METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
HARVESTBLOOM - Female fronted Christian hard rock:
Silver Springs, Maryland based group releases EP Devil’s Poison:
Press Release / Formed in the fall of 2007 with the mission of helping to spread the message of Grace with the tools of God inspired songs, HARVESTBLOOM plays what it described as “female fronted guitar driven Christian rock with an edge”. The group debuted in 2009 with a six song self-titled EP only to follow up with its second EP Devil’s Poison, also a six song effort, in the spring of 2010. Lyrically, Devil’s Poison revolves around the theme of the struggle within and the choice that we make.
HARVESTBLOOM released their first official music video for the track “Natural Compulsion” on June 1st, 2010:
In the past, members of HARVESTBLOOM have performed in various rock bands and worship bands and have numerous years of experience performing live. They have performed on stages such as CBGBs in NYC and The Bayou in D.C. They have also been showcased at The Cutting Edge Music Festival, the CMJ Festival and the Millenium Music Conference.
Their past and present have collided for one purpose and that is with the gifts and talents He gave us to serve Him - Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Devil’s Poison track listing:
1 “Devil's Poison”
2. “Natural Compulsion”
3. “Angel's Crying”
4. “My Sweet Jesus”
5. “Unmistakable Grace”
6. “Blood (The Creed)”
HARVESTBLOOM line-up:
Anji - Lead Vocals
Patrick - Guitars
Chris - Rhythm Guitars & Backing Vocals
Molly - Keyboards & Backing Vocals
Craig - Bass
Greg – Drums
Please note that for every EP sold HARVESTBLOOM will donate $1.00 to one of the following three missions: International Justice Mission, The House of Hope in Kherson, Ukraine or The Capital Area Food Bank, D.C.
HARVESTBLOOM online: www.harvestbloommusic.com & www.facebook.com/harvestbloommusic
NEWS BRIEFS
* CRUCIBLE DIVINE and WHISPERS FROM HEAVEN, two promising new bands that made impressive contributions to the DELIVERANCE tribute CD, with the former covering “Ramming Speed” (from Stay Of Execution) and latter “Desperate Cries” (from Learn), will be releasing their debut projects next year.
CRUCIBLE DIVINE entered the studio in November and recorded its full length debut album. No word on a release date or working title. WHISPERS FROM HEAVEN has a 5 song EP in the works. Again, details regarding a release date and title are not available.
* THE HEAL, a new melodic hard rock band featuring guitarist Rex Carroll (WHITECROSS), will be entering the studio in January to begin work on its debut Nuclear Sunset.
* The Athens, Georgia-based melodic metal band THEOCRACY has just released a Christmas single called "All I Want For Christmas": www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIgoOP3qUhE
The track is also available at ITunes and in the "Club of Souls" section at the THEOCRACY website.
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE giving away new EP as a donation to epilepsy research:
The group is trying to create awareness of epilepsy and raise money for research to find a cure:
Press Release / The disease hits very close to home for founding member Justin Murr and his family. Justin's oldest daughter, Trinity Paige Murr, was diagnosed with epilepsy at age 7. For the past five years she has battled through daily medication, hospital stays, cluster seizures, induced comas, three weeks in the ICU and finally brain surgery. To raise awareness, Murr got together with Vic Rivera and wrote 5 songs from a perspective of what he saw his daughter going through, his love for her, doubting his own faith, and where his relationship with his wife was at the time.
Murr states, "I held nothing back in the lyrics and wanted people to see what this disease was doing to my family and my heart really wants to raise awareness and help other families going through the same thing."
DONATE $7.50 or more and you will be able to download this new LNJ EP while helping a great cause. Donations will be made to The Epilepsy Foundation in Trinity's name. Donations can me made through LNJ's website at www.libertynjustice.net
All the musicians and the cover artist (Rex Zachary) donated there time and talents to this EP.
Chasing A Cure track listing:
1. “Say Uncle” (Paul Shortino of Rough Cutt/Quiet Riot/King Kobra, Ron Keel of Keel, and Eddie Ojeda of Twisted Sister)
2. “Throwing Stones” (Donnie Vie of Enuff Z' Nuff and JK Northrup
3. “Paige's Song” (Philip Bardowell of Magdalen/Unruly Child/The Beach Boys and Tony Palacios of Guardian)
4. “Playing God” (Terry Ilous of XYZ, Jeff Paris and Richard Kendrick of Near Life Experience)
5. “Chasing A Cure” (Benny Mardones, John Pine and Bill Leverty of Firehouse)
Besides the new EP, LNJ has opened there own digital store through their website and any album or song bought between now and Feb 14, 2011 LNJ will donate those proceeds as well. Available for download is the complete LNJ discography including a newly released album entitled LNJ Demos And Unreleased Songs.
You can check out a video featuring Trinity Murr at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gclYSY6MPw
Please help us spread the word about this project. We hope even if you don't like this style of music you would consider making a donation for a great cause and "pray" we stop chasing and start catching the cure for epilepsy!
Chasing A Cure samples: www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4xKB3kotDE
Roxx Productions online: www.roxxproductions.com
NEWS BRIEFS
* NEAL MORSE is at work on a new album with guitarist Steve Morse (DEEP PURPLE, ex-KANSAS, ex-DIXIE DREGS). Joining the two are drummer Mike Portnoy (ex-DREAM THEATER) and bassist Dave LRue.
* Forth will be the title to the next PROTO-KAW album. As taken from the groups Facebook page: “OK... can't wait any longer... We have an official name for the new album... It is pretty simple... straight forward... play on words... fits the numerical progression of the albums... all the things Kerry likes.... so here ya go: PROTO-KAW – Forth.” An early 2011 release date is planned.
* UK based progressive metal outfit THRESHOLD has started writing material for the follow up to their 2007 release Dead Reckoning. The yet to be titled album will be recorded at Thin Ice Studios in the UK and be produced by guitarist Karl Groom and keyboardist Richard West.
* A solo project is in the works from guitarist Billy Vaughn (SHINING FORCE). Special guests will include vocalists Sean Peck (CAGE) and Jimmy Brown (DELIVERANCE) and guitarists George Ochoa (ex-RECON, ex-DELIVERANCE), Robert Gutierrez (Ultimatum) and Rex Carroll (Whitecross). A SACRED WARRIOR cover with vocalist Rey Parra will be included as well.
And for those who are wondering, SHINING FORCE is still at work on its next CD By The Blood.
Also, please pray for the artist, who is suffering from an incurable liver disease. For each CD sold he will be donating $1 to the Liver Disease Foundation.
FEATURED REVIEWS
CRYSTAVOX – The 20 Year Mix
As you could imagine, I approach The 20 Year Mix with a fair amount of uncertainty and skepticism. All doubts, however, were cast aside on first listen in that I was literally blown away by improvements as a result of the re-mastering and re-recording. Read Full Review >>
DARKWATER – Where Stories End
Specifically, the album finds Darkwater placing greater emphasis on melody while mixing in darker and atmospheric elements to create a work that leaves that much more of an immediately accessible first impression. Read Full Review >>
MASS – Fighter (Retroactive re-issue)
Fighter captures a raw edginess that literally oozes with the bands natural live energy. As reinforced by Mass in the CD liner notes: “(This is) how we pretty much recorded the album- live (and) without too many overdubs. This is the way we initially intended the public to hear these tracks”. Read Full Review >>
MESSIAH – Going Insane (Retroactive re-issue)
Going Insane finds Messiah maintaining the musical direction of Final Warning by combining elements of traditional and melodic metal with the occasional doom influence. If you enjoy “old school” Christian metal along the lines of Saint, Philadelphia, Bloodgood, Emerald and Messiah Prophet – not to mention mainstream counterparts Warlord, Uriah Heap and Alice Cooper – then you will find a lot to like in Messiah. Read Full Review >>
REINXEED – Majestic
Majestic finds ReinXeed staying true to its past by heading in melodic power metal territory with epic and symphonic overtones. The band actually describes itself as “adventure metal”. What am I hearing? Non-stop double bass drumming, high end vocals, cinematic overtures and plenty of shredding – at times neo-classically influenced – lead guitar work. Read Full Review >>
SOMBRE HOLIDAY – In Search Of Understanding…
No, Sombre Holiday might not be a household name, and I was in the dark about the group until they contacted me about reviewing their 2009 full length debut In Search Of Understanding… But I am glad that they did because what we have here is a quality work reflecting the potential of an act with a very promising future ahead of it. Read Full Review >>
TEMPORARY INSANITY – A Salute To Deliverance
The purpose of the Deliverance tribute CD, entitled Temporary Insanity: A Salute To Deliverance and released by Roxx Productions in the summer of 2010, was to celebrate the group’s 25th anniversary. The project actually originated at the Christian Metal Real forum in 2009. Read Full Review >>
VISUAL CLIFF – Collective Spirit
Collective Spirit follows the pattern of the two previous Visual Cliff albums by featuring a combination of vocal tracks (three) and instrumentals (five). Musically, it finds the group continuing to walk a fine line between hard rock, progressive rock and jazz-fusion overtones. Read Full Review >>
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
BRIDE re-issues from Retroactive Records:
First three album from classic Christian metal band set for re-issue on Retroactive Records:
Show Now Mercy - 1986
Live To Die - 1988
Silence Is Madness - 1989
Press Release / The Originals Series - consisting of the first three BRIDE albums - brings back all the original vinyl artwork, lyrics, and band photos. All three albums are each packaged in its own pristine 6 panel digipak featuring the original track listing, a three-part liner notes story showcasing Troy Thompson's memories of the era. The first three BRIDE albums are very much in line with the hard rock and metal styles of the big 80's era. All three albums are absolute Christian metal classics.
Sonically, all albums have been edited and digitally re-mastered for dynamic perfection. The song to song transition work is fantastic. Each album has been mastered to modern volumes without losing vocals, punch, or the magic we remember these records originally having. For fans of Stryper, Judas Priest, and Dio!
J Powell of Steinhaus, who did the re-mastering, offers his thoughts in regards to the BRIDE re-issues:
"Sonically, I'm exceedingly proud of all four of these. It's simply some of my finest work ever. The dynamics are perfect, the song to song transition work is fantastic, they're all modern volumes without losing vocal, punch or the magic we remember these records originally having."
