| Page 101 | MelodicRock.com

Wed

Jun

MARILLION Dish 'Fear' To Fans September 23

Artist:

Marillion

Friday, September 23, 2016

Categories:

News Feed

FEAR ("FUCK EVERYONE AND RUN")

THE NEW MARILLION ALBUM TO BE RELEASED ON SEPTEMBER 23 ON earMUSIC

earMUSIC is delighted to announce the release of the brand new Marillion album FEAR [Fuck Everyone And Run] on September 23, 2016. The album will be available on SuperAudio-CD DigiPak [strictly limited to the first run], CD JewelCase, LP and Digital formats. This, the band’s eighteenth studio album, features five brand new tracks and the feeling within the band themselves is that they may well have produced their best ever work. Marillion has certainly not mellowed with age; the album artwork shows the acronym FEAR embossed on a gold ingot, and the songs themselves bear the hallmark of true quality.

Whilst the album title itself is certainly provocative, it’s not meant to be offensive. The title itself features as a line in the track 'New Kings' and is delivered as a plaintive falsetto. Steve Hogarth said, "We've used FEAR as a title with some relish, but only as it shows that we haven’t shied away, but it's said with sadness. There are two basic impulses behind human behaviour: Love and Fear, and all the good stuff comes from love."

FEAR sees the band taking on the big themes but they do not see it as their place to preach to people. "New Kings" looks at the ravening beast that modern capitalism seems to have evolved into, "El Dorado" examines the notions of political entitlement and the modern challenges for the UK, "The Leavers" examines the impact of a transient life on the road for those constantly waving goodbye.

The job is simple, says Hogarth: "We use the amazing privilege of having both a platform and an audience to encourage people to look in the mirror and ask themselves the big questions by doing just that ourselvves."

Buoyed by the feeling that on FEAR they have very much nailed both the music and the lyrics, Marillion are looking forward to touring the new material. The focus has been on bottling that lightning that typifies the creative process, staying away from the safety zone and getting it right.

As Hogarth says, "We don't know how many more albums we'll make, or how long we'll live. Everything has to be the best it can be."

With the final tinkering and finessing done, with FEAR, Marillion show that they are as vital and potent as ever. Peerless and, yes, fearless.

Tags:

Marillion

Wed

Jun

EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER: A Treasure Chest Of Classic Albums

Artist:

ELP

Categories:

News Feed

Emerson, Lake & Palmer were one of the most successful, innovative and ground breaking British groups of the golden age of Progressive Rock. As well as creating spectacular ‘live’ shows that incorporated advanced technology and showmanship, they also recorded a cascade of powerful albums that sold in millions around the world. During 2016 and 2017 the band’s musical legacy will be celebrated by BMG with an important and comprehensive re-issue programme that will put the spotlight on ELP’s nine studio albums as well as their ‘live’ recordings and compilations. The trio’s remarkable style, combining original compositions with rock, jazz, folk and classical influences, was performed with passion and integrity by the founder members:

Keyboard maestro - the late great, Keith Emerson
Singer, guitarist and bass player - Greg Lake
Drummer and percussionist - Carl Palmer

Their phenomenal mix of melodic songs, dynamic arrangements, brilliant musicianship and electrifying sound broadened the audience for progressive rock and guaranteed ELP massive international appeal, as they headlined stadium tours throughout the 1970s and 1990s and achieved sales of over 40 million albums. ELP also enjoyed two major hit singles with ‘Lucky Man’ and ‘Fanfare For The Common Man’, and their 21 minute epic track ‘Tarkus’ is hailed as a milestone in Prog Rock history.

New and old generations of fans will now be able to enjoy ELP’s music afresh, as their albums are released in a range of different formats, from CD and freshly cut vinyl LP to digital download, high definition digital and mastered for iTunes. Vinyl connoisseurs will be pleased that following a special request from Greg Lake, the LPs will be presented on 140 gsm vinyl to ensure a superior high quality sound. LP inner bag features an explanation of this by Greg.

THE ALBUMS

The group’s first three albums are scheduled for re-release on Friday,July, 29th 2016.

All the CD version booklets will feature authorative liner notes and interviews conducted in 2016 with Keith Emerson and Greg Lake, by legendary rock journalist Chris Welch.

The band’s debut album ‘Emerson, Lake & Palmer’ (1970) will be available as a 2 CD set with CD 1 comprising the original album in its 2012 remastered edition. CD 2 offers an Alternate Album in a 2012 Steven Wilson stereo mix, with bonus tracks. The LP version will be the original album, newly cut for the first time from 24 Bit/HD 2012 remasters.
The Standard Digital Download will comprise the remastered 1970 album and an Alternate Album (2012 Stereo remix) with bonus tracks. The same contents will be available on MFiT and HD digital formats, all taken from the 2012 remasters.

‘Emerson, Lake & Palmer’ was first released after the group’s critically acclaimed debut show at the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival, when they performed to 600,000 people. Its dynamic original compositions and classical adaptations are brimful of Keith Emerson’s superb piano and Moog synthesizer work, Greg Lake’s magnificent vocals, bass and acoustic guitar playing and Carl Palmer’s lightning fast drumming.

Bartok’s ‘The Barbarian,’ together with originals ‘Take A Pebble,’ ‘Knife Edge,’ and the three part suite ‘The Three Fates’ are followed by ‘Tank’ and Greg Lake’s ballad ‘Lucky Man’ which was the band’s debut single and a huge U.K. and U.S. hit. The Alternate album has 12 tracks peppered with bonus items notable an informal ‘Rave Up,’ a Carl Palmer ‘Drum Solo,’ and alternate versions of ‘Take A Pebble,’ ‘Knife Edge’ and ‘Lucky Man.’

The band’s second album ‘Tarkus’ (1971) saw ELP take a new direction with yet more complex keyboard sounds. The title track took up the whole of side one of the original LP, and defined the band’s exultant, bombastic approach. ‘Jeremy Bender’ ‘Bitches Crystal,’ The Only Way (Hymn)’, ‘Infinite Space (Conclusion)’, ‘A Time And A Place,’ and the rocking ‘Are You Ready Eddy?’ complete this Number One U.K. album that also shot to Number 9 in the U.S. charts.

