'ONE OF THE ALBUMS OF THE YEAR' - Powerplay Magazine
As you will already know, Daylight Robbery have emerged as one of the great
British hopes for heavy, melodic rock. Their new album 'Falling Back to Earth'
has been awarded two 'album of the year' awards by national rock magazines in
the UK and Germany, as well as a 'track of the year' award in the UK for their
tragic rock-ballad 'Fallen Star'.
They have received incredible live reviews from their appearances at festivals
such as Sonisphere )with Metallica and Dream Theater) and Hard Rock Hell, as
well as appearing with Whitesnake and Def Leppard at the NEC Genting Arena UK
and touring with Uriah Heep. Daylight Robbery have just been confirmed as
appearing at the Genting NEC Arena, UK with Richie Blackmore's Rainbow in June
2016.
The Los Angeles Premiere Screening of INSIDE METAL: LA METAL SCENE EXPLODES Scheduled for Thursday June 2 and Monday June 6, 2016 at 7pm
The Los Angeles screening for the second Inside Metal title LA Metal Scene Explodes will take place Thursday June 2nd in Hollywood, CA at the Attic (formerly Cinespace) and Monday June 6th at The Regency Theaters Valley Plaza 6 in North Hollywood. This is the follow-up to the critically acclaimed debut Inside Metal film Pioneers of LA Hard Rock and Metal. This title will focus on the monumental era of the LA Metal Scene, from 1981 to 1986, when local hard rock and metal bands took Los Angeles by storm.
Inside Metal: LA Metal Scene Explodes is a two-volume DVD set featuring narration by John Bush of Armored Saint. DVD 1 will be released worldwide on June 10th with DVD 2 to be released in early August.
Featuring: Lars Ulrich (Metallica), Stephen Pearcy (Ratt), Carlos Cavazo (Quiet Riot, Ratt), Jack Russell (Great White), Don Dokken (Dokken), Dave Meniketti (Y&T), David Ellefson (Megadeth), Chris Holmes and Randy Piper (W.A.S.P.), John Bush and Joey Vera (Armored Saint), Mike Inez (Alice In Chains), Gene Hoglan (Testament, Dethklok), Ron Keel (Steeler, Keel), Leatherwolf, Bruce Bouilett (Racer X), Betsy Weiss (Bitch), Jaime St. James (Black 'n Blue), Lizzy Borden, Marty Friedman, Marq Torien (Bullet Boys), Joe Floyd (Warrior), Ann Boleyn (Hellion), Steve Plunkett (Autograph), Nadir D'Priest (London) and many others in this compelling history about the quintessential period of hard rock and metal!
Two screening dates are set for Los Angeles. Several of the featured artists will be on hand at both screenings as will the directors and producers of the film. We will be screening both volumes of the movie (80 minutes each) with a 20-minute intermission so please prepare for a 3-hour screening.
Thursday, June 2, 2016. Showtime 7pm
The Attic (formerly Cinespace)
6356 Hollywood Blvd, 2nd level
Hollywood, CA 90028
(323) 817-3456
*Corner of Hollywood Blvd. & Ivar
*Full Bar / Full Menu
Monday, June 6, 2016. Showtime 7pm
Regency Theatres Valley Plaza 6
6355 Belliingham Ave.
North Hollywood, CA 91606
(818) 760-8444
*Off the 170 Fwy and Victory Blvd.
TheRighttoRock.com has issued their latest podcast (episode #205), featuring Alter Bridge/Tremonti guitarist/vocalist Mark Tremonti. Mark took time out of his busy schedule to discuss his latest solo release Dust, as well as the upcoming tour season. Interview lasts approx. 25 min.
Crimeny, we did it! The lads have returned from their self-imposed exile to give you a brand spanking new podcast about what a lot of us may be already thinking: who among the musical elite may be next to pass on to The Great Beyond? Join Genghis & Ragman as they wax philosophic about aging rockers and the frailty of life.
Then, the boys talk to the one and only Mark Tremonti about his new solo album, Dust. Mark dishes about the music biz, Alter Bridge, and tour plans of the near future. So, pop some corn and belly up to the bar. And HORNS UP!
Cheap Trick drummer and 2016 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Bun E. Carlos announced the release of his new solo album, “Greetings From Bunezuela!,” on June 24th, 2016 via SPV Recordings in Europe. The collection features 13 rock songs, 11 of which are covers, including “Armenia City in The Sky” (The Who), “Idea” (The Bee Gees) or "Tell Me" (The Rolling Stones).
The album features Robert Pollard (Guided By Voices), Xeno (original Cheap Trick vocalist), Hanson, Alejandro Escovedo, Dave Pirner (Soul Asylum), John Stirratt (Wilco), Nicholas Tremulis, Alex Dezen (Damnwells), Rick Rizzo (Eleventh Dream Day), and members of Candy Golde and the Monday Night Band.
The first single, “Do Something Real,” features Robert Pollard on vocals, and is a remake of a solo Pollard song that was released in 1999. The song is available now digitally.
Carlos is the drummer for the legendary rock band Cheap Trick, drumming countless hits like “I Want You To Want Me,” “Surrender,” “Dream Police,” and “If You Want My Love.”
