Author Archives: Odyssey

About Odyssey

I have had a life-long love of music, but from the first time I heard Kiss and Black Sabbath with my landlord's son in Nicholasville, KY in the mid 70's, I have been hooked on Hard Rock and Metal. While my tastes in music have done nothing but expand since then, Metal remains closest to my heart. In addition, I have played bass, still play guitar and have literally 1000's of CDs/MP3s, so my knowledge is long steeped and honest. I don't buy the whole splintered, sub-genres thing and choose to like bands and music based solely on individual merits. Obviously, this is always colored by my mood, what I need at any given point and time and what is generally pleasing to my ear. I also don't like to rip any music or band, instead having an open mind and ear for it all because I have a passion for it all. It is completely subjective and in a constant state of flux. Consider me a music "nerd" not a music "snob". As an extension of this love, I hope to share this passion with everyone here and learn from your passion as well! - Odyssey -

Sean “The Hell Destroyer” Peck Sounds Off!

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Metal Nexus Interview:

Sean “The Hell Destroyer” Peck

CAGE: Ancient Evil (2015)

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Death Dealer: Hallowed Ground (2015)

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Denner / Shermann: Satan’s Tomb (2015)

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Warrior

The Interview:

Hello Sean! I know you are extremely busy and really appreciate you taking the time to interview with me. It is a real privilege for me to get to speak with such a uniquely talented artist! I really dig everything that you have done over your many years in the music business!

I would also like to thank you for all do to share yourself through your music. I know it takes much more effort, time, blood, sweat, tears and financial resources to do what you continue to do than most appreciate. As a fan, I sincerely appreciate it!

Odyssey: I see that you have been busy with at least three, late 2015 releases with CAGE, Death Dealer and Denner / Shermann. With that heavy load, do you find it difficult to switch gears and move between the bands when writing and playing?

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Odyssey’s Scene (Debut): The Glorious Rebellion (Mayfest – 21 May 2016)

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I have been a huge supporter of local and emerging bands for years and have met and am fortunate to call many of them friends.  Since joining the Metal Nexus staff, I have had a desire to cover this local music I love in and around Florida and carve out a small space for some of my personal interests.  Well, last week we were able to partner with host Chris Marsh to cover Mayfest on May 21, 2016 with many great bands that I know and been introduced to a couple that never hit my radar.  For the dual purpose of introducing “Odyssey’s Scene” and ramp up to Mayfest, I am very pleased to introduce you to: The Glorious Rebellion.

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Simon Says Die: Vancouver Death Metal

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Modern Death Metal is alive and well from one corner of the United States to the other. The emerging band Simon Says Die from Vancouver, WA definitely has the upper, West Coast covered in this respect. Originating as a one-time show act in 2011 by guitarists Sean “The Beard” Bowden and Josh Bridge, Simon Says Die was born.

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State of the Art: Dreaming Dead

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*This is part of our State Of The Art series, showcasing bands every Monday from the featured State*

This month’s State is California!

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Coming to us from Los Angeles, CA this week is the killer, Melodic Death Metal band Dreaming Dead. Founded by front-woman vocalist and exceptional guitarist Elizabeth Schall and drummer Mike Caffell in 2006, this band has garnered fans from around the world and has toured much of the United States, but generally plays in the Southern and Mid-California areas. Comprising the rest of the band is guitarist Chris McCarthy and former Manslaughter bass player William Palacios-Toledo.

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Forsaken Memoriam – From Greece, With Perfection…

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Forsaken Memoriam: Forsaken Memoriam, Artwork by Neopithecus Illustration

Damn! Greece’s Stoner band scene continues to impress our staff! From Heraklion, Forsaken Memoriam is the latest in an ever-growing stream of winning bands we have had the pleasure to review.

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State of the Art: Omery Rising

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*This is part of our State Of The Art series, showcasing bands every Monday from the featured State*

This month’s State is California!

Omery Rising name

Omery (N): The God of Heavy Metal; with armor of leather and the Power of Metal, He ruled the Earth and Sea…  And now his time has come to rise again and bring back True Heavy Metal.  With thunder and lightning he shakes the sky.  Omery will rise, but he shall never die!

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Joe Satriani “Surfing To Shockwave”: The Florida Theater, Jacksonville, FL

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It has been many, many years since last seeing Mr. Satriani (I believe it was the “Surfing With the Alien” tour in Louisville, KY; back when he had hair for you younger folks), so this was a particular thrill for me. Being self-identified as a guitar nerd, I have however kept up with all of his music and love everything he has produced.  I was about ready to come out of my skin waiting for him to take the stage…

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Interview with THE Kurdt Vanderhoof of Metal Church

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When we asked to review the pre-release of “XI” for Metal Nexus (Please see: Metal Church “XI”, for the review), we had no idea that Metal Church would be so gracious as to offer us an interview. When we found out that the interview was going to be personally handled by Kurdt Vanderhoof himself, there was collective gasp among the staff. The Man himself! We are truly honored!

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Zakk Wylde: “Book of Shadows II”

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Metal Nexus recently received a pre-release copy of “Book of Shadows II” by Zakk Wylde.  While this album is by no stretch of the imagination, Metal, it is the Zakk Wylde and after listening to it, deserves a high place on our must-have list for 2016, regardless.  Release date is set for April 8, 2016.  With no spoilers, we respectfully submit the following review of this pivotal album:

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State of the Art: Sorizon

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*This is part of our State Of The Art series, showcasing bands every Monday from the featured State*

This month’s State is California!

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“And now for something completely different…”

– Monty Python’s Flying Circus

Sorizon is a very rare and unique band based out of Orange County, CA. Playing throughout Southern and Central California, Arizona and Nevada; this sextet of wickedly talented musicians have thrown caution to the wind and decided to create whatever strikes their collective, creative fancy instead of targeting one group of listeners or chaining themselves to any certain genre. When asked “what is your target audience”, song-writer, studio guitarist, and manager Dr. Danny Mann enthusiastically states “Everyone! We’ve heard many times after our shows from people who don’t really like metal that they really dug our set. I’m proud of that!” That said, Sorizon has much to be proud of because after just one listen to their music, one understands why this is true! Continue reading →