CD 1 comprises the 1971 album remastered in 2012 by renowned rock remastering engineer Andy Pearce. CD 2 is the Steven Wilson Stereo Mix of the 2012 remaster, with bonus tracks taken from the original recording sessions. They are ‘Oh My Father,’ ‘Unknown Ballad’ and an alternate take of ‘Mass’ from the extended piece ‘Tarkus.’ The LP version is newly cut from the 2012 remaster, with original gatefold sleeve and artwork faithfully reproduced. The three Digital versions are also taken from the 2012 remasters.

ELP’S third album ‘Pictures At An Exhibition’ (1971) has been credited with inspiring many young musicians to embrace and study classical music. Based on the group’s enthusiastic interpretation of the famous work by Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky, it was a major hit and reached Number 3 in the U.K. and Number 10 in the U.S. album charts. ‘Pictures’ was recorded on March 21st, 1971 at Newcastle City Hall, where Emerson made use of the hall’s thunderous pipe organ.

The LP and disc 1 of the CD comprises an excellent new remaster of the ‘Pictures’ album from the original master tapes. On the 2 CD set, tracks on CD 1 include ‘Promenade,’ ‘The Gnome,’ ‘Promenade,’ ‘The Sage,’ ‘The Old Castle, ‘ ‘Blues Variations,’ another reprise of ‘Promenade’, ‘The Hut of Baba Yaga, ‘ The Curse of Baba Yaga,’ ‘The Hut of Baba Yaga,’ ‘The Great Gates of Kiev’ and encore number ‘Nut Rocker’ a hit by B.Bumble & The Stingers. Bonus tracks are a medley of ‘Pictures’ recorded ‘live’ at the Mar Y Sol Festival, Puerto Rico, on December 4th, 1972.

Disc 2 has another live performance of the extended work, recorded at the Lyceum Ballroom, London, on December 9th, 1970, complemented by live performances of ELP favourites ‘The Barbarian,’ ‘Knife Edge,’ ‘Rondo’ and ‘Nut Rocker.’

Accompanying these three albums is a special 3 CD and Download release ‘Emerson, Lake & Palmer - The Anthology.’ Produced by Greg Lake, this superb, career-spanning set has 39 tracks from the years 1970 to 1998, the choice of material approved by all three band members. It is presented in special ‘casebound’ book packaging with detailed, informative sleeve notes by Chris Welch, illustrated with rare band photographs.

The songs are selected from the albums ‘Emerson, Lake & Palmer,’ ‘Tarkus’, ‘Pictures At An Exhibition,’ ‘Trilogy’, ‘Brain Salad Surgery,’ ‘Welcome Back My Friends To the Show That Never Ends,’ ‘Works Volume 1,’ ‘Works Volume 2,’ ‘Works Live’, ‘Love Beach,’ ‘Live At Nassau Coliseum ‘ 78’. ‘Black Moon’. ‘In The Hot Seat,’ ‘Live At The Royal Albert Hall 1993’ and ‘Then & Now.’

Among the highlights are the band’s performance of Copland’s ‘Hoedown’, and their version of ‘Jerusalem’ by William Blake and Hubert Parry. CD 3 includes the stirring ‘Fanfare For The Common Man,’ Keith Emerson’s hit rendition of the famed ‘Honky Tonk Train Blues,’ Greg Lake’s 1975 solo hit ‘I Believe In Father Christmas’ and the group’s menacing interpretation of the TV theme ‘Peter Gunn.’ ‘Tiger In A Spotlight’ is another live track, recorded at the group’s comeback show at the Royal Albert Hall.

Subsequent batches of important original ELP albums will be released by BMG later in 2016. They are ‘Trilogy,’ (1972), ‘Brain Salad Surgery’ (1973) and the unique triple live album ‘Welcome Back My Friends To The Show That Never Ends’ (1974).

FOOTNOTE:
All these albums now serve as a fitting memorial to Keith Emerson, who died aged 71 on March 10th 2016. When speaking about ELP’s career and achievements for the re-issue project he said: “Emerson, Lake and Palmer are very proud to have brought this great music to a new generation of musicians and fans.”

For additional information please visit:
www.emersonlakepalmer.com
facebook.com/EmersonLakePalmer

Pre-order links here:

‘Emerson, Lake & Palmer - The Anthology’ (2016)
CD http://smarturl.it/ELPAnthology

‘Emerson, Lake & Palmer’ (1970)
CD http://smarturl.it/ELPELP
LP http://smarturl.it/ELPLP

‘Tarkus’ (1971)
CD http://smarturl.it/ELPTarkus
LP http://smarturl.it/ELPTarkusLP

‘Pictures At An Exhibition’ (1971)
CD http://smarturl.it/ELPPictures
LP http://smarturl.it/ELPPicturesLP

Tags:

Emerson Lake & Palmer

ELP

Wed

Jun

TESLA Celebrate 'Psychotic Supper' 25th Anniversary with LP Reissue

Artist:

Tesla

Friday, July 22, 2016

Categories:

News Feed

UMe MARKS 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF TESLA’S 1991 PSYCHOTIC SUPPER ALBUM WITH TWO-LP VINYL RELEASE, ON JULY 22

Classic Geffen release includes five Mainstream Rock hits in “Edison’s Medicine,” “Call It What You Want,” “What You Give,” “Song & Emotion” and “Stir It Up”

TESLA's third album, Psychotic Supper, the band’s third studio album, released on August 30, 1991, was the follow-up to the live Five Man Acoustical Jam, peaking at #13 on the Billboard 200, featuring an aggressive change in direction from the previous disc, landing an impressive five songs on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, including “What You Give,” which went to #7 and even cracked the Billboard Hot 100 at #86. Other memorable songs include “Edison’s Medicine,” which spotlights how its subject received credit for harnessing electricity over the band’s own namesake, Nikola Tesla, which climbed to #20 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks, along with “Call It What You Want” (#19), “Song & Emotion” (#13) and “Stir It Up” (#35). Produced by Michael Barbiero (Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Anthrax) - who also helmed the band’s first two studio efforts -- the album was eventually certified platinum in 1993 by the RIAA, and was included in German magazine Rock Hard’s book of “The 500 Greatest Rock & Metal Albums of All Time.” The band themselves have been quoted as considering Psychotic Supper their best record.

