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• 08 Feb ' 06:34

  February 8

  Wednesday, February 08, 2012 H.E.A.T. PREPARE TO ADDRESS THE NATION: The Swedish AOR band H.E.A.T are now up to date with a world-wide release of their third album Address The Nation in spring 2012 after the renewal of their collaboration with Hamburg based label earMUSIC The album is produced by Grammy award winning Tobias Lindell (Europe, Hardcore Superstar). H.E.A.T had a huge hit in Scandinavia with the song "1000 Miles" in 2009 and they have been touring all over the world since then, building up their reputation as the new leading band in the AOR genre. Erik Gronwall (winner of the Swedish IDOL 2009) joined the band in 2010 and has once again proved to be a fantastic singer on the new album. The first single from the album will be the epic song Living On The Run What is now defined “classic rock” is a music movement moved more than mere nostalgia, somehow moving in the dark of trends and hype, but filling arenas and pushing names on top of the sales charts. All over the world, music fans of all ages keep showing their support and dedication to artists who wrote important pages in the history of music in the 70s and the 80s (and later). H.E.A.T don't hide their love for their heroes, they don't mix the sound of the music they like with new trendy and updated sound, they don't use irony to justify the fact they play this music. They just do it and they want to be the best at it. The giants they have to fight against are huge masters of the genre: Foreigner, Journey, Europe, Bon Jovi. But time is on H.E.A.T's side. And for once, we might have the luck to witness the birth of a classic rock name who is releasing what sounds to be one of the album of the year while the members are still enjoying their twenties. For those who love AOR and melodic heavy rock this is a chance not to miss. Tracklist Address The Nation: 01. Breaking the Silence 02. Living on the Run 03. Falling Down 04. The One and Only 05. Better off Alone 06. In And Out of Trouble 07. Need Her 08. Heartbreaker 09. It's all about tonight 10. Downtown. Release Dates: March 28 Sweden / March 23 Germany. www.heatsweden.com YES DITCH ANOTHER VOCALIST: Journalist Sterling Whitacker comments on the new has brought in another singer for Australasian tour: www.examiner.com/classic-hard-rock-in-national/yes-hires-new-lead-singer-for-upcoming-tour. The official statement goes like:"Prog rock band YES were forced to cancel the last 3 shows of their European Tour in December due to the illness of lead vocalist Benoit David who has still not recovered. To avoid disappointing their fans on the forthcoming Australasian leg of their world tour, they have found a replacement singer. Jon Davison will join Yes as lead vocalist for the upcoming dates in New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Indonesia, and Hawaii. Yes really appreciate Jon Davison joining them for this leg of the tour and are sure this arrangement will satisfy all Yes fans."TCC'S ROB WYLDE TALKS:Teenage Casket Company lead singer Rob Wylde checked in with Hardrock Haven to talk about their brand new single/video for the track Without You, released on Valentine's Day 2012; their upcoming EP; their best of compilationBest Kept Secret; what it's like playing as a 3-piece; the small but awesome role Hardrock Haven played in the liner notes of Best Kept Secret; how they picked their 'best' songs for that release; upcoming tour plans; and a whole lot more. Teenage Casket Company is one of those fathomless bands; no one who has heard them can fathom how everything they do is not at the top of the charts. Tune in now to re-learn why these guys should be one of your favorite bands, and pick up Best Kept Secret today. To hear the interview, go to: hardrockhaven.net/online/2012/02/rob-wylde-of-teenage-casket-company/OPETH'S MIKAEL ÅKERFELDT + PORCUPINE TREE'S STEVEN WILSON TEAM UP FOR STORM CORROSION: (New York, NY): Roadrunner Records is pleased to announce the signing of Storm Corrosion. Storm Corrosion is the long-discussed and highly anticipated collaboration between two of the modern progressive rock scene's most innovative and multi-talented artists: Mikael ÅkerfeldtOpeth and Porcupine Tree's Steven Wilson. The pair will release Storm Corrosion on April 24 via Roadrunner Records. A little background information on the genesis of this project: Åkerfeldt and Wilson have been friends since the late '90s, when Wilson co-produced Opeth's revered Blackwater Park album. Over the years, they'd often spoken of working on a project together, but it wasn't until recently that they managed to make something happen, when Mikael flew over to visit Steven in the U.K. and they ended up in Wilson's home studio throwing ideas around. That visit was the nascence of a whole self-titled album, written and produced by the pair, and mixed by Wilson. The sound of Storm Corrosion can best be described as enchanting, orchestral, ambient, epic (half the album's tracks clock in around the 10-minute mark) and nothing short of surprising to the new ear. However, the musicians' respective fanbases will be primed to appreciate the new output, with Wilson's recent solo album, Grace for Drowning, and Opeth's Heritage having brought them to a logical place to understand Storm Corrosion. This eponymous collection is almost viewed as one side of a musical triangle. Says Wilson, “If you'd asked me three months ago about the music, I would have said, 'Expect the last thing you would expect.' But actually, now that Heritage and Grace for Drowning have come out, I don't think it's going to be that much of a shock to people, because it's almost like a third part of the trilogy, in a way. If anything, it's even more orchestral, even more stripped down, even more dark, twisted and melancholic but it certainly feels like it comes from the same place as Heritage and Grace for Drowning, which indeed it does because it was written during the same period.”“Some of the music on this record I think is the most beautiful music I have participated on ever,” adds Åkerfeldt. “There's some magical sections on there. Musically I think we've created something earthy, a bit frightening, exhausting, profound and rather intense. All at the same time. I can safely say I don't know any other band or artist that sounds anything like Storm Corrosion. I guess that was also one of our goals, so to speak.” Roadrunner Senior VP of A&R, Monte Conner welcomed Storm Corrosion to the Roadrunner family, commenting, “I am honored to have the Roadrunner logo on the Storm Corrosion album. Steven Wilson and Mikael Åkerfeldt have demonstrated time and time again that they are two of the truest and most important artists working today, and it is not often that I get to work with musicians of this caliber. This album is a beautiful piece of work that will appeal to fans of Steven and Mikael's past records, while at the same time exploring new avenues for both artists."ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND: THE BEST OF TIMES, THE WORST OF TIMES: Exclusive interviews with Gregg Allman and Dickey Betts. Dallas, TX - February 7, 2011. North American syndicated rock radio show InTheStudio: The Stories Behind History's Greatest Rock Bands celebrates the 40th Anniversary of The Allman Brothers BandEat a Peach. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. The Allman Brothers Band were one, if not the most influential American band in rock in 1971 & 72. Their success ushered in a generation of great southern rock music, but not without suffering a massive personal and professional loss during the recording of Eat a Peach. Show producer and host Redbeard asks Gregg Allman and Dickey Betts what impact Duane's untimely death had to Eat a Peach. Dickey Betts explains, “You know the Eat a Peach record was pretty strange to us 'cause, that's when Duane was killed, right in the middle of that recording. We kinda went through a whole lotta stuff.” Gregg Allman continues, “That (Duane's death) changed the arrangement of the songs. It was like two different projects. We used some of it on each one. It was a strange time back then.” InTheStudio is syndicated on over 50 radio stations throughout North America. The Allman Brothers Eat a Peach./ InTheStudio program will air the week of February 6th. To find out where to hear this show or to stream it online, visit: www.inthestudio.net/this-week-in-the-studio/allman-brothersband-3”

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• 07 Feb ' 00:09

  February 7

  Tuesday, February 07, 2012 ICONIC SINGER/SONGWRITER JACK BLADES TO RELEASE NEW SOLO ALBUM: "ROCK N' ROLL RIDE": Much-beloved singer/songwriter/bass player extraordinaire Jack Blades is slated to release his brand new solo album, Rock N' Roll Ride, on March 23 in Europe and March 27th in North America via Frontiers Records. The new album marks Blades' second solo release for the label. Hot off the heels of Night Ranger's celebrated 2011 CD, Somewhere In California, and a massive North American tour with Night Ranger as support for last year, Blades shows no signs of slowing down with his buoyant new album. Of the new offering, Blades commented, “Rock N' Roll Ride is an extension of what my music has been for the last 30 years. It has been quite a rock n' roll ride and I decided to lay it all down on a record!”Rock N' Roll Ride features contributions from Blades' Night Ranger bandmates Brad Gillis, Kelly Keagy, Joel HoekstraEric Levy, as well as a special guest appearance by Cheap Trick's Robin Zander. The first single from the album “Back In The Game” will soon impact at radio.Jack Blades is a frontman, lead singer, bassist, songwriter, and producer as well as a founding member of the highly-successful arena rock band, Night Ranger and supergroup Damn Yankees (along with Ted Nugent and Tommy Shaw from Styx) and the highly-regarded Shaw/Blades. Throughout his remarkable career Blades has sold over 25 million albums, performed in front of millions of fans worldwide and collaborated with some of rock's most legendary artists. With a career spanning three decades, Blades has recorded with, penned songs and produced albums for some of the music industry's biggest names including Aerosmith, Cher, Ringo Star, Alice Cooper, Roger Daltrey, Journey, Ozzy Osbourne, Styx, Ted Nugent, Motley CrueVince Neil. His music has been featured in movies such as Armageddon, Boogie Nights, Tommy Boy, television shows such as “South Park” and “American Dad,” the hit Broadway musical (and soon-to-be released major motion picture) Rock of Ages and the wildly successful videogame series "Rock Band" and "Guitar Hero". With Blades' songwriting, driving guitars, stage antics and on the strength of Night Ranger's songs “Don't Tell Me You Love Me,” “Rock in America,” “Sister Christian,” “When You Close Your Eyes,” and “Sentimental Street”, along with the Damn Yankees hits "High Enough" and "Coming of Age", Blades' legacy continues to inspire generations while still being written.Rock 'n' Roll Ride trackisting includes: Back In The Game Rock 'N' Roll Ride; Hardest Word To Say; Anything For You; Love Life; West Hollywood; Born For This; Don't Give Up; Say You Will; Rise And Shine; Hey Now. Musicians - Jack Blades: Bass, guitar, acoustic guitar, lead and background vocals; Joel Hoekstra: Guitars and solos; Will Evankovich: Acoustic guitars, mandolin, add. guitars, Coral Sitar guitar, background vocals; Kelly KeagyBrian TichyEric LevyChristian Matthew Cullen: Keyboards; Robin Zander : Chorus vocals on "Anything For You"; Colin Blades, Kelly Keagy: additional background vocals; Brad Gillis: additional solo guitar on "Say You Will". Weblinks: www.jackblades.netwww.frontiers.it xx JOHN ELEFANTE KICKS OFF SOLO PLAN: Star vocalist John Elefante has turned to fund raising site KickStarter to raise funds for his next album. All the details are here: www.kickstarter.com/projects/81972862/john-elefante-come-alive-a-kickstarter-project There are funding options from $10 to $10,000 - with some really cool rewards for those supporters. From the site comes this:"I'm about to embark on an exciting new venture - creating a brand new album of all new music that you, my family, friends, and fans have been asking for. I'm asking you to join me in helping this vision Come Alive! With your generous support, I am going to be making this new album completely independently, without any record label funding. This Kickstarter project is called "Come Alive," but the album is not yet titled. That's where you come in. I am taking suggestions on the album title and even the album cover design. Together I know we can make something great Come Alive!!"IT BITES MAP OUT NEW ALBUM AND TOUR: Following on from the highly-acclaimed Tall Ships, It Bites return with their first concept album in a career that spans 25 years. Inspired by the discovery of an old family photograph, Map of the Past is a highly personal journey that explores love, passion, jealousy, anger, remorse and loss through the eyes of a previous generation against the backdrop of Britain as it enters a new century and one of the most defining periods of its history. Written by John MitchellJohn Beck over the course of 2011, it was recorded at Outhouse Studios in Reading and features Bob Dalton on drums and Lee Pomeroy on bass. Track Listing: Man In The Photograph, Wallflower, Map of the Past, Clocks, Flag, The Big Machine, Cartoon Graveyard, Send No Flowers, Meadow and the Stream, The Last Escape, Exit Song.“Map Of The Past” (Insideout Music | EMI) is released in GSA: March 23rd 2012 / Europe: March 26th 2012TOUR OF THE PAST - MAY 2012 18 May 2012 - (UK) York, The Duchess http://theduchessyork.co.uk/whats-on/detail/817 20 May 2012 - (UK) London, Bush Hall http://www.bushhallmusic.co.uk 24 May 2012 - (UK) Newcastle, The Cluny http://www.thecluny.com/listing/it-bites-0 25 May 2012 - (UK) Bury, The Met http://themet.biz/event/it_bites/1251 26 May 2012 - (UK) Workington 27 May 2012 - (UK) Bilston, Robin 2 http://www.therobin.co.uk/whats_on/giginfo.asp?gigid=2904www.itbites.com / www.facebook.com/oncearoundtheworld / Twitter: @ItBitesBand / www.insideoutmusic.com MELODIC BRIEFS: The 2012 Aerosmith tour starts in June. Tickets on Sale in March.Poison/Def Leppard tour confirmed. Dates soon.Chris Brodrick of Megadeth is the featured interview this week on Noize In The Attic - Where Your Past Comes Back To Haunt You. He discusses Gigantour, Thirteen, The Big Four and all things Megadeth! Catch the show Fridays 2-4PM EST and Saturdays 10PM - Midnight on 88.7FM WNHU New Haven CT (streaming live on www.wnhu.net) A list of internet affiliates and podcast links are posted at www.noizeintheattic.com with free podcasts also available at the iTunes store. 3 new interviews online at RockMusicStar: www.rockmusicstar.com/billysheehan / Sebastian Bachwww.rockmusicstar.com/sebastianbach / Steve Blaze of - www.rockmusicstar.com/lillianaxeKingcrow has updated the blog diary kingcrow-band.blogspot.com about the recording sessions of the new album InCrescendo. You can hear some fragments of a new song in the video included in the new blog or at www.facebook.com/Kingcrowband Part 2 of the Furyon"Making Of Gravitas" Video can be found online now:LA PAZ ETCH NEW ALBUM IN GRANITE:Granite, the first album byDoogie White & La Paz will be released in a week time, on February 13th (in US on March, 6th). Track Just For Today promotes this unique album and is available to stream: soundcloud.com/metalmindproductions/doogie-white-la-paz-just-forDoogie White'Just for Today' was the first of three brand new songs and the first one we wrote together after a number of years for the album. The chorus wrote itself really. I wanted to keep the lyrics and melody in the style I did with La Paz. I think we captured it very well. I thought back to how my world was back then It was surprisingly easy. It's just about bumping into an old girlfriend and saying sorry while still trying it on. Love the arrangement and the Hammond on the chorus really gives it a lift. A simple but heartfelt wee song.'La Paz were formed in Lanarkshire, Scotland in the summer of 1984 by Chic McSherry (guitars), Doogie White (vocals) and Alex Carmichael (bass). At the first rehearsal together they hit it off immediately on a personal level - they also liked the same music and they had the same influences and heroes (Purple, Rainbow, Journey, Gary Moore) so they started to recruit other members to try to form a band and go do some gigs. Andy Mason (keyboards) joined the trio and he fitted in from the start, even though he was still at school when he joined. Drummers were always a problem and, over the life of the band, La Paz went through almost as many as Spinal Tap. Unquestionably the loudest and the most accomplished was/is their current drummer, Paul McManus. La Paz played live regularly, sometimes playing up to a hundred gigs in a year. They played the world-famous Marquee Club in London as well as at some festivals in Milton Keynes and they were featured regularly in Kerrang! (Derek Oliver becoming a big fan of the band) and attracted interest from a number of UK and US record companies, finally agreeing terms with one of them for a three album deal. But it was not to be - for reasons which were never explained by the record label the deal fell through at the very last minute. Sadly the band didn't survive for very long after that. They did their last gig on 15th October 1988 and then Doogie moved to London to join Midnite Blue, Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow, Cornerstone, Yngwie Malmsteen and now the mighty Tank. And then legendary DJ Tom Russell of 96.3 Rock Radio called Doogie and asked him if he would do some acoustic numbers at The Garage in Glasgow for Rock Radio's Birthday Bash in January 2008. Doogie agreed and asked Chic to play guitar. It was a big ask after 20 years: almost 1000 people, Doogie singing alone and Chic with one flamenco guitar! "We had such a blast though and it woke up so many great memories in both of us that we decided to give it a go with the full band for my 50th birthday" said Chic. And so the full band started to rehearse and it was clear that they could still play a bit. The band just gelled: just like old times and the gigs were a terrific success. And so the idea of re-recording some of the favourites from the set that had never had a proper production job was conceived. 'Granite' is an album with its roots in the past but its energy in the present. Metal Mind Productions will release 'Granite' on 13th February 2012 in Europe and 6th March 2012 in USA (via MVD).1. Too Good To Lose 2. This Boy 3. Lesson In Love 4. Amy 5. Just For Today 6. What Do You Say 7. Still In Love 8. Young And Restless 9. Shame The Devil. OZ KNOZZ RETURNS: Houston based 70's Prog/AOR veteran's Oz Knozz have completed work on their new CD True Believer, the follow up to 2008's high praised 10,000 Days & Nights CD. The album which has been mixed and mastered by Brian Baker (of Derringer fame) is currently getting rave reviews in the UK press from Fireworks Magazine, Powerplay Magazine, Classic Rock Presents AOR and numerous websites and independent radio airplay in the UK (including ARFM).'In amongst all the pomp and circumstance there are some wonderful moments that lean towards a more commercial U.S. 70's Rock sound. Early Reo Speedwagon, and even some Whitesnake in the guitar parts. I have to admit I really enjoyed this album, and that's testament to the delivery, and the honesty of the songs. And as good as the musicians are, they're nothing without the songs, and here you have the perfect combination, and that's good enough for me.' - Ant Heeks, Fireworks Magazine'What a great, musically verbose album, may Oz Knozz flourish' - Steve Swift, Powerplay Magazine'Up there with the likes of UFO and other vintage pedallers of classic rock. It harks back to early Journey, Kansas and Deep Purple, the crisp sound makes it obvious this is a new release' - Rock Realms'There's enough spontaneous musical highs here to interest all self-respecting prog and classic rock fans alike' - Get Ready To Rock, UK'Pomp rock of the highest order, the sound is superb and the song writing exemplary. Bands like New England, Avalon and Morningstar all spring to mind when playing this album. It sounds like 1979 never went away for these guys. Essential' - Rob Evans, Powerplay Magazine The band are: Miton DeCoronado (Miltonio) - Lead Vocals and Keyboards; Duane Massey - Trumpet, Lead and Backing Vocals, keyboards; Robert Guinea (Robert-O) - Guitar, Backing Vocals; Bill Massey - Saxophone, Bass; Marty Naul - Percussion, Drums, Backing Vocals. The album contains 10 tracks: 1. Empty Roon, 2. Goodbye Again, 3. Far Away, 4. Fox Paws, 5. Always There, 6. Here Comes The Night, 7. Visitor, 8. What The...?, 9. True Believer, 10. Kings And Treasures. More info at: www.ozknozz.com / www.myspace.com/ozknozz / www.reverbnation.com/ozknozz

