Archive for Ozzy Osbourne

KALAMITY KILLS Pays Tribute To The Prince of Darkness With New Video for “I Don’t Know” Featuring Ray Luzier (Korn) & Billy Sheehan

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, music videos, news with tags , , , , , , , on September 5, 2025 by Metal Odyssey

Rising rock force KALAMITY KILLS unleashes a bold and reverent take on “I Don’t Know” with their latest video release, featuring powerhouse drummer Ray Luzier (KORN) and legendary bassist Billy Sheehan (MR. BIG, THE WINERY DOGS). This electrifying reinterpretation of the classic track pays homage to the enduring legacy of the Prince of Darkness himself: OZZY OSBOURNE.

The idea for the tribute was sparked after the band witnessed OZZY’s final performance at the Back to the Beginning Concert in Birmingham, England. Deeply moved, KALAMITY KILLS set out to honor the icon who shaped so much of their musical DNA.

Guitarist JAMEY PERRENOT, whose playing is deeply influenced by the late, great RANDY RHOADS, infused this version of “I Don’t Know” with both reverence and fire. Fans of OZZY will also hear subtle nods to other classics woven throughout: a sonic Easter egg hunt for the diehards.

Special thanks to Ray Luzier and Billy Sheehan for joining the sonic rebellion on this one.

The release also comes with news that the Expanded Edition of Kalamity Kills will be available on September 9, 2025. This edition will include brand-new tracks, alternate mixes, and exclusive content on CD in limited quantities. A candy apple red vinyl edition is set to follow in April 2026.

Track Listing: 

  1. Anthem
  2. Dearest Enemy
  3. What’s On Your Mind
  4. Dark Secrets
  5. The Chemistry of Meant To Be
  6. ALIEN
  7. Hellfire Honey
  8. Burn
  9. Sinners Welcome
  10. I Still Believe
  11. Amen

Bonus Tracks:

  1. Afraid
  2. Starry Skies (988) (feat. Aaron Gillespie from Underoath)
  3. Dark Secrets (2025 Version)
  4. Dearest Enemy (Pressure) (Scott Bush alt. Mix)
  5. The Chemistry of Meant To Be (Kellan McGregor Radio Mix)
  6. Jingle Bells (Slay)

About KALAMITY KILLS:

KALAMITY KILLS is a hard rock band forged in the heart of East Nashville, Tennessee. Formed in 2022 by vocalist Jamie Rowe and guitarist/producer Jamey Perrenot, the band emerged from the ashes of a solo project into a fully realized sonic assault; fueled by raw emotion, modern aggression and a deep respect for rock’s roots. With a sound that fuses the swagger of classic hard rock with the intensity and polish of modern metal, KALAMITY KILLS strikes a rare balance between power and vulnerability.

Best known for their debut self-titled album Kalamity Kills, the band quickly turned heads thanks to high-profile collaborations with members of KORN, 3 DOORS DOWN, LA GUNS, CONQUER DIVIDE, and UNDEROATH. Their music has earned national airplay on SIRIUSXM’s Octane, landed on the Billboard Active Rock charts, and crossed over into viral success without ever chasing trends.

More than just a studio project, KALAMITY KILLS is a growing force with a full live lineup, including bassist/vocalist Julia Lauren Bullock and drummer Rob Bodley. Their songs, ranging from explosive anthems to brutally honest ballads, tackle themes of faith, failure, hypocrisy, redemption, and the messy beauty of being human.

KALAMITY KILLS is for the outsiders, the misfits, the ones who’ve been burned and are still standing. Loud. Unapologetic. Unforgettable.

Connect with KALAMITY KILLS:

Source: C Squared Music

OZZY OSBOURNE – Rest In Peace

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , , on July 22, 2025 by Metal Odyssey

1948 – 2025

Rest in peace,

Godfather of Metal.

You will be forever missed.

Condolences to the Osbourne family, his friends, Black Sabbath and his fans.

BLACK SABBATH “Paranoid” CD Single From 2004

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , , , on June 19, 2025 by Metal Odyssey

I bought this CD single of Black Sabbaths’ Paranoid” with the B side of “Iron Man” back around 2007. If I remember correctly, I found this little metal gem at Best Buy. The CD tray slides out from the cardboard jacket.

I can’t find the actual release date for this CD single, yet it was released to promote Black Box: The Complete Black Sabbath 1970-1978; which was released back on April 27, 2004, via Warner Bros./Rhino.

Black Sabbaths’ Paranoid studio album was originally released in Europe on Sept. 18, 1970 and includes both “Paranoid” and “Iron Man”.

Black Sabbath: Tony Iommi (guitar), Ozzy Osbourne (vocals), Geezer Butler (bass), Bill Ward (drums)

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my Black Sabbath CD single! Stay safe out there and Metal be thy name. – Stone

Black Sabbath Announce ‘Back To The Beginning’

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on February 5, 2025 by Metal Odyssey

From Ozzy Osbourne Facebook:

Icons of Metal come together to celebrate
Ozzy Osbourne’s Final Performance
July 5th at Villa Park

All Profits From The Show Will Be SHARED EQUALLY BETWEEN Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Acorn Children’s Hospice

The original Black Sabbath – Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward – will play for the first time in 20 years. The band will take to the stage to headline BACK TO THE BEGINNING on July 5th at Villa Park.

The all-star event will celebrate the true creators of heavy metal and will see Ozzy Osbourne play his own short set before joining with Black Sabbath for his final bow.

“It’s my time to go Back to the Beginning… time for me to give back to the place where I was born,” Ozzy Osbourne said. “How blessed am I to do it with the help of people whom I love. Birmingham is the true home of metal. Birmingham Forever.”

