I really enjoy the entire Anthrax catalog of albums, yet “Among The Living” is definitely my most favorite release from this veteran Thrash Metal band. Released in 1987, this album is loaded with all the power and explosiveness of pure Thrash, the Anthrax way. “Efilnikufesin (N.F.L.)” is one heavy tune that is rebellious and fun, to actually here the lyrics for yourself would explain what I mean. “Among The Living” earns it’s ferocity courtesy of the talented musicians of Anthrax. Scott Ian on guitar is, in my opinion, one of the best in Thrash Metal history. Joey Belladonna on vocals can carry a note extremely well, he is as valid to “Among The Living” as the music itself. I find Belladonna to be a Thrash Metal vocalist who is quite punctual, without compromising the heaviness whatsoever. I have the upmost respect for the vocals of Belladonna on this album. “Indians” is a great song for me, a Thrash Metal jewel of a tune with inspired lyrics. Every song here adds to the credibility of “Among The Living”. Fast music, fast vocals, fast background vocals, everything on this album is fast. That’s what makes Thrash Metal so profoundly heavy, the speed and it is all here waiting for you courtesy of Anthrax! I do not hesitate for a second, to recommend “Among The Living” to all Metal fans worldwide!
Archive for Music
Happy Birthday Eric Burdon – legendary vocalist of The Animals
Posted in 1960's rock & roll, 1960's rock & roll british invasion, 1960's rock music, 1970's Rock, classic rock, Hard Rock, Rock, rock & roll, rock & roll hall of fame inductees, rock and roll, rock and roll hall of fame inductees, rock celebrity birthdays, rock music, rock music vocals, Vocals with tags 1960's rock music, classic rock, eric burdon, eric burdon rock vocalist, hard rock music, Music, Rock, rock & roll british invasion, rock & roll hall of fame, rock and roll celebrity birthday, rock and roll hall of fame, rock music, the animals, the animals rock band on May 11, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
Today is May 11, 2009 and is also – the birthday for Eric Burdon, the legendary lead vocalist for the (legendary) 1960’s Rock band – The Animals. Eric Burdon and The Animals are deservedly enshrined in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, (inducted in 1994). Eric Burdon has turned a rockin’ 68 today! Today is as good an excuse as any to slap on some tunes from The Animals and play them LOUD. The Animals were an integral part of the historical “British Invasion” of Rock & Roll, straight from England, back in the storied 1960’s. Man, the voice of Eric Burdon is just plain timeless, in my Metal opinion. I have always been captivated by the vocals of Eric Burdon, I always wonder how he would have sounded fronting a Metal band today, he has that voice that is deep, cool and ominous. The three tunes from The Animals that I always find stuck in my head are: “House of the Rising Sun”, “Sky Pilot” and “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood”. (Now I am gonna have these tunes stuck in my head today, that is cool with me though). The Animals career may have been short compared to many other bands of that time period, however, I always feel it is quality and not quantity that matters most in Rock & Roll. To me, The Animals and Eric Burdon exemplify Rock & Roll quality.
The greatest Heavy Metal album of all time is…
Posted in 1970's hard rock, 1970's Rock, Album Review, Black Sabbath, classic rock, cool album covers, Hard Rock, hard rock album review, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, metal music, Metal Reviews, Music, ozzy, Ozzy Osbourne, Rock, rock music, rock music vocals, tony iommi heavy metal guitarist with tags 1970's heavy metal, 1970's rock music, Album Review, bill ward, Black Sabbath, black sabbath 1974, classic hard rock, classic heavy metal, classic rock, geezer butler, greatest heavy metal album of all time, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, Metal, metal music, Music, ozzy, Ozzy Osbourne, Reviews, Rock, rock music, sabbath bloody sabbath album, tony iommi on May 9, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
Well, I have finally reached the pinnacle in my decision process for The Greatest Heavy Metal Album Of All Time. Please reference my past posts on this topic, you will find many great & legendary Metal albums that I personally nominated for this prestigious label. Without further delay, in my Metal opinion, and only mine alone, I have chosen: Black Sabbath – “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath”
Please note that this is my opinion, anyone out there can have his/her own choice for this topic. It boils down to personal preference, especially when it happens to be Metal. Here are my reasons for why I feel this way about this incredible album:
1. It is my belief that Doom Metal, Stoner Metal and real Metal all began with Black Sabbath. “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” just signifies musically, what Metal was and where Metal was heading, back in 1974.
2. Without question, for me, the ‘riff master’ of the Metal world then and now is and forever will be the legendary Tony Iommi.
3. Ozzy Osbourne – no Rock or Metal vocalist has ever sounded like him, or even come close. Ozzy’s vocals are so unique, it is uncanny. I am not saying Ozzy is the greatest vocalist ever, what I am stating is that his vocals are a signature, a trademark if you will, of “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath.” Ozzy’s vocals are so extraordinarily identifiable, just as Tony Iommi’s guitar riffs.
4. Not that this played any factor in my decision whatsoever – the album cover artwork is extremely cool, very much Metal. The artwork depicts a skull, demonic beings, a nightmarish snapshot of a piece of hell. Perhaps, I do not know officially for certain, this was the first album cover of any Rock genre which depicted 666 in it’s artwork. (Again, I would need to really research this).
My summary as to why I believe “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” to be The Greatest Heavy Metal Album Of All Time is this:
Black Sabbath “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” is a tried and true Heavy Metal classic. Every song is a definitive statement of just how talented and forward thinking Black Sabbath was in 1974. These 8 songs are a journey of surreal riffs, post psychedelic musical heaviness, that molded Heavy Metal into what it has become today. The opener “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” has a lead riff that instantly prepares you for the remaining set of songs. The instrumental “Fluff” could only work for Black Sabbath on this album, it’s convenient yet prominent position within these songs makes complete sense. “Fluff” and it’s acoustic beauty embarks on the intelligence Black Sabbath held onto musically. Just look at how many Metal bands since, that have slipped in dreamy, mystical or macabre instrumentals for their respective albums. Ozzy Osbourne is so unmistakably eerie on vocals, he was and always shall be one of a kind. Tony Iommi delves into the world of heavy riffs, formulating one after another throughout, unknowingly becoming the Metal riff king for all time. Geezer Butler on bass and Bill Ward on drums provide a legendary rhythm section, that shapes the dark moodiness of this beyond fantastic Metal masterpiece. I look at 1974, then I realize exactly how prominent Heavy Meal was then. It really was not an embraced genre as yet, Metal was truly in it’s infant stage.
“Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” was the Metal comet that stormed into the musical universe in 1974, making a collision onto a world of Rock & Roll that did not know what hit it. Legions of bands and musicians have been influenced by this album, if not, these bands/musicians are not into Metal and/or do not live on this planet. I strongly urge any and all Heavy Metal or Hard Rock fans to add “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” to their music collection, it is an essential and important work of Heavy Metal. The Greatest Heavy Metal Album Of All Time.
Just as a sidebar, I struggled with this decision. I was steadfast in deciding on Slipknot “All Hope Is Gone” as the greatest ever. Then, I followed my Metal heart and realized, if it wasn’t for Black Sabbath and “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath,” would there even be Metal music as we know it today?
Molly Hatchet debut album from 1978 – Rocks heavy to this day
Posted in 1970's hard rock, 1970's Rock, 1980's hard rock, 1980's southern hard rock, 1980's southern rock, Album Review, classic rock, classic southern rock, cool album covers, Hard Rock, hard rock album review, hard rock guitarists, hard rock songs, Music, rock music, rock music vocals, southern hard rock, southern hard rock albums, southern rock, southern rock albums with tags 1970's rock music, 1970's southern hard rock, 1970's southern rock, 1980's southern hard rock, 1980's southern rock, Album Review, banner thomas bass guitarist molly hatchet, bruce crump drummer molly hatchet, classic rock, classic southern rock, danny joe brown vocalist molly hatchet, dave hlubek guitarist molly hatchet, duane roland guitarist molly hatchet, Hard Rock, hard rock music, molly hatchet, molly hatchet 1978, molly hatchet debut album, molly hatchet southern rock band, Music, Reviews, southern hard rock, southern rock, steve holland guitarist molly hatchet on May 8, 2009 by Metal OdysseyIn 1978, Molly Hatchet, the Southern Rock legends to be, released their debut album “Molly Hatchet” – this album still rocks today. I was just embarking on my teen years back in 1978, Kiss, Foreigner, The Electric Light Orchestra and Cheap Trick were my four main bands that I listened to constantly. (I was not into the real heavy music until I entered high school, heck, I was still green and learning fast about the huge world of Rock music). One band, however, that turned my head and gave me instant goose bumps as soon as I heard their tunes was Molly Hatchet. Man, I was amazed at the sound of this band. I was going on fourteen when I first heard the guitar jamming, the muscular feel and Southern Rock energy coming from Molly Hatchet. The vocals of Danny Joe Brown sounded so bad ass to me, (they still do), I thought I was bad ass when I spoke of Molly Hatchet to my grammar school buddies. The rebellious sound, vocals, lyrics and super cool album cover won me over in 1978 and has never waned for three decades. I never forget or stop listening to those bands that got me into music as a kid, these bands including Molly Hatchet I am forever grateful for.
“The Creeper” in and of itself is good enough reason to chase this album/CD down. The seven minute and brilliant “Dreams I’ll Never See” for me, makes for one of the greatest cruisin’ tunes I have ever heard. “Bounty Hunter” and “Gator Country” just kick start this album into a Hard Southern Rockin’ rebellious ride that I enjoy taking. I realize a couple of posts ago was about Molly Hatchet as well, I am stoked recently over this band forgive me please. This debut album from Molly Hatchet blows away thousands of other debut albums that are out there – how often I find myself not buying a bands first album due to it’s blandness. Hey, this is my Metal opinion. Sure, the debut from Molly Hatchet is “old school” – only remember that this is an album that helped pave the way for Southern Hard Rock to flourish and receive it’s due respect and credibility. I hope my posts on Molly Hatchet can lure new fans to this legendary band and to the genre of Southern Rock. Veteran fans of Molly Hatchet and Southern Hard Rock already know what I am talking about.
Here is the original lineup of Molly Hatchet, as they appeared on their debut album “Molly Hatchet” – Danny Joe Brown – lead vocalist, Duane Roland – lead guitar, Dave Hlubek – lead guitar, Steve Holland – lead guitar, Banner Thomas – bass guitar and Bruce Crump – drums.
Molly Hatchet – “Greatest Hits” defines Southern Hard Rock
Posted in 1980's hard rock, 1980's southern hard rock, 1980's southern rock, Album Review, classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock album review, hard rock songs, Heavy Metal, Music, Rock, rock music, rock music vocals, southern hard rock albums, southern rock albums with tags 1980's southern hard rock, 1980's southern rock, Album Review, danny joe brown vocalist molly hatchet, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, jimmy farrar vocalist molly hatchet, molly hatchet, molly hatchet album covers, molly hatchet album review, molly hatchet greatest hits album, molly hatchet southern rock band, Music, Reviews, rock music, southern hard rock, southern rock on May 6, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
Every time I listen to Molly Hatchet “Greatest Hits” I get positively pumped and put into the best of moods. The Southern Hard Rock crunch of Molly Hatchet coupled with the back roads feel of all their music will never be matched by any band today. Molly Hatchet, in my opinion, was the heaviest Southern Rock band of their day. They treaded the fine line of Metal later in their career with “Satisfied Man” and “Shake The House Down”. Early in Molly Hatchet’s catalog of music, “The Creeper” made it known instantly that this band was playing heavy and for keeps! This song off of their debut album “Molly Hatchet” is bass heavy and the guitar work slams it down! The signature heaviness of Molly Hatchet is also linked to the unique lead vocals. The tough as nails vocals you will hear are from Jimmy Farrar and Danny Joe Brown. Both vocalists were so similar in their attitude and make no mistake Southern Hard Rock vocal delivery. The FM radio hits of the late ’70’s and early ’80’s are all here, with “Flirtin’ With Disaster”, “Beatin’ The Odds”, and the lengthy guitar driven masterpieces “Dreams I’ll Never See” and “Fall Of The Peacemakers”.
Let’s face it, the album artwork on Molly Hatchet album covers are extremely cool. I still find myself, to this day, staring at the artwork like it is my first time ever seeing it. I am from the generation of Metal/Hard Rock fans that would (and still do), sit down with a vinyl album jacket and inspect every speck of art, from front to back, while listening to that respective band’s tunes. I strongly recommend any fan of heavy music to buy this “Greatest Hits” of Molly Hatchet, still, I also recommend any album that this band has ever released, past or present. It is my opinion, that Molly Hatchet truly crossed over many Rock genres during their reign – Rock, Hard Rock, Southern Rock, Southern Hard Rock and eventually a stab at trying to sound like ’80’s Heavy Metal, (with the album “The Deed Is Done” – released in 1984). Call them any genre you wish, I just call Molly Hatchet legends. Long live Molly Hatchet. Keeping in mind, the core of the original Molly Hatchet lineup has changed over the years, this band has still released some current and impressive Southern Hard Rock albums over the last decade.
