Canadian hard rockers SHOTDOWNTWICE will release their upcoming self-titled EP on the 21st of January, 2021.
The new self-titled EP follows their debut Got Up Once.
“After many months of work, and after numerous highs and lows we are beyond thrilled to release our second EP, aptly named Shot Down Twice. We’ve dug real deep this time to create a hard rock EP that we are really proud of. We had a blast working on it and I think that’ll come through and you’ll be able to feel that when you listen to the music. It’s a full ride and we hope you enjoy it as much as we do. Cheers to all”
Alt-Rock Artist Encourages Listeners to Let Go of the Worries in Life
Nashville, TN – Alternative rocker, MiaMorris, has just released her fiery new single, “Fucket Bucket.” With retro guitars, loops, and powerful vocals, this single is an ode to letting go of the worries in life and chucking them in the “Fucket Bucket.” “Fucket Bucket” is available now on all streaming platforms worldwide.
Mia Morris’s “Fucket Bucket” is the edgy punk anthem that can resonate with everyone. Handling everyday stress while trying to live life to the fullest can put a strain on people, so Mia Morris made a carefree anthem to help let go of the stressors. “I want life to be fun, so I wrote a song about where to put everything else,” states Morris. The song begins with her declaring, “life’s too short to have regrets,” as a single guitar advances into an ensemble of classic rock sounds. She uses her ability to mold together aspects of alternative, rock, and punk sounds to create a track that reminds listeners that some things simply need to be thrown into the “Fucket Bucket.” The song was written entirely by Mia Morris, which showcases her writing dynamic perfectly. From emphatic chord progressions to her energetic vocals, “Fucket Bucket” pulls from her varied musical tastes and eclectic influences.
17-year-old Mia Morris is a rock singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. She first made a name for herself online at the age of 12 when videos of her drumming reached over five million views on YouTube. Since moving to Nashville to pursue a music career, Morris has backed up over 150 artists on various instruments across the country. Morris has released over 40 songs as she continues to grow her career, with most being written, recorded, produced, and mixed by herself. Taking influences from artists such as No Doubt, Avril Lavigne, and Fountains of Wayne, her ever-growing style is uniquely hers, making her stand out in the rock genre.
Deemed a “drum protege” by other professional musicians, her musical resume puts her amongst some of the music industry’s most seasoned veterans. Learning from some of the best, she was able to study with rock legend Kenny Aronoff, drummer for many notable artists such as Alanis Morissette, among other famous and accomplished drummers. Her many talents and accomplishments have gained her a large following on social media; with over 34K TikTok followers, nearly 24.8K Instagram followers, and 51.8K YouTube subscribers alongside 9+ million views on her videos, Mia Morris is a name to remember.
Mia Morris reminds listeners that life is too short to have regrets, so take some time, put some things away in the bucket, and don’t worry about it. Stream “Fucket Bucket” on all streaming platforms and follow along with more of Mia’s journey on her Instagram @MiaMorrisMusic.
Los Angeles, CA –HighStreet has just released their highly anticipated EP, Revival. The EP acts as a beacon of invigorating sound in the hard rock genre. Each song takes listeners on a journey of triumph, pain, love, and self-reflection while treating them to a unique combination of vocals and instrumentation that form a sonic odyssey. Revival’s release closes out the band’s tour of the same name with an epic show at Los Angeles’ historic venue, Molly Malone’s. Revival is now available to download and stream across all platforms.
This EP wastes no time launching listeners into a flurry of emotion and hard-hitting rock that captivates the spirit and entices the ears. Revival consists of the singles, “Swallow Your Pride,” “Bad Blood,” and “Light of Hope” along with a new track, “Rock Bottom Blues.” High Street describes the latter as “an angry breakup song with a touch of optimism in the bridge.” The song doubles as a conduit for vocalist, Noxigen, and guitarist, Erik Findling to demonstrate the breadth of their musicality and undeniable chemistry. Combined with Nic Metaxas’s fluid bass and Brandon Nikales’ adrenaline-fueled drums, the ensemble operates like a well-oiled harmonious rock machine.
