Following a stellar 2017, which saw Italian hard rock group Bad Bones tour worldwide with their last album Demolition Derby (Sliptrick Records 2016), the band are now ready to release their latest full-length groove machine given the title High Rollers. Demolition Derby garnered a great response from both established fans and the press, so anticipation has been high for the new release. We’re happy to say, it won’t disappoint!
High Rollers is a no compromise, tough and heavy record that will literally shake your bones. The amazing voice of Max Malmerenda (very close to Badland’s singer Ray Gillen) will lead you on a journey made of furious hard rock and outstanding melodies.
If you can imagine Van Halen, Scorpions, Mororhead and a glimpse of Iron Maiden mixed together, you’ll be getting close to the unique sound of Bad Bones. Sergio Aschieris Guitar riffs and solos touch perfection and the pounding bass of Steve Balocco united with the killer drumming of his brother Lele, produce a wall of sound that takes no prisoners.
High Rollers is a true hard rocking classic!
Track listing:
01. American Days | 02. Lost Again | 03. Wild Rose | 04. Midnight Rider | 05. Solitary Fields | 06. Now Or Never | 07. Blood Trails | 08. Wolf Town | 09. Story Of A Broken Bone | 10. Rock’n Me
Rock’n Me features Roberto Tiranti (Labyrinth, Wonderworld), Tiziano Spigno (Extrema, Lucky Bastardz) & Simone Mularoni (DGM).
Mixed and produced by Simone Mularoni at Domination Studio.
High Rollers | Released October 23rd, 2018 on Sliptrick Records
Bad Bones current line-up:
Max Malmerenda – Vocals | Sergio Aschieris – Guitar | Steve Balocco – Bass | Lele Balocco – Drums
NeversiN is a hard rock progressive band founded in 2004 in Padova. Over the years, they gained popularity presenting a wide repertory of classic hard rock covers from Deep Purple, Queen and Led Zeppelin an also several original songs. After their first self-produced cd The stranger recorded in 2006 and the following Retrolutionâ released in 2009, they signed a contract with Emmeciesse Music Publishing for the distribution of their debut album in 2010. In 2013, they completed their new album titled OF ROBOTS AND MEN published by Underground Symphony. In 2018 they are coming back with their new album THE OUTSIDE IN. The sound of NeversiN mixes hard rock and classic metal with progressive influences. The songs are different one from each other both in feeling and intention but preserving the sound of the band as the basic link and trademark, almost instantly recognisable. The aim of the band is to explore the sub-genres of rock and progressive in order to give each album a wide variety of sounds and colours, learning to do this from the great masters of rock Queen and Toto. Their songs go from straight hard rock to slow acoustic ballads, passing through evocative and sometimes complex instrumental passages.
MEMBERS
Ben Moro: Vocals, guitars
Skench: Guitars, Backing vocals
Sgana: Guitars
Albertino: Drums
Hurt: Bass
Italian alternative rock band Steelawake are ready to release their self-titled debut album worldwide via Sliptrick Records.
Steelawake collects all the groups feelings and emotions and expresses them through the music. This was unexpected, as they didn’t follow any particular genre that may be in trend at the moment but ended up with a cohesive album that encapsulates the band at this moment and time. Steelawake are proud of every song they’ve recorded for this and believe that they are unique from each other and interesting in their own ways. The group recorded the album at Magnitude Studio with their amazing producer Matteo Magni.
Steelawake contains 13 tracks of alternative rock, melodic and powerful at the same time. The tracks have a strong and raw male voice combined with clear and sweet female background vocals. Steelawake is who they are right now and the starting point for what’s to come!
Steelawake | Released October 20th, 2018 on Sliptrick Records
Track listing:
01. Run And Hide | 02. Who You Are | 03. Hot Mess | 04. Dragging You Inside | 05. Empty Eyes | 06. Not Alright | 07. Had Enough | 08. See The Demons | 09. Anything | 10. Nothing Left To Say | 11. Save Me | 12. Right Where I Belong | 13. Lost Forever
“Red Black White” has been decorded, mixed and Produced by Soren Andersen at Medley Studio (Mike Tramp, Glenn Hughes, Artillery) and mastered by Thomas "Plec" Johansson of Panic Studio Sweden and shows a super professional rock bands that should appeal to both AOR/melodic rock fans with a modern Muse meets Imagine Dragon touch.
Minus One was formed in 2009 and is the most popular rock band from Cyprus. The plays over 100 live shows ever year and has so far performed in UK, USA, Sweden, Denmark, Greece, Italy, Austria, Russia. E.g. supporting Glenn Hughes several times.
The biggest event has been the attendance to Eurovision Song Contest in 2016, performing live in from of 16.000 people for six times, and attending the televised final, which was followed by 205 million people worldwide.
EUROVISION 2016 EXPERIENCE
In 2014 the band members took the decision to enter the competition for the selection of Cypriot representative at Eurovision 2015. This decision, unlikely for a Rock band, was taken as it is basically the only way to become known abroad, since the size of the population of Cyprus (800,000 inhabitants) does not allow any local artist to reach international level unless by leaving the country or finding a way to be known abroad (it may be worth pointing out that George Michael and Cat Stevens both have Cypriot father). Thus the project to present the song "Shine" to the national selections for the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 was born, where it won the Jury Prize, ranking though third after the televoting.
On 4 November 2015, the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (CyBC) announced that the group would represent Cyprus in the Eurovision Song Contest 2016, without making any pre-selection. The song, titled "Alter Ego" was created by Minus One in three weeks, and brought to the production of the Swedish composer Thomas G: son. Rated the best ever entry from Cyprus, it made it through the final but ended up only in 21st position. But in the next two weeks the song found its right place at the top of the charts in Spotify and Itunes throughout most of Europe and has so far been streamed over 2,5 million times on Spotify alone.
The north of Germany, marked by rough weather, sometimes interrupted by hot sunny phases, is the home of Blackdraft. Four northmen and a woman set out from Hamburg, the pearl of the north, to carry their definition of contemporary metal sound into the world. Their coastal origin also finds its way into the 15 songs of the second album "The Quest". The concept album tells the story of the young researcher Runa Ágústsson from Hamburg, who sets off for Iceland to start a journey into the deep sea from there. Over the course of her adventure she meets strong, strange and eerie characters as well as fantastic deep-sea creatures and takes the listeners into the cold abysses filled with evil secrets.
