Archive
Issue #606
Detritus
Issue #606
Week of August 29, 2011
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*** CAST OF CHARACTERS ***
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Patrick Brower, Editor
pwbrower@gmail.com
Sean P. Gahgan, Editor
spgahgan@comcast.net
http://www.lakeoffire.net/
http://www.myspace.com/visionlakeoffire
Tim Wadzinski, Owner
tsw512@yahoo.com
Steve Shumake, Co-owner
vongoober@neb.rr.com
http://www.facebook.com/KnuckleDeepBand
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*** LET IT BE KNOWN ***
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-Hey, let’s keep good thoughts in our heads for those of us affected by the hurricane/storm last weekend. A couple of Detritus’ finest were roughed up a bit. I hope everything’s getting better. – Tim
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-Sebastian Bach Victimized By Hurricane Irene
[Note: Bach made this Facebook post over the weekend. Here it is in its original/unedited state. – Tim]
I am numb, in shock, & devastated to report that my home of 21 years, my house featured on MTV Cribs, has been destroyed, condemned, & deemed uninhabitable due to the extreme flooding courtesy of Hurricane Irene.
In the 2 decades I have lived in this home, there has never been a single drop of water in the basement or anywhere else in the structure. Now Irene has overflowed the reservoir adjacent to my house. The surging waters have snapped the bridge in half next to my house & sent the bridge straight into my garage, knocking the house off of its foundation. The basement that has been dry for over 2 decades is now overflowing with water & I am not even allowed to start pumping the water out due to fears of electrocution. Original Skid Row & KISS fans, I have bad news for you . Gone are irreplacable items, such as my KISS Gargoyles from the 1979 tour. KISS pinball machine. Skid Row master tapes, video & audio, concerts, master tapes from Oh Say Can You Scream etc. Boxes & boxes of one of a kind Skid Row memorabilia, from the first tour to our last, all stuff I collected on the road that no one else had. I had a library in the basement with every single magazine that had Skid Row on the cover. This library took up a big part of the basement. All of this is lost now. We will salvage what we can of course. But how I wish there was a reason to do a box set or something before Hurricane Irene hit. Nobody cared. Now it’s too late. Don’t know what you got till it’s gone, indeed.
The good news is that all my fathers artwork , including the 16 foot “Slave To The Grind” mural, is all ok. My sons & friends moved all my dads art to the 2nd level of the structure before Irene destroyed our home. My Silver Age Comic Collection is all on the 3rd level, with the David Bierk Archives, which is a completely dry level. But we are not allowed into the house yet to retrieve everything because the foundation has crumbled & the house could conceivably collapse at any second. We are working with the police & fire department to get the electricity turned off so no one gets electrocuted entering the premises. As soon as the power is off we will pump out the basement & salvage what we can. Everything will be put into storage & then it looks like we will level the house 😦
This has really taught me that the best things in life are indeed ‘free’ . What makes me happy is that my children & ex wife are safe. My dads art is unharmed. No one got hurt. My scrapbooks of memories of my life are dry & safe. The only things that are making me smile today is cranking Black Veil Brides “Set the World on Fire” CD over & over again. Texting Danny from Asking Alexandria who may become my new roommate in LA . Getting texts from my girl Minnie in LA making sure I’m ok & trying to cheer me up. My neighbours in New Jersey clamouring around my house, calling me, offering help in any way they can. These things mean more to me than mere posessions.
I have been holding on to my house since December, when my divorce papers were filed. I just could not let go of the only home I had ever known. Well, God has other plans for me it seems. He has made His decision for me. My home has been taken away by an “Act Of God”. I just think He is giving me a much needed push, is all. New Jersey, thank you all so much for 25 years of rock n’ roll. It’s all over now. I will always love New Jersey but now there is literally nothing left for me here except memories of a past life.
Hello, Los Angeles. Hello, New Life. Here I Am. It’s time for a new start.
Like I have a choice.
http://www.sebastianbach.com/
http://www.facebook.com/sebastianbach
http://www.myspace.com/sebastianbach
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-Primal Fear Update
[Note: This is from Frontiers Records’ newsletter. – Tim]
Ralf Scheepers of German power metallers Primal Fear has finished laying down vocals for the band’s forthcoming studio album, UNBREAKABLE, which is scheduled for a January 2012 release on Frontiers Records. He states, “I know that every musician will always praise his new work as his best so far, but what the whole team have created here is simply outstanding! I am sure you guys will love what you hear.”
UNBREAKABLE is being recorded at House Of Music studios in Winterbach, Germany. The CD, which is being produced by Mat Sinner and engineered by Achim Köhler (Edguy, Masterplan), will feature the following songs:
* Blaze Of Glory
* Marching Again
* And There Was Silence
* Night Of The Jumps
* Give ‘Em Hell
* Born Again
* Where Angels Die
* Bad Guys Wear Black
* Strike
* Metal Nation
* Conviction
* Raise Some Hell
Regarding the musical direction of the new Primal Fear album, Scheepers recently stated in an interview, “You can really expect an album which is somehow skipping back again to the very basics of Primal Fear, with very rough metal riffs and screaming vocals and good melodies on it. So people can really expect a pure Primal Fear album with melody and beating drums and very harsh guitars.” He added, “Of course, every musician will somehow advertise his own album, but I’m really convinced that people will like this one, because it’s got very catchy hooklines and it’s a really ‘bang-your-head’ metal album.
“When you look back on the [Primal Fear] back catalog, from the very first album to this album now, I think there were quite some changes — on SEVEN SEALS, for instance, and also when we came [out with] NEW RELIGION. We somehow now have a combination in between a good, bombastic sound with more back-to-the-basics guitar riffing stuff. Also we have two ballads on it, which are not [really] ballads. There’s one mid-tempo song with some acoustic guitars in it and one song which has a little bit more keyboards. It’s still not an acoustic-guitar ballad — it’s still with drums and stuff — so I think it’s a pretty tough album [overall].”
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-Doro Pesch Announces Special In-Store Performance
In addition to her two previously announced DVD release shows next month, German metal maven Doro Pesch will hold an extra special FREE in-store performance on September 3, 2011 at Best Buy in Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania. This will be Doro’s only Philadelphia-area appearance in 2011!
Date: Saturday – September 3, 2011
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location:
LIVE at Best Buy
310 Commerce Blvd.
Fairless Hills, PA
More info here:
https://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=273161059364243
This will be an all-ages event. Don’t miss this rare performance!
In 2008, Doro celebrated her 25th anniversary concert at the ISS Dome in her hometown of Dusseldorf, Germany. With over 8,500 people in attendance, the magical, full-documented performance featured her long-time band Nick Douglas (Bass), Joe Taylor (Guitar), Johnny Dee (Drums) and Oliver Palotai (Keys, Guitar) and offered up guest appearances by Overkill’s Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth, Grave Digger’s Chris Boltendahl, former Nightwish singer Tarja Turunen, Scorpions’ Klaus Meine and Rudolf Schenker, Liv Kristine (Leaves’ Eyes), Floor Jansen (After Forever), Axel Rudi Pell and many others. The set was recorded in its entirety and resulted in the mammoth 25 YEARS IN ROCK 2 DVD/CD set which includes the once-on-a-lifetime concert as well as out-takes from Doro’s 2,500th concert and more. 25 YEARS IN ROCK will finally be available to North American fans on September 13, 2011 via Nuclear Blast Records.
Check out the new video trailer here:
http://www.earsplitcompound.com/site/?p=3200
In conjunction with the Stateside release of 25 YEARS IN ROCK and the in-store performance, Doro will perform two special shows in New York City on September 9 and Chicago on September 11. Both nights will include clips from the DVD, limited edition merchandise and an autograph session followed by a performance by the metal queen herself. Tickets are on sale now through all local ticket outlets!
Doro Pesch – 25 YEARS IN ROCK US Release Shows:
9/03/2011 Best Buy – Fairless Hills, PA [FREE In-Store Performance]
9/09/2011 Gramercy Theatre – New York, NY
9/11/2011 Reggie’s Rock Club – Chicago, IL
More Doro news to come. In the meantime, be sure to check out Doro’s new (and official) fan page at: http://www.facebook.com/DoroOfficial .
http://www.doropesch.com/
http://www.facebook.com/DoroPeschOfficial
http://www.nuclearblastusa.com/
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-Edguy’s “Robin Hood” Is “A Tribute To… Spinal Tap”
In Tobias Sammet’s new interview with MSN Entertainment, Edguy’s dynamic front man shares how he juggles two bands, relives Avantasia’s headlining performance at Wacken Open Air to an audience of over 100,000 people, discusses the writing process for the new album AGE OF THE JOKER, and reveals why the band chose to write a song about Robin Hood.
States Sammet in the following excerpt from the interview:
“If you look at the topics that are used in heavy metal songs, you come to those historical figures, like Attila the Hun or Alexander the Great, or Odin, or Thor, Humpty Dumpty, Cinderella. [laughs] Elves and dwarves and dragons, whatever is ridiculous, heavy metal bands surely have sung about it. But Robin Hood is so ridiculous, that heavy metal bands have never sung about him as far as I know. So I thought we should dedicate a song to the real true master of all swashbucklers in tights. We had a serious song, and it didn’t have a title or a topic, it was just a great song. And I thought, I’m going to make this Robin Hood. As soon as there was this shadow of Robin Hood over the song, there were so many more ideas. All of a sudden, we didn’t have to take that song so seriously anymore. It’s seriously a great song with a lot of musicianship and a great melody, but all of a sudden we were allowed to play with clichés that are used in heavy metal, that make rock ‘n’ roll and heavy metal what it is. That song is a tribute to Iron Maiden, to Rainbow, to Uriah Heep, and probably a tribute to Spinal Tap. It doesn’t really make sense, but a lot of things in heavy metal don’t make sense. That’s what’s cool. [laughs] It embraces everything that is tongue in cheek about heavy metal.”
Read the entire interview here:
Watch the hilarious video for “Robin Hood” here:
AGE OF THE JOKER, Edguy’s tenth studio album, will be released in North America on September 13th. Fans can pre-order it for $10 from Nuclear Blast USA’s webshop:
http://store.nuclearblastusa.com/Item/Edguy_-_Age_Of_The_Joker_-PRE-ORDER-/38845
Edguy
http://www.edguy.net/
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-Kiss Plushies To Be Released By FUNKO on September 7
Officially Licensed And Ready To Rock
The folks at FUNKO ( http://funko.com/ ) have come up with yet another way to reinvent one of the most influential rock and roll bands of all-time of all time… Kiss! On September 7th, they will release their new line of Kiss Plushies to the masses.
The line consists of four dolls: Gene Simmons “The Demon,” Paul Stanley “The Starchild,” Ace Frehley “The Spaceman,” and Peter Criss “The Catman.”
Hi res photos:
Each doll is 7″ tall and is available for pre-order at http://www.entertainmentearth.com/ . They will start shipping to customers on September 11, at which time they will be available at local FYE stores. Each doll will retail in the $10.99 – $12.99 price range.
Kiss holds honors as one of America’s top gold record champions, recording 36 albums over 32 years selling over 85 million albums worldwide. The band formed in New York City in December 1972 and was easily identified by each member’s trademark face paint and stage outfits. They rose to prominence in the mid and late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, and pyrotechnics. Kiss has been awarded 24 gold albums to date. The band has sold over 85 million albums to date.
The original lineup of Paul Stanley (vocals and rhythm guitar), Gene Simmons (vocals and bass guitar), Ace Frehley (lead guitar and vocals), and Peter Criss (drums, percussion and vocals) is the most successful and identifiable. With their makeup and costumes, they took on the personae of comic book-style characters: The Demon (Simmons), Starchild (Stanley), Spaceman (Frehley), and Catman (Criss). The band explains that the fans were the ones who ultimately chose their makeup designs.
The “Demon” makeup reflected Gene’s cynicism and dark elements, as well as his love for comic books. Paul Stanley became the “Starchild” due to his tendency to be referred to as the “starry-eyed lover” and “hopeless romantic.” Ace Frehley’s “Spaceman” makeup was a reflection of him wanting to go for a ride in a space ship and supposedly being from another planet. Peter Criss’ “Catman” makeup was in accordance with the belief that Peter had nine lives due to his rough childhood in Brooklyn.
Over thirty years of record-breaking tours around the globe include high-profile appearances at Super Bowl XXXIII, the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City and most recently, the 2005 Rockin’ The Corps concert dedicated to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Kiss legacy continues to grow, generation after generation, transcending age, race and creed.
The unparalleled devotion and loyalty of the Kiss Army to the “Hottest Band in the World” is a striking testament to the band’s unbreakable bond with its fans.
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-New Releases From Escape Music: Shy & Gary Barden
Shy – SHY
Escape Music – ESM232
File under: Hard Rock
EAN: 5031281002327
Release: June 7, 2011
Specials:
The comeback album of the legendary UK band!
Track List:
1. Land Of A Thousand Lies
2. So Many Tears
3. Ran Out Of Time
4. Breathe
5. Blood On The Line
6. Pray
7. Only For The Night
8. Live For Me
9. Over You
10. Sanctuary
11. Save Me
12. Union Of Souls
Bio:
Shy have been a mainstay in the melodic rock scene right back to the mid 1980s. But one fundamental difference separates Shy and the rest, they have stood the test of time and come shining through time and time again.
Crowned by the success of Def Leppard, Bon Jovi and Europe, the ’80s were the golden era of AOR and for a while every record company craved its own poodle-haired, tight-trousered offspring. Shy made albums for two different major labels and for a while seemed in with a genuine shot at glory, but like all the above ended up biting the dust. Before adopting the name of Shy, their roots lay in the altogether heavier, twin-guitar metal of Trojan. However, even in 1982 they sensed the decade’s wind of change and set out to leave pub-metal behind. They received an offer to make an album for Hull-based independent Ebony Records on the day after a helium-voiced ball of energy called Tony Mills was sacked by his own ex-band. Their debut album ONCE BITTEN… TWICE SHY was described by Kerrang! as “perhaps the greatest English pomp rock album of all time.”
Already having gigged with UFO, Magnum, Twisted Sister and Pallas, the band then added high profile supports with Bon Jovi, Meat Loaf and Gary Moore.
Before undertaking their all-important third album, 1987’s EXCESS ALL AREAS, RCA relocated Shy to Los Angeles to soak up the Californian hard rock radio vibe. Such was the quality of EXCESS ALL AREAS that just like FM’s TOUGH IT OUT and NATIVE SONS by Strangeways, its inability to make stars of its creators now seems almost unfeasible. “In any genre, there will only ever be a couple of winners,” reflects Steve Harris. “But it’s surprising how many people talk of that album in hushed tones and don’t actually own a copy — or only bought the reissue.” In the following years a lot of changes occurred and Shy went through many changes.
A settled lineup completed by keyboard player Joe Basketts and drummer Bob Richards more recently played one of the sets of the day at the second Firefest show in Nottingham alongside the likes of House Of Lords, Danger Danger and Harem Scarem. The event’s packed attendance confirmed that AOR still has a fiercely devoted niche following in Britain, though strangely Shy claim to still be discovered by new followers.
Front man Tony Mills has left the band for Norwegians TNT, and Lee Small (Phenomena / Surveillance) has taken the mike stand. Shy have lost none of their appeal and this new CD is a burst of fresh air, they sound at their very best and this self-titled release is a crowning achievement that will set the standard for all others.
Discography:
1983 – ONCE BITTEN… TWICE SHY
1985 – BRAVE THE STORM
1987 – EXCESS ALL AREAS
1989 – MISSPENT YOUTH
1994 – WELCOME TO THE MADHOUSE
1999 – REGENERATION
1999 – LET THE HAMMER FALL
1999 – LIVE IN EUROPE
2001 – BREAKAWAY (EP)
2002 – UNFINISHED BUSINESS
2005 – SUNSET AND VINE
2006 – REFLECTIONS: THE ANTHOLOGY 1983-2005
October 2011 – SHY
Produced By Shy and Andy Faulkner
Mixed by Simon Hanhart (Bryan Adams, Marillion, Saxon, Asia, Elton John, David Bowie, Fate)
Mastered by Tim Debney at Fluid Mastering
Band:
Lee Small – Vocals
Steve Harris – Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Roy Davis – Bass
Joe Basketts – Keyboards
Bob Richards – Drums
Gary Barden – ELEVENTH HOUR
Escape Music – ESM231
File under: Hard Rock
EAN: 5031281002310
Release: October 21, 2011
Specials:
New solo album by MSG singer!
Produced by Michael Voss.
Track List:
1. Baghdad
2. Fallen By The Wayside
3. Child Of Sorrow
4. What You Wanna Do
5. We Are Dead
6. All In
7. Blackmail
8. Shine A Light On Me
9. Easy Does It
10. Before The Eyes Of The World
11. Don’t Take Me For A Loser
Bio:
Gary Barden belongs to THE voice of British hard rock. The first time Barden appeared in the scene was as part of the newly formed MSG (Michael Schenker Group) founded by the former Scorpions guitarist of the same name. Their first collaboration resulted in the highly acclaimed album THE MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP which was released in 1980. Besides the great songs and the great guitar output Barden’s voice was one of the reasons why this album became a huge success and allowed the band to hit the road in Europe, Japan and the USA.
Their second album MSG saw the light of day in 1981 and followed an even more melodic direction than its predecessor. After the following world tour Barden was informed that he was no longer part of the band and replacement was found soon in ex-Rainbow singer Graham Bonnet. Chrysalis, however, released a live disc recorded in Japan by the original MSG entitled ONE NIGHT AT BUDOKAN.
Searching for a new band, Barden started to write some songs with the late Thin Lizzy guitarist Gary Moore which later on ended up on Moore’s CORRIDOR OF POWER release. Their working period was short and so was the collaboration between Bonnet and Schenker. Bonnet sang on the 1982 record ASSAULT ATTACK but Barden was back with MSG for some live appearances including Reading Festival in the same year and the 1983 record BUILT TO DESTROY. The label’s pressure to steer more into a commercial direction made the band quit business in 1984.
Barden moved on and found a new home in the business together with ex-Thin Lizzy six-string Brian Robertson and the band Statetrooper, who put out their highly acclaimed self-titled debut album in 1987 and played a couple of live shows in the following months. STATETROOPER was reissued on CD by Escape Music (ESM095).
After a long break Barden returned to the scene with Praying Mantis’ THE POWER OF TEN and the live album CAPTURED ALIVE IN TOKYO CITY (1996). In 2000, Barden hit the road again for a couple of live shows with Company Of Snakes and founded the band Silver together with Michael Voss (Casanova) and Bernie Tormé (Ian Gillan). Statetrooper finally reunited in 2004 and put out the classy new record THE CALLING.
The Escape Music album PAST & PRESENT (ESM106) marked the first solo album by Gary Barden and offered a very personal collection of new, exciting interpretations of some all-time MSG classics, a selection of songs that both suited Gary Barden and MSG fans! With his long time pal Michael Voss (Casanova, Bonfire) and a couple of friends he went back to the roots to perform his bluesy smoky songs that will touch your soul and are exemplified on the release AGONY & THE XTASY (ESM128). In 2007 the more rockier LOVE AND WAR (ESM161) was released by Escape Music and it has been a long anticipated wait for the next chapter.
Gary now presents us with ELEVENTH HOUR which features 11 tracks of hard rock brilliance. These new songs are fresh and exciting and Gary has poured his heart and soul into them. Once again Michael Voss is ever present and the end result is just perfect. This is a hard hitting rock album that highlights what a great singer Gary is, his contribution to the British rock scene is just legendary.
Discography:
PAST & PRESENT (ESM106) 2004
AGONY & THE XTASY (ESM128) 2006
LOVE AND WAR (ESM161) 2007
ELEVENTH HOUR (ESM231) 2011
Produced by: Michael Voss
Recorded and Mixed at Kidroom Recording Studios
Label:
Escape Music
4 Cavendish Court, Dean Bank
Ferryhill, Co. Durham, DL17 8PY, UK
info@escape-music.com
http://www.Escape-Music.com/
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-Arch/Matheos Update
GuitarWorld.com Hosting Exclusive Track Video Descriptions From Arch/Matheos!
Headliner Show At Keep It True Festival In Germany In April 2012 Confirmed!
The new progressive rock band, Arch/Matheos featuring Jim Matheos (current member of the progressive rock powerhouse Fates Warning and OSI) and John Arch (former vocalist of Fates Warning), are readying the release of their highly anticipated debut album SYMPATHETIC RESONANCE September 9th/12th on Metal Blade Records. The album is available for pre-order now at ARCHMATHEOS.com.
GuitarWorld.com the online home of Guitar World Magazine is offering an exclusive look inside SYMPATHETIC RESONANCE. Running bi-weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays through September 7th, Jim Matheos and John Arch will provide a track by track video description of each song on the album. After the description of the song, each video features an exclusive 30 second sneak peek of the song. Check out the first video discussing the opening track “Neurotically Wired” at http://www.guitarworld.com/archmatheos-track-track-neurotically-wired and be sure to check back frequently!
Recently Jim Matheos and John Arch recently took some time to discuss SYMPATHETIC RESONANCE with Metal Blade CEO Brian Slagel for Metal Blade TV. Jim and John discuss how the project came together as a natural evolution from Arch’s TWIST OF FATE EP. They also reflect on the recording process, how they started slowly with baby steps and how John’s return to music on a full-time basis was due to Jim’s inspiration. The interview can be viewed in its entirety at http://www.archmatheos.com/ .
Arch/Matheos has released the first single off the group’s upcoming full-length debut SYMPATHETIC RESONANCE. The new track, a five-minute clip of the song “Stained Glass Sky” that clocks in at just less than 14 minutes, can be heard at http://www.archmatheos.com/ .
SYMPATHETIC RESONANCE will be available in two formats. First as a digi-pak CD and second on limited vinyl as 2-Gatefold-LP including the A TWIST OF FATE EP! A shirt bundle is available as well, check out the pre-order section at http://www.archmatheos.com/ !
Cover art for SYMPATHETIC RESONANCE was fashioned using an image created by light painting photographer Dennis Calvert, who has described light painting as “The ability to see in 4 dimensions, time traveling, and creating fantasy using only what we base all reality on, light.”
SYMPATHETIC RESONANCE track listing:
Neurotically Wired
Midnight Serenade
Stained Glass Sky
On The Fence
Any Given Day (Strangers Like Me)
Incense And Myrrh
The band — accompanied by Joey Vera on bass, Bobby Jarzombek on drums, and Frank Aresti on additional lead guitar — began tracking the drums on January 12 and continued to record through March with Jim Matheos producing. Arch/Matheos is pleased to announce SYMPATHETIC RESONANCE as the title of the debut album, which will be released September 9/12, 2011 in Europe!
Lineup:
John Arch – vocals (former Fates Warning)
Jim Matheos – guitars (Fates Warning, OSI)
Joey Vera – bass (Armored Saint, Anthrax, Fates Warning, Seven Witches)
Bobby Jarzombek – drums (Halford, Fates Warning, Sebastian Bach, Riot)
Frank Aresti – additional lead guitar (Fates Warning)
Arch/Matheos have now been confirmed as headliners for the Keep It True festival, taking place April 27-28, 2012 in Lauda-Königshofen, Germany! Find out more about the lineup and presale tickets at http://www.keep-it-true.de/ .
http://www.archmatheos.com/
http://www.facebook.com/archmatheos
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-Former Toto Singer Fergie Frederiksen Tells The World That HAPPINESS IS THE ROAD In His New Album
[Note: This is from Frontiers Records’ newsletter. – Tim]
Frontiers Records is particularly pleased to announce the release of Fergie Frederiksen’s new album HAPPINESS IS THE ROAD for a release on October 14th in Europe and October 18th in North America.
Mostly known for being the former vocalist of Toto (in the ISOLATION era), Fergie has been involved in a lot of other outstanding musical projects too. Trillion, LeRoux, Frederiksen/Philips, Mecca, Frederiksen/Denander and David London (solo album, under pseudonym) are simply a few worthy of mention. In 1999 he debuted as a solo artist with EQUILIBRIUM, an album which garnered great reviews in Europe and Japan. In short Frederiksen is certainly one of the most esteemed singers in the Melodic Rock scene and his vocal abilities have blessed some real masterpieces of this music.
In June 2010, Frederiksen announced he had been diagnosed with liver cancer. The following months were obviously very difficult for the singer who used music and the recording sessions of this album as a therapy to regain confidence in himself and his strengths. He also found the time and energy to collaborate with Jim Peterik (ex Survivor) on the songwriting of the album’s title track, a real motivational manifesto for a positive approach to life. Fergie says “It was hard doing the sessions. I had side effects of the drugs, after the operations and then with the pills I’m taking. I had to stop many days and just go home to bed to try and do it again the next day. It has been a huge victory for myself. When I was first diagnosed with cancer I wanted to stop recording. It didn’t feel like I could do it. But my friend Alex Ligertwood said I need to finish it. He was right of course and I thank him for the tough love. I am proud that I did.”
About one year later, in the summer 2011, Fergie had two great things to share with the World: the first being the completion of the recording of the new album and the second is the positive results to the cures he was under, with the cancer now being close to be defeated. “I am feeling great right now,” tells Fergie. “I am close to cancer free. Not what all the doctors thought would happen and they are almost as excited about it as I am. I seem to be an exception to the rule. I am very glad to be because the alternative sucks big time.”
The new album musically shows a different side of Fergie. “It’s hard to compare this new album with EQUILIBRIUM,” continues Frederiksen, “That was a CD that I co-wrote most of the songs, so I guess you could say I was more connected because of that. In the same breath I must say that this CD is very important because of where my world is at right now. The title song, ‘Happiness Is The Road,’ is the saying I have lived by for the past few years even before I became ill. It means a lot to me to have other people examine its meaning. If you think about it real hard, you will find joy and love in your life you have been missing. At least I hope people do. The song’s a real good song. Being I co-wrote only one, it is a change for me but a good one. It is what it is, a CD with good songs and hopefully good vocals. Thanks to Serafino at Frontiers for his vision.”
HAPPINESS IS THE ROAD is a story of love and passion to tell and of course of so many great songs expertly produced by Dennis Ward (House Of Lords, Pink Cream 69, Place Vendome and Angra) and written by Jim Peterik (ex Survivor), David Roberts (Bad English), Mark Baker (Signal, House Of Lords), Robert Sall (Work Of Art), Joe Vana (Mecca), Dennis Ward and more.
Fergie Frederiksen is involved in raising awareness of Hepatitis C, a disease he has been struggling with himself. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common chronic blood-borne infection in the United States. Fergie has arranged benefit shows for the American Liver Foundation, with the cause of fighting Hep C. He went through a successful treatment in 2005, which he is fighting for other patients to receive too.
Well, the future is once again bright for Fergie, so keep going on in your life as “Happiness Is The Road.”
HAPPINESS IS THE ROAD includes the following songs:
Angel (Mirror To Your Soul); Elaine; First To Cry; Follow Your Heart; Happiness Is The Road; I Still Believe In Love; Lyin’ Eyes; Love Waits For No One; Writing On The Wall; The Future Ain’t What It Used To Be; The One; The Saviour.
The firsts single from the album “Angel” can be exclusively listened in full in streaming on the Frontiers Records webradio at http://www.frontiers.it/webradio .
Fergie Frederiksen – Vocals
Dennis Ward – Bass Guitar, Guitars, Keyboards and Background Vocals
Dirk Bruinenberg – Drums
Nathan Eshman – Guitars
Eric Ragno – Keyboards
Produced by Dennis Ward
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*** PRESS RELEASE #9 ***
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-Sabaton: Final Show Of World War Tour, Final Battle Of Antwerp!
Swedish epic power metallers Sabaton are spreading big news:
“We can now confirm the rumors: Sabaton will play one final show @ Trix/Hof Ter Lo in Antwerp on the 18th of December. This will be a one-off and we will not bring a set list or respect any venue curfew. Last tour we ended in Essen (Germany) and it was a totally magic night, this time the honor to end the tour has come to Belgium and we are sure that this will be the perfect place and country that we will remember when we enter the studio. The last five times Sabaton played Trix/Hof Ter Lo, it was sold out in advance, so if you do not want to miss the show of the year make sure you get your tickets directly.
“Tickets will be released on the 26th of August.
“This show will mark the end of the fantastic 1.5 year long World War Tour and is likely the last chance to hear some of our songs for a very long time since next time we go on tour it will be with a completely new album. After this show we will return to Sweden and start working on the next studio album which currently has the working title KINGS OF WAR.
“History will be written.”
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*** PRESS RELEASE #10 ***
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-Nightwish Re-signs With Nuclear Blast Records!
Nuclear Blast Records is proud to announce, that the Finnish metal heroes Nightwish have signed a new record deal with the German based label.
The next big project will be the release of the new Nightwish record IMAGINARIUM, which will be released by the end of this year, in December 2011.
Band leader Tuomas Holopainen comments: “We are very happy to continue working with the Nuclear Blast family! Our collaboration started on a friendship basis and continues to do so. I was utterly happy and relieved to see they truly understood what IMAGINARIUM is all about, and we seem to share similar profound enthusiasm towards it. I feel privileged working with such people who, despite the infinite maze of business they must handle properly, still have a huge heart for Music itself.”
Andy Siry, Head Of A&R and Label Manager of Nuclear Blast adds: “We are very happy that Nightwish and Nuclear Blast Records can continue as a team. Nightwish became the biggest success of our label and everyone in the band, their management and crew also became trustful and close friends. For us, it is a pleasure to work with such highly gifted musicians and a genius like Tuomas Holopainen, as a songwriter and composer. We also thank KingFoo Management for their belief and the great relationship between all of us. We are looking forward to the next releases with the band, starting with the upcoming masterpiece IMAGINARIUM, which is another big step for this visionary band, which is simply outstanding and brilliant.”
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*** PRESS RELEASE #11 ***
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-Charred Walls Of The Damned Release First Single And Details For New Album!
COLD WINDS ON TIMELESS DAYS To Be Released October 7/10, 2011!
Charred Walls Of The Damned return with the follow-up to their critically acclaimed self-titled debut! Richard Christy, Tim “Ripper” Owns, Jason Suecof and Steve DiGiorgio once again join forces to bring to life Christy’s latest body of work, COLD WINDS ON TIMELESS DAYS. The writing process for the new album actually began while the band was mixing their 2010 debut. Richard Christy used his experience on the first album to write songs that catered not only to each member’s playing style, but to Jason Suecof’s production style. The result: demos that turned out nearly identical to what ended up on the album!
With 12 songs clocking in at 58 minutes, fans are getting a lot more music this time around. Recording 12 songs in a short amount of time is no easy feat, but one that was accomplished because of the stellar talents in the band. Christy elaborates further: “I wanted to get a natural sound out of this album, I wanted everyone to be well rehearsed, not that I wanted the album to be rushed, but I wanted the spontaneous live feel and not over think anything too much.” Richard Christy describes COLD WINDS ON TIMELESS DAYS as a “perfect storm of producing” — Audiohammer’s Jason Suecof produced and Mark Lewis mixed, while mastering was handled by Alan Douches at West Westside.
Fans can hear the first single, “Zerospan,” as well as place pre-orders now on http://www.metalblade.com/cwotd .
COLD WINDS ON TIMELESS DAYS track listing:
1. Timeless Days
2. Ashes Falling Upon Us
3. Zerospan
4. Cold Winds
5. Lead The Way
6. Forever Marching On
7. Guiding Me
8. The Beast Outside My Window
9. On Unclean Ground
10. Bloodworm
11. Admire The Heroes
12. Avoid The Light
http://www.metalblade.com/cwotd
http://www.facebook.com/charredwallsofthedamned
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-Guitar Guru Richie Kotzen To Release New CD
24 HOURS To Release 11.11.11 On Headroom-Inc.
First Single “24 Hours” Available On iTunes September 1st
HOLLYWOOD, CA — After two years of extensive international touring, guitar virtuoso, singer/ songwriter Richie Kotzen is back to unleash his new album 24 HOURS, releasing November 11 on Headroom-Inc.
24 HOURS reflects the guitar style that has defined his career as a virtuoso, while taking it to another level of playing. “I feel like I have reached a new level of soloing on the opening track ’24 Hours,'” explains Kotzen. “I stopped using a guitar pick on electric a few years ago and my playing has evolved in a different way. Some of the solo lines I play on the song ’24 Hours,’ and others as well, are lines I would have never been able to play with a guitar pick. So I would say the solos on this CD are at a different level than previous recordings.”
24 HOURS is an absorbing collective blend of Kotzen’s musical influences and diversity. 24 HOURS takes you on an inspired, musical journey as the opening track sets the tone that falls stylistically somewhere between early Van Halen and Sly And The Family Stone. Kotzen also brought in his talented daughter, August Kotzen and friend Jerry Cantrell of Alice In Chains, to complete the album. “My daughter, August is singing with me on a few songs and is playing electric piano on the song ‘Stop Me,'” states Kotzen. “My friend Jerry Cantrell is singing backgrounds on ‘Love Is Blind’ and does a very cool lead vocal ad-lib in the final chorus of the tune.”
24 HOURS is an album that has been in the works since Kotzen started playing guitar. The guitar virtuoso burst onto the heavy metal scene as a teenager with a lightning-fast guitar techniques. With his talents Kotzen has played with some of the best musicians; securing such major collaboration with the band Mr. Big and renowned jazz great Stanley Clarke as well as his own solo projects. “I have been lucky in the sense that I have been able to play with guys who I could learn from,” explains Kotzen. “The biggest musical lesson for me was playing in a band with Stanley Clarke and Lenny White. Obviously these guys are jazz musicians and I am not, but I learned so much from the time we recorded and toured together. My favorite rock bassist is Billy Sheehan and we were in Mr. Big together for three years which was awesome.”
24 HOURS was recorded and produced in Kotzen’s studio Headroom-Inc. 24 HOURS will be released on 11.11.11. Expect the first single, title track “24 Hours” to hit airwaves sometime soon. For more information go to http://www.richiekotzen.com/ .
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-Newly Formed Traditional/Power Metal Band Dragonsclaw Has Completed Its Debut Release Entitled PROPHECY
PROPHECY Features Guest Vocals On Select Tracks From The Legendary Blaze Bayley And Alessandro Del Vecchio
Dragonsclaw has recently completed recording for its debut album, PROPHECY, which is being produced by Stu Marshall (Paindivision, Empires Of Eden, ex-Dungeon). The album contains 10 solid tracks of indomitable metal and features a very special guest vocal performances by Blaze Bayley whose legacy includes Wolfsbane & British metal legends Iron Maiden, and Alessandro Del Vecchio of Edge Of Forever, Eden’s Curse, Glenn Hughes, Ian Paice, James LaBrie.
Original artwork for the album was designed by Maggotmaster.
PROPHECY will be released in late 2011 and is sure to claw the ears of the most discerning power metal aficionados.
Vocalist Giles Lavery has the following to say regarding the band’s debut:
“We have worked really hard on putting together the best collection of songs, scrapping anything that wasn’t up to our highest standards, in fact we wrote and recorded one track we felt very strongly about in the final days of recording … totally crazy but that’s what it takes to have the best record we can! The melody and song writing has gotten a little bit lost these days in modern metal, we are hoping to re-introduce that while maintaining the crushing power that only heavy metal can provide. Basically everything we grew up with and loved about the genre is here on display. I cannot wait for people to hear this material and to perform it live once we hit the road! Might I also add that working with Blaze Bayley is a dream come true — being a massive Maiden/Blaze fan I am truly honored!”
Guitarist Ben Thomas had this to add:
“For me it’s been a long time coming, but I feel the wait is worth it. Also noteworthy is the lyrical contributions from Corey Wyer from the band The Cursing Stone.”
Lineup:
Ben Thomas – Guitars
Giles Lavery – Vocals
Ray Martens – Keyboards
Aaron Thomas – Bass Guitars & Orchestration
Dragonsclaw are currently looking for a full time drummer.
Dragonsclaw
http://www.facebook.com/dragonsclawofficial
http://www.youtube.com/Dragonsclawofficial
http://www.blazebayley.net/
http://www.youtube.com/Llewellynstudios
http://www.maggotmaster.com/
http://www.alessandrodelvecchio.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/All-Things-Rotten/158201837535762
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-Zebrahead GET NICE On Their 11th Studio Effort Overall
La Habra, CA’s zebrahead are gearing up to unleash a new offering of explosive pop-punk, GET NICE, on September 27th (and in Europe and Japan in late August). And although this is the group’s 11th release overall, it will be their first to be released via the Niji Entertainment Group for North and South America. Two videos have already been filmed (one for the title track and one for the song “Ricky Bobby”), both of which can be viewed via these links:
zebrahead is comprised of vocalist/rapper Ali Tabatabaee, vocalist/guitarist Matty Lewis, guitarist Greg Bergdorf, bassist Ben Osmundson, and drummer Ed Udhus, and has been rocking since 1996. In the process, zebrahead has sold 1.5 million copies of their albums (800,000 in the USA alone), and even received a Grammy nomination. Additionally, zebrahead has toured around the world since 1996, both headlining clubs and festivals, including the Vans Warped Tour and opening for bands like Green Day and 311.
There is an interesting connection between zebrahead and heavy metal greats Motorhead. When nominations for the 2000 Grammy awards were announced, Motorhead was named among the nominees for Best Metal Performance for a cover of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman.” However, upon further review, the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences amended the nomination, adding the So Cal punk outfit zebrahead to share the nod for the “Enter Sandman” cover. The song can be found on ECW EXTREME ENTRANCES CD. Both bands share the same management as well.
GET NICE was produced by Jason Freese (Jewel, Death By Stereo, and plays with veteran outfit Green Day) and mixed by Andy Carpenter (Dwarves). As with past releases, zebrahead will be touring heavily behind it, including dates in the US, Europe, Japan, and their first-ever visit to Australia. In fact, the album hasn’t even been released yet, and the new single, “Get Nice,” is in the Top 4 on Japanese Radio and in the Top 10 on the European International Artist Radio Chart!
According to Tabatabaee, GET NICE is the finest zebrahead release yet. “I think this album will definitely win a Nobel Peace Prize, get you a raise, and get your girlfriend pregnant all at the same time. It’s that good!”
GET NICE Track Listing:
1. Blackout
2. Nothing To Lose
3. She Don’t Wanna Rock
4. Ricky Bobby
5. Get Nice!
6. The Joke’s On You
7. Nudist Priest
8. Galileo Was Wrong
9. Truck Stops And Tail Lights
10. I’m Definitely Not Gonna Miss You
11. Too Bored To Bleed
12. Kiss Your Ass Goodbye
13. This Is Gonna Hurt You Way More Than It’s Gonna Hurt Me
14. Demon Days
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:
http://www.zebrahead.com/ (sponsored and fully ran by Nokia)
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-Candlelight Red Set To Unleash THE WRECKAGE, Supporting Tour Continues With Saving Abel And Then 10 Years
Candlelight Red’s debut recording for the Imagen label, THE WRECKAGE, is set for digital release on September 27th. Produced by Grammy-nominated producer David Ivory (whose credits include Halestorm and The Roots, among others), fans have received a taste of what’s to come, in the form of the album’s lead-off single, “Closer,” which has been garnering major attention on rock radio and video stations. Case in point, both Octane and Music Choice have added the song, while the tune is now in the top 50 of Mediabase’s Active Rock Charts (and still climbing). Check out the video for “Closer” here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVoIfyVDtsA
The Williamsport, PA-based group (which includes vocalist Ryan Hoke, guitarist Jeremy Edge, bassist Jamie Morral, and drummer Josh Hetrick) will be touring from now throughout October, alongside such renowned acts as Saving Abel and then 10 Years. The band will also grace the cover of their hometown state rock publication The Pennsylvania Musician for the month of September 2011.
Candlelight Red is no stranger to sharing the stage with established and well-known hard rock acts, as they have opened for both Kiss and was part of the Rockstar Energy Uproar Festival (which included Disturbed, Avenged Sevenfold, Stone Sour, Halestorm, and Hellyeah) and most recently with Egypt Central and Rev Theory.
Catch Candlelight Red on their upcoming round of live dates, and let the countdown begin to the release of THE WRECKAGE! Upcoming Candlelight Red tour dates:
September
Thursday, 1st – Cleveland, OH – Peabody’s (small room) w/ Eve To Adam.
Friday, 2nd – Muskegon, MI – Club Envy w/ Saving Abel
Friday, 9th – St. College PA – The Arena Bar & Grille
Monday, 19th – Denton, TX – Rockin’ Rodeo Share w/ Saving Abel
Tuesday, 20th – Abilene, TX – Lucky Mule Saloon w/ Saving Abel
Wednesday, 21st – Dallas, TX – Trees w/ 10 Years
Friday, 23rd – Colorado Springs, CO – Black Sheep w/ 10 Years
Saturday, 24th – Denver, CO – The Summit w/ 10 Years
Sunday, 25th – Salt Lake City, UT – Club Sound w/ 10 Years
Tuesday, 27th – Spokane, WA – Knitting Factory w/ 10 Years
Wednesday, 28th – Seattle, WA – El Corazon w/ 10 Years
Friday, 30th – Boise, ID – Knitting Factory w/ 10 Years
October
Saturday, 1st – Pocatello, ID – The Collab w/ 10 Years
Sunday, 2nd – Missoula, MT – Wilma Theatre w/ 10 Years
Tuesday, 4th – Eugene, OR – Wow Hall w/ 10 Years
Wednesday, 5th – Reno, NV – Knitting Factory w/ 10 Years
Friday, 7th – Sacramento, CA – Ace Of Spades w/ 10 Years
Saturday, 8th – Chico, CA – Senator Theatre w/ 10 Years
Sunday, 9th – Modesto, CA – Fat Cat w/ 10 Years
Tuesday, 11th – Los Angeles, CA – The Roxy w/ 10 Years
Thursday, 13th – Anaheim, CA – House Of Blues w/ 10 Years
For more information, visit:
http://www.facebook.com/candlelightred
http://www.myspace.com/candlelightred
http://www.candlelightred.com/
http://www.imagenrecords.com/
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*** PRESS RELEASE #16 ***
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-Two Announcements From Ian Anderson And Jethro Tull
THICK AS A BRICK Played In Special 2012 Tour And AQUALUNG Special Edition In October
Ian Anderson Announces The THICK AS A BRICK Tours For 2012
Ian Anderson performs THICK AS A BRICK in its entirety for the first time since 1972, going out for a world tour commencing in Great Britain in Mid-April. Then, it’s on to European countries in the late Spring and Summer before landing in the USA for two tours spanning September, October and early November.
This tour will feature a more theatrical production with video, additional musicians and a troupe of dancing elephants. (Just kidding about the dancing elephants: they don’t dance…)
In 1972, Ian wrote the music (and the lyrics which were credited at the time to the fictitious character, 8 year-old Gerald Bostock, whose parents lied about his age) and recorded with Jethro Tull, THICK AS A BRICK. The record became a number one Billboard album and enjoyed huge commercial success in most countries of the world. The album featured only one song, lasting nearly 45 minutes. To accommodate the album on LP vinyl and cassette, the seamless track was split on both sides of the record. It reached number one on the US Billboard Pop Albums chart.
Tull then dutifully took the somewhat theatrical show on the road in the Great Britain, USA, and other world markets.
Since 1972, the album has never been performed in its entirety although a few minutes of the material have been a regular repertoire staple in both Tull and IA solo shows over the years.
Now, scheduled for performance again in 2012, Ian will take the original album to a theatre near you. It will be performed in its entirety in a theatrical setting with band, and additional guests.
Background on Gerald Bostock: From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: Gerald Bostock is the fictional author of the poem used as the lyrics for the 1972 Jethro Tull album THICK AS A BRICK. The album cover is designed to look like a small village newspaper, the St. Cleve Chronicle & Linwell Advertiser. The front page story describes how eight-year-old Gerald, nicknamed “Little Milton,” received an award for his poem.
Due Fall 2011, The AQUALUNG 40th Anniversary Collector’s & Special Editions
AQUALUNG is Tull’s most recognized album and a definitive rock classic. Now, 40 years after its release, this prized recording gets a collection worthy of its historic status.
This is not a simplistic rehashed re-mastering aimed at squeezing another few pounds, dollars, euros, etc. out of the recording. Want proof? The limited collector’s edition’s contents include:
o 180g heavyweight LP, 2CD, DVD, and Blu-Ray including various unreleased materials, a new stereo mix, the original Quad mix, and 5.1 DTS and Dolby Digital Surround. The “special edition” includes just the two CDs.
o 12″x12″ 48-page hardback book featuring liner notes and an interview with Ian, Q&A with engineer John Burns, Don Lawson (initially written for “Classic Rock Presents Prog” in March 2011), memoirs from band members (Jeffrey Hammond-Hammond (Bass Guitar), Martin Barre (Guitar), Clive Bunker (Drums), Barrie Barlow (Drummer following Clive Bunker’s departure), Glenn Cornick (Original Bassist on early recordings), Terry Ellis (Manager) and Jennie Franks (Ian’s first wife who wrote the lyrics for the title track), rare photos, notes on the new mixes by producer Steven Wilson, and Billie Ritchie (from ’60s rock band & label mate Clouds), rare photos, album lyrics, and more.
Ian’s Comments
“Well — it’s finally here! The superb re-mixes by Porcupine Tree’s Steven Wilson in both stereo and 5.1 Surround. Plus the re-mastered original mixes, bonus tracks, alternative versions and takes of the classic AQUALUNG material from 40 years ago.
“When I wrote and recorded these songs and slaved over a hot audio-mixer in Island Records’ Basing Street Studios, I never thought we would be celebrating this 40th Anniversary release, soon to be released in October. But you can’t keep a good song down. Many of these are still favorites on stage today in our concerts throughout the world.
“I hope you enjoy this splendid EMI release and, if there’s someone out there you really love, then why not treat them to the Collector’s Edition in all its glory. Or, come to think of it, if there’s someone out there you really dislike, then the same might apply. Each to his own. Me — I kinda like it…
“For those of you easily confused about such things, a ‘re-mix’ is not the same as a ‘re-master.’ Re-mixing involves going back to the original studio multi-track masters and balancing and perfecting the sound on all the individual instrumental and vocal tracks and creating from them a new stereo or 5.1 surround master.
“‘Re-mastering’ is just the cleaning up and making a new copy of the original stereo master — which usually results in a clearer and more sparkling listening experience than the original, when CDs were usually just the vinyl master copied straight to the then-new CD medium. These days, with digital audio, we can afford to get more dynamic range and frequency response compared to the vinyl album and (God forbid) cassette versions of old.
“Many thanks to Tim Chacksfield and Steve Davis at EMI for all their hard work and initiative in making this happen. And to the enthusiastic and respectful Steven Wilson, who has just sent me the re-mixes of another album to listen to, which he has been working on. But, another year, another story…
“Ian Anderson, Jethro Tull”
Track Listing:
Vinyl
Side 1
1. Aqualung (New Stereo Mix)
2. Cross-Eyed Mary (New Stereo Mix)
3. Cheap Day Return (New Stereo Mix)
4. Mother Goose (New Stereo Mix)
5. Wond’ring Aloud (New Stereo Mix)
6. Up To Me (New Stereo Mix)
Side 2
1. My God (New Stereo Mix)
2. Hymn 43 (New Stereo Mix)
3. Slipstream (New Stereo Mix)
4. Locomotive Breath (New Stereo Mix)
5. Wind-Up (New Stereo Mix)
CD 1 – New AQUALUNG Stereo Mix (Previously Unreleased)
1. Aqualung (New Stereo Mix)
2. Cross-Eyed Mary (New Stereo Mix)
3. Cheap Day Return (New Stereo Mix)
4. Mother Goose (New Stereo Mix)
5. Wond’ring Aloud (New Stereo Mix)
6. Up To Me (New Stereo Mix)
7. My God (New Stereo Mix)
8. Hymn 43 (New Stereo Mix)
9. Slipstream (New Stereo Mix)
10. Locomotive Breath (New Stereo Mix)
11. Wind-Up (New Stereo Mix)
CD 2 – Additional 1970 & 1971 Recordings include some Previously Unreleased New Stereo Mixes
1. Lick Your Fingers Clean (New Mix)
2. Just Trying To Be (New Mix)
3. My God (Early Version)
4. Wond’ring Aloud (13th December 1970)
5. Wind-Up (Early Version – New Mix)
6. Slipstream (Take 2)
7. Up The ‘Pool (Early Version)
8. Wond’ring Aloud, Again (Full Morgan Version)
9. Life Is A Long Song (New Mix)
10. Up The ‘Pool (New Mix)
11. Dr Bogenbroom (2011 – Re-master)
12. From Later (2011 – Re-master)
13. Nursie (2011 – Re-master)
14. US Radio Spot
DVD
1. Aqualung (5.1 Surround Sound Mix)
2. Cross-Eyed Mary (5.1 Surround Sound Mix)
3. Cheap Day Return (5.1 Surround Sound Mix)
4. Mother Goose (5.1 Surround Sound Mix)
5. Wond’ring Aloud (5.1 Surround Sound Mix)
6. Up To Me (5.1 Surround Sound Mix)
7. My God (5.1 Surround Sound Mix)
8. Hymn 43 (5.1 Surround Sound Mix)
9. Slipstream (5.1 Surround Sound Mix)
10. Locomotive Breath (5.1 Surround Sound Mix)
11. Wind-Up (5.1 Surround Sound Mix)
12. Lick Your Fingers Clean (New Mix) (5.1 Surround Sound Mix)
13. My God (Early Version) (5.1 Surround Sound Mix)
14. Up The ‘Pool (5.1 Surround Sound Mix)
15. Life Is A Long Song (New Mix) (5.1 Surround Sound Mix)
16. Aqualung (New Stereo Mix)
17. Cross Eyed Mary (New Stereo Mix)
18. Cheap Day Return (New Stereo Mix)
19. Mother Goose (New Stereo Mix)
20. Wond’ring Aloud (New Stereo Mix)
21. Up To Me (New Stereo Mix)
22. My God (New Stereo Mix)
23. Hymn 43 (New Stereo Mix)
24. Slipstream (New Stereo Mix)
25. Locomotive Breath (New Stereo Mix)
26. Wind-Up (New Stereo Mix)
27. Lick Your Fingers Clean (New Mix)
28. Just Trying To Be (New Mix)
29. My God (Early Version)
30. Wond’ring Aloud (13th December 1970)
31. Wind-Up (Early Version – New Mix)
32. Slipstream (Take 2)
33. Up The ‘Pool (Early Version)
34. Wond’ring Aloud, Again (Full Morgan Version)
35. Life Is A Long Song (New Mix)
36. Up The ‘Pool (New Mix)
37. Dr Bogenbroom (2011 – Re-master)
38. From Later (2011 – Re-master)
39. Nursie (2011 – Re-master)
40. Aqualung (Quad Mix)
41. Cross-Eyed Mary (Quad Mix)
42. Cheap Day Return (Quad Mix)
43. Mother Goose (Quad Mix)
44. Wond’ring Aloud (Quad Mix)
45. Up To Me (Quad Mix)
46. My God (Quad Mix)
47. Hymn 43 (Quad Mix)
48. Slipstream (Quad Mix)
49. Locomotive Breath (Quad Mix)
50. Wind-Up (Quad Mix)
BLU RAY
1. Aqualung (5.1 Surround Sound Mix)
2. Cross-Eyed Mary (5.1 Surround Sound Mix)
3. Cheap Day Return (5.1 Surround Sound Mix)
4. Mother Goose (5.1 Surround Sound Mix)
5. Wond’ring Aloud (5.1 Surround Sound Mix)
6. Up To Me (5.1 Surround Sound Mix)
7. My God (5.1 Surround Sound Mix)
8. Hymn 43 (5.1 Surround Sound Mix)
9. Slipstream (5.1 Surround Sound Mix)
10. Locomotive Breath (5.1 Surround Sound Mix)
11. Wind-Up (5.1 Surround Sound Mix)
12. Lick Your Fingers Clean (New Mix) (5.1 Surround Sound Mix)
13. My God (Early Version) (5.1 Surround Sound Mix)
14. Up The ‘Pool (5.1 Surround Sound Mix)
15. Life Is A Long Song (New Mix) (5.1 Surround Sound Mix)
16. Aqualung (New Stereo Mix)
17. Cross-Eyed Mary (New Stereo Mix)
18. Cheap Day Return (New Stereo Mix)
19. Mother Goose (New Stereo Mix)
20. Wond’ring Aloud (New Stereo Mix)
21. Up To Me (New Stereo Mix)
22. My God (New Stereo Mix)
23. Hymn 43 (New Stereo Mix)
24. Slipstream (New Stereo Mix)
25. Locomotive Breath (New Stereo Mix)
26. Wind-Up (New Stereo Mix)
27. Lick Your Fingers Clean (New Mix)
28. Just Trying To Be (New Mix)
29. My God (Early Version)
30. Wond’ring Aloud (13th December 1970)
31. Wind-Up (Early Version – New Mix)
32. Slipstream (Take 2)
33. Up The ‘Pool (Early Version)
34. Wond’ring Aloud, Again (Full Morgan Version)
35. Life Is A Long Song (New Mix)
36. Up The ‘Pool (New Mix)
37. Dr Bogenbroom (2011 – Re-master)
38. From Later (2011 – Re-master)
39. Nursie (2011 – Re-master)
40. Aqualung
41. Cross-Eyed Mary
42. Cheap Day Return
43. Mother Goose
44. Wond’Ring Aloud
45. Up To Me
46. My God
47. Hymn 43
48. Slipstream
49. Locomotive Breath
50. Wind-Up
51. Aqualung (Quad Mix)
52. Cross-Eyed Mary (Quad Mix)
53. Cheap Day Return (Quad Mix)
54. Mother Goose (Quad Mix)
55. Wond’ring Aloud (Quad Mix)
56. Up To Me (Quad Mix)
57. My God (Quad Mix)
58. Hymn 43 (Quad Mix)
59. Slipstream (Quad Mix)
60. Locomotive Breath (Quad Mix)
61. Wind-Up (Quad Mix)
Jethro Tull – AQUALUNG 40th Anniversary Special Edition
Alongside the Collector’s Edition, is a 2CD Special Edition, containing CD1 and CD2 plus a 36-page booklet, in a digi-pak sleeve.
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*** PRESS RELEASE #17 ***
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-Axemaster Announces Bassist That Will Appear On New CD
The band is proud to announce that accomplished bassist Jim Curtis will be featured on the next Axemaster release. Jim was a member of the Inner Terror project in 2009-2010 and recently expressed interest in performing on the new CD. As Joe Sims put it:
“When I found out that Jim was interested in being on the CD it was a no-brainer. He’s an excellent player and is familiar with me and Brian’s writing and playing style, a perfect combination! He’s gonna add an extra dimension to the rhythm section and make the disc just that much better!”
Jim stated:
“I am honored and excited to be working with Joe, Brian and Tony in this newest version of Axemaster. I have known Brian for many years and met Joe three years ago when they asked me to be on the Inner Terror CD. The songwriting is strong and the riffs are brutal… nobody writes ’em like Joe… along with great drumming and now with Tony’s talents I am looking forward to a killer release from the legends that are AXEMASTER!”
http://www.facebook.com/axemasterofficial
http://www.myspace.com/thebandaxemaster
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*** PRESS RELEASE #18 ***
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-Napalm Records: Upcoming Releases
This fall is a MAJOR time for Napalm Records, as we’ve got FOUR bangers coming out then: HateSphere’s THE GREAT BLUDGEONING and Van Canto’s BREAK THE SILENCE are being released in North America on September 27th, while Thulcandra’s UNDER A FROZEN SUN and Nachtblut’s ANTIK are being released in North America on October 4th! Embrace the coming cold!!!
HateSphere – THE GREAT BLUDGEONING
The infamous Danish institution responsible for delivering the heaviest of riffs unleashes its latest album THE GREAT BLUDGEONING: a merciless and brutal inferno that will leave a trail of destruction in its wake. Guitarist and mastermind Peter “Pepe” Hansen and his accomplices confirm the band’s supremacy and reach new heights with blistering tracks, such as “Venom,” “Need To Kill,” and “Smell Of Death.” High-speed riffs, furious solos, and grueling drums are the foundation of HateSphere’s sound, in which technical prowess and appeal brilliantly unite. Esben “Esse” Hansen, the new man on the mic, emerges as a driving force, using his aggressive vocals to push the band even further. As a result of this perfectly balanced cooperation, HateSphere delivers a compact and uncompromising album that will outflank even the band’s previous classic releases.
Van Canto – BREAK THE SILENCE
Innovative, compelling and unique! Van Canto’s fourth album once again confirms that guitars are not necessary to deliver first-class metal. BREAK THE SILENCE reflects the German sextet’s newfound confidence and experience gained by their previous album’s chart entry and the many live performances that followed. The band’s main focus centers around sweeping original compositions, in which the vocal acrobats only enlist the help of the drums. “If I Die In Battle,” “The Higher Flight,” and “Neuer Wind” show off the mature and extraordinary qualities of the band: appeal and power. Staying true to tradition, Van Canto also delivers several cover songs (“Primo Victoria,” “Bed Of Nails,” and “Master Of The Wind”), as well as illustrious guests appearances. Marcus Siepen (Blind Guardian) can be heard playing the acoustic guitar on the ballad “Spelled In Waters”, while Sabaton front man Joakim Broden steps up to the mic on “Primo Victoria” to give his band’s hit authenticity. The limited edition digi-pak also includes a bonus cover song (“Bad To The Bone” by Running Wild). In addition, the track “Betrayed” features a symphonic “metal-a-cappella” piece with orchestral support, while “A Storm To Come” unveils an exclusive bonus: the first song from Peer Returns, the Van Canto Crossmedia-Projekt to premiere at the end of this year. BREAK THE SILENCE captivates with strong songwriting and a novel implementation. A cappella metal! Metal like no other!
Thulcanra – UNDER A FROZEN SUN
Obscura mastermind Steffen Kummerer continues his musical journey through time by taking Thulcandra’s latest album, UNDER A FROZEN SUN, back to the Sweden of the early ’90s. The entire band is deeply rooted in the infamous sound of Sweden’s black death metal, which combines scorching riffs, anthemic melodies, delicate solos supported by driving drums, and intense vocal renditions. Thulcandra is able to find a balance between ice-cold heaviness and melodic appeal. The uncompromising tracks reveal myriad hidden details without ever losing a beat. UNDER A FROZEN SUN upholds tradition by once again relying on the production expertise of V. Santura (Woodshed Studios) and artistic mastery of the legendary Kristian “Necrolord” Wåhlin. Thulcandra also includes a cover of Unanimated’s classic track “Life Demise” to pay homage to a style brought back to life with blazing intensity. Dissection, Unanimated, and Necrophobic will be relieved to know that their darkly legacy continues to impress at the hands of Thulcandra.
Nachtblut – ANTIK
ANTIK opens the gates to a dark and morbid musical universe, in which the German formation Nachtblut reigns. In a very short time, this extraordinary band has managed to earn a special cult status within the underground scene and now repays their fans with the perfect gift: the title track “Antik.” Nachtblut’s sound is built upon a foundation of heavy guitars and keyboard melodies that are both complex and appealing. The tracks “Antik,” “Die Blutgräfin,” and “Des Menschen Kunst Blindheit Zu Säen” impressively attest to this sweeping mix and stir a craving to experience the quintet’s intensive live show. The critical German lyrics are strikingly performed by front man Askeroth and center around both social and religious themes, as well as more personal topics. With this album, Nachtblut prepares to conquer the dark scene once and for all. ANTIK will be re-released as a re-mastered limited edition digi-pak including brand-new artwork and four bonus tracks!
http://www.napalmrecords.com/
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http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=napalmrecords
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*** PRESS RELEASE #19 ***
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-Epysode: OBSESSIONS — Finest Melodic Prog Power Metal!
With Epysode Samuel Arkan (guitarist of the band Virus IV) presents a fascinating new band project. Since years Arkan was working on what will now be released as OBSESSIONS, with help from many high class musicians of the progressive and power metal scene.
But what exactly makes Epysode so outstanding and extraordinary? At first it is of course about the magnitude and quality of the material, which offers melodic and very song-oriented progressive metal at its best. What counts are the songs, and it was secured that these were not watered by endless solo parts or unnecessary playing to the gallery, despite the fact that on the Epysode project so many skilled and virtuosic musicians are involved. In fact the songs get what they need, what results in material that is not too hard to access to, but on the other hand offers new facets every time of listening because of the complex arrangements.
The elaborate concept story, penned by Samuel Arkan, gives OBSESSIONS a very special touch. “The songs convey dialogue, feelings, thoughts and important clues which will reveal the “story behind the story,” Arkan comments. Short overview: a young police profiler investigates a mysterious series of murders. And while he does, he gets in touch with several supernatural phenomena that draw him deeper and deeper, to become a major part of the story…
With outstanding expressive voices from the likes of Kelly “Sundown” Carpenter (Beyond Twilight, Darkology), Oddleif Stensland (Communic), Rick Altzi (At Vance, Thunderstone), Magali Luyten (Ayreon, Beautiful Sin, Virus IV) and Liselotte Hegt (Ayreon, Dial, Valentine) OBSESSIONS reaches and impressive draft and atmosphere which makes it a must-have for fans of ambitious bands/projects like Ayreon, Evergrey, Avantasia or Star One.
In addition the musician lineup of Epysode is peppered with true masters: besides the mastermind, band leader and guitarist Samuel Arkan, bass player Kristoffer Gildenlöw (Pain Of Salvation, Dial), lead guitarist Christophe Godin (Morglbl Trio), drummer Leo Margarit (Pain Of Salvation) and the young keyboard talent Julien Spreutels (Ethernity) are all part of the project.
Mix and mastering of the album was done by the experienced Tommy Hansen (Helloween, Pagan’s Mind, Jorn).
OBSESSIONS will be released on August 26th, and no doubt: fans of ambitious melodic and progressive metal will love it.
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*** PRESS RELEASE #20 ***
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-Noisecreep Hosting Exclusive Premiere Of New Anubis Gate Song “Golden Days”
The music of Anubis Gate is a conglomeration of classic ’80s heavy metal, ’90s post-rock and the kind of dark soundscapes that wouldn’t sound out of place in a David Lynch film. The Danish group cite acts like Queensryche, Iron Maiden, Fates Warning, King Crimson and Genesis, as prime influences, but one listen to their forward-thinking songwriting and you know their sound is all their own.
Anubis Gate is gearing up to release their fifth album, a self-titled affair that finds guitarist Henrik Fevre providing the vocals for the first time. Noisecreep loves progressive metal and we’re honored to bring you the exclusive premiere of “Golden Days,” one of the new album’s standout cuts.
http://www.noisecreep.com/2011/08/25/anubis-gate-golden-days-song/
Anubis Gate guitarist Kim Oleson told us about the inspiration behind “Golden Days”:
“It’s a song about having major dreams and a naive belief in the future — a feeling of immortality and invincibility that especially young people experience and which is crucial if you want to make it to the top. But when they grow older they tend to feel more careful or vulnerable, ’cause they’ve learned some of life’s lessons or have children to take care of. And all of a sudden invincible has changed to invisible — the golden days are but a memory; an old feeling of grandeur and lost youth, but replaced by a more solid wisdom and maturity that was lacking in the young dreamer.
“The single is an alternate version to that of the album and it will be accompanied by a video, which is in making as we speak. The single will be accompanied by a B-side which is a cover of Nik Kershaw’s ’80s mega-hit ‘Wouldn’t It Be Good.'”
ANUBIS GATE will be available on September 13th via Nightmare Records.
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*** NEWS/RUMORS ***
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-There’s a new interview with Black Country Communion’s Glenn Hughes at http://bccommunion.com/news/guitar-world-interviews-glenn-hughes-bcc2-life-favorite-bass/ .
-The bonus content for the digi-pag version of Blind Guardian’s AT THE EDGE OF TIME is now available. Singer Hansi Kursch’s statement: “A long, long time ago we promised additional material for the ones who bought the digi-pak version of At the Edge Of Time. As usual, things take far longer than expected, but at the very end, we keep our promise. This is just another perfect example. Enjoy our alternate mixing ideas for ‘Curse My Name’ and ‘Wheel Of Time.’ One appears a little heavier, the other a little more ‘Riverdance-ish.’ 🙂 Enjoy music, enjoy life.” The content can be accessed via a special code listed in the digi-pak. See http://www.blind-guardian.com/ for more.
-Chickenfoot’s III is due out on September 27. The disc was produced by Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Metallica). MelodicRock.com reported the UK will initially get an “exclusive Limited Edition Fan Pack” version that has two bonus tracks — “Down The Drain” (live in Phoenix) and “Oh Yeah!” (live in Phoenix) — and a 132-page magazine featuring interviews with band members Sammy Hagar, Joe Satriani, Michael Anthony, and Chad Smith, photos, a “Guitar Pick Pack,” post cards, 3D glasses for the album cover, and more. Then on October 24 the UK will get CD, “Deluxe Edition” CD/DVD, and vinyl versions; the Deluxe Edition format will include a III EPK, the “Big Foot” video, “Turning Left” (live in Phoenix), and the “Sexy Little Thing” video. The band will also stage a “worldwide web simulcast” concert on September 27. Check out the new video for “Big Foot” — featuring Kenny Aronoff (Jon Bon Jovi, John Cougar, Cinderella, Alice Cooper, Meat Loaf) sitting in for Smith, who’s busy with the Red Hot Chili Peppers promoting their brand-new I’M WITH YOU — at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4d1q3BKUsgo .
-Two Christmas Metal Festivals are planned for Germany later this year as follows… The Stadthalle in Lichtenfels will host the following bands from November 25-26: HammerFall, Saxon, Lordi, Anvil, Immortal, Gorgoroth, Vader, Lizzy Borden, Primordial, Krisiun, Immolation, Debauchery, Solstafir, Enema Of Death. Then the Eventhalle in Geiselwind will host the following bands from December 9-10: Blind Guardian, Iced Earth, Grave Digger, Morbid Angel, Arch Enemy, Triptykon, Kataklysm, Van Canto, SuidAkrA, Marduk, Milking The Goatmachine, Azarath, Dawn Of Disease, Shraphead, In Legend, Justice, Absorb, Defuse My Hate, M.I.GOD. See http://www.rock-in-concert.de/ for more.
-Dragonsclaw (see press release above) has a couple cool videos online. Check out singer Giles Lavery in the studio working on PROPHECY at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ej22y5HfTA , and see album guest singer Blaze Bayley talking about the song “Prophecy Is A Lie” at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rXEjMgbD5E . See http://www.facebook.com/dragonsclawofficial for more.
-There’s a new Edguy – AGE OF THE JOKER online card game at http://media.nuclearblast.de/bands/games/edguy/index.php . See http://www.edguy.net/ for more.
-Empires Of Eden guitarist Stu Marshall has a new partnership and endorsement with Radix Guitars. Check out a “Radix Deluxe” demonstration at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGAulxIlO2g . See http://www.radixguitars.com/ and http://www.stumarshall.com/ for more.
-Check out a sneak peek of Famous Underground’s video for “Dead Weight” at http://www.youtube.com/nicktoxik . The full video is due out this month. The band’s self-titled debut is out now; track list: “Wasteland,” “Overdrive,” “Dead Weight,” “Love Stands Still,” “Forever And A Day,” “Bullet Train,” “Mommy Is A Junkie,” “Wheel Of Misfortune,” “On Broken Wings,” “Necropolis,” “Hell To Pay.” See http://www.famousunderground.tv/ for more.
-Frontiers posted some 90-second samples of tracks from Fergie Frederiksen’s HAPPINESS IS THE ROAD as follows:
“Angel (Mirror To Your Soul)”
“Elaine”
“Follow Your Heart”
“Happiness Is The Road”
See http://www.fergiefrederiksen.com/ for more.
-Graveyard’s HISINGEN BLUES has been nominated for the best album of the year by Classic Rock magazine’s Roll Of Honor! Vote for it at http://awards2011.classicrockmagazine.com/vote.html . See http://www.myspace.com/graveyardsongs for more.
-The Hell & Heaven Metal Fest is slated for November 19 in Guadalajara, Mexico. The lineup so far includes Megadeth, Overkill, Lizzy Borden, Destruction, Kataklysm, Vital Remains, Within The Ruins, Wehrmacht, Transmetal, Here Comes The Kraken, and Mystica Girls. See http://www.hellandheavenfest.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/hellandheavenmetalfest.com/ for more.
-The Iron Maidens will tour Texas in early December. Until those dates are announced, this is the girls’ schedule:
9/10 – Malones, Santa Ana, CA
9/17 – Santa Fe Springs Swap Meet, Santa Fe Springs, CA (all ages)
10/1 – Paladino’s, Tarzana, CA (10-year anniversary show)
10/15 – Pala Resort & Casino, Temecula, CA (free show)
11/12 – El Cajon Grand, El Cajon, CA
11/19 – Montreal Metal Gatherings, Montreal, Canada (Bruce Chickinson only)
12/10 – Brick By Brick, San Diego, CA
See http://www.theironmaidens.com/ , http://www.facebook.com/TheIronMaidensOfficial , and http://www.myspace.com/theironmaidens for more.
-Issa’s second album THE STORM is due out on Frontiers Records, on October 14 in Europe and October 18 in North America. The first single “Looking For Love” is streaming at the label’s webradio, http://www.frontiers.it/webradio . Check out 90-second clips of four tracks at the following links:
“Looking For Love”
“Please Hold On”
“Invincible”
“Black Clouds”
See http://www.myspace.com/isabelloversveen and http://www.frontiers.it/ for more.
-John 5’s new single, a cover of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It,” is now available from digital retailers. The release was timed to coincide with Jackson’s birthday. John 5’s next solo album, GOD TOLD ME TO, is due soon. See http://www.john-5.com/ for more.
-Kiss’ Gene Simmons Tweeted a link to a funny Kiss-related end-of-tour prank Taylor Swift and her band played on Keith Urban a few days ago; check it out at http://youtu.be/t-QBbAhNukY . In related news, former Kiss guitarist Bruce Kulick Tweeted this link to 25+ minutes of some HOT IN THE SHADE-era soundcheck footage: http://youtu.be/eUKjC2lWNUc .
-Richie Kotzen’s new video for “24 Hours” is available now through an AOL Exclusive. See http://www.richiekotzen.com/ for more.
-Jani Lane’s final interview aired on VH1 Classic’s “That Metal Show” this past weekend. The episode’s original air date was moved up from October 1 after Lane’s recent death. Check out http://youtu.be/3JaRNTkQzMQ for 10 minutes of audio where Lane’s ex-Warrant band mate Joey Allen speaking to Eddie Trunk about Lane’s death. In related news, Liberty N’ Justice has released the single for “Sin,” featuring Lane, Bill Leverty (FireHouse), JK Northrup (King Kobra), and Keri Kelli (Alice Cooper), at http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sin-feat.-jani-lane-single/id459616968 . A portion of the proceeds from this single’s sales will be donated to charity in Lane’s name. The track comes off the upcoming LNJ album THE CIGAR CHRONICLES, due next year.
-Lizzy Borden’s upcoming tour dates:
11/19 – Hell & Heaven Metal Fest, Guadalajara, Mexico
11/25 – Stadthalle, Lichtenfels, Germany
11/26 – Rock City, Uster, Switzerland
11/27 – Garage De Luxe, Munich, Germany
11/30 – Channel Zero, Ljubljana, Slovenia
12/1 – Camden Underworld, London, England
12/2 – Hard Rock Hell Festival, Prestatyn, North Wales, UK
12/3 – The Duchess, York, UK
See http://www.lizzyborden.com/ for more.
-The “Swedish/Finnish heavy metal cult band” Oz has signed with AFM Records.
-Doro Pesch has a new “landing page” for Nuclear Blast’s website at http://www.nuclearblastusa.com/Splash/doro/index.html . Check out a new interview Pesch did with Rock On Press at http://rockonpress.com/2011/08/interview-with-doro/ . See http://www.doropesch.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/DoroPeschOfficial for more.
-Serpentine — featuring vocalists Tony Mills (Shy, Siam, TNT) and Matt Black, guitarist Chris Gould, bassist Gareth Vanstone, keyboardist Gareth David Noon, and drummer Roy Millward — has released LIVING AND DYING IN HIGH DEFINITION through AOR Heaven. Track list: “Deep Down (There’s A Price For Love),” “Philadelphia,” “Dreamer,” “Love Is Blue,” “Where Do We Go From Here?,” “Cry,” “Best Days Of Our Lives,” “Heartbreak Town,” “Nuremberg,” “Forgotten Heroes.” Hype: “Playing an unashamedly keyboard led, yet guitar infused brand of hard rock, the band have once again teamed up with producer Sheena Sear (Magnum) and her crystal clear production on LIVING AND DYING IN HIGH DEFINITION has captured the muscle and melody the band display live.” Mills has since left the band, but sings all the songs here except for “Philadelphia” and “Cry,” which are sung by Black. Check out clips of three songs at http://musicbuymail.eu/?i=34526 and see http://www.myspace.com/planetserpentine for more.
-Check out an edit of Sinner’s new song “10 2 Death,” from ONE BULLET LEFT (due out September 9 on AFM Records), at http://soundcloud.com/afm-records/sinner-10-2-death-edit .
-Steel Fest is set for November 5 at Estragon in Bologna, Italy. The lineup: Virgin Steele, Praying Mantis, Angel Witch, Skanners, Picture, Tarchon Fist, Pegazus, Crystal Viper, Battle Ram. See http://www.bolognarockcity.com/steel%20fest/BRC%20Steel%20Fest.htm for more.
-Y&T just announced a show on December 10 at the Cache Creek Casino Resort in Brooks, CA. See http://www.YandTRocks.com/ , http://www.facebook.com/YandTRocks , http://www.myspace.com/yandtrocks , and http://www.twitter.com/YandTRocks for more.
-Z Records announced the price of 200 Z Rock 2012 festival tickets has dropped to £38 “until they all sell out or November 30th when the price will increase to £45.” The offer is only valid to customers who shop via http://www.zrecords.net/ .
Thanks to Amy Sciarretto, Nancy B. Sayle, Nicky Baldrian, Mark Alger, Music Buy Mail, Axel Wiesenauer, Steven Reid, and Bill “Fowl” Kotowski for help gathering some of this information.
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*** REVIEWS ***
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DC4 – ELECTRIC MINISTRY (B+) Skull Seven Productions, 2011
12 tracks, RT: 55:17
[ http://www.dc4rocks.com/ ]
[ http://www.facebook.com/DC4HardRock ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/dc4duncan ]
I’ve wanted to check these guys out for a long time, ever since I heard former Dio guitarist Rowan Robertson teamed up with the Brothers Duncan — Jeff (Armored Saint, Odin) on guitar and vocals, Matt on bass, and Shawn (Odin) on drums — a while back. After reading the press kit I guess I’m glad I missed the prior album, EXPLODE, because Robertson said it has a “’90s feel” whereas ELECTRIC MINISTRY is more guitar-oriented. Wise move! I’m not sure who’s playing what, but Robertson and Jeff Duncan definitely whip out some excellent metallic riffs and solos throughout this record. They make for a very strong guitar duo. Jeff’s also the main songwriter and has a cool voice (kind of like a grittier version of Skin’s Nev MacDonald) that perfectly fits the band’s gritty metal sound. The intro “Wrecktory” gives way to the pounding, punchy title track that recalls Jon Oliva’s Pain or Doctor Butcher, and then “XXX” has some wry, funny lyrics about sex and various forms of porno. (And yes, you get to hear girls moaning.) “Rock God” is a crunchy rocker with more great lyrics and a really nice harmony guitar section, and the mid-paced “25 To Life” brings forth some Alice In Chains/King’s X/modern Dokken vocal harmonies. The only real misfire, the plodding “Broken Soul,” follows and clocks in at a way-too-long 8:30. The endless guitar outro made me think of Helloween’s meanderings on CHAMELEON, and that is not a good thing… (The track’s partial saving grace, for me anyway, is hearing how eerily similar Jeff can sound to long-lost Radakka vocalist Jon Dobbs. Very cool.) “People” then slaps you back awake with a smokin’ riff and bass-driven beat, sparkling vocal harmonies in the chorus, and another rippin’ solo. “The Ballad Of Rock And Roll” is a huge, swirling ballad with some violin and Guns N’ Roses’ Dizzy Reed on keys, and is followed by my personal fave track, “Glitter Girl,” a chargin’, rockin’ story of a stripper. “Sociopath” has some mildly annoying processed vocals, but overall it’s brash and fun and sports an awesome chorus lyric. “Dirty Hands,” again featuring Reed, is a power ballad showcasing Jeff’s vocal range. Closer “Translucent Life” has some nifty percussion from Jeff’s Armored Saint band mate Gonzo Sandoval, and grooves along at a pretty good clip — for some reason I’m thinking under different circumstances this would’ve been the best Queensryche song of the last 10+ years. So yeah, I’m late getting to the DC4 party but I’m sure glad I arrived. I can’t wait to hear more.
– Tim Wadzinski (tsw512@yahoo.com)
MEMORIES OF MACHINES – WARM WINTER (B+) Music Theories Recordings, 2011
10 tracks, RT: 49:49
[ http://www.memoriesofmachines.com/ ]
[ http://www.facebook.com/pages/Memories-of-Machines/201903936501595 ]
[ http://mascotlabelgroup.com/mlg/artists/memory-of-machines/ ]
[ http://www.mascotlabelgroup.com/ ]
Although my listening time is typically filled with hard rock and metal, occasionally something will cross my desk that sharply deviates from that norm; Memories Of Machines’ WARM WINTER is a good case in point. A project from Tim Bowness (No-Man) and Giancarlo Erra (Nosound), WARM WINTER also contains contributions from such prog luminaries as Steven Wilson, Jim Matheos and Robert Fripp. Mellow is definitely the operative word here, tracks such as “Before We Fall,” “Lucky You, Lucky Me,” “Change Me Once Again” and the title track are lushly produced soundscapes filled with ethereal keyboards, sensitive guitar and the emotionally charged vocals of Tim Bowness. The tone is rather melancholic, almost elegiac but there is an optimistic persistence within the lyrics, effectively expressing vulnerability and sincerity. I would definitely place WARM WINTER in the category of “mood music,” but when you are in that sort of reflective, wistful state of mind this would be a great album to experience with eyes closed, headphones on. Subtle, but elegant…
– Neal Woodall (MysticX9@gmail.com)
THE STONE CHIEFS – DRIVE ON (B-) Grab ‘Em Records, Inc., 2011
13 tracks, RT: 53:41
[ http://www.thestonechiefs.com/ ]
[ http://www.facebook.com/thestonechiefs ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/thestonechiefs ]
[ http://www.twitter.com/thestonechiefs ]
[ http://www.youtube.com/user/thestonechiefs ]
Raleigh, North Carolina band The Stone Chiefs debut on the music scene with their CD, DRIVE ON and a tour sponsorship from Jagermeister distributors Sidney Frank, Inc. in the “Jager Band” promotional program. The CD is also released on their label, Grab ‘Em Records, Inc. — not bad for a new band. Dallas Perry (lead vocals), Michael Neece (drums), Aaron Wiig (guitar, bass, backup vocals), Brian Torrence (guitar, bass, backup vocals), and David Arnn (guitar, bass) promote this release as modern, southern rock, but after multiple plays, I hear something different. In fact, I hear broader diversity on these tracks; to the point I’d say they could have split this CD into two releases: one blues-rock based, and the other with a heavy country influence. Not being much of a country fan, it’s not surprising that the ratings I gave that group of tunes did not go higher than a 6. In an interview with antimusic.com about the song “Vices,” Perry says, “I’ve always been a fan of traditional, down on your luck, country music songs. I guess ‘Vices’ was my attempt to recreate that sort of vibe . . . I was trying to recreate the feel of an old, haggard country song . . .” He succeeded in that respect. I found that despite the cool echo effect early on, “Let It Rain” had quite a hymn-like feel, “Innocence” has a very mainstream-country sound, and “Vices” has harmonies that are great and fit the song, but these are all far too country for my taste. They were my least favorite tracks, and would be the first I’d move to another release. “Mate Of Mine” has (to my knowledge) the first song reference to Conan O’Brien ever written, if that should influence you to listen. On to the rest of the songs, you’ll find well-defined, heavy beats and songs that are dominated by guitar work. Lyrics and vocals are also well-suited to the music. Personally, I really love that the lyrics are available. Knowing what the artists are trying to convey from the start helps me form a connection to the song. My preference for the best songwriting team of the group goes to Perry and Torrence, hands down. “Drive On” is a mellow, highway-cruisin’, blues-tinged number, “Younger” includes just a touch of keyboard, sassy lyrics, and a mid-tempo beat, and “Straight Pipes” blasts with blues and a bit of rock and funk. But the best tunes are buried in the middle, so don’t let the others fool you. “Come Down” deserves several plays right off the bat for excellent and truly interesting percussion that sets mood for the entire track, and backing vocals add to the mood. You must hear “Get Up And Go” to love it. “Moxie” is destined to be a crowd favorite at live shows. But the real gem here is “Mountain:” a perfect blend of guitar, beat, and vocal. Those of you who enjoy country music might find that you like this band’s first effort much more than I do. But if this tour came to my neck of the woods, I’d definitely check them out live, because I think that they have potential to really play the hell out of the songs they have on this CD that are more blues-rock driven.
– Jan W. (jw4jzon@hotmail.com)
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*** OUT ***
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Issue #605
Detritus
Issue #605
Week of August 22, 2011
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*** CAST OF CHARACTERS ***
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Patrick Brower, Editor
pwbrower@gmail.com
Sean P. Gahgan, Editor
spgahgan@comcast.net
http://www.lakeoffire.net/
http://www.myspace.com/visionlakeoffire
Tim Wadzinski, Owner
tsw512@yahoo.com
Steve Shumake, Co-owner
vongoober@neb.rr.com
http://www.facebook.com/KnuckleDeepBand
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*** LET IT BE KNOWN ***
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-Happy Birthday (today — August 25) to Gene Simmons and Rob Halford, two of my all-time favorite Rock Gods. Seriously, how cool is it that the Metal God and the God Of Thunder are both celebrating today? – Tim
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*** PRESS RELEASE #1 ***
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-Gamma Ray Confirmed For The Sweden Rock Cruise!
German power metal veterans Gamma Ray, with legendary Kai Hansen at the helm, have been confirmed for the Sweden Rock Cruise, sailing from Stockholm October 6th-7th! The lineup for the Sweden Rock Cruise is thereby complete and looks as follows:
Gamma Ray
Exodus
Anvil
Helix
Dark
Funeral Hell
Gamma Ray
Kai Hansen is one of the most iconic and influential characters in heavy metal history. As the founder and leader of Germany’s legendary Helloween he all but created one of the 1980s’ most recognizable sounds, giving life to the new genre power metal. Upon leaving Hellowen, the guitarist teamed up with future Primal Fear vocalist Ralf Scheepers — Gamma Ray was born. The band picked up where Helloween left off and has continued to produce one classic album after the other since 1990, most recently TO THE METAL! in 2010. Since LAND OF THE FREE (1995), Gamma Ray’s arguably most heralded album, Kai has also re-assumed vocalist duties. Follow-up and major break release SOMEWHERE OUT IN SPACE (1997) introduced the classic lineup completed by Dirk Schlächter (bass), Henjo Richter (guitar) and Daniel Zimmermann (drums). This cruise is extremely proud to present one of the most celebrated bands on the metal scene, and one that never fails to bring down the house.
More info can be found on the brand new Sweden Rock Cruise website, http://www.swedenrockcruise.com/ . You can also find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/swedenrockcruise
Details about the running order and other activities on board will be announce shortly.
Tickets including cabin are available from 595 SEK (approx 60 Euros). If you understand Swedish, you can book tickets online at http://www.tallinksilja.com/sv/cruises/special/galaxy/swedenRock2011.htm . If not, you can call the shipping company, Tallink Silja, at +46 8 666 3333. The product code to use when booking: METAL.
Tel: 0456-317 95
Fax: 0456-317 94
E-mail: info@swedenrock.com
http://www.swedenrock.com/
Sweden Rock Festival
Norjebokevägen 2
294 76 Sölvesborg
Sweden
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-House Of Lords: BIG MONEY Heading Your Way
House Of Lords debuted in 1989 with the release of the self-titled album, a record which is still regarded as one of the best Arena Rock releases of the ’80s. The colossal sound, the soaring vocals of James Christian and instrumental capabilities of the band (which featured ex Angel and Giuffria, Gregg Giuffria, along with such luminaries as Lanny Cordola, Chuck Wright and Ken Mary), reminiscent of such frontrunners as Whitesnake, Deep Purple and Van Halen, immediately brought the band to the attention of the media and fans.
With their sophomore release entitled SAHARA, House Of Lords gained considerable chart success with their cover version of Blind Faith’s “Can’t Find My Way Home.” After a tour with Nelson in 1991, the group disbanded, eventually coming back together with a new lineup (only featuring original members Giuffria and Christian) in 1992 with DEMON’S DOWN. This was a more melodic record which saw the big contribution at the songwriting helm — between others — of Mark Baker, a guy who penned a couple of years before the majority of the Signal LOUD AND CLEAR album, one of the most sought after gems of the Melodic Rock genre.
With the change of the musical climate, House Of Lords went into hibernation until the original lineup came back together in 2000, releasing of the controversial POWER AND THE MYTH, an album which featured a sound leaning more towards Progressive Hard Rock with ’70s rock influences.
After a short European tour, singer James Christian decided to go back to the trademark Arena Rock sound of House Of Lords, putting together a new lineup with the blessing of founding member Gregg Giuffria, who opted out right before the release of POWER AND THE MYTH. New members Jimi Bell on guitars, B.J. Zampa on drums supplied a true powerhouse sound to the fifth studio album WORLD UPSIDE DOWN, a record which caused a real stir in the Hard Rock and Melodic Rock scene and was followed up by the equally impressive COME TO MY KINGDOM in 2008.
House Of Lords toured relentlessly Europe and the States in support to the releases and have now become a true staple between the Hard Rock crowd among the two continents. Needing a more fresh impact in the songwriting, James decided to team again with Mark Baker for the new album entitled CARTESIAN DREAMS. The record is just what you can expect and even more: superb hooks, majestic atmospheres that bring back the memories of the debut album, monumental guitar riffs and a production to die for. Everything in CARTESIAN DREAMS shines from the first second to the last!
Fast forward to September 2011 which will mark the release of the newest addition to a stellar catalogue of songs. BIG MONEY, is well, “BIG.” The album starts with the trademark vocals of James Christian and crashes into a Power Rock Classic that you will not forget after the first listen, followed by in a song that Christian describes “as the band’s best work to date:” “One Man Down.” Each song has its own distinct quality as you would expect from The Lords and once again the album is full of soaring choruses, awesome guitar work and songs that grab you from the first listen and don’t let go. James teamed up again on the songwriting with long-time friend and partner Mark Baker along with the other band members Jimi Bell and B.J. Zampa.
Look out for House Of Lords on Tour in September of 2011.
House Of Lords
James Christian – vocals
Jimi Bell – guitars
B.J. Zampa – drums
Chris McCarvill – bass
http://www.jameschristianmusic.com/
http://www.myspace.com/jameschristianhouseoflords
http://www.frontiers.it/
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-Manowar: Are You Metal Enough To Be The Metal Ambassador Of Your Town? Join The Challenge!
Manowar will be storming the UK and Ireland this November, and they once again expect warriors from all over the world joining them on their Battle Hymns 2011 UK/Ireland Tour.
We are calling all metal brothers and sisters in Glasgow, Leeds, London, Cardiff, Dublin and Belfast: Join the race to represent your city and show the Manowarriors from all over the world why YOUR town is the Ultimate Metal City.
There will be various challenges and polls on Facebook in the forthcoming days. At the end of them, we will crown the Metal Ambassador for each tour city.
The prize for the lucky winner:
– Free admission to the Manowar show in the city he/she submitted entries for
– A massive surprise gift package
– A personalized certificate, signed by Manowar
And your gifts will be handed to you ON STAGE BY THE BAND!
And this is how it works:
Over the course of the next days we will post several challenges on Facebook and ask you to submit your contribution in the form of videos, photos or text.
(Please note that text submissions must be in English in order to qualify for the contest.)
For each challenge, there will be a voting among the best submissions per tour city.
Be creative! Surprise us!
Remember: Every challenge is a chance for you to win!
Check constantly on http://www.facebook.com/manowar .
Hail & Kill
MANOWAR
http://www.facebook.com/manowar
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-Lion Music Label & Artist News
Awake To Release Second Album FOREVER MORE On October 14th, 2011
Release Date: 14th October 2011
LMC311
EAN6419922003114
Full song sample:
http://soundcloud.com/lionmusicrecordlabel/awake-bleed-from-you
Back four years after their label debut, UK progressive metal act Awake return with their brand new opus FOREVER MORE via Lion Music on 14th October 2011.
Taking a step onwards from their debut ILLUMINATION, Awake have delivered a heavier grittier sound second time round that retains the melodies and depth of its critically acclaimed predecessor. FOREVER MORE also marks the first album recorded with new guitar duo, the brothers Andy and Steven Coles who have brought stability to the band not to mention bringing a new dimension to heavier sound heard on the new album.
With a score of live dates including tours with Evergrey and Magnum under their belts, not to mention live sessions on BBC Radio, Awake have been going from strength to strength in the run up to the new albums creation.
The journey for this album started around a year after ILLUMINATION was released. The band’s former guitarist left (Richard Hall) and the group were keen to move on with new members when writing the new album. After thorough and extensive auditioning Andy Coles joined around June 2008 and the early ideas for the new album were formed. “Release Me” was the first song written and came from a keyboard “riff” that Craig came in with. Steven Coles joined the band by February 2009 and a break in writing was taken for the band to go out on the road with Magnum again. After this writing resumed and the album took shape over the next year or so. Pre-production took place in February 2010, final adjustments were made (including the inclusion of female backing vocals — Jennifer Hardy), and full recording took place April/May 2010.
