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[29 April 2007] THOMAS C. HANSEN, the main man of Gaia Epicus is planning to
release his first solo album. The album will be called "Like A Shadow" and the music is going to be melodic rock/metal. The album will mostly be instrumental songs with some progressive elements.
In related news, his band Gaia Epicus will play a show in their home town in may.
On this show a friend of the band will be playing the bass. The band's "Victory" album has been getting very good reviews and the album has also been played a lot on many different metal radio shows.
Hansen's label Epicus Records will soon announce the name of a Melodic Prog
Metal band that is about to sign a contract for their debut album release on Epicus Records. The solo album of Thomas and the debut album of this band is set
to be released sometime this fall.
SENTINEL RECORDS (Ireland) have secured a license to release PRIMORDIAL's The
Gathering Wilderness on picture disc. The vinyl will be limited to 500 copies and
should be released be for the (infernal) summer 2007 along with the debut from Irish
melodic black/death outfit FOR RUIN. Pre-orders for the disc will soon be taken.
NOCTURNAL RITES have posted the brand-
new song “Never Again” at the band’s MySpace page.
Furthermore, NOCTURNAL RITES presents you the new video clip for
“Never Again” at YouTube. The clip was directed by the band’s
drummer Owe Lingvall, who started his own video production company
Village Road Films last year and already created clips for Wolf,
Carnal Forge, and Morgana Lefay. Watch the clip by clicking on one of
the following link:
METAL ELITE CRUISE is the first official heavy metal cruise in Finland. M/s Galaxy will sail on
3. – 4. October 2007 from Helsinki to Tallinn and back. The 200-metre "giant of the seas" has several venues for the performances, and the schedule has been built so that there's no overlapping.
Acts: Deadlock (DE), Idols 2007 -winner Ari Koivunen,
Entwine, Norther, Manzana, Ultra Mayhem, For Selena And Sin, Villieläin.
Additional entertainment is provided by Hevikaraoke,
Pommiradio, Guitar Hero II and a metal DJ.
There's an age limit of 20 to the cruise. More info:
AT ALL COST have signed a worldwide deal with Century Media Records. Official Press Release:
The variety of artists on Century Media Records throughout the last decade prompted the label to coin the phrase "Diversity In Extremes," and this is more evident than ever before upon welcoming AT ALL COST to its worldwide family. This group encompasses the definition of diversity, imposing no limitations to their songwriting and blending together a propulsive blend of thrash and hard rock laden with captivating hooks.
Trey Ramirez (guitars, vocals) describes his excitement: "We are extremely proud and honored to be a part of such a supportive label in independent music today. Century Media is home to a diverse array of bands that we admire, and we couldn't be more excited to be a part of that roster. It feels great to work with a label staff that understands our music and goals. We are looking forward to what the future holds."
Century Media founder Robert Kampf states, "AT ALL COST blew me away the first time I saw them, and their dynamic mix of styles is like nothing else out there. They are an ambitious and refreshing new act, and we couldn't be happier to have them in our family."
This Austin, Texas-based quintet released their stunning debut offering, It's Time To Decide, on Combat Records in 2005, and with producer Rory Phillips (The Rise) they ultimately cultivated a sound all their own. The disc is composed of a rollercoaster of emotions and sounds as vocalist Andrew Collins assumes various identities, seamlessly shifting from a robotic persona, to a catchy crooner, to a hardcore prophet. This group pride themselves on pushing the envelope to deliver a product that stands the test of time.
In addition to the band's unique sound, it is their unparallel live show and DIY attitude that sets them well ahead of the pack. The group has toured relentlessly over the past two years with dates spanning across the U.S., including several successful SXSW appearances in addition to dates with such acclaimed artists as Norma Jean and Darkest Hour.
In 2007, AT ALL COST set their sights high with only one mission in mind; to conquer the world. Look for their Century Media Records debut later this year.
[26 April 2007] MICHAEL THOMPSON BAND's rare "How Long" album will be reissued by
Frontiers Records (Zink Music/Bonnier Amigo) on June 8th 2007.
In order to coincide with the release of Michael Thompson's new band debut
album TRW's "Rivers of Paradise", Frontiers and Michael agreed that it was a
perfect time to re-release this masterpiece on the same day.
In 1988, after working to try and get a deal with his band Slang for several
years, Thompson got signed by Geffen Records to release one album entitled
"How Long", under the Michael Thompson Band (MTB) monicker.
The singer for this group was Rick 'Moon' Calhoun, previously front man for
the AOR cult band THE STRAND, Michael's long time friend. Completing the
line-up was another bunch of highly respected studio professionals such as:
John Andrew Schreiner (on keyboards), Leon Gaer (bass), John Keane (drums).
On "How Long" more musicians appeared, in particular drummer-maestro Terry
Bozzio, Pat Torpey (of MR BIG), bassist Jimmy Haslip, ex KANSAS vocalist
John Elefante, TOTO's Bobby Kimball and GREAT WHITE associates Michael
Lardie and Wyn Davis (who also produced the album).
As of today "How Long" is regarded as one of the highest examples of hi-tech
AOR / West Coast, with a superb production and immaculate songwriting.
During the years it became more and more of a collector's item and the
prices paid on E-bay exceeded 80 dollars!
This 2007 reissue comes completely re-mastered and adds two songs which were
recorded during the original sessions and the first fruit of a reunion
between Michael, Moon Calhoun and songwriter Jeff Paris entitled
"Wheelchair": an appetizer for an upcoming brand new album to be expected
sometime in 2008!
Final tracklisting:
Sample:
HEAVEN AND HELL, featuring Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi,Geezer Butler and Vinnie Appice will
have Live DVD/Live Album Out in Summer 2007. The recordings were made on March 30, 2007 in the Radio City Music Hall, New York.
Only a few albums in the history of rock music enjoy as legendary a
status as Black Sabbath's "Heaven And Hell" from 1980. Experts consider
the line-up of that time, featuring exceptional vocalist Ronnie
James Dio, guitar icon Tony Iommi and bassist Geezer Butler, one of
the best in the bands chronicles, and especially the line "They say
that lifes a carousel, spinning fast, youve got to ride it well, the
world is full of Kings and Queens who blind your eyes and steal your
dreams, its heaven and hell!" from the title track remains
unforgotten to this day.
For a number of weeks now, Dio, Iommi, Butler and legendary drummer,
Vinnie Appice, have been back on stage together for the first time
in 15 years - on a triumphal march through North America under the
moniker of Heaven And Hell. March 30, 2007, Heaven And Hell recorded
their show at New Yorks famous Radio City Music Hall. SPV is set to
release a DVD and live album featuring the recordings from the New
York show this coming summer.
Dio, Iommi & Co. are on everybodys lips, not only overseas, Europe
cannot wait to see the shows and listen to this unbelievable music.
The Heaven And Hell shows see the musicians perform numerous songs
from all three Black Sabbath recordings featuring Ronnie James Dio,
among them classics such as Children Of The Sea, Lady Evil, Sign
Of The Southern Cross, Heaven And Hell and Neon Nights.
Seattle-based metal quintet HIMSA entered the studio to begin recording their Century Media Records debut. The group will track the drums, bass and guitars with Steve Carter (who produced HIMSA's “Courting Tragedy and Disaster” album); Devin Townsend (Lamb of God, Darkest Hour) will be tracking vocals and Tue Madsen (The Haunted, Heaven Shall Burn) will be handling mixing duties. The album is currently set for a late-August release.
Derek Harn (bass) states: “The new album draws from the strengths of our last two records, “Courting Tragedy and Disaster” and “Hail Horror”, but this is an entirely new chapter for HIMSA and our fans. Sammi Curr (guitars) wrote a lot of the music for “Courting”, and Kirby Johnson (guitars) wrote most of the tracks on “Hail Horror” (when Sammi wasn't in the band), so the two of them have joined forces to craft a whole new level of rage. We’re looking at about 10 or 11 songs right now, and are extremely proud of them.
We are stoked to be collaborating with the aural assault team of Steve Carter, Devin Townsend and Tue Madsen. These are guys we trust and respect. We worked with Steve on “Courting”, we did “Hail Horror” with Tue. Devin is the new factor in all of this. He's doing the vocal tracking, and we're looking forward to his searing, manic, vocal skills giving new dimension to Pettibone's throaty mayhem.
This album will be an evolution of everything people have grown to expect and respect from our enduring and grumpy metal band, with a few new twists. We're older, but we're wiser and faster than ever. We can't wait to see our fans around the globe this fall. Till then, stay true and keep the horns raised high.”
More information:
The NOVEMBER REIGN Concert Series will feature ICARUS WITCH and
AZRAEL'S BANE as part of the line up with special guests to be
announced at a later date.
NOVEMBER REIGN will be held Saturday November 10th, 2007 at Dingbatz
in Clifton, New Jersey. The ticket price will be $20.00.
CHAVIS RECORDS joined forces with TRUE METAL AMERICA earlier this
month as part of the revitalization of Heavy Metal in America. TRUE
METAL AMERICA co-founder Bob Mitchell (Attacker) created the concert
series exclusively for the Undergound Heavy Metal resurgence
specifically in the United States. The series of concerts throughout
the year, will take place in smaller venues where fans will able to
catch some of the very best Heavy Metal bands that you read and hear
about but never see live.
The shows will be reasonably priced and will also feature the best
local bands as "Special Guests" who will have the privilage of
sharing the stage with the Giants of the Underground. All bands that
will be invited as our "Special Guests", will not be required to sell
tickets. They will open our shows simply because they are great,
quality acts. As the series progresses, we will add more great bands,
grow in numbers, and revive our Heavy Metal scene here in America!
More information:
The Greek label Sleaszy Rider Records proudly presents their latest signing with the German Power Metal Act SOLAR FRAGMENT.
As one of the few highlights out of the newcomer scene in metal music SOLAR FRAGMENT will be among the crucial releases at Sleaszy Rider Records in 2007. Band leader and guitar player Manuel Wiegmann comments: "We are really happy to work with Sleaszy Rider Records! Even the first negotiations have been a pleasure. The team at Sleaszy Rider is very enthusiastic about us, and we are looking forward to a successful future with the label and our debut album."
Recently designated European label manager Kyra Bartkiewitz was honoured to carry out the signing as her first official act at Sleaszy Rider
Records: "It´s a great feeling to support such a young and talented band like SOLAR FRAGMENT. The band offers a fresh and modern mixture of classic and new power metal elements with a very personal style. The band knows how to convince by their music and will for sure be a name to mention in future."
Estimated release date will be in autumn 2007.
More information:
>> FREEBIE MP3'S SECTION >>
HUMAN TEMPLE is re-activiting itself! The band is scheduled to go to a studio to record some tracks next month. Meanwhile, a MySpace page has been opened for the band, and for a limited period of time, they are offering a free download of the previously unreleased "Love Leads The Way" track.
