WISE GIRL – On Monday, December 3rd, I posted a press release featuring the 5 piece Melodic, Power/Pop Rock band known as Wise Girl. This talented band from NYC has a 3 song EP available on iTunes for just under $3 (U.S.) and it’s worth every Rockin’ penny. After I’ve listened (many, many times) to this Wise Girl EP, my only wish is for a full-length album from them… and soon! Um, please.
Sure, the lyrics of Wise Girl’s songs may not be about dragons, skulls, gore, insane keg parties and the fiery depths of hell; my Metal mind is cool with that and it’s all good. The exclamation point is that Wise Girl Rocks like yummy ear candy; while fusing an abundance of retro feel within their ultra relevant Rock sound.
There are those (not so often) occurrences when I hear a new (non-Metal) band for the first time and I wish I could be a record executive at a well-known record label and sign them on the spot. Wise Girl is one of those occurrences to my ears… and senses.
Then again… I’m the dude that feels Cheap Trick should have been inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame many years ago. On that off-topic note, there’s a bit-O Cheap Tricky vibe that does resonate from some of the melodies of Wise Girl, I will confidently add.
Abby Weitz
(Photo Credit: Andrew Gardner)
As I listen to the vocals and guitar of Abby Weitz, I cannot resist being reminded of my very early teen years and introduction to The Runaways (and eventual) Joan Jett solo albums. However, that was then and this is now. My appreciation for the Rock sound that Abbey Weitz is creating with Wise Girl feels so right to me. The mainstream should either move or get out of Wise Girl’s way. It’s a band like Wise Girl that clearly defines what a musically primed (underground) Power/Pop Rock band sounds like in 2012.
Abby and her band have created three songs that are clearly the welcome mat to what I believe will be an astounding Rockin’ and Rollin’ career for them. With such an over abundance of crap vocalists and bands winning the “lottery” on televised talent shows these days, Wise Girl is a solid-as-steel reminder to me that credible (Rock) musicians are out there, earning their way up the ladder and glowing with the skills to make a difference in the (severely) watered down mainstream of Power/Pop Rock.
You can purchase the Wise Girl songs Set In Stone, Wishful Thinking and Roles Are Reversed on iTunes, by clicking on the link below! Whoa!
KISS MONSTER 2013 TOUR – Here you go KISSaholics and members of the KISS Army worldwide! Check out below the countries and cities that the iconic KISS will be playing on their KISS MONSTER 2013 TOUR! There’s a very cool KISS link below too… that will give you venue, ticket and meet & greet information! Metal be thy name!
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KISS MONSTER 2013 TOUR DATES:
Feb 28 – Perth, Australia
March 3 – Adelaide, Australia
March 5 – Melbourne, Australia
March 9 – Sydney, Australia
March 10 – Sydney, Australia
March 12 – Brisbane, Australia
March 16 – Mackay, Australia
June 1 – Stockholm, Sweden
June 3 – Helsinki, Finland
June 6 – Solvesborg, Sweden
June 8 – Stavanger, Norway
June 11 – Copenhagen, Denmark
June 12 – Berlin, Germany
June 14 – Prague, Czech Republic
June 15 – Vienna, Austria
June 17 – Udine, Italy
June 18 – Milan, Italy
June 20 – Zurich, Switzerland
June 22 – Clisson, France
Visit the KISS Tour page for venue information, links to tickets and Meet & Greet packages – http://www.kissonline.com/tour
Today popular Rock/Metal website PureGrainAudio is hosting a stream of the Dutch rock act GOLD’s entire debut LP Interbellum, in preparation of the album’s worldwide release this Friday, December 7th via Germany’s Ván Records.
Listen to the album PureGrainAudio dubbed “a collection of nine, rocking songs that will be sure to catch fire in today’s musical landscape with its catchy riffs, fresh-sounding vocals and original songwriting” now AT THIS LOCATION.
Mainstream German news site Spiegel this week posted a colossal feature on Ván Records’ new December releases — including GOLD, alongside labelmates Year of the Goat, Vanderbuyst, Attic and more — where European readers can stream the album(s) as well AT THIS LOCATION.
Previously, GOLD released a video from the album, for the track “One Of Us,” followed by a lyric video for “North,” both of which can be viewed HERE.
