CANDLELIGHT RED – DEMONS, the 4 song EP from Williamsport Pennsylvania’s Hard Rockin’ Candlelight Red was released on September 25th, 2012, via Imagen Records. Produced by Morgan Rose (drummer & founding member of Sevendust), the quality of sound and overall Rockin’ atmosphere is solid. This 4 song DEMONS EP is a can’t miss for fans spanning the Rock, Hard Rock and Modern Rock genres.
Candlelight Red has been continuously gaining waves of fans and building on their potent Rockin’ momentum, ever since their famous 2010 opening gig for the iconic KISS in Pittsburgh, PA and subsequent 2011 Imagen Records debut: The Wreckage.
With plenty of riffs, a killer solo, stand-out vocals and an all-encompassing heaviness to earn my Metal respect, I’ve chosen the DEMONS music video from Candlelight Red to be: Stone’s METAL Pick of The Day!
Turn it up and watch below! Hopefully you’ll enjoy this song as much as I do! Metal be thy name.
* Candlelight Red were chosen among 22 regional contest winners by Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons to open for KISS in Pittsburgh, PA, winning the Guitar Center’s 2010 “Onstage Contest.
Nov. 12, 2012, Philadelphia – Royal Thunder, who are currently on tour with Corrosion of Conformity and ASG, will join Monster Magnet for a pair of mid-December dates: Dec. 14 at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn and Dec. 16 at The Trocadero in Philadelphia.
The female-fronted Atlanta quartet released their debut album, CVI, in the Spring via Relapse Records. Spin described the release as a “stunning breakthrough,” Revolver called the album “essential” and Decibel Magazine placed singer Mlny Parsonz on the cover of their inaugural women in metal issue.
Royal Thunder are currently working on a video for “Blue,” with a premiere to come in the next few weeks.
Spending the bulk of the year on the road, the band has toured with Black Tusk, Baroness, Pallbearer, Valient Thorr and the aforementioned Corrosion of Conformity. Royal Thunder have also done their own headlining dates around the United States with their next solo date on Dec. 17 at The Rock and Roll Hotel in Washington, D.C.
Royal Thunder will return to the road in early 2013 with an April date at Roadburn 2013 (Apr. 13 at Het Patronaat) already confirmed.
Brent Hinds (Mastodon guitarist & vocalist) just released a new record with his side-project West End Motel titled Only Time Can Tell. Check out the accolades from PASTE Magazine , Alternative Press and MTV Hive and be sure to grab a copy for yourself.
Don’t miss the new tunes being played live as West End Motel heads out on a full U.S. Tour starting November 28th in Virginia. Full details on the shows can be found on the band’s Facebook Page
* West End Motel – Only Time Can Tell was released on October 30th, 2012, via Alternative Distribution Alliance.
KISS KOLLECTIBLES – That’s it at the top! That’s my KISS Rock And Roll Over neon clock, lit up in all its kisstastic glory! I bought this very cool KISS neon clock a few years ago at Hot Topic. Guess what? It set me back just $10.00 (U.S.) cause I found it on a… markdown shelf! The original price was more than double that too. Metal be thy name!
This neon clock can either be hung on a wall or stood up on a shelf. The diameter measures approximately 11.5″. I have a choice of using 1 AAA battery or just plugging this neon clock into a socket. Not too shabby.
I threw away the original box this KISS neon clock came in. What the hell was I thinking? Sometimes Stone brain farts… big time. It’s like that elder Metal troll told me recently: “Stone, y-y-you c-c-can’t fret over c-c-chucking away t-t-that KISS neon c-c-clock b-b-box.”
Here’s all the boring info (regarding who made this neon clock):
* Made In China
* Produced by Rabbit Tanaka Corp. Ltd
* 2007 KISS Catalog, Ltd – Under License By Signatures Network
Check out my KISS neon clock unlit below! Whoa!
By the way, if you haven’t yet bought MONSTER, you absolutely, positively, 100%, certainly should! Yes, I am quite ecstatic over this new KISS album. Metal be thy name.
Minneapolis based, MetalKast music video network announces their exciting new TV series Rög’s Talkin’ DrumZ. Production for the first season is underway with a few episodes complete. This new exciting television series aims to attract music fans and dedicated musicians.
On November 5th 2012, Rög’s Talkin’ DrumZ started a Kickstarter fundraiser campaign to help complete production for the first season. The campaign will run through December 6th and offers fans and musicians great packages for your pledge. The Kickstarter campaign can be found here.
Rög’s Talkin’ DrumZ is one of MetalKast flagship shows aimed at rediscovering music television. Until recently, before shows like Metal Evolution and That Metal Show, we have had a void in “music video networks”, from music to non-music-related programming. MetalKast has been testing web distribution for years. With support from record labels, artist promotion companies and the artists themselves, we are filling the void left by others.
In support for this Kickstarter project, Rög’s Talkin’ DrumZ is making available for the first time it’s promotional DVDs, Blu-Ray, and HD digital formats available as gifts for supporting this project. Additionally offering numerous signed DVDs and drum sticks from these amazing players: Jeremy Spencer (Five Finger Death Punch), Mikkey Dee (Motorhead, King Diamond, Don Dokken), Bill Bruford (King Crimson, Earthworks, UK, Yes), Carl Palmer (Elp, Asia), Larry Paterson (Blaze Bayley, Chokehold), Bobby Rondinelli (Rainbow, Black Sabbath, BOC, The Lizards), Frankie Banali (Quiet Riot, W.A.S.P.), Mark Zonder (Fates Warning, Slavior, Warlord), Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath, DIO, WWIII), and Randy Black (Primal Fear, Bif Naked, Annihilator).