>> QUICK GIG NEWS >>
KEE MARCELLO will be playing at Sellosali, Espoo (FI) on 23 May 2007. The former Europe and Easy Action guitarist will play his solo material and highlights from his previous bands.
BILLY TALENT and SAHARA HOTNIGHTS have been added to the Ruisrock 2007 line-up.
BACKYARD BABIES is the latest addition to the Rovaniemi Rock Festival 2007 line-up.
DIMMU BORGIR will play their merry melodies at Sauna Open Air 2007.
[23 April 2007] ::: 30.09.2007 Rockfabrik Ludwigsburg, Germany - UNITED FORCES OF ROCK III :::
Press release: "We are happy announce the date and the bands to appear at this year's UNITED FORCES
OF ROCK festival which will be - as usual - held at the Rockfabrik venue in
Ludwigsburg (near Stuttgart) in Germany.
Performing on Sunday, 30th of September 2007 will be:
JOE LYNN TURNER
Ticket price will be 45,00 Euro (incl. Vat; plus shipping). Tickets will be in stock
in ~ 3 weeks time from now at CTS (German customers only), AOR Heaven Mailorder,
www.rock-it-magazine.de/shop, at the venue and on www.united-forces-of-rock.de. For
pre-orders until then, please e-mail to info@united-forces-of-rock.de or check
www.united-forces-of-rock.de within the next couple of days.
We expect once again to sell this event out - be sure to order your ticket early!
UFOR III is supported by Frontiers Records, Escape Music, AOR Heaven, Rock It!,
Rockfabrik Ludwigsburg, Hardbeat Media Service & GerMusica Promotion."
The organizers of Z ROCK 07 have added 4 further acts to the Z Rock 07 line up. "As before we
are giving new UK acts a chance of exposure as part of our on going
commitment to develop the UK scene rather than stay in the past."
The fully confirmed line up is at present....
DOKKEN [exclusive UK appearance]
venue: Maximes, Wigan
Date : October 7th
Tickets will go on sale April 23rd visit www.myspace.com/zrockfest
for full details. Paypal payments [no booking or postage fees] can be
made to info@zrecords.net and all tickets will be shipped out within
48 hours. Z Rock 07 tickets are priced at £45 advance however if you
buy your ticket before May 31st VIA PAYPAL you can purchase them for
just £40, this is limited to this time period only. This is going to
be a show to remember see you there!
For info call +44 [0]7724 606920 or visit
SWEDEN ROCK 2007 Line-up is complete, with these eight bands taking up the last slots:
HINDER (US)
Unfortunately Warrior Soul has cancelled their show at Sweden Rock.
The final running order is available here: www.swedenrock.com/runningorder2007.htm
Best know for his role as lead vocalist in TOTO’s “Isolation”, Dennis
“Fergie” Frederiksen is undoubtedly one of the most gifted singers in
Melodic Rock history. He left his mark also on timeless albums such as
Trillion’s debut, Le Roux “So Fired Up” and more recently singing on the
awesome Mecca project.
Hot on the heels of that recording Fergie, took the chance to work with
Swedish guitar player Tommy Denander on his very popular Radioactive albums.
Tommy is a very clever and respected musician and producer who has worked
with an amazing number of artists and played on an equally impressive number
of records (with more than 1000 albums on his credit list that can boast
such names as Paul Stanley, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Eddie Van
Halen, Richard Marx, Desmond Child, TOTO and many more).
Getting to know each other better and better, the guys started to focus on
the idea of working on a full album together with Tommy working on the
songwriting and production and Fergie offering his incredible vocal and of
course songwriting skills.
But of course when you have such amount of talent involved you can’t help
but call… even more talent to help! Fellow Frederiksen buddy, Ricky Phillips
(with whom Fergie released the successful Frederiksen / Phillips album in
1995) of Styx, Jim Peterik of Pride of Lions and Tommy’s songwriting partner
on many albums Björn Lindbom – among others - offered their songwriting
contributions to the project, while Michael Thompson (TRW), Steve Porcaro
(Toto) appeared on guitars and keyboards respectively (completing the
line-up on the record is NY session drummer Eric Z Daniels whose recent work
include coming albums for Robin Beck, Radioactive and Jimi Jamison).
After 3 long years of work, now the wait is over and the album is ready to
be unleashed. This is an unashamedly, straight ahead Melodic Rock album with
plenty of magnificent hooks and brilliant musicianship. Everyone who’s
dreamed to listen again Fergie’s voice singing on material that can live up
to the levels of the Le Roux or Toto classics, can now safely add this
incredible record to his collection.
Final tracklisting: Let Him Go; Right Heart, Wrong Time; Silver Lining;
Crossing Over; Written In Stone; Saving Grace; Baptism By Fire; Can't Get Enough; Never Try To Love Again; Dead End; Keep A Light On; Left With Nothing.
Samples:
WILDKARD's "Megalomania" album was released today via Escape Music/Bonnier. This project from The Kick-trio of Chris Jones, Mikey J. and Nick Workman was recorded partly in Turku, Finland, and features three members of House Of Mirrors as guests. Drum tracks were played by Jimbo Mäkeläinen (ex-Iron Cross), while guitarist Jaakko Niitemaa and keyboard player Jonne Valtonen assumed supporting roles in the project. There is new material to be expected from House Of Mirrors as well.
PASSION STREET are planninng on reforming, with an album and tourdates planned. The UK AORsters released the critically acclaimed "Million Miles Away" in 1996 and toured with the likes of Danger Danger and Danny Vaughn - in fact the band's guitarist Pat Heath is currently a member of Danny Vaughn's band.
>> FREEBIE MP3'S SECTION >>
The Transilvanian melodic metal band EMPTY DREAMS informs us that their 3 song EP "Solar Waltz"
is available as free download on their official website, and that the files will be available until 30 April. Link:
www.emptydreams.ro
SODAMNED, The brazilian death metal band SODAMNED has their demo On The Gallows for
download. The four tracks recorded in 2003 are hosted by Nitro Sound Solutions and links are available on the band's MySpace page: www.myspace.com/sodamned
Music in the form of an eCard is available from CHAVIS RECORDS, featuring the track "Black and
White" by FIRST ROUND KNOCKOUT. Click here to view the full eCard
Another eCard is available from CENTURY MEDIA and PARADISE LOST. Click here to view the eCard
PATRICK HEIMBURGER wants you to check out his bluesy rockin' style at his MySpace page:
www.myspace.com/patrickheimburger
[16 April 2007] ROYAL HUNT have completed song writing for the bands new album which will become a sequel to their critically acclaimed concept opus "Paradox". Lyrical/musical continuation of the story will be spread over 10 tracks and the actual recordings will start in May 2007 at NorthPoint Productions while mixing’s been scheduled to September at EMI/Medley Studios in Copenhagen, Denmark.
METAL SLUDGE XTRAVA-GLAM-ZA is coming to Europe. This Glam Rock Package Tour features appearances and performances by Stevie Rachelle of TUFF, Steve "Sex" Summers of Pretty Boy Floyd,
Alexx Michael & BC from the band Shameless amd "Drum Slut" Tod "T" Burr.
Dates:
Links:
[13 April 2007] OZZY OSBOURNE returns may 23 with "Black Rain", his first album with new studio material in six years. "I Don't Wanna Stop" is set as the first single.
"I Don't Wanna Stop", "Not Going Away", "Thank God For The Almighty Dollar", "Civilize The Universe", "Black Rain", "Countdown's Begun" And "Trap Door"... You can tell by looking at many of the song titles on BLACK RAIN-OZZY OSBOURNE's first album with new studio material in six years-that the rock legend took a good look at his own life and the world around him. He also salutes his fans-among the most devoted in the world-with such songs as "Here For You" and "Lay Your World On Me"
Due out May 23 on Epic Records, BLACK RAIN finds the two-time Grammy Award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee as vital, creative and evocative as ever. You also get the clear sense that he's operating at the peak of powers, as a singer and songwriter.
OZZY co-produced the album with Kevin Churko and recorded it with his touring band: Zakk Wylde (guitar), Mike Bordin (drums) and Blasko (bass). OZZY says that he felt a new freedom while recording the album at his home studio in Los Angeles. The result: songs that are not only hard-hitting but adventurously arranged and sonically fresh. Explains OZZY, "It's a well-put together album. I think it's evident that it hasn't been just slapped out and put down. I took my time on the album and Zakk [Wylde] plays some amazing stuff as always." OZZY feels BLACK RAIN is the true follow-up to his classic No More Tears, the 1991 album that also challenged the expectations of what an OZZY OSBOURNE album should sound like.
Some of the songs on BLACK RAIN are ominous in their emotional tone--they examine a world teeming with greed, war, deception, bad drugs ("11 Silver," about crystal meth) and environmental havoc. OZZY also zooms in on the overriding sense of fear and dread that define our times--perpetrated, he feels, by news programs that make "entertainment" out of terrible news events. Says OZZY: "I just thought there's so much fucking bad news, the only way I can release it is to put it in a song." On the other hand, the new track "Civilize The Universe" offers a sense of hope, as OZZY sings: "I'm alive/Watching better turn to worse/One more time/Try to civilize the universe."
OZZY will support BLACK RAIN with a world tour beginning in Moscow on May 27 which continues through July 6. Then starting July 12 in Seattle, he'll headline the 12th annual OZZFEST tour throughout America. The pioneer and trendsetter has pulled the plug on ticket prices in America and given the power back to the fans, calling this summer's OZZFEST "FreeFest." That's right, this year's OZZFEST is entirely free for fans, an unprecedented move for an artist and tour of this stature.
OZZY is being honored in May on VH-1's "Rock Honors" telecast. He will perform three songs on the broadcast including a track from BLACK RAIN. Premiering on Thursday, May 24 at 9:00 PM ET/PT, "VH1 Rock Honors," will be taped at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas on Saturday, May 12. OZZY's popularity, creativity and reach are immeasurable, with recent inductions into both the U.K. Music Hall of Fame (as a solo artist and as a member of Black Sabbath) in November 2005 and as a member of Black Sabbath in the U.S. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March 2006. He's won two Grammy Awards and one Emmy Award, and has a star on Hollywood Boulevard's "Walk of Fame."
Log onto www.ozzy.com to hear samplers of tracks from the album.
WHITE WOLF returns on Escape Music (Zink Music/Bonnier Amigo) with a new album "Victim Of The Spotlight". The release date is set for the 23rd of July.
Possibly one of the most talented, yet underrated metal acts to come out of
Canada in the 1980’s had to be the band White Wolf. They were formed in
1980, and were very popular as a cover band, but they also wrote their own
material which was warmly received by the audience. When they originally
shopped their demo material they had many record company offers, including
Heavy Metal records and Music for Nations. The band eventually decided to go
with the rapidly expanding RCA group and in 1984 signed with them for the
first White Wolf release “Standing Alone”. A good deal of exposure followed
and White Wolf toured the States and Eastern Canada extensively. Their
popularity spread in to Japan and Europe, which ended in a quarter of a
million copies of the album being sold worldwide.
