Billy Morrison and Ozzy Osbourne release stripped down version of Gods of Rock 'n' Roll

It's amazing to hear that music that comes with less overload when it comes to instruments or production can win so much. There's far more room for the music to breathe it's life and soul in all of those moments when you otherwise may turn your attention on other elements.

Photo credit: Jane Stuart @JaneStuartPhotos

Billy Morrison and Ozzy Osbourne released a ballad called "Gods Of Rock 'n' Roll" some time ago. By the time of it's initial release the song was already a impressive hymn but now that a stripped down version has been put out it has become something like a all time classic for me. It's one of those tunes that sticks in your mind once it reaches the listeners ears. Along with the lyrics it creates a moment that lasts in your mind. The meaning of the songs talks more intensively to the listener.

This version comes accompanied by Fred Coury's beautiful orchestration performed by a 57 piece Orchestra and an acoustic guitar solo by Steve Stevens.

Check the player below or head over to https://ffm.to/ozzy-billy-gods-stripped for a overview on streaming sites that offer the song, too. The Vinyl Edition that holds a double A-Side drops on July 4th 2025.  

EP Review: Out Of Darkness - Seize The Day (Modern Metal, 2020)

Brent Smedley is widely known as the longtime drummer of Iced Earth. I was surprised to learn that he has a side-project with vocalist/guitarist Eric Barrios called Out Of Darkness. The seven songs that he has put out via Bandcamp are heavy music no question. But they are far more.

Can the release shed some light into your day?

They offer a look outside of the box. The opener "OH MY" already spreads this open mindness. Other tracks like "I surrender" are heavier material with a very modern metal take to the sound. I disliked the high-toned sound. It's way to harsh in my ears. 

Happily it's not the common sound of the release. The title-track "Seize the day" features rough vocals but riffs lighter through the speakers. It's going more into the groove metal style. It's also modern but not stressing my nerves like so many modern releases only going for brutality. 

"KNTRL" varies between direct and straight metal notes and more vocal heavyness. I like the moments when it's lighter with melodies flying around. My favorite of the EP since it has a slightly calming effect on me.

A ballad is also present of this first attempt. It's called "Freedom to be free" and shines with spoken elements at the proper moments. But the refrain is big and massive as you would expect of such a track with multiple vocal layers as a special in here.

Finally a midtemp song closes the package. It's riffs keep it compact and and the duration short so it may have been the last ideas the guys had at the rehearsals. Anyway it shows that this is a release of the moment - a authentic one.

All in all a solid release that opened my ears. The former duo surely has ambitions and I'm curious to see where this project may go to in the future. The album is available as download or CD on Bandcamp.

Marc Vanderberg's You and I goes straight to the heart

Is there time for love in these days? I think we take to few time to listen to what our heart tries to tell us. There's simply too much noise all around us all the time.

German guitar wizard Marc Vanderberg released a great half ballad with his latest record "Phoenix from the Ashes".

The cover of Marc Vanderberg's "Phoenix from the Ashes" looks breathetaking in my eyes.

I've not heard such a wonderful piece of music in a long time. It touches my heart with it's softer guitar notes. The refrain is big but fits into the other song structures so it doesn't ruin the atmosphere. It has made me curious what the rest of the album might sound like so I'll take a listen for sure.

Listen to the fine tune right here or head over to Marc Vanderberg's Spotify channel and listen to it along with more tracks of him.

The album is up for purchase for only 5 Euro from Bandcamp in any digital format you may desire. You can follow his further activities on Facebook.