In 2009, Bun E. Carlos joined Tinted Windows with Hanson singer Taylor Hanson, former Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha, and Fountains of Wayne bassist Adam Schlesinger. The critically acclaimed power-pop-band released an eponymous record and played several shows. In 2011, Bun E. Carlos joined Candy Golde with Nicholas Tremulis, John Stirratt (Wilco), Rick Rizzo, (Eleventh Dream Day), and Mark Greenburg (The Coctails). Candy Golde released a 5-song EP, 10” record, debuted at SXSW, and still record and perform, though sporadically.
Coming June 24th, 2016
Tracklisting for “Greetings From Bunezuela!”
1 Do Something Real (feat. Robert Pollard)
2 Armenia City In The Sky (feat. John Stirratt)
3 Him Or Me (feat. Hanson)
4 I Love You No More (feat. Alex Dezen)
5 Tell Me (feat. Alejandro Escovedo)
6 It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry (feat. Dave Pirner)
7 Let The Mystery Be (feat. Xeno)
8 Idea (feat. Robert Pollard)
9 Les Cactus (feat. Nicholas Tremulis)
10 I Can Only Give You Everything (feat. Rick Rizzo)
11 Slow Down (feat. Alejandro Escovedo)
12 Count On Me (feat. Xeno)
13 I Don't Mind (feat. Alex Dezen)
The Radio Sun - new album title announced - Outside Looking In
Australian melodic hard rock band The Radio Sun have announced 'Outside Looking In' as the title of their new upcoming album, set to be released in September 2016 on Melodic Rock Records and AnderStein Records (Japan) which will again be mixed by Paul Laine (ex Danger Danger).
Guitarist Stevie Janevski goes on to say, "we can't wait for everyone to hear our new album. We've been overwhelmed with the way our first two records have been received and the songwriting is even stronger on this new one. We even had one of my favorite Australian guitar players play on it - Brett Garsed from John Farnham/Nelson plays a guest solo...unreal!!!".
The Radio Sun have been extremely productive since they formed, and with a new album and more upcoming worldwide live dates - things are looking up for the boys from downunder.
LOS ANGELES (May 23, 2016) – XLrator Media will release Guns N' Roses founding member and bass player Duff McKagan's autobiographical music documentary IT'S SO EASY AND OTHER LIES: LIVE AT THE MOORE, based on his New York Times best-selling memoir, in 50 cities beginning May 26, prior to its LA theatrical release on June 3. Fans can go to itssoeasymovie.com for theater information and to purchase tickets.
Featuring exclusive archival footage, this authorized documentary chronicles Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inductee McKagan's meteoric rise to fame and fortune, his near-fatal struggles with alcohol and drug addiction, and his remarkable life transformation. The film features interviews with many of the people who took this wild ride, including a constellation of rock stars that rose to fame alongside him, and the people who inspired him to overcome his addictions. In a voice that is as honest as it is indelibly his own, Duff takes audiences on a harrowing journey through the dark heart of rock '˜n' roll and out the other side.
IT'S SO EASY AND OTHER LIES: LIVE AT THE MOORE was directed and produced by Christopher Duddy, produced by Daniel Zirilli and Steven G. Kaplan, and executive produced by Vision Films' Lise Romanoff, Gato Scatena, Jordan Rosner, Hans Stangl, Birgit Stein and Kati Thomson. Evan Saxon did the theatrical booking.
Here is the complete list of theatrical screenings:
Date
Theater
City
State
May 26
ArcLight Hollywood
Los Angeles
CA
May 26
Reading Valley Plaza
Bakersfield
CA
May 26
Landmark Shattuck
Berkeley
CA
May 26
Reading Rohnert Park
Rohnert Park
CA
May 26
Angelika Carmel Mountain
San Diego
CA
May 26
Landmark Embarcadero
San Francisco
CA
May 26
Landmark Chez
Denver
CO
May 26
Landmark Atlantic Plumbing
Washington
DC
May 26
Landmark Midtown
Atlanta
GA
May 26
Consolidated Ward
Honolulu
HI
May 26
Landmark Century
Chicago
IL
May 26
Landmark Keystone
Indianapolis
IN
May 26
Landmark Kendall Square
Boston
MA
May 26
Landmark Harbor East
Baltimore
MD
May 26
Landmark Main Art
Detroit
MI
May 26
Landmark Tivoli
St. Louis
MO
May 26
Reading Manville
Manville
NJ
May 26
Landmark Sunshine
New York
NY
May 26
Landmark Ritz East
Philadelphia
PA
May 26
Landmark Magnolia
Dallas
TX
May 26
Landmark River Oaks
Houston
TX
May 26
Angelika Mosaic
Fairfax
VA
May 26
Landmark Guild
Seattle
WA
May 30 & June 6
UltraStar Mission Valley
San Diego
CA
May 31
Hollywood Theatre
Portland
OR
June 1
Showcase Cinemas Bridgeport
Bridgeport
CT
June 1
Showcase Cinema de Lux Lowell
Lowell
MA
June 1
Showcase Cinema de Lux Revere
Revere
MA
June 1
Arts Quest
Bethlehem
PA
June 1
Island 16: Cinema de Lux
Holtsville
NY
June 1
Springdale 18: Cinema de Lux
Springdale
OH
June 1
Marcus Addison Cinema
Addison
IL
June 1
Marcus Bay Park Cinema
Ashwaubenon
WI
June 1
Marcus Point Cinema
Madison
WI
June 1
Marcus Lincoln Grand
Lincoln
NE
June 1
