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

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

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

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

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

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YES (as they appeared on The Yes Album):

Jon Anderson – lead vocals

Steve Howe – guitars, vocals & vihuela

Chris Squire – bass & vocals

Tony Kaye – organ, piano & moog

Bill Bruford – drums

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

http://yesworld.com

FRONTIERS RECORDS

LONG LIVE YES.

Stone.

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FOREVERS EDGE – Team All About The Music Welcomes Progressive Metallers To Their Roster!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, progressive metal, progressive metal bands, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on February 18, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

There certainly is something in that New Jersey water that can produce some incredible music. FOREVER’S EDGE is a conglomerate of Metal’s finest featuring Clay Barton (Suspyre), Salvatore Pisano, Andrew Distabile (Suspyre), Mike Pignataro, Samus Paulicelli (Decrepit Birth, ex-Suspyre, ex-Mutiny Within, ex-Abigail Williams), and Sharon MacPherson.

FOREVER’S EDGE has some of the most technical musicianship layered with soaring vocals by Barton and complex song structures. For anyone who has even the slightest interest in Progressive Metal, this is a band that will have you hooked.

The band is currently in the studio (Erypsus Studios) recording their second, as of yet unnamed, masterpiece. The album is due to be out in the summer of 2012 with a load of updates and announcements in the mean time.

To pump up the fans, FOREVER’S EDGE has re-released their highly acclaimed debut album Chaotic Silence. When guitarist Salvatore Pisano was asked what Chaotic Silence was about, he stated:
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“It was like testing the waters for what we could do with such musicians from well-respected bands coming together. The album itself is an emotional journey that evolved in its music as I evolved and matured in life. It has within it stories like the Trilogy of Music: A story about a girl who was deaf, and a boy who loved her could only communicate with her through music and song to tell her how he feels. And the sad story of how she got pregnant, and the boy in the end died when he lost them both.”
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(Source: Team All About The Music – Publicity, Management, A&R)
* For more info FOREVERS EDGE, click on the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Forevers-Edge/48688245803
LONG LIVE FOREVERS EDGE.
Stone.

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COHEED AND CAMBRIA – Announces 2012 Tour Dates With IRON MAIDEN

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, progressive metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on February 17, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

It’s been a busy week in Coheed world! We are in the studio working on our sixth studio album, and we just announced we’ll be touring this summer with IRON MAIDEN in the US and Canada as part of the “MAIDEN ENGLAND WORLD TOUR!” According to IM’s management, the tour will closely mirror, in terms of production and content, Maiden’s original 1988 concert video of the same name, shot on the “Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son Tour.”

We will begin our stint with them on July 24th in Winnipeg and end on August 18 in Houston, with stops in Seattle, Denver, Dallas and Los Angeles along the way. Tickets go on sale March 2nd and 3rd. Full dates below, and more info will be coming soon.

We will also be appearing at this years HANGOUT FESTIVAL in Gulf Shores, AL with Jack White, Wilco, Skrillex, and many more.

With IRON MAIDEN:

Jul 24th – Winnipeg, MB – MTS Center

Jul 26th – Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Saddledome

Jul 27th – Edmonton, AB – Rexall Place

Jul 29th – Vancouver, BC – Pacific Coliseum

Jul 30th – Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre

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

Aug 3rd – San Francisco, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre

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

Aug 9th – Irvine, CA – Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

Aug 12th – Albuquerque. NM – Hard Rock Pavilion

Aug 13th – Denver, CO – Comfort Dental Amphitheatre

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

Aug 17th – Dallas, TX – Gexa Energy Pavilion

Aug 18th – Houston, TX – The Woodlands

* Check out the new look of CoheedAndCambria.com!

(Source: FanBridge/on behalf of  – Coheed And Cambria)

LONG LIVE COHEED AND CAMBRIA.

LONG LIVE IRON MAIDEN.

Stone.

