Mon
06
Apr

FM Debut New Lyric Video 'Somedays I Only Want To Rock & Roll'

Artist: 
Monday, April 6, 2015
Categories: 
News Feed
 
Available Today Along With first single 'Digging Up The Dirt' and 'Life Is a Highway'
When You Pre Order the new album 'Heroes And Villains'

New Studio Album Out In Europe 17/4
and North America on 21/4
 
Frontiers Music Srl has announced an April 17th release date for FM new album 'Heroes And Villains' in Europe, with North America to follow on April 21st. Fans can now listen to another track to debut from the album which is: 'Somedays I Only Want to Rock & Roll.'  The song is available now along with the first video/single 'Digging Up the Dirt' and 'Life Is a Highway' as an Instant Gratification Track, beginning today on iTunes worldwide when you pre-order : http://radi.al/FMHandViTunes

 
The lyric video can be enjoyed here:


 

Configurations for the album include CD, and 2LP vinyl set.  You can also preorder " Heroes And Villains " via Amazon now: http://hyperurl.co/fmheroesandvillains

 
'Heroes and Villains' is FM's much anticipated ninth original studio album, which follows the band's celebration in 2014 of their 30th Anniversary and the successful release of the 'Rockville' albums in 2013.
 
Comprising the ex-Samson pair of bassist Merv Goldsworthy and drummer Pete Jupp; the Overland brothers 'vocalist/guitarist Steve and lead guitarist Chris - plus the keyboard talents of Philip Manchester (AKA sci-fi nutcase Didge Digital), FM's first public appearance on Valentine's Day of 1985 was swiftly followed by the release of their debut album, 'Indiscreet'.  FM hit the road in Europe supporting the likes of Tina Turner, Meat Loaf, Foreigner, Gary Moore, Status Quo and the white-hot Bon Jovi on the 'Slippery When Wet' tour.
 
For the next 12 years FM consolidated their position at the forefront of British melodic rock, touring everywhere they could to promote releases such as 1989's 'Tough It Out' and 1992's 'Aphrodisiac'.  In1996, with 'grunge' fever sweeping the world, the band decided to call it a day... until October 2007, when FM at last played together again for the first time in 12 years, headlining a sold-out Firefest IV at Nottingham Rock City, showcasing new guitarist Jim Kirkpatrick. 
 
This was followed in March 2010 by the release of their much-anticipated sixth studio album 'Metropolis'. The next 4 years saw FM touring extensively including tours with Thin Lizzy, Foreigner and Europe and festivals with acts like Toto, Survivor at Graspop, Sweden Rock, Loreley and Download Festival for the second time. For the first time in their history they also had songs play listed on national radio in the UK including "Story Of My Life'  and 'Better Late Than never' on BBC Radio 2.
 
The new album sees FM staying true to their musical legacy offering their classic sound updated in 2015 with great songwriting and performances and of course the 'golden voice' of Steve Overland. Another gem of an album which is undoubtedly going to please all the fans.
 
See FM on tour!
 
Apr 3     Grimsby, Yardbirds - UK
Apr 4     Nantwich, Civic Hall Nantwich Jazz Festival - UK
Apr 11   Milan, Live Club Frontiers Rock Festival - Italy
May 1   Bristol, Bierkeller - UK
May 2   Wolverhampton, Robin 2 - UK
May 3   Portsmouth, Wedgewood Rooms - UK
May 5   Nottingham, Rescue Rooms - UK
May 6   Glasgow, Classic Grand - UK
May 8   Newcastle, O2 Academy - UK
May 9   Manchester, Academy 2 - UK
May 10 London, O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire - UK
Jun 21 Dessel, Graspop Metal Meeting - Belgium

Tags: 
 
Mon
06
Apr

One On One With Mitch Lafon - DEF LEPPARD

Artist: 
Monday, April 6, 2015
Categories: 
Podcasts & Radio

One On One With Mitch Lafon​ interviews with Def Leppard's Phil Collen and Michael Des Barres:

http://www.spreaker.com/user/talkingmetal/one-on-one-101-def-leppard

Singer/actor MICHAEL DES BARRES, and DEF LEPPARD guitarist Phil Collen join Mitch on this episode of One On One With Mitch Lafon. Former GUNS 'N ROSES manager Alan Niven co-hosts.

