Archive for punk rock bands

JUICEHEAD – First Gig Of The New Year, This Saturday March 8th, In Illinois!

Posted in Music, news, Punk rock, punk rock bands, punk rock music, rock music, world news with tags , , , , , , , on March 1, 2014 by Metal Odyssey

Juicehead - promo gig flyer - Illinois - March 8 - 2014

JuiceheaD will headline (with openers Voice of Addiction and The Horrids) at Brauer House in Lombard, IL Saturday March 8th. Those in the Midwest don’t miss JuiceheaD’s first show of 2014 and catch their headlining set consisting of your favorite cuts from “The Devil Made Me Do it” and “How to Sail a Sinking Ship”.

Followers of the band will also be pleased to hear the announcement that original drummer Zac Dawson is back from hiatus and returned to the fold. Look for Zac behind the kit with Rob Vannice (guitar/vocals), plus news of a new release from JuiceheaD, and more live shows to come later this year.

See JuiceheaD LIVE Sat. March 8th, 2014 @ Brauer House, 1000 N Rohlwing Road #13 Lombard, IL, 60148.

Click here for tickets.

____________________________________

(Source: MISFITS Records)

* For more info on JUICEHEAD:

Facebook: Juicehead

Website: http://juiceheadmusic.com

Misfits Records: http://misfitsrecords.com

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE JUICEHEAD.

LONG LIVE PUNK.

Stone.

HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED – Delivers Their Third Lethal Dosage With New EP, “Allergy”

Posted in Music, Punk rock, punk rock albums, punk rock bands, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on June 1, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Harmful If Swallowed  Photo Shoot

Los Angeles Punk Rock Band Is A Hit With MTV And KROQ

_______________________________________

Los Angeles, CA – Equipped with a recipe of hard-hitting beats, thought-provoking lyrics and chart-worthy hooks is the Los Angeles punk rock band, Harmful if Swallowed. The band is releasing their six-song EP Allergy containing the hypnotic singles, “Sabrina (Little Angel)” and “Allergy,” available now on iTunes. Since the release of their acclaimed debut Serverthe band has garnered a faithful following with tracks appearing on multiple MTV shows and are frequently spun on the world-famous Los Angeles rock station KROQ. Harmful If Swallowed is preparing to raise their bar even higher with their best work to date, Allergy.

Fronted by vocalist/guitarist Greg Martin, the band’s lineup is made up of Josh Loren (drums), Carlos Nieto III (bass, backing vocals) and Brian Martinez (rhythm guitar). The latest EP, produced at the hands of GRAMMY award-winner, Matt Hyde (Slayer, Porno for Pyros, No Doubt), delivers an impressive range of subject matter, rhythm and sound. Allergy is a smooth evolution from previous records; charged with a fiery energy, stellar vocal chops and real-life situation lyrics.

“Sabrina (Little Angel)” hits hard at the opening with witty lyrics, propulsive drum kicks and enticing electric guitars all supported by strong vocals and ear-pleasing harmonies on the hook. The title track “Allergy”, written about an ex-girlfriend, moves listeners in a similar fashion with canny metaphors and raw emotion. The song compares an ex-girlfriend who makes you so sick whenever she reappears, like a bad allergy.

Harfmful If Swallowed - Allergy - promo cover pic

Songs like “Hateful” and “Recession” are a little more provocative but still feature the Harmful If Swallowed mainstay – head-banging instrumentation. While the track “Lindsay” has it all – catchy hooks, witty lyrics and is penned about the queen of trouble, Lindsay Lohan. Each song is a seamless introduction to the next, while keeping listeners intrigued and entertained. Allergy was recorded in Hollywood, CA at Sunset Lodge with the fine-tuned and crystal clear sound achieved with the help of engineer, Chris Rakestraw  (Bad Religion).