Musically following this idea, front woman Julia Dorothee Wallenius, guitarist Karsten Wallenius, guitarist Fabian Adler, bassist Tomasz Kolonko and drummer Jan-Hendrik Köbel worked on the realization of this extraordinary work for about two years. Hard guitars meet varied female vocals, sometimes seductively soft, sometimes exuberant and almost aggressive. Karsten Wallenius takes over the vocal counterpart in the form of dark growls. The result is a head cinema full of emotions and contrasts that fascinates the music fans and takes them on an intensive journey which captivates the listeners until the last note. Support on the keyboards, which create a special mystical atmosphere, was provided by Niels Löffler from Orden Ogan.
But Blackdraft did not suddenly emerge from the musical void. The individual band members were previously active in local formations before they found each other in 2015 and brought Blackdraft to live. Already in 2016 they released their debut "Recipe Of Pain" on their own initiative on a small label and thus set a first buoy on the big ocean of rock music. Consistently good reviews, nationally and internationally, motivated the quintet to tackle the matter more professionally. On the wall in the rehearsal room, a piece of paper was hung up, clearly visible for everyone, on which the goals to be achieved were written and Blackdraft then gradually worked through them. In 2017 they found a management and while also working on their new album, played various festival shows, several support tours and gigs for Inglorious (GB), Mob Rules (GER) as well as Masterplan (GER/SWE) over the following months. The final stone of the puzzle was laid in September 2018 when Blackdraft, in accordance with their To-Do-list, reached a new home harbor by signing a worldwide deal with Mighty Music, Denmark for the release their coming album "The Quest"on December 14th.
The journey has only just begun and Blackdraft are ready to take all friends of hard yet melodic music on this special musical adventure.
Line up:
Julia (Lead-Vocals)
Karsten (Lead-Guitar, Growls)
Tomasz (Bass)
Jan-Hendrik (Drums)
Fabian (Rhythm-Guitar)
Fred Purser (ex. Penetration and Tygers of Pan Tang) punches a button on the mixing console in the studio he has run for 30 years and muses (to no-one in particular) ‘Well that took rather longer than I expected…….’ ‘Yes about 30 years longer’ laughs band mate Jon Deverill. Master of the understatement, Fred is referring to the album he has finally completed together with Jon.
An album that has been over 30 years in the making. But let’s rewind. Jon, a native of Cardiff, had made the transition from amateur to professional when he answered an advert in the now defunct Melody Maker placed by The Tygers of Pan Tang. The Tygers, determined to move away from their punk metal beginnings, were looking for a singer with power and authority. That man was Jon. Running roughshod over the other auditionees he was the first choice of everyone concerned. The album that followed was the highly rated ‘Spellbound’ where the thrilling combination of Jon’s power vocals and John Sykes’ acclaimed guitar playing elevated the Tygers to City Hall headliner status.
One more album together and Sykes was gone and the Tygers were left looking for a guitar player on the eve of a tour of France. Step forward Fred Purser. Fred, born in County Durham, in the tough North East of England, began his musical career proper with lauded New Wave band ‘Penetration’. Brought in to beef up their sound he contributed to two albums for Virgin Records until the band felt that they had said everything they could, and Fred went on to start work on a solo project. With no time to audition a new guitarist Fred seemed an obvious choice ‘Can you learn the set in a week? Fred was asked. 7 days later he answered that question in style. Long curly hair, trademark ripped t-shirt, every bit the quintessential rock star he stood on the stage in Paris and replicated the finger knotting solos that Sykes had contributed to the band.
One album later (the bestselling ‘The Cage’), successful tours of Europe and Japan under their belts and the band imploded. That would have been the end of the story had not Fred already begun writing material for bands next album. Undeterred by the mess that was left behind in the wake of the Tygers dissolution, Fred enlisted his now friend, Tygers singer Jon Deverill, to work on the songs he had begun to write. And here, some 30 odd years later, the two friends have finally finished that album and, with an interesting twist of fate, signed to the Tygers current record company Might Music.
And you might wonder what kind of music is produced by two Yes, Pink Floyd, Queen and Zeppelin loving musicians one of whom has run his own recording studio for 30 years and the other who has carved out a career as a successful actor? ‘It’s kind of proggy really I suppose’ says the Fred, ‘With a good helping of rock’ adds Jon.
“Square One” is Produced, engineered, mixed and mastered by Fred Purser.and will be released on the 14th of December 2018 on Mighty Music on black LP, CD and digital.
Denmark’s finest Power Metal band, Seven Thorns, begins a new chapter, with the release of their 3rd album “Symphony of Shadows”! Spicing up their sound with heavier, darker influences like Symphony X and Adagio they still remember their roots in neo-classical and classic Power Metal in the vein of Helloween and Stratovarius. The result is strong, catchy melodies, high-end technical musicianship and a massive, dark and rich sound, and the 9 tracks will leave the listener gasping for air yet yearning for more!
Having played numerous gigs and festivals including the prestigious CopenHell, blowing away audiences and critics alike, and having shared stages with bands like Primal Fear and Freedom Call, the band is a force to be reckoned with. In the words of composer and guitarist Gabriel Tuxen: “We wanted to make an album that was FUN for us to play on stage, and one that will entertain our fanbase as well as people who see us for the first time. I think we succeeded, and more.”
To enhance the darkness and heaviness of the album, Seven Thorns worked with famed producer Tue Madsen. He turned out to be the perfect partner to make the vision come alive, making sure that every detail in the complex soundscapes stand out clearly, still creating a wall of sound full of pummeling bassdrums, heavy guitars and soaring solos that will satisfy even the most demanding shred-fetishist.
Centered around the virtuoso talents of guitarist and main composer Gabriel Tuxen and keyboard player Asger Nielsen, and with the charismatic voice and persona Björn Asking handling the vocals, the ambitious melodies and songs easily come alive. The low end is kept tight and heavy by bassist Mads Molbaek and everything is paced forward hard and fast by drummer and band mastermind Lars Borup.