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Louis St. August of MASS – Provides Lead Vocals On ‘Stretch Armstrong’ For ‘Liberty & Justice’ CD ‘Hell Is Coming To Breakfast’

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on February 16, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

As passed along to me from Louis St. August, vocalist of Boston’s legendary Hard Rock/Heavy Metal band MASS:

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What do you get when you mix Keri Kelli (Alice Cooper) JK Northrup (King Kobra / XYZ) Justin Murr (LnJ) and Louis St August (MASS)??

A little fun tune called “Stretch Armstrong” off the forthcoming Liberty & Justice CD “Hell Is Coming To Breakfast” out March 1st!
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  Check out the tune and  WACKY little video here!    http://youtu.be/81sxHUB-NFA

LONG LIVE LOUIS ST. AUGUST.

LONG LIVE LIBERTY & JUSTICE.

Stone.

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MICHAEL MONROE – Announces Two Performances In South America For May 2012

Posted in classic rock, glam metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Punk rock, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on February 16, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

For 12 years Michael Monroe fans in South America have had to wait for this day when we are very happy to announce TWO PERFORMANCES in South America:

23.5.2012 Teatro Vorterix, Buenos Aires

25.5.2012 Blackmore Rock Bar, Sao Paulo

(Source: Michael Monroe.com)

* For more info on MICHAEL MONROE, click on the links below:

http://www.michaelmonroe.com

http://www.twitter.com/michaelmonroe

LONG LIVE MICHAEL MONROE.

Stone.

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Legendary Drummer Neal Smith – Unleashes his NEW Youtube Video of “Squeeze Like A Python” from his latest album “KillSmith Two”

Posted in classic rock, drummers, Drums, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on February 15, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Legendary Alice Cooper Group Drummer and Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Neal Smith Unleashes his NEW Youtube Video of “Squeeze Like A Python”  from his latest album  “KillSmith Two”. 

 Click on the link below and listen to Neal Smith on vocals, drums and guitar! Neal Smith and his band flat-out: ROCK! Metal be thy name, Squeeze Like A Python is one Hard Rockin’, memorable, kick-ass classic of a song! The video is very cool itself, with some fine eye candy dancing around. Now that’s Rock ‘N Roll… whoa. – Stone

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO22Ttr_adM

Neal Smith ‘KillSmith Two’ is available from: http://cdbaby.com/cd/nealsmith3

* For more info on NEAL SMITH, click on the links below:

www.NealSmithRocks.com

http://www.facebook.com/NealSmithRocks

(Source: Glass Onyon Publicity)

LONG LIVE NEAL SMITH.

Stone.

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SKID ROW – Tour Dates & Venues Listed For 2012

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Music, rock concerts, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on February 15, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

SKID ROW – Check out the 2012 tour dates below for the Hard Rockin’ band we all know as – SKID ROW. Maybe they’ll be in your neck of the Rockin’ woods this year… if so, support SKID ROW and tell ’em Stone from Metal Odyssey sent you!

March 30th @ Havana – New Hope, PA

March 31st @ Starland Ballroom – Sayerville, NJ

April 20th @ Revolution – Ft. Lauderdale, FL

April 21st @ GASC Grounds – Cape Coral, FL

May 12th @ M3 Rock Festival – Columbia, MD

June 8th @ Riverfest – Gasden, AL

July 12th @ Rock USA – Oshkosh, WI

August 23rd @ Wolf Den – Uncasville, CT

* For more info on SKID ROW, click on the links below:

http://skidrow.com

http://www.twitter.com/Officialskidrow

LONG LIVE SKID ROW.

Stone.

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KITTIE – Trish Doan Returns As Bassist

Posted in Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal news, melodic metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on February 13, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

The cat’s out of the bag!

After posting a few teasers on their facebook page about a big announcement regarding the band’s future, KITTIE have now announced the departure of their bassist Ivy Vujic and the return of Trish Doan!

In a statement on the band’s website Ivy wrote:

“After 4 amazing years of jamming with my crazy metal sisters of Kittie, I am officially resigning as their bass player.

I’ve had an incredible time touring the world with these ladies and I am very grateful for all the fun I’ve had and amazing things I’ve had the opportunity to experience.