With each track on Revival, High Street has showcased their ability to turn vulnerability into strength: “Swallow Your Pride,” dives into the nuances of ego and overcoming troubled times, “Bad Blood,” discusses ending a toxic relationship on a positive note, while “Light of Hope,” serves as a sweet grunge-inspired ballad that offers solace to those who are battling inner demons and striving for peace within. The band continues to grow and develop both as artists and people willing to be open and honest about their trials and triumphs.
The many personalities that form High Street can be felt in every note of their music, and it’s evident that they’re making an impact on listeners everywhere. Their transcendental hard rock has garnered praise from publications like Phoenix Magazine, HEAVY Mag, Jammerzine, V13, Metalheads Forever Magazine, DIVINE,and more. The latter of which called the band a “…tour-de-force in the genre.”
HighStreet got its roots in lead guitarist Erik Findling’s Chicago attic. The young middle-schooler at the time – who first picked up a guitar at the age of four – enlisted his brother, Kurt, to assemble a group with some of their musically-inclined classmates. Their attic rehearsal space looked out onto the corner of High Street, inspiring the band’s name. While still in junior high, High Street’s musical prowess surpassed some of the city’s most seasoned music veterans and allowed them to play at renowned Chicago venues such as The Double Door, Hard Rock Café, Subterranean, among others.
As the band garnered more success, Findling began to compose original music for the group, and soon after, the band collaborated and recorded albums with acclaimed producer Sean O’Keefe, who is best known for his work with Fall Out Boy. Upon moving to Los Angeles, Findling felt inspired to start the band back up again after a hiatus during their college years. The band’s rebirth now includes the sensational vocals of Noxigen, Nic Metaxas on bass, and Brandon Nikales on drums.
Each member of the four-piece outfit brings a fresh new take on the hard rock genre. Using his background in Indian classical music, Noxigen delivers awe-inspiring vocals that fuse perfectly with Nikales’s energetic drumming and Findling’s chill-inducing guitar, and Metaxas’s rhythmic bass.
The first full-length biography of Eddie Van Halen—a searching, affectionate, and in-depth look at the remarkable life of a genuine musical virtuoso who changed the course of rock ’n’ roll.
“The game changing guitar legend gets the biography he deserves…. Diligently researched, perceptive and well-written.” —Classic Rock
Arriving in California as a young boy in the early 1960s, Edward Van Halen and his brother Alex were ripe for the coming musical revolution. The sons of a Dutch, saxophone-playing father, the brothers discovered the Beatles, Cream, and other icons as they bound together as musical partners, forming identities for themselves in their adopted home along the way.
“Affectionate and unflinching portrait of heavy metal’s Mount Everest…. Paul Brannigan goes deep here, his detailed…biography probing Van Halen’s psyche as well as his music.” —MOJO
From the moment their hugely influential 1978 debut landed, Van Halen set a high bar for the rock ’n’ roll lifestyle, creating an entirely new style of post-’60s hard rock and becoming the quintessential rock band of the 1980s. But the high-flying success was fraught with difficulty, as Eddie struggled with alcohol and drug addiction while simultaneously battling David Lee Roth over the musical direction of the band, eventually taking the band in an entirely new direction with Sammy Hagar and scaling new heights, before that iteration of Van Halen disintegrated.
Acclaimed biographer Paul Brannigan tackles the dramatic story with respect and affection for one of rock’s greatest musicians, pairing original interviews with meticulous research to bring the story of Eddie Van Halen completely up-to-date. Unchained: The Eddie Van Halen Story is a remarkable account of determination, genius, and single-minded commitment to the music.
AUTHOR BIO:
Paul Brannigan is a former editor of Kerrang! and Planet Rock magazine, and a current contributor to MOJO, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer, Kerrang! and Louder. He has previous written books on Dave Grohl, Metallica and much-missed Motorhead legend Lemmy. Born and raised in Ireland’s Six Counties, Brannigan lives in North London.
A video for “Maybe Tomorrow”, the first single from former TROUBLE singer Eric Wagner’s posthumous solo album, In The Lonely Light Of Mourning, is available at youtu.be/TDxWg92ikSs.
The album will be released March 22 on Cruz Del Sur Music. Pre-orders available at:
Recorded at Alpha Sound Services and Aardvark Recording, In The Lonely Light Of Mourning was completed and delivered to Cruz Del Sur Music a month before Eric’s untimely passing. Initially scheduled for a November 2021 release, Cruz Del Sur Music — in cooperation with Eric’s manager, Mike Smith — agreed to move the release date to March 2022 to give it the attention it deserves.