Harmful If Swallowed quickly realized their instant chemistry and it ignited a supernatural musical collaboration. Boasting their suggestive band name, Harmful if Swallowed released their debut album Serverwhichwas handpicked for a selection of MTV shows and caught the attention of radio DJ Kat Corbett (KROQ) who is an avid fan and supporter. Taking full advantage of their increased exposure and growing fan base, the band embarked on a slew of performances including co-headlining concerts with some of the industry’s biggest names such as KoRn, Green Day, Weezer, FEAR, Bad Religion and numerous others.

Harmful If Swallowed - band pic promo - #3

The band’s follow up album The Chronicles of Losing was released in 2009 and again caught the attention of industry professionals and fans alike. Determined to further develop and improve as musicians and artists, Harmful if Swallowed was inspired to create a new sound and take a new direction.Allergy is a graceful, intelligent departure that proves to fans their evolution is still rocketing.

It’s only a matter of time until heads are banging to the new sounds of Harmful if Swallowed. The name of the band hardly describes their music – so don’t be afraid to take a mouthful of the new EP, Allergy. Keep up with Harmful if Swallowed, at www.HarmfulifSwallowedband.com.

______________________________________________

(Source: LaFamos PR & Branding)

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED.

I DIG THIS PUNK ROCK BAND VERY MUCH AND YOU SHOULD TOO… UNLESS YOU’RE A CONSTIPATED ABBA FAN.

Stone.

FireSky – An All Female Band You Must Know About, ‘Cause They’re Playing Some Serious Rockin’ Noize!

Posted in alternative rock, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, metal odyssey, rock albums, rock bands, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on November 9, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

L to R: Kio K, Anni Sutinen, Brenda Mejia, Shae Padilla

FireSky – Okay, to be upfront and honest, cause Stone can never tell a Metal lie, these four gals that call themselves FireSky… ROCKS! I’m very glad FireSky crossed my Metal path, this is a band that is ready for some Rock industry attention. After listening to their 5 song Erase The Enemy EP, (which was several times), I realized without hesitation that FireSky has “IT”. What is IT exactly, that FireSky has you’re asking? Song writing, vocals and these gals can play. FireSky has an attitude that comes through in their songs that screams: Rockin’ For Real. There’s some good Rockin’ vibes that emit from Erase The Enemy, Metal be thy name.

When you’re a DIY band and conscientious towards the song, word will travel fast and fans will follow. I’m listening to FireSky and they have created 5 melodically memorable songs, adding a contagious dose of Alt/Hard Rock flavor to their overall sound. It’s when my ears are introduced to a band like FireSky, that I wish I had the executive position at any record label to sign them. Instead, I can only pass along the great news that FireSky is out there, accomplishing and not just thinking about it, hungry for some Hard Rockin’ success.

If you are a fan of The Donnas, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Pink, Pat Benatar or The Bangles, you should get quite a Rockin’ thrill out of hearing the fresh and relevant Rock sound of FireSky.

Founding member, song writer and lead guitarist Shae Padilla recently told Metal Odyssey:

“Right now, FireSky is writing, rehearsing, playing locally here in California, and working on some touring opportunities! Its hard work being an independent band. But in our minds, if you have a dream you really believe in, you need to go for it. Even if you don’t “Make it”, you can be satisfied that you tried your hardest! And I’m happy to say, so far, so good for FireSky! We’ve made a lot of progress in the short time we’ve been a band, and it’s actually nice being the ones to make the decisions on the way our music sounds, and the way our band is presented to the public!

Shae elaborated on the title of her band’s EP, Erase The Enemy:

We decided to name it after the last track on the EP because it’s easy to remember and a good message. The song is about how often times, people are their own worst enemies and limit their potential. So you have to “Erase the enemy on the inside”. I love Anni’s (lead singer) lyrics! Definitely makes the writing process easy, when she’s right there coming up with interesting and meaningful lyrics!

When asked about a forthcoming full-length album being in the works, Shae responded:

“As far as a full length album goes, we’re hoping to have one out next year! We’re currently writing for it now, and also working on booking a tour so we can reach our fans wherever they may be!”

Where can fans buy your Erase The Enemy EP?

“You can buy our EP on iTunes by going to itunes.com/FireSky. OR if you like having a physical copy, you can go to our webstore and buy a copy! Just go to http://firesky.storenvy.com/“.

