The Songs Remain the Same, Just Played a Little Slower - New York Times reviews Led Zepplein's comeback concert at the O2 arena in London.

Have you heard Badlands

Wikipedia says, "Badlands was a short-lived rock band founded by Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Jake E. Lee and Black Sabbath members Ray Gillen and Eric Singer. Badlands also featured bassist Greg Chaisson. After the first Badlands album, Eric Singer was replaced by Jeff Martin. The group lasted from 1988 to 1992 and released two albums, Badlands (1989) and Voodoo Highway (1991) before Gillen's death in 1993 effectively ended the project. A posthumous release of the album Dusk (originally recorded in 1992-1993) was released in 1998.

I liked Exciter better than Metallica

Exciter's Violence and Force blew away after I came to know that the band was three-piece. Exciter is a thrash metal band from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Sample this video:

I still like these metal/power ballads

Firehouse had some excellent power ballads that reminds us of the golden age of 80s hair metal.

Please copy paste this URL:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=p61Q_DOwtps

2. Heaven - Warrant
http://youtube.com/watch?v=hoibfSWyNMc&feature=related

3. Nobody's fool - Cinderella
http://youtube.com/watch?v=nD3Hhzgqkrc

4. Every Rose has its thorn
http://youtube.com/watch?v=YiEpLI5exrU&feature=related

5. Tears on fire - Keel

Listen to Arch Enemy

Arch Enemy is a Swedish melodic death metal band formed in 1996 by ex-Carcass guitarist Michael Amott. Currently, the band is headed by amateur German journalist, and death metal vocalist Angela Gossow. I like their hit "Nemesis", particularly the melancholic lead guitar note in between.

The Haunted's All Against All

The Haunted is a Swedish/Danish thrash/melodic metal band formed in 1996. Original members were Patrik Jensen (also member of Witchery) on guitar, Jonas Björler (bass), Adrian Erlandsson (drums), Anders Björler (guitar), and Peter Dolving (vocals).

Death/melodic death metal band Sentenced

Finnish band Sentenced was formed in 1989, but unfortunately disbanded in 2005. Original line-up consisted of Miika Tenkula (lead guitar & vocals), Sami Lopakka (guitar), Vesa Ranta (drums) and Lari Kylmänen (bass). The following video is their 2002 hit No One There.

Watch Joe Satriani Cool #9 live

Airbourne is kick-ass rock

Airbourne's "Running wild" reminds me of AC/DC and Wolfmother. It is a great rock song from any new band. Listen to it and you will be head banging wild.

I wanna rock with Twisted Sister

An excellent page on Twisted Sister that tells and shows it all. See the page.

Heavy metal star turns classical, reports BBC.

Kingdom Come

When metal was degenerating into thrash and death, Kingdom Come paid tributes to masters like Led Zeppelin, by bringing out albums with melodic hard rock songs. Vocalist Lenny Wolf reminded us of Robert Plant, but the band was more predictable and less experimental than Zeppelin. They had some excellent sing-along songs that included some memorable ballads.

Everything about Ugly Kid Joe was good

The thing I liked about Ugly Kid Joe, apart from their in-your-face lyrics and screeching lead guitar solos, was the attitude. The band rocked into the hard rock scene when kids were going crazy over Nirvana. Vocalist Whitfield Crane was whacky in the black-and-white video of "'Everything About you", the first song I heard from the band. The band was amazing and I still love their grungy riffs and piercing solos in "Goddamn devil" and "Milkman's Son".



Ugly Kid Joe was not that ugly, but they were a great hard rocking stuff.

Candlebox was never Far Behind

The first Candlebox song I heard and liked was “Far Behind”. The band had a unique sound to it, it was not metal anyway, but that lead solo was too much to leave it alone. I still listen to their debut album and Peter Klett’s hard bluesy and funky lead solos still sound fresh, vibrant and blasting enough.



I don’t like “You” as repeated airplay has created an aversion for that hit single. Candlebox meant “You”, I disagree. The hard debut album gave away to more alternative and slower numbers in “Lucy”, but Klett outshone everything with his bluesy solos.

Candlebox is an unforgettable band, a notch over other hyped grunge bands in the 90s.

