Archive for ross the boss friedman guitarist

DEATH DEALER Share an Official Statement Regarding Ross “The Boss” Friedman

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , , , on February 17, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

All-star heavy metal band DEATH DEALER and Massacre Records are deeply saddened to share difficult news concerning guitarist and founding member Ross “The Boss” Friedman.

The band has issued the following official statement:
We are devastated by the news that our brother, Ross the Boss, has been diagnosed with ALS.

From the very first day this band came together, we have operated as more than musicians, we are a brotherhood. That bond, that loyalty, and that respect for one another will never change.

This diagnosis, however, inevitably changes the road ahead for Death Dealer in terms of new music and live performances. Ross is not someone who can be replaced, nor would we ever try.

His contribution to heavy metal is monumental, timeless, and deeply woven into the fabric of this genre. His legacy stands on its own and will continue to inspire generations.

Right now, our focus is not on stages or studios, but on standing beside our brother as he faces this battle with the strength and courage that has always defined him.

We ask the metal community to keep Ross in your thoughts and to honour him the way he has always honoured the music, with passion, loyalty, and heart. We stand with Ross. Always.

Massacre Records stands fully united with DEATH DEALER during this time. Ross “The Boss” Friedman is not only a legendary guitarist whose influence has shaped generations of heavy metal musicians worldwide, but also a respected artist whose dedication, integrity and passion embody the very spirit of the genre.

Recently, DEATH DEALER released their album Reign Of Steel.
Stream/buy the album here: 
https://massacre-records.com/deathdealer_reignofsteel_sale/

DEATH DEALER are:
Sean Peck – Vocals
Ross “The Boss” Friedman – Guitars
Stu Marshall – Guitars
Mike LePond – Bass
Steve Bolognese – Drums

Source: Massacre Records

ROSS “THE BOSS” FRIEDMAN FOREVER.

MANOWAR – “Battle Hyms” 1982 album is required Heavy Metal Music

Posted in 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's power metal music, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1980's metal music, Album Review, classic heavy metal albums, classic metal, essential heavy metal albums, essential metal music albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1982, heavy metal bands this decade, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1982, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Metal Reviews, Music, old school heavy metal, Power Metal, power metal music, vintage heavy metal albums, vintage heavy metal bands with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on August 21, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

14727432Manowar plays Heavy Metal, their name screams Heavy Metal and they are Heavy Metal with a hundred exclamation points. “Battle Hymns” (released in 1982), was the first album from this prolific and what I consider historic Heavy Metal band. Why historic? Well, the last time I checked, Manowar held the Guinness Book of World Records title for having the loudest live performance. (I always disliked the word performance, especially when it relates to Heavy Metal). Besides being extremely loud, Manowar presented upon the world of Heavy Metal a gloriously lean, mean and heavy album with “Battle Hymns.” All eight songs on this album are laced with forcefully driven guitar leads, riffs and all things sacred to Heavy Metal. The first two song titles say it all – “Death Tone” and “Metal Daze”. What I like most about this album is that there is absolutely not one second of waste to be heard… from start to finish this is muscular, Old School, 500% – Heavy Metal. Of course, this Metal adulation I have for Manowar and “Battle Hymns” is all my Metal opinion, however, this is an album that needs to be heard by todays younger generation of Heavy Metal fans.

Manowar never complicated anything with their brand of Heavy Metal, no smoke and mirrors to be found. What can be so difficult about embracing heavy, loud and melodic music? In my Metal opinion, the Heavy Metal of Manowar is just as essential as any of the basic food groups. I could thrive just fine, on the Metal of Manowar, if it was to be the only music left on earth. “Death Tone” opens this initial album as if it is unleashing Manowar onto the universe, with their sole purpose to spread the word of Heavy Metal on every living being in existence. “Metal Daze” is my favorite song from “Battle Hymns”, it is the musical personification of Heavy Metal. What would a Manowar album be like without a battle song? It would be like having a peanut butter and jelly sandwich without the bread. “Battle Hymn” takes care of the need for listening to a Manowar call to battle… Heavy Metal style. “Dark Avenger” is another standout song on an album of standout songs, plus the narration found in the midst of this powerful and heavy music, by the late Orson Welles, adds to the mythical ambiance. 

I find the lead vocals of Eric Adams to be very reminiscent of early and legendary Judas Priest vocalist , Rob Halford. Ross The Boss without any doubt in my mind, exhibits some of the finest Heavy Metal guitar licks I have ever heard… a guitarist that commands and justifiably earns my Heavy Metal respect. “Fast Taker” is a song that sounds better each time I listen to it, even if it has been a zillion listens. “Shell Shock” is a Heavy Metal song that I always wanted to crank up extremely loud in my car, with the windows down, while at a crowded intersection of uptight people. (Maybe that wish will come through for me one of these days). “Manowar” is a Heavy Metal call to conquer, this song is not just named after the band, it signifies their tenacity and perseverance as a leader of the Heavy Metal genre. No matter how loud I play this album, there is the thought that this Heavy Metal has been played louder… rightfully so. If Heavy Metal 101 really did exist, as a college course, I would feel confident that “Battle Hymns” would be a required listen and study as to just how Heavy Metal was molded, American style, courtesy of the great Manowar.

Manowar, as they appeared on their first album, “Battle Hymns” from 1982: Eric Adams on lead vocals, Ross “The Boss” Friedman on guitars & keyboards, Joey DeMaio on four & eight string bass & bass pedals and Donnie Hamzik on drums & percussion.

ManowarBattlehymns