Archive for progressive rock

FOCUS – Dutch Rock Legends Focus To Undertake Worldwide Tour In Support Of Forthcoming CD Release ‘Focus X’

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, Hard Rock, Music, progressive rock, rock bands, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on October 27, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

London, UK – Much to the excitement of music fans across the planet, Dutch rock legends Focus will be undertaking a worldwide tour beginning November 2012 in support of their forthcoming CD Focus X. With their unique brand of progressive rock, Focus manifested themselves at the start of the ’70s as the most successful and appreciated of all the Dutch pop-rock exports. Fronted by founding member Thijs Van Leer, and best known for their hits “Hocus Pocus”, “House of The King” and “Sylvia”, as well as critically acclaimed albums ‘Moving Waves’, ‘Focus 3’ and ‘Hamburger Concerto’, the iconic Dutch music masters are back with their tenth album, which is guaranteed to please their legions of fans!

After a comeback in the early 2000’s, which resulted in the well-received albums ‘Focus 8’ and ‘Focus 9’, the band regrouped with a fantastic new line-up. Along with Thijs van Leer on vocals, flute and keyboards, back on the drums is famed Focus drummer Pierre van der Linden, who joined the group on their second album ‘Moving Waves’ in 1972. Internationally renowned for his rhythmic skills, Pierre remains a defining factor in the Focus sound. Bassist Bobby Jacobs, who comes from a well-acclaimed Dutch musical family and guitarist Menno Gootjes, who participated in Focus at an earlier stage, completes the band’s current line-up. Recently, Focus’s biggest hit “Hocus Pocus” was used in a 4-minute Nike commercial before the World Cup broadcast. Focus music can be regularly heard on Top Gear and Saxondale TV.

A new Focus era has arrived! There is a rejuvenated passion in the new compositions that adorn the new album ‘Focus X’, which features a full-scale Roger Dean painting on the cover. Says Thijs van Leer, who holds the distinction of being the first ever knighted musician in Holland, “It’s a thrill to have finally completed ‘Focus X’; we are all ecstatic and looking forward to playing the new material on the forthcoming Focus X Tour.”

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Focus X – UK Tour Dates:

November 08 – Opera House – Buxton

November 09 – Town Hall – Hessle

November 10 – The Ferry – Glasgow

November 11 – Bridge Trades Club – Hebden

November 13 – Robin 2 – Wolverhampton

November 14 – The Brindley – Runcorn

November 15 – Birdwell – Barnsley

November 16 – Trading Boundaries – Fletching

November 17 – The Wharf – Tavistock

November 18 – Boom Boom Club – Sutton

November 19 – The Stables – Milton Keynes

November 20 – Beaverwood Club – Chislehurst

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Title: ‘Focus X’

Release Date: November 5, 2012

Label:  East World Recordings.

Focus X website: http://www.focus10.net/

Visit the official Focus website: http://www.focustheband.com/

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(Source: Glass Onyon PR)

LONG LIVE FOCUS.

Stone.

RUSH – Has The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Ignored These Prog Legends Long Enough? Take The Poll!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, Hard Rock, Music, progressive rock, progressive rock bands, rock bands, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on October 23, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

RUSH – Canada’s greatest Rock & Progressive Rock band ever. You can even throw in Canada’s greatest Hard Rock band ever too, if you like. Simply put, one of the greatest bands in Rock Music history. RUSH has been ignored by The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame for what reason(s) again? I would certainly like to know the reason(s) for RUSH not being enshrined inside that building in Cleveland, Ohio.

Let’s face it, the legendary RUSH has been influencing countless bands and musicians, while psyching-out their fans, going on 5 decades now! RUSH is a pioneering Progressive Rock band that makes credible all-time lists at every turn, with absolutely no sign of stopping! Whoa! Metal be thy name!

The musical excellence that Geddy Lee (bass & vocals), Alex Lifeson (guitars) and Neil Peart (drums & percussion) radiates from their vast catalog of studio and live albums is mind-boggling to me… and I shall never stop saluting this unreal important band.

Okay, with all that cool stuff blabbed, it’s time for your voice to be heard! Take the poll below and answer this simple question: Shouldn’t RUSH be in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame by now?

RUSH – Stats Of Note:

Debut/ST album released in 1974

Inducted into the Canadian Music Hall Of Fame – Class Of 1994

Inducted into Canada’s Songwriting Hall Of Fame – Class Of 2010

Bestowed the Order of Canada – 1997

Have earned 24 Gold Records

Have earned 14 Platinum Records

RUSH has sold more than 40 million records worldwide

3 records have gone multi-platinum

7-time Grammy Nominee

* Winner of 8 JUNO Awards

Awarded a star on both the Hollywood Walk Of Fame (2010) and Canada’s Walk Of Fame (1999)

RUSH – 2112 (1976 – Mercury Records)

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(Stats Sources: Canadian Music Hall Of Fame, RIAA, The JUNO Awards)

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

http://www.rush.com

facebook: RUSH

LONG LIVE RUSH.

Shame On You, Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. Shame On You.

Stone.

Progressive Rock Icon Billy Sherwood To Release New Solo Album ‘The Art Of Survival’

Posted in Music, progressive rock, progressive rock music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on October 16, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Oct. 16, 2012 – Los Angeles, CA – Much to the excitement of Progressive Rock fans worldwide, multi-instrumentalist, producer/engineer, singer/songwriter Billy Sherwood is releasing his new solo CD ‘Art Of Survival’ on October 5, 2012. As well as being band member/producer of bands such as CIRCA:, YES, World Trade, Conspiracy and more recently The Prog Collective and The Fusion Syndicate, this CD marks the 6th solo release from Sherwood, who performs all instruments and vocals, as well as delivering his signature sonic spectrum in the production.

Billy broaches a number of controversial and topical subjects in ‘The Art Of Survival’. Songs with titles such as “Drone Decipher”, “Chosen By Divinity”, “The Military Industrial Complex” and “Whose Side Are We On” explore topics such as the idea of extremes in surveillance, paranoia, propaganda, geo-politics, modern age warfare, technology, faith and the art of survival. “The idea of the CD is how the integration of politics, technology, faith and zealotry mix and mingle,” explains Billy.

