| BREAKING EVERGREY NEWS, NEW LABEL AND NEW ALBUM RELEASE! |
Posted by: Denis
/ 09.05.2008
Following intense and very constructive discussions, Steamhammer/SPV have announced their future collaboration with Swedish dark melodic metal act, Evergrey. The deal includes not only the group's brand-new studio album, Torn, which will arrive at the stores at the beginning of September, but also Evergrey's complete back catalogue. Evergrey mastermind Tom S. Englund is looking forward to a productive cooperation with Steamhammer, explaining: "After long and intense negotiations, we feel that we have arrived at optimum conditions for everybody involved. We are confident that Evergrey will continue to grow artistically under the terms of this contract, that SPV will enjoy our cooperation and – this is definitely the most important aspect – that our fans will thoroughly benefit from the new deal."
The first stage of this ambitious target will see the release of Evergrey's new studio album, Torn, at the beginning of September, featuring eleven compositions, described by Englund as a "modern mix of In Search Of Truth and Recreation Day. The tracks are all guitar-oriented and very atmospheric. They have exactly the sound that our fans expect from us." According to Englund, the slightly more experimental direction of Evergrey's previous release, Monday Morning Apocalypse, has given way again to old strengths and virtues. "Two years ago we needed an album with a slightly different approach and an expensive producer, just to find out how that sort of thing works. It was the right album at the time, but now we have returned to our typical trademarks." This is one of the reasons why the tracks on Torn were self-produced by Englund together with drummer Jonas Ekdahl. In addition, the band has a new bassist, Fredrik Larsson having been replaced by former Stratovarius musician Jari Kainulainen.
Since the band arrived on the scene in 1998, Evergrey have brought out six studio albums and one live cut. All of them made the top 20 in their native Sweden and the last two made the top 10 (no. 6 and 3, respectively). On top of that, their DVD was number 1 for four weeks and nominated for a Grammy in Sweden. The band has toured around the globe several times, together with In Flames, Nevermore, Throwdown, Arch Enemy, Children of Bodom and Iced Earth, among others. Along with Torn, their new contract with Steamhammer/SPV includes the band's complete back catalogue, so top-quality reissues featuring a selection of bonus tracks are likely in future. "There is so much additional material for each album that we could theoretically re-release it on an extra DVD. Whatever we manage to do – premium reissues are certainly a possibility."
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| ATTACKER - NEW BAND PICS! |
Posted by: Denis
/ 08.05.2008
Atacker has some new pics posted here featuring new vocalist, Walter Figueroa!
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| Gaia Epicus - FREE ALBUMS FOR DOWNLOAD!!! |
Posted by: Denis
/ 07.05.2008
Gaia Epicus is working hard on the new album and it is going to be a blast once it's done.
As a "Waiting for the new album" gift Gaia Epicus would like to give you their 2 first albums for FREE DOWNLOAD!!! The albums will be available for download between 7th and 18th of May here.
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| DARK MOOR - NEW ALBUM |
Posted by: Denis
/ 04.05.2008
Dark Moor are working on new songs for the next album wich is planned to be recorded this summer in the New Sin Studios in Italy. The release date for the next album will be between the end of 2008-2009.
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| Lion Music / VENTURIA GEARING UP FOR THE RELEASE OF "HYBRID" |
Posted by: Denis
/ 02.05.2008
The new album from one of the world's hottest metal acts Venturia has just been mastered and a release is anticipated in September 2008. The new album entitled Hybrid takes off from where the bands critically acclaimed debut The New Kingdom left off, yet shows impressive growth from the band incorporating new sounds and a killer production.
Charly Sahona of the band comments, "We're extremely proud of the result: the production, the song writing and the performance of everybody is a step higher than the previous album. The musical approach is the same as before, a blend between Metal, Prog, pop, classical, electronic music and the technical parts are even more crazy. The title Hybrid, it's a good name to reflect the musical direction, influences and sounds with different styles of music."
| | Lion Music / EMIR HOT ANNOUNCES FIRST LIVE GIGS IN SUPPORT OF "SEVDAH METAL" |
Posted by: Denis
/ 02.05.2008
Emir Hot has announced his first tour dates in 2008 to support the release of Sevdah Metal which is currently picking up tremendous praise worldwide. This is only a short summer tour on both sides of beautiful Adriatic Sea with a big European tour to follow a couple months after this "warm-up". The following dates are confirmed:
Wed 23th July: Split - Croatia (Special guest MARKONEE – Italy)
Fri 25th July: Rimini - Italy
Sat 26th July: Verona – Italy
Emir adds, "As you can see Mike Terrana is not playing with us on this one due to his every day music obligations. But could we have got a better replacement than John Macaluso? Probably not! We welcome one of the greatest drummers in the metal world ever. Check out www.johnmacaluso.com. In between our tour dates there will be some acoustic shows with John West and Lonnie Park. That will make this little tour even more interesting. As soon as these dates are confirmed we will let you all know. We hope to see some of you there and get ready to rock!!!".
