You have to check out this awesome animated short that was created by David Calcano for MR. BIG and their recent tour.
ABOUT FANTOONES TV:
David used to be a Systems Engineer, until he went nuts and dropped his career to start a small animation ad agency called NoseCode in the United Kingdom. Today, he works in Los Angeles, where he creates animated content, using 2D and 3D animation. He’s the man behind Fantoons, a comic strip and animated series about the craziness of the greatest rock n’ roll bands and their fans. David’s latest comic book compiles more than 100 rock n’ roll parodies from the likes of Rush, Kiss, Metallica, etc… getting rave reviews from industry luminaries like Tone Rodriguez (KISS comics, Simpsons comics and many more!); but more importantly, receiving a ton of love from rock and prog fans from all over the world (Almost 40K Facebook Fans!). Fantoons is specially popular amongst Rush fans… one of David’s favorite bands! There’s nothing cooler than making fellow fans smile.
In a fairy tale type story, David approached Mr. Big with his Fantoons project, including a story to feature the band in one of his animated episodes, to his surprise the band loved it and invited him to spend time backstage! He got to meet the band, and after about two years, he got a call to create visuals for their current 2014 tour in Japan! They hired us to produce six pieces for the tour using all kinds of animation styles, from retro-video games to animating Paul Gilbert’s drawings! We got to work with the band during production with was a fantastic experience. Coincidentally Fantoons’ Mr. Big animated short was ready at this point after working with an unbelievable team of artists. The short ended up opening the shows for their 2014 ‘Stories we could tell’ Japan tour! In David’s own words “I still cannot believe this” He got to see one of his all-time favorite bands play at the legendary Budokan, with the opening act being his animated short. The single greatest moment in his career… and a dream come true for any rock fan.
Like I said, a fairy tale type story, but this one… is full of rock n’ roll.
Do you want to know more? Ok…
Fantoons - the animated series - has earned more than forty film festival nominations around the world, including screenings at San Diego Comic Con and winning the best animation short at London’s Portobello Film Festival, the largest independent film festival in the world. Every episode is produced in full 2D animation. David’s vision is to bring back that cartoon style into fashion. His influences go from John K’s Ren & Stimpy to Hanna-Barbera, Go Nagai, Loonie Tunes and Walt Disney animation.
- Debut album Curse Of The Damned out on 19 January 2015 -
- Trailer released -
Steamhammer/SPV are set to start into the new year 2015 with a new promising US Metal band: Hailing from the city of Ventura an hour north of Los Angeles, NIGHT DEMON is a classic metal trio consisting of Jarvis Leatherby (bass, vocals), Brent Woodward (guitars) and Dusty Squires (drums) . The band has completed work on their debut full-length albumCurse Of The Damned, featuring eleven brand new original tracks, and is slated for an early 2015 release on January 14 (Scandinavia),� January 16 (Germany) and January 19 (rest of Europe) as CD, LP (+ bonus track) and download. You can see the trailer here:
1. Screams In The Night
2. Curse Of The Damned
3. Satan
4. Full Speed Ahead
5. The Howling Man
6. Heavy Metal Heat
7. Livin' Dangerous
8. Mastermind
9. Run For Your Life
10. Killer
11. Save Me Now
LP version
Side 1
1. Screams In The Night
2. Curse Of The Damned
3. Satan
4. Full Speed Ahead
5. The Howling Man
6. Heavy Metal Heat
Side 2
1. Livin' Dangerous
2. Mastermind
3. Run For Your Life
4. Killer
5. Save Me Now
6. Road Racin`(bonus track)
Updated European Tourdates 2015:
31.01. D-Würzburg - Posthalle (Metal Assault Festival)
07.02. D-Saalfeld - Klubhaus
01.03. F-Montpellier - Secret Place
05.03. I-Parma - Titty Twister Club
06.03. CH-Sargans - Karibik Bar
07.03. CH-Chur - Palazzo
14.03. D-Potsdam - Club Charlotte
20.03. D-Essen - Turock
21.03. D-Stuttgart - JH Hallschlag
27.03. NL-Den Haag - Musicon
03.04. NL-Stadskanaal - Very Eavy Fest
Epic Records and Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, will release KANSAS - Miracles Out of Nowhere, a DVD/CD package celebrating one of the most popular American bands of the 1970s. The package includes a new, full-length, documentary film and a companion audio disc of greatest hits, deep album cuts, and more, in March 2015.
