There’s nothing better than supporting new band – even if the band in question has been around for 25 years. Is this the longest time period between forming and a debut album being released?
For those familiar with these rockers from Melbourne, Australia, the wait has been worth it!
MelodicRock Records is really excited to have SERPENTINE SKY join the label roster, with their self-titled debut album due for release October 30.
Owner of MRR, Andrew McNeice recalls owning a relic of the band’s early days. “When Zakk sent me their album to check out, I only needed seconds to realize the anthemic lead track Whole Lotta Love has been a part of my collection in the form of a 2 track promo-cassette from the early 90s. I had always loved that song and wanted to hear more. Better late than never! This is a classic melodic rock album with a strong dose of Aussie attitude and a very slick, energetic production.”
“Serpentine Sky” will be released in a 10 track regular edition as well as a limited Special Edition which will contain several bonus tracks which will be announced soon.
Right now I can’t wait to present one of the great tracks off this album. But which one?
How about something different? How about the closing track?
That’s right – this album is so consistently good, we can go right to the end to present a highlight from the set. Don’t you love albums that close out with that absolute killer song that once finished makes you just want to hit play and start over again?
With that in mind, please check out SERPENTINE SKY and “Midnight”:
Originally founded in 1989 by Patrick Creamer, Zakk Zedras, Rexx Fernandez, Clinton Roche and Craig Whitelock; the then called Serpentine made an immediate impact on audiences with their energetic live show combining shredding guitars, three part harmonies, huge melodic choruses and the best rhythm section around.
In the early nineties, the band was tipped as “the next big thing” by Aus music legend Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum and showered with major record label deals.
As fate would have it, everything came to an abrupt end in 1991. Drummer Craig Whitelock suffered a serious motorbike accident resulting in him being unable to perform for the best part of twelve months. The band tried to carry on with another drummer, but relationships became strained and the magic was lost.
Reuniting after 25 years in 2014, the band played the tribute show for dearly departed friend and former drummer of White Widdow, George Kristy.
Serpentine members rekindled their friendship. A decision was made to re-form the band and record an album of their best original tracks. The band recorded their full-length debut album with producer / engineer Ricki Rae.
The band changed their name to Serpentine Sky in 2015.
VANDEN PLAS set to release the second chapter of Rock Opera written in collaboration with famed German author Wolfgang Hohlbein.
“Chronicles of the Immortals – Netherworld II” out on Frontiers in November!
Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce the release of the second chapter of VANDEN PLAS' rock opera, “Chronicles of the Immortals – Netherworld II” on November 6.
Approximately one year after the release of the first chapter, Vanden Plas return with their elaborate arrangements, superb piano melodies, and epic instrumental passages, paired with the signature heavy Vanden Plas sound and distinctive vocals of Andy Kuntz. In guitarist Stephan Lill’s words: “This is our 8th studio album, so now we know what works for Vanden Plas and what doesn´t. With every new cd we try to continue to break new ground, while still remaining faithful to our original style. As the songs of “Chronicles of the Immortals - Netherworld Part I & II” are written for a Rock Opera, this time the arrangements of the music are more epic and orchestral than on the previous albums. The engagements for several rock operas in theaters and the work together with big orchestras helped us a lot to improve the way of writing songs or to arrange song parts in a way that makes it special. A band needs this kind of a light progression. And maybe the next cd will sound a bit more reduced again, we will see.”
Fans of the saga of the immortal Andrej Delãny will now be able to enjoy the eagerly awaited continuation with "Chronicle Of The Immortals - Netherworld II." As "Chronicles Of The Immortals - Netherworld, Path I" ended, the perfidious plans of the dark Godmaker threatened to emerge. All seemed lost, yet from within the pervading darkness shone a soft light. Deliverance comes in the second half of the story, where the creative duo of Vanden Plas and Wolfgang Hohlbein has merged again in top form. And of course it will be up to the listener to find out how the story will end!
“Wolfgang Hohlbein was, together with his manager Dieter Winkler and our singer Andy, responsible for the story which was the base for both “Chronicles of the immortals - Netherworld” cd´s. For the theater piece we did here in Germany, he wrote a book especially for this event what was fantastic,” tells Stephan. Vanden Plas has always been open to remarkable and unusual ideas, and the collaboration with the writer Wolfgang Hohlbein found fertile ground there from the beginning. The author who has sold more than 40 million books worldwide was a big fan of the band. "Blutnacht" (Bloodnight), a stage production performed at the Pfalztheater Kaiserslautern, was based on his series "The Chronicle of the Immortals." Hohlbein, his manager Dieter Winkler, and Vanden Plas frontman Andy Kuntz developed the story and Vanden Plas provided the musical realization. The reward was 25 sold-out performances during the 2012 and 2013 seasons and unanimously thrilled audiences.
“We will start the shows in support of the new album during the winter of 2015. For the previous cd, we played 3 to 4 shows in seven countries in Europe. That´s what we plan also for the beginning of 2016. We just have to coordinate the dates of our Vanden Plas concerts with the dates of our theatre shows to take care that there won´t be a crossing over,” concludes Stephan.