Erase The Enemy EP was released on iTunes on August 23rd, 2011.

FireSky’s last two shows of 2011:

November 20th – Hollywood, CA @ Molly Malone’s

November 23rd – Upland, CA @ The Wire

FireSky:

Shae Padilla – Guitar

Anni Sutinen – Vocals

Brenda Mejia – Bass

Kio K – Drums

Erase The Enemy EP – Track List:

Free Fall

Pleasure For Mourning

Soundtrack Of My Life

Black As The Night

Erase The Enemy

* For more info on FireSky, click on the links below:

http://fireskymusic.com/

www.facebook.com/fireSkyMusic

Long Live FireSky.

Stone.

MISFITS – EUROPEAN AND U.S. TOUR DATES FOR FALL 2010!!

Posted in metal odyssey, Music, Punk rock, punk rock bands, punk rock music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on August 12, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

MISFITS – Here are the concert dates for the MISFITS European and United States starting this September 2010! It looks like the MISFITS will be touring throughout the entire Fall season! The opening act for the MISFITS on the U.S. tour will be… JuiceheaD. The European tour kicks off on September 1, 2010 in Ausburg, Germany, while the U.S. tour gets revved up on October 15, 2010, in Columbus, Ohio. Check out the dates below to see if the legendary, Punk historical and unreal influential MISFITS are coming to your spooky neck of the woods.

* PLUS: The Official MISFITS RECORDS Newsletter, (from August 11, 2010), states the following: “In related news, the MISFITS are currently in the studio working on new material, so expect info on fiendish new tracks to surfaces soon…” Now, news of new MISFITS songs on the horrific horizon makes me quite the psyched-out Stone!!! YEAH!!

MISFITS:

Jerry Only – bass and lead vocals

Dez Cadena – guitars

Robo – drums

* For more MISFITS info and concert updates, click the links below:

MISFITS – Official Website

MISFITS – MySpace Music Page

MISFITS – EUROPEAN TOUR – SEPTEMBER, 2010:

09/01/10 – Ausburg, Germany @ Kantine

09/02/10 – Milan, Italy @ Carroponte

09/03/10 – Zizers, Switzerland @ Eventstag

09/04/10 – Saarwellingen, Germany @ Rockwell

09/05/10 – Rotterdam, Holland @ Baroeg

09/08/10 – Trondheim, Norway @ Byscenen

09/09/10 – Oslo, Norway @ Rockefeller

09/10/10 – Stavanger, Norway @ Sjohusene

09/11/10 – Bergen, Norway @ USF

09/13/10 – Tampere, Finland @ Pakkahuone Hall

09/14/10 – Helsinki, Finland @ Nosturi

09/15/10 – Vicenza, Italy @Mac 2

09/17/10 – Wuppertal, Germany @ Club Pavillon

09/18/10 – Lindau, Germany @ Club Vaudeville

09/19/10 – Rome, Italy @ Alpheus Club

MISFITS & JuiceheaD – U.S. TOUR/OCT. THRU DEC. 2010:

