Fri
06
Oct

MelodicRockFest Scandinavia 2018

Categories: 
Tour News
For the first time ever in Scandinavia we present MelodicRock Fest!
 
Three days filled with the finest of AOR and Melodic Rock. Early bird tickets on sale now, artist announcements coming soon!
 
The Early Bird 3-Day Pass for Melodic Rock Fest Scandinavia 2018 grants you access to the whole festival (except V.I.P. area), all three days. A very limited number of tickets at a reduced price, once they're gone, they're gone!
 
 
The festival was founded by Andrew McNeice back in 2007 and in collaboration with Rock Stage Malmo the three day festival now find it's way to SLAGTHUSET, Malmo, Sweden.
 
The former slaughter house "Slagthuset" in Malmo is today one of Scandinavia's most conveniently located event facilities, only 20 minutes from Copenhagen Airport, 2 minutes from Malmo Central Station and 35 minutes from Copenhagen City. The venue is ideal for conferences, expositions, theatrical performances and concerts!
 
For MelodicRock Fest Scandinavia 2018 we will use 3 of the bigger rooms + an outdoor area with a total capacity of 1,500.
 
 
Fri
06
Oct

AOR Heaven News: CODE RED, MIDNITE CITY & STATE OF ROCK

Artist: 
Categories: 
News Feed
STATE OF ROCK return in late 2018 with new album!
The meeting of minds in Nurnberg; Germany in 2009, through the brainstorm of Georg Siegl of AOR Heaven Records, sported an album, ‘Point of Destiny’, recorded and written by four European musicians; three from Germany and an English vocalist. Georg’s passion for Frontline guitarist, Robby Boebel to record again brought forth an album with Hutch Bauer on bass, Ramy Ali on the kit and Tony Mills (ex-SHY, TNT) on vocals.
 
The result was a melodic but very tough sounding album with solid production and songs that demanded a replay.
2017/18, sees a return to new recordings, by, ‘State of Rock’, now split between the UK with Pete Newdeck on drums and Mills being Sweden based, co-writing with Boebel for a second release. Robby Boebel comments: “It’s something really special to record an album with someone which I only knew from TV before. We’ve now been friends since many years and I’m really looking forward to record another album and live dates in late 2018 with Tony.”
 
With the promise of German festival appearances in late 2018, an autumn release guided by video and radio promo will give us a clearer picture of the, ‘State of Rock’, by December next year.
 
 
MIDNITE CITY were formed in January 2017 by current Tigertailz front-man (and former Vega, Steevi Jaimz and Teenage Casket Company member and songwriter) Rob Wylde.
 
Wylde sang, played guitar and bass on the recordings whilst producer Pete Newdeck played drums, provided backing vocals and took care of the production. Wylde also brought in newcomer guitarist Miles Meakin who played  guitar solos on the recordings and former band mate James Martin (Vega) who laid down keyboards on the tracks. After being mixed by Newdeck, the songs were sent to Harry Hess (Harem Scarem) who mastered them at his studio in Canada.
The band’s self-titled debut album will be released on AOR Heaven on October 20th, 2017!
 
Swedish AOR hopefuls CODE RED have released a new video for the track “Heat Of The Night”, taken from the album “Incendiary” which will be released on AOR Heaven on October 20th, 2017. 
 
 
CODE RED is the new Swedish AOR sensation led by singer/song-writer Ulrick Lönnqvist (ex SAHARA). The singer teamed up with co-writers Morgan Jensen (Swedish Erotica) and Michael Palace (Palace, Big Time), and along with lead guitarist Oscar Bromvall (Palace, Erika) and keyboard player Kaspar Dahlqvist (Shadowquest, Dionysus) the line-up was complete.
 
Fri
06
Oct

GATHERING OF KINGS Single Out Now

Categories: 
News Feed
 
"Forever And A Day", a brand new song from the new Swedish hard rock project Gathering Of Kings, can be streamed on Youtube, Spotify, etc.
 
 
"Forever And A Day" is written by Victor Olsson and is taken from the yet untitled debut album, which will be released in 2018.
 
The album is being helmed by producer Thomas "Plec" Johansson, who has previously worked with Watain, Onslaught, Scar Symmetry, The Night Flight Orchestra, among others. "Plec" has managed to fill his studio walls with multiple platinum and gold record awards as well as taking home three Swedish Grammy awards. The cover artwork was created by hugely talented Lizette Lannhammar.
 
 
Line-up on "Forever And A Day":
 
Bjorrn Strid - Lead Vocals (Soilwork, The Night Flight Orchestra)
Victor Olsson - Lead Guitar (Saffire, Apollo)
Erik Martensson - Rhythm Guitar, Background Vocals (Eclipse, Nordic Union, W.E.T, Ammunition)
Nalle Pahlsson - Bass (Therion, Treat)
Richard Larsson - Keyboards (The Night Flight Orchestra)
Robban Bäck - Drums (Mustasch, Eclipse, Sabaton, W.E.T, Ammunition)
 
The full-length album will also include following artists:
 
Rick Altzi - Vocals (Masterplan, At Vance, Herman Frank)
Apollo Papathanasio - Vocals (Spiritual Beggars, Apollo, Firewind)
Tobias Jansson - Vocals (Saffire)
Niclas Engelin - Guitar (In Flames, Engel)
Stefan Helleblad - Guitar (Within Temptation, Jono)
Martin Sweet - Guitar (Crashdiet, Sister)
Chris Laney - Keyboards, Guitar (Pretty Maids, Randy Piper's Animal)
Jonas Kallsback - Drums (The Night Flight Orchestra, Mean Streak)
 
 

 

 
Thu
05
Oct

JOHAN KIHLBERG’S IMPERA, featuring SAGA singer Michael Sadler sign with Metal Heaven

Friday, February 23, 2018
Categories: 
News Feed

Johan Kihlberg, the founder and drummer of Swedish melodic rockers IMPERA, has signed a solo deal with Germany’s Metal Heaven. The album features several different singers including Michael Sadler (SAGA) and Göran Edman (ex-Yngwie Malmsteen).
 