I have never, ever, heard such incredible, good-old fashioned guitar jamming in my life like I hear with Molly Hatchet on their “Greatest Hits” – intensity is the best adjective. This band legitimized guitar jamming and put it on the map! This is the ultimate “Greatest Hits” you will find from Molly Hatchet. Give the Hatchet a try and you will be hooked for life! The liner notes that come with the re-mastered CD are eight pages. Two pages are devoted to a summary history of Molly Hatchet, along with four cool band photos and song/album credits.
Mastodon “Crack The Skye” is a cool Metal journey to take
Posted in Album Review, current heavy metal music, Hard Rock, hard rock album review, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, metal music, Metal Reviews, progressive metal, progressive metal albums, progressive metal music, progressive rock, rock music with tags Album Review, bill kelliher guitarist, brann dailor drummer, brent hinds guitarist, crack the skye album, crack the skye mastodon album, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal music, mastodon, mastodon metal band, mastodon progressive metal band, Metal, metal album review, metal music, Music, progressive hard rock, progressive metal, troy sanders bass player on May 6, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
I have been reading “professionally paid” music critic reviews about the newest release from Mastodon – “Crack The Skye” – the majority of them are not even worth discussing or repeating. I dig the new Mastodon album, simply put it rocks. For Metal sakes, anyone who knows Metal, should know and/or understand that Mastodon is and always has been a Progressive Metal band. With the Progressive Metal bands, you never know exactly what you are going to get with the next album. (To solidify my point, just look at Rush, Dream Theater and Queensryche, these bands have always experimented musically). So what, big deal, so the new Mastodon album is not as heavy as their last release “Blood Mountain” – give me a Metal break.
The Metal musical “escape” I feel and hear while listening to “Crack The Skye” is cool for me. The vocals are still heavy, the guitar leads are still heavy, and the rhythm section is the farthest thing musically from 1970’s Hard Rock as you can possibly get. This album was not created in 1977, this Metal is happening now. Sure, there are plenty of synthetic sounds applied to “Crack The Skye,” that is what makes this album progressive. The synthetic interludes and backdrops along with the lyrics are why I call “Crack The Skye” a Metal journey. Mastodon did not provide here, a “rip and tear – let it all loose, heavy frenzy” – if I or any other true Metal fan wants that, heck, I will listen to a Metal band that is supposed to play that way. Suffice to say, in my Metal opinion, Mastodon has created a Progressive Metal gem. Paid and uninformed music critics can call this new album from Mastodon anything they want. The sole reason why I live for Metal music in the first place, is due to it’s diversity with all of the Metal genres. At the end of the day, when you break it all down, musically, Metal will always be… Metal.
I really give praise to the vocals, musicianship, song writing and lyrics on “Crack The Skye” – do I find any flaws? Nope. I could never write or play Metal music this darn good. I recommend to all Mastodon and Metal fans across the globe to chase this album down, play it, enjoy it. Rock out to it. Jump onto “Crack The Skye” and experience the Progressive Metal journey that Mastodon created. Now, just because I want to, here is a roll call of the fine Metal musicians that are Mastodon: Brann Dailor (drums, vocals & percussion), Brent Hinds (lead guitar, vocals & banjo), Bill Kelliher (guitar) and Troy Sanders (bass, vocals & bass synth).
Quiet Riot “Rehab” – a Heavy Metal diamond in the rough
Posted in 1980's heavy metal music, Album Review, classic rock, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, hard rock album review, hard rock songs, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, metal music, Metal Reviews, Music, Rock, rock music, Vocals with tags 1980's heavy metal, 1980's metal music, Album Review, Frankie Banali, frankie banali rock drummer, glenn hughes, glenn hughes rock vocalist, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album review, heavy metal music, kevin dubrow, Metal, metal music, Music, neil citron rock guitarist, Quiet Riot, quiet riot heavy metal band, quiet riot rehab album, tony franklin on May 4, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
The late Kevin DuBrow of Quiet Riot has certainly left his mark on the world of Heavy Metal. In my opinion, just the album “Metal Health” alone is quite the Metal accomplishment. “Metal Health” (released in 1983), will forever have the distinction of being the very first Heavy Metal album to hit #1 on the album charts. Fast forward to October 31, 2006, Quiet Riot “Rehab” was released under the radar, so to speak. “Rehab” is a darn good hard rockin’ album, in my Metal opinion. You no longer hear the Hair Metal thumping of the 1980’s on this album, what I do hear, are quality written songs with quality musicianship. In summary, the music on “Rehab” is Hard Rock meets Heavy Metal.
I am not saying that “Rehab” is the greatest Metal album I have ever listened to, it is just a real decent album of songs that really rock, a well rounded album of songs. This is not what I expected, actually, for I thought that “Rehab” was going to be a Hair Metal trip down memory lane. I did get more than I anticipated, for all the tunes here are relatively longer than your usual straight-up Heavy Metal album. The shortest tune is “Blind Faith”, at 3 minutes and 23 seconds. The longest tune is “Evil Woman” at 8 minutes and 49 seconds. The musicians on “Rehab” are (of course) Kevin DuBrow on vocals and Frankie Banali on drums – with Glenn Hughes on bass and lead vocal duet on the tune “Evil Woman.” (No, this is not a cover song of The Electric Light Orchestra’s Classic Rock hit). Glenn Hughes also provides background vocals throughout “Rehab”, with Neil Citron on guitar and Tony Franklin on bass as well. “It Sucks To Be You”, (written by Kevin DuBrow), is the closest you are probably going to get in hearing the old school Hair Metal swagger vocals coming from Kevin DuBrow. Musically, the song is also the most reminiscent of 1980’s Heavy Metal from Quiet Riot too.
Overall, I find “Rehab” to be a sincere and serious approach in creating and delivering on some very cool Hard Rock/Heavy Metal from Quiet Riot. After each listen to “Rehab”, I cannot help but find myself wishing Kevin DuBrow did not pass away so young. Then again, Kevin DuBrow will live on forever in the music he helped to create, leaving Metal fans like myself enjoying what I consider to be one of the more unique vocals in Heavy Metal’s storied history. In my Metal opinion, “Rehab” is one heavy, mature, quality driven, class act effort for Quiet Riot to end their Metal legacy with.
