Archive for Power Metal

Michael Kiske Returns To PLACE VENDOME

Posted in Heavy Metal, melodic metal, Metal, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on September 2, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Place Vendome - Thunder In The Distance - promo cover pic

Michael Kiske Returns To PLACE VENDOME With Another Melodic Rock Masterpiece: “Thunder In The Distance” – Due For Release In November, On Frontiers Records.

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Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of the much-anticipated third album from PLACE VENDOME entitled “Thunder in the Distance” on November 1st in Europe and November 5th in North America.

PLACE VENDOME is the Melodic Rock project featuring UNISONIC and former HELLOWEEN singer Michael Kiske on all lead vocals and production from Dennis Ward (PINK CREAM 69).

PLACE VENDOME started in 2004 when Kiske, following a self-imposed exile from the rock and metal scene which lasted a few years after his departure from HELLOWEEN and solo career, accepted in 2004 to be part of a Melodic Rock oriented concept put together by Frontiers Records’ President Serafino Perugino.

The resulting PLACE VENDOME debut album brought Kiske back to a more straight ahead and Rock sound, still very accessible and melodic and far from the Heavy Metal stereotypes of blood, violence and hate which Kiske never had anything to do with. He collaborated for the first time with PINK CREAM 69’s Dennis Ward, Kosta Zafiriou and Uwe Reitenauer with Gunther Werno (VANDEN PLAS) on keyboards. In a quite ironic twist of fate Michael found himself to work with members of PINK CREAM 69, when the band’s original singer Andy Deris took his place in HELLOWEEN when he left.

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The very favorable acceptance of the first PLACE VENDOME album planted the seeds for a second recording entitled “Streets of Fire”, which was produced during 2008. The concept was slightly changed, with some outside writers such as Robert Säll (Work of Art), Ronny Milianowicz (Saint Deamon) and Torsti Spoof (Leverage) handling the bulk of the songwriting, with Dennis Ward still handling the recording and production sessions.

Following his stint with the band UNISONIC, Kiske decided to go back once again to the PLACE VENDOME concept with more melodic rock oriented songs which – once again – have been selected by Frontiers Records President Serafino Perugino from outside writers including: Magnus Karlsson (Primal Fear), Timo Tolkki (ex-Stratovarius), Alessandro Del Vecchio (Hardline), Roberto Tiranti and Andrea Cantarelli (Labyrinth, A Perfect Day), Tommy Denander (Radioactive), Sören Kronqvist (Sunstorm, Issa), and Brett Jones.

Michael Kiske - publicity pic - 2013 - #1

“I am having a very open mind in terms of music anyway, and the Place Vendome vibe is a pretty different approach than Unisonic” says Kiske. “I like many tracks off the Place Vendome albums, but especially Guardian Angel, Streets Of Fire, I Will Be Waiting, Set Me Free from the previous albums or now Maybe Tomorrow. For me the vocals are the most important part of a song of course”.

Dennis Ward once again produced and mixed the whole affair with such musicians as Dirk Bruineberg (Consortium Project), Gunter Werno (Vandenplas) and Uwe Reitenauer (Pink Cream 69) completing the lineup. Another total masterpiece from Kiske and Place Vendome is about to hit the market. A true must for all Melodic Rock fans !

Track Listing includes: Talk To Me; Power of Music; Broken Wings; Lost in Paradise; It Can’t Rain Forever; Fragile Ground; Hold Your Love; Never Too Late; Heaven Lost; My Heart is Dying; Breakout; Maybe Tomorrow; Thunder in the Distance.

Samples of some of the album songs can be listened to below:

PLACE VENDOME:

Michael Kiske – Lead Vocals

Dennis Ward – Bass, vocals, rhythm guitars

Dirk Bruineberg– Drums

Gunter Werno – Keyboards

Uwe Reitenauer – Lead guitars

Mixed and produced by Dennis Ward

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(Source: Frontiers Records)

Frontiers Records - logo!

FRONTIERS RECORDS:

http://www.frontiers.it

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE PLACE VENDOME.

LONG LIVE MICHAEL KISKE.

Stone.

MESSENGER – New Album News; New Song “Salvation” Streaming Now!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, Metal, metal music, Music, Power Metal, power metal bands, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on August 21, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Messenger - Starwolf - Pt. 1 - The Messengers - promo cover pic

MessengeR’s new album Starwolf – Pt. I: The Messengers will be out on September 6, 2013 via Massacre Records!

Produced by Rolf Munkes at Empire Studio, mastered by Andy Horn at Red Room Studios.

Artwork by Wiebke Scholz.

Listen to the new MessengeR song “Salvation” feat. Primal Fear’s Ralf Scheepers. From the new album “Starwolf Pt. I: The Messengers”

The album will also be available as limited edition digipak with exclusive bonus tracks!