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| Lion Music / SEVENTH WONDER ABOUT TO ENTER THE STUDIO TO RECORD "MERCY FALLS" |
Posted by: Denis
/ 02.05.2008
Seventh Wonder being the recordings of their third album Mercy Falls on May 5th as the band once again teams up with Daniel Flores in the studio. After the massive sound of WITW the band has also decided to hook up with Tommy Hansen again to do the mixing and mastering at the famous Jailhouse Studios in Denmark. This is scheduled for late June. The album will be released late this summer on Lion Music worldwide and there will also be a very limited first edition with bonus material; more news on this will follow.
Andreas Blomqvist of the band states, "Updates have been scarce lately and the band wishes to thank everyone for their patience and understanding. Every minute of time has been put into the writing and producing of this album to make sure it is the best that can be. Now we invite you to join us in this endeavour."
| | Recital Records / HEAVENWOOD - ANNIHILATOR |
Posted by: Denis
/ 30.04.2008
In addition to already-announced guests Tijs (OCEANS OF SADNESS) and Gus G (FIREWIND), Portuguese Metallers HEAVENWOOD announce that ANNIHILATOR's Jeff Waters will be a very special guest on the band's new album. Jeff will appear on what is described as "the band's most intense and metal song of their career", a track well-suited to Waters titled Bridge To Neverland.
HEAVENWOOD's guitarist, Ricardo Dias says: "Jeff Waters has been building his own metal bridge for years and influencing so many guitarists/ bands, Heavenwood included. It is fair to say that we crafted the song Bridge To Neverland, clearly as a result of our Waters/Annihilator influences. It is an honor for all of us in Heavenwood to have this man on our CD, along with Gus and Tijs."
ANNIHILATOR released its latest album, Metal, in North America on January 15 via SPV. The CD's ten new tracks were recorded by Jeff Waters (guitar, bass and lead vocals on one song), drum legend Mike Mangini and Dave Padden (longtime vocalist and touring guitarist/vocalist). The album features killer performances by some of metal's finest players and ANNIHILATOR's good friends, like Alexi Laiho (CHILDREN OF BODOM), Danko Jones, Michael Amott and Angela Gossow (ARCH ENEMY), Corey Beaulieu (TRIVIUM), William Adler (LAMB OF GOD), Jeff Loomis, Jesper Stromblad (IN FLAMES), Steve 'Lips' Kudlow, Anders Bjorler (THE HAUNTED), Jacob Lynam (LYNAM) and more.
Meanwhile, a new Heavenwood video report (Heavenwood - Orebro, Sweden - April 2008 - Episode 2) filmed on the Fascination Street Studios with producer Jens Bogren on scene, can be viewed here.
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| Maesstro looks for singers and drummers! |
Posted by: Denis
/ 30.04.2008
MAESSTRO is searching for the SINGER and DRUMMER so if you're interested please message them!
MORE |
| Revoltons - SOME NEWS FROM THE BAND! |
Posted by: Denis
/ 30.04.2008
Now it's time to reveal what's going on with REVOLTONS! A new album is on the way! The band would like to release its 3rd studio album by the end of 2008, early 2009. They are still looking for the right label, but in the meantime they would like to give a taste of the new stuff to break the silence! The new album signs the NEW THRASH direction of the band! You can hear an excerpt of some new tracks and a sample of the videoclip of the song entitled The Pure Soul Cry! 4 videos have been planned for support the new work! They will keep you informed with other news very soon!
MORE |
| ATTACKER LIVE VIDEO FROM KEEP IT TRUE X! |
Posted by: Denis
/ 30.04.2008
Check out new video footage of Attacker performing the title track of their 1985 debut Battle At Helms Deep from the Keep It True X Festival, april 4th 2008 in Lauda-Konigshofen, Germany posted right here!
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| Frontiers Records / PLACE VENDOME news |
Posted by: Denis
/ 29.04.2008
The production of the second chapter of the popular PLACE VENDOME album, the record that brought back former HELLOWEEN singer Michael Kiske to Rock Music, has started under the direction of Dennis Ward (Pink Cream 69) at his studio in Karlsdorf, Germany. Ward's PINK CREAM 69 bandmate, Kosta Zafiriou and Gunther Werno of VANDENPLAS will also appear on drums and keyboards respectively. This time the songs have been supplied also by Ronny Milianowicz (SAINT DEAMON, PRIMAL FEAR), Torsti Spoof (LEVERAGE) and Robert Sall (WORK OF ART). You can expect a follow-up album that will match the brilliance of the debut and will showcase more and more amazing talent in the Melodic Rock world. Frontiers hopes to release the album in late 2008.
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| Power Quest "Master of Illusion" European release tomorrow! |
Posted by: Denis
/ 27.04.2008
Just a quick reminder that the new Power Quest album Master of Illusion is released across Europe tomorrow, April 28th, via Napalm records.
USA/CANADA release follows on May 13th!!
MORE |
| Y.O.C. news |
Posted by: Denis
/ 26.04.2008
Y.O.C. started to work on THE METAL WARRIOR PART II. This CD will include 5 cover tracks: IRON MAIDEN, METALLICA, MALMSTEEN, BLITZKRIEG and FLOTSAM&JETSAM. More information will be announced soon.