Michael discusses his new The Key To The Universe album, working with the '80s supergroup POWER STATION, his performance at Live Aid, the art of acting vs. singing, the KISS Destroyer demo song Ain't None Of Your Business, the success of Animotion's song Obsession, and much more.

Follow Michael online: http://michaeldesbarres.com and on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MichaelDesBarres.OfficialPage

DEF LEPPARD's Phil Collen joins Mitch to talk about the band's upcoming new album, their spring tour of Canada, their summer tour of the US alongside STYX and TESLA, Vivian Campbell's health, were Adrenalize and Hysteria over produced, High 'N Dry, the Bon Jovi/Def Leppard co-headline tour, Def Leppard's 'Hysteria On The High Seas cruise, being a vegan, the city of Montreal and much more.

Phil Collen Pull Quotes:

"High 'N Dry was a little bit derivative."

"Mutt Lange is a genius."

"On our new album you'll definitely hear some of our influences - you'll hear Queen. You'll hear AC/DC. You'll hear Stevie Wonder and stuff like that as well, but it still sounds very Def Leppard."

"This is the best album we've done since Hysteria."

For more about the band visit: http://www.defleppard.com and on FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/defleppard

Follow Mitch Lafon on Twitter: @mitchlafon
One on One With Mitch Lafon's Official Twitter is: @1On1WithMitch
And Official Facebook page is:  http://www.facebook.com/OneOnOneMitchLafon
 
Fri
03
Apr

TOTO XIV Album Debuts Top Ten In Nine Countries

Artist: 
Friday, April 3, 2015
Categories: 
News Feed
 
Most Successful Toto Studio Album In Over 25 Years
 
World Tour Commences In Glasgow on May 21, 2015
 
Los Angeles, CA --- After a ten year recording hiatus, Toto has returned with one of their most successful albums ever.  Released last week, TOTO XIV charted all around the world showing the true dedication of their worldwide fans.  The album landed in the Top 10 on the charts in nine countries (Germany #4, Netherlands #2, Japan #2, Denmark #7, Czech Republic #10, Finland #5, Norway #6, Sweden #4 and Switzerland #3).  TOTO XIV also became the first new studio album to chart in the US & UK since 1988’s The Seventh One.
 
“We’re pleasantly stunned at the response,” exclaimed David Paich. “We couldn’t be more pleased with this initial success! And we’re always blown away when a new TOTO album bursts onto the Charts.  We owe it all to our friends and Fans!"
 
“I am happily shocked, thankful and surprised,” echoed Steve Lukather.  “ I can’t begin to thank you all for the support of buying real music and the love and kindness you have all showed this band for 38 years. So much thanks to our team and Frontiers records and all the people that work with us and most of all to the fans and our friends.  It means so much to us.  This one is for Mike and Jeff and all the Porcaro's!”
 
TOTO XIV is a realized vision three plus decades in the making exhibiting world-class musicianship, masterful arrangements, topical lyrical commentary, and melodies that the collective of Lukather, Paich, Porcaro, Williams and their assembled band-mates bring to life. TOTO XIV is the band’s first album of new material since 2006’s Falling In Between.  However, the band personally considers the new album to be the true follow-up to TOTO IV, which made the band global superstars.
 
Keyboardist Steve Porcaro reveals, "This is opposite of going through the motions.  We are treating this like it is Toto V, our follow-up to TOTO IV.  We just want to be the best version of ourselves that we can be.  Be true to ourselves and make the best music we can.  Entertain people which is what we were put on this Earth for."  Keyboardist David Paich reflects, "I think of TOTO as a unit and a band that carries a responsibility when it goes out there in to the public consciousness.   There is so much negativity and darkness that I think you have to be as Quincy Jones puts it, 'beams of light that blast through the darkness'." 
 