Messenger - promo banner - 2013 - #5

Siegfried Schüssler – Vocals

Patrik Deckarm – Rhythm Guitar

Frank Kettenhofen – Lead Guitar

Benny Strauß – Bass

Markus Merl – Drums

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MessengeR are from Neunkirchen; it’s a town and a municipality in Saarland, Germany.

* For More Info On MESSENGER:

Facebook: MessengeR

http://www.messengerband.de

Massacre Records - large logo! Red:black:whiteMASSACRE RECORDS:

http://www.massacre-records.com

Facebook: MASSACRE RECORDS

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE MESSENGER.

LONG LIVE MASSACRE RECORDS.

Stone.

SABATON – BANNED FROM PLAYING RUSSIA?

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, Power Metal, power metal bands, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , on August 17, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Sabaton - promo band banner - band logo - 2013

SABATON were supposed to play a show in Russia next weekend. Now political people and organizations are trying to prevent the band from entering Russia due to some uneducated politician who tries to convince the Russian immigration and government that SABATON are nazis.

SABATON now released the following statement:

Did the Nazis win the battle of Stalingrad?

We have been reached by the news that some organizations and political representatives who claims to have studied us has come to the conclusion that Sabaton are a nazi band, and because of that our scheduled appearance at the 70th anniversary of the battle of Stalingrad should be cancelled. This show is to take place in a few weeks in Volgograd.

Further, these people believe that we will desecrate the Russian flag during our concert (which we have never done and of course have no intention of doing) and they are now trying their best to ban Sabaton from all of Russia!!!

We know that the people of Russia is far more intelligent than this and thus we hope that reason will allow us to play this concert in honor of this historical event and the Soviet soldiers who fought for their freedom.

Sabaton is and has always been a NON-POLITICAL and NON-RELIGIOUS band and holds a lot of respect to the veterans of war and the heroic and non-selfish acts that was performed in a time of need.

Ps. It should be noted that Sabaton has been awarded honorary membership of the “Scions of the 17th Airborne Division”, an organization that consists of veterans from the very same airborne division who fought against the nazis in “The battle of the Bulge” and “Operation Varsity”.

Sabaton -Scions of the 17th Airborne Division - promo pic

Sabaton - Band Logo - Gold - 2013

Joakim Brodén – Vocals

Pär Sundström – Bass

Chris Rörland – Guitars

Thobbe Englund – Guitars

Robban Bäck – Drums

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* Source: Nuclear Blast News

* For More Info On SABATON:

Facebook: Sabaton

http://www.sabaton.net

http://www.twitter.com/sabaton

http://www.youtube.com/sabaton

Nuclear Blast USA - Logo - promo

NUCLEAR BLAST:

http://www.nuclearblastusa.com/

http://www.nuclearblast.de

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE SABATON.

Stone.

HUMAN FORTRESS – Epic Power Metal Band Signs With AFM Records!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal news, Metal, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on July 22, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Human Fortress - Band Promo Pic - 2013 - #1

Hanover (Germany) based Epic Power Metal band HUMAN FORTRESS has signed with AFM Records.

After a 5-year hiatus the band returns with new vocalist Gus Monsanto (ex-Revolution Renaissance/Adagio) and a clear mission ahead:

“With our upcoming album we musically want to continue in the vein of our first two releases “Lord Of Earth And Heavens Heir” and “Defenders Of The Crown”. We are very happy to start this new endeavour with our fantastic new vocalist Gus Monsanto now”, guitarist Torsten Wolf comments.

Gus explains: “I always wanted to do this kind of music but couldn’t find a band like that in Brazil. These songs are epic, with huge hooklines and I was convinced straight away. I can’t wait to play our songs on stage“.

HUMAN FORTRESS have just finished recordings for their upcoming album which will be released by the end of the year.

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HUMAN FORTRESS 2013:

Gus Monsanto – vocals

Torsten Wolf – guitar

Volker Trost – guitar

Dirk Liehm – keyboard

Andre Hort – bass

Apostolos Zaios – drums

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* For more info on HUMAN FORTRESS:

Facebook: HUMAN FORTRESS

AFM Records - Logo - Large!

AFM RECORDS:

http://www.afm-records.de

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE HUMAN FORTRESS.

Stone.

HIBRIA – New Album “Silent Revenge“ Releasing on July 26th, Via AFM Records

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, Metal, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on July 2, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Hiberia - Silent Revenge - promo cover pic!

Brazilian Heavy/Power metallers HIBRIA will release their fourth studio album Silent Revenge on July 26th via AFM Records.

The band achieved their biggest success so far in Japan, where they not only recorded a live album but were invited to play at the prestigious Loudpark Festival twice.