Epic/Legacy will also release a deluxe limited edition CD/DVD set, available exclusively through KANSAS. This edition includes an additional DVD of bonus features and outtakes not included in the documentary and not available in stores, along with the 78-minute documentary DVD and specially crafted companion CD. The unique CD, curated by longtime KANSAS producer Jeff Glixman and KANSAS drummer Phil Ehart, features hits and deep cuts alongside audio extracts from the film.
KANSAS - Miracles Out of Nowhere deluxe limited edition CD/DVD set is available now for pre-order. Please visit miracles.kansasband.comfor more information. The standard version will be available for pre-order on Amazon on December 26th.
2014 marked the 40th anniversary of the release of KANSAS, the band's debut album. To commemorate the occasion, the classic KANSAS lineup reunited, for the first time in more than 30 years; at the place their incredible journey began, Topeka, Kansas! There, they relived the incredible untold story of one of the most successful American rock bands of their era. Returning to monumental career landmarks in their hometown, as well as sharing untold memories ranging from touring to songwriting and recording, the band shares how the smash hit "Dust in the Wind" was just a passing comment away from never being recorded! Viewers will hear the band tell stories about recording in the studio next to John Lennon, a backstage fight with Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, and how the words "free beer" changed their lives forever! Miracles Out of Nowhere presents KANSAS in a way they have never before been seen.
View the KANSAS - Miracles Out of Nowhere trailer here:
Directed by Emmy-nominated Charley Randazzo, the documentary features interviews from legendary Queen guitarist and former tourmate Brian May, acclaimed producer Brendan O'Brien, Rolling Stone journalist David Wild, and more. Featured prominently is country icon Garth Brooks, who counts KANSAS, alongside The Beatles and the Eagles, as one of his greatest inspirations. These extraordinary new insights are coupled with rare and unseen footage, including live performances and candid, fan-shot footage of the band on the road. Miracles Out of Nowhere offers an unprecedented look at the incredible ascent of KANSAS, a story that will appeal to new fans and veteran enthusiasts alike.
From the beginning, KANSAS was fascinating in its unconventional approach to rock stardom. The sextet, composed of drummer Phil Ehart, bassist Dave Hope, keyboardist/guitarist Kerry Livgren, violinist/vocalist Robby Steinhardt, vocalist/keyboardist Steve Walsh, and guitarist Richard Williams were unlikely candidates for mainstream success in every way. After an improbable pairing with rock impresario Don Kirshner, the man behind the Monkees who signed and financed KANSAS on his Kirshner label, their relentless drive to succeed eventually resulted in instantly recognizable iconic hits like "Carry On Wayward Son," "Dust in the Wind," and "Point of Know Return."
KANSAS has released eight gold albums, three 6x platinum albums (Leftoverture, Point of Know Return, The Best of KANSAS), one platinum live album (Two for the Show) and the million-selling single "Dust in the Wind." Albums and singles by KANSAS could be found on the Billboard charts for more than 200 weeks during the 1970s and 1980s. "Dust in the Wind" and "Carry On My Wayward Son" can still be heard on today's radio.
With thanks to Quarto Valley Records and Heaven & Earth, MelodicRock.com can offer a few very special deal on Heaven & Earth’s most recent album Dig. It can be purchased direct from MR at just $8 each (plus shipping).
There is also a bundle of signed items available – JUST 2 PACKS LEFT!