On FOREVER MORE’ lyrical slant the band state, “We wanted to convey our own personal experiences with love and loss and the hardships you face when you lose someone close to you. We hope that this is something people in general can relate to and we hope they can find meaning within the songs.”
FOREVER MORE is an emotional album written by musicians that are fully dedicated to Awake and pushing the boundaries of what they do. It can on one hand be perceived as a very sad album and there are moments that will touch the heart strings, but at the same time its extremely powerful and meaningful. It’s an album we all can relate to and interpret for our own situation, not just in the words but also in the use of keys and guitar. FOREVER MORE packs a sonic punch musically and emotionally and it’s a package that will be warmly welcomed by music fans worldwide on 14th October 2011.
Lion Music Promo Page with pre-order links:
http://www.lionmusic.com/cd/forevermore.htm
Track Listing
1. Intro – Into The Storm
2. Out Of Control
3. Release Me
4. Drift Away
5. Taken
6. Closing The Doors
7. Bleed From You
8. For The Moment
9. Hold On
10. One Wish
11. King
12. Forever More
Musicians
Simon Shedwell – Lead and Backing vocals
Andy Coles – Lead and rhythm guitars, backing vocals
Steven Coles- Lead and rhythm guitars
Chris Le Mottee – Bass guitar
Craig Burkitt – Keyboards and Piano
Alex Townsend – Drums and Percussion
Credits
All songs written by Awake
Recorded at Parlour Studios, Kettering, UK
Produced by Awake
Engineered and Mixed by Neil Haynes
Mastered at Streaky Mastering
Additional backing vocals by Jennifer Hardy
Artwork direction by Rainer Kalwitz ( kalwitz kunstprodukt.com )
Cover artwork by Michael Vincent Manalo – Represented by Rainer Kalwitz
Layout and illustrations by Piotr Szafraniec
Photograph by Tom Carlton Photography
Official Websites
http://www.myspace.com/awakeuk
http://www.facebook.com/awakeuk
Boguslaw Balcerak’s Crylord To Release Debut Album BLOOD OF THE PROPHETS On October 14, 2011
Release Date: October 14th 2011
LMC310
EAN6419922003107
Full song sample:
Exploding out of Poland comes a new powerhouse of metal. Lion Music are delighted to welcome Boguslaw Balcerak’s Crylord to the label’s roster.
Led by the prestigious talents of guitarist Boguslaw Balcerak, BLOOD OF THE PROPHETS breathes new life into the neo-classical genre with 12 first class songs chock full of big riffs, dynamic rhythms, jaw dropping guitar solos and infectious vocal melodies from three of the most acclaimed vocalists in the field: Carsten “Lizard” Schulz (Evidence One, ex Domain) and neo-classical legends Mark Boals (ex Malmsteen / Ring Of Fire) and Goran Edman (ex Malmsteen / Karmakanic).
BLOOD OF THE PROPHETS’ powerful music was inspired by the greats of neo-classical guitar and hard rock/heavy/power metal along with the epic qualities of film music. The classical influence of masters like Bach, Mozart, Beethoven and Chopin can also be heard at times in Boguslaw’s delivery; yet the album is proof that it’s possible to absorb these influences and not come out as a Malmsteen clone. With an effortless guitar style Boguslaw delivers both passion and power throughout the album providing the perfect backdrop for lyrics inspired by fantasy, mythology, bible, legends, love and feelings all expertly delivered by Schulz, Boals and Edman either individually or collectively.
Born in 1972, Boguslaw picked up the guitar at age 16 and over the years was in several bands based in his home city of Warsaw, Poland. Crylord’s formation came about in late 2007 but finding a suitable vocalist in his native homeland proved difficult for Balcerak. After growing frustrated at the lack of home-grown vocal talent that could deliver his material to the standard required, Boguslaw set about recording the albums instrumentation whilst continuing the search for the right vocalists.
The material that makes up BLOOD OF THE PROPHETS was written and arranged on the turn of the years 2008/2009 with recordings commencing in the spring of 2009 in two Polish studios. Once the songs were complete Boguslaw took a chance and invited three of his favorite vocalists to perform on the album: Mark Boals, Goran Edman and Carsten “Lizard” Schulz who all accepted after hearing the quality of the music on offer. Some delays in the vocal tracks due to scheduling difficulties were encountered but the last of the vocals were finished in early 2011. It was at this point that Lion Music heard some rough mix demos and a contract offer was made immediately after being suitably impressed by the material. With a deal in place the final element of the album was completed when Boguslaw asked King Diamond guitar master and Sonic Train Studios sound engineer Andy LaRocque to master the album. The result being a strong sounding record that puts many a neo-classical heavyweights productions to shame!
August 2011 saw the recording of a promotional video for the track “Warrior’s Moon” which will see release prior to the album hitting stores on its release date of 14th October 2011. Boguslaw Balcerak’s Crylord is set to make a big impact on the world of rock and metal with a debut album brimming full of top quality material, musicianship and complete with killer artwork by Tadeu Grigolon.
Lion Music Promo Page with pre-order links:
http://www.lionmusic.com/cd/bloodoftheprophets.htm
Track Listing
1. Ante Bellum Overture (Intro)
2. Blood Of The Prophets
3. Grave Of Love
4. Bard’s Tale
5. Warrior’s Moon
6. Face Of Destiny
7. The Heretic
8. Behind The Walls Of Sadness
9. Angel Of Divine
10. Valley Of The Dead
11. When The Time Has Come
12. The Healing Hands Of Destruction
Musicians
Boguslaw “Bibas” Balcerak – All Rhythm & Lead guitars, Bass
Carsten “Lizard” Schulz – vocals on 2, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12
Mark Boals – vocals on 4, 6, 11, 12
Goran Edman – vocals on 3, 9, 11, 12
Kamil Wyzinski – Bass
Tomek “Zawad” Zawadzki – Bass
Lukasz Dybalski – Keyboards
Marcin “Kanclerz” Kwasny – Drums
Credits
All music written and arranged by Boguslaw Balcerak
Vocal arrangements by Boguslaw Balcerak, Carsten “Lizard” Schulz, Goran Edman, Mark Boals
Drums, bass and guitars recorded by Kamil Wyzinski in CLC studio
Other guitars, bass and keyboards recorded by Pawel Sapija in New Project Production studio
Lizard’s vocals recorded by Steffen Seeger at Seegewerk Studio, Mannheim/Germany
Mixed by Pawel Sapija at New Project Production Studio
Mastering by Andy LaRocque at Sonic Train Studios
Official Website
http://www.myspace.com/crylord
Lion Music
http://www.lionmusic.com/
http://www.facebook.com/LionMusicRecordLabel
http://www.myspace.com/lionmusiclabel
http://www.youtube.com/LionMusicFinland
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-Forbidden Forced To Cancel European Tour!
Guitarist / founding member / songwriter Craig Locicero of the Bay Area thrash band Forbidden has issued the following update:
“This is the most painful update I have ever had to write…
“Due to family obligations on the part of our longtime drummer, Mark Hernandez, Forbidden is forced to cancel its tour of Europe and will start to search for an adequate permanent replacement right away. Compounding things is the fact that Mark and I also play in Demonica, who were to open the tour. Unfortunately, at this late date, there is no time nor budget to find a replacement who can handle both bands and our only option right now is to cancel the entire tour.
“Forbidden would like to apologize to all of the different promoters, Continental Concerts, the bands Communic and Demonica, our label Nuclear Blast, and most importantly our fans who have been waiting for us to finally make it overseas for our first proper European tour in support of OMEGA WAVE. You all deserve better. This is a collective kick to everyone’s stomach and it is very difficult for us to swallow.
“If there were any way to find one drummer to do both jobs and learn over 22 songs of material in only a couple of days, we would do it. But there is no way to teach somebody all of that material from the ground up and give the fans our very best. Our first choice was longtime Brother, Gene Hoglan, and since Gene is very familiar with our current set list, this makes the most sense. However, he only has a very small window to work with and no time to commit to an entire tour. But he did agree to fly out to Belgium with us so that Forbidden can play the Alcatraz Festival on August 27th! That works out to be the only days that work within Gene’s busy schedule and it also allows us to get in front of as many fans as possible for one show.
“In no way does this make up for all of the other gigs we will miss. They MUST be rescheduled for the future!
“Unfortunately, that future will have to be without Mark Hernandez. He has played for the last time with Forbidden and we will be looking for the right replacement as soon as the dust settles. Obviously it takes a great player to play drums in Forbidden. We will only accept the best!
“We all love Mark and hope he finds peace and serenity in his future with his family.
“In the meantime we will continue and take the momentum we have gained from OMEGA WAVE and use it as fuel for the next record and beyond!
“Looking forward, not back….”
Listen to the tracks “Forsaken At The Gates” and “Dragging My Casket” on the band’s Facebook page.
http://www.facebook.com/forbiddenofficial
http://www.silencesoloud.com/FORBIDDEN.html
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-Bullet Joining The Nuclear Blast Family!
A new chapter will be added to the success story of Swedish up-and-comers Bullet, whose boundless love to ’80s Heavy Metal led to the band’s founding a decade ago. The passionate metal quartet around vocalist Hell Hofer and guitarist Hampus Klang will be part of the big Nuclear Blast family from now on! With three successful albums — of which two could even get rank #3 in Swedish charts — and numerous tours, for example together with their fellow countrymen of HammerFall and Sabaton in 2009, the gunslingers were able to achieve a wide and solid fan base. And as for the future, Bullet still got quite a few hot bullets in the bull barrel!
Full of euphoria, the band comments their signing with Nuclear Blast as follows:
“Finally we have signed a deal with Nuclear Blast! We’ve always been a band with a lot of ideas and now it’s time to let them all loose.
“We think Nuclear Blast is the right label to help us out to make better records, cooler shows and more of everything that you’ve come to know as Bullet. We are really looking forward to releasing a new album on Nuclear Blast, because it is a great chance for us to reach new crowds and countries. Bullet will always be Bullet, hate it or love it. Now is the time to make it more powerful. STAY WILD!”
On the part of Nuclear Blast, the pleasure is great as well:
“We’re highly delighted to welcome Bullet at the Nuclear Blast family. The boys of Bullet aren’t only downright likeable and honest guys, they also live their music and embody the original spirit of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Bullet are superb on their albums as well as live on stage and we’re noticing a constant development. Now we want to vault the ‘Highway Pirates’ into a higher division,” states Andy Siry, head of A&R.
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-Two Fierce Worlds, Heavy Metal And Wrestling, Collide on Debut EP From Brute Forcz, KICK ASS HEAVY METAL
Wrestlers have used heavy metal as their “entrance into the ring” music for years by now, so it only seemed like a matter of time until these he-men actually picked up instruments and started laying down the metal themselves. And certainly one of the most formidable “wrestling metallists” to emerge is Brute Forcz.
Comprised of ex-wrestlers Jammer and Slammer (a pair of twins who handle vocals/bass and drums, respectively) and guitarist Will Wallner, the group formed in 2010, and a year later, have a debut EP ready to go, produced by Bob Kulick — KICK ASS HEAVY METAL.
“We had started our band shortly after high school,” explains Jammer. “That was disrupted when we got a golden opportunity to wrestle. After being a professional wrestling tag team for quite a few years, we decided to try acting, to branch into another entertainment field. We played our first gig in Tarzana, CA, on January 28th, 2010.”
The brash and rowdy song titles of the tracks on KICK ASS HEAVY METAL should give you a hint of what lies therein — “Live For Speed,” “Sex Machine,” “Leather N Chains,” and “Thrill Queen.” Musically, Brute Forcz manages to combine the sleaze rock of early W.A.S.P. with the speed and riffery of early Metallica and Motorhead into one potent metallic cocktail.
So far, Slammer and Jammer have built an impressive resume, whether it be wrestling (wrestling alongside Jake “The Snake” Roberts and Abdullah the Butcher, and winning first tag-team belts at Georgia All-Star Wrestling), acting (appearing in the upcoming Adam Sandler flick, “Jack And Jill”), or rocking (sharing the stage with the likes of W.A.S.P., Michael Schenker, and Joey Belladonna).
But laying down hard-hitting metal with Brute Forcz is at the top of Slammer and Jammer’s to-do list — confirmed once and for all when asked what are the band’s future plans. “To go as far as we can, to tour as much as possible, and to hit you with BRUTE FORCZ!”
http://www.myspace.com/bruteforcz
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/BRUTE-FORCZ/127211873983429
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-Jamie Mallender Has Become A Raven Lord Member On Bass Guitar!
Raven Lord have added Jamie Mallender to their ranks. Jamie is known for his work with the Tony Martin Band (ex- Black Sabbath) and has toured around the world. He is a recording artist and has plenty records under his belt. Jamie Mallender will be handling the bass guitar duties and completes Raven Lord’s lineup.
Discussing the latest addition to the ranks of Raven Lord vocalist Csaba Zvekan (Killing Machine, Sardonyx, Emergency) said: “The search is finally over and I’m proud to have Jamie in the band. We clicked right away and were on same page and I knew on the spot that this was our bass player. He is a very skilled player and what a great stage presence he has. We welcome Jamie Mallender to Raven Lord.”
On joining Raven Lord, Mallender had to say: “I’m thrilled to be part of this band. It’s very rare that any new metal music really excites me, you know — I’ve been around a while and I’ve heard it all before — but the recordings Raven Lord sent me really captivated me. I just thought, ‘I have to be part of this!’ Everything from the standard of the songwriting, to the caliber of the musicians involved is rather mindblowing. I’ve been listening to the recordings non-stop and I haven’t been this excited about laying down some bass for quite some time. I’m currently working on my parts and will be busy recording them by the time this statement is released. I’m looking forward to a very exciting future with this band. The world needs music like this!”
Raven Lord’s music has often been compared to bands like Dio, Yngwie Malmsteen, Black Sabbath and Judas Priest. Preliminary work on a new album has already begun, with various songs at different stages of completion. Two new demo songs “End Of World’ and “Saints & Sinners” can be heard at http://www.myspace.com/raven-lord . The band are in the process of securing a new record deal with a view to a release towards the end of this year. Details of live dates, including a tour in two continents with some high profile shows for the summer 2012, are expected to be announced soon.
Demo Songs:
“End Of The World”
“Saints & Sinners”
The complete Raven Lord lineup is:
Csaba Zvekan (Killing Machine, Sardonyx, Emergency) – Vocals
Stefan Lindholm (Vindictiv) – Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Julian Barret (Tarja Turunen, Barilari, Lorihen) – Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Jamie Mallender (Tony Martin Band) – Bass guitar
Alessandro Del Vecchio (Eden’s Curse, Edge Of Forever) – Keyboards
Tobias Flensburg – Drums
Axel Wiesenauer from Rock N Growl Promotion handles all matters as the general manager for Raven Lord. He can be reached at: promo [at] rockngrowl [dot] com
The band’s page on Rock N Growl Promotion can be reached here: http://www.rockngrowl.com/raven-lord
http://www.myspace.com/raven-lord
http://www.facebook.com/ravenlordmusic
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-Voyager Release Artwork And Track Listing For New Album
Perth, Australia-based progressive metal sorcerers, Voyager, this week release the confirmed artwork and track listing for their ambitious fourth full-length album, THE MEANING OF I. The bold cover art aptly fits the expansive concept album, which covers vast amounts of ’80s pop-infused, prog metal territory, encompasses nearly 53 minutes.
Check out the cover art and more at http://www.earsplitcompound.com/site/?p=3164 .
THE MEANING OF I Track Listing:
1. Momentary Relapse Of Pain
2. Stare Into The Night
3. Seize The Day
4. Broken
5. The Pensive Disarray
6. He Will Remain
7. The Meaning Of I
8. Iron Dream (In Memoriam: Peter Steele)
9. Feuer Meiner Zeit
10. Fire Of The Times
11. She Takes Me (Into The Morning Light)
12. It’s Time To Know
13. Are You Shaded?
Voyager’s peculiar and unique sound merges Amorphis’ thirst for melody, Soilwork’s heaviness and the crystal vocal clarity of A-Ha’s Morton Harket into a sound all their own. THE MEANING OF I is set for North American release October 11, 2011 via Sensory Records. But the album will be made available early to fans attending the band’s upcoming North American debut performances in September. Their first trip to the States will begin with a show in Brooklyn, New York, co-headlining the gig with label mates Creation’s End. That will be the warm-up gig for Voyager’s performance at ProgPower USA in Atlanta, Georgia the following week, where the band will share co-headline slots of the festival with Therion, Ihsahn, Sanctuary, Dream Evil, Labyrinth and more. Back home Voyager have also confirmed a record release show on October 15th, as well as five dates supporting Children Of Bodom across Australia!
Voyager’s Confirmed Live Performances:
9/11/2011 Matchless – Brooklyn, NY w/ Creation’s End, Suspyre
9/16/2011 ProgPower USA – Atlanta, GA ( http://www.progpowerusa.com/ )
10/15/2011 Amplifier – Perth, Western Australia (record release show)
11/06/2011 Capitol – Perth w/ Children Of Bodom
11/07/2011 HQ – Adelaide w/ Children Of Bodom
11/10/2011 The Palace, Melbourne w/ Children Of Bodom
11/12/2011 The Big Top – Sydney w/ Children Of Bodom
11/13/2011 The Arena – Brisbane w/ Children Of Bodom
http://www.voyager-australia.com/
http://www.facebook.com/voyageraustralia
http://www.lasersedgegroup.com/
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-Napalm Records & Xandria Join Forces
Germany’s symphonic metal act Xandria and Napalm Records are proud to announce the worldwide signing of the female fronted five-piece to the Austrian-based record company. Xandria’s upcoming, fifth full-length studio album is scheduled to be released in early 2012. All of the previous studio albums prominently charted in the German Media Control album charts.
After the departure of former lead singer Lisa Middelhauve, Xandria took some time off to find the perfect replacement and is now happy to present the new voice of Xandria: Manuela Kraller. Manuela might be familiar to some due to her past cooperation with Haggard.
Marco Heubaum had this to say about Xandria’s new business partner: “We wanted to make sure that we’d have the best conditions to record the new album the way we want it. Furthermore, Napalm and Xandria shared the same ideas, objectives, and vision from the very beginning. We are extremely confident that Xandria and Napalm Records, with its expertise and impressive roster of artists, will make a great team!”
The band is currently spending time in the studio, recording the yet untitled new album. The international release is scheduled for early 2012. In the meantime, Xandria will also be part of the “Out Of The Dark Festival Tour” along with Van Canto, Tristania, Serenity, and Amberian Dawn, hitting European stages in early fall. The dates are available at http://xandria.de/ ! Intense international live activities and festival appearances are planned around the release of the new album in 2012. In addition, Xandria will perform at the Metal Female Voices Festival (Belgium) in October 2011!
http://xandria.de/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Xandria/22990570888
http://www.myspace.com/xandria
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-Graveyard: Album Out Now + Available As Stream!
Swedish Classic Rock preservers Graveyard have unleashed the re-release of their much sighed-for debut album GRAVEYARD.
When they signed to Nuclear Blast in early 2011, it was obvious, something big would happen. And so it did. The quartet led the charts of their home country and also entered the German media control charts on position #78. The following European headlining club tour was sold out in nearly every city — the shows were packed, sweaty and intense. Not to forget, all six(!) different vinyl editions of HISINGEN BLUES where sold out before they were even printed.
Seeing all that, the band as well as the label decided to re-issue their stunning and nowadays hard-to-find self-titled debut album which gained a lot of attention in the underground on its initial release back in 2007. The album contains all tracks of the original release also featuring the original sound to experience the true and pure essence of Graveyard — even a bit rawer than what you know from their current masterpiece HISINGEN BLUES. The only real changes that have been made is a completely new and stunning artwork which fits the music even better, for the first time ever the album will be available nearly everywhere and of course there will be really nice gatefold vinyl editions again. Go, give it a spin and re-discover Graveyard!
Delighted press commentaries reflect the magnificence of this pure ’70s homage perfectly:
“The songs captivate through a completely independent sound which has vaulted the band to the top of the seventies rock movement justifiably!” (Rock Hard Germany)
“The debut’s re-release is the perfect way to satisfy the addiction that Graveyard’s music causes” (Stormbringer.at)
“If you want good, down-to-earth ’70s rock of today — here you go!” (Metalnews.de)
Go and get your copy of GRAVEYARD this very day — purchasable at THIS location!
http://www.nuclearblast.de/de/produkte/tontraeger/cd/cd/graveyard-graveyard-2.html
If you wanna take a listen in advance, click at THIS location!
http://www.myspace.com/graveyardsongs
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-Frontiers Records To Release Issa – THE STORM
Genre: Melodic Rock
Format: Digi-pak
Catalogue Number : FR CD 529
Barcode: 8024391052921
Label: Frontiers Records
Euro Release date: October 14, 2011
USA Release date: October 18, 2011
Track listing: Looking For Love; Please Hold On; Take A Stand; Invincible; Two Hearts; Black Clouds; You’re Making Me; Gonna Stand By You; We’re On Fire; Too Late For Love; What Does It Take; The Storm. Includes bonus video clip: Looking For Love.
Issa, the Norwegian Rock Diva, is back with a blistering new album aptly titled THE STORM. Since her debut SIGN OF ANGELS, she has often been compared to such music stars as Celine Dion, Avril Lavigne and Amy Lee (Evanescene). That being said, Issa has created her own style and approach to Melodic Rock by mixing her peculiar and unique melodic sensibility with a rocking attitude which is unseen in today’s Pop singers.
Not metal and certainly not easy listening Pop, Issa’s music has everything and more to appeal to the vast masses: real rock with a commercial sheen.
Unlike the debut self-titled album, the new album shows has her taking a shot at songwriting and together with the Martin brothers (Vega, House Of Lords, Khymera, Sunstorm), she offers up tracks on the new album like “Invincible,” “We’re On Fire” and “The Storm,” the album’s title track. Contributions also come from Robert Sall (Work Of Art), Randy Goodrum (Steve Lukather, Toto, Steve Perry), Daniel Palmqvist, Johannes Stole (XorigiN), Daniel Flores, Sören Kronqvist (Crash The System, Sunstorm), Chris Laney, Magnus Karlsson (Place Vendome) and more!
Produced by Daniel Flores, THE STORM shows that Issa is a solid Rock Music star and a true uprising Rock diva, who is set to alight hearts and minds of Melodic Rock fans for the years to come!
Lineup:
Issa (Isabell Oversveen) – Lead vocals
Guitars – David Sivelind
Bass – Johnny Trobro, Daniel Flores, David Sivelind
Drums and keyboards – Daniel Flores
Guitar solos: David Sivelind (“The Storm”), Robert Säll (“Looking For Love”), Christian Wolff (“Too Late For Love” / “We’re On Fire”), Mats Lindfors (“Take A Stand”), Christopher Vetter (“Black Clouds” / “You’re Are Making Me”), Gabriel Forsman (“Gonna Stand By You”), Daniel Palmquist (“Two Hearts”).
Produced by Daniel Flores
http://www.myspace.com/isabelloversveen
http://www.facebook.com/people/Issa-Oversveen/100001356553822
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*** PRESS RELEASE #13 ***
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-Intonation-Network.com: Become A Featured Member!
Launched earlier this year by Unearth guitarist Ken Susi and his brother Paul, Intonation-Network — http://www.intonation-network.com — is a free, user-friendly, location-based social networking site that allows musicians and music industry professionals to connect and collaborate online.
The Intonation-Network allows musicians to showcase their music, promote events, conduct online auditions, find local teachers and/or musicians with whom to collaborate, consolidate all your multimedia from other social networking sites and even video chat with other musicians from around the world!
The site is now hosting a special featured members/band section to the site. Prominently display your talents on the Intonation-Network home page for all to see! Becoming a featured member is easy: simply attract users to your profile page and watch you or your band rise to the top of the list. To learn more about this feature, visit the Intonation-Network home page and click: “How do I become a featured member?”
As previously reported, there’s a new FREE mobile app for Android phones available here:
http://www.appbrain.com/search?q=intonation+network
For more information about Intonation-Network, visit: http://www.intonation-network.com/ .
Facebook users, point your browser here:
https://www.facebook.com/apps/application.php?id=152071874857809
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*** PRESS RELEASE #14 ***
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-Wayne Static Embarks On Fall Trek
Special Guests: Eye Empire – Kyng – One Eyed Doll – Gemini Syndrome
PIGHAMMER To Be Released October 4th On Dirthouse Records
HOLLYWOOD, CA — Wayne Static will embark on a string of dates this fall in support of his first solo album, PIGHAMMER, releasing October 4th, on Dirthouse Records. Static will be accompanied by special guests Eye Empire, Kyng, One Eyed Doll and Gemini Syndrome.
Static will play select tracks off the new album and a barrage of classic Static-X giving fans the hard driving metal they crave. “I can’t wait to get on stage again,” exclaims Static. It’s been far too long! I know everyone is curious as to what the new show will be like… and it’s going to be even a bigger party than before with some fun surprises. I have an awesome new touring band that includes some of the best players in L.A. We’ll be doing plenty of shots on stage, playing some new songs off PIGHAMMER, and of course playing a ton of classic Static-X songs. Let the Evil Disco party begin!”
PIGHAMMER has a disarming raw quality of heavy driving guitar riffs and lyrics that will take hold of your bowels and into the mind of Static’s dark past and warped mind. This is blatant as the first single “Assassins Of Youth,” was inspired by Wayne Static’s last days of drugs and partying. “I wrote this song while living in a hotel room, listening to Pink Floyd, drinking Crown and doing whippits,” explains Static. “I started the song in that condition but never finished it until years later after dumping off the drugs. Now the song has a whole new meaning from when I started it.” “Assassins Of Youth” is an old-school term for drugs. The first verse is about doing drugs, the chorus is going dry and the second chorus is about getting off and no longer being slave to the drugs.
With Static’s transformation, his mind has creatively twisted to a side that he has waited to unleash! “The PIGHAMMER concept conjures up bizarre images,” Static explains. “It’s about a mad plastic surgeon, with a pig fetish, that likes to convert hot chicks into pigs. It is the total opposite if what a plastic surgeon would do. He has this crazy hammer device made from a pig foot. The images of the surgery in the CD package are only a dark comedic visualization of the real theme of the album, which is my transformation…”
PIGHAMMER is the bastard child of Wayne Static’s transformation after a 12-year journey of metal annihilation. “It’s hard to believe that it’s 12 years since the release of WISCONSIN DEATH TRIP, and now my warped musical lunacy will take me down a new path of metal destruction. I’m looking forward to seeing you all on the upcoming fall tour.”
WAYNE STATIC TOUR (More Dates To Be Announced Soon):
Tue 27 Sep – Sacramento CA – Ace of Spades
Wed 28 Sep – Portland OR – El Corazone
Thu 29 Sep – Boise ID – Knitting Factory
Fri 30 Sep – Spokane WA – Knitting Factory
Sat 01 Oct – Seattle WA – Studio 7
Mon 03 Oct – Billings MT – Mannys
Tue 04 Oct – Colorado Springs CO – Black Sheep
Thu 06 Oct – Lubbock TX – Wreckers
Fri 07 Oct – El Paso TX – Trickey Falls
Sat 08 Oct – Albuquerque NM – Sunshine Theater
Sun 09 Oct – Tempe AZ – Marquee
Mon 10 Oct – Los Angeles CA – The Key Club
For more information go to http://www.facebook.com/waynestatic or http://www.waynestatic.com/ .
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*** PRESS RELEASE #15 ***
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-Alaric Announce Album Artwork And Details; Band Schedules Oakland Record Release Show
The details for the upcoming debut LP from Alaric have been officially released. Set to hit the streets on October 11, 2011 via 20 Buck Spin, the record boasts over 45 minutes of morose but infectious and wholly energizing Gothic/Anarcho-inspired mid-tempo punk, and will ultimately and undoubtedly be one of the most important dark punk albums of the year. The cover art for the album was handled by band friend Judd Hawk of Laudanum ( http://www.ironhawkstudios.com/ ). Check out the cover art and more at http://www.earsplitcompound.com/site/?p=3155 .
ALARIC Track Listing:
1. Eyes
2. Ugly Crowds
3. Your God
4. Alone
5. Tribute
6. Laughter Of The Crows
7. Animal
8. Shadows Of Life
The band has also just confirmed a record release show in their hometown of Oakland, California on Friday, October 28th. This is the first of many new Alaric shows to be announced over the coming months.
Alaric Live:
10/28/2011 First Church Of The Buzzard – Oakland, CA w/ Nezzy Idy, Hollow Mirrors, Young Lions
Featuring former and current members of Noothgrush, Enemies, Cross Stitched Eyes, Dead & Gone, UK Subs and more, Alaric perpetuate classic ’80s dark post-punk elements, with influence from Killing Joke, Rudimentary Peni, Christian Death, Joy Division, and Amebix showing through. The immediately infectious songs and revamped classic/retro nature of the album sets Alaric’s sound apart from any other contemporary act under the banner of punk rock.
http://www.myspace.com/alaricalaric
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alaric/201671150715
http://www.20buckspin.com/
http://www.facebook.com/20buckspin
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*** PRESS RELEASE #16 ***
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-“Fortress Europe (The Big Shiny Prison Vol. II)” By Ryan Bartek
After 78 days of backpacking Europe & investigating every subculture possible, I have just returned to the USA with nearly 100 hours of interviews for my new book “Fortress Europe (The Big Shiny Prison Vol. II).” It was a grueling adventure — London, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, Milan, Venice, Ljubljana, Bologna & Brussels…
Everyone that participated gave face-to-face interviews, and I can now proudly unveil some of the many names who will appear in the book: Laibach, Wolfbrigade, Rotting Christ, Killing Joke, Funeral Winds, Enochian Crescent, Moonsorrow, Fondlecorpse, Defeated Sanity, First Blood, Hello Bastards, Armed Response Unit, Panthiest, Abortion, Deranged, Beherit, Dehuman, General Surgery, Grind The Enemy, Dickless Tracy, Birdflesh, Excavated, Feastem, Hate, Fides Inversa, Arkangel, Repulsione, Flowers Of Flesh And Blood, Knuckledust, Chiens, Vanguard, Pyramido, Fen, Black Breath, Ingurgitating Oblivion, Dis, El Schlong, Brian Jonestown Massacre, & legendary Detroit writer/’60s radical Mr. John Sinclair…
“Fortress Europe” will also feature a bonus section called “Uncharted Territory” packed with interviews from various bands/artists/freaks I was unable to meet on the road but were very enthusiastic about the project. This list is quite fantastic as well & will be announced in due.
Once “Fortress Europe” is complete, it will be launched online as a FREE PDF DOWNLOAD. Also to be re-released for free online will be a revised version of its predecessor “The Big Shiny Prison” with new cover art. The goal is to print physical copies of both books in the future for anyone that wishes to order the real thing. However, both books will remain free downloads online as e-books.
To promote the upcoming book, I will be hosting a series of online radio shows in the near future in which I will be playing a number of songs from bands appearing in “Fortress Europe.” The program (still TBA) will run on Portland Oregon Tunes & More Radio on http://www.locallivemedia.com/ — Also of note is “The Mad Coyote Radio Show” hosted by Justin James Bridges on the same web-channel. I will be an infrequent guest over the next few months. “The Mad Coyote Radio Show” broadcasts out of the legendary Alamo Squat (a.k.a. Stockberger Manor) in Portland, Oregon and can be heard live on Mondays from 6-8 p.m. and Wednesdays 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. (PST).
I was also recently featured in the new book “For Those About To Cook” by Bruce Moore. Recently released by Safkhet Publishing, this book is a compilation of recipes from a range of famed metal personas — and I get to unleash upon the world my notorious “Alaskan Thunderf**k” surf n’ turf. Just look for the Sasquatch Agnostic section (my grindcore band). Also featured are members of Dark Tranquility, Guns N’ Roses, Korpiklaani & Sabaton. For more info visit: http://www.safkhetpublishing.com/
While in Germany I was interviewed by Berlin Metal TV. It’s a pretty amusing clip in which I get to spit some much needed venom about Fukushima & what struggling bands really need to do to incur action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YemG-3xh4ME
And as always, my entire discography/book collection is available for free download. Get a straight-shot overdose of A.KA.A Mabus, Sasquatch Agnostic & Jack Cassasy here: http://ryanbartek.blogspot.com/
…afscheid, lebewohl, zbogom & revoir…
— Dr. Ryan Bartek –
8.21.11
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*** PRESS RELEASE #17 ***
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-Untimely Demise Worldwide Re-Release Date Approaches
Saskatchewan-based thrash unit Untimely Demise is preparing for the re-release of their debut full-length, CITY OF STEEL. The hard working trio initially self-released the album late last year, but after hearing the band’s powerful anthems, Sonic Unyon Metal signed the young outfit for a multi-album deal early this Summer, and will officially re-release CITY OF STEEL in North America on September 13th, with European release dates to be announced shortly.
Untimely Demise are also hard at work booking local and regional shows as heavily as possible, and are exploring tour options for the months ahead. Expect to see the band touring the United States and beyond, heavily, well into next year in support of CITY OF STEEL.
Confirmed Untimely Demise live actions:
9/09/2011 The Fez On Broadway – Saskatoon, SK w/ DFA, Alphakill, Cease And Desist
10/07/2011 The Zoo – Winnipeg, MB w/ Alphakill, more TBA
10/29/2011 Hard Luck Bar – Toronto, ON @ Bloodbucket Metalfest
11/03/2011 Bar Le Trash – St. Hyacinthe, QC
11/04/2011 Scanner Bistro – Quebec City, QB
Formed in 2006, Untimely Demise continually draw comparisons to some of the most respected acts in their genre, including Megadeth, Arch Enemy and Death. The battle-tested group continues to work with the finest acts in metal, playing numerous shows with 3 Inches Of Blood, Into Eternity, Toxic Holocaust, Evile, Gama Bomb and Bonded By Blood.
“Untimely Demise have pulled off the impressive trick of making their complex music sound easy.” – Metal Hammer UK
“… these guys are diehard enthusiasts with impeccable agility.” – Exclaim! Magazine
“Saskatoon’s Untimely Demise are destined to be the next to take their name global.” – Absolute Underground
http://www.myspace.com/untimelydemisemusic
http://twitter.com/#!/UntimelyDemise1
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Untimely-Demise/118300404870359
http://www.sonicunyon.com/metal
https://www.facebook.com/SonicUnyonMetal
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*** PRESS RELEASE #18 ***
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-Hull: New Track Premiere Brought To You By Pitchfork
Pitchfork is currently streaming “Beyond The Lightless Sky,” the title track off Hull’s upcoming new full-length, set for release on October 11, 2011 via The End Records. The follow-up to the band’s critically-acclaimed SOLE LORD debut was co-produced by Brett Romnes and mixed by Billy Anderson (Sleep, Neurosis, Melvins, et al).
Check out “Beyond The Lightless Sky” here:
http://pitchfork.com/forkcast/16222-beyond-the-lightless-sky/
Hailing from the streets of Brooklyn, New York, Hull has yet again emerged with a creation to outlive the ages with latest saga, BEYOND THE LIGHTLESS SKY. Digging further into the past, the Mayan epic takes the listener through a division of two brothers and the struggles that they are faced with. One finds salvation amongst the stars and the wisdom of a stranger, while the other is mesmerized with the bloodthirsty belief of sacrifice and self mutilation. In silence lies a realm that exists outside the plane of fear.
Known to behold vast sound expanses, Hull maximizes harmony and tone within one monstrous palate. Upon your brow, focus, as a furious whip of intermingling guitars propel you through the atmosphere as a low pulse resonates through your entire being while the pounding drums blanket all chasms of reality.
BEYOND THE LIGHTLESS SKY features guest appearances by vocalist Jarboe, keys/ambiance by Fade Kainer (Batillus/Jarboe/Inswarm ) and cello by Joe Merolla with artwork by Tamara Waite-Santibanez ( http://nogutsandnoglory.blogspot.com ). Pre-order BEYOND THE LIGHTLESS SKY here:
http://www.theomegaorder.com/HULL-Beyond-The-Lightless-Sky
“Headbanging, growling, deliciously downtuned stoner metal. Hull’s three guitar attack achieves maximum sludgery, bashing your skull into the wall with a sledgehammer and smearing your brains across the floor.” — MetalSucks
“Hull are well-educated in the school of metal, proving themselves to be as equally adept at Melvins-derived abstract, skull-crushing sludge as they are at proggy-guitar workouts or spiraling thrash-cum-punk riffs…” — The Skinny
http://www.facebook.com/hull666
http://www.hullorhighwater.com/
http://www.sonicbids.com/hull
http://www.myspace.com/hull
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*** PRESS RELEASE #19 ***
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-East Of The Wall: New Track Released, American Tour On The Rise
Exploratory New Jersey-born prog-metal peddlers East Of The Wall are preparing to drop their third full-length slab of methodologically unique output, THE APOLOGIST, this Autumn. Longtime followers of this act, and the numerous related current or previous acts leading up to this recording — including but definitely not limited to The Postman Syndrome, Day Without Dawn, El Drugstore, Argonauts — have been awaiting this release for some time.
In preparation of the forthcoming tech-fusion upheaval of THE APOLOGIST, longtime East Of The Wall supporters MetalSucks have graciously hosted the public’s first listen to the band’s latest output, in the form of the eleventh track from the album, “Whiskey Sipper” [although both MetalSucks and Earsplit know we do more than “sip” whiskey when the band play in around here].
Tune in to survey the new EOTW terrain here:
THE APOLOGIST was recorded earlier this year by Andrew Schneider at Translator Audio in Brooklyn (Cave In, Pelican, Keelhaul, Unsane, Rosetta), and boasts 47 minutes of East Of The Wall’s aggressive and angular metallic assault at its most cohesive to date. This week the band have let loose the final artwork and track listing for the release’s multiple incarnations, with a confirmed street date of October 25th, both for the CD/digital release via Translation Loss, and for the double 12″ vinyl release licensed to Antithetic Records, available in three different color variations. The CD is available for preorder here and the LP here:
http://www.translationloss.com/store
http://antitheticrecords.storenvy.com/products/104082-east-of-the-wall-the-apologist-2xlp
East Of The Wall will beat the country senseless with their engaging live prowess for over a month in support of the album right in time for its official street date in late October. In longstanding tradition, the band are booking this venture themselves, and in many cases they are unable to announce several of the shows and are also still looking to lock down a few shows along the route. Anybody interested in booking the outfit on the designated shows please contact EOTW directly at: band[@]eastofthewall.com.
East Of The Wall Confirmed Tour Dates:
10/21/2011 The Saint – Asbury Park, NJ [record release] w/ Abacinate, The Ghost In Black And White
10/22/2011 TBA – Brooklyn, NY [record release] w/ Dysrhythmia, Meek Is Murder
10/24/2011 Vintage Vinyl – Fords, NJ [record release]
10/25/2011 Gooski’s – Pittsburg, PA w/ Tidal Arms
10/26/2011 Annabell’s Bar & Lounge – Akron, OH w/ Tidal Arms
10/27/2011 ***Booking help needed*** Indianapolis/Fort Wayne, IN w/ Tidal Arms
10/28/2011 ***Booking help needed*** Chicago, IL w/ Tidal Arms
10/29/2011 ***Booking help needed*** Iowa City, IA or Milwaukee, WI w/ Iron Thrones
10/30/2011 TBA – Minneapolis, MN w/ Iron Thrones
10/31/2011 The New Direction – Fargo, ND w/ Iron Thrones
11/01/2011 ***Booking help needed*** Sioux Falls, SD
11/02/2011 The Bourbon Theater – Lincoln, NE w/ Masses
11/03/2011 Old Curtis Street Bar – Denver, CO w/ Goes Cube, Adai, Iron Horse
11/04/2011 TBA – Rock Springs, WY w/ Goes Cube
11/05/2011 Burt’s Tiki Lounge – Salt Lake City, UT w/ Goes Cube, I Am The Ocean
11/06/2011 Jub Jub’s Thirst Parlor – Reno, NV w/ Goes Cube
11/07/2011 ***Booking help needed*** San Francisco, CA w/ Goes Cube
11/08/2011 Coconuts – Capistrano Beach, CA w/ Black Sheep Wall, White Arms Of Athena
11/09/2011 Vacation Vinyl – Los Angeles, CA (early show)
11/09/2011 Three Clubs – Los Angeles, CA w/ Black Sheep Wall, White Arms Of Athena
11/10/2011 TBA – Phoenix, AZ w/ White Arms Of Athena
11/11/2011 ***Booking help needed*** Albuquerque/Santa Fe, NM w/ White Arms Of Athena
11/12/2011 ***Booking help needed*** Amarillo/Lubbock, TX w/ White Arms Of Athena
11/13/2011 The Door – Dallas, TX w/ White Arms Of Athena
11/14/2011 TBA – Little Rock, AR w/ White Arms Of Athena
11/15/2011 TBA – Hattiesburg, MS w/ White Arms Of Athena
11/16/2011 ***Booking help needed*** New Orleans/Pensacola/Birmingham
11/17/2011 The Farside – Tallahasse, FL w/ Dickicker
11/18/2011 Cool Hand Luc’s – Fort Myers, FL w/ Dickicker
11/19/2011 ***Booking help needed*** Orlando/Gainesville/Lakeland/Jacksonville w/ Dickicker
11/20/2011 Club 2 Ten – Savannah, GA w/ Meek Is Murder, Howler, Indian Giver
11/21/2011 The Milestone – Charlotte, NC w/ Meek Is Murder, Mr. Invisible
11/22/2011 TBA – Richmond, VA w/ Meek Is Murder
THE APOLOGIST Track Listing:
1. Naif
2. Linear Failure
3. My Favorite Society Guy
4. False Build
5. Precious Memories
6. The Apologist
7. Running Tab Of Sweetness
8. Horseback Riding In A Bicycle
9. A Functional Tumor
10. Nurser Of Small Hurts
11. Whiskey Sipper
12. Underachiever
http://www.eastofthewall.com/
http://www.facebook.com/eastofthewall
http://www.translationloss.com/
http://www.facebook.com/TranslationLossRecords
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*** SPECIAL REPORT ***
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by Tim Wadzinski (tsw512@yahoo.com)
-Interview w/ Bill Leverty (FireHouse)
August 17, 2011
I spoke briefly with FireHouse guitarist Bill Leverty last week, about a variety of topics. It all started with my email query asking for clarification on a couple of items I’d read, and ended with him giving me a call to chat a bit more at length. Very cool!
He’s got two new solo singles out now, covers of Little Feat’s “Spanish Moon” (from 1974’s FEATS DON’T FAIL ME NOW) and Stevie Wonder’s “Jesus Children Of America” (from 1973’S INNERVISIONS). The latter features bassist Keith Horne (Peter Frampton, Tricia Yearwood) and drummer Andre LaBelle (Vinnie Vincent), and the trio gelled so well that Horne and LaBelle have gone back and re-recorded the rhythm section parts for “Spanish Moon” and Leverty’s other recent solo cover songs/singles: “Fire” by The Ohio Players, “One” by Harry Nilsson and popularized by Three Dog Night, and “I Just Want To Celebrate” by Rare Earth. Leverty admitted he’s building towards eventually releasing 10 or so covers as his next solo album, and he’s selecting tracks that weren’t necessarily huge radio hits, but are relatively well-known and special to him for various reasons. In particular, he said he felt “Spanish Moon” — a track about coming to town and finding a bar called the Spanish Moon that’s full of all manner of shady characters and substances — was the best song ever written by Little Feat’s Lowell George, and he wanted this new version to stay true to George’s vision but with the guitars brought up a little. All the solo singles are available through iTunes, Amazon MP3, and CD Baby.
He also recently contributed guitar parts and harmony vocals to “Three Days On The Mountain (Song For Marty),” a song written by his brother Taylor Leverty for a friend who lost his battle with cancer. This track is also available digitally and proceeds are being donated to in the name of Marty Argabright to Camp Comfort Zone, a “grief camp for children who have lost a parent or sibling.”
FireHouse’s latest, FULL CIRCLE, has been out for a few months and features re-recordings of the band’s past hits: “Overnight Sensation,” “Shake And Tumble,” “Hold The Dream,” “All She Wrote,” “Love Of A Lifetime,” “Don’t Treat Me Bad,” “Reach For The Sky,” “When I Look Into Your Eyes,” “You Are My Religion,” “I Live My Life For You,” “Christmas With You.” The disc is available directly from FireHouse’s website and at shows.
The band is set to participate in the Monsters Of Rock Cruise next February 25-28 that hits Ft. Lauderdale, the Bahamas, and Key West. (The lineup also includes Cinderella, Tesla, Kix, Stryper, Y&T, Lynch Mob, Black ‘N Blue, Bang Tango, Faster Pussycat, Keel, XYZ, John Corabi, and Eric Martin.) Leverty said he’s very much looking forward to the opportunity to meet and talk with fans for longer than he’s normally able at “regular” FireHouse shows.
Finally, while scanning the tracks streaming on Leverty’s Reverb Nation page, among the stuff from his solo albums WANDERLUST (2004), SOUTHERN EXPOSURE (2007), and DEEP SOUTH (2009), I noticed a trio of titles I didn’t recognize: “Electro Shred,” “Heap Of Trouble,” and “Lead Foot.” Based on the titles alone I wondered if these were older tracks, or perhaps tunes that might end up on some future shred-tastic solo album. Nope — turns out they are short instrumental pieces Leverty recorded as a “demo reel” for possible inclusion in TV commercials, jingles, etc. Check ’em out.
Relevant links:
FireHouse
http://www.firehousemusic.com/
Bill Leverty
http://www.leverty.com/
http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/BillLeverty
Monsters Of Rock Cruise
http://www.themonstersofrock.com/
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*** NEWS/RUMORS ***
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-About Heavy Metal’s “Best Heavy Metal Albums Of The 1980s” list is available at http://glclk.about.com/?zi=1/DWGq .
-Alestorm hits the road this week to promote BACK THROUGH TIME (Napalm Records), mostly supporting Kamelot but with a few headlining shows mixed in, as well as a one-off in Mexico with Overkill and D.R.I.:
8/25 – The Casbah, Charlotte, NC (headlining)
8/26 – The Masquerade – Atlanta, GA
8/27 – Jaxx, Springfield, VA
8/28 – The Trocadero, Philadelphia, PA
8/29 – Broadway Joe’s, Buffalo, NY (headlining)
8/30 – Gramercy Theatre, New York, NY
8/31 – The Palladium, Worcester, MA
9/1 – Maverick’s, Ottawa, ON (headlining)
9/2 – Club Soda, Montreal, QC
9/3 – Imperial De Quebec, Quebec City, QC
9/4 – Mod Club, Toronto, ON
9/5 – Mod Club, London, ON (headlining)
9/6 – Peabody’s, Cleveland, OH
9/7 – Blondie’s, Detroit, MI
9/8 – Bottom Lounge, Chicago, IL
9/9 – Station 4, St. Paul, MN
9/12 – El Corazon, Seattle, WA
9/13 – Peter’s Room, Portland, OR
9/14 – Slim’s, San Francisco, CA
9/15 – House Of Blues, Hollywood, CA
9/16 – Clubhouse, Tempe, AZ
9/17 – Ciro Volador, Mexico City, MX (w/ Overkill & D.R.I.)
9/19 – The Marquee, Tulsa, OK (headlining)
9/20 – Trees, Dallas, TX
9/21 – Scout Bar, Houston, TX
9/23 – Firestone Club, Orlando, FL
9/24 – Brass Mug, Tampa, FL (headlining)
See http://www.alestorm.net/ , http://www.myspace.com/alestorm , and http://www.napalmrecords.com/ for more.
-Canada’s All Else Fails released THE ORACLE, WHAT WAS, IS AND COULD HAVE BEEN through Suicidal Bride Records. Track list: “Overture,” “This World In Flames,” “Twilight Of Mankind,” “Fallen,” “The House At The End of The World,” “Monster Eats The Pilot,” “The Oracle,” “Rebirth,” “Sludge Factory,” “Obsidian Walls,” “This World In Flames” (acoustic), “Robots!!! KOLTG.” Check out studio webisodes at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z40X8ATmJFs , http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrKV8JH-r8o , and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yGFw90IKCI , and a stream of the album at http://thenewreview.net/all-access/album-stream-all-else-fails-the-oracle-what-was-is-and-could-have-been . See http://www.facebook.com/AllElseFailsCanada and http://www.myspace.com/allelsefailscanada for more.
-HeadbangerNYC.com reported Anthrax will play the Best Buy Theater in New York City on September 12 under the name Satan’s Lounge Band. See http://www.anthrax.com/ for more.
-Armonight is finishing up a UK tour this week:
8/25 – The Roadhouse, Birmingham, UK
8/26 – The Patriot, Crumlin, UK
8/27 – Hobos, Bridgend, Wales, UK
8/28 – Winds Festival, Port Talbot, Wales, UK
See http://www.armonight.com/ for more.
-Sebastian Bach’s new single “Kicking & Screaming” is out this week, and there are new interviews with Loudwire at http://loudwire.com/sebastian-bach-interview-rock-til-the-day-he-dies/ and The Aquarian at http://www.theaquarian.com/2011/08/20/interview-with-sebastian-bach-return-to-the-fray/ . See http://www.sebastianbach.com/ for more.
-Bolero — a.k.a. “the symphonic Celtic death metallers of Toronto, Ontario” — has a new video for “Pints Held High” online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlaCcVvVfVY . The track is from VOYAGE FROM VINLAND. See http://www.myspace.com/bolerometal and http://www.facebook.com/pages/BOLERO-OFFICIAL/35972167012 for more.
-Check out a video interview with Brute Forcz at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDqHDHCPY0A . See http://www.myspace.com/bruteforcz , http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/BRUTE-FORCZ/127211873983429 , and http://www.reverbnation.com/bruteforcz for more.
-Ace Frehley has added new tour dates; the updated list is:
8/27 – DTE Energy Music Theatre, Clarkston, MI (w/ Alice Cooper)
10/14 – 10/16 – signing appearance @ Rock And Shock Convention, Worcester, MA
10/25 – 10/26 – B.B. King’s, New York, NY
10/29 – Crazy Donkey, Farmingdale, NY
11/13 – Oneida Casino, Green Bay, WI
12/1 – Coal Exchange, Cardiff, Wales
12/3 – Hard Rock Hell Festival, Pontins Prestatyn, North Wales
12/4 – Islington Academy, London, England
See http://www.rockandshock.com/ for more on the Rock And Shock Convention and http://www.hardrockhell.com/ for more on the Hard Rock Hell Festival. For more on Ace, see http://www.acefrehley.com/ , http://www.myspace.com/acefrehley , http://www.reverbnation.com/acefrehley , http://www.facebook.com/officialacefrehley , and http://twitter.com/Ace_Frehley .
-Toby Hitchcock (Pride Of Lions) has MERCURY’S DOWN out now on Frontiers Records. Hype: “Often compared to Bobby Kimball (Toto), Jimi Jamison (Survivor) or Lou Gramm (Foreigner), Hitchcock’s voice has the depth, the feeling and the extension of each of them, still keeping his own identity and trademark.” On MERCURY’S DOWN Hitchcock teamed up with Swedish songwriter/producer Erik Martensson (Eclipse), who produced the album and played all the instruments. Track list: “This Is The Moment,” “Strong Enough,” “How To Stop,” “Let Go,” “One Day I’ll Stop Loving You,” “I Should Have Said,” “If It’s To Be (It’s Up To Me),” “Just Say Goodbye,” “Summer Nights In Cabo,” “Tear Down The Barricades,” “A Different Drum,” “Mercury’s Down,” “This Is The Moment” (video). Check out clips of all 12 tracks and the “This Is The Moment” video at http://musicbuymail.eu/index.php?i=34502 , and view the album’s EPK at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wp5p45t735A . See http://www.facebook.com/people/Toby-Hitchcock/507476651 for more.
-Check out a “Retro Recommendation” feature on In Flames’ LUNAR STRAIN at http://glclk.about.com/?zi=1/DWGs .
-The Iron Maidens’ singer, Kirsten “Bruce Chickinson” Rosenberg, will appear at the Montreal Metal Gatherings in Montreal, Canada on November 19. The band’s upcoming live dates:
8/27 – The Lotus Hall, Reseda, CA (all ages)
9/10 – Malones, Santa Ana, CA
9/17 – Santa Fe Springs Swap Meet, Santa Fe Springs, CA (all ages)
10/6 – Paladino’s, Tarzana, CA (10-year anniversary show)
10/15 – Pala Resort & Casino, Temecula, CA (free show)
See http://www.theironmaidens.com/ , http://www.facebook.com/TheIronMaidensOfficial , and http://www.myspace.com/theironmaidens for more.
-Karma To Burn tour dates supporting V (Napalm Records):
8/25 – Blue Lounge, Wichita, KS
8/26 – Jake’s Downtown Lounge, Tulsa, OK
8/27 – Slammin’ Salmon, Lafayette, LA
8/28 – Siberia, New Orleans, LA
8/30 – Tremont Music Hall, Charlotte, NC
8/31 – Star Bar, Atlanta, GA
9/1 – One Stop Deli / Music Hall, Asheville, NC
9/2 – Shamrock’s, Huntington, WV
9/3 – The Green Lantern, Huntington, WV
9/4 – 123 Pleasant Street, Morgantown, WV
9/5 – Krug’s Place, Frederick, MD
9/6 – The Saint, Asbury Park, NJ
9/7 – Great Scott, Allston, MA
9/8 – St. Vitus Bar, Brooklyn, NY
9/9 – The Outpost, Kent, OH
9/10 – Sound Factory, Charleston, WV
9/21 – Rock And Roll Hotel, Washington, DC
9/22 – Jewish Mother, Virginia Beach, VA
9/24 – Evil Robotothon @ Mad Hatter, Covington, KY
9/26 – Frankies Inner City, Toledo, OH
See http://www.k2b.com/ for more.
-Kiss’ next album, MONSTER, will be produced by Paul Stanley and is due out next year. The band is currently working in Los Angeles and no outside songwriters are involved. The album will be followed by a “massive 2012-2013 MONSTER world tour.’ See http://www.kissonline.com/ for more.
-Bruce Lamont (Yakuza, Bloodiest, Circle Of Animals, Led Zeppelin 2) hits the road with Man’s Gin as follows:
9/2 – The Empty Bottle, Chicago, IL (free show with RSVP @ http://emptybottle.com/calendar.php )
9/3 – Kobo, Columbus, OH
9/4 – Now That’s Class, Cleveland, OH
9/5 – Kung Fu Necktie, Philadelphia, PA
9/6 – St. Vitus, Brooklyn, NY (w/ The Body)
Check out a full show filmed live in Moscow at http://www.earsplitcompound.com/site/?p=3174 . See http://www.myspace.com/brucelamont for more.
-HeadbangerNYC.com reported the second Metal Masters Clinic is set for September 12 at the Best Buy Theater in New York City. Musicians set to appear include guitarist Kerry King (Slayer), bassists Frankie Bello (Anthrax) and David Ellefson (Megadeth), and drummers Charlie Benante (Anthrax) and Mike Portnoy (Adrenaline Mob, ex-Dream Theater). Info: “Sponsored by Samson, Hartke, Zoomand Best Buy Music Gear, this clinic is free of charge and will begin at 5:00 p.m. Wristbands will be available on a first-come-first-served basis on the day of the clinic only, outside the Best Buy Theater, located at 1515 Broadway, West 44th Street. A minimum of 500 wristbands, with a limit of one per person, will be given out. So, all attending should get in line early for a chance to witness these masters of metal in action.”
-The Napalm Records App — “The perfect dose of Napalm on-the-go!” — is now available for both iPhone and Android phones:
iPhone
http://itunes.apple.com/app/napalm-records/id396548872?mt=8
Android
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.mobileroadie.app_955
See http://www.napalmrecords.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/napalmrecords for more.
-There’s a new interview with Night Ranger’s Brad Gillis and Joel Hoekstra at http://www.backstageaxxess.com/index.php/interviews/685-brad-gillis-joel-hoekstra-interview-backstageaxxess-2011 .
-Check out Pegazus’ new video for “Haunting Me” at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnMGuIzHHvk . See http://www.pegazusofficial.com/ for more.
-There’s a new audio interview with Doro Pesch at http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/16664832 . Check it out to hear her converse with DJ Skully from Skull Records Radio. See http://www.doro.de/ for more.
-A new trailer for Pro-Pain’s CD/DVD 20 YEARS OF HARDCORE, due out August 30 in North America, is online at http://www.earsplitcompound.com/site/?p=3176 . See http://www.pro-pain.com/ and http://www.myspace.com/propainspace for more.
-Scythia’s second behind-the-scenes video from the band’s recent Western Canadian Summer Siege Tour is available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pl-Qu-beKHQ . See ScythiaFolkMetal.com for more.
-There’s a new interview with Seven Witches main man Jack Frost at
http://www.hailsandhorns.com/interview/interview-with-jack-frost-of-seven-witches-by-kelley-simms/
.
-Check out Wayne Static’s new single “Assassins Of Youth” at http://soundcloud.com/madmacent/sets/wayne-static-assassins-of .
-Symphony X will tour Europe this fall with Pagan’s Mind (Norway) and DGM (Italy), in support of ICONOCLAST:
9/28 – Knust, Hamburg, Germany
9/29 – Zeche, Bochum, Germany
9/30 – Boerderij, Zoetermeer, The Netherlands
10/1 – SJ Sjiva, Baarlo, The Netherlands
10/2 – Columbia-Club, Berlin, Germany
10/4 – Colos-Saal, Aschaffenburg, Germany
10/5 – Backstage, München, Germany
10/7 – Live Club, Milano, Italy
10/8 – Velvet, Rimini, Italy
10/9 – Alpheus, Rome, Italy
10/12 – Salamandra, Barcelona, Spain
10/13 – Sala Penelope, Madrid, Spain
10/14 – Incrivel Almadense, Lissabon, Portugal
10/15 – Hard Club, Porto, Portugal
10/16 – Capitol, Santiago De Compostela, Spain
10/18 – Theatre Barbey, Bordeaux, France
10/19 – Kinkasi Kao, Lyon, France
10/20 – Z7, Pratteln, Switzerland
10/21 – Pont Rouge, Monthey, Switzerland
10/23 – Biebob, Vosselaar, Belgium
10/25 – Academy 3, Manchester, UK
10/26 – Islington 2 Academy, London, UK
10/28 – Gagarin 205, Athens, Greece
See http://www.symphonyx.com/ for more.
-Voodoo Highway’s new video for “Running Around,” from the debut album BROKEN UNCLE’S INN, is online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGLP7VsA8Tc . The video comes with a disclaimer: “Voodoo Highway, that as always take to raise awareness that things in life should not be taken too seriously, apologize in advance to anyone suffering from epilepsy, seasickness, or do not like things too colorful.” See http://www.facebook.com/pages/VOODOO-HIGHWAY/107889722591097 , http://www.myspace.com/voodoohighway , and http://www.youtube.com/TheVoodooHighway for more.
-The organizers of the 2012 Wacken Open Air have already announced several acts: The Scorpions, with their last-ever open air show in Germany; Ministry, performing a “best of” set; HammerFall, performing an anniversary show; U.D.O., performing a birthday and anniversary show; and Amon Amarth, Gamma Ray, Cradle Of Filth, Axel Rudi Pell, Forbidden, Six Feet Under, and Endstille. Tickets are available through Metaltix.com. See http://www.wacken.com/ for more.
-XorigiN — formerly Orange Crush; consisting of Johannes Stole on vocals and keyboards and Daniel Palmqvist on guitar — has STATE OF THE ART out now on Frontiers Records. Hype: “Musically they draw on influences such as Giant, Toto, Foreigner and Yes to name a few, but still keeping their own personal sound and musical identity intact. Strong melodies, well crafted songs and catchy vocal arrangements are their trademark.” Check out the album’s trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aky9Ui9tJew . See http://www.facebook.com/pages/XorigiN/172509819480303 and http://www.myspace.com/xorigin for more.
Thanks to Jon Asher, Chipster PR, Nathan Birk, Chad Bowar, Metaltix, Dave Brenner, Nicky Baldrian, Nancy B. Sayle, Axel Wiesenauer, and MusicBuyMail for help gathering some of this information.
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*** REVIEWS ***
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JAMES BYRD’S ATLANTIS RISING – BEYOND THE PILLARS (A-/B+) Lion Music, 2011
14 tracks, RT: 58:54
[ http://www.jamesbyrd.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/guitaristjamesbyrd ]
[ http://www.facebook.com/officialjamesbyrd ]
[ http://www.lionmusic.com/cd/beyondthepillars.htm ]
[ http://www.lionmusic.com/ ]
I remember the first time I heard Fifth Angel’s excellent 1986 debut — even after that casual preliminary listen it was clear that guitarist James Byrd was something special, a player possessing not only skill but creativity, taste and a keen melodic sensibility. James left Fifth Angel in 1987 and took with him many of the songs that were to comprise the second Fifth Angel release, recording them with vocalist Freddy Krumins; seven of these songs were re-recorded and found their way onto the debut Atlantis Rising disc (now out of print), and the other seven were lost in the mists of time — until now. Recently found by Krumins, these early recordings are in surprisingly good shape, providing an alternate take on several Byrd classics as well as a fascinating glimpse into what could have been. The album opens with the excellent “Chasing The Shadows Away,” a track that could easily sit alongside the material on the first Fifth Angel album. Another must-hear track is “Stranger In The Night,” once again reflecting the glory days of Fifth Angel. Byrd seems to have been entertaining the idea of going in a more commercial direction with some of the material, notably “I Don’t Believe In Love (Falling In Lust)” and “On My Mind,” both tracks good but definitely “of their day.” One that really goes off the beaten path is “Waiting In The Shadows,” a kind of Lizzy Borden/Queensryche amalgam that shows Byrd’s willingness to experiment. Atlantis Rising tracks such as “Eye Of The Storm” and “Let It Out” are rawer but more energetic versions than what ended up on the album, and are well worth hearing. The common denominator throughout BEYOND THE PILLARS is Byrd’s fantastic guitar playing — virtuosic but refreshingly devoid of the mindless shred that often passes for musicianship these days. Essential listening for fans of Fifth Angel and Atlantis Rising, BEYOND THE PILLARS is also recommended for fans of Scorpions-era Uli Roth (a major influence on Byrd) as well as devotees of late ’80s melodic metal and hard rock.
– Neal Woodall (MysticX9gmail.com)
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*** OUT ***
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Issue #604 Lots Of News!
Detritus
Issue #604
Week of August 15, 2011
http://DetritusZine.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Detritus/
http://www.myspace.com/detritusezine
To subscribe to the e-mail version do one of the following:
Visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Detritus/
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To unsubscribe from the e-mail version:
Send a blank e-mail to: Detritus-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
To contact us:
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*** CAST OF CHARACTERS ***
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Patrick Brower, Editor
pwbrower@gmail.com
Sean P. Gahgan, Editor
spgahgan@comcast.net
http://www.lakeoffire.net/
http://www.myspace.com/visionlakeoffire
Tim Wadzinski, Owner
tsw512@yahoo.com
Steve Shumake, Co-owner
vongoober@neb.rr.com
http://www.facebook.com/KnuckleDeepBand
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*** LET IT BE KNOWN ***
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-Tryin’ to get back on a normal schedule this week… Not sure how long it will last. 🙂 – Tim
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*** PRESS RELEASE #1 ***
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-Dio Disciples Announce First-Ever US Tour!
Some fans figured that with the passing of Ronnie James Dio in 2010, one of metal’s greatest voices of all-time had been silenced forever. But Dio’s music will live on forever, and many of his friends and/or former band mates are making sure of it, as they have reunited as Dio Disciples — a concert celebration to the former singer of Black Sabbath, Rainbow, and Elf (and successful/respected solo artist). And while Dio Disciples has already performed overseas, US fans have waited patiently for their chance to catch the group. Soon, their wish will be granted.
The band (which is comprised of singers Tim “Ripper” Owens and Toby Jepson, guitarist Craig Goldy, bassist Rudy Sarzo, keyboardist Scott Warren, and drummer Simon Wright) has announced a string of dates (with more to be announced), which as of now, kicks off on September 22nd at The Chance in Poughkeepsie, NY, and wraps up on October 9th at Trees in Dallas, TX. Keep your eyes peeled to Dio Disciples’ Facebook page for announcements regarding additional US tour dates.
Touching upon almost every era of Dio’s stellar career, you can expect to hear faithful and heavy renditions of such classics as “The Last In Line,” “Rainbow In The Dark,” “Holy Diver,” “Heaven & Hell,” “Neon Knights,” and “Man On The Silver Mountain,” among countless others.
And Dio Disciples have been receiving rave show reviews, including the Planet Mosh website, which gave a recent London performance a 10/10 rating, and proclaimed, “The performance was a fitting tribute to the memory of the great man himself. I’m not sure there is a better way of keeping the legacy alive, than by witnessing this group of men with such outstanding ability pour every ounce of their being into delivering Dio’s music so perfectly.”
Get ready US fans, as it will soon be time to “Stand Up And Shout” to an evening of Dio music once again.
CONFIRMED US TOUR DATES [more to be added]:
9/22/2011 – Poughkeepsie, NY – The Chance
9/23/2011 – Asbury Park, NJ – Stone Pony
9/24/2011 – Springfield, VA – Jaxx
9/26/2011 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom
9/27/2011 – Pittsburgh, PA – Altar Bar
9/28/2011 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues
9/29/2011 – Chicago, IL – House of Blues
9/30/2011 – Medina, MN – Medina Entertainment Center
10/6/2011 – Baton Rouge, LA – Varsity Theatre
10/7/2011 – Houston, TX – Scout Bar
10/8/2011 – San Antonio, TX – Sunken Gardens
10/9/2011 – Dallas, TX – Trees
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dio-Disciples/197868730252916
http://www.facebook/OfficialDioFacebook
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*** PRESS RELEASE #2 ***
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-Michael Sweet Departs Legendary Rock Band Boston To Devote Full Attention To His Longstanding Role As Front Man Of Re-emerging Rock Band Stryper
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE — Stryper front man and accomplished solo artist Michael Sweet announced his departure from legendary rock band Boston today, in order to devote his full attention to his longstanding role as the lead vocalist and lead guitarist for multi-platinum rock outfit Stryper — a band he co-founded in 1983. Sweet joined Boston in 2008, sharing lead vocals and playing guitar on a headlining tour of North America, performing the band’s classic hits like “More Than A Feeling,” “Peace Of Mind,” “Amanda” and “Don’t Look Back.”
Following the Boston tour, Stryper released the 2009 studio album MURDER BY PRIDE (featuring a cover of Boston’s “Peace Of Mind”), which led to a yearlong world tour with all of the original members. In 2010, Stryper released THE COVERING, and another world tour recently concluded. Stryper is currently in the studio working on an untitled release for 2011, with tour dates already announced for this fall.
“My focus and my loyalty lies with Stryper, the band that I’ve committed almost thirty years of my life to,” says Sweet. “The guys in Stryper are my brothers and I’m excited about our future together. The music of Boston helped shape who I am as an artist, and the opportunity to be a part of their musical legacy is overwhelming. It’s been an honor to share the stage with them, and a bigger honor to call them my friends.”
In addition to the increasing demands for Stryper, Sweet has been spending some of his time off the road in Nashville, writing with A-list songwriters such as Blair Daly (Rascal Flatts, Uncle Kracker, Lynyrd Skynyrd), Luke Laird (Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw), Britton Cameron (Steel Magnolia, Lonestar, Eden’s Edge) and others.
“I’ve always loved the writing process and to be able to collaborate with some of the greatest writers in Nashville is an absolutely amazing experience for me,” explains Sweet. “I’m looking forward to many more successful trips to Music City.”
Stryper has sold more than 8 million albums worldwide. The group’s unprecedented 1986 album TO HELL WITH THE DEVIL went double-platinum and was named one of the “100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music” by CCM Magazine.
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*** PRESS RELEASE #3 ***
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-Anthrax: New Track Available For Streaming!
US thrash legends Anthrax have released another track of their upcoming, eagerly awaited new album WORSHIP MUSIC for streaming.
“The Devil You Know,” in regard to the sound described as a mixture of the band’s classic “Caught In A Mosh” and an AC/DC song à la “Whole Lotta Rosie” by guitarist Rob Caggiano, can be enjoyed here from now on: http://listn.to/nuclearblasteurope
WORSHIP MUSIC isn’t only the tenth studio album of the legendary quintet but also presents Joey Belladonna’s return on vocals, who could be heard on PERSISTENCE OF TIME in 1990 hindermost. The anniversary album has been recorded over a time period of four years by the band together with producer Jay Ruston in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. The visual refinement was done by Alex Ross who’s known for his work for Marvel Comics and DC Comics and who also drew the cover artworks for the Anthrax album WE’VE COME FOR YOU ALL as well as for the DVD MUSIC OF MASS DESTRUCTION.
The track list of WORSHIP MUSIC reads as follows:
1. Worship (Intro)
2. Earth On Hell
3. The Devil You Know
4. Fight ‘Em Til You Can’t
5. I’m Alive
6. Hymn 1
7. In The End
8. The Giant
9. Hymn 2
10. Judas Priest
11. Crawl
12. The Constant
13. Revolution Screams
Soon the time of waiting will be over. WORSHIP MUSIC — out on September 16th via Nuclear Blast!
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*** PRESS RELEASE #4 ***
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-HammerFall Announce Special Guests For Their Tour
HammerFall have announced their fall tour “European Outbreak 2011” and now confirm American metal icons Riot as special guests on the first leg of dates. Also the new Swedish metal sensation Amaranthe is confirmed as support on the whole tour. Joacim Cans, vocalist and front man of HammerFall comments: “For thirty years I have been a true and devoted Riot fan. Albums like FIRE DOWN UNDER and THUNDERSTEEL have inspired me immensely, both as a singer and a songwriter, and the honest truth is that I would probably not be here today if it wasn’t for Riot. As a homage to the band we also covered their classic song ‘Flight Of The Warrior’ on the album MASTERPIECES in 2008. I am totally psyched about having Riot as our special guest for the first leg of the European tour and I can assure you that I will be in the audience banging my head and singing along in every song… every single night! Hell Yeah!”
Riot’s founding member Mark Reale is equally enthusiastic: “This tour is going to blow a lot of cobwebs away. We’ve been dying to get the band back over the Europe where we’ve always had such a loyal following. This is like a dream come true for all of us, and the timing, with the new album ready to roll, couldn’t be better.”
This will be the first time the legendary THUNDERSTEEL and THE PRIVILEGE OF POWER lineup of Tony Moore (vocals), Mark Reale (guitar), Mike Flyntz (guitar), Don Van Stavern (bass) and Bobby Jarzombek (drums) has played in Europe on a full tour, after the band’s celebrated one-off show at Sweden Rock Festival in 2009. Having signed with SPV worldwide except for Japan where they are signed to Avalon Marquee, Riot are currently finalizing their new album IMMORTAL SOUL which is due in October. The dates with HammerFall will therefore also be an opportunity for fans to hear new material from the band’s upcoming — and long-awaited — fourteenth album.
Newcomers Amaranthe just recently released their debut album which charted #1 in Japan is set as main support at “European Outbreak 2011.” Olof Mörck, founder of Amaranthe comments: “All of us in Amaranthe are mighty proud to go tour with our metal brothers from Gothenburg, the legendary HammerFall! To take part on this huge tour that will take us to every corner in Europe is sure to be a pleasure, and we hope their fans will receive us kindly! We are sure to do our best to deliver as good of a show as possible, every single night from October through November! See all of you on tour this fall!”
** Headline shows with special guests Riot and support Amaranthe (Opener to be announced)
* Headline shows with support Amaranthe (Rest of lineup to be announced)
10/28/11 Gothenburg @ Lisebergshallen (Sweden) **
10/29/11 Stockholm @ Arenan (Sweden) **
10/31/11 Hamburg @ Grosse Freiheit 36 (Germany) **
11/01/11 Antwerp @ Trix (Belgium) **
11/02/11 Filderstadt @ Filharmonie (Germany) **
11/04/11 Oberhausen @ Turbinenhalle (Germany) **
11/05/11 Paris @ Bataclan (France) **
11/06/11 Esch-Sur-Alzette @ Rockhal (Luxembourg) **
11/07/11 Zurich @ Volkhaus (Switzerland) **
11/09/11 Vienna @ Arena (Austria) **
11/10/11 Graz @ Orpheum (Austria) **
11/11/11 Milan @ Magazinni Generali (Italy) **
11/12/11 München @ Teaterfabrik (Germany) **
11/13/11 Prague @ Kd Vitavska (Czech Republic) **
11/15/11 Warzaw @ Stodola (Poland) **
11/16/11 Berlin @ Huxley’s Neue Welt (Germany) **
11/17/11 Tilburg @ 013 (Netherlands) **
11/18/11 Köln @ Essigfabrik (Germany) **
11/25/11 Lichtenfels @ Christmas Metal Festival (Germany)
11/27/11 Trencin @ Piano (Slovakia) *
11/28/11 Budapest @ Petöfi Hall (Hungary) *
11/30/11 Bucharest @ Hard Rock Café (Romania) *
12/01/11 Belgrade @ SKC (Serbia) *
12/02/11 Zagreb @ Boogaloo (Croatia) *
12/03/11 Siska @ Ljubljana (Slovenia) *
12/04/11 Passau @ Dreiländerhalle (Germany) *
12/06/11 Barcelona @ Salamandra 1 (Spain) *
12/07/11 Madrid @ Sala Heineken (Spain) *
12/08/11 Seville @ Fanatic (Spain) *
12/09/11 Porto @ Hard Club (Portugal) *
12/10/11 Bilbao @ Santana 27 Gold (Spain) *
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*** PRESS RELEASE #5 ***
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-Arch/Matheos Interviewed About Debut Album On Metal Blade TV!
SYMPATHETIC RESONANCE To Be Released as Digi-CD And 2-Gatefold-LP Including A TWIST OF FATE EP!
Shirt/CD Bundle Available!
The new progressive rock band, Arch/Matheos featuring Jim Matheos (current member of the progressive rock powerhouse Fates Warning and OSI) and John Arch (former vocalist of Fates Warning) are readying the release of their highly anticipated debut album SYMPATHETIC RESONANCE September 9th/12th on Metal Blade Records!
Recently Jim Matheos and John Arch took some time to discuss SYMPATHETIC RESONANCE with Metal Blade CEO Brian Slagel for Metal Blade TV. Jim and John discuss how the project came together as a natural evolution from Arch’s TWIST OF FATE EP. They also reflect on the recording process, how they started slowly with baby steps and how John’s return to music on a full-time basis was due to Jim’s inspiration. The interview can be viewed in its entirety at http://www.archmatheos.com/ .
Arch/Matheos has released the first single off the group’s upcoming full-length debut SYMPATHETIC RESONANCE. The new track, a five-minute clip of the song “Stained Glass Sky” that clocks in at just less than 14 minutes, can be heard at http://www.archmatheos.com/ .
Cover art for SYMPATHETIC RESONANCE was fashioned using an image created by light painting photographer Dennis Calvert, who has described light painting as “The ability to see in four dimensions, time traveling, and creating fantasy using only what we base all reality on, light.”
SYMPATHETIC RESONANCE track listing:
1. Neurotically Wired
2. Midnight Serenade
3. Stained Glass Sky
4. On the Fence
5. Any Given Day (Strangers Like Me)
6. Incense And Myrrh
SYMPATHETIC RESONANCE will be released in two formats. As a digi-pak CD and on vinyl (limited) as a 2-Gatefold-LP. The LP version includes the A TWIST OF FATE EP! A shirt bundle is also available. Check http://www.archmatheos.com/ for more details!
The band — accompanied by Joey Vera on bass, Bobby Jarzombek on drums, and Frank Aresti on additional lead guitar — began tracking the drums on January 12 and continued to record through March with Jim Matheos producing. Arch/Matheos is pleased to announce SYMPATHETIC RESONANCE as the title of the debut album, which will be released September 9/12, 2011 in Europe!
Lineup:
John Arch – vocals (former Fates Warning)
Jim Matheos – guitars (Fates Warning, OSI)
Joey Vera – bass (Armored Saint, Anthrax, Fates Warning, Seven Witches)
Bobby Jarzombek – drums (Halford, Fates Warning, Sebastian Bach, Riot)
Frank Aresti – additional lead guitar (Fates Warning)
http://www.facebook.com/archmatheos
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*** PRESS RELEASE #6 ***
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-Magic Circle Music Update
Power Packages Now Available At The Kingdom Of Steel Online Store!
Hearing the call of the fans the Kingdom Of Steel has added Power Packages as a new permanent part of our online store.
Created especially for the greatest fans in the world, Power Packages were the talk of all recent tours. They contain multiple great items, many of which have never been available in the store ever!
The first special offer is a Surprise Power Package that contains:
1 Manowar Tour T-Shirt: Our pick from a variety of Manowar Tour Shirts that have never been available online before
1 “Surprise” T-Shirt: Our pick from a range of various amazing motifs, all in the excellent quality you know from the Kingdom Of Steel!
1 Manowar THUNDER IN THE SKY CD (Jewel Case): This item was never before available in the online store
Three items with a combined value of more than $70.00 for only $40.00!
This Package will only be available for a limited period of time and while supplies last, but there will be new Packages all the time!
Hurry up and get your Power Package today. And don’t miss to check in regularly for new Power Packages and further great offers!
Visit us at http://www.thekingdomofsteel.com/ .
Magic Circle Music
http://www.magiccirclemusic.com/
Manowar
http://www.facebook.com/manowar
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*** PRESS RELEASE #7 ***
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-Rhapsody Of Fire’s Friendly Split
[Note: This is from http://www.rhapsodyoffire.com/ . – Steve]
After 15 years of friendship, hard work and big passion, fully invested in the creation of symphonic music and an epic saga that will remain in the history of heavy metal, Alex Staropoli and Luca Turilli decided to proceed to a friendly split.
“10 albums released and the end of the saga represent, musically and lyrically, an important artistic goal finally reached, underlined by the success of our last release FROM CHAOS TO ETERNITY, for which we want to thank our wonderful fans once again. Now it came the time when new artistic stimulations need to be found, in respect of both parts’ visions and perspectives and of our longtime friendship,” say Luca and Alex. Due to the latest legal agreements actually in force, Alex Staropoli will go on with Rhapsody Of Fire having, between the others, Fabio Lione as singer, Tom Hess as guitar player and Alex Holzwarth as drummer. For the same agreements and the original name’s common ownership, Luca Turilli will release his future works with a new Rhapsody band, including the faithful band members Dominique Leurquin, Patrice Guers and Alex Holzwarth.
Alex says: “While wishing the best to Luca and his new band, I want to tell you that Fabio and myself feel motivated and stronger than ever and that Rhapsody Of Fire are already planning a great worldwide tour. More information regarding the new bass player and the new second guitar player will follow. Stay tuned!”
The website http://www.rhapsodyoffire.com/ will remain the glorious Rhapsody Of Fire website at all effects and http://www.algalordchronicles.com/ the official fan club of Rhapsody Of Fire only. In the future, if you want to know more about the new band of Luca Turilli, please check his personal website at http://www.lucaturilli.com/ .
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*** PRESS RELEASE #8 ***
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-Debut Album From Infinita Symphonia Out Now On End Of The Light Records
Infinita Symphonia is an Italian Symphonic Power Prog Metal band formed in 2008. The band consists of vocalist Luca Micioni and lead guitarist Gianmarco Ricasoli, the two founding members, bassist Alberto De Felice, and drummer Luca Ciccotti. The name of the band is a symbol for: the infinite possibilities and combinations of sound and notes of which are not necessarily classifiable in a single genre.
The album, A MIND’S CHRONICLE, features very special guest appearances by Tim “Ripper” Owens (Judas Priest, Iced Earth, Malmsteen) and Fabio Lione (Rhapsody Of Fire, Vision Divine). It was recorded and mixed at Outer Sound Studios in Rome, Italy, by Giuseppe Orlando (Novembre) and mastered at Finnvox Studios in Helsinki, Finland, by Mika Jussila (Nightwish, Sonata Arctica, Stratovarius, Edguy).
The beautiful cover artwork was handled by Nerve Design (Nile, Threshold, Legion Of The Damned, Vision Divine, Exilia).
Track List:
1. Intro(verted) (Ricasoli)
2. Lost In My Own Brain (Ricasoli / Micioni)
3. Mighty Storm (Ricasoli / Micioni)
4. The Illusion (Ricasoli / Micioni)
5. Planet Universe (Ricasoli)
6. Here There’s No Why (Ricasoli / Micioni)
7. Only One Reason (Ricasoli / Micioni)
8. Lost And Found (Ricasoli / Micioni)
9. From Earth To Heaven (Ricasoli / Micioni)
10. The Equation Of The End (Ricasoli / Micioni)
11. I Believe In You (Ricasoli / Micioni)
http://www.infinitasymphonia.com/
http://www.myspace.com/infinitasymphonia
http://www.youtube.com/infinitasymphonia
For more info go to http://www.endofthelight.com/ .
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*** PRESS RELEASE #9 ***
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-Learn How To Play Like Eric Johnson, From The Man Himself, Via “On The Music Path” iPad App
On The Path LLC is proud to announce that acclaimed guitarist, Eric Johnson, is the latest world-renowned musician to teach a master class for their best-selling iPad app, “On The Music Path.”
Over the course of this 70-minute lesson shot in high-definition video by Academy award-winning cinematographer, Alan Kozlowski, Eric Johnson teaches students how to play his celebrated tune, “Cliffs Of Dover,” and breaks down the essential elements of his signature electric guitar style, including his use of hybrid rhythmic picking, tonal effects, arpeggios in solos and melodic choices. Students also get the chance to trade solos with Eric on number of his most well-loved tunes, including “40 Mile Town,” “Gem,” and “Last House On The Block.” Eric’s master class includes over 25 play along sessions with the man himself, accompanied by complete notation and guitar tablature, authorized by Eric and synchronized to Eric’s playing.
Eric’s hit single, “Cliffs Of Dover,” is widely seen as one of the greatest guitar solos in history and has been featured as the ultimate winning challenge in the video game “Guitar Hero III: Legends Of Rock.” In his master class for On The Music Path, Eric breaks down the entire song, section by section, playing each section both at tempo and at half-speed for the first time in his career. The entire song is accompanied by a split-screen video on Eric’s right and left hands and accompanied by a complete and authorized transcription in both notation and tab. As Eric Johnson puts it, “this is the most compelling and cutting edge method for learning how to play the guitar I’ve ever seen.”
ABOUT ERIC JOHNSON
Eric Johnson has been named one of the top 100 guitarists of the 20th century by Musician Magazine and called “one of the most respected guitarists on the planet” by Guitar Player Magazine. His many achievements include a Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance as well as five other Grammy nominations and a platinum album. He was a featured performer on the all-star lineup for the Experience Hendrix Tour 2010, named “Guitarist Of The Year” in 2010 by Guitar International and tapped by Eric Clapton to appear at the Crossroads Guitar Festival.
Eric’s 1996 G3 tour with fellow guitarists Joe Satriani and Steve Vai yielded a best selling album and platinum DVD, G3: LIVE IN CONCERT.
His dynamism as a live performer is captured on the 2008 DVD, ANAHEIM, as well as the certified Gold 2005 DVD/CD release of his second “Austin City Limits” show in 1994, LIVE FROM AUSTIN, TEXAS.
His latest album, UP CLOSE, presents 14 new Johnson compositions plus his version of the Electric Flag song “Texas,” and features guest appearances by fellow master players Jimmie Vaughan, Steve Miller, Jonny Lang and Sonny Landreth. And Eric has a busy summer of concerts ahead (see tour schedule below).
ABOUT THE APP
“The Music Path” iPad app offers carefully structured lessons on how to play the guitar, piano, drums and bass from a star-studded cast of world-renowned musicians. In addition to Johnson, teachers include Jackson Browne, Richard Thompson, Michael Chapdelaine, Jake Shimabukuro, Vonda Shepard, Leland Sklar, Russ Kunkel, Lee Ritenour, and Ravi Shankar. Lessons cost between $1.99 and $19.99 and include 45-90 minutes of one-on-one lesson time with a master musician accompanied by musical notation, chord charts, lyrics and guitar tablature synchronized to the teacher’s playing. The app includes lessons for all levels of students, from novice to advanced, and is available exclusively through Apple’s App Store. Students can download the app and try out the first few chapters of any lesson for free (including the first seven chapters of Eric Johnson’s lesson).
ERIC JOHNSON AUGUST TOUR DATES:
08/12/11 at the Showcase Live in Foxborough, MA
08/13/11 at the Chance in Poughkeepsie, NY
08/14/11 at the Sellersville Theater in Sellersville, PA
08/16/11 at the Arts Center in Carborro, NC
08/17/11 at the McGlohon Theatre in Charlotte, NC
08/18/11 at the Variety Playhouse in Atlanta, GA
08/19/11 at the Fire Club in Jackson, MS
08/20/11 at the House Of Blues in New Orleans, LA
FOR MORE INFO:
To download the app:
http://onthepath.com/AppStore
To preview Eric Johnson’s lesson:
http://onthepath.com/EricJohnson
On The Path website:
http://onthepath.com
Eric Johnson’s website:
http://www.ericjohnson.com/
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*** PRESS RELEASE #10 ***
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-Lion Music Label & Artist News
Boguslaw Balcerak’s Crylord Sign To Lion Music
Exploding out of Poland comes a new powerhouse of metal. Lion Music are delighted to welcome Boguslaw Balcerak’s Crylord to the labels roster and will release the band’s debut album BLOOD OF THE PROPHETS on 14th October 2011.
Led by the prestigious talents of guitarist Boguslaw Balcerak, BLOOD OF THE PROPHETS breathes new life into the neo-classical genre with 12 first class songs chock full of big riffs, dynamic rhythms, jaw dropping guitar solos and infectious vocal melodies from three of the most acclaimed vocalists in the field — Carsten “Lizard” Schulz (Evidence One, ex Domain) and neo-classical legends Mark Boals (ex Malmsteen / Ring Of Fire) and Goran Edman (ex Malmsteen / Brazen Abbot / Time Requiem).
A preview album sampler MP3 can be heard at:
Full information on the album to follow shortly and be sure to look out for the promotional video for the track “Warriors Moon” coming soon!
New Releases Out This Friday
The following two releases are out this Friday (19th August) and are shipping now from our webstore.
Vargton Projekt – PROGXPRIMETAL
Lion Music are proud to introduce the debut release PROGXPRIMETAL from Vargton Projekt, a new band based around some of the finest musical talents to have emerged in recent years from Sweden in guitarist Mats Hedberg, Grammy winning drummer Morgan Ågren and vocalist Björn Jansson.
PROGXPRIMETAL as the title may suggest is a varied and special release that will satisfy the extremist metal and hard rock fan and Zappa freaks too with its wide ranging sound.
Album sample track:
Album promo page:
http://www.lionmusic.com/cd/progxprimetal.htm
Elias Viljanen – TAKING THE LEAD CD+DVD EDITION
Some nine years after original release TAKING THE LEAD is still regarded as one as one of the best debuts of instrumental rock/metal guitar to have emerged in the 21st century from a then unknown guitarist, and Elias Viljanen has built a reputation that has seen him advance into the upper tier of hard rock shredders founded on the solid foundations of this debut solo release.
This new special edition re-release sees the original 12 track instrumental tour-de-force from the Sonata Arctica guitar whiz comes packaged with the added bonus of a professionally shot previously unreleased seven-track live DVD entitled EVIL SPIRIT LIVE which contains material from Elias’ two solo albums released on Lion Music.
Album sample track:
Album promo page:
http://www.lionmusic.com/cd/takingthelead.htm
Lion Music
http://www.lionmusic.com/
http://www.facebook.com/LionMusicRecordLabel
http://www.youtube.com/lionmusicfinland
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-Creation’s End: Uniting The Powers Of Metal Tour Begins This Week
Progressive metal faction Creation’s End are preparing to kick off their next leg of live appearances next week, this time in the form of the first Uniting The Powers Of Metal Tour.
Bringing together several like-minded forces within the North American metal scene, Uniting The Powers Of Metal’s first official tour will showcase Artizan, Seven Kingdoms and Widow as well as Creation’s End for a co-headlining six-date East Coast tour, where all four acts will trade headlining spots show-to-show. The festivities officially kick off this Tuesday, August 16 at Manhattan’s Sullivan Hall, with shows in North Carolina, Georgia and Florida to follow, including a special one-off headlining appearance by Adrenaline Mob — featuring Mike Portnoy (ex-Dream Theater) and Russell Allen (Symphony X) — this Sunday at Jaxx in Springfield, Virginia.
Uniting The Powers Of Metal East Coast Tour 2011
Featuring: Artizan, Creation’s End, Seven Kingdoms, Widow
8/16/2011 – Sullivan Hall – New York, NY
8/17/2011 – Jaxx – Springfield, VA w/ Adrenaline Mob
8/18/2011 – Volume 11 – Raleigh, NC
8/19/2011 – The Local at Sidelines – Marietta, GA
8/20/2011 – The Haven – Orlando, FL
8/21/2011 – The Local 662 – St. Petersburg, FL
The debut Uniting The Powers Of Metal Tour is presented by Intromental Worldwide, Sabatur Pro Audio and Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles, with endorsements from Taye Drums and ENGL. Check out the official tour page at http://www.intromental.com/utpom .