The album was produced by Kihlberg and LION’S SHARE guitarist Lars Chriss, who also mixed and play on it. Release on February 23, 2018.
 
Johan Kihlberg is also currently in the spotlight for the KISS book, "Kiss Klassified: War Stories From A Kiss Army General".
 
The story is centered around Kihlberg, who was the president of Kiss Army Sweden for ten years. The book features over 750 never-before-seen photos as well as several unpublished interviews with American rock icons KISS. Release on October 26 via Gain Production.
 
Thu
05
Oct

PAOLO MORBINI PROJECT Launches Debut Album in November

RELEASE MONTH: 
11
Categories: 
News Feed
 
Paolo Morbini Project is an Italian melodic rock band composed of Paolo Morbini (drums, keyboards), Guido Priori (vocals), Marco Andreasi (guitars), Diego Belluschi (guitars), Alessandro Sperti (Keyboards) Mimmo Corbo (Bass). Originally forming in 1993 as Paolo Morbini Group the band has gone through several phases.
 
Its strongest commercial success occurred in 2007 when Paolo Morbini and Guido Priori came together in Milan where they start the band Myland  releasing the album No Man’s land (Valery Records) with the contribution of Marco Andreasi , Tommy Denander and Europe ‘s Kee Marcello. The response by press and melodic rock fans  was amazing and  unexpected which gave the group the opportunity to release the japanese version  of NML including  the  bonus track “When the love is gone” duet on vocals by late Toto’s Fergie Frederiksen and Guido Priori.  Myland became soon one of the most known Italian AOR band in the world. After many line up changing from 2010  to 2014 Myland split in 2016.
 
In 2017 Paolo Morbini and Guido Priori brought back together to release “2017” under the monicker “Paolo Morbini  Project”. The strong influence by Journey and Toto’s style.
 
This is a new Video ”She’ll never be the one” from the Album ”2017” Out in November 2017.
 
 
 
Thu
05
Oct

DEEP PURPLE Keep On Truckin' With Live LP & New BluRay

Artist: 
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News Feed
Deep Purple are setting sail into new waters with their first-ever animated video.

The official video for "The Surprising," one of the fan favorite tracks from the internationally successful album inFinite, takes the viewer on a journey through the magical 50-year history of the band. With high attention to detail, the animated masterpiece follows the five heroes of our story – Ian Gillan, Ian Paice, Roger Glover, Don Airey, and Steve Morse � through a stormy ship cruise full of allusiions and sees them riding off into the sunset.

The video was directed and illustrated by Matt Rooke, alongside director Peter Rogers, who also produced the video together with Craig Hooper and Collin Games, known from the Deep Purple movie documentary From Here to inFinite.
 
Deep Purple and earMUSIC also announce the release of the 97-minute documentary From Here to inFinite, which is due out in November 2017. It shows the history and origin of inFinite and provides a deep insight into the workings of the band for the first time on Blu-ray!

The Blu-ray further includes two hours of bonus material, including music videos such as "The Surprising," three previously unreleased live videos ("Time for Bedlam," "Birds of Prey," and "Smoke on the Water"), all filmed and recorded at Hellfest 2017, as well as in-depth behind the scenes footage, movie documentary outtakes, interviews, and an audio commentary by Deep Purple themselves; all previously unreleased. 
 

 
In conjunction with the release of the Blu-ray, Deep Purple and earMUSIC are also releasing The infinite Live Recorings, Pt. 1 on a special 3-disc vinyl LP, produced by Bob Ezrin. This was recorded at Hellfest 2017, the biggest metal festival in France and contains a brand new previously unreleased 80min live performance. 
 
TRACK LIST FROM HERE TO INFINITE (Blu-ray) 
The Movie "From Here to inFinite (97 min.)
 
Bonus (132 min.)
Audio commentary by Deep Purple
Live At Hellfest 2017
1. Time for Bedlam
2. Birds of Prey
3. Smoke on the Water

Outtakes From Here to inFinite
1. Full Interview with Joe Satriani
2. Corky - The Recording Engineer

Official Music Videos
1. The Surprising
2. Johnny's Band
3. Johnny's Band Documentary
4. All I Got Is You

About inFinite - Interviews
1. About the Album
2. Beyond the Album
3. Track by track
4. Rapid Fire interview
5. Behind the Scenes photoshoot
  
TRACK LISTING FOR THE INFINITE LIVE RECORDINGS, VOL. 1 (3LP)
Side A
1. Time for Bedlam
2. Fireball
3. Bloodsucker
Side B
1. Strange Kind of Woman
2. Uncommon Man
Side C
1. The Surprising
2. Lazy
Side D
1. Birds Of Prey
2. Hell To Pay
3. Key Solo
Side E
1. Perfect Strangers
2. Space Truckin’
3. Smoke On The Water
Side F
1. Hush
2. Black Night

 

 
Thu
05
Oct

GILBY CLARKE Heading Down Under

 
Gilby Clarke needs no introduction to rock fans. He played in both Guns N’ Roses and the MC5. Who else can claim membership in two of the most life-altering rock ’n’ roll outfits to ever exist on the planet? Clarke hit the stage with his GN’R running buds at the 2012 Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony – he appeared on the band’s The Spaghetti Incident, Live Era ’88-’91 and Greatest Hits albums, and spent years on the massive Use Your Illusion world tour in the ’90s – but his proudest GN’R moment is, he says, the Gilby rolls mode on the GN’R pinball machine!
 
Before joining the GN’R circus, the guitarist bounced from the great Candy to his own, heartbreakingly ignored, big-riff quartet Kill for Thrills. Clarke has, along the way, toured, and/or recorded with everyone from Nancy Sinatra to Heart to Gene Simmons to Slash’s Snakepit. In between touring & recording he was making videos with not only GNR, but Michael Jackson & Slash when MTV was de rigueur. Perhaps you saw him starring alongside Mötley Crüe’s Tommy Lee on Rockstar: Supernova or VH1 Honors with Rob Zombie, Slash & Ace Frehely?
 