My last appearances with Kittie will be our upcoming hometown shows in London (February 17th) and Toronto (February 18th), as well as the Soundwave festival in Australia immediately after (February 25th – March 5th). I wish the Kittie girls the best of luck in all of their future endeavours and I know they will continue to be successful in whatever they do.”

Trish comments:

“I am very happy to be reunited with the Kittie family. The girls and I have remained close friends over the last 7 years and I am excited to have this amazing opportunity. I am looking forward to seeing everyone when we go back on the road this spring. I wish Ivy all the best!”

Morgan Lander about Ivy’s departure and Trish’s return:

“Ivy has been friend and partner in crime for over 4 years, we love and respect her wishes to depart from the band and move onto another phase in her life.

Trish has been a member of our extended family since she joined the band in 2005 and we are welcoming her back into the band with open arms.  We are ecstatic that she will be returning to bass duties and are looking forward to the (US) tour this spring! We love both girls and are glad that we all remain friends, first and foremost.”

Welcome back, Trish!

(Source: Massacre Records)

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

KITTIE – Official Website

MASSACRE RECORDS

LONG LIVE KITTIE.

Stone.

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VAN HALEN ‘A Different Kind Of Truth’ – The Truth Is… This Album ROCKS!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on February 13, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

VAN HALEN – As I pondered about what and how to write my review for A Different Kind Of Truth, these two realizations came over me: A. this album simply ROCKS and B. What can I possibly write that hasn’t already been written, debated and tossed around by countless other fans, bloggers, websites and the mainstream press? Whenever a titanic sized band releases a titanic “comeback” album, such as Van Halen has done, the Rock media world can get obviously flooded with album reviews and for good reason.

Having brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen join Hard Rockin’ and Heavy Hittin’ forces with David Lee Roth once again, on a full-length album, a long-awaited return of this magnitude since the RIAA Diamond Certified – 1984, is something special for fans of this band, (myself included). This Rock historic reunion becomes extra special, due to this new studio album resonating such a vintage return to form for Van Halen. Whoa, this album ROCKS. Regardless of when any “parts” of any of the songs were written for A Different Kind Of Truth, I’m in the crowd that cares only if the songs were written by members of Van Halen… and not ABBA.

Did I mention that this new Van Halen album ROCKS? Anyhow, life is short and when authentic Hard Rock and Heavy Metal can be written and recorded by this iconic band of the Rock music world and delivered to their patient fans, (there hasn’t been a Van Halen studio album released in 14 years), then there is valid cause for Rockin’ jubilation. This is not a reunion of a band that released a lone chart topping album 25 years ago. Van Halen dominated arenas and stadiums then… and will still now. This is a reunion of a band that can easily boast as much “important” musical influence as the likes of “American” Rock historic legends KISS, Aerosmith and The Doors, (to name a few).

Diamond Dave’s hair may be a “tad” shorter in 2012 and legendary bassist Michael Anthony may be absent from this “classic” Van Halen lineup, only the successful result of 100% pure Hard Rock is in the 13 songs my ears and senses have consumed from A Different Kind Of Truth. I’m both ecstatic and impressed simultaneously by this band. My relief from the first several listens of A Different Kind Of Truth lies in the fact that this new Van Halen album is not a dud, that all four of these musicians took the “right road” and decided to keep their sound real and true. Van Halen didn’t have to reinvent themselves just due to it being 2012. By the way, this album ROCKS.

Now, if you’re looking for a return to 1984, you best keep looking. A Different Kind Of Truth is an album that fits in quite fittingly “somewhere” within the first four Van Halen releases… with Diver Down looking over this album’s shoulder. Van Hagar? Certainly a fabulous and memorable era imbedded in my Rockin’ soul. Gary Cherone fronted Van Halen? A unique moment in Van Halen history that (in my Metal opinion) receives too often unwarranted and negative commentary. It’s now 2012 and this is Classic Van Halen. The Return of Van Halen. Diamond Dave fronted Van Halen. The world just became a “tad” brighter for me, as I wrote that preceding line.

* For more info on VAN HALEN, click on the link below:

 VAN HALEN – Official Website

This Album ROCKS. Metal Be Thy Name. 