Formed in Birmingham in 1968 and going on to become one of most successful metal bands of all time, Black Sabbath have sold over 75 million albums worldwide across their legendary career. Setting the blueprint for the many routes heavy metal took, Black Sabbath’s influence and importance is as vital today as it was in the early 1970s.

Music Director Tom Morello said: “This will be the greatest heavy metal show ever.”

BACK TO THE BEGINNING will feature sets from Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Alice in Chains, Lamb of God, Anthrax and Mastodon

The all-day event will also feature a supergroup of musicians. Artists announced so far include Billy Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins), David Draiman (Disturbed), Duff McKagan & Slash (Guns ‘n Roses), Frank Bello (Anthrax), Fred Durst (Limp Bizkit), Jake E Lee, Jonathan Davis (Korn), KK Downing, Lzzy Hale (Halestorm), Mike Bordin (Faith No More), Rudy Sarzo, Sammy Hagar, Scott Ian (Anthrax), Sleep Token ii (Sleep Token), Papa V Perpetua (Ghost), Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine), Wolfgang Van Halen and Zakk Wylde.

More names will be announced shortly.

Tickets go on sale at 10am GMT on Friday 14th February 2025 at LiveNation.co.uk.

All profits will go to the following charities: Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Acorns Children’s Hospice, a Children’s Hospice supported by Aston Villa.

LONG LIVE BLACK SABBATH.

Metal Show & Tell: OZZY OSBOURNE Funko POP!

Posted in classic rock, Collectibles, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music with tags , , , , , , , , on January 18, 2025 by Metal Odyssey

Check it out! That’s my Ozzy Osbourne Funko POP! ROCKS mint-in-box! It’s also a Funko.com exclusive, whatever that means. Sounds important though. The date on the lower back cover is 2023. Thanks for visiting and looking, I appreciate it!

Back cover gives date at bottom, in teeny tiny type.
Above: side panel

Long Live OZZY OSBOURNE.

Check Out My BLACK SABBATH “Paranoid” 8-Track Cartridge!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , , , on December 26, 2024 by Metal Odyssey

I picked up this 8-track cartridge of Black Sabbath ‘Paranoid’ (top photo) for 25 cents at a thrift store a week or so ago. The tape is intact. I love this band and embrace the nostalgia of such an old-time music medium. The ‘Paranoid’ album was released back in 1970. Dig it, my brothers and sisters. 👊🏻

Above: backside showing track-listing

THE MORRISON PROJECT – Releases Single & Video “Crack Cocaine” – Featuring OZZY OSBOURNE On Vocals

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , , on March 23, 2024 by Metal Odyssey

Single cover artwork • “Crack Cocaine
(Written by Billy Morrison/ Ozzy Osbourne/Steve Stevens)

“The Morrison Project”  Official Album release:
April 19, 2024

Billy Morrison, the British guitarist, singer, and songwriter primarily known as Billy Idol’s rhythm guitar player for the past 15 years alongside lead guitarist Steve Stevens, and for his previous role as bassist in The Cult, has assembled an electrifying 12 songs including guest performances by Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol, DMC, Corey Taylor, Al Jourgensen, Steve Vai, Steve Stevens, Linda Perry, Tommy Clufetos, John5, and more!

I guess the way that your love makes me feel/Must mean I’m really addicted,” sings OZZY OSBOURNE on “Crack Cocaine”, the newly released track out on March 21st from BILLY MORRISON’s new solo album THE MORRISON PROJECT. This album is releasing on April 19th, via The Label Group’s partnership with TLG ZOID through Virgin Music Group.

Crack Cocaine” (04:01 min)
Music video Premiere: March 21, 2024
YouTube
Video by IVO RAZA

Official release on March 21, 2024 
Label: TLG ZOID • Virgin Music

Crack Cocaine” is the second single/video from THE MORRISON PROJECT and follows the single/video “Drowning”. Stream it HERE

This seismic collaboration also features STEVE STEVENS on guitar and was co-written by MORRISON, OSBOURNE, and STEVENS who all appear in the video with PARIS JACKSON playing the glamorous/romantic interest, with cameos from visual artist RISK and actor JEFF HILLIARD.

“Crack Cocaine” marks the first new song with OZZY on vocals since the 2022 release of his worldwide smash album Patient Number 9 which earned him two Grammy Awards (“Best Rock Album,” “Best Metal Performance”).
“I was in the same room as Billy and Steve,” says OZZY about co-writing the song. “The lyrics just came out of the blue. It was written in about 20 minutes.”

BILLY MORRISON • 2024
📸  JaneStuartPhotos

BILLY, the British guitarist, singer and songwriter primarily known as Billy Idol’s rhythm guitar player for the past 15 years alongside lead guitarist Steve Stevens, sheds more light on the song’s origins:
“The music was a direct result of sitting in a room with Steve, both with de-tuned guitars, and writing what we felt was an ultimate Ozzy riff. From there, we brought Ozzy over and we all sat around working on the lyrics, but 90% of those came from Ozzy himself. He’s the one that suddenly stood up and sang “Like Crack Cocaine”! We looked at each other and knew we had the title!”

BILLY:
“The song is 100% about how certain relationships can FEEL like an addiction. It’s nothing whatsoever to do with the drug! It’s a comparison. Ozzy is talking about being in that dysfunctional situation with a partner that feels so wrong, but you keep going back again and again. ‘Loving you is driving me insane. I put you down and pick you up again’ – it’s exactly like a drug addiction.”