To help mark the album’s 25th anniversary in August, UMe is reissuing the album for the first time as a two-LP standard issue vinyl set on July 22.

Tesla was formed in Sacramento in late 1981 by bassist Brian Wheat and Frank Hannon, with lead vocalist Jeff Keith, drummer Troy Luccketta and guitarist Tommy Skeoch joining them by 1984, settling on the name Tesla two years later. Their debut album, Mechanical Resonance, came out in 1986, with many of the band’s themes and song titles inspired by the electrical engineer who gave them their name. In the early days of their career, the band toured extensively, opening for David Lee Roth, Alice Cooper, Def Leppard and Poison.

And while their first two albums, Mechanical Resonance and 1989’s The Great Radio Controversy, both charted on the Billboard 200, 1990’s live Five Man Acoustical Jam, proved a breakthrough, peaking at #12, producing the Top 10 Billboard Hot 100 single “Signs,” a cover of the 1971 song by the Five Man Electrical Band.

On Psychotic Supper, the band largely eschewed the live album’s acoustic bent and let loose with a stripped-down production that enhanced the band’s bluesy take on rock and roll. “Edison’s Medicine” is highlighted by Jeff Keith’s frenetic, yet soulful vocals and some scorching guitar solos by Tommy Skeoch and Frank Hannon. Skeoch also rocks out on theremin, while Hannon straps on a bass for a memorable solo.

25 years after its release, Psychotic Supper still holds up for its impressive musicianship by the band and its mix of hard rock and anthemic ballads.

The complete album track list is as follows:

SIDE 1

1. Change in the Weather

2. Edison’s Medicine

3. Don’t De-Rock Me

SIDE 2

1. Call It What You Want

2. Song & Emotion

3. Time

4. Government Personnel

SIDE 3

1. Freedom Slaves

2. Had Enough

3. What You Give

SIDE 4

1. Stir It Up

2. Can’t Stop

3. Toke About It

Tags:

tesla

Psychotic Supper

Wed

Jun

WONDERWORLD 'II' Given New Lease of Life

Artist:

Wonderworld

RELEASE MONTH:

Categories:

News Feed

Lions Pride Music is excited to announce the signing of Wonderworld for their second album, Wonderworld II. The album will be given an additional release in October added with an extra bonus number.

WONDERWORLD is a classic powertrio, and consist of Roberto Tiranti (Labyrinth), Ken Ingwersen (Street Legal) and Tom Fossheim (Live Fire).

The band is currently also the permanent backing band for Ken Hensley (Uriah Heep), under the name; Ken Hensley & Live Fire. Being a unique group of individuals from Norway and Italy, these warriors have teamed up in a way that only true Vikings and Romans can do :-)

While recording the latest Ken Hensley album “Trouble”, the guys came up with the idea to do an album together as a classic rock powertrio, with no keyboards and a minimum of nonsense...just pure energetic hard rock. Just based on the rare chemistry of musicianship and friendship, the guys knew that this was something they had to do.

In 2014, the album was complete!

10 solid songs will be featured on their debut album, simply called...."WONDERWORLD"!

The album was released October 2014.

In 2016 the band is back stronger than ever with their second album, Wonderworld II.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqxt2KmqxB8

Tags:

Wonderworld

Ken Ingwersen

Lion's Pride Music

Tue

Jun

TYKETTO 2016 Tour Dates

Tue

Jun

AEROSMITH To Say Goodbye

Steven Tyler has just confirmed on Howard Stern radio show that AEROSMITH will do a world farewell tour in 2017.

Tue

Jun

TEMPT Make Waves With 'Runaway' Debut on Rock Candy Records

Artist:

Tempt

Categories:

News Feed

TEMPT 'RUNAWAY' CANDYMAN005 - A BRAND NEW front line release from Rock Candy Records available right now.

THOSE OF YOU who follow the world of Rock Candy would have noticed that we have never issued material from new artists. Indeed, our speciality is primarily to shine a spotlight on reissues - records that we feel, in one way or another, were vastly overlooked at the time or are of such a high quality that they needed to be re-examined and brought back into focus, buffed-up and given a truly five star re-appraisal. Of course, like every label, we do get many hopefuls brandishing new music but, sad to say, the content is often not quite right for us.

That we are pleased to report is not the case with New York based outfit Tempt. You may have seen them mentioned on various websites and in magazines over the last year - mainly praising a highly regarded self-financed EP and a smattering of live shows. The EP showcased a young, but thoroughly contemporary, band playing a style of music that evoked memories of the great melodic hard rock bands of the past. It was a heart-warming experience as the delivery, arrangements and attack suggested an allegiance to acts like Foofighters, Rival Sons and Alterbridge, yet the musicianship and spirit bring to mind classic Van Halen, Aerosmith and Def Leppard.

The band has crafted a truly spellbinding debut album; one that confronts the listener with a blast of the present but suggests a comforting whiff of the past. Crucially, all the elements are in place, from great vocals (courtesy of Zach Allen), incredible guitar playing (by Harrison Marcello ) and brilliantly crafted songs with enough twists and turns to not only satisfy the musically inclined but also to appeal to folk who just wanna rock.

Tags:

Tempt

Rock Candy

Mon

Jun

GOTTHARD Announce 25th Anniversary Tour With PRETTY MAIDS

Mon

Jun

JAN AKERSSON'S SHADOW RAIN Signs to MRR For August Debut

Artist:

Jan Akersson's Shadow Rain

Saturday, August 26, 2017

Categories:

News Feed

MelodicRock Records is very pleased to announce an extension of the relationship with S.A.Y mastermind Jan Akesson, working with the guitarist/vocalist/songwriter/producer on his debut solo album ‘Ascension’, set to be released August 26 under the moniker Jan Akersson’s Shadow Rain.

Jan Akesson's Shadow Rain is an intense, in your face hard rocking rollercoaster that is both unique and melodic as well as very familiar to fans of the debut S.A.Y album, released on MRR in 2015.

Guitars and menace run through the album’s 10 tracks, whilst each throws in a hook and melody that draws you back in for more.

