998.

The decade of the 90’s is NOT the lost era of Metal. Many, many, Metal Bands were releasing albums and touring during the 90’s. (Thank you… Slayer, W.A.S.P., Pantera and Overkill, to name a few). Instead, it will always be remembered by me as the decade where the mainstream media did NOT cover Metal… or great Metal for that matter. If Holy Mother released Toxic Rain in the mid to late 1980’s, hell, it would have probably received a ton more promotion and circulation amongst the media. This is my Metal opinion… and I’m not budging from it.

If you want me to be “street” about summing up this Toxic Rain album in one sentence, well, here it goes: Holy shit is this Holy Mother band unreal great on Toxic Rain! For me to “refer” this album to fans of Metal is really absurd. I need to bellow: Buy this Toxic Rain album if you believe in your own damned Metal salvation! Seriously, if your looking to make that purchase of a classic Metal release… Toxic Rain can be as viable a choice as any. So let it be Metal written… so let it be Metal done.

Once you hear Wars kick in, this song’s speed and rugged crunch shall be the leading Metal indicators that Holy Mother is not screwing around on Toxic Rain. The title track – Toxic Rain is a deluge of Metal that forces it’s way upon my ears, all the while I’m taking it all in like a parched desert floor during a tropical downpour. Again, its the speed + power which = holy shit great Metal here. Again, that’s as “street” honest as I can get.

My favorite song on this now revered Metal album is – My Destination. I’ll tell you what my destination has always been… to discover and listen to great, quality laced Metal, just like Holy Mother. My Destination has a melodic power surge running wild and it’s riveting to say the Metal least. The River carries it’s melodic drive through the vocals of Mike Tirelli and the savory leads and solos of Rich Naso. This song is a heavyweight like all the others on Toxic Rain, it showcases no doubt’s that Mike Tirelli can hit the high notes. You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’ is the lone cover song on this album. This Judas Priest Metal classic is given it’s justified due from Holy Mother, it’s worth cranking it up on high, still there’s nothing like the original. A solid cover it is and very worthy of many obligatory headbanging moments.

Losing My Bet closes out Toxic Rain, a song that sustains the consistent quality, heaviness and unrelenting power of sound that Holy Mother plays from the very onset. No one song sounds alike on Toxic Rain and Losing My Bet is an exclamation point to this statement. The only similarities heard between all 11 songs are that of the astute allegiance to Metal that Holy Mother plays so damn well.

I must factor in that the vocals of Mike Tirelli and the guitar playing of Rich Naso are standout on each song, while Randy Coven on bass and Jim Harris on drums are fabulously tight together. Once Losing My Bet comes to a close, I have that Metal hunger to listen to this Holy Mother album again… and again. That is a benchmark of being a great Metal album for me, when I can state something like that.

I could say, without any hesitation, that Toxic Rain is one of the very best Metal albums from the 90’s decade. (Criminal Afterlife is another Holy Mother album I feel this same way about as well, only that is for another post). You are getting the entire Metal ball O’ wax with Holy Mother’s playing on Toxic Rain… no run of the mill, no “standard stuff” or copycat crap going on with this band. Hopefully Holy Mother can make a return down the Metal road and release some potent, new material. Holy Mother is yet another Metal reality check, as to there being great bands from the 90’s that flew under the Metal radar by me… and I’m thankful Scott Coverdale uttered those now infamous words toward my way, during one cool visit to Music Outlet… “I got it”.

* For more info on HOLY MOTHER, just click on the link below:

HOLY MOTHER – myspace music

* HOLY MOTHER – Toxic Rain was released on A.B.S. Records

HOLY MOTHER as they appeared on Toxic Rain:

Mike Tirelli – vocals

Rich Naso – guitar

Randy Coven – bass

Jim Harris – drums

Track Listing For Toxic Rain:

Wars

Electric

Toxic Rain

The Rats Keep Runnin’

My Destination

Live To Die

The River

You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’ (Judas Priest cover)

Symptom Of Withdrawal

Melting Pot

Losing My Bet

LONG LIVE THE METAL OF HOLY MOTHER!

Stone.

2 Comments »

HALFORD “MADE OF METAL” – RELEASES SEPTEMBER 28, 2010!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags halford, halford made of metal album, halford studio albums, hard rock music, heavy metal albums 2010, heavy metal history, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, made of metal track listing, metal albums, metal odyssey, Music, Rob Halford, rock music, rock music news, the metal god on September 21, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

HALFORD – The Metal God… Rob Halford and his mighty band Halford will be seeing their third studio album – Made Of Metal released on September 28, 2010! Rob Halford is a living legend of Metal… with his Metal legacy forever forged as the front man for Judas Priest, Fight and 2wo.

This forthcoming album from Halford just seems to put a Metal exclamation point on the “year of Metal releases”… 2010! I personally can’t wait to hear Made Of Metal. Whoa. Whoa again.

* Made Of Metal will be released on Metal God Entertainment.

* For more info on Rob Halford and HALFORD, just click on link below:

ROB HALFORD.com

Track Listing For: Made Of Metal:

Undisputed

Fire And Ice

Made Of Metal

We Own The Night

Til The Day I Die

There’s No Tomorrow

Speed Of Sound

Heartless

Hell Razor

Thunder And Lightning

Twenty-Five Years

Matador

I Know We Stand A Chance

The Mower

Here is a discography of HALFORD studio albums:

Ressurection (released August 8, 2000)

Crucible (released June 25, 2002)

Halford 3 – Winter Songs (released November 3, 2009)

Yes, Halford 3 – Winter Songs is a studio album, however it is a holiday album. I guess one may still state this is an “official” studio album from Halford and call Made Of Metal the “fourth” studio album. It really makes no difference to me… cause HALFORD rules no matter what.

LONG LIVE ROB HALFORD AND HIS BAND – HALFORD!

Stone.

4 Comments »

CANNIBAL CORPSE – 1998’S “GALLERY OF SUICIDE” ON 180-GRAM VINYL – RELEASES SEPTEMBER 28, 2010!

Posted in Death Metal, death metal music, extreme metal music, extreme music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags 180-gram vinyl gallery of suicide, 1990's death metal bands, 1990's death metal albums, cannibal corpse, death metal albums 2010, death metal bands, death metal legends, death metal music, extreme metal music, gallery of suicide album 2010, heavy metal music, heavy metal on vinyl, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music news on September 19, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

CANNIBAL CORPSE – The sixth studio album from Cannibal Corpse, Gallery Of Suicide, will be re-released on 180-gram vinyl on September 28, 2010, on Plastic Head. Originally released on April 21, 1998, on Metal Blade Records, Gallery Of Suicide was the second album to have George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher on vocals. This was also the first Cannibal Corpse album to have Pat O’Brien on guitar.

This album it outrageously brutal, from the song titles and lyrics to the Death Metal barrage heard within. ‘Nuff said about this album… alright, it’s wicked F’n Heavy. With every Metal re-release on vinyl, it certifies the fact that there are Metalheads out there that want to hear their bands the Old School way. Just like the Metal I live for, vinyl will never go away.

* As with most vinyl and 180-gram vinyl releases, Gallery Of Suicide is being touted as a “limited release”. I have seen it available for pre-order on Amazon.com.

* For more info on CANNIBAL CORPSE, click on the link below:

CANNIBAL CORPSE – Official Website

CANNIBAL CORPSE, as they appeared on Gallery Of Suicide:

George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher – vocals

Jack Owen – guitar

Pat O’brien – guitar

Alex Webster – bass

Paul Mazurkiewicz – drums

Track Listing For Gallery Of Suicide:

I Will Kill You

Disposal Of The Body

Sentenced To Burn

Blood Drenched Execution

Gallery Of Suicide

Dismembered And Molested

From Skin To Liquid

Unite The Dead

Stabbed In The Throat

Chambers Of Blood

Headless

Every Bone Broken

Centuries Of Torment

Crushing The Despised

Stone.

2 Comments »

AS I LAY DYING – FALL NORTH AMERICAN 2010 TOUR SCHEDULE WITH ALL THAT REMAINS, UNEARTH & CARNIFEX!