In other news, along with the release of ‘The Art Of Survival’, Billy has been producing a number of projects including the latest release by UK prog legends Nektar, The Prog Collective and The Fusion Syndicate projects, Days Between Stations second release and others. “I produced/recorded/mixed Nektar’s new studio record called ‘Time Machine’, coming soon,” says Billy. “The Prog Collective is an all original record I wrote/produced/mixed and then played on, featuring many great artists from the prog genre. It is a very special record containing some of progs biggest names. I am currently writing the next PC record as we speak.” The Fusion Syndicate is a similar production as The Prog Collective, following the same model except in the fusion-jazz genre. Also, CIRCA: recently performed a series of successful shows in Brazil. Says Billy, “We are assembling music from various live performances and looking forward to releasing a live record as the next CIRCA: CD. We are discussing making a new studio record as well.” Lastly, Billy will be producing and writing material for legendary actor William Shatner’s new solo CD; a concept album featuring amazing guest artists!

Join Billy Sherwood and the Prog Collective on the Moody Blues’ Moodies Cruise! Setting sail to Jamaica March 20-25, 2013, along with the Moody Blues, the Prog Collective (featuring Billy Sherwood and Tony Kaye) will be joined by The Strawbs, The Zombies, Little River Band, Ambrosia, Stephen Bishop, Asia Feat. John Payne and Joe Williams of Toto. For more information on this unique cruise check out the website at http://moodiescruise.com/

In conclusion, Billy has this to impart to his fans and listeners: “I appreciate the support and hope you enjoy this new record.”

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Please visit the online store to purchase ‘The Art Of Survival’ along with other Billy Sherwood solo works: www.billysherwoodhq.com

“Whose Side Are We On?” video: 

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUpVAhSCOi4&list=PL5A6348E726E47AA2&index=2&feature=plcp

“Drone Deciphers” video: 

Billy Sherwood’s YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/billysherwoodhq

Billy Sherwood’s Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/billy.sherwood.54?ref=tn_tnmn

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(Source: Glass Onyon PR)

LONG LIVE BILLY SHERWOOD.

Stone.

Jazz-Fusion and Prog Legends Join Together On New CD Release ‘The Fusion Syndicate’

Posted in Metal with tags , , , , , , on October 11, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Features performances by members of the biggest names in Fusion and Prog including Mahavishnu Orchestra, Yellowjackets, Brand X, Soft Machine, Spyrogyra, Yes, Dream Theater, King Crimson, Tool, Porcupine Tree, Hawkwind and more!

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October 10, 2012- Los Angeles, CA – One of the most amazing collection of jazz-fusion and progressive rock legends ever to assemble on one CD has happened with the new release by The Fusion Syndicate, available October 16, 2012 on Purple Pyramid Records. Brought together by multi-instumentalist, producer Billy Sherwood (Yes, CIRCA:), who gave us the fascinating release by the Prog Collective earlier this year. Now, Billy has produced, recorded and written tracks for a new jazz-rock-fusion supergroup of musical virtuosos – The Fusion Syndicate!

Featuring! Rick Wakeman, Jerry Goodman, Nik Turner, Jimmy Haslip, Steve Stevens, Jordan Rudess, Mel Collins, Billy Cobham, Jay Beckenstein, Billy Sheehan, Gavin Harrison, David Sancious, Larry Coryell, Derek Sherinian, Eric Marienthal, Chester Thompson, Steve Morse, Jim Beard, Randy Brecker, Percy Jones, John Etheridge, Tony Kaye, Chad Wackerman, Steve Hillage, Scott Kinsley, Theo Travis, Justin Chancellor and Asaf Sirkis – Produced by Billy Sherwood

“When I was asked to write/produce a fusion record I jumped at the chance. I’ve always had a deep love of Jazz and Fusion music having grown up listening to Weather Report, Return To Forever, the Mahavishnu Orchestra among many others in the genre. The record has become a musical dream team, including some of the world’s most reknowned players in the field. The music reflects a time when virtuosity was the standard and incredible musicianship was the order of the day. Each artist sharing their talent and skill, blending it all into a bigger musical picture, creating an amazing expression of unity and purpose. I’m honored to be a part of it all and I thank all the artists who joined me on this journey, they have all lifted the music to a higher level.” – Billy Sherwood, producer

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Tracks include:

  1. Random Acts Of Science – Rick Wakeman (Yes), Jerry Goodman (Mahavishnu Orchestra), Nik Turner (Hawkwind), Jimmy Haslip (Yellowjackets/Alan Holdsworth)
  2. Stone Cold Infusion – Steve Stevens, Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater/Liquid Tension Experiment), Mel Collins (King Crimson), Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree), Billy Cobham (Mahavishnu Orchestra)
  3. Molecular Breakdown – Jay Beckenstein (Spyrogyra), Billy Sheehan (Steve Vai), Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree), David Sancious (The E Street Band)
  4. Particle Accelerations – Larry Coryell, Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater/Black Country Communion), Eric Marienthal (Chick Corea Elektric Band), Chester Thompson (Genesis/Frank Zappa)
  5. At The Edge Of The Middle – Steve Morse (Dixie Dreggs/Deep Purple), Jim Beard (Mahavishnu Orchestra), Randy Brecker (Blood, Sweat & Tears/Brecker Brothers), Percy Jones (Soft Machine/Brand X)
  6. Atom Smashing – John Etheridge (Soft Machine), Tony Kaye (Yes), Chad Wackerman (Frank Zappa),
  7. In The Spirit Of – Steve Hillage (Gong), Scott Kinsey (Tribal Tech), Theo Travis (Steven Wilson Band), Justin Chancellor (Tool), Asaf Sirkis (The Orient House Ensemble)

“Always a pleasure to work with Billy Sherwood and all the other musicians he chooses. Add some great music and the combination is complete.” – Rick Wakeman

“Fusion music gave me a way to relate to jazz. I liked the rock energy, and the unexpected twists, turns and rhythms that made it fun to play. So, it’s a big influence on the direction I took.” – Steve Morse

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The Fusion Syndicate is avaliable from Purple Pyramid Records and can be pre-ordered at:

http://cleorecs.com/store/shop/the-fusion-syndicate/

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/fusion-syndicate-feat.-rick/id564409590

For more information: http://cleorecs.com/store/

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(Source: Glass Onyon PR)

LONG LIVE THE FUSION SYNDICATE.

Stone.