Tracklist:

01. I Can’t Tell You No

02. The Promised Land

03. City Of Light

04. Into The Fire

05. Sound Of A Broken Heart

06. A Sound For Death

07. After The Love Is Gone

08. Cross The Universe

09. Love On The Run

10. Fool For Your Loving

Jan Akesson's Shadow Rain is:

Jan Akesson: Vocals, Guitars, Backing Vocals

Additional Musicians:

Sven Svantesson - Lead Guitars

Lasse Johansson - Bass

Jens Westberg - Drums

Produced, Mixed Mastered by: Jan Akesson

Recorded at Ump Unlimited Music Production

Official url: www.facebook.com/janakessonsshadowrain

JAN ÅKESSON BIOGRAPHY

Sweden based multidimensional musician Jan Åkesson, was born in October 1965 and is known for his works with hard rock band StoneLake. Åkesson started playing guitar in 1978 and became a songwriter early in his life. In 1984 he got to know singer Peter Grundström while playing lead guitar in the band “Ravage”. Grundström was lead singer of the band “Whitelight” which Åkesson became a member of in the fall of the same year.

In 1987, Åkesson left Whitelight and wanted to pursue a career and a sound that was more guitar-oriented and harder. He went on to form new bands: “Why Not”, “Perfect Stranger” and “Dr. Blue”, playing many very successful gigs and making several acclaimed recordings.

In 1994 Jan decided to step back from live performance to concentrate on writing and producing songs in his new studio on the emerging digital recording platforms that would soon come to dominate the music industry. The studio he created in 2005, was called “UMP”, which is an abbreviation of: “Unlimited Music Production”.

After the split from Whitelight, who later changed their name to “Kee Avenue”, singer Peter Grundström was enrolled to join “StoneLake”. Åkesson and Grundström became a successful songwriting team and released several albums and singles on different record labels.

In 2008 they were invited to write all the music for the project “Solna” and shared the credits with well-known artists from the industry such as Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear, Gamma Ray), Alex De Rosso (Dokken), Rob de Luca (Lynch Mob, Sebastian Bach) and Pamela Moore who is known for her work with classic band Queensrÿche.

In 2015 the duo formed the project “S.A.Y.” and released the critically acclaimed album: “Orion”. Reviewer Kieran Dargan of the site “Rocktopia” wrote: “... the musical class on show here is simply too good to ignore. A rather fabulous little album that is well deserving of a home in your collection”.

Åkesson has been busy as a songwriter for different genres of music as well as hard rock, and has written pop music for numerous artists in Japan, but also hard rock music for artists such as “Liv Moon” and produced punk covers that were released on the album “MAX! - Punk it!”.

OFFICIAL FACEBOOK URLs:

Shadow Rain: www.facebook.com/janakessonsshadowrain

S.A.Y.: www.facebook.com/sayoriontheband

StoneLake: https://www.facebook.com/stonelaketheband

Jan Åkesson: www.facebook.com/jan.akesson.1

Unlimited Music Production: www.facebook.com/UnlimitedMusicProduction

Look for ‘Ascension’, from Jan Akersson’s Shadow Rain to be released wide and far by MRR on August 26 alongside the debut Fiction Syxx album ‘Talk Dark Secrets’.

Tags:

Sat

Jun

GET WELL SOON...

Rock Legends on the mend...

-----------------------------------------

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Meat Loaf collapsed Thursday night due to severe dehydration near the end of his concert at the Northern Jubilee Auditorium in Edmonton, Alberta Canada.

He was admitted to a nearby hospital to undergo routine tests. His vital signs are stable and normal — additional tests are being performed but he is responsive and recovering well.

He extends his heartfelt thanks for everyone's support and well wishes, and is expecting a speedy and full recovery.

Any concert postponements / rescheduled dates will be announced at a later time.

Thank you for your support and understanding.

-------------------------------

Ian Paice recovering after "mini stroke" - http://www.deeppurple.com/message-ian-paice/

-------------------------------

Status Quo's Rick Parfitt suffers heart attack: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3645115/Status-Quo-star-Rick-Par...

Sat

Jun

Cruzh - "First Cruzh" (Official Music Video)

Tags:

Cruzh

Artist:

Cruzh

Sat

Jun

Palace - "Master of the Universe" (Official Music Video)

Tags:

Palace

Artist:

Palace

Sat

Jun

Pride of Lions - Studio Report 2016 (Official)

Tags:

Pride Of Lions

Jim Peterik

Artist:

Pride Of Lions

Fri

Jun

InnerWish - "Machines of Fear" [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

Tags:

Innerwish

Artist:

Innerwish

Fri

Jun

New 7HY Due in August

SEVEN HARD YEARS (7HY) News: "Please allow us to share with you the cover art for the forthcoming 7HY album 'Stories We Tell'! The album is due August 2016 on Lion's Pride Music! Stay tuned for new music samples and more info!"

Fri

Jun

THE DEAD DEAD DAISIES - "Long Way To Go" (Official Video)

Tags:

The Dead Daisies

Artist:

The Dead Daisies

Fri

Jun

ROCKINGHAM 2016 On Sale Now

Categories:

Tour News

STANDING ON TOP OF THE ROCK-INGHAM

Press Release: "Hey we're back, I heard you missed us? A different venue, less bands but no dip in quality is what Rockingham is offering this year. After last year’s successful weekend, plans were put in motion to deliver more of the same AOR goodness as organizer, Dave Herron, explains, “Following on from the incredible feedback from our 2015 event we have decided to make Rockingham a more permanent part of the UK festival scene.”

It’s all set to take place over the weekend of the 21^st to 23^rd of October, at Nottingham’s Trent University – a mere stones throw from last year’s venue.

With the likes of Trixter, Steelheart and Kevin Chalfant headlining over the three days, a stellar line up has been added to augment an already impressive top of the bill.

At least five of these acts have never played in the UK before, with the likes of Lionheart and Lee Aaron having never set foot on a UK stage since the eighties.

With the new blood being ably represented by the likes of Art Nation, Blood Red Saints, Angels Or Kings and Stone Broken, Rockingham is covering all the bases.