Signed debut CD and signed ‘Making Of Heaven & Earth’ DVD + the latest CD Dig, all for just $40 (plus $5 shipping)
These are all sealed, new copies. See below for purchase links:
AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd has been taken to a New Zealand police station after being handcuffed and put into the back of a police car.
A witness reported that Rudd was put into a police car this morning after an incident in Gate Pa in Tauranga, SunLive.co.nz reported.
Rudd was spoken to by police on Cameron Rd, near the central city, before appearing to be arrested.
Tauranga police have refused to say if Rudd has been arrested or if he is in their custody.
Senior Sergeant Owen O'Brien said police were investigating an incident, but provided no further information, SunLive.co.nz reported.
Rudd's lawyer Paul Mabey QC said he was not aware of details of the incident. He said another lawyer was at the police station looking into the matter and no charges had been laid.
Rudd is already facing charges of threatening to kill, possession of methamphetamine and possession of cannabis.
On Tuesday, Rudd's appearance in the Tauranga District Court was excused and Mabey finalised Rudd's not-guilty pleas to charges of threatening to kill and possession of methamphetamine.
Mabey had earlier filed the not-guilty plea notice administratively after Rudd's appearance last week.
Rudd is the only Australian-born member of AC/DC. In 2003 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the other members of the band.
He moved to New Zealand in 1983 after he was kicked out of the group. He rejoined in 1994 and has since been in and out of New Zealand while touring and recording.
Rudd also opened a restaurant in Tauranga, which recently attracted publicity when a group of staff took a case to the Employment Relations Authority.
AC/DC released their new album, Rock or Bust, yesterday.
The band has sold more than 200 million albums and features at or near the top of highest-grossing tour lists whenever it plays live. It has been a standard-bearer for Australian music.
The Empty Hearts, the band featuring Elliot Easton of The Cars, Clem Burke of Blondie, Wally Palmar of The Romantics and Andy Babiuk of The Chesterfield Kings, have released a statement mourning the loss of keyboard legend Ian McLagan who played on their recently released eponymous debut.
Says co-founder Clem Burke on behalf of the band: "The Empty Hearts are deeply saddened to learn that our dear friend and keyboardist Ian McLagan has passed away. We will remain forever grateful to him for lending his legendary talent to our work and his enthusiastic support of our efforts - but more so for his legacy as the exemplary man and musician he was. Our thoughts go out to his family and loved ones. Today, our hearts are empty."
More:
"It is with great sadness and eternal admiration that we report the passing of rock and roll icon Ian McLagan," read the statement. "He died today surrounded by family and friends in his adopted hometown of Austin, Texas due to complications from a stroke suffered the previous day. Ian’s artistry, generosity and warmth of spirit touched countless other musicians and music fans around the world. His loss will be felt by so many."
"I am completely devastated by this shocking news and I know this goes for [Faces members] Ronnie [Wood] and Rod [Stewart] also," said McLagan's bandmate Kenney Jones.
ISSA is back with her anticipated new all original album release “Crossfire” - Out on Frontiers Music Srl in February!
Frontiers Music Srl is excited to present “Crossfire” the brand new studio album from ISSA the popular Melodic Rock Norwegian singer, which will be released on the label on February 20th in Europe and February 24th2015 in North America.
This new release goes straight in a classic Melodic Rock / AOR musical direction with huge vocals, layers of keyboards and masses of guitars! Think ROXETTE meets ROMEO’S DAUGHTER melted with 80’s HEART albums, with a more up to date production and you won't be far away.
The album has been carefully produced by John Greatwood along with VEGA ivory-tinkler James Martin. Sessions started in early 2013 with a bunch of songs ISSA had co-written or demoed in the Martin Brothers songwriting sessions
Issa says: “After 5 years of working together with Tom and James, we had come up with a collection of songs I had to keep for myself.'' One song in particular sees ISSA teaming up with FM vocalist Steve Overland on the dramatic ballad “Raintown”. “This was a dream come true for me,” tells the Norwegian chanteuse. “Steve Overland is probably my favorite male singer and to get him on board was a true honor, his voice suits the song perfectly, wait till you hear this one!”