Importantly, reveals STEVE, “First and foremost, Billy and I discussed what an Ozzy fan would really love to hear. We really zeroed in on the ‘90s-era Ozzy, the truly heavy stuff. We cast aside any rules both musically and lyrically. It was really a great team and Billy is just such a great motivator. Obviously as a guitarist, to contribute to an Ozzy song is like a kid in a candy store. He’s played with such an amazing array of guitarists that I tried my best to honor that tradition.”

Adds STEVE:
“I think the fact that Billy and I have spent the better part of 16 years working together in Billy Idol means we are almost telepathic in how we arrange guitars, etc. Billy and Ozzy have such an amazing friendship that it was easy to feel inspired and want to help them achieve any idea I could assist with. As we worked in my home studio, I tried to make the actual recording process almost invisible. Forget any technical aspects and really have some fun. To Ozzy’s credit, he was totally focused; and man the first time I heard him sing in what was essentially my living room, fucking chills ran down my spine.”

Line-Up:
Ozzy Osbourne • Vocals
Billy Morrison • Rhythm guitar
Steve Stevens • Lead guitar
Tommy Clufetos • Drums

Crack Cocaine” is the second single/video from THE MORRISON PROJECT and follows the single/video “Drowning”. Stream it HERE

💿 DISCOGRAPHY:
2008 • Stimulator • Full-length
2015 • The God Shaped Hole • Full-length
2024 • The Morrison Project • Full-length

Sources:

On This Day In BLACK SABBATH History – June 26th

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, Hard Rock, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 26, 2022 by Metal Odyssey

On June 26, 1970 – BLACK SABBATH performed at Audimax der Freien Universität, Berlin, Germany.

On June 26, 2019 – BLACK SABBATH 50 YEARS / A MAJOR EXHIBITION opened at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery.

BLACK SABBATH FOREVER.

BLACK SABBATH – 5 Facts About The Fathers Of Heavy Metal – Part II

Posted in Metal with tags , , , , on April 15, 2020 by Metal Odyssey

“Live At Last” was originally released back in 1980, without the consent of Black Sabbath. In later years, this live bootleg, if you will, was released as follows:

Released Summer 1980
Re-Released March 1996
Re-Released August 20, 1996 (Past Lives)
Re-Released September 27, 2010

On June 26th, 2019, the official naming ceremony for the “Black Sabbath Bridge” took place in Birmingham, England. Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi and bassist Geezer Butler attended this joyous and historical occasion.

Music legend Rick Wakeman played keyboards on the 1973 studio album “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath”.

The touring keyboardist for Black Sabbath, on their “Sabotage World Tour” (1975-1976) was Jezz Woodruffe. “Sabotage” was released back in July of 1975.

Sources: Black Sabbath Online / The Rough Guide To Heavy Metal (1st edition)

LONG LIVE BLACK SABBATH.

STONE.

OZZY OSBOURNE “The Ultimate Sin” – Album Is Stone’s METAL Pick Of The Day!

Posted in classic rock, Heavy Metal, metal bands, metal music, music news, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on April 19, 2014 by Metal Odyssey

Ozzy Osbourne - The Ultimate Sin - promo cover pic - #17770

5 Out Of 5 METAL Fists!

Metalfistredbckgrndsmall5

Stone’s METAL Pick Of The Day!

OZZY OSBOURNE – The 4th studio album, The Ultimate Sin, from the iconic Ozzy Osbourne was released back in 1986, via CBS Records. If there ever was a Heavy Metal album that I shared countless good Metal times with, it’s without a doubt this Ozzy release! Man, those old school Metal memories of lazy, hazy and beer soaked Summer nights (and afternoons) with Metal buddies just buzz about in my brain, each time I listen to The Ultimate Sin.

For me, it was all about Metal, beer and babes back in 1986; and not necessarily in that order, depending on the night. Whoa! Ring that who-gives-a-shit bell! Life was easy for me back in ’86. Hell, yes it was! I saw Ozzy on his “The Ultimate Sin Tour” twice in ’86; Queensrÿche opened for Ozzy at The Springfield Civic Center, in Springfield, Massachusetts and Metallica opened for Ozzy at The New Haven Coliseum, in New Haven Connecticut. Both were whiz-bang shows! I remember telling my Metal buddies back then, that on this ’86 tour, Ozzy reminded me of a “Heavy Metal Liberace” due to his dress attire and on stage persona. Go figure. Maybe I inhaled, after all. Whoa.

Ozzy Osbourne - The Ultimate Sin - Liner Notes - Band Pic - Metal Odyssey - 2014

Above: The Ultimate Sin (4 panel) liner notes from the CD I own. It opens up to reveal a band photo, from L to R: Jake E. Lee, Ozzy, Phil Soussan and (the late) Randy Castillo.

Ozzy Osbourne has released 11 studio albums, counting the covers album, Under Cover, from 2005. With Black Sabbath, Ozzy is vocalist on 9 studio albums. An incredible Heavy Metal legacy, Ozzy has forged. When I look upon the successful, highly influential and multi-million unit selling career of Ozzy as a solo artist, I’m aghast that he hasn’t been inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame as such! Of course, Ozzy is in the Rock Hall with Black Sabbath, however, give me a Metal break! Ozzy DESERVES to be in the Rock Hall as a solo artist, right at this moment! Ugh.

Sorry for the detour. Back to The Ultimate Sin album. I refuse to compare this album to the unparalleled Randy Roads era. This was an entirely new era for Ozzy; it would be like comparing Yeungling Lager to Yeungling Lite. I love ’em both! My favorite songs from this super-fabulous album are: The Ultimate Sin, Never Know Why, Lightning Strikes, Fool Like You and Shot In The Dark. I dig the other songs, of course; only these songs I pointed out still make me feel so damn good! The brilliant Jake E. Lee’s guitar wizardry on The Ultimate Sin is forever out-of-this-world! Whoa.