LONG LIVE VAN HALEN.

The word “tad” appears twice in this post.

Stone.

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MOLLY HATCHET – 2012 “Justice” World Tour – Dates, Venues Listed

Posted in classic rock, concerts, Hard Rock, Music, rock music, rock music news, southern hard rock, southern rock with tags , , , , , , on February 12, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

MOLLY HATCHET – The Southern Rock & Hard Rock sound of the legendary Molly Hatchet lives! Check out below the 2012 “Justice” World Tour dates and maybe Molly Hatchet will be Flirtin’ With Disaster in your backyard!

2012 Justice World Tour:

February 24th – Lockport, NY @ The Palace Theatre

February 25th – Plymouth, NH @ Flying Monkey Performance Center

March 24th – Mesa, AZ @ Chester’s Harley Davidson Pavilion

April 7th – Pooler, GA @ Ogelthorpe Speedway Park

April 28th – Fort Worth, TX @ Texas Motor Speedway

May 4th – Smithfield, NC @ Neuse River Amphitheatre

May 18th – Starke, FL – TBA

June 2nd – Scleswig, Germany @ Baltic Open Air Festival 2012

June 10th – Vernon, NJ @ Hidden Valley Club Rock Ribs Ridges

June 15th – Clisson, France @ Hellfest 2012

September 12th – Waterloo, Iowa @McElroy Auditorium National Cattle Congress

September 14th – Abingdon, VA @ Washington County Fair

* 2012 “Justice” World Tour Dates To Be Added

(Source: Molly Hatchet Official Website)

* For more info on MOLLY HATCHET, click on the link below:

Molly Hatchet – Official Website

LONG LIVE MOLLY HATCHET.

Stone.

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Whitney Houston – Rest In Peace

Posted in female vocalists, pop culture, pop music, rock music news, vocalists with tags , , , , on February 12, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

WHITNEY HOUSTON – It’s enormous and sad news when a prolific name in the world of Popular Music, such as Whitney Houston, passes away at the extremely young age of 48. I first read the news early evening Saturday, on twitter, via a tweet from 99.1 WPLR FM (a New Haven, Connecticut radio station I grew up listening to). This was during the very first moments of this dismal news. I was beyond shocked, for the entertainers of the world always seem to be invincible, regardless of how many times a high-profile figure of the music world leaves us too soon.

Putting my steadfast allegiance for Metal Music aside for just a moment, I do listen to a wide representation of music. I listened to Whitney Houston throughout the 80’s and beyond. Whitney’s voice was always unrivaled to my ears, (although Celine Dion can sing her heart out). Whitney Houston had that captivating voice that was difficult for me to ignore. Whenever any song of Whitney’s came on the radio, I found it challenging to turn off, for her voice had that ability to carry me away.

As years passed along and Whitney received numerous awards, I looked upon her as the epitome of a deserving female vocalist. Whitney always came across to me as the crème de la crème of female Pop vocalists of her era. Compared to today’s sea of Pop Music lip synchers and one-hit wonders, Whitney absolutely cannot be spoken in the same sentence with any of these spoiled and wide-eyed Disney, Nickelodeon and American Idol youngsters. As I always gravitate to the bands and musicians who’ve always made an honest attempt to keep it real with their music, Whitney Houston was no exception.

As I always love to end my posts with “Long Live _”, this post says goodbye to an American icon of Popular Music who influenced and brought joy to an impressive cross-section of musicians, vocalists and music lovers worldwide. Whitney Houston helped give the Pop Music world an identity that shall never be duplicated. There will never be a voice like Whitney’s ever again and her songs I will forever consider timeless. Whitney will still continue to stop me in my tracks with her beautiful voice… and I’m certain I am not alone.

Rest In Peace, Whitney Houston.

1963 – 2012

Stone.

