Detritus
Issue #512 (Oy-Oy!)
Week of August 3, 2009
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*** CAST OF CHARACTERS ***
*
Patrick Brower, Editor
patrickbrower@...
Sean P. Gahgan, Editor
spgahgan@...
http://www.lakeoffire.net/
http://www.myspace.com/visionlakeoffire
Tim Wadzinski, Owner
tsw512@...
Steve Shumake, Co-owner
vongoober@...
http://www.myspace.com/kdsteve
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*** LET IT BE KNOWN ***
*
-We'll be maintaining radio silence for a week or two, as I'm taking a
much-needed vacation. Until we meet again... - Tim
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*** PRESS RELEASE #1 ***
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-Frontiers Records Signs Lynch Mob
TRENTON, N.J. -- Frontiers Records is excited to announce the
worldwide release of the Lynch Mob come-back studio album entitled
SMOKE AND MIRRORS, to be released on September 18 in Europe and
October 13 in the U.S.A.
After 17 long years, singer Oni Logan and guitar wizard George Lynch
found their way back together and again show their amazing abilities
in some killer new hard rock songs.
"I would say this new record, SMOKE AND MIRRORS, is the record we
should have put out as a follow-up to WICKED SENSATION...better late
then never I guess," said Lynch.
Lynch Mob was formed by Lynch, one of the few genuine guitar heroes of
substance to emerge from the Los Angeles scene, after Dokken split up
in 1989. The band's first album, WICKED SENSATION, went on to sell
over 500,000 units in the U.S. and featured the talents of singer Oni
Logan, Anthony Esposito on bass, and another former Dokken member,
Mick Brown, on drums. After a tour in support of Queensryche, Logan
opted out, with Robert Mason taking his place on the follow-up self-
titled release. Lynch and Brown eventually returned to Dokken,
releasing two studio albums until he left again in late 1997, putting
together a several new incarnations of Lynch Mob and exploring new
sounds with different projects.
However, Logan and Lynch found themselves again in a studio in the
summer of '07. "We weren't sure what was going to happen," Lynch said,
"but as soon as I heard what Oni was coming up with just off the top
of his head, I knew the old chemistry was still there. So we spent
many months writing. The first batch of songs had almost a Southern
rock feel to them and there was quite a bit of acoustic and slide work
on those. They also had a genuine '70s vibe. These first songs had
elements reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac, Zeppelin, Black Crowes, Stones,
and it was all very bluesy. We lived with those songs for a while then
went in and did a second round of collaboration. We had tightened up
as a band after touring over the summer and we consciously wrote the
newer material with the WICKED SENSATION record in mind. So we updated
the earlier songs a little and wrote a few more 'adventurous' tracks
and went in to start recording."
Joining the new lineup are bassist Marco Mendoza (Whitesnake, Thin
Lizzy) and drummer Scott Coogan (Brides Of Destruction, Ace Frehley).
More than a band, this team is guaranteed to create one of the most
explosive shows you can ever experience and shines big time on the
brand new recording, which is set to bring back Lynch Mob on the map
of the most exciting hard rock bands around! "Marco Mendoza is a gift
from heaven," Lynch said. "How they figured out how to stuff all that
talent and goodness into one person I'll never know. They must have
made a mistake at the factory! Then there's Scott Coogan on drums...
baby of the band. He's very solid, very 'Bonhamesque.'"
The SMOKE AND MIRRORS track listing includes: "21st Century Man,"
"Smoke And Mirrors," "Lucky Man," "My Kind Of Healer," "Time Keepers,"
"Revolution Hero," "Let The Music Be Your Master," "The Fascist,"
"Where Do You Sleep At Night?," "Madly Backwards," "We Will Remain,"
"Before I Close My Eyes," and "Mansions In The Sky" (bonus track).
Lynch Mob are ready to embark on a world tour in the fall 2009 to
follow up on the successful performance at the Rocklahoma 2008 and to
promote SMOKE AND MIRRORS. "We have been expecting to go out in a
support situation with a bigger act in the fall of '09 to coincide
with the release of SMOKE AND MIRRORS and were also expecting to visit
Europe, as well," Lynch said. "It's been way too long since I've
played Europe and we need to tour there extensively...last time Lynch
Mob toured Europe was with Queensryche and I think that was 1991!"
Get back to real rock with Lynch Mob new album SMOKE AND MIRRORS!
http://www.frontiers.it/
http://www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords
http://www.georgelynch.com/
http://www.myspace.com/lynchmobrocks
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*** PRESS RELEASE #2 ***
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-Primal Fear Announces North American Tour Dates
TRENTON, N.J. -- In the midst of a world tour to support its new
album, 16.6 (BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU'RE DEAD, German metallers
Primal Fear will hit North America for a week of dates.
The U.S. run will be sponsored by BW&BK magazine and will kick off
September 7 in Iowa, and conclude in Montreal on September 13. The
tour will include stop at the famed ProgPower USA festival in Atlanta
on September 10.
"Everyone in Primal Fear is electrified about coming to the U.S. and
Canada," said Mat Sinner. "We got such a great feedback for our new
album 16.6 and we know that it is time to focus more on our waiting
fans in the U.S. and Canada. We can promise a two-hour Primal Fear
best-of show with a focus on our new album."
Primal Fear's 16.6 was released June 9 in America via Frontiers
Records. Easily the most powerful, ambitious and interesting album in
the band's history, the vibe of songs like the opening track "Riding
The Eagle," "Killbound," or "Under The Radar" are reminiscent of the
NUCLEAR FIRE album but the whole album features all the trademarks of
the Primal Fear sound -- a the total dedication to pure metal.
Primal Fear will return to North America in early 2010 after
fulfilling commitments in Europe, Asia, and South America.
Worldwide Primal Fear dates are as follow:
08/05/09 Wed. Circo Volador, Mexico City, Mexico
08/06/09 Thu. Downtown Majestic, Bogota, Colombia
08/08/09 Sat. Teatro Flores, Buenos Aires, Argentina
08/09/09 Sun. Carioca, Sao Paulo, Brazil
08/15/09 Sat. Rock Pod Open Air, Snina, Slovakia
08/20/09 Thu. Rock City Festival, Bucharest, Romania
09/07/09 Mon. Station 4, St. Paul, MN
09/08/09 Tue. Key Club, Los Angeles, CA
09/09/09 Wed. Jaxx, Springfield, VA
09/10/09 Thu. ProgPower X, Center Stage, Atlanta, GA
09/12/09 Sat. Blender Theatre, New York, NY
09/13/09 Sun. FouFounes, Montreal, QUE
09/25/09 Fri. Garage, London, UK
09/26/09 Sat. JBs Metalfest, Dudley, UK
09/27/09 Sun. Biebob, Vosselaar, Belgium
10/23/09 Fri. Salamandra 1, Barcelona, Spain
10/24/09 Sat. Heineken, Madrid, Spain
10/25/09 Sun. Sala Totem, Navarra, Spain
10/26/09 Mon. Theatre Barbey, Bordeaux, France
10/28/09 Wed. Music Dome, Milan, Italy
10/29/09 Thu. Z7, Pratteln, Switzerland
10/30/09 Fri. Event Halle, Geiselwind, Germany
10/31/09 Sat. Markthalle, Hamburg, Germany
11/06/09 Fri. The Rock, Copenhagen, Denmark
11/07/09 Sat. Schuetzenhalle, Olsberg, Germany
11/08/09 Sun. Matrix, Bochum, Germany
11/09/09 Mon. Backstage, Munich, Germany
11/11/09 Wed. Rockfabrik, Ludwigsburg, Germany
11/12/09 Thu. Rocktemple, Kerkrade, Netherlands
11/13/09 Fri. Serikovka, Pilsen, Czech Republic
11/14/09 Sat. House of Culture, Kurim, Czech Republic
http://www.primalfear.de/
http://www.myspace.com/frontiersrecordsusa
http://www.frontiers.it/
http://www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords
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*** PRESS RELEASE #3 ***
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-Fuel Records Set To Release Carmine Appice's Guitar Zeus Double Disc
August 18th
CONQUERING HEROES Features Renown Guitarists Ted Nugent, Vivian
Campbell, Zakk Wylde, Many More
"Carmine Appice set the foundation for heavy drumming before John
Bonham, before Ian Paice, before anyone else."
- Rick van Horn, Modern Drummer
LOS ANGELES, CA -- Fuel Records is scheduled to release the Guitar
Zeus project by legendary drummer Carmine Appice, featuring a
compilation of 24 of the best Guitar Zeus songs. CONQUERING HEROES
hits the streets on August 18th. The double-disc set showcases the
prolific talents of many world-renown rock guitarists including Paul
Gilbert (Mr. Big), Yngwie Malmsteen, Neal Schon (Journey), Steve Morse
(Deep Purple), Jennifer Batten (Michael Jackson), Mick Mars (Motley
Crue), and the core band featuring Tony Franklin (The Firm, Blue
Murder) on bass, Kelly Keeling (Blue Murder, MSG, TSO) on
vocals/keys/rhythm guitar, with Appice on drums.
Author, clinician, drummer... Carmine Appice first came to prominence
as the percussionist with the late 1960s psychedelic band Vanilla
Fudge. He contributed distinctive background harmonies with bassist
Tim Bogert, adding to the group's high decibel sonic assault. After
five albums, Appice and Bogert left Vanilla Fudge to form the blues
rock quartet Cactus with vocalist Rusty Day and guitarist Jim McCarty.
Eventually, Appice left Cactus with Bogert to join Jeff Beck in the
power trio Beck, Bogert & Appice, and then later joined Rod Stewart's
backing band in 1977, co-writing hit songs such as "Do Ya Think I'm
Sexy?" and "Young Turks." In 1978, Appice played drums on Paul
Stanley's first solo album. He was a member of KGB featuring Ray
Kennedy, Rick Grech, Mike Bloomfield and Barry Goldberg, and has
recorded with Stanley Clarke, Ted Nugent, and Pink Floyd. He was the
drummer for the bands King Kobra and Blue Murder, and toured with Ozzy
Osbourne.
Appice first created Guitar Zeus in 1995 when he recruited some of the
most famous guitarists in the world to be a part of his project, from
Zakk Wylde and Ted Nugent to Brian May (Queen) and Slash (Guns N'
Roses), even tennis legend John McEnroe. Songs also included guest
vocals by Dug Pinnick and Edgar Winter. Throughout the late 1990's,
three Guitar Zeus CDs were released to worldwide critical acclaim.
"Guitar Zeus for me was an amazing experience, working with so many
great guitarists," Appice affirms. "It was fun picking out songs for
each. Each guitarist loved the songs. It was awesome. I would do it
again in a minute even though it was alot of work. I consider these
drum tracks to be some of my best drum performances in my career!"
ALBUM INFO
Artist: Carmine Appice's Guitar Zeus
Title: CONQUERING HEROES
Label: Fuel Records
Track info
DISC 1
1. Dislocated (featuring Paul Gilbert from Mr. Big)
2. This Time Around (Yngwie Malmsteen)
3. Safe (featuring Neal Schon from Journey)
4. Four Miles High (featuring Steve Morse from Sea Level & Deep
Purple)
5. So Long (featuring Doug Aldrich from House Of Lords, Lion,
Whitesnake, & Rod Stewart)
6. Black White House (featuring Brian May from Queen)
7. Guitar Zeus Part 1 (featuring Jennifer Batten from Michael Jackson)
8. Killing Time (featuring Ty Tabor from King's X)
9. Where You Belong (featuring Slash from Guns N' Roses)
10. Days Are Nights (featuring Ted Nugent)
11. Time To Set Alarms (featuring Elliot Easton from The Cars)
12. Under The Moon & Sun (featuring Mick Mars from Motley Crue)
13. Guitar Zeus Part II (featuring Leslie West from Mountain)
DISC 2
1. Stash (with Stevie Salas from Rod Stewart & Mick Jagger)
2. Code 19 (with Zakk Wylde from Ozzy Osbourne & Black Label Society)
3. Perfect Day (with Warren DeMartini from Ratt)
4. Gonna Rain (with Richie Sambora from Bon Jovi)
5. Crusin' (with Denny Laine from Moody Blues & Wings)
6. Snake (with Bruce Kulick from Kiss and Meat Loaf)
7. Trippin' Again (with Ty Tabor from King's X)
8. Dead Wrong (with Dweezil Zappa)
9. Doin' Fine (with Vivian Campbell from Dio, Whitesnake & Def
Leppard)
10. Where You Belong (with Paul Gilbert from Mr. Big)
11. GZ Blues (with Seymour Duncan & Steven Seagal)
Produced by Carmine Appice & Phil Kaffel for Bianic Music
Recorded by Phil Kaffel/Mike Wolfe
Mixed by Phil Kaffel & Pat Regan
All songs written by Carmine Appice & Kelly Keeling except "Stash"
written by Appice, Keeling and Tony Franklin; "Where you Belong"
written by Appice/Keeling/Franklin, and "Perfect Day" written by
Appice/Keeling/Franklin.
Published by Bianic Music (ASCAP) and Neptchyunes c/o Serge
Entertainment Group LLC (ASCAP)
For more information about Carmine Appice's Guitar Zeus, please visit
the following Web sites:
http://www.carminappice.net/
http://www.myspace.com/guitarzeus
http://www.myspace.com/officalcarmineappice
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*** PRESS RELEASE #4 ***
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-Jorn Returns With "Spirited" New Album
TRENTON, N.J. -- Frontiers Records is excited to announce the release
of Jorn's brand new studio album entitled SPIRIT BLACK on July 14th in
the U.S.A.
Considered by many fans and critics as one of the finest voices in
hard rock to arrive on the scene at the end of the 20th century, Jorn
is now ready to unleash upon the world yet another studio album
entitled SPIRIT BLACK.
"I have carried some of these ideas with me for quite some time," said
Jorn. "Willy, Jimmy, Sid, and myself have known each other since the
'80s, and some of the song ideas and demos from back then have now
seen the light of day and become an essential part of SPIRIT BLACK.
When we were younger we usually never cared about what we did
yesterday, only about the future, but the past can sometimes reveal
hidden treasures and I discovered great potential in some of these
song ideas."
The result: SPIRIT BLACK is another slab of classic hard rock with
'80s metal elements, which will definitely please all those who loved
his recent LONELY ARE THE BRAVE, released in June 2008.
A winning formula should not change, so Jorn has worked again with
Tommy Hansen at Jailhouse Studios in Denmark, ensuring the right edge
to the rich guitar and vocal sound that is now trademark to all Jorn
releases. "The fans can expect a solid and defined record that will
shake the classic metal world and hammer the future Jorn legacy in
stone," Jorn said. "The sound of the album is like a crossover between
THE DUKE and LONELY ARE THE BRAVE, and I feel that some of the songs
on SPIRIT BLACK have the potential to become essential hard rock
classics that will stand the test of time."
Jorn Lande's strong and diverse voice and solid songwriting skills
have now become legendary in the hard rock world. In a career spanning
over 30 releases, and as front man for Millennium, Ark, and
Masterplan, Jorn was recently featured on spectacular projects such as
Tobias Sammet's Avantasia, along with stars like Alice Cooper and Eric
Singer (Kiss), Rudolph Schenker (Scorpions), Bob Catley (Magnum), and
in Arjen Lucassen's recent concept album from Ayreon.
"The musical style and direction is now more defined and less
experimental," Jorn said. "I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel
anymore, I just want to write good quality hard rock songs that people
can relate to and identify with. As we entered into the new
millennium, I realized and accepted that my strength as a singer was
more classic rock oriented. If you buy a Jorn album today, you know
what you will get. True, classic hard rock music."
Jorn is getting ready to tour the world at the end of summer '09 with
his band formed by Igor Gianola and Tore Moren on guitars, Nic
Angileri on bass, and Willy Bendiksen on drums.