As they began the process of a return the studio, all of the principle long-term members brought their A-game to the table.  Guitarist Steve "Luke" Lukather offers, "When you put us in a room, and everybody brings in their pieces, the next thing you know it all fits together. Everybody's performances are top notch.  We are really bringing our best out, forcing ourselves to make personal best choices, what's best for the music.  I'm really excited to hear what people think."  Singer Joseph Williams adds, "We are talking about a band where everybody is a writer, and everybody is a lead singer, and everybody is a player.  All involved brought this trio to the table where it could just live on its own." 
 
The band will hit the ground running with an extensive European headline arena tour with appearances at key festivals. The itinerary begins in Glasgow on May 21, and takes Toto through the UK, France, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Italy, and Belgium.  Ticket sales came out of the box with strength, with some appearances selling out within days of on-sale.
 
The last few years have been quite active; with a seven show sold-out tour of Asia that took them through Nagoya, Osaka, Tokyo, Sendai and Sapporo in April 2014.  Also that month, the 35th Anniversary Tour - Live In Poland title was released, debuting at #1 in territories across the globe.  Last summer, the band hit the road across North America as co-headliners with Michael McDonald, which when it was all said and done was their most comprehensive tour on the continent in years. 
 
Details on a Aug/Sept North American tour in support of TOTO XIV will be announced next week.
 
TOTO XIV TRACK LISTING
  1. Running Out Of Time
  2. Burn
  3. Holy War
  4. 21st Century Blues
  5. Orphan
  6. Unknown Soldier (For Jeffrey)
  7. The Little Things
  8. Chinatown
  9. All The Tears That Shine
  10. Fortune
  11. Great Expectations
 
TOTO TOUR DATES
5/21      Glasgow, UK                                                    Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
5/23      Dublin, Ireland                                                   Vicar Street (SOLD OUT)
5/25      Manchester, UK                                               02 Apollo Manchester
5/26      London, UK                                                      Apollo Hammersmith
5/28      Paris, France                                                     Zenith
5/29      Esch Sur Alzette, Luxembourg                           Rockhal
5/30      Amsterdam, Netherlands                                   Ziggo Dome
6/02      Sonderborg, Denmark                                        Molleparkens Friluftscene
6/03      Copenhagen, Denmark                                      Falkoner Theatre (SOLD OUT)
6/04      Solvesborg, Sweden                                           Sweden Rock Festival
6/06      Bergen, Norway                                                Bergen Calling
6/07      Oslo, Norway                                                    Sentrum Scene (SOLD OUT)
6/10      Bremerhaven, Germany                                     Stadthalle
6/11      Berlin, Germany                                                Tempodrome
6/12      Leipzig, Germany                                              Parkbuhne
6/13      Dresden, Germany                                            Junge Garde
6/15      Cologne, Germany                                             Tanzbrunnen
6/16      Offenbach, Germany                                         Stadthalle
6/17      Stuttgart, Germany                                            Freilichtbuhne Killesberg
6/18      Abenberg, Germany                                          Burg Abenberg
6/20      Hinwil, Switzerland                                            Rock The Ring Festival
6/21      Klam, Austria                                                    Castle Clam
6/23      Wroclaw, Poland                                               Orbita Hol
6/24      Warsaw, Poland                                                Torwar
6/26      Budapest, Hungary                                            Petofi Hall
6/27      Bucharest, Romania                                          Sala Palatului
6/28      Sofia, Bulgaria                                                   Arena Armeec
6/30      Belgrade, Serbia                                                Kalemegdan Fortress
7/02      Ljubljana, Slovenia                                             Hala Tivoli
7/03      Milan, Italy                                                        City Sound Milan
7/05      Rome, Italy                                                       Cavea Auditorium
7/07      Kufstein, Austria                                               Festungsarena
7/08      Munich, Germany                                              Olympiahalle
7/10      Zottegem, Belgium                                            Rock Zottegem Festival
7/13      Morzine, France                                                Morzine Harley Days
7/15      Nimes, France                                                   Festival de Nimes
7/16      Vienne, France                                                  Theatre Antique
7/19      Taormina, Italy                                                  Anfiteatro Romano
 