MORE |
| ATTACKER ANNOUNCES NEW VOCALIST |
Posted by: Denis
/ 26.04.2008
New Jersey metallers ATTACKER have announced the addition of Walter Figueroa to the group's ranks. Figueroa is the former lead singer of SEVERED HAND (a band that features Sebastian Bach's son on drums) and he recently did a stint as vocalist for 1980s metal cover band SMELL THE GLOVE (which features SEVEN WITCHES and current JOEY BELLADONNA guitarist Jack Frost). Walter Figueroa has also been involved with hard rock band IMPRECARI and progressive rock/metal band PARADOX (New Jersey).
Walter Figueroa's influences include Geoff Tate, Rob Halford, Bruce Dickinson, and Tony Harnell. These influences can clearly be heard in Figueroa's soaring, powerful voice.
ATTACKER states: "Walter came down and did a fantastic job on the material, so we knew we had to look no further. We had several people recommend Walter to us and they were right on the money. We are all looking forward to working on our new album and hitting the stage as soon as possible".
MORE |
| Fingernails new samples |
Posted by: Denis
/ 25.04.2008
Check out Christ from new Fingernails album and Heavy night composed in '81 and so new arranged by Angus.
MORE |
| Aquaria Song Iara from newest album Shambala uploaded |
Posted by: Denis
/ 25.04.2008
Aquaria has uploaded the song Iara from their newest release Shambala!
Soon, Aquaria announces the release dates for Shambala in Brazil and in Mexico!
MORE |
| Lion Music / WINTERLONG - LONGING FOR WINTER |
Posted by: Denis
/ 24.04.2008
Winterlong is the brainchild of Thorbjorn Englund. Proving to be purveyors of some of the finest neo-classical Nordic power metal to have come out of Scandinavia in the 21st century. The band went through a series of line-up changes yet retained their own identifiable sound for their first 3 albums before changing track to a heavier style of metal for their fourth (and to date last) album Metal/Technology. Longing For Winter sees tracks compiled from the bands career
and along with 4 previously unreleased tracks from the bands archives makes this an ideal starting point for anyone that has yet to sample the Winterlong sound.
Winterlong started out as a band and first came to prominence with their debut album Valley Of The Lost in 2001 which received strong critical praise. Subsequent albums saw Thorbjorn creating the music himself with a variety of musicians. For The Second Coming (2003) with drummers Anders Johansson (Hammerfall, ex Malmsteen) and Andreas Lill (Vanden Plas). Italian keyboard virtuoso Mistheria (as with the debut) contributed keyboard solos yet it was the presence of vocalist Mikael Holm that had the most impact from the then new release whose powerful soaring vocals worked to perfection with Englund's fleeting fingers. The Englund/Holm magic was then further enhanced for
the band's 3rd release, the self titled Winterlong seeing Leif Eriksson handle drums and this album saw the bands sound honed to perfection. Even Englund himself wondered how this could be bettered. So instead Thorbjorn took the decision to create Winterlong's fourth album alone with a new sound, The result was Metal/Technology which saw heavier Pantera style riffs coupled with Thorbjorn Englund handling all other instrumentation and vocals himself. Whilst this is a departure from the traditional Winterlong sound, Englunds guitar trademarks are still here in spades.
MORE |
| Lion Music / SEVENTH WONDER ABOUT TO ENTER THE STUDIO TO RECORD MERCY FALLS |
Posted by: Denis
/ 24.04.2008
Seventh Wonder being the recordings of their third album Mercy Falls on May 5th as the band once again teams up with Daniel Flores in the studio. After the massive sound of WITW the band has also decided to
hook up with Tommy Hansen again to do the mixing and mastering at the famous Jailhouse Studios in Denmark. This is scheduled for late June.
The album will be released late this summer on Lion Music worldwide and there will also be a very limited first edition with bonus material; more news on this will follow.
| | Magna Carta / Royal Hunt - Collision Course: Paradox II |
Posted by: Denis
/ 23.04.2008
Royal Hunt Denmark-based Progressive Hard Rock band's new album, Collision Course - Paradox II, a conceptual follow-up to the original Paradox – this time concentrating on a collision course between the ways of the modern Western world and a new breed of culture grown on Eastern religious movements. Musically you'll have it all – huge epics, intricate progressive arrangements, metallic power, with killer melodies...
This album marks the recorded debut with the band of new vocalist Mark Boals, who has previously played with Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force and Ring Of Fire. Marcus Jidell returns on electric guitar, along with drummer Allan Sorensen and bassist Per Schelander.
MORE |
| Nuclear Blast EUROPE / TESTAMENT - full album stream online! |
Posted by: Denis
/ 21.04.2008
San Francisco Bay Area Thrash Metal legends TESTAMENT are currently streaming their entire new album, The Formation Of Damnation, on their MySpace page. Make sure to check it out!
The band has recorded The Formation of Damnation in part with producer Andy Sneap (MACHINE HEAD, EXODUS, ARCH ENEMY, NEVERMORE) at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California. In Germany, the album will be released on April, 25th.
| | Recital Records Promotion / HEAVENWOOD Last News |
Posted by: Denis
/ 20.04.2008
Portuguese Dark/Goth Metallers, HEAVENWOOD, have uploaded the first video with studio report filmed in Sweden to their official myspace. More video reports will be posted online on the next days.