It’s Power, it’s Heavy, it’s Dark: it is The SYMPHONY OF SHADOWS
Seven Thorn is:
Björn Asking: Vocals
Gabriel Tuxen: Guitars
Asger W. Nielsen: Keys
Mads Mølbæk: Bass
Lars Borup: Drums
Web
http://www.seventhorns.com/
www.facebook.com/seventhornsofficial/
Formed in 2009, the band released an EP in 2013 consisting of four songs that made a great impact among AOR-fans all over the world. Shortly afterwards Care of Night signed a deal with AOR Heaven and released their debutalbum “Connected” in January 2015, receiving great accolades. A triumphant performance at Nottingham festival 2015 cemented the popularity. Then came silence, members departing and other aspects of life as we know it.
Some three years later, the band awoke from the hiatus. New guitarist Viktor Öström Berg joined the band in late 2015 and thereafter the band started to write new material and recordings started in the summer of 2018, with Erik Wigelius (Wigelius) returning as producer. The new album ”Love equals War” offers a broad variety of music with the high-energy AOR numbers the band is known for mixed with songs containing a slightly progressive feel while never losing the melodic touch. ”Love equals War” is a most anticipated comeback from one of the finest bands in the AOR-genre.
Line-up:
- Calle Schönberg – Vocals
- Kristofer von Wachenfeldt – Keyboards, Vocals
- Viktor Öström Berg - Guitars and Basses
- Linus Svensson – Drums
AOR HEAVEN is currently gearing up to release Vol 2. of 2 retrospective albums highlighting the music of Jean Beauvoir,November 2018. Jean Beauvoir: Rock Masterpieces Vol. 1 was released in July to rave reviews around the world and 10 out of 10 in UK’s PowerPlay Magazine, named the “Soundtrack of the Summer” in Sweden Rock Magazine with 8 out of 10, Classic Rock UK and Germany plus many others scoring it at the same high level. Vol. 2 features more songs from his solo career including his International multi-platinum debut "Drums Along the Mohawk" album, from his band Crown Of Thorns, his band Voodoo X, which also made music and video history and other fan favorites. As with Vol 1. the songs will be remastered.
Beauvoir is also working with best-selling British author Simon Cox (Cracking The Da Vinci Code) on a new book which will capture his storied career in music and entertainment. The iconic Blonde Mohawk of Jean Beauvoir has been an ongoing major influence on US and International pop culture in music, sports, film and TV; including several cartoons; influences that are still being seen and heard today. As a member of the Plasmatics, the most outrageous, controversial, successful Punk band ever and a longtime songwriter and producer for the Ramones, hailed as the greatest Punk band in the world, Jean Beauvoir is forever linked to two of the most revolutionary bands of the twentieth century. He was a member of the Plasmatics during their most successful and revolutionary time in music and is the only member of the Plasmatics who went onto a successful solo, production and writing career with over 40-million records sold to date and featured on over 250 albums.
After being signed by Richard Branson (Virgin) and being given his own label, music from his solo debut album “Drums Along the Mohawk” was handpicked by Sylvester Stallone for the film Cobra which led to Beauvoir making a deal with Al Teller (President of Columbia Records). Through working closely with Branson, Stallone and Teller, Cobra received the highest advertising budget for a Hollywood film to date at the time featuring the single "Feel the Heat" as its title track.
Since Cobra, music by Jean Beauvoir has been featured in other well known, successful films throughout his career including Pet Sematary (Stephen King), School Of Rock, Christmas With The Kranks and many others. He wrote and/or produced hits with other artist’s such as KISS, The Ramones, Lionel Ritchie, Desmond Child and others; more recently with Korean Superstar Jonghyun of the K-pop super group Shinee whose single "Crazy Guilty Pleasure" hit #1 on Billboard's World Album Charts (U.S.), #1 on iTunes (Worldwide) and topped the charts across Asia.
Today, the Plasmatics and the Ramones are hailed as two of the most revolutionary bands of the twentieth century. They are the original O.G. Punks and the Godfather's and Grand Dame (Wendy O. Williams) of Punk & Metal. Today, Jean Beauvoir is also recognized as "One of the Most Influential Black Rockers of All Time" by Guitar World Magazine and is one of the most successful bass guitarists in American music.
The Ramones were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2002) and honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2011). The Plasmatics are featured in the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame (2017). Jean Beauvoir continues to write, record and produce solo projects as well as collaborate with other artist's in various genres, while staying active in film and television projects both as a lead actor and/or executive producer. He is currently working with American author Bill Doyle and world class illustrator Nicola Anderson on a children's book to be released soon. Jean Beauvoir has a lead role and is a producer of the ground breaking film "The Killer's Requiem" set for release in 2019 and is currently reviewing several scripts submitted for future film roles while finalizing other projects set for release in 2019/2020.
He will also be headlining Germany’s prestigious “HEAT FESTIVAL” on December 1, 2018 in Ludwigsburg, Germany.
The Dan Reed Network are ecstatic to follow up their UK November Tour announcement with details of their brand new studio album Origins on Friday November 23rd 2018 via AOR Heaven. Origins follows DRN’s hugely successful comeback album Fight Another Day (2016).
To celebrate the announcement of their new album DRN are also extremely proud to share the first single Fade To Light with a music video they feel encapsulates the whole experience of recording Origins.
Watch the music video for Fade To Light: https://youtu.be/XE_2VAj7Th8.
"The video for Fade To Light is taken from the inaugural live studio recording session at Blueprint Studios in Manchester and is the perfect microcosm for this entire process. What I think really translates throughout is how having an audience in the room fed the band with a unique energy that pushed us to expand our creative horizons. We’re thrilled with the results,” explains Dan Reed.
While recording the album DRN opened the studio doors to the public and invited them in to be a part of an exclusive series of recording sessions that spanned the globe with tracks that would eventually become Origins recorded at Blueprint Studio’s in Manchester, The Power Station in NYC, Nia Studios in Portland Oregon and finally Studio 4 in Stockholm.
“We felt we were in the unique position to make this an immersive global event and break down the boundaries between those who love creating music and those love enjoying it. Each studio provided its own variety of motivation. Whether that be the knowledge of artists of who’d recorded there in the past, personal memories of the location we were in or the friendly faces watching on and inspiring us directly,” says Dan Reed.