Raging Slab - Classic hard rock band

Back in the 90s, Raging Slab did not make much news like Nirvana, but played classic hard rock stuff. Check out their history at Wikipedia.

Colorado metallers Jag Panzer was formed in 1981. The original line-up consisted of Harry Conklin (vocals), Mark Briody on guitar, John Tetley on bass, and Rick Hilyard on the drums.

Britny Fox screamed and rocked real hard

Britny Fox is one of my permanent glam metal favourites. I was totally blown away by listening to their 1988 hit album "Britny Fox". The band currently has lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist Tommy Paris, lead guitarist Michael Kelly Smith, bassist Billy Childs, and drummer Johnny Dee.

My favourites include Long way to love, Girl's School, Over and out and others.

Brand New Sin really rocks

Brand New Sin is a Hard rock/Southern rock band from Syracuse, New York.

Brand New Sin released their self-titled album in 2002, Recipe For Disaster in 2005 and Tequila in 2006. I like their hit single "My World".

Extreme metal band Nile

Nile is a an extreme death metal band from South Carolina, USA. The band was formed in 1993 and are inspired by Ancient Egyptian mysticism, history, religion and art.

Danzig was really different

Danzig is an American metal band from New Jersey and formed in 1987. Led by Glenn Danzig, the band fuses dark lyrics and imagery with blues-inspired hard rock music.

For more details click the Wikipedia archives and the metal archives Danzig page.

Some new bands:

1. Minor Times, Engineer, Bury Your Dead, A Life Once Lost, Diecast, Hardcore-metal warriors Terror, Jedi Mind Tricks, Light This City, Abigail Williams, Veil of Maya, Gojira, Klone (French experimental-metal band), Zombi, Jesu (ambient-metal band), Swans, Isis, Oxbow, These Arms Are Snakes, Clouds, Big Business, Despised Icon, Locust, Born of Osiris (Youthful melodic death/grind band), Suicide Silence, Faceless, Misery Signal, Dead to Fall, Funeral Pyre, Apiary, Seven Witches (New Jersey power-metal band. Deadly sins, a new concept album about the seven sins detailed by Mahatma Gandhi, the follow-up to 2005's Amped includes guest spots by ex-Hades/Watchtower singer Alan Tecchio and Armored Saint/Anthrax bassist Joey Vera, who also co-produced and mixed the LP, says VH1), Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza, Down (fans of Sabbath),At the Gates, Crown, Hypocrisy, The Sword, Valient Thorr,Every Time I Die, Unearth, Darkest Hour, August Burns Red, Suicide Silence, All Shall Perish, From a Second Story Window, Emmure and Nodes of Ranvier, Aborted, Gorgeous Frankenstein, Through the Eyes of the Dead, As I Lay Dying, All That Remains and Haste the Day

Van Halen Reunite With David Lee Roth

VH1 reports that Van Halen Reunite With David Lee Roth.

Appetite turns twenty

http://www.mountainx.com/ae/2007/iappetite_for_destruction_i_turns_20

Decided to write about 80s hard rock band and my favorite Faster Pussycat. They got famous with their Steven Tyler-like vocals in the song "House of Pain". My picks were the rock'n rollish songs in their hit album like "Crying Shame"

Gunners blast Ent Centre in Adelaide

Meanwhile, another band I like KAMELOT's video for the song "Ghost Opera" will make its "Headbanger's Ball" debut on June 23. The band hails from Tampa, Florida.



Image source: Goth and Metal magazine Crypt'O Goths

More than 1,680 guitarists play Deep Purple's 'Smoke on the Water' in Kansas City

Read an interview of Slayer's Kerry King

The Cult is Back!

The Cult are getting back together for a 19-date U.S. tour.

New Albums

1. Listen to Ozzy Osbourne's new album Black Rain here http://entertainment1.sympatico.msn.ca/Music/Artists/Articles/OzzyOsbourne

Dudes, listen to Zakk Wylde's blasting lead solos.

Little River Band was a class act,says another report in The Hindu.Yeah, it was true. The band was much better than the other hyped bands.

Aerosmith to rock Bangalore

I was a little late in putting this story up in my blog.

