Inner Wound Recordings are proud to announce the signing of the folk/power metal band WIND ROSE to the label. Their new album "Stonehymn" is scheduled to be released later this spring and more details will be revealed later this month.
Having toured with bands like Wintersun, Eluveitie and Ensiferum, and with two successful albums under their belt, WIND ROSE are ready to take things to the next level with the release of their third album "Stonehymn", an album filled by the epic, powerful and folk inspired brand of power metal the band is known for.
One of my favourite albums of the 90s is the classic AOR of a record called Nevertheless. The timeless production from David Prater and a voice that defined soulful AOR – Brett Walker.
As it turned out, Brett was one hell of a nice guy too. As I followed his career from that classic solo album, I had the chance to interview him several times and as time went on, got to know him very well. He was one of the good guys as they say.
Then came the heartbreaking news of his sudden passing in 2013. Gone way too soon and with so much music still to give.
Brett was a prolific writer and was always recording and demoing new material. Much of which remained stored on various DATs in his home studio.
With the co-operation of Brett’s wife Sheron, I am very pleased to say that MelodicRock Records will embark on a mission to pay tribute to Brett by presenting an anthology of his unreleased work, which will include demos and outtakes for some of his iconic songs as well as an extensive collection of previously unheard material, reflecting the classic Brett Walker sound.
And yes, the Person 2 Person tracks are amongst the nearly 30 DAT tapes that make up Brett’s work.
I am honoured to be able to work on this and promise that this will be the best possible way of paying tribute to the late Brett Walker, while giving his fans something of substance to remember him by.
Progress updates will be posted over the coming months and a release is planned for later in 2017.
JIMMY DAVIS - Kick The Wall (Deluxe Edition, 2CD) and Going The Distance have been delayed by 10 days and will both be released May 29.
Manufacturing set to take longer than anticipated - but ALL preorders will recieve digital audio links on the original release date of May 19 with CDs shipped when in stock.
MelodicRock Records is immensely proud and excited to be partnering with American musician Jimmy Davis to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Jimmy Davis & Junction's debut album 'Kick The Wall'. Working with Jimmy over the past several months, MRR will chronicle the complete history of JD&J recordings and bring that to the fans, remastered from original master sources.
MelodicRock Records and Jimmy Davis will reissue the debut album 'Kick The Wall', freshly remastered by JK Northrup along with a very special bonus. The release will feature a second disc featuring a rare live concert, 'Live At The Bottom Line', as broadcast by Westwood One in 1987.
But that's not all! A conversation that started well over a year ago will result in the long desired official release of one of the best unreleased melodic rock albums ever. We're talking about the phenomenal shelved sophomore Jimmy Davis & Junction album 'Going The Distance'. It's a melodic rock masterpiece.
JIMMY DAVIS & JUNCTION - The MRR Reissues Deal (Kick The Wall Deluxe 2CD and Going The Distance CD) $32 + $5 shipping worldwide
JIMMY DAVIS & JUNCTION - 'Kick The Wall' (2CD $17 + $5 shipping)
JIMMY DAVIS & JUNCTION - 'Going The Distance' ($15 + $5 shipping)
Jimmy Davis on that debut: "In the early 80s, I met John Scott. We were put together in a theme park show replacing my favorite local bluegrass band turned rock and roll band that featured fiddle, mandolin, guitar whiz Tommy Burroughs. I was already writing and wanted to incorporate all of my influences in one band like they did. But somewhere around 1985 I wrote 'Kick the Wall' and demoed it at John's home demo studio. We knew we were on to something. We started getting noticed and joined up with a new studio in Memphis, Sounds Unreel. The studio started in our soon to be manager, Jon Hornyak's house. But they grew into a full on 24 track studio. Our hero Jack Holder and Don C Smith all took us in and we stared recording what became the debut album."
You could be forgiven for never hearing of the 'Going The Distance' album previously, or even be entirely unaware of Jimmy Davis and his talents as a singer, guitarist and songwriter. It's never too late to discover a masterpiece. And that's exactly what these albums represent. An extremely talented band at their very best, another victim of record label machinations.
Jimmy on the 'lost' album: "We starred on the second record in Memphis and ended up doing 4 or 5 songs in LA with Danny Kortchmar with Chad on drums. It took a long time and we had amazing quests, Warren Hayes co-wrote and played, Kevin Dukes from Jackson Browne's band and the Memphis Horns... But things were changing going into the 90s. Grunge for one. I was tired and frustrated, nothing made sense. We made the record for three different label presidents and it was time for a change. I wanted to do what is now called Americana. I simply walked away and 'Going the Distance' was shelved."