Two years later in 1986 the album “Endangered Species” was released and this
was a very worthy follow up to the “Standing Alone” album. The album had an
aura of such bands as Y & T and Triumph, but also British bands like Judas
Priest and Magnum. Oddly enough the album had a cover of Magnum’s own “Just
Like and Arrow”! However, for various reasons the band split up in 1987, a
sad day for the band and fans alike. Even at the time there was thoughts of
recording a third album…who would have thought it would not be until 20
years later!!
Later Don Wolf was to front the band Point of Power in 1992, record a solo
album (Making Changes) and later form Project X with Kenny Kaos in order to
release the album “Blueprint For Xcess” on the Escape Music label in the
late 90’s (catalogue number ESM006). This was one of Escape’s earliest
releases and is still highly regarded to this day!
Moving back to the present day and White Wolf, it was Escape’s own Khalil
Turk that suggested to Don a new album would be a great idea. A phone call
to Cam Macleod and the thoughts the band had 20 years ago had been magically
resurrected. Here we are in 2007 and the White Wolf is to prowl the streets
once more! The new album “Victim Of The Spotlight” is soon to be released
and the sound these guys have created is even better than before; this is
very catchy metal and is bound to rekindle the flame for fans old and new.
Escape Music is also delighted to announce the re-release of both White Wolf
albums, “Endangered Species” and “Standing Alone” as a double CD digipack.
It is beautifully put together with new liner notes, loads of pictures,
re-mastered and with two bonus tracks and three video tracks – more info
later…
The track-listing for “Victim Of The Spotlight is: Eyes Of The World, Don't
Turn Away, America, Out Of Control, Dreams Are For Ever, Price Of One, Hold
On, Nightmare, Night City, The Wolf, One More Lie, Victim Of The Spotlight
and Hard Cold Stone.
CROWN OF THORNS have signed a deal with Frontiers Records.
“Yes, we are very excited to make a new record”, states band leader Jean
Beauvoir, “It’s been quite a while so we've had to chance to recharge
our batteries and build up our creativity”.
Frontiers and Beauvoir agreed recently to ink a deal together in order
to bring back the legendary band with a brand new album. “Some basic
tracks were recorded already” says Jean, “but still early stages. We
want to focus on great songs, I feel that this is the important point.
We love great melodies, lyrics, hooks, and power! We want to combine
these elements in the best way possible. We want the new album to be one
that raises eyebrows and makes our comeback a welcomed one!”
Formed at the dawn of the 90’s by Jean Beauvoir (songwriter for Kiss,
Ramones, Lionel Ritchie, John Waite among others and former member of
Plasmatics and Voodoo X) recruiting Tony Thompson of Chic and The
Powerstation, Micki Free of Shalimar and top session bassist Michael
Paige, Crown Of Thorns quickly became the subject of a fierce major
label bidding war.
Fate decreed, however, that the resulting self titled debut album - due
to the changes in the musical climates and management differences – got
released independently only in mid April 1994 to much critical acclaim.
This was promptly followed by a packed out show at London's Marquee
Club. With the album receiving rave reviews everywhere - Kerrang! dubbed
it "One of the finest American Hard Rock albums in recent years" - it
entered the Metal charts a week after release and stayed there for an
incredible six months!
In 1995 Crown Of Thorns were asked by Jon Bon Jovi to be special guests
to Bon Jovi and Van Halen for three months throughout all of Europe,
playing to over a million people and with raving audience response. With
their re-recorded "Are you Ready" single CD climbing the UK-charts and
after Crown Of Thorns performance at the prestigious Rock am Ring
festival in Germany, the band finalized deals with the other territories
and returned home to the US for a bit of a rest. But not for long! They
soon after headed back into the studio for the completion of their album
"Breakthrough", released in 1996.
Crown Of Thorns released another 3 amazing studio albums “Lost Cathedral
in 1998, “Destiny Unknown” in 2000 and “Karma” in 2002) to great
acclaim.
Melodic hard rock with prime time balls: Crown Of Thorns is a what
rock’n’roll is all about and their come back promises to be one of the
events of the year in rock !
WORK OF ART is the latest addition to the Swedish Melodic Rock scene.
Featuring singer Lars Säfsund, one of Sweden’s best kept secrets with
Robert Säll on guitars and Herman Furin on drums, Work of Art delivers a
melodic, yet powerful rock music, based around Lars strong vocals.
Influences from bands like Toto, Journey and Giant can easily be spotted
in the sound of the trio, which still has a very recognizable trademark.
Ranging from more up-tempo rockers like "Why do I?" to more radio
friendly songs like " Camelia", Work of Art is hoping reach not only the
traditional melodic rock fan but also to cross over to a wider and more
radio based audience.
“Well, the best way to describe Work Of Art sound could be: heavily Toto
inspired! Especially the Isolation period. In other words, guitar driven
melodic rock with lots of harmonies, strong hooks with lots of keyboards
as well!” says guitarist Robert Säll.
Work Of Art are now busy recording their debut album which promises to
be ear candy for the AOR lovers. Some reviews of their 3-track demo tape
already speak of a revelation:
PRIMAL FEAR finished all the recording sessions for the new album! The orchestra parts are also included and Ralf Scheepers recorded lead & backing vocals on his last full songs "The Curse Of Sharon" & "Drenched In Blood" over the Easter weekend. Tthe title of the new PRIMAL FEAR album which will be "NEW RELIGION", and here are the songs to be featured:
1. New Religion
TREAT have announced that they will make a series of vintage bootleg material available on YouTube. There's already a teaser online, from Jakobsbergs Sporthall in Stockholm, Sweden in August, 1988.
TURISAS has been announced as one of the performers of Golden Gods Awards Show on 11 June 2007.
They have also been nominated to compete of the "Best Underground Band" title.
ALLEN / LANDE project "The Revenge" is now in MySpace:
LIZZY BORDEN has shot the cover of the as yet un-named new recording due out the end
of summer.
Lizzy is working with special effects wizard and make-up artist Ralis Kahn
(www.ralisfx.com) Although no details have been revealed, Ralis has designed the set
and the look of the band based on the characters in the storyline of the new
recording.
Famed ‘Metal’ photographer Alex Solca took well over a 1,000 shots in a two-day
marathon, involving extras as well as the band (Lizzy, Joey Scott, Marten Andersson
and Ira Black). At the end of the two-day shoot the set was literally set a blaze!
with flames shooting 30 feet into the air! And all captured on film.
“Because a lot of music is going straight to itunes, we thought we would pay
special attention to both the cover and the back cover and fill the inside of the CD
booklet with tons of fun shots from this specialized photo shoot. As we all know,
very soon there will no longer be an actual CD to have a cool booklet for.
Everything will go straight from the studio to your ipod, so we thought we would
really do this one up right!” commented Lizzy
Fifteen hours worth of video footage was also filmed during the two day shoot. Stay
tuned to www.Lizzyborden.com for the ‘Making of’ as well as the cover to be
posted soon.
In other news: Lizzy Borden has enlisted the ‘metal guitar’ services of Jack
Frost. Jack is coming on board to play the New England metal festival (April 28)
with us as the second guitarist with Ira black. Jack is also one of the ‘special
guest’ guitarists playing on the new record due out the end of summer.
Canadian metallers SNAKE EYES SEVEN will be heading to L.A. on May
21, 2007 to shoot a new video for their highly anticipated debut
release. The first video to be filmed is "Hell Or High Water" with
subsequent videos due throughout 2007. Well known horror/gore movie
producer David Sterling of the Sterling Movie Factory will direct and
handle video production.
As previously reported, the debut for SNAKE EYES SEVEN is due out at
the end of the month and will begin shipping to stores throughout the
U.S. nationwide as well as Europe, Canada and the rest of the world.
SNAKE EYES SEVEN will make their debut appearance at the Milwaukee
Metal Fest XIX on May 11-12, 2007. A U.S. tour will follow and is
currently being routed. Full tour details will be announced.
APOCALYPTICA will perform at Eurovision Song Contest Final in Helsinki, Finland. They will be peforming during the interval between the final entries and the voting countdown. The band has also been confirmed as the support act on Metallica's sold out July gig in Helsinki, along with HIM, who were named earlier.
[9 April 2007] MARK ST. JOHN, the guitarist of KISS on the "Animalize" album and also a member of the band WHITE TIGER has passed away at the age of 51. RockUnited.Com sends condolences to his family and friends. R.I.P.
ARI KOIVUNEN has won the Finnish "Idols"-competition. He divided opinions throughout the competition by choosing mainly hard rock and metal songs in this reality TV show, based on the "American Idol" format. In the final show, he sang Sonata Arctica, Scorpions and Soundgarden plus the tailormade song "On Top Of The World", which is set to be his first single.
VERSAILLES RECORDS are working on a new compilation project
called 'Strip Club Rock Vol. 1/2', which which seeks to
celebrate the storied union of Sex and Rock & Roll by featuring blues, rock,
pop rock, metal, industrial rock, rap-rock, and any and all relevant
sub-genres which routinely and traditionally have been the soundtrack to
topless rocking. The album will feature current/ former members of
Aerosmith, Love/Hate, Dangerous Toys, Guns N’ Roses, Quiet Riot, Mc5, Salty
Dog, Ratt, L.A. Guns, Adler’s Appetite, Rockstar: Supernova, and others.
There is a one-time, non-refundable $50 fee required to participate. Each
band will receive 10 promo copies of the album, a photo and bio in the CD
booklet, and mention in all news and advertisement on the album's release.
Contact: Stripclubrock@yahoo.com
[5 April 2007] MÖTLEY CRÜE will be touring in Europe this June. Here are the dates:
Fri 1 SWI, Wintherthur - Eishalle Spirit of Rock Festival
In related news, Nikki Sixx sent out the following update about his album "Heroin Diaries":
"the first single from the "Heroin Diaries" album is done. The track is called
"Funeral" and really is a celebration about being alive. James Michael who wrote, produced and
performed the whole album along with me and DJ has mixed the first single. Things are moving fast now
and an audio book is in works too. It will launch at the same time with the book and album. First
video will be shoot in 2 weeks too."
Z ROCK 07 FESTIVAL location and date has been confirmed, along with two new bands. Press release:
"After numerous set backs our third attempt to stage a show this year
is fully confirmed. Z Rock 07 is without doubt our most impressive
line up so far and see's the festival return to its original home at
Maximes, Wigan UK on October 7th. Negotiations have been long and
thanks must go out to James Christian [House Of Lords] for his
flexibility and support in helping to make this show happen we owe
him a few beers ;O) House of Lords have been on board since the
initial plans where drafted during late summer 2006. Whilst we do not
have all the bands fully confirmed we believe now is the time to go
public, our crew a very excited about the forthcoming event and we
believe fans will be the same.