This promises to be a wonderful weekend of AOR

LINE UP FOR THE WEEKEND

Kevin Chalfant

So where do you start with Mr. Chalfant? That he should have got the job in Journey, possibly. Or that he recorded one of the finest AOR albums of the nineties with the Storm, maybe. Perhaps we should just say that he possesses one of the finest AOR voices to ever grace the genre, so you can expect a set stuffed to the brim with quality moments from a distinguished career.

Jean Beauvoir

Now here's a man that could possibly be one of the coolest to ever strap on a guitar. His tenure with Crown Of Thorns is legendary, their debut being one of the finest albums he's appeared on. Having worked with Kiss, The Plasmatics and Little Steven amongst many others, he's guaranteed to get everybody on their feet. Are you ready?

Blood Red Saints

Having delivered one of the finest debuts of last year, Blood Red Saints will need no introduction. Gigs with the likes of Romeo's Daughter and Hand Of Dimes have shown them to be capable of delivering live what they put down in the studio. With a collective pool of talent that has seen them appear with the likes of Sam Thunder, Angels Or Kings, Gary Hughes, In Faith , The Shock, Lost Weekend and Newman, the Saints are the pride of the U.K.

The Poodles

Canine capers from Jakob Samuel and company is always a good way to spend your afternoon. Over the years they've produced several quality moments, garnering plaudits from far and wide. This is Scandinavian AOR at its most bombastic and fierce, so bring a muzzle as this dog bites.

Art Nation

Formed from the ashes of Diamond Dawn, Art Nation released one of the finest albums from last year, which saw critics liken them to a junior version of H.E.A.T. It's not gone unnoticed as Music giants Gain have recently snapped them up for a lucrative deal. So expect a highly charged set of fist pumping, anthemic AOR.

Lionheart

This was a shock addition to the bill, but a very welcome one. Having dispensed one of the finest UK pomp rock albums of the eighties, Lionheart toured with the likes of Def Leppard to rave reviews. Their brand of AOR is laced with luscious harmonies, biting guitars and surging keyboards. With ex Iron Maiden alumni, Derek Stratton, at the helm, the results should be breathtaking.

The Defiants

Let's cut to the chase here, the Defiants have made one of the best albums of this year pure and simple. Then again what did you expect from people that have plied their trade in Danger Danger, a band that are not shy of a hook or three. Between them, Bruno Ravel, Rob Marcello and Paul Laine have knocked it out of the park. Their recent performance in Milan is spoken of in hushed, revered tones, a true 'I was there moment'. Theirs is the sound of the eighties, amplified and cranked to eleven. Party on, dudes.

Trixter

Next to the Defiants, Trixter are another band born out of the eighties hair metal boom. Their brace of albums were lauded from far and wide, giving them gold records and stateside tours with the likes of Stryper and Kiss. Having reunited in 2008, they've since released two new albums, playing several prestigious gigs along the way. Another band that tore Milan apart, they're guaranteed to give it to you good.

Crazy Lixx

Bringing the Glam to Rockingham, Crazy Lixx will be riding into town on the back of several well received albums. This year’s live album is the perfect starting point to help you understand what the Lixx are all about. They'll push the button marked instant party, so get ready for these Revlon rebels to bring the mascara mayhem.

Stone Broken

A hot hard rock band from Walsall, surely some mistake? Nope, Stone Broken has gifted the world a hard hitting debut that has seen the plaudits arriving their way by the truckload. For most they'll be an unknown quantity, but after this weekend they've the potential to be everybody's favourite new band.

From The Fire

After a fabulous sophomore album, albeit twenty years later, and a wonderful debut UK performance in the same year, From The Fire were once again the band on all AORsters lips. Led by the core trio of J.D. Kelly, Tommy Lafferty and Michael Sciotto, From The Fire are an old school AOR fans wet dream. They were a little ring rusty last time out in the UK, this time they'll return like champion prize fighters.

Lee Aaron

The Metal Queen back in the UK for the first time since the eighties is enough to make you dust of those old red spandex pants in honour of the fact. The Canadian chanteuse will stir the loins of every red blooded male, and female, with a rollicking dose of maple leaf mayhem. An award winning artist, Aaron is another coup for Rockingham.

Alessandro Del Vecchio Band

The little man with the big voice, Alessandro Del Vecchio should be no stranger to AOR fans the world over. He's appeared with the likes of Jim Peterik, Mitch Malloy and Axe amongst many others. With Nigel Bailey helping out, this could be one of the surprise packages of the weekend.

Angels Or Kings

Born in the eighties, this critically acclaimed UK AOR band were resurrected in the new millennium, releasing an album that generated rave reviews the world over. Currently preparing their sophomore release, the Kings will be one of the most eagerly anticipated bands of the weekend.

Steelheart

Fronted by Miljenko Matijevic, Steelheart were MTV darlings, an admittedly brief tenure with the media giant, before Grunge swept all before it. Releasing a brace of albums at the peak of their popularity, they were a chart bothering behemoth whose candle was snuffed out all too early. Sporadic activity over the years has seen Matjevic as the sole remaining member. These boys have set the excitement factor to eleven, so get ready to stand up and shout.

Fortune

A bucket list moment for an awful lot of AORsters, this promises to be an unmissable set. With Richard Fortune, Larry Greene and Mick Fortune on board, you can expect their debut album to be played in almost its entirety. Don't be surprised if the roof is lifted when the likes of "Dearborn Station" and "Thrill Of It All" are played, this promises to be a keyboard fans dream gig.

Martina Edoff

Returning to the UK for the second time this year, Martina Edoff's brand of highly energized hard rock will set the afternoon alight. With a band that includes members of Skintrade, Last Autumn’s Dream and H.E.A.T, they've the pedigree to make sure a blistering set of hard rock is on the menu.

Valentine

Returning after his show stealing performance at the inaugural Rockingham festival, Robby Valentine is sure to be one of the most grandiose sets of the entire weekend. The pomp factor will be high and the keyboard quota off the scale, making this a symphonic delight for all in attendance.

I think you’ll all agree that Rockingham Festivals AOR credentials have been fully endorsed by having such an array of talent on show. Fans and ticket buyers would also be wise to watch out for announcements of official pre and after shows in the coming months via the festivals Facebook page.