Posted in death metal music, extreme metal music, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, metalcore music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags all that remains, as i lay dying, as i lay dying fall tour 2010, carnifex, death metal bands, death metal music 2010, extreme metal bands, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, heavy metal tours 2010, metal albums 2008, metal albums 2010, metal music, metal odyssey, metalcore bands, Music, rock music news, unearth on September 17, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

AS I LAY DYING – Whoa. Here is a Metal tour that has already gotten underway on September 14, 2010, in El Paso, Texas… As I lay Dying is headlining with support from: All That Remains, Unearth and Carnifex… whoa again. Check out the tour dates below to see if this great Metal tour is in your backyard or down the Metal highway from you:

As I Lay Dying with All That Remains, Unearth and Carnifex:

09/14 – El Paso, TX @ Club 101

09/15 – Odessa, TX @ Dos Amigos

09/16 – Abilene, TX @ Midnight Rodeo 3

09/17 – Little Rock, AR @ The Village

09/18 – Memphis, TN @ New Daisy Theatre

09/19 – Knoxville, TN @ Valarium

09/20 – Covington, KY @ The Madison Theater

09/21 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Orbit Room

09/22 – Cleveland, OH @ Peabody’s

09/23 – Buffalo, NY @ Town Ballroom

09/24 – Clifton Park, NY @ NY Northern Lights

09/25 – Hartford, CT @ Webster Theatre

09/26 – Quebec, QC @ Imperial De Quebec

09/27 – Montreal, QC @ Metropolis

09/28 – Ottawa, ON @ Capital Music Hall

09/29 – London, ON @ Cowboys

10/01 – Winnipeg, MB @ Garrick Center

10/03 – Saskatoon, SK @ Odeon

10/04 – Calgary, AB @ Macewan

10/05 – Edmonton, AB @ Edmonton Event Center

10/07 – Vancouver, BC @ Vogue Theatre

10/08 – Seattle, WA @ El Corazon

10/10 – Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater

10/11 – Chico, CA @ Senator Theatre

10/15 – Yuma, AZ @ Club Blackout – * With Carnifex, Beg For Life and Demise Of Hollywood

* (Source: Metal Blade News Update Newsletter, September 17, 2009)

* For more info on AS I LAY DYING, just click the link below:

AS I LAY DYING – myspace music

* For more info on ALL THAT REMAINS, just click the link below:

ALL THAT REMAINS – myspace music

* For more info on UNEARTH, just click the link below:

UNEARTH – myspace music

* For more info on CARNIFEX, just click the link below:

CARNIFEX – myspace music

AS I LAY DYING are touring in support of their album The Powerless Rise, released on May 11, 2010, on Metal Blade Records.

ALL THAT REMAINS are touring in support of their album … For We Are Many, released on October 12, 2010, on Razor & Tie.

UNEARTH are touring in support of their album The March, released on October 14, 2008, on Metal Blade Records.

CARNIFEX are touring in support of their album Hell Chose Me, released on February 16, 2010, on Victory Records.

These are some potent and seriously brutal Metal Bands!

LONG LIVE METAL!

Stone.

JOE ELLIOTT’S DOWN ‘N’ OUTZ – “MY REGENERATION” GENERATES A ROCKIN’ GREAT ALBUM!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock bands, classic rock music, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags classic rock albums, classic rock music, cover song albums, def leppard, down 'n' outz, hard rock albums 2010, hard rock music, heavy metal music, joe elliotts down 'n' outz, metal odyssey, mott the hoople, Music, my regeneration album review, rock albums 2010, rock music, rock music news on September 16, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

JOE ELLIOTT’S DOWN ‘N’ OUTZ – The news is out… the very famous lead singer for the very legendary Def Leppard has revealed his favorite Rock Band and he has done so through My ReGeneration. The band? None other than… Mott the Hoople. Not too shabby of a favorite I might add. Apparently, Joe Elliott was invited by Mott the Hoople to “participate in some capacity” in their reforming for a week’s worth of shows at the ol’ legendary… Hammersmith Odeon, (now named Hammersmith Apollo), last October of 2009. This experience proved to be the incubus for Joe Elliott forming Down ‘n’ Outz and making an album of cover songs from “spin offs” of Mott the Hoople.

My ReGeneration contains cover songs from Mott, Ian Hunter and British Lions. The last song on this album, The Flipside Of The Shameless Whelk, was written by Joe Elliott and Ronan McHugh. Quite honestly, it is refreshing to hear songs, good Rock ‘N’ Roll songs, that I would probably never have listened to if it wasn’t for this Rockin’ grand idea by Joe Elliott. Um… thanks Joe… and Down ‘n’ Outz too! To absorb what Joe Elliott and his band has assembled here play, is a lesson in British “Old School” Rock ‘N’ Roll.

Mott the Hoople obviously spawned some inventive and historical Rock Music during their too brief, six year tenure of existence – 1969 to 1974. The creative Rock Music minds that did “spin off” from Mott the Hoople are impressive to say the least. Guitarist and founding member of Mott the Hoople, Mick Ralphs will always be my sentimental favorite… for Mick being a founding and current member of Bad Company is all that to this Rockaholic.

While listening to My ReGeneration, I found that yes… this is Joe Elliott singing, only this is not the lungs of power, ultra charismatic, throat scorching vocalist that has fronted Def Leppard either. What I do hear is Joe Elliott – Rock ‘N’ Roll vocalist extraordinaire. Man, do I dig the vocals of Joe Elliott on My ReGeneration. Now, don’t get too down, all you Def Leppard fanatics out there. Joe Elliott has taken his vocals to a magnificent level here, he has in essence, proven to be as well rounded a Heavy Metal meets Rock vocalist as any other, in my most humble and Metal opinion.

Overnight Angels more than stands out as an incredibly memorable song to my Metal brain, this song just unequivocally makes me feel really good. As a bonus, Joe Elliott more than flirts with delivering some Def Leppard vocals on Overnight Angels, he flat-out sings this song as if it could have been on 1999’s Euphoria album as well. A Hard Rockin’ good time listen that doesn’t subside with it’s up-tempo. Alright, you got me, this song is my favorite on ReGeneration. Hey Joe Elliott… this one cover song alone is worth the purchase of ReGeneration! There, I said it, just like the corn dog I sometimes am.

After a couple of listens to England Rocks and I honestly have to agree… ENGLAND ROCKS! ENGLAND ROCKS! ENGLAND ROCKS! Please excuse me… this song really does ROCK. Shouting And Pointing has an overwhelmingly great Classic Rock vibe from beginning to end. The guitar solo by Paul Guerin is very cool, to be quite simplistically honest. Paul Guerin lays the Heavy down on Shouting And Pointing and Heavy is always welcomed in Stone’s ears. Joe Elliott has some fabulous vocal moments on this song, playing around with his pitch and melody only adds more psyche-out flavoring to the overall dish.

Hey Joe… this Down ‘n’ Outz band does… ROCK. Uh… YEAH! Obviously this band behind Joe Elliott is seasoned, knows their Rock ‘n’ Roll and how to play it.

O.k., here comes the sad and short ballad. Apologies is this song. Clocking in at 1:02 long. Stone don’t likey. Now, that is not to say it is a lousy song, I just don’t do very short and sad ballads. Metal be thy name. Down ‘n’ Outz still does ROCK, um, Joe. Who Do You Love is a bar hoppin’, foot stompin’, beer mug clangin’, it’s Friday night even if it’s Sunday, damn good Rock ‘N’ Rollin’ song. Turn it up!

By Tonight kicks in with a familiar guitar segue that is startling close to that from High ‘n’ Dry (Saturday Night) from Def Leppard’s sophomore album from 1981… High ‘n’ Dry. Stone does likey very much though. This is a Hard Rock song personified and Down ‘n’ Outz jams on it, pushing this song to it’s maximum Rock-Out potential.

I do enjoy the cover songs that Joe Elliott and Down ‘n’ Outz have compiled on ReGeneration. This album is a fun trip down Mott the Hoople’s “spin off” memory lane. Thanks to Joe Elliott though, now I’m gonna have to spend more $$$ and buy all those really cool albums from Ian Hunter, Mott and British Lions. Gee Metal whiz, Joe. I’ll Let It Go though, Joe. Joe Elliott’s Rockaholism only fuels mine and what am I supposed to do? Cranking up the volume on ReGeneration is really the only option here… (make sure to turn it down for Apologies though).

Good Times is a fitting song to be included on this album, this is a good times listen after all. This song is what Rock ‘N’ Roll is all about… “gonna have a good time tonight, Rock ‘N’ Roll Music’s gonna play all night”. This Good Times song is one big blast of feel good vibe. The Flipside Of The Shameless Whelk plays out as a 1:38 long take from a jam session and it Rocks along with cool ease, putting a close to this ReGeneration album.

As noted earlier, it appears that Joe Elliott and Ronan McHugh wrote The Flipside Of The Shameless Whelk, I am coming to the conclusion that Down ‘n’ Outz jammed on it. There are no details other than (Elliott/McHugh) within the liner notes regarding this last song, so if anyone out there knows more about it, please feel free to comment. Up to this point of writing this review, I have no further information on the song – Apologies, other than (Major) as a writing credit. Anyone with further knowledge on Apologies as well can comment, it’s very welcomed.

