BOULEVARD -'Boulevard IV - Luminescence' and SCHERER/BATTEN -'BattleZone' (Plus MP3 Singles)($36 including Worldwide Shipping)
Scherer/Batten is of course, none other than vocalist MARC SCHERER (Scherer/Peterik) and star guitarist JENNIFER BATTEN (Jeff Beck, Michael Jackson).
Together the pair have teamed up with the same musical talent that featured on the 2015 Peterik/Scherer album ‘Risk Everything’ together with some fresh new faces to help craft an absolute melodic rock gem.
‘BattleZone’ features material exclusively from the Jim Peterik(Ides of March, formerly of Survivor, Pride Of Lions) songbook. Featuring 8 rare musical gems from Jim’s songwriting vault, the album also features 3 brand new tracks, written for this project.
That’s 11 new classic songs, produced by Jim Peterik and featuring the impressive lineup of:
All Lead Vocals: Marc Scherer
All Lead Guitars: Jennifer Batten
Backing Vocals: Marc Scherer, Bill Champlin, Bryan Cole, Brian Hemstock, Danette Pahl
Alternate Lead and Rhythm Guitars: Jennifer Batten, Mike Aquino, Dave Carl, Jim Peterik
Bass Guitars: Bill Syniar, Klem Hayes
Keyboards: Jim Peterik, Christian Cullen, Chris Neville, Barb Unger
Drums: Dave Kelly, Ed Breckenfeld
Sax: Mindi Abair
Additional credits include:
Executive Producer: Danette Pahl
Engineered by: Larry Millas
Mastered by: Larry Millas at World Stage Studios and JK Northrup at Alien Productions
Mixed by: Jim Peterik and Larry Millas
Keyboard Programming: Larry Millas and Christian Cullen
Art Direction and Cover Art: Nello Dell'Omo
Jim Peterik comments: “As a long time enthusiast of Marc Scherer's vocal chops and the expertise of rock guitar goddess Jennifer Batten, you can imagine how excited I am at the release of Scherer/ Batten ‘BattleZone’ album.
As a song writer and producer, it was a dream come true mining some lost gems from my many years in rock, producing them to a new lustre and even writing three brand new cuts with Marc and Jennifer - Cuts Deep, The Harder I Try and the title track BattleZone.
Andrew McNeice and Danette Pahl of Melodic Rock Records gave me the artistic leeway and financial support to create the album of a lifetime.
Working with one of the best engineers in the business, Larry Millas, and musicians like multiple Grammy Award Winner Bill Champlin of Chicago, bassist Bill Syniar (formerly of Survivor), Mike Aquino (guitarist and singer from World Stage), and two-time Grammy Nominated saxophonist, Mindi Abair, along with Dave Kelly and Bryan Cole, brought depth and texture to the tracks that is palpable.
You can hear our excitement in every song. I guess you can see I'm pumped.
I dare you to crank up BattleZone or Tender Fire or Crazy Love and not rediscover why you fell in love with melodic rock in the first place. I double dare ya!!”
Jennifer Batten: “It was such a pleasure to jump into such a high level inspiring project! Marc’s vocals are out of this world, the grooves are kickin’, and working with Jim Peterik is so joyous and creative. I can’t wait to take this to the stage!”
And finally, the vocalist fronting this extraordinary project, Marc Scherer: “Even something as innocuous as lunch with Jim Peterik can inspire great things…
It was during one such meeting that Jim and I conceived of an album showcasing his lost musical treasures. Thanks to the contributions of long-time Peterik enthusiast and personal friend Danette Pahl of MelodicRock Records, we now have lift-off!
While the brain trust of talent surrounding Jim enhances any idea, this album is extra special because it features a collaboration with one of the world’s greatest guitarists, Jennifer Batten – who played three world tours with Michael Jackson and two with Jeff Beck. They say you know when it’s right in the first 30 seconds, but in this case, you can sense the magic in the first few notes. BattleZone blends the songwriting craftsmanship and storytelling genius of Jim Peterik with the artistry of some of the most amazing musicians in the business. As Jennifer observed, the battle can be internal: the fight to be better, to raise the bar and challenge yourself while stirring the musical cauldron. I truly believe that we have captured lightning in a bottle and I’m so eager for everyone to share in this experience.”
Scherer/Batten‘BattleZone’ will be released via MelodicRock Records on CD & Digital September 22.
The lead song ‘Cuts Deep’, which was premiered on the Steve Price Rock Show on ARfm this weekend past, will be released as a digital single this Friday.
For now, please enjoy a short album teaser, a taste of what’s to come:
MelodicRock Records is proud to announce the second release for September 22 – the AOR masterpiece that is BOULEVARD's‘Boulevard IV - Luminescence’.
It took just one listen to this supremely recorded album for MRR to realise that the guys had to be signed immediately.
For those fans of the band’s first two MCA released records – ‘Boulevard IV - Luminescence’ is so worth the wait.
NEW PREVIEW!
