Welcome to Angelic Warlord- your Christian metal and hard rock resource!  Launched in the spring of 2006 with the purpose of supporting Christians creating art within the metal and hard rock genres, Angelic Warlord features an abundance of reviews, links, articles, interviews and news- all updated on a weekly basis.  If you enjoy all types of metal and hard rock - melodic hard rock, straightforward hard rock, melodic metal, classic metal, power metal, progressive metal and all things in between - that, at the same time, is backed by a positive and life changing message, then you have found a new home in Angelic Warlord.

Christian art is the expression of the whole life of the whole person as a Christian. What a Christian portrays in his art is the totality of life. Art is not to be solely a vehicle for some sort of self-conscious evangelism.

A Christian should use these arts to the glory of God, not just as tracts, mind you, but as things of beauty to the praise of God. An art work can be a doxology in itself.

- Francis Schaeffer

 

Upcoming Reviews

• THE BRAVE - Carnival Of Sins
• FAITH HEAD - The Horror Of Things To Come
• PERPETUAL LEGACY - Teodrama

Upcoming Reviews- Re-issues

• BATTLECRY - Red, White & Blue & Beyond (Roxx Records)
• MAD AT THE WORLD - Seasons Of Love (Retroactive Records)
• MAD AT THE WORLD - Boomerang (Retroactive Records)
• ROSE - Healing (Retroactive Records)
• ROSE, RANDY - Sacrificium (Retroactive Records)

Latest Updates

• FEATURED REVIEWS - November 3, 2024
• METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS - November 3, 2024
• RELEASE DATES - November 3, 2024

FEATURED REVIEWS

SUNBOMB - Light Up The Sky - NEW
The name Sunbomb might evoke images of a star gone supernova to some hard music fans, but to us it describes a ‘super group’ comprising renowned Stryper front man Michael Sweet and every bit noted L.A. Guns guitarist Tracii Guns.  Read Full Review >>

STRYPER - When We Were Kings
Thirteenth studio album When We Were Kings from September of 2024, however, finds Stryper reversing course and gravitating towards a more commercial direction, albeit not without forsaking its heavier roots.  Read Full Review >>

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

FREEZING TERROR Announce The Release Of Sophomore Album, Firestorm:

Press Release / The highly anticipated follow-up album from FREEZING TERROR, titled Firestorm, will be released on November 15, 2024. Crafted by members of SOMBRE HOLIDAY and MIDNIGHT WORSHIP, Firestorm delivers a gothic and frenetic metal experience, with haunting melodies and crushing riffs.

On the follow up to their 2021 debut The Unexpected, FREEZING TERROR creates a sonic narrative of dark landscapes, inner turmoil, and raw human emotion across eight powerful new tracks, clocking in at over 52 minutes:

1. “Firestorm” (5:31) - The opening track ignites the album with fiery energy, setting the tone for what lies ahead.
2. “End of the Row” (5:54) - A relentless track that dives into themes of despair and the breaking point of humanity.
3. “Catastrophic Death Toll” (9:16) - An epic, doom-filled centerpiece that encapsulates the brutality of existence.
4. “Final Breath” (7:10) - This haunting piece captures the moment of life’s last breath, where silence meets chaos.
5. “Trappt Under Ice” (5:04) - With its chilling riffs and desperate lyrics, it paints a portrait of isolation and survival.
6. “Freedom” (5:45) - A paradox of uplifting yet melancholic tones, questioning what true freedom means in a world of darkness.
7. “Mass Exodus” (5:59) - A frenetic and apocalyptic journey through mass departure and chaos.
8. “Into The Wilderness” (7:15) - The album’s closing track, a deep, atmospheric instrumental, offers a plunge into the unknown, blending heavy distortion with haunting melodies.

Debut single “Trappt Under Ice” was released October 26, 2024 (embedded YouTube link above).

Produced by the band itself, Firestorm captures the essence of gothic metal while pushing its boundaries with frenetic speed and immersive, haunting atmospheres. The album explores themes of isolation, destruction, and human frailty, pulling listeners into a world of ice and fire.

"We wanted to create an album that feels like a journey through desolation and chaos, but with moments of reflection and beauty," says lead guitarist and vocalist Terry Friesen. "Each track tells its own story, but together, they form a tapestry of human struggle and survival."

The FREEZING TERROR lineup, formed by members of SOMBRE HOLIDAY and MIDNIGHT WORSHIP, brings together years of musical expertise and creative vision. Their combined influence drives the intensity and lyrical depth of the album, making it a must-listen for fans of both traditional and modern gothic metal.

Firestorm will be available on all major streaming platforms on November 15, 2024.

For more information on FREEZING TERROR and upcoming news, visit https://freezingterror.bandcamp.com and follow them on social media at: www.instagram.com/freezingterror

SIGNUM REGIS Release Cover Of HELLOWEEN Classic, “Power”:

Press Release / Melodic power metal band SIGNUM REGIS are thrilled to announce the release of their new single "Power", paying tribute to the German metal legends HELLOWEEN! The cover is available on all digital platforms, and you can also check out an official music video on YouTube above.

Vocalist Jota Fortinho of SIGNUM REGIS comments:

"Helloween, as expected, is one of our biggest influences and when we decided to pay tribute to some of our references, the hit "Power" immediately came to mind. It is without a doubt one of the greatest classics of Heavy Metal worldwide and it was extremely fun and nostalgic to record it”.

The latest SIGNUM REGIS album Undivided was released on CD, limited vinyl editions and digital on November 17th 2023 via Ulterium Records. Undivided received excellent feedback from media and fans around the world and most agree that this is the strongest release from the band so far. The album was awarded ‘album of the month’ in Rock Hard France, got an impressive 10/10 review in Powerplay Magazine UK, 5,5/6 in Spark Rock Magazine CZ, 9/10 in Metalized Magazine DK, 9/10 in Hardline Magazine DE, 95/100 in Angelic Warlord to name a few.

Upcoming SIGNUM REGIS shows:

Nov 09: Blast of Eternity - Maschinenfabrik Heilbronn DE
Nov 16: Willemeen - Arnhem NL (supporting WITHERFALL)
Nov 17: De Boerderij - Zoetermeer NL (supporting WITHERFALL)

Ulterium Records online: Website: www.ulterium-records.com & www.facebook.com/ulteriumrecords

SIGNUM REGIS online: Website: www.signum-regis.com & www.facebook.com/signum.regis

NEWS BRIEFS

* IMPELLITTERI, “Wrath Child” official video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UN9m7H-hwU

The song is the third single off the group’s forthcoming (November 8, 2024 release) Frontiers Records album War Machine. 

Debut single “Out Of My Mind (Heavy Metal)” premiered September 6, 2024 and second single “Power Grab” on October 3, 2024: www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0tD8nHGX70 & www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZ9lL1pSR0U

War Machine track listing:

1. “War Machine”
2. “Out of My Mind (Heavy Metal)”
3. “Superkingdom”
4. “Wrathchild”
5. “What Lies Beneath”
6. “Hell On Earth”
7. “Power Grab”
8. “Beware The Hunter”
9. “Light It Up”
10.  “Gone Insane”
11. “Just Another Day”

* BIOGENESIS Update From Vocalist Chaz Bond (Facebook - November 1, 2024):

“Time for a BioGenesis update!   So the writing for the next album is ongoing.  Since my last update, we have been working toward making Bio a live band again. Bio was born in Dayton Ohio where I grew up.  I moved to Columbus in 2007.   Lived years there for many years. That was only an hour from Dayton. The last live lineup meant an hour and a half drive for me.

“After the last record Rise Of The Phoenix, my personal life began to fall apart. I was suddenly losing my house and heading for a divorce. It took  awhile to find my feet. As a result, my passion for keeping Bio going wasn’t really there.  Especially after the way the last lineup split, my heart wasn’t in it much anymore.  Last February, I moved to a place called Lake Milton.  I am now about 2 and a half hours from where I used to live and even further from Dayton. I came here to be with my fiancé, and to start my life over again. 

“Since then I began working with new Bio guitarist Jimmi Ziga. He lit a fire under me with his writing and his passion.  He has been all in from the beginning and he has inspired me to once again revive that Phoenix.  We began recording demos in the summer. Since then we have been joined by none other than my future son in law, Connor Wallace as a second guitarist.  He is young and talented and driven. Our new drummer, Michael Gately was a God send. He is one of those hard to find top notch drummers. He just happens to live right up the road. Like me, all of these guys have been through a lot and came out of the fire better than they were. Much like the rising Phoenix in our logo. So now we are looking for a bass player while we work on the album and a future live set!  2025 is Gonna be a good year!  Stay tuned…”

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

PETRA, Jekyll & Hyde Re-issue On Girder Music:
Album Release: December 27, 2024

Press Release / PETRA’s Jekyll & Hyde marked a pivotal moment in the band’s storied career. Originally released in 2003, this album is considered one of their most powerful and heavy albums, featuring a bold, straightforward metal sound that resonated with fans and critics alike. It is clearly PETRA's hardest album to date. Now, beautifully re-mastered by Rob Colwell, Jekyll & Hyde is back and oh-boy, is it better. Louder with more punch.  I sure hope you have great speakers.

Now available for the first time ever on vinyl and back on again on CD and with the full Girder treatment, which includes new interior layout by Scott Waters and write-up by Girder staff writer John Delaurentis, readable lyrics, beautiful photos and more.  You're gonna love what we did to this already historic album.

Red vinyl with black marbling swirl and 2 sided full-color printed insert with our Limited Run Vinyl branding because it truly is limited to just 500 copies.

Re-mastered CD was given the full Girder treatment complete in a jewel case with a 12 page booklet, full lyrics and write-up (also 500 copies).  A 2-CD set includes the Spanish version on Disc 2.

The album title is inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson’s novella, The Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde, reflecting the internal struggle between good and evil- a theme prevalent throughout the record. Tracks like "Jekyll & Hyde" and "Stand" highlight the band's lyrical depth and sonic intensity, bringing a harder edge to Christian rock music.

Following the release of the praise album Revival in 2001, fans clamored for a return to PETRA’s rock roots, and Jekyll & Hyde delivered. Led by John Schlitt on vocals and Bob Hartman on guitars, the band returned to form with aggressive riffs and thought-provoking lyrics. The album features contributions from session musicians like Peter Furler (NEWSBOYS) on drums and Phil Joel on bass, ensuring a polished yet powerful production.

Jekyll & Hyde track listing:

1. “Jekyll & Hyde”
2. “All About Who You Know”
3. “Stand”
4. “Would’a, Should’a, Could’a”
5. “Perfect World”
6. “Test Of Time”
7. “I Will Seek You”
8. “Life As We Know It”
9. “Till Everything I Do”
10. “Sacred Trust”

Jekyll & Hyde red & black swirl vinyl pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/petra-jekyll-and-hyde-vinyl-remastered-limited-run-vinyl

Jekyll & Hyde 2-CD set pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/petra-jekyll-and-hyde-deluxe-cd-remastered-2-cd-set-collector-trading-card

Jekyll & Hyde single CD pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/petra-jekyll-and-hyde-cd-remastered

BARREN CROSS Atomic Arena Vinyl Re-issue On Retroactive Records:
Album Release: January 15, 2025

Press Release / By the time 1988’s Atomic Arena was released, fans had already been whipped into a feeding frenzy with the song “Deadlock” being included on the massively popular California Metal compilation. The song demonstrated a significant leap forward from anything the band had ever done. Fans were demanding more, and it’s hard to believe BARREN CROSS could have delivered a more perfect album than Atomic Arena. Most noticeably, the songwriting had matured with topics including abortion, suicide, cults and substance abuse - all presented in a skilled manner.

Now signed to Enigma Record,s the band was label mates with RATT, SLAYER, POISON and STRYPER.  MTV’s embrace of the album’s opener, “Imaginary Music’ showed that’s exactly where they belonged. Mike Lee’s charismatic Dickinson-influenced lead vocal style was perfect for an album that featured dominating fast-fingered shredding guitar work, resounding monster bass lines, and drums that pummeled the heart and soul of the most dedicated heavy metal fan.  Yes, Atomic Arena was special and that’s why the album was voted #11 on Heaven’s Metal Magazine’s Top 100 Christian Metal Albums of All-Time.

The 2024 Retroactive Records Atomic Arena vinyl re-issue on either ‘Atomic Arena Orange’ vinyl or ‘Deadlock Purple’ vinyl is a collector’s dream featuring a 12x12 full color insert, and write ups from both Retroactive Records owner in addition to the vocalist Michael Lee/Drive! Limited to just 300 units. Few metal albums impacted the scene and the kingdom like Atomic Arena. Enjoy! For fans of STRYPER, IRON MAIDEN, GUARDIAN & DIO!

Atomic Arena track listing:

1. “Imaginary Music”
2. “Killers Of The Unborn”
3. “In The Eye Of The Fire”
4. “Terrorist Child”
5. “Close To The Edge”
6. “Dead Lock”
7. “Cultic Regimes”
8. “Heaven Or Nothing”
9. “King Of Kings”
10. “Living Dead”

Atomic Arena orange vinyl pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/barren-cross-atomic-arena-orange-crush-vinyl-2024-retroactive-must-have-remaster

Atomic Arena purple vinyl pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/barren-cross-atomic-arena-deadlock-purple-vinyl-2024-retroactive-elefante-produced

BARREN CROSS, State Of Control Vinyl Re-issue On Retroactive Records:
Album Release: January 15, 2025

Press Release / Remember those metal cassettes in your collection that had the song titles worn off, and even if you weren’t religious you prayed that it would play just one more time for fear it would wear out? 1989’s State Of Control by BARREN CROSS was that cassette in many-a-metal fan’s collection. Along with STRYPER and GUARDIAN, BARREN CROSS was one of the few bands that actually appealed to metal fans who didn't shop in Christian bookstores for their music.  With the band’s third release they once again expanded their lyrical content to tackle real-life issues like racism and relationships.

Mike Lee shows more diversity with this vocal performance by channeling his inner Bruce Dickinson with a raspy voice and the operatic vocals showing only for the higher notes and choruses. The impact of producers John and Dino Elefante is significant with State… adding even more AOR pitch-perfect choruses in the background that gives this melodic heavy metal album its fair share of commercial appeal. One thing is for sure, the album includes exquisite rhythm parts, amazing solos, and everything you expect from elite heavy metal which is why it came in at #32 on the CMR Top 100 Christian Metal Albums.

The 2024 Retroactive Records vinyl re-issue on either ‘Blood Red’ vinyl or ‘Ocean Blue’ vinyl is a collector’s dream featuring a 12x12 full color insert, and write ups from both Retroactive Records owner in addition to band vocalist, Michael Lee/Drive! And, as a special treat for fans, this reissue includes both bonus tracks, “Your Love Gives” and “Escape in the Night.” Limited to just 300 units. Few metal albums impacted the scene and the kingdom like State of Control. Enjoy! For fans of STRYPER, IRON MAIDEN, GUARDIAN & DIO!

State Of Control track listing:

1. “State Of Control”
2. “Out Of Time”
3. Cryin' Over You
4. “A Face In The Dark”
5. “The Stage Of Intensity”
6. “Hard Lies”
7. “Inner War”
8. “Love At Full Volume”
9. “Bigotry Man (Who Are You)”
10.”Two Thousand Years”
11. “Your Love Gives” (bonus track exclusive to original release on Benson Records)
12. “Escape In The Night” (bonus track exclusive to original release on Enigma Records)

State Of Control blue vinyl pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/barren-cross-state-of-control-2-bonus-orange-crush-vinyl-2024-retroactive-elefante-produced

State Of Control red vinyl pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/barren-cross-state-of-control-2-bonus-blood-red-vinyl-2024-retroactive-elefante-produced

NEWS BRIEFS

* CHAOTIC RESEMBLANCE release “Wrath Of The Lamb” official video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyXpgHsGauA

The song comes off the groups independently released June of 2022 fourth full length album Nazarites.

 

FEATURED REVIEWS

HARPAZO - The Crucible
Should you prefer a progressive metal album with rock opera sensibilities, look no further than the Rockshots Records June of 2024 debut full length from Harpazo, The Crucible.  Read Full Review >>

JACOBS DREAM - Jacobs Dream (Retroactive Records re-issue)
Inspired by power/progressive metal bands like Queensryche, Fates Warning and Sacred Warrior, Jacobs Dream debuted in 1997 with its eponymously entitled seven-song demo sporting the typical power/progressive metal arrangements: high-end lead vocals, technically intricate songwriting, double bass drumming and subtle keyboard arrangements.  Read Full Review >>

JACOBS DREAM - Theater Of War (Retroactive Records re-issue)
No matter which of the first two Jacobs Dream albums you choose, the high-end vocals, technically intricate songwriting, double bass drumming and subtle keyboard arrangements, make it a work that defines classic US power metal.  Read Full Review >>

LEGEND REVISITED - From The Lord
Of all the surprises at Angelic Warlord this year, Legend Revisited ranks at the top.  Read Full Review >>

LORDCHAIN - The Chastisement Of Our Peace
Lordchain has won over plenty of hard music fans with its amalgamating of groove driven hard rock, unabashed heavy metal and light modern overtones.  Read Full Review >>

SAINT - Immortalizer
We have admired and appreciated Saint beginning with its mid-eighties inception, a sentiment reflected in the number of accolades bestowed by us on the Salem, Oregon based classic metal act.  Read Full Review >>

SHINING FORCE - Spiritual Warfare
The words ‘now were talking’ come easily to the tongue when you first listen to the August of 2024 Roxx Records fourth full length album from Shining Force, Spiritual Warfare.  Read Full Review >>

TRANSCENDENT - Awaken
As you know, were big fans of power/progressive metal at Angelic Warlord.  Read Full Review >>

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

WITHIN SILENCE Premier Official Music Video For New Single, “Battle Hymn”:

Press Release / The melodic power metal band WITHIN SILENCE released a music video for their new single "Battle Hymn", the first single from their new album The Eclipse Of Worlds. The single is available on all digital platforms and you can check out the music video on YouTube above.

