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[30 August 2007] STRYPER to play in Turku, Finland
Stryper have been confirmed to appear at "Maata Näkyvissä"-festival in Turku, Finland. This annual gathering of Christian youth of Finland will take place on the weekend of 16-18 November, and Stryper are set to appear on Saturday evening.
Vocalist and keyboard leave THUNDERSTONE
Official press release from the band's website:
However, the first priority for us was not to let our fans down even
in a situation like this. Therefore, we will go on with the upcoming
co-headlining tour with Nocturnal Rites as planned. And we are most
proud to announce two incredible musicians who agreed to fill in for
the tour on such a short notice. On keyboards we will have none other
than legendary JENS JOHANSSON, the crazy Swede and a long-time friend
from Stratovarius. The vocal duties will be handled by the incredible-
sounding TOMMI 'TUPLE' SALMELA who in recent years has shared the
vocals with Marco Hietala in the classic Finnish metal outfit Tarot.
As you can probably imagine, we are more than thrilled to have these
guys on board. Book your tickets NOW!!!
ATARFE VEGA ROCK FESTIVAL in Spain this December
Official press release:
We are pleased to announce you the first bands, which will play at the
Atarfe Vega Rock Festival, set to take place the 1st of December (Saturday)
2007, in the city of ATARFE (at 11 km from Granada, Andalusia - SPAIN).
These Bands are EXCITER, LIZZY BORDEN, BELLADONNA, GRAVE DIGGER and
KATATONIA.
Like in past editions, the billing will include international bands, which
belong to the different genres of Heavy Metal. This year the shows will be
hold at *"Coliseo Ciudad Atarfe"*, a modern covered Bullring, with all the
facilities, that a music festival like the Atarfe Vega Rock Festival
requires.
First tickets will be sold the 5th September. For more info about our
festival, please visit our website www.brmusic.net. We are now updating
it, but very soon you will find there, all info about the Atarfe Vega Rock
Festival.
BLINDED COLONY parts ways with vocalist and bassist; replacements announced!
Sweden’s BLINDED COLONY has parted ways with vocalist Johan Schuster and
bassist Roy Erlandsson due to professional differences. Stepping in as new
and permanent full time members are Jeoan Olsson (EVILDOER) on bass and
Denny Axelsson (THE BEREAVED, ex-MARAMON, WITHIN REACH, CALM) on vocals.
Guitarist Tobias Olsson comments:
Adds new vocalist Denny Axelsson:
new bassist Jeoan Olsson comments:
BLINDED COLONY's sophomore release, "Bedtime Prayers", was released in
January through Pivotal Rockordings. The band followed up the release with
a 38-day tour with EKTOMORF and KAYSER. The band plans to continue touring
in the fall.
[29 August 2007] BALTIMOORE - New album, new line-up
It's been an eventful past 12 months for Baltimoore, and for a
while I (Bjorn Lodin) wasn't sure I wanted to pick up the pieces and
start again, but here we are now, with a terrific new line-up and
great new original songs.
It's truly an honor to have Mikael Nord Andersson back in the
band - he did background vocals on the first two Baltimoore-albums,
and is now featured as both guitarist and lead/backing vocalist! The
rest of the guys are all new players; Janne Stark - guitar, Robert
Bäck - drums and Björn Lundqvist - bass/vocals.
All songwriting for this project is done by Janne and myself and
we've already started recording. I am pleased to say Baltimoore is
on a new journey, taking yet another direction and breaking new
grounds! Release date for the album is still pending."
DARKEST SEED's cover of QUEEN's "The Show Must Go On" posted
online
The heavy/hard band DARKEST SEED is recording its debut cd in
Nitro Sound Solutions studios, with the production of Roger Fingle,
also known as Earth, the vocalist and multi-instrumentist of Blood
Tears and Seduced by Suicide.
Darkest Seed was born in 2004 with the proposal to produce
expressive, technical and melodic music, talking about deep and
current themes. Its line up is formed by the vocalist Benhur Lima
(Ynis Vitrin, Anaxes, Fire Symphony), the guitarist Ricardo Reolon
(ex-Burning In Hell) and the drummer César de Campos (Nebulousky).
Since the album will be released only in 2008, the band posted
online a cover of the Queen' song "The Show Must Go On", which is
available in the band's website and MySpace page at
SYMPHONY X - PARADISE LOST TOUR 2007
Following the release of their fantastic album Paradise Lost on
Inside Out Music/SPV in 2006, Symphony X will undertake a 6-date
tour of the UK this October/November, in support of Dream Theater.
Paradise Lost is not a concept album in the traditional sense but a
sequence of individual songs and themes based loosely on John
Milton's novel about the fall of man. Considered the band's most
aggressive album to date, guitarist and band leader Michael Romeo
says of the title:
"Of course the album features the kind of songs that people have
come to anticipate from us, but there's also a fresh and innovative
approach, as well as a number of musical and thematic
references...The lyrics are about deceit, revenge and corruption.
Some of them are practically infernal; others could be interpreted
in different ways."
UK TOUR DATES 2007
october
november
PILGRIMZ (DK) signs booking deal with 3RD TSUNAMI AGENCY
3RD TSUNAMI AGENCY (Volbeat, Hatebreed, Sick Of It All) will from now on be
responsible for PILGRIMZ booking of concerts and festivals in Denmark and
Scandinavia.
