Archive for Power Metal

SONATA ARCTICA – Worldwide Chart Domination! “Stones Grow Her Name” Out Now Via Nuclear Blast

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on June 2, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

With their fantastic new record “Stones Grow Her Name”, SONATA ARCTICA not only achieved gold status in their home country Finland, but also entered charts worldwide.

We´re pround to announce the chart entries so far:

Finland 1

Hungary 13

Switzerland 21

Germany 24

Austria 29

Sweden 37

Norway 39

France 54

Italy 72

Holland 72

Canada 79

Belgium Wallonie 79

Spain 97

Sweden Rock Charts 5

Canada Rock Charts 7

UK Rock Charts 9

Great news also from the US camp:

After hearing that SONATA ARCTICA’s latest album, Stones Grow Her Name, achieved “highest 1st week sales” status in the USA with 2,225 copies sold and has debuted at #9 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart, vocalist/songwriter Tony Kakko checked in from his home in Finland with the following message:

“North America! Awesome! Our best ever 1st week sales with Stones Grow Her Name! Thank you so much! Feels good to hear this kind of news from the other side of the great puddle. Especially now, when the times are what they are… You guys rock! Sure hope to get all the tour plans ready as soon as possible, so we can announce out next great North American adventure. See you guys hopefully soon! Miss ya! Cheers!” 

SONATA ARCTICA – “Stones Grow Her Name World Tour 2012” 

German dates presented by: Rock Hard, MusiX and BLAST! Magazine

03.11.12 PL-Warsaw Progresja

04.11.12 D-Berlin Columbiaclub

06.11.12 D-Hamburg Markthalle

07.11.12 D-Cologne Essigfabrik

08.11.12 B-Antwerpen Trix

09.11.12 NL-Tilburg 013)

11.11.12 D-Bochum Zeche

12.11.12 D-Aschaffenburg Colos-Saal

13.11.12 F-Lille Le Splendid

14.11.12 F-Paris Bataclan

16.11.12 E-Madrid La Riviera

17.11.12 E-Barcelona Razzmatazz

19.11.12 F-Lyon Le Transpordeur

20.11.12 D-Stuttgart LKA Longhorn

21.11.12 CH-Pratteln Z7

22.11.12 I-Milano Alcatraz

24.11.12 CZ-Prag Winter Masters of Rock

27.11.12 D-Munich Backstage Halle

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(Source: Nuclear Blast News)

For more info on SONATA ARCTICA, click on the links below!

Free Songpier App:

http://songpier.com/sonataarctica

Watch the video for “I Have A Right” here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sue_ufnvqcs

Visit SONATA ARCTICA online at:

http://www.SONATAARCTICA.info

http://www.facebook.com/SONATAARCTICA

http://www.nuclearblast.de/sonataarctica

CONGRATULATIONS SONATA ARCTICA!

LONG LIVE SONATA ARCTICA.

Stone.

DRAGONFORCE “The Power Within” – Rises To New Melodic Power Metal Heights; Features New Vocalist Marc Hudson

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on May 24, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

DRAGONFORCE – The U.K.’s Power Metal flag is being raised ever higher and with more pride; now that the fifth studio album from  Dragonforce is available. The Power Within was released on April 17th, 2012, via Roadrunner Records. Trust me, this is a whole new ball of Power Metal wax I’m listening to with Dragonforce in 2012. I’ll tell you why…

Marc Hudson – Whoa, this new guy can sing and has remarkable range. Marc’s falsetto style is not only impressive, it’s downright eye-popping. Marc Hudson replaced original vocalist ZP Theart and has single-handedly turned me from being a casual fan of Dragonforce to an all-out solid and appreciative fan. There isn’t a dull moment I can possibly hear from the vocals of Marc Hudson. Metal as my witness… I’m telling you all how I truly perceive what I hear.

Maturity Yes, every band that wants to continue forward and not be left forgotten, like a bunch of Oprah reruns, needs to consistently mature musically. This Dragonforce lineup is playing tighter than ever on The Power Within and it makes the songs that much more potent. An all-encompassing mature vibe towards the song is what I’m listening to, on The Power Within. Lyrically inspiring and encapsulating substance, it’s difficult for me to not want to know what Marc is singing about.

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The Guitarists Founding members Herman Li and Sam Totman still play their guitars at lightning speed, (their undisputedly talented), only the hell-bent tempo comes across with a new-found legitimacy that is no longer a show-off spectacle; instead, this is Dragonforce and this is what they’ve been about since day one… I just needed Marc Hudson to be that “icing on the cake” for my ears.

The Songs – All ten songs belong. From the powerful album opener Holding On to the acoustic closer of Seasons, this is an album that Dragonforce should be damn proud of. Cry Thunder and Wings Of Liberty are my two favorites on The Power Within; with Wings Of Liberty being a profound and epic listen. Marc Hudson’s vocals gives the acoustic version of Seasons its justifiable place on this album. I’ll say it again, this new guy can sing… and he showcases his vocal diversity with this acoustic number.  

As a whole, Dragonforce come across brilliantly on The Power Within. From the keyboards of Vadim Pruzhanov, to the drumming of Dave Mackintosh and everything else in-between, coupled with what I’ve mentioned. I absolutely have no reservations by calling The Power Within as one of the best Metal albums I’ve listened to in 2012. Melodic and memorable Power Metal is The Power Within. Metal be thy name.

