Archive for thrash metal albums 2009

DEATH ANGEL – “Sonic German Beatdown/Live In Germany” Rages With Raw Thrash Metal!

Posted in 1980's thrash metal bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's thrash metal, current heavy metal music, current thrash metal bands, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 2009, heavy metal bands, heavy metal bands 2010, heavy metal history, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2009, live thrash metal music, metal music, metal music albums, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, Thrash Metal, thrash metal album review, thrash metal albums, thrash metal albums 2009, thrash metal bands, thrash metal bands 2010, thrash metal concerts, thrash metal legends, thrash metal music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 14, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

DEATH ANGEL – released Sonic German Beatdown – Live In Germany on July 28, 2009, on Nuclear Blast Records. This marks the first “official” live Death Angel album, due to the input and certification from the band. One other live Death Angel album does exist, it it titled – Fall From Grace, released back in 1990 on Enigma Records. From what I have read in print over the years: due to no input from the band, coupled with Death Angel changing labels and no trademark logo of Death Angel on the album artwork, Fall From Grace doesn’t get recognized as “official”. The tiny sticker on this CD’s outer plastic packaging even states: “The first official live release from Bay Area’s masters of Thrash!”

This live concert was recorded on the 26th of May, 2007, at Rock Hard Festival in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. The intro has some dude introducing Death Angel to the Thrash rabid fans… I don’t understand German, the only words I do make out from this introduction is “Bay Area” and “F’n Death Angel”. A pretty cool introduction nonetheless, I can hear the fans just getting ultra psyched for a night of Thrash Metal anarchy. Nothing in the world beats hearing some old school, live, Thrash Metal… especially from a band that, in their own right, helped define this sound. Sonic German Beatdown is raw, this recording never went to a studio to become a polished and shiny perfect product. RAW IS THE LAW!!

I always like the live albums that keep the live rhetoric intact, between the lead vocalist and the fans. That’s what F’n live Metal is all about… the excitement that a lead vocalist can incite amongst the masses, just by asking the fans – “are you ready motherfu**ers!” and stating “you guys are F’n beautiful man” is Metal proof Mark Osegueda doesn’t disappoint with his comments to the throng of Death Angel fans, on this live album.

Voracious Souls and Mistress Of Pain are just two songs that empty out all of their live Thrash potency into my ears… making me plead – please give me more Death Angel!! There’s not one sub-par moment to be heard on Sonic German Beatdown… this is Death Angel we are talking about here and it’s live. 3rd Floor is as punishing and unreal great as any song Death Angel has written, the live version only drives home the ferociousness of this song all the more. Thrown To The Wolves is yet another example, out of this amazing set of 14 live songs, that fortifies and enriches the Thrash Metal meal that I eat up with my ears, on Sonic German Beatdown.

The vocals of Mark Osegueda are right on, his pronounced style of singing Thrash Metal is undeniably great for me. Rob Cavestany and Ted Aguilar on guitars are intense as they trade licks with speed and fury, with numerous and fiery solo’s throughout this live set that simply tear up this Rock Hard Festival. The overall sound quality on this live album is fabulous, top notch without any embellishments. This Death Angel lineup certainly has left their live mark on Germany, (from what my ears tell me), a live album of Thrash Metal I behold and recommend with certainty.

DEATH ANGEL – As They Appear On Sonic German Beatdown – Live In Germany:

Mark Osegueda – Vocals

Rob Cavestany – Guitars

Ted Aguilar – Guitars

Dennis Pepa – Bass

Andy Galeon – Drums

Track Listing For Sonic German Beatdown – Live In Germany:

Intro

Seemingly Endless Time

Voracious Souls

Mistress Of Pain

EX-TC

3rd Floor

Thrown To The Wolves

Steps Of Freedom

Thicker Than Blood

The Devil Incarnate

Disturbing The Peace

Stagnant

The Ultra Violence (Introducing: Carnival Justice)

Bored

Kill As One

Check out DEATH ANGEL’S official website by clicking here: DEATH ANGEL – Official Website

Check out DEATH ANGEL’S MySpace Music Page by clicking here: DEATH ANGEL – MySpace Music Page

Stone.

6 Comments »

METAL ODYSSEY’S TOP 25 HEAVY METAL ALBUMS OF 2009

Posted in 1970's heavy metal bands, 1980's thrash metal bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's metal bands, 1990's black metal bands, 1990's heavy metal bands, 1990's thrash metal bands, Album Review, best heavy metal albums 2009, best of album lists, best of heavy metal albums, black metal albums 2009, christian heavy metal albums, cool album covers, creepy album covers, current heavy metal albums, current heavy metal bands, current thrash metal albums, current thrash metal bands, death metal albums 2009, death metal music, extreme metal bands, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 2009, heavy metal bands, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2009, heavy metal records, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal songs 2009, heavy metal vocalists, metal music albums, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, old school heavy metal bands, old school thrash metal bands, power metal albums, power metal bands, power metal music, progressive metal 2009, progressive metal albums, rock music, scary album covers, sludge metal albums, sludge metal bands, thrash metal albums 2009, thrash metal bands, thrash metal music, top heavy metal albums 2009, vintage heavy metal bands with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on December 28, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

2009 will be remembered by me as an unreal great year for Metal Music. I actually have not been this excited about Heavy Metal and all of it’s sub genres since probably the infamous 1980’s. Really, I have felt this way all year. This best of list encompasses all Heavy Metal genres, making for an all inclusive Metal bounty of greatness! These are the albums that stood out for me in 2009. It is never an easy task in compiling a list like this, I had to keep an open mind and many times… follow my Metal instincts. Certainly there are many Heavy Metal albums that are being passed over for this list, my intent is to list the best of what I listened to this past year, plus time and money was/is a factor. I hope you enjoy this list of Metal Odyssey’s 25 Best Heavy Metal Albums of 2009, these bands truly deserve a loud Metal applause for creating these albums… in my Metal opinion.

Be true to Metal and Metal will be true to you… Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from Metal Odyssey!

#25 – IT’S A TIE!

SKELETONWITCH – BREATHING THE FIRE

Extreme Metal is the best way to describe Skeletonwitch. Yes, the Thrash Metal assault is constant throughout Breathing The Fire, only at the upmost maximum level. Chance Garnette on lead vocals provides both Death and Black Metal pipes, while further solidifying the Metal extremity of this band. I cannot resist songs such as Crushed Beyond Dust, Blinding Black Rage and Repulsive Salvation, these are songs that makes this album blister and burst with all things shockingly dark and… extreme again. My extreme praise for this album was posted on October 14, 2009, it’s all yours to read by clicking the header below:

SKELETONWITCH – “Breathing the Fire” Set My Metal World Ablaze

JOB FOR A COWBOY – RUINATION

Another young and Metal eager band that brings it in the same extreme vain as Skeletonwitch is… Job For A Cowboy. Fitting that both bands released a hellishly great album in 2009. The parallels don’t just stop there… the key focus of both bands is playing very Extreme Metal. Jonny Davy of Job For A Cowboy has the vocals that were born for Extreme Metal. This Job For A Cowboy band tackles whatever issue is on their minds and don’t give a crap about commercial appeal. Thus, the tie for #25, too many similarities and extremities to have one band and their album leap frog the other, in my Metal opinion. Job For A Cowboy and Skeletonwitch… both Extreme Metal Bands that are forging their Metal legacy NOW. My July 9, 2009 post details my Metal reasons and applause on behalf of Job For A Cowboy and their album Ruination:

Job For A Cowboy “Ruination” – Extreme Death Metal album is a high point for 2009

#24 – BARONESS – BLUE RECORD

I really enjoy this Baroness band, they are different… really a cool detour in the Metal road for me. Baroness entwines Progressive Metal, Sludge Metal and Psychedelic Hard Rock into a ball of unique Metal Music, that entertains me as equally as it engages my senses. A tip of the Metal hat to Baroness for being so eclectic with their styles. My favorite song is the instrumental that ends Blue Record… Bullhead’s Lament, it has a soothing affect on me. (Yes, I used the word soothing on Metal Odyssey). For some reason or another, I am gravitating to this band all the more with each listen and I am not fighting it.