10/15/10 – Columbus, OH @ Al Rosa Villa

10/16/10 – Detroit, MI @ Harpos

10/17/10 – Newport, KY @ The Historic Southgate House

10/19/10 – Foxborough, MA @ Showcase Live

10/20/10 – Clifton Park, NY @ Northern Lights

10/21/10 – Allentown, PA @ Crocodile Rock

10/22/10 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Altar Bar

10/23/10 – Springfield, VA @ Jaxx

10/24/10 – Philadelphia, PA @ Whiskey Tango

10/26/10 – Cleveland, OH @ Peabody’s

10/27/10 – Lancaster, PA @ Chameleon Club

10/28/10 – New York, NY @ The Fillmore New York At Irving Plaza

10/29/10 – Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom

10/30/10 – Toledo, OH @ Headliners

11/04/10 – Las Vegas, NV @Hard Rock Cafe On The Strip

11/05/10 – Ventura, CA @ Ventura Theater

11/06/10 – Santa Rosa, CA @ Last Day Saloon

11/07/10 – Santa Clara, CA @ The Avalon

11/08/10 – Grants Pass, OR @ Josephine County Fairgrounds

11/09/10 – Spakane, WA @ Knitting Factory Concert House

11/10/10 – Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory Concert House

11/11/10 – Reno, NV @ Knitting Factory Concert House

11/12/10 – West Hollywood, CA @ Key Club

11/13/10 – Santa Ana, CA @ Galaxy Theatre

11/14/10 – Santa Ana, CA @ Galaxy Theatre

11/16/10 – El Paso, TX @ Rayn Theatre

11/18/10 – Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live

11/19/10 – Dallas, TX @ Trees

11/20/10 – San Antonio, TX @ White Rabbit

11/24/10 – Kansas City, MO @ Beaumont Club

12/01/10 – Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel

12/02/10 – Pensacola, FL @ Vinyl Music Hall

12/03/10 – FT. Lauderdale, FL @ The Culture Room

12/04/10 – Orlando, FL @ Club Firestone

12/05/10 – Gainesville, FL @ 8 Seconds Nightclub

12/07/10 – Charlotte, NC @ Tremont Music Hall

12/08/10 – Norfolk, VA @ The Norva

12/10/10 – Baltimore, MD @ Bourbon Street/The Quarter

12/11/10 – Poughkeepsie, NY @ Chance Theater

(Source: The Official MISFITS RECORDS Newsletter – August 11, 2010)

PUNK ROCK IS NOT DEAD.

LONG LIVE THE MISFITS!

… And JuiceheaD Too!

Stone.

METAL ODYSSEY CELEBRATES 1ST METAL ANNIVERSARY!

Posted in 1970's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1990's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal music, alternative metal music, anniversary, classic rock, classic rock music, collecting metal music, everyday experiences, everyday people, extreme metal music, gothic metal music, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal birthdays, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, horror punk, living, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, people, power metal music, Punk rock, rock and roll, rock music, southern rock music, thrash metal music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 1, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

On March 1st, 2009, I embarked on a Rock and Roll journey… to blog my Metal heart out about the music, bands, musicians, albums and songs I love the most. This Rock and Roll journey was named – MetalOdyssey. Both past and present bands, my concert experiences, what I buy for music, album reviews, Heavy Metal hunting finds and my best Metal buddy Scott Coverdale have all been covered. Scott researches Metal like a Metalaholic. Once in awhile, I have vented about what ticks me off: The Rock and Roll Hall of Shame, reality show know-it-all dads, Rolling Stone Magazine, The Grammys and the dreadful PMRC. I even posted about my new cat Toby that my family adopted too. My unreal great wife, well, she is responsible for prodding and suggesting that I do this Metal Odyssey blog gig. I look back now and understand why she wanted me to do this. Without her computer, graphics and software expertise, I never would have gotten this blog off the Metal ground. I Thank her with all the love and everything I’ve got for coaxing me into such a Metal thrill ride! It has been a ton of Metal fun.

Did I think I would cover, (most of the time, like, 90% of the time), Metal Music? Kinda did. You see, I also have a love affair with Hard Rock, Progressive Rock, Southern Rock, Alternative Rock, Rock and… at times, movie soundtracks. So, my Rock and Roll infatuation covers quite a bit of ground… it’s been that way my entire Metal life. Some may want to call me a Rock Music junkie… so Metal be it! I’m not bashful to express my allegiance to ELO, The Moody Blues, Dire Straits, The Doors, Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Boz Scaggs. Nor will I ever fib and say the Rocky movie soundtrack doesn’t still pump me up and psyche me out of my Metal mind! Bill Conti is a musical genius, John Carpenter is too.

What does the future hold for Metal Odyssey? MORE METAL! With that said, I will warn all of my loyal visitors and new visitors right now… don’t ever be bewildered if you find me blabbing and praising about straight forward Rock and Roll either. I love the roots of Heavy Metal, always have I been amazed at how this incredible form of music came to being. Heavy Metal history is sacred to Metal Odyssey.