Australian Prog Legends Unitopia To Release Highly Anticipated New CD ‘Covered Mirror’

Posted in Music, prog rock, progressive rock, progressive rock bands, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on September 28, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Sept., 2012 – Australia – Much to the excitement of progressive rock fans around the globe, legendary Australian prog ensemble Unitopia is releasing a new CD of cover songs titled Covered Mirror on October 31, 2012. The most well-known and respected progressive rock band to emerge from Down Under, Unitopia is back with a ground breaking, powerful new release!
 
“Making a covers album is always a challenge,” confesses lead vocalist Mark Trueack, “and reproducing classic songs and making them ours was always going to be difficult.We spent a great deal of time coming up with ideas and we are very proud of the results. We wanted to take the listener on a journey or experience, if you like. We fused together progressive, pop and rock music into one smooth sound.”
 
Based in Adelaide, South Australia, Unitopia endeavours to draw from the heart and soul of the listener thought-provoking topics such as environmental awareness, political and social upheaval and the hectic pace of life and human relationships in a positive and uplifting light. Using progressive themes as a framework, Unitopia’s music includes elements of world, classical, jazz, heavy rock and groove.
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Mark Trueack (composer/lead vocals/producer), Sean Timms (composer/keyboards/backing vocals/producer) and Matt Williams (guitars/backing vocals/producer) form the nucleus of the band. To complete the line-up, they chose the combined drum/percussion batteries of David Hopgood and Tim Irrgang, Craig Kelly on bass and Daniel Burgess (sax/clarinet/flute/piccolo/didgeridoo).
 
Unitopia released their first album ‘More Than A Dream’ in 2007 on the Canadian label Unicorn Digital. The band signed a three-album deal with InsideOut Music in Germany in 2008; the only Australian band to have signed with the label to this day. Unitopia’s second album ‘The Garden’, released that year, established the band as one of the premier progressive rock acts in the world. With the release of their critically acclaimed third CD ‘Artificial’ and a subsequent successful tour of Europe in 2010, the critics were unanimous. “Unitopia has been one of the best live acts on the Progressive Rock scene in the last few years!”
 
The band’s performance at the Boerderij, Zoetermeer in the Netherlands during the 2010 European tour was filmed and recorded. A subsequent live CD and DVD ‘One Night In Europe’ were released in 2011, successfully capturing the excitement of Unitopia in concert. Adding another dimension to Unitopia’s conceptuality, renowned artist Ed Unitsky was brought into the fold, touted as the “fourth Unitopian”. Says Mark in a recent interview with Prognaut, “We found each other on the net. He liked our sound so we started the process of getting to know his art, before engaging in his work.”
 
And now Unitopia has taken their music to another level with their new CD of cover songs. “Both Sean and I chose songs that we both liked and wanted to give them our Midas touch,” says Mark. “We wanted to bring these songs together, by bridging nice musical segways.”
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Tracks Include:
 
1.  Signs of Life (Prelude) Sean Timms
2.  Calling Occupants (Klaatu)
3.  Easter (Marillion)
4.  Man of Colours (Icehouse)
5.  Genesis Medley (Genesis)

  • The Silent Sun
  •  Suppers Ready
  • Dancing with the Moonlit knight
  • Lamb Lies Down on Broadway
  • Carpet Crawlers

6.  Rain Song (Led Zeppelin)
7.  Even in the Quietest Moments (Supertramp)
8.  Can We Still be Friends (Todd Rundgren)
9.  Speaking The Truth (Dan Burgess/Matt Williams)
10. Everybody’s Gotta learn Sometime (Korgies)
11. Yes Medley (Yes)

  • And You and I
  • Awaken
  • Close to the Edge
  • Soon
  • Onward
  • South Side of the Sky
  • Owner of a lonely Heart

12. To one in Paradise (Alan Parsons)
13. The Way the Waters Moving (The Flower Kings) Bonus Track Remix 2012

 
To purchase Unitopia ‘Covered Mirror’:
As of September 24th – www.unitopiamusic.com 
As of October 31st – Musea Records – www.musearecords.com 
As of December 1st – Bird’s Robe Records – www.birdsrobe.com
 
For more information: http://www.unitopiamusic.com/fr_intro.cfm
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(Source: Glass Onyon PR)

LONG LIVE UNITOPIA.

Stone.

COHEED AND CAMBRIA – The Golden Ticket: Win A Trip To New York

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, Metal, metal music, Music, progressive metal, progressive rock, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on September 23, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Check this out all you COHEED AND CAMBRIA fans! Whoa!

Every fan that purchases The Afterman Limited Edition Box Set is entered to win the Golden Ticket. The winner will see and hang out with Coheed and Cambria at the SOLD OUT Webster Hall (Oct. 11) show and spend the day at New York Comic Con. The ticket will include flight, hotel, show, and NYCC pass costs. Pre-order your Box Set HERE for a chance to win!

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For more info on COHEED AND CAMBRIA, click on the links below!

Official facebook: Coheed and Cambria

http://www.coheedandcambria.com

http://www.twitter.com/coheed

LONG LIVE COHEED AND CAMBRIA.

Stone.

COHEED AND CAMBRIA – Reveal ‘THE AFTERMAN: ASCENSION’ Album Art; New Midwest Tour Dates Announced

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, metal music, Music, progressive metal, progressive rock, rock concerts, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on August 22, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

The album art (above) for the new COHEED AND CAMBRIA album, The Afterman:Ascension. The release date for this highly anticipated album is October 9th, 2012.

Today, COHEED AND CAMBRIA launched the pre-order of “The Afterman Limited Deluxe Box Set” for their new album, The Afterman: Ascension, available October 9th. It includes a 78 Page Book, 4 CD’s, VIP Tour Laminate, a Medallion & Certificate and a Documentary DVD.

Visit CoheedandCambria.com right now to pre-order!

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Take a look below at the NEW Midwest Tour Dates!

Pre-sale tickets for the mid-west dates below will be available Wednesday at 12pm CST/1pm EST HERE!

Oct 16: Cleveland, OH – House of Blues**

Oct 17: Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s**

Oct 18: Fort Wayne, IN – Piere’s**

Oct 20: Madison, WI – Majestic Theatre**

Oct 21: Sauget, IL – Pops Nightclub**

Oct 23: Oklahoma City, OK – Diamond Ballroom**

Oct 26: Springfield, MO – Gillioz Theatre **

Oct 27: Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works**

* w/ 3

** w/ 3 and Deerhunter

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(Source: COHEED AND CAMBRIA)

For more info on COHEED AND CAMBRIA, click on the links below!

http://www.coheedandcambria.com

http://www.twitter.com/coheed

LONG LIVE COHEED AND CAMBRIA.