The Eclipse Of Worlds will be released on CD, limited vinyl editions and digital via Ulterium Records on December 6th, 2024.

Since their inception, WITHIN SILENCE has established a formidable presence in the power metal scene with the release of their debut album, Gallery Of Life (2015) and its follow-up, Return From The Shadows (2017), both released on the Swedish label Ulterium Records. The two albums received enthusiastic feedback from fans worldwide, contributing to the band's steadily growing following.

Over the years, the band has played many shows in Slovakia and around Europe, including festivals in Germany, Norway, the Netherlands and Switzerland. In 2016 they supported THEOCRACY on their "Ghost Ship European Tour" and in 2018 they supported SLEEPING ROMANCE on their "Alba European Tour".

After many years of hard work, WITHIN SILENCE are now finally back with their third album The Eclipse Of Worlds. The guys set out to write and record their most epic, memorable and uplifting album so far and when you hear the album we believe you will agree that they succeeded!

On the album, you'll find everything from fast and uplifting melodic power metal hymns like "Battle Hymn" and "Divine Power" to the atmospheric ballad "Storyline," as well as the powerful and epic title track. The majestic album closer, "When Worlds Collide," clocks in at over 12 minutes and may well be the best song WITHIN SILENCE has released to date.

The album was produced and recorded in Slovakia by the band with the support of Jan Cvercko and Jan Kubas. The band enlisted Matt Smith from THEOCRACY to handle the mixing and Jacob Hansen for mastering. After their expert contributions, it’s safe to say this is WITHIN SILENCE’s best-sounding album to date, showcasing a production quality that perfectly complements the songs.

The Eclipse Of Worlds is a powerful and uplifting power metal album that will appeal to fans of melodic power metal and heavy metal and bands like STRATOVARIUS, THEOCRACY, POWER QUEST and MAJESTICA!

The Eclipse Of Worlds CD track listing:

1. “Land of Light”
2. “Divine Power”
3. “The Eclipse of Worlds”
4. “The Treason”
5. “Storyline”
6. “Battle Hymn”
7. “The Broken Thorn”
8. “The Mist”
9. “When Worlds Collide”

The Eclipse Of Worlds vinyl track listing:

Side A:

1. “Land of Light”
2. “Divine Power”
3. “The Eclipse of Worlds”
4. “Storyline”
5. “Battle Hymn”

Side B:

1. “The Treason”
2. “The Broken Thorn”
3. “The Mist”
4. “When Worlds Collide”

The Eclipse Of Worlds gold/black splatter vinyl pre-order: https://ulteriumstore.com/collections/vinyl/products/within-silence-the-eclipse-of-worlds-clear-gold-black-splatter-vinyl-pre-order

The Eclipse Of Worlds silver/black vinyl pre-order: https://ulteriumstore.com/collections/vinyl/products/within-silence-the-eclipse-of-worlds-silver-black-vinyl-pre-order

The Eclipse Of Worlds black vinyl pre-order: https://ulteriumstore.com/collections/vinyl/products/within-silence-the-eclipse-of-worlds-black-vinyl-pre-order

The Eclipse Of Worlds CD pre-order: https://ulteriumstore.com/collections/cds/products/within-silence-the-eclipse-of-worlds-cd-edition-pre-order

WITHIN SILENCE online: www.within-silence.com, www.facebook.com/withinsilenceband & www.instagram.com/withinsilenceofficial

VAN ZANT Release Official Music Video For The Song “Speak His Name”:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:

Southern rock icons VAN ZANT have released the official music video for the song "Speak His Name" from their upcoming album, Always Look Up, due November 22, 2024 via Frontiers Music Srl.

VAN ZANT, made up of .38 SPECIAL co-founder Donnie Van Zant and LYNYRD SKYNYRD front man Johnny Van Zant, has reunited and returned to the studio for what will be their first new album in nearly two decades. Always Look Up will also mark the duo's first foray into Christian music, while holding firm to their southern rock roots.

"I think that this one probably means more to us then what we’ve done in the past and it's very different," says Johnny about the new music. "It's probably not what people may expect from us, which I think is kind of cool. There is stuff that's real pop and commercial. There's stuff that's heavy with, of course, Christian lyrics and values. Me and Donnie have got a saying that if we touch one person with this music, our mission for Jesus Christ is done."

VAN ZANT released the first single, "Jesus Christ", in August: www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVW4Ark-hlA

Second single “There You Are” followed in September: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4ti1J4-wns

The VAN ZANT musical dynasty built its foundation firmly on family. Donnie Van Zant co-founded .38 SPECIAL and brother Johnny Van Zant is the current lead vocalist for LYNYRD SKYNYRD after the passing of their brother Ronnie Van Zant, who fronted and co-founded the iconic Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame rock band.

But throughout their four decades of climbing the southern rock and country charts together and separately, faith has stayed just as important of a factor in the equation, so much so that the guys decided to finally share their inspirational side with the upcoming new album.

"This has been on our bucket list for quite some time to do a gospel record," says Donnie of the sessions that started during the pandemic. "We're both big believers in Jesus Christ, so that's really how it started."

In spite of their enormous successes, including .38 SPECIAL's more than 20 million album sales and LYNYRD SKYNYRD continuing to sell out arenas and amphitheaters, much of what makes VAN ZANT so relatable is the fact they'll be the first to admit their flaws and struggles.

"I'll be honest with you, the devil was my best friend at one time," says Johnny. "I'm not gonna lie about that and there ain't too much that I didn't try over the years, but I always kept hearing our dad speaking the Bible (in my mind). Our dad should've been a preacher, because boy when he started talking the gospel, you didn't get up and move. Of course, as kids, I think we listened to half of it and tried to consume what we could, so that was always in the back of my head. I always believed in Jesus Christ, but I wasn't saved and I felt like I had my personal connection, just like the song 'It's Up To You' that's on this new album. Over the years, that voice of my dad was reminding me to try to be a better person. I made lots of mistakes, lots of things that hopefully I don't get to the pearly gates and they're closed for me. I'm trying to get through them now!"

Adds Donnie: "We've tried our very best to just write about truth, about people, about problems and situations and just try to be true to ourselves. We don't write nothing that's B.S. We try to touch people emotionally and spiritually. If we can do that, I think we've done our jobs."

VAN ZANT released the first single, "Jesus Christ", in August. Inspired by a painting hanging in Johnny's Sulfur Water Studios, the song speaks about the crucifixion and resurrection with vivid lyrical descriptions. The follow-up single, "There You Are", came out on October 10, 2024.

VAN ZANT lineup:

Johnny Van Zant - Lead Vocals
Donnie Van Zant - Vocal, Guitar
Mark Matejka - Lead Guitar, Rhythm & Slide
Carl Lindquist - Lead Guitar, Rhythm & Slide
Jimmy Carter - Bass Guitar
Shawn Fichter - Drums & Percussion
Jeffrey Roach - Keyboards
Chris Hurst - Keyboards
Dennis Wage - Keyboards

Always Look Up track listing:

1. “Awesome God”
2. “Stand Up”
3. “Warrior”
4. “There You Are”
5. “Speak His Name”
6. “Why God Brought Me Here”
7. “Praying”
8. “It's Up to You”
9. “Holy Moment”
10. "Leaning On The Cross”
11. “Jesus Christ”

Always Look Up vinyl track listing:

Side A:

1. “Awesome God”
2. “Stand Up”
3. “Warrior”
4. “There You Are”
5. “Speak His Name”
6. “Why God Brought Me Here”

Side B:

1. “Praying”
2. “It's Up to You”
3. “Holy Moment”
4. "Leaning On The Cross”
5. “Jesus Christ”

Always Look Up black vinyl pre-order: https://frontiers-us.shop/products/van-zant-always-look-up-black-vinyl-lp?_pos=2&_sid=33875c08d&_ss=r

Always Look Up gold vinyl pre-order: https://frontiers-us.shop/products/van-zant-always-look-up-gold-vinyl-lp?_pos=5&_sid=33875c08d&_ss=r

Always Look Up CD pre-order: https://frontiers-us.shop/products/van-zant-always-look-up-cd?_pos=1&_sid=33875c08d&_ss=r

VAN ZANT online: www.vanzantband.com & www.facebook.com/thevanzantband

NEWS BRIEFS

* “Battle Hymn”, new lyric video from SHINING FORCE: www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5Wh_IRx8Pw

The song comes off the group’s fourth full length album Spiritual Warfare, which was released via Roxx Records on August 30, 2024. 

SHINING FORCE previously released a lyric video to the Spiritual Warfare track “All For The One”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSiKhJQbFQY

* New official video from STRYPER for the song “Betrayed By Love”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhjYy2wDsKs

“Betrayed By Love” comes off the groups twelfth studio album When We Were Kings, which was released via Frontiers Music SRL on September 13, 2024.  Vocalist and guitarist Michael Sweet offers his thoughts in regards to the video:

1.  The guys aren’t in the video. Why? Because we couldn’t make that happen. Not enough time and not enough money. It was easy for me to go to a studio and get some footage of me at least singing parts and playing the solo (which I played in the album).

2. AI. Yes we used it for this video. I’m not a huge fan of AI and I’ve expressed concerns in recent interviews. I think as long as it’s mixed with human interaction then it can be useful and really work. We tried to make that happen with this video. We didn’t want to use real actors as that is next to impossible to pull off with a tight budget. You can get cheesy very quickly. We didn’t even want to go there.

3. It’s a dark ballad about being betrayed by love. Jesus was betrayed by love. We’ve all been betrayed by love. I thought it was fitting to write a song about that.

4. I really hope you all can enjoy the song/video. We work our butts off to bring you the best. Our best. We’re just grateful we’re still releasing new music and some of you are still listening

STRYPER previously released a video to the albums title track: www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBYmJ0Kwb24

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

ALLOS, Spiritual Battle Re-issue On Soundmass Records:

Press Release / ALLOS is one of the leading names in Brazilian melodic metal. Formed in 2003, the band has shared the stage with the likes of ANGRA, STRYPER, NARNIA and PETRA. The years have seen then hone their own blend of power metal with progressive and neo-classical influences, a contemporary approach that integrates everything we love about this genre.

Everything about ALLOS screams of excellence. The vocal talent of Celso Alves is incredible - he is unquestionably on par with the other greats of the scene and is perfectly suited to the ALLOS sound. Then the musicianship of the rest of the band - Junior Oliveira (guitars), Edley Winderson (bass) and Wallace Ryan (drums) - takes the band to the next level. Their care taken with the intricate arrangements, the recording, the execution of the songs, the production… everything is well-crafted. However, it is not a matter of form over function - ALLOS are very competent in combining technique and feeling and take the listener on a musical journey of the mind and soul.

Soundmass are delighted to be releasing the 2012 independent ALLOS debut album Spiritual Battle.  It has been re-mastered and partially remixed - an improved version with better orchestral parts. There are no filler tracks on Spiritual Battle - rarely is a debut characterized by such strength in vocals, production and songwriting. This is a limited edition pressing of only 120 hand-numbered copies (on silver replicated discs, not CD-Rs).

Recommended for fans of THEOCRACY, ANGRA, SYMPHONY X, KAMELOT and STRATOVARIUS.

Spiritual Battle track listing:

1. “Unknown World”
2. “Mirror Of Deep Waters”
3. “Power Of Choice”
4. “Journey”
5. “Everlasting Love”
6. “The Hero”
7. “My Spirit”
8. “Eterno Presente”
9. “The Call Of Time”
10. “Spiritual Battle”

Spiritual Battle re-issue pre-order: https://soundmass.com/product/spiritual-battle-re-issue

ALLOS online: https://allosofficial.com & www.facebook.com/allosofficial

Soundmass Records Announces New Album From THE HERO, Monster Hunter:

Press Release / The HERO from Stockholm, Sweden, deliver heavy, dark and melancholic hard rock/metal which also has a broad appeal beyond these boundaries. Formed in 2003, they have evolved and progressed over the last two decades into today’s dynamic powerhouse. The driving force of The HERO’s music - melodic baritone vocals, heavy guitars, thundering bass and bombastic drums that create strong, catchy melodies that echo long after the audience has gone home. The results are solid and quite unique. All the instruments play prominent roles instead of just offering a wall of sound, balancing hooks and groove with the dramatic as each song twists and turns. Layered over this are the brooding, smooth and sombre vocals that are suited perfectly to the music.

The HERO toured the USA in the summer of 2017 (including a show at the famous Whiskey A Go Go in Hollywood!) and in August 2020 released MMXX. 2024 finally sees their brand new album Monster Hunter unleashed upon the world, where they declare war against all kinds of evil in the world right now (and give you hope!) The HERO are ready to strike - heavy music and faith are their weapons - they are the mighty monster hunters. Prepare to rock!

Monster Hunter track listing:

1. “Monster Hunter”
2. “Eternal And Glorious”
3. “Don’t Give It Up”
4. “We Must Never Forget”
5. “Mayday Mayhem”
6. “Oxygen”
7. “Hero Of The Day”
8. “Sinners Of The Century”
9. “Blood Red Roses”
10. “Punch In The Face”
11. “The Sound Of The Seven Trumpets”

Monster Hunter pre-order: https://soundmass.com/product/monster-hunter

THE HERO online: https://herosweden.com & www.facebook.com/TheHEROSweden

SEVENTH POWER, Seventh Power Re-issue On Retroactive Records:
Album Release CD: November 15, 2024; Album Release Vinyl: January 15, 2025

Press Release / Prepare yourself for a monumental reissue of one of Christian metal’s most dynamic and soul-stirring albums. SEVENTH POWER brings together a powerhouse lineup, featuring legendary guitarist and vocalist Bill Menchen (FINAL AXE, TITANIC, REV SEVEN) and iconic drummer Robert Sweet of STRYPER. Originally released in 2006, this self-titled album has been fully re-mastered by Rob Colwell and now returns with even greater sonic clarity and impact, capturing the raw energy and deeply spiritual intensity that defines Menchen’s artistry.

This is more than just a reissue- it’s an invitation to rediscover an album that masterfully fuses heavy metal, power metal, and doom into an unforgettable musical journey. Each track weaves compelling narratives of faith and redemption, all while delivering crushing riffs, fiery solos, and thundering drum work. From the soaring, anthem-like choruses of "Christ Died" to the atmospheric, doom-laden depths of "Possessor of You," this album challenges and inspires, cementing its place as a cornerstone of Christian metal.

This exclusive CD reissue is limited to 300 units and includes a six-panel lyrics booklet filled with captivating artwork and lyrics, plus a Collector Card featuring band details.   This Lime Green vinyl release is limited to 200 units and includes a 12x12 full-color lyrics insert with stunning artwork.

Whether you're a long-time fan or discovering SEVENTH POWER for the first time, this release is a must-have for collectors and metal aficionados alike. For fans of OZZY, PENTAGRAM, SAINT, TROUBLE & BLACK SABATH!

Seventh Power track listing: “Christ Died”, “Enthroned”, “Eyes In The Skies”, “Far From Fear”, “Heaven’s Gate”, “Human Sacrifice”, “Ocean Of Emotion”, “Possessor Of You”, “Seven Golden Lampstands”, “The Power”

Seventh Power vinyl pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/the-seventh-power-the-seventh-power-lime-green-vinyl-2024-limited-200-copies

Seventh Power CD pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/the-seventh-power-the-seventh-power-collector-card-cd-2024-retroactive-epic-ozzy-styled-metal

SEVENTH POWER, Dominion & Power Re-issue On Retroactive Records:
Album Release CD: November 15, 2024; Album Release Vinyl: January 15, 2025

Press Release / The relentless, heavy-hitting force of SEVENTH POWER returns with their 2008 album Dominion & Power, newly re-mastered by Rob Colwell and limited to 300 CD copies and 200 vinyl copies. This is your chance to experience the crushing riffs, bold lyrical themes, and raw energy of Bill Menchen (FINAL AXE, TITANIC, REV SEVEN) and Robert Sweet (STRYPER), captured in an album that epitomizes the best of heavy metal and doom with hints of classic hard rock.

On Dominion & Power, the band strips down to a heavier, more guitar-driven sound, forsaking the symphonic touches of their earlier work in favor of a raw, back-to-basics approach. With a six-panel lyrics insert and jewel case, this reissue presents not only a re-mastered sonic experience but also a collector’s dream. Oh, and each CD comes with a Ltd band Collector card!