TICKETING DETAILS AREAVAILABLE FROM: www.rockinghamlive.com

Tags:

Alessandro Del Vecchio Band

Thu

Jun

Crazy Lixx - "Rock and a Hard Place" (Official Audio)

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Crazy Lixx

Artist:

Crazy Lixx

Thu

Jun

FIRST SIGNAL - One Step Over The Line (Review)

information persons:

content:

91%

Produced By:

Daniel Flores

Running Time:

Release Date:

2016

Released:

Worldwide

Musical Style:

Melodic Rock

Links:

Frontiers Records

Label:

Frontiers

Artist:

First Signal

Score:

Friday, June 3, 2016

Categories:

Reviews

Harry Hess returns with a sequel to 2010’s First Signal debut. The lead role of Mr. Hess is about all that is in common from the debut to this album.

Normally I’d jump in and complain that if you are using a project name, you should stick to the original personnel of that project, as swapping musicians/producers/writers generally leads to a completely different sounding album (Sunstorm and Allen/Lande for example).

But in this case, I’ll let it pass as the results speak for themselves.

Daniel Flores (Find Me, Murder Of My Sweet) and his new buddy Michael Palace are the duo behind all the music, whilst the songs are provided by an array of the current artists within the Frontiers stable.

Flores produces and delivers results that sonically improve on that of the debut – even if the style is a little different. The Dennis Ward moody AOR debut is trumped by this bubbly, more keyboard driven 80s sounding affair with at times a more aggressive edge, but overall an improved sound that isn’t far from the AOR of the two Find Me releases.

Harry is of course in fine voice over 11 tracks that hold a pretty consistent sound and quality. At times the keyboards are a little “too 80s”, but there is no doubt that this is a very fine release.

Highlights include the punchy She’s Getting Away; the sentimental ballads Still Pretending and Weigh Me In; the early Harem sounding One Step Over The Line and Love Gets Through; the angst of Broken and the moodiness of Kharma.

Hess, Harem and fans of the First Signal debut shouldn’t give owning this a second thought. Why haven’t you got it already? Essential for anyone who appreciate fine vocals and some catchy traditional melodic rock.

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Thu

Jun

JORN - Heavy Rock Radio (Review)

information persons:

content:

87%

Produced By:

Jorn

Running Time:

Release Date:

2016

Released:

Worldwide

Musical Style:

Hard Rock

Links:

Frontiers Records

Label:

Frontiers

Artist:

Jorn

Score:

Friday, June 3, 2016

Categories:

Reviews

The man is back, again! One should stop saying that as Jorn never really departs, such is the consistency of his releases. That’s not always a positive, but the last couple of records have started to return me to my former status of worshipping the great man.

One thing the world probably doesn’t need is another covers album, even more so another Jorn covers album (this is his third, plus half of the debut album), but you know what – you can’t help but like large parts of this collection.

It’s Jorn being Jorn and its produced extremely well.

Jorn has managed to pick out some less predictable covers from areas of pop/rock from the 70s through to today and a few cuts from his more familiar influences.

Some work, some don’t. But the ones that do work are sensational, as Jorn metalifies some pop classics such as I Know There’s Something Going On and Running Up That Hill. I think there should have been more like these two on here. Jorn sounds fabulous.

Foreigner’s Rev On The Red Line is something he could record in his sleep (his version of Break It Up from the debut is still untouchable) and sounds great as does his version of the John Farnham legacy number You’re The Voice (since covered by many). I love his liner notes about each track and especially the praise he gives Farnham as a live vocalist. I wasn’t sure the song would suit Jorn, but it does.

Paul Stanley’s Live To Win is one track I thought Jorn would slay, but for some reason this heavier and rawer version seems to lose some of the melodies that the original carried.

Don’t Stop Believing is a fine version with a surprisingly high Jorn vocal. But honestly, I’m so sick of this fucking song – even the original I could do without hearing ever again. For Jorn’s tribute to Steve Perry, check out Edge Of The Blade from the debut – one of the best Journey covers I’ve ever heard. Wish he’d tried out Ask The Lonely instead.

Killer Queen is pretty decent too, but I have a hard time with anyone aside from JSS covering Queen. Jorn brings a good swagger to the track.

Hotel California is one you’ll either love or hate – but I dig it. Jorn’s rasp works and the guitar work on this iconic song does the original justice.

Well, we lasted this long without Rainbow/Sabbath/Dio/Purple, so we may as well close the album with songs from 3 of the 4 featured, plus an authentic Iron Maiden cover for good measure, giving the last 15 or so minutes a more familiar metal feel.

All in all – good stuff. A few fairly safe choices and some risks that pay off. I prefer the pop/rock tracks being beefed up rather than the metal tunes just being covered.

A lot of thought has gone into this album and Jorn sounds great as always.

Tags:

Jorn

Alessandro Del Vecchio

Thu

Jun

DAN REED NETWORK - Fight Another Day (Review)

information persons:

content:

76%

Produced By:

Dan Reed

Running Time:

Release Date:

2016

Released:

Worldwide

Musical Style:

Pop / Rock / Funk

Links:

Frontiers Records

Label:

Frontiers

Artist:

Dan Reed Network

Score:

Friday, June 3, 2016

Categories:

Reviews

Can’t say I was ever a Dan Reed Network fan – his funk/rock style was something that I just didn’t embrace back in the day. However, I have admired a couple of Dan’s latter day solo albums. Some intelligent songwriting and out of the box musical arrangements there.

I had no expectations going into this, and what it delivers is a bit of both Dan Reed’s worlds.

Given the crossover in styles, it does appear a little disjointed and a little hit and miss. The hit resonates with me in a big way. The misses make the album drag, especially through the latter stages.

What hits – the brilliant melodies and subtle arrangements of the opening track Divided and the mature melodies of The Brave; the beautiful atmospheric ballad Champion and the equally pleasant keyboard styled B There With U.

The softer pop/rock of Heaven also connects as does the moody Stand Tall.

Misses include the funky ballad Infected; Give It Love; the funk/reggae swagger of Save The World which goes nowhere and the programmed beats of Reunite.

There’s a few others too, making this album about half cool, half not so.

