German label AOR Heaven will release the solo album by WHITE SISTER singer DENNIS CHURCHILL DRIES on May 29.
During the 1980s and ’90s, in those halcyon pre-Autotune days when the song was king and talent mattered, Dennis Churchill Dries was the singer and bass player of the bands White Sister and Tattoo Rodeo. Both of these groups earned prestigious major label record deals, but in the long run would learn how tough the music business can be.
Issued to rave reviews in 1984, White Sister’s self-titled debut was produced by Gregg Giuffria of Angel fame. While having tasted life on an independent label with its follow-up ‘Fashion By Passion’, Churchill Dries was also a part of the outfit Tattoo Rodeo. Picked up by Atlantic for ‘Rode Hard, Put Away Wet’ in ’91, they hit the road and opened for Bad Company and Damn Yankees. The band followed up with ‘Skin’ some four years later, and called it quits in 1998. There was a reunion show in 2006, and talks of new material, but all was scrapped after the death of drummer Rich Wright.
In October 2008, to the astonishment of just about everybody, original White Sister mebmers DCD, Rick Chadock, and Garri Brandon reunited to appear at the legendary indoor rock festival the Firefest. To say that they blew the doors off would be an understatement. They went over so well that the Firefest team invited the boys back again the following year, and they did not dissapoint! There was hushed yet optimistic talk of new music.
And then in October 2012, the unthinkable happened. Chadock lost his battle with cancer. Dennis was crushed by the loss of his music partner and closest friend of 35 years. New music from White Sister was not to be, and DCD retreated into solitude.
Dennis began writing on his own as a form of therapy, and in 2014 was reunited with Paul Sabu, who produced, engineered, and mixed “I”, and supplied the guitar work. DCD drew priceless encouragement from the multi-talented Sabu, whose bands have included Only Child, Silent Rage and Sabu.
“I” is heavily influenced by the music of the late-1970s and ’80s, mixing chunky grooves with radio-friendly melodies and drawing influence from DCD’s favourite acts, including The Beatles, Bad Company, Journey, Steve Perry, John Waite, Styx and Toto. The voice remains in great nick, too. “I took several years off, and only performed 3 shows from 2006 through the recording process in 2014 - I still have a lot left in the tank!”.
Line-up: Dennis Churchill Dries - vocals, bass, keyboards, acoustic guitar; Paul Sabu - guitars, keyboards, backing vocals
Tracklist: 1. Heard It On The Radio 2. “I” 3. Home 4. Unbroken 5. Song For The Living 6. Pictures 7. Can You Feel It 8. Pieces 9. She Loves You 10. So Good To See You 11. Home (acoustic version)
This week on The Double Stop is vocalist Mark Slaughter.
Mark (Slaughter, Vinnie Vincent Invasion) discusses his career - from starting in Xcursion, to joining Vinnie Vincent Invasion - to striking out (and finding huge success) with Slaughter. He goes into detail on the first two Slaughter records and discusses his new solo record - Reflections In A Rear View Mirror.
MelodicRock Records has been bringing new and fresh talent to the fore for several years now and is proud to announce signing yet another high-class new artist to the label’s roster.
Please welcome ROOM EXPERIENCE to the MRR family.
For the first time, MelodicRock Records will be offering something special and exclusive for this release.
For those tired of those deluxe/special editions appearing months after the original release – this is for you!
Available exclusively via MelodicRock.com pre-orders will be a very limited ROOM EXPERIENCE Special Edition CD featuring exclusive bonus tracks and an exclusive variation on the regular release cover art.
Pre-orders will be available right here from Wednesday April 15.
ROOM EXPERIENCE’s self-titled debut is truly going to be an experience for fans of high-class European AOR and melodic rock!
This is perhaps the most star-studded MRR release yet.
The track listing and cover art for the regular edition is:
01. Shock Me
02. Tomorrow Came
03. Run To You
04. Queen Of Every Heart
05. Another Day Without You
06. One Way Out
07. The Only Truth
08. Not Time Yet For A Lullaby
09. Rainbow In The Rain
10. No Sign Of Summer
11. Only Goodnight
It is time to unveil the opening track from the album "Shock Me" - please check out below.
ROOM EXPERIENCE is:
David Readman (Pink Cream 69, Voodoo Circle) - Lead & Backing Vocals
Gianluca Firmo - Keyboards, Backing Vocals & Lead Vocals on "Only Goodnight"
But that’s not all… Making special guest appearances are:
Alessandro Del Vecchio (Revolution Saints, L.R.S, Three Lions, Shining Line) - Hammond on “Rainbow In The Rain"
Ivan Gonzalez (Secret, 91 Suite) - Guitars on "Another Day Without You", "No Sign of Summer" & "Tomorrow’s Came"
Sven Larsson (Street Talk, Fergie Frederiksen, Lionville, Charming Grace) - Guitars on "The Only Truth"
Stefano Zeni (Wheels Of Fire, Charming Grace) - Guitars on "Queen Of Every Heart"
Boris Matakovic (Human Zoo, Charming Grace) - Sax on "Tomorrows Came"
Elena Aurë (Charming Grace) - Backing Vocals on "Rainbow in the Rain" & "Tomorrows Came"
ROOM EXPERIENCE will release their debut album “Room Experience” via MelodicRock Records/Cargo Distribution on May 22.
For those fans of Lionville, Shining Line, David Readman (solo), Charming Grace and Street Talk comes the debut AOR masterpiece ROOM EXPERIENCE!
Check out a full track from the album: “Tomorrow Came”
On May 22 Room Experience will be finally released worldwide through Melodic Rock Records, with artwork and graphics provided by Antonella Astori (Charming Grace).
The key is in the hole and turning... the doors are about to unlock: are you ready for the "Room Experience"?
"I have a new song called 'Strong' that I just released. You can check out a pretty long audio sample on the front page of my website below. I am really happy to let you know that the fine folks who host and work on my website have re-designed the site from the ground up. If you, or anyone you know, might need a website or hosting of a site, I can't recommend PCZero.net highly enough. I've been with them for 12 years now and I've never been happier. If you get a chance, please go over and have a look around.
Finally, I hope to see you on tour this year. You can see some of the dates we have so far on the 'tour' page of the site.
Thanks so much for your many years of support and please contact me anytime you want. I will respond!!
Dallas, TX - April 8, 2015. North American syndicated Rock radio show and website InTheStudio: The Stories Behind Historys Greatest Rock Bands celebrates the 40th anniversary of Bad Company's sophomore smash Straight Shooter .
The year 1974 must have seemed quite a whirlwind for Brit blues-rockers Bad Company. As former members of Free, singer/songwriter Paul Rodgers and drummer Simon Kirke, along with ex- Mott the Hoople guitarist/ songwriter Mick Ralphs and bass player Boz Burrell (who had a stint with King Crimson), had all tasted success in the UK early in their respective careers, tagging them with the blessing/curse of supergroup upon the formation of Bad Company.
Bad Company had elbowed their way to the forefront of the rock world by the April 1975 release of their second album Straight Shooter, delivering the timeless hits Good Lovin Gone Bad, Feel Like Makin Love and Shooting Star and avoiding a sophomore jinx.
In an interview with InTheStudio host Redbeard, Ralphs, Kirke, and Paul Rodgers recall how the Grammy- nominated Feel Like Makin Love single, originally composed during Pauls time in Free but never finished, ended up on Bad Companys Straight Shooter album.
We had come off a very heavy tour...We needed material, come to think of it... so I started to play it and I said to Ralphsy, It needs a chorus, something to come in heavy here. So he says, How about this? (hums guitar part of chorus). Weird isnt it? It came together like almost by accident. It might still have been floating around in my head today if we hadnt like needed a song desperately, you know. - Paul Rodgers
Known for being a member of MANOWAR between 1988 and 1994, DAVID SHANKLE remains a world renowned super shred guitarist and instructor for all true metal fans - as heard by the upcoming third full-length offering by his band, DSG, titled 'STILL A WARRIOR.’ To be released on April 24th in Germany and April 28th worldwide via Pure Steel Records, the ten-track album is sure to please long-time fans of the fleet-fingered talents of Shankle.
"I'm very happy to say that I feel this is the best DSG record to date," says Shankle. "I also feel this is the best DSG band out of all three of them so far. I'm very proud of everyone of these guys great job they did on the record." Joining Shankle in DSG are vocalist Warren Halvarson, bassist Mike Streicher, and drummer Gabriel Anthony. "With new singer Warren Halvarson, new bass player Mike Streicher, and our new drummer Gabriel Anthony, this is by far the BEST line up to date."
For 13 years, Shankle has been enjoying a solo career, as evidenced by the two albums, 'Ashes To Ashes' (2003) and 'Hellborn' (2007). And 'Still A Warrior' does not disappoint, as it features both metallic anthems (the title track) and instrumentals ("The Hitman") with such guest artists as Michael Angelo Batio, Joe Stump, and Parker Lundgren from QUEENSRYCHE. Also, the "Demonic Solo” (from the movie 'Jezebeth') is being hailed as one of the fastest guitar solos in the world.
Shankle: "I think the new DSG record, 'Still A Warrior,' is a combination of the best from the 'Ashes to Ashes' and 'Hellborn' CD's. A lot of great melodic vocals and full neo-classical shred guitar in your face.” 'Still A Warrior' confirms: friends of US metal with a classical shred guitar influences will completely be satisfied by their old hero again!
'STILL A WARRIOR’ TRACK LISTING:
1. Still A Warrior
2. Ressecution
3. Glimpse Of Tomorrow
4. Demonic Solo (From the movie Jezebeth)
5. Fuel For The Fire
6. Eye To Eye
7. The Hitman (instrumental)
8. Suffer In Silence (Agenda 21)
9. Into The Darkness
10. Across The Line
2 words. Only 2 words. And yet they mean so much. Especially when you can’t find the right ones to say. But certainly in combination with music, which gives the missing words a melody and therefore equally affects the heart and soul.
Leo Leoni was inspired by them to create a beautiful rock ballad. His thoughts were clearly with his mother. She was still able to hear the song and its message before she passed away. As you can see, you can never say «Thank You» too soon. And it always comes at the right time.
Therefore Gotthard’s Thank You goes beyond the close family ties. It is also a Thank You to all mothers and women of the world and at the same time a warm Grazie and Merci to the many Gotthard fans around the globe.
"Thank You" from May 8th 2015 onwards available as single bundle.
From this date onwards, 'Thank You' will be downloadable on iTunes and other digital platforms as a bundle: the radio-edit, taken from Bang! which won "Best National Album“ at the Swiss Music Awards 2015, as well as the long version, a more than 10-minute live-track, recorded in November 2014 in Baar.
Live Album
But there is more exciting news. Gotthard have a special treat for their fans: The live album "Live & Bangin’" of the succesfull BANG! Tour will be available end of May in a limited edition and can only be ordered at the Fan-Shop on gotthard.com
Record cover artist Ioannis has just completed the package for the new HOUSE OF LORDS album INDESTRUCTIBLE.
The album is Being released June 7 worldwide on Frontiers Records. “I have known James Christian since his early days in the late 70’s playing the clubs in North East of the US, with what was at the time the biggest band in the area, and was delighted when the chance to work together came up.” said Ioannis, “the inspiration for the art came from the music he gave me to listen to. It was a real joy to do this.”
A limited edition signed print by Ioannis of the front cover is being made available at his store as an exclusive to this websites fans enter the promoted MELODIC ROCK to get free shipping worldwide, you can view and order the print here:
Pre-Orders of Commemorative Double Album Set Available on iTunes & Amazon
Los Angeles, CA (April 9, 2015) - Rock superstars Pat Bennatar and Neil “Spyder” Giraldo are celebrating their latest musical milestone with the release of the CD/DVD set, Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo: The 35th Anniversary Tour on April 28. The 14-track commemorative package features their greatest and groundbreaking hits. Their lead-off single from the live CD, “Promises in the Dark,” will be released to radio this week. It originally rocked airwaves in 1981 as part of the hit album, Precious Time, and was co-written by the iconic duo. Pre-orders of the double CD include free instant downloads, “We Live for Love” and “Promises in the Dark” on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/35th-anniversary-tour-live/id98303897. Fans can also pre-order the set at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/35th-Anniversary-Tour-plus-DVD/dp/B00V84Q16E/.
"We are thrilled to be releasing this live version of “Promises in the Dark” from our 35th Anniversary Concert Tour. Promises has special meaning for us. It was the first song we wrote together, about our own relationship. A little awkward at first, to be sure! It has become one of our signature compositions and a favorite to play live," Benatar and Giraldo explain.
Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo: The 35th Anniversary Tour CD/DVD set kicks off with “Shadows of the Night,” which was a Top 10 hit for the couple on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart in 1982. Other hit singles include “Love is a Battlefield,” “We Belong,” “Heartbreaker,” and “Hell is for Children.” Together, Benatar and Giraldo, have 19 Top 40 singles and multiple Top 10 singles. They have scored two RIAA-certified Multi-Platinum albums, five RIAA-certified Platinum albums, and three RIAA-certified Gold albums.
In addition to the CD/DVD, the acclaimed duo will launch the 35th Anniversary Tour on Friday, April 10 in Jackson, California.
Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo: The 35th Anniversary Tour CD/DVD Track Listing
Shadows of the Night
All Fired Up
Invincible
We Live for Love
So Sincere
Sex as a Weapon
Promises in the Dark
We Belong
Hell is for Children
You Better Run
Hit Me with Your Best Shot
Love is a Battlefield
Let's Stay Together
Heartbreaker
35th Anniversary Tour Schedule (more dates to come) April 10 - Jackson, CA @ Jackson Rancheria Casino April 11 - Temecula, CA @ Pechanga Resorrt & Casino April 14 -- San Diego, CA @ Balboa Theatre April 16 - Bakersfield, CA @ Fox Theater April 17 - Beverly Hills, CA @ Saban Theatre April 18 - Las Vegas, NV @ TThe Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino April 21 - Springfield, MO @ Gillioz Theatre April 22 - St. Charles, IL @ The Arcadda Theatre April 24 - Nortthfield, OH @ Hard Rock Rocksino April 26 - Lancaster, PA @ American Music Theatre April 28 - Zanesville, OH @ Secrest Audiitorium April 29 - Albanny, NY @ Hart Theatre @ The Egg May 01 - Hampton Beach, NH @ Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom May 02 - Portland, ME @ Maine Sttate Pier May 03 - Lynn, MMA @ Lynn Auditorium May 05 - New Bedford, MA @ Zeiterion Performing Arts Center May 06 - Englewood, NJ @ Bergen Performing AArts Center May 08 - Porrt Chester, NY @ The Capitol Theatre May 09 - Ocean City, MD @ Springfest May 10 - Morristown, NJ @ Mayo Performing Arts Centerr May 13 - Nashville, TN @ RRyman Auditorium May 15 - Richardson, TX @ Wildflower Festival May 16 - Baton Rouge, LA @ L'Auberge Baton Rouge May 19 - Saint Petersburg, FL @ The Maahaffey May 21 - Hollywoood, FL @ Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino June 26 - Milwaukee, WI @ Summerfest June 27 - Lawrenceburg, IN @ Hollywood CCasino - Lawrenceburg Event Center June 30 - Newport News, VA @ CNU Ferguson Center for the Arts July 01 - Durham, NC @ Thee Carolina Theatre July 03 - Salamanca, NY @ Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel -Seneca Events Center July 04 - Mount Pocono, PPA @ Mount Airy Casino Resort -- Sherman Summer Stage July 07 - Verona, NY @ Turning Stone Resort Caasino - Showroom July 13 - Grand Rapids, MI @ Meijer Gardens Amphitheater Aug 22 - Lancaster, CA @ Antelope Valley Fairgrounds Aug 31 - Moonroe, WA @ Evergreen State Fair
The US melodic metal band WORLDVIEW just released a lyric video for the track "Mortality" online. Their upcoming debut album "The Chosen Few" will be released on May 22nd in Europe and on May 26th in North America through M24 Music Group.
Worldview features members from iconic bands like Sacred Warrior, Deliverance and Recon.
"The Chosen Few" is packed with a host of celebrity guest players: Oz Fox (Stryper) playing a blazing lead guitar, Les Carlsen (Bloodgood) laying down a dramatic guest vocal, Jimmy P. Brown (Deliverance) cutting some low and powerful background vocals. Larry Farkas (Vengeance Rising, Die Happy) shredding with his tasty licks, Armand Meinbardis (Rob Rock) dazzling with his violin and piano playing, and Niki Bente gracing the record with her lovely voice on the title track.
The artwork was created by Felipe Machado Franco [Blind Guardian, Rhapsody of Fire, Jorn] and the album was mixed and mastered by Bill Metoyer [Fates Warning, Slayer, W.A.S.P.]
Worldview line-up:
Johnny Gonzales - Drums, Percussion
Todd Libby - Bass guitar, Keyboards
George Rene Ochoa - Guitars, Keyboards, Background Vocals
Rey Parra - Lead Vocals
"The Chosen Few" track listing
01. Mortality
02. Illusions of Love
03. Back in Time
04. The Mirror
05. Why?
06. Prisoner of Pain
07. Two Wonders
08. Walk Through Fire
09. The Chosen Few
10. The Last Cry