Punk Rock I like to blab about too from time to time. Misfits, Ramones, Osaka PopstarRancid and The Casualties are my top favorites, they all shall get their justified and respected due on Metal Odyssey again.

In the coming months, hopefully years, I will continue on with this Rock and Roll journey called Metal Odyssey just as I have been doing. I would like to continue to inform, entertain and inspire friendly debate through my writings and reviews. I also get the biggest kick out of consistently finding Metal albums and CD’s dirt cheap at thrift stores, antique stores/malls and flea markets… lending my anecdotes and experiences of such finds to the world makes me feel happy. Any and all personal Metal experiences, (no matter how large or small), that I may encounter in the future will no doubt, be found right here on Metal Odyssey!

I also want to thank the new Metal buddies I have encountered through Metal Odyssey. These guys are fun to correspond with and make me more Metal wiser with each new post they create on their respective blogs, due in part to their personal perspective and knowledge of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. Here is a roll call of these great fellow Metalheads who share the same passion as I do for Heavy Metal and Hard Rock music… check them out in the list below, if you already haven’t, they are a Metal kick!

Hard Rock Hideout – I write reviews and do interviews for this unreal cool site… the dudes and dudettes over there are super nice Metal buddies too. Hard Rock Hideout is super loaded with up to the minute news, reviews, interviews, Hard Rock Hideout Radio, videos and… you get the Metal point!

The Metal Files – This Metal buddy was the first to put Metal Odyssey on a blog roll! An industry insider and musician who knows more than a thing or two about what is really going on in Metal. Plus, I really take stock in his Metal opinions, even if he doesn’t like Steelheart.

Heavy Metal Addiction – A Metal buddy who invited me into a group of fellow bloggers to post the “Best Of” lists for 2009. A Metal gracious move I truly appreciate. Great reviews and insight aplenty to be had over there from this Heavy Metal blogging veteran. From his CD Scavenger Hunt to his concert reviews… good Metal stuff.

Metal Excess – This Heavy Metal site is loaded with reviews and honest insight too. A KISS fan exists at Metal Excess, which makes it all the more a Metal pleasure to go there constantly.

Demolish Fanzine – 1980’s Heavy Metal Revival – This Metalhead buddy loves 1980’s Metal, what’s not to love about it? This blog is enriched with the knowledge of a 1980’s fanzine veteran who has loads of Metal interviews and info to share… and I’m reading it.

Heavy Metal Time Machine – An old school Heavy Metal blogger who calls it the way he see it! That’s the way it should be for Metal sakes. Uniquely insightful and fun, (Clash of the Album Covers & Battle of the Bands), the reviews, opinions and anecdotes over there always keeps me thinking.

* I also want to thank WordPress.com for having a kick butt and easy to navigate blog site!

I do want to THANK EACH AND EVERY VISITOR to Metal Odyssey over this past first year! Regardless if your comments were friendly or not, heck, at least you commented! Without visitors to Metal Odyssey, there is no fun in blabbing about the music that gets us all through each day.

BE TRUE TO THE MUSIC YOU LOVE AND THE MUSIC WILL BE TRUE TO YOU!

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND THE FREEDOM TO LISTEN TO THE MUSIC WE CHOOSE!


Thank you all again,

Stone.

HEAVY METAL HISTORY: LOLLAPALOOZA – 1996 CONCERT POSTER!

Posted in 1990's rock bands, 1990's rock music, concerts, grunge, grunge bands, metal odyssey, Music, rock festivals, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 29, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

