| KILLING MACHINE ANNOUNCES NEW BASS PLAYER |
Posted by: Denis
/ 11.03.2010
USA based Metal band KILLING MACHINE, have revealed that former STRATOVARIUS and current EVERGREY bass guitarist Jari Kainulainen will be joining the band.
Jari will continue with his position in EVERGREY, but the chance to challenge himself in a different field with KILLING MACHINE was an opportunity he did not want to miss.
Commenting on joining the band Jari Kainulainen said "When Peter (Scheithauer) contacted me and asked me to join Killing Machine as replacement for David Ellefson, I had to check it out. And after listening to a few songs I knew straight away that this is something I definitely wanted to be a part of. I especially fell in love with the fast and blasting bass lines and kick ass guitar riffs., so it was an easy decision for me. I'm really looking forward to start playing with these guys."
On welcoming Jari to the band, guitarist Peter Scheithauer said: "First off, I am so thrilled that I can finally announce Jari Kainulainen as the new bass player!!! Once I was done with the demos it was time to think about getting the band together. I wanted people who were ready to tour - no egos. Plus returning to Europe I wanted someone we can hang with who was first and foremost a true metalhead. Csaba (Zvekan) and Jon (Dette) were already in and I knew David (Ellefson) was out of the question for the obvious reasons. I always loved Jari's playing, I saw him several time with Stratovarius and love Evergrey. If someone can play crazy bass lines and be creative it's him. And besides being an outstanding musician he is a very cool guy and at the end that's what really counts."
The completed KILLING MACHINE line up is Csaba Zvekan - Vocals, Peter Scheithauer (TEMPLE OF BRUTALITY / BELLADONNA) - Guitar, Jari Kainulainen (EVERGREY / STRATOVARIUS) - Bass Guitar, Jon Dette (TESTAMENT / SLAYER) - Drums.
KILLING MACHINE will re -locate to Europe for a series of summer shows and recording of the new album. The band have already confirmed an appearance at Germany's Headbangers Open Air Festival on 29th July 2010.
KILLING MACHINE have released two albums, the self titled Killing Machine in 2000 via Candlelight Records and the critically acclaimed Metalmorphis in 2006 via Mausoleum Records which has been hailed by many as one of the all time classic metal albums. The two albums featured a multitude of musicians including James Rivera (HELSTAR, VICIOUS RUMOURS), Jimmy DeGrasso (Y&T), Juan Garcia (AGENT STEEL), Dave Ellefson (MEGADETH), Stet Howland (WASP), Mike Duda (WASP), Mike Vescara (OBSESSION, LOUDNESS).
With two albums under their belts, the band are priming themselves to once again deliver metallic carnage across the globe. Unashamedly wearing their Heavy Metal roots on their leather studded sleeves, KILLING MACHINE combine the classic Metal feel of the past with the fresh aggression of the present. Thunderous bass lines, pounding drums and explosive riffs blend with distinct heavy, melodic vocals to create driving and memorable songs. The music that KILLING MACHINE bring to the party simply stuns - no pretentions - just pure Metal entertainment!
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| AFM Records / CIRCLE II CIRCLE are recording new album |
Posted by: Denis
/ 11.03.2010
Former Savatage singer Zak Stevens and his band CIRCLE II CIRCLE have just started recording their 5th album. Entitled Consequence Of Power, this will be the 2nd concept album of the band. The release is expected for Fall 2010.
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| AFM Records / Alex Beyrodt's VOODOO CIRCLE records 2nd album |
Posted by: Denis
/ 11.03.2010
News from the VOODOO CIRCLE camp: the band around guitar wizard Alex Beyrodt has just started with the recordings of their second album, which is expected to be released in September 2010. Also Voodoo Circle is pleased to announce their newest member in drummer Markus Kullmann (Dezperadoz). Markus has already recorded all of the drum tracks for the new album. Watch out!
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| DRAGONFORCE SPLIT WITH SINGER ZP THEART |
Posted by: Denis
/ 10.03.2010
It is with great regret that DragonForce announce a parting of the ways with singer ZP Theart. This is due to insurmountable differences of musical opinion but the rest of the band sincerely wish ZP great success with his future projects.
While the creative core members have begun writing the fifth album, they have also started a worldwide search for a new vocalist. "We are looking for a powerful melodic singer, to write a new chapter of DragonForce with us." said guitarist Herman Li.
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| DESTRUCTION and drummer MARC will go separate ways in the future! |
Posted by: Denis
/ 10.03.2010
Now it's official, the DVD A Savage Symphony, is the farewell gift from drummer MARC REIGN for the DESTRUCTION fans.
Tour-stress caused personal and musical differences, so both parties decided to go separate ways in the future.
MARC will concentrate on his rock-project Volcano and wants to keep himself open for other musical styles. He wants to thank all the DESTRUCTION maniacs worldwide and the band for all the great fun and support over all those years!
MIKE and SCHMIER wish him all the best and much success for his future projects.
All announced shows will of course go ahead!
DESTRUCTION are currently writing new material that will "go more back to the roots", referring a statement from frontman SCHMIER.
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| Lion Music / DREYELANDS - ROOMS OF REVELATION |
Posted by: Denis
/ 09.03.2010
Dreyelands are a Melodic Progressive Metal band from Hungary. Their debut album Rooms Of Revelation showcases the bands versatile attitude for music being a tasty mixture of the metallic and the melodic side of Progressive and Power Metal, combined with a touch of 80s AOR/Hard Rock music.
The songs are powered by heavy guitar riffs fused with ultra melodic, memorable vocal themes along with clever arrangements. Sonically the album is big, modern and natural with no triggers on the drums and live string arrangements etc. The first half of the album has the lighter songs and as the listener gets nearer to the end they are increasingly heavier and darker.