The band recently entered Fascination Street Studios in Orebro, Sweden with producer Jens Bogren (Opeth, Katatonia, Amon Amarth, etc) to mix and master Redemption, the follow up of 1998's Swallow record. Sessions will continue to take place until the end of April and the record is set to be released in September through Recital Records.
The video studio report can be viewed here.
10 songs will be included on the album and there are plans for some bonus material for different territories.
MORE |
| Jacobs Dream new album release |
Posted by: Denis
/ 19.04.2008
New Jacobs Dream album Dominion Of Darkness Is NOW OUT!!! Check out a sample at jacobsdream.
MORE |
| Witches news |
Posted by: Denis
/ 17.04.2008
New Witches Album In all French good shop since 11 March 2008 Multicom City Distribution.
Next Radio shows:
On Monday 05 May 2008 8:00pm-11:00pm: KILLER ON THE LOOSE show on www.radiovexin.com
On Tuesday 27 May 2008 from 8:00pm: La Housse à Gratte show on La Grosse Radio www.lagrosseradio.com.
Do Not Miss Witches next show:
On 14 June 2008: in LILLE (La Rumeur) – North of France. Near Belgium.
MORE |
| Thy Majestie - NEW ALBUM READY |
Posted by: Denis
/ 17.04.2008
Yesterday at 4.00 a.m. Thy Majestie finished the long mixing session for Dawn. Thy Majestie ARE ENTHUSIASTIC of the final result. This is the best album Thy Majestie have ever produced, be prepared...
The new album will be hopefully released in July for Dark Balance Records.
MORE |
| Y.O.C. new songs! |
Posted by: Denis
/ 16.04.2008
We added new songs on our Y.O.C. page: ICED EARTH Watching Over Me and IRON MAIDEN Futureal covered by Y.O.C. and original Y.O.C. song - The Dawn!
MORE |
| ALKEMYST - NEW SONGS ONLINE |
Posted by: Denis
/ 16.04.2008
Exclusive Alkemyst audio samples from Through Painful Lanes - for those of you wondering about what the new record sounds like, you can have an idea by checking out some audio samples from two of band's new record companies.
Nightmare Records
Spiritual Beast
MORE |
| VIRGIN STEELE signs contract for new album, and other News. |
Posted by: Denis
/ 15.04.2008
Virgin Steele is honored to announce that the band has just signed a new recording contract with the Hamburg, Germany based company, DOCKYARD1.
"This took quite awhile to conclude, as it was a difficult decision to make in regards to who to sign with, as we were offered several very good agreements from various labels, but in the end we decided to go with DOCKYARD1, as we have a very long history with several of the key members of the team there and have always enjoyed working with them", said David DeFeis, the group's vocalist.
While there is yet no specific release date the projected target area for the album is for sometime in January of 2009. DeFeis claims, "If all goes well we should be able to issue a new album sometime between January and March..." Meanwhile in addition to working on a new album, the group will continue to re-issue various albums in the catalogue, once again with bonus tracks. And in addition to all of that DeFeis is also involved in a new Project with Blind Guardian drummer Thomen Stauch and Domain guitarist Axel Ritt.
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| Lion Music / ALBERTO RIGONI TRYING TO FORGET |
Posted by: Denis
/ 14.04.2008
Bassist Alberto Rigoni has just made a live video available of Trying To Forget from his debut solo album Something Different (out now on Lion Music) available for your viewing pleasure on youtube.
| | Arthemis signed to Scarlet Records!!! |
Posted by: Denis
/ 14.04.2008
Black Society will be release in Europe during July 2008!! Here's the Scarlet Records Press Release:
Scarlet Records has just signed a deal with ARTHEMIS, the band formed in 1994 which combines the darker side of hard rock with prog/power influences and a modern touch of top-quality heavy/thrash metal.
Since their inception in the scene, Arthemis released four well-received albums which made them one of the prominent names in the European metal scene, building up a solid fan-base in countries like Japan and touring the world with celebrated names such as SLAYER, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, HAMMERFALL, WITHIN TEMPTATION and CRADLE OF FILTH, among others.
Black Society is the confirmed title for their new album, accompanied by the videoclip for the song Angels In Black and expected to be released in July 2008.
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| Y.O.C. news |
Posted by: Denis
/ 13.04.2008
New songs added to Y.O.C. myspace page. You will find out the 9/11 Dedication tribute piece; THY KINGDOM an operatic track, plus Y.O.C. Original HEAVY METAL tracks.
MORE |
| Y.O.C. additional news |
Posted by: Denis
/ 13.04.2008
Y.O.C. will appear on PLAYING THE BEAST CD. A 3 CD box set of IRON MAIDEN COVERS includes also a track cover by Y.O.C.
MORE WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON ON Y.O.C. PAGE.
MORE |
| Arthemis signed to Soundholic Records Japan |
Posted by: Denis
/ 12.04.2008
Arthemis has signed to Soundholic Records!!! Black Society will be release in Japan on the 25th of June 2008!
Arthemis 's so happy to begin this new great collaboration with Soundholic Records!
The Japanese version will be an enhanced CD and will include the video clip of the song Angels In Black, directed by Solingo Visual Arts and shot during last June-July 2007.