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• 06 Feb ' 00:25

  February 6 February 6

  Human Temple Halfway To Heartache

  Monday, February 06, 2012 DAVID LEE ROTH'S WORLD PEACE INTERVIEW: There's been a lot of press an publicity for the Van Halen album out in North America and Japan tomorrow (following Australia last Friday and Europe today) - sadly little of it from the actual band. Maintaining the press black out that has been the last decade, the only hint of an interview was an Associated Press phone conference hook up with a few selected newspaper journalists and David Lee Roth a few weeks back. LA Times has already run their piece, but the Toronto Sun has kindly refrained from filling up a piece with their own words and just printed the wise words of wisdom (?) from frontman. So, here it is - from: www.torontosun.com/2012/02/02/unchained-the-david-lee-roth-interview. Truth is, David Lee Roth has always been different. “Nobody well-adjusted ever got my job,” explains Van Halen's larger-than-life frontman down the line from California. “Much less kept it this long.” Fewer still have returned to it as spectacularly. This week, after months of mounting hype, speculation and rumours, the 56-year-old singer and his bandmates will release A Different Kind of Truth, their first disc together since their landmark sixth album 1984. Questions abound: How did the band finally make peace in 2007 after decades of bad blood? Is it just a marriage of convenience? How have things changed since the old days? Why does A Different Kind of Truth consist almost primarily of reworked '70s and '80s demos instead of new songs? You won't get info out of the Van Halen clan; they've stubbornly maintained radio silence for years. Even Roth is far from the loose cannon he once was. And when he does break the silence — as he did in our exclusive Canadian interview — straight answers aren't his game. Never have been. A notoriously evasive subject, he basically ignores questions and delivers rambling monologues from his hotwired pinball machine of a brain. The legendary motor mouth spat out more than 4,000 words during our 30-minute chat, unleashing a torrent of metaphysical mumbo-jumbo, blatant boasting, random digressions and bizarre one-liners. He was entertaining, baffling — and mildly frustrating as he danced around inquiries. “You're gonna have a fun time editing this,” he laughed at one point. But even as he hid inside his blizzard of verbiage, it became clear Roth has grown since we last heard from him. Instead of sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll, these days he's into the great outdoors (he owns three pickup trucks but no car), training competitive herding dogs (he just imported one from Manitoba) and emergency medicine (he was a New York City paramedic in the '90s). Which is to say: Roth can still run off at the mouth. But he doesn't run with the devil anymore. He's a different kind of cat again. Older, wiser, more philosophical. Not that he wants that get around. “Don't go making me look smart,” he warns. “Nobody's going to want to talk to me.” As if. As we count down to A Different Kind of Truth — and an upcoming tour that hits Canada in March — here are more revelations to ponder from the mouth of Diamond Dave:1 | Van Halen are eternally unhip — and proud of it. “We were never cool. Even when we were happening, even when we were the flavour of the week the first time, we weren't cool. John Travolta and Saturday Night Fever were cool. And across the street, The Sex Pistols and The Clash were cool. We were just kind of an island. I don't know that Van Halen ever really fit in. And it was not a conscious act. Many times we're trying to imitate other people; it just comes out looking and sounding like us. And today we're still not cool. We're somewhere between Katy Perry and Muse. Somewhere between Kings of Leon and Maroon 5. Welcome to our island. Abandon all hope.”2 | They aren't taking this reunion for granted. “Everybody values their privilege. And it is indeed a privilege and a gift to be able to have this job as opposed to a lot of the jobs the state offers. Everybody has had at least one or two medical near- misses or at least one or two dental tragedies. Sometimes that's all it takes — you get your teeth knocked out a couple of times and you start to realize you're mortal. That illumination alone can rebind a band. Besides that, we're gonna do it for world peace. I could answer all of of these questions with that. Do you want to do the 'world peace' interview?”3 | But they are taking it seriously. “Though Van Halen's history is incandescent and full of allegations — most of them true — we've taken the music very seriously. Starting from when we were classically trained kids (and) up to this minute, our work ethic is the antithesis of what common rock 'n' roll would be. We've been rehearsing for the last three months, frequently at nine and 10 in the morning. It's special ops in that it doesn't matter what time it is. We do it when we are called upon.”4 | He still wants to get in your pants — musically. “I'm still chasing the ideal that initially compelled me — which is to write a superb song with a permanently memorable lyric ... I don't know if it's a noble pursuit, but it certainly is a contribution of sorts. If I do it right, you'll have a tune wedgie for the rest of your time.”5 | The new songs aren't old — they're vintage. “I retooled all of the verses and melodies. I retooled all of the lyric. So there is a body of new that meets halfway there, that I think makes very colourful sense. The idea that it was in a vault — well, are you talking about a head of lettuce or fine wine, sir? Perhaps age has dignified it even further by virtue of its authenticity.” 6 | It's all about Dave. Really. “All music is autobiographic. Particularly when it's not meant to be.” 7 | VH speak the universal language. “You don't need to speak English to understand what I'm singing about. You don't need to be a rock 'n' roll fan to love and appreciate the show. You don't even need to have hearing. Our deaf section is routinely filled. (But) we're also the ones who sold you Ricky Ricardo rumba for Jamie's Cryin' and Dance the Night Away. That's pure Carlos Santana ... I speak fluent Spanish. I can get us totally in trouble now in Spanish and Portuguese.” 8 | VH are the kings of jailhouse rock. “My father was a prison doctor for the last 25 years of his career. We called it the Ivy League — Folsom, Quentin. And he used to joke: When one of our records would come out, both the guards and the inmates celebrated. If you carry a gun to work, whether it's with a uniform or a pair of two-tone shoes, you telling me you don't know me? Come on, loco!” 9 | They know how to get the party started on their upcoming tour. “We picked Kool and the Gang to open for us because Kool and the Gang and Van Halen are the sounds of an entire continent at recreation. We've come to represent that — although you're more likely to hear Kool and the Gang at a bar mitzvah than me, even though I'm a brother. You go to a Hasidic Jewish bar mitzvah and they'll play Ladies' Night by Kool. Me, they'll let in — 'But he doesn't sing; he runs with the devil!' ” 10 | Onstage, he wants to be outstanding in his field. “The optimal is to be able to do what you promised to do from top to bottom in a Motown fashion. Can you sing the whole song? Is it recordable quality? Can you do it with authority? Night after night? Or did you have to Auto-Tune it? Did you have to put a whole lotta tinsel on the tree and utilize a lotta production value and a lot of troupe dancers and a variety of diversionary, result-oriented tricks? Which I like. But you better be as good as professional wrassling. The goal is to delight. Whether you use darkness and horror, or smiles and celebration, to delight is your obligation as an artist.” 11 | Offstage, he wants to be outstanding in his field. “My favourite poem is one sentence long: 'Well, the sky should know me by now.' It's a contrast to the exchange of interiors that we experience as musicians. It is like living in a submarine — the inside of the studio, the inside of an arena, the inside of the bus. That is not at all a lament.” 12 | When it all goes wrong, he's the master of disaster. “My first job out of high school, I was a surgical porter working the night shift down here in East L.A. And I kept all of those certifications up. There was about 10 years when I had to grow my hair out and conquer the world, so I put that curriculum on hold. However, today I'm a New York State EMT. I'm tactically certified ... Do you know how to feed 100 people breakfast? I do. Do you know the best way to get a fire going if you've got somebody wet and freezing? Get to the commissary — Fritos are so full of fat. You light a Frito, you're going to be amazed ... If something bad happens to you, I can pretty much unfuck the situation until the right people show up.” FAIR WARNING "BEST AND MORE" - 20TH ANNIVERSARY DOUBLE CD: It´s only 6 years ago when Germany´s first class rockers Fair Warning with their charismatic frontman Tommy Heart re-entered the stage after a break of nearly 5 years with to introduce the reunion album Brother´s Keeper. A sold out tour through Japan as well as some really impressive festival shows throughout Europe followed. In summer 2009 they released the much acclaimed studio album Aura followed by a gig at the huge Loud Park Festival and a sold out tour in Japan. These gigs were record and filmed and SPV / Steamhammer released "Talking Ain't Enough - Fair Warning live in Tokyo" in November 2010 as CD and DVD. In Japan the band has superstatus with gold albums and sold out tours but in the rest of the world they are still a secret melodic rock weapon. A lot of people don`t know that the band has released 6 studio albums and 3 live albums and toured in Europe with bands like Status Quo, Blue Öyster Cult, Giant and Saga. This year the band celebrates their 20th anniversary and with the new best of CD Best And More the fans are invited to get all the Fair Warning-classics on a double CD with 32 songs - and on top the 2CD package for the price of 1. Unreleased tracks and rare live -and studio material plus a great booklet make "Best And More" a must have for all new and old fans. Release Dates: Germany March 23, Europe March 26, USA/Canada April 24. Trailer for "Best And More": www.youtube.com/user/spv?feature=watch#p/u/12/pgQNXtdn2hE. Tracklisting: CD 1 - 1 Burning Heart (Talking Ain't Enough) 4:40 2 Save Me (GO!) 5:09 3 All on your own (GO!) 5:08 4 Longing for love ( Fair Warning) 3:49 5 When Love fails (Fair Warning) 3.39 6 Angels of Heaven (GO!) 5:06 7 Out on the Run (Talking Ain't Enough) 4.05 8 Don´t give up (Rainmaker) 4.09 9 Long Gone (Fair Warning) 4:38 10 Generation Jedi (Brother´s Keeper) 5:12 11 Don´t keep me waiting (Brother´s Keeper) 4:23 12 Still I believe (Talking Ain't Enough) 6:13 13 Heart on the Run (Four) 5:40 14 Here comes the Heartache (Aura) 4:13 15 I´ll be there (GO!) 4:19 16 I fight (Four) 3:57 17 The Way you want it (GO!) 3:56. CD 2 - 1 Rock`n`Roll ( Previously Unreleased) 4:00 2 A little more love (Live in Japan) 5:02 3 Come on (Go) 3:54 4 The Heart of Summer (Rainmaker) 3:44 5 Angel of dawn (Live at home) 4:26 6 The Call of the heart (Live in Japan) 4:01 7 Rain Song (Live at Home) 4:09 8 Like a Rock (Live and More) 4:07 9 Out of the night (Live and More) 4:30 10 Meant to be (Live and More) 4:28 11 Don´t count on me (Aura) 4:30 12 Just another perfect Day (Aura) 4:39 13 Light in the dark (Single Track) 4:22 14 Man on the Moon (Live and More) 6:29 15 Children´s Eyes (Single Track) 4:12. Line-up: Tommy Heart – vocals; Helge Engelke – guitars; Ule W. Ritgen – bass; C.C. Behrens - drums. www.fair-warning.de / www.spv.de. NEWMAN ON THE ROAD: Newman are very pleased to announce the following shows in support of Under Southern Skies: 9 March - Horndean, UK - Colonial Bar www.colonialbar.co.uk 17 March - Thessaloniki, Greece - Rosewood Festival www.eightballclub.gr/?cat_id=7 6 May - Wolverhampton, UK - Z Rock Festival www.therobin.co.uk 1 September - Andover, UK - "Party In The Town Park" Festival Vigo Road, Andover.... More details TBC More dates to be announced soon. www.newmansound.com. FURYON SIGN TO NEW BOOKING AGENCY: Furyon has joined forces with Factory Music. Fergal Holmes at Factory Music will be in charge of booking Furyon concerts/gigs in UK, Europe and Japan. “It is great to be in the top professional hands of Factory Music“, said Furyon frontman Matt Mitchell. Added Holmes: “I can speak for the entire team here at Factory Music that we are excited to work with this great band.” Stated Axel (Rock N Growl Management): “Factory Music have so much experience, which will open new doors for Furyon.” Factory Music represent: Furyon, Children Of Bodom, Amon Amarth, Sonata Arctica, Amorphis, Enslaved, Firewind, Akercocke, Arch Enemy, Delain, Edguy, Evile, Exodus, Kreator, Wolf, Overkill, Kamelot U.K. metallers Furyon will release their debut album, Gravitas, on March 23 in Europe and March 27 in North America via Frontiers Records. Furyon is a new band from the U.K. who like nothing more than to challenge expectations. Raised on a diet of heavy metal, prog, and classic rock, Furyon mix all these components for a truly unique and contemporary sound. Delivering huge rock-radio-friendly songs, with technically-challenging-yet-infectiously-catchy musicianship, they are dedicated to one sole purpose: making hard-hitting songs that will stand the test of time. WebLinks: www.factorymusic.co.uk / www.furyon.net / www.frontiers.it / www.rockngrowl.com. INTRODUCING JOHNNY WORE BLACK: British rockers Johnny Wore Black are a new band headed up by ex-Royal Marine, Jay Coen. The band are officially releasing their debut single All the Rage on February 6 to raise funds for Help for Heroes, Combat Stress and Dare to Live. JWB's debut single All the Rage is highly pertinent to the armed forces as it takes inspiration from their dedication and work. The music video may be viewed on: johnnyworeblack.com. Details of the single launch: www.facebook.com/events/173784902721212. Johnny Wore Black headlining at 10.15pm on 6th February at The Bull and Gate Venue, Kentish Town, London, NW5 2TJ. NEW TANK CD AND DVDs IN 2012: British rock legends Tank are in the studio recording War Nation, the highly anticipated follow up to their 2010 release War Machine. GuitaristsMick Tucker and Cliff Evans, vocalist Doogie White and bassist Chris Dale are now joined by former Tank member Steve Hopgood on drums. Scheduled for release in late April/May on Metal Mind Productions, recording is being overseen by new hotshot producer Phil Kinman at his west London studios. Doogie says, "We started writing for the new album last autumn and after a week or two we took the tapes and put a razor through them. We had just come back from a successful series of concerts and we were really vibed up. Listening to what we had laid down we knew we could do better. So taking a fresh approach we started throwing ideas around. I am very pleased with how it is all sounding now." Cliff, "As with our War Machine album, War Nation will include a variety of different influences and styles. With a wealth of musical ability to draw from, we don't like to limit ourselves. Individually we've worked with names such as Ritchie Blackmore, Bruce Dickinson, Paul D'anno and Yngwie Malmsteen. So many bands release albums now where once you've listened to the first two songs you've heard the whole album. Not with Tank. Each song that makes it onto our album has to deserve it. Our standards are high." Doogie continues, "With songs like 'Justice for All' and 'Grace of God' we are upgrading the Tank sound while retaining all the elements that made 'War Machine' so successful. There are killer riffs and haunting melodies and lyrics that you can take from, what you want, or indeed what you need. I did not want the album to be titled after a song. But I was overruled by the other guys so the album will be called 'War Nation'. With all that has been going on in the world over the last while, it appears that a great many people in the nations of the world are not prepared to put up with the status quo anymore. Whether its ruthless dictators, corrupt politicians and bankers, religious godheads. The people are restless and screaming ˜Damnation, War Nation'." Tank will release their first ever live DVD this year. Recordings were made while opening for Judas Priest in 2011 and further footage will be captured during the bands show at Stodola, Warsaw on March 9th 2012. The set list will include fan favourites such as ˜This Means War' ˜Echoes of a Distant Battle' ˜Power of the Hunter' and ˜ The War Drags Ever On' plus future classics such as ˜Judgement Day' and ˜Phoenix Rising'. Tank will also play two shows in Sweden in March: 2nd, Zaragon Club, Jonkoping; 3rd, Rockland, Sala. Full details on War Nation to be announced soon. www.metalmind.com.pl. MELODIC BRIEFS: Stirling Road can be found on Twitter at: twitter.com/#!/stirlingroad. Guitarist, Adrian Galysh, has recently posted an interview with singer, Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, MSG, Alcatrazz) on his blog, "Putting Words To Music". The interview recounts Graham's early start as a singer, musical influences, thoughts on the many amazing guitarists he has worked with, and the music business. Graham reveals that he thinks he'd be "a newspaper reporter" if he couldn't sing for a living in this exclusive interview. Adrian's Interview with Bonnet can be read here: adriangalysh.blogspot.com/2012/02/interview-with-graham-bonnet.html Adrian Galysh has also posted interviews with other musicians he has worked with, like Quiet Riot bassist, Chuck Wright, and Supertramp guitarist, Carl Verheyen. You can read those here: adriangalysh.blogspot.com/2012/01/adrian-galysh-interviews-quiet-riot.html / adriangalysh.blogspot.com/2011/11/adrian-interviews-fellow-guitarist-carl.html. Inmoria has recruited Ronny Hemlin (Steel Attack, Tad Morose) as its new singer following the departure of vocalist Søren "Nico" Adamsen. Ronny sang for Inmoria on their U.K. tour in October 2011 and recently laid down his vocals on a number of songs from the band's latest album, "A Farewell To Nothing - The Diary Part I". Three of the newly re-recorded tracks are available as free downloads exclusively via Inmoria's web site, www.inmoria.com. At the moment the band works on a new studio album. This shall be released in Summer 2012. Mike LePond is no longer with Sleepy Hollow due to his commitments with Symphony X. Based on Mike's highest recommendation, we have recruited Alan D'Angelo who is now our new and permanent Bass player. Alan will be in our upcoming video "Spiral Effect" and will also be in the follow up to "Skull 13" and beyond. Alan will make his live debut with us in March. Details on live show dates will follow. News from German rockers Wild Frontier: "We recorded a new album called 2012 which will be released in April / May. We recorded 12 songs and at the moment we do the master mixing sessions. 11 own songs and one ABBA cover as a bonus track. The bands line up: Jens Walkenhorst - Vox, Guitars; Mario Erdmann - Bass; Thomas Ellenberger - Keys; Sascha Fahrenbach - Drums. www.wildfrontier.de / www.facebook.de/wildfrontier. ICONOPHOBIC :: AVANT-GARDE ANCIENT ART-ROCK FROM IRAN: "Shades of Frank Zappa, King Crimson and Ian Carr..." - Iconophobic Review, Terrascope Online, Phil McMullen, Dec 2010 Iran, Tehran - Rock music is of course not rooted in Iran, but the enticement within the genre has strikingly pierced Salim Ghazi Saeedi's heart in his hometown. Living in a country with total domination of traditional culture, Salim has globally released his 4th album, Iconophobic. An album as a "strong statement from Saeedi on life in his home city of Tehran" (Steven Reid, Sea of Tranquility webzine, Sep 2010) or let's say "a stream of conscious story without words." (Christy Claxton, Stave Magazine, Sep 2010 ) Iconophobic is an instrumental concept album on "fear of the world of imagery", composed and performed for electric guitar, bass and synthesizers by Salim, hiring various elements of classical, electronic and progressive rock music to communicate artist's extreme feelings: Satire, bizarre phobias, ecstatic joy and embryonic love are themes of this daydream... "Pictorial rock", Salim says "is a term I use for my music that is usually based on series of mental images, a nightmare or maybe dreams of a sound sleep..." In this regard the album is accompanied by visualizations. "... However that as a listener, you have to wait for the pictures to materialize in your mind!" Salim adds. The album is available for purchase at www.salimworld.com. Salim is currently preparing this album for performance with a medium-sized band. NEW SHOWCASE: CD Showcase has had one addition today - previews for the new Human Temple album Halfway To Heartache. Check it out.

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• 04 Feb ' 02:36

  February 3 February 3

  Friday, February 03, 2012 VAN HALEN - FIRST IMPRESSIONS REVIEW: So it's been almost 24hrs with Van Halen's newie A Different Kind Of Truth. Initial fan feedback from those that received their copies seems to match the enthusiasm of those still expecting it. The band needed to deliver and they have done just that. My first reactions were sent out via Twitter last night. here's a rounded out summary of those thoughts. A full feature review of the album will be posted next week - as soon as I get at least 30 spins of the album done. The best thing about this new album - besides actually hearing new material at last - is the amazing energy on display. And this is vintage Van Halen as promised. Track by Track:Tattoo - Weakest track on the album. Still find it an odd kind of opening track (She's The Woman has a far more authoritive intro), but we're all familiar with it now. VH at their most commercial pop. An easy track to ease the public back into the band. I still see it as a better track 2 or 3.She's The Woman - great presence and a dirty riff to kick off. Simple chorus. Heavy groove. Sweet instrumental bridge into the solo and a pounding rhythm section. EVH absolutely on fire!You And Your Blues - Love the intro and the move into a big sonic blast. Dave sounds amazing. Classic VH meets darker dirty style like Humans Being or From Afar even. Monster song and fast solo, some big harmonies and generally a cool anthemic blast.China Town - WOW! Blazing solo to kick off then triple time slamming drums and bass. Fast fast FAST and furious. Short Dave style chorus (typical throughout the album). That guitar sound is like Balance to these ears. Furious solo and drum flurry. Back to a steady vocal, old school Dave.Blood And Fire - More old school VH here. Uptempo again. Simple chorus once again, but some nice riffing around the song. Has a 1984 feel to it. Surprise melodic bridge intro some tasty picking and a blazing heavy solo! Feels like the tempo picks up even more.Bullethead - Fast and furious again and WTF was that guitar intro??!!! Simple fast one word chorus - classic Dave. But heavy and fast! Song includes the album's title in the lyrics. Effects in play for short solo. Fast rocking fun.As Is - Loving this tune especially. This is HEAVY!!! And fast again with a Hot For Teacher vibe. How old are these guys again??? Great little chorus. Big BIG sound. And the close out is amazing. Guitars everywhere and dark and heavy. And some harmony box from DLR - who continues to sound incredible. What a solo! Fast furious shredding. Then into a Metallica heavy vibe. Now some HFT style spoken bridge.Honeybabycutiedoll - Maybe the most bizarre guitar sound I've ever heard from EVH. Another uptempo track, a real groover. Dave speaks the vocals, but it works. One of those classic quirky VH tracks that each album seems to have one of.The Trouble With Never - Another spoken word mid-track breakdown. Dave is having a blast and the groove of this album is unreal. Big commercial rocker that follows the last track perfectly. Big harmonies back again.Outta Space - Another fast rocking groover. Yep, this beast is heavy! Another slamming display of rhythm. Dave vox really strong here.Stay Frosty - Acoustic intro...Dave quirky lyrics and vocals and more spoken word stuff. Interesting use of DLR on this album. Then....BAM!...the song turns ULTRA heavy and features a monster groove. Mammoth close out with Alex going nuts. Big River - More groove and lots of riffing. Dave going for a big vocal again. Fast and in your face again. Simple chorus as is the norm. Classic VH here. God the guitar sound is just HUGE!!!! Another great solo. Bit longer this time. Mixing riffs and picking.Beats Working - Hard edged riff and matching drum beat. Fun rocker with more reminders of 1984. Defies explaining!To summarize. The band have come together however they made it possible, but it's done and it's actually worth the wait. Another 30 plays and some flaws are going to come to light - Michael Anthony's trademark vocals an obvious point - but those flaws aren't going to be anything detrimental to the enjoyment of this album. Every track has it's place and there's not a dull moment to be had. The album is surprisingly heavy, very upbeat and has energy beyond description. This is not a 'chorus' album. Sammy Hagar brought that to the band, so fans of that era might be a little left out at times here. This is more a reflection of the classic vibe the band had in their early days. And why not - 7 of the album's tracks were moulded from 70s demos. But today they sound as fresh as they possibly could be. David Lee Roth's vocals have been wisely moulded into the groove of the album - its the best I've heard him since Eat Em And Smile. And the Van Halen's are simply stunning. And to top it all off - ADKOT features a monster production job and a crystal clear mix. The guitars have real and immediate impact and the music is a finely balanced mix of old old classic familiar Van Halen along with and some fresh and recent Van Halen too. It is everything Dave Halen fans have been waiting since 1984 for and there's plenty there too for Van Hagar fans. Full feature review to follow next week.FROZEN RAIN GET AHEAD OF TIME FOR NEW ALBUM: German label Avenue Of Allies will release the new album Ahead Of Time by the Belgian Melodic Rock band Frozen Rain on March 9.Ahead Of Time arrives four years after the self titled debut album and marks the second chapter in the history of Frozen Rain. In 2008 the dream of the Belgian song writer & multi-instrumentalist Kurt Vereecke became reality when the first album of his AOR / Melodic Rock project was released. The very positive feedback of fans and reviewers alike paved the way for a follow-up of the successful first “Frozen Rain“ record. Already early on some changes for album no. 2 were considered and eventually put into action. Thus all songs of the album were recorded with a constant band line-up of six musicians, besides Kurt Vereecke (keyboards, bass, acoustic guitar, backing vocals), Jurgen Vitrier (keyboards) and Vincent De Laat (bass) were already on board for the debut album. Strengthening the Belgian party of the “Frozen Rain“ team on “Ahead Of Time“ are Rik Priem (rhythm, solo and acoustic guitars) and Kurt's brother Hans Vereecke (drums). The position as the front man on the mic stand is now occupied by one of the most distinctive German Rock shouters, Carsten 'Lizard' Schulz (Evidence One, Paradise Inc., ex-Domain). Rik's virtuoso guitar play and the decision to have Carsten as the sole lead vocalist on all songs (on the debut five singers shared the vocals) are a tremendous gain for “Frozen Rain“. In addition the songs sound tighter and more powerful thanks to the consistent line-up of musicians that delivers a real band feel on each cut and the refining of the material through the mix by Alessandro Del Vecchio (Edge Of Forever, Eden's Curse, Shining Line, Lionville) and the mastering by Dennis Ward (Unisonic, Pink Cream 69, Sunstorm). A video clip for the song “Believe It Or Not” will be available soon.www.frozenrain.bewww.facebook.com/frozenrain.music The first anniversary of the disastrous earthquake in Japan will be on March 11, 2012. The aftermath of this catastrophe is still apparent, and to the present day the Japanese people are facing the impact of the events. The population of the affected area has not been able to completely return to their everyday live and the people are still grateful for our help. Some of Europe's leading Rock artists have united to join a campaign initiated by singer Tommy Heart (Soul Doctor, Fair Warning) and recorded a tremendous new version of the classic Beatles song "Help". The EP Help! For Japan will be released in Europe on the German label Avenue Of Allies in early March 2012. All income from the sales of this project will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross. This EP includes the following four songs: 1. Help! 2. Help! (Tommy Heart Version) 3. Help! (Guitar Version) 4. Help! (Extended Version)The musicians: Don Airey (Keyboards & Piano, Deep Purple), Leo Leoni (Guitar, Gotthard), Neil Murray (Bass, ex Whitesnake), Hena Habegger (Drums, Gotthard)The singers: Tobias Sammet (Edguy, Avantasia), Bob Catley (Magnum), Andi Deris (Helloween), Torstein Flakne (Stage Dolls), Marc Storace (Krokus), David Readman (Pink Cream 69), Claus Lessmann (Bonfire), Oliver Hartmann (Hartmann), Bernhard Weiss (Axxis), Michael Kiske (Unisonic), Tony Mills (TNT), Carsten Lizard Schulz (Evidence One) and Tommy Heart (Soul Doctor, Fair Warning).The solo guitar players: Cede Dupont (Downspirit), Kyoji Yamamoto (BowWow), Helge Engelke (Fair Warning), Roland Grapow (Masterplan), Leo Leoni (Gotthard), Henny Wolter (Nitrogods), Robert R. Rodrigo (Airless).Avenue Of Allies on the web: www.avenue-of-allies.com BILL WARD ADDS ANOTHER QUESTION MARK TO SABBATH TOUR: From Billboard.comwww.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/legal-and-management/black-sabbath-reunion-hits-speed-bump-drummer-1006083752.story The Black Sabbath reunion hasn't faced enough obstacles already, what with guitarist Tony Iommi's recent lymphoma diagnosis moving the band's recording sessions to London and reportedly forcing them to pull out of a headlining slot at Coachella. Now drummer Bill Ward has threatened to back out of the reunion in a lengthy public statement to fans on his website, saying that he requires a "signable contract that reflects some dignity and respect toward me as an original member of the band. Several days ago, after nearly a year of trying to negotiate, another 'unsignable' contract was handed to me," he notes in the letter. Ward says that he feels as if he's "getting the cold shoulder," noting that this is not the first time. Indeed, Ward has weathered contractual disagreements with management in the past: In 2004, Sharon Osbourne announced that Faith No More drummer Mike Bordin would replace Ward on an Ozzfest tour (due to disagreements over a contract). In that case, an agreement was eventually reached and Ward took his place on the tour. That said, Ward says that he still wants the reunion to happen: "Let me say that although this has put me in some kind of holding pattern, I am packed and ready to leave the U.S. for England. More importantly, I definitely want to play on the album, and I definitely want to tour with Black Sabbath." The reunion of Black Sabbath's original lineup had been long-rumored, though denied by Iommi at one point. In November, the group -- Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer ButlerBill Ward -- announced plans for a tour and their first album in over three decades, originally set for release in fall 2012 and produced by Rick Rubin. In October, Ozzy told us regarding the reunion, "If it works out, it'll work out. If it doesn't, I'll keep doing my thing."Ward's full letter is below: "Dear Sabbath Fans, Fellow Musicians and Interested Parties, At this time, I would love nothing more than to be able to proceed with the Black Sabbath album and tour. However, I am unable to continue unless a "signable" contract is drawn up; a contract that reflects some dignity and respect toward me as an original member of the band. Last year, I worked diligently in good faith with Tony, Ozzy and Geezer. And on 11/11/11, again in good faith, I participated in the L.A. press conference. Several days ago, after nearly a year of trying to negotiate, another "unsignable" contract was handed to me. Let me say that although this has put me in some kind of holding pattern, I am packed and ready to leave the U.S. for England. More importantly, I definitely want to play on the album, and I definitely want to tour with Black Sabbath. Since the news of Tony's illness, and the understanding that the band would move production to the U.K., I've spent every day getting to or living in a place of readiness to leave. That involves something of a task, and as I've tried to find out what's going on with the U.K. sessions, I've realized that I've been getting "the cold shoulder" (and, I might add, not for the first time). Feeling somewhat ostracized, my guess is as of today, I will know nothing of what's happening unless I sign "the unsignable contract." The place I'm in feels lousy and lonely because as much as I want to play and participate, I also have to stand for something and not sign on. If I sign as-is, I stand to lose my rights, dignity and respectability as a rock musician. I believe in freedom and freedom of speech. I grew up in a hard rock/metal band. We stood for something then, and we played from the heart with honesty and sincerity. I am in the spirit of integrity, far from the corporate malady, I am real and honest, fair and compassionate. If I'm replaced, I have to face you, the beloved Sabbath fans. I hope you will not hold me responsible for the failure of an original Black Sabbath lineup as promoted. Without fault finding, I want to assure everyone that my loyalty to Sabbath is intact. So here I am. I lay my truth down before you. I'm good to go IF I get a "signable" contract. I don't want to let anyone down, especially Black Sabbath and all the Sabbath fans. You know I love you. It would be a sad day in Rock if this current situation fell to the desires of a few. My position is not greed-driven. I'm not holding out for a "big piece" of the action (money) like some kind of blackmail deal. I'd like something that recognizes and is reflective of my contributions to the band, including the reunions that started fourteen years ago. After the last tour I vowed to never again sign on to an unreasonable contract. I want a contract that shows some respect to me and my family, a contract that will honor all that I've brought to Black Sabbath since its beginning. That's the story so far. Stay safe and stay strong. I love every single one of you." - Bill Ward.DRAGONFORCE REVEAL DETAILS OF NEW ALBUM: (New York): London-based metal superstars DragonForce have revealed details of their forthcoming new album. Entitled The Power Within, this 10-track monster marks the band's fifth studio album and its first with new singer Marc Hudson behind the microphone. It will be released April 17 by Roadrunner Records in the U.S. DragonForce guitarist Herman Li said, "The last two years have been the most fun we ever had making an album. Through writing, jamming and touring together, we have built this incredible energy and it has been fully captured on the new album." Li also claims the album boasts the fastest song the band has ever recorded. He continued, "This time around we've really brought our metal side to the surface and made some of the best music of our career. From the fastest song we've ever recorded to the slower songs, and some things you would never expect from us, this is by far the most diverse DragonForce album yet." The full track listing for The Power Within is as follows: 1. Holding On 2. Fallen World 3. Cry Thunder 4. Give Me the Night 5. Wings of Liberty 6. Seasons 7. Heart of the Storm 8. Die By the Sword 9. Last Man Stands 10. Seasons (Acoustic Version) There will also be a digital special edition featuring the bonus tracks "Cry Thunder (Live Rehearsal)," "Heart of the Storm (Alternative Chorus Version)""Avant La Tempête (Instrumental)." Look for exciting US tour announcements coming soon. WebLink: www.dragonforce.com POODLES FRONTMAN ON SOLO MISSION:Samuel Jakob, vocalist for The Poodles has his solo debut album Pastpresent ready to go. Exact release date TBA, but the lead single Stars and Grace will be released February 20. Stay up to date at: www.facebook.com/JakobSamuelOfficialwww.poodles.se DIO STORE ADDS NEW FEATURES: Check out the new and improved Official Web Storewww.officialronniejamesdiowebstore.com. Smart phone? take a test drive on our new Mobile Dio Store. Built friendly for the on the go Dio shopper: officialronniejamesdiowebstore.com/mobile/ Now pay with All Major Credit Cards, PayPal, Checks or Money Orders. Multiple shipping options, rates are calculated real time by USPS and FedEx web apps. You decide if you want to receive your order fast or slow, it's up to you! We even offer normal postal mail to save you money. If you're not in a rush, this is a good option. Browse the new Dio Store Blog. Find information about new products, releases, related videos and stories: www.officialronniejamesdiowebstore.com/blog.asp New products and features are being added every day. We just added lots of new shirts for both men and women, hats, beanies, wristbands, CD's, DVD's, Blu-ray and more! We have a brand new Ronnie James Dio Memorial Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund Shirt that 100% of the proceeds go to the Fund and you get a cool shirt modeled after the "Long Live Rock 'n' Roll" LP: www.officialronniejamesdiowebstore.com/Ronnie-James-Dio-Long-Live-Rock-N-Roll-Memorial-T-Shirt_p_60.htmlDECIBEL GEEK PODCAST RELEASES ERIC CARR (KISS) DISCUSSION EPISODE: The Decibel Geek Podcast has released an Eric Carr (Kiss) themed episode featuring an in-depth discussion of the late drummers life and career with sister, Loretta Caravello. Hosts Chris Czynszak & Aaron Camaro speak freely with Carr's sibling about his time with Kiss, his legacy, and her caretaking of the drummers estate in the years since his passing in 1991. Caravello also shares her thoughts on some rumors that have been floating around the internet over the years; including one about former Kiss guitarist Vinnie Vincent acquiring ownership of Carr's makeup design. This special Eric Carr-themed episode features music from the drummers time in KISS as well as clips from the new album 'Unfinished Business' which features many well-known hard rock and metal musicians contributing to round out unfinished demos that Carr had recorded during his career. The Decibel Geek Podcast was launched in June of 2011 by Chris Czynszak, a former rock journalist and webmaster. With co-host Aaron Camaro, the Decibel Geek Podcast is quickly earning a reputation as one of the go-to music commentary podcasts on the internet. This episode, as well as previous episodes, are available on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, as well as the official Decibel Geek Podcast website. To access the Decibel Geek Podcast visit www.dbgeekshow.blogspot.comMR HOUSEKEPPING: A couple of things that need mentioning folks... As part of the brand new site build going on right now, I have to select the system for leaving messages, comments etc. One choice is a stand-alone log in requiring membership; the other is to integrate Facebook accounts into the site. I'd like to get a little feedback on what user preferences might be. Both have their advantages...so let me know please!. Secondly - I will next week launch a brand new mega-Auction of general CDs, cool stuff and specially donated items and memorabilia. Please look out for that - all auctions will be listed on EBay this time around. This auction is going to be very important for raising income for the site. I hope the items listed can generate some healthy bids! Lastly - watch for news of MelodicRock Records next week and a couple of super specials for back catalogue items. has been updated again - this week featuring the following new downloads: - Feature Album: HaywireDon't Just Stand There - Feature Album: HaywireNuthouse - Live: Aldo Nova - Cleveland, USA 1991 Plus the following new Video ClipsBeggars & ThievesWe Come Undone, Grand Design - Get On With The ActionSad Sound Of Goodbye, Furyon - Disappear Again and Saga - Only Time Will TellMRX Membership Info. Coming soon...an all-new MelodicRockXtra area.