Rög’s Talkin’ DrumZ first full season will include Tobias Ralph (Adrian Belew, Crimson Projekct) and Pat Mastelotto (King Crimson, Stick Men), Bill Bruford (King Crimson, Yes), and Carl Palmer (ELP, Asia).
Filming major events in the drumming world have also included activity at Vic’s Drum Shop (Victor Salazar) with interviews, statements and clinics from Terry Bozzio (Frank Zappa, UK, Missing Persons), Will Calhoun (Living Colour), Jimmy Chamberlin (The Smashing Pumpkins), Gavin Harrison (Iggy Pop, Ed Poole), Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater, Liquid Tension Experiment, Adrenaline Mob), Todd Sucherman (Stix), Paul Collier (Angel Corpse, Final Revenge), Jason Bittner (Shadows Fall), Derek Roddy (Hate Eternal, Nile), Charlie Benante (Anthrax), Chad Wackerman (Frank Zappa, Alan Holdsworth, Steve Vai), Hanna Ford (Bellevue Suite, Prince), Nathaniel Townsley (Stevie Wonder, Special EFX, Mariah Carey), and many more.
Additionally, RTD filmed interviews with famed photographer/drummer Rob Shanahan (Ringo Starr’s Personal Photographer) and John Douglas (Alex Van Halen’s drum tech, custom drum builder, artist and drummer). Upcoming episodes include a feature on Larry Mullen’s tech/U2 crew chief Sam O’Sullivan.
The legendary Jean Beauvoir (Gary US Bonds, The Plasmatics, Little Steven & The Disciples of Soul – see more below) has contacted me regarding the following special news involving the recording of his new Crown Of Thorns EP:
“I’m reaching out because I am running a Pledge Music Campaign for the recording of a new Crown Of ThornsEP… A new way to do it! It’s very cool and to those who have Pledged, I’ve been giving great free updates that include, acoustic concerts, free albums, duet of myself and Bruce Springsteen and lots of other stuff, (there’s) more to come so it’s well worth it for the fans.”
“Thanks and all the best!”
Jean Beauvoir
Crown Of Thorns, KISS, Ramones and so on!
Pledge what you can by clicking on the link below!
(To read complete Jean Beauvoir biography, click here: Jean Beauvoir)
Beauvoir selling over 1,5 million copies worldwide from his first solo effort, lead to productions and co-writing ventures with artists such as KISS, The Ramones, N’Sync, John Waite, Deborah Harry, Lionel Richie, The Pretenders, Carol Davis, Nile Rogers, Nona Hendryx, Desmond Child, Jim Vallance and many more. He toured and performed with the Eurythmics, David Bowie, Tina Turner, Bon Jovi, Van Halen, Little Steven, BruceSpringsteen and The Who. He’s made hundreds of personal and TV appearances throughout the world and has sold in excess of 20 million records worldwide as an artist, producer and songwriter.
Jean also expanded his musical horizons through his groups, Voodoo X and Crown of Thorns, he released four additional solo records to date and was also actively involved in the hugely successful Hand in HandCharity in Berlin Germany amongst others throughout the years.
AEROSMITH – Call it nostalgia. Call it an impulse purchase. Call it being a big softy for Classic Rock. Call it appreciating Aerosmith’s perseverance and the majority of their albums; especially their catalog from the 70’s decade. Regardless of all the reasons, I bought Aerosmith’s 15th studio (album) CD, Music From Another Dimension!(Columbia), on November 6th at my local Super Walmart.
I’ve listened to this new Aerosmith CD several times now and I dig most of it. Music From Another Dimension! doesn’t Rock like 70’s Aerosmith, then again this CD doesn’t Rock like 80’s or 90’s Aerosmith either. This new Aerosmith offering does Rock, let there be no mistake. Lot’s of (radio friendly) Rock/Hard Rock relevance, mixed together with funky and bluesy vibes and a solid nod to good ol’ American Rock ‘N’ Roll. Aerosmith has a whiz-bang album here; trying to top any of their early classics or 80’s chart-toppers isn’t what I was looking for anyways.
Steven Tyler’s vocals are so trademarked that it’s astonishing. Really, who else has ever or currently sounds like Steven Tyler? Steven Tyler, Joe Perry (guitar), Brad Whitford (guitar), Tom Hamilton (bass) and Joey Kramer (drums) all sound groovy, like a well oiled Aerosmith machine. Good and well written songs coupled with legendary musicians sure do go a very long way. Aerosmith certainly surprised me here, I was afraid this new album was going to be overly sticky bubble-gum. Instead it’s a good time on the mainstream Rock ‘N’ Roll highway.
Carrie Underwood sings a duet with Steven Tyler on Can’t Stop Lovin’ You. I wish Joan Jett, BonnieRaitt, Melissa Etheridge, Stevie Nicks or Ann Wilson sang a duet with Steven Tyler on this album instead. Can’t Stop Lovin’ You is a fine song, I just would have appreciated a legendary Classic Rock gal instead. Then again, that’s just me.