The concept allowed supporters of the band to intimately witness the whole process of recording a brand new song from scratch with the band individually tracking drums, bass, guitar, keyboards and vocals before inviting the audience to participate and provide backing vocals for the song as can be seen in the brand new video for Fade To Light.
The audience were also witness to a classic Dan Reed Network being re-imagined right before their eyes.
A major part of this idea was taking control of the creative process moving forward as well as reclaiming music we’d recorded in the past. We thought those in attendance would really appreciate us not only creating something new but reimagining one of their favourite songs. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed revisiting these songs and contemplating the artistic journey we went on at the time and what we now can bring to that now as more mature song writers and musicians,” continues Dan Reed.
Dan Reed Network recently announced their upcoming Origins November 2018 Headline UK Tour that will see the band take in major cities across the UK in support of the new album. Special guests on the tour are Mason Hill and Hollowstar.
Based in Hudiksvall, Sweden, and active between 1983-1987, MADISON was one of the most prestigious Swedish Hard Rock/ Hair Metal groups of the mid 80’s. The line-up of the band in 1986 consisted of the young Göran Edman (vocals, ex-Yngwie Malmsteen, John Norum etc.), Anders Kalson (guitar), Mikael Myllynen (guitar), Conny Sundqvist (bass) and Peter Fredrickson (drums). During the time of their existence, MADISON released two albums, i.e. “Diamond Mistress” (1984) and “Best In Show” (1986).
The group had major success in Japan where they also went on tour after the release of the “Best In Show” album. This record was mainly produced at Studio 39 in Copenhagen, Denmark by Jörgen Bo and contains the band’s most successful track “Oh Rendez Vous”. Sonet Records/Universal Music released this record in 1986 in Europe on vinyl only; in Japan it also got a CD release at the time.
Pride & Joy Music now, in co-operation with Universal Music Sweden, releases this record for the first time on CD in Europe. The music was taken from the original masters and remastered. The original artwork from the vinyl edition built the foundation for the newly created CD booklet. Some pictures from the archives and two bonus tracks (“The Look In Your Eyes” and “The Tale”) were added.
“Best In Show” is now available as ltd. edition CD (1000 copies only) with two bonus tracks added and only while stock will last!
Highly anticipated new album from the Celtic metal songstress LEAH! The album was mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen [Volbeat, Amaranthe, Evergrey] and musicians on the album includes Troy Donockley [Nightwish], Timo Somers [Delain], Chen Balbus [Orphaned Land], Barend Courbois [Blind Guardian] and Sander Zoer [ex. Delain]! Perfect for fans of metal, fantasy and RPG gaming!
Track listing
01. The Quest
02. Edge of Your Sword
03. Lion Arises
04. Heir
05. Ruins of Illusion
06. Labyrinth
07. Abyss
08. Oblivion (Between Two Worlds)
09. Ghost Upon a Throne
10. The Water Is Wide
From the rugged coast of British Columbia, Canada, Celtic metal songstress, LEAH, is making waves across the globe. From ethereal ballads to folk-tales, mysterious world instrumentation and operatic blast beats, LEAH’s voice is a breath of fresh air among a sea of female-fronted rock.
Her debut self-released album "Of Earth & Angels" received international critical acclaim, landing her on "The Best Symphonic Metal Album" Metalstorm Awards for 2012. Later in 2013 [re-issued in 2014], the EP "Otherworld" released, featuring an appearance by Eric Peterson [Testament, Dragonlord] with vocals on the ethereal track "Dreamland".
"Otherworld" followed in the same steps as the debut, but took everything a step forward and gave us a hint on what was next to come with LEAH's heaviest album "Kings and Queens" released in 2015. Many musicians from around the world contributed to this album, such as Barend Courbois [Blind Guardian], Timo Somers [Delain], and Sander Zoer, all of whom have contributed to LEAH's upcoming album "The Quest."
LEAH’s upcoming album "The Quest" is gaining immense support. With a strong Celtic & Fantasy connection, some prog rock elements, ethereal ambiance, combined with traditional Symphonic Metal elements, this is an album LEAH is very proud to present.
The new LEAH album is a full-scale international effort by 9 individuals. Troy Donockley of Nightwish plays the pipes & flutes, Barend Courbois of Blind Guardian on bass, Timo Somers on lead and rhythm guitars, Sander Zoer on Drums, and Chen Balbus of Orphaned on the Saz and Oud.
The masterful Jacob Hansen, known for his crisp and heavy metal sound, mixed "The Quest" to perfection. And the talented Jan Yrlund created all the artwork for this album and completes the experience by adding perfect visuals to represent the songs and the journey they will take you on.
The concept for this album is very simple: we're all on a journey, and sometimes we lose our way. There are adventures, wildernesses, treasures, monsters, looters, people out to send us down the wrong path. Through it all, we must grow in wisdom and experience, find our compass once again and find our way back to the true path in order to reach our full potential: our destiny.
Karmic Link is the brainchild of Stathis Kassios (Nightfall, ex-system Shock) who, after a period of extensive recording and live experience, gave birth to a surrealistic musical project. In 2006, he started experimenting on some songs with Mina G., a charismatic mezzo-soprano, full of karmic ideas. The link was established and the result was mixed and mastered in the famous Tico Tico studios in Finland. The group’s debut album “No Light but Rather Darkness Visible” was released in 2008 with a new lineup consisting of Stathis Kassios, Evan Hensley and Kim Kimbo Gustavsson. Karmic Link so far consists of Mediterranean energy, doses of industrial coldness, atmospheric landscapes, progressive bits, instrumental madness, dark pop tunes, electro breakdowns, funky grooves and hard rock pentatonic moments. Karmic Link’s new album Dark Metropolis (2018) is an album sourcing musicianship from Greece, Norway, and USA, different cultures bound together to offer an alternative metal experience!