Fans of Joe Elliott, Def Leppard, Classic Rock, Mott the Hoople and every spin off band from them should give a thorough listen into what Joe Elliott’s Down ‘n’ Outz have done with My ReGeneration. These cover songs are dripping with relevancy, giving these true Classic Rock songs a spotlight and new Rockin’ life. It has been fun for me, to branch off into the direction of the spin off bands of Mott the Hoople and listening to these great songs. Now I have more bands from Rock Music History to delve deeper into and that doesn’t bother me at all!

* My ReGeneration was released on July 13, 2010, on Mailboat Records.

Down ‘n’ Outz:

Joe Elliott – lead vocals, backing vocals, rhythm guitar, acoustic guitar, some piano, various percussion

Paul Guerin – lead & rhythm guitar, backing vocals

Guy Griffin – rhythm guitar, backing vocals

Keith Weir – keyboards, backing vocals

Ronnie Garrity – bass guitar

Phil Martini – drums, backing vocals

* Ron Garrity is the bass guitarist for the Rock/Hard Rock Band – Raw Glory. Paul Guerin, Guy Griffin, Keith Weir and Phil Martini are all members of the Hard Rock Band – The Quireboys.

Track Listing For ReGeneration, Listed With Original Artist:

Golden Opportunity (Ian Hunter)

Storm (Mott)

Overnight Angels (Ian Hunter)

Career (No Such Thing As Rock ‘n’ Roll) (Mott)

England Rocks (Ian Hunter)

Shouting And Pointing (Mott)

By Tonight (Mott)

Apologies (credited to “Major”)

Who Do You Love (Ian Hunter)

One More Chance To Run (British Lions)

3000 Miles From Here (Ian Hunter)

Good Times (Mott, originally recorded by The Easybeats)

The Flipside Of The Shameless Whelk (Elliott/McHugh)

Stone.

5 Comments »

OLD SCHOOL METAL 101: SHOK PARIS – “THE HEAT AND THE FIRE” SONG FROM 1989!

Posted in hard rock albums, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal songs, concrete killers album 1989, hard rock music, heavy metal flashback 1989, heavy metal music, heavy metal songs, metal odyssey, Music, old school metal 101, rock music, shok paris, the heat and the fire song on September 15, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

SHOK PARIS – Digging into some Old School Metal and uncovering my Shok Paris album from 1989 – Concrete Killers, had me realizing how damn decent and cool this band really was. The Heat And The Fire song has all the melodic late 80’s Metal swagger happening, from the strong vocals of Vic Hix to the heated guitar leads and solo from Ken Erb. 1989… essentially 22 years ago and Shok Paris Rocked with “Concrete Killers”. This album still Rocks my ears to this very day, Metal be thy name.

* For more info & band history on Shok Paris, just click on the link below:

SHOK PARIS/Fan Club myspace music

* Concrete Killers was released on I.R.S.

LONG LIVE THE HEAVY ROCK ‘N’ ROLL OF SHOK PARIS!

Stone.

1 Comment »

ACCEPT “BLOOD OF THE NATIONS” – A METAL TRIUMPH AND RETURN TO METAL GLORY FOR ACCEPT!!

Posted in hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, heavy metal songs, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, music reviews, rock music, rock music news with tags 1980's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal bands, accept blood of the nations, accept heavy metal band, accept reunion 2010, blood of the nations album review, frank herman, hard rock music, heavy metal albums 2010, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, heavy metal songs, mark tornillo, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, peter baltes, rock music, rock music news, stefan schwarzmann, wolf hoffmann on September 14, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

ACCEPT – I received in the U.S. mail on Monday… ACCEPT – Blood Of The Nations (deluxe digipak) from Best Metal Buddy – Scott Coverdale. There are many Metal albums that have kicked my ass over the years… and then then came Blood Of The Nations. This new ACCEPT album hasn’t just kicked my ass today… it’s as if I opened up a box of unlimited Metal whoop ass and now I don’t know how to contain it or fight it off. I guess I’ll have to take my Metal whoopin’ as a man each and every time I listen to any or all of Blood Of The Nations. Understand please, what I’m about to say in describing my first listen through of this unreal/new ACCEPT album, here it goes… F’n Metal be thy F’n name.

ACCEPT guitarist and founding member Wolf Hoffmann describes in the liner notes, meeting up with new lead vocalist Mark Tornillo and producer Andy Sneap as “miracles”. As a lifetime fan of ACCEPT, Stone calls holding onto this Blood Of The Nations digipak while these 13 new Metal songs from this legendary band is being absorbed into my ears, at maximum level… a miracle. As a fan, I’ve always embraced the Metal fact that ACCEPT was no more. For nearly fourteen years, the 1996 studio album Predator seemed like it was the last any of us Metalheads would hear from ACCEPT. Well… Metal miracles really do happen and ACCEPT is F’n BACK!

Now, I would not be coming across so damn excited here, if it wasn’t for the powerful surge of premium Metal that ACCEPT has created on Blood Of The Nations. Trust me, if this was average or even slightly good Metal from this new ACCEPT album, I would call it out as such or not bother to write about it at all. Instead, the world needs to know… ACCEPT has returned with a Metal double drop kick to the face, with an amazingly energized and psyche-out filled Metal album. Crap, it seems like all of the “Old School dudes” are kicking everyone’s Metal ass in 2010, doesn’t it?

The vintage ACCEPT sound is all heard here on Blood Of The Nations. The dueling guitars of Wolf Hoffman and long time member Frank Herman brings back to Metal glory the searing and scorching riffs, leads and solos that were such a dynamic trademark of this band. Metal… the ACCEPT way. The formidable chorus that bellows behind the lead vocals of Mark Tornillo on songs – Blood Of The Nations and Shades Of Death are a valiant reminder that ACCEPT has returned with their Metal legacy written on their chests. Metal… the ACCEPT way.

Speed is not a bashful guest on Blood Of The Nations. Locked And Loaded is as easily recognizable as a feisty nod to ’80’s Speed Metal as I could ever wish for. Whoa, this song is fast… and it never relents with it’s raging Metal tempo. Locked And Loaded will easily remind fans of the Metal glorious Restless And Wild album and just how the speed jumped out of those songs back in 1982. Time Machine is pumped-up with plenty of muscular Metal grooves and carries along a heavily melodic pace. The Balls To The Wall era background chanting gives Time Machine a retrospective Metal haze, that is yet another Metal signature of ACCEPT.

So, understand please, with what I’m about to say in regards to my listening to Blood Of The Nations for the fourth time today… F’n Metal be thy F’n name. Realistically, the more I listen to this new ACCEPT, the more I’m realizing that Scott Coverdale just might be right in his calling Blood Of The Nations: Metal Album Of The Year. Wolf Hoffmann and Frank Herman aren’t just on fire with their guitar riffs, leads and solos… they are like crazed human Metal torchs on guitar. One listen to Pandemic and my Metal point is made quite clearly here. Pandemic! Pandemic! Hell yes… Metal… the ACCEPT way.

New World Comin’ rises with an intensified Metal groove that is enriched by the bass thumpin’ of founding member Peter Baltes and the thunder stompin’ of Stefan Schwarzmann on drums. New World Comin’ is the ACCEPT Metal anthem of 2010, bringing the mid ’80’s Arena Metal vibe to a new generation of Metalheads worldwide. Is this my favorite song on Blood Of The Nations? F’N HELL YEAH!!

Look, the reason for my elevated Metal excitement every so often, while doing an album review is due to: A. The respective band is a core/lifetime favorite of mine and B. The Metal contained within is absolutely legitimate and reflects what I feel Metal is supposed to be about… loud, powerful and full of pump-you-up sound, style, energy and feel. Blood Of The Nations is all this for me and then some. Just the prolific way in which Blood Of The Nations opens up with Beat The Bastards is evidence alone as to my prior explanation. Beat The Bastards showcases the melodic yet still fast and heavy character of ACCEPT. Angst filled and still victorious laden, the lyrics of this song are stuff of ACCEPT legend.

The Abyss and Blood Of The Nations guide me into this Metal world of ACCEPT 2010 and I am all the better Metalhead for it. This is Metal that isn’t farting around the beer keg here. The song Blood Of The Nations hails freedom, dreams and ideals… all the important aspects of life that are worth “fighting for”. I, like Scott Coverdale, can’t resist the overall patriotic appeal that this song Blood Of The Nations stands for.

Kill The Pain is a strong Metal… ballad. You read that correctly, ACCEPT has created a killer of a ballad, with 0% plastic sappiness, just stark reality of missing someone that is dearly lost. The guitar solo which ends Kill The Pain resonates with the emotion of this songs lyrics. Kill The Pain brings that moment during this ACCEPT album where I can come down from my Metal psyche-out high. All the while I can still enjoy an incredibly arranged song that showcases Mark Tornillo’s vocal diversity.