FULLY Confirmed so far
and more acts will be announced over the forthcoming weeks, please
note that the above appearances are Exclusive one off appearances in
the UK!!!! Tickets will go on sale April 23rd via various outlets
visit www.myspace.com/zrockfest for full details."
DARK FEST will take place in Estragon, Bologna, Italu on 20t May 2007. The line-up includes The 69 Eyes, Macbeth, Belladonna and other bands. More info:
visit www.myspace.com/darkfest
LORDI's concert on 11 May in Helsinki has been cancelled, because of scheduling problems. Lordi will perform at the Eurovision Song Contest final on 12 May though.
SLAYER have cancelled their appearance at RUISROCK Festival in Turku, Finland. The organizers are looking for a replacement, mostly likely another metal band.
VENOM will be spreading their joyful message of Black Metal to Finland in May:
LAUREN HARRIS has been confirmed as the support act of Within Temptation on their two Finnish dates (23 April - Helsinki and 24 April - Tampere). She is the daughter of Steve Harris (Iron Maiden), and has been working with the legendary songwriter Russ Ballard (Rainbow, Magnum etc). More info: www.myspace.com/laurenharrisuk
[4 April 2007] A stunning surprise package is boxed and tied and ready for
unwrapping: the Scorpions, Germany's most-successful international music
export, are poised to "sting" once again and are planning a frontal attack
on the musical artery of rock fans all over the globe with their new album
Humanity - Hour I. Thirty-five years after the release of their debut album
Lonesome Crow, the Scorpions believe they have reached a new creative high
in their impressive career. And they plan to prove it with the release of
album no. 21 on May 30th.
"We have achieved just about everything that a hard-rock band
can only dream of. We've had world hits, played some of the biggest
festivals in the world, even conquered America. It would be easy for us to
say we were going to take it easy and just enjoy the fruits of our labour
for the rest of our lives," says singer Klaus Meine. Easy that is, if it
weren't for the blaze that he says Klaus Meine, Rudolf Schenker and Matthias
Jabs, the band's creative forces, still feel the fire burning when they work
on new music projects. Even though they have already made music history with
hits like "Wind Of Change", "Rock You Like A Hurricane" and "Send Me An
Angel"- there is still nothing more exciting than a new challenge, than
adding another milestone to the band's history.
"There are a lot of people who say that the classic concept
album is dead. We don't see it that way, so we are swimming against the tide
again with our new CD", explains guitarist Rudolf Schenker. The Scorpions
describe their musical collaboration with the legendary American producer
Desmond Child, as "renewing themselves". Child has already helped to shape
the sound of artists like Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Alice Cooper, Kiss and Meat
Loaf and has been responsible for the release of over 100 hits. Matthias
Jabs says, "Desmond is a fabulous visionary who took us to musical levels we
had never reached before." The fruit of this extremely productive
collaboration, in which James Michael was also on board as co-producer, is
an album that melds the classic hard Scorpions sound with modern elements of
today's musical style. "Humanity - Hour I is a mature album, with lyrics
that are often provocative and deal with the dark sides of the world we live
in. At the same time though, we are sending our fans a positive musical
message, telling them not let the insanity going on around us every day get
them down", explains Klaus Meine, who considers Humanity - Hour I to be the
most powerful album since the global success of Crazy World in 1991. "We
have delivered a strong body of work over the years and are more confident
than ever," says lead-guitarist Matthias Jabs.
Like the band's other members, Matthias Jabs is convinced that
Humanity - Hour I will generate an enormous surprise factor that will win
over even distinct Scorpions critics. "The new album will feature the great
power-rock ballads, of course, but we have been and we remain a rock band,
and people who go for hard but melodic songs will love this album" explains
front-man Klaus Meine.
The Scorpions worked on the band's new sound with Desmond Child
and James Michael for four months in several studios in Los Angeles. Nothing
was left to chance: there was even a private trainer on staff to keep the
band in top physical form between takes. "As exciting as it is to work on
new songs in the studio - when it comes right down to it, we are a die-hard
live performance band that really shifts into overdrive when we hit the
stage", says Rudolf Schenker. Fans all over the world seem to agree: above
all in Asia and Eastern Europe, the Scorpions still fill the biggest
stadiums every year, performing in front of hundreds of thousands of
enthusiastic fans. In early March, the band returned to Moscow to give a
concert in the Kremlin at the invitation of the Russian president - an
honour granted to relatively few Western artists. But the Scorpions'
power-packed live shows have numbered among the events that sold out the
fastest in the USA and Canada and many European countries for decades as
well. The band is currently experiencing a real revival in Britain: last
year demand for Scorpions concert tickets reached a new high there. "Direct
contact with our fans is our biggest source of inspiration" explains Klaus
Meine. One significant factor explaining why the band's calendar is already
quite full for this year. Humanity World Tour 2007/2008 will take the
Scorpions right through Europe, North and South America and Asia.
The Southern California blues-rock band first took a bite out of the
rock scene in 1984 and since then has achieved worldwide success,
encompassing sales of over six million records. They received a Grammy
Award nomination for Best Hard Rock Performance for the song "Once
Bitten, Twice Shy" and earned a double platinum certification for the
album ".Twice Shy".
The soulful, blues-based signature sound that turned songs like "Face
The Day", "Rock Me" and "Save Your Love" into international hits, can
also be found on the new songs which are currently being mixed by the
band's keyboard player Michael Lardie.
"I don't feel it's a record where we have tried to reinvent ourselves",
says guitar player Mark Kendall, "It's like everything you have liked or
disliked over our entire career rolled into 1 record and then some. But
everyone has grown musically and I think that will show through".
The - still untitled - new album, is the first all original in 8 years
and was recorded in just three weeks during March '07. The process was
very spontaneous. According to drummer Audie Desbrow: "The recording
experience was a blast. We had a lot of fun doing this one", while
Michael Lardie adds: "The one thing I wanted to make sure of, was that
FUN was the signpost for every bit of recording we did, no stress,
loose, upbeat, mission accomplished! Egos have been checked at the door
and decisions are made as to what is best for each song".
Bassist Sean McNabb comments: "I think we had creative control on this
one and everyone got to give ideas, that made it a band thing".
Michael Lardie concludes: "The new songs sound fresh to me, very Great
White but with an approach of what we sound like in a live performance
situation. Kendall and I are having fun channeling our Stones roots and
playing off each other in the Richards/Woods tradition".
Great White has been churning out memorable songs since the early 80's,
when singer Jack Russell and guitarist Mark Kendall joined forces and
adopted a blues-based sound that went against the era's glam rock grain.
Their independently released EP "Out of the Night" sold 20,000 copies
and brought Great White to sign a deal with EMI America, which issued
the eponymous "Great White" in 1984.
"Shot in the Dark", their follow-up independent release, marked the
arrival of drummer Audie Desbrow. By the time Capitol Records signed the
band and reissued "Shot in the Dark", keyboardist-guitarist Michael
Lardie had come aboard. Great White then hit the road with Dokken and
was on the verge of even bigger success. The 1987 follow-up "Once
Bitten.", which featured the hit tracks "Rock Me", "Lady Red Light", and
"Save Your Love", went platinum. Their next album ".Twice Shy", which
featured the Top 5 hit "Once Bitten, Twice Shy", more than doubled that
tally.
The late 80's were boom years for the band, marked by non-stop touring
with some of the biggest bands of the era and playing also in Europe and
Japan. Great White recorded two more albums for Capitol - "Hooked",
which was certified gold and "Psycho City".
Although Capitol issued a Best Of compilation in 1993, Great White had
already departed the label to begin work on their next studio release,
"Sail Away", released on Zoo Records in 1994 supporting it with
relentless touring. Their next release, "Let It Rock" in 1996.
Great White then signed with Portrait Records, an imprint founded by A&R
guru John Kalodner that featured fellow hard rock acts such as Ratt.
"Can't Get There from Here" was released in 1999 and is the band's last
studio opus thus far.
Frontiers Records plans to release the newest album at the end of August
2007. More details will be released at a later stage.
Related websites:
LION'S SHARE have signed a recording contract with AFM RECORDS. Press release:
After four successful albums and several tours with bands like MANOWAR, DIO,
MOTÖRHEAD, SAXON, U.D.O., ICED EARTH and NEVERMORE, Swedish heavy metal
masters LION'S SHARE are back with their long-awaited comeback masterpiece,
"Emotional Coma", due out on June 15 in Europe through AFM Records. The band
features guitar player and founding member Lars Chriss, along with vocalist
Patrik Johansson (ASTRAL DOORS, WUTHERING HEIGHTS), bass player Sampo Axelsson
(GLENN HUGHES) and well-known session drummer Richard Evensand (CHIMAIRA,
SOILWORK, THERION).
Commented Chriss: "We are extremely proud and honored to be a part of such a
great label as AFM Records. AFM is home to many great bands and we couldn't be
more excited to be a part of that roster. It feels great to work with a label
staff that understands our music and goals. We are looking forward to a long
and successful cooperation."
"Emotional Coma" is "the heaviest and most
powerful LION'S SHARE record to date" and it features guest appearances by
Bruce Kulick (KISS), Glen Drover (MEGADETH) and Mats Levén (THERION, YNGWIE
MALMSTEEN).
Commented Markus Wosgien, A&R of AFM Records: "The new record is heavy metal
at its finest. It shows the band from another side, less progressive, more
straight and metal. If you are into the old gods like SAXON, JUDAS PRIEST or
ACCEPT - you will love this unique and high-class record, which is a new
beginning in the history of this amazing band."
"Emotional Coma" track listing:
01. Cult of Denial
Related websites:
NEIL ZAZA has plenty of "breaking news" on his website - here's the short version:
- Last year's
"Neil Zaza's One Silent Night..." concert at Cleveland's famed
Palace Theatre was digitally recorded and will be available on CD
this spring.
- Neil will be touring Italy this month for a series of concerts and
clinics. The tour will feature Mistheria, Walter Cerasani and Fabio
Colella.
- "Snap, Crackle & Pop...Live!" is back in stock. The 2-CD set captures Neil, drummer Bobby Rock and
bassist Bill "The Buddha" Dickens live in concert during their
extensive 1997 North American tour.
Furthermore, PARADISE LOST just shot a video for "The Enemy" on the Crimean peninsula in Yalta with the Ukrainian director Edward 209 (www.edward209.com). Edward 209 already proved his talent with dark and bizarre looking videos for Front 242 and In Strict Confidence, and you can expect something really special.
Related websites:
SUSPERIA have suffered a major setback in the run
up to their forthcoming European tour with WASP later this month and the subsequent
UK dates with ONSLAUGHT. The bands drummer Tjodalv has broken his ankle In a freak
accident and will have to sit out the dates.