From the crushing title track to the apocalyptic themes of “Hailstone” and the doom-laden “Sea of Galilee,” the album blends heavy, melodic metal with a spiritually rich narrative. Fans of BLACK SABBATH, TROUBLE, SAINT, OZZY OSBOURNE and PENTAGRAM will find plenty to admire here as SEVENTH POWER brings forth an album brimming with power, faith, and an unrelenting musical assault. This release cements Dominion & Power as a key part of the Christian metal landscape, and no collection is complete without it.

This exclusive CD reissue is limited to 300 units and includes a six-panel lyrics booklet filled with captivating artwork and lyrics, plus a Collector Card featuring band details.   This Gold vinyl release is limited to 200 units and includes a 12x12 full-color lyrics insert with stunning artwork.

Dominion & Power track listing: “Dominion & Power”, “Everlasting Fire”, “Hailstone”, “Heavy Laden”, “King Of All Kings”, “Raise ‘M High”, “Sacrificial Blood”, “Sea Of Galilee”, “The Clouds”, “Under The Altar”

Dominion & Power vinyl pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/the-seventh-power-dominion-power-gold-vinyl-2024-robert-sweet-stryper

Dominion & Power CD pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/the-seventh-power-the-seventh-power-collector-card-cd-2024-retroactive-epic-ozzy-styled-metal-copy

SEVENTH POWER, Eternal Power Re-issue On Retroactive Records:
Album Release CD: November 15, 2024

Press Release / The long-awaited reissue of SEVENTH POWER's Eternal Power is here, now featuring all-new epic Angel-themed artwork to complement the visuals from their previous releases. This 2012 album, originally available as a limited CD-R, has been re-mastered by Rob Colwell and comes in a six-panel lyrics insert housed in a jewel case, complete with a band collector card in every CD. Limited to just 300 units, this reissue offers a powerful mix of heavy metal with doom and hard rock influences, making it essential for fans of PENTAGRAM, BLACK SABBATH, OZZY OSBOURNE, SAINT and TROUBLE.

Bill Menchen returns with his signature guitar work, offering a more stripped-down, back-to-basics sound that recalls his earlier work with REV SEVEN and REDEEMER. Supported by Robert Sweet of STRYPER on drums, Eternal Power delivers crushing riffs, solid melodies, and deep spiritual themes. Tracks like the bottom-heavy “Bow Down” and the doom-laden “Majesty On High” showcase Menchen's mastery of metal, while songs like “Godbleed” add an industrial edge.

Fans of classic metal will appreciate the melodic yet gritty compositions, bolstered by Menchen's smooth, mid-range vocals and a heavy dose of raw energy. Eternal Power stands as a testament to SEVENTH POWER’s unique place in the Christian metal scene and is a must-have for collectors and long-time followers alike.

Eternal Power track listing: “Bow Down”, “Eternal Power”, “Godbleed”, “In The Beginning”, “Majesty On High”, “New Creation”, “Peace I Leave With You”, “Set Free”, “Tetelestai”, “We Sail”

Eternal Power pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/the-seventh-power-eternal-power-collector-card-cd-2024-retroactive-epic-ozzy-styled-metal-copy-copy

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

Roxx Records Announces Limited Edition New Album From WEAPONS OF GOD, Ammunition Edition:
Album Release: November 1, 2024

Press Release / WEAPONS OF GOD fans rejoice! Yes, each of the bands Roxx Records full-length releases, Weapons Of God (2019) and The War Within Us (2021), have sold out! But have we got a surprise for you! A very special extremely limited edition CD entitled Ammunition Edition.

This new album contains hand selected tracks from the band, including some re-recordings and a very special previously unreleased track, all just in time for Christmas! Get your copy now as this is a one time pressing limited edition pressing of only 300 copies.

Ammunition Edition track listing:

1. “Are You Ready”
2. “Call Your Name”
3. “Glory And The Power”
4. “Ghost”
5. “Heaven Can't Wait”
6. “War Within”
7. “Decline”
8. “Give Em Jesus”
9. “Children Of The Light”
10. “Feign Dimension”
11. “Knights Of No Tomorrow”
12. “Anger” (Re-Recorded)
13. “Weapons Of God” (Re-Recorded)
14. “To Everybody Who Hates Christmas” (Previously Unreleased)

Ammunition Edition pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/weapons-of-god-ammunition-edition-cd-limited-edition

Roxx Records Announces New Album From LUIS CARDENAS, Stages:
Album Release: November 1, 2024

Press Release / If you don’t recognize the name LUIS CARDENAS, you first need to take a trip back to 1986 nearly 40 years ago back when hair metal was king and hard rock acts ruled the charts. In 1986 CARDENAS would release the album Animal Instinct that would go on to become a multi platinum selling release! Garnering multiple top 10 singles like “Runaway” and “Hungry For Your Love”. CARDENAS was chart tipping and playing all over the world, and then stepped away from the spotlight. While he would continue to play and dabble in music throughout the years, it was in 2021 when Roxx Records would connect with the artist and form on going partnership that has proven successful and continues the ongoing legacy of the music of LUIS CARDENAS.

Roxx Records has been working with BRAD SMITH and LUIS CARDENAS ongoing for quite a few years, releasing the LATTER REIGN catalog, LUIS CARDENAS solo albums and now we are very excited for his brand new solo album entitled Stages. This is an amazing new solo album from CARDENAS who just keeps improving with age- fans of LATTER REIGN and has solo music will love the progression his musical journey has taken. Not to mention it also features the multi talented BRAD SMITH. Here is a few words form SMITH:

"Luis and I found that working together again was very productive and fun. So, when we finished Latter Reign II, Luis approached me to produce his next solo album, Stages.  I poured everything I had into helping Luis with that project. We had such a great time and I felt like that was some of the best riff writing, arrangement and performances I had ever done."

Now get ready for some brand new music from LUIS CARDENAS as we present you with “Passion Fruit” the debut single from Stages (link above).

Stages track listing:

1. “Drive”
2. “Bitter”
3. “Give Me Everything”
4. “Love Me”
5. “Lay It Down”
6. “My New Glory”
7. “Something For You”
8. “Passion Fruit”
9. “Solid Rock”
10. “New Day”
11. “Stages”
12. “Tuesday”
13. “Llamame” (Bonus Track)
14. “Martes” (Bonus Track)

Stages pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/brad-smith-broken-bones-bullet-holes-cd-2024-ffo-bls-latter-reign

Roxx Records Announces Debut Solo Album From BRAD SMITH, Broken Bones & Bullet Holes:
Album Release: November 1, 2024

Press Release / Roxx Records is excited to partner once again with BRAD SMITH, but this time on his debut solo album, Broken Bones & Bullet Holes.

Lets here how this all came to be (as told by SMITH):

“KISS made me a rock fan, Ace made me want to play guitar, and STRYPER made it ok for me to do those things for Jesus! I started playing guitar at about 14.  I listened to, and was influenced by guitarists like Ace, Randy Rhoads, Eddie, George Lynch, Nuno, Joe Satriani, Zakk Wylde, and Oz Fox. I thought I was a singer at first, until a guitar player I was jamming with showed me how to play “Rock You Like a Hurricane”. I quickly put away the microphone after that.  This was the 80’s for me.  I joined LATTER REIGN in ‘92.

“Fast forwarding a few years (umm, decades), LUIS CARDENAS and I just finished releasing the third LATER REIGN album in our catalog on Roxx earlier this year.  When Roxx contacted us in ‘21 to finish and properly release our catalog, we hadn’t worked together for quite a few years.  It’s hard to find time when you are raising kids.  However, when going through the archives, I realized that we had started a Christmas songwriting endeavor ten years prior and forgot all about it when we got busy with family again. That song was called “Gift For You”, and our new project became known as CRIMSON HOPE.  Meanwhile, Luis and I found that working together again was very productive and fun. So, when we finished Latter Reign II, Luis approached me to produce his next solo album, Stages.  I poured everything I had into helping Luis with that project. We had such a great time and I felt like that was some of the best riff writing, arrangement and performances I had ever done. That album is called Stages and is available through Roxx in November.

“So, when we handed Roxx LATTER REIGN’s Order To Chaos in January ‘24, I asked Luis what he felt like doing next. Figuring he’d say 'work on a new Latter Reign album', I almost dropped the phone when he said, 'you need to do your own album!' I told him that I used all of my best riffs, arrangements, lyrics and creativity on his album and that I had nothing left in the ‘tank’.

“In faith, I picked up my guitar and the Lord blessed me like drinking water from a fire hose! Broken Bones & Bullet Holes was the first song, and provided the inspiration and attitude for the whole project. Ten songs were written and rough-tracked in a month! Luis was now in the ‘producer’s’ chair and he was approving or rejecting everything I came up with, while adding awesome backing vocals and melody ideas.  Luis’ strengths are melody and rhythm.  My strengths are more arrangements and lyrics.  Sometimes, Luis felt like he had to apologize for being too critical.  He was great about demanding the best possible product and performance from me and I am thankful for it.

“Broken Bones & Bullet Holes is about my realization that I don’t want to be a quiet, sidelined Christian. I don’t want to ‘keep my faith personal’ like the world has convinced so many to do.  I want to move people a little closer to Jesus everyday.  I may take some hits for it, but the last few years have convinced me ‘Late is the Hour’. Stay alert, don’t be caught sleepin’ when the Master returns!”

Check out the first single "Broken Bones & Bullet Holes" (link above).

Broken Holes & Bullet Holes pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/brad-smith-broken-bones-bullet-holes-cd-2024-ffo-bls-black-sabbath

ALLOS, Pushing The Boundaries Of Power & Progressive Metal With New Album, Strong Delusion:
Album Release: October 4, 2024

Press Release / Strong Delusion, the new album from ALLOS, promises to win over fans around the world by challenging the limits of metal.  Making Belo Horizonte, Brazil its home, ALLOS stands out for its ability to fuse the speed and harmony of power metal with the sophisticated technique of progressive metal in addition to masterfully incorporating aggressive and symphonic elements.

The album offers an immersive listening experience, starting with the epic “The Pilgrim's Progress” that segues into “Follow Me”, a classic power metal track featuring Christian Liljegren (NARNIA). Along with singles “All your Days”, “TeleVisione of Reality” and “Letter from Heaven”, other highlights include “Suffering and Evil”, “Inferno”, “InHuman Mind”, and “Millennium Kingdom”, which features the powerful voice of the legendary Rob Rock (IMPELLITTERI.  The title track joins “System Collapse” in an immersive conceptual duo that defies the standards of the style. The album ends in the same way it begins, with the equally epic “For the Centuries”.

Recorded at the renowned Sonastério studio and produced by the band together with innovative producer Bruno Barros in Brazil, and perfected by the international expertise of Viktor Stenquist and Thomas “Plec” Johansson, “Strong Delusion” displays a standard of production excellence that ensures that each element reaches the listener with the clarity and impact that a work of this style deserves.

ALLOS is ready to stand out among the great promises of metal, and Strong Delusion is a testament to this ambition. We invite you to discover and share this unique musical experience, built intensely in search of leaving its mark on the global metal scene.

Listen to Strong Delusion on your favorite streaming platforms: https://onerpm.link/StrongDelusion

Get the physical versions of Strong Delusion:

Brazilian pressing: https://www.enhakkore.com.br/bandas/allos

Australian pressing: https://soundmass.com/product/strong-delusion

“Tele Visione Of Reality” (official video): www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_jYHYXqIq8

“All Your Days” (Lyric Video): www.youtube.com/watch?v=8buBWWdAQY0

ALLOS lineup:

Celso Alves - Lead Vocals
Junior Oliveira - Guitars
Edley Winderson - Bass
Wallace Ryan - Drums

Guests Musicians:

Cristian Cooke - Midi Programming
Marco Amorim - Piano
Léo Turbo – Voiceover
Christian Liljregen - Lead Vocals
Rob Rock - Lead Vocals

Strong Delusion track listing:

1. “The Pilgrim’s Progress”
2. “Follow Me”
3. “All Your Days”
4. “Tele Visione Of Reality”
5. “Suffering And Evil”
6. “Inferno”
7. “Letter From Heaven”
8. “In Human Mind”
9. “Strong Delusion”
10. “System Collapse”
11. “Millennium Kingdom”
12. “For The Centuries”

ALLOS online: https://allosofficial.com & www.facebook.com/allosofficial

NEWS BRIEFS

* IMPELLITTERI, “Power Grab” official video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZ9lL1pSR0U

The song is the second single off the group’s forthcoming (November 8, 2024 release) Frontiers Records album War Machine.  Debut single “Out Of My Mind (Heavy Metal)” premiered September 6, 2024: www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0tD8nHGX70

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

Details Revealed To BRIDE Tribute Project, The Brazilian Lost Reels - A Long Lost Tribute To Bride:

Press Release / In 2014, a tribute album by Brazilian bands to BRIDE was to be released, but instead of focusing solely on hard rock and heavy metal bands, the idea was to go further by covering other musical styles and showing the power of the legacy and influence of the work of brothers Dale and Troy Thompson by several musicians and bands in Brazil.

Unfortunately, due to a series of problems, including poor management, inexperience in the scene, (apparently) lost files and unfulfilled promises from a label abroad that would finance the project, the tribute ended up being shelved and with no chance of being shown to the general public.

However, with the news of the PETRA & BRIDE tour in Brazil in 2024 (and with the recovery of a HD that had long been considered lost and corrupted), the desire to revisit this project came to light and it will finally be released!

This ends up being not only a tribute to BRIDE, but a tribute to those involved in the initial project, a way of honoring the musicians who believed in the idea and who unfortunately did not see it come to fruition as it deserved.

The idea here is not to be better than the original songs, which is virtually impossible when dealing with so many classics, but to pay homage by re-imagining them and giving a very personal interpretation, but without distorting the original song. The idea is to listen with an open mind to what is to come, as there are several subgenres of heavy metal here and you will certainly be surprised!

Some of the songs listed here were even reused by their respective bands in some other project, or are versions of  albums prior to 2014, but most of the recordings were made for this project and did not receive adequate audio treatment, sounding even quite raw and were simply lost and destined to be forgotten, but not anymore.

The Brazilian Lost Reels - A Tribute To Bride track listing:

1. “More Than Human” (by Krênides - RS)
2. “Scarecrow” (by Maestah - PR) - 2014
3. “Fire And Brimstone” (by Perpetual Faith - PA)
4. “Here Comes The Bride” (by Krig - MG)
5. “Murder” (By Bloodforge - SP)
6. “Goodbye” (by Lucas Cross - SP)
7. “Life Is The Blue” (by Discipulator - PE)
8. “Beast” (by Hazeroth - DF)
9. “Hell No” (by Saint Spirit - RJ)
10. “Heroes” (by Krig - MG)

BRIDE online: www.bridepub.com & www.facebook.com/BridebandOn

FAITH HEAD Announce New Album, The Horror Of Things To Come:
Album Release: October 4, 2024

Press Release / The long-awaited new studio album from FAITH HEAD, The Horror Of Things To Come, takes the listener down a dark journey into the future. In a world devoid of objective truth, facts offend, and mere science is slander, our world gives rise to an inverse reality. A remnant of believers struggles within its own ranks with its own issues that are secretly hidden in the façade of religious cultural. Fallen under the influence of the writings of Friedrich Nietzsche, mankind is left unchecked and unshackled from its moral anchor. Humanity sets forth in playing god with new technologies and pursuing unkempt pleasure and lust. And the rest of the world unknowingly plays with dark forces disguised as entertainment, opening a door to the demonic realm. But, for those who endure to the end, particularly to the end of the album, will find hope. Please take the journey with us.

Sticking to the all-natural drum sound and avoiding the cookie cutter song format shoveled to masses by the music industry, FAITH HEAD’s latest studio album stands apart from the fake sampled drum sounds of modern music and the predictable rock musical arrangements. Fans of the band’s reputation for real singing, head banging riffage and scorching guitar solos will find this album stocked full of hooks, grooves, heavy riffs and shredding that will satiate their metal and hard rock senses.

Though slightly doomier than the previous singles leading up to the album (“Aberrations Of Reality” & “Artificial God”), the pallet of song diversity offers something for everyone. Keeping with the purview to not be locked into a particular genre of hard rock and metal, FAITH HEAD takes the listener on a roller coaster of melodies, banging riffs and lyrical provocation. Not one group or topic is off limits on this album in this trigger worthy collection of tunes with the selection of rousing song titles.

The Horror Of Things To Come track listing:

1. “Melodiam Pro Deperidito” (instrumental)
2. “Aberrations Of Reality”
3. “Victim Mobtality”
4. “The Horror Of Things To Come”
5. “Artificial God”
6. “Six Figure Sermon Writer”
7. “Secret Society Of Sinners”
8. “God Didn't Kill Himself”
9. “Peddlers Of Flesh”
10. “Don't Invite Them In”
11. “The Unfurling”
12. “Mercy And Grace”

FAITH HEAD online: https://faithhead.com & www.facebook.com/FaithHeadBand

FOLLOWER, Into The Son Re-issue On Roxx Records:
Album Release: November 1, 2024

Press Release / Roxx Records is excited to announce the re-mastered, remixed release of the iconic debut of 1980’s Christian hard rock band, FOLLOWER! This one and only album by this proto super group was released in 1985 on Quicksilver Records on vinyl and then later on cassette. The band members were all to go on to great success in the media world.