GOLD’s debut album will see the light of day via cult label Ván Records on the edge of the Mayan calendar. Each song on the record is a well-crafted piece of music and a story on its own, and overall is a monument to our time and to a civilization in decline. It deals with instability and the fear of things to come, yet offers a spark of love and hope in an attempt to give meaning to life in modern times. The album’s authentic tone and warmth completes the richness of GOLD’s sound, produced by Igor Wouters and Vanderbuyst main man Willem Verbuyst.
CHICAGO, IL (DLSP) – MARAZENE producer, multi-instrumentalist, programmer, and vocalist DieTrichThrall has launched a new Electro-Metal studio project, BEAUTY IN THE SUFFERING. The full statement posted on http://beautyinthesuffering.com follows:
“BEAUTY IN THE SUFFERING is an evolving concept I came up with years ago that best described a sense of optimism during some bright spots of an otherwise massive struggle against overwhelming odds.
Music I have been writing and expressing over the last several years has been uniquely intimate in reflecting those struggles and I am very excited about putting out some fresh ideas that represent the here and now.
BEAUTY IN THE SUFFERING deals with universal themes of love and loss, defeat and resolve, and struggle and triumph.
Everybody has moments where the road looks impossible to pass. But somehow, little by little we manage through our own inner strength and the purposeful placement of fate, chance, and karma. We emerge wiser and with a deeper understanding of ourselves and of our place in the world and the beauty we glean from the suffering we have endured can never be denied.
This is a journey I accepted long ago. I wear the scars of my personal triumph over my struggles with pride and I stand ready to face new challenges.
And, like the Phoenix rising from the ashes, this is a new beginning. I thank you all for standing by my side during some very difficult years of active-inactivity. The future is wide open and full of nothing but payoff.”
DieTrich (pronounced Dee-Trick) is best known for his co-founding and co-visionary role in the industrial-metal band MARAZENE (later called MARAZENE MACHINE).
From managing the band during its most active and successful National touring years (2006-2008) with acts such as MUSHROOMHEAD, WEDNESDAY 13, DEADSTAR ASSEMBLY and PSYCLON NINE, to co-producing the bands critically hailed cover of MOTLEY CRUE’s “LIVE WIRE” in 2011 as well as the bands lone official full length album (MachiNation, 2006), to writing fan favorite tracks such as “GIVE” (SkumF***erz), to guiding the bands philosophical and edgy lyrical approach (AnTiThesis, Infidel Society), to producing multiple videos for the band, DieTrich’s contributions and influence are heavily noted.
Fashion Designer Brand Kate Spade NY Features Energy-driven single “Set in Stone”
Los Angeles, CA – Driving power pop/rock band Wise Girl will soon release their self-titled three-song EP on iTunes. The New York fivesome is equipped with straight forward talent and no need for gimmicks. The WISEGIRL EP showcases the perfect combination of poppy melodies, rockin’ guitars and quirky songwriting technique all wrapped together in a no-nonsense attitude.
After two years in the making Wise Girl is the brainchild of songwriter Abby Weitz (vocals, guitar). Wise Girl includes Chris Fasulo (producer, lead guitars), Abby Lee (backup vocals, tambourine), Harry Keithline (drums) and Sean Kane (bass). Growing up, front woman Abby Weitz was such a music fanatic that she had to listen to The Beatles in order to fall asleep at night. At age 11 she started taking drum lessons which then led to her interest in learning to play the guitar at age 13.
Born to lead, Weitz started a Strokes cover band in high school followed by an original band under the name of Drella, playing basement/garage shows in her hometown of Long Beach. After dropping out of college six weeks in because “it wasn’t her thing”, she started a punk band with her best friend Liz called The Lookaways.
Photo Credit: Andrew Gardner
Determined to take over New York City, The Lookaways played notorious clubs around Manhattan such as Sin-E, Lit Lounge, Don Hill’s, including the legendary CBGB’s and on a mini East Coast tour, played a few shows on the Van’s Warped Tour. After The Lookaways split, Weitz decided to start a music publishing company called Wise Girl, stemmed from her strong belief in “Girl Power” and she ended up using the name for her current project.