A concert or festival that exhibits a diverse lineup of bands and/or solo musicians is always going to make some noise. The 1996 Lollapalooza concert, held on July 23, 1996, at the Tad Gormley Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana takes the Metal prize here for diversity! Just take a look at the concert poster below, listing some of the acts that took to the stages of Lollapalooza in ’96: METALLICA, SOUNDGARDEN, WAYLON JENNINGS, RAMONES, RANCID and SCREAMING TREES. I revere the Ramones, listen to Rancid on a regular basis and could never be more proud of it… Tim Armstrong just amazes me with his song writing, vocals and musical multi-talents. Soundgarden I took a liking to from the start, definitely my favorite Grunge Band ever… Black Hole Sun… ’nuff said. Screaming Trees, (quiet pioneers of the Grunge style in their own right), I will give an open ear to from time to time still. Waylon Jennings, a country legend… he passed away too damn young at age 64, back in 2002. Metallica, a core band of mine. Thrash Metal giants, icons, regardless if Load from ’96, ReLoad from ’97 and St. Anger from 2003 were not up to my Metallica standards. (Hey, any Metalhead or fan of any music genre has their unique personal standards). I never gave up on Metallica… Death Magnetic proves Metallica never gave up on their fans either.

Looking back on this Lallapalooza concert in ’96 is Heavy Metal history. No, not everyone on the bill was/is Heavy Metal, nonetheless… this event was Heavy Metal history. The same can be said that Lallapalooza ’96 was Punk Rock history too. Country and Grunge history at that. If I had attended this Lallapalooza Concert back then, I have a funny feeling, I would have had a tremendous time. Musical diversity was found at this concert and that is not a bad thing at all… in my Metal opinion. (Throw in the fact that Lollapalooza did not have any televised talent show contestants/winners on stage… and you have instant credibility).

This is a very plain and unexciting looking concert poster. Still, these posters were hung up on telephone poles, handed off to passers-by and maybe hung inside convenience store windows as well? I cringe at the thought of just how many of these historical posters were ripped down, torn up and thrown away, once this concert came to pass. The bottom Metal line is that this poster represents a moment in time, a moment in Rock history, Heavy Metal history.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ozzy large pic

Heavy Metal And Punk Rock Listening Suggestions For The Weekend And Beyond

Posted in 1970's classic rock albums, 1970's classic rock bands, 1970's classic rock songs, 1970's punk rock, 1970's classic rock music, 1970's hard rock, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1990's heavy metal albums, 1990's heavy metal bands, american punk rock bands, classic heavy metal, classic punk rock, classic rock music, collecting rock music, cool album covers, current punk rock music, essential heavy metal albums, essential punk rock albums, hard rock music, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal music, heavy metal vocalists, lists, Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, new punk rock music, old school heavy metal, old school punk rock, punk rock album covers, punk rock albums, punk rock bands, punk rock music, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock music, vintage heavy metal bands with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 8, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

MetalOdysseyAh, the weekend is here. Time to clean up the house, tidy the garage, finish some yard work and maybe wash and vacuum the car. Watch some College and/or NFL Football this weekend too. What are some music listening suggestions I may have for the weekend? Thank you for asking. Heavy Metal and/or all the other Metal Music genres that exist is first and foremost. Oh, may I also suggest some Punk Rock as well? Thank you for allowing me to do so. What was that? Did someone just ask me to name specifically which bands and/or albums to delve into this weekend? Gee, I feel rather honored to be suggesting to the entire world , a tidy list of great heavy bands and/or albums to choose from… uh, here it is:

The first Heavy Metal suggestion to maximize your listening enjoyment is –

W.A.S.P. GROUP PHOTO #1

LONG LIVE BLACKIE LAWLESS

Here is a Hard Rock favorite of mine, Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow.  Man On The Silver Mountain is an unreal great song, it never fails to give me the psyched out chills each time I listen to it. Released back in 1975, Ronnie James Dio on lead vocals makes this album a standout for Rainbow… with Ritchie Blackmore on guitar you cannot go wrong here.

Rainbow 1st Album - large pic

Alright, since I feel like it, I will suggest an Old School Punk Rock Band and just one current Punk Rock Band. However, that is it. Then I’m done. Either take it or be uncool and don’t.

Ramones. Enough said about that. Man, if you do not own any Ramones by now… BUY SOME RAMONES THIS WEEKEND!!! Any greatest hits will suffice for the beginner Ramones fan – heck, I have a greatest hits from them… this one:

Ramones "Their Toughest Hits" large album pic

Now, I cannot get enough of this new album from The Casualties. we are all we have was released on August 25, 2009. The Casualties know their Punk roots and it comes out loud and Punk clear through their Punk songs. Yeah it does. Give ’em a listen this weekend.