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Thu
02
Apr

CARE OF NIGHT - Connected (Review)

information persons: 
content: 
90%
section name: 
BEST TRACKS
Produced By: 
Erik & Anders Wigelius
Running Time: 
49
Release Date: 
2015
Released: 
Europe
Musical Style: 
AOR
Label: 
AOR Heaven
Artist: 
Score: 
90
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Categories: 
Reviews
 
You’ve gotta hand it to the Swedes. No matter how many great albums they throw at us, there’s always more coming up right behind.
The latest purveyors of the fine classic AOR/melodic rock tradition is Care Of Night a group formed out of the demise of heavy rockers Seven Tears.
After a couple of lineup changes the band that would record this debut album was locked in.
 
What we have here is another wonderfully produced slice of Swedish AOR perfection.
Erik & Anders Wigelius (of fellow Swedish AOR favourites Wigelius) are responsible for the slick sound and mix, while the band themselves have written some classy traditional AOR songs with an updated feel so as not to date the music.
 
Vocalist Calle Schönberg has a touch of Peter Cetera in his tone, while the rest of the band simply delivers another lesson in ‘how Sweden does great music’.
Think Wigelius, State Of Salazar, Work Of Art, Houston, FM, the original Heat and you get the picture – happy, easy going pomp/pop AOR with layers of vocals and keyboards in that uptempo feel good style we all love.
The metal roots from a couple of the guys means that there’s some extra punch on occasion here, but the majority is very commercial AOR.
 
The free flowing lushness of Cassandra and Heart Belongs gets the album off to a perfect start. But it doesn’t stop there, with Those Words equally catchy and a big ballad Dividing Lines delivering sentiment in spades, even throwing in some saxophone.
Say A Prayer is impossibly catchy in that Work Of Art style of AOR; Please Remember adds a bit of tempo; Give Me Strength reminds me of British rockers FM and Say You Will is a 7 minute epic to close out the album, featuring a soft acoustic guitar and lead vocal until near the 5 minute mark when the band kicks in for a raucous climax.
 

You got it folks – if you’re a paid up member of the Swedish Ministry Of Melodic Rock – then you know what to do.
Another wonderful example of a genre that refuses to grow old and die.
 
 
Thu
02
Apr

LEVEL 10 - Chapter One (Review)

information persons: 
content: 
75%
Produced By: 
Mat Sinner
Running Time: 
53
Release Date: 
2015
Released: 
Worldwide
Musical Style: 
Hard Rock
Label: 
Frontiers
Artist: 
Score: 
75
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Categories: 
Reviews
 
Going one better than Level 9, but not quite turning the dial to 11, the partnership of vocalist Russell Allen and Bassist/producer Mat Sinner form the new project Level 10.
Joining in is powerhouse guitarists Roland Grapow and Alex Beyrodt; Randy Black on drums and Alessandro Del Vecchio on keyboards (yes, him again!).
Mat Sinner doesn’t produce bad sounding records and Russell Allen doesn’t deliver substandard vocals, so there are two big ticks.
 
Songs is what it is all about. On this 12 track debut songs are provided by Sinner & Allen, Alessandro del Vecchio, Magnus Karlsson, Alex Beyrodt, Carsten Schulz, Sander Gommans & Amanda Somerville. Thing is, there’s no credits assigned to each track, so you have no idea who really wrote what.
The collection of names indicates that things could be quite varied on the album, and so it turns out to be. But apart from a few real highlights, while the album sounds great, I found most of the material lacked a real spark or hook to draw me back in.
 