The SPIRIT BLACK final track listing includes: "Spirit Black,"
"Below," "Road Of The Cross," "The Last Revolution," "City
Inbetweeen," "Rock And Roll Angel," "Burn Your Flame," "World Gone
Mad," "I Walk Alone," and "The Sun Goes Down" (bonus track exclusively
included in the first limited edition pressing in digi-pak).
http://www.frontiers.it/
http://www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords
*
*** PRESS RELEASE #5 ***
*
-Lion Music News
Lion Music Artists Scoop "Just Plain Folks" Nominations
It's with great pride that we can announce Mind's Eye and Marco Sfogli
have been nominated for Just Plain Folks awards in the following
categories.
* Best Metal Album - Mind's Eye: A GENTLEMAN'S HURRICANE
* Best Metal Song - Mind's Eye: "Feed My Revolver" (from A GENTLEMAN'S
HURRICANE)
* Best Instrumental Rock Album - Marco Sfogli: THERE'S HOPE
* Best Instrumental Rock Song - Marco Sfogli: "Genius" (from THERE'S
HOPE)
Just Plain Folks is a community of over 51,500 Songwriters, Recording
Artists, Music Publishers, Record Labels, Performing Arts Societies,
Educational Institutions, Recording Studios and Engineers, Producers,
Legal Professionals, Publicists and Journalists, Publications, Music
Manufacturers and Retailers and about every other type of member of
the Music Industry -- and host to the world's largest independent
music awards.
More information at
http://www.jpfolks.com/ .
Alberto Rigoni Offers Up A Free Track & Scores A New Endorsement Deal
Twinspirits and solo bassist Alberto Rigoni is offering up a free
bonus track from the same sessions that led to the album SOMETHING
DIFFERENT. The track's called "Glory Of Life - Bass only version." To
claim the track visit
http://www.albertorigoni.net/free.html .
In related news Alberto is pleased to announce he is now an Aguilar
Amplification endorsee Aguilar are considered to be one of the most
prestigious companies for bass amplification and Alberto is delighted
to find himself in the same company as bass legends John Patitucci,
Nathan East, and Adam Nitti.
Win A Signed Rusty Cooley Signature Overdrive Pedal
To celebrate the launch of his new signature overdrive pedal, world
acclaimed shredder Rusty Cooley in conjunction with Pro Tone Pedals
are offering you the chance to win a free signed "Rusty Cooley
Overdrive" pedal.
To stand a chance of winning simply sign up at
http://protonepedals.com/signup.html .
In related news, Rusty has just launched his own YouTube channel;
check it out at
http://www.youtube.com/user/MrRustyCooley .
Upcoming Release Promo Videos
A couple of taster videos from forthcoming releases:
Infinity Overture - KINGDOM OF UTOPIA (October 2009)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbb-u8gz9OE
Vendetta - HERETIC NATION (November 2009)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzojN2gboBg
Simone Fiorletta Releaes Out August 28, 2009
Simone Fiorletta - WHEN REALITY IS NOTHING
Genre: Guitar Instrumental
Released: August 28th 2009
Cat LMC266
EAN6419922002667
Back with his third solo album WHEN REALITY IS NOTHING, Moonlight
Comedy guitarist Simone Fiorletta takes the listener on a voyage
through a myriad of rock guitar textures and expressions. Building
upon the foundations laid by his two previous solo efforts (PARALLEL
WORLDS and MY SECRET DIARY) Simone has come up with an album that
shows a change in his approach to the instrument, with a more earthy
texture and mature penmanship yet all led by the luxurious guitar work
that has earnt Simone a legion of fans.
WHEN REALITY IS NOTHING is a solid rock guitar album with each tracks
inspiration coming from Simone's own personal experiences, mirroring
his soul. Opener "Thanx" is a dedication to Simone's own parents,
whilst "My Brother" is a musical reflection of his brother's
personality and spirits. More earthy topics also were sources of
inspiration with "Like A Bird" being penned to represent a sense of
freedom.
Once again Simone has worked with Labyrinth keyboardist Andrea De
Paoli whilst the drum stool is largely occupied this time by Marco
Aiello with bass work being handled by Matteo Raggi. To add further
flavour to the album Simone called upon special guests to add their
own classy performances. One of instrumental guitar's leading
authorities Neil Zaza provides a solo, whilst keyboard whiz Mistheria
(Bruce Dickinson, Angel Of Eden) adds further keyboard flourishes.
Simone's fellow Moonlight Comedy musicians Valerio D'Anna (Synth) and
Armando Pizzuti (Bass) also lend their skills to their fellow band
mate's solo album.
WHEN REALITY IS NOTHING was written and recorded over a short space of
time from November 2008 to March 2009. This time scale helped lend a
new freshness to Simone's solo work, and indeed further inspiration
derived by it being the first album to be recorded, edited, mixed and
mastered personally in Simone's own studio "SF Digital Studio," with
the exception of the drums being recorded by Sandro Assante at
"BlabLab" Studios.
WHEN REALITY IS NOTHING is an album that will appeal to fans of early
albums from Joe Satriani (THE EXTREMIST) and indeed those from one of
its contributors Neil Zaza. Simply said an enthralling release for
anyone with an interest in modern rock guitar.
Track Listing
1. Thanx
2. My Brother
3. Dance In The City
4. I Believe In You
5. Loneliness In Your Eyes
6. Laura
7. Oh No, Once Again?!
8. Ehy...What's Up?
9. Like A Bird
Musicians
Simone Fiorletta - Guitars
Andrea De Paoli (Labyrinth) - Keyboards
Matteo Raggi - Bass
Marco Aiello - Drums
Guest Musicians
Neil Zaza - guitar
Mistheria (B. Dickinson and more) - keyboards
Valerio D'Anna (Moonlight Comedy) - synth
Armando Pizzuti (Moonlight Comedy) - bass
Fabrizio Auri - drums
Official Web sites
http://www.simonefiorletta.it/
http://www.myspace.com/simonefiorletta
More information and streaming MP3 at:
http://www.lionmusic.com/cd/realityisnothing.htm
Upcoming Release: Twinspirits - THE FORBIDDEN CITY
Lion Music are pleased to announce the release of the second album
from progressive metallers Twinspirits. The new album THE FORBIDDEN
CITY is set for release on September 11th 2009 and builds upon the
sound heard on the band's 2007 debut THE MUSIC THAT WILL HEAL THE
WORLD (Lion Music). THE FORBIDDEN CITY takes the progressive metal
approach of the debut and adds more musical depth, more memorable
songs along with the ever present sublime musicianship featuring some
of the genre's best musicians. A key feature of the new album is the
band's new Swedish vocalist Göran Nyström, whose stunning range, power
and projection has propelled the band's trademark mix of technical
progressive metal with strong song structures and melodic elements
onto a higher level.
Once again Twinspirits keyboard genius and musical mastermind Daniele
Liverani (Genius / Khymera / Cosmics) wrote all the music and lyrics,
yet it's the first class interplay from guitarist Tommy Ermolli,
bassist Alberto Rigoni and drummer Dario Ciccioni which bring the
music alive. The Twinspirits sound has been energised and tightened by
gigs in support of the debut album and this comes through on the new
album. In addition THE FORBIDDEN CITY possesses a darker edge to it
than its predecessor, something Göran Nyström's voice was instrumental
in bringing out. Liverani comments, "After the departure of original
vocalist Nico Søren we went through many demos, was the obvious choice
to be the new singer of Twinspirits. His raw yet warm voice, sheer
versatility and expression in combination with great vocals skills
caught the attention of the band from the initial demo we heard. After
some rehearsals it was clear this was the voice that could give
justice to the band's sound and songs."
The initial writing of THE FORBIDDEN CITY began back in 2005 when
Liverani began working on what would become the epic 10 minute opening
title track. The rest of the album was then written from 2007 onwards
with "My Future," "Reaction" and "Number One" being the last tracks to
be penned in the summer of 2007. Recording and production began in
2008 whilst the band was still searching for a new vocalist and was
completed in the second quarter of 2009.
THE FORBIDDEN CITY is a concept based on the impact characters with
differing natures can inflict on others. The story and all the songs
run through a path of liberation of the weak natured character who
finally rises to a better consciousness of himself and life and gets
free from his oppressor. The path of this process is described in
different moments of self-thought considerations that the weak
character has about himself and his life status ("Taste The Infinity,"
"Hide This Feeling," "My Future") till the finale reaction to it, and
his final liberation on "I'm Free." On the other, the oppressive and
arrogant character runs through his delirium of power describing his
insane nature through the songs "Number One," "One Of Us," and
"Everything," where he tries to rise himself as the owner of the
objective truth and thus trying to become the only choice for the
other character life that he's oppressing. Yet scope is left to let
the listeners the chance to paint their own explanations and
deductions.
Twinspirits' THE FORBIDDEN CITY is released on September 11th 2009 on
Lion Music.
Album Information
Genre: Progressive Metal
Cat LMC268
EAN6419922002681
Format: CD and Digital Download
Track Listing
1. The Forbidden City [10.18]
2. Taste The Infinity [5.54]
3. Number One [4.39]
4. Everything [7.44]
5. One Of Us [6.31]
6. BTR [5.40]
7. Hide This Feeling [4.41]
8. My Future [6.39]
9. Reaction [6.02]
10. I Am Free [10.25]
Total Time: 68.33
Band Members
Göran Nyström - Vocals
Tommy Ermolli - Guitars
Alberto Rigoni - Bass
Daniele Liverani - Keyboards
Dario Ciccioni - Drums
Album Credits
Produced by Daniele Liverani
Drums recorded at New Frontiers studio, engineered by Ugo Bolzoni
Mixed and mastered at Fear studios, Alfonsine, Italy by Simone
Mularoni and Gabriele Ravaglia
Cover and artwork by Dario Ciccioni
Official Web Sites
http://www.twinspirits.net/
http://www.myspace.com/twinspiritsband
http://www.twitter.com/twinspiritsband
http://www.youtube.com/user/TwinSpiritsBand
Lion Music Promo Page With Streaming MP3
http://www.lionmusic.com/cd/forbiddencity.htm
Marketing & Promotion
» Stunning second album
» Accessible progressive metal
» Daniele Liverani has a big fan base thanks to works with Khymera,
Genius and Empty Tremor amongst others
» New vocalist Göran Nyström is a superb new addition
» Reviews in all leading rock/metal press
Upcoming Release: Status Minor - DIALOG
Freshly signed to Lion Music in early 2009, Finnish melodic
progressive metallers Status Minor deliver their debut album DIALOG on
September 11th, 2009. Home to seven catchy progressive metal
masterpieces, this is a debut that is both modern in sound and outlook
with a fresh melodic edge mixed with the heavier side of progressive
metal, and one that sees guitar and keyboards form a tight yet open
partnership backed up by the tight rhythm section over strong rhythms
and arrangements. Vocalist Markku Kuikka has a tonality which serves
up a darker flavour than the more traditional progressive metal voice,
further aiding the band's distinct sound and holds more crossover
appeal potential.
With their debut album Status Minor have delivered an album that is a
strong marriage between song craft and musicianship all enwrapped with
a dark edge and overtone.
Lyrically the album touches on subjects of human emotions, problems
and acts between people. The pinnacle of the album is the title song
"Dialog," an emotionally charged track with a running length over 15
minutes. For the title track the band used voice actors to strengthen
the mood which, when blended with the band musical prowess makes for a
very satisfying metal experience from this original and highly
captivating track.
Comprised of five highly competent musicians, Status Minor's
foundations were laid by guitarist Sami Saarinen in 2002, and little
by little the lineup evolved to what it is today: Markku Kuikka -
vocals, Jukka Karinen - keyboards, Eero Pakkanen - bass and Rolf Pilve
- drums. The band's musical roots and influences are wide-spread which
helps with the band's creativity, yet the band are able to define
their own take on progressive metal with a great deal of adaptability.
Having released two promotional international press praised E.P.s
prior to signing with Lion Music, along with a good deal of live
performances allowed Status Minor the time to forge their own sound
and write songs that have ultimately led to the quality heard on their
full-length debut album.
Status Minor are another band propelling the Scandinavian progressive
metal scene onto new heights, and comes recommended for fans of label
mates Seventh Wonder and Mind's Eye along with those of Evergrey and
Vanden Plas.
Status Minor's DIALOG is released on September 11th, 2009 on Lion
Music
Album Information
Genre: Progressive Metal
Cat LMC267
EAN6419922002674
Format: CD and Digital Download
Track Listing
1. Something More [5:17]
2. Out Of These Streets [5.38]
3. Stand And Think [3.54]
4. Masquerade [5.31]
5. Fade Away [6.23]
6. Machine [4.11]
7. Dialog [15.44]
act i - act ii - act iii
Band Members
Markku Kuikka - vocals
Sami Saarinen - guitars,
Jukka Karinen - keyboards
Eero Pakkanen - bass
Rolf Pilve - drums
Album Credidts
Recorded at Matrixtor and CPS studios between 6/2008 and 2/2009
Produced by Status Minor
Mixed by Nino Laurenne (Thunderstone, Ari Koivunen, Amorphis, Lordi,
Children Of Bodom, etc.) at Sonic Pump Studios
Mastered by Pasi Kauppinen at Studio 57
Cover and booklet art by Matti Kuusniemi
Official Web Sites
http://www.statusminor.com/
http://www.myspace.com/statusminor
Lion Music Promo Page With Streaming MP3
http://www.lionmusic.com/cd/dialog.htm
Marketing & Promotion
» Top quality progressive metal from Finland
» DIALOG is a incredibly strong debut album from Status Minor
» Reviews in all leading rock/metal press
http://www.lionmusic.com/
http://www.myspace.com/lionmusiclabel
*
*** PRESS RELEASE #6 ***
*
-New "Sanctuary" For Praying Mantis
TRENTON, N.J. -- Frontiers Records is excited to announce the release
on the new Praying Mantis studio album entitled SANCTUARY in the
U.S.A.
Praying Mantis is of the prime movers of the New Wave of British Heavy
Metal movement. Founded by brothers Chris (bass, vocals) and Tino
(guitar, vocals) Troy in the U.K., the band debuted in 1981 with the
release of TIME TELLS NO LIES, an album that still today is considered
one of the best expressions of that musical period, even if it did not
meet with much commercial fortune.
In 1990 Praying Mantis finally reformed with a new lineup featuring
two ex-Iron Maiden cohorts: Paul Di'Anno (on vocals) and Dennis
Stratton (on guitar), with Bruce Bisland on drums, and thanks to the
interest of some Japanese promoters, released a live album (LIVE AT
LAST) in 1990, recorded during that tour. The success gained in the
Eastern lands convinced the band about the possibility of a permanent
reunion and with a renewed lineup (the band featured during this time
ex-MSG singer Gary Barden, then Mark Thompson-Smith, and later Tony O'
Hora on vocals) they went on to release six studio albums and one live
album.
After 2003's THE JOURNEY GOES ON, an album that featured different
singers, most notably John Sloman (ex-Lone Star) and Dougie White
(Malmsteen, Rainbow), the band entered a hiatus period, which was
finally broken in the summer of 2007 when a new incarnation of the
band -- formed by the Troy brothers, with Benjy Reid on drums, Andy
Burgess on guitars, and Mike Freeland on vocals -- appeared at the
Bang Your Head!!! festival and later, in the summer 2008, at the
Headbanger's Open Air Festival in Germany and at the Bloodstock
Festival in the U.K., while writing a brand new stunning studio album.
Entitled SANCTUARY the new album was recorded in Atlanta under the
direction of producer/engineer Andy Reilly (Asia, The Cult, Bruce
Dickinson, FM). The music is instantly recognizable and features
plenty of great melodies and songs.