Kerry Crafton is a well-known record producer and engineer. He currently is a Recording Arts Instructor at Mediatech Institute in Dallas, Texas. He has worked on albums from ONE BAD PIG, THOMAS DOLBY, GLENN HUGHES (DEEP PURPLE), and hundreds more. He has worked with the record labels Metal Blade, Capitol, Elektra, and more. In FOLLOWER, he wrote many of the tracks on this stellar hard rock album, including the LED ZEPPELIN-esque “A Tear from God’s Eye,” and the clarion call of “You Gotta Choose,” which opens the album with a bang.

Brian Wooten is one of the best and most respected guitarists in the industry, known to Christian music fans as the lead guitarist in seminal rock band WHITE HEART from 1990 to 1995. But Wooten has been a music veteran since the 1970s. He has also played and co-written songs on PETRA albums. Known as a Nashville road warrior, he has toured with country artists PAUL BRANDT and TRACE ADKINS.  He wrote or co-wrote songs on the FOLOWER album, including the closing praise & worship song, “Praise the Lord” and the straight-ahead, infectious rocker “In the Son.” His blistering lead guitar solos on the FOLLOWER album are a highlight.

John Howard, bassist of Follower, is another Nashville veteran having toured and recorded with RANDY TRAVIS, LEE GREENWOOD, RICHARD MARX, CLIFF RICHARD, KENNY ROGERS and countless others.

Fred Howard, drummer, has been a TV post-production mixer in Los Angeles for years.

Lance Keltner, lead vocalist, has been making exceptional rock and roll music for decades. His self-titled debut on EastWest Records from 1992 is an underrated gem. Currently he performs with LANCE KELTNER & NUEVO RETRO.  He also runs a guitar amp/effects company that has had its products used by JOE WALSH and TOMMY SHAW of STYX. His song, “Fear No Evil,” on this FOLLOWER album adds a funky, bluesy groove, as he belts out his potent vocals.

Altogether, the combined band members of FOLOWER crafted a rock classic that should not be forgotten in the history of Christian music. The band laid down ten tracks of musical bliss, well played, infectious, and melodic. FOLLOWER disbanded and went their separate ways after this album leaving behind a brief but important artifact of great music that brings glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! Now this nearly 40-year-old gem can be re-experienced again for those who remember it or to discover for those who will hear it for the first time.

Don’t miss out on owning this special Roxx Records release. It will surely please your ears and minister to your soul.

Into The Son pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/follower-into-the-son-cd-2024-remixed-remastered

Roxx Records online: https://roxxrecords.com & www.facebook.com/RoxxRecords777

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

Gospel Southern Rock Album On The Way From VAN ZANT, Always Look Up:
Album Release: November 22, 2024

Press Release / Southern rock icons VAN ZANT have reunited and returned to the studio for what will be their first new album in nearly two decades. Titled Always Look Up, the album will also mark the duo’s first foray into Christian music, while holding firm to their southern rock roots. Available on CD, vinyl and streaming, Always Look Up will be available everywhere November 22, 2024 from Frontiers Music SRL.

The VAN ZANT t musical dynasty built its foundation firmly on family. Donnie Van Zant co-founded .38 SPECIAL and brother Johnny Van Zant is the current lead vocalist for LYNYRD SKYNYRD after the passing of their brother Ronnie Van Zant, who fronted and co-founded the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame rock band.

But throughout their four decades of climbing the southern rock and country charts together and separately, faith has stayed just as important of a factor in the equation, so much so that the guys decided to finally share their inspirational side with the upcoming new album.
 
“This has been on our bucket list for quite some time to do a gospel record,” says Donnie of the sessions that started during the pandemic. “We’re both big believers in Jesus Christ, so that’s really how it started.”
 
In spite of their enormous successes, including .38 SPECIAL’s more than 20 million album sales and LYNYRD SKYNYRD continuing to sell out arenas and amphitheaters, much of what makes VAN ZANT so relatable is the fact they’ll be the first to admit their flaws and struggles.
 
“I’ll be honest with you, the devil was my best friend at one time,” says Johnny. “I’m not gonna lie about that and there ain’t too much that I didn’t try over the years, but I always kept hearing our dad speaking the Bible (in my mind). Our dad should’ve been a preacher, because boy when he started talking the gospel, you didn’t get up and move. Of course as kids, I think we listened to half of it and tried to consume what we could, so that was always in the back of my head. I always believed in Jesus Christ, but I wasn’t saved and I felt like I had my personal connection, just like the song “It’s Up To You” that’s on this new album. Over the years, that voice of my dad was reminding me to try to be a better person. I made lots of mistakes, lots of things that hopefully I don’t get to the pearly gates and they’re closed for me. I’m trying to get through them now!”
 
Adds Donnie: “We’ve tried our very best to just write about truth, about people, about problems and situations and just try to be true to ourselves. We don’t write nothing that’s B.S. We try to touch people emotionally and spiritually. If we can do that, I think we’ve done our jobs.”

VAN ZANT lineup:

Johnny Van Zant - Lead Vocals
Donnie Van Zant - Vocal, Guitar
Mark Matejka - Lead Guitar, Rhythm & Slide
Carl Lindquist - Lead Guitar, Rhythm & Slide
Jimmy Carter - Bass Guitar
Shawn Fichter - Drums & Percussion
Jeffrey Roach - Keyboards
Chris Hurst - Keyboards
Dennis Wage - Keyboards

Always Look Up track listing:

1. “Awesome God”
2. “Stand Up”
3. “Warrior”
4. “There You Are”
5. “Speak His Name”
6. “Why God Brought Me Here”
7. “Praying”
8. “It's Up to You”
9. “Holy Moment”
10. "Leaning On The Cross”
11. “Jesus Christ”

Always Look Up vinyl track listing:

Side A:

1. “Awesome God”
2. “Stand Up”
3. “Warrior”
4. “There You Are”
5. “Speak His Name”
6. “Why God Brought Me Here”

Side B:

1. “Praying”
2. “It's Up to You”
3. “Holy Moment”
4. "Leaning On The Cross”
5. “Jesus Christ”

Always Look Up black vinyl pre-order: https://frontiers-us.shop/products/van-zant-always-look-up-black-vinyl-lp?_pos=2&_sid=33875c08d&_ss=r

Always Look Up gold vinyl pre-order: https://frontiers-us.shop/products/van-zant-always-look-up-gold-vinyl-lp?_pos=5&_sid=33875c08d&_ss=r

Always Look Up CD pre-order: https://frontiers-us.shop/products/van-zant-always-look-up-cd?_pos=1&_sid=33875c08d&_ss=r

VAN ZANT online: www.vanzantband.com & www.facebook.com/thevanzantband

WITHIN SILENCE Announces New Album, The Eclipse Of Worlds:

Press Release / The melodic power metal band WITHIN SILENCE will release their new album The Eclipse Of Worlds via Ulterium Records on December 6th, 2024. The album will be available on CD, limited vinyl editions and digital. "Battle Hymn", the first single from the album, will be released on October 10.

Since their inception, WITHIN SILENCE has established a formidable presence in the power metal scene with the release of their debut album, Gallery Of Life (2015) and its follow-up, Return From The Shadows (2017), both released on the Swedish label Ulterium Records. The two albums received enthusiastic feedback from fans worldwide, contributing to the band's steadily growing following.

Over the years, the band has played many shows in Slovakia and around Europe, including festivals in Germany, Norway, the Netherlands and Switzerland. In 2016 they supported THEOCRACY on their "Ghost Ship European Tour" and in 2018 they supported SLEEPING ROMANCE on their "Alba European Tour".

After many years of hard work, WITHIN SILENCE are now finally back with their third album The Eclipse of Worlds. The guys set out to write and record their most epic, memorable and uplifting album so far and when you hear the album we believe you will agree that they succeeded!

On the album, you'll find everything from fast and uplifting melodic power metal hymns like "Battle Hymn" and "Divine Power" to the atmospheric ballad "Storyline," as well as the powerful and epic title track. The majestic album closer, "When Worlds Collide," clocks in at over 12 minutes and may well be the best song WITHIN SILENCE has released to date.

The album was produced and recorded in Slovakia by the band with the support of Jan Cvercko and Jan Kubas. The band enlisted Matt Smith from THEOCRACY to handle the mixing and Jacob Hansen for mastering. After their expert contributions, it’s safe to say this is WITHIN SILENCE’s best-sounding album to date, showcasing a production quality that perfectly complements the songs.

The Eclipse Of Worlds is a powerful and uplifting power metal album that will appeal to fans of melodic power metal and heavy metal and bands like STRATOVARIUS, THEOCRACY, POWER QUEST and MAJESTICA!

The Eclipse Of Worlds CD track listing:

1. “Land of Light”
2. “Divine Power”
3. “The Eclipse of Worlds”
4. “The Treason”
5. “Storyline”
6. “Battle Hymn”
7. “The Broken Thorn”
8. “The Mist”
9. “When Worlds Collide”

The Eclipse Of Worlds vinyl track listing:

Side A:

1. “Land of Light”
2. “Divine Power”
3. “The Eclipse of Worlds”
4. “Storyline”
5. “Battle Hymn”

Side B:

1. “The Treason”
2. “The Broken Thorn”
3. “The Mist”
4. “When Worlds Collide”

The Eclipse Of Worlds gold/black splatter vinyl pre-order: https://ulteriumstore.com/collections/vinyl/products/within-silence-the-eclipse-of-worlds-clear-gold-black-splatter-vinyl-pre-order

The Eclipse Of Worlds silver/black vinyl pre-order: https://ulteriumstore.com/collections/vinyl/products/within-silence-the-eclipse-of-worlds-silver-black-vinyl-pre-order

The Eclipse Of Worlds black vinyl pre-order: https://ulteriumstore.com/collections/vinyl/products/within-silence-the-eclipse-of-worlds-black-vinyl-pre-order

The Eclipse Of Worlds CD pre-order: https://ulteriumstore.com/collections/cds/products/within-silence-the-eclipse-of-worlds-cd-edition-pre-order

WITHIN SILENCE online: www.within-silence.com, www.facebook.com/withinsilenceband & www.instagram.com/withinsilenceofficial

SACRED WARRIOR, Waiting In Darkness Deluxe CD Re-issue on Retroactive Records:
Album Release: September 2024

Press Release / Originally self released by the band in 2013, Waiting In Darkness marked SACRED WARRIOR’s triumphant return after 25 years, instantly captivating both long-time followers and new fans alike. While the band’s iconic voice, Rey Parra, had been replaced by Eli Prinsen, fans were left wondering if the magic could continue. The answer came in a wave of unanimous acclaim, as Eli not only met but exceeded expectations, proving to be an impeccable match for the band’s signature sound. From start to finish, the album is packed with powerful, crushing classic metal, drenched in soaring melodies and thunderous grooves. SACRED WARRIOR’s unmistakable QUEENSRŸCHE-inspired sound shines through, but with an even sharper edge- brimming with hooks and all the elements that earned them their place as elite in both Christian and mainstream metal circles. Fans of QUEENSRŸCHE, MASTERPLAN, and IRON MAIDEN will feel right at home with this towering release.

The 2024 Retroactive Records Deluxe Collector's Edition takes this already monumental album to new heights. Featuring flawless mastering, it comes packaged in a jewel case with a 12-page booklet filled with lyrics and band photos. This edition is wrapped in a full-color collector’s cardboard O-ring sleeve, boasting an enhanced version of the epic skull-and-horned monster artwork. Inside, the original 2013 cover art remains faithfully reproduced on the booklet for a touch of nostalgia.  As part of the exclusive Metal Icon Series, the CD reissue is limited to just 500 copies. 

Few albums beg for a vinyl release more than Waiting In Darkness, enticing mesmerized fans to yearn for the sweet heavenly nectar delivered so definitively from these progressive metal gods - bellowing through the warm, ultra-dynamic grooves of your turntable! Well, it's here in dramatic fashion with heavy-weight black vinyl that includes a 12x12 insert with lyrics and pictures. 

Get this classic on CD & vinyl while you can!

SACRED WARRIOR lineup:

Eli Prinsen - Lead Vocals
Bruce Swift - Guitars
Joe Petit - Keyboards
Steve Watkins - Bass
Tony Velazquez – Drums

Waiting In Darkness CD track listing:

1. “Desperately Wicked”
2. “Waiting In Darkness”
3. “Sinking Sand”
4. “In Dust And Ashes”
5. “Fallen Hero”
6. “Fear Me”
7. “Long Live The King”
8. “Jealous Love”
9. “Living Sacrifice”
10. “Day Of The Lord” (re-recorded)
11. “Temples On Fire” (re-recorded)

Waiting In Darkness vinyl track listing:

Side A:

1. “Desperately Wicked”
2. “Waiting In Darkness”
3. “Sinking Sand”
4. “In Dust And Ashes”
5. “Fallen Hero”

Side B:

1. “Fear Me”
2. “Long Live The King”
3. “Jealous Love”
4. “Living Sacrifice”
5. “Day Of The Lord” (re-recorded)
6. “Temples On Fire” (re-recorded)

Waiting In Darkness CD ordering information: https://boonesoverstock.com/products/sacred-warrior-waiting-in-darkness-deluxe-cd-2024-retroactive-epic-prog-power

Waiting In Darkness vinyl ordering information: https://boonesoverstock.com/products/sacred-warrior-waiting-in-darkness-new-vinyl-2021-retroactive-records

SACRED WARRIOR online: https://sacredwarrior.net & www.facebook.com/sacredwarriorband

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

PERPETUAL LEGACY Release Sophomore Album, Teodrama:
Album Release: September 20, 2024

Press Release / Brazilian symphonic metal band PERPETUAL LEGACY released on September 20, 2024 its second album Teodrama, which offers listeners nothing less than 20 new, unreleased tracks.

Teodrama offers a perfect example of the combination of beauty, poetry, intensity and energy present in its 20 tracks, which is a bold immersion into the four fundamental pillars that make up the structure of the Bible: Creation, Fall, Redemption and Consummation. This musically rich work promises to transport listeners on an epic journey, where each of the songs on the double album explores these crucial theological elements in a unique and intense way.

Regarding the album and its concept, vocalist Michelle Braglia says: “The theme and the sound created an album that we always wanted to hear. This CD shows our evolution as musicians, singers, composers and writers, which made it possible for us to incorporate elements that we had not explored in our previous works. The public will be surprised! The concept is spectacular, since in 20 tracks we play and sing the only Narrative that involves all humanity and the only divinity in which we believe, the Triune God. The listener will notice that the songs not only contain biblical references, but they also touch on the past, present and future. It’s a beautiful, profound and transformative theme.”

Teodrama was recorded at Melodia Studio, Maia's Homestudio, Dez14 Studio (Brasília/DF) and Braglia Homestudio (Rotterdam/Netherlands) between 2021 and 2023, with engineering, mixing and mastering by Arthur Inácio and will be released via En Hakkore Records and was released in physical and digital formats through En Hakkore Records.

PERPETUAL LEGACY lineup:

Michelle Braglia - Lead Vocals
Lucas Fernandes – Guitars
Matheus Maia - Bass and Vocals
Rafael Lobo - Piano and Keyboards
Renan Costa - Drums

Single “Justified By Faith” can be viewed above.

Purchase Teodrama at the following link: https://enhakkore.com.br/perpetuallegacy

Listen to Teodrama on your favorite streaming platform: https://linktr.ee/PerpetualLegacy

PERPETUAL LEGACY online:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PerpetualLegacy
Instragram: www.instagram.com/perpetuallegacyband
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@PerpetualLegacy

TRUE STRENGTH Update Regarding Forthcoming Album, Ancient Of Days:

Press Release / TRUE STRENGTH announce that their sixth full-length studio album, Ancient of Days, is coming mid-2025 in both CD and digital format through Roxx Records. We apologize for the delay as we have been taking extra care with the production of this album and have even added another song called “Forbidden Prayers”, so now the album will have eleven full-length tracks. Stay tuned to Roxx Records for more information about the release details in the months to come!

Ancient Of Days is a theme-album based entirely on the Old Testament Book of Daniel. The events of the book are covered from beginning to end, as faithful to Scripture as possible. The lyrics for each song derive from actual scripture in the Book of Daniel

The album will also feature the artwork of renowned comic book artist, Ward Silverman (Topps Comics, Star Wars)!