In 2018 the fans will enjoy this melodic rock masterpiece by Acadia Avenue featuring a stellar line up of vocalist including Peter Sundell (C.O.P., Grand Illusion), Dagfinn Joensen (Fate), Torben Lysholm (Pangea, Mysterell), Nicklas Sonne (Defecto, Section A) and Michael Bastholm Dahl (Artillery). Also Dennis Hansen (Section A, Fatal Force) is featured on the drums. The mastermind Torben Enevoldsen is featured on the bass, keyboards and guitars, and even sings a couple of songs himself. The worldwide known artist Carl-André Beckston was brought back again for this amazing CD artwork, Torbin has worked with Carl for almost 15 years now. In 2016 we saw the release of a melodic rock masterpiece of the mastermind Torben Enevoldsen again with this new CD called "Early Warning". This release includes a 12 page booklet artwork done by Blekkmark Design Studio. The new Acacia Avenue album, entitled "Early Warning", was written and recorded during 2015 and features brilliant vocal performances by Rob Moratti (ExSaga, Final Frontier), Steve Newman (Newman), Andy Engberg (Sorcerer, ExSection A), Mats Levén (Candlemass, ExYngwie Malmsteen), Torben Lysholm (Pangea) and Albin Ljungqvist. Torben Enevoldsen (Fate, Section A) is once again playing guitar, bass and keyboards, as well as singing both lead and background vocals on a few songs. He also mixed and mastered the album at his "Funny Farm Studios". Dennis Hansen (Section A, Fatal Force) plays drums, but the album also features a few very special guests. The idea for Acacia Avenue began back in 2008. Founding member, Torben Enevoldsen (Fate, Fatal Force, Section A), spent most of that year writing new material. Some of this new material came to be very melodic hard rock/AOR, and the idea of doing a full album in this style quickly emerged. In order to spice things up however, Enevoldsen decided to ask a few good friends of his to participate, both as singers, but also as cowriters.The debut album features Tony Mills (ExTNT, Shy), Geir Rönning (Radioactive), Torben Lysholm (Pangea, Mysterell) and Lars Säfsund (Work Of Art) on vocals. Torben did the bass, keyboards and guitars, as well as both lead and backing vocals on a few songs himself, and Thomas Heintzelmann (Decoy) did the drums. The selfentitled debut album was released on Lion Music in January 2010. The second album, entitled ”Cold”, was released on June 2014 through AOR Heaven and features vocal performances by Rob Moratti (ExSaga, Final Frontier), Steve Newman (Newman), Torben Lysholm (Pangea, Mysterell), Albin Ljungqvist, Mikael Roupé (Bamboo Brothers), Peter Sundell (Grand Illusion, Decoy) and Nicklas Sonne (Defecto, Section A). After the release of ”Cold”, Torben worked on and off on new material for a third album, and by the end of 2015, the album was completed. Rob Moratti (ExSaga, Final Frontier), Steve Newman (Newman), Torben Lysholm (Pangea, Mysterell) and Albin Ljungqvist are once again sharing vocal duties, along with Andy Engberg (Sorcerer, Ex220 Volt, ExSection A) and Mats Levén (Candlemass, ExYngwie Malmsteen). Speciel guests include Pontus Egberg (King Diamond), Peter Steincke (Fate), Anders Johansson (ExHammerfall, ExYngwie Malmsteen) and Johan Koleberg (Therion, ExSection A) Enevoldsen did the bass (except for two songs), the keyboards and guitars himself, as well as singing some lead and background vocals. Dennis Hansen (Fatal Force) did the drums (except for two songs) and as always, the majority of the recordings took place at Torben's ”Funny Farm Studios” in Denmark. This new album, entitled ”Early Warning”, was mixed and mastered at Funny Farm Studios by Torben Enevoldsen. Enevoldsen also produced the album.
LINE-UP:Torben Enevoldsen - guitar, bass,vocals and keyboards, Dennis Hansen -Drums, Vocalist include: Peter Sundell, Dagfinn Joensen, Torben Lysholm, Nicklas Sonne & Michael Bastholm Dahl.
TRACKLIST:01 Stand Up And Shout 02 Worlds Apart 03 Out Of Control 04 Fly Away 05 Mine All Mine 06 Straight To The Heart 07 Reaching Out 08 Seeing Is Believing 09 Don't Chain My Heart 10 Wait For Love 11 Chasing Starlight
Vancouver rockers TURBO VIXEN is ready to strut into the spotlight with their brand new lyric video for “Drive Into The Night”. Clad in spandex pants, TURBO VIXEN is a high energy rock 'n roll band that emulates the sound of Guns N Roses, Steel Panther and RATT.
The band's first full length released on July 20th, 2018 follows their 2016 EP “One Track Mind”. Fast, rowdy and definitely fun, this is a strong debut guaranteed to get your head banging and your hips thrusting. The album features STRIKER vocalist Dan Cleary whom stepped in on the release after original singer Jesse Ransom parted ways with the band during its recording process.
Track Listing:
1. Thunder And Lightning
2. No Mercy
3. Hard Love ‘N’ You
4. Cat House
5. Hit Back (Refuse To Lose)
6. All My Love
7. She’s Got The Touch
8. Straight Out Of Hell
9. Down The Hatch
10. Drive Into The Night
Current Lineup:
J.J. Rowlands - Guitar
Aaron Bell - Drums
Album Lineup:
J.J. Rowlands - Guitar
Aaron Bell - Drums
Dan Cleary - Vocals
Darryl Mac Donald - Bass
Harpdog Brown - Harmonica on tracks Cat House and All My Love
Jerry Cook - Saxophone on track No Mercy
The music of ONCE is inspired by neo-romantic soundtrack music and includes typical elements of a classical Aristotelian drama, combined with heavy guitars and drums.
The band was formed in 2012, when keyboarder Frank Wypchol, lead singer Alina Lesnik, guitarist Marco Paulzen and drummer Alexander Hey decided to create a full orchestrated metal project.
In 2013 ONCE released acoustic versions of their songs My Fairytale and Distorted Smiles, which were recorded and filmed as university project at the ArtEZ Conservatorium in Enschede/NL. Afterwards ONCE worked on their demo EP, which was released 2015.
Their music-video of the single The Hour Of Eden's Fall gave a first impression of what is to come with their first full length studio album AFTER EARTH, which will now will be released on October 19th, 2018.
Line-up: Alina Lesnik: Vocals & Lyrics; Marco Paulzen: Guitars, Bass & Grim Vocals; Frank Wypchol: Keys & Piano and Orchestrations; Alexander Hey: Drums,
Guest: Shir-Ran Yinon (Krayenzeit, HAGGARD, Ex- Eluveitie and New Model Army) violin on "The Allure", "Distorted Smiles" and "The Final Stage.