Come June 2 and hysteria will grip Bangalore city as music lovers congregate at the Palace Grounds to rock to the sound of Aerosmith, reports The Hindu.

Review of G3 live

A good opinionated review of the latest G3 featuring Paul Gilbert, John Petrucci and Joe Satriani. Click here to read it.

GNR set to rock again

GNR's 2007 World Tour will begin on June 2 in Monterrey Mexico.The losers:fans in South Africa where the band was scheduled to play a few gigs, which was cancelled due to an injury to guitarist Tommy Stinson.

Fans in Mexico can expect new singles from the band's forthcoming "Chinese Democracy" album like "Madagascar", "IRS" and "Better", says Hailmetal.com

RATT to comeback, to tour with Poison

Ratt is an American glam metal band from San Diego and is most notable for their 1984 smash hit single, "Round and Round". They enjoyed huge commercial success during the 1980s.

The classic Ratt line-up was Stephen Pearcy (vocals), Robbin Crosby (guitar), Warren DeMartini (lead guitar), Juan Croucier (bass guitar), and Bobby Blotzer (drums). DeMartini blusih lead solos are still a treat to listen to. RATT was a good hard rock sounding metal band.

POISON and RATT are going to be onstage together for the first time since 1999 on a summer tour that starts on June 13. RATT was indeed a timeless act.

Check their hit "Round and Round".

Here's "Way Cool Jr"

I want a woman

Manowar's Gods of War

Interview with singer Eric Adams.

All about Judas Priest

Rob Halford talka about new CD "Nostradamus".

K K Downing, Malmsteen and Roy Z (HALFORD, BRUCE DICKINSON) comes together to play for Violent Storm album.



Downing also announces launch of his personal web site called K.K.'s Steel Mill.

Wrong choice!

Swedish baby can't be named Metallica

We will, we will rock you

Don't listen to Guns N Roses,Motorhead or Meat Loaf when you are driving. This might force you to become agreesive and punch your accelerator, says a report.

Come on guys, pump up the volume and bang your head.

Judas Priest Guitarist Talks On New Album

Great music does not need charts


Metal greats like Ozzy and Motorhead never had a top ten hit, says an article on MTV.com.

That is true. Metal fans never bothered about charts until the mid 80s when hair bands ruled the roost. Who cared whether Saxon, Krokus, April Wine, Keel, Raven, Savatage were chart toppers or not. We just loved the music.

Rush posts new single from Snakes and Arrows

Progressive rock band Rush has posted a new single Far Cry on their website.

My all time Rush favorite is Tom Sawyer.

Band names and bands

This was a topic suggested by my friend when I told him I want to start a metal blog.

Here is an interesting article on bands and their band names.

Long Live Randy Rhoads

March 19, 1982 - Randy Rhoads, the lead guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne, is killed when the plane in which he is flying crashes into a house in Leesburg, Fla. He was 25.



Undoubtedly, one of the greatest guitarists of all time. I still love almost all of his lead solos on singles and on stage. Here's one with Quiet Riot.

Pic courtesy: www.randy-rhoads.com

Kings X new album is coming

Yet another 80s hit band is going to release a new album. Knac.com reports that the band has tentatively titled their album as "Go Tell Somebody".

I remember a few songs from their Gretchen Goes to Nebraska album that was a big hit at the end of the 80s. As I was totally immersed in Faith No More, the band faded from my memory.

It was refreshing to see their 1990 hit "It's Love" thanks to YouTube.

Kings X is Doug Pinnick - Vocals, bass guitar, Ty Tabor - Vocals, guitars, Jerry Gaskill - Drums, percussion, vocals.

Iron Maiden rocks Bangalore

"...Headbanging, crunchy electric cords and thick, heavy, guitar-and-drums—the metallic beats reverberated not just on and off the stage, but also in the eyes of the fans...,described CNN-IBN about the first ever concert of Iron Maiden in India. CNN-IBN also has a video of the same.

Yeah, I thought of going to bang my head with scores of others. But more pressing matters changed my priorities.

The big question is who is next?