Lyrically Rooms of Revelation depicts a journey in a schizophrenic mind. The story is about a man that is loosing all his loves and at the end, his life as well. Our protagonist has a cruel fate: every woman, he is conceiving passion for, are disappearing after the first fulfillment of their love. Haunted by the pain of loss, he begins a journey in an imaginary house, where he finds more and more clues about what happened to his subjects of love. It turns out that all his loves were killed.
Progressing with the story, we will realize that the killer is the dark side of his split personality, brought to life by the protagonist itself. Being always afraid that the first heavenly flames are dying out, this killer is his remedy for the fear of what will come after the first fulfillment of love. As the journey continues, the killer is coming more and more to the fore, to make the decision to die together in the last song.
After forming in 2003 Dreyelands recorded their first release, a promotional EP titled Can't Hide Away (released in 2007). There was also a music videoEP. This video was featured several times on the Headbanger's Ball program of MTV Hungary with the EP receiving great feedback from not only Hungarian but also international press.
During 2007 the band finished the song writing for the debut album Rooms of Revelation which was recorded in several studios in Hungary and Serbia in 2008 and mixed/mastered by well known Hungarian producer / engineer Barnabás Hidasi at HL-Studio in 2009. After the recordings keyboardist Zoltán Kas left the band. For future promotion work and live gigs the band is completed by György Nagy (Age of Nemesis) as a session member.
After hearing the band Lion Music was blown away with the quality of material on offer and a deal was finalised in September 2009.
Dreyelands serve up a fresh yet classic sound in the Melodic Progressive Metal genre and Rooms Of Revelation opens its doors to the public on April 17 2010.
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| Lion Music / GRÖNHOLM - EYEWITNESS OF LIFE |
Posted by: Denis
/ 09.03.2010
Eyewitness Of Life is the debut album from a new act from Finland - enter Grönholm led by guitarist and song writer Mika Grönholm. The music of Eyewitness Of Life is built with an appreciation for a number of Metal genres yet there is a common theme of progressive orientated riffs throughout the album, however Eyewitness Of Life avoids the monster shredding the genre is renowned for resulting in a more focused compact album for those that like strong songs first and foremost.
Nuances of artists such as Queensrÿche and Rush can be heard here and there, but the song is of main concern for Grönholm who also adds a few shades of other cultural sounds from Indian and Spanish music along with some jazz inspired progressions to add a little spice, yet the overall feel remains firmly in the metal camp and is easily accessible. Grönholm states "Simplicity is many times beautiful and I think this approach has served me well".
Joining Mika is Status Minor vocalist Markku Kuikka and drummer Tom Rask with Grönholm handling guitar, bass and synth duties himself and this trio of musicians have created a big sounding album. Each recorded their parts at their home studios before Mika pieced the album together at his home studio. Six years spent working in one of the leading studios in Finland ensured this was an easy process for Mika to bring the whole album together and only mixing and mastering was handled outside of Grönholm's remit.
In addition to the fine performances of the core trio of musicians the album also features guest appearances from guitarist Ty Tabor (Kings X) and keyboard whiz Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Billy Idol), Grönholm comments, "One goal was to have a few very good guests on this and it came true with Derek Sherinian and Ty Tabor. I mailed them and they liked the music samples on myspace so they agreed to play a few solos and songs. As one can guess they nailed their parts really great, and it was very nice hear their tracks".
With Eyewitness Of Life Grönholm have delivered a very strong debut album that is home to punchy songs, great musicianship, strong production and great artwork from Hugh Syme (Rush/Megadeth etc) and is released on April 17 2010 on Lion Music.
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| CRYSTAL TEARS sings with 7HARD records, Germany |
Posted by: Denis
/ 08.03.2010
Crystal Tears are at the very pleasant position to gladly and proudly announce our co-operation with 7US/7HARD records! This Rock/Metal label, which embraces acts such as EDGE OF FOREVER (featuring members with an impressive curricula vitae with reference names such as Ian Paice, Glenn Hughes, Andre Matos, Eden's Curse, Carmine Appice, James Christian, Robin Beck, Axe, Ken Hensley, U.D.O. etc.), STOCKHOLM STONER (featuring individuals that have toured and/or recorded with Abba, Ian Hunter, Mick Ronson, Mick Taylor, Marie Fredriksson of Roxette, Kee Marcello of Europe, Norma Jean, Connie Smith etc.), CALIFORNIA TRANSIT AUTHORITY (featuring members credited in artists such as Chicago, Glenn Hughes, Keith Emerson, Rob Halford etc.), STONELAKE, SEVEN GATES, TAGIO DELLA VEGA etc., is founded by Axel Wiesenauer and Hans Derer in 2008 with more than 25 years of experience in the music business. In 2009 the label expanded with a major distribution network in Europe mainly (H'Art, Soulfood, Soundforge, Underclass, Andromeda, Cargo etc.) and then, the rest of the world (7Hard distribution branch) and also distributes units for other labels as well.
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| Y.O.C. news |
Posted by: Denis
/ 05.03.2010
Now 50 tracks are rolling on ImRadio Y.O.C. Page Songs section!
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| WATERLAND GREAT NEWS |
Posted by: Denis
/ 05.03.2010
The new Waterland CD will be called Virtual Time. The new CD is now at 8 BALL STUDIOS for mixing and mastering with the great producer Bruno Gonçalves.
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| Drakkar - Recording's about to start! |
Posted by: Denis
/ 04.03.2010
Drakkar will begin the recordings in a couple of weeks. Special guest on drums: Mattia Stancioiu (Crown Of Autumn and, formerly, Labyrinth)!
MORE |
| Lion Music / STATUS MINOR STUDIO REPORT |
Posted by: Denis
/ 03.03.2010
Status Minor entered the Studio Audio in Jyväskylä, Finland on 16th of February to begin recording the sequel to their acclaimed debut Dialog which was released in 2009. The man behind the sound will be Torsti Spoof. The new album Ouroboros release date is set for September 2010 right after which the band will embark on the Metallia Perkele 2010 tour to promote their new masterpiece all over the Europe.