Orchestra and choir arrangements by Frank Wypchol
Produced by Frank Wypchol & Marco Paulzen
Recorded & Engineered by Marco Paulzen in Münster, Germany
The Castor Troys, a hard rock band from Hamilton, Ontario are premiering their new single “We Are One” over at PunkNews.org. This is the first single from their EP “Legends Never Die” to be released later this year. “We Are One” is a catchy and fun sing-along with punk overtones in the riffs and a steady rockin’ beat.
The Castor Troys are very excited to release their new EP and this single is an excellent example of the politically charged raucous fun that the EP entails. As described by the band, “ We Are One” promises to be, "anthemic and fist pumping. This is a sing-along to end all sing-alongs. A rallying cry of unity in the face of adversity and opposition."
Track Listing:
1. Blackout Love
2. We Are One
3. Watch the City Burn
4. Legends Never Die
5. Wreck of The Bastard
6. Runnin’ Down A Dream (Tom Petty cover)
Album Recording & Live Line Up:
Aaron Walsh – Lead Vocals
Chris Ledroit – Guitars, Backing Vocals
Matthew Bowker – Bass, Backing Vocals
Bryson Emmons – Drums, Backing Vocals
For more info:
http://www.thecastortroys.com
https://www.facebook.com/thecastortroys
http://www.twitter.com/thecastortroys
Once Upon a Winter is a progressive post rock project from Thessaloniki, Greece. It began as an idea back in 2012, in Xanthi. Ilias' studies included classical music theory, obtaining his degree in 2013.
In 2014, the first EP was released, which included three songs. From that point on, Once Upon A Winter wasn’t just an idea, but a full time project. After three years in the making, the debut album Selective Depression of the Big Bang was released on February 20th2017. The album received good recognition, with over 100K views on Youtube, while voted in the Top 10 releases of 2017 from the prog rock publication I-Jukebox Magazine in Greece.
Almost immediately after the release of the debut album, Ilias went back to the studio for the recording of the second album .existence. With .existence, the sound of Once Upon A Winter explores more territories, incorporating elements of post rock and even blackgaze, while the atmospheric use of classical strings and piano is still plays a big role.
On April of 2018, Once Upon A Winter, signed a record deal with the Finnish record label Snow Wave Records for the physical release of the second album .existence, out on Nov 10th as CD and limited edition color vinyl.
Once Upon A Winter on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/onceuponawinter/
The highly anticipated third album from Dark Sarah, the Finnish cinematic metal band of Heidi Parviainen (ex. Amberian Dawn). Features guest appearances by Zuberoa Aznarez (Diabulus In Musica), Marco Hietala (Nightwish) and Netta Skog (ex. Ensiferum).
Track listing
01. Desert Rose
02. Trespasser
03. Wheel
04. My Beautiful Enemy
05. I Once Had Wings
06. Pirates
07. Sky Sailing
08. Wish
09. The Gods Speak (feat. Marco Hietala & Zuberoa Aznarez)
10. Promise
11. Golden Moth
12. The Gate Of Time
Dark Sarah is a Finnish cinematic metal band led by classically trained singer/songwriter Heidi Parviainen. After parting ways with Amberian Dawn in late 2012, she started to build up a new project called Dark Sarah. Dark Sarah´s music combines metal, film music and theatrical elements. The albums are concept albums telling a continuing story of a young woman called Sarah and her evil half - Dark Sarah and a mystical journey through three worlds. All the three albums have been crowdfunded by the fans on Indiegogo.
Dark Sarah line-up:
Heidi Parviainen (as Dark Sarah) - vocals
JP Leppäluoto (as Dragon) - vocals
Erkka Korhonen - guitar
Sami Salonen - guitar
Rude Rothstén - bass
Thomas Tunkkari - drums
Special guests:
Zuberoa Aznarez (Diabulus In Musica)
Marco Hietala (Nightwish)
Netta Skog (ex. Ensiferum)
Dark Sarah discography:
2018: The Golden Moth [Inner Wound Recordings]
2016: The Puzzle [Inner Wound Recordings]
2015: Behind The Black Veil [Inner Wound Recordings]
Hailing from Brisbane/Gold Coast, Smoking Martha's debut album 'In Deep' is brimming with hooky riffs and alluring smoky vocals. Recorded at Loose Stone Studios with Matthew Bartlem (Matt Corby, Dead Letter Circus) in the producer’s chair, it perfectly encapsulates the bands heavy hitting, but versatile sound. Softer tracks like 'Baby Let Me Go' showcase the band’s ability to go from chugging riffs of 'One Night' to a song led by Tasha D’s huge vocal range layered with strings and a delicate acoustic guitar.
Combine all this with a stack of shows impressing audiences with the likes of Wolfmother, Thunder, Seether, Hardcore Superstar, Fuel, Everclear, P.O.D., Cherie Currie (The Runaways) and more, Smoking Martha continues to grow their fanbase and the potency of an intense reputation as one of Australia's must see rock bands live in the UK this November!
The debut album 'In Deep' gets its UK/European official release on the 9th November via Bad Reputation Records.
Following the release of their 2017 EP “Ritualis Aeterna”, Canadian horror inspired symphonic power metallers MALACODA will be releasing a new full length album entitled “Restless Dreams” via ROCKSHOTS RECORDS on October 19th in North America and October 26th in Europe. The album delivers a full musical experience inspired by the horror video game “Silent Hill 2”. MALACODA first introduced their fans to the “Silent Hill 2” storyline with the track “I Got A Letter“, which was featured on the band’s sophomore release “Ritualis Aeterna”.
Inspired by the horror video game “Silent Hill 2”, “Restless Dreams” is a musical journey through dark tormented themes of doubt, loss, guilt and terror. The plot of the album follows a broken man’s journey through the ghost town of Silent Hill after receiving a letter from his dead wife asking him to meet her there. MALACODA brings a fresh interpretation of these themes and artfully bring to life the oppressive, claustrophobic aura of the fog consumed town with deviously clever song-writing and mind-catching lyrics. “Restless Dreams” is a musical release unlike any other. Fans and new listeners alike, prepare for an atmospheric and melodic metal descent into a world of horror and despair. “Restless Dreams” was masterfully mixed by Jon Howard (Threat Signal, Imonolith).