Show No Mercy track listing: "Evil That Men Do", "Now He Is Gone", "Fly Away", "Forever In Darkness", "Follow Your Heart", "Show No Mercy", "I Will Be With You", "Thunder In The City", "No Matter The Price", "The First Will Be Last"
Live To Die track listing: “Metal Might”, “Hell No", “In The Dark”, “Out For Blood”, “Live To Die”, “Fire And Brimstone”, “Whiskey Seed”,“Here Comes The Bride”, “Heroes”
Silence Is Madness track listing: “Fool Me Once", “Hot Down South Tonight”, “Silence Is Madness”, “Until The End We Rock”, “Evil Dreams”, “Under The Influence”, “All Hallow’s Eve", “No More Nightmares”, “Rock Those Blues Away”
The groups 2003 release This Is It is also slated for re-issue by Retroactive. Again, further details from Steinhaus:
"You may as well consider this the first time This Is It has ever been released and I'm being serious. Even the four Raw demo bonus tracks are listenable and don't sound so terribly out of place with the regular This Is It track listing. No re-issues were used as sources for any of these re-masters. These all started from the earliest tapes available. You'll be able to sell your other versions once you get these. You'll see what I mean after you get them. I never gave This Is It much, if any, attention either, but hearing it mastered properly made me realize just how good of an album it actually is."
This Is It track listing: "Blow It All Away", "To The Sky", "More Than Human", "Drop D", "Head Lookin’ For A Bullet", "Best I Expect To Do", "Evil Geniuses", "Revolution", "Barren River Blues", "Microphone", "Short Time In The Grave", "Universe", "White Elephant"
Raw track listing: “Blow It All Away”, “Is This The Now”, “Bring Me Down”, “Burning Love”
Retroactive Records online: http://retroactiverecords.net/store/retroactive-records.html
BRIDE online: http://bridepub.com & www.facebook.com/BridebandOn
HB - The Jesus Metal Explosion details revealed:
Press Release / Finnish female fronted symphonic metal band release new album entitled The Jesus Metal Explosion, which is the English version of the groups 2008 release Piikki Lihassa. A video HB recorded of The Jesus Metal Explosion title track can be seen below.
The Jesus Metal Explosion track listing:
1. “The Jesus Metal Explosion”
2. “Loaded”
3. “It Is Time II”
4. “Hands Of Grace”
5. “Nightmare”
6. “Holy Bible”
7. “Abandoned”
8. “King’s Design”
9. “Joy Upon The Lord”
10. “The Lord Of Lords”
HB got its start with the Finnish releases Uskon Puolesta and Enne in 2004 and 2006 respectively. The group followed up in 2008 with Frozen Inside, the English version of Enne, an album the Angelic Warlord review described as “female fronted symphonic metal inviting comparison to Nightwish” and “that (mixes) foundation of metal-laced rhythm guitar with highlighting touches of operatic vocal harmonies, grandiose keyboards and classical instrumentation.”
The Jesus Metal Explosion was released on November 20, 2010.
HB online: www.hbmusic.net & www.facebook.com/pages/HB-official
IMMORTAL SOUL update:
As taken from the group’s website:
"For those of you who have been wondering– yes, we’re still very much alive and well, and working on a new CD tentatively titled Prisoners Of The Ice. We’ve written and recorded rough demos of about 12 new songs (and) will probably try to write 3 or 4 more. (We will) then we’ll choose the best 10 or 12 for the new CD.
"The new songs are a little different than the material on Lines in the Sand. Most are probably not quite as heavy but have more of a “classic” metal sound with some progressive elements to boot. There also are a few lengthier, epic songs with some extensive instrumental passages and guitar solos. From rehearsing these songs and listening to the demos, we’re really excited to let people hear this new material."
IMMORTAL SOUL brings a blend of straightforward hard rock and metal while delivering a ton of groove in the process. Direct comparisons include GALACTIC COWBOYS, prime KINGS’S X, early nineties BRIDE, DIE HAPPY and other gritty hard rock bands such as GRAND LUX, REZ BAND, LORDCHAIN and F.O.G.
IMMORTAL SOUL online: http://immortalsoul.net
JOSHUA to re-issue Intense Defense:
From the Facebook page of founding member guitarist Joshua Perahia:
“The JOSHUA PERAHIA BAND is proud to announce that we just became the rightful owners of our album on RCA records, Intense Defense! Please Google that name, and see why the International music critics and magazines call it the greatest hard rock AOR album ever. We will be re-mastering it in France, for re-release soon.
"A dream come true for this album that took me 4 years to write. We are all so thankful to God, for bringing about the miracle, to finally release this album on the International market! We already have territory offers.”
Perahia goes into further detail about the albums history:
“I was signed to RCA by a German Prince named Franz Von Ausesperg. It was a massive deal with a $200,000 advance and a recording cost of $780,000. We lived in Germany in Dierks studios, Chalet, for one year. The SCORPIONS were there, as well as ACCEPT!
"It was such an incredible experience. My band became very spoiled with having 2 gourmet meals a day, our own Mercedes to drive, and a maid for our rooms that were gigantic and modern. People came and took us out at night to different cities in Germany. It was an incredible time. It also led to trouble, because people change, when success enters. You know, I am sure.”
He also talks about the struggles with the record label at the time:
“The record company and the production company were furious when they found out the lyrics were Christian. They called me up, and let me know that when they recouped their money they would shelf the album and they did. It is finally time to release this album of faith.
"I wanted 10 hits, and had to fight against the label, who wanted me to put songs on there, that were filler songs. I refused and promised them Christ would always write the best songs for my future JOSHUA albums. They were concerned that I could not top Intense Defense. They could not agree on what 2 songs were the hits for the radio, so this album was the first record in RCA history to have a 4 HIT song radio promo CD! I have a copy of that Promo CD and yes it is the first and only CD from a label with 4 songs. They fought big time over 4 other songs being included. It was very funny, and humbling.
"We do have 2 bonus tracks that were supposed to be the singles for that album. They made me save them for the next RCA/JOSHUA album.”
JOSHUA PERAHIA online: www.joshuaperahia.com & www.facebook.com/JoshuaPerahiaOfficialPage
STRYPER unveils The Covering album artwork:
Lead vocalist Michael Sweet offers further details regarding the group’s upcoming upcoming “covers” album:
“The artist designed a character that represents the bad or "the evil" side if you will, in us all. The booklet (in comic book style) will show the transformation of the character and the back cover will show him transformed. The message will be the transforming power of God's love.
"The back of the cover (will be) premiering soon and it looks like we have an early February release date for The Covering.”
In other news, STRYPER has signed with new management, Union Entertainment Group (NICKELBACK, HINDER, DEFAULT, CANDLEBOX, CINDERALLA, MR. BIG).
The Covering track listing:
1. SWEET - "Set Me Free"
2. SCORPIONS - "Blackout"
3. BLACK SABBATH - "Heaven and Hell"
4. UFO - "Lights Out"
5. KANSAS - "Carry On Wayward Son"
6. DEEP PURPLE - "Highway Star"
7. KISS - "Shout It Out Loud"
8. OZZY OSBOURNE - "Over The Mountain"
9. IRON MAIDEN - "The Trooper"
10. JUDAS PRIEST - "Breaking The Law"
11. VAN HALEN - "On Fire"
12. LED ZEPPELIN - "Immigrant Song"
13. STRYPER – “God”
STRYPER online: www.stryper.com & www.facebook.com/Stryper
NEWS BRIEFS
* Vocalist Jeff Winner has left ADIASTASIA and formed his own group, ANGELLIA. While Winner owns the rights to ADIASTASIA’s debut Life War, the remaining members of ADIASTASIA, now a secular band, own the rights to the follow up effort War Of The Worlds. ANGELLIA is currently at work on a single entitled “The Way You Have Chosen”.
* Grateful Sinner, the 2009 full length debut from the Swedish metal/thrash act CHAINED, was re-issued by Liljegren Records in early December. The Liljegren version is self-titled and comes with a bonus track.
* Big 3 Records released JOHN ELEFANTE’s Revolution Of Mind solo album on November 23, 2010. The project initially came out on Frontiers Records in 2009 under the MASTEDON moniker and entitled 3.
* Vocalist Norman “Ski” Kiersznowski and FAITH FACTOR have parted ways. No word in regards to the future plans of either party.
* The upcoming 5 song LIBERY N’ JUSTICE EP Chasing A Cure is 95% done. One track will feature vocalist Donnie Vie (ENUFF Z’NUFF) and another Paul Shortino (ROUGH CUTT, QUIET RIOT, KINGCOBRA).
* The new PROTO-KAW album, untitled at the time of this writing, is set for an early 2011 release. The following updates were taken from the groups Facebook page:
November 4, 2010: John (Bolton- woodwinds) and Lynn (Meredith- lead vocals) visited Kerry (Livgren- guitars) this week and listened to the updated mixes for the new album... and said they sounded great!
November 17, 2010: Mike Patrum (percussions) sent word that Dan Wright recorded his keyboard solo on "Skont" and that song is complete! Just a couple of vocals left for Lynn and Jake (Livgren- guitars & saxophone) and this one is done and ready for final mixing!
* THE SACRIFICED is at work on its (untitled) third album. Guest musicians will include guitarist Mike Phillips (DELIVERANCE, FASEDOWN) and bassist Daniel Cordova (SHADES OF CRIMSON). The group is considering re-recording a couple of tracks from its 2007 debut The Da Vinci Hoax in addition to including a live bonus disc.
* X-SINNER has started tracking Goin’ Out With A Bang, the follow up to its 2008 release World Covered In Blood. The first single, “Running Out Of Time”, will premier at the groups website in late December.
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
Intense Millennium Records presents RANSOM and UNDERCOVER:
Intense Millennium Records makes changes to first quarter 2011 release schedule:
Press Release / Intense Millennium Records continues to expand in the market place as we have sought to grow our distribution outlets and get our releases out to an even wider audience then we have ever reached before! Our first 5 titles have now been officially released all over the world and have been getting rave reviews. We have been struggling through a lot of growing pains in our efforts to bring you, the listener, the best possible releases and listening experience that we can. As a result of this growth and our new distribution agreements we are in a position where we need to make some quick changes to our first quarter releases.
Originally announced for release in January 2011 was BLOODGOOD's Rock In A Hard Place and SACRED WARRIOR’s Master's Command. These titles will now be moved to a later time in 2011. All those that pre-ordered these titles will be contacted directly with options for credit, refund or exchange for the new titles.