Creation’s End features guitarists Rudy Albert (ex-Zandelle) and Marco Sfogli (James LaBrie Band), drummer Dario Rodriguez, vocalist Mike DiMeo (ex-Masterplan, ex-Riot) and bassist Joe Black (Chris Caffery, ex-Zandelle). The incredibly layered, explosive eight tracks unleashed on the band’s critically acclaimed 2010 Sensory Records-released debut album, A NEW BEGINNING, showcase the band’s versatility, incorporating powerful melodies and dark, groove-laden displays of crushing, progressive metal. The band are currently constructing their anticipated follow-up to the album now, which will be released sometime in 2012.
“…simply one of the best progressive metal albums of the past year. 15/16” – Progression Magazine
“The quintet blows through these epics with precision and grace, making a case for this band being one of the subgenre’s future stars.” – Outburn
“…complete with dazzling guitar leads and stabbing synths, the results are extraordinary. To top it all off, Neil Kernon handled the engineering on the album, and as you can imagine, it sounds great.” – Sea Of Tranquility
“With all this talent it is refreshing to hear that they don’t really focus so much on the actual technical wizardry of the musicianship but on the writing of great dark, brooding melodic songs… ” – Hellbound
http://www.creationsend.net/
http://www.facebook.com/creationsend
http://www.myspace.com/creationsendnyc
http://www.lasersedgegroup.com/
http://www.intromental.com/
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-“The Stooges: Head On” — A Journey Through The Michigan Underground Available September 2011, Published By Wayne State University Press
Written By Brett Callwood
Foreword By Alice Cooper
Afterword By Glenn Danzig
Size: 6×9, Pages: 200, Illustrations: 14
“With each ‘Stooge’ getting close to equal billing, Callwood’s research results in a thorough exploration — and explanation — of the band’s seismic importance to the Detroit music scene. Interesting, amusing, and engaging, ‘The Stooges: Head On’ will enlighten even the biggest Stooges fan.” – TL, Rhythm
“The drugs! The debauchery! The decadence! The wild-man performances from Iggy Pop, a man with a taste for peanut butter — not to eat, but to smear on his chest — and broken glass, which he likewise worked into his flesh while on stage. It’s all here in Brett Callwood’s exhaustive account of the rise and demise of the Stooges, the Michigan band who effectively invented punk rock.” – David Cheal, Telegraph
“It’s a good book. I thank you for writing it.” – Iggy Pop
If the MC5 were Detroit’s political spokesmen for the disenchanted youth of the 1960s, then the Stooges were the loutish kids, heckling from the back of the room. While conventional wisdom says they could barely play their instruments, the Stooges left an indelible mark on the world of punk rock, and the band’s initial three albums — THE STOOGES, FUN HOUSE and RAW POWER — are bona fide classics. In “The Stooges: Head On” author Brett Callwood treats the band’s story not just as an early chapter in the career of its famous front man, Iggy Pop, but from the Stooges’ beginnings at the end of the 1960s, to its end in the early 1970s, and to its reunion in 2003 through the present.
“Writing a Stooges biography was a no-brainer for me,” Callwood states. “My first book is about the MC5 and in researching that while still living in London, I had traveled to Detroit / Ann Arbor and fallen in love with the whole area and its music. I had made many friends and established many contacts that were and are associated with both the MC5 and the Stooges, so that made the process easier to get started. Also, when I wrote this book there wasn’t a decent Stooges book on the shelves. There are a lot of Iggy books out there, but mine is the first full Stooges biography.”
In compiling this exhaustive account of the band’s history, Callwood interviewed all of the central and sometimes Stooges members, including Iggy Pop, Ron and Scott Asheton, James Williamson, Mike Watt, Steve Mackay, and Scott Thurston, and largely lets the band tell its own story in numerous long quotes. Callwood details the band’s genesis as teenage friends in Ann Arbor, their time living together in their legendary party houses in the 1960s, and the recording of the three original Stooges albums. He examines the addition of James Williamson to the band on RAW POWER and how it changed the band’s sound and dynamic, along with the band’s fateful meeting with David Bowie on its first British tour.
As Iggy broke out as a solo artist during the 1970s and 1980s, Callwood charts the Asheton brothers’ post-Stooges experiences, with Ron’s turns in The New Order, Destroy All Monsters, and Dark Carnival, and Scott Asheton’s time with The Farleys and Sonic’s Rendezvous Band. He also provides an overview of Iggy’s solo career, the seeds of a reunion that were planted with a collaboration on Iggy’s SKULL RING album, and the eventual reformation of the band and the recording of their fourth album, THE WEIRDNESS, in 2007.
Originally published in the UK in 2007, “The Stooges: Head On” has been revised to expand on the original story and also to consider Ron Asheton’s untimely death in 2009 and his musical legacy, the band’s fate without Ron, and the Stooges’ long-overdue introduction into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame in 2010.
“Scott didn’t want to talk at all for the first edition… He rarely does interviews,” said Callwood. “However, after his brother passed away and I was writing for this American edition, he talked to me and really opened up. It was a very moving, humbling experience.”
Wayne State University Press is a distinctive urban publisher committed to supporting its parent institution’s core research, teaching, and service mission by generating high quality scholarly and general interest works of global importance. Through its publishing program, the Press disseminates research, advances education, and serves the local community while expanding the international reputation of the Press and the University.
Photos, Author Bio, Additional Assets:
http://wsupress.wayne.edu/books/1212/Stooges
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-Raven Lord To Add Julian Barrett (Tarja) For Additional Guitars!
Raven Lord has revealed that former Tarja Turunen (Barilari, Lorihen) guitarist Julian Barrett will be joining the band. Julian lives in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and comes with tour experience. Julian Barrett will be an equal member and will play side by side with Stefan Lindholm the lead and rhythm guitars.
Commenting on joining the band Julian said: “When Csaba Zvekan contacted me on joining the band to add another guitar player I had to check out their songs. After listening to their material I knew right away that this was something I definitely wanted to be part of. I instantly fell for the melodic vocals and powerful riffs so my decision was easy to make. Really looking forward to work with these guys.”
On welcoming Julian to Raven Lord vocalist Csaba Zvekan had to say: “I’ve been auditioning guitar players for Raven Lord for a while now. Even worked to a certain extend with some of them as well. We were not looking for another Stefan Lindholm rather to expand and complete our musical experience. The two guitar solos will be technical and bluesy as well. They switch each other off making things more interesting and complete.”
On the current situation Raven Lord guitarist Stefan Lindholm also said: “I’m really thrilled and excited playing for Raven Lord. I think the guys in the band are fantastic and bring some great musicianship to the table. I’m convinced we will have a blast on tour and play some awesome shows together. Great future ahead!”
The band has been often compared to sound like Dio, Yngwie Malmsteen, Black Sabbath and Judas Priest. Preliminary work on a new album has already begun, with various songs at different stages of completion. Two new songs “End Of World” and “Saints & Sinners” can be heard at http://www.myspace.com/raven-lord or http://www.facebook.com/ravenlordmusic . The band are in the process of securing a new record deal with a view to a release towards the end of this year. Details of live dates, including some high profile shows for the summer 2012, are expected to be announced soon.
Raven Lord’s lineup is:
Csaba Zvekan (Killing Machine, Sardonyx, Emergency) – Vocals
Stefan Lindholm (Vindictiv) – Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Julian Barret (Tarja, Barilari, Lorihen) – Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Alessandro Del Vecchio (Eden’s Curse, Edge Of Forever) – Keyboards
Tobias Flensburg – Drums
The band’s page on Rock N Growl Promotion can be reached here:
http://www.rockngrowl.com/raven-lord
Check:
http://www.rockngrowl.com/raven-lord
http://www.myspace.com/raven-lord
http://www.facebook.com/ravenlordmusic
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-Metal Blade Records Will Release The New Martyr Album CIRCLE OF 8!
Metal Blade is happy to announce the release of the long-anticipated new Martyr album CIRCLE OF 8!
Martyr is a pure Heavy Metal force from the Netherlands. During the five years that Martyr was alive and kicking (1982-1987), the band released two albums that are considered cult in the Metal scene of today! FOR THE UNIVERSE (1985) and DARKNESS AT TIME’S EDGE’ (1986) are classic Metal, a delight for those who love strong melodies, speedy riffs and a high level of technicality.
In those years, Martyr appeared on compilation albums from Roadrunner and Metal Blade, was voted Holland’s best new Metal band in Aardschok magazine, has toured with several international acts and appeared on Sky Channel’s Monsters Of Rock.
Martyr disbanded in 1987, but reunited in 2001 to play the Heavy Metal Maniacs festival. Four years later, the band revived almost the complete 1982 lineup to play the Headbangers Open Air and Keep It True festival. The flame has been burning again and the band continued to play live ever since. December 2008 Martyr supported US Shock Rockers Lizzy Borden on their European tour. But also in 2009 and 2010 Martyr hit the European stages supporting great acts like Flotsam And Jetsam, Vicious Rumors, Jaguar, Evergrey, etc.
In 2009 the first new Martyr record in almost 25 years has been released. That’s when the new EP FEAR was coupled with a re-release of the classic FOR THE UNIVERSE album as a double digi-pak entitled FEAR THE UNIVERSE on Rusty Cage Records (RCR0017).
In 2010 and 2011 Martyr re-entered the studio between the live shows, by working on the successor for FEAR. A complete new album called CIRCLE OF 8, which will be released by Metal Blade Records in November 2011 worldwide, will be a significant impulse in Martyr’s revival. And by signing with Metal Blade again, the clan is back home!
Comments the band: “Martyr is really pleased to have the new album CIRCLE OF 8 released by Metal Blade Records. It feels like a reunion with metal friends for us after the METAL MASSACRE VI release in 1986!”
CIRCLE OF 8 contains 11 new tracks and one oldie & fans favorite, “Speed Of Samurai,” which has been re-recorded.
CIRCLE OF 8 will be released November 4th/7th via Metal Blade Records in Europe!
More details on CIRCLE OF 8 soon!
Martyr is:
Rick Bouwman – Guitars
Wilfried Broekman – Drums
Rop van Haren – Vocals
Marcel Heesakkers – Guitars
Toine van der Linden – Bass
http://www.martyronline.nl/
http://www.facebook.com/MARTYRONLINE
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-The Australian Pink Floyd Show Set To Return To The United States And Canada
The Australian Pink Floyd Show is unquestionably one of the world’s top classic rock tribute acts, and the proof comes from praise from two very notable sources. Floyd drummer Nick Mason has praised TAPFS as “Very good, probably better than we are,” while the group was even engaged by Floyd guitarist David Gilmour to perform at his 50th birthday celebration! And soon, United States and Canada-based Floyd fans will be able to catch TAPFS in their full live glory, as they have announced a tour running from October 7th through November 12th.
Comprised of band members Steve Mac (vocals/guitar), Colin Wilson (bass and vocals), Jason Sawford (keyboards), David Domminney Fowler (guitar/vocals), Alex McNamara (vocals), Mike Kidson (saxophone), Paul Bonney (drums), Bianca Glynn (vocals), Emily Lynn (vocals), and Lara Smiles (vocals), TAPFS originally formed in 1988. Over the years, the group has played to wildly enthusiastic audiences worldwide (selling three million tickets in the process), and paying tribute to the group that issued such all-time classic albums as DARK SIDE OF THE MOON, WISH YOU WERE HERE, and THE WALL, as well as the rock radio standards “Money,” “Wish You Were Here,” “Another Brick In The Wall (Part 2),” and “Comfortably Numb.”
And the upcoming US and Canada tour will prove to be something truly special, as TAPFS has created what promises to be their most ambitious and spectacular show ever, as it will see the debut of a new quadraphonic sound system, and represents (for the first time ever) that a live music production has used 3D stereographic technology. On top of this will be an awe-inspiring Floydian style laser and light show as well as a whole host of inflatables — including a gigantic pink kangaroo!
The Australian Pink Floyd Show continues to rack up accolades, including being described as “Setting the gold standard” and being praised as “The best tribute band in the world” (by the Sunday Times) and “The living embodiment of a Floyd show. If you love the Floyd, you’ll love this.” (by the Liverpool Echo). Soon, fans will be able to experience the ultimate Pink Floyd experience in North America.
THE AUSTRALIAN PINK FLOYD SHOW US TOUR DATES:
Fri 07 Oct – DENVER, CO – PARAMOUNT
Sat 08 Oct – SALT LAKE CITY, UT – USANA AMPHITHEATER
Sun 09 Oct – BOISE, ID – MORRISON CENTER
Tue 11 Oct – SAN FRANCISCO, CA – WARFIELD THEATER
Wed 12 Oct – LOS ANGELES, CA – NOKIA THEATER
Thu 13 Oct – SAN DIEGO, CA – HUMPHREY’S
Fri 14 Oct – ANAHEIM, CA – GROVE OF ANAHEIM
Sat 15 Oct – PHOENIX, AZ – MESA ARTS CENTER
Mon 17 Oct – GRAND PRAIRIE, TX – VERIZON THEATER
Wed 19 Oct – KANSAS CITY, MO – UPTOWN THEATER
Thu 20 Oct – MINNEAPOLIS, MN – ORPHEUM THEATER
Fri 21 Oct – ST. LOUIS, MO – FOX THEATER
Sat 22 Oct – CHICAGO, IL – ROSEMONT THEATER
Sun 23 Oct – MILWAUKEE, WI – RIVERSIDE THEATER
Tue 25 Oct – OTTAWA, ON – CENTERPOINT THEATER
Thu 27 Oct – QUEBEC – COLISEE PEPSI
Fri 28 Oct – MONTREAL – BELL CENTRE
Wed 02 Nov – BOSTON, MA – WANG THEATER
Thu 03 Nov – JIM THORPE, PA – PENN’S PEAK
Fri 04 Nov – UNCASVILLE, CT – MOHEGAN SUN ARENA
Sat 05 Nov – NY, NY – BEST BUY THEATER
Sun 06 Nov – PHILADELPHIA, PA – TOWER THEATER
Wed 09 Nov – CLEARWATER, FL – RUTH ECKERD HALL
Thu 10 Nov – MIAMI, FL – FILLMORE
Fri 11 Nov – MELBOURNE, FL – MAXWELL KING CENTER
Sat 12 Nov – ATLANTA, GA – FOX THEATER
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:
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-Croatian Female Fronted Doom/Gothic Metallers Ashes You Leave Sign With Rock N Growl!
Croatian female fronted doom/gothic metallers Ashes You Leave have signed a worldwide management deal with Rock N Growl.
AYL crew: “We are proud to announce that from now on we will be represented by Rock N Growl promotion and management agency. We are really happy to have this renowned German agency as a partner. I would like to take this opportunity to send our regards to Axel and the whole Rock N Growl team for the demonstrated support and confidence in the band!”
Axel/Rock N Growl: “It’s great to have this talented pro band now in my roster! We are working now together to climb the next step.”
Band:
Giada “Jada” Etro – vocals
Berislav “Bero” Poje – vocals & lead guitar
Matija Rempesic – guitar
Marta Batinic – violin
Luka Petrovic – bass guitar
Armando Floricic – drums
The band is working in the moment hard on the sixth album THE CURE FOR HAPPINESS.
Now it’s time to rewrite the history as AYL is ready to record the successor of SONGS OF THE LOST. The band’s sixth album, THE CURE FOR HAPPINESS, is scheduled for a tentative release in the first quarter of 2012. The record will see the enchanting Ms. Giada “Jade” Etro behind the microphone. This mesmerizing and amazingly talented singer comes from Italy and this will be her first release as a lead singer.
Be prepared to hear the perfect soundtrack to your suicide! The Funeral Band is back!
Check:
http://www.ashesyouleave.org/
http://www.facebook.com/ashesyouleave
http://www.myspace.com/ashesyouleaveband
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-Metal Blade Signs Worldwide Deal With Swedish Occult Rockers Noctum!
Metal Blade Records is proud to announce the signing of Swedish occult rockers Noctum!
Noctum was formed in September 2009 by bassist Tobias Rosén, David Indelöf (Vocals/Guitar) and Gustaf Heinemann (Drums) during the growing of the globally well-known classic rock scene inspired by the late ’60s and ’70s. After a short while Per Wikström (Guitar) came along.
In October of 2009 they recorded their first songs and after only two weeks they signed with the German record label High-Roller Records for their upcoming full-length album.
June 2010 Noctum entered Studio Oblivion for the first time to record their debut album. With less than 24 paid studio hours they recorded the album THE SEANCE which was released through High-Roller Records (vinyl) and Stormspell Records (CD) in September 2010.
With a new album out and great criticism from papers/promoters worldwide Noctum decided to make their first trip to Germany for a couple of dates in April 2011. After their first tour they went into the studio once again to record the upcoming EP THE FIDDLER including two brand new tracks and one classic Pentagram cover “Lazy Lady.”
Noctum comments on the deal with Metal Blade as follows: “We’re very pleased to announce a new chapter in Noctum’s history! We have now signed a worldwide record deal with one of the leading record labels, Metal Blade Records! We’re thrilled to work with such experienced people — people who started out as regular tape-traders back in the days and worked their way to the top among thousands of labels. People who have managed to stick around and keep the fire burning, stronger than ever before. This is a new beginning, Stay tuned.”
Noctum is:
David Indelöf (Vocals/Guitar)
Tobias Rosén (Bass)
Gustaf Heinemann (Drums)
After the summer Noctum decided to split ways with their guitarist Per Wikström and are now looking for a replacement. If you live in Sweden and would like to join this journey, please send an email to seanceswe@gmail.com.
http://www.facebook.com/Noctumofficial
http://www.myspace.com/noctumswe
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*** PRESS RELEASE #18 ***
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-Lo-Pan To Begin Let Freedom Ding Tour; Vinyl Out Now!
Ohio rockers Lo-Pan have unveiled their latest slew of tour dates in support of their Small Stone Records debut, SALVADOR. After scores of shows across the country with the likes of Truckfighters, Dixie Witch, Gypsyhawk and Fight Amp, Lo-Pan’s Let Freedom Ding tour — allegedly named for the many bells that mysteriously occupy the dashboard of the band’s van — will find the outfit bringing their fuzzed-out soul rock bliss to the Midwest alongside heavy hitters like Bloodcow, Droids Attack, and Chapstik.
In addition, Small Stone’s 180-gram vinyl pressing of SALVADOR is available now in white and red/blue clear swirl. Whatever flavor you choose, it’s delicious, and available now at http://smallstone.com/store . The band will also have copies with them on the road, and they take credit cards. Seriously.
Lo-Pan Let Freedom Ding Tour:
08/17/2011 The Mill – Iowa City, IA w/ Snow Demon
08/18/2011 The Waiting Room – Omaha, NE w/ Bloodcow
08/19/2011 Tennyson’s Tap – Denver, CO w/ Low Gravity, Black Lamb
08/20/2011 Burt’s Tiki Lounge – Salt Lake City, UT w/ Muckraker, Dwellers, Top Dead Celebrity
08/23/2011 The Aquarium – Fargo, ND
08/24/2011 Triple Rock Social Club – Minneapolis, MN w/ Droids Attack
08/25/2011 JB’s Speakeasy – La Crosse, WI w/ Droids Attack
08/26/2011 Club Inferno – Madison, WI w/ Droids Attack
08/27/2011 Red Line Tap – Chicago, IL w/ Heaving Mass, Droids Attack
08/28/2011 Small’s – Detroit, MI w/ Chapstick, Knife
Lo-Pan – SALVADOR vinyl track listing:
Side A:
El Dorado
Bleeding Out
Seed
Bird Of Prey
Deciduous
Side B:
Intro
Chichen Itza
Struck Match
Generations
Solo
http://lopandemic.com/
http://smallstone.com/
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*** NEWS/RUMORS ***
*
-About Heavy Metal’s “Best Heavy Metal Albums Of 1989” list is online at http://glclk.about.com/?zi=1/DSBd . And in recognition of Jani Lane’s death, its “Best Hair Bands” and “Best Hair Metal Ballads” lists are online at http://slclk.about.com/?zi=1/xzq and http://slclk.about.com/?zi=1/xzr , respectively.
-Aerosmith is in the studio working on the follow-up to 2001’s JUST PUSH PLAY. Steven Tyler has reportedly re-upped as a judge for the next season of “American Idol,” and the band hopes to play the show sometime next season to promote the new album. See http://www.aerosmith.com/ for more.
-Sebastian Bach’s KICKING & SCREAMING is due out next month on Frontiers Records (September 23 in Europe, September 27 in North America). The iTunes version (with an exclusive bonus track) is available for pre-order now, and the first single — the title track — is due out August 23. The album was produced by Bob Marlette, and there will be three physical formats available: regular CD, deluxe digi-pak CD with a bonus track and a bonus DVD, and a double LP gatefold vinyl release. Track list: “Kicking & Screaming,” “My Own Worst Enemy,” “TunnelVision” (featuring John 5), “Dance On Your Grave,” “Caught In A Dream,” “As Long As I Got The Music,” “I’m Alive,” “Dirty Power,” “Live The Life,” “Dream Forever,” “One Good Reason,” “Lost In The Light,” “Wishin’.” The iTunes exclusive bonus track is “Ain’t There Yet” and the digi-pak CD bonus track is “Jumpin’ Off The Wagon.” Bach is backed on the album by guitarist Nick Sterling and drummer Bobby Jarzombek (Halford, Riot, Iced Earth). Check him out live as follows:
8/23 – Summer Stage @ Stone Pony, Asbury Park, NJ
8/24 – Nikon @ Jones Beach Theater, Wantagh, NY
8/25 – The Chance, Poughkeepsie, NY
8/27 – RockJam, Grand Junction, CO
See http://www.sebastianbach.com/ , http://www.twitter.com/sebastianbach , http://www.myspace.com/sebastianbach , and http://www.facebook.com/sebastianbach for more.
-Former Deep Purple keyboardist Jon Lord recently announced on his website http://jonlord.org/ that he’s been diagnosed with cancer. His statement: “I would like all my friends, followers, fans and fellow travelers to know that I am fighting cancer and will therefore be taking a break from performing while getting the treatment and cure. I shall of course be continuing to write music — in my world it just has to be part of the therapy — and I fully expect to be back in good shape next year. God bless and see you soon.” His Jon Lord Blues Project has a new live album entitled LIVE, and he also has a solo disc entitled LIVE that was recorded with a full symphony orchestra in Bucharest, Romania, in 2009. Lord also recently received “the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Music from the University of Leicester.” See http://www.facebook.com/JonLord.org and http://twitter.com/jonlordorg for more.
-Edguy’s new video for “Robin Hood” is online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jMeB1M51EI . The clip was directed by Oliver Sommer and the track is the first single from AGE OF THE JOKE, due out August 26 through Nuclear Blast. Track list: “Robin Hood,” “Nobody’s Hero,” “Rock Of Cashel,” “Pandora’s Box,” “Breathe,” “Two Out Of Seven,” “Faces In The Darkness,” “The Arcane Guild,” “Fire On The Downline,” “Behind The Gates To Midnight World,” “Every Night Without You.” The limited edition version will have a bonus disc featuring “God Fallen Silent,” “Aleister Crowley Memorial Boogie,” “Cum On Feel The Noize” (Slade cover), “Standing In The Rain,” “Robin Hood” (single version), and “Two Out Of Seven” (single version). See http://www.edguy.net/ for more.
-Toronto’s Fatality has posted its final two blogs from its recent Western Annihilation tour at http://fatalitythrash.blogspot.com/ . See http://www.facebook.com/pages/FATALITY/97224729901 and http://www.myspace.com/fatalitythrashf*ck for more.
-FireHouse’s album of re-recordings, FULL CIRCLE, was released recently through the band’s own FireHouse Music. The current lineup — singer C.J. Snare, guitarist Bill Leverty, bassist Allen McKenzie, drummer Michael Foster — re-worked the following songs: “Overnight Sensation,” “Shake And Tumble,” “Hold The Dream,” “All She Wrote,” “Love Of A Lifetime,” “Don’t Treat Me Bad,” “Reach For The Sky,” “When I Look Into Your Eyes,” “You Are My Religion,” “I Live My Life For You,” “Christmas With You.” See http://www.firehousemusic.com/ to order a copy. In related news, Leverty has a pair of new cover songs available: “I Just Want To Celebrate” (Rare Earth) and “Spanish Moon” (Little Feat); see http://www.leverty.com/ , http://www.reverbnation.com/billleverty , and http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/BillLeverty for more.
-Foreigner’s new three-disc set FEELS LIKE THE FIRST TIME will feature acoustic tracks on disc 1, entitled ACOUSTIQUE: THE CLASSICS UNPLUGGED, greatest hits re-recorded by the current lineup (plus one new song) on disc 2, entitled JUKE BOX HEROES: BRAND NEW DIGITAL RECORDINGS OF FOREIGNER’S GREATEST, and a live show on a DVD, entitled LIVE IN CHICAGO. FEELS LIKE THE FIRST TIME will be available September 13 exclusively at Walmart; ACOUSTIQUE will also be made available separately through Razor & Tie in both CD and digital formats. Track lists: ACOUSTIQUE – “Long, Long Way From Home,” “Cold As Ice,” “The Flame Still Burns,” “Double Vision,” “Fool For You Anyway,” “Say You Will,” “Starrider,” “Waiting For A Girl Like You,” “Feels Like The First Time,” “Juke Box Hero,” “That’s All Right” (bonus track). JUKE BOX HEROES – “Save Me” (bonus track; new song), “Feels Like The First Time,” “Cold As Ice,” “Long, Long Way From Home,” “Hot Blooded,” “Double Vision,” “Head Games,” “Dirty White Boy,” “Urgent,” “Waiting For A Girl Like You,” “I Want To Know What Love Is,” “Juke Box Hero.” LIVE IN CHICAGO (DVD) – “Double Vision,” “Head Games,” “Cold As Ice,” “Waiting For A Girl Like You,” “When It Comes To Love,” “Blue Morning, Blue Day,” “Dirty White Boy,” “Starrider,” “Feels Like The First Time,” “Urgent,” “I Want To Know What Love Is,” “Hot Blooded,” “Juke Box Hero.” See http://www.foreigneronline.com/ for more. In related news, former singer Lou Gramm has a new interview with Spinner at http://www.spinner.ca/2011/08/10/lou-gramm-band-foreigner/ . See http://www.lou-gramm.com/ for more.
-Hell from the UK announced more European tour dates:
8/17 – Summerbreeze, Dinkelsbühl, Germany
9/9 – Dublin Doom Day Warmup @ The Pint Bar, Dublin, Ireland
10/6 – 2011 Sweden Rock Cruise, Stockholm, Sweden
10/8 – Fuzz Live Music Club, Athens, Greece (supporting Candlemass)
12/16 – Koko, London, England (supporting Sabaton)
12/31 – MFN Club, Shipley Gate, Nottingham, England
Check out a tour trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPr7OadoLCw , and see http://www.hell-metal.com/ for more.
-Kiss had signed on to perform at “Michael Forever: The Tribute Concert” scheduled for October 8 in Cardiff, Wales, but then the promoters (Global Live Events) acquiesced to Jackson’s fans and estate and dropped Kiss from the lineup. Why? Because of Gene Simmons’ past statements that he believed Jackson was a pedophile. Kiss is now selling special “Kiss: City Of Hope” T-shirts for charity, where “50% or more” of each $21.95 shirt purchase will be donated to support cancer research. Early reports on the upcoming fourth installment of the KISSOLOGY DVD series indicate the four-disc set will feature footage from various lineups: DESTROYER show from Houston, TX (1976), Cobo Hall in Detroit, MI (1977), “Kids Are People Too” TV segment (1980), US Armed Forces segment on LICK IT UP tour (1983), Winter Olympics (2002), “VH1 Rock Honors” (2007), full Alive35 show from Cobo Hall (2009), “Modern Day Delilah” video (2009), Wetten Dass Medley (2010). There will also reportedly be a bonus fifth disc “for the first-run limited edition.” The boxed set should be out in late November; see http://ultimateclassicrock.com/kiss-kissology-4-contents-revealed/ for more. As for more merchandise, Kiss cremation urns are now available from Eternal Image, Inc. for around $650. See http://www.kissonline.com/ for more. And in related news, former guitarist Ace Frehley’s autobiography “No Regrets: A Rock N’ Roll Memoir” is due November 1 through Simon & Shuster’s imprint Gallery Books. The 288-page book was written with New York Times reporter Joe Layden. See http://www.acefrehley.com/ for more, and check out a cool Ace interview with The Morton Report at http://www.themortonreport.com/entertainment/music/kisss-ace-frehley-tells-all-or-some-in-advance-of-upcoming-memoir/ .
-Lynyrd Skynyrd singer Johnny Van Zant was hospitalized recently due to “complications from a previous surgery.” He was admitted to the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN, on August 6, with “a surgical site infected cellulitis, which required hospitalization with IV antibiotic treatment.” He was diagnosed with a “severe” Staph infection and multiple symptoms related to infection. The band postponed several concerts to allow Van Zant time to recover. See http://www.lynyrdskynyrd.com/ for more.
-The Maelstrom Metal Fest is scheduled for September 2-4th, in Ferrara, Italy, with the following acts announced so far: Black Wings, Asgard, Voodoo Highway, Game Over, Crying Steel, Sabotage, Vanexa, and National Suicide. The festival is a free show. See http://www.maelstrommetalfest.it/ and http://www.facebook.com/pages/Maelström-Metal-Fest/117063905015244 for more.
-Check out video of Yngwie Malmsteen performing “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the August 6 baseball game between the Florida Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals at Sun Life Stadium in Miami, FL, at http://www.hennemusic.com/2011/08/video-yngwie-malmsteen-performs-anthem.html . Upcoming North American tour dates:
10/13 – Irving Plaza, New York, NY
10/15 – Fillmore, Silver Spring, MD
10/18 – Club Soda, Montreal, QC
10/19 – Phoenix, Toronto, ON
10/21 – House Of Blues, Chicago, IL
10/23 – Bluebird Theatre, Denver, CO
10/26 – Fillmore, San Francisco, CA
10/28 – House Of Blues, Anaheim, CA
10/29 – Club Nokia, Los Angeles, CA
11/1 – House Of Blues, Houston, TX
11/2 – House Of Blues, Dallas, TX
11/5 – Revolution, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
See http://www.yngwiemalmsteen.com/ for more.
-“Absent,” featuring Metallica’s James Hetfield, will be released on DVD September 5. According to Hennemusic.com the award-winning documentary “studies the effects of absent fathers and the negative effect the ‘father wound’ leaves on society.” In the film Hetfield talks about his family being abandoned by his father, Virgil, and subsequent attempts to “re-establish a relationship with his father.” The DVD will include Hetfield in several bonus features. See http://www.absentmovie.com/ for more. In related news, Rock News Desk (RND.com) reported that in a recent interview with Texas radio station The Eagle Rocks, Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine pitched the idea of a Hetfield/Mustaine/David Ellefson/Lars Ulrich one-off super-group album to Hetfield and Ulrich. See http://www.metallica.com/ for more.
-There’s a Neal Morse T-shirt blowout sale going on right now at the Radiant Records website, http://www.radiantrecords.com/ .
-A new Pentagram video clip, featuring a live version of “Relentless” and an interview with singer Bobby Liebling, is available now at http://www.decibelmagazine.com/ to promote the upcoming WHEN THE SCREAMS COME DVD, due later this month from Metal Blade. See http://www.metalblade.com/pentagram/ and http://www.myspace.com/thepentagramarchives for more.
-Powerwolf’s BLOOD OF THE SAINTS (Metal Blade) hit #23 on the official German album charts, #50 on the official Media Markt album charts, and #75 in Switzerland. See http://www.powerwolf.net/ , http://www.facebook.com/powerwolfmetal , and http://www.myspace.com/powerwolfmetal for more.
-Rusty Pacemaker — hyped as “Dark Alternative Metal” — has signed with 7 Hard to release BLACKNESS AND WHITE LIGHT in Europe in late October. See http://www.rustypacemaker.com/ for more.
-Scythia — “the Canadian folk metal warriors” — has a new video from its Western Canadian Summer Siege Tour at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zA6HuMrxIcA . The clip “chronicles the band’s recent stop at Meow Records in Prince George, BC, an acoustic porch jam, and being rescued by West of Hell & Zimmer’s Hole vocalist Chris ‘The Heathen’ Valagao’s handy grinder saw during a tour van lock out incident.” Scythia’s new album …OF EXILE is due out September 23. Track list: “Prelude,” “Spirit Of The Quest,” “Sleeping Village,” “Forgotten Forest,” “Fallen King,” “Voice Of The Sword,” “For The King,” “Fortress,” “Dies Irae II,” “Hobarth’s Inn.” Download “For The King” for free at http://scythia.bandcamp.com/track/for-the-king-free-download , and check out an album teaser video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yKgWHAv4E8 . See http://www.scythiafolkmetal.com/ , http://www.myspace.com/scythiafolkmetal , http://www.facebook.com/pages/Scythia/254231525306 , http://twitter.com/scythiametal , http://www.youtube.com/scythiaband , and http://www.reverbnation.com/scythia for more.
-Slash is in pre-production for his next solo album, which will feature Myles Kennedy on vocals and should be out in the spring of 2012. He also recently finished a track with Mary J. Blige, and has “Kick It Up A Notch” out now on Disney’s PHINEAS AND FERB: ACROSS THE 1ST AND 2ND DIMENSIONS soundtrack CD. The single is available at iTunes, and the video can be seen at http://www.slashonline.com/ . Slash also performed Kiss’ “Rock And Roll All Nite” as part of an all-star band (also featuring REO Speedwagon’s Kevin Cronin) on “Lopez Tonight;” check it out at Kissonline.com.
-Upcoming Stryper tour dates:
9/14 – The State Theatre, St. Petersburg, FL
9/15 – Culture Room, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
9/16 – House Of Blues, Orlando, FL
9/18 – Warehouse Venue, Chattanooga, TN
9/20 – Bourbon Street Ballroom, Baltimore, MD
9/21 – The State Theatre, Falls Church, VA
9/22 – Reverb, Reading, PA
9/24 – Wild Bills, Duluth, GA
10/15 – Loudpark Festival – Saitama Super Arena, Tokyo, Japan
10/16 – V-Hall, Seoul, Korea
2/25 – 2/28 – Monsters Of Rock Cruise, Fort Lauderdale, FL
See http://www.stryper.com/ for more.
-The debut from Italy’s Voodoo Highway, BROKEN UNCLE’S INN, has sold out in just over two months. The band is now working on a new edition of the album, complete with bonus material, and plans to hit the studio in January 2012 to work on a proper follow-up. See http://www.myspace.com/voodoohighway , http://www.facebook.com/pages/VOODOO-HIGHWAY/107889722591097 , and http://www.youtube.com/TheVoodooHighway for more.
Thanks to Amy Sciarretto, Matt Wardlaw, Tom Soares, Axel Wiesenauer, Chad Bowar, Nicky Baldrian, Jon Asher, Alan Duke, Cherie Morse, and TMZ.com for help gathering some of this information.
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*** ROCK HARD RIDE FREE ***
*
by Tim Wadzinski (tsw512@yahoo.com)
-We got that new PHINEAS AND FERB cartoon soundtrack CD for our kid, and although the Slash song “Kick It Up A Notch” is pretty decent, overall the music isn’t as cool or funny as the previous PHINEAS AND FERB soundtrack. Yes, I’m offering opinions on the PHINEAS AND FERB CDs. 🙂 And I had to laugh when I first heard “Kick It Up A Notch” because the evil character Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz (voiced by Dan Povenmire) has a few lines and it sounds a lot like Udo Dirkschneider singing.
-I just saw an article online about Kiss appearing in “Archie” comics, in a four-issue story set to begin in November in issue #627. Perfect, because my kid loves “Archie” and I love Kiss. Looks like we’ll be sharing some high-minded literature this fall. 🙂 (Kiss will also have a new comic from IDW but I haven’t seen too much on that one yet.)
-And no, that Rhapsody/Rhapsody Of Fire situation isn’t confusing at all. We’ll now have a Rhapsody and a Rhapsody Of Fire, both with drummer Alex Holzwarth. How are fans supposed to organize their old Rhapsody, Rhapsody Of Fire, and upcoming “new” Rhapsody CDs on their shelves???
-My friend Bill pointed out now that Tim “Ripper” Owens is fronting Dio Disciples, if he can ever squeeze in a gig with Black Sabbath then he’ll be able to say he’s replaced Rob Halford, Ronnie James Dio, and Ozzy Osbourne! Now that’s hitting the trifecta!
-CM Distro has a pretty good clearance sale going on — there are some great prices available until August 31. Check it out at https://www.cmdistro.com/Clearance .
-Glad to hear Riot’s new album is almost done — I can’t wait to check it out! And here’s hoping that HammerFall/Riot bill makes its way over here to the US…
-I don’t care what anyone says — Truckfighters, Bloodcow, Droids Attack, and Chapstik (from the Lo-Pan press release above) are funny band names.
-Doesn’t Boguslaw Balcerak sound like the name of a “Harry Potter” character? Just sayin’.
-The Australian Pink Floyd Show has a giant inflatable pink kangaroo. Now that’s funny.
-In my current playlist: Various – EMBRACE THE SUN – THE LION MUSIC JAPAN BENEFIT PROJECT (Lion Music), DC4 – ELECTRIC MINISTRY (Skull Seven Productions), BloodBound – UNHOLY CROSS (AFM Records), Leaves’ Eyes – MEREDEAD (Napalm Records).
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*** REVIEWS ***
*
INFINITA SYMPHONIA – A MIND’S CHRONICLE (SAMPLER) (B+) End Of The Light Records, 2011
3 tracks, RT: 16:03
[ http://www.infinitasymphonia.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/infinitasymphonia ]
[ http://www.youtube.com/infinitasymphonia ]
[ http://www.endofthelight.com/ ]
I was able to check out a three-song sampler of this new (to me, anyway) Italian band, whose sound/style is hyped as “Symphonic Power Prog Metal.” All that had me thinking “Rhapsody Of Fire clones” going in — especially with Rhapsody Of Fire singer Fabio Lione guesting on the track “Here There’s No Why.” But I must say, this stuff is way heavier than I expected, with the “symphonic” aspect downplayed in favor of the “power” and the “prog” and the “metal.” “Lost In My Own Brain,” sung by co-main man Luca Micioni, is a solid, mid-tempo prog/power track; “Here There’s No Why” (a Micioni/Lione duet) is somewhat of a mini-epic featuring some speed as well as mellower parts with bits of piano; and “Only One Reason,” a duet with Micioni and Tim “Ripper” Owens, starts with an uplifting, symphonic intro (ah, there it is!) before mixing in heavier crunch and Owens’ alternating evil and operatic vocals. The other band leader, lead guitarist Gianmarco Ricasoli, shines throughout, particularly on “Here There’s No Why.” based on this brief taster, I’d say A MIND’S CHRONICLE should appeal to fans of bands like Symphony X, Evergrey, Dream Theater, and the non-goofy side of Helloween.
– Tim Wadzinski (tsw512@yahoo.com)
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*** OUT ***
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Issue #603
Detritus
Issue #603
Week of August 8, 2011
http://DetritusZine.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Detritus/
http://www.myspace.com/detritusezine
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Send a blank e-mail to: Detritus-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
To contact us:
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*** CAST OF CHARACTERS ***
*
Patrick Brower, Editor
pwbrower@gmail.com
Sean P. Gahgan, Editor
spgahgan@comcast.net
http://www.lakeoffire.net/
http://www.myspace.com/visionlakeoffire
Tim Wadzinski, Owner
tsw512@yahoo.com
Steve Shumake, Co-owner
vongoober@neb.rr.com
http://www.facebook.com/KnuckleDeepBand
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*** LET IT BE KNOWN ***
*
-I was shocked to wake up this morning to the news of Jani Lane’s passing. We all heard the stories about his poor health in recent years, but still. R.I.P. – Tim
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*** PRESS RELEASE #1 ***
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-Dream Theater Update
[Note: This is from the band’s e-mail newsletter. – Tim]
Special Versions Of A DRAMATIC TURN OF EVENTS
Band To Tour North America This Fall
NEW YORK, NY — Dream Theater, who were recently voted one of the top 10 Prog Rock bands of all time by RollingStone.com readers, will return with A DRAMATIC TURN OF EVENTS, on September 13th. The band is armed with one of the most powerful efforts of their storied, iconic career.
The album marks the recorded debut of new drummer Mike Mangini, which fans are clamoring to hear. Roadrunner Records will issue the release in multiple versions that will be sure to delight the band’s disciple-like fan base.
In addition to the standard version, a special edition CD/DVD set will include “The Spirit Carries On” — a 60-minute movie documenting Dream Theater’s much-discussed drummer auditions; a double LP Set in gatefold jacket; and a Limited Deluxe Collector’s Edition Box Set. The A DRAMATIC TURN OF EVENTS Deluxe Collector’s Edition Box Set includes A DRAMATIC TURN OF EVENTS Album; instrumentals of the entire album; a DVD of “The Spirit Carries On;” a double-LP Set of A DRAMATIC TURN OF EVENTS (180-Gram Vinyl in Gatefold Jacket); Dream Theater branded custom turntable slipmat; litho print of album. Also, 50 lucky winners will find a Dream Theater “Ticket For Life,” which is randomly inserted into packaging.
All the content will be housed in a custom Box and those who purchase will receive a digital download of the album the day prior to release.
“It’s a really cool collection dedicated to the art and music of our forthcoming release along with a few awesome goodies,” guitarist John Petrucci said.
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/dreamtheaterdeluxe
Dream Theater are also planning to embark on a massive world tour, where they will play selections from A DRAMATIC TURN OF EVENTS, as well as classic, staples and fan favorites. Label mates Trivium will support on both dates supporting their new album IN WAVES.
“We are all very pumped about the release of A DRAMATIC TURN OF EVENTS this September as well as the world tour we’ll embark upon in support of the album,” said Petrucci. “Our first leg will bring us throughout North America where we’ll showcase songs from the new album along with tons of fan favorites and a brand new tour production unlike any other that we’ve done before. We’re equally excited to have our friends in Trivium join us as well. It’s sure to be an incredible tour. We’re looking forward to seeing all of our friends on the road this fall!”
The initial confirmed run of dates is below, with more to be announced imminently.
Sept. 24 – San Francisco, CA – The Warfield (With Trivium)
Sept. 25 – Los Angeles, CA – Nokia Theater (With Trivium)
Sept. 27 – Seattle, WA – Showbox SODO (With Trivium)
Sept. 28 – Vancouver, BC – Queen Elizabeth Theatre (With Trivium)
Oct. 3 – Royal Oak, MI – Royal Oak Music Theatre
Oct. 4 – Pittsburgh, PA – Trib Total Media Amphitheatre (With Trivium)
Oct. 6 – Toronto, ON – Massey Hall (With Trivium)
Oct. 7 – Montreal, QC – Place des Arts (With Trivium)
Oct. 8 – Quebec City, QC – Pavilion de la Jeunesse (With Trivium)
Oct. 10 – Boston, MA – Orpheum Theatre (With Trivium)
Oct. 11 – Morristown, NJ – Mayo Performing Arts Center (flat) (With Trivium)
Oct. 12 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre (With Trivium)
Oct. 22 – Cleawater, FL – Ruth Eckerd Hall
Oct. 25 – Houston, TX – Verizon Wireless Theater (With Trivium)
Oct. 26 – Austin, TX – Paramount Theatre Austin (With Trivium)
For more information on ticketing, tour dates and onsales, please go here.
http://www.dreamtheater.net/tourdates.php
The track listing for A DRAMATIC TURN OF EVENTS is as follows; please note that the title of track five has changed from the previously announced version.
1. On The Backs Of Angels
2. Build Me Up, Break Me Down
3. Lost Not Forgotten
4. This Is The Life
5. Bridges In The Sky
6. Outcry
7. Far From Heaven
8. Breaking All Illusions
9. Beneath The Surface
About Dream Theater:
Progressive metal band Dream Theater formed in 1985 under the name Majesty by John Petrucci, John Myung and Mike Portnoy. Though a number of lineup changes followed, the three original members remained together along with James LaBrie and Jordan Rudess until September 8, 2010, when Mike Portnoy left the band. In October 2010, the band held auditions for a new drummer, and added Mike Mangini to its roster.
Dream Theater’s tenth studio album, BLACK CLOUDS & SILVER LININGS (Roadrunner Records), was released on June 23, 2009. It entered the US Billboard 200 at #6 and Eurochart Hot 100 at #1, marking their highest entry on either chart. BLACK CLOUDS & SILVER LININGS — a highlight of their 25-year career — was praised by Mojo magazine’s Paul Elliott: “…their lofty ideals remain intact. By modern criteria, BLACK CLOUDS & SILVER LININGS is as highbrow as The Mars Volta, as grandiose as Muse and as heavy as Metallica.”
The legendary progressive metal masters have sold in excess of 10 million records and DVDs worldwide.
Dream Theater Meet & Greet and VIP Packages
Dream Theater meet & greet and VIP packages will be available for all North American tour dates at:
http://vipnation.com/programs/dream-theater
For more information please visit the official website at:
Get the latest Dream Theater updates on Twitter at:
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-British Metal Greats, Saxon, Announce US Release Of CALL TO ARMS
One of the leading bands of the “New Wave of British Heavy Metal” movement, Saxon, is about to hit the US shores hard once more. On September 27th, Saxon will release their 19th studio album overall, CALL TO ARMS (via UDR Music/EMI), and starting the following day, will launch a Stateside tour. And as evidenced by such ass-kickers as “Hammer Of The Gods” and “Call To Arms,” the group hasn’t lost their grip on composing hard-hitting yet anthemic heavy metal with their latest offering.
Comprised of members Biff Byford (vocals), Doug Scarratt (guitar), Paul Quinn (guitar), Nibbs Carter (bass), and Nigel Glockler (drums), Saxon is responsible for penning some of the 1980s’ most enduring metal anthems, including “Wheels Of Steel,” “Strong Arm Of The Law,” “Motorcycle Man,” “Princess Of The Night,” and “Never Surrender,” and along with the likes of Iron Maiden and Def Leppard, helped breathe life back into a metal scene that many had left for dead at the time.
It’s been 35 years since Saxon was originally up and running, and the group can still easily hold their own with the headbanging competition. “It’s important to keep one foot in the past and one foot very much in the present,” says Byford. “At some points in your life, whether you’re younger or older, you do have these wonderful periods of ‘state of graceness’ where everyone likes everything you write. But you can’t keep being your own tribute band, you have to try and write great new songs, and you have to try to appeal to a younger audience. Saxon has been successfully doing that for the last decade, and the result is we still have our old fan base but we also have a whole new, younger one too.”
Saxon’s latest video clip, for the song “Call To Arms,” premiered Friday, August 5th at noon EST on America Online Noisecreep. And hardcore Saxon fans will surely be interested in tracking down the digi-pak version of CALL TO ARMS, as it includes a glorious bonus — a free seven-track CD, LIVE AT DONINGTON 1980.
Soon, US fans will be able to recapture “The Power And The Glory” of Saxon all over again — with the release of CALL TO ARMS, and on a concert stage near you.
For more information, visit:
http://www.saxon747.com/
http://saxon.udr-music.com/
CALL TO ARMS Track Listing:
1. Hammer Of The Gods
2. Back In ’79
3. Surviving Against The Odds
4. Mists Of Avalon
5. Call To Arms
6. Chasing The Bullet
7. Afterburner
8. When Doomsday Comes (Hybrid Theory)
9. No Rest For The Wicked
10. Ballad Of The Working Man
11. Call To Arms – orchestral version
Digi-pak Bonus Feature:
LIVE AT DONINGTON 1980 [Re-mixed and re-mastered from original multitrack tape]
1. Motorcycle Man
2. Still Fit To Boogie
3. Freeway Mad
4. Backs To The Wall
5. Wheels Of Steel
6. Bap Shu Ap
7. 747 (Strangers In The Night)
Tour Dates:
9-28-11 – Key Club, West Hollywood, CA
9-29-11 – Last Day Saloon, Santa Rosa, CA
9-30-11 – Avalon, Santa Clara, CA
10-1-11 – The Boardwalk, Orangevale, CA
10-2-11 – Galaxy Theatre, Santa Ana, CA
10-5-11 – Club Red, Tempe, AZ
10-7-11 – Sunken Gardens, San Antonio, TX
10-8-11 – The Arcada Theatre, St. Charles, IL
10-10-11 – Foufounes Electriques, Montreal, QC
10-13-11 – B.B. Kings, New York, NY
10-14-11 – Jaxx, Springfield, VA
10-15-11 – Bourbon Street, Baltimore, MD
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-Magic Circle Music Update
[Note: This combines two updates. – Tim]
Manowar BATTLE HYMNS 2011 UK/Ireland Tour – Tickets Now On Sale!
Tickets for Manowar’s forthcoming UK/Ireland tour are on sale on http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/manowar .
You will then be able to buy your tickets as a ‘stand-alone’ option (‘Ticket ‘n Track’), or as part of one of the power packs (as long as stocks last).
Only through the Metal Hammer UK website will you receive a FREE download of a brand new, unreleased Manowar song with every ticket purchase AND find the lowest booking fees!
In addition to this new ‘Ticket ‘n Track’ option all previously offered power packs remain available.
The full selection in the Metal Hammer UK/Manowar store as of August 5, 2011 will be:
NEW: Manowar BATTLE HYMNS 2011 UK/Ireland Ticket ‘n Track
– Ticket for the Manowar concert of your choice during the UK/Ireland Tour
– Download of a brand new, unreleased new studio track from Manowar’s upcoming studio album
Manowar King Of Metal Pack UK
– Ticket for the Manowar concert of your choice during the UK/Ireland Tour
– Ultimate Fan Pass (for detailed description follow the link)
– Download of a brand new, unreleased new studio track from Manowar’s upcoming studio album
– BATTLE HYMNS 2011 Special Edition CD
– Metal Hammer UK 25th Anniversary Special Edition — Limited Manowar issue. Packed with exclusive features from Metal Hammer’s 25 year history and the full story behind BATTLE HYMNS MMXI Special Edition.
Manowar Warrior Pack UK
– Ticket for the Manowar concert of your choice during the UK/Ireland Tour
– Download of a brand new, unreleased new studio track from Manowar’s upcoming studio album
– BATTLE HYMNS 2011 Special Edition CD
– Metal Hammer UK 25th Anniversary Special Edition — Limited Manowar issue. Packed with exclusive features from Metal Hammer’s 25 year history and the full story behind BATTLE HYMNS MMXI Special Edition.
Manowar Battle Pack UK
– BATTLE HYMNS 2011 Special Edition CD
– Metal Hammer UK 25th Anniversary Special Edition — Limited Manowar issue. Packed with exclusive features from Metal Hammer’s 25 year history and the full story behind BATTLE HYMNS MMXI Special Edition.
Manowar Announce Final Appearance For BATTLE HYMNS 2011 Tour!
The voices of the Manowar fans in the US have been heard once again!
Manowar will shake the ground of the Starland Ballroom in New Jersey on November 19, 2011 before re-entering the studio to finish their new record!
This is a call to arms for every fan in NYC, Philadelphia, Connecticut, the rest of the US and from all over the world!
This is your last chance to see the Kings Of Metal on US soil before they continue working on their new studio album. Get ready to have your faces melted with the sound of pure, true heavy metal!
The band will perform the BATTLE HYMNS album in its entirety, plus many other favorite classics!
Special guests HolyHell will appear with their electrifying blend of rock & metal.
Tickets are on sale on http://www.ticketmaster.com/ .
Upcoming BATTLE HYMNS 2011 Tour Dates:
Tue, Nov 1, 2011 – O2 Academy Glasgow – Glasgow, Scotland, UK
Fri, Nov 4, 2011 – O2 Academy Leeds – Leeds, England, UK
Sat, Nov 5, 2011 – O2 Academy Brixton – London, England, UK
Sun, Nov 6, 2011 – The Great Hall – Cardiff, Wales, UK
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 – The Academy – Dublin, Ireland
Thu, Nov 10, 2011 – Mandela Hall – Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
Sat, Nov 19, 2011 – Starland Ballroom – Sayreville, NJ, USA
Join us on http://www.facebook.com/manowar , http://www.metalhammer.co.uk , and http://www.facebook.com/holyhell for constant updates.
Magic Circle Music
http://www.magiccirclemusic.com/
Manowar
http://www.facebook.com/manowar
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-Blind Guardian Work With An Orchestra On A Monumental Concept Album!
Busy seasons are usually harbingers of great things to come. Festivals, regular studio work and, above all, the orchestral album are making this a very exciting summer for us. Let’s keep the focus on the orchestral album one more time. We have spectacular news!
Every orchestral project needs a concept and such a concept demands a great story. To get a story that fits together perfectly with our majestic music we are joining forces with Germany’s best fantasy author Markus Heitz (check out his “Die Zwerge” (“The Dwarves”) series). Markus is one of my favorite writers of “high fantasy.” I have been really amazed by several of his books over the last years but was finally and completely convinced about him being the perfect choice for our project by “Gerechter Zorn” (“Righteous Wrath”) — the first part of his newest trilogy, “Die Legenden Der Albae” (“Legends Of The Albae”). The way he weaves in different aspects to his splendid universe immediately told me that the quest for the one to come up with the right story for our music was over. Although the final completion of this quite unusual cooperation most probably will keep us busy until 2013, things nonetheless become clearer the more we exchange ideas. The creation of a great new storyboard and the involvement of such a suitable concept are the perfect frame for this “soundtrack/musical-like” anthems we have come up with over the years. It is absolutely great that Markus is willing to follow us on such an ambitious voyage.
One very interesting aspect certainly is the definite intention to combine the identity of our music (in a quite different shape) with one of Markus’ most famous, but not completely discovered, worlds and its heroes. I have no doubt that we will design great new images and come up with nothing but pure magic. Luckily Markus was very familiar with our band and music. Since he is part of the fantasy scene almost as long as we are, he grew up with our music when he was a die-hard fantasy role-playing gamer in the ’80s and ’90s. This, of course, makes my life far easier in exchanging ideas and in explaining what we need to complete a perfect conceptual album. There is so much interaction: at one point it is the music dictating the story at other points it is the story having an ultimate impact on the album’s completion. Pure creativity! In addition Markus is a very nice and down to earth person who has a very special view on things. Last but not least he has been very pleased with the pieces of music we provided him with. By now I can feel a certain jealousy coming up within you. We will keep you updated. The journey has just begun.
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-Warrant Update
Check out WarrantRocks.com for all our tour dates, Thanks!
Aug 12th – Ralph Engelstad Arena – Grand Forks, ND
Aug 13th – Prairie Knights Casino – Fort Yates, ND
Aug 17th – UP State Fair – Escanaba, MI
Warrant Web Store Exclusive!
We’ve signed a limited number of ROCKAHOLIC CDs — get ’em with a new shirt OR rare glow in the dark ROCKAHOLIC tour guitar picks!
http://bit.ly/os8TC4
Warrant Has Partnered With The A3 Network Apps!
Warrant wants to connect more closely with their active fan-base. The A3 Network Apps provide a portal that the artists can use to reach out and provide personalized rich media updates directly to their closest fans.
The A3 Network is FREE for the iPad and iPod with a subscription based optional service that allows fans to join a more elite group of like fans with access to receive exclusive updates on a regular basis that can only be seen on the Warrant A3 app.
http://allaccessapp.com/
The band has been touring all summer long on the ROCKAHOLIC tour playing for thousands and thousands of Hard Rock fans all over the United States with other bands like Poison, Whitesnake, Journey, Cinderella, Skid Row, Great White, FireHouse, L.A. Guns and more!
There are tour dates booked through December with more being added weekly, so check the WarrantRocks.com website for updated tour information from time to time, Thanks!
The band is currently discussing video concepts with their record label for the next single off of ROCKAHOLIC called “Home.”
The first single and video “Life’s A Song” is available on iTunes with other classic Warrant videos.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/music-video/lifes-a-song/id441743232
You can check out the band talking about the making of ROCKAHOLIC too!
WarrantRocks.com
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-Edguy Vs. Robin Hood!
Edguy have just returned from the video shoot for “Robin Hood,” the opening track from Edguy’s forthcoming Album AGE OF THE JOKER (release August 26th). Video director Oliver Sommer (Avantasia, Nena, Helloween…) and the band decided to satirize the Errol Flynn version “The Adventures Of Robin Hood.” The miniature epic was shot in the forest with a large number of additional actors, starring German TV comedian Bernhard Hoecker in two different leading roles a.o..
Tobias says: “When you decide to do things like that of course you have to be aware that you will most likely make a fool out of yourself. We had to wear tights and looked a bit like four idiots and one transvestite. But we have come to a point we don’t care so much anymore. We feel like being in a luxury position where the record label gives us a lot of money to waste for really silly things like sneaking through the forest and looking like idiots. The shooting was one of the funniest days in our career, and that means something. Although it was hard work — the rain, the mud, soaking wet tights, angry horses, carriage, a lot of travesty, sword fighting and hurting smile muscles. You gotta check it out!”
The single “Robin Hood” was released August 5th and is available as a download and on green vinyl.
The video version of the song was cut down to 5 minutes, but the album version has a running time of more than 8 minutes.
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-Gotthard: Live Album HOMEGROWN – ALIVE IN LUGANO!
“Lugano was where it all began and so the circle is closed there”
LUGANO — Gotthard releases the previously announced and long-awaited live album entitled HOMEGROWN – ALIVE IN LUGANO on the 30th of September.
On the 2nd of September, a previously unreleased track entitled “The Train” with Steve Lee on vocals will be published.
HOMEGROWN – ALIVE IN LUGANO contains a live recording of the band’s concert on the 17th of July 2010 in Lugano, which was one of the last concerts with vocalist Steve Lee, who tragically died during a motorbike trip through the USA on the 5th of October 2010 in an accident which was not his fault. Due to the sudden accidental death of Steve Lee, the CD’s release was postponed.
“Lugano was where it all began and so the circle is closed of all that we’ve experienced with our friend Steve Lee,” comments bassist Marc Lynn. “The memories of the past 20 years on stage with Steve are brought again to life intensively with this album. They reflect the memorable times that we were able to enjoy on the Mount Olympus of Rock ‘n’ Roll.”
The concert in Lugano took place during the local HOG Rally, a big annual event organized by Harley Davidson bikers. This gig in Lugano meant a lot to Gotthard. Being able to play for the Harley circle in their hometown was an unforgettable experience. All the Gotthard musicians are enthusiastic Harley-Davidson bikers themselves and perform for the purposes of such events on every occasion or take part in rallies. In addition, HOMEGROWN was one of the very few concerts where Gotthard played in their hometown Lugano.
“Steve was warmer and more cheerful than he had been in a long time,” guitarist Freddy Scherer remembers. “The chemistry between him and the audience couldn’t have been more intense, despite the fact that there were more than 20,000 people standing on the piazza. It is a stroke of good luck that we recorded this memorable concert, for unfortunately it was one of the last ones with Steve.”
“Music has allowed us to travel round the whole world together during the last 20 years,” guitarist Leo Leoni summarizes. “In doing so, we’ve shared lots of unforgettable moments that rank among the best times of our lives. Anyhow, returning to Lugano has always been something special. It’s the place we belong to and where we have strong and deep roots.”
HOMEGROWN – ALIVE IN LUGANO marks the end of an era for Gotthard. Currently, the band is searching for a new singer and will soon start a new chapter in the band’s history…
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-Sonata Arctica: New Live DVD LIVE IN FINLAND!
Finnish Metal wolves Sonata Arctica are howling again — namely in the form of a new live DVD! LIVE IN FINLAND shows the full concert which was played on the 15th of April 2011 in Club Teatria in Oulu, Finland. Apart from timeless classics à la “Full Moon” or “Letter To Dana,” various tracks of the current album THE DAYS OF GRAYS have found their way into the set list, thus on the DVD as well. This heady mixture of old and new compositions of Sonata Arctica is supplemented by a bonus DVD on which four recorded tracks of the very own Sonata Arctica festival can be found, that took place on the 8th of August 2009 in Kemi. Furthermore, the viewer can enjoy the music videos of “Don’t Say A Word,” “Paid In Full” and “Flag In The Ground” as well as a photo gallery and some “making of’s” that document the DVD’s creation. The enclosed bonus CD with eight audio recordings of the festival concert puts the final touches on this release, so that LIVE IN FINLAND will make each and every Sonata Arctica fan cry tears of joy.
Keyboarder Henrik Klingenberg states: “It’s been a very hot summer here in Finland, and while most people headed to the beach, we’ve been working our asses off editing and compiling our new DVD. This time around we wanted to give you a show from our home country Finland. The main show was filmed at the Teatria club in Oulu, Finland, last April. It showcases Sonata Arctica towards the end of the DAYS OF GRAYS World Tour which started back in 2009. We played a total of over 180 shows in almost 40 countries during the tour. This will be a 2-DVD release with lots of bonuses, we’ll have tour documentaries, ‘making of’s’ as well as music videos and bonus songs from our very own Sonata Arctica Open Air festival, held in our hometown, Kemi in August 2009. Whether you missed us or checked us out during this world tour, this DVD will be the complete guide to what we’ve been up to these past two years. I’m sure you all will enjoy watching this DVD as much as we’ve enjoyed making it. The DAYS OF GRAYS World Tour has been absolutely fantastic and I’m very happy that we’ve managed to capture all the ups and downs on film. You’ll know what I’m talking about when we get this monster package out!”
Convince yourselves! Cutoff date is the 28th of October 2011. Autumn will be colorful — thanks to Sonata Arctica!
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-Steelheart Goes To Asia
On July 26, 2011 Steelheart lead by Miljenko Matijevic headed to Asia pumped and ready to rock! They performed three shows in Korea, and one show in Beijing, China, including live TV performances.
Upon arrival in Korea Mili became aware that the Steelheart website was not viewable therefore casting a sadness that Steelheart couldn’t share this awesome tour with all their fans in real time as it was happening. Many people have been diligently working to get the Steelheart website up and viewable globally so they may share with ALL their fans across the globe.
Having contact with Mili I can say the shows have been awesome! A spectacular experience on every stage and the fans have made each show an amazing performance as Steelheart thrived on the energy and excitement of the fans participation and cheers.
This is just a quick press release to update the news of the Asian tour. Soon as Steelheart is in a place with the ability to update their website they will have a lot more information and photos to share with all of you!
Keep an eye on the Steelheart website for more information and photos from the tour!
http://twitter.com/#!/SteelHeart2
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Steelheart-band/164510738182
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-Hell Confirmed For The Sweden Rock Cruise!
The British heavy metal cult band Hell, who’ve had a very successful 2011 with their debut album HUMAN REMAINS, have been confirmed for the Sweden Rock Cruise.
The lineup now consists of the following bands:
Exodus
Anvil
Helix
Dark Funeral
Hell
One more band is to be added to the lineup and will be presented as soon as a booking is confirmed.
Hell (UK)
Pompous, ominous heavy metal with occult overtones. That’s what British band Hell had in stock for their debut album in 1987. Then, two weeks before the recording, their record label folded. Hell split up and singer David Halliday committed suicide. In the following years the legend kept growing through remaining bootleg recordings and in 2008 Hell reformed. The initiator was David’s friend and former guitar pupil, Sabbat guitarist and demon producer Andy Sneap. Classic members Kevin Bower (guitar), Tony Speakman (bass) and Tim Bowler (drums) all joined in and Kevin’s brother David took his departed namesake’s place behind the mic. This year the band finally released their debut album HUMAN REMAINS, consisting exclusively of material written in the ’80s. Public reception has been tremendous, with particular praise to David Bower’s theatrical vocals, totally in Halliday’s spirit. Make sure to be there when Hell’s march of triumph reaches the Sweden Rock Cruise!
Exodus (US)
Exodus is the band who many would herald as the very progenitors of Bay Area thrash metal. They formed in 1980 (initially featuring a certain Kirk Hammett) although their debut BONDED BY BLOOD did not appear until 1985. The album is considered one of the best and most important thrash metal releases ever. More killer albums followed, including the big success FABULOUS DISASTER (1988), before Exodus folded in 1993. In 2004 they caused a sensation on their return with one of the greatest comeback albums in metal history, TEMPO OF THE DAMNED. Four more studio releases later Exodus is once more firmly established on the metal scene. Original members Gary Holt (guitar) and Tom Hunting (drums) are joined by Jack Gibson (bass), Lee Altus (guitar) and not least Rob Dukes, the heir to Exodus’ former legendary front men Paul Baloff (1960-2002) and Steve Souza. Like all great thrash acts Exodus are at their best live. Beware of moshing — the set list is ripe with BONDED BY BLOOD numbers.
Dark Funeral (S)
Dark Funeral is one of the biggest, most influential bands in Swedish black metal history. Their debut album SECRETS OF THE BLACK ARTS (1996) is a timeless classic and the band have risen to a new level of popularity with their most recent efforts ATTERA TOTUS SANCTUS (2005) and ANGELO EXURO PRO ETERNUS (2009). July 2010 saw the departure of Emperor Magus Caligula, vocalist and longest lasting member save founder/guitarist Lord Ahriman. From hundreds of applicants, Dark Funeral have now chosen Nachtgarm as their new front man. A man with a great voice and also a charismatic supermaniac, explains the band. We will now witness the beginning of a new chapter in Dark Funeral’s history, as well as an onslaught of uncompromising aggression.
Anvil (Can)
It took Canada’s Anvil 30 years to become an overnight sensation. The documentary “Anvil! The Story Of Anvil” was one of the most talked-about phenomena of 2009, not only among metalheads. Anvil were best known for METAL ON METAL (1982) and FORGED IN FIRE (1983), two classic heavy metal albums influential to the likes of Metallica, Slayer and Anthrax. Then their career stalled and for many years the band was all but forgotten. Yet the optimism of dynamic duo Steve “Lips” Kudlow (vocals/guitar) and Robb Reiner (drums) never faltered, which made a huge impression on those who watched and loved the documentary. Triggered by the renewed public interest, Anvil have released their best album since their halcyon days, JUGGERNAUT OF JUSTIC. As a live act, they have nothing left to prove — the only difference is that more people than ever come to the shows.
Helix (Can)
In the mid ’80s, Helix were one of the most popular hard-rock acts in Sweden. These Canucks’ biggest hit “Rock You,” from 1984, remains a sing-along anthem at heavy metal parties nationwide. Contrary to popular belief these days, Helix was no one-hit wonder. Songs like “Gimme Gimme Good Lovin’,” “Heavy Metal Love” and “Deep Cuts The Knife” also bear the name of classics — the latter is found on an album that made #1 in Sweden, namely LONG WAY TO HEAVEN (1985). The last time Helix took the stage in Sweden was at Sweden Rock Festival in 2005. This time it’s even more special. There has been a reunion of Helix classic lineup: Brian Vollmer (vocals), Brent Doerner (guitar), Daryl Gray (bass), Greg “Fritz” Hinz (drums), plus Kaleb Duck (guitar) in lieu of the late great Paul Hackman. You will hear the both raunchy and melodic hard rock of Helix presented in exactly the proper fashion — prepare to get floored by a true ’80s knuckle sandwich.
More info at:
http://www.swedenrockcruise.com/
To order your tickets:
http://www.tallinksilja.com/sv/cruises/special/galaxy/swedenRock2011.htm
Tel: 0456-317 95
Fax: 0456-317 94
E-mail: info@swedenrock.com
http://www.swedenrock.com/
Sweden Rock Festival
Norjebokevägen 2
294 76 Sölvesborg
Sweden
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-Sabaton: Free Download And Trailer!
Two and a half weeks before the release of their first live album WORLD WAR LIVE – BATTLE OF THE BALTIC SEA, the Swedish Epic Power Metal combo Sabaton is offering the live version of the THE ART OF WAR hit “Cliffs Of Gallipoli” as a free download! Get that dynamite here:
http://bit.ly/sabatonlive
As another appetizer, the official trailer for the album can be enjoyed here from now on:
It’s anything but a secret that the Swedish six are a stunner on stage. From the middle of August on, WORLD WAR LIVE – BATTLE OF THE BALTIC SEA will provide an authentic concert atmosphere for your living rooms. A release you don’t wanna miss under any circumstances — in stores from the 19th of August on!
Power Of Metal-Tour 2011 w/ Grave Digger, Powerwolf & Skull Fist
07.09. – Vienna / Arena (A)
08.09. – Munich / Backstage (D)
09.09. – Stuttgart / LKA Longhorn (D)
10.09. – Würzburg / Posthalle (D)
11.09. – Eindhoven / Effenaar (NL)
13.09. – Zürich / Volkshaus (CH)
14.09. – Saarbrücken / Garage (D)
15.09. – Hamburg / Markthalle (D)
16.09. – Leipzig / Hellraiser (D)
17.09. – Oberhausen / Turbinenhalle (D)
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-Empires Of Eden Update
[Note: This combines two updates. – Tim]
Empires Of Eden Guitarist Featured On The New Metal For Cancer All-Star Project
Empires Of Eden creator and guitarist Stu Marshall is featured on the upcoming track to support cancer research. The track will be available soon.
From Stu: “Cancer has touched my family and devastates the lives of thousands. It’s a small contribution we can make but something the metal community can get behind.”
Video is here:
The project is created by Richard Ososki (Ofsoski) and features:
SINGERS: Henrik Flyman (Evil Masquerade) : Tony Kakko (Sonata Arctica, Northern Kings) : Mats Leven (Therion, Yngwie Malmsteen) : Apollo Papathanasio (Evil Masquerade, Firewind, Spiritual Beggars) : Snowy Shaw (Therion, Mercyful Fate, Dream Evil) : Tony Mills (TNT, Shy) : Silvio Masaro (Vanishing Point) : Richard Ofsoski (Ofsoski, Sedition)
BASS GUITAR: Mat Sinner (Primal Fear, Sinner, Voodoo Circle, Rock Meets Classic)
GUITARS: Henrik Flyman (Evil Masquerade) : Stu Marshall (Empires Of Eden, Dungeon ) : Glen Drover (Megadeth, Testament, Eidolon)
Check out http://www.empiresofeden.com/ and find the band on Facebook.
Metal For Cancer
http://www.metalforcancer.com/
Melodic Metallers Empires Of Eden Sign With Rock N Growl!
Australian melodic metallers Empires Of Eden has signed a management deal with Rock N Growl for the USA and European territories.
Stu Marshall: “It’s a great pleasure to be associated with Rock N Growl Management. I have been looking for the right partnership and Axel is proven in the industry. There is a lot of exciting developments ahead and look forward to great things.”
Axel/Rock N Growl: “I’m proud and happy to have Empires Of Eden in my roster. Stu Marshall is one of the best guys in the biz with unique guitar work and it’s a pleasure to work with him.”
Forthcoming third Empires Of Eden album:
Although the details of which world-wrecking stars will be featured on the third album are shrouded in contractual secrecy, one name has been revealed so far: Ronny Munroe of Metal Church fame. Considering that Munroe has enlisted Marshall’s cooperation in writing and producing his own forthcoming record, there really wasn’t any way to keep this one quiet. With lush, picturesque orchestral arrangements, bone-crushing riffs, kaleidoscopic soloing and spectacular vocal performances, Empires Of Eden has developed a trademark sound that redefines the concept of epic.
Bio:
From Avantasia to Ayreon and beyond, collaborations in metal typically prove to be more than the sum of their parts. This has been never been more true than in the case of Empires Of Eden, a melodic metal project originating from Sydney, Australia and spanning the entire globe in its unprecedented scope.
Masterminded by former Dungeon guitarist and ESP clinician Stu Marshall, Empires Of Eden is characterized by a massive power metal sound, 30-piece orchestral score, and guest performances from some of the most celebrated musicians in the industry. Proving that neither oceans nor national boundaries are capable of stopping this explosive onslaught, Marshall has enlisted the participation of artists from all corners of the globe to assemble an army of veteran talent like no other.
The debut release SONGS OF WAR AND VENGEANCE raised the bar across the board in several categories of metal: symphonic, collaborative, progressive, melodic and generally groundbreaking. Empires Of Eden’s sophomore effort, REBORN IN FIRE, brought even higher acclaim, consistently scoring 9/10 or higher in reviews worldwide. In addition to Marshall’s uncompromising compositional skills and technical guitar wizardry, the album was reinforced by vocalists who have earned their place in history, such as Mike Vescera (Yngwie Malmsteen / Loudness), Zak Stevens (Savatage / Circle II Circle) and Steve Grimmett (Grim Reaper / Lionsheart) to name just three.
Compared to other collaborative projects of this kind, Empires Of Eden is unique in the extent to which the guest vocalists are involved with the writing of the songs themselves. According to Marshall, although he tailors the instrumental backing to each singer’s individual style and preferred range, “They are completely at liberty to write any lyrics they want, and they pen the vocal melodies themselves, too.” Having so much artistic freedom not only increases the vocalists’ enthusiasm for the project, but also enables them to deliver their best possible performances, unbounded by the usual constraints of the “guest musician” format.
Web:
http://www.empiresofeden.com/
http://www.myspace.com/empiresofeden
http://www.facebook.com/pages/empires-of-eden/214733216513
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-Lion Music Label & Artist News
[Note: This combines multiple updates. – Tim]
Please find our latest label and artist news below.
Lion Music To Release SILENT OUT LOUD, Sophomore Effort From Finnish Melodic Metal Merchants Grönholm, On 16 September 2011
Artist: Grönholm
Title: SILENT OUT LOUD
Release Date: 16th September 2011
Format: CD / Digital Download
Catalogue: LMC309 / EAN6419922003091
LM Promo Page: http://www.lionmusic.com/cd/silentoutloud.htm
September 16th 2011 sees Grönholm release their sophomore album SILENT OUT LOUD on Lion Music. Home to 10 tracks full of infectious vocal melodies over dynamic musical backdrops, SILENT OUT LOUD is an impressive collection of song craft all topped off with a powerful production and mix.
Grönholm the band is built around the song writing skills of Mika Grönholm (guitar, bass and keyboards) with vocals once again by Markku Kuikka (Status Minor) and drums from Tom Rask. This core trio of musicians are joined by “special guests” Billy Sherwood (ex Yes) and Marco Hietala (Nightwish / Tarot) who add some extra dynamics to backing vocals, and in the case of Sherwood help add his trademark lush “Yes style” vocal harmony sheen to the likes of “Out From The Nest” amongst others.
Whilst the new offering aside from a greater emphasis on guitar has a sound not too dissimilar to its well received predecessor EYEWITNESS OF LIFE. The new album sees Mika take a heavier approach to his song writing utilizing a down tuned B tuning for all stringed instruments. On the change Mika comments, “All the songs on SILENT OUT LOUD are tuned down to low B. Sometimes B-tuning is used for roaring vocals or lighting fast guitar parts, but no, not this time. With this tuning I was seeking more power and energy to my riffs.”
SILENT OUT LOUD’s first six tracks are all up-tempo numbers where the new tuning is given a fine showing between the heavy packed hard rock riffs with some prog influenced melodies. As the album nears its conclusion we see an instrumental offering in “Giant Step” which clears the minds palette for the acoustic flavor that is heard on the final three tracks with album finale “Away” also getting an orchestral arrangement.
Lyrically Mika Gronhölm drew on “silent” thoughts in his head and once put onto paper in lyric form become “out loud,” hence the album’s title.
Writing for the release began in May 2010 and was completed four months later. Mika’s approach was to “Simply sit down and record riffs and ideas to an MP3 player and those riffs that maintain attention on repeated plays get worked on into bodies of songs.” Once the tracks had taken shape the recordings took place in January 2011. In contrast to the debut Tom Rask’s drums were recorded first this time round and Mika then built the final tracks around the drum work. Markku Kuikka recorded his vocals in his home studio in a short three-day stint. March 2011 saw the arrival of the guest vocal tracks from Billy Sherwood (chorus parts on “Cross” and “Out From The Nest”) and Marco Hietala (lead vocals on “Vanity”). The band then had to wait until April 2011 for Janne Tolsa to become available to mix and master and the results show the wait was justified. Mika then mixed the last three songs at his home studio “because they were easy and quick to do.”
In addition a promotional video for the opening track “Cross Of Mind” has been shot and made available on YouTube ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2hkcklnDD4 ) in the run up to the SILENT OUT LOUD release on 16th September 2011.
CD RUNNING ORDER
1. Cross Of Mind
2. Distorted Eyes
3. Under My Star
4. Vanity
5. Out From The Nest
6. Race Is On
7. Giant Step
8. Set The Stones
9. Dawn Of A Dream
10. Away
MUSICIANS
Mika Grönholm – Guitars, Basses, Synth, Backing Vocals
Tom Rask – Drums
Markku Kuikka – Lead Vocals
GUEST MUSICIANS
Billy Sherwood – Vocals
Marco Hietala – Vocals
Zach Hietala – Guitar solo
Janne Tolsa – Synth solo
Michael Henneken – Backing vocals
Jasse Merivirta – Piano/ Synths
CREDITS
Music and lyrics by Mika Grönholm
Recording – Mika Grönholm, Markku Kuikka, Tom Rask, Janne Tolsa, Billy Sherwood
Mixing & Mastering – Janne Tolsa
Mixing songs 8-10 – Mika Grönholm
Cover art – Mika Grönholm
Producer – Mika Grönholm
OFFICIAL WEBSITES
http://www.gronholmband.com/
http://www.myspace.com/mikagronholm
Lion Music To Release Debut Solo Album From Infinity Overture Guitarist Niels Vejlyt On 16th September 2011
Artist: Niels Vejlyt
Title: STHENIC
Release Date: 16th September 2011
Format: CD+DVD / Digital Download
Catalogue: LMC308 / EAN6419922003084
LM Promo Page: http://www.lionmusic.com/cd/stethnic.htm
Best known as the guitarist and driving force behind metal outfit Infinity Overture, Danish guitar virtuoso Niels Vejlyt is about to make his mark on the guitar instrumental scene with his powerful solo debut STHENIC on 16th September 2011 fully loaded with a bonus DVD!
Already no stranger to guitar fanatics worldwide thanks to numerous instructional DVDs, books and his own online guitar school, STHENIC is a long awaited release for Neils Vejlyt’s legion of fans worldwide and is also sure to attract many newcomers.
With a sound reminiscent at times of instrumental offerings from Jeff Loomis, John Petrucci and Steve Vai etc, STHENIC sees Vejlyt serve up eight tracks that blend intricate heavy riffs with exciting grooves and chord progressions over which Niels’ formidable lead technique takes the album over the edge!
With a strong core backing band of Jakob Vand (Infinity Overture) and bassist Kris Gildenlow (ex Pain Of Salvation), Niels has taken the live approach of a classic three-piece and worked from that basic premise adding further textures and rhythm guitars to build a strong wall of sound. This live feel to the music manages to bring a direct sound often lacking in “overdub city” guitar offerings and also make the album more palatable for even the most hardened cynic.
Mixed and mastered by the legendary Tommy Hansen (Helloween, Jørn Lande, Circus Maximus) STHENIC boasts a strong and powerful production which further enhances the listening experience and makes this a true scorcher of a release for guitar fans worldwide.
CD RUNNING ORDER
1. Heads Up (3.23)
2. Die Today (5.12)
3. Rain (4.28)
4. Samurai (4.46)
5. Meteors (4.47)
6. My Little Rascal (4.16)
7. Kajsa (4.19)
8. Winter (9.16)
DVD RUNNING ORDER
1. Riffs And Chops Of “Rain”
2. The Licks Of STHENIC
3. Riffs And Chops Of “Samurai”
4. Niels Veljyt Live 2011
5. Sound Check And Warm-up
MUSICIANS
Niels Vejlyt: Guitars
Kris Gildenlow: Bass
Jakob Vand: Drums
Bernardo Fesch: Bass on “Die Today” and “Winter”
Mads Damgaard: Piano on “Kajsa”
ALBUM CREDITS
Produced by Niels Vejlyt
Edited by Niels Vejlyt
Mixed by Tommy Hansen
Mastered by Tommy Hansen
Album art by Matthias Norén
Album design by Graham Nederland
OFFICIAL WEBSITE
http://www.nielsvejlyt.dk/
Fourth Album From Italian Progressive Power Metallers Arachnes Available Now On Lion Music Digital
Artist: Arachnes
Title: A NEW DAY
Release Date: Out Now
Format: Digital Download
LM Promo Page: http://www.lionmusic.com/digital/arachness_anewday.htm
Arachnes are a modern progressive melodic power metal band from Italy based around the talents of the Caruso brothers, vocalist Enzo and guitarist Frank (Strings 24). With four well received albums already under their belts Lion Music are pleased to offer up the digital distribution of their new release A NEW DAY.
With a wide ranging set of influences from the likes of Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Toto, Yngwie Malmsteen, ELP, Jethro Tull, Yes, Miles Davis and the classical world greats; this enlightened inspiration helped develop the Arachnes sound which is rich in scope yet with a well focused core sound.
From heavy roots to modern technologies Arachnes take both power and melody and combine these two different sides in order to achieve the biggest impact. Their new release A NEW DAY is testament to this approach and is home to 11 new songs plus a turbo charged cover of the Deep Purple classic “Fireball.”
Arachnes’ A NEW DAY is available now from all leading digital platforms.
Track Listing
1. I Know The Darkness
2. Big Hearth
3. I’m Sorry
4. Into The Fog
5. Magic World
6. My Face Is Hard
7. Running In An Old Town
8. Take Your Life
9. Parallel Worlds
10. The Reason Of The Things
11. Your Death
12. Fireball
Awake Update
UK metallers Awake have just completed work on their second album entitled FOREVER MORE which will see release in the final quarter of 2011 on Lion Music.
Following on from the impressive foundations laid by their Lion Music debut ILLUMINATION, the new album sees the band hone their own distinct brand of progressively tinted metal. FOREVER MORE also marks the first album recorded with new members Andy & Steven Coles who bring a new dimension to the heavier sound the band serve up on their forthcoming effort.
Awake will be playing some gigs around the UK over the next couple of months where new material will be given an early airing. Catch the band at the following dates:
Aug 27 – Camra Beer festival, Peterborough, UNITED KINGDOM
Sep 9 – The Beerhouse, Ipswich Rock City, GB
Oct 22 – The Tramway, Gorleston, Norfolk, GB
Full details on FOREVER MORE to follow soon.
OFFICIAL WEBSITES
http://www.myspace.com/awakeuk
http://www.facebook.com/awakeuk
Borealis To Support Saxon On Full North American Tour
Lion Music and Intromental Worldwide are proud to announce that Canadian metallers Borealis have been officially confirmed as the support band in the upcoming Saxon North American tour. The band will tour in support of their sophomore effort, FALL FROM GRACE, released earlier this year via Lion Music. Starting on September 29th, the tour will stop at 15 cities across the country. Tour dates are as follows:
28.09.2011 US Los Angeles, CA – The Key Club
29.09.2011 US Santa Rosa, CA – The Last Day Saloon
30.09.2011 US Sactramento, CA – The Boardwalk
01.10.2011 US Santa Clara, CA – The Avalon
02.10.2011 US Santa Ana, CA – The Galaxy
03.10.2011 US Las Vegas, NV – The Crown
04.10.2011 US Tempe, AZ – Club Red
06.10.2011 US Houston, TX – Stereo Live
08.10.2011 US St. Charles (Chicago), IL – The Arcada Theatre
09.10.2011 US Detroit, MI – Blondie’s
10.10.2011 CA Montreal, QU – Foufounes Electrique
11.10.2011 CA Toronto, ONT – Mod Club
13.10.2011 US New York, NY – B. B. King
14.10.2011 US Springfield, VA – Jaxx
15.10.2011 US Baltimore, MD – Bourbon Street
For more information on Borealis, please visit http://www.borealismetal.com/ or http://www.intromental.com/borealis .
Lion Music
http://www.lionmusic.com/
http://www.facebook.com/LionMusicRecordLabel
http://www.youtube.com/lionmusicfinland
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-Michael Monroe’s SENSORY OVERDRIVE To Be Streamed On Facebook Week Of August 15th
HOLLYWOOD, CA — In anticipation of the August 23rd release of Michael Monroe’s new CD, SENSORY OVERDRIVE, the entire CD will be available for streaming on Monroe’s Facebook page for the week of August 15th through 22nd. The link for the site is http://listn.to/michaelmonroeofficial . The new CD featuring the debut single “78” also includes appearances from Motorhead front man Lemmy and Americana artist Lucinda Williams. The video for “78” debuted this past week on AOL Music/ Noise Creep.
As reported earlier, Monroe and his band featuring Steve Conte, Dregen, Sami Yaffa, and Karl Rockfist will be doing a North American tour starting in Philadelphia September 30th. Tour dates are as follows:
Wed, Sep 7 – Stockholm Debaser Medis, Sweden
Fri, Sep 9 – Naantali, Finland
Sat, Sep 10 – Finland – Radio Rock Cruise
Fri, Sep 30 – Philadelphia, PA – Trocadero
Sat, Oct 1 – Baltimore, MD – Sonar
Sun, Oct 2 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom
Tue, Oct 4 – Boston, ma – Great Scott
Wed, Oct 5 – Montreal, QC – Les Foufounes Electriques
Thu, Oct 6 – Toronto, ON – Mod Club Theater
Fri, Oct 7 – Cleveland, OH – Peabody’s
Sat, Oct 8 – Chicago, IL – Reggie’s Rock Club
Sun, Oct 9 – St. Paul, MN – Station 4
Mon, Oct 10 – St. Louis, MO – FuBar
Wed, Oct 12 – Denver, CO – Moe’s
Sat, Oct 15 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon
Sun, Oct 16 – Portland, OR – Dante’s
Tue, Oct 18 – Santa Clara, CA – Avalon Theater
Wed, Oct 19 – Santa Ana, CA – Galaxy Theatre
Thu, Oct 20 – Hollywood, CA – Whisky A Go Go
Sun, Oct 23 – V-Rock festival – Saitama Super Arena Japan
Fri, Nov 4 – Lahti Finland – Finlandia Club
Sat, Nov 5 – Tavastia Finland (2 shows) – Tavastia Club
Thu, Nov 24 – England – Wolverhamption – Wulfrun Hall
Fri, Nov 25 – England – Manchester – Ritz
Sat, Nov 26 – England – Nottingham – Rock City
Sun, Nov 27 – Scotland – Glasgow – Garage
Mon, Nov 28 – England – Newcastle Academy
Tue, Nov 29 – England – Leeds Academy
Thu, Dec 1 – England – Bristol Academy
Fri, Dec 2 – ENGLAND – London – Electric Ballroom
Sat, Dec 3 – Wales – Prestatyn – HRH
Monroe recently taped an episode of “Alice Cooper Nights,” the hugely successful syndicated radio show and will be making other high profile appearances during the upcoming tour. For all info Michael Monroe visit his Facebook page or MichaelMonroe.com.
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-Escape Music To Release Saracen’s MARILYN
Saracen – MARILYN
Escape Music – ESM230
File under: Hard Rock
EAN: 5 031281 002303
Release: 23. September 2011
Specials: feat. Robin Beck, Steve Overland, Issa!
Track List:
1. Norma Jeane
2. Whither The Wind Blows
3. Hold On (Issa)
4. Make This Body Work (Robin Beck)
5. Who Am I (Beck & Overland)
6. Love Like A Razorblade
7. Break The Spell
8. Not For Sure (Robin Beck)
9. Like Going Home (Robin Beck)
10. Unfinished Life
11. Marilyn (Robin Beck)
Bio:
Life long pals Richard Lowe and Rob Bendelow formed their first band Lammergier during the mid ’70s together with folk guitarist turned rock bassist Barry Yates. The name changed to Saracen in the early ’80s, but the music remained the same; an ever growing repertoire of powerful guitar-orientated rock, laced with lush keyboards and evocative vocals.
Escape Music have already presented you with the double CD RED SKY / HEROES, SAINTS AND FOOLS (ESM124) which covers the band’s early years. The conceptual CD VOX IN EXCELSO (ESM135) was released in 2006 to great acclaim and has earned the band more and more respect.
It’s 2011, and this latest release from Saracen is another concept album, carefully crafted around the life and times of that ultimate Hollywood icon — Marilyn Monroe. This opus charts her rollercoaster life, from young orphan to worldwide superstar… and beyond. As with Saracen’s previous album (VOX IN EXCELSO) the storyline does not shy away from the darker recesses of history; in this case Marilyn’s problematic life… and untimely death.
No less than five tracks on the album tell their story in Marilyn’s own words… brought to life by the very special guest appearance of American songstress Robin Beck. Robin’s unique vocal style adds a dramatic new dimension to this rich collection of interwoven compositions.
Saracen’s symphonic-rock instrumentation has also been augmented for MARILYN with the inclusion of saxophone impresario Snake Davis. His evocative, soaring solos add greatly to the album’s emotional journey. The layered vocal harmonies on MARILYN come courtesy of Saracen bass man Richard Bendelow and classical-turned-rock newcomer Karensa Kerr. The fusion of symphonic rock with choral-style vocal arrangements has produced an intoxicating mix. Two more vocalists make outstanding guest appearances on this album — namely Norwegian rock sensation Issa and FM front man Steve Overland. Issa handles the lead vocals on “Hold On,” whilst Steve & Robin intertwine beautifully on “Who Am I?”
MARILYN is a beautiful recording, full of finely honed rock music, powerful ballads and passionate vocals, each song perfectly represents the stages in her life. In short: a masterpiece.