The overall Metal sensory experience can truly be better described by listening to these songs on Blood Of The Nations for yourself. Just when I think the Metal exhilaration running through my veins will subside… another song begins on this album that maintains the psyche-out level to a maximum level. ACCEPT has been resurrected and their Metal is dominating on Blood Of The Nations. ACCEPT has returned and ACCEPT has fortified my Metal soul once again.

Teutonic Terror has Mark Tornillo singing his lungs out. Mark comes across on this song as if it’s his personal favorite. Is it? I don’t know for sure. This is the ACCEPT lead vocalist now and I’m digging every syllable Mark Tornillo belts out. Do I miss the ultra Metal legend Udo Dirkschneider? Of course I do, I would be sadly mistaken if I didn’t. With the way life constantly intertwines and develops new paths to navigate, people move on and take their own journey. UDO has taken his solo Metal journey and I have and forever shall support him. I can only admire and applaud the loyalty to the cause of Metal that Udo Dirkschneider has exhibited throughout his historically fantastic Metal career.

This isn’t an album that needs to “sit with me” in order to figure out it’s Metal domination factor.

As with so many bands that are still touring and/or recording today, ACCEPT is a Metal franchise. Their name is branded in the Metal hearts, souls and minds of countless Metalheads the world over. Regardless of having a new lead vocalist, if you are going to maintain consistency, having founding and long-time members of a band only adds to the credibility and legitimacy of the music. If a band is going to have a new lead vocalist, he/she better be good and symbolize the true identity and sound of that bands career. Mark Tornillo is damn good. Wolf Hoffmann, Peter Baltes and their band ACCEPT have returned in a most amazingly formidable way, maintaining the Metal sound and style that solidifies this band as… legendary.

ACCEPT:

Mark Tornillo – vocals

Wolf Hoffmann – guitar

Peter Baltes – bass

Frank Herman – guitar

Stefan Schwarzmann – drums

All music & lyrics by: Baltes, Hoffmann and Tornillo*

* Rolling Thunder – music & lyrics by Frank & Tornillo

Track Listing For Blood Of The Nations:

Beat The Bastards

Teutonic Terror

The Abyss

Blood Of The Nations

Shades Of Death

Locked And Loaded

Time Machine – (bonus track)

Kill The Pain

Rolling Thunder

Pandemic

New World Comin’

No Shelter

Bucket Full Of Hate

LONG LIVE ACCEPT!

Stone.

7 Comments »

HEART “RED VELVET CAR” – IS 100% PURE CLASSIC HEART!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock bands, classic rock music, Hard Rock, hard rock music, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news, rock music reviews with tags ann wilson, classic rock bands, classic rock music, hard rock music, heart, heart hey you song, heart red velvet car, heart rock band, metal odyssey, Music, nancy wilson, red velvet car album review, rock albums 2010, rock music, rock music news on September 13, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

HEART – Ann and Nancy Wilson have revived their very own Classic Rock roots, to such an extent that Red Velvet Car is unmistakably 100% pure Heart Classic Rock. I don’t think I can hear a single note on this new Heart album to tell me otherwise. Released on August 31, 2010, on Sony Legacy, Red Velvet Car is the thirteenth studio release from Heart. This new album of Heart songs won’t reveal an Even It Up from 1980’s Bebe le Strange, nor will you hear anything remotely close to What About Love, from their 1985 self titled album Heart. What I hear is Ann and Nancy Wilson making a triumphant return to the sound that captured my very own heart, some thirty plus years ago.

Throughout the decades, I’ve listened to so many bands try to reinvent themselves, through sound, style and/or persona. Sure, Heart may have dabbled in some of their very own “change” in the mid 1980’s, only it was never drastic enough for these two incredibly talented sisters to cease making memorable Rock Music. I went along for that stylistic ride back in 1985… seeing Heart in the arena setting of The Hartford Civic Center, with the ever charismatic Autograph as the opening act. There was always a place for Heart… in my Metal heart, ever since my first album of theirs was spinning on my turntable, that album being Bebe le Strange.

While there are those bands that changed and never recovered, there are still other’s that seem to have forgotten their Rock ‘N’ Roll roots with an almost defiant glee in their eyes. Not Ann and Nancy… not Heart. These two gals have taken not just a piece of their Rock ‘N’ Roll past for Red Velvet Car, they have taken it all and this album essentially salutes it with a double high five… throughout all ten songs. As I took a ride inside the Rock Music of Red Velvet Car, I not only took a ride into the Classic Rock past, I am also taking a ride into the Classic Rock present of Heart for as the legendary Bob Seger has sung… “Rock ‘N’ Roll never forgets”.

Ann Wilson’s vocals on each and every song she sings comes through with the same spirit and resonance as the earliest of Heart albums. To listen to Heart’s 1976 debut album, Dreamboat Annie, immediately following Red Velvet Car is quite the Rockin’ treat, realizing that both albums are nearly 35 years apart is astonishing. The same can be said for Nancy Wilson’s guitar, being over three decades removed from Dreamboat Annie doesn’t seem real when the similarities in sound, style and fresh energy are so comparable.

There is even a slight demo-esque feel and quality about Red Velvet Car that makes it all the more alluring to me, whether this is intentional or not, the end result separates this album from having that overly polished and deliberate commercial gloss. From the onset, There You Go sets the tone as to the exact direction Red Velvet Car steers towards. There You Go is acoustically brash with an attitude usually reserved for a hungry up and coming Rock band, only this is Heart in 2010 and thus they are rejuvenated with their song writing. It only get better…

WTF has Nancy’s guitar tone emanating the feeling and desire of 1977’s Barracuda, making me wish I owned a vintage Chevy Nova jacked up and ready to go for that Summertime road trip to the beach. If WTF doesn’t grab you, then you have never listened to Heart before. Ann sounds as invigorated and Rockalicious as ever on the song Red Velvet Car… velvet vocals and all. If I am to drift off into Heart never, never land… then this is the song to bring me there.

Alright, this is the “stand up” and get your groove on portion of Red Velvet Car… Queen City is now playing. When Ann cry’s out – “yo-ho, yo-ho gotta keep afloat” it’s enough to make me feel like Heart has taken back what once was old and made it new again. Let’s not forget that Nancy Wilson can sing with a sparkle like a dew covered peach in the morning Summer sun. Hey You is an acoustic, up-tempo, semi-sweet ballad that carries it’s Rock fragrance of Heart with it’s infectious melody and Nancy’s sweet harmony.

Wheels and Safronia’s Mark both have the atmospheric sound and sensory feel of all things glorious about Classic Heart. Ann and Nancy please, take a bow now for you both have put me on a Classic Rock cloud that is drifting me further away from the lame-o and negative laced Rock Music that devoured everyone in the ’90’s. Hallelujah and Metal be thy name.

I’m going to make it a point to listen to Death Valley and Sunflower, while laying on the grass of my backyard on one of these last hot Summer days… and stare up at the blue sky and puffy white clouds with a retro grin on my middle-aged face that stretches from ear to ear. Is it wrong for my classifying Red Velvet Car as a Classic Rock gem? Calling out Heart’s return to Classic Rock prowess? I don’t think so. Exemplary Rock Music will always rise to the top, despite what is being played on radio or (gasp) MTV. Classic Rock exists for it will never go away, as it rears it’s triumphant head whenever a legendary band such as Heart brings it to life through their albums… both past and present with Red Velvet Car.

Classic Rock has rescued me once again, thank you Ann and Nancy. Red Velvet Car has the Classic Rock ‘N’ Roll fuel and I’m telling anyone whose listening to hitch a ride. Heart has pulled up in their Red Velvet Car and taken me for ride that I’m looking forward to taking again on a consistent basis… for a very, very, long time.

* I have not yet obtained any bonus tracks from the European release of Red Velvet Car, nor was I aware of the two bonus tracks found on the Target version of this CD, until it was too late. (I bought Red Velvet Car at f.y.e. before knowing of the “Only At Target” release).

* For more info on HEART, just click here: HEART-MUSIC.com

Track Listing For Red Velvet Car:

There You Go

WTF

Red Velvet Car

Queen City

Hey You

Wheels

Safronia’s Mark

Death Valley

Sunflower

Sand

LONG LIVE HEART!

Stone.

4 Comments »

JUDAS PRIEST “METAL GODS” & PRIMAL FEAR COVER OF “METAL GODS” = UNREAL METAL GREATNESS!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, heavy metal songs, metal odyssey, Music, power metal music, rock music, rock music news with tags 1980's heavy metal albums, british steel album 1980, greatest metal songs, hard rock music, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, Judas Priest, metal gods song, metal is forever primal fear album, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, nwobhm, power metal bands, primal fear, ralf scheepers, Rob Halford, rock music, rock music news, the metal god on September 11, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

JUDAS PRIEST & PRIMAL FEAR – What do Judas Priest and Primal Fear have in Metal common, besides both being Metal Bands? METAL GODS. As I and so many countless others will attest, “nothing beats an original”… only Primal Fear covers the Judas Priest original – Metal Gods like they were put on this Earth to do so. Originally heard on the 1980 studio album from Judas Priest – British Steel, Metal Gods has been a lifetime favorite Metal song for me.