For more than 20 years, Vanden Plas has stood for intelligent Progressive Metal. With "Netherworld II," the conclusion of "Chronicles Of The Immortals," the band now opens a new and exciting chapter in its career.
Enjoy an album trailer below:
Tracklisting:
VISION 11even * In My Universe
VISION 12elve * Godmaker´S Temptation
VISION 13teen * Stone Roses Edge
VISION 14teen * Blood Of Eden (* All love must die) (* The rite)(* This is the night)
VISION 15teen * Monster
VISION 16teen * Diabolica Comedia
VISION 17teen * Where Have The Children Gone
VISION 18teen * The Last Fight
VISION 19teen * Circle Of The Devil
Line up
Andy Kuntz (Vocals), Stephan Lill (Guitar), Günter Werno (Keyboards), Torsten Reichert (Bass), Andreas Lill (Drums)
BRITNY FOX IS BACK & HITTING THE ROAD WITH A HANDFUL OF SELECT TOUR DATES
OCTOBER: ARIZONA, VEGAS & HOLLYWOOD
NOVEMBER: ATLANTA, NY & PHILADELPHIA
HOLLYWOOD, CA (September 2, 2015) BRITNY FOX is taking a break from the studio and hitting the road to do a small West Coast run before hitting the East Coast for Farm Rock Atlanta, a two day festival of retro 80s debauchery. BRTINY FOX then ends up in their home town of Philadelphia, PA with band Heavens Edge at the Theatre of the Living Arts.
BRITNY FOX is currently writing for a new album, which is a follow up to the BITE DOWN HARD album, which was released in 1991 This musical jewel was a definite game changer on the classic BRITNY FOX sound that originally exploded in 1988. "It's awesome playing with Billy and Johnny again - Chris fits right in perfectly with us freaks, exclaims Tommy Paris, lead singer. The new songs are ass kicking, fun, heavy rock! It's a great time hanging out with Doobie, writing new tunes and putting a new show together! Can't wait to get back out on stage!"
SHOW DATES & INFO:
WED 10/07 MESA, AZ - CLUB RED
THU 10/08 LAS VEGAS, NV VAMPD
FRI 10/09 HOLLYWOOD, CA WHISKY A GO-GO
SAT 11/07 NORCROSS, GA NORTH ATLANTA TRADE CENTER
FRI 11/13 QUEENS, NY BLACKTHORN 51
SAT 11/14 PHILADELPHIA, PA THEATRE OF THE LIVING ARTS W/HEAVENS EDGE
BRITNY FOX comprises of Tommy Paris: Vocals/rhythm Guitar, Chris Sanders: Lead Guitar, Billy Childs: Bass and Johnny Dee: Drums. The band has sold close to 2 million in sales world-wide and charted on Billboards Top 10 for both Girl School and Long Way To Love.
Ozzy Osbourne guitarist GUS G. and TESTAMENT's Alex Skolnick join Mitch on episode 146 of One On One With Mitch Lafon. In the episode's first interview GUS G. discusses his new album 'Brand New Revolution', getting the Ozzy gig, working with Ozzy, an update on a new Ozzy album, Firewind and much more.
In the episode's second interview Mitch sits down with Testament guitarist Alex Skolnick. He discusses his new band with Metal Allegiance that also includes The Winery Dogs' Mike Portnoy, Megadeth's David Ellefson and Mark Menghi. We also get an update on the upcoming Testament record, the Alex Skolnick trio, Alex's infamous one night stand as OZZY OSBOURNE's guitarist, TSO, Savatage, Heavy Montreal, and more.
"I can see Firewind becoming more of an eclectic band in the future."
When he was asked to tryout for Ozzy: "You go 'hold on a second,' have three shots of whiskey, you calm down, and then you reply 'yes, I'd like to audition.'"
Learning the Ozzy songs: "You approach them with respect first of all and love (as a fan). You don't fuck around with those songs."
Metal Allegiance: "There wasn't any pressure to sound like a certain band."
New Testament: "I look at it like a car. Eric and Chuck work together. They both have their hands on the wheel and I'm the back seat driver."
Working with Ozzy: "It was this very strange period, so you don't want to get to emotionally attached, but at the same time how can you not. It's a dream gig for a guitar player."
"Even though it was just one show... To do so well in rehearsals that Ozzy decides to book a show. Everybody is going crazy because he's inspired and wants to play. What an acknowledgment."
"There are musicians you outgrow, I saw KISS on the Dynasty tour (I was 10 years old). I thought, 'these are the greatest musicians in the whole world.' I saw KISS on the Psycho Circus tour and I thought, 'Oh my God! They can barely play."
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Alessandro Del Vecchio, renowned producer, keyboardist and singer has launched a new website at www.alessandrodelvecchio.com where you can find all info related to his works.
Alessandro has had a busy year, with REVOLUTION SAINTS, BAILEY and KELLY KEELING plus the upcoming RESURRECTION KINGS album.