The solo endeavor — a longtime goal of Eric’s — serves as a fitting testament to one of doom metal’s most respected voices. Eric tapped former TROUBLE/current BLACKFINGER drummer David Snyder to help him assemble the album’s eight cuts. Along the way, Eric brought in some of his favorite musicians as guests — including past and present members of TROUBLE, BLACKFINGER, THE SKULL, LID, PENTAGRAM, DEATH ROW and PLACE OF SKULLS.
According to Snyder, the origins for “Maybe Tomorrow” had been kicking around for quite some time.
“The pre-chorus part was definitely influenced by Chuck Robinson’s old band, THIS TORTURED SOUL which at that time, I had the pleasure of playing second guitar for a few shows,” he says. “That influenced things for sure. The verses and descending single note parts were Eric’s suggestions and the main riff was originally just single notes. And, just before recording, Eric wanted it heavier, so I added the low droning open note and asked what he thought and in true Eric form, he calmly said, ‘That’s it. It’s a jam.’
“On the first rough mixes you can hear him say it when the song started while he did the vocals, which definitely brought a smile every time I heard it,” Snyder continues. “The songs’ style ended up being a cool full-circle thing with Chuck and I and being fans of Eric’s music, who greatly influenced our own styles. Add in Lothar Keller’s stunning solo and Ron Holzner’s badass bass and it rounded the whole track out rather well, I have to say.”
“It’s very interesting hearing this tune now that Eric has gone to the other side,” adds Keller. “Call it premonition or whatever someone’s take on it is — you can hear it in his voice and it will definitely hit you. I am honored to have been a part of Eric’s last album and his legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of many!”
The aforementioned Robinson played a vital role on The Lonely Light Of Mourning. Robinson wrote “Isolation” and “Wish You Well” and co-wrote “Rest In Peace” with Snyder. He also played rhythm guitars on every song except “If He Lost It All” and played bass on “Wish You Well”.
“The groove and vibe on ‘Maybe Tomorrow’ is insane!” says Robinson. “It’s just a killer riff with great drive. Dave is such a great remember. I remember Eric was very adamant how he wanted the feel to be. Eric’s lyrics were so personal to him. He was a master with words, hidden meanings and messages. Only he knew for sure…”
Midwestern US industrial metal outfit BLACK MAGNET has completed work on its second album, Body Prophecy, which is being finalized for release in 2022 via 20 Buck Spin.
While details on Body Prophecy – the follow-up to the band’s well-received 2020-released debut LP, Hallucination Scene – are still shrouded in mystery, the band has issued a warning shot from the crushing album, through an intense official video for the track “Violent Mechanix.” The punishing visual work was directed and edited by Joe Casey, filmed by Beau Sparks, with visual effects by Will Acuña.
BLACK MAGNET architect James Hammontree reveals, “’Violent Mechanix’ was the first new song written after the release of the last album Hallucination Scene. It was an attempt to forge some new ideas for the music and use a beat I had never tried. Lyrically, the song is about the ailments of the body physically responding to the current state of the world, a theme that repeats throughout the album in different contexts. For the video, we built a machine to be fueled by human workers whose mouth-to-mouth contact gives the machine energy until it’s final implosion. This is one of many videos to come to accompany the singles from the upcoming album, Body Prophecy.”
Explore the biomechanical psychosis of BLACK MAGNET’s “Violent Mechanix” video now at THIS LOCATION.
Watch for full details on the Body Prophecy LP to be issued via 20 Buck Spin in the months ahead.
BLACK MAGNET has issued the video in conjunction with a run of Eastern US tour dates which begin this week. The trek runs from December 11th through 20th with shows in Tulsa, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Chicago, and Indianapolis, with support from Trace Amount on the second half of the itinerary. Watch for additional tour dates to be announced alongside the new LP’s details and onward throughout 2022.