Watch and listen to Wise Girl perform So Broken Live At Beta Records below! Whoa!
Elements of Wise Girl’s music can be attributed to their influences drawn from some of Weitz’s favorites such as The Ramones, The Beatles, The Muffs, Letters to Cleo, Weezer and 60’s girl groups. The band’s feisty single, “Set In Stone” is a perfect example of how the band creates a rhythmic blend of catchy melodies, gritty guitars and witty yet matter-of-fact lyrics. Produced by Chris Fasulo, the Wise Girl EP’s content centers on love gone wrong and the battles that we face when caught in the middle of it.
The internationally known designer Kate Spade featured Wise Girl on their website and blog as a runner-up in a Battle of the Bands contest to open for The Vivian Girls at their SXSW showcase. They were also chosen as one of the 15 bands to represent Manhattan in New York’s Annual “Battle of the Boroughs,” sponsored by New York Public Radio in June of 2012. Picking up a consistent following along the way, Wise Girl has performed at notable NY music venues such as Mercury Lounge, The Bowery Electric, Piano’s and The Knitting Factory.
Photo Credit: Andrew Gardner
The band has recently opened up for major pop punk band The Dollyrots and Rock ‘n’ Roll sensations, Prima Donna and performed as a part of the 2010 and 2011 CMJ Music Marathon. To add to the list, Wise Girl did a performance/interview on the national television show Beta TV and earned a mention in an American Songwriter’s article (“How Does an Independent Artists Stay Relevant While Creating New Music” – Sept. 2012). In September of 2012 Weitz scored an endorsement deal with guitar company, Daisy Rock Guitars.
With success at their fingertips, Wise Girl is ready to take it to the top! For more information, visit their website.
Check out below: STRYPER Reason For The Season (Rehearsal Sessions 1984) and Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and all that other cool stuff. Oh one more thing… this is Stone’s METAL Pick Of The Day! Metal be thy name.
MASS – It’s that time of year again and Boston Rockers “MASS” will be donating all of this years download proceeds of “A Very Merry X-MASS” to the victims of hurricane Sandy!
Click the link below to purchase your download of “A Very Merry X-MASS”!
The clip, directed by Vincent Forcier, was shot during the band’s late October tour and features a studio performance from the quartet that includes Duane Denison (Jesus Lizard, Unsemble), Mike Patton (Faith No More, Mondo Cane), John Stanier (Battles, Helmet) and Trevor Dunn (Melvins Lite, Mr. Bungle).
Tomahawk have also added a brief February tour that kicks off on Feb. 12 in Seattle at The Showbox with Retox opening all dates. Retox, the San Diego outfit helmed by The Locust’s Justin Pearson, are currently in the studio recording a follow-up to their 2011 debut, Ugly Animals. Tomahawk will also perform at Lollapalooza Brazil and Australia’s Soundwave Festival.
Stone Letter was released as a limited edition single for Record Store Day’s Black Friday event and will be available on Tuesday as a digital single. A stream of the song, the band’s first new music in six years, is available via Spin (http://www.spin.com/articles/tomahawk-first-lp-in-six-years-stone-letter).
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Tomahawk tour dates (Retox opens Feb. 12 to 19):
February 12 Seattle, WA The Showbox
February 13 Portland, OR Wonder Ballroom
February 15 San Francisco, CA Great American Music Hall
February 16 San Francisco, CA Great American Music Hall
February 17 Santa Ana, CA The Observatory
February 19 Los Angeles, CA The Mayan Theater
February 23 Brisbane, Australia RNA Showgrounds
February 24 Sydney, Australia Olympic Park
March 1 Melbourne, Australia Flemington Racecourse
Frontman of American extreme prog outfit ANA KEFR (Arabic, “I am Infidel“), Rhiis Lopez, has issued the following statement regarding the recent parting ways with lead guitarist Brendan Moore and drummer Shane Dawson:
“After 3 years of working together, recording the digi-single “Tonight We Watch the Children Fucking Burn” and our critically acclaimed second full-length album “The Burial Tree (II),” we have decided that it would be in the best interests of all involved to let Brendan and Shane pursue their own different musical paths. The reasons all boil down to a conflict of personal interests, but the parting has been on amicable terms and we genuinely wish them the absolute best in their future endeavors. It has been a good ride these past 3 years!