Formed in Melbourne, Australia in 2008 and centered around the Millis brothers Jules (Vocals - ex Tigertailz) & Xavier (Keyboards - 2 x Aria Nominee) and guitar virtuoso Enzo Almanzi. Raised on a healthy diet of 80’s Arena Rock and influenced by artists such as Survivor, Foreigner, Journey, Night Ranger, Starship, Dokken and Australia's own Rick Springfield. In 2010 White Widdow signed with the AOR Heaven label and stormed onto the Melodic Rock scene across the globe with the release of their self-titled debut album throughout Europe. 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. White Widdow quickly returned with their follow up release “Serenade” in September 2011, showcasing a more crafted song style and structure.
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) and playing alongside artists including Jimi Jamison (Survivor), Steve Auguri (Journey), Unruly Child, Stage Dolls, Keel, Shakra, Strangeways, Silent Rage, Alien, Mitch Malloy, Coney Hatch, Jeff Paris, Kane Roberts and many more.
In 2014 White Widdow's third opus. "Crossfire" was released and was once again met with praise from both rock critics and melodic rock/ AOR fans, receiving positive reviews. In March 2015 White Widdow returned to tour Europe with shows in Spain and Greece before returning to the UK with shows across England and finishing the tour at Hard Rock Hell AOR Festival in Wales sharing the stage with AOR Legends Night Ranger & FM.
2016 saw White Widdow release their fourth album "Silhouette", a very slick AOR affair that was heaped with praise by the Melodic Rock Press and Media. White Widdow returned to tour Europe and once again performed at HEAT Festival in Germany alongside artists including Treat and Pink Cream 69.
2018 has seen White Widdow re-enter the studio for their fifth album "Victory", celebrating ten years since the band began and an album cover that throws back to the style of their debut. "Victory" incorporates a strong Pomp element in the songs along with White Widdow's traditional classic 80's AOR sound, the band allowing their influence of bands like Giuffria and White Sister to really come through. Featuring over the top pompus keyboards, stacked harmony vocals from the Millis brothers and Enzo Almanzi's tasty solos throughout. White Widdow are set to perform at Rockingham in the UK in support of the new album, followed by a tour through Spain, Greece and their native Australia.
Following on from their explosive self-titled debut album last year, MIDNITE CITY return all guns blazing on 19th of October 2018 with their sophomore release 'THERE GOES THE NEIGHBOURHHOOD' - eleven tracks of fist pumping, high energy, feel-good, hair metal of the highest order!
The lush melodies, huge choruses and gargantuan hooks found on their debut album are all here in abundance alongside some true modern day glam anthems, fun commercial party rock, moody mid-paced hard rockers and heart wrenching power ballads big enough to light up an entire arena.
As with the first album, the winning formula has remained - all songs have been written by Rob Wylde, whilst Pete Newdeck has once again taken control of production, engineering and mixing duties. With ‘THERE GOES THE NEIGHBOURHOOD’ the band has literally stepped everything up several notches to unbridled, head splitting proportions. The guitars are big, the drums are huge, there are walls and walls of harmonies and more synths than you’d find this side of a classic Bon Jovi album. In a nutshell, this album has everything but the kitchen sink!
With shows all over the UK and Europe in 2017/ 2018, MIDNITE CITY's sound is tighter than ever before.
So if you long for a band that still look, sound and perform like those long lost million selling forgotten bands of the late 80's/ early 90's, MIDNITE CITY and 'THERE GOES THE NEIGHBOURHOOD' is the album for you.
Don’t forget to catch MIDNITE CITY tearing it up live all over the UK, Europe and beyond in their own inimitable, arena rock style in 2018/ 2019…
The heat, the attitude, the METAL! Texas doesn't do subtly and it sure as hell doesn't do mellow, as evidenced by the forthcoming self-titled album of molten Lone Star metal from TEXAS METAL OUTLAWS. Available on CD (Heaven and Hell Records) and vinyl (Texas Metal Underground Records), each of the album's nine tracks features a unique line-up of players from the deep well of Texas metal talent.
Though barely scratching the surface of the magic on offer, some particularly interesting aspects of the album include:
The appearance of every member of WITCHES MARK on "Malt Liquor Maniac."
Bonus track "Black and Green" features every member of Agony Column, plus guitarist Robert Williams (IGNITOR/WITCHES MARK) and is the first thing AGONY COLUMN has recorded since 1995's Way Back In The Woods album.
The Burt Bacharach/Carole Bayer Sager-penned cover of "That's What Friends are For" features a complete previous lineup of IGNITOR plus Orlando Logan Olivero (AGAINST THE PLAGUES, WHORE OF BABYLON).
The cover song "Running From The Law" from RIOT's Born In America album was recorded as a tribute to Mark Reale and Rhett Forrester and even features Donnie Van Stavern (RIOT) on bass.