Ozzy Osbourne - classic logo - yellow red black - #99970

If you’ve never owned The Ultimate Sin, you are a Metal sinner. This is a Heavy Metal classic, to me. An underrated gem within the discography of Ozzy Osbourne. From the album artwork to ALL 9 songs, The Ultimate Sin I shall easily declare, on any given Metal day, as timeless. Metal be thy name. – Stone

The Ultimate Sin – Track Listing: The Ultimate Sin, Secret Loser, Never Know Why, Thank God For The Bomb, Never, Lightning Strikes, Killer Of Giants, Fool Like You, Shot In The Dark

______________________________________

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE OZZY OSBOURNE.

LONG LIVE JAKE E. LEE.

LONG LIVE PHIL SOUSSAN.

REST IN PEACE, RANDY CASTILLO.

Stone.

BLACK SABBATH – “13” Cover Art Has Been Revealed… Blah And Yawn Sums It Up Best

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

Black Sabbath - 13 - promo cover pic - 2013

BLACK SABBATH – Make no mistake, I am highly anticipating the new studio album to be released from the forever legendary Black Sabbath, just like millions of other fans. I have no  doubt, the Heavy Metal from their forthcoming album 13 will be a delicacy to my Metal loving ears. My huge Metal question is: what the heck happened to the album artwork for 13?

Let’s be real here my fellow Metal brethren. This album artwork for 13 looks like sausage that caught on fire; while sitting too long on the outdoor grill. Give me a Metal break. This album signifies studio album #19 from a band that (quite frankly) began our Heavy Metal genre in the first place… and this is the (not so) prolific art that the fans get to see?

Granted, Black Sabbath have had their share of lineup changes over the decades and studio album #19 is without the legendary Bill Ward on drums; so it’s not like I was expecting a ground-breaking album cover that would rival anything that the ultra-talented Derek Riggs (of Iron Maiden fame) has ever accomplished. Still, I was hoping for something that would scream the prowess of Black Sabbath. Man, this album cover is lame.

It’s bad enough that this new Black Sabbath studio album is missing Bill Ward (or Vinny Appice for that matter); now the album cover is a bust. Um, no offense to Brad Wilk. Someone should have reminded whoever was in charge that the #13 has been so overused in the world of music and Pop-Culture that it basically has no spooky or mystical meaning at all anymore. Whoopie-doo.

Did “the powers that be” that oversaw the creation of this album cover really think that a seasoned Metalhead like myself would be blown away by burning sausage twisted into the #13? Alas, I’m certain that Tony Iommi, Geezer ButlerOzzy and Brad Wilk will save the day and 13 will Rock my face off. It’s the music that matters most. Metal be thy name.

________________________________________________

For more info on BLACK SABBATH, click on the links below!

http://www.blacksabbath.com

http://www.twitter.com/officialsabbath

facebook: Black Sabbath

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE BLACK SABBATH.

Stone.

OZZY OSBOURNE “Speak Of The Devil” – First Official Release Of This 1982 Concert In Stores July 17th!

Posted in classic rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal dvds, heavy metal news, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on June 5, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

“Speak Of The Devil” was filmed at Irvine Meadows, California in 1982. The show was part of the delayed continuation of the “Diary Of A Madman” tour following the tragic death of Randy Rhoads in March ’82 in a flying accident during the early part of the tour. The show features guitarist Brad Gillis who was brought in to replace Randy Rhoads.

The concert is a perfect snapshot of Ozzy Osbourne’s live performances in the eighties with dramatic staging and masses of energy with a setlist based around his first two solo albums and a few Black Sabbath classics. Ozzy has always been one of Heavy Metal’s great frontmen and despite the difficult circumstances, this show captures him at his absolute best.

Package contains liner notes written by bassist Rudy Sarzo.

Line-up:

Ozzy Osbourne – vocals

Don Airey – keyboards

Tommy Aldridge – drums

Brad Gillis – guitar

Rudy Sarzo – bass

___________________________________________________

(Source: Eagle Rock Entertainment)

http://www.eagle-rock.com

LONG LIVE OZZY OSBOURNE.

Stone.

Ozzy Osbourne Randy Rhoads Tribute – Live Album From 1987 Is Priceless, Old School, Heavy Metal History

Posted in classic rock, guitar legends, guitarists, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal history, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on March 23, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

OZZY OSBOURNE RANDY RHOADS TRIBUTE – How often do you turn to your collection of music, whether it be CDs, vinyl, cassettes or (gulp) 8 tracks for that refreshing listen in Old School?  And as you rummage through your music collection, you find that one Old School release you haven’t listened to in quite some time? It happened to me a couple of days ago. This Old School album I’ve revisited is Ozzy Osbourne Randy Rhoads – Tribute. I have this live Heavy Metal masterpiece on CD and cassette, once owning it on vinyl. This is a “double-album” release and all 14 songs are on one CD.

Why do I refer to this album as a masterpiece you question? This is the first and only live Ozzy Osbourne album that features the infinitely legendary Randy Rhoads (Randall William Rhoads) as guitarist. Randy Rhoads passed away at age 25, back on March 19, 1982. It was a “freak” small plane accident that took Randy Rhoads away from us all, halfway through the Diary Of A Madman tour. I won’t get into anymore details about this sad story… the internet is loaded with the complete story on this horrible day in Rock Music history.

There are three Black Sabbath classics heard on this live album: Iron ManChildren Of The Grave and Paranoid. Randy Rhoads did these Black Sabbath classics spectacular Metal justice on Tribute. Yes, Tony Iommi is the originator and guitar master of these Black Sabbath songs, there is no dispute. If anything, Randy and Tony are on the same Metal tier in my most honest Metal opinion. Two entirely different guitar styles and two unique legends of Heavy Metal and Rock history are they both. Each guitarist has carved out his individual Metal legacy for all eternity. What more can I say about that?

