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Mon
29
Feb

MAGNUM - Sacred Blood & Divine Lies (Review)

information persons: 
content: 
80%
Produced By: 
Tony Clarkin
Release Date: 
2016
Released: 
Worldwide
Musical Style: 
Melodic Rock
Links: 
Magnum
Label: 
SPV
Artist: 
Magnum
Score: 
80
Friday, February 26, 2016
Categories: 
Reviews
 
Magnum are one of my favourite bands of all time. I’ve been a lot harder on their post-reformation releases as I felt they just didn’t stack up against the classic era albums. I struggle to listen to Breath of Life or Brand New Morning at all these days, but Princess Alice and the Broken Arrow was more impressive. Since then it’s been a general progression up the scale. On The 13th Day I gave a 95 and Escape From The Shadow Garden a 96. I even gave The Visitation a 93, showing that in my mind, the band has been getting better with each release. But that march stops here.
 
I’ve had this album 3 months now. It’s been played over and over and over again and my emotions have changed several times throughout that time.
I’m only now comfortable to review the new album in detail. I’ve struggled with it and I’ve played it so much I began to like some elements I didn’t previously. But now the dust has settled and I can look at this objectively – as someone who grew up on Storytellers, Vigilante, Wings Of Heaven and on…
 
On its own, there’s a lot to like. But the reality is that I’ve heard it all before. And I think I’ve come to the decision I’ve had enough of this style.
The beauty of classic Magnum was that you never really knew what Tony Clarkin would serve up next. Every album had its own sound, its own feel and its own tempo.
That changed when the band reformed. On each album since, it has been a pretty consistent and continual hard edged delivery each time.
Each album has offered hints of the past as Tony delved into some classic sounds or Mark Stanway had greater influence over the song structure, but still nothing has come close to the perfection that is 85-92 Magnum.
 
The other problem with the band’s current day albums is that all too familiar slow plodding pace that the guys rarely break out of. That's the biggest issue I have and am totally over.
Of the 10 main tracks on Sacred Blood Divine Lies, there are only 2 that go beyond second gear and the sequence of tracks is again done in a way to prevent the album from getting rolling.
There are some definite positives here – Bob is singing better than on the last couple and the production quality is probably the best of the recent albums.
 
The near 7 minute opener Sacred Blood "Divine" Lies has that same crunchy guitar riff magnum fans know and some impressive Bob Catley vocals and a chorus that appeals pretty quickly. I like that Mark Stanway stamps his authority on this track with some classic keyboards.
Unfortunately Crazy Old Mothers heads straight into the plods. I really don’t like slow moving tracks so quickly after a momentum building opening.
But if we do have to have a slow, heavy plodder here, this track is one of the better ones of its style. It has a gritty, guitar heavy chorus that’s short but effective.
 
The opening minute to Gypsy Queen would suggest we might be heading back to classic 80s Magnum. It’s slow but I’m anticipating something big. Unfortunately no, it doesn’t head that way at all. I’m still not sold on this track as the structure is all too familiar – slow verse, heavier mid-tempo chorus and repeat.
Princess in Rags (The Cult) is thankfully a big lift in tempo as the band gets out of second gear to deliver another familiar sounding tune (slow verse again, but the mood suits the song) that rocks along at a good pace and a chorus that stands out as one of the better ones on offer.
 
Your Dreams Won't Die is a long pleasant sentimental ballad, but steers the album straight back into ‘go slow’ and I’m not really connecting with this song over some of the band’s better ballads. And let’s face it – Magnum has some of the most epic and brilliant ballads of any band, any time.
I’m beginning to get really frustrated about now. I really don’t like the ultra-slow plod of the go nowhere track Afraid of the Night. I just want the band to speed up a little and deliver some huge choruses like the old days. This track is really pedestrian and sounds way too similar to I Didn’t Like You Anyway.
A Forgotten Conversation is once again slow of course, but I do like Catley’s vocal intro and the orchestration adds a bit of texture. The pace doubles for the chorus, but that still puts it at mind-tempo at best and the chorus isn’t that memorable.
 