Other guest musicians stepped up when asked upon to perform solo's include Daniel Palmqvist (XORIGIN), Alessandro Del Vecchio (HARDLINE), Steve Newman (NEWMAN), Robert Sall (WORK OF ART), Daniel Johansson (DEGREED), Stephen Chesney. As well as powerhouse choir including Pete Newdeck (IN FAITH/TAINTED NATION), Matt Black (FAHRAN) and Michael Kew (VEGA).
Look out for the moody and slick “New Horizon,” the ballsy rocker ''Electric Lights'' and the spine tingling ''Ghost Inside my Heart',' not forgetting the song with a million dollar chorus “Heartbeat”, plus the video track “Crossfire”. You can enjoy now the album EPK with an Issa interview and samples of new songs on YouTube:
“Crossfire” tracklisting includes: Crossfire; New Horizon; Raintown; Long Time Coming; Fight Fire With Rain; Heartbeat; Electric Lights; Ghost; Inside My Heart; Red Lights; We Rise; Only You.
ISSA:
Issa - vocals and bv's
James Martin – Keyboards
Tom Martin - bass and Guitars
Michael Cruise – Drums
Special guest: Steve Overland – duet on “Raintown”
ECLIPSE – Armagedonize Looks Set To Deliver in February
Swedish rockers Eclipse will release their next album Armagedonize via Frontiers Records in February.
I’ve just been delivered 4 songs from the album to preview:
Stand On Your Feet – This commercial rocker has an immediately likable melody and hook and packs a punch while still delivering on those hooks and a strong chorus.
The Storm – Starts with an acoustic guitar before bursting to life with that Eclipse power encased in the last album, but the melodic feel of Are You Ready To Rock. Another really good chorus too.
Live Like I’m Dying – Epic heavy ballad with a guitar tone reminiscent of WET’s Comes Down Like Rain. Another full-class, intense Eclipse rock ballad.
Love Bites – High energy rocker with a chorus that’s simple, but an instantly likeable and infectious energy. In fact, I’d go as far to say that it is utterly contagious with a 100% infection rate.
And these are the first 4 songs I’ve heard from the band’s upcoming album ‘Armagedonize’.
If these songs are anything to go by, Eclipse will have another sure-fire winner on their hands in the same kind of sonic style as Bleed And Scream and Are You Ready To Rock MMXIV
If there is one thing I immediately pick up it is the strength of Erik Martensson’s vocals, which just seem to be getting better and better.
U.D.O. “Decadent” cover artwork and new tourdates!
U.D.O. reveal cover artwork of their new album “Decadent” (which will be released on January 23rd in Europe and February 3rd 2015 in the US) and announce the first dates of their European tour 2015. More dates will follow soon.