Hollywood superstar Johnny Depp sings backing vocals on Freedom Fighter. Who cares. I really don’t. Apparently I never answered the phone quick enough to get that backing vocal gig with Aerosmith. Next time I’ll hustle to my cell phone or at least listen to my messages quicker. Um… yeah.
I recommend this CD to my fellow Rockaholics, it’s all good and understood that this album was intended for widespread appeal. That’s a given. A new generation of Aerosmith fans will certainly be sowed, courtesy of this band’s always current world-wide popularity and new album. Here’s some last second Rockin’ advice: while you listen to MusicFrom Another Dimension!, just pretend that American Idol doesn’t exist and everything will be okay.
So that’s about it. I’m not gonna blab anything more about Music From Another Dimension! other than:
1. I really, really, really dig the album cover artwork. Retro rules.
2. Another Last Goodbye is a (gulp) ballad. Ugh.
2. The Walmart version of this CD has the exclusive bonus track: Shakey Ground. It’s a Rockin’ cool song for a bonus track, making for a terrific way to close out this new Aerosmith album.
GEOFF TATE – The Voice Of Queensrÿche. For over three decades running, Geoff Tate is a top-tier vocalist who spans Rock, Hard Rock and of course… Metal. Geoff Tate is a name that comes up when other well-known musicians talk to me about influences. The only vocalist that I identify with Queensrÿche is Geoff Tate.
I’ve been fortunate to hear the vocals of/and witness Geoff Tate in a live setting, on multiple occasions while he was fronting Queensrÿche. Wether it was an arena or club, I’ve observed Geoff Tate commanding both stage and crowd.
Today, Geoff Tate’s sophomore solo album, Kings And Thieves, will be released via InsideOut Music. Whoa! If you are a fan of Geoff Tate and/or Classic Heavy Rock, like myself, the celebration of this vocal and songwriting legend never ceases! Legendary vocalists are born and not made and give their songs profound emotion. Geoff Tate is living proof of this. Metal be thy name.
Take a listen (and read) below to the lyric video for Dark Money… this song ABSOLUTELY ROCKS!
Last week was bizarre and filled with one reality check after another, for me. I live in Eastern Pennsylvania and lived most of my life in (very expensive) Connecticut; therefore my respect and fear of hurricanes is without question real. Our region of the country already suffered through a storm of the century, during the very end of August 2011. A vicious ice storm followed in late October of 2011. Of course, many (if not all) of you know that Hurricane Sandy made her presence felt on the East Coast and Mid-Atlantic.
October 29th and 30th were grueling days, while waiting out this super storm. The biggest fear was waiting out this hurricane Monday night. Looking out the windows, all I or my family could see was total blackness. All we could hear was wind that sounded like freight trains speeding around and on top of our house. This entire experience was all a reality check, once again. We were fortunate to have not been harmed and our house was not damaged. Our power was on again/off again during the first 48 hours; still we never lost power permanently. Call it luck and luck is never a guarantee in life.
NASA satellite imagery of Hurricane Sandy
Our city still has tens of thousands of families without power, as I write this (Saturday at 7:31 pm EST). The New Jersey and New York citizens that have suffered from Hurricane Sandy reminds me of just how lucky my family and I are… this time. I posted about the charitable organizations that are currently helping in the aftermath of this hurricane. In case you missed it, you can read about it by clicking the link below:
On to another reality check. To add more sadness to this Halloween season, on our school district’s designated Halloween night, a classmate of my daughters was struck by a passing car, while trying to cross a street. This innocent young lad passed away from the injuries he sustained. My daughters knew this young lad and have been coping with this tragedy through an open-door policy of discussion within our family. I pray that this young lad finds peace in heaven.
The reminders that keep knocking on my brain’s door these last several days are: life is precious, our time on Earth is not predictable nor guaranteed and material items are worthless compared to being alive. Yes, the comforts of a car, cell phone, laptop, electricity, house and personal items makes life easier; only these things truly are secondary to being alive. Family, friends, Metal Buddies, my faith and music are what matters most to me. Since Metal and Rock ‘N Roll are imbedded in my soul, they’re no longer material items to me. Metal be thy name.
And yet another reality check…
Recently, Metal Buddy and Witch Cross vocalist, Kev Moore, informed Metal Odyssey readership and I the following:
“I want to give a ‘head’s up’ to KING’S X drummer Jerry Gaskill and his wife who’ve lost their NJ home and all their possessions. Jerry also had to contend with a heart attack in February. This year really sucks for him. Buy their albums people! They rock! Friends and family have also launched a campaign to help them rebuild from this second tragedy to blight their lives:”
W.A.S.P. has been celebrating their 30 Years Of Thunder in 2012, coinciding with straight-from-the-heart written installments from the legendary Blackie Lawless (founder, vocalist and guitarist of W.A.S.P.). These 30 Years Of Thunder installments can be read here: http://www.waspnation.com
Installment #14 from Blackie Lawless is… you’ve guessed it… one more reality check. I express my condolences to Blackie Lawless for his personal loss.
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Of course I turned to Metal for soothing away my worries all last week. Funny thing is, the one song that really seemed to cheer me up and inspire me in ways I cannot explain was originally co-written by Charlie Chaplin. Yes, the silent film icon known as Charlie Chaplin.
The song is Smile and it is a cover version from the legendary Jeff Lynne (of Electric Light Orchestra fame). Smile is among 11 cover songs from Jeff Lynne’s solo album Long Wave. All 11 songs are Pre-Rock classics that Jeff Lynne has turned into magic for my ears. The melody and lyrics of Smile simply moves me. Unreal.