"Hard to believe but Mantis have been in existence for over thirty
years," said Chris Troy. "Quite incredible really that we are still
there releasing albums and maturing nicely. I know its probably a
cliche statement used by so many bands, but I do honestly believe it
is by far the best thing we have ever done. The lyrics on most songs
are quite deep and in some ways dark, but I think this suits the
music, which is intrinsically based on minor chord structures (the
saddest chords). There are some real epics and dueling guitar
harmonies in the standard Mantis style and all the fans who have heard
it so far have been giving us some great feedback."
The final track listing includes: "In Time," "Restless Heart," "Tears
In The Rain," "So High," "Lonely Way Home," "Touch The Rainbow,"
"Threshold Of A Dream," "Playing God," "Highway," and "Sanctuary."
What we have on SANCTUARY is a band that contains some very fine and
experienced musicians who have put together a collection of songs that
create a really classic album. "To those have remained with Mantis
through the highs and lows of our career we salute you," Troy said.
"We hope you enjoy the new album and we dedicate it to you. Very
special thanks!"
http://www.praying-mantis.com/
http://www.myspace.com/prayingmantisrock
http://www.myspace.com/frontiersrecordsusa
http://www.frontiers.it/
http://www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords
*
*** PRESS RELEASE #7 ***
*
-Sonata Arctica: Revamped MySpace Page Launches!
Sonata Arctica have just launched a revamped version of the bands
MySpace Page (
http://www.myspace.com/sonataarctica ) in celebration
of their upcoming release, THE DAYS OF GRAYS.
Keep an eye out on the band's MySpace Video Channel (
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.showvids&friendID=29758396&n=2\
9758396
) and YouTube Channel (
http://www.youtube.com/sonataarctica ) for
some upcoming video footage!
The new Sonata Arctica album, THE DAYS OF GRAYS, will be released in
Europe on September 18, 2009 and in North America on September 22,
2009.
The album's track listing can be viewed at
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=29758396&blogId\
=500392433
.
Finnish melodic metallers Sonata Arctica have launched a contest where
fans can design their cover artwork for the upcoming promotional
European single to the track "Flag In The Ground," off the band's
upcoming new album THE DAYS OF GRAYS.
Commented Sonata front man Tony Kakko:
"People, attention! Now here's your big chance to make an impact to
the whole music industry -- or at least all Sonata fans! Create a
cover for our promotional single and have your artwork printed on
display cardboard for promotional use in radios, clubs, etc. The song
is called 'Flag In The Ground' which is also going to be our video
song. It's an uplifting story about a young couple fighting their way
to freedom and their own land in North America back in early 1800s.
Join the race, have fun, create us a cover art work and win! Do it
today! Good luck!"
For complete contest rules, please click here:
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=29758396&blogId\
=501662574
The band will be touring the U.S. and Canada with DragonForce and
Taking Dawn in September & October. View tour dates on the band's
MySpace Page (
http://www.myspace.com/sonataarctica ).
http://www.sonataarctica.info/
http://www.myspace.com/sonataarctica
http://www.facebook.com/sonataarctica
*
*** PRESS RELEASE #8 ***
*
-Frontiers Announces Signing Of Cain's Offering
TRENTON, N.J. -- Frontiers Records is excited to announce the release
of the newest addition to its roster of artists, Cain's Offering from
Finland.
Cain's Offering's debut album GATHER THE FAITHFUL will be released
September 11th in the U.S.A.
The band is the new artistic creation of Jani Liimatainen, the
guitarist/songwriter formerly of Sonata Arctica and Altaria. In 2007,
Jani parted ways with Finnish power metal act Sonata Arctica, a band
he has contributed to and founded in 1996, and to which he devoted his
full time and energy for more than 10 years.
Following his departure from one of Finland's biggest music exports in
recent years, all eyes were set upon his newest creation: Cain's
Offering. "After parting ways with Sonata Arctica, I took 'a leave of
absence' from the metal circles, feeling that I had not much to offer
at the time and that I needed a break to charge my batteries," said
Liimatainen. "After a year or so the hunger to play metal returned
with a vengeance, and so I decided to put together a new group of my
own. I gave a call to a few friends, and voila: Cain's Offering!
Cain's Offering is a collaboration of a world-class musicians and one
of the best singers in the world of heavy metal. All of these guys are
handpicked from the very best the Finnish metal scene has to offer and
I'm very proud to have them join me in this band."
Joining Liimatainen in his quest for world domination -- or rapid
success, whichever comes first -- are vocalist Timo Kotipelto
(Stratovarius, Kotipelto), keyboardist Mikko Harkin (Solution.45,
Mehida, ex-Sonata Arctica, ex-Wingdom, ex-Kenziner), bassist Jukka
Koskinen (Norther, Wintersun), and drummer Jani "Hurtsi" Hurula (Paul
Di'Anno).
Drawing its musical influence from the classic hard rock scene, fast-
paced European power metal, and a very modern heavy metal sound,
Cain's Offering is, just as expected, a perfect example of today's
living and breathing Finnish music scene. "To me Cain's Offering is a
perfect combination of the things I value in music: beautiful
melodies, emotions, top-notch musicianship, and some kick-ass metal!"
said Liimatainen. "Basically it represents music as I like to hear it;
every element is in its rightful place. I feel that what we came up
with has all the traditional values that so many metal-heads, myself
included, hold so dear, but with a fresh new twist to it. Lyrically
the songs deal with very basic, almost primal emotions and subjects
most people will be able to relate to...and...there are absolutely no
dragons allowed!"
So, this is a tour-de-force of who's-who in the Finnish heavy metal
scene, and yes, this does sound like a wet dream come through for all
fans of melodic metal. And guess what -- the product exceeds all
expectations! With the debut album GATHER THE FAITHFUL ready for
release, Cain's Offering waste no time, and backed up by such a strong
record label as Frontiers Records and their management Intromental,
there's no doubt that 2009 will be the year where the Finnish metal
scene finds a new hot exponent.
GATHER THE FAITHFUL includes the following songs: "My Queen Of
Winter," "More Than Friends," "Oceans Of Regret," "Gather The
Faithful," "Into The Blue," "Dawn Of Solace," "Thorn In My Side,"
"Morpheus In A Masquerade," "Stolen Waters," and "Elegantly Broken."
http://www.cainsoffering.com/
http://www.myspace.com/cainsoffering
http://www.myspace.com/frontiersrecordsusa
http://www.frontiers.it/
http://www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords
*
*** PRESS RELEASE #9 ***
*
-W:O:A 2009 -- The Anniversary Concert Is History
Dear Metalheads
The 20th W:O:A is already part of our history and we will keep in
memory four essential aspects of our legendary festival, this year:
- the best audience in the world
- tremendously good bands with outstanding performances
- the sun does exist in the North of Germany
- once again no traffic jams
We'd like to thank you for your support.
Without you we wouldn't be what we are: The greatest heavy metal
festival in the world!
Our innovations like the party stage access, medieval market,
wrestling tent, the rearrangement of the infield, Wacken tube, Wacken
mobile, W:O:A streaming on rockalarm.com and our concert stick
initiative have all been very well adopted and appreciated.
We had 77,000 participants, comprising artists, volunteers covering
many sections, press, the so-called VIP's, rescue-and-security staff
as well as numerous fans.
Further information and statements are consecutive, according to our
evaluations.
Please kindly note: we appreciate and request constructive critisism
and improvement suggestions. Subsequently, it will be evaluated,
published and taken into account for additional plans. Thank you very
much!
We would like to express our gratitude towards all the residents of
the Wacken community, Gribbohm, Holstenniendorf, Besdorf, Bokelrehm,
Bokhorst and Nienbüttel. They have shown great hospitality and we
appreciated their support and identification with your/our festival.
Additional gleanings and press reports regarding W:O:A 2009 will
follow -- please also refer to the photo gallery.
The festival is the headliner and the bands play their "best of"
program.
We are looking forward to next year and will be proud to announce for
the 21st time:
Faster - Harder - Louder - see you in Wacken 2010 - rain or shine
Metalheads, thank you very much for your support!
Your team W:O:A
For more news please visit our W:O:A homepage:
http://www.wacken.com/
*
*** PRESS RELEASE #10 ***
*
-Hard Rockers Outloud! Reveal Video For First Single
TRENTON, N.J. -- Frontiers Records is pleased to launch the video clip
of "We Run," the first single from the forthcoming self-titled debut
album from Outloud!, to be released on Frontiers Records on September
15 in the U.S.A.
The video clip is available following this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aifdQ6CfKL0 , or surfing to the
Frontiers Records MySpace site
http://www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords
.
Outloud! is the hottest new band is hard rock today. Formed by
guitarists Tony Kash and Bob Katsionis (Firewind) in Athens in 2004,
the guys are now a five-piece also including singer extraordinaire
Chandler Mogel (ex-Talon), drummer Mark Cross (Firewind, ex-Helloween
and Kingdom Come), and bassist Jason Mercury. Fans of early Skid Row,
Hurricane, Foreigner, and TNT should watch out and request the single
"We Run" on your favorite rock show!
"We Run" is also "Track Of The Day" on Classic Rock's Web site:
http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/track-of-the-day-outloud/
Classic Rock wrote:
"If you like your hard rock to be bright, breezy, anthemic and
hummable, then today's track will get your motor turning over nicely.
It's a neatly constructed, yet spontaneously combustible song. A
mighty merry melody from a band who only got together a year ago.
However, if you're aware of Firewind then you'll certainly know about
drummer Mark Cross and keyboard player/guitarist Bob Katsionis. Both
were associated with the mighty Greek power metalheads, but have now
decided to blow up their own type of storm, joined by vocalist
Chandler Mogel, guitarist Tony Kash and bassist Jason Mercury.
"The beauty of what they do is that it's not hampered by any
preconceptions. This five-piece have clearly gone out to write the
best possible songs, and have a good time while recording them. When
you listen to 'We Run' you can almost see the smiles on their faces.
This could be a big Summertime hit -- as it ticks all the boxes when
it comes to fun in the sun. Watch out for their debut album, OUT LOUD,
which will be released next month. It does live up to the tag of being
Skid Row meets TNT, with Bon Jovi as the referee."
http://www.myspace.com/frontiersrecordsusa
http://www.frontiers.it/
http://www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords
*
*** PRESS RELEASE #11 ***
*
-The Sweden Rock Cruise Stockholm-Turku
8-9 October 2009
Start the countdown towards Sweden Rock Festival 2010 with a bang! On
October 8th, the Sweden Rock Cruise set sails again! With hardrock
DJ's, tax free shops, bars, restaurants, a gaming room, swimming pool
and saunas, the 12-deck, 200 meter long M/S Silja Galaxy is pure
heaven for everyone into hard music and partying!
Crashdïet
The band who revived the Swedish sleaze scene has a new singer and a
new album. The identity of the new front man was kept secret for weeks
until it was finally revealed in a recent issue of Sweden Rock
Magazine. His name is Simon Cruz, and everyone who has heard him seem
to agree that the band is in the best shape they have been in a long,
long time. Crashdïet will do their first ever gig with the new lineup
on the Sweden Rock Cruise, so if you are into sleaze and Crashdíet you
simply cannot miss out on this!
http://www.crashdiet.org/
http://www.myspace.com/realcrashdiet
Freak Kitchen
The former Sweden Rock Festival house band is finally back on Sweden
Rock turf -- although at sea this time! This peculiar trio was formed
in 1992 and has a reputation for weird time changes, humorous
in-between song rants, quick leaps between different musical styles
and the phenomenal guitar playing of front man Mattias "IA" Eklund. A
new album titled LAND OF THE FREAKS is scheduled for release this
fall.
http://www.freakkitchen.com/
http://www.myspace.com/freakkitchenmusic
Freedom Call
These power metal icons have been called the happiest metal band in
the world, and if you are into melodies, double bass drums and
choruses sounding like national anthems this should indeed be your cup
of tea. Freedom Call, founded by Gamma Ray drummer Daniel Zimmermann,
made major impact in Sweden when supporting HammerFall just after the
turn of the millennium. Several successful albums and shows followed,
but it has now been a few years since their last visit. About time for
a comeback, then!
http://www.freedom-call.net/
http://www.myspace.com/callforfreedom
Another three bands will be presented shortly!
Please note: Brainstorm, who have previously been announced, have been
forced to cancel their appearance. We hope to be able to bring them on
board for our spring cruise instead.
Tickets are on sale here:
http://www.tallinksilja.com/sv/cruises/special/galaxy/swedenRock.htm
You can also order by telephone: +46 (0)8 666 3333.
Price: Cabins from 395 SEK per person.
Check-in: at the Silja terminal in Värtahamnen, Stockholm on October
8th at 18.15. The ship departs at 19.15.
Age limit: 18 years
Booking and more info: Tallink Silja, phone +46 (0)8 666 3333. Product
code to use when booking: metal.
Tel: 0456-317 95
Fax: 0456-317 94
E-mail:
info@...
http://www.swedenrock.com/
Sweden Rock Festival
Norjebokevägen 2
294 76 Sölvesborg
Sweden
*
*** PRESS RELEASE #12 ***
*
-Hairball John Seeking Help
[Note: We got this from HeadbangerNYC.com. - Tim]
Dear Friends,
I am contacting you with hopes that you will assist me with some
valuable exposure. As you can see in the letter below I have sent out
information regarding Hairball John Radio Show commemorative T-shirts
that are for sale in order to raise funds to assist my family with
rapidly growing medical costs. My wife is entering her last session of
chemotherapy which will be followed by 6.5 weeks of daily radiation.
Her prognosis is excellent, and her attitude is inspiring, but the
medical bills and lost wages have seriously hit our family. ANYTHING
you can do would be greatly appreciated. If you host a radio show and
are comfortable with on-air mentions or in having me as a guest I
would be very open to any and all suggestions.
Your support over the years of The Hairball John Radio Show is GREATLY
appreciated and I wish the very best for you and your families.
Rock on.
Hairball John
(RIP Acid Chimp)
The shirts are available for $16.00 and ordering information is
located at
http://www.hairballjohn.com/ or
http://www.hairballjohnradioshow.com/ . Each shirt purchased will also
receive a FREE item from the "Hairball Grab Bag." Items include CDs,
shirts, posters, stickers and many more promotional items that have
come our way over the years. Also, 10% of each purchase will be
donated to The American Cancer Society. They have been an incredible
resource for my family and this is our way of showing our
appreciation.
Thank you very much for your continued support, well wishes, and years
of great times.
I miss you all and we will rock again soon.
Hairball John
The Hairball John Radio Show
http://www.hairballjohnradioshow.com/
*
*** PRESS RELEASE #13 ***
*
-The Trophy Offers "The Gift Of Life"
TRENTON, N.J. -- Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the signing
of The Trophy for the release of the band's debut album THE GIFT OF
LIFE.
The Trophy started in 2006 as a way for guitarist and composer Todd
Wolf to explore a different side of his songwriting. Until then, Wolf
had been working on straight heavy metal with his band Human Fortress.
"I wrote many songs in the past which were too commercial for my main
band Human Fortress," said Wolf. "I thought these tracks were too good
to get lost on my PC." So he started to look for the right partners to
start up a new band, and the chance of a lifetime came about when he
met with former Jaded Heart screamer Michael Bormann.
"I met Michael in the studio with Tommy Newton, who engaged him to
sing the background vocals on the Human Fortress debut album," Wolf
said. "Luckily we kept in touch and when I finished the first songs, I
sent them to Michael and he liked them immediately. So we arranged a
meeting and the rest, as you will be able to hear, is history."
Bormann immediately shared Wolf's musical vision and joined the band
with keyboard player Marco Grasshoff. They have brought their
expertise to the song writing and recording sessions. Bormann's
distinctive vocals added the polish and turned great songs into real
jewels.