Marcus Duluth Cinema
Duluth
MN
June 1
Marucs Elgin Cinema
Elgin
IL
June 1
Marcus Gurnee Mills
Gurnee
IL
June 1
Marcus Oakdale Cinema
Oakdale
MN
June 1
Marcus West Acres Cinema
Fargo
ND
June 1
Marcus Twin Creek Cinema
Bellevue
NE
June 1
Marcus Crosswoods Cinema
Columbus
OH
June 1
Marcus Ridge Cinema
New Belin
WI
June 1
Marcus Valley Grand
Appleton
WI
June 1
Providence Place Cinemas 16
Providence
RI
June 2
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Winchester
VA
June 3-9
Arena Cinema
Hollywood
CA
June 16
Capitol Theatre
Cleveland
OH
June 16
Southside Work
Pittsburgh
PA
June 24-25
Pickford Film Center
Bellingham
WA
Facebook: /DuffMcKaganItsSoEasyOfficial
Twitter: @DuffMcKagan, #itssoeasymovie
About XLrator Media, LLC
One of the fastest-growing independent film distribution companies in North America since its creation in 2010, XLrator Media, LLC (XLratorMedia.com) will release 25 films in 2016. Its recent releases include Academy Award-winner John Ridley's Jimi: All is by My Side starring Andre Benjamin as rock legend Jimi Hendrix and SXSW hits Housebound, The Mule and The Diabolical. XLrator Media is also the home of the acclaimed MACABRE and TURBO genre film labels and the PACE multicultural film label. The company launched its first OTT channel with the MACABRE Collection on Hulu and co-produced 400 Days which was released by Syfy Films. The company previously released such diverse films as The Machine, CBGB, American Mary, Storm Surfers 3D, Banshee Chapter, Ironclad: Battle for Blood and Five Star.
About Duff McKagan
A founding member of Guns N' Roses and Velvet Revolver—and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee—Duff McKagan shares the story of his rise to the pinnacle of fame and fortune, his struggles with alcoholism and drug addiction, his personal crash and burn, and his phoenix-like transformation.
In 1984, at the age of twenty, Duff McKagan left his native Seattle—partly to pursue music but mainly to get away from a host of heroin overdoses then decimating his closest group of friends in the local punk scene. In L.A. only a few weeks and still living in his car, he answered a want ad for a bass player placed by someone who identified himself only as 'Slash.' In a few years, Guns N' Roses went on to sell more than 100 million albums worldwide.
In his best-selling autobiography It's So Easy and Other Lies, Duff recounts the band's unlikely trajectory to a string of multiplatinum albums, sold-out stadium concerts, and global acclaim. But that kind of glory can take its toll, and it did—ultimately—on Duff, as well as on the band nd itself. As the group began to splinter, Duff felt that he himself was done, too. But his near death as a direct result of alcoholism proved to be his watershed, the turning point that sent him on a unique path to sobriety and the unexpected choices he has made for himself since.
Frontiers Music Srl is thrilled to announce that they have inked a deal with UK rock trio RavenEye.
RavenEye was formed in 2014 by 25-year-old, multi-award winning guitarist/singer Oli Brown, along with drummer Kev Hickman and Aussie bassist Aaron Spiers. In 2015 the band released their debut EP, 'Breaking Out', and toured extensively worldwide with direct support slots for Slash w/ Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators, The Darkness and Deep Purple. They appeared at major rock festivals, including Aftershock Festival (US) and Louder Than Life (US) as well as headlining their own tours. Classic Rock Magazine described 'Breaking Out' as 'a filthy monster of a song'.
2016 has seen the band play a successful UK headline tour in January/February plus the direct support slot for The Darkness on their US tour in April/May. This tour helped 'Breaking Out,' make its' debut on Billboard's Heatseekers chart proving that touring and delivering live still drives sales.
The band is now busy recording its much anticipated full length album before embarking on a tour throughout Europe, which includes Hellfest Open Air Festival (France), Download Festival (UK), Rock For People (Czech Republic), Azkena Rock Festival (Spain) and the direct support slot for Halestorm in Denmark, France and Switzerland.
'We are delighted to be signing with Frontiers!' the band commented. 'They have an incredible roster of artists that have influenced us musically and it's an absolute honour to be associated with them. We can't wait to get our new music out! We pride ourselves on starting this band with a do-it-yourself approach to managing our career and have been meticulous in assembling a team that will push RavenEye to the masses. We've chosen Frontiers because it is a label that truly cares about their artists and together we intend to make an album that's going to kickstart the beginning of another exciting new year for us!'
2016 is definitely the year of the Raven! Look for their debut album to hit in September 2016!