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• 02 Feb ' 18:50

  February 2

  Thursday, February 02, 2012 VAN HALEN ALBUM RELEASED TONIGHT IN AUSTRALIA: As I type up this news update, Van Halen are on stage in LA for a special media showcase event, performing some classics and new album tracks for the gathered crowd. Pic below... Follow the event at the always fantstic VHLinks.comwww.vhlinks.com/vbforums/vh-secret-media-t54237.html) and also www.vanhalennation.com Despite e-mailing band management, their PR company and 3 different reps from the label, I wasn't deemed worthy of an advance preview of the new A Different Kind Of Truth album, which is released in Australia tomorrow (Feb. 3). So with any luck iTunesAU will deliver pre-orders sometime after midnight tonight - at which stage I will try and tweet my first impressions on each song and the album as a whole. Keep a look out at: twitter.com/MelodicRock for updates. FRONTIERS RECORDS ARTIST NEWS:Primal Fear latest album Unbreakable entered the German official album charts at #31 in the week of release. This is Primal Fear highest chart entry ever in their home country! "The band and all guys involved in the progress of Unbreakable are totally happy & excited about the great news of our chart success in Germany" says bassist Mat Sinner"Thanks to Frontiers Records for their faith & trust! ... And now we can't wait to go on tour!" In related news, "Unbreakable" also entered the Swedish charts at # 53 and the Dutch top 200 album charts. In the USA, Primal Fear's "Unbreakable" was the #1 most added at CMJ Loud Rock, received fantastic placement on iTunes Metal AND Rock landing pages and had an exclusive album premiere on the very popular site MetalSucks. Not only, but Primal Fear are also the #3 most-played album at commercial Metal specialty radio, beating out the likes of Lamb of God, Lacuna Coil and Megadeth!Metal Nation Tour - Primal Fear + Brainstorm + Special Guest 01/04/12 Prag Metrix Czech Republic 03/04/12 Wien Szene Austria 04/04/12 Budapest Club 202 Hungary 05/04/12 Zagreb Tvornica Croatia 07/04/12 Sofia Hristo Botev Hall Bulgaria 08/04/12 Bukarest The Silver Church Romania 10/04/12 Berlin C-Club Germany 11/04/12 Kassel Fiasko Germany 12/04/12 Kerkrade Rocktemple Netherlands 13/04/12 Burglengenfeld VA Zentrum Germany 14/04/12 Bochum Matrix Germany 15/04/12 Ludwigsburg Rockfabrik Germany 17/04/12 Pratteln Z 7 Switzerland 19/04/12 Pamplona Sala Totem Spain 20/04/12 Aviles Quattro Spain 21/04/12 Madrid Sala Ritmo y Compas Spain 22/04/12 Huesca Sala Jai Alai Spain 30/03/12 Leipzig Hellraiser Germany 31/03/12 Zlin Masters of Rock Cafe Czech Republic WebLinks: www.facebook.com/frontiersrecordsofficialtwitter.com/FrontiersRec - "The Making of Gravitas" Part 1. Release dates: EU March 23 - USA/Canada March 27. is proud to present the new issue of Melodic Rock Fanzine. The 48th release of the label's successful magazine is available for free all over the world through record shops, mailorders and every fine dealer carrying the Frontiers Records releases. The two Melodic Rock Fanzine covers are previewed below. This new issue includes reviews and interviews of Primal Fear, Mollo Martin, Michael Thompson Band, Mark Spiro, Dragonland, Chris Ousey, Nightwish, Sonic Station, Beyond The Bridge, Sunstorm, Red Rose, Lee Small, Mr. Big... and more! Electronic readable version of the magazine is available on the Frontiers official site and here Coming up from Frontiers Records in the first half of 2012 are the following cool releases: Crazy LixxRiot Avenue; TykettoDig In Deep; TrixterNew Audio Machine (all April); Little River Band; Baton Rouge; Seventh Key; KhymeraWings of Love (all TBA).AOR HEAVEN ARTIST UPDATES - NEW SIGNING: KLAUS LULEY:Klaus Luleys career consists of numerous highlights. Way back in the early 80's of the last century he was the frontman of German based RCA recording artists Tokyo and put out three superb Melodic Rock albums. After the demise of the band he formed the band Craaft together with Reinhold Besser and Franz Keil. Switching to CBS Records they had a huge impact in touring with bands such as Queen, Marillion, Gary Moore, Level 42, Bon Jovi, Rod Stewart, Meat Loaf. Albums like their mighty debut 'Craaft' or ´Second Honeymoon´ are still sought after in every rock collection. Furthermore the experienced singer/songwriter has penned for many artists amongst Meat Loaf and been in the studio singing sessions with Donna Summer, Jennifer Rush or Giorgio Moroder. After meeting Producer Michael Voss (Mad Max, Michael Schenker) two years ago, they have been planning to record a full new album with Luley's songs to showcase his abilities. The new label home was provided by Georg Siegl of AOR Heaven who always has been a fan of Luley and gave the whole project the kick off.Luley are: Vocals, Guitars & Keyboards: Klaus Luley; Drums: Chris Elbers (Gary Barden); Bass: Matthias Rethmann (LeeZ, Silver, Michael Schenker)Driver almost finished recording with new album! Driver, featuring Rob RockRoy Z, have a new album coming soon. This as yet untitled CD is a highly anticipated slab of hard rock in the vein of their previous release "Sons of Thunder". Currently being mixed by Roy Z, and mastered by Maor Appelbaum in Los Angeles, the disc promises to carry on the traditional melodic hard rock onslaught with the same talented line-up, consisting of vocalist Rob Rock, guitarist Roy Z, drummer Reynold Butch Carlson, keyboardist Ed Roth, and bassist Aaron Samson. The band is seeking to also add some European shows this year to support the release on Metal Heaven.Herman Frank – solo album No.2 due! Accept guitar player Herman Frank is almost ready with his second solo album, the follow-up record to the highly successful debut from 2009, “Loyal To None”! Herman has started to work in the studio on “Kings Call” in December 2011. This new record will include 12 or 13 songs in his typical Melodic and Heavy Metal style and a big focus onto massive guitar riffs. This is the first Herman Frank album to feature singer Rick Altzi (At Vance) on vocals.Bangaloire Choir studio album No.3 on the way! Bangalore Choir are currently putting the finishing touches on their soon to be released new record called Metaphor. The line-up is David Reece, Andy Susemihl, Curt Mitchell, Danny GreenbergMike Johnson. “Metaphor” will include 14 brand new tracks.THE CULT CHOOSE THEIR WEAPONS: One of the finest British rock acts to have enjoyed worldwide success over the last few decades, The Cult, has wrapped up recording Choice Of Weapon, the group's first studio album in five years. The album is set for a May 22 North American release on the band's new label, Cooking Vinyl, and its 10 tracks reveal the band at its rawest and most visceral, encapsulating cinematic visions and themes of love, revolt, and redemption. Choice Of Weapon is the follow up to the 2007 release, Born Into This. Long-time Cult collaborator and producer Bob Rock (Metallica, Bush), who produced one of The Cult's most successful albums, the Platinum-certified Sonic Temple, put the finishing touches on the foundations that were laid by co-producer Chris Goss (Queens Of The Stone Age, Masters Of Reality). The album was written by Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy, recorded in New York City, Los Angeles, the California high desert, and the band's Witch Mountain studio between July and December 2011. The new release features founding members Astbury on vocals and Duffy on guitars, with drummer John Tempesta and bassist Chris Wyse. “We have had the opportunity to work with two of the most influential and talented producers in the world today,” said Astbury. “They pushed us beyond our comfort zone, and helped us craft Choice of Weapon.” Choice of Weapon is aimed at the heart of The Cult's loyal following. It reflects the current discontent and destruction of our eco systems, the search for individual meaning against a tide of rampant materialism, narcissism and disconnected lives. “We went deeper . . . we worked a bit harder on this record. We have great fans and they deserve our best,” added Duffy, “and I feel this is as strong as any album we have ever released." The Cult is working on film and graphic elements to accompany the album's release, and plans are being confirmed for the band's 2012 World Tour. According to Billboard, Choice Of Weapon will be preceded by the first single, 'For The Animals', which Astbury says reflects the Cult's attitude about making music. “The Cult is like an archetypal outsider group; we've never really fit in with one particular sect or genre,” he explains. “We've never been pigeonholed. We've stayed open to other influences But some people don't like that. They want to say, 'We know who you are' and they try to put a leash on you. So this is about identifying with a raw, visceral animal. We don't belong to anybody. We go where nature takes us.” Astbury adds: “Our intention was to make a record that was fresh. It's of its time, and we captured exactly where we're at right now, in the early part of the 21st century. I'm watching so many artists just terrified to make a statement of any kind. They're afraid they're going to get ripped apart in the blogosphere or torn apart by some critic who's basically just out of diapers. So many (artists) seem to be scared to come out and say what they feel. A lot of rock 'n' roll music has lost its teeth.”Choice Of Weapon tracklist: 'Honey From a Knife' 'Elemental Light' 'For The Animals' 'Life Death' 'The Wolf' 'Amnesia' 'Lucifer' 'Wilderness Now' 'A Pale Horse' 'This Night in the City Forever'. WELCOME BACK HIGHER GROUND: Press Release - Sandviken, Sweden, January 31, 2012 - Speechless Music Production is pleased to announce the release of Missing You the highly anticipated first single of Higher Ground´s forthcoming new studio album. The single "Missing You" and the forthcoming new album are produced, recorded and mixed by Higher Ground in their own studio. The single "Missing You" is a guitar based pop/rock song with sweet melodies which captures the unique sound of Higher Ground. The single "Missing You" was released digitally on the Internet in January 2012 and is available on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon and several other digital music distribution services.Higher Ground is a Swedish rock band formed in Sandviken, Sweden in 1994. The band is Peter Lindberg (vocals), Niklas Hammarberg (guitars), Erik Pettersson (drums), Ulf Merkell (keyboards) and Petter Eriksson (bass guitar). In 1997 the band released the E.P. "Keep on Walkin´" on ProActive Records in the UK, which received considerable critical acclaim. The band began working on their debut album in 1998, shot a music video for "Ghost in My head" in London at the end of 1999, as the album "Perfect Chaos" was finally released in May 2000. In 2004 the album "A Thousand Pieces" was released on the German label "AOR Heaven". In 2009 the album "13 tracks" was released on the label "Speechless Music Production" that consisted of a number of songs from their previous albums (remixed and reproduced), as well as two new songs. The sound of Higher Ground is like a great 'mixtape', blending rock with pop melodiousness, a bit of soul with classic rock dynamics and modern melodic rock with a touch of AOR/pop from the eighties. The band has all the ingredients that you would expect from a Swedish rock band, melodic hooks with a melancholic touch – Just good music, timeless and for everyone! Listen: www.higherground.nu FATAL SMILE - SWEDENS HARDEST WORKING BAND IS BACK: After 350 shows worldwide during their "World Domination Tour" touring with bands like Dio - W.A.S.P. - Queensryche - Doro - Lordi to following up their recent success album World Domination mixed by legendary Michael Wagener famous for his work with bands like Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, Mötley Crüe... Fatal Smile spent over a year writing, and recording songs for what they knew was the album to become their legacy. The album was recorded in the tour buses, hotel rooms and studios all over the world before finally eleven songs were singled out and re-recorded during 2011. Ten top names tried out for the mixing job, all mixing the song planned as the second single of the album. The band put together a jury of friends to pick out their favorite mix, which turned out to be mix no. 5, not knowing it was mixed by Philty and Mr.Y! After a year of blood, sweat and beer´s it´s finally time for their brand new album 21st Century Freaks to see the light of day! This time they have done everything on their own to make it the ultimate FATAL SMILE album, from recording and engineering to producing and mixing the album and the result is massive, with "in your face" songs and a "larger than life" sound! The album is produced by Mr.Y, engineered/recorded by Philty and mixed by the pair together...The mastering duties was handled by Mats "Limpan" Lindfors at Cutting Room Studios. The first single "Welcome To The Freakshow" will be released in March and the album will be released in Europe on April 27 via Metallville Records. The release will be followed by a massive world tour, and you can expect to see Fatal Smile's intense live show blasting in a venue near you during this year... Fatal Smile Are: Mr. Y - Guitars; Blade - Vocals; Alx - Bass; Philty - Drums / www.fatalsmile.com HERMAN BACK IN CALIFORNIA: Legendary drummer Herman Ze German on tour in California March 3-9, 2012 - Herman Ze German And The Fatal Sting, plus special guest Living Eden will be in concert on March 8, 2012 at the historic Tower Theater in Fresno, CA. Herman Ze German hits hard with a killer set of Scorpions classics and a few new songs. The concert will be filmed for a upcoming episode on the History Channel!HZG Includes Herman - Drums (Scorpions) / Duke Jackson - Lead Guitar (Strikeforce, Hzg) / Gus Monsanto - Vocals / Gary Omerea - Bass / Cory Whitehead - Guitar. AUSTRALIA'S BLACK MAJESTY ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM TITLE: Australian melodic power metal band Black Majesty have announced Stargazer as the title of their new album due in May 2012 through Limb Music Germany. Black Majesty began recording drums back in October 2011 with Roland Grapow (Masterplan) at Grapow Studios in Slovakia and have since been busy in their homeland Australia laying down guitars and vocals. Roland Grapow will mix the cd in the coming months. Black Majesty have already been confirmed for Masters of Rock Czech Republic 2012 alongside Thin Lizzy, Exodus, Stratovarius, Edguy, Kamelot, Sabaton, Gotthard, Arch Enemy, Within Temptation, Firewind, Bloodbound and Arakain amongst others. WebLinks: www.blackmajesty.comwww.myspace.com/blackmajestywww.limb-music.deJETHRO TULL'S IAN ANDERSON TO RELEASE 'THICK AS A BRICK 2': Anderson Announces 40th Anniversary Sequel to the Hugely Successful, Groundbreaking 1972 Album London, England - February 1, 2012 - Following the recent announcement of a 19-date tour to commemorate the 40th anniversary of 'Thick As A Brick,' on April 2nd (April 3rd in North America) Ian Anderson will release a sequel to the original album. In 1972, Ian Anderson wrote and recorded the Jethro Tull Progressive Rock classic album 'Thick As A Brick.' The lyrics were credited at the time to the fictitious child character, Gerald Bostock, whose parents supposedly lied about his age. The record instantly became a number one Billboard Chart album and enjoyed considerable success in many countries of the world. So, forty years on, what would Gerald Bostock - aged fifty in 2012 - be doing today? What might have befallen him? The anniversary 'part two' album will examine the possible different paths that the precocious young schoolboy, Gerald Bostock, might have taken later in life through alter-ego characters with song-section identities illustrating the hugely varied potential twists and turns of fate and opportunity. Not just for Gerald but to echo how our own lives develop, change direction and ultimately conclude through chance encounters and interventions, however tiny and insignificant they might seem at the time. Ian Anderson says of the album, 'As we baby-boomers look back on our own lives, we must often feel an occasional 'what-if' moment. Might we, like Gerald, have become instead preacher, soldier, down-and-out, shopkeeper or finance tycoon?' Adding, 'And those of more tender years - the social media and internet generation - may choose to ponder well the myriad of chance possibilities ahead of them at every turn.....' To coincide with this ground-breaking release, for the first time since 1972, Anderson and fellow musicians John O'Hara (keyboards), David Goodier (bass), Florian Opahle (guitar) and Scott Hammond (drums) - as well as some guest performers - will take to the road to perform the album in its entirety and, it can now exclusively be revealed that, in addition, there will be a second part to the show where Anderson and the band will also perform the sequel.Thick As A Brick 2 ('TAAB2') tracklist [CD, digital] 1. From A Pebble Thrown 2. Pebbles Instrumental 3. Might-have-beens 4. Upper Sixth Loan Shark 5. Banker Bets, Banker Wins 6. Swing It Far 7. Adrift And Dumfounded 8. Old School Song 9. Wootton Bassett Town 10. Power And Spirit 11. Give Till It Hurts 12. Cosy Corner 13. Shunt And Shuffle 14. A Change Of Horses 15. Confessional 16. Kismet In Suburbia 17. What-ifs, Maybes And Might-have-beens.'Thick As A Brick 2' will be released as a standard jewel case CD and digital download, and in a Special Edition 2-disc package with DVD featuring 5.1 stereo mixes, 24-bit stereo mix, video of the making of the album, interviews with the musicians and Ian Anderson reading the lyrics in various locations. After 44 years of leading Tull to 54 countries worldwide and over 60 million albums sold, Ian Anderson celebrates a true progressive rock classic with old and new fans across the UK for a whole three weeks. Anderson is known as the flute and voice of the legendary Jethro Tull, formed in the North of England in 1968 from the amalgamation of blues-based John Evan Band and McGregor's Engine. Since their first performance at London's famous Marquee Club in 1968, the band has released 30 studio and live albums and earned a prominent place in rock history. The official Jethro Tull website: www.jethrotull.com and please visit: stcleve.comWILL WALLNER & VIVIEN VAIN RELEASE DEBUT ALBUM AND MUSIC VIDEO: Los Angeles based hard rock artists Will Wallner (Guitarist) & Vivien Vain (Vocalist) have released their debut album featuring guest musicians including Carmine Appice, Vinny Appice, Brian Tichy, Rudy Sarzo, Tony Franklin, Jimmy Bain, Derek SherinianTony Carey. The album is available worldwide via digital download and special edition CD's can be purchased from their official website. The album was recorded in Los Angeles throughout 2011 and mixed by Gary Tole in New York. Mastering was completed in September 2011 by Graham Goldman at Masterdisk. Will Wallner and Vivien Vain came to America from Europe. Upon meeting they discovered they shared similar musical tastes and began writing songs together. The concept for their music was to write hard rock songs that they could be proud of as artists ignoring current trends. After a year of performing in Los Angeles they had a chance meeting with Carmine Appice and Vinny Appice at the Rainbow Bar & Grill on the Sunset Strip in 2010. After sending them demos of their songs the Appice brothers agreed to perform drums for their debut album. Since that first meeting the project evolved featuring several other guest session musicians with Will Wallner and Vivien Vain performing all guitars and vocals respectively. Their debut features nine original songs written and produced by Wallner/Vain. The album cover features Wallner/Vain photographed by Glen La Ferman. The video for the song 'Streets of Rage' was produced in Hollywood. Wallner/Vain will announce live dates to promote their album release in the next couple of months. For more information go to www.wallnervain.com. Music video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=jB0V0I58zKk MELODIC BRIEFS: Guitarist Kevin Russell will celebrate 40 years this year as a Rock n Rollin' Guitar Slinger! The New CD A Motor City Rock n' Soul Bad Ass can be purchased at: www.kevinrussell.com Click on links to listen to some tracks: Rock And Roll - youtu.be/bakRLV3Xm6U / Kick Out The Jams - youtu.be/2FZ9Z9FrGNk / Higher Ground - youtu.be/MF5MQa5Lizk / Strangle Hold - youtu.be/hYI5AVyhTTQ Soul Sign'sLife In The Dark, which was digitally released in the fall of 2011, is now physically available on CD via Amazon.com, in stores worldwide via Super D, in Europe through InAndOutRecords, in US/WorldWide through cdUniverse and soon in Scandinavia through Ginza.se! The band line-up features current Malmsteen/MacAlpine bassist Bjorn Englen, Leatherwolf vocalist Michael Olivieri, Player/Seal guitarist Rob Math and McAuley drummer Mike Taylor

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• 01 Feb ' 02:44

  February 1

  Wednesday, February 01, 2012 EAGLE ROCK ENTERTAINMENT TO RELEASE STYX: THE GRAND ILLUSION/PIECES OF EIGHT LIVE: Out Now - Two of the most beloved albums in the Styx catalog are 1977's The Grand Illusion and 1978's Pieces Of Eight. Now, Eagle Rock Entertainment will release Styx: The Grand Illusion/Pieces Of Eight Live on DVD, Blu-Ray, and DVD/2CD on January 31. This show was recorded November 9, 2010 at the historic Orpheum Theater in Memphis, Tennessee, on the tour that saw them perform both these albums in their entirety for the first time. This 20-song two-hour and 11-minute presentation features stunning high-definition visuals accenting the complex musical arrangements recorded in DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital 5.1, and LPCM Stereo. The staging of these two multi-platinum albums and the fevered response makes this concert a must for all Styx fans. The Grand Illusion/Pieces of Eight Live also includes the bonus feature “Putting On The Show,” an inside look at the people and equipment needed to stage such a massive spectacle. Selling millions of records worldwide since their 1972 Chicago inception, Styx have branded themselves as one of the greatest American progressive rock bands. The current line-up consists of James “J.Y.” Young (vocals, guitars, keyboards); Tommy Shaw (vocals, guitars); Todd Sucherman (drums); Lawrence Gowan (vocals, keyboards); Ricky Phillips (bass, backing vocals) and Chuck Panozzo (bass guitar). TRACK LISTING: 1) Intro/1978 2) The Grand Illusion 3) Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man) 4) Superstars 5) Keyboard Interlude 6) Come Sail Away 7) Miss America 8) Man In The Wilderness 9) Castle Walls 10) The Grand Finale 11) Great White Hope 12) I'm O.K. 13) Sing For The Day 14) The Message 15) Lords Of The Ring 16) Blue Collar Man (Long Nights) 17) Queen Of Spades 18) Renegade 19) Keyboard Interlude 20) Pieces Of Eight 21) Aku-Aku. STYX are out on tour: 1.26.12 - Santa Cruz, CA - Chumash Casino 1.27.12 - Temecula, CA - Pechanga Resort & Casino 1.28.12 - Reno, NV - Silver Legacy Casino 2.3.12 - Tacoma, WA - Emerald Queen Casino 2.4.12 - Coquitlam, BC - Red Robinson Show Theatre 2.10.12 - Henderson, NV - Green valley Ranch Events Center 2.10.12 - Wendover, NV - Peppermill Concert Hall 3.2.12 - Mt. Pleasant, MI - Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort 3.9.12 - Miami, FL - Magic City Casino Amphitheater 3.10.12 - Silver Springs, FL - Twin Oaks Amphitheater "Blue Collar Man" - www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcrPtCghQ-E&. TED POLEY WORLD TOUR DATES 2012: The ever energetic Ted Poley has announced the following solo tour dates - more of which are to come and will be posted in due course: Feb 17 - Madrid Spain Sala Copérnico Feb 18 - Lisbon Portugal Bbc Feb 25-28 Monsters Of Rock Cruise-Keywest FL & Bahamas March 17 - Mexico City Mexico Rock And Road Pool Bar August 9 - Stockholm Sweden Harry B James August 10 - Vaxjo Sweden Club Dirty Harry August 11 - Skogsrojet Festival (W Alice Cooper,Kingdom Come,More) Sweden Dec 1 - Clifton NJ Dingbatz TP Annual Holiday Bash CLASSIC ROCK REVISITED.COM EDITOR JEB WRIGHT UNLEASHES 'ROCK ICONS & METAL GODS': 1/30/2012 - Arkansas City, Kansas - Classic Rock Revisited.com has become the ultimate online destination for fans of classic hard rock music. Since opening their virtual doors in 1999, CRR has published hundreds of interviews with platinum selling rock stars all the while keeping the average rock fan up to date with CD, DVD and Concert Reviews and daily rock news. Founder, CEO and Editor Jeb Wright has now cracked open the doors to his interview vault and blown the dust off of his favorite interviews of all time and put them in one collection. There are some real gems that can only be found in Rock Icons & Metal Gods. The book features three never before in print interviews with Ozzy Osbourne, Jon Anderson of Yes fame and Jason Bonham, son of legendary Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham. In addition to these highlights are several pages from Boston mastermind Tom Scholz that are exclusive to Rock Icons & Metal Gods in which Scholz discusses Boston's greatest hits. The rest of the interviews represent a look back through the history of Classic Rock Revisited and feature interviews with the pantheon of Rock Icons & Metal Gods. The Rock Icons in the book consist of interviews with Sammy Hagar, Michael Anthony of Chickenfoot, Steve Perry of Journey, Steve Miller, Paul Rodgers of Free, Bad Company and The Firm, Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick, Tom Hamilton of Aerosmith, Tom Scholz of Boston, George Thorogood, Tommy Shaw of Styx, Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon, Alan Parsons and Jon Anderson of Yes. The Metal Gods contained in the book are Rob Halford of Judas Priest, Ozzy Osbourne, Bill Ward of Black Sabbath, Bob Daisley of Ozzy and Rainbow fame, Lemmy Kilmister of Motorhead, Jason Bonham, Ex-Iron Maiden vocalist Paul Di'Anno, the late Ronnie James Dio, Blackie Lawless of WASP, Ian Gillan of Deep Purple, Marc Storace of Krokus and Lita Ford. Photographs for Rock Icons & Metal Gods, as well as the cover design, were done by legendary rock n' roll photographer Mark Weiss of Circus Magazine fame. Prints of Mark's work can be purchased at www.weissguygallery.com. Rock Icons & Metal Gods is such a great book that it includes two forwards! One by world renowned rock journalist Martin Popoff and the other by Wrights' friends in rock, and his first ever interview, Roger Earl of Foghat. Here is what others are saying about Rock Icons & Metal Gods author Jeb Wright: "I always enjoy talking to a fellow lover of all things classic rock, and someone who shares such a passion for music. Jeb and Classic Rock Revisited.com have always been supportive of my projects and I enjoy the site as a great resource for much of the music I love." - Eddie Trunk, Host/Co-Producer "That Metal Show" VH1 Classic "The treasure trove this book offers rock and metal fans the chance to mine is solid gold, from the stars to the substance contained within his interviews, we were proud to publish this collection of material I know will be a hit with music fans everywhere!" - Jake Brown, Publisher Rock N Roll Books "I've known Jeb Wright for a while now and have enjoyed our conversations over the years. His questions, although sometimes piercing, are extremely insightful and bring out the very best in an interview." - Bill Ward, Black Sabbath "At a time when the genre was almost universally panned by journalists all over the country, Jeb's web site was the lone bastion of support for our music. At first I wasn't sure. Who was this vintage rebel? But as time passed and we talked a bit, and hung out backstage a few times, I got it. This Jeb dude and his Classic Rock Revisited were the genuine deal. At this point Jeb is part of the REO extended family, and he got there the old school way, just like the bands he loves, by hard work, persistence, and belief in his mission." - Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon Rock Icons & Metal Gods can be purchased online at Amazon.com here: www.amazon.com/Classic-Rock-Revisited-Presents-Vol/dp/0983471606/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1326474357&sr=8-1. STIRLING ROAD RELEASE "WITHOUT YOU" PRODUCED BY KENNY SCOTT: The melodic pop-rock duo of Sherry Michelle & Matthew Shad, which make up Stirling Road, have just released their new single "Without You". The track was recorded at 18 Below by Hit Artist/Songwriter/Producer Kenny Scott (Swirl 360). Says Shad, "Kenny has really modernized our sound and helped us fine tune the direction we want to go in. Co-writing the track with him was such a pleasure. Sherry & I truly enjoyed recording at 18 Below. Kenny even joined us and sang harmony on the track." "Without You" will be part of an upcoming EP produced by Scott and scheduled for a summer release. You can download "Without You" on iTunes at: itunes.apple.com/us/album/without-you-single/id499039073. WebLink: www.facebook.com/pages/Stirling-Road/273862475792.

