Archive for rock music news

Heavy Metal Icons ANVIL Return With New Album “Impact Is Imminent” + Share First Single And Video Clip!

Posted in classic rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, music news, music videos, news with tags , , , , , , , , , on March 12, 2022 by Metal Odyssey

Heavy Metal pioneers ANVIL have announced the release of a brand new studio album, entitled Impact Is Imminent, due out on May 20, 2022 via AFM Records!

The Canadian trio belongs to one of the most distinctive bands of their genre, often cited as having influenced notable metal acts such as Slayer, MEGADETH, Metallica and Anthrax. After 40 years in the music industry, touring the world in sold-out venues, and garnering critically acclaim for Anvil! The Story Of Anvil – the number 1 music documentary of every metalhead – the iconic band returns with their nineteenth album.

On Impact Is Imminent, ANVIL fires off merciless riff attacks, relentlessly driving drums and impressive bass grooves, complemented by vocal melodies and lyrics that inevitably drill themselves into the listener’s aural tract. As always, Kudlow and founding member and drummer Robb Reiner, are at the epicentre of this heavy metal extravaganza. For the past eight years, they have been supported by bassist Chris Robertson, who not only complements the ANVIL fold on a personal level, but also enhances the tracks with his powerful low frequency bass parts and backing vocals.

Today, ANVIL shared a first single alongside a music video for the full pedal-to-the-metal anthem ‘Ghost Shadow’! Says charismatic frontman Lips: “Ghost Shadow is my 6th sense telling me I’m being watched! Could be internet trolls or paranormal phenomenon! Either way the song is heavy as fuck!!“

“None of our previous albums blends music and lyrics into as tight a unit as ‘Impact Is Imminent’,” enthuses Lips on the fourteen songs on the group’s new album. “Everything comes together homogeneously. As a result, the new material sounds monolithic, right down to the very last details, both in terms of rhythm and harmonies. In the past, our studio sessions were sometimes like a little like jumping in at the deep end, with us having to improvise a lot and making decisions at short notice. Working on ‘Impact Is Imminent’, not only was there plenty of time for the songwriting process in the run-up to the recordings, but I also had the leisure to put all my ideas to the acid test and work on them until they were perfect.”

Like its three predecessors ‘Anvil Is Anvil’ (2016), ‘Pounding The Pavement’ (2018) and ‘Legal At Last’ (2019), ‘Impact Is Imminent’ was produced by Martin ‘Mattes’ Pfeiffer (U.D.O., among others) and Jörg Uken at Uken’s Soundlodge studios, so the successful combination consisting of Anvil/Pfeiffer/Uken has struck again.

The album pre-sale of Impact Is Imminent, available as CD, Vinyl and Digital formats on May 20, 2022, has just started at THIS LOCATION!

Tracklist:

  1. Take A Lesson
  2. Ghost Shadow
  3. Another Gun Fight
  4. Fire Rain
  5. Teabag
  6. Don‘t Look Back
  7. Someone To Hate
  8. Bad Side Of Town
  9. Wizard´s Wand
  10. Lockdown
  11. Explosive Energy
  12. The Rabbit Hole
  13. Shockwave
  14. Gomez

ANVIL:
SteveLipsKudlow – Vocals/Guitar
Robb Reiner – Drums
Chris Robertson – Bass/Vocals

https://www.facebook.com/anvilmetal

https://www.afm-records.de

Source: AFM Records

LONG LIVE ANVIL.

ALICE COOPER – Red Laminate Concert Review From Monsters of Rock Cruise Royal Theater, February 12, 2022 – By Tanis Enos

Posted in classic rock, concerts, Hard Rock, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on March 11, 2022 by Metal Odyssey

This year’s Monsters of Rock Cruise was captained by none other than Alice Cooper. Due to the size, the amount of guests on the cruise and the size of the room in which Alice would be performing, the cruise decided to split guests into two groups. The red group would see Alice perform on the 12th while the blue group would see him on the 13th. The red group’s show started at 7:30 PM and the crowd packed in quickly.

The stage was hidden by a beautiful curtain that would rise revealing a scaled down, yet still highly decorated, version of Alice’s normal stage set up. The crowd roared as the intro of “Feed My Frankenstein” began. Members of the band walked on stage and began to play. Right after the first strum all sound in the house vanished. Fans began pointing at their ears trying to let the band know we could not here them. The band finished the song and they all exited the stage, Alice leaving with noticeable anger.

Ryan Roxie informed a group of fans, who attended an unannounced Rock N’ Roll Parking Lot (on a boat), what had happened that night. According to Roxie, Alice was the first band to use the curtain on this cruise. As the curtain lifted it pulled the main cable to the PA system out completely. The crew worked hard and fast to figure out the issue and sound was restored within five minutes. Roxie also let fans know that because everyone on stage was wearing a monitor and could hear what they were playing, they did not realize what was going on. It was not until the second verse of the song that they noticed something was wrong. Roxie said they all looked out trying to find the devoted fans and did not understand why everyone was not singing along.

Once the technical difficulty was fixed the show continued without a single problem. Even though the stage and set up were smaller than normal, that did not stop Alice from pulling out all the stops. Props were used as normal including crutches, knives, and canes. During “Billion Dollar Babies” a giant baby paraded on stage meeting Alice’s minions who brought out a giant confetti cannon that shot gold, silver, and green pieces of confetti, as well as fake money with Alice’s face on it into the audience.

The fun continued all through the show as Alice and his gang of ghouls wowed the audience with their fine-tuned sound and silly stage antics. During “Teenage Frankenstein” Alice chased his band around the stage with arms stretched out in frontof him and knees locked like Frankenstein. It did not stop there. As Alice and his band walked back on stage for the famous encore of “School’s Out” one extra musician joined them. Taime Downe of Faster Pussycat came out to sing and enjoy the pleasure of popping many confetti filled balloons over the crowd with one of Alice’s knives.

Alice has been performing for over 50 years and at the ripe age of 74, is still performing with as much heart and soul as he did when he first began. His voice has not changed and everything you have heard about Alice Cooper you get times 10.

