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Thu
26
Nov

PYRAMAZE - Disciples of the Sun (Review)

information persons: 
content: 
90%
Produced By: 
Jacob Hansen
Running Time: 
52
Release Date: 
2015
Released: 
Europe
Musical Style: 
Melodic Metal
Label: 
Inner Wound
Artist: 
Pyramaze
Score: 
90
Release Year: 
2015
Categories: 
Reviews
 
Pyramaze for me, started with a bang (with vocalist Lance King) and failed to capitalize on a strong start, losing Lance after their second album and going thru another vocalist on their third before taking a break to regroup.
In 2013 new vocalist Terje Harøy joined and the band set their sights on making their best effort yet. And I think they have. New vocalist Terje is a great find. His voice is
 
The album’s production is world class thanks to producer and guitarist Jacob Hansen (who joined in 2011) and the songwriting lifts these guys from the sidelines to the frontline.
 
At 52 minutes, the album keeps to the point. Plenty of riffing and subtle tempo changes, plus enough double kick drum to keep metal fans screaming, but no overly long songs or filling the airtime with needless instrumental wandering.
This has more in common with Masterplan musically, mixing classic and contemporary effortlessly.
 
Stand outs for me include the title track Disciples Of The Sun (hard hitting and big vocal); the Masterplan influenced commercial metal of Back For More; the brilliant hook of Fearless and the crunch of Unveil.
The swirling keyboards and double time crunch of When Black Turns To White, which leads into a short atmospheric ballad, is a great way to close out the album.
One of the better melodic metal albums of 2015 and a sure fire way to get these guys back on the map. A consistent and memorable set of songs and a big fat metal production. Check it out!

 

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Pyramaze
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Thu
26
Nov

WORLDVIEW - The Chosen Few (Review)

information persons: 
content: 
80%
Produced By: 
George Rene Ochoa
Running Time: 
51
Release Date: 
2015
Released: 
Europe
Musical Style: 
Melodic Metal
Links: 
Ulterium Records
Label: 
Ulterium
Artist: 
Worldview
Score: 
80
Release Year: 
2015
Categories: 
Reviews
 
The American melodic metal, semi-progressive band Worldview features members from bands like Sacred Warrior, Deliverance and Recon.
Then there’s a few guest spots that will show up on metal fans’ radars - Oz Fox (Stryper); Les Carlsen (Bloodgood) laying down a dramatic guest vocal, Jimmy P. Brown (Deliverance) and Armand Meinbardis (Rob Rock) dropping in some violin and piano.
 
There’s a lot of musical texture here – some Indian percussion and acoustic string instruments; to dark and heavy guitars; a few vocal growls and some fine old school soloing too.
Vocalist Rey Parra has a strong presence for metal and at times gives me a Jamie LaBrie vibe. The higher register an obvious pointer.
 
What I like most is the variation within the album. There’s a nice mix of faster, slower, dark and heavy and more melodic tunes across the 50 minutes/10 tracks.
Highlights for me include the commercial Back In Time and Walk Through Fire; the more high-powered metallers Illusions Of Love and Prisoner Of Pain.
The Chosen Few is the album’s big epic track and the only time things slow down for a ballad.
A solid album in a crowded genre. Well worth investigating for fans of melodic metal and vocalists with a higher range.
Tags: 
Worldview
Oz Fox
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Thu
26
Nov

WITHIN SILENCE - Gallery Of Life (Review)

information persons: 
content: 
85%
Produced By: 
Jan Cvercko
Running Time: 
52
Release Date: 
2015
Released: 
Europe
Musical Style: 
Melodic Metal
Links: 
Ulterium Records
Label: 
Ulterium
Artist: 
Within Silence
Score: 
85
Release Year: 
2015
Categories: 
Reviews
 
Ulterium Records have been quietly releasing some quality metal in recent times and 2015 has seen the label reach new highs. Partially due to titles like this, the debut from Slovakian metal outfit Within Silence album.
I really like this album. I think the music is a nice heavy mix of power and melody, with an added dramatic flair.
The production is quite superb and the musicianship is excellent.
 
