Archive for Power Metal

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HELLOWEEN – “DR. STEIN” MUSIC VIDEO TO ROCK YOU OUT!

Posted in 1980's power metal bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, hard rock music, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal videos, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock music, rock music videos with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 7, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

HELLOWEEN – Germany’s legendary powerhouse of a Power Metal band are back! Pioneers of the Power Metal genre, this return of Helloween has a Metal twist… musically speaking. I hope you enjoy the Dr. Stein music video as much as I do… crank it up for it’s all about ROCK in the first place!

On March 30, 2010, Helloween released:

Best Of 25th Anniversary – Unarmed

If your looking to hear some of Helloween’s greatest hits, spanning their potent packed career of Melodic Power Metal, with some orchestration, horns, a choir and some adjustments in the songs arrangements, your in for a Metal, uh, musical treat!

LONG LIVE HELLOWEEN!

Stone.

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CHARRED WALLS OF THE DAMNED – DEBUT ALBUM IS FULL BLOWN METAL!

Posted in Album Review, cool album covers, current heavy metal albums, current heavy metal bands, current heavy metal music, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 2010, heavy metal bands, heavy metal bands 2010, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2010, heavy metal musicians, Metal, metal music, metal music albums, metal odyssey, Music, new heavy metal music, old school heavy metal, old school heavy metal bands, power metal albums, power metal bands, power metal music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 19, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

Charred Walls of the Damned released their self titled, debut album on February 2, 2010 on Metal Blade Records. Cutting to the Metal chase here, my ears are telling me Charred Walls of the Damned are not just a supergroup, they are an excellent Metal Band… period. There are many shades of Power Metal found within this debut album from Charred Walls of the Damned. How many dozens of American bred Power Metal Bands can you name? Europe outnumbers America in the Power Metal category, thus anytime a North American band even sounds remotely close to Power Metal, it peeks my Metal interest. That is why I am rather excited that founding member and drummer, Richard Christy, decided to embark on an Old School Speed Metal meets Power Metal adventure like this band. Shaking loose from the confines of The Howard Stern Show to create a legit and convincing Metal album is what Richard Christy has done. After listening to Charred Walls of the Damned several times, I’ve come to the Metal conclusion that Richard Christy could probably quit his day job. Then again, it’s not too shabby a gig, to be part of The Howard Stern Show either.

Richard Christy and Tim “Ripper” Owens played together as members of Iced Earth, from 2003 to 2004. Bass guitarist Steve Digiorgio has built his Metal legacy as a founding member of Sadus, while also playing for Death, Testament, Iced Earth and Autopsy… there are a few more, yet the Metal point is made here. Throw in the fact that Richard Christy was also the drummer for Death, from 1996 to 2001 and you have Metal credibility oozing from the Metal seams here. Legendary Metal producer Jason Suecof takes the helm on guitar and of course, producing Charred Walls of the Damned. It is in my sincerest Metal opinion, that Tim “Ripper” Owens does not have to look upon himself as ever being that other lead singer for Judas Priest… never again. Charred Walls of the Damned spotlights the Ripper’s vocals, while he clearly magnifies the power and emotion of each song with Metal conviction.

Truly, an album that has no dog for a song is rare during any era of Metal Music. Charred Walls of the Damned is just that album… from Ghost Town to Fear In The Sky, the unrelenting Metal assault that is unmistakably power charged, comes at you like an out of control heat seeking missile. Jason Suecof demonstrates his guitar appreciation with unreal great confidence and clarity. The Metal leads, riffs and solos rage throughout Charred Walls of the Damned, Jason Suecof can play. If I sound over zealous about this debut album, it’s that I’m only extremely psyched that these four Metal players have combined their skills and minds to deliver a quality Metal product.

Overall, these songs are built on speed, blended with the Power Metal vocals of Ripper and thunder struck by Steve Digiorgio on bass and Christy on drums. Charred Walls of the Damned teamed up to tinker with the traditional brilliance’s of Metal. Oh, did they tinker… the end result is the Metal parts are just as great as the Metal sum with their debut album. I really hope this is just the beginning of a long line of albums, from this “new” Metal Band they call – Charred Walls of the Damned.