Lions Pride Music announce the release of Violet Janine's debut album "Between Red & Blue"
Tracklist: 1. Heat On The Highway, 2. Devil In Me, 3. Tell Me, 4. Everyday’s A Fight, 5. Shut Up, 6. So Much More, 7. Better This Than Nothing, 8. Story Of My Life, 9. Down On My Knees.
Between Red & Blue see’s the debut release from Swedish melodic rockers Violet Janine. The band have only been around for a short while, but have quickly stired up some attention in their home country, and it wasn’t long after that the band had penned down 9 tracks and entered the home studio of Daniel Palmqvist, who’s also the lead guitarist of the band and welknown inside the melodic/aor comunitee for his various contributions musically in other bands etc.
The band also quick got in contact with bringing in outside guest vocalist to be featured onto the album in form of the tracks, So Much More, featuring legendary Black Sabbath vocalist Tony Martin who also wrote the track for the album and Pontus Snibb of Bonafide on the track, Down On My Knees. There’s been made two music videos for the tracks which can be seen in the youtube links further below.
Lead Vocalist Janine Nyman brings to the recordings a powerful raw voice, like an unshaped diamond, ready to sparkle brighter than the sun with the first listenning of her voice. Sparkling along with her is also the eminent guitar playing by Daniel Palmqvist, which also have captured all this in the recording of the album. And with Basse Blyberg, Ian Brunnberg & Mano Lewys to round up the rest of the remaining band, the band is to embark into a bright future.
For future references the band plans on touring in support of the debut album and along the way inspiring with new ideas, one of these are to introduce a fragrance which is significant with the name of the band and will be used when the band is on stage live, for the audience to enjoy.
MelodicRock Records is excited to announce a new partnership with French melodic rock band PARIS. The band’s new album ‘The World Outside’, will be released via MRR on July 1 in two configurations – the regular edition and a limited Special Edition featuring 2 exclusive bonus tracks.
This follows the band’s debut album ‘Only One Life’ (produced by Alessandro Del Vecchio) which was released in 2013.
PARIS are:
Frédéric Dechavanne: Lead & Backing Vocals, Keyboards
Sébastien Montet: Lead & Rhythm Guitars
For album number two, the PARIS story hasn't changed: it's still the story of two friends since the youngest of age, growing up in the suburbs of Paris and fancying the same kind of music in the second half of the eighties! Life separated the pair geographically, but music kept them united.
‘The World Outside’ is expertly produced and mastered by Steve Newman - further entwining himself in the PARIS story. The British melodic rock singer/producer had added background vocals on the debut and repeats that role here, adding his voice once again to the rich harmonies on this album.
The result is the perfect mix of the band’s pleasing AOR debut, with the harmony drenched trademark that is found on the NEWMAN records.
Rounding out this album’s lineup is Steve's English teammates David Bartlett (bass) and Rob McEwen (drums), ensuring the best possible presentation for these songs.
And because the PARIS story is all based on friendship, Seb made sure that Robert Säll was involved again on one song, like on the debut and Alessandro Del Vecchio adds backing vocals on one track.
Frédéric says: “We're still writing songs together and we have a bunch of great tunes waiting in the vault, either for a next PARIS album or for any band or artist that requires new material.”
Check out the first preview track from the album, the song Kitesurfing!
Credits:
Frédéric Dechavanne: Lead Vocals, Keyboards, Additional Background Vocals on ‘End Of My World’, ‘Looking For You’, ‘This Broken Heart’ & ‘Stronger’
Sébastien Montet: All Guitars, Keyboards, Additional Background Vocals on ‘Don’t Say A Word’, ‘In My Eyes’ & ‘When You Find Love’
Additional Musicians:
Steve Newman: Background Vocals, Additional Guitar On ‘Unreachable’
David Bartlett: Bass, Background Vocals
Rob McEwen: Drums, Percussion
Special Guests:
Robert Säll: guitar (main solo) on ‘When You Find Love’
Alessandro Del Vecchio: Background vocals on ‘End Of My World’
Jean-Marc Perz: Additional Background Vocals on ‘Don’t Say A Word’, ‘In My Eyes’ & ‘When You Find Love’
Produced & Mastered By Steve Newman
Arranged by PARIS and Steve Newman Recorded at Chrome Dome, London (UK), Studio 109, Herblay (France) and Magic Moon Lane, Lüneburg (Germany)
12. Don’t Say A Word (Special Edition - Bonus Track)
Frédéric and Sébastien met in the suburbs of Paris when they were still little kids, later in High School they discovered their common interest in AOR, Melodic Rock and Hard Rock.
In 1985 they founded their first band together and started to write their own songs inspired by the multi-platinum albums and concert visits of some of the most successful acts of the genre during their heyday in the late 80s, Def Leppard and Bon Jovi. The guys continue to work on their own material during the next couple of years, but life had other plans for the two friends, so from 1993 on their band and song writing activities were put on hold for almost two decades.
In 2010 the two friends, who always kept in touch through the years, rediscovered the joy of making music together. New technologies paved the way for their revitalized musical collaboration with Frédéric now living in Germany, and they eventually recorded a demo album with 11 newly songs in 2011.
The PARIS debut “Only One Life” was recorded with the help of an international line-up of studio musicians, resulting in a collection of truly catchy Melodic Rock tunes.