The Casualties "we are all we have" large pic

O.k., here is one more Heavy Metal suggestion for your listening enjoyment, guaranteed to Rock your weekend! If this album doesn’t do it for you… go listen to some Jim Nabors, (you know, the Gomer Pyle dude who actually sang and made records).

Motorhead "March Or Die" large album pic

The two cover songs of Cat Scratch Fever and Hellraiser are enormously incredible on this March Or Die album. Motorhead is the elixir of all great things about Rock and Roll.

Now, as I stated a few sentences ago… if this Motorhead album or any other suggestions on this Heavy Metal and Punk Rock list are of no interest to you and/or bother you in any sort of way, this is what you should be listening to instead –

Jim Nabors

WARNING: LISTENING TO JIM NABORS MAY CAUSE SEVERE CONSTIPATION


I BOUGHT MISFITS “LAND OF THE DEAD” AND IT SERVES ME RIGHT!

Posted in 1970's punk rock, 1980's punk rock bands, 1980's punk rock music, 1990's punk rock bands, 1990's punk rock music, Album Review, classic punk rock, collecting rock music, cool album covers, creepy album covers, current punk rock music, current punk rock songs, essential punk rock albums, essential punk rock songs, extreme music, guitar legends, halloween, halloween rock music songs, halloween songs, horror punk, horror punk album covers, horror punk album review, horror punk albums, horror punk rock bands, horror punk rock music, horror punk songs, independent record labels, Metal, metal odyssey, misfits album covers, Music, new punk rock album, new punk rock music, old school punk rock, Punk rock, punk rock album covers, punk rock album review, punk rock albums, punk rock bands, punk rock bands today, punk rock music, punk rock music 2009, punk rock music today, punk rock musicians, punk rock songs, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock music, scary album covers, scary halloween songs, spooky album covers, vintage punk rock bands with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 1, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

MISFITS. Jerry Only, Dez Cadena and Robo. Punk Rock royalty. Horror Punk Royalty. Yup, I am a fan, excuse me if you please. I bought the brand spanking new… Land Of The Dead maxi single off of itunes on Halloween. I deliberately waited to buy these two new songs on Halloween too… it is only fitting and it has served me right. The two new Misfits songs are: Land Of The Dead and Twilight Of The Dead, both songs paying tribute to the Geoege A. RomeroLiving Dead movie series. Land Of The Dead clocks in at 2:13 and Twilight Of The Dead clocks in at 2:45. I will take this five minutes of new Misifts Horror Punk and thank my damn lucky dark skies, that this legendary band still Rocks in 2009. Jerry Only has taken his Misfits and Horror Punk into a fourth decade, recruiting new generations of fiends along the way.

Yes, the lyrics are Horror themed… blood runs cold… ’nuff said. Yes, Jerry Only sounds outrageously great on lead vocals and bass. Yes, Dez Cadena delivers the licks as profusely solid as ever. Yes, Robo is on drums and hits the skins with vintage Punk beats. In comparison to past Misfits sound, both new songs follow in the Misfits Punk footsteps of their Project 1950 album. The Horror Punk and Roll of Misfits is alive and well in 2009. I am so gloriously thrilled to have these two new Misfits songs in my personal collection. You too can serve yourself right this Halloween weekend by snagging these two new Misfits songs off of itunes – they are only 99 cents each!!!! Hell, that is way less expensive than a damn large fry, burger and milk shake from a plastic fast food chain! Plus these Misfits songs are not a detriment to your health either! Make your life that much better and GET THESE NEW MISFITS SONGS TODAY! I’m not bashful about any of my recommendations, obviously. Happy Halloween Weekend – fellow Fiends.