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• 31 Jan ' 16:17

  January 31

  Tuesday, January 31, 2012 BACK TO WORK - NO MORE DOWNTIME: The best part of summer is over; February is upon us and its full scale back to work time. No more vacation time! And as per usual, the minute I step away from the office, there's a ton of news to report. So here is the first part of it, with more to follow as I get up to date this week. Lots of site news on all fronts to come also...R.I.P. RIOT'S MARK REALE: Last week saw the untimely death of Riot guitarist Mark Reale. I expect everyone has heard the news and reflected upon the sad news. Here is a few news items for the record. R.I.P. Mark.SPV GmbH / Steamhammer Hannover, Germany - "With deep sadness we have to say goodbye to one of the most underrated guitar players and composers on this planet: Mark Reale. With albums like "Fire Down Under" or "Thundersteel" he created timeless metal music which will stand the test of time for many more decades. Last year's studio album "Immortal Soul" on remains his legacy, and what an album it was: RIOT were back for the attack! We will see how the remaining members will handle this but we think that Mark would be very proud of them if they continue and spread the music he created. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mark's family, friends, and band mates."www.riotrockcity.com Former RiotMike DiMeo, who recorded six studio albums and one live album with the band between 1994 and 2006 has issued the following statement regarding the passing of the band's founding guitarist Mark Reale, who passed away January 25th in a San Antonio hospital due to complications of Crohn's disease — an ailment he has battled for most of his life. He was 56 years old."I'm deeply saddened by the death of Mark Reale. He was a gifted songwriter, great musician and a true friend. I am honored and thankful that I shared many years with Mark touring and recording all over the world, memories that I will carry with me forever. Even though to some it may seem that he did not achieve massive commercial success, the only thing that Mark cared about was making music that inspired him. He was a true artist and his music is a reflection of that. To me, Mark's music is timeless... and I believe his many fans will see to it that his music lives on forever... Rest In Peace Mark.... I will miss you..... and Shine On!" Reale had reportedly been in a coma for the past two weeks after suffering a subarachnoid haemorrhage on January 11. Riot Vocalist Tony Moore featured in new The Right to Rock PodcastTheRighttoRock.com has issued their latest podcast (episode #132), featuring Riot Vocalist Tony Moore. Tony took time out of his busy schedule to discuss Riot's latest release Immortal Soul. Tony spoke about what he has been doing over the last several years before re-uniting with the group, as well as their current tour plans. Interview lasts approx. 30 min. Seeing one of your favorite bands lose a key member always hurts, doesn't it? Join Genghis and Ragman as they discuss the recent departure of Howard Jones from Killswitch Engage and wonder who, if anyone could fill his shoes. Next, the boys cornered Riot vocalist, Tony Moore, for a tête-à-tête. Tony discusses Riot's latest release, Immortal Soul, as well as what got the classic Thundersteel line up back together. Note: This interview was taped before the passing of long time Riot guitarist and founding member, Mark Reale. We here at The Right to Rock want to express our sincerest condolences to the Reale family and friends. Rest in peace, Mark.VAN HALEN - CHECK OUT THE TRUTH:Van Halen continued to screw with my vacation plans as they have all month - by first releasing 2 more tracks from the new album and allowing iTunes to run 90 second samples from the rest of the album. I've actually put off listening to them. I can't wait to hear the whole album start to finish and will be live tweeting my thoughts on each track as they play for the first time when the album is released in Australia sometime after midnight Thursday (Friday Feb. 3). Stay tuned for updates on that and check out all the soundbytes via the following YouTube collage.THAT MIKE PORTNOY POWER TRIO THING:John Sykes has posted a rare update on his website - commenting on the demise of his project with Mike Portnoy"The project I was putting together with Mike Portnoy didn't work out, and I wish him all the best for the future. I'm continuing to work on my new album, and I look forward to putting out some great new music in 2012." I sent out an exclusive tweet last week announcing that Richie Kotzen will replace Sykes and join Portnoy and bassist Billy Sheehan in the power trio. This is yet to be confirmed officially, but it is 100% how things stand right now. Portnoy commented: "Sad but true... I tried my best to make it work... Me and the bass player couldn't wait around any longer... he and I are moving on and have already begun work with another guitarist/vocalist, keeping the original 'power trio' concept."FROM TOM GALLEY THE CREATOR OF PHENOMENA: From Tom Galley the Creator of Phenomena comes the new collaboration album Awakening, due out via Escape Music March 23. Line-Up: Martin Kronlund: Guitars, and Bass; Tom Harlan: Guitars & Keyboards; Imre Daun: Drums; Henrik Thomsen: bass; Per Aronson-Andersson: Hammond, keyboards Java Gospel on "Stand up for love" Additional Musicians: Carl Anthony Wright - Guitars; Christian Wolff - Guitars; Tommy Denander - Guitars; Mike Slamer - Guitars; Magnus Karlsson - Guitars; Mat Sinner - Bass; All Coldspell members; Steve Newman - Guitars and backing vocals; Fredrik Bergh - Keyboards on "Smash It Up" And "Gotta Move" Produced by: Tom GalleyMartin Kronlund Recorded and engineered by Martin Kronlund / Executive Producer: Khalil Turk. Track Listing and collaborating vocalists: 1 - Smash It UpLee Small on Vocals, Mat Sinner Bass, Magnus Karlsson Lead Guitars) 2 - Reality (Toby Hitchcock on vocals and Mike Slamer on Lead Guitars) 3 - Homeland (Rob Moratti on vocals and Martin Kronlund on all Guitars) 4 - Going Away (James Christian vocals and Tommy Denander Martin Kronlund on Guitars) 5 - Gotta Move (Ralf Scheepers on vocals and Christian Wolff &Tommy Denander on Guitars) 6 - How Long (Lee Small on vocals and Martin Kronlund on Guitars) 7 - Shake (Mike DiMeo on Vocal and Martin Kronlund on Guitars) 8 - Fighter (Terry Brock on vocals and Steve Newman on Guitars and backing vocals) 9 - Dancing Days (Niklas Swedentorp on Lead Vocals with all Coldspell members) 10 - Stand Up For Love (Chris Antblad with JAVA Gospel Choir) People should learn to expect a little awe and mystery. Phenomena takes us upon a journey where there is nothing pretty about the protagonists of the story that we shall meet along the way. The subject is good against evil. The story began in the year 1983, when Tom Galley wrote a couple of short stories with a transcendental background. Backed by record label Bronze, the recordings for the album "Phenomena" started soon which finally hit the stores in 1985. Besides the extra-ordinary concept story both musicianship and the names involved with the project are highlights to mention. Names such as Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, HTP), drum legend Cozy Powell (Rainbow, Whitesnake a.o.), Don Airey (Deep Purple), Neil Murray (Whitesnake) - the elite of the British Hard Rock scene had joined the project. "Phenomena" received high critical acclaim in the press and extremely good sales. The second Phenomena album "Phenomena II - Dream Runner" was released in 1987 and was welcomed with a similarly warm response. The musicians around the Galley brothers had changed slightly, so that this album in the end featured contributions from Ray Gillen (Badlands, Black Sabbath), John Wetton (Asia), Scott Gorham (Thin Lizzy) and Max Bacon (GTR), amongst others. With new label Parachute involved, in 1991 the time was right for "final part" of the conceptual story; Phenomena III - Inner Visions". Besides Brian May (Queen) and Keith Murrell (Airrace), you'll here also find performances by Michael Sturgis (A-Ha) and Scott Gorham (Thin Lizzy). The Complete Works were released in a triple fold out Digipack by Escape Music (ESM142). However, the Phenomena concept continued in 2006 under the banner "PsychoFantasy", which strictly follows the traditions of its three predecessors. Besides the concept story background, you will once again will find a whole bunch of amazing artists performing on this record: Tony Martin (Black Sabbath), Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), Keith Murrell (Mama's Boys) - and Mel Galley (Whitesnake, Trapeze). In September 2010 a new chapter began with a whole host of musicians, and "Blind Faith" (ESM216) was born to explosive effect. With new Vocalists like Robin Beck, Terry Brock (Strangeways) and Rob Moratti (Saga) a whole new world was unveiled and the concept became so fresh again. The rock audience once more were thrilled to hear the latest in this timeless story. In 2012 we will all hear the new Album "Awakening", an album chock full of new ideas and featuring James Christian (House of Lords), Lee Small (Shy) and Toby Hitchcock (Pride of Lions) as well as familiar faces like Rob Moratti, Terry Brock and Mike DiMeo. Powerful songs executed by some of the finest rock musicians make this a hugely enjoyable album and it boasts a fine production from Tom Galley and Martin Kronlund. Here you will find straight ahead rockers with powerful melodies along with up-tempo ballads and beautiful choruses.Awakening is a fantastic way to start 2012, it is another chapter in the engaging story that Tom Galley began in 1983. In Short, a must. TOURING IN 2012: Touring new has begun to build for 2012 - the most settled seems to be news that Def Leppard will hit the US circuit once again, this time with Poison in tow.Journey are touring with Loverboy will promote his new album later in the year and...Night Ranger will be back on the road also.M3 festival announced its line up for the annual summer festival - headliners Night Ranger, Cinderella, RattQueensryche - see complete line-up: m3rock.webs.comXYZ are on tour too - and hitting Europe and the USA.Guns N Roses have announced a series of club shows (details at: www.gunsnroses.com). I have also caught wind of a rumor that suggests the band was to be part of an unannounced Superbowl surprise appearance (Sunday 5th). However, I actually have a source within the production crew for the event, and their response to this was: "I'm at the stadium right now loading in for the shows and GnR will not be a part of any of the game day production. Half time is Madonna with Cee-Lo Green, Nikki Minaj and LMFAO, pre-game is Kelly Clarkson and Miranda Lambert/Blake Shelton " Wait and see I guess, but the entertainment for Superbowl 46 seems locked in.OUTLOUD DELIVER MORE MUSICAL CATRASTROPHE:Outloud, the international rock band featuring Bob Katsionis (Firewind), Chandler Mogel (ex-Talon) and Mark Cross (ex-Firewind, Helloween) who stirred things up on the hard rock circuit with its powerful self-titled debut in 2009 and fiery follow-up Love Catastrophe in 2011, announce the release of More Catastrophe, a six-song EP which contains three brand new songs plus the aforementioned Christmas single, and a Flamenco version of the song “Falling Rain” and a piano & vocals version of the track “We Run”. The EP will be available at their upcoming shows in Greece, as well as in stores and digitally across Europe via AOR Heaven. The EP will be available at their upcoming shows in Greece, as well as in stores and digitally across Europe via AOR Heaven, come March 30. Says Chandler, "We wanted to give the fans a little something extra this time around. These songs pick up where the last album left off and at the same time serve as a road sign as to where we're going. Hopefully this will hold everyone over until the third album is ready, which we're currently starting work on." More Catastrophe also will also be available via the band's official website: www.outloud-rock.com Tracklist: 1. Saints On Fire, 2. Cross The Line, 3. Mr. Long Gone, 4. Last Days Of December, 5. Falling Rain (Flamenco Version), 6. We Run (for Piano and Vocals) FIREFEST 2012 ANNOUNCED:FirefestFireworks Magazine are pleased to announce the line-up for the 2012 festival. It's the usual mix of surprises, cult classics and established favourites, with four bands on the Friday evening and seven each on Saturday and Sunday. Venue and dates Firefest will take place on Friday 19th, Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st October 2012 at Rock City in Nottingham city centre.Line-up:Friday 19th October (Top to bottom)Tyketto (US) No strangers to the UK or to Firefest, the original Tyketto line-up played at our 2007 show, with a different touring line-up of the band coming back to headline in 2008. This time Danny Vaughn, Michael Clayton Arbeeny, Jimi Kennedy and Brooke St. James will have the first brand new album by this line-up since their classic 1991 debut 'Don't Come Easy'. Joined by keyboard player Bobby Lynch they'll be playing songs from their upcoming album 'Dig In Deep' as well as classics from their debut and 'Strength In Numbers'.Ten (UK) Having burst onto the scene in the mid-90s with two storming releases within six months, Ten went on to stake a claim as one of the latest, greatest champions of UK melodic hard rock. Following releases built on that success, especially 1999's Rafe McKenna produced 'Spellbound', which saw the band listed as #2 Brightest Hope in the Classic Rock magazine readers' poll. Line-up changes saw the band's output slow down during the last ten years, and 2011's 'Stormwarning' was the band's first release in over five years. On the live front, the situation was just as frustrating, but with a new line-up settled late last year and a fantastic headline two-hour performance at Fleetwoodstock, singer Gary Hughes and the band are back and ready to hit the heights again. Their first ever Firefest performance promises to be one to remember. Dante Fox (UK) People often complain that there aren't enough female singers at Firefest, well 2012 promises to put that right with well-respected UK melodic rockers Dante Fox joining our Friday night line-up. Sue Willets and guitarist Tim Manford first came to the fore with their 1996 debut 'Under Suspicion' and 1999 follow-up 'The Fire Within', playing countless shows around the UK, including the prestigious Gods festival. They returned to recording in 2007 with the powerful 'Under The Seven Skies' and should have a new album released later this year. They played our low-key warm-up show at Firefest II but this will be their first spot on the main stage, and well-deserved it is. Lionville (Italy) Hailing from Italy, Lionville are the brainchild of guitarist/vocalist Stefano Lionetti with well-known keyboard player Alessandro Del Vecchio (Edge Of Forever, Eden's Curse, Mitch Malloy) and drummer Pierpaulo Monti (Shining Line), the only non-Italian being Swedish Work Of Art singer Lars Safsund. They released their debut self-titled album in 2011 to universally positive reviews and we think their pure and melodic AOR will be a great way to start Firefest 2012. Saturday 20th October (Top to bottom) Gotthard (Switzerland) A band who need no introduction to our audience, Swiss heroes Gotthard took the roof off when they last played back in 2006. Absolutely huge in their native land, Gotthard have had a string of platinum albums and have a strong back catalogue that few can equal. However, the rock world was stunned when singer Steve Lee was killed in an accident while touring the USA on his motorcycle. For a while it looked as though the band was over, but now we can proudly announce that they've agreed to make Firefest their first UK show with new singer Nic Maeder. He has big shoes to fill but we're sure you'll make Nic feel most welcome. Mitch Malloy (US) A 90s MTV darling, thanks to his clean-cut good looks and colossal self-titled 1992 debut, along with that dance-floor filler 'Anything At All', the future should have beckoned Mitch Malloy to fame, success and riches. However, an ill-advised change in direction on his sophomore release saw his career stall until 2001's 'Shine' album on Frontiers Records. Having always promised, but failed to deliver, a return to that debut sound, Malloy finally wised up and recorded 'Mitch Malloy II' last year, so titled as he proclaimed it the natural successor to that adulated debut – and the reviews that followed seemed to agree. Having made his Firefest debut in 2008, Malloy returned last year to rip the place apart with a backing band of passionate Italians and a performance that took the roof off. It more than made sense to bring him back, and put him higher on the bill. Pure class! XYZ (US) LA rockers XYZ formed in the late 80s and played the same sunset strip circuit that spawned bands like Warrant, Hurricane and House Of Lords. The band soon picked up a record deal with the Enigma label, their 1989 self-titled record was produced by Don Dokken and contained the MTV hits 'Inside Out' and 'What Keeps Me Loving You', as well as 'Maggy' from the Dolph Lundgren film 'Come In Peace'. They were picked up by Capitol for 1991's 'Hungry' disc and have sporadically released albums and played shows since, including the legendary Rocklahoma 2008. With original singer Terry Illous and bassist Pat Fontaine in the line-up, XYZ are surely one name that nobody expected to see on this bill. Santers (Canada) Another of our cult classics, Santers were formed in Toronto in 1980 by brothers Rick and Mark Santers (vocals/guitar and drums respectively) and bassist Rick Lazaroff. They toured incessantly and released the albums 'Shot Down In Flames' (1981), 'Racing Time' (1982) and 'Guitar Alley' (1984), the latter pair being picked up by the Heavy Metal America label in the UK where the band toured as support to Magnum. During the recording of their fourth album, Rick Santers was asked by his friend Rik Emmett (who'd produced 'Guitar Alley') to tour with his band Triumph on second guitar, keyboards and vocals, which he did for six years, also contributing song parts for their 'Sport Of Kings' and 'Surveillance' records. They eventually released that fourth album, 'Top Secrecy' in 1999 and have reformed occasionally since, including shows with Coney Hatch. We're thrilled to have them at Firefest and we know you'll give them a warm welcome. Robin Beck (US) Famous for her Coca-Cola backed hit 'First Time' from her debut 1989 album 'Trouble Or Nothin', this ballad was actually the odd-man out on an album rammed full of impressive melodic rockers, with a helpful sprinkling of Desmond Child's magic at the production helm. Subsequent albums veered away from this signature sound however, and it wasn't until 2005's 'Do You Miss Me', when Ms Beck resurfaced on Frontiers, that the hard rock edge came back to her music. Through 'Livin' On a Dream' to last year's wonderful 'The Great Escape', Robin has now fully embraced her rock heritage, and after a successful run earlier this year in Germany on the Rock Meets Classic tour, she is finally due to make her long awaited live UK appearance. Backed by Tommy Denander on guitar and members from House of Lords, including James Christian playing bass, this promises to be one of the highlights for lovers of female fronted melodic rock. Work Of Art (Sweden) Ever since the release of the awesome 'Artwork' debut in 2008, Work Of Art have appeared on most of the wish-lists we've received. We've tried every year and it just hasn't been possible, but finally Robert Sall, Lars Safsund and Herman Furin have agreed and we're sure they'll be one of the most popular additions to the Firefest family. With the 2011 release 'In Progress' equalling the success of the debut, they have plenty of quality songs to play and are certain to be one of the highlights of the weekend. Johnny Lima (US) Having released his debut back in 1996, Johnny Lima's talent was acknowledged by the UK's Now & Then Records, who promptly signed him to a multi-album deal. The first of these, 'Shine On', was released to great reviews in 1999 and Lima made two highly acclaimed appearances at the Gods festival, being arguably the most entertaining act of the day. Described as more Bon Jovi than Bon Jovi these days, Californian native Johnny Lima released his latest album, 'Livin' Out Loud' in 2009, and whilst still retaining those signature melodies, at times had a dirtier edge to the music. The album gained a lot of exposure when one wag posted the songs online, claiming they were new Bon Jovi demos, an act that Lima acknowledged had done him no harm at all. If only Bon Jovi did sound like this today! Be prepared for total entertainment from one of the scene's most enjoyable front men! Sunday 21st October (Top to bottom) Danger Danger (US) Some bands just need no introduction, and Danger Danger are surely one of them. Bruno Ravel, Ted Poley, Steve West and Rob Marcello have been regular visitors to these shores in the last decade and this will be their third Firefest appearance, but their first as headliner. Having finally released their long-awaited seventh studio album 'Revolve' in 2009 - their first with Ted Poley since the shelved 'Cockroach' in the early 90s - the band finally get to play some of those great songs here, along with the classics from their debut and 'Screw It'. Always a phenomenal live act, who better to end the festival with one big party? Stage Dolls (Norway) Another band making a welcome return are Norwegian trio Stage Dolls, who impressed greatly on their last appearance at Firefest 2010. Torstein Flakne (guitar/lead vocals) and Terje Storli (bass) have been in the band since they formed in 1982, their biggest success coming in 1988 when their self-titled third album achieved popularity in the US on the back of hit singles 'Love Cries' and 'Still In Love'. Current drummer Morten Skogstad has been in the band since 1993, during which time they've recorded the albums 'Dig', 'Get A Life' and 'Always'. The well-respected band always deliver and their performance will again be one not to be missed. Lillian Axe (US) New Orleans band Lillian Axe burst onto the scene with their Robbin Crosby (Ratt) produced debut album in 1988 and its vastly superior follow-up 'Love & War'. Signing a deal with UK label Music For Nations, they regularly toured the UK in support of the 'Poetic Justice' and 'Psychoschizophrenia' albums and have spent the last twenty years refusing to lie down. Despite countless line-up changes, founding guitarist and song writer Stevie Blaze has guided the band through a number of independent releases, culminating in the recent 'XI - The Days Before Tomorrow', their best album in quite some time. With Blaze dividing his time between Lillian Axe and seminal 70s pomp rockers Angel, we're thrilled that he can find the time to play at Firefest, which will be their first UK show in almost twenty years. Brighton Rock (Canada) The second band on our bill from Ontario, Canada, Brighton Rock were formed in Niagara Falls in the early 80s, attaining great home-grown success with their 1986 debut album 'Young, Wild & Free' and its even more successful follow-up 'Take A Deep Breath'. During this time they also toured Europe and the UK, after which time keyboard player Johnny Rogers left so Gerry McGhee (vocals), Greg Fraser (guitar), Stevie Skreebs (bass) and Mark Cavarzan (drums) went on to release the more aggressive 'Love Machine' in 1991 as a four piece. Splitting up soon after, Fraser joined Helix and the band remained dormant until 2001, when they reformed to make the live album 'A Room For Five, Live' and play the Z-Rock festival in Manchester. They've played occasional shows since, including a benefit show for Coney Hatch singer Carl Dixon after his accident in 2008, and we're delighted to have the line-up that made the classic first two records for their first UK show in well over twenty years. Royal Hunt (Denmark) Providing something a little different but just as melodic to this year's bill, the Danish symphonic metal masters Royal Hunt will make their first festival appearance in the UK since the Gods in 2003. It's no secret that our own Kieran Dargan is a huge fan of the band, so when it was announced that American singer D.C. Cooper was returning to Royal Hunt for the first time since the classic 'Paradox' album in 1997, it was no surprise when they were added to the line-up. Joining Cooper, band leader Andre Anderson (keys) and long-time drummer Allen Sorensen, will be bassist Andreas Passmark and new guitarist Jonas Larsen to play songs from the brand new 'Show Me How To Live' album, as well as classics from their early releases. Fiona (US) Fiona was the darling of Kerrang! back in the late 80/early 90s, an elfin chanteuse with an amazing voice and penchant for creating some superb female-fronted melodic rock, including the minor MTV hit 'Everything You Do (You're Sexing Me)', an attitude-fuelled duet with Kip Winger. After the release of the wonderful 'Squeeze' in 1992, Fiona dropped out of the scene to raise a family, and that would have been it – if not for a Facebook reconnection with Robin Beck, who convinced her it was time to give it one more try. So together with the writing/playing team of Tommy Demander and James Christian, Fiona recorded and released 'Unbroken' on her own late last year. A storming return after almost 20 years away, the success of this album brings Fiona to Firefest for her first ever UK live performance. Teaming up on stage with her partners in crime, Denander and Christian, this is one performance sure to get the juices flowing. Farcry (US) I'm sure everybody knows what went wrong with Farcry's proposed appearance at last year's festival, so having them on the bill this time was an absolute must. Guitarist Pete Fry came over in 2011 anyway and guested with Newman on a song they had collaborated on for the second Farcry album, 'Optimism'. This time you'll get the whole band playing highlights from both their albums. Farcry created quite a stir when they played at MelodicRockFest in Chicago and we're sure they'll do the same at Firefest. Tickets & Prices Ticket prices are as follows: Friday 19th October - £30 (Stand-alone show limited to 1000 tickets – not included in the early bird special) Saturday 20th October - £59 (Limited to 1200 tickets) Sunday 21st October - £59 (Limited to 1200 tickets) Early Bird (Saturday and Sunday tickets ONLY): £110 valid until March 31st OR to a maximum of 350 Early Bird tickets sold. Each Early Bird Ticket Purchase will see the purchaser receive one Meet And Greet ticket to attend ALL scheduled meet and greets during Saturday Oct 20th and Sun Oct 21st . Please note 350 is the Maximum number of Early Birds AND Meet and Greet tickets available. Early Bird meet and greets DO NOT INCLUDE FRIDAY meet and greets should any be scheduled. Friday remains a standalone show and is not discounted in any way. Early bird tickets are available NOW from www.thefirefest.com Our preferred method of payment is by Cheque/Postal Order/Bank Draft or International Bank Draft payable to Bruce Mee and sent to: C/O Fireworks Magazine, 10 Dunnock Close, Offerton, Stockport, SK2 5XD England. Paypal payment options: for UK and Ireland residents please use the following email address: infoff2012@gmail.com. For international residents (outside the uk and Ireland) : Please use the following address: fireworksmag@aol.com Tickets will be mailed out AFTER March 1. A full list of other tickets agents will be made available shortly. Other details: Firefest is sponsored by Classic Rock Presents: AOR, Blackstar Amplification, AOR Heaven, ARFM & Rock It Magazine. Firefest 2011 is an age 14 and over show. Check www.thefirefest.com regularly for updates, as well as the official, Facebook page (Firefest Official) and www.rocktopia.co.uk. The website will also contain hotel details and directions for those travelling into Nottingham. All that's left to say is thank you for your continued support and we hope the line-up and ticket prices are to your liking. See you all in October – the Firefest team. Click on graphic for full Firefest poster. DANNY VAUGHN ACOUSTIC SHOWS: News from the great Danny Vaughn: "Hey Everyone, it's time for a few solo acoustic shows!! I just couldn't wait until next Christmas to play on my own again so, at the request of a few folks, I'm going to play 4 shows in the beginning of April in the UK, just to have some fun before the Ultimate Eagles tour starts. The shows are: Tuesday, April 3rd @ The Cluny In Newcastle Thursday, April 5th @ The Corporation In Sheffield (The Small Room) Friday, April 6th @ Yardbirds In Grimsby Saturday, April 7th @ The Krazyhouse In Liverpool I thought that, for a change, I'd let you guys pick the songs. So everybody please send in your votes and I'll tally 'em up. Choose any song from any album I have sung on but please, no more than 2 songs per person and please only vote if you are actually planning on coming to one of the shows. You pick 'em, I'll sing 'em! I'm also really pleased to announce that the opening artist will be my good friend Craig MacDonald. He's a very talented song writer and he's coming all the way over from Gibraltar to play for you. We may even cook up a couple of surprises. Check him out at: whoisthiscraig.tumblr.com Okay, can't wait to see you in April!! All the best, Danny Vaughn." SINGER SEARCH BEGINS FOR UK TRIBUTE BAND: A Foreigner's Journey - Europe's only dual tribute to both ForeignerJourney require a singer/frontman with excellent vocal ability and stage presence. This is a fantastic opportunity to join one of the most established tribute bands in the UK. Must be reliable and fully committed with a friendly and enthusiastic personality, ideally with a driving licence. Auditions will be held February-March 2012. Email: info@firestarmusic.com ORIGINAL SINGER BACK IN OVERDRIVE!: Classic Swedish heavy metal band Overdrive, formed in 1980 and recorded two albums, Metal Attack and Swords And Axes, before the split in 1985. A short-lived re-union was made in 1992, at the time featuring original drummer Kenta Svensson, guitarist Janne Stark and singer Pelle Thuresson, now handling the bass. In 2003 the band made, what was to be a one-off reunion show, but it became permanent as more shows were booked and a new deal with Lion Music was signed. The band continued with new singer Per “Periloz” Lengstedt (formerly Karlsson) and has since released an EP and three albums. The band's latest CD “Angelmaker” (2011) has been highly praised by the metal press and the band has made numerous shows. In December 2011 internal communication problems between members of the band caused a brief halt and the band broke up for a short while. Not willing to let go of a great band a drastic solution was made. The band reformed without bassist Kenth Ericsson. A new bassist? Well, a solution has been found, the best possible one at that. Former Overdrive lead-singer Pelle Thuresson now returns, as the band's new bass player! After leaving Overdrive in 1985 Pelle switched to playing bass and has since played with bands like Overheat (together with Stark), Overdrive (1992 edition), Crosseyed Mary and AC/DC cover band AC/DC Jam. "It's truly sad it had to come to this, but it was impossible to continue under previous circumstances. It however feels really great to have Pelle back in the band, both on a personal and a musical level. We've stayed friends through the years and Pelle even made a guest appearance on one of our shows in 2010. This also opens up possibilities for some more interesting things for Overdrive on a live show level. We are really exited to get this sucker on the road, the band says. I didn't expect this at all, but I immediately jumped at it when I was asked. Now I just have to relearn all the old songs on bass instead, Pelle says with a laugh. The band's new single Short Moments is currently on heavy rotation in Swedish radio P4 and a digital release is pending. The band will also support veterans Nazareth in Sweden. Current line up (left to right): Kjell Jacobsson: guitar, Pelle Thuresson: bass, Per “Periloz” Karlsson: vocals, Janne Stark: guitar and Kenta Svensson: drums. For more information go to: www.overdrive.se. Angelmaker medley video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYvkakGz0jg. New shows are currently being booked and for anyone interested, please e-mail at: boooking@overdrive.se SQUARE ONE ANNOUNCE UPCOMING ALBUM TITLE FOR NEW ALBUM: Australian melodic rockers Square One have announced the new album title for their new CD as Summer Radio. Guitarist Stevie Janevski describes the new album's sound as having a bit more edge whilst still remaining true to the melodic rock style with hooks and lush harmonies found on the debut album Supersonic. Fans of Mr. Big, Nelson, Waltham, Rubber, 40 Ft. RingoCinder Road should look out for Square One's Summer Radio which looks to be released mid-2012. Keep updated with Square One news at the band's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/pages/Square-One/203599479662806?sk=info