#23 – NILE – THOSE WHOM THE GODS DETEST

Any Death Metal Band that scares the Metal crap out of me, while simultaneously schooling me on vocabulary and stories of Egypt… is a winner with me. All Metal kidding aside, (well, I was not really kidding there), Nile kicks it into Death Metal – extreme, on Those Whom The Gods Detest. I wouldn’t have expected anything less extreme from Nile in 2009. With some Middle Eastern crooning and musical stylings in the mix, how on Metal earth can your serious Metahead resist this band and album? I can’t… and couldn’t with this new album. Karl Sanders, (guitar and vocals) is as serious as they come in making exceptional Death Metal… as well as Dallas Toler Wade, (guitar, vocals, bass) and George Kollias, (drums and percussion).

#22 – IT’S A TIE!!

RAVAGE – THE END OF TOMORROW

Old School Heavy Metal from a band that could very well be playing the flavor of the month stuff. Ravage not only gives a nod to the sound and fury of Old School Heavy Metal, they play it with the upmost legitimacy. I seriously recommend this album to anyone who wants to hear what Metal Hammer magazine, (October 2009 issue), considers old ass… instead, Metal Odyssey feels Ravage and The End Of Tomorrow – kicks ass. On October 22, 2009, I blabbed in praise about this album… click below to see!

RAVAGE – “The End Of Tomorrow” – A Monster Of A Heavy Metal Album

3 INCHES OF BLOOD – HERE WAITS THY DOOM

3 inches of blood is doing the Old School Heavy Metal gig too… and I’m jumping for Metal joy over it. Despite a change in the bands lineup, 3 inches of blood delivered an excellent album that resonates the glory days of uncommercial Metal. 3 inches of blood led a Metal charge of heavy and memorable songs on Here Waits Thy Doom. Cam Pipes on vocals is searingly unreal. Preacher’s Daughter is my standout song on this album, it gives me a Metal grin that stays on my face for hours.

* A METAL ODYSSEY NOTE… THERE ARE NO MORE TIES IN MY TOP 25 LIST!

#21 – HAMMERFALL – NO SACRIFICE, NO VICTORY

There is no doubt in my mind that Hammerfall respects the true spirit of Heavy Metal… I hear it on No Sacrifice, No Victory. This album exhibits why Power Metal is a musical force to reckon with. The cover of The Knack’s My Sharona, is an unreal listen in cover song excellence. A very good album of songs, one I won’t put aside anytime soon. On June 20, 2009, I told the planet just how much I like this Hammerfall album. You are one click away below, to reading all about it:

HAMMERFALL “No Sacrifice, No Victory” – Power Metal on high

#20 – EDGUY – TINNITUS SANCTUS

I wrote on this very blog that this album to me, would be the very best Power Metal album of 2009. Well, I really have not strayed from that Metal thought. Tobias Sammet and his band get all the Metal accolades from me for Tinnitus Sanctus. Edguy in my Metal opinion, has to be the most underrated Heavy Metal band in the United States, releasing the most underrated Heavy Metal album of 2009. If you feel like it, you can read a more detailed review I wrote by clicking: EDGUY – TINNITUS SANCTUS

#19 – QUEENSRYCHE – AMERICAN SOLDIER

Alert! A Heavy Metal band created a patriotic album! Run to the politically correct hills! I love this album from Queensryche, it is rich with patriotism and (gasp), songs with deep meaning. American Soldier hit home with me upon my very first listen… it will always be a favorite of mine. You are not getting Jet City Woman on American Soldier, instead you are getting a (gasp), tribute to the men and women who protect the United States of America and practically the rest of the whole world too. I give a huge Metal salute to Queensryche for creating this fabulous album. On April 3, 2009, I posted a more meaty review of this album… click below to check it out, (only if you want to):

Queensryche “American Soldier” is Metal that honors those who serve.

#18 – HEAVEN & HELL – THE DEVIL YOU KNOW

From everything I have read this past year, you either love this Heaven & Hell album or you hate it. I love it. Without these guys what would Heavy Metal be like today? I am not giving out free passes based on Metal sentiment… The Devil You Know really is a heavy hitter – for my Metal senses. On April 30, 2009, I boasted very loudly about how much I love this Heaven & Hell album. It is a click away below:

Heaven & Hell “The Devil You Know” is Metal greatness!

#17 – IMMORTAL – ALL SHALL FALL

In a year of Metal comebacks, Immortal is standout. The legend of Immortal continues through 2009 and beyond with the release – All Shall Fall. All seven songs are of equal importance, a total Black Metal achievement. The Rise Of Darkness and Norden On Fire may be my favorite songs, in reality however… every song is a Black scorcher. Be it speed, hard, heavy or the combintion of the three, add darkness to the mix and it is all relative. A Black Metal album to seek out if you haven’t already.

#16 – KISS – SONIC BOOM

That’s right… KISS. They made a monstrous comeback, in my Metal opinion, with Sonic Boom. I had quite the experience in getting my hands on Sonic Boom on it’s release date, yet that is another story I blogged about a couple of times already. Never Enough is my favorite song and every song is memorable. The companion CD – KISS Klassics is an unreal listen in Kisstory. I feel it was a justifiable move to reinvent these great KISS songs from years ago. This is KISS 2009 and Sonic Boom is a reflection of KISS’s glory days. I predict I will never tire of this album… never.

#15 – STRYPER – MURDER BY PRIDE

Stryper set the standard for Christian Heavy Metal decades ago. Stryper has set the bar even higher with Murder By Pride. Just a fantastic, melodic, Heavy Metal album of quality songs. My two top favorite songs are Run In You and the cover song of the Classic Rock gem from Boston… Piece of Mind, (which also features Boston legend Tom Scholz). I am pleased to have gotten my ears into this Stryper album, fellow Metalheads… this one is a keeper.

#14 – CANNIBAL CORPSE – EVISCERATION PLAGUE

Now, this is my cup o’ Metal tea. Cannibal Corpse. Heavy duty – Death Metal. This album does not find Cannibal Corpse straying off the extreme path of deathly, brutal Metal they are so famous for. Nope. Cannibal Corpse made sure that their fans brains get the maximum shock and awe that we so crave from this legendary Death Metal band. A sheer Death Metal delight all the way through. Metal Odyssey hereby dedicates this album to the PMRC. For a more defined review I wrote on Evisceration Plague, click here: CANNIBAL CORPSE – EVISCERATION PLAGUE

#13 – SACRED OATH – SACRED OATH

Sacred Oath is not a stranger to the world of Heavy Metal. This Old School Heavy Metal Band has proven that great Metal things come to those who persevere and… wait. I like this album so much, I found myself pumping my fists into the air and jumping up and down upon my first listen… (now I am embarrassed). Nonetheless, just being able to bang my head to this amazing album of Traditional Heavy Metal and slap it into my top 25 list is – enough to make me grin fiendishly. From beginning to end, Rob Thorne on vocals and the rest of this ultra talented group makes me think… why couldn’t you have made an album every year for the last 20 years? Hey, I’ll accept whatever Sacred Oath has accomplished and be thankful for it. Very expensive Connecticut should consider erecting a Sacred Oath visitors bureau… and realize what real talent does exist in their state.