JEFF LYNNE – LONG WAVE
Released on October 9th, 2012, via Frontiers Records.
Features performances by members of YES, King Crimson, Deep Purple, Symphony X, Opeth, Marillion, Asia, The Moody Blues, Dream Theater, Tangerine Dream, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Hawkwind, The Zombies and Cream!
London, UK – Progressive Rock fans worldwide are buzzing with excitement about the forthcoming release of a new covers CD by music legends Nektar called “A Spoonful Of Time”, featuring an all-star guest line-up! Celebrating their 43rd Anniversary, Nektar’s contribution over the past four decades has quite rightly earned them their place in any ‘Progressive Rock Hall of Fame’. But the band is much more than a “prog legend;” the Nektar brand of innovative composition, performance and visuals is simply unique. And now on November 27th, Cleopatra Records will be releasing the first ever covers album by the iconic UK ensemble, joined by an incredible gathering of musical heroes from a wide variety of genres!
Says founding Nektar member Roye Albrighton, “The idea originated from Cleopatra themselves…they thought it might be a good idea to do an album of classic songs with a multitude of different players but under the Nektar banner. Klaus, Ron and myself were to be the staple musicians taking part and the files would be given out to various musicians to do their parts. I was asked to do most of the vocals except for the one track which was (“Africa”) and quite a few guitars too. Ron did a lot of the drums and Klaus was prominent on several of the tracks on Hammond and mellotron.”
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Track listing:
01. Sirius featuring Michael Pinnella (Symphony X)
02. Spirit Of The Radio featuring Mark Kelly (Marillion)
03. Fly Like An Eagle featuring Geoff Downes (Asia / Yes) • Joel Vandroogenbroeck (Brainticket)
04. Wish You Were Here featuring Edgar Froese (Tangerine Dream)
05. For The Love Of Money featuring Ian Paice (Deep Purple) • Nik Turner (Hawkwind)
06. Can’t Find My Way Home featuring Steve Howe (Yes) • Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater/Black Country Communion) • Mel Collins (King Crimson)
07. 2000 Light Years From Home featuring Simon House (Hawkwind)
08. Riders On The Storm featuring Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big) • Rod Argent (The Zombies / Argent)
09. Blinded By The Light featuring Joakim Svalberg (Opeth) • Ginger Baker (Cream)
10. Out Of The Blue featuring Simon House (Hawkwind)
11. Old Man featuring David Cross (King Crimson)
12. Dream Weaver featuring Jerry Goodman (Mahavishnu Orchestra)
13. I’m Not In Love featuring Rick Wakeman (Yes)
14. Africa featuring Bobby Kimball (Toto) • Patrick Moraz (The Moody Blues)
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Nektar’s “A Spoonful Of Time” was produced by the band and mixed by prog icon Billy Sherwood, who also played bass on some of the tracks.
Says Billy, “I really enjoyed working with Nektar on their new record, it was an honor playing bass on the entire project too!! Roye is very creative and inspiring to be around, Ron and Klaus are great to work with too… I felt like it was working with friends, making music, as it should be. I look forward to playing some gigs with them in the future.” Roye adds, “The songs featured on the album were chosen by Cleopatra, of which a few of them I quite like. It was good working with Billy, on this covers album and our new studio album ‘Time Machine’, and like me, he wants the absolute best for the music.”
The Nektar story is a remarkable one. A British rock band that found stardom and major success in Germany and the USA, yet failed to make a significant breakthrough in their own country. With three gold albums under their belt (“Remember The Future”, “Down To Earth” and “Recycled”), Nektar produced some of the most original work of the seventies and eighties. In virtuoso guitarist Roye Albrighton, Nektar had a charismatic front man who had shared a stage with Jimi Hendrix, in Allan “Taff” Freeman a unique keyboard player, in Derek “Mo” Moore a bass playing powerhouse and in Ron Howden a fluidity rarely found in a drummer. Fifth member Mick Brockett was not a musician, but was responsible for one of the most stunning light and visual shows ever to grace a rock stage. Nektar’s history appeared to have been written when they finally split in the eighties. Despite attempts to re-kindle the flame, the Nektar light, it seemed was out…until the year 2000. The new millenium saw the long-awaited reunion tour of the classic line-up, to rave reviews and fantastic receptions.
“The light we thought was out, had in fact been kept aglow, by loyal fans across the globe! “It’s pretty timeless music,” says Albrighton, “and what I’m hearing from most of the new, younger fans that are now coming to our shows, is that it’s like going back in time. They are starting to really discover music again, which, of course, is a great thrill to us and some of the older bands from our time.”
An American tour in September 2004 saw Taff Freeman depart the band for personal reasons and his successor, Hammond virtuoso Tom Hughes, instantly earning a place in the hearts of the Nektar faithful. With continued concert dates, along with the remastering of the remainder of the Nektar back catalogue on CD, this legendary band has become once more a proud force to be reckoned with in the world of progressive music. In 2007 Nektar truly took over their own management, procured their official website as their own, became an entity entirely under their own control and went on a 22-date tour of Germany. The band released the critically acclaimed CDs ‘Book of Days’ in 2008 and the live DBL CD ‘Fortyfied’ in 2009. Signing with US label Cleopatra in 2011, the band competed its first U.S. Tour in seven years by virtue of a successful month-long jaunt of the States, to the delight of their U.S. fans both old and new. Nektar is set to make its mark once again with the release of their critically acclaimed studio album “Time Machine.” Now with the release of “A Spoonful Of Time,” Nektar is back with a psychedelic head trip through classic rock radio with artful twists on classics by The Doors, Pink Floyd, Rolling Stones, Blind Faith, Steve Miller, 10cc and others!