What’s most of appeal though – to these ears – is the band’s emphasis on melodies, harmonies and some very good chorus hooks.
There will be a few that have an issue with the sometimes heavy accent of vocalist Martin Klein. It’s not constant though…and his high notes and harmonies are quite wonderful.
 
After another one of those seemingly essential daft 1-minute instru-intro, the hard hitting but melodic metal of Silent Desire makes an immediate impact. Especially with the chorus.
Emptiness Of Night is almost as good, delivering a fierce beat.
Double kick drums get another heavy work out on Love Is Blind, with its progressive elements shining through.
The accent is back in play for Judgement Day, but the song has enough charisma for it not to be an issue.
The near 8 minute long Road to the Paradise is only the second lengthy track of the album and the band use the time well to showcase their prog-metal credientials.
 
A very decent debut. Strong material and excellent production, I think these guys will be around for a while to come. A little more work on the vocal delivery is about all that is needed for the band to continue expanding their fanbase.
Tags: 
Within Silence
Ulterium Records
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Wed
25
Nov

JOURNEY Recalls Drummer STEVE SMITH For 2016 Tour

Artist: 
Journey
Release Year: 
2015
Categories: 
Tour News
 
JOURNEY and THE DOOBIE BROTHERS will launch the San Francisco Fest 2016 tour on Thursday, May 12, again bringing together two of the iconic groups that helped define the San Francisco sound. The tour launches at the Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre in Irvine, California — with concerts scheduled through August 30, and includes special guest Dave Mason. A limited number of VIP packages will be available and include premium tickets, pre-show party, exclusive merchandise and more.
 
Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Saturday, December 5. A fan pre-sale will be offered starting Monday, November 30.
 
Neal Schon (founding member and lead guitarist), original member Ross Valory (bass), and longtime members Jonathan Cain (keyboardist) and Arnel Pineda (lead singer), are welcoming virtuoso drummer Steve Smith back into JOURNEY, marking the first time he will perform with the band since 1998. Schon and Smith have always remained close friends and musical collaborators. Smith has lent his incredible talent to several of Schon's solo albums, including critically acclaimed "The Calling", and, most recently, "Vortex".
 
Schon was thrilled when Smith accepted his invitation to rejoin JOURNEY, exclaiming: "I'm so looking forward to the very exciting 2016 we have planned, starting with my 'Neal Vortex Schon' Japan tour in February and then our major summer tour with THE DOOBIE BROTHERS and Dave Mason. We will see you all soon!!!!"
 
THE DOOBIE BROTHERS' Tom Johnston (founding member, vocals/guitar), Patrick Simmons (founding member, vocals/guitar), and longtime member John McFee (guitars/strings/vocals) are adding LITTLE FEAT co-founder Bill Payne to their band on the 2016 tour. Payne performed on many of THE DOOBIE BROTHERS studio albums as well as on the road; a relationship the band is looking forward to rekindling.
 
"It's gonna be a great summer for fans of Bay Area music, and for guys like us who have the pleasure of teaming up with our good friends from JOURNEY and the Dave Mason band," said Tom Johnston and Patrick Simmons of THE DOOBIE BROTHERS. "We look forward to taking the stage with JOURNEY. We love their songs, and think we will all complement each other musically. It is going to be a powerful tour. We can't wait to share it with the fans!"
 
 
Tour dates:
 
May 12 - Irvine, CA - Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre
May 14 - Phoenix, AZ - Ak-Chin Pavilion
May 15 - Albuquerque, NM - Isleta Amphitheater
May 18 - Austin, TX - Austin360 Amphitheater
May 20 - Dallas, TX - Gexa Energy Pavilion
May 21 - Woodlands, TX - The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman
May 23 - Wichita, KS - INTRUST Bank Arena
May 25 - Memphis, TN - FedEx Forum
May 27 - Indianapolis, IN - Indianapolis Motor Speedway
May 28 - Kansas City, KS - Sprint Center
May 31 - Rogers, AR - Walmart AMP
Jun. 02 - Birmingham, AL - Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
Jun. 04 - Charlotte, NC - PNC Music Pavilion
Jun. 05 - Raleigh, NC - Walnut Creek Amphitheatre
Jun. 08 - Atlanta, GA - Aaron's Amphitheatre at Lakewood
Jun. 10 - Tampa, FL - MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amp.
Jun. 11 - W. Palm Beach, FL - Perfect Vodka Amphitheatre
Jun. 22 - Bangor, ME - Darling's Waterfront Pavilion
Jun. 24 - Bethel, NY - Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
Jun. 25 - Holmdel, NJ - PNC Banks Art Center
Jun. 27 - Wantagh, NY - Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
Jun. 29 - Cuyahoga Falls, OH - Blossom Music Center
Jul. 01 - Virginia Beach, VA - Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach
Jul. 02 - Bristow, VA - Jiffy Lube Live
Jul. 05 - Saratoga Springs, NY - Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Jul. 07 - Toronto, ON - Molson Canadian Amphitheatre
Jul. 09 - Darien, NY - Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
Jul. 10 - Mansfield, MA - Xfinity Center
Jul. 13 - Syracuse, NY - Lakeview Amphitheater
Jul. 15 - Camden, NJ - BB&T Pavilion
Jul. 16 - Burgettstown, PA - First Niagara Pavilion
Jul. 27 - Nashville, TN - Ascend Amphitheater
Jul. 29 - Cincinnati, OH - Riverbend Music Center
Jul. 30 - Maryland Heights, MO - Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Aug. 02 - Grand Rapids, MI - Van Andel Arena
Aug. 04 - Clarkston, MI - DTE Energy Music Theatre
Aug. 06 - Omaha, NE - CenturyLink Center
Aug. 07 - Des Moines, IA - Wells Fargo Arena
Aug. 09 - St. Paul, MN - Xcel Energy Center
Aug. 11 - Sioux Falls, SD - Denny Sanford PREMIER Center
Aug. 13 - Tinley Park, IL - Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Aug. 16 - Oklahoma City, OK - Chesapeake Energy Arena
Aug. 17 - Little Rock, AR - Verizon Arena
Aug. 20 - Denver, CO - Pepsi Center
Aug. 21 - West Valley City, UT - USANA Amphitheatre
Aug. 23 - Auburn, WA - White River Amphitheatre
Aug. 25 - Ridgefield, WA - Sunlight Supply Amphitheater
Aug. 27 - Las Vegas, NV - Mandalay Bay Events Center
Aug. 28 - Fresno, CA - Save Mart Center
Aug. 30 - Chula Vista, CA - Sleep Train Amphitheatre

 

Tags: 
Journey
Steve Smith
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Wed
25
Nov

Vocalist Andre Linman Joins Finnish Rockers OD

Artist: 
OD
Release Year: 
2015
Categories: 
News Feed
 
A note from the band OD 

Due to scheduling conficts, OD had to part ways with their singer Dan Vasc. It was nice ride while it lasted and we wish all the best for Dan in his future projects.
 
We got many excellent singers looking for opportunity to join the band and we would like them all for their interest towards OD.
 
Now here is the big news: the new singer of OD is none other than Mr. Andre Linman!
 
Andre Linman is a 23-year old singer, guitarist and songwriter who is best known for having been the frontman of finnish hard rock/heavy metal band STURM UND DRANG!
 
STURM UND DRANG rose to fame in Finland when the members were only 15-16 years old. Between 2007 and 2013 the band released three albums receiving two finnish gold records and one platinum record. They have also toured Europe and Japan and sold over 100.000 records worldwide. Everyone is very excited about this collaboration and eagerly working to get the album done with him.
 
Soon you will be hearing the first songs recorded with Andre, there will be killer tunes for you all to listen, so keep on rockin!
 
PS: See Andre Linman in action with STURM UND DRANG in their hit "Molly The Murderer" https://youtu.be/6-GSipfiWJo

Tags: 
OD
Andre Linman
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Wed
25
Nov

TEN 'The Dragon And Saint George' EP 12" Picture Disc Out Now

Artist: 
Ten
Release Year: 
2015
Categories: 
News Feed
 
Arriving 2 weeks earlier than expected, Ten's awesome picture disc for the 'Dragon & Saint George' EP is now in stock. Featuring superb artwork from Gaetano Di Falco and no less than SEVEN songs, three of which are unreleased and a fourth, the Japanese bonus track from 'Albion', is available outside Japan for the first time.
 
Receiving many glowing reviews, this is Ten at their irrepressible best, from historical epics like 'Musketeers - Soldiers of the King' to the currently pertinent political entreaty 'Is There Anyone With Sense?'

Limited to 350 copies world-wide, we have less than 100 copies in stock. Sure to increase in value due to its scarcity value. Order at www.rocktopiarecords.com for the perfect additional Christmas prezzy - or just treat yourself!  Signed copies of Isla De Muerta CD still available, as are red vinyl copies of 'Albion' (2 disc set). All available at rocktopia.com.  
Tags: 
Ten
Gary Hughes
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Tue
24
Nov

Nordic Union - Album Sampler (Official Audio)

 
NORDIC UNION is the new sonic partnership between singer Ronnie Atkins of the legendary Danish Hard Rock institution Pretty Maids and the up-and-coming Swedish songwriter and producer Erik Martensson of Eclipse and W.E.T fame.
 
Curious what that might sound like? Well, just hit the play button below to get a taste of songs from their upcoming album!!!
 
Their self-titled debut will be released January 29, 2016! First full track to be released in the coming weeks!
Tags: 
Nordic Union
Ronnie Atkins
Erik Martensson
Artist: 
Nordic Union
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Tue
24
Nov

REO Speedwagon 1980 'Hi Infidelity' #1 Album Caps Long Road To Top

Artist: 
REO Speedwagon
Release Year: 
2015
Categories: 
Podcasts & Radio
 

Dallas, TX - November 24, 2015.  North American syndicated Rock radio show and website InTheStudio: The Stories Behind Historys Greatest Rock Bands spotlights the 1980 # 1 album Hi Infidelity from REO Speedwagon with singer/songwriter Kevin Cronin and keyboardist/ co-founder Neal Doughty.

If REO Speedwagon was a baseball team, the statistics from their 1980-81 season would be as follows: 9 - High Infidelity was the bands ninth studio album; 4- the number of times REO Speedwagon changed lead singers; 2 - the number of times Kevin Cronin was hired to be that lead singer; 5 - the number of charted singles from that sole album; 1- the chart sales peak of both the Hi Infidelity album and its first single Keep on Loving You; 15 - the number of weeks as the top- seller in the US; 10,000,000+ - the number of copies sold of REO Speedwagons High Infidelity album.

In a lot of ways, REO Speedwagon was much like the Midwest region from which they sprang at the University of Illinois at Champaign, solid unassuming hard-charging musical journeymen determined to make it.  InTheStudio host Redbeard rolls through the changes that made REO the biggest band in America in 1980 with singer/ songwriter Kevin Cronin and co-founder keyboardist Neal Doughty. 

I think it was the frustration that kept us going. We knew we could do it. We werent going to quit one record before the big one. - Neal Doughty

Kevin Cronin remembers the contributions that the late Gary Richrath gave to the band prior to Richraths September death.                    
,
Gary used to write tons of songs... He put this song on (Take It on the Run) and from the very opening, Heard it from a friend who hear it from a friend just got me. I think its Garys best song ever. Of all the songs written, I think its the most emotional hes ever gotten with his lyrics.  - Kevin Cronin

REO Speedwagon  Hi Infidelity @ 35 /InTheStudio interview is available now to STREAM at: http://www.inthestudio.net/redbeards-blog/reo-speedwagon-releases-1-album-single-35-years-ago-kevin-croninneal-doughty/

Direct Link to InTheStudio broadcast affiliate radio station list: http://www.inthestudio.net/radio-stations/ www.inthestudio.net/radio-stations

Direct Link to REO Speedwagon website:   http://speedwagon.com

Direct Link to InTheStudio website: http://www.inthestudio.net

 
Tags: 
REO Speedwagon
Kevin Cronin
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