#12 – MARILYN MANSON – HIGH END OF LOW

Marilyn Manson. Just as Alice Cooper and Blackie Lawless before him have done, it’s all about theatre and Metal. I don’t give a rats butt about gossip or what celebrities do on the side. All I give a crap about is the music… the Metal. Marilyn Manson is Metal, a very unique brand too. In his very own splendid way, Marilyn Manson is a Metal genius. (I just used the word splendid on Metal Odyssey). To use the language that is most cliche and street… this album F’n Rocks. Why the heck should I beat around the Metal bush? Arma-godd**n-motherf**kin-geddon is my Metal song of 2009. Metal hands down, the best damn Metal song of the year. I’m not kidding around… High End Of Low is fabulous. This album is the beginning of my must own list.

#11 – OBITUARY – DARKEST DAY

Oh, how I love quality Death Metal. Especially when the quality is derived from a group, that is instrumental in putting Death Metal on the damn map to begin with. I felt just a couple of months ago, that Darkest Day from Obituary would be my #1 album of the year… it is that Death Groove laden great. Man, I can listen to Darkest Day repeatedly and still want more. Metal truth be told, this is a Death Metal album that without doubt in my mind, should convert non Death Metal fans into this realm. If you have the Metal time, take a gander at my detailed review I posted about Darkest Day, from September 9, 2009:

OBITUARY – “Darkest Day” brings the darkest and heaviest Death Metal

#10 – ACE FREHLEY – ANOMALY

How can I not embrace the comeback of Ace Frehley? A Rock legend this phenomenal couldn’t stay away forever. Especially when his comeback is an album so incredibly great as Anomaly. The cover song of Fox On The Run, made infamous by Sweet, just resonates with Old School… as does this entire album. I cannot find a song on Anomaly that I don’t like. Today’s younger bands should listen to Anomaly and learn about the roots of Heavy Metal. Space Ace definitely made a return to form in 2009. On September 24, 2009, I blogged loud and proud about this Ace Frehley comeback album, click the link below to read on if you like:

ACE FREHLEY IS BACK! “ANOMALY” ALBUM IS PROOF BY QUANTUM LEAPS!

#9 – KREATOR – HORDES OF CHAOS

I have said it numerous times that 2009 was an amazing year for Metal Music, with so many of my favorite core bands not just releasing albums… releasing GREAT albums. Kreator was no exception, with Hordes Of Chaos. Thrash Metal that is raw, Old School and straight up. There were no fancy recording tricks done on Hordes Of Chaos… instead this album was created with the purpose of it being performed live. Very Hard, fast, lean and mean is Hordes Of Chaos. I can go on for hours about how enormously great this album is… instead I will stop myself here by adding… GET THIS ALBUM! Yes, you can certainly read my more detailed review I did back on March 14, 2009 – just click below please.

KREATOR – HORDES OF CHAOS

#8 – SHADOWS FALL – RETRIBUTION

I have one word to start off with, whoa. Shadows Fall has already made a dent in the world of Metal Music, now they are into bigger dents. Retribution is an all-out Thrash Metal attack. I did not anticipate such a powerful and full-on Thrash assault, such as this, from Retribution. Just when I thought Kreator was going to be hard to top in the Thrash Metal category, Shadows Fall decided to embark on a new album of their own in 2009… and it is worth every stinking, germ laced, copper penny I paid for it. You betcha I blabbed Metal praise for Retribution, did so on September 16, 2009:

SHADOWS FALL – “RETRIBUTION” album is a Thrash Metal lightning strike!

#7 – MASTODON – CRACK THE SKYE

What Mastodon has accomplished with Crack The Skye is achieving harmony with Metal, progressiveness and psychedelia. These three ingredients are what makes Crack The Skye so damn Metal satisfying. Honestly, as with any progressive band in Metal, it will take me numerous more listens to hear every minute, musical detail that is happening. Oh drat, that means I will have to keep on listening to this unreal great album again and again. On May 6, 2009, I told the universe about what a cool Metal journey it was for me, listening to Crack The Skye:

Mastodon “Crack The Skye” is a cool Metal journey to take

#6 – DREAM THEATER – BLACK CLOUDS & SILVER LININGS

I marvel at the musicianship of Dream Theater. This is a Progressive Metal Band that just seems to hit the right spots within my Metal soul. Black Clouds & Silver Linings is so unbelievably layered musically, with lyrical content that is emotional hardness, touching on the human spirit and overcoming pain. Yes, a deep album, only it is a gem of a Progressive Metal album. My standout song for 2009 is Wither, the rest of the songs on this album are worth their weight in platinum. I did let the Metal community know my feelings on this album, on July 16, 2009:

Dream Theater “Black Clouds & Silver Linings” – Many silver linings found on this album

#5 – LAMB OF GOD – WRATH

From the opening instrumental of The Passing to the last song, Reclamation, this is as complete a Thrash Metal album as you will hear. It’s always about the songs… great ones to be heard on Wrath. Lamb of God’s strengths is in carving out their own identifiable sound, (musically and vocally) and their astounding musicianship. Wrath is an album that signifies just how great Lamb of God has become as a unified band. Once again, there are no scraps or shavings in the mix on Wrath… just damn excellent Thrash Metal songs. July 30, 2009, was the day I posted my detailed review for Wrath:

lamb of god – “Wrath” is a welcomed overdose of Thrash Metal ferocity

#4 – ALICE IN CHAINS – BLACK GIVES WAY TO BLUE

I won’t argue with anyone who puts Black Gives Way To Blue at #1 for their year end list. When an album rivets me and takes me over the way this album does, a permanent bond takes place between myself and the songs. Alice In Chains have shown an amazing testament of pride, talent and the will to carry on that has driven this band to create such a brilliant album of songs. Vocalist/rhythm guitarist William DuVall has his presence heard on this album, with the seamless transition into a new era of Alice In Chains… a Metal bravo. Jerry Cantrell, (guitarist), can take a bow and lament in any and all the glory that this band derives from this albums success. Rightfully as well should Sean Kinney, (drums) and Mike Inez, (bass guitarist). What? A favorite song from this album? Forget it… it’s all eleven of them. THIS IS AN ALBUM.

#3 – MEGADETH – ENDGAME

Yes, Endgame is a great Thrash Metal album… from a great Thrash Metal Band. Legend status does not seem to corner Dave Mustaine as of late, as the songs on Endgame are as fiery and heavy as any past and great album from Megadeth. To understand the longevity of Megadeth is to listen to Endgame… there is a vast supply of original Metal ideas in the mind of Dave Mustaine. Thrash Metal is thriving today, due in part to the contributions that Dave Mustaine and Megadeth have given to this genre over the decades. This is not a Thrash Metal album being touted by a Thrash Metal fanatic… Endgame is as legit as it gets when it comes to Metal – period. September 20, 2009, was the day I raved about Endgame:

MEGADETH asserts Thrash Metal Supremacy with ENDGAME

#2 – SLAYER – WORLD PAINTED BLOOD

In my original review I posted on Metal Odyssey, regarding Slayer – World Painted Blood, (on December 7, 2009), I basically stated there really isn’t anything to breakdown here. I am sticking to that Metal sentiment. Why should I get all fussy and serious about a Slayer album? Slayer epitomizes what METAL is supposed to be about… brutal, raw, hard, heavy, fast, extreme and at times very pissed off. That is World Painted Blood in a Metal nutshell. O.k., throw in that Slayer really did go back to basics with the Old School sound and production… and that only made this Slayer album that much more METAL LETHAL. If you don’t own this Slayer album by now, you must make a new years commitment to go out and get it… and listen to it over and over again. F’n Slayer Rules. To read my initial review, (if that’s what you call it), on World Painted Blood, click below at your own Metal convenience:

SLAYER “WORLD PAINTED BLOOD” – AN UNREAL GREAT, OLD SCHOOL THRASH METAL ALBUM

#1 – W.A.S.P. – BABYLON

THIS IS MY #1 HEAVY METAL ALBUM OF 2009! So let it be Metal written, so let it be Metal known. The songs, man it’s the songs on Babylon. From Crazy to Promised Land and every song in between… this album scorches with all the fantastic elements of Old School Heavy Metal – wrought with the fire of today’s Heavy Metal sound. Blackie Lawless has never sounded more focused and determined vocally. Babylon could be interpreted as a partial concept album… I will take the high Metal road and steer away from the concept mentality. The cover songs of Burn and Promised Land are like two sticks of Heavy Metal dynamite. Since my very first listen to Babylon, I knew… this is THE ONE for 2009. The total Metal impact this Babylon album has had on me is beyond incredible. Babylon is an all encompassing, psyche-out the senses party – of a Heavy Metal experience. Thank you, Blackie Lawless for making this Babylon album. I also thank my best Metal buddy Scott for steering me in the right W.A.S.P. direction, more times than I can remember. I posted my Metal jubilation for this W.A.S.P. album on November 10, 11, 14 of 2009. Below is from November 10th:

W.A.S.P. COVERS THE DEEP PURPLE CLASSIC “BURN” WITH HEAVY METAL PRIDE ON BABYLON ALBUM!

Thank you for visiting Metal Odyssey and my Top 25 Heavy Metal Albums Of 2009 List! Yes, the list can be considered a tad detailed… I love Heavy Metal, I cannot help myself. Do yourself a Metal favor and check out the other great Hard Rock/Heavy Metal blogs below for their Best Of 2009 lists as well… you should find it interesting to see what other Music Bloggers consider great albums, plus it’s good fun.

Heavy Metal Addiction – http://heavymetaladdiction.com/

All Metal Resource – http://allmetalresource.com/

Bring Back Glam – http://bringbackglam.squarespace.com/

Hair Metal Mansion – http://hairbangersradio.ning.com/

Hard Rock Hideout – http://hardrockhideout.com/

Heavy Metal Time Machine – http://metalmark.blogspot.com/

Imagine Echoes – http://www.imagineechoes.com/

Layla’s Classic Rock – http://laylasclassicrock.blogspot.com/

Metal Excess – http://metalexcess.com/

The Metal Minute – http://rayvanhornjr.blogspot.com/

Rock Of Ages – http://rockofages.wordpress.com/

The Ripple Effect – http://www.ripplemusic.blogspot.com/



11 Comments »

SLAYER “WORLD PAINTED BLOOD” – AN UNREAL GREAT, OLD SCHOOL THRASH METAL ALBUM

Posted in 1980's thrash metal bands, 1980's thrash metal music, 1990's thrash metal bands, cool album covers, current thrash metal albums, current thrash metal music, essential thrash metal albums, extreme metal music, guitar legends, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school thrash metal music, thrash metal 2009, thrash metal albums, thrash metal bands, thrash metal guitarists, thrash metal legends, thrash metal music, thrash metal today with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on December 7, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

When I bought the new release from Slayer, World Painted Blood, on it’s release date of November 3, 2009, I had it in the back of my Metal mind that I was going to eventually do a review on it. Now, after owning World Painted Blood and listening to it for a month, I am thinking… why should I review this? Who am I to give a review on the greatest Thrash Metal Band on the planet? Review, in depth, the greatest Thrash Metal Band that ever existed? Man, that would be embarrassing for me, to actually try to “review” an elite Thrash Metal album of songs like World Painted Blood. For Metal sakes, World Painted Blood is just down right, unreal great. Old school and (thankfully) toned down in the polished production department, that is about it from me. Every song is insanely great. Even Playing With Dolls is a darned great track… which I have read dork reviews on this song already. (Once again, it is professionally paid Rock critics who never bother to listen to an album in it’s entirety, they are the ones who give out the lame butt reviews on sensational Metal Music). All eleven songs are enormously great on World Painted Blood, end of my Metal review.

In the past, maybe I reviewed a vintage Slayer album or two… I’m done with that. Reviewing a Slayer album is like reviewing a Beatles or Elvis Presley album… anyone should know what they are getting from Slayer by now. Gee Metal whiz. Old school Thrash Metal and Slayer fans know that this World Painted Blood album is worth owning. For me to even consider breaking down the songs on this amazing album, the guitar leads and riffs of Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman, the vocals/bass play of Tom Araya and the drumming of Dave Lombardo… c’mon, are you kidding? What is there to breakdown? Not often do I feel this way, that an album should just be accepted for it’s unreal great Metal worthiness and not dilly dally around the archaic “review” bush. Metal fans worldwide… take it from me, this is a Slayer album to buy and enjoy for a lifetime. World Painted Blood – nuff’ said. You can call this an Old School Metal review if you like… F’n Slayer RULES.

Here is the track listing for World Painted Blood:

1. World Painted Blood

2. Unit 731

3. Snuff

4. Beauty Through Order

5. Hate Worldwide

6. Public Display Of Dismemberment

7. Human Strain

8. Americon

9. Psychopathy Red

10. Playing With Dolls

11. Not Of This God



3 Comments »

ADVISORY STICKER ON SLAYER “WORLD PAINTED BLOOD” CD MAKES ME LAUGH

Posted in censorship issues, current heavy metal albums, current heavy metal bands, current heavy metal music, current metal albums, current thrash metal, current thrash metal albums, current thrash metal music, grocery store experiences, heavy metal music, hypocrisy, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, new thrash metal albums, old school thrash metal music, parental advisory issues, parental advisory sticker issue, rock music, thrash metal bands, thrash metal music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 6, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

Slayer "World Painted Blood" small pic #1I, being a devoted Slayer fan, bought their new CD – World Painted Blood this week. An unreal great album and I will be raving about it on a future post – that’s a Metal guarantee. What makes me laugh, however, is the lame Parental Advisory/Explicit Content sticker that stares at you on the front cover wrapping of this CD. This silly little sticker also reads: strong language, sexual + violent content. If this sticker with it’s various warnings is mandated to be on the new Slayer CD, why then, is there not the same warning, for the following:

Cosmopolitan Magazine – this soft porn magazine is out in the open for toddlers and youngsters to see at every checkout in every major supermarket and retail store everywhere. The words – orgasm and sex are the monthly norm on the front cover and never out of eye sight.

All Network News and Cable News Networks – my God almighty, if there ever was a warning needed, it is for the constant news footage of war, murder, rape, violence and crimes against humanity and society. This stuff is reality and it is constantly available around the clock, every day of the year. NEVER A WARNING or Parental Advisory for when gruesome, morbid, violent and sexual images and or footage is shown by network news, at a split seconds notice… never.

Political Campaign Commercials – backstabbing, hate, lying, rumors and more hate. Those are reasons enough for me to cry out for the Parental Advisory Warning!

All Tabloid Publications – just like Cosmopolitan Magazine, these publications are fully shown, out in the open, at every checkout, at every supermarket, retail store and gasoline quick mart everywhere… for toddlers to see. No warnings to be found. Just 3/4 naked celebrities adorning the front covers with sexual headlines galore.

Day Time Soaps, (Soap Operas) – do I really need to explain why this is on the list? Again, NO WARNINGS or Parental Advisory before any soap opera that I have ever seen, in my ADULT life.

I could go on with a fantastically long list here. It is not my intention to ever censor any of the above, I am against censorship in America – period. The Metal Music and lyrics of Slayer can’t possibly be interpreted as any more offensive, as the list of examples above. My only question is, where is the fairness in placing warning stickers on Heavy Metal CD’s, (or any music genre), when other forms of media are not subject to the same advisory standards? Hypocrisy is the only answer I can find.

This sticker as shown at the bottom, also included more warnings on the Slayer CD as I stated above. Not to sound redundant, yet, if the RIAA, (Recording Industry Association of America), deems it necessary to establish this type of warning on music, why then are other media industries and/or entities exempt from using such a warning? Again, hypocrisy is the only answer I can find.

For those who may have never seen this ridiculous sticker attached onto CD’s that span many music genres, here it is in it’s most gruesome glory. By the way, this annoying little sticker only enhances a CD’s taboo mystique, in turn helping to sell more copies of the CD it’s on. In it’s own morbid way, maybe this sticker has become something of a Pop Culture symbol of cool… that’s just my Metal opinion.

Parental Advisory Sticker - large image

2 Comments »

Children Of Bodom – “Skeletons In The Closet” Album Of Cover Songs Is Metal Thrashing Good

Posted in Album Review, cool album covers, cover songs, creepy album covers, current extreme metal albums, current extreme metal music, current thrash metal albums, current thrash metal music, extreme metal bands, extreme metal music, guitar legends, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 2009, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2009, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, metal music, metal music albums, metal odyssey, Music, new thrash metal albums, scary album covers, spooky album covers, Thrash Metal, thrash metal 2009, thrash metal album review, thrash metal albums, thrash metal albums 2009, thrash metal bands, thrash metal cover songs, thrash metal from finland, thrash metal guitarists, thrash metal music, thrash metal music reviews, thrash metal songs, thrash metal today with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 5, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

Children Of Bodom "Skeletons in the Closet" small album pic!I really get a kick out of Alexi Laiho, his lead vocals and lead guitar play are extreme to the Metal maximum. I know that sounds rather yahoo, only there is no other way to really explain it. I like this guys style, he is hell bent on playing some of the fastest Thrash Metal Music out there. On the new Children Of Bodom album, Skeletons in the Closet, (released on September 22, 2009), there are seventeen cover songs. Of the bands and musicians that are covered here, there is one song that I simply cannot get into or simply stomach. Hey, one lousy song out of seventeen isn’t too shabby. Consider the fact, that I really like the other sixteen songs on Skeletons in the Closet and I declare this album a Metal winner. Let’s cut to the Metal chase here and I’ll just state that the cover of the Britney Spears song, Oops… I Did It Again is equally lame as it is annoying. I have never been intrigued by Britney Spears, nor do I give her even one millionth of an ounce of respect for any music she has done in her life.

I don’t hold anything against Alexi Laiho and Children of Bodom for doing this crappy cover song, the liner notes spell out clearly as to why this song was covered in the first place. I will paraphrase the explanation found in the liner notes  – apparently, Children Of Bodom, during a night of heavy drinking, were listening to a party CD they made and this crap song was looping over and over. The members of Children Of Bodom made a pact that someday they would cover this crap song, obviously they did, on Skeletons in the Closet. The explanation, (in the liner notes) for this crap cover song goes on to finish: “… and pissed a lot of people off! That’s just what we do”. In the Metal end, sure, after listening to this crap cover of Britney Spears, I felt pissed off – now I think it is damn funny, a song intended to be a joke, not to be taken seriously like it’s original artist Britney Spears.

As I stated, the remaining sixteen cover songs I like a great deal. The Thrash Metal representation of these songs explode with the power and aggression that I have always admired with Children Of Bodom. Many of my favorite Metal bands are covered extremely hard and heavy on this album: Silent Scream from Slayer, Aces High from Iron Maiden, Hellion from W.A.S.P., Don’t Stop At The Top from Scorpions, Mass Hypnosis from Sepultura and Waiting from King Diamond. Children Of Bodom give these songs their stylistic Thrash Metal stamp on them, I find myself appreciating their versions a whole lot. Whenever it comes to covering Slayer, man, that is a tough Metal task to take on.

Other cover songs on Skeletons in the Closet that are powerful Thrash Metal listens are: Rebel Yell from Billy Idol, Hell Is For Children from Pat Benatar and Talk Dirty To Me from Poison. These three songs standout for I like them a great deal more than the original versions. Ghost Riders In The Sky appears on this album too, (it appears on the Children Of Bodom album Blooddrunk as an unlisted ghost song, excuse the pun). Somebody Put Something In My Drink from the Ramones is excellent! Alexi Laiho sounds like he is really enjoying this song as I listen to him sing it. Still, nothing can ever top the original version of this song by the unreal great and legendary Ramones. Trust me, you will NEVER know that the song Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In) is from Kenny Rogers. NO WAY, am I ever interested in hearing the original version either… especially since this cover version Thrashes like there is no tomorrow.

Overall, the Metal verdict is Skeletons in the Closet is loaded with fiery Thrash Metal passion from Children Of Bodom, with their trademark keyboards only enhancing the experience. I will listen to this covers album for years, hopefully decades to come. I am soon going to use the “F” word… watch out… here it comes… Children Of Bodom made a darn fun album here. Thankfully the crap song is the very last on the track list, making it easier to just end the album at song #16. I recommend Skeletons in the Closet and always highly recommend Children Of Bodom to all.

Children Of Bodom "Skeletons in the Closet" large pic #2


2 Comments »

On The Eve Of Slayer’s “World Painted Blood” Release, Some Metal Thoughts…

Posted in 1980's thrash metal albums, 1980's thrash metal bands, 1980's thrash metal music, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's metal music, 1990's metal bands, 1990's thrash metal bands, 1990's thrash metal music, current heavy metal music, current thrash metal albums, current thrash metal music, essential thrash metal albums, extreme metal bands, extreme metal music, extreme music, heavy metal music, Metal, metal music, metal music today, metal odyssey, Music, new thrash metal albums, old school thrash metal music, thrash metal 2009, thrash metal albums, thrash metal albums 2009, thrash metal bands, thrash metal guitarists, thrash metal legends, thrash metal music, thrash metal today, vintage thrash metal bands with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 3, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

Slayer small logoI am a Slayer fan. Have been since I first held onto the Show No Mercy album and stared at the artwork in frozen awe. I bought that Slayer album back in 1984, back when I was picked on for the music I liked by the kids wearing turtle necks, with a stupid alligator on them. The Izod kids… they were so convinced that Slayer was not going to be around in five years. That same Izod crowd all were convinced that Metal Music was for the troubled kids, listening to Slayer is what made us trouble. Really, that junk was thrown at me about Slayer and I never flinched. It’s funny now as I look back on those ridiculous high school years, the hurtful remarks and snotty attitude that I put up with from so many of my peers are now a humorous memory for me. I’ve turned out alright for myself since 1984, I am proud of my life’s accomplishments thus far. I’m not about to reveal every good deed I have done throughout my life, it really would be boring to read. Being a Slayer fan and fan of Metal Music is a part of me, take it or leave it.