As far as future plans for Nektar: “To make more music, and to experiment more in different ways,” says Albrighton. Nektar will be a part of the Cruise to the Edge cruise in March with the Yes, Tangerine Dream, Saga, Steve Hackett, Carl Palmer Band, UK and others. In closing Roye has this to impart to the band’s long-standing fans, “A huge thanks to all those fans who have stuck by the band through thick and thin over the years… We are only doing it for you.”
MITCH LUCKER – It has been reported by Suicide Silence, on their facebook, that Mitch Lucker, lead vocalist for Suicide Silence, has passed away at the young age of 28, from injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash. The motorcycle crash happened last night (October 31st) in/near Orange County, California.
As Reported By Suicide Silence On facebook:
There’s no easy way to say this. Mitch passed away earlier this morning from injuries sustained during a motorcycle accident. This is completely devastating to all of us and we offer our deepest condolences to his family. He will be forever in our hearts.
R.I.P. Mitchell Adam Lucker – We Love You Brother
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Stone Says: Mitch Lucker and his band Suicide Silence have taken the torch of Extreme Metal and carried it proudly, as a fast rising and world popular Metal band. I am shocked and saddened at this tragic news. Metal Odyssey expresses condolences to the family, friends, bandmates and fans of Mitch Lucker.
October 31, 2012 – London, UK – The music industry is buzzing about the new concept album by former legendary Uriah Heep / Lucifer’s Friend vocalist John Lawton titled ‘The Power of Mind’. An innovative new CD, conceived, written and produced by the CGI member, Dr. Milen Vrabevski, but performed by John Lawton and Bulgarian ensemble Diana Express, ‘The Power of Mind’ is an exploration into the science of positive thinking and its applications to the subconscious mind. Featuring 14 amazing songs that showcase the soulful vocals of John Lawton and the powerful instrumentals by Diana Express will leave you wanting to hear it again and again…
“ ‘The Power of Mind’ is a concept album with positive thinking being the theme,” John explains. “In the world of today, I don’t think there are many better things to focus on. The way the songs flow into each other is really the way one would read a book or relate stories to friends. The melodies and lyrics say a lot about how we should view each other.”
John Lawton began his musical career in North Shields, UK, in the early ’60s with The Deans, a bunch of kids who decided at random that John should be singer. He then moved on to West One and later to Stonewall, which included John Miles, Vic Malcolm (later of Geordie) and Paul Thompson (later of Roxy Music). After Stonewall finished a stint at the Top Ten Club in Hamburg in 1969, John decided to stay in Germany. He is offered the job as singer with legendary German cult rock band Lucifer’s Friend (1969-1976, 1979-1995) and subsequently recorded 9 studio albums during his time with the band. In the early ’70s John also joined the Les Humphries Singers, with whom he recorded more than 20 albums and took part at 1976’s Eurovision Song Contest.
Listen to and watch the video for Fairy Tale below!
Stone Says:John Lawton has a truly amazing and timeless voice. Diana Express are certainly world-class musicians. I cannot say it any better than that. Metal be thy name.
In 1976 John joined Uriah Heep as their front man, and recorded the classic albums ‘Innocent Victim’, ‘Firefly’, ‘Fallen Angel’ and ‘Live ’79’, and toured Europe and the USA until September 1979. During his longstanding career John has worked with some big names of rock, on various projects, including Roger Glover’s ‘Butterfly Ball’ and Eddie Hardin’s ‘Wizard’s Convention II’. In late 1980 he joined German rock band Rebel on three albums, including their hit singles “Line of Fire” and “Eagles Flight”. He would record one more album with the group, now known as ZAR in the early ’90s. John ventured into the world of classical music when he recorded vocals for Volker Barber’s ‘Excalibur’. In January 1994 he formed GunHill, later known as JLB – John Lawton Band. The band recorded two albums (studio/live) and toured the UK and Europe. In August 2000 John recorded his first solo album, the critically acclaimed ‘Still Paying My Dues To The Blues’.
In December 2008 John entered the world of television by presenting the Bulgarian travel documentary series “John Lawton Presents”. Which leads to the teaming of John and Bulgaria’s Diana Express in November 2011 to record ‘The Power of Mind’ in Plevin, Bulgaria. John comments, “The involvement came via a musician friend of mine from Sofia, Bulgaria, who knows the writer and producer of the album, Milen Vrabevski. I met with Milen briefly in Sofia after an exchange of e-mails and he gave me a copy of the original ‘The Power of Mind’ CD, which had been sung in Bulgarian. I must say I liked it very much, it was very well sung, played and produced. Milen then asked me if I would consider singing the whole album again in English and after looking through the English lyrics I agreed. It was a real joy to record in the studio in Pleven, owned by the guitarist of the band, Maxim Goranov. It took me about a week and a half to complete the solo and backing vocals.”