Hell, this British Steel album is downright Metal sacred and easily one of the greatest Metal albums ever created. I remember the first time I heard Metal Gods off of this British Steel album… whoa… whoa again. The British Steel album in and of itself is a thoroughbred classic Metal album for the ages… and Metal Gods catapults this reasoning of mine fifty fold.

I can recall, with Metal ease, listening to this one track on British Steel, that is Metal Gods, continuously. I would pick up the turntable needle and drop it back down at the beginning of this incredible song, each time it ended. Metal be thy name. It is the obvious and sheer muscularity of Metal, that this Judas Priest original of Metal Gods bestowed upon thine ears, which made me stand at attention in Metal awe so many years ago. This Judas Priest original still has that same Metal affect on me… and I don’t see it waning anytime soon.

The repeated opening riff throughout Metal Gods is like my very own psyche-out Metal stimulant that makes me feel really, really, good. I vividly remember looking up at my Judas Priest poster, which hung on my bedroom wall when I was a teen, while any Judas Priest album was being cranked up by me. When Metal Gods was played at maximum volume, I would then proceed to play air guitar and bang thine head like an out of control Metal lovin’ maniac. Um, I guess I still do that when I listen to this song… so let it be Metal written, so let it be Metal done. (Only I don’t have a Judas Priest poster on my bedroom wall today… my Metal supporting wife won’t allow it and I do understand).

Being a futuristic look into the unravelling of mankind’s involvement into the “dabbling” and experimenting with the science of robotics, Metal Gods is a song about robotic creatures/machines known as… Metal Gods. These Metal Gods taking control of their surroundings and the very same people who created them, while mankind falls victim to their evil control, is the theme that this song gets across quite clearly. Not too far fetched in my Metal opinion. Who knows how advanced our technology will take us all eventually? Herculean robotic machines may very well be the norm some day in our future… and they could eventually get pissed off at us.

Yes, Rob Halford is the Metal God and I will never dispute that title he carries with Metal honor and pride. However, Ralf Scheepers is no cheap imitation of Rob Halford. Ralf can flat-out sing Metal. Ralf Scheepers… maybe a strong candidate for being the Power Metal God? Listening to the Primal Fear cover version of Metal Gods for the first time was like the second coming of when I first heard this prolifically immense song, so many years ago. Primal Fear could have “covered” Metal Gods or they could have covered it with F’n Metal Might. My Metal senses tell me… Primal Fear covered this Judas Priest classic with F’n Metal Might.

No one has to take my Metal word for it, that both the Metal Gods original and the Primal Fear cover verson are unreal Metal greatness. All you have to do is seek out these Metal songs for yourself and give ’em a Metal try. You can give me a Metal thank you later… after you realize Metal Gods is probably one of the greatest Metal songs ever written. For lifetime/veteran Metalheads out there… hopefully you understand my Metal reasoning and agree with my Metal thoughts on… Metal Gods. I have a funny feeling that many of you fellow Metalheads do understand.

Primal Fear – Metal Is Forever/The Very Best Of Primal Fear was released back on April 3, 2007, on Nuclear Blast. This is a double CD, with CD 1 containing 16 greatest hits and CD 2 containing 9 Metal Classics. The cover of Metal Gods is heard on Metal Classics. This double CD showcases just how fabulous this German Power Metal Band known as… Primal Fear was, is and forever shall be.

* For more info on Judas Priest, click here: JUDAS PRIEST

* For more info on Primal Fear, click here: PRIMAL FEAR – Official Website

LONG LIVE JUDAS PRIEST AND PRIMAL FEAR!

Stone.

5 Comments »

VALIENT THORR “STRANGER” – A FUNTASTIC, ROCKIN’, THRASHIN’, METAL MASHIN’ OLD SCHOOL METAL BASH!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags hard rock music, heavy metal 2010, heavy metal albums 2010, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, nwobhm, old school heavy metal, rock music, rock music news, stranger album review, thrash metal music, valient himself, valient thorr, valient thorr stranger album on September 10, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

VALIENT THORR – One look at the above headline for this Valient Thorr – Stranger album pretty much says it all. Or does it? Well, the headline probably could suffice with most Old School Metalheads who don’t give a crap about details… an album is supposed to just deliver the Heavy Music goods and be done with it. Have no fear fellow Metalheads, party freaks, moshers, space travelers, Punks, Thrashers and Old Schoolers… Valient Thorr does deliver something for all of you with Stranger. This is Valient Thorr’s fifth album in seven years, releasing September 14th on Volcom Entertainment. With nearly 250 shows a year for most of this run, touring with everyone from Motorhead to Joan Jett, Valient Thorr has certainly proven they are a knuckles pounding the pavement, no bullshit band with those numbers.

Years ago, I mean decades ago, when the cool word floating around was “crossover”, with bands such as D.R.I. and M.O.D. and to an extent Anthrax, they were taking a little bit of every Hard & Heavy genre out there and incorporating it into their very own sound. Valient Thorr doesn’t just have shades and influences of just about every cool music genre in the history of modern day Rock ‘N’ Roll. This Universe exploring band is potently stocked with all of the hell raising, fist pumping, shot-gun beer swilling and garbage can kicking qualities one could only wish for… and then some. Valient Thorr knows how to play some kick ass music.

Is it appropriate for me to state that Valient Thorr has created a “funtastic” album with Stranger? You bet it is. You see, as I listen to the music, (lyrics aside), of Valient Thorr, it makes me feel like jumping right into this album and being a part of the whole damn scene that is going on within these songs. Lyrically, these songs are not just about chugging down a beer and playing darts. Valient Thorr has something to say and they are more than psyched-out to get their point across.

Escapism is a necessity for me and I seek it out through music, through Rock ‘N’ Roll, um, Metal. Hitching a ride on the escapism Space Shuttle that Valient Thorr is navigating is one hell of a trip. I’m the kind of guy that doesn’t need his steak “cooked to perfection”, in other words, I sometimes like ’em raw. Valient Thorr is spreading their raw talent and raw sound across this globe for good reason… to one day hopefully make all those Kidz Bop CD’s disintegrate into millions of pieces, from the sheer presence of this band’s musical existence.

Plus, Valient Thorr is no slouch band either, fans of Heavy Music will either connect with their sound or run for cover. If running for cover is the option one chooses, then they should make sure to bring along a case of laxatives with them… cause they are obviously chronically constipated. Gillionaire is a wake up call to the materialistic morons of Planet Earth and I can only second Valient Thorr’s strong and resounding message they convey here. Oh, yeah… Gillionaire Rocks with plenty of pent-up attitude and blue collar angst that makes the vibe thrive, through every note.

Sleeper Awakes is even more attitude laced with gang vocals aplenty and scorching guitar leads, with a searing guitar solo that fortifies my hunger for… Metal. Disappearer mixes some speed, speed and more speed with it’s overall… speed. Metal be thy name does Disappearer grab my damn attention and smacks it senseless. Double Crossed has some wholesome Old School rhythm and does not shy away from being guitar friendly. Riffs and solos abound on Double Crossed that semi-convinced me it was 1984 all over again. “You will pay, I’ve just been double crossed” might very well be my #1 Metal chorus of 2010… and beyond.

The more I listen to Stranger, the more I wonder if the members of Valient Thorr were born on Planet Lemmy Kilmister. Why I think that you query? It’s the I don’t give a shit – take our Rock ‘N’ Roll or bust attitude that Valient Thorr radiates so, um, eloquently. Sudden Death Is Nothing is kinda easy for me to point at and declare as my favorite song on Stranger. Whoa… it’s the blitz of Thrash that races unapologetically straight into my ears, that makes Sudden Death Is Nothing so damn memorable.

Woman In The Woods is for all Metal intents and purposes… eerie… and I like that. The guitar tones and even the tempo shifts are haunting. Is there really anything that Valient Thorr doesn’t experiment with musically? Maybe Kidz Bop. “Vision Quest” is relevant Metal, while also being a reminder that Old School Metal never dies. I catch onto some late 80’s Anthrax vibration while listening to “Vision Quest” and “Habituary”, both with the Metal, gang vocals and vocals of Valient Himself.

It would be a dream come true to have Valient Thorr play at one or both of my daughters weddings someday. Hell, it would be the best damn music to ever invade my ears at a wedding for Metal sakes. Throw in the Metal fact this band is just down right contagious, with their free spirited attitude towards Heavy Music and yes Virginia… there is a Thorrior Claus. Valient Thorr would tear the roof off of a wedding hall and I would want to be there to witness it. Um, I wouldn’t want to pay for the damage though.