U.D.O. Decadent Tour:
Mar 06, 2015 D-Würzburg - Posthalle
Mar 07, 2015 D-München - Backstage
Mar 11, 2015 D-Hamburg - Markthalle
Mar 13, 2015 D-Kiel - Pumpe 6
Mar 14, 2015 DK-Kolding - Godset
Mar 18, 2015 D-Bochum - Zeche
Mar 19, 2015 D-Losheim/Saarland - Eisenbahnhalle
Mar 20, 2015 D-Andernach - JUZ
Mar 21, 2015 D-Memmingen - Kaminwerk
Mar 22, 2015 D-Ludwigsburg - Rockfabrik
Mar 25, 2015 D-Nürnberg - Hirsch
Mar 26, 2015 D-Berlin - C Club
Mar 27, 2015 D-Leipzig - Hellraiser
Mar 28, 2015 D-Regensburg - Airport
Mar 31, 2015 GB-London - The Garage
Apr 03, 2015 GB-Nuneaton - Queens Hall
Apr 09, 2015 E-Madrid - Sala Caracol
Apr 10, 2015 E-Valladolid - Polideportivo
Apr 11, 2015 E-Zaragoza - CC Delicias
Apr 12, 2015 E-Barcelona - Sala Salamandra
Apr 14, 2015 E-Ibiza Wacken Cruise - tba
Apr 16, 2015 E-Valencia - Sala Rock City
Apr 23, 2015 S-Stockholm - Klubben
Apr 24, 2015 S-Borlänge - Liljan
Apr 25, 2015 S-Gothenborg - Trädgårn
Apr 26, 2015 S-Malmö - KB
Apr 30, 2015 N-Oslo - Vulkan Arena
May 01, 2015 N-Haugesund - Karmoygeddon Festival
May 02, 2015 N-Trondheim - Byscenen
New York juggernauts American Mafia have simultaneously launched a new website and released an official video for "Friendly Fire" off of Rock N' Roll Hit Machine, their Grooveyard Records debut.
OPERATION: MINDCRIME FEATURING FORMER QUEENSRYCHE FRONTMAN GEOFF TATE
SIGNS WORLDWIDE RECORD DEAL WITH FRONTIERS MUSIC SRL
OPERATION: MINDCRIME -- featuring singer Geoff Tate, bassist Rudy Sarzo (Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake), drummer Simon Wright (AC/DC, Dio), guitarist Kelly Gray (Queensryche) and keyboardist Randy Gane (Myth) -- has signed a worldwide record deal with Frontiers Music Srl for their forthcoming trilogy project.
"All of us in Operation: Mindcrime are looking forward to the new frontier with our new label, Frontiers Music Srl," states Tate regarding the signing. "They're giving us the creative freedom necessary to do the trilogy project I've envisioned for the past few years. It's going to be great fun for all of us involved and we hope our fans will enjoy listening to it as much as we plan to enjoy creating and recording it."
Ecstatic to have the band on his label, Frontiers Music Srl President Serafino Perugino comments, "As a long time fan of Geoff Tate and Operation: Mindcrime (the album), I am truly honored that he decided to sign with my label to give a home to his forthcoming trilogy. We look forward to release Operation: Mindcrime's new music to the world!"
Tate, who has always enjoyed telling stories though his music, considers the creation of the forthcoming trilogy one of his biggest and most ambitious works to date.
"I tried to reduce the story and eventually got it down to 37 ideas that needed representing to complete the story," comments Geoff. "I knew that one record wouldn't cover it and that it would have to be a trilogy."
OPERATION: MINDCRIME, named after Queensryche's epic concept album from 1988, recently entered the studio to begin recording the album that is expected to be released in the late Spring / early Summer of 2015.
Stay tuned for further details of the project in the months ahead.
Sweet & Lynch are releasing the first official video from their upcoming debut album, Only To Rise. The video is for the album opener 'The Wish' and premiered on Ultimate Classic Rock. The video shows Michael Sweet and George Lynch performing the song together amongst imagery that corresponds with the song's lyrics. The video was shot in Los Angeles and was directed by Devin DeHaven, known for his work with Rick Ross, Whitesnake, Kiss and R. Kelly to name a few. The video can be seen here: http://youtu.be/jmmolV-B7xE or click on the image below.
'After almost a year of talking about the Sweet & Lynch album we're extremely proud to premiere the first music video, 'The Wish,' states Michael Sweet. 'The song takes you back to a time when guitar heroes ruled the airwaves and melodies soared. The thought was to bring back the late 70's/early 80's with a modern twist and remind people of one of the best eras in hard rock/metal.' Only To Rise is scheduled for release on January 23rd in Europe and January 27th, 2015 in the United States via Froniters Music SRL. Backing up Sweet & Lynch on this new musical adventure is bassist James Lomenzo and drummer Brian Tichy. Sweet & Lynch recently launched a pre-order for the new album via PledgeMusic. The pre-order features various bundle packages for fans and is live at: http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/sweetlynch. The album is also available via Amazon at: http://geni.us/SweetLynchAMZ.