Ancient Of Days track listing:

1. “Taken To Babylon”
2. “Nebuchadnezzar's Dream”
3. “Thrown Into The Fiery Furnace (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego)”
4. “Seven Years Of Madness”
5. “The Writing On The Wall (Mene, Mene, Tekel, Parsin)”
6. “Forbidden Prayers”
7. “Daniel In The Den Of Lions”
8. “Triumph Of The Ancient Of Days”
9. “The Ram And The Goat”
10. “Prophecy Of The Seventy Weeks”
11. “Time Of The End”

Roxx Records online: https://roxxrecords.com & www.facebook.com/RoxxRecords777

TRUE STRENGTH online: https://truestrength.band/home & www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063574272116

NEWS BRIEFS

* Vocalist/guitarist Lary Dean offers the latest concerning the upcoming debut album from EMANATE, Among The Nations (Facebook - September 20, 2024):

“The next seven days marks the beginning of the homestretch for the completion of the new EMANATE “Among the Nations“ album!

“This album features some absolutely amazing guest artists and is a praise medal joy ride that you’ll wanna get on and never get off of! You’ll be upset when a song comes to an end because of the direction within God‘s presence you were heading and experiencing! This will cause you to hit repeat. Over and over and….
 
“Emanate is a music scape that will grab your heart and take you thunderously vertical to an atmosphere of breakthrough! Activating incomparable joy, connection and receptivity of God’s endless love, inexhaustible grace and life-changing acceptance! One of the best ways we can describe it is… it’s an entire album of ‘Revelation songs’.”

“My God Bled” is the first single off the album: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oTZ4032LzQ

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

IMPELLITTERI Announce New Album, War Machine:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:

Press Release / With legions of fans worldwide, IMPELLITTERI is known for exciting music, addictive riffs, and mesmerizing melodies. Today they proudly announce that a new album - War Machine - is dropping on November 8th via Frontiers Music Srl.

War Machine features guitar hero Chris Impellitteri’s guitar virtuosity and lead singer Rob Rock’s vocal range powered by the incredible rhythmic foundation of bassist James Pulli, and former SLAYER drummer Paul Bostaph.

About the album, Impellitteri had this to say:

‘This new album has been an absolute thrill to make with my friends Rob Rock, James Pulli, Paul Bostaph, and our engineers Mike Plotnikoff, Jun Murakawa, and Jacob Hansen!

‘This music expresses where we are today as a band emotionally and technically! This is probably the most sincere album we have made because we just played music that moved us emotionally without chasing any trends or other bands. We definitely played our (butts) off! And so, I truly hope everyone gets a chance to listen to this new album and rock with us!! I am looking forward to touring behind this album!!’

With War Machine, the IMPELLITTERI band presents a mind-blowing, highly energetic, and thrilling new musical adventure.

To date, IMPELLITTERI has sold 2 million+ records worldwide and has performed on the same stages as IRON MAIDEN, BLACK SABBATH, JOURNEY, and more. The band has been featured on multiple magazine covers, television, radio, and internet shows. In its glorious past, IMPELLITTERI was also featured on MTV, VH1, and Headbangers Ball.

Chris is an iconic guitar player and a huge inspiration for many players. He has been named one of the fastest guitar players of all time by magazines like Guitar One and Guitar World, while Burrn! Japan, voted Chris as the best rock guitarist. In 2023, IMPELLITTERI was inducted into the Heavy Metal Hall of Fame.

With War Machine the band delivers one of their best albums to date. From the opening riff of the title track to songs like today's “Out Of Mind (Heavy Metal)” or “Hell On Earth”, the album is a manifest of bone-crushing riffs, hyper-technical solos, and anthemic choruses.

IMPELLITTERI lineup:

Rob Rock - Lead Vocals
Chris Impellitteri - Lead Guitarist
James Pulli - Bassist
Paul Bostaph - Drummer

War Machine track listing:

1. “War Machine”
2. “Out of My Mind (Heavy Metal)"
3. “Superkingdom”
4. “Wrathchild”
5. “What Lies Beneath”
6. “Hell On Earth”
7. “Power Grab”
8. “Beware The Hunter”
9. “Light It Up”
10.  “Gone Insane”
11. “Just Another Day”

War Machine blue/red splatter vinyl pre-order: https://frontiers-us.shop/collections/pre-orders/products/impellitteri-war-machine-blue-red-splatter-vinyl-lp

War Machine CD pre-order: https://frontiers-us.shop/collections/pre-orders/products/impellitteri-war-machine-cd

ALLOS Reveals Details Regarding New Album, Strong Delusion:
Album Release: October 4, 2024

Press Release / Formed by Celso Alves (vocals), Junior Oliveira (guitars), Edley Winderson (bass), and Wallace Ryan (drums), ALLOS is a name with a strong presence in the power/progressive metal scene. The group has opened for acts such as STRYPER, NARNIA, THE WAYMAKER and PETRA, while its members have participated in recordings with DYNASTY OF METAL, ONNÍNCA and ECTHIRION.

Aiming at qualitative excellence, ALLOS recorded its new album Strong Delusion at the renowned Sonastério studio with Bruno Barros sharing production duties with the band and Viktor Stenquist (NARNIA) in charge of mixing and Thomas "Plec" Johansson (The Panic Room - Sweden) mastering.

Guest vocal appearances include Christian Liljregen (NARNIA, THE WAYMAKER), whom lends his abilities to albums second song “Follow Me”, and Rob Rock (IMPELLITTERI), whom guests on metal anthem “Millennium Kingdom”.

ALLOS released the albums first single “Tele Visione Of Reality” in August: www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_jYHYXqIq8

Second single “All of Your Days” followed in September (embedded above).

ALLOS lineup:

Celso Alves - Lead Vocals
Junior Oliveira - Guitars
Edley Winderson - Bass
Wallace Ryan - Drums

Guests Musicians:

Cristian Cooke - Midi Programming
Marco Amorim - Piano
Léo Turbo – Voiceover
Christian Liljregen - Lead Vocals
Rob Rock - Lead Vocals

Strong Delusion track listing:

1. “The Pilgrim’s Progress”
2. “Follow Me”
3. “All Your Days”
4. “Tele Visione Of Reality”
5. “Suffering And Evil”
6. “Inferno”
7. “Letter From Heaven”
8. “In Human Mind”
9. “Strong Delusion”
10. “System Collapse”
11. “Millennium Kingdom”
12. “For The Centuries”

ALLOS online: www.allosofficial.com &www.facebook.com/allosofficial

NEWS BRIEFS

* BRIDE takes the Immortal 2024 Part 2 stage, first live show in 16 years: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIwIDcJPTTY

* The classic LEVITICUS lineup of guitarist Björn Stigsson, lead vocalist and bassist Håkan Andersson and drummer Kjell Andersson reunited to record a 4 song EP entitled MMXXIV, which is scheduled for release on October 25, 2024.  Lyrics in Swedish on all four tracks: “Med Lyfta hander”, “Jag fäster blacken”, “Fyll dina tankar” and “Leva Livet”

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

SAINT Unveils New Album, Immortalizer:
Album Release: August 30, 2024

Press Release / Roxx Records is thrilled to announce the release of Immortalizer, the highly anticipated new album from the legendary Christian heavy metal band SAINT. Set to release on August 30th, 2024, this album marks an incredible milestone as the band celebrates their 40th anniversary with their 13th studio album.

For four decades, SAINT has stood as a pillar of Christian heavy metal, delivering powerful, melodic, and epic music that has inspired a devoted following. Immortalizer continues this legacy with 11 tracks that blend the band's signature sound with fresh energy and intensity. Fans of traditional melodic heavy metal will find much to love in this latest offering.

Immortalizer features:

• 11 tracks of epic, traditional melodic heavy metal
• A 6-page lyrics booklet, housed in a jewel case
• Mastering by Rob Cowell (Bombworks Sound), ensuring a rich and powerful sound

Roxx Records is proud to once again partner with SAINT to bring this incredible new release to their dedicated fan base. The album is available on CD through Armor Records, with physical distribution handled by Roxx Records.

The band shared their excitement about the new album, stating:

"We are thrilled to unveil the official music video for Immortalizer, the electrifying title track from our latest album. This release marks a monumental milestone for us as it coincides with our 40th anniversary and the launch of our 13th studio album. Immortalizer encapsulates the essence of our journey, combining powerful lyrics with the signature sound that has defined Saint for four decades. Join us in celebrating this incredible moment and dive into the world of Immortalizer”.

Following the success of their 2022 release Heaven Fell, SAINT returns with the same lineup, bringing an album that is as powerful and intense as anything they have ever released. Driven by Richard Lynch's robust bass and featuring the dual guitar attack of Matt Smith and Jerry Johnson, Immortalizer captures the essence of SAINT while pushing their sound to new heights. Dave Nelson's vocals shine throughout, and Jared Knowland's drumming delivers the perfect blend of power and precision.

The production of Immortalizer is thick and heavy, reminiscent of early BLACK SABBATH albums, but with the benefit of modern resources. This is classic SAINT in 2024- better than ever, with production, riffs, and hooks that will resonate with both longtime fans and new listeners alike.

SAINT lineup:

Dave Nelson - Lead Vocals
Jerry Johnson - Guitars
Matt Smith - Guitars
Richard Lynch - Bass
Jared Knowland - Drums

Immortalizer track listing:

1. “Immortalizer”
2. “Repent”
3. “My Cemetary”
4. “Eyes Of Fire”
5. “The Congregation”
6. “Pit Of Sympathy”
7. “Into The Kingdom”
8. “The Loyal”
9. “Blood Of God”
10. “Where Is The Faith”
11. “Salt In The Wound”

Roxx Records online: https://roxxrecords.com & www.facebook.com/RoxxRecords777

SAINT online: https://armorrecords.wixsite.com/saintsite/home & www.facebook.com/saintband

DAMASCUS, The Road To Damascus 2 CD Anthology On Roxx Records:
Album Release: September 13, 2024

Press Release / Roxx Records is excited to announce the release of another stellar band from the 80’s and 90’s, the progressive rock band, DAMASCUS! Coming together in February 1982, DAMASCUS set out to create music where art met faith. Booking themselves into larger halls, churches, and school gymnasiums throughout the Midwest, there was a demand at concerts for a recording of their music. So in 1983 they released a self-titled four song cassette EP released independently. They also began publishing their own newsletter called 'The Damascus Chronicle'.

In 1984, they released their first full length cassette, Will I Find You There?, which became widely available in record stores and at concerts by May 1985. The project included two songs originally on their debut cassette (“Truth” and “His Love Today”) and quickly surpassed sales of their debut EP. Doug Van Pelt of Heaven’s Metal Magazine wrote, “I must say I am very impressed. They are polished in technique and have an artistic flair for emotional creativity. The music is full and rich.” Dan Kennedy from The Cutting Edge said: “The difference here is that the instrumentation goes beyond the basics…very fine challenging music. “The Lost Prayer” is one of the most stirring songs I have heard this year”.

With national attention and a boost in sales and publicity, the band remixed the master tapes and put it out for sale again in 1986. By 1987, they recorded their third cassette album, Timeless, which received rave reviews from nearly every Christian publication, which led to radio interviews and an appearance at Cornerstone Festival. Doug Van Pelt of Heaven’s Metal Magazine wrote about Timeless: “They have improved with age…in every category. The music hides some real gems…soaring music”.  They continued to tour in support of the Timeless recording for the next year and a half.

They began work on their fourth recording, Soon…The Doors Will Open, which was released in September 1990. The album was hailed by many reviewers as their best work. White Metal Review wrote, “I was blown out of my chair!...incredible musicians…I am convinced that these guys could rock anyone’s socks off as they did mine! Soon…The Doors Will Open is an incredible masterpiece…Damascus is one group that knows what it is doing.” Mark Hodges in The Obligator wrote: “I’m amazed a major Christian label hasn’t picked up these guys. Their sound…is peppy and exciting with tons of excellent keyboard action…the words are like poetry set in motion…some of the best modern rock on the globe.” And Bob Felberg writing in White Throne Magazine said: “The lyrics…are part of the drawing power of this band. There are several real strong points with Damascus, one is Tom McKeown’s vocals…very engaging…with conviction and power”.  And Risen Rock wrote, “…very intellectual…Lots of melodic changes and excellent instrumentals. A very good tape, excellent production…You’ll want this one”.

It seemed the band was on the precipice of success, but Christian labels who took an interest in them wanted them to change their sound to match other popular artists, a compromise they would not do, and mainstream labels found them too ‘Christian’ for their tastes. Thus, a band who wrote and recorded such complex and thought-provoking progressive art rock started to face some challenges. Founding member guitarist/vocalist Marc Reich left the band. The remaining three members decided to continue on as a trio touring, and then they started recording some demos for a fifth album. Three songs slated for that fifth album were put out on cassette, entitled Demo 91. Others songs were recorded in demo form or in rough recordings, but when drummer Dave Coy decided to leave the band in 1993, DAMASCUS came to an end.

Founding member Tom McKeown, who is still active in music as a producer and with his  Americana/folk/fock band SHADOWFIELDS, as well as his prog/rock side project UNDOUBTING THOMAS, has taken all those fifth album demos and rough recordings and brought them to a state of restoration for this special anthology release. The unreleased fifth DAMASCUS album, The Turning Tide, now can be heard for the first time in this special Roxx Records release.

Don’t miss your chance to experience some of the most captivating, creative, inspiring progressive rock ever released in Christian music. As Judd Harper of Rizzen Rocks wrote: “Their music is not just catchy tunes but works of art!...a classy sound…they have something a lot different…that will just blow you away”.

DAMASCUS lineup:

Tom McKeown - Lead & Background Vocals, Keyboards & Guitars
Marc Reich - Lead & Background Vocals & Guitars
Cliff Zweibruck - Bass & Background Vocals
David Coy - Drums & Percussion

The Road To Damascus track listing:

Disc One:

The Damascus EP (1983)

1. “Slipping Away”
2. “Nothing Left To Fear”

Will I Find You There? (1984)

3. “Will I Find You There?”
4. “Truth”
5. “A Father’s Only Son”
6. “His Love Today”
7. “Circle Of God’s Love”
8. “The Lost Prayer”

Timeless' (1987)

9. “Time For A Season”
10. “What Four?”
11. “A Knight To Remember”
12. “Timeless”
13. “Lord Of The Mountain”
14. “The Keeper”

Disc Two:

Soon…The Doors Will Open (1990)

1. “Decisions”
2. “Psalm AD”
3. “An Angel”
4. “Reckless”
5. “Lead Me On”
6. “Blind Peace”
7. “Something To Live For”
8. “Still Waters”
9. “Waves”

The Turning Tide (unreleased fifth album, 2024)

10. “On A Wire”
11. “The Turning Tide”
12. “So the Story Goes”
13. “Screwtape”
14. “Ice of My Desire”
15. “A Passing Of Moments”
16. “Time Is A Tool”
17. “Unfinished Business”
18. “A Passing Of Moments (Revisited)”

The Road To Damascus pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/damascus-the-road-to-damascus-2024-2cd-anthology-limited-edition-release

DAMASCUS online: https://damascus.band

 

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ANGELICA - Angelica
We profess great admiration for the Intense Records 1989 self-titled Angelica debut for its ability to balance the virtuoso guitar abilities of Dennis Cameron with the melodic lead vocals of Rob Rock.  Read Full Review >>

DALE THOMPSON & THE BOON DOGS - Unfinished Business
The April of 2024 Roxx Records third Dale Thompson & The Boon Dogs album Unfinished Business has the blues rock basics down.  Read Full Review >>

HUMAN CODE - Break The Silence
Break The Silence, the Human Code July of 2024 Girder Music debut full length, feels like a melodic heavy metal album with modern overtones.  Read Full Review >>

MILLENNIAL REIGN - World On Fire
World On Fire is a melodic power metal album situated at the juncture of symphonic European and classic US based aesthetics.  Read Full Review >>

NOT OF THIS WORLD - I Am With Your  
Roxx Records February of 2024 Not Of This World sophomore album I Am With You takes classic hard rock sounds and combines them with acoustic rock sensibilities.  Read Full Review >>

OLZON, ANETTE - Rapture
Third Anette Olzon solo album Rapture is a strong contender to rank within the top five albums of the year.  Read Full Review >>

THOMAS THOMPSON EARTH PROJECT - Resurrection
With a bold new sound, Thomas Thompson Earth Project adds a dose of accessibility to its straightforward heavy metal lineage with the May of 2024 Roxx Records release to its fourth album Resurrection.  Read Full Review >>

TITANIC - Maiden Voyage (Retroactive Records re-issue)
With the July of 2024 Retroactive Records re-release to Maiden Voyage featuring highly upgraded production, we bring news that ought to give you pause.  Read Full Review >>

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

Girder Music Announces Melodic Progressive Rock Project From FRANK BOXBERGER, Perfect Vision:
Album Release: October 4, 2024

Press Release / If you love progressing melodic rock in the vein of KANSAS and JOHN ELEFANTE, then Perfect Vision is your must have bucket list album for 2024.

This album could have been called ‘The Amazing Grace Part 2’ as it was written by Frank Boxberger, who was the man behind John Elefante’s The Amazing Grace album that dropped just over two years ago.  Well, Frank and John are at it again on this 12 song progressive melodic rock album in which John Elefante sings on on 6 of the 12 songs. Keep reading this note from Frank and you'll understand more about how this project was birthed and and an unlikely kinship with John.