We are very excited to announce our brand new January 2011 releases celebrating seminal anniversaries of two great classic Christian rock bands:
Los Angeles based RANSOM's debut self-titled album. This release will celebrate the 20th anniversary of this often over looked commercial metal album featuring the amazing female vocals of front woman Lisa Faxon and shredding guitars of Tony Ortiz. For fans of bands along the lines of LITA FORD, RATT, STRYPER and DOKKEN. Ransom will be re-mastered and feature the bands 1988 demo Once And For All as bonus tracks.
Ransom track listing: “Lasting Love”, “Rumors”, “Memories Of You”, “Fool That I Am”, “Break Into Darkness”, “Tonight”, “Etched In Stone”, “Fallen Angel”, “Your Broken Heart”, “I’ll Never Leave You”, “When I Die”
Once And For All track listing: “Sin Killer”, “Sticks & Stones”, “To Be Like You”
Southern California's classic punk/alternative band UNDERCOVER's 1986 critically acclaimed album Branded. Branded has never before been released on CD as a stand alone album, and the albums 25th anniversary is the perfect time for it to be it's first complete with exclusive bonus tracks. Branded took UNDERCOVER in a slightly different direction with keyboard-laden melodies and darker, more introspective lyrics. In "Pilate", sung from the point of view of Pontius Pilate, the persona struggles with the guilt of having crucified Jesus, confessing, "I killed him, I killed him after all." Other song titles on this album were "Cry Myself to Sleep" and "Darkest Hour." Branded marked a turning point for the band, as on future releases it would continue to explore aspects of Christian life not frequently addressed by the CCM musicians who were finding increasing acceptance on secular airwaves and with secular audiences.
Branded track listing: “I’m Just A Man”, “The Fight For Love”, “Where Can I Go”, “Tears In Your Eyes”, “Pilate”, “Build A Castle”, “Cry Myself To Sleep”, “Prelude”, “Darkest Hour”, “Interlude”, “Come Away With Me”, “If I Had A Dream”, “I’m Just A Man” (demo), “Tears In Your Eyes (live), “Cry Myself To Sleep” (live)
Both RANSOM and UNDERCOVER albums will be released on January 25th. A preorder for both titles will begin in the coming days.
Additional changes in the release schedule is moving February's scheduled releases, VENGEANCE RISING's Destruction Comes and DELIVERANCE's What A Joke to March.
NEWS BRIEFS
* Chris Impellitteri is currently at work on material for the next IMPELLITTERI album. The group, in the meantime, is awaiting the 2011 release of Wicked Maiden in the United States. Look for IMPELLITTER to also do a world tour in addition to releasing all its music digitally.
* Terry Friesen, guitarist and vocalist of SOMBRE HOLIDAY, has written 7 more songs for his next solo album, Windchill Factor. He promises the musical direction will again be hard rock but with a bit more of a bluesy touch. Lyrics will focus on the struggles we face in life.
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
DARKWATER - "Breathe" video online:
Press Release / The Swedish melodic progressive metal band DARKWATER has released the music video for the track "Breathe" online. "Breathe" is the opening track off their up-coming album Where Stories End, which will be released in Europe on November 12th by Ulterium Records and in North America on November 23rd by Nightmare Records.
"Breathe" was directed by Radionika AB, Dino Medanhodzic and Joacim Hammarström. The girl in the video is played by Angelica Lewenhagen.
Where Stories End track listing:
1. “Breathe”
2. “Why I Bleed”
3. “Into The Cold”
4. “A Fools Utopia”
5. “Queen Of The Night”
6. “In The Blink Of An Eye”
7. “Fields Of Sorrow”
8. “Without A Sound”
9. “Walls Of Deception”
Ulterium Records online: www.ulterium-records.com/news.html
DARKWATER online: www.facebook.com/darkwaterofficial
Classic PETRA reveal new album track listing:
Press Release / We are very proud to announce that the following newly recorded tracks will be included on the new Classic PETRA Back To The Rock CD:
1. “Adonai”
2. “Angel Of Light”
3. “Back To The Rock”
4. “Bema Seat”
5. “Clean”
6. “Godpleaser”
7. “Grave Robber”
8. “Let Everything That Hath Breath (PraiseThe Lord)”
9. “More Power To Ya”
10. “Rose Colored Stained Glass Windows”
11. “Too Big To Fall”
12. “Second Wind”
The group also provided an update regarding previous vocalist John Schlitt:
"We have had several inquiries from people asking what happened to John Schlitt. As most people know, he took the place of Greg Volz from 1986 until 2005, when the band retired. John went on to have a successful solo career after leaving PETRA. He is still a good friend of the band. You could draw some parallels from JOURNEY’s career with Steve Perry leaving his band in 1987, eventually being replaced by Arnel Pineda, who is an amazing singer. To some of the early JOURNEY fans, though, he is not Steve Perry, making it a different “Journey” sound than the one that they originally fell in love with.
"PETRA acquired many fans during the “John Schlitt years”, who will miss having him up front. But having all the original band from the 80′s back together, with Greg once again handling front vocals in the new “Classic PETRA”, is something that the early fans have longed for, for many years. So, a heartfelt thanks to all of you PETRA fans out there, and let us reassure you that all is peaceful in the Petra camp. The guys all have a great love and respect for every member of their band, past and present."
STRYPER - The Covering update:
Vocalist Michael Sweet offers the latest regarding the groups upcoming “covers” album:
“I wanted to let all of you know that the concept for "The Covering" is very powerful and rings true to the power of God's love upon our lives. God's covering is transforming and life changing and we thought it would be very cool to visually portray that through the new artwork. Chris at Pale Horse Design www.palehorsedesign.com has designed a character that represents the bad or "the evil" side if you will, in us all. The booklet, (in comic book style) will tell a story of good conquering evil and therefore leading to the transformation of the main character. I received the front cover and I have to tell you that it's modern, powerful, edgy and thought provoking. It is awesome!
"Even though this has been a record to cause controversy and a select few to question our motives and reasons for covering the songs that we recorded, our faith and beliefs have never been more confirmed and our message is the same as it has always been. We'll go to the grave making a bold stand for Christ and we will never deny that. At the same time, we wanted to show a different side to the band and make everyone aware of the fact that we literally "cut our teeth" on this music. Our history is what it is and there's no reason to avoid that or to say otherwise. These songs and bands have played a very important role in our own sound and musicianship and quite possibly we wouldn't be here today if it weren't for these bands. At the same time, we can play a cover song yet still remain faithful and present the message we've always presented. This record will show a whole new side to the band musically yet an even more powerful side to the band spiritually. I'm very proud (as we all are) to be a part of this record and a member of Stryper. We've stayed true to our convictions and there are great things store for the future!"
STRYPER online: www.stryper.com & www.facebook.com/Stryper
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
Intense Millennium album artwork revealed:
Press Release / Intense Millennium Records, a label dedicated to releasing fully licensed material from the Intense/Frontline/Alarma Records Group, has revealed the artwork for upcoming re-issues (scheduled for release on November 9, 2010) from BLOODGOOD & SACRED WARRIOR:
BLOODGOOD - Bloodgood
Heavy Metal has been accused by its detractors as all sounding the same. While the mid-80’s saw a glut of metal bands cashing in on the style, many of which sounded the same as the next band, no one could accuse BLOODGOOD of being a sound-alike. Combining a melodic, classic heavy metal approach with the uniquely operatic vocals of Les Carlson, BLOODGOOD carved out its own niche in the metal scene by offering up listeners a potent mix of high-pitched vocal wails, melodic yet energetic guitar riffing, a tight rhythm section, and memorable songs that would stay with you for weeks. This powerful blend came shining through on BLOODGOOD’s self-titled debut album, and quickly set the bar for metal bands wishing to share their faith with the world.
Bloodgood track listing: "Accept The Lamb", "Stand In The Light", "Demon On The Run", "Anguish And Pain", "Awake!", "Soldier Of Peace", "You Lose", "What's Following The Grave", "Killing The Beast", "Black Snake", “Awake” (alternate mix), “Black Snake” (extended version)
BLOODGOOD - Detonation
BLOODGOOD’s second album, Detonation, was the perfect follow-up to their high-energy debut, and raised the bar even higher for faith-based metal bands. The fast songs were faster, the emotion in the songs was more intense, and the musical attack was tighter. The lyrics were also stronger, as the band took on some fairly unpopular topics like suicide and homelessness. Truly a landmark album in the scene, this classic contains the duo of songs “Crucify” and “Messiah”, which showed what a real metal band could do with such emotionally charged subject matter and pull it off with such ease.
Detonation track listing: “Battle Of The Flesh”, “Vagrant People”, “Self-Destruction”, “Alone In Suicide”, “Heartbeat (Of The City)", “Eat The Flesh”, “Holy Fire”, “Crucify”, “The Messiah”, “Live Wire”, “Crucify” (live), “Messiah” (live)
BLOODGOOD online: www.bloodgoodband.com & www.facebook.com/bloodgoodband
SACRED WARRIOR - Rebellion
The burgeoning Christian metal movement had several notable bands by the mid 1980's. None, however, took the progressive elements of pioneers like QUEENSRYCHE and FATES WARNING and combined them with the pure energy and heaviness present in much of the thrash metal of the time. Enter SACRED WARRIOR - a band that skillfully and successfully combined these two elements to create a metallic attack that rivaled many of their contemporaries, and stands the test of time as one of the greats of the era. Rebellion, the band’s auspicious debut, capitalizes on that potent mixture by offering up searing riffs, lightning fast solos, soaring vocals, and a rhythm section that thundered with authority.
Rebellion track Listing: "Black Metal", "Mad, Mad World", "Stay Away From Evil", "He Died", "Children Of The Light", "Rebellion", "Day Of The Lord", "The Heavens Are Calling", "Famine", "Master Of Lies", "Sword Of Victory", “Day By Day” (demo bonus track), “Prince Of Peace” (demo bonus track)
SACRED WARRIOR online: www.sacredwarrior.net & www.facebook.com/pages/Sacred-Warrior
SCARLET RAYNE - Theater Humanitarian scheduled for re-issue:
Press Release / Milwaukee, Wisconsin based SCARLET RAYNE released in 1990 a magnificent piece of power/progressive metal not unlike early QUEENSRYCHE. Focused in melody and reinforced with apocalyptic but still catchy guitar themes and crystal clear vocals this is NOT to be missed. Brilliant compositions and Christian lyrics. In its original form this is one of the rarest private pressings of the 90s.