MORE |
| ATTACKER SEEKS NEW VOCALIST! |
Posted by: Denis
/ 12.04.2008
Attacker is currently seeking a new vocalist (by email to: mike@attacker.tv). Classic Metal style preferred, Good range, Good stage presence and Responsible.
Sentinel Steel Records recording artist Attacker has parted company with
vocalist Bob Mitchell due to ongoing personal and financial circumstances that unfortunately prevent any further cooperation between the parties.
The band wishes Bob the best of luck in his future
endeavors and thanks him for the great run they had together.
Attacker recently performed at the sold out KEEP IT TRUE X Festival in Germany on April 4th, 2008.
MORE |
| Amulance new tunes |
Posted by: Denis
/ 11.04.2008
Amulance 2 new tunes are up, check 'em out...
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| FINGERNAILS - Finally new album available |
Posted by: Denis
/ 11.04.2008
That's alright, Fingernails new album on CD Destroy western world now available via Old Metal Records.
MORE |
| CELTIC FROST Press Release |
Posted by: Denis
/ 11.04.2008
Celtic Frost singer and guitarist Tom Gabriel Fischer has left Celtic Frost due to the irresolvable, severe erosion of the personal basis so urgently required to collaborate within a band so unique, volatile, and ambitious.
| | Frontiers Records / REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE witness the rebirth of Timo Tolkki! |
Posted by: Denis
/ 11.04.2008
Frontiers Records is pleased to announce all details about the sensational new band REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE, brainchild of ex STRATOVARIUS main man Timo Tolkki.
"Everything that was to be said with that band, with those members, had already been said and to continue would have simply been repeating the same formula over and over again", says Tolkki about this much talked split. Furthermore, tensions between the members brought Tolkki's decision to form a brand new band REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE, which is the logical progression of the Stratovarius legacy.
The first record from the new band, aptly entitled New Era, includes the vocal talents of Michael Kiske (ex HELLOWEEN), Tobias Sammet (EDGUY, AVANTASIA) and Pasi Rantanen (THUNDERSTONE) plus Mirka Rantanen on drums (THUNDERSTONE), Pasi Heikkilä on bass (45 DEGREE WOMAN) and Joonas Puolakka on keyboards.
Tolkki originally composed all the songs included in this album for Stratovarius, but after the group broke up, he thought he needed to get these songs out and did not spend time looking for a permanent band line-up. He is currently still auditioning singers and musicians and, as soon as a stable line-up is set in stone, Revolution Renaissance will start its life as a live unit.
New Era pays tribute musically to the trademark Stratovarius albums Visions and Episode, with its Melodic Power Metal style that Tolkki was instrumental in creating, along with such bands as Helloween and Gamma Ray. His trademark guitar playing that earned him a position in "The 80 best guitar players of the World" category in the American "Guitar World" magazine readers poll, shines throughout the album.
Witness the rebirth of Timo Tolkki and his music the way the fans want to hear him on June 6th!
MORE |
| Steel Attack - new video |
Posted by: Denis
/ 08.04.2008
Check out this Steel Attack video: The Evil in Me.
MORE |
| Lion Music / Mind's Eye - 1994: The Afterglow |
Posted by: Denis
/ 07.04.2008
1994: THE AFTERGLOW is a slice of history from one of the most critically acclaimed Progressive bands of recent years – MIND'S
EYE. The Swedish Progressive Rock / Metal masters in conjunction with Lion Music offer up their little heard 1994 debut album The Afterglow.
Re-mastered by Daniel Flores and re-packaged with all new artwork by artist Carl-Andre Beckston (Monowasp), the album is wrapped up with a variety of bonus features (including the bands debut video – Castle Of Eternity), all showing the humble beginnings of the band who released arguably 2007's most critically acclaimed Progressive Metal masterpiece and world first triple pack release (CD/DVD/comic) in A Gentleman's Hurricane.
Being the first ever release by Mind's Eye, this is a genuine chance to get to know the band as they started their career. Back then the bands
core of Daniel Flores and Johan Niemann along with original singer German Pascual and guitarist Fredrik Grunberger proved they already knew that they wanted to show the world that good music CAN be created with discipline and emotion. Sounds like a paradox? Not for Mind's Eye.
The musicianship and song writing on 1994: The Afterglow belies the bands tender years at the time, Daniel and Fredrik where 18, German was 20 and Johan was only 15. Musically the band had the same goal as they do today. What they didn't have back then was the experience and knowledge they have today, yet this album shows the unique seeds for future works and any listener will be hard pressed not to appreciate the talent on offer even today some 14 years on from original release.
| | Lion Music / Jennifer Batten - Whatever |
Posted by: Denis
/ 07.04.2008
Critically acclaimed as one of the most creative, imaginative and talented guitarists on the planet and always at the forefront of technology Jennifer Batten returns for her third solo album in the captivating sonic tapestry of Whatever. Released as a dual pack of CD and DVD the album is described in style by Jennifer herself as
"guitronica". The album possesses plenty of guitar, but Whatever is heavily multi textured with a plethora of sounds and vocal samples, and has a humorous thread throughout. The music is also influenced by various ethnic cultures such as the African vibe in Off the Deep End.
