EUFORY - Higher And Higher (2018)

Release date: May 29th, 2018

Slovakian Power Metal Group Eufory are back with their new album Higher And Higher and it’s different in almost every aspect when compared to their previous album. From the members’ songwriting capabilities, the technical proficiency, the lyrical thoughts to the resulting sound – all of these things have moved to another level and changed through several gears, providing the greatest amount of pleasure possible to the listeners ears. The only thing that has remained untouched is the urge to push the “Play” button once again, even after repeated spins of the album.
The material was recorded in PureSound Studio in Slovakia and GM Recording Studio in Czech Republic. Higher And Higher got its final touches thanks to the mixing and mastering skills of Roland Grapow (Grapow Studios), who is also known as the former guitarist of Helloween and co-founder of the Masterplan band. His creative ideas greatly contributed to how the final of the album. This is straight ahead, old-school influenced power metal with a modern attitude. Eufory are back with 9 tracks (including a killer Motorhead cover) and a great new sound to get the juices flowing!



Higher And Higher | Released on May 29th, 2018 on Sliptrick Records

Track Listing:
01. Dragon Hearts | 02. Louder | 03. Karmic Eyes | 04. What A Shame! | 05. On A Pyre | 06. Dancing Star | 07. Soldier From Beyond | 08. I Want Out | 09. One More Fucking Time (Motorhead cover)

Eufory are:
Lubos Senko – Vocals | Stevo Hodon – Guitar | Peter Drabik – Guitar | Miriama Hodon – Drums | Adrian Benca – Bass

https://www.facebook.com/euforyband/
http://www.eufory.sk

Ancient Oak Consort - Hate War Love (2018)

Ancient Oak Consort come back to the scenes with the third album “Hate War Love” that will be out on may 18th. The album is a majestic opera of 17 tracks that mix prog rock/metal and the chamber music with Mediterranean Folk influences inspired by great composers like Ennio Morricone, Nino Rota.

The band was born in 1995, founded by Andrea Vaccarella (composer/guitarist). This is a project  composed of 3 fixed members: Andrea Vaccarella - Guitars; Giulia Stefani - Voice;  Stefano Ruscica -  Drums.

And special guests: Roberto Tiranti (Labyrinth) – Voice; Mathias Blad (Falconer) – Voice; Francesco “Frank” Marino (Union Radio – J. Macaluso band) – Voice.

Cosimo Tranchino – Bass; Dario Giannì – Bass; Filippo Di Pietro – Bass; Alexandra Butnaru.



Why “Consort”? Because in Renaissance music “Consort” means that some musicians play music with the founding  musicians.

https://www.facebook.com/Ancient-Oak-Consort-692226317645854/
https://www.facebook.com/revalverecords/
http://www.revalverecords.com

Dare - Out Of The Silence II (2018)

RELEASE 29 June 2018

DARE are probably best known for their singer/songwriter Darren Wharton (who first rose to fame in the early eighties playing keyboards with legendary Irish rock band Thin Lizzy). Today DARE are one of the most respected and innovative melodic rock bands on the AOR scene, and have gained cult status among AOR fans throughout Europe, the UK and the world. The band’s debut 1988 A&M album ‘Out Of The Silence’ recorded at Joni Mitchell’s Bel Air Studio in Los Angeles, and produced by Nickelback  producer Mike Shipley is still widely regarded today as one of the all time great AOR albums.

Darren joined Philip Lynott’s  Thin Lizzy  at the tender age of eighteen and enjoyed 5 great years with the band touring extensively, alongside  renowned guitarist Scott Gorham, drummer Brian Downey, guitarists Snowy White (Pink Floyd),  Gary Moore and John Sykes (Whitesnake).  Working closely with Philip Lynott, Darren also recorded classic Thin Lizzy albums, such as ‘Chinatown’, ‘Renegade’, and ‘Thunder and Lightning’ on which Wharton co-wrote 3 songs, including the hit single ‘The Sun Goes Down’.  Sadly, the latter was to be Thin Lizzy’s last studio album, and in 1986 Darren Wharton returned to his home town of Manchester where, as an outlet for his creative flare for song writing, working with young Oldham guitarist Vinny Burns, formed his own band, DARE.
Following the   debut ‘Out Of The Silence’, Dare’s second offering  was the explosive ‘Blood From Stone’ produced by Keith Olsen (Whitesnake, Scorpions).Sadly this was the last album recorded for A&M Records after the company was sold to Polygram in 1993.

In 1994, Thin Lizzy reformed and Wharton found himself back with his old friends Scott Gorham, Brian Downey, John Sykes and Marco Mendosa, playing to packed out audiences across the world.  But in 2000 Wharton decided to leave the Lizzy fold, and  turn his focus back to DARE.

Now living in rugged mountains of North Wales, and working in his own studio, Wharton was soon back writing again. First album off the press was the majestic ‘Calm Before the Storm’.  Then followed releases Belief and Beneath The Shining Water, each of which gained BBC2 national radio coverage.  Arc Of The Dawn was to follow and featured Dare’s classic cover of Thin Lizzy’s Emerald, and was again playlisted on Planet Rock radio; Each album adding new dimensions to the unique sound that was now synonymous  with DARE.
By this time, Darren’s long time friend and original DARE guitarist Vinny Burns, was now firmly back in the band;  With Kev Whitehead on Drums, Blood from Stone’s Nigel Clutterbuck on bass, and Marc Roberts on live Keys  Dare’s lineup had never been stronger; and in 2016 DARE released their highly anticipated 7th studio album Sacred Ground.
Sacred Ground delighted Dare fans everywhere, and after receiving spectacular reviews for European and UK press, quickly topped the Amazon Rock Charts in four countries, reaching number #1 in the UK, Germany, Spain and Italy. After national chart success  in Sweden, DARE also reached new heights in America, hitting number #12 in the U.S. Amazon Rock charts, and number #2 in the Japanese International Imports charts.



Following  acclaimed live performances in the UK, Rockingham, London Roundhouse,  Germany’s  Rock Of Ages, Sweden Rock Festival, Spain, Athens, Norway, the band’s reputation grew from strength to strength,  reinstating Dare’s cult status in Europe and the UK and the world.  With the first single ‘On My Own’ being playlisted on Planet Rock Radio for over 3 months, the band once more found themselves back on top of the AOR Rock scene.

Now 2018 promises to be another great chapter in the book of DARE, as the band celebrate their 30yr Anniversary with a Special Edition re-release of their debut classic album ‘Out Of The Silence’. Out Of The Silence II has been completely re-recorded and in Wharton’s own words “has taken on a new life”.  Rockier and harder sounding than and the original version, this fresh new recording will set the stage for the bands European tour starting off  at London’s  Shepherd’s Bush Empire on the 18th May. With a brand new studio album set for 2019, it’s clear that DARE are back to stay, and ready to Rock!

Wheel In The Sky - Beyond The Pale (2018)

RELEASE 31 August 2018

'Beyond The Pale' by Sweden's WheeI In The Sky is a concept album about darkness and death. The album contains an overflow of melody and a dark gothic energy, while tracks such as 'Burn Babylon Burn' and 'The Only Dead Girl in the City' also contain catchy pop hooks. The band is obsessed with mystical and religious imagery, obscure politics and harbor a morbid fascination for immolations and blood sacrifices, while trying hard to incorporate it all into a tasteful setting. 

The album will be released on August 31 via The Sign Records.

MaterDea - Pyaneta (2018)

RELEASE 8 June 2018

MATERDEA is one of the most known and recognizable metal band in Italy coming out of the pagan and celtic scene. After three releases and an acoustic album of cover songs, they’re finally coming back with a brand new masterpiece entitled “Pyaneta”!

Following the direction started with the previous “A Rose for Egeria”, this new record is a further step forward into the melting of metal and celtic music, in that personal own style that MATERDEA’s fans will acknowledge and love once more.

“Pyaneta” is a new fascinating and enthralling journey. It is a powerful symphony where all the instruments and the voices join the sounds of the Nature, painting new grandiose landscapes enriched by colors and sophisticated arrangements. The melodies reveal themselves along with the sumptuous guitar riffs, a powerful rhythmic session and the twist of strings and orchestration, allowing the listener to be carried away in a dimension full of energy, beauty and hope by these magical tales. “Pyaneta” is also an exhortation to a better awareness of the deep interconnection that exists between every living being and the largest, sentient organism that hosts us, our planet Earth. It is a message of love for life in its gorgeous wholeness.

“Pyaneta” is set to be released via Rockshots Records in Europe on June 8 and in North America on July 6.



TRACKLIST:
01. Back To Earth
02. The Return of the King
03. One Thousand and One Nights
04. Pyaneta
05. Neverland
06. S'Accabadora
07. The Legend of the Pale Mountains
08. Legacy of the Woods
09. Coven of Balzaares
10. Metamorphosis (Bonus Track CD version only)
11. Bourrè del Diavolo

PRE ORDERS: http://bit.ly/Pyaneta_CROWDFUNDING

The Soul Exchange - Edge Of Sanity (2018)

RELEASE 15 June 2018

The Soul Exchangeis a band that mixes Classic Hard Rock with a contemporary Metal sound. They have taken influences from the 70’s Hard Rock scene and created their own unique style of Metal infused, guitar driven hard rock, with great attention to the melodies and grand vocal arrangements. The lyrics deals mostly with subjects from the darker side of life such as insanity and evil in various forms.

The Soul Exchangefound their formula and sound with the line-up consisting of Daniel John (vocals & keyboards), Hans von Bell (guitars), Thomas von Bell (guitars), Patrik Ekelöf (bass), and Benny White (drums). Although mostly unknown to the wide public, all band members have long careers in the music business. They released the critically and likewise publicly acclaimed debut album “Bloodbound” in March 2017 on the Mervilton Records label and the five Track EP “Vow Of Seth” in December 2017 on the Pride & Joy Music label.

In the fall of 2017, the Swedish group began working on their 2nd full length release titled “Edge Of Sanity” that is penned for release on the Pride & Joy Music label on June 15th, 2018. It’s not a theme album per say, but lyrically all the songs have a common theme with lyrics that are metaphorical and treats the dark side of the human psyche. Musically the record is hard hitting and dark themed but not hard listening. Sonically ”Edge Of Sanity” is harder and darker than anything The Soul Exchange have produced in the past, but the trademark vocal arrangements and choruses are predominant, and grander than ever before.

In contradiction to the 2016 debut ”Bloodbound”, that was mainly written by Hans & Thomas von Bell with lyricist Jens Joel Evaldsson over a two year time span, all nine songs on the new effort were written in a very condensed period of time and a true team effort by Hans & Thomas von Bell, Daniel John and producer Magnus Ljungqvist with Daniel John taking over the full responsibility as the band’s lyricist. This has resulted in a much more coherent effort compared to the debut.

GRAVESHADOW - Ambition’s Price (2018)

The stunning and detailed cover art for Ambition’s Price was created by Serbian fantasy graphic designer Dusan Markovic (Jag Panzer, Seven Kingdoms, Mystic Prophecy). Pre-order the CD at the label’s site at www.m-theoryaudio.com/store

“The album title and artwork were directly inspired by events that occurred within Graveshadow over the past few years,” explains the band. “With all the incredible experiences that have come with the evolution of our musical family, a great deal of sacrifice has been given by every member of the band in the pursuit of our dreams. Though the price of our ambition still weighs heavy in our hearts, we are proud of what we have accomplished with this album and are excited by what the future may hold.”

Ambition’s Price features Heather Michele’s powerful vocals that range from operatic highs to unearthly growls backed by crushing guitars, beautiful keyboard melodies, thundering bass, and earth-shattering drums creating a rich and dynamic atmosphere that is ripe for storytelling. Whether it is a tale of personal struggle or of fantastical creatures, the listener is sure to find themselves immersed in a world apart. The new album was produced and mixed by Armand John Anthony (Night Demon, The Fucking Wrath, Gygax), and mastered by Colin Davis at Imperial Mastering (Deeds of Flesh, Decrepit Birth, Origin) and is the follow-up to the group’s Mausoleum Records’ debut, Nocturnal Resurrection, from 2015. Since its release, GRAVESHADOW have toured with the likes of Arkona, Sirenia, Anvil, Night Demon and Unleash the Archers steadily building a following and reputation.

GRAVESHADOW is poised and ready to leave a lasting impact within the metal community. With an electrifying stage show and a sound as large as the Dragons of Westeros, they are as talented as they are unforgettable.

For more information:
www.m-theoryaudio.com
www.facebook.com/graveshadow
www.graveshadow.com

Fallen Angels - Even Priest Knows (2018)

Fallen Angels spent the entire year of 2017 in the writing and composing their new release and at the end of that year, they retreated to the recording studio to complete their first full album. Within the walls of Hypnoise Recording Studio and assisted by the talented Filippo Galvanelli, they succeeded in perfecting their songs and ideas.
Even Priest Knows represents the bands desire to revive the spirit and atmosphere of the 80’s. It’s an album of 10 tracks that passes from more direct songs to real reflections on modern society, touching topics such as loneliness, war, alienation, viciousness, even themes with a simple appearance but surrounded by multiple meanings, to tracks with peaks of amusing sinfulness and esoteric-ism, all surrounded by riffs of pure rock ‘n roll and sharp melodies.

On Even Priest Knows, the sound reaches into different shades of the 80’s period (pop, rock, metal, blues …), but never leaves its core genre. This is a record that does not want to bore or outstay it’s welcome but wants to bring with it a strong appeal to the magnificent 80s, presented by the eccentric personalities of the Fallen Angels.

Even Priest Knows | Released April 30th, 2018 on Sliptrick Records

Track Listing:
01. Intro | 02. Captain In The Dark | 03. Feast With The Beast | 04. Millionaire Man | 05. Pink High Hills | 06. Jennifer Drugs | 07. The Force In The Mind | 08. Psycholove | 09. But I’ll Live Forever | 10. For A Piece Of Bread



Fallen Angels are:
Matty Mannant – Vocals | Ste Wizard – Guitar | Luke Gyzz – Drums | Matthew Ice – Bass

Band links: Facebook | On Sliptrick

Heartwind - Higher And Higher (2018)

With members from bands like Constancia, The Poodles, Token, Narnia and Essence of Sorrow, and with guest stars Nina Söderquist (Bjorn Skifs/Badrock, Champions of Rock a.o.), Janne Stark (Grand Design, Mountain of Power a.o.), and Tåve Wanning (The Voice, Adrenaline Rush, Peaches), new melodic hard rockers Heartwind may come across as one of those one off band projects, but nothing could be more far from the truth. Heartwind is the story of two old friends, with a common love for classical melodic hard rock and AOR, that after fifteen years of friendship started to write the album they always had wanted to listen to themselves. Over a meal in downtown Stockholm, guitar player and songwriter Goran Engvall (former with Hitworks) and progressive/melodic keyboard player and fellow songwriter Mikael Rosengren (Constancia, Token, Scudiero), laid down the vision for what was yet to come. 15 original songs and 12 months later, Mikael started to pull some strings from his many fellow musicians in the Swedish hard rock scene since 20 years back. The two songwriters were amazed with the positive response they got on their first demos, from hard rock industry people & fans. It became evident that they were going to be able to attract some great talent to the album and the band. Believing in the importance of fellowship and a strong people fit when starting a band, Mikael and Göran started to dig in closest ground: Drummer Peter TrumPeter Svensson (Constancia, Faith) and singer Germán Pascual (Narnia, Dj Mendez, Essence of Sorrow), happily joined the band, and two key pieces of the puzzle came into place. With Peter and Germán onboard, the band knew they had both a powerful backbone and a phenomenal front man in place!

Germán invited his old friends, and former band mates, guitar virtuoso Martin Hall (Germán Pascual band) and bass wizard Germain Leth (The Poodles, Watchmen) to join the band and magic was about to happen. When also the very well respected Fredrik Folkare (Unleashed, Firespawn, Eclipse, Scudiero a.o.), accepted to team up to produce and mix, the band knew they had something special going. Fredrik’s contribution also as a musician on the album (guitar & bass) cannot be underestimated.

With classical albums like Hysteria (Def Leppard), 1987 (Whitesnake) and Escape (Journey) serving as inspiration, the intention from the band has been to get every single track to stand on its own two feet! Timeless melodic hard rock with a modern but still genuine sound!
After publishing a short teaser on Youtube, just before X-mas 2017, Heartwind stood ready as a band and was offered record deals by no less than three (!) different labels. Heartwind washappy to sign with AOR Heaven in early January and making an old dream come true.

The album is mixed and produced by Fredrik Folkare, Chrome Studios, and mastered by Erik Mårtensson, Blowout Productions (Eclipse, Ammunition, WET a.o).
Heartwind is ready to rock the world!



www.heartwind.se
www.facebook.com/Heartwindtheband

ALPHASTATE - The Grind (2018)

With the new album from Greek metalists Alphastate, The Grind, the band wanted to take a more modern and aggressive approach musically. They deliver this with very loud and distinctive guitars, a more modern production with the vocals pushed upfront and drums that punch through the sound. In the lyrics, they have included more personal thoughts and experiences so that The Grind will be the groups most personnel release and sonically their best so far. Alphastate have made an album of pure aggression along with the best songs they have ever written.

Alphastate started in 2013 as a personal project from Pete Breaker (Guitars). In 2014, Manos Xanthakis (Vocals) came in and in 2015, the band’s line up was complete with Dimitris Tsounakas (Bass) and Fivos Andriopoulos (Drums). The band wanted to combine modern metal with 80’s and 90’s influences such us Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, Pantera, Nevermore, etc, to create a very personal and extreme style with no boundaries. Out Of The Black, the groups first album, was released in 2015 and garnered excellent and positive press globally. After playing numerous live shows in Greece from 2015 until now, Alphastate continue to evolve with their second album The Grind, which is ready to be released in 2018 worldwide via Sliptrick Records.

The Grind | Released April 3rd, 2018 on Sliptrick Records

Track Listing:
01. Trapped | 02. Phantom Desires | 03. Speak Your Mind | 04. Theater Of Lies | 05. The Grind | 06. Forevermore | 07. Behind The Dark | 08. Heaven’s World | 09. Man Made God

All music by Pete Breaker | All lyrics by Manos Xanthakis
Artwork by Manster Design | Official logo by Gustavo Sanchez

Guest keyboards by Bob Katsionis (Firewind-Outloud) on Speak Your Mind and Forevermore.
Guest guitar solo by Bob Katsionis (Firewind-Outloud) on Trapped.
Produced by Alphastate. Recordings by Bob Katsionis (Firewind-Outloud) at Sound Symmetry Studios, Athens. Mixing and Mastering by Kimon Zeliotis, Athens.



Alphastate are:
Manos Xanthakis – Vocals | Pete Breaker – Guitars | Fivos Andriopoulos – Drums | Dimitris Tsounakas – Bass

Band links: Facebook | Youtube | Instagram | Twitter | On Sliptrick

ANGEL HEART - Angel Heart (2018)

RELEASE 18 May 2018

For fans of Within Temptation and Leaves’ Eyes

Remember the well established Norwegian heavy metal band Highland Glory?

Most of the members have now formed a new band called Angel Heart and they are now ready to release their debut "Angel Heart" on Mighty Music 18th of May.

“Three of us used to play in the metal band Highland Glory, who released 3 albums worldwide. Our musical roots belong in the 80`s hard rock / heavy metal, where bands like Dio, Dokken, Queensryche and Judas Priest ruled the scene. We are very happy that Mighty Music believes in us, and are really looking forward to be working with them”. Lars André Rørvik Larsen,

Beautilful melodies, catchy riffs, big choruses and the feeling of the cold North. This is what Angel Heart is all about.
It's melodic hard rock/heavy metal fronted by the amazing singer Trine Elise Johansen.

Line up
Guitar and keyboard: Lars André Larsen
Drums: Morten Færøvig
Vocals: Trine Elise Johansen
Bass: Øystein Aaseby Pedersen

Catalog
Angel Heart (2018)

Online
www.facebook.com/AngelHeartTheBand

SAATE - The Conjuring (2018)

SAATE is an upcoming metal band hailing from Sweden, formed by Stefan Rådlund (Guitars) and Robert Ahlenius (Bass) from power/prog metal band BINARY CREED. Right after the release of Binary Creed’s latest studio album “A Battle Won”, released by Rockshots Records in late 2016, Stefan began to compose new music with the talented singer Rickard Thelin, frontman of a young and promising Swedish band called Summoned Tied. Pretty soon the band forged its own style: a heavy, fresh and modern sound with a traditional metal feeling.

SAATE’s music offers different sonic moods for the listener to explore that impressive epic, heavy and melodic music which immediately caught the attention of Rockshtos Records's A&R department and got them signed to the label’s roster.

SAATE will unleash their metal beast on April 27, premiering it with a first single - “The Conjuring” - released for digital download and streaming besides the official videoclip.
Keep your eyes open on Spotify and YouTube Metalheads!

"The Conjuring" VIDEO ➤ https://youtu.be/b9wY8H_MWc4
TEASER - https://youtu.be/FF9r5D42fD4

SAATE TV Episode 1 - https://youtu.be/N9qXSpBNqB8

BUY ➤ https://www.smarturl.it/SAATE_TheConjuring
SAATE - Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/officialsaate