Stone.

COHEED AND CAMBRIA – New 2 Volume Album “The Afterman”, New Tour Dates & Video Trailer

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, metal music, Music, progressive metal, progressive rock, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on August 1, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Our sixth studio album will be a double concept album entitled, The Afterman,’ and will be released in two separate full-length volumes.  The first volume, ‘The Afterman: Ascension,’ will be available on both physical and digital platforms October 9, 2012 via Hundred Handed/Everything Evil, and distributed through Fontana/Ingrooves. 

The second volume, ‘The Afterman: Descension’ is slated for release in Febrary 2013. The band  has also confirmed a handful of intimate Northeast U.S. club shows leading up to the release of ‘The Afterman.’ The tour starts September 13 in Kingston, NY (dates are below).

Tickets to all fall shows: http://bit.ly/MEn1TU 

A deluxe version of the ‘The Afterman’ will include a hardcover coffee-table book with expansive art by Heidi Taillefer and Nathan Spoor with collaborative written work from singer/creator Claudio Sanchez and writer Peter David that will create a song by song experience.  David previously worked with Sanchez on the prose novel adaptation of the band’s 2010 album “Year of the Black Rainbow,” and the graphic novel adaptation of their 2003 album “In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3 (which reached #4 on the New York Times Bestsellers list for graphic novels earlier this year).” All the band’s titles, including ‘The Afterman,’ fall into a grand sci-fi story arc called ‘The Amory Wars.”It was announced previously at this month’s San Diego Comic Con that The Amory Wars has been picked up by Mark Wahlberg and Stephen Levinson of Leverage Productions to be developed into a live-action feature film.Coheed and Cambria is currently on the road with rock legends, Iron Maiden.UPCOMING TOUR DATES:AUGUST01 Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre with Iron Maiden02 Reno, NV – Knitting Factory*03 Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre w/ Iron Maiden04 Sacramento, CA – Sleep Train Amphitheater w/ Iron Maiden

06 Phoenix, AZ – Ashley Furniture HomeStore Pavilion w/ Iron Maiden

07 Tucson, AZ – Rialto Theater*

09 Irvine, CA – Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre w/ Iron Maiden

10 Irvine, CA – Verizon Wireless Amphitheater w/ Iron Maiden

12 Albuquerque, NM – Hard Rock Pavilion w/ Iron Maiden

13 Denver, CO – Comfort Dental Amphitheater w/ Iron Maiden

15 San Antonio, TX – AT&T Center w/ Iron Maiden

16 Pharr, TX – Pharr Events Center*

17 Dallas, TX – Gexa Energy Pavilion w/ Iron Maiden

18 Houston, TX – Woodlands Pavillion w/ Iron Maiden

*Headline show

24 Reading, UK – Reading Festival

25 Leeds, UK – Leeds Festival

tickets to all fall shows: http://bit.ly/MEn1TU 

SEPTEMBER

13 Kingston, NY – Ulster Performing Arts Center*

15 Chicago, IL – Riot Fest Chicago

16 Charlotte, NC – WEND Wienie Roast

19 Buffalo, NY – Town Hall*

20 Toronto, ON – Mod Club*

21 Rochester, NY –  Water Street*

22 Albany, NY – Hart Theater at The Egg*

24 Syracuse, NY – Wescott Theater*

25 Burlington, VT – Higher Ground*

26 Hartford, CT  Webster Theater*

28 Worcester, MA – Palladium**

29 Atlantic City, NJ – House of Blues**

* w/ 3

** w/ and Deerhunter

OCTOBER

31 Hamburg, DE – Grunspan

NOVEMBER

01 Dortmund, DE – Visions Westend Festival

02 Utrecht, NL – Tivoli

04 Brussels, BE – VK Club

05 Paris, FR – La Fleche D’Or

08 London, UK – Koko

09 Glasgow , UK- ABC

11 Birmingham, UK – Academy

12 Manchester, UK – Ritz Ballroom

About The Amory WarsAn epic, sci-fi fantasy set in an alternate universe (Heaven’s Fence) that chronicles the rise of superhuman dictator Wilhelm Ryan, and the one family that could hold the key to liberating the world from his tyrannical reign. The mythology was originally created by Sanchez to serve as inspiration for the band’s albums, but the series expanded to other mediums, including both prose and graphic novels.

About The Afterman:  Sirius Amory, the most celebrated astronomer/scientist in the alternate universe of Heaven’s Fence is ‘‘The Afterman.’  Sirius (pronounced “Sy-ruhss”) is credited with the discovery of the energy force (known as The Keywork) that binds the 78 planets of these worlds together. He embarks on the greatest discovery of his existence, and possibly mankind’s.  By doing so, what is truly most important to him begins to slip right through his fingers

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(Source: COHEED AND CAMBRIA newsletter)

For more info on COHEED AND CAMBRIA, click on the links below!

http://www.coheedandcambria.com

http://www.twitter.com/coheed

LONG LIVE COHEED AND CAMBRIA.

Stone.

Prolific Progressive Rock Icon NEAL MORSE Moves Forward With a Blistering and Melodic New Release: “Momentum”

Posted in Guitar, guitarists, Hard Rock, Music, progressive rock, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on July 17, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Nashville, TN—Coming off of a highly successful 2011 marked by the release of the critically acclaimed “Testimony 2” and an enthusiastically attended tour throughout the U.S., Mexico and Europe, Neal Morse could easily have justified going on a creative hiatus to catch his breath. But that would fly in the face of his convictions and the sense that he is being led to build upon the swell of success he is experiencing.

In January 2012, Morse was pondering the possibilities of a change in direction. After all, it had been a decade since he left the Progressive Rock stalwart Spock’s Beard to pursue a solo career that would allow him to write more freely about his personal faith. And in that time he had recorded 6 impressive studio records that were heralded for their unique hybrid of epic compositions that tested the boundaries of musicianship while maintaining a remarkable sense of melody through irresistible hooks and addictive choruses. He could have taken a break. Or gone in an entirely new direction. But he felt led otherwise, as summed up in the new record’s title track: “You’ve got some new momentum, you better keep going.”