Track Listing:
01. Out Of The Blue 03:57
02. Life Is A Beautiful Thing 04:13
03. Laugh Or Cry 04:48
04. What I'd Give 05:16
05. Come Together 05:01
06. Runnin' Low 04:37
07. I Can't Tell You Why 04:04
08. Confirmation 04:41
09. Slipping Away 05:46
10. What Are You Waiting For 04:13
11. Don't Stop The Music 04:35
PRE-ORDER NOW
BOULEVARD -'Boulevard IV - Luminescence' ($15 + $5 Shipping Worldwide)
MRR September Deal:
BOULEVARD -'Boulevard IV - Luminescence' and SCHERER/BATTEN -'BattleZone' (Plus MP3 Singles)($36 including Worldwide Shipping)
From the breezy AOR perfection of Out Of The Blue, to the more intense and layered first single Life Is A Beautiful Thing and one of the best ballads you’ll hear in What I’d Give, to the moody essence that is I Can’t Tell You Why that features an outstanding lead vocal and accompanying saxophone; ‘Luminescence’ is a very diverse album, gelled by the performance of a lifetime and the best possible production and mix studios like Abbey Road can offer.
MRR and Boulevard are proud to preview the lead track off the new album 'Boulevard IV - Luminescence' - 'Life Is A Beautiful Thing'
Boulevard is a Canadian band that got their start in Germany with the release of their first single “Rainy Day in London” in 1984 which went to #45 on the Billboard charts in Europe.
Members are: David Forbes (vocals), Mark Holden (saxophone), Andrew Johns (keyboards, vocals), Dave Corman (Guitar, vocals) Randall Stoll (drums), Cory Curtis (bass). Known for their solid rhythms, layered melodies and vocal textures the band enjoyed success overseas prior to landing back in Canada.
In 1987 the band signed a deal with MCA/Universal, which would see their first internationally released album BLVD producing the hit singles ”Never Give Up” and “Far From Over” establishing them as a fixture of the Canadian Music scene in the 80’s. Their self-titled debut album was recorded at Ocean Sound and Little Mountain Sound in Vancouver by producer Pierre 'Baz' Bazinet and was mixed by notable rock producers Bob Rock and Mike Fraser and Umberto Gatica.
Following two very successful tours with Glass Tiger and Boston, in 1988 Boulevard were awarded the coveted Peoples Choice Award by Music Express Magazine as “Best New Group”.
Following the success of their first Album the band released Into The Street – in 1990, Produced by John Punter which produced the singles “Crazy Life” and “Lead Me On”.
In 2014 the band were invited to perform at Firefest in Nottingham England in front of many diehard fans. Many consider this to be one of the best shows ever at Firefest.
2015 the band released “Boulevard - Live from Gastown” a DVD which features all five of the bands Canadian top 40 singles, as well as some classic tracks from the bands repertoire. The DVD was filmed live on February 27th 2015 at Vancouver’s legendary Warehouse studio.
Boulevard is back, bigger and better than ever with a brand new album titled ‘Boulevard IV’.
The band stays true to their passion charged rhythms, textured melodic landscapes, and powerful lyrics in this this beautifully crafted body of work that will take the listener down the Boulevard of what is possible.
Credits:
Produced by Mark Holden, Dave Corman, and Eric Mosher
David Forbes: Vocals
Mark Holden: Tenor & Alto Sax
Andrew Johns: Keyboards & Vocals
Randall Stoll: Drums & Percussion
Dave Corman: Guitars
Cory Curtis: Bass
Recorded at:
Abbey Road Studio, London U.K.: Engineered by Chris Bolster, assisted by John Barrett.
Warehouse Studio, Vancouver B.C: Engineered by Eric Mosher, Zak Blackstone & assisted by Matt Harvey and Ryan Enockson.
Westsonic Music, Vancouver B.C.: Engineered by Dave Corman
Guest artists:
Keith Scott: Guitar on Slippin Away
Al Vermue: Guitar on Slippin Away
Artwork: Brent Lunney
‘Boulevard IV – Luminescence’ will be released worldwide September 22. Pre-order now.
'It is with regret that due to serious ongoing issues with Ginger Wildheart's mental health, we will be unable to fulfil any scheduled live appearances in the very near future.
Ginger is currently hospitalised and receiving around the clock care and is in the safest possible place.
We ask that you please respect the privacy of Ginger, and his family and friends at this difficult time.
Thank you for your continued love and support, it is very much appreciated. - Ginger Wildheart Team
The postponed shows are:
Friday 18th August - Manchester Dancehouse (warm-up show)
Saturday 19th August - London Union Chapel
The shows will be rescheduled but ticket refunds are available from point of purchase.
Normally anything with the name Magnus Karlsson attached to the credits would be an instant blind purchase. No questions asked! His output with Allen/Lande, Codex, Starbreaker and his own Free Fall project has been nothing short of exemplary.
Now we have The Ferrymen, a project with vocalist Ronnie Romero (Lords Of Black, Rainbow), together with drummer Mike Terrana.
I struggled with this from day one. And I kept at it because its Mangnus Karlsson right? But it didn’t take. Now after a month without listening, I’m again playing at maximum volume and really soaking up that monster guitar and rhythm section Magnus so easily delivers.
But the vocals still aren’t doing it for me. I’m used to a warmer, more melodic tone to accompany Magnus’ work. But more pointedly – I’m really still failing to connect with the songs themselves.
The opening bombastic anthem End Of The Road is cool; Still Standing Up has a good vocal melody and the ballad One Heart certainly has impact.
Tracks like Darkest Hour have the ingredients there, but just don’t have the warmth of past material.
The songs just aren’t there and the vocals leave me cold I’m afraid to say. There’s no issue at all with the musical performances or production, it is just a project that looked good on paper, but failed to deliver in reality.