Wolf and Bormann worked with loops, down-tuned guitar riffs, and
keyboard effects; the result is an interesting cocktail of melodic
rock with many influences, while remaining very contemporary in
arrangement and style. The final result, The Trophy's debut album
entitled THE GIFT OF LIFE is an outstanding example of how
perseverance and talent can build an outstanding slice of rock. "While
the main influences of The Trophy are pop, crossover, AOR, and a
little bit modern metal, I think we have created something special,"
said Wolf. "I do not know any band in the world which sounds like us.
Some tracks are potential hits. We hope the people out there will love
it because we would like to record a second one."
THE GIFT OF LIFE final track listing includes: "The Gift Of Life,"
"When Nightmares Wake Me Up," "Get The Cup," "Justice," "Rescue Me,"
"Can't Get Out Of My Head," "The Shades Of Grey," "Gloomy Days,"
"Liar," "The Way I Am," and "On These Wings."
http://www.myspace.com/thetrophy
http://www.myspace.com/frontiersrecordsusa
http://www.frontiers.it/
http://www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords
*
*** PRESS RELEASE #14 ***
*
-Heavy Artillery To Release New Album By Ignitor
Heavy Artillery is pleased to announce a partnership with Cruz Del Sur
Music to release THE SPIDER QUEEN, the highly anticipated new album
from Texas metal powerhouse Ignitor. THE SPIDER QUEEN will be released
by Heavy Artillery in the United States and Canada on September 22nd
while Cruz Del Sur Music will be releasing the album for Europe and
the rest of the world on September 14th.
Amongst its ranks Ignitor features veteran musicians of the U.S. metal
scene including founding guitarist Stuart Laurence (Batlord) from
Agony Column and the recent addition of legendary front man Jason
McMaster of Dangerous Toys and WatchTower fame. THE SPIDER QUEEN is an
original rock opera written by guitarist Stuart Laurence featuring
nine scenes plus an intro and an epilogue, each scene represented by a
song. The album narrates the adventure of a young man facing the quest
of his life, avenging his parents' death. The story revolves around a
mysterious talisman and the magic it possesses, with many turns of
events that lead to an unexpected end. Each and every one of the
numerous characters are impersonated by the versatile, dramatic and
impressive vocals of Jason McMaster.
Bolstered by the strength of their new lineup and at an all time
creative peak, Ignitor find themselves an even more formidable force
than ever before. True heavy metal is their game and THE SPIDER QUEEN,
a concept album of pure epic metal, will not disappoint.
Ignitor lineup:
Jason McMaster - Vocals
Batlord - Lead Guitar
Beverly Barrington - Rhythm Guitar
Brendon Bigelow - Bass
Pat Doyle - Drums
Listen to Ignitor at
http://www.myspace.com/ignitor .
For more information see
http://www.heavyartillery.us/ ,
http://www.myspace.com/heavyartillerymetal , and
http://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com/ .
*
*** PRESS RELEASE #15 ***
*
-Epica: DESIGN YOUR UNIVERSE Album Details Revealed
Details of the new album, DESIGN YOUR UNIVERSE, from Dutch female-
fronted symphonic metallers Epica are now available to the world!
The artwork was created by Stefan Heilemann.
Due in Europe on October 16, 2009 and TBA in North America via Nuclear
Blast Records, the follow-up to 2007's THE DIVINE CONSPIRACY was
recorded at Gate Studio in Wolfsburg, Germany with producer Sascha
Paeth.
Track list:
1. Samadhi (prelude)
2. Resign To Surrender (A New Age Dawns - Part IV)
3. Unleashed
4. Martyr Of The Free Word
5. Our Destiny
6. Kingdom Of Heaven (A New Age Dawns - Part V)
7. The Price Of Freedom (interlude)
8. Burn To A Cinder
9. Tides Of Time
10. Deconstruct
11. Semblance Of Liberty
12. White Waters
13. Design Your Universe (A New Age Dawns - Part VI)
Commented Epica guitarist Mark Jansen:
"It's been a great time at Gate Studio in Wolfsburg recording DESIGN
YOUR UNIVERSE. We worked with the same team and we worked for the
first time together with our new guitar player Isaac Delahaye
[formerly of God Dethroned]. This made a difference and made things
very refreshing because we could add some new elements because of him.
We have worked harder than ever on the details.
"We preferred to spend some extra money on great additions which
brings our songs to a higher level instead of leaving things like they
are. The result is that we worked so hard on this album that we hardly
can listen to the album anymore. Now it's time to let it go and
release it to humanity. We were already very happy with THE DIVINE
CONSPIRACY, but I'm sure this new album tops that one."
He added, "The album title, DESIGN YOUR UNIVERSE, deals with new
breakthroughs in quantum physics. It proves that we are all connected
to each other on subatomic level. Also, it shows that we can create or
at least influence matter with our thoughts... a very interesting
fact. Because it changes everything for us, our whole worldview
collapses once you accept these facts and integrate them in your
lives. So this had to become the new album title."
Epica will return to North America for a headlining tour in the
beginning of 2010, with Daath and Blackguard as support.
Epica will offer fans a special VIP ticket which will grant them
access to the venue an hour before door times, a pre-show meet-and-
greet with Epica and a event poster customized for the city of the
show. Fans are urged to purchase these VIP tickets as only 50 are
being allotted for each show. Tickets are on sale through
EnterTheVault.com (
http://www.enterthevault.com/artist.php?id=48 )
exclusively until August 19, at which point they will be made
available through all other normal ticketing outlets.
Epica released a double live CD, titled THE CLASSICAL CONSPIRACY, on
May 8, 2009 (Europe) and May 19, 2009 (North America) through Nuclear
Blast Records. The album was recorded in Miskolc, Hungary, on June 14
2008 during the Miskolc International Opera Festival.
The band performed a 45-minute set of metal adaptations of classical
songs and movie soundtracks, accompanied by the orchestra and choir as
well as symphonic versions of its own songs (including a few
orchestral songs from singles and "The Score," which had never been
played live before).
http://www.epica.nl/
http://www.myspace.com/epica
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Epica/8031842923
*
*** PRESS RELEASE #16 ***
*
-"The Crowning" Of Crash The System On August 11
TRENTON, N.J. -- Frontiers Records is happy to announce the release of
Crash The System's debut album entitled THE CROWNING on August 11.
The Crash The System project came about as a collaboration between
songwriter Soren Kronqvist (former Finnish 400 meter hurdle champion
and songwriter for Michael Bormann, House Of Lords and CC Rock between
others) and drummer/producer Daniel Flores (Mind's Eye, The Murder Of
My Sweet) in the fall of 2008. The duo has known each other for a
couple of years and they respect each other's work. Kronqvist and
Flores decided to work on a project together with songs they enjoyed
writing.
"The original plan was to make one song with Daniel and try to get
that song out to a band or an artist, and, if it would turn out good
we would do more together," Kronqvist said. "The first song we did was
'All Because Of You' and we both were really happy with how that song
turned out. A few record companies also liked the song. We then
recorded three more songs and got good response from them, as well,
and that's when Frontiers came into the picture."
Thanks to Flores' extensive music background, good reputation, and
connections in the music business he managed to bring some of the top
names in Sweden into the project. Guest vocalists on the project are:
Goran Edman (ex-Yngwie Malmsteen, John Norum, Brazen Abbot), Mats
Leven (ex-Yngwie Malmsteen, Infinite Mass), Thomas Vikstrom (ex-Talk
Of The Town, Candlemass), and Bjorn Jansson (ex-Ride The Sky, Tears Of
Anger). Appearing on the album are also Johan Niemann (Mind's Eye, The
Murder Of My Sweet), Daniel Palmqvist (The Murder Of My Sweet), and
Manuel Lewys (Machinery, Elwood) on guitars, with additional keyboards
by Andreas Lindahl and additional backing vocals by Angelica Rylin
(The Murder of My Sweet).
"The sound of Crash The System is a mix of '80s hard rock/metal,
modern metal, some symphonic influences, and a few hi-tech elements,"
said Kronqvist. "I come from a softer side of metal and Daniel comes
from the prog side of rock and metal. Crash The System is where we
both meet. The 'crash of styles' and the added touch of the four
fantastic singers, as well as the additional musicians, gives the
sound an interesting character. We wanted to keep it fairly simple
with catchy melodies. Just put in the CD in the CD player and rock,
not having to listen to the record 20 times to understand it."
Fans of '80s melodic hard rock with influences of modern symphonic
metal should not be disappointed with the catchy choruses and great
melodies sung by some of the top hard rock singers around. "Hopefully
people will like the songs and look forward to the next album and more
material from us," Kronqvist said. "We feel that all songs are about
equally strong. None of the songs are fillers."
THE CROWNING final track listing includes: "Fight Fire With Fire,"
"All Because Of You," "I Still Believe In Love," "Love Is In Your
Eyes," "Take A Chance," "Enough Of Your Lovin'," "Mysterious," "Angel
Of My Heart," "Rolling Stone," "Don't Tell Me No Lies," "Broken
Glass," "Higher And Higher," and "Without Chances."
http://www.myspace.com/crashthesystemproject
http://www.myspace.com/frontiersrecordsusa
http://www.frontiers.it/
http://www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords
*
*** PRESS RELEASE #17 ***
*
-Mind Key Returns With Sophomore Album On August 11
TRENTON, N.J. -- Frontiers Records announces the return of the Italian
prog metal band Mind Key with the release of the band's second studio
album, entitled PULSE FOR A GRAVEHEART, on August 11th in the U.S.A.
Mind Key debuted in 2004 with JOURNEY OF A ROUGH DIAMOND, an album
that showed the excellent potential of the Neapolitan combo. With a
colorful sound, akin to prog metal giants such as Dream Theater,
Symphony X, Evergrey, and Pain Of Salvation, Mind Key's music also
leaned toward a more mature and song-oriented approach inspired by
'80s/'90s hard rock. Right before the release of the album, the
original singer Mark Basile left the group, and in preparation of the
tour dates, the guys met for the first time Aurelio Fierro Jr. a
singer with a vast experience, especially in theaters. He was able to
give some splendid performances, especially at the gigs that the band
landed as support of Dream Theater for the Italian "Train Of Thought
Tour 2004." "These guys sound really excellent!" raved drummer Mike
Portnoy.
Mind Key played more live dates in support of Vision Divine and
Pendragon and also appeared at the ProgPower Europe Festival with
shows in Poland, Switzerland, Holland, Germany, and France. During the
Polish dates, a live DVD was recorded, entitled HABEMUS POLAND, with
Giorgio Adamo as front man. However, he soon left to make space for
the return of Aurelio Fierro.
"We decided to go for Aurelio at the end of the songwriting sessions,"
said founding member and keyboardist Dario De Cicco. "Note after note,
chord after chord we realized that the songs begged for Aurelio's
voice and it seemed almost a necessary decision to make. I think we
did the right choice, as only with his astonishing performances we
were able to reach what we really wanted from the new material."
The band began the recording of the second album PULSE FOR A
GRAVEHEART, simplifying their songwriting and giving Fierro the chance
to showcase his immense vocal potential, which can be described as a
powerful mix of Ronnie James Dio, David Coverdale, and Jorn Lande. The
album was later mixed and mastered by none other than Dennis Ward
(Pink Cream 69, Angra, Krokus, Place Vendome) to ensure the best
sounding quality.
"We knew from the beginning that Dennis was the right choice," said
guitarist Emanuele Colella. "Since the first communication together, a
perfect synergy was built. He could understand our need and desire to
combine a modern melodic metal sound with our progressive roots and a
heavier edge. He could totally deliver what we and the music needed,
he's just great."
PULSE FOR A GRAVEHEART also features some amazing guest musicians,
such as Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Alice Cooper), who plays a
keyboard solo on "Citizen Of Greed," guitarist Reb Beach (Whitesnake,
Winger) on "Now Until Forever," and Tom Englund from Evergrey, dueting
with Elio Fierro on "Graveheart." Mind Key's lineup now includes:
Aurelio Fierro on vocals, Emanuele Colella on guitars, Dario De Cicco
on keyboards, and Andrea Stipa on drums.
PULSE FOR A GRAVEHEART introduces to the fans to a completely re-
designed band, with a mature attitude and astonishing songwriting. "I
hope the new record will give Mind Key the chance to get rid of the
label of 'prog metal band in the style of...' and bring us to a
different status," said Stipa. "We aim to be a metal band -- still
staying true to our diverse influences ranging from progressive to
hard and melodic rock -- but with a personal and trademark sound." Get
ready for one the prog metal revelations of 2009!
The final track listing includes: "Sunset Highway," "The Seventh
Seal," "Citizen Of Greed," "Crusted Memories," "Dead Fame Hunter,"
"Ventotene (The Island)," "Graveheart," "Eye Of A Stranger," "Now
Until Forever," and "A New Generation."
http://www.myspace.com/frontiersrecordsusa
http://www.frontiers.it/
http://www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords
*
*** PRESS RELEASE #18 ***
*
-Cruz Del Sur Music To Release Fool's Game
Cruz Del Sur Music is proud to announce the release of Fool's Game's
debut album REALITY DIVINE in September 2009.
Fool's Game is the brain-child of guitarist/song-writer Matt Crooks,
pursuing new musical experiences after leaving his previous band
Division.
To carry on this project, Crooks recruited some excellent musicians
among the ranks of his friends, and so Fool's Game was born with the
participation of Matt Johnsen (Pharaoh, guitars), Lars F. Larsen
(Manticora, vocals), John Macaluso (Starbreaker, ex-Yngwie, ex-Ark,
drums) and Nick Van Dyk (Redemption, keyboards).
The music of Fools' Game is best described as a modern Judas Priest,
mixed with an old-fashioned Iced Earth. Add a bit of each of the
bands, the members have represented earlier on or are still part of,
and you have a dark, thrashy, melodic power metal album with high
octane drumming, shredding guitar riffs, pounding bass, intriguing
keyboards and versatile vocals, with a very thoughtful approach to the
lyrical content. A kick in the face from an exciting new band!
Track list:
1. Mass Psychosis
2. When The Beginning Meets The End
3. Sowing Dead Seeds
4. As The Field Of Dreams Was Abandoned
5. The Conqueror Worm
6. Prelude To The Fair
7. She Moved Through The Fair
8. The Wild Swans At Coole
9. On Endless Planes Of Ignorance
http://www.fools-game.com/
http://www.myspace.com/foolsgameband
*
*** PRESS RELEASE #19 ***
*
-Constancia "Lost And Gone" On August 11
TRENTON, N.J. -- Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release
of Constancia's debut album entitled LOST AND GONE on August 11 in the
U.S.A.
Constancia started out as the brainchild of former Scudiero/Token
keyboard player Mikael Rosengren. He had written a bunch of songs that
were just screaming to be completed, recorded, and released. He got in
touch with Janne Stark (Overdrive, Locomotive Breath, Zello, etc.),
asking him to lay down some guitars on the demos. Stark loved the
songs and got even more involved in the guitar arrangements. Thus the
seed of Constancia was planted.
"I've always been a fan of the pompish-side of melodic hard rock and
bands like City Boy, Styx, and Trillion, as well as the real heavy
stuff," said Stark. "I instantly felt these songs could be the perfect
marriage between the melodic rock, some progressive moments, and an
aggressive touch added to it. That's when I came to think of the style
description 'Melogressive Metal.'"
Next up was finding a drummer, and Stark had previously worked with
TrumPeter Svensson both in Locomotive Breath and Mountain Of Power.
Svensson is also found in doom-folk rockers Faith. Rosengren then
found Jaded Heart bass player Michael Mueller, whom he met when their
respective bands shared a label. After trying out several singers
Stark came to think of Andromeda singer David Fremberg, who had also
appeared on his Mountain Of Power album. One vocal trial-track later
he became the band's lead vocalist. The vast geographical differences
not setting any limitations, the album started growing together piece
by piece. It all amalgamated into an end result that is a true band
effort.