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• 24 Jan ' 09:59

  January 24

  Coldplay tickets

  Tuesday, January 24, 2012 SYKES GOES AWOL AGAIN:John Sykes fans are going to have to wait even longer for any sign of new music as I can confirm today that the guitarist has pulled out of the much hyped John Sykes/Mike Portnoy project. There is no official reason or statement at this point, but it is understood that a new guitarist will step into the picture, the band also featuring a very well-known and popular big bassist.EUROPE READY THEIR BAG OF BONES:Europe have updated fans via Facebook and Twitter on their new album: "We can proudly announce the title of the new europe album, produced by Kevin Shirley! Watch out this April/May for our 9th studio masterwork Bag Of Bones!"HOUSE OF SHAKIRA RELEASE PARTY THIS THURSDAY: If you happen to be in the Stockholm area on Thursday 26th January then be sure to head over to Pub Anchor for House of Shakira's release party for their new album HoS, which is officially released the following day - Friday 27th January 2012. Attendees at the release party will be able to buy the album (and get it signed) and hang out with the band. Full event info at: www.facebook.com/events/340174149328987 Marking the Swedish melodic rock stalwarts sixth studio release, HoS also heralds the arrival of new members- vocalistAndreas Novak (Novak, ex-Mind's Eye), bassist Blasse Blyberg and drummer Martin Larsson to the fold. The new album sees the band re-energised, a fact being picked up by press worldwide.HoS Press quotes:An album that I am sure will make a few year end best of lists. Fans of the band are in for a treat and if you have never tried this band before, what are you waiting for? - www.getreadytorock.comHopefully it won't be forgotten when it comes time for websites and magazines to make up their top ten releases of 2012 as it surely will be one of them. www.hardrockhaven.netIt's a gotta own album if you are just like me; weak for melodic rock with a lot of guitars, marvellous melodies, clean high male vocals and perfect production. www.powerofmetal.dkThis the sound of a band revitalised and perhaps with a point to prove in 2012. Fans of honest hard rock with a strong dose of melody are well advised to check this out pronto. A contender for melodic rock album of the year already. www.virtuosityone.comHoS is a welcome return to form for House of Shakira. Here's a strong and diverse album of edgier melodic hard rock from a fine band. Recommended. www.dangerdog.com Further information on the release can be found at - Album sampler link: soundcloud.com/lionmusicrecordlabel/house-of-shakira-hos-album / Full promo page including online ordering at www.lionmusic.com/cd/hos.htm RUNNING WILD "SHADOWMAKER" COVER AND TRACKLISTING REVEALED: Reunited German metal legends Running Wild will release their brand new album Shadowmaker in Germany on April 20th, in Europe on April 23rd and in the US/Canada on April 24th 2012 on SPV / Steamhammer The album will be released as a limited first edition in a black jewel case with silver printing and slipcase plus a 40 min bonus DVD with a making of and a track by track commentary by Rock N´Rolf. The double gatefold LP will come with printed inner sleeves and clear vinyl. There also will be a box set limited to 1.000 copies worldwide. It contains 2 LPs, the black jewel case with the DVD, a poster, a sticker, a postcard and a 30 page book in LP size about the history of the band. The cover of "Shadowmaker" is the most unusual in the history of the band, but when you listen to the title track and read the lyrics, you will understand the meaning of it. It was created by Rock N´RolfJens Reinhold (Evergrey, Freedom Call, Virgin Steele etc...), who also will do the complete artwork for all configurations. Stay tuned for more info about the recordings and other news within the next few weeks. Tracklisting black jewel Case + DVD: CD 1.Piece Of The Action 4:25 2.Riding On The Tide 4:18 3.I Am Who I Am 4:51 4.Black Shadow 5:13 5.Locomotive 4:35 6.Me & The Boys 5:00 7.Shadowmaker 4:25 8.Sailing Fire 4:14 9.Into The Black 4:57 10.Dracula 7:29.DVD: Making of “Shadowmaker" / Track by track commentary by Rock N´Rolf / Length approx. 40 min.Boxset: - 2 LPs, clear vinyl - Black jewel case incl. DVD - Poster - Postcard - Sticker - 30 page book in LP size about the history of the band plus photos - 35 x 35 cm - hard cardboard material with top. Rock N´Rolf did a video message to the fans last year about his thoughts about the new album, the past and the future: www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMNzgdu-aFgwww.running-wild.net LEATHERWOLF TO RE-SHOOT LIVE DVD: January 23, 2012 - Southern California's vaunted heavy metal Triple Axe Attack, Leatherwolf, have scheduled a headline show at the Ramona Mainstage, 626 Main Street, Ramona, CA www.ramonamainstage.com on Saturday, January 28 where the band will be filming for an upcoming live DVD. Featuring original members Michael Olivieri (vocals, guitar), Carey Howe (guitar), and Dean Roberts (drums) along with bassist Patrick Guyton and new guitarist Rob Math, Leatherwolf are celebrating both their 30th band anniversary as well as the 25th anniversary of their highly acclaimed major label debut album for Island Records which spawned the MTV single The Calling"We had originally planned to release the 'Live at the Galaxy' DVD but with Rob in the fold we've decided to re-shoot everything. Rob is a killer player who has brought a lot of new energy to the band and we wanted to capture the new and improved Leatherwolf for prosperity", states drummer Dean Roberts"We've already talked to Roy Z (Halford, Bruce Dickinson) about mixing and should have everything completed in another couple of months in time for a tentative summer release." Leatherwolf online: www.facebook.com/pages/Leatherwolf/139268482759209www.youtube.com/LeatherwolfMusicFIONA TALKS TO ROCKPAGES: Greece's Rockpages Web Magazine did an interview with Fiona for the promotion of her latest record "Unbroken". Here's an excerpt: Rockpages.gr: But let's talk about your new job. I know that you have been encourage by some people who really loves you, so now you're finally back. Who are those people that «hiding» behind this decision of yours? Also tell us, with this new record, what was the design or intentions behind the making of? Fiona Flanagan: Fans, People who wrote to me on Facebook. People who came to see me when I was messing about with Bobby Messano. Cousins. I was going to sit for the CPA exam and my cousin said: You're a singer, «dopey». That made me stop and think. Robin Beck was the actual critical piece. She said the right things and I listened. I am very grateful. Rockpages.gr: The amazing James Christian is the producer of this album. Has he provided with his help regarding the composition and lyrics too? How about Tommy Denander, Holly Knight and Marc Tanner? Have they also written some of the songs? Fiona Flanagan: Yeah, we all wrote. I've never met Tommy. Looking forward to it. Rockpages.gr: All the songs of the CD are the one better than the other. For some reason the songs “Wild Ïne” and “Everything You Are” they got stuck in my head as a strange combination, maybe because they interpret in a way the peculiar woman's nature, strong but fragile at the same time. But what's the boldest track in your opinion? Fiona Flanagan: “Wild One” is an «homage» to Marlon Brando in the movie of the same name. I was going to change the lyrics but then I thought, oh who cares, either people get it or they think I am nuts. I love that song musically. Brian McDonald ROCKS. “Everything You Are” has a great bass riff at the end that never leaves my head. It is so good. My old boyfriend wrote that song a long time ago and it was amazing to sing it. I feel proud. Interview: rockpages.gr/detailspage.aspx?id=6865&type=1&lang=EN&sub=SITE VACATION: There will be no site updates for the rest of this week. I am away with the family for a week to enjoy the last week of the summer holidays before school goes back. So forgive the break in transmission, but this will be the last outage for a good while. Next update - next Tuesday.

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  MR-Xtra Members Only Area! Melodic Essentials ·CD Reviews ·Your Reviews ·MP3 Previews ·Release Dates Melodic Interviews ·Feature Interviews ·e-Interviews ·Archive Index Melodic Community ·The Noticeboard ·Message Boards ·Trading Post ·Musicians Board MelRock Awards ·2009/2010 Awards ·2008 Awards ·2007 Awards ·2006 Awards ·2005 Awards ·2004 Awards ·2003 Awards ·2002 Awards ·2001 Awards ·2000 Awards ·Best Of 1999 ·Best Of 1998 ·Best Of 1997 ·Past Poll Results ·Best Ever Votes ·MelRock Best Ever MelodicRock Live ·MelodicRockFest 2007 ·With Journey In LA 2006 ·Firefest 3 ·Tour Dates ·Concert Reviews ·Set Lists ·Live Index More MelodicRock ·Archive News ·Personal Playlist · CDs Wanted · Auctions ·Contact MR.com ·Artist Tributes CD SHOWCASE Sunstorm Emotional Fire Michael Thompson Future Past Sonic Station Sonic Station Mr. Big Live From The Living Room Mark Spiro It's A Beautiful Life House of Shakira Hos Primal Fear Unbreakable Beyond The Bridge The Old Man And The Spirit Mollo Martin The Third Cage Mastercastle Dangerous Diamonds Awake Forever More Consortium Project Volume 1 Angeline Disconnected Coastland Ride On Top Of The World Coastland Ride Coastland Ride Iain Ashley Hersey Vintage Love Greg X Dream Lee Small Jamaica Inn Fate Ghosts From The Past Theocracy As The World Bleeds Andromeda Manifest Tyranny Soul Seller Back To Life Paradise Inc Time Mysticity Ambassadors Of The Hidden Sun Cornerstone Somewhere In America John Pratt Turn The Page Buy cheap John Legend tickets and Fleetwood Mac tickets at Coast to Coast! Also find Britney Spears tickets, Pink concert tour tickets, Bob Dylan shows, Phish tickets and The Fray tickets, as well as Jimmy Eat World tickets, Yes concert tickets and Kid Rock shows. Purchase hot theater and concert tickets this year such as the newest Legally Blonde Tickets, pop star Janet Jackson Tickets and Pythons Spamalot tickets or see Genesis live. We sell Cheap concert Tickets, Guns N Roses tickets, The Throne tour tickets, Bob Seger tickets, tickets to George Strait, Trans-Siberian Orchestra concerts, Drake tour schedule, see Rascal Flatts concerts, Taylor Swift tour tickets, Wicked the Musical! Choose Ticketamerica for premium concert tickets on sale now. Justin Timberlake Tickets, Christina Aguilera Tickets, Billy Joel Tickets, Josh Groban Tickets, My Chemical Romance, Bon Jovi, Rascal Flatts, Jonas Brothers, Carrie Underwood. We also have Broadway tickets for hot shows like Mary Poppins, The Lion King, Spamalot & Wicked tickets. The Dead Tickets; UFC Tickets; Metallica Kid Rock; Tom Petty; O.A.R. Site Sponsors All Site Contents c.1997-2011: melodicrock.com & Andrew J McNeice. Send Anything To: GPO Box 1770 Hobart Tasmania, 7001 Australia Phone/SMS: +61 403 922016 E-Mail