As I listen now, some 24 years after this live album has been released, the chills still run up and down my body when I crank these Heavy Metal classics up… just as it happened to me in 1987. When a live album or any album for that matter, can never lose it’s euphoric Metal vibe that it gives me, such as this one, then I Metal ordain it a Metal Masterpiece. I’m forever left spellbound by listening to Randy Rhoads play his riffs, leads and solo’s throughout this entire live album. The studio out-takes of Randy Rhoads playing Dee never ceases in capturing my full attention. The all encompassing Metal high I get from hearing these live versions of Flying High Again, I Don’t Know, Crazy Train and Mr. Crowley is a personal feeling that is priceless.

Randy Rhoads has a featured guitar solo on Suicide Solution and it is a dizzying listen into just how immense, influential and dynamic his guitar playing was… and forever will be. Ozzy’s vocals on these live songs sound just incredible to my ears, it’s vintage Ozzy. There will never be another Ozzy Osbourne, just like there shall never be another Randy Rhoads. These two ultra-amazing men of Metal created two magical albums together with Blizzard of Ozz (1980) and Diary Of A Madman (1981). Those were two back-to-back Heavy Metal albums that essentially catapulted Ozzy’s solo career to iconic heights and made Randy Rhoads, the guitarist, an everlasting influence and legend.

Both of these iconic Heavy Metal albums are celebrated on this live Tribute album and Ozzy Osbourne paid tribute to Randy Rhoads through it’s release. The guitar playing and song writing of Randy Rhoads shall be celebrated forever by this Metalhead. This is a live album that belongs in every Hard Rock and Metal fans collection of music, I can’t fathom any reason otherwise. Ozzy Osbourne Randy Rhoads – Tribute is a live album that captured important Heavy Metal and Rock music history, which will be passed down for Metal generations to come.

The band as listed in the “original” album liner notes:

Ozzy Osbourne – vocals

Randy Rhoads – guitar

Rudy Sarzo – bass

Tommy Aldridge – drums

Track Listing For Ozzy Osbourne Randy Rhoads – Tribute:

I Don’t Know

Crazy Train

Believer

Mr. Crowley

Flying High Again

Revelation (Mother Earth)

Steal Away (The Night) (With Drum Solo)

Suicide Solution (With Guitar Solo)

Iron Man

Children Of The Grave

Paranoid

Goodbye To Romance

No Bone Movies

Dee (Randy Rhoads Studio Out-Takes)

* Ozzy Osbourne Randy Rhoads – Tribute was produced and engineered by Max Norman. The executive producer was Ozzy Osbourne.

* Ozzy Osbourne Randy Rhoads – Tribute was released March 19, 1987, on Epic Records.

The combination of knowing that the month of March marks the passing of Randy Rhoads and speaking with “DeadDave” of Dead Daves Radio.com about Old School Heavy Metal over this past weekend, prompted me to dig out this classic work of live Heavy Metal… without my even thinking about it. I guess needing to listen to Ozzy Osbourne Randy Rhoads – Tribute was imbedded in my Metal sub-conscious, all along this past week.

I met “DeadDave” for the first time in my Metal life at the COLD, KOPEK, Egypt Central, Oceans Divide and Maddam Ink. concert at the Crocodile Rock Cafe on Saturday, March 19th. I’ll tell the world this much… “DeadDave” is one cool dude who likes his Horror, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. Thanks for the conversations “DeadDave” and for the Metal knowledge you shared as well.

Long Live Ozzy Osbourne.

Rest In Peace, Randy Rhoads.

Stone.

The 53rd Grammy Awards – Some Hard Rock and Metal Thoughts…

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal songs, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on February 25, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

53rd GRAMMY AWARDS – On February 13, 2011, the 53rd Grammy Awards took place. Yippee. Planet Earth is saved once again. Generations of Metalheads are so honored to have a select few of our bands nominated by this red carpet billionaire’s club. Per usual, the “establishment” behind the Grammy Awards has not a remote clue in knowing the difference between Hard Rock and Metal. Here is Exhibit A in explaining my Metal point:

Ozzy Osbourne is NOT a Hard Rock artist. Um, no. So, why was Ozzy Osbourne nominated for “Best Hard Rock Performance” with Let Me Hear You Scream from his 2010 Scream album? I’ve listened to this song enough times to realize it’s NOT Hard Rock. Yes, Ozzy has been known for his ballads in the past, Goodbye To Romance, So Tired and Mama I’m Coming Home are a few examples. These Ozzy ballads can very well be considered Hard Rock. My argument is, Let Me Hear You Scream is NOT a ballad, it is Heavy Metal or Metal, whichever you prefer. Therefore, WTF am I missing here? Calling this Ozzy song Hard Rock is like calling Slayer’s Reign In Blood album… Modern Rock.

Any astute fan of Ozzy Osbourne and/or Heavy Metal will agree, that 95% of Ozzy Osbourne’s music catalog is… Metal or Heavy Metal, whichever you prefer once again. Plus, 95% is probably too low. It’s very sad, that  the “decision makers” behind the Grammy Awards cannot tell the difference between world known and historic Rock genres such as Hard Rock and Metal. It’s like not knowing the difference between a beer and an ale. There is a difference! Ozzy Osbourne is extremely deserved of a Grammy Award for Let Me Hear You Scream, make no mistake about it. Ozzy was also deserved of many, many, many, other missed nominations for a Grammy award in the past as well. Metal be thy name.