Tanis Enos

LONG LIVE ALICE COOPER.

MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP (MSG) – Announces New Studio Album, “Universal” To Be Released On May 27th Via Atomic Fire Records

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , , , on March 8, 2022 by Metal Odyssey

(Photo by Tina Korhonen)

There are few rock guitarists on this planet who’ve had such a lasting influence on so many renowned musicians as MICHAEL SCHENKER. With his outstandingly fluid style, inexhaustible wealth of ideas, and instinctive feel for hooks and melodies, MICHAEL SCHENKER is a living legend who, despite his longstanding and distinguished history, still impresses with his unflagging energy and drive.

The blond stringsman from Sarstedt, Germany began his international career in the early 1970s with the Scorpions, achieved worldwide fame after joining British rock group U.F.O., and then seamlessly continued his exceptional global success story under his own name, as well as with acts such as MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP (otherwise known as MSG), Temple Of Rock, and MICHAEL SCHENKER Fest. SCHENKER and his career, which has spanned more than five decades, are absolute exceptions in the otherwise short-lived music industry.

Now his latest MSG album is about to be unleashed, scheduled for release on Atomic Fire Records on May 27th under the programmatic moniker of Universal. His latest offering will feature all the strengths of this exceptional musician: first-rate songs with anthemic melodies, catchy guitar riffs, and inspiring solos.

As we have come to expect from him, SCHENKER has once again enlisted a number of prestigious fellow musicians for the recording of his new studio production, among them, as main vocalist, Ronnie Romero (Rainbow, Vandenberg), who will also be MSG’s frontman on their upcoming tour, Michael Kiske (Helloween), and Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear), keyboard player Steve Mann (Lionheart), drummers Simon Phillips (Toto, The Who), Brian Tichy (Whitesnake, Foreigner), Bobby Rondinelli (Rainbow), and Bodo Schopf (Eloy), as well as legendary bassists Bob Daisley (Black Sabbath), Barry Sparks (Yngwie Malmsteen, Dokken), and Barend Courbois (Blind Guardian, Zakk Wylde), with Tony Carey as a very special guest. But more about that later.

First, let’s talk about the basic parameters of the new recording: Like its predecessor Immortal (2021) and the MICHAEL SCHENKER Fest albums Resurrection (2018) and Revelation (2019), Universal was produced by MICHAEL SCHENKER and Michael Voss (Lessmann/Voss, Mad Max) at Voss’s Kidroom Studio, which has become something of a creative home-away-from-home for SCHENKER. “Michael Voss is happy to wait until I have worked out an idea and takes the time to really get to know the song, simultaneously developing ideas for the vocals,” SCHENKER describes of the fruitful collaboration which has one cog intermesh with the other. “Then we work out the drums, bass, and some keyboard parts together. He always has plenty of great ideas up his sleeve.” Compositional highlights abound on Universal, from the haunting opener “Emergency” and the subsequent “Under Attack” with its casually driving groove to “The Universe,” featuring an atmospheric duet by Ronnie Romero and Gary Barden, “Wrecking Ball,” performed as brilliantly as ever by Ralf Scheepers, and “London Calling” with its homage to the British capital’s musical spirit.

The rock anthem “A King Has Gone” and its intro “Calling Baal” both have a special significance: The track, sung by Helloween frontman Michael Kiske, is a tribute to the immortal Ronnie James Dio, in particular to his performance on the 1976 hard rock classic Rainbow Rising. For this reason, SCHENKER has brought together an original Rainbow rhythm section consisting of Bobby Rondinelli and Bob Daisley, additionally enlisting keyboardist Tony Carey, who also played on Rainbow Rising, for a terrific Moog synth intro – a direct reference to the iconic intro of the 1976 album opener “Tarot Woman.” The impressive result “Calling Baal / A King Has Gone” is already considered to be one of the most important and successful songs in SCHENKER’s career to date, both musically and lyrically.

In line with all these highlights, the spectacular MSG album cover designed by Zsofia Dankova (Powerwolf, among others) features SCHENKER in a futuristic spaceship, floating high up in orbit. The artwork is based on the guitarist’s own visions, “I had the original idea for the album cover a few years ago, but only now does it seem to fit perfectly. So, I sent some older sketches to my label Atomic Fire Records and based on this the final artwork and album title were created.”

No doubt about it: The title, artwork, and new songs suit MSG as perfectly as his characteristic Flying V suits MICHAEL SCHENKER! Stand by for more from MSG in the weeks to come.

Source: EARSPLIT PR

http://www.michaelSCHENKERhimself.com

http://www.twitter.com/atomicfirerec

LONG LIVE MICHAEL SCHENKER.

MNRVA – To Release Debut Full-Length, “Hollow”

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , on March 8, 2022 by Metal Odyssey

MNRVA venture further into the descending darkness with their debut full-length, Hollow which will be released on may 20th via Black Doomba Records. Conjuring gloomy atmospheres with funeral doom and fuzz tones, the heavy trio are unafraid to unveil what’s lurking in the shadows.

Forming in 2018, MNRVA made their debut with the EP Black Sky giving fans a tantalizing taste of their unconventional sludge fueled doom sound. Hollow builds further on their exploration of heavy music with groove-laden riffs, mid-slow tempo tracks and vocals which range between soaring melodies and those of guttural demons.

“Not the One” introduces the new album with ludicrously overdriven instruments, impactful percussion and vocals that appear to be reaching out of the abyss. The title track falls further into the gloom evoking an intense dark mood. Melodic motifs and riffs punctuate the black with an experimental twist, adding something extra to the sound without breaking the nightmarish illusion. “The Way” concludes the album with the wrath of the void, fusing the sinister and sombre.

Hollow is a melting pot of sludge drawing upon the guitar grind of MELVINS, the vocal interplay of MASTODON, and the post-doom heaviness of Wisconsin’s BEREFT. Embracing their influences while cultivating their own distinctive edge, MNRVA manipulate these dynamic musical elements to manifest an enticing atmosphere.

Pre-save: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/mnrva2/hollow

Line-up:
Byron Hawk – guitar, vocals
Kevin Jennings – bass, vocals
Gina Ercolini – drums

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mnrvasc
Bandcamp: https://mnrva.bandcamp.com/

Bandcamp: https://blackdoombarecords.bandcamp.com/

Source: C Squared Music

LONG LIVE MNRVA.

TOOL – “FEAR INOCULUM” Ultra Deluxe Vinyl Arrives April 8th Via RCA Records

Posted in Hard Rock, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , on February 26, 2022 by Metal Odyssey

LIMITED-EDITION, 5X LP COLLECTION FEATURES NEW ARTWORK AND ETCHINGS

Feb 25, 2022, LOS ANGELES – The eagerly-awaited vinyl version of TOOL’s critically-acclaimed fifth album, Fear Inoculum, arrives on April 8 via RCA Records, with the GRAMMY®-Award winning release spread over 5 LPs and paired with new, extensive artwork.

Adam Jones reconceptualized the already impressive album packaging with each of the 180g vinyl discs emblazoned with a unique etching and accompanied by an elaborate pictorial booklet including never-before-seen artwork. The limited-edition set, which also features a new cover, is housed in a hard shell box

TOOL has consistently elevated the concept of album art, from the groundbreaking Fear Inoculum CD release fronted by a 4” HD rechargeable screen with exclusive video footage (“Recusant Ad Infinitum”) to 10,000 Days’ integrated stereoscopic lenses to Ænima’s lenticular jewel case, Jones has pushed the boundaries of what is possible. He has been twice nominated in the GRAMMY®-Awards Best Recording Package category, taking home the trophy in 2007 for 10,000 Days.

Quite possibly the era’s most highly-anticipated album, Fear Inoculum arrived in August of 2019. Debuting at #1 on Billboard’s Top 200, the album earned heaps of critical praise with NPR saying, “Fear Inoculum was worth the 13 year wait,” Revolver proclaiming the album “a masterpiece to be dissected for years to come” and Consequence saying the release finds “Tool in peak performance.”

Fear Inoculum Ultra Deluxe vinyl pre-orders are available now: https://Tool.lnk.to/FIVinyl.

Fear Inoculum Ultra Deluxe vinyl track-listing:

Disc 1:“Fear Inoculum” and “Pneuma”

Disc 2: “Invincible”

Disc 3: “Legion Inoculant” and “Descending”

Disc 4: “Culling Voices” “Chocolate Chip Trip”

Disc 5: “7empest” and “Mockingbeat”

Source: Speakeasy Public Relations & Marketing

Toolband.com

LONG LIVE TOOL.

GREENBEARD – Austin Stoner Rock Unit To Release New Full-Length, Variant”, on April 1st Via Sailor Records/Kozmik Artifactz – Teaser Video Now Playing

Posted in Hard Rock, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , on February 15, 2022 by Metal Odyssey

(Photo by Dave Creaney)

Nearly three years since first setting foot in the studio, Austin, Texas stoner rocker frontrunners GREENBEARD will unveil their long-awaited new full-length, Variant, on April 1st via Sailor Records in the US and Kozmik Artifactz in Europe.

The serendipitously named album was subject to a long incubation period, due largely to Covid-related challenges, as well as lineup changes and industry-wide delays in vinyl production. Nevertheless, Variant emerges as a valiant tribute to new directions, creative experimentation, and engagement with the wider musical community. The album represents a departure in sound for the group, which has traditionally been situated squarely at the intersection of desert and stoner rock. Songs incorporate significant soul and R&B influences, with crooning vocal interludes and surprise instrumentation, while still tapping into their heavy stoner roots.

“Wanting to blend stoner rock and soul, we entered into the recording process with a collaborative mindset, leaving room for the process to unfold in the studio,” remarks GREENBEARD frontman, Chance Parker.

In advance of the record’s release, the band unveils, “Exodus,” the first in a trilogy of singles leading up to Variant’s drop date. Notes Parker, “We chose ‘Exodus’ as the first single because it works as a Trojan horse for all the weird stuff we are about to unload on this album.”

View GREENBEARD’s “Exodus” at THIS LOCATION or below:

Having begun production in 2018, GREENBEARD set forth wanting to depart from the stereotypical derivatives of stoner rock and chose to take elements of soul music with them into the studio. They broughtin layers of strings, slide guitar, horns, and sonorous melodies to realize this vision.

Suddenly Covid-19 struck. The band was unable to play live shows, and their support tour with Texas legends …And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of The Dead was cancelled. Their former bassist departed, another was hired, then left to look for work in Hawaii. However, in the midst of all these changes, Pat Seals (Flyleaf, Kimberly Dunn, Belle & The Dragon) joined the band, bringing signature energy to their stage performances. The band then brought on Joe Samson as second guitarist, rounding out their lineup. The new album represents an openness to change and a melding of minds.

Stand by for Variant artwork, preorders, and further info to be announced in the coming weeks.

GREENBEARD:
Chance Parker – guitar/vocals
Buddy Hachar – drums
Pat Seals – bass
Joe Samson – guitar

http://www.greenbeardtheband.com

http://www.instagram.com/greenbeardtheband

http://www.greenbeardtheband.bandcamp.com

LONG LIVE GREENBEARD.

DESERT CLOUDS – To Release New Album

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Music, music news, new orleans metal music, news with tags , , , , , on February 13, 2022 by Metal Odyssey

Heavy psychedelic rockers DESERT CLOUDS are pleased to announce that they will release their album Planexit via Mandrone Records on March 25 2022.

The band comments:

“This new album is a journey throughout the inner side of the human being, represented by a nameless man who is trying to escape the surrounding environment that overwhelms him.”

Drawing inspiration from all genres and influences from the likes of SYD BARRETT to LED ZEPPELIN to NIRVANA and TOOL. Lyrically they explore the darker side of the human condition and draw on interests such as the Italian artistic movement Decadentism, along with existentialism. Opening the album is the dynamic title track “Planexit”, taking a humorous twist on Brexit delivers a theatrical and genre mixing experience. Classic, psychedelic rock styles fuse with overdriven guitars and progressive elements to create a distinctive soundscape. From the high-energy, fast-pace of “Mamarse” to the serene, atmospheric “Deceivers”, the new album delves into dystopian themes aptly explored through compelling composition.