Morse’s long time studio partner and friend Mike Portnoy had a small window in January 2012 when he could record. The only problem was, there was only one song and a few bits and pieces written. Taking a leap of faith, he scheduled a recording session with the drumming legend and longtime bass player Randy George in two weeks, hoping that the music would arrive before the musicians. And boy did it ever.

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“Momentum” features five exceptional stand alone songs and one longer conceptual piece. In addition to the accessible title track, there’s the quirkily clever, Gentle Giant-inspired “Thoughts Part 5,” which follows in the footsteps of the previous “Thoughts” tracks penned by Morse with Spocks Beard. “Smoke and Mirrors” trods an introspective, acoustic path, while “Weathering Sky” offers a raucous cry for deliverance and renewal from a searching soul. Rounding out the shorter tracks is “Freak,” an upbeat, strings-charged song unlike anything Neal has recorded to date. Last comes “World Without End,” a near 34-minute, six-part epic that contains everything that defines Morse as a master of the genre.

Another highlight of this record is that, in addition to a masterful solo by guitar wizard Paul Gilbert, there are contributions from Adson Sodré, Bill Hubauer and Eric Gillette; three musicians who were selected as members of Morse’s new touring band through an exciting YouTube driven open audition process.

While “Momentum” propels Morse forward and further cements his standing as a prolific Progressive Rock icon, it steers clear of the potential “more of the same” trap, and features fresh musical angles and some of the finest performances to date by the Morse, Portnoy, George team.

The release of “Momentum” on September 11 will be quickly followed up by a North American tour that spotlights the fresh talent of his new live band, with stops in such cities as Nashville, Jacksonville, New York, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Seattle and Mexico City.

Much to the delight of progressive Rock Fans around the globe, Neal Morse is moving ahead with “Momentum” and there doesn’t appear to be any kind of end to his unique creative talent in sight.

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MOMENTUM – Track Listing:

Momentum (6:25)

Thoughts Part 5 (7:51)

Smoke and Mirrors (4:38)

Weathering Sky (4:15)

Freak (4:29)

World Without End (33:39)

i Introduction

ii Never Pass Away

iii Losing Your Soul

iv The Mystery

v Some Kind of Yesterday

vi World Without End

Total Length: 61:17

Written and Produced by Neal Morse

“Thoughts Part 5”—Written by Neal Morse and Randy George

“Smoke and Mirrors” and “The Mystery”—Music by Neal Morse, Lyrics by Chris Thompson and Neal Morse

Mixed by Rich Mouser

Featured Musicians:

Neal Morse – Keyboards, Guitars, Vocals

Mike Portnoy – Drums

Randy George – Bass

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Additional Musicians:

Paul Gilbert – Guitar solo on “Momentum”

Adson Sodré – Guitar Solos on “World Without End”

Bill Hubauer – Clarinet, flute, guitar and additional keys on “The Mystery”

Eric Gillette – Additional vocals on “Thoughts Part 5”

Wil Morse – Additional vocals on “Thoughts Part 5”

Chris Carmichael – Strings

Rick Altizer – Additional vocals on “Weathering Sky” and “Smoke and Mirrors”

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(Source: Glass Onyon PR)

For more info on NEAL MORSE, click on the links below!

nealmorse.com | facebook.com/nealmorse | twitter.com/nealmorse

nealmorsefans.com

Radiant Records: Official site

LONG LIVE NEAL MORSE.

Stone.

ASIA – “Face On The Bridge” (Official Video); Stone’s Metal Pick Of The Day!

Posted in Music, progressive rock, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on May 1, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

ASIA TO RELEASE NEW STUDIO ALBUM “XXX” WITH ORIGINAL LINE-UP: GEOFF DOWNES, STEVE HOWE, CARL PALMER & JOHN WETTON

ASIA will release their new studio album “XXX” (pronounced Triple X) on Frontiers Records on June 29th in Europe and July 3rd in North America. The new record, produced by Mike Paxman, which is being hailed as ASIA’s best album since its classic early 80s releases, will be released as a CD, collector’s edition CD/DVD (featuring new music videos and behind the scenes footage), and on vinyl (limited edition Europe only). Original artwork for “XXX” album courtesy of Roger Dean.

Stone Says: I love this song! Everything about Face On The Bridge just resonates the classic sound and appeal of this original ASIA lineup! I absolutely cannot wait to hear this entire new album from ASIA! Those ASIA vibes I’m feeling from this song takes me back to another time; those days when I played their debut album continuously during the entire Summer of ’82. This new ASIA song and video, Face On The Bridge, is my Metal pick of the day!

ASIA:

Geoff Downes – keyboards

Steve Howe – guitars

Carl Palmer – drums

John Wetton – bass, vocals

ASIA – XXX (Frontiers Records)

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

http://www.originalasia.com

FRONTIERS RECORDS

(Source: Frontiers Records)

LONG LIVE ASIA.

Stone.

COHEED AND CAMBRIA – Introduces Zach Cooper as New Bassist

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, progressive metal, progressive rock, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on April 28, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

COHEED AND CAMBRIA – Check out the video below for introduction to bassist Zach Cooper, the newest family member to Coheed And Cambria.

Stone Says: Zach Cooper appears to be one cool dude. Plus, he must play some damn fine bass if Coheed And Cambria came knocking on his door! Congratulations and all the best to Zach Cooper! Metal be thy name.

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COHEED AND CAMBRIA 2012 TOURS:

For ALL 2012 Tour Dates/Venues, click the large links below!

COHEED AND CAMBRIA – Announce Intimate Club Shows In The Southeast For Spring 2012

COHEED AND CAMBRIA – Announces 2012 Tour Dates With IRON MAIDEN

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For more info on COHEED AND CAMBRIA, click on the link below!

CoheedAndCambria.com

LONG LIVE COHEED AND CAMBRIA.

Stone.

RUSH – 2012 North American Tour Dates!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Music, progressive metal, progressive rock, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on April 22, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

RUSH – The 20th studio album, Clockwork Angels, from Progressive Rock legends RUSH, will be released on June 12th, 2012, via Roadrunner Records. A legendary touring band as well, RUSH will be hitting the road in support of Clockwork Angels! Check out the (initial) 2012 North American tour dates (with venues) below!