BLACK MAGNET Tour Dates: 12/11/2021 Whittier Bar – Tulsa, OK 12/12/2021 The Sinkhole – St. Louis, MO 12/14/2021 Preserving Underground – Pittsburgh, PA 12/15/2021 Saint Vitus Bar – Brooklyn, NY w/ Trace Amount 12/17/2021 Kung Fu Necktie – Philadelphia, PA w/ Trace Amount 12/18/2021 The Foundry – Cleveland, OH w/ Trace Amount 12/19/2021 Reggies – Chicago, IL w/ Trace Amount 12/20/2021 Black Circle – Indianapolis, IN w/ Trace Amount
Finnish heavy metal band Midnight Bullet is set to release their fourth studio album Hostile Resistance on March 4th 2022 via Inverse Records. Rain on Me is a first track from the upcoming album and sets the pace right from the first hits! The song represents exactly the straightforward energy that band wanted to bring back to the new record as well.
Tuomas Lahti, vocals & rhythm guitar: “So awesome to put out new song for our friends out there! This song is about social media and how people are desperately trying to reach attention. Sometimes this kind of acting isn’t healthy and this can detach you from reality. Social media can be very useful tool for marketing and reaching out fans or friends, but unfortunately sometimes it’s very easy to see how people are posting pictures only because they want to have some attention. People sometimes use social media just because they want to pose or beg attention.”
Track List: 1. Rain on Me 2. Hostile Resistance 3. Paranoia Obsession 4. Wait and See 5. Rise and Fall 6. Dead Redemption 7. Take Me Away 8. Enemy Number One 9. Last Escape 10. Angel of Babylon
Albumi cover by Karoliina Muukka
Line-up:
Tuomas Lahti – vocals, guitar Mikko Nokelainen – drums Lauri Ikonen – lead guitar Mirko Miettinen – bass
Juno nominated singer/songwriter LINDSAYSCHOOLCRAFT has been revealed as the guest lead vocalist for the upcoming album by COLDBOUND.
Lindsay comments:
“Thank you for welcoming me to the realm of Coldbound. I’ve so far had a wonderful experience being the guest lead vocalist on this double album. I very much look forward to its release in the future!
Many of you in the metal world know me from my 7 years with Cradle of Filth. I am also the main composer for Chamber Black Metal band Antiqva and have lent out my voice and playing to many songs and albums over the years. Mainly for voice, harp, and piano.
This will be my first guest feature where I am the lead singer on a full album. Pauli and Meiju approached me after they heard my Juno Nominated album “Martyr” and felt I would be a good fit for crafting melodies and lyrics.
I’m honoured to be part of this project with such a talented line up and list of guest musicians and singers. I can not wait to see how it all comes together. It’s really forming into something special.”
Band founder Pauli Souka further stated:
“To work with someone like Lindsay is a true blessing, as she shows immense professionalism and a superb attitude. I am definitely excited to share with all of you the results of this -one of a kind collaborative experience.”
Finnish melodic metal icons SONATAARCTICA should be closing their Acoustic Adventures European tour this week. Unfortunately, it had to be postponed to late 2022 due to obvious reasons. But fans need not worry as the band are bringing some cozy living room concert atmosphere to their homes in the form of the first part of their two-piece Acoustic Adventures album, due out on January 21st, 2022 via Atomic Fire.
Containing acoustic adaptions of twelve tracks leading through SONATA ARCTICA’s discography, AcousticAdventures – VolumeOne was recorded and produced by Mikko Tegelman and the band at Studio57 in Finland. Tegelman was also responsible for the album’s mix and mastering alongside bass player Pasi Kauppinen. The artwork by the quintet’s longtime collaborator and fellow countryman, Janne Pitkänen (Nightwish, Auri) rounds out the experience charmingly.
The first single from AcousticAdventures – VolumeOne, “The Rest Of The Sun Belongs To Me” is available as a lyric video viewable at THIS LOCATION.
States keyboardist Henrik “Henkka” Klingenberg: “The Rest Of The Sun Belongs To Me was a song that first appeared as a bonus track for Japan back in 2003, just around the time I joined the band. When we started to arrange songs for the second Acoustic Adventures tour in 2019, this song somehow kept popping up and we decided to give it a go. Our dear friend Masi Hukari who joined us on stage for the tour did a lot of the work on this particular arrangement and I think that his input was really important in how this song turned out. For this record, we used the live arrangement as a starting point and I don’t think the song changed that much, so what you hear is a slightly refined version of the 2019 tour arrangement. We decided to use this song as the first single since it’s really different from the original studio version and as always, we prefer to offer something new and interesting for our fans and for ourselves as well.”