No one knows how the original recording of 'Going The Distance' leaked, probably from one of the original advance cassette that Chrysalis Records sent out when the album was touted for release back in 1990.
But that would explain the less than perfect audio that has been heavily traded by collectors ever since.
And if that's you - wait until you hear this record remastered from the original tapes!
The power, passion and performances on 'Going The Distance' are nothing short of melodic rock perfection.
Mixing the rootsy, natural live Midwestern rock n roll style with the commercial melodic rock sound of the day is a brilliant combination.
Imagine Bryan Adams in his 'Into The Fire' style or John Mellencamp during his 'Scarecrow' period. Add in some Charlie Sexton, John Kilzer, Richie Sambora (solo) and Jimmy's own unique style and you get an amazing record that I personally would have had on regular rotation over the last two decades had the release gone according to plan.
Using previously unseen original artwork for both albums - including using the original cover Jimmy wanted for 'Kick The Wall' - this is an essential purchase for longtime Jimmy Davis fans. And there is no doubt that Jimmy is going to attract a whole new group of followers with these albums available soon.
MRR will release the 'Kick The Wall 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition' with bonus live disc and the 'Going The Distance' album May 19.
MelodicRock Records is offering a couple of very special deals with four very fine examples of Aussie hard rock/melodic rock.
There are two packages to choose from, or dive in and grab all 4 for the special price.
Deal 1 - HARD ROCK - EMPIRES OF EDEN'Architect Of Hope' & ROADKILL'Extinct' - Both albums for the combo sale price of $25 (and free shipping worldwide)
Deal 2 - MELODIC ROCK - THE RADIO SUN'Outside Looking In - Special Edition' & SERPENTINE SKY'Serpentine Sky - Special Edition' - Both albums for the combo sale price of $25 (and free shipping worldwide)
Or dive in and buy all 4 for just $40 (and free shipping worldwide)
While waiting for the new RIVERDOGS album to arrive, make sure your collections are complete and grab the band's last album WORLD GONE MAD.
The album has been out of print for some time now, but I have a limited quantity of CDs left here which can be purchased for $10 plus $5 shipping worldwide.
Track listing: 01) World Gone Mad 02) Big Steel Town 03) Best Day of My Life 04) Just A Little Higher 05) For You 06) This Empty Room 07) Glitter Town 08) No Matter What (Live)
The following two new Rock Candy titles are all available now from www.rockcandyrecords.com for a discounted price:
LILLIAN AXE ‘S/T' CANDY296
THE LATE 80S were a golden time for hard rock. Bands were getting signed by the bucket load. Radio and MTV was full of the sound of a musical revolution whilst concert halls were packed to the rafters with fans who just couldn’t get enough of wild guitars, wailing vocals and shout-it-out-loud songs. On paper, Lillian Axe had everything going for them – hooks, looks and enough energy to power a nation. Why they didn’t become a household name remains a mystery.
Formed in New Orleans, and establishing themselves as local heroes, the band went through a variety of line ups, before settling on the Lillian Axe moniker and being spotted and courted by RATT’s manager Marshall Berle, who brokered a recording deal with MCA. Part of the arrangement was that RATT guitarist Robbin Crosby would produce the album, a situation that worked out well for everyone involved.
Recorded in Los Angeles and released in early 1988, the record sat proud alongside other releases of the time, boasting material that went hand in glove with the prevailing zeitgeist. Tracks such as ‘Dream Of A Lifetime’, ‘Vision In The Night’ and ‘The More That You Get’, demonstrate just how accomplished their song writing was. Sadly, however, due to a regime change at their label, the record was cast aside with the new powers, strangely, insisting that they record a follow-up record rather than work the existing release. Sadly this release never got its deserved day in the sun.
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR’S EDITION, FULLY REMASTERED SOUND, 16 PAGE FULL COLOUR BOOKLET, 4,000 WORD ESSAY ABOUT THE MAKING OF THE ALBUM, NEW INTERVIEW AND ENHANCED ARTWORK
TRACK LISTING: 1. DREAM OF A LIFETIME 2. INSIDE OUT 3. VISION IN THE NIGHT 4. PICTURE PERFECT 5. THE MORE THAT YOU GET 6. MISERY LOVES COMPANY 7. NOBODY KNOWS 8. HARD LUCK 9. WAITING IN THE DARK 10. LAUGHING IN YOUR FACE
LILLIAN AXE ‘LOVE + WAR’ CANDY297
FOR LILLIAN AXE, the commercial under achievement of their debut album was a bitter pill to swallow. Yet it wasn’t anywhere near as disappointing as the lacklustre performance of their second album ‘Love + War’, a record that has gone on to be regarded by many as one of the most accomplished and best loved records from the late 80s. Somehow they managed to achieve creative heaven with this release, a record that demonstrated an ability to write and perform courageous songs, elevating their reputation above the expectations normally associated with the sort of generic hard rock they had been lumped in with.
‘Love + War’ showcases a decidedly edgy band, one keen to explore and experiment with arrangements and performances that are light years ahead of the competition. In addition, the production, courtesy of British engineer Tony Platt (Def Leppard, AC/DC, Krokus) presented the band and their songs in a wide screen style, accentuating every twist and turn with pin-point accuracy. High points are many, but ‘The World Stopped Turning’, ‘Show A Little Love’ and ‘She Likes It On Top’ indicate the first rate quality. Listen out too for a choice cover of Girl’s ‘My Number’.
Issued in mid 1999, the record registered barely a blip on the radar. Both management and label inexplicitly backing off when they were needed most. And that’s a crying shame as this album is truly one of the most sensational records of the era, a buried treasure waiting to be rediscovered.
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR’S EDITION, FULLY REMASTERED SOUND, 16 PAGE FULL COLOUR BOOKLET, 4,000 WORD ESSAY ABOUT THE MAKING OF THE ALBUM, NEW INTERVIEW AND ENHANCED ARTWORK
TRACK LISTING: 1. ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR 2. SHE LIKES IT ON TOP 3. DIANA 4. DOWN ON YOU 5. THE WORLD STOPPED TURNING 6. GHOST OF WINTER 7. MY NUMBER 8. SHOW A LITTLE LOVE 9. FOOL’S PARADISE 10. LETTERS IN THE RAIN
- First studio album from the two legendary drum brothers together -
- APPICE album release in autumn 2017 -
- Guest appearances by members and ex-members of Whitesnake, Dio, WASP, Quiet Riot and many more -
The two legendary drum brothers Carmine (Rod Stewart, Ozzy Osbourne, Blue Murder, King Kobra) and Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath, Dio, Last In Line) are recording their first ever studio album together this spring under the name APPICE.
'After decades in this crazy music business, we will sit down for the first time and record songs TOGETHER for an amazing new studio album! The album will feature both new songs and classic tracks from our history! This is very exciting for us as we will have, as Ringo said, 'A Little Help from My/Our Friends'. With that in mind, the result will be great sounding spine-shaking rhythmic foundations, along with BIG giant melodic guitars from hell, and on top, blazing vocals and melodies that will tear it all up! A first in a lifetime for us brothers!" say Carmine and Vinny.
Expect some great friends/guests to contribute to this album including Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake), Paul Shortino (Quiet Riot, Rough Cutt), Johnny Rod (WASP, King Kobra), Craig Goldy (Dio), Tony Franklin (The Firm, Blue Murder) and members of Last In Line among others.
Carmine says: 'I am so excited to be doing this new Appice CD. It is always a challenge and fun doing music with Vinny. This CD is no exception and we will be doing cool songs with double drumming and lots ear candy for our fans, not to mention playing with some of our special friends. The recording process is coming out great. Cannot wait to finish and take it on the road! Heavy drums and heavy songs. It will kill!'
Vinny adds: 'A studio album that was years in the making has now come to life! Our first ever studio CD together. With great songs, musicians and of course drums and rhythms that will overwhelm your ears and fascinate your mind!'
Olly Hahn (Head of Steamhammer) says: "It's an honour to welcome these legendary drummers to the Steamhammer family. Be prepared for an album filled with great musicians and a lot of drum wars!!!"
The yet untitled studio album will be released in October 2017 through SPV/Steamhammer as CD digipack, double gatefold vinyl, download and stream.
More news within the coming weeks. Stay tuned!
Attached signing photo from left to right:
Mirko Marten (Promotion Steamhammer), Georg Schröder (A&R Steamhammer), Carmine Appice, Olly Hahn (Head Of Steamhammer), Frank Uhle (Managing Director SPV)