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ROYAL THUNDER CVI – Debut Album Set For May 22nd Release On Relapse Records

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, stoner metal, stoner rock with tags , , , on February 9, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Photo credit: Christy Parry
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Atlanta Quartet Touring with Black Tusk; Stop at SXSW
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PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 9 – Royal Thunder, the Atlanta four-piece Brooklyn Vegan described as “Johnette Napolitano of Concrete Blonde fronting Black Sabbath,” have completed recording their debut album, CVI.  The album will be released on CD/2xLP/Digital on May 22 via Relapse Records.
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“We poured all of our hard work and passion into this 10-song LP,” says vocalist/bass player Mlny Parsonz of the band’s mid-2011 recording sessions at Aria Recording Studio in Marietta, Ga. “We saw highs and lows along the way, but in the end we made it. We made something we are so proud of. We look back on our past efforts and take with us the good, and strive to keep going and growing. We can’t wait to see what the future holds and we hope this new album is an inspiration and light in the lives of everyone who listens to it.”
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The band, which includes the aforementioned Parsonz as well as founder Josh Weaver (guitar), Lee Smith (drums) and Josh Coleman (guitar) will join Black Tusk for a half dozen dates leading up to performances at SXSW (specific showcase information to be announced shortly). Royal Thunder will also perform at this Saturday’s Scion Relapse Showcase at The Roxy in Los Angeles.
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Royal Thunder released a self-titled EP in 2010 which won praise from a wide variety of outlets including Paste Magazine (“blues-infused rock’n’roll, wrapped in protective barbed-metal packaging”), NPR (“a revved-up Southern hard-rocker that howls like Led Zeppelin astride a psychedelic unicorn”) and Terrorizer (“‘Royal Thunder’ grabs you right from the first listen”).
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(Source: Speakeasy PR)
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* For more ROYAL THUNDER info/tour dates, click on links below:
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www.facebook.com/royalthundermusic
www.relapse.com
LONG LIVE ROYAL THUNDER.
Stone.

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MANRAZE – Premieres Brand New Single/Video Titled “TAKE ON THE WORLD” From SUPERBIKER Film Sequel

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Music, Punk rock, rock bands, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on February 8, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Photo Credit: Helen Collen

 PAYS TRIBUTE TO 2011 BRITISH SUPERBIKE

RACING CHAMPION IN NEW FILM

Video Premiere on ESPN.com

(Los Angeles, CA) – Manraze, that powerful trio consisting of Def Leppard’s lead guitarist Phil Collen who also stands front & center on MR lead vocals, the Sex Pistol’s iconic drummer Paul Cook, and Collen’s former Girl band bassist Simon Laffy brings in 2012 with a fast paced tribute for one of Britain’s best and brightest in the world of BSB.

Tommy Hill secured the MCE Insurance British Super Bike Championship title after an epic climax during the 2011 season celebrating an emotional maiden crown at Brands Hatch back in October 2011. His pivotal journey to winning the championship is chronicled in two documentaries created by avid motorbike rider & veteran film maker Mark Sloper. In 2011 Manraze debuted their kinetic single ‘I, Superbiker’, aptly titled after the film, as the theme song for the first half of this electric series of motorbike racing and personal, introspective looks into the lives of the die-hard contenders. Director Mark Sloper continued his emotional chronicle in part 2 of the series “The Showdown: I, Super Biker II” due to be released in 135 theatres across the UK February 21, 2012. This time around Sloper places an even greater focus on Tommy Hill who lost the 2010 BSB race due to injuries sustained during a crash but manages to triumphantly emerge in the film’s sequel as the 2011 British Super Bike champion winning by 0.006of a second. Once again Mark approached Manraze about delivering a game-changing anthem that would embody the spirit of the British super bike racers.

Manraze’s new energetic rock/dance track ‘Take On The World’ featuring newcomer Debbi Blackwell-Cook, is a tribute written for the strength & unmoving dedication Tommy Hill put forth to win the 2011 BSB championship. Phil Collen states, “Tommy’s been through the ringer. I love stories about people overcoming such adversity. Writing this song for him was a no-brainer. Check out his history. We really admire him.” The song & video due for release and distribution by Primary Wave Music will be available worldwide for download via I-tunes starting February 7, 2012.   A premiere of the Mark Sloper directed video is streaming now on ESPN.com.