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Sep-7 Manchester, NH Verizon Wireless Arena

Sep-9 Washington, DC Jiffy Lube Live Amphitheater

Sep-11 Pittsburgh, PA CONSOL Energy Center

Sep-13 Indianapolis, IN Bankers Life Fieldhouse

Sep-15 Chicago, IL United Center

Sep-18 Detroit, MI Palace of Auburn Hills

Sep-20 Columbus, OH Nationwide Arena

Sep-22 St. Louis, MO Scottrade Center

Sep-24 Minneapolis, MN Target Center

Sep-26 Winnipeg, MB MTS Centre

Sep-28 Saskatoon, SK Credit Union Centre

Sep-30 Edmonton, AB Rexall Place

Oct-10 Bridgeport, CT Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard

Oct-12 Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center

Oct-14 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre

Oct-18 Montreal, QC Bell Centre

Oct-20 Newark, NJ Prudential Center

Oct-22 Brooklyn, NY Barclays Center

Oct-24 Boston, MA TD Garden

Oct-26 Buffalo, NY First Niagara Center

Oct-28 Cleveland, OH Quicken Loans Arena

Oct-30 Charlotte, NC Time Warner Cable Arena

Nov-1 Atlanta, GA Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

Nov-3 Tampa, FL 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre

Nov-13 Seattle, WA KeyArena

Nov-15 San Jose, CA HP Pavilion

Nov-17 Anaheim, CA Honda Center

Nov-19 Los Angeles, CA Gibson Amphitheatre

Nov-23 Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand Garden Arena

Nov-25 Phoenix, AZ US Airways Center

Nov-28 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center

Nov-30 San Antonio, TX AT&T Center

Dec-2 Houston, TX Toyota Center

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(Source: Roadrunner Records)

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

RUSH

ROADRUNNER RECORDS

LONG LIVE RUSH.

Stone.

RUSH – Clockwork Angels – 20th Studio Album Releases June 12th, 2012

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Music, progressive metal, progressive rock, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on April 15, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

RUSH – Progressive Rock/Hard Rock legends. Pioneering a sound so unique to the Rock world and expanding on their musical genius that spans five decades. RUSH. Enormously influential to generations of other musicians and bands alike. RUSH. Canada’s national treasure. RUSH. Clockwork Angels, the 20th studio album from their illustrious musical career, will be released on June 12th, 2012, on Roadrunner Records.

Produced by Nick Raskulinecz and co-produced by RUSH. Nick Raskulinecz produced the last RUSH album; 2007’s Snakes & Arrows as well. The first single from Clockwork Angels will be Headlong Flight; arriving April 19th on Rock radio. A North American tour to support Clockwork Angels will be announced shortly!

RUSH:

Geddy Lee – Vocals, Bass & Keys

Alex Lifeson – Guitar

Neil Peart – Drums & Percussion

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CLOCKWORK ANGELS – Track Listing:

Caravan

BU2B

Clockwork Angels

The Anarchist

Carnies

Halo Effect

Seven Cities of Gold

The Wreckers

Headlong Flight

BU2B2

Wish Them Well

The Garden

_________________________________________________

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

http://www.rush.com

LONG LIVE RUSH.

Stone.

VOYAGER – Australian Prog Architects Confirm 2012 North American Tour

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, progressive metal, progressive rock, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , on March 24, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Australian Prog-Rock heavyweights VOYAGER will be heading to North America to tour as main support for iconic Italian Symphonic Power Metal band Rhapsody Of Fire this Spring!

Fresh on the heels of releasing their latest critically acclaimed masterpiece The Meaning of I, and after winning over stateside crowds at the prestigious annual ProgPower USA festival in 2011, VOYAGER are pumped to hit North American shores once more to spread the ‘V’ message far and wide. The comprehensive tour will run from coast to coast and everywhere else in between.

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VOYAGER North American tour with Rhapsody Of Fire:

5/25/2012 The Trocadero – Philadelphia, PA

5/26/2012 Soundstage – Baltimore, MD

5/27/2012 The Palladium – Worcester, MA

5/29/2012 Gramercy Theatre – New York, NY

5/30/2012 Club Soda – Montreal, QC

5/31/2012 Imperial de Quebec – Quebec, QC

6/01/2012 Mod Club – Toronto, ON

6/03/2012 Peabody`s – Cleveland, OH

6/04/2012 Altar Bar – Pittsburgh, PA

6/05/2012 Mojoes – Joliet, IL

6/06/2012 Station 4 St. Paul, MN

6/08/2012 Gothic Theater – Englewood, CO

6/10/2012 El Corazon – Seattle, WA

6/11/2012 Hawthorne Theatre – Portland, OR

6/12/2012 Slim’s – San Francisco, CA

6/14/2012 House of Blues – San Diego, CA

6/15/2012 The Grove – Anaheim, CA

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VOYAGER‘s peculiar and unique sound merges Amorphis’ thirst for melody, Soilwork’s heaviness and the crystal vocal clarity of A-Ha’s Morton Harket into a sound all their own. The Meaning of I was released in October via Sensory Records, in conjunction with the band’s ultra-successful first tour on North American soil alongside labelmates Creation’s End, including their stellar performance at ProgPower USA.

_______________________________________________

(Source: Earsplit PR)

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

http://www.voyager-australia.com

http://www.facebook.com/voyageraustralia

http://www.lasersedgegroup.com

LONG LIVE VOYAGER.

Stone.

COHEED AND CAMBRIA – Announce Intimate Club Shows In The Southeast For Spring 2012

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, progressive metal, progressive rock, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on February 28, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

INTIMATE CLUB SHOWS IN THE SOUTHEAST

As reported on Coheed And Cambria Newsletter:

Howdy All,

We are excited to announce a string of intimate club dates in the Southeastern U.S. (and a couple in the Midwest) this Spring. These will be Josh’s first shows with us in a long time, and we hope you can come show him some Southern Hospitality for his return! We’ll be working out some new songs and a bunch you already know. Joining us will be Moving Mountains and Pianos Become The Teeth.

We’re also playing Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis, TN.

The dates officially go on sale this Friday and Saturday, March 2nd and 3rd, at 10AM local time. YOU CAN GET YOURS TOMORROW, starting at noon through our special fanclub links.

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IRON MAIDEN TICKETS GO ON SALE THIS WEEKEND!

In addition to our Southeastern U.S. dates, Iron Maiden tickets will also go on sale this Friday and Saturday – We start July 24th in Winnipeg, MB. More info HERE.