DRAGONFORCE:

Marc Hudson – Lead vocals

Herman Li – Guitar, backing vocals

Sam Totman – Guitar, backing vocals

Frédéric Leclercq – Bass, backing vocals

Vadim Pruzhanov – Keyboards, Theremin, backing vocals

Dave Mackintosh – Drums, backing vocals

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THE POWER WITHIN – Track Listing:

Holding On

Fallen World

Cry Thunder

Give Me The Night

Wings Of Liberty

Seasons

Heart Of The Storm

Die By The Sword

Last Man Stands

Seasons (acoustic version)

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* For more info on DRAGONFORCE, click on the links below!

http://www.dragonforce.com

http://www.youtube.com/dragonforce

ROADRUNNER RECORDS

LONG LIVE DRAGONFORCE.

Stone.

AFM June 19th, 2012 North American Releases: U.D.O., AT VANCE, THE MURDER OF MY SWEET

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on May 24, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

AFM Records will unveil a variety of new releases on North American soil this June 19th, including a massive 2xCD collection of rare tracks from the almighty German Metal force U.D.O., the mammoth ninth studio full-length from German neoclassical metallers AT VANCE, and the sophomore album from Swedish Goth-Metal outfit THE MURDER OF MY SWEET.

U.D.O.

Celebrator: Rare Tracks

After 25 years in existence, having toured across the planet and an incredibly vast release catalog including a massive thirteen full-length studio albums, the time has come to unleash a collection of some of the finest and rarest tracks in the storied lineage of German Heavy Metal heroes U.D.O.!

Set for North American release on June 19th, the massive 2xCD Celebrator: Rare Tracks collection bears 25 U.D.O. anthems, accumulating an array of bonus tracks, alternate versions of classic songs, previously unreleased material, guest appearances, cover tracks and much more. The cover artwork was created by Dirk Hüttner (CappOVision) and the album’s layout features tons of rare, private and never before seen pictures of the band with personal foreword from ex-Accept frontman and U.D.O. mastermind Udo Dirkschneider himself.

See the cover art, an official trailer for the 2xCD set and more HERE.

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Celebrator: Rare Tracks Track Listing:

Disc 1:

1. Stormbreaker (Rev-Raptor Japan Bonus)

2. Tallyman (Taken from the Rev-Raptor recording session)

3. Run! (Remix)

4. Free Or Rebellion (Bonus Leatherhead Single)

5. Bleeding Heart (Dominator Japan Bonus)

6. The Silencer (Taken from the Dominator recording session)

7. Bodyworld (Bonus Infected Single)

8. Systematic Madness (Bonus Infected Single)

9. Head Over Heels (Hammerall feat. Udo Dirkschneider)

10. Balls To The Wall (Piano Version)

11. Artificialized (Taken from the Mastercutor recording session)

12. They Only Come Out At Night (Lordi feat. Udo Dirkschneider)

13. Streets Of Sin (Bonus Wrong Side Of Midnight Single)

Disc 2:

1. Tears Of A Clown (Classical Version)

2. Man A King Ruler (Mastercutor Japan Bonus)

3. Hardcore Lover (Remix from 24/7 – Single)

4. Scream Killers (Bonus 24/7 Single)

5. Platchet Soldat (Remix featuring Faktor2)

6. Borderline (Thunderball Japan Bonus)

7. Dancing With An Angel (Remix featuring Doro)

8. X-T-C (Remix from A Tribute To ACCEPT Vol. 2)

9. Azrael (Remix from No Limits)

10. The Key (Remix from No Limits Japan Bonus)

11. Metal Gods (from “A Tribute To Judas Priest”)

12. Born to be Wild (Raven featuring Udo Dirkschneider)

AT VANCE

Facing Your Enemy

It’s clear that AT VANCE, the band led by master guitar magician and composer Olaf Lenk and fronted by the charismatic singer Rick Altzi, has once again gone beyond its calling and produced an extremely strong masterstroke with their new record, Facing Your Enemy.

Set for North American release on June 19th, the ninth studio full-length from Germany’s neoclassical Power Metal masters AT VANCE, Facing Your Enemy boasts fifty minutes of some of the band’s finest material to date, soaring with epic songs and a professional recording fans have come to expect, all recorded and produced in the band’s own studio. The recording lineup for the album includes Casey Grill of Kamelot on drums and is visually captured with cover art from Thomas Ewerhard (Avantasia, Edguy, etc.).

See the cover art, an official video for the album’s title track and more HERE.

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Facing Your Enemy Track Listing:

1. Heaven Is Calling

2. Facing Your Enemy

3. Eyes Of A Stranger

4. Fear No Evil

5. Live & Learn

6. Don’t Dream

7. See Me Crying

8. Saviour

9. Tokyo

10. March Of The Dwarf

11. Fame And Fortune

12. Things I Never Needed

THE MURDER OF MY SWEET

Bye Bye Lullaby

Since the release of their debut album Divanity in January 2010, and the single that pre-ceded it in 2009 (“Bleed Me Dry” – which reached No. 14 in the Swedish National Singles Charts), female-fronted Rock/Metal band THE MURDER OF MY SWEET have become amongst the biggest hopes on the European scene. Their individual, easily recognizable and high value sound, has touched the lives of many fans and with its mix of modern, groovy, hard rock, beautiful melodies, and progressive, cinematic flair. The band, led by singer Angelica Rylin, has secured a remarkable fanbase already, far from the shores of Stockholm, where the band was formed in 2007; the name inspired by the 1944 ‘film-noir’ “Murder, My Sweet”.