  Monday, January 23, 2012 FRONTIERS - OUT NOW - JANUARY 2012: The latest Frontiers Records promo spot featuring new releases by Primal Fear, Mollo/Martin and Beyond The Bridge. R.I.P. ROBBIE FRANCE & THERESE HANSEROT: A double whammy of sad news: Robbie France (played drums for UFO and Diamond Head), passed away suddenly January 14 from a ruptured aorta. R.I.P. Robbie. "Late last week Therese Hanserot, the original lead singer in Destiny, passed away only 48 years old. Therese joined Destiny in the fall of 1982, just 18 years old, and she left the band in the summer of 1983. During this time she recorded six songs for the first ever Destiny demo as well as performing with the band on their first ever gig (at the rock club RPM). After leaving Destiny she sang in a couple of cover bands before quitting singing for good. At my 30th birthday party in 1990 we reconnected again, this time as friends. We realised that we had so much in common that never came to the surface in the band. For about two years we hanged out together before life once again took us into different paths. Last year, 18 years later, in August, we reconnected through Facebook. And it didn't take long before we were engaged and in a wonderful loving relationship. Therese planned to start playing keyboards again and even agreed to sing a small part on one of the songs for the 30th Anniversary album. Now that will not happen and I will forever carry the memory of Therese in my heart. My sorrow is endless and the hurt is unbearable. I love you Therese!" ~ Stefan Björnshög 2012-01-18. Destiny featuring Therese Hanserot - Lies of Today (demo 1983): youtu.be/nB6UIII-2so / Follow Destiny on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Destiny/8814111627. R.I.P. Robbie and Therese. INMORIA - NEW VOCALIST NEW TRACKS AVAILABLE AS EXCLUSIVE FREE DOWNLOAD ONLY: Press Release / "To showcase Inmoria's new vocalist - Ronny Hemlin - the band have re-recorded a selection of tracks from their latest album 'A Farewell To Nothing - The Diary Part I' with Ronny's vocals. Ronny (Steel Attack, Tad Morose) stepped in to join the band on their UK tour in October 2011 after the departure of previous vocalist Søren Nico Adamsen who features on the latest album. Ronny has now officially joined Inmoria as the new vocalist." Three new re-recorded tracks are available as Free Downloads exclusively via Inmoria's website www.inmoria.com. ROCK MEETS CLASSIC IN ESSEN, GERMANY: Long time reader and avid concert goer Edwin van Hoof sent me his review of a recent Rock Meets Classic show at Grugahalle, Essen, Germany, January 18, 2012. There's more (and pix) at: www.edwinvanhoof.nl, but for now....enjoy: "2012 just kicked off and already I find myself on the front row of one of rock's most exceptional events, Rock meets Classic. After my first acquaintance with this remarkable concert 2 years ago, I was delighted to see it return to the Essener Grugahalle which now, unlike 2 years ago, was nearly sold out. It seems classic rock fans finally appreciate the unique combination of classic and melodic rock, blended with the pompous overhaul of a classic orchestra. The symbioses between this style of music and the Bohemian Symphony Orchestra of Prague is further more elevated by the powerful rock band put together by musical director Mat Sinner (Sinner Primal, Fear). Alexander Beyroth (Sinner, Primal Fear, Voodoo Circle, Silent Force) and Oliver Hartmann (At Vance, Hartmann) handle guitars, and Jimmy Kresic on keyboards. Backing vocals are vividly brought to life by a renowned choir consisting of Amanda Somerville (Thrillium, Avantasia), Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear), X Factor finalist Tiffany Kirkland, Verena AkaNena and German musical star Sasha Krebs. Indeed, an all-star cast which will make stars like Ian Gillan, Jimi Jamison (Survivor, Cobra), Robin Beck, Steve Lukather (Toto) and Chris Thompson (Manfred Mann's Earth Band) and shine brightly tonight. As the lights dim, the orchestra and Kresic kick off the evening together with Krebs and a powerful version of Van Halen's rockhammer “Jump”, instantly creating and interaction with the stunned audience. The towering keyboard theme being empowered by the large string- and brass section of the Bohemian Symphony Orchestra paving the way for the first highlight of this evening; Jimi Jamison. “Burning Heart” and “Eye of the Tiger” are sung along to loud, but the exquisite highlights of the set are “Didn't Know It Was Love”, “I Can't Hold Back” and the stunning beautiful orchestral rendition of “The Search is over”. Especially that ballad gives me goose bobs all over. Jamison interacts with his audience and is a true entertainer. Blessed with a crystal clear voice he manages to make the best impression of this night. Setlist Jimi Jamison:Burning Heart, Didn't Know It Was Love, The Search Is Over, I Can't Hold Back, Eye Of The Tiger. Robin Beck is celebrated in Europe more than in her own country, can fall back on her (Coca Cola) hit single “First Time”, but makes an amazing impression with the tear jerking gorgeous ballad “Tears in the Rain”. A song sung with such emotion and perfection by the lady of melodic rock, that tears are filling eyes around me. The spot with violin solo provides more depth and emotion most can handle. Not only blessed with a wonderful voice and killer looks, the 58 (!) years old Beck also proves to be blessed with a great sense of humour. Announcing “First Time” and “Hide your Heart” with an entertaining act, she is sympathetically funny and proves to be on top of her game. She easily buries the male contenders with an energetic show and this flawless vocal performance. Setlist Robin Beck:Hide Your Heart, Tears In The Rain, First Time. With a crowd anticipating the sheer brilliant performance of the artists, band and orchestra, Chris Thompson is harvesting success by bringing a setlist containing not only Manfred Mann's classics, but his very own “You're the Voice” sung to world fame by John Farnham in the eighties. Though Thompson has a more limited range and raspier voice, the song is performed with such pleasure that it radiates fun. Onstage the players of the orchestra have their own party celebrating the hymn. It makes the performance a pleasure even though Chris' voice isn't holding up like in the old days. His energetic interaction with the backing singers, the Mat Sinner band and the audience makes up for the vocal loss. “Davy's on the Road” was a smash hit in Germany more than once as was the Springsteen penned classic “Blinded by the Light” which both come down hard by the powerful orchestration. “Mighty Quinn” wraps up the first half of tonight leaving behind an audience that is overall numbed by the presented show. Setlist Chris Thompson:The Voice, Davy's On The Road Again, Blinded By The Light, Mighty Quinn. The short break was welcomed by many sharing their views on what they just heard and saw. All around me is a pleasant buzz with an undertone of growing tension. Tension, which is rising as the orchestra, takes their seats and tunes it's instruments to embark onto a powerful performance of the classic “Hall of the Mountain King” by Edvard Grieg. Steve Lukather is the first one tonight going against hall regulations and commanding people to leave their seats. “Child's Anthem” flows smoothly into “Rosanna”. Lukather is not only one of rock's most anticipated guitar legends, he also proves to be one hell of a vocalist. In spite of his status, the guitar slinger doesn't steal anyone's thunder and clearly enjoys his vocal interaction with his guests from the backing choirs. Ralf Scheepers teams up with him for the opening, while “Hold the Line” benefits from the amazing soulful voice of Tiffany Kirkland, also presenting herself as a true at heart performer. Lukather of course is also known for his lightning fast solo's, powerful playing blended with an unbelievable emotional distortion showcased during the Harrison penned “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”. Even more impressive is the performance of “I'll be over You” which he is duetting with vocalist extraordinaire, Amanda Somerville. Thus Steve and the entire cast deliver the next highlight but he also puts the spotlight on Bernhard Fabuljan and his Bohemian Symphony Orchestra of Prague. Setlist Steve Lukather:Rosanna, While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Africa, I'll Be Over You, Hold The Line. The grand finale is without doubt the set of Ian Gillan. Slight limited by a brace on his leg, the master of classic rock fires away fierce with “Highway Star”. Gillan is clearly enjoying the anticipation of the standing crowd, held back by security. Touring last year with Deep Purple and a symphonic orchestra, he is aware of the limitation of the game as well as he is very aware of the extra surplus of power provided by the pompous orchestra. He easily shifts gear, drops the high pitches taken care of by the choir, and simply focuses on what he does best; entertaining. “Knocking at your Backdoor” and “Perfect Strangers” are delivered with such passion and power that is hammers you down. Percussionists and brass sections of the Bohemian Orchestra bring the songs more alive than ever and the same orchestra also makes the bluesy ballad “When a Blind Man Cries” a heartfelt emotional showcase of withheld power. Strings in fine harmony with the weeping guitars of Beyroth and Hartmann. The first one also gets praised by Gillan for his excellent soloing on “Highway Star” and “Perfect Strangers”, swinging his axe sky-high. “Woman from Tokyo” and “Hush” has the orchestra swinging their bows and sticks anticipating the magic of music Of course “Hush” is not the last song of the night as Ian Gillan brings back all of tonight's stars back on the giant stage for a flame shooting version of “Smoke on the Water” during which every singer takes the microphone. Beck and Jamison prove what we noticed before; they are by far the finest voices of the night, but needless to say that they all benefit from the atmosphere created by each and every one performing. Setlist Ian Gillan:Highway Star, Looking Out Your Back Door, Perfect Strangers, When A Blind Man Cries, Woman From Tokyo, Hush ---- Smoke On The Water. True, Rock meets Classic leans on the successful formula created by the immaculate annual Night of the Proms tour. However, due to the addition of a rock band this event does get an entirely different feeling, leaning more towards rock than classical music. Having said that, I must say that the only thing I missed occasionally where the guitars which were put back in the mix a bit. But that also might be because we were seated first row and had the musical overpowering elegance of the orchestra above the PA system. All in all: A sheer night of pleasure and a remarkable line up made this event one of the first highlights of the year. With the tour expanding every year, I hope more countries in Europe are able to enjoy this symbiosis of classical music and rock the seed is planted!" ~ Edwin van Hoof. NEW REVIEWS: The first reviews update of 2012 sees a few new release titles and a stack of 2011 titles not yet reviewed. Still a few more to come before the 2011 MelRock Awards are rolled out. Also - being that 2011 was one of the best musical years ever, it's time to tighten the screws a little with review ratings! Online today - new reviews for: Primal Fear, Mollo/Martin, Beyond The Bridge, Paradise Inc, Soul Seller, Doogie White, Coastland Ride, Angeline, Mysticity, Styx, Neonfly, Wild Rose, MSG, Witch, Royal Jelly, Roxx Gang, D'Molls, Greg X, Joe Matera, Journey, Cornerstone, Iain Ashley Hersey, FireWolfe, Gotthard, Dominelli and Leather Boys. Read The New Reviews. Friday, January 20, 2012 PRETTY MAIDS TO CELEBRATE THEIR 30TH ANNIVERSARY WITH THE RELEASE OF IT COMES ALIVE: Frontiers Records is pleased to celebrate Pretty Maids' Thirtieth Anniversary with the release of the band's first ever live 2CD/DVD package entitled It Comes Alive (Maid in Switzerland) on March 23 in Europe and March 27 in North America. Following the highly acclaimed 2010 album “Pandemonium”, Danish melodic hard rockers, Pretty Maids have been touring more or less constantly throughout 2010/2011. They undertook a full scale European tour in 2010 and have since played several festivals and occasional gigs. The overwhelming response to the new songs and the ongoing requests coming from the fans prompted the band to take their chance and record a live 2CD/DVD last October 1st 2011. Pretty Maids gathered in Pratteln, Switzerland with an enthusiastic and highly explosive crowd of die hard fans and followers to fulfill the demand, for an energetic and memorable performance which was recorded with a fully equipped mobile studio and cameras. “Riding on the success of our previous studio album Pandemonium and with maybe the strongest line up ever, we thought that we'd make some kind of a live document of what this band is all about in the present time” tells singer Ronnie Atkins. “It Comes Alive is purely and simply a tribute to all our fans and supporters throughout the world, who gave us so many memorable moments, so much pleasure and making our childhood dreams come through”. “The band's spirit during the last couple of years has been better than in a long long time” says Atkins. And “It Comes Alive (Maid in Switzerland)” shows the band at the top of their game, performing songs from a 30 year long career. “It's always difficult to make a set list that satisfies everyone” continues the singer, “It's a combination of what the crowd expect us to play and what we like to play ourselves ! But of course there are songs like Futureworld and Red hot and heavy that we have been playing for the last 25 years so, they still get a new life every time we play 'em and still seem to please our audience. But basically what you will find on this Live album are the songs that we toured with on the Pandemonium tour, with a few exceptions”. “It Comes Alive (Maid in Switzerland)” will be exclusively released in a lavish 2cd/dvd digipak released and will include the following tracks: CD1:Pandemonium; I.N.V.U; Hell on high heels; Wake up to the real world; Destination paradise; Another shot of your love; Scream; Walk away; It comes at night; Queen of dreams; Savage heart; Clay. CD2:Yellow rain; Rock the house; Back to back; Rodeo; Lovegames; Future world; Little drops of  heaven; Please don't leave  me; Red hot and  heavy; Lethal Heroes* / * bonus track DVD Contents:Pandemonium; I.N.V.U.; Hell On High Heels; Wake Up To The Real World; Destination Paradise; Another Shot of your love; Scream; Walk Away; It Comes At Night; Queen Of Dreams; Savage Heart; Yellow Rain; Rock The House; Back To Back; Rodeo; Love Games; Future World; Little Drops Of Heaven; Please Don't Leave Me; Red Hot & Heavy. Rockumentary (incl. backstage footage and interviews with the band) DVD Format: NTSC Region Free / Length 120 mins / Stereo mix 2.0 / Screen 16:9 The Album trailer can be enjoyed following this link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=E23eGK20h5w. It Comes Alive (Maid in Switzerland) captures Pretty Maids in their finest moment, Live on stage – In your face ! It's party time, so just: turn up the volume! Pretty Maids - Ronnie Atkins: Vocals, Ken Hammer: Guitar, Rene Shades: Bass, Allan Tchicaja: Drums, Morten Sandager: Keyboards. xx HYDROGYN ANNOUNCE ALBUM TRACK LISTING AND SAMPLES: Kentucky rockers Hydrogyn have releases the track listing for the U.S. release and also have put sample clips up to three of the tracks from Private Sessions for you to hear at www.reverbnation.com/hydrogyn. The Track listing for the US release is as follows: Something To Say, Forbidden Kind, Scream, I Don't Know, Heated Nights, Creeper, Don'tcha Walk Away, Roseline's Song, Feeling, Un Monde Perdu, It Doesn't Matter. The European release is not yet finalized but that will be announced as soon as it is all in place. More songs will be put up on the net so that people will be able to hear them as we get closer to the release of the CD. Also you can hear a new audio interview with Julie Westlake by going to www.rockeyez.com that was just conducted on January 14. Julie talks about the new release as well as working with Tracy G former Dio guitarist on his new release due out this spring as well. Artwork and new photo's will be released soon so stay tuned. JSS ON HMH: On this weeks Hair Metal Haven, Chris Nelson will be talking to Jeff Scott Soto and playing songs from his forthcoming Frontiers Records album Damage Control. You can also hear new tracks from Van Halen, Michael Sckenker, Crimes Of Passion, Casablanca, Angeline, Chickenfoot, The Magnificent and loads more. Following that on the Power Hour, Chris will be playing you his top 10 Melodic/Power Metal tracks of 2011. So tune in this Saturday 21st January, 17.00-19.00gmt on www.phoenixradio.co.uk. INTRODUCING ARROW HAZE: Introducing the newest musical talent from Belgium; Arrow Haze and their debut single Elly Kedward. Arrow Haze is a Belgian band comprised of Theo Green (vocals & drum), Ben Lucian (rhythm guitar), Stef Exelmans (bass) and Karoly Alapi (lead guitar). The band's sound is described as "energetic with rich, multi-layered tapestries of sound filled with industrial overtones and heavy guitar riffs." The group has already worked with the famous Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Alice Cooper, Billy Idol) and are set to release their debut album later this year. Check out their first single Elly Kedward: soundcloud.com/mt-press/arrow-haze-elly-kedward/s-J0Ckj / Official Video: youtu.be/aZUkk75cQJ0. More on Arrow Haze: www.arrowhaze.com. MRX UPDATED: MRX has been updated with 2 more great live shows: - Night Ranger - Club Bene, South Amboy, NJ, USA (1995-12-09)(Audience Recording) - Deep Purple - 11-12-13 Oslo (Soundboard w/Symphony - Show 2) MRX Membership Details. Thursday, January 19, 2012 BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN READIES HIS WRECKING BALL: Bruce Springsteen will release his new CD Wrecking Ball on March 5, featuring 13 new tracks. This also from Rolling Stone magazine: Bruce is close to announcing his 17th studio album and a U.S. tour with the E Street Band. Springsteen's manager Jon Landau tells Rolling Stone that the record is an ambitious "big-picture piece of work. It's a rock record that combines elements of both Bruce's classic sound and his Seeger Sessions experience, with new textures and styles." Music was played for Sony recently, according to The Hollywood Reporter, whose source described the songs as having "unexpected textures – loops, electronic percussion... influences and rhythms from hip-hop to Irish folk rhythms." The disc was produced by Ron Aniello, who has previously worked on albums by Candlebox, Jars of Clay and the last LP by Springsteen's wife, Patti Scialfa. Members of the E Street Band play on the album, along with a variety of outside musicians, including Tom Morello and possibly former Pearl Jam drummer Matt Chamberlain, who has often recorded on Aniello's projects. "It was an experimental effort with a new producer," says Landau. "Bruce and Ron used a wide variety of players to create something that both rocks and is very fresh." According to Landau, the record has "social overtones" – although it was largely written before Occupy Wall Street began and doesn't directly address the movement. The LP also has a "very pronounced spiritual dimension," adds Landau. "It extends and deepens the vision that has animated all of Bruce's work." According to The Hollywood Reporter's source, "[Bruce] gets into economic justice quite a bit. He feels it's the angriest album he's ever made." The E Street Band will spend most of 2012 on the road, including spring and fall U.S. runs and a summer European tour. Dates haven't been announced, but concert-business sources tell Rolling Stone the band has arenas booked starting in March, including an Austin show around Springsteen's March 15th keynote address at the South by Southwest festival. One big question is how the group will address last summer's death of saxophonist Clarence Clemons, Springsteen's onstage foil for four decades. Read more: www.rollingstone.com/music/news/bruce-springsteen-returns-with-wild-new-album-20120118#ixzz1jsKOVtsS. Check out the first single We Take Care Of Our Own via YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHPx3RghAKw. Wrecking Ball Tracklist: 01. We Take Care of Our Own 02. Easy Money 03. Shackled and Down 04. Jack of All Trades 05. Death to My Hometown 06. The Depression 07. Wrecking Ball 08. You've Got It 09. Rocky Ground 10. Land of Hope and Dreams 11. We Are Live 12. Swallowed Up (iTunes Bonus Track) 13. American Land (iTunes Bonus Track). JAPAN RE-ISSUE FRENZY CONTINUES: A huge influx of remastered classics, HQCD and SHM-CD re-issues emanating out of Japan. Here is a brief round-up. For secure and reliable pre-ordering of all Japanese titles, check out CD Japan. Judas Priest: 4 Mini LP HQCD & 11 Latest Remastering Reissues - "We may able to say that 2012 is Judas Priest year. Detailed four cardboard sleeve HQCD reissues are coming soon from this legendary metal band. Happy to say, each of them features K2HD remastering for the first time! Their jacket designs faithfully replicate the original UK LP designs. Titles of this series are: "Rocka Rolla," "Sad Wings Of Destiny," "The Best Of Judas Priest," and "Hero, Hero." Additionally, 11 reissues with 2012 remastering out on February are listed. Thisseries features "Stained Class," "Killing Machine," "Unleashed In The East," "British Steel," "Point Of Entry," "Screaming For Vengeance," "Defenders Of The Faith," "Turbo," "Priest...Live!," "Ram It Down," "Painkiller." Black Sabbath / Sabbath Bloody Sabbath [SHM-SACD] [Limited Release] [SACD] Reissue from Black Sabbath featuring the high-fidelity SHM-SACD format (fully compatible with standard SACD player, but it does not play on standard CD players) using the 2012 DSD master based on UK original analog tape (subject to change). Jewel case. Part of a two-album Black Sabbath SHM-SACD reissue series featuring albums "Heaven & Hell" and "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath." *SHM-SACD (Super High Material SACD) is the ultimate Super Audio CD that utilizes the materials and technologies that were developed for the SHM-CD to further enhance the audio-resolution. Alice Cooper / Muscle Of Love [Cardboard Sleeve (mini LP)] [SHM-CD] [Limited Release] (CD) Cardboard sleeve (mini LP) reissue from Alice Cooper featuring the high-fidelity SHM-CD format (compatible with standard CD players) and 2011 remastering. The cardboard sleeve is faithful to the original LP jacket, including the cardboard box and it also comes with an inner bag and WB palm tree label. Comes with a sticker, a description, and lyrics. Part of a twelve-album Alice Cooper SHM-CD cardboard sleeve reissue series featuring albums "Pretties For You," "Easy Action," "Love It To Death," "Killer," "Schools's Out," "Billion Dollar Babies," "Muscle Of Love," "Welcome To My Nightmare," "Goes To Hell," "Lace And Whiskey," "The Alice Cooper Show," "From The Inside." John Cougar Mellencamp / The Lonesome Jubilee [Cardboard Sleeve (mini LP)] [SHM-CD] [Limited Release] (CD) Cardboard sleeve reissues release from John Cougar Mellencamp featuring the high-fidelity SHM-CD format (compatible with standard CD player). Part of 4-album John Cougar Mellencamp SHM-CD reissue series features albums "Uh-huh," "Scarecrow," "The Lonesome Jubilee," "Big Daddy." More SHM-CD re-issues all released this week: Dio/Holy Diver, KISS/Hot In The Shade, Blue Murder/Blue Murder, Thin Lizzy/Thunder And Lightning, Yngwie Malmsteen/Odyssey, Cinderella/Long Cold Winter, Rainbow/On Stage, Extreme/Pornograffitti, New England/New England. Impellitteri / Impellitteri CD Release Date:2012/02/22. Description: Japan-only reissue of "Impellitteri" features 2011remastering. Bon Jovi / Crush - Special Edition [SHM-CD] Uses 2010 master by Island (US). SHM-CD reissue release from Bon Jovi. Part of a five-album SHM-CD Bon Jovi reissue series featuring albums "Crush - Special Edition," "One Wild Night," "Bounce - Special Edition," "Have A Nice Day - Special Edition," "Lost Highway - Special Edition." Comes with lyrics and a description. Jewel case. Def Leppard / X [SHM-CD] SHM-CD reissue. Comes with lyrics and a description. Jewel case. CAT SCRATCH FEVER @ THE WHITE LION – SATURDAY 31ST MARCH, FROM 4PM ONWARDS: Cat Scratch Fever will be rocking the White Lion in Streatham on 31st March. This outstanding rock line up has been put together to support local charities Music 4 Children & Streatham Cats Rescue Group, and includes some South London based artists. Music 4 Children is a charity dedicated to helping vulnerable children worldwide break the negative cycles of homelessness, poverty, crime and abuse. Streatham Cats Rescue is a small, volunteer group which provides care and rehoming to cats in need since 1970. The line-up is as follows: Tyla J Pallas The Dogs D'Amour were unleashed onto an unsuspecting and somewhat mediocre UK music scene during the mid 1980's.  With their ramshackle pirate-meets-Dickens style they pioneered a unique mixture of glam-punk and stonesy rock'n'roll. Tyla has also released an impressive eighteen solo albums to date. He will be playing an acoustic set, drawing on his rich catalogue of both Dogs D'Amour and solo material. Peckham Cowboys Featuring Guy Bailey of the Quireboys – Peckham Cowboys play dirty rock 'n' roll of the highest/lowest order. Check out their already classic local anthem, 'It's a South London Thing'. “sounding like the Faces if Trent Reznor ever got hold of them there's no denying the strength of the racket they make ” (Classic Rock) Brijitte West Who says punk can't be sexy? Guitar toting Brijitte West knows better. Having previously toured with the likes of Marilyn Manson & Rev. Horton Heat this is a rare opportunity to enjoy an intimate acoustic set from the ex NY Loose glam-punk goddess. Keep your ears peeled – as Brijitte's set also promises to include some unheard gems! Pig Iron Pig Iron's eventful career to date has included supporting the mighty Iron Maiden as well as storming sets at the Hard Rock Hell festival, from North Wales to Ibiza – and now to Streatham! With “powerchords that hit you like a jeep Cherokee with bullbars” (Classic Rock) – don't miss your chance to check out Pig Iron's very own brand of Big Rock. Sons of Merrick Brace yourself fordirty slabs of southern rock with the lascivious swagger of Motley Crue and the true grit of Pantera.' Metal Hammer magazinedirty slabs of southern rock with the lascivious swagger of Motley Crue and the true grit of Pantera.' Metal Hammer magazine “dirty slabs of southern rock with the lascivious swagger of Motley Crue & the true grit of Pantera” (Metal Hammer). “Deliciously heavy but with a solid groove” (Kerrang!)dirty slabs of southern rock with the lascivious swagger of Motley Crue and the true grit of Pantera.' Metal Hammer magazine 50ft Woman 50ft Woman; a big sound with an even bigger presence - featuring statuesque, 6ft tall front woman, Minki. Add a fetish for sky-high heels and songs catchier than a cold, a dash of B-movie culture and musical influences including AC/DC and Adam Ant. “the kind of female fronted swagger that has not been seen since Garbage last released a record” (GetReadytoRock) + special one-off appearance from DJ Angel *The White Lion is a unique live music venue and bar located in a large Victorian building on Streatham High Road – nearest train stations are Streatham & Streatham Hill, nearest tube: Tooting Bec Ticket prices: £5.50 in advance, £7.50 on the door. Book your tickets via Paypal: Catscratchfever12@live.co.uk. Please note 100% of your ticket price goes to the charities mentioned. *Please bring a donation of a can or pouch of cat food with you on the night* GREAT WHITE SWIMMING TO EUROPE: After almost half a decade Great White returns to a European stage. Just confirmed as headliner for the 2012 edition of Rock Im Tal (www.rock-im-tal.ch). The event is held every two year and is fully charitable by nature. Tickets are on sale by sending your details to admin@rock-im-tal.ch. The place to be is June 16th 2012 near Zurich, Switzerland. NWOBHM LEGENDS SARACEN INTERVIEWED ON RICH DAVENPORT'S ROCK SHOW: On tonight's edition of Rich Davenport's Rock Show, Rich will be carrying on his ongoing quest to bring you the best of the NWOBHM and the bands from that era who are still active today, with an exclusive interview with Saracen guitarist Rob Bendelow. Rob will be giving us the low down on their new concept album Marilyn, which is full of the band's trademark symphonic melodic rock, and charts the life of Ms Monroe, with guest vocalists playing the various characters in the story, including FM frontman Steve Overland and Robin Beck. If you're a fan of the NWOBHM era, epic melodic rock, concept albums, Marilyn, or any combination of the above, you won't want to miss this one! The show will be broadcast from 7-8pm UK time on Thursday, 19th January at this link www.salfordcityradio.org/shows.php?id=577 and from Friday, 20th December, the show will be available at www.mixcloud.com/richdav1 The show will also feature a mix of classic tracks and killer new cuts from Van Halen, Black Sabbath, Wolfsbane, Thin Lizzy, Slade, and the Scorpions. CD SHOWCASE UPDATED: CD Showcase has been updated with some new expected 2012 releases. They are: Mark Spiro (AOR Heaven, out now); Michael Thompson Band, Sonic Station, Mr. Big & Sunstorm (Frontiers Records, all due February 24). Check them out now. Wednesday, January 18, 2012 FRONTIERS RECORDS SIGNS BRITISH FURYON FOR THE WORLDWIDE RELEASE OF THEIR DEBUT: Frontiers Records is excited to announce the Worldwide release of Furyon's debut album Gravitas on March 23 in Europe and March 27 in North America. Furyon is a new band from the UK who like nothing more than to challenge expectations. Raised on a diet of heavy metal, prog, and classic rock, Furyon mix all these components for a truly unique and contemporary sound. Delivering huge rock radio friendly songs, with technically challenging, yet infectiously catchy musicianship. Dedicated to one sole purpose, making hard hitting songs that will stand the test of time. “"Our music is good songs with touches of intelligence” says singer Matt Mitchell, “There are a many different moods that come out from this album and all the songs have meaning and substance. Heavy and Melodic! That is what Furyon and this album 'Gravitas' is about". What separates Furyon from the crowd is the sheer quality of their musicianship. Boasting two truly world class guitarists in the form of Chris Green and Pat “The Shred” Heath, Furyon have few peers when it comes to the quality of their iconic riffs, and jaw dropping solos. Backing them up is one of the tightest rhythm sections the rock world has to offer with the awesome combination of Lee Farmery, and Alex (Nickel) Bowen. Leading from the front is the outstanding vocal versatility of Matt Mitchell, whose emotion drenched voice effortlessly moves between melodic and crunchingly heavy. “We really have been inspired by many bands over the time (as all musicians and writers are)” continues Matt, “but for this album inspirations from bands like Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, Tool, Mastodon, Alter Bridge and Iron Maiden spring to mind”. In 2009, after a sell out tour, and accompanying EP, Furyon set about the serious business of writing their debut album. The early demo's reached the ears of US producer Rick Beato (Shinedown, Fozzy), and a powerful and symbiotic relationship was formed. “Our hook up with Rick Beato was through Kip Winger” recalls Matt. “We toured with Winger on their Karma tour and we had spoken with Kip about the band Shinedown and how we liked there productions. Kip hooked us up with Rick and to our delight he was interested in doing the album. Rick is a truly great Producer and writer”. Released independently on a low profile and later covermounted on Metal Hammer UK, “Gravitas” received already rave responses from the press, including: “I've seen hundreds of unsigned & unknown band in my career. Only a handful of them made me stand up and take any notice. Only one of them made me do that from the very first listen and that one band was Furyon.” Chris Ingham (Group Publisher Classic Rock, Metal Hammer) “Brighton's Furyon are the latest and arguably greatest metal band of the modern era ” Dom Lawson (Metal Hammer UK) “Do you like massive hooks? Do you like world-class guitar playing? Do you like music you can bang your head to, stamp your foot to, drive to and f*** to? Yes? then, even if you've not yet heard them, Furyon are already one of your favourite bands.” Alex Baker (Kerrang! Radio) “Furyon almost crashed the airwaves when they came on my radio show, I've never had so many listeners tune in. They deserve to be stars. They deserve to play stadiums.” Louise Brown (Presenter Totalrock Radio/Editor Terrorizer Magazine) “It has real underlying guitar driven fury” Classic Rock Magazine UK Gravitas will be released on Frontiers Records with the following tracklisting: Disappear Again; Stand Like Stone; Souvenirs; Don't Follow; New Way of Living; Voodoo Me; Fear Alone; Wasted on You; Our Peace Someday; Desert Suicide; Voodoo Me (acoustic)*; Souvenirs (acoustic)* / * Bonus tracks. Enjoy the video clip of the awesome first single Disappear Again following this link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEClIzmdBE8 - The song can also be streamed on the Frontiers Records webradio: www.frontiers.it/webradio. Frontiers is now releasing this stunning debut worldwide with 2 bonus tracks. Pay attention: Furyon are destined to stardom! Weblinks: www.frontiers.it / www.furyon.net. xx JUDAS PRIEST'S CAREER SHOWCASED WITH EXTENSIVE CD BOX SET: Few heavy metal artists have built as stellar a discography as Judas Priest over the years. And now, fans will get a chance to acquire all of Priest's classics in one fell swoop. On January 24th, Columbia/Epic/Legacy will release the 17-CD box set, 'The Complete Albums Collection,' which contains every studio and live album that featured the classic line up of Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton, K.K. Downing, and Ian Hill. Included will be brand new remasters of Priest's first two albums, 1974's 'Rocka Rolla' and 1976's 'Sad Wings of Destiny' (which have never been released before as authorized remasters by the band), in addition to each individual album being packaged in a replica mini-LP sleeve reproducing that album's original cover art. And although the 2009 live compilation, 'A Touch of Evil Live' is included; no other compilations will be present. Also featured in the set will be a 40-page booklet with photos, album credits, and liner notes by rock journalist/Priest fan Greg Prato. 