At the moment, ANA KEFR is focused on the future and writing, for a strong return in 2013. We are extremely excited about the new material and can’t wait to share it with everyone!”
ANA KEFR released their second full-length album in 2011, The Burial Tree (II) (Muse Sick), which climbed to #3 best-selling death metal album on Amazon for 2 consecutive weeks – the only independently released album in the top 50. Shortly after the album’s release and a brief American West-coast tour with NEKROGOBLIKON, the band organized and financed their first 32-date nationwide tour, The Zephyr US Tour 2011.
Bringing their unique brand of extreme metal to over half of the continental United States, ANA KEFR subsequently supported SABATON‘s North American release of “Carolus Rex,” and vocalist Rhiis Lopez appeared on “Blessed He With Boils,” the upcoming debut full-length record (December 21, 2012) from cinematic black metal outfit XANTHOCHROID. ANA KEFR completed the cycle of The Burial Tree (II) with a finale performance at the California Metalfest VII festival, alongside KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN and others.
PAPA ROACH – Just in time for the holiday season, the limited edition double vinyl is now available for Papa Roach’s newest release, The Connection. Check out the Official Papa Roach US Merch Store to order today!
New CD Dirty Dynamite to be released in Switzerland and most European countries on February 22nd, 2013, other countries and release dates per country to be announced as they are confirmed.
London, UK – Guitar virtuoso David Kilminster, best known for his work with Roger Waters and Keith Emerson, has released his debut solo CD titled Scarlet – The Director’s Cut. David’s radical techniques and mesmerizing sounds have captivated fans and fellow musicians alike worldwide. Named “Guitarist of the Year” by Guitar Magazine in 1991, the recognition propelled him on a super-charged career as a multifaceted guitarist, vocalist, writer, engineer, and producer. Credited by keyboard legend Keith Emerson for inspiring him to go on the road again, David is a familiar figure worldwide to fans of progressive rock. And now, much to the elation of his fans, David is releasing an innovative new CD that will amaze all who listen!
Says David about his new CD, “I guess the album ‘Scarlet – The Director’s Cut’ is just a reflection of all the wonderful music that I grew up listening to on the radio, along with some deeply personal lyrics. It also represents the first time that I’ve ever been let loose in a studio, so I was definitely like a kid in a candy store!!! Hence trying a whole bunch of things I’ve never done before…like singing lead vocals, playing piano and even scoring for a string quartet!”
Fans and critics agree that David Kilminster is one of the most extraordinary talents to emerge from the UK. He is a sought after collaborator, band member and solo performer. After touring for a number of years with such luminaries as John Wetton, Geoff Downes, Carl Palmer, and ELP keyboard Keith Emerson, in 2006 David went on the road with Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters as lead guitarist and vocalist in the extraordinary global staging of ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’. More recently David was seen atop a thirty foot wall playing guitar on Roger Waters ‘The Wall – Live’ tour, which became the highest grossing tour of the year, playing to over 3 million people worldwide!!
David’s work is in a class by itself, encompassing technical mastery and enormous power. His vast musical influences are strongly felt on his new album. Says David, “I have a very eclectic list of influences. Musically, it’s anywhere from Debussy to Bjork, Chet Baker to Led Zeppelin, Bob Marley to Queen…it’s all in there, mixed up in my own unique way…” As far as the title goes, David explains, “I really love the provocative images that the word ‘Scarlet’ conjures up in my head… it’s a very passionate color, and brings to mind characters such as ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ in ‘Gone With The Wind’, ‘The Scarlet Woman’ (the goddess from the mystical system of Thelema), Scarlet Johansson (very cute!!)… and also the Sir Conan Doyle book ‘A Study In Scarlet’, which I believe is where Sherlock Holmes was first introduced. In a way the last reference seems particularly apt, as I feel like this album is my first real introduction into the world of music…”
In closing David has this to impart to his fans and listeners, “There’s so much of my heart, soul, passion and energy in this recording… you can almost see my DNA in the grooves of the CD!!! So I really hope you enjoy the listening experience…”
New Jersey band channels rock through the ages with a modern twist
Los Angeles, CA – Expect to be captivated by a roll of basement jams and garage grooves on the debut album Running Fasterfrom post-punk/indie rock band The Antics, available now on iTunes and Bandcamp. The New Jersey-based band cooks up a cohesive rock genre toss-up featuring fuzzy guitar riffs and raw emotion that is quickly making these guys hometown heroes.