Slayer small logoContrary to so many of the Izod kids, the religious right and the PMRC, (The Parents Music Resource Center), I and countless other Slayer fans never became Satanists or serial killers. Nope, the Thrash Metal of Slayer never made me commit a crime. I know this probably disappoints some of the Izod crowd out there, yet Slayer never influenced me to become a lifetime criminal. To compare Metal Music to violent behavior is such a waste of time, there is no correlation. Drugs and/or mental illness is the obvious incubus for violent behavior. How do I know, you may ask? Well, for one, Charles Manson was a Beach Boys fan… Thrash, Death and Black Metal never existed when Charles Manson was roaming the streets. Anyone would be wrong to connect The Beach Boys to violent behavior as well. To say that even The Beach Boys provokes violent behavior is ludicrous and/or irrational. What type of Metal Music did Al Capone listen to? How about Napoleon Bonaparte? I have made my Metal point here… feels good too.

Slayer small logoI always express just how thankful I am that so many veteran Metal bands are still around making music. Slayer is the Thrash Metal cream of the crop for three decades running. On the eve of their new album releasing on November 3, 2009, I am excited to say the least. I have deliberately not listened to any of their new songs from World Painted Blood… I want to be surprised and psyched – the old school way. Back in the early ’80’s, unless you worked for IBM, the internet was a foreign word, hearing a new album meant listening to it once the purchase was made on release day. I did listen to Megadeth Endgame on their MySpace Music page before I bought it on the respective release date… I don’t regret that move, still some of the fun was taken away for me, once I had the Endgame CD in my hands. (I already knew what I was going to here, nonetheless, Endgame is a Thrash Metal powerhouse of an album).

Slayer small logoSo, tomorrow I will make my Metal journey to most likely… f.y.e. and make that Slayer World Painted Blood purchase. I will then go to my car, unwrap the annoying plastic wrap and NASA glued anti-theft sticker off of the CD and crank it louder than all hell. I will smirk all the while, knowing that I am a proud middle aged Metalhead, doing alright and still following Slayer in the year 2009. SLAYER RULES and Metal Music Lives.

Leave a comment »

MEGADETH asserts Thrash Metal Supremacy with ENDGAME

Posted in 1980's thrash metal bands, 1980's thrash metal music, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's metal music, 1980's thrash metal, 1990's heavy metal bands, 1990's thrash metal bands, 1990's thrash metal music, Album Review, classic metal, collecting music, cool album covers, creepy album covers, current heavy metal albums, current heavy metal music, current metal albums, current thrash metal, current thrash metal albums, current thrash metal music, essential heavy metal albums, essential metal music albums, essential thrash metal albums, essential thrash metal songs, guitar solos, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 2009, heavy metal bands this decade, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2009, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal songs 2009, heavy metal this decade, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, metal music, metal music this decade, metal music today, metal odyssey, Metal Reviews, Music, new thrash metal albums, old school thrash metal music, rock music, scary album covers, Thrash Metal, thrash metal 2009, thrash metal album review, thrash metal albums 2009, thrash metal bands, thrash metal legends, thrash metal music, thrash metal music reviews, thrash metal today, vintage thrash metal bands with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on September 20, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

 

Megadeth Chrome Logo Banner 2009

 

 

 

Life is good. Life is cool. Especially when Megadeth releases four albums in the last three years, (2 studio, 1 live and 1 greatest hits). The newest album Endgame, (released September 15, 2009 on RoadRunner Records), has made this Metalhead very, very happy. I have been a Megadeth and Dave Mustaine fan since Killing Is My Business… and Business is Good was released back in 1985 and I have seen Megadeth live. Needless to say, Megadeth is without question, one of my core Metal Bands that I am thankful for still being around in 2009 making new music. Dave Mustaine deserves any and all the Metal accolades that may come his way, as I see it, he is as important a figure in the history of Metal Music as anyone… ever. The Metal appreciation that I have for Endgame goes beyond the expectations I had leading up to this albums release… the more I listen to Endgame the more powerful the music feels to me. I am not being bias when I state there is not one average song on Endgame, all eleven songs are tremendous creations of the Megadeth Thrash Metal brand.

The song Endgame is Dave Mustaine’s political statement, he has never been bashful about his political feelings in the past and still gets his point across in 2009. Endgame is one cool song with double cool lyrics too. Dialectic Chaos is the opener to Endgame, a Thrash Metal instrumental that forges itself upon me like a can of Megadeth whoop ass… unreal good is the bottom line here. Dave Mustaine and Chris Broderick trade back and forth solo’s on Dialectic Chaos with complete Thrash Metal shock and awe… the same goes for their guitar playing throughout this entire Endgame album. Due to the Thrash Metal brilliance and total music quality, you would think this Megadeth lineup had been playing together for twenty five years. This Day We Fight! is simply put, a song about kicking some serious butt. This Day We Fight! can be interpreted quite well as a Thrash Metal war song – leading a charge to victory. The big hubbub leading up to the release of Endgame was reading about Dave Mustaine writing a ballad – The Hardest Part Of Letting Go. Honestly, maybe the first and last thirty seconds or so of this song would remotely be considered a ballad by my standards… if this is a ballad then I adore Thrash Metal ballads forever. A very cool song indeed, a diverse and rewarding listening moment on Endgame.

Megadeth "ENDGAME" banner 2009

 

Before Endgame was released, Megadeth had (and still has) this Endgame album streaming in it’s entirety on their MySpace Music page. I chose Head Crusher, How The Story Ends and The Right To Go Insane as my three favorite songs, after listening to Endgame streaming on Megadeth’s MySpace Music page. These songs are still my choice picks, however, the more I listen to Endgame, the more I like every song, especially the brutally intense instrumental Dialectic Chaos. Megadeth is no longer just a great Thrash Metal band with decades of Metal history behind them, Dave Mustaine and Megadeth lead by example with releasing albums of quality material on a very frequent basis and asserting themselves as one of the top dog’s of the Thrash Metal genre. (I cannot bypass Slayer ever). Dave Mustaine has thought enough of the fans to continuously release albums and DVD’s the last few years that are Thrash Metal quality, not quantity. Endgame has to be considered as one of the best albums that Dave Mustaine has ever created with Megadeth. Seek out Megadeth and Endgame, it will serve you right. This has been my Metal opinion.

Megadeth as they appear on Endgame: Dave Mustaine on guitar and lead vocals, Chris Broderick on lead guitar, James Lomenzo on bass guitar and Shawn Drover on drums.

Megadeth "ENDGAME" VERY LARGE ALBUM PIC

6 Comments »

SHADOWS FALL – “RETRIBUTION” album is a Thrash Metal lightning strike!

Posted in 1990's thrash metal albums, 1990's thrash metal music, Album Review, cool album covers, current extreme metal albums, current extreme metal music, current heavy metal albums, current metal albums, current thrash metal, current thrash metal albums, current thrash metal music, essential heavy metal albums, essential metal music albums, essential thrash metal albums, extreme metal music, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 2009, heavy metal bands this decade, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2009, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, metal music, metal music today, metal odyssey, Metal Reviews, Music, new heavy metal album, new thrash metal albums, rock music, Thrash Metal, thrash metal 2009, thrash metal album review, thrash metal albums 2009, thrash metal music, thrash metal music reviews, thrash metal today with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 16, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

Shadows Fall "Retribution" small picHighly recommended to all Metal fans all over the globe! That is just how unreal good Retribution from Shadows Fall is… that I start off by just bluntly recommending this new album. Seriously, Retribution is one solid chunk of Thrash Metal Music for me. On this new release, (released September 15, 2009), Shadows Fall sounds as if they are not holding back the hard and heavy for no one. I am not taking the easy way out by saying all ten songs are damn incredible. The all encompassing barrage of Metal fury, that highlights each turn and corner on Retribution, is like a Metal power rush to my brain that I do not want to end. In my Metal opinion, it very much seems as if Shadows Fall took a long and hard listen to the once in a millennium, Metal masterpiece from Slipknot called All Hope Is Gone… and decided they too wanted to raise their own Metal bar. The All Hope Is Gone influence I hear on Retribution, is deserving of a raucous Metal applause for Shadows Fall, for if this influence is to be true… Shadows Fall surely knows real Metal when they hear it. The unrelenting surge of Metal power both musically and vocally, (both lead and backing/gang vocals), found within Retribution, are the best ways I can describe my All Hope Is Gone comparison. 