An interesting album in parts, but perhaps not what the Dan Reed Network moniker might suggest. For that reason I think it aims to please all, without hitting the mark. Or perhaps it’s just exactly how Dan feels and writes in 2016. Up to individual fans to decide on this one.

But those few tracks in the first half of the album are seriously good.

Tags:

Dan Reed

Dan Reed Network

Thu

Jun

WITHEM - The Unforgiving Road (Review)

information persons:

content:

89%

Produced By:

Oyvind Larsen

Release Date:

2016

Released:

Worldwide

Musical Style:

Progressive Melodic Metal

Links:

Frontiers Records

Label:

Frontiers

Artist:

Withem

Score:

Friday, June 3, 2016

Categories:

Reviews

Withem are a new progressive/melodic metal band NOT from Sweden! Yes indeed. They are not from Sweden. They are from Norway!

Once again the Scandinavians prove to be on the cutting edge of new music in all forms of rock n roll.

This is the band’s second album and first for Frontiers. They describe their sound as a mix of inspirations from such greats as Symphony X, Pagan’s Mind, Dream Theater and Circus Maximus. Pretty accurate too.

To me they haven’t quite got the chops of Dream Theater, nor the melodic finesse of Circus Maximus, but they are well on their way. And this is an impressive album.

I’d put their sound closer to Dream Theater thanks to the vocals of Ole Wagenius. His powerful LaBrie style range drives these songs and adds the melody to the powerful guitars and swirling keyboards.

This is an impressive sounding album. Guitarist Oyvind Larsen acts as producer and mixer and has done a remarkable job. This is a really clear and crisp sounding record while retaining all the necessary power.

Highlights include the powerful hook driven In The Hands Of God (the chorus is pure Circus Maximus); the initially faster, but then inter-changing pace of The Pain I Collected; the beautiful vocals and melodic guitar parts that drive Riven; the Rob Moratti-esque progressive AOR of The Eye In The Sky.

It took several listens to appreciate fully and have the melodies become more obvious, but the high caliber production and some inspired performances make this an album that is likely to launch the band onto a bigger platform and wider audience.

Tags:

Withem

Thu

Jun

YNGWIE MALMSTEEN - World On Fire (Review)

information persons:

content:

45%

Produced By:

Yngwie

Running Time:

Yngwie

Release Date:

Yngwie

Released:

Yngwie

Musical Style:

Yngwie

Label:

Yngwie

Artist:

Yngwie Malmsteen

Score:

Categories:

Reviews

Well, it’s not as bad as War To End All Wars. That record should have been titled Album To End All Careers. But somehow the great fret-fiddler Yngwie J Malmsteen continues on.

It’s hard to tell who is the most delusional. Yngwie himself for releasing this as is; his record label for actually paying for it to be manufactured or some of his fans who are reacting as if this album is the greatest slice of majestic, audio grandeur and shredtastic splendor since Les Paul took craft lessons in Jnr High.

Ok, so it’s not all bad….well it is if you were rating audio quality alone. I’m not sure where this was recorded. It sounds like it was recorded in my grandmother’s 1922 outhouse and pieced together on a 1981 Acorn BBC Micro 6502.

I just cannot understand how and artist, his manager wife and record label could all agree this was release ready. The production quality and muddy mix are just rotten.

To the songs themselves – well, the boy can play – no doubting that ever. And before the fanclub hit me up with death threats and witty insults about what really constitutes greatness, please be advised I have most of the Swedish Frethogger’s albums and I remain a strong fan of several in particular.

There are some good and bad here. The title track World On Fire is a great 1 minute idea that goes for 4 and a half and most of the instrumentals that follow are simply retreads of past work.

I’m being strangely hypnotized by Yngwie’s vocals on Lost In The Machine. Is he employing mind control to keep fans under influence? I don’t mind that song at all, except for the quality and the fact the vocals sound like they were sung into a Coke can rather than a microphone.

Largo and No Rest for the Wicked are simply the same riff as each other, just played faster and Duf 1220 is the most accurate song title on the whole album.

I really do like Yngwie. I think he’s doing an ok job, but his organization is one that cannot be criticized. I’m on their shit list because of my last few reviews – but that’s just part of the job.

This review won’t help of course. What he needs to do is embrace those that want to work with him. There are a number of great musicians from his past that that would happily collaborate with him. But no one wants to work for him.

Hopefully he can find the financing to hire a producer or at least a professional mix engineer, get a vocalist on board to work together and collaborate on some great songs that aren’t all widdling and get back to what really made Yngwie Malmsteen albums of the past so enjoyable. He needs an A&R guy to tell him what works and what doesn't. Givie me a call mate!

Tags:

Yngwie Malmsteen

Thu

Jun

KING COMPANY - "Wheels of No Return" (Official Music Video)

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King Company

Artist:

King Company

Thu

Jun

AXL ROSE In Conversation at China Exchange 2016

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Artist:

Thu

Jun

JORN - "You're the Voice" (Official Music Video)

Tags:

Jorn

Artist:

Jorn

Wed

Jun

TRENT GARDNER R.I.P.

Artist:

Trent Gardner

Categories:

News Feed

TRENT GARDNER (Magellan) has sadly passed away. This from his son, just posted:

"My name is Trent Gardner II and my father and Magellan founder Trent Gardner passed away suddenly June 11, 2016 in Vacaville, CA. Due to his sudden passing we need immediate financial assistance to ensure a proper, dignified burial for my father. My father affected people all over the world with his music and my family and I are grateful and humbled by any size donation that you are able to give.

I have had the privilege to have a front row seat to his musical genius my entire life and I have many memories that I will hold onto for the rest. His studio shared a wall with my bedroom and late at night when he used headphones, I always knew when he was working by the vibrations of his leg bouncing on the floor keeping time. Or like when he would mull over lyrics or a musical idea early in the morning as we watched the original series of Star Trek and would then immediately run upstairs to get it recorded before he lost it.

He also taught me how to be a committed father and husband and I am so blessed that I had him as my father and bear his same name. His tenacity in and outside the studio is known to all those who were around him and that music and being a creator was his sole driving purpose in this world.

As Magellan was his legacy I will continue to maintain this website and catalog and I hope that he, like his music, is now able to transcend all things temporal and that he is now able to make the music he always wanted.