Lineup:
Steve Bettney – vocals
Paul Bradder – keyboards
Richard Bendelow – bass, vocals
Paul Gibson – drums
Rob Bendelow – guitar
Snake Davis – Saxophone
Label:
Escape Music
4 Cavendish Court, Dean Bank
Ferryhill, Co. Durham, DL17 8PY, UK
info@escape-music.com
http://www.Escape-Music.com/
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-Rock N’ Roll Vet, Bebe Buell, Teams Up With Niji Entertainment For HARD LOVE
Not many people can say that they opened for Alice Cooper and the Ramones, recorded with the Cars, was a fashion model/Playboy Playmate, penned a New York Times best-selling autobiography (“Rebel Heart”) and has been praised by such rock icons as Steven Tyler, Joey Ramone and Lemmy Kilmister.
But Bebe Buell has managed to obtain all of these lofty accomplishments, and will undoubtedly add further highlights to her music career, with the impending release of the Bebe Buell Band’s new album, HARD LOVE.
Released on September 27th via the Niji Entertainment Group (a label co-founded by Wendy and Ronnie James Dio), HARD LOVE is one rockin’ good time, as evidenced by such tracks as “Mother Of Rock & Roll,” “Devil You Know,” and a cover of Gang Of Four’s “I Love A Man In A Uniform.”
And Bebe is backed by a rock solid backing band, comprised of Guns N’ Roses drummer Frank Ferrer, former Iggy Pop/Glenn Danzig/Samhain bassist Pete Marshall on bass, former Das Damen/D-Generation guitarist Jimmy Walls on guitar, and former U Melt keyboardist Zac Lasher.
Soon, fans of passion fueled, pure rock n’ roll will discover what the rock elite has known for decades; Bebe Buell is the real deal, and one fierce rocker. HARD LOVE is all the sonic proof you’ll need.
Bebe: “This is the most important record of my career and it comes from deep in my soul and guts! I love my fans and that’s why I do this. Hence the title HARD LOVE. Every track is filled with my heart, which beats for rock and roll. I’m my happiest onstage and I can’t wait to hit the road and play these songs live with the strongest lineup I’ve ever made magic with.”
HARD LOVE Track List:
1. Mother Of Rock & Roll
2. Devil You Know
3. Heartbeat
4. Got It All Wrong
5. Baby Baby
6. Black Angel
7. Sugar
8. I Love A Man In A Uniform
9. Timeline
10. Normal Girl
11. I Will Wait
FORE MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:
http://www.facebook.com/nijientertainmentgroup
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-Seven Release video Clip For “No Surrender”
Aspiring Czech Heavy Metal combo Seven has released the video clip for their song “No Surrender” on YouTube, which can be seen here:
In 2010 Seven were commissioned to compose a song for the Czech movie “Kajinek,” an action thriller biopic about Jiri Kajinek, who’s considered to be the first Czech hit man in history. After several attempts of evasion from high security prisons, Kajinek has become the most famous prisoner in Czech Republic as well as one of the most guarded criminals in Europe. Controversy following his detention and imprisonment has raised a debate in Czech society about the efficiency of their judiciary system.
Inspired by such events, Seven composed and recorded “No Surrender,” which eventually would become part of the official soundtrack for the film. Its video clip, featuring scenes from the film, was used intensively during the promotion campaign of “Kajinek.” Just a week after the premiere, “Kajinek” had become the biggest box office hit in Czech film history. Given the huge success of the film and the increasing popularity of their song, Seven decided to include “No Surrender” as a bonus track in their new studio album FREEDOM CALL. The music video also appears as a bonus feature on the Czech DVD edition of “Kajinek.”
FREEDOM CALL already arises enthusiasm in the music press:
“Each and every song is thrilling!” (Rock It! Magazine)
“Seven’s lively Melodic Metal is huge fun!” (EMP)
The album will hit stores on the 2nd of September via Nuclear Blast!
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-Swedish Sleaze And Punk Metallers Sister Announce European Headlining Shows In September!
Swedish sleaze and punk influenced metal band Sister have announced headlining shows throughout Europe in September! Supports will be local.
Lock your daughters and hide your wives, Sister take no prisoners once they have passed the borders to your countries!
SISTER
16/09/11 – CH – Uster – Rock City
17/09/11 – DE – Lichtenfels – Paunchy Cats
18/09/11 – IT – Bologna – Sottotetto Sound Club
20/09/11 – FR – St. Etienne – Thunderbird Lounge
21/09/11 – FR – Paris – La Mécanique Ondulatoire
22/09/11 – BE – Roselare – De Verlichte Geest
23/09/11 – BE – Arlon – t.b.a.
24/09/11 – DE – Köln – t.b.a.
Comments the band: “Finally after a spring/summer of recording and releasing the first collaboration with Metal Blade, our debut album HATED, it’s time for Sister to head down through Europe! This is what we have longed for the last year and all the work we have put into everything is pretty much the preparation of one thing. To hit the roads. We will tour as much as possible now with the album out and this tour together with the U.D.O. tour will be our first mark in Europe. There will be full-blown riots so take the chance to check us out when we come to your town!”
Sister have also been confirmed as the opening band for a part of the upcoming European tour of the one and only U.D.O.!
Sister will support U.D.O. — the band of former Accept singer Udo Dirkschneider — at shows in Germany, Switzerland, Belgium and Holland. The bill will be completed by Sister Sin.
U.D.O.
+ SISTER SIN
+ SISTER
24/11/11 – NL – Zwolle – Hedon
25/11/11 – DE – Pirmasens – Quasimodo
27/11/11 – DE – Berlin – C-Club
30/11/11 – BE – As – GC Drieschaar
01/12/11 – DE – Recklinghausen – Vest Arena
02/12/11 – DE – Burglengenfeld – VA Zentrum
03/12/11 – DE – Leipzig – Hellraiser
04/12/11 – DE – Köln – Essigfabrik
06/12/11 – DE – Langen – Neue Stadthalle
07/12/11 – CH – Pratteln – Z7
09/12/11 – DE – Balingen – Volksbankmesse
10/12/11 – DE – Memmingen – Stadthalle
Comments Sister: “Udo and Accept has been a big influence for the members in Sister for a long time and to open for U.D.O. is f*cking great for sure! We’re really looking forward to it all and this is one of many things that we wished for at this stage in our career. With the new album HATED out this summer the only thing we want to do is to hit the roads! Germany has been our ‘second home’ the last years and has except for Sweden been the country we undoubtedly done most gigs. It’s always been a blast down there. This will of course be no exception and we will see all of you bastards when the time comes. We promise a riot on stage and thank U.D.O. and the organization around him for this opportunity! Cheers!”
About the band:
Sister, who hails from Stockholm/Jönkoping Sweden, formed in early 2006 working hard to build up a name as a strong act both live and in the studio. Sister consists of four members — Jamie on vocals, Lestat on guitars and backing vocals, Rikki on bass and backing vocals, and Cari on drums and backing vocals — who combine the sounds of Punk, Glam, Rock, and Metal with an end result sounding something like the bastard child of GG Allin and Guns N’ Roses.
Sister’s Metal Blade debut HATED has been released the 3rd/6th of June, 2011!
http://www.facebook.com/sisterband
http://www.youtube.com/sisterofficial
http://www.myspace.com/sisteronline
http://www.sisteronline.net/
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-The Stone Chiefs Unveil A Unique Brand Of Modern Southern Rock On Their DRIVE ON Debut Album
In an era when more and more musicians rely on electronics and software to get their art across, it’s refreshing to discover an up-and-coming act that hasn’t forgotten the foundation that rock music was built upon — the electrifying, rip-roaring sound of a real, live band playing together. That’s the exact approach the Raleigh, NC quintet, The Stone Chiefs, adopt on their recently-released debut album, DRIVE ON (via Grab ‘Em Records).
Consisting of members Dallas Perry (Lead Vocals), Aaron Wiig (Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Bass), Brian “BT” Torrence (Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Bass), David Arnn (Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Bass), and Michael “Twig” Neece (Drums), The Stone Chiefs seek to melt faces worldwide with their riveting, guitar-driven assault and charged live show. They recently set up shop at Studio 313 in Morrisville, NC where, under the watchful eye of producer Jeff Creed, the group recorded an exhilarating set of tunes recalling the finer moments of the Black Crowes, the Rolling Stones, and Kings Of Leon — as evidenced by such standout tracks as the album-opening title track and “Let It Rain” among others.
The Stone Chiefs play vintage instruments to get their warm and familiar “down home sound.” Their guitar arsenal on DRIVE ON includes a 1972 Gibson Les Paul Black Beauty, an Epiphone Riviera, a modified Epiphone Sheraton II, and multiple Fender Stratocasters cranked through Dr. Z, Budda, Marshall, and Fender amplifiers.
North Carolina rock fans will not have to wait long to catch the Stone Chiefs on a nearby concert stage. The Stone Chiefs will perform at the 9/3/11 Triad Music Fest in Greensboro, NC with Fuel, Lee Brice, and Lupe Fiasco and will continue their charge with an onslaught of local gigs throughout the fall and winter.
Authentic, classic rock sounds are needed now more than ever and those sounds are in no short supply on The Stone Chiefs’ debut album DRIVE ON. So, plug in, have a listen and enjoy the ride!
Upcoming Live Dates:
09/03/11 Greensboro, NC at Triad For The Love of Music Festival
09/09/11 Raleigh, NC at 42nd St Oyster Bar
09/10/11 Emerald Isle, NC at Emerald Isle Bike Rally
10/01/11 Beaufort, NC at Hannah’s Haus
10/08/11 Fayetteville, NC at The Dog House
10/21/11 Raleigh, NC at 42nd St Oyster Bar
11/05/11 Knightdale, NC at Sports Page
12/09/11 Raleigh, NC at 42nd St Oyster Bar
12/10/11 Knightdale, NC at Sports Page
To Purchase DRIVE ON, Visit:
CD Baby:
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/thestonechiefs
iTunes:
Amazon:
For More Information, Visit:
http://thestonechiefs.com/
http://www.facebook.com/thestonechiefs
http://www.myspace.com/thestonechiefs
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-Communic: Chart Alert!
The Norwegian metallers from Communic just hit the charts with their new masterpiece entitled THE BOTTOM DEEP, which is simply breath-taking.
Germany: #73
Commented Oddleif Stensland:
“Our new album is now finally released, and hits the charts in Germany. Feels good to let the album out of my hands now, as it has been a long and winding process to get this one out of my system. Now it’s up to the listener to dive ‘into the bottom deep.’ Right now we are preparing for the tour in the end of August together with Forbidden and Demonica. We are really looking forward to enter the stages across Europe again, and hope to see many Communic headz out there. Cya soon!”
Tour Dates:
With FORBIDDEN + DEMONICA
26.08 NL Kerkrade – Rock Temple
27.08 B Deinze – Alcatraz Metal Festival
28.08 NL Eindhoven – Dynamo
30.08 D Aschaffenburg – Colos-Saal
31.08 D Karlsruhe – Stadtmitte
01.09 CH Aarau – Kiff
02.09 I Milan – Live Club
03.09 D Ingolstadt – Paradox
04.09 H Budapest – Club 202
06.09 PL Warsaw – Progresja
07.09 PL Wroclaw – Firlej
08.09 D Braunschweig – Schweinebärmann
09.09 D Osnabrück – Bastard Club
10.09 D Essen – Turock
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-Haken: Sophomore Album Details & Trailer Posted; Band Prepares For ProgPower USA
London-based progressive stalwarts Haken have announced the details on their completed upcoming sophomore full-length concept album, entitled VISIONS.
This new opus is in its final stages of completion now, and is set for North American release on October 25 via Sensory Records — the label having also released Haken’s acclaimed 2010 debut, AQUARIUS. In a statement made this week about the new album, Haken vocalist Ross Jennings ensures: “We are confident this album will not disappoint fans of AQUARIUS. As well as pulling some signature stunts, we are also trying to raise the bar with our compositions, and as individual players. We poured everything we’ve got into this album; it’s been a really emotional year for us and hopefully that comes across in these songs.”
Check out a brand new VISIONS trailer, created by the band, as well as the cover art for the album, posted at this location:
http://www.earsplitcompound.com/site/?p=3014
VISIONS will be made available early to fans in attendance at this year’s ProgPower USA festival in Atlanta, Georgia, on September 16 where Haken are set to make their North American debut live appearance alongside label mates Creation’s End and Voyager, as well as Therion, Labyrinth, Ihsahn, Dream Evil, Sanctuary and more.
VISIONS Track Listing:
1. Premonition
2. Nocturnal Conspiracy
3. Insomnia
4. The Mind’s Eye
5. Portals
6. Shapeshifter
7. Deathless
8. Visions
Stay tuned for more updates on Haken as VISIONS nears release date and the band set sail for American shores in the weeks ahead.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/HAKEN/102787549743
http://www.myspace.com/hakenmusic
http://www.lasersedgegroup.com/
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-First-Ever Pentagram DVD WHEN THE SCREAMS COME Due August 26/29!
Doom Heavy Rock Legends Pentagram To Return To Europe In October And December!
On the 26th/29th of August, Metal Blade Records will release the first-ever Pentagram DVD in the 40-year history of the band!
WHEN THE SCREAMS COME features a full Pentagram show, recorded on May 30th, 2010 at the tail end of the Liebling / Griffin reunion dates at Sonar in Baltimore Maryland during Maryland Deathfest VIII! On top there’s an interview with singer Bobby Liebling!
WHEN THE SCREAMS COME track listing:
1. Day Of Reckoning
2. Forever My Queen
3. Ask No More
4. Run My Course
5. You’re Lost, I’m Free
6. Review Your Choices
7. Relentless
8. All Your Sins
9. 20 Buck Spin
10. Sign Of The Wolf
11. When The Screams Come
Pre-order bundle including an exclusive T-Shirt available at EMP.
Doom Heavy Rock legends Pentagram will return to Europe in October and December! The cult outfit lead by the one and only Bobby Liebling will play an exclusive show in Spain on the 8th of October. This show marks the first ever appearance of Pentagram on Spanish soil!
In December Pentagram will return to Europe for shows in Finland, Sweden, the UK and the Netherlands. Spread the word!
Pentagram
08/10/11 – ES – Jerez – Serie Z Festival @ Sala Paul
02/12/11 – FI – Oulu – Club Teatria
03/12/11 – FI – Helsinki – Nosturi
05/12/11 – SE – Gothenburg – Truckstop Alaska
09/12/11 – UK – London – The Garage
10/12/11 – NL – Eindhoven – Speedfest 2011
Pentagram, featuring the talents of Bobby Liebling, Victor Griffin, Greg Turley, and new drummer Albert Born, recently released their highly anticipated full-length album LAST RITES via Metal Blade Records. LAST RITES contains 11 new tracks of behemoth tunes that fans have been clamoring for since the last Liebling/Griffin masterpiece was released in 1994 (BE FOREWARNED).
http://www.metalblade.com/pentagram/
http://www.myspace.com/thepentagramarchives
http://www.myspace.com/thedeathrowarchive
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-Axemaster Reforms And Announces New Vocalist!
After a short hiatus Ohio-based Heavy Metal band Axemaster has officially reformed and has begun songwriting for the next Axemaster release. Original Axemaster members Joe Sims and Brian Henderson have returned to the band and they have also recruited a new vocalist in Tony Webster (Archetype, ex-Mo Rage) for the upcoming release.
Founding member and guitar player Joe Sims had this to say:
“I couldn’t be happier with how things have turned out and being back as Axemaster. I’ve been in a few bands over the last 20 years but Axemaster has always been the one I’ve been known for and is by far my favorite. I’m actually really glad that INNER TERROR didn’t go under the name Axemaster because the music we did on that CD just wasn’t ‘Axemaster-like’ enough, not like the stuff we’re doing now. This is without a doubt the best writing I’ve ever done and with all the talent that Tony and Brian bring to the table I think this CD is gonna be something special!!!!”
Co-founding member and drummer Brian Henderson states:
“I feel this is the most intense music Joe has put together and will be the biggest challenge ever for me to record my parts. Also I am looking forward to working with Tony to put a totally different and much needed voice in the mix. This CD will rock!!”
Axemaster is working on an upcoming as-yet-untitled album and are currently in the studio putting the finishing touches on the songs for the upcoming album. The band is currently writing 15 songs for the upcoming full-length.
New Vocalist Tony Webster states:
“This is a great band with a very long history in the metal scene. I had never really heard of Axemaster until Joe contacted me through the Internet and asked if I would be interested in singing with them. After he sent me some of the demos for the new album I checked out the music and really liked it. So I decided to take on another band aside from Archetype and have started writing songs with them. It sounds like old school thrash metal mixed with some doom elements. We have demoed around 15 songs so far and they are turning out awesome! This is going to be the best album the band has ever done musically and working with these guys has been great so far!”
Axemaster Biography
Axemaster was formed in 1985 by lead guitarist Joe Sims and drummer Brian Henderson. The project and music has stood the test of time and remains strong after over 25 years.
With the band’s original lineup (also including vocalist/bassist Christopher Michael) they recorded their first four releases: SLAVE TO THE BLADE (demo EP cassette), BLESSING IN THE SKIES (full-length album), “The Vision” (shaped pictured disc single), and “Crusades” (shaped picture disc single), the last three being released by Azra International Records. They were also featured on Azra Record’s compilation shaped picture record METALGON and in the comedy/horror movie “Killer Nerd.”
Several lineup changes followed as the band recorded their next two releases: DEATH BEFORE DISHONOR (full-length cassette, European-only release) and 5 DEMONS (IMPERATIVE IS THEIR DEMISE) (self-released EP cassette). Joe Sims was the only original member to remain and play on every release. After this the band altered their musical direction and changed the name to The Awakening. That group did one CD before breaking up in 1995.
Four years later, Unisound Records {Greece} reissued selected songs from four of the band’s releases (as well as three songs by The Awakening) on a 15-track CD titled Axemaster & The Awakening – 1985-1995. In 2002 Unisound re-released DEATH BEFORE DISHONOR (as well as some unreleased material) on CD. The success of these discs proved that Axemaster’s music was still in demand years after their breakup.
In 2006 the band returned with the original lineup and in 2007 re-released BLESSING IN THE SKIES on disc through Burning Star Records {Greece}. It includes the album in its entirety as well as three bonus tracks and a video for the song “Slave To The Blade.” It’s packaged as a digi-pak with a four-page foldout that features a 12-page booklet containing vintage photos from 1985-1988 (some never before seen), liner notes, and song lyrics. As one person from Burning Star said, “it’s time that BLESSING IN THE SKIES got the recognition it deserves.”
The reunion, however, was short-lived as Christopher Michael did not remain with the project and a new band was formed with a different vocalist and bassist. After originally intending to continue as Axemaster, the band decided that the new music they were writing was not consistent enough with what Axemaster had done in the past and changed to become Inner Terror. That project released one CD and ended in 2010.
After taking a short break away from the scene, Joe Sims and Brian Henderson teamed up with vocalist Tony Webster (Archetype, ex-Mo Rage) to re-start the Axemaster project. A new CD is currently in the works that has the makings of being by far the best Axemaster release to date. The new songs are classic thrash with a slight amount of doom metal, somewhat similar to the style of the band’s last two releases of new material, but with greatly improved songwriting and better musicianship.
With the worldwide exposure & success that they’ve already achieved, Axemaster is poised to once again take the metal world by storm!!!!
Contact:
P.O. Box 882
Kent, OH 44240
USA
axemastermetal@yahoo.com
Discography
1) SLAVE TO THE BLADE (independent five-song cassette)
2) BLESSING IN THE SKIES (full-length album and cassette released by Azra International Records)
3) “Crusades” (shaped picture disc issued by Azra International Records as a limited edition release to promote BLESSING IN THE SKIES)
4) “The Vision” (shaped picture disc single released by Azra International Records)
5) DEATH BEFORE DISHONOR (full-length cassette of rehearsal recordings; European-only release by S.A. Bucher Management {France} & Skullthrasher Promotions {Belgium})
6) 5 DEMONS (IMPERATIVE IS THEIR DEMISE) (independent five-song cassette)
7) 1985-1995 (a “best of” 14-song CD released by Unisound Records {Greece} which includes songs from the releases numbered here as 2, 3, 4, and 6; also includes three songs by The Awakening)
8) DEATH BEFORE DISHONOR (reissue) (re-release on CD of the original recordings by Unisound Records {Greece}; also includes previously unreleased material and songs from the releases numbered here as 1 and 3)
9) BLESSING IN THE SKIES (re-release) (the album in its entirety released on CD by Burning Star Records {Greece}; also includes a video for the song “Slave To The Blade” and three bonus tracks: one unreleased song recorded live and two from the release numbered here as 1 that had never previously been available on CD; released as a digi-pak that contains never before seen vintage photos, song lyrics, and liner notes)
BLESSING IN THE SKIES and 5 DEMONS are also featured on Smog Veil Records’ iTunes roster. For more information see http://www.smogveil.com/ecom/ and click on “iTunes exclusives.”
Music Included On:
– The comedy/horror movie “Killer Nerd” which was produced by Entertech Productions and stars the former MTV personality and past academy award nominee Toby Radloff.
– The heavy metal documentary on CD-ROM titled THE POLISHING OF METAL which contains 1,300 band biographies, 900 album reviews, 19 videos, and five hours of music as well as color photos and web links. Axemaster is included in the release with a song, video, and bio page. This work, which was released by The Rock Record Collectors Association, Emperor Multimedia, and The Diskery (Canada), is not only being distributed extensively worldwide, but is also featured in public libraries internationally (such as the United Nations’ “Great Library of Alexandria”).
– The DVD DEFENDERS OF THE FAITH which was released in Europe by Kastle Killers and contains a video of the song “Slave To The Blade” from the album BLESSIN IN THE SKIES.
Compilations
– METALGON (shaped picture disc by Azra International Records {USA})
– SPEED N THRASH (cassette release {France})
– BLOODZIT (cassette release {Canada})
– A DISTANT THUNDER (cassette release {USA})
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-Iggy & The Stooges RAW POWER LIVE: IN THE HANDS OF THE FANS To Be Released On DVD And Blu-ray September 27, 2011 Via MVD Entertainment Group
Iggy & The Stooges RAW POWER LIVE: IN THE HANDS OF THE FANS is the visual document of the reformed Stooges’ (Iggy Pop, Scott Asheton, James Williamson, Steve Mackay, Mike Watt) RAW POWER performance at the All Tomorrow’s Parties Festival on Friday, September 3, 2010.
Of the performance, Ben Ratliff of the NY Times writes, “Iggy Pop, now 63, knew that his body language translated into still photographs resembling Mannerist paintings… The Stooges attacked the album’s eight songs, in a different order, just about perfectly.”
Iggy and the band sound flawless as they rip through the archetype riffage of “Search And Destroy,” “Raw Power,” “Gimmie Danger” and more.
“Getting this top-notch performance of the entire RAW POWER album by The Stooges realized a life long dream,” said Iggy Pop. “This sh*t really sizzles and we are so obviously a crack band in a class of our own.”
MVD Entertainment Group, an industry leader in producing and distributing music-related audiovisual content, launched the “In The Hands Of The Fans” series with the intention of utilizing the energy and talents of fans, who by means of an online video submission contest, win the opportunity to film a performance of their favorite band in HD and then interview the band members after the performance. The result is a high quality, low cost, unique program that is part concert film and part reality TV show.
Trailer:
Item Info / Track List:
http://www.seeofsound.com/p.php?s=MVD5234D
Blu-ray:
http://www.seeofsound.com/p.php?s=MVD5235BR
Hi Res Cover Art:
Blu-ray:
Bob Gruen’s Press Photos:
http://files.dvdnote.com/art/iggyphotos/
“In The Hands Of The Fans” website:
http://www.inthehandsofthefans.com/
MVD Entertainment Group
PO Box 280
Oaks PA 19456
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*** PRESS RELEASE #25 ***
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-Candlelight Records To Release Classic And Career Retrospect Releases From: Discharge, Extreme Noise Terror, The Varukers
Candlelight Records will continue its previously launched classics series confirming releases from Discharge, Extreme Noise Terror, and The Varukers. New to the series, the label will release DISENSITISE and WAR IS HELL from Discharge on August 23, followed by HOLOCAUST IN MY HEAD by Extreme Noise Terorr on September 27 and the 2CD THE DAMNATION OF OUR SPECIES by The Varukers.
England’s Discharge are considered one of the first hardcore punk bands that significantly merged metal with their punk stylings. Characterized by a heavy, distorted, grinding guitar sound, the band’s raw, shouted vocals and insightful lyrics made them a favorite on “anarcho” lists from the start. Formed in 1977, the band enjoyed a number of charting albums in the UK in the early ’80s. Reunited in 2000, the band currently features founder Anthony “Rat” Martin, Tony “Bones” Roberts, Roy “Rainy” Wainright, and Dave “Proper” Caution. DISENSITISE and WAR IS HELL feature all-new packaging and include previously unavailable songs.
Extreme Noise Terror’s trademark noise has done very well for the UK bevy over their fifteen-plus year career. The band’s abrasive, dual-voiced, grinding brutality maims, pulverizes, and simply destroys all in earshot. Formed in 1985, grindcore’s founding unit fiercely rallied an international fan base with sharp lyrics and a piercing sound. Regular guests on John Peel’s “BBC Radio 1 Program,” the band has featured vocalist Mark “Barney” Greenway (Napalm Death), guitarist Gian Pyres (Cradle Of Filth), and drummer Mick Harris (Napalm Death/Scorn) among their various lineups throughout the years. Original vocalist Phil Vane passed away in his sleep earlier this year due to a cerebrovascular accident. He was 46 years old. HOLOCAUST IN MY HEAD compiles 21 tracks of government overthrowing crust/punk all served up in pummeling doses.
Dating to 1979, The Varukers are considered part of the “UK82” or second wave of English hardcore punk. Alongside their peers (Amebix, Chaos UK, GBH), the band’s sound was heavily fueled by the energies and ideologies of 1977-era punk. The band would tour heavily before splintering for several years. Reformed since 1991, the five-piece have continued to impress and keep a loyal and passionate fan base. THE DAMNATION OF OUR SPECIES features 44 songs on a special 2CD set, including selections from their ONE STRUGGLE ONE FIGHT, MURDER, HOW DO YOU SLEEP and KILLING MYSELF TO LIVE albums.
Track listings for each release are noted below.
Discharge – DISENSITISE
1. Blood Of The Innocent
2. CCTV
3. What Method What Madness
4. They Lie You Die
5. Becomes Again And Again
6. Spoils Of War
7. Persuasion = Power
8. Web Of Disadvantage
9. Ignorance Is Your Surrender
10. Kept In The Dark
11. You Have The Gun
12. Will Deceive You
13. Beginning Of The End
14. No Return
15. Legacy You Left Behind (Bonus)
16. Propaganda Feeds
Discharge – WAR IS HELL
1. War Is Hell
2. State Violence Stage Control
3. You Deserve Me
4. Never Again
5. The More I See
6. Hype Overload
7. Corpse Of Decadence
8. M.A.D.
9. You Take Part Creating The System
10. Nightmare Continues (live)
11. Hell On Earth (live)
12. Realities Of War (live)
13. Doomsday (live)
14. Beginning Of The End (bonus)
15. Blood Of The Innocent (bonus)
16. They Lie You Die (bonus)
Extreme Noise Terror – HOLOCAUST IN MY HEAD
1. Deceived
2. The Helpless
3. Bullsh*t Propaganda
4. F*cked Up System
5. No Threat
6. Show Us You Care
7. Use Your Mind
8. Innocence To Ignorance
9. Conned Through Life
10. Murder
11. Take The Strain
12. Another Nail In The Coffin
13. Raping The Earth
14. If You’re Only In It For The Music (Sod off)
15. Intro
16. In It For Life
17. Subliminal Music Mind Control
18. Work For never
19. Punk: Faction Or Fiction
20. Cruelty To Carnivores
21. Damaging Noise
The Varukers – THE DAMNATION OF OUR SPECIES
Disc One:
1. Persistent Resistance
2. We Hint At Things Nuclear
3. In South Africa
4. The Far Of Mankind
5. Will They Never Learn
6. Killing By Man’s Own Hand
7. Animals An Animal
8. Protect Not Dissect
9. How Can Your Conscience
10. Stop The Killing
11. Lesson Must Never Forget
12. One Struggle One Fight
13. Murder
14. Hatred
15. Endless Destruction Line
16. Fake
17. Genocide
18. Eradicate The Problem
19. F*ck You Up
20. Humanity
21. What Are You Gonna Do
22. Target Of Shame
23. Invest In Your People
24. Who The F*ck
25. Tighten Their Grip
26. Nightmare Vision
Disc Two:
1. How Do You Sleep?
2. Gun Crazed Kids
3. Bleed Us Dry
4. Modem For Destruction
5. Memo To Me
6. Where Is Your God
7. As Good As It Gets
8. No Restrictions
9. Under Attack
10. Absolution
11. Piss Off I’ve Paid
12. Die
13. Killing Myself To Live
14. F*cked It Up Again
15. Forever Crucified
16. Hellbound
17. Get Out O’ The Gutter
18. Politics In Store
Additional classic CD titles now available from Candlelight include Doom’s RUSH HOUR OF THE GODS and Holy Terror’s TERROR AND SUBMISSION/MIND WAR. Classic vinyl titles available from affiliate label Plastic Head Music USA are: Amebix’s MONOLITHE, Bolt Thrower’s IN BATTLE THERE IS NO LAW, and Witchfinder General’s DEATH PENALTY/FRIENDS OF HELL.
http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com/
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-Unearth Issues Video Update From The Road
Massachusetts metal behemoths, Unearth, are currently slaying the masses onstage at this year’s edition of the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival. To commemorate the summer-long festivities, the band will be posting a series of video clips throughout the tour.
Commented vocalist Trevor Phipps: “Thanks to all who’ve come out to support Unearth during this year’s Rockstar Mayhem Fest! We’ll be uploading a handful of videos showing how our summer is going, so come back often to check it out. The first episode showcases live footage, our signings and some hangout time. This fest is killer day in and day out, so don’t miss it if it comes near you. See you on the road!”
Check out the first video here:
http://www.earsplitcompound.com/site/?p=3008
Unearth on 2011’s Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival w/ Disturbed, Godsmack, Megadeth, Machine Head, In Flames, Trivium, Suicide Silence, All Shall Perish, Straight Line Stitch, Kingdom Of Sorrow, Red Fang [remaining dates]
08/11/2011 New Daisy Theatre – Memphis, TN *Off Date w/ Suicide Silence, All Shall Perish, Red Fang
08/12/2011 Lakewood Amphitheatre – Atlanta, GA
08/13/2011 1-800-Ask-Gary-Amphitheatre – Tampa, FL
08/14/2011 Cruzan Amphitheater – West Palm Beach, FL
Unearth’s fifth full-length, DARKNESS IN THE LIGHT was released on July 5, 2011 by Metal Blade Records and has been flooring fans and media alike. In a 4/5 rating of the record, Alternative Press said: “DARKNESS IN THE LIGHT is a maelstrom of melodic riffs, screamy shouts and enough noodling to keep Guitar Hero nerds happy. But it’s not chasing maidens and slaying dragons; Unearth have enough of the ’90s straight-edge hardcore scene still left in their blood to give the lyrics an impassioned warrior cry against corrupt politics and wavering faith.” Crave called the record, “…a first rate slice of metal that helps return the meat to the hollowed and empty husk of the metalcore genre,” while Ultimate-Guitar noted: “…it’s clear that this album takes the best elements from every album released so far and pushes them to their limits. Whether it be the urgency felt from ‘Stings Of Conscience’ or the thrashiness of ‘III: In The Eyes Of Fire,’ it’s all pushed to its finest point on this album.”
http://www.unearth.tv/
http://www.facebook.com/unearthofficial
http://www.myspace.com/unearth
http://www.metalblade.com/
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-Havok: Denver Thrashers Announce North American Tour With Exhumed
Band To Release Limited Edition Vinyl Pressing Of TIME IS UP
Denver thrash warriors, Havok, who recently pummeled the masses on tour with Bay Area legends, Forbidden, will embark on another punishing support trek this Fall alongside headliners Exhumed, Goatwhore and Cephalic Carnage. Set to commence on October 26 in New Mexico, the tour will lay waste to nearly two dozen cities and come to a close in Flagstaff, Arizona on November 20.
Said vocalist/guitarist David Sanchez: “I’m f*ckin’ psyched! This lineup is HEAVY! I’m a fan of all of the bands that we’ll be playing with, so this is gonna be really fun. Even better, we finally get to tour with Cephalic Carnage. It will be cool to show people how bands from Denver throw down. If this tour is anything like our last run with Forbidden, there are going to be some gnarly pits and bloody noses. Anyone that’s going to these shows should be prepared to have a sore neck.”
Added drummer Pete Webber: “We are pumped to announce our tour with Exhumed, Goatwhore and Cephalic Carnage this Fall! Our last tour with Forbidden was one of the best yet and we hope to keep the heat going with this one! We will be hitting some cities where Havok has not played in awhile and you all better show your metal faces there!”
HAVOK
w/ Exhumed, Goatwhore, Cephalic Carnage
* = no Goatwhore
10/26/2011 The Juggernaut – Gallup, NM *
10/27/2011 Sorority House – Amarillo, TX *
10/28/2011 The Conservatory – 1H – Oklahoma City, OK
10/29/2011 FuBbar – St Louis, MO
10/30/2011 Reggie’s Rock Club – Chicago, IL
10/31/2011 I-Rock Nightclub – Detroit
11/01/2011 Alrosa Villa – Columbus, OH
11/02/2011 Montage Music Hall – Rochester, NY
11/03/2011 Wreck Room – Toronto, ON
11/04/2011 Les Foufounes Electriques – Montreal, QC
11/05/2011 Rock Cafe Le Stage – Trois-Rivieres, QC
11/06/2011 L’Agitee – Quebec City, QC
11/08/2011 The Palladium – Worcester, MA
11/09/2011 Europa – Brooklyn, NY
11/10/2011 Championships – Trenton, NJ
11/11/2011 Mojo 13 – Wilmington, DE
11/12/2011 Sonar – Baltimore, MD
11/13/2011 The Casbah at Tremont Music Hall – Charlotte, NC
11/14/2011 Masquerade – Atlanta, GA
11/15/2011 The Brass Mug – Tampa, FL
11/17/2011 Siberia – New Orleans, LA
11/18/2011 Korova/Goregrowler’s Ball – San Antonio, TX w/ Suffocation
11/19/2011 TBA *
11/20/2011 Orpheum Theatre – Flagstaff, AZ *
Havok will be touring in support of their critically-adored TIME IS UP full-length, released earlier this year via Candlelight Records. The record has earned near-perfect ratings from media outlets large and small.
Noted Rock Sound adamantly: “Everyone should be worshipping at these Denver native’s altar as they have the flashy skill, ridiculous song-writing chops and prodigious lead guitar work that’ll have even the most jaded ears saying, ‘Okay, just this last one…'” Terrorizer agreed, declaring: “Everything great about thrash — infectious, galloping riffs, hummable choruses, a vast array of gang vocals in ‘D.O.A.’ — is employed, with their ace in the hole being Reece Scruggs, whose sumptuously-phrased solos, balancing shred, fiery modal moves and soulful, blues bends will suck in everyone from guitar nerds to song-structure curmudgeons.”
Said Agnostic Front’s Roger Miret of the track “No Amnesty” in the April 2011 edition of Decibel Magazine’s Call & Response feature: “Thrash in the vein of Overkill, Nuclear Assault, Kreator etc. I don’t know if this is a new band or an old band’s new material, but it’s pretty kick ass!” About.com gave the record a 4/5 rating stating simply: “This is a damn good thrash album. Call it retro, new thrash revival or whatever, Havok have the chops and the ability to prove that they have the staying power to last in this genre,” while Hardrock Haven opined: “…for those who feel Metallica wussed out, Megadeth got too corporate, Anthrax too modern and Slayer too, well, the same as always, Havok should be a great reminder as to what made thrash so damn cool in the first place.”
In related news, a limited edition, hand-numbered, color vinyl pressing of TIME IS UP will be released via Restricted Release to coincide with the upcoming tour. Additionally, Havok will be shooting a new video for “D.O.A.” this month. Details to be unveiled soon. In case you missed it, check out the band’s video for “Covering Fire,” which was shot in Tyler, Texas, produced by Mike Gillespie and directed by Brian Jaynes. View the video here:
http://www.earsplitcompound.com/site/?p=3031
http://www.myspace.com/havok
http://www.facebook.com/HavokOfficial
http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com/
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-Two Side Moon/SLW Promotions Update
Two Side Moon Promotions are excited to welcome to the team Ferreira.
Please find below the text press info for the new album ARE YOU IN?
Band: Ferreira
Album Title: ARE YOU IN?
Label: Independent (Playrec Productions with TSM promotions)
Street Date: July 1, 2011
Distribution: USA, Europe, Japan
Web:
Produced by Marco Ferreira
Mixed and mastered by Marco Ferreira
About Ferreira
Ferreira is a hard rock band based in NY put together by Marco Ferreira (Vocal, Guit) and his brother Alex Ferreira (Drums, Vocals) in the veins of Harem Scarem, Ratt, Queen, Journey (you got the idea). Its debut album Ferreira – FALLEN HEROES was released in 2002 by Shire Records.
In 2006 Marco recorded with the French prog metal band Venturia the band’s debut album THE NEW KINGDOM in France by the label Lion Music.
2007 put together the band Goodbye Thrill with guitarist Dean Cramer and record the self-titled debut album by the label Kivel Records. Playing a few show along the way including the first Melodic Rock Fest in South Bend, Indiana aside with some great bands, to name a few names, Eric Martin (Mr. Big), Nelson, Survivor, Night Ranger, Joe Lynn Turner, Jeff Scott Soto, Mark Slaughter (Slaughter) …
2008 Marco recorded the second album of Venturia – HYBRID (Lion Music), this time in Switzerland. The album was released as a double CD/DVD with a live performance of the band in Geneva, Switzerland for TV network TSR.
2009 record and produced his second solo album WORKING OVERTIME by its own Playrec Productions.
2010 was a very busy year. In a four-month period released three albums and a DVD. First was the second Goodbye Thrill CD / DVD titled KEEPSAKES (Kivel Records), with a mix of new material, some acoustic versions and a re-mix by the mega producer (Beau Hill) of “Rainy Days” of the first album. The DVD including an acoustic show, music video of “Let Me Sleep” and scenes from shows and recordings. Next was the release of Ferreira’s third album BETTER RUN!! (Escape Music) and in a few weeks later the third Goodbye Thrill album OUTRAGEOUS (Kivel Records). All produced by Marco at Playrec Productions.
In the same year performed South Dakota Rock fest along with Skid Row, L.A. Guns, Bret Michaels, Enuff Z’Nuff, FireHouse, Dokken… And gain supporting Dokken in a show in Massachusetts, and later in Chicago for the Melodic Rock Fest II along wit Y&T, Winger, Danger Danger, Trixter, and many others.
2011 is back with a new Ferreira album titled ARE YOU IN?
Once againg Produced by Marco at Playrec Productions.
To be continued…
Musicians:
Marco Ferreira: Lead vocals, guitars and bass
Alex Ferreira: Drums, backing vocals
The Live Band Additional Performers:
Dario Seixas: Bass, backing vocals
Gus Monsanto: Guitar, backing vocals
Track Listing:
1. The More I Know (M.Ferreira)
2. Searching (M.Ferreira)
3. Tab Of Yesterdays (M.Ferreira)
4. Like A Glove (M.Ferreira)
5. Woman (M.Ferreira)
6. Are You In? (M.Ferreira)
7. Pay With Pain (M.Ferreira)
8. Out Of Love (M.Ferreira)
9. She’s Building A Fairy House (M.Ferreira)
10. Manner’s Song (M.Ferreira)
11. Send It On (M.Ferreira)
Two Side Moon Promotions are excited to welcome to the team Australian metaller’s Shift.
Please find below the text press info for the new album WATCH IT BURN.
Band: Shift
Album Title: WATCH IT BURN
Label: Independent ( http://www.dizzyheadmusic.com/ )
Street Date: Out Now
Genre: Alternative Metal
Web:
http://www.shiftband.net/
http://www.myspace.com/shiftmetal
http://www.youtube.com/user/shiftmetal
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/shift4
Check the band out in the brand new issue of Metal Hammer!!
After appearing from nowhere with their debut EP FACELESS, having never played a live show, Shift burst onto the scene determined to do things their way… regardless of the consequences. The band’s plan was to make music for music’s sake and to build a following primarily through the use of media and the Internet by releasing four EPs in quick succession whilst making them available for free via http://www.shiftband.net/ to anyone who wanted them. One year since the band’s debut and thousands of fans later, Shift have released the second EP in the series.
Entitled WATCH IT BURN, the new EP is a collection of songs perhaps best described as eclectic modern metal. It builds on the reputation Shift have for combining a wide variety of heavy and not-so-heavy sounds by fluctuating between riff-laden onslaughts complete with guttural growls, to moments of delicate melody and tranquility. While this may lead newcomers to expect to find songs rich with moments of both light and shade… more often than not they’ll discover that Shift’s songs tread a fine line between shadow and utter darkness.
The variety of the lyrical content mirrors the variety of the music, with politically charged themes of anti-theism, revolution and censorship, such as “The 2 Minutes Hate” which takes its subject matter from George Orwell’s distopian novel “Nineteen Eighty-Four,” alongside songs of more macabre topics covering murder and double suicide, which share more in common with the likes of Nick Cave’s MURDER BALLADS. Rounding out the EP are two covers — “Dear God” by XTC and “In My World” by Anthrax — making it closer to a full-length album than an EP.
Formed in 2010 by front man and primary songwriter Rob Lambert, Shift was initially started as an outlet for several years worth of music that Rob had been tinkering with. With the aim of getting it off his hard drive and into the hands of the public he enlisted Kori Barnett to perform drum duties and gathered several bass players to act as session musicians. Kori quickly became more and more integral to the sound of the band, leading to the decision to make Shift more of a collaborative effort between Rob and Kori.
From the outset Shift has always been about the music and treading their own path through the twisted maze that is the music business. Noticing so many bands playing the same shows to the same people year in, year out, treading water and hoping for a break, Rob decided a different approach was needed and launched the band literally on day one armed with a website and an EP, no shows, not even a rehearsal. Using Internet and social media advertising, along with the ever popular offer of free music, helped to gain the band an initial following. The fan-base has been growing ever since, ensuring a ready and willing audience hungry for live shows.
Having only just released WATCH IT BURN, Shift aren’t resting, they are now concentrating on promoting the EP and are about to start work on the third EP in the series as well as putting together their first ever live show.
Band Lineup:
Rob Lambert
Kori Barnett – Drums
Duncan Millar
Track Listing:
1. Stand Against
2. Into The Whites Of Your Eyes
3. The March
4. Watch It Burn
5. On The Brink
6. Water On The Sun
7. The 2 Minutes Hate
8. Dear God (XTC cover)
9. In My World (Anthrax cover)
TSM/SLW Promotions
http://www.myspace.com/nickyaor
http://www.slwpromotions.com/
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*** PRESS RELEASE #29 ***
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-End Of Level Boss: London’s Relentless Rock Unit Releases New Video
Britain’s purveyors of eccentric rock and roll, End Of Level Boss, have just released a raging new video for the track “Thee Absurd,” the fourth song from the outfit’s newly-released third album, EKLECTRIC.
Instead of utilizing a well-known major rock video producer to capture their vision on film, the band went full-on D.I.Y. and filmed it themselves… only themselves. “The video was actually made by taping our cell phones to the wall of our jam room while we played,” states End Of Level Boss’s founding guitarist/vocalist Harry “Heck” Armstrong.
Check out the homemade action at this location:
http://www.earsplitcompound.com/site/?p=3048
Recently released via Exile On Mainstream Records, the End Of Level Boss’s trademark sound is magnified with even more free-flow surprises on EKLECTRIC. Introducing a new rhythm section from previous releases, EOLB’s flurry of angular, post-punk angst goes head-to-head with a progressive, technical attack, the album surging with nearly 54 minutes of relentless rock. Somewhere along the lines of “Kyuss meets King Crimson,” End Of Level Boss have branched into new directions, capturing the live energy and punk attitude of the band, with elements of Motörhead and Voivod smashing their way through the surface.
“End Of Level Boss’ nuanced technicality and righteously heavy tonality remain intact, as the track ‘Thee Absurd’ from EKLECTRIC shows.” – The Obelisk
“End Of Level Boss sound like End Of Level Boss, which is a compliment in and of itself. They have their own sound and their myriad genre crossovers invite fans in rather than shut them out.” – About.com
“… ten varied yet consistently excellent blasts of rock, freely experimenting yet never losing the listener.” – Metal Reviews
“…forget about using glitches or cheat codes; they will do nothing to weaken this twisted monolith waiting at the end of the experimental side of the doom/stoner metal alcove.” – Thrashpit
http://www.eolb.com/
http://www.facebook.com/endoflevelbossmusic
http://www.mainstreamrecords.de/
http://www.myspace.com/exileonmainstream
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*** PRESS RELEASE #30 ***
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-Wayne Static To Unleash New Solo Album
PIGHAMMER To Be Released October 4th On Dirthouse Records
HOLLYWOOD, CA — The Industrial Metal Machine front-man, Wayne Static returns with his first solo album of his most combustible work to date. PIGHAMMER, on Dirthouse Records, comes from the depth of Wayne Static’s darkest last year and brings to light his inner turmoil with an aggressive driving force of new music.
PIGHAMMER has a disarming raw quality of heavy driving guitar riffs and lyrics that will take hold of your bowels and into the mind of Static’s dark past and warped mind. This is blatant as the first single “Assassins Of Youth,” was inspired by Wayne Static’s last days of drugs and partying. “I wrote this song while living in a hotel room, listening to Pink Floyd, drinking Crown and doing whippits,” explains Static. “I started the song in that condition but never finished it until years later after dumping off the drugs. Now the song has a whole new meaning from when I started it.” “Assassins Of Youth” is an old-school term for drugs. The first verse is about doing drugs, the chorus is going dry and the second chorus is about getting off and no longer being slave to the drugs.
With Static’s transformation, his mind has creatively twisted to a side that he has waited to unleash! “The PIGHAMMER concept conjures up bizarre images,” Static explains. “It’s about a mad plastic surgeon, with a pig fetish, that likes to convert hot chicks into pigs. It is the total opposite if what a plastic surgeon would do. He has this crazy hammer device made from a pig foot. The images of the surgery in the CD package are only a dark comedic visualization of the real theme of the album, which is my transformation…”
Wayne Static’s career started with Static-X and their breakthrough debut, WISCONSIN DEATH TRIP, Static-X has sold over three million records, and they’ve completed numerous successful world tours including three Ozzfests, The Family Values Tour and Gigantour.
PIGHAMMER is the bastard child of Wayne Static’s transformation after a 12-year journey of metal annihilation. “It’s hard to believe that it’s 12 years since the release of WISCONSIN DEATH TRIP, and now my warped musical lunacy will take me down a new path of metal destruction. I’m looking forward to seeing you all on the upcoming fall tour.”
Track List:
1. Pighammer
2. Around The Turn
3. Assassins Of Youth
4. Thunder Invader
5. Static Killer
6. She
7. Get It Together
8. Chrome Nation
9. Shifter
10. Slave
11. The Creatures Are Everywhere
12. Behind The Sky
For more information go to http://www.facebook.com/waynestatic or http://www.waynestatic.com/ .
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*** PRESS RELEASE #31 ***
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-Fans Express Destructive Pleasure Via Five New Mortiis Re-mix Kits
OSLO, NORWAY — Mortiis has uploaded five new re-mix kits to the Mortiis Remixed website, making a total of eight songs available for fans to use and abuse.
The site ( http://remix.mortiis.com ) is a forum that allows anyone with access to music programs such as Live, Cubase, Logic, Garageband, and the like to download separated tracks and loops and create their own re-mixes.
“We got a bunch of mixes in return on the first batch of songs and we uploaded all the re-mixes to the player at Mortiis Remixed for everyone to hear,” Mortiis said. “We hope this will be as successful as it was last time around.”
As an added incentive for fans to destruct and reconstruct as creatively as they can, the group is considering pulling the best contributions for inclusion on a future download re-mix album.
“Some of the re-mixes we got from the fans last time were so creative that we think they could be worthy of having their own release,” Mortiis said. “It’s a great opportunity for us to encourage fans to stretch the limits of their imaginations and create something cool for us, as well as themselves.”
http://www.mortiis.com/
http://www.facebook.com/officialmortiis
http://www.flickr.com/officialmortiis
http://www.myspace.com/mortiis1
http://www.youtube.com/officialmortiis
http://www.myxer.com/mortiis
http://mortiisnews.blogspot.com/
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*** PRESS RELEASE #32 ***
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-Megaton Leviathan: Oregon Doom Gazers Announce Fall Tour With Wolves In The Throne Room
Band To Re-Release 2009 Demo On Limited Edition Vinyl
Portland, Oregon doom gazers, Megaton Leviathan, will embark upon a two-week East Coast tour with headliners Wolves In The Throne Room. Known for their elaborate stage productions and stunning live visuals, Megaton Leviathan takes its listeners on a ritualistic journey that transcends far beyond the boundaries of rock ‘n’ roll. The Celestial Lineage tour is set to commence on September 14, 2011 in Washington, DC, and will run in conjunction to the re-release of the band’s 2009 self-titled demo EP, now available on limited-edition vinyl through the band’s own Volatile Rock Records. Offering up 35-minutes of raw, ethereal riffing and postrock atmosphere, the re-mastered demo is limited to 500 copies.
Said the band in a collective statement: “We are very excited to announce that we will be joining our good friends, Wolves In The Throne Room, on a two-week leg of their upcoming North American Tour in support of their new album, CELESTIAL LINEAGE. It is especially thrilling because this tour has been booked DIY and we will be playing in underground and off-the-beaten-path spaces. This is very much in keeping with the way we wish to tour and share our vision. Looking forward to seeing some familiar faces — particularly the folks at the Little Hamilton in Nashville, and all you cats in Austin and New Orleans — and covering some new ground. Make sure to keep an eye on wittr.com for venue listings and directions.”
MEGATON LEVIATHAN The Celestial Lineage Tour 2011
w/ Wolves In The Throne Room:
9/14/2011 TBA – Washington, DC [check wittr.com for location]
9/15/2011 Broad Street Ministries – Philadelphia, PA
9/16/2011 TBA – Bethlehem, PA
9/17/2011 Strange Matter – Richmond, VA
9/18/2011 Legitimate Business – Greensboro NC
9/20/2011 JD’s – Sheffield, AL
9/21/2011 The Little Hamilton – Nashville, TN
9/22/2011 Magnetic Theater – Atlanta, GA
9/23/2011 The Chop Shop – St Petersburg, FL
9/24/2011 The Farside Collective – Tallahassee, FL
9/25/2011 TBA – New Orleans, LA [check wittr.com for location]
9/27/2011 TBA – Austin, TX [check wittr.com for location]
Check out live footage of the band in Austin here:
http://www.earsplitcompound.com/site/?p=3022
“The sound is ethereal doom/drone/ambient sonic vastness with beautiful hooks.” — Cosmic Hearse
http://megatonleviathan.com/
http://www.myspace.com/megatonleviathan
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*** NEWS/RUMORS ***
*
-About Heavy Metal’s “Best Heavy Metal Albums Of 1987” and “Best Heavy Metal Albums Of 1988” lists are up at http://glclk.about.com/?zi=1/DK91 and http://glclk.about.com/?zi=1/DO9l , respectively.
-Check out reports of Black Country Communion’s recent UK gigs at O2 Academy venues in Leeds and Manchester, at these links:
http://bccommunion.com/news/bcc-wows-o2-academy-true-rock-performance/
http://bccommunion.com/news/manchester-o2-academy-bcc-show-lifetime/
See http://www.bccommunion.com/ for more.
-Further to the Edguy press release above, the green vinyl edition of the “Robin Hood” single is a numbered, 180g 12″ maxi LP that comes with a poster. See http://www.edguy.net/ for more.
-Toronto’s Fatality has new blog entries from its Western Annihilation Tour posted at http://fatalitythrash.blogspot.com/ . See http://www.facebook.com/pages/FATALITY/97224729901 and http://www.myspace.com/fatalitythrashf*ck for more.
-Firewind — Apollo Papathanasio on vocals, Gus G. on guitar, Petros Christo on bass, Bob Katsionis on keyboards and guitar, and Michael Ehre on drums — is set to tour the UK and North America. The “Defiance Over Europe” Tour 2011 with Wolf, as presented by Blackstar Amplification, Rock Hard (Germany), Rock Tribune (Benelux) and Lords Of Metal (Benelux) is as follows:
9/9 – Talking Head, Southampton, UK
9/10 – Moho, Manchester, UK
9/11 – Cathouse, Glasgow, Scotland
9/12 – Sub 89, Reading, UK
9/14 – Boerderij, Zoetermeer, The Netherlands
9/15 – W2, Den Bosch, The Netherlands
9/16 – Rock Temple, Kerkrade, The Netherlands
9/17 – Biebob, Vosselaar, Belgium
9/18 – Underground, Cologne, Germany
9/19 – Colos Saal, Aschaffenburg, Germany
9/20 – Knust, Hamburg, Germany
9/22 – Szene, Vienna, Austria
9/23 – Revolver Club, San Dona Di Piave, Italy
9/24 – Borderline, Pisa, Italy
9/26 – Le Nouveau Casino, Paris, France
Then “The Frets Of Fury” North American Tour 2011 with Arsis, White Wizzard, and Nightrage is as follows:
10/9 – The State Theater, St. Petersburg, FL
10/10 – Masquerade, Atlanta, GA
10/11 – Jaxx, Springfield, VA
10/12 – Gramercy Theater, New York, NY
10/13 – Wally’s, Hampton, NH
10/14 – Les Foufounes Electriques, Montreal, QC
10/15 – Maverick’s, Ottawa, ON
10/16 – Peabody’s, Cleveland, OH
10/18 – Mojoe’s, Joliet, IL
10/19 – Station 4, St. Paul, MN
10/20 – The Osborne Village Inn, Winnipeg, MB
10/21 – Pawn Shop, Edmonton, AB
10/22 – Sapphire Nightclub, Kelowna, BC
10/23 – Rickshaw Theater, Vancouver, BC
10/24 – Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
10/25 – Hawthorne Theater, Portland, OR
10/26 – Slim’s, San Francisco, CA
10/27 – The Whisky A Go Go, Hollywood, CA
Check out a tour trailer at http://kmsrox.com/Press_Releases/Entries/2011/8/2_Firewind_Tour.html , get tickets at http://www.firewind.gr/2008/tour.html , and see http://www.firewind.gr/ for more.
-Foreigner’s March 2011 show at the Arcada Theater in St. Charles, IL, is airing on select PBS stations; see http://www.foreigneronline.com/news.html?n_id=741 for a complete schedule. A DVD of the show will also be included with FEELS LIKE THE FIRST TIME, a new collection due out September 13 through Walmart and Walmart.com. The PBS and DVD versions have “exclusive performances unique to each,” though, per the band’s website.
-Check out Graveyard’s new song “Lost In Confusion,” from the upcoming re-release of the band’s self-titled debut, at http://listn.to/Graveyard and http://www.myspace.com/graveyardsongs . Hype: “After the huge success of the Nuclear Blast debut HISINGEN BLUES — hailed as a downright masterpiece of Classic Rock on the part of the international press and fans — the re-release of the equally terrific debut album GRAVEYARD now follows. Nine flawless compositions — penned by true masters of their craft and refined with the nostalgic charm of old-time’s handmade rock music. Look forward to the 19th of August, when the album will come into stores via Nuclear Blast and Graveyard will hog your ears once again for many, many hours!”
-Grönholm’s video for “Out From The Nest,” from SILENT OUT LOUD, is available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHiwpLqdS9U . The album is out September 16 through Lion Music and “is home to 10 tracks full of infectious vocal melodies over dynamic musical backdrops.” See http://www.gronholmband.com/ and http://www.myspace.com/mikagronholm for more.
-Iron Lamb’s THE ORIGINAL SIN is due September 27 on Pulverized Records. The band of “Swedish rock ‘n’ roll punks” consists of Johan Wallin (General Surgery, Scurvy, Bombstrike, ex-Repugnant), Grga Lindström (ex-Repugnant), Thomas Daun (Dismember, ex-Repugnant, ex-Insision), and Daniel Ekeroth (Tyrant, ex-Insision, ex-Dellamorte, author of “Swedish Death Metal”). The album features a cover of Motorhead’s “Poison” and artwork/layout by Lindström and Watain’s Erik Danielsson of Trident Arts. See http://www.myspace.com/ironlambofficial for more.
-Karma To Burn’s upcoming North American tour dates, in support of V (Napalm Records):
8/23 – Burt’s Tiki Lounge, Salt Lake City, UT
8/24 – 3 Kings Tavern, Denver, CO
8/25 – Blue Lounge, Wichita, KS
8/26 – Jake’s Downtown Lounge, Tulsa, OK
8/27 – Slammin’ Salmon, Lafayette, LA
8/28 – Siberia, New Orleans, LA
8/30 – Tremont Music Hall, Charlotte, NC
8/31 – Star Bar, Atlanta, GA
9/1 – One Stop Deli / Music Hall, Asheville, NC
9/2 – Shamrock’s, Huntington, WV
9/3 – The Green Lantern, Lexington, KY
9/4 – 123 Pleasant Street, Morgantown, WV
9/5 – Krug’s Place, Frederick, MD
9/6 – The Saint, Asbury Park, NJ
9/7 – Great Scott, Allston, MA
9/8 – St. Vitus Bar, Brooklyn, NY
9/9 – The Outpost, Kent, OH
9/10 – Sound Factory, Charleston, WV
9/21 – Rock And Roll Hotel, Washington, DC
9/22 – Jewish Mother, Virginia Beach, VA
9/24 – Evil Robotothon @ Mad Hatter, Covington, KY
9/26 – Frankies Inner City, Toledo, OH
See http://www.k2b.com/ and http://www.napalmrecords.com/ for more.
-Kiss leaders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons are reportedly at work on a memoir entitled “Nothin’ To Lose” that will include “never-before-published photos” plus interviews with former band mates Ace Frehley and Peter Criss. Stanley will participate in Rock N Roll Fantasy Camp’s 14th Anniversary Celebration, which runs from November 10-13 in Hollywood, CA, and includes a “Final Night Concert” at the Playboy Mansion with Stanley. And on August 9, Stanley’s wife Erin Sutton gave birth to a baby girl named Emily Grace; she is the couple’s third child, and Stanley’s fourth overall. See http://www.paulstanley.com/ and http://www.kissonline.com/ for more.
-Kreyson’s 1992 album CRUSADERS has been reissued by Ulterium Records. Track list: “Pilgrimage,” “Crusaders,” “Commandments,” “No Bad Thing,” “Still,” “Stay A Moment,” “Forgiveness,” “Cries,” “Give Me Hope,” “The Prisoner.” Hype: “2011, Re-release of this classic metal album from the Czech heavy metal band Kreyson. Originally released in 1992. CRUSADERS sold gold in Czech Republic during the first year of its release. New artwork for the re-release created by Felipe Machado Franco (Blind Guardian, Rhapsody Of Fire, Iced Earth). Check out clips of three songs at http://musicbuymail.eu/?i=34428 .
-TMZ.com reported former Warrant singer Jani Lane was found dead yesterday, August 11, at the Comfort Inn in Woodland Hills, CA. He was 47 years old and is survived by a wife and four children. Last month he taped an episode of VH1 Classic’s “That Metal Show” with Stryper’s Michael Sweet and Faster Pussycat’s Taime Downe, which is scheduled to air October 1, and he reportedly was working on an album with producer Dito Godwin.
-Michael Monroe’s new video for “78,” from the upcoming SENSORY OVERDRIVE, can be seen at http://www.noisecreep.com/2011/08/01/michael-monroe-78-video/ . See http://www.michaelmonroe.com/ for more.
-Poison’s Bret Michaels will headline the third annual XSport Fitness Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon, which benefits the American Cancer Society, on August 14. Hype: “The XSport Fitness Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon benefiting the American Cancer Society will feature live bands, cheerleaders and a block party atmosphere as runners tour the Second City’s best sights and scenic landmarks. Michaels will take the stage at the finish line festival in Grant Park immediately following the race where runners will celebrate after running along a high energy, action packed course.” See http://www.competitor.com/ , http://www.acsdetermination.org/ , and http://www.bretmichaels.com/ for more.
-A live version of Sabaton’s “Swedish Pagans,” from the just-released WORLD WAR LIVE – BATTLE OF THE BALTIC SEA (Nuclear Blast), is available at http://www.facebook.com/sabaton and http://www.myspace.com/sabaton . Hype: “It’s anything but a secret that the Swedish six are a stunner on stage. Now their concentrated live power was captured on a record for the very first time, which will provide an authentic concert atmosphere for your living rooms from August on.” See http://www.sabaton.net/ for more.
-Tribunal Records’ digital catalog has just been re-launched with a new service provider. The label is currently offering “deep discounts” on back catalog titles and has now made available some out-of-print titles. Check out the Releases and Discography pages at http://www.tribunalrecords.net/home/releases and http://www.tribunalrecords.net/home/discography , respectively, for more.
-Y&T’s song “Dirty Girl” will appear in the film “Machine Gun Preacher,” starring Gerard Butler and scheduled for a September 23 release in the US. See http://www.YandTRocks.com/ and http://www.meniketti.com/ for more.
Thanks to Nancy B. Sayle, Nathan Birk, Music Buy Mail, Matt Rudzinski, Chad Bowar, Liz Ciavarella-Brenner, Jon Asher, Kimmie M. Sharon, and Jeff “747” Adee for help gathering some of this information.
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*** ROCK HARD RIDE FREE ***
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by Tim Wadzinski (tsw512@yahoo.com)
-I was at a game convention last weekend and played in a Kiss-themed role-playing game. The system was TSR’s old Marvel Superheroes RPG from the ’80s, and the scenario — entitled “KISS-Tastrophe” — had four players teaming up, as the Marvel comics’ superhero versions of Kiss, to defend a concert hall from attack by a trio of super villains in 1976. The guy running the game was in full DRESSED TO KILL-era Gene Simmons getup — makeup, wig, and business suit. Pretty funny. He augmented the game with Kiss songs on his iPad and iPhone, used a noisemaker to shoot confetti all over the table when the in-game concert started, and brought hand-painted Kiss miniatures that we moved around the tabletop. I played Ace Frehley and the highlight was electrocuting Doctor Octopus onstage with my “Shock Me” electrifying grasp. 🙂 My buddy Jeff played Paul Stanley and used his hypnotic charms to keep Hobgoblin at bay while the rest of us fought. The game was run by an organization called the Dead Game Society; check them out at http://www.dgsociety.com/ . It was pretty cool and fun.
-Awesome — two separate press releases above used the phrase “hence the title.” Where did that phrase come from? I remember jokingly using it a lot in college 20 years ago; it’s so wonderfully pretentious, and I crack up at the thought of rocker dudes and dudettes using the word “hence.” Yeah, I know I’m weird but it’s still funny.
-That Sweden Rock Cruise lineup looks, um, odd. Exodus, Anvil, Dark Funeral, Hell, and… Helix. “One of these things is not like the other / One of these things is TOTALLY DIFFERENT!”
-Okay, so, Megaton Leviathan *had* to get its name from the lyrics to Judas Priest’s “Delivering The Goods,” right? Right?!
-That Metal For Cancer All-Star Project sure sounds cool. Please support it in whatever way you can.
-I’m sure glad Saxon’s CALL TO ARMS is getting a US release and supporting tour. Long live Saxon!
-I actually a guy wearing a The Lord Weird Slough Feg T-shirt last weekend. Very cool.
-In my current playlist: Seven Witches – CALL UPON THE WICKED (FrostByte Records), Shakra – BACK ON TRACK (AFM Records), Borealis – FALL FROM GRACE (Lion Music), Tyr – THE LAY OF THRYM (Napalm Records).
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*** REVIEWS ***
*
WILL ROMANO – MOUNTAINS COME OUT OF THE SKY: THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF PROG ROCK (BOOK) (A) Backbeat Books, 2010
246 Pages
[ http://www.backbeatbooks.com/ ]
This is actually the first book I’ve reviewed for Detritus, and I’m happy to say that this is a real gem. “Mountains Come Out Of The Sky” provides a great overview of the history of progressive rock, and it’s one that hardcore connoisseurs, casual fans and those just getting into the genre can appreciate. The book starts off strong with a great foreword by none other than Bill Bruford, drummer extraordinaire and no stranger to the world of prog rock, having been the first to sit behind the drum kit of one of the greatest progressive artists, Yes. Following an interesting exploration of exactly what prog is, Mr. Romano wastes no time getting into the bands, including the foundational work of The Beatles, Frank Zappa, Pink Floyd, Procol Harum and The Moody Blues. The golden age of prog rock is very well represented, with entire chapters on not only obvious inclusions such as Yes, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Genesis and Jethro Tull, but some of the lesser known artist like Camel, Gentle Giant and UK. Of course there are excellent entries on Rush and US contributors to the prog scene such as Kansas and Styx, completed by the neo-prog movement of the early ’80s as defined by Marillion along with modern, prog metal entities like Dream Theater and Symphony X. Exhaustively researched and lavishly illustrated, “Mountains Come Out Of The Sky” is a feast for the eyes and brain, and definitely belongs in the library of anyone who appreciates the creativity, virtuosity, complexity and beauty of progressive rock music.
– Neal Woodall (MysticX9@gmail.com)
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*** FEEDBACK ***
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1. From: tmojoman@hotmail.com (Michael Tomanek)
Re: Alterbridge- BLACKBIRD
Tim,
I also had dismissed Alterbridge when they first came out, due to the trauma Creed had inflicted upon me in the late 90’s. But…after hearing “Rise Again” a few years ago on 95.1, I was completely taken in by the songwriting and Myles Kennedy’s amazing voice & vocal range. I bought BLACKBIRD and was totally blown away. I would say there are at least three hard rock classics on that album, including “Brand New Start” and “Wayward One.” Highly recommended album.
Take care!
-Michael.
[Awesome man, thanks for the tip! – Tim]
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*** OUT ***
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Issue #602
Detritus
Issue #602
Week of July 25, 2011
http://DetritusZine.com/
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*** CAST OF CHARACTERS ***
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Patrick Brower, Editor
pwbrower@gmail.com
Sean P. Gahgan, Editor
spgahgan@comcast.net
http://www.lakeoffire.net/
http://www.myspace.com/visionlakeoffire
Tim Wadzinski, Owner
tsw512@yahoo.com
Steve Shumake, Co-owner
vongoober@neb.rr.com
http://www.facebook.com/KnuckleDeepBand
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*** LET IT BE KNOWN ***
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-This one’s coming at you a little late here because we won’t have an issue next week. See ya! – Tim
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*** PRESS RELEASE #1 ***
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-A Legacy Comes TO An End: Jag Panzer Disbands
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — After more than three decades of delivering heavy metal to the masses, Jag Panzer have decided to call it quits.
“We are proud of every album we released and the support we’ve received from the heavy metal community,” states guitarist and founder Mark Briody. “We’ve played so many places around the world and enjoyed every minute of it but the time has come where we just cannot move forward as a band.”
Guitarist Christian Lasegue left the band last month to pursue his degree full time. “Christian did an amazing job on THE SCOURGE OF THE LIGHT and it was a pleasure working with him,” continues Briody. “We wished Christian well but kept this quiet until we found a replacement.”
Drummer Rikard Stjernquist says, “Several guitar players applied for the job. It was a pleasant surprise to see so many young guitarists with advanced chops. One player, 19 year old Jake Dreyer, submitted videos of him nailing solos from both Chris Broderick and Christian Lasegue. We were ready to welcome Jake into the band but unfortunately that will not happen. There is no doubt in any of our minds that Jake will go on to be a household name in his own right.”
Bassist John Tetley adds a final statement: “In closing, we’d like to send out a huge heartfelt THANK YOU to metal fans throughout the world. You all rule!”
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-Triumph’s Classic Breakthrough Album, ALLIED FORCES, To Be Reissued As Killer Vinyl Package For 30th Anniversary, “Rockline” Appearance Announced
Triumph’s 1981 release, ALLIED FORCES, was the album where it all came together for these Canadian prog-metallists — great compositions, great performances, and great album design… back when album designs mattered! And now, fans will be able to take a highly welcome trip down memory lane, as ALLIED FORCES will be reissued as a “30th Anniversary Vinyl Edition” on Tuesday, September 20th, 2011.
The album’s tracks are from the original source material (as prepared by the legendary Bob Ludwig), while the packaging itself will exactly mirror the original ’81 vinyl version (including the four-color, UV coated inner sleeve, complete with photos, lyrics and credits). The record itself will be pressed on pristine 180 gram vinyl, which will also include a free download card, so fans can download this rock n’ roll classic, as well as a video, directly to their digital player.
TML Entertainment will be releasing the album, distributed by ADA in the US and UMG in Canada. The LP will be manufactured by Rainbo Records in Los Angeles, the premier replicator of vinyl in North America.
ALLIED FORCES spawned two of Triumph’s most beloved and enduring arena rock anthems — “Magic Power” and “Fight The Good Fight.” Produced by the group themselves (vocalist/guitarist Rik Emmett, bassist Michael Levine, and vocalist/drummer Gil Moore), the nine-track album was certified Platinum, and has gone on to sell an impressive 2.5 million copies worldwide.
“I am excited that the ALLIED FORCES LP is being re-released,” enthuses Levine. “Vinyl was always my favorite audio format, because it has really nice warmth and depth. Yet another reason to polish up the turntable and crank up the volume!”
Additionally, all three members of Triumph will be debuting the release of the album along with host Bob Coburn, live on “Rockline,” Wednesday, September 21st (30 years to the week of the album’s original release).
Soon, you will be able to re-create the excitement you experienced when you cruised down to the local record shop to pick up ALLIED FORCES, back in the fall of ’81.
Get prepared to fight the good fight once more!
ALLIED FORCES Track Listing:
Side “A”
“Fool For Your Love” – 4:34
“Magic Power” – 4:54
“Air Raid” – 1:18
“Allied Forces” – 5:05
“Hot Time (In This City Tonight)” – 3:23
Side “B”
“Fight the Good Fight” – 6:16
“Ordinary Man” – 7:17
“Petite Etude” instrumental – 1:15
“Say Goodbye” – 4:34
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:
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-Mr. Big On First USA Tour In 15 Years: Get Your VIP Experience Package Now!!
HOLLYWOOD, CA — Get your VIP Experience packages for Mr. Big now!!
http://www.rightrockclothingco.com/store/category.php?id_category=25
Each package is $195 per person and includes a ticket to the show.
The package includes:
• A Concert Ticket (or ticket reimbursement if ticket was already purchased elsewhere)
• Meet & Greet w/ Mr. Big
• Photograph w/ Mr. Big
• Autograph Session w/ Mr. Big
• Limited Edition VIP Experience T Shirt
• Autographed 8 X 10
• Official VIP Experience Laminate
• Set of official guitar picks
• Mr. Big Sticker
Rightrock will ship out in advance the VIP Laminate, T-shirt, sticker, guitar picks and event outline to the VIPs. The day of the show you meet up with the VIP Host (a member of Mr. Big’s crew) who will distribute the tickets and 8 X 10 photos. The VIP Host will then take you to the VIP area and take a photo of you with the band. You also have an autograph / meet time with the band to make it a bit more personal. The Meet and Greet will be before the show. So be the first on your block to be a rock star and get our VIP with Mr. Big!
Mr. Big on tour:
JULY
30 – San Diego, CA – 4th & B
31 – Agoura Hills, CA – The Canyon Club
AUGUST
2 – Tempe, AZ – Marquee Theatre
4 – Santa Ana, CA – Galaxy Theatre
5 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore
6 – Modesto, CA – Xclamation Festival
8 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex
9 – Denver, CO – Summit Music Hall
12 – Chicago, IL – House Of Blues
13 – Columbus, OH – Al Rosa Villa
16 – Pittsburgh, PA – Trib Total Media Amphitheater
17 – Cleveland, OH – House Of Blues
19 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom
20 – Detroit, MI – Harpo’s
23 – New York, NY – BB King’s
24 – Foxborough, MA – Showcase Live
26 – N. Myrtle Beach, SC – House Of Blues
27 – Lake Buena Vista, FL – House Of Blues
30 – Houston, TX – House Of Blues
31 – Dallas, TX – House Of Blues
For more information please visit http://www.mrbigsite.com/ .
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-Magic Circle Music Update
[Note: This combines several updates. – Tim]
Manowar Returns To The UK And Ireland With A Full Tour On November 2011
After 16 long years, Manowar returned triumphantly to England in March 2011 with a historic sold-out concert in Birmingham. That obviously wasn’t enough for the Manowarriors in the UK and they demanded the loudest band in the world return, but this time for a FULL UK/Ireland tour: England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland and Wales! And once again Manowar heard the call of their fans!
During the spring, the Leg 1 of the sold-out BATTLE HYMNS 2011 Tour conquered the USA, Greece, Switzerland, England, Sweden, Portugal, The Netherlands and Spain. The BATTLE HYMNS 2011 UK/Ireland Tour will bring the power of Manowar’s incredibly intense performance back into the halls and will shake the walls! The band will perform their debut album BATTLE HYMNS in its entirety, along with the other epic hymns that all Manowar fans live for!
During an exclusive pre-sale period, which starts on Friday, July 22 2011, tickets will only be available through Metal Hammer UK. Stay tuned for more details!
BATTLE HYMNS 2011 UK/Ireland Tour Dates:
Tue, Nov 1, 2011 – O2 Academy Glasgow – Glasgow, Scotland
Fri, Nov 4, 2011 – O2 Academy Leeds – Leeds, England
Sat, Nov 5, 2011 – O2 Academy Brixton – London, England
Sun, Nov 6, 2011 – The Great Hall – Cardiff, Wales
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 – The Academy – Dublin, Ireland
Thu, Nov 10, 2011 – Mandela Hall – Belfast, Northern Ireland
Tickets Are On Sale Now! Manowar Battle Hymns 2011 UK/Ireland Tour In November
Manowar is returning to the UK and Ireland in November and tickets are available NOW through a special cooperation between Manowar and Metal Hammer UK Magazine!
During this sale period, you’ll be able to purchase tickets through a Warrior Pack or a King Of Metal Pack:
Warrior Pack includes:
– Ticket for the Manowar concert of your choice during the UK/Ireland Tour.
– Download of a brand new, unreleased new studio track from Manowar’s upcoming album.
– BATTLE HYMNS MMXI Special Edition CD with four additional bonus tracks.
– Metal Hammer UK Magazine: 25th Anniversary Special Edition. Packed with exclusive features from Metal Hammer’s 25 year history and the full story behind BATTLE HYMNS MMXI Special Edition.
King Of Metal Pack includes:
– All the same items as the Warrior Pack as described above… plus…
…Ultimate Fan Pass to the Manowar concert of your choice during the UK/Ireland Tour!
The Ultimate Fan Pass fulfills the demands of the most loyal true Manowarriors for a unique concert experience. It includes:
– Personalized autograph from the whole band
– Early admittance into the venue
– Soundcheck experience
– Exclusive laminated Ultimate Fan Pass
– A guided tour of the show’s production departments where you’ll be able to learn more about Manowar’s custom-made gear and instruments directly from Manowar’s crew themselves!
– Free Manowar T-shirt
– 50% Discount Voucher for purchase of tour merchandise!
– Magic Circle Music Gift Bag
– And much more!
Ultimate Fan Passes are available in VERY limited quantities per show!
To buy your ticket today and for more information go to: http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/manowar .
Manowar Release Exclusive, Special Edition Of BATTLE HYMNS MMXI With Four Bonus Tracks
In celebration of their forthcoming UK/Ireland Tour in November 2011, Manowar will be releasing a Special Edition of their BATTLE HYMNS MMXI album featuring four bonus live songs, recorded during Leg 1 of the BATTLE HYMNS 2011 World Tour:
– “Call To Arms” (Recorded Live at O2 Academy in Birmingham, England, March 27, 2011)
– “Hand Of Doom” (Recorded Live at La Riviera in Madrid, Spain, April 10, 2011)
– “House Of Death” (Recorded Live at O2 Academy in Birmingham, England, March 27, 2011)
– “Thunder In The Sky” (Recorded Live at Campo Pequeno in Lisbon, Portugal, April 2, 2011)
The album is only available as part of the “Manowar Battle Pack UK,” which also includes Metal Hammer’s 25th Anniversary Special Manowar Edition packed with exclusive features from Metal Hammer’s 25 year history and featuring the full story behind this new CD.
The “Manowar Battle Pack UK” is available in limited quantities and can be ordered immediately online for worldwide shipping under http://www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk/manowar-battle-pack/ .
For the best value possible, those who wish can purchase the “Manowar Battle Pack UK” along with a ticket for the BATTLE HYMNS 2011 UK/Ireland Tour by going to http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/manowar . And if you choose to buy your CD in conjunction with a ticket you’ll also receive a download of a brand new, unreleased new studio track straight from Manowar’s upcoming album as an extra bonus!
Asked what made this BATTLE HYMNS 2011 tour so special compared to previous ones, bassist Joey DeMaio explained: “With this tour we are paying tribute to our beginnings. It’s very important to not forget where one starts. We are playing in venues similar to the ones of our first tours. They bring band and fans closer together. We love playing big halls and stadiums as well as festivals, and we are looking forward to doing this next year again. But these more ‘personal’ gigs have a very unique atmosphere. And like with the re-recorded BATTLE HYMNS album, we give the fans the best of both worlds: The atmosphere of the past with the best technology of today.”
Manowar had recently re-recorded their highly acclaimed debut album, BATTLE HYMNS, since finally technology had caught up with Manowar’s custom-built touring and recording equipment. The classic hymns now feature the massive sound and production that has become Manowar’s signature over recent years and records, and also include a narration by screen legend and Heavy Metal brother Sir Christopher Lee on “Dark Avenger.”
BATTLE HYMNS MMXI Special Edition – Track list:
1 – Death Tone
2 – Metal Daze
3 – Fast Taker
4 – Shell Shock
5 – Manowar
6 – Dark Avenger (feat. narration by Sir Christopher Lee)
7 – William’s Tale
8 – Battle Hymn
Live Bonus Tracks:
9 – Call To Arms – Recorded Live at O2 Academy in Birmingham, England, March 27, 2011
10 – Hand Of Doom – Recorded Live at La Riviera in Madrid, Spain, April 10, 2011
11 – House Of Death – Recorded Live at O2 Academy in Birmingham, England, March 27, 2011
12 – Thunder In The Sky – Recorded Live at Campo Pequeno in Lisbon, Portugal, April 2, 2011
Check http://www.facebook.com/manowar for constant updates!
Magic Circle Music
http://www.magiccirclemusic.com/
Manowar
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-HammerFall Infect Europe!
The Swedish heavy metal giants HammerFall announce their highly anticipated return to the roads of Europe: “European Outbreak 2011.”
HammerFall is touring in support of INFECTED, which was released on May 20th followed by high entries around Europe including a #2 in Sweden and #9 in Germany.
It was well over two years HammerFall did a full leg European tour and Oscar Dronjak, guitarist comments: “Beginning on October 25th and ending on December 10th, we will embark on the real tour for INFECTED. Dubbed ‘European Outbreak,’ this will show the very best side of HammerFall, we’ve got some very cool things in the pipeline for this tour! So hope you see you all at the shows, it will be a blast! And that’s guaran-damned-teed!”
HammerFall – “European Outbreak 2011”
31.10 – D – Hamburg – Große Freiheit
01.11 – B – Antwerp – Trix
02.11 – D – Filderstadt – Filharmonie
04.11 – D – Oberhausen – Turbinenhalle
05.11 – F – Paris – Bataclan
06.11 – L – Esch-Sur-Alzette – Rockhal
07.11 – CH – Zurich – Volkhaus
09.11 – A – Vienna – Arena @
10.11 – A – Graz – Orpheum
11.11 – I – Milan – Magazinni Generali
12.11 – D – München – Theaterfabrik
15.11 – PL – Warzaw – Stodola
16.11 – D – Berlin – Huxleys
17.11 – NL – Tilburg – 013
18.11 – D – Köln – Essigfabrik
27.11 – SK – Trencin – Piano
28.11 – HU – Budapest – Petöfi Hall
30.11 – RO – Bucharest – Hard Rock Café
01.12 – SER – Belgrade – SKC
02.12 – CRO – Zagreb – Boogaloo
03.12 – SLO – Ljubljana – Siska
04.12 – D – Passau – Dreiländerhalle
09.12 – PT – Porto – Hard Club
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-Black Country Communion Update
[This is compiled from the band’s latest email newsletter. – Tim]
BCC Album Of The Month
Black Country Communion is a modern “super-group.” Their individual talents bring in sounds from their past bands yet they gel so well that BCC has a sound all its own. This could be a lost album from the ’70s as the music fits that era, but the expertise gained since then means that it could only come from right now. Glenn Hughes is a great front man, with soaring vocals and tough bass lines, but singer-guitarist Joe Bonamassa is a huge presence on this record. With Jason Bonham on drums and Derek Sherinian on keys, who could ask for more? This is a stunning second album from a band that could have settled for just one release. With a UK tour scheduled for later in the year you also have the opportunity to see them play the album live so don’t miss out! A “must buy” for every guitarist.
BCC Gets Ready To Rock The UK
The latest rock “super-group” is about to undertake a short UK tour in support of their latest album, 2, which was released last month. Combining the talents of Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Black Sabbath), blues supreme Joe Bonamassa, Jason Bonham and keyboard player Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater), the band quickly came together following the King Of The Blues event in November 2009, when Glenn and Joe performed together and decided they’d like to record something. Joe says getting together as a band came about quite speedily. “It was basically (record producer) Kevin Shirley’s idea.” he says, “Glenn and I wanted to do something, but couldn’t get around to actually doing it. We rang Jason, and Kevin suggested Derek, as I didn’t want us to be a power trio. We were in the studio five weeks later.”
The first, eponymously named album was released in September last year, reaching number six in the US Indie charts and number 13 in the UK.
The band, named after the region of the UK where Hughes and Bonham grew up, performed a couple of dates in Britain last year and are appearing at the High Voltage Festival at Victoria Park, London, on July 24, the same day as Sherinian’s band Dream Theater.
Joe Bonamassa is widely regarded as one of the world’s premier blues artists and he too has not long since released a new album. DUST BOWL, released last March, is his ninth studio album and reached number 37 in the American charts and 12 in the UK — his highest placings in either country. But, strangely, Joe was influenced not by the blues men of his native land (with the possible exception of B.B. King). “It’s a taste thing really,” he says, “I found European, and particularly British, blues a bit more loud and dangerous, the American stuff is a bit more subtle. I’d describe our music as early ’70s British hard rock with elements of bands like Deep Purple, Free and ELP.” The blues seems to have come more into Black Country Communion’s second album, as the first was very definitely rock. There’s arguably a totally different sound. Joe says: “It’s a totally different batch of songs. The first album was put together very quickly and we had nothing left over, so we were starting from scratch. The first album took five days to record, whereas this new one took two-and-a-half weeks, so we had more time to concentrate on the songs. We didn’t want to repeat anything from the first album and they are two totally different works.”
The live shows promise to be full of riff-laden songs, with musical virtuosity and all punctuated with Glenn Hughes’ gut-wrenching voice. Joe adds: “I have no idea at the moment which songs we’ll be playing. We have two albums to call on, with songs of differing tempos, plus we have our respective catalogues there as well. Plus we’ll be doing it ‘old school’ with just the four of us on stage.” With only five dates (six if you count High Voltage), tickets will sell pretty fast, and because all four members of the group have hectic solo schedules — Joe will be doing a solo tour of the UK in October — it is impossible to say when they will be back, or when any new material will be released. “It’s really hard to say,” Joe says. “But we’ve nothing else really planned until late next year.”
BCC Rocks High Voltage Festival
Black Country Communion and Judas Priest flew the flag for the Midlands at the second High Voltage rock festival in London at the weekend.
Black Country Communion — featuring Cannock-born singer and bassist Glenn Hughes and Dudley-born drummer Jason Bonham, son of Led Zeppelin legend John — had the unenviable task of following the ultimate goodtime band Thunder, reunited for a one-off appearance.
But BCC showed during their hour-long set last night that they have the chops and the sounds to make a huge impact on the High Voltage crowd.
Taking in tracks from their two albums, including a superb “Save Me” and “Song Of Yesterday,” they wrapped things up with a rearranged version of guitarist Joe Bonamassa’s “The Ballad Of John Henry” and then a cataclysmic “Burn” from Hughes’ days with Deep Purple.
Date – City – Venue
07/27/11 – Newcastle – O2 Academy
07/29/11 – Glasgow – O2 Academy
07/30/11 – Manchester – O2 Academy
08/02/11 – Stockholm – Cirkus
08/05/11 – Notodden – Notodden
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-Emerson, Lake & Palmer 40TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION CONCERT Available On DVD And Blu-ray On August 23
The 40th Anniversary Reunion Of The World’s Greatest Prog-Rock Band
Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP) reformed for the first time since 1998 for their final show to headline the High Voltage Festival on Sunday, July 25th 2010. And what a show it was!
2010/2011 marks the 40th anniversary of the creation of Emerson Lake & Palmer. ELP was a predominant force that laid the foundation for all progressive rock. The band consists of Keith Emerson, the explosive keyboard who came from the Nice, the sultry vocals and extraordinary bass of Greg Lake from King Crimson and the theatrical and extraordinary drumming of Carl Palmer, who emerged from Atomic Rooster.
ELP became the first true prog-rock Super Group and defined an era.
This is a show that brings back the same theatrics that the highly creative and unsurpassable combination of Keith Emerson’s legendary keyboards, Greg Lake’s extraordinary voice, and the dramatic drumming of Carl Palmer to their core fan base and to the new generation that hails the musical and technical virtuosity that ELP delivered at every performance, and recorded in every album.
Trailer:
Songs Include Their Greatest Hits
– Karn Evil 9: 1st Impression – Part 2
– The Barbarian
– Bitches Crystal
– Knife Edge
– From The Beginning
– Touch And Go
– Take A Pebble/Tarkus
– Farewell To Arms
– Lucky Man
– Pictures At An Exhibition
– Fanfare For The Common Man/Drum Solo/Rondo
Bonus Materials:
– Interviews with managers, Rock music journalist, tour manager and archivist
– Contains brand new interviews by Rock DJ Nicky Horne with Keith Emerson, Greg Lake and Carl Palmer
Hi Res Cover Art:
Order Link:
http://www.seeofsound.com/p.php?s=MVD5219D
What the fans are saying…
“Seeing ELP together for only the 5th time in nearly 40 years of being a fan was just beyond my wildest dreams.”
“It was an amazing show. Part of me wants them to tour so I can see them again, another part doesn’t so I can gloat.”
“Thanks for uploading this precious and unique material, 500 characters in this box are not enough to describe, admire and appreciate this performance, living legends, masters of the stage, real professionals, a dream come true …”
“Great show!!!!! I wish they make a world tour once again for us!”
“It was a great gig and I really, really, really hope they are here to stay (at least for a while). Great music, great band and High Voltage was, for me, a well organized and brilliant event.”
“The final band to perform were Emerson, Lake & Palmer. Reunited for the first show in 15 years, the three piece super-group brought High Voltage to a close with a performance to remember. Many will consider ELP as a band for fellow musicians to enjoy, but as a non-musician myself, I’d say anyone can enjoy a band with such talent.”
“ELP were the highlight, a brilliantly constructed show, excellent choice of songs. Stage pyrotechnics, knives in Keith’s keyboards, revolving stage for drum solo, cannons — the whole works. Carl Palmer has lost none of skill, an absolute powerhouse, breathtaking to observe.”
MVD Entertainment Group
PO BOX 280
Oaks PA 19456
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-Michael Monroe To Release SENSORY OVERDRIVE August 23rd; World Tour To Follow
HOLLYWOOD, CA — Iconic rock front man, Michael Monroe, will release his new CD SENSORY OVERDRIVE in the US and Canada on August 23rd on Spinefarm/ Universal. The new CD from the former front man of the influential band Hanoi Rocks was produced by legendary producer Jack Douglas (Aerosmith, John Lennon, Cheap Trick). The CD also features guest performances from Americana artist Lucinda Williams and Motorhead front man Lemmy. The first single and video from SENSORY OVERDRIVE is the track “78.” The video will have its world premiere on AOL on August 1st.
In support of the CD, Monroe will head out September 30th on a 16-date US and Canadian tour with his all-star band featuring guitarists Steve Conte (New York Dolls) and Dregen (Hellacopters, Backyard Babies), bassist Sami Yaffa (Hanoi Rocks, Jetboy, Joan Jett And The Blackhearts), and drummer Karl “Rockfist” Rosqvist (Danzig).
Following the US run, the band will head to Japan for the V Rock festival to be followed by shows in Michael’s home country of Finland. The band will then end 2011 with a run of shows in the UK co-headlining with Wednesday 13. Tour dates are as follows:
TOUR DATES:
Wed, Sep 7 – Stockholm Debaser Medis – Sweden
Fri, Sep 9 – Naantali – Finland
Sat, Sep 10 – Finland – Radio Rock Cruise
Fri, Sep 30 – Philadelphia, PA – Trocadero
Sat, Oct 1 – Baltimore, MD – Sonar
Sun, Oct 2 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom
Tue, Oct 4 – Boston, MA – Great Scott
Wed, Oct 5 – Montreal, QC – Les Foufounes Electriques
Thu, Oct 6 – Toronto, ON – Mod Club Theater
Fri, Oct 7 – Cleveland, OH – Peabody’s
Sat, Oct 8 – Chicago, IL – Reggie’s Rock Club
Sun, Oct 9 – St. Paul, MN – Station 4
Mon, Oct 10 – St. Louis, MO – FuBar
Wed, Oct 12 – Denver, CO – Moe’s
Sat, Oct 15 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon
Sun, Oct 16 – Portland, OR – Dante’s
Tue, Oct 18 – Santa Clara, CA – Avalon Theater
Wed, Oct 19 – Santa Ana, CA – Galaxy Theatre
Thu, Oct 20 – Hollywood, CA – Whisky A Go Go
Sun, Oct 23 – V-Rock festival – Saitama Super Arena, Japan
Fri, Nov 4 – Lahti, Finland – Finlandia Club
Sat, Nov 5 – Tavastia, Finland – Tavastia Club (2 shows)
Thu, Nov 24 – Wolverhampton, England – Wulfrun Hall
Fri, Nov 25 – Manchester, England – Ritz
Sat, Nov 26 – Nottingham, England – Rock City
Sun, Nov 27 – Glasgow, Scotland – Garage
Mon, Nov 28 – Newcastle, England – Academy
Tue, Nov 29 – Leeds, England – Academy
Thu, Dec 1 – Bristol, England – Academy
Fri, Dec 2 – London, England – Electric Ballroom
Sat, Dec 3 – Prestatyn, Wales – HRH
The band will continue to do extensive touring in 2012 in support of SENSORY OVERDRIVE. For more information go to http://www.michaelmonroe.com/ .
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-Z Records News
Paul Sabu Two-Hour World Exclusive Radio Interview Aired This Week
Paul Sabu will be appearing live on Chris Nelson’s “Hair Metal Haven” this coming Saturday July 30th between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. GMT. The radio interview is Paul’s first for some time and will take up the whole two-hour show!! Paul will be talking about his album CALL OF THE WILD, recently released on Z Records, his next release for the label, his appearance at Z Rock 2012 which will be his debut on UK soil, and much more. Tune in via the ‘net at http://www.phoenixradio.co.uk/ for what promises to be a great show.
Omega Reveal Lineup For Debut Album
Omega have revealed their lineup two months before the release of their amazing debut. The band’s lineup is…
Lee Small (Shy, Phenomena) – Vocals
Vince O’Regan (Legion, Bob Catley) – Guitars
Ged Rylands (Ten, Contagious) – Guitars
Andy Pearce (7Days) – Drums
Steve Mercy (Holy Rage) – Bass
Join our official Facebook page (Z Records Official) to hear the band’s music.
£8.00 Madness At Z Online Store
All Z titles at our online store have been reduced to just £8.00 each, the heat has obviously got to us. But only until August 12th!!!
http://www.zrecords.net/
http://www.z-records.com/
http://www.facebook.com/ZRECORDS.OFFICAL
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-Doolittle Group: New Release Information
Artist/Band: Swedish Hitz Goes Metal
Title: SWEDISH HITZ GOES METAL
Release Date: 2011-08-25
Label: Doolittle Group
Style: Hard Rock/Metal
Origin: Sweden
Territory: Worldwide
Selling Points:
o Tommy ReinXeed one of the most talented musicians/vocalists we have in Sweden.
o Successful with the bands ReinXeed & Golden Resurrection in Japan. Reached good chart positions on Japanese metal charts.
o Now Tommy ReinXeed comes with an album filled with 14 exploding hits originally written by ABBA, Roxette & Ace Of Base.
o Two promotional videos taken from the album are available on YouTube.
o First single “Money Money Money” originally written by ABBA & Roxette’s “The Look” has caught a lot of attention all around the world & lots of viewers. This is only the beginning of the saga about Tommy ReinXeed & Swedish Hitz Goes Metal!
Track List:
1. Mamma Mia
2. The Look
3. Money Money Money
4. The Sign
5. Summer Night City
6. All That She Wants
7. Super Trouper
8. Joyride
9. Intermezzo No. 1
10. Sleeping In My Car
11. The Winner Takes It All
12. Beautiful Life
13. Lay All Your Love On Me
14. Listen To Your Heart
Overview:
SWEDISH HITZ GOES METAL !!!
Is it possible for an upcoming guitar hero to be raised in Boden, Sweden? Already praised in Japan with ReinXeed & Golden Resurrection, wanted by the heavy metal and guitar magazines and above all equipped with all the attributes belonging to a true guitar hero. We present Tommy ReinXeed, a 23-year old guy from Boden, with a true musical talent and dedication — far higher than the usual.
“Well, my musical interest started really early. I think it was dad that brought home an album and I heard ‘Out In The Fields’ with Gary Moore and Phil Lynott, I believe I was 9 at the time… The awesome guitar lines and the vocals — what an incredible feeling!” Tommy immediately chose the guitar as his instrument and started to practice. His first band, Guranerna, he started at the age of 13. They did some shows, close to home and their material was mainly covers from artists like HammerFall, Gary Moore and Stratovarius. Some of their own material was also presented.
But ReinXeed became the “real” start for Tommy’s musical career. The band has, until now, released four successful albums. Signed by Doolittle Group in Sweden, licensed by King Records in Japan, this band has an great following — in Sweden, of course, but also in India, Japan, Indonesia, Holland and USA.
The project Swedish Hitz Goes Metal happened when Christian Liljegren, label manager for Doolittle but also artist (Narnia, Golden Resurrection & DivineFire,) stumbled across one of Tommy’s interpretations of Abba on YouTube.
He called Tommy up, explained the concept and there was an instant “go” for the project. Soon enough the album was done, containing songs from Roxette, Abba and Ace Of Base. “I thought it was about time to hear the songs in the way they should have sounded from the beginning,” Tommy says with a grin.
Of course it is said with a lot of love towards the music, he explains “In fact, this is a ‘labor of love’ project, rather than a career-jump. It doesn’t sound like the other things I do, but the songs are really great and I have had so much fun recording this album.” During 2011/2012 Tommy will travel with a five-piece band performing the album live all around the world.
This is the perfect party album of 2011 and it is called SWEDISH HITZ GOES METAL!!!
http://www.facebook/swedishhitzgoesmetal
http://www.doolittle.se/
Discography
SWEDISH HITZ GOES METAL – Doolittle Group 2011
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-Tank Ready For Action As WAR MACHINE Tour Approaches
Tank have issued a band statement ahead of their forthcoming WAR MACHINE Tour which kicks off in Middlesbrough in just two weeks and takes in ten different countries.
The statement reads as follows:
We are now just two weeks away from the start of the WAR MACHINE Tour and the adrenalin is pumping in the War Office as we prepare to lay siege to Europe.
The band are fired up and ready to go and about to deliver a live set that will blow you all away.
Chris Dale: “I can’t wait to get to grips with the WAR MACHINE album tracks live. This will be our first chance to show the world the album in concert.”
And we’re going to document the tour on this site in real time so you can follow us around Europe as WAR MACHINE makes its way through the continent. Stand by for the launch of this site’s Tour Section next week.
This live set will include many classic Tank anthems as well as several tracks from our acclaimed WAR MACHINE album (Metal Mind Productions).
Mark Cross: “Looking forward to seeing you all on tour! It’s another great challenge being part of a great band like Tank!”
After our two shows in Middlesbrough and Newcastle, England on 5th and 6th August, we travel to Poland to play the Metal Hammer festival with Judas Priest at the Spodek.
Then it’s Scandinavia for appearances in Norway and Sweden…
Mick Tucker: “Tank is coming to get Europe and we’re going to kick ass like you wouldn’t believe. We just want to get out there and do it now!”
Trurock Open Air in Germany beckons and we’re expecting a mass Tank Army to show for that one, then we go west for dates in Portugal and Spain.
Then it’s over to Holland and Belgium which are bound to be high octane shows and then it’s The Baltic Sea for Rock At Sea…
Doogie White: “The best thing about writing and recording an album is when you get to take it out on the road and get reaction to the live shows. That time is now upon us my friends. Come and be part of the mayhem.”
We can’t to see the Tank Infantry on the road. It’s been a long time but Tank are back on the road now and that is where we are going to stay.
We’re hoping to meet as many of you as we can at our gigs as it was demand from the Tank fans that made this tour happen. We salute you.
Cliff Evans: “I can’t wait to get back out on the road, see some old friends, make some new ones and unleash this great new lineup that’s gonna kick some serious Metal ass. The War Machine is coming!”
Action commences on August 5th in Middlesbrough, England. Hail Europe! Tank is coming to get you!
Tank – WAR MACHINE Tour Dates 2011
5th August – ENGLAND – Nops Rock Club, Middlesbrough
6th August – ENGLAND – O2 Academy, Newcastle
10th August – POLAND – Metal Hammer Festival, Katowice
12th August – NORWAY – Lillehammer Festival
13th August – SWEDEN – Rockland, Sala
16th September – GERMANY – Turock Open Air, Essen
29th September – PORTUGAL – Music Box, Lisbon
30th September – SPAIN – Ritmo Y Compas, Madrid
1st October – SPAIN – Martohell Festival, Barcelona
7th October – HOLLAND – Rock Temple, Kerkrade
8th October – BELGIUM – Rock Of Agest Festival, Oostrozebeke
18th November – BALTIC SEA – Rock At Sea
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-Voyager: Australian Progressive Metal Experimenters Sign With Sensory Records
Western Australia’s masters of progressive metal experimentation Voyager have signed with the New Jersey-based prog metal pros at Sensory Records for the release of their upcoming fourth full-length album, THE MEANING OF I.
Conceived in 1999 by German-born musician Danny Estrin, Voyager are certainly well known throughout the prog metal circuit worldwide, having carved an incredible, diehard cult fan base since inception. The unit’s previous three albums display their unique and even strange integration of symphonic, electronic and progressive elements crafted into a seamless, incredibly executed, multi-genre style all their own, bridging gaps between metal subgenres and even verging on ’80s pop.
The official street date for the incredibly layered fourth full-length THE MEANING OF I is set for October 11, 2011. But the band are also aiming this release to be available to fans in-person at their upcoming performance September 16 at the annual ProgPower USA in Atlanta, Georgia, where Voyager will share co-headline slots of the massive festival with Therion, Ihsahn, Sanctuary, Dream Evil, Labyrinth and more. Just days prior to ProgPower, on September 11, Voyager will make their debut North American performance at a one-off show in New York City alongside now-label mates Creation’s End.
Voyager’s Debut North American Live Performances:
9/11/2011 Matchless – Brooklyn, NY w/ Creation’s End, Suspyre
9/16/2011 ProgPower USA – Atlanta, GA
Voyager Australian Album Launch Performance:
10/15/2011 Amplifier – Perth, Western Australia
With an impressive history of Australian music awards, as well as many titles of “album of the month” in Romanian, Finnish, Italian, German and Belgian music press, Voyager’s notoriety for their energetic live performances has captured audiences worldwide. The band have battled geographical isolation to tour Europe twice, perform at ProgPower Europe 2006 and share stages with diverse acts like Nightwish, Steve Vai, Soilwork and Alestorm.
http://www.voyager-australia.com/
http://www.facebook.com/voyageraustralia
http://www.lasersedgegroup.com/
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-Two Side Moon/SLW Promotions Update
Two Side Moon Promotions are excited to welcome to the team Sweden’s Electric Earth.
Please find below the text press info for the new album TOUCHING THE VOID.
Band: Electric Earth
Album Title: TOUCHING THE VOID
Label: TYSS Music
Street Date: Out Now
Genre: Hard Rock
Web:
http://www.electricearth1.com/
Sweden’s Electric Earth, who started out in the beginning of 2001, put great importance on artistic freedom and musical integrity. The members are influenced by many of the most creative and open minded musicians and bands in the history of music — like Kiss, Black Sabbath, Stone Temple Pilots, Soundgarden and Led Zeppelin. This standpoint and attitude colored the band’s debut album ORGANIC SONGS – VOLUME ONE (2004) — a record that offered both groove and variation.
The video for the album opener “Platonic,” just one of many songs that gained them national airplay, was one of the tracks picked for the Sweden Rock Magazine DVD that was unleashed in the beginning of 2005.
On stage Electric Earth add extra energy and personality which make them a strong live act. Something they have proved on festivals like Metaltown, Westgotha, Gothenburg Metal Festival and 2000 Decibel.
Electric Earth released their second CD, VOL II – WORDS UNSPOKEN, in Europe during spring 2007. The album was recorded in Studio Bohus (a classic Swedish studio where everyone from ABBA and Status Quo to more recent bands like Evergrey have worked) together with respected producer Roberto Laghi (In Flames, Mustasch, Hardcore Superstar and Freak Kitchen). This was their first, and only, release on the classic Belgian label Mausoleum.
A couple of months later Electric Earth released the limited edition CD-EP SELLING SOULS, which features two newly recorded, non-album tracks as well as a couple of covers featuring special guests. Mattias “Ia” Eklundh from Freak Kitchen plays a blinding solo on Kiss’ “I Want You” while Clawfinger’s front man Zak Tell leaves his personal mark on Led Zeppelin’s “Heartbreaker.”
October 8, 2007 saw the release of Vol II – WORDS UNSPOKEN in the USA and Canada. At the same time ORGANIC SONGS – VOLUME ONE and SELLING SOULS were made available worldwide — through the band’s distribution deal with Swedish MusicSpot. A month later Electric Earth was nominated, by the Music Resource Group, as one of five bands in the Hard Rock/Metal album category, with their VOL II – WORDS UNSPOKEN CD, in the 7th annual Independent Music Awards.
Just when things were beginning to happen on a full scale for the band tragedy struck — real hard. This situation together with a couple of personal matters forced the band to keep a really low profile for almost three years. In the end their passion and love for music made them over come all the difficulties they had gone through. Electric Earth have been Touching The Void but now they are back in full force, determined to once again set the rock ‘n’ roll record straight!
If you like groove and all out rock and you want music to be honest and full of life? Then Electric Earth’s third album, TOUCHING THE VOID (2011), is for you!
Review:
“Electric Earth have been quiet for a while, but now they are back again. It’s been four years since the last release VOL II – WORDS UNSPOKEN, which was a pretty good release. When listening to TOUCHING THE VOID I do hear some development in the style. It’s a bit less post-grungy and a bit more seventies, but also a bit darker and heavier. Tracks like ‘Collision With A Sun’ and ‘Touching The Void’ offer some cool retro-vibes, at times with a stonery touch. They do however offer some great melodies among the heavy riffing, like the chorus of ‘Free Fall’ and the slightly poppy ‘Need This Time.’ One track that really sticks out is the almost punky, ‘Black Butterfly.’ The stonerish overtones shine through in songs like ‘Sugartooth.’ I also hear some touches of Black Label Society in songs like ‘Harvest Time,’ ‘Bird Of Phoenix’ and “Skinstretched,’ where the chorus however goes in a totally unexpected, very melodic direction. An album well worth waiting for and checking out!”
-Janne Stark, http://starkmusicreviews.blogspot.com
Band Lineup:
Peter Gottlieb – Lead Vocals/Guitar
Tommy Scalisi – Lead Guitar
Lyris Karlsson – Bass
Draken – Drums
Track Listing:
1. Amplification
2. Black Butterfly
3. Collision With A Sun
4. Intermission
5. Free Fall
6. Sugartooth
7. Harvest Time
8. Judge Me
9. No Sleep
10. Need This Time
11. Bird Of Phoenix
12. Skinstretch
13. Touching The Void
14. Worries
Two Side Moon Promotions are excited to welcome to the team K. Page & Sleepwalker’s Parade.
Please find below the text press info for the new album BETWEEN THE BIRDGES.
Artist: K. Page & Sleepwalker’s Parade
Album Title: BETWEEN THE BIRDGES
Label: Realpolitik Rekords
Street Date: US – out now, UK – Sept. 15
Genre: avant rock
Web:
http://www.sleepwalkersparade.net/
http://www.myspace.com/kpagesleepwalkersparade
K. Page & Sleepwalker’s Parade is a exciting Brooklyn based band that has been making waves in the US and UK indie scenes since 2007. The band plays regularly at great N.Y.C. spots like Brooklyn Academy Of Music’s BAM Cafe, where the likes of Nic Cave, Lou Reed, and Tom Waits have graced the main stage.
Working against a backbone of taut and intelligent lyrics to combine rhythms that move through bent up rock and punk balladry, they’ve been compared to Patti Smith, Peggy Lee, Henry Rollins, and rockin’ jazz greats, The Bad Plus. But, K. Page & Sleepwalker’s Parade use their own brand of genre combustion and incorporates elements of improvisation, punked-out delivery, and textured solos, into a unique sound.
With Harvey Valdes on guitar, Josh Myers on bass, Adriane Palikat on drums, and K. Page on vocals, the band has cut their musical teeth by playing in the past and present with members of Antony And The Johnsons, Meredith Monk Ensemble, The “Saturday Night Live” Band, Carmine Appice, and The Wooster Group.
Their single “Sleepwalker,” from an earlier EP, spent nine weeks in the top 10 on Ison Live Radio charts out of Australia where it moved from #8 to #3, a spot it held for two weeks. This same single is a featured track is featured on Magnetmix.com, the selective content site associated with Limewire. “Naked And Naive,” from our 2007 album GREEN CITY, was chosen for inclusion on the BUZZLIGHTER compilation put out by Shut Eye Records here in the States and on a new compilation disc put out by RF Records in Manchester, UK targeted at promotion in the European market.
The Village Voice has praised band leader and lead vocalist, K. Page, for her “eerie vocalese,” while the band’s previous album, GREEN CITY, was called “a break from robotic indie rock… unique and individualistic” by US national magazine, The Big Takeover. Their newest release, BETWEEN THE BRIDGES, delivers more edgy and unique sounds to adventurous music lovers!
Band Lineup:
Lead Vocals/composition – K. Page
Guitar – Harvey Valdes
Bass – Josh Myers
Drums – Adriane Palikat
Track Listing:
1. Carnival
2. Love Is A Bloody Highway
3. Places People Stay
4. Simple Song
5. Magic Plastic Nation
6. Beautiful Boy In Bloom
7. Media Monster
8. Between The Bridges
TSM/SLW Promotions
http://www.myspace.com/nickyaor
http://www.slwpromotions.com/
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-Communic’s THE BOTTOM DEEP Is Out Now!
The Norwegian metallers from Communic have just released their new masterpiece entitled THE BOTTOM DEEP, which is simply breath-taking.
The press agrees:
SOUNDCHECK WINNER,
Rock Hard Germany
“THE BOTTOM DEEP is an organic soundscapes of dark colors, which arrives directly in the heart.” Heiko, metal.de (9 out of 10)
“THE BOTTOM DEEP an intoxicating blend of impressive performance technique, song writing class and passionate, authentic emotion.” 6 out of 7 points – Metal Hammer Germany
Rock Hard: 8 out of 10
Metal Hammer: 6 out of 7
Heavy Magazine: 10 out of 12
Legacy Magazine: 13 out of 15
Stormbringer: 4.5 out of 5
Metal.de: 9 out of 10
The music of the exceptional band from Norway includes many elements from various metal genres. Their grasp for variety of power, melody, and intelligent lyrics with a highly progressive musical approach made Communic one of the best newcomers for years! If you like progressive metal, there is no way without Communic!!
Guitarist and band mastermind Oddleif Stensland commented the new album:
“I was asked to write a track by track commentary on our new album, but found it to be quite difficult. This is a concept album, based on one specific incident in my life, and splitting it into short comments for each song made no sense right now. It is all dealing with a personal close encounter by death that suddenly came all to close, when someone really close to me passed away way too early. This incident left so many unanswered questions about life and death behind, and all these thoughts and feelings came back to me in form of the words and songs on this album. It is not easy to talk or describe to detailed, but expressing myself through music is easier for me, and it is all written between the lines, so the deeper meaning of the album can be explored by those who feel like it. It is a much darker theme then I have ever done before, and everything is far more personal then I never thought I would be. Writing this album has been like going to a ‘shrink,’ it has been more like therapy session for me, something that I just had to do, no matter what people would think of it in the end. I hope I don’t have to do another album like this again, even though I love these songs, and the outcome of the album is for me fantastic — it will be a statement in my life forever, and I am proud of my courage to actually go through with this. Those who care to read the lyrics and put themselves into the situation will get an even deeper album, even dough the songs will work great on their own as well for those who just like to listen so some interesting mind-twisting-metal tunes.”
Get your copy at the Nuclear Blast Online-Shop!
http://www.nuclearblast.de/de/produkte/tontraeger/cd/cd/communic-the-bottom-deep.html
The iTunes you get HERE!
http://itunes.apple.com/de/album/the-bottom-deep-exclusive/id449510433?affId=1634192&ign-mpt=uo%3D4
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-Scythia Post Video Teaser, Reveal Album Art And Track Listing For …OF EXILE
The Canadian folk metal clan of Scythia have posted a new video teaser on their upcoming album …OF EXILE, again produced by Shaun Thingvold who has engineered on projects with SYL, Fear Factory, Darkest Hour and is the follow-up to last year’s debut release …OF WAR.
To view the video please visit:
In additional news, Scythia have released the album art and the track listing for …OF EXILE, due out September 23, 2011 and can be viewed at the following link. The CD Cover & Album Artwork was designed by Astrid Mayora, Céline Derval & Scott Thompson.
http://scythia.bandcamp.com/album/of-exile-out-september-23-2011
Dave Khan, vocalist/guitarist for Scythia commented on the album.
“We are very excited for our upcoming release. This album really defines Scythia’s sound through dynamic orchestration, cinematic soundscapes and the use of narration. These elements combine to bring the listener deep into a world of battle and betrayal.”
Track Listing:
1. Prelude
2. Spirit Of The Quest
3. Sleeping Village
4. Forgotten Forest
5. Fallen King
6. Voice Of The Sword
7. For The King
8. Fortress
9. Dies Irae II
10. Hobarth’s Inn
The warriors of Scythia will also be kicking off their Summer Siege tour in their hometown of Vancouver, BC on July 27th and trekking across the Canadian West Coast. (Tour dates below)
About:
Formed in the latter half of 2008, Scythia is a five-piece band that combines haunting folk melodies (emphasized by keyboards and oboe) with the driving force of modern progressive metal to form a raw and powerful sound that is their own. Scythia is not your older brother’s metal band. Unless that band had an oboe of death, echoes of thunder, and a knack for writing folk metal tunes.
Taking its name from vocalist/guitarist Dave Khan’s infatuation with a painting of Nordic/Russian warriors riding bears while brandishing swords, Scythia not only “gives the painting musical significance,” but it is also “the name of an ancient empire spanning from the Caucasus through Russia, and even into eastern Scandinavia. The melodies used in our music have a very ancient, sometimes medieval sound, so I wanted to attribute them to an ancient civilization,” says Khan.
Summer Siege Dates:
Facebook Event – http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=191496110905310
July 27, 2011 – Red Room – Vancouver, BC
August 5, 2011 – TBA – Chilliwack, BC (venue change from The OAP Hall)
August 6, 2011 – Knights of Columbus Hall – Kelowna, BC (All Ages)
August 7, 2011 – Third – Prince George, BC
August 8, 2011 – Better Than Fred’s – Grande Prairie, AB
August 12, 2011 – Hinton, AB – Metal Mountain Fest
August 13, 2011 – Amigos Cantina – Saskatoon, SK
August 14, 2011 – DV8 Tavern – Edmonton, AB
August 15, 2011 – TBA – Lloydminister, AB
August 16, 2011 – Oly’s Pub – Medicine Hat, AB
August 18, 2011 – The Distillery – Calgary, AB
August 20, 2011 – Grand Forks Hotel – Grand Forks, AB
September 5, 2011 – Rickshaw Theatre – Vancouver, BC
Artis Profile Video
http://www.scythiafolkmetal.com/
http://www.myspace.com/scythiafolkmetal
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Scythia/254231525306
http://www.youtube.com/scythiaband
http://radio3.cbc.ca/#/bands/Scythia
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-Battlecross: Full Album Stream Premieres On Revolver Magazine’s Site
Music Video For “Push, Pull, Destroy” To Debut On Metal Injection
Today, Revolver Magazine hosts a worldwide premiere of Battlecross’ upcoming full-length debut PURSUIT OF HONOR, scheduled to hit European record shelves on July 29th/August 1st. PURSUIT OF HONOR contains 11 tracks (10 songs plus intro) that Metal Assault says are “bristling with fist-pumping, face-melting heavy metal at its finest.” While Metal Sucks notes “Guitarists Tony Asta and Hiran Deraniyagala of Detroit’s Battlecross are childhood friends just like Axl and Vince — ain’t that cute? But for realz, there’s a certain kind of chemistry that comes with knowing someone for so long, and in the case of Battlecross you can hear it in the tightness, conciseness and stellar riffery of their MB debut PURSUIT OF HONOR.”
“Our mindset was to deliver a no bulls***, straight to the point, bang your head, relentless punishment kind of record. I want this album to give people chills. Like driving 90 in a 40 mph speed zone and not even realizing it. We want people to feel like they can take on the world after listening to this record,” comments the band of the record.
To check out Pursuit of Honor in its entirety, point your browser here. The stream will run from July 25 to August 1.
Track listing for PURSUIT OF HONOR
1. Pursuit Of Honor
2. Push Pull Destroy
3. Kaleb
4. Deception
5. Man Of Stone
6. Breaking You
7. Rupture
8. Leech
9. Better Off Dead
10. Misery
11. Foreshadowing
“Blurring the lines of old-school thrash and new-school melodic deathcore, these 10 songs plus intro have that knack of producing instantaneous aural excitement… With PURSUIT OF HONOR, they prove Americans can balance thrash, death and a touch of the modern screams without pandering to the lowest common denominator.” 8.5/10 Blistering.com
“Overall I would go as far as saying that this is one of the most ‘complete’ heavy metal albums I have heard in recent times. Not only does it have elements that fans of a variety of sub-genres can relate to, but it combines them excellently well to result in a very cohesive, well-rounded album. Whether you’re a fan of traditional metal stalwarts like Iron Maiden, groove metal heavyweights like Pantera and Lamb Of God, Megadeth-esque technical thrash metal, death metal, or even power metal, you will most definitely enjoy this album.” 9 ½ / 10 MetalAssault.com
In other news; Battlecross’ first music video for the track “Push, Pull, Destroy” is set to premiere with MetalInjection.net on release date, August 2. Make sure to head over to the site to check it out, leave a comment and spread the word.
“Push, Pull, Destroy” was shot by Roy Warner Creative & Videography on location at the Yankee Air Museum, located on the grounds of the historic Willow Run Airport. It was at Willow Run where Henry Ford mobilized his manufacturing base to contribute to the war efforts by mass producing the B-24 Liberators that provided American Air Power to win WWII for the Allies.
MetalInjection.net will also premiere a time-lapsed video showing the creation of the album artwork to PURSUIT OF HONOR. Stay tuned to MetalBlade.com for launch date details.
Battlecross is:
Kyle “Gumby” Gunther – Vocals
Tony Asta – Guitar
Hiran Deraniyagala – Guitar
Mike Kreger – Drums
Don Slater – Bassist
About the band:
With the mindset to create a sonic metal assault unlike any other, childhood friends, Tony Asta and Hiran Deraniyagala, set forth on the path to shred and abandoned the idea of following any trends. The guitar slinging duo brought an infused style of old school metal with dark elements of thrash and death metal and destined to find the right members.
Struggling for years to find reliable and dedicated members, the true formation of Battlecross was born in 2007 when drummer Mike Kreger responded a want ad, and added a machine-like, brutal precision on the drums, and proved to be just the right match for Tony and Hiran’s mature and technical style of thrash. Bringing a whole new level of musicianship and intensity with his quick finger picking and tasty solos, bassist Don Slater joined the group, bringing a skill and technique that impresses even the most prolific bassists. The thrash metal band was finally complete when popular area vocalist, Kyle “Gumby” Gunther joined the band. Known for his command of the stage and alternating deep growls with high pitched screams, Gumby punishes the audience and inspires pits of rage.
Together, the five-piece create an unforgettable and energetic live show that decimates their audience with raw energy and persistence, that has earned a style of their own: “Blue Collar Thrash Metal,” in reference to the hard-working, “never give up” attitude of those who hail from the Motor City.
This reputation for technical talent, humility and kick ass live shows resonated throughout the regional metal scene and Battlecross soon became a fan and band favorite. Sharing the stage with the likes of Dying Fetus, Gwar, Devil Driver, The Absence, Vital Remains, The Faceless and Metal Fests throughout the Midwest, Battlecross began to bang heads nationally with a nod from MySpace – A Place For Metal’s 2008 “Best Unsigned Metal Band” contest, for being “Metal Sucks” worthy, Mike Kreger’s crowning as Sickdrummer.com & Zildjian’s “Sickest Dirt Fest Drummer” and featured on local, national and global metal radio.
Incorporating many elements of extreme thrash, death and tech metal, creating a precise blend of fist pumping brutality, intensity, and drive, Battlecross satisfies both the tech-metal guru and the old-school die hard alike.
The band’s Metal Blade debut is set to release August 2nd, 2011, followed by a tour that will bring a face melting thrash metal assault. The band’s Metal Blade debut was recorded, mixed, and mastered at Random Awesome Recording Studio in Bay City, MI and produced by Battlecross and Josh Schroeder.
http://www.metalblade.com/battlecross
http://www.battlecrossmetal.com/
http://www.facebook.com/battlecrossmetal
http://www.youtube.com/battlecrossmi
http://www.myspace.com/battlecross
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-Madmen And Dreamers: Projects, Projects, Projects, And A Birthday
Hi!
Hope your summer is going well and you are finding ways to beat the heat. It’s been really hot here and there’s a lot to report. I’ll do my best to keep it brief.
Ok, first!
Things are moving along. In addition to the stuff I mentioned in our last newsletter, we have been in the process of a major studio rebuild. A “tear it back to the foundation walls” rebuild. The hot water heater got us started. Actually, the death of the hot water heater got us started. It didn’t get to the gear before we got the water shut off, but it did ruin the walls and the floor. So… we figured we had a golden opportunity to start from scratch.
When we got everything out and prepared the foundation walls, etc., I had the first of many conversations with my good friend (and legend), Barry Diament: founder of Soundkeeper Recordings ( http://www.soundkeeperrecordings.com/ ) and Barry Diament Audio ( http://www.barrydiamentaudio.com/ ). Barry knows more about sound and how to record it than possibly anyone on the planet. One afternoon listening to recordings in his studio, changed the way I thought about and heard everything. He has graciously given me fantastic advice on getting the room set up properly; from dimensions, to wiring, to treatments, to gear. I’m getting quite an education. His advice has been golden and it’s all coming together. Pics when it’s finished. Promise!
Next!
Radio play! We were recently told that both THE CHILDREN OF CHILDREN and REMEMBRANCE are getting some great radio time in Holland on VOS FM’s “La Villa Strangiato” show. This is great news to us! Also, “La Villa Strangiato” on Radio VOS FM will be playing THE CHILDREN OF CHILDREN in its entirety on Monday, August 1st, starting at 21:00, (9 p.m.) in Europe and 2 a.m. on August 2nd here in the states. Please tune in if you can. Frequencies are: 107.4 Mhz, UPC 94.4 and Brabent Net 105.3 Mhz. You can also listen online here: http://www.omroepvalkenswaard.nl/pagina44.html
Next!
Speaking of THE CHILDREN OF CHILDREN, we are putting together a live DVD and CD. The video is at the editing house and the soundtrack will be mixed as soon as the studio is complete. It’ll be the first fruit of the new room.
Want to be involved? Thought so! Here’s your chance. We stumbled onto something called KickStarter and have posted the project there. Go and take a look and join the fun! http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/641231669/the-children-of-children-live-dvd-and-cd
Contributions of any amount are welcome and appreciated and will help us reach our goal. Raising more than our goal means added features!
Next!
We’ve been doing a lot of talking about adapting REMEMBRANCE for the stage. Industry people have been talking to us about it, UN functionaries have been talking to us about it. Everyone has been urging us to get this important story onto the stage.
So, we are. The first of several readings (by actors) of the “book” of the show will be held August 6th in N.Y.C. We want to hear it in other people’s voices and get feedback from those in attendance. We will then go off and make rewrites and try it again, until we get it right.
Want to be involved? Thought so! (sound familiar?) We have posted this project on KickStarter as well. Go take a look and join the fun! http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/641231669/remembrance-reading-1
As above, contributions of any amount are welcome and appreciated.
Finally, remember the grandchild we mentioned back a while ago? Well, he’s going to be a year old in a few days. I look at him and wonder what kind of world he and his peers will inherit and I realize why we do the things we do, write the things we write, and choose to struggle when so many take easier paths. He, his parents, his aunts and uncles and everyone on the planet, helpless or not, deserve the chances we took for granted. The world is turning into a very different place from when I was his age. I witnessed the first human steps into space. He will not know a time when computers and smartphones didn’t exist. He will grow up with technologies that were the stuff of science fiction when I was a kid.
When we have children, we make a pact with the future to provide better for them than we had, and better than our parents provided for us. We do not bequeath a world to them, we borrow it from them. Our pact with them needs to include the promise that it will be able to sustain them.
Our projects can be purchased: http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/MadmenandDreamers and http://www.theorchard.com/artist/35628/releases/madmen-and-dreamers . And also on all major download sites.
Please follow us, friend, like and so on:
http://www.madmen-and-dreamers.com/
http://www.facebook.com/posted.php?id=126910890109
http://www.myspace.com/madmenanddreamers
See you soon!
MAD
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*** PRESS RELEASE #18 ***
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-Rising: Exile On Mainstream Confirms Danish Metal Trio’s Debut Album Details
Danish sludge trio Rising have confirmed the details of their forthcoming debut album, TO SOLEMN ASH, set to be released through Exile On Mainstream Records this Autumn.
A seemingly out-of-place signing for the generally avant/stoner rock-based German imprint, Rising’s honed, organic metal style caught the ear of Exile On Mainstream heads when the metal trio opened for label artist Celan in Copenhagen in 2009. Based on their devastating performance, Rising were subsequently invited to take part in the label’s massive annual South Of Mainstream Festival in 2010. That year they also played two full European tours, the second one with now-label mates, Beehoover. Following further talks, Rising have been confirmed as the “first official metal band” to be signed to the label, who are now preparing to release the band’s massive TO SOLEMN ASH debut.
Boasting over 48 minutes of pure thunder, the 10 tracks of TO SOLEMN ASH showcase the members of Rising bowing to metal gods Thin Lizzy, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, backed with the aggression born of thrash founders Mercyful Fate, Metallica and Celtic Frost, the whole time being fueled by a more modern, sludge-laden style of riffage devout fans of High On Fire, Kylesa and Mastodon will be instantly attached to. TO SOLEMN ASH will be released on CD, 180-gram LP and digital formats, in Europe on October 24, 2011, and in North America sometime in November, with an official release date via the label’s stateside distribution by E1 Entertainment to be announced in the coming weeks. The album was produced by new producer talent Jakob Reichert Nielsen, mastered by Alan Douches (Converge, Mastodon, High On Fire) and features artwork of renowned Danish artist and music video director Jakob Printzlau a.k.a. Plastic Kid (Volbeat, lBMTH, Lack, Kashmir).
View the album art and more at http://www.earsplitcompound.com/site/?p=2962 .
TO SOLEMN ASH Track Listing:
1. Mausoleum
2. Sea Of Basalt
3. The Vault
4. Cohorts Rise
5. Hunter’s Crown
6. Through The Eyes Of Catalysis
7. Under Callous Wings
8. Passage
9. Heir To The Flames
10. Seven Riders
More info on TO SOLEMN ASH will be available in the coming weeks. Stay tuned on more updates on Rising’s upcoming live activities through the remainder of the year and into 2012.
http://www.myspace.com/risingdk
http://www.mainstreamrecords.de/
http://www.myspace.com/exileonmainstream
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*** PRESS RELEASE #19 ***
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-Dead Kennedys Furious With Heineken Over Unauthorized Use Of Music To Promote Beer
As recently reported by NME, The Guardian, AOL Spinner, NY Press, and a host of other news agencies, Heineken was forced to remove an advert which features a cover of the Dead Kennedys’ “Too Drunk To F*ck” because of complaints it would encourage binge drinking. Heineken had used the song in a commercial tie-in to promote its beer in banner advertisements broadcast via the popular music website Spotify.
Spotify had been running a series of banner advertisements, which directed users to a special “lounge style” playlist as part of a campaign for the beer Kronenbourg 1664.
One of the tracks used was the Dead Kennedys’ “Too Drunk To F*ck,” which attracted a number of complaints to the independent industry watchdog, The Portman Group. The complaints were then investigated and were found to be in breach of a rule which bans advertisers from “encouraging irresponsible or immoderate drinking.”
Dead Kennedys emphatically deny that they ever gave Heineken permission to use the song. The band’s attorneys have contacted Heineken to address the unauthorized use. Dead Kennedys have never authorized any company to use this song or any of the band’s songs to promote a consumer product (let alone the consumption of alcohol) in this or any advertisement.
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*** PRESS RELEASE #20 ***
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-Dead Kennedys Guitarist East Bay Ray Announces Album
THE KILLER SMILES Set For Worldwide Release On September 13, 2011
Influential Dead Kennedys guitarist East Bay Ray announces the release of the self-titled debut album of his new band, East Bay Ray And The Killer Smiles. The record will come out September 13 via MVD Audio. The 12 new tracks were produced by Paul Leary, Butthole Surfers guitarist and widely known for producing Sublime’s massive self-titled CD and their single “Santeria.”
Along with Ray’s distinctive sound, the recording also features the voice and lyrics of Skip McSkipster from the Wynonna Riders and recent Dead Kennedys tours.
As East Bay Ray describes the album: “While Skip and I were touring in the DKs, we started writing a batch of new songs and wanted to record them. And then Paul Leary, who the DKs used to play with in warehouses back in the day, took a liking to the project and he ended up producing it.”
Skip declares, “Working with a guitarist of Ray’s caliber has allowed me to more fully explore where my vocals can go. People will find the album very wide-ranging and a good start for where the band will take us.”
They are joined on the album by drummer Steve Wilson and bassist Greg Reeves, both who have also filled in on several major Dead Kennedys tours.
Sonicbids EPK:
http://www.sonicbids.com/EastBayRayTheKillerSmiles
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/East-Bay-Ray/107246597160
Reverbnation:
http://www.reverbnation.com/killersmiles
Hi Res Cover Art:
Order Link:
http://www.seeofsound.com/p.php?s=MVD5236A
EAST BAY RAY AND THE KILLER SMILES Track List:
1. Raising The Stakes
2. Lipstick Cherry Red
3. You’re Such A Fake
4. Area 51
5. The Heart Is Something
6. It’s Broken
7. I’m A User
8. The Runner
9. The Last Time You Failed
10. Safe And Sound
11. The Hardest Part
12. 16 Tons
MVD Entertainment Group
PO BOX 280
Oaks PA 19456
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*** PRESS RELEASE #21 ***
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-The Spudmonsters’ STAND UP FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE CD & Limited LP To Be Released August 9th
After almost a 15-year hiatus, the Spuds return with their smartest and hardest hitting record to date…
The Spudmonsters – STAND UP FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE is the next chapter in the history books for one of Cleveland, Ohio’s most influential underground bands. Signing to a new east coast hardcore imprint Fast Break! Records, The Spuds pick up right where they left off with 1997’s MOMENT OF TRUTH featured on Century Media. With anthems like “Loyalty” and “Tolerance” the classic hardcore, thrash style of this band feels more energized and immediate than ever.
Check the Spuds out this summer on featured events like East Coast Tsunami Fest and select European festivals.
Website:
http://www.fastbreakent.com/
Video:
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*** PRESS RELEASE #22 ***
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-Gollum: North Carolina Metal Enigmas To Perform One-Off Performance At This Year’s Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Fest
Wilmington, North Carolina metal troupe, Gollum, will perform a one-off performance at this year’s Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Fest featuring some of the metal scene’s heaviest hitters include Megadeth, Machine Head, In Flames and Unearth. Their third year in a row playing the big-name event, Gollum will pillage the Jagermiester stage on the August 3rd stop at the Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek in Raleigh. The entire set will be filmed for possible DVD inclusion.
Said guitarist Frank Stroehmer: “We are super stoked and psyched to play alongside all these great bands for the third year in a row! We are especially looking forward to seeing Megadeth destroy! We’ve been working hard over the last year writing new material for our upcoming Rotten Records sophomore release and will be showcasing some of the new tunes in our set!”
Gollum are currently working on the follow-up to their critically-lauded THE CORE full-length, released via Rotten Records in 2009. About.com called the release, “…the most complex, sonic-scraped albums of the year,” while Way Too Loud noted: “music this different that’s able to fire on all cylinders is the equivalent of expanding one’s mind without the drugs.” To check out a demo sample of new tune, “One Guarantee,” point your browser to http://www.gollumband.com/ .
http://www.gollumband.com/
http://www.myspace.com/gollum
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*** PRESS RELEASE #23 ***
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-The Resurrection Sorrow: Digital EP Now Available
The new digital release from New York City-based doom/rock outfit The Resurrection Sorrow, the meager yet massive three-song THE SCORPION SAVIOR SESSIONS, is now available via iTunes.
While THE SCORPION SAVIOR SESSIONS is only a taste of what the band are working on these days — as the band write and build up to their next full-length album, set for release later this year — the EP stands on its own merit as well, reaping great reviews from media outlets and ‘zines internationally over recent weeks. Recent footage of The Resurrection Sorrow performing one of the new tracks, “Scorpion Savior,” at a hometown NYC show in June at http://www.earsplitcompound.com/site/?p=2976 .
Stay tuned for more updates on the forthcoming album over the weeks ahead.
“…it’s immediately obvious that this is a band who aren’t comfortable staying in the same ballpark as before and are looking to expand their sonic palette. 4/5” – Onemetal
“…a band that clearly has a grip on the sound they want to play, and they execute it to near perfection. The songs are addicting and often hypnotizing or abrasive, and just show off a great deal of promise from the group. 9/10” – Apoch’s Metal Review
“As a hybrid of classic proto-metal, doom and thrash the band is both heavy and catchy all at once with cool melodic elements at play.” – Metal Army America
“…thick and heavy grooves, a heaviness that summons the Heavy Metal spirit that our beloved genre was built upon.” – Metal Odyssey
“It has been two years since their debut THE HOUR OF THE WOLF and if these samples are anything to go by, The Resurrection Sorrow can look forward to spreading their repertoire and fan base wider.” – Alternative Matter
http://www.resurrectionsorrow.com/
http://www.facebook.com/trsorrow
http://www.myspace.com/resurrectionsorrow
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*** PRESS RELEASE #24 ***
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-Absu’s New Album Confirmed For October 4 Release; Artwork Revealed
Candlelight Records today confirms October 4th as the North American release date for Absu’s new album titled ABZU. As previously announced, the album is part two of a planned trilogy of recordings from the Dallas-based mythological occult metal band. Mixed by J.T. Longoria (King Diamond/Solitude Aeternus), the album features the original works of Polish artist Zbigniew Bielak (Watain, Behemoth, Destroyer 666, Vader).
Check out the album cover at http://www.earsplitcompound.com/site/?p=2974 .
Recorded at Nomad Recording Studios in Carrollton, Texas, ABZU finds drummer/vocalist Proscriptor and bassist/vocalist Ezezu sharing equal vocal duties and debuts the skills of new guitarist Vis Crom. Proscriptor comments, “ABZU is the first studio release to feature a co-vocalist alongside myself since our third album, THE THIRD STORM OF CYTHRAUL. Ezezu’s vocal presentation is beyond superlative and I am overly pleased with his execution and delivery. The songwriting undertakings were equally distributed between both Ezezu and Vis Crom and I must admit it brings an admirable multiplicity to the album as a whole. The last song on the album, ‘A Song For Ea,’ was composed in six movements, as it brought the entire band together as an equivalent songwriting team. Vis Crom has definitely proven to be Absu’s most proficient guitarist in the history of the band.”
Writing began on ABZU last autumn as Proscriptor notes, “This album has not only been the most challenging in Absu’s discography, but the quickest paced — composition and arrangement wise. The current lineup is scattered all across the United States, so the album was physically written utilizing Internet file sharing. We even rehearsed, at times, while communicating via cell phones. Lyrically, the album descends deeper into Enki’s lower world as well Thelemic and Enochian Magic(k) Systems. My lyrical architecture is extremely convoluted, so I decided to create a generalized synopsis explaining the themes behind each song. I feel these are my best poems since 2001’s TARA.”
ABZU has benefited from the unity of the band despite limited face-to-face rehearsal time. In fact only two proper rehearsals were had; one preparing for the band’s dates with Immortal earlier this year. The six-date showcase tour was the first live American dates for the band since their headline tour in June of 2009. Proscriptor confirms, “We rehearsed one week prior to the tour supporting Immortal and exactly one week after in preparation for the studio experience. I can honestly say this is the first time Absu has rehearsed for only one week, as an entire unit, before entering the studio.”
Absu recently returned from Finland where they performed at the Hammer Open Air Festival. “For the first time in history, we presented a complete and unabridged version of Absu’s second album, THE SUN OF TIPHARETH,” shares Vis Crom of the performance. “Now, we prepare with eagerness to do the same at upcoming performances in Greece and The Netherlands. The crowds at Party San and Brutal Assault can expect a different, but unique live set. After that, our sights are set on North American abyss.”
Absu came to prominence with the release of their 1993 debut, BARATHRUM: V.I.T.R.I.O.L. Each album saw continual expansion of the band’s now highly regarded artistic vision and international fan base. It was with 2001’s TARA that the band truly arrived. The album reached top lists of countless magazines worldwide. Years, however, would pass before any new material would be recorded. In late 2007, the band finally announced their re-awakening. Now teamed with London-based Candlelight Records, the band would take nearly 16 months writing/recording their sixth album. ABSU, featuring contributions from members of King Diamond, Mayhem, Melechesh, Firstborn and Enthroned, was released early 2009.
ABZU Track Listing:
1. Earth Ripper
2. Circles Of The Oath
3. Abraxas Connexus
4. Skrying In The Spirit Vision
5. Ontologically, It Became Time & Space
6. A Song For Ea including:
a. E-A
b. A Myriad Of Portals
c. Third Tablet
d. Warren Of Imhullu
e. The Waters – The Denizens
f. E-A (Reprise)
Upcoming Absu Festival Performances:
8/12/2011 Party San Open Air – Schlotheim, Germany
8/13/2011 Brutal Assault Open Air – Jaromer, Czech Republic
9/10/2011 An Club – Athens, Greece (w/ Zemial)
10/29/2011 Aurora Infernalis Festival – Driel, Netherlands
http://www.myspace.com/absu
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Absu/269271724044#!/officialabsu
http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com/
http://www.myspace.com/candlelightrecordsusa
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*** NEWS/RUMORS ***
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-About Heavy Metal’s “Best Heavy Metal Albums Of 1986” list is available at http://glclk.about.com/?zi=1/DGCI . Think Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Iron Maiden.
-Badmouth — singer Tom Pearsson, lead guitarist Randy Joy, rhythm guitarist Mike Hill, bassist Chris LeMon, and drummer Vinnie Sharpe — has HEAVY METAL PARKING LOT out through Rambo Music (Sony/Gain). The disc was produced by Chips Kiesbye (Hellacopters, Sahara Hotnights, Millencollin) and has this track list: “Son Of Sam,” “Radiator,” “Judas,” “Silver Lining,” “City Is Burning,” “Tired,” “Bottoms Up,” “Blue Ribbon Days,” “Heavy Metal Parking Lot,” “Jake Brakes,” “Facing My Demons.” Hype: “2011, these songs are made strong by exceptional composition, musicianship, and production. Badmouth’s HEAVY METAL PARKING LOT is all good: solid arena ready melodic hard rock.” Check out the video for “Tired” at http://musicbuymail.eu/?i=34409 , and see http://www.badmouththeband.com/ , http://www.facebook.com/badmouthswe , and http://www.twitter.com/badmouthswe for more.
-The new video from Austria’s Black Sand, “Rock On,” is online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NEem16lLPI .
-Joe Bonamassa (Black Country Communion) has the following fall dates scheduled for Europe:
10/5-7 – Koninklijk Theater Carre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (sold out)
10/10 – Rockhal, Luxembourg, Germany
10/12 – Pier 2, Bremen, Germany
10/13 – Jahrhunderthalle, Frankfurt, Germany
10/15 – Blackpool Opera House, Lancashire, UK
10/16 – The Capital FM Arena, Nottinham, UK
10/18 – Cardiff International Arena, Cardiff, UK
10/19 – Plymouth Pavilions, Plymouth, UK
Bonamassa has teamed up with Los Angeles based singer-songwriter Beth Hart to release the Kevin Shirley-produced Beth Hart And Joe Bonamassa – DON’T EXPLAIN. The album features “Hart’s interpretations of ten soulful blues songs, with Bonamassa on guitar and his ace band filling out the tracks.” DON’T EXPLAIN is due out September 27 on J&R Adventures. See http://www.jbonamassa.com/ for more.
-Cold’s SUPERFICTION is out now through SonicStar/Eleven Seven Music. The band consists of singer Scooter Ward, guitarist Matt Loughran, bassist Jeremy Marshall, and drummer Sam McCandless. Track list: “Wicked World,” “What Happens Now,” “American Dream,” “The Break,” “Welcome2MyWorld,” “Emily,” “The Crossroads,” “Delivering The Saint,” “So Long June,” “The Park,” “Flight Of The Superstar,” “The Ballad Of The Nameless,” “Dream On” (Aerosmith cover; digital download only). Check out clips of two songs and the “Wicked World” video at http://musicbuymail.eu/?i=34402 , and see http://www.coldarmy.com/ for more.
-Rob Halford’s “Metal God’s Christmas In July Sale” is going on now at http://www.MetalGodShop.com/ . It includes the WINTER SONGS “special edition CD digi-pak” with bonus downloads of Halford – “Silent Night” (1992) and Fight – “Christmas Ride” for $4.99 at https://www.metalgodshop.com/p-92-halford-iii-winter-songs.aspx . Other deals includes presales of Halford’s LIVE AT SAITAMA SUPER ARENA DVD and Blu-ray, Fight’s INTO THE PIT box set for $10, $5 T-shirts, other Halford and Fight CDs ranging priced at $6 or $10, CD/DVD bundles, apparel, guitar picks, and more. See RobHalford.com for more.
-The Hard Rock Society announced a new audio player for “Riff Radio” is available at http://www.hardrocksociety.com/ , and touted its collection of 17,000 songs and 13-year history. Congrats.
-The Iron Maidens have the following upcoming shows:
8/6 – Paladino’s, Tarzana, CA
8/20 – The Gaslamp, Long Beach, CA
8/27 – The Lotus Hall, Reseda, CA (all ages)
9/10 – Malones, Santa Ana, CA
9/17 – Santa Fe Springs Swap Meet, Santa Fe Springs, CA (all ages)
See http://www.theironmaidens.com/ , http://www.facebook.com/TheIronMaidensOfficial , and http://www.myspace.com/theironmaidens for more.
-Kaktus Project, featuring Sylvain Rouvière and a ton of guests, has SUPERSTITION out now on Metalodic Records. Track list: “Alone In The Dark,” “Farewell,” “I’m Living My Death,” “My Reality,” “Possession,” “Superstition,” “Tonight,” “My Tears,” “Above The Flames,” “Cold In The Night,” “Dark Room,” “The Sadness,” “Resurrection,” “Future World.” Hype: [Kaktus Project’s] style is based on melodic metal music — you mix a bit of Stratovarius, Edguy, sprinkled with Helloween and then you get Kaktus Project. Effective song titles with catchy melodies as guitar solos, both technical and fast…” Rouviere sings and plays guitar and is joined by vocalists Amanda Somerville (Avantasia), Mike DiMeo (Masterplan, Riot, The Lizards, Ilium), Henning Basse (Metalium, Sons Of Seasons), Oliver Hartmann (At Vance, Hartmann), Nico Severine (Krestenta); guitarists Manu Livertout, Patrick Manouguian, Axel Bonneau, Alesk (No Way, Chattahoochee), Vincent Morla (Larry Crockett Band, Taste Of Hell), Charley Corbiaux (Heavenly), Olivier Lapauze (Heavenly), and Didier Chesneau (Headline); bassists Christophe Babin (Headline, Virus IV), Matthieu G. Plana (Heavenly), Fanfan (Cry Freedom Family), and Igor Lalai; keyboardists Manu Martin (Patrik Rondat) and Oliver Palotai (Kamelot, Sons Of Seasons); and drummers David Rousseau (No Way, Sainte Ombre) and Benoit Vedrenne (Edgar Allan). See http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kaktus-Project/145094525527614 and http://www.myspace.com/kaktusproject for more.
-Kiss’ Gene Simmons proposed to longtime girlfriend Shannon Tweed on the finale of “Gene Simmons Family Jewels,” which aired earlier this week.
-Various outlets reported that for the opening of next summer’s Olympics in London, Sir Paul McCartney, Led Zeppelin, and the Rolling Stones were all asked to perform. The Stones and Robert Plant declined the offer, but Sir Paul accepted.
-Outloud, featuring singer Chandler Mogel (Talon, Until Destiny), guitarist/keyboardist Bob Katsionis (Firewind), guitarist Tony Kash, bassist Sverd T. Soth, and drummer Mark Cross (Firewind, Tank, Helloween) — has released LOVE CATASTROPHE through AOR Heaven. The disc was produced by Katsionis and mixed and mastered by Tommy Hansen, and has this track list: “We Came To Rock,” “Falling Rain,” “Live Again,” “Waiting For Your Love,” “The Night That Never Ends,” “Someday,” “Underground,” “Isolation Game,” “Clean Hands,” “Love Catastrophe.” Hype: “Collectively you have five class-act musicians that have played different styles from power metal to progressive but when they become an entity in Outloud you get straight ahead pulsating melodic rock! These guys are going to put rock in a tailspin with the mega-volume of intensity they play with on this record.” Check out clips of three songs and the “Waiting For Your Love” video at http://musicbuymail.eu/?i=34392 , and see http://www.facebook.com/outloudtheband for more.
-The Pleasures, who are, according to hype, “single-handedly reinventing, redefining and revolutionizing everything that you used to understand as ‘glam rock,” are touring the UK as follows:
8/1 – Boston Music Rooms, London, UK (w/ Kiria, Kitty Hudson, & Velvet Star)
8/2 – Stereo, York, UK
8/4 – Yardbirds, Grimsby, UK
8/5 – Legends, Newcastle, UK
8/6 – Wildside, Nottingham, UK
Check out the video for “Juicy Jacuzzi” (“decadent, delicious and rock fuelled”) at http://youtu.be/oi59YV3x2DE . See http://www.thepleasures.de/ and http://www.myspace.com/thepleasuresmusic for more.
-Check out a free download of Scythia’s “For The King,” from the upcoming …OF EXILE, at http://scythia.bandcamp.com/track/for-the-king-free-download . See http://www.scythiafolkmetal.com/ for more.
-Seven — the “Czech Heavy Metal blacksmiths” — has “Get It,” from the upcoming release FREEDOM CALL, available as a free download at http://bit.ly/nbseven . Hype: “What started out as a fully instrumental project by ambitious guitar picker Honza Kirk Behunek in the mid-’90s has now grown into a paramount example of modern, both melodic and tough Heavy Metal. With Lukas Pisarik they’ve found a front man with a voice as suitable as could be for Seven. The band’s founder Kirk remembers the discovery of their new singer enthusiastically: ‘Lukas entered the room for audition and from the very first moment on I knew that he was the right one for us — he who we’ve always been searching for!'” FREEDOM CALL is due out September 2 from Nuclear Blast. See http://www.sevencz.com/ for more.
-TrashCan Symphony will make its public debut August 26 at Sammy’s in Huntley, IL. See http://www.trashcansymphony.com/ , http://www.facebook.com/pages/TrashCan-Symphony/212930548717143 , and http://www.twitter.com/TCSymphony for more.
-Twisted Sister’s new DVD set DOUBLE LIVE: NORTH STAGE ’82 / NEW YORK STEEL ’01 is out now through Eagle Rock. The dirt: “This two disc DVD set couples Twisted Sister live shows from the start of their recording career in 1982 and the beginning of their reunion career in 2001. The show from the North Stage Theater in Long Island in 1982 was the same year as the release of their debut album UNDER THE BLADE. It features many of the songs from that record along with some brilliant cover versions and is a brilliant snapshot of the band in their early days. Following the terrible events of 11 September 2001, Twisted Sister’s classic lineup reunited to headline the New York Steel Benefit Show at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City on November 28 that year. The concert was a fundraiser for the families of New York Police Officers and Fire Fighters who had lost their lives in the attack on the World Trade Centre. The reaction to Twisted Sister’s set was overwhelming and led directly to the ongoing existence of the band today.” Track list: DVD 1 – North Stage Theater 1982: “What You Don’t Know (Sure Can Hurt You),” “Destroyer,” “Tear It Loose,” “Bad Boys (Of Rock ‘n’ Roll),” “Lady’s Boy,” “Leader Of The Pack,” “Under The Blade,” “Shoot ’em Down,” “Sin After Sin,” “I’ll Never Grow Up, Now!,” “You Can’t Stop Rock ‘n’ Roll,” “You Know I Cry,” “It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like It),” “Rock ‘N’ Roll Saviors.” DVD 2 – New York Steel 2001: “What You Don’t Know (Sure Can Hurt You),” “The Kids Are Back,” “Stay Hungry,” “Burn In Hell,” “You Can’t Stop Rock ‘n’ Roll,” “Under The Blade,” “Shoot ’em Down,” “Come Back,” “You Know I Cry,” “I Wanna Rock,” “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” “The Price,” “S.M.F.” See http://www.twistedsister.com/ for more.
-In Wacken news, Bloodwork’s video for “Storm Of Souls” (from ULTIMA RATIO) has premiered on WackenTube at http://wackentube.com/video/2856/Bloodwork+%E2%80%93+Video+premiere+on+WackenTube . Check out Wacken podcasts at http://podcast.wacken.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/WackenOpenAir.official . See http://www.wacken.com/ for more.
Thanks to Axe, Chad Bowar, Music Buy Mail, Nicky Baldrian, Jon Asher, Nicola Crichton, Thomas Jensen, and “Metal Man” Dan for help gathering some of this information.
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*** ROCK HARD RIDE FREE ***
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by Tim Wadzinski (tsw512@yahoo.com)
-So, for whatever reason I’ve been on a “Twilight Zone” kick recently, DVR-ing and watching tons of episodes as they’re rerun on SyFy. I’ve also been reading up on some of the episodes on Wikipedia, and I just discovered the 1964 episode entitled “Come Wander With Me” (directed by Richard Donner) features a song by that same name, and the track was covered by former The Gathering singer Anneke van Giersbergen on AIR, the 2007 release from her solo project Agua de Annique. Weird, eh? Check out the Agua de Annique video at http://youtu.be/23Z52sxUNgA and live footage of the song at http://youtu.be/S5Oz87Dnd1s . (Thanks to Paul & Steve for help researching this!)
-All these “VIP Packages” just keep a-comin’. I had to re-read the Manowar thing a few times. Go back and do it yourself now and answer me this: Based on how it’s written above, does the “Ultimate Fan Pass” sound like it includes the opportunity to actually meet the band? It lists “Personalized autograph from the whole band” and “Soundcheck experience” but neither of those explicitly states you get to meet the band. Just sayin’…
-My edu-ma-cation on all things Alter Bridge continues. Recently I mentioned how my friend Bill turned me on to their awesome song “Isolation.” Well, not to be outdone my friend Jeff has now turned me on to their song “Ties That Bind.” Hmm… I definitely need to get on the ball with this band. Good stuff!!
-Sucks about Jag Panzer. I’m bummed. I met the guys at UltraSound 2000 in Las Vegas where they put on a heckuva show, and then Patrick, Sean, and I saw them in the fall of ’03 when they were opening for Helloween. It’s a shame these guys never hit the big-time.
-When the heck did Doogie White join tank? Wow.
-In my current playlist: Candlelight Red – CLOSER (SINGLE) (Imagen Records), Alestorm – BACK THROUGH TIME (Napalm Records), James Byrd’s Atlantis Rising – BEYOND THE PILLARS (Lion Music), Alyson Avenue – CHANGES (Avenue Of Allies).
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*** REVIEWS ***
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PALLAS – XXV (A-/B+) Mascot Records/Music Theories Recordings, 2011
CD: 11 tracks, RT: 1:01:54
DVD: RT: 33:44
[ http://www.pallasxxv.com/ ]
[ http://www.pallas.f2s.com/ ]
[ http://www.facebook.com/PALLASOfficial ]
[ http://www.mascotlabelgroup.com/ ]
Neo-progressive was a cutting edge term in 1984 when a young outfit named Pallas released their first studio album THE SENTINEL, an ambitious work depicting a futuristic society nearing destruction; a healthy number of years have gone by but neo-prog lives on, Pallas finally getting around to a sequel to THE SENTINEL called XXV. XXV took me awhile to appreciate, as you kind of have to get into the concept to really extract the full effect, but having said that, this is really good prog rock. Starting off with some evocative soundscapes leading us into opener “Falling Down,” one of the first things you notice is the heavy aspects of the music, intense instrumentation blending nicely with new singer Paul Mackie’s sincere delivery. There is a cool balance on XXV, with the heavier, darker material such as “The Alien Messiah” and “Young God” contrasting well with the more dreamy and introspective cuts “Something In The Deep” and “Violet Sky.” I think my favorites are the intricate and involving “XXV Part 1 – Twenty Five Good Honest Men” and the up-tempo rocker “Sacrifice.” Effective narration, some great artwork and a bonus DVD (featuring the band performing four songs live and two slideshows) round out this attractive package — fans of Pallas and neo-prog should definitely check this out.
– Neal Woodall (MysticX9@gmail.com)
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*** OUT ***
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Issue #601
Detritus
Issue #601
Week of July 18, 2011
http://DetritusZine.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Detritus/
http://www.myspace.com/detritusezine
To subscribe to the e-mail version do one of the following:
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Send a blank e-mail to: Detritus-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
To contact us:
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*
*** CAST OF CHARACTERS ***
*
Patrick Brower, Editor
pwbrower@gmail.com
Sean P. Gahgan, Editor
spgahgan@comcast.net
http://www.lakeoffire.net/
http://www.myspace.com/visionlakeoffire
Tim Wadzinski, Owner
tsw512@yahoo.com
Steve Shumake, Co-owner
vongoober@neb.rr.com
http://www.facebook.com/KnuckleDeepBand
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*** LET IT BE KNOWN ***
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-Yeah, okay, enough with the heat already… – Tim
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*** PRESS RELEASE #1 ***
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-Hear Ronnie James Dio’s Rock Roots On Forthcoming AND BEFORE ELF… THERE WERE ELVES Release
Over the years, legendary singer Ronnie James Dio fronted some of the most popular/enduring hard rock/heavy metal bands of all-time, including Rainbow, Black Sabbath/Heaven & Hell, and Dio. But before all of these bands, there was Elf. Described as a “Rock/Honky Tonk/Blues band” a forthcoming release, AND BEFORE ELF… THERE WERE ELVES will prove that Ronnie could easily handle other rock-related styles.
Released on October 11th via the Niji Entertainment Group, AND BEFORE ELF will feature 12 previously unreleased tracks (all from 1971), comprised of both live in the studio and live on stage tracks. The album will feature a striking Lenticular/3D/Hologram cover, that when you turn it, you will see two alternating images — Ronnie from the first Elf LP, as well as a vintage group shot from 1971. And although these recordings are 40 years old, the sonic quality still passes the test, as longtime Dio engineer Wyn Davis re-mastered the original tapes.
Formed in 1967 in Cortland, New York, The Elves also featured other members that would carve a niche for themselves in the hard rock world! Guitarist David “Rock” Feinstein (Dio’s cousin) would go on to front The Rods. Elf would last for a trio of albums, before Ronnie exited the group in 1975, to co-form Rainbow with ex-Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore.
Ronnie James Dio always had the golden touch as a masterful singer and front man. And upon hearing AND BEFORE ELF… THERE WERE ELVES, you’ll discover he possessed his one-of-a-kind voice from the very beginning of his career.
AND BEFORE ELF… THERE WERE ELVES Track Listing:
1. You Shook Me
2. Stay With Me
3. Four Day Creep
4. Buckingham Blues
5. Wakeup Sunshine
6. Driftin’
7. Smile For Me Lady
8. You Felt The Same Way
9. Simple Man
10. Drown Me In The River
11. Cold Ramona
12. Little Queenie
For more information, visit:
http://www.facebook.com/OfficialRonnieJamesDio
http://www.facebook.com/nijientertainmentgroup
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*** PRESS RELEASE #2 ***
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-Accept Are Going To Film Their Bang Your Head!!! Show
The legendary Bang Your Head!!! festival is just around the corner.
The anticipation of the headliner Accept couldn’t be bigger. In view of the upcoming show, the band decided without further ado: A DVD will be created in Balingen, to document one of the present era’s highlights with its lineup being rapturously acclaimed all over the country and the new masterpiece BLOOD OF THE NATIONS.
Manager Gaby Hoffmann comments as follows: “The show in Balingen is the only one in the new life of Accept that is going to be filmed! I expect the Bang Your Head!!! to be both the ending and the highlight of Accept’s exciting comeback. Neither one of us — or the people who helped us — expected Accept to be welcomed by the fans in this way. We’re grateful and happier than anyone else and would like to close this chapter — with a cinematic documentation which shall capture the atmosphere in Balingen.”
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*** PRESS RELEASE #3 ***
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-Anthrax: WORSHIP MUSIC Cover Art Revealed
The long drought is officially over. For all of those Anthrax fans who have been waiting for the band to finally release new music, “Fight ’em ‘Til You Can’t,” the first track available from the upcoming album WORSHIP MUSIC, has just gone on sale at iTunes. WORSHIP MUSIC is the first new studio album from Anthrax in eight years, and the first with vocalist Joey Belladonna since 1990’s PERSISTENCE OF TIME. What a way for the band to celebrate its 30th anniversary.
The “classic Anthrax-sounding” “Fight ’em ‘Til You Can’t” is a song about killing zombies, and is the one new track that Anthrax — Belladonna, guitarists Scott Ian and Rob Caggiano, drummer Charlie Benante and bassist Frank Bello — has played live since they Belladonna rejoined the lineup a year ago. Anthrax offered the track as a free download last month, and fan comments in chat rooms have been overwhelmingly ecstatic.
In addition, Anthrax is revealing the CD cover artwork for WORSHIP MUSIC. Renowned comic book artist Alex Ross, who has worked with Marvel Comics and DC Comics and is known for his “Marvels,” “Kingdom Come,” and “Astro City” illustrations, created the original painting for the cover. Ross also did the original artwork for Anthrax’s WE’VE COME FOR YOU ALL and MUSIC OF MASS DESTRUCTION albums.
The early feedback from press on WORSHIP MUSIC has also been simply stellar: Alexander Milas, Editor of Metal Hammer called the album “a riff-sh*tting, fire-breathing, doubt-crushing monster of a record. Welcome back, boys!,” while VH1/”That Metal Show’s” Eddie Trunk said, “This album is f*cking amazing! Metal album of the year so far! Congratulations. Just killer.”
Anthrax will play the Heavy T.O. Festival in Toronto on July 23, and the Heavy MTL festival in Montreal on July 24.
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*** PRESS RELEASE #4 ***
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-VH1 Classic To Celebrate “National Metal Day”
[Note: This is from Gibson.com. – Tim]
In case you haven’t heard, “National Metal Day” is planned for November 11 (11-11-11), and headbangers of all kinds are ready to go to 11 on this new holiday. VH1 Classic is right there with them; the cable channel is planning a bunch of special programming to celebrate.
VH1 Classic will turn the holiday into an 11-day event (from November 1-11), with concerts and specials that feature Black Sabbath, Metallica, Judas Priest and many other metal titans. November 11 also will see the debut of “Behind The Music Remastered: Megadeth.”
But the highlight might be an all-new, 11-part series titled “Metal Evolution,” which will chronicle the history of all things metal. Episode one will debut on November 11 and focus on proto-metal artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin. Subsequent installments will focus on the new wave of British heavy metal, glam metal, thrash metal and more.
“Nobody is more metal than VH1 Classic,” said Ben Zurier, executive vice president of programming strategy at VH1 and VH1 Classic, in a statement. “Celebrating National Metal Day on 11-11-11 gives us a platform to honor metal artists, and take metal music one step further than anybody has before.”
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*** PRESS RELEASE #5 ***
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-Kamelot’s “Pandemonium Over North America 2011” Is Coming!
Pandemonium Over North America 2011
The long awaited North American Tour, to support the Billboard Charting Epic POETRY FOR THE POISONED (Peaking @ number 74 in the US on Billboard’s Top 200!), has been solidified.
Along for the ride, are folk/power metalers Alestorm, who are happy to bring their brand of “Pirate infused Metal” to the Kamelot Legions. Also, aboard are Canada’s ferocious Blackguard and the The Agonist.
Hello Kamelot Fans!
Well time is nearing for the upcoming North American Tour. After the success and reaction of the European and South American Tour, the band is more than ready to party with all of you. “We are dying to get back out on the road, the European and South American tours went so killer, now it’s time to tear it up in the US and Canada,” adds Kamelot bassist Sean Tibbetts. Kamelot will be bringing an all-star cast along with them, with Fabio Lione (Rhapsody Of Fire) on lead vocals as well as Elize Ryd (Amaranthe). Fabio Lione adds: “So great when I think that soon I’ll be on the road again with the Kam-guys!!! I’m sure we’ll do great shows together as we did in South America and Europe!!! We’ll give the best shows possible to the fans in North America… great set list and great people… get ready for a blast with one of the best bands of our time… see you all… soon on tour!!!” In addition female singer Simone Simons (Epica) will join the band on the entire run. Commented Simone, “I hope you come and pay a visit and have a great time.” She adds, “I’ll be singing ‘The Haunting,’ a familiar song, and I’m just looking forward to having a good time with the KAMELOT family.”
The North American Tour kicks off August 26th in Atlanta, Georgia and runs though Sept 23rd with support from the bands Alestorm, Blackguard and The Agonist.
PANDEMONIUM OVER NORTH AMERICA TOUR 2011
SPECIAL GUESTS:
ALESTORM, BLACKGUARD & THE AGONIST
August
26 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade
27 – West Springfield, VA – Jaxx
28 – Philadelphia, PA – The Trocadero
30 – New York, NY – The Gramercy Theatre
31 – Worcester, MA – The Palladium
September
2 – Montreal, QUE – Club Soda
3 – Quebec City, QUE – Imperial De Quebec
4 – Toronto, ONT – Mod Club
6 – Cleveland, OH – Peabody’s
7 – Detroit, MI – Blondie’s
8 – Chicago, IL – Bottom Lounge
9 – St. Paul, MN – Station 4
12 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon
13 – Portland, OR – Peter’s Room
14 – San Fancisco, CA – Slim’s
15 – West Hollywood, Ca – House Of Blues
16 – Tempe, AZ – Clubhouse
17 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex
18 – Denver, CO – Bluebird Theater
20 – Dallas, TX – Trees
21 – Houston, TX – Scout Bar
23 – Orlando, FL – The Club At Firestone
For more info go to TOUR Section:
http://www.kamelot.com/site/tour
Video
Filmed video of Kamelot with Fabio Lione from the SOLD OUT Sentrum Scene in Oslo, Norway:
Kamelot On the Road Series:
http://www.youtube.com/user/kamelotofficial#grid/user/FA46272ADB4A1024
Amazing Cover Of “Ghost Opera”
Senior Recital By: Ittiporn Supreechakorn and Phubet Pensook
Featuring Mahidol University Rock Orchestra and Libera Canto Symphonic Choir
At Music Auditorium, College Of Music, Mahidol University Thailand
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*** PRESS RELEASE #6 ***
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-Doro Pesch Announces Two US DVD Release Shows This Fall
In 2008, legendary metal queen, Doro Pesch, celebrated her 25th anniversary concert at the ISS Dome in her hometown of Dusseldorf, Germany. With over 8,500 people in attendance, the magical, full-documented performance included guest appearances by Overkill’s Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth, Grave Digger’s Chris Boltendahl, former Nightwish singer Tarja Turunen, Scorpions’ Klaus Meine and Rudolf Schenker, Liv Kristine (Leaves’ Eyes), Floor Jansen (After Forever), Axel Rudi Pell and many others. The set was recorded in its entirety and resulted in the mammoth 25 YEARS IN ROCK 2-DVD/CD set which includes the once-on-a-lifetime concert as well as outtakes from Doro’s 2,500th concert and more. 25 YEARS IN ROCK will finally be available to North American fans on September 13, 2011 via Nuclear Blast Records.
In conjunction with the Stateside release, Doro will perform two special shows — her previously announced appearance in New York City on September 9th and an additional show in Chicago on September 11. Both nights will include clips from the DVD, limited edition merchandise and an autograph session followed by a performance by the metal queen herself. Tickets are on sale now through all local ticket outlets!
Doro Pesch 25 YEARS IN ROCK US Release Shows:
9/09/2011 Gramercy Theatre – New York, NY
9/11/2011 Reggie’s Rock Club – Chicago, IL
In related news, Pesch recently did a short run of shows in Spain with Dio Disciples filling in for singer Tim “Ripper” Owens. Dio Disciples is the new project featuring former Dio members Rudy Sarzo (bass), Simon Wright (drums), Craig Goldy (guitar) and Scott Warren (keyboards), along with Owens and additional singer Toby Jepson, who pay tribute to legendary vocalist, Ronnie James Dio. Owens was unable to make the Spanish shows to celebrate his daughter’s wedding.
Watch fan-filmed footage of DORO performing “Don’t Talk To Strangers” here:
http://www.earsplitcompound.com/site/?p=2939
More Doro news to come. In the meantime, be sure to check out Doro’s new (and official) fan page:
http://www.facebook.com/DoroOfficial
http://www.doropesch.com/
http://www.facebook.com/DoroPeschOfficial
http://www.nuclearblastusa.com/
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*** PRESS RELEASE #7 ***
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-Current News From Iced Earth
The US American Power Metal heroes Iced Earth announced their upcoming Europe tour for the end of 2011.
With the new singer Stu Block the band will play its biggest tour so far.
Have a look at the tour dates:
Iced Earth
15.07.2011 GER Neukirchen-Vluyn Dong Open Air
16.07.2011 FIN Joensuu Ilosaarirock
06.08.2011 GER Wacken Wacken Open Air
30.10.2011 GER Bochum Zeche
01.11.2011 NED Amsterdam Melkweg
02.11.2011 NED Uden De Pul
03.11.2011 BEL Antwerp Trix
04.11.2011 GBR London O2 Shepherds Bush Empire
05.11.2011 GBR Birmingham O2 Academy
06.11.2011 GBR Bristol O2 Academy
08.11.2011 FRA Paris Alhambra
09.11.2011 FRA Lyon Transbordeur
10.11.2011 ESP Barcelona Salamandra 1
11.11.2011 ESP Madrid Sala Heineken
12.11.2011 ESP Bilbao Rock Star Live
14.11.2011 ITA Milano Alcatraz
15.11.2011 ITA Rome Alpheus
18.11.2011 GRE Athens Gagarin 205
19.11.2011 GRE Athens Gagarin 205
20.11.2011 GRE Thessaloniki Principal Club
21.11.2011 BUL Sofia Yubileina Hall
22.11.2011 ROM Bucarest The Silver Church
23.11.2011 SER Belgrade SKC
24.11.2011 HUN Budapest Club 202
25.11.2011 SVK Bratislava Majestic Music Club
26.11.2011 POL Warsaw Stodola
27.11.2011 LTU Vilnius Forum Palace
29.11.2011 RUS Moscow Tochka Club
01.12.2011 FIN Helsinki Nosturi
03.12.2011 DEN Copenhagen The Rock
04.12.2011 GER Hamburg Markthalle
06.12.2011 GER Herford X
07.12.2011 GER Köln Essigfabrik
08.12.2011 GER München Backstage Werk
09.12.2011 GER Geiselwind Christmas Metal Festival
10.12.2011 SWI Pratteln Z7
11.12.2011 GER Ludwigsburg Rockfabrik
13.12.2011 TUR Istanbul Refresh The Venu
In a statement Jon Schaffer said: “This is a new beginning. Iced Earth is going to record and tour like it never has before. The band is really amped-up and ready to hit the ground running in November.”
Moreover the Band published a trailer about the upcoming DVD on their homepage:
http://www.icedearth.com/home/second-iced-earth-trailer-released-dvd-coming-soon
There are also news about the forthcoming album. Jon Schaffer revealed at the band’s website that the album will be called DYSTOPIA.
For more information about Iced Earth and their tour dates check out http://www.icedearth.com/ !
Save your tickets in the run-up to be present at one of Iced Earth’s great shows!
Tickets are available at http://www.metaltix.com/ !
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*** PRESS RELEASE #8 ***
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-Escape Music To Release New Ilium Album
Ilium – GENETIC MEMORY
Escape Music – ESM229
File under: melodic metal
EAN: 5031281002297
Release: 26. August 2011
Specials: feat. Mike DiMeo – vocals (ex-Riot, ex-Masterplan)
Track List:
1. Kinaesthesia
2. Littoria
3. Grey Stains The Rainbow
4. The Immortality Gene
5. Ephemeral
6. Genetic Memory
7. Hostile Sky
8. Fevered Tongue
9. Neanderthal Within
10. Ghosts In Flesh
11. Irrinja
Bio:
Ilium is a melodic power metal band from Newcastle, Australia with strong roots in the classic heavy metal sound as purveyed by the likes of Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath and Judas Priest. The band has already released four albums and is currently poised to release their fifth album GENETIC MEMORY on Escape Music.
Guitarist Jason Hodges and original vocalist Mark Snedden formed the band as Iliad in 1998 having previously played together in Oracle in the early 1990s. This embryonic version of the band also included former Oracle guitarist Kris Arendse and the final Oracle bassist Michael Noonan, as well as drummer David Pearson. With the introduction of Adam Smith (also formerly of Oracle) on guitar, the band changed its name to Ilium, with Kris leaving the band after a brief stint with three guitarists. In 2002 the band commenced work on their eponymous debut EP produced by Lord Tim, but Michael Noonan played on only two tracks before leaving the band, with Adam Smith completing the bass duties and yet another former Oracle member Matthew Woodland joining the band shortly before it’s release. The EP, which included a cover of the Fleetwood Mac/ Judas Priest classic “The Green Manalishi (With The Two-Pronged Crown),” gained the attention of several notable labels, including Sentinel Steel boss Denis Gulbey, with Italian label Adrenaline’s metal label Steelheart signing the band for the release of their debut.
Ilium then began recording the debut album SIRENS OF THE STYX with Dungeon’s Lord Tim producing and Steve Moore playing drums. The album was released on 18 December 2003. It contained the track “Incipience: Beowulf Defeats Grendel,” part one of a trilogy centred around the Beowulf legend. (Parts 2 and 3 are included on VESPERTILION.)
PERMIAN DUSK was released in November 2005. The album won a particularly strong review from German metal magazine Rock Hard!, which gave it a score of 9.5/10 and led to reviewer Wolfram Kueper claiming it to be the best power metal album of 2005.
The band’s third release VESPERTILION was released in December of 2007 and again has been given very favourable reviews by Rock Hard! and other publications. This album was the last to feature vocalist Lord Tim; Ilium recorded their fourth album, entitled AGELESS DECAY (ESM191) with vocalist Mike DiMeo, a legend in metal circles being the longest serving vocalist for New York legends Riot before succeeding Jorn Lande as the lead vocalist for Roland Grapow’s post-Helloween project Masterplan. The album was mixed and mastered by the Danish power metal legend Tommy Hansen, who practically wrote the book on power metal production with the godfathers of the genre, Helloween.
AGELESS DECAY was a breath of fresh air for the band, with Mike DiMeo fitting into the lead vocal slot in an effortless manner. The music is more dynamic than before and flows along with magnificent guitar leads and bold keyboards. This is Power metal like you have never heard before, totally professional and so infectious, the hooks will leave you spellbound from the start.
It’s now 2011 and Ilium have recorded 11 brand new songs, which are so infectious they will have you hooked from the start. That powerful metal tone is still there with bags of melody to back it up. This time Swedish mixer extraordinaire Martin Kronlund is twiddling the knobs, making this fifth outing more special than ever… Ilium is maturing fast into a formidable power metal band that will leave you drooling for more. This new CD is their finest hour.
Lineup:
Mike DiMeo – vocals (ex Riot / ex Masterplan)
Jason Hodges – guitar
Adam Smith – guitar, bass, keys
Tim Yatras – drums
Label:
Escape Music
http://www.Escape-Music.com/
info@escape-music.com
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*** PRESS RELEASE #9 ***
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-Music Buy Mail: New Releases
Holy Force – HOLY FORCE
MBMCD6081
File under: Melodic Metal
Order #: CD6081
EAN: 4024572497187
Release: 09. September 2011
Specials: feat. Members of Manowar, Yngwie Malmsteen and Symphony X
Track List:
1. Holy Force
2. Flying
3. Breathe
4. Seasons
5. A Country Good Or Bad
6. Power Of Life
7. Sky Etude
8. We Are The Warriors
9. Moonlight Fantasy
10. The Wings Of Forever
11. Chasing The Dream
12. Emperor
13. Waiting
14. See You In The Future
Lineup:
Ango Chen (Mike Vescera) – Guitars
Mark Boals (Yngwie Malmsteen, Royal Hunt) – Vocals
Mike LePono (Symphony X) – Bass
Rhino (Manowar, Angels Of Babylon) – Drums
Bio:
Ango Chen is an established guitar player from Taiwan and has collaborated with musicians like Mike Vescera (Ex-Yngwie Malmsteen, Joe Stump, Loudness vocalist) and more. He is the founder of his band named Holy Force.
Mark Boals is noted most for his work with Yngwie J. Malmsteen. As a young child he learned to play the piano and bass guitar, but he is best known for his singing abilities: Mark is known as a master of the A above high C (A5) note, which he hits in many songs, but has additionally spanned high range up to the C# above soprano C (C#6) and low range down to the D above low C (D2). Boals is the founder and vocalist for the band Ring Of Fire and serves as the vocalist of Danish neoclassical/progressive metal act Royal Hunt and the US progressive band Seven The Hardway.
Mike LePond started playing bass at the age of 13. He played in numerous unknown bands until 1999 when he became a member of Symphony X. Since his acceptance into the band, he has appeared on the following Symphony X releases: THE NEW MYTHOLOGY SUITE, LIVE ON THE EDGE OF FOREVER, THE ODYSSEY, and the current PARADISE LOST. Mike has also worked with other bands such as Seven Witches, Operatika, Chakrah, Architect, and Daniel Fries. As One of the most well known bassists in the progressive metal scene today, Mike continues to receive numerous accolades for his fast, furious, yet precise playing style.
Kenny (Rhino) Earl grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, the country music capital of the world, but knew early on that Heavy Metal was in his blood. Hitting the drums at the early age of 9, the self-taught double bass powerhouse spent hours playing along to all his favorite Heavy Metal albums. He spent years playing the local club scene and it was here that Manowar discovered him in 1989 playing with his band Arch Angel. Impressed with his double bass, timing and speed, he was asked to join Manowar, and in 1991 recorded THE TRIUMPH OF STEEL album with them, their best selling album to date. Touring Europe multiple times and Japan between 1992-1995. Rhino left Manowar in 1995 to pursue personal interests and he returned to Nashville. For the next 10 years he wrote, recorded and cataloged his music. He continued to play his drums with various local bands. In 2005, HolyHell was formed and the band recorded their EP and did a tour throughout the US, which included such venues as B.B. King’s and House Of Blues. In 2008, Rhino rejoined Manowar for their 25th anniversary tour, which included a record breaking non-stop 5 1/2 hour show in Bulgaria. Wanting to do more creatively, in 2007 Rhino decided to form Angels Of Babylon, and with the release of the debut album KINGDOM OF EVIL in 2010, he is off to a great start.
The Wheel – THE WHEEL
MBMCD #6083
File under: Hard Rock
CD Order #: CD6083
EAN CD: 4024572504229
Release: 16. September 2011 (19. Sept. 2011 – UK)
Specials: for fans of Led Zeppelin, Free and Van Halen
Track List:
1. Stand Up
2. Into The Water
3. Love
4. Tellin’ No Lies
5. Sparks
6. Lost Soul
7. Comin’ On
8. Walk On Out
9. Cry Of The Night
10. All This Time
Bio:
Let’s be honest. There are few bands around the circuit today which are totally original. They don’t present a completely new sound, or something that people never ever have heard before. In 2011, bands that make a name for themselves has the perfect combination of inspiration from different rock genres.
Enter The Wheel. And, for the record, they didn’t invent it. But after years and years of lending their ears to the people who were there when it happened, The Wheel has learned their lesson.
Combining blistering guitar riffs from ’70s references like Led Zeppelin, Free and Van Halen they also give a nod to ’80s acts like Badlands and ’90s acts like Alice In Chains and Soundgarden. The Wheel takes rock history into our time with great pride, and they’re playing like they are an army of classic rock soldiers.
Since forming in 2007, they have been recording their debut album while building a name in the live circuit. Playing alongside UFO, Ken Hensley and The Quireboys at festivals has gained them a reputation of a rock solid live band. Now lend your ears to their debut album, and if you are a true rock ‘n’ roll fan there should be elements from many of your favorite bands right there.
The Wheel has just started to roll…
http://www.myspace.com/thewheelrocks
Distribution:
Music Buy Mail
Truderinger Str. 13
81677 München
Germany
http://www.musicbuymail.de/
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*** PRESS RELEASE #10 ***
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-Stala & So. To Release IT IS SO. Through So Music Finland
Stala & So. – IT IS SO. (So Music Finland)
File under: Hard Rock
Order #: CD6082
EAN: 6430025801568
Release: 16. September 2011
Specials: featuring members of Lordi and ex-Hanoi Rocks!
Track List:
1. The Show By So.
2. Got To Believe
3. One Nite Stand
4. She
5. (Won’t Let You) Down Again
6. Pamela
7. Bye Bye
8. Shout
9. My Happy Day
10. Woman
11. Spring Romance
12. Everything For Money
13. E Major
Bio:
Founded in 1997, So. is known for melodic rock tunes and a positive attitude and is fronted by their charismatic vocalist, Stala. The band has had the freedom to follow their own direction in their music and live performances while entertaining audiences and gathering lots of fans along the way. Other musical projects sadly forced the band to be on hold for a while but now they are back… even more colorful than before!
The ’70s and ’80s glam rock bands, such as Sweet, T-Rex and ZIGGY STARDUST-era David Bowie, have had the strong influence to the band’s image. So. is making music professionally and also having fun with it. The late Finnish comedian, Spede Pasanen, said: “The main thing is to have FUN!” This has been, and continues to be, the guideline for So. as well. No one is left cold by the show by So.!
In the beginning of 2011 the band took part in the Finnish Eurovision Song Contest under the name of Stala & So. They made their way to the national finals with nine other artists and performed on the live TV show in front of nearly a million viewers. There is also one ESC 2006 winner in the band’s lineup. Stala & So. is now ready to go with their debut album, IT IS SO. The band has written, recorded and produced the album themselves!
Lineup:
Stala – vocals
Nick Gore – bass
Sami J – lead guitar
Pate Vaughn – rhythm guitar
Hank – drums
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*** PRESS RELEASE #11 ***
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-CellOut Release Their Debut CD SUPERSTAR PROTOTYPE World Wide July 22 Through Nuerra Records
Swedish metal/rock band CellOut is about to release their debut CD SUPERSTAR PROTOTYPE world wide July 22 through Nuerra Records. It was produced by CellOut and Michael Phelan, mixed by Ulrich Wild (Pantera, Deftones, Static X), and mastered by Dave Collins (Linkin Park, Soundgarden). SUPERSTAR PROTOTYPE is getting tremendous response from metal communities all over the world! You can pre-order SUPERSTAR PROTOTYPE right now.
Check out their sites for more info.
http://www.celloutonline.com/
http://www.facebook.com/celloutband
http://www.myspace.com/cellout
Artist/Band: CellOut
Title: SUPERSTAR PROTOTYPE
Music style: Metal
Label: Nuerra Records
Release date: July 22, 2011
Information:
*High Priority Release by Nuerra Records
*Debut recording from upcoming Swedish metal band
*Mixing by Ulrich Wild (Pantera, Deftones, Static X)
*Mastered by Dave Collins (Linkin Park, Soundgarden )
*Produced by: CellOut and Michael Phelan
*11 great tracks of heavy guitar combined with solid melodies and good songs having a mainstream demand.
* Key Tracks – “Breathe,” “Dark Days” and “Blow”
Overview:
Sweden knows riffs. From obtuse garage punk to anthemic pop to despondent death metal, the Scandinavian stronghold boasts countless crossover acts that consistently blow minds stateside. Their latest export fits into exactly none of the aforementioned categories, yet are so expert at their craft that they conjure all of them and more. Stockholm hard rock quartet CellOut are poised for bi-continental dominance on the eve of their Nuerra Records debut, SUPERSTAR PROTOTYPE. Flaunting infectious melodies that are this unapologetically this heavy young band’s trademark, PROTOTYPE’s title is as ambitious as its content, aspiring to be “the blueprint which all metal/rock records will set as standard,” according to front man Percy Mejhagen. “I believe that the intelligence of a songwriter shows in how dynamic he or she dares to be,” adds Mejhagen. “No matter how ‘hard’ or ‘fast’ a song is, it still has [to have] that big fat chorus, which I hope will be CellOut’s trademark in the future.”