The sophomore album from THE MURDER OF MY SWEET was produced in their own Sound vs. Science Studio and mastered at the Cutting Room (Gorgoroth, Candlemass, Glenn Hughes), and features guest appearances by Jesper Strömblad (In Flames), Peter Wichers (Soilwork) & Fredrik Åkesson (Opeth). The cover art was created by Felipe Machado (Rhapsody Of Fire, Blind Guardian, Iron Savior etc.), and one track from the album was featured on the soundtrack of the movie “The Ice Dragon”, which was featured at the Berlin Film Festival.

Check out a lyric video for the band’s track “Black September” and more HERE.

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Bye Bye Lullaby Track Listing:

1. Armageddon

2. Fallen

3. Unbreakable

4. I Dare You

5. Violently Peaceful

6. Meant To Last Forever

7. Idolize

8. Kind Of Lousy

9. The One

10. Resurrection

11. Waiting For The 27th (Booh Prologue)

12. Black September

13. Phantom Pain

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(Source: Earsplit PR)

For more info, click on the links below!

http://www.afm-records.de

http://www.udo-online.com

https://www.facebook.com/atvanceofficial

http://www.myspace.com/themurderofmysweet

LONG LIVE THESE BANDS & METAL.

LONG LIVE AFM RECORDS.

Stone.

DORO – New Album: Details Revealed For “Raise Your Fist”

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on May 21, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Reigning Queen of Metal, DORO PESCH, has checked-in from her work in the studio to issue the following update:

“The new album will be entitled Raise Your Fist and has been recorded and written in the U.S., Germany, and Scandinavia. Right now we’re in the mixing stages and are close to finishing everything. Most important to me are the power hymns ‘Raise Your Fist In The Air’ and ‘Victory,’ which will also be available on the forthcoming EP! Both songs have been played live on our last tour and also made last year’s Wacken Open Air shake! ‘Raise Your Fist In The Air’ will also be available in French… which is going to be very interesting. For the diehard fans of German songs like ‘Für Immer’ [‘Forever’], there are two songs in the same vein: the sensitive and quite dark ‘Human Rights’ and the very emotional ‘Engel’ [‘Angel’]. There are also a lot of fast songs like ‘Little Headbanger’ and various fist-pumping ones featuring amazing guests like Gus G (Ozzy Osbourne, Firewind) on ‘Last Man Standing’ which fans will for sure dig live. We also have a song that honors the late Ronnie James Dio called ‘Hero’ and another highlight named ‘It Still Hurts’ featuring Motörhead’s Lemmy Kilmister. The cover artwork has once again been created by British artist Geoffrey Gillespie who is a close friend and companion since he made it into the Guinness Book of World Records for his Triumph And Agony cover as the biggest album cover in the world. Since then, he’s done ten covers for us!”

Raise Your Fist will be released in North America this coming Fall. To hold fans over until then, the upcoming Raise Your Fist In The Air EP will be released this Summer.

DORO guested on a recent episode of VH1 Classic’s That Metal Show with Billy Duffy and Ian Astbury of The Cult. Watch the full episode at THIS LOCATION.

Watch exclusive backstage bonus clips HERE. DORO discusses her pre-show rituals HERE.

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(Source: Earsplit PR)

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

http://www.doro.de/

http://www.facebook.com/DoroOfficial

http://www.youtube.com/DoroOfficial

http://www.nuclearblastusa.com

http://www.nuclearblast.de

LONG LIVE DORO, THE QUEEN OF HEAVY METAL.

Stone.

DORO – That Metal Show Episode Airs Tomorrow

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on May 11, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Episode 7 of That Metal Show’s tenth season will air tomorrow and features none other than the Queen of Metal herself, DORO PESCH.

Tune in to VH1 Classic on Saturday night, May 12th, at 8 p.m. PACIFIC / 11 p.m. EASTERN to watch DORO, Billy Duffy, and Ian Astbury of The Cult visit with That Metal Show hosts Eddie Trunk, Don Jamieson, and Jim Florentine.

Catch a sneak-peek of Saturday’s episode here. Check out behind-the-scenes photos (“Recent Images”) at Twitter.com/#!/thatmetalshow.

DORO is busy working on the follow-up to last September’s 25 Years In Rock mammoth 2 DVD/CD set, which has immortalized her 2,500th live concert. Her Raise Your Fist In The Air EP will be released later this year.

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(Source: Earsplit PR)

Keep up with all things DORO at:

http://www.DORO.de

http://www.facebook.com/DOROOFFICIAL

http://www.Twitter.com/DOROOFFICIAL

http://www.YouTube.com/DOROOFFICIAL

 LONG LIVE DORO.

Stone.

FIREWIND “Few Against Many” – Releases In North America On May 22nd, 2012; “Wall Of Sound” Official Video Released!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on May 6, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

FIREWIND – The seventh studio album from the Metal warriors of Greece, the band we all know as FIREWIND, releases in Europe on May 21st and North America on May 22nd, 2012. Guitar legend Gus G. will be leading his FIREWIND band to Heavy Metal glory once again!