Goodnight dad, I love you."

-Trent II

Tags:

Trent Gardner

R.I.P

Wed

Jun

BLUE COW KENT Issue Brand New Single

Artist:

Blue Cow Kent

Categories:

News Feed

Blue Cow Kent presents future city Diplomatica on new single

When the Swedish rock band Blue Cow Kent was formed in 2011, the members wanted to pay tribute to the Melodic rock heroes of the 80s and started playing their favorite AOR songs as a covers band. So it only felt natural that BCK's debut EP On our way to Budokent from 2013 was entirely an AOR affair of original music with the song Ready to bite being selected by Classic Rock Magazine for the compilation CD in Classic Rock presents AOR issue 10.
The band had other plans for their first full length album Phantom Cathedral, it is a concept album with a dark atmosphere and progressive influences but still with focus on melodic hard rock as a foundation in their music.

2 years has passed since the release of Phantom Cathedral and the former 5 piece band is now reduced to a trio where the core is intact featuring Ove Lundqvist - guitars, Kaj Roth - vocals/bass and Robert Persson - drums.
The first sign of BCK's forthcoming album is the new single Diplomatica, an upbeat AOR anthem that has more in common with the EP than Phantom Cathedral.
The song features a guest appearance from Thomas Lassar (Crystal Blue) on keyboards.

Diplomatica is now available on iTunes, Spotify and Bandcamp.
Their 3rd release is expected in late 2016, entitled BCK III: Even Stars Die.

This time around, the band went back in time to find their roots. The upcoming album is a picnic in 70s rock with 80s choruses where the epic and 8 minute long title track Even stars die takes the band to new heights.
https://bluecowkent.bandcamp.com/track/diplomatica

Tags:

Blue Cow Kent

Wed

Jun

Q5 - "We Came Here To Rock" (Official Audio)

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Artist:

Wed

Jun

ERIK NORLANDER Gets 'Surreal' On New Opus

Artist:

Erik Norlander

Categories:

News Feed

Veteran California artist releases new solo album June 21st featuring keyboard-heavy prog rock

Surreal is the new full-length visionary album from California keyboardist Erik Norlander. A landmark event, it was nineteen years ago on June 21^st that Norlander released his very first album Threshold. After two recent highly-acclaimed releases with his Rocket Scientists project, Norlander now presents the follow-up to his 2009 solo epic The Galactic Collective released in several forms including a live DVD/CD set. Surreal continues in that spirit with traditional rock band instrumentation fronted by Norlander’s own timeless, signature keyboards. Surreal gives both a nod to the past and puts an eye on the future with lush analog soundscapes, real living human grooves, and unforgettable melodic lead work that will keep the songs playing in the listener’s head long after the music stops.

Like The Galactic Collective, Surreal is mostly an instrumental affair with 5 tracks driven by keyboard and guitar melodies. But there is a sixth song, the title track, that features vocals by Norlander’s chanteuse spouse Lana Lane. Norlander writes in the album liner notes, “If there is only going to be one vocal track on an album, it had better be great, right? The vocal range of ‘Surreal’ is rather wide, going from ballad-like warm lows to stadium-inspired powerful highs. And I think as Lana performs these vocal acrobatics in such an honest and skillful storyteller’s style, you don’t even realize the register shifts as they are happening.”

Surreal employs the same rhythm section of The Galactic Collective with Mark Matthews on bass and Nick LePar on drums. The two have toured with Norlander extensively in the 7 years since The Galactic Collective was released and have become an essential element of Norlander’s signature style. Another familiar face is percussionist, Greg Ellis, who played on 3 other Norlander solo albums including his 1997 debut Threshold. “There’s actually a real thread of continuity with Greg,” says Norlander. “Since The Galactic Collective re-recorded existing compositions, Greg is really the percussionist on the last album of ‘new’ music released under my own name, Seas of Orion, 12 years ago back in 2004!”

Ellis also played on the epic 2014 Rocket Scientists instrumental track, “Traveler on the Supernatural Highways.” And to make the Rocket Scientists connection complete, Surreal also features Don Schiff on cello and NS/Stick, and Mark McCrite on acoustic guitar. Surreal also highlights the guitar work of the always-in-demand Alastair Greene and Jeff Kollman - two of Los Angeles’ finest axemen and stellar musicians that Norlander has worked with on other projects. All three guitarists - Greene, Kollman, and McCrite - toured with Norlander’s band in recent years ahead of this album’s recording, and the well-defined interplay between guitar and keyboards is evidence of that finely built foundation.

Surreal launches with a YouTube and Facebook video of the song, “The Galaxy Collectors,” with more videos in the works. A short version of the “The Galaxy Collectors” (the “Proxima Centauri Mix”) is also available as a free download on Norlander’s Bandcamp page:
http://eriknorlander.bandcamp.com/track/the-galaxy-collectors-proxima-ce...

The album will be available via Norlander’s web site http://www.thetank.com, as well as on Amazon, iTunes, and at fine progressive rock retailers around the world. Digital downloads for Norlander’s entire catalog including Surreal are available at Bandcamp. A high-definition 24-bit / 96kHz version will be available directly from the artist. To coincide with the new album release, Norlander has relaunched his web site with new features and updates at http://www.eriknorlander.com.

Erik Norlander is an accomplished keyboardist, composer and producer with over 40 album credits including 8 previous solo albums, 7 with his Rocket Scientists project, and 10 albums with vocalist wife Lana Lane. He toured with the Asia spinoff Asia Featuring John Payne for 6 years and co-wrote the band’s only original release “Seasons Will Change.” He is currently touring with Last in Line featuring original Dio members Vinny Appice and Vivian Campbell. Outside of the music world, Norlander was the co-designer of the legendary Alesis Andromeda analog synthesizer, and has led many synthesizer and sound design projects for major companies around the world. Norlander also actively works with The Bob Moog Foundation to advance the legacy of the maverick synthesizer pioneer.

Web sites
http://www.eriknorlander.com
http://www.thetank.com
http://www.facebook.com/erik.norlander.artist.page
https://eriknorlander.bandcamp.com

Tags:

Erik Norlander

Lana Lane

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