Venture on a thrilling voyage with Planexit. Melodic riffs and hard hitting rhythms fuel the powerful impact of the music. DESERT CLOUDS‘ experimental sound produces colourful musicality enhanced with a heavy intensity.

More information will be available soon.

https://desertclouds.bandcamp.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thedesertclouds/?hl=en

Source: C Squared Music

LONG LIVE DESERT CLOUDS.

JIZZY PEARL’S LOVE/HATE – TO Release New Album “HELL, CA.” On March 11th

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , on February 12, 2022 by Metal Odyssey

Raised during the 80’s debauchery on the Sunset Strip and still going strong in 2022, JIZZY PEARL’S LOVE/HATE recently released their third single titled ‘Gonna Take You Higher’ on all digital platforms. ‘Gonna Take You Higher’ comes from the upcoming album HELL, CA. which is available to pre-order/add/save now and out on March 11, 2022, through Golden Robot Records.

Listen to ‘Gonna Take You Higher’ HERE

‘Gonna Take You Higher’ was preceded by two absolutely cracking singles ‘Wanna Be Somebody’ and ‘Soul Mama’ which both show Jizzy in fine form and gives a strong indication as to what to expect from Hell, CA.

HELL, CA. is a collection of 10 hard-hitting rock anthems, all with that distinctive Love/Hate style, with Jizzy Pearl’s trademark vocals taking the songs up and beyond and the heavy guitars doing the rest.

JIZZY PEARL’S LOVE/HATE has been a staple on the rock scene since their first record BLACK OUT IN THE RED ROOM earned them “Best Record of the Year 1990” from Kerrang! and Metal Hammer magazines.

Listen to ‘Soul Mama’ HERE

Listen to ‘Wanna Be Somebody’ HERE

Pre-order/add/save Hell, CA HERE

Listen/buy ‘Gonna Take you Higher’ HERE

ABOUT JIZZY PEARL’S LOVE/HATE:

LOVE/HATE has been a fixture on the Hollywood Sunset Strip since they released their debut album on Columbia Records BLACKOUT IN THE RED ROOM in 1990. BLACKOUT IN THE RED ROOM received much critical acclaim and was awarded “Best Record of the Year” from both Kerrang! and Metal Hammer magazines. The original LOVE/HATE released five records in the 1990’s and toured with such bands as Skid Row, Dio, Ozzy Osbourne & AC/DC.

Since that time, singer Jizzy Pearl has kept the band alive with his own version, JIZZY PEARL’S LOVE/HATE, and at the same time played, recorded and toured with such platinum artists as RATT, L.A. Guns, Steven Adler and currently Quiet Riot. Jizzy Pearl has released five solo records as well, including 2018’s Frontiers record ALL YOU NEED IS SOUL.

On-Line:
https://www.facebook.com/JizzyPearlsLoveHate/
https://www.facebook.com/goldenrobotrecords/

Source: Golden Robot Records

LONG LIVE JIZZY PEARL.

OPETH – Confirms North American Spring Tour With Mastodon – Tickets On Sale This Friday

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , on February 8, 2022 by Metal Odyssey

OPETH will return to the stage this Spring on the second leg of their North American co-headlining tour with Mastodon. The journey will commence April 21st in Montreal, Quebec and make its way through sixteen US and Canadian cities, coming to a close on May 11th in Riverside, California. See all confirmed dates below.

Comments OPETH mainman Mikael Åkerfeldt, “We’re excited to come back to North America for the second leg of shows together with our ‘brothers from other mothers’ in Mastodon. And… hello, Canada! It’s been too long, we know! We’ll soon dust off the ole guitars etc. and get in shape for this run. The last tour was quite splendid; the only downside being the restrictions. We don’t know for sure how it’s going to pan out this time around, but we’re hoping for a bit more freedom to move around. Crossing fingers here. See you semi-soon! Signing off from a rainy, gloomy Stockholm, Mikael (on behalf of OPETH).”

Blabbermouth and Knotfest.com ticket presales will be available Tuesday, February 8th at 10:00am EST through Thursday, February 10th at 10:00pm local time. General on sale date is Friday, February 11th at 10:00am local time. Visit the band’s official tour page HERE for tickets!

http://www.opeth.com

http://www.atomicfire-records.com

Source: EARSPLIT PR

LONG LIVE OPETH AND MASTODON.

AUTOGRAPH – Signed To Frontiers Music srl

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , on February 6, 2022 by Metal Odyssey

From Autograph’s Twitter timeline:

Exciting news! We are pleased to announce the upcoming release of a new studio album w/ Frontiers Music. We are looking forward to introducing our newest collection of hard rock music across the globe. A very special thank you to Serafino, Mario & the entire Frontiers Family!

From Frontiers Music srl Twitter timeline:

Autograph has signed to Frontiers and is currently working on a new album! Autograph features vocalist Simon Daniels, guitarist Jimi Bell, bassist Randy Rand, and drummer Marc Wieland. Stay tuned for more news as we have it!

LONG LIVE AUTOGRAPH.

TURN UP THE RADIO!

BRIAN TICHY – Renowned Drummer Returns To The Dead Daisies

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on February 6, 2022 by Metal Odyssey

From The Dead Daisies newsletter:

We’re thrilled drummer extraordinaire Brian Tichy has returned to the Daisies fold.

“Well, what a nice way to start off 2022. I’m excited to get behind the drum kit and do some powerful, groovy rocking with my good friends Doug Aldrich, Glenn Hughes, and David Lowy in The Dead Daisies! Looking forward to seeing you all out on tour this year!”- Brian Tichy

Can’t wait to get out and play some shows together!

LONG LIVE THE DEAD DAISIES.

SPIRITS OF FIRE – Feat. Chris Caffery, Steve Di Giorgio, Mark Zonder And Fabio Lione – Unveil Title Track Of New Album “Embrace The Unknown”!