Quiet Rhapsody gives the illusion of rocking harder and faster only because the rest of the album is so slow. I do like the riff on offer and the chorus is marginally more effective than some others.
Twelve Men Wise and Just features another slow start, but picks up pace as it goes and evolves into one of the faster and better tracks and should in my opinion been moved up to second place in the sequence. A fine Catley vocal impresses.
The semi-acoustic driven Don't Cry Baby uses the same formula as half the album before it – slow intro, faster chorus. It swaps back and forth a few times. There’s no real chorus again, but the mood of the song and Bob’s vocals make it worthwhile.
 
The Digipak edition offers three additional tracks. But each of the 3 is embedded within the second DVD disc. I don’t get that at all. That’s making it hard for fans to appreciate the tunes in places only digital or CDs go.
 
Phantom Of Paradise Circus is more varied than anything Magnum have delivered in a while. The tempo moves along too, making you wonder why it isn’t part of the main album. No stand out chorus as such, but a decent track.
Don’t Give Up is yet another pretty fast moving rocker, which is a blessing to hear. This is more Rock Art styled Magnum, with fast riff and a good beat and a solid chorus.
No God Or Saviour is a moody rocker that starts slow (again), but the change of pace with the chorus and the accompanying guitar riff again offers more diversity and originality than the album’s main block of tracks. Puzzling as to why it’s not part of the official album.
 
Don’t Give Up and No God Or Saviour should have made the full album and I would have dropped Afraid Of The Night and maybe even Forgotten Conversation, not to mention shuffling the sequencing around once again.
 
My love of Magnum remains and always will, but I think this album is a step backwards after the best album post-reformation – Escape From The Shadow Garden. Make that three steps back, as I rate this behind Thirteenth Day and Visitation too.
 
On its own, Sacred Blood is probably better than I’ve marked, but I’m feeling it is just too similar to what has come before it. It’s the same Magnum mid-to-slow-tempo pace, it’s the same restrained choruses that lack the intensity, the passion and the pomp glory of tracks like Days Of No Trust, Maybe Tonight, On A Storytellers Night, When The World Comes Down, Heartbroke And Busted et all.
 
I just want my old Magnum back. Or at least I want the new Magnum to pick up the damn pace already and deliver some of those anthemic singalong choruses we know and love. I reallt think the guys could use an outside producer to help - I know they have a true masterpiece left in them.
 
 
Tags: 
Magnum
Bob Catley
Tony Clarkin
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Fri
26
Feb

MELODICROCKFEST Australia; Mitch Malloy Pulls Out

Artist: 
MelodicRockFest
Release Year: 
2015
Categories: 
Tour News
 

It is with great regret that I must announce the withdrawal of MITCH MALLOY from MelodicRock Fest Australia.

Mitch was really looking forward to making his Australian debut with his backing band Kaato, but an increasingly packed production schedule in Nashville and ongoing recording of a new solo album ahead of Mitch’s UK tour have forced him to have to pull out of this event.

Mitch sends his apologies to Aussie fans.

In light of the short time frame between now and the event, an international guest is unlikely to be able to replace Mitch, rather each band on the day will play longer sets. I know Paul Laine’s happy to get more time and BB Steal will be taking as much time as they like to run through their classic debut and some Boss tracks.

Further information on an addition to the Friday lineup (in place of Kaato) will be announced shortly.

MelodicRock Fest takes place May 13/14, 2016 at the Elephant & Wheelbarrow, St. Kilda.

Full details and tickets available at: www.melodicrockfest.com

 

 

After 4 successful events in the USA, Australian website and record label MelodicRock.com is bringing the popular MelodicRockFest event home.
MelodicRockFest Australia will make its local debut in Melbourne on May 13 and 14, 2016 at the Elephant & Wheelbarrow in St. Kilda.
 
International Headline acts Eclipse (Sweden) and Paul Laine (Canada)(ex-Danger Danger) will be joined by Australia’s brightest rock talent, including BB Steal, Black Majesty, Vanishing Point and The Radio Sun.
 
For nearly 20 years now, MelodicRock.com has been covering the movements of the best melodic and hard rock acts from all over the world. From chart topping stadium fillers to independent studio projects, the site covers all the legends of the rock world, while placing a strong emphasis on new and upcoming artists plus the labels and people behind them.
 
MelodicRockFest takes that same attitude and brings it into a live setting. Mirroring the USA event's vision, MelodicRockFest Australia will exclusively showcase some of the best international melodic rock acts, some making their Australian debut, with support from some of the best local rock acts rounding out the line-up.
 
This is a festival demanded by the loyal local fans. It’s a one of a kind. It’s small, it’s intimate and it’s for those that recall the glory days of Adult Orientated Rock.
 
 
 
Appearing at MelodicRockFest is:
 
Saturday May 14 (Headline Day)
 
ECLIPSE (Sweden)
Eclipse are one of Sweden’s premiere melodic hard rock acts. They boast a strong following across all of Europe and are sought after session musicians when not touring. In 2015 the band released their critically acclaimed 5th studio album ‘Armageddonize’ and just recently were invited to participate in the Swedish heats for the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest.
This will be the band’s first trip down under and they plan on making the most of it by delivering a blistering set that won’t be soon forgotten.
 
ERIK GRONWALL (Sweden)(Special Guest)
Erik is the energetic frontman for one of Europe’s most in-demand rock bands, H.E.A.T. The band will be looking to hit Australia next tour, but for now, their popular frontman is making his own way down under to sample some local brews, hang out with fans and join Eclipse on stage for an extended encore that is sure to bring the house down!
Erik will also deliver an exclusive acoustic set for VIP ticket holders on the Friday afternoon.
 
PAUL LAINE (Canada)
Paul Laine has a career spanning over 25 years, starting off in the Vancouver rock scene, before signing with Elektra Records for his major label debut ‘Stick It In Your Ear’, an album produced by the legendary Bruce Fairbairn. In 1995 Paul joined American rock band Danger Danger as their new frontman for a 4 album run. His other projects include Shugaazer and Andersen Readman Laine, plus his currently touring country rock band Dark Horse.
Paul will perform a true best of set, featuring favourites from Danger Danger as well as all aspects of his career. This will be Paul’s second trip down under.
 
BB STEAL (Adelaide) 
BB Steal are legends of the Australian melodic rock scene. Their major label debut was produced by Def Leppard’s Phil Collen and the band has often been touted as the “new” Def Leppard due to their layered, anthemic sound.
This will be their first Melbourne show in many years and will also feature permanent member, vocalist Craig Csongrady and the return of original guitarist Kevin Pratt! Expect the band to deliver a set heavy with tracks from their cult debut album as well as a few from 2013’s comeback album ‘Resurrection’.
 
WHITE WIDDOW (Melbourne)
White Widdow are the torch bearers for the classic 80s keyboard driven AOR sound here in Australia. The band are regulars on the Melbourne rock circuit and will deliver a set featuring tracks from their first three albums and their soon to be recorded fourth studio opus.
 
THE RADIO SUN (Melbourne)
The Radio Sun are fast becoming Australia’s harmony kings, with two highly acclaimed albums now available, both filled with classic harmony driven AOR. The guys have also doubled as Paul Laine’s backing band for the last few years, appearing with him at events in USA as well as here in Australia. Expect a great set of song from the two albums and a few surprises too.
 
SERPENTINE SKY (Melbourne)
Releasing their debut album 20 years after originally forming, Serpentine Sky are looking to make up for lost time and will blow fans away with their energy and the highly addictive songs from their recently released debut.
 
TEARGAS (Melbourne)
Teargas are back together after a 10 year hiatus. Last seen acting as Jeff Scott Soto’s support act for his 2004 OZ tour, the Melbourne lads are ready to kick it back into high gear and will open the main day with the energy of a headliner.
 
 
Friday May 13:
 
VANISHING POINT (Melbourne)
Melbourne’s own melodic metal heroes are excited to take part in this event. Without doubt, the heaviest band of the festival, but for this occasion the guys are going to delve into their back catalogue for some more melodic numbers alongside their most epic tracks.
 
TONK (Canberra)
Tonk take the hard rock back to the glory days of the American Sunset Strip. They have a groove and an attitude Guns N Roses would be proud of. Another rarity to have the band playing in Melbourne.
 
PAUL LAINE (Acoustic Set)
A completely different set of solo and Danger Danger tracks to blow fans away.
 
BLACK MAJESTY (Exclusive Acoustic Set)
An Australian exclusive! The Black Majesty guys have never played an acoustic set in their home country, so expect them to deliver something very special.
 
THE RADIO SUN (Acoustic Set)
Kicking off the event is one of the hardest working bands this weekend. The band will be promoting their upcoming acoustic project.
 
 
MELODICROCKFEST AUSTRALIA, MAY 13/14, 2016
 
VENUE: Elephant & Wheelbarrow - St. Kilda; Melbourne.
 
TICKETS:
Friday $35
Saturday $65
2-Day Ticket Deal $89
 
Tickets on sale now via www.melodicrockfest.com (via Paypal secure links) or CREDIT CARD VIA: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/melodicrockfest-tickets-20070594689
 
VIP Weekend Pass $225 (100 only)
(All prices include GST)
 
- VIP entry both days
 - Exclusive Meet & Greet/Soundcheck with all artists Friday Afternoon
 - Exclusive access to VIP/Artist Green Room Area during entire event
 - VIP laminate
 - Exclusive acoustic performance by Erik Gronwall!
 
MRF is sponsored by Loan Link: www.loan-link.com.au
 
Further sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact promoter Andrew McNeice for details: ajm@melodicrock.com
 

 

Tags: 
MRF
Melodic Rock Fest
erik gronwall
BB Steal
Eclipse
Paul Laine
The Radio Sun
Serpentine Sky
Teargas
Black Majesty
Vanishing Point
White Widdow
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Fri
26
Feb

LEE AARON Returns With 'Fire And Gasoline' March 25

Artist: 
Lee Aaron
Saturday, March 26, 2016
Categories: 
News Feed
 
On March 25th, 2016, multi-platinum Canadian rock artist Lee Aaron returns with her hotly anticipated new rock album, Fire and Gasoline.

Ever timeless, seemingly ageless, and artistically fearless, Lee Aaron has sustained a three-decade strong career based on the powerful songwriting and vocal delivery that are at the heart of Fire and Gasoline (Big Sister Records/ILS/Caroline). Featuring songs like the title track Fire and Gasoline, Wanna Be, Heart Fix and Bitter Sweet which evoke the influences of Led Zeppelin, Heart, Bowie, The Runaways and Fleetwood Mac while weaving in and out of Aaron’s unique artistic vision. It is a vision that has led her to sales of close to a million copies in Canada alone, multiple awards and nominations, and a fervent following around the world. Iconic videos for songs like Metal Queen, Whatcha Do To My Body, Hands On and Some Girls Do were staples of MuchMusic in Canada, and continue to rack up massive views on YouTube, bringing Lee Aaron classics to a new generation.

Fire and Gasoline was recorded at Vancouver’s The Farm studio (better known to rock aficionados by its former name, Little Mountain Sound) with acclaimed west coast engineers Ben Kaplan (Mother Mother, Hedley) and vocal engineer/keyboard guru John Webster (Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, The Cult). Their Gold- and Platinum-certified ears give Fire and Gasoline a contemporary sonic sheen while also honouring the energy of the “off the floor” approach of real musicians interacting in real time.

The album is available for pre-order now, here: http://tinyurl.com/je4qzgk

Tom Boy, the first video and single, was penned for Aaron’s daughter and was inspired by the fearless, unself-conscious energy of pre-teen girls. The video features Aaron’s daughter (on guitar) along with her school friends as Aaron’s backing band. “It was incredibly cool watching the girls pick up the song as well as the instruments in an afternoon and give the performance they did. Off camera, we were all eating pizza and clowning around and that joy translated onto the screen. It really captures the essence of the tune.” Lee, a fan of vintage film and video, wanted the girls to have that ‘Jailhouse Rock’ look.

You can view the video here:
 


Fire and Gasoline is truly a classic rock n’ roll album, with an emphasis on “class”.

This summer Lee Aaron will be performing to crowds of thousands at major music festivals across Canada, and is looking towards select live dates in Europe as well.
Fire And Gasoline Tracklisting:
  1. Tom Boy
  2. Fire And Gasoline
  3. Wanna Be
  4. Bitter Sweet
  5. Popular
  6. 50 Miles
  7. Bad Boyfriend
  8. Heart Fix
  9. Nothing Says Everything
  10. If You Don’t Love Me Anymore
  11. Find The Love

For further information, please visit LeeAaron.com
Tags: 
Lee Aaron
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Thu
25
Feb

MRR Special Edition Titles Selling Out

 
Pre-Ordering and purchasing CDs direct from this site and www.melodicrockdirect.com, not only helps the artists, but it helps keep MelodicRock.com stay in business. It's vital.
And a good number of people do that, which is hugely appreciated.
Which leads me to my next point - I've actually sold out of a number of titles. 
So if you don't get in, you're going to potentially miss out.
Now Sold Out:
Constancia (Special Edition)
Degreed - Life Love Loss
Riverdogs - World Gone Mad
Room Experience (Special Edition)
Secret - End Of The Road
Sound Of Eternity
Very low stock of:
Ferreira
Royal Mess (Special Edition)
The Radio Sun (Special Edition)
Andreas Novak
 
Order now from: www.melodicrockdirect.com
Pre-orders for March coming right up.

 

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Thu
25
Feb

Coming Soon...

 
 
 
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Thu
25
Feb

SUNSTORM Storm Back With 'Edge Of Tomorrow' May 13

Artist: 
Sunstorm
Friday, May 13, 2016
Categories: 
News Feed

Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce the release of SUNSTORM's fourth album entitled 'Edge of Tomorrow' on May 13th, 2016.

SUNSTORM is Joe Lynn Turner's succesful AOR / Melodic Rock project, something that came about for the first time in 2006 when Frontiers President Serafino Perugino wanted to dig up some unreleased gems that JLT wrote during the late 80's and early 90's.

The very good reviews and acclaim which surrounded the debut self-titled release was the fuel that ignited three more records, until the project was momentarily shelved when Joe started working on the RATED X supergroup with Tony Franklin and Carmine Appice.

After the release of the RATED X album, Joe wanted to go back to the more melodic material of SUNSTORM, but also wanted to retain some of the harder edge which the RATED X album had. So he asked producer and songwriter Alessandro Del Vecchio (Hardline, Edge of Forever) to come up with some new songs in that vein. Del Vecchio joined forces with Simone Mularoni, guitar player of Italian prog metallers DGM. Together they developed songs which were exactly what Joe wanted, so it was a natural process to move forward and record another SUNSTORM album. As usual, other songwriters, such as Soren Kronqvist and Daniel Palmqvist completed the array of individuals involved.

Joe Lynn Turner says: 'This new Sunstorm album is the best of the series! We went harder... stronger... and heavier than ever before without losing the integrity of what the project is about...I call it Melodic Metal! The songs are very well crafted, the messages are profound, the performances amazing..and the sound is incredible! All involved can be very proud of such a great music. I urge anyone who loves great music to check out "Edge of Tomorrow", you won't be disappointed!'

The resulting album shows a slightly new direction for SUNSTORM, which still features organic and very strong melodies as a trademark. Enjoy!

'Edge of Tomorrow' includes the following songs: Don't Walk Away From A Goodbye; Edge Of Tomorrow; Nothing Left To Say; Heart Of The Storm; The Sound Of Goodbye; The Darkness Of This Dawn; You Hold Me Down; Angel Eyes; Everything You've Got; Tangled In Blue; Burning Fire.

SUNSTORM
Joe Lynn Turner, Lead Vocals
Alessandro Del Vecchio, Hammond organ, keyboards, backing vocals
Simone Mularoni, guitars
Nik Mazzucconi, bass
Francesco Jovino, drums
 
Tags: 
Sunstorm
Joe Lynn Turner
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