In September 2019, I had written two songs: "City Of Grace" and "Edge of Nowhere" (on the Perfect Vision album).  At that point, I thought to myself, who would I pick if I had first choice of any vocalist in the world to sing these two songs?  I then landed on my favorite singer John Elefante, who I have been listening to from KANSAS all the way through his solo career, and quickly decided I wanted John to be the vocalist on both of the songs. I had no real connection to John in anyway, or any common friends. 

Later that day I literally got on his fan website and sent an email request to him to see if he would be interested in singing  either of the songs.  He did respond to me and said simply ‘send me the songs’.   I sent them to him, he liked them, and actually called me and indicated he would be in Phoenix, Arizona in February 2020.  We then hung out and got to know each other for the next two days while he was in town and went into my home studio and wrote and recorded a song that would eventually appear on his solo album called "We Will Be Fine".  The pandemic hit about two weeks later and all of his concerts for the year had been canceled, which opened up an opportunity to work on an album together, which that song "City Of Grace" appeared on the album that was eventually released in 2022 

Within that two-year period we wrote 11 songs together and the album titled The Amazing Grace was released in April 2022. 

A few months later I was working on my solo album when John called me and wanted to be a part of this album called Perfect Vision.   It took me about two seconds to agree and we started recording all his vocal tracks on the new album.   I cannot tell you how great it has been to work with John on all of these songs. He really brings my songs to life on this album with his wonderful vocal style.  Like many others around the world, the tragedy of the pandemic brought many of us a great blessings. That is why I named the album Perfect Vision.  Meaning: To see past the corrupted things of this world and focus on the everyday blessings instead!

Perfect Vision track listing:

1. “Eye To Eye”
2. “Edge To Nowhere” (vocals by John Elefante)
3. “Waiting”  (vocals by John Elefante)
4. “Perfect Vision”
5. “Writing On The Wall”
6. “Sunday Is Coming Soon” (vocals by John Elefante)
7. “Six Years From Now”  (vocals by John Elefante)
8. “Hidden Crimes”
9. “Not A Victim”
10. “One In a Lifetime”
11. “Little Eyes” (vocals by John Elefante)
12. “New City” (vocals by John Elefante)

Perfect Vision pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/perfect-vision-fank-boxberger-special-guest-john-elefante-cd

MAD AT THE WORLD, Seasons Of Love Re-issue On Retroactive Records:
Album Release: November 15, 2024

Press Release / Artists evolve. They change to explore new horizons, adapt to the times, or simply to rejuvenate their creative spirit. MAD AT THE WORLD did just that with their 1990 release, Seasons Of Love, shifting from their late 80s techno sound to a robust hard rock style. Now, Retroactive Records proudly re-issues this seminal album, re-mastered by Rob Colwell, as part of the Legends Re-mastered Series.

Despite the album cover's familiar aesthetic, Seasons Of Love marked a bold departure from the band's earlier work. Initially, fans expecting the dance-alternative vibes were surprised by the hard rock transformation. However, this change showcased the band's versatility and depth. The album opens with "The Narrow Road," a track reminiscent of THE CULT, addressing the journey of realigning one's life. The title track offers a beautiful acoustic melody with a Spanish flair, echoing their alternative roots.

Standout tracks include the aggressive "City of Anger," the balanced "When the Wind Blows," and "Marshmallow Land," featuring Randy Rose's powerful vocals. "Summer's Gone" delivers poetic nostalgia, while "So Insane" tackles drug abuse with raw energy. The album closes dynamically with a reprise of "Seasons Of Love," hinting at future musical directions.

Seasons Of Love transcends simple genre classification, blending hard rock, alternative, and a hint of their techno origins. This re-issue will captivate old fans and attract new ones, appealing to enthusiasts of THE CULT, DANZIG, THE CURE, and alternative rock. Experience the transformation and depth of MAD AT THE WORLD's Seasons Of Love, available in a limited edition of 300 units. Secure your copy and rediscover the magic of this iconic album.

Seasons Of Love track listing:

1. “The Narrow Road”   
2. “Seasons Of Love”   
3. “City Of Anger”   
4. “When The Wind Blows”   
5. “Marshmallow Land’   
6. “Summer's Gone”   
7. “Promised Land (The Deception Of Drugs)”   
8. “So Insane”   
9. “It's Not A Joke”   
10. “The Love That Never Fades”   
11. “Seasons Of Love (Reprise)”

Seasons Of Love tropic glow vinyl pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/mad-at-the-world-seasons-of-love-tropic-glow-vinyl-2024-retroactive-remastered-hard-rock-copy

Seasons Of Love CD pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/mad-at-the-world-seasons-of-love-cd-2024-retroactive-remastered-hard-rock

MAD AT THE WORLD, Boomerang Re-issue On Retroactive Records:
Albums Release: November 15, 2024

Press Release / MAD AT THE WORLD released Boomerang in 1991, marking a significant development in their exploration of alternative rock. This album stands out for its rich variety of musical styles, setting it apart from their previous effort, Seasons Of Love. The energetic opening track "House of Sin" bridges the two albums, while "If You Listen" introduces a darker, more atmospheric sound, vividly depicting themes of spiritual struggle.

Tracks like "Back to You" and "Don't Give Up" highlight the band's ability to craft memorable melodies and harmonies, with the latter drawing comparisons to the mid-90s rock vibe of STONE TEMPLE PILOTS. The poignant "Ballad of Adam And Eve" and the hard-hitting "Sunday" showcase the band's versatility, from tender love themes to grittier, ALICE IN CHAINS-like tones. "Draggin' the Chains," co-written by bassist Brent Gordon, delves into the depths of sin and redemption, offering powerful lyrics, quasi-metal guitars and a deeply compelling narrative.

Perhaps the most controversial track, "Isn't Sex a Wonderful Thing?" uses biting sarcasm to critique modern attitudes towards love and purity, reflecting the band's fearless approach to challenging societal norms. The album closes with a robust reprise of "No More Innocence," transforming the original keyboard-driven track into a full-force rock anthem.

This re-issue of Boomerang, part of Retroactive Records' Legends Re-mastered Series, is limited to 300 copies and features a re-mastered sound by Rob Colwell. Packaged in a jewel case with an eight-page lyrics insert, this edition revitalizes one of the best Christian alternative albums ever, ensuring its legacy endures for new and old fans alike.

Boomerang track listing:

1. “House Of Sin”
2. “If You Listen”
3. “Back To You”
4. “Don't Give Up”
5. “Ballad Of Adam And Eve”
6. “Sunday”
7. “Draggin The Chains”
8. “All These Questions”
9. “Isn't Sex A Wonderful Thing?”
10. “No More Innocence (Reprise)”

Boomerang blue vinyl pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/mad-at-the-world-boomerang-boomerang-blue-vinyl-2024-retroactive-remastered-hard-rock

Boomerang CD pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/mad-at-the-world-boomerang-cd-2024-retroactive-remastered-hard-rock

STRYPER Release Music Video For When We Were Kings Title Track:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:

Pioneering Christian metallers STRYPER have shared the official Gavin Holmes-produced music video for "When We Were Kings", the title track from their upcoming album, which is due on September 13 via Frontiers Music Srl.

STRYPER guitarist/vocalist Michael Sweet comments: "We wanted to take you back in time, to see a small glimpse of the band back in the early days. Gavin Holmes did an amazing job of creating an animated time machine that relives and revives the incomparable '80s. When We Were Kings!"

About the album's first single, "End Of Days", STRYPER said: "'End Of Days' is a heavy track musically and lyrically. It has a classic sound with a few modern twists and turns along the way. Lyrically, it's probably the most fitting message according to the times we are living in. It really does feel like the 'End Of Days' in many ways. We're not only a divided nation, we're a divided world. It's time to make things right."

About "Loves Symphony", Michael stated: "We're always trying to merge the past with the present. Trying to incorporate the classic sound that older fans miss with the modern sound that newer fans hope for. “Loves Symphony” is a great combination of both. It not only represents who we were but also who we are. We really are excited about this one and we hope you all are too."

About "Grateful", Sweet added: "'Grateful' is an answer to all the fans that have been wanting to hear a throwback to songs like “Calling On You”. It's a different side of the band musically with a straight-ahead, pop/rock melody and groove. It's also a message of gratitude and being grateful for what you have, no matter who you are."

STRYPER's 40th-anniversary tour dates will begin this fall. After an appearance at the Alive Music Festival in July, tour dates kick off September 11 in Greenville, Tennessee and conclude November 16 in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

STRYPER's 40th-anniversary tour will be a celebration of both classic hits and new-era fan favorites, including outfit changes and an exciting new show production. In most cities, this will be a two-set ‘evening with’-style show.

In a recent interview with Canada's The Metal Voice, Michael spoke about the musical direction of the band's recently completed follow-up to 2022's "The Final Battle" album. He said: "I think what it's always been in the past 10 years, 12 years. It's kind of similar to the last album and the album prior to that. But this album has some different twists and turns to it. And you have to hear it to understand that. When I was writing the songs, I wanted to make sure the choruses kind of went from — the verses might be in a minor chord, a little more on the darker side, and the choruses go to a major chord, a little bit more on the lighter side. Not lighter, but happier side— more major, melodic, more of an anthem, sing-along kind of thing. Then when it comes back to the verse, boom, it darkens up a little bit. You hear more of that kind of stuff."

Regarding the lyrical content on the upcoming STRYPER LP, Sweet, who is responsible for almost all of the songwriting in the band, said: "[There are] a couple of twists and turns. There's a song called “Betrayed By Love”. It's a dark song, musically and lyrically. It's not a happy, typical STRYPER song that people might expect, like “Honestly”. It's a song about being betrayed by someone you loved or love. And I think people will hear that and think, 'Oh, wow. This is different.' It's a great song. It's really cool. But there's little twists and turns here with the lyrics. The lyrics are a little different. And really cool. I can't wait for people to hear it."

"I have to say that this album has a very special signature," he added. "It has a heaviness yet at the same time, a very melodic approach and a bit more of a 'sing-along' style when it comes to the choruses. I'm really pleased with the results and I truly believe it will be at the top of everyone's 'best of' list. There are some stand out tracks to my ears already but I won't go into details quite yet. Bottom line, a KILLER new STRYPER album is coming!"

Last September, Michael said that he wanted ‘to branch out a bit’ on the next STRYPER album "and try some new things and I also want to get back to some 'pop metal' on a few tracks as well”.

When We Were Kings track listing:

1. “End Of Days”
2. “Unforgivable”
3. “When We Were Kings”
4. “Betrayed By Love”
5. “Loves Symphony”
6. “Trinity”
7. “Rhyme Of Time”
8. “Raptured”
9. “Grateful”
10. “Divided By Design”
11. “Imperfect World”

Frontiers SRL online: www.frontiers.it & www.facebook.com/frontiersmusicsrl

STRYPER online: https://stryper.com & www.facebook.com/Stryper

NEWS BRIEFS

* Official lyric video from VAN ZANT, “Jesus Christ”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVW4Ark-hlA

* VENI DOMINE, “Ecclesiastes” (Official Video 2024 Deluxe Re-mastered Edition): www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwqojFUL_no

The video clip of “Ecclesiates” is taken from the classic VENI DOMINE album Material Sanctuary released 1994.  The album along with 1992 debut Fall Babylon Fall is being re-issued on Melodic Passion Records in September of this year.

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

JACOBS DREAM, Jacobs Dream Re-issue On Retroactive Records:
Album Release: August 2024

Press Release / Originally releasing its self-titled debut on Metal Blade Records in 2000, JACOBS DREAM has mastered the art of delivering classic American power metal, drawing heavy inspiration from IRON MAIDEN, early FATES WARNING, and a touch of Warning-era QUEENSRŸCHE, with notable similarities to METAL CHURCH. Vocalist James Taylor belts out these metal anthems with a ferocity reminiscent of Geoff Tate and Bruce Dickinson.

The 2024 reissue by Retroactive Records features a deluxe layout with an 8-page lyric insert and comes in a jewel case. It has been meticulously re-mastered by Rob Colwell (FLOTSAM & JETSAM, NEVERMORE, BELIEVER & CORONER), enhancing the album with added warmth, depth, and power. This reissue is limited to just 500 copies and is part of the prestigious Metal Icon Series. Don't miss the chance to own this magnificent power metal classic- grab your copy now!

Jacob Dream track listing:

1. “Kinescope”   
2. “Funambulism”   
3. “Scape Goat”   
4. “Mad House Of Cain”   
5. “Tale Of Fears”   
6. “Crusade”   
7. “Black Watch”   
8. “Love & Sorrow”   
9. “The Gathering”   
10. “Never Surrender “  
11. “The Bleeding Tree”   
12. “Violent Truth” (bonus track)

Jacobs Dream ordering details: https://boonesoverstock.com/products/jacobs-dream-jacobs-dream-cd-2024-retroactive-epic-prog-power-metal

JACOBS DREAM, Theater Of War Re-issue On Retroactive Records:
Album Release: August 2024

Press Release / Originally released in 2001 by Metal Blade Records, JACOBS DREAM sophomore effort Theater Of War stands as a monumental American power metal album. The band's self-titled debut in 2000 effectively blended elements of FATES WARNING, IRON MAID, and Theater Of War continues to build on that impressive foundation. While some might argue that JACOBS DREAM's originality isn't their strongest attribute, their ability to write compelling songs is undeniable.

Highlights of the album include "Sanctuary," a fierce rocker with excellent vocal melodies, especially in the chorus, and "Theater Of War," which showcases the band's ability to change pace swiftly. "Traces Of Grace" features an almost METALLICA-like opening and robust riffs, while "Wisdom" and "The Warning" display the band's knack for dynamic pacing and strong riff-driven songs. "Sarah Williams" stands out as a powerful ballad, telling an emotional story from the perspective of a remorseful drunk driver. "De Machina Est Deo" is a fast and furious instrumental that recalls European power metal bands and METALLICA.

Vocalist David Taylor delivers performances reminiscent of Bruce Dickinson (IRON MAIDEN) and Geoff Tate (QUEENSRŸCHE), with perhaps a hint of Geddy Lee. While the music evokes comparisons to QUEENSRŸCHE, IRON MAIDEN and METALLICA, JACOBS DREAM clearly carves out their own unique style.

The 2024 Retroactive Records reissue of Theater Of War features a deluxe layout, including an 8-page lyrics booklet and a jewel case. Re-mastered by Rob Colwell (FLOTSAM & JETSAM, NEVERMORE, BELIEVER & CORONER), this edition brings added warmth, depth, and power to an already magnificent album. Limited to just 500 copies and part of the elite Metal Icon Series, this reissue is a must-have for fans and collectors alike. Don't miss the chance to own this classic- grab your copy now!

Theater Of War track listing:

1. “Sanctuary”   
2. “Theater Of War”   
3. “Traces Of Grace”   
4. “Wisdom”   
5. “The Warning”   
6. “Sarah Williams”   
7. “De Machina Est Deo”   
8. “Black Souls”   
9. “Critical Mass”

Theater Of War ordering details: https://boonesoverstock.com/products/jacobs-dream-theater-of-war-cd-2024-retroactive-epic-prog-power-metal

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

Roxx Records Announces New Album From LORDCHAIN, The Chastisement Of Our Peace:
Album Release: August 30, 2024

Press Release / Roxx Records is very excited to be working once again with the amazing LORDCHAIN to release the bands latest and greatest album The Chastisement Of Our Peace. Roxx began working with LORDCHAIN on the 2022 release Surviving The Wicked Storm and is very happy to once again be working with the band.

LORDCHAIN has been recording, playing and going strong since 1990, celebrating 34 years together as an active ministry minded Christ centered band. Having eleven full length albums, four EP’s and one compilation under their belt, we are very excited to once again partner with the band to bring you their twelfth full length release entitled The Chastisement Of Our Peace.

The Chastisement Of Our Peace continues on in the heavy metal arena the band has always been following but they take it to the next level with this one. Featuring 10 brand new tracks that LORDCHAIN fans are going to eat up as they prepare for this brand new album! The first single “I Will Live Again” is being serviced to radio now and is available for streaming below.

The Chastisement Of Our Peace is scheduled for release on Friday August 30, 2024 and is definitely destined to make a big splash in the Christian metal community.

The Chastisement Of Our Peace track listing:
1. “Innocence Before Oblivion (Intro)”  
2. “Bittersweet Grace”
3. “Wicked Young Man”  
4. “I Can't Sleep”  
5. “The Chastisement Of Our Peace” 
6. “Twenty-First Century Logic”  
7. “We Close Our Eyes (Welcome to Dystopia)”  
8. “I Will Live Again”
9. “Your World Is Not My Own”
10. “Sacrosanct II: Reflections Of Memories”  

The Chastisement Of Our Peace pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/lordchain-the-chastisement-of-our-peace-cd-2024

LORDCHAIN online: https://lordchain.bandcamp.com & www.facebook.com/lordchain

Roxx Records Announces New Album From SHINING FORCE, Spiritual Warfare:
Album Release: August 30, 2024

Press Release / Roxx Records continue to bring you some of the best Christian rock and metal this year. Today we are excited to be working with an amazing Christian metal band based in Texas, and these guys are not ashamed to wear their passion for ministry on their sleeve. While this band has been a very heavy ministry and outreach band in the Texas area and beyond for close to 30 years, this is only the band’s fourth full-length release, but this one takes no prisoners and these guys are ready to kick down the gates of hell!