For more about Charred Walls of the Damned, click here: Charred Walls of the Damned – myspace music page

CHARRED WALLS OF THE DAMNED – Track Listing:

1. Ghost Town

2. From The Abyss

3. Creating Our Machine

4. Blood on Wood

5. In a World So Cruel

6. Manifestations

7. Voices Within the Walls

8. The Darkest Eyes

9. Fear in the Sky

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Heavy Metal 101: 10 (or more) most underrated Metal albums you need to know

Posted in 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's metal music, 1980's thrash metal, 1990's heavy metal music, Album Review, Black Metal, Black Sabbath, classic metal, cool album covers, essential heavy metal albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal music, Heavy Metal Reviews, horror metal, king diamond, Metal, metal music, Metal Reviews, Motorhead, Music, old school heavy metal, Over Kill, Power Metal, speed metal, Thrash Metal, thrash metal album review, thrash metal music, thrash metal music reviews, tony iommi heavy metal guitarist, vintage heavy metal albums with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 28, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

 

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If you are a veteran Metalhead, these ten (or more) Metal albums that I consider underrated may not surprise you. Heck, you may already have owned them for several years or even decades. In the Metal event you are a new recruit to the dynamic world of Heavy Metal, welcome aboard and go out and BUY THESE METAL ALBUMS for they will serve you right! Oh, what do I mean by underrated? Well, for starters, these are Classic/Vintage Metal albums that do not seem to get enough attention these days – as I surf around the world wide web, these are the albums that tend to go unnoticed for some oddball reason or another. It is my goal to surround the readers of Metal Odyssey with the knowledge necessary, to make prudent Metal album buying decisions too. These ten Metal albums, in my Metal opinion, have most definitively stood the test of Metal time. Enjoy and absorb this list, please note that these Metal albums are not in any specific order. (These Metal albums are my own personal choices for most underrated, I am sure many knowledgeable Metalheads out there will have differing opinions).

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MERCYFUL FATE – “MELISSA” – King Diamond, plus, absolutely NO radio friendly tunes found here. This band laid down a whole bunch of Black Metal groundwork for others to learn from.

TWISTED SISTER – “YOU CAN’T STOP ROCK ‘N’ ROLL” – Just before Dee Snider & the boys became really famous. I find this album to be just as inspiring today as it was in 1983. My favorite Twisted Sister album.

BLACK SABBATH – “BORN AGAIN” – Ian Gillian on vocals, ’nuff said. O.K., this is one tough album or CD to find. “Trashed” is very heavy stuff, a very fast Black Sabbath tune. This version of Black Sabbath is incredibly good. Bev Bevan of Electric Light Orchestra fame actually was the drummer on the “Born Again” Tour during 1984/85. That is correct. You did read this right. Now that is cool, having an ELO and Black Sabbath connection. 

MOTORHEAD – “ANOTHER PERFECT DAY” –  Of all the Motorhead albums, this one deserves more respect. The tune “One Track Mind” is reason alone to own this vintage Motorhead release, plus the album cover artwork and liner notes are extremely diabolical and cool. 

GRIM REAPER – “See You In Hell” – The album title says it all… the title track “See You In Hell” is for me, a Heavy Metal anthem that brings back memories to my Metal heart. This was one heavy duty band for me… worth every Metal second of listening enjoyment. Overall, great band, great album, I wish they could have done twenty albums.

EXODUS – “FABULOUS DISASTER” – Gary Holt is such an important guitar player in Thrash Metal history. Exodus is always grouped in with the Thrash Metal originators. In my Metal opinion, each original Bay Area Thrash Band is just as important as the next… I am giving Exodus their just due here and “Fabulous Disaster” is just that, fabulous Thrash Metal.