The album opens with Cry No More - an absolute blinder of a song - a full metal blast with a great hook and some awesome vocals.
Unfortunately it’s followed by Soul Of A Warrior - possibly the worst track on the album - a near 6 minute plod fest that never seems to end and kills the momentum of the opening track.
When The Nighttime Comes picks things back up with an improved pace and better chorus hook.
But then once again, another plodder. One Way Street has a pretty forgettable chorus and not much life to it.
As if going back and forth between good and not, Blasphemy is a more hard hitting metal.
Last Man On Earth then follows the pattern, with a pretty drab and forgettable chorus while In For The Kill cranks things into high gear, even if only for 4 minutes.
Of the last 4 tracks, the metal ballad All Hope Is Gone stands out as an album highlight; Demonized a solid melodic metal track following straight after.
The others I don’t care for unfortunately.
 
 

A great looking project on paper and I expect there might be a sequel at some point – as the album title suggests, but the participants will need to ensure a more consistent group of songs to make a lasting impression in a crowded market.

 
Thu
02
Apr

ROBERT PLANT Solo Career Retrospective On Dual Album Anniversaries

Artist: 
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Categories: 
Podcasts & Radio

Dallas, TX - April 2, 2015.  North American syndicated Rock radio show website www.inthestudio.net celebrates Robert Plant, one of rock's premiere voices, in a special solo career retrospective.

Quite coincidentally, two of Robert Plant's post-Led Zeppelin solo albums, Spring 1985's Shaken'n'Stirred and March 1990's Manic Nirvana, are each marking significant anniversaries, so no better time to examine them via the impressive Nine Lives box set which chronicles Plant's prolific solo output.

It was Robert's second solo album, 1983's The Principle of Moments, which convinced us that Plant could sustain a viable solo career outside of the legendary Led Zeppelin, with whom he fronted for twelve fabled years. Angular extended songs 'In the Mood' and the cryptic 'Big Log' became rock radio staples in the States, followed by 'Little by Little' from Shaken and Stirred in 1985.

Not until 1988's Now and Zen, however, did Plant shed the self-conscious shadow of Zeppelin by exorcising his ghosts with the song 'Tall Cool One', brilliantly sampling the 'thunder of the gods' iconic Led licks and employing Zeppelin mastermind Jimmy Page on guitar. 'Heaven Knows' and 'Ship of Fools' made Now and Zen a blockbuster, with 'Hurting Kind' in 1990 from Manic Nirvana twenty-five years ago and the tender heartfelt '29 Palms' on Fate of Nations

Robert shares with InTheStudio host Redbeard how Plant views himself and how he continues to evolve as an artist.

'I can't really stand in middle ground and be showered with confetti and compliments. The most important thing to me is to expand what I'm doing and take people with me' or not.'  - Robert Plant
 
Robert Plant / InTheStudio interview is available now to STREAM at: 'http://www.inthestudio.net/online-only-interviews/robert-plant-nine-lives/'

Direct Link to Robert Plant website: 'http://www.robertplant.com'
 
Wed
01
Apr

S.A.Y. Debut Album 'Orion' Out on MelodicRock Records May 22

Artist: 
Friday, May 22, 2015
Categories: 
News Feed
 
MelodicRock Records is very excited to be able to announce the signing of new Swedish band S.A.Y., featuring two veteran artists under the new band name, reflecting their decision to record a melodic hard rock album together.
 
S.A.Y. is guitarist Jan Åkesson and singer Peter Grundström, musical partners since 1984 and teamed in StoneLake for six studio albums from 2006-2013.
 
Deciding to record an album with power and finesse, but in a more commercial melodic vein, Jan and Peter settled upon a new name for the project – S.A.Y.
 
S.A.Y. will release their debut album “Orion” via MelodicRock Records/Cargo Distribution on May 22. Pre-orders for this album and http://melodicrock.com/articles/news-feed/2015/03/31/room-experience-debut-out-melodicrock-records-may-22 coming up.
 
The album contains 11 tracks of polished and powerful melodic rock and features the distinctive vocals of Peter Grundstrom and the hard edged guitar work of Jan Akesson; which will immediately bring comparisons to TNT, Westworld and Final Frontier.
 
S.A.Y. are:
Peter Grundstrom – Vocals
Jan Akesson – Guitars, Keyboards, Bass, Backing Vocals
 
With: Jens Westberg – Drums
 
“Orion” is set to be one of the noted debut albums of 2015.
 