Over Kill “The Years Of Decay” – A Thrash Metal album to behold
Posted in 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's thrash metal, Album Review, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal music, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, metal music, Music, Over Kill, Thrash Metal, thrash metal album review, thrash metal music, thrash metal music reviews with tags "sid" falck, 1980's heavy metal, 1980's metal music, 1980's thrash metal, Album Review, bobby "blitz" ellsworth, bobby gustafson, d.d. verni, d.d. verni bass guitarist, Heavy Metal, heavy metal music, Metal, metal music, Music, Over Kill, over kill thrash metal band, the years of decay thrash metal album, Thrash Metal, thrash metal album review, thrash metal genre on May 3, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
“If it is old school Thrash Metal you are looking for, you have definitely found it! Over Kill does not disappoint, each song is as heavy as the next, TRUE Thrash Metal. This is as great a start as you can get if you are beginning an Over Kill music collection. Over Kill throughout the years have been steadfast and loyal to the Thrash Metal sound and genre, comparing “The Years Of Decay” to their other albums is non sensical, for I admire the entire catalog of albums from this band. “The Years Of Decay” in my opinion, stands out from the vast Thrash Metal album crowd, since it’s release in 1989. For an album that is now twenty plus years old, this brand of Thrash Metal from Over Kill is still Earth shattering, in my Metal opinion. Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth on vocals and D.D. Verni on bass deserve all the accolades. Bobby Gustafson on guitar and “Sid” Falck on drums are both tremendous players on this album as well. I really recommend “The Years Of Decay” to all Metal and Thrash Metal fans alike. New Over Kill fans cannot pass over this heavy hitter.
Rumpelstiltskin Grinder – a fresh breath of new school Thrash Metal
Posted in Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal music, Heavy Metal Reviews, Metal, metal music, Metal Reviews, Thrash Metal, thrash metal album review, thrash metal music reviews with tags cannibal corpse, Death Metal, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, relapse records, rumpelstiltskin grinder, rumpelstiltskin grinder thrash metal band, Thrash Metal, thrash metal album review, thrash metal review on May 2, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
Rumpelstiltskin Grinder. It was just a matter of time before I picked up the newest release from these Thrash Metal dudes. “Living For Death, Destroying The Rest” is their brand new album, (on Relapse Records), it is fast, furious, super heavy, a tad diabolical, well, I made my point. These attributes are exactly what I look for from any Thrash Metal album, so it is safe to say that Rumpelstiltskin Grinder delivered the super Metal goods here, in my Metal opinion. I cannot say enough about the frenzied pace of the Thrash Metal with this album, while driving and listening to these guys, I have to say it is quite exhilarating.
“Graveyard Vandalization” is a tune that Cannibal Corpse should be very proud of. Lyrically, it is completely and insanely gory, disgusting and downright nasty. What else could anyone expect from a song lyrically, when it has a title like that? For me, the tune is still quite entertaining and musically encompasses all things Thrash. It is humorous to me, for when I think of the title for this album – “Living For Death, Destroying The Rest”, well, isn’t that the usual theme of 24 hour network news cable channels? If anyone out there cannot handle the lyrics and tunes from Rumpelstiltskin Grinder, I guess they probably should not be able to handle the nightly news either. It is refreshing for me to know, that a band like Rumpelstiltskin Grinder is running off with the torch of Thrash Metal – I hope they carry on for quite awhile. I recommend this album to any Metal fan who wants to be entertained with some down home, new school, Thrash Metal fury.
Watch out Metal & Hard Rock fans – Chickenfoot is coming!
Posted in 1980's heavy metal music, Album Review, classic rock, current hard rock songs, Guitar, Hard Rock, hard rock album review, hard rock guitarists, hard rock songs, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, metal music, Metal Reviews, Music, recent heavy metal albums, Rock, rock music, rock music vocals, van halen, Vocals with tags 1980's heavy metal, cabo wabo, chad smith, chad smith drummer, chickenfoot, chickenfoot hard rock supergroup, Hard Rock, hard rock music, hard rock music review, Heavy Metal, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, heavy metal music review, joe satriani, joe satriani rock guitarist, Metal News, michael anthony, Music, red hot chili peppers, Rock, rock music, rock supergroups, sammy hagar, the red rocker, van halen on May 1, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
Supergroups are not a new concept to the worlds of Hard Rock or Heavy Metal. Asia, Hellyeah, HSAS and Saints Of The Underground are just a handful of really cool supergroups of Hard Rock and Metal, both from the past to the present. Chickenfoot, however, is a super – supergroup. With the likes of Sammy Hagar on vocals, Michael Anthony on bass & backing vocals, Chad Smith on drums and the brilliant – Joe Satriani on guitar, Chickenfoot is one monster of a legendary lineup of musicians. C’mon, you are looking at half of the Van Halen lineup here, with Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony.
I have always admired each and everyone of these guys as musicians, my appetite for Van Halen, Sammy Hagar’s solo material, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Joe Satriani has never waned over the years. I have just recently heard three tracks from the upcoming release from Chickenfoot, (due for release on June 9, 2009), these three tunes are really, really, really cool and hard rocking. “Soap On A Rope”, “Oh Yeah” and “Down The Drain” all sound like vintage Van Hagar, (oops), I mean Van Halen with Sammy on vocals, of course. However, this is not a replay of Sammy Hagar fronting Van Halen – no sir. The songs are so vibrant, heavy and unbelievably catchy. Gee, could it be due to Joe Satriani blazing on guitar like his life depends on it? Joe Satriani has finally put his stamp of unreal guitar wizardry, onto a band with a vocalist. When I listen to these three songs, it is Van Halen meets Joe Satriani. I find all three songs to be a bit more edgier than what Sammy Hagar has done with Van Halen, this is a compliment. Trust me, Joe Satriani stands out on these three songs! In my Metal opinion, Joe Satriani does not take a back seat to Eddie Van Halen on any day.