Silent Revenge – Track Listing:

1. Silent Revenge

2. Lonely Fight

3. Deadly Vengeance

4. Walking To Death

5. Silence Will Make You Suffer

6. Shall I Keep On Burning

7. The Place That You Belong

8. The Scream Of An Angel

9. The Way It Is

10. Shall I Keep On Burning (acoustic) *

* exclusive bonus track (on European edition only)

Hibria - band pic - promo - 2013 - #1

HIBRIA:

Iuri Sanson – Vocals

Abel Camargo – Guitars

Renato Osorio – Guitars

Benhur Lima – Bass

Eduardo Baldo – Drums

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For more info on HIBRIA, click below! Whoa!

Facebook: HIBRIA

http://www.hibria.com

AFM Records - Logo - Large!

AFM RECORDS:

Facebook: AFM-Records GmbH

http://www.afm-records.de

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE HIBRIA.

Stone.

CIRCLE OF SILENCE – German Power Metal Act’s Fourth Album Nears Release Via Massacre Records

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Metal, metal music, Music, Power Metal, power metal bands, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , on June 10, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Circle Of Silence - The Rise Of Resistance - promo cover pic!

Massacre Records is preparing to release The Rise Of Resistance, the blazing fourth studio full-length from German Metal warriors CIRCLE OF SILENCE, the label having just confirmed July 2nd as the North American street date.

Since 2005 central Germany-based CIRCLE OF SILENCE has perpetuated their brand of rugged, classic but fresh Traditional/Power Metal with a dark edge, comparable to Iced Earth, Savatage, Brainstorm and Sanctuary, their sound growing more potent and epic with each release. Following their 2006 debut album Your Own Story, followed by 2008’s The Supremacy Of Time and most recently The Blackened Halo released in 2011, The Rise Of Resistance boasts fifty minutes of the band’s most striking, solid Metal yet.

Once again the band sanctioned producer Vagelis Maranis (ex-Sanvoisen) in his Maranis Studios (Winter’s Verge, Saidian, Suicidal Angels) for the recording sessions, and brought in Vitaly Alexius/Scitart (Evile, Gainward) for the cover design. CIRCLE OF SILENCE’s uncompromising American style of power metal reigns supreme on The Rise Of Resistance.

Check out the official album trailer below, with nearly seven minutes of music from The Rise Of Resistance:

Circle Of Silence - Band Logo

The Rise Of Resistance – Track Listing:

01. Blood Of Enemies

02. Eyes Of Anarchy

03. Nothing Shall Remain

04. One Moment Of Hate

05. An Oncoming Storm

06. Mind Conspiracy

07. In The Absence Of Your God

08. We Rise

09. The Final Chapter

10. Slave To The Greed Machine

11. Reborn From Darkness

12. The Architect Of Immortality

Circle Of Silence - Group Promo Pic - 2013 - #1

CIRCLE OF SILENCE:

Niklas Keim – vocals

Tobias Pfahl – guitars

Christian Sommerfeld – guitars

Björn Boehm – bass

Peter Suppinger – drums

Massacre Records - large logo! Red:black:white(Source: Earsplit PR)

For more info on CIRCLE OF SILENCE, click on the links below!

Facebook: Circle Of Silence

http://www.circle-of-silence.com

http://www.massacre-records.com

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE CIRCLE OF SILENCE.

Stone.

DEADLANDS – California Power Metal Band Debuts With Massacre Records Album

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, Metal, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on April 30, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Deadlands - Evilution - promo cover pic

Evilution, the debut from Sacramento, California-based power metal act DEADLANDS is out now on Massacre Records. Boasting killer hooks, dynamic vocals, aggressive riffing, epic solos, catchy lyrics, driving drums and intricate bass lines that combine heavy, thrash, power, groove, and speed metal with shredding hard rock overtones, this band of seasoned performers delivers a heavy and energetic yet commercial musical approach in its songwriting and execution.

Formed in the summer of 2010 by lead vocalist Brian O’Connor (Consfearacy, ex-Vicious Rumors), lead guitarist Michael J. Gardner (The Council), lead guitarist Kevin Rohr (Spectre), bassist Steve “Dedbass” Northam and drummer Danny Sablan (HateFX, The Council), these longtime friends and experienced musicians had a clear vision of creating a powerful and unique Heavy Metal group. DEADLANDS is quickly establishing a large fan base, being nominated for a 2012 Sacramento Area Music Award (SAMMIES), playing live, and sharing the stage with artists such as Exodus, Anvil, Y&T, Great White, Death Angel and more. They have received great reviews and high praise for their music and live performances from fans, concert promoters and media sources.