Fun-loving and gifted, the young men of The Antics are Luke Meisenbacher (vocals/guitar), DerekRosengarth (guitar), Kyle Hammerschmidt (bass) and Josh Reitan (drums). Practicing their instruments from an early age, each member grew up in different parts of NJ but play like they’ve been together all their lives. Just three years strong, the band has endured a few changes but their brotherly bond enabled them to create a staple sound that defines their vibrant personalities.
Listen to and watch THE ANTICS perform Payday below! Whoa!
The Antics’ music radiates high energy supported by crunchy guitar licks, bright melodies and toe-tapping drums. Their material often reminds fans of post-punk super groups and major influences Joy Division, The Strokes and The Smiths. The group describes their sound as post-punk influenced accented by 60’s pop, surf and garage rock.
Stellar production from RH Management Services LLC and Meisenbacher on Running Faster illuminates the lead singer’s bright, clean vocals, while enhancing the texture of each instrument. Penning the album’s lyrics, Luke draws inspiration from The Beatles and The Strokes to conjure up sing-along melodies and conversational lyrics.
“I think I’m a very honest songwriter,” Luke said. “I don’t write music that sounds exactly like something else or things that don’t matter to me.” The Antic’s heartbreak single “In The Night” is a prime example of the group’s knack for catchy rhythms with an impressive 50-second, raging guitar solo to finish off. With a track listing to cure heartache, much of the subject matter on Running Faster surrounds love, pain and happiness.
Killer hits, relatable lyrics and rock star personas – equipped with the full package, The Antics are delivering a top-notch effort of rock through the ages with a modern twist. Having entertained crowds at Connecticut and New Jersey venues The Space, Crossroads and The Stone Pony, The Antics are eager to take their masterpiece to the masses. Keep up with the New Jersey foursome by visiting their website or like them on Facebook.
CHIP DIMONICK – Party Rock is here to stay and Chip DiMonick has made this very loud and clear on their fourth album: The Sign Of A New Generation. This fun-fabulous and rifftastic 5 song offering from Chip DiMonick is downright Rockin’ Righteous and should be on any Rockaholic’s list of good-times-must-have albums from 2012. You just gotta, gotta, gotta, gotta let Chip DiMonick Rockify your brain! I have. It feels F’n cool.
Chip DiMonick became famous on the Pittsburgh music scene back in 2005, with the debut release Bat AnEyelashcausing a formidable stir upon the East Coast. Opening for such kick-ass national acts as Wednesday13, Lynch Mob, LA Guns, Adelita’s Way and Art Of Dying, Chip DiMonick shouldn’t be an underground Heavy Rock band for too much longer. Then again, the underground scene wouldn’t want to see Chip DiMonick go anyways!
There’s something to be said about real FUN Party Rock that Chip DiMonick serves up and that is: IT KICKS FUN ROCKIN’ ASS! When a song such as When The Drunkest Girls Wear The Shortest Skirts gets me all fired-up and singing along… then Chip DiMonick have accomplished their Rockin’ deed they’ve aimed for and I’m grateful for it. Ring that Party Rock bell and tell your lame-ass neighbors to go to hell. Metal be thy name.
My favorite song on The Sign Of A New Generation is She Won’t Let Me Play. Holy shit I love this song. This song should be played on every (supposedly cool) FM and satellite radio station in the entire F’n universe. Big drums, big bass and big guitars are abundant on all 5 songs, coupled with the stylish vocals of ChipDiMonick himself.
From Pump(the anthem inspired by the pride of Pittsburgh sportsscene) to its anthemic counterpart (and party-crazed igniter) title song, Chip DiMonick doesn’t hold back on raising the mercury on the psyche-your-adrenaline meter! If you’re uptight and/or constipated, get lost. Cool people, all-night party maniacs, Rockaholics, fun Rock chicks (who can stay out late) and fans of 80’s Arena Rock, Hard Rock and Glam willappreciate what Chip DiMonick have accomplished with their new album. Metal be thy name.