'The Complete Albums Collection' will be available for purchase exclusively via Popmarket.com. It's not often that you can acquire all of the classic albums by one of rock's all-time great bands in one gorgeously assembled package. Judas Priest's killer 'The Complete Albums Collection' is certainly one of these rare occurrences. Albums Included In 'The Complete Albums Collection': Rocka Rolla (1974) Sad Wings of Destiny (1976) Sin After Sin (1977) Stained Class (1978) Killing Machine (1978) Unleashed in the East (1979) British Steel (1980) Point of Entry (1981) Screaming for Vengeance (1982) Defenders of the Faith (1984) Turbo (1986) Priest Live! (1987) Ram It Down (1988) Painkiller (1990) Angel of Retribution (2005) Nostradamus (2008) A Touch of Evil Live (2009). For further information visit www.judaspriest.com & www.chipsterpr.com. KILL DEVIL HILL UNVEIL ALBUM ARTWORK, TRACK LISTING: Kill Devil Hill the new project featuring acclaimed drummer Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath, Heaven and Hell, Dio) and bassist Rex Brown, (Pantera, Down) guitar slinger Mark Zavon and lead vocalist Dewey Bragg have confirmed a March 23rd release date in Germany, March 26th in Europe and March 27th in North America via SPV/Steamhammer. The album will be available in a standard CD edition, iTunes digital download and double gatefold LP. Details and track listings for each format can be viewed below. CD: War Machine, Hangman, Voodoo Doll, Gates Of Hell, Rise From The Shadows, We're All Gonna Die, Time & Time Again, Old Man, Mysterious Ways, Up In Flames, Revenge. Double Gatefold LP: Bonus Track: Drawbridge / iTunes Digital Download: Bonus Track: Strange. Revolver Magazine is hosting an exclusive stream of the first track from Kill Devil Hill's self-titled debut album. The track entitled Time and Time Again can be streamed exclusively at: t.co/4LHY9sIs. For more info please visit: www.killdevilhillmusic.com / www.spv.de. LA GUNS SIGN TO CLEOPATRA: L.A. Guns featuring Phil Lewis, Steve Riley, Stacey Blades and Scotty Griffin are pleased to announce the signing of their new record deal with Cleopatra Records. The band are currently in pre-production and expect to start tracking in early February with legendary producer, and old friend, Andy Johns (Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, Cinderella, Van Halen and Chickenfoot, as well as the last three L.A. Guns albums). A CD and vinyl release, as well as bonus tracks available only on iTunes, is set for early summer. A nine-month World Tour following the release is also currently being put together. Singer Phil Lewis is said to be thrilled to get back in the studio and finally get a chance to record once again with Andy. "We've been waiting a long time to get back in and record. Our last album, Tales From The Strip, was incredibly well-received and we're looking forward to putting out something even better! With today's uncertain musical landscape it's great to have a label like Cleopatra Records behind us. We've been friends with Brian Perera (Cleopatra Records owner and founder) for a long time, and are really looking forward to working together on this and many more projects with him in the future." Tuesday, January 17, 2012 JEFF SCOTT SOTO'S RETURN TO ROCK ON DAMAGE CONTROL OUT IN THE SPRING ON FRONTIERS: Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of Jeff Scott Soto's fifth studio album Damage Control on March 23 in Europe and March 27 in North America. Extraordinary performer and amazing vocalist throughout, Jeff Scott Soto blasts through these hard rocking tracks with energy and masters the transition smoothly from heavy rock to a delicate ballad. For his new album Damage Control, Jeff has turned to many of his past influences and most requested aspects of his career by blending the art of Melodic Rock with Hard Rock throughout. “I feel Damage Control is more of a return to what my fans would expect to hear from me. It's a perfect blend of my first two solo albums with Frontiers Records; Prism and Lost in the Translation, but also mixes in some of my favorite moments of my past bands such as Talisman and Soul SirkUS” tells Jeff. “It is heavy, AOR, hard rock with loads of great riffs and melodies.” Damage Control was recorded in the fall of 2011 and is completed with appearances and co-writing along with his former and current band mates together with many guests including Jamie Borger and Nalley Påhlsson (Treat), Casey Grillo (Kamelot), Joel Hoekstra (Night Ranger) and legendary Y&T founding member Dave Meniketti. Jeff recalls: “Y&T drummer Mike Vanderhule played drums on a track and suggested I bring Dave on but, as he is a long-time friend and one on the 'wish list' of people I would have loved to have, I didn't want to get an excuse that he was too busy or not interested, to my surprise I got neither... he was willing to do it and I was not only grateful but beyond pleased to work with another musical hero!” The album will be released in two exclusive configurations; the basic version in CD jewel box will include 11 songs, while the deluxe edition in DigiPack format has an additional 3 bonus tracks and a DVD. Full tracklisting is below: CD:Give A Little More, Damage Control, Look Inside Your Heart, Die A Little, Take U Down*, If I Never Let Her Go, Tears That I Cry, BonaFide, Elena*, Krazy World, How To Love Again, AfterWorld, NeverEnding War, Afraid To Die* / * Bonus tracks only available on the Deluxe Edition. DVD:Look Inside Your Heart (videoclip); NeverEnding War (videoclip); Damage Control (videoclip); EPK interview. The first single Look Inside Your Heart can be streamed in full on Frontiers Records' webradio: www.frontiers.it/webradio - the official trailer can be enjoyed below: Jeff Scott Soto is currently planning tour dates that will support the release of the new record: “The plan is to do as much touring as possible wherever the World will have me. I plan to promote this album with a proper touring regiment!” concludes Jeff. Get ready for “Damage Control”, it will rock your World! WebLinks: www.jeffscottsoto.com / www.frontiers.it. Musicians: All Vocals: Jeff Scott Soto Guitars: Gary Schutt, Jorge Salan, Diego Armelin, Rodrigo Armelin, Joel Hoekstra, Emo Markov, Dave Meniketti, Peter Pac Söderström, Alex Llorens, Joel Hoekstra, Roger Benet, Leo Mancini, JSS Bass: Fernando Mainer, Nalley Påhlsson, Henrique Baboom, JSS Keyboards: Fabio Ribiero, Ulf Wahlberg, BJ (Luis Paulo Almeida Jr), JSS Drums: Edu Cominato, Carlos Exposito, Casey Grillo, Mike Vanderhule, Jamie Borger, Joey Soto xx Beyond The Bridge - The Old Man And The Spirit - EPK (Official). Out Now also on Frontiers Records. LITTLE ANGELS CONFIRMED FOR DOWNLOAD 2012: On July 2nd, 1994 the Little Angels played their final gig to a sold out Royal Albert Hall in London. Toby Jepson, Bruce Dickinson, Mark Plunkett, Jimmy Dickinson & Mark Richardson took their final bow, shook hands and brought to an end the life of one of the UK's finest rock bands, splitting up at the height of their popularity. In June 2012 the Little Angels will make their long overdue return. Toby, Bruce, Mark, Jimmy & Rich will re-unite for a special guest performance at the Download Festival, Castle Donnington. Little Angels' beginnings were hatched at Filey School, North Yorkshire in 1984, when Toby Jepson (Vocals) and Mark Plunkett (Bass) formed their first band, Zeus. A year later at Scarborough Sixth Form College they teamed up with Dave Hopper (Drums) and the brothers Bruce & Jimmy Dickinson (Guitar and Keyboards respectively) to form Mr Thrud. The band name is changed to Little Angels as they record their 1987 EP at Blue Strike Recorders in Harrogate. That same year the band team up with their manager, Kevin Nixon, and release their debut mini album, Too Posh To Mosh, on Powerstation Records. Through the summer they support Guns N Roses, Faith No More and Tesla at the legendary Marquee Club on London's Wardour Street. The following year Dave Hopper is replaced on drums by Michael Lee, formerly of thrash metal band Holocade. The band recorded their first single, 90 In The Shade and set out on their breakthrough Rock N Roll Education tour, playing in schools at lunchtime and clubs at night across the UK. In 1989 the band are offered a major recording deal, backstage at the Marquee Club. They sign to Polydor Records and release the Big Bad EP and their first album, Don't Prey For Me. At this time they are joined in the studio and on stage by the Big Bad Horns. The horn section of Dave Kemp, Grant Kirkhope and Frank Mizen would remain with band for the following five years. August 1990 sees the band make their debut performance on Top Of The Pops as the single She's A Little Angel reaches number 21 in the UK singles chart. The band enter the studio to record their second album at Great Linford in Milton Keynes. The planned album title of Spitfire is changed to Young Gods as the Gulf War breaks out. The first single, Boneyard, is banned by Radio 1 in January of 1991. The band take off around Europe supporting ZZ Top on their stadium tour. Later that year, Lee leaves the band during the Young Gods tour after successfully auditioning for The Cult. He is replaced by Mark Richardson, who filled in for him on several tour dates before taking his place officially during the recording of the band's third record, Jam. Rich's first appearance with the band was on the TV show Jim'll Fix It in December of '91. In the Summer of 1992 the band play Wembley Stadium as they tour with Bryan Adams. Adams joins them later that year to record backing vocals on Too Much Too Young. The single is the first track from the Jam album that goes to number 1 in the UK album chart in January '93. The second single, Womankind, gives the band their biggest hit reaching number 12 in the UK singles chart. The band tour Europe with Van Halen and Bon Jovi as they establish themselves as a major force across the UK and Europe. The bands live following grows as they headline their own Jammed Live tour and release their Jam On Film live video. In 1994 the band release Little Of the Past as their relationship with Polydor comes to an end. As the band decide to call it a day they release Too Posh To Mosh Too Good To Last through Castle Communications and set our on a farewell tour of the UK, culminating on July 2nd 1994 at the Royal Albert Hall. In November 2008 Michael Lee dies at the age of thirty-nine. Toby, Bruce, Jimmy and Mark meet again for the first time in fifteen years as they attend his funeral in Darlington. From the tragic death of their band-mate old friendships are rekindled. Website: www.littleangelsofficial.com. THE METAL FOR CANCER DRAGON SLAYER ALL STAR PROJECT: Announcing the release of the new digital single 'Lets Unite in Rock' featuring an all-star cast exclusively written and produced by Henrik Flyman to raise funds for cancer research. Available exclusively now from www.metalforcancer.com and iTunes. Cancer is a disease that touches every people from all walks of life and the heavy metal community is no exception with many Hard Rock and Heavy Metal legends having lost their battle to this devastating disease and affecting all those around them. The song starts off with a riff which pays homage to the late Ronnie James Dio and lyrically uses typical heavy metal imagery describing the heavy metal community uniting to defeat cancer which in the song is portrayed as the beast. We ask people to spare merely a couple of dollars to purchase the song and spread the word so as we the metal community can do our part to contribute and help defeat cancer. View the official video here at YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUSRngPJ4uw. Join us on Facebook here www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Metal-For-Cancer/230467360301423. The Band: Henrik Flyman - guitar (Evil Masquerade) Peter Wildoer - drums (James LaBrie, Darkane, Arch Enemy) Thor Jeppesen - bass (Evil Masquerade) Artur Meinild - keyboard (Evil Masquerade) Singers: Mats Leven (Therion, Yngwie Malmsteen) Snowy Shaw (Therion, Mercyful Fate, Dream Evil) Tony Kakko (Sonata Arctica, Northern Kings) Apollo Papathanasio (Evil Masquerade, Firewind, Spiritual Beggars) Tony Mills (TNT, Shy) Silvio Massaro (Vanishing Point) Richard Ofsoski (Ofsoski, Sedition) Henrik Flyman (Evil Masquerade) Lance King (Avian, Pyramaze) Dagfinn Joensen (Fate). Lead Guitarists: Glen Drover (Megadeth, Testament, Eidolon) Henrik Flyman (Evil Masquerade) Stu Marshall (Empires Of Eden) Mixed And Mastered By: Jacob Hansen, Hansen Studios. Composed And Produced By: Henrik Flyman All money derived from this song are donated to the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (www.acrf.com.au) with full approval. WebLinks: www.metalforcancer.com / www.reverbnation.com/ofsoski. MALICE SIGNS WITH SPV / STEAMHAMMER: Legendary US metal band Malice signed a worldwide deal with SPV / Steamhammer. Original members Jay Reynolds (guitars), Mick Zane (guitars) and Mark Behn (bass) entered the Silver Cloud Studios in Los Angeles together with new singer James Rivera (Helstar) and new drummer Pete Holmes (Black N´Blue) to re-record some of their classics plus 4 new songs. The producer is Joe Floyd (Warrior) who also was involved in producing records of Bruce Dickinson and Rob Halford. The album is scheduled for a May 2012 release. "We were all amazed at the great crowd response and turn out for the gigs we played in 2011 , and it feels great to have a well-known label like SPV behind us, be in the studio with a veteran line up and have a killer producer...... there will no longer be an absence of Malice !!" comments Jay Reynolds. The band can`t wait to go on tour and dates will be announced soon. Bass player Robert Cardenas (Agent Steel) , who also recorded the new tracks in the studio, will step in for Mark Behn on the live front. SPV / Steamhammer A&R / Product manager Olly Hahn comments: "Malice was always underrated. With their two albums "In The Beginning" and "License To Kill" they created timeless US Metal and it´s time to let all the younger fans know about this and show the older fans that Malice is still capable to write songs in the name of metal. I`m very happy that the band decided to be part of the growing SPV / Steamhammer family." MALICE was formed in 1981 and released two albums: In The Beginning (1985) and License To Kill (1986) and one EP Crazy In The Night (1988). They also were part - and the only band with two songs - of the first legendary "Metal Massacre"-Sampler in 1982. Malice toured in the US, Canada and Europe with bands like Alice Cooper, WASP and Slayer. Most memorable gig was in 1982 when Malice played in Los Angeles at the Troubador Club - support act was an unknown band called....... Metallica. For more information please go to: www.malicemusic.com / www.spv.de. MELODIC BRIEFS: Live And Loud (ARfm) tonight (Jan 17) will feature Joe Lynn Turner on the show, previewing the upcoming Sunstorm - Emotional Fire album with 3 tracks from the album. Also appearing will be Andreas Novak of House of Shakira, with the usual mixture of requests and up to the minute releases it should be a great show 9pm GMT 4pm EST and 1pm PST Tuesday Jan 17th. www.arfm.co.uk Italian hard rockers Voodoo Highway, wishing you an ultra-rocking 2012 and to thank everyone for the great help you all gave to the band in 2011 in making it a great year, will make available for Totally Free Download their song Till It Bleeds from January Monday 16th to Sunday 22nd... so be fast! You can easily download the song on Voodoo Highway's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/pages/VOODOO-HIGHWAY/107889722591097 or on Reverb Nation at the following address: www.reverbnation.com/voodoohighwayitaly. Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iKhXr_H7f0. Marquee 15 will host an evening of blistering classic metal and hard rock with Alcatrazz featuring Graham Bonnet and special guest Adrian Galysh on February 10th. Alcatrazz featuring Graham Bonnet will be performing all their hits, as well as those from Rainbow and MSG, including Since You've Been Gone, Assault Attack, God Blessed Video, All Night Long and Night Games. Special guest, Los Angeles guitarist, Adrian Galysh, will perform a full set of intense and melodic instrumentals. www.marquee15.com. Snowy Shaw Is Alive! is the title of the brand new live album with Snowy Shaw. Available on iTunes worldwide NOW! The brand new Snowy Shaw website & webshop will be launched soon: www.snowyshaw.net. The Appetizer preview: www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3tG5w8bjbM. BlancaWhite have teamed up with Sleaze Roxx to deliver the title track from the band's new album Resurgence Of Rock, sung by King Kobra and Rough Cutt vocalist Paul Shortino at: www.sleazeroxx.com/news/00967.shtml. RockEyez Audio interview with Jesse Blaze Snider (Son of Dee Snider of Twisted Sister): www.rockeyez.com. The Greek Hard Rockers Junkyard 69 released their first Official video clip We Want War: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sf7pT8mU4E&feature=channel_video_title. Pekka Rautiainen has a brand new video Burning Up at YouTube now: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxuAQUaPNZk. www.pjrautiainen.fi. CHAD SMITH TALKS CHILI'S, CHICKENFOOT AND MORE IN iDRUM DIGITAL MAGAZINE: Red Hot Chili Peppers' drummer Chad Smith talks to iDrum in an exclusive video interview recorded at the London O2 arena. Chad talk about his return to the Chili's after a two-year break, the new guitarist Josh and the part he has played in re–energising the band, the new album and the current tour to promote it. He also talks about his friendship with Sammy Hagar, how Chickenfoot was started and working with Joe Satriani. You can watch the 30 minute interview for free, plus extended exclusive footage of a tour of his drum kit, and listen to Ian and Chad as they talk about tracks on the new album I'm With You and the influences and where the music came from. iDrum is the free digital magazine with all the hottest drumming news and reviews, subscribe now at: www.idrummag.com/issue6. JULES OF WHITE WIDDOW TALKS: The most upcoming Melodic Rockers talks to BeRock radio! Jules Millis from White Widdow talks about everything! Snakeyes: what were your impressions from the Firefest 2011 in Rock City? What is the experience of performing in the world's best fest? Jules:The anticipation leading up to Firefest was almost overwhelming. I've been to Firefest for the three years before we performed there and have seen the amazing enthusiastic crowd and the incredible artists that have played there. So I was very nervous when we took to the stage on the Sunday, but the crowd welcomed us and their response was simply breathtaking. Full Interview: minizine.berock-live.com/html/interviews/pages012/white_widdow.html?tag=result;title;0. JON ANDERSON AND RICK WAKEMAN ARE .INTHESTUDIO' FOR THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF YES FRAGILE: Dallas, TX - January 16, 2012. North American syndicated Rock radio show InTheStudio: The Stories Behind History's Greatest Rock Bands celebrates the 40th anniversary of YESFragile with co-founder Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman. As the 70s began, the British music scene was in transition with the pop/psychedelic sound of the late sixties colliding with a heavier straight forward sound demonstrated by bands like Cream. Ultimately, it was a new progressive rock sound, almost classical in nature, that caught the attention of the British youth and soon the FM airways in America. For Yes, their 4th album 1972's Fragile and it's unlikely hit "Roundabout" would be the breakthrough to catapult the progressive rock outfit into arena superstars. Drafted as their new keyboard player then, Rick Wakeman tells show host Redbeard how Yes found its mark when making Fragile. "I was always convinced and it sounds a bit egotistical, but I don't mean it to, that when we did Fragile, all the time we were recording it, writing it and putting it together, that it was something very, very special." Jon Anderson remembers, "Probably around Fragile was the time that I started to become a little bit more like a director. They use to call me 'Napoleon'. They never told me to my face (chuckles). It didn't matter, I didn't care, as long as it was happening. Later I learned the word 'catalyst'." InTheStudio is syndicated on over 50 radio stations throughout North America. Yes Fragile/InTheStudio show will air the week of January 16th. To stream the interview online beginning January 16th, visit: www.inthestudio.net/this-week-in-the-studio/yes-2# Friday, January 13, 2012 LITA FORD SIGNS TO SPV FOR NEW SOLO ALBUM: Legendary female metal icon Lita Ford has signed a worldwide deal with SPV/Steamhammer. Her new album entitled Living Like A Runaway is tentatively set for a May 2012 release. Best known for her work with The Runaways and her solo career, featuring hit singles “Kiss Me Deadly” and the Billboard charting duet “Close My Eyes Forever” with Ozzy Osbourne, Lita is ready to make a return to the throne as the queen of metal: “SPV gets who I am, my work, and what it takes to bring this project to life. I'm very excited to have them on my team,” says Lita. Lita spoke about her work with Gary Hoey on the album and the meaning of the album's title: “Gary Hoey and I wanted to approach this record by getting back to basics. We want to strip away all the electronics and plug-ins and keep it to vocals, guitar, bass, and drums. Going back to basics is going back to what punk, metal and The Runways was for me. “Living Like A Runaway” means freedom and empowerment. To do what I want and to pursue my dreams while answering to no one.” SPV A&R Representative/Product Manager Olly Hahn commented on the signing of Lita Ford: “When I bought “Dancin' On The Edge” back in 1984 I never thought that I would ever sign Lita Ford to a label. But a dream of mine came true and it`s a huge honor for us at SPV/Steamhammer to have one of the leading women in Rock n`Roll on our label.” For More Information Please Visit: www.litafordonline.com / www.spv.de. A SMALL RIOT IN THE QUIET HOUSE: Quiet Riot will turn to Keith St. John to fill in on currently scheduled dates after vocalist Mark Huff was fired from the band this week. There is a bit of online debate going about just what went down and I'm told from a direct source that there is more to the story here and a good reason for his firing, but Frankie Banali is choosing not to go into details. From ex-Quiet Riot singer Mark Huff on Facebook: "As I sit in hospital...wait for my brain surgery....i have been let go from Quiet Riot.And nobodys had balls to tell it to my face.Interesting ...the rock n roll business.I have to read the news in a post thats not even directed to me?...WTF?Let me tell all my friends......dont count me out....watch what happens.its obvious what I ever ment to this situation....i deserve better treatment....dont worry about me......worry about your own bad selves.and I am gonna take the high road......i have so much shit I could speak.....stay tuned my friends.....and if you arent.....delete me." Frankie Banali:"With regards to Mark Huff: My policy has always been not to air out the dirty laundry in public. That policy remains the same even in light of those who chose to make accusations. The fact is that Mr. Huff's medical condition had nothing to do with the decision that was made though it is unfortunate that it comes at such a time. His wife assured me that Mark would be home this week, and as legal protocol dictated, a certified letter was sent informing Mark of the decision that was made and why it was made. This was days ago. The content of that letter is a private matter unless Mr. Huff decides to make the reason for his dismissal made public which I believe would be counterproductive for him. I will not go tit for tat with this issue. If certain person wish to villainies me, that is their prerogative." BABYLON AD SINGER DEREK DAVIS RETURNS WITH RE-VOLT: Press Release / The revolution is moving across the nation! Rise up! Re-volt! Man your stations! The revolution is moving across the nation! Re - Volt! A bull horn blasts its opening line salvo from the title track of the new solo debut release by Derek Davis - former singer/songwriter of Arista Recording Artists, Babylon A.D. Re - Volt, the hard rock, retro/metal mind blower of eleven tracks captures an angst ridden, sometimes dark, and yet poetic true to life world in which most of us can now relate. (Did someone say perfect timing?) But this is not your typical metal rock formula release. From the opening tracks revolution call of (Re-Volt), to the second song (Bad Man Cometh) an up-tempo motion picture style soundtrack with “surprise! A rapid-fire rap by guest artist, Monte Carlo. And through the third track, a bombastic guitar driven slow grinder called (Tied Down and Hammered) “you kick me with your steel toed boot - you hit me with your iron fist.” You just might think you have the man and the sound all figured out. Then suddenly out of the blue comes, (Troubadour). A beautifully crafted acoustic song with a surreal story of new found love and hope, with the Spanish style guitar playing and glass-like strings adding depth and emotion to the songs moving lyrical content. The battle cry of (American Jihad) follows with a funkafied bass line driven by a menacing vocal attack, with Derek delivering every line with bullet like precision. (Hollywood Heartbreak) is a solid up-tempo rocker with a “Born to Run” like theme. On track seven' Derek really breaks out the production with (The Promise) a heart breaking paradoxical death bed love story. The music is spacious and mystical, with clean roto-verb type guitar sounds, a strange rhythmic drum beat and a stunningly haunting vocal. Up next are (Judas Kiss) where Derek cranks out a brutal tale of betrayal and revenge. (I love U 2 Death) dark and vampirish, (Love Star) a temptation driven, sexy groover. And the final track (Desperate). It is a great big luscious ballad. A wall of sound and orchestration, with the arrangement and lyrical content perfectly weaving a sad tale of loneliness and isolation, “Everybody's desperate just like you.” This song has massive hit appeal written all over it! Derek Davis has brought together an eclectic mix of songs. “It's not the Beatles White album, but I feel I have had the freedom of expression to write and produce music the way I have always wanted, something you usually can't do with the restrictions of a major label,” says Derek. Lyrically and musically painting a moving picture landscape of frustration, revenge, love and destruction,' and at the same time beautiful and thought provoking. Derek has created a true modern anthem rock album, with a wild and twisted roller coaster ride of emotions for its listeners. The melodies, musicianship and production are excellent and the execution and arrangements all fit together nicely. Vocally, Derek's style is high-octane grit, full of electric energy, different enough to push beyond the modern day Daughtry clones and provide the material with the exact right combination of power and attitude. The revolution is moving across the nation! Re - Volt! The new release by Derek Davis is due for a world wide release on January, 30th from Apocalypse Records. Tracks: 1. Re - Volt 2. Bad Man Cometh 3, Tied Down And Hammered 4. Troubadour 5. American Jihad 6. Hollywood Heartbreak 7. The Promise 8. Judas Kiss 9. I Love U 2 Death 10. Love Star 11. Desperate. WebLink: derekdavismusic.com. 50 EPISODES FOR LIVE FROM DARYL'S HOUSE: To mark the landmark 50th episode of his critically acclaimed web series and syndicated performance show Live from Daryl's House, Daryl Hall gets back to his own blues and gospel roots with Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Keb Mo. The latest installment of the Webby Award-winning series debuts on Jan. 15 at www.lfdh.com. The Compton, CA-born blues and gospel singer, guitarist and writer started his career playing steel drums and upright bass in a calypso band, before starting to record in the '70s with Jefferson Airplane violinist Papa John Creach in an R&B band when he was 21 years old. Keb Mo has been nominated for a Grammy six times in his career, winning three, including a spot in this year's Best Blues Album category for his latest, The Reflection, released last summer on Yolabelle/Rykodisc. Said Keb Mo of his Live from Daryl's House experience: "To work with an artist the caliber of Daryl is a great honor. I've admired his work for many years and for me, this was a great honor." FIREWIND – SIGN NEW DEAL WITH CENTURY MEDIA RECORDS; REVEAL NEW ALBUM TITLE: Greek melodic metallers Firewind, lead by guitar wizard and Ozzy Osbourne band member Gus G., can now proudly reveal to have signed a new worldwide deal (excluding North America) with their longtime partners Century Media Records. Gus G. checked in from the studio to comment on the newly settled partnership as follows: "I hope everyone had a great holiday season and we're kicking off 2012 very strong with lots of stuff in the works. We're currently completing work on our upcoming Firewind studio album, which is coming out killer! I think this album will turn a lot of heads and I can't wait for you to hear it! Be patient cause we got lots of announcements coming, including a few surprises! Also, I'm happy to announce that we've re-signed with Century Media in Europe!! Whether I've been working with CM on Firewind since 2005 or earlier projects since 2002, we've always had a winning team. Together we've achieved fantastic things in the band's career and the proof is the ever growing fanbase and popularity of Firewind. When I explained them my vision and ideas for the new album, they convinced me they're the right partner to take this to a new level! Many thanks to Leif Jensen, Antje Lange, Jens Prueter and the whole team of CM Europe!" Antje Lange, Century Media's European label manager, adds: "We feel very honoured to work with Gus G. further on and play our part in the fast development of this outstanding Greek talent. Firewind is one of the few fast growing bands in their genre. They have the ability to write excellent songs, Gus G. is a true magician on guitars and their live performance is breath taking. Any one out there asking for more?" Firewind are currently in the studio recording their new studio album Few Against Many, which will see a release before the Summer via Century Media Records. Check out the band's YouTube channel for a couple of interesting in-studio episodes already launched for the ongoing recording session and look out for more coming soon: www.youtube.com/firetv Studio Diary Part One – Drums: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DB1q7M7b2I / Studio Diary Part Two – Bass: www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKSbMGQR6R0. Firewind will be playing two special shows this week in their native Greece to conclude the worldwide touring cycle for their current album “Days Of Defiance”, but also to kick-off the new year 2012 with style. Additionally, Firewind have already announced the first couple of European summer festival dates: Masters Of Rock Festival (Czech Republic) and Summer Breeze (Germany). Here are all upcoming tour dates for 2012: Firewind – Live 2012: 13.01. Ioannina (Greece) - Boxx Live Stage / Tickets: www.boxx.gr 14.01. Athens (Greece) - FUZZ / Tickets: www.ticketarena.gr 12.-15.07. Vizovice (Czech Republic) - Masters Of Rock Festival / www.mastersofrock.cz 16.