Available again on CD and fully re-mastered. Includes new artwork, complete lyrics, unreleased photos, an in depth biography and 4 never released before bonus tracks. CD version limited to 2000 hand numbered copies. Now, the time has come for 180gr heavy gatefold vinyl edition limited to 525 hand number copies (150 transparent purple color and 375 black). Both editions will feature four bonus tracks.
Track Listing - Theater Humanitarian
1. “Scarlet Rayne”
2. “Alpha & Omega”
3. “Tales Of The Lost”
4. “Covered Fear”
5. “C.F.C.”
6. “Sands Of Time”
7. “Through Eyes Of The Past”
8. “Midnight Excursion”
Track Listing - Bonus Material
1. “Razorback”
2. “Lost Meaning”
3. “Lions Den”
4. “How Now”
The Theater Humanitarian re-issue will be available December 2010.
Arken Steel Records online: www.arkeynsteel.com
FEATURED REVIEWS
LORDCHAIN – What Is, What Was
On What Is, What Was, its sixth full length release from the summer of 2010, Lordchain continues to mix straightforward hard rock and metal with occasional groove and modern overtones. The project divides into two halves, with the first (What Is) featuring seven new Lordchain compositions and second (What Was) made up of five older songs (four re-recorded and one re-mixed) and three that are new. Read Full Review >>
MESSIAH – Final Warning (Retroactive re-issue)
It must be noted that Final Warning received virtually no distribution and disappeared without a trace once Messiah disbanded. The album, as a result, has remained a little known and pricey collector’s item for years, with vinyl copies selling as high as $1000. The good, however, is that in the fall of 2010 Final Warning was re-mastered and re-issued by Retroactive Records with the original album artwork and liner notes from vocalist Charles Michael. Read Full Review >>
SAINT – In The Battle (Retroactive re-issue)
After another five year hiatus, Saint rebounded again in 2004 by releasing its third full length album entitled In The Battle. The good news is that In The Battle finds the group not only returning to its classic metal roots but bringing original vocalist Josh Kramer back into the fold. Read Full Review >>
SUPERNAL ENDGAME – Touch The Sky – Volume 1
Supernal Endgame, a name which, according to the band, paints a picture of the “high calling” or “divine purpose” of our lives as human beings, can best be descried as symphonic progressive rock. But there is more to it than that in that the band also incorporates elements of AOR, Celtic folk, classic rock and artsy power pop while underpinning things with some distinct worship rock flavorings. Read Full Review >>
TEMPLAR – Dark Circus
Templar describes itself as “darkwave metal”. What I hear on Dark Circus is a joining of Gothic and industrial metal with some traditional and melodic metal influences. The occasional modern touch makes its presence felt as well. Read Full Review >>
THUNDER RIDER – Tales Of Darkness & Light
What we have in Thunder Rider is a joining of classic and epic metal with the occasional doom influence. The group stands out for the manner in which it takes a foundation of dramatic and melodic songwriting and mixes in crunchy guitars and lightning-like leads, a thunderous rhythm section and orchestral keyboards. Read Full Review >>
THUNDER RIDER – Tales Of Darkness & Light – Chapter II
When considering the era at hand (late eighties), Thunder Rider was way ahead of its time in terms of its musical leanings. I mean, how many bands of the time – a period better known for wave your lighter in the air ballads and hair, hair and more hair – made use of classical keyboards, flute and recorder and theatrical songwriting? Read Full Review >>
TIMESWORD - Chains Of Sin
The good news, however, is that we have one more talented group to report on in Timesword. If anything, Timesword fits the bill when it comes to progressive metal, interweaving its material with needed amounts of rhythm guitar but allowing for intricate time and tempo changes in addition to an abundance of lengthy – and at times technical – instrumental jam excursions. Read Full Review >>
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
BLOODGOOD - Rock In A Hard Place re-issue on Intense Millennium:
Press Release / Intense Millennium Records have announced that BLOODGOOD’s 1988 album Rock in a Hard Place will receive the Intense Millennium re-master treatment in January 2011.
The label goes into further detail:
“With the delay of THE ALTAR BOYS Gut Level Music we had to move something into the open January slot, and another classic BLOODGOOD album just made the most sense with their induction into the Christian Music Hall of Fame on November 8 in addition to the re-release of their first two albums the same month.
“One thing that we really want to focus on with this re-master is bringing out the bass and low end that sounds as if it’s completely missing from the original mix. Everyone from the band to the fans comment on that aspect of this album, we believe that this can be completely fixed on our release.”
Rock In A Hard Place track listing:
1. "Shakin' It"
2. "Never Be the Same"
3. "The Presence"
4. "What Have I Done?"
5. "Heaven on Earth"
6. "Do Or Die"
7. "She's Gone"
8. "The World (Keeps Movin' Around)"
9. "Seven"
Intense Millennium Records currently has the following albums slated for release:
November 2010
VENGEANCE – Human Sacrifice
VENGEANCE RISING – Once Dead
SACRED WARRIOR - Rebellion
BLOODGOOD - Bloodgood
BLOODGOOD - Detonation
January 2011
SACRED WARRIOR – Masters Command
BLOODGOOD – Rock In A Hard Place
February 2011
VENGEANCE RISING – Destruction Comes
DELIVERANCE – What A Joke
All titles are newly re-mastered, and contain bonus tracks (when available).
Intense Millennium Records is dedicated to releasing fully licensed material from one of the most prolific group of record labels to exist in the Christian Metal scene, the Intense/Frontline/Alarma Records Group.
IMAGES OF EDEN signs with SavvyMuzik:
Press Release / SavvyMuzik have just signed a distribution agreement with US Progressive Metal act IMAGES OF EDEN and this has set to push the act to new and greater heights. IMAGES OF EDEN are by no means a new act, with 100+ years of collective music experience between them, 3 full length albums, countless live shows, multiple record deals and much more. They have gained notoriety throughout North America, Europe, South America and Asia and are now taking their journey to a new level signing with SavvyMuzik.
IMAGES OF EDEN are, to some degree, a concept group. Their releases create a cohesive story that picks up with every new CD where the last one left off. This being said, each album and indeed song stands strong on its own. This cohesion helps to attract their large following of supporters and feeds their hunger for each release as it comes.
IMAGES OF EDEN are about to release the first single, “Tribal Scars”, off their third full-length release, Rebuilding The Ruins, a 73 minute concept CD, produced by Chris Lucci and mastered by Grammy-nominated producer, Eric Zimmerman (FATES WARNING, LIMP BIZKIT, BUCK CHERRY, SUIDIDAL TENDENCIES, etc). Now being backed by SavvyMuzik, their international partners, and Nightmare Records, Rebuilding The Ruins, is set to be released to the world in early 2011 and is sure to cause a ruckus on the international heavy music scene and to push boundaries of fellow concept artists Coheed & Cambria & Stratovarious. The single, “Tribal Scars”, will be backed by extensive radio promotions, a video clip along with the digital release via SavvyMuzik’s international distribution network. The full length album will be released by SavvyMuzik for Australia and New Zealand as physical CD as well as worldwide digital release."
Nightmare Records to do physical worldwide release of Rebuilding The Ruins:
We are pleased to announce that Nightmare Records will be handling the worldwide physical distribution of Rebuilding The Ruins through Sony (RED). This will include "main-chain" retailers such as Best Buy, FYE, Amazon.com, etc.
The three song single, “Tribal Scars”, is now available digitally through iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/tribal-scars/id397986685
IMAGES OF EDEN online: www.imagesofeden.com/index2.htm & www.facebook.com/pages/Images-of-Eden
New album update from JERUSALEM:
Press Release / Swedish Christian rock veterans announce the release of their first album of newly written and recorded material in 16 years, She. The album will be released on October 22, 2010 and will be followed live on TV Channel Vision Nordic and via streaming at: www.jerusalem.se
JERUSALEM offers insight at its website regarding the concept behind the albums title:
"SHE is a story of deception, which opened the door to a path leading away from the true and only King. A story about a system created by man called Babylon, which gives the world a false picture of who He really is.
"SHE is you and SHE is me, and all the ones not knowing they are lost children of the Most High, thinking He is a religious system confined in a building. Hear the sound of His voice calling her back to where SHE was meant to be. SHE is also a story of her being restored and prepared for the wedding day when SHE meets her King in the sky.
"SHE is you and SHE is me, and all the ones not knowing they are lost children of the Most High, thinking He is a religious system confined in a building. Hear the sound of His voice calling her back to where SHE was meant to be. SHE is also a story of her being restored and prepared for the wedding day when SHE meets her King in the sky.
"If there is a SHE there must be HE…
"He is totally transparent and free, therefore he is able to give freedom. He has nothing to hide. He is mocked and admired. He is justice and fairness. He is merciful and full of love. He is always a winner working in mysterious ways.
"He is a non-religious person. He is meek but not a sissy. He is King far over and above all other kings.
He is what SHE wants more than anything else. You and I are involved even if we know it or not. He has been waiting for her attention for two thousand years.
"Yes, SHE is you and me...
"He is all around us in fact just one prayer away. HE IS HERE NOW, RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE!"
John 14:6: Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
She track listing:
1. “She”
2. “The Story Of D”
3. “Supernatural”
4.“Heaven
5. “Save My Life”
6. “Crown The King”
7. “Amos 5”
8. “Come On”
9. “The Greatest Party”
10. “Calling On”
11. “I Want To Leave Her”
12. “Suddenly”
13. “Standing At Jericho”
JERUSALEM online: www.jerusalem.se & www.facebook.com/pages/Jerusalem
PLACE OF SKULLS joins Giddy Up! Records roster:
Press Release / Giddy Up! Records is pleased to announce the addition of Tennessee doomers PLACE OF SKULLS to their expanding artist roster, which currently includes MOTH EATER, BLACK WATER RISING and DEMONICA. The New York City-based indie imprint will release the band's fourth full-length, As A Dog Returns, in North American on November 9, 2010.
Said Giddy Up! label head Steve Seabury: "To me, Victor Griffin is a legend in the doom scene. I am like a little kid at the doom store. It's an absolute honor and privilege to have PLACE OF SKULLS join the Giddy Up! Records family. This record is just amazing. I love it."
The follow-up to 2006's The Black Is Never Far was produced at Lakeside Studios in Knoxville by Travis Wyrick and founding guitarist/vocalist Victor Griffin (Pentagram, Death Row etc.) with drums recorded and engineered by Mike Dearing.