VINNIE MOORE – “MINDS EYE” – Hey, this guy can play guitar. Heavy Metal guitar too. An all Metal instrumental album could never hurt no one, especially a Metalhead. Listening to Vinnie Moore in college helped me get unreal grades in fine arts, I am not kidding. I drew some of my best stuff listening to Vinnie Moore – thanks Vinnie.

MANOWAR – “HAIL TO ENGLAND” – Very loud and Old School Metal. This album has all the Metal attitude and heavy music you could ever ask for, plus, as a bonus, these guys are quality Metal musicians too! There are those times, when I need a cool Power Metal band that is Old School, that I can sing along to. They very well might be… “The Kings of Metal” as they advertise… heck, I would never think of telling them they are not.

OVER KILL – Every album they have ever made. Yeah, this sounds crazy, yet these guys are that great at playing Thrash Metal. Over Kill always seems to have been the hardest working Thrash band on the planet, with no star status or star treatment from the wide world of professionally paid critics. Different lineups throughout the years has not affected my loyalty… as long as there is Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth and D.D. Verni leading this potent Thrash attack, I am Metal happy.

W.A.S.P. – “K.F.D.” – This is one heavy, monster of a W.A.S.P. album. Extremely heavy W.A.S.P. – Blackie Lawless was not fooling around with this album… I listen to “K.F.D.” when I have both good and bad days, the end affect is still just like opening up a can of Metal whoop ass and getting straightened out – Blackie Lawless style. Thanks Blackie Lawless.

KROKUS – “HEADHUNTER” – O.K., sure, there is some commercial appeal here with the tune “Screaming In The Night”, yet it is a far cry from any of the heavy ballads that blitzed us all in the 1980’s. Factor in the raging track “Headhunter” and the Metal grooviness of “Stayed Awake All Night” and you have served up yourself some decent party tunes.

Black Sabbath "Born Again"

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Paranormal reality television and scary Metal music mirror one another

Posted in Alice cooper, Black Metal, Danzig, Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Gene Simmons, ghost hunters, gothic metal, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal vocalists, horror metal, Iced Earth, king diamond, Metal, Misfits, Motorhead, Music, paranormal television shows, Power Metal, Punk rock, rob zombie, Rock, rock music, Slipknot, speed metal, Thrash Metal, Vocals, W.A.S.P. with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 17, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

3283538It is an obvious Metal music marriage, the paranormal being put to lyrics in Metal songs. Any King Diamond album supports this statement, that is for certain. Horror and the paranormal rules the Metal world’s lyrics with it’s mystery, shock, and imagery. This to me, is one of the great attributes to Metal music, the paranormal and horror has given personality and life to throngs of Metal bands as: Alice Cooper, Misfits, Kiss (with makeup), Lordi, Rob Zombie, Slipknot, Danzig, W.A.S.P., Cannibal Corpse and of course, King Diamond again. The list could go on and on, regarding which Metal bands represent the horror and paranormal subjects best.

I highly recommend taking a listen to Iced Earth – “The Horror Show”, this is an album dedicated to just the legendary horror movie monsters: Dracula, The Wolfman, Frankenstein and The Phantom of the Opera are covered just fine by Matt Barlow’s vocals and the writing and musical genius of Jon Schaffer. I also highly recommend the horror concept album, that for me is now a true Metal classic – “Abigail” from King Diamond, released in 1987. In my opinion, “Abigail” was/is a triumphant representation of Black Metal, even though the music includes heavy duty Speed Metal throughout. This King Diamond lineup on “Abigail” also bestows the talented Mikkey Dee on drums, who has been a mainstay with Motorhead, since 1992.

When I listen to my favorite Metal bands playing tunes about the macabre, horror and the paranormal, I cannot help reflecting on my favorite paranormal television shows. The material that King Diamond covers, for example, mirrors what many of the paranormal shows offer. My favorite scary & spooky television shows are: “Ghost Hunters”, “Penn State Paranormal”, “Most Haunted”, “UFO Hunters” and “Monster Quest”, all delving into the mysteriously unknown, paranormal, the dark side and real life monsters. Any Metal band can get hordes of information and subject matter for their music, just by watching this scary paranormal reality television.