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Track list: 1. Pump, 2. Too Young For Tattoos, 3. The Sign Of A New Generation, 4. When The Drunkest GirlsWear The Shortest Skirts, 5. She Won’t Let Me Play.
CHIP DIMONICK:
Chip DiMonick – lead vocals & guitar
Carmen “CC” Capozzi – drums, background vocals, tambourine
A Rock N’ METAL Thanksgiving – It’s Thanksgiving Day here in the U.S. and I’m thankful as always for my family, friends, Metal Buddies, faith, country and the freedom I’ve grown so accustomed to since being alive. I’m thankful for our U.S. troops that protect us here at home and abroad. The Rock N’ Metal that inspires me each and every day, I am absolutely giving thanks for as well. (See below!)
I’m giving thanks for this clear Metal fact: I’ll be catching up with Best Metal Buddy Scott Coverdale this Thanksgiving weekend… over a couple of cold brews and plates of wings as we discuss… Metal and NFL news.
Now, let’s begin: A Rock N’ METAL Thanksgiving – What I’m Thankful For!
I am thankful for ALL the pioneers of Heavy Metal, aka, Metal. I give Metal thanks to the 1969 debut/ST from Led Zeppelin, with the 1970 debut/ST album from BlackSabbath to follow. I am also thankful for 1974’s KISS debut/ST (see at top of post). Moving forward to 1979’s No Mean City from Nazareth and every other seminal and not so famous Heavy Rock album from those building block years of Metal – I declare my Metal thanks!
AC/DC… WHOA!
From Saxon to Iron Maiden and from Motörhead to Diamond Head, I give Metal thanks.Believe me, if I could list every single band and musician that has psyched-me-out throughout my Metal lovin’ life, I would!
I am thankful for ALL the pre-Heavy Metal history; a Rock and Roll and Classic Rock History that includes all the pioneering bands and musicians that paved the path for Hard Rock and Metal.
I am very, very, thankful for these albums & bands: (A very short list, of course!)
LIZZY BORDEN – Best Of (1994 – Metal Blade Records)
SATYRICON – The Age Of Nero (Koch Records)
DIO – Holy Diver (1983 – Warner Bros.)
SOUNDGARDEN – Down On The Upside (1996 – A&M Records)
SOULFLY –Enslaved (2012 – Roadrunner Records)
SCORPIONS… WHOA!
WITCH CROSS IS BACK! WITH KEV MOORE! WHOA!
STRYPER… WHOA!
MASS… WHOA!
DORO… WHOA! WHOA AGAIN!
CHRIS BARNES and SIX FEET UNDER… WHOA!
SKELETONWITCH… WHOA!
VENOM… WHOA!
HATEBREED… WHOA!
ORANGE GOBLIN… WHOA!
THE BIG FOUR… WHOA!
OVERKILL… WHOA!
TESTAMENT… WHOA!
EXODUS… WHOA!
BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION– Afterglow
(2012 – J&R Adventures)
3 INCHES OF BLOOD –Long Live Heavy Metal
(2012 – Century Media)
BLACK SABBATH – Sabbath Bloody Sabbath
(1973 – Warner Bros.)
QUEENSRYCHE – Operation Mindcrime (1988 – EMI)
What and/or who are you thankful for on this Thanksgiving Day? If you’re thankful for a favorite band and/or musician… let it be known by commenting! Whoa!
“We are producing our first full length album after 3 long years and we want the world to hear it.”
STEALING GADSBY – Providence Rhode Island’s Stealing Gadsby are in the middle of recording their first full-length album and started a kickstarter campaign to help fund its production. Currently, Stealing Gadsby are short of reaching their goal of $1,500 and there’s only 10 days left! Fans of Hard Rock and Metal like you can help! All it takes is only a $1 minimum pledge!
Just click on that cool link below to check out Stealing Gadsby’s kickstarter campaign!
The money will be used to produce physical copies of the album and merchandise, distribute the album online, and fulfill the prizes and incentives to all the people that helped make this happen.
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
Metal Odyssey's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"
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