"It was really interesting to see it merge together and like a small
weed slowly rise and break through the asphalt to finally blossom when
all the pieces came together," said Stark, who was appointed recording
project manager. The band first tried out different engineers to mix
the album, such as Beau Hill, Pontus Norgren, Pontus Lindmark and
Pelle Saether, all of them doing a great job, but it was finally
Fredrik Folkare (Unleashed, Eclipse, Siebenburgen) that was chosen to
mix and co-produce the album. "He finally found the essence of what we
were after: the marriage between the melodic side and the heaviness,"
said Rosengren. To put a final touch killer touch on the sound, the
album was mastered by Dennis Ward (Pink Cream 69, Sunstorm, Place
Vendome, etc.).
The LOST AND GONE track listing includes: "Fallen Hero,"
"Troublemaker: Blind," "Little Big You," "The King Is Calling," "Dying
By Your Flames," "Save Me," "No One Like You," "Life is a Mystery," "I
Never Said Goodbye," and "Wish I Could Fly."
http://www.lostandgone.com/
http://www.myspace.com/constanciamusic
http://www.myspace.com/frontiersrecordsusa
http://www.frontiers.it/
http://www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords
*
*** PRESS RELEASE #20 ***
*
-Ecliptica's IMPETUS Receives American Release On August 11
TRENTON, N.J. -- Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release
of Ecliptica's debut album IMPETUS on August 11.
Ecliptica is a heavy metal band from Austria founded by guitarist
Markus Winkler in 2005. He put together a lineup with six members in
total, together with the other guitar player Bernie Scholz, Thomas
Tieber and Elisabeth Fangmeyer on vocals, plus Florian Thur and Roman
Klomfar on bass and drums, respectively.
Ecliptica soon started to write songs and in April 2007 released their
critically acclaimed first E.P. THE AWAKENING in front of 500 people
at Planet Music Vienna. During the promotion for the E.P., Ecliptica
won the "Metal Battle Austria 2007" contest and played a live set at
the world famous "Wacken Open Air" in Germany, and also landed a
support slot for the major U.S. prog metal gods Symphony X.
In January 2008 the band entered the Hinterhof Studios in Vienna to
record their first full-length album IMPETUS, which is now being
released on the international markets by Frontiers Records. The word
"Impetus" stands for power, speed, and energy, just like the sound of
the 10 songs delivered on the album. Straight through without
orchestral arrangements, Ecliptica reduced their songs to a rough and
powerful but still melodic feel.
The music of Ecliptica is defined in their musical roots: blending the
traditional heavy metal of the '80s together with intricate rhythms
and progressive elements from all decades. The songwriting, however,
is very personal and original, thus making them instantly recognizable
thanks to the use of two vocalists and to the classical music elements
that are incorporated into their songs. Theatrical elements and an
eclectic songwriting complete the picture of a very gifted band that
is now ready to be unleashed.
The IMPETUS track listing includes: "Impetus," "My Paradise," "Land Of
Silence," "Carry On," "Twilight Hall," "Turn Away," "Old Man's
Memories," "Watching You," "Jester In The Ballroom," and "Black Swan."
http://www.ecliptica.at/
http://www.myspace.com/eclipticaaustria
http://www.myspace.com/frontiersrecordsusa
http://www.frontiers.it/
http://www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords
*
*** PRESS RELEASE #21 ***
*
-Rob Zombie's "Halloween II" Soundtrack Features New Recordings
Plus Classic Tracks From Motorhead, Rod Stewart, 10cc, Foghat, Scream,
The MC5, Void, The Moody Blues And More
HOLLYWOOD, CA -- Following the success of Rob Zombie's initial
reinvention of John Carpenter's smash cult horror film "Halloween"
which premiered number one at the box office breaking all Labor Day
Weekend 2007 records, comes the sequel, "Halloween II," hitting
theatres nationwide on August 28, 2009 from Dimension Films.
With the enormously popular horror movie series back, writer-producer-
director Rob Zombie, once again puts his own twisted twist on the
soundtrack. HALLOWEEN II - ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK (Hip-O/
UMe), released August 25, 2009, and co-produced by Zombie, manages to
bring together dialogue from the film as well as music from Motorhead,
The Moody Blues, Scream (sans future member Dave Grohl), Rod Stewart,
the MC5 and Foghat, alongside new psychobilly band Captain Clegg And
The Night Creatures.
Frightmaster Zombie helmed 2007's ninth installment in the "Halloween"
franchise that began in 1978. "Halloween II," which debuts August 28,
picks up where "Halloween" left off, and focuses on the struggles of
Laurie Strode (played by Scout Taylor-Compton) and killer Michael
Myers (played by Tyler Mane).
The new recordings on HALLOWEEN II - ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE
SOUNDTRACK include "Transylvania Terror Train" and "Honky Tonk
Halloween" from Captain Clegg And The Night Creatures, who appear in
the film. The band's leader, Jesse Dayton, an Austin, Texas-based
singer-guitarist who has played with Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and
Willie Nelson, was part of the duo Banjo & Sullivan that performed in
Zombie's 2005 flick "The Devil's Rejects" and simultaneously released
an album. Similarly, ROB ZOMBIE PRESENTS CAPTAIN CLEGG AND THE NIGHT
CREATURES (Stag/Zombie A Go Go) will be issued August 28.
Also new are "Laurie's Theme" from John 5 produced by Bob Marlette,
(Alice Cooper and Ozzy Osbourne); "Nurse Killa" from score composer
Tyler Bates ("Watchmen," "300," "Halloween," "The Devil's Rejects");
and a cover of Nazareth's 1976 hit "Love Hurts" from singer Nan
Vernon, who covered "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" and "Mr. Sandman" for
"Halloween."
The classic tracks range from The Moody Blues' 1966 psychedelic gem
"Nights In White Satin" and 10cc's cheery 1977 hit "The Things We Do
For Love" to Rod Stewart's 1972 cover of The Temptations' "(I Know)
I'm Losing You," Foghat's 1972 take on Willie Dixon's "I Just Want To
Make Love To You" and the MC5 proto-punk masterpiece "Kick Out The
Jams," which was recorded live in Detroit on Devil's Night/Halloween
1968. The lesser-known vintage tracks hail from the early '80s:
"Amerarockers" by hardcore punkers Scream, "The Chase Is Better Than
The Catch" by metal's Motorhead and "Time To Die" by hardcore/metal
band Void.
Prior to entering the film world, hard rocker Zombie scored a series
of multiplatinum albums -- 1992's LA SEXORCISTO, 1995's ASTRO-CREEP:
2000, and 1998's HELLBILLY DELUXE -- as well as platinum with 2001's
THE SINISTER URGE and 2003's greatest hits collection PAST, PRESENT &
FUTURE.
In addition to his recording career, Rob Zombie has written and
directed several successful feature films including "House Of 1000
Corpses," the sequel, "The Devil's Rejects," and is the producer,
writer and director of the forthcoming animated film "The Haunted
World Of El Superbeasto," based on his comic book series, "The
Adventures Of El Superbeasto."
Track listing:
1. Cast - "He's F****** Dead"
2. The Moody Blues - "Nights In White Satin"
3. Cast - "Halloween Is Coming"
4. 10cc - "The Things We Do For Love"
5. Cast - "Who's Lee Marvin?"
6. Scream - "Amerarockers"
7. Cast - "Jam & Jelly"
8. MC5 - "Kick Out The Jams"
9. Cast - "Ass Good"
10. Rod Stewart - "(I Know) I'm Losing You"
11. Cast - "D-E-A-D"
12. Motorhead - "The Chase Is Better Than The Catch"
13. Cast - "I'm Angel Myers"
14. John 5 - "Laurie's Theme"
15. Cast - "I Want To Party"
16. Captain Clegg And The Night Creatures - "Transylvania Terror
Train"
17. Cast - "Jack-O-Lantern And A Blonde"
18. Captain Clegg And The Night Creatures - "Honky Tonk Halloween"
19. Cast - "Bring Your Baby Back Home"
20. Foghat - "I Just Want To Make Love To You"
21. Cast - "Snapped On By Weird Al"
22. Void - "Time To Die"
23. Cast - "I Love Your Mommy"
24. Nan Vernon - "Love Hurts"
25. Tyler Bates - "Nurse Killa"
"Halloween II" links:
Official Movie Site -
http://www.halloween2-movie.com/
Twitter -
http://twitter.com/H2_TheMovie
Facebook -
http://www.facebook.com/HalloweenII
Trick or Treat -
http://www.h2trickortreat.com/
Captain Clegg -
http://www.captainclegg.com/
And check out the contest going on for "Halloween II" at:
http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news/topnews.php?id=11110
http://www.ilovethatsong.com/
*
*** PRESS RELEASE #22 ***
*
-Meldrum Announces September U.S. Tour Dates
HOLLYWOOD -- Today Dark Moon Entertainment announced Meldrum west
coast U.S. tour dates in September, in which the band will allow fans
to preview tracks from their new album, entitled LIFER.
Meldrum drummer Gene Hoglan made the following statement:
"Hey everybody! We're all super-excited to announce this upcoming
Meldrum tour! It's gonna be a few selected West Coast dates, where we
unveil the new lineup of rip-snortin' b*tches, and I'd love for
everybody to come out and get your heads handed to ya! We're gonna be
focusing on the upcoming LIFER material which is a big step forward
for the band, and we can't wait to pummel all of ya with some heavy.
We'll see you on the road, people!"
This tour will be the only dates Meldrum will appear in 2009:
September 2 - The Jumping Turtle, San Diego, CA
September 3 - TBA
September 4 - Brookside Inn, Brookside Monterey, CA
September 5 - Lost on Main, Chico, CA
September 6 - Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
September 8 - Dante's, Portland, OR
September 10 - Last Day Saloon, Santa Rosa, CA
September 11 - Burnin Burro, Livermore, CA (Oakland Metro)
September 12 - UB's, Mesa, AZ
September 15 - Whisky A Go Go, Hollywood, CA
Meldrum completed writing and recording the band's album with drummer
Gene Hoglan, along with the new lineup Michele Madden (vocals) and
Laura Christine (bass) last November. The surviving band members plan
to release album tracks during the tour in tribute to their fallen
band mate, Michelle Meldrum, who died from a cystic growth on her
brain.
Band sponsors include KNAC Radio, havocTV, EMG Pickups, Coffin Case,
Volcom, Hot Topic, Skateboard Marketing, and Blastwaves Merchandise.
*
*** PRESS RELEASE #23 ***
*
-Death Riders: Double Vengeance 2009 European Tour Photos, Video
Footage Available!
Death Riders (feat. Neil Turbin, original lead singer for Anthrax)
recently returned back from their Double Vengeance 2009 European Tour
with a string of very successful shows at Headbanger's Open Air 2009,
headlining the HOA 2009 After Party at Ballroom Hamburg and two shows
at the Nightmare Over St. Pauli Festival at Knust Club (Hamburg).
Check out audience filmed footage of Death Riders' performance at HOA
2009 at
http://www.reverbnation.com/deathriders and 80+ photos from
HOA 2009, Ballroom Hamburg and the sold out Nightmare Over Hamburg's
Harbour Boat Cruise.
Read the full info at the Death Riders Blog:
http://deathridersblog.wordpress.com/
For all info, please visit also:
http://www.myspace.com/deathriders
http://deathridersblog.wordpress.com/
*
*** PRESS RELEASE #24 ***
*
-Two Side Moon/SLW Promotions Update
Band: Full Blown Mosey
Album Title: TEMPORAL CADENCE
Genre: Classic Hard Rock
Release Date: Out Now
Web sites:
http://www.fullblownmosey.com/
http://www.myspace.com/fullblownmosey
Full Blown Mosey are a melodic hard rock band from Wyoming. The guys
have been playing together for many years, playing the local clubs and
doing the best covers of classic guitar rock. Their influences are
plentiful, but they all seem to agree on a heavy guitar sound with a
great melody on top.
FBM can be traced back to when Greg and Rocky played together in a
band after high school. They did covers of Maiden, Dokken, D.A.D,
Scorpions and others of the genre. They also wrote their own material.
Some parts of the TEMPORAL CADENCE album were written in those days.
Greg left the band and Rocky met Kirk, newly transplanted from
Bakersfield California, who excelled at lead vocals, bass guitar and
songwriting.
Their backgrounds were slightly different, with Kirk more in tune with
rock of the '70s and Rocky grounded in the metal of the '80s, but it
was a great combination. They soon began gigging at the biker clubs at
a time before classic rock ruled the radio. Many of their audience had
never heard such dead-on impressions of bands like Led Zeppelin, Night
Ranger, or Bad Company in years. They also played newer material, the
likes of Megadeth, STP and Pearl Jam, all mixed with their own songs.
They were an instant success, and soon were booked almost every
weekend playing for their motorcycle-riding brethren.
After a few years, Greg rejoined the band. Greg had a great voice in
addition to his guitar playing skills. The talents of Greg, Kirk, and
Rocky blended the band into a cohesive group and Full Blown Mosey was
born. Mosey fans had asked for years, "When are you guys doing an
album?" Over the years, they had recorded several demos, but they
wanted to do a record properly. In 2004, drummer Dale Ortega joined,
and it was decided that they would record the album themselves. Rocky
converted his basement into a studio and work began fresh in 2005.
Juggling day-job work schedules and regular gig dates, the guys worked
hard to get tracks laid down.
Sadly before the album was finished, Dale became ill and passed away
in 2006, leaving an empty spot in the hearts of the fans and the band.
After recovering from their loss, FBM knew they had to finish the
album, and they would dedicate it to their fallen band-mate. The
resulting album is TEMPORAL CADENCE. Played frequently on local radio,
Glenn Lemons of KDLY-FM says, "The album rocks! It's very well
produced and has great sound quality. It's kind of like Kiss and Pearl
Jam mixed to Full Blown Mosey. I highly recommend it."
Jaime was asked to join on drums after the album was released and when
the guys were ready to play again. A natural, he learned by tapping on
the steering wheel of his car and his friends suggested he try it out
on a real kit. The guys are working on a new batch of songs for their
second album, most of which Kirk has already written. Rocky says, "We
might be more like a Zeppelin record as opposed to record you hear
these days that sticks to a single style. You may hear a little bit of
blues, metal, even folk and a hint of classical influence."
Track listing:
1. Mistaken
2. Saturday Night
3. Berserker
4. In Reverence
5. Time The Master
6. Crazy Desire
7. Nite Drive
8. You're The Fire
9. Fast Moving Shadow
10. Now I Know
Band: Twenty3Fifty9
Album Title: THE COUNT, ACT I - THE SOULD OF A PRISONER
Genre: Symphonic/Progressive Metal
Release Date: Out Now
Web sites:
http://www.twenty3fifty9.com/
http://www.myspace.com/twenty3fifty9
Twenty3Fifty9 an allusion to One Minute To Midnight is a melodic,
symphonic, progressive metal band that has been performing in Dallas/
Fort Worth since late 2005, playing portions of THE COUNT as the music
evolved, and filling out their sets with covers of Dream Theater,
Kansas and Iron Maiden, among others.
This eclectic selection of music has set them apart in a music scene
filled largely with '80s tribute bands and death metal. Fans of the
group have been clamoring for a release for some time, and so, three
and one half years after their first performance, the first release is
upon us.
Combining a variety of influences, strong, melodic vocals, complex
rhythms, frequent meter changes and dueling guitar and keyboard leads,
THE COUNT retells the classic revenge story, "The Count Of Monte
Cristo," the tale of an innocent youth, caught in the gears of
political intrigue by others jealous of his good fortune. Told in epic
format, the story begins and ends in the cell where our hero is
imprisoned, most of the action taking the form of flashbacks to
earlier events that lead Dantes to inevitable conclusions, and move
him inexorably toward an eventual escape and revenge. Said one
reviewer after seeing the live performance, "...This is epic rock at
its greatest, and the powerful vocals sealed the deal... Bravo!"