The incident happened when he slipped on a patch of ice whilst unloading his
vehicle. He was immediately rushed to a local hospital where he was diagnosed with
an ankle break in two places, which required an emergency operation. Shattered and
dejected Tjoldav is now at home recuperating, with strict orders to rest for at
least five months until the breaks heal. The band are devestated at what has
happened.
SUSPERIA have however, confirmed that they will fulfil all their upcoming live
commitments and have drafted in Anders Haave from Blood Red Throne as a temporary
replacement for the dates.
SEDUCED BY SUICIDE have announce their live debut. The band's first concert will be take place in Metal Battle-Brasil, where the Brasilian contestant to the Metal Battle of Wacken Open Air wil be selected. For this show, besides of Geraldo Aita, guitarist of Burning in Hell, who is already working with SBS main man Earth in the
recordings of the new single, two musicians were invited: Maurício Pezzi (Fermata)
will be responsible for the keyboards, and César Campos (Nebulousky) for the drums.
The bass and vocals will be performed by Earth.
INTENSE have a new video online at Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oEYsxh_h1U
MY LAND AOR project has a new website: www.mylandmusic.com
[31 March 2007] DANNY VAUGHN & TERRY BROCK are currently on a tour in Finland. The tour began yesterday in Kuusankoski, and today they are in Lahti. Here are the remaining announced dates:
06.04.2007 Haavi (Viitasaari)
SWEDEN ROCK have annouced five new bands:
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Italian fanzine SLAM! on sunday 22nd April 2007,
at the Indian's Saloon in Sesto San Giovanni (Milan), don't miss a special Rock and
Roll event with the english rockers Quireboys, supported by The Jolly Power and
Fuoriuso!
[30 March 2007] The release dates have been confirmed as well:
The final track listing is:
Disc 1: Crawl, Wicked, Carried Away, If Only, My Condition, Alive, Seeds Of Thunder, Evident, Shine, Disgrace, Breathe, Signs
ARTISTWORXX and MUSIC BUY MAIL recently have agreed about a working relationship and
have founded an ARTIST SERVICE. This cooperation is now offering comprehensive
support for bands and artists who haven´t achieved a label deal yet but who
nevertheless play good quality sound. We cover all major key points for placing
artists and bands on the current markets. Our services include promotion, marketing,
management, artistic support including graphic processing of artworks, contacts to
media partners and CD manufacturing.
This altogether creates a pool of long-term know-how, well established contacts and
intensive commitment and dedication from our side! We intent to offer A BIG CHANCE
to bands and artists and our goal is to present their music and products a great
deal and to increase the possibilities of successful presentation and efficient
marketing.
SANCHEZ, the Swedish band signed to Z Records sent out a press release introducing the live line-up:
Jose Sanchez - vocals. He has been in a lot of bands such as Fierce Conviction, Lies and Empire Saint just to name a few. But his heart has always been in the glam/hardrock and AOR music.
Sami Lopakka of SENTENCED has started a merchandising company which he introduced at the Finnish
Metal Expo 2007, where SENTENCED also received their gold-DVD for the overwhelming
success of "Buried Alive" in Finland.
"Located just below the Arctic Circle in Finland, Northern Tribe creates full
clothing series and concentrates most of all on meeting the demanding needs of
rock/metal-based subcultures.Northern Tribe's first offspring is Metallion Hardwear,
a series created exclusively for the metal genre and the first of its kind
worldwide. The opening edition includes T-shirts, long sleeves, girlies, tops,
hooded jackets, pants and headwear, and there's more to come.For bands, clubs,
labels, festival organizations and such Northern Tribe is also the source to get
their merchandise done by people who have been involved with the metal genre for
their whole lives and therefore know what they are doing."
ARCH ENEMY has been confirmed to headline this year’s Up From The Ground Festival in Gemuenden, Germany
Release date: 18 May 2007
Due to an injury of Mat Sinner the SINNER / VENGEANCE tour had to be postboned. Here are the new dates:
SINNER on tour (presented by Rock Hard, Musix, Rock It!, Powermetal.de, MusicBuyMail.eu)
06.05.2007 D - Augsburg - Spectrum
SINNER confirmed festivals:
VENGEANCE confirmed festival:
19.05.2007 (NL) Borstrock, Oud Vossemeer
Behind the TRW acronym hides a trio made up of the most incredible
musicians/session players that have literally played the history of Rock
and Pop music!
T stands for Michael Thompson. A stunning guitar player, Michael is
well known to the Melodic Rock crowd for his M.T.B. album "How Long"
released in 1989. He has also released two solo albums titled, "The
World According To MT" and "MT Speaks". But he built his reputation
playing with such megastar names as Shania Twain, Michael Bolton, Lionel
Richie, Madonna, Cher and many many more. He is nowadays one of the
leading names in the guitar world and is playing is instantly
recognizable and full of technique and feeling.
R stands for John Robinson: a real legend in drumming. He released one
solo album titled "Funkshui" and played with an impressive list of
artists. Some names include: Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Eric
Clapton, Seal, Steve Winwood and of course Barbra Streisand.
Last but not least, is Mark Williamson, the singer and bass player in
the line-up. He came to the attention of the Melodic Rock fans -
together with Robinson - on the superb TOTO-flavoured album as BRIDGE 2
FAR. Later he released one solo album for GRP, entitled "Time Slipping
By", collaborated with Mike Oldfield and worked in sessions or live
dates with many artists, including: Freddie Mercury, George Harrison,
Stevie Wonder, Steve Winwood, Jeff Beck, Elton John, Peter Frampton.
"The concept behind TRW is that myself, Michael and Mark are true fans
of classic rock and roll", explains John Robinson. His friendship with
Thompson dates back to their years in the Berklee College of Music when
they were in classes together.
"We have so many things musically in common that it was destiny forming
TRW", continues Robinson. "We also play in David Foster's All-Star band.
Michael and I have been writing together for many years now and by
adding such a great singer/writer as Mark, it is just magic. We have
formulated our own style with comparisons to many rock bands such as Led
Zeppelin, Bad Company, Journey and Toto".
"One thing that we pride ourselves on is all our songs have melodies
that everybody will remember", concludes Robinson: "We all believe in
great songs! Quincy Jones taught me about it and by the way, this is
definitely not a one off. We have already plans to start writing by the
end of this year for the 2nd CD".
The release is scheduled for June 2007 on Frontiers Records, with more
details (including an additional very nice surprise for the fans) to be
announced at a later stage.
Finnish battle beasts TURISAS strike back with the frenetically awaited follow-up release to 2004’s acclaimed debut “Battle Metal”. Titled “The Varangian Way”, this opulent and inspired masterpiece, which was recorded at Sound Supreme Studio and then mixed and mastered at Finnvox Studio (Nightwish, HIM, Apocalyptica), transcends all sub-styles within the heavier metal worlds and unites each and all of their different elementary nuances into an experience unlike any other in a current scene of copycat bands.
Vocalist and producer Warlord explains the complex ideas behind this stunning new opus:
„The album is based on a concept story which is fictional, but strongly tied to real historical persons and events. It's a journey of a group of Northmen, who travel down the East-European river route through the lands of modern day East Europe. This was an important trade route in the 9th-11th centuries and the Northmen going in this direction were called Varangians who took this route to Kiev and finally Constantinople. The album follows this journey and the songs are events that take place on the road. As much as it is a journey of these men, it is also a journey in a search for self and identity - something which the protagonist is going through throughout the story. The varying surroundings can clearly be heard on the album as it features a lot of influences from the different cultures and people our travellers would have encountered on their journey.
Making this album was a very challenging task. I started developing the idea and framework for the concept soon after “Battle Metal” was released in 2004 and it demanded a lot of groundwork and studying. The songs were written between mid-2005 and 2007 when it was clear what every song would be about. In the end of 2006 we were finally ready to enter Sound Supreme Studio together with co-producer Janne Saksa to record the album. It took over two and a half months of work to record the album and two weeks of mixing at Finnvox studio together with Teropekka Virtanen to finally finish the album in March 2007. The sound is big, pompous and orchestral, but also features a lot of progressive elements and ethnic influences. It's a daring blend of many different styles, but I'm confident that people are musically open minded enough to swallow this album. All in all I would say that it is a natural step forward from “Battle Metal” to a more mature sound - still definitely TURISAS, but at the same time different.”
The album will hit stores in Europe in June and will contain the following new battle hymns:
1. To Holmgard And Beyond
Having converted many a fan to join their army during past appearances at renowned festivals like Wacken, Tuska, Earthshaker, Party.San, Bloodstock, Nummirock or Summer Breeze, as well as an European tour with Die Apokalyptischen Reiter and more recently a sold-out UK tour with Finnish megastars Lordi, TURISAS are now launching their second and most striking attack with the release of “The Varangian Way” and they have subsequently confirmed slots at Summer events like Graspop, With Full Force, Rock Hard Festival, with plenty more relentless touring to come. Readers of UK’s Metal Hammer magazine voted TURISAS the “Best New Band” in their Reader’s Poll – the 2006 Reader’s Poll, 3 years after the album’s release! – and there’s no need to be clairvoyant to comprehend that a triumphant and victorious 2007 campaign will be rightfully theirs – gather arms and join TURISAS on their journey to Miklagard!
So far the following TURISAS shows have been confirmed, more to be added soon:
26.05.2007 Rock Hard Festival, Gelsenkirchen (D)
22-23.06.2007 Summer Nights Festival, Strasswalchen / Salzburg (A)
24.06.2007 Graspop Metal Meeting, Dessel (B)
29.06-01.07.2007 With Full Force Festival, Leipzig (D)
www.turisas.com
[29 March 2007] KAMELOT areready to continue their ascension to the pinnacle of metal royalty. After their biggest and most successful releases "The Black Halo" and the critically acclaimed "One Cold Winter's Night" metal pioneers KAMELOT return with another studio masterpiece; "Ghost Opera" which will hit stores on these dates:
"Ghost Opera" will be KAMELOT's third release via SPV/Steamhammer Records.
"Ghost Opera" was recorded and mixed at Gate Studios and Pathway Studios in Wolfsburg, Germany with producers Sascha Paeth and Miro. Artwork was handled by Mattias Noren with contributions by Alexandra V. Bach, Liliana Sanchez and Derek Gores. A limited-edition digipack version of the CD will include the bonus cut "The Pendulous Fall" along with a bonus DVD containing the video for the album's title track, "Ghost Opera", shot by director Ivan Colic of Serbia's Code Team as well as the making of the Ghost Opera video. The Limited Edition will contain a special extended booklet as well.
SPV/Steamhammer Records will release a strictly limited free 1-track single CD of Ghost Opera to be handed out to fans attending the European Tour in March, April and May 2007. (Fans will get the single for free at the merchandise booth!)
"Ghost Opera" track listing:
01. Solitaire
KAMELOT's guitarist Thomas Youngblood states: We are very excited about the new tour and album release this year. Ghost Opera is full of new and varied elements for us and the fans. This will be our most ambitious stage show ever as well.