Founding guitarist/vocalist Victor Griffin offers his thoughts in regards to As A Dog Returns: "The new album 'As is ready to hit and it's a hard one to describe. While it has the heaviness and darkness expected from PLACE OF SKULLS, no one song is indicative of the entire record. It really has to be heard and meditated on by the individual listener to judge its merits fairly. But whatever the general consensus is, as always, we've made another album exactly as we wanted to make it delivering a heavy dose of doom reality with a brighter than ever light at the end of the tunnel!”
As A Dog Returns track listing:
1. “Timeless Hearts”
2. “Breath Of Life”
3. “Though He Slay Me”
4. “Psalm”
5. “Dayspring”
6. “The Maker”
7. “He’s God”
8. “Desperation”
9. “As A Dog Returns”
An in depth article about Victor Griffin can be read: HERE
PLACE OF SKULLS online: www.placeofskulls.com & www.facebook.com/pages/Place-of-Skulls
TORMAN MAXT announces new album:
Press Release / Costa Mesa, California progressive rock veterans offer details in regards to their new album, The Problem Of Pain: Part 2:
The Problem Of Pain: Part 2 is the follow up to the 2007 release of Problem of Pain Part 1. The concept behind both albums is the story of Job from the Old Testament, which deals with the question of human suffering.
"The new album picks up the story of Job where “Part 1” left off. In the opening track, Job, after experiencing the death of his children and horrific sores on his body contemplates his fate and asks God to kill him. Tracks 2-4 have his three friends try to convince him that his suffering is due to his own sin. Tracks 5-6 have Job's response to his friends. Finally God speaks on track 7 with Job's Restoration on track 8."
The Problem Of Pain: Part 2 track listing:
1. “Job's Lament”
2. “Bildad”
3. “Zophar”
4. “Eliphaz”
5. “Job's Complaint”
6. “Job's Plea”
7. “God Speaks”
8. “Restoration”
TORMAN MAXT online: http://tormanmaxt.com & www.facebook.com/tormanmaxt/info
NEWS BRIEFS
* MY DISCGRACE welcomes two new musicians to its line up, drummer Bob Schultz and keyboardist Joey Hodge. The group is currently looking for a bassist.
* PROTO-KAW has re-united and is presently at work on their unfinished (and currently untitled) new studio album. Look for it to be released early next year.
Also, an update was recently offered regarding the recovery by guitarist/keyboardist Kerry Livgren from the stroke he suffered last year: "Kerry continues to work in the studio. Health wise, he's probably in the best physical condition he's been in since the 80s. He works out at the gym on almost a daily basis and has dropped a considerable amount of weight, returning to his "skinny guitar player" roots!
Musically, he continues to struggle with loss of feeling in his hands. He mentioned that it felt like he was trying to play guitar with "rubber gloves" on. But its only been about 12 months since the stroke- he could barely walk and talk a year ago (and) there's still ample time for more recovery to happen. My theory is that he has worked so long on the "Cantata" and the raising of Lazarus, that God wanted to give him a bird's-eye experience of what being raised from the dead was all about!”
* Trenton, Michigan based TILES has started work on new material for a 60-minute song cycle revolving around the themes of adaptation and undelivered destiny. While the group is 15 minutes into the arrangements, they cannot begin to estimate when it will see the light of day.
* VISUAL CLIFF will be releasing its next album, Collective Spirit, on December 20, 2010. Look for it to include 8 tracks (5 instrumental and 3 vocal). The three vocal pieces will be fronted by Shane Lankford (ORPHAN PROJECT).
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
Limited 12" No Turning Back picture disc from INNERWISH:
Press Release / Ulterium Records are proud to announce the release of a limited 12" picture disc edition of the INNERWISH album No Turning Back. The edition will be strictly limited to 250 copies, and the release date is set to November 12th.
Track listing:
Side A:
1. “The Signs Of Our Lives”
2. “Chosen One”
3. “Burning Desires”
4. “No Turning Back”
5. “Sirens”
6. “Save Us”
Side B:
1. “Last Breath”
2. “Lawmaker”
3. “Welcome To My World”
4. “Kingdom Of The Prime”
5. “Full Of Lust”
6. “Live For My Own”
Ulterium Records online: www.ulterium-records.com/news.html
INNERWISH online: www.innerwish.gr & www.facebook.com/pages/InnerWish
New LIBERTY N' JUSTICE single, Chasing A Cure:
As provided by founding member Justin Murr: "This song was written for my daughter Trinity Paige Murr, who was diagnosed with epilepsy 5 years ago, and is in the process of defeating this horrifying disease. Through proceeds and donations, LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE hopes to raise awareness and encourage families who feel hopeless. The song features Benny Mardones, John Pine and Bill Leverty of FIREHOUSE.
"Being a songwriter/ musician during these times I emptied my feelings on paper with what was going on
with my daughter, my marriage and me. With Vic Rivera's talent and direction we recorded a 5-song EP, Chasing A Cure, that we are releasing to benefit The Epilepsy Foundation and all the artists involved have donated there time and talent to see my dream through. Please help up us spread the word. we will have more info soon on all the singers, musicians, whose helping us release it and how you can help a great cause."
LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE online: www.libertynjustice.net & www.facebook.com/libertynjusticerocks
CLASSIC PETRA returns with Back To The Rock:
The latest from CLASSIC PETRA regarding its soon to be released album Back To The Rock:
"Here is an update! The artwork is finished for the cover of the new CD (pictured above). The CD is scheduled to be mastered at the end of October and will be released immediately for digital downloads on www.classicpetra.com. The CD’s will also be available online about a week later to order physical copies. It seems like forever working on the new recordings of the classic hits, but the quality, I think you will find, has been well worth the wait. We have received invitations for concerts around the world for next year. Our plan is to start here in the US after the first of the year.
"We are quite aware that we are not Gods’ only plan to shake up the Christian world again, but we are sure that we will be part of the big plan. Gospel music, as well as mainstream, in my opinion, has hit an all time low, with very little music I would consider interesting. The melody got lost somewhere along the way both musically and spiritually. There are some exceptions such as SWITCHFOOT, SKILLET, LOU GRAHAM (FOREIGNER), CASTING CROWNS, etc but you can count them all on your fingers."
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
DESYRE at work on new material:
Vocalist & guitarist Mazi Bee offers the latest regarding the Finnish hair metal band:
"I thought I'd let you guys know that DESYRE has a (big) bunch of new songs written. We're very excited about them. As some of you might know, we have a permanent synth-player now, named Lady Soundwave, and our sound has evolved to the next level. Heavier riffs and clearer vocals are present. There are even thrash qualities in our new stuff, so we've heard.
"DESYRE is still G.L.A.M. Metal to the Max, but heavier and more melodic than ever. The keys are a blessing to us. That's for sure. Thank You God! Some of the new songs we've written include:
“Party Song” (rhythmic, fast and heavy "feel good" song)
“War Of Stars” (semi-epic heavy metal piece)
“The Magic Of Your Kingdom” (melodic/pure 80's anthem)
“Beyond The Horizon” (hit-potential emotional hard rock)
“Too Hot For Radio” (hard and heavy metal-anthem)
“Mystery Eyes” (semi-epic emotional melodic metal piece)
“Follow Me” (full of riffs, synth and mystical vocals)
"And still in process are (some of these are working titles): “Run Away”, “Protector”, “First Blood”, “Together We Are Strong”, “Dangerous Desyre”, etc.
"I know it's dull to read only the titles and descriptions of the songs, and not be able to hear them. But I promise to you that The new DESYRE will give you some cool vibes. The demos we've done so far have very good quality, but we're hitting the studio (not sure when yet) to boost the quality to the roof.
"And more great news is: We are ALL writing nowadays. The variety of songs is thus wider. Our debut disc Warning Of The Night consisted of my compositions only, so I'm naturally happy for the fact that I don't have to whip myself that hard anymore.
"Warning Of The Night is still available on our website, but once they're gone, they're gone. The pressing was 1,000 and it will not be re-pressed- by us anyway. If someone wants do a new pressing, we'll talk about it.
"God bless you all & G.L.A.M. on people!"
DESRYE, a group that believes “glam” stands for God Loves All Mankind, got its start by releasing a couple of demos, Hair Metal Madness (2004) and Out Of The Blue Into The Red (2005), prior to following up with the full length effort Warning Of The Night in 2009. The Angelic Warlord review of Warning Of The Night describes DESYRE as “a joining of hair and glam metal, melodic metal and hard rock certain to appeal to fans of MOTLEY CRUE, HANOI ROCKS, DOKKEN, RAGE OF ANGELS, ETERNAL RYTE, STRYPER and a host of others from the same era”.
DESYRE online: http://officialdesyre.blogspot.com & www.facebook.com/pages/DESYRE
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
Liljegren Records update:
Upcoming releases on the Sweden based label:
Press Release / The story of REINXEED got its start in a town called Boden in the north of Sweden. The musical creation and band vision of vocalist and guitarist Tommy Johansson, REINXEED formed in 2002 and worked very hard with the music style and image to create what it calls “Adventure Metal”: Big bombastic music with big lyrics and stories and legends that have been told for centuries with a heavenly hope.
In late 2007 Christian Liljegren (former NARNIA vocalist and owner of Liljegren Records) received a demo from Tommy Johansson and was so impressed with what he heard that he immediately signed the group.
Promotional CDs were sent out to different companies in Asia where Christian saw great potential for REINXEED. Highly praised label King Records of Japan licensed REINXEED for the release of its debut album The Light in 2008 and follow up efforts Higher (2009) and Majestic (2010). Already released in Japan on March 27, 2010, Majestic will see the light in Europe and North America on October 15, 2010.
With musical influences including GARY MOORE, ANGRA, STRATOVARIUS, ROBBY VALENTINE, SYMPHONY X and HELLOWEEN (Keeper Of The Seven Keys 1 & 2 era), REINXEED have worked hard to develop the songs and the production on Majestic, with the end result a sound that is big, powerful and bombastic with lots of vocal harmonies, shredding guitars & mighty keyboards. The band is hoping to tour abroad, especially in Japan where they have gained a lot of fans since the release of The Light. Majestic, in addition, scored 88 points in Burrn! Magazine and has since gained in the metal charts in Japan.
Majestic track listing: “Deep Under The Sea”, “Invincible”, “Never Lie”, “Once Upon A Time”, “Melody Of Life” , “Atlantis”, “Second Chance”, “My Paradise”, “Neverland”, “Majestic”, “Lighting Strikes Again”, “Sword In Stone”
Of note: Tommy Johansson has a ton of ideas and new material for the fourth REINXEED album, which is expected to come out in the spring or summer of 2011.