-18.08.Dinkelsbühl (Germany) - Summer Breeze Open Air / www.summer-breeze.de Firewind launched their extensive worldwide touring schedule for the previous “Days Of Defiance” album, originally released in September 2010 via Century Media Records, last year with a well-received tour in Japan, festival appearances at Graspop, Hellfest, Sonisphere UK, Basinfirefest and also supported Judas Priest in Greece. Firewind then continued with successful headlining runs in Europe throughout September (with support by label mates Wolf) as well as all over the USA and Canada in October (with support by Arsis, White Wizzard and Nightrage). More dates for their 2012 campaign are expected to be announced soon Stay tuned for more Firewind news in regards to the upcoming album Firewind online: www.firewind.gr / www.facebook.com/firewindofficial / www.myspace.com/firewind / twitter.com/firewindmusic. LEGACY RECORDINGS CELEBRATES SCORPIONS WITH STATESIDE RELEASE OF TWO NEW TITLES: Legacy Recordings is proud to announce the domestic release of two essential new titles from the seminal metal band Scorpions: Comeblack, a new album of classic rock covers and fresh performances of signature repertoire recorded earlier this year, and Get Your Sting and Blackout - Live in 3D, available on Blu-ray disc, an 11-camera 3-D concert film recorded in Saarbrucken, Germany on April 15, 2011 during Scorpions current farewell tour. Launched by guitarist Rudolf Schenker in 1965, Scorpions forged metal, rock and pop into a sound that's come to signify an entire genre through hard rock anthems like "Rock You Like A Hurricane" and hits like "Send Me An Angel," "Wind of Change" and "Still Loving You," selling more than 100 million records in the process. Last year, Scorpions announced that the group's Get Your Sting and Blackout tour, an epic ongoing worldwide rock 'n' roll odyssey in support of 2010's Sting in the Tail, would be the group's last before retirement. The tour is slated to run through 2012 with a string of historic farewell blowouts and festival performances scheduled Europe culminating with shows at the Wacken Open Air festival (August 4, 2012) and Munich's Olympiahalle (October 13, 2012). Wanting to create a truly memorable concert film to do justice to power of the live show and the high energy emotional impact of the final tour, Scorpions chronicled the sold-out concert on April 15, 2011 in Saarbrucken, Germany with a state-of-the-art 3D production. Helmed by director Gerd F. Schultze (who's worked on 3D films with Michael Jackson, Bryan Adams, Joe Cocker, Carlos Santana and German superstar Peter Maffay), Get Your Sting and Blackout - Live in 3D puts the viewer into the VIP box at the ultimate Scorpions concert. In addition to 100 minutes of pure Scorpions music, Get Your Sting and Blackout - Live in 3D includes more than half-an-hour of behind-the-scenes bonus material. "The preview audience was absolutely euphoric and stunned by the intensity and the never-before-witnessed power and intimacy in which they were able to experience the Scorpions' fantastic concert," said Gerd Schultze following a theatrical screening of the film. "The people left the screening with a completely new and never-before-seen concert experience and wanted to watch it all over straight away. Part of the reason is, that we have managed to create an unbelievable 3D depth with a specially developed method, which is very pleasant to watch. Using the new camera technology, we managed to translate 3D in the cut and montage technique in a style that will meet the expectations of a first class product even in ten years time. It makes you feel like you're sitting in the VIP lounge amidst the audience through this 11 camera 3D concert staging and its monstrous 5.1 surround and stereo sound. At the same time, The Scorpions perform their unbelievably powerful and visually unique show with all their hits live in your living room. This is pure dynamite ... fasten seat belts and take off ... into the third dimension." "Saarbrucken was a very good choice," wrote the band in a press statement, "our fans were simply sensational and gave us the chance to thank them for their many years of support." Get Your Sting and Blackout - Live in 3D - Blu-ray. The Set List: Intro, Sting In The Tail, Make It Real, Bad Boys Running Wild, The Zoo, Coast To Coast, Loving You Sunday Morning, The Best Is Yet To Come, Send Me An Angel, Holiday, Raised On Rock, Tease Me, Please Me, Dynamite, Kottak Attack, Blackout, Six String Sting, Big City Nights, Still Loving You, Wind Of Change, Rock You Like A Hurricane, When The Smoke Is Going Down. At some point during the Get Your Sting and Blackout tour ("We can't remember the day, the month or the hour"), Scorpions, enjoying the success of Sting in the Tail and the emotional rejuvenation of the farewell tour ("Screaming fans everywhere we went!") decided to record one last classic album. "The idea to go back to the studio was born out of pure excitement," said the band who cut an album mixing covers of rock 'n' roll standards that informed and inspired the Scorpions alongside new productions and performances of the songs in the band's core catalog that have proved the most meaningful to the members. The result, Comeblack, is, according to the band, "an encore for our die-hard fans, to thank them for all the support for so many years. At the same time, this is a tribute to legendary bands from the sixties, like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, who have inspired us to follow our dreams. We hope you like it as much as we do... Rock on and ... Comeblack." Scorpions - Comeblack - tracklisting: Rhythm of Love, No One Like You, The Zoo, Rock You Like A Hurricane, Blackout, Wind of Change, Tainted Love (Gloria Jones/Marc Almond), Children of the Revolution (T. Rex), Across the Universe (The Beatles), Tin Soldier (Small Faces), All Day and All of the Night (The Kinks), Ruby Tuesday (The Rolling Stones). WebLinks: www.the-scorpions.com / www.legacyrecordings.com. LILLIAN AXE TO RELEASE THEIR ELEVENTH ALBUM XI: THE DAYS BEFORE TOMORROW FEBRUARY 14: "This is the best record I have ever written for Lillian Axe" says lead guitarist Steve Blaze. That's a bold statement considering the amount of music Lillian Axe has produced during its eventful career. XI:The Days before Tomorrow is the eleventh release from Louisiana Music Hall of Fame members, Lillian Axe and marks the debut of new lead vocalist Brian Jones of Jackson, Mississippi. Lillian Axe has recorded an impressive amount of songs, earned the loyalty of a devout fan base worldwide and amassed an extensive amount of effusive critical acclaim from their peers. Brian Jones brings an amazing new voice and incredible vocal range to Lillian Axe. His vocal style compliments Steve Blaze's songwriting and in turn has inspired Steve to write some of his most passionate, deep and soulful new songs to date. The songs on XI:The Days before Tomorrow reflect Steve Blaze's passionate beliefs in the power of music. Steve's compositions are as emotional as they are infectious. They are in your face songs of truth, war, neglect, Mother Nature, the innocent victim, the state of the world, current issues and spirituality. Personally charged rock ˜n' roll is what makes Steve's songwriting so melodic and drenched with deep lyrical insight. The album, recorded in Covington, LA at Sound Landing Studios with longtime cohorts, Rob Hovey and David Heintz demonstrates why Lillian Axe is at the top of their game. Produced by Steve Blaze and mixed by platinum producer, Sylvia Massy (Tool, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sevendust, Johnny Cash, Tom Petty and Prince), XI:The Days before Tomorrow, deals with heavy issues of the outcasts, the innocent, the hopeless and the true believers. With the creative momentum in the studio, Lillian Axe took seven months to write and record the new album. Steve Blaze recounts, I had so many ideas and we experimented with a lot of sounds, we took our time to make the album we wanted to for ourselves and the fans. We took no shortcuts recording this album." Platinum producer Sylvia Massy had this to say about the songs on XI:The Days before Tomorrow, "Damn! These guys know how to write! I love the new songs!" Sylvia is no stranger to Lillian Axe. In 2010, Sylvia mixed the song, 47 Ways to Die off of their Deep Red Shadows album which was the featured song in the opening credits of the 2011 Cuba Gooding Jr. movie, The Hit List. Although Lillian Axe has been through some tough times and taken the long road; they still create new music that is both relevant and exciting and continue to tour while others have forsaken the live performances. Lillian Axe respects its past but looks forward to the future by reinventing themselves with the current times. Steve Blaze reflects, "I continue to learn about writing songs, recording, performing and growing as a complete human being. My life experiences are those that make its way into the songs I write for Lillian Axe." The fire and passion still burns in Lillian Axe and maybe even brighter today as their eleventh album, XI: The Days before Tomorrow makes its way out to the world. Brian Jones states, "I'm just getting started and I look forward to the days ahead and the adventures that are coming our way." The Days before Tomorrow: Take the Bullet / the Great Divide / Caged In / Lava on My Tongue / Babylon / Bow Your Head / Soul Disease / Gather up The Snow / Death Comes Tomorrow / My Apologies. For more info, visit: www.cmerecordsandfilm.com / www.lillianaxe.com. INTERVIEW BRIEFS: Lillian Axe guitarist Steve Blaze checked in to talk about their upcoming studio release The Days Before Tomorrow; the journey of finding and recording with a new singer in Brian Jones; specific tracks like Take the Bullet and Gather Up the Snow, how the new album compares to Psychoschizophrenia; upcoming tour plans; and a whole lot more. To hear the audio interview, head to: hardrockhaven.net/online/2012/steve-blaze-of-lillian-axe-2/. "The new radio show "Hooklines and Singers" will be airing for the first time on January 10th, 8pm to 9pm central time on www.youradionetwork.com. The Show is hosted by Jamie Allen (The Storyteller) and Kimmi Jae of "The Reign" radio show. The Awesome Johnny Lima will be the first guest, and they will be covering all the backstage tales that you want to know!! Dont Miss It!! Hooklines and Singers are also currently looking to bring any Melodic Rock band that has a killer cd out onto the air! If this is you please contact Jamie Allen at www.thestorytellercd.com. Satchel and Michael Starr of Steel Panther talk to Examiner.com about the new Balls Out tour, working (and partying) with Chad Kroeger of Nickelback, and a few choice remarks for Gene Simmons! www.examiner.com/music-q-a-in-national/q-a-with-satchel-and-michael-starr-of-steel-panther-on-the-balls-out-tour. New Audio interview with Ted Poley on RockEyez: www.rockeyez.com. TheRighttoRock.com has issued their latest podcast (episode #130), featuring Guitarist Andy Timmons. Andy took time out of his busy schedule to discuss his band's latest release Seargent Pepper's. Andy also discusses his tour plans as well as what it like working with Steve Vai. Interview lasts approx. 35 min. It's that time of year again. Merry (belated) Christmas. It is time for Genghis and Ragman to pull out their Kicks and Kisses lists for 2011. Join G and R while they discuss the hits and misses of 2011. Next the boys warm up the Eggnog for a one on one with guitar extraordinaire Andy Timmons. Andy discusses what it was like tackling a Beatles classic, with his instrumental interpretation of Seargent Pepper's and much, much more... The final instalment of the Metal or Musical Resolutions 2012 went up this week at Piercing Metal. Check it out at: www.piercingmetal.com/wordpress/?tag=metal-resolutions-for-2012. MELODIC BRIEFS: American classical Conductor John Axelrod, has worked with many of the world's leading orchestras in Europe and is currently the Principal Conductor of the Orchestra Sinfonica Giuseppe Verdi and is considered a member of the Elite ladder of classical Conductor's. He is currently working on launching his own concept of a fusion of Classical and Orchestral rock music working with amongst others Queen favourites to construct a novel but fresh approach. Please find links to his you Tube page showing the making of his project. www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CnA4bum9wo. A new Eden's Curse fan site has been created at: officialedenscursearmy.weebly.com. And speaking of the band - I've heard a new singer has been chosen, but I have not yet heard just who. Stay tuned... Virgin Steele is finally unveiling a new video and a new official YouTube channel. The name of the new VS YouTube page/site is: www.youtube.com/user/VirginSteeleTV. Shy has won as Best Album 2011 for poll reader's in rockmelodico.com: www.rockmelodico.com/2012/01/shy-disco-del-ano-para-los-lectores-de-rock-melodico.html. Love and Desperation is the first international single from Casablanca's upcoming debut album Apocalyptic Youth. The band features the all-star line-up of Ryan Roxie (Alice Cooper, Electric Angels), Josephine Forsman (Sahara Hotnights), Erik Stenemo (Melody Club), Anders Ljung (Space Age Baby Jane) and Mats Rubarth (Swedish national team football star). The single will be available on January 20, and the album will be released on March 16 via Rocket Songs Records. MRX UPDATED: MRX has been updated for the first time in 2012 with 3 really killer full soundboard live shows. They are: - Deep Purple - 11 12 07 Helsinki (with Symphony) - Glenn Hughes - 1995-07-14 Heino (Feel tour) - Blue Murder - 1993-12-03 Tokyo Join MRX now and help support MelodicRock.com. Thursday, January 12, 2012 VAN HALEN - US RETAILERS GET PREVIEW & JAPANESE RELEASE: Van Halen'sA Different Kind Of Truth album has appeared for pre-sale around the world in the past few days. Australia will get the first taste of the album officially, with the February 3 release. In Japan the date is February 8 - the only bonus Japanese fans will get is a SHM-CD format disc plus a free poster with each CD or CD/DVD ordered. If interested, pre-order via CD Japan. In related news, I heard from one retailer in the US that was invited to a playback of the album. He commented to me: "Overall, heavier than I expected. Highlights were China Town, Stay Frosty (think Ice Cream Man), Big River, Beats Workin' (reminds you of DOA in the verse). She's The Woman is a great track, we all thought it was a better track than the single." Security for the presentation was super tight though - with the exec from Interscope flying in especially with a coded CD and then taking it back with him when he left. Seems the powers that be are doing everything possible to prevent a leak of the album. FIREWORKS #49 OUT NOW: Fireworks #49 offers 88 full colour glossy pages, including a double page interview with Black Country Communion front man Glenn Hughes, guitar hero Richie Kotzen, the legendary pairing of survivor's Jimi Jamison and Bobby Kimball from Toto, Ten's Gary Hughes, Reckless Love, Red White & Blues, Vain, Iced Earth, Royal Hunt... and many more! As well as the usual plethora of interviews, there's a huge chunk dedicated to in depth reviews on all the latest album releases, reissues, DVDs, books and live concerts - you can't afford to miss out on finding out what's hot and what's not! If that isn't enough for you, there's a cover CD with 18 tracks on from the likes of Mitch Malloy, Red White & Blues, Paul Sabu and Legion! Read extracts of articles from the magazine, as well as two FULL interviews - one with ex-Detective/Power Station vocalist Michael Des Barres, and the other with ex-Inxs front man Jon Stevens at www.rocktopia.net! Buy online from mini-shop here: www.rocktopia.co.uk/index.php?option=com_rokquickcart&view=rokquickcart&Itemid=401. Also available at participating WH Smith, McColls and Martins shops. Use store-finder here to locate nearest stockist: www.rocktopia.co.uk/index.php?option=com_easytable&view=easytable&id=2&Itemid=361. PDF downloadable copy, complete with mp3s of cover CD, available exclusively from melodicrock.com (available next week). CD Tracklisting: Paul Sabu – Rock Don't Run, Mitch Malloy – Falling To Pieces, Paradise Inc – Set Me Free, Subsignal – My Sanctuary, Red White and Blues – Shame, Shame, Soul Seller – Hell of Tears, Mark Spiro – I Know Who I Love, Mastercastle – Icy Moon, Arrayan Path – Gnosis Of Prometheus, Legion – Nemesis, Angeline – Run Run Run, Awake – Out Of Control, Omega – Witching Time, The Okapis – It's You, The Gloria Story – I Can Make You Run, Sara Sucks – Ride It Hard, Presto Ballet – Looking Glass, Kaisas – Jingle Bells. Firefest 2011 female T-Shirts re-printed - Due to over-sight, and fast selling-out prior to weekend, there were NO small or medium girls' v-necked t-shirts on sale at Firefest weekend. Due to requests, we have now done a VERY limited re-print on both pink and purple versions of the t-shirt, which are available for £15 plus P&P. We have 5 small, 2 medium and 3 large of each. Anyone interested please Email: fireworks.mag@ntlworld.com for details. First come, first get INTRODUCING FLYING COLORS: Flying Colors, the spectacular new virtuoso prog/pop/rock band, featuring drummer Mike Portnoy (ex-Dream Theater) and guitarist Steve Morse (Deep Purple), will release their eponymous debut album in the UK on Monday March 26, followed by a US release on Tuesday March 27. Released by Music Theories Recordings, the debut album includes the talents of Mike Portnoy (drums, vocals), Dave LaRue (bass), Neal Morse (keyboards, vocals), Casey McPherson (lead vocals, guitar), and Steve Morse (lead guitar). "The album has bits and pieces of what you'd expect from each of us,” says Portnoy. “The sum of all its parts led to brand new, unchartered territory for everyone involved." The formation of Flying Colors began with a simple idea: virtuoso musicians and a pop singer joining together to make new-fashioned music the old fashioned way. Refreshing, classic, old and new, the recordings are saturated with the many styles, tones and hues of the players who, in becoming a band, have delivered a unique fusion of vintage craftsmanship and contemporary music. Mike Portnoy was the co-founding member and drummer for one of the world's biggest prog metal bands “Dream Theater”. Neal Morse is the co-founding member of the prog rock band Spock's Beard and is currently the prog rock supergroup “Transatlantic”. David LaRue plays bass for the Dixie Dregs and has also worked with Joe Satriani and Steve Vai. Steve Morse has been playing lead guitar for Deep Purple for the last 16 years. Founder and leader of “Alpha Rev”, Casey McPherson, has enjoyed major success in the US with multiple hits including the song “New Morning”. "It was quite an experience,” recalls Dave LaRue. “The band moved at a fast pace, ideas flying around the room at all times. Sections of tunes were arranged, and then re-arranged. Ideas were tried every which way until we made them work, or, in some cases, discarded them altogether. Just keeping track of everything was a challenge!" The album is filled with trial and triumph. It's been an inspiring challenge melding folk, prog, pop, and metal all into one big recording." View EPK: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsYw_nGwlOM. COMING UP SOON FROM JAPAN - FAIR WARNING AND MR. BIG: A new Fair Warning album of sorts is et for release in Japan February 22. It is a greatest hits album release including songs from their album, B-side tracks of their singles, and cover of Immigrant Song (LED ZEPPELIN). Pre-order via CD Japan. And don't forget this! Mr. Big - Raw Like Sushi 100 [2DVD+2CD] [Limited Release] 11905 yen US$153/78.03 Release Date: 2012/01/25. Description: Deluxe box set of Mr. Big consists of 2DVDs and 2CDs in a B4-size hard cover book! The DVDs features the concert of "Live From The Living Room" held at Toho Studio, Tokyo, Japan, in January 2011 and documentary footage of their 2011 Japan tour (contains over 60 min., subject to change). The CDs contain live tracks of their 100th concert in Japan held at Osaka-jo Hall on April 7, 2011 mixed by Pat Regan and features K2HD mastering + the high-fidelity HQCD format (compatible with standard CD players). The hard cover book contains 96-pages (all color) including photos of their 2011 Japan tour taken by William Hames, the Japan tour data, a tour pass replica, and more. Size: 24.9 x 29.9cm. External Bonus: Poster. To pre-order via MR recommended supplier: www.cdjapan.co.jp. YET ANOTHER REASON FOR DON'T STOP BELIVIN' TO MAKE THE NEWS: The gray wolf that has ventured 800 miles from Oregon and reached California on December 28, 2011 has a new nickname: "Journey." In an attempt to draw attention to the great conservation success story that is wolf recovery, a Portland-based conservation group Oregon Wild launched a children's art contest on their Facebook page that drew entries from around the globe. The naming contest is part of the group's larger Connect with the Wild initiative. The winner, picked in online voting and announced Wednesday, was submitted by two different entrants, a 7-year-old from Mountain Home, Idaho, and an 11-year-old from Dickinson, N.D. Oregon Wild posted this explanation about why the name "Journey" was selected: Journey - A number of folks thought it was important the we "Don't Stop Believin'". The suggestion for Journey came from an 11-year-old in Dickinson, North Dakota and a 7-year-old in Mountain Home, Idaho. The young male wolf is officially known as OR7, which is what the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife named him after biologists captured him and strapped a GPS collar on him last year (because of its origins in Oregon's Imnaha wolf pack). OR7 became the first wolf recorded in California since 1924 when he crossed the border last week after a months' long trek from his pack in north-eastern Oregon. He has traveled about 800 miles since early September. The rock band Journey, meanwhile, is taking a short break following their six month Eclipse Tour, which ended at the end of October in Seattle, Washington. According to Pollstar magazine's year-end chart, the Eclipse Tour was the 12th best-selling worldwide tour of 2011, with more than 800,000 tickets sold worldwide. DIAL G FOR SHAMELESS GLAM: Attention Rock & Glamfans. ..the new Shameless CD Dial S for Sex features a total of 12 Glam Kick ass Anthems + 3 Bonus tracks is available now thru iTunes, Amazon and CD Baby as digital downloads and in CD form directly from the official bands Facebook site @ www.facebook.com/Shamelessrock. The CD features bandleader Alexx Michael, B.C. , Keri Kelli, Stevie Rachelle, Steve Summers and very special guest Chris "The Animal" Holmes. This is the first CD since the successful 2007 release "Famous 4 Madness". The CD includes 2 Cover versions by Katy Perry & Elvis Presley as well + an unreleased version of the Shameless Classic "Far Away" written by Aeriel Stiles were Steve Summers & Jani Lane share their vocals. USA - itunes.apple.com/album/dial-s-for-sex/id492467597 / Germany - itunes.apple.com/de/album/dial-s-for-sex/id492467597. The band will as well release a compilation called The Greatest Hits Of Insanity by Feb 2012 thru Demon Doll Records in the US with a total of 17 songs including unreleased versions & songs feat. 3 songs with Eric Singer of Kiss on drums as well as 2 Kiss Cover tunes. For more information please visit the bands website @ www.shamelessrock.com or www.facebook.com/Shamelessrock. Wednesday, January 11, 2012 WALKING WITH KINGS OFFER DEBUT ALBUM DOWNLOAD - FOR FREE!: Walking With Kings are a brand new melodic hard rock outfit from the USA featuring the line-up of: Rich Ward (Stuck Mojo) - Guitars/Vocals/Producer/Songwriter; Frank Fontsere - Drums; Simon Farmery (Pride) - Bass and Terry Chism - Vocals/Keyboards/Songwriter. And they are giving their debut album away....yes, FREE DOWNLOAD. Walking With Kings would like to thank all of our friends around the world who have patiently waited for the release of our debut album. Now on this first day of 2012, we are excited to offer the entire album as a free download. Why are we giving our songs away for free? Our music is our resume; we want to work for you. We feel it would be a bit pretentious to ask you to spend your hard earned money on a new bands' album; rather, we ask you to give us a listen and if you like what you hear, help us to grow the Walking With Kings family by sharing our music with everyone you know! Within our music is a message not confined by corporate stereotypes or record company oversights. This album was completely funded by Walking With Kings. We recorded and produced this album with some of the best names in the business, no expense was spared, no corners cut. If you like this album and would like to support Walking With Kings with a donation, you may do so by clicking the "Donate" button knowing 100% of your donation will go to help us recoup the expense of recording it, as well as investing in more albums, more videos and booking tours so we can meet each and every one of you personally. If you don't have the means to donate, simply enjoy the free downloads and share our music with others by directing them to www.walkingwithkings.com to download the full length album for themselves. Happy New Year and God Bless You! Tracklisting: Mention of Your Name, Here I Stand, Wicked Ways, Leap of Faith, Autumn Brings, Lost, Change the World, Home, Friends, Home (unplugged). More info and download at: www.walkingwithkings.com. AOR HEAVEN CLASSIX - NEW RELEASE INFO AND WEBSITE UPDATE: The AOR Heaven Classix series continues in 2012 with a nice bunch of classic AOR- and West Coast albums. Set for release in January is the second solo album from former Santana, Journey and The Storm keyboarder Gregg Rolie, entitled Gringo. Following in February are two much sought after gems: Marc Jordan's ultimate West Coast release A Hole In The Wall and Cannata's hi-tech AOR mega classic Images Of Forever. Both re-issues will contain two bonus tracks. In the loop for March is the re-release of the mega rare self-titled Bricklin album from 1986 incl. 3 bonus tracks - stay tuned for more details. As usual all AOR Heaven Classix releases are digitally remastered by Chris Lyne and feature liner notes by Dave Reynolds. The AOR Heaven Classix releases are available via www.aorheaven.com, selected retailers and Cargo in the UK. Stay tuned for a massive relaunch of the AOR Heaven website due next week. xxxx FM SIGN WORLDWIDE PUBLISHING DEAL WITH DARK GREEN / PEERMUSIC: British rock band FM have signed a worldwide publishing deal with Dark Green Music / Peermusic who will administer the rights for works on FM's 2010 album Metropolis and future works. After a successful year of touring including European dates with Journey and Foreigner, FM will celebrate the 25th Anniversary of their legendary début album Indiscreet with UK dates in March 2012, followed by shows in the US including performances at SXSW. Later in the year the band are set to release their new studio album, working title Desolation Station. The band commented “We're thrilled to be signing with Dark Green/Peermusic. They have a hands-on approach with their catalogues and we're excited to be working with them”. Peermusic European President Nigel Elderton added “Peer is delighted to be representing FM's publishing through Dark Green Music and looks forward to helping to bring this great music to the attention of a new audience around the world”. Pictured l-r in attached photo: FM co-manager Adrian Bell; FM members Jem Davis and Steve Overland; FM co-manager Steve Strange; Peermusic European President Nigel Elderton; FM members Pete Jupp, Merv Goldsworthy and Jim Kirkpatrick; Peermusic Head of Business Affairs Allan Dann. STEVE PERRY LENDS A HAND AGAIN: Steve Perry is involved in another EBay charity auction - part of the proceeds this time around are going toward awareness of Parkinson's Disease. Here is the link: www.ebay.com/itm/330667616954. CRIMES OF PASSION ARE 2 DIE 4: Crimes of Passion will release their second album, To Die For through DR2 Records on February 17th. 2011 has been a good year for Crimes of Passion. It saw a huge amount of touring for the band, not least the European run with Saxon and Anvil that they have just completed. It also saw them record their second album under the watchful eye of Charlie Bauerfiend (Helloween, Hammerfall, Motorhead, Blind Guardian). The album was recorded in Blind Guardian's Twilight Hall studios in Germany, Orion Studios in England and completed at Helloween's studios in Tenerife. The band are impressing influential people all over the world with their distinct brand of melodic metal. A German magazine described the band as sounding like "Avenged Sevenfold with Bruce Dickinson singing". And that was before Charlie Bauerfiend got involved! Biff Byford (Saxon) and Andi Deris (Helloween) were both so impressed with the band that they contributed vocals to the album. The album was released in late 2011 in Japan by Marquee Avalon, and will be released everywhere else by DR2 Records (home to Therapy? And Sebastian Bach amongst others) on February 17th 2012. The European version features artwork by renowned designer Hugh Gilmour (Whitesnake, Iron Maiden etc) What does 2012 have in store for Crimes of Passion? The band intend to build on their reputation as one of the hardest working bands around by continuing touring. They are currently finalising a couple of high profile European runs, as well as appearances at some of the biggest festivals in Europe (including a confirmed slot at Wacken), and hopefully their first US tour. The album, To Die For is released on February 17th, 2012, and the first single will be Blown Away. The band are particularly proud of the single as it gave them their first opportunity to make a video! You can check out some samples at www.airplaydirect.com/crimesofpassion. 2012 PLANS FOR GEOFF TATE: Shortly after Queensryche's Geoff Tate heard that American Idol's James Durbin was going to sing the band's song, "Take Hold of the Flame" to his new bride, Heidi Lowe, at their wedding reception on New Year's Eve, he started making arrangements to join the festivities. A great way to end 2011 and bring in the new year! Known to representatives, but unbeknownst to James and Heidi, Geoff and his wife, Susan, flew from Seattle to Northern California for the big surprise. The Durbin's walked into the reception where Geoff quickly introduced himself. A dream come true for James, both he and Geoff hit the stage and sang "Take Hold of the Flame' together with Heidi just a few feet away. A truly memorable evening, indeed, for the newlyweds who had publicly stated that the song was one of their favorites. See the People magazine coverage for more details - www.people.com/people/article/0,,20557815,00.html / www.queensryche.com/2012/01/09/an-idol-rocker-wedding/ This was just the beginning of what promises to be another exciting year for Geoff Tate. After touring extensively in 2011 with his band, Queensryche, Geoff recently announced that he will be doing a handful of acoustic solo dates billed as Geoff Tate and Friends beginning on Friday, January 27 at The Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, California. What can fans expect on the brief run of dates? According to Tate, he'll be "playing acoustic versions of all my favorite Queensryche songs as well as some songs from my solo album." And that certainly gives him a lot to choose from... Not one to remain idle, Tate is anxious to hit the road again next year despite an incredibly busy 2011 that found the band performing over 75 dates along their 30th Anniversary tour primarily in support of their 12th studio album, Dedicated to Chaos (Roadrunner Records/Loud & Proud), that was released in the summer. Towards the end of the tour, Geoff and the band pulled out "all the stops" by performing Rage for Order in its entirety for the first time ever (New York City on Halloween) and Operation: Mindcrime from beginning to end on this year's ShipRocked Cruise (with In This Moment's Maria Brink handling vocal chores as "Sister Mary") for the first time in three years. Both shows were a pure treat for fans! "Mindcrime" (1988) is universally respected as a classic concept release about rock, revenge and redemption and, ultimately, regarded as one of the most important and essential hard rock records in the genre's expansive canon. 1990's follow-up, Empire, yielded a number one single, the Grammy-nominated ballad "Silent Lucidity," which Queensryche performed at the 1992 Grammy Awards accompanied by a supporting orchestra. In 2006, the band released Operation: Mindcrime II, a scorching sequel to their original. The band then hit the road performing both albums Operation: Mindcrime and Operation: Mindcrime II back-to-back in their entirety in an incredible theatrical presentation throughout the year. The final performance was recorded at The Moore Theatre in Seattle that October and the Mindcrime at the Moore double CD/DVD release debuted at #1 on Billboard's Top Music DVD Chart and eventually reached gold status. It's hard to believe it's been 30 years and more than 20 million albums sold worldwide later...For 2012, Queensryche has plenty up its sleeve. For more information, please view the official Queensryche website at www.queensryche.com. INTHESTUDIO' PETER WOLF SHARES SNAPSHOT OF FREEZE FRAME ON 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE J GEILS BAND'S #1: Dallas, TX - January 10, 2012. North American syndicated Rock radio show InTheStudio: The Stories Behind History's Greatest Rock Bands celebrates the 30th anniversary of The J Geils Band's #1 selling album Freeze Frame. Hailing from Boston, The J Geils Band went from regionally successful club act to one of the most popular live bands of the .70s. After 14 years on the road and 11 albums the # 1 Billboard single “Centerfold” gave the band its just reward, a HIT album. Peter Wolf reminisces to In the Studio host Redbeard about what fueled The J Geils Band for all those years and how it felt to finally be on top. “One of the things about the Geils Band, we really weren't that ambitious about having a zillion seller or something. We never really went into rock'n'roll to make money, we went into rock'n'roll so maybe we didn't have to work 9 to 5. It was probably the happiest time in my life, because we were doing tours where every place was sold out and that's a performers dream... All the touring, all the one nighters and all the driving in station wagons and sleeping in funky hotels and funky dressing rooms, finally, there was a certain sense of respect coming back to the band.” InTheStudio is syndicated on over 50 radio stations throughout North America. The J Geils Band/ InTheStudio show will air the week of January 9th. To STREAM the interview online, visit: : " target=new>www.inthestudio.net/this-week-in-the-studio/j-geils-band. CLICK FOR MORE NEWS:Last Week...Last Month...Last Year... Fireworks Magazine Digital Issue 42 Out Now £3.50+ Free CD Download ISSUE 43 Digital Download Available now. Fireworks/MelodicRock Showcase online. Issue 43 Full Details + Free MP3s:Fireworks Showcase 43 Interviews with: Mr. Big, Heaven & Hell, Michael Monroe, Alter Bridge, Status Quo, Nelson, King X. Eloy, Huey Lewis, Stone Sour, Yngwie Malmsteen, Richard Marx, The Poodles, Paul Gilbert, Murederdolls, Taking Dawn, Poison Sun, Tank, Phenomena, Transatlantic, Line of Fire, Gravedigger MelodicRock.com Merchandise: Online Store:

  

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• 17 Jan ' 06:39

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

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