The band are also immensely proud to announce that the visiting female singer to make an appearance on Ouroboros is none other than amazing Anna Murphy of Eluveitie. She will lend her fantastic voice to the album and play the part of the female character of the Ouroboros story.
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| Lion Music / MISTHERIA STUDIO REPORT |
Posted by: Denis
/ 03.03.2010
Six years on from his last studio album Messenger Of The Gods keyboard virtuoso Mistheria is hard at work with the recording of his new 11 track neo-classical / Progressive Metal album entitled Dragon Fire set for release in the second half of 2010 (tbc).
Mistheria, the keyboardist of choice for Bruce Dickinson on the Tyranny Of Souls album, has pulled in a number of great names for Dragon's Fire in vocalists John West (Artension/ex Royal Hunt), Mark Boals (ex Malmsteen), Rob Rock (Impellitteri), Lance King, and Titta Tani (Astra). Guitars come courtesy of George Bellas (Ring Of Fire, Mogg/Way), Roger Staffelbach (Artension/Angel Of Eden), Neil Zaza and Emir Hot. The rhythm section comprises of drummer John Macaluso (ARK) and bassist Dino Fiorenza.
Some working track titles for the album include Fire & Flames, Killing The Pain, The Power Of One and Chopin Fantasy with the rough demos already showing this will be an essential release for fans of early Artension, classic Malmsteen and Symphony X.
Last week George Bellas recorded all his guitars and John Macaluso is currently in the process of tracking his drums and has just checked in with the following, "I just did half the tracks for Mistheria's album and it came out amazing! Over the top with heavy groove and orchestrated kicks everywhere. I've got a really fat drum sound, its like Bonham playing double bass in an orchestra. You will dig it I think!"
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| KILLING MACHINE SET TO RETURN |
Posted by: Denis
/ 03.03.2010
US Metal Heavyweights KILLING MACHINE are set to make their return after a break of four years. Following his time working on various projects including TEMPLE OF BRUTALITY, founder member Peter Scheithauer is now hard at work on the resurrection of KILLING MACHINE. Currently re-grouping as a four piece, the present line up is Csaba Zvekan - Vocals, Peter Scheithauer (ex TEMPLE OF BRUTALITY / BELLADONA) - Guitar, Jon Dette - (ex TESTAMENT / SLAYER) - Drums. A new bass player will be announced soon following the departure of Dave Ellefson, who has rejoined MEGADETH.
Talking about the next chapter of KILLING MACHINE, guitarist Peter Scheithauer said "I am really excited about this new page in Killing Machine's odyssey. For once I took my time writing the new CD. Knowing that Csaba had finally joined the band meant there were no set time limits to work to. I've had the idea for a few years, to have Csaba in Killing Machine but distance prohibited it. Same with Jon, we've tried several times to get things together. These two guys have so much to show, I can't wait to hit the road with them. And the new bass player? He's a perfect match. That's all I can say about him at the moment. I've been working constantly on the album and you always think that the new CD is the best it can be, but when a major producer feels the same way, you tend to think you are on the right track. I can't wait to tell you what's in store but we're taking everything one step at a time. In the meantime we're so happy to be coming to play in Europe this summer. More to come very soon. Horns Up!!!"
Preliminary work on a new album has already begun, with various songs at different stages of completion. Two new songs Skull and Bone and Hell Raiser can be heard at www.myspace.com/killingmachineusa. The band are in the process of securing a new record deal with a view to a release towards the end of the year.
Details of live dates, including some high profile shows for the summer, are expected to be announced soon.
KILLING MACHINE have released two albums, the self titled Killing Machine in 2000 via Candlelight Records and the critically acclaimed Metalmorphis in 2006 via Mausoleum Records which has been hailed by many as one of the all timeclassic Metal albums. The two albums featured a multitude of musicians including Dave Ellefson (MEGADETH), Stet Howland (WASP) and Mike Vescara (OBSESSION, LOUDNESS).
With two albums under their belts, the band are priming themselves to once again deliver metallic carnage across the globe. Unashamedly wearing their heavy metal roots on their leather studded sleeves, KILLING MACHINE combine the classic Metal feel of the past with the fresh aggression of the present. Thunderous bass lines, pounding drums and explosive riffs blend with distinct heavy, melodic vocals to create driving and memorable songs. The music that KILLING MACHINE bring to the party simply stuns - no pretentions - just pure Metal entertainment!
MORE |
| INMORIA and Massacre Records |
Posted by: Denis
/ 03.03.2010
INMORIA has now ended the collaboration with Massacre Records and they are looking for a new label. Previews of the new album can be sent if there are any interested labels.
MORE |
| New Y.O.C. ballad song |
Posted by: Denis
/ 02.03.2010
New Born (Home Record) MP3 track was added to our Y.O.C. page!
MORE |
| BURNING POINT update |
Posted by: Denis
/ 02.03.2010
Now it's time to break the silence and give you an update on what's happening on Burning Point camp.
Pete, Jukka and Jussi have been busy building up the Stargazery debut album, their other band fronted by Ex-MSG vocalist Jari Tiura.
Also Pete and Jussi are putting the final touches to the Ghost Machinery's 2nd album.
And if that's not enough, in between Burning Point has been busy recording the next (5th) album. All in all 21 songs!!! All the drums are recorded as well as 80% of the final rhythm guitars and although there's nothing else there yet, the songs sound AWESOME!!!
It's going to be very hard to decide which songs we put on the album but our plan is to choose, somewhere along the line, 10-12 best from the best.
Also they've been in contact with the new booking agencies in Finland but also abroad. Few new shows already booked and more to come...