'George and I are proud of how this album turned out and we're counting the days for the release,' adds Sweet. 'We're equally as proud of the fan base out there. So many people have been there through thick and thin and this album is a testimony to the perseverance of working hard and working even harder. George, Brian, James and myself gave 110% to every note played and sung and we hope that it shows.'
From the opening notes of 'The Wish' to the drum solo finish on the album-closer 'Only To Rise,' it is evident that this musical partnership between Michael Sweet's unmistakable voice and George Lynch's signature guitar tone has yielded incredible results. Songs 'Dying Rose,' 'Me Without You' and 'Strength In Numbers' showcase the diversity that permeates throughout the entire album. Sweet & Lynch released a lyric video for the 9/11 inspired track 'September' which can be seen here: http://youtu.be/i5G5uzrYWXw. An EPK featuring Michael and George discussing this new project can be seen here: http://youtu.be/BPYIoe0fTqI. Only To Rise was produced by Michael Sweet who also produced the last Stryper album, No More Hell To Pay, which received massive fan praise and critical acclaim alike.
Plans are currently being worked out for Sweet & Lynch to play a few live shows in the Spring of next year, making this different than any other supergroups that record together but never play live. More information will be announced in the near future. If the past records of these four musicians are any indication, no fan will want to miss these shows.
SPIDERS & SNAKES RELEASE MUSIC VIDEO FOR “KAWASAKI CITY,” FILMED IN JAPAN AND ON THE SUNSET STRIP
12 November 2014…Sunset Strip veterans Spiders & Snakes, led by the storied legend Lizzie Grey, have released a music video for “Kawasaki City” from their new album, YEAR OF THE SNAKE (available now on Sansei Records).
Set in Kawasaki City, Japan and filmed on location at a real nightclub called Groupie Dolls, the song and music video clip recreate a true story. Tim Yasui, drummer/singer and Spider & Snakes co-founder, had an unforgettable night at the club with Japanese punk metal band Dirtrucks, who are also featured in the video.
The “Kawasaki City” story is cut with live footage from the band’s recent concert at the Whisky A Go Go on the Sunset Strip. Grey was on leave due to illness, so Phil St. Vincent handled bass and vocals, with Yasui on drums and vocals and Chris Sheridan (Sweet Savage/James Kottak) on lead/rhythm guitars and vocals.
The video was edited by Scott Gawlik from Crazy Cow Productions (Green Day, Black Sabbath, Smashing Pumpkins).
The recording of “Kawasaki City” features Ryo Okumoto (ASIA Featuring Jon Payne/Spock’s Beard/Aretha Franklin) on keyboards and Betsy Weiss from Bitch on backing vocals, It was produced by Gavin Ross in Burbank, California, mixed by Anthony Focx (Steven Tyler, Vince Neil, Night Ranger, Ted Nugent) in Nashville, Tennessee, and mastered by Maor Appelbaum (Yngwie Malmsteen, Rob Halford, Sepultra, YES) in Los Angeles, California during the Chinese calendar Year Of The Snake.
SPIDERS & SNAKES will be performing at the Whisky on Thursday, December 18, in celebration of their 25th anniversary and official record release party for YEAR OF THE SNAKE. Madamn Hollywood and Molly Vamp are also on the bill. Tickets/show information: www.whiskyagogo.com/site/event/madamn-hollywood-spiders-snakes/
MAKE HISTORY BY COLLECTIVELY APPEARING FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FEATURE FILM "THE BRIDGE"
USING INDIEGOGO TO MAKE IT A REALITY
LOS ANGELES, CA - TUESDAY, November 25, 2014 -- The upcoming feature film, "The Bridge," brings together a cast of iconic rock musicians, some of whom will make their film debut: Joe Elliott of Def Leppard, Al Jourgensen of Ministry, Joey Santiago of the Pixies, Eddie Ojeda of Twisted Sister, Tiny Biuso of Doyle (ex-Misfit)/TSOL, Rick Warwick of Black Star Riders/Thin Lizzy, and Sin Quirin of Ministry. Director/writer Bobby Field, with producers Denise Bohdan and Jason Gurvitz, announce the launch of their campaign for the film on Indiegogo, the world's largest crowdfunding platform.