ESPN VIDEO Premiere for “Take On The World”

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/thelife/music/news/story?page=phil-collen-manraze

iTunes Link: “Take On The World”

http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=497404681

(Source: MAD Ink, PR)

LONG LIVE MANRAZE.

Stone.

2 Comments »

METALLICA ‘Beyond Magnetic’ – Thrashing Raw, Rough & Tough, As This Legendary Band Was Supposed To Be In The First Place

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal, thrash metal albums with tags , , , , , , , on February 5, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

METALLICA – This Beyond Magnetic four song EP (Warner Bros.) is Thrashing raw, rough, tough and minus Lou Reed. This is the way a Metallica album of any amount of songs should be like. The songs are a reminder that releasing demos or anything rough or close to, is not such a bad idea after all… especially if you are of the legendary status of Metallica. During those golden years of early 80’s Thrash Metal, when tape trading and 8-tracks were commonplace, hearing those subtle and not so subtle mistakes in vocals along with distortion was never the sign of the apocalypse.

Any old school fan of Motörhead and/or Venom realizes the true essence and magic of the unpolished sound versus the unnecessary polished and (gulp) over polished product. The same Metal school of thought holds 100% true for old school fans of Metallica as well. Or, should I dare say, pre-Black album fans of Metallica. What Metallica has given the fans of both yesterday and today, is an EP that re-establishes the truth that they can write and play Thrash Metal with the same enthusiasm and bad-to-the-bone attitude as they once did for Kill ‘Em All, Ride The Lightning and Master Of Puppets.

I’m not the first to think or state this, yet, can Beyond Magnetic be the olive branch that Metallica is holding out towards us fans who made them world-famous and rich in the first place? I’ve yet to meet or know personally, anyone who has actually rocked-out to Lulu and anyone out there who has, undoubtedly has an extensive ABBA library of vintage vinyl that psyches them out too. If Beyond Magnetic is the Thrashin’ olive branch that Metallica is handing out, then I’m taking such olive branch and saying to this iconic band: THANK YOU.

Has Metallica been forgiven by me for such an avant-garde move with Lulu? Frankly, any artist of any artform can create what they wish. However, when you are of the magnificent influence and fame that Metallica is, this band should realize by now that us old school fans who were with them from the onset have feelings too. We don’t appreciate having our Metal vibes messed with. Beyond Magnetic makes me feel like everything is okay again between me and Metallica. Sound strange? Not to me. Music of any genre can touch the soul in ways that is unexplainable to even overpaid lab scientists. Lulu is the equivalent of McDonalds serving french fries without salt and their hamburgers without buns. Lulu is equal to the beer industry only producing non-alcoholic product.

Beyond Magnetic is Metallica being, well, Metallica once again. I only chuckle when I see that Rick Rubin is credited as being the producer for Beyond Magnetic. What in the world was there for Rick Rubin to produce? Let’s be real. Sorry Rick Rubin, I wasn’t born in 1999. Once Metallica can shed the billion dollar club from getting their claws and names associated with their work, then Metallica will be giving us fans their best work yet. Death Magnetic was a fine Thrash Metal release, only the smooth and polished production that coated that album took away from the mystique of Metallica keeping it real.

If Beyond Magnetic is a “test” that Metallica has launched, then said test is a success to my ears and Metal soul. These guys know fully what the majority of their “loyal” fans want from them, when it comes to their brand of Thrash Metal. Please Metallica, shed away those “fair weather” fans of yours and realize that you can release your next two or three studio albums being this raw, rough and F’n tough.

I am one of those fans of Metallica that can’t afford million dollar works of fine art. Oh, Metallica, let your billion dollar Hollywood fan club and disloyal post-Black album fanbase come to grips that you are truly the kick-ass and defiant band of Metalhead musicians you once were when it all first started. Beyond Magnetic is your stepping stone, Metallica, to waving goodbye to the kowtowing to that elitist establishment that we true Metalheads are not welcomed by. Thank you again, Metallica, for remembering that old school Thrash Metal will never say die. Metal be thy name.