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| DÉTENTE announces official release date for Decline. |
Posted by: Denis
/ 02.03.2010
DÉTENTE Decline will be released on June 8th in the USA on the Cognitive Label with MVD Audio handling distribution. DÉTENTE is pleased to announce that MusicBuyMail.eu will handle distribution for Decline in Europe with a release date of May 21.
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| Power Quest album news |
Posted by: Denis
/ 02.03.2010
POWER QUEST working on new album, revealing first song titles!
POWER QUEST are pleased to announce that they will be returning to the recording studio on July 5th 2010 to begin recording their 5th, as yet untitled, album. This will be their second offering for Napalm Records and will be the first to feature the new look POWER QUEST line up.
Recording will take place at Remaster Studio in Vicenza, Italy and will be produced by Nick Savio. This fantastic studio was where the majority of the Master of Illusion album was recorded. Band leader Steve Williams commented, "It's going to be great to be back in Italy and to be working with Nick again and I'm expecting to run into one or two very familiar faces during the recording process!"
Prior to this, the band will be demoing 3 new tracks for the record company at the end of March at Aubitt Studios in Southampton. The following songs are set for inclusion in the recordings: Sacrifice, Time to Burn and Rising Anew.
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| Y.O.C. news |
Posted by: Denis
/ 28.02.2010
Additional track for Y.O.C.'s METAL WARRIOR PART II CD is:
TORANAGA's Sword of Democles. The drums for this Cover/Tribute song are recorded, this seventh track will be recorded soon!
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| Primal Fear news |
Posted by: Denis
/ 28.02.2010
Primal Fear is busy at work on the new DVD 16.6 - All Over The World. The DVD will feature mainly the 2009 concerts in Switzerland and Atlanta/USA, plus a lot of interesting shots from Japan, Colombia, Brazil, Germany, Sweden etc etc. - still a long way to go, but it will be a killer package incl. the first official Live CD of Primal Fear Live In The USA recorded in Los Angeles, Atlanta and New York. Achim Koehler is already working on the mix of the audio stuff. The band is pleased to announce that Frontiers Records will be their partner again and will release the package worldwide in mid June 2010. Primal Fear will be on the road again in Europe after the festival season in Mid September, to present their new DVD and Live CD in Concert!
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| Ralf Scheepers news |
Posted by: Denis
/ 28.02.2010
The plans for the long awaited Ralf Scheepers Solo Album are shaping up. The song writing is in full swing and the recordings will start during the summer in Sweden, when Ralf will join forces again with his former Gamma Ray partner and drummer extraordinaire Uli Kusch. An impressive list of some very prominent guests is already confirmed for Ralf's first solo album. Frontiers Records plans to release the yet untitled album in January 2011.
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| AVANTEGARDE MNGT / HEAVENWOOD (Oporto, Portugal) - New Song Streaming Online; Re-Recorded Song Available For Free Download |
Posted by: Denis
/ 26.02.2010
HEAVENWOOD's new pre-production song Morning Glory Clouds (In Manus Tuas Domine) is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page. This track is taken from the band's forthcoming album that will be recorded this summer.
Meanwhile, Heavenwood have re-recorded their first four-track demo-tape titled As Illusive As A Dream dated from 1994. A work recorded on the old times under the moniker of DISGORGED. Later the band would sign a record deal with the German label Massacre Records and changed their name to Heavenwood.
Commented singer Ernesto Guerra: "We are very excited to bring back to life after 16 years this great and memorable moment from the beginning of our career as band. This is really amazing to see how actual this song sounds in 2010. As Illusive As A Dream can be really abrasive to the brain. Melting the ears as an apocalyptic Death Metal that's been brought back from our old fans to the new ones by a storm."
As Illusive As A Dream title track is available for streaming online at the band's myspace or can be downloaded for free at www.box.net
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| Subcutane: guitar and bass wanted |
Posted by: Denis
/ 25.02.2010
After a split of 2 years, Hacky decided to continue his work under the name SUBCUTANE. Listening to the beat of his heart, the way of SUBCUTANE in the future will be a way back to the roots of BAY AREA THRASH.
Hacky: "I grew up with Thrash Metal, and I live Thrash Metal. My heart s not BEATING, it's THRASHING and the most important thing: This kind of Metal is PURE and TRUE! If YOU ARE a songwriting guitarist or bassplayer and your heart belongs to bands like Testament, Overkill, Flotsam, Exodus etc you are welcome!"
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| Ascension Alchemy EP Tracklist |
Posted by: Denis
/ 25.02.2010
Ascension are entering the studio once more this Saturday to continue recording for the long awaited Alchemy EP! This whole weekend and next will be spent recording the last 3 songs for the release, and this promises to be an absolute winner!!!
This should keep the taste buds wet until Ascension record the Debut Album in Sweden in august at Sonic Train Studio's, with Grammy nominated producer, and legendary King Diamond guitarist, Andy LaRocque!
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| SPELLBLAST - MORE NEWS FOR THE OUTCOMING ALBUM |
Posted by: Denis
/ 25.02.2010
The album from SpellBlast called BATTLECRY is ready for the outcoming and in a week the band'll let you know the date of the European release!
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| IMAGIKA Announce New Guitarist |
Posted by: Denis
/ 24.02.2010
Guitarist and Bay Area Metal veteran Robert Kolowitz is the latest addition to Imagika. A current member of Bay Area stalwarts Hellhound and former member of Blackstorm and RapidFire, Robert brings years of experience and perseverance to the 2nd guitar slot. His former bands have performed with Anthrax, Death Angel, Legacy (Testament), Forbidden, Megadeth, Nitro, Vicious Rumors and Slayer.
Guitarist Steve Rice comments; "The band was impressed with Rob's ability to learn our material quickly and his killer guitar skills. Imagika will sound even more aggressive now and we look forward to our future collaboration as we start the writing for our next CD. Rob came in at a great time on the eve of our new release Portrait Of A Hanged Man which we believe is our best release to date. The fans can definitely expect a heavier, louder and faster Imagika!"