John Lawton has built a reputation on his powerful vocals and charismatic personality and is regarded as one of the best singers around today! And now with his new CD ‘The Power of Mind’, John has reached an artistic peak. In conclusion John has this to impart to his longtime listeners, “People who know me and my background will expect something new and with ‘The Power of Mind’ they have exactly that. The album is a collection of excellent songs very well-played and produced and one which I am very proud of…so make sure you give it a good listen. Think positive and trust in the Power of Mind.”
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Available soon on iTunes, “Fairy Tale”, the first single from ‘The Power of Mind’.
Title: John Lawton and Diana Express – ‘The Power of Mind’
Germany’s cult label Ván Records is proud to unleash the opening track to Interbellum, the debut album from Dutch Rock outfit, GOLD, confirmed for worldwide release on the edge of the Mayan calendar, December 7th, 2012.
Recorded at the Amsterdam Recording Company, Interbellum offers nine hard-rocking pop songs that will enrich the contemporary Rock landscape with its fresh vocals, catchy riffing, its driving rhythms and refreshing songwriting. A world in crisis needs a Rock album full of urgency, anger and hope. Here it is.
The opening track to Interbellum, “One Of Us,” was shot on a gloomy Autumn afternoon at GOLD‘s rehearsal space at Studio SanteBoutique, Rotterdam. Check it out below!
The main drive of GOLD’s songwriting takes place between vocalist Milena Eva and guitarist Thomas Sciarone (ex-The Devil’s Blood). Longtime friends, drummer Igor Wouters and bassist Harm Haverman provide a steady yet adventurous foundation and guitarist Nick Polak completes the bunch with his talent for harmony and melody. Each song on Interbellum 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.
GOLD will be performing live by the end of 2012, delivering their songs to every soul that cares to listen.
Interbellum Track Listing:
1. One Of Us
2. Antebellum
3. Love, The Magician
4. Gone Under
5. Dreams
6. North
7. Medicine Man
8. The Hunt
9. Ruby
Stone Says: I dig this band! GOLD ROCKS! From the vocals of Milena Eva to the overall melodic Rockin’ sound that this band generates, GOLD is a band to keep our Rockaholic eyes and ears on! Metal be thy name.
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.”
The first interview I had with Gordon Brown was just after his amicable departure from Heavy Rock legends IronClaw; that interview was posted here on Metal Odyssey practically a year ago to this day, on October 21st, 2011. Now, with a fresh start and always the positive outlook on the future, Gordon Brown has started a new band: DeltaOne Six.
A Scottish gentleman with music flowing from his soul, Gordon Brown has a bluesy voice that fits right into any decade of Rock and Roll. This past year, Gordon Brown shared many of his songs that he has recorded throughout his life, via Soundcloud. (See link at bottom of post). The “open-book” approach that Gordon Brown has taken, with the music he’s created, shows to me the honest-to-goodness personality of this man.
Since I’ve known Gordon Brown, he has always taken a nothing to hide approach with his music and has never dodged a question. This is an artist I’ve been rooting for since I first heard him sing. Recently, Gordon Brown answered another round of questions, being his typical friendly and polite self! I’m proud to present to you, this second interview with Gordon Brown:
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Stone: Can you give more (untold) details as to why the Iron Claw partnership ended?
Gordon: Very simply, the band wanted to play a heavier style of music than I did. Once the recording of the album was finished things just didn’t work out – if it isn’t right it’s time to move on. There’s no animosity, we don’t see each other as we live in different towns, but I dare say at some point we’ll have a pint or two. At this stage it appears unlikely that Iron Claw will perform live again, I was speaking to Alex Wilson recently and told him that I would consider writing lyrics and singing on any future recordings. As far as I’m concerned that door is not shut, only it would have to be music that appealed to me. The music from “A Different Game” lives on in a live sense though, currently I’m doing Southern Sky with a view to possibly adding some others further down the line.
Stone: How has “life after Iron Claw” been treating you?
Gordon: Life has been good, I am working on some collaborations with songwriters in the USA and have started a new band “Delta One Six”, we’re due to go live on November 9th and have a song being included in a compilation of Scottish Blues acts due for release in November. Throughout my musical career I have been fortunate enough to play with some truly amazingly talented musicians, the boys in Delta One Six are an absolute delight to play with.
People have had the chance via You Tube to see some of the very early practice sessions, they were recorded using a mobile phone, the sound quality, despite being taken from one side is pretty good – I think people will enjoy what we’re looking to create – a tiny amount in the way of effects, just ass-kicking blues/rock played with passion.
Check out Delta One Six below, jamming during a rehearsal this past August! This is cool stuff! Metal be thy name!
Stone: You list the music you “err towards” as British Blues, Southern Boogie, Chicago Blues and “a hint of Bluegrass chucked in for good measure” on your bio. You’ve obviously excelled, on a grand scale, with (Bluesy) Hard Rock with Iron Claw. What is the one genre you want to sing, that comes straight from your heart and soul?
Gordon: The bluesy thing will remain, it suits the way I like to sing. I always end up coming back to the Blues, having said that I’m not a huge fan of Delta Blues, I much prefer the electric sound. It’s fair to say that I do like ballads as well, the Blues I do is a mash-up of Free, Whitesnake, The Allmans and too many others too mention.
Stone: While growing up as an aspiring musician, what records were in your collection?