Currently, PILGRIMZ is negotiating a record deal. The cooperation between
3rd Tsunami Agency and the band’s management, Dream Fire Agency forms a
strong team of people around the band before the debut album entitled
BOARRIDERS is released somewhere in the near future.
A release date will be announced later this year but already now you can
listen to the single SHAKE A FEATHER on
Canadian VERTIGO
Coming Soon!! From the label that brought you Renegade and
Matrex, Renegade Sounds is pleased to announce *Vertigo*. This
eighties keyboard-laden guitar-driven melodic rock band from Canada
will be announcing a release date soon for the album entitled 'Takes
Me Back'. Stay tuned for more info!
RICHIE KOTZEN returns to the Mother
Head’s Family Reunion
For the un-initiated “The Mother Head's Family Reunion” is the title of
Richie Kotzen’s album for Geffen Records in 1994, his major debut and first
post-Poison solo album. Regarded by many fans and critics as his real
masterpiece, that record featured drummer Atma Anur, bassist John Pierce and
producer Richie Zito. This new “Return” album features instead powerhouse
drummer Franklin Vanderbilt, bassist Virgil McKoy and Arlan Schierbaum, who
has already played keyboards on Richie's previous albums.
“I decided to call this new album Return of the Mother Head’s Family
Reunion” explains Richie, “because it is the first cd I have done in years
with a full band. After hearing the vibe of some of the songs it reminded me
of the energy I had back when I did the original MHFR cd. So once the cd was
complete, it really had a lot in common with the original MHFR and this is
why I decided to call it Return of the MHFR”.
“Return of The Mother Head's Family Reunion” can boast a crystal clear mix,
some incredible band performances and a more guitar oriented approach, with
the addition of a stellar songwriting melted with Kotzen incredible
talents. “The thing that made the original MHFR cd stand out was the
extended solos in songs like “Cover Me” and “Reach Out I’ll Be There”, on
this record I think there are a lot of parallels in that regard, in
particular Fooled Again, Faith and Go Faster all have that original vibe to
them”, states Kotzen.
“Return of the Mother Head’s Family Reunion” is a definite highlight of the
season which marks a milestone in the former Mr. Big guitar player solo
career and will include the following songs: Go Faster; You Know That; Fooled Again; Faith; Bad Things; Dust; Chase It; Do It Yourself; You’re Crazy; Feed My Head; Can You Feel It; Drift (demo version – European exclusive bonus track).
Samples:
Lookout for Richie Kotzen and his band touring Europe in the fall.
>> QUICK GIG NEWS >> Suomi Finland Special
Motörhead mini-tour:
Paul Di'Anno, the original singer of Iron Maiden:
Marilyn Manson brings his provocative rock show to Helsinki:
[27 August 2007] LIZZY BORDEN's Appointment With Death: October 2nd
www.Lizzyborden.com
SYMFORCE FESTIVAL ready to prog'n roll!
If you like prog rock, symphonic rock and even a bit of retro rock then
013 in Tilburg (The Netherlands) is the place to be on 15 September. The
Symforce Festival features: The Flower Kings, Pendragon, Focus, Riverside,
The Aurora Project and many more. So, get your tickets now for the Symforce Festival which starts at 16:00.
Prog on!
TED POLEY signed to Frontiers, "Smile" to be released in October
Best known as lead vocalist for the legendary Melodic Rock masters DANGER
DANGER, Ted has also fronted in the past few years such bands as
BONEMACHINE, with whom he has recorded 2 successful studio and 1 live album,
MELODICA with Austrian guitarist Gerhard Pichler. He started his solo career
with the release of “Collateral Damage” in 2006.
“My new cd Smile continues where Collateral Damage left off” explains Ted,
“however it is much more evolved with amazing guitar work by JK Northrup. I
am sure the guitar fans and players out there will be totally pleased. JK’s
lead work is off the hook”.
Helping Ted on the album are the aforementioned JK Northrup (ex KING KOBRA
and NORTHRUP / SHORTINO) on guitar and bass, Eric Ragno (Ramos, Takara) on
keyboards and Dan Zoid on drums, with Vic Rivera appearing on guitars on
“Smile” and “Will Ya”. Ted co-wrote most of the songs together with Tom and
James Martin (Khymera, House of Lords).
“I know everyone says that their new cd is their best but this one really
is!” states Ted “I wanted to be myself but sound as great as possible, work
with the best musicians and start out the best songs. I co-wrote a lot with
some of my own personal favourite writers around the world. I am a very
happy guy these days. I am still having the fun of remaining in DANGER
DANGER and at the same time I am having fun, thus the title “Smile”. It
reflects perfectly my current mood as well as my live show attitude. I am a
very happy guy when I am doing music!”
Tracklisting of “Smile” includes the following songs:
Waiting Line; Going Blind; Smile; What If She Knew; More Than Goodbye; Luv On Me; If You Can’t Change Your
Heart (Then Let Me Blow Your Mind); Why Can’t We Pretend That It’s Over?;
Life Keeps Me Spinning Round; Where It Ends; Will Ya; Reprise (If You Can’t Change Your Heart)
Samples:
Don’t forget that TED POLEY will attend, as DANGER DANGER frontman, the
UNITED FORCES OF ROCK Festival in Ludwigsburg (near Stuttgart), Germany on
September 30th 2007!