Brian Fair on lead vocals has never sounded this unreal great before, based on what my ears hear on Retribution. Brian Fair shows his harmonious side as a crooner and just as suddenly can deliver the bad ass vocals I have always expected… and he does so with the determination and tenacity of a seasoned Metal pro. If it was ever possible for Jason Bittner to elevate his already incredible Metal talents on drums, well, he did it here on Retribution… whoa. Jonathan Donais on lead guitar, takes full Metal command with creative leads that are above impressive. One recent professionally paid Metal Music critic wrote in the November 2009 issue of Revolver Magazine: “arguably the most mainstream-friendly album the group has made” – (?), uh, I beg to differ. First, I would never equate the word mainstream to Shadows Fall… never, ever, from 1998’s Somber Eyes to the Sky to 2007’s Threads of Life. Now, with Retribution, for this album to even be remotely considered mainstream friendly, well, that is like saying a Pit Viper hanging from a tree limb above your head is friendly too. Nickelback is mainstream friendly, with absolutely no disrespect of course, to them. This is just another perfect Metal example, that there are some Metal Music critics out there that never bother to listen to the album(s) they are being paid to review. Frustrating, to say the least.

My two choice picks on Retribution are: King Of Nothing and Embrace Annihilation. These are the two songs that just embody the core Thrash Metal essence of Retribution, in my Metal opinion. Shadows Fall has made me feel Metal secure, with their creating Retribution, this is an album that encapsulates all things powerful about Thrash Metal. Metal truth be told, I will be recommending this album to anyone who listens for the rest of my Metal life. Musical integrity and the respect for quality song writing are characteristics every band should uphold, Shadows Fall upheld them on Retribution ten fold. Shadows Fall will always have their Metalcore roots, with Retribution, they have imprinted themselves into the Thrash Metal genre like an unstoppable lightning strike.

Shadows Fall are:

Brian Fair on lead vocals

Jonathan Donais on lead guitar/vocals

Matthew Bachand on guitar/vocals

Paul Romanko on bass 

Jason Bittner on drums

Retribution was produced by Zeuss and released on Ferret Music and Independent Label Group.

Shadows Fall "Retribution" large pic

1 Comment »

MEGADETH “ENDGAME” is INCREDIBLE THRASH METAL!

Posted in 1980's thrash metal bands, 1980's thrash metal music, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's metal music, 1990's thrash metal bands, classic metal, cool album covers, creepy album covers, current heavy metal albums, current heavy metal music, current metal albums, current thrash metal, current thrash metal albums, current thrash metal music, essential heavy metal albums, essential metal music albums, essential thrash metal albums, extreme metal music, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 2009, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2009, Metal, metal music, metal music today, metal odyssey, Music, new heavy metal album, new thrash metal albums, old school thrash metal music, Thrash Metal, thrash metal 2009, thrash metal album review, thrash metal albums 2009, thrash metal music, thrash metal today with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 12, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

 

Megadeth "Endgame" small pic

 

 

 

 

 

WOW. Holy Metal crap, is the new Megadeth album – ENDGAME an incredible Thrash Metal experience. ENDGAME is on the very cool label RoadRunner Records. Thank you Dave Mustaine, for creating these songs and keeping Megadeth moving forward. I listened to ENDGAME in it’s entirety… it is currently streaming on Megadeth’s My Space Music, go to http://www.myspace.com/megadeth 

Go ahead, hear for yourself and be glad you did… Megadeth has made a lightning strike of a Metal statement with ENDGAME… I am buying this CD on Tuesday, September 15. My money will be well spent. My favorite songs, thus far, are: How The Story Ends, The Right To Go Insane and Head Crusher… these are the three songs that I had to listen to repeatedly. Unreal is ENDGAME. Holy Metal crap I am psyched for owning this CD on Tuesday.

Dave Mustaine on guitar & lead vocals, Chris Broderick on guitar, James Lomenzo on bass guitar and Shawn Drover on drums are:

Megadeth "Endgame" Header 2009

3 Comments »

CHILDREN OF BODOM – “Skeletons In The Closet” album devoted to cover songs

Posted in 1990's thrash metal bands, Alice cooper, cover songs, creepy album covers, current extreme metal albums, current extreme metal music, current heavy metal albums, current heavy metal music, current metal albums, current thrash metal, current thrash metal albums, current thrash metal music, Death Metal, essential metal music albums, essential thrash metal albums, Extreme Metal, extreme metal music, extreme music, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 2009, heavy metal bands this decade, heavy metal cover songs, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2009, heavy metal this decade, melodic death metal music, Metal, metal music, metal music ep's, metal music today, metal odyssey, Music, new thrash metal albums, scary album covers, spooky metal album covers, Thrash Metal, thrash metal 2009, thrash metal cover songs, thrash metal music, thrash metal today with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 5, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

Children of Bodom "Skeletons In The Closet" small picI am Metal psyched about another great Metal album coming out in this month of September of 2009, Children of Bodom – Skeletons In The Closet, (on SPINEFARM records). This is an album totally devoted to cover songs. (See complete track list below). It is my Metal opinion, that Children of Bodom have blended together, the great Metal genres of Death Metal, Thrash Metal and Speed Metal… a unique fusion of styles that are heavily laden with keyboards, courtesy of Janne Warman. Alexi Laiho is as competent and skilled of a Metal guitarist as you can ask for, one of the best there is today. Alexi is as equally talented on lead vocals as well… again, this is my Metal opinion and this style of Extreme Metal is my preference. Three cover songs on Skeletons In The Closet have been previously released, (these are the 3 that I am aware of): She Is Beautiful and the Alice Cooper classic – Bed of Nails, can be heard on the Children of Bodom EP Trashed, Lost & Strung Out. The Billy Idol classic Rebel Yell was released as part of the Blooddrunk import single.

Children of Bodom group photo blueI cannot wait to get my hands on this new album and crank it up extremely loud, on September 23, 2009, I will. I am just very curious as to how the Britney Spears cover of Oooops! I Did It Again… is going to sound like. What about the Kenny Rogers song? Man, that should be a Metal hoot. Knowing the way Children of Bodom play their Metal, I am confident they will rage these songs into Extreme Metal bliss. Still, I cannot believe I am writing about Britney Spears, Kenny Rogers and Children of Bodom in the same post. One thing is for sure here, Children of Bodom can never be accused of not being diversified. The cover songs represent a darn cool list of bands here… Slayer, W.A.S.P., Iron Maiden, Alice Cooper, Scorpions, Ramones – these are legendary bands without question. Thank you, Finland, for the fine Metal export they call Children of Bodom.