Lineup:
Percy Mejhagen – Lead Vocals, Guitar
Robert Monegrim – Guitar
Anders Sevebo – Bass
Martin Karlsson – Drums
Track List:
1. Dark Days
2. All My Demons Inside
3. The Gift
4. Flooded
5. Set Things Straight
6. Blow
7. Breathe
8. As I Fall
9. Fake
10. In My Arms
11. The Tragedy In You
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-The Stick People Unleash Debut Album, MADNESS
Nowadays, it’s becoming increasingly hard to find rock bands that refuse to be pigeonholed to a single style. But The Stick People are certainly an exception, as they manage to fuse together elements of hard rock, alternative rock, and punk rock — as evidenced by their full-length debut, MADNESS. Released July 19th via EFM Records/Bungalo Records/Universal Music Group Dist., MADNESS is available for purchase via the iTunes, Amazon.com, and Loudtrax websites, or by following these links:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/madness/id448686770
http://www.amazon.com/gp/css/homepage.html?ie=UTF8&ref_=topnav_ya
http://www.loudtrax.com/Album/74588-The-Stick-People-Madness
Also, the album’s first video, “Think About That,” can be viewed on YouTube, or by following this link:
There’s a reason why The Stick People are so adept at touching upon a variety of styles — its members are rock music veterans, having learned their skills playing with quite a few renowned names. Case in point, guitarist/vocalist Mike Stone has played with Queensrÿche, Klover, Bret Michaels, and Peter Criss, guitarist Bernie Godwin with credits including a track on the latest “My Name Is Bruce” soundtrack with Bruce Campbell, and bassist Billy Close has played with the Drop Kick Murphys and Klover. Rounding out the lineup is lead singer/guitarist/songwriter Stephen D. Duffy and drummer Frankie Anthony.
And The Stick People themselves are confident they have a winner on their hands with MADNESS. “We’re excited for the release of MADNESS, says Duffy. “It’s been many months in the making and we hope our fans like it as much as we do!” And while the group just came off the road (two solid months of touring from Milwaukee to Houston), The Stick People will be back touring from August to October, so stay tuned for details.
MADNESS Track Listing:
1. Open Up
2. Waiting
3. Madness
4. I Am The Rain
5. Bulletproof
6. Think About That
7. My Everything
8. The Box
9. Hello, Goodbye
10. Flip
11. Matter Of Time
12. Trust
13. Misery’s Angel
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:
http://www.facebook.com/thestickpeople
http://www.TheStickPeople.com/
http://www.myspace.com/thestickpeople
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*** PRESS RELEASE #13 ***
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-New Stuff From Radiant!
Hello Everyone!!
It’s been a while! Well, we finally got the new Radiant site sorted out and a few new products you may want to check out.
Neal Morse – TESTIMONY Audio Book
Over six hours of Neal reading his book with his own feeling and style. Many of the song lyrics he spontaneously sings while also adding interesting bits, insights and humorous additions along the way! Complete with music clips from the original albums by Transatlantic, Spock’s Beard and his own solo albums, Neal enhances his story in an intimate way that is touching, funny and intensely personal. He “puts you there” in a way that only an author can.
Over six hours of great quality audio!
Downloadable immediately upon purchase!
Neal Morse – TESTIMONY Book (German Edition – mein Lebenszeugnis)
It’s really here! This is a full German version of the original book excellently translated by Werner Geischberger. Complete with all the same photos and layout as the original, this book is a great way to get to know Neal’s story in a deeper way, and to share it with others.
Order now at http://www.radiantrecords.com/ .
Inner Circle News!
The July Inner Circle disc is T2…FOR YOU!, a DVD of great fun behind the scenes and concert footage from the recent Neal Morse TESTIMONY 2 tour. Featuring both the USA and European bands, this DVD spans the entire tour. It is rather “homemade” and there will be a “real” DVD later on, but this one is a great look at the whole experience. (We are running late on this one so we will ship on August 1.) To receive this great disc you must join the IC by July 27. To join the IC go to http://www.nealmorse.com/ , click on the Inner Circle icon, and follow the sign-up instructions.
Thanks!
Cherie Morse
Radiant Records
http://www.radiantrecords.com/
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*** PRESS RELEASE #14 ***
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-Byron Nemeth Group’s THE FORCE WITHIN Reissued Through Digital Nations
ENCINO, CA — Digital Nations Music, a division of world renowned record label, Favored Nations, has reissued the acclaimed fourth album from the Byron Nemeth Group, THE FORCE WITHIN.
Initially released in 2007 via Pacifica Records, THE FORCE WITHIN established Nemeth as a force to be reckoned with and put him amongst the ranks of up and coming guitarists such as Rob Balducci, Dave Weiner, Matthias IA Eklundh, Eric Mantel and Neil Zaza, amongst others.
On signing with Digital Nations, Nemeth says, “With so many digital distribution options available to artists these days what I like about Digital Nations is that it has a set of unique qualities that sets it apart from others. Digital Nations has supreme world wide digital coverage and by being a DN artist one gains the prestige of being a part a label in the music industry that is spearheaded by Steve Vai. The press opportunities, radio interviews, endorsements opportunities and personal DN page that being a DN artist brings makes it a logical label for my music to be a part of.”
Nemeth was bitten by the musical bug at the age of 5 when he first heard The Beatles and was then turned onto the likes of Randy Rhoads, Michael Schenker, Jimmy Page, Steve Vai and Joe Satriani, all of whom influenced his playing, along with Dream Theater, Rush and jazz and classical music. When he was 18 Byron formed his first band, Sacred Heart and played the Cleveland club circuit up to N.Y.C. landmarks such as CBGB and The Cat Club. Nemeth began making a name for himself as a guitarist to keep an eye on throughout this time period.
On the future Byron foresees working on writing a new metal album with a vocalist. “This new direction will feature lots of guitar driven compositions in the mix with great vocals and a brand new line up for the band,” he asserts. “The songs will have great hooks, over the top guitar playing and great singing with thought provoking lyrics that move people, I want the new music to sound very authentic and exciting to listen to. It’s time to bring back great songwriting with great playing that’s been missing from the scene for a long time.”
THE FORCE WITHIN can be found on iTunes and Amazon at:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-force-within/id440512897
Byron Nemeth’s page on Digital Nations is at:
http://digital-nations.com/artists/byronnemeth
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*** PRESS RELEASE #15 ***
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-Voodoo Highway Update
[Note: This combines two updates. – Tim]
Voodoo Highway Signs Management Deal With Rock N Grow
Italian classic hard rockers Voodoo Highway inked a management deal with Rock N Growl Promotion. The band’s new album, entitled BROKEN UNCLE’S INN, is released by the band now and promoted by Rock N Growl.
Axel W. of Rock N Growl – “Great to have this young outrageous hard rock band in my roster!”
Track list:
1. Intro (Since 1972)
2. Till It Bleeds
3. The Fire Will Burn Away
4. J.C. Superf*ck
5. Window
6. Running Around
7. Broken Uncle’s Inn
8. Heaven with No Stars
9. Gasoline Woman
10. In Fact It’s the Worst
First quotes BROKEN UNCLE’S INN:
Queens Of Steel – “El debut de Voodoo Highway es, simplemente, delicioso y una de las mayores sorpresas del año dentro del Rock, por no mecionar que es una de las mayores sorpesas de los últimos años en salir de Italia.”
Trash Head – “The Rock world be advised ’cause there is a new legion on the march from Italy!”
Rockoverdose – “Energy, madness, power is the album.”
Reflection Of Darkness – “The synths come out directly from the ’70s and they deliver this I-don’t-give-a-flying-f*ck feeling, similar to the we-sold-our-souls-for-rock’ n roll.”
Rock En Cuba – “En fin, es un disco maravilloso, para todos los amantes de los sonidos añejos, y si tu eres uno de ellos.”
BeRock Live – “A style that is defined by most as a perfect cross between the sounds of the ’70s Deep Purple and Rainbow, and the issues of most modern bands.”
Voodoo Highway Announces New Drummer
Italian premier classic hard rockers Voodoo Highway welcome a new band member on the drums: Vincenzo Zairo.
About Vincenzo Zairo:
Vincenzo Zairo was born in the deep south of the Italian peninsula and after having spent a happy childhood he moved with his family in the wetlands east of Emilia Romagna. In his teenage years he grows his passion for drums and rock ‘n’ roll in all its different forms, being inspired from bands like Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Rainbow, Scorpions and many other bands also from the ’80s such as Pantera. With such different inspirations he’s able to create a mix of technical, expressive and really personal style. He starts his career in a cover band (The Random) when he was 16 years old, playing songs of bands like Queen, Toto, Deep Purple, Kansas, etc. Vincenzo takes several lessons and drums master with prominent artists in the Italian music scene as Stefano Peretto and Iarin Munari. The bands in which he’s played are: The Random (cover band), Twilight Hall (heavy/power metal band), Didgeridoo (The Funky), F*ckheroes (cover band). He currently plays in Altair (power/prog metal band) and has just joined, thanks to the proposal of his friends Matteo Bizzarri and Filippo “Gonzo” Cavallini, the hard rock relation act from Italy, Voodoo Highway.
Band:
Matteo Bizzarri – Guitar, backing vocals, breaking guitars
Filippo Cavallini – Bass Guitar / Vocals – backing vocals
Federico Di Marco – Vocals and rhythm guitar
Vincent Zairo – Drums
Alessandro Duo – Organ, guitar, backing vocals
Videos:
“J.C. Superf*ck” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WivHr-mCPI
“Broken Uncle’s Inn” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQg5w2grCXQ
“Till It Bleeds” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhpa-F4lP24
Voodoo Highway:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/VOODOO-HIGHWAY/107889722591097
http://www.youtube.com/TheVoodooHighway
http://www.myspace.com/voodoohighway
Management/Promotion:
Rock N Growl
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-Gandalf’s Fist – Jive Tolkein
Many new bands break onto the scene claiming that there latest album is unique. But few can have as much behind such claims as Cumbria’s finest purveyors of sinister fantasy space prog-rock Gandalf’s Fist.
The band — essentially a collaboration between old friends and musical adventurers Dean Marsh and Luke Severn — may have been formed as recently as 2005, but its origins go back much further. They start, depending on your point of view, with the golden era of prog in the 1970s, the birth of English folk centuries before or, even in the time before time inhabited by Tolkein’s characters in “Lord Of The Rings.”
However it all started, what Gandalf’s Fist have done with the release of second album ROAD TO DARKNESS is to propel the apparently old-fashioned notion of the concept album firmly into the 21st century. And for that, they should be applauded. Because in an age of digital downloads and instant gratification, ROAD TO DARKNESS reminds music lovers that the album is a format worth savouring every single groove of.
It is not just a collection of songs, but an entire symphony; a story; and even a statement of intent from two guys who insist they make music simply “for the love” of doing so. Hear hear.
ROAD TO DARKNESS tells the story of a young girl transported to the alien world of Io by an evil sorcerer. It is by turns sinister, funny, inventive, scatological and brilliant. Musically, it recalls everything from Pink Floyd and King Crimson to traditional English folk song, while thematically — besides the obvious Tolkein influence — there are elements borrowed Arthur C. Clarke, the “Back To The Future” films and even a huge nod to the creator of “The Wizard Of Oz,” L. Frank Baum.
There is even a song — “Untrodden Ways” — that pays homage to the greatest English lyricist of all, William Wordsworth.
In many ways, that homage is typical of what Gandalf’s Fist are about. They are unashamedly English, unashamedly in thrall to the rich tradition of storytelling that snakes right through from Wordsworth to the Floyd and beyond.
And musically too, they are adept. Despite having little training, Dean’s multi-instrumental skill is astounding while Luke offers a unique and beguiling vocal performance. Meanwhile, their supporting cast of musicians are never anything short of top quality.
ROAD TO DARKNESS is certainly not an album for anyone who slavishly laps up Simon Cowell’s latest production line pop princesses. But for anyone who loves music to be about great storytelling, it’s essential.
http://www.gandalfsfist.com/
http://www.myspace.com/gandalfsfist
http://www.reverbanation.com/gandalfsfist
http://www.facebook.com/gandalfsfist
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-Danny Neubecker’s Debut HERE I AM Continues The Great Tradition Of Swedish Melodic Pop/Rock That Sweden Is Known For
Artist/Band: Danny Neubecker
Title: HERE I AM
Release Date: August 25, 2011
Catalogue No. CD: FBRCD320
Price Code CD:254
Format: CD
Barcode No. CD: 7320470145470
Label: Feedback Records/Doolittle Group
Style: Melodic Pop/Rock
Origin: Sweden
Territory: Worldwide except Sweden
Selling Points:
HERE I AM is a good debut album by new Swedish act Danny Neubecker and he continues the great tradition of Swedish melodic pop/rock that Sweden are known for since the big success of ABBA, Roxette & Europe.
Track List:
1. You Light Up My Life
2. Believe Again
3. Here I Am
4. All I Keep Doing
5. I Need You
6. Everything You Say
7. The Time Is Now
8. We Belong Together
9. Unforgotten
Overview:
Danny Neubecker is a new act from Sweden with a big heart and a passion for music. He started his career in his teens and did different styles of music but his what he loved most was melodic pop/rock with catchy hooks. After a while he really wanted to fulfill his musical visions to be an artist to record and release albums and make concerts. In 2009 when Danny just turned 21 he really decided that now is the time and let the music talk.
The writing process took place with different composers with one goal in mind to make a great melodic pop/rock album. The musical influences comes from melodic pop/rock artists from both American and UK bands and the list in endless but of course with a Swedish touch.
In 2010 the recording sessions started in Stockholm, the capital city of Sweden, and Danny worked very hard during 2010 to complete the songs for his debut album HERE I AM.
He understood the need of to have a marketing and promotional plan. YouTube, Facebook and other social media are important tools these days to reach out with your music and message and Danny stuck to his plan.
Finally after nine months of searching A&R Christian Liljegren at Doolittle Group received and heard the material and saw the potential in Danny and offered him a deal.
Danny is now on the same rooster as ReinXeed, Swedish Hitz Goes Metal, Golden Resurrection, Indigo, and 7Days.
Danny also signed for Dot Music who will be Danny’s booking agency as we all know it is touring who makes the album spinning around.
Danny will entertain and make people happy with his music and hope this album make your life happier… See you on the road!
http://www.doolittle.se/
http://www.facebook.com/doolittlegroup
Discography
HERE I AM – Feedback Records/Doolittle Group 2011
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*** PRESS RELEASE #18 ***
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-Scythia Announce Summer Siege Tour Dates
The pillaging folk metallers of Vancouver’s Scythia have announced they will be trekking across western Canada for their Summer Siege Tour in promotion of their upcoming 2011 release …OF EXILE.
Having been in studio for the last few months putting the finishing touches on the sophomore release, the follow-up to their 2010 debut release …OF WAR (originally with violin). The Canadian folk metal contingent, following some lineup changes, is looking forward to unleashing its second album …OF EXILE (with the Oboe of Death), again produced by Shaun Thingvold who has engineered on projects with SYL, Fear Factory, Darkest Hour and many more.
Scythia captain Dave Khan commented on the tour and the upcoming album.
“We are really excited about touring this summer to visit some of our favourite places to play in Western Canada and be a part of the Metal Mountain Fest. This tour is an opportunity for our fans in smaller towns to get an advance preview of our upcoming record.”
About: Formed in the latter half of 2008, Scythia is a five piece band that combines haunting folk melodies (emphasized by keyboards and oboe) with the driving force of modern progressive metal to form a raw and powerful sound that is their own. Scythia is not your older brother’s metal band. Unless that band had an oboe of death, echoes of thunder, and a knack for writing folk metal tunes.
Taking its name from vocalist/guitarist Dave Khan’s infatuation with a painting of Nordic/Russian warriors riding bears while brandishing swords, Scythia not only “gives the painting musical significance,” but it is also “the name of an ancient empire spanning from the Caucasus through Russia, and even into eastern Scandinavia. The melodies used in our music have a very ancient, sometimes medieval sound, so I wanted to attribute them to an ancient civilization,” says Khan.
Summer Siege Dates:
Facebook Event – http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=191496110905310
July 27, 2011 – Red Room – Vancouver, BC
August 5, 2011 – The OAP Hall – Chilliwack, BC
August 6, 2011 – Knights of Columbus Hall – Kelowna, BC (All Ages)
August 7, 2011 – Third – Prince George, BC
August 8, 2011 – Better Than Fred’s – Grande Prairie, AB
August 12, 2011 – Hinton, AB – Metal Mountain Fest
August 13, 2011 – Amigos Cantina – Saskatoon, SK
August 14, 2011 – DV8 Tavern – Edmonton, AB
August 15, 2011 – TBA – Lloydminister, AB
August 18, 2011 – The Distillery – Calgary, AB
August 20, 2011 – Grand Forks Hotel – Grand Forks, AB
September 5, 2011 – Rickshaw Theatre – Vancouver, BC
“Having already garnered a lot of attention on the local scene for their energetic live show and distinctive take on the folk metal genre, this up and coming six-piece got the show started right… an entertaining performance and leaving a strong impression.” – ABORT Mag
“I highly recommend catching them… Scythia’s fun and catchy folk metal, it’s a fantastic show that’s sure to put your fist in the air and a grin on your face.” – Hellbound.ca – Live Review
“Folk-Metal with fiery conviction” – The Argus (Thunder Bay) – Live Review
http://www.scythiafolkmetal.com/
http://www.myspace.com/scythiafolkmetal
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Scythia/254231525306
http://www.youtube.com/scythiaband
http://radio3.cbc.ca/#/bands/Scythia
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*** PRESS RELEASE #19 ***
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-Two Side Moon/SLW Promotions Update
Two Side Moon Promotions are excited to welcome to the team Seattle’s S.Y.F.T.
Please find below the text press info for the new album NEW BEGINNING.
Artist: S.Y.F.T
Album Title: NEW BEGNNING
Label: Independent
Street Date: Out Now
Genre: Hard Rock/Metal
Web:
http://www.syftmusic.com/
http://www.myspace.com/syft
http://www.facebook.com Keyword: SYFT
http://www.twitter.com/syft
Armed with their unique blend of hard rock and metal, relentless self-promotion, and an unrivaled spirit of hustle, S.Y.F.T (pronounced “sift”) fought their way through to the top tier of Seattle’s legendarily crowded music scene.
Following the release of their debut album, LAST CHANCE FOR A LEGACY, they’ve spent the last two years filling Seattle’s largest venues and dazzling them with signature high-energy shows. Never the same show twice, S.Y.F.T often pulls from Seattle’s vast talent pool to bring audiences fun and interesting guest musicians presented in a unique forum. This includes once using a jazz horn section to fill out a cover of Faith No More that brought the house down.
The band has been featured many times and continues to count among their supporters local rock giants KISW 99.9 and Portland’s KUFO 101.1. Their music has also been played on an array of college and Internet radio stations throughout the country. They have been lucky enough to share the stage by supporting national tours like Powerman 5000.
S.Y.F.T’s brand of rock music has gone to the next level with their sophomore effort NEW BEGINNING, produced by Grammy-winning producer/engineer Justin Armstrong. With the hard-driving single “Ten Ton Brick” at the forefront, the band is working with Static Management to bring New Beginning to music fans all over the United States.
Band Lineup:
Sean Ingalls – Lead Vocals
Taylor Klise – Guitar
Eric Sorensen – Bass
Nick Switzer – Drums
Track Listing:
1. Ten Ton Brick
2. Scream At Me
3. Suicide Kings
4. Tonight
5. New Beginning
6. Dead Like Yesterday
7. Sold Me Out
8. Reckoning
9. Signals
Two Side Moon Promotions are excited to welcome to the team Progressive Rocker’s Orion’s Departure.
Please find below the text press info for the new album THE LIGHT.
Artist: Orion’s Departure
Album Title: THE LIGHT
Label: Independent
Street Date: Out Now
Genre: Progressive Rock
Web:
http://www.facebook.com/orionsdeparture
Orion’s Departure formed in the spring of 2009, when each member of the group was under the age of 17. Even though it took almost two years to come up with a name, Orion’s Departure immediately began creating original music. No one outside the band had even heard the music until August 2010, when they opened for Randy McStine’s Lo-Fi Resistance. After a great reception, the group teamed up with McStine and began recording THE LIGHT, which was released in May. THE LIGHT blends many different styles into one cohesive concept album, ranging from psychedelic to straight guitar rock.
The band has had very successful live shows in the New York area and has already begun working on new material for their next studio album.
Band Lineup:
Taylor Chadwick – Piano, Keyboards, Vocals
Spencer Rowell – Guitar, Vocals
Brendan Duran – Bass
Pete Gierlach – Drums
Track Listing:
1. Shiver
2. Orion’s Departure
3. Andromeda
4. Tearing At The Seams
5. Nebula
6. Beautiful Dream
7. Epilogue
8. Fog
9. The Light
Two Side Moon Promotions are excited to welcome to the team Florida’s Mandara.
Please find below the text press info for the new EP EMPTY HEARTED.
Artist: Mandara
EP Title: EMPTY HEARTED
Label: Independent Records
Genre: Rock/Progressive Rock/Hard Rock
Street Date: Out Now
Web:
http://www.myspace.com/mandara
http://www.facebook.com/mandararock
http://twitter.com/#!/mandararock
Purchase URL: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mandara
Born in New York and raised in the South, as a Buddhist in the Tennessee Bible Belt, Mandara grew up facing much religious persecution. This ostracization soon became the foundation for her music. By age 16 she had already dedicated most of her young life to encouraging people through her voice. Mandara was invited by Pepsi two years in a row to sing at Freedom Hall with audiences numbering over 100,000 people, as well as the first and second World Peace Concert at the Beck Black Heritage Center, and the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC.
Mandara’s early realization was to sing out, using the purity of her youth and the power of her legacy as the granddaughter of the heroic Imre Kovacs — leader of the People and freedom fighter, to charge into the culture and awaken the seeking spirit of those who have become bound in hopelessness. Wherever she sings people tell her she touches their inner lives and inspires them. Since she was 10 when a room full of rockers pounded the air with their fists for her, and when at 14 after her performance at the National Cherry Blossom Festival a Chinese family ran over to say how much she affected them; how different she was, or when just one Rolling Thunder member cried on her shoulder — Mandara has known what it feels like to provoke courage and create a bridge to their own future victories for those who listen.
As mentioned, Mandara is the granddaughter of Imre Kovacs, Hungarian Freedom Fighter, revolutionary, esteemed author, and Senior Editor of “Radio Free Europe,” who had established a democracy in Hungary, was threatened with execution by the authorities who felt his books provoked human rights, and escaped to America. He has a monument placed in Budapest and this year his biography was published. “My grandfather has always been a strong symbol for me and I carry his legacy close to heart,” says Mandara.
Mandara is unique in rock music because she writes and performs songs that speak out for the protection of our civil liberties, overcoming the intolerance of our times, and strive to provoke in her audience the strength to overcome all personal obstacles. Infused in her music is the determination to be catalystic; encouraging individuals who hear it to be courageous and spiritually free. Each song she releases makes it to the top of independent music charts, two of which went to #1. Mandara states, “I have had fans from America and different countries throughout the world such as Greece, France, Israel, Germany, Iran, Indonesia, Pakistan, Australia, Norway, England, North Africa, and India contact me saying my music has impacted them greatly. One individual stated that one of my songs saved his life. This has thrilled me and sustains my determination.”
She has experienced first hand the non-sleeping bigotry still fierce, hungry, and very much alive today. Her persona has grace and grandeur; her voice projects the power of her heart to uplift. Therefore, she has set out to reassure our nation and encourage the world, through the conviction, power, and enlightenment of Mandara, that from this moment on there can be a new beginning.
“Her new promising rather enjoyable self-titled EP. The band play modern alternative rock with a progressive twist entwined with a retro vibe on such as the excellent ‘Destiny Is Now’ with its deep thought provoking lyrical content, musically the song comes over in the vein of Stevie Nicks and Janis Joplin” – Fireworks Magazine, UK
Track Listing:
1. Empty Hearted
2. Dragon’s Fly
Two Side Moon Promotions are excited to welcome to the team Switzerland’s Minsk Security.
Please find below the text press info for the new album REIGN OF INIQUITY.
Band: Minsk Security
Album Title: REIGN OF INIQUITY
Label: Quam Libet Records
Street Date: Out Now
Genre: Melodic Thrash Metal
Web:
http://www.myspace.com/minsksecurity
http://www.minsk-security.ch/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Minsk-Security/10503514635
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/minsksecurity2
Blistering amp-tubes, nearly breaking membranes, splints being continuously scraped off the drum sticks, sweat in the air and the cops are about to knock on the door due to noise disturbance. When Minsk Security — whose band name, by the way, does not indicate the origins — let go, nothing stays in place.
Lead singer Marc grabs his audience live and on tape with extraordinary energy and passion, while the guitarists Oliver and Michael lay their guitar riffs precisely on Simon’s driving beats and Andy’s tight bass.
Since the foundation in 2003 they have played nearly 100 concerts both at home and abroad, had titles on three compilations and next to a demo tape they have already recorded one album with very good critics. Being rooted in the alternative and punk genre cannot be denied when listening to the melodic thrash metal of the five Swiss but in comparison to their debut album REBORNATION (2008) they act much more tough-minded, condensed and catchy on their new album REIGN OF INIQUITY. From January 2010 to June 2010 the 11 songs (including intro and outro) of REIGN OF INIQUITY were recorded and mixed in the band’s own sound studio by licensed sound engineer and band guitarist Oliver Schneider.
After Quam Libet Records was the perfect partner for selling the whole first edition of 500 copies of REBORNATION in the small Metal Market in Switzerland without high expenses on advertising and marketing, the band has decided to again release their new album through Quam Libet Records in April 2011.
Excerpts from reviews:
“The production sounds pretty balanced and definitely doesn’t need to hide for a self-produced record. Musically, Minsk Security offer a wide range from growl vocals to catchy parts to skullbreakers, everything a lover of heavy music wants to hear.”
“The base of the songs is in my ears the variable vocals, ranging from evil screeches to a catchy lead voice, which would also fit good in a hard rock band. Musically there are a lot of metal standards, which are often broken up by unusual sounds.”
“Thanks to their (variable) vocals Minsk Security are perfectly suited for everyone who always wanted to listen to metal, but never really dared…”
“On REIGN OF INIQUITY they celebrate melodic thrash metal, which thanks to the insertion of other metal styles sounds multilayered and complex”
“…I can’t help to claim, that Minsk Security belong to the best, that Swiss thrash metal has to offer.”
“The songs are not too complex und not constantly fast, so besides the typical hammering the listener always gets some nice mid tempo parts which enhance the overall sound further.”
Band Lineup:
Marc Reichen – Vocals
Oliver Schneider – Lead Guitars & Backing Vocals
Michael Suter – Lead Guitars
Simon Burkhard – Drums
Andy Schaufelberger – Bass
Track Listing:
1. Chapter II
2. The Prostration
3. Behind Triviality
4. Dirge Of Men
5. Ungenesis
6. A Life By The Sword
7. Through The Eyes Of A Martyr
8. Become The Legend
9. Monoliths
10. An Ode To Agony
11. Chapter Closed
Two Side Moon Promotions are excited to welcome to the team UK Progressive Rocker’s Split Sofa.
Please find below the text press info for the new album THE GATHERING.
Band: Split Sofa
Album Title: THE GATHERING
Label: Independent
Street Date: Out Now
Genre: Rock Progressive Rock/Retro/Psychedelic
Web:
http://www.myspace.com/147176065
http://www.facebook.com/SplitSofa?v=app_2347471856
Split Sofa is a psychedelic pop band based in Doveridge (Derbyshire) by singer songwriter Lewie Docksey in 1999.
The band record their own material under a genre they call “Sofa Rock” and have released to date six albums and two EPs.
Formation (1999-Present)
October 1999 saw the band release their debut maxi EP called ANGERLISTIC PILLOW which contained all original songs. Between 2000 and 2001 the band built their own recording studio in Doveridge called The Shack. The band then set about recording their first full album of original material, called THE DAY AFTER THE DAY BEFORE. It featured Mick Strode (Band of Joy / Forevermore) on lead guitar, and the album was picked up by local DJ Paul Baker on Burton On Trent’s “Phoenix Radio” and was played with Lewie being invited to talk about Split Sofa and tracks played on the afternoon show.
2005 saw the release of THE SORCERERS LULLABY which again featured Mick Strode on lead guitar. This again was played on “Radio Phoenix” with another visit to the studio; again the album was full of original songs. The album signified a change in direction which Lewie was not happy with and as soon as the release date came around Lewie decided to write another album with a much harder edge.
The finished product was DRAYLON released in 2006. With the departure of Mick Strode in 2005 Lewie bought in Martin Gilman to work on the next album THE SEVENTH LEVEL and also bought in Gareth Williams on bass guitar.
Up until now the band were just a recording band and plans were set in place to get the band out there and perform their own songs to the public. An EP was written while in the middle of recording THE SEVENTH LEVEL, called DARK DAZE; the band switched to Overdrive Studios to record this.
THE SEVENTH LEVEL was released in 2007 and was sent out to over 80 celebrities including Jamie Oliver, Pete Townsend, Chris Evans, Prince Charles & William & Harry. The band were delighted to hear off some of the celebrities who said that they liked the sofa sound, this gave the band a major boost and Sofa started to do live work in 2007 with a few gigs booked. The band went down really well and people really embraced the new original material.
By June of 2008 the band decided to take the band a step further at getting a publishing deal and formed Operation Duvet. The plan was to blanket bomb every single publishing company in the UK and the six month project was undertaken with a brand new EP called A MYSTICAL REASON, a publishing package being printed and sent off. Over 120 publishing companies were contacted with a few getting back to them telling them that even though they liked the songs and product times were hit hard in the music business and they should continue to push their music on the Internet and live work. With this in mind Sofa contacted CD Baby and put the EP on their site, which in turn ended up on iTunes and various other downloadable websites.
With live work now being the focus the band started to get booked for music festivals and pub venues; this still continues today. With the feedback from the music publishers Split Sofa decided to set up their own record label and publishing company called Daisy Chain Songs in 2009 while still continuing to push there songs on the Internet.
By 2010 the band again released another album called THE GATHERING which CD Baby and iTunes helped to distribute and is still selling well. After the release of the album the band have pushed to get live work with festivals lined up for 2011 and at the moment working on their seventh album COLOURED DREAM with no released date set the band are continuing to push to get their unique sound heard.
Band Lineup:
Lewie Docksey – Vocal, Guitar, Piano, Organ
Gareth Williams – Bass, Vocal, Acoustic Guitar
Martin Gilman – Acoustic Guitar
Joe Nicklin – Lead Guitar
Dave Shipley – Drums
Track Listing:
1. Circles
2. Shadowman
3. U Will C Me
4. Run From The Dawn
5. I’m Following
6. Wate My Time
7. Take Me There
8. So Long Ago
9. All That You Know
10. Before The Storm
Two Side Moon Promotions are excited to welcome to the team Switzerland’s Roadfever.
Please find below the text press info for the new album WHEELS OF FIRE.
Band: Roadfever
Album Title: WHEELS OF FIRE
Label: Eigenproduktion
Street Date: Out Now
Genre: Hard Rock
Having played in several bands since the ’80s, it is in 2004 that Manou and David meet up again! After sharing some musical ideas they decided to form their own band, Devil’s Daughter, which turns out to be Roadfever in 2005.
Pascal and Jessie join the band in 2006 and 2007. All the members of Roadfever have been giving energy-raising gigs since the ’80s with their numerous bands. Together, Manou and David compose the 11 titles of the album WHEELS OF FIRE which is finalized in March 2009. Roadfever are adepts of Power Rock and their rage sends us to the vital electricity of bands like AC/DC, ZZ Top, Blackfoot, or Van Halen with vocals influenced by singers like Stevie Nicks and Janis Joplin.
In May 2009, Roadfever signed an exclusive distribution contract for Switzerland with Irascible Distribution (CH) and the album WHEELS ON FIRE is available on websites throughout the world through the retailers AOR Heaven (DE), and Rock Papas (DE) who are also in charge of their promotion.
Personal Bios:
Manou: Has been greasing her voice since the ’80s with several bands including: Sharper, State Of Mind, Manou and the Moneymakers Band before forming Roadfever in 2005. David: Has been “Zakking” his guitars since the ’80s, with several bands, his most recent being Sideburn before forming Roadfever in 2005. Jessie: Has been playing his strings since 1977 with several bands: Arrow Head, Scrambled Eggs and Blackswan before joining Roadfever in 2007. Pascal: Has been drumming since the ’80s with several bands including: Rash Panzer, State of Mind, The Persuaders and The Red Eyed Farmers before joining Roadfever in 2006.
Review:
With Roadfever we welcome a new Swiss sensation, because their CD WHEELS ON FIRE is a very strong record that basically contains the typical Swiss Melodic Hard Rock style we are all familiar with (Shakra, Gotthard, Krokus, Crytal Ball…). It is done very well, both the production and the included 11 tunes, while the band is also featuring a very strong female lead singer (Manou Pike) and a guitarist (David Pariat) who can shred quite well. What strikes me is the very strong use of some supertight melodies and harmony vocals in each of the included songs, which contributes to the overall sound, even making this Roadfever a sensational Melodic Hard Rock band. They were formed during the mid 2000s and released this album already in 2009, so it took some time for me to discover them, but I am glad I now am able to hear and review their impressive debut CD that can easily compete with Shakra and Gotthard. Songs like “Do The Right Thing,” “Can’t Feel Your Soul” and “Burnout” are definitely picture-perfect Melodic Hard Rock songs with excellent vocal and guitar work, so basically we have here a highly recommended band.
– Gabor Kleinblosem, Strutter’zine – Holland, http://www.strutter.8m.com/
Band Lineup:
Manou Pike – Lead Vocals
David Pariat – Guitar/Vocals
Jessie B – Bass
Pascal Bavaud – Drums
Track Listing:
1. Wheels On Fire
2. Do The Right Thing
3. Break Down The Walls
4. Can’t Feel Your Soul
5. Runaway Train
6. Outside
7. Burnout
8. City Of Angels
9. Hellbound
10. Roadfever
11. Death Valley
TSM/SLW Promotions
http://www.myspace.com/nickyaor
http://www.slwpromotions.com/
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*** PRESS RELEASE #20 ***
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-zebrahead GET NICE On Their 11th Studio Effort Overall
La Habra, CA’s zebrahead are gearing up to unleash a new offering of explosive pop-punk, GET NICE, on September 27th (and in Europe and Japan in late August). And although this is the group’s 11th release overall, it will be their first to be released via the Niji Entertainment Group for North and South America. The album’s release may still be a ways off, but two videos have already been filmed (one for the title track and one for the song “Ricky Bobby”), both of which can be viewed via these links:
zebrahead is comprised of vocalist/rapper Ali Tabatabaee, vocalist/guitarist Matty Lewis, guitarist Greg Bergdorf, bassist Ben Osmundson, and drummer Ed Udhus, and has been rocking since 1996. In the process, zebrahead has sold 1.5 million copies of their albums (800,000 in the USA alone), and even received a Grammy nomination. Additionally, zebrahead has toured around the world since 1996, both headlining clubs and festivals, including the Vans Warped Tour and opening for bands like Green Day and 311.
And there is an interesting connection between zebrahead and heavy metal greats Motorhead. When nominations for the 2000 Grammy awards were announced, Motorhead was named among the nominees for Best Metal Performance for a cover of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman.” However, upon further review, the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences amended the nomination, adding the So Cal punk outfit zebrahead to share the nod for the “Enter Sandman” cover. The song can be found on the ECW EXTREME ENTRANCES CD. Both bands share the same management as well.
GET NICE was produced by Jason Freese (Jewel, Death by Stereo, and plays with veteran outfit Green Day) and mixed by Andy Carpenter (Dwarves). As with past releases, zebrahead will be touring heavily behind it, including dates in the US, Europe, Japan, and their first-ever visit to Australia. In fact, the album hasn’t even been released yet, and the new single, “Get Nice,” is in the Top 4 on Japanese Radio and in the Top 10 on the European International Artist Radio Chart!
According to Tabatabaee, GET NICE is the finest zebrahead release yet. “I think this album will definitely win a Nobel Peace Prize, get you a raise, and get your girlfriend pregnant all at the same time. It’s that good!”
GET NICE Track Listing:
1. Blackout
2. Nothing To Lose
3. She Don’t Wanna Rock
4. Ricky Bobby
5. Get Nice!
6. The Joke’s On You
7. Nudist Priest
8. Galileo Was Wrong
9. Truck Stops And Tail Lights
10. I’m Definitely Not Gonna Miss You
11. Too Bored To Bleed
12. Kiss Your Ass Goodbye
13. This Is Gonna Hurt You Way More Than It’s Gonna Hurt Me
14. Demon Days
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:
http://www.zebrahead.com/ [sponsored and fully ran by Nokia]
http://www.zebrahead.com/gossip [to view GET NICE album cover]
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*** PRESS RELEASE #21 ***
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-Killer Metal Records: New CD Releases
Hi friends and fans of Killer Metal Records!
Three new CDs have seen the light of day!
KMR-CD008 The Order Of Chaos – BURN THESE DREAMS
The Order Of Chaos are fronted by the lovely and talented Amanda which voice shows you all feelings and shades in Metal — roaring like a beast, wailing like a whore! Their new album brings great tunes like the astonishing “Chaos In Cairo,” “Darklord,” and “A Torturer’s Apprentice” among a bunch of other great songs — what an album! The debut album will also be re-editioned on Killer Metal Records later. “Chaos In Cairo” will be on the next Legacy mag CD!
KMR-CD007 Cyanide Scream – UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Cyanide Scream do US Metal the old way, heavy, melodic and catchy, reminding a lot on the early steps in US Metal and bands like Roit or Anvil sometimes. “Now Or Never” or “Already Gone” will catch you for weeks!
KMR-CD006 Testor – ANIMAL KILLSTINCT
Well known in Poland with a strong following are sending their new Thrash-grenade ANIMAL KILLSTINCT to Germany, the rest of Europe and all over the world! Reminding on old Metallica this is for everyone who breathes Metal!!! Be sure!!!
You can order from us or Twilight Distribution at http://www.twilight-distribution.com/ .
The Order Of Chaos did their CD release party in Edmonton/Canada, you can see the full set (75 min.) on YouTube, here is the link for the first four songs:
(songs: “Chaos In Cairo” – “For Another Moment” – “Get In The Pit” – “Invictus”)
Check that one out!!!!!!!!!!!!! Great!!!!
Coming soon:
KMR-CD009 Taipan – SNAKES CD
…this is like bringing coals to Newcastle… WHO of you is NOT familiar with their famous four-tracker on the Bullet Records label from 1981. 30 years later — now! Now they release their SNAKES album with Killer Metal Records! The album has two re-recordings of two of the songs from the EP. A band I always loved so beware: they are back and also expect their next album METAL MACHINE from Killer Metal Records!!!
KMR-LP011 Damien Thorne – END OF THE GAME LP
Also remember THE SIGN OF THE JACKAL done in 1986 by Damien Thorne? END OF THE GAME is their new album, CD was done directly by the band, vinyl is coming on Killer Metal Records!
Killer Metal Records
Wolliner Str. 1
D-26215 Wiefelstede
GERMANY
info@killermetalrecords.de
http://www.killermetalrecords.de/
http://www.myspace.com/killermetalrecords
eBay: killermetalrecords
distributed by: http://www.twilight-distribution.com/
Check our website for new releases!
new CDs out now: Testor – ANIMAL KILLSTINCT / Cyanide Scream – UNFINISHED BUSINESS / The Order Of Chaos – BURN THESE DREAMS (interview soon in LEGACY! + song on CD)
out soon: Taipan (CD) – Damien Thorne (LP)
still hot: Predatory Violence – Veritate – Metal Or Death – Colossus – Anihilated – Dark Mirror – After All
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-Q.E.D Releases SOMETIMES A CIGAR… IS JUST A CIGAR
One of Canada’s premier independent rock bands (based in Winnipeg, Manitoba and originally from Edmonton, Alberta) has just released their third album SOMETIMES A CIGAR… IS JUST A CIGAR. The new album features the single “Floating On Freud” and follows their highly successful release SEARCHING FOR ADJECTIVES which received rave reviews worldwide and resulted in a very successful tour and radio play in Canada, US and India.
The album SOMETIMES A CIGAR… IS JUST A CIGAR was recorded and co-produced in Saskatoon, Canada by Ryan Andersen (Nickelback’s THE LONG ROAD, Theory Of A Deadman, Moist, etc.,) and mastered in Los Angeles by Rob Beaton (CHINESE DEMOCRACY’s “Sorry” and “Shackler’s Revenge,” Buckethead, “The Whole Nine Yards” and trailers for “Lord Of The Rings” and “Batman Begins”).
This enhanced CD contains eight songs with driving guitars and elegant intensity, a mix of alt/rock with modern sensibility, member bio, lyrics, pictures and behind the scenes studio video footage.
Some of the reviews of Q.E.D’s last album are:
“Smart, slick, powerful, strange, heavy, esoteric, haunting, experimental… out of the deep blue comes one of Edmonton’s strongest rock bands. The songs are filled with layers of sound, melding electronics with hard rock grooves and themes inspired by science fiction.”
Mike Ross – The Edmonton Sun
“Both the band and the CD are getting rave reviews at every stop along the way. The band might best be described as thinking man’s hard rock… combination of crunching heavy guitars and strong vocal melodies alongside hypnotic bass grooves and atmospheric texturing. Ra has a great sense of melody and a compelling vocal style. Writing intelligent and challenging rock music is becoming a lost art and I found SEARCHING FOR ADJECTIVES to be a refreshing change.”
Craig West – Soo Today
“Many lyricists can’t tell an adjective from a pecan, and Ra quotes Arthur C. Clarke… carefully organized, even orchestrated. Solid, entertaining fare for fans with degrees.”
Todd Babiak – Edmonton Journal
“Their live show will blast you out of your chair. It’s enthusiastic rock entertainment at its best.”
Al Knowing – The Reminder
“Their live show is more than just four guys on stage playing their instruments. Q.E.D’s songs have a deeper quality to them, an undescribed spirituality.”
Wayne Arthurson – Vue Weekly
After constant and extensive North American tours Q.E.D has established a reputation for setting the standard for performance.
The members of Q.E.D are:
• Ra – Lead vocals, guitar, sequencing, keyboards
• Shawn Nelson – Guitar, vocals
• Wade Buettner – Bass, Vocals
• Sandy Fernandez – Drums, percussion
SOMETIMES A CIGAR… IS JUST A CIGAR is available online/stores at http://www.dynastyrecords.com/ , http://www.indiepool.com/ (includes storefronts iTunes, Amazon MP3, eMusic, Verizon, Rhapsody, Jango, etc.)
Information on tour schedule and the band can be found at http://www.myspace.com/qedrocks , http://www.facebook.com/QEDMUSIC , http://www.qedmusic.com/ , and http://www.sonicbids.com/QED .
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*** PRESS RELEASE #23 ***
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-Dead By Wednesday’s THE LAST PARADE DUe September 9 On Mindsnap Music
Dead By Wednesday – THE LAST PARADE
Mindsnap Music
File under: Metal / Hardcore / Punk
Order #: CD6075
EAN: 616892149460
Release: 09. September 2011
Specials: For fans of Pantera, classic Metallica, Lamb Of God, Slayer, Killswitch Engage, Shadows Fall, etc.
Track List:
1. God Like Feeling
2. Swallow, Chew, Spit
3. This Is What I’m Dying For
4. Will To Fight
5. Sick In The Head
6. You Gracious F*ck
7. All The World Is Waiting
8. Rat
9. The Message You’re Missing
10. T.M.I.
11. The Words I Cannot Find
12. Can’t Find A Scapegoat?
13. The Watchers
14. The Prelude
15. The Last Parade
Bio:
In 2005 Dead By Wednesday made their first mark by releasing their debut CD DEMOCRACY IS DEAD on Jasta of Hatebreed’s Stillborn Records. Then in 2008 came THE KILLING PROJECT, the sophomore full-length CD. THE KILLING PROJECT demonstrated with a punch to the face, New Haven, CT’s very own aggressive hybrid of metal, punk, and hard core. With songs of urgency and importance regarding ideas on religion, current world affairs, race and equality, THE KILLING PROJECT on Eclipse Records was destined to make an impact. And it did. With 13 bone-crushing songs including a memorable guest performance by Carley Coma of Candiria on “The Chosen,” as well as bonus tracks and more. Shortly after, the video for their single “Pawns” by Grammy nominated producer David Brodsky of My Good Eye, N.Y.C. went into rotation on MTV2’s “Headbanger’s Ball,” Music Choice and Havok TV on demand, Sirius Satellite’s “Liquid Metal” radio show, “Rock Band” (the game), and UFC. Now in 2011 the band is currently working on all new brutal unreleased material and in the studio recording their most important junior LP CD with long time friend and producer Enoch Jensen at East Lake Recording Studios in Massachusetts. Dead By Wednesday were focused on making “their MASTER OF PUPPETS” dubbed THE LAST PARADE dropping September 9th (EU) and September 13th (USA).
Welcome to 2011… It may be our last year on Earth, but it doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate! So come join the parade!! THE LAST PARADE, being the junior LP release by the US band Dead By Wednesday, hailing from New Haven, CT (who have worked closely with Jamey Jasta of Hatebreed and Carley Coma of Candiria among others), is a brutal yet intelligent blend of metal, hardcore and punk. Anthemic cries for humanity and apocalyptic images can be heard between ripping guitar riffs, machine gun drumming and intricate bass lines. For fans of Pantera, classic Metallica, Lamb Of God, Slayer, Killswitch Engage, Shadows Fall, etc. This may very well be the world’s farewell party and DBW’s THE LAST PARADE will be the last metal album you will need to own!
Lineup:
Ceschi Ramos – vocals
Marc Allan – vocals
Opus – drums
Mike Modeste – bass
Ross Ragusa – guitar
“Dead By Wednesday is a band that holds the future of hardcore metal in the palm of their hands” – Paul Gargano (Metal Edge Magazine)
“Dead By Wednesday’s riffs are catchy, their breakdowns make you wanna break stuff, and basically, they don’t suck, in a world full of bands that do!” – Phil Freeman (Metal Edge Magazine)
“DBW has a new and total original sound that’s guaranteed to set the world a blaze!” – Marc Rizzo (guitarist of Soulfly/Calvera Conspiricy/ex-Ill Nino)
“Heavy, thrashing and hardcore. Perfect!” – Dave Ellefson (bassist of Megadeth)
“A metal mosh massacre fueled by shredding guitars, double bass, catchy melodies and lyrics that actually make you think.” – Beattie (bassist of Hatebreed)
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-Pro-Pain: New York Legends Celebrate 20 Years With CD/DVD Release
Legendary New York metal/hardcore outfit Pro-Pain are proud to be celebrating their 20th year in existence in 2011!
Since the band’s inception in 1991, Pro-Pain have toured the world countless times, dominated the stages of the world’s largest metal fests and infiltrated the hearts and lives of millions over the course of their incredible, and still heavily active, career. Their massive back-catalog bears 13 full-lengths and a plethora of other releases including singles, DVDs and a live album and two greatest hits compilations to date.
Pro-Pain now proudly unveil the details for a special release designed specifically in celebration of their 20-year anniversary; the massive CD/DVD combo appropriately titled 20 YEARS OF HARDCORE. Set for North American release on August 30, 2011 via AFM Records, this behemoth collection of material is much more than just a “greatest hits” or random compilation of tracks. The CD kicks off with four brand new tracks to get things moving! The disc also contains four re-recorded tracks (featuring Pro-Pain alumni Rob Moschetti, JC Dwyer, Mike Hanzel and Eric Klinger), cover songs, and a 14-song live set filmed in the Czech Republic, in total bearing over 78 minutes of material! The DVD that joins the disc contains over 90 minutes of additional material, including tons of live footage featuring several full concerts, as well as fan-filmed footage and tons of extras, making this an absolute must-have for any fan of Pro-Pain’s patented, groove-laden thunder.
20 YEARS OF HARDCORE Track Listing:
CD:
New Tracks:
1. Damnation
2. Hands In The Jar
3. Someday Bloody Someday
4. True Liberation
Re-recorded Tracks:
5. Foul Taste Of Freedom 2011
6. Make War (Not Love) 2011
7. Denial 2011
8. Shine 2011
Cover track:
9. Keine Amnestie Für MTV
Live In Brno (CZ)
10. Unrestrained
11. Three Minutes Hate
12. Can You Feel It
13. UnAmerican
14. Neocon
15. No Way Out
16. F*ck It
17. Draw Blood
18. The Shape Of Things To Come
19. In For The Kill
20. Let The Blood Run Through The Streets
21. Foul Taste Of Freedom
22. All For King George
23. Destroy The Enemy
DVD:
Beograd Concert – SKC 1998:
1. Shine
2. Make War (Not Love)
3. State Of Mind
4. The Stench Of Piss
5. Life’s Hard
6. Get Real
7. Time
8. Foul Taste Of Freedom
9. Crush
10. Box City
11. Blood Red
12. Bad Blood
Live at With Full Force:
1. Casualties Of War – 2002
2. UnAmerican – 2005
3. F*ck It – 2007
Live At Lausitzring 2005:
1. Neocon
2. One World Ain’t Enough
3. Left For Dead
4. Life’s Hard
5. Get Real
Fan Filmed Footage:
1. Iraqnophobia 1993
2. Johnny Black 1996
3. Act Of God 1999
4. Smokin’ Gun 1999
5. Implode 2005
Rare Clips From The Vault: A montage of old rare footage
Official Promo Video: “Down For The Cause”
Aggressive, meticulous, passionate, righteous — all distinguishing traits that have come to symbolize the fundamentals of metal/hardcore pioneers Pro-Pain. Since their crushing debut album FOUL TASTE OF FREEDOM stormed onto the scene in 1992, Pro-Pain have become a household name of heavy music listeners around the globe. Their successful and enviable career has perpetually prospered throughout its course and yet they still manage to find room to improve, and more importantly, impress.
Formed by vocalist/bassist Gary Meskil (ex-Crumbsuckers), Pro-Pain have over the years benefited from substantial support from an ever-growing and loyal fanbase, international extreme music press and media, hard rock radio, MTV’s “Headbanger’s Ball,” and more, helping the band’s worldwide catalog sales approach one million units to date.
http://www.myspace.com/propainspace
http://www.afm-records.de/
http://www.myspace.com/afmrecordsgermany
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-Totimoshi: New Track Stream Brought To You By The Obelisk
Today, The Obelisk is hosting an exclusive premiere of Totimoshi’s “Waning Divine,” the final track off the California trio’s soon-to-be-released new full-length, AVENGER. A tune about growing old, “Waning Divine” is an surefire epic featuring Brent Hinds (Mastodon) and Scott Kelly (Neurosis, Shrinebuilder).
Check out the track here:
http://theobelisk.net/obelisk/2011/07/19/totimoshistream/
AVENGER is set for release on August 16, 2011 via At A Loss Recordings. The record was produced by Toshi Kasai (Melvins, Shrinebuilder, Tool), mastered by John Golden (Melvins, Mike Watt, OM) and includes appearances by HInds and Kelly as well as Dale Crover.
In conjunction with the release, Totimoshi will kick off a near-month long U.S. tour this August. Confirmed dates (with more to be added) below:
Totimoshi US Tour 2011 (more dates to be announced shortly):
8/04/2011 Chaser’s – Scottsdale, AZ w/ Greenhaven
8/05/2011 The Due Return – Santa Fe, NM
8/06/2011 3 Kings Tavern – Denver, CO w/ Ume, Self Service
8/07/2011 Duffy’s – Lincoln, NE
8/08/2011 Off Minor – Dubuque, IA
8/09/2011 Garibalid’s – Milwaukee, WI w/ Sleestak, Like Like The Death Deaths
8/10/2011 The Frequency – Madison, WI
8/11/2011 Ultra Lounge – Chicago, IL
8/12/2011 Mac’s Bar – Lansing, MI
8/13/2011 Stone Tavern – Kent, OH w/ Rebreather, The Unclean
8/14/2011 Hard Luck – Toronto, ON
8/15/2011 TBA – Montreal, QC
8/16/2011 Daniel St. – Milford, CT
8/17/2011 O’Brien’s – Cambridge, MA
8/19/2011 TBA – Providence, RI
8/20/2011 Saint Vitus – Brooklyn, NY
8/21/2011 Golden West – Baltimore, MD
8/22/2011 Strange Matter – Richmond, VA
8/26/2011 Milestone – Charlotte, NC w/ Music Hates You
8/27/2011 The Drunken Unicorn – Atlanta, GA w/ Zoroaster
8/28/2011 Hi Tone Café – Memphis, TN
8/29/2011 Siberia – New Orleans, LA
8/30/2011 The Mink – Houston, TX
8/31/2011 Scoot Inn – Austin, TX w/ Vaz, Pygmie Shrews
9/01/2011 Korova Basement – San Antonio, TX
9/03/2011 Vaudeville – Tucson, AZ
Founded in Oakland, CA in 1997 by Aguilar and Meg Castellanos (bass, vocals), Totimoshi went through a slew of drummers before joining visions with Kansas City’s Chris Fugitt. Fugitt, a ferocious drummer who’s part John Bonham, part Keith Moon, part Elvin Jones, further ignited this volcanic trio into what it is today. Their albums are a journey into the soul. Their live sets are pure energy slowly smoldering into combustion. Past releases MYSTERIOSO?, MONOLI, LADRON, and MILAGROSA have received countless rave reviews and new album, AVENGER, will no doubt satisfy fans and critics alike once again.
http://www.totimoshi.com/
http://www.facebook.com/totimoshi
http://www.atalossrecordings.com
http://www.facebook.com/atalossrecords
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-Black Cobra Complete Recording Of Fourth Album; Title Revealed
The Bay Area’s devastating duo Black Cobra have completed the recording process of their upcoming fourth full-length album, set for release in the Autumn months ahead.
For the recording of this, the band’s second release for Southern Lord Recordings, Black Cobra recently ventured across the continent to pound out their anticipated new album, the follow-up to 2009’s massively well-received CHRONOMEGA. This time around the outfit enlisted the talents of Converge guitarist Kurt Ballou and his God City Studio in Salem, Massachusetts for the first time. After a brutal week-and-a-half in the notorious lair, ‘Cobra hammered out what will soon be known to the world as their almighty fourth full-length album, the album title now confirmed as INVERNAL. A full track listing, album art and other specific details will be announced in the shortly, but from an advance listen to the un-mastered output of this savage outfit, we are confident in confirming that this is Black Cobra’s most honed and diversified material to date, and will definitely tear your face off completely.
While Black Cobra’s full-on tour cycle for INVERNAL has not yet began, as it undoubtedly will very shortly, the band have in the meantime been confirmed for several shows over the coming weeks, including an appearance at The Power Of The Riff Festival in Los Angeles on August 18 alongside Eyehategod, Pentagram, Winter, Pelican and more, a direct support spot for High On Fire in Oakland on August 27, an appearance at MusicFest Northwest festival in Portland and more. A rigorous amount of touring will continually be announced through the rest of 2011.
Black Cobra Live:
7/30/2011 El Rio – San Francisco, CA w/ Hot Lunch, Lecherous Gaze, Hightower
8/13/2011 Echo/Echoplex – Los Angeles, CA @ The Power Of The Riff
8/27/2011 Uptown – Oakland, CA w/ High On Fire
9/08/2011 Dante’s – Portland, OR @ MFNW
9/22/2011 Yerba Buena Center For The Arts – San Francisco, CA
Formed by drummer Rafa Martinez (ex-16, ex-Acid King) and guitarist/vocalist Jason Landrian (ex-Cavity), Black Cobra catapulted themselves onto the scene in 2001 with their ravenous, upbeat and ultimately unique style of punk/hardcore-fueled sludge metal. They were picked up almost immediately by indie At A Loss Recordings (Rwake, Minsk, 16, Dark Castle, etc.), becoming the band’s label home for the release of their debut full-length, BESTIAL, and follow-up album, FEATHER AND STONE. By 2009, with the band then virtually a household name to the tens of thousands of fans who’ve seen their flooring live performances over the years, Black Cobra signed with juggernaut Southern Lord Recordings for the release of CHRONOMEGA, the band’s most diverse material to date.
The incredibly hard-working two-piece unit have endured near inhuman amounts of touring over the past few years, both headlining and supporting on countless tours, and including shows alongside international acts such as Mastodon, Sleep, Baroness, High On Fire, Pelican, The Sword, Kylesa, Weedeater, Torche and many others. They’ve also hit the festival circuit worldwide including Hellfest, Dour Fest, Stoned From The Underground, Scion Fest, and The Missing Link Festival and more.
Stay tuned for more live updates on Black Cobra, and for more info on INVERNAL as the album nears release this Fall.
http://blackcobra.net/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/black-cobra/208154699403
*
*** NEWS/RUMORS ***
*
-7th Heaven’s latest release, POP MEDIA, is out now. The 22-song set is “a collection of fun pop rock dance songs that can transcend numerous generations. A great feel-good CD.” POP MEDIA is available on iTunes, Amazon.com, and 7thHeavenBand.com, and at all shows. Preview all the songs and check out lyrics, production notes, and credits now at http://www.7thHeavenBand.com/ .
-About Heavy Metal’s “Best Heavy Metal Albums Of 1985” list is online at http://glclk.about.com/?zi=1/DCDl .
-Candlelight Red’s debut single “Closer” has hit #59 at active rock radio, at Media Base. The band is currently touring with Saving Abel and will release THE WRECKAGE (produced by David Ivory) through Imagen Records later this year.
-Norway’s Communic is streaming “Denial,” from the upcoming THE BOTTOM DEEP, at http://listn.to/nuclearblasteurope . See http://www.communic.org/ for more.
-Contrive has two shows in Vietnam later this week, making it the first Australian metal band to play that country:
7/22 – Hard Rock Cafe Ho Chi Minh City / Kumho Asiana Plaza
7/23 – RockFanClub Cafe, Ho Chi Minh City
See http://www.myspace.com/contriveaustralia and http://www.facebook.com/contriveaus for more.
-Daedalus, a progressive metal band from Genoa, Italy, has released MOTHERLAND through Galileo Records. The band’s third album “contains 11 songs pervaded with strength, melody, contemplation. The lyrics offer different points of view concerning the uneasiness in today’s world and analyze some peculiar elements that may lead to an inexorable crumbling of the modern society.”
-Fatality’s third episode from its series “The Fatality Show” is online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDBTal_uqvc . The episode is narrated by vocalist/guitarist Spencer Le Von and “chronicles their adventures from their Eastern Intoxication tour that took place this past May across east coast Canada and USA.” For more on the band’s touring, see the Fatality Thrash Blog at http://fatalitythrash.blogspot.com/ . The latest dates on the Western Annihilation Tour:
7/20 – Pogue Mahone, Kamloops, BC
7/22 – Funky Winkerbeans, Vancouver, BC – w/ Skull Hammer
7/23 – The 2 Bit Saloon, Seattle, WA
7/24 – Kelly’s Olympian, Portland, OR – w/ Excruciator & Order Of The Gash
7/25 – Johnny B’s, Medford, OR w/ Sumerian & Excrutiator
7/28 – The Riff Haus, Fullerton, CA
7/29 – Burnt Ramen, Richmond, CA
7/30 – The Boulevard, Los Angeles w/ Bonded By Blood
7/31 – The Metaphor Cafe, Escondido, CA
8/1 – The Ruby Room, San Diego, CA
8/2 – ICYC, Phoenix, AZ – w/Vektor
8/3 – Amped Performance Center, Albuquerque, NM
8/4 – Moe’s Original, Denver, CO
8/5 – Johnny’s Sidebar, Collinsville, IL
8/6 – The Fallout, Chicago, IL – w/ Mortifier
See http://fatality.bandcamp.com , http://www.reverbnation.com/fatalitymetal , http://www.facebook.com/pages/FATALITY/97224729901 , and http://www.myspace.com/fatalitythrashf*ck for more.
-Graveyard’s self-titled debut will be reissued by Nuclear Blast on August 19, in CD, vinyl, and digital editions. Check out the track “Evil Ways” at http://listn.to/nuclearblasteurope . See http://www.myspace.com/graveyardsongs for more.
-Havok just finished touring with Forbidden, Revocation, and White Wizzard, and released TIME IS UP earlier this year on Candlelight Records. Check out footage of the band performing at Studio 7 in Seattle on June 13 and the “Covering Fire” video at http://www.earsplitcompound.com/site/?p=2819 . See http://www.myspace.com/havok and http://www.facebook.com/HavokOfficial for more.
-Danko Jones’ drummer Dan Cornelius has left the band, and Atom Willard (Rocket From The Crypt) will join for the band’s upcoming summer tour. See http://www.dankojones.com/ for more.
-Former Motorhead guitarist Mick “Wurzel” Burston died July 9 after battling heart disease. He was 61.
-The Romanian Rock Meeting will take place October 9 in Bucharest, at Arenele Romane. Pain Of Salvation will headline, and other bands will be announced soon. See http://www.maximumrock.ro/ , http://www.promusicprod.ro/concerte , and http://www.promusicprod.ro/ for more.
-A track from Sabaton’s upcoming WORLD WAR LIVE: BATTLE OF THE BALTIC SEA is available now; check out the live version of “Cliffs Of Gallipoli” at http://listn.to/nuclearblasteurope . See http://www.sabaton.net/ for more.
-Sister will support U.D.O., along with Sister Sin, on a dozen European tour dates. The band stated: “Udo and Accept has been a big influence for the members in Sister for a long time and to open for U.D.O. is f*cking great for sure! We’re really looking forward to it all and this is one of many things that we wished for at this stage in our career. With the new album HATED out this summer the only thing we want to do is to hit the roads! Germany has been our ‘second home’ the last years and has except for Sweden been the country we undoubtedly done most gigs. It’s always been a blast down there. This will of course be no exception and we will see all of you bastards when the time comes. We promise a riot on stage and thank U.D.O. and the organization around him for this opportunity! Cheers!” The dates:
11/24 – Hedon, Zwolle, The Netherlands
11/25 – Quasimod, Pirmasens, Germany
11/27 – C-Club, Berlin, Germany
11/30 – GC Drieschaar, As, Belgium
12/1 – Vest Arena, Recklinghausen, Germany
12/2 – VA Zentrum, Burglengenfeld, Germany
12/3 – Hellraiser, Leipzig, Germany
12/4 – Essigfabrik, Köln, Germany
12/6 – Neue Stadthalle, Langen, Germany
12/7 – Z7, Pratteln, Switzerland
12/9 – Volksbankmesse, Balingen, Germany
12/10 – Stadthalle, Memmingen, Germany
See http://www.sisteronline.net/ , http://www.facebook.com/sisterband , http://www.twitter.com/sister_official , http://www.youtube.com/sisterofficial , and http://www.myspace.com/sisteronline for more.
-Check out a new podcast featuring Unearth vocalist Trevor Phipps, where he talks about “the band’s upcoming new full-length, DARKNESS IN THE LIGHT, their slot on this year’s Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Fest, his love of poker, joke tracks, tour pranks, The Boston Bruins and more,” at http://www.metalblade.com/podcasts/podcast_06_28_11.mp3 or http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/metal-blade-records-podcast/id113680727?i=95262247 . The band’s label, Metal Blade Records, has teamed up with Calyp, Blue Calypso’s “free loyalty and rewards program,” to “say thanks to Unearth’s fans.” Hype: “Unearth fans who are interested can join Calyp by downloading the free App and ‘endorse’ the band by sharing Unearth’s campaigns with friends through personal texts, posts and tweets. For their participation fans earn cash from Calyp along with VIP perks and band related prizes from the label and others. Unearth will be the first on Metal Blade’s roster to be a part of the program, with the label promoting the band’s upcoming record DARKNESS IN THE LIGHT and their performance on this summer’s Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival . . . Unearth’s Calyp program will last throughout the summer giving fans the chance to win some cool items like signed CDs and DVDs, discounts on Unearth merch, tickets to the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, and the chance to win a BBQ with the band at one of the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival stops.” See http://calyp.com/ for more on the Calyp App, and for more on Unearth see http://www.darknessinthelightalbum.com/ , http://www.unearth.tv/ , http://www.facebook.com/unearthofficial , http://www.twitter.com/unearthofficial , and http://www.myspace.com/unearth .
-Wacken announced its final act, Frei.Wild, billed as “South Tirol’s most successful ‘Deutsch-Rock’ band.” Frei.Wild will celebrate its 10th anniversary by taking one of the headline slots on the Blackstage. Check out the open air’s complete running order now at http://www.wacken.com/nc/en/woa2011/main-bands/running-order-2011/ .
Thanks to Thomas Jensen, Cole Bernstiel, Richard Hofherr, Jon Asher, Liz Ciavarella-Brenner, Andrew Haug, Kimmie M. Sharon, Nelu Brindusan, Chad Bowar, and Metaltix for help gathering some of this information.
*
*** OUT ***
*
Issue #600.5 Interviews w/ Jamie Smith (Borealis) and Martin Strange (Strange Karma)
Detritus
Mini-Issue #600.5
July 15, 2011
http://DetritusZine.com/
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*
*** CAST OF CHARACTERS ***
*
Patrick Brower, Editor
pwbrower@gmail.com
Sean P. Gahgan, Editor
spgahgan@comcast.net
http://www.lakeoffire.net/
http://www.myspace.com/visionlakeoffire
Tim Wadzinski, Owner
tsw512@yahoo.com
Steve Shumake, Co-owner
vongoober@neb.rr.com
http://www.facebook.com/KnuckleDeepBand
*
*** LET IT BE KNOWN ***
*
-Here we go with a double shot of interviewy goodness, from Neal and
Jan, plus a review chaser. Enjoy. – Tim
*
*** SPECIAL REPORT #1 ***
*
by Neal Woodall (MysticX9@gmail.com)
-Interview w/ Jamie Smith (Borealis)
June 29, 2011
Canada has a long history of producing exceptional hard rock/metal
bands and musicians, including the well-known sounds of Rush, Saga and
Triumph, the guitar genius of Frank Marino and Pat Travers, the
influential works of Anvil, Voi Vod and Annihilator along with lesser
known but highly respected outfits such as Killer Dwarfs, Kick Axe,
White Wolf, Exciter, Sword and Eidolon; well you can now add another
name to that prestigious list as Ontario’s Borealis deliver their
second album FALL FROM GRACE, an exceptional release already well
received by fans and critics alike in the progressive/power metal
community. I fully expect Borealis to quickly take their place
alongside the likes of Evergrey, Labyrinth, Vanden Plas and Circus
Maximus so with that in mind I took the opportunity to connect with
bassist Jamie Smith.
DETRITUS: Congratulations on FALL FROM GRACE, it’s a great album! How
do you feel this one differs from your debut WORLD OF SILENCE?
JAMIE SMITH: The sound quality of FALL FROM GRACE is what we think
sets it apart from WORLD OF SILENCE. We had a great set of engineers
who really brought the music to life in a way that wasn’t achieved
with WORLD OF SILENCE. We also think that the songs are better written
and more diverse, we were more comfortable trying out many different
ideas for this album and we think it shows in the feeling and
diversity of the songs.
D: There’s great musicianship throughout FALL FROM GRACE but it’s
never excessive; was there a conscious effort to avoid “technical
overkill?”
JS: Thanks very much!! We never had to go out of our way to tone down
any excesses in the songs. With the way all of our influences mesh
when we write songs together, we manage to strike a nice balance of
technicality and simplicity that appeals to us.
D: What inspired you lyrically on FALL FROM GRACE?
JS: For the lyrics on FALL FROM GRACE, we tried to stay away from the
fantasy or mythological lyrics that are often seen in our genre. Not
that there is anything wrong with that, but we thought taking a more
honest “real life” approach would produce lyrics that sounded
heartfelt and powerful.
D: Do you have a favorite song on FALL FROM GRACE?
JS: We all differ on our favourite song on the album, but two of the
standout tracks that we enjoy live are “Where We Started” and
“Breaking The Curse.”
D: Tell us about some of the songs:
JS: “Words I Failed To Say” – A song mostly written by our former
guitarist Ken [Fobert]. This song sat on the shelf for quite a while
before we picked up and finished it, but it turned out to be one of
the best received tracks on the album. It’s got a deep, personal
meaning to us.
“Fall From Grace” – With this one we just wanted a high energy tune
that didn’t lose any steam. If I remember correctly, the lyrics for it
were written in a bit of a rush to get the song done.
“Breaking The Curse” – Another very personal song lyrically, one of
our favourites to play off the new album and crowds so far have loved
it. This one was definitely a team effort, everybody had their hands
in on the composition of this song.
“Regeneration” – This was the first song Ken brought to us when he
joined the band. Not much was changed on it, and Ken had a big hand in
the lyrics as well. It’s a very good display of Matt [Marinelli] and
Ken’s work together.
D: FALL FROM GRACE is a great sounding album; how did you get involved
with Jordan Valeriote and Tomas “Plec” Johansson?
JS: Jordan Valeriote at Sundown Studios was brought to our attention
simply as a search result. We just loved the samples that he had on
his website and he was incredibly reasonable and easy to work with. We
wanted to work with “Plec” after hearing his working on Scar Symmetry
albums as well as his work with Solution .45. It was great working
with a guy who mastered some of our favourite music, and he did an
amazing job on our work too.
D: The cover is some outstanding artwork, how did you come to select
Frank Fiedler to handle that?
JS: We actually had a very difficult time finding artwork that we
liked for the new album, we just didn’t know what we wanted. We had a
look at Rainer Kalwitz’s website of artwork, and fell in love with Mr.
Fiedler’s work, which was being represented on Mr. Kalwitz’s site. We
hadn’t even had a name for the album until we saw that artwork, and it
just fit with what we were looking for.
D: I understand Ken Fobert has left the band? Have you found a
replacement?
JS: You are the first to know that: YES! We have searched high and low
and we feel that we have found a suitable replacement to Ken. We are
getting his accustomed to the tracks and will be announcing his name
along with a video very soon 🙂
D: What are your tour plans for 2011?
JS: In terms of plans, nothing is set at this moment. As I write this
there are very big things being worked on diligently by our management
team at Intromental, but unfortunately nothing that I can say here.
Rest assured, if we had things our way we would be on the road
already, and we hope to bring our show to both North America and
Europe either this year or next.
D: How is the set list chosen, and what songs will likely be included?
JS: The set list is chosen after we are given a set length by the
manager or promoter. After that we’ve got a couple of tracks cemented
on the list, namely “Finest Hour” and “Where We Started.” After that
its basically a vote amongst us what we want to play on a given night.
D: Your performance at ProgPower USA last year was excellent — how
did you enjoy playing the festival and do you have any particularly
fond memories of the event?
JS: Thank you!! ProgPower USA, it’s safe to say, was one of, if not
THE, best times of our lives. The people that attend PPUSA are
absolutely remarkable and kind, as well as the stage crew made up of
volunteers. Glenn [Harveston] the promoter is a stand up guy, and
because of all of this the bands are all in a good mood and a terrific
party ensues. I would say one of the better memories for us was having
a swim at the hotel with the members of Tarot. We’re still at the
stage of being in awe and quite shy around band members that we’ve
been listening to for years, so that was quite a moment for us to be
among legends.
D: What band(s) have you enjoyed touring with the most and who would
you really like to tour with in the future?
JS: Unfortunately we haven’t embarked on a tour of note with any bands
yet, although we’ve had the pleasure of playing local shows with some
big name bands. We remember Epica being really cool people and would
love to tour with them. Of course, our buddies in Blackguard would be
amazing to tour with, if crowds would deal with the crossover of
genres!
D: What do you enjoy doing in your off time while out on the road?
JS: Judging by our trip to Atlanta alone, we’d say drinking beer and
eating pizza!! We definitely plan to take in some sights when we do
hit the road for a full scale tour, as we all love to travel and look
forward to visiting some very cool cities.
D: You’re now on the Hydrant Music label in Japan — did you have a
lot of success with WORLD OF SILENCE in Japan?
JS: Not at all, our deal with Hydrant Music simply came about with
them listening to FALL FROM GRACE. If WORLD OF SILENCE even reached
the shores of Japan before FALL FROM GRACE was released, we sure
didn’t know about it!
D: Just about all the reviews I’ve read compare you to Evergrey but
otherwise everyone seems to hear different influences in your music.
Who were some of your other influences and how did you go about
developing a distinctive sound?
JS: Evergrey was certainly a major one, but we drew from many sources
for our writing. In Flames, Scar Symmetry, Avantasia, even movie
scores and maybe just a little of Top 40 stuff crept in here and
there. We think that creates a very distinctive sound for us and enjoy
the fact that people hear different things from the same songs.
D: You originally started off with a female vocalist and were heading
in a Nightwish style. What led you to choose to perform this type of
metal?
JS: As we began to grow together as writers, we realized that we would
have to limit ourselves in our writing in order to accommodate an
operatic voice. Of course, some people manage to do this quite well
such as Nightwish and Epica, but we were at the point where a male
vocalist like Matt suited what we were writing much better and gave us
more options on where to go with the songs.
D: Anything I forgot to ask that you would like to add?
JS: Yes!! [Drummer] Sean Dowell IS single, ladies!!! 😛 But seriously,
a big thank you to each and everyone of the people who support us and
spend their hard earned money on our music. It means the world to us
and we promise to pay it back with more kickass tunes and shows!
D: Thanks much, look forward to seeing you live again soon!
JS: Cheers from Canada!!!
Relevant links:
Borealis
http://www.facebook.com/borealisband
http://www.myspace.com/borealismetal
http://www.youtube.com/user/Borealismetal
http://www.intromental.com/borealis
Hydrant Music
http://www.hydrantmusic.com/
Intromental
http://www.intromental.com/management
http://www.intromental.com/booking
Lion Music
http://www.lionmusic.com/
http://www.lionmusic.com/ShopSelect.htm (webstore)
http://www.facebook.com/LionMusicRecordLabel
http://www.youtube.com/lionmusicfinland
http://www.myspace.com/lionmusiclabel
*
*** SPECIAL REPORT #2 ***
*
by Jan W. (jw4jzon@hotmail.com)
-Interview w/ Martin Strange (Strange Karma)
July 6, 2011
Strange Karma is a quartet from Australia, lucky enough to tour
America once, and looking to come back again. Brothers Martin and Paul
Strange have held strong to their creative roots, despite going
through long stretches of time in their homeland where fans loved
their music, but the industry largely ignored their efforts. The band
has spent years on the road, literally, not only in Australia, but
also in England and even the US. It was during that time in America
that they were lucky enough to meet a rep from FnA Records in
Tennessee. As Martin Strange says about VOLUME 1, “Thirteen days to
record, three years to release.” The band is chomping at the bit to
get back Stateside and rock US fans on tour. Martin Strange agreed to
answer some questions for Detritus readers to help America get to know
Strange Karma a bit better.
DETRITUS: I’m sure we have some readers who aren’t as familiar with
the Strange Karma’s musical history, and we need to introduce you
properly. Can you give us a very brief overview of where the band has
been musically?
MARTIN STRANGE: Musically the band has been writing, traveling, and
taking care of business. Since forming as Strange Karma in 2006 we
have been working on our live shows, constantly writing new material,
and keeping our chops. We recorded our debut album in late November in
2007 and managed to release it in February 2011. Unfortunately due to
time wasters in the music business it took so long. (Our advice to
upcoming bands is wait for no one.)
D: What is the most difficult aspect of song writing? Where do your
ideas come from? Do lyrics or music come first, and does that affect
the song?
MS: Writing songs is a very pleasurable experience for me, if I get
stuck on a song I’ll get back to it some other day, or month, or even
years. Ideas come from the imagination: creating characters, real life
experiences, journeys with the band, and individual life challenges
representing a particular time in life. Usually if I’m writing on my
own, the music and words come together at the same time. The process
changes depending on the mood. If I’m writing with Paul I will usually
follow the vocal melody and we work on the arrangement. It all changes
depending on the story and what the lyrical content is about.
D: People compare your sound to and note your influence by Led
Zeppelin. Is there a band or musician fans would be surprised to hear
that you have been influenced by? Who are your current favorites? What
music takes up the most space in your iPod?
MS: I think why people compare us to Led Zeppelin is not because of
the music sounding the same or the song writing. I think people can
really hear a certain delivery, a style, and performance whether it be
live or on the record. I think people would be surprised that Michael
Jackson had a big influence on some our delivery, especially vocally
and in our live performances. I really like the Derek Trucks Band —
they are producing great albums and are great musicians, too. As for
the last part of the question — I don’t have an iPod. (laughs)
D: Is there anyone in particular you want to work with that you have
not yet?
MS: Yes we would like to work with Kevin Shirley, Bob Rock, or Mutt
Lange to get the best out of us. There is a lot more to us then one
album.
D: How did the first tour of America come about and how did you
connect with FnA Records in Nashville?
MS: We knew that our music was not going to be supported by the
Australian music industry, so we headed to the US to gain contacts and
experiences. Thanks to our friends in the US we managed to organize
ourselves. Strange Karma is a very resourceful and hard working band
and managed to get through the hardest challenges. It was an important
exercise. It made the band stronger. FnA Records found us and
expressed an interest in our music.
D: What have you found to be the most difficult part of connecting
with fans in America, or any other part of the world?
MS: The hardest thing is living in Australia and being far away from
it all.
D: How do you think that the digital age has changed music? Has it
helped or hurt Strange Karma?
MS: I think in some cases it hurts the bands with the piracy aspect of
the digital age, but at the same time a band can explode a lot quicker
sometimes. No matter which way you look at it, it’s all bloody hard
work.
D: What, in your opinion, is the best musical invention of the past
five years? Why?
MS: Nothing! Your mind and your hands, pen and paper if you need it.
That is all you need. I think technical inventions are ideal for
engineers, but I don’t think they will help anyone write a good song.
D: The music industry has changed so much in the last 10 years, with
mergers, arguments over rights, royalties, and downloading. If you
could make one change to help artists themselves, what would you do?
MS: I would kill all the talent TV shows and take the music to the
streets like it was back in the day. Get labels working on finding
talent and supporting them… Ha — who am I kidding? Greed killed the
music industry and bands. To make it in a band today each member has
to be strong, resilient, and work as a team.
D: During your live shows, what is your favourite cover song to play
and why?
MS: We hardly do covers but when we do we really enjoy playing
“Immigrant Song” by Led Zeppelin. Lots of fun. (laughs)
D: What are your goals for the coming year, in terms of performing?
MS: Supporting the album and doing an American tour at the end of the
year.
D: If you could choose only one of your songs to be remembered by,
which would you choose? You can choose something from VOLUME 1 or any
of your other songs.
MS: I believe the best work is yet to come. I think for me personally,
it would have to be “Artistic Way Of Life;” it’s a song that is not on
the album and is based on Amadeus Mozart, his life, and a mixture of
art and romance. It’s a big piano song that is heavily influenced by
classical music of that period. I believe this is our “Bohemian
Rhapsody.” (laughs)
D: Each fan takes something different away from your music. If you
could choose one thing fans get from your recordings, what would that
be?
MS: Honest, raw expression, and powerful performance.
D: What has been your most embarrassing moment (as a band member) on
stage or off?
MS: I don’t get embarrassed on stage and off stage — sh*t happens all
the time.
D: What is the craziest thing a fan has asked you to do?
MS: (laughs)
D: I guess that counts as a “no comment” answer. US fans may raise the
bar for you on that one. Speaking of the US, is there another tour of
the States planned — when and where — and where can your fans find
out the new info on that?
MS: We’re always planning something — keep a look out for more
information on our website, http://www.strangekarma.net/ .
-Martin Strange (lead vocals, piano, guitar), Paul Strange (lead
guitar, backing vocals), Doe Prijono (bass guitar, backing vocals),
and Jason McDonald (drums and percussion) encourage fans interested in
Strange Karma music to check out videos they have available on
YouTube. “Down And Out” ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkiW3IpdKWw )
would be a great place to start — you will be able to hear in the
vocal echoes just why some compare this band to Zeppelin.
Relevant links:
FnA Records
http://www.fnarecords.net/
http://www.facebook.com/fnarecords
http://www.myspace.com/fnarecordlabel
Strange Karma
http://www.strangekarma.net/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Strange-Karma/157783670932214
http://www.myspace.com/strangekarma
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/strangekarma
*
*** REVIEWS ***
*
STRANGE KARMA – VOLUME 1 (B/C) FnA Records, 2011
10 tracks, RT: 41:32
[ http://www.strangekarma.net/ ]
[ http://www.facebook.com/pages/Strange-Karma/157783670932214 ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/strangekarma ]
[ http://twitter.com/strange_karma_ ]
[ http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/strangekarma ]
[ http://www.reverbnation.com/strangekarma ]
[ http://www.fnarecords.net/ ]
[ http://www.facebook.com/fnarecords ]
[ http://twitter.com/RocknFnARecords ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/fnarecordlabel ]
Ten tracks introduce this foursome from Australia to the world, with a
variety of styles and some moments that make it very obvious why fans
compare the band to one of their many influences, Led Zeppelin. The
song structure of “Time” could be compared to Zep fave “Stairway To
Heaven,” but there you will hear a grandiose piano outro in place of
the a cappella ending by Plant. “Storm” contains so many changes
within the song, quite possibly trying to simulate how a weather storm
may transform as it devastates the land it crosses and includes
interesting guitar work by brother Paul Strange. Paul’s work is again
highlighted in the track called “Uneasy,” which is intertwined with a
mellower tune. Martin’s piano work closes “Young & Free,” while his
vocal theatrics are the focus of “Mind Games.” The one song I just
could not figure out here was “Indian Sun,” a complete mishmash with a
lot of drums and grandiose ending. This band shows a versatility that
just may break through in the US. Personally, I’m on the fence with
this one, liking some tracks and unsure about others, and only one I
would not listen to again. Check out their MySpace or Facebook pages
to give the songs a test run to see what you think.
– Jan W. (jw4jzon@hotmail.com)
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*** OUT ***
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Issue #600!! \m/ \m/
Detritus
Issue #600
Week of July 11, 2011
http://DetritusZine.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Detritus/
http://www.myspace.com/detritusezine
To subscribe to the e-mail version do one of the following:
Visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Detritus/
Send a blank e-mail to: Detritus-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
To unsubscribe from the e-mail version:
Send a blank e-mail to: Detritus-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
To contact us:
Detritus-owner@yahoogroups.com
*
*** CAST OF CHARACTERS ***
*
Patrick Brower, Editor
pwbrower@gmail.com
Sean P. Gahgan, Editor
spgahgan@comcast.net
http://www.lakeoffire.net/
http://www.myspace.com/visionlakeoffire
Tim Wadzinski, Owner
tsw512@yahoo.com
Steve Shumake, Co-owner
vongoober@neb.rr.com
http://www.facebook.com/KnuckleDeepBand
*
*** LET IT BE KNOWN ***
*
-Those fireworks last week weren’t for Independence Day here in the US, no, they were for our 600th issue! – Tim
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*** PRESS RELEASE #1 ***
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-Y&T / Meniketti Update
[Note: This is from the band’s July 2011 newsletter. – Tim]
Y&T fans in Chico have been asking for the band’s return, and we’re happy to say that Y&T will be playing the El Rey Theatre in Chico on Friday, August 5. This is an all ages show, so bring the kids!
We have more all ages shows for fans on the West Coast:
o Chico
o San Juan Capistrano
o Reno
o Sacramento
o Fresno
Bring the kids to share in the Y&T experience. Details listed in the tour dates section below.
MYSTIC WEEKEND!
This year’s magical Mystic Theatre weekend is Friday & Saturday, November 18 & 19. Each year this weekend sells out so be sure to get your tickets early. For ticket information, go the TOUR DATES page of the web site and click the Mystic Theatre links.
http://www.meniketti.com/tourdates.html
NEARLY A MILLION
Y&T’s “I’m Coming Home” video on YouTube has reached nearly 1 million views! If you haven’t yet had a chance to see it, check it out from our multimedia page or directly on YouTube here:
NEW SHIRTS!
We now have 2011 Tour Shirts, plus three other brand new designs. Check out our store for the four brand new shirts that we’re offering this year:
http://store.meniketti.com/
1) Tour Shirts: The “2011 On With The Show” tour shirt features Dave’s classic “Forever” pose on the front, and the 2011 tour cities on the back.
2) Tank tops: For the first time ever, we have tank tops in stock — black tanks with a red Y&T logo on the front (nothing on the back).
3) White T-shirts: For the first time in a long while, we have white shirts. These feature the classic gold Y&T logo across the front (nothing on the back).
4) Black T-shirts: For those who still love their black, we now have black shirts with a white Y&T logo across the front (nothing on the back).
We also have some of this year’s EARTHSHAKER tees in stock, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the EARTHSHAKER album. This shirt features the EARTHSHAKER album cover design on the front, and the EARTHSHAKER logo with song titles on the back. Available exclusively on the Y&T web site and at Y&T shows. In honor of this anniversary, Y&T will also be performing the entire EARTHSHAKER album at select 2011 shows.
HELLO, HELLO
Long before Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter, Y&T had their own web site forum for fans to join and communicate with band members and other fans from around the world. Many friendships and loves have developed from our little forum. Unlike social networking sites, on the Y&T forum you can type a lengthy message — no character limits! So come on by our web site forum and join the conversation, and keep current with all things Y&T.
http://www.meniketti.com/vforum/
CRUISIN’ WITH Y&T
If you haven’t yet booked your Monsters of Rock Cruise, you can still get special discounts & deals by using the Y&T promo code: YTMOR
Join Y&T with Tesla, Cinderella, Stryper, Kix, Lynch Mob, Firehouse, Keel, Black ‘N’ Blue, Eric Martin, and many more, as we cruise to the Bahamas — February 25-28, 2012.
http://www.meniketti.com/tourdates.html
Y&T SHOWS
Details for each of the shows below are on the TOUR DATES page of the web site.
http://www.meniketti.com/tourdates.html
US
July 16 ~ Santa Cruz, CA – The Catalyst
August 5 ~ Chico, CA – El Rey Theatre (all ages show)
August 6 ~ Modesto, CA – X Fest
August 10 ~ San Juan Capistrano, CA – Coach House (all ages show)
August 12 ~ Tempe, AZ – Club Red
August 13 ~ Las Vegas, NV – Vamp’d
August 19 ~ Seattle, WA – Studio Seven
August 20 ~ Portland, OR – Peter’s Room
August 25 ~ Reno, NV – Knitting Factory (all ages show)
August 26 ~ Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades (all ages show)
August 27 ~ Fresno, CA – Tower Theatre (all ages show)
November 18 ~ Petaluma, CA – Mystic Theatre
November 19 ~ Petaluma, CA – Mystic Theatre
UK / Europe
September 23 ~ Helsinki, Finland – DOM Helsinki
September 24 ~ Sala, Sweden – Rockland
September 25 ~ Sala, Sweden – Rockland
September 27 ~ Edinburgh, Scotland – The Caves + The Jokers
September 29 ~ Glasgow, Scotland – O2 ABC Glasgow
September 30 ~ Newcastle, England – O2 Academy Newcastle + Stampede
October 1 ~ Nottingham, England – Rock City
October 2 ~ Manchester, England – Manchester Academy
October 5 ~ Cork, Ireland – An Cruscin Lan
October 7 ~ Belfast, N Ireland – Spring & Airbrake
October 8 ~ Dublin, Ireland – The Village
October 11 ~ Wolverhampton, England – The Slade Rooms + Stampede
October 12 ~ Southampton, England – The Brook
October 14 ~ London, England – The Garage + Stampede
October 15 ~ Cardiff, Wales – Millennium Music Hall
October 18 ~ Savigny-le-Temple, France – L’Empreinte
October 20 ~ Santiago de Compostela, Spain – Sala Capitol
October 21 ~ Ponferrada, Spain – Sala La Vaca
October 22 ~ Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain – Teatre Ateneu + Wishbone Ash
October 23 ~ Bilbao, Spain – Rock Star Live
October 25 ~ Munich, Germany – Garage Deluxe
October 26 ~ Ludwigsburg, Germany – Rockfabrik
October 28 ~ Vosselaar, Belgium – Biebob
October 29 ~ Uden, The Netherlands – De Pul
October 30 ~ Zwolle, The Netherlands – Hedon Podium
November 1 ~ Pratteln, Switzerland – Z7
November 3 ~ Aschaffenburg, Germany – Colos-Saal
November 4 ~ Koln, Germany – Underground Cologne
November 5 ~ Isernhagen, Germany – Blues Garage
2012
February 25-28 ~ Monsters of Rock Cruise
Book with the special Y&T promo code to get deals & discounts: YTMOR
*Schedule subject to change. Be sure to verify with each venue.*
Check the web site TOUR DATES page for the most up-to-date concert information.
Thanks for your support!
The official Y&T and Dave Meniketti web site.
http://www.YandTRocks.com/
http://www.Meniketti.com/
5255 Stevens Creek Blvd, Suite #233
Santa Clara CA 95051
Weblinks:
http://www.YandTRocks.com/
http://www.facebook.com/YandTRocks
http://www.myspace.com/YandTRocks
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*** PRESS RELEASE #2 ***
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-Appice Drum Wars Invades The Northeast
Brothers Carmine And Vinny Appice Go To Battle In The Northeastern USA July 30-August 1
The Rock House in West Greenwich, Rhode Island will kick off the first northeastern USA Drum Wars shows featuring legendary drummers Carmine and Vinny Appice on Saturday, July 30th. Brothers and “rivals” Carmine and Vinny Appice are set to battle it out by performing classic hard rock, pop and metal hits that were popular during their long drumming careers. Drum Wars is an ultimate showdown featuring legendary rock drumming brothers Carmine & Vinny Appice. The show will include hits from Carmine & Vinny’s storied past, tributes to late drummers, audience participation and even a bit of magic. And of course the phenomenal Drum Wars climax as the brothers compete against each other for drumming dominance!