DEADLANDS’ debut full-length Evilution bears forty-three minutes of the band’s diehard power metal, and features guest solo appearances by legendary Metal guitarists Hank Shermann (Mercyful Fate), Michael Denner (Mercyful Fate, King Diamond), Andy LaRocque (King Diamond), Claudeous Creamer (Dragonlord), Mike Wead (Mercyful Fate, King Diamond), Glen Alvelais (Forbidden, Testament, HateFX), and Steve Smyth (Nevermore, Forbidden). Evilution was mixed and mastered by DEADLANDS and Juan Urteaga (Machine Head, Testament) at Trident Studios, and bears artwork by Erick Zombie.

Check out DEADLANDS’ killer high-action video for the album’s title track and more RIGHT HERE.

DEADLANDS GROUP - Promo Pic - 2012

Evilution – Track Listing:

1. Pandemic Genocide

2. Deadlands

3. Ground And Pound

4. Final Solution

5. She’s On Fire

6. Asphyxiate The Masses

7. Path We’ve Chosen

8. Gone Wrong

9. Legions Of The Damned

10. Shed My Skin

11. The Last In Line

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Europe: Purchase DEADLANDS Evilution here:

Amazon: www.amazon.de/dp/B00A8CUE4M

iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/de/album/evilution/id596493780

Massacre Records MP3 Store: http://massacre.musiclogistics.net/releases/23854

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DEADLANDS - Evilution - promo banner - 2012

(Source: Earsplit PR)

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

http://www.DeadlandsMusic.com

facebook: Deadlands

http://www.massacre-records.com

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE DEADLANDS.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

DARK DESIGN – Signs With Heaven & Hell Records

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Metal, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal with tags , , , , , on April 17, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Dark Design - band mural - logo - 2013

Technical Power/Thrash band Dark Design from Raleigh, North Carolina has recently signed with Heaven & Hell Records for the release of their debut, Prey for the Future.

Since early 2010, Dark Design, comprised of members Ray Lewis (guitar), Mike Joyner (guitar), Andrew Bertrand (vocals), and rhythm section Matt (bass) and Robbie Mercer (drums), have built a strong fan base in their local metal scene. Their technical prowess and progressive song structuring have often been compared to that of Death, Toxik, and Anacrusis. As buzz of the band began to grow they were requested to play the 2012 Warriors of Metal Festival in Ohio.

Meanwhile the band was working on their debut album. The band is currently finishing up the recording with John E Wooten (Widow U.S) and is now in final mix down. Mastering is set to be done by Jamie King at The Basement Studios. Release is set for late Summer / early Fall.

Heaven And Hell Records - large logo!__________________________________________________

(Source: ClawHammer PR)

For more info on DARK DESIGN, click on the links below!

facebook: Dark Design

http://www.reverbnation.com/darkdesignband

http://www.heavenandhellrecords.com

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE DARK DESIGN.

Stone.

GAMMA RAY “Master Of Confusion” – Releases March 15th, Via earMUSIC

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, Metal, metal music, Music, Power Metal, power metal bands, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on March 12, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Gamma Ray - Master Of Confusion - promo cover pic

GAMMA RAY – MASTER OF CONFUSION

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GAMMA RAY – The iconic Kai Hansen and his legendary Power Metal force from Germany, known and celebrated world-wide as GAMMA RAY, will be seeing their Master Of Confusion album release on March 15th, via earMUSIC.

GAMMA RAY are currently on tour with Power Metal pioneers/legends HELLOWEEN, on the Hellish Rock Part II Tour!

Helloween - Gamma Ray - Hellish Rock Part II - promo banner

Master Of Confusion – Track Listing:

A Side
1. Empire Of The Undead (new studio track)
2. Master Of Confusion (new studio track)

B Side
3. Death Or Glory (Holocaust studio cover version)
4. Lost Angels (Sweet studio cover version)

C Side*
5. The Spirit / 6. Wings Of Destiny / 7. Gamma Ray
8. Farewell / 9. Time To Break Free / 10. Insurrection

*Recorded live in Bochum.

Gamma Ray - Live Group Pic - March - 2013 - #1

GAMMA RAY:

Kai Hansen – vocals & guitar

Henjo Richter – guitar & keyboards

Dirk Schlächter – bass

Michael Ehré – drums

Gamma Ray - Classic Logo - B&W!

For more info on GAMMA RAY, click on the links below!

http://www.gammaray.org

facebook: GAMMA RAY (Official)

http://www.ear-music.net

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LONG LIVE GAMMA RAY.

LONG LIVE HELLOWEEN.

HAIL TO THE METAL.

Stone.

DRAGONFORCE – Teams Up With Capital One For A Double-Axe Metal Attack And Free MP3!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Metal, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on February 28, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Dragonforce - Large Logo!