SHINING FORCE began in 1995 through a vision from God to Billy Vaughn to do outreaches primarily in parks in the poverty-stricken wards of Houston, TX. In 1995, Billy connected with other members through a peculiar and miraculous media source who shared the same vision: “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven” (Matthew 5:16). SHINING FORCE began by playing, and they captured the hearts of several street ministries.

The band soon recorded a demo entitled More Than Conquerors in 1998. The band played several hundred events through the next three years, reaching several thousand for the Kingdom of God. They played at Arts Festivals several times, the Star of Hope for women and children, several outdoor rallies for the poor and homeless, car shows, churches, youth groups, and Christian-themed clubs, to name a few.

SHINING FORCEs follow-up, first full-length album was Holy Nation, produced through Dewlen Studios. The band received several good reviews through multiple webzines, magazines, and radio stations. Their music was also listened to by over 26 countries while soaring on the then-popular MP3.com website and ReverbNation. Billy and the band kept cranking out the songs and made some changes in the lineup because some of the members could not handle the increasing demand.

At this time, they brought in some stronger musical talent and were approached by several indie labels. They signed up with Bloodbought Records out of New Jersey and recorded the self-titled album Shining Force. The album had a stronger sense of musicianship and was well received. The band was approached by Metal Blade Germany, but the deal was not right for them. The band began breaking into the mainstream due to their hard-hitting chord structures, incredible leads, crunchy hooks and catchy riffs, and was supported by a powerful double bass attack on drums. The music was along the talent level of JUDAS PRIEST, ZEPPELIN, STRYPER and ICED EARTH to name a few.

The band officially crossed over to playing religious and secular venues and drew sizable audiences. Several thousand received the Word of God, hundreds were saved through Jesus Christ, and many others set free from multiple sicknesses, possession, and addictions. In addition, they opened up for several legendary rock artists and national recording artists on the secular and Christian scenes. They began work on the next full-length album, By the Blood, their heaviest and most intricate work to date with Heald Studios. The band released some of the demo tracks through the Beyond the Riff radio show dedicated to the Christian metal scene where they received raving reviews.

During the process of recording, Billy was struck by a deadly illness and two key members decided to part ways after 8 years. SHINING FORCE continued to do outreaches and shows until the illness turned for the worse. Billy went through a liver transplant procedure. Billy is now better and back to playing shows and has potentially found the right replacement members to complete the current lineup of SHINING FORCE. Abel Molano, Chris Tooke, Ernie Lopez, and Arnold Cantu is the current line up working with Billy, and the dynamic of the new lineup has culminated in an excellent mixing of that classic metal sound combined with just enough of a modern metal sound.

All of their trials and tribulations have become a part of their powerful testimony; they are indeed Warriors for Christ. All of this leads us to today. The band has put together one exceptional release, powerful artwork, excellent new music, powerful lyrics, and even a guest appearance from Tim 'Ripper' Owens (JUDAS PRIEST) to round out their brand-new album, Spiritual Warfare.

So, get ready as we are set to release Spiritual Warfare to the masses and take no prisoners this August. Check out the first track, which is also the title track now being serviced to radio entitled “Spiritual Warfare”.

Spiritual Warfare track listing:

1. “Spiritual Warfare”
2. “Savior of the World”
3. “Shining Force”
4. “All For The One”
5. “Angel Of Light” (featuring Tim 'Ripper' Owens)
6. “Alive”
7. “Seven”
8. “Battle Hymn”
9. “One Way In No Way Out”
10. “King of Kings”
11. “The Holy One”

Spiritual Warfare pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/shining-force-spiritual-warfare-cd-2024-ffo-stryper-iced-earth-judas-priest

SHINING FORCE online: https://shiningforceband.org & www.facebook.com/shiningforceband1

New Single From TRANSCENDENT, “Unseen Battle”:
Album Release: July 26, 2024

Press Release / Roxx Records is your premiere source for new and emerging Christian rock and metal artists and music. So far this year we have released brand new music from the likes of ALL FOR THE KING, DALE THOMPSON & THE BOON DOGS, LATTER REIGN, MOHLER, MOTIVIK, NOT OF THIS WORLD, PIKES-GAINES, RAINFORCE, SWINGLE & THOMPSON ORDAINED, THE IMPERIAL, THE THOMAS THOMPSON EARTH PROJECT & TRUE STRENGTH.  And we are only half way through the year and still have much more to come!

What’s Next? Well we are very excited to bring you the debut full length release from TRANSCENDENT hailing from North Carolina. TRANSCENDENT features David Ashe and Paul Bowman, and the duo play a very heavy progressive rock/metal with a very bold and powerful message.

David began his musical journey in the early 1990’s while playing with several Christian rock and metal bands in the Hendersonville, North Carolina area. The bands included ST. JOHN, NEVERDEATH & LAST PARABLE.  While playing with LAST PARABLE, David was heavily influenced by the more progressive sounds of bands like DREAM THEATER, QUEENSRYCHE and RUSH, which led to LAST PARABLE having a unique sound within the local music scene at that time.

In 2023, David began work on an instrumental album, which as it developed, would ultimately transition into needing a vocalist. David made connection with BRIDE vocalist Dale Thompson, and the two wrote and recorded the song “Under the Bloodshed”. This initial song was the ‘launching pad’ for the search for a full-time vocalist for this brand-new project.

David met vocalist Paul Bowman through an ad for the vocalist position and the rest is history! The two began collaborating immediately on songs and it was obvious that God was doing a mighty work in the development of this project; and as such, TRANSCENDENT was born!

David’s main influences include John Petrucci, Alex Skolnick, George Lynch and Rex Carroll, just to name a few! David also has a passion for classical music and has studied classical guitar performance with Roger Cope in 1993-1994.

Paul Bowman started his musical journey back in high school with his very first band where he learned to construct original music and from there continued to front many different bands, mostly cover bands, with a few original bands that never made it to recording process. However, he did record 2 albums of originals with the band THORNS INSIDE. He and David would cross paths several times online and then they connected again through an ad that had been posted by David. It was obvious God was pushing this duo together and once that connection was made, Transcendent was finally born!

The debut full length release from TRANSCDENDENT, Awaken, was released July 26, 2024.  The most recent single from the album “Unseen Battle” is available for streaming (above).  “Free Your Soul” is the debut single from Awaken: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANTJ5HxZxag

The bands debut album was produced, mixed and mastered by Garret Thomas of Humble Heart Studios, while the brand new cover art, layout and design was done by Scott Waters of NLTM Graphics.

Awaken track listing:

1. “Free Your Soul”
2. “Beyond The Veil”
3. “Don't Lie To Me”
4. “Awaken”
5. “Unseen Battle”
6. “Suffocate”
7. “Here Comes The Reaper”
8. “Crack The Sky”

Awaken ordering details: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/transcendent-awaken-2024-cd-release-ffo-queensryche-dream-theater-etc

TRANSCENDENT online: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090061990305

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

ALLOS Release New Single, “Tele Visione of Reality”:

Press Release / Subsequent to a twelve year wait, Brazilian melodic power metal band ALLOS has released a new single, “Tele Visione of Reality”, the first promotional material from their upcoming album.

Formed by Celso Alves (vocals), Junior Oliveira (guitars), Edley Winderson (bass), and Wallace Ryan (drums), ALLOS is a name with a strong presence in the music scene. They have opened for acts such as STRYPER, NARNIA, THE WAYMAKER and PETRA, while its members have participated in recordings with bands such as DYNASTY OF METAL, ONNÍNCA and ECTHIRION.

Aiming for qualitative excellence, the quartet recorded “Tele Visione of Reality” at the renowned Sonastério studio (where ANGRA recorded Cycles Of Pain) with Bruno Barros sharing the production with the band and with the Viktor Stenquist (NARNIA) in charge of mixing and Thomas "Plec" Johansson (The Panic Room) on mastering.

Composed by bassist Edley Winderson and guitarist Junior Oliveira, the single “Tele Visione of Reality” stands out by incorporating elements from various metal subgenres, combining heaviness, technique, and speed into a melodic and theatrical performance, resulting in a symphonic progressive metal blend. The lyrics explore the power of the media in manipulating humanity through programming that often distorts reality, drawing a parallel to Plato's allegory of the cave. In this allegory, people who are exposed to a false reality for a long time end up accepting it as absolute truth.

You can check out the song on your favorite streaming platform at: https://onerpm.link/TeleVisioneofReality

“Tele Visione of Reality” music video was directed and edited by Davidson Mainart and Bruno Paraguay as assistant diretor. Filming took place at Espaço Cênico Yoshifumi Yagi - Teatro Raul Belém Machado (Belo Horizonte/Brazil).

ALLOS lineup:

Celso Alves - Lead Vocals
Junior Oliveira - Guitars
Edley Winderson - Bass
Wallace Ryan - Drums

Guests Musicians:

Cristian Cooke - Midi Programming
Marco Amorim - Piano
Léo Turbo - Voiceover

ALLOS online:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/allosofficial
Instagram: www.instagram.com/allosofficial
Official Site: www.allosofficial.com

SIGNUM REGIS Release “Ministry Of Truth” Music Video:

Press Release / Melodic power metal band SIGNUM REGIS released a music video for the song "Ministry of Truth", which is taken off its latest album Undivided.

Bassist Ronnie König comments:

"'Ministry of Truth' is a song written by our guitarist Filip Koluš. I did the lyrics and since the song is so heavy, I immediately thought about linking it to a heavy topic. As the title suggests, it criticizes the people in power who have appropriated the right to be the arbiters of truth. Unlike most of our previous music videos, this one is story-driven and features professional actors. It was done in Brazil and the production looks great. We hope you will like it."

Undivided was released on CD, limited vinyl editions and digital download on November 17th 2023 via Ulterium Records.

Undivided has received excellent feedback from media and fans around the world and most agree that this is the strongest release from the band so far. The album was awarded ‘album of the month’ in Rock Hard France, got an impressive 10/10 review in Powerplay Magazine UK, 5,5/6 in Spark Rock Magazine CZ, 9/10 in Metalized Magazine DK and 95% at Angelic Warlord.

Production, mixing and mastering attribute to Jacob Hansen (VOLBEAT, KAMELOT, EVERGREY and the epic artwork to Uwe Jarling (GRAVE DIGGER, MYSTIC PROPHECY).  Guests on the album include guitarists Jimi Cimbala (NO CONTROL) and Daniel J. Fries (AFFECTOR) and vocalist David Åkesson (MOONLIGHT AGONY, QUANTICE, SYMPHONITY).

The album marks the return of SIGNUM REGIS to Ulterium Records, the label where the band released three successful releases between 2013-2015: Exodus, Through the Storm and Chapter IV: The Reckoning.

Undivided track listing:

1. “Daniel's Prophecy”
2. “Ministry Of Truth”
3. “Salt Of The Earth”
4. “Interpreter Of Dreams”
5. “Pilgrim Road”
6. “Servants Of The Fallen One”
7. “Sea Of Galilee”
8. “Prepare For War”
9. “Undivided”
10. “Shield My Soul”

Undivided CD ordering details: https://ulteriumstore.com/collections/cds/products/signum-regis-undivided-cd-edition-pre-order

Undivided orange/black vinyl ordering details: https://ulteriumstore.com/collections/vinyl/products/signum-regis-undivided-orange-black-vinyl-pre-order

Undivided clear vinyl ordering details: https://ulteriumstore.com/collections/vinyl/products/signum-regis-undivided-clear-vinyl-pre-order

Undivided black vinyl ordering details: https://ulteriumstore.com/collections/vinyl/products/signum-regis-undivided-black-vinyl-pre-order

SIGNUM REGIS online: www.signum-regis.com & www.facebook.com/signum.regis

STRYPER Release Two New Singles, “Loves Symphony” & “Grateful”:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:

Pioneering Christian metal band STRYPER will release a new studio album, When We Were Kings, on September 13, 2024.

The LP's second and third singles, "Loves Symphony" and "Grateful", have just been made available and can be streamed (above and below).

About "Loves Symphony", STRYPER front man Michael Sweet states: "We're always trying to merge the past with the present. Trying to incorporate the classic sound that older fans miss with the modern sound that newer fans hope for. 'Loves Symphony' is a great combination of both. It not only represents who we were but also who we are. We really are excited about this one and we hope you all are too."

About "Grateful", Sweet adds: "'Grateful' is an answer to all the fans that have been wanting to hear a throwback to songs like “Calling On You”. It's a different side of the band musically with a straight-ahead, pop/rock melody and groove. It's also a message of gratitude and being grateful for what you have, no matter who you are”.

About the album's first single, "End Of Days", STRYPER said: "'End Of Days' is a heavy track musically and lyrically. It has a classic sound with a few modern twists and turns along the way. Lyrically, it's probably the most fitting message according to the times we are living in. It really does feel like the 'End Of Days' in many ways. We're not only a divided nation, we're a divided world. It's time to make things right”.

STRYPER's 40th-anniversary tour dates will begin this fall. After an appearance at the Alive Music Festival in July, tour dates kick off September 11 in Greenville, Tennessee and conclude November 16 in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

STRYPER's 40th-anniversary tour will be a celebration of both classic hits and new-era fan favorites, including outfit changes and an exciting new show production. In most cities, this will be a two-set "evening with"-style show.

In a recent interview with Canada's The Metal Voice, STRYPER front man Michael Sweet spoke about the musical direction of the band's recently completed follow-up to 2022's The Final Battle album. He said: "I think what it's always been in the past 10 years, 12 years. It's kind of similar to the last album and the album prior to that. But this album has some different twists and turns to it. And you have to hear it to understand that. When I was writing the songs, I wanted to make sure the choruses kind of went from - the verses might be in a minor chord, a little more on the darker side, and the choruses go to a major chord, a little bit more on the lighter side. Not lighter, but happier side - more major, melodic, more of an anthem, sing-along kind of thing. Then when it comes back to the verse, boom, it darkens up a little bit. You hear more of that kind of stuff."

Regarding the lyrical content on the upcoming STRYPER LP, Sweet, who is responsible for almost all of the songwriting in the band, said: "(There are) a couple of twists and turns. There's a song called “Betrayed By Love”. It's a dark song, musically and lyrically. It's not a happy, typical STRYPER song that people might expect, like “Honestly”. It's a song about being betrayed by someone you loved or love. And I think people will hear that and think, 'Oh, wow. This is different.' It's a great song. It's really cool. But there's little twists and turns here with the lyrics. The lyrics are a little different. And really cool. I can't wait for people to hear it”.

This past March, Sweet wrote in an online post that he was “a little nervous” about his voice prior to the recording sessions for the new STRYPER album, "but in all sincerity, it seems fine to me," he said. "I didn't have any trouble tracking vocals and if anything, it seemed a little easier this time around.

"I have to say that this album has a very special signature," he added. "It has a heaviness yet at the same time, a very melodic approach and a bit more of a 'sing-along' style when it comes to the choruses. I'm really pleased with the results and I truly believe it will be at the top of everyone's 'best of' list. There are some stand out tracks to my ears already but I won't go into details quite yet. Bottom line, a KILLER new STRYPER album is coming!"

Last September, Michael said that he wanted "to branch out a bit" on the next STRYPER album "and try some new things and I also want to get back to some 'pop metal' on a few tracks as well."

In December, Sweet underwent partial thyroidectomy, the surgery to remove part of his thyroid gland. It is the most common surgery for thyroid cancer.

The follow-up to 2020's Even The Devil Believes, The Final Battle was produced by Sweet and was once again recorded at SpiritHouse Recording Studios in Northampton, Massachusetts.

Formed 41 years ago, STRYPER's name comes from Isaiah 53:5, which states: "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."

STRYPER's albums include To Hell With The Devil, Second Coming, No More Hell To Pay, Fallen, God Damn Evil and the aforementioned Even The Devil Believes and The Final Battle.

Michael is joined in STRYPER by his brother Robert Sweet (drums),Oz Fox (guitar) and Perry Richardson (bass).

STRYPER's "To Hell With The Amps: The Unplugged Tour" kicked off in late May. For the first time ever, the Christian rockers staged a full tour where they performed their hits and fan favorites acoustically.

When We Were Kings track listing:

1. “End Of Days”
2. “Unforgivable”
3. “When We Were Kings”
4. “Betrayed By Love”
5. “Loves Symphony”
6. “Trinity”
7. “Rhyme Of Time”
8. “Raptured”
9. “Grateful”
10. “Divided By Design”
11. “Imperfect World”

Frontiers SRL online: www.frontiers.it & www.facebook.com/frontiersmusicsrl

STRYPER online: https://stryper.com & www.facebook.com/Stryper

ARTIST COMMENTARY

GUARDIAN update from bassist David Bach (Facebook - July 16, 2024):

“I’ve been on a few historical rants lately. Here’s another. But this one is all about the music.  I’ve been getting asked a lot about rumblings in the Guardian camp. Well..it’s true. There is new music afoot, but it’s not what you might think. In 1985, we released our first project called Rock In Victory. The band was called Fusion then. It was really just a demo tape, but it was a big deal to us. Despite the revolving door of lead guitarists we seemed to go through… it was just Paul Cawley (lead vocals), Rikk Hart (drums) and myself who entered the studio for those sessions.