Few Against Many boasts the album debut of FIREWIND’s new drummer: Jo Nunez.

Few Against Many will be released in Europe on May 21 via Century Media Records and May 22nd in North America through DisManic Distribution via eOne Distribution.

Century Media has recently released the NEW and Official Video for Wall Of Sound. This is FIREWIND at their Metal finest, my Metal brethren! Gus G. shreds! Apollo’s vocals are 100% fabulous! Wall Of Sound is a Metal must! Take a look and listen below for yourself! Metal be thy name!

FIREWIND:

Gus G. – guitar

Apollo Papathanasio – vocals

Petros Christo – bass

Bob Katsionis – keyboards & guitar

Jo Nunez – drums

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FEW AGAINST MANY – Track Listing:

Wall Of Sound

Losing My Mind

Few Against Many

The Undying Fire

Another Dimension

Glorious

Edge Of A Dream

Destiny

Long Gone Tomorrow

No Heroes, No Sinners

Battleborn (bonus digipak version)

No Heroes, No Sinners (acoustic) (bonus digipak version)

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

http://www.firewind.gr

http://www.myspace.com/firewind

LONG LIVE FIREWIND.

Stone.

DORO – Reveals Details On Upcoming EP “Raise Your Fist In The Air”

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on May 4, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

DORO, the Queen of Heavy Metal, has just revealed some details on the upcoming EP “Raise Your Fist In The Air” which will be released August 3, 2012. The EP will contain the following songs and will be issued on CD, vinyl and as digital download: DORO – Raise Your Fist In The Air 01. Raise your fist in the air 02. Victory 03. Engel 04. Lève ton poing vers le ciel “Raise Your Fist In The Air” can now be pre-ordered at THIS location!

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(Source: Nuclear Blast News)

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

http://www.doro.de/

http://www.facebook.com/DoroOfficial

http://www.nuclearblast.de/de/label/musi…

LONG LIVE DORO.

Stone.

BENEDICTUM & Jeff Pilson Join Forces Again!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on April 19, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Benedictum are proud to announce their continued collaboration with Jeff Pilson on the development of their next release via Frontiers Records!!!!

The result will bring back the magic Benedictum and Jeff Pilson captured during their earlier releases from “Seasons of Tragedy” and their 2006 debut “Uncreation”.

This year and 2013 will be an exciting year for Benedictum with their recent addition of new drummer Rikard Stjernquist known for his exceptional talent in Jag Panzer for 25 years.

Jeff Pilson known for his extensive list of musicianship with legendary acts Dokken and Dio, while currently with  Foreginer and producer for Adler’s Appetite.

Jeff Pilson states:  “I’m very excited about producing the new Benedictum record. I’m very passionate about their music and love working with the band. V’s vocals, Pete’s guitars, the band’s energy and the songs are all something that are very close to my heart. This record will be their crowning achievement- of that I have no doubts!”

Benedictum was formed in 2005. After being noticed by Craig Goldy (Dio, Guiffria, Budgie) the wheels were set in motion and eventually lead to their debut CD “Uncreation”.

Coming soon will be more exciting news regarding their next release!!!!!!

Benedictum is Veronica Freeman (lead vocals), Pete Wells (lead guitar), Chris Shrum (bass) and Rikard Stjernquist (drums/percussion).

Benedictum discography includes “Uncreation”, “Seasons of Tragedy”, and “Dominion”.

(Source: Frontiers Records)

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Weblinks:

Band:  http://www.benedictum.net

Veronica Freeman:  http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=736850320

Veronica Freeman:  http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002710835082

Facebook Band Page:  http://www.facebook.com/Benedictum.Official

Record Label:  http://www.frontiers.it

LONG LIVE BENEDICTUM.

LONG LIVE JEFF PILSON.

Stone.

ENTHRALL “Throes Of Fire” – Sophomore Album Showcases The Metal Strengths Of Vocalist/Multi-Instrumentalist Neil Rego

Posted in classic metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, progressive metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on April 9, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

ENTHRALL – Originating from Bangalore, India and eventually being signed by Greece independent label METALFIGHTERS, founding member and multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Neil Rego has his solo project ENTHRALL causing quite the buzz within the worldwide Metal underground. The roots of ENTHRALL go back to 1995, when ENTHRALL was initially a unified band. Family commitments and the inability to relocate are the legitimate reasons as to why the remaining original members of ENTHRALL had to step aside.

With guest musicians appearing on his latest (second overall) ENTHRALL album, Neil Rego has given every indication that he is a well-rounded songwriter and lyricist, coupled with his undeniable and admirable proficiency as a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist. No Metal rock should be left unturned and ENTHRALL is one solid Metal rock worth discovering.

The influences of Classic Metal, Classic Rock, Progressive Rock/Metal and old school Speed Metal are all interwoven into a unique texture of sound on Throes Of Fire, courtesy of Neil’s musical vision. Neil’s clean vocals are married with his brand of Metal in such a smooth way that I cannot help myself liking what I hear, throughout Throes Of Fire. If I had to choose my favorite song, the title track keeps replaying in my mind.

Melodic from beginning to end and most essentially memorable is Throes Of Fire. With no flashy gimmicks of an over-produced product, Neil Rego has compiled these ten songs on this album to sound effectively efficient, in an early 80’s Classic Metal sort of way. Throes Of Fire has grown on me and has left an imprint of uniqueness upon my ears that is so ultimately important.