Michael Anthony lends not only his talented bass skills to Chickenfoot, he also brings to the Metal table his distinguishable backing vocals – (which are currently sorely missed in the new Van Halen). Chad Smith has proved to me, on only these two songs I have heard thus far, from Chickenfoot, that he can play drums like a Hard Rock/Heavy Metal super pro. Chad Smith can play the heavy stuff, you betcha! I actually have shook my head while listening to “Soap On A Rope”, “Oh Yeah” and “Down The Drain”, (in an over impressed/blown away manner), due to the overall musicianship and the way these guys gel together. These three tunes rock hard – period. Metal debate closed, as far as I’m concerned. June 6, 2009 will be just another great and historical day in the world of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal music. For the last few years now, I keep telling anyone who listens, this is truly an unbelievable time to be a fan of Hard Rock and/or Metal music. The vintage & legendary players are still out there, turning out the highest quality of heavy music, Chickenfoot is one great example of what I am talking about. Chickenfoot is going to be very huge, this Summer of 2009!
You too can also check out these three tunes from the forthcoming Chickenfoot album, just go to: http://www.chickenfoot.us
Heaven & Hell “The Devil You Know” is Metal greatness!
Posted in 1980's heavy metal music, Black Sabbath, classic rock, dio, Hard Rock, heaven and hell heavy metal band, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal vocalists, horror metal, Metal, metal music, Metal Reviews, Music, new heavy metal album, Power Metal, recent heavy metal albums, Rock, rock music, rock music vocals, ronnie james dio, tony iommi heavy metal guitarist, Vocals with tags 1980's heavy metal, Black Sabbath, dio, geezer butler, Hard Rock, hard rock music, heaven & hell, heaven & hell heavy metal band, heaven and hell, heaven and hell heavy metal band, Heavy Metal, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, metal music, Music, recent heavy metal albums, Rock, rock music, ronnie james dio, the devil you know album, tony iommi, vinny appice on April 30, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
Alas, I finally received via U.S. mail, on April 29, 2009, directly from Best Buy online, the brand new Heaven & Hell release – “The Devil You Know” – (I pre-ordered the CD/DVD version) and I am simply ecstatic over this Metal! I feel I am exonerated from all the praise and hype I have been giving Heaven & Hell for their embarking on making this new album. Greatness is not enough of a positive adjective to describe the Metal tunes on “The Devil You Know” – and I mean all ten songs are enormously great. My favorite tune on this album is “The Turn Of The Screw” – it sounds incredible with Tony Iommi on guitar, for Iommi seems as if he let his melodic side take over with the leads and solo. Ronnie James Dio sounds like he is thirty years old again on not just this tune, all ten of these tunes!
Am I going too far with the praise so far? In my personal Metal opinion, nope. Anyone, albeit fan or professionally paid music critic, who does not agree that “The Devil You Know” is Metal greatness should go out and start listening to dance club music from the 80’s. Heaven & Hell sound as if they have let out their finest and most creative ideas musically, for this new album. Oh, yes, the vintage Tony Iommi guitar riffs are abundant, with dark and doom ambiance aplenty. Lyrically, the songs are what you can expect from Heaven & Hell, with the legendary Ronnie James Dio leading the way vocally, accentuating each syllable with Metal precision. Geezer Butler and Vinny Appice sound so tight as a rhythm section, I would swear they play & practice music together weekly, for the past twenty five years! The old school Metal meets a current Metal groove is happening on this album, I find it extremely addicting.
By no means has Heaven & Hell released a retrospective Metal album that carbon copies the work they accomplished during the 1980’s, no way. In my Metal opinion, this is as current a Metal sound as any recent Metal album release, by any band. Heaven & Hell did not just step it up a notch, they stepped it up with class and respect for us fans – by writing and creating what I consider the highest quality of Metal I have heard in recent memory. I feel Heaven & Hell did reach back to their roots, yet they combined it with the maturation of their musical talents, giving my ears not what Metal used to sound like but what Metal truly is. “The Devil You Know” has instantly become one of those Metal albums, where I cannot believe how great and intense each song is. No skipping over any tune or quick sampling here. Veteran Black Sabbath – Heaven & Hell fans should be thrilled by this new album, new fans most certainly will be Metal impressed. It is not the cliche’ that Heaven & Hell has become of age, it is more that Heaven & Hell proves they are ageless.
Still waiting patiently for the new Heaven & Hell
Posted in 1980's heavy metal music, Black Sabbath, classic rock, dio, Guitar, Hard Rock, heaven and hell heavy metal band, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, metal music, Music with tags Black Sabbath, dio, geezer butler, heaven & hell, heaven & hell heavy metal band, heaven and hell, heaven and hell heavy metal band, Heavy Metal, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, metal music, Music, Rock, rock music, ronnie james dio, the devil you know album, tony iommi, vinny appice on April 29, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
In my last blog, in regards to the new release from Heaven & Hell, “The Devil You Know,” I mentioned I was hoping my CD/DVD version would arrive on the 28th of April, via U.S. mail. Well, gosh, golly, I received a confirmation of shipment email from Best Buy online – it informed me they (at Best Buy), shipped my CD/DVD out on April 27th. Shucks. I am not faulting Best Buy here at all, yet, when I pre-ordered the new Slipknot CD – “All Hope Is Gone” last Summer of 2008, it arrived in my mailbox right smack dab on the release date!! Go figure. I am a patient Metalhead. Always have been, always will be. Great Metal things come to those Metalheads who wait.
Since I am on the topic of the legendary Heaven & Hell, let’s face it, Tony Iommi is the super king of Heavy Metal riffs. Stoner riffs, Doom Metal riffs, whatever you want to call it, the Metal masses have followed Tony Iommi’s formula of riff excellence for four decades now. Geezer Butler has his very own signature sound coming out of his bass, just like his partner in Metal, (Tony Iommi), Geezer brings the heavy doom and boom to his playing. Man, I cannot wait to hear the incredible Ronnie James Dio belting out the vocals on these brand new Metal tunes! My favorite Black Sabbath album of all-time is without question, “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath”, in my opinion it really signified the status, of the Heavy Metal sound that this band was about. I am just so smitten, that these four guys are together again – releasing “The Devil You Know” and embarking on another world tour, even after touring last year. The truest spirit of Heavy Metal illuminates from Heaven & Hell, both from their music and lyrics. What an undeniable legacy, in my Metal opinion! Transcending the Metal music they are so talented for creating, Heaven & Hell exemplify that longevity does coexist with quality.
