Well, a few last minute minor tweaks were done last week on a few tracks and our fantastic engineer Kenny Lewis has now uploaded all the files to Philadelphia's own Brian J Anthony who will be mixing and mastering the new MASS album. Brian comes highly recommended by our label and has done a superb job on the first few song mixes. Brian is just coming off the mixing of KANSAS vocalist Steve Walsh's outstanding new record and we look forward to working with him throughout the completion of all mixes.
Now with the album artwork underway (revealed soon) and the album in full blown mix stage, we anticipate a May 23, 2018 release.
Special Guest Announcement:
Michael Sweet of STRYPER makes a special guest appearance on the power ballad song "Stand Alone." Michael adds his flawless guitar playing to the song and creates an amazing melodic solo which compliments the song beautifully.
Our PR man Michael Robinson had the opportunity to ask Michael Sweet a few questions during his MASS studio session. Check out what MS had to say below. But before you do, I would like to thank Andrew McNeice for posting my blogs, and to everyone who took the time to read them. Cheers, and hope to see some of you on the road and that you all dig the new album!
Q&A with Stryper's Michael Sweet @michaelhsweet
Question
On which song will you be appearing on the new MASS album, and what can you tell us about the tune (ballad, mid-tempo, rocker), and your specific contribution (vocals, rhythm guitar, lead guitar, etc.)?
Michael Sweet:
"I've always been a fan of the band MASS and the guys are some of the best you'll find. They asked me to play a guitar solo on a song called "Stand Alone," a really cool guitar ballad that's straight ahead and classic MASS."
Question
You have a long history with MASS. Looking back at your work as Producer on Voices in the Night (1989), what are you most proud of on that record, as far as the sound, performances, songwriting, etc.?
Michael Sweet
"That album just has "it". There's a special chemistry that took place on VITN and everything came together. The songs, performances, production, energy, everything. It was an honor to be a part of it!"
Question
While thinking back to the making of the Voices record, do you have any funny or particularly interesting stories/memories you can share from that period that MASS and Michael Sweet fans would be surprised (and amused) to hear?
Michael Sweet
"The guys stayed at our home for almost two months and everyday was a blast. We laughed a lot. I talked in my Tony Montana accent and they would talk like me. The running line is "You've gotta be coo coo to go to Coco's" - we say it to this day! Man those were fun times with lots of amazing memories......"
Question
Since Voices, MASS has continued to produce outstanding rock records, with this upcoming record, When Two Worlds Collide, their first in seven years. Having worked so closely with the band in the past, and now hearing their new material, do you have any thoughts/comments you can share with MASS (and Michael Sweet) fans so they know what to expect from this long-awaited, upcoming release?
Michael Sweet
"MASS has always been about the songs and that's the foundation. You have to have great songs or you have nothing. MASS has always had great songs and they've been doing it for a long time. That's unusual in this business. They're legendary and I'm proud to know them."