(Cover art by Janne Pitkänen)
Preorder Acoustic Adventures – Volume Onephysically – on digipak CD or vinyl in various color variants – and presave/preorder it digitally to receive “The Rest Of The Sun Belongs To Me” instantly now through the Atomic Fire webshop at THIS LOCATION.
AcousticAdventures – VolumeOne Track Listing:
The Rest Of The Sun Belongs To Me
For The Sake Of Revenge
A Little Less Understanding
Alone In Heaven
Tallulah
Don’t Say A Word
As If The World Wasn’t Ending
Paid In Full
Tonight I Dance Alone
The Wolves Die Young
Wolf & Raven
On The Faultline
Catch SONATA ARCTICA live on the Acoustic Adventures MMXXII trek across Finland in February, the 25th Anniversary Tour across South America in April, at a variety of festival and special performances throughout the Summer, in the Ukraine and Russia in September, on another leg of the Acoustic Adventures MMXXII across Europe beginning in October and more. Stay up to date on all live dates and ticket info at the band’s official tour page HERE.
SONATA ARCTICA: Tony Kakk – vocals, keyboards Elias Viljanen – guitars Pasi Kauppinen – bass Henrik “Henkka” Klingenberg – keyboards Tommy Portimo – drums
Above photo: L to R: Matt Bachand (bass) & Chris Broderick (guitar)
Hey everybody, Stone here! I went to see Act Of Defiance at Oddbody’s in Dayton Ohio, back on June 16th of 2016. Accompanying me was Robert (Rob) Nickell; an old friend of mine and professional photographer. All of these fabulous concert photos featured in this post are credited to Rob.
Not appearing in a photo here is the legendary drummer Shawn Drover. Trust me, Shawn was creating plenty of thunder behind his drum kit on that night! Shawn is also an ex-member of MEGADETH.
Yes, 2016. How or why it took me over 5 years to finally publish these photos of such an amazing Metal supergroup? Regardless, I’ve rediscovered them in the Metal Odyssey archives and they’re to be enjoyed now and forever! Thank you Act Of Defiance for killing it on that night! Thank you, Robert Nickell for the camera talent!
Above photo: Chris Broderick / guitarist
I remember this concert being high octane! Chris Broderick shredded on guitar and played to the crowd with his constant smiles of appreciation. A true thrill it was for me, to see such a legendary Metal guitarist so close up! Yes, I was psyched outta my mind that night!
Above: Chris Broderick gives back the horns to his fans. Chris also is an ex-member of world-class Metal bands: Jag Panzer, Nevermore and MEGADETH.
On this tour, Act Of Defiance were out supporting their debut studio album: BirthAndTheBurial. This album was released back in August of 2015, via Metal Blade Records. I highly recommend both studio albums that Act Of Defiance created! Their second album was released back in 2017, titled: OldScars, NewWounds (Metal Blade Records).
Above: Henry Derek (vocalist). Henry is also an ex-member of Thrown Into Exile and Scar The Martyr.
Vocalist Henry Derek was outstanding! He was a thrill to see and hear live! Henry is an underrated Metal vocalist and that’s my Metal fact for the day.
Above: Matt Bachand (bassist) – Matt is also a founding member, rhythm guitarist and clean vocalist for the mighty Shadows Fall.L to R: yours truly aka Stone & bass player Matt Bachand
VANILLA FUDGE throws out another re-worked Led Zepclassic, this time it’s ‘Ramble On’ to go with the recently released ‘Immigrant Song’ and ‘Rock and Roll’. All 3 tracks come from the soon to be released album Vanilla Zeppelin.
This is Led Zeppelin done ‘’Fudge’’ style. This remastered version of ‘Ramble On’ will be released digitally via Golden Robot Records on 30th November.
A great ode to one of the most respectable and best bands of all time, by one of the most respectable and best bands of all time. VANILLA FUDGE add their own slant to Led Zeppelin’s‘Ramble On’, including some amazing organ interludes. This version definitely has a life and identity of its own.
Listen to ‘Ramble On’ HERE Listen to ‘Immigrant Song’ HERE Listen/ Buy ‘Ramble On’HERE
ABOUT VANILLA FUDGE:
Vanilla Fudge was one of the first American groups to infuse psychedelia into heavy rock sound to create “psychedelic symphonic rock” an eclectic genre which would, among its many off shoots, eventually morph into heavy metal.