On the albums creation Jennifer comments, "Originally I started writing a lot of these tracks for Jeff Beck when I was in his band. My third CD has been long over due so in the end I'm happy to have these tracks for myself! He got me interested in electronica and I'm very happy to have that as a new direction with all the amazing inspiring sounds available today."
The included DVD breaks down each video track with a commentary track by Jennifer which has formed the brief synopsis of each track below. Jennifer descrives the album as "'sort of' instrumental. There are vocal samples telling stories in most songs, but not the standard song type lyrics and melodies. I played and programmed most of the CD with the exception of having a few guests."
| | Lion Music / COSMICS - THE COSMIC YEAR |
Posted by: Denis
/ 07.04.2008
Daniele Liverani's new project COSMICS mark their debut with the instrumental / experimental concept album THE COSMIC YEAR. The album, a collection of 10 tracks within a melodic and Progressive Metal setting are based around the keyboard wizardry of Daniele Liverani (Twinspirits, Genius, Khymera), along with special guest drummer Virgil Donati (Steve Vai, Planet X, Ring Of Fire), young guitar hotshot Tommy Ermolli (Twinspirits, Khymera) and respected bassist Rufus Philpot (Planet X) show that Progressive Music can be both accessible and intelligently written.
Each track contains various movements given a sonic reference to specific moments in the evolution of the universe which maintain both a progressive outlook yet work cohesively as a sonic unit and as single entities. Daniele Liverani showcases immense skill in this his most complex, visionary and progressive work to date. Guitarist Tommy Ermolli's performance will only go to further the reputation this 20 year old has earnt so far. This musical vision is extended further with the stunning rhythm section interaction between Rufus Philpot and Virgil Donati that the listener will have come to expect from their work together in Planet X.
| | Frontiers Records / JORN's new original studio album Lonely are the Brave |
Posted by: Denis
/ 07.04.2008
Frontiers Records is proud to present the highly anticipated new studio album from JORN. After close to 30 album releases with various projects, working with some of the best musicians around, he is now ready to unleash upon the world yet another masterpiece under the Jorn banner. Lonely Are the Brave is the title of the new masterpiece album and it is scheduled to be released on the 6th of June.
Once again, get ready for another unique and classic Hard Rock masterpiece from this productive and gifted Norwegian Viking. Jorn is one of our greatest Rock Giants: his strong and diverse voice and solid songwriting skills have become powerful trademarks in the Hard Rock world.
He is remembered for his role as front man in German Metal act Masterplan, which has achieved great success around the world. Two albums and two maxi singles were released during this period; Masterplan and Aeronautics. Powerful solo albums such as The Duke, The Gathering and Live in America are just a few of this man's releases during his almost 30-year old career.
This year Jorn is featured on spectacular projects like Tobias Sammet's Avantasia, along with stars like Alice Cooper and Eric Singer (KISS), Rudolph Schenker (Scorpions), Bob Catley (Magnum) and will be touring the world with this project as well as with his own band JORN. He also participated on Arjen Lucassen's recent concept album Ayreon.
Lonely Are The Brave, Jorn's 5th solo album of original material, was recorded under the steady direction of Tommy Hansen (Helloween, Pretty Maids, TNT) at Jailhouse Studios in Denmark. The JORN band consists of: drums: Willy Bendiksen, guitar: Tore Moren, guitar: Jørn Viggo Lofstad, bass: Sid Ringsby. With this line up you are guaranteed to get your adrenaline going with the riveting sound that has solid roots in classic Hard Rock / Heavy Metal music, such as Dio, Black Sabbath, Rainbow and Whitesnake.
| | FIREWIND - Mercenary Man video online! |
Posted by: Denis
/ 05.04.2008
FIREWIND have debuted their video for their new single Mercenary Man online at Headbanger's Blog.
Gus states:
"This is our third video with director Patric Ullaeus (In Flames, Lacuna Coil).
It was a great feeling going back to Sweden and working with him. When it comes to the visuals, he's our man. When I think that I want us to look like a million dollars, I think of Patric.
We basically did a couple of day's worth of shootings in his studio in Gothenburg," continues Gus. "I love the editing of the band and the fact that he gave such a crystal clear look to this video. Since the song is talking about a mercenary going out to war, the story evolves around a soldier and includes some pretty incredible footage of fighting jets, helicopters and tanks - made in Sweden."
The video will premiere on MTV2's Headbanger's Ball on Saturday!
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| Century Media Europe / NEVERMORE – Jeff Loomis announces solo project, enters the studio! |
Posted by: Denis
/ 03.04.2008
One of Metal's most talented shredders, Jeff Loomis, of NEVERMORE fame will further prove his undeniable skills with his first solo project, which is set for a fall release. The ambitious offering is an all instrumental effort and is destined to shed some much deserved spotlight on the genre's most notable, yet unsung, guitar player.
Loomis states: "Hi everyone. I just wanted to give you all an update on the solo project. I entered Robert Lang studios on March 22nd with producer Neil Kernon (NEVERMORE) and drummer Mark Arrington. Mark completed the drums for 10 tracks in about three and a half days. He did some incredible drum work that I know will bring this record to a higher level than I expected. Mark and I worked before back in 1993-94 when he played half the songs on our debut CD. Being able to do this entire recording with Neil is really amazing as well. We've done some great work in the past, but being able to focus on an entire instrumental record is going to be great. Rhythm guitars will be tracked next. I'll keep everyone informed on the progress as we track for the next month."