In good KAMELOT tradition Ghost Opera includes an array of guests, exotic instuments and dives into new musical territory.
"This is certainly another leap forward for Kamelot, with what I think is our best, most exciting and important production to date." says KAMELOT vocalist Khan.
KAMELOT's current lineup is as follows:
Khan - Vocals
Kamelot's World Tour 2007-2008 kicks off this Spring March 29th in Europe.
29.03. NL-Zoetermeer - De Boerderij (sold out)
23.06. E-Zaragossa - Monsters of Rock Festival
www.kamelot.com
MTM MUSIC is proud to announce the signing of San Diego based "modern day
power metal" band CAGE.
Critics and fans alike have tried to label or classify this 5 piece group
from the glistening shores of San Diego, California, with terms like "pure
millennium metal", "classic metal for the new age" or "modern day power
metal". But CAGE's sound is unmistakable which is proved by the new concept
album "Hell Destroyer"!
In 1999 CAGE won the ROCK HARD best-unsigned band contest in competition
with 600 other bands and were rewarded with the possibility to play at the
DYNAMO festival the same year. They then signed their first record deal
immediately after their ripping performance in front of an estimated 8,000
at the 1999 DYNAMO Open Air festival. After a brilliant performance there
they were selected to play the prestigious WACKEN Open Air Festival in
Germany and the METAL DAYZ Open Air Fes-tival in Switzerland. CAGE was able
to hone their live skills in front of huge crowds on a consistent basis by
opening for IRON MAIDEN, DIO, JUDAS PRIEST, DOKKEN, etc. "Darker Than Black”
was hailed as an instant classic by many of the metal industry leading
magazines and webzines and finished in the #1 position on the HEAVY
Soundcheck chart list.
The concept story of "HELL DESTROYER" travels through time from the
Crucifixion up to a modern day New World Order, to a demonic invasion of the
earth and finally the resurrection of the Metal Devil himself 100 years
after the end of the world! This massive epic is 75 minutes of relentless
head banging with the soon to be classics that only CAGE can deliver with an
extended illustrated booklet.
Line-Up:
Tracklist:
1. Descension
The release is scheduled for May 18th, 2007.
Samples:
MANIC STREET PREACHERS will release their new album - "SEND AWAY THE TIGERS" - on 9 May. The first single, "Your Love Is Not Alone", is a duet with Cardigans Nina Persson.
NIGHTMARE RECORDS have signed Italy's HEART OF SUN
and Brazil's SCELERATA. They also have a brand new forum:
The SINNER Line Up for the forthcoming tourdates and festivals is Signed,
Sealed & Delivered! Aside of Mat Sinner on vocals & bass, we can confirm
Klaus Sperling (drums), Frank Roessler (keyboards), Christof Leim (guitar &
vocals) and the comeback of former Sinner, Primal Fear and Thunderhead
guitar killer Henny Wolter! Henny is rejoining the band with immediate
effect!
VENGEANCE is confirmed as the Special Guest for the tour, with Saidian and Unrest supporting on select dates. More info:
[27 March 2007] GAIA EPICUS is currently searching for a new bass player and
a new touring guitarist. Gaia is making plans to go out and play
to promote their new album. Any interested booking agents and
bass players / guitarists should contact the band at:
band "at" gaia-epicus.com
BALTIMOORE have made their professionally recorded
live appearance at the Hard Rock Cafe in Stockholm on Dec 17th 2006
available as a free download from their official website
www.baltimoore.net in .mp4 format.
Band leader Björn Lodin comments: "It
simply got too expensive to manufacture and market the disc at this point,
and I think it's more important that as many people as possible get to see
and hear us - than to wait with the release to a later date. We hope you
like it".
The concert runs for 1h 37min and features the following track listing:
My Number 1 : In Love : Cumgum : Kahlua Confusion : Life : Thomas Larsson
Guitar Solo : Ballerina : Fanatical : Outer Me : To The Bone : Wellaway :
My Blue Moon : Tables Turn : Play On, as well as an in-depth interview with the band - in Swedish but with
English subtitles.
The concert sees the band line-up as that on the 'X' album in full rocking
mode with superb sound. The line up is comprised of Björn Lodin - vocals,
Thomas Larsson - lead guitar, Mankan Sedenberg - rhythm guitar, Weine
Johansson - bass, and Hempo Hildén on drums.
This free download is a highly compressed version - 297mb. Artwork can
also be downloaded at the website.
However, fans that would prefer to see and hear the concert in full
uncompressed glory on their TV can order the dvd-r and also get an added
bonus of a 16 bit/44khz audio cd-r of the gig (not sold separately). This
double pack can be purchased from www.baltimoore.net for 250 sek/$35/?27 +
shipping, for both discs. The dvd-r also has the added bonus of promotional video clips for
"Wellaway" and "Give Me What You've Got".
In other related news, the new studio album from Baltimoore has been
delayed. No confirmed release date is available at present.
POWER QUEST have just returned from their first European Tour with Angra and Firewind. Hitting five countries in three weeks, their energetic stage presence and impressive technical prowess saw them stun audiences, many of them whom had not heard or seen Power Quest before. The recent change to a twin guitar attack and a tight five song set proved to be a killer combination.
LACUNA COIL’s Cristina Scabbia didn’t only do guest-vocals for Megadeth’s "A Tout
Le Monde" (which originally appeared on the 1994 album "Youthanasia") now retitled
"A Tout Le Monde (Set Me Free)", but also participated in the video of the song that
was shot at a downtown Los Angeles studio on Thursday, March 8.
Check out pictures from the at LACUNA COIL’s Myspace Blog or watch a video clip with some behind the
scenes footage @ Myspace!
"I just shot my parts for the new Megadeth video ‘A Tout
Le Monde’ in Los Angeles, and it was a blast! I met Dave Mustaine the day before I
shot my individual parts, and it’s always amazing when you can talk with an artist
who has been around in the music scene for so long and is still down to earth. Dave
was nothing but kind to me. It was such an honor to collaborate on the song, and then
to be asked to participate in the video shoot was simply unbelievable. I always
loved the original version of the song, but what a lot of people don’t know is that
this is an entirely new version. It’s more rockin’ and powerful. Now I totally
understand why they decided to remake the song, for even though the original was
already amazing, this new version brings more to the table. I did my best to play up
my ‘acting skills’ the best I could. It was definitely funny to play the part.
You’ll soon see what I mean. It’s going to be great. I’m sure you’ll have as much
fun watching this video as I had playing my character when you’ll see the final cut.
And these are the last words I’ll ever speak, and they’ll set me free. // Cristina
Scabbia"
"A Tout Le Monde (Set Me Free)" will appear on Megadeth's new album,
"United Abominations"
After finalizing a video-clip for "Within Me", Lacuna Coil will
embark on the latest installment of the Jägermeister Music Tour alongside Stone Sour
and Shadows Fall. The trek, which kicks off on March 23rd and runs through early
May, is the group’s fourth U.S. run in support of their "Karmacode" album. Before
playing a few selected festivals in Europe they will do their own US headlining tour
with the motto "The Hottest Women In Metal" together with Within Temptation, In This
Moment, The Gathering and/or Kylesa. Tickets for the headlining dates are on sale
now, be sure to get your ticket soon at tixx1.artistarena.com/lacunacoil.
MILWAUKEE METAL FEST XIX is proud to announce that the majority of
our undercard has been booked! Undercard bands are featured,
non-headlining bands. 36 featured bands are listed below. Though the
list is substantial, it's not quite all of them! The organizers are working hard to get the headliners confirmed too.
The Undercard:
GOD FORBID / SKINLAB / RE:IGNITION / EXCITER / BYZANTINE / VICIOUS RUMORS / 3 MILE SCREAM / MASTERY / BROKEN TEETH / MACABRE / JUNGLE ROT / VIRGIN STEEL / CAGE / CORPSICLE / VAMPIRE MOOSE / AGENT STEEL / BATTERED (FORMERLY EINHERJER - NORWAY) / A.N.J. (RUSSIA) / HURT LOCKER / PAIN PRINCIPLE / YEARS OF FIRE / SNAKE EYES SEVEN / AZREAL'S BANE / PURITY / LUPARA / ACHERON (Performing The Rites of The Black Mass Set) / GODLESS RISING / UNMERCYFUL / ANAL BLAST / DEVITALIZE / CARDIAC ARREST / ENGORGE / THUS DEFILED / DIABOLIC POSSESSION / TERATISM / RAISE HELL
Milwaukee Metalfest XIX May 11-12, 2007, Waukesha Expo Center,
Waukesha, WI
GARY MOORE, URIAH HEEP and DAVE EDMUNDS are playing in Kotka, Finland. During the Tall Ships' Races -event
on 18 – 21 July a series of concerts are being organized, and these concerts will also feature several domestic artists. Here are the time tables for the rock concerts:
19 July 17.00 - 01.30 Apulanta, Yö.
Frontiers Records (Zink Music/Bonnier Amigo) is pleased to announce the
release of MELDRUM’s brand new studio opus entitled "Blowin’ Up The Machine"
on May 11th 2007!
MELDRUM is – in guitarist Michelle’s own words - a "in your face, ass
kicking metal band", combining aggressively melodic vocals, mind bending
guitar riffs, along with a rhythm section creating fiercely bombastic
grooves, giving the band their unique, cutting edge sound.
After the release of their debut "Loaded Mental Cannon", MELDRUM followed up
with an intensive touring that culminated in 2005, when the band toured for
3 months with Zakk Wylde's BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, appearing in sold out venues
across the US and Europe, as well as supporting MOTORHEAD in Europe on their
30th anniversary tour. In the fall of 2006 MELDRUM joined again MOTORHEAD as
special guests for the fifth time on their German tour.
Singer Moa Holmsten is special guest vocalist on Motorhead’s 30th
anniversary DVD. Moa recently recorded guest vocals for Lemmy Kilmister’s
(MOTÖRHEAD) solo album, on a song written by Dave Grohl (FOO FIGHTERS).
Guitarist Michelle Meldrum started her first band Wargod, with Strapping
Young Lad drummer Gene Hoglan. She went on to form and become, lead
guitarist of hard rock band PHANTOM BLUE, originally signed to Shrapnel
Records, Roadrunner, & Geffen Records.
MELDRUM have recently completed their album "Blowin’ Up The Machine",
including mixes by Toby Wright (Korn, Fear Factory, & Alice In Chains),
featuring guest appearances by both Lemmy Kilmister and Gene Hoglan (Death,
Strapping Young Lad).
"Lemmy has been a big influence and a huge supporter of the band" says
Michelle Meldrum, "He co-wrote some lyrics and was in the studio recording
"Miss me when I’m gone" and just came by and hung out a few times. We admire
and love him, he’s awesome!"