One final song to mention, “Future Humans” might be a spine-chilling look into the future of mankind, regardless, this song freakin’ Rocks like there is no weekend, um, I mean tomorrow. It’s the thunder stomping beat and guitar driven nature of “Future Humans”, that makes me want to jump up and down on the hood of a pristine limousine, parked outside of a five-star restaurant. Metal be thy name.

Valient Thorr is a band that is difficult not to admire and gravitate to. They are a gritty working man’s Heavy Music band that should really gain some major Metal momentum with the release of Stranger on September 14th. Fans of NWOBHM, Old School/Traditional Metal, Hard Rock and well… any Metal, should hopefully dig Valient Thorr like I do. This band already has some fiery momentum happening already, it’s just the thought of them gaining legions more Thorriors worldwide and galaxy wide that makes me sleep better at night. I’m now a Thorrior… and it serves me right.

VALIENT THORR:

Valient Himself – vocals

Eidan Thorr – guitars

Nitewolf – bass

Sadat Thorr – guitars

Lucian Thorr – drums & percussion

* Stranger is set to release on September 14, 2010, on Volcom Entertainment.

* Stranger is produced, recorded and mixed by Jack Endino.

* For more info on Valient Thorr, just click on the links below:

VALIENT THORR – myspace music

VALIENT THORR – Official Website

Track Listing For Valient Thorr – Stranger:

Gillionaire

Sleeper Awakes

Disappearer

Double Crossed

Night Terrors

Sudden Death Is Nothing

Woman In The Woods

Vision Quest

Habituary

The Recognition

Without Hope, Without Fear

Future Humans

Thorriors Of The Galaxy Assemble!

Stone.

2 Comments »

THE NEW CZARS “DOOMSDAY REVOLUTION” – AN INDUSTRIOUS & CREATIVE APPROACH TO ROCK MUSIC DIVERSITY

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, hard rock songs, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags Alice cooper, alternative metal music, doomsday revolution album, doomsday revolution album review, greg hampton musician, hard rock bands 2010, hard rock music, heavy metal albums 2010, heavy metal bands 2010, heavy metal music, industrial metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, modern metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, the new czars on September 8, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

THE NEW CZARS – Releasing on September 14, 2010, on Samson Records, is Doomsday Revolution, the debut album from The New Czars, which electrifies with an approach to making diverse and Heavy Music coexist together. To say that Doomsday Revolution is a storm cloud of Modern Rock/Hard Rock can be another way to describe this album. When a new Hard Rock or Heavy Metal band dares to be original, it’s like an anomaly these days. Doomsday Revolution does mix it up well with moments of Hard, Heavy and Industrial Rock. The New Czars take their mixed bag of music experience and do deliver a debut album that steers away from any same old mentality.

The New Czars do dare and succeed to set themselves away from the rest of the pack and that alone deserves a hell raising horns to the air. Regardless if The New Czars are a new band unto the world of Heavy Music, these are seasoned and talented musicians all the same. Greg Hampton, is no stranger to the Rock Music industry. Greg is the lead vocalist, guitarist, songwriter, lyricist and producer for Doomsday Revolution and he comes packing with impressive Rock ‘N’ Roll credentials. With wearing so many “hats” in getting this album to it’s final pressing, I can only marvel at the true spirit of Rock ‘N’ Roll Greg Hampton possesses.

Greg Hampton was a lead guitarist and songwriter for Alice Cooper’s concept album Along Came A Spider, as well as playing bass and keyboards amongst a variety of other things, on this macabre masterpiece from 2008. Greg also co-produced, mixed and played various instruments on Lita Ford’s 2009 comeback album – Wicked Wonderland. Greg, as with his band mates Paul Ill (bass) and David “Chilli” Moreno (drums), sound as if they have been doing this gig together for quite some time… only this is their debut album and three is not a crowd.

Let’s throw in the fact that a Rock Music legend, the likes of Adrian Belew of King Crimson fame, lends contributions to Doomsday Revolution on guitar and the credibility factor and peer respect for The New Czars only becomes more admirably real. It’s the blue collar and do-it-yourself Rock musicians that give rise to and/or expand on a non-trendy sound and vision, in which they want to share with the rest of the Rock community. Greg and his band The New Czars are doing just that with Doomsday Revolution, without any flirtation with the flavor of the month society.

Doomsday Revolution unwraps it’s heavy side with the Industrial edginess from Keep On Goin’. The hardened vocals and guitar licks of Greg Hampton simultaneously keeps this song moving at an addicting tempo. If this opening track is any indication of the music prowess that The New Czars are intending on releasing unto thine ears… then one best get ready. There are so many more muscular riffs, leads and solos to follow from Greg’s guitar throughout this album. No song style on Doomsday Revolution is immune from the imagination of his guitar playing. Confessions takes right over where keep on goin’ left off, with an almost maddeningly loud vibe that rises from this song. I envision a full scale implosion of my decades old stereo speakers, at any moment, while this song is being cranked to high.

The New Czars are not all about full-throttle and face to the pavement heaviness on Doomsday Revolution. Why Do U Have 2 Lie exhibits Greg Hampton vocally toning things down, amidst a mid-tempo Hard Rock swirl of sound. The old adage of “less is more” holds true with the lyrics of Why Do U Have 2 Lie, showing lyrics can be emotional and smart by not saying too much. Time Stops is an unexpected surprise on this album. Another mid-tempo ballad, Greg Hampton proves he can croon with a David Coverdale like accessibility. Melodic and hooky, Time Stops also incorporates a sitar for some Eastern World ambiance. The guitar solo more than helps Time Stops to stray away from feeling like a ballad, which is just another amazing musical element to an already amazing song.

Don’t Watch Me showcases some exemplary drumming from David “Chilli” Moreno, with spastic drum fills that coincide perfectly to this song’s anxiety filled lyrics. Greg Hampton let’s it all loose vocally, making Don’t Watch Me sound as an angst filled memoir from a paranoid soul. What separates Greg Hampton from being just another Heavy Music vocalist is his ability to adapt to a song’s theme, turning on and off degrees of emotion in his voice, in such a fantastic way it’s borderline uncanny.

The title track, Doomsday Revolution takes no prisoners with it’s Hard and Heavy Industrial mayhem, which comes across as The New Czars answer to their version of an anthem. Trust me, the chorus on Doomsday Revolution alone is enough to get the adrenaline pumping up the psyche-out meter. Only Dreaming is another ballad stopover, this time around the tempo is slow and unsuspectingly alluring. Greg Hampton could very well shun off the Hard Rock & Metal Gods and make his fortune as an unplugged crooner… only this is a musician who seems to revel in his Rock ‘N’ Roll diversity more than anything else and revel he should.

With 16 songs to digest on Doomsday Revolution, there are no dull moments. How could there be with such a fortified stack of diverse songs such as this? Be it Industrial, Rock, Hard Rock or slivers of Traditional Metal, you will hear it on this album. Just don’t stray too far away… for the Alternative and Electronica bug will be poking you on the back from the likes of Funky Detour. Yes… there is a “Funky” vibe happening within this song that sneaks and swirls it’s way through with subtle ease.

Obviously, I walk away with the impression that Greg Hampton strategically sandwiched himself between two skillful and time tested players in bass guitarist Paul Ill and drummer David “Chilli” Moreno. As it is in the world of professional sports teams… your only as good as your players and The New Czars have come to play.

I can’t resist to mention, that to my Metal ears, I can hear somewhat of an Ian Gillian poise and swagger in the vocals of Greg Hampton. A personal interpretation to the fullest extent of course, so convict me for being a lifelong fan of quality Rock vocalists and hearing what I do. I conclude, that after several thorough listens to Doomsday Revolution, I feel compelled to put Greg Hampton on the list of today’s current quality vocalists. To overlook Greg’s guitar play would be a travesty… really, he is that good.

If ever there was a surefire flag bearer for Music Appreciation 101, then it is Greg Hampton and his band The New Czars. Don’t be afraid to take chances, is what we are all taught from an early age. Greg Hampton has taken many very cool chances with Doomsday Revolution and from the sounds of it, he has come away unscathed. The totality of musicianship from The New Czars Greg Hampton, David “Chilli” Moreno and Paul Ill have left an undeniable impression on my ears, an impression that won’t evaporate for me anytime soon.

Fans of Industrial Rock/Hard Rock, Progressive Rock genres and Modern Hard Rock/Metal should strongly consider picking up Doomsday Revolution. Guitar enthusiasts are urged to take an earful of what Greg Hampton is playing on this album. Old School Metalheads who are looking for an alternative to single-based genres should be forewarned: you might just get hooked on what this album is all about.

* For more info on The New Czars, just click on the link below:

THE NEW CZARS – myspace music

From left to right: Paul Ill, Greg Hampton and David “Chilli” Moreno.