Interview with ex-Iron Maiden vocalist

Read interview with Paul Di'Anno



More news about Iron Maiden's concert in India, "We are musicians, not politicians: Iron Maiden"

Secret Jimmy Page riff to revive real kick-ass rock

Unreleased Jimmy Page Guitar Riff To Be Retrieved From Secret Vault To Save Rock And Roll

GWYNEDD, WALES—Recent developments in the music world, such as the popularity of the Dixie Chicks and Sufjan Stevens, have created a "perfect storm of lameness."

My favourite power ballads

These are my favourite power ballads from the golden 80s. Do you think you can listen to tracks like these again? Share your thoughts with me.

The list is hastily made. It can keep on growing.

Poison - Every Rose Has Its Thorn

Cinderella - Nobody's fool

Skid Row - I Remember You

Kix - Don't Close your Eyes

Steelheart - Angel Eyes

Winger - Miles Away

Winger - Headed For A Heartbreak

L.A. Guns - The Ballad of Jane

Whitesnake- Love Aint No Stranger

Whitesnake--Now You're Gone

Europe - Carrie

Firehouse-I Live My Life For You

Motley Crue - Without You

Note: Some of the YouTube links may not work. All efforts are made to ensure that all are working.

I don't know how many people really remember Exciter, Canadian thrash metal pioneers. I still like listening to their 'Violence and Force' (1984) album that has great speed metal stuff all over it. The line-up then was Dan Beehler (Drums and vocals), John Ricci (lead guitar) and Allan James Johnson (bass).



The forthcoming album from Exciter is titled "Thrash Speed Burn".. Blabbermouth says the band has added "Kenny "Metal Mouth" Winter" to the band and was blown away by the "...three-and-a-half-octave range, delivered with tremendous intensity and conviction."

To watch a video clip of their new song, click here.

Exciter currently is Kenny Winter (vocals) John Ricci (guitars), Rob Cohen (bass),
Rick Charron (drums).

Watch Rain of Terror

Watch out for the next Dream Theater album

Mike Portnoy says Dream Theater's new album "...very dramatic and aggressive." Read the full interview where he also speaks about the upcoming G3 tour.

Watch the chart hit 'Another Day'

Boston lead singer is dead

It's really sad to know that Boston's lead singer Brad Delp is no more.

Delp remembered as generous, unassuming star,. writes the Boston Globe.

Please watch my Boston favourite, More Than a Feeling

Plans to break Rock record goes up in smoke

Rock guitarists fans missed an opportunity to break a rock record;performing Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water" with 2,000 guitar players.

Event organisers Harrods says,"...We regret to inform you, that due to unforeseen circumstances, we have had to take the unavoidable decision to cancel the World Record Breaking Attempt on Sunday 18th February." So sad.

The record is currently held by 1,322 people who got together in 1994 in Vancouver, British Columbia, to rock out on Ritchie Blackmore's classic riff.

Watch my Deep Purple favourites, Perfect Strangers and

Scrap Metal super group to revive 80s magic

According to glam-metal.com "...80's music fans have long been looking for a new super group to bring back the magic to rock music again. Lately, their has been some buzz with the new super group -Scrap Metal, which features Gunnar and Matthew Nelson of Nelson, Kelly Keagy, Mark Slaughter, and special guests Eric Martin of Mr. Big. Read more.

Check out Nelson, solo artist and drummer/singer for Night Ranger Kelly Keagy , Mark Slaughter of Slaughter .

Diamond Head gives finishing touches to new album

British heavy metallers and pioneers of New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) Diamond Head 'has completed their forthcoming album 'What's in your head', writes lead guitarist and founder-member Brian Tatler on the site blog. "It is still a work in progress and as soon as we are sure that every other aspect of the project is up to the standard of the songs we will release it on you lot!."

The band debuted with the album 'Lightning To The Nations'(The White Album) in 1980

Dizzy Dean rocks with new album
Dizzy Dean Davidson, former vocalist of Philadelphia hair-metal rockers Britny Fox, has released a new album called 'Drive my Karma'.

Check out this fan page at MySpace.

Kamelot's 'Nights of Arabia'

I simply like this song from Kamelot, a prog metal band hailing from Tampa, Florida. This is a live video, but I did not like the live version. But their songs are good.

Kamelot is Roy Khan - vocals, Thomas Youngblood - guitar, Glenn Barry - bass, Casey Grillo - drums and Oliver Palotai - keyboards.