Heavy Metal theme song for the New York Giants 2009/2010 NFL season is:
Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, Metal, Motorhead, Music, national football league, nfl, nfl football, ozzy, Ozzy Osbourne, Rock, rock music, sports - football with tags eli manning, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal music, lemmy kilmister, Metal, metal music, Motorhead, Music, national football league, new york giants, new york giants football team, nfl, nfl football, ozzy, Ozzy Osbourne on April 26, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
I am a sports fan, a REALLY GIGANTIC fan of the THREE TIME – SUPER BOWL CHAMPION: New York Giants!! With being a fan of Metal music and this being Metal Odyssey, I am going to choose the Heavy Metal theme song for the New York Giants upcoming season of 2009-2010. Why am I doing this? The answer is simple, because I can, that is why. (Well, at least it will be my very own – personal choice, of the New York Giants – Heavy Metal theme song). My choice of the Heavy Metal theme song for the New York Giants is – “Hellraiser” – written by Lemmy Kilmister of Motorhead and Ozzy Osbourne. I like the Motorhead version of Hellraiser to be the pick, Ozzy does a great rendition of this song too, however, I have to choose one or the other. The Motorhead version of “Hellraiser” just seems to be kicked up a notch heavier than the Ozzy version, plus Lemmy’s vocals brings out the lyrical message of the song more stronger, in my Metal opinion. You can find this great Heavy Metal tune on Ozzy Osbourne’s 1991 album – “No More Tears” and Motorhead’s 1992 album “March or Die.”
I am so looking forward to the new NFL season, even though it is still April! Seeing the New York Giants get ousted early in the playoffs last year leaves a sour taste in my mouth, that is one valid reason why I have chosen “Hellraiser” to be the theme song for my favorite NFL team. Eli Manning and his supporting cast of teammates, along with Coach Coughlin, have taken us to Super Bowl glory once before. This should be a Giant year for this team, (as long as we have a new “go-to” wide receiver with leaping ability and great hands). Otherwise, I am pleased with the defensive and offensive lines, plus the running game is a 1-2-3 punch. Special teams have always been a great trademark for this franchise, going way back to the Coach Parcell era. Go Giants! The Big Blue Wrecking Crew!
Happy Birthday Peter Frampton!
Posted in 1970's hard rock, 1970's Rock, Album Review, classic rock, Hard Rock, Metal, Music, rock celebrity birthdays, rock music, rock music vocals with tags 1970's hard rock music, 1970's rock music, Album Review, frampton comes alive album, Hard Rock, Music, peter frampton, peter frampton birthday, peter frampton rock guitarist, peter frampton rock vocalist, Reviews on April 25, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
Anyone who follows Metal Odyssey knows that I like to keep up on the birthdays of legendary Rock Stars. Why? Well, it is a great excuse to write about these dudes and give my opinion on their music. So, without further delay – Metal Odyssey gives out a LOUD Happy Birthday to Peter Frampton!! Frampton turned a cool rockin’ 59 on April 22, 2009. My favorite Peter Frampton album is definitely “Frampton Comes Alive.” Released in 1976, this live album for me, captures the Rock & Roll spirit, talent and energy that Peter Frampton has been exhibiting, going on four decades. “Do You Feel Like I Do” and “Baby I Love Your Way” are true Frampton classics, the live recordings only bring them more to life, in my opinion. I always liked his album “Where I Should Be” – the single “I Can’t Stand It No More” I still find very catchy. Is Peter Frampton Hard Rock? To me, no, if you are going by todays Rock music standards. It was probably easier to categorize Peter Frampton as Hard Rock in the 1970s, maybe. As I see it, Peter Frampton is a Rock legend in his own right, I have always been keen on his brand of Rock & Roll. Plus, for me, the music of Peter Frampton always reminds me of the Summer, being at an outdoor party or just hanging out at the beach. I really cannot figure out why this is, I do recall many outdoor parties in the past, where Frampton was being cranked up loud though. (Maybe that is the reason). All in all, Peter Frampton and his music has been cool for me over the years, I wish Peter Frampton all the best as he continues to tour and write music. Thank you for all the great tunes over the years Peter Frampton!
W.A.S.P. “The Last Command” is a Heavy Metal classic!
Posted in 1980's heavy metal music, Album Review, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal guitarists, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, Metal Reviews, Music, rock music, W.A.S.P. with tags Album Review, Blackie Lawless, chris holmes, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, mountain rock band, Music, Reviews, the last command w.a.s.p. album, W.A.S.P. on April 24, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
“W.A.S.P. “The Last Command” is a Heavy Metal album that has enormous energy, loaded with heavy riffs and guitar leads. I am a W.A.S.P. fan, I by no means want to sound bias, yet this is a classic example of just how sensational, fun and at times provocative the Heavy Metal music and lyrics of W.A.S.P. truly are/were. Released in November of 1985, it is my opinion that “The Last Command” provides more Heavy Metal music muscle than many bands of this genre and time period. The bonus tracks are key, (these bonus tracks are found on the reissue version), there are 7 in all, with W.A.S.P. doing a heavy duty cover of the infamous Mountain song “Mississippi Queen”. Blackie Lawless on lead vocals and bass is the epitome of Heavy Metal then and now, his vocals are a focal point for me, extremely riveting. The 5 live bonus tracks are infused with an electrifying energy of all things Heavy about this band, these songs are quality live recordings. After you listen to the 3 opening songs, the captivating Heavy Metal of W.A.S.P. will have you wishing you owned “The Last Command” for the last 20 plus years! I have never known of or listened to a W.A.S.P. album that I never liked. “The Last Command” kicks the Metal into high gear and should always be played LOUD for maximum enjoyment. I highly recommend “The Last Command” to all W.A.S.P. fans, Heavy Metal and Metal fans and any fan of quality Heavy music from the decade of the ’80’s.
W.A.S.P. on “The Last Command” – Blackie Lawless on lead vocals and bass, Randy Piper on lead, rhythm guitars & background vocals, Chris Holmes on lead & rhythm guitars and Steve Riley on drums & background vocals. The liner notes are outstanding, with 12 pages of complete lyrics, extended artwork, nearly a dozen full color photos of W.A.S.P. and written history behind the making of “The Last Command” and a history of W.A.S.P. as a band.”
Happy Birthday Craig Frost – keyboardist, Grand Funk Railroad
Posted in 1970's hard rock, 1970's Rock, american rock band, grand funk railroad rock band, Hard Rock, Music, Rock, rock celebrity birthdays, rock keyboard musicians, rock music with tags 1970's hard rock music, 1970's rock music, classic hard rock, classic rock, craig frost, craig frost keyboard musician, grand funk railroad, Music, Rock, rock keyboards, rock music on April 22, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
I really enjoy paying homage to the greats of Rock & Roll music. Especially when the musician is a member of a band that I can never, ever, tire from. Happy Birthday Craig Frost! Craig is the keyboard extraordinaire for Grand Funk Railroad, a true – blue collar, American Rock Band. Craig turned a super cool 61 on April 20th.