Although, at first, the band did not record original material, they were best known for their dramatic heavy, slowed-down arrangements of contemporary pop songs which they developed into works of epic proportion.
Originally, Vanilla Fudge was a blue-eyed soul cover band called The Pigeons, formed in New Jersey in 1965 with organist, Mark Stein, bassist, Tim Bogert, drummer, Joey Brennan, and guitarist, vocalist and US Navy veteran, Vince Martell. They built a following by gigging extensively up and down the East Coast and earned extra money by providing free lance in-concert backing for hit-record girl groups. In early 1966, the group recorded a set of eight demos that were released several years later as “While the World Was Eating Vanilla Fudge”.
The East Coast, in particular, New York, and New Jersey, created a sound all its own. Inspired by groups such as The Rascals and The Vagrants (fronted by guitarist, Leslie West of “Mountain” fame).The Pigeons reworked many of their own existing arrangements of covers to reflect their unique interpretation of this “East Coast Sound”.
In late 1966, drummer, Joey Brennan, moved out to the West Coast; The Pigeons immediately drafted drummer and vocalist, Carmine Appice, a disciple of the renowned Joe Morello (Dave Brubeck Band) and a seasoned veteran of the club scene. In early 1967, The Pigeons manager, Phil Basile, convinced producer, George “Shadow” Morton (producer for The Shangri-Las and Janis Ian), to catch their live act. Impressed by their heavy-rocking, trippy and psychedelic version of The Supremes’ ‘You Keep Me Hangin’ On’, Morton offered to record the song as a single. This resulted in a deal with the atlantic subsidiary Atco, which requested a name change.
The band settled on Vanilla Fudge. Vanilla Fudge celebrated their 50-Year Anniversary in 2017 and is still rocking the world as hard as ever.
Retro loving hard rockers BRANDY AND THE BUTCHER are preparing to unveil their new LP scheduled for the release in Spring of 2022. Drawing upon various genre influences from punk, notably artists such as THE CRAMPS, through to traditional metal, the album explores the different sides of BRANDY AND THE BUTCHER’s sound.
“BRANDY AND THE BUTCHER is proud to announce the release of our second full length LP. It will have some surprises in store for the fans of our first record as we explore some new sonic territory. Full blown fuzz and a few heavier songs will appear along with our straight rock and punk tunes.”
Initially forming as an ensemble and dropping their EP Pretty Girls in 2018, BRANDY AND THE BUTCHER saw their first tour cut short due to the pandemic. After releasing their debut full length in August of 2020, the new LP follows the quartet as they progress in developing their music. Delivering high energy and dynamic rhythms, BRANDY AND THE BUTCHER’s distinctive rock n roll edge mixed with seductive vocals produces a raw, powerful sound. The first single “TBC” will be released on January 14th.
BRANDY AND THE BUTCHER: Elizabeth Hale – Lead vocals Jay Matheson – Guitar Kevin Brewer – Drums Roger Shattuck – Bass
DISCONNECTEDSOULS are continuing their annual tradition of releasing a Christmas cover. 2021 sees their fourth cover, John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s “Merry Xmas (War Is Over)” receive a dramatic, heavy reimagining. Fusing metalcore sounds with intense electronics, folk instruments and a choir singing in Latin, the genre busting outfit have produced their most dynamic seasonal treat yet.
The band comments:
“This year’s Christmas cover was a challenge! We knew that the song could be interpreted in a number of different styles, but we didn’t want to release multiple versions and so chose to combine all our ideas into one. Despite the trials of mixing so many ideas into one track, we’re thrilled with the result.”
“Merry Xmas (War Is Over” will be released on December 17th 2021 on all streaming platforms.
Los Angeles, CA – Long-time bassist for multi-platinum rockers Quiet Riot, Chuck Wright, proudly presents the release of the first single from his new solo album. Wright has also worked alongside such rock music luminaries as Alice Cooper, Greg Allman, Ted Nugent, various members of Guns N’ Roses and Kiss to name a few, and now embarks on his first-ever solo excursion.