Saxon releases new album
Saxon has relased their new album titled 'The Inner Sanctum'.

I've written about Saxon. I was thrilled to watch Saxon's new DVD 'Live Innocence', a collection of their live shows and some exquisite music videos that includes hits like 'Broken Heroes', 'Northern Lady' and 'Ride Like The Wind'.

Saxon is Biff Byford, Paul Quinn, Doug Scarratt, Nibbs Carter and Nigel Glockler.

Previous members included Jörg Michael (Drums), Fritz Randow (Drums), Graham Oliver (Guitar), Paul Johnson (Bass), Steve Dawson (Bass), Nigel Durham (Drums), Pete Gill (Drums).

Mastodon makes metal loud enough

Mastodon's metal is described as progressive rock with wall-punching rhythms, blasting riffs and shrieking guitar leads. They belong to the pre-Hair Metal era of fantasy-ridden lyrics and cult themes. Mastodon hail from Atlanta.

The Grammy-nominated "Blood Mountain" 'Blood Mountain' is about a quest to climb a mountain made of blood to capture a crystal skull (The nomination was for the single "Colony Of Birchmen" in the "Best Metal Performance" category).



The previous 'Leviathan' album was inspired by Herman Melville's classic 'Moby Dick'.

Watch The Wolf Is Loose

Note: Mastodons are elephant-like animals with large teeth and tusks. They became extinct more than 13,000 years ago.

Digital Downloads from Halford
For all things related to Rob Halford, check his Metal God Entertainment label.

Legendary power metal band ANNIHILATOR to release new album

Annihilator's new album 'Metal' will be out on april 16th, 2007. I quote from the band's official site,"...In April 2007, after a full year of writing and production, Annihilator will release Metal..."

"Metal’s ten new tracks were recorded by Jeff Waters (guitar, bass and lead vocals on one song), drum legend Mike Mangini and Dave Padden (long-time vocalist and touring guitarist/vocalist). Metal also features sensational performances by some of metal’s finest players and Annihilator’s good friends, like Alexi Laiho (Children Of Bodom), Danko Jones (Danko Jones), Michael Amott and Angela Gossow (Arch Enemy), Corey Beaulieu (Trivium), William Adler (Lamb Of God), Jeff Loomis (Nevermore), Jesper Strømblad (In Flames), Steve ´Lips` Kudlow (Anvil), Anders Bjørler (The Haunted), Mike Mangini (Steve Vai, Extreme, Annihilator), Jacob Lynam (Lynam) and more."


(Pic source: www.annihilatormetal.com)

FAITH NO MORE really was an 'Epic'

Fellow rockers Metallica and Guns N Roses named Faith No More as one of their favorite rock groups. I heard 'The Real Thing' first, followed by 'Angel Dust'. To me 'The Real Thing' was the most outstanding album from FNM. Nothing matched its versatility, punk and soul influences mixed with some deft death metal riffs.


(Source: www.fnm.com)

FNM was 'weird' along with Temple of the Dog and Danzig and we realised that our good old metal is now charting new territories. The Real Thing line-up was Michael Patton - Vocals, Jim Martin - Guitars, Mike Bordin - Drums, Roddy Bottum - Keyboards, Bill Gould - Bass.

FNM really rocked in the early 90s and those who believe that Limp Bizkitt was the best rap-metal should bend their ears to 'Epic', the song that rocketed FNM to chart success. This band did open for GNR and Metallica and videos of later albums were ignored by MTV. But FNM continues to rock on forever. Here is what I like:

Digging The Grave was simply a great song from King for A Day...Fool for a Lifetime (1995). Line-up was Mike Patton - Vocals, Guitars by Trey Spruance, Mike Bordin - Drums, Roddy Bottum - Keyboards, Billy Gould - Bass Guitar.

In April 1998 the band officially announced its end.

Radiohead's 'Just' is whacky
Just for a change I am jumping to 90s rock. There were several good bands, but none of them was as electric as heavy metal of the 80s. Rock was drowned in the noise of Nirvana's creativity. I did not like 90s alternative rock bands as such, but there were some really good singles. Towards mid-90s, most of the Grunge bands turned sober and softer with the result that very few bands sticked on my mind.