Then there’s his solo career that earned him critical winks and sales for such albums as Pawnshop Guitars (including the American hits “Cure Me ... Or Kill Me,” and “Tijuana Jail”), The Hangover (two songs made Bruce Willis’ The Story of Us), Rubber, 99 Live & Swag.
Clarke, who’s an old school mash-up of Keef, Johnny Thunders, and B.B. King, continues to write fist-jacking rock ’n’ roll songs with fat choruses, and appear on stages around the globe. He produces worthy bands too. He’s also one of the sweetest gents you’ll ever meet. He’s a guitar hero, certainly, but also a gentleman whose heart happens to rush at rock ’n’ roll speed.
Gilby is hitting the east coast of Australia for some intimate, sweaty, raw, totally Rock ‘n’ Roll shows! Gilby will be Will be ripping up a selection of hits from his past bands Guns N Roses, Slash’s Snakepit, RockStar Supernova, MC5 and much more with full band in tow.
 
Gilby Clarke Australian Tour Dates
Thursday 30th November - Crowbar - Brisbane
Friday 1st Dec - Cherry Bar - Melbourne
Saturday 2nd Dec – The Basement - Canberra
Sunday 3rd Dec – Frankie’s - Sydney
 
With the final show at Frankie’s in Sydney being a huge party in celebration of their 5th birthday. – FREE ENTRY
 
Tickets go on sale Mon 9th Oct via: www.hardlinemedia.net
 
VIP meet and greets available
Once in a lifetime chance to get to meet an important member of from Guns N Roses history.
Watch soundcheck
Meet Gilby
3 personal items signed
VIP laminate
Tour poster
Only 20 VIP available at each show
 
 
Wed
04
Oct

BOULEVARD First Pressing Sold Out

 
A little good news – sales results for MelodicRock Records have been outstanding this year, I truly appreciate the support of every person that has purchased one of our titles. I’d also thank the artists for trusting in the label, the stores and distributors for keeping fans supplied with new music.
 
I’m excited to announce that the first pressing of BOULEVARD’s comeback masterpiece Luminescence has sold out and a second pressing has been ordered.
Both fan and critical response to this album has been amazing and I’m honoured to be part of the band’s triumphant return.
 
For those that haven’t yet caught on, I have still got 20 or so copies left at MRR HQ, order direct from: http://melodicrock.com/articles/melodicrock-records/2017/08/29/boulevard-boulevard-iv-luminescence-showcase
 
 
Wed
04
Oct

CYHRA Bursts Onto The Melodic Metal Scene

Artist: 
Friday, October 20, 2017
Categories: 
News Feed
 
When it comes to unearthing new heavy music that will stand the test of time, it always pays to observe what the experts are doing. A four-man testament to hard work and creative excellence, Cyhra showcases the pooling of a huge quantity of modern metal talent. Formed in 2016 by long-time friends ex-Amaranthe vocalist Jake E and former In Flames guitarist Jesper Strömblad, these vital veterans are about to light a fire under the contemporary metal scene that promises to blaze for decades to come. The band’s immaculate debut album, Letters To Myself, is the end result of an artistic partnership that was, as Jake E explains, plainly meant to be.
 
“At the beginning of 2016, Jesper and me sat down to have a cup of coffee, and we were discussing what we wanted to do with our respective careers. Jesper said that he was going to go and record a solo album and I was saying that I was actually walking the same path, although I didn’t know if I was going to leave Amaranthe or just do something completely different. Jesper asked me if I’d be interested in singing on his solo album and then I more or less asked him the same thing, would he play on my solo album? Then we discussed what kind of music we each wanted to do, and after ten minutes Jesper stood up and said ‘What the fuck? We want to do exactly the same thing! Let’s start a band instead!’ That’s how it all started. A couple of months later I decided to leave Amaranthe, and this became my main priority.”
 
Completing this insanely gifted quartet are former In Flames bassist Peter Iwers and Alex Landenburg, current drummer with power metal titans Luca Turilli’s Rhapsody and a former member of thrash legends Annihilator. As the explosive and exhilarating songs on Letters To Myself reveal, the chemistry between these four musicians has been instant and extraordinary. Sometimes all the pieces of the puzzle just fall into place…
 
“I always had Alex in my mind for the drum position,” says Jake. “We always bumped into each other when I was out touring. I said to Jesper, ‘I know this guy and you’re going to love him!’ I sent two or three songs to Alex and he loved them and became a member of the band almost right away! We were almost at the point of talking with labels when we thought that maybe Peter would like to be involved too. He was still in In Flames at that point, but he wanted to join. He decided to leave In Flames a couple of months later, but that had nothing to do with us asking him to join Cyhra. But suddenly we had a steady line-up! It was fun that Jesper and Peter ended up in the same band again, too… that’s pretty cool.”
 
 
Although by no means repeating past glories, Cyhra’s debut album undoubtedly features plenty of the magic that each member of the band has become known for over the years. From the blissfully melodic thrust of Jesper Strömblad’s riffs and hooks and the soaring, soulful splendour of Jake E’s unmistakable voice to the pummelling, groove-driven precision of Peter Iwers and Alex Landenburg’s rhythmic bedrock, every last moment crackles with the excitement of fresh territory, new challenges and a brand new identity for all involved to embrace.
An album of concise anthems, every one of them blessed with a huge chorus, Letters To Myself sets out this band’s stall in no uncertain terms: from the high energy riffing and skittering groove of opener Karma and the monstrous power and melodic finesse of Heartrage through to the overwhelming emotional thrust of grand ballad Closure and the pop-tinged melo-death attack of Holding Your Breath.
 
“When it comes to a style, I’d just say that this is really catchy metal!” laughs Jake. “You can hear where we’re coming from but we’re not cut’n’pasting anything from our old bands. We have our own ways of singing and playing so yeah, it’s recognisable. I don’t put labels on music. For me it’s either good music or bad music – they’re the only categories I have! I guess we aimed to get some kind of elements from our other bands. I’ve always been focused on choruses, but I also wanted to add some more modern touches, some of that alternative metal vibe. It’s hard to put a label on it, though, and that’s a great problem to have.”
 