RESURRECTION KINGS features Chas West (vocals), Craig Goldy (guitars), Sean McNabb (bass) Vinny Appice (drums). Their debut album is due in the first quarter of 2016.
SIOUX FALLS (September 2, 2015) The Badlands House Band, the musical voice of Chuck Brennan’s new Badlands Pawn entertainment destination, made their debut in true post-Apocalyptic fashion on Thursday, August 27 at The District in Sioux Falls.
The band, fans, staff and venue endured a record-breaking thunderstorm which caused major flooding and road closures throughout the region, and a power outage lasting nearly two hours. The hundreds of Rock ‘n Roll enthusiasts that remained at the venue roared when the power came back on and the Badlands House Band took the stage.
“We stayed ready, and maintained our focus,” said lead singer Ron Keel. “When the juice came back on, it was time to go to work.”
The electricity remained on for the entire show, which featured plenty of flames, smoke, explosions, a drum riser built like the front of a train – and special guest appearances by Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Famer Paul Stanley from KISS and Night Ranger’s Jack Blades.
“The Badlands House Band is really world class,” Stanley stated after the show. “I was more than pleasantly surprised. When you say you’re going to sit in with a band you really don’t know what you’re getting into. It’s great.”
“I’m really proud of the entire Badlands team,” Brennan said. “The band kicks ass, and our staff and crew really rose to the occasion. This is the first of many epic events presented by the Badlands Entertainment Group.”
The concert was filmed for an upcoming TV special, and the first 500 guests in the door received a free Badlands House Band t-shirt.
The band is led by million-selling frontman Ron Keel, the Metal Cowboy, and includes Midwest drum legend Rev Koller, guitarists DC Cothern and Doc Purcell, keyboardist Dakota Scott and bass player Geno “El Diablo” Arce.
The songlist featured classic Rock ‘n Roll anthems woven together to create a show filled with twists and turns, dramatic transitions, massive vocal harmonies and guitar histrionics. After the performance, the Badlands House Band wasted no time resting as they climbed on board the tour bus and headed for their first road show the following night in Mankato, Minnesota.
“The Minnesota show the next day was the true test,” said Badlands Entertainment Manager Mike “Chainsaw” Findling. “It was a last minute opportunity, so there was no advance promotion and nobody knew who they were. Without the hype, the special effects, lights, no train and no superstar guests, the show still worked. Thousands of fans were singing along, even though they’d never heard of the band.”
The group’s next stop is in Moorhead, Minnesota Sept. 11 at Bluestem Amphitheater with Hairball. They are also confirmed to perform at major bike events such as Biketoberfest (Daytona October 15-17) and the Lone Star Rally in Galveston November 5-7. BHB has just launched their official web site at http://BadlandsHouseBand.com and announced plans to headline the New Year’s Eve concert at Badlands Pawn in Sioux Falls.
Badlands Pawn, Gold & Jewelry opens Thanksgiving Day, 2015 and will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day of the year. For more information, visit http://BadlandsPawn.com.
Ulterium Records are proud to announce the release of a limited 2LP gatefold vinyl edition of the upcoming STRYPER album "Fallen". A deal was inked with Frontiers Records and the release dates are set to November 13th for Europe and December 4th for North America. The edition is strictly limited to 1554 copies worldwide. 389 copies comes with white discs and 1165 copies with standard black discs.
InsideOut Music is extremely pleased to announce the worldwide signing of legendary US rock group KANSAS for the release of their forthcoming 15th studio album.
KANSAS needs no introduction, having sold over 30 million records in their career, as well as achieving 8 gold albums, three sextuple-platinum albums (Leftoverture, Point Of Know Return, The Best Of Kansas), a platinum live album (Two for the Show) and a million-selling gold single ("Dust In The Wind").
Drummer and founding member Phil Ehart had this to say about the signing: "In speaking for all the members of KANSAS, we could not be more enthused about signing with InsideOut. They are the greatest Prog music label on the planet and we are very proud to be a part of their stable of artists. It's our first album of new music in 15 years and we are very happy to be working with the great team at InsideOut."
InsideOutMusic label-head Thomas Waber adds: "We are extremely excited about signing KANSAS, the biggest and most important Prog band to come out of the US! I grew up listening to them and their music is a part of my DNA. Everyone on the team is working hard in making the next studio album count 150% and for it to become an important part in the legacy of this great band. We are very proud to become a part of the journey!"
KANSAS is currently comprised of original drummer Phil Ehart, bassist/vocalist Billy Greer, keyboardist David Manion, lead singer/keyboardist Ronnie Platt, violinist/guitarist David Ragsdale, and original guitarist Richard Williams.
They are currently in the midst of an extensive US tour. KANSAS continues to remain a fixture of Classic Rock radio and has reached a whole new audience through their unmistakable presence on popular video games Rock Band and Guitar Hero, and through their songs inclusion in various television shows such as 'Supernatural,' 'South Park,' and the films 'Old School,' and 'Anchorman’.
InsideOutMusic recently became a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment, following their acquisition of The Century Family.