Now PARIS is ready to discover ‘The World Out There’ and take their reputation for catchy melodic rock to the next level.
Perris Records is pleased to annouce the release of the new Lizhard studio album titled "Bigger, Better, Stronger", 11 classic hard rock tracks featuring special guest Paul Shortino (Rough Cutt, Quiet Riot), Marco Mendoza (Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy), Alessandro Del Vecchio (Hardline, Edge of Forever) and more.
Wordwide release: May 27 via Perris Records.
Tracklist:
1) Funkytown
2) Downtown
3) Candyman
4) Rock 'n' Roll is hard to die (Ft. Paul Shortino)
5) Leave me alone
6) Urban cowboy
7) Gettin' tighter (Ft. Marco Mendoza)
8) All I want is you
9) Hard to say goodbye
10) And now...take this!
11) Lizhard
Faithsedge have released a lyric video for the song ‘Never A Day’, taken from the band’s upcoming new album ‘Restoration’. Watch the video here:
Faithsedge is returning with ‘Restoration’, their third and most melodic release to date. Fronted by mastermind singer / songwriter Giancarlo Floridia, the band returns with a stellar line-up featuring Stryper bass player Tim Gaines, Ace Frehley / Mr .Big drummer Matt Starr and former Dokken guitarist Alex De Rosso. Both Keys and production have been handled by Alessandro Del Vecchio (Hardline/ Revolution Saints).
The approach is very melodic with an old school feel: 80's style hooks, big drums, slamming bass, epic keys and big production. At the same time the album keeps a current up to date feel with lyric content of today’s world mixed with a competitive metal feel. Giancarlo's songwriting approach mixed with each members experience and skills takes the album to new heights.
With different supergroups that come and go, Faithsedge is more than just that, the band members worked together as a tight team and the result and chemistry show in the end result . The album will be released on Scarlet Records in Europe and North America on June 24th and on Spiritual Beast in Japan, Korea, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan on June 15th.
Legendary drummer 'Wild' Mick Brown of Dokken joins Mitch for episode 223 of One On One With Mitch Lafon.
In the show's only interview, drummer 'Wild' Mick Brown discusses the upcoming classic line-up DOKKEN reunion & the confirmed Japanese tour dates as well as his new band 'Wild' Mick Brown And The Bourbon Ballet.
Quote from the interview:
About Dokken reunion (time - 23.37) : 'In spite of ourselves, we always seem to do well."
(time 24.15): "You have to decide - I'm in or I'm out. Let it go and play ball... Somehow, it seems to work out. It's never very easy and I'm sure it's not going to be this time either."
"TNT announces that Tony Harnell and Ronni Le Tekrø will start writing new material together for the first time in over 10 years and that the Norwegian/American band plans to enter the studio to start recording new music this summer. The new line up will be announced soon. We're happy to be working together creatively again and hope our fans are are as excited as we are. We're already booking shows in the U.S. and across the world in 2017 and also hope to play in as many countries as possible over the next couple of years. Hopefully many countries that we haven't been to in a long time or perhaps ever! Stay tuned for more news soon!"
I love everything about this band– and this album. Their very British classic AOR sound; their edge of your seat pacing and those choruses! Always great choruses.
Vega are at the forefront of the British melodic rock scene. Vocalist Nick Workman has one of the most likeable voices in AOR.
It’s harder to pinpoint the band’s best album now that they are up to number four – they’ve all impressed for similar reasons.
Once again the band’s dynamic works some melodic magic and conjures up another 11 cracking chorus and hook driven songs that cannot be removed from your head.
And producer Harry Hess (yes, him!) brings some element of restraint to the band. I’ve said previously that Nick has the habit of sounding on ‘full’ – all the time. Here there is more light and shade with his vocals and I think it makes him sound even more impressive and also gives the songs more balance.
Explode moves faster than ever; We Got It All is darker and moodier; Every Little Monster is pure AOR bliss and Nothing Is Forever is a great power ballad.
White Flag uses the typical Vega build-and-explode method of chorus delivery; For Our Sins is more subtle, but is a terrific memorable melodic anthem; Generation Now turns on the angst and delivers another killer chorus and Ignite turns full-throttle moody.
Its throw your hands in the air anthem time with Saving Grace and the lighter feel good If Not You; with Hurt So Bad rounding out an album of anthemic greatness. A wonderful conclusion to an album with zero filler.
On the subject of production, I think the snare is not quite in sonic alignment with the deeper tone of the rhythm section, and the vocals continue to be too far down in the mix. But minor points amongst a hundred other positive superlatives.
Nothing I haven’t already said before about this great band – torch bearers for classic AOR and melodic rock in Britain, with enough of a modern edge to make them vital now, not just as another band riding on the past. Another clear winner and possibly their most consistent and anthem filled album yet.
Phantom 5 isn’t the best or most descriptive band name I’ve heard, but it’s far from the worst. Featuring a powerful lineup of Michael Voss (guitars; Casanova, Bonfire, Mad Max) and Claus Lessmann (vocals, ex-Bonfire) along with popular German compadres Robby Boebel (guitars from Frontline) and Axel Kruse (drums from everyone) as well as Francis Buchholz on bass.