Posted in classic rock, Heavy Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , , , on February 4, 2022 by Metal Odyssey

Heavy metallers SPIRITS OF FIRE – Feat. Chris Caffery, Steve Di Giorgio, Mark Zonder, and new vocalist Fabio Lione – have unveiled the title track of their upcoming album “Embrace The Unknown”, coming out February 18th on CD/LP/Digital, via Frontiers Music. (Please note, due to ongoing worldwide vinyl manufacturing delays, the LP release date is March 18, 2022.). Pre-order/save HERE: https://orcd.co/embrace

Stream ‘Embrace The Unknown’ here: https://youtu.be/mJRae8GJ-h4 and below:

Also stream and watch:
‘A Second Chance’ video – https://youtu.be/ARk15zw8QK0
‘Into The Mirror’ single – https://youtu.be/7UxJE2Okaf0

Heavy metal supergroup SPIRITS OF FIRE first formed in 2017, released their first single in late 2018, and unleashed their debut album in February 2019. Originally formed by Chris Caffery (Savatage, Trans-Siberian Orchestra), Steve DiGiorgio (Testament, Death, etc.), Mark Zonder (ex-Fates Warning, Warlord) and Tim “Ripper” Owens (ex-Judas Priest), the band’s self-titled debut was met with fan and critical praise upon its release.

As it approaches two years since the release of their debut, Spirits of Fire are now set to return with a new album, ” Embrace The Unknown ” that sees renowned Italian metal vocalist Fabio Lione taking over frontman duties for the band. Production this time comes courtesy of Aldo Lonobile, whose recent work on releases by Archon Angel featuring Zak Stevens, Sweet Oblivion featuring Geoff Tate, and his own band, Secret Sphere, makes him the perfect fit for the band.

Once again, the band worked on a set of songs that were primarily put together by Caffery, with Lione and Lonobile adding their own touches to Caffery’s stellar songs. The final result sees a killer musical output that continues in the vein of “classic Priest meets Savatage” sound that the band has pursued since their formation.

With Caffery’s renowned guitar playing, the undeniable power of the rhythm section of Di Giorgio and Zonder, and the world class vocals of Lione, “Embrace The Unknown ” sees SPIRITS OF FIRE pushing their sonic stamp further and further. From the biting riffage of the charging opener “Embrace The Unknown”, the band is firing on all cylinders and prepared to appease the heavy metal gods.

SPIRITS OF FIRE are built to deliver classic in-your-face heavy metal and they have accomplished that goal on every level on “Embrace The Unknown”. From Lione’s soaring vocals, to Caffery’s guitar pyrotechnics, to the propulsive and crushing rhythms of Di Giorgio and Zonder, the performances are stellar from beginning to end. There is no shortage of memorable, metal hymns to raise your fist and bang your head to on this all killer, no filler metal journey.

“Embrace The Unknown” Tracklist:

  1. A Second Chance
  2. Resurrection
  3. Wildest Dreams
  4. Into The Mirror
  5. Embrace The Unknown
  6. My Confession
  7. Sea Of Change
  8. Shapes Of A Fragile Mind
  9. Hearts In The Sand
  10. House Of Pain
  11. Remember My Name
  12. Out In The Rain

LINE-UP:
Fabio Lione – Vocals
Christopher Caffery – Guitars
Steve Di Giorgio – Bass
Mark Zonder – Drums

More info at: https://www.facebook.com/SpiritsOfFireBand

Source: Split Screen Management

LONG LIVE SPIRITS OF FIRE.

WILDSTREET – To Release 2 New Singles ‘One Tattoo’ And ‘Born to Be (RLK)’

Posted in Hard Rock, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , on January 31, 2022 by Metal Odyssey

WILDSTREET had a huge 2021 and are set to follow suit in 2022. They released their stunning new album Wildstreet III via Golden Robot Records. The band spent most of 2021 on tour in the USA which included Rockfest WI, but they remarkably also toured in Europe performing at Swiss Rock Cruise in Switzerland, France and Belgium.

They are set to release 2 new singles on February 15th: One Tattoo’ and ‘Born to Be (RLK)’. Both tracks were originally released in 2014 under the name RAVE LA KILL and both will be released with accompanying lyric videos.

‘One Tattoo’ is an electronic love song which is slick and modern. On ‘Born To Be (RLK)’ the song structure is identical to the version on Wildstreet III. This version has a more modern and electronic vibe, with all the arena hooks one would expect from WILDSTREET. Both singles were mixed by Kyle Kelso and mastered by Howie Weinberg.

Watch the Wildstreet III album version of ‘Born to Be’ HERE

Pre- Order/ Pre-Save ‘Born To Be (RLK)’ HERE

About Wildstreet:
After WILDSTREET reportedly broke up in 2013, Eric Jayk and co-founder Jimmie Marlowe teamed up with New Jersey guitarist/vocalist Felix Skiver & using the pseudonym RAVE LA KILL. The project released two singles in 2014, ‘Born to Be’ & ‘One Tattoo.’ ‘Born to Be’ was later re-recorded and released as part of Wildstreet III, released in 2021. The album has 1.8 million streams on Spotify. They also released a cover of THE 69 EYES classic ‘Mrs.Sleazy.’ They have been added to editorial playlists by Apple Music and Spotify.

In 2022, WILDSTREET has festival dates confirmed in the USA, Mexico, Colombia, the UK and Europe. They will also begin work on a full-length follow up album III.

Wildstreet:
Eric Jayk: Vocals, Guitar
Jimmie Marlowe: Guitar, Vocals
Don Berger: Bass
Dan Whitelock: Drums

https://www.facebook.com/wildstreetnyc/

https://www.facebook.com/goldenrobotrecords/

Source: Golden Robot Records

LONG LIVE WILDSTREET.

KINGS AND LIARS – Launch Video For “Conquering The Fear”

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , on January 19, 2022 by Metal Odyssey

Connecticut-based hard rock juggernaut KINGS AND LIARS – featuring members of THE DEE SNIDER BAND, JASTA andENTIERRO have released the video for their newest single, “Conquering the Fear.” New Noise Magazine is hosting the exclusive premiere of “Conquering the Fear.” Watch the video now at this location.