On, Saturday July 30th, The Music Complex presents Carmine and Vinny Appice Drum Wars: The Ultimate Drum Battle and Rock and Roll Show at:
The Rock House
731 Centre of New England Blvd
West Greenwich RI 02817
Phone: 401-385-3036
Web site: http://www.therockhouseri.com/
Doors: 7:30 p.m.
Showtime: 9:30 p.m.
Tickets $15
Advance tickets available at the club or charge by phone
ATTN: LOCAL MUSICIANS — Would you like to perform with Carmine and Vinny Appice? THE MUSIC COMPLEX in Pawtucket will hold a contest to choose the cream-of-the-crop vocalist, guitarist and bassist to be Drum Wars band members at the Rock House. For contest rules and entry info, contact Rudy at the Music Complex at rudy@themusiccomplexri.com or 401/729-1860 or check out the entry info at http://www.themusiccomplexri.com/ or on their Facebook page.
On Sunday, July 31st, Monster Music presents Carmine and Vinny Appice Drum Wars: The Ultimate Drum Battle and Rock and Roll Show at:
The Crazy Donkey
1058 Route 110
Farmingdale NY 11735
Phone: 631-753-1975
Web site: http://www.thecrazydonkey.com/
ALL DAY DRUM FEST! – Doors: 4 p.m.
Drum Wars: 8 p.m.
Tickets $20 for the entire day
Advance tickets available at http://www.clubloaded.com/ and at MONSTER MUSIC, 3068 Hempstead Turnpike, Levittown, NY 11756
On Monday, August 1st B.B. King’s hosts the final battle for this 3-day run at:
B.B. King’s
237 West 42nd Street
New York, NY
Phone: 212-997-4144
Web site: http://www.bbkingblues.com/
Doors: 6 p.m.
Showtime: 8 p.m.
$16 advance / $20 day of show
Legendary rock drummer Carmine Appice (Ozzy Osbourne, Rod Stewart, Vanilla Fudge, Jeff Beck, Guitar Zeus, King Kobra — to name a few) has enjoyed an amazing 30 year career as a rock star, music educator, and rock pioneer. He is widely considered to be one of the most accomplished showmen in rock and is the recipient of numerous awards including dozens of gold and platinum selling records. Carmine co-wrote such monster selling hits as “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy” and “Young Turks.” He has broken new ground in very aspect of his career as a performer, as a teacher, and as a writer, and he continues to inspire drummers and listeners throughout the world with his originality and his unwavering dedication to the art of drumming.
Vinny Appice has anchored the rhythm and power live and in the studio for the music of Dio, Black Sabbath, Heaven & Hell, WWIII, Axis, Rick Derringer, John Lennon, and more. He has recorded and co-written songs on over 25 albums and CDs including many multi-platinum records. Touring the world for over two decades resulted in selling millions of records! Vinny’s drumming can also be heard on numerous movie soundtracks including “Wayne’s World 2,” “Heavy Metal,” “Iron Eagle” and “Bedazzled.” Vinny, the author of drum instruction book “Rock Steady” and DVD HARD ROCK DRUMMING TECHNIQUES, has performed incredible powerhouse drum clinics around the globe. Numerous books have been written about Black Sabbath and Dio with the authors always mentioned Vinny’s unique powerful drumming style!
“Vinny and Carmine break out the heavy artillery in this entertaining no-holds barred battle to the finish. Carmine and Vinny… Vinny and Carmine! Don’t know which one comes first, which one had the mustache first, or which one has the best legs! However, they are both great artists in their own genre. Carmine’s track record includes Vanilla Fudge, Cactus, B.B.A. (Beck, Bogart and Appice), and Rod Stewart, to name a few. Not bad! Vinny has driven John Lennon, Black Sabbath, Dio and Heaven & Hell. Not bad! From the initial downbeat of this sibling confrontation, this spectacle culminates in the final battle of Drum Wars. The Ultimate Battle both playing with great power, imagination and musically spirited. So now, Drum Wars – The Tour where Carmine and Vinny demonstrate their sensational playing abilities. It is comedy in that they leave Laurel and Hardy very secure! It is entertainment in that it is great fun. Sincere, open and honest. Both drummers play great solos and great ensemble work in their own inimitable style. Their years of experience are reflected in their ability to respond musically to each other. I personally am honored to have them both as friends and musical colleagues. May the musical battle continue!” – Vic Firth
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*** PRESS RELEASE #3 ***
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-Mr. Big Embarking On US Tour
Their First US Tour By The Original Band In 15 Years!
New Release WHAT IF… Out Now!
HOLLYWOOD, CA — Mr. Big will once again unleash their brand of brutal fury on their first US tour in 15 years starting July 30th, in San Diego at the 4th & B. Returning fresh from a successful run of tour dates overseas, vocalist Eric Martin, guitarist Paul Gilbert, bassist Billy Sheehan, and drummer Pat Torpey, will be hitting the road in the United States this summer in support of the band’s new album, WHAT IF… “Man, it’s been a long time,” states guitarist Paul Gilbert. I can’t wait to play our first show in AMERICA in about 15 years. It’s gonna be huge!”
WHAT IF… is Mr. Big’s first all-original album since the reunion of the four original members — Eric Martin, Paul Gilbert, Billy Sheehan and Pat Torpey — back in early 2009. Sixteen years after the release of HEY MAN, the new recording is set to bring back Mr. Big on the height of the current Hard Rock scene.
Guitarist Paul Gilbert said: “This is the first Mr. Big album I have been a part of, since 14 years and it was done in a snap. It was fun and we had really a good time in making this one.” Continues Billy Sheehan, “It’s so great to be back with Paul, Eric and Pat too. We wrote this record like we did in the old days for the first two records. Jamming together in the same room to write songs.” Pat Torpey adds “Some of the recording process is different now from what we were used to in the old times. But I think this record really managed to capture the performances of the band, not of the individual musicians.”
Their hits included “To Be With You” (Billboard Hot 100 number one single in 15 countries for weeks, in 1991, propelling the band the band to huge international success and record sales in the multi-millions), “Wild World,” “Green-Tinted Sixties Mind,” “Just Take My Heart,” and a host of heavy metal songs that were played mostly during their live performances: “Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy,” “Addicted To That Rush,” “Colorado Bulldog,” and “Take Cover.”
WHAT IF… is released in a special edition CD + DVD in digi-pak, regular CD, vinyl and digital download and in a limited edition luxury box including the CD, DVD, LP and exclusive memorabilia.
WHAT IF… track listing includes: Undertow; American Beauty; Stranger In My Life; Nobody Takes The Blame; Still Ain’t Enough For Me; Once Upon A Time; As Far As I Can See; All The Way Up; I Won’t Get In My Way; Around The World; I Get The Feeling; Unforgiven (exclusive bonus track for Europe / North America — not on vinyl edition).
The DVD will include the video clips of “Undertow” and “All The Way Up” plus a documentary “Making Of” the album including interviews and exclusive behind the scenes features of the four members.
In other Mr. Big news, the next single from the new album, “American Beauty,” will ship to radio in July in support of the tour.
Mr. Big on tour:
JULY
30 – San Diego, CA – 4th & B
31 – Agoura Hills, CA – The Canyon Club
AUGUST
2 – Tempe, AZ – Marquee Theatre
4 – Santa Ana, CA – Galaxy Theatre
5 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore
6 – Modesto, CA – Xclamation Festival
8 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex
9 – Denver, CO – Summit Music Hall
12 – Chicago, IL – House Of Blues
13 – Columbus, OH – Al Rosa Villa
16 – Pittsburgh, PA – Trib Total Media Amphitheatre
17 – Cleveland, OH – House Of Blues
19 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom
20 – Detroit, MI – Harpo’s
23 – New York, NY – BB King’s
24 – Foxborough, MA – Showcase Live
26 – N. Myrtle Beach, SC – House Of Blues
27 – Lake Buena Vista, FL – House Of Blues
30 – Houston, TX – House Of Blues
31 – Dallas, TX – House Of Blues
For more information please visit http://www.mrbigsite.com/ .
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*** PRESS RELEASE #4 ***
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-Manowar Confirmed Headliners For Getaway Rock Festival Sweden 2012
Late Friday night, Manowar bassist Joey DeMaio appeared onstage at this year’s Getaway Rock Festival in Gävle, Sweden and announced that Manowar, the “Kings Of Metal”, will perform as next year’s festival headliners.
This will be the fulfillment of Manowar’s promise to return in triumph to the Swedish festival scene after 12 years.
“The Swedish fans have won; their belief, shown by their non acceptance of false metal is the reason we will finally return.” said DeMaio after the announcement. “There was no compromise in their voices, nor in our resolve; we promised each other that it’s all or nothing. It is no secret that there was a war between promoters as to who would bring Manowar back to Sweden and finally give the fans what they want and Getaway won.”
“This is a major step for us and naturally we are honored that we could secure Manowar as headliners for Getaway Rock Festival 2012,” said festival organizer Tomas Gernberg. “Manowar have a strong and loyal following in Sweden, Scandinavia and all over the world. We are proud to be the ones to bring the band back to Sweden.”
“We played our last festival in Sweden in 1999 and we promised we would not return until we could give our fans what they deserve and next year that promise will be fulfilled. We vow to crack the earth with power and might,” said Joey DeMaio.
“This will be a show which no true metal warrior will want to miss. We are calling all Manowarriors not only from Scandinavia, but from all over the world to join us for earth-shattering, face-melting metal,” continued DeMaio.
“The voice of the fans in Sweden has been heard, many other countries will also take heed and their voice too will be the reason Manowar will appear in their country next,” said DeMaio. “There will be more news and surprises to be announced!” promised DeMaio and added: “Check out our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/manowar for constant updates!”
Secure your ticket for Getaway Rock Festival 2012 here:
http://www.getawayrock.se/
Manowar
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*** PRESS RELEASE #5 ***
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-Doro Pesch: Special DVD Release Show In NYC This Fall
Legendary metal maven Doro Pesch will perform a special show in New York City this Fall. Scheduled for September 9, 2011 at the Gramercy Theatre, the show will mark the official US screening/release party for Doro’s 25 YEARS IN ROCK DVD, set for release in North America via Nuclear Blast on September 13. Released in Europe late last year (also via Nuclear Blast), the epic two-DVD/CD set includes Doro’s 25-year anniversary show in its entirety as well as out-takes from her 2,500th concert and so much more. Tickets for the show are on sale at Livenation.com.
In related news, professionally filmed video footage Pesch’s entire Hellfest performance in Clisson, France can be viewed at http://liveweb.arte.tv/fr/video/Hellfest___Doro/ (courtesy of Arte, a Franco-German TV network).
More DORO news, including additional US dates, to come. In the meantime, be sure to check out Doro’s new (and official) fan page at http://www.facebook.com/DoroOfficial .
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*** PRESS RELEASE #6 ***
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-Anvil And Helix Confirmed For The Sweden Rock Cruise, October 6-7
The Canadian bands Anvil (who were forced to cancel their appearance at the cruise in April this year) and Helix, reunited with all living members of their classic lineup, are both confirmed to appear at the Sweden Rock Cruise. The ship Tallink Silja Galaxy departs from Stockholm, Sweden on October 6th and makes a round trip to Turku, Finland to return to Stockholm 23 hours later.
Four more bands are to be booked and we hope to present their names soon.
Testament Cancelled
Testament whom we earlier announced, have unfortunately announced that they are cancelling their entire European tour, which includes the show at the Sweden Rock Cruise. We are working on finding a replacement and hope to present one soon.
http://www.swedenrockcruise.com/
Anvil (Can)
It took Canada’s Anvil 30 years to become an overnight sensation. The documentary “Anvil! The Story Of Anvil” was one of the most talked-about phenomena of 2009, not only among metalheads. Anvil were best known for METAL ON METAL (1982) and FORGED IN FIRE (1983), two classic heavy metal albums influential to the likes of Metallica, Slayer and Anthrax. Then their career stalled and for many years the band was all but forgotten. Yet the optimism of dynamic duo Steve “Lips” Kudlow (vocals/guitar) and Robb Reiner (drums) never faltered, which made a huge impression on those who watched and loved the documentary. Triggered by the renewed public interest, Anvil have released their best album since their halcyon days, JUGGERNAUT OF JUSTICE. As a live act, they have nothing left to prove — the only difference is that more people than ever come to the shows.
Helix (Can)
In the mid ’80s, Helix were one of the most popular hard rock acts in Sweden. These Canucks’ biggest hit “Rock You,” from 1984, remains a sing-along anthem at heavy metal parties nationwide. Contrary to popular belief these days, Helix was no one-hit wonder. Songs like “Gimme Gimme Good Lovin’,” “Heavy Metal Love” and “Deep Cuts The Knife” also bear the name of classics — the latter is found on an album that made #1 in Sweden, namely LONG WAY TO HEAVEN (1985). The last time Helix took the stage in Sweden was at Sweden Rock Festival in 2005. This time it’s even more special. There has been a reunion of Helix classic lineup: Brian Vollmer (vocals), Brent Doerner (guitar), Daryl Gray (bass), Greg “Fritz” Hinz (drums), plus Kaleb Duck (guitar) in lieu of the late great Paul Hackman. You will hear the both raunchy and melodic hard rock of Helix presented in exactly the proper fashion — prepare to get floored by a true ’80s knuckle sandwich.
http://www.swedenrockcruise.com/
Tel: 0456-317 95
Fax: 0456-317 94
E-mail: info@swedenrock.com
http://www.swedenrock.com/
Sweden Rock Festival
Norjebokevägen 2
294 76 Sölvesborg
Sweden
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*** PRESS RELEASE #7 ***
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-Arch / Matheos: First Single Off Debut Album SYMPATHETIC RESONANCE Now Live; Album Artwork And Track Listing Revealed!
The new progressive rock band Arch / Matheos has released the first single off the group’s upcoming full-length debut SYMPATHETIC RESONANCE. The new track, a five-minute clip of the song “Stained Glass Sky” that clocks in at just less than 14 minutes, can be heard at http://www.archmatheos.com/ .
Cover art for SYMPATHETIC RESONANCE was fashioned using an image created by light painting photographer Dennis Calvert, who has described light painting as “The ability to see in four dimensions, time traveling, and creating fantasy using only what we base all reality on, light.”
SYMPATHETIC RESONANCE track listing:
1. Neurotically Wired
2. Midnight Serenade
3. Stained Glass Sky
4. On the Fence
5. Any Given Day (Strangers Like Me)
6. Incense And Myrrh
The band — accompanied by Joey Vera on bass, Bobby Jarzombek on drums, and Frank Aresti on additional lead guitar — began tracking the drums on January 12 and continued to record through March with Jim Matheos producing.
Arch / Matheos is pleased to announce SYMPATHETIC RESONANCE as the title of the debut album, which will be released September 9 / 12, 2011 in Europe!
Lineup:
John Arch – vocals (former Fates Warning)
Jim Matheos – guitars (Fates Warning, OSI)
Joey Vera – bass (Armored Saint, Anthrax, Fates Warning, Seven Witches)
Bobby Jarzombek – drums (Halford, Fates Warning, Sebastian Bach, Riot)
Frank Aresti – additional lead guitar (Fates Warning)
http://www.facebook.com/archmatheos
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*** PRESS RELEASE #8 ***
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-Falconer: Metal Injection Premieres New Music Video “By The Roses Grave”!
Band Creates English Version Of “Vid Rosornas Grav” For Video
Starting today Metal Injection is hosting the worldwide premiere of “By The Roses Grave” from Swedish folk metallers Falconer. “By The Roses Grave (Vid Rosornas Grav)” is taken off the band’s brand new studio album ARMOD, which features 11 songs sung completely in Swedish and was released last month via Metal Blade Records.
Check out the video here:
http://www.metalinjection.net/tv/view/7253/falconer-by-the-roses-grave-video-premiere
Comments Falconer guitarist Stefan Weinerhall: “The video for ‘By The Roses Grave’ is re-enacting a story that took place not far from where we live. It gives you a vision of what position you would have 150 years ago if you were just a common man or serf. It surely doesn’t look like a metal video in the beginning but then again, when have Falconer ever been about being as metal as possible. The video is once again produced and directed by http://www.1897.se/ that also did the video for ‘Carnival Of Disgust.'”
Fans can check out the original version of this fascinating video, which is sung in Swedish, at the Metal Hammer website:
ARMOD was once again recorded at King Diamond guitarist Andy La Rocque’s Sonic Train Studios in Varberg, Sweden, during December and January.
ARMOD track listing:
1. Svarta Änkan
2. Dimmornas Drottning
3. Griftefrid
4. O, Tysta Ensamhet
5. Vid Rosornas Grav
6. Grimborg
7. Herr Peder Och Hans Syster
8. Eklundapolskan
9. Grimasch Om Morgonen
10. Fru Silfver
11. Gammal Fäbodpsalm
Falconer is:
Mathias Bladh – Vocals
Stefan Weinerhall – Guitars
Jimmy Hedlund – Guitars
Magnus Linhardt – Bass
Karsten Larsson – Drums
http://www.falconermusic.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Falconer/23124336122
http://www.myspace.com/falconermusic
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*** PRESS RELEASE #9 ***
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-Z Records News
[Note: This combines multiple updates. – Tim]
Paul Sabu’s CALL OF THE WILD Out Now
Paul Sabu’s CALL OF THE WILD was unleashed July 4 in England and on July 8 in mainland Europe. Fireworks Magazine’s latest issue describes CALL OF THE WILD as an essential purchase! who are we to argue!!
Z Launch Mobile App Version Of Site
We have launched a mobile app version of our website for Android and iPhone appliances. Now you can take Z Records with you on the move via http://www.z-records.com/ .
Z Release Schedule Set Until June 2012 But Search For More Acts Is On
We have new acts and named acts signed whom are yet to be announced, the result being that we only require two more new acts for the forthcoming 12 months. If you think your act has something fresh to offer Z Records email info@z-records.com or visit http://www.zrecords.net/ to find out how to submit your material.
Arabia Sign New Deal Extension With Z To Follow Hot On The Tail Of FREAKSHOW Success
Arabia have signed on with Z Records for a further three studio albums due to the success of their long awaited WELCOME TO THE FREAKSHOW release this year. The band are currently in the early stages of recording their third studio album which is set for a March 2012 release.
Saturday July 16th Arabia frontman John Blaze will be interviewed by Chris Nelson on Phoenix Radio between 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Make sure you tune in to find out why it took so long for the band’s follow-up to 1001 NIGHTS and what the future holds. You can listen to the show on the net via http://www.phoenixradio.co.uk/ .
Z Records
http://www.zrecords.net/
http://www.z-records.com/
http://www.facebook.com/ZRECORDS.OFFICAL
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-Lion Music Label & Artist News
Details of our upcoming 19th August 2011 releases.
Vargton Projekt – PROGXPRIMETAL
Released 19th August 2011
LMC307 / EAN6419922003077
Available on CD & Digital Download
Lion Music are proud to introduce the debut release PROGXPRIMETAL from Vargton Projekt, a new band based around some of the finest musical talents to have emerged in recent years from Sweden in guitarist Mats Hedberg, Grammy winning drummer Morgan Ågren and vocalist Björn Jansson set for release on 19th August 2011.
PROGXPRIMETAL as the title may suggest is a varied and special release that will satisfy the extremist metal and hard rock fan and Zappa freaks too with its wide ranging sound.
The seeds for what would become Vargton Projekt started 2006 when Mats Hedberg (BFH) contacted Morgan Ågren (Frank Zappa/Mats Morgan band) to collaborate together after hearing his drumming on a Fredrik Thordendal (Meshuggah) album. Mats sent some rough demos which caught Morgan’s ear and the pair decided to collaborate on an album together.
Recordings started 2007 in May at Morgan’s “Studio Annanstans” (Stockholm/Sweden) where all drums and basic guitar tracks where recorded. The sessions continued on five other occasions throughout 2008-2010 by the end of which the recordings where ready to be mixed in September 2010 at OSD studios (Bologna, Italy) by Nicola Venieri, and was mastered in march 2011 by Claes Persson at CRP studios (Stockholm, Sweden).
The original thought for the album was to be an instrumental CD but Mats had an idea to ask one of Sweden’s finest metal vocalists Björn Jansson (Tears Of Anger / Ride The Sky) to put some vocals on selected tracks with the result in Mats’ own words being “Amazing!” Keyboardist Hans Lundin (Kaipa) was asked to play on three tracks and another important element for the sound came from the animal voice of Percussionist Giovanni Imparato (Paco de Lucia) from Naples. Alessandro Gwis contributed additional basic keyboard parts and some electronical stuff which added a further dimension to the music whilst Lars Eric Mattsson performs some guest guitar solo duels with Mats on track 7.
Stylistically PROGXPRIMETAL is high output heavy guitar and drum oriented music with modern nods to the likes of King Crimson and Mahavishnu Orchestra. Yet there are also deft moments of subtlety and atmospheric passages all of which manages to sound open and inviting to the casual listener.
Vargton Projekt have produced an intoxicating blend of progressive thinking and intelligent design and make PROGXPRIMETAL not only one of the most original releases you will hear in 2011 but one of the most musically satisfying.
Full album information, pre-order online and streaming audio at:
http://www.lionmusic.com/cd/progxprimetal.htm
Elias Viljanen – TAKING THE LEAD + EVIL SPIRIT LIVE DVD
Released 19th August 2011
LMC306 / EAN 6419922003060
Available on CD & Digital Download
Lion Music is proud to introduce the release of a special edition of Sonata Arctica guitar whiz Elias Viljanen’s 2002 debut solo release TAKE THE LEAD.
This new special edition re-release sees the original 12-track instrumental tour-de-force packaged with the added bonus of a professionally shot, previously unreleased seven-track live DVD entitled EVIL SPIRIT LIVE which contains material from Elias’ two solo albums released on Lion Music.
The live DVD is something long requested by fans of Elias’ solo works and we are proud to be able to introduce this added bonus which allows guitar fanatics worldwide the chance to experience Elias formidable technique live and up close.
Some nine years after original release TAKING THE LEAD is still regarded as one as one of the best debuts of instrumental rock/metal guitar to have emerged in the 21st century from a then unknown guitarist, and Elias has built a reputation that has seen him advance into the upper tier of hard rock shredders founded on the solid foundations of this debut solo release.
Fans of highly charged guitar instrumentals will find much to enjoy within TAKING THE LEAD thanks to its heavy dose of melody intertwined with the thrilling guitar flash and virtuosity for which Elias is known. The quality of material saw the album upon original release end up with a top 10 rank in guitar9.com’s 2003 end of year best sellers chart. The album even attracted the attention of one Steve Vai who had gotten hold of the album and subsequently sent Elias some positive feedback on the release.
The new dual CD+DVD version of TAKING THE LEAD hits the streets on 19th August 2011.
Full album information, pre-order online and streaming audio at:
http://www.lionmusic.com/cd/takingthelead.htm
New Releases Shipping Now From Our Webstore
Consortium Project V – SPECIES
Released 15th July 2011
LMC305 / EAN6419922003053
Available on CD & Digital Download
Ian Parry’s Consortium Project V – “Enemy Within”
Consortium Project is the brainchild of vocalist/producer Ian Parry, a singer blessed with one of the most distinctive voices in metal and one that powers along SPECIES — the epic conclusion of the Consortium Project series set for release through Lion Music on 15th July 2011.
Consortium Project V – SPECIES is a culmination of brutal but melodic gothic-power metal at its best. Packed full of powerful songs and first class musicianship, it’s a fitting end to the pentalogy of critically acclaimed Consortium Project releases.
As on previous Consortium Project albums a lineup of some of the most notable names in progressive / power / gothic metal circles provide the potent performances on the album. Guitars come from Stephan Lill (Vanden Plas), Niels Vejlyt (Infinity Overture) and Veith Offenbächer (Dawn Of Destiny). Bass tracks are performed by Kris Gildenlöw (Pain Of Salvation) and Jens Faber (Dawn Of Destiny) whilst Casey Grillo (Kamelot) performs all drum parts. Ian is also proud to introduce newcomers to the CV ranks in female vocalsts Lene Petersen and Ani Lozanova (Ani Lozanova Project) along with keyboardists Kalin Jechev (Ani Lozanova Project) and Peter-Jan Kleevens on keyboards.
The worldwide release of SPECIES marks the 21st album release from Ian Parry celebrating a career of over 25 years in the world of rock & metal. A career which has seen classic albums from Elegy, Ayreon, Vengeance and numerous guest performances in addition to the Consortium Project album series. In this final installment the story sees SPECIES take mankind on a final epic journey into outer space met with dire consequences the world has never seen.
Consortium Project V – SPECIES is the ultimate combination of the strongest songs to date written by Ian Parry, brought alive by commanding performances from some of the best musical talent in today’s rock/metal scene. These qualities add up to make this final album the ultimate Consortium Project release.
In addition Lion Music will be re-releasing re-mastered and enhanced versions of the first four Consortium Project releases beginning in late 2011.
Full album information and online ordering at:
http://www.lionmusic.com/cd/species.htm
James Byrd’s Atlantis Rising – BEYOND THE PILLARS
Released 15th July 2011
LMC304 / EAN6419922003046
Available on CD & Digital Download
Lion Music are proud to introduce some true musical treasure in the form of this special release from the early days of one of the worlds most accomplished guitarists, James Byrd. A name synonymous with some of the finest guitar work committed to tape, this unique release is an album any fan of the former Fifth Angel guitarist will have been longing to hear and serves as a reminder of just how good a songwriter and musician Byrd is.
Comprised of 14 never before heard performances and seven new songs, BEYOND THE PILLARS is — literally — a lost album. The material’s origins date to when James Byrd began writing and recording with vocalist Freddy Krumins within days of departing Fifth Angel in the summer of 1987, with much of the music material Byrd had originally intended for the second Fifth Angel album.
Like Deep Purple’s SMOKE ON THE WATER release, BEYOND THE PILLARS was recorded on location. Brain Storm Productions mobile captured the band’s magic at the infamous Music Bank sound stages in Seattle, Washington from the fall of 1987 through the winter of 1988. Fans of Byrd’s solo debut JAMES BYRD’S ATLANTIS RISING (Shrapnel Records) will recognise seven of the track titles on offer here. However the versions here showcase a rawer, heavier and more immediate delivery to those that were later re-recorded on the now out-of-print ATLANTIS RISING release by Shrapnel Records. Further treasures are revealed in seven never-released songs rich in diversity and depth that make this a “must own” part of any Byrd, or indeed Fifth Angel’s fans music collection.
The forgotten masters that make up BEYOND THE PILLARS were undiscovered until early 2011 when Freddy Krumins was going through a box of old tapes. Regarding the discovery of the recordings, James Byrd comments, “I was shocked to have had these masters turn up, and then to hear the quality. I had long forgotten the sessions after almost 25 years of other musical activities. Everything sounds better than I could have imagined and I think my playing was on a higher energy level than what later ended up on the J.B.A.R. debut. I knew it needed to be heard.”
On the musicians’ aim almost 25 years ago Byrd recalls, “The goal was to create a musical statement which was melodic and dynamic.” This material’s character is further shaped by a lyrical content which blends tales of lost love, with Greek mythology and fantasy all powered by the sublime vocals of Freddy Krumins, himself a student of legendary vocal tutor David Kyle (who also coached the likes of Geoff Tate/Nancy Wilson/Chris Cornell, etc).
BEYOND THE PILLARS sounds like no other album from an American group before or since. The combination of European influences by groups and musicians such as Scorpions, UFO, Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, Uli Jon Roth, and James Byrd’s decidedly classical influences, is such that BEYOND THE PILLARS captures the energy of a newly formed group ready to take on the world.
From hard driving dark tracks like “Chasing The Shadows,” to power ballads like “I’ve Got To Find You,” and lush instrumentals such as “Requiem Atlantis,” this album showcases a level of maturity and sophistication seldom heard from any band, let alone a new one from America in 1987.
Full album information and online ordering at:
http://www.lionmusic.com/cd/beyondthepillars.htm
Lion Music Links
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http://www.lionmusic.com/
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http://www.lionmusic.com/ShopSelect.htm
SOCIAL NETWORK SITES
http://www.facebook.com/LionMusicRecordLabel
http://www.youtube.com/lionmusicfinland
http://www.myspace.com/lionmusiclabel
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-Seven: New Album + Deal With Nuclear Blast!
The Czech Heavy Metal act Seven has signed a deal with Nuclear Blast Records, who will release their new album FREEDOM CALL worldwide on September, 2nd.
“We are very delighted to announce that the new record is being released under the Nuclear Blast label, which is one of the biggest and most professional labels on the whole world. We are very proud of it and looking forward to the new fans,” says guitar player and founding member Honza Kirk Behunek.
In their home country, Seven is already an established name. The band released several instrumental records, some with guest vocalists — including a “best of” record with guests, such as Doro and Blaze Bayley.
Seven recently supported Rage in their European Tour. Also Victor Smolski produced FREEDOM CALL, performed as a guest and wrote part of the lyrics. “Victor isn’t only a great musician, but also an amazing and modest person. I would even consider him as a part of Seven, even though he doesn’t play with us,” says Honza.
The new album is also the first one with their new vocalist Lukas Pisarik, who fits perfectly into the band. Honza adds: “Lukas is a young and talented singer. He’s also a great person and everything is only ahead of him. He came to our audition and I knew from the very first moment, that he is the one we’re looking for.”
Listen to the new stuff and see what the band and Victor have to tell you below!
FREEDOM CALL will be released on September, 2nd and will feature the following tracks:
1. Freedom Call
2. Brain Eater
3. Get It
4. The Road
5. So Scarred
6. Suicide Fall
7. Abandoned
8. Wild In The Night
9. The Joker
10. You Steal My Breath
11. To Hell
12. War Within
————————–
13. Autumn In The Rose Garden (bonus)
14. No Surrender (bonus)
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-Texas Hippie Coalition Welcomes New Drummer To The Fold
Dallas’ favourite badasses, Texas Hippie Coalition have welcomed new drummer, Tim Braun, to the band. Braun joins the band upon Ryan “The Kid” Bennett’s departure on June 30 to join Eye Empire.
“We’ve been behind ‘The Kid’ ever since he came on board to help the Hippies out,” says front man BigDad Ritch. “We’ve appreciated his help and everything he’s brought to the band during his time here and there is no doubt that he will go on to be the biggest rock star of all of us.”
Braun, who was actually recommended by Bennett himself is a longtime friend of the THC organization and “is the baddest ass drummer I know of,” according to Bennett’s Facebook page. “In regards to Tim Braun, we’re thrilled to have him with us,” continues Ritch. He’s been rehearsing with us for the past week and we’re not missing a beat.”
Texas Hippie Coalition keeps rollin’ across The US:
July 15 – Houston, TX
July 16 – Columbus, TX
July 30 – Hutchinson, KS
Aug 9 – Oklahoma City, OK (Jaegermeister stage – Rockstar Mayhem)
Aug 12 – Wichita, KS
Aug 13 – Springfield, MO
Aug 18 – Ironton, OH (Ironton Bike Fest)
Aug 19 – S. Houston, TX
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-Candlelight Red Confirmed For Summer Tour With Saving Abel
Candlelight Red continue to land prime opening slots with renowned rock acts, as it has been announced that the group (vocalist Ryan Hoke, guitarist Jeremy Edge, bassist Jamie Morral, and drummer Josh Hetrick) will be opening this summer for Saving Abel on a nationwide US tour.
The tour kicks off on Saturday, July 9th in Williamsport, PA (the band’s hometown) with a headlining performance, and will wrap up on Wednesday, August 30th in Erie, PA. Additional dates should be announced soon for September, as well.
The band’s debut single “Closer,” continues to climb the active rock radio charts (with double digit stations spinning the track), and the group recently finished work on their Imagen Records debut, THE WRECKAGE, with producer David Ivory (Silvertide, Halestorm and The Roots). THE WRECKAGE will be released sometime in the 3rd quarter of 2011.
Candlelight Red is no stranger to sharing the stage with established and well-known hard rock acts, as they have opened for both Kiss and was part of the Rockstar Energy Uproar Festival (which included Disturbed, Avenged Sevenfold, Stone Sour, Halestorm, and Hellyeah) and just finished a month long tour with Egypt Central.
With each additional tour, Candlelight Red is closing in on headlining status themselves, so catch the group in an intimate setting while you still can!
Candlelight Red confirmed tour dates:
Saturday, July 9th in Williamsport, PA @ The Cell Block
Friday, July 15th in Philipsburg, PA @ Club Squared
Friday, July 22nd in Pottsville, PA @ Goodfellas w/ Saving Abel
Saturday, July 23rd in Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun – Wolf Den w/ Saving Abel
Sunday, July 24th in Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Chance w/ Saving Abel
Monday, July 25th in Luzerne, PA @ Brews Brothers w/ Rev Theory
Tuesday, July 26th in Lemoyne, PA @ The Drinkin’ Bone
Thursday, July 28th in Little Rock, AR @ Juanita’s w/ Saving Abel
Friday, July 29th in Kansas City, MO @ KC Power & Light District w/ Saving Abel
Sunday, July 31st in Urbana, IL @ The Canopy Club w/ Saving Abel
Tuesday, August 2nd in Birmingham, AL @ Cafe Firenze w/ Saving Abel
Wednesday, August 3rd in Clarkesville, TN @ The Warehouse w/ Saving Abel
Sunday, August 7th in Cedar Falls, IA @ The Wheelhouse w/ Saving Abel
Wednesday, August 10th in Salt Lake City, UT @ The Gallivan Ctr w/ Saving Abel
Thursday, August 11th in Casper, WY @ The Venue w/ Saving Abel
Friday, August 19th in Fostoria, OH @ The New Nest w/ Saving Abel
Sunday, August 21st in Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel w/ Saving Abel
Tuesday, August 23rd in Winston Salem, NC @ Ziggy’s w/ Saving Abel
Wednesday, August 24th in Jacksonville, NC @ Hooligans w/ Saving Abel
Friday, August 26th in Vienna, WV @ Fishbone Gill & Grill w/ Saving Abel
Tuesday, August 30th in Erie, PA @ Sherlock’s w/ Saving Abel
For more information, visit:
http://www.facebook.com/candlelightred
http://www.myspace.com/candlelightred
http://www.candlelightred.com/
http://www.imagenrecords.com/
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-Raven Lord Announce Lineup + Two Demo Songs!
Raven Lord is causing a lot of stir these days. Csaba Zvekan (Killing Machine, Sardonyx, Emergency) the founder of the band who recently signed with Rock N Growl. Csaba Zvekan played last Summer Wacken, Graspop, Foire aux Vins and was the support Act for AC/DC’s BLACK ICE tour 2010 for the French leg.
The Euro-based metal band has found some core members to finalize their pre-production and securing a record deal. Raven Lord’s music has its roots and can be compared to classic bands like Black Sabbath, Dio, Yngwie Malmsteen and Judas Priest.
Csaba in his own words explains: “I am totally thrilled to work with these talented guys. Like Stefan Lindholm (Vindictiv) he is a world class guitar player and Tobias Flensburg who hits the drums like no one does. Then we have atmospheric keyboards by no other than Alessandro Del Vecchio.”
After the release of the debut album which is planned this fall followed by a EU tour to present the band.
Raven Lord’s lineup shapes up as follows:
Csaba Zvekan (ex- Killing Machine, Sardonyx, Emergency) – Lead Vocals
Stefan Lindholm (Vindictiv) – Lead Guitars, Backing Vocals
Alessandro Del Vecchio (Eden’s Curse, Edge Of Forever) – Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Tobias Flensburg – Drums, Backing Vocals
t.b.a. – Rhythm Guitar
t.b.a. – Bass Guitar
Check out the band’s brand new MySpace Page with two demo songs “End Of The World” & “Saint And Sinners” at http://www.myspace.com/raven-lord .
Raven Lord @Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Raven-Lord/142193549183927
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-Cyprus-Based Heavy Metal Rockers R.U.S.T. Announce Their Self-Released Debut Album, FORGED IN THE FIRE OF METAL, Out On August 5th
In true old school underground manner the album is a complete DIY production with the band undertaking all recording and mixing tasks in their own home-made recording studio. Although not one of its releases, Pitch Black Records is proudly supporting it as part of its continuing efforts to support and promote the local scene of Cyprus.
Admittedly the sound might be rough and not polished to perfection but considering the band’s DIY approach this is a must. Clearly evident throughout their music however are two fundamental elements of rock music; spirit and passion! The same two elements that the band has become known to portray during their live shows along with their infinite energy. R.U.S.T.’s music is full of melodies and an immense amount of energy and passion with the end result screaming out loud “ROCK N’ F’IN ROLL!”
With bands such as Savatage, Warlord, Accept, and Saxon, among others, listed as their influence, R.U.S.T. were formed in 2003 and in 2007 released a four-track EP. An extremely active member of the local scene in Cyprus they have performed live numerous times and they are also the main organisers of the annual two-day metal festival Power Of The Night which this year will take place on July 16th and 17th in Nicosia. A limited number of copies of R.U.S.T.’s album will be available at the festival for purchase.
Consisting of nine tracks and a 16-page booklet containing hand-drawn artwork, FORGED IN THE FIRE OF METAL will be available worldwide through Pitch Black Records and its distribution partners as well as directly from the band. It will also be available as a digital download through major MP3 stores.
Track listing:
1. The Thunder Rolls
2. Metal Child
3. We Are Rock ‘n’ Roll
4. Phoenix In The Night
5. In The Streets Of Rock ‘n’ Roll
6. Lady Of The Lake
7. Straight To The Top
8. Queen Of The Amazons
9. The Beginning
10. Forged In The Fire Of Metal
Tracks from the album are already available on the band’s MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/rustcyprus .
http://www.facebook.com/pitchblackrecords
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-Songwriter Randy VanWarmer The Focus Of New, Posthumously Released Collection
Whether you realize it or not, you are probably familiar with quite a few tunes that Randy VanWarmer penned during his far-too-short lifetime. As the writer of #1 hits by such renowned country acts as Alabama (“I’m In A Hurry”) and the Oak Ridge Boys (“I Guess It Never Hurts To Hurt Sometimes”), VanWarmer’s biggest hit was actually a solo tune, “Just When I Needed You Most,” which peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1979 and has become a classic and enduring presence to this day.
VanWarmer passed away in 2004 after a battle with Leukemia, but his friends Roger Earl (longtime Foghat drummer) and his wife, Linda Arcello-Earl, as well as VanWarmer’s widow, Suzi (Blosser) VanWarmer (a former record executive for ABC Records and Warner Brothers), have assembled a release that pays tribute to this songwriter great.
Titled after his aforementioned hit, JUST WHEN I NEEDED YOU MOST, the 19-track set will be released on Foghat Records and distributed digitally via Ingrooves on July 12, 2011. Actual CDs will be available through Amazon, CD Baby, and other internet outlets.
JUST WHEN I NEEDED YOU MOST is comprised of several never-released versions of some of VanWarmer’s most beautiful songs, which were recorded in his home studio as “rehearsal tapes” before his passing. It also contains the full album, THE VITAL SPARK, which was never issued in the USA (and features his version of the aforementioned tune that Alabama scored a hit with, “I’m In A Hurry”).
“If all you’ve ever heard is his biggest hit ‘Just When I Needed You Most,’ you’ve only scratched the surface of what an amazing singer he was. He was a true original who created from such a soulful place. Whenever I need to be reminded what it means to write from the heart, I put on Randy’s music. All the inspiration I need is right there in his songs.” -Pat Terry
“Randy’s songs have become part of our lives. But more than that, he was a good man, a tender man, a dear friend. We miss him every day.” -Joe Bonsall/Oak Ridge Boys
“The gentle grace that filled his music, also permeated his life” -Parker McGee
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Randy-VanWarmer/173222326054133
http://www.randyvanwarmer.com/
http://www.youtube.com/randyvanwarmermusic
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-Instrumental Rockers Taz Taylor Band Earn “Best Hard Rock Album” Nomination For 2011 San Diego Music Awards
TTB Celebrates Their First-Time Nomination And Prepares To Open For Legendary Guitarist Pat Travers At Ramona Mainstage August 26
San Diego-based rockers Taz Taylor Band (TTB) earn a 2011 San Diego Music Award nomination for “Best Hard Rock Album” for their fourth studio effort, BIG DUMB ROCK. TTB stands out as the only band in the category to be recognized for a full-length instrumental guitar driven album.
“It’s an honor to be nominated for this award in our hometown because we usually get far more attention and credit overseas,” said Taylor. “San Diego has a thriving music scene and it is with great pride that we now finally feel a part of it.”
Nominated alongside six other local rock acts, TTB will contend for top honors at the 21st annual ceremony, to be held at Humphreys By The Bay on August 8. Tickets for the event are currently on sale and are available for purchase on the award show’s website, http://www.sandiegomusicawards.com/ .
In addition to the award show buzz, TTB is hot on the promotional circuit for their follow-up to 2009’s STRAIGHT UP. The band is currently preparing their next gig — opening up for legendary guitar virtuoso Pat Travers at the Ramona Mainstage in Ramona, Calif. on August 26. Tickets are available now on http://www.taztaylor.com/ .
Event Recap
Friday, August 26
Ramona Mainstage
626 Main St.
Ramona, CA 92065
(760) 789-7008
7 p.m.
Tickets: $25
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-Two Side Moon/SLW Promotions Update
Two Side Moon Promotions are excited to welcome to the team Chicago’s Down & Dirty.
Please find below the text press info for the band’s rockin’ fun new album TASTE OF ROCK & ROLL.
Band: Down & Dirty
Album Title: TASTE OF ROCK & ROLL
Label: Down & Dirty
Release Date: Out Now
Genre: Hard Rock
Web:
http://www.facebook.com/downndirtychicago
http://www.myspace.com/downndirtyband
If you like the type of rock & roll that makes your head shake, your body move, and your girlfriend wild, then meet Down & Dirty; the type of band who’s sound is not only a perfect fit for your next party, but it defines the term “soundtrack of your life!” Down & Dirty burst onto the scene with their debut CD, LIVE FAST, a straightforward rocker for the fans to initially cut their teeth on! Its honest accounts of misspent youth propelled the band into the spotlight. Then, in November 2010, Down & Dirty entered Electrowerks studio to work with Producer Chuck Macak, and to raise the bar even further for all to enjoy! The result is the new 11-song CD TASTE OF ROCK & ROLL. This rock & roll animal was unleashed on the world on April 30, 2011.
Down & Dirty, “The Best Bet In Rock & Roll,” is a young band, (average age of 18) are rocking with the seasoned riffs and scorching vocals of the music that defined a generation. Attitude, attitude, and more attitude! With the talent, the sounds, and the flash of the bands that ruled the airways and the arenas both, Down & Dirty is taking Chicagoland by storm! The four members collectively are the band to bring the fun, the sound, & the swagger back to rock & roll! In early 2008, rising from the ever-changing band Skizm, the boys adopted a new name and a new attitude. The appropriately named Down & Dirty, armed with a new direction, set out to conquer the local music scene. Right from the beginning, it was obvious this band was set to shake things up! Their solid rhythms, wicked solos, wailing vocals, and over the top stage presence is unmatched by any of their peers. Down & Dirty’s performances always make a statement “we are here to kick some ass!” and that’s just what they do. With each show and each new song, the band has grown, refining its melodic rock into songs and sounds that will entice and excite you!
Down & Dirty recorded their debut CD LIVE FAST and the response was nothing short of amazing! The band’s incredible singles have been placed in heavy rotation on many radio stations throughout the Internet. The CD lent to the band being invited to play at the 2009 Rocklahoma Festival, as well as the 2010 Rock -N- America festival. These shows along with other numerous opening slots for national acts such as Dirty Penny, Vains Of Jenna, Bang Tango, & Bad City, to name a few, have been met with an amazing turnout, resulting in an outpouring of new interest in the band. Influenced by a tremendous amount of musical backgrounds, the four members have come together to forge a sound and direction that lifts the fans to a euphoric level that can only be described in the lyrics of the music itself. Now the release of their new CD is upon us, TASTE OF ROCK & ROLL, a truly defining moment in this amazing band’s rise to fame! A treat for any rock & roll fan, this CD showcases a variety sounds, from the upfront rocking anthem “R U Ready” to haunting sounds of “Fallin’,” and the good time vibe of “Gotta Luv It,” this CD is full of lust, love, honesty, and life; it will leave you rocking, energized, and begging for more!
Band Lineup:
LA – Guitars, Backing Vocals
Majuk – Vocals
Joey The Kidd – Drums, Backing Vocals
Ryan “9-VOl T” Tyler – Bass, Backing Vocals
Track Listing:
1. R U Ready
2. Taste Of Rock & Roll
3. Free & Young
4. All In
5. Fallin’
6. Wild Child
7. Hurts So Good
8. Party With Me
9. Get It Right
10. You
11. Gotta Luv It
Two Side Moon Promotions are excited to welcome to the team Milwaukee’s Laurie J. Potter.
Please find below the text press info for Laurie’s astounding new album INFRARED.
Band: Laurie J. Potter
Album Title: INFRARED
Label: None
Release Date: Out Now
Genre: Melodic Rock
Web:
http://www.lauriejpottermusic.com/
Laurie J. Potter has released INFRARED her second full-length CD. The song style is melodic rock and some of her fans have compared her musical style to Poe and Portishead.
Laurie was born and raised in a suburb outside of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and has since relocated to St. Paul, Minnesota. Although influenced by her parents, who are classically trained musicians, Laurie appreciates many genres of music and tries to incorporate a variety of styles in her songs. Having played in cover bands in college, Laurie felt a void that prompted her to start writing her own music.
Since relocating to Minnesota, Laurie has played many live acoustic shows in the Twin Cities. She has also teamed up with Matthew Zimmerman and Tony Axtell. Matthew, the owner and engineer for Wild Sound Studio, is also the drummer and percussionist for INFRARED. Tony Axtell, who has toured and recorded nationally and internationally with an array of artists, including jazz vocalist and Grammy nominee, Mark Murphy, lends his talents playing bass, piano and Hammond B3 organ.
Laurie’s mission is to create intriguing and interesting music and is actively promoting her new CD INFRARED.
Band Lineup:
Lead Vocals – Laurie J. Potter
Guitar – Laurie J. Potter
Bass – Tony Axtell
Drums – Matthew Zimmerman
(extra guitars – “Again” Gerard Boissy; “Predator” Kyle Tennis; “Taking The World By Storm” and “Tears In My Eyes” Leo Lenander)
Track Listing:
1. Again
2. Cruel Mystery
3. Divide
4. Following The Sun
5. Slippin’ Away
6. I Should’ve Known
7. Predator
8. Taking The World By Storm
9. I Have Survived
10. Forgive Me
11. Tears In My Eyes
12. Sooner Or Later
Two Side Moon Promotions are excited to welcome to the team Norwegian rockers Seks.
Please find below the text press info for the band’s storming new rockin’ album HARDER THAN YOU.
Artist: Seks
Album Title: HARDER THAN YOU
Label: Independent
Street Date: May, 2011
Genre: Arena Rock
Web:
http://www.seksband.com/
http://www.facebook.com/SEKStheband
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/seks1
Seks was formed by singer Rock Hart in April 2009 as a dream to revive the heavy rock genre. The radio is dominated by pop and hip-hop currently, and Hart wanted to remind the world of what they were missing. Concerts and bands do not exist today like they did in the 1980s. The idea of a rock star is not the same as it used to be. When someone thinks of a rock star, they think of someone who goes against the everyday norms, dresses flamboyantly, and is just plain over-the-top. This is exactly what Hart set out to do.
After a brief half-year living in Los Angeles, Rock moved to Norway to look for the perfect candidates to make this idea of Seks a reality. He thought there was no other better place in the world to begin this journey than in Scandinavia, where metal is highly-regarded and loved. Once in Oslo, he began writing songs and searching for members. When three Norwegians stepped up wanting to form a hair metal band, Rock briefed them about his idea, and they were 100% with him. These Norwegians were Tad, Savage Thrilla, and Gash A Lean.
The only thing missing then was a lead guitarist who could seriously shred. Norway, being the heart of black metal, turned out to be perfect for finding a worthy guitarist. One day while in the studio, Tad invited friend Charles McMillin to join the session and record lead guitar. When he began to shred, Hart and Tad looked at each other and knew, without saying a word, that this was their guy.
Seks released their debut album entitled HARDER THAN YOU on May 17th, 2011. The album has been getting positive buzz from around the globe, and their first single entitled “On The Inside” has already been featured on numerous radio stations all over the world. The album is primarily written by Hart, and has been receiving praise for his songwriting skills as well as his ability to capture the feel of the ’80s arena rock and pull it into the present. In addition, the album has been getting some very positive feedback due to Hart’s working with Beautiful Beast’s own Julian Angel, who performed the majority of the lead guitar.
Seks is a young band in their early and mid 20s doing today what the veterans did in the 1980s. They view their music as a large tribute to their rock n’ roll heroes. Recently, Seks performed on tour with Hollywood Vampires in Fredrikstad and Drammen to highly-positive crowds, as well as a nearly sold-out concert in their home city of Oslo.
Rock Hart’s vision is one step at a time. The Seks machine is already in motion, cranked at 100% and will not be stopping anytime soon.
Band Lineup:
Rock Hart – Vocals
Tad – Bass
Savage Thrilla – Drums
Gash A Lean – Guitar
Charles McMillin – Lead Guitar
Track Listing:
1. Rich Girl
2. On The Inside
3. Something To Believe In
4. Charlemagne
5. Royal Nights
6. Hangin’ On
7. Lick You Up
8. I Wanna Be Your Bitch
9. Forever
10. Get Out Now
11. Rock Me
12. Not Far From Shallow Water
13. Give It Up [Bonus Demo]*
*Track 13 only available on physical album release.
Two Side Moon Promotions are excited to welcome to the team Sao Paulo rockers Aygan.
Please find below the text press info for the band’s storming new album PLASTIC CITY.
Band: Aygan
Album Title: PLASTIC CITY
Label: Independent
Street Date: Out Now!!!
Genre: Hard Rock, Heavy Metal
Web:
http://www.aygan.com.br
http://www.myspace.com/aygan
Aygan was formed in 2003 with a group of friends from Sao Paulo united by music since they were teenagers.
His musical diversity reflects the mix of styles of its members, a blend of Progressive Rock and Groove with the energy of Hard Rock and the punch of heavy metal.
After releasing demo songs that were played more than 600,000 times on the Internet and on several online radio stations worldwide, the band released their first album in 2010 — PLASTIC CITY — on Furia Festival, sharing the stage with two of Heavy Metal’s biggest names in Brazil: Sepultura and Andre Matos. The show was marked by great openness to the public and media reviews. First of all, PLASTIC CITY is a rock album. The songs are diverse, with instrumental sound that highlights an original work. The result is a modern sound that brings to mind themes and personal relationships.
The band is focused in promoting the PLASTIC CITY album, playing live concerts and releasing video clips along 2011.
Band Lineup:
Lead Vocals: Marcelo Lane
Guitar: Rodrigo Curvo / Marcelo Lane
Bass: Bruno Vellutini
Drums: Vitor Rodrigues
Track Listing:
1. To Turn Around
2. Shadows
3. From The Fire
4. Days
5. Bloody Meanings
6. Back At Moon Street
7. Neural Groove
8. Hollywoodian Roses
9. Now It’s Over
10. Aygan
TSM/SLW Promotions
http://www.myspace.com/nickyaor
http://www.slwpromotions.com/
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*** PRESS RELEASE #19 ***
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-ZombieShakerBox Releases Debut Album, ENCRYPTED
LAS VEGAS, NV — Upcoming Las Vegas alternative hard rock act ZombieShakerBox have recently released their debut album, ENCRYPTED. Fronted by Washington, DC native Kirk Hulshoff, the band is also comprised of guitarist Jami Lin, bassist Cory Kay and drummer Tomonori Sugiyama. Two years in the making, ENCRYPTED was recorded at Piranha Digital Studios in Burbank, CA. Produced by Hulshoff and engineered by Mike Milchner, the album features ten blistering tracks rooted in ’90s grunge but with a more modern, melodic twist to the material.
Formed in early 2008, ZombieShakerBox quickly found its legs and headed straight into the studio to begin work on ENCRYPTED, all the while building a strong local fan base on the strength of its live show. Once the album was finished the band took to the road playing shows throughout Nevada, California and Utah, impressing club promoters so much that the band was invited back time and again, extending their following beyond their Las Vegas home territory. In 2010 ZombieShakerBox won “Best Male Vocalist” at the LA Music Awards and “Best Metal Band” at the Vegas Rocks Awards. “We opened the Las Vegas Music Awards with “Blow N’ Smoke” and won “Best Metal Band” based on that performance, relates bassist, Cory Kay. “We got to turn a lot of heads that night with a lot of big time players. It was definitely my favourite experience to date with the band. After winning at the LA Music Awards it made me realize that ZombieShakerBox is going places.”
ENCRYPTED is an autobiography of sorts for singer Kirl Hulshoff, as the lyrics deal primarily with drugs and living life far too close to the edge for comfort — subjects that Hulshoff is far too familiar with. “I went down the wrong road more times than I can count and luckily was able to rebound from everything,” he reflects. “Lyrically, the album takes you through the pain, regret, lessons learned and redemption that eventually made me a stronger person coming out of it all.”
ENCRYPTED is in stores now and will be up on iTunes and other digital outlets on July 12.
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*** PRESS RELEASE #20 ***
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-Neurosis: Classic SOVEREIGN EP To See Official Neurot Recordings Reissue Including Previously Unreleased Bonus Track
For the last 26 years, Neurosis have tapped into the elusive wellspring where resonance and dissonance collude, circling emotional poles where nothing is withheld, where the psyche screams for answers to Earth’s ancient mysteries.
Following the recent reissues of some of Neurosis’ most seminal groundbreaking earlier albums — SOULS AT ZERO and ENEMY OF THE SUN — Neurot Recordings are now prepared to unveil the details on the next installment of this reissue series, with a new pressing of the band’s infamous SOVEREIGN EP. Originally unveiled in 2000, the SOVEREIGN EP was the first Neurosis release issued through the band’s own then newly-founded Neurot Recordings, with the vinyl pressing handled by Hydra Head. In chronological terms, SOVEREIGN served as a millennial segue between two of the band’s two revered full-lengths of that era; 1999’s TIMES OF GRACE and 2001’s A SUN THAT NEVER SETS.
The EP, though shorter than a Neurosis full-length opus, is a psychotropic experience of the highest order. And to top that off, this Neurot Recordings CD reissue also includes a previously unreleased fifth track, with the inescapably feedback-tormented hymn “Misgiven” closing out the reissue, added as a special bonus to this repressing of the recordings. The reissue comes bound in an O-Card/jewel case setup like the other recent Neurosis reissues, with artwork completely redesigned and updated by Aaron Turner.
Check out the new cover, live footage of Neurosis performing at this year’s Maryland Deathfest and more at http://www.earsplitcompound.com/site/?p=2872 .
SOVEREIGN Reissue Track Listing:
1. Prayer
2. An Offering
3. Flood
4. Sovereign
5. Misgiven* [newly released track]
The reissue of SOVEREIGN will be released in North America on September 12, 2011. Stay tuned for more updates on the reissue and on Neurosis actions as a whole throughout 2012, as the band plots more live appearances for the coming months, and as they continue to culminate their energies into the band’s upcoming new full-length release.
http://www.neurosis.com/
http://www.facebook.com/officialneurosis
http://www.neurotrecordings.com/
http://www.facebook.com/neurotrecordings
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*** PRESS RELEASE #21 ***
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-Unexpect Self-Release FABLES OF THE SLEEPLESS EMPIRE
Hailing from Montreal (Canada), Unexpect constitute a massive rising force in the actual music scene for they stand alone in an original and very personal musical style. Highly respected for their musical talent and incredible live performances, this creative and unique act is now attracting more attention than ever with the coming of their anticipated new album FABLES OF THE SLEEPLESS EMPIRE (2011). Their critically acclaimed album IN A FLESH AQUARIUM (2006) received distinguished honors and has been incensed by the press, depicted as “a twisted work of sheer, breathtaking genius.” It has been acclaimed nearly unanimously by the critics as a milestone in contemporary metal. A perfect follow-up to their first full length UTOPIA (1999) and their breakthrough mini CD: WE_ INVADERS (2003). They’ve even been congratulated and incensed by former Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy who declared publicly: “WOW… I am speechless!!! I just got turned onto this INSANE band from Canada called UNEXPECT. Absolutely some of the most OUT THERE, progressive, technical, avant-garde music I’ve ever heard!” Following that statement, Unexpect had been personally invited on the Progressive Nation Tour 2009 covering the whole European Territory with Dream Theater, Opeth & Bigelf.
FABLES OF THE SLEEPLESS EMPIRE (2011)
This record serves as a glimpse into the new potential paradigm of Artists becoming the label, and self-releasing with a direct to consumer operation in place. FABLES OF THE SLEEPLESS EMPIRE is truly an impressive venture and one that continues the Unexpect story, recorded over the course of 2009-2010 in several places in the “Great White North” (Canada), and mixed by Jeff Fortin with the production assistance from Syriak, Leïlindel & Unexpect at Badass Studios (All Drums, Vocals & Bass were also recorded @ Badass Studios), the album grabs the listener from the first chord and doesn’t let go until the circus is over. In addition to recording, the album was mastered, engineered, edited and re-amped by Jeff Fortin at Badass Studios. The band however chose to record Guitars, Keyboard & Violins at various home studios so they could spend the time to really capture the right vibe for each track. Additional Vocal tracks were also recorded at J-C Desjardin’s (Caraan & Shy Sh*t) home studio.
On FABLES… Unexpect have truly hit their stride, their ability to mix ethereal lyrics, growling, and almost circus gang vocals is something to be heard to say the least, and the musicianship on this record is f*cking ridiculous!
“We’ve been making developments concerning the availability of our newest album FABLES OF THE SLEEPLESS EMPIRE! Our original plans have been revised as we’ve seen that it was a bit hard/expensive shipping-wise for some of you guys. We’re currently talking to some mail-orders and will keep you informed about new online vendors as they come.” – Unexpect
WHERE TO BUY?
PHYSICAL
Amazon.com
The Laser’s Edge
The End Records (The Omega Order)
Just For Kicks Music (Germany)
Galy Records
DIGITAL
http://unexpect.bandcamp.com
Mail orders and stores all around the world should contact Unexpect directly at unexpectmail@yahoo.ca for wholesale orders as they are not working with distributors for now.
There’s also some physical stores in Montreal & and the Quebec Province that will carry the album.
Complete list – http://unexpect.com/unxpct/index.php/merch/
And for the first time, Unexpect’s debut album UTOPIA will also be available in digital download format from bandcamp.com!!
TOURING
Brutal Assault Open Air Festival – in Czech Republic between 11th and 13th of August.
Members
syriaK: Guitar / Vocal
Artagoth: Guitar / Vocal
Borboën: Violin
Chaoth: 9 Stringed Bass
Leïlindel: Vocal
Landryx: Drums
Members Photography: Élaine Phaneuf
Cover Artwork: Mario Sanchez Nevado ( http://aegis-strife.net/ )
Back & Inside artwork and Layout: Éric Charron
Unexpect Logo: Sarah Hegyesy
Unexpect
http://www.unexpect.com/
http://www.myspace.com/unexpect
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Unexpect/238413107024
BAND EMAIL: unexpectmail@yahoo.ca
ONLINE STORE: http://www.ifmerch.com/en/catalogs/unexpect
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*** PRESS RELEASE #22 ***
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-Clamfight: Philly Sludgesters Issue Studio Progress And Live Updates
Philadelphia-area sludge thugs Clamfight are in the thick of recording their second full-length album, VOLUME III. After a long several days of laying down track after track of their groove-laden thunder at New Jersey’s infamous Gradwell House Studios, the band have completed all of the rhythm tracks for the upcoming album and will return in August to hammer out the leads and vocals for the record, which will see release via The Maple Forum in the Autumn months.
In the meantime, the crew have confirmed several new local live attacks taking place this week, as well as a quick run of the Carolina’s with New Jersey-based cohorts Rukut late this month.
Clamfight Live:
7/16/2011 JR’s Bar – Philadelphia, PA w/ Rukut, Blue Aside, Bitchslicer
7/17/2011 Mojo 13 – Wilmington, DE w/ Blue Aside, Lor, The Walking Ghost
7/29/2011 DIVEbar Raleigh – Raleigh, NC w/ Rukut, The Black Tie Operation [free show!]
7/30/2011 The House – Simpsonville, SC w/ Rukut, Black Hand Throne
Clamfight pummel anyone in earshot with a crushing style of sludge/doom metal chock full of more upbeat rock/thrash aggression, resulting in some of the most bruising grooves in the tri-state area. After their debut album, VOLUME I, received endless live coverage and praise throughout all of last year on major heavy rock portal The Obelisk, site taskmaster JJ Koczan simply turned around and offered to release VOLUME III via The Maple Forum, the official label imprint of The Obelisk.
Clamfight tour and album updates will continue to drop through the rest of 2011. In the meantime you can stream their meaty VOLUME I album in its entirety at http://clamfight.bandcamp.com/ .
http://clamfight.bandcamp.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Clamfight/248201303669
http://mapleforum.bigcartel.com
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*** NEWS/RUMORS ***
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-About Heavy Metal’s lists of “Best Heavy Metal Albums Of 1983” and “Best Heavy Metal Albums Of 1984” are online now at http://glclk.about.com/?zi=1/D4IO and http://glclk.about.com/?zi=1/D8I5 , respectively.
-Black Country Communion’s second album, 2, hit the top of the BBC Radio 1 Top Rock Charts, aka “the UK’s #1 chart for music.”
-Burden My Surrender won an Ernie Ball competition and played at the Vans Warped Tour show on July 12 at the Darien Center in New York. The band — Britney Johnson on vocals, Mat Marsiglio on guitar, backing vocals, and screams, Dale Schoonover on guitar, Kyle Linscott on bass, and Brad Buffington on percussion, backing vocals, and screams — was also recently featured in the February 2011 issue of Music & Noise Magazine. Upcoming tour dates:
7/16 – Club Diablo, Buffalo, NY
8/5 – Station 58, Syracuse, NY
8/6 – The Station, Nichols, NY
9/3 – The Beam House, Elkland, PA
9/10 – Rockfest Rochester City Park, Rochester, IN
10/7 – The Gaslight, Wellsboro, PA
Check out the songs “Rip And Tear” and “For What It’s Worth” at http://www.facebook.com/burdenmysurrender , and see http://www.myspace.com/burdenmysurrender and http://twitter.com/BurdenMySurrend for more.
-BraveWords.com reported Chickenfoot has signed a North American distribution deal with eOne Music. The band’s second album, III, is due out in September and will include the songs “Bigfoot,” “No Change,” “Who’s Next,” “Astral Years,” and “I Ain’t Got You, I Got The Two By Blues.” The album cover and first video will reportedly both be in 3D. Check out an album teaser at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGDg2RsjY8M .
-Clepsydra’s new single “Asa Phelps” is available at http://youtu.be/rS5s2PPfiOQ . The band’s third album, MARMALADE SKY, is out now through Italy’s Go Down Records. Hype: “MARMALADE SKY is an emotional meeting that can lead to addiction, a fascinating and extremely psychedelic work that flows like a A and B sides of a LP; the songs start with an intimate and direct approach, and (after few tracks) lead the listeners into a mystical and dreamy experience.” See http://www.clepsydraband.it/ and http://www.myspace.com/clepsydraband for more.
-DC4’s second single from the upcoming ELECTRIC MINISTRY, the title track, is online now at http://www.dc4rocks.com/ . The first single, “XXX,” can still be heard at http://www.metalblade.com/dc4 . See http://www.facebook.com/DC4HardRock and http://www.myspace.com/dc4duncan for more.
-Check out a new interview with In Flames at http://glclk.about.com/?zi=1/D4IP .
-Infinity Overture’s new web video for “Do You Care?,” their track on Lion Music’s EMBRACE THE SUN – THE LION MUSIC JAPAN BENEFIT PROJECT, is online now at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0thTx75PIv8 . For more on the charity project see http://www.lionmusic.com/cd/embracethesun.htm .
-Upcoming shows by The Iron Maidens, the all-female tribute to Iron Maiden:
7/16 – Brick By Brick, San Diego, CA
7/26 – House Of Blues, Hollywood, CA – all ages
8/6 – Paladino’s, Tarzana, CA
8/20 – The Gaslamp, Long Beach, CA
8/27 – The Lotus Hall, Reseda, CA – all ages
9/17 – Santa Fe Springs Swapmeet, Santa Fe Springs, CA – all ages
See http://www.theironmaidens.com/ , http://www.facebook.com/TheIronMaidensOfficial , and http://www.myspace.com/theironmaidens for more.
-Lizzy Borden announced they will close the main stage show on Friday, December 2 at the Hard Rock Hell V festival in the UK. The night before the band will play a warm-up show at the Underworld in London. See http://www.lizzyborden.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/lizzybordenband for more, and check out the video for “Under Your Skin” at http://www.metalblade.tv/tv/music-videos/lizzy-borden-under-your-skin/ .
-Check out About Heavy Metal’s “Retro Recommendation” feature on Metallica’s NO LIFE ‘TIL LEATHER demo at http://glclk.about.com/?zi=1/D4IQ .
-Nuclear Blast has a new 17-track compilation entitled METAL BALLADS available through Weltbild. Track list: Avantasia – “Symphony Of Live,” Sirenia – “Winter Land,” Gotthard – “I’ve Seen An Angel Cry Tonight,” All Ends – “Nobody’s Story,” While Heaven Wept – “Unplenitude,” Epica – “This Is The Time,” HammerFall – “Send Me A Sign,” Indica – “Lilja’s Lament,” Rhapsody Of Fire – “Lost In Cold Dreams,” Revamp – “Sweet Curse,” Rage – “Connected,” Therion – “Sitra Ahra,” Edguy – “Forever,” Sonata Arctica – “The Last Amazing Grays” (symphonic version), Pain – “You Only Live Twice,” Doro – “Herzblut” (live version), Amorphis – “From The Heaven Of My Heart” (live version). Check it out at http://www.weltbild.de/3/16743628-1/musik/metal-ballads.html#Kundenbewertung+Metal+ballads .
-Powerwolf’s new video for “We Drink Your Blood” is available at http://www.metal-hammer.de/video-audio/premieren/article106004/Powerwolf-Premiere-des-We-Drink-Your-Blood-Videos.html . Hype for the video: “According to their sacral image and the concept of [the new album] BLOOD OF THE SAINTS, Powerwolf shot the video in an ancient monastery church. ‘Shooting the video in such a special and atmospheric place was incredible,’ comments organist Falk Maria Schlegel. ‘The combination of the sacral interior of the church, including altar, confessional box and a church organ with a lot of fire, fog and metal insanity was the perfect set for a Powerwolf video!'” See http://www.metalblade.com/powerwolf , http://www.powerwolf.net/ , http://www.facebook.com/powerwolfmetal , and http://www.myspace.com/powerwolfmetal for more.
-Symphony X is inviting fans to make their own videos for the new song “Electric Messiah,” from the new ICONOCLAST album. Check out the info at http://www.nuclearblastusa.com/Splash/SymphonyX_VideoContest/index.html . See http://www.symphonyx.com/ for more.
-Unearth’s DARKNESS IN THE LIGHT (Metal Blade Records) debuted in the US at #72 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, #14 on the Billboard Top Independent Album chart, and #7 on the Billboard Top Hard Music Albums chart; in Canada at #42 on the Top 200 chart, #5 on the Hard chart, and #44 on the Digital Albums chart; and in Germany at #99 on the official Album charts and at #68 on the Media Markt/Saturn charts. See http://www.darknessinthelightalbum.com/ , http://www.unearth.tv/ , http://www.facebook.com/unearthofficial , http://www.twitter.com/unearthofficial , http://www.myspace.com/unearth , and http://www.metalblade.com/ for more.
Thanks to Chad Bowar, Earsplit PR, Chipster PR, Metal Blade Records, and Bill “Atlantis” Kotowski for help gathering some of this information.
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*** REVIEWS ***
*
RIVERSIDE – MEMORIES IN MY HEAD (B) Laser’s Edge, 2011
3 tracks, RT: 32:36
[ http://www.riversideband.pl/ ]
[ http://www.facebook.com/Riversidepl ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/riversidepl ]
[ http://www.lasercd.com/ ]
Poland’s favorite prog unit is back with a three-song EP called MEMORIES IN MY HEAD, and while it’s most definitely not metal, there are some captivating and engrossing moments to be discovered here. Riverside to me play quintessential mood music, this nowhere more evident than on opening track “Goodbye Sweet Innocence,” a rather tame and ponderous affair that takes over half of its almost 11 minute running time to get off the ground. More substantial is “Living In The Past,” probably my favorite of the three, this one featuring retro keyboards and atmospheric lead guitar blending with the more modern vocal approach of Mariusz Duda, kind of Tool meets Deep Purple at a Pink Floyd concert. “Forgotten Land” may just be the most immediate song on the EP, with a brisker pace and heavier edge, again highlighted by ethereal keyboards and soaring guitar, with some cool rhythmic backing. OK, so MEMORIES IN MY HEAD is not something you are likely to crank up on your way to see Slayer, but it just might be something cool to put in on your way home. Generally hypnotic and flowing, Riverside’s music is probably best appreciated with headphones, when you can fully immerse yourself in it. Recommended especially for those who are already fans of Riverside, who will likely enjoy MEMORIES IN MY HEAD as something to keep them occupied until the next full-length disc comes out.
– Neal Woodall (MysticX9@gmail.com)
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*** OUT ***
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Issue #599
Detritus
Issue #599
Week of June 27, 2011
http://DetritusZine.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Detritus/
http://www.myspace.com/detritusezine
To subscribe to the e-mail version do one of the following:
Visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Detritus/
Send a blank e-mail to: Detritus-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
To unsubscribe from the e-mail version:
Send a blank e-mail to: Detritus-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
To contact us:
Detritus-owner@yahoogroups.com
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*** CAST OF CHARACTERS ***
*
Patrick Brower, Editor
pwbrower@gmail.com
Sean P. Gahgan, Editor
spgahgan@comcast.net
http://www.lakeoffire.net/
http://www.myspace.com/visionlakeoffire
Tim Wadzinski, Owner
tsw512@yahoo.com
Steve Shumake, Co-owner
vongoober@neb.rr.com
http://www.facebook.com/KnuckleDeepBand
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*** LET IT BE KNOWN ***
*
-There will be no issue next week as I’m taking a bit of a summer vacation, so be sure to really savor this one. You might even want to print it out and keep it in your pocket if you find yourself needing a Detritus fix. 🙂 – Tim
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*** PRESS RELEASE #1 ***
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-Halford Releasing LIVE AT SAITAMA SUPER ARENA 5.1 DVD & BD
Metal God Records and Rob Halford are pleased to announce a new 5.1, multi-camera, HD Live-Concert film: Halford – LIVE AT SAITAMA SUPER ARENA debuting world-wide October 10th and 11th.
Halford – LIVE AT SAITAMA SUPER ARENA features Rob Halford – Vox, Roy Z. – Guitars, Mike Chlasciak – Guitars, Mike Davis – Bass and Bobby Jarzombek – Drums.
The band returned to Japan October 10, 2010 debuting new tracks from Halford IV – MADE OF METAL. LIVE AT SAITAMA SUPER ARENA features fifteen (15) 5.1 Surround-Audio Recordings spanning The Metal God’s Halford, Fight and Judas Priest catalog. Track Listing provided below.
Halford – LIVE AT SAITAMA SUPER ARENA is the band’s first Hi-definition, 5.1 Surround-Audio Production. LIVE AT SAITAMA SUPER ARENA Blu-ray (BD) release features Exclusive Footage with Rob Halford commentary.
Halford LIVE AT SAITAMA SUPER ARENA Pre-Sale Begins Tuesday, June 28, 2011. Visit http://www.RobHalford.com/SuperArena for more details and Pre-Sale Bonus Exclusive.
Track List:
1. Resurrection
2. Made In Hell
3. Locked And Loaded
4. Drop Out
5. Made Of Metal
6. Undisputed
7. Nailed To The Gun
8. Golgotha
9. Fire And Ice
10. The Green Manalishi (With The Two-Pronged Crown)
11. Diamonds And Rust
12. Jawbreaker
13. Cyber World
14. Like There’s No Tomorrow
15. Thunder And Lightning
http://www.MetalGodRecords.com/
http://www.RobHalford.com/
http://www.MetalGodApparel.com/
http://www.MetalGodShop.com/
http://www.HalfordMusic.com/
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*** PRESS RELEASE #2 ***
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-Anthrax: Free Download “Fight’em ‘Til You Can’t” (Brand New Track)!
Legendary thrash metallers Anthrax have just uploaded the brand new track “Fight’em ‘Til You Can’t.”
You can listen to the song here:
And you can download the MP3 file for free here:
http://www.nuclearblast.de/gratisdownload/index.php?link_kampagne=Anthrax-fightemtillyoucant
Anthrax have posted the following statement:
“To all of our friends around the world —
“Anthrax fans are the most loyal fans ever. You’ve been waiting a long, long time for us to release new music. With Joey back in the band, we know that the anticipation is really high, and we love you for that.
“So, as a way for us to say THANK YOU, we decided to make our brand-new track, “Fight’em ‘Til You Can’t,” available as a free download, giving all of you a taste of what’s to come on our first new studio album in eight years — WORSHIP MUSIC that will be out September 13.
“Thank you for sticking with us my friends and now join us on this zombie killing thrill ride we call ‘Fight’em ‘Til You Can’t.’
“BANG YOUR HEADS!!!” Scott, Charlie, Frankie, Joey & Rob
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*** PRESS RELEASE #3 ***
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-Robert Plant’s BLUE NOTE On DVD August 23
In-depth documentary detailing Plant’s musical journey, featuring live performances and rare footage.
Robert Plant’s journey through the territories that have most acutely informed and inspired his music is perhaps one of the most multi-faceted of any artist from his generation. In a remarkable career that has spanned five decades, Plant has travelled from gold-maned god of hard rock to balladeering country troubadour, a process of reinvention guided by an ever-expanding musical palette and tireless searches through global song. His fantastic voyage has essayed the plantations of Mississippi, the deserts and townships of Africa and the settlements of the Appalachians.
This film follows Robert’s incredible and on-going tour of musical styles and acts as travelogue in its unique approach to documenting and reviewing a career that has been built on endless fascination, consistent experimentation and a unique talent that makes the incorporation of his discoveries into a popular contemporary form seem almost effortless.
Featuring rare footage, performance archive, recorded interviews, contributions from his closest collaborators, expert critique from the finest music writers, plus location film, news reports seldom seen photographs and a host of other features.
Cover Art:
Order Link:
http://www.seeofsound.com/p.php?s=SIDVD567
MVD Entertainment Group
P.O. Box 280
Oaks PA 19456
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*** PRESS RELEASE #4 ***
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-Record Cover Artist Ioannis On Tour With Urian Heep
Record cover artist Ioannis (Deep Purple, Yngwie Malmsteen, Fates Warning, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Free Reign, UFO, Dokken, Quiet Riot) has just released, for a limited time only, a Uriah Heep – INTO THE WILD cover art print signed by Ioannis and the band.
Each limited edition print is approved and individually hand signed and numbered by Ioannis and the members of Uriah Heep (Mick Box, Trevor Bolder, Bernie Shaw, Phil Lanzon, and Russell Gilbrook).
This special edition will be limited to these three hundred prints only and will never be reproduced again.
To further, Ioannis will also be appearing on selected dates of the US tour with Uriah Heep to show his work and sign art for the fans.
The dates are:
6/23 – Foxborough, MA
6/24 – Penns Peak, PA
6/25 – Ridgefield, CT
6/27 – Infinity Hall, CT
6/28 – Londonburry, NH
To learn more information on these appearances please go to http://www.dangerousage.com/ .
Also, join the official Dangerous Age Facebook page on the Dangerous Age website for a chance to win a original Ioannis drawing.
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-Divebomb Records Upcoming Releases: Confessor, Solstice, Cyclone Temple & Ironchrist
We are working on several new releases at this very moment. We wanted to share our upcoming plans and releases with you all. These are not formal press releases, but just some useful information to hopefully get everyone excited about these killer projects we have coming down the line. Release dates are not set yet, but we hope to have several ready by year’s end.
Confessor
UNCONTROLLED (CD/DVD)
This will be the first time all three Confessor demos will be made available commercially. DVD will be archival footage of all Confessor material we can get our hands on! Liner notes will be loaded with pictures plus a brand new essay by Jeff Wagner (“Mean Deviation” author). We have also been discussing a long overdue and proper FLY MACHINE reissue with the guys as well. Hopefully, we can make that happen!
Cyclone Temple
MY FRIEND LONELY (Deluxe Edition)
Chicago’s favorite sons! This album is one of our personal favorites of the ’90s and we decided it was time to resurrect it. This band and its mixture of various style of metal certainly turned a few heads back in the day. It’s been fully re-mastered by Jamie King and contains the BUILDING ERRORS IN THE MACHINE EP as bonus tracks. AOL Music’s Noisecreep Editor, Carlos Ramirez, conducted new interviews with Greg and Sonny to help round out his essay for the liner notes. Sonny has also tossed around the idea of finally getting his pre-Cyclone Temple band, Enchanter’s unreleased album ready for reissue so keep your fingers crossed he does!
Ironchrist
GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR EXTINCTION (Deluxe Edition)
Another one of our favorite bands from the “who the f*** were they?” category. Fusing proggy thrash metal with a punk rock ethos Maryland’s Ironchrist took no prisoners and made no apologies for being so brash. Rapid fire riffs interlaced with social and politically charged lyrics touching on all the hot button issues of that era. This album is one gigantic aggrofest! It features archival photos the band provided plus tracks from the EP and demo tape. The band also plans to chat with Carlos Ramirez for an extended liner note interview.
Solstice
SOLSTICE (Deluxe Edition)
PRAY (Deluxe Edition)
Yes, the one and the only, Solstice, will get the full Divebomb Records reissue treatment soon. With band involvement we hope to include the band’s first demo tape and a slew of archival photos on the SOLSTICE reissue. The band is also updating the sound of the PRAY material so our deluxe edition will contain both their new version AND the original version (re-mastered) for the fans! Not surprising at all is the fact that Carlos Ramirez is a gigantic Solstice fan and will be handing all essay and interview duties.
http://www.divebombrecords.com/
http://www.tribunalrecords.net/
http://www.facebook.com/divebombrecords
http://www.myspace.com/divebombrecords
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-The Yardbirds Tour The States This September
The Yardbirds will be touring the States this September, from Massachusetts to Hawaii, September 1 through the 23. This is rock and roll that influenced musicians from the 1960s to current day.
The Yardbirds are original members: rhythm guitarist Chris Dreja and drummer Jim McCarty, and a new generation of musicians: singer/acoustic guitarist/harpist Andy Mitchell (since 2009), bassist David Smale (since 2009), and lead guitarist Ben King (since 2005). Merchandise will include Chris’ original photographic art, which includes the halo portrait for Jimmy Page from LED ZEPPELIN 1. That photo has been autographed by both Jimmy and Chris, who will sell that work in private.
The Yardbirds innovated 1960s guitar, with fuzz tone, feedback, distortion, backwards echo, improved amplification… and using a bow to play guitar. The group paved the way for the careers of Eric Clapton (1963-’65), Jeff Beck (’65-’66), and Jimmy Page (’66-’68, first as bassist, then guitarist when Beck left). The group drew some repertoire from the blues acts of the day, including Elmore James, Howlin’ Wolf, and Bo Diddley, and the Yardbirds hits were some of the best songs of the British Invasion: “For Your Love,” “Heart Full Of Soul,” “Shapes Of Things,” “I’m A Man,” “Over Under Sideways Down,” “Train Kept A-Rolling,” “Dazed And Confused,” and “Better Man Than I.”
The Yardbirds were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 1992. Soon after the induction, Jim and Chris reformed the Yardbirds, first playing at London’s Marquee club, on a bill with the newly reformed Animals.
In 2003, Steve Vai’s Favored Nations label released their album BIRDLAND, an album of new songs that featured guest appearances from Vai, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Slash, Brian May, Steve Lukather, Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, and John Rzeznik. In 2005 guitarist Ben King joined the group, who recorded LIVE AT B.B. KING BLUES CLUB on July 19, 2006. That came out in 2007, included a version of “I’m A Man” that played on “The Simpsons” that year.
The Yardbirds have continued to tour. An institution in popular music, blues, rock and roll, the group made an indelible mark on the music and culture of both the 1960s and future generations.
CONFIRMED DATES:
Sept. 1: Summer Music Series, Springfield, MA
Sept. 2: Infinity Hall, Norfolk, CT
Sept. 3: Tupelo Music Hall, White River Junction, VT
Sept. 4: Tupelo Music Hall, Londonerry, NH
Sept. 5: Wolf Den, Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, CT
Sept. 7: B.B. King’s, New York, NY
Sept. 8: Penn’s Peak, Jim Thorpe, PA
Sept. 9: Music Theatre, Westbury, NY
Sept. 10: Parilla Center, Rockville, MD
Sept. 11: Rams Head, Annapolis, MD
Sept. 15: New Showroom, Hawaiian Brians, Honolulu, HI
Sept. 16: Maui Arts and Cultural Center, Maui, HI
Sept. 17: Horoka Peoples Theatre, Big Island, HI
Sept. 21: Key Club, Hollywood, CA
Sept. 22: Coachhouse, Santa Ana, CA
Sept. 23: Canyon Club, Agoura Hills, CA
Sept. 24: Ramona Mainstage, Ramona ( San Diego ) CA
“If You’ve Ever Been Mistreated” 6/4/11 – Devizes Corn Exchange, Devizes, UK
http://www.theyardbirds.com/
http://www.yardbirds.us/
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2207073529
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-Johnny Winter: LIVE ROCKPALAST 1979 DVD And Guitar Gods Limited Edition Collectible Figure Arrive July 26
LIVE ROCKPALAST 1979 features Johnny and his three-piece band live on Germany’s famous “Rockpalast” TV show in 1979… Straight up blues like only Johnny can deliver, lean and mean. Johnny and the band also blaze through some killer covers like the Rolling Stones’ “Jumping Jack Flash” and “Suzie Q.”
Of this program, guitar journalist Sean McDevitt writes:
Johnny Winter had nothing to prove by the time April of 1979 arrived. Thirty-five years old, he was an established international star and already a decade removed from his seminal 1969 debut — a groundbreaking record followed by an unforgettable appearance at Woodstock, scores of sold-out arenas, a well documented stint in drug rehabilitation, and a steady stream of celebrated albums.
But as this performance makes clear, Winter’s musical soul wasn’t entirely at peace the night he stepped before a massive audience in Essen, Germany, to record a performance for the popular German television program “Rockpalast” (“Rock Palace”). The Texan, armed with his Gibson Firebird was on a mission to reaffirm for his audience — including millions watching the broadcast across Europe — his devotion to the blues, the music that consumed him as a young man during the 1950s and ’60s but was later cast aside as rock stardom beckoned.
The proof can be found in the night’s set list: “Hideaway,” the guitar workout made famous by Freddie King, kicks things off. It’s followed by “Messin’ With The Kid,” a staple of Chicago harp master Junior Wells. “Walkin’ By Myself,” co-penned by another Chicago great, Jimmy Rogers, follows.
But it’s not just what Winter plays that tells the tale; it’s what he says. “I hope there’s some people out there that get off on blues,” he offers. “I know we’ve got a lot of rock and rollers. But you’ve gotta remember that if it wasn’t for the blues, there wouldn’t be no rock and roll.”
And with that, the master goes deep into the Delta, unleashing a breathtaking, 17-minute reading of Willie Brown’s “Mississippi Blues,” an undeniable highlight of this unforgettable night. Winter follows up with Sleepy John Estes’ “Divin’ Duck” before attacking Dale Hawkins’ “Susie Q.”
Ever gracious, on “I’m Ready,” Johnny picks up a bass as his bassist fires away on guitar. The arrangement continues for “Rockabilly Boogie,” a joyous performance replete with some crowd-pleasing showmanship. But then it’s back to the blues.
“Well I know I’m fighting a losing battle, but I’m gonna to try to do some more blues,” Winter says. “I hope there’s somebody out there that might understand what that is and might want to hear a little bit of it.” And with that, Johnny delivers a master class medley that leads off with Robert Johnson’s “Stones In My Passway.”
The artist finally throws a bone to the rock enthusiasts with a cover of the Rolling Stones’ “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.” But it’s best to think of this offering as a reward, not a concession. Johnny Winter’s statement on this night had long since been made.
Trailer:
Hi Res Art:
Order Link:
http://www.seeofsound.com/p.php?s=MVD5184D
Also, arriving next month is the first figure in the Guitar Gods series… None other than the legendary master blues guitarist Johnny Winter.
The figure is limited to 1,500 numbered units, stands at 7 inches tall, and is made of a lightweight poly resin.
Displayed in a window box, here Johnny is not only accurately sculpted right down to his signature black hat, boots, and guitar, but also has movement at both the arm and head, and yells “Rock N’ Roll” at the push of a button! Click here to listen to the sound clip…
http://soundcloud.com/clint-1-2/johnny-winter-rock-and-roll/s-HOBVj
Production Photos:
http://mvdb2b.com/i/press/GRTGODS101/Photos/
Order Link:
http://www.seeofsound.com/p.php?s=GRTGODS101
MVD Entertainment Group
P.O. Box 280
Oaks PA 19456
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-7th Heaven Update
[Note: This is from the Chicago-area band’s July newsletter. – Tim]
Summer has just begun and our summer festival schedule is in full swing. We have a lot of cool things going on in our world, so let’s get started on some quick 7th Heaven news.
7th Heaven – POP MEDIA
Our new CD POP MEDIA is almost finished. We hope to send it to press this week (cross your fingers for us). We have a couple more songs to mix down and then it’s up to how fast the printer can get them back to us. We hope to have them in about 2-3 weeks… look for an email on the release date. This CD is a fun collection of songs we feel fit the band’s current sound and encompass the world we live in as a band. We think you will like the songs we chose for the CD. We have started playing two songs already off the CD live and this week, we add three more to our set. Stay tuned for a exact release date.
7th Heaven LED Screens, Light Show & Glow
We have been working on a bunch of really neat visuals to add to our live shows. Many of you already see the graphic banners on stage we added but over the next week or two, there will be some AMAZING things you will see at certain shows. We will be adding two 8 feet wide x 4 feet tall video screens to our shows. We have a very cool destination of what we will do with these, but phase 1 will be just to get them up and running. Phase 2 will have video sync with some audio we play. We also have new lighted truss that we’ll use on on our night shows that we have room to use. We have a new lighted 7th Heaven banner that is coming and we’ll be adding a cool glow-in-the-dark thing soon as well. The usage of some of these things will be limited on weather, stage size and some factors, but we will try to use these on night shows that we know we have the space to utilize them at. Once we get this going full steam we think this will be a really neat experience to add to the already fun experience of our live shows.
New Merchandise
We have a bunch of brand new merchandise, as well as our new newsletters available at all full band shows all summer long. Look for limited edition POP MEDIA shirts, custom die-cast key chains, cool new guitar pick cards, lighted dog tags, wristbands and more… Make sure to check the merchandise table at every show, as we add new products every week.
7th Heaven Cruise — Next Sailing
If you are looking to join us on the next 7th Heaven cruise, we’ll be finalizing the info within the next month. If you were thinking of going, let us know and we’ll let you know when we are ready to start booking. The time frame will be in February 2012.
7th Heaven About To Go Over 10,000 Fans On Facebook
Help us get over 10,000 fans/friends on our official Facebook page. We utilize that page for last minute updates, new merchandise and other cool info that we want to share with you on a regular basis. So “Like” our band’s Facebook page so we can keep you updated as things happen in the 7th Heaven world. http://www.facebook.com/pages/7th-heaven/38789126903
Sytx – Meat Loaf – 7th Heaven
This week we’ll open for Styx at Naperville Ribfest on Saturday, July 2. We play with Meat Loaf at a fall concert in Joliet outside on September 1.
NTD Management Website Updated
The NTD Management website has been updated here: http://www.NTDManagement.com/
NTD Management welcomes some new bands to the NTD family of bands and we encourage you to check them out and show them some support.
Show Times & Schedule
One thing we are aware of is the times and how sometimes our start or end times are not accurate to what was expected. Please be patient and understand there are some factors that we have no control over. For example, if a festival wants to make a change to the show’s times last minute, they will do so. Sometimes they want us to start later than we had planned. Sometimes the festival hired a sound company that has broken equipment and we are trying to find a solution to get us on and still do a show. Sometimes weather plays a factor. And sometimes we are late as we are trying to play two shows in a day and traffic just doesn’t want to agree with us… needless to say, we try to be on-time as much as possible and we are sorry if some of you are waiting around longer than you planned. When you do 250 shows, it’s difficult to keep all of them on time, but believe me, we are trying to find solutions in all areas to address that. Note — our “Tour” page on our website now has the map & website links to all shows. The PDF of the schedule is updated and the Apple iCal and Google calendars are now updated.