Man, whoever is into Classic Rock and/or Classic Hard Rock, simply cannot deny that “We’re An American Band” is seriously one heck of a kick tune, that has stood the test of time. For me, this song characterizes Grand Funk Railroad, for me it is their signature song. “The Loco – Motion” is another favorite Grand Funk Railroad tune of mine, the louder I play this bands music – the better it is. I always fall victim to the feel good mode when I crank up Grand Funk Railroad’s Rock & Roll. In my Metal opinion, Craig Frost exemplifies what quality musicianship on the keyboard is supposed to sound like, throughout his successful career. Thank you Craig Frost for the great music over the years!
DAATH – “The Concealers” is a full blown Metal onslaught!
Posted in Album Review, Century Media, century media records, daath death metal band, Death Metal, death metal guitarists, death metal vocals, Drums, Extreme Metal, Guitar, Heavy Metal, heavy metal guitarists, Metal, Metal Reviews, Thrash Metal, Vocals with tags century media records, Death Metal, death metal album review, death metal guitarists, death metal vocals, emil werstler, Extreme Metal, eyal levi, Heavy Metal, jeremy creamer, kevin talley, Metal, metal music, Music, sean z., the concealers album on April 21, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
I still have my ability to hear, thank goodness, especially after I listened to the new release from the Death Metellars from Atlanta, Georgia, – DAATH. This is my kind of Metal cup of tea – a full blown onslaught of Death Metal, that rages through all eleven new songs like an out of control meteor, ready to strike the desolate and cold planet Mars. The new lead singer for DAATH is Sean Z., one listen to “The Concealers” and I am very convinced that he is up to the task to be a standout Death Metal front man. Sean Z. on vocals just seems to engulf the attitude and strength of the lyrics, belting out with the desire and hunger that the entire Metal world should find captivating.
Overall, this entire new album from DAATH is of course, Death Metal, yet they incorporate an underlying mood of progressiveness, with melancholy echoes and synthetic eerie sounds – creating an atmosphere that is as dark as it is melodious. On “The Unbinding Truth” and “… Of Poisoned Sorrows” both tunes end in an abrupt and distorted manner, with the music skipping – the sounds of crackling, (like an old vinyl record being played), can be heard. (Upon my first listen, I thought I had a defect in my CD). This breakaway from the norm works fine for me, it only adds to the dark tone of what is being conveyed by DAATH.
Emil Werstler and Eyal Levi on guitars are reaching out to new heights with their skills on this album – they play very heavy and very fast, yet the breakdowns and leads are tastefully done for a Death Metal album. Jeremy Creamer on bass and Kevin Talley on drums pound out the rhythm section with pure force and defiance, that catapults this album into the real-deal realm of Death Metal. My copy of “The Concealers” I purchased directly through Century Media (my favorite record company on planet Earth), it came with an extra copy of the liner notes – authentically autographed by each member of DAATH!! Obviously, I am content with “The Concealers” – this is an album I highly recommend to all Metal and Death Metal fans. DAATH, in my Metal opinion, is a Death Metal force to reckon with and when their tunes are on – I am all ears.
Happy Birthday Alan Price! – The Animals keyboardist
Posted in 1960's rock music, 1970's Rock, brand new sin, classic rock, Hard Rock, Music, psychedelic rock music, Rock, rock keyboard musicians, rock music, rock music vocals, Vocals with tags 1960's rock music, alan price keyboard musician, brand new sin, eric burdon, eric burdon rock vocalist, Hard Rock, Music, rock and roll celebrity birthday, rock keyboards, the animals, the animals rock band on April 21, 2009 by Metal OdysseyMetal Odyssey sends out a very LOUD Happy Birthday to Alan Price, the original keyboard and organ player for The Animals! Alan turned a real cool 67 on April 19th. I cannot ever grow tired of listening to the keyboard majesty that Alan Price bestowed through the music of The Animals. To me, the keyboards are borderline haunting on “The House of The Rising Sun” – quite honestly, besides Eric Burdon on vocals, the keyboard playing of Alan Price made this song a timeless, early Classic Rock masterpiece. This song always seems to be a favorite for many bands to cover – Brand New Sin does what I consider the coolest cover of this tune, which is found on their album “Tequila”, released in 2006.
“We Gotta Get Out of this Place” is yet another totally incredible song that The Animals gave to Rock music. Again, Alan Price is unmistakably brilliant on this song playing keyboard. I find it so amazing that these tunes were created in the mid 1960’s and still have a contagious Rock groove illuminating from them! The 1960’s and 1970’s Rock-Hard Rock eras were profound with establishing the importance of the keyboard and organ, as solid and true Rock music instruments. The Animals were an authentic British Rock band that stakes a mighty claim in the well established roots of Hard Rock and arguably Heavy Metal as well. Alan Price with his keyboard playing, gave The Animals an important element to their overall signature sound. Thank you Alan Price for the ever lasting music you created!
Kip Winger – “From The Moon To The Sun” shines bright
Posted in 1980's heavy metal music, Album Review, Alice cooper, classical music, concerts, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal guitarists, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal vocalists, joe walsh, Led Zeppelin, Metal, metal concerts, Metal Reviews, Music, Rock, rock music, symphony music, the beatles, Vocals with tags Alice cooper, cinderella metal band, classical music, easy listening music, electric light orchestra, george harrison, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, joe walsh, kip winger, Led Zeppelin, Music, peter gabriel, Rock, rock music, the beatles, the bullet boys, winger, winger rock band on April 18, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
Yes, Kip Winger is still creating music. Only you will not hear the Winger of the 1980’s on “From The Moon To The Sun” – this is Kip Winger accentuating his diverse affection for all music. Really, this is not an album to pass over if you are an open minded Hard Rock or Metal fan. With so many musicians in Hard Rock and Metal experimenting musically these days, it does not come as a huge surprise to listen to a softer, more mature (musically), Kip Winger. I hear Kip Wingers influences throughout “From The Moon To The Sun.” Kip Winger gives special thanks, in the liner notes, to his musical heroes, they are: Honegger, Ravel, Debussy, Bach, Brahms, Shostakovich, Stravinsky, Kurek, Vaughan Williams, Adams, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Peter Gabriel and Joe Walsh. Seeing the list of Kip’s musical heroes definitely solidifies my saying this album is truly musically diverse. Quite honestly, there are some dudes on this heroes list that I have absolutely no clue as to who they are. I am innocent, for I am a Metalhead after all. (I am not used to too many mellow musicians, especially Classical musicians, however, I am a work in progress).