DRAGONFORCE – After all these years, I’ve come to the conclusion that if Metal wants to mingle and/or partner within the mainstream, the benefit can be that (hopefully) more people will be enticed into our beloved Metal universe. I know I sure would love a payday if Capital One wanted to partner with me! Stone and Capital One… nah, I can’t see it anytime soon. 

Now on to this post… the Dragonforce guitar duo of Herman Li and Sam Totman are shredding some serious Metal in the Capital One video below. Whoa.

As reported on the official facebook of Dragonforce: “Finally, the full-length version of the exclusive DragonForce track “Galactic Astro Domination” of the Capital One commercial is out!”

I found this cool message and link for a FREE Dragonforce MP3 on youtube:

For a limited time and while supplies last, an exclusive MP3 of this smoldering, sweltering, and scorching anthem is available as a free download only on http://www.WhileBanking.com

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

facebook: Dragonforce

http://www.dragonforce.com

http://www.twitter.com/dragonforcehq

http://www.youtube.com/dragonforce

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE DRAGONFORCE.

Stone.

STRATOVARIUS – “Nemesis” Album Samples Posted

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, melodic metal, Metal, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on February 21, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Stratovarius - Nemesis - promo cover pic!

Record to See North American Release Next Tuesday!

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In celebration of the upcoming release of their new full-length, Nemesis, Melodic Metal legends STRATOVARIUS are offering up sound/video snippets of its eleven tracks. Produced and mixed by guitarist Matias Kupiainen and mastered by Mika Jussila (Finnvox Studios), Nemesis will be released in North America via earMUSIC in conjunction withArmoury Records next Tuesday, February 26, 2013.

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From the signature power of “Abandon,” and the aggressively energetic “Stand My Ground,” to the folkish elements of “Out Of The Fog,” and the title track “Nemesis,” which boasts medieval melodies and double bass drumming, Nemesis delivers new elements fused with the traditional melodic power metal for which STRATOVARIUS is known.

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In an early review of the record, Metal Underground dubs Nemesis, “one of the finest releases in the band’s history,” while Metal Reviews gushes, “… Nemesis is pure epic! It is grandiose, majestic, melodic yet heavy when it needs to be. It’s an unexpected return to form for STRATOVARIUS. It’s what power metal should sound like, period! It is without the shadow of a doubt STRATOVARIUS‘ best album in ages… Album of the year award? You betchya! If you are a fan of this band, you can’t afford to miss this incredible album.”

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Metalholic, in a perfect 10/10 rating, notes, “Nemesis has a lot of the traditional STRATOVARIUS power metal edge, but they’ve managed to evolve and develop their sound to a much more rounded, matured, and polished heavy metal… This album hit the very depths of my core, my will, my heart, and my soul… This is more than music, it’s a masterpiece and should go down in the book of heavy metal as one of the best heavy metal albums of all time,” while About.com adds, “Nemesis finds the band recapturing the magic of their glory days. Most importantly, the songwriting is excellent as the band seems determined to capture memorable songs that sit alongside the best of their catalog.”

Hear for yourself at THIS LOCATION.

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(Source: Earsplit PR)

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

facebook: Stratovarius

http://www.stratovarius.com/

http://www.stratovarius.com/tour

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE STRATOVARIUS.

Stone.

MAELSTROM – Ignites The CMJ Loud Rock Charts With “It Was Predestined”; Follow Up Album In The Works

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

Maelstrom - It Was Predestined - EP promo cover!

Long Island-based Heavy Metal powerhouse MAELSTROM has issued an update regarding the enormous reception received by the Halloween 2012 digital reissue of their critically acclaimed  EP, It Was Predestined. Widely-praised by critics across the globe in 2009, when the EP was originally self-released, and again last year when Itchy Metal Entertainment (IME) offered the release to Metal fans worldwide, It Was Predestined exploded onto the CMJ Loud Rock charts this month. MAELSTROM vocalist Gary Vosganian had this to say about the accomplishment:

“It is with great pride that I can say – MaelstroM has hit the US radio charts with our EP It Was Predestined – debuting at #20 on the Nationwide CMJ Loud Rock charts and as the 4th most added album in the country. Thank you to all that have helped and have been fans since the start and congrats to my partner in this effort the true guitar virtuoso Mr. Joey Lodes. Our label partners Itchy Metal Entertainment our PR group ClawHammer PR and of course our radio promoter Munsey Ricci and Skateboard Marketing Ltd. without whom this would have never happened, and of course all the fantastic Djs that are supporting us with their spins – it is sincerely appreciated. There is much work to be done as guitar tracking for the balance of the album has begun this week. But I will take a little time to really absorb the news about CMJ and celebrate this victory! Thanks again to all the fans who have stuck by MaelstroM, your unwavering support has been amazing. Keep it Heavy!”