Now, do I believe in all of this paranormal subject matter that these shows discuss/cover? Do I believe in real life monsters like Bigfoot, Moth Man and UFO aliens? Let’s just say, I get entertained and spooked out like anyone else, I really like the unknown aspect of these topics. I am also never going to be one of those, who back when Christopher Columbus sailed the seven seas, thought our planet Earth was square. It is an absolute fact, that new species of any of our known living organisms, (plants, fish, animals, insects), are being discovered on a daily basis. There are many, many, mysteries and dark questions out there that still have to be answered, for me it is great fun delving into these scary topics through Metal music and paranormal reality television. My feeling is that, paranormal reality television and Metal music just seem to go together, both never cease to thrill and entertain me.

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Tobias Sammet & Edguy – Power Metal you cannot pass up!!

Posted in Album Review, Century Media, Edguy, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Heavy Metal Reviews, Metal, Metal Reviews, Music, Power Metal, Rock, rock music, symphonic metal with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on April 13, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

92019811I look around and listen to a healthy dose of all Metal music, naturally. Power Metal has always been a staple for me, with DIO, Helloween, GammaRay, Blind Guardian, Yngwie Malsmsteen and so many others leading the way. I by no means take anything away from any other Power Metal band out there when I say that Edguy, led by Tobias Sammet, is at the top of my Power Metal play list. If I say it once, I will say it a million Metal times, Tobias Sammet is one amazing song writer and Power Metal vocalist. The brand new album from Edguy, “Tinnitus Sanctus” is for me, superb. This new release from Edguy, (January, 2009), is more edgier, dark and philosophical than their past albums have been. I sincerely recommend every studio album, live album and EP that Edguy has ever released, they are that incredible to my Metal ears.

A quality starting point for new Edguy fans would be another new release titled – “The Singles”. The songs on “The Singles” are not new, yet this compilation album is, released in early 2009. This album consists of the songs from the Edguy EP’s – “King of Fools”, “Superheroes” and “Lavatory Love Machine”. To sum up Edguy, their Power Metal is a brand of super pumped up – get psyched tunes, they are extremely melodic and extraordinarily catchy. Throw in the fact that Edguy is a group of high powered, quality musicians, complimented by Tobias Sammet’s powerful vocal brilliance and you have one of the very best of Power Metal bands on the planet today! I cannot deny the comparison of Tobias Sammet to that of the legendary Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden, the vocals are just that similar in my Metal opinion. (granted, there will always and forever be just one Bruce Dickinson).

I get the sense that, if this was the 1980’s, Edguy’s Power Metal would be all over the FM dial! It is a Metal shame that North American mainstream FM radio does not catch on to the unbelievable European Power Metal that is currently blitzing the continents today. Regardless, FM mainstream radio plays little current Metal as it is, only the Classic Metal from days gone by gets air time nowadays. (that is a good thing, at least some veteran Metal is heard on FM). My main goal with this article, of course, is to promote Edguy to the world, fuel some interest with new Edguy fans and HIGHLY RECOMMEND EDGUY to the entire Rock, Hard Rock and Metal communities!

The current Edguy lineup – Tobias Sammet on vocals, Dirk Sauer on rhythm guitar, Jens Ludwig on lead guitar, Tobias Exxel on bass guitar and Felix Bohnke on drums.

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Saturday, April 11, 2009, is National Heavy Metal Day!

Posted in Black Metal, Extreme Metal, gothic metal, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, Power Metal, symphonic metal, Thrash Metal with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 11, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

metalodyssey5Metal Odyssey has taken upon itself to proclaim: Saturday, April 11, is National Heavy Metal Day! Therefore, you may take these helpful tips/advice and put them into action, (if you like) and spread and/or share the great music of Heavy Metal to those around you.

* Listen to any or all Metal genres today!

* Play any or all Metal music LOUD today!

* Wear your favorite Metal t-shirt with pride today!

* Listen to any or all Metal genres with someone you love today!

* Buy or trade some Metal music today!