With their first release behind them, the band plans on returning to
the studio to begin work on both material for a second Act of THE
COUNT, as well as an interim release already under development to be
named INTERMISSION.
In the mean time, the boys are looking forward to getting out and
playing some shows a bit further afield than their usual spots around
Dallas/Fort Worth.
Track listing:
1. Overture
2. Darkness
3. Betrayed
4. Homecoming
5. Believe
6. Conspirators
7. Trapped
8. One Hundred Days
9. Awaiting Justice
10. Finale
Band: Dust And Bones
Album Title: VOODOO
Genre: Hard Rock
Release Date: Out Now
Web sites:
http://www.myspace.com/dustandbonesroxxx
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/dustbones
ST. LOUIS, MO. -- To all the die hard rock fans around the world, you
can now spread the word. Haven't you had enough of the melancholy
whiny want to hang myself music? If you like classic dirty rock 'n
roll, Dust And Bones is the band for you. Rock N Roll has taken a back
seat far too long and Dust And Bones calls "shotgun."
Dust And Bones officially became a band in April, 2008. Band members
include Nick Elmore (lead/backing vocals/harmonica), Sean Quidgeon
(guitars/backing vocals), Jon "Big Dawg" Jackson (bass/lead/backing
vocals) and Ryan Riggs (drums/backing vocals). These guys are
perfectionists when it comes to blending their respective talents. The
chemistry between them is evident when you see them perform on stage
together. They are a melodic, funky, freaky, dirty, sleazy, hard rock
band who knows how to grab an audience. They utilize fun and catchy
hook oriented songs that make you want to dance. These types of songs
stick in your head. You'll be singing them over and over. They are
that good. From the awesome drums to the great melodic tunes -- to the
guitar solos with such incredible runs. They are high energy with an
attitude.
Dust And Bones are the little voices in your head that argues with
your conscience. "Go ahead, have another." Or, "It's only nasty if you
think so." There is nothing wrong with letting loose of your
inhibitions. Go ahead try it. They will be there with you, trying it
themselves.
"Rock and Roll will never die
"We are a fun band and want everyone to have a good time when they
listen to us or see us live."
Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oP1ix-o6AY
Track listing:
1. She's On Fire
2. Pair O Dice
3. Feed My Disease
4. Come Get Some
5. Ready Willing And Able
6. Dear Diary
7. Voodoo
8. No More Long Goodbyes
9. Whiskey D*ck
10. Shot Down
11. No More
12. Running Free
13. Come Up Swinging
Band: Nothing
Album Title: THE TORTURE OF THE NAMELESS
Genre: Thrash/Metal
Release Date: Out now
Web sites:
http://www.myspace.com/nothingthrash
http://www.nothingmetal.net/
Formed in 2005 with Fabian Kahwati (Guitars) and Dale Van Haltren
(Drums), they were two lads who just started playing whatever came to
mind. Kahwati and Van Haltren weren't trying to reinvent anything,
they simply started collating their ideas of music into a working
project titled Nothing.
Nothing found a great fusion bassist, Tank Johnson, and set about
writing whatever. Not trying to be progressive, black, death, or even
thrash metal. Just metal. Metal that is created by guys who listen to
everything and anything, and are accomplished at the instruments they
play.
Nothing recorded a five-track E.P., INVOLUTION, with Roman Koester at
Complex Studios in April 2007. They sold the E.P. at shows, a tester,
really, to see how the amalgamation of musical influences would gel.
Some ideas worked, some didn't. Some weren't properly realised, and
some very mature for a band of their tenure. The E.P. was sent to all
corners of the globe and reviews were favourable. Terrorizer gave it
7.5/10 and called it "technically clever." There were comparisons to
Avant Garde metal bands Celtic Frost and Voivod as well as a much
heard reference to Coroner. After consolidating what was recorded over
the remainder of the year, the guys decided not to "choose" a metal
style or scene to adhere to, e.g. death metal, deathcore, melodic
death metal. Instead they decided to just keep to the same formula:
all ideas are considered, there are no limits to how time signatures
and structure can be manipulated and to play honest original music.
For the remainder of 2007 Nothing set about creating a strong live
show by playing a dozen gigs around Melbourne in a few short months.
In January 2008, breakthrough. Nothing supported Amon Amarth
nationally and in NZ. This was an amazing and revealing experience for
the guys, their 16th show as a band was at the Enmore Theatre in
Sydney.
In June 2008, Nothing were excited and proud to support Children Of
Bodom in three cities. This time round the band felt confident and
ready. Audiences responded positively to the new material and Nothing
walked away from the tour feeling like it was a success.
During the six-month period between the two tours Nothing finished
material for what they felt would be the best first album they could
make. In July 2008 the band started recording THE TORTURE OF THE
NAMELESS, again with Roman Koester. The material was more linear and
hook oriented and the result was a mature, intense and dark album. A
suggestion from Darren Cherry at Stomp was to gather some major league
"Shredders" and colour the album with licks as again it was riff
driven and quite stark. Aaron Bilbija (Daysend) jumped aboard, as did
Roman Koester (The Red Shore) both incredible and technical shredders.
Session player Andrew Irwin joined the lineup to bring out the colour.
Problem was, how would Nothing pull this off live as a three piece?
Fresh from a European tour with his band Bring On The Junta, Tobias
Shanahan approached Nothing expressing his interest in the band and to
consider him as the fourth member. A proficient and practised
shredder, Tobias was made welcome and the band launched as a four
piece with a massive show at the Hi-Fi Bar and Ballroom with Blood
Duster.
Now into their fourth year and still going strong, Nothing continue to
write and play the music that interests them. As a live act they are
tight and strong, with the confidence of a band that has supported two
major metal acts and who love to play.
Track listing:
1. The Decree
2. Mechanics Of Anonymity
3. Primitive Stain
4. Progenitor
5. Floating In A Malestrom
6. The Frailty Of Human Kindness
7. Script Of Sorrow
8. Grey Day
9. Propaganda
10. I Collect Faces
11. The Desolation Nocturne
Check out Nothing's full interview in the new issue of Zero Tolerance
magazine plus review in the new issue of Powerplay.
"The band certainly has ambitious ideas, great riffs with splashes of
intensity. The heaviness of this album bolsters with power, packed
with grooves and riffs, sometimes metalcore sometimes chunky metal, it
makes you wonder what the hell is going to come up next, a real
surprise" - 8/10 Powerplay Magazine
Nothing have also already been interviewed on Black Diamond FM, U.K.
with more feedback to follow. The band support 5 Finger Death Punch in
their home country in August, European shows to follow.
"Nothing play alluring music which will attract music fans like moths
to a candle, in this case the candle has a big machete and it wants to
eat your gizzards" - Jon Wilde, Rock Realms, U.K.
"A brutal assault on the ears. The best track on the album is
'Mechanics Of Anonymity.' They sound like Metallica meets Slayer!" -
Graham Clark - Presenter Maximum FM, U.K.
"50 minutes of adventurous metal pleasure, headbangin' is the message
here" - Hellspawn, Beligum
"'Progenitor' played on" - Metal Zone, Radio France
Two Side Moon/SLW Promotions
http://www.myspace.com/nickyaor
http://www.slwpromotions.com/
*
*** PRESS RELEASE #25 ***
*
-Evile Release Another Brand New Track For Streaming
British thrashers Evile have released another brand new track from
their highly anticipated upcoming new album, INFECTED NATIONS. The new
song, called "Now Demolition," is the second track to be released from
INFECTED NATIONS, due to be released on September 21st in Europe and
September 22nd in the U.S.A. by Earache Records.
Check out the new track "Now Demolition," along with the recently
released "Infected Nation" at Evile's official MySpace page at
http://www.myspace.com/evileuk .
Evile lead guitarist Ol Drake comments:
"Next up is 'Now Demolition.' For the second track we previewed, we
wanted it to show a whole other different end of the spectrum of feels
on 'Infected Nations.' This track is one on its own on the album, a
much more 'heavy' orientated track designed to get fists in the air
and heads going upward, then downward, and hopefully back up again. We
hope you can check the entire CD out when it's released, do its Russ
Russell production justice, and play it through a good sound system,
as the best albums in the world can sound like sh*te through crappy
speakers (especially if they're MP3s; excuse my language)."
INFECTED NATIONS was recorded with producer Russ Russell (Napalm
Death) at Parlour Studios during May 2009. The cover art was created
by Michael Whelan, who is famous for his sci-fi artworks along with
classic album covers from such bands as Sepultura and Obituary.
INFECTED NATIONS is now available for pre-order on very limited
edition coloured vinyl LP. The LPs are available exclusively from the
Earache webstores in red or white and are strictly limited to only 200
of each colour. The album is also available as a limited edition CD
with an exclusive bonus track and a bonus DVD with behind-the-scenes
and studio footage. Make sure you don't miss out on the limited
edition LP or CD by pre-ordering now in Europe at
http://www.earache.com/webstore/index.php/cPath/667_669_41 or in the
U.S.A. at
http://earache.com/uswebstore/index.php/cPath/667_669_41
Check out a picture of the limited edition red vinyl LP:
http://earacherecords.com/myspace/EvileInfectedVinylRed.jpg
For more Evile news and info, head to
http://www.myspace.com/evileuk .
*
*** PRESS RELEASE #26 ***
*
-Reversed Records Showcase Growing Empire Of Canadian Metal: Fattooth
(Montreal), Omega Crom (Vancouver), Mendozza (Vancouver)
August 15th - Vancouver
Growing an empire out of talented, underground Canadian metal acts
Winnipeg-based label Reversed Records is proving it's a force to be
reckoned with. On August 15th the label -- founded by producer/
engineer/musician Rob Shallcross -- will be staging a Westcoast
takeover with a showcase of three of its most powerful bands at
Vancouver's Pub 340 (340 Cambie Street). The night's lineup will
feature Fattooth (Montreal), Omega Crom (Vancouver) and Mendozza
(Vancouver.)
"Disclaimer! this will be an EGGCELLENT SHOW!!! These artists are all
insane, I am not responsible for any of their actions but enjoy them
thoroughly," comments Rob Shallcross.
Reversed Records is a label based out of Winnipeg, Manitoba founded by
producer/ engineer/ musician Rob Shallcross who has had the pleasure
of working with many talented artists including: Strapping Young Lad,
Gwar, Devin Townsend Band, Darkest Hour, Threat Signal, M.R. Plow,
HCE, Jaw, Savannah, Man Made Mountains, epptide, Zimmer's Hole,
Mendozza, Fattooth, Meldrum, Gene Hoglan (SYL, Death, Dark Angel,
Dethklok, Testament, Meldrum), Norwood Fisher (Fishbone, Trulio
Disgracias), Angelo Moore (Fishbone), Rocky George (ex-Suicidal
Tendencies, Fishbone), Chi Pig (SNFU), Byron Stroud (Fear Factory,
SYL, Zimmer's Hole), Chris "The Heathen" Valago (Zimmer's Hole), Stoic
Frame, Derek Miller and a vat load more. Reversed Records' sole
purpose is to showcase Rob's insanity and provide a home for artists
who are crazy enough to endure and encourage his sick mind!
http://www.ReversedRecords.com/
http://www.myspace.com/ReversedRecords
http://www.FattoothMusic.com/
http://www.OmegaCrom.com/
http://www.Mendozza.com/
*
*** PRESS RELEASE #27 ***
*
-Sepultura Guitar Legend Andreas Kisser Releases First Solo Album
HUBRIS I & II on Mascot Records -- Available NOW!
HOLLYWOOD, CA -- Beloved guitar shredder Andreas Kisser of the
legendary Brazilian metal band Sepultura releases his first solo
project HUBRIS I & II on Mascot Records. This double album project
will only be available as an import online or on iTunes as a download.
Since the release of ROOTS (1996) and the consecration of Sepultura,
the world was introduced to a new form of metal guitar playing. Mixing
blinding riffs, strong pounding rhythms, and clear and expressive
tones, Andreas Kisser had created something very new. We named this
style, "root guitar," and it found its way around the world, having a
transforming influence on much of the '90s metal scene. Its style and
technique can be seen in what is now called "New Metal" (or Nu Metal).
Just to clarify, Andreas Kisser is happy in Sepultura, with the same
intensity and passion as always and has no intentions of leaving the
band. However, he felt it was time to expand his horizons and the
different challenges that lay in front of him. His first solo album
release is called, HUBRIS I & II. Going beyond the usual "noise," the
album demonstrates influence of metal, musical education and
disciplines, MPB (Brazilian popular music) and even "repente" (a form
of improvisation, a style of music born in the streets of the
Brazilian Northeast region), and all the while doing this without
losing what is truly important: its musical identity.
There are 21 tracks divided into two volumes: a heavy side and the
other less intense. The majority of the well-guarded ideas come from
demons. "After Max Cavalera left Sepultura, I started to compose
melodies while never reaching a completed song," explains the
Brazilian guitarist. "HUBRIS I & II is a finalization of what I have
written since 1997." Despite this obvious contrast, the album as a
whole has consistency and unity.
HUBRIS I
Here we have an interesting collaboration of tuning between guitar,
bass and drums. The sound carries the "root" feeling so familiar in
his sound, its intensity only comparable to a high voltage shock. In
respect to the compositions, from the start there are varied
surprises. From the introduction of the Brazilian ten-string acoustic
guitar called, "viola caipira" alongside the electric guitar and then
quickly letting the listener know what is to come. And that is exactly
what happens, as told by the guitarist: "This is a guitar record with
an emphasis on tones. Although there are some solos, I preferred to
work on the ambiances, almost as if I was doing a soundtrack for a
movie."
HUBRIS II
In general HUBRIS II keeps the nuances a little a little more daring.
This will probably be the record that will surprise the public more
accustomed to Sepultura. A fair part of the songs is instrumental, in
which the big connection between them is the acoustic guitar as the
protagonist. Yet Andreas advises: "This isn't strictly an 'unplugged'
record, with just acoustic elements. It has electric guitars, of
course!" Who would think that Andreas could resist the temptation?
HUBRIS I & II brings to us the Andreas Kisser, exposed: the multiple
sides as a musician, composer, arranger and producer. We can see all
the various facets of this great guitarist, who has taught us where
the root guitar comes from, as well as its origins and more
importantly, what it spawned from Sepultura. Influences and identity
collide in endless eclecticism, yet all of it comes from a strong
point of view & common sense. This Andreas Kisser's first solo project
in his career, yet his story has just begun...
For more information go to
http://www.myspace.com/andreaskisser or
http://www.mascotrecords.com/ .
*
*** PRESS RELEASE #28 ***
*
-Noctis III: Tritagonist
Scarab Metal Productions announces third annual fall Metal Fest and
new Metal Music Conference for Calgary, Friday and Saturday, October
2nd and 3rd, 2009.
CALGARY, ALTA. CANADA -- Scarab Metal Productions is proud to announce
Noctis III: Tritagonist; a metal festival taking place over two days
at the University of Calgary's Den and MacEwan Hall; and the
Distillery Nightclub in downtown Calgary. Headlining the Main Stage on
Saturday, October 3rd, will be progressive metal veterans Cynic (USA)
whose comeback album TRACED IN AIR earned critical acclaim after a 12-
year absence in the metal scene. The show will also feature war
metalers Destroyer 666 (AUS-NLD) in their first ever-Canadian
appearance, fresh off the July release of their new album DEFIANT; and
black thrashers Aura Noir (NOR) who played the Maryland Deathfest this
year. Headlining the show on "Club Night" at the Distillery on Friday
Oct. 2, 2009 will be Chicago's Novembers Doom, with support from the
underground folk/heavy metal favourites Slough Feg (USA), and death/
thrashers Ares Kingdom (USA).