As Vosganian stated, the band is currently at work on new material for the follow-up to It Was Predestined. Details on the next release will be announced as they come. Stay tuned!

It Was Predestined is available at http://www.itchymetal.com. Famed music journalist Martin Popoff called the release “A symphony of progressiveness the likes of which has pretty much never been articulated, invented, or heard, before now,” and world-renowned publications such as Terrorizer, Metal Hammer and MetalSucks.net all sang MAELSTROM’s praises upon the EP’s release.

Maelstrom - large promo photo - 2012 - #1_________________________________________________________

To read the Metal Odyssey review for It Was Predestined, just click on that cool link below! Whoa!

MAELSTROM “It Was Predestined” – 3 Song EP Makes It’s Epic Metal Presence Known

(It Was Predestined review was posted on Metal Odyssey, on November 18, 2011)

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(Source: ClawHammer PR)

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

facebook: MaelstroM

http://www.metalmaelstrom.com

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

A METAL HAILS TO MAELSTROM!

LONG LIVE MAELSTROM.

Stone.

CIRCLE OF SILENCE – Power Metal Guardians Reveal New Album Title And Artwork

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, Metal, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on January 10, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Circle Of Silence - The Rise Of Resistance - promo cover pic!

CIRCLE OF SILENCE are currently recording their new album The Rise Of Resistance at the Maranis Studios in Backnang, Germany.

The band speaks about the sound of the upcoming record:

“The first impression is that the new ones are a bit heavier than the stuff from The Blackened Halo and a bit more straight forward. A lot of double-bass action is going on in those first songs!”

The guys have already posted the artwork of  The Rise Of Resistance, which was created by Francisco Garcés (a.k.a. Dibujante Nocturno).

CIRCLE OF SILENCE have also released a couple of song titles, that will be featured on the album: Eyes Of Anarchy, Mind Conspiracy,  An Oncoming Storm, Slave To The Greed Machine, Blood Of Enemies and One Moment Of Hate.

Get your copy of CIRCLE OF SILENCE’s latest album The Blackened Halo here: http://massacre.musiclogistics.net/releases/11521?lang=en

Circle Of Silence - Group Promo Pic - 2013 - #1

CIRCLE OF SILENCE:

Nick – vocals

Tobias – guitar

Chris – guitar

Björn – bass

Pit – drums

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Source:

Massacre Records - large logo! Red:black:white

For more info on CIRCLE OF SILENCE, click on the links below!

www.circle-of-silence.de

www.facebook.com/circleofsilence

http://www.massacre-records.com

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE CIRCLE OF SILENCE.

Stone.

GAMMA RAY – German Power Metallers To Release Skeletons & Majesties Live CD In North America Next Month

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

Legendary German Power Metallers GAMMA RAY will unleash Skeletons & Majesties Live as a two-CD set next month via Eagle Rock imprint Armoury Records. Set for North American release on December 4, 2012, Skeletons & Majesties Live is a near two-hour magnum opus spanning the band’s history and includes classics as well as tracks which were under-represented to date. A DVD version will be released stateside in January. Skeletons & Majesties Live was recorded and filmed during the band’s 2011 European tour at the legendary Z7 in Pratteln, Switzerland and  is the first properly HD-filmed live video production of the band’s epic 20+ year career.

“The [2011 released ] EP, Skeletons & Majesties, is practically a continuation of our Skeletons In The Closet concept, in other words: new versions of songs which didn’t receive the attention they deserve, as well as unplugged versions of some of our classics,” notes founding vocalist/guitarist Kai Hansen.

The DVD offers up a thoroughly gripping performance, from the dynamic openers “Anywhere In The Galaxy” and “Men, Martians And Machines” to the furious finale/Helloween cover “Future World.”

As a special bonus, to accompany the Hansen-penned Helloween classic on stage, GAMMA RAY enlisted the services of former Helloween frontman Michael Kiske. In addition, Kiske can be heard and seen on “Time To Break Free” and “A While In Dreamland”.

The release of Skeletons & Majesties Live will mark the beginning of an eventful 2013 for GAMMA RAY: After Hansen stayed true to his word and spent 2012 concentrating mainly on his second band, Unisonic, he and his three colleagues, guitarist Henjo Richter, bassist Dirk Schlächter and new addition, drummer Michael Ehré (the Firewind/Love.Might.Kill drummer has replaced Daniel Zimmermann, who left the GAMMA RAY fold on friendly terms) are now focusing exclusively on GAMMA RAY once again. A co-headlining European tour with Helloween has been scheduled for March and will also mark the arrival of a new GAMMA RAY studio recording. Stay tuned for release dates and further details.