As a sophomore release from ENTHRALL, Neil Rego has shown that he can act upon his Metal vision and create an album that dominates on the melodic side of the spectrum, while knowing when to let loose the hard and heavy without crossing that fine line of filler territory. I recommend checking out ENTHRALL to any fan of Heavy Metal or even Hard Rock. There is a vast bounty of Metalheads out there, that should find Throes Of Fire to be an album worthy of their time. It’s been worth my Metal time. Metal be thy name.

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BAND:

Neil Rego – vocals, guitars & bass

Featured Musicians:

Pranav Murthy – guitars

Max Wamby – guitars

Suraj Dutt – guitars

Varun Sood – drums & percussion

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Throes Of Fire – Track Listing:

Burden

The Bullying Bull

Stoned

Fuzzy

Lame Sunk Esteem

Agony Bound

Retribution

Throes Of Fire

Spill Cyanide

Natural Instinct

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For more info on ENTHRALL, click on the link below:

www.weareenthrall.com

LONG LIVE ENTHRALL.

Stone.

GUN BARREL ‘Brace For Impact’ (Official Video) – Stone’s Metal Pick Of The Day

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, heavy metal videos, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on April 8, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

GUN BARREL – Are you ready? Are you ready for some “Dirty Metal Rock ‘n’ Roll”? Brace yourself. Get prepared to hear a song that shall kick thine precious Hard Rockin’ and Heavy Metallin’ ass. Brace For Impact from Germany’s Gun Barrel is my Metal Pick Of The Day and it has ignited my Metal adrenaline into the Metal stratosphere! Whoa and Metal be thy name.

Ring that Metal bell and raise them horns up high… cause Stone never tells a Metal lie… GUN BARREL… ROCKS! Hit that magic arrow button on the video box below… then let the “Dirty Metal Rock ‘n’ Roll” from GUN BARREL take control!

GUN BARREL:

Patrick Sühl – vocals

Rolf Tanzius – guitar

Toni Pinciroli – drums

Tomcat Kintgen – bass

The 5th studio album from GUN BARREL, Brace For Impact, was released on March 23rd, 2012, via Massacre Records.

Cover artwork by Steve Santana.

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(Source: Massacre Records)

For more info on GUN BARREL, click on the links below:

http://www.gunbarrel.de

http://www.reverbnation.com/gunbarrel

http://www.myspace.com/yourgunbarrel

http://www.massacre-records.com

LONG LIVE GUN BARREL.

Stone.

UNISONIC – Heavy Metal Supergroup To Release Debut This May, Via Armoury Records

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on April 4, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

UNISONIC – The self-titled debut studio album from UNISONIC — the band featuring former Helloween vocalist Michael Kiske and guitarist Kai Hansen (Gamma Ray, ex-Helloween) alongside guitarist Mandy Meyer (Asia, Gotthard and Krokus), bassist Dennis Ward and drummer Kosta Zafiriou (both of Germany’s Pink Cream 69) — will be released in North America on May 22, 2012 via Eagle Rock imprint Armoury Records.

Unisonic was recorded at ICP Studios in Brussels, Belgium. The offering features 11 tracks, plus a bonus live version of Helloween classic “I Want Out” only available on the domestic edition, cover art by  Martin Häusler (Meat Loaf, Gotthard, Helloween, Motörhead) and marks the first musical union between Kiske and Hansen in 23 years!

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Unisonic Track Listing:

1. Unisonic

2. Souls Alive

3. Never Too Late

4. I’ve Tried

5. Star Rider

6. Never Change Me

7. Renegade

8. My Sanctuary

9. King For A Day

10. We Rise

11. No One Ever Sees Me

12. I Want Out (Live)

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Check out the band’s video for album opener/anthem “Unisonic” at THIS LOCATION. The clip was directed by Häusler in Heidelberg, Germany.

UNISONIC released its debut EP, Ignition earlier this year. After the addition of Hansen to the group’s lineup in early 2011, UNISONIC continued the songwriting process for its debut release, incorporating Kai’s talent for writing great anthemic Rock songs into its existing material. Hardly Keeper Of The Seven Keys Part 3, the UNISONICcollective effortlessly fuse the many sides of heavy music they know and love. The band’s music is versatile and takes a broad approach to Heavy Rock without sacrificing the power and strong, catchy melodies that characterized the band members’ previous projects.

UNISONIC:

Michael Kiske – Vocals

Kai Hansen – Guitar

Mandy Meyer – Guitar

Dennis Ward – Bass

Kosta Zafiriou – drums

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(Source: Earsplit PR)

For more info on UNISONIC, click on the links below:

http://www.unisonic.de

http://www.facebook.com/unisonicofficial

http://www.myspace.com/unisonic

http://www.eaglerockent.com

 LONG LIVE UNISONIC.
Stone.

EDGUY – Lavatory Love Machine (Official Video) Flashback To 2004

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, heavy metal videos, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on April 3, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

EDGUY – There’s a ton of EDGUY songs from across their catalog of albums that I dig and Lavatory Love Machine is one of the many. Just a damn fun song and music video it is. Lavatory Love Machine is from the 2004 EDGUY album: Hellfire Club. Check it out below, crank it up loud and… Metal be thy name.

Back on April 27th, 2010, I wrote about the Lavatory Love Machine CD single. Read about (if you like) by clicking the large link below!