Touted as a natural follow up to the classic BonfireFireworks album, with a touch of Frontline and Jaded Heart, the expectations were therefore set to maximum from the outset.
Sorry guys, but while the potential is there, the songs don’t carry the legacy any further than that.
There’s too much one-tempo familiarity amongst the songs, not enough variety in style and frankly, not enough power in the choruses to knock anyone over.
The album does start strongly though. All The Way certainly has the classic feel of an album opener – a nice fast melodic hard rocker with a typically anthemic chorus.
A nice dose of keyboards and a choppy guitar riff drive the pacey Blue Dog while it gets moodier on Someday.
Don’t Touch The Night harks back to classic 80s Bonfire, even if it lacks a little of the dynamics of the original band.
Unfortunately that’s probably the best part of the album over with. The rest settles into a very safe, mid-tempo routine of riffs and raspy vocals, but nothing really stands out.
Renegade, Flying High, Frontline and We Both Had Our Time all have a good sound but fail to ignite when time for the chorus.
Since You’re Gone is a pretty decent rock ballad, but then it’s straight back into the unremarkable second half of this album.
They Won't Come Back is probably the pick of the second half – a better chorus and a nice sentiment on this track.
A solid effort, with expected good production from the always reliable Michael Voss, but the songs and urgency required to make an impact worthy of the personnel involved aren’t there.
A good start, but a fairly routine and safe second half strips back some of the appeal of this album.
Joining Mitch on episode 222 of One On One With Mitch Lafon is singer Jack Russell from Jack Russell's Great White as well as Blues Hall Of Fame guitarist Joe Louis Walker.
In the episode's first interview singer Jack Russell discusses his upcoming solo album The Gauntlet, his upcoming autobiography, his health, touring and much more.
Quotes from the Jack Russell interview:
The upcoming new album, The Gauntlet (time - 2.50): "It's a really powerful record. I've dumped every emotion I have into it."
On his former band (time - 7.23) : "I wish everybody would just do what we decided to do in court - split the name, go out and have fun, and make their own music. Not just sit there and dwell on what happened."
His upcoming book (time 17.13): "I'm just dumping everything in this book. There might be a couple of lawsuits. The book is about myself and what I've gotten up to."
In this episode's second interview guitarist Joe Louis talks about his latest album Everybody Wants A Piece, working with Jimi Hendrix, making money as a blues artist, being elected into the Blues Hall Of Fame and more
TEN signed to Rocktopia Records back in 2014, in a similar fashion to their one-two release of their much lauded debut and follow-up 'Name of the Rose' in a 6 month period back in 1996, 'Albion' and 'Isla De Muerta' were released in November 2014 and May 2015 respectively. Both albums gained highly positive reviews with Gaetano Di Falco's wonderful art making striking covers.
2015 also saw the release of the 'Dragon And Saint George' EP which contained 3 exclusive bonus tracks.
With 'Albion' now completely sold out it seemed a great idea to collect all the Ten songs from their Rocktopia Records period - including all the Japanese bonus tracks and exclusive EP tracks - onto one Limited Edition double CD release (500 copies only) and sell for the price of a single CD.
As well as Ten fans, hard rock fans who have not previously bought their albums should hopefully be tempted to check them out with such a Value For Money release.
This new collection is titled 'Battlefield' and once again has a wonderful exclusive cover by Gaetano Di Falco.
Legendary guitarist MICHAEL SCHENKER joins Mitch for episode 221 of One On One With Mitch Lafon.
In the show's only interview, guitarist extraordinaire Michael Schenker dicusses his new On A Mission - Live In Madrid (CD/DVD and or Blu-Ray) release, Michael Schenker's Temple Of Rock band, Michael Schenker Fest, working with former Scorpions' bandmates Herman Rarebell & Francis Buchholz, his time with RATT, Scorpions, and his current feelings for his brother (Scorpions' guitarist) Rudolf Schenker.
Quote from the interview:
On A Mission - Live in Madrid (time - 1.53): "I always wanted to do a live album with a Spanish audience. They are always great fun."
Temple Of Rock (time - 5.06): "The idea is to develop it into its own identity - into its own style."
(time - 5.26): "After three albums of Temple Of Rock, we should be able to have enough classics to stand on its own feet, so that Doogie doesn't need to sing covers anymore."
The Michael Schenker Fest with singers Graham Bonnet, Gary Barden and Robin McAuley (time - 6.12): "The idea is - while I'm developing Temple Of Rock to stand on its own feet; I also want to present my past through the original guys."
SCORPIONS & his brother Rudolf Schenker:
(time - 12.21): "I had to fight my way out of Lovedrive because they didn't want to let me go."
(time - 12.29): "Everybody in America (all the managements), they wanted to sign the Scorpions and they thought if I leave the band that it would collapse."
(time - 12.42): "The Scorpions basically followed everything UFO did."
(time - 13.06): "I was his favorite guitarist."