“GAMMA RAY will have top priority in 2013,” comments Hansen, “and Skeletons & Majesties Live is the perfect harbinger of this!”

Skeletons & Majesties Live Track Listing:

CD1

01. Welcome (Intro)

02. Anywhere In The Galaxy

03. Men, Martians and Machines

04. The Spirit

05. Wings Of Destiny

06. Farewell

07. Gamma Ray

08. Money

09. Time To Break Free

10. Rebellion In Dreamland (Acoustic)

11. Send Me A Sign (Acoustic)

CD2

01. Induction

02. Dethrone Tyranny

03. Watcher In The Sky

04. Hold Your Ground

05. A While In Dreamland

06. Rise

07. Brothers

08. Insurrection

09. Future World

Skeletons & Majesties Live DVD Track Listing:

01. Anywhere In The Galaxy

02. Men, Martians And Machines

03. The Spirit

04. Wings Of Destiny

05. Farewell

06. Gamma Ray

07. Money

08. Time To Break Free (w/ Michael Kiske)

09. Rebellion In Dreamland (acoustic)

10. Send Me A Sign (acoustic)

11. Dethrone Tyranny

12. Watcher In The Sky

13. Hold Your Ground

14. A While In Dreamland (w/ Michael Kiske)

15. Rise

16. Brothers

17. Insurrection

18. Future World (w/ Michael Kiske)

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(Source: Earsplit PR)

For more info on GAMMA RAY, click on the links below!

http://www.gammaray.org

facebook: GAMMA RAY (Official)

http://www.eagle-rock.com

LONG LIVE GAMMA RAY.

Stone.

ORDEN OGAN – “To The End” Album Enters Germany’s Album Chart At #41!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, Metal, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on November 10, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

German Melodic Power Metal masters ORDEN OGAN are the band of the hour: their critically acclaimed new album To The End enters Germany’s official album chart at #41!

“Wow, this is awesome! We are overwhelmed by this news. A big “thank you” goes out to all those who supported ORDEN OGAN. We will celebrate now, but then it’s time for our final preparation for our tour with Luca Turilli’s RHAPSODY and Freedom Call, which will kick off these days. We hope to see many of you there”, singer/guitarist Seeb comments.

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Stone Says: Listen to and watch The Things We Believe In below! This song is epic, powerful and simply put: FANTASTIC! Metal be thy name.

ORDEN OGAN:

SEEB – vocals, lead-guitar, keyboards

TOBI – lead-guitar

SPOONY – bass

DIRK – drums

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(Source: AFM Records)

For more info on ORDEN OGAN, click on the links below!

http://www.ordenogan.de

http://www.youtube.de/ordenoganofficial

facebook: ORDEN OGAN

http://www.afm-records.de

LONG LIVE ORDEN OGAN.

Stone.

MASTERPLAN – Announce New Vocalist And Bassist!

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal festivals, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on November 10, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Melodic Metal heroes MASTERPLAN are back with new line-up and big plans!

The new members are well-known:

Swedish vocalist Rick Altzi (At Vance, Thunderstone) is the one to replace Jorn Lande. Altzi enjoys a fabulous reputation throughout his works with numerous projects and bands.

MASTERPLAN’s new bass player  is another highly regarded musician: Jari Kainulainen (ex-Stratovarius/Evergrey).

“The last years have not been easy for Masterplan“, band leader Roland Grapow comments. “Because of several factors we have been unable to play festivals and tours – even though we had plenty of offers. But this will definitely change now. I’m very happy to welcome Rick and Jari on board now. Beside their undoubted musical qualities they both fit perfectly into our team. We feel a huge motivation to get things going now. 2013 will be see a new Masterplan album, several festivals and a tour! It’s time to return with full force.”

__________________________________________

First confirmed MASTERPLAN gigs for 2013:

Wacken Cruise

Rocknacht Tennwilm (Switzerland)

Norfest (Portugal)

Masters Of Rock (Czech Republic)

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(Source: AFM Records)

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

http://www.master-plan.net

facebookMasterPlan

http://www.afm-records.de

LONG LIVE MASTERPLAN.

Stone.

RAVEN – METAL Legends To Let Loose On Atlanta and Oakland This November!

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on October 20, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

RAVEN – NWOBHM Pioneers, Godfathers of Thrash, Speed and Power Metal. In other Metal words, RAVEN are without a micro-doubt: Metal Legends. Newcastle, England’s very own RAVEN are coming back to America and it’s this November, my Metal brethren! Atlanta and Oakland best get their Metal game faces on! Take a look below at the concert flyers – for they tell all you need to know! Metal be thy name!