EDGUY “LAVATORY LOVE MACHINE” – CD SINGLE FROM 2004 THAT’S OUT OF PRINT!

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For more info on EDGUY, click on the links below:

http://www.edguy.net

http://www.facebook.com/edguy

http://www.youtube.com/edguyband

LONG LIVE EDGUY.

Stone.

Power Prog & Metal Fest 2012 – Lotto Mons Expo, Mons, Belgium – Lineup Of Bands and Info

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal festivals, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, progressive metal, rock festivals, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on March 29, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

POWER PROG & METAL FEST – 2012 Edition: April 6th, 7th & 8th 2012 at Lotto Mons Expo – Mons – Belgium. 3 days/32 Bands/2 Stages! At Power Prog & Metal Fest, the bands don’t play at the same time!

This looks to be 3 days of incredible Metal to me! Just look at that lineup of bands on the festival poster! If you live in Belgium, this is one destination to get your “live” Metal fix! ACCEPT and Sonata Arctica on the same day, with Belgium’s very own Nightqueen! Each day has some powerhouse headliners. Whoa and Metal be thy name.

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For more info on Power Prog & Metal Fest:

www.ppmfest.com

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

BENEDICTUM – Enlist Jag Panzer Drummer Rikard Stjernquist!

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

(Photo Credit: Mark Briody)

Benedictum and The diabolical mistress “V” Veronica Freeman are proud to enlist new drummer Rikard Stjernquist to the team!

Rikard Stjernquist started his career with Stockholm based Bronze Puppet.   Rikard brings a multitude of talent from his longevity as the drummer for Power Metal legends Jag Panzer of 25 years and nine records to his studio production capabilities.  Rikard will surely assist the team in writing new material for their next release with Frontiers Records worldwide.

Rikard Stjernquist states “I have been very fortunate in my long career to have recorded and performed with some exceptional people / musicians, and Benedictum is no exception.  I’m very excited about the future with Benedictum and having the opportunity to perform for their amazing fans all over the world.  Thank you Veronica Freeman, Pete Wells, and Chris Shrum for this amazing opportunity”

Benedictum played select US dates for the East Coast in late November 2011 in support of their current release “Dominion” out now on Frontiers Records.  Everyone who attended the select dates got a a taste of what the European market already knew.

This year and 2013 will prove to be an exciting year for Benedictum with much more activity in the worldwide.

Coming soon will be more exciting news regarding their next release!

Benedictum is Veronica Freeman (lead vocals), Pete Wells (lead guitar), Chris Shrum (bass) and Rikard Stjernquist (drums/percussion).

Benedictum discography includes “Uncreation”, “Seasons of Tragedy” and “Dominion”.

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(Source: Frontiers Records)

For more info click on the links below:

BENEDICTUM – facebook

BENEDICTUM – Official Website

LONG LIVE BENEDICTUM.

Stone.

ICED EARTH – Confirmed To Play At the Kalaset Festival, Lulea, Sweden

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, power metal bands, rock festivals, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on March 6, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

As reported on The Official Iced Earth Website:

Mark your calendars. Fans in Sweden…get ready! Iced Earth has just been confirmed to play the Kalaset Festival!

More information will be announced on our Tour page when it becomes available.

Date: August 4, 2012

Place: Sweden

City: Lulea

Festival: Kalaset Festival

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For more info on ICED EARTH, click on the links below:

www.IcedEarth.com

http://www.youtube.com/officialicedearth

For more info on the Kalaset Festival, click on link below:

 http://www.kalaset.se/

LONG LIVE ICED EARTH.

Stone.

CAGE – ‘Hell Destroyer vs. Metal Devil’ Video: Prodigious Power Metal Intensified!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, heavy metal videos, metal music, Music, Power Metal, power metal bands, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on February 28, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

CAGE – Originating from San Diego, California, is one hell of an amazing Power Metal / Classic Heavy Metal band globally known as: CAGE. Led by frontman Sean “The Hell Destroyer” Peck and his Metal falsetto, both he and band are an American Metal paragon to hear!

Supremacy Of Steel, the sixth studio album from CAGE, was released back on December 13th, 2011, via music by mail distro on their own Heavy Metal media label imprint. The vinyl release for Supremacy Of Steel will be released on April 27th, 2012, via Pure Steel Records. Hell Destroyer vs Metal Devil is a blazing Power Metal song that never relents for a micro-second. The driving guitars and resounding rhythm section combine with Sean’s vocals, for a pure listen into Power Metal on high!

Listen to the Power Metal brilliance of CAGE and check out the stunning animated video below! “From the Supremacy of Steel album, the final battle between The Hell Destroyer and the Metal Devil”. This is what Power Metal is all about! Metal be thy name!

CAGE:

Sean “The Hell Destroyer” Peck – Vocals

Dave “Conan” Garcia – guitars

Pete “Hands of” Stone – Bass guitar

Steve “MetalBrog” Brogden – guitars

Norm “The Legend” Leggio – drums

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For more info on CAGE, click on the links below:

http://www.cageheavymetal.com

http://www.myspace.com/cageheavymetal

http://www.twitter.com/cageheavymetal

LONG LIVE CAGE.

Stone.