The New Czars:

Greg Hampton – vocals & guitar

Paul Ill – bass

David “Chilli” Moreno – drums

* Adrian Belew (King Crimson) – contributing guitarist & Rock legend

Track Listing For Doomsday Revolution:

keep on goin’

confessions

desperate

why do u have 2 lie

don’t watch Me

Time stops

brush with the devil

so sure

abstract prague

crashed

doomsday revolution

only dreaming

Tell Me

had 2 do it

funky detour

crotch critters

THE NEW CZARS… A WHOLE NEW BREED OF ROCK.

Stone.

11 Comments »

VANDENBERG “BURNING HEART” – THIS 1982 POWER BALLAD STILL GLISTENS

Posted in classic rock music, classic rock songs, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, hard rock songs, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock guitarists, rock music with tags 1980's heavy metal ballads, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal guitarists, 1980's power ballads, adrian vandenberg, burning heart song 1982, hard rock guitarists, hard rock music, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, vandenberg 1982, vandenberg debut album on September 7, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

VANDENBERG – Let’s go back to 1982. I was a sophomore in high school and very proud of my ability to draw the band logos for Styx, Michael Schenker Group and of course… KISS. (The Judas Priest band logo was and forever will be too difficult for me to draw freehand). Hirax, Hellhammer and Armored Saint were formed, just to name a few Metal bands. Alright, W.A.S.P. was formed in 1982 too. World famous pro basketball star, (UCONN & Pheonix Mercury) Diana Taurasi was born.

Ronald Reagan was the United States President and Bryant Gumbel began his 15 year career as NBC’s The Today Show co-host. The Weather Channel also launched into cable television back in 1982. Well, enough with the 1982 trivia… this post is about guitarist Adrian Vandenberg’s own Hard Rock band which debuted their self-titled album Vandenberg, this very same year on Atco Records.

This Vandenberg debut album was and always will be an excellent listen for me. My favorite song from this album is Burning Heart. That’s correct… a ballad. A Power Ballad too. Me, the dude who likes to tip-toe around ballads in almost any album review I do, really digs Burning Heart. Ever since I first heard this song on the FM dial back in 1982, I have been an admirer of it. Bert Heerink was the lead vocalist on this song and album. Could it be the strength in Bert’s vocals that I hear be the deciding factor for my liking Burning Heart so much? How about the guitar talent of Adrian Vandenberg himself? Adrian’s solo in Burning Heart is as articulately placed and played as any I’ve ever heard over all these years.

Adrian’s tone and feel that comes out at me from his guitar just always seemed to have that wallop. On Burning Heart, Adrian makes his guitar come across with such a free floating sound, making this Power Ballad come together perfectly… he dictated this song and commanded it with his guitar eloquence. Burning Heart from the very onset of my hearing it, never came across to me as being sappy. It is quite an emotional song for certain and radiates that essential vibe that seems to be lacking in so many Power Ballads over the decades.

Does Burning Heart remind me of a love I once had? Nope. Does it remind me of a love I could never have? Nope again. Despite this, this is a song that just reminds me of a time in my life when I was seeking out my place amongst my peers and just trying to get along. In actuality, that is really what I’m still doing, to this very day. Any song, from the vast and seemingly infinite world of music, will hold it’s own unique affect on an individual. Burning Heart stays in my music mind files as being… timeless.

* Besides being a legendary guitarist, find out more about Adrian Vandenberg and his other artistic talent… as a world renowned painter in the fine arts. Peruse Adrian’s brilliant artwork by clicking this link: ADRIAN VANDENBERG – ARTIST

Vandenberg, as they appeared on the debut/self titled album:

Adrian Vandenberg – guitar, keyboards and backing vocals

Bert Heerink – lead vocals

Dick Kemper – bass and backing vocals

Jos Zoomer – drums and backing vocals

LONG LIVE ADRIAN VANDENBERG & HIS MUSIC

Stone.

5 Comments »

THE DOORS “13” – Reflecting On My First Album By This Beyond Legendary Band

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, metal odyssey, Music, psychedelic rock music, Rock, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music, rock music history, rock music news with tags 1960's rock bands, 1970's rock bands, classic rock, classic rock bands, classic rock songs, hard rock music, jim morrison, metal odyssey, Music, Psychedelic Rock, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock and roll hall of fame, rock music, rock music history, rock music legends, rock vocalists, the doors 13 album, the doors greatest hits on September 6, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

THE DOORS – Today was a gorgeous late Summer day where I live. Eastern Pennsylvania has had it’s fair share of oppressive humidity the last few months, so taking advantage of more mild temperatures with little to no humidity is essential for the mind, body and soul. Outdoor activities are once again in the fold for Stone and his family! So, the family and I set out for some mini golf this afternoon. My wife found what I consider to be the cleanest and most fun mini golf course I’ve ever seen or played. Sittler Golf Center is quite the place… with a driving range, pro-shop, take-out window and of course, mini golf. This cool place is located in Kutztown, Pennsylvania.

There are those many moments in my life, where being somewhere and hearing a song sparks a memory. Today there were two songs I heard being played at Sittler Golf Center, they were Touch Me and Light My Fire by the beyond legendary – The Doors. Listening to these kind of Rock Classics while playing mini golf makes Stone very happy. The memory these two songs sparked in my mind were of the first vinyl album I ever owned by The Doors, which was 13.

It was an immediate vision in my minds eye, the album 13. I could see it as plain as day as I moved about the mini golf course today. 13 is a slab of classic vinyl I wish was still in my collection. All I kept thinking to myself as the vision of this album drifted through my mind was… why did I get rid of so many damn great albums years ago? This question gets brought up by me so frequently and the answers are always the same. CD’s were invented and I traded or sold many of my vinyl albums so I could buy… more vinyl albums and/or CD’s! It was an economic cycle I was in for years, buying and then selling my favorite albums. I guess now I know better, the collector and nostalgic parts of me helps to keep my collection intact.

Yes, I did not own a studio album from The Doors until after this “greatest hits” of 13 ran it’s Rockin’ course through my young Rock ‘N’ Roll hungry veins and consciousness. 13 was as terrific a starting point as I could ever ask for in exploring The Doors. I believe I bought 13 sometime around 1983. I remember choosing this 13 album over The Doors Greatest Hits album, due to my liking the album cover of 13 much better. 13 has all four members of The Doors on the cover, with of course Jim Morrison taking up the majority of the cover… and rightfully so. I can honestly remember, holding both albums, debating which one to buy, while standing in the record aisle at the Caldor department store.

Here is what The Doors – Greatest Hits looks like:

Granted, both album covers have a fantastic photo of Jim Morrison. My thinking back in ’83 was to get the “greatest hits” of The Doors that everyone else was passing over. Thinking back, it seemed most of my friends and cousins had bought the Greatest Hits from 1980. L.A. Woman, Not To Touch The Earth, Break On Through and Riders On The Storm are not on 13 and on the Greatest Hits from ’80. However, 13 did have… 13 songs versus the 10 songs heard on the “original” Greatest Hits album from ’80. So, three more songs plus I liked the album cover better, making 13 my first album of choice in adding The Doors to my record collection and life.

It’s funny, yet as I played 13 over and over again back then, my favorite song on this album was You’re Lost Little Girl. Why it’s funny is that this song was never a huge hit for The Doors. I can recall hearing this song being played on WCCC, WHCN and maybe WPLR up in very expensive Connecticut while growing up, only very rarely. Heck, compare this song to the timeless classics of Light My Fire, L.A. Woman, Riders On The Storm and Hello I Love You and forget about it… these songs were staples in the FM rotation of any reputable station back in the 80’s, today as well for some.

What lured me in first and foremost, upon my initial listening experiences of 13 was the voice of Jim Morrison. Whoa. Jim Morrison sounded like no other dude I was listening to of any band at the time. This wasn’t Rob Halford, Ozzy, Paul/Gene/Ace or Peter of KISS, Dennis DeYoung, Lou Gramm, Tom Petty, Bon Scott, Brian Johnson, Jeff Lynne or Robin Zander. Nope. This was a more mysterious voice I was being exposed to at this time of my young life. The previous names I mentioned were all being digested by my ears and mind around 1983, slightly before my “real” exposure to the Thrash Metal movement that enriched my life to this very moment. All of these vocalists I named off are extremely unique and I admire them all greatly.

The voice of Jim Morrison to this day, makes me wonder as to what exactly was going through his mind as he sang. The only other vocalist that I could consider mysterious, with an unreal alluring X -factor, is the late and so sadly missed by me and countless others… Ronnie James Dio. To me, the voice and persona of Jim Morrison was Rock ‘N’ Roll in it’s most profusely exposed state. Sure, I could rant on about the drugs and misfortune of Jim Morrison here, only that’s not what I take from this legend of Rock ‘N’ Roll. Just knowing at that young age back in ’83, that drug abuse defeated Jim Morrison was enough for me to understand the consequences of living such a lifestyle.