Opening the shows will be Alberta bands: Exit Strategy, Begrime
Exemious, Death Toll Rising, Sacred Ally, Kilyakai, Norrath, Akakor,
and the new, two-woman sludge band, Tosca. An all-ages band showcase
featuring A Bloodshed Nightmare, Hrom, and Fornication will open the
second stage.
The Festival also now includes a Metal Music Conference to be held on
Friday October 2nd at the Ramada Hotel, downtown Calgary. A partial
list of speakers includes guest appearances from Martin Popoff
(Toronto), famed metal author/ music reviewer and the former Editor of
the now retired Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles magazine; Paul Masvidal
and Sean Reinert of Cynic, Michael Berberian, (France) CEO of Season
Of Mist Records, Miranda Born (Holland) a freelance metal music
photographer for metalshots.com, Metalhammer, and Terrorizer; Dan
Rozenblum (Florida) Thunderdome Touring; and David Gold (Ontario) from
Woods Of Ypres. Topics for the conference will include items of
interest to metal bands and fans and will feature live interviews;
discussions on what it takes to get signed to a label; how to get
endorsements and distribution deals; the latest in DIY recording; how
to promote your band; improving your live metal photography; etc.
For more information on the metal music conference, bands, venue and
tickets please visit
http://www.noctisvalkyries.com/ .
*
*** PRESS RELEASE #29 ***
*
-Surefire Machine Guitarist's Second Attempt To Pull A "Jackass" --
Skydiving Tattoo At 10,000 Ft. -- Edmonton, August 11th
http://www.myspace.com/surefiremachine
Following the postponement of Surefire Machine guitarist's history-
making stunt at Edmonton's Sky Dive Center from July 4th to August
11th -- due to uncooperative weather and stolen camera gear -- the
time has finally come for Zeke to go through with his own version of a
"Jackass" stunt by jumping out of a plane at 10,000 feet while getting
tattooed.
"The hype surrounding this stunt has been insane and the pressure's
been building," admits guitarist Zeke. "There's no backing out now,
but I'm completely stoked to see what happens -- and to see what's
probably going to be the world's shakiest tattoo," he laughs.
As part of SFM's "Sinnin' And Grinnin'" tour the tattoo jump, as
explained by Zeke, reflects the band's motto in its entirety: "It's
simple -- SFM's motto is 'Have a Good Time, All the Time' and that's
exactly what I'm doing."
Currently revving their engines, Surefire Machine are on their third
cross-Canadian escapade, perfectly titled the "Sinnin' & Grinnin'"
tour, to promote their self-titled E.P.
Surefire Machine "Sinnin' & Grinnin'" Tour Dates (more dates to be
announced)
31-Jul-09 - Coombs, BC The Frontiersman
01-Aug-09 - Coombs, BC The Frontiersman
07-Aug-09 - Rimbey, AB The Vault
08-Aug-09 - Rimbey, AB The Vault
09-Aug-09 - Edmonton, AB Blues On Whyte
12-Aug-09 - Saskatoon, SK Buds on Broadway
13-Aug-09 - Saskatoon, SK Buds on Broadway
14-Aug-09 - Winnipeg, MB The Cavern
03-Sep-09 - Toronto, ON The Hide Out
05-Sep-09 - New Minas, NS West Side Charlies w/ Disasterman
06-Sep-09 - Digby, NS Wharf Rat Biker Rally
23-Sep-09 - Toronto, ON - The Cenetral - performing at Toronto
Independent Music Awards Live Showcase
http://www.myspace.com/SurefireMachine
http://www.twitter.com/SurefireMachine
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2264371374&ref=ts
"I've been searching for a great rock album. When I put on SFM's self-
titled album I couldn't help but grin -- I finally found one!" 4.5/5 -
The Link - Montreal
"And the crowd goes wild!... Surefire Machine is a straight-up, no
gimmicks rock n' roll band... A catchy chorus here and a mean riff
there, this album is alcohol fueled with dreams of fast cars and
raunchy bad girls." - Absolute Underground Magazine
"WARNING: Repeated listening of Surefire Machine's self-titled album
may lead you to drink whiskey, get your girlfriend pregnant and rebel
against every aspect of society." - 4/5 Toronto Music Scene.ca
"A solid album." - Fazer Magazine
"Surefire has managed to create an unpredictable Molotov cocktail of
rock. If you're looking for an album that will get your heart pumping,
your blood racing and your adrenaline flowing, this is most definitely
it." - The Movementz.com
"As soon as the first riff starts on the band's self-titled debut,
listeners will be hooked," - Chris Dahlberg, Cosmosgaming.com
*
*** PRESS RELEASE #30 ***
*
-Pantheon I: New Video For "Serpent Christ" Unveiled
Norwegian extreme metallers Pantheon I have unveiled the new video for
"Serpent Christ," a track taken from the band's recently released
full-length, WORLDS I CREATE. "Serpent Christ," which shows Pantheon I
performing amidst scenes of bondage and torture, was directed by Espen
Krukhaug, who also worked on the band's previous video "Where Angels
Burn" and features Finland's Peik Mattheiszen in the role of torturer.
Reprising their role of victims in the video are models Maria Olsen
and Helga Bårdsdatter Kristiansen who were recently seen in the band's
promo photos -- the uncensored versions of which can only be found on
the band's Web site due to their explicit nature.
WORLDS I CREATE, Pantheon I's third full-length album, was released at
the end of July via Candlelight Records, and includes a guest
appearance on the track "Ascending," from Katatonia front man Jonas
Renkse. Three tracks from WORLDS I CREATE are currently streaming on
the band's MySpace page.
View the video here:
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=451309518&blogI\
d=503575783
Pantheon I are currently preparing for a short tour of their home
country, as well as looking into the possibility of touring Eastern
Europe, and are planning to hit the road in November on a European
tour along with Skitliv, featuring former Mayhem front man Maniac, and
Den Saakaldte. Tour dates TBA.
http://www.myspace.com/pantheoni
http://www.pantheoni.com/
*
*** PRESS RELEASE #31 ***
*
-Pelican Announces New Album Details
Instrumental Quartet Readies Fourth Full-Length Album; First Release
On Southern Lord
The mighty Pelican are in the studio putting the finishing touches on
their fourth studio album, entitled WHAT WE ALL COME TO NEED. What
guitarist Laurent Lebec has dubbed "the most perfect synthesis of
everything we've done to date, sonically," this new album is a giant
step forward within the complex, intricate, beautiful and crushing
sound Pelican is famous for. The album features more guests than have
ever appeared on a Pelican album before: Greg Anderson of Sunn O))),
Aaron Turner of Isis, Ben Verellen of Harkonen and Helms Alee and
Allen Epley from The Life & Times and Shiner. Content-wise, Lebec says
"there is a current of inspiration that feels particular to each
album's music and titles. Though we lack a singer, the song names are
often conceptual. This new album speaks to a rapidly decaying world,
the fulfillment we find in each other, as well as the resolve to move
beyond disillusionment." If the recent EPHEMERAL E.P. is any
indication of what's to come, we can expect nothing less than the apex
of Pelican's creative output.
If you are lucky enough to be in Seattle or N.Y.C. in the coming
months, don't sleep on checking out the new songs live:
8/06/2009 Neumo's - Seattle, WA
9/22/2009 Brooklyn Masonic Temple - Brooklyn, NY
(*Both shows with Sunn 0))), Eagle Twin and Earth)
WHAT WE ALL COME TO NEED Track Listing:
1) Glimmer
2) The Creeper
3) Ephemeral
4) Specks Of Light
5) Strung Up From The Sky
6) An Inch Above Sand
7) What We All Come To Need
8) Final Breath
http://www.myspace.com/pelican
http://www.southernlord.com/
http://www.myspace.com/southernlordrecordings
http://blog.southernlord.com
*
*** PRESS RELEASE #32 ***
*
-Candlelight Records Signs The Atlas Moth
Candlelight Records today confirms the worldwide signing of Chicago's
The Atlas Moth. Popular throughout the Midwest region, the quintet
joins the U.K.-based label's growing American roster having already
shared the stage with Pentagram, Saviours, Intronaut, Nachtmystium,
Wolves In The Throne Room, Coalesce and many others. Recently
completing tracking at Chicago's Phase Recordings, the doom warriors
expect to hit the road in the next month performing tracks from their
forthcoming label debut.
A GLORIFIED PIECE OF BLUE-SKY, featuring artwork by Ryan Kasparian, is
scheduled for American release on October 6. Produced by the band with
post-production work handled by Michael Kandel (Tranquility Bass), the
album showcases the band's triple-guitar wall of sound that is sure to
leave a lasting impression. Clocking in at just under an hour, the
album's eight metal epics are dynamic, expressive, and heavier than
sin. Looking back on the album's creation, guitarist/vocalist Stavros
reveals, "A GLORIFIED PIECE OF BLUE-SKY became something none of us
could have expected. It is a completely collaborative record, from
start to finish. It really is a true representation of our band."
Formed in 2007, The Atlas Moth unites sludge, doom, psychedelia,
blues, and more. Stavros notes, "It is heavy music for heavy
thinkers." Taking influence from an array of artists including The
Deftones, Neurosis, Cave In, Quicksand and pieces of all that is heavy
in between, the band twists sound ebbing from sheer intensity to
peaceful interludes that is far more sophisticated or expected from a
band of their relative youth. The band's prior solo release, the
highly regarded PRAY FOR TIDE (Witch Trial Records) mini-album
received rave reviews on its release in 2008. "A supremely impressive
first effort," says Punknews. "The crushingly heavy guitars makes a
sound that is immense... raw, controlled and clever," says Metal
Observer.
Track listing for A GLORIFIED PIECE OF BLUE-SKY:
1. A Night In Venus' Arms...
2. A Glorified Piece Of Blue-Sky
3. Grey Wolves
4. Our Sun, Our Saviour
5. Extraordinary Claims Require, Extraordinary Evidence
6. One Amongst The Wheat Fields
7. Jump Room To Orion
8. ...Leads To A Lifetime On Mercury
http://www.myspace.com/theatlasmothband
http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com/
http://www.myspace.com/candlelightrecordsusa
*
*** SPECIAL REPORT ***
*
from Mazur Public Relations
-Primal Fear
Up to the minute news directly from the Primal Fear camp, one day
before the band starts their 16.6 trip to South America, some days
later to North America!
South America
Ralf Scheepers: "It's so cool that we can add Colombia to our map and
rock there for the first time. We're really sad that we can't play
Chile this time, but to come back in three beloved countries like
Mexico, Argentina and Brazil is always a huge pleasure. I'm looking
forward to present the songs of our new album to our loyal fans and
rock the night. The communication and their enthusiasm in South
America is always very special. There's just one word to explain the
atmosphere of a Primal Fear concert in South America: Electrifying!"
North America
Henny Wolter: "This will be an absolute highlight of my career. There
can't be one European musician out there who isn't thrilled to tour
the U.S. with his own songs and music. Our target in Primal Fear was
always to be known as a worldwide touring act and for me personally,
it's a real pleasure, that our focus is on North America in the coming
month and in the next year. I know that the worldwide metalfans
appreciate the consequence and tenacity of our course!"
Alex Beyrodt: "I must add, that I'm really excited to play with Primal
Fear in South and North America. It's a dream come true! I did a
special work out during the last month to be in top shape for the
shows and you know that the stage is my life. I will give more than
100% every day and I will enjoy every minute! It's so great to be part
of this tour!"
Canada
Randy Black: "Coming Home :-) ..... for me coming back to Canada to
play with Primal Fear is a big thrill, not only because I'm from
there, but because we've played there so little since I've been in the
band. It will be great to finally play to the North American Primal
Fear fans again too! I'm sure the shows will be rockin' -- I've only
played in Canada ONCE since I moved over to Germany in '98, I can't
wait and see you all soon!"
New Primal Fear Video Clip
Mat Sinner: "We will shoot two new video clips during the next weeks.
The first one will be released in September in connection with our TV
campaign on iMusic TV and the second video clip will be released
during the European tour in mid November! We will shoot a lot of
interesting footage filmed in the forthcoming weeks, so we can present
two really interesting clips for songs from the new album 16.6 --
which songs? The first clip will have a South American, the second a
North American vibe."
The European Tour
Ralf Scheepers: "It's the same feeling and vibe this time as for all
other territories. The difference is, that Europe is our home and
especially this time, with the new 16.6 songs in the set list, it will
be something special. We feel so strong in the band now, that nothing
can stop us!"
Mat Sinner: "I agree, it feels really good on stage and the new songs
are perfect additions to our current Best-Of live set and our new
found metal attitude. Even I miss my friend Magnus [Karlsson], Alex is
doing a killer job. With Brainstorm on the bill in Europe, we have a
fantastic second band with us and we're working on another third great
band to present an overall strong package for our fans. And it feels
really good to have some good friends like Duce and Martin back in the
team again!"
Plans for 2010?
Frank Suepfle from ITM Agency: "We're already working on a second and
longer run through North America and another European leg on the 16.6
tour before the festival season starts and we will play a lot of open
air festivals next year!"
Michael Kiske / Amanda Somerville
Mat Sinner: "That's my newest project and we're working hard on the
songwriting for the first album. It's a pleasure to write and produce
Michael's next album and with Amanda as the co-singer it's something
very special. I wrote songs with Magnus and Jimmy Kresic for the album
and we're really excited about the songs. Eight tracks are pre-
produced now and we need another two songs before we will start the
real recordings. After Forever main man Sander Gommans plans to join
us and he's working on new songs with Amanda at the moment! Look out
for a melodic metal masterpiece in early 2010!"
Ralf Scheepers Solo Album
Ralf Scheepers: "I'm still collecting ideas and riffs .... and I can't
wait to start the production together with Mat. I've signed a deal
with Frontiers Records and we will make this happen during the coming
months. I will welcome a lot of interesting guests and if my plan will
come reality, it's a dream come true with a killer concept and strong
songs!"
Rock Meets Classic
Mat Sinner: "This will be a huge challenge for everybody involved. My
good friend and well respected concert promoter Manfred Hertlein
introduced me to Toto singer Bobby Kimball and some weeks later we had
14 dates booked in the finest venues of Germany and the Netherlands
for January 2010. Featuring the originals singers of Foreigner -- Lou
Gramm, Nazareth -- Dan McCafferty and Toto -- Bobby Kimball -- a
killer classic rock lineup! Maestro Philipp Maier from Dubai will
write the arrangements and conduct the Prague Symphonic Orchestra. I
will direct the RMC band and choir featuring Henny Wolter on guitar,
Jimmy Kresic on keyboards, Martin Schmidt on drums plus Amanda
Somerville, Verena Schock and Tiffany Krikland on backing vocals. Look
out for an exciting eveneing and songs like 'Cold As Ice,' 'Juke Box
Hero,' 'Hold The Line,' 'Africa,' 'Love Hurts' or 'This Flight
Tonight' with a brand new vibe! We're aleady in negotiations for more
concerts and to continue the project in 2011."
THE BLACK BOOK
Randy Black: "THE BLACK BOOK is 'An Introduction To Creative Metal
Drumming' will be my first ever drum DVD. On the DVD I'm playing along
to original Primal Fear songs as well as a selection of songs from
DuskMachine and past bands such as Annihilator, Skew Siskin and Rooky.
Also include will be two drum solos (studio and live) and sections on
basic to advanced rudiments, special parts from the songs broken down
in real and slow motion time and various fills and stick tricks I've
developed over my drumming career. There is also an interview where
I'm talking about my life as a drummer from the day I started to the
present. It looks likely that the DVD will be distributed by Hudson
Music."
New Primal Fear DVD & Live CD
Mat Sinner: We will film footage with three cameras during every part
of the forthcoming tour this year. We will start in South America, the
U.S., Canada, Europe and later this year in Japan. The show in Sao
Paulo will be filmed by Patrick Kolb. We will shoot add. shows in Los
Angeles, Atlanta, New York and Montreal. Good friend Bomber and his
Visions In Fear team will film two shows in Switzerland and Germany.