Art Of Melody Music & Burning Minds Music Group are excited to announce the release date for the self-titled album by Italian melodic rockers AIRBOUND, scheduled for release on September 15, 2017 via Art Of Melody Music / Burning Minds Music Group in Europe, and in October via AnderStein Music in Japan.
Airbound represents their love of classic AOR and melodic rock music, shown through ten splendid tracks influenced by the likes of Journey and Survivor, but updated with a more contemporary and personal sound. To ensure brilliant studio performances and also an international dimension to their debut, Airbound involved in it as special guests the likes of Sven Larsson (Street Talk, Raintimes, Room Experience), Davide "Dave Rox" Barbieri (Wheels Of Fire, Raintimes, Charming Grace, Room Experience), Mario Percudani (Hungryheart, Shining Line, Ted Poley, Axe) & Josh Zighetti (Hungryheart, Charming Grace), who brought their experience and technical skills in order to perfectly complete a smart and focused melodic rock album.
The video of the first single "Till The End" is now finally available on YouTube.
The debut album has been produced by the band itself with the support of sound engineer Oscar Burato, who also mixed and mastered all the tracks in his Atomic Stuff Studio located in Isorella (BS - Italy). All graphics (including the alternative japanese cover artwork) have been designed by Aeglos Art (Viana, Charming Grace, Room Experience, Raintimes), and cd booklet features liner notes by Denis Abello, editor in chief of leading italian rock website Melodicrock.it. "Airbound" also represents the welcome return on the scene of singer Tomás Borgogna, already known in the underground melodic rock circles for his frontman role in Borgogna's "Something To Lean On", released back in 2010 by Steelheart Records. Airbound's first studio effort promises to appeal to classic melodic rock lovers, with brilliant melodies, winning hooks, pompous keyboards, and solid production. Their skilled musicianship brings a return to the great melodic rock sound of the golden years with style, panache, and indomitable passion.
Airbound Line-up:
Tomás Borgogna: Lead & Backing Vocals
Lorenzo Foddai: Guitar & Backing Vocals
Angelo Sasso: Bass & Backing Vocals
Alessandro Broggi: Keyboards & Backing Vocals
Riccardo Zappa: Drums & Percussion
Album Tracklist:
01. Have A Good Time
02. The Sun Tomorrow
03. Till The End
04. You Live & You Learn
05. Don't Fade Away
06. Zhaneta
07. Runaway
08. Wasted World
09. She's A Girl
10. Seven Seas
11. Till The End (Cinematic Version - Japanese Bonus Track)
I like the idea of World Trade. The debut was a bit of a prog-AOR classic, but I can barely recall the second release. Unify is #3 and their first with Frontiers.
You’d expect the lineup of Billy Sherwood (bass and lead vocals) along with Unruly Child's Bruce Gowdy – guitars and Guy Allison – keyboards and session superstar Mark T. Williams – drums, would hands down nail it without even thinking. But not so.
This album is just untidy. The production is really quite hollow with almost no drum sound – it’s all keyboards and bass, plus I’m struggling to appreciate Billy Sherwood’s vocals. They sound unnatural and quite strained compared to past efforts.
An appreciation of progressive music is not the issue here. I love a lot of prog-AOR/melodic rock – especially the new Threshold, which is in high rotation.
The main issue here (besides the sound) is the lack of great songs. I simply don’t think many of these go anywhere. The title track Unity is an improvement and the track that follows For The Fallen is ok too.
Lifeforce and the opening track The New Norm are good examples of a decent idea poorly executed. There’s just no flow within the songs.
Dedicated prog fans might get something more out of this, but I will defer to my popular recent conclusion – that is with a crowded marketplace, any album that doesn’t stand out is going to get lost and this is one of those albums.
Unlikely I’ll ever play this again now the review process has finished. I really didn’t get any enjoyment from it.
Escape Music pleased and have the greatest pleasure to announce the release of the unreleased Target third album featuring the late Jimi Jamison - lead and background vocals, Tommy Cathey -bass guitar and background vocals, Buddy Davis - guitars, Paul Cannon - guitars, Bill Marshall - drums and Gary Topper - saxophone on Love Magician.
Recorded fall of 1979. Produced by Target and Engineer, John Hampton
Australian melodic hard rock band The Radio Sun will release their fourth full length album ‘Unstoppable’ on October 20.
Vocalist Jase Old and guitarist Stevie Janevski have written a bunch of new catchy, well constructed melodic rock songs with the guidance of producer Paul Laine (solo, Dark Horse, The Defiants).
Lush vocals and soaring solos are a big part of the band’s sound, further enhanced by bassist Anthony Wong and drummer Gilbert Annese. Andy Shanahan of Australian AOR favourites Roxus is a special guest on the forthcoming new album 'Unstoppable'. The Radio Sun guitar player Stevie Janevski goes on to say, "it's awesome to have Andy play keyboards on a song and be a part of our new album. Roxus were by far the best AOR band Australia has had - a real honour!"
The Radio Sun will launch the new album by touring Japan, Europe and U.S.A over the next 12 months with another special performance at Hard Rock Hell AOR Fest 2018.
The Radio Sun - Unstoppable album is mixed by Paul Laine and shall be released on October 20 via Pride and Joy Music Germany, Anderstein Music Japan and locally in Australia directly via the band. *Pre order packages for the new album will be available shortly.