Beyond the obvious thrill of starting a new band, Cyhra also represents something deeper and more profound for guitarist Jesper Strömblad. Having battled with addiction for many years, this latest creative step marks a wholesale comeback for one of modern metal’s most distinguished protagonists, and the songs on Letters To Myself delve deep into the emotional turmoil and quest for inner strength that Jesper has experienced in recent times. Newly invigorated and back to top form, his confident and artistically joyous return is a cause for celebration on every level.
 
“This album must be seen a little bit as Jesper’s comeback,” agrees Jake. “He’s never been silent about his problems with alcohol and other things. We talked a lot and I listened to what he had to say about his condition and his feelings and all his anxiety problems. I wrote the lyrics a lot from his perspective, but also from mine, writing about being in a bad situation, whether it’s a band or a relationship or a problem with alcohol. The album is pretty true to our life experiences and I think people will be able to relate to it. It’s a dark album but it still has that positive vibe, which is kinda weird!”
 
With such an impressive collective pedigree, the buzz around Cyhra has been growing at a rapid rate since the band unveiled their plans earlier this year. When Letters To Myself hits the streets, it seems likely that these revitalised metal diehards will make a swift and sudden impact. An exciting new chapter for all concerned, Cyhra are in this for long haul and ready to take their message of hope to the masses.
 
“We have our own headline show in Helsinki on the 27th of October and that’ll be our first ever live show,” Jake states. “We’re gonna be a band like any other and we’re gonna tour hard. I really don’t want people to think this is some kind of project. It’s a full-blown band and we’re gonna work our asses off!”
 
 
Wed
04
Oct

POWER QUEST - "Lords Of Tomorrow" (Music Video)

 
Power Quest, the renowned melodic power metal band based in the UK just released a music video for "Lords of Tomorrow", the second single from their long awaited 6th album "Sixth Dimension". The album will be released on October 13th via Inner Wound Recordings in Europe/USA and on October 11th in Japan via Marquee/Avalon.
Artist: 
 
Tue
03
Oct

R.I.P TOM PETTY

 
Let the music do the talking. RIP Tom. And peace to America and my friends in las Vegas :(
Tags: 
Artist: 
 
Tue
03
Oct

Rock Talk with Mitch Lafon - GENE SIMMONS, REVOLUTION SAINTS, GEORGE LYNCH

Artist: 
Categories: 
Podcasts & Radio
 
KISS, Journey & Lynch Mob (Dokken) 
 
Thirty-seven years after his first interview with Gene Simmons, Mitch gets his second crack at The Demon from KISS. Gene discusses his Vault Box Set, KISS’ 2018 plans and a possible one-off show... Just listen! 
 
Up next is former Journey drummer Deen Castronovo. He discusses the new Revolution Saints album, compares Journey singers, talks about letting down Neal Schon and more.
 
Finally, go on a walk with Lynch Mob guitarist George Lynch who discusses the band’s new album, his respect for Dokken, the cheese factor of... well, just listen! 
 

 

 
Mon
02
Oct

In 2018 ULI JON ROTH is celebrating a rare TRIPLE ANNIVERSARY

 
For UJR Fans all over the globe 2018 is going to be a very special year:
 
40-year anniversary of SCORPIONS - TOKYO TAPES !
40-year anniversary of the Birth of ELECTRIC SUN !!
50-year ANNIVERSARY of Uli’s first ever stage performance in 1968 !!!
 
To celebrate this special anniversary year, ULI JON ROTH is performing a whole series of concerts and tours worldwide with varying programs.
 
His two-month TRIPLE ANNIVERSARY NORTH AMERICAN TOUR - starting at the end of May 2018 - will be devoted to performing a complete set of Songs from Uli’s ground breaking ELECTRIC SUN period.
 
ELECTRIC SUN REBORN will consist of an intense 90-minute set by Uli and his band, complemented by multi-media projections. This is followed by an intermission and a shorter set of the highlights from TOKYO TAPES REVISITED to round off the 3-hour extravaganza.
 
Uli has not performed the bulk of this music for over 30 years. Although it never enjoyed the overwhelming commercial success of Scorpions, Electric Sun was far more than just a cult band and had a sizeable following on both sides of the Atlantic as well as in Japan. Largely thanks to Uli’s innovative and ground-breaking guitar playing and interesting compositions the band became artistically influential and presented a unique blend, which was sometimes likened to a strange mixture, located somewhere between Beethoven and Hendrix.
 
Following the worldwide success of his latest SCORPIONS REVISITED releases, Uli will now revisit the spellbinding music of his first solo venture after leaving Scorpions and re-connect with his songs from that prolific era of his long and colorful career. 
 
Widely regarded as one of the greatest guitar players ever, Uli pioneered a unique style of guitar playing which - for the first time - combined complete mastery of the instrument with an intensely melodic and emotional appeal. Uli’s Electric Sun guitar solos are both uplifting and often mesmerizing, displaying a very wide variety of textures, colors and novel ideas. They always take you on a journey. 
 
From his earliest days’ onwards, Uli has always been a bold and uncompromising musical innovator of the first order and his Electric Sun period bears ample witness to that fact. Being the first guitar player in rock to incorporate complex melodic arpeggio sequences, Uli Jon Roth - in the eyes of many of his peers - practically reinvented modern guitar-technique almost singlehandedly during his Scorpions tenure, but even more so during his Electric Sun days. 
 
Uli has now taken a fresh look at this material, drawn from the altogether three Electric Sun albums which he wrote some 40 years ago. The three albums - in chronological order - were EARTHQUAKE, FIRE WE WIND and BEYOND THE ASTRAL SKIES. Electric Sun and Uli fans alike will be delighted to finally hear these songs played live again by the master himself. 
 
As a real bonus for his die-hard fans and connoisseurs Uli has a special treat in store which will bring many a tear to the eyes of nostalgic older fans; due to popular request, Uli will finally bring his legendary white Fender Stratocaster guitar on tour again! The famous instrument - which he used during ALMOST ALL the Scorpions and Electric Sun recordings (!) - will make an onstage appearance for a couple of songs after having remained silent for so many years... The guitar has not been played in public since the Mid-Eighties when Uli switched over to SKY GUITARS for good and he is looking forward to putting this iconic guitar through its paces for old times’ sake. The “WHITE STRAT” can be seen on the covers of IN TRANCE as well as FIRE WIND. Uli played this guitar in EVERY SINGLE Scorpions concert since 1975 and on every single Electric Sun album!!!
 
To make the evening even more intense, another VERY SPECIAL TREAT is reserved for the purchasers of VIP PASSES and comes as a big surprise. (VIP passes are only available online at UliJonRoth.com). VIP PASS holders will be given a unique opportunity to hear Uli perform his METAMORPHOSIS OF VIVALDI’S FOUR SEASONS in its entirety during a private pre-show concert!!!
 
Uli has not performed Vivaldi’s Four Seasons in over 14 years and this is a very rare chance to hear this amazing piece of music played live by the “Master of the Sky Guitar” himself. Uli was the first and only guitarist ever to perform this most famous of all violin concertos on electric guitar note for note, stretching the instrument to the very limits of its capabilities, and beyond. Vivaldi’s Four Seasons concerto was written in 1723 and sounds as fresh and inspirational now as it did 300 years ago. Particularly so in Uli’s truly mind-blowing rendition, which is fiendishly difficult to play on guitar and can only be performed at concert pitch on one of his signature SKY GUITARS.
 
Uli will be accompanied for the VIP event by his two very talented young protégés NIKLAS TURMAN and DAVID KLOSINSKI on guitar as well as CORVIN BAHN on keyboards who will play the orchestral parts. As an additional treat, Uli is going to perform this piece on his legendary “MIGHTY WING” 7-string SKY GUITAR, which has not been seen in public for a long time, but which was his main guitar for a period of 20 years.
 
ULI JON ROTH FANS all over the world! Prepare yourselves for a monumental evening of sheer musical ecstasy!!!
 
Confirmed tour dates:
5/31 Dallas, TX Trees 
6/1 Houston, TX Arcadia
6/2 San Antonio, TX Rockbox 
6/5  Phoenix, AZ Club Red
6/6 Hollywood, CA Roxy Theater
6/7 San Jan Capistrano, CA Coach House
6/8 San Diego, CA Brick by Brick
6/9 Las Vegas, NV Vamp’d
6/10 Ventura, CA Ventura Theater
6/12 Santa Cruz, CA Catalyst 
6/13 Petaluma, CA Mystic Theater
6/14 Berkley, CA Cornerstone 
6/15 Sacramento, CA Holy Diver
6/16 Seattle, WA Studio 7
6/17 Portland, OR Bossanova Ballroom
6/18 Vancouver, BC Venue 
6/26 St. Paul, MN Amsterdam Music Hall
6/29 Joliet, IL The Forge 
6/30 St. Charles, IL Arcada Theater
7/1 Detroit, MI Token Lounge
7/2 Toronto, ON Rockpile
7/3 Montreal, QU TBA
7/4 Quebec, QU L’ Anti
7/5 Ottawa, ON Brass Monkey
7/6  Pawling, NY Daryl’s House
7/7  Derry, NH Tupelo Music Hall
7/8  Hartford, CT Infinity Music Hall
7/10 NYC, NY Gramercy Theater
7/11 Asbury Park, NJ Wonderbar
7/12 Sellersville, PA Sellersville Theater
7/15 Anderson, IN State Theatre
 
Additional dates will be added soon.
 
UJR official website:     http://ulijonroth.com/
UJR on Twitter:             https://twitter.com/UliJonRoth1

 

 
Sat
30
Sep

AOR Heaven Announces Nov 24 Releases - DANTE FOX & WILDNESS

Artist: 
Categories: 
News Feed
 
German label AOR Heaven will release the new albums by British Melodic Rock band DANTE FOX called “Six String Revolver” and the debut by Swedish Melodic Rock group WILDNESS on November 24. These will be the final releases from this label before the usual Winter break.
 
Dante Fox were formed in September 1989 by lead Vocalist Sue Willetts.  She was quickly joined by guitarist Tim Manford and this created a golden partnership. On the strength of their songs Dante Fox caught the interest of Linda Bruce from Rich Bitch Studio’s and a debut album was now a reality. Following this an appearance on ITV television show ‘Hit The Town’ hosted by Rory McGrath launched the sounds of Lost And Lonely Heart through televisions all around the UK. Dante Fox signed to Now and Then Records in March 1996, and in May they appeared on the Gods line up next to Hugo and Jamie Kyle.
 
In October 1996 the debut Under Suspicion was released. Many shows followed including a support tour with ELO, Enuff Z Nuff and European festivals such as Mindview and Ardshock. Capitalising on this European interest the band returned to Holland for more headline shows. In April 1997 Under Suspicion was released in Japan and received an 87/100 review in BURRN magazine.The second album The Fire Within was released on Frontiers Records in March 1999. The album included more live favourites and in Japan Firing My Heart and Over You were added to the playlist of Masa Itoh’s Heavy Metal syndicate radio show. The band closed the year with an appearance at the Gods and also appeared as the backing band for Stan Bush.
 
The band took a break and returned in 2005, with a slot at Firefest and a UK tour support to Vixen. The third album ‘Under The Seven Skies’ was released worldwide on Frontiers Records in March 2007 featuring the Nine minute epic title track. The album was voted best album of 2007 by the listeners of ARFM Radio and the band continued to support the album by playing shows with Danny Vaughn and Wigwam.
The fourth album Lost Man’s Ground released in October 2012 at the bands appearance at Firefest. This featured a new rhythm section Andy Perfect (Drums) and Alan Mills (Bass), and also Alessandro DelVecchio on backing vocals and Eric Ragno on keyboards.
In June 2012 a magical night was experienced opening for US band Night Ranger in London. This year ended with a much anticipated performance at Firefest and a great slot at Hard Rock Hell. Sue Willetts was voted 20 in the top 50 Female vocalists of all time in  Classic Rock Magazine alongside Ann Wilson and Cher and the band performed at HRH AOR (Tesla,FM ) Hard Rock Hell Ibiza and a very successful tour with Romeo’s Daughter.
 
In September 2016 the album ‘ Breathless ‘ was released through AOR Heaven and received excellent critical acclaim featuring in many journalist’s Top 10 albums of 2016 and propelling Dante Fox as One of the leaders in Modern Melodic Rock for 2017.
The new album ‘Six String Revolver’ sees the band pay homage to their most popular songs from the first two albums from the 90’s. These songs have enabled Dante fox to evolve over time they have been re-recorded from the ground up with love, respect, precision and an excellent state of the art modern production from Sheena Sear at M2 Studio's . The band are looking forward to playing in Germany for the first time at the HEAT Festival in December which will make a very exciting album launch. Dante Fox will also be performing at HRH AOR (Joe Lynn Turner, Eclipse). Joining the band on drums for these shows and more will be the ‘Thunder God’ Scott Higham (Pendragon)
 
Tour Dates:
HEAT Festival Germany - 2nd December 2017
HRH AOR Festival - 8th March, 2018
 
Dante Fox are: Sue Willetts Manford - Lead Vocals; Tim Manford - Lead Guitar & backing Vocals; Alan Mills - Bass Guitar; Eric Ragno - Keyboards
 
 
Sound clips in advance:
 
   
The idea behind WILDNESS began to grow in the summer of 2013 when the first songs were written. With main focus on heavy guitars, wide keyboards, big drums, melodies and hooks the shape of something new and exciting began to emerge. At this point, Wildness was more of a studio project and originally founded by drummer and songwriter Erik Modin while the guitar players Pontus Sköld and Adam Holmström were in to share the lead guitar parts early on.
The search for the right lead singer wasn’t easy as pie, but after a few months their destiny crossed with the unbelivable vocal talent Gabriel Lindmark in early 2014. More songwritings and demos recording came along, and it didn’t take long until it was clear that WILDNESS deserved to be a real band.
 
On September 1st 2015, WILDNESS independently released their self-produced debut single ”Collide” which immediately gained a lot of spins at various digital platforms such as a number of online radio stations focused on AOR and Melodic Rock. Live performances that followed showed that the band was capable to  deliver on stage as well.
The second single ”Turning The Pages” was released on January 14th 2016, and shortly after that WILDNESS was approached by Georg Siegl by German record label AOR Heaven. The contact resulted in a record deal which allowed the band to finally begin the launch of their first full-length album.
 
The choice for the producer fell on the creative and productive mastermind Erik Wigelius (Wigelius, Care Of Night) and the pre-production and recordings took place between during 2016 and 2017. The main part of the record was recorded at Erik Wigelius’ studio, besides additional parts recorded by drummer and co-producer Erik Modin.
The two previous singles ”Collide” and ”Turning The Pages” were re-recorded for the album. The mixing and mastering was handled by Erik Wigelius, who really knows how to take the 80’s-influenced sounds at put them in the 21th century!
 
Despite their short career, WILDNESS have already shared stages with well established acts in the scene like WHITE WIDDOW and DYNAZTY.
 
Releases: Collide - Digital single (September 1th, 2015) ; Turning The Pages - Digital single (January 14th, 2016)
 
facebook.com/wildnessofficial  / instagram: wildnessofficial
 
Sound clips in advance:
 
 
 
Fri
29
Sep

New WARLORD Album Underway For 2018 Release

Artist: 
Categories: 
News Feed
 
Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to welcome legendary U.S. metallers Warlord to the family for the release of a new studio album in 2018!
 
Long admirers of the band and having gotten to know drummer Mark Zonder through his work with Graham Bonnet Band and the upcoming group, Spirits Of Fire, [which also features Tim Ripper Owens "Official Page" (Charred Walls Of The Damned, ex Iced Earth, Judas Priest), Chris Caffery (Savatage, Trans-Siberian Orchestra), and Steve Di Giorgio (Death (Official), Testament, Sadus)], Frontiers approached Zonder about the prospect of doing a new Warlord album for release in 2018. Luckily for the label, Zonder and co-founder/guitarist William J. Tsamis were very much open to the idea. Says Zonder, "[a]fter all of these years, Warlord is with a "real label". It will be great to have Warlord music shared with a worldwide audience., which is something that has been missing for many years. With my prior working experiences with Frontiers, I know Warlord is in the right place and I am very appreciative of this great opportunity. We thank everyone at the label for their belief in Warlord!"
 
In September 2013, Tsamis and Zonder announced that they had tapped vocalist Nicholas Leptos of Arrayan Path and Astronomikon to be the new Warlord singer. This line-up, along with bassist Bynoe will be the line-up for the upcoming new album. Adds Zonder, "this Warlord release will be like all of the previous ones, 100% Warlord. No changing of direction to keep up with the current fad, just good ol' school Warlord music. Maybe leaning back a touch to the early days and we promise a high energy album that features the classic Bill Tsamis compositions and his classic guitar melody lines. As I always try to do, I'll give it my all in tandem with my favorite bass player Philip Bynoe, working together to create a solid foundation. This will be the first studio recording with Nicholas Leptos on vocals. We have performed live with him several times and are eagerly awaiting to capture his dynamic performances on tape. A classic Warlord album in the making……"
 
Founded in in 1980 by guitarist/composer William J. Tsamis and drummer/percussionist Mark Zonder, Warlord is considered a pioneer in power metal thanks to their now classic 1983 6-song EP, "Deliver Us". Kerrang, Sounds, Burrn, and Music Connection all featured the band and praised the release thanks to their outside the norm, semi-progressive style that was inspired by such diverse acts as Rainbow, Scorpions, and Jethro Tull. Adding further intrigue to the Warlord mystique was the band members' use of pseudonyms such as 'Destroyer' (Tsamis), 'Thunderchild' (Zonder), 'Damien King' (vocalist Jack Rucker), and 'Sentinel' (keyboardist Diane Kornarens). The band also refused to become just another L.A. club act and opted to present themselves on a grander scale. They famously rented The Raymond Theater out to stage what would turn out to be the only Warlord live performance in the USA, prior to August 2013. It was filmed and recorded for the group's first full-length release, "And The Cannons Of Destruction Have Begun...," issued in October 1984, accompanied by a home video release of the same name.
 
While the band disbanded in 1986, they amassed a cult-like following in Europe despite their inactivity. This was largely due to rave reviews in metal the press, continuous airplay, and the circulation of many demos via "tape trading," as well as positive word-of-mouth promotion among metal fans. With the onset of the internet, the music of Warlord spread worldwide and thus helped secure Warlord a place in the history of heavy metal as one of the great metal forefathers of the '80s.
 
After the band dissolved, Zonder joined prog metal pioneers Fates Warning and went on to release numerous albums with them as well as others thanks to his skills then and now being in high demand. It was during one of Fates Warning's European tours that Zonder realized that Warlord's following had grown considerably with multiple fans asking him to sign Warlord albums and demanding new music from the band. Zonder contacted Tsamis and, as soon as schedules permitted, Warlord was once again an active band. Vocal duties were assigned to Hammerfall vocalist (and massive Warlord fan) Joacim Cans. Thus, in 2002, a new album, "Rising Out Of The Ashes," was recorded and released worldwide to rave reviews. This was followed by the first ever Warlord live performance in Europe at the prestigious Wacken Open Air Festival in Germany.
 
A string of mishaps and serious family health issues plagued Warlord after these performances and the band was once again put on a hiatus, which lasted for almost 9 years. Warlord returned to active status formally in March 2012. Vocalist duties would be handled by one of the original 80's Warlord vocalists, Rick Anderson and Philip Bynoe (Steve Vai, Ring of Fire) joined the band on bass. That line-up released "The Holy Empire" to much critical and fan acclaim. In the meantime, mounting pressure by promoters and fans bore fruit and Warlord announced that they would headline the April 2013 German "Keep It True XVI" Festival. This announcement was followed by two headlining dates in Greece - Thessaloniki and Athens - which sold out, thus leading to a second headlining show in Athens which sold out as well. Fast forward to 2017 and the band is currently working on their Frontiers Music Srl debut studio album.
 
Stay tuned for updates as work on the album progresses….
 
 

 

Tags: 
 
Thu
28
Sep

H.E.A.T - Into The Great Unknown (Review)

information persons: 
content: 
97%
Produced By: 
Tobias Lindell
Running Time: 
47 (With Bonus Track)
Release Date: 
2017
Released: 
Europe, Japan
Musical Style: 
Melodic Rock
Label: 
Gain
Artist: 
Score: 
97
Friday, September 22, 2017
Categories: 
Reviews
 
H.E.A.T - one of the very best bands in the world are back in action after a well deserved break. I knew this album was going to be a left turn, as just after the release of Tearing Down The Walls, Jona Tee commented to me that the band would ‘do something a little different’ next time.
Into The Great Unknown is that ‘next time’ and yes, it is different. But it’s also a bloody fantastic slice of modern melodic rock.
The band has delivered two amazing albums in one style, another two  classics (if you ask me) with Erik Gronwall fronting the band and now it’s on to a new phase with guitarist Dave Dalone coming back to replace Eric Rivers.
 
Into The Great Unknown is different on a couple of fronts. It freely uses production effects and a modern production style, plus it also dares to innovate on the songwriting side.
There’s more keyboards on this album than any of the 4 previous, with Jona using a lot of different tricks throughout the album.
 
The album is also laid out in the sometimes confronting rocker/mellow/rocker/mellow sequence.
Some fans are going to over-react to the updated sound here. Sometimes I think reading many comments can inadvertently effect your own opinion. I’ve read many – some love this, some love parts of the album, others are ranking it the weakest of the band’s output thus far.
 
But realistically it is none of the above. Those type of comments have followed each of the band’s releases. Why? Because they are that good! They evoke passion among their fans that any band would envy and I don’t know many bands out there today that can boast 5 albums of the quality that H.E.A.T has delivered.
 
What Into The Great Unknown is for H.E.A.T is just another stunning slice of music that challenges the listener and breaks new commercial ground for a band that hasn’t stood still from Day 1.
If you want your favourites to continually repeat the formula, you know where you can find those types of artists.
 
Into The Great Unknown should be used as a benchmark in modern melodic rock production. And the songwriting is every bit as good to match. You may not pick these songs as favourites, but there’s no denying the quality. The album has been on high rotation with me for well over 2 months now. And personally speaking, it may not equal the playback longevity of Address The Nation and Tearing Down The Walls, but it isn’t far off and I’m not close to being tired of it yet.
So many layers of vocals, instrumentation and a lot of orchestration behind the main sounds.
 
The rockers – Bastard Of Society and Shit City are in your face, high octane, adrenaline filled stadium blasters, while Best of The Broken builds like a beast, breaking into a classic Heat chorus.
The keyboard infused Blind Leads The Blind has to be one of the band’s best flat out heavy rockers, while the album closes with the double dose of intelligent songwriting with Do You Want It, featuring some falsetto vocals that just sound so fitting, yet original and the epic 7 minute classic Heat rocker Into The Great Unknown. Fabulous harmonies and performances.
 
The mellow/melodic tracks – Redefined is magnificent. Think Mr. Big’s Take Cover – one of my favourite songs – this has the same quality and passion and the vocals are quite something.
Time On Our Side made waves for being the first single and possibly the most outside the box track on the album. I would not have released this as the album’s first marker. But it is stunning nevertheless. The chorus is monstrous and it’s so cool to hear a “ballad” rock along as the pace this does.
Eye Of The Storm is simply one of the best ballads I’ve heard in a decade. It’s just beyond huge. And the impassioned We Rule is the band’s ode to Queen’s Show Must Go On meets We Are The Champions – and its every bit as big. Erik Gronwall is the vocalist of the decade.
 
The Japanese bonus track Free Your Inner Miley is a balls to the wall old-school double time hard rocker with a huge groove and another memorable hook and harmony. Well worth tracking down. The band recorded 14 tracks for this album overall, so there’s 3 more to come at some point.

I wanted to keep this brief, but when an album this big and important comes along, it’s vital to capture all necessary thoughts. So in summary – freeking amazing production (and those streaming or MP3-ing are missing out BIG time). Musically it is bold, brave and takes necessary risks to broaden the fanbase and remain fresh. It’s simply another amazing piece of art that if released under a new band name would be hailed as the “next Heat”!
 
Very proud of the guys and everyone in the Heat camp. This is wonderful.
 
Thu
28
Sep

New CLIF MAGNESS Solo Album Due Early 2018

Artist: 
Categories: 
News Feed
 
In the early '90s, melodic rock had more or less left the mainstream and become an underground affair championed by a group of small indie labels in Europe. But, in 1994 one spectacular release appeared on the scene from a singer/songwriter named Clif Magness, entitled 'Solo' that managed to collect truly rave reviews from all over the world (yes, even in a time when melodic rock was considered dead and gone).
 
But who is Clif Magness? Well, he certainly needs no introduction for music fanatics who have devoted much of their time over the years to reading the credits in album liners. By the time the "Solo" record came out, he already made a name for himself co-writing and producing a #1 hit with Jack Wagner ('All I Need'), a top 5 hit for Wilson Phillips ('Impulsive'), and winning a Recording Academy / GRAMMYs for the song 'The Places You Find Love' from Quincy Jones' critically acclaimed album, 'Back On The Block.' Just three years later, in 1993, Clif was nominated for an Oscar and a Golden Globes Award for the song 'The Day I Fall In Love' from the film 'Beethoven's 2nd', co-written with Carole Bayer Sager and James Ingram.
 
Throughout the 1990s and into 2000, Clif continued to work with outstanding artists such as Celine Dion, Hanson, Steve Perry, Amy Grant, and Joe Bonamassa among others. Clif was also instrumental in developing perhaps the biggest breakout artist of 2003, Avril Lavigne. Being among the first writer/producers to work with Avril, Clif's writing and production style became the benchmark for the album. Clif co-wrote and produced the fourth, much edgier, Avril Lavigne single 'Losing Grip,' as well as five other tracks from her multi-platinum debut 'Let Go.' Of course he has kept on working and creating some great and hugely successful music for many singers in the past few years, including Jessica Simpson, Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken, and many others.
 
The exciting news for fans of Clif is that he is stepping back in to the melodic rock scene with a new solo record, which is being released on Frontiers Music Srl!
 
'After receiving numerous requests from fans all over the world, I am excited to announce that I'm teaming up with Frontiers and releasing a new solo album,' says Clif. ' Very cool to be working with Frontiers and after too long, on my own project. Years have passed since my last solo effort, but the truth is, I am, at the heart of things, a journeyman songwriter, and producer for others, and still am. But I have had an awesome time stepping out and putting together this record.'
 
Frontiers Music Srl is truly honored and excited to welcome such a huge talent to the label and firmly believes this will continue their unapproachable track record of bringing AOR fans music they are more than happy to hear. The new release will follow in the footsteps of 'Solo', with an updated production and sound befitting of the 21st century. The label anticipates releasing the record in early 2018.
 
 
Wed
27
Sep

DEVOID 'Cup Of Tears' Pre-Order Now

Artist: 
Friday, October 13, 2017
Categories: 
News Feed
 
MelodicRock Records is excited to bring the peddle to the metal with a brand-new artist for fans of hard hitting, but very melodic metal.
 
Introducing DEVOID – a debut album with the star power of a seasoned veteran artist; it features the respected vocal talents of Carsten ‘Lizard’ Schulz and special guest appearances by Mattias Ia Eklundh (Freak Kitchen - guitar), Henrik Danhage (Evergrey - guitar), Daniel Palmqvist (Beyond The Katakomb - guitar) and Magnus Karlsson (Primal Fear/The Ferrymen - guitar).
 
PRE-ORDER DEVOID 'CUP OF TEARS' NOW (OUT OCTOBER 13) $15 (+$5 SHIPPING WORLDWIDE)
 
 
 
NEW PREVIEW:
 
 
 
DEVOID is the brainchild of French guitarist extraordinaire Mael Saout (Shadyon). Combing both technical finesse and outstanding arrangements with extremely memorable chorus hooks, the debut album ‘Cup Of Tears’ doesn’t have to hide behind the greats of the melodic/prog genre.
 
Apart from establishing a brilliant line up for the band itself, featuring German vocal powerhouse Carsten Lizard Schulz, Shad Mae also managed to include some stunning guest performances by some of the finest guitarists out there!
 
 
Line Up:
Shad Mae (guitars)
Carsten Lizard Schulz (vox)
Jorris Guilbaud (keys)
Ben Toquet (bass)
Ben Wanders (drums)
 
Tracklist:
01. Soldiers
02. Otherworld
03. Collective Heart
04. The Clock Is Ticking
05. Killing Hands
06. Religion (Preview Track)
07. Agony
08. Final Breath
09. Colours Fade To Grey
10. Mind Keeper
11. Cup Of Tears
12. Hollow Point
 
Co-Produced/Mixed and Mastered by Gwen Kerjan at Slab Sound Studio
Artwork by Nello Dell'Omo
 
DEVOID ‘Cup Of Tears’ will be released via MelodicRock Records on Friday October 13!
 
 
Tue
26
Sep

TNT Album Update

 
Posted by the band: "The clock is ticking for a new TNT album. TNT management have decided to postpone 2 Norway gigs in october (Orkanger & Hadeland) - due to intensive studio work. The TNT camp is pleased to hear that Frontiers Records are very happy with the progress and the new songs."
 
 
Tue
26
Sep

THE RADIO SUN Unplugged In Japan

 
Jase & Stevie from The Radio Sun to launch Unstoppable in Tokyo, Japan
 
Jase & Stevie from Australia's The Radio Sun will play two acoustic shows in Tokyo, Japan on the 17th & 18th of November to launch their new album 'Unstoppable' (mixed by Paul Laine) on Anderstein Records Japan - out Oct. 20th. Joining the boys will be special guest Cassidy Paris (Stevie's daughter). 
 
Listen to The Radio Sun new single 'Heaven On Earth' and the Cassidy Paris debut single 'Talk About It' here:
 

 

 

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