When it came down to “Best Metal Performance”, that so-called sacred institution called the Grammys got it right with all of their nominations being Metal. Big deal. Their supposed to get it right for Metal sakes. However, the Grammys are decades late in honoring the ultra-legendary Iron MaidenEl Dorado from their 2010 studio album, The Final Frontier, was nominated for this “coveted” award and won. In my Metal opinion, the first five Iron Maiden albums are superior to that of The Final Frontier. Self-titled (1980), Killers (1981), The Number Of The Beast (1982), Piece Of Mind (1983) and Powerslave (1984) are audio textbooks for Metal 101. I will even add the 1988 album, Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son, to this list of Iron Maiden excellence. These are the influential and legendary Iron Maiden albums, the albums that bulldozed the path for countless Metal bands to travel, spanning into a fourth decade now.

I realize that a “Best Metal Performance” never existed during the years when Iron Maiden’s first five albums were released. This Grammy category did exist back in 2007 and Iron Maiden’s 2006 studio album A Matter Of Life And Death was ignored, which is a superior album to that of The Final Frontier as well. Am I happy for Iron Maiden winning the “Best Metal Performance” Grammy? Of course I am. The mainstream Grammys acknowledging Iron Maiden for their Metal contribution(s) has been long overdue. Do you think Iron Maiden cares if I’m happy for them? I doubt it. I will close with this, Iron Maiden should know where their true glory reigns within their album of catalogs and The Final Frontier is not in the same class with their previous albums I mentioned. Some may disagree with me, only I do know that I’m not alone in my Metal thinking.

LONG LIVE OZZY OSBOURNE.

LONG LIVE IRON MAIDEN.

Stone.

The Rough Guide To Heavy Metal – A Very Resourceful Metal Music Book

Posted in 1970's punk rock, 1970's heavy metal music, 1980's hair metal bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's metal bands, 1980's punk rock music, 1980's thrash metal, 1990's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal music, 1990's thrash metal music, black metal roots, book reviews, classic rock music, death metal music, doom metal music, extreme metal music, hair metal music, heavy metal book reviews, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, heavy metal music books, heavy metal music guides, heavy metal music reference, heavy metal vocalists, horror punk rock bands, Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school hard rock, old school metal bands, old school thrash metal music, punk rock bands, rock music, sludge metal bands, southern hard rock, thrash metal bands with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 9, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

Ozzy small picI’m always looking for good deals on my Heavy Metal Music purchases, from albums, CD’s to memorabilia and books. Upon one of my recent stops into a local thrift store, I happened upon quite the Heavy Metal find indeed, for the ripe price of fifty cents. Yes, fifty cents. The find you ask? Well, none other than The Rough Guide To Heavy Metal – and it is quite the book for me. (This book is a 1st printing, printed in 2005 by Rough Guides). While perusing the book aisle at this thrift store, the image of none other than Ozzy Osbourne caught my eye. What is this? I could not believe what I had found! Knowing immediately too, that any book in this thrift store is only fifty cents… I was Metal stoked. As a bonus, this book stared right at me in gem mint condition as well. As I picked it up and browsed through it’s Heavy Metal filled pages, it was obvious to me that the previous owner of this book never bothered to read it. As crisp of a new book you will find. Life is a sweet journey sometimes, especially when you can stumble on a 410 page book, when you least expect it, that is dedicated to your favorite music genre… Heavy Metal.

Alright, enough about how I found The Rough Guide To Heavy Metal and onward with it’s review. This richly factual book is written by Essi Berelian, with a foreward by the legendary front man for Iron MaidenBruce Dickinson himself. There are over 300 bands and/or musicians that are covered in this book. (Hey, to make a definitive book of Heavy Metal bands would not only be a task of the ages, the page count would reach a bizarre number as well). Therefore, there are going to be bands that are missing, (I am disappointed that Enslaved did not get aknowledged), plus there is that band here and there where I can’t exactly label as Heavy Metal, (Asia has a write-up in this book). I like Asia, yet I do not see the connection here. I will bend and say Foreigner has a loose connection to the genre of Heavy Metal, they are represented in The Rough Guide To Heavy Metal. Diversity is shown in the representation of bands, The Rough Guide To Heavy Metal even acknowledges Lynyrd Skynyrd and their link to heavy music.

From Ozzy Osbourne and Kiss to King Diamond and Magnum, with the likes of Venom and UFO in between, a fabulous smorgasbord of movers and shakers are touched upon with factual integrity and reverence. I am smitten that Slayer, Motorhead, W.A.S.P., Red Hot Chili Peppers and Kreator are well covered here too. Something that Essi Berelian did here, that impresses me most, is the inclusion of legendary Punk Rock Bands such as the Misfits and Ramones. Still, where are the Sex Pistols? C’mon, if you include Punk Rock into a voluminous book such as this, it is not a bright move to ignore the Sex Pistols! Plus, whenever writers refer to the 1970’s Hard Rock band Sweet as “The Sweet”, it drives me crazy. Anyone familiar with this band knows them as Sweet… period. The only album I am aware of, that has the moniker of “The Sweet” is their very first album, which was titled Funny How Sweet Co-Co Can Be back in 1971. Give me a Metal break.

Essi Berelian deserves much praise and credit, despite the few flaws mentioned, that in reality, I can overlook. Each band or musician represented in The Rough Guide To Heavy Metal has it’s history and discography touched upon in enough detail that suffices for me. Interesting anecdotes and facts are also provided throughout this entire book, making for a very resourceful guide on the history of Heavy Metal. The genres of Heavy Metal are explained very well too, giving the reader an in depth explanation to it’s respective origin and impact on the world of music. From Christian Metal to Black Metal, the genres of Heavy Metal are given their own spotlight. The Rough Guide To Heavy Metal is also loaded with plenty of black and white photographs, (group and individual shots, album covers and concert photos), giving this book that much more appeal.