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| Powerwolf - Changes in the church |
Posted by: Denis
/ 24.02.2010
Stefane Funebre will have to focus on his increasing religious duties in the future and will therefore no longer be able to join the wolves on their crusade. Funebre will however remain a part of the pack for life and will keep supporting the band with his spiritual and mental guidance behind the scenes. As the new member of the wolfpack Powerwolf welcome Tom Diener, who will take place on the holy drumseat in the future. Tom already toured with us as temporary replacement for Funebre during the last 12 months and in the meantime has become a true member of the pack and a master of the ceremony. Be sure he will unleash some great Metal madness with Powerwolf in the future.
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| Y.O.C. news |
Posted by: Denis
/ 21.02.2010
Now 47 tracks are rolling on ImRadio Y.O.C. PAGE Songs section!
A new poetic experimental piece was added: Karanlik (Darkness a Hunger) chaotic poem by Y.O.C..
47 TRACKS: Some edits, some versions, some remixes, more than 30 should be different in various styles of Rock, Metal, Experimental; some raw, some very professional. More on the way like Malmsteen cover - professional studio work, etc.
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| Celesty announced a new vocalist |
Posted by: Denis
/ 21.02.2010
The Finnish power metal sextet CELESTY has a new lead vocalist, Tony Turunen.
"This feels awesome!" Tony admits. "This is a new and interesting challenge for me. I'm eagerly waiting to see what the future holds for me and the band.""
Dozens of singers applied for the position, but in the end the decision was easy and unambiguous. "He's not only a great singer, but also a talented lead vocalist with a very powerful stage presence. Plus he's a great guy!" summarizes drummer and composer Jere Luokkamäki.
CELESTY's search for a new vocalist began in December. Even if the band was sure who they wanted, the new vocalist had to wait for the confirmation until February.
"A good friend of mine mentioned that Celesty was looking for a new lead vocalist. Since I had listened a lot to their latest album Vendetta, I decided to apply for the position." Tony explains. "Of course I hoped they'd choose me, but I was still surprised when the band invited me to meet them in a studio. Eventually I recorded vocals for three songs in January. After some time, which actually felt reeeaaally long, the band welcomed me to be their new singer."
"I feel positive about the future, and I already have lots of ideas for the band. I will do my best and be creative, both in the studio and during live shows. My expectations for the band are extremely high!" says Tony, whose first live show with CELESTY will be in March.
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| Frontiers Records and WHITESNAKE Join Forces |
Posted by: Denis
/ 19.02.2010
FRONTIERS RECORDS SIGNS THE LEGENDARY BAND FOR NEW ALBUM WORLD-WIDE.
NAPOLI, ITALY (February 19, 2010) - Frontiers Records is very proud to announce the signing of legendary rock band WHITESNAKE.
David Coverdale and band are gearing up for their latest endeavour. WHITESNAKE has already started composing new material that promises to deliver one of the finest chapters in WHITESNAKE's career. "We are off to a very good start, with the new songs taking positive shape. It feels good, fresh and exciting," explains Coverdale.
The next release already feels like a solid, natural progression to their last opus, the successful, critically acclaimed Good To Be Bad album, awarded by the influential Classic Rock magazine as 'Best Album of the Year' in 2008. "As always, we want to take it to the next level," states Coverdale. "I feel that with the last album we achieved a strong WHITESNAKE 'cocktail' that comfortably embraced and mixed all the previous musical aspects and styles of the band's history, while taking our identity a little further... all on one album..."
Born in 1977, WHITESNAKE have been among the most influential representatives of the their genre, having produced numerous rock music classics such as Here I Go Again, Is This Love, Still Of The Night, Fool For Your Loving, Ain't No Love In The Heart Of The City or Walking In The Shadows Of The Blues.
Coverdale said the production team for the new album will most likely be the infamous Brutal Brothers, or Los Bros Brutalos, who handled the recording of Good To Be Bad. "The new songs are in the very familiar and recognizable WHITESNAKE territory of soulful, bluesy, melodic power rock, with a couple of ballads thrown in for good measure... It can't be a WHITESNAKE album without ballads, mate!"
WHITESNAKE have conquered the love and respect of the audiences all over the world with their driving shows and music. The new album promises to follow in the steps of a great heritage of solid and timeless songs.
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| Angra in the studio |
Posted by: Denis
/ 19.02.2010
Last Wednesday, February 17th, Angra entered the Norcal Studios in São Paulo, Brazil, to record its seventh studio album, and the first one after the return of drummer Ricardo Confessori. For the first time the band will produce the record, and drum recordings have just started.
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| AFM Records / NEW MASTERPLAN ALBUM "TIME TO BE KING" |
Posted by: Denis
/ 17.02.2010
MASTERPLAN have just reunited with original singer Jorn Lande and also finished the recordings for their new album Time To Be King, that will be released on April 16th. For March you can expect the release of a single to precede the album.
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| AFM Records / NEW MAGICA ALBUM WILL BE RELEASED IN MAY |
Posted by: Denis
/ 17.02.2010
Romanian female fronted melodic metallers MAGICA have entered the studio on February 7th to record the successor to their 2008's Wolves & Witches. The new album will be released in May.
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| AVANTEGARDE MANAGEMENT / INSANUS (Braga, Portugal) Debut EP Out Now |
Posted by: Denis
/ 15.02.2010
Portuguese Melodic Death Metallers INSANUS have posted two new songs, Rise Of The Fallen and Bitter Life, on their official
MySpace page for streaming. The tracks comes off the band's new and debut EP Wrath Of Creation, which was recorded, mixed and mastered at UltraSound Studios in Braga, Portugal during
June/ July 2009. Production was handled by Daniel Cardoso (HEAVENWOOD, WAKO, AVA INFERI, CORPUS CHRISTII and others). The Wrath Of Creation artwork was created by Brazilian Artist Jobert Mello.