* Buy that special someone or your favorite buddy a Metal music gift! (give the gift of Metal)

* Share a Metal album/CD with someone!

* Share your Metal music knowledge with someone today!

* Read a decent mainstream or underground Metal magazine today, (not a Metal mag written by babies).

* If you are lucky enough, go to a Metal concert/club gig today!

* Watch a cool Metal movie today – “Trick or Treat”, any John Carpenter film or any Metal concert film will suffice.

* Surf the net for all of your favorite Metal bands and Metal news!

* Find an outdoor flea market for Metal music stuff – here’s a tip – buy low!

* Organize your Metal album/CD collection!

* Hang up a Metal poster of your favorite band(s) with pride!

Come to think of it, it seems like every day is a National Heavy Metal Day for me! It might feel that way to some of you out there too. Regardless, it just sounds and feels so cool, a National Heavy Metal Day, doesn’t it? Remember – BE TRUE TO METAL AND METAL WILL BE TRUE TO YOU.

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10 Heavy Metal happenings that will never happen.

Posted in Black Metal, Death Metal, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Iced Earth, Metal, Power Metal, Rock with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 9, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

metalodyssey3Every once in awhile, well, I tend to be slightly comedic. What better way to get away from the white useless noise of MSNBC than to have some comic relief that incorporates Heavy Metal? Here are some Heavy Metal happenings that will never, ever, happen in a million Metal years:

#1.   A live Cannibal Corpse concert held in Salt Lake City, Utah, will be aired on PBS this fall.

#2.   The Grammy Awards of 2010, will recognize Motorhead with a lifetime achievement award.

#3.   The American Music Awards will have Iced Earth perform live, on their stage, for their 2010 airing.

#4.   Al Gore will finally admit to Dee Snider that Heavy Metal will not corrupt our youth.

#5.   Oprah Winfrey will have King Diamond on her show, delving into the mystique of horror lyrics in Metal.

#6.   Dan Rather will travel with Motley Crue this Summer, documenting and narrating for film – “Crue Fest 2009”.

#7.   Keith Olberman of MSNBC fame will become the new host for MTV’s “Headbangers Ball” beginning this fall.

#8.   Chris Matthews of MSNBC fame will finally accept the role to play “Aunt Bea” in the new television remake of “The Andy Griffith Show.” David Lee Roth will accept the opportunity to redo the famous show opening whistling song.

#9.    North American concert promoters will announce that Power Metal festivals will be abundant and year long events in all 50 states! 

#10.  Dr. Phil will have Arch Enemy perform on his show. Dr. Phil will then admit to his tongue tied audience that Death Metal is “good, clean, mental therapy.”

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Metal facts that might enrich your life!

Posted in Amon Amarth, Death Metal, Drums, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, Power Metal, Rock, Thrash Metal with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 31, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

4671028Here are five quick and easy to read Metal facts! Who knows when this vital Metal information will come in handy? Might you wind up in the Cash Cab? An inter-office Metal trivia contest? Surprise your spouse or companion with some really cool – hey, did you know that…

*  Krokus – this legendary Heavy Metal band hails from Solothurn, Switzerland.

  •  Helloween – these Power Metal icons are currently celebrating, in 2009, their 25th  Anniversary! It all started back in 1984, thank you Helloween!
  • Scum was the original name for the Swedish Death Metal (Viking) band we all know and embrace as Amon Amarth. The group formed under the name Scum in 1988 and was changed to Amon Amarth in 1992.
  • Black Stone Cherry – drummer John Fred Young’s father – Richard – is a founding member of the Grammy Award winning Kentucky Headhunters.
  • Legendary lead guitarist Brian Robertson is well known for his career with the great Thin Lizzy, Brian also was a member of Motorhead, playing lead guitar on their 1983 release Another Perfect Day.

Well, that is about it for some quick Metal facts. I promise to deliver more interesting and life inspiring Metal facts, on a more consistent basis. I do want to pass along this bit of Metal advice to all Metalheads worldwide – “BE TRUE TO METAL AND METAL WILL BE TRUE TO YOU”

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