At the end of the Metal day, The Rough Guide To Heavy Metal makes for an extensive and detailed read into the bands that started, shaped and expanded the world of Heavy Metal Music. Whether you are a life long fan of this incredible genre of music or a brand new fan, this book is rather difficult to put down. I most highly recommend The Rough Guide To Heavy Metal to all, it really isn’t that rough at all. Hey, for the fifty cents it set me back, this book is worth every penny. I cannot shake the Metal grin on my face each time I pick this book up to read.

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My Least Favorite Ozzy Osbourne Song Ever Is…

Posted in 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal ballads, 1980's heavy metal hits, 1980's classic rock music, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, classic heavy metal, classic heavy metal albums, classic rock music, cool album covers, creepy album covers, guitar legends, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1983, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1983, heavy metal solo vocalists, heavy metal songs 1983, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Metal Reviews, Music, old school heavy metal, rock music, scary album covers, spooky metal album covers, vintage heavy metal albums, vintage heavy metal songs with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 25, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

MetalOdysseyOzzy Osbourne, the Heavy Metal Prince of Darkness. Ozzy Osbourne – Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee with Black Sabbath. Honestly, I revere the living hell out of this Heavy Metal legend. I did get to see Ozzy Osbourne live in concert twice during my lifetime. For me, those two concerts were unbelievable, with Metallica opening up for Ozzy in New Haven Connecticut, (at the spooky New Haven Coliseum) – it was The Ultimate Sin Tour for Ozzy and Metallica was promoting their legendary Master of Puppets album. The other Ozzy concert I saw had Queensryche open for Ozzy in Springfield, Massachusetts, (at the Springfield Civic Center), on this same Ultimate Sin Tour. Alright, so it is obvious I think the Metal world of Ozzy Osbourne… fine. However, by process of elimination, there has to be my least favorite Ozzy Osbourne song out there and there is one. I do not think much of the song, uh, ballad So Tired from Ozzy’s Bark At The Moon album. This song, ugh, ballad is responsible for my distaste of most Heavy Metal ballads ever released since, by any band. This album was released on December 10, 1983. Don’t get me wrong here, the Bark At The Moon album as a whole, is unreal good. Three songs on this album are incredible for me… Rock ‘n’ Roll Rebel, You’re No Different and of course – Bark At The Moon. These three Ozzy songs I can hold up on a Metal pedestal forever. Plus, Jake E. Lee on guitar is a Metal bonus to listen to.

So Tired is a song that in my Metal opinion, is overwhelmingly dull and depressing and does absolutely nothing but annoy me beyond belief. Who exactly is supposed to be so tired in this song? Is it Ozzy himself? Someone that Ozzy knows? I really do not care in the darn least who is tired. I get tired too, yet I never whine about it like Ozzy did in this song. Sure, maybe the tired theme was about waiting around for a love lost… who cares. So Tired is a perfect example of what happens when a Heavy Metal icon decides to go the Pop and Bubble Gum Music route with a song. Sappy city is open for tourists with So Tired. Get out the kleenex, So Tired is now playing… sniffle, sniffle, I am so moved. The orchestration in this song only annoys me more.

To me, So Tired just never seemed to fit in with the Bark At The Moon album. So Tired is a downer in the midst of some riveting Heavy Metal songs, a huge let down, like the depressed dude at a party trying to bring everyone else down with him. The video for So Tired, (which was on MTV too often back in the day), was so ridiculous that even I felt embarrassed for Ozzy. When the Bark At The Moon album was reissued, So Tired should have been omitted from the track list… it is that lousy – for me. In my Metal opinion, So Tired is the lowest moment of Ozzy Osbournes unparalleled and ultra legendary Heavy Metal career.

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My Heavy Metal Favorites List – Part 1

Posted in 1960's acid rock music, 1960's classic rock music, 1960's rock music, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's metal music, bigfoot mystery, classic heavy metal, classic rock, classic rock music, everyday social experiences, favorite heavy metal topics, feel good stories, Heavy Metal, heavy metal favorites, heavy metal music, heavy metal television shows, hollywood comedians, hollywood stars, list of talking points, lists, Metal, metal odyssey, Motorhead, Music, old school heavy metal, Ozzy Osbourne, people, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock music, thrash metal bands, thrash metal music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 19, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

MetalOdysseyI think about Heavy Metal a lot. I listen to Heavy Metal… a lot. I buy Heavy Metal Music… very often. (Alright, that is a down right lie, I buy Heavy Metal Music – constantly). When I refer to Heavy Metal, just to simplify things here, I am incorporating all the Metal Music Genres in one. Heavy Metal… all things Metal Music. As I sit around towards midnight on this, September 17th going on the 18th… many Heavy Metal thoughts have crossed my Metal mind. Heavy Metal favorites have drifted around my head this late evening, uh, early morning, some unusual ones at that… here they are, enjoy:

Favorite Heavy Metal:

Decade1980’s… however, this decade were in now hasn’t been too shabby either for Heavy Metal. 

Television ShowHeadbangers Ball… it was the best thing happening on the tube that time of night, uh, early morning. Watching it stewed or sober, it kicked butt period. 

Fashion – worn & torn blue jeans, high top sneakers (untied and dirty), sleeveless black concert shirt (faded) and no belt. Tattoos, hair style, fingerless gloves and body piercing optional. A denim/leather vest or denim/leather jacket makes for a nice touch. O.k., a belt is cool only if the buckle is bad ass. Please note: for Metal chicks, they can wear this too and add their own personal touches… just as long as they do not look like they are going to the prom, a high school reunion or job interview.

