SOTO, the modern Heavy Metal / Hardrock group featuring vocalist Jeff Scott Soto (ex Yngwie Malmsteen / Talisman / Journey, Sons Of Apollo, TSO, etc.), are pleased to announce the signing of a new worldwide deal with InsideOutMusic.
Jeff Scott Soto checked in with the following comment about the signing:“I am proud to have SOTO working with the great InsideOutMusic & their partners at Century Media Records and Sony Music. Having seen what we did together with Sons Of Apollo, I am thrilled to see what we’ll do to further my own vanity band SOTO into the future. It‘s a very exciting time in our lives and career!”.
SOTO started in 2015 derived from the idea of Jeff Scott Soto wanting to return to his heavier roots. So far they released 2 albums, “Inside The Vertigo“ (2015) and “DIVAK“ (2016), taking a short break while Jeff embarked on the supergroup Sons Of Apollo, alongside Mike Portnoy, Derek Sherinian, Billy Sheehan and Bumblefoot.
Now SOTO are returning under the same umbrella as Sons Of Apollo, signing with InsideOutMusic. A new album is currently being worked on and its material will continue to expand and move the band towards new heights whilst following up with their brand of Power Rock.
SOTO – Live 2019:
17.02.2019 San Juan (Puerto Rico) – Handlebar
21.02.2019 Tampa (USA) – The Orpheum
24.-28.02.2019 Monsters Of Rock Cruise / https://monstersofrockcruise.com/
Guitar Legend Jason Becker's New Album “Triumphant Hearts” Receives Rave Reviews Worldwide!
Jason Becker is a musical phenomenon!
Guitar legend Jason Becker released his eagerly anticipated new album “Triumphant Hearts” on December 7, 2018. The album has been receiving amazing reviews around the globe!
“It feels so good that people are experiencing the music in a deep way. When I was writing the album, it was what my soul needed, and I hoped others would feel the same. To see that people are feeling my heart is the greatest gift any artist could ask for.” - Jason Becker
Watch the album's trailer:
Jason Becker's story is one of brilliance, talent, determination, adversity, and, ultimately, triumph. A child prodigy on guitar, Jason rose to prominence as a teenager when he was one half of the legendary rock guitar duo Cacophony (with his great friend Marty Friedman). After wowing audiences all over the world with his amazing guitar chops and deep compositions, Jason auditioned for-and got-the giggig with David Lee Roth, following in the huge footsteps of Eddie Van Halen and Steve Vai. He wrote and recorded the DLR album “A Little Ain’t Enough” and was poised to take over the rock guitar world when a nagging pain in his leg was diagnosed as ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, a debilitating and fatal condition with a life expectancy of maybe five years. Maybe.
That was 29 years ago.
Jason did indeed lose the ability to play guitar, walk, talk, and breathe on his own. But he never lost his will to live or his desire to create music. Communicating through a series of eye movements with a system developed by his father, Jason spells out words as well as musical notes and chords. He imparts his musical vision to his team who then can input the notes into a computer, edit the parts to his exacting standards, and then generate charts for session musicians. It is through this amazing process that Jason composes his profoundly beautiful music, rich in melody and counterpoint, brimming with emotion. His inspiring music and life story have been the subject of countless news articles, magazine cover stories, and an award-winning documentary, “Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet.”
Not only is Jason not dead yet, he's busier and more prolific than ever, as evidenced by his latest release, Triumphant Hearts. The album's 14 tracks showcase Jason's gift for melody and his deep knowledge of classical composition and orchestral arrangement. Many of the guitar parts are performed by a who's-who of 6-string gods including Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Neal Schon, Steve Morse, Paul Gilbert, Joe Bonamassa, and many others. And, in what will absolutely delight his fans, Jason's amazing guitar playing-recorded in the '80s and '90s-gracesces several tunes.
Jason Becker is unquestionably the sexiest man alive, but he's also the most positive, upbeat, and inspiring man alive. “I really feel lucky,” says Jason. “I am surrounded by loving people, and I can still make music.”
Here's what the press have raved about Jason Becker's “Triumphant Hearts”:
“Jason Becker is Beethoven for the 21st Century. Listen to how he composes each song. Each delicate note has purpose. Every instrument ebbs and flows throughout each piece. Each guitar lick enriches the depths of each intricate movement. It makes sense that this isn’t a rock album. It’s a classical album. One I hope that will be around long after I’m gone.”
“This is an album I never thought would happen, a brand new album by guitar maestro Jason Becker. 'Triumphant Hearts' is exactly what it says on the tin. Triumphant. It's an album full of stunning music composed by a genius musician who has to score the opus note by note. This is quite simply a magnificent record that spews emotion.”
“If there is one thing that gets high marks for originality, it is a musical genius, a prisoner of his own body, writing a love letter to the world using only his eyes, and the love and support of his family, fans, and friends. The album really has something for everyone, with exceptionally beautiful composition, heart, soul, and even some good old burning it up on the fingerboard. he has given the world a masterpiece and a message of love and triumph.”
“It shows Jason Becker as the talented guitarist of his youth, but also a composer of exceptionally high standards. A picture may paint a thousand words, but music says things that words never can and 'Triumphant Hearts' manages to say it all. It's humbling, emotional, inspirational and filled with the brilliance of Jason Becker.”
“'Triumphant Hearts' by Jason Becker is a testament to the unyielding spirit of an artist driven to create. No matter what the challenge or hardship, a true artist's life force is ignited and fueled by their work. You cannot help but be inspired by these compositions and admire the composer for the sheer joy he brings to us through them.”
“'Triumphant Hearts' makes a joyous statement about Becker's enduring creativity in the face of incredible adversity and the fact he is still a major catalyst to his contemporaries. You will be rewarded by an album that taps into one of the most remarkable musical spirits of the modern rock era.”
“Years in the making, yet well worth the wait. This album is an audible journey through the brain of one of Rock's finest ambassadors conveyed by those who loved him and the few who are capable of translating such majesty into recorded music. Showcase his compositional skills through mesmerising arrangements and gorgeous atmospheric storytelling.”
“Jason Becker will always and everywhere continue to influence guitarists and musicians around the world. His personal story will be an inspiration for millions of people.”
“Guitar fans get ready for one amazing onslaught of guitar magic on 'Triumphant Hearts.' 'Triumphant Hearts' is an amazing event that every music fan needs to hear. The man and his music will make an impression on you one way or another, I can promise you that.”
“The album's 14 tracks showcase Jason's gift for melody and his deep knowledge of classical composition and orchestral arrangement. Jason has assembled some of the great guitarists of our genre on 'Triumphant Hearts.'”
“Jason Becker, in addition to delivering a sublime album, gives us a great lesson in life, confronting adversity and surpassing oneself. Bravo the artist.”
“A true masterpiece that has to be one of the best albums I've heard all year. buy it because it's one of the best albums you’ll hear all year. I’d be happy to listen to on repeat for hours on end.”
“A record that should be accepted as one of the most extraordinary declarations of love for music and life ever written. 'Triumphant Hearts' is a moving, vibrant, beautiful, excruciating work.”
“Some of the most genius material I've ever had the pleasure of listening to. This, ladies and gentlemen, is what a masterpiece sounds like. A true work of art. An overwhelming inspiration.”
STARBREAKER is phenomenal! No surprises there! Immense sound and intensity and holy shit Tony can sing.
KANE ROBERTS is not what most readers here are going to want to hear. Not sure who he's going to appeal to. Modern, heavy and experimental.
TOBY HITCHCOCK is one of my favourite vocalists but this is a long way behind the debut album with Erik Martensson. Still always great to hear him singing.
WITHIN TEMPTATION is ok...I need more time...but many of the songs not standing out yet.
WAKE THE NATIONS is more Scandi greatness. Just wish they'd signed with me! Hahaha...
As most of you know, Danny lost his mom a few days ago. We’ve had many conversations this week, and he’s in as good a place as one could be during such a sad time. This morning, I asked him if he would like to postpone the following announcement to respect her passing, but he quickly replied that his mom loved nothing more than seeing her son share his voice and music with the world, and to by all means announce such happy news. So, with his blessing, here goes……
TYKETTO DVD ANNOUNCEMENT
After many months of editing, re-editing, considering throwing my laptop out the window, giving up, giving in and giving it our all, it looks like Tyketto’s much anticipated “We’ve Got Tomorrow, We’ve Got Tonight” live CD/DVD is nearing completion.
We should soon be able to get it over to our ever-patient fans who attended the taping, and will also start pre-orders soon. Barring any last minute digital gremlins crashing the party, we’re hopeful for a mid-late January release.
For those who don’t know what the hell I’m talking about…. This past June, we headed off to the lovely town of Pontypridd, Wales with a 14 piece band to produce a very special concert and live video event. The goal was to mix things up with radically different versions of your favorite Tyke tunes that span our entire career. Both the band and fans in attendance agreed that our goals were met. It was a very emotional weekend, celebrating music, friendship and family, We can’t wait to share it with the world.
Check the Tyketto website for updates on the release date, as well as updates on our upcoming “Strength in Numbers” anniversary tour which kicks off in March. We have less than 30 tickets left for the March 9th show at The Rescue Rooms in Nottingham and less than 20 for the March 16th show at The Cluny in Newcastle, so you best get your tickets now before they sell out!
Swiss hard rock band KING ZEBRA - featuring Eric St. Michaels (ex-CHINA) on vocals - have released a new digital single and music video for the song 'Like A Hurricane', taken from their forthcoming EP.
The track was recorded & mixed by V.O. Pulver (Gurd, Poltergeist) at Little Creek Studio and mastered by Dan Suter (Krokus, Shakra, Eluveitie) at Echochamber.
KING ZEBRA is:
Eric St. Michaels - Lead Vocals (ex-China)
Roman Lauer - Lead Guitars, Vocals
Jerry Napitupulu - Rhythm Guitars, Vocals
Michael Mutter - Bass, Vocals
Benjamin Grimm - Drums
It was 2012 that four longhaired lads from Zürich started a band that completely dedicated itself to the sound of 80’s Rock. More than 80 shows later they are more determined than ever to reach out to both old and new fans with their original high-powered Music.
They recorded their first album in 2013 at the famous Tonmanufaktur Studios in Zürich. They were bold enough to call it “Greatest Hits”.
Two years later with the help of V.O. Pulver (Gurd, Poltergeist, Pulver and Panzer) at Little Creek Studio they produced and eventually released the album Wild! Wild! Wild!.
Then after some internal changes in 2016 including the addition of a second guitarist, King Zebra had to say goodbye to it’s singer Tom Hoochy Coo. One year later, Eric St. Michaels joined. With Eric’s longtime career as front man and shouter for the rock band China, this native-born American from New Jersey brought a distinctive voice and has contributed significantly to the newly defined sound of King Zebra. The first release with the new lead singer was called "Bad Idea".
In 2018 will find Eric St. Michaels, Lauer, Jerry, Ben and Michael on stage together and ready for action. Ladies and gentlemen, we loud & proudly present: King Zebra!