Gordon: It kinda went in stages, I started off listening to my elder brothers and sisters music, The Beatles, Stones, Cream, Fleetwood Mac (with Peter Green), the first record I remember listening to was Jigsaw Puzzle Blues, it was the B side to Albatross. When I started secondary school I was a big fan of a band called Slade for a couple of years – then came the Black Sabbath period, but I was also listening to all manner of things like, Atomic Rooster, Wishbone Ash, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Pink Floyd, The Groundhogs, Frankie Miller, Blue Oyster Cult, Humble Pie, Thin Lizzy and in particular one band which has stuck with me since that time – the mighty FREE (and Bad Company ), I’m a huge fan of Paul Rodgers.
Southern Rock came along in the shape of Lynyrd Skynyrd at about age 15 and I’ve loved that genre ever since. Punk arrived when I was 17 – I didn’t think much of it, so pretty much ignored it. The NWOBHM didn’t really shake my boat either – I did enjoy gigs by Saxon and Iron Maiden, but found myself still listening to the things I grew up on and I still do! My little confession is that I’ve always wanted to do a blues/rock cover of At The Car Wash by Rose Royce. Unfortunately, so far no-one shares my vision for it!
Stone: Which well-known bands and/or musicians of today would you want to work with on a “special guest” level of recording?
Gordon: Warren Haynes, Paul Rodgers or Greg Allman would be top of my list, Glenn Hughes, Buddy Guy and so many more including Iron Dave from Diablo Canyon. I think the real answer would be “anyone who asked”!
Stone: These are turbulent times in the world right now; many countries economies and wars have taken it’s toll on the human spirit it seems, yet music seems to be the universal language of peace, hope and friendship that unites fans and bands worldwide. What are your thoughts on the power of music to unite and heal?
Gordon: I agree with you 100% that music brings people together and I would say one genre more than any other to do that is Metal. Music does much already to unite people to combat famine etc. in terms of providing money to assist, alas, I think we humans are too wrapped up in making a profit and fighting over oil.
Stone: If you could change the record industry overnight, what changes would you mandate?
Gordon: Fair contracts for bands. Too many bands sign themselves away just to become a “signed band” and end up being ripped off or having their recordings buried. The most important thing for most bands to understand is that you get back what you put in, if you don’t work hard you’ll go nowhere – the music business is 90% business and 10% music – sad but true!
Stone: Gordon, there is no denying you have an amazing voice and music is in your soul. For all aspiring vocalists out there, what are the golden rules to follow in protecting your voice? Is a true lyricist born or made?
Gordon: Don’t smoke, don’t drink alcohol, avoid air-conditioning and take lots of exercise while eating a healthy balanced diet. Well, I drink, smoke and probably don’t exercise as much as I used to. My simple Golden Rule is practice, practice, practice! I probably sing somewhere between 1 and 2 hours per day (most days!). There are certain songs I use as “training songs” in which I simply sing along to a record and try to match the high and low notes, (for example) Ronnie James Dio singing Heaven and Hell and Catch the Rainbow, maybe a bit of David Coverdale and always some Paul Rodgers, I find it helps with the way I like to phrase songs, I don’t try to imitate them, quite often I’ll do a harmony to their vocal, if possible get some lessons and learn how to breathe properly.
On stage I am always accompanied by Vocalzones, Strepsils, Vicks (for up my nose!) a flask of hot tea and about 3 litres of water, before a gig I do lots of breathing exercises and some scales just to warm up, occasionally I’ll gargle a glass of whisky (sometimes I might even drink it!) but my firmly held view is that when I’m on stage I’m working and therefore no excessive alcohol intake.
Lyricists, I think they can be both born and made, probably more born than made though, I think you have to be in tune with the music and let it talk to and guide you as to the direction the lyrics should take. Unless of course you have the lyric but no tune to go with it, I think that’s harder to do and those who can put a tune to lyrics are born.
Stone: You have showcased your musical evolution on Soundcloud. I find this “open-book” approach to your musical resume commendable and inspiring. What and/or who has been most influential to you, in creating your life’s soundtrack?
Gordon: In everything you do, there is something that shapes the person you become, every person you meet from your parents onwards define your path. Personally, I think I’ve led a full and interesting life so far, it’s had its highs and lows, but I’m very much an optimist, if you get knocked down, get up, brush yourself down and keep moving forward. The open book approach and putting up videos of band rehearsals and recordings that weren’t the greatest was a gamble, it could have put people off completely and fortunately that hasn’t been the case.
Very simply, I think that people can appreciate an honest approach, they know that live music isn’t about every note being perfect (even the best bands/artists make mistakes), live music is about finding a vibe and making the audience believe in what you’re doing.
Stone Says: I’d like to thank Gordon Brown for this interview and for being such a cool long-distance Metal Buddy!
DIO DISCIPLES are currently on the road, spreading “A Celebration of the Life and Music of Ronnie James Dio!”
Dio Disciples is comprised of singers Tim “Ripper” Owens (Judas Priest) and Oni Logan (Lynch Mob), guitarist Craig Goldy (Dio), bassist Bjorn Anglund (Yngwie Malmsteen), keyboardist Scott Warren (Dio,Heaven & Hell), and drummer Simon Wright (Dio, AC/DC, UFO).
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Check out the tour dates below to see if Dio Disciples will be jamming near you!