Time to check out one of the tracks from 'Orion', the anthemic "Broken Wings":
 

 
History:
 
The duo got to know each other after performing at the same show in different bands; Jan was lead guitar in Ravage and Peter was fronting Whitelight. Their meeting led to the conclusion of Jan’s work with Ravage and he became a new member in Whitelight in the fall of the same year.
 
Whitelight’s focus was melodic hard rock, initially influenced by Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin and Bad Company and then by a “new wave” of English, American and Canadian bands such as Whitesnake, Van Halen, Journey, Toto, Riot, Wrabit and Dokken. Whitelight played many gigs and produced many demos in search of that elusive record deal.
 
After 3 years with Whitelight, in 1987, Jan decided to leave the band and went his own way to spread his wings with tougher, more guitar-oriented hard rock. Peter stayed in Whitelight, who changed their name to Kee Avenue.
Jan went on to form new bands Why Not, Perfect Stranger and Dr. Blue, playing many very successful gigs and making several acclaimed recordings.
Kee Avenue split up in 1991 after the bass player and the keyboard player left the band. After this final breakup Peter went on to play and sing with several different, mostly cover bands, though he kept on writing songs, always looking for the right project to showcase his talent.
 
In 1994 Jan decided to step back from live performance to concentrate on writing and producing songs in his new studio on the emerging digital recording platforms that would soon come to dominate the music industry.
 
Finally, 15 years after the two first played together, Jan decided to give Peter a call, thinking that it was time for a “reunion”. A good meal and a few beers was the spark that lit a new beginning. Their reunion became the band StoneLake with 6 albums released to date.
 
Now the guys have set themselves a fresh new challenge with S.A.Y. and their stunning debut “Orion”, Out May 22.
 
 
Wed
01
Apr

STARFIRE Announces New Drummer

Artist: 
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Categories: 
News Feed

 

LOS ANGELES, Mar. 31, 2015 / Nearly five years after their debut release and first performance in Los Angeles, Starfire announces their new Drummer: Jake Michael Hayden.

Hayden comes to the band from Ohio and for almost 20 years, has worked with some of the biggest and best names in the business, having toured with Adam Lambert and was hired by American Idol judge and A&R/producer Randy Jackson to record and perform with "The Canyons" as well as other new acts like Ryan Cabrera.  However, it was Jake's other work that really appealed to founder and frontman for Starfire, Dairenn Lombard

"I was looking for a change," said Lombard.  "I'd been in the market for a new drummer and, in my opinion, the drums is one of the most important parts of a rock song.  The biggest difference between what you might call heavy metal and 'indie' could sometimes hinge on the style of drums being played.  So, I needed someone who really 'gets it,' and gets the sound of Starfire.  A musician who knows and appreciates the bands that fit the style that our fans want to hear.  When I took one look at Jake's background, I knew I'd found the drummer."

Jake Michael Hayden has shared the stage with Steel Panther, Rick Springfield, Toto's Steve Lukather and performed with New Wave/Rock act Missing Persons.  He has also recorded with producer Tom Fletcher (Ozzy Osbourne, Steve Lukather) and Ross Hogarth (Van Halen).  Jake Michael Hayden's musical backgrounds also includes a degree from the Berkelee Musical Institute, rounding out experiences gained from studying drummers like Duran Duran's Dave DiCenso and Dream Theater's Mike Mangini.

"It was clear that any drummer that understands and appreciates the style of bands and artists like those will play the music of Starfire exactly the way it was meant to be played.  I am so excited and really looking forward to performing with Jake at the next Starfire concert."

Starfire is Dairenn Lombard (studio keys, guitars & vocals), Greg Pajer (guitar, backing live vocals), Andrew James (bass, backing live vocals), Neara Russell (keys, backing live vocals), and Jake Michael Hayden (drums), one of the only new Melodic Rock bands from southern California, featuring three studio albums where ever CDs are sold, and a live DVD available now from their website at www.starfiremusic.net.

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