“Ironically and amazingly…we were offered a record deal from this lowly demo (thanks Eric Blair).  I’ll never forget that fateful night when Enigma Records President Wesley Hein drove down to our humble little rehearsal shed in Santa Ana, CA to hear us actually play. It was just Paul, Rikk, and myself. Wes walked in and said “Eric Blair gave me your tape and I really liked it- can you play a few songs from it?” So we knocked out a few tunes with Wes standing there somewhat expressionless but pleasant. After about 3 songs, he stopped us and said “That’s cool- I just wanted to be sure that this was the same band that is on the tape” There was a moment of silence and Wes calmly said “We’d like to sign you guys”. Just like that. It was that simple. Paul, Rikk and I just looked at each other. We had rolled into practice straight from work. Rikk was working for a construction supply company called White Cap and Paul and I were warehousemen at Mitsubishi Consumer Electronics. I’ll never forget that moment. We were stunned and quiet. We just said “Wow, that’s awesome!” Wes said he’d send us a contract and that he’d be in touch”.

“He also mentioned that there was a Spanish jazz-rock band called Fusion so we should probably think of a new name. And soon after, Guardian was born. The full story of the climb is quite involved and I look forward to sharing it at some point. Those who know our band know what happened. We added guitarist Tony Palacios in 1986 and our first worldwide release First Watch finally came out in 1989. Many twists and turns along the way. During the 1989 First Watch World Tour, Rikk left the band. Paul left in 1990. They left for different reasons and that is their story to tell. But I wasn’t really in contact with those guys much for many years.

“Tony and I went on to have some great success with Jamie Rowe and Karl Ney. That lineup will always be the core of Guardian for me. But Paul, Rikk and myself are the roots of Guardian. In 2022, I left Nashville after 30 years and moved back to SoCal - where my family on both sides have hailed from since the 1860’s. Just before I moved, Rikk reached out to me out of the blue and told me that he and Paul were working on something and would I be interested. I said sure-let’s get together when I get out there. So in April 2022 I rolled out to Rikk’s place in Palm Desert and he, Paul and I jammed a bit but mostly just talked. I hadn’t seen those guys in person in 30 years and it was great to squash old beefs and laugh about good times past.

“Paul shared this album concept that he and Rikk had been working on. It was mammoth in scope but I said I’d be glad to play some bass. We got together one more time and fleshed out a few ideas. And then I didn’t hear from those guys for over a year. Total radio silence. I thought that maybe it was not happening or that they had got another bass player who was fully committed. Just last month in June, I got a call from Paul out of the blue saying that he and Rikk had essentially finished writing and tracking quite a few songs- and would I be down to play some bass. I said sure and I’ve cut bass on two tracks so far as I write this. It’s a massive project that’s worthy of a deeper explanation in the very near future. A new leg has been started and the baton has been passed to me. We’ll see how I do. So the rumors are true. The power trio is reunited. Fusion rides again. It’s kind of a massive undertaking on a shoestring budget so I’m going to avoid any timeline proclamations. As the old 70’s commercials used to say…”Paul Masson will sell no wine before it’s time” Stay tuned…”

Bach goes into further detail regarding the groups origin (Facebook - July 17, 2024):

"More field notes on the origin of species...in this case Guardian. I had originally met Paul Cawley at a party in Lake Forest, CA in 1980. There was a somewhat notorious coke dealer who threw lavish parties. She was an older lady who enjoyed the company of younger musicians and both my band at the time - No Surprise and Paul's band Debue had played there at some of her parties. We knew each other loosely although we were in rival bands. One night at one of these said parties Paul and I sat down over a few beers and shot the breeze about music. There was quite a bit of debauchery going on around us but we got locked into a deep conversation for about 2 hours. He shared with me his love for theatrical bands like Kiss and Angel and how he was trying to convince the other guys in Debue to go more theatrical. It was a great convo and we said hey let's stay in touch. Of course we didn't.

"I then left the US to go to school and live in Paris for a year. That was a great reflective time for me. I was searching but I didn't really know for what exactly. I used to go to Parc Monceau in Paris and read a Bible I had been given. Even though my parents had sent me to Seventh Day Adventist school I still didn't fully fathom Christianity. I had a great year abroad and fell in love with an older French woman (that's a whole separate story unto itself - Hi Marie!) I probably would have stayed in France with my girlfriend but I got a call from my mom saying she had been diagnosed with terminal cancer and only had months to live.

"I flew home to SoCal in June of 1982 and my mother died on that following Thanksgiving Day. Life events like that can get you thinking beyond the present and I was pretty sure that Christianity seemed the way to go for me anyway. I wasn't going to church or anything just reading the Bible. When I came home, I got a job at the famous Fullerton Music in Fullerton, CA. They had been the original Fender retail dealer and there was great history at that store. At the time, the OC punk type scene was banging and all those OC bands like TSOL, Agent Orange, Social Distortion would come to the store. Mike Ness in particular was not the coolest guy in the world to deal with but I think that was a rough period in his life. Cool memories in retrospect.

"At that time, I saw an ad in the local want ads paper The Recycler that said the following: ‘High Energy-Heavy Theatrical Christian Rock Band seeks dynamic Bassist’. I called the ad and lo and behold it was Paul Cawley, who had also been going through a searching period in his own life. We were like "Dude-no way! What a trip that God may have reconnected us" And thus Fusion was born.

"Paul had the original Debue drummer Steve Martinez with him who was also a new Christian. Paul and I co-signed a lease for an industrial warehouse in Santa Ana, CA and it was on. Paul had the full concept for the armor and costumes in place. We just had to begin executing it. Paul's brother Reggie began helping us shape motocross armor into the Full Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10). Steve Martinez left and enter Rikk Hart on drums and a revolving door of lead guitar players. Here's some pics from our first photo shoot in the prototype version of the Armor. That's guitarist James Isham in yellow. Great player and great guy. He was not really into the armor and left the band just before we entered the studio to record the Rock In Victory demo. I'll try to add some more chapters to the early Fusion/Gardian/Guardian story as I can. Stay tuned…"

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

STRYPER Announce New Album, When We Were Kings:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:

Pioneering Christian metal band STRYPER will release a new studio album, When We Were Kings, on September 13, 2024.

The LP's first single, "End Of Days", arrived in late June: www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAO-o9bOUyg&t=1s

A follow-up single, "Loves Symphony", will be made available on July 18.

About "End Of Days", STRYPER said: "'End Of Days' is a heavy track musically and lyrically. It has a classic sound with a few modern twists and turns along the way. Lyrically, it's probably the most fitting message according to the times we are living in. It really does feel like the 'End Of Days' in many ways. We're not only a divided nation, we're a divided world. It's time to make things right."

STRYPER's 40th-anniversary tour dates will begin this fall. After an appearance at the Alive Music Festival in July, tour dates kick off September 11 in Greenville, Tennessee and conclude November 16 in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

In a recent interview with Canada's The Metal Voice, STRYPER front man Michael Sweet spoke about the musical direction of the band's recently completed follow-up to 2022's The Final Battle album. He said: "I think what it's always been in the past 10 years, 12 years. It's kind of similar to the last album and the album prior to that. But this album has some different twists and turns to it. And you have to hear it to understand that. When I was writing the songs, I wanted to make sure the choruses kind of went from - the verses might be in a minor chord, a little more on the darker side, and the choruses go to a major chord, a little bit more on the lighter side. Not lighter, but happier side - more major, melodic, more of an anthem, sing-along kind of thing. Then when it comes back to the verse, boom, it darkens up a little bit. You hear more of that kind of stuff."

Regarding the lyrical content on the upcoming STRYPER LP, Sweet, who is responsible for almost all of the songwriting in the band, said: "(There are) a couple of twists and turns. There's a song called “Betrayed By Love”. It's a dark song, musically and lyrically. It's not a happy, typical STRYPER song that people might expect, like “Honestly”. It's a song about being betrayed by someone you loved or love. And I think people will hear that and think, 'Oh, wow. This is different.' It's a great song. It's really cool. But there's little twists and turns here with the lyrics. The lyrics are a little different. And really cool. I can't wait for people to hear it”.

This past March, Sweet wrote in an online post that he was “a little nervous” about his voice prior to the recording sessions for the new STRYPER album, "but in all sincerity, it seems fine to me," he said. "I didn't have any trouble tracking vocals and if anything, it seemed a little easier this time around.

"I have to say that this album has a very special signature," he added. "It has a heaviness yet at the same time, a very melodic approach and a bit more of a 'sing-along' style when it comes to the choruses. I'm really pleased with the results and I truly believe it will be at the top of everyone's 'best of' list. There are some stand out tracks to my ears already but I won't go into details quite yet. Bottom line, a KILLER new STRYPER album is coming!"

Last September, Michael said that he wanted "to branch out a bit" on the next STRYPER album "and try some new things and I also want to get back to some 'pop metal' on a few tracks as well."

In December, Sweet underwent partial thyroidectomy, the surgery to remove part of his thyroid gland. It is the most common surgery for thyroid cancer.

The follow-up to 2020's Even The Devil Believes, The Final Battle was produced by Sweet and was once again recorded at SpiritHouse Recording Studios in Northampton, Massachusetts.

Formed 41 years ago, STRYPER's name comes from Isaiah 53:5, which states: "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."

STRYPER's albums include To Hell With The Devil, Second Coming, No More Hell To Pay, Fallen, God Damn Evil and the aforementioned Even The Devil Believes and The Final Battle.

Michael is joined in STRYPER by his brother Robert Sweet (drums),Oz Fox (guitar) and Perry Richardson (bass).

STRYPER's "To Hell With The Amps: The Unplugged Tour" kicked off in late May. For the first time ever, the Christian rockers staged a full tour where they performed their hits and fan favorites acoustically.

When We Were Kings track listing:

1. “End Of Days”
2. “Unforgivable”
3. “When We Were Kings”
4. “Betrayed By Love”
5. “Loves Symphony”
6. “Trinity”
7. “Rhyme Of Time”
8. “Raptured”
9. “Grateful”
10. “Divided By Design”
11. “Imperfect World”

Frontiers SRL online: www.frontiers.it & www.facebook.com/frontiersmusicsrl

STRYPER online: https://stryper.com & www.facebook.com/Stryper

LEGEND REVISITED, From The Lord Re-issue On Sonic Age Records:
Album Release: June 21, 2024

Press Release / LEGEND From The Fjords is simply one of the greatest hard rock / proto metal albums of all time. That's an undisputable fact. 45 years have passed since its original release in 1979 and Raymond Frigon, the co-founder and drummer of the original band, decided to reactivate the mighty LEGEND under a new prism. Following ideas he had and a different perspective on the lyrical content of the old songs, he recruited the talents of guitar player Martin Jespen Andersen and bass player Janne Stark and the three of them created another opus!

The old fans of LEGEND will be surprised by LEGEND REVISITED. An amazing new band was born, a band that has its roots in the glorious 70's, with a religious lyrical content that serves as a message for today's world problems.

Make no mistake, this is not just another run of the mill project that aims on cashing in on the cult status of an old band. This is a totally masterful music endeavor of the highest artistic value placed upon the original songs and you can get a little taste of what's coming up by listening to the new song of the album, entitled "Gideon", through a lyric video we prepared for you.

The album was mixed by Martin Andersen and mastered by Janne Stark.  The CD edition comes with a 16 page booklet, featuring lyrics and liner notes. Limited to 500 copies.

LEGEND REVISTIED line-up:

Raymond Edgar Frigon - Lead Vocals, Drums  & Percussion
Martin Jepsen Andersen - Guitars
Janne Stark - Bass

From The Lord track listing:

1. “The Creator”
2. “The Lord’s Vengeance”
3. “The Golden Crown”
4. “Confrontation”
5. “Gideon”
6. “Against The Beast”
7. “The Gospel Train”
8. “Armageddon”

From The Lord vinyl ordering details: www.sonicagerecords.com/_shop/legend-revisited-from-the-lord-lp?search=legend%20rev

From The Lord CD ordering details: www.sonicagerecords.com/_shop/legend-revisited-from-the-lord-cd?search=legend%20rev

NEWS BRIEFS

* New single from HUMAN CODE, “Don’t Kill The Messenger”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBpH9dh4GSw

The song is set to appear on the groups Girder Music debut album Break The Silence scheduled for July 19, 2024 release.

* New single from THE BRAVE, “Knock Knock”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJV1XZutDtk

Look for THE BRAVE to release its sixth album Carnival Of Sins on August 30, 2024.

 

METAL & HARD ROCKNEWS

Girder Music Announces 4-CD Box Set From KEN TAMPLIN, Stand Up And Shout:
Album Release: July 26, 2024

Press Release / Stand Up And Shout is a 69-song, career-spanning box set from KEN TAMPLIN, a four-time Dove Award winner renowned for his vocal talents, often compared to Lou Gramm, Paul Rodgers, David Coverdale, and his cousin, Sammy Hagar. This new Girder Records release is monster with 69 songs total on a comprehensive 4 CD collection features 22 unreleased tracks never before on CD as well and 6 new exclusive re-sung/re-imagined versions such as the songs “Borderline”, “Radio Bikini”, “Big Bang”, “In the Brave Days Of Old” and two more. Additionally, the box set includes a massive 12-page, 3,700-word essay detailing the artists musical history along with an array of memorabilia photos.

KEN TAMPLIN is a distinguished figure in Christian rock music, known for his exceptional vocal range and guitar skills. His musical prowess has led him to be compared to mainstream legends like David Coverdale and his cousin Sammy Hagar. TAMPLIN's talents extend beyond performance; he's a masterful songwriter, and his work has caught the attention of TV and film producers. He also founded the Ken Tamplin Vocal Academy, a popular YouTube channel with over a million subscribers, where he shares his vocal expertise.

Raised in a Christian home, TAMPLIN's early life was tumultuous, marked by drug use and family struggles. A near-death experience at age twelve and a compelling church encounter at fourteen led him to commit his life to Christ. His musical journey began with the formation of his first band, REVIVAL, and later he joined the professional band JOSHUA. TAMPLIN eventually formed the band SHOUT, which released successful albums like It Won't Be Long and In Your Face, both of which were nominated for Dove Awards.

TAMPLIN's solo career flourished with albums like An Axe To Grind and Soul Survivor, showcasing his versatility across various musical styles. He also contributed to the band MAGDALLA before returning to his solo work, releasing acclaimed albums such as Tamplin and In the Witness Box.  Throughout his career, TAMPLIN has remained committed to his faith, using his music to share messages of hope and salvation. The release of Stand Up And Shout by Girder Music celebrates his extensive and impactful career, featuring many exclusive and unreleased tracks.

Stand Up And Shout Disc 1 track listing: “Never Stop”, “Winners Or Losers”, “It Won’t Be Long”, “Find A Way”, “Shout”, “Showdown”, “Timeless Love”, “Borderline”*, “When The Love Is Gone”, “Give Me An Answer”, “In Your Face”, “In the, Brave Days of Old”*, “Dreams For Sale”, “More Than Kisses”, “When Secrets Cry Out Loud”, “Little Liar (Luci)”, “Media Mania”

Stand Up And Shout Disc 2 track listing: “(I’m Gonna) Live Forever”, “Stay By My Side”, “Come And Save Me”, “Livin’ For My Lord”, “Straight Between The Eyes”, “Goin’ Home”, “Never Give Up”, “Not Alone”, “I Hear Cryin’”, “Holdin’ On/The Chase”, “Dancing On A Volcano”, “Slave Trade”, “Testify”, “Don’t Let The Sky Fall On Me”, “In The Lap Of Legends”, “The Story Of Love”, “God in Heaven”*

Stand Up And Shout Disc 3 track listing: “Wake The Nations”, “Sing”, “Falling Houses”, “Big Bang”*, “Radio Bikini”*, “House Of Dreams”, “Feed Me”, “Sing Hallelujiah”, Strange Fascination”, “Save Me”, “Daughters Of Time”, “When Angels Cry”, “Where Love Is”*, “Caught in the Wonder of You”**, “Still A Mystery”**, “Why Can’t You Understand Me”**, “Believe”**, “When You’re Gone”**

Stand Up And Shout Disc 4 track listing: “Stormbringer”**, “And it Pours”**, “Show Me the Way Out”**, “Someone I’ve Got To Be**, “The Living Years”**, “Kyrie”**, “Broken Wings”**, “No Longer Slaves”**, “I Want To Know what Love Is”**, “I’ll Still be Loving You”**, “Crazy”**, “Everything I Own”**, “Strange”**, “Ordinary World”**, “Mysterious Ways”**, “Ain’t No Sunshine”**, “How Deep is Your Love”**

* New Exclusive Version
** Previously Unreleased Track

Stand Up And Shout pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/ken-tamplin-stand-up-and-shout-4-cd-box-set-69-songs-22-unreleased-6-new-version-1

 

Angelic Warlord Update Archives: HERE