Tommy is also involved in a new band with Christian Liljegren called GOLDEN RESURRECTION. Look for the group to join elements of Scandinavian melodic metal and neoclassical metal on its debut Glory To My King. The album will be released in Japan on October 27, 2010 and November 12, 2010 the rest of the world. Production will be handled by Erik Martensson (ECLIPSE & W.E.T). Three promotional videos are also planned.
REINXEED online: www.reinxeed.com & www.facebook.com/ReinXeed
Press Release / 7 DAYS began in 2004 as a project of guitarist and composer Markus Sigfridsson. Markus found he had a high volume of material that did not fit the style of his other bands HARMONY (melodic metal) and DARKWATER (progressive metal). As a result, he initially formed 7 DAYS with bassist Andrea Passmark (ROYAL HUNT, NARNIA, DIVINEFIRE, ex-HARMONY) and drummer Daniel Flores (MURDER OF MY SWEET, MIND’S EYE, X-SAVIOUR) prior to rounding out its line up with vocalist Thomas Vikström (THERION, TALK OF THE TOWN, STORMWIND). Subsequently signing to Rivel/Liljegren Records, 7 DAYS released its highly acclaimed full length debut The Weight Of The World in 2006.
7 DAYS returns in the fall of 2010 with its long awaited sophomore effort Into Forever. An overall stronger album, it includes the twenty minute epic “Final Wisdom”. Joining 7 Days are vocalists Christian Liljegren (AUDIOVISION, DIVINEFIRE & GOLDEN RESURRECTION) and Erik Tordsson. You will also hear more of Caroline Sigfridsson, who made a guest appearance on the first album. Into Forever was produced and mixed by Markus Sigfridsson at Tenement Studios and mastered by Micke Lindh at Masterplant.
Look for Into Forever to be released on October 15, 2010.
Into Forever track listing: “Through Dark And Light”, “Into Forever”, “The Innocence In Me”, “You Hold The Key”, “Enter A Dream”, “Crossing”, “We Cry No More”, “Under The Sun”, “Scattered Mind”, “Final Wisdom”, “What Matters”
Markus is also busy doing artwork/covers and CD layouts for various bands within the hard rock and heavy metal genres. You can see some of his works at: www.tenementdesign.se.
7 Days online: www.sigfridsson.net/7days
Press Release / GLORY TO MY KING is the album melodic metal fans have been awaiting and finally it is here. It has all the best elements you are looking for: shredding guitars, melodic and powerful vocals, fast & heavy songs, big & bombastic arrangements with symphonic & neoclassic feeling.
Fans all over the world have been following vocalist Christian Liljegren (DIVINEFIRE, AUDIOVISION & NARNIA) and guitarist, singer & composer TOMMY JOHANSSON (REINXED). In 2008 Tommy & Christian started to write songs together as GOLDEN RESURRECTION as they have huge passion for melodic neoclassical metal. Together with bassist Stefan Käck, drummer Rickard Gustavsson (PANTOKRATOR) & keyboardist Olov Andersson (AUDIOVISION) GOLDEN RESURRECTION was born.
Christian Liljegren, lead & backing vocals & main composer in GOLDEN RESURRECTION, has reached great success in the past with the bands NARNIA, DIVINEFIRE & AUDIOVISION and sold over hundred of thousands of albums all over the world. He has toured Japan, Mexico, Europe and Israel to name a few. He has toured with DIO, STRYPER, SONATA ARCTICA & STRATOVARIUS and many more during the years.
Tommy Johansson, a 22 year old guitarist, keyboardist & vocalist, is a talented guitarist, keyboards and vocalist. A new Swedish guitar hero, he is following the tradition of Gus G, Yngwie Malmsteen, Chris Impellitteri, John Sykes, Jake E Lee, John Norum, Carljohan Grimmark & Gary Moore. Many new guitarists will look up to Johansson and wants to learn his exceptional technique of shredding guitar with a fast and heavy style but with a melodic tone and lots of feelings in his playing. Johansson is also vocalist and guitarist of REINXEED, a melodic metal band that has built up a strong fan base, especially in JAPAN, in which their latest and 3rd album Majestic was praised in Burrn! Magazine and went into the metal charts in JAPAN. In early 2011 the 4th album will be released.
GOLDEN RESURRECTION hired Erik Martensson (ECLIPSE & W.E.T) to produce their debut album GLORY TO MY KING. Mastering was done by Michael Lind at Masterplant, Sweden.
Erik Martensson & Christian Liljegren worked out all vocal & choir arrangements. Listen to “See My Commands”, “Best For Me” and “Proud To Wear The Holy Cross” to understand the bands potential. These three will also be promotional videos - directed by Ronny Hemmlin at Providfilm Sweden - to push the album.
Liljegren Records plan to release Glory To My King in Japan on October 27, 2010 and November 12, 2010 the rest of the world.
Glory To My King track listing: “See My Commands”, “Best For Me”, “Glory To My King”, “Never Look Back”, “The Final Day”, “Proud To Wear The Holy Cross”, “Golden Flames”, “God’s Grand Hotel”, “My Creation”, “Metal Praise” (Japan bonus track),
GOLDEN RESURRECTION online: www.golden-resurrection.com & www.facebook.com/goldenresurrection
BIOGENESIS signs to Soundmass:
Press Release / Soundmass is pleased to announce the signing of BIOGENESIS for the release of their new album The Rise, The Fall, The Rebirth.
Originally formed in 1996 by front-man Chaz Bond (JACOBS DREAM, HUMAN PARADOX), BIOGENESIS released its Rowe Productions full length debut The Mark Bleeds Through in 2001. However, 5 years after its apparent demise, BIOGENESIS has reformed with their original line-up. After a few reunion shows in their local area of Dayton, Ohio, the band began working on their new album The Rise, The Fall, The Rebirth, which will see a release before the end of 2010.
With a style that crosses genres, you can expect an album spanning from power metal to death metal, with a touch of progressiveness – a sound which is uniquely BIOGENESIS. With influences like ICED EARTH, CANNIBAL CORPSE, FEAR FACTORY, DELIVERANCE, DISTURBED and NEVERMORE - and John Berry (JACOBS DREAM) handling all lead guitar duties - The Rise, The Fall, The Rebirth will see the band coming back stronger than ever!
BIOGENESIS online: www.facebook.com/BiogenesisProgressiveMetal
DELIVERANCE - What A Joke receives Intense Millennium Records treatment:
Intense Millennium Records is proud to announce the second of three titles that will be released in February 2011:
Press Release / After the near-perfect thrash metal assault of Weapons Of Our Warfare, DELIVERANCE took a bit of a left turn with What a Joke. This somewhat misunderstood album is the result of creative differences in the band beginning to manifest, but resulted in some of the most unique and interesting work in the band's catalog. Where before the songs were all serious subject matter and thrash played to perfection, What A Joke saw the band taking themselves and their music a bit less seriously, showing the fun side of metal and taking on topics that could be handled with more humor and still get the message across. Classics like "It's the Beat" and "Purgatory Sandwich With Mustard" see vocalist Jimmy Brown and company tackling topics other bands may have seen as taboo, thus, this album remains an important piece in the DELIVERANCE catalog.
What A Joke track listing:
1. “Introduction”
2. “Prophet Of Idiocy”
3. “Pseudo Intellectual”
4. “Cheeseburger Maker Du”
5. “What A Joke”
6. “Chipped Beef”
7. “After Forever” “
8. It’s The Beat”
9. “A Production Of Society”
10. “Happy Star”
11. “J.P.D.”
12. “Pray”
13. “Silent Night”
14. “J.I.G.”
15. “Purgatory Sandwich With Mustard”
16. “Attack”
17. “Strings Of Sorrow”
DELIVERANCE online: www.facebook.com/DeliveranceRocks
As previously announced Intense Millennium Records has the following albums slated for release:
November 2010
VENGEANCE – Human Sacrifice
VENGEANCE RISING – Once Dead
SACRED WARRIOR - Rebellion
BLOODGOOD - Bloodgood
BLOODGOOD - Detonation
January 2011
SACRED WARRIOR – Masters Command
ALTAR BOYS – Gut Level Music
February 2011
VENGEANCE RISING – Destruction Comes
DELIVERANCE – What A Joke
All titles are newly re-mastered, and contain bonus tracks (when available).
Intense Millennium Records is dedicated to releasing fully licensed material from one of the most prolific group of record labels to exist in the Christian Metal scene, the Intense/Frontline/Alarma Records Group.
NEWS BRIEFS
* An update from guitarist Joshua Perahia regarding the next JOSHUA album, Resurrection: “I have been working on this (hopeful masterpiece) album for 7 years now. Jeff's (Fenholt- lead vocalist) voice is so incredible on the songs. Oh praise almighty God for allowing me to be involved in bringing this together. We have drummer Vinnie Appice from DIO, BLACK SABBATH & HEAVEN & HELL, Scott Warren as keyboardist from the same band as Vinnie, Eric Ragno on more keyboards, and many great lead singers all doing the background vocals. Every singer has been a lead singer in wonderful groups, and we are coming together in Christ's name. This is a miracle. I want this to be the greatest album to ever hit the hard rock scene in music history. The songs are very rooted in Christ, but at the same time the real world as we all experience it.”
CHRISTIAN METAL NEWS
New DARKWATER album, Where Stories End:
Press Release / The Swedish progressive metal band DARKWATER will release their new album Where Stories End November 12th in Europe through Ulterium Records and November 23rd in North America through Nightmare Records. Where Stories End is the follow-up album to the bands successful debut album Calling The Earth To Witness that was released 2007 and gained excellent reviews around the world.
Vocalist Henrik Båth of DARKWATER comments; "We're really excited to finally present Where Stories End to all of you. We feel that we've created something special with this album, and I personally think that we've improved everything since "Calling the earth to witness". We hope you'll enjoy it! We got some shows coming up for the fall, and we hope to see many of you on the road during the coming year. Thanks for your patience and support!"