SONATA ARCTICA – ‘Stones Grow Her Name’ Releases In May, More Album Details

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, power metal bands, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on February 25, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Finland’s SONATA ARCTICA have named their seventh studio album Stones Grow Her Name. Recorded in several studios all over Finland, mixed at Sonic Pump Studios by Mikko Karmila and mastered at Chartmakers by Svante Forsbäck, the album will be released in Europe on May 18th and in North America on May 22nd.

SONATA ARCTICA vocalist Tony Kakko comments:

“Our newest adventure is only a final touch short of being ready. The recordings went extremely well and the mixing is in schedule. Have to say I am enjoying myself greatly. I’ve had a very hard and work- filled two-year period writing the songs while touring extensively with our previous album The Days Of Grays, but it has all been worth it! Yet again, we are introducing new things to keep the music alive and interesting. New elements, styles and new moods, talented guest artists and ideas for the enjoyment of the loyal friends of our music. Can’t wait for you to get your hands and ears on Stones Grow Her Name! Hope to see you all again on tour! Be well!“

The track listing for the standard jewel case version will be:

01. Only The Broken Hearts (Make You Beautiful)
02. Shitload Of Money
03. Losing My Insanity
04. Somewhere Close To You
05. I Have A Right
06. Alone In Heaven
07. The Day
08. Cinderblox
09. Don’t Be Mean
10. Wildfire II
11. Wildfire III

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(Source: Nuclear Blast News)

For more info on SONATA ARCTICA, click on the links below:

http://www.sonataarctica.info

http://www.youtube.com/user/SonataArctica

LONG LIVE SONATA ARCTICA.

Stone.

NIGHTQUEEN ‘For Queen And Metal’ – An Indelible Debut Album Of Heavy Metal

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, melodic metal, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news, symphonic metal with tags , , , , , , , on February 24, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

NIGHTQUEEN – Releasing today, February 24th, via Massacre Records, is the debut album from Belgium’s Nightqueen. Fronted by the dynamic vocals of Keely Larreina, this is a band and album that shouldn’t get missed by fans of Symphonic, Epic, Melodic or Power Metal. What am I thinking? It’s all about Heavy Metal in the first place. This debut from Nightqueen begins fittingly with Into The Night, a symphonic intro that elevates the mood, setting the stage for what shall be a momentous and inspiring ride of Melodic Metal.

Nightfall follows, with Keely’s vocals showcasing her impressive range and capacity to sing Power Metal with conviction. Nightfall and Mystical Nights are two songs that truly get this debut album from Nightqueen propelling in the right direction. The Power Metal meets Symphonic Metal combination that Nightqueen executes, springs from the Metal gates rather impressively. Now the path has been paved and Nightqueen erupts with all the Power Metal goodness they can muster with the title track. For Queen And Metal is a fabulous listen into what this band can deliver! Whoa.

Lady Fantasy and Nocturnal Thoughts are sung with powerful eloquence by Keely and she is a voice to hear. Her ability to bring that added convincing emotion to the song is an asset in itself. Guitarists Rex Zeco and Alan Rawson complement one another, adding the muscular melodies with energized leads and solos, not only on these two aforementioned songs, they both execute brilliantly throughout this entire album.

Secret Of The Blind Man encompasses every standout attribute that I admire about Nightqueen. This song is Symphonic, it’s Power Metal and radiates with an epic ambience. I can’t help feeling inspired from this song’s instrumentation. Nightqueen never loses their flare for keeping it Metal on their debut. I hear slivers and shades of Traditional Metal, especially on Majesty. Riffs abound in Majesty and Keely sings as if she should be standing atop a mountain, looking down upon her minions, in an 80’s style music video. Grand stuff it is indeed.

Nightqueen is that band that impresses me from every corner, for if it’s not Keely’s vocals that are captivating me, then it’s the symphonic atmosphere or the masterly drumming of William Blodyn. The keyboards of Daniel Kells amplifies that ever expressive European vibe and flavor. Steven Steele stands tall on bass, giving these Nightqueen songs their booming beats that reveal themselves so plentifully. Then of course, as I’ve previously mentioned, Rex and Alan are an adept guitar duo that can easily steal the Metal show. If there is one complaint I have, it’s I wish Nightqueen was around twenty or so years ago.

For Queen And Metal is one enjoyable debut album to encounter from Nightqueen. This band has no problem in conveying their totality of talent to my ears. I was looking forward to this debut from Nightqueen for many months, now I realize why. If you like what I’ve stated about Nightqueen and their brand of Metal, then there should be no apprehension in the air you are currently breathing… for you are hereby dismissed to venture out and purchase this noble debut from Nightqueen. To me, this group has earned the right to have their name and Metal known across the seas. Hail to Nightqueen!

For Queen And Metal – Track Listing:

Into The Night

Nightfall

Mystical Night

For Queen And Metal

Lady Fantasy

Nocturnal Thoughts

Secret Of The Blind Man

Majesty

Rebel To Rebel

Screaming For Mercy

Dark Fairy

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For more info on NIGHTQUEEN, click on the links below:

http://www.nightqueen.be/

NIGHTQUEEN – myspace

MASSACRE RECORDS

LONG LIVE NIGHTQUEEN.

Stone.

PRIMAL FEAR ‘Unbreakable’ – The Time Is NOW To Join The METAL NATION

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, power metal albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on February 22, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

PRIMAL FEAR – I guess if I wasn’t listening to this new Primal Fear album so often, I would have written a review on it much sooner. Seriously, Unbreakable has made it mandatory for me, to raise my fists to the air and thank the Metal Gods for Primal Fear and Power Metal. Released on Frontiers Records back on January 20th, this album is a must to the maximum Metal degree.