Meanwhile and as support of their new work, INSANUS have announced some live dates in Portugal and more will be revealed soon.
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| Intense New Album news |
Posted by: Denis
/ 15.02.2010
There's always a wait for an Intense album and for this one that hasn't changed. However this time it wasn't planned as the guys took time off in 2009 to deal with personal matters.
Writing still carried on for the album however and March 29th 2010 the first sessions for the brand new album commence.
The band will be once again be recording at Thin Ice Studios with Karl Groom (Threshold) at the helm. Karl worked on both Second Sight and As Our Army Grows.
Recording will be once again a little fragmented due to Thin Ice's Busy Schedule but the band hope to have the album completed by the end of June and are hopeful for an autumn release.
As yet untitled the album will feature 9 new songs. A couple of the new songs were aired at their only live show last year at the Frontline in Ghent (Belgium) and went down a storm.
On the live front this is what vocalist/manager Sean Hetherington had to say: "We've focused on the album for obvious reasons but have East Riding Rock Festival on July 17th and are in talks regarding a European tour in October which we hope will be confirmed soon. We hope to get more shows lined up once we know when the album will be out."
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| Artwork-pictures for Ferdy Doernberg's new album "Travelling Light" by Francis Buchholz |
Posted by: Denis
/ 14.02.2010
Francis Buchholz, the former bassplayer and founding member of The Scorpions, is without any doubt a Rock legend and wellknown as a musician but he is also a very talented photographer. He shot the frontcover-photo and many of the artwork pictures for Ferdy Doernberg's new solo-album Travelling Light. Ferdy Doernberg about Buchholz: "Francis is a great musician, a very nice guy and also a great photographer. He has the 'magic eye'. When we were playing together in Uli Jon Roth's band he took many cool pictures. The artwork pics for my new album were taken in New York City. We played there at BB King's with Uli and in the afternoon we took a walk through Manhattan and Francis took so many cool pictures that it was hard to choose one for the frontcover. Francis is great!"
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| Nuclear Blast / THERION: NEW ALBUM TITLE ANNOUNCED |
Posted by: Denis
/ 10.02.2010
Christofer Johnsson, mastermind for Swedish experimentalists THERION, has posted the following update on the band's official webpage:
"I'm happy to announce that THERION are now entering the later phases of the recording of the new album, which will be mixed at the legendary Polar Studios in Stockholm. The album title will be Sitra Ahra. 13 songs are being recorded, but it is at this moment not certain which, or if all, of those will end up on the actual record."
About the upcoming Sitra Ahra material, "Expect something spectacular, even by THERION's standards!"
Vocalist Thomas Vikstrom (ex-CANDLEMASS) became a permanent member of the band in May 2009. Stated Johnsson: "Thomas is, besides being a very warm and nice person, an incredibly talented singer and songwriter. And while also being a classically trained tenor, he simply fits perfectly in the band."
THERION's current line up includes drummer Johan Koleberg (ANIMAL, ZAN CLAN, LION'S SHARE) and bassist Nalle 'Grizzly' Pahlsson (TREAT, ZAN CLAN, VINDICTIV).
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| Lion Music / MATTSSON - TANGO |
Posted by: Denis
/ 10.02.2010
Mattsson is a name that has become synonymous with Melodic Progressive Metal fused with symphonic, neo-classical and ethnic touches. This direction is continued and taken to a higher level for Tango, the fifth album to be released under the Mattsson banner.
Led by guitarist/composer Lars Eric Mattsson, Tango sees the collaboration between Mattsson and vocalist Adrienn Antal who first paired up on 2008's Dreamchild release build upon its predecessors impressive foundations for this overall heavier release. Yet Tango is arguably more accessible for the first time listener with tracks such as Believe, I'll Find Another Way and the title track epitomising this commercial aspect. To add another voice to the album Mattsson has called upon Status Minor vocalist Markku Kuikka who darker style contrasts nicely with Antal's.
Tango is 11 tracks clocking in at close to 73 minutes of some of the heaviest riffs and most complex musical passages to date from Lars, yet within the musical virtuosity there is a common theme of melody with the albums lyrical inspiration coming from everyday life and the state of the world.
The song The Grand Escape is e a mini rock-opera of sorts as it holds a complete story with sections that could be split into separate songs. Lars rates this track as "The best piece of music I have recorded, and it's certainly different from anything I have ever done before in terms of structure". Mattsson also finds time for a little humour in the likes of the title track which takes a Metal take on the Tango theme with the final product being an eminently commercial and catchy tune with an almost Abba like feel, whilst this humour again crops up on the smoky blues of Slave To The Road.
The initial recording for the album began in June 2009, although Slave To The Road originates from 2003 originally intended to be on the Mattsson album Power Games. Recording of the album continued into January 2010 taking place in 3 different studios in Finland and Hungary before Mattsson set about the final mix and mastering.
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| Lion Music / CYRIL ACHARD - VIOLENCIA |
Posted by: Denis
/ 10.02.2010
French guitarist Cyril Achard is back in an aggressive power trio format for Violencia, an album which boasts just one guitar with no overdubs working with a grooving rhythm section.
Violencia signals Achard's intention to produce driving rock once again some seven years away from the scene. During the time away Cyril has been working in a jazz format building up a strong following around the world with his jazz trio who released the acclaimed Trace CD/DVD dual pack on Lion Music in 2007.
Reuniting with Cyril once again to form his backing band are the highly esteemed musicians - bassist Franck Hermanny and drummer Eric Lebailly. Best known for being members of France's biggest Metal band - Adagio, the rhythm section also have previous recording history with Achard on the ...In Inconstancia Constans release (2001 Lion Music).