Guitarist/vocalist Charlie Bellmore said this about the song, “This is an important song for me, it’s about not giving up when your entire life feels like it’s crumbling around you and fixing it all. It’s dedicated to anyone who’s ever been a victim of sexual assault.”

“Conquering the Fear” comes off the band’s forthcoming new album, Transition Animals, due out January 28 on Salt of the Earth Records.

Pre-order the album:

CD: saltoftheearthrecords.com/product/744719

Vinyl: saltoftheearthrecords.com/product/744713

Compared to previous releases, Transition Animals sees a more streamlined band returning to the spotlight as a three-piece, hell-bent on delivering some heavy as all hell, well-crafted, catchy songs.

The members of KINGS AND LIARS share international notoriety as members of some severely ass-kicking bands… Kingdom Of Sorrow, The Dee Snider Band, Jasta, Entierro, and Toxic Holocaust to name a few. Charlie and Nick Bellmore have also written and recorded material for the upcoming solo album by George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher (Cannibal Corpse).

Dummer Nick Bellmore is an uber-producer who has been at the helm of many many kick-ass releases. When great artists want to up the heavy, they call these guys.

KINGS AND LIARS will hit the road early this year in support of Transition Animals. They will be joined by ’70’s-style Hendrixian Motör Funk band LORD BISHOP. Dates are as follows:

1/28 – Pompano Beach, FL @ Pipers
1/29 – Orlando, FL @ Shovelhead
1/30 – Spartanburg, SC @ Ground Zero
2/01 – Murfreesboro, NC @ Zakk’s Coffeehouse
2/02 – Chesapeake, VA @ Riff House
2/03 – Baltimore, MD @ Zen West
2/04 – Clifton, NJ @ Dingbatz
2/05 – Hamden, CT @ The Cellar on Treadwell (CD Release Party)

KINGS AND LIARS:
Charlie Bellmore: vocals/guitars
Nick Bellmore: drums/vocals
Christopher Taylor Beaudette (vocals/bass)

www.kingsandliars.com

www.saltoftheearthrecords.com

Source: ClawHammer PR

LONG LIVE KINGS AND LIARS.

OUT OF THIS WORLD – Releases New Video For “In A Million Years;” Self-Titled Debut Out Now!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, melodic rock, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , on January 18, 2022 by Metal Odyssey

(Photo by Ralf Oude Hendrikmann)

Melodic hard rock supergroup OUT OF THIS WORLD featuring legendary names such as Kee Marcello (Europe), Tommy Heart (Fair Warning), Ken Sandin (Alien), and Darby Todd (Devin Townsend, Gary Moore, The Darkness), have officially unveiled their self-titled debut full-length, out now on Atomic Fire Records!

In celebration of the record’s release, the band is pleased to deliver a video for the hugely epic “In A Million Years.” The track was originally written by Kee Marcello for Europe’s Prisoners In Paradise and spent the past thirty years in his drawer. “But with this voice, it was just perfect,” Marcello raves of his vocal force Tommy Heart. “To me, it’s one of the highlights of the album.”

View OUT OF THIS WORLD’s “In A Million Years” video at THIS LOCATION and below:

View the band’s previously released video for “Hanging On” HERE.

Out Of This World is available now on CD, LP, and digital formats. Find ordering options at the Atomic Fire webshop HERE.

It’s no coincidence that Marcello’s latest endeavor bears the name of that legendary multi-platinum Europe album released back in 1988. “When I told people about my new project, someone suggested I call it something like Kee Marcelo’s Europe. But that’s terrible,” he laughs. “I hated it. Tommy suggested to call it OUT OF THIS WORLD, simple as that. Just as the Black Sabbath guys and Dio did with Heaven And Hell.”

The same vibe, the same ear for melody, the same hooks permeate an album that was brought to life with the vigor and passion you wouldn’t exactly expect in a rock star who’s seen it all and done it all in the past forty years. “I’ve always concentrated on music, and my passion for that never changed,” he says. “I’ve never changed style; I’ve never tried to do anything I’m not doing well.”

Out Of This World beams with a freewheeling and overflowing sense of fun, musicianship, and togetherness. It’s an effortless flux that’s just not normally found on a debut. “You have to remember that Darby, Ken, and I go way back,” the legendary axe-man notes of his rhythm section. “We did hundreds of gigs together and are as tight as a thumbscrew. Same thing goes for Tommy and I. We clicked instantly when working together for the first time a couple of years ago. We have this almost brotherly connection. We’re literally reading each other’s minds, man. There was no stumbling block, it was all a self-playing piano.”

It’s the same for vocalist Tommy Heart who’s been around in this game forever as well. “You meet, you play, and sparks begin to fly,” he describes the chemistry between the members. “We don’t even talk that much. We simply let the music speak. We touch our hearts when we play which is something that’s incredibly rare to find. Nobody has to explain himself; everybody is doing just what anybody else would do at that moment.” Heart was instantly hooked when he realized that OUT OF THIS WORLD was more than a one-off thing between bored musicians in lockdown. “I don’t like these temporary projects,” he muses. “This here is the real deal.”

“With OUT OF THIS WORLD, though, it never felt like a project,” says Marcello and he admits: “It felt like a band from day one. This is why the album turned out so well. It has a genuine band feel to it.” At their very first rehearsal session in Marcello’s hometown of Gothenburg, they sketched a couple of songs that would later wind up on their debut, namely “Twilight,” “Lighting Up My Dark,” and “In A Million Years.” “We actually found ourselves right in the middle of our first recording session without even knowing it,” he marvels. “Everything felt so natural and so good that writing the rest of the songs was a walk in the park.”

Graced by additional key wizardry courtesy of Deep Purple’s very own Don Airey and embellished by a Ron Nevison mix (Kiss, Bad Company, Ozzy Osbourne, Meat Loaf, Heart, Chicago, Damn Yankees, etc.) who reunited with Marcello for the first time since producing Europe’s Out Of This World a staggering thirty-three years ago, the songs masterfully transport the bygone era of melody driven, anthemic hard rock into the present. From uptempo rocking first single “Hanging On” via “In A Million Years,” originally written for Europe’s Prisoner In Paradise, to colossal anthem “Lighting Up My Dark,” and prog-rock playground “Staring At The Sun,” OUT OF THIS WORLD solitarily resurrect a genre we thought was lost long ago.