Once I realized what I took in from this new Primal Fear offering of Power Metal glory, I began to wonder, could 2012 be “The Year Of Power Metal”? With Iron Savior releasing their new album The Landing, (which brought me to tears of Metal joy) and now I’m brought down to my knees from Unbreakable… how else could I describe this year of Metal thus far? Primal Fear has not only delivered an unbelievable album of Power Metal, they’ve also created some of the most amazingly memorable songs of their legendary career. To my Metal blistered ears they have.

Once I realized how unreal golden Bad Guys Wear Black and Metal Nation are for transmitting everything triumphant about Power Metal, there is Strike,Where Angels Die, Give Em Hell, Blaze Of Glory and Marching Again. Metal be thy name does Primal Fear get their point across with their new album… that Primal Fear is not a Power Metal force to reckon with, they are THE Power Metal force. Period. This album from Primal Fear is the Metal beacon that tells us Metalheads that everything is okay and we shall strike down all negative obstacles in our F’n way.

As I see it, you’re either gonna join the Metal Nation, are already a member or decide that you’re gonna take a pass. If you take that nonsensical pass, then stop reading this review now. Then, go take some ex-lax, stick your thumb in your mouth and peruse your VHS library of Shirley Temple movies.

Back to Unbreakable. Sorry about that my true Metal brethren. Hell, you want guitar driven? You want duo guitars? Trading guitar leads and solos that will shock and awe? Wanna hear guitars blazing the old-fashioned way, as in kicking your Metal lovin’ ass like there is no tomorrow? Alex Beyrodt and Magnus Karlsson will take care of it. Are you looking for a premier Power Metal vocalist, one whose name itself equates Metal? Ralf Scheepers is the modern-day Rob Halford. Yes, there is another Metal God and his name is Ralf Scheepers. Now, go take that Metal check and cash it… then tell ’em all that Stone says so.

Spread the Metal word. What word Stone? That the rhythm section of Primal Fear is a Power Metal vehicle sent to us all as a gift from the Thunder God. Mat Sinner (bass) and Randy Black (drums) sound so powerfully perfect together that it’s implausible to think otherwise. There are 12 songs on Unbelievable, (oops, I meant Unbreakable) that are a representation of how Heavy Metal was meant to escalate the psyche-you-out senses in the first place. Metal Nation members know what I mean. Screw the non-believers.

If everything I’ve written thus far sounds like a Metal temptation to you, then you absolutely won’t be able to resist hearing  a Primal Fear ballad. Yes… I stated… ballad. Born Again is the song and it’s quite Metal moving to me. Ralf Scheepers proves he can impact just as effectively singing a ballad as he does belting out extraordinary high notes on a Power Metal anthem. I will say this and not be ashamed: Born Again is a beautiful song from Primal Fear.

Yes, amongst the Power Metal domination I hear on Unbreakable, the Metal jubilation I feel does give a nod to beauty when it’s so eloquently played and sung. Still, bad guys will always wear black and the Metal Nation is a flaming juggernaut, one that shall never be contained nor controlled. Metal be thy name.

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UNBREAKABLE Track Listing:

Unbreakable (Part 1)

Strike

Give Em Hell

Bad Guys Wear Black

And There Was Silence

Metal Nation

Where Angels Die

Unbreakable (Part 2)

Marching Again

Born Again

Blaze Of Glory

Conviction

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Backing Vocals: Ralf Scheepers, Mat Sinner, Erik Martensson and Oliver Hartmann.

For more info on PRIMAL FEAR, click on the links below:

http://www.primalfear.de

FRONTIERS RECORDS

LONG LIVE PRIMAL FEAR.

Stone.

SABATON – Album Details, Cover Art and Track Listing Revealed for Carolus Rex

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, power metal bands, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on February 18, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Swedish epic Power Metallers SABATON have revealed a bunch of details for the bands upcoming album Carolus Rex which will be released May 25 via Nuclear Blast Records.

The lyrics for the CD deal with the Swedish Empire (referring to the Kingdom of Sweden between 1561 and 1721) and are sung entirely in Swedish.

Commented the band: “For the first time ever we have had an expert to help us out with the theme, the well-known Swedish historian Bengt Liljegren. We have also added some extra time in the studio to find the absolute right sound on ‘Carolus Rex’, and our producer, Peter Tägtgren, says that this album will mark a brand new standard for how a Heavy Metal album should sound like!”

Liljegren’s previously published works include acclaimed biographies of Karl XII among others. He also appeared in the popular Swedish TV series “Boston Tea Party”.

The album’s release will be followed by a two-year world tour.

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CAROLUS REX – Track Listing:

01. Dominium Maris Baltici
02. Lejonet Från Norden
03. Gott Mit Uns
04. En Livstid I Krig
05. 1 6 4 8
06. Karolinens Bön
07. Carolus Rex
08. Ett Slag Färgat Rött
09. Poltava
10. Konungens Likfärd
11. Ruina Imperii

(Source: Nuclear Blast News)

For more info on SABATON, click on the link below:

http://www.sabaton.net

http://www.youtube.com/sabaton

LONG LIVE SABATON.

Stone.