Violencia marks Achard's most Metal and aggressive of all his electric guitar releases to date. The style of the album could be viewed as a cross between Steve Lukather-ish instrumentals whilst the driving power of album comes as an influence from Metallica, which, whilst not in the same musical ballpark, the Metal legends raw power provided Achard with the inspiration to make more powerful tunes again, St Hetfield is such a nod to this.
Generally Violencia can be considered a simple, straight rock instrumental CD. Achard comments, "In the past people only talked about the complexity of my compositions with no mention of my melodies and song writing and I guess I was thinking I hadn't finished the job of what songs are about. So Violencia is out to show that I can compose 4 minute tunes with definite intros, verses, choruses and solo sections woven into instrumental frameworks".
Violencia proves itself to be an accessible instrumental offering with Achard's best playing to date in a rock setting.
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| Magna Carta - Derdian - New Era Pt 3: The Apocalypse |
Posted by: Denis
/ 10.02.2010
Derdian's New Era Pt 3: The Apocalypse is the third installment in The New Era series, a story that chronicles the plight of the people of a mystical distant land, Derdian. The clash of good and evil, the rise and fall
of kings, and the like are all themes explored by Derdian. Creating an epic tale such as the Odyssey or Clash Of The Titans.
Derdian combines Thrash Metal guitar riffs with epic symphonic compositions in the vein of bands such as Dragonforce, Kamelot, Nightwish, and Opeth.
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| After All new line up |
Posted by: Denis
/ 10.02.2010
After All have parted ways with vocalist Piet Focroul and bassist Erwin Casier. After All extend thanks and appreciation to both Piet and Erwin for the many years they gave it all for the band.
The thrash attack continues with vocalist Sammy Peleman (September Syn) and bassist Frederik Vanmassenhove (ex-Aborted). Welcome to the madness!
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| DENNIS WARD TO PRODUCE NEW ELVENKING ALBUM |
Posted by: Denis
/ 10.02.2010
American/German top producer Dennis Ward (Angra, Pink Cream 69, Primal Fear, etc) will produce Elvenking new album. The recordings will start on March 20th at Piranha studios in Karsdolf (Germany).
Mat Sinner (Primal Fear, Sinner) will also take the role of executive producer in the whole process.
A possible release date for the new album can be expected in September 2010.
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| David Ellefson re-joins Megadeth for Rust In Peace Tour! |
Posted by: Denis
/ 09.02.2010
Megadeth founder and frontman Dave Mustaine has announced the return of original bassist David Ellefson (1983-2002) to the iconic multi-platinum group. This reunion is appropriately timed to Megadeth's upcoming historic month-long Rust In Peace 20th Anniversary Tour which launches March 1 in Spokane, WA. At these incredibly special shows, Megadeth will play their landmark, genre-defining 1990 album Rust In Peace in its entirety, in addition to other Megadeth favorites.
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| KREATOR SIGNS WITH NUCLEAR BLAST RECORDS |
Posted by: Denis
/ 09.02.2010
Mille's Statement: "Hey freaks, we're happy to announce that Kreator has just signed a new long- dated deal with Nuclear Blast!
Based on a friendship to Andy Siry (head of A&R of Nuclear Blast) that lasted for decades we will now finally join forces on a professional level!
Becoming a part of the NB-family means a lot to us and together with the world's biggest Metal label we will conquer the future!"
Andy Siry (head of A&R of Nuclear Blast): "Nuclear Blast proudly presents the signing of KREATOR!!!
For me another 'Thrash dream' has come true with the signing of Germany's finest and Europe's leading thrash legends KREATOR!!!
I still remember the day when I heard Endless Pain for the first time, I became a huge fan of the band.
I have been following KREATOR through their career and I built up a very good friendship with Mille.
The last years I have been working very hard to make it possible that KREATOR would join the Nuclear Family.
Together we are looking into a very bright future in which we will be leading KREATOR onwards to world domination!"
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| Ghost Machinery update |
Posted by: Denis
/ 09.02.2010
The new Ghost Machinery 4 track promo CD was ready and band sent the first ones to the labels just before Christmas. The response has been very, very positive and they have really liked their stuff.
Obviously Ghost Machinery can't name any company's at this point but several labels have already shown their interest to release the 2nd Out for Blood album!
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| Wuthering Heights announces new album release 2010 |
Posted by: Denis
/ 08.02.2010
Fifth album from one of the most interesting bands Wuthering Heights to emerge on the international heavy metal scene in recent years. It's their strongest and most poetic effort to date recorded in parts at Jailhouse Studios, Horses, Denmark by Tommy Hansen (Helloween, TNT, Jorn) who also plays the Hammond organ. It's a real must for every fan of Blind Guardian, Masterplan, Avantasia, Savatage, Skyclad, Symphony X, Falconer and Running Wild.
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| Y.O.C. news |
Posted by: Denis
/ 07.02.2010
Y.O.C. page www.myspace.com/yoccovers was updated, you can find new tracks like Metallica, Iron Maiden, etc.
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| Lars Eric Mattsson - new album TANGO will release March 19, 2010 |
Posted by: Denis
/ 06.02.2010
New MATTSSON album is called TANGO and will be released on March 19, 2010 on Lion Music. There are 11 songs on the album, singer Adrienn Antal is handling the major part of the vocals while Status Minor frontman Markku Kuikka is featured on 4 tracks. On 2 songs, Believe and The Grand Escape both singers are featured. The latter track is probably the best piece of music he has ever done, it's like a mini musical/rock opera squeezed down to just under 11 minutes, and Lars is very happy with the result. He has worked very hard to be able to deliver the best music of his life and he hope you will enjoy it!
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| Y.O.C. new track |
Posted by: Denis
/ 05.02.2010
Y.O.C. presents absolutely new track Flamenco Greedy that's already available on our Y.O.C.'s page!