OUT OF THIS WORLD:
Tommy Heart – vocals
Kee Marcello – guitars, keyboards
Ken Sandin – bass
Darby Todd – drums

http://www.outofthisworld.se

http://www.instagram.com/ootwtheband

http://www.atomicfire-records.com

Source: EARSPLIT PR

LONG LIVE OUT OF THIS WORLD.

UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER – To Release New Album “My Way” On April 22nd Via Atomic Fire Records

Posted in classic rock, classic rock music, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , , , on January 15, 2022 by Metal Odyssey

UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER is THE constant among the German metal scene. Originally becoming world-famous as a founding member of Accept, he continues to steadily expand upon his international successes with his U.D.O. and DIRKSCHNEIDER outfits. Remaining true to himself over the years in a way few musicians could, Dirkschneider consistently bucks music industry trends in favor of following his heart and his most personal and extraordinary album to date will be released on April 22nd via Atomic Fire Records.

Titled My Way, the record contains seventeen cover versions of the very songs that have influenced the musician and singer the most. All kinds of classics from music history are among them – including those that you might not expect from Dirkschneider. Not only does a very personal story lie behind each of the tracks, but also a sometimes-surprising arrangement that, despite the very individual implementation, lives and breathes Udo’s manuscript throughout.

Udo: “Now, when I hear the song, I remember the time when, as a very young Udo, I’d go out to light up the town and lived all the stories that can only be experienced late at night in the clubs,” he recalls. Here, Alex Harvey’s “Faith Healer” allows the artist to feel those days of an era long past. The fact that “Nutbush City Limits” is also on the album reveals a secret rarely told until now, “What hardly anyone knows so far: I was a huge fan of Ike and Tina Turner, and especially Tina’s voice. We always covered this song during Accept rehearsals in the early days. It was one of the mainstays of our Accept rehearsal repertoire for years. Regrettably, there is no recording of it.”

With Wolfsheim’s “Kein Zurück,” Dirkschneider sings in German for the first time in his career, “I immediately felt like the words understood me. It seemed to me that the lyrics were telling the story of my career, of my highs and lows and all the good and bad experiences that life has. There simply is ‘no going back’ for those who choose to live as a musician.”

The cover album also makes one thing clear: Just how many in the music industry have come and gone over the years. Yet, UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER is still here.

My Way Track Listing:

  1. Faith Healer (Alex Harvey)
  2. Fire (Crazy World Of Arthur Brown)
  3. Sympathy (Uriah Heep)
  4. They Call It Nutbush (Tina Turner)
  5. Man On The Silver Mountain (Rainbow)
  6. Hell Raiser (The Sweet)
  7. No Class (Motörhead)
  8. Rock And Roll (Led Zeppelin)
  9. The Stroke (Billy Squier)
  10. Paint It Black (The Rolling Stones)
  11. He’s A Woman, She’s A Man (The Scorpions)
  12. T.N.T. (AC/DC)
  13. Jealousy (Frankie Miller)
  14. Hell Bent For Leather (Judas Priest)
  15. We Will Rock You (Queen)
  16. Kein Zurück (Wolfsheim)
  17. My Way (Frank Sinatra)

http://www.udo-online.com

http://ww.instagram.com/u.d.o.official

http://www.atomicfire-records.com

Source: EARSPLIT PR

LONG LIVE UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER.

SHIELD OF WINGS – Release Captivating Video For First Single “Wetland”

Posted in Metal, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , on January 9, 2022 by Metal Odyssey

Midwest American Symphonic Metal band SHIELD OF WINGS emerge from their hiatus, and make their thrilling entry into the new year with their debut single, “Wetland”. The song is coupled with a captivating music video. “Wetland” is the first offering from their forthcoming debut full-length album, Unfinished, set to release February 11th. Sure to appeal to fans of symphonic metal giants NIGHTWISH and EPICA, as well as film score composers like HANS ZIMMER, JAMES HORNER, and HOWARD SHORE, their new album, Unfinished, will bring into view 10 bombastic compositions of poetic exploration.

Vocalist Lara Mordian comments on the “Wetland” filming process:

’Shooting Wetland, and wading through that cold, wet, filth, was a challenging albeit invigorating time for me. Prior to filming in late autumn, I was warned of the certain discomfort to come, but I was reassured by James that “pain is temporary, film is forever”, and I embraced it.”.

Each song from Unfinished explores themes of growth through self-examination, regret, sacrificial death and rebirth. From the “Crushing Hail” of the suffering which is inherent in life, the listener is carried through this journey, until the final track expounds upon the realization that we are all, in ways, “The Scarred Clay Reshaping.” With bold, vast orchestral compositions soaring over chugging guitars, SHIELD OF WINGS makes it abundantly clear that they are Unfinished, in more ways than one.

Pre-Order Unfinished Now

Source: C Squared Music

GRAMMA VEDETTA – Release 8Bit Version Of “The Hum Of The Machine”

Posted in Hard Rock, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , on January 9, 2022 by Metal Odyssey

GRAMMA VEDETTA has released their new album The Hum Of The Machine in its entirety, as an 8Bit version. Available on their Bandcamp, this is a nice surprise for their fans as they await the release of the full album.

Stream and download the album here: https://grammavedetta.bandcamp.com/album/the-hum-of-the-machine-8bit

“We recommend listening to this gem in headphones while waiting for the full release, the one made with loud amplifiers, various noises, bang, crash, boom and aaaaaarrrrgghhgghgh, out on May 27th via Mandrone Records.”

The idea was born from Marco’s experiments with the virtual-synth “Super Audio Boy” during the release of the previous EP and it has now become his (and the band’s) tradition to publish the rearranged songs in a version that pays homage to the music of 1980s and ’90s video games.

The artwork was created by Dan as a tribute to the cartridge artwork from Nintendo, Sega and Commodore 64.