For those who are new to Misfits and need to know more about their spooky background, check out their MySpace Music page http://www.myspace.com/themisfits

Misfits "Land of the Dead" large album artwork

RANCID “…And Out Come The Wolves” – Punk Rock To Cure The Rainy Day Blues

Posted in 1990's punk rock bands, 1990's punk rock music, Album Review, american punk rock bands, classic punk rock, collecting rock music, cool album covers, current punk rock music, essential punk rock albums, everyday experiences, feel good stories, independent record labels, legends of punk rock, metal odyssey, Music, old school punk rock, personal stories, Punk rock, punk rock album covers, punk rock album review, punk rock albums, punk rock bands, punk rock bands today, punk rock music, punk rock music 1995, punk rock music 2009, punk rock music today, punk rock musicians, recent punk rock albums, rock & roll, rock and roll with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 28, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

RANCID "...And Out Come The Wolves" small album picI am listening to Rancid today, all day. In my house, in my car, it does not matter. Rancid is my band of choice due to the slick and groove saturated Punk Rock style they bestow. They are Street Punk at many turns, yet they are so much from the Old School Punk Rock mold of the Ramones too. Kickin’ and fun, (gasp), did I just use the F word there? In my area today, the weather is miserable – rainy, semi-cold, of course cloudy and dank. What better band for me, than Rancid… to get my energy level back on high and to kick start my day and attitude. I am actually going to settle on one Rancid CD to crank today – …And Out Come The Wolves. The richness and foundation of Rock and Roll 101 is so evident in the Punk Rock of Rancid, especially on this album. My adoration for Rancid grows each and every time I listen to their Punk Rock. Out of the nineteen songs on this album, there is not one to skip over. I apologize to no one for being a rabid Rancid fan. Life is too short, I love the music I listen to – end of Metal story. Uh, not really… Rancid rules.

I have my core Punk Rock Band favorites… getting swallowed up by this addicting genre is an easy thing to do. It is funny, to see me today, driving the family taxi and picking up my daughters from school… you would never know that I am a devout lifetime Metalhead, who is experiencing his Punk Rock fever of Rancid. I’m certain I am not alone… there are too many of us out there who look like the average Johnny or Beatrice… and were cranking up the Metal and/or Punk Rock in the family taxi’s or mini vans. Funny stuff, however, it is the Metal truth.

RANCID "Let The Dominoes Fall" small album picI just can’t explain it though, there are those certain bands that just make you feel like everything is cool and alright. Rancid is just that band for me. Over the weekend, I just hung up the very large Rancid poster that comes inside their new CD – let the dominoes fall. The front of the poster is the front cover group photo on that CD, (pictured to the left of this paragraph). On the back of the poster are all of the songs lyrics – real cool. I put this poster inside a very large, thick plastic sleeve for protection too. It is hanging up in my Rocked out basement. It serves me right. Plus, my daughters dig Rancid like there is no tomorrow and this poster being hung makes the basement that much more homey for us all. Rancid is a Punk Rock Band that you should give a try, especially those who are sitting on the fence about wanting some Punk Music in their life. The social commentary and relevance of Rancid’s lyrics are entertaining as they are legitimate. In my most honest of Metal opinions, I just cannot resist the damn credibility of Rancid. The overall realness of …And Out Come The Wolves and any of the other Rancid albums overflows. I can’t ever jump onto that dreaded word – Pop, and attach it to this band… never. Rancid is not Pop Punk – period.

So, if you are looking for something really cool to do today, take my advice and buy RancidAnd Out Come The Wolves. If you already have it, you know what I am talking about. (Hey, it is not like I am telling you to go out and buy the latest artificial crap from some televised talent show winner). Here is some more solid advice to adhere to from Metal Odyssey – buy any Rancid CD today and know that this is Punk Rock that was Made In America.

RANCID IS:

Tim Armstrong – vocalist, guitarist and all around musician

Lars Frederiksen – guitarist and vocalist

Matt Freeman – bass guitarist

Branden Steineckert – drums

** Brett Reed was the drummer for Rancid on …And Out Come The Wolves

* …And Out Come The Wolves was released on August 22, 1995.

* let the dominoes fall was released on June 2, 2009.

RANCID "...And Out Come The Wolves" large album pic

%d bloggers like this: