White Widdow - Silhouette (2016)

Formed in Melbourne, Australia in 2008 and centered around the Millis brothers Jules (Vocals) & Xavier (Keyboards) with Guitar virtuoso Enzo Almanzi. Raised on a healthy diet of 80’s Arena Rock and influenced by artists such as Survivor, Dokken, Night Ranger, White Sister & Giuffria.

In 2010 White Widdow stormed onto the Melodic Rock scene across the globe with the release of their self titled debut album, filled with swirling keyboards, blistering guitar playing and big choruses. The release of the debut was met by the press with rave reviews making it into Classic Rock Magazine's top 10 AOR albums for 2010.  Hot on the heels of their debut, White Widdow quickly returned with their follow up release “Serenade” in September 2011. "Serenade" was heaped with praise by the press as one of the best albums in the genre of 2011, gaining 9/10 in both Classic Rock and Powerplay magazines and receiving a 94% on the coveted website melodicrock.com.

In support of "Serenade", White Widdow hit the road playing festivals and headlining club shows throughout Europe which saw them tour through Switzerland, Germany, Sweden, Italy, Greece and England. Along the way performing at HEAT Festival (Germany) and Firefest (UK). This was followed in 2012 with a full tour of the UK as support band to English melodic rock band TEN.

After the unfortunate death of drummer George Kristy in 2013 and the departure of original bass player Trent Wilson, the Millis brothers and Almanzi regrouped with a rejuvenated new line up, featuring Ben Webster on Bass and Noel Tenny on Drums. The new line up released their third album “Crossfire” in late 2014, the album was met with much critical and fan acclaim receiving 8/10 in Classic Rock magazine, 9/10 in Powerplay magazine, 9/10 in Sweden Rock Magazine and 93% from melodicrock.com.

In support of “Crossfire”, White Widdow returned to tour the UK and Greece, as well as performing in Spain for the first time in 2015.

In early 2016 the Millis brothers began writing for what would become White Widdow’s fourth album “Silhouette”, setting out to capture the mid to late 80’s AOR sound, even more so than on previous White Widdow albums. The Millis brothers also teaming up with Almanzi, Tenny and Webster for some slightly more hard edged songs. The resulting album “Silhouete”, proving to be the best representation of the White Widdow sound so far, pure 80’s styled AOR, straight from the heart. 

www.whitewiddow.com.au
https://www.facebook.com/whitewiddowaor/?fref=ts

Boneyard Dog - Bluesbound Train (2016)

Boneyard Dog is an Irish Classic/Blues Rock Band founded in 2015 and the brainchild of German/Italian Rock Singer Rob Mancini (Hotwire, Crush, Rob Mancini Band & Scar For Life) and Irish Blues guitar hero Davy Kerrigan.
Added to the line-up in early 2016 was American rock drummer Ron Wikso, an established artist known for his recording and touring work with some of the best musicians and known entertainers in the world including Cher, Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi), Foreigner, David Lee Roth (Van Halen), The Storm, Gregg Rolie (Santana/Journey), Eddie Money, CCR (Creedence Clearwater Revisited), Player (featuring Ronn Moss & Peter Beckett), Randy Meisner (the Eagles), Denny Laine (Paul McCartney & Wings/The Moody Blues), Dave Amato (REO Speedwagon/Ted Nugent/Jimmy Barnes), Michael Monarch (Steppenwolf), Dave Meniketti (Y&T), George Burns, Sammy Davis Jr., Peggy Lee and many others.
Half way through the writing of the debut album, Mancini contacted Tony Carey, former keyboarder of Richie Blackmore’s Rainbow. Carey played on the classic albums ‘Rising’ and ‘On Stage’, in the Rainbow line-up including Ronnie James Dio, Cozy Powell, Jimmy Bain and Ritchie Blackmore, touring the world for 2 years. He has recorded and released over 40 records, and produced records by John Mayall, Chris Norman, David Knopfler, Joe Cocker, and Peter Maffay (Germany’s top-selling rock artist). He has done several film scores and published well over 1,000 songs. Initially planned as a guest keyboarder on one of the tracks, Carey was impressed by the material and offered to fill the slot as keyboarder on the entire album.
Staying true to their roots in rock’n’roll music, a style all members are involved in for over a decade, the band also implemented their love and passion for blues into the project. With a lot of experience, compassion and inspiration the foundations are set for a new Classic Rock album that will find many new friends and listeners.
Mancini’s and Kerrigan’s song writing are combining harmonies, killer riffs and solos as well as creative lyrics to create an outstanding work of art.
Boneyard Dog recorded their debut album ‘Bluesbound Train’ between March and September 2016 at Total Control Studio Austin/Texas and GMG Studio ONE in Donegal/Ireland. The album was produced, mixed and mastered by Rob Mancini. In August 2016 the band subsequently signed to German label AOR Heaven.
Outside the music business, the band is involved in philanthropy, having created the Boneyard Foundation, a foundation benefitting victims of motorcycle accidents or their immediate families. The bands proceeding from the track ‘Lonely Road’ featuring Marc Lynn (Gotthard) and the accompanying video will go towards the Boneyard Foundation.

www.boneyarddog.com
www.facebook.com/boneyarddog

Sede Vacante - Skies Infernal (2016)

Sede Vacanteis a heavy Goth Metal duo from Greece formed in 2013 which consists of Michael Tiko (male vocals, guitars and synths)  and Constantine Alex (female vocals). Both members are highly educated in music - with Michael Tiko having studied at Berklee College of Music, Boston, USA (Master in Guitar Performance) and Constantine Alex having studied in The National Academy of Music “Prof. Pantcho Vladigerov”, Sofia, Bulgaria.

Both members have got an extensive live experience. Tiko was  the lead guitarist of the Goth/Power metal band “Rage of Romance” (feat. Vicky Psarakis on vocals, The Agonist) and also played as a session guitarist in many local bands, even in the Jazz genre. Alex  has been singing for more than 10 years and been a session vocalist in numerous swing, jazz and rock bands.

 “Skies Infernal” is their debut album which will be released on Pride & Joy Music on November 18^th, 2016. The logo and the band’s symbol were made by Gustavo Sazes (Arch Enemy, Firewind etc.),  and the record was mixed by drummer and sound engineer Fotis Benardo (ex- Septic Flesh, Six4Nine) and mastered by the Jens Bogren (Fascination Street Studios) in Örebro, Sweden.

https://www.facebook.com/sedevacanteband/?ref=page_internal 
http://www.sede-vacante.net/

DarkSun - Chronicles Of Aravan (2016)

DarkSun was formed in 2002 in Asturias, Spain by current members guitarist Tino Hevia, vocalist (and former guitarist) Daniel Gonzalez, and drummer Daniel Cabal. With songwriting influenced by HELLOWEEN , BLIND GUARDIAN, and STRATOVARIUS, DarkSun has recorded 5 critically acclaimed albums: El Legado (2004), El Lado Oscuro (2005), Libera Me (2008), Tocar El Sol (2010), and Memento Mori (2012).

Now in 2016, DarkSun release their magnum opus, Chronicles Of Aravan, the English language version of Cronicas De Aravan, released earlier this year in their native Spain. It tells the story of Aravan, a warrior who returns from a battle to see his village burned down and everyone killed. He then goes on a quest for revenge against those who murdered his people and destroyed his home.

Beginning with “The Battle” and ending with “My Last Sunrise,” this epic tale is filled with never-ending musical twists & turns. Featuring the stellar work of guitarists Tino Hevia and David Figueiras, and excellent vocals of Daniel Gonzalez, highlights include “The Battle”, “Dragon Heart”, “The Legacy” & “For The Gods”.

The last 2 songs are not part of the “Aravan” tale, but are “bonus tracks” showcasing the vocal talents of Ralf Scheepers (PRIMAL FEAR) on “Fragile” and Peavy Wagner (RAGE) on “Broken Dreams.”



Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/DarksunOficial
Web: www.darksunweb.com

Crosson - Spreading The Rock 'N' Roll Disease (2016)

Transported back in time from our decedent future, post-apocalyptic rock warriors, CROSSON, have arrived in the 21st century to save the future of Rock & Metal. Their quest to spread The Rock n Roll Disease!!! Fusing melodic heavy rock and big harmonies with a tongue-in -cheek attitude, reminiscent of THE DARKNESS, ALICE COOPER, DAVID BOWIE and KISS, CROSSON’s brand of catchy rock anthems is enticing on their new album "Spreading The Rock ‘N’ Roll Disease" Mixed by legendary producer Duane Baron (OZZY OSBOURNE, MÖTLEY CRÜE) and European metal producer extraordinaire Mikko Karmila (NIGHTWISH, EDGUY, STRATOVARIUS) and mastered by U.S mastering legend Dave Donnelly (AEROSMITH, KISS, WHITESNAKE)

The first single/video „All About The Music“ is an anthemic battle cry seeing our rock warriors being transported from their post-apocalyptic world to the rooftops of metropolis performing their high energy, choreographed rock routine. Nothing can prepare you for the visual onslaught CROSSON delivers in its live show. Numerous costume changes, blended with high- energy choreography, smoke, sirens, and catchy tunes makes the CROSSON live show a seen to be believed entertaining experience. The live promo video for the second single „Rip Out My Heart“ shows CROSSON doing what they do best, delivering a bombastic stage show!!! Join the CROSSON revolution and start "Spreading The Rock ‘N’ Roll Disease"!!!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrossonRock

Stefan Berggren - Stranger In A Strangeland (2016)

STEFAN BERGGREN is one of Sweden’s best known singers, musicians and song-writers. In his almost 30 years lasting career he played in acts such as Snakes In Paradise, M3, Company Of Snakes, Razorback  and Berggren Kerslake Band amongst others and shared the stage with musicians from Whitesnake, Deep Purple, Brian May Band, Uriah Heep und Black Sabbath. Most recently he stepped in as singer for Uriah Heep at a gig in Rosenheim and played in the UK together with Don Airey (Deep Purple) and Neil Murray (Whitesnake, Black Sabbath), Germany.

„Stranger In A Strangeland“ marks the release of the first solo album from this exceptional artist and features appearances from old friends such as Bernie Marsden (ex Whitesnake), Stephen Bentley-Klein (Deep Purple), Neil Murray (Black Sabbath, Whitesnake), Tomas Pomma Thorberg(Snakes In Paradise,Four Sticks,  Plankton), Sebastian Sippola (Four Sticks ,Plankton), Marcus Jidell  (Avatarium, ex Evergrey), Joakim Svalberg (Opeth), Lars Karlsson (Diamond Dogs)and more.
The album was produced by Stefan Berggren at Berggren Studios in Stockholm, Sweden and mastered by Pete Lynam (California Breed, Glenn Hughes, Slash, Rival Sons) at Infrasonic Sound Studios in Los Angeles, USA.

 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/stefan.berggren.5

Darkest Sins - The Broken (2016)

Darkest Sins is a five-piece Melodic Metal band from Ålesund, Norway founded by Marius Danielsen and Anniken Rasmussen in 2009. For the last three years, the five-piece has been working on their debut album “The Broken” which released on Pride & Joy Music on October 21th, 2016. Previously, Darkest Sins have released a demo album back in 2011 and an EP in 2013. So, “The Broken” marks their first full release. The CD was mixed and mastered by Piet Sielck (Iron Saviour) who also has mixed albums for Blind Guardian, Gamma Ray, Grave Digger, Paragon and many more.

Darkest Sins has a female and a male lead vocalist who share the vocals 50/50 both live and in the studio. This creates a great diversity in the music and makes the band stand out. Even though the Norwegians are a Melodic Metal band, they like to experiment with many different genres in their music but their roots and main influences come from classic metal bands such as Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and the 80’s era of Black Sabbath.

Darkest Sins has proven itself as a strong live band and played shows around the most part of Norway. They have had many great special guests at their shows including Fabio Lione from Rhapsody of Fire and Tony Mills from TNT. In July 2016 they supported Anthrax in Norway. The next step will be an European tour in support of “The Broken”.

Members from Darkest Sins have also worked on different studio projects with musicians such as Tim Ripper Owens, Timo Tolkki, Mark Boals etc. More info can be found on www.mariusdanielsen.com
Darkest Sins’ keyboard player also plays in the band Tindrum with 80s legends from bands such as Europe, TNT and Jorn.

Line-up: Marius Danielsen – Vocals, guitar; Anniken Rasmussen – Vocals, bass; Sigurd Kårstad – Guitar; Peter Danielsen – Keyboard and orchestration; Ludvig Pedersen - Drums

Guest appearances by: Fabio Lione (Rhapsody of Fire) lead vocals on the 8^th track, «Far Away»; Esa Ahonen (Cryonic Temple) guitar solo on the 8^th track, «Far Away»; Jimmy Hedlund (Falconer) guitar solo on the 1^st track, «The Broken».

Facebook: www.facebook.com/darkestsinsband

Niva - Atmospherical (2016)

In the realms of melodic metal, Sweden's Lion's Share has been synonymous with class and quality for over two decades. Not least thanks to a succession of great vocalists: Andy Engberg (220 Volt, Sorcerer, Section A), Nils Patrik Johansson (Astral Doors, Wuthering Heights, Civil War et al)... and who else? Oh yes – Tony Niva, the vocal powerhouse from Lion's Share's seminal fourth album ”Entrance” (2001). What's his story?

Tony Niva started singing as a young boy in the mid-80s, inspired by the likes of Dio, Joe Lynn Turner and Geoff Tate. After cutting his teeth in classic acts like Swedish Erotica and Axia, Tony formed his own outfit NIVA whose debut album ”No Capitulation” arrived in 1994 (featuring Ian Haugland of Europe/Glenn Hughes fame behind the kit). Despite the quality of this melodic affair, NIVA folded shortly afterwards. After graduating from the university, Tony joined Lion's Share long enough to record the aforementioned ”Entrance”– and left the music scene again shortly afterwards. However, in 2011 Tony tried out for the Swedish Eurovision Song Contest with the song ”Janitor of Love”. With limited success, on paper. Creatively the result was so satisfying that Tony extended his collaboration with his new songwriting team. NIVA's comeback album ”Gold From the Future” was released in Japan in the fall of 2011. (On the European and American market, the album was released under the moniker Oxygen and entitled ”Final Warning”.)
– I've been focusing on my career in the IT business, so I didn't make much music between 1994 and 2011, says Tony. But after that second NIVA album, I made two more: ”Magnitude” in 2013 and ”Incremental IV” in 2014. And after that, I thought I might as well release what I recorded in 1995 as the intended follow-up to ”No Capitulation”: ”Relievin' Rain” (2015). Now, however, I'm back with a whole new incarnation of NIVA. On this new album, I wanted to broaden my horizons. Different production, a heavier sound. So I've been working with Lars Chriss, my old pal from the Lion's Share days.

Lars Chriss, now a highly renowned producer with the likes of Overland, Chris Ousey, Radioactive, Seven and Lugnet on his resumé, has lent his producing, song-writing and guitar-playing skills to NIVA's sixth outing, ”Atmospherical”. Don't let the title fool you – NIVA has definitely moved away from the AOR-ish, comparative softness on previous works.
– This is more of a melodic metal sound, Tony agrees. It rocks harder, it's more riff-based and the keyboards are less prominent.

Obviously. Besides Lars and Tony himself, former Lion's Share luminaries Kay Backlund (keyboards) and monster bassist Andy Loos (also of Glory, Seven, Covered Call fame – to name but a few) have also lent their considerable skills to the creation of ”Atmospherical”. The album even includes a stellar remake of Lion's Share 1988 debut single, ”I'm on a roll”. So the Lion's Share reminiscence is very much intentional. And quite welcome.

Among the plethora of great songs on ”Atmospherical”, Tony's personal favorites include the emotional ”The Mountain”, suggestive rock gem ”Forbidden Lover”, and most certainly the opening track ”Dressed to kill”.
– That's the one that started it all. When I told Lars I was making an album he said, ”you know, I've got this great track...”. A true, no frills rock anthem. We're making a video for it, directed by Patric Ullaeus (Europe, Kamelot, Within Temptation, Amaranthe... you name it). ”Atmospherical” will be released on October 28^th, through the new label NIVA Music Group. This formidable outing sees Tony Niva returning to the melodic metal scene who still remembers him so fondly, without compromising his melodic roots. Talk about going in with a bang.

Produced & Mixed by: Lars Chriss (www.noterious.eu)
Mastered by: Mike Lind at Masterplant
Cover artwork and booklet design by: Carl-Andre Blekkmark

Discography:
Atmospherical (2016), Relievin’ Rain (2015), Incremental IV (2014), Magnitude (2013), Gold From The Future (2011), No Capitulation (1994)

www.niva.se

Angels or Kings - Go Ask The Moon (2016)

Angels or Kings return with their infectiously melodic new album Go Ask The Moon, continuing where they left off with an AOR treat for fans of the genre.

They were first formed in Manchester in the late 80’s and were well known to those in the UK AOR scene. The band recorded various demos and played shows the length of the country with artists such as Dare and Danger Danger. Although there had been some interest expressed by various record companies, AOK as they were then known, ultimately disbanded unable to secure a deal in a changing musical environment. Three of the original members reformed in 2011, recruited a new vocalist and subsequently began to write songs for what would become their debut album. The album was written over a period of a couple of years with the band managing to attract a good deal of attention along the way. Various radio stations had started to air the demos and one of the songs was entered into a competition and the newly renamed Angels Or Kings subsequently won the chance to open the last ever Firefest in 2014. The album Kings of Nowhere was released to coincide with this high profile festival appearance.

A wealth of positive reviews of Kings of Nowhere offered comparisons to Foreigner, Journey and Harem Scarem plus British acts FM, Strangeways and Dare. It appeared in many people's top ten albums of the year and in some cases topped the pile. Rob Evans of Classic Rock /AOR, Powerplay magazine and AOR Underground made it his album of the year in 2014. Further successful shows including an appearance at HRH AOR festival followed in 2015.

Building on this success, the band has returned to AOR Heaven to release their second album entitled Go Ask The Moon. Writing for the album started straight after Kings of Nowhere and 11 new songs have been written with the final song completed in July 2016. Again, the album was produced by Steve Kenny at his own Shabby Road studio and Mad Hat Studio in Wolverhampton.  Mixing, mastering and engineering duties were performed by Sheena Sear and Mark Stuart from Mad Hat who are both well known for their work with Magnum.

The band are hopeful that a video will be released to support the album which is due out at the end of October and you can catch Angels or Kings on the final day of the Rockingham festival in Nottingham UK in October 2016.

Angels or Kings are delighted to announce that Dave Ellis  (keyboards) and Daniel Bate  (bass) have joined the band for live dates. They will join Baz Jackson (vocals) Tony Bell and Steve Kenny (guitars) and Andy Chemney (drums) to complete the lineup.

Discography: Kings Of Nowhere (2014), Go Ask The Moon (2016)

Website: www.angelsorkings.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/angelsorkings
 

Hartmann - Shadows & Silhouettes (2016)

After numerous tours as part of Avantasia, Rock Meets Classic and as mastermind of the successful Pink Floyd Tribute Echoes the exceptional singer and guitarist Oliver Hartmann now presents his new fifth studio album „Shadows & Silhouettes“ with Hartmann after nearly four years break since the latest release "Balance". The new album released on 30th of September on the artist owned label SONIC11 in cooperation with Pride & Joy Music.

With the actual band line-up Armin Donderer (bass), Markus Kullmann (drums), Mario Reck (guitar) and supported by guest musicians as the well-known session keyboarder Jimmy Kresic (Rock Meets Classic, The Roots, Soundtopia), Miro Rodenberg (Avantasia) and also the Prague cellist Irena Morisáková and violinist Hana Vyšínská the album contains 12 extra class songs combining modern melodic Rock („Irresisitible“, „Glow“ „High on you“, I would murder for you“) with many acoustic („The letting go“, „Shadow in my eyes“, „Still the same“) and partly very intimate moments („Jaded heart“, „Last goodbye“) pointing up the broadness and complexity of Hartmann. The catchy single „When your mama was a hippie“  released as video clip.

The album has been co-produced again by Sascha Paeth (Avantasia, Edguy, Kamelot, Beyond The Black, etc.) and mixed/mastered at Gate Studios Wolfsburg/Germany.

Tour dates:
01.10. Aschaffenburg / Colos-Saal
08.10. Jonnys Lion Cave CH - Wartau
04.11. Jettingen / Tommi's Bistro
13.11. München / Garage
27.11. Ludwigsburg / Rockfabrik (H.e.a.t. Festival)



Line-up: Oliver Hartmann (guitar/vocals), Mario Reck (guitar), Armin Donderer (bass), Markus Kullmann (drums), Jimmy Kresic (add. keys)

Web: 
www.oliverhartmann.com  
www.facebook.com/HartmannBand

Creye - Never Too Late (Single 2016)

The idea of Creye was born in Malmö, Sweden in early 2015.
After many years of c in different bands, guitarist & songwriter Andreas Gullstrand felt that it was time to turn it all up a notch.
The vision was to start a new Swedish supergroup that would take you on a journey right back to the glory-full days of the eighties, both musically and visually on stage.
After spending nearly two months just experimenting with the sound of the band, Andreas settled on what could best be described as a slick melodic rock sound with a touch of 80's retro wave in the mix.
Since there were no room for errors, the decision to hire studio musicians for the first song was made almost immediately. He also didn't want anyone interfering with the songwriting and creative process.
The most crucial part was finding a singer with the right voice for this. A singer that not only had a great voice, but also the ability to put som heart and feeling into it. And after only a few days of searching Andreas came across this youtube video of Alexander Strandell singing the debut single "Moving on" by his band Art nation on Swedish Idol.  And it just completely blew his mind.
The next day Alexander was asked if he would be interested in singing on the debut song for Creye and the rest is history.
With one of the best singers in Sweden on-board Andreas felt that he could finally proceed with his plans for the band. He then contacted producer and keyboard player Erik Wiss to kind of make sure that he was going in the right direction with this and also to push him out of his comfort-zone. Erik and Andreas had worked together previously and had a great creative chemistry between them.
With about five songs written, Andreas and Erik both agreed that Never Too Late would be the perfect debut for Creye!

As the recording grew closer Andreas still hadn't found a suiting drummer or a bass player. And this was really becoming a fast growing issue. But one day out of the blue Alexander contacted him, asking if everything was going okay. And if he had musicians enough to record everything. And he suggested that Andreas would consider using the then new drummer in Art nation to do the job.
As it turned out Carl Tudén was a prodigy to say the least. Having won the Swedish drum championship the previous year. This guy was more than qualified for the job.
Due to the fact that both Alexander and Carl were located in Gothenburg it was decided that drums and vocals would be recorded at the highly recommended Top Floor studios that’s located right in the heart of Gothenburg. Jakob Hermann who owns the place is well known all over the world for his amazing recording and arranging skills.
And the work he did on both the drum & vocal parts just took Never Too Late to an whole other level.
As for the bass part it was actually Erik that suggested Linus Abrahamson. Linus has previously played with great bands like Andromeda and Freak kitchen. And a more well prepared and professional musician would be hard to find. He actually saved Creye nearly half a day of studio-time doing the whole thing in three takes. Two of them being soundcheck and arranging takes.
To make sure everything was played to perfection even on the guitar parts Andreas felt that it could be a interesting learning experience to actually hire a studio-musician even for that. Just to see how a session guitarist would play it.
And there were only one guy that was good enough for the job. That guy was Andrée Theander from the Theander Expression.
What came back from Andrée was a very good guitar arrangement to say the least. So it's actually both Andreas and Andrée that's playing the rhythm guitar parts on Never Too Late.
The very last thing that was tracked were the vocal harmonies. Since already half of Art nation was involved in Creye Andreas asked Christoffer Borg as well. Christoffer is actually (besides from playing guitar in Art nation) the singer of the AOR band Taste. And is a very talented singer indeed.
And his voice worked very well for the harmony parts. With all the bits and pieces in place Erik mixed the whole thing and Thomas Plec did the mastering. The end result was just flawless!
This is just the beginning of the Swedish Supergroup Creye!

Links:

Webpage: creyesweden.com

Facebook: facebook.com/creyesweden

Youtube:    www.youtube.com/channel/UCYSy_dPYgFCRgD0vxJzWTNQ

Theander Expression - Wonderful Anticipation (2016)

Theander Expression is the AOR project by Swedish guitar player Andrée Theander, who started to work with the first album in 2012 and released it one year later. It was called ”Strange Nostalgia” after one of the songs and got critically acclaimed around the world of melodic rock in 2013.

Just over two years later the follow-up is finally here and it carries the title ”Wonderful Anticipation”, as a kind of an antonym to the frequently misinterpreted debut title.

Andrée has been producing and recording most of the album at the Theander studio, playing all the guitars and handles also most of the bass and keyboards, some percussion, drum programming and vocals.

Other musicians featured on the album are Herman Furin (Work of Art), Bengan Andersson (NIVA, Johan Randén), Kristofer von Wachenfeldt (Care of Night), Björn Lundqvist (Sunstrike, Twilight Force), Christian Eriksson (Sunstrike, Twilight Force), Erik Martensson (Eclipse, W.E.T), Sebastian Freij and Christoffer ”Foffe” Särnefält.

The record was mixed and mastered by Thomas ”Plec” Johansson at Panic Room Studios in the end of 2015 and the result is another high class rock record with classic melodies and a modern production, ready to hit the market in 2016.

Track listing: 

1. Anticipation Anthem, 

2. You always ran away, 

3. Wonderful Anticipation, 

4. Ms. Tendy, 

5. Factoids & Fallacies, 

6. Into The Valley, 

7. Never Surrender, 

8. The Loner, 

9. Someday (I'll Be There To Meet You) 

10. On My Own, 

11. State Of Flow

https://www.facebook.com/thetheanderexpression/

Vasilis Maglaris

Vasilis Maglaris was born in 1979. His influences come from the indie 80s and from the garage 60s. He has been a bassist and guitarist since 1999 in several bands. Since 2005 he writes his own music with a drum machine and he publishes it at https://bm79.bandcamp.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/bm79music/

Theocracy - Ghost Ship (2016)

The Athens, Georgia-based melodic metal band THEOCRACY just released a music video for the title track from their highly anticipated new album "Ghost Ship". The album will be released on October 28th in Europe and North America through Ulterium Records. 

"Ghost Ship" will be available on CD, 2LP and digital. The 2LP edition is strictly limited to 1001 copies worldwide. 750 copies comes with black vinyl discs and 251 copies comes with white vinyl discs.

With Ghost Ship, Theocracy perfects the lively and fully-realized sound of As the World Bleeds, delivering 10 muscular and streamlined tracks that never lose focus and combine for one memorable journey. You like midtempo singalong anthems? Try the “Ghost Ship” title track. Thrashy rhythms and intensity?  “The Wonder of It All” should be to your liking. Emotional ballads with huge melodic hooks? Go “Around the World and Back.”  Or if you prefer epic, progressive tracks that do all these things and more, 10-minute album closer “Easter” is sure to be a favorite. Each song on Ghost Ship stands alone and has a unique signature, but every moment sounds unmistakably like Theocracy.

“So many kids were coming up to us after shows and telling us their stories,” says Theocracy vocalist Matt Smith. “A lot of them were searching for purpose and a place to fit in, and having grown up as an awkward and unpopular kid myself, their words really stuck with me. I started thinking about what a band of misfits Jesus’ disciples were:  fishermen, tax collectors, and people of little consequence in the eyes of the world. Sometimes the ones most people don’t see, or choose to look straight through—the ghosts of society, as it were, dead to the world—end up having the biggest impact. That’s where the title and idea for Ghost Ship came from: all the misfits, the uncool, the outcasts, there is a place where you do fit in. Although Ghost Ship is not a concept album, this is a recurring theme, particularly in the title track and ‘Castaway.’”

"Ghost Ship" track listing

01. Paper Tiger

02. Ghost Ship

03. The Wonder Of It All

04. Wishing Well

05. Around the World and Back

06. Stir the Embers

07. A Call To Arms

08. Currency In A Bankrupt World

09. Castaway

10. Easter

"GHOST SHIP EUROPEAN TOUR"

Fri 4/11 - Hall of Fame - Wetzikon, Switzerland

Sat 5/11 - Kreatief - Neckarsulm, Germany

Sun 6/11 - Exit-US - Prague, Czech Republic

Tue 8/11 - Collosseum - Kosice, Slovakia

Thu 10/11 - Melodka - Brno, Czech Republic

Fri 11/11 - DGH Niederaula - Niederjossa/Hessen, Germany

Sat 12/11 - Brainstorm Festival - Apeldoorn, Netherlands

 

Theocracy online

Official website: http://www.theocracymusic.com

Official facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/theocracyband

The Reticent - On the Eve of a Goodbye (2016)

On The Eve Of A Goodbye is an autobiographical concept album from The Reticent produced by Jamie King releasing on October 5th, 2016 from Heaven & Hell Records.  All of the tracks serve to detail the day before, day of, and day after the suicide of The Reticent's mastermind Chris Hathcock's childhood friend, Eve.  The songs chronicle his concern for her, her deterioration into self-hatred, and culminates with the tragic act and its aftermath.  Not only a stylistic contrast to previous releases, this album is also intensely more personal than past Reticent albums (which were already emotional purges).  The album is intended to be heard as a single entity rather than a collection of tracks.

Additional Info:

The album was recorded in order in the span of a few days in the summer of 2015 (with a touch up in November 2015).  Producer/Engineer Jamie King (known for previous work with BTBAM, The Wretched, Scale The Summit, etc.) chose to allow Hathcock to do as he needed in the studio as he felt it added greatly to the emotion of the record.  In fact, on the song "Funeral for a Firefly" when trying to record the lead vocal part, Hathcock made it only two lines in before sobbing hysterically as memories and the trauma he had held back for a decade came flooding to the forefront.  After calming to the point that he could catch his breath, Hathcock told Jamie King that he felt unable to record the song.  Jamie encouraged him to try just one more time and if it didn't work, they'd drop it.  Hathcock went back into the booth and made it through the entire song with constant tears streaming down his face and his voice cracking and quivering as he went through.  Jamie was so affected by the performance he said he wanted to keep the raw performance - as in no edits to the sound so every sniffle and breath could be heard putting the listener in the booth with the despairing singer.

Credits

All music, lyrics, and narration written by Chris Hathcock

All instruments and vocals performed by Chris Hathcock

except the following:

Narration by Carl Hathcock, Juston Green, and Amanda Caines

Female vocals by Amanda Caines

French Horn by Dr. Nicholas Kenney

Trombone and Trumpet by Matthew Parunak

Tenor Saxophone by Andrew Lovett

Produced by Jamie King

Mixed, Mastered, and Engineered by Jamie King at The Basement Studios

Executive Producer: Chris Hathcock

Cover art by W. Hudson

 

http://www.thereticent.net

http://www.facebook.com/thereticentmusic

http://www.twitter.com/thereticentband

http://www.youtube.com/user/thereticentone

Enbound - The Blackened Heart (2016)

Enbound was formed in 2006 by Mike Cameron Force, who previously had played with bands like Zonata and Poem. Some years were spent working on material, finding the right direction for Enbound, and also the right members. The experienced bass player Swede “Machine gun fingers” Odén was added to the line-up, as well as the extremely talented guitar virtuoso Marvin Flowberg. And finally in 2009 the band found their singer in Lee Hunter [Lars Säfsund] who is famous for his work in the band Work of Art and performances in musicals like Jesus Christ Superstar, TV shows like "Let's Dance", Eurovision Song Contest and working with musicians like Bill Champlin [Chicago], Joseph Williams [Toto] and more.

The debut album "And She Says Gold" was released in 2011 and was received very well by fans and the media, and songs like "Combined The Souls" and "Under A Spell" are by many considered classics.

Now Enbound, following the praised album debut “And She Says Gold” finally present their second album, entitled "The Blackened Heart".

Jacob Hansen [Amaranthe, Volbeat, Primal Fear] was chosen to master the album, and awesomely did so. The Swedish famed photography and illustrator duo of Robert Elmengård and Niklas Lundberg created the spot on artwork. Layout was made by Stefan Heilemann [Kamelot, Epica, Rhapsody].

Guest appearances on the album includes the vocalist Linnéa Wikström [Kamelot, Therion] on "Falling" and Mike LePond [Symphony X] is responsible for the first of two bass solos on "Feed My Flame".
 

The Blackened Heart has a nice mix of heavy and up tempo songs, all with their own strong and grasping melodies. Some songs has a more aggressive, modern metal tone like "Give Me Light". A track like “Feel My Flame” has classic metal influences, while “They Don't Really Know” beautifully combines sensibility with force. Enbound prove with "The Blackened Heart" that they can handle any angle of melodic metal. Like their debut, their characteristic powerful arrangements remain with fantastic and emotional vocals on top.

Enbound continues to deliver and whatever you do, listen to this album!

Enbound line-up:
Lee Hunter [Lars Säfsund - Work of Art] - Vocals
Swede - Bass
Marvin Flowberg - Guitars
Mike Cameron Force - Drums

Enbound discography:
2011: And She Says Gold [Inner Wound Recordings]
2016: The Blackened Heart [Inner Wound Recordings]

Mastered by: Jacob Hansen [Amaranthe, Volbeat, Primal Fear]
Artwork by: Stefan Heilemann [Kamelot, Epica, Rhapsody]

Guests on the album
Linnéa Wikström [Therion, Kamelot] - Vocals on "Falling"
Mike LePond [Symphony X] - One of two bass solos on "Feel My Flame"

Website: enbound.rocks
Facebook: facebook.com/enbound

Defiant - Time Isn't Healing (2016)

Since its formation in 2008, DEFIANT’s mission has been to enthrall fans with a brand of power metal that is as muscular as it is melodic. DEFIANT went on to release no less than three EPs and 2012’s full-length debut Masquerade, collectively laying the groundwork for what can only be called its magnum opus: Time Isn’t Healing (Ferrrum Records). The crunching riffs and soaring leads of guitarist Andrey Turkovsky blend seamlessly with the epic, often breathtaking keyboard work of Victoria Terzieva, while Stanislav Proshkin’s gritty yet tuneful vocals offer a captivating stamp of distinction. The clanging bass lines of Oleg Yakovlev and airtight drumming of Eugeniy Smolin form a robust rhythmic foundation.

But it’s the quality and consistency of the songwriting that is perhaps most impressive about the new album. Whether the up-tempo power metal pummel of “Milestones of Time” or the mid-tempo elegance of “According to the Acts,” Time Isn’t Healing sinks the hooks in deep and keep the listener in a state of rapt attention from beginning to end. 

Fans of HELLOWEEN, RAGE, and similar icons of the genre are strongly encouraged to give this one a spin.

Album artwork by Mayhem Design.

http://defiant-band.com/

https://twitter.com/defiant_band

https://www.facebook.com/DefiantBand/

Defiant YouTube

 

Saint Blasphemer - Simon Templar EP (2016)

Saint Blasphemer - Simon Templar EP is the first release from the Santa Ana, California band. The first songs were written and the band formed as a reaction to a heroin epidemic sweeping Orange County. Vocalist - Monroe felt like so many others, helpless watching people get sick and die. Nullify is a dark biography, a window into a scene many don't survive. Simon Templar could be either a mystical journey, a conversation with a psychiatrist or both. Scarecrow draws on dark side of Oz themes, exploring isolation and a desire to go home - wherever that may be. A Perfect Rose comes off almost as a tale of unrequited love left to die on the moors of some far off Catherine. The final track revisits the dope scene, as Monroe pleads "You've got to find a reason to stay clean..." Listeners will recognize the influences of Peter Gabriel, Tool, and The Cure, mixed with Saint Blasphemer's own strong artistic voice.

Saint Blasphemer is based out of Santa Ana, California. They've been playing shows since February 2016 and recently completed a 5 song EP for release October 15, 2016. The band members are John Castellon on guitar, Thomas Monroe on vocals, Steve Shell on bass guitar, and Steve Ybarra on drums. The music has been compared to early Tool, Peter Gabriel, Nirvana, and Jane's Addiction. The local community has praised Saint Blasphemer for the power of their live performance and the lyrical writing of Thomas Monroe, head of the Orange County Poetry Club. A number of songs express the frustration of seeing friends and family members struggle with addiction. Others address feelings of alienation and loss. The band's philosophy is: "Remember when you were a kid, how a song could make you feel like you weren't the only one going through heavy feelings? Our goal is to make music that can do that for other people."

http://www.saintblasphemer.com/
http://www.facebook.com/saintblasphemer
https://twitter.com/SaintBlasphemer
http://instagram.com/saint_blasphemer

Nofuture - Mayfair (2016)

Nofuture is an Alternative/experimental Rock band from Westchester, NY. Formed from the ashes of local bands, Gentlemen's Brawl, and Moose named Dog. The band looks to surpass the levels of success its predecessors had, with powerful lyrics, and a youthful yet sophisticated sound that helps bring feelings of nostalgia.

 NoFutureNY.bandcamp.com
@nofutureny
@thisbandhasnofuture (instagram)
https://m.facebook.com/ThisbandhasNoFuture/

 

Dark Sarah – The Puzzle (2016)

 The highly anticipated second album from Dark Sarah, the cinematic/symphonic metal band from Heidi Parviainen [ex. Amberian Dawn]. Features guest appearances by Manuela Kraller [ex. Xandria], Charlotte Wessels [Delain] and JP Leppäluoto [Charon, Northern Kings].Dark Sarah is a music project by Finnish metal band Amberian Dawn´s former vocalist Heidi Parviainen. She is a professional classical singer and experienced performer. During the years with Amberian Dawn, she released four studio albums and did several European tours. After parting ways with Amberian Dawn in late 2012, she started to build up her solo career. Dark Sarah became the name of her project, along the first lyrics she wrote on the album. This first song called "Save Me" introduces the listener to the main character Sarah, a young woman left at the altar by her husband. When she is on the verge of breaking down, something wakes up inside of her and she changes into another person; her meaner half, Dark Sarah.

"I used to look at the world with blue eyes. I used to love with an open heart, but I was naïve. The world needed to show that to me. I got angry for my weakness and angry with the world. In the darkest swirls of my mind I got stronger and meaner and started to change. I worked with my fear and I became DARK SARAH. I´m not bitter; I´m just bitter sweet."
- Dark Sarah-

The debut album entitled "Behind the Black Veil" was released in May 2015 and led you through the psychological adventure of Sarah, who is hovering between her two personalities.   

The new album "The Puzzle" is a concept album and it continues the story that started on Dark Sarah´s debut album called "Behind The Black Veil".

The concept for "The Puzzle" explained by Heidi:
"The Evil Tree had broken into pieces and Dark Sarah´s soul with it. She did not die, but was left in a loop between two worlds, between life and death. She was sent down to the River of Death to drift along the streams and she ended up on an island in the middle of a mighty ocean. She woke up on the shores of that misty island. It was a magical rocky island, the rocks were black and they sparkled like covered by millions of diamonds in the endless night.  Sharp cliffs and huge statues painted the dark sky, the ocean was wild on its shores.

Dark Sarah felt the air in her lungs -  she was alive after all. She felt the strength coming back to her limbs, she got up and started to explore the island. She found a cave and went in. There she saw a light twinkling in the back of the cave and move towards it slowly. She looked through the small hole and saw something ...and was mesmerized..."

Dark Sarah´s music combines metal, film music and theatrical elements.

"The Puzzle" contains guest appearances by Manuela Kraller [ex. Xandria], Charlotte Wessels [Delain] and JP Leppäluoto [Charon, Northern Kings].

Dark Sarah line-up:
Heidi Parviainen [ex. Amberian Dawn] - Vocals
Erkka Korhonen [Northern Kings, Ari Koivunen] - Guitar
Sami Salonen - Guitar
Rude Rothstén - Bass
Thomas Tunkkari - Drums

Special guests:
Manuela Kraller [ex. Xandria]
JP Leppäluoto [Charon, Northern Kings]
Charlotte Wessels [Delain]

Dark Sarah discography:
2016: The Puzzle [Inner Wound Recordings]
2015: Behind The Black Veil [Inner Wound Recordings]

Production, orchestrations and mixing by: Mikko.P.Mustonen - Pathos Music [Delain, Sonata Arctica, Ensiferum]
Mastered by:Svante Forsbäck – Chartmakers [Volbeat, Sonata Arctica, Korpiklaani]
Artwork by: Jan Yrlund, Darkgrove Design [Apocalyptica, Ensiferum, Sirenia]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darksarahofficial
Website: http://www.darksarah.com

BRUTE FORCZ - EP 2016

BRUTE FORCZ is a kick ass heavy metal band from Los Angeles, CA. The band was formed in 2010 after ex professional wrestlers Slammer and Jammer decided they wanted to make heavy metal music in the style of Motorhead, Judas Priest, AC/DC and W.A.S.P. The power trio began performing in Los Angeles in the Summer of 2010. They immediately gained attention and a growing fan base opening for bands such as WASP, LA Guns, Loudness, Michael Schenker Group, Joey Bella Donna (Anthrax), Y&T, Steel Panther, George Lynch and many more. They then caught the attention of legendary producers Bob Kulick and Brett Chassen. The band recorded their debut album at Office Studios and features 10 songs that kick major ass. Their music has received huge amounts of press and exposure online within the metal community.

After spending the last few years dealing with Injuries, surgeries, bad finances, departures, and even death, Brute Forcz is back with a new 4 song EP. The EP is self titled, "Brute Forcz", and features Rowan Robertson (Ex-Dio), on guitar and was engineered and produced by legendary producer Bill Metoyer (Metal Blade A & R, Slayer to name a few) and Skull Seven Productions. As the band is preparing to play and have their music played across the world, there is no doubt it will be "KICK ASS HEAVY METAL."

Band Name - Brute Forcz
City - Los Angeles, Ca. United States

Lineup:
Robbn "Jammer" Steel - Bass and Vocals
Ronn "Slammer" Steel - Drums
Rowan Robertson - Guitars

Discography:
"BRUTE FORCZ" - EP 2016
"Out For Blood" 2012

Black Dreams - Soul Stealer (Single 2016)

Black Dreams was founded in the spring of 2015 at Rauma, Finland. They play a blues-driven heavy metal with some gothic and doom metal influences. Even though the band is a relatively new, all the members have a lot of experience from the other bands like  DIscipline X, Solitaire, Horrocks.

The single is released October 14th 2016 via Inverse Records. The brand new music video Soul Stealer is available here:  https://youtu.be/epQFEe5CV9s


Line-Up:

Juha Kraapo - lead vocals

Jari Rippe Rantanen - drums

Jere Kalla - lead guitar, back vocals

Sami Räikkönen - guitar

Veli Laukkanen - bass, back vocals

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/BLACKDREAMSOFFICIAL
https://soundcloud.com/black-dreams-3
https://twitter.com/Black_Dreams_FI

One Man Rock Band - Basket of Deplorables (2016)

One Man Rock Band is an American hard rock band formed in Whittier California in 2010. It was founded by drummer, guitarist, bassist, vocalist, Scott Gerling as a one-man project. Inspired by the likes of AC/DC, Aerosmith, Metallica, UFO, and Foo Fighters. One Man Rock Band video showcases its own aggressive brand of hard rock music.
Prior to the 2015 release of One Man Rock Band's debut EP “Power X," The band released two videos, "Highway Star,” (over 60 thousand hits) a cover song by Deep Purple, and an original song written about the death of Osama bin Laden called "We Will Never Surrender,” (Over 30 thousand hits).
Highway Star was well received by the fans (as well as fans of Deep Purple) as it is a technically difficult song to play, and equally difficult to perform. Alternatively, We Will Never Surrender has been heavily criticized (and praised) for for the lyrical content that contains a good amount of jingoism.
Currently, the band is rocking a new song called “Basket of Deplorables”. 
"This song is dedicated to all of Basket of Deplorables. Every last one, no matter what color, race, religion, or party, so long as they love our country, and are proud of being an American Citizen".
One Man Rock Band’s Power X can be purchased from:
CD Baby
iTunes
And a thousand and one other locations.


1. Home site: http://onemanrockband.com
2. REVERBNATION site: https://www.reverbnation.com/1manrockband
3. Twitter: at OneManRockr
4. Soundcloud site: https://soundcloud.com/1man-rockband