Achim Koehler will record selected shows on pro audio material. If
everything will work out cool, we plan to work on a forthcoming DVD
and Live CD for 2010 and if all involved people and companies will
support this release for the fans."
Mat Sinner New Book Project ...... Prison Break? (The International
Version)
Mat Sinner: "I plan to write some interesting stories about the last
three years during the forthcoming world tour and add them to with
some unreleased pictures to my existing biography. 'The Book Of Seven
Seals' was released in German language and is already collectors item.
Now it's time to end up some speculation, controversial stories, funny
moments rename the bio. My Sinner buddy and Metal Hammer journalist
Christof Leim will review and edit the old version and this time, we
will release an international version. I haven't decided yet, if we
will make a limited edition of the forthcoming Primal Fear DVD and add
the book as a special present to our fans."
Japan & Primal Fear
Ralf Scheepers: "First of all, we want to thank all our loyal fans for
all the super positive e-mails we've received about a forthcoming Tour
in Japan. 16.6 reached the best chart entry in Japan of the entire
Primal Fear career. We've got the word from our record company King
Records and our agency that everybody is working hard on the subject!
We are ready for our fans in Japan and if everything works out well,
we will play some concerts during the next months!"
Last Words:
Alex Beyrodt: "I'm totally happy and satisfied to be back with Primal
Fear and I'm proud to be a part of Primal Fear family! We know
each other for so long, shared a lot of great memories and hotel
rooms. We've travelled thousands of miles together and Mat is my
friend for a lifetime. The Primal Fear / U.D.O. tour was one of the
best experiences of my career. The new songs are killer and new set
list is even more exciting than ever. I can't wait to entert he stage
in Mexico City and start my engine!"
Henny Wolter: "It's my best time in Primal Fear! It feels really good
and I'm enjoying every day in the band! If we're on tour with the
band, it makes me a lot of younger in seconds, it's just like a big
party with a lot of good friends. We're working hard on every matter,
but it's always a pleasure, friendly, funny and creative. My comeback
with the band was one of the best decisions I've made in my life. In
the meantime, I know the guys very well and they are very talented and
have a great humor!"
See you on tour!
Ralf, Randy, Henny, Alex & Mat
*
*** NEWS/RUMORS ***
*
-Check out an interview with Aerosmith's Joe Perry at
http://blogs.westword.com/backbeat/2009/07/qa_with_joe_perry_of_aerosmith.php
.
-Anthrax played the Sonisphere festival in Knebworth, England, on
August 1 with John Bush on vocals. Check out gig photos at
http://www.thrashhits.com/2009/08/sonisphere-festival-2009-anthrax-apollo-stage-\
saturday-01-august-2009/
.
-RockStarPix.com has photos -- taken from the stage -- at Anvil's
recent gig at Giants Stadium, opening for AC/DC.
-The Dead-End Kidz will be played on the radio this weekend, on
Brooklyn, NY-based WKRB 90.3 FM. The station's show "The Metal
Meltdown" airs Saturday night from 5 - 7 p.m. Eastern, and is
available on the Web at
http://www.wkrb.org and
http://www.live365.com/stations/wkrb?site=wkrb . See
http://www.myspace.com/dekmusic for more on the band.
-Ace Frehley will release his new solo album, ANOMALY, September 15 on
his Bronx Born Records label. The disc will also be released in Europe
through Season Of Mist. Track list: "Foxy & Free," "Outer Space"
(first single), "Pain In The Neck," "Fox On The Run" (The Sweet
cover), "Genghis Khan," "Too Many Faces," "Change The World," "Space
Bear," "A Little Below The Angels," "Sister," "It's A Great Life,"
"Fractured Quantum," and the iTunes exclusive track "The Return Of
Space Bear (Dedicated To Tom Snyder)." "Outer Space" is streaming now
at
http://www.idesignprod.com/AF/ . Frehley will play the Sunset Strip
Music Festival on September 12 at the Viper Room in West Hollywood,
CA. See
http://www.acefrehley.com/ for more.
-Check out an interview with Holy Water bassist Freddy Villano at
http://www.sleazeroxx.com/interviews/freddyvillano.shtml . See
http://www.myspace.com/thisisholywater and
http://www.myspace.com/freddyvillano for more.
-Check out an interview with In This Moment vocalist Maria Brink,
bassist Jesse Landry, and drummer Jeff Fabb at
http://glclk.about.com/?zi=1/7Y5a .
-Upcoming shows for the Iron Maidens:
8/8 - Santa Fe Station Casino, Las Vegas, NV (free show)
8/12 - The Key Club, Hollywood, CA (free w/ contest)
8/13 - Audie's Olympic, Fresno, CA
8/14 - The Voodoo Lounge, San Jose, CA
8/15 - Annie's Social Club, San Francisco, CA
The August 12 show has a contest; the first 300 people to correctly
answer the question "What famous writer and book inspired Iron
Maiden's 'Murders In The Rue Morgue?'" will get in free. Send your
full name and answer in an e-mail to
keyclubcontest@...
with the subject line = "Contest." See
http://www.theironmaidens.com/
and
http://www.myspace.com/theironmaidens for more.
-The San Diego Union-Tribune has an interview with Judas Priest's Rob
Halford at SignOnSanDiego.com, at
http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jul/30/lz1w30priest20515-man-british\
-steel/?uniontrib
.
-Winners at the Kerrang! Awards 2009 in London included Metallica's
DEATH MAGNETIC for "Best Album", The Wildhearts for the "Spirit Of
Independence," Alice In Chains as the "Icon," and Bullet For My
Valentine for "Best British Band."
-Check out clips of all 13 tracks on the new Lynch Mob album, SMOKE
AND MIRRORS, at
http://www.heavyharmonies.com/cgi-bin/glamcd.cgi?BandNum=16&CDName=Smoke+and+Mir\
rors
.
-Megadeth's Dave Mustaine recently underwent neck surgery for bulging
discs, and among other things he's currently proof-reading his
upcoming autobiography.
-Narnia's COURSE OF A GENERATION, the first album with new singer
German Pascual (Mind's Eye, Mendez), is out now on Massacre Records.
Track list: "Sail Around The World," "When The Stars Are Falling,"
"Curse Of A Generation," "Scared," "Kings Will Come," "Rain,"
"Armageddon," "One Way To Freedom," "Miles Away," "Behind The
Curtain." Check out some clips at
http://musicbuymail.eu/?i=28229 ,
and see
http://www.myspace.com/narniaofficial for more.
-Nickelback's LIVE FROM STURGIS concert will be released on high-def
Blu-ray on October 13, by E1 Entertainment.
-Rumors persist that Ozzy Osbourne will choose Gus G. (Firewind) as
his new guitarist.
-Four new Saltatio Mortis songs -- called "Salome," "Miststuck," "La
Jument De Michao," and "Letzte Worte" -- are now available at
http://www.myspace.com/mittelalterpunk . The band's new album WER WIND
SAT is due August 28 from Napalm Records. See
http://www.saltatio-mortis.com/ for more.
-Sonata Arctica guitarist Elias Viljanen has a new solo album out on
Spinefarm Records, called FIRE-HEARTED. Ten of the 12 tracks are
instrumentals, and performers on the album include Marco Hietala
(vocals; Nightwish, Tarot), Tony Kakko (vocals; Sonata Arctica), Jari
Kainulainen (bass; Evergrey, ex-Stratovarius), Jaan Wessman (fretless
bass), Henrik Klingenberg (keyboards; Sonata Arctica), Mikko Siren
(drums; Apocalyptica), and Tomi Ylonen (drums). Track list: "Fire-
Hearted," "Last Breath Of Love" (featuring Hietala), "Cruel Groove,"
"Kiss Of Rain" (featuring Kakko), "Head Up High," "Up To Speed,"
"Supernatural," "One Tonight," "The Triumph," "My Guiding Light,"
"Showstopper," "Beautiful Piece." Check out some song clips at
http://musicbuymail.eu/?i=28175 , and see
http://www.eliasviljanen.com/ for more.
Thanks to George Varga, Nathan Birk, Music Buy Mail, ThrashHits.com,
HeadbangerNYC.com, Chad Bowar, Eddie Trunk, John Erigo, Mazur P.R.,
Bill "Long Road" Kotowski and Jeff "Screaming Demon" Adee for help
gathering some of this information.
*
*** ROCK HARD RIDE FREE ***
*
by Tim Wadzinski (
tsw512@...)
-So this is issue #512. If you've seen my e-mail address you might've
figured "512" is kind of a special number to me. :) It was my room
number for a year back in college, when I lived with three great guys
who are still some of my closest friends. There are a ton of inside
jokes and remembrances, blah blah blah, and I won't bore you with all
the details, but I do want to point out the "512 lifestyle" centered
around great friends, rock and metal, beer, and being there for each
other. Music can be such a strong bond -- I still remember the day my
soon-to-be-friend Bill came into my dorm room, looked at my tape
collection, and said, "You like Pretty Maids, too?!" BAM! We were in.
The "inner circle" expanded over time and I am very, very proud to
still be able to call these guys my friends 20 years later. The
countless shows we've attended, the album listening parties, the
drunken shenanigans, road trips, the weddings, the growing families...
So much has happened and we've always been there for each other, and
music is always front and center. So hail to the guys: Todd, "Axeman"
Jeff, Bill, "Apesh*t" Jeff, Big Arnie, Andy, Eric, The Ever-Mysterious
Pete, Paul, Gerry, Mike, Brian, Chris, Sean, and Dan. To quote high
wisdom from the Book of Britny Fox: "CD's on 10, ooh you gotta drink a
lot."
-In my current playlist: U.D.O. - DOMINATOR (AFM Records), Primal Fear
- 16.6 (BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU'RE DEAD) (Frontiers), 7th Heaven -
MEDLEY CD/DVD (indie).
*
*** REVIEWS ***
*
HOLY WATER - THE COLLECTED SESSIONS (B+/B) Perris Records, 2009
9 tracks, RT: 41:37
[
http://www.myspace.com/thisisholywater ]
[
http://www.perrisrecords.com/ ]
[
http://www.myspace.com/perrisrecords ]
Wow, how come we never heard about these guys? The exact dates in the
press kit are a little fuzzy but you get the impression this band
formed in the '80s and lasted into the '90s, but just couldn't quite
get it together before the grunge meteor hit and blacked out the sky
for all good music. This release brings together nine songs recorded
at various times and studios, by various lineups, in groupings dubbed
"The Green Machine Sessions" (three songs), "The Grand Slam Sessions"
(one), "The Studio 1212 Sessions" (two), "The Mask Sessions" (one),
and "The Perris Sessions" (two). The "core" lineup of Holy Water is
vocalist David Knight, guitarist Thomas Jude, and bassist Freddy
Villano, with various other folks dropping in on keyboards (Al
Greenwood, Kenny Hamberg, Matthew Bradley, Jay Davidson) and drums
(Chuck Bonfonte, Rich Ferrara, Charlie Ambrosia, Tyrone Cannon, Bobby
Marks). The players have bands like Dokken, Foreigner, Cinderella,
Widowmaker, Doro Pesch, Quiet Riot, and Saraya on their resumes, so
you know there's quality involved. But after digesting all this back
story, I assumed the songs here would be scattered, and not cohesive
at all. Wrong. True, there's a definite evolution going on through the
different eras, and the fidelity isn't 100% constant throughout, but
there's really only one tune that seems "demo-y" compared to the rest
-- an interesting but flawed cover of Elton John's "Crocodile Rock."
Overall these guys are an energetic borderline AOR/hard rock band, and
are quite adept at writing catchy hooks. Knight's vocals remind me of
Ted Poley crossed with Robert Mason for the most part, and Jude is a
hotshot who certainly deserves some recognition. (Check out his bright
soloing in the Green Machine tracks "I'm Not Worried Anymore," "If I
Knew Then...," and "Some Things Have To Happen," and especially the
wicked Studio 1212 instrumental, "MonsteR Iff.") Damn near every song
here could've fit on the radio, right down to the recent, closing
Perris tracks "Living For The City" (a funky/bluesy Stevie Wonder
cover, complete with horns and piano) and "All I Need" (a nice ballad
with a killer melody). Here's hoping we'll hear more from Holy Water,
either all-new material or similar compilations of from-the-vault
recordings.
- Tim Wadzinski (
tsw512@...)
JUDAS PRIEST - A TOUCH OF EVIL - LIVE (B+) Sony Music/Epic Records,
2009
11 tracks, RT: 59:56
[
http://www.judaspriest.com/ ]
[
http://www.myspace.com/judaspriest ]
Yes, yes, *another* live release from Judas Priest. HOWEVER, this one
is not an excuse to dish out more versions of "Living After Midnight,"
"Breaking The Law," and "You've Got Another Thing Coming." Rather, the
band has made the cool decision to unleash tracks whose live versions
haven't been properly released by the revitalized, Rob Halford-led
lineup. The songs were recorded on various tours over the last four
years, and are all mixed/faded separately, so A TOUCH OF EVIL - LIVE
plays like a collection of live tracks rather than a single concert.
The disc includes PAINKILLER-era hits "Painkiller" and "A Touch Of
Evil" (naturally), plus the excellent album track "Between The Hammer
& The Anvil." More recent/post-reunion material includes the hydraulic
opener "Judas Rising" and the blistering mini-epic "Hellrider" (both
from 2005's ANGEL OF RETRIBUTION), and the ponderous "Death" and the
dynamic "Prophecy" (both from last year's ambitious concept album
NOSTRADAMUS). The remaining quartet consists of a pair of golden '70s
oldies that sound awesome 30+ years later -- the classic, beautiful,
dark power ballad "Beyond The Realms Of Death" and the still-savage
"Dissident Aggressor" -- and two stalwart '80s-era metallers, "Riding
On The Wind" and the notorious "Eat Me Alive." Besides the obvious
appeal of all these "deep cuts," longtime fans will also take note
this is the first album Tom Allom has co-produced with the band since
1988's RAM IT DOWN. This is a worthy addition to the collection.
- Tim Wadzinski (
tsw512@...)
TWISTED SISTER - STAY HUNGRY - 25TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION (A) Rhino,
2009
Disc 1: 9 tracks, RT: 37:03
Disc 2: 18 tracks: RT: 39:27
[
http://www.twistedsister.com/ ]
[
http://www.myspace.com/twistedsister ]
[
http://www.rhino.com/ ]
Love 'em or hate 'em, you can't deny Twisted Sister's place in metal
history. STAY HUNGRY is an absolute classic and hallmark of the '80s
metal scene -- it should be in the Smithsonian. Yes, the cartoony
videos for "We're Not Gonna Take It" and "I Wanna Rock" were
overplayed, and yes, Dee Snider was indeed *everywhere* there for a
while 25 years ago, but so what? You need this album in your
collection and you know it. Even if you are sick of those two big
songs, give a listen to the title track, "Burn In Hell," and "Don't
Let Me Down" -- while slightly lesser known than the hits, these songs
flat-out rock. "The Price" is a great, mature power ballad/road song,
"S.M.F." is a fun, dopey anthem, and the conceptual "Horror-Teria (The
Beginning)" -- comprised of "Captain Howdy" and "Street Justice" --
features Snider at his snarling, menacing best. Great stuff. Plus,
this reissue features extensive liner notes and a bonus disc of
goodies. All told, there are 15 demos (including 10 non-album tracks),
a funny radio spot for radio station KMET-FM, a cool, tongue-in-cheek
new song entitled "30," and a crazy studio snippet of Snider singing
"The Munchkin Song" from "The Wizard Of Oz." (You have to hear it to
believe it.) True, most of the bonus demos are mere song fragments,
but you get the gist of what's going on, and it's very cool to hear
all this archival material
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