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COHEED AND CAMBRIA FULL TOUR DATES

With Moving Mountains, Pianos Become The Teeth 
General on sale March 2nd* and March 3rd** 10AM local time.

Apr 29 Charlottesville, VA – Jefferson Theater*

Apr 30 Charleston, SC – Music Farm*

May 3 Gainesville, FL – Florida Theater*

May 5 Athens, GA – 40 Watt**

May 6 Memphis, TN – Beale Street Music Festival

May 7 Chattanooga, TN – Track 29*

May 8 Bloomington, IN – Bluebird** (21+)

May 10 Lexington, KY – Kentucky Theater*

May 11 Urbana, IL – Canopy Club**

May 12 Knoxville, TN – Bijou Theater*

May 13 Raleigh, NC – Lincoln Theater*

May 15 Tallahassee, FL – Coliseum*

May 16 Birmingham, AL – Workplay Soundstage*

May 17 Baton Rouge, LA – Varsity Theater**

May 18 Gulf Shore, AL – Hangout Festival

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With Iron Maiden

Jul 24 Winnipeg, MB – MTS Center*

Jul 26 Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Saddledome*

Jul 27 Edmonton, AB – Rexall Place*

Jul 29 Vancouver, BC – Pacific Coliseum**

Jul 30 Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre**

Aug 1 Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre**

Aug 3 San Francisco, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre*

Aug 4 Sacramento, CA – Sleepy Train Amphitheater*

Aug 6 Phoenix, AZ – Ashley Furniture HomeStore Pavilion**

Aug 9 Irvine, CA – Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre**
A

ug 10 Irvine, CA – Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre**

Aug 12 Albuquerque. NM – Hard Rock Pavilion**

Aug 13 Denver, CO – Comfort Dental Amphitheatre**

Aug 15 San Antonio, TX – AT&T Center**

Aug 17 Dallas, TX – Gexa Energy Pavilion**

Aug 18 Houston, TX – The Woodlands**

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For more information go to CoheedAndCambria.com

LONG LIVE COHEED AND CAMBRIA.

LONG LIVE IRON MAIDEN.

Stone.

YES – This Day In Rock Music History, February 19th, 1971

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, Hard Rock, Music, progressive rock, progressive rock bands, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on February 19, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

YES – Back on February 19th, 1971, the third studio album from Yes was released in the UK on Atlantic Records. Conveniently titled The Yes Album, it boasts three songs that catapulted Yes into the stratosphere of Rock and Progressive Rock notoriety. Yours Is No Disgrace, Starship Trooper and I’ve Seen All Good People became eventual permanent listening fixtures on FM radio. These are easily the three songs from Yes that triggered me to become a fan of their music, so many years ago.

The Yes Album is without question, my favorite album from the Yes catalog. The Yes Album I regard as a 100% Progressive Rock and Rock classic, from a seriously legendary band that helped pioneer Progressive Rock. Yes belongs nominated and inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame… what an obvious scandal that this iconic band has not been given membership from that confusing “establishment” as of yet.

The Yes Album was released in the United States one month after its UK release. This was the first Yes album that featured the (eventual) legendary guitarist: Steve Howe. For me, I find it so amazing, that The Yes Album was released over 40 years ago and it still sounds so fresh and brilliant to this day. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve escaped stress while listening to The Yes Album. As fine of an introduction to Progressive Rock as you’ll hear, The Yes Album stands alone. Simply timeless to my ears is The Yes Album.

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YES (as they appeared on The Yes Album):

Jon Anderson – lead vocals

Steve Howe – guitars, vocals & vihuela

Chris Squire – bass & vocals

Tony Kaye – organ, piano & moog

Bill Bruford – drums

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

http://yesworld.com

FRONTIERS RECORDS

LONG LIVE YES.

Stone.

MASTODON, OPETH & GHOST – Heritage Hunter Tour – North America 2012: Tour Dates Listed

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, progressive metal, progressive rock, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on January 31, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

HERITAGE HUNTER TOUR 2012NORTH AMERICA DATES:

Mastodon and Opeth will head out on a co-headlining US tour with Ghost opening all dates, starting May 4th. General ticket sales begin on February 3rd and 4th, but you can get tickets before anyone else by heading to http://mastodon.artistarena.com starting tomorrow, February 1st at 3pm local time. Check out the dates below!

And make sure to tune in to the Grammy Awards on February 12th on CBS to see if Mastodon win for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance.

HERITAGE HUNTER TOUR 2012 – NORTH AMERICA DATES:

04/04 – Portland, ME @ State Theater

04/05 – Boston, MA @ Orpheum Theater

04/06 – Montreal, QC @ Metropolis

04/07 – Toronto, ON @ Sony Centre

04/09 – Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory

04/10 – Wallingford, CT @ The Dome

04/11 – New York, NY @ Roseland Ballroom

04/13 – Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theatre

04/14 – Grand Rapids, MI @ The Intersection

04/15 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE

04/16 – Knoxville, TN @ TN Theater

04/18 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom

04/19 – Dallas, TX @ Palladium Ballroom

04/20 – San Antonio, TX  @ Back Stage Live

04/21 – Corpus Christi, TX @ Concrete Street

04/23 – Denver, CO @ Fillmore Auditorium

04/25 – Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues

04/26 – Los Angeles, CA @ Gibson Amphitheatre

04/27 – Oakland, CA @ Fox Theatre

04/28 – Reno, NV @ Grand Sierra Resort

04/30 – Seattle, WA @ The Paramount

05/01 – Vancouver, BC @ Orpheum Theatre

05/03 – Edmonton, AB @ Edmonton Events Center

05/04 – Calgary, AB @ MacEwan Hall

05/05 – Saskatoon, SK @ The Odeon

05/06 – Winnipeg, MB @ Burton Cummings Theatre

05/09 – Washington, DC @ The Fillmore

05/10 – Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore

05/11 – Myrtle Beach, SC @ House of Blues

05/12 – Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade Music Park

(Source: Mastodon Official Website)

* For more info, click on the links below:

Mastodon – Official Website

OPETH – Official Website

http://ghost-official.com

LONG LIVE MASTODON, OPETH & GHOST.

Stone.

Metal Odyssey Presents: Monday’s Rock ‘N Roll Debate! Beastie Boys Versus The Moody Blues

Posted in classic rock, Music, progressive rock, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on January 30, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

MONDAY’S ROCK ‘N ROLL DEBATE!