Press Release from BURN: Away from the music scene for nearly 10 years since the release of the critically and commercially well received third album, Global Warning, another slab of British hard rock is on the way.
We are proud to announce that Burn's fourth album, Ice Age, will be unleashed on the planet in November 2017. It will be available in CD format and on all digital platforms.
We have taken 5 years to create this album, and it is something of which we are incredibly proud. We hope and believe that the thousands of people who enjoyed Global Warning will find plenty to enjoy in this new release. The album was produced by Barney Stackhouse and mixed by the Grammy award winning Tobias Lindell (Europe, H.E.A.T.)
We are also very proud to announce our new line-up. Although we have lost some great guys along the way, namely Jeff Ogden, Julian Nicholas (although he is still featured on one track on the new album) and Benji Reid, we are extremely lucky to have replaced them with a couple of outstanding new members.
On lead vocals we welcome Steve Newman. Steve is well known in the rock community through his numerous solo albums and other projects. Steve was our first choice to lead the line up, as we view him as possessing one of the very best voices in rock. Burn is the first band that Steve has committed himself to for many years. We are honoured to have him on board and fronting the band.
Our other new member is the ridiculously talented Chris Green who brings his incendiary lead guitar skills to the band. Chris is a current member of Tyketto and hard rock fans will remember him from Furyon, Rubicon Cross and Pride, along with various other projects. We really couldn't think of another guitarist who could have done a better job on the new material than Chris.
So, here we go. This is a new era for Burn and we are really looking forward to sharing our new stuff with everyone. We can't wait to get it out there. Further updates will follow.
Few metal bands have been as influential and have had the longevity as Diamond Head - listed as a major influence by two of metal's biggest, Metallica and Megadeth. Led by co-founding member/guitarist Brian Tatler, Diamond Head will be launching a North American tour that will include both US and Canadian dates, beginning on August 19 with Psycho Las Vegas festival appearance and ending on September 11 at Saint Vitus in Brooklyn, New York.
'We are excited to get back to North America and see our old friends once more,' says Tatler and Wilcox (who resides in the US).
'Diamond Head may not have toured the continent as much as we would have liked way back when, but we are certainly making up for it now! And the band sounds better than ever,' states Brian.
As part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal in the late '70s/early '80s, Diamond Head came up in the same scene as eventual global headliners Def Leppard and Iron Maiden. And while Diamond Head did not achieve the same commercial success as the aforementioned bands, they did influence countless subsequent musicians - especially Metallica, as it was a then-teenaged Lars Ulrich that befriended the band early on and became a major fan. Subsequently, Metallica has covered such Diamond Head classics as 'Am I Evil,' 'Helpless,' 'The Prince,' and 'It's Electric' multiple times - on multiple platinum releases.
In addition to performing these classics at their upcoming U.S. shows, expect to also hear material performed off their latest release - 2016's self-titled offering.
There is a new Diamond Head album already in the works (set for release next year).
Soon, many North American headbangers will get their chance to see the legendary Diamond Head and hear the songs that inspired a generation of musicians on a nearby concert stage.
DIAMOND HEAD LINE-UP 2017:
Brian Tatler - Guitars
Rasmus Bom Andersen - Vocals
Abbz Abberley - Guitars
Dean Ashton - Bass
Karl Wilcox - Drums
DIAMOND HEAD US TOUR 2017:
S 8/19 Las Vegas, NV Psycho Las Vegas 2017
Su 8/20 Salt Lake City, UT Liquid Joes
W 8/23 Portland, OR Bossanova Ballrooms
Th 8/24 Seattle, WA El Corazon
F 8/25 Vancouver, BC Rickshaw Theater
S 8/26 Victoria, BC Logan's Pub
Su 8/27 Vernon, BC The Green
M 8/28 Calgary, AB Dickens
T 8/29 Edmonton, AB The Forge
W 8/30Saskatoon, SK Capitol Music Club
Th 8/31 Winnipeg, ON Park Theater
S 9/2 Sault Sainte-Marie Canadian Nightclub
Su 9/3 Sudbury, ON The Asylum
M 9/4 Toronto, ON Coalition
T 9/5 Windsor, ON Backstage
W 9/6 Ottawa, ON The Maverick
Th 9/7 Quebec, QU l'Anti
F 9/8 Jonquire, QU Salle 4 Barils
S 9/9 Montreal, QU Wings of Metal Festival
Su 9/10 Liverpool, NY Sharkey's
M 9/11 Brooklyn, NY Saint Vitus
You just can’t help but love the ‘Dogs. One of my favourite ‘soulful’ rock bands that I’ve followed since their incredible debut. But don’t leave out the equally essential Bone and Absolutely Live!
While the guys delivered a taste of new material with the World Gone Mad album – constructed from left over songs of the past and unfinished tracks during previous attempts to reform, this is their first proper full length new material release with the original lineup since the debut back in 1990.
California was billed as the return to their hard rock roots, which I find wholly misrepresentative on two fronts. First – the band has never been a hard rock band. Bluesy/soulful rock/melodic rock is more accurate; but secondly – this album is nowhere near what you’d define a hard rock album to be.
That little peeve stated, we can concentrate on what California is – and that is a gem of an album that is drenched in soul, exquisite songs and a sublime production and mix that is among the best I’ve heard in a long time. Every note and every emotion is there to be heard. Well done Nick Brophy!
While it isn’t rocking by any stretch, it is a guitar driven record and Vivian Campbell shows his intricate skills on a collection of slow, moody, expressive songs. The soloing is wonderful, the riffs warm and perfect foil for the hypnotic soulful vocals of Mr. Rob Lamothe.
Rob is one of my favourite vocalists, his tone and his talent for emotional lyric delivery is a huge appeal to me and this is one of the best collection of his vocals I’ve heard yet.
The opening American Dream is one of only a few songs with pace, but there’s nothing but quality here. Golden Glow for example is just about as good as it gets. And each song, while remaining generally mellow, has its own personality.
The Heart Is A Mindless Bird is another lyrical and musical gem; The Revolution Starts Tonight is powerful and the punky Searching For A Signal gives a mid-album tempo shake-up.
Ten Thousand Reasons is another highlight while Catalina doesn’t have the best chorus, but the tempo is welcomed.
The star for me on this moody, mature, elegant and engaging record is the subtle, haunting vocal dominated I Don’t Know Anything. What a song.
To my surprise, the Japanese bonus track is not a lame edit/acoustic version of an album track, but rather another all-new song (When The Mic Drops) and one that carries quite a swagger.
It took a few listens and the right mood to best appreciate this album and its various intricacies, but once there, it’s no turning back. A great album from one of the best sounding bands of this ilk.
Everyone involved delivers electric performances and the songs definitely engage.
Radiation Romeos is the Michael Voss produced comeback vehicle for former Atomic Playboys vocalist Parramore McCarty. Thing is, I always considered the weak spot of the one-off Atomic Playboys album was the vocals. If not for the glorious riffing of Steve Stevens, that album would have struggled.
And so it is that this album, with McCarty’s vocals being the featured aspect, is something of a struggle to get through. The opening track which pays tribute to the Playboys album is the best rocker here.
I’ve no credits, so I have no idea who’s responsible for the songwriting, but there’s not much here worthy of the deafening scream that is McCarty’s vocals. Largely set in that dreaded plodding mid-tempo pace, the album meanders along from one song to another with few highlights.
Strangely, the better songs here are the few slower, more melodic numbers. The anthemic 80s melodic rocker Ocean Drive is quite superb, but also quite out of character for the rest of the record.
The ballad Like An Arrow and the melodic rock of Til The End Of Time stand out as better songs and better, more melodic vocals that reminds me of the Scorpions.
With so much to choose from, I reckon this album is probably already out of people’s minds by now (it was released in June).
Worthy of a few iTunes single purchases, but as an album it’s not strong enough to make an impression. Production wise there’s no complaints as you’ll never go wrong with Voss in charge. The artwork is probably the best thing about the whole package.
Quiet Riot is of course one of the classic names in hard rock, but nothing here gives any indication of the music that earned them the status held prior to the death of frontman Kevin DuBrow.
Since that time, drummer Frankie Banali has taken a number of lineups out on the road under the QR moniker, but this is his first foray into new material.
One thinks he should have kept to performing the band’s hits live for this is horrible. I’d suggest that its actually one of the worst albums released by a name band in many years.
The fact that the label agreed to the band dumping Seann Nicols and hastily re-recording the vocals with newly recruited James Durbin shows how much faith they had in the original. I bet they didn’t expect something even worse to be delivered.
The production is demo quality at best; the songs (same music, new titles, new lyrics) are instantly forgettable and the new vocals of Durbin are simply horrid. He’s normally a great singer, but how long did they take to get this done, as he sounds out of tune in places, ultra-whiney throughout and in the opening track for example, the vocals are bordering on chipmunk territory.
The second track is even worse. There is a clear disconnect between the vocals and the music. The chorus is among the worst I have ever heard.
Even Banali’s drumming sounds rigid and straight forward. The constant thump thump thump of the mid-tempo songs is irritating.
It’s a huge disappointment and when you consider the guys had two attempts to get it right, even more surprising. If this was an album delivered by a no-name artist, it would have been swiftly disposed of. I really don’t enjoy being negative, but there is no way a record of this quality should have been released. I’d place bets on this being the last QR album.
Rufus Stone Limited Editions is delighted to announce a promotional 3D video for their forthcoming publication of the first ever Official AC/DC book, ROCK or BUST The World Tour Book 2015.
The video has been created by leading digital artist and animator Chris Hilton who has worked on major projects for the Rolling Stones, Paul MaCartney, John Lennon and many others.
The video can be viewed here:
Currently on presale, The Rock or Bust Tour Book 2015 will cover the full extent of AC/DC’s groundbreaking 2015 world tour supporting the multi-million selling Rock or Bust album released in 2014. Starting in Coachella, the Rock or Bust tour has played to millions of fans around the world, setting records for attendance and sell out times. Renowned music photographer Ralph Larmann has captured AC/DC throughout this incredible tour, creating an amazing photographic documentary of the band and fans in action. Rufus Stone is assembling these pictures plus some amazing facts, figures and tour memorabilia to celebrate one of the most successful rock tours of the last decade. The finished book will be 264 pages long and will be the same physical dimensions as a vinyl album.
Two different editions of the book will be published including a unique “Leather and Metal” collector’s version. All editions will be unique, case bound coffee table books, perfect for fans and collectors.
Mark Smith at Rufus Stone says, “Creating this type of book with a band with the legacy of AC/DC is the dream project for Rufus. We are delighted to be able to produce an official book on behalf of the band and we’ve got a few surprises along the way to help make this a unique and special publishing event.”
The book will be released in the Autumn of 2017 and a pre-sale page has been created at www.acdcrockorbustbook.com.
About Rufus Stone Limited Editions
Quite simply we're passionate about music, books and publishing.
We are a group of creative thinkers, working together to create a new publishing venture specializing in producing the best quality products that both fans and artiste would be proud to own. It's that simple.
Our approach is to generate high quality, bespoke books in short, limited edition runs at price points people can afford. We are offering a product that can't be purchased on the high street, featuring exclusive imagery and content coupled with the very highest production standards.
Rufus Stone has released exclusive, collectors’ books on Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Ronnie James Dio and the legendary Jon Lord.
"INTO THE GREAT UNKNOWN" Released on Friday 22nd September 2017
via earMUSIC
"What can you say about H.E.A.T? If you don't like these energetic Swedes you must be dead inside, as this year they've shown the UK crowd how to be the most complete band on the planet." - Classic Rock Magazine
Friday 22nd September 2017 sees the UK release of the long awaited new studio album "Into The Great Unknown" from the celebrated Swedish rock band H.E.A.T viaearMUSIC.
After one and a half years of intense songwriting, with guitarist DaveDalone (aka Sky Davis) back in the mix, the band went on a questionable trip to record an album in Thailand, once again with Swedish Grammy award-winning producer Tobias Lindell. With 10 top songs in their cannon, H.E.A.T entered the heavenly Karma Sound studios in the outskirts of Bangkok to record what would become the fifth studio album. Once again the band continue the musical landscape with an innovative, highly explosive and refreshing melodic rock sound and an unforgettable collection of fantastic new songs.
"Into The Great Unknown" is the follow-up to 2014’s critically acclaimed "Tearing Down The Walls". 2012’s successful "Address The Nation" album was praised worldwide as one of the best albums of the year, and consolidated the H.E.A.T’s growing reputation as the new leading band in hard edged melodic rock.
In 2009, H.E.A.T had a huge hit in Scandinavia with the song "1000 Miles". That same year the band’s second album "Freedom Rock" was nominated as one of the Top 50 albums in 2010 by Classic Rock magazine UK. Since then, they’ve toured all over the world, blowing audiences away with their outstanding live concerts.
In a time when artists like Foreigner, Journey and Whitesnake are enjoying a resurgence, teenagers are re-discovering the melodic approach to hard rock. The kids are suddenly wearing their classic rock band logos on t-shirts. H.E.A.T is the beacon of light that many say will carry this tradition into the future. They’re young, ambitious and full of energy and ideas.
H.E.A.T don’t hide their love for their classic rock heroes, but don’t try to copy it, either. They just do it and they want to be the best at it. And they are one of the best - drawing both young and old to their mesmerising, freshly sounding, energetic classic rock and bombastic melodies.
H.E.A.T Guitar: Sky Davis (aka Dave Dalone)
Bass: Jimmy Jay
Keyboard: Jona Tee
Drums & Percussion: Crash
Vocals: Erik Grönwall
All songs written by H.E.A.T
Additional composing: Sharon Vaughn, Johan Becker, Fredrik Thomander on Track 6
Sharon Vaughn and Fredrik Thomander on track 8, and Peter Larsson on track 5
Produced by Tobias Lindell
Recorded at Karma Sound Studios, Thailand by Tobias Lindell and Rhys Fletcher
Additional Recordings: JayRex Productions Studios
Mixed by Tobias Lindell at Phuket Sun Studio
Mastered by Henrik Jonsson at Masters of Audio
"Into The Great Unknown" is a rock and roll journey into the great unknown. The album delivers everything H.E.A.T is loved for - frontman Erik Grönwall’s incredible vocal talent and the band’s traditional approach to melodic rock.
The result is a set of high-quality tracks that bend the genre’s boundaries and take it to new heights. H.E.A.T’s fifth album incorporates some of classic rock’s most renowned features and taking them into another dimension. H.E.A.T have always had a grasp for great melodies. "Eye OfThe Storm", "Redefined", Time On Our Side" and "Do You Want It?" embody catchy melodies and fresh ideas, all of which takes the band’s talent to the next level.
"During the making of this album, I think we all felt a little bit like astronauts going off to space for the first time," says guitarist Dave Dalone (aka Sky Davis). "We set out on a journey not knowing what we would come back with, or if we'd even make it back. Somewhere along the way, the pieces began to fall into place. There's just no point in doing the same album over and over again just because it works. When it all comes down to it, you want to make the songs shine to their full potential. If that includes bending the rules of the genre or crossing paths into unknown territory, so be it."
"The title "Into The Great Unknown" suits the album for many reasons," says drummer Crash. "The plan, to focus entirely on the song writing and to not do a live show until the new album is out, was a new thing for us. We had never done anything like it, how do you 'not' play live for two years? We had been doing live shows since we were kids. Another leap into the great unknown is the music itself, with no limits and elements never before seen in H.E.A.T. Eric Rivers disappeared into the great unknown and former guitarist Dave Dalone (aka Sky Davis) came back from it. The album cover is once again created by Russian artist Vitaly S. Alexius, and is inspired by the mystical space, the greatest unknown known to man."
Licensed to Avalon / Marquee Inc. for Japan, Korea & Taiwan released on 20 April 2016 (inc. 1 bonus track) and to Steel Gallery Records for a 300 Limited Hand Numbered release in Hellas released on 13 May 2016 (inc. 2 bonus tracks).
Legendary AOR singer/songwriter (Emmy Award winning recording artist) and melodic rock icon STAN BUSH to release his 13th studio album, Change The World, on September 22nd via L.A. Records/Cargo Records worldwide.
The “Change the World” album also includes “Warrior”, featured in the Shadow Warrior 2 game. The title track “Change the World”, one of Stan Bush’s best songs contains a message of hope and unity. “Born to Win” and “Live Your Dream” are songs about winning and believing in yourself. “The Story of Love” is a power-ballad about how confusing love can be. Another amazing song is the closing track, “The Secret” which contains a powerful message of love. The all-time classic Stan Bush songs “The Touch” and “Dare” from “Transformers: The Movie” round out this masterpiece of an album. Look for Stan Bush to break through to a worldwide audience with this gem of an album!
Track listing:
1. Change The World
2. Warrior
3. Born To Win
4. Never Surrender
5. The Story of Love
6. Live Your Dream
7. Break These Chains
8. The Other Side of Love
9. Dare
10. The Touch
11. The Secret
The album was produced, engineered and mixed by Holger Fath at The Barn Studios, Moorpark, CA and mastered at Aftermaster Audio, Hollywood, CA.
Line-up:
Stan Bush - Lead vocals and backing vocals
Holger Fath - Guitars, Bass, Keyboards
Tom Walsh - Drums
World-class rock singer, Stan Bush is best known for his song “The Touch” featured in “Transformers: The Movie”. An anthem for Transformers fans around the world, “The Touch” was also featured in the movie “Boogie Nights”, on Chuck (NBC), and American Dad (Fox), The Goldbergs (ABC), Guitar Hero, and the Saints Row IV game. Stan Bush was inducted into the Transfomers Hall of Fame in 2014.
In 1997 Stan Bush won an Emmy Award for Best Original Song, "Til I Was Loved By You". Another of his songs "Capture the Dream" was featured in the 1996 Olympics. His tracks were used in two Jean-Claude Van Damme films: "Kickboxer", a major film sequel to the action adventure film, "Bloodsport." Stan Bush has written with many top songwriters like Jonathan Cain (Journey), Jim Vallance (Bryan Adams; Aerosmith), and Paul Stanley of Kiss. Stan Bush has toured extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe.
MelodicRock Records is delighted to announce the release of the new SCHERER / BATTEN album ‘BattleZone’, released worldwide September 22.
NEW PREVIEW!
Scherer/Batten is of course, none other than vocalist MARC SCHERER (Scherer/Peterik) and star guitarist JENNIFER BATTEN (Jeff Beck, Michael Jackson).
Together the pair have teamed up with the same musical talent that featured on the 2015 Peterik/Scherer album ‘Risk Everything’ together with some fresh new faces to help craft an absolute melodic rock gem.
‘BattleZone’ features material exclusively from the Jim Peterik(Ides of March, formerly of Survivor, Pride Of Lions) songbook. Featuring 8 rare musical gems from Jim’s songwriting vault, the album also features 3 brand new tracks, written for this project.
That’s 11 new classic songs, produced by Jim Peterik and featuring the impressive lineup of:
All Lead Vocals: Marc Scherer
All Lead Guitars: Jennifer Batten
Backing Vocals: Marc Scherer, Bill Champlin, Bryan Cole, Brian Hemstock, Danette Pahl
Alternate Lead and Rhythm Guitars: Jennifer Batten, Mike Aquino, Dave Carl, Jim Peterik
Bass Guitars: Bill Syniar, Klem Hayes
Keyboards: Jim Peterik, Christian Cullen, Chris Neville, Barb Unger
Drums: Dave Kelly, Ed Breckenfeld
Sax: Mindi Abair
Additional credits include:
Executive Producer: Danette Pahl
Engineered by: Larry Millas
Mastered by: Larry Millas at World Stage Studios and JK Northrup at Alien Productions
Mixed by: Jim Peterik and Larry Millas
Keyboard Programming: Larry Millas and Christian Cullen
Art Direction and Cover Art: Nello Dell'Omo
Jim Peterik comments: “As a long time enthusiast of Marc Scherer's vocal chops and the expertise of rock guitar goddess Jennifer Batten, you can imagine how excited I am at the release of Scherer/ Batten ‘BattleZone’ album.
As a song writer and producer, it was a dream come true mining some lost gems from my many years in rock, producing them to a new lustre and even writing three brand new cuts with Marc and Jennifer - Cuts Deep, The Harder I Try and the title track BattleZone.
Andrew McNeice and Danette Pahl of Melodic Rock Records gave me the artistic leeway and financial support to create the album of a lifetime.
Working with one of the best engineers in the business, Larry Millas, and musicians like multiple Grammy Award Winner Bill Champlin of Chicago, bassist Bill Syniar (formerly of Survivor), Mike Aquino (guitarist and singer from World Stage), and two-time Grammy Nominated saxophonist, Mindi Abair, along with Dave Kelly and Bryan Cole, brought depth and texture to the tracks that is palpable.
You can hear our excitement in every song. I guess you can see I'm pumped.
I dare you to crank up BattleZone or Tender Fire or Crazy Love and not rediscover why you fell in love with melodic rock in the first place. I double dare ya!!”
Jennifer Batten: “It was such a pleasure to jump into such a high level inspiring project! Marc’s vocals are out of this world, the grooves are kickin’, and working with Jim Peterik is so joyous and creative. I can’t wait to take this to the stage!”
And finally, the vocalist fronting this extraordinary project, Marc Scherer: “Even something as innocuous as lunch with Jim Peterik can inspire great things…
It was during one such meeting that Jim and I conceived of an album showcasing his lost musical treasures. Thanks to the contributions of long-time Peterik enthusiast and personal friend Danette Pahl of MelodicRock Records, we now have lift-off!
While the brain trust of talent surrounding Jim enhances any idea, this album is extra special because it features a collaboration with one of the world’s greatest guitarists, Jennifer Batten – who played three world tours with Michael Jackson and two with Jeff Beck. They say you know when it’s right in the first 30 seconds, but in this case, you can sense the magic in the first few notes. BattleZone blends the songwriting craftsmanship and storytelling genius of Jim Peterik with the artistry of some of the most amazing musicians in the business. As Jennifer observed, the battle can be internal: the fight to be better, to raise the bar and challenge yourself while stirring the musical cauldron. I truly believe that we have captured lightning in a bottle and I’m so eager for everyone to share in this experience.”
Scherer/Batten‘BattleZone’ will be released via MelodicRock Records on CD & Digital September 22.
The lead song ‘Cuts Deep’, which was premiered on the Steve Price Rock Show on ARfm this weekend past, will be released as a digital single this Friday.
For now, please enjoy a short album teaser, a taste of what’s to come:
-- First studio album from the two legendary drum brothers together -
- Album release October 27th, 2017 -
You're unlikely to find a phenomenon like Carmine and Vinny Appice a second time in the history of rock music. For more than forty years, the two brothers have been among the most sought-after and renowned rock drummers worldwide. Carmine and Vinny (each of them on their own) can be heard on numerous legendary albums and have toured countless times with some of the world's greatest acts. Carmine embarked on his musical path in the 1960s with the unforgotten Vanilla Fudge, manning in the course of his illustrious career the drums for superstars such as Rod Stewart and Ozzy Osbourne, among others. His brother Vinny, who is eleven years his junior, looks back on an equally spectacular career, having worked with acts such as Black Sabbath, Heaven & Hell and Dio, among others. With the exception of the live album Drum Wars – Live!(2014), there has been no direct collaboration between the two so far.- That's about to change! Sinisteris the first joint studio album by Carmine and Vinny and was recorded with the support of a number of prestigious guests. Vinny: 'As Ringo said: with a little help from our friends.'
Sinister consists of a total of 13 tracks, recorded by Carmine and Vinny together with distinguished colleagues. -´Killing Floor` and -´Future Past` feature the wonderful Craig Goldy (together with bassist Tony Franklin), Franklin resurfacing, together with Paul Shortino, on -´Suddenly` and on -´You Got Me Running`. Shortino also lends his awesome vocals to -´War Cry` and the programmatic -´Monsters And Heroes`, the latter also featuring Bulletboys guitarist Mick Sweda, while Shortino teams up with Whitesnake stringsman Joel Hoekstra on -´War Cry`. Talking of vocals: -´Sinister`, -´Danger` (bass: Phil Soussan), -´In The Night` (guitar: Bumblefoot) and -´Sabbath Mash` (guitar: Erik Turner, keyboards: Erik Norlander) are all sung by Jim Crean, while Chas West recorded the vocal parts for -´Killing Floor`, Scotty Bruce featuring on -´Future Past` and Robin McAuley on -´Riot`. The biggest surprise of all: Carmine himself doubles as vocalist on -´You Got Me Running`. Vinny: -Carmine has been singing lead and background for years. He-´s a very good singer and I-´m glad he sang one number on this record.'
So fans can look forward to a haunting rock album which the Appice brothers plan to premiere live on stage as soon as possible. Carmine: -We cannot wait to take the album on the road! Heavy drums and heavy songs. It will kill!'
"Sinister" will be released on October 27th, 2017 through SPV/Steamhammer as CD digipack, double gatefold vinyl, download and stream.
TRACKLISTING:
1- SINISTER
2 - MONSTERS AND HEROES
3 - KILLING FLOOR
4 - DANGER
5 - DRUM WARS
6 - RIOT
7 - SUDDENLY
8 - IN THE NIGHT
9 - FUTURE PAST
10- YOU GOT ME RUNNING
11- BROS IN DRUMS
12- WAR CRY
13- SABBATH - MASH
LINE UP & GUESTS
Carmine Appice (drums & vocals)
Vinny Appice (drums)
Jim Crean (vocals)
Paul Shortino (vocals) (Rough Cutt, Ex-Quiet Riot)
Robin McAuley (vocals) (MSG)
Chas West (vocals) (Ex-Lynch Mob)
Scotty Bruce (vocals)
Craig Goldy (guitar) (Ex-Dio, Ex-Giuffria)
Bumblefoot (guitar) (Ex-Guns N' Roses)
Joel Hoekstra (guitar) (Whitesnake)
Mike Sweda (guitar) (Bulletboys)
Erik Turner (guitar) (Warrant)
David Michael Phillips (guitar) (King Kobra)
Tony Franklin (bass) (Ex-Blue Murder, Ex-The Firm)
Phil Soussan (bass) (Ex-Ozzy Osbourne)
Johnny Rod (bass) (King Kobra, Ex-WASP) Jorgen Carlson (bass) (Gov't Mule)