June 30 – Taste Of Lombard
July 1 – Lisle Eye’s To The Skies
July 2 – Naperville Ribfest w/ Styx
July 3 – Cubs / Sox Pre game fest at Wrigley Field
July 4 – Bensenville Fest
July 7 – Norridge Fest
July 8 – Byron Fest
July 9 – McHenry Fiesta Days
July 9 – Palos Hills Fest
July 10 – Westchester Fest
July 10 – Glendale Heights
July 13 – Carlucci’s
July 14 – Carol Stream Concert In Park
July 15 – Durty Nellies
July 16 – Lombard German Fest
July 17 – Skokie Fest
July 21 – Cary Concert In The Park
July 22 – Party On The Pier
July 23 – Kane Country Fair
July 24 – Des Plaines Summer Fling
July 27 – Bolingbrook Concert In The Park
July 28 – Mt. Prospect Concert In The Park
July 29 – Streamwood Fest
July 30 – Taste Of Lincoln
July 30 – Somonauk Fest
July 31 – Algonquin Commons
August 3 – Snuggery
August 4 – Northbrook Days
August 5 – Warrenville Summer Daze
August 6 – Retro On Roscoe
August 6 – Des Plaines Augustfest
August 7 – Romeoville Fest
August 10 – Carlucci’s
August 11 – Millennium Park
August 12 – Aurora Fest
August 13 – Palmer College
August 14 – Market Days
August 17 – Private Party
August 18 – Hinsdale Concert In The Park
August 19 – South Elgin Riverfest
August 20 – Long Grove Art Fest
August 20 – Grayslake Fest
August 21 – Elburn Fest
August 25 – Beer Barrel
August 26 – Beer Barrel
August 27 – Beer Barrel
August 28 – DeKalb Corn Fest
August 31 – Navy Pier
September 1 – Joliet Fall Concert
September 2 – Lemont Keepawata Fest
September 3 – Lake In The Hills Fest
September 4 – TBA
September 5 – Schaumburg Septemberfest
September 7 – Snuggery
September 8 – CD & ME
September 9 – Walter Payton’s Roundhouse
September 10 – Evviva Fest
September 10 – Forest Park Ribfest
September 11 – Wells Street Fall Fest
September 14 – Snuggery
September 15 – Lucky Monk
September 16 – West Dundee Fest
September 17 – Big Brother, Big Sister
September 18 – 7th Heaven Annual BBQ
September 18 – Des Plaines Fall Fest
September 21 – Snuggery
September 24 – Huntley Fall Fest
October 1 – Grundy County Corn Festival
October 2 – Long Grove Apple Fest
October 6 – Evviva
October 7 – John Barleycorn
October 8 – Hollywood Casino
October 12 – Snuggery
October 13 – McCarthy’s
October 14 – Q Billiards
October 15 – Durty Nellies
October 19 – Snuggery
October 20 – Blues Bar
October 21 – Bourbon Street
October 22 – Shark City
October 27 – Thirsty Whale
October 28 – The Lodge
October 29 – Chicago City Limits
November 3 – Evviva
November 4 – Vipers Alley
November 5 – Real Time Sports
November 9 – Snuggery
November 10 – Lucky Monk
November 11 – TBA
November 12 – Tailgaters
November 16 – Snuggery
November 18 – Total Sports
November 19 – Joe’s on Weed Street
November 23 – Turky Testicle Festival
November 26 – Tilted Kilt
November 30 – Snuggery
December 1 – Evviva
December 2 – Chicago City Limits
December 3 – Angelman Syndrome Benefit
December 8 – Blues Bar
December 9 – John Barleycorn
December 10 – Private Corporate Event
December 14 – Snuggery
December 15 – Lucky Monk
December 16 – The Lodge
December 17 – Durty Nellies
December 21 – Snuggery
December 22 – Thirsty Whale
December 23 – Real Time Sports
December 29 – Bourbon Street
December 30 – Shark City
December 31 – TBA
Thanks for all your continued support.
We love playing and as long as you keep coming out to see us play, we’ll continue to be there.
7th Heaven
http://www.7thheavenband.com/
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-Amon Amarth: “Destroyer Of The Universe” Video Premiere On Blank TV
Starting June 27, fans can check out the new Amon Amarth music video for the song “Destroyer Of The Universe” off the band’s latest release, SURTUR RISING. The live video, which is premiering exclusively on BlankTV, was shot on the band’s May 6th stop in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the Theatre Of Living Arts by director David Brodsky of MyGoodEye (The Black Dahlia Murder, The Devin Townsend Project, Suicide Silence, Municipal Waste, Whitechapel, etc.).
Comments guitarist Olavi Mikkonen: “This time around we wanted to catch the energy and atmosphere of a live show, so we simply went for a live video. We look forward to get back to North America in August to continue and fulfill the ‘Evening With’ tour, meanwhile enjoy the video.”
Check out the video here and be sure to leave a comment:
http://www.youtube.com/blanktv
In a recap of the band’s last tour in the US, Concertconfessions.com opined: “What is most beautiful about Amon Amarth’s triumph of America is that it’s as pure as the music itself… Friends sharing with friends the magic of the music, that is a true token of success and judging on the reaction from Southern California on Easter Sunday 2011 — Amon Amarth will have success for a very long time.” The Washington Times applauded the band for leaving, “the sold-out crowd awestruck by [their] mastery of melodic death metal,” About.com boasted, “I was highly impressed by Amon Amarth’s stage presentation, which easily rivals that of bands that normally fill arenas,” while Skullsnbones.com put it simply: “One band came and conquered Atlanta and their name is Amon Amarth!”
Don’t forget to catch Amon Amarth live when the band returns to North America for the second leg of the “An Evening With Amon Amarth” tour.
Scheduled to kick off in Vancouver on August 4, the trek will pillage its way through 21 cities, including several Canadian venues, and come to a close in Boise, Idaho on September 3. The first set will again feature the band performing the SURTUR RISING album in its entirety while the second will offer up mixed bag of tunes from their extensive catalog of Norse-inspired awesomeness.
An Evening With Amon Amarth
8/04/2011 Commodore Ballroom – Vancouver, BC
8/06/2011 MacEwen Hall – Calgary, AB
8/07/2011 Edmonton Events Centre – Edmonton, AB
8/08/2011 Odeon – Saskatoon, SK
8/09/2011 The Garrick Centre – Winnipeg, MB
8/12/2011 The Phoenix Theatre – Toronto, ON
8/13/2011 Metropolis – Montreal, QC
8/14/2011 Imperial De Quebec – Quebec City, QC
8/16/2011 Mr. Small’s – Millvale, PA
8/17/2011 St. Andrew’s Hall – Detroit, MI
8/19/2011 Ram’s Head Live – Baltimore, MD
8/20/2011 Starland Ballroom – Sayreville, NJ
8/21/2011 Water Street Music Hall – Rochester, NY
8/23/2011 Expo Five – Louisville, KY
8/24/2011 The Rave – Milwaukee, WI
8/26/2011 House Of Blues – Houston, TX
8/27/2011 House Of Blues – Dallas, TX
8/29/2011 Sunshine Theatre – Albuquerque, NM
8/31/2011 House Of Blues – Anaheim, CA
9/01/2011 House Of Blues – Las Vegas, NV
9/02/2011 The Complex – Salt Lake City, UT
9/03/2011 The Knitting Factory – Boise, ID
The eighth studio offering from one of Sweden’s finest death metal exports, SURTER RISING was released in North America on March 29, 2011 via Metal Blade Records and continues to reap praise from fans and critics alike. Amon Amarth nailed a cover spot of the April 2011 issue of Decibel Magazine and earned a 9/10 rating from Outburn who commended the band for delivering “a collection that is brimming with beefy riffs, insidious melodies, and a truly epic sense of scale.” Fearnet.com agreed saying Amon Amarth is now “at the head of the class,” Metal Review gave it a 9.2/10 score calling it “one of the band’s very best releases,” while Metal Army America offered up a grade “A” review noting, “from the Stockholm-bred riff style to frontman Johan Hegg’s Cimmerian-esque performance as growler du jour, Amon Amarth’s SURTUR RISING proves to be an essential and defining listen for band and fans alike.”
Album site: http://www.surturrising.com/
Website: http://www.amonamarth.com/
Official Merch: http://www.victoriousmerch.de/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OfficialAmonAmarth
Twitter: http://twitter.com/amonamarthband
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/amonamarth
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/amonamarthofficial
LastFM: http://www.last.fm/music/Amon+Amarth
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-The Pleasures Announce UK Tour!
The (R)Evolution Of Glam Rock Returns To UK Shores
Hailing from Hamburg, Germany The Pleasures are single-handedly reinventing, redefining and revolutionising everything that you used to understand as “glam rock.”
Sure, they take a massive pinch of Bowie, T-Rex and The Sweet, but they also have a disgusting love of all things Toilet Boys, David Bowie, Marilyn Manson, Alice Cooper — this is glam rock 21st century style and it sounds like nothing like you may have ever heard before.
The band are: Dancette Pleasure (Vocals, Keys) / Sensai Pleasure (Bass, Vocals) / Curtis Cheiron Pleasure (Guitar, Vocals) / Neo Patra Pleasure (Guitar, Growls) / Disco Pleasure (Drums, Shouts)
The Pleasures are a passionate, hard-working band, producing and engineering their own recorded material. Their first release came in June 2005; a five track EP entitled CUMING OUT. Succeeded a year later by the 16-track debut album GREATEST HITS, which sold out of its first few thousand copies within just six months. A single release in April 2007, “Some Like It Rock,” preceded their critically acclaimed double album, OH YEAH. The band had a distribution deal with Dockyard 2 for a repackaged version of OH YEAH called OH YEAH REVOLUTION in 2009. This took the band to the online market (Spotify / iTunes and other major retailers) featuring new versions from their back catalogue and a couple of new songs.
Their new album is scheduled for release in late 2011 and their UK tour will showcase the stunning new material.
Watch their most recent video — the decadent, delicious and rock fuelled “Juicy Jacuzzi” http://youtu.be/oi59YV3x2DE
With each performance this band gets stronger, their following gets bigger, and the incandescent haze of glitter, make-up and fake blood that travels with them, infiltrates the hearts of all those in its path.
Catch them at the following dates in the UK — presented by Big Zee Music (support from Velvet Star)
Aug 1. London, Boston Music Rooms (+ special guest Kiria)
Aug 2. York, Stereo
Aug 4. Grimsby, Yardbirds
Aug 5. Newcastle, Legends
Aug 6. Nottingham, Wildside
Visit them online:
http://www.thepleasures.de/
http://www.myspace.com/thepleasuresmusic
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-Threat Signal Posts First Studio Webisode On YouTube!
Canadian melodic heavy metal outfit, Threat Signal, has posted a new webisode online, chronicling drummer Alex Rudinger’s recent recording sessions for the band’s forthcoming third studio album. Check out the behind-the-scenes footage below!
Threat Signal’s impending release will hit stores later this year on Nuclear Blast Records.
The band is currently tracking the album with renowned audio mastermind, Zeuss (Hatebreed, Shadows Fall, Bleeding Through), at Planet-Z Recordings in Hadley, MA.
http://www.myspace.com/threatsignal
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-James Lee Stanley And Cliff Eberhardt – ALL WOOD AND DOORS To Be Released On July 12
Joined by original Doors members John Densmore (percussion) and Robby Krieger (lead guitar), with Peter Tork (Monkees), Timothy B. Schmit (Eagles), Laurence Juber (Paul McCartney & Wings), Paul Barrere (Little Feat), Scott Breadman (Rippingtons, Lindsay Buckingham), and more…
“James Lee Stanley and Cliff Eberhardt are excellent pickers and what they did to our songs is unique and refreshing. It was a pleasure to be part of the project.”
– John Densmore, The Doors
ALL WOOD AND DOORS is an acoustic guitar album like no other — 12 classic Doors songs sung and played by Cliff Eberhardt and James Lee Stanley; accompanied by: Peter Tork (Monkees), Timothy B. Schmit (Eagles), Laurence Juber (Paul McCartney & Wings), Paul Barrere (Little Feat), Scott Breadman (Rippingtons, Lindsay Buckingham), Chad Watson (David Arkenstone, Janis Ian), and very special guests John Densmore and Robby Krieger.
Fans of The Doors, acoustic guitar aficionados, as well as Crosby Stills & Nash, Buffalo Springfield, Rubber Soul, the Eagles, or classic Beach Boys harmonies are in for a real treat.
Can you imagine what The Doors songs would have sounded like if they had been created with acoustic guitars? Would “Light My Fire,” “Riders On The Storm” or “Touch Me” been as powerful played on acoustic guitars and filled with vocal harmonies?
James Lee Stanley and Cliff Eberhardt have been purveyors of acoustic rock music for decades. They took 12 Doors classics and turned them into something totally unthought of… An amazing collection of Doors tunes played on acoustic guitars and laden with soulful vocals and joyous harmonies.
ALL WOOD AND DOORS is a unique sounding album of classic Doors songs. It takes an acoustic closer look at all of these classic Doors songs in a way that has never been done before. It acts like a time machine… In a single moment you will find yourself hearing these Doors songs from a different world. Familiar and completely brand new.
Track List:
Break On Through
Love Me Two Times
Take It As It Comes
Strange Days
Light My Fire
Touch Me
Crystal Ship
Soul Kitchen
People Are Strange
Moonlight Drive
Riders On The Storm
The End
For more information, sound bytes, and reviews, please visit the All Wood And Doors website:
http://www.AllWoodAndDoors.com/
Cover Art:
Order Link:
http://www.seeofsound.com/p.php?s=BR2010667
MVD Entertainment Group
P.O. Box 280
Oaks PA 19456
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-Susi Brothers Launch Intonation-Network.com, A New Social Networking One-Stop Catered To The Active Musician
Are you a musician looking to join a band or collaborate with other musicians, either locally or internationally? Is your band searching for the perfect member? Are you a teacher seeking new students? Or a tech, recording engineer, songwriter, or session musician simply looking for work?
Launched earlier this year by Unearth guitarist Ken Susi and his brother Paul, Intonation-Network — http://www.intonation-network.com/ — is a free, user-friendly, location-based social networking site that allows musicians and music industry professionals to connect and collaborate online. This site does not attempt to replace other social networks, but instead allows for the consolidation of all your multimedia from other social networking sites into one place.
Discover: See and be seen! Find local musicians or expand your search to find musicians around the world. Show off your music and videos by creating profile pages for both you and your band(s).
Audition: Are you a musician looking for a band? Is your band in need of a new member? Use this site to advertise your needs and attract the best talent out there. Take it a step further and hold online auditions.
Learn: Use our location-based search engine to find local teachers. Teachers, advertise your services for free and attract new students.
Promote: Enter information about upcoming events for you or your band. This is a great way to promote your events and gain the exposure you deserve.
Integrate: Many musicians are already using sites such as Facebook and YouTube to promote themselves. We don’t want you to have to create another account or re-enter all your information again. Simply login with your Facebook account choose what information you’d like to share. In addition to Facebook integration, Intonation is also integrated with YouTube allowing you to further enhance your profile page with video.
Collaborate: Meet face-to-face with musicians around the world using Intonation-Network’s online video chat.
Said Ken Susi of the official launch: “Intonation-Network will revolutionize the networking between musicians and music business representatives!” Paul agrees, adding, “It really is the perfect outlet for all musicians and bands to showcase their abilities and get discovered.”
Check out a video introduction to the site, hosted by Ken Susi here:
http://www.earsplitcompound.com/site/?p=2811
For more information about Intonation-Network, visit: http://www.intonation-network.com/ .
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*** PRESS RELEASE #14 ***
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-Mortiis Releases PERFECTLY DEFECT Digital Audio Extended Version
OSLO, NORWAY — Mortiis will make PERFECTLY DEFECT available for just one month in a Digital Audio Extended Version.
The release will be available from July 13 through August 13 only. The extended version comes with three bonus songs, new and extended artwork, and web content.
The download from will be available through Mortiis.com at a “fan names the price” fee ($1.99 minimum). The release will be made instantly available to anyone who buys merchandise at any of the shows on the upcoming UK/European tour. “For free, of course,” Mortiis said. “Buy a shirt, get the extended download album for free.”
“We have some other pretty exciting stuff happening shortly after the one-month download ends, so there’s pretty much constant movement over here these days and into the foreseeable future.”
PERFECTLY DEFECT was released in the fall as a free digital download. Mortiis supported the release with a winter European tour with Combichrist and will return to the UK this summer for another jaunt — with Combichrist. Additionally, four mainland Europe dates have been added to the tail end of the tour.
“It’s been too long since we played in the UK,” Mortiis said. “We’re bringing over a new sound and a new band since we were last there. I think people will be surprised. It’s a new monster now. We’ve turned our backs on a dark past and we look forward to a brighter future. What better place to start than the UK?”
Mortiis w/ Combichrist:
June 28 Tue. Talking Heads, South Hampton, UK
June 29 Wed. The Assembly, Leamington Spa, UK
June 30 Thu. Academy, Manchester, UK
July 1 Fri. The Classic Grand, Glasgow, UK
July 2 Sat. Rock City, Nottingham, UK
July 3 Sun. Koko, London, UK
July 4 Mon. Nouveau Casino, Paris, France
July 6 Wed. Rockfabrik, Ludwigsburg, Germany
July 7 Thu. Paradox, Ingolstadt, Germany
July 8 Fri. P60, Amstelveen, The Netherlands
http://www.mortiis.com/
http://www.facebook.com/officialmortiis
http://www.flickr.com/officialmortiis
http://www.myspace.com/mortiis1
http://www.youtube.com/officialmortiis
http://www.myxer.com/mortiis
http://mortiisnews.blogspot.com/
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*** NEWS/RUMORS ***
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-About Heavy Metal’s list of “Best Heavy Metal Albums Of 1982” is now online at http://glclk.about.com/?zi=1/D0Lx .
-Adrenaline Mob — featuring lead singer Russell Allen (Symphony X, Allen/Lande), guitarists Rich Ward (Stuck Mojo, Fozzy) and Mike Orlando (Sonic Stomp), bassist Paul DiLeo, and drummer Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) — made its live debut June 24 at The Hiro Ballroom in New York City. According to a review by the NY Hard Rock Music Examiner, everyone in attendance was asked not to record or photograph the band. The following songs were part of the set list: “The Mob Rules” (Black Sabbath cover), “Hit The Wall,” “Feeling Me,” “Hit The Gas,” “Angel Sky,” “PsychoSane” (title uncertain), “Come Undone” (Duran Duran cover), “High Wire” (Badlands cover), “Stand Up And Shout” (Dio cover), “War Pigs” (Black Sabbath cover). Check out some pro-shot footage of “The Mob Rules” from the show at http://youtu.be/wFKeo8h_K_k . The band’s debut album, featuring “The Mob Rules” and the originals listed above, is due later this year; song samples are available at http://www.facebook.com/adrenalinemob . In recent interviews, band members have described Adrenaline Mob as “a straight-up rock band with just rock songs” and “a song-oriented band,” and mentioned Rob Zombie, Black Label Society, Disturbed, Godsmack, and Shinedown as comparison points. See http://www.mikeportnoy.com/ and http://www.twitter.com/adrenalinemob for more, and check out the full concert review at http://www.examiner.com/hard-rock-music-in-new-york/adrenaline-mob-debuts-at-hiro-ballroom-review .
-Colossus will embark on its “Colossus Will Melt Your Face” Summer Tour 2011 as follows:
7/1 – Jaxx Club, Blacksburg, VA
7/2 – The Vollrath, Indianapolis, IN
7/3 – TBA
7/4 – The Carabar, Columbus, OH
7/5 – The Loving Touch, Ferndale, MI
7/6 – The Frequency, Madison, WI
7/7 – Firebird, St. Louis, MO
7/8 – Buccaneer, Memphis, TN
7/9 – Phoenix Project, Dallas, TX
7/10 – Hailey’s, Denton, TX
7/11 – Zombies, San Antonio, TX
7/12 – Headhunters, Austin, TX
7/13 – Siberia, New Orleans, LA
7/14 – Engine Room, Tallahassee, FL
7/15 – TBA
7/16 – Caledonia Lounge, Athens, GA
See http://www.tribunalrecords.net/ for more.
-Common Dead has a new English-language cover of Rammstein’s “Mehr,” entitled “More,” available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SInOgHeqI50 . Hype: “Common Dead has released [a] new English translation cover of Rammstein’s ‘Mehr,’ showcasing increased production quality, growth in vocal range, and creative deviations that respect the original version while incorporating Common Dead’s raw thrash/death/industrial synthesis.” The song will be available for download through the band’s sites http://www.facebook.com/commondead and http://www.reverbnation.com/commondead . See http://www.myspace.com/commondead and http://www.youtube.com/commondead for more.
-In DC4 news, guitarist Rowan Robertson has joined band mate Jeff Duncan is signing with ESP Guitars. According to Robertson he was introduced to ESP by Duncan while recording DC4’s upcoming ELECTRIC MINISTRY: “One of his guitars was in the studio and I picked it up — I was instantly hooked. Aside from the great quality of the instrument and the playability, the ESP staff are great people. What’s not to love? I’m thrilled to be accepted into the family!” Check out video of Robertson demonstrating an ESP at http://www.youtube.com/user/espguitarsusa?blend=5&ob=5#p/u/4/hJjtqePGaUI . ELECTRIC MINISTRY will be released on CD by Metal Blade Records on July 29 in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and on August 1 in the rest of Europe. See http:/www.metalblade.com/dc4 , http://www.facebook.com/DC4HardRock , and http://www.myspace.com/dc4duncan for more.
-The first single from Dream Theater’s upcoming A DRAMATIC TURN OF EVENTS, “On The Backs Of Angels,” is now online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oasnbzEMV08 . The album is due out September 13 on Roadrunner Records.
-Forté — singer James Randel (Oliver Magnum), bassist Ghames “Rev” Jones (MSG, Steelheart), and brothers Jeff and Greg Scott — has reunited to open for Lizzy Borden on July 3 at Big Papa’s in Oklahoma City, OK. The band will play its 1992 debut album STRANGER THAN FICTION in its entirety. The Deluxe Edition of the 10-track disc, featuring 11 bonus tracks, is available now from Divebom Records at http://www.tribunalrecords.bigcartel.com/category/divebomb-records . Track list: “Coming Of The Storm,” “The Inner Circle,” “Stranger Than Fiction,” “G-13 (Devoid Of Thought),” “Mein Madness,” “Time And Time Again,” “Digitator,” “Between The Lies,” “The Last Word,” “The Promise,” “Dementia By Design (MMXI Version)” (bonus track), DEMENTIA BY DESIGN (1989 demo): “Between The Lies,” “Dementia By Design,” “Digitator,” “Mein Madness,” “The Promise,” FORTÉ (1991 demo): “Stranger Than Fiction,” “The Inner Circle,” “Devoid Of Thought,” “The Coming Of The Storm,” “The Last Word.” Hype says the band will appeal to fans of Metallica, Vicious Rumors, Testament, and Helstar. See http://www.divebombrecords.com/ for more.
-Metallica and Lou Reed have collaborated on a 10-song album, featuring material Reed had written for a German production of the play “Lulu,” which is based on stories by expressionist playwright Frank Wedekind. No word yet on a release date. Metallica and Reed famously first crossed paths when the band backed him on the Velvet Underground songs “Sweet Jane” and “White Light/White Heat” at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame 25th anniversary in 2009. See http://www.metallica.com/ for more.
-Lion Music Artist MindSplit has a new video for “Guardian Angel,” the band’s track on Lion’s new charity compilation EMBRACE THE SUN – THE LION MUSIC JAPAN BENEFIT PROJECT. Check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMpKABaEz5c . MindSplit’s HB Anderson stated: “It felt natural to do a ballad with the feelings we have for this disaster. We hope you like the song, please buy the album!” EMBRACE THE SUN is dedicated to the victims of the tsunami and earthquake that struck Japan this past March 2011, and all profits from its sale will be donated to the Japan Red Cross. See http://www.lionmusic.com/cd/embracethesun.htm for more.
-Powerwolf has finished filming the video for “We Drink Your Blood,” off the upcoming Metal Blade release BLOOD OF THE SAINTS. Check out a trailer for the video at http://www.youtube.com/user/Powerwolfmetal?feature=mhee#p/u/0/6C9zyucgCxM . See http://www.powerwolf.net/ , http://www.facebook.com/powerwolfmetal , http://www.myspace.com/powerwolfmetal , and http://www.metalblade.com/powerwolf/ for more.
-The label Silent Majority Group has a new compilation entitled FRESHMAN 15 — featuring “the very best in new alternative and rock acts!” — available from digital music services. Track list: Evolve Thru Scars – “On The Outside,” Siamese Sundown – “Shake,” Hierosonic – “Baphomet,” Keep Me Conscious – “Thicker Than Blood,” Driving Into Eternity – “Came To Believe,” Day Minus 7 – “Hate You,” Johnny Rockit – “20 To Life,” Nottingham – “Honesty,” Heart Self Destruct – “Monster,” Signum A.D. – “Walls That Fall,” Transmit Now – “Miss American Dream,” Suzerain – “What Happened,” Haven Hill – “Switchblade Life,” Fist Fuzz – “Tongue Depressor,” Slaves To Gravity – “Honesty,” Vayden – “Zoe’s Song.” In addition, Amazon.com is offering $2 towards the purchase of anything on the compilation, or select releases from Framing Hanley, Tantric, and Candlebox. See http://www.amazon.com/CLOUDMP3 for more on that special offer, and http://www.facebook.com/silentmajoritygroup for more on SMG.
-Thrash Bash III featuring Fatality, Reanimator, Ash Lee Blade, Eternal Judgment, Titans Eve, Spewgore, and Dimensions is slated for July 2 at The Blue Moon in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Check out a free download compilation at http://thrashbash.bandcamp.com/ featuring this track list: Reanimator – “When The World Burns Down,” Fatality – “Thrash F*ck Eat Sleep,” Ash Lee Blade – “Hell Hound,” Titans Eve – “Tides Of Doom,” Spewgore – “The Ride,” Eternal Judegment – “War Planet… Prisoners Of Hell,” Dimensions – “Within Ourselves.” See http://www.myspace.com/fatalitythrashf*ck , http://www.myspace.com/reanimatorthrash , http://www.myspace.com/ashleeblade , http://www.myspace.com/eternaljudgment , http://www.myspace.com/titanseveofficial , http://www.myspace.com/spewgore , and http://www.facebook.com/dimensionsband for more on the bands, and check out a Facebook Event for the show at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=140098779395974 .
-Unearth has an in-store appearance scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at Hastings Books Music & Videos in Lubbock, Texas, on July 5 — the release date of DARKNESS IN THE LIGHT. The band will then play three headlining shows as follows before joining the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival (with Disturbed, Godsmack, Megadeth, Machine Head, In Flames, Trivium, Suicide Silence, All Shall Perish, Straiht Line Stitch, Kingdom Of Sorrow, and Red Fang) beginning July 9:
7/5 – Jake’s, Lubbock, TX – w/ Turbid North
7/6 – Club 101, El Paso, TX – w/ Turbid North
7/8 – Hard Rock Cafe, Las Vegas, NV – w/ Turbid North
See http://www.unearth.tv/ , http://www.facebook.com/unearthofficial , and http://www.darknessinthelightalbum.com/ for more.
-The Wacken Open Air festival has added Girlschool, Powerstroke, Sacramental, and Voltax to the lineup. There’s also a new contest to find the “W:O:A Drummer 2011” as follows: “Show us that you’ve got it, by thumping on everything that gets in your way (except of drum sets!). Be creative, be eccentric, become W:O:A Drummer 2011. The ten hardest, fastest and funniest Drummers will get the one chance of winning a W:O:A Cajon and a live gig with the Smack Ballz at the W:O:A 2011.” Submit your entry video by July 20 by uploading it to Wackentube at http://wackentube.com/WOADrummer . See http://www.wacken.com/ for more.
Thanks to Andrew Laurenson, Sean Michaels, Chad Bowar, Matt Rudzinski, Elliot Levin, Jon Asher, Liz Ciavarella-Brenner, Thomas Jensen, HeadbangerNYC.com, and Bill “Kubb Fan” Kotowski for help gathering some of this information.
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*** OUT ***
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Issue #598
Detritus
Issue #598
Week of June 20, 2011
http://DetritusZine.com/
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*** CAST OF CHARACTERS ***
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Patrick Brower, Editor
pwbrower@gmail.com
Sean P. Gahgan, Editor
spgahgan@comcast.net
http://www.lakeoffire.net/
http://www.myspace.com/visionlakeoffire
Tim Wadzinski, Owner
tsw512@yahoo.com
Steve Shumake, Co-owner
vongoober@neb.rr.com
http://www.facebook.com/KnuckleDeepBand
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*** LET IT BE KNOWN ***
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-This has nothing to do with music but my new favorite term is “Swamp Donkey.” I guess it’s Canadian slang for “moose.” Some guys on Chicago sports radio have begun referring to White Sox free agent bust Adam Dunn as “Swamp Donkey” because he’s, well, huge. Not very flattering, but funny. 🙂 – Tim
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*** PRESS RELEASE #1 ***
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-Judas Priest: SINGLE CUTS — The Complete UK CBS/Columbia Singles Release Date: August 25, 2011
At the start of their last major world tour, Judas Priest and Sony Music are proud to announce the release of the complete CBS/Columbia singles collection, SINGLE CUTS.
Few heavy metal bands have managed to scale the heights that Judas Priest has during their 40 year career. Responsible for not only issuing some of metal’s all-time classic albums (BRITISH STEEL, SCREAMING FOR VENGEANCE, and PAINKILLER among them) and anthems (“Breaking The Law,” “Living After Midnight,” and “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming”), the group has been one of the leading arena rock acts for decades. To date the band have sold in excess of 30 million albums worldwide.
SINGLE CUTS is not only a testament to Priest’s enduring influence but also tells the story of why they are such a force in metal.
Boasting a massive 52 tracks across 20 discs the collection includes legendary cuts such as “Dissident Aggressor,” “Living After Midnight,” “Breaking The Law,” “Turbo Lover,” and “Painkiller.” Also featured are much-loved tracks such as Priest’s unique cover of “The Green Manalishi (With The Two Pronged Crown)” plus a raft of live B-sides.
Housed in a deluxe, numbered box, SINGLE CUTS brings together the CBS/Columbia singles from 1977 to 1992, including 7″ and 12″ cuts. All singles are issued on vinyl replica CDs with original labels and 7″ vinyl artwork wallets.
In May this year Judas Priest debuted their new guitarist, 31 year old British Richie Faulkner on the finale of “American Idol.” The band are currently setting stages alight across Europe on their Epitaph tour which will see them on the road throughout 2011 and beyond.
SINGLE CUTS is only available to order from the official Judas Priest website http://www.judaspriest.com/ .
Track listing
1977
Diamonds And Rust
Dissident Aggressor
1978
Better By You, Better Than Me
Invader
1978
Evening Star
Starbreaker
1978
Before The Dawn
Rock Forever
1979
Take On The World
Starbreaker (Live at the Agora Ballroom, Cleveland 1978)
White Heat Red Hot (Live at the Agora Ballroom, Cleveland 1978)
1979
Evening Star
Beyond The Realms Of Death (Live at the Agora Ballroom, Cleveland 1978)
The Green Manalishi (with the Two-Pronged Crown)
1980
Living After Midnight
Delivering The Goods (Live In Tokyo)
Evil Fantasies (Live In Tokyo)
1980
Breaking The Law
Metal Gods
1980
United
Grinder
1981
Don’t Go
Solar Angels
1981
Hot Rockin’
Breaking The Law (Live)
Steeler
You Don’t Have To Be Old To Be Wise
1982
You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’
Exciter (Live)
1982
(Take These) Chains
Judas Priest Audio File
1984
Freewheel Burning
Breaking The Law (Live from US Festival May 1983)
You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’
1984
Some Heads Are Gonna Roll
The Green Manalishi (With The Two-Pronged Crown) (Live)
Jawbreaker
1986
Turbo Lover
Hot For Love
1986
Locked In
Reckless
Desert Plains (Live)
Freewheel Burning (Live)
1990
Painkiller
United
Better By You, Better Than Me
1991
A Touch Of Evil
Between The Hammer And The Anvil
You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’ (Live)
1992
Night Crawler
Breaking The Law (Live)
Living After Midnight (Live)
JudasPriest.com – The Official Judas Priest website.
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*** PRESS RELEASE #2 ***
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-Mr. Big Embarking On US Tour
Their First US Tour By The Original Band In 15 Years!
New Release WHAT IF… Out Now!
HOLLYWOOD, CA — Mr. Big will once again unleash their brand of brutal fury on their first US tour in 15 years starting July 30th, in San Diego at the 4th & B. Returning fresh from a successful run of tour dates overseas, vocalist Eric Martin, guitarist Paul Gilbert, bassist Billy Sheehan, and drummer Pat Torpey, will be hitting the road in the United States this summer in support of the band’s new album, WHAT IF… “Man, it’s been a long time,” states guitarist Paul Gilbert. I can’t wait to play our first show in AMERICA in about 15 years. It’s gonna be huge!”
WHAT IF… is Mr. Big’s first all-original album since the reunion of the four original members, Eric Martin, Paul Gilbert, Billy Sheehan and Pat Torpey back in early 2009. Sixteen years after the release of HEY MAN, the new recording is set to bring back Mr. Big on the height of the current Hard Rock scene.
Guitarist Paul Gilbert said: “This is the first Mr. Big album I have been a part of, since fourteen years and it was done in a snap. It was fun and we had really a good time in making this one.” Continues Billy Sheehan, “It’s so great to be back with Paul, Eric and Pat, too. We wrote this record like we did in the old days for the first two records. Jamming together in the same room to write songs.” Pat Torpey adds “Some of the recording process is different now from what we were used to in the old times. But I think this record really managed to capture the performances of the band, not of the individual musicians.”
Their hits included “To Be With You” (Billboard Hot 100 number one single in 15 countries for weeks, in 1991, propelling the band the band to huge international success and record sales in the multi-millions), “Wild World,” Green-Tinted Sixties Mind,” “Just Take My Heart,” and a host of heavy metal songs that were played mostly during their live performances: “Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy,” “Addicted To That Rush,” “Colorado Bulldog”, and “Take Cover.”
WHAT IF… is released in a special edition CD + DVD in digi-pak, regular CD, vinyl and digital download and in a limited edition luxury box including the CD, DVD, LP and exclusive memorabilia.
WHAT IF… track listing includes: Undertow; American Beauty; Stranger In My Life; Nobody Takes The Blame; Still Ain’t Enough For Me; Once Upon A Time; As Far As I Can See; All The Way Up; I Won’t Get In My Way; Around The World; I Get The Feeling; Unforgiven (exclusive bonus track for Europe / North America — not on vinyl edition).
The DVD will include the video clips of “Undertow” and “All the Way Up” plus a documentary “Making Of” the album including interviews and exclusive behind the scenes features of the four members.
In other Mr. Big news, the next single from the new album, “American Beauty,” will ship to radio in July in support of the tour.
Mr. Big on tour:
JULY
30 – San Diego, CA – 4th & B
31 – Agoura Hills, CA – The Canyon Club
AUGUST
2 – Tempe, AZ – Marquee Theatre
4 – Santa Ana, CA – Galaxy Theatre
5 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore
6 – Modesto, CA – Xclamation Festival
8 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex
9 – Denver, CO – Summit Music Hall
12 – Chicago, IL – House Of Blues
13 – Columbus, OH – Al Rosa Villa
16 – Pittsburgh, PA – Trib Total Media Amphitheatre
17 – Cleveland, OH – House Of Blues
19 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom
20 – Detroit, MI – Harpo’s
23 – New York, NY – BB King’s
24 – Foxborough, MA – Showcase Live
26 – N. Myrtle Beach, SC – House Of Blues
27 – Lake Buena Vista, FL – House Of Blues
30 – Houston, TX – House Of Blues
31 – Dallas, TX – House Of Blues
For more information please visit http://www.mrbigsite.com/ .
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*** PRESS RELEASE #3 ***
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-Get The New Rhapsody Of Fire Record FROM CHAOS TO ETERNITY Today
Today is the release day of the brand new Rhapsody Of Fire album FROM CHAOS TO ETERNITY, which is another masterpiece in the outstanding history of the Italian act.
“This album has two hearts: in the first eight titles we let the guitars blast stronger again, putting emphasis rather on basic heavy metal… but with the last song we defined once again the cinematic impact of our music for the grand finale of Rhapsody’s tale,” Alex Staropoli states concerning this year’s variant of their “Film Score Metal” and the alignment of the new opus, which into the bargain finalizes the fantasy saga of the emerald sword that has been continued from the debut on for more than 15 years.
Once again Christopher Lee, doyen of dramatic arts, could be won over as the narrator, who introduces the lyrical concept in the theatric intro “Ad Infinitum” and furthermore guides the listener through “Heroes Of The Waterfalls’ Kingdom” which is 20 minutes long and the concluding centerpiece of the album.
“Epic symphonies with a strong metal attitude, FROM CHAOS TO ETERNITY is another killer album from Rhapsody Of Fire,” says Metal Hammer, Italy.
“Rhapsody Of Fire draw worlds constantly changing, thanks to the immense work of Turilli’s guitar. Joy, anger, love and hate are just some of the emotions painted by the music of FROM CHAOS TO ETERNITY, another amazing album of Rhapsody Of Fire,” wrote Metal Maniacs, Italy.
To sum it up: Rhapsody Of Fire have created a record that — like all of its precursors — will be able to stand the proof of time with “Summa cum Laude.”
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*** PRESS RELEASE #4 ***
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-Firewind Announces All Tour Dates And Special VIP Ticketing Options For The “Frets Of Fury” Headlining North American Fall Tour
The Greek metallic powerhouse Firewind, led by modern day guitar hero Gus G, is extremely excited to announce their first ever headlining North American tour, dubbed the “Frets Of Fury.” This package (sponsored by ESP Guitars, BlackStar Amps and Guitar World) kicks off on Oct. 9th and features a wide array of metal’s elite: Arsis, White Wizzard and Nightrage.
This is easily one of the most diverse and exciting tours of the fall. Either see below or head over now to http://www.facebook.com/firewindofficial to view the entire list of tour dates.
The band has also decided to ensure that their loyal fans are getting the first opportunity to buy tickets before they go on sale to the general public. This is a first come first serve online ticket ordering system. The maximum order is four tickets. There are three ticketing/VIP package options that includes meet and greets with the band with exclusive 3D posters and laminates, as well as a Platinum Package featuring a private 20 minute guitar lesson with Gus G. Head over now to http://tixx1.artistarena.com/firewind/ to register and get your tickets and VIP access before they are sold out. General Admission tickets go on sale everywhere on June 16.
The “Frets Of Fury” Tour Itinerary
Oct 09 St Petersburg, FL @ The State Theater
Oct 10 Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade
Oct 11 Springfield, VA @ Jaxx
Oct 12 New York, NY @ Gramercy Theater
Oct 13 Manchester, NH @ Rocko’s
Oct 14 Montreal, QC @ Les Foufounes Electriques
Oct 15 Ottawa, ON @ Maverick’s
Oct 16 Cleveland, OH @ Peabody’s
Oct 18 Joliet, IL @ Mojoe’s
Oct 19 St Paul, MN @ Station 4
Oct 20 Winnipeg, MB @ The Osborne Village Inn
Oct 21 Edmonton, AB @ Pawn Shop
Oct 22 Kelowna, BC @ Sapphire Nightclub
Oct 23 Vancouver, BC @ Rickshaw Theater
Oct 24 Seattle, WA @ Studio Seven
Oct 25 Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theater
Oct 26 San Francisco, CA @ Slim’s
Oct 27 Hollywood, CA @ The Whisky A Go Go
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*** PRESS RELEASE #5 ***
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-Seven Witches: New Track Stream Available At Bravewords.com
Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles is hosting an exclusive stream of “Lilith,” the second track off Seven Witches’ upcoming new full-length, CALL UPON THE WICKED. Scheduled for a June 28, 2011 release via FrostByte Records with North American distribution by eOne Entertainment, CALL UPON THE WICKED was recorded at Lickman Studios by founding guitarist Jack Frost with co-producers LePond and Joey Vera (Armored Saint, Fates Warning), who also mixed the record.
Commented Frost of the track: “This tune just rips. ‘Lilith’ has so many elements of yesterday and today. We wanted a heavy yet melodic vibe with awesome melody. Hope you all like this one. We worked really hard on it.”
Check out “Lilith” here:
http://www.bravewords.com/knuckletracks/?tid=573
Their first record since 2007’s DEADLY SINS, CALL UPON THE WICKED finds Frost reunited with former vocalist James Rivera (Helstar). Rounding out the lineup is bassist Mike LePond (Symphony X) and drummer Taz Marazz, who each play an integral role in crafting what is easily Seven Witches’ finest offering to date. Said Hellride in an early review of the record: “…this is pure heavy metal thunder the ’80s way: anthemic, hell-raising, and adrenalizing…” Added Wickedchannel: “Jack Frost brings us the sharp riffs that we expect from him and James Rivera is as versatile as ever on vocals. Every member of the band plays an integral role in the biting sound offered on CALL UPON THE WICKED.”
http://www.myspace.com/jackfrostsevenwitches
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*** PRESS RELEASE #6 ***
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-Sabaton Reveals Track List For WORLD WAR LIVE: BATTLE OF THE BALTIC SEA!
Swedish epic power metal superstars Sabaton will release their first ever live album WORLD WAR LIVE: BATTLE OF THE BALTIC SEA on August 5, 2011.
The track list for the limited first edition 2CD/DVD package has been revealed now:
CD1:
BATTLE OF THE BALTIC SEA
(Live At Sabatoncruise, Dec. 2010):
1. The March To War (Intro)
2. Ghost Division
3. Uprising
4. Aces In Exile
5. Cliffs Of Gallipoli
6. White Death
7. Swedish Pagans
8. Wolfpack
9. 40:1
10. The Art Of War
11. Attero Dominatus
12. The Price Of A Mile
13. Primo Victoria
14. Metal Medley
15. Dead Soliders Waltz (Outro)
CD2 (BONUS CD):
WORLD WAR TOUR LIVE
(Recorded during World War Tour 2010):
1. Screaming Eagles
2. Coat Of Arms
3. Into The Fire
4. Talvisota
5. Final Solution
6. Back In Control
7. Panzerkampf
8. 7734
9. Hellrider
10. Panzer Battalion
11. Rise Of Evil
12. 40:1
DVD (BONUS DVD):
– Sabaton live 2008 @ Rockstad Falun
– “Coat Of Arms” (video clip)
– “Uprising” (video clip)
– “Screaming Eagles” (video clip)
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-Arch/Matheos Band Sets SYMPATHETIC RESONANCE As The Title Of Upcoming Debut Full-Length Album!
Fates Warning Guitarist Jim Matheos And Original Vocalist John Arch Team Up For New Band!
As previously announced, Jim Matheos (current member of the progressive rock powerhouse Fates Warning and OSI) and John Arch (former vocalist of Fates Warning) have teamed up to form the new progressive rock band, Arch/Matheos. The band — accompanied by Joey Vera on bass, Bobby Jarzombek on drums, and Frank Aresti on additional lead guitar — began tracking the drums on January 12 and continued to record through mid February with Jim Matheos producing. Arch/Matheos is pleased to announce SYMPATHETIC RESONANCE as the title of the debut album, which will be released September 9/12, 2011 in Europe!
Jim Matheos offered his insight on the writing and recording process of SYMPATHETIC RESONANCE: “I think John and I work really well together. There’s a lot of mutual respect and trust in what we do. But, we’re also both very critical of ourselves, and each other. This can make for a long and, sometimes, tedious process. But ultimately it’s one I enjoy because I think it brings out the best in both of us.”
John Arch added: “When I first heard some of the arrangements Jim had written and recorded, it took quite some time before I could wrap my mind around the odd time signatures and guitar work going on here. There are some long compositions, so putting anxiety and apprehension on the back burner it was time to dissect these numbers into digestible bits. After the lengthy process of lyrics and melodies, listening to the songs now, I can’t imagine them any other way.” In terms of the lyrical content on SYMPATHETIC RESONANCE, John Arch notes that “the lyrics this time around are more in line with A TWIST OF FATE and not of the mystical nature of some past albums.”
Lineup:
John Arch – vocals (Fates Warning)
Jim Matheos – guitars (Fates Warning, OSI)
Joey Vera – bass (Armored Saint, Anthrax, Fates Warning, Seven Witches)
Bobby Jarzombek – drums (Halford, Fates Warning, Sebastian Bach, Riot)
Frank Aresti – additional lead guitar (Fates Warning)
More details will be released over the coming months so be sure to stay tuned to MetalBlade.com and Arch/Matheos’ pages on Facebook and Twitter coming soon!
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-In Flames: SOUNDS OF A PLAYGROUND FADING Out Now!
Fans around the globe have been waiting for the latest In Flames release and the time is now! SOUNDS OF A PLAYGROUND FADING is finally out and it is the best In Flames record in recent memory. Fans have already shown their approval of the first single “Deliver Us” with the video receiving more than a half-million views online since its premiere. In Flames are now finally making the album available for all this week so make sure you pick up a copy in stores or online at outlets like iTunes and AmazonMP3. Fans also have the option of picking up an exclusive T-shirt, vinyl and digi-pak versions of the record exclusively at CMDistro.com.
In Flames is also now premiering SOUNDS OF A PLAYGROUND FADING via AOL Listening Party at http://music.aol.com/new-releases-full-cds/#/16 .
In Flames will soon be giving US fans the opportunity to hear their latest material live as they hit the road on the main stage of the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival from July 9th to August 14th alongside heavyweights such as Disturbed, Godsmack, Megadeth, Machine Head, Suicide Silence and more!
Album EPK
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*** PRESS RELEASE #9 ***
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-Bridger
Bridger – BRIDGER
Escape Music – ESM228
File under: Hard Rock
EAN: 5031281 002280
Release: July 29, 2011
Specials: feat. Terry Ilous (XYZ, Great White), Glen Bridger (Head East), Greg Manahan (Head East), Sam McCaslin (Michael Shenker, Carmine Appice)
Track List:
1. Tuesday Afternoon
2. How Long
3. On The Ledge
4. Don’t Push Me
5. Without A Sound
6. Free
7. Live For The Moment
8. Good To Be Home
9. Gonna Get Better
10. Once In A Lifetime
11. Heaven & Hell (tribute to Ronnie James Dio)
Bio:
Glen Bridger was born in Albany, MO and grew up in the Kansas City area. He started playing guitar at the age of 13 after hearing the band Van Halen, whose influence is immediately recognizable in Glen’s playing today. He was awarded a scholarship to play baseball in college, but by his senior year he decided that he would rather play music than baseball and left college to pursue his music career.
Glen developed his guitar playing skills by studying magazines like Guitar World and Guitar For The Practicing Musician which helped him land the lead guitar spot in several of Kansas City’s top bands including Faze One, and London Drive before joining Head East as their lead guitarist as well as writing new material with them. Glen’s songs “Me And My Whiskey” and “One Night” have already been added to the Head East set list.
Bridger is an exciting new band featuring some great musicians such as vocalist Terry Ilous, who has a naturally powerful voice that will just blow the speakers. This debut features straight-ahead rockers that smack of Great White and Mr. Big, as well as softer numbers such as “Live For The Moment” and “I’m Free.” There is also the fantastic “Don’t Push Me” which is like a cross between Head East and Journey. After a slow intro this song then rips out with great guitar and keyboard interplay. Bridger also perform a very credible version of Dio-era Sabbath’s “Heaven & Hell.”
BRIDGER is a fantastic album; it is so good to see that the US anthemic rock sound is still very much alive.
Lineup:
Terry Ilous: (XYZ, Great White) Vocals
Glen Bridger: (Head East) Guitars
Greg Manahan: (Head East) Bass
Danzoid: Drums and Percussion
Sam McCaslin: (Michael Shenker, Carmine Appice) Keyboards
Additional Players:
JK Northrup: Guitars and Bass
Larry Hart: (Montrose, King Kobra, Shortino-Northrup) Bass
Eddy Jones: (Head East) Drums and Percussion
Marcus Nand: Drum loop programming, Keys and Guitars
Mark Murtha: (London Drive) Keys,Electric and Steel guitar
Patt Fontaine: (XYZ) Additional lyrics
Produced by: JK Northup
Escape Music
http://www.Escape-Music.com/
info@escape-music.com
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-Falconer Premiere Brand New Video Clip For “Vid Rosornas Grav” Exclusively Via Website Of Metal Hammer Germany!
Swedish folk metallers Falconer are about to premiere their brand new video for “Vid Rosornas Grav” exclusively via the website of Metal Hammer Germany!
“Vid Rosornas Grav” is taken off the band’s brand new studio album ARMOD that has been released earlier this month via Metal Blade Records!
Please surf over to Metal Hammer to check out the fascinating video for “Vid Rosornas Grav!”
Comments Falconer guitarist Stefan Weinerhall: “The video for ‘Vid Rosornas Grav’ is re-enacting a story that took place not far from where we live. It gives you a vision of what position you would have 150 years ago if you were just a common man or serf. It surely doesn’t look like a metal video in the beginning but then again, when have Falconer ever been about being as metal as possible. The video is once again produced and directed by http://www.1897.se that also did the video for ‘Carnival Of Disgust.'”
ARMOD features 11 songs completely sung in Swedish and four bonus tracks that are English versions of the band members’ favourite new songs. The four bonus tracks are only available with the limited first digi-pak edition of ARMOD!
ARMOD was once again recorded at King Diamond guitarist Andy La Rocque’s Sonic Train Studios in Varberg, Sweden, during December and January.
ARMOD track listing:
1. Svarta Änkan
2. Dimmornas Drottning
3. Griftefrid
4. O, Tysta Ensamhet
5. Vid Rosornas Grav
6. Grimborg
7. Herr Peder Och Hans Syster
8. Eklundapolskan
9. Grimasch Om Morgonen
10. Fru Silfver
11. Gammal Fäbodpsalm
English bonus versions (only available on limited first edition digi-pak!):
1. Black Widow
2. Grimborg
3. By The Roses Grave
4. O, Silent Solitude
Falconer is:
Mathias Bladh – Vocals
Stefan Weinerhall – Guitars
Jimmy Hedlund – Guitars
Magnus Linhardt – Bass
Karsten Larsson – Drums
http://www.falconermusic.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Falconer/23124336122
http://www.myspace.com/falconermusic
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-Cruz Del Sur Update
Argus Live
Pennsylvania-based doom/metal troupe Argus have confirmed several badass live appearances for the coming weeks, kicking off with two shows last week. More Argus shows are being confirmed for the Summer months, and the band are planning a mini tour for the late Summer/early Fall months as well. More info to follow in the coming weeks.
Argus have also confirmed that they’ll be recording several bonus tracks for the vinyl edition of their latest opus, BOLDLY STRIDE THE DOOMED, including “Black Rose” by Thin Lizzy and “At The Gallow’s End” by Candlemass. More info on the vinyl release will be announced shortly.
Argus Confirmed Live Appearances:
7/23/2011 The Bricks – Franklin, PA w/ The Del Rios, Fistfight In The Parking Lot
“…one of the strongest, most memorable heavy metal albums in recent memory. The album gets the highest recommendation I’ll give this year, a rewarding album for fans of heavy and doom alike. 98%” – Metal Archives
“…here they succeed effortlessly with an album equally musical, emotionally-charged, and balls-out-rockin’, but most importantly timeless. 9.2/10” – Metal Review
“…jam-packed with solid doom-metal riffage and tasty, melodic solos… 9/10” – Hellbound
“Classic and epic, foreboding and entertaining… 4/5” – Dangerdog Music Reviews
“…prime pick for top albums of the year…” – Hellride Music
http://www.argusmetal.com/
http://www.myspace.com/theargus
Twisted Tower Dire Record Release Party
The latest in an ongoing list of regional live appearances, Virginia’s high-energy metal outfit Twisted Tower Dire have scheduled an official record release show for their latest scorcher, MAKE IT DARK. The festivities will take place in Raleigh, North Carolina on Friday, August 5, as a totally free show! View the flyer for the event and more at http://www.earsplitcompound.com/site/?p=2751 .
Stay tuned for more updates on TTD live over the coming months as they continue to promote the blazing MAKE IT DARK release.
Twisted Tower Dire Record Release Show:
8/05/2011 The Dive Bar – Raleigh, NC
“Been a long time since I’ve been this ‘jazzed’ about a new album from an established artist. Highly recommended! 9/10” – Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles
“…a terrific release that signals Twisted Tower Dire’s emphatic return to the forefront of traditional heavy metal. 9/10” – Metal Assault
“…a killer attack of great traditional metal and NWOBHM sounds. 4.5/5” – About.com
“MAKE IT DARK will make unbelievers, believers. 8/10” – Blistering
“…one of the best hidden traditional metal acts in America today.” – Metal Army America
http://www.twistedtowerdire.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Twisted-Tower-Dire/351013855588
Dark Forest Signs With Cruz Del Sur Music
Cruz del Sur Music welcomes Dark Forest to the label’s ever-expanding roster, having just inked a recent deal for the band’s upcoming album.
A young band based out of Birmingham, England, Dark Forest has been knocking skulls around for a few years now, after the release of their self-titled debut album on Eyes Like Snow Records in January 2009. Their traditional take on heavy metal is as British-sounding as some of the best NWOBHM bands, reinterpreted with a modern production’s punch able to make them stand out alone. If your heart has a soft spot for Iron Maiden, Angel Witch, Isen Torr or early Deep Purple, Dark Forest boasts the kind of fist-pumping old-school classic metal to make your day.
Dark Forest entered the studio on Saturday, June 18th, and began the process of recording their second full-length, DAWN OF INFINITY, which will be released by Cruz Del Sur Music in the fall of 2011. More news will follow during the Summer months…
http://www.myspace.com/darkforestrealm
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dark-Forest-UK/155861227763625
Cruz Del Sur Music
http://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cruz-Del-Sur-Music/313165000988
http://www.myspace.com/cruzdelsurmusic
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-Multinational Heavy Metallers Powerwolf Have Finished Shooting A Video For “We Drink Your Blood!”
Multinational Heavy Metal warlords Powerwolf recently finished shooting a video clip for the song “We Drink Your Blood” from their upcoming album BLOOD OF THE SAINTS!
According to their sacral image and the concept of BLOOD OF THE SAINTS, Powerwolf shot the video in an ancient monastery church. “Shooting the video in such a special and atmospheric place was incredible,” comments organist Falk Maria Schlegel. “The combination of the sacral interior of the church, including altar, confessional box and a church organ with a lot of fire, fog and metal insanity was the perfect set for a Powerwolf video!”
The song title “We Drink Your Blood” is an allusion to the congregation in the Christian liturgy “Take this, all of you, and drink from it: this is the cup of my blood, the blood of the new and everlasting covenant.”
In the very own style Powerwolf have adapted this to a typical suggestive horror story. Be prepared for a stunning video to a great metal hymn!
To give you a first glimpse about things to come, Powerwolf have revealed some making-of photography on http://www.powerwolf.net/ .
BLOOD OF THE SAINTS will be released July, 29 (G/A/S) / August, 1 via Metal Blade Records in Europe. The album will be released as a regular CD, a limited edition digi-book 2-CD and on vinyl.
http://www.metalblade.com/powerwolf
http://www.powerwolf.net/
http://www.facebook.com/powerwolfmetal
http://www.myspace.com/powerwolfmetal
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-ZeroKing Unleashes A TASTE OF SELF DESTRUCTION
HUNTINGTON, WV — Rising US hard rock quartet, ZeroKing have released their new EP, A TASTE OF SELF DESTRUCTION, through Vanity Music Group. The five tracks on offer — “Girls Of California,” “Stone Cold Bitch,” “She Said,” “Black Friday,” and “Kings Of Self Destruction” — are all pulled from the band’s sophomore release, KINGS OF SELF DESTRUCTION, which drops on September 27, 2011.
“After the release of our digital single, we wanted to make those songs available at our shows as well,” front man Andy Haught says. “So, we decided to package those along with three other songs from the KINGS… record that are staples in our live set. The next logical decision was to make all five songs available online as either single tracks or as a very affordable digital EP. We feel this is a great way to get these songs out quickly to our fans while we are shoring up the release details for KOSD and help spread our name and music more to build both our fanbase and the anticipation for the full length CD.”
Formed in Huntington, West Virginia in early 2005, the band has shared the stage with artists such as Anthrax, Twisted Sister, Bobaflex, Jackyl, Dope, Black Stone Cherry, Airbourne and many more, becoming the “go to” band for regional promoters needing a secure draw and an act that can step into the ring with anyone. The band has gone on to play events such as Rocklahoma, X Fest,103.1 The Bear’s “Party Like A Rockstar” Festival, and Bearfest, amongst a host of other high profile events.
In the summer of 2009 ZeroKing entered Smash Hit Studios in Huntington, WV., to begin tracking the KINGS OF SELF DESTRUCTION album with producer and engineer Steve Riley. Comprised of 13 tracks, the session produced a tour de force of hard rock and metal. From anthemic rockers, to songs chock full of heavy metallic riffage, the album contains more than enough to satiate fans of new school, old school, and everything in between. As if all that wasn’t enough, the session produced a couple of melodic, captivating ballads, showcasing yet another strong dimension of the band.
ZeroKing’s single, “Stone Cold Bitch” b/w “Girls Of California” was released in March and can be purchased on iTunes at this link:
For more on ZeroKing visit their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/Zerokingfans and their Reverbnation page at http://www.reverbnation.com/zeroking .
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-Rival Sons’ PRESSURE & TIME Album Out Now In Europe!
Hello rockers!
PRESSURE & TIME, the mind-blowing new album from Californian blues-rockers Rival Sons, is out now in Europe!
PRESSURE & TIME feature 10 incredible tracks of raucous, blues-infused rock ‘n’ roll and is available now in Europe on CD, limited edition audiophile vinyl, and digital download.
Grab your copy now to find out why Rival Sons are America’s hottest new band!
iTunes (w/ two exclusive bonus tracks) – http://j.mp/l09Sji
HMV (w/ free pin badge) – http://bit.ly/iSGe3e
Play.com (w/ free signed band photo) – http://bit.ly/fHc5XU
Earache Euro Webstore – http://j.mp/jucwYJ
PRESSURE & TIME is due to be released on CD and LP in North America on July 26th, and on iTunes on June 21st. Pre-order the album now:
iTunes (w/ 2 bonus tracks) – http://j.mp/jnpcLp
Earache US Webstore – http://j.mp/mtaFfm
If you haven’t already watched the new Rival Sons video for the track “Pressure And Time,” check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MA0m1K2jW4 .
Lastly, don’t miss Rival Sons on tour this summer:
RIVAL SONS
June 24 – Bilbao, Spain – Azkena Rock Festival
June 26 – Imola, Italy – Sonisphere Festival
June 28 – Zurich, Switzerland – Dynamo Werk 21
July 01 – Dortmund, Germany – FZW Visions Party
July 02 – Werchter, Belgium – Rock Werchter Festival
July 03 – Arras, France – Main Square Festival
July 05 – Oslo, Norway – Baa
July 06 – Kalskoga, Sweden – Putte Parken Festival
July 08 – Weert, Netherlands – Bospop Festival
July 09 – Knebworth, UK – Sonisphere Festival
July 12 – Leeds, UK – Cockpit 3
July 13 – London, UK – Borderline
RIVAL SONS w/ JUDAS PRIEST, QUEENSRYCHE
July 15 – Newport, UK – Newport Centre
July 16 – Manchester, UK – O2 Apollo
July 17 – Doncaster, UK – The Dome
July 19 – Glasgow, UK – SECC
July 20 – Newcastle, UK – Metro Arena
July 21 – Wolverhampton, UK – Civic Hall
July 23 – London, UK – High Voltage Festival
July 24 – Bournemouth, UK – BIC
Enjoy PRESSURE & TIME!!!
Earache Records
http://www.earacherecords.com/
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-Unearth: Worldwide Album Premiere Hosted By Alternative Press
Alternative Press is hosting a worldwide album premiere of Unearth’s upcoming DARKNESS IN THE LIGHT full-length, scheduled to hit North American record shelves on July 5, 2011, via Metal Blade Records. The 11-track long player was recorded at Zing Studios in Westfield, Massachusetts with producer (and Killswitch Engage guitarist) Adam Dutkiewicz and mixed at Audiohammer Studios in Sanford, Florida by Mark Lewis (The Black Dahlia Murder, Whitechapel, Trivium, et al). Sitting in on drums during the recording was Justin Foley (Killswitch Engage/Blood Has Been Shed).
Comments vocalist Trevor Phipps of the record: “This album is without a doubt some of the heaviest, most dynamic and memorable tunes we’ve ever written. The disc is littered with the shred ‘n’ stomp-filled songs our fans would expect from us, as well as some added vocal hooks, guitar melodies, guitar solos and some different paths taken in style and structure. We knew we had to continue to separate ourselves from the pack and to cement our place in the heavy metal world as one of the leaders and not as one of the many followers that seem to hop on the trend wagon and give up so easily when the going gets hard. We are here to stay and collectively we couldn’t be any more fired up to play these songs around the world for our fans new and old. So check it out, spread the word of underground metal and leave some feedback. See you on the road!”
To check out DARKNESS IN THE LIGHT in its entirety, point your browser here. The stream will run from June 20 to July 5, the day the record hits streets.
http://www.altpress.com/features/entry/exclusive_album_stream_unearths_darkness_in_the_light/
With DARKNESS IN THE LIGHT, the quintet have delivered their most honest and powerful statement to date, setting a new standard when it comes to marrying precision brute force and exhilarating melody. Fangoria.com commended the band in an advance review noting: “Tight riffing, varying from technical pedal-style patterns to twin-harmony Maiden/At The Gates worship, plus all the brutally chugging breakdowns, will surely serve to inspire many a karate kick in the pits come tour time. This is definitely music to move by…” Pit Riff said DARKNESS IN THE LIGHT is, “powerful, has the right amount of grab to it, and definitely has the spit-filled rage lyrically that this kind of music once possessed before being softened for the mall kids,” while Crave added: “DARKNESS IN THE LIGHT is a first rate slice of metal that helps return the meat to the hollowed and empty husk of the metalcore genre.” Said Decibel of the band’s unwavering vitality: “Whether they’re tearing up a club at a headlining gig, opening for another band on a few square feet of stage space or blasting through headphones, that unmistakable energy is always there.”
Several discounted pre-order deals for DARKNESS IN THE LIGHT are still available. Packages include:
CD: $9.99
CD + T-Shirt: $19.99
CD + Unearth Beer Bong: $20.99
CD + T-Shirt + Unearth Beer Bong: $29.99
It should be noted that the Unearth Beer Bong is a pre-order item only and will not be available post street date. For further info, check out Unearth’s official DARKNESS IN THE LIGHT landing page where you’ll also find news, tour updates and more: http://www.darknessinthelightalbum.com .
Worldwide Release Dates:
DARKNESS IN THE LIGHT will be released in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Norway July 1, the rest of Europe on July 4, North America, Spain and Italy on July 5, Finland and Hungary on July 6, Australia July 8 and Japan on July 27.
http://www.unearth.tv/
http://www.facebook.com/unearthofficial
http://www.myspace.com/unearth
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-Pentagram Announces First Ever UK Show! European Dates To Be Announced Shortly!
New DVD On Its Way!
Pentagram have announced they will make their first ever UK appearance in December!
The Doom rock legends will play the Garage in Highbury, London on December 9, 2011. Support comes from Horisont. Tickets are on sale now.
Legendary singer Bobby Liebling has been dreaming of this moment for a long time: “I’ve always dreamed of playing London some day. Thanks to the fans for having us over to play in this great country! It’s a land who’s music has had a huge impact on my life and work. We are absolutely honoured.”
More European Pentagram dates are in the works as we speak and will be announced shortly!
Pentagram, featuring the talents of Bobby Liebling, Victor Griffin, Greg Turley, and new drummer Albert Born, recently released their highly anticipated full-length album LAST RITES via Metal Blade Records. LAST RITES contains 11 new tracks of behemoth tunes that fans have been clamoring for since the last Liebling/Griffin masterpiece was released in 1994 (BE FOREWARNED).
Metal Blade Records will release a Pentagram DVD entitled WHEN THE SCREAMS COME on the 12th/15th of August 2011. More details on this will be revealed in the coming weeks. Stay tuned…
http://www.myspace.com/thepentagramarchives
http://www.myspace.com/thedeathrowarchives
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-New Releases From Emmeciesse Music Publishing/Heart Of Steel Records
Artist: Steve Saluto
Title: BLACK EYED SOUL
Country: Europe
Label: Emmeciesse Music Publishing/Heart Of Steel Records
Format: 1CD Digi-pak limited edition
Tracks: 10
Music Style: Melodic Hard Rock, Funk Rock
Release date: Europe: May 15th 2011
Release digital: May 20th 2011
“The guitar of Steve Saluto is able to show all the artist’s taste and heart having in the impact and in the freshness of the sound its winning card.” In this way Guitar Club Magazine introduced Steve Saluto in the Nov. 2000 issue. Residing in Treviso (Italy), Steve Saluto began playing guitar at the age of fifteen.
At the beginning they were jazz guitar lessons then, inspired by the Van Halen solo in “Beat It,” Steve took up playing rock. From Jazz to Funk to Rock and Pop, Steve has played and or recorded with a diverse many such as Federico Stragà, Danny Losito, Massimo Riva, Elio e le Storie Tese, Cheryl Porter, Vittorio Matteucci, The Venice Gospel Ensemble, Jeff Berlin, Darryl Jones, Danny Gottlieb, Buddy Miles, Phil Palmer, and many more.
He has written and produced seven solo and band recordings featuring his diverse guitar virtuosity. Besides his guitar player and band leader status, Steve is an in demand co-writer and producer for up and coming young bands under his production company known as Imput Level Productions; He also own a recording commercial studio in San Biagio di Callalta (TV). Steve graced national TV and radio shows (“RAI,” “Video Music,” “Roxy Bar”) and the pages of several guitar and music publications including Guitar Player, Guitar Club, Axe, Metal Shock, Flash and Basimedia Magazine, and he is always included in magazines and websites as a brilliant and versatile guitarist and songwriter.
In his ROUGH BEAT (2006), RUST & GOLD (2008) and RESURRECTION (2010) releases he joined forces with Richie Kotzen … but his latest venture is a band called La Famiglia Superstar with Terry Ilous on vocals, Atma Anur on drums and Marco Mendoza on bass.
The Italian rock guitar player returns with BROWN EYED SOUL, a brand new album for 2011 featuring Marco Mendoza (Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy) on vocals, Doug Wimbish (Living Colour, Madonna, Michael Bolton) on bass and Atma Anur (Cacophony, Greg Howe) on drums. The album’s release has been anticipated by the single/video clip “Your Love” that reveals the funk/rock with a ’70s touch sound defining the unmistakable Steve’s style.
The album was recorded and produced by Steve Saluto and mixed and mastered by his long time friend guitarist Alex de Rosso (Dokken).
As a solo artist Steve released during the years eight albums with different music styles ranging from hard rock, to jazz/fusion to funky/rock and ’70s influenced music. BROWN EYED SOUL offers fans a collection of songs: from classic and melodic hard rock and soul (the album also includes a revisited version of the Tommy Bolin tune “Wild Dogs”) to a couple of burning instrumental.
Track List:
-NO GOOD FOR ME
(Lyrics & Music By S.Saluto/G.Mosole/D. Losito)
Marco Mendoza – Lead Vocals
Steve Saluto – Background Vocals, Guitars, 1st guit. solo
Gianluca Mosole – Guitars, 2nd guit. solo, Bass, Drums & Programming
-YOUR LOVE
(Lyrics by S. Saluto/M. Mendoza – Music By S. Saluto)
Marco Mendoza – Lead Vocals
Steve Saluto – Lead & Background vocals, Guitars, Bass, Synth
Atma Anur – Drums
-ANGEL
(Lyrics & Music By S. Saluto)
Marco Mendoza – Lead Vocals
Steve Saluto – Guitars, Organ, Background vocals
Doug Wimbish – Bass
Atma Anur – Drums
-VELVET SKY
(Lyrics by S. Saluto/M. Mendoza – Music By S. Saluto)
Marco Mendoza – Lead & Background Vocals
Steve Saluto – Guitars
Giorgio Frè – Hammond
Doug Wimbish – Bass
Atma Anur – Drums
-HEY JIMI
(Music By S. Saluto)
Steve Saluto – Guitars
Piero Trevisan – Bass
Atma Anur – Drums
-UNITED AS ONE
(Lyrics by S. Saluto/M. Mendoza – Music By S. Saluto)
Marco Mendoza – Lead & Background Vocals
Steve Saluto – Lead & Background Vocals, Guitars
Giorgio Frè – Hammond
Doug Wimbish – Bass
Atma Anur – Drums
-JUST ANOTHER
(Lyrics by S. Saluto/M. Mendoza – Music By S. Saluto)
Marco Mendoza – Lead & Background Vocals
Steve Saluto – Background Vocals, Guitars
Giorgio Frè – Hammond
Doug Wimbish – Bass
Atma Anur – Drums
-WILD DOGS
(Lyrics & Music By T. Bolin)
Marco Mendoza – Lead Vocals
Steve Saluto – Guitars
Gianluca Mosole – Piano, Hammond
Piero Trevisan – Bass
Atma Anur – Drums
-HIGHER
(Lyrics & Music By Steve Saluto)
Marco Mendoza – Lead Vocals
Steve Saluto – Guitars, Bass, Synth, Background Vocals
Giorgio Frè – Hammond
Atma Anur – Drums
-BROWN EYED SOUL
(Music By S. Saluto)
Steve Saluto – Guitars
Gianluca Mosole – Organ
Piero Trevisan – Bass
Atma Anur – Drums
Here at you a basic marketing info:
– Extra special guest, Doug Wimbish on bass (Living Colors, Madonna, Mick Jagger, Annie Lennox…), Marco Mendoza (Thin Lizzy, Ted Nugent…) on vocals and Atma Anur (Cacophony, Greg Howe…) on drums!!!
– A must for fans of Mr. Big, Lenny Kravitz, Richie Kotzen, & Jimi Hendrix
– The album will be heavily supported with advertising and press in the whole of Europe, Japan, USA, and South America.
Web:
http://www.myspace.com/stevesaluto
Artist: Fireyed
Title: FROM THE GROUND FLOOR
Country: Europe
Label: Emmeciesse Music Publishing/Heart Of Steel Records
Format: 1CD limited edition
Tracks: 10
Music Style: Hard ‘n’ Heavy, Glam street, sleazy
Release date: Europe: May 15th 2011
Release digital: May 20th 2011
The project started in 2006 with the goal to recreate, at least initially, the spirit and sound of the ’80s rock ‘n’ roll.
After a first round of live shows, focusing on playing the most famous American hard rock covers, Fireyed get an instant success in the local music scene, earning acclaim from the public who regularly is blown away by the power of a band that hinges on the power of their performances.
In 2007 the band decides to lock themselves up in the studio to stretch their initial ideas and come up with six new songs that will be part of the homonymous LP FIREYED; the album is not yet ripe but already shows the insights that would later bring the band to a more contemporary sound but always full of the spirit that characterizes the taste of the rock ‘n’ roll quintet.
Therefore, the band has a chance to perform with some known names in the Italian and European rock scene, such as Jaded Heart, Rezophonic, Mike Terrana, Pino Scotto and others.
The sound undergoes its first evolution also due to the change of lineup:
The drums play relentlessly, the tone will darken, the bass is saturated with overdrive and the songs that will make the first official album begin to blossom, drawing from the influences of various components, all from different musical backgrounds.
Fireyed throw their musical mix in a boiling cauldron full of slashing dynamics, expanding the horizons of a band to which the only Italian underground music scene begins to feel tight.
Thus began in 2009 a collaboration with First Step Management, a British agency that launched bands like The Coors, which brings the powerful shows of Fireyed on the stages of the Anglo-Saxon region, planning a spring tour that touches England and Wales.
The result is extraordinary, the homeland of hard rock appreciates immediately the band’s live energy.
The return to Italy is promising, Fireyed participated in the national Metal Battle and won second place after a heated show on the final evening, grazing the chance to perform on stage at the Wacken Open Air in Germany.
The band makes this missed opportunity an even stronger motivation to better express their potential and walk the Italian stages again with a national tour, and then begin the recording sessions that will give birth to the first full-length album, FROM THE GROUND FLOOR, a product that celebrates the band in terms of a new sound, pulling away from the initial hard rock stereotypes that are replaced by a ripe sound and reflects disillusioned anger built up over time.
The sessions end in March 2010, just in time to go on the road to the British lands where the five rockers finally fully express their mature identity with a longer tour that sees them play shoulder to some of the best known bands of the United Kingdom, such as first of all Tygers Of Pan Tang, historical formation of the NWBOHM scene in the beginning of the ’80s.
The consecration comes, Fireyed acquire the popularity and reputation in UK and returning to their country they are noticed by the label Heart Of Steel Records/Emmeciesse Music Publishing that produces FROM THE GROUND FLOOR launching it in the worldwide rock market.
Lineup:
Erik, vocals
Paco, guitars
Frank, guitars
Blaze, drums
Steve, bass
Track List:
1. Fireyed
2. Big Monkey
3. Rock’n’sex
4. From The Ground Floor
5. Dirty Devil Rock
6. Living In Rock’n’roll
7. Shake Me
8. I’ll Be Waiting
9. Stop’n’go
10. Thunderlips
Here at you some basic marketing info:
– Distributed in all bigest webstores like iTunes, Amazon, Virgin, Fnac, & Emusic
– Executive producer by Mirko DEFOX Galliazzo (X-Hero)
– A must for fans of Skid Row, Guns N’ Roses, Keel, & Lynch Mob
– MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/fireyed
– The album will be heavily supported with advertising and press in the whole of Europe, UK, Japan and USA.
Artist: Dark Ages
Title: TEUMMAN
Country: Europe
Label: Emmeciesse Music Publishing/Heart Of Steel Records
Format: 1CD limited edition
Tracks: 13
Music Style: Hard ‘n’ Heavy, Prog Metal
Release date: Europe: May 15th 2011
Release digital: July 30th 2011
Simone Calciolari founded Dark Ages in 1982 together with some friends. After some year spent in forging the band’s sound, they recorded the first album, SATURNALIA in 1991. After the CD was published, a hiatus followed, ending in 1996 with a new lineup and with extensive live tours. Many musicians changed in those years, and this prevented the band from writing new original material. In 2008 the members consolidated, so it was time to lay down a new project: a concept named TEUMMAN, whose first part has seen the light in may 2011.
TEUMMAN is a concept album which stems from the tradition of the classic rock operas, but is set in a long distant past (the characters’ names are taken from ancient Assyrian culture) and blends metal, progressive, rock and classical music. In TEUMMAN, the term “opera” is taken very seriously: the characters are well defined and so vivid you can feel them suffer, scream, bleed, the locations are an important part of the story, everything is in line with the melodramatic tradition of the nineteenth century. And this is what we call a true Rock Opera.
Lineup:
Simone Calciolari (guitars)
Davide Cagnata (lead vocal)
Carlo “bam bam” Busato (drums)
Marco Gennari (bass)
Angela Busato (keyboards)
Track List:
1. Overture
2. Battlefield
3. The Fall
4. Hell
5. Damned
6. Oath
7. New Life
8. Arrival
9. The Palace
10. Drop Of Rain
11. Scared
12. Doubt
13. Regret
(Music and lyrics by Simone Calciolari)
Here at you some basic marketing info:
– Distributed in all bigest webstores like ITunes, Amazon, Virgin, Fnac, & Emusic
– Executive producer by Mirko DEFOX Galliazzo (X-Hero)
– Italian Cult metal band from the ’80s, great sound, great band!!
– MySpace page: http://www.darkagesrock.com/
– The album will be heavily supported with advertising and press in the whole of Europe, UK, Japan and USA.
Contact:
Artisti No Limits/Heart Of Steel Records
P.O. Box n.8 – 36045 Lonigo (Vicenza)
http://heartofsteel.nlz.it/
heartofsteel@nlz.it
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*** PRESS RELEASE #18 ***
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-Mane Entertainment Announces First Project Completed Filming: “247°F” Featuring Scout Taylor-Compton And Tyler Mane
HOLLYWOOD, CA — Mane Entertainment announces the completion of filming for their first movie project titled “247°F.” Scout Taylor-Compton and Tyler Mane reunite for the suspense-thriller; this is the first time since the Rob Zombie’s “Halloween” films that the pair have worked together on screen. Also appearing in “247°F” is Travis Van Winkle (“Friday The 13th”), Christina Ulloa and Michael Copon. The production was completed in Tiblisi, Georgia in partnership with Sarke Studios, a European production company. Sarke Studios, best known for their edgy commercial endeavors, have recently expanded their slate to include full-length feature films.
In “247°F,” best friends Jenna (Compton) and Renee (Ulloa) set out for a weekend of fun but bring with them the heavy burden of a past tragedy and a friendship strained to the breaking point. Along with Renee’s reckless boyfriend, Michael (Copon),and his friend, Ian (Van Winkle), they plan on spending the weekend partying at a lakeside cabin provided by Ian’s uncle, Wade (Mane). Just when it seems that the weekend might be better than what the girls had hoped for, circumstances conspire to trap them in Wade’s sauna. With the temperature rising and time running out, Jenna must find a way to overcome her deepest fears and save herself and her friends.
Mane Entertainment’s follow-up project is currently in preproduction. “Compound Fracture” is set to begin filming this September, also in Georgia. “I am excited to be working with (Sarke’s) David Patarkalishvili again,” states Mane. “We are planning a long partnership.”
“247°F” is expected to be a late 2011 release. For more information please got to http://www.maneentertainment.com/ .
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*** NEWS/RUMORS ***
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-Check out About Heavy Metal’s list of “Best Heavy Metal Albums Of 1981” at http://glclk.about.com/?zi=1/CwUV .
-Alestorm’s BACK THROUGH TIME (Napalm Records) debuted on the German album charts at #42. See http://www.alestorm.net/ , http://www.facebook.com/alestormband , and http://www.myspace.com/alestorm for more.
-Doro leader Doro Pesch will join the Dio tribute band Dio Disciples as a special guest at four shows in Italy and Spain:
6/29 – Magazzini Generali, Milano, Italy
7/1 – Sala Heineken, Madrid, Spain
7/2 – Rock Star Live, Bilbao, Spain
7/3 – Bikini, Barcelona, Spain
See http://www.doro.de/ for more.
-Check out Draconian — billed as “gothic doom masters” — and their first video “The Last Hour Of Ancient Sunlight” at http://www.youtube.com/napalmrecords . The band’s new album A ROSE FOR THE APOCALYPSE is out this week on Napalm Records. See http://www.draconian.se/ , http://www.facebook.com/pages/Draconian/38489221637 , and http://www.myspace.com/draconianmusic for more.
-Famous Underground — featuring former Slik Toxik singer Nick Walsh — has a show June 25 at the Boston Manor in Burlington, Ontario, Canada with Reverse Grip, Heart & Stone, and Morbid North. There’s a contest at http://www.y108.ca/ where you can enter to win two tickets to the show, an autographed CD, buttons, T-shirts, a meet & greet, and an autographed Explorer guitar. Additionally, check out the band’s site ( http://www.famousunderground.tv/ ) for information on a bus package where you can get a ticket to the show, a round-trip bus ride from Toronto to Burlington, an autographed CD, and entry to another contest to win a Flying V guitar. The band’s self-titled debut is out now, with this track list: “Wasteland,” “Overdrive,” “Dead Weight,” “Love Stands Still,” “Forever And A Day,” “Bullet Train,” “Mommy Is A Junkie,” “Wheel Of Misfortune,” “On Broken Wings,” “Necropolis,” “Hell To Pay.”
-Fatality — a.k.a. “Toronto’s party thrashers” — have released the THRASH F*CK EAT SLEEP demo online for free download at http://fatality.bandcamp.com/ . The demo was produced by the band, and mixed and mastered by Daniel Tsourounis. Track list: “Uppercut,” “Thrash F*ck Eat Sleep,” “Hammerfist.” Check out the video for the title track at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNaYiUm6ze4 . See http://www.facebook.com/pages/FATALITY/97224729901 , http://www.myspace.com/fatalitythrashf*ck , http://www.youtube.com/user/Fatalitythrashers , http://www.reverbnation.com/fatalitymetal , and http://twitter.com/FatalityThrash for more.
-Fullforce, a new Swedish super-group featuring singer Mike Andersson (Cloudscape, Silent Memorial), guitarists Stefan Elmgren (HammerFall) and C.J. Grimmark (Narnia, Divinefire, Audiovision), bassist Tommy Larsson (Heed), and drummer Anders Johansson (HammerFall, Yngwie Malmsteen, Malmsteen) — has released ONE on SPV/Steamhammer. Track list: “Mythomaniac,” “None Of Your Concern,” “Heart And Soul,” “Oblivion,” “Open Your Eyes,” “Rain,” “Suffering In Silence,” “Walls Of Secrets,” “Father Spirit,” “Bleed,” “Into The Cradle.” Hype says the band members “describe their music to be a genuine blend of traditional, catchy heavy metal to more updated melodic metal with some ethnic touches which will make them a standout to within the genre.” Check out clips of three songs at http://musicbuymail.eu/?i=34224 , and see http://www.fullforce.se/ , http://www.facebook.com/fullforcesweden , http://twitter.com/fullforcesweden , and http://www.myspace.com/fullforcesweden for more.
-The Headbangers Open Air 2011 is slated for July 28 – 30 in Brande-Hörnerkirchen, Germany (near Elmshorn). The tag line: “The Garden Will Burn.” The festival’s lineup features: Astral Doors (Sweden), Baron Rojo (Spain), Beehler (Canada), Bon Scott (Germany), Circle II Circle (USA), Crystal Viper (Poland), Evil One (France), Fates Warning (USA), Gama Bomb (Ireland), Rezet (Germany), Jaguar (UK), Leviathan (USA), Meliah Rage (USA), Metal Inquisitor (Germany), More (UK), Skull Fist (Canada), Slough Feg (USA), Spartan Warrior (UK), StormWarrior featuring Kai Hansen (Germany), Striker (Canada), Syron Vanes (Sweden), Tokyo Blade (UK), Tierra Santa (Spain), Torch (Sweden), Vulcain (France). Tickets are available through http://www.headbangers-open-air.de/osc/ , http://www.hellionrecords.de/ , http://www.Metaltix.com/ , VonGestern Elmshorn, RemedyRecords Hamburg, all Presalepoints, http://www.adticket.de/index.php/component/event/soloevent/6585 , and http://www.ticketmaster.de/event/HeadbangersOpenAirtickets/EABZ2807 . See http://www.headbangers-open-air.de/ , http://www.myspace.com/headbangersopenair , and http://www.facebook.com/pages/Headbangers-Open-Air-Festival/180529205304366 for more.
-Iced Earth’s FESTIVALS OF THE WICKED double-DVD set is due soon. It features three full concerts with both Matt Barlow and Tim “Ripper” Owens on vocals (including appearances at 2008’s Metal Camp Slovenia and Rock Hard Festival and 2007’s Wacken Open Air), a full-length documentary, and bonus footage. Check out the trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgJO1j0oKcw .
-In Kiss news, “Gene Simmons Family Jewels” is back and so is the A&E quiz, at http://www.aetv.com/gene-simmons-family-jewels/quiz/ .
-Symphony X’s ICONOCLAST is out now. Hype: “ICONOCLAST is the heaviest and still most rocking progressive metal album ever! This is kind of the ‘black album’ of Symphony X — mindblowing!” See http://www.symphonyx.com/ for more, and get a free MP3 of “Dehumanized” at http://www.nuclearblast.de/gratisdownload/index.php?link_kampagne=SymphonyX-Dehumanized .
-Titans Eve’s latest tour video blog, “Las Vegas To Tampa Bay,” is available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rql78B19awg . Download the songs “Becoming The Demon” and “Tides Of Doom” at http://titanseve.bandcamp.com/track/becoming-the-demon and http://titanseve.bandcamp.com/track/tides-of-doom , respectively. See http://www.facebook.com/pages/Titans-Eve/53568260495 for more.
-According to a report at the Van Halen News Desk, Alter Bridge guitarist Mark Tremonti was interviewed recently by Austria’s “Mulatschag TV,” and stated he’s friends with Wolfgang Van Halen and was invited to watch the band — minus David Lee Roth — run through their upcoming new album live in 5150 studios. Check out the full report at http://www.vhnd.com/2011/06/18/alter-bridge-guitarist-calls-new-van-halen-album-incredible/ . The band is reportedly working on the album with producer John Shanks, and rumors have it being released this fall.
-W.A.S.P. has some German dates scheduled for August:
8/3 – Spectrum, Augsburg, Germany
8/7 – Hirsch, Nürnberg, Germany
8/8 – Backstage, München, Germany
Thanks to Marjo Verdooren, Chad Bowar, Metaltix, Nathan Birk, MusicBuyMail.eu, Jon Asher, and Bill “Isolation” Kotowski for help gathering some of this information.
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*** ROCK HARD RIDE FREE ***
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by Tim Wadzinski (tsw512@yahoo.com)
-Yes, the Steve Saluto album info in the Heart Of Steel Records press release confused me, too. The way I initially (mis)read it, I thought singer Terry Ilous (XYZ) performed on Saluto’s new album BLACK EYED SOUL, but then the track-by-track info listed Marco Mendoza as lead vocalist. This boggled me. 🙂 After a re-read and some a-Googlin’, I realized Saluto, Ilous, Mendoza (on bass), and drummer Atma Anur released a self-titled album as La Famiglia Superstar last year, and Ilous is not on Saluto’s BLACK EYED SOUL, where Mendoza indeed sings lead. Done. See http://www.myspace.com/lafamigliasuperstar for more on La Famiglia Superstar, and http://www.stevesaluto.com/ , http://www.facebook.com/steve.saluto , and http://www.myspace.com/stevesaluto for more on Saluto.
-Ah well, another week, another cool festival I can’t go to… Last week we mentioned the UK’s Hard Rock Hell festival this December, with Ace Frehley, Raven, Magnum, Praying Mantis, Tyketto, Demon, Wolfsbane, Black Stone Cherry, Michael Monroe, Bronz, and tons of other cool bands, and now this Headbangers Open Air 2011 in Germany has StormWarrior featuring Kai Hansen, Circle II Circle, Fates Warning, Slough Feg, Tokyo Blade, Crystal Viper, Astral Doors, Meliah Rage, Jaguar, and more. But hey, Chicago has Lollapalooza… 😦
-I don’t really follow Pentagram but I know the band members have been around since, like, forever, and I was surprised to read they’ve never played the UK. So I thought it was cool to read vocalist Bobby Liebling’s comments in the above press release, about being honored to finally be able to do a show there. Congrats, dude.
-That Judas Priest SINGLE CUTS set looks cool but I’m sure it’s way expensive (I haven’t checked JudasPriest.com yet… ooh, slacker!) and I already have all the B-sides, so despite the killer packaging I’ll have to take a pass. If anyone gets it, drop me a line with a review!
-Congrats to Alestorm for the successful German debut of BACK THROUGH TIME (Napalm Records). I guess these guys get some guff for the whole “pirate metal” thing, but I like ’em. They’re funny and cool. Dig it.
-My buddy Bill turned me on to Alter Bridge’s song “Isolation.” Wow is this song awesome. I’d always summarily dismissed Alter Bridge because of the Creed connection, but dang, man… Wow again. Check it out.
-Fullforce sounds like a cool band. Hooray for those Swedish super-groups! Keep ’em coming!
-In my current playlist: Gamma Ray – SKELETONS & MAJESTIES (Armoury Records/Eagle Rock Entertainment), Circle II Circle – CONSEQUENCE OF POWER (AFM Records), Free Reign – HEAVIER THAN METAL (DC Rightside Music), Amon Amarth – SURTUR RISING (Metal Blade).
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*** REVIEWS ***
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VARIOUS ARTISTS – EMBRACE THE SUN: THE LION MUSIC JAPAN BENEFIT PROJECT (B+) Lion Music, 2011
28 tracks, RT: 2:03:43
[ http://www.lionmusic.com/cd/embracethesun.htm ]
[ http://www.facebook.com/lionmusicjapanbenefit ]
[ http://www.lionmusic.com/ ]
[ http://www.facebook.com/LionMusicRecordLabel ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/lionmusiclabel ]
Although coverage of the earthquake and tsunami which recently devastated Japan has diminished, the people affected by that terrible disaster are still in need of a great deal of help, prompting the good folks at Lion Music to assemble this compilation of 28 tracks from some of the label’s top artists, with all proceeds from the album going directly to the Japanese Red Cross. Japan has a long history of fondness for hard rock and heavy metal, dating back to the ’70s when bands such as Deep Purple, Scorpions and Judas Priest were received as heroes there, so it is satisfying to see a number of musicians from the genre attempting to make a difference via the power of music. In addition to the primary purpose of aid to Japan, what makes this especially appealing to fans of these artists is that all the tracks are previously unreleased material, with much of it recorded especially for this compilation. The album serves as a great sampler of the excellent talent on the Lion roster, featuring offerings from familiar names such as Lars Eric Mattsson, Milan Polak, Dreyelands and Jennifer Batten along with some of their more obscure artists and newcomers. Like most compilation albums, EMBRACE THE SUN contains a variety of styles, including the straight-ahead metal of Locomotive Breath’s “Rise Up,” Marco Sfogli’s melodic shred virtuosity on “Stand Alone,” Mindsplit’s sensitive ballad “Guardian Angel,” Missing Tide’s ’80s-flavored hard rocker “Falling” and Benny Jansson’s interesting progressive tinged outing “Savior.” EMBRACE THE SUN is one of those rare win-win projects in that aid is provided to a hurting country while fans receive something of value and the artists even get a bit of exposure. Recommended!
– Neal Woodall (MysticX9@gmail.com)
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*** OUT ***
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DETRITUS 