Children of Bodom are:

Alexi Laiho - vocals, guitar
Roope Latvala - guitar
Henkka T. Blacksmith - bass
Janne Warman - keyboards
Jaska Raatikainen - drums

Tracklist:

01 Lookin' Out My Back Door
     (Creedence Clearwater Revival)
02 Hell Is For Children
     (Pat Benatar)
03 Somebody Put Something In My Drink
     (Ramones)
04 Mass Hypnosis
     (Sepultura)
05 Don´t Stop At The Top
     (Scorpions)
06 Silent Scream
     (Slayer)
07 She Is Beautiful
     (Andrew W.K.)
08 Just Dropped In  (To See What
     Condition My Condition Was In)
     (Kenny Rogers)
09 Bed Of Nails
     (Alice Cooper)
10 Hellion
     (W.A.S.P.)
11 Aces High
     (Iron Maiden)
12 Rebel Yell
     (Billy Idol)
13 No Commands
     (Stone)
14 Antisocial
     (Trust/Anthrax)
15 Talk Dirty To Me
     (Poison)
16 War Inside My Head
     (Suicidal Tendencies)
17 Ooops!… I Did It Again
     (Britney Spears)
Children of Bodom "Skeletons In The Closet" large album pic

Leave a comment »

lamb of god – “Wrath” is a welcomed overdose of Thrash Metal ferocity

Posted in Album Review, cool album covers, current extreme metal albums, current extreme metal music, current heavy metal albums, current heavy metal music, current live heavy metal albums, current metal albums, current thrash metal albums, current thrash metal music, essential heavy metal albums, essential metal music albums, extreme metal music, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 2009, heavy metal music 2009, Heavy Metal Reviews, Metal, metal music, metal music this decade, metal music today, Metal Reviews, Music, new thrash metal albums, recent heavy metal albums, Thrash Metal, thrash metal 2009, thrash metal album review, thrash metal music, thrash metal music reviews, thrash metal today with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 30, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

main-150Lamb of god, now here is the meat and potatoes that I need in my Metal diet. Oh, the usual Metal adjectives can be thrown at this band… fast, furious, heavy, insanely heavy, blistering, scorching and Metal blinding. Now that all those notoriously used descriptions of lamb of god are out of the way, (I will never argue with using the preceding adjectives), my lone word to describe lamb of god and “Wrath” is infreakincredible. If you are hungry for a Metal album that is totally filled to the brim, with non stop, forcefully driven Thrash, “Wrath” will set you Extreme and/or Thrash Metal straight. The only warning here is that you very well may become corrupted and/or addicted to “Wrath”, which will in turn have your Metal senses on the verge of a Thrash overdose. Favorite song on “Wrath” you ask? Forget about it… this is one of those rare albums where the Metal is all inclusive to the moniker unimaginably great. Yup, I am blast beating the lamb of god drum here, darn proud of it too.

My first listen to “Wrath” made it very clear, to me, that lamb of god is happening now… this incredible Thrash album has not been dug up from decades ago, it is current and ranks above a crowded room of new and vintage Thrash Metal albums. Of course, this is my Metal opinion… I will not go over the deep end and credit “Wrath” as being the greatest Thrash Metal album ever, yet “Wrath” gets permanently placed on my all-time favorite list without further deliberation. Is “Wrath” excessive? You betcha it is and I take the Thrash Metal pummeling like the seasoned Metal addict that I am. This album boasts, with clarity, the strength of lamb of god as a unit, pure, forceful and unrelenting power in the music and vocals. As I see it, after listening to this album, lamb of god shall never ride shotgun to no other Metal band in the land.

“Wrath” begins with a surprisingly eloquent and soothing instrumental, intro, titled “The Passing”, which lends itself as an innocent segue to “In Your Words”, where once this song kicks in, all mellow bets are off. “Everything To  Nothing” is my favorite song on “Wrath”, (I will bend and pick one out from this album), it just has the most memorable riffs, leads and vocals. Randy Blythe on vocals for me, is as grinding, lean and mean as they come. Randy can deliver the Death Metal growls just as easy as he belts out the Thrash Metal vocals. (I personally cannot grasp any Metalcore tag that at times, gets placed on lamb of god). I really admire the style of Chris Adler on drums, with John Campbell on bass these two guys are crushingly good. Willie Adler and Mark Morton on guitars are today’s example, of an axe slinging duo of Metal profoundness. Richmond Virginia should erect a lamb of god visitors bureau. To have the bragging rights of being the home turf for this band, is a great Metal story. By this point, you probably are aware that I highly endorse listening to and buying lamb of god’s Metal… I could not be more emphatic about this album “Wrath” and the band that created it.

* “Wrath” was released on Epic Records on February 24, 2009. 

 

fullsize

2 Comments »

LAZARUS A.D. “The Onslaught” – a real intense Thrash Metal invasion

Posted in Album Review, current heavy metal albums, current heavy metal music, current thrash metal albums, current thrash metal music, Drums, Extreme Metal, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2009, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal vocalists, james hetfield, Metal, metal blade, metal blade records, metal music, metal music today, Metal Reviews, Music, new heavy metal album, new thrash metal albums, recent heavy metal albums, Thrash Metal, thrash metal 2009, thrash metal album review, thrash metal music, thrash metal music reviews with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 4, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

lazarus_smallI am blown away by this new Thrash Metal band that call themselves – Lazarus A.D. – really blown away. This is not cookie cutter Thrash, nor is this band a bunch of Thrash wannabes either. Lazarus A.D. is for real. These dudes can play Thrash… with no cutting corners, just plain great – in your face – Thrash Metal. I read all of the articles and reviews I could get my Metal hands on regarding this band. Now, I have my hands on their debut release “The Onslaught”, (released March 3, 2009), the contents of this CD is ten tracks of unrelenting, intense and fired up Thrash. I am extremely Metal happy that a young Thrash band like Lazarus A.D. sounds and plays this good. I always say… we veteran Metalheads can never have enough younger bands to carry on the Metal tradition – the more new Heavy and/or Extreme bands, the better! I liken this band to being a throwback, to the days when Thrash Metal was felt, not just heard.

“Damnation For The Weak” stands out for me, with the gang vocals making quite the Metal impression. The lyrics are cool, this very well may become the trademark tune for Lazarus A.D., (just my Metal opinion). This album is riff infested, with enough solos to satisfy my Thrash appetite. The songs are not outrageously long, with only one tune over five minutes long, “Revolution”, clocking in at 5:05. With the opening track of “Last Breath”, it really defines the Thrash attack Lazaraus A.D. will take you on… you will need every last breath one time through this album. (I tend to do quite a bit of air drumming, therefore I did feel a tad exhausted after my first listen). No, I am not embarrassed to tell anyone that I air drum to Metal. It seems just about everyone does the air guitar gig, so I chose air drums a very long time ago. Ryan Shutle on drums does a punishing number on the skins, I can only imagine how much more insane he will play as this band grows. Jeff Paulick on lead vocals and bass is a sliver reminiscent vocally, of the legendary James Hetfield (of Metallica fame, for those who have been living on Saturn the last three decades), (man, I guess I am really dishing out the compliments to these guys).

Overall, I find all ten tracks to be solid, current, with a nod to Old School, Thrash Metal. I took a Metal gamble by buying this CD without hearing more than one tune first… the Metal gamble has paid off. Last year, (2008), I was giving off a big Metal grin for the young dudes of Black Tide… I like that band for sure… Lazarus A.D. however, is a noticeable notch heavier with the Thrash assault. Lazarus A.D. is currently touring with/opening for Unearth and the invincible Thrash Metal titans… Testament, through June 2009. Not too shabby to have this gig, huh? It also seems fitting that Lazarus A.D. is on Metal Blade Records, this legendary record label knows it’s Thrash Metal. Metal Blade Records was instrumental in defining Thrash Metal decades ago… they still are. By now, you probably realize that I highly recommend Lazarus A.D. “The Onslaught” to the entire Metal community. This is an album that will be on my hot list for a very long time. 

Here is a Metal roll call of the entire Lazarus A.D. band: Jeff Paulick on lead vocals and bass, Dan Gapen on lead guitar and backing vocals, Alex Lackner on guitar and Ryan Shutle on drums. 

fullsize

2 Comments »

%d bloggers like this: