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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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Mon
23
Nov

ANVIL Announce 'Anvil Is Anvil' February 26

Artist: 
Anvil
Friday, February 26, 2016
Categories: 
News Feed
 
- NEW ALBUM WILL BE RELEASED FEBRUARY 26th, 2016 -
- EUROPEAN TOUR WITH DIRKSCHNEIDER CONFIRMED -

Anvil is Anvil! A self-confident statement. A band philosophy. And what’s more: a life motto. Anvil is Anvil, that’s the title of their latest album. And the name says it all: an unambiguous, uncompromising recording, typical of this band. At the same time it’s fresh, occasionally surprising and generally exciting through and through. A stalwart metal manifesto by a band who stand for authenticity and credibility like few others in this fast-lived business. “We’re sometimes criticised for never changing,” guitarist and vocalist Lips explains. “But why should we change something we’re renowned for? Isn’t it much more important to stay faithful to yourself? To do what you do best? The idea behind our latest album is: we are what we are, and that’s how it’s going to stay!” For all Anvil fans, this is the best news of the year. And the all-important date for 2016 has already been scheduled: Anvil is Anvil will be released by Steamhammer/SPV on 26 February 2016. So be sure to mark the day in your diary!

Because Anvil is Anvil presents Lips, drummer Robb Reiner and their new bassist Chris Robertson in a thoroughly magic metal moment. Lips: “Time will tell whether this album is the absolute pinnacle of our career. But I would already refer to it as ´gaining the momentum`. The year 2013 was a perfect new start for Anvil. We were touring, went on to write the new material, toured again and returned to compose some more. During that time, the new line-up gelled into a real unit. The arrival of Chris was just as significant for us as the film back in 2008. He helped me enormously with my vocal lines, which is why my voice sounds better than ever on stage and also in the studio.”

The same could be said of the new material. Anvil is Anvil sounds all of one piece and presents the band’s amazing diversity, combined with their conscious loyalty to the compositional DNA of their own classics. ´Die For A Lie` for example sounds like a contemporary version of ´Jackhammer` and the stomping ´Runaway Train` features the same directives as ´Smoking Green`, only based on Kudlow’s present-day maturity. “I practically graduated from the Bob Marlette University,” the Anvil frontman praises the American producer with whom the band recorded their 2011 release, Juggernaut Of Justice and Hope In Hell (2013). “Bob showed me how to write songs which really mean something. So when I started to compose this time around, I was perfectly groomed.”

Talking of which: Anvil is Anvil was produced by Martin ´Mattes` Pfeiffer (U.D.O.) at the Redhead 4 Studios in Pulheim near Cologne, Germany. For Lips, whose family is Jewish, as is drummer Robb Reiner’s, it was a special moment to work with a German producer in a German studio. “There’s a song on Anvil is Anvil that’s called ´Forgive Don´t Forget`, which says everything about our attitude. Nobody is guilty of anything that happened before their time, especially since Germany has critically examined and come to terms with its own past. Anvil have always been welcome in Germany, even during difficult phases. When we think of Germany, we think of friends, not war criminals.” Lips calls himself an idealist who takes a clear political stance with songs such as ´Gun Control` and ´Die For A Lie` and also denounces the ambiguous role of the church. He says: “Religion is frequently used to involve people in military conflict. Hate in the name of God that’s just wrong!”

Yet Anvil is Anvil not only touches on sensitive issues but also documents the band’s lust for life, their dynamic musical style and their absolute down-to-earthiness. When Lips delivers the line “Ace of Spades and the joker is wild” on ´It´s Your Move` with a surprisingly realistic Motörhead timbre, it proves his sense of humour and is an homage at the same time (“close friends with Lemmy since 1981, he is definitely part of the family”). And when Anvil invite their fans to the studio to join the choir on ´Daggers And Rum`, it only shows the closeness between the musicians and their fans. “We’ve never recorded a pirate metal shanty such as ´Daggers & Rum` before. I’m sure this number will go down well on the upcoming tour.”

Regarding the cover Robb Reiner ads: "This time around,it was suggested I paint the cover art for the release by brother Lips, after I had come up with the concept and showing him study sketches drawn out. The simple straight to the point composition was much fun to render on canvas in oil. I spent about 6 weeks to complete it"

The new album "Anvil Is Anvil" will be released on February 26th, 2016 (worldwide ex Japan) as a digipak version (+1 bonus track and poster), 2LP gatefold clear version and download.

Tracklisting:

1. Daggers And Rum 5:26
2. Up, Down, Sideways 3:19
3. Gun Control 4:22
4. Die For A Lie 3:17
5. Runaway Train 3:40
6. Zombie Apocalypse 4:22
7. Its Your Move 3:30
8. Ambushed 3:22
9. Fire On The Highway 4:35
10. Run Like Hell 3:07
11. Forgive Don`t Forget 2:40
12. Never Going To Stop 4:12 (bonus track digipak)
 
ANVIL will embark on a massive European-Tour together with DIRKSCHNEIDER from February-April 2016 followed by a USA Tour from May 12-June 18 2016 (dates for this will be announced soon).

ANVIL as special guest with DIRKSCHNEIDER

19.02.16 NO-Stavanger - Folken
20.02.16 NO-Haugesund - Byscenen
21.02.16 NO-Bergen - Rick`s
24.02.16 DK-Aarhus - Train
25.02.16 SE-Malmö - KB
26.02.16 SE-Gothenburg - Trädgarn
27.02.16 SE-Sundsvall - Folket Hus
28.02.16 SE-Stockholm - Fryshuset Klubben
01.03.16 FIN-Helsinki - Tavastia
04.03.16 FIN-Jyväskylä - Lutakko
05.03.16 FIN-Vaasa - Rantasipi
11.03.16 D-Leipzig - Hellraiser
12.03.16 D-Markneukirchen - Music Hall
13.03.16 D-Ludwigsburg - Rockfabrik
22.03. D-Cologne - Essigfabrik
23.03. D-Bochum - Zeche
25.03.16 CZ-Ostrava - Garage
26.03.16 CZ-Zlin - Masters Of Rock Cafe
27.03.16 CZ-Prague - Meet Factory
31.03.16 D-Munich - Backstage
01.04.16 D-Burglengenfeld - VAZ
02.04.16 D-Memmingen - Kaminwerk
03.04.16 CH-Pratteln - Z7
05.04.16 E-Madrid - La Riviera
06.04.16 E-Pamplona - Sala Totem
07.04.16 E-Barcelona - Razzmatazz 2
21.04.16 D-Hamburg - Markthalle
23.04.16 D-Geiselwind - MusicHall
24.04.16 D-Berlin - Postbahnhof

More dates will be added soon...

www.anvilmetal.com
https://www.facebook.com/anvilmetal/
https://www.facebook.com/steamhammerofficial/
 
Tags: 
Anvil
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