13 motivated me to buy this amazing book:

This fabulous biography, No One Here Gets Out Alive, was written by Jerry Hopkins and Danny Sugerman and was printed back in 1980. I remember being mesmerized by the content that I absorbed from these pages. Whoa… was I becoming schooled on the life and times of a Rock ‘N’ Roll legend. I was so fascinated by this book, that I can admit to reading it several times over before I graduated high school. I can remember that my mom was just happy that I was reading a book at all! So many kids had this book under their arm, in their locker or tucked away in their stash back in those early ’80’s that it was alarming.

My memory of watching this album, 13, spin around on the turntable seems like yesterday to me. Yes, I held that album jacket and stared at The Doors. I even read No One Here Gets Out Alive as this album played. Listening to Ray Manzarek on keyboards, Robby Krieger on guitar and John Densmore on drums was a lesson in how American Rock Music was formulated in the late 1960’s and into the early 1970’s. I remember back in ’83, as I still do now, the feeling of amazement that The Doors released their debut album in 1967… when I was only 22 days from turning 1 years old!

The Doors and their 13 album only enlightened my adoration for Rock ‘N’ Roll, making me all the more better prepared for the onslaught of Metal Music that has been an important part of my life for so long now. This is not nonsense about The Doors actually pushing me head first into exploring so many other cool and historical bands when I was a teenager. I actually took a keen interest in listening to The Animals, The Rolling Stones, The Who and a slew of other Rock Music heavyweights back in those early to mid ’80’s due to this remarkable album called… 13.

* The Doors – 13 was released back in November of 1970, on Elektra Records.

* The Doors – 13 was their first “greatest hits” album release.

* Apparently, 13 has never been released on CD. I’m going to find it on vinyl again someday… hopefully in the same mint condition as I once owned it!

* For more info on The Doors, just click here: THE DOORS – Official Website

* For more info on Sittler Golf Center, just click: Sittler Golf Center – website

Track Listing For The Doors – 13:

Light My Fire

People Are Strange

Back Door Man

Moonlight Drive

The Crystal Ship

Roadhouse Blues

Touch Me

Love Me Two Times

You’re Lost Little Girl

Hello I Love You

Land Ho!

Wild Child

The Unknown Soldier

LONG LIVE THE DOORS ROCK ‘N’ ROLL!

R.I.P. Jim Morrison & Ronnie James Dio

Stone.

4 Comments »

TEN VERY UNCOOL HARD ROCK & HEAVY METAL ALBUM COVERS PART II

Posted in classic rock music, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags food network, hard rock music, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, helloween, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news, uncool hard rock album covers, uncool heavy metal album covers on September 5, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER?

I don’t advertise myself to be an “expert” in Hard Rock and Heavy Metal album cover design. Nor am I a photography expert either. What I do know is this… a Hard Rock or Heavy Metal album cover should entice fans or potential fans to buy the album. Skulls, flames, guitars, dragons, sword & sorcery, space aliens, monsters, spooky landscapes, the paranormal and the macabre is right up my Metal alley when it comes to album covers. You won’t find this cool stuff on the album covers below. Marketing Hard Rock and Heavy Metal should be simple, right? Well, that is not always the Metal case, as you shall see from the following list of ten very uncool album covers that I have compiled… just for you… and it’s “Part II”!

Years ago, I did earn a degree in Graphic Communications, therefore I think I know what cool Hard Rock and Heavy Metal album artwork is supposed to look like. Then again, what do I know? Some, if not many of the albums in this top ten list have probably sold millions of copies worldwide… so my opinion on these very uncool album covers is probably one big, nasty and smelly fart in the wind anyways.

* Just because an album cover is uncool, doesn’t necessarily mean that the music contained within is lousy. This list, as with the first list, only points out those Hard Rock & Heavy Metal album covers which Metal Odyssey finds so extremely boring and embarrassing that they are… well, uncool.

Here are Metal Odyssey’s Top Ten Very Uncool Hard Rock & Heavy Metal Album Covers Part II, enjoy! Or, try to enjoy.

#10:

Hard Rock Essentials: 1980’s (1995)

Wow. Is that supposed to be a guitar in the center? Um, it’s missing some parts. Ahhh! Those two skulls are so NOT scary! These aren’t the skulls and guitar that I’m looking for on an album cover! This is what a record company gets, when they don’t want to pay the $$$ for decent Hard Rock artwork. Instead, it looks like some record company gave a kindergartner the “go” on this one. Or, it’s some overpaid record executive’s fourth grade kid that did it. Either way… this artwork stinks like rotten cabbage.

#9:

Metal Church – The Human Factor (1991)

Look, anyone who knows me, knows I revere Metal Church… every Metal Church lineup too. With that said, this album cover does this Metal Church lineup NO Metal justice whatsoever. It looks like these guys are laying down on a (gulp) Disco dance floor from Saturday Night Fever. The Metal Church “classic logo” is there, only it’s not enough.

#8:

Torben Enevoldsen – Heavy Persuasion (2007)

Alright, Torben, sit right there and hold up your guitar’s neck directly in front of your face… o.k., a little to the right, hold still now, why aren’t you smiling? Sit still… done! What a picture we got! That didn’t take too long now, did it? Man, Torben, this is gonna make an awesome album cover!

#7:

Lee Aaron – Metal Queen (1984)

Um, yup. Anyways, Lee Aaron really doesn’t look like a queen here at all. Instead, let’s be real, she looks more like a lady barbarian. Where’s the queen’s clothing? Hey… that’s a cardboard sword! Is that backdrop a soiled shower curtain? Regardless, this is not the sword & sorcery I’m talkin’ about. Where’s Doro Pesch when we really need her!?

#6:

Koushik – be with

Apparently, Koushik is a Canadian electronic musician. That’s what my Metal research has uncovered. Despite the lack of Hard Rock or Heavy Metal tags associated with Koushik, this album cover is just a MUST to make this list. I should have never thrown away my kids drawings from when they were one years old. Damn, I could be selling them right now… to record companies as album covers! I could have been rich! I could understand if this cover was for Kids Bop though.

#5:

Symphonity – Voice From The Silence (2008)

Trust me… these dudes called Symphonity ROCK. However, the Power Metal & Speed Metal that this cool band is great at just does NOT resonate on this album cover. Honestly, if I did not know about this Symphonity band, I would swear this was a Gospel album.

#4:

Helloween – Chameleon (1993)

As with Metal Church, Helloween is a band that I honestly revere. Helloween invented Power Metal for Metal sakes. Helloween F’n Rules. However, Chameleon is hands down, my least favorite Helloween album ever released… and it has the worst Helloween album cover ever created. Yes… Metal be thy name.

#3:

Heavy Metal: Head Bangin’ Hits (2003)

It’s some girl wearing a Dee Snider Halloween wig and Jerry Garcia glasses. Um… not my idea of a “Heavy Metal Chick”. It’s covers like this that makes me ask… WTF?

#2:

Heart Of Metal 2 – Various Artists (2001)

Yeah, o.k., like every Metalhead out there is gonna give their sweetheart a barbed wire heart, as a token of their Metal love. Here baby… I love you baby… uh, don’t get cut on this barbed wire heart. Over the years, it never ceases to amaze me, the over zealous stereotyping that we Metalheads receive. Like we are all a bunch of cash strapped barbarians, that rummage through landfills for anniversary gifts. If I gave my wife a barbed wire heart… she would then know that I totally lost my Metal mind, plus I’d get kicked out of the house as well. Hey, not even Hot Topic sells these barbed wire hearts. Not yet anyways.

#1:

Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives: Road Songs That Rock – Hand Picked by Guy Fieri (Compilation) – (2008)

F’n Whoa. Hey, I don’t need that Food Network or Guy Fieri hand picking ANY Rock, Hard Rock or Heavy Metal songs for me. Stick to eating your high cholesterol foods Guy. Plus, I don’t see the F’n connection between the Food Network and Rock ‘N’ Roll anyways. Furthermore, I NEVER connected Guy Fieri to Hard Rock, Heavy Metal or any Rock Music for that F’n matter. All of a sudden, Guy Fieri is the second coming of Wolfman Jack.

Do you think the Food Network would let me have a 30 minute show called… Cooking With Stone? Bet your Metal butt they wouldn’t. Yet it’s alright for the Food Network to set loose their “food experts” on the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal world. Gee Metal whiz.

This is a perfect example of a corporate entity getting involved where they DON’T BELONG! It’s all about the quick $$$ isn’t it Food Network? By the way… the track listing is not too shabby on this CD. I don’t own it and would never buy it… due to the Metal fact it has a damn Food Network logo on it with Guy Fieri laughing all the way to the bank… or should I say refrigerator?

Stone.

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