An example is Radiohead. I like the song 'Just' from Radiohead's The Bends (1995) album. But I've not yet bought a single Radiohead CD and add it to my collection.

Keel was a good band

Just listen to this soft rock number. Keel was more wild and heavier than this.

Keel was formed when Malmsteen left Steeler. Original line-up was vocalist Ron Keel , guitarists Marc Ferrari and Bryan Jay, bassist Kenny Chaisson, and drummer Dwain Miller. Ron Keel's site has rare pics of the Steeler and Keel. I've pasted one of them here.

.

Also watch a catchy single 'Tears of Fire' from the 1986 'The Final Frontier' album produced by none other than Gene Simmons.

Watch Tears of Fire

Interviews

1.Jason Becker



2.Vinnie Moore. Vinnie has a My Space page also.

Sepultura might tour India

It's great time for Indian metal fans. Brazilian thrash metallers Sepultura is set to rock India on April 2. The concert is still unconfirmed, but I request metal fans to message the band so that they don't press the cancel button in the end.



Dante XXI released on March has the followinf line-up
Andreas Kisser - Guitars
Derrick Green - Vocals
Igor Cavalera - Drums
Paulo Jr. - Bass

Buy your tickets before it's too late.

Aerosmith train to roll in India

Legendary hard rockers Aerosmith is all set to rock India. In a fan mail they have announced the tour dates for 2007. The mail says that the "...band is returning to Europe for the first time in 8 long years.



After that Steven Taylor and co are playing in Dubai and in India. Aerosmith fans can see them live at the Bandra Kumla Ground in Mumbai on June 2, a saturday. This is one show which I never gonna miss.

Boing Boing.net, one of the highly ranked blogs, reports an error by media giant New York Times, when a Slayer concert photo mistakenly appeared on their news page.

The corrected page is here
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/17/washington/17cong.html?ex=1329368400&en=02547a4472292d2c&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss

The Slayer concert review is here.

Prog metallers 'Crimson Glory' returns

It seems 80s metallers have woken up from their slumber and are ready to rock the world again. A report on Blabbermouth says Crimson Glory is all set for a comeback. The band will co-headline the inaugural Bay Area Rock Fest in May.



Another news is that Vicious Rumors and Riot will be in concert in Tokyo. Lucky guys! Check out the band's discography.

My favorite Riot song is 'Thundersteel'.Riot's original line up was Mark Reale (Guitars), Guy Speranza (Vocal),LA Kouvaris (Guitars), Jimmy Iommi (Bass) and Peter Bitelli (Drums). Their first album was 'Rock City'. 'Thundersteel'(with a great album cover) happened in 1988 when I was a college kid banging my head by the speed metal song of the same name. That line-up consisted of Mark Reale (Guitars), Tony Moore (Vocal), Don Van Stavern (Bass) and Bobby Jarzombek (Drums).

The big news is that Van Halen might reunite. Diamond Dave (David Lee Roth) is quoted as saying that the band might reunite. God, that will be absolutely rocking. Here is the Rolling Stone interview.

But we have heard this in the past. One ex-Van Halen will tell he will reunite, only to be rejected by another. Guys, bury the hatchet and get on with it. Release a new explosive album. Let people know what rock is and bring that good olden days buddy. Anyway the tour is on with Dave.

My favorite albums are Van Halen 1 and 5150. Tell me what's yours?

L A Guns releases new single

Listening to L A Gunswas a sweet affair. Song after song will kick out of the CD, but you will not feel like a dog in deep shit desperately scratching his butt.

Malaria was my song along with a couple of power ballads. L A Guns were guys who were always cocked and loaded. I remember the time when I had to shout at my friend who mistakenly blasted the second album from Britny Fox as L A Guns. He said they sounded similar.

I disagree. L A Guns will not scream like Britny Fox.

My favorite songs are'Long Way to Love' and 'Girlschool' from their first album.

News is that L.A.Guns has posted its brand new single, 'I Do', at its MySpace page. 'Also available is a live version of "I Do", taken from the "The Riff Hits The Fan" CD,' says Blabbermouth. Play it loud!