BEYOND MAGNETIC – Track Listing:

Hate Train

Just A Bullet Away

Hell And Back

Rebel Of Babylon

* For more info on METALLICA, click on the link below:

METALLICA

LONG LIVE METALLICA.

Stone.

6 Comments »

ALICE COOPER – Happy Rockin’ Birthday From Metal Odyssey!

Posted in celebrity birthdays, classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, horror metal, horror rock, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music birthdays, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on February 4, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Alice Cooper – You And Me (1977/Single/Warner Bros.)

ALICE COOPER – Back on February 4th, 1948, Alice Cooper was born. Today, the ultra influential and legendary Alice Cooper turns a young, Rockin’ and Metallin’ 64! So, without further Metal ado…

HAPPY

ROCKIN’

BIRTHDAY

ALICE

COOPER!

Alice Cooper – Constrictor (1986/MCA)

THANK YOU ALICE COOPER FOR YOUR PIONEERING BRAND OF HEAVY METAL, HORROR ROCK AND PERSONA!

Wanna read about that really cool You And Me 45 rpm single you see at the top of this post? Just click on the big header link below! I wrote and posted up this article back on June 20th, 2010. Metal be thy name!

ROCK MUSIC VINYL FLASHBACK: ALICE COOPER – “YOU AND ME” 45 RPM FROM 1977

WE’RE NOT WORTHY! WE’RE NOT WORTHY!

Alice Cooper – Along Came A Spider ( 2008/Steamhammer SPV)

LONG LIVE ALICE COOPER.

Stone.

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Louis St. August of MASS – Nominated For ‘Male Vocalist Of The Year’ In Limelight Magazine Readers’ Poll

Posted in christian rock, classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on February 1, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Louis St. August, lead singer for Hard Rock/Heavy Metal band MASS, has been nominated in this year’s Limelight Magazine Readers’ Poll that recognizes the bands and musicians who have impacted the local music scene of New England during 2011. Louis St. August has been nominated in the “Male Vocalist Of The Year” category.

The poll will close at 11:45 PM on Friday, Feb. 3rd. Here is the link to the poll:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/limelightmusicawards

* For more info on MASS, click on the link below:

MASS – MASS ROCKS.COM

LONG LIVE LOUIS ST. AUGUST & MASS.

Stone.

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IRON MAIDEN – EN VIVO! 2 CD and Blu-ray Disc Releases On March 27th, 2012!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, heavy metal videos, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on January 30, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

IRON MAIDEN – EN VIVO! was filmed on April 10, 2011, in front of over 50,000 ecstatic fans at the Estadio Nacional, Santiago, during the Round The World In 66 Days leg of The Final Frontier World Tour. The 2 CD and Blu-ray Disc will be released in North America on March 27th, 2012, via Universal Music.

EN VIVO! (2 CD Track Listing):

Disc: 1

1. Satellite 15

2. The Final Frontier

3. El Dorado

4. 2 Minutes To Midnight

5. The Talisman

6. Coming Home

7. Dance Of Death

8. The Trooper

9. The Wicker Man

Disc: 2

1. Blood Brothers

2. When The Wild Wind Blows

3. The Evil That Men Do

4. Fear Of The Dark

5. Iron Maiden

6. The Number Of The Beast

7. Hallowed Be Thy Name

8. Running Free

Blu-ray Disc – Details & Track Listing:

01. Satellite 15

02. The Final Frontier

03. El Dorado

04. 2 Minutes To Midnight

05. The Talisman

06. Coming Home

07. Dance Of Death

08. The Trooper

09. The Wicker Man

10. Blood Brothers

11. When The Wild Wind Blows

12. The Evil That Men Do

13. Fear Of The Dark

14. Iron Maiden

15. The Number Of The Beast

16. Hallowed Be Thy Name

17. Running Free

18. Behind The Beast documentary

19. Satellite 15…The Final Frontier promo video (director s cut)

20. The Making of Satellite 15…The Final Frontier promo

21. The Final Frontier World Tour Show Intro

* For more info on IRON MAIDEN, click on the link below:

IRON MAIDEN

LONG LIVE IRON MAIDEN.