MovieEscape From New York – this film did not need Heavy Metal Music… John Carpenter’s dark mind, imagination and music score… was enough. 

Super VillainDoctor Doom, enough said.

Super HeroJudge DreddAnthrax says so and I will not argue.

Restaurant – any drive thru window open after midnight.

Beverage – this one’s easy… beer, uh, keg beer.

MessiahLemmy Kilmister of Motorhead– it used to be Ozzy Osbourne but Sharon ruined the ambiance.

Food Doritos… they were always there to save the night.

ComedianSam Kinison (RIP)… again, Anthrax liked him, even had his patented scream in their song I’m The Man.

Race – beer run.

Non Heavy Metal BandThe Doors… C’mon, were talking Jim Morrison here. The Lizard Kinghe could do anything. Cool.

Band named after a continent – uh, Europe.

Magazine from the past – RIP

High School ClassMetal Shop… for me it was, really, I made an ice pick and a screwdriver too. I still have them, technically they are now considered antiques.

StoreWasteland… the name says it all. This place, well, it had it all.

MysteryBigfoot… the dude is huge and famous, chills out in the wilderness, answers to no one and pays no taxes. Plus, as a bonus, he does not have to pay outrageous prices for milk and toilet paper.

Holiday Halloween… this is the one night of the year where you can put on a costume, act nuts, eat a ton of candy and deliberately scare people. The rest of the year, I would never even consider doing any of those things… except act nuts.

Yup, that is my list of Heavy Metal Favorites… for now. Maybe sometime down the Metal road, I will come up with a Heavy Metal Favorites List Part 2. Here’s hoping this list enlightened or frightened you, either way, thanks for reading it and visiting Metal Odyssey!

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My favorite Ozzy Osbourne album is…

Posted in 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's metal music, Album Review, classic heavy metal albums, classic metal, classic rock, classic rock music, cool album covers, essential heavy metal albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal solo albums, heavy metal solo artists, heavy metal solo vocalists, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, metal music, Metal Reviews, Music, old school heavy metal, ozzy, Ozzy Osbourne, rock and roll hall of fame inductees, rock keyboard musicians, rock vocalists, vintage heavy metal albums, Vocals with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 18, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

I would like to take this opportunity, to let the entire world know, which Ozzy Osbourne album is my favorite of all time. Oops, it is a tie. “Blizzard Of Ozz”, (1980) and “Diary of a Madman”, (1981). Why, you may query? These first two Ozzy albums to me, represent the real, original, building block, style of Heavy Metal sound, that energized the 1980’s into the powerhouse Metal decade it was. Plus, lest we never forget, the greatness of the late Randy Rhoads on lead guitar, on both of these essential Heavy Metal albums.

It is very important to note that on the reissue version of “Blizzard Of Ozz”, during the re-mastering process, Mike Bordin is now on drums and percussion with Robert Trujillo on bass. The original drummer, on the original album, was Lee Kerslake and on bass was Bob Daisley. They are all fabulous musicians, I am not swayed either way. Don Airey is on keyboards for the original album. The key is that the legendary, late Randy Rhoads is the guitarist! Just to hear Randy play his signature sound on “I Don’t Know”, “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley” still sends chills 28 years after this release. Randy Rhoads and his unique guitar sound and style truly helped shape the evolution of Heavy Metal and it’s many prominent guitarists for decades. This album is not just a turning point for Ozzy, it is a focal point of reference and reverence for so many Heavy Metal musicians and fans alike. A bonus track is added into this reissue, “You Lookin’ At Me Lookin’ At You”. This song is similar in structure to “Rock & Roll Rebel” from Ozzy Osbourne’s “Bark At The Moon”. It is a song that is a welcomed addition to this classic album, any song is – that has Randy Rhoads playing. This album has stood the test of time, it feels strange for me to now say that the lyrics, song structure and arrangements with Randy Rhoads leads and riffs are powerhouse. Yet, with the new generation of Ozzy, Randy Rhoads and Heavy Metal fans, getting the word out after all these years is worth every second if it means passing this Heavy Metal jewel on to new listeners.

I know that I do reflect a couple of decades back, (quite often), in my posts… the reason is simple, this incredible Heavy Metal music was created and released decades ago! That is my point of relevance for me, so much of the Heavy Metal that I was into in the late 70’s onward, I still listen to this very day and is now considered classic and vintage. I can remember having the coolest algebra teacher back in High School, Mr. Z. was his name. Mr. Z. allowed his students to bring into class – albums to play on his stereo. How cool is that? It is not too often, with any generation, to reflect on any Algebra teacher from High School as being cool. Well, one of my buddies back then, brought into our class one day, the “Diary Of A Madman” album. This was really the first time I gave this Ozzy gem a thorough listen. I was ecstatic, thrilled beyond Metal belief upon hearing these tunes on this album. (Mr. Z. seemed to dig this Ozzy album too, I can still remember seeing his face showing the appreciation, while the Metal blared). Needless to say, my grades in Mr. Z.’s Algebra class were very respectable, due in part to the cool nonconventional way of teaching, using Heavy Metal as an inspiring teaching tool. Mr. Z. rocked back then, I hope he is still as cool today, wherever he may be.

With tracks such as “Over The Mountain”, “Believer”, “Little Dolls”, “You Can’t Kill Rock and Roll”, “Flying High Again” and “S.A.T.O.”, the odds of ever hearing such amazing Heavy Metal songs this potent and on one album again, are pretty slim. Back in 1982, after listening to this Ozzy album, I was set Metal straight – for a lifetime.

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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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 9, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

527399Well, 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 Osbourneno 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?

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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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 26, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

6975892I 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!