Now, I actually bought this CD without hearing a single song first. You betcha. Why did I do such a thing you may be asking? First, I always liked Winger and the catchy/sometimes near sappy, Hair Metal music that Winger really was. Secondly, I saw Winger live, with Cinderella and The Bullet Boys. It was at the Springfield Civic Center, in good ol’ Springfield Massachusetts, back in the late 80’s. Winger rocked the house that evening in Springfield, Kip Winger was cool, flashy, yet he was in position to be as flamboyant as he wanted to be back then, he had every darn right. Thirdly, Kip Winger once was a member of Alice Cooper’s band, making two albums with the legendary Alice Cooper. For this Metal fanatic, I think those 3 reasons are good enough for embarking on my purchasing this Kip Winger solo CD.
I definitely hear The Beatles, I especially hear the influence of George Harrison (guitar licks), on the tracks – “Where Will You Go” and “What We Are.” Let me just say that these are definitely my two favorites on this album. “Every Story Told” has an Electric Light Orchestra sound, especially at the beginning with the synthesizer sounds. “Nothing” has an almost Native American and Middle East vibe sound and feel, (I cannot decide which it really sounds like), the vocals at the beginning of this tune explains my comparisons better. “Nothing” is definitely the heaviest of the songs found on this album, it is very catchy and very cool with Kip Wingers vocals stealing the show on this one. “Ghosts” is a Classical/Symphonic masterpiece of a musical work. Yes, an instrumental is found on this Kip Winger solo album and it is Classical and Symphonic. Need not worry, the music on “Ghosts” is not sadness saturated, what I mean is – it is not sad sounding or fast forward worthy. This is obviously, music that means a lot to Kip Winger, I do not mind at all if a Classical/Symphonic tune appears on this CD, for heaven sake, the music of “Ghosts” is not going to bite me.
I have to honestly say that I really dig this Kip Winger solo album. “From The Moon To The Sun” is as complete and honest of a diverse Rock musical effort as you will ever find or hear. Overall, the vocals of Kip Winger are superb, he convinced me that he can change harmony without flaws and be truly dynamic with his range on these songs. The only song on this album that I need to have grow on me is “Pages And Pages,” for some silly reason or another I think this song eventually will. I recommend Kip Winger and his brilliant release “From The Moon To The Sun” to all Rock fans and especially Winger fans who just need to own all things music from Kip. I will say this again, Hard Rock fans and Metal fans who want to chill it down once in awhile, here is your opportunity – what better way to mellow out than to listen to a guy like Kip Winger,
who has without doubt, carved out his place in Heavy Metal history.
Paranormal reality television and scary Metal music mirror one another
Posted in Alice cooper, Black Metal, Danzig, Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Gene Simmons, ghost hunters, gothic metal, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal vocalists, horror metal, Iced Earth, king diamond, Metal, Misfits, Motorhead, Music, paranormal television shows, Power Metal, Punk rock, rob zombie, Rock, rock music, Slipknot, speed metal, Thrash Metal, Vocals, W.A.S.P. with tags Alice cooper, Black Metal, cannibal corpse, Death Metal, ghost hunters, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, horror movies, Iced Earth, jon schaffer, king diamond, kiss, lordie, matthew barlow, mikkey dee, Misfits, Motorhead, Music, paranormal television programs, Power Metal, progressive rock, Punk rock, rob zombie, Slipknot, speed metal, Thrash Metal on April 17, 2009 by Metal Odyssey
It is an obvious Metal music marriage, the paranormal being put to lyrics in Metal songs. Any King Diamond album supports this statement, that is for certain. Horror and the paranormal rules the Metal world’s lyrics with it’s mystery, shock, and imagery. This to me, is one of the great attributes to Metal music, the paranormal and horror has given personality and life to throngs of Metal bands as: Alice Cooper, Misfits, Kiss (with makeup), Lordi, Rob Zombie, Slipknot, Danzig, W.A.S.P., Cannibal Corpse and of course, King Diamond again. The list could go on and on, regarding which Metal bands represent the horror and paranormal subjects best.
I highly recommend taking a listen to Iced Earth – “The Horror Show”, this is an album dedicated to just the legendary horror movie monsters: Dracula, The Wolfman, Frankenstein and The Phantom of the Opera are covered just fine by Matt Barlow’s vocals and the writing and musical genius of Jon Schaffer. I also highly recommend the horror concept album, that for me is now a true Metal classic – “Abigail” from King Diamond, released in 1987. In my opinion, “Abigail” was/is a triumphant representation of Black Metal, even though the music includes heavy duty Speed Metal throughout. This King Diamond lineup on “Abigail” also bestows the talented Mikkey Dee on drums, who has been a mainstay with Motorhead, since 1992.
When I listen to my favorite Metal bands playing tunes about the macabre, horror and the paranormal, I cannot help reflecting on my favorite paranormal television shows. The material that King Diamond covers, for example, mirrors what many of the paranormal shows offer. My favorite scary & spooky television shows are: “Ghost Hunters”, “Penn State Paranormal”, “Most Haunted”, “UFO Hunters” and “Monster Quest”, all delving into the mysteriously unknown, paranormal, the dark side and real life monsters. Any Metal band can get hordes of information and subject matter for their music, just by watching this scary paranormal reality television.
Now, do I believe in all of this paranormal subject matter that these shows discuss/cover? Do I believe in real life monsters like Bigfoot, Moth Man and UFO aliens? Let’s just say, I get entertained and spooked out like anyone else, I really like the unknown aspect of these topics. I am also never going to be one of those, who back when Christopher Columbus sailed the seven seas, thought our planet Earth was square. It is an absolute fact, that new species of any of our known living organisms, (plants, fish, animals, insects), are being discovered on a daily basis. There are many, many, mysteries and dark questions out there that still have to be answered, for me it is great fun delving into these scary topics through Metal music and paranormal reality television. My feeling is that, paranormal reality television and Metal music just seem to go together, both never cease to thrill and entertain me.
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