Furthermore, Jeff can also be heard on the forthcoming solo album Praises To The War Machine by NEVERMORE-vocalist Warrel Dane, which will be released via Century Media this month.
Loomis is doing a guest solo on the song Messenger, which can currently be streamed!
Frequent updates on the recording process of his first solo album as well as more info on Jeff Loomis can be found on his official MySpace site!
| | Seasons Of The Wolf on CAYA RADIO |
Posted by: Denis
/ 02.04.2008
 Seasons Of The Wolf is the Featured Band for the Month of April on CAYA Radio... Tune in and catch the Skully and Wes Interview on the Madness show 10pm EST FRIDAY night April 4th. The boys graciously gave them a new tune off the up and coming 5th album to debut!
And hear a Seasons Of The Wolf Tune every hour on the hour all month!
TUNE IN CAYA RADIO
| | Nightmare Records / SACRED DAWN Gears of the Machine... A New Beginning - IN STORES NOW! |
Posted by: Denis
/ 02.04.2008
With an innovative mix of Heavy MetalM and Hard Rock and a unique blend of vocal harmonies, Sacred Dawn delivers one of the more original Progressive Metal musical experiences heard in a long time. From their numerous live appearances across the Midwest to playing alongside international acts such as Symphony X, Cage, Firewind, Kamelot, and Epica, Sacred Dawn has garnered critical acclaim as well as fans around the world.
| | Frontiers Records / THE BREAK-UP OF STRATOVARIUS AND THE NEW BAND OF TIMO TOLKKI |
Posted by: Denis
/ 02.04.2008
After a long and careful consideration, Timo Tolkki has decided to end Stratovarius. There are several reasons behind this decision that can be read on a official statement posted on Timo Tolkki's Official Website: www.timotolkki.com
Timo has formed a new band called REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE, and in the silence he has been devoting all his time and efforts preparing the first release of his new band. The debut album is entitled New Era and will be released on June 6th 2008 on Frontiers Records. The album is a masterpiece of melodic Power Metal, taking the listener straight back to the Visions-era Stratovarius. In fact, New Era is the album that was meant to be the next Stratovarius album.
Instead, Timo called a few friends for the recording sessions and the album features all the lead vocals from such legends as Michael Kiske and Tobias Sammet, along with Timo's blistering lead guitar lines and melodic Power Metal anthems that made him one of the pioneers of the style and trademark performers of the style. Revolution Renaissance witnesses a rebirth, a new era for Timo Tolkki and his music.
Tolkki is looking for a permanent line-up for the band, so if you are interested, check out the details on www.timotolkki.com for details on how to apply.
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| HammerFall - Stefan leaves HammerFall |
Posted by: Denis
/ 02.04.2008
A message from Stefan Elmgren
"I have decided to leave Hammerfall, the reason is that I have been offered a job as a pilot within an airline.
My interest in aviation has been growing very strong, and now I feel its time for me to take a step and be a pilot on a professional level.
We have been discussing the possibility of combining the work with Hammerfall and both me and the rest of the band realized that it would be very hard indeed.
It has been a great journey with lots of great memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life, I would like to give a big thanks to all the wonderful fans, its has truly been a pleasure to meet and perform for you all during these 11 years.
I still love to play the guitar so you might hear from me again someday somehow.
I would like to wish who ever is taking my place and the rest of the band good luck in the future."
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| Nightmare Records / ASIAN TYPHOON X.Y.Z. - A wings IN STORES MARCH 18TH! |
Posted by: Denis
/ 02.04.2008
As the founding vocalist of LOUDNESS, Minoru Niihara is well-known as one of Japan's top Heavy Metal exports. Through tours with the likes of AC/DC and Motley Crue, LOUDNESS stood out from the Metal masses with unforgettable MTV hits like Crazy Nights and Let It Go. Niihara left the band in the late 1980s to pursue a new sound, eventually winding up in X.Y.Z.->A with legendary Japanese guitarist Fumihiko Kitsutaka.
Re-titled Asian Typhoon for the North American market, Niihara and Kitsutaka are joined in X.Y.Z.->A by virtuoso bassist Tatsuhiko Wasada and acclaimed drummer/producer Funky Sueyoshi. The quartet formed in 1999 and has since put out 6 albums, 6 singles, and 2 DVDs. Featuring heavy-hitters like Heavy Road and For Whom The Bell Tolls, WINGS is the band's first North American release. WINGS shows the band at its heaviest yet also its most melodic with Kitsutaka's shredding still on full display.
In addition to his work with Kitsutaka and crew, Niihara recently released Ashes To Glory - his first solo album - as produced by Wynn Davis of Guns N' Roses fame. He also re-joined LOUDNESS, who in 2006 did their first U.S. tour in more than 15 years. Although it would be impossible to predict the future, one can only assume that Minoru Niihara will continue to sing his trademark high-pitched wails for many years to come.
| | Nightmare Records / SIX MINUTE CENTURY - Time Capsules IIN STORES NOW |
Posted by: Denis
/ 02.04.2008
This killer album hit the streets MARCH 18th, these boys put in a stellar performance on Saturday the 22nd at the Nightmare Metal Fest.
Chucks vocals are clear and pure and powerful much like Tony Harnell, simply amazing heavy edged melodic metal with a nice progressive aspect to all the songs. Big guitar driven tunes. Six Minute Century is a Power/Prog Metal band from Houston, Texas. Formed in the summer of 2004, the band has become one of the top Power/Prog Metal bands in the area. Lead by guitarist Don LaFon (Krucible, Mystic Cross, Logan), the band, which also features John Sample on bass and Darren Davis (Outworld) on drums, fuses a mixture of Power/Prog Metal with the groove of more southern style metal. Add to the band the soaring vocal melodies of Chuck Williams and you get a musical sound in the vein of Savatage / Dio / Kamelot, with the vocal style of Fates Warning / Dream Theater / TNT. While all members of Six Minute Century are technically proficient, the band does not fit the category of a band that tries to impress with how many notes they can play. Rather Six Minute Century prefers to write songs with melody, hooks, passion and groove that will appeal to a wider audience than many of today's Progressive Metal bands. Chuck Williams writes many lyrics about historical events to accompany Don LaFon's musical orchestrations. Six Minute Century's debut release, Time Capsules, brings the listener into such events as The Iraq War, The Oklahoma City bombing, and the life of the legendary Martin Luther King Jr., as well as other non historical stories. Time Capsules is set for a Spring release on Nightmare Records.
| | Nightmare Records / ORDER OF NINE A Means to Know End RELEASE DATE APRIL 1ST |
Posted by: Denis
/ 02.04.2008
The Progressive Power Metal of Order of Nine has been a constant in the resurgence of Heavy Metal to the mainstream. Formed in 1997 under the name Templar, Order of Nine has spent 10 years dedicated to the writing and recording of True Power Metal for Metal fans worldwide. A Touch of Winters Discontent in 1997, Of Once and Future Kings 2001, and Season of Reign 2005, bring Order of Nine to their latest release, A Means to Know End, due out in March 2008 on Nightmare Records. A Means to Know End is the band's most technically proficient and highly anticipated release. The diversity of the band's influences are clear on this Metal journey, from Thrash/Power Metal to Progressive and pure Heavy Metal.
The production by gold record Producer Bill Korecky and mastering by Metal icon Lance King complete this latest offering.
| | Gaia Epicus - Michael Troy and Jonas Hornqvist |
Posted by: Denis
/ 02.04.2008
Today Gaia Epicus brings you 2 new names on guest musicians playing on the new album. Michael Troy will be playing some keyboards on 3 songs.
Michael just finished a succsessful tour of South and Central America with Swedish guitar Legend / Virtuoso, Yngwie Malmsteen in December and has
been officially named as the touring keyboardist for Yngwie's greatly anticipated upcoming release.
Then the band has the great Swedish guitar wizard called Jonas Hörnqvist from the band Treasure Land, and he will be playing a few guitar solos.
MORE |
| Nightmare Records / NEW SCELERATA - PAGE-ALBUM AND SINGLE POSTED |
Posted by: Denis
/ 01.04.2008
GO NOW, this album SCELERATA Skeletons Domination will be released on Nightmare Records MAY 13TH along side the new release from ALKEMYST Through Painful Lanes, the label is very excited about both these albums!
This Scelerata album slows down from the frenzied pace of the their last, this time bringing much more well crafted melodic metal songs and some epic and wonderful metallic soundscapes.
Scelerata released the Darkness and Light album all over there world in 2006/07. Darkness and Light was finished in Germany by Dennis Ward and goes with Edu Falaschi (Angra) and Thiago Bianchi (Shaman) as special guests! The album was elected by the Rock Brigade readers poll (the most important popular vote poll in Brasil) the 3 best Metal album of 2006 right after Sepultura and Angra! Darkness and Light also entered the top 50 sales charts in Japan!
After Scelerata having had their very first album released worldwide and completely sold out his 1st press in Brasil in 2 months of its release, the band toured Brasil in a 20 gig/2 months tour, being special guests of Edguy on their Rocket Ride Tour and special guest of Roy Z on his brazilian solo tour in 2006! Scelerata also shared stages with Gamma Ray, Masterplan, Angra and Deep Purple in an amazing evening with 9.
000 fans attendance to the concert! Recorded in Brasil, mixed and mastered by the great producer Charlie Bauerfeind (Helloween, Saxon, etc.) in Germany, with an amazing 10 minutes long epic song, superb vocals, dazzling guitars, fast double basses and brilliant bass execution! A promo video clip is for Enemy Within will be launched too!
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| Pyramaze signs with Locomotive Records |
Posted by: Denis
/ 01.04.2008
Pyramaze is proud to announce the signing with Locomotive Records for the worldwide release of Immortal. The band had quite a few good offers, but Locomotive convinced them with their enthusiasm and their willingness to walk that extra mile for the band. Immortal will be out May 30th in Europe, release dates for other territories will be announced soon.
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