10/24 Hawthorne, Portland OR
10/26 Hard Rock On The Strip, Las Vegas NV
10/27 Club Red, Tempe AZ
10/28 Ventura Theater, Ventura CA
10/30 Brick By Brick, San Diego CA
10/31 Avalon Theater,
2nd Annual RJD Stand Up And Shout Gala, Hollywood CA
11/3 House Of Rock, El Paso TX
11/4 Trees, Dallas TX
11/7 Underground, Sandusky OH
11/8 Pierre’s Ft. Wayne IN
11/10 Harpo’s Detroit MI
11/11 Tap House, Akron OH
11/13 Asylum, Portland ME
11/15 Starland, Sayerville NJ
11/16 The Met, Providence RD
11/17 Revolution, Amyityville NY
11/18 The Chance, Poughkeepsie NY
11/20 Crocodile Rock, Allentown PA
DIO – THE VERY BEAST OF VOL. 2 was released on October 9th, 2012, via Niji Entertainment. My strong Metal advice is buy it and celebrate the legacy of Ronnie James Dio… loud and proud! Horns Up! Metal be thy name.
Candlelight Records confirms November 6 as the North American release date of CORROSION OFCONFORMITY’s Eye For An Eye. This special reissue has been remastered/packaged and includes the EP Six Songs With Mike Singing. Both titles have been out of print for years. It follows the successful release of the band’s self-titled album earlier this year. A deluxe digibook edition of the album, limited to 1000 for North America, will be available at limited retailers and via Candlelight’s official webstore. The digibook version includes extended liner notes and a rare pictorial gallery.
Twenty-six songs showcase the early sonic years of the North Carolina-based band. Far more punk than their later recordings, the album found an immediate fanbase. Amazon customers over the years have called the album an “undisputed classic,” while noting it is “for the true skaters of the mid-to-late-‘80s,” and “brings me back to a good time of hardcore/punk.”
Guitarist Woody Weatherman comments: “We were just kids when we wrote and recorded these tunes.” Vocalist/bassist Mike Dean notes, “Making that album was our dream and we worked hard to make it happen because it was the vehicle to allow us to go out and play two hundred shows a year, like the bands we looked up to – Black Flag, Bad Brains, D.O.A.”
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Originally released in 1984, Eye for An Eye featured the original lineup of Weatherman, Dean, drummer ReedMullin, and vocalist Eric Eycke. Reissued to incorporate the 1989 EP by Mike Dean (who left the band between 1987-1992), Eye for An Eye is raw in sound but focused on message. The years that followed would see the band rise to worldwide popularity with breakthrough and Billboard-charting releases Blind and Deliverance.
Formed in Raleigh in 1982, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY quickly transformed heavy music. Politically charged and socially aware, the band has influenced countless others and today remains humble about their accomplishments. With over 1.1 million albums sold in the United States, the band continues to find new fans via nonstop touring.
“We had a lot of fun doing it and it’s great to have this album officially back out there again,” says Weatherman. “I had basically written this off as being our sloppy beginner’s effort but listening to it now, I really hear a few songs that hold up well,” adds Dean.
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)
EVILYN STRANGE are proud to reveal the new artwork for their forthcoming album Mourning Phoebe. The band is also happy for people to hear a sample of the six-minute epic Everything taken from the debut album. This latest sample showcases the work of Al Strange (drums) and Mikael Johannesson (lead guitar). The debut album artwork and sample of the music can be seen and heard below!
This follows the recent release of the band’s debut single “The Ballad Of Evilyn Strange”
The full version of The Ballad Of Evilyn Strange can be heard on Soundcloud, just click the link below!
Stone Says: Evilyn Strange are part English and Swedish. There’s no question in my Metal mind that Evilyn Strange are seriously on to something very special here, with their Melodic Metal meets Hard Rock sound. They’re modern and (then again) their Classic Rock influences seem to have taught them very well. With confident and astute musical vibes swirling about, there is something different about this band’s heaviness and melodies that makes them sound so damn refreshing to my ears… and I totally dig what I’m hearing! Metal be thy name.
“DEVIL’S RAIN” LTD ED ORANGE VINYL LP W/ LENTICULAR COVER–ONLINE EXCLUSIVE FROM MISFITS RECORDS!
Available while supplies last-this special Misfits Records online exclusive pressing of “The Devil’s Rain” 12-inch LP is limited to 250 pieces worldwide! Pressed on solid “Halloween Orange” opaque vinyl, and unavailable anywhere else, the incredible lenticular cover must be seen to be believed. Photos do not do it justice. Once removed from the shrink-wrap, the 3D litho of the fiendishly ferocious cover art by Arthur Suydam (Marvel Zombies), stands apart from the record jacket and is suitable for framing. Gatefold LP features photos, art, complete lyrics, and includes a full color paper sleeve insert housing the vinyl inside.
This item is scheduled to ship by or before October 31st.
Pre-order now at the Misfits Records online store and guarantee one in your collection before they’re gone! These will go fast Fiends…
BLACK SPLATTER VARIANT – AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY ON TOUR
A black splatter on Halloween Orange variant edition of the 12-inch vinyl will be available exclusively at live Misfits shows this Halloween! The variant edition, limited to 250 pcs worldwide, also includes the lenticular cover art shrink wrapped with the gatefold LP. Fiends attending a live Misfits show in your city, look for the “Devil’s Rain” Tour exclusive variant LP at the Misfits merch booth, starting Halloween week and available throughout the Fall 2012 Tour while supplies last.
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"
Metal Odyssey > Heavy Metal Music Blog 
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