"Blowin’ Up The Machine" boasts a shit load of energy, with modern
influences mixed with traditional metal sound. Again in Michelle’s words
"The new album is more of a band effort and we think the songs are heavier
and that the songs represent us better. Our energy that we have live was
captured in a stronger way on this cd".
"Blowin’ Up The Machine" will include the following cuts: Purge ; Down Your
Throat; Scar; Creme De La Crème; Hang Em’; Miss Me When I'm Gone;
Another Kind; Exploited; Get Yours; Outta Here; Bite The Pillow.
Samples:
ARCH ENEMY are pleased to be able to announce that original guitarist Christopher Amott is
rejoining the band with immediate effect. The band, having finished an intense 18
month touring cycle all over the world promoting the "Doomsday Machine" album and
"Live Apocalypse" DVD, are currently busy working on songs for their new studio
album.
Christopher surprised many by departing Arch Enemy at the end of the
"Doomsday Machine" recording sessions in 2005, having been in the band for 10 years
(starting with Arch Enemy at age 18). Christopher followed his urge to see the
outside world and find what else is out there apart from music. Having done that,
the time is right for him to return to the fold with a newly injected bite and focus
and to resume his career.
Commenting on the re-grouping announcement he
states: "This is very exciting for me, returning to Arch Enemy as a fulltime member!
Right now we are working on our forthcoming album and I'm very pleased about the way
it's turning out. The new songs are fast and furious with lots of melody! To all the
people who sent me kind messages while I was out of the band, thank you for your
support, it helped me a lot. After this (much needed) two year break, I'm looking
forward to getting back on the road. I hope to see you all later this year!" Arch
Enemy mastermind Michael Amott compliments his younger brother Christopher perfectly
in style and chemistry and together they have become one of the most infamous and
ripping guitar teams in extreme metal.
Michael comments: "So, we are back with my
brother Christopher on guitar - it's a huge rush to have him back playing in his
signature style! He's jumped in at the end of the songwriting process for the new
album and added some of his unique spice! I feel Christopher's playing has matured
and is more precise and even faster than before! Guitar fans are going to freak on
the stuff we are getting up to on the new album!" The last two years have been the
busiest and most successful touring campaign of Arch Enemy’s entire career, so the
many fans both old and especially new can now look forward to witnessing
Christopher’s return to the stages of the world.
In regards to Fredrik Åkesson, the
Swedish guitar-wizard who has been touring with Arch Enemy for 18 months and who can
be seen on the band’s latest video clip for the song "My Apocalypse", Michael
states: "I want to add that we are eternally grateful to Fredrik Åkesson, who did an
outstanding job with Arch Enemy over the past 18 months while we dragged the
'Doomsday Machine' around the world a couple of times - YOU ARE FUCKING
AWESOME!"
Arch Enemy have spent the last weeks locked in intense rehearsals at their
homebase in Halmstad, Sweden, putting the final touches to the new material and
integrating Christopher on the new songs for the forthcoming studio album. More news
on this will follow in the next few days, so stay
tuned.
[22 March 2007] ALLEN / LANDE are back with "The Revenge". The greatly anticipated second chapter of the ALLEN
/ LANDE musical alliance will be released on May 11th 2007, via Frontiers (Zink/Bonnier Amigo in Scandinavia).
The first result of Jorn Lande and Russell Allen’s collaboration, “The
Battle” was unleashed in September 2005 with unanimous acclaim from fans and
critics alike. Many websites and magazines named it “Record of the Year”.
Its success made it one of the most popular releases ever in Melodic Heavy
Metal, thanks to beautiful, sweeping piano and keyboards, heavy guitar
riffs, virtuoso guitar solos, hooky choruses and the vocal talents of two of
the finest Heavy Metal vocalists around.
Russell Allen is the singer of the American Progressive Metal band SYMPHONY
X, who have released six studio albums and one live record so far. More than
once SYMPHONY X received accolades such as "Best Progressive Power Metal
Band Worldwide" or awards for the "Best Progressive Metal Album of the
Year".
Highly rated ex-MASTERPLAN vocalist Jorn Lande has a vocal capability that
is world class, distinctive, rich and spanning a large range. He is in high
demand and has appeared as guest or sung for such bands as MILLENIUM, ARK,
THE SNAKES and many others. He is also a well-known solo artist with six
studio albums released, since the debut "Starfire" in 1999.
Once again songs were written by guitar sensation Magnus Karlsson
(STARBREAKER, LAST TRIBE), the second chapter aptly titled “The Revenge” is
ready to be unleashed, with cover art specifically designed for this project
by Rodney Matthews (DIAMOND HEAD, MAGNUM, ASIA etc.)
Heavier and with a tighter production, thanks to the involvement of Dennis
Ward (PINK CREAM 69, ANGRA, PLACE VENDOME) at the mix, this album will
excite the many fans who loved the first chapter and everyone who declares
themselves fan of quality Hard Rock or Metal.
Tracklisting:
“The Revenge” will include the following songs: The Revenge
(vocals: Jorn and Russell); Obsessed (Russell); Victory (Jorn and
Russell); Master Of Sorrow (Jorn); Will You Follow (Russell); Just A Dream
(Jorn and Russell); Her Spell (Jorn); Gone Too Far (Russell); Wake Up Call (Jorn and Russell); Under The Waves (Jorn); Who Can You Trust (Jorn and
Russell); When Time Doesn’t Heal (Jorn and Russell).
Samples:
TWO OF A KIND is a new band put together by Fred Hendrix (Terra Nova). They will release their self titled debut album on May the 11th, 2007 through Frontiers Records (Zink Music/Bonnier Amigo).
Anticipated by a very good response from the fans from the exclusive preview
of the song “Light in the Dark“ presented on the Frontiers Records myspace
website, TWO OF A KIND debut album is a bold statement from Dutch producer,
songwriter and artist Fred Hendrix, well known to the Melodic Rock fans for
his work with TERRA NOVA.
TWO OF A KIND features in the line-up Fred together with his brother Ron on
keyboards and not one, but two female singers: Esther Brouns and Anita
Craenmehr. Completing the lineup are Gesuino Derosas (also from TERRA NOVA)
on guitar and Hans in’t Zandt on drums.
“The concept was to create a melodic album with two female singers. There
are not that many female singers in melodic rock, so I thought this would
spice up the scene a little bit. The bands core are the two female singers
Esther and Anita” explains Fred, adding “I have been knowing Anita for quite
some time while I found Esther by scouting”.
After a few writing sessions, Fred submitted the plan for his new band with
a great melodic rock edge in BOSTON meets HEART style to Frontiers Records,
who immediately loved the material and signed the band.
“For me personally it has always been a desire to write and produce for
others and this was the right opportunity. And I think this band can have
real nice future” concludes Fred Hendrix.
Tracklisting of the album includes the following songs:
Samples:
TWO OF A KIND is now a ready to unleash their powerful dose of Melodic Rock
on the fans and are ready to rock Europe with tour dates planned for spring
and the summer.
CHAVIS RECORDS has signed a deal with the high profile L.A. rockers
FIRSTROUNDKNOCKOUT aka 1RKO for the release of their self titled
debut. 1RKO features Simon Daniel (Jailhouse, Grind, Flood), Brian
Spang, Rich Sacco, and Derek Stephens. 1RKO features a new classic
rock sound driven by great songs and an infecious energy backed by
years of experience. 1RKO will be available through major digital
download outlets, online stores and mail order dealers.
1RKO's track "One More Time" can be previewed at the label's site:
The video "Chemicals" is available in the following address:
Tune into Broadcast Asylum Radio Thursday 7:00Pm CST and listen to
1RKO plus other CHAVIS RECORDS artists.
ZONARIA, Swedish death metallers, have posted a live video clip of the song "The
Last Endeavor" which will appear on their upcoming as-of-yet untitled debut
effort through Pivotal Rockordings. The video can be viewed both on their Official Myspace Page and on the Pivotal Rockordings YouTube Channel.
BLACK DAHLIA company have a new MySpace Profile:
In related news, the company has signed the NINOS. They are three
artist who blend their passion for Spain and its artistic gypsy culture
into a rock background, for a musical explosion of ethnic rythms and
energy. The Ninos are back with a new recording project and new live
dates! Ninos are:
METHEDRAS have officially entered Black Dahlia roster for live and
promotion. The powerful thrash band has been around for more than ten
years and represented Italy at Wacken 2004.
Visit the company's website for more information and video content from bands like SLEEP OF THETIS and SOVVERSIVO.
CARPTREE is a Swedish duo made of Carl Westholm (keyboards, composer,
producer) and Niclas Flinck (vocals, composer, lyrics). They will be releasing their fourth album "Insekt" via Fosfor Creation/Zink Music/Bonnier Amigo.
Carptree is a duo but are almost always accompanied by the No Future
Orchestra (NFO), a group of people from known and unknown other Swedish
acts, who adds their personal touch, more or less frequent, according to
Carptree and the questions of what, when and who? This is also the basis for
other important people (OIP) who go in and out of the creative process of
making a Carptree album. Carptree is a duo with the creative process in
their hands but with NFO and OIP plus a wide variety of influences the music
and sound of Carptree is consistent, variable and somewhat eclectic.
Beside this Carl has also been active in a lot of Swedish Heavy Metal acts,
he played on the record Abstract Algebra, and was a member of Candlemass a
short period, and is still doing all their keyboards. He is now also in a
band called Krux with Leif Edling of Candlemass and members from Entombed
and Arch enemy and Therion.
This new Carptree release (their fourth) is entitled “Insekt”, still with No
future orchestra, recorded during late 2005 and 2006. Produced in the same
way as the previous, drums recorded in GIG studios in Stockholm, Bass in SF
machinery. Studio Fosfor is still mobile so vocals were recorded both in
Stockholm, Jönköping and Rosendal. The Chamber choir present again recorded
in Trollhättan October 2006. The record is without doubt their best so far,
one could say that it is the Holy Grail of Carptree; dark and slightly
heavier then its precursors and with song-writing and keyboard work out of
the ordinary!
The album will be released on April 11.
SWEDEN ROCK FESTIVAL 2007 have confirmed 9new additions to their line up:
Classic hair metal from WHITE LION, high octane death metal from DARK TRANQUILLITY,
legendary rock n roll from QUIREBOYS, the last gig ever at Sweden Rock from
TALISMAN with Journey singer JEFF SCOTT SOTO behind the microphone. Heavy metal
from Swedens own HELLFUELED, crazy norweigans by the name of BLACK DEBBATH,
japanese blues from BLUESTONE COMPANY, classic heavy metal from BLOODBOUND with new
singer MICHAEL BORMANN and last but not least a bunch of men in funny hats, GOOD
NEIGHBOURS.
Dates for some of the bands have also been confirmed:
Wednesday June 6:
Thursday June 7:
Friday June 8:
Saturday June 9:
[21 March 2007] ROYAL HUNT and JOHN WEST have decided that at this time they are no longer able to contribute creatively to each other’s future musical development. Therefore, they mutually agreed to part their ways as of March 16th, 2007.