SLAMER feat. Mike Slamer and Terry Brock enters the video age!
Mike SLAMER and Terry BROCK worked out a videoclip for the song “Not In
Love” taken off the SLAMER awesome debut album “Nowhere Land” released in
September 2006 on Frontiers.
Directed by Mike Slamer’s daughter Nicole (also responsible for the SEVENTH
KEY dvd “Live In Atlanta”), the video can be watched following this YouTube
link:
PRIMAL FEAR TOURDATES
PRIMAL FEAR announced more tour dates in support of their awesome
forthcoming album “New Religion”. Don’t miss this amazing band in their
favourite environment!
06.10.2007 USA - Atlanta - Prog Power
STURM UND DRANG jams with K.K. DOWNING!
Sturm und Drang, The "Rising Sons" of Finnish Metal (couldn't resist - news ed.) got a surprise guest for their encore at Salo's VRock last weekend. The legendary K.K. Downing of JUDAS PRIEST joined the band on stage for a version of the JP classic "Breaking The Law". Video footage is available on K.K.'s website:
[24 August 2007] ROAD TO RUIN ready with debut album on October 26th
This hot, new Swedish four piece is the brainchild of guitarist
Lars Chriss (LION'S SHARE) and bassist/ keyboard player Sampo
Axelsson (LION'S SHARE, GLENN HUGHES). "Road To Ruin" is a musical
celebration of the band's influences coming from the classic rock
era and carrying trademarks from artists such as Whitesnake, Thin
Lizzy, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin plus - especially when it comes to
the guitar sound - Black Sabbath. The band is completed by Thomas
Broman on drums (HUGHES/ TURNER, JOHN NORUM, ELECTRIC BOYS) and one
of Sweden's highest profiled singers: Matti Alfonzetti (SKINTRADE,
JAGGED EDGE), on vocals.
The track list goes as follows: 1. The Only One, 02. Pale Rider,
03. Face Of An Angel, 04. Pleasure And Pain, 05. For Your Soul,
06. Walk The Line, 07.Thorn In My Side, 08. Crawling, 09. Until I
See The Sun
THE FLOWER KINGS Strikes Back With: THE SUM OF NO EVIL
First a brief note on the album title and its slightly unusual
history, because initially, the new Flower Kings opus was to be
entitled simply Love. Main composer and producer Roine Stolt
says. "I intended to call the recording just 'Love' until I read
with surprise that The Beatles were releasing a new album with that
title, so I guess the universe wasn't big for that much ´love` in
one year. So by twisting the idea a bit, I came up with the
alternative title The Sum Of No Evil, which sort of equals Love. It
also gave us a great platform for using some of Ed Unitsky`s surreal
art for the cover, that ´fish-bus` is funny and in tune with the
hippie and flower power vibe yet a bit of surreal Monty Python style
too. There are way too many dark serious melodramatic bands out
there, we wanted to be the colourful, friendly alternative."
Their latest album, The Sum Of No Evil, is a perfect example of a
timeless prog rock release that easily lives up to classics such as
Lamb Lies Down On Broadway or Yessongs. Stolt refers to the album
as "Flower Kings to the max", explaining: "We wanted to make a real
hardcore symphonic rock and prog album. We took away all the pop,
the jazz and the experimental or ambient stuff and concentrated on
the pure prog that we do best" - an apt description of the almost 75
minutes of playing time and the six expansive tracks. "To make all
this a real trip for the prog rock fan we have worked in a studio
that specializes on 60s &70s vintage recording equipment, plus we
used lots of real vintage analogue keyboards, Hammond organ,
Wurlitzer, Rhodes and grand pianos plus lots of Mini Moog and old
tube amplifiers for the guitars," says Stolt.
The discussion about the pure doctrine of prog rock is as old as
the genre itself. Starting with King Crimson through Camel to
Marillion, it has always been debatable exactly how progressive prog
rock should be to deserve its name. For Roine Stolt, guitarist,
vocalist and composer with Swedish band, The Flower Kings, all these
considerations are unnecessary. Over the years, Stolt has developed
his own, unmistakeable songwriting style, a unique signature that
garners no doubt and has found countless fans all over the world.
Although the contemporary scene may be developing into a tougher
direction, The Flower Kings are always at their best when they don't
give a damn about supposedly new trends but simply continue to do
what they do best, grand vintage style symphonic prog rock and this
album proves that they are indeed the Kings of Prog 2007, by a good
margin.
SIEGES EVEN's "comeback" album: PARAMOUNT
To talk of a comeback in the original meaning of the word
wouldn't be quite correct, as Sieges Even never disappeared
completely, having brought out a brilliant album, The Art Of
Navigating By The Stars only two years ago, following an extended
creative hiatus. Although their latest album, Paramount, does not
arrive totally unannounced, it surprises with an artistic complexity
and stylistic diversity that is difficult to find in this genre. The
album forges an atmospheric arch to the band's beginnings back in
the late eighties, documenting the topicality of their music at the
same time. "Compared to our previous CDs, we focus more on the song
itself these days," guitarist Markus Steffen says of the group's
current attitude, adding: "We don't think so much about how many
notes we can cram into a particular number. The new songs are more
compact in themselves, and certainly occasionally tougher than the
compositions on The Art Of Navigating By The Stars, but always
supported by a strong melody. Although we love Navigating, we wanted
to embark on a different path without betraying our roots. I think
we've become more open to different stylistic influences since
Arno's arrival."
Steffen is referring to vocalist Arno Menses, who joined Sieges
Even three years ago and has been at the epicentre of this perfectly
measured soundquake ever since. Together with the brothers, Oliver
and Alex Holzwarth (bass and drums), Steffen and Menses have
concentrated on the essence of their talent more than ever before.
Paramount was recorded in collaboration with sound engineer
Kristian 'Kohle' Kohlmannslehner at his studio in Seeheim/Jugenheim.
Kohlmannslehner also mixed the songs, his colleague Kai Stahlenberg
taking care of the mastering. The result is a perfectly arranged,
cleverly produced and extremely melodious album that promises to
work well on stage, too. Fans should seize the opportunity to check
their latest release out in an audio-visual context: Sieges Even are
scheduled to embark on a tour of Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium
and Switzerland in October.
MINDFLOW on tour:
the Brazilian prog metal band is touring in Europe:
DOMAIN - NEW SINGER CONFIRMED!
DOMAIN proudly announces Nicolaj Ruhnow as the new frontman of the band.
Nicolaj, who filled the vocal position of the powermetal band IRONY
and his solo-project NICK HELLFORT so far, will be heard first time at the
yet untitled upcoming DOMAIN album, which will be released in spring 2008.
[19 August 2007] DOGPOUND Sound Clips At MySpace
VIXEN - LIVE IN SWEDEN
Vixen is undoubtedly one of the best-known, 'all-girl' US rock
bands of the 1980s and 90s as well as being one of the leading
exponents of what is now being described as 'hair rock'. They were
also one of the bands that crossed over into the mainstream with
hits like Love Is A Killer and Edge Of A Broken Heart being used
extensively on a multitude of rock compilations. Jan Kuehnemund
formed the band in Minnesota at the beginning of the 1980s,
relocating to LA and recruiting the line-up that recorded their two
studio albums, Vixen (1988) and Rev It Up (1990). By 1991, however,
the band had called it a day. In 2001 Jan reunited with three of the
former Vixen members to participate in the Voices Of Metal tour,
featuring Vince Neil of Mötley Crüe. Due to various difficulties the
band split midway through the shows and Jan faced the difficult
choice of either recruiting new members and continuing or giving up
Vixen forever. By taking the first choice and going through hectic
auditions, recommendations and rehearsals she was able to continue
the Voices ff Metal tour with the new line-up of Jenna Sanz-Agero
(vocals), Lynne Louise Lowrey (bass) and Kat Kraft (drums). The
chemistry was immediately obvious and this line-up continues to the
present day.
In 2005 Vixen went back out on the road, this time in Europe. A
short stint in the UK kicked off the tour (with their friends
Girlschool as special guests). They then headlined the Sweden stage
at the Sweden Rock Festival where, coincidentally, Vince Neil was
once more fronting Mötley Crüe. The show was a great success and
thankfully recorded for posterity for what is, amazingly, Vixen's
first ever live album. Live In Sweden proves that Vixen is not only
a pretty face but also a vibrant, powerful rock act with the ability
to deliver a powerhouse performance.
Live In Sweden features live recordings of the hit tracks, Love
Is A Killer and Edge Of A Broken Heart. Vixen will be returning to
the UK for a tour in November and will also be making an appearance
at the Hard Rock Hell Winter Ball.
SALEM Video Footage
Free SONIC SYNDICATE mp3s
Florida’s Pivotal Rockordings has released Mp3s of SONIC SYNDICATE’s
“Enhance My Nightmare” and “Lament of Innocence” for free download
on their website, address below.. The tracks
come off the band’s debut album "Eden Fire.”
SONIC SYNDICATE's debut album, "Eden Fire" was recorded at StudioMega (THE
CROWN, LAKE OF TEARS, BESEECH) and was released on September 13, 2005
through Pivotal Rockordings.
DOMAIN albums get an US distribution
Good news for everybody who couldn´t get the DOMAIN albums "One Million
Lightyears From Home", "New Horizons", "The Artefact", "The Sixth Dimension"
und "The Essence Of Glory" in the USA.
Because of a new contract with CD BABY, one of the leading distributors in
the states, the successful DOMAIN catalogue will be available in over 2.400
stores nationwide. In addition to that, CD BABY runs an excellent mailorder,
shipping the CDs with low mailing expenses worldwide as well.
Simply check it out, it´s worth trying! Have a look at:
HEREGE finished recordings and announces details of new album
The traditional heavy metal band HEREGE finished the recordings of their debut,
"Herege", which lyrics are about marking historical facts of 20th and 21st Century,
following a chronological order, from the end of Second World War, passing through
Cold War, Latin America dictatorships, untill the present, with themes about
globalization and terrorism.
It was recorded in Nitro Sound Solutions studio, being produced by Roger Fingle, who
worked with several South-American metal bands and is also known as Earth, vocalist
and multi-instrumentist of the bands Seduced by Suicide and Blood Tears.
Actually the cd is being mixed, and the track list will be:
01. Blitzkrieg
The whole recording process was registered and posted online by the band, as the
songs of the EP "Bang Your Heads" and several live videos. They are available in the
band's websites:
[12 August 2007] WIG WAM TO PLAY IN NOTTINGHAM AFTER ALL
This from www.wigwam.no:
MICHELLE DARKNESS RECORDS IN FINLAND
German Gothic rocker Michelle Darkness has been recording his debut album in Finland, under the guidance of producer Nino Laurenne (Thunderstone). The album will be available on 26 October 2007 via AFM Records, and it'll feature guest performances from Laurenne, Finnish Eurovision song contest singer Hanna Pakarinen and Entwine's Mika Tauriainen. Previews are available on Michelle's MySpace page:
[9 August 2007] THUNDERGROUND FESTIVAL CANCELLED
According to www.melodicrock.com, Thunderground Festival, which was to be held in the UK, is OFF. The line-up was to feature WIG WAM, THE POODLES, BROTHER FIRETRIBE, MAD MAX and HUMAN ZOO.
However, there are plans to at least partially rescue the event, Wig Wam is still planning to play in the UK on August 18th, the date of the festival. See www.wigwam.no for further info.
BILOXI III READY TO GO
Mark Allen Lanoue of Biloxi sent us this news update:
"We finished the recording of BILOXI III. We are now mixing the release. We also have another guess playing keyboards on a couple of tunes, Bruce Foster (KISS, Richie Sambora, Movie Soundtracks, etc). Bruce is a great guy and very talented musician & songwriter. We are honored to have him play on the release. We are planning to release the CD in the coming weeks. We hope to make the release before the anniversary of Clyde's passing on Sept. 10th."
www.brucefoster.com
SIGN ANNOUNCE HEADLINE UK TOUR August 2007
The Sign story is truly unique. The four piece band hail from a country famed for its quirky and experimental sounds (Bjork, Sugacubes, and Sigur Ros) but Sign play rock – direct, unpretentious rock songs, under laid with driving and emotive riffs and the distinctive powerful voice of Zolberg. The band line up is completed by Eagle (drums), Heimir (bass) and A.D. (guitar). The bands sound hinges round the charismatic 19 year old Zolberg’s vocals and stunning guitar playing – a hugely talented musician and songwriter, Zolberg released his first solo record in Iceland aged just 11…
The band have built up a loyal following in Iceland with debut album"Vindar og Breytingar" (Winds and Changes) – released in 2001 when Zolberg was only 14 - and 2002’s follow up "Fyrir Ofan Himininn" (Above the Sky). Sign then made the decision to record in English and the resultant album “Thank God For Silence” released in May 2006 won them a huge amount of critical praise and supports with Alice Cooper, Evergray, The Answer, Wednesday 13 and more recently with The Wildhearts. As the album was released on their own small Icelandic independent label the profile of names they attracted via word of mouth is hugely impressive. The album featured input from producer Mark Plati (David Bowie, The Cure) and guitarist Earl Slick (David Bowie, John Lennon, Ian Hunter). The band were quickly picked up by agent Jim Morewood (Him, Rasmus, Lordi) and hotter than hot producer Chris Sheldon (Foo Fighters, Feeder) remixed the single “So Pretty”. The band now embark on their first headline UK tour fresh off the back of a sold out tour with The Wildhearts.
Full UK tour as follows:
Wed 8th August - Rio's, Leeds
Tickets are priced £5 and subject to a booking fee. Tickets are available from www.seetickets.com or 24hr cc hotline. Doors are at 7.30pm for all venues. For all dates, Teenage Casket Company is support. Teenage Casket Company stage time 9.pm, Sign on stage at 10.00pm.
The album “Thank God For Silence” is out now on R& R Music
Some press quotes:
www.brucefoster.com
DREAM FIRE AGENCY SIGNS PILGRIMZ
Dream Fire Agency has over a short period of time established itself as a hardworking music agency with a huge network and a flair for developing international artists.Their latest signing is the PILGRIMZ from Copenhagen, Denmark.
The band has been described as follows: "Pilgrimz’ unique sound and style represent a new era of metallic rock ‘n roll terror! Sore vocals of the charismatic Max Vegas + Battering thunder-drums + Ripping guitars with monster heavy breakdowns + Attitude like the dirty truckers of Convoy = Pilgrimz".
www.brucefoster.com
[6 August 2007] JANI LIIMATAINEN OUT OF SONATA ARCTICA
Official statement from the band's website:
As many already know, our guitarist Jani Liimatainen has been absent from the line-up this spring and summer.
The reason was his messing around with his compulsory military/civil/prison duty, or rather,
complete failure to take care of it.
This matter, and everything that goes with it, caused a split between Jani and the other band members.
This split was impossible to mend without Jani's help and co-operation.
Therefore we would like to make known the following:
During fall of '06 and spring of '07, Jani's personal matters and actions drove us to a situation
where we had no option but to ask Jani to leave the band.
Jani was notified of this in May, and the separation was amicable. We wanted to give Jani the
chance to get his life together before making this public, which is why we didn't make this
announcement earlier. We wish Jani well on his chosen path.
"Show must go on", so, facing the facts, we hereby humbly announce that Elias Viljanen
is from this day forward a full and official member of Sonata Arctica.
Throughout this summer, on many occasions, Elias has shown himself to be able to fill
the big boots Jani left behind.
We hope our friends and our fans understand that this was the only choice left for us to make so
that our band could continue. Sonata Arctica has always been, and always will be, more than the
sum of its parts. The band has become for us a way of life, a lifeline that simply can not be cut off.
A long "Unia" -tour lies in front of us.
We extend Elias a warm welcome to the Sonata family, and we hope the fans will, too.
Sonata Arctica is whole again.
See you on the road!
Best regards,
YeboTV to Stream SLAYER Concert Live from the San
Diego Sports Arena on August 25th
New York, NY YeboTV, a next generation web based TV
network, announced today that it will stream Slayer¹s concert at the
San Diego Sports Arena on Saturday, August 25th. This will be a live
real-time stream viewable to fans globally on www.YeboTV.com, in
addition, fans can access the broadcast on Slayer.net, HotTopic.com,
and esp.com.
The San Diego concert is a stop on Slayer¹s current North American
co-headline trek with Marilyn Manson and is in support of the
release of Slayer¹s ³Christ Illusion, Special Limited Edition²
(American Recordings) CD/DVD which hit stores on July 24.
In addition to viewing the show live, fans will have a virtual
all-access pass to the behind-the-scenes locations and activities
leading up to the concert. YeboTV.com will have five cameras posted
at various locations at the San Diego Sports Arena, and fans can
choose if they want to check out catering, watch the stage being set
up, or see the members of Slayer arrive. In addition, YeboTV will
have five video chat rooms where fans can converse about the show in
real-time. Details for when these exciting features will
go live can be found at YeboTV.com. For further information, please
go to
TURISAS gets the disco fever - "Rasputin"-single available 26 Sept.
The pioneering Battle Metal act Turisas have recorded a cover of the Boney M-hit "Rasputin". The favourite in the band's live set has been immortalized to a video as well, featuring a battle between Saturday Night Fever and Turisas!
[5 August 2007] The new album is the second that was recorded after singer Michael Bormann’s departure from the line-up. Swedish ex SCUDIERO shouter Johan Fahlberg proved to be a more than perfect replacement and his live performances have conquered many new fans during the recent JADED HEART European tours. The new album is also going to present a new face, the guitarist Peter Ostros, who has contributed strongly to the songwriting of this kick-ass new release.
The sound on the album is definitely heavier and more in your face, still keeping intact the elements that has created the recognizable and well-known JADED HEART sound. Production was handled by some of the most requested guys in the German Hard Rock scene: Michael Voss (Mad Max, Voices Of Rock), Chris Lausmann (ex-Bonfire, Voices Of Rock) and Dennis Ward (Pink Cream 69) and you can definitely hear a sound that has the “million dollar bucks” trademark!
JADED HEART are already working on new tour dates to visit as many European countries as possible in the next months.
Final tracklisting:
Samples:
www.jadedheart.de
BURNING STAR RECORDS' NEW SIGNINGS
Burning Star have signed a few bands recently:
RAGENHEART - neoclassical metal, debut album scheduled for a late 2007 release.
More news and more at www.burning-star.net
NEIL ZAZA'S ONE SILENT NIGHT
What better time to promote a Christmas Show than in early August? Here's a press release from Neil Zaza:
The only Christmas show to see with over 100 musicians and singers
on one stage!
"Neil Zaza's One Silent Night..." will make a triumphant return to
the Historic Palace Theatre in Cleveland, Ohio on Saturday, December
15th for it's Fifth Anniversary!
Last year's show simply rocked the house! Fans from as far away as
Japan, California and Arizona witnessed a truly magical evening that
is still being talked about and this year's will be no exception.
Watch Neilzaza.com for fan preorder dates and information on how to
secure tickets to the hottest show in Cleveland!
The Hard Rock Hell festival is being held at Butlins, Minehead on 9, 10 and
11 November 2007.
The line up is as follows (alphabetical):
[1 August 2007] "YOUR TIME IS GONNA COME" - the roots of LED ZEPPELIN 1964-69
This unique, 25-track compilation explores the pre-history of Led
Zeppelin and features a carefully chosen selection of early and/or
extra curricular sessions from Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, Robert
Plant and John Bonham. The set includes John Paul Jones' rare solo
single Baja plus many other hard-to-find collectors'rarities,
notably tracks by Marc Bolan, P.J. Proby and Screaming Lord Sutch.
It is widely acknowledged that Led Zeppelin changed the face of
rock music but if ever a band were destined to mega-greatness, it
was Zepp, as they represented the coming-together of such a
ferociously-talented combo.
In particular, both Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones were already
highly experienced operators, having been active session
players/writers/arrangers/producers since the early 1960s. Page's
guitar can readily be found on dozens of 60s R&B/Freakbeat albums,
by groups as disparate as Carter-Lewis, The Kinks, First Gear, The
Primitives and Heinz & The Wild Boys, whilst JPJ had cut a solo
single, Baja, as early as 1964. They'd also worked together on
projects like Glyn Johns' Like Grains Of Yellow Sand, Twice As
Much's Sittin' On A Fence, Chris Farlowe's Moanin', Donovan's Hurdy
Gurdy Man - and more pertinently, Jeff Beck's magnificent Bolero
(JPJ even played alongside Page on The Yardbirds' Little Games).
Conversely, Robert Plant and John Bonham were relative newcomers,
with far less experience - although Plant had already begun cutting
an album with his mentor, Alexis Korner, when he got the call from
Page. When they finally got together in the summer of 1968, the
first studio sessions that the four played on were for the highly
collectable P.J. Proby album, Three Week Hero.
Even after the group's multi-platinum breakthrough they
occasionally worked on extracurricular projects - to which end this
fine set closes with a trio of tracks from the notorious Lord Sutch
& Heavy Friend album, featuring Page and Bonham.
ZONARIA RELEASE FIRST SINGLE FROM INFAMY AND THE BREED
Swedish death metallers ZONARIA have posted their first single, “The
Armageddon Anthem,” online via the group's official Myspace page. The track comes from their forthcoming Pivotal
Rockordings debut 'Infamy and the Breed'. A video for the track was shot by
Standard Film Team.
Infamy and the Breed will be released on September 3 (U.K.), September 4
(North America), and September 7 (rest of Europe) through Pivotal
Rockordings. The album was recorded by Per Nilsson (SCAR SYMMETRY) and
mixed & mastered by Jonas Kjellgren (SCAR SYMMETRY) at Black Lounge Studios
in Gälve, Sweden.
FRONTIERS RECORDS SIGN LAND OF TALES
The band is formed around Kristian and Palle, two musicians
who have been playing together for fifteen years in a Finnish band called
NAISKALA. During the past few years the guys have felt more and more the
need to write and compose in English language and towards and more
Adult-Oriented Rock musical style.
Kristian started writing songs in November 2006, meanwhile Petri Lahtinen
and Mika Mäkiranta wrote the lyrics for the tales. The result was a demo
that was submitted to the attention of Frontiers Records in the past weeks.
The brilliant songwriting, catchy melodies and big choruses immediately hit
the attention of Frontiers Records A&R team, who decided to offer the band a
recording deal.
In the meanwhile, long time musicians and friends Sami Rajala (on bass) and
Sami Ojala (on drums) joined the band and right now the guys are busy in the
studio completing the songwriting for their debut album which is foreseen to
be released in early 2008.
The Land of Tales sound can be described as an equal union of keyboards and
guitar, well crafted and with truly original and strong melodic elements!
Their material did already receive some glowing press responses with
Strutter Webzine saying: “LAND OF TALES is definitely a sensational new
Finnish AOR band as good as last year's BROTHER FIRETRIBE or URBAN TALE”.
AORdreamzones wrote “I will only write a few words about these new Finnish
stars on the melodic rock sky. I found them through the fantastic MySpace
site and I even liked them so much so I had to add them and one of their
songs as the song of the week”
”We are so excited to work with the label, which is absolutely the best for
this kind of music!” say Kristian and Palle. So let’s share their enthusiasm
and get ready for a brand new talent to be unleashed on the Melodic Rock
World !!
Check out some of the band’s demo tracks that gained them the recording deal at
ECLIPSE IN STUDIO, NEW ALBUM TO BE RELEASED ON FRONTIERS
Swedish Melodic Rock quartet ECLIPSE is writing and recording songs that will make up their third studio album. After the
great acclaim gathered by their debut album on Frontiers entitled “Second To
None”, the guys took some time off to write songs that could really be
something “BIG” and that could really launch the band to the levels they
deserve.
The resulting was a few demo tracks which were delivered to Frontiers a
couple of months back. We are pleased to say the guys totally nailed it!
When exposed to samples of the new material Andrew J. McNeice of
Melodicrock.com had to say “I love it when that music impresses beyond
expectation and I get to talk about that. Today I refer to Swedish AOR
outfit Eclipse, who have already gained a loyal following with 2 passionate,
powerful melodic rock records. The guys are hard at work on album number
three for Frontiers Records which signals what isn't really a slight change
in direction, but rather an updating of their sound. It suits them. The
rough mixes I have heard of three songs features a more modern and
contemporary sound, but still very classy and very melodic outlook. Of the
tracks I have heard - Unbreakable has a punchier guitar riff and a darker
contemporary style, but a glorious harmony filled chorus. Two Souls has a
faster tempo and a commercial rock feel and reminds me of an updated
Talisman style. To Mend A Broken Heart is a great, catchy modern rocker with
an uplifting commercial chorus. It may be a new sound, but the best aspects
of their sound remains and I'm really keen to hear more from these Swedish
lads”.
As a special present, enjoy a small sample of Unbreakable
(demo version!) and get ready for the full attack in early 2008. These guys
are getting ready to kill!
MAGNUS KARLSSON - THE BUSIEST MAN IN HARD ROCK?
The STARBREAKER guitar player Magnus Karlsson has been quite busy in the past few months.
After completing the songwriting and production for the second ALLEN / LANDE
instalment “The Revenge”, Magnus has completed a brand new record with ex
YNGWIE MALMSTEEN and RING OF FIRE singer MARK BOALS on all lead vocals. This
new album, entitled THE CODEX is going to be a slightly heavier affair
compared to the most recent efforts from Magnus and will showcase Boals’
return on the scene after a 3 years hiatus. Release for this incredible
record is tentatively scheduled for December 07. Stay tuned for more
details.
Not content with this, Karlsson is already in very advanced stages for the
songwriting of the sixth BOB CATLEY solo album. For this record Magnus dug
deep in his Celtic and Epic Hard Rock influences and gave the material
anyway an heavier edge, similar in places to Catley’s “When Empires Burn”
with obvious hints to MAGNUM sound. Production for the album will be handled
by none other than Dennis Ward.
Finally singer ex TNT singer Tony Harnell has planned a songwriting trip to
Sweden in august to write together with Magnus the new STARBREAKER album.
More details on this will be unleashed when available !
TURGON AND BARDOWELL GOING PLACES... OF POWER
Bruce Turgon (ex FOREIGNER) and Philip Bardowell (ex UNRULY CHILD) are very
close to finish laying the rough tracks for their upcoming debut album. Some
of the songs that will be included on the record are Hard To Love You,
Places of Power, I Live For You, One Day, The Passage, Light Of My World,
Secrets, Desires of Our Hearts, Always and Make Me Believe.
The songwriting is truly impressive and can only be described as “Foreigner
with balls”, with epic elements at times resounding of classic House of
Lords sound. The recording are planned to be finished after the summer with
mix to be handled by Dennis Ward (Allen / Lande, PC 69 etc). Places of Power
is going to be one of the major priorities in Melodic Rock for new year so
stay tuned for updates !
HOUSE OF LORDS WORKING ON A NEW ALBUM
James Christian and his cohorts in Florida are deep in the songwriting mood
for the new album that has a working title of “Come To My Kingdom”. The
stuff written so far encompasses everything that HOUSE OF LORDS is known
for: soaring melodies, epic numbers and riveting guitars. You can expect the
right follow up to “World Upside Down” one of the most successful releases
on Frontiers in 2006!
THE THIRD CHAPTER OF THE KHYMERA PROJECT ABOUT TO BE COMPLETED
The Khymera line-up this time is identical to the second album with Daniele Liverani on
keyboards, Tommy Ermolli on guitars, Dario Ciccioni on drums and Dennis Ward
of PC69 handling all lead vocals. The bulk of the songwriting was supplied
this time by Jim and Tom Martin, who offered seven tracks on the previous
album and wrote the classic “Ghost Of Time” on the HOUSE OF LORDS
masterpiece album “World Upside Down”. You can expect this time a tighter
production and a stronger amalgam for a winning team that will please every
Melodic Rock freak! Release to happen in early 2008.
TERRY BROCK AND MIKE SLAMER WORK ON A NEW ALBUM
Former STRANGEWAYS singer Terry Brock is currently busy in the recording and
production for his new solo album in Los Angeles under the direction of none
other than Mike Slamer (STEELHOUSE LANE, SEVENTH KEY, SLAMER). Terry is back
in a true Melodic Rock mood and his songwriting is expected to go back
directly to his STRANGEWAYS days with some hints at KANSAS’ “Drastic
Measures”. The mix will start after the summer and delivery of the album is
expected to happen at the end of 2007.
BLANC FACES READY FOR ANOTHER SHOT
Brothers Robbie and Brian LaBlanc have pretty much completed the songwriting
of the second BLANC FACES album for Frontiers Records. Some of the song
titles include Goodbye Summer, I Come Alive, Don’t Take It Away, Like a
Believer, Fly, Light In My World, Deep In The Heart, I Swear To You,
Everything, It’s All About Love, Falling From The Moon.
Whoever loved the band’s self titled debut is expected to be absolutely
delighted with what is to come. You can expect great songs in Survivor meets
Journey style.
JANN WILDE & ROSE AVENUE HAVE SPLIT UP
The Finnish Glam band Jann Wilde & Rose Avenue have split up. No official press release has been released, but the band's manager Tommi Liimatainen has confirmed the news in the local media. He appears to be rather pissed off about this sudden change in the course...
JW & RA made headlines when they entered the Finnish Eurovision Song Contest, and soon afterwards their songs were disqualified, as they had appeared on YouTube. They were allowed to submit two new songs, and performed in the Finnish qualification round. Their final position was 4th. Since then, the band has toured in Europe with Negative, also represented by Tommi Liimatainen.
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Frontiers Records (represented in Scandinavia by Zink Music/Bonnier Amigo) is pleased to announce the
European release of Richie Kotzen’s brand new album “Return of the Mother
Head’s Family Reunion” on October 19th 2007.
Shock rockers Lizzy Borden will release "Appointment With Death", their first album in seven years on Metal Blade Records on October 2nd. "AWD is epic, Heavy, dark and melodic, everything a traditional Lizzy Borden recording should be and more", says the press release... Guests on the album include George Lynch (Dokken/Lynch Mob), Dave Meniketti (Y & T),
Corey Beaulieu (Trivium), Jonas Hansson (Silver Mountain), Erik Rutan (Hate Eternal/ex-Morbid Angel) and Michael T. Ross (Angel/Hardline). Closer details of the album and samples can be found on the following sites:
Frontiers Records is proud to welcome onboard TED POLEY for the release of
his forthcoming solo album entitled “Smile” on October 19th 2007 !
JADED HEART reveal their SINISTER MIND on october 19th
HARD ROCK HELL in the UK
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