The mixing of the album was handled by Fredrik Nordström and Henrik Udd at Studio Fredman (IN FLAMES, DIMMU BORGIR, HAMMERFALL)
Where Stories End track listing:
1. “Breathe”
2. “Why I Bleed”
3. “Into The Cold”
4. “A Fools Utopia”
5. “Queen Of The Night”
6. “In The Blink Of An Eye”
7. “Fields Of Sorrow”
8. “Without A Sound”
9. “Walls Of Deception”
Ulterium Records online: www.ulterium-records.com/news.html
DARKWATER online: www.facebook.com/darkwaterofficial
TROGLODYTE DAWN recruits new drummer:
Founding member Randy Michaud offers the latest regarding the Phoenix, Arizona based doom outfit:
"The big news in the TD camp is that our drummer, Big John Tinker, had decided that the UFTA show would be his final performance with the band. We are forever grateful to him for his efforts that helped get the band out of the Cave and on to the stage. We wish him well in his new endeavors and remind him that he will always be a part of this family whether he likes it or not...blood in...blood out, brother!
"The rest of the story is that we have, after a six year long search, finally found a local drummer with the right stuff to propel us into the next chapter of our history. Enter Greg Chaisson, former bassist for BADLANDS, DIE HAPPY, RED SEA and BLINDSIDE BLUES BAND. Greg, having switched to drums several years ago because he wanted a new challenge musically, saw the ad we placed online, heard the music and was intrigued enough to contact us for an audition. Of course, my first question after he introduced himself was: "But Greg, you're a bassist and I'm looking for a drummer." Yeah, yeah, yeah...nobody had asked him that question up to this point in time, right? Right. Once he shared the specifics of his migration to drums, we scheduled a date and time for him to come play with the band. After that short audition, Kevin (Mack- bass) and Justin (Frear- guitars) and I were convinced we had found our man and offered him the job on the spot - which he accepted. Along with his natural drumming abilities, Greg also brings his years of professional experience to TROGLODYTE DAWN and a personality that fit so well with the rest of us, it felt as though we had already known each other for years when we met.
"Many exciting things are on the horizon, but for now we will be returning to the Cave for a short time to work out a new live set for some local gigs in the near future and focus on writing new material in order to get this lineup into the studio as soon as possible.
"It's been a long road here...many thanks to those of you who have walked beside us and not faltered!"
TROGLODYTE DAWN online: www.facebook.com/pages/Troglodyte-Dawn
NEWS BRIEFS
* Another update from vocalist Chaz Band regarding the new BIOGENESIS album: “The recording of the new BIOGENESIS album ,The Rise The Fall AndThe Rebirth, is almost complete. I should be headed into mix down within 2 weeks or so. As you may already know, John Berry (JACOBS DREAM) is playing guest leads throughout the record. I have also signed a new contract but have not yet received permission to reveal the new label just yet but a signing has already taken place. I will make the announcement as soon as I am given the OK to do so. According to the new label this album should go to press by or before December of this year and that IS in our contract as well.”
CHRISTIAN METAL NEWS
Heaven's Metal Magazine 25th Anniversary Edition sampler CD announced:
The next issue of Heaven's Metal will feature this following collection of rock and metal tunes from Bombworks, Retroactive and Born Twice Records:
1 DISAFFECTION - “Mortuary Man” from the album Begin the Revolution
2 THE REX CARROLL BAND - “Circle Of Love” from the album That Was Then This Is Now
3 VISION - “Standing On The Rock” from s/t (25th Anniversary Edition)
4 KING JAMES - “Never Is Forever” from the album The Fall (Collector's Edition)
5 MY SILENT WAKE - “I Am (Eternity)” from the album Black Lights & Silent Roads
6 TITANIC - “Gods Of War” from the album Maiden Voyage (Collector's Edition)
7 VISION - “Mountain In The Sky” (single edit) from the album Mountain In the Sky
8 JIMMY HOTZ - “From Love Life Did Begin” from the album Beyond the Crystal Sea
9 HOLY BLOOD - “Shining Sun” from the album Shining Sun
10 MESSIAH - “Final Warning” from the album Final Warning
11 DEUS INVICTUS - “Ex Nihilo” from the album Staged In Awaiting
12 SAINT - “Ryders” from the album In the Battle (Collector's Edition)
13 ADIASTASIA - “Kingdom Of Glory” from the album Life War (remixed)
14 DANIEL BAND - “Undercover Christian” from the album On Rock
15 FINAL AXE - “War Cry” from the album Beyond Hell's Gate
16 GRAVE FORSAKEN - “War Is Hell” from the album Fight To The Death
17 LIBERTY N' JUSTICE - “Do What You Believe” from the album Light It Up
JACOBS DREAM to re-record fourth album, Dominion Of Darkness:
Vocalist Chaz Bond offers further detail at the Christian Metal Realm:
“Since Dominion was the bands first album that was fully mixed and produced by the band alone there were a lot of production flaws on the original version. This caused the album to falter in different ways, such as the songs not coming across the way they were intended, etc. There will be a few differences. For example, the song "Awaken the Man" is now acoustic. There will be added vocal harmonies and guitar synthesizers that was not present on the original version. We are also considering releasing a brand new song as a bonus track. BTW the recording is already under way. I have completed the vocals to 3 of the songs already.”
Jacobs Dream is a five piece power metal band from Columbus, Ohio. The group got its start on Metal Blade Records with its David Taylor fronted self-titled debut from 2000 and sophomore effort Theater Of War released a year later. Drama Of The Ages, Jacobs Dream’s final on Metal Blade but first to feature new vocalist Chaz Bond, came out in 2005 while the independent release Dominion Of Darkness followed in 2008. Jacobs Dream signed to Retroactive Records for its 2009 concept album Beneath The Shadows.
JACOBS DREAM online: http://jacobsdreamusa.wix.com/jacobs-dream & www.facebook.com/OfficialJacobsDream
LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE update:
Press Release / This is Justin Murr with LIBERTY N' JUSTICE and I thought I would update everybody on all things LNJ. This summer I was in the process of recording a "New" LNJ double CD (14 covers and 12 originals) where 23 of the 26 songs are recorded and more than half are done with some very cool guest artists. I went into this album wanting to create just a fun rock n' roll record, not trying to record "Light It Up 2" but just a heavy groove guitar fun spirited record and I think every one involved has done a great job seeing my vision through.....
During this summer though I (sorta) put that record on hold when my 12 year old daughter had some health issues. She was diagnosed with epilepsy 5 years ago and five months ago the medication would not control her seizures any more. She started having 30-40 seizures a night and was placed in the hospital and eventually moved into the ICU. Trinity Paige (my daughter) was placed into a medically induced coma and when that did not work they did brain surgery where they removed a large portion of her right frontal lobe. Through God's amazing grace and a testament of His love past my failing faith, Paige 2 weeks later is showing no signs of seizure activity and has started going to school for half days.
Being a songwriter/ musician during these times I emptied my feelings on paper with what was going on
with her, my marriage and me. With Vic Rivera's talent and direction we recorded a 5-song EP, Chasing A Cure, that we are releasing to benefit The Epilepsy Foundation and all the artists involved have donated there time and talent to see my dream through. Please help up us spread the word. we will have more info soon on all the singers, musicians, whose helping us release it and how you can help a great cause…
LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE online: www.libertynjustice.net & www.facebook.com/libertynjusticerocks
FEATURED REVIEWS
CROSSWIRE – A World In Flame
Let’s get the obvious out of the way: The future looks very bright for Lawton, Oklahoma based Crosswire. Drawing upon the tradition of Van Halan, AC/DC, Bride and Stryper – groups that include a duo of brothers within their line ups – Crosswire is led by siblings Noah (guitars) and Seth Copeland (lead vocals, keyboards & harmonica). Read Full Review >>
JAMES GUEST – Klenzd
Of course, all good things must come to an end, as happened at the start of the decade that followed when the Seattle sound (and the flannel shirts and grunginess that went with it) forced the musical landscape in a more modern direction. But a comeback of sorts has been made in recent years in that AdrianGale, Action, Line Of Fine and former Foreigner vocalist Lou Gramm all have put out quality albums that hearken back to the more commercial sounds of an era gone by. Read Full Review >>
LEGACY – Legacy
Musically, Legacy can best be described as eighties influenced melodic metal and hard rock. As a matter of fact, I am going to make this as simple as possible. If you like any of the following bands then there is an excellent chance you will also like Legacy: Stryper, Shout, Guardian, Holy Soldier, Angelica, Eternal Ryte, Soldier, Whitecross and Neon Cross. Read Full Review >>
MAD MAX – Welcome America
Welcome America does present with some musical changes, backing away from some of the heavier guitar driven elements of the group’s earlier albums and bringing a lighter and more acoustic laced sound hinting at melodic rock or even AOR. Read Full Review >>
ORACLE – Desolate Kings
Musically, Oracle can best be described as power metal with the occasional thrash and doom metal overtone. You will find your share of technical time changes hinting at the progressive as well. Read Full Review >>
THE SACRIFICED – 2012
If the metal scene has grown stale for you or are indifferent in terms of the genre then give 2012, the summer of 2010 Roxx Productions sophomore release from Lakeland, Florida’s The Sacrificed, the time it deserves. As a matter of fact, if you only make one metal album purchase a year then make sure this is it. Read Full Review >>
SEVEN HORIZONS – Seven Horizons
The best way to describe Seven Horizons would be progressive in the truest sense of the word- in the same manner that Neal Morse and Shadow Gallery are progressive. Now, I am sure we have all come across bands that claim to be “progressive” but upon first listen turn out to be, well, not very progressive at all. Read Full Review >>
TESTIFY – Pushing Back Darkness
It also must be reinforced that each of the eight Pushing Back Darkness songs brings that extra something special to allow it to hold up under repeated play or stand out from the rest. You will find no throwaways or filler tracks. Read Full Review >>
CHRISTIAN METAL NEWS
New PLACE OF SKULLS album:
Press Release / Knoxville, Tennessee doom metallers PLACE OF SKULLS are pleased to announce the upcoming release of their long-awaited fourth full-length entitled As A Dog Returns. The follow-up to 2006’s The Black Is Never Far was recorded at Lakeside Studios in Knoxville by Travis Wyrick and founding guitarist/vocalist Victor Griffin (PENTAGRAM, DEATH ROW, CATHEDRAL) with drums recorded and engineered by Mike Dearing.
Said Griffin of the band’s latest output: “The new album As A Dog Returns picks up dynamically where The Black Is Never Far left off. Where The Black… album had a bit more of a depressive theme lyrically, the new album tends to look to a brighter outcome. Musically we’ve gone further than ever before with dynamics and production. Though all the PLACE OF SKULLS’ brand of heaviness you would expect is certainly there, there’s a nice ebb and flow with quieter parts which tend to set a very dramatic and melancholy mood at times to the overall album.