ATLANTA GEORGIA:

OAKLAND CALIFORNIA:

RAVEN:

John Gallagher – Bass Guitar, Vocals

Mark Gallagher – Guitar, Backing Vocals

Joe Hasselvander – Drums

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Back on April 29, 2010, I posted my review for RAVEN’s Walk Through Fire. Click that link below to read all about it! Whoa!

RAVEN – RETURNS WITH A METAL DROP KICK ON “WALK THROUGH FIRE”

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

http://www.ravenlunatics.com

facebook: Raven

LONG LIVE RAVEN.

Stone.

REBELLION – Ala Germanica (Official Video) Is Stone’s METAL Pick Of The Day! Arminius, Furor Teutonicus Releases On October 26th!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, Metal, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on October 20, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

REBELLION – Releasing on October 26th, 2012, via Massacre Records, is the new studio album Arminius, Furor Teutonicus from Germany’s True Metal warriors known across the globe as REBELLION. The new lineup of REBELLION, that surrounds founding member and bassist Tomi Göttlich, are ready to defend the Metal faith and spread their powerful Heavy Metal among the Metal masses!

Take a listen and look below to the official video for Ala Germanica, taken from Arminius, Furor Teutonicus. Let the Heavy Metal power of REBELLION take your Metal soul on a glorious and memorable Metal ride! I’ve taken that ride and it feels righteously fine! Metal be thy name!

Arminius, Furor Teutonicus – Track Listing:

01: Rest in Peace

02: Ala Germanica

03: Rrince of the Cheruscer 04: Dusk awaiting Dawn 05: Breeding Hate

06: The Seeress ́ Tower

07: Varus

08: The Tribes united

09: Ghost of Freedom

10: Furor Teutonicus

11: Vae Victis

12: Requiem

REBELLION:

Michael Seifert – Vocals

Tomi Göttlich – Bass

Oliver Geibig – Guitar

Stephan Karut – Guitar

Matthias Karle – Drums

_________________________________________________________________

Source:

Music video by Tom Weinbrenner

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

http://www.rebellion.st

facebook: Rebellion

http://www.massacre-records.com

LONG LIVE REBELLION.

Stone.

REBELLION – Digital compilation “The Best Of Viking History” Is Out Tomorrow!

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

Starting tomorrow you can download your copy for 5€ only here: http://www.amazon.de/dp/B009B48OE0

But don’t wait too long, the limited offer ends this Sunday!

_______________________________________________________________

Source:

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

www.rebellion-metal.de

www.facebook.com/rebellionmetal

http://www.massacre-records.com

LONG LIVE REBELLION.

Stone.

REBELLION – Finish New Album and Reveal Artwork – Fall & Winter Tour Dates Announced

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, Metal, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on October 1, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

It’s done! REBELLION have recently finished their upcoming album “Arminius – Furor Teutonicus”!

The band has documented the recordings in a couple of videos:

Studio Reports (#1, #3, #4 Language: German / #2 Language: English)

#1 Matthias (Drums) http://youtu.be/vxMf9GMpq_g

#2 Tomi (Bass) http://youtu.be/EUltiv8GOFA

#3 Stephan (Guitar) Pt. 1 http://youtu.be/2Qd_w7NKQX0

#4 Stephan (Guitar) Pt. 2 http://youtu.be/Emx7hi4YwHo

#5 Michael (Vocals) http://youtu.be/862_VrIFs9s

Felipe Machado Franco, who also worked with Rhapsody, Rage or Blind Guardian, is responsible for the cover artwork.

“Arminius – Furor Teutonicus” is going to be released on October 26, 2012 via Massacre Records and will be available as Jewel Case CD and hand-numbered vinyl LP in gatefold cover, limited to 500 units!

Don’t Miss REBELLION Live This Fall and Winter:

01.11.2012 DE Cologne – Blue Shell – www.facebook.com/events/505114496171021

02.11.2012 DE Uelsen – UJT – www.facebook.com/events/350226958403800

03.11.2012 DE Oberhausen – Helvete Metal Club – www.facebook.com/events/262901390478147

16.11.2012 NL Kerkrade – The Rock Temple – www.facebook.com/events/116451865166196

17.11.2012 DE Bremen – Meisenfrei – www.facebook.com/events/218378118284755

24.11.2012 DE Pirmasens – Zur Schwemme – www.facebook.com/events/415403818511554

08.12.2012 DE Wetzlar – Franzis – www.facebook.com/events/208590742605278

15.12.2012 DE Paderborn – Kulturwerkstatt (Heavy X-Mas Festival) – www.facebook.com/events/188685331266650

REBELLION’s albums are available at our MP3 Download Shop: http://massacre.musiclogistics.net/search?lang=en&search=%22Rebellion%22

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Source:

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

http://www.rebellion.st

www.facebook.com/rebellionmetal

http://www.massacre-records.com

LONG LIVE REBELLION.

Stone.