The complete list of players on Texas Metal Outlaws is as follows:
Jason McMaster (Watchtower, Dangerous Toys, Broken Teeth, IGNITOR, Evil United)
Stuart Laurence (Agony Column, IGNITOR)
Donnie Van Stavern (S.A. Slayer, RIOT, Pitbull Daycare)
Felix Griffin (D.R.I. , Bat)
Robb Bockman (Witches Mark, UADA)
Scott Palmer (Witches Mark, Byfist, Demontuary)
Carlos Zema (Immortal Guardian, Vougan, Heaven's Guardian, Outworld, David Shankle Group)
Billy Dansfiell (Agony Column, IGNITOR, E.K.U., Zero Percent)
Ross The Boss Friedman (Manowar, Death Dealer, Ross The Boss band, The Dictators)
Cody Gilliland (Immortal Guardian)
Richie Turner (Agony Column)
Chris Alaniz (Agony Column, Cheetah Chrome)
Mike Soliz (Militia, Assalant, Oblivion Knight)
Mark Zammaron (Odometer, Las Cruces, Wicked Angel, Passage Temple)
Pat Doyle (IGNITOR, The Offenders)
Michael Paul Toupin (Raging Saint, Force of Rage)
Al Berlanga (Syrus)
Stan Martinez (Target 7, Social Slut)
James Rivera (Helstar, Distant Thunder, Destiny's End, Seven Witches, Malice, Flotsam and Jetsam, Agent Steel, Shadowkeep)
Larry Barragan (Helstar, Eternity Black, Santa Oscuridad)
Stony Grantham (Shadowkeep, Byfist)
Brendon Bigelow (IGNITOR, Death of Millions)
Orlando Logan Olivero (Against The Plagues, Whore of Babylon)
Robert Williams (IGNITOR, Witches Mark)
Texas Metal Outlaws Track List
"Texas Metal Outlaws"
Jason McMaster - Vocals
Robert Williams - Guitar
Stuart Laurence - Guitar
Donnie Van Stavern - Bass
Felix Griffin - Drums
"Malt Liquor Maniac"
Robert Williams - Guitar, Bass, Vocals
Robb Bockman - Guitar
Scott Palmer - Drums
"Rebel Years"
Carlos Zema - Vocals
Robert Williams - Guitar
Stuart Laurence - Guitar
Ross The Boss Friedman - Guitar solo
Billy Dansfiell - Bass
Cody Gilliland - Drums
"Black and Green"
Richie Turner - Vocals
Stuart Laurence - Guitar
Robert Williams - Guitar
Billy Dansfiell- Bass
Chris Alaniz - Drums
"Running from the Law" [Riot cover]
Jason McMaster - Vocals
Mike Soliz - Vocals
Robert Williams - Guitar
Stuart Laurence - Guitar
Donnie Van Stavern - Bass
Felix Griffin - Drums
"Sound of Scorn"
Mark Zammaron - Vocals
Robert Williams - Guitar, Bass
Stuart Laurence - Guitar
Pat Doyle - Drums
"Within the Spell"
Michael Paul Toupin - Vocals
Robert Williams - Guitar
Stuart Laurence - Guitar
Al Berlanga - Guitar solo
Stan Martinez - Bass
Scott Palmer - Drums
"Echoes of Memory"
James Rivera - Vocals
Robert Williams - Guitar
Stuart Laurence - Guitar
Larry Barragan - Guitar solo
Stony Grantham - Bass
Cody Gilliland - Drums
"That's What Friends are For"
(Original recording by Dionne Warwick / Reworked by Williams/Laurence of Texas Metal Outlaws with lyrics by Williams)
Orlando Logan Olivero - Vocals
Jason McMaster - Vocals
Robert Williams - Guitar, Vocals
Stuart Laurence - Guitar
Brendon Bigelow - Bass
Pat Doyle - Drums
Classic Italian heavy metal merchants, Heavy Generation, arrive with their brand new hard hitting, no-compromise opus, The Spirit Lives On. With 11 vibrant tracks, the band is truly putting the metal into their heavy sound in their first full-length feature.
The themes of The Spirit Lives On concern with mythology, honour, war and dystopia. The deep connection between spirit and nature, the denial of a corrupted society, the balance between passions of heart and the power of mind are the most important messages the band wants to spread.
The album was recorded, mixed and mastered in Alpha Omega Studio. The artwork was created and edited by the artists Fabio Porfidia and Roberto Toderico.
And Heavy Generation don’t stop here. For the bands current live shows, the stage scenography and costumes are freely inspired by a post apocalyptic scenario, according to the albums themes. “The Spirit Lives On” indeed!
The Spirit Lives On | Released September 11th, 2018 on Sliptrick Records
Track Listing:
01. Born To Rock | 02. Fire Steel Metal | 03. No Control | 04. Blood And Sand | 05. Heavy Generation | 06. Path Of Denial | 07. My Spirit Lives On | 08. Odin | 09. Warriors | 10. March Until The Grave | 11. No More Mercy
Heavy Generation are:
Ivan Giannini – Vocals | Fabio Cavestro – Guitars | Marco Marchioni – Bass | Marco Stefani – Drums
American sci-fi power metal duo DIRE PERIL featuring Jason Ashcraft (Helion Prime) and vocalist John Yelland (Judicator) announce they will be unleashing their new album "The Extraterrestrial Compendium" on November 9th, 2018 via Divebomb Records. The debut full length follows DIRE PERIL's three previous EP releases "Astronomical Minds" (2013), "Queen of The Galaxy" (2014) and "Through Time and Space" (2015).
Inspired by all manners of science fiction, "The Extraterrestrial Compendium" bases each one of its 12 songs on classic sci-fi movies including Predator, Total Recall, Starship Troopers, and E.T. and features guest performances by Brittney Slayes (Unleash The Archers) reprising her role as Barbarella for a re-recorded version of "Queen of the Galaxy" and the mighty Arjen Anthony Luccassen (Ayreon, Star One, The Gentle Storm), who lends his voice and guitar skills to album-closer "Journey Beyond the Stars".
"The album takes you on a journey all based on different sci-fi films. From fast aggressive right hand attacks (in style of Iced Earth) to softer acoustic passages." says Ashcraft.
The band's first single "Heart of The Furyan" is a track based on the "The Chronicles of Riddick" series, but more importantly the third installment "Riddick" where the duo demonstrate a very strong gallop riff during the verse, a slow acoustic middle section and big chorus.
The digital album is available for pre-order on Amazon.
Track Listing:
1. Yautja (Hunter Culture)
2. Planet Preservation
3. Enemy Mine
4. The Visitor
5. Total Recall
6. Queen of the Galaxy*
7. Roughnecks
8. Blood in the Ice
9. Heart of the Furyan
10. Altair IV: The Forbidden Planet
11. Always Right Here
12. Journey Beyond the Stars**
*Features Brittney Slayes
**Features Arjen Anthony Lucassen
Album Band Line Up:
Jason Ashcraft (Guitar, bass)
John Yelland (Vocals)
Featuring Brittney Slayes as guest vocalist on Queen of the Galaxy
Featuring Arjen Anthony Lucassen as a guest
Live Band Line Up:
Jason Ashcraft (Rhythm Guitars)
John Yelland (Vocals)
Chelsea McMasters (Bass)
Steven Soderberg (Lead Guitars)
Tom Tierney (Drums)
DIRE PERIL will also be hitting the road with their recruited live line up to support Seven Kingdoms this coming November on select USA tour dates