Tracklist:

  1. A Chance To Win The Orb (8Bit)
  2. Starlight Portal Show (8Bit)
  3. Robots For War (8Bit)
  4. A Broken Time Machine (8Bit)
  5. The Electric Game (8Bit)
  6. The Future Of The Past (8Bit)
  7. Transmission’s On (8Bit)
  8. The General Magnetic And The Spanish Wormhole (8Bit)
  9. I Feel The Comfort (The Hum Of The Machine) (8Bit)

Members:
Daniele: Guitar, Vocals, Synth
Marco: Bass, Backing Vocals, Synth
Paul: Drums

Links:
https://grammavedetta.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5ll3bpDYdNtTiPU7SsaO7K
https://www.twitter.com/grammavedetta
https://www.instagram.com/grammavedetta

Source: C Squared Music

Danish Alternative Metal Quintet NORÐ Is Set To Release Their Debut Album – First Single And Video “Fear Reigns” Out Now!

Posted in alternative metal, alternative rock, Hard Rock, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on January 5, 2022 by Metal Odyssey

Promo pic by colorrain.dk

Danish alternative metal quintet NORÐ is set to release their debut album Machine Blood on March 4th 2022 via Inverse Records. The album is mixed and mastered by the magnificent Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios, Denmark (Volbeat, Amaranthe, Primal Fear, etc). The first single Fear Reigns is released today along with music video.

Watch Fear Reigns music video: https://youtu.be/3CJY2fnABfs

Single cover: Hollowed Graphix

Fear Reigns (single 2022) Composer: NORÐ lyrics: Niels Thybæk-Hansen

The band comments:“Fear Reigns is a track that means a lot to us. First of all it’s a killer riff and the verse has harmonic vibrations that would remind you of the Twin Peakstheme. The chorus begins with another bad ass groovy riff followed by a more atmospheric part that will speak to anyone who ever liked Deftones. The bridge is an epic melodic part with tight riffin’ and melancholic soundscapes.

The song has been with us for a long time and it still feels fucking awesome to play every time. The crowd also always has a good response to this track.

The lyrics talk about the cracks in the foundation of societies around the world. The ideal of a democracy based on trust is increasingly threatened by more simple means to power such as fear and repression. As the globalization have brought us closer together it has also drawn new battle lines between ideologies. Societies based on ancient traditions and belief collide with capitalistic societies based on the free will of the individual. Cohesiveness is threatened and protectionism becomes stronger.

So some really uplifting themes in that song 🙂 But seriously, we love this song and hope everyone will enjoy listening to it as much as we enjoy playing it.”

Line-up:
Vocals: Bjarne Matthiesen
Guitar: Niels Thybæk-Hansen
Guitar: Thomas Bøgh Jensen
Bass: Peter Littau
Drums: Rune Kolsbjerg Hansen

Album cover by: All Things Rotten

Tracklist:

  1. Prologue
  2. Left Behind
  3. Fear Reigns
  4. Depleted Soil
  5. The Swordsman
  6. The Run
  7. Endless Stream
  8. Seasons Erased
  9. Law of Jante
  10. Machine Blood
  11. Epilogue

Listen to Fear Reigns single on:

Youtube: https://youtu.be/3CJY2fnABfs
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3mYEZqJ
Bandcamp: https://nordmetal.bandcamp.com
Apple Music: https://apple.co/3eTNUFD
Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/albums/B09NDX6B5Q

Pre-order Machine Blood album on Bandcamp
Pre-save second single Seasons Erased on Spotify
Pre-save Machine Blood album on Spotify

LONG LIVE NORÐ.

Century Media/Sony Recording Artists WITHERFALL ANNOUNCE FULL-TIME DRUMMER AUDITIONS

Posted in dark metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on December 23, 2021 by Metal Odyssey

Los Angeles-based dark melodic metal outfit Witherfall are hosting auditions to join guitarist/songwriter Jake Dreyer, vocalist/songwriter Joseph Michael, bassist Anthony Crawford, and keyboardist Alex Nasla on a full-time basis. Ideal candidates will be available full-time, own their gear, be available for practice in Los Angeles, hold (or be ready to apply for) a valid U.S. passport, be available for tours in North America, Europe and beyond, but most importantly be passionate about their work.

Witherfall is dark melodic metal. Our influences range from King Diamond, Iron Maiden, Boston, Judas Priest to Kansas, Dream Theater, Type O Negative, and Queen. Therefore, we’re seeking an able-bodied musician that is informed by or holds in high regard talent like Mike Portnoy (Winery Dogs, ex-Dream Theater), Martin López (Soen, ex-Opeth), Vinnie Paul (Pantera), and Gene Hoglan (Testament). This is by no means a list of but rather the type of talent we’re seeking.

“We want to thank Marco Minnemann for participating in and playing on our newest album Curse of Autumn (Century Media),” says Joseph Michael. “Unfortunately, due to Marco’s intense schedule, he’s unable to commit fully to Witherfall. Our new material is shaping up to be some of the best stuff we’ve written to date. We are looking for a new drummer to join us as we embark on the next chapter of Witherfall. We already have confirmed appearances at Hyperspace III Fest and ProgPower USA XXI.”

Interested parties will film (ideally with multiple camera angles) themselves playing to one of (or multiple) the following Witherfall songs: “Tempest,” (Curse of Autumn) “Shadows,” (A Prelude to Sorrow) or “Nobody Sleeps Here…” (Nocturnes and Requiems).

Submissions must be made through our official website, Witherfall.com. Use the Contact page: https://www.witherfall.com/contact

Witherfall will pick the best candidate for a live audition / hang session in Los Angeles on January 26 and 27, 2022.

Witherfall Curse of Autumn global chart positions:
Billboard Top New Artist Albums #7
Billboard Current Rock Albums #31
Official German Album Charts #20
Swiss Albums Top 100 #73

Witherfall discography:
Nocturnes and Requiems (2017)
A Prelude to Sorrow (2018)
Vintage (2019)
Curse of Autumn (2021)

Witherfall links:
https://www.witherfall.com
https://www.facebook.com/witherfall
https://www.instagram.com/witherfallofficial

Photo By Stephanie Cabral

LONG LIVE WITHERFALL.