ROYAL HUNT is now looking for a new lead singer. The desired candidate shall
have the following qualifications:
1. Energetic front man with an adequate image
Please send your CV, recent photo(s) and a CD with 2 or 3 tracks (any
additional live video footage is a plus) to:
NorthPoint Productions
NOCTURNAL RITES have announced detail of their next album. Here's the press release:
The unstoppable Swedish power-house NOCTURNAL RITES returns with another masterpiece of Melodic Metal entitled “The 8th Sin”. The album will be released by Century Media Records on May 28th, 2007. The mystery of the album title can already revealed: The new album is, of course, full of lust, gluttony and pride, but stands above of any wrath, greed, sloth or envy – the 8th not that deadly sin, however, is a deluxe blend of Melodic Metal and Hardrock done the NOCTURNAL RITES way! “The 8th Sin” offers a slightly more modern sound with harsh riffs, huge choruses and the band’s classic guitar extravaganza. But don’t be afraid of any bad surprises, the new album is 110% NOCTURNAL RITES from start to finish!
Here is the track-listing of “The 8th Sin”:
The new album was produced by the band themselves, co-produced by Shep and mixed by Mattias Eklund & NOCTURNAL RITES at Toontrack Music in Umea, Sweden.
After a successful support tour with Gamma Ray, a Japan headliner tour, another support tour with Nightwish running through Scandinavia and countless headliner shows in their home country to promote the band’s last album “Grand Illusion”, NOCTURNAL RITES are ready to present their newest effort live this summer on various festivals to be followed by a tour in autumn. So don’t be greedy and join these sinners for the 8th time.
FATE's hard-to-find third album "Cruisin´ For A Bruisin´" will be reissued by MTM Music on 20 March 2007. The press release: "The story of this Copenhagen-based Danish melodic rock band began in 1985, when
former MERCYFUL FATE guitarist Hank Sherman (René Krolmark), MAXIM-singer Jeff Lox
Limbo (Jens Meinert), bass / keyboard player Pete Steiner (Peter Steincke) and
drummer Bob Lance (Bjarne Holm) met and found FATE. With producer Simon Hanhart
(Bryan Adams, Asia, 21 Guns, Yngwie Malmsteen, Marillion) the band recorded CRUISIN'
FOR A BRUISIN' in 1988, which features the ultra-catchy "Lovers" (released as a
single plus videoclip in 1988) and a new version of "Love on the Rox" from the
band's debut. Now, FATE's third album is finally getting its well-deserved digitally
remastered re-issue as the original CD release has been out of print since more than
fifteen years. 80's Melodic Rock at its best!"
The new MARTIE PETERS GROUP CD, Road To Salvation is scheduled for release in early
2007. Produced by MARTIE PETERS and mixed by veteran producer TOMMY HANSEN.
On a number of occasions, MARTIE has worked with MIKE TRAMP of WHITE LION and the
two begun a friendship that has lasted through the years. MARTIE performed backing
vocals for MIKE TRAMP'S albums "Remembering White Lion" (1999), "More To Life Than This" (2003) which was recorded at the famous Sweet Silence Studio and engineered by FLEMMING RASMUSSEN (METALLICA) and "Songs I Left Behind"
for Frontiers Records (2004).
Influences include but are not limited to: BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, BRYAN ADAMS, DEF
LEPPARD, ENUFF Z'NUFF, JOHN, WAITE, KIP WINGER, MIKE TRAMP, TESLA and ROD STEWART.
FEILED is currently touring in Czech Republic. The local EMI has released the band's latest album "Testify" and the band is promoting the release with a 5-day mini-tour. The tour started yesterday in Prague, and continues in the following cities:
Finnish dates will follow:
29.3. Jyväkylä, Freetime
EDEN have sent out an update: "The guys have now 80% completed 8 new songs for
album no.2. Al, James and Paul still have bits to do on these but things are moving
along very well.
A few gig dates you might want to put in your diary.
June 8th: The Nightowl in Cheltenham (as part of the Frontiers rock night)
Support on the 10th and 15th comes from Tomorrow the world. This is a new band
formed by Craig from Taras Secret.
More dates will be announced as and when they are confirmed. We are also hoping to
give you a release date for the album soon."
PARADISE LOST will release their new single "The Enemy" on 13 April. It's the first single off their much anticipated upcoming Century Media Records debut "In Requiem", which sees the band combine the classic heaviness of “Draconian Times” with the melodic feel of their more recent studio albums. The new single will only be released in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy. In Finland, the single will be available just for promotional purposes.
The new album was produced by Rhys Fulber (who already produced the last two PARADISE LOST albums as well as Fear Factory, Frontline Assembly, etc.) and mixed by Mike Frazer (AC/DC, Aerosmith, Metallica, etc.).
Vocalist Nick Holmes on the new masterpiece: "We wanted to make a heavier, darker PARADISE LOST album. But it was also important to write songs that encompass the melody that has become very much an integral part of our music over the last 10 years".
Greg Mackintosh (lead guitar) adds: “The album “In Requiem” is a very conscious decision by us to take our sound in a more raw, organic, less polished direction. Musically, it is about finding the balance between brutality and empathy, between horror and beauty. Neither a celebration nor a lamentation. Simply the emotions that arise, being surrounded by life and death.”
And drummer Jeff Singer answers the question number one – how does the new album sound? "Very heavy, very dark and lots of double bass drums...".
The album “In Requiem” will be released on May 21st, 2007 in Europe.
The single “The Enemy” includes a trailer of the upcoming PARADISE LOST documentary “Over The Madness” (directed by Diran Noubar and debuting at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2007) as video enhancement and the exclusive non-album track “Godless”.
Here the full track-listing for PARADISE LOST’s new single “The Enemy”:
Don’t miss them live:
DARK TRANQUILLITY have posted their new video
clip for “Focus Shift”, a song taken from the band’s forthcoming album “Fiction”
(European street date: April 23rd, 2007) online. The new video was directed by Roger
Johansson and you can watch the new clip
here:
JUDAS PRIEST are the subject of a new book. "Defenders Of The Faith: The True Story Of
Judas Priest" will be released this summer (published by Omnibus Press). The author of the book is Neil Daniels, and he is a freelance rock writer, who currently contributes to Record Collector, Powerplay and Fireworks Melodic
Rock.
AKASHIC have gotten their video to the StreetClip TV channel's rotation. It is being featured in Rock Universe (aired on thursdays) and The Big Mix (aired on sundays). The shows can be watched through Internet at
www.streetclip.tv
The band will be competing in the Metal Battle against other Brasilian metal bands for a prestigious slot at the legendary Wacken Open Air festival. More information available at www.nitross.com/metalbattle
NOSDRAMA have released a web single. Two tracks of "melancholic rock-metal" from this Finnish band are available on the band's website.
MAGNI ANIMI VIRI is an Italian band, and they have recently finished their first album. "Heroes Temporis" is a rock opera, featuring contributions from Randy Coven, John Macaluso and Bulgarian Symphony Orchestra Sif. 309. More info:
80’s ITALIAN METAL LEGION festival will once again take place in a castle in
GRANCONA (Vicenza) in June 01 as a guest in the "Castle Bikers Meeting" H.D. fest. This
will be the 4th edition of 80’s Italian Metal Legion and it's the first time ever
that we've been able to return to the same location two years in a row! Besides the
natural beauty of the town itself, set in the hills overlooking the castle, the
field around is a perfect location for a festival such a this!
80’s Italian Metal Legion is not just a 80’s Heavy rock tribute "concert" - it is so much more. Our hope is that more and more people will decide to live the true nature of a festival this year, coming to camp or stay in
nearby hotels and spending the entire day together, enjoying the music, records
market, all bikers show and the fun and relaxing activities available around the
castle's area. There is no entry fee, the show is free for all.
Here is the complete info:
"80'S ITALIAN METAL LEGION " 4th Edition
FRIDAY 01 JUNE 2007 "CASTLE BIKERS MEETING" 21° Chapter in Italy - GRANCONA ,LOC.
CASTELLO (VICENZA) NORTH ITALY. Concert starts at 21:00.
THE BLACK MASTER of Dark Doom sound www.theblackband.it
In collaboration with the new label HEART OF STEEL RECORDS we will
release a special Cd’s series with two italian cult bands, will already be
available at 80’s ITALIAN METAL LEGION 01 in June, great re-releases with a high
quality 16 pages booklet. More details will follow soon.
DARK AGES and LOADSTAR will play a very special show with original musicians ever
involved and play the songs in the line ups as they were recorded. From Loadstar will
available many more original demotapes copies for fans!
FELINE MELINDA and X-HERO are right now recording their new album and 80’s Italian
Metal Legion fans will be the very first people who can purchase it.
BOSPOP FESTIVAL will take place in Sportpark Boshoven at Weert, The Netherlands again. The dates are 7 and 8 July, and artists confiremed include John Fogerty, Joe Cocker, Gary Moore, Paul Rodgers, The Waterboys, Kim Wilde, Joe Bonamassa, Angelo Kelly & Band, Bløf, Blondie, The Scene, Venice, John Mayall, Marc Ford, The Yayhoos and Blowbeat.
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Frontiers Records (Zink Music/Bonnier Amigo) announce the release of the
long awaited FREDERIKSEN / DENANDER album “Baptism By Fire” on June the 8th
2007!
SCORPIONS
will release their new album Humanity - Hour I on 30 May 2007. Here is the press release:
Frontiers Records is proud to announce the signing of GREAT WHITE for
the release of the band's forthcoming 25th Anniversary / Reunion
all-original studio album in august 2007 !
PARADISE LOST
present you the stunning cover artwork for their much anticipated upcoming album "In Requiem", which will be released on Century Media Records on May 21st, 2007. The artwork was created by Greek artist Seth, whose gloomy designs already graced releases by Heaven Shall Burn, Rotting Christ, and the last Paradise Lost album.
NOCTURNAL RITES have released the artwork for their new album. The cover artwork was created by
renowned artist Axel Herrmann, who previously worked for Iced Earth, Dream Evil,
Unleashed, Edguy, Sodom and many more.
The highly anticipated new release from Canadian rockers SONIC X, entitled THIRTEEN, is a wrap and will be delivered in late Spring 2007. THIRTEEN contains 12+ blistering tracks further solidifying the band as a top contender in the ever changing world of rock n' roll. The entire musical package that is THIRTEEN, is incredibly superb and in your face. As a FREE added bonus feature, THIRTEEN will contain 4 additional tracks from the SONIC X debut.
Hot on the heels of the "Cruisin' For A Bruisin'" re-issue, another FATE album will get the re-issue treatment. The album will be digitally re-mastered and it'll contain a bonus track.
Frontiers Records is delighted to announce the signing of TRW for the
release of their debut album "Rivers of Paradise" !
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