Stone.

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

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

MONDAY’S ROCK ‘N ROLL DEBATE!

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

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

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

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

VS.

___________________________________________________________

LONG LIVE BEASTIE BOYS.

LONG LIVE THE MOODY BLUES.

Stone.

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STONECOLLAR – Releases New Single: ‘Swallowed By The Sun’ – Listen To It Streaming Here!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock songs, Heavy Metal, modern rock, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on January 30, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

STONECOLLAR – Cape Town, South Africa has a do-it-yourself Hard Rock band to boast about. They’re called STONECOLLAR. This band has already delivered a fantastic debut album back in 2011: Trial By Fire. Now, STONECOLLAR has released a new single, Swallowed By The Sun, which has ready for radio oozing from its every Rockin’ note. This song is from their latest project: Online Overlord.

States (rhythm guitarist) Clinton Jurgens: “The song is a large-scale Rock ballad telling the epic tale of a loved one’s self demise. Fans of Alter Bridge, Shinedown and fellow countrymen, Seether (and a host of similar Hard Rock bands) will be sure to love this song”.

Clinton Jurgens adds: “To assist the release, we launched our official fan club, Airheads (hosted on the www.airbornemusic.com platform) and it basically works that a fan pays $1 a month to us and they get any content that we release for free. And we intend to release stuff on a weekly basis so that there is a real value to being part of the club”.

Artist page is here: www.airbornemusic.com/stonecollar

I really dig Swallowed By The Sun, it’s a Hard Rockin’ ballad that showcases the quality of songwriting and musicianship that STONECOLLAR bestows. Vocally, Leshem Petersen sounds as passionate for the song as Chris Daughtry… and you can take that to the Metal bank and tell ’em Stone from Metal Odyssey sent you. Metal be thy name.

I was won over by the debut album from STONECOLLAR, now I’m convinced this Hard Rock band MUST be taken seriously by “both” indie and major record labels. STONECOLLAR is happening… is Modern with their Hard Rock sound… they’ve created some serious Hard Rock and they’re a MUST band to catch onto NOW.

Listen to Swallowed By The Sun below! This is one damn good Hard Rock song!

STONECOLLAR:

Leshem Petersen – Bass and Vocals

Sean Tait – Lead Guitar

Clinton Jurgens – Rhythm Guitar

Bryan Nicol – Drums

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

STONECOLLAR – Official facebook

STONECOLLAR – myspace music

* To read my review for Trial By Fire, (posted on June 10th, 2011), click below!

STONECOLLAR – “Trial By Fire” Debut Album Is Ablaze! Two Tracks To Hear Right Now!

LONG LIVE STONECOLLAR.

Stone.

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REBELLION – Returns! Metal Champions Working On New Material!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on January 29, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

REBELLION – In 2008 Uwe Lulis had a motorcycle accident and was injured so badly that the band had to take a break of a year. In 2009 Uwe still suffered from the accident and thus there were very few shows which were played with Uwe sitting on stage. At the end of  2010 Uwe Lulis consequently left Rebellion. Gerd Lücking (drums) and Simone Wenzel (guitar) decided thereupon likewise in order to concentrate on other musical projects.
It seemed as if the band had come to an end but encouraged by numerous fan comments Tomi Göttlich (bass) and Michael Seifert (vocals) decided in the beginning of 2011 to let Rebellion live on. 


Oliver Geibig (guitar), Stephan Karut (guitar) and Matthias Karle (drums) filled the gaps. The new Rebellion are a band of friends who have known and jammed with each other for many years and who are very determined to lead the band onwards. In October 2011 Rebellion played their first show with the new members. The Band was frenetically celebrated by their fans, many of whom had travelled long distances (Ireland, France, Netherlands) to witness the first show of the new line up.

At present the band works under high pressure on new material.

(Source: Massacre Records)

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

http://www.rebellion.st

http://www.massacre-records.com

LONG LIVE REBELLION.

Stone.

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