Driven by its powerful original soundtrack, and written by Bobby Field, a musician and actor in his own right, "The Bridge" tells the story of a small town musical prodigy who must free himself from the shadows of his past to find love, hope and friendship that could lead him to the musical expression he never thought possible.
Indiegogo is the world's largest crowdfunding platform and Field, Bohdan and Gurvitz are seeking to raise $300,000 USD for the rock and roll feature film. The campaign will offer fans unique experiences like building their own Fender guitar at Fender Factory with Jourgensen, Quirin or Santiago, "Joe Elliott's Big Fat Package" featuring a Telecaster Guitar and other autographed memorabilia, or having Santiago make you his famous spaghetti in your home.
The campaign will also benefit The Fender Music Foundation, and Fender Musical Instruments Corporation's Entertainment Marketing division will be providing key products for the actual filming. Partnerships with other well-known music corporations will be announced soon.
Funding independent films by crowdfunding on Indidgogo is a great alternative to bringing creative projects to life; allowing individual supporters (and music fans) to become part of the project. The team behind "The Bridge" has taken this concept of democratization even further by partnering with The Fender Music Foundation, who will be a beneficiary of a portion of the money raised. Fender Music Foundation is a national music charity that provides instruments to music education programs across the country, including schools.
The film's release is anticipated by millions of music lovers worldwide, already showing their support across social media.
Fresh from the critically acclaimed debut album ‘All Hell Breaks Loose’ in 2013, BLACK STAR RIDERS are set to release a new studio album, ‘The Killer Instinct’, in February 2015. The album will be followed by a full UK and Eire co-headline tour
The band toured 2013’s ‘All Hell Breaks Loose’ for a year – playing across the globe. October 2014 saw them gather in Nashville, TN and enter the studio with heralded producer Nick Raskulinecz (RUSH, FOO FIGHTERS, ALICE IN CHAINS, MASTODON) to start recording the follow up. The result is ‘The Killer Instinct’. Ricky Warwick explains, “Life's not fair, never has been, never will. Sometimes you have to live with a killer instinct just to survive in the ongoing pursuit of happiness. Because nobody can do for you what you should be doing for yourself.”
‘The Killer Instinct’ tracklist:
1. The Killer Instinct
2. Bullet Blues
3. Finest Hour
4. Soldierstown
5. Charlie I Gotta Go
6. Blindsided
7. Through The Motions
8. Sex, Guns & Gasoline
9. Turn In Your Arms
10. You Little Liar
The energy in the studio from a year of touring, and BLACK STAR RIDERS gelling as a creative force has resulted in a truly powerful sophomore effort. From the Irish-tinged rock of ‘’Soldierstown’’ to the balls-out twin guitar riffing of ‘’Sex, Guns & Gasoline’’. From the dirty groove of ‘’You Little Liar’’ to the acoustic ‘Blindsided’, this is a band coming of age. ‘The Killer Instinct’ will see BLACK STAR RIDERS cement their place as one of the most exciting contemporary rock acts.
Damon Johnson says, “Nick Raskulinecz came riding out of the sunset like a Viking warrior, with his record collection and arsenal of killer guitars and amplifiers and proved to be the world class producer we had heard so much about. Indeed, the rumors are all true. There's no doubt that Ricky and I had written a sizable number of songs, but Nick patiently walked through the full song list with the entire band and made sure we focused on the material to best represent BLACK STAR RIDERS in 2015”