(time - 13.58): "I realized what Rudolf had done. He has asked me to play the black & white guitar, he had asked me to give him the Coast To Coast melodies (those were the most tastiest parts). They never mentioned that I wrote the intro to Holiday (which sets up the song very nicely). Rudolf never missed a concert performing those two songs. Basically, he was trying to distort and make people think that there was not really any Michael Schenker. There was just Rudolf Schenker."
(time - 14.43): "I had a contract with the Scorpions. I was sixth member."
(time - 15.03): "Rudolf actually can't really play guitar properly and that's a fact."
(time - 15.18); "Basically, I started the Scorpions with Klaus."
(time - 16.16): "Basically, Uli was the foundation artistically."
(time - 16.39): "But Rudolf... My generosity was very sadly abused and I don't appreciate that. These days, I'm staying away from the Scorpions as far as a can especially from Rudolf. I can't trust him anymore. I don't know what else he has in his trick box."
(time - 17.15): "Klaus is the only one with the real talent."
(time - 17.33): "So, it's very sad that... on that Scorpions side, everything has become numb & dumb. It has nothing to do with music anymore. They milked what they could milk for the last 23 years with that manager who just died. They haven't done anything since Herman & Francis left."
There wasn't room for 'two Schenkers in the Scorpions' (quote from my July 2015 interview with Rudolf) (time - 18.58): "Rubbish. Absolute rubbish. Rudolf cried on the phone begging me back to the Scorpions when I left them because I went there to help the Scorpions out. I had just left UFO and I was peaking. I was #5 guitarist in America."
(time - 20.09): "I couldn't stand playing Uli's songs. I was a guitarist with a focus on pure expression. I wanted to develop as a guitarist. I did not want to be part of the artificial commercial world."
(time - 21.09): "They changed the story around to make it sound good. 'I had to take my brother because it's my brother.' Bullshit! They begged me into the Scorpions. The fact is I did not want to be part of a commercial touring band anymore. I wanted to do & go my own way."
(time - 22.13): "I would agree that there was no space for two Schenkers because if I would have stayed with the Scorpions my brother would have never experienced what he experienced."
(time - 23.58): speaking of Rudolf: "He's become a fame addict."
(time - 25.09): "He's a con artist. He steals everything that I have done. I'm his younger brother and he thinks he can get away with it."
(time - 25.33): "My sister wrote an email and said, 'Our brother is a greedy wanker."
The following four new Rock Candy titles are all available now from www.rockcandyrecords.com for a discounted price including postage to anywhere in the world for the next two weeks ending on 29th of May. ROUGH CUTT 'S/T' CANDY292 'DURING THE EARLY 80's, hard rock was fast turning into a red hot commodity. Los Angeles appeared to be at the epicentre of the movement, with a number of acts getting primed and ready for big success and nearly all uniformly subjected to shuffling line-ups and temporary arrangements. So it comes as no surprise to learn that Rough Cutt's formation had mutated with the help of a number of serious players, including future members of RATT, Giuffria and future Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Jake E. Lee. Mentored by Ronnie James Dio, who recorded demos for the band, and subsequently managed by his wife Wendy Dio, the band secured a coveted deal with label giant Warner Brother's Records. With a settled line up, featuring vocalist Paul Shortino and impressive guitarist Amir Derakh, they set about recording their debut album with British producer Tom Allom (Def Leppard, Judas Priest, Y&T), in their native Los Angeles. The record took on the hallmarks of a seriously exciting statement, bristling with the sort of riffs and hooks that launched a thousand imitators as the years rolled on. With crisp, clean production and expertly crafted songs such as 'Dreamin' Again', 'Black Widow' and 'Take Her' setting out their stall in majestic fashion. Released in 1984, the album surprisingly failed to connect commercially, despite touring the North America with Dio, yet secured the band enough of a following to record an equally revered follow-up.' SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR'S EDITION, FULLY REMASTERED SOUND, 16 PAGE FULL COLOUR BOOKLET, 3,500 WORD ESSAY ABOUT THE MAKING OF THE ALBUM WITH NEW BAND INTERVIEWS AND ENHANCED ARTWORK. TRACK LISTING: 1. TAKE HER 2. PIECE OF MY HEART 3. NEVER GONNA DIE 4. DREAMIN' AGAIN 5. CUTT YOUR HEART OUT 6. BLACK WIDOW 7. YOU KEEP BREAKING MY HEART 8. KIDS WILL ROCK 9. DRESSED TO KILL 10. SHE'S TOO HOTT ROUGH CUTT WANTS YOU! CANDY293 'FOR ROUGH CUTT their career was, in retrospect, all about missed opportunity. As one of the first L.A. based bands to excite the early eighties scene, and signed to label behemoths Warner Brothers Records, they were expected to feed the flames of a growing interest in hard rock. Their debut album was, in turn, feted and praised, but failed, despite being championed by Ronnie James Dio, to connect commercially with the record buying public. Pretty soon, they were being overtaken by fellow contenders such as Quiet Riot, M'tley Cr'e and Dokken. Despite the lack of achievement, the band was ushered back into the studio to record a follow up album, 'Rough Cutt Wants You!' issued in 1986. In contrast to their debut, it was a record of stylistic advancement, showcasing the band in a more mature light, something more befitting their real ability. Produced by one of the truly great producers of the era Jack Douglas (Aerosmith, Cheap Trick, Starz), and recorded in their home town of Los Angeles, the sound is less abrasive and far more focussed, relying on great arrangements and sublime rhythms. Tracks such as 'Don't Settle For Less', 'Double Trouble', 'Bad Reputation' and, especially, 'The Night Cries Out (For You)' finds them casting their net wider by introducing a sophistication beyond the regular meat 'n potatoes that you might expect from such a hard rocking collective.' SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR'S EDITION, FULLY REMASTERED SOUND, 12 PAGE FULL COLOUR BOOKLET, 3,500 WORD ESSAY ABOUT THE MAKING OF THE ALBUM WITH NEW BAND INTERVIEWS AND ENHANCED ARTWORK. TRACK LISTING: 1. ROCK THE USA 2. BAD REPUTATION 3. DON'T SETTLE FOR LESS 4. HOT 'N' HEAVY 5. TAKE A CHANCE 6. WE LIKE IT LOUD 7. DOUBLE TROUBLE 8. YOU WANNA BE A STAR 9. LET 'EM TALK 10. THE NIGHT CRIES OUT (FOR YOU)
HENRY PAUL BAND 'GREY GHOST' CANDY323 'THE ETERNAL APPEAL of southern rock lies mainly in its integrity and righteous sense of belonging. It's a music that had been condensed from folk, blues and traditional country, then shot through with electric rock 'n roll. Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Allman Brothers Band were the kings of the genre, each giving birth to a new breed of groups who built their reputation on those very foundations. The Outlaws, a fiery guitar driven ensemble from Tampa, Florida took the same blue print and blazed their way from the clubs and bars to headline status in some of the largest venues in the US. Henry Paul was an integral member of the band as a songwriter and vocalist, until he struck out on his own in 1979. Enlisting the help of several gifted friends, he formed his own band and signed an impressive contract with Atlantic Records, going on to craft one of the best southern rock albums of the 70s, a record that has continued to garner a dedicated following and much critical acclaim. Crammed full of well written and arranged songs, including 'Cross Fire' and 'So Long', the album's unquestionable highlight is the title track itself, a poignant epic written very much as a tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd and in particular front man Ronnie Van Zant. It is a track that has it all; heart wrenching lyrics, a brilliant arrangement and a lengthy guitar solo in the finest southern rock tradition. Truly a milestone in the genre's long and proud history.' SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR'S EDITION, FULLY REMASTERED SOUND, 12 PAGE FULL COLOUR BOOKLET, 3,500 WORD ESSAY ABOUT THE MAKING OF THE ALBUM WITH NEW HENRY PAUL INTERVIEW AND ENHANCED ARTWORK. TRACK LISTING: 1. SO LONG 2. CROSS FIRE 3. FOOLIN' 4. WOOD WIND 5. GREY GHOST 6. I DON'T NEED YOU NO MORE 7. LONELY DREAMER 8. ONE-NIGHT STANDS 9. YOU REALLY KNOW (WHAT I MEAN) 10. ALL I NEED VAN WILKS 'BOMBAY TEARS' CANDY319 'IF TEXAN MUSIC has a 'sound' then Van Wilks would be the perfect example. You may never have heard of him, but that's okay, as he never really intended to be place himself on a pedestal. Van's debut album has become something of a cult artefact amongst aficionados of the obscure, ignored at the time of release but, over time, it has been slowly picking up a reputation as one of the most intelligent and compelling releases of the era. 'Bombay Tears' is not blues rock, jazz rock, hard rock or acoustic rock but a wonderfully addictive combination of all those styles and more. It emits a certain laid back vibe that provides a warm, comforting backdrop to what you might imagine Texas to sound like if it could talk. The beauty of this album is its shifting, yet widescreen soundscape, kitted out with a brace of well written and arranged songs that, although stylistically divergent, have a common thread, from full on hard rock to hard-nosed boogie and even jazz. Oh, and in case you don't know, Van is a renowned blues guitarist, carving out a reputation that has even caught the ears of master craftsmen from the Lone Star State, including ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons. Originally released in 1980 and produced by John Stronach (Joe Walsh, Sammy Hagar and REO Speedwagon), this first time on CD release has been bolstered by the addition of the rare 1982 independently pressed 'Boystown' EP.' SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR'S EDITION, FULLY REMASTERED SOUND, 12 PAGE FULL COLOUR BOOKLET, 3,500 WORD ESSAY ABOUT THE MAKING OF THE ALBUM WITH NEW VAN WILKS NTERVIEW AND ENHANCED ARTWORK. TRACK LISTING: 1. DANGER IN THE DARK 2. 1959 3. TRAVELIN' 4. JUVENILE LICKS 5. DE LA COUPOLE LA MER PLEURE 6. BOMBAY TEARS 7. CAN'T CRY ANYMORE 8. SIRENS IN THE NIGHT 9. EYES LIKE LIGHTNING 10. OLDER THAN YOU KNOW 11. LIVING ON BORROWED TIME BONUS TRACKS: 12. BOYSTOWN 13. STREETLEGAL 14. NEVER SAY NO 15. SMALLTOWN GIRL