Alright. The votes are in by “whoever” and have been counted at The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame for this year’s induction class. Beastie Boys have been inducted within this 2012 class. Once again, The Moody Blues have been ignored by “whoever” casts the votes over in that “not for profit” building in Cleveland, Ohio. Yes, I am laughing hysterically right about now. I should be. Beastie Boys have been inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame before KISS, Cheap Trick, ChicagoThe Doobie Brothers and even Mott The Hoople. The list of eligible world-class musicians and bands that Beastie Boys moved ahead of for induction is very long.

The biggest embarrassment to the Rock music industry isn’t that Beastie Boys made it into the hall, (all the power to Beastie Boys), it’s that “whoever” in Cleveland feels Beastie Boys are more influential, musically polished and bigger Rock history icons than… The Moody Blues. Whoa.

Here is your forum folks. Let it vent, please. I ask of you right now, do Beastie Boys belong inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame before The Moody Blues? Let’s put the other bands and musicians aside that are factually light years above Beastie Boys musically and that have been snubbed by “whoever” in Cleveland. This is about Beastie Boys versus The Moody Blues based on their respective “all-time” Rock music influence, song writing and musicianship.

At this point in time in the music industry, talking record sales is a pile of bacteria infested horse crap. Why? Cause the Kidz Bop series sells millions of units… does that mean Kidz Bop gets inducted into the hall one day too? Let the Rock ‘N Roll debate begin…

VS.

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LONG LIVE BEASTIE BOYS.

LONG LIVE THE MOODY BLUES.

Stone.

ROYAL HUNT – ‘Show Me How To Live’ Is A Listen Into Melodic & Symphonic Hard Rock Grandeur

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, melodic hard rock, melodic metal, melodic rock, Music, progressive rock, rock music, rock music news, symphonic metal, symphonic rock music with tags , , , , , on December 29, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

ROYAL HUNT – The 11th studio album from Denmark’s ROYAL HUNT, Show Me How To Live, was released in North America on November 29th, 2011, via Frontiers Records. On Show Me How To Live, former lead singer D.C. Cooper reunited with this band’s founding member, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer: Andre’ Andersen. Along with Jonas Larsen (guitars), Andreas Passmark (bass) and Allan Sørensen on drums, ROYAL HUNT has justifiably reinstated their respected status as a player in the world of Melodic Hard Rock, with Show Me How To Live.

Progressively leaning, symphonic and very much melodic is Show Me How To Live. From the opening track of One More Day, I realized there would be many elements to listen for with this ROYAL HUNT band’s musicianship. In its simplistic comparison, listening to ROYAL HUNT is like listening to a Melodic Hard Rock orchestra. With a backing chorus to compliment the exquisite arrangements of One More Day, this song opens up Show Me How To Live with inspiring musical extravagance.

The melodic ride never subsides with ROYAL HUNT, as Another Man Down is highlighted by a memorable  guitar solo from Jonas Larsen and the spot-on drumming of Allan Sørensen. As pivotal components to the music of ROYAL HUNT, orchestration is the vertebrae of this album while the keyboards are its nerve center. The muscle comes through with the guitar and rhythm section. The songs Hard Rain’s Coming and An Empty Shell in and of themselves are my picks for anyone to listen to, in explaining the aforementioned music components.

Throughout all 7 songs, the vocals of D.C. Cooper keeps me engaged in the music. D.C. has excellent range and doesn’t overreach, all the while giving this album a vocal identity that is muscular and downright enjoyable to hear. A true catalyst is D.C. to this band. Andre’ Andersen on keyboards is a thrill a minute. Andre’ impresses me most by not over-saturating this album with his love for the keys. Yes, these synthetic sounds are plentiful, only I don’t hear the over-indulgence that could have been.

I hear a respect for balance within the songs on Show Me How To Live. No instrument is ever buried under the layers. Andre’ and his band give off a vibe of mutual appreciation for the strength of the song and quality certainly overrides quantity on this new ROYAL HUNT album. Fans of Symphonic/Melodic Hard Rock and Metal should dive right into Show Me How To Live and bask in all of its deliciously layered splendor.

ROYAL HUNT:

Andre’ Andersen – keyboards

D.C. Cooper – vocals

Jonas Larsen – guitars

Andreas Passmark – bass

Allan Sørensen – drums

Show Me How To Live – Track Listing:

One More Day

Another Man Down

An Empty Shell

Hard Rain’s Coming

Half Past Loneliness

Show Me How To Live

Angel’s Gone

* For more info on ROYAL HUNT, click on the links below:

ROYAL HUNT – Official Website

FRONTIERS RECORDS

Stone.

BLACK SKIES Issue Roadside Update – Live Song Posted

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, progressive rock, rock music, rock music news, stoner rock with tags , , , , , , on November 27, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

North Carolina power trio BLACK SKIES have been ravaging the North American masses since November 14 on their 2011 Fall tour excursion  in support of the recently unleashed On The Wings Of Time full-length.

The band checks in from the van:

“The tour is going great! We’ve played some of our favorite venues. hit some new ones and had a great first time playing Canada! The crowd, promoters and venues in Montreal and Toronto were very welcoming and we look forward to going back! We’ve been playing songs off our new record for the most part including a tune we hadn’t really played out live before and a May Blitz cover on some nights. It’s been a blast being back out. Our friends Make from Chapel Hill were on the first half of the tour with us. It’s been great to share the stage with these guys every night. They’re an excellent band, and good, fun people to hang with. We joined up with Vaz in Montreal for a string of dates. It’s time to take over Easthampton, Brooklyn, Philadelphia and Annandale!”

BLACK SKIES – Fall Tour 2011 [remaining dates]:

11/27/2011 St. Vitus – Brooklyn, NY**

11/28/2011 JRs – Philadelphia, PA**

11/29/2011 Cellar Door – Annandale, VA

** w/ Vaz http://www.vazmusic.bandcamp.com

On The Wings Of Time is currently available at all shows on digital download cards included with the purchase of a limited edition, silk-screened poster. A CD version with alternate cover art is also available. To hear On The Wings Of Time in its entirety, visit the band’s official BandCamp page. In addition, you can check out a live recording from the band’s first show of the tour at the Get Down in Asheville, North Carolina. HERE.

(Source: Earsplit PR)

LONG LIVE BLACK SKIES.

Stone.