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| Nuclear Blast / AVANTASIA - New video featuring Klaus Meine! |
Posted by: Denis
/ 05.02.2010
On April 3rd the new Avantasia albums The Wicked Symphony / Angel Of Babylon will be released. As previously reported the album will feature a long list of guest musicians such as Klaus Meine (Scorpions), Eric Singer (KISS), Bruce Kulick (ex-KISS), Ripper Owens (ex-Judas Priest), Jon Oliva (Savatage), Bob Catley (Magnum), Michael Kiske (Helloween), Jorn Lande (Masterplan) and many more. Last week a video clip was shot for the song Dying For An Angel featuring Klaus Meine.
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| Helstar welcomes new drummer |
Posted by: Denis
/ 05.02.2010
It's been long overdue for an update on what's happening in the Helstar camp, so they figured what better way than to announce a new drummer, Mikey Lewis! Some of you may remember Mikey from last summer's Headbanger's open Air Festival or even the last 4 shows the band played here in Texas back in September and December. Mikey is not new to the Helstar family. Everybody's all known him for many years and in fact, he toured Europe with James's Helstar reunion shows in 2004. Mikey is a solid drummer with impeccable timing and sense for what a song needs! He grew up on Helstar and was also heavily influenced by the major thrash drummers of the 80s. He is a very welcome addition to the family and the band can't wait for you all to hear him!
Helstar also would like to take this opportunity to thank their long time brother, Russell De Leon, for all he has contributed to the band over the years. They've had MANY crazy, fun times together and he will be missed! Russell has moved on to other personal endeavors and the band wishes him nothing but the best and remain very close friends with him.
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| PYRAMAZE: LIMITED 12" "IMMORTAL" PICTURE DISC ANNOUNCED |
Posted by: Denis
/ 04.02.2010
Inner Wound Recordings are proud to announce the release of a limited 12" picture disc edition of the latest Pyramaze album Immortal. The release date is set to March 26th, and the edition is strictly limited to 250 copies.
Michael Kammeyer of Pyramaze comments: "We are very happy about this cooperation with Inner Wound Recordings. The business vision and integrity of this up and coming quality label from Sweden is exactly what Pyramaze has been looking for. We consider this picture disc release a great treat for any Pyramaze fan who wants a little something special in their collection, and we are more than confident that Inner Wound Recordings are the right company to produce a high quality product for our fans."
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| Frontiers Records / OUTLOUD - new videoclip launched |
Posted by: Denis
/ 02.02.2010
Outloud announce the release of their second video clip Tonite which was directed by Bob Katsionis for the Progressive Vision Group.
In December 2009 the band completed their first 6 successful headline shows in Greece which was supported by Jack Daniel's. The content and concept of Tonite is based on the tours footage on and off stage and simply shows the energy on stage, character and fun the band has!
Outloud will soon announce their touring schedule for 2010 and plans for their second album. Their highly acclaimed first CD and video clip of their hit single We Run was released by Frontiers Records on August 28th in Europe, September 15th in North America and September 30th in Japan and has received outstanding reviews from the international press and fans. Both clips were directed by Bob Katsionis, who owns his own video production company Progressive Vision Group. Bob also directed Firewind's Head up high and the new video of Iron Maiden's Steve Harris' daughter Lauren Harris.
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| Frontiers Records / THE MAGNIFICENT (Leverage + Circus Maximus!) |
Posted by: Denis
/ 02.02.2010
CIRCUS MAXIMUS singer extraordinary Michael Eriksen and Finnish producer/guitarist Torsti Spoof (LEVERAGE) have decided to join forces together in a new band project under The Magnificent moniker. Other musicians scheduled to appear on the album include Kalle Torniainen of Brother Firetribe on drums and Pekka Lampinen of Leverage on bass.
Songwriting is well underway and sees contributions also from Pekka Heino (BROTHER FIRETRIBE, LEVERAGE), Tomppa Nikulainen (BROTHER FIRETRIBE), Tuomas Heikkinen (LEVERAGE) and Sami Hyde and others. Soundwise the album will sound like a cross between the heavier approach of Leverage with the hooks and melodies of Brother Firetribe. The recording will be completed during the winter, with Frontiers looking to release the debut album after the summer 2010.
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| DOFKA - Humanity Bleak to be released in late February! |
Posted by: Denis
/ 01.02.2010
West Virginia-based metallers DOFKA have been hard at work promoting music from their upcoming CD with a successful string of performances in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. The band's new CD entitled Humanity Bleak will be released February 23rd. Fans of the old and new alike will not be disappointed. Artwork for the CD was done by Dorian Cleavenger.
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| Nuclear Blast / RAGE - Strings to A Web. Out February 5, 2010 |
Posted by: Denis
/ 01.02.2010
With their new album STRINGS TO A WEB the legendary German Heavy Metal act RAGE returns with a brandnew masterpiece! Recorded at the Twilight Hall Studio (BLIND GUARDIAN, SAXON) and produced by Victor Smolski and their long term friend Charlie Bauerfeind (HAMMERFALL, HELLOWEEN and more), STRINGS TO A WEB became another brilliant highlight in the history of this outstanding and unique trio. It is a various album, showing all those different faces of the band, from pure Heavy Metal thunder, through classical and progressive landscapes, up to powerful Thrash anthems.
STRINGS TO A WEB is like a journey through the history of the band, who also celebrated their 25th anniversary this year. A fresh, both straight and technically adapted album full of overwhelming emotion and pure magic. Over this quarter of a century, RAGE went through many changes, but always kept to their roots and developed their incomparable style. Be sure: There is no doubt that their current line-up is the strongest and best ever. Peavy's voice is the main trademark, along with the guitar wizard Victor Smolski and power drummer André Hilgers, who rounds up this 'magic trio'.
Finally the DVD completes with a short movie about Victor's second fascinating passion - be surprised and moreover be sure: You will get a metallic value for money, that blows you away!!!
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