The first single is a hard-rocking, intense interpretation of Björk’s 1995 hit “Army of Me” and is accompanied by a video that represents Wright’s exploration into disorder and parallels with the recent chaotic state of world affairs. The visuals include a 3D animation of an “army” of Ruth Bader Ginsburgs, the late Supreme Court Justice, feminist icon, and steadfast advocate for women’s rights and gender equality. “I chose to recognize the late Justice Ginsburg in this video as she was such a formidable presence on and off the bench. She challenged the status quo knocking down legal obstacles to women’s equality and inspired an army of believers.”
The track “Army Of Me” features several of Wright’s musical peers including the late Pat Torpey (Mr. Big) on drums, guitarist Lanny Cordola (House of Lords), and Sven Martin (Jonathan Davis Band) on keyboards along with songstress Whitney Tai, the recent “Best Vocalist” winner at The Intercontinental Music Awards.
The full-length album from Chuck Wright’s Sheltering Sky, coming in 2022, features over 30 guest performers including members of Mr. Big, Skid Row, Tesla, Dream Theater, Great White, Asia, Jefferson Starship, acclaimed solo artists Allen Hinds, Toshi Yanagi, and many others. Wright is finally stepping out on his own with a wide range of genres, from Jazz Fusion, Prog, Funk to in-your-face Hard Rock, which was in itself one of the things that led him to want to forge his own way and create this unique collection of songs within his “Sheltering Sky” project.
Photos: Top photo: Mari Kawaguchi Bottom photo: Tim Janssens
London based DESERT CLOUDS deliver ’60s psychedelic/rock influences and ’90s arrangements (or the other way around), with their own distinctive dark sound. The dynamic outfit sign to Mandrone Records as they prepare to release their new album Planexit in 2022.
The band comments:
“It took long but finally we have found the right people to work with. It’s not easy to find a label like Mandrone Records who prioritizes the artist’s point of view while they work all around it”
Drawing inspiration from all genres and influences from the likes of SYD BARRETT to LED ZEPPELIN to NIRVANA, and TOOL. Lyrically they often explore the darker side of the human condition and draw on interests such as the Italian artistic movement Decadentism, along with existentialism. DESERT CLOUDS have a career spanning two decades. Originating from Italy, the outfit have seen line-up changes, multiple releases, and worked with a range of producers.
Finnish heavy rockers Rough Grind have released their first single from the upcoming new album, “Hardened” (Inverse Records). The single hit the airwaves on 17 November, while the album is due on 28 January 2022.
The hard-stompin’ new single, titled “The Road Song”, is a wild run down the memory lane to the world of action movie classics and a powerful reminder that high-quality hard rock doesn’t necessarily have to be out for blood – gasoline will do just fine. Guaranteed to earn unwary listeners a speeding ticket or ten, the new piece makes it very clear that Rough Grind have cranked their songwriting game up several notches.
Founded in 2011, Rough Grind’s resumé includes three EPs – “Son of a Gun” (2014), “Four for the Road” (2017) and “Trouble or Nothing” (2018) – and their debut album “Pieces of Resistance” was released in 2020. The releases have been well-received around the globe, getting airtime from radio stations in USA, Canada, UK, France and Germany, among others.
“The Road Song” single was also released as a lyric video, and it’s available on the Inverse Records YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/9hAPUxTrb_g
Editor’s note: Metal Odyssey proudly introduces Tanis Enos to our staff. She embodies the talents of being a writer, photographer, concert aficionado and interviewer. Enjoy her review below! Welcome aboard, Tanis!
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Tracii Guns and Phil Lewis have joined forces once again to give fans another electric album. They teamed up yet again with the Vampiric Shredder, Ace Von Johnson, and “Stud” Johnny Martin. CheckeredPast was released on November 12th, 2021. Before the release, the band gave fans a taste of the new album releasing not only 3 singles (Cannonball, KnockMeDown & GetAlong) but also 2 new music videos for Cannonball and GetAlong.
CheckeredPast has a beautiful mix of both the fast pasted Sleazy sound that fans have come to love and slowed-down emotion invoking melodies and lyrics. The day of the release, IfIt’sOverNow was part of Apple Music’s Best New Songs list. This song alone leaves fans wondering “Who hurt the writers”. The slower-paced guitar paired with the low vocals and emotional lyrics makes for a truly theatrical experience that gives fans the ability to picture their own story. The same can be said about LetYouDown. The feeling of this track can be compared to “a heartache in the rain” scene in a movie. Even though it can’t be seen the feeling of sadness can be heard.
On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, LA Guns have turned out another group of hard rock in-your-face songs that will make you want to grab your leather pants and even your pirate hats. Cannonball is an explosive way to start the album with heavy drums and fast riffs. LivingRightNow is special because of its punk-sounding undertone during the verses and Blues Rock sound for the rest. If you didn’t know Phil was British you did after listening to bits of that song.
Though the band has gotten older, Phil’s voice hasn’t changed a bit. Just listen to ThatAin’tWhy and try to say that it doesn’t sound as clear and clean as listening to ElectricGypsy on their debut album. Tracii Guns will never not have flair, showing off his Jimmy Page like abilities on lead guitar. Now take the talent and grit of Tracii and add the style and skill of Ace Von Johnson and you have the dynamic duo that every band needs.
What is that old saying? “A band is only as good as its bass player”? Well, good thing they have Johnny Martin slapping the bass on this album. You can really hear him shine in songs like LivingRightNow and GetAlong and he adds the deep groove with the drums in Dog.
The diversity of songs in this album alone is incredible and truly makes it hard to skip any song. CheckeredPast will continue the musical high that was given to fans by the release of their 2019 album TheDevilYouKnow. Fans are already crazy about the album, making it the number one best-selling Blues Rock album on Amazon the day it was released. – Tanis Enos
Vocals: Phil Lewis
Lead Guitar: Tracii Guns
Rhythm Guitar: Ace Von Johnson
Bass: Johnny Martin
Drums: Adam Hamilton / Scot Coogan
Track List: 1. Cannonball, 2. Bad Luck Charm, 3. Living Right Now, 4. Get Along, 5. If It’s Over, 6. Better Than You, 7. Knock Me Down, 8. Dog, 9. Let You Down, 10. That Ain’t Why, 11.Physical Itch
First thing, my respect for what Dee Snider has accomplished for our community of Metal is steadfast. Dee Snider has DEFENDED METAL and Rock ‘N Roll his entire life and his discography has proven to be timeless. Seriously, a gold life-size statue of Dee Snider should be created and erected at the entrance of The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. I don’t give a rats shit about who disagrees with me on that last sentence either. My belief. My blog. My life.
This past Summer, I bought this incredible Dee Snider autographed photo from the Martyr Hardcore Metal Online Store. This website is also the home to all the merch for HATEBREED. Dee Snider had tweeted about his autographed photo being available at this site mentioned; thus how I found out about it!
The cost for this historic piece of Metal history was $30 plus a few bucks for shipping. Compare that to how much other bands/musicians charge for autographs and you’ll agree this is an extremely fair price! C’mon, $30 for an authentic autograph of Dee Snider!!
Man, there are many unbelievable deals you can find by just shopping around! My autographed photo also included a DEE FUCKING SNIDER patch and sticker! Metal Be Thy Name!! – Stone
Symphonic metal band THREADS OF FATE have released a lyric video for their stunning song “The Cold Embrace Of The Light”. The song is from their upcoming album of the same name which will be released via Layered Reality Productions on 11 March, 2022.
Band founder Jon Pyres comments:
“We’re very happy to finally release the first single of the new album, admittedly a very special track for us. It explores the darker aspects of despair, of delving deep within and facing your inner demons. It was an interesting time for the band and the new material resulted in a far more sinister manner than the debut EP.”
Stephen Pearcy and his Ratt Bastard’s Rocked the House at Quechan Casino Resort for the Veteran’s Day Concert that was originally slated with Vince Neil.
After Vince Neil’s recent fall, he cancelled the Veteran’s Day show dated November 11th, 2021 but showed up on a yacht to play a private show the day before on November 10th, 2021.
Pearcy and his Boys ROCKED the house then stayed after to meet and hang with the many great Rock n’ Rollers that have served this Country. “This was an Important show” Pearcy said “It was an honor to be here”.
Pearcy played a 14 song Powerhouse set that included a mix of all things Stephen Pearcy, from early RATT “You Got It” (written by Pearcy in “78-“79) to Arcade’s “Nothing to Lose”
LONG LIVE STEPHEN PEARCY. A TRUE AMERICAN PATRIOT.
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
Metal Odyssey's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"
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