“With every album we’ve done,” he continues, “our growth and progression has been evident, and this new release is no different. I’m really enjoying the growth of my songwriting as time goes by. I don’t feel as if I have anything to prove so I think the writing gets more open, honest, and genuine with every release. We’re very excited to finally get a new album out and hit the road again! Look for As A Dog Returns to be available in late September!”
As A Dog Returns track listing:
1. “Timeless Hearts”
2. “Breath Of Life”
3. “Though He Slay Me”
4. “Psalm”
5. “Dayspring”
6. “The Maker”
7. “He’s God”
8. “Desperation”
9. “As A Dog Returns”
PLACE OF SKULLS online: www.placeofskulls.com & www.facebook.com/pages/Place-of-Skulls
STRYPER reveals The Covering:
Press Release / Following the success of their 25th Anniversary World Tour earlier this year, legendary rock band STRYPER headed into the studio to work on their upcoming album, The Covering, tentatively scheduled for release October 13th from Big3 Records/SONY. For a limited time, fans can preview the new album by following STRYPER frontman Michael Sweet on Twitter at www.twitter.com/michaelhsweet, where he will be revealing a hidden website where fans can hear exclusive song clips not available anywhere else.
The Covering, produced by Michael Sweet, will be unlike any previous STRYPER recording, in that it’s a collection of cover songs from bands that inspired them and helped to shape their sound and musical identity, including past hits from JUDAS PRIEST, IRON MAIDEN, LED ZEPPELIN, KANSAS and many others. A cover of BLACK SABBATH’s hit “Heaven and Hell” will be the first single, with an expected iTunes release in advance of the album. The Covering will also include “God,” a new original recording from STRYPER.
"STRYPER recorded The Yellow and Black Attack (Enigma Records) back in 1983, and it was released the following year,” says Michael. “Twenty six years have passed and after seven studio releases and multiple compilation and live projects, we decided to show our fans where our roots lie musically. The Covering consists of particular songs and groups that molded and shaped us and made us who we are today.”
One of the highlights for STRYPER fans is that The Covering is the first studio album in nearly two decades on which all four original members, plus longtime keyboardist Charles Foley, have recorded together.
“This record includes the original lineup,” explains Michael. “Tim, Robert, Oz and I haven't recorded a full-length project together since 1990’s Against the Law (Enigma Records), so this is truly history in the making. We also had what was probably the best time we've ever had recording a record together and I believe that this comes through in the energy and the spirit of each track. We're all extremely excited about this record and more importantly, we're all extremely confident about the future of STRYPER and the four of us making music together for years to come."
About STRYPER:
STRYPER’s latest album, Murder by Pride, was released in 2009. The band supported the album with a year-long 25th Anniversary World Tour which took them throughout North America, South America, Europe and Australia. In 1984, STRYPER broke onto the scene with their debut EP The Yellow and Black Attack, and have since gone on to sell 8 million albums and tour the world spreading an inspirational message through their branded sound of rock songs, heavy guitars, and pristine harmony vocals. The group’s unprecedented 1986 album To Hell with the Devil was the first Christian album to go platinum and was named one of the “100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music” by CCM Magazine. STRYPER was also the first Christian band to get airplay on MTV, where they had several hit videos, including the #1 “Most Requested” videos “Free” and “Honestly.”
STRYPER online: www.stryper.com & www.facebook.com/Stryper
NEWS BRIEFS
* DARKWATER has completed mixing and mastering its next album, untitled at the time of this writing. The final touches are being put on the artwork. A release date will be set soon while samples should be online in a couple of weeks.
* You can also read a new interview with Michael Sweet of STRYPER: HERE
* IMPELLITTERI is at work on new material while they await the US release of Wicked Maiden.
* The next PASTOR BRAD project will be titled Shred Rema. The artist offers further detail: ”With Break Out I got the "vocal" thing out of my system- now it's back to the shredder! Shred Rema will be unique in that EVERY SONG will contain a 30 second (or so) spoken message. The Word REMA is Greek for "a revealed Word from God"... and each song will contain a "rema"... I'm going to write a series of Bible Studies to go with the album. All of the studies will be in PDF format and will be included on the CD as bonus files.”
* Illinois based SEPTER is in the process of writing material for its next CD. A working title and release date have not been announced.
* TORMAN MAXT completed work on its fourth album, The Problem of Pain: Part 2. Look for it to come out on September 21, 2010. The album continues the story of Job from the Old Testament that the group started on its 2007 release The Problem Of Pain: Part 1.
CHRISTIAN METAL NEWS
CRYSTAVOX - The 20 Year Mix track listing revealed:
Press Release / Roxx Productions have announced the final track listing to 2 CD set The 20 Year Mix:
CD Track Listing: “Cry Out”, “Break Down The Wall”, “Power Games”, “Stick To Your Guns”, “Sacrifice”, “Shame”, “Home Again”, “Paradise”, “It’s All Right (To Rock-n-Roll)”, “No Boundaries”, “The Big Picture”, “Snakes In The Grass”
DVD Content: “The Crystavox Story- 55 Minutes”, “The Early Days”, “Getting Bigger”, “Tough Boys”, “Changes”, “Signed”, “Hit Single”, “Its All Right”, “The Bottom Line”, “Stick To Your Guns”, “Who We Are”, “No Boundaries”, “Paradise”, “Exit Stage Left”, “Thank You”
Videos: “Break Down The Wall (Live)”, “Stick To Your Guns (Live)”, “The Big Picture (Live), “Paradise”, , “Snakes In The Grass”, “No Boundaries”, “Tough Boys”, “In Your Arms”
These tracks have all been completely restored and re-mastered directly from the master tapes! But not only that... Many additional pieces and music were re-recorded to bring this collection truly in to the modern day! So if you think you have heard these songs before! GUESS AGAIN!
Adam Lee Kemp, lead singer of Crystavox, stated the following in a recent interview with Heaven’s Metal magazine: "When we heard the original material, each of us agreed that there were immaturities and creative gaps in the presentation that were driving us crazy! Consequently, Loren and Fred went to work adding subtle guitar overtones, revised bass compression and new drum samples. These served to bridge those audio gaps in hopes to make the remix a more palatable project..."
We had a few minor delays, but this Strictly Limited Edition set is scheduled for release on August 17, 2010!
If you get your orders in quick you will also get a THIRD Exclusive Bonus disc featuring 7 previously unreleased tracks from the bands personal archives!
Pre-Sale Exclusive Bonus Disc: “Through The Storm” (1987 EP - Previously Unreleased), “Summit 96” (1996 Promotional Youth Camp Track - Previously Unreleased), “The Road Less Traveled” (2002 Studio Scratch Track - Previously Unreleased), “Your Mercy” (Praise & Worship - Previously Unreleased), “No Turning Back” (1987 EP - Previously Unreleased), “You Are The One” (1987 EP - Previously Unreleased), “Fame” (Windows & Mirrors 1987 - Previously Unreleased track from Windows & Mirrors, an early incarnation of CRYSTAVOX)
So get those orders in now! Once the pre-order is over the bonus discs will be LONG GONE!
Roxx Productions online: www.roxxproductions.com
CRYSTAVOX online: www.adamleekemp.com/crystavox-and-band-home
MASS signs with Retroactive Records:
Press Release / The Iowa-based Christian hard rock and metal label Retroactive Records has signed classic metal legends MASS to reissue two pieces of Classic Metal History!
Retroactive Records will reissue the original self-released 1984 four song self-titled EP (never before released on CD) with original artwork. The EP sold over 10,000 copies on vinyl in the Boston area alone!
MASS track listing:
1. “Looking Good”
2. “Pedal To The Metal”
3. “Holy One”
4. “Still Of the Night”
Retroactive Records will also be releasing the band's debut album from 1982, originally recorded for A&M Records but never before released until now! Even the band did not have listening copies of this album until having the original tapes baked and transferred to CD for this special reissue!
Fighter track listing:
1. “Watch Her Walk”
2. “Part of Me”
3. “Too Far Gone”
4. “Do You Love Me”
5. “Voyager”
6. “Fighter”
7. “Can You See It Again”
8. “Slip Of The Lip”
9. “Change Your Way”
10. “Bad Man’s Reputation”
Both albums are set for release in late October 2010. Look for the "MASS"ive promotion to come!
Retroactive Records online: http://retroactiverecords.net/store/retroactive-records.html
MASS online: www.massrocks.com & www.facebook.com/masstheband
MESSIAH - Final Warning & Going Insane re-issue details:
Press Release / MESSIAH got its start in Texas as a highly successful tribute band in the mid 70’s. This eccentric, theatrical band regularly played hour long tributes to ALICE COOPER, KISS and BLACK SABATH. Shows included fire, a 7 ft python, simulated lynchings and even a Black Mass Ritual! But once the band had a religious encounter, the only show they would ever do again was The Final Warning where the band raised Satan and sent him back to hell on a nightly basis.
In 1984, the band released their vinyl-only debut release, entitled Final Warning (and in 1986 the 5 song EP, Going Insane). Both releases had no distribution and, once the band broke from their management company, all copies of both albums disappeared without a trace. MESSIAH disbanded soon after and almost no information about the band could be found for decades! Yet the band’s resilient music stood the test of time and the fact that no one seemed to know anything about MESSIAH for the longest time only served to make them even more appealing to metal fans! Copies of original MESSIAH albums are so rare they are considered Holy Grails of Christian metal – selling for over $1,000 on occasion!
Retroactive Records is pleased to provide the first official CD reissue of Final Warning, complete with original artwork. This Christian metal classic has been re-mastered by the best in the industry, J Powell of Steinhaus Mastering. The liner notes in this Collector’s Edition release include a Special Message to fans from charismatic front man, Charles Michael. Expect tasty guitar licks and powerful vocals inspired by the likes of KISS, BLACK SABBATH, ALICE COOPER, BARNABAS, MESSIAH PROPHET and early JUDAS PRIEST! MESSIAH’s musical legacy lives on!
Final Warning track listing:
1. “Who’s To Blame”
2. “Outta Control”
3. “Where Are You”
4. “The Choice”
5. “Heavenly Metal”
6. “Mistaken Identity”
7. “Keep Searching”
8. “Lucifer”
9. “Final Warning”
When 1986 rolled around these Christian metal pioneers from Detroit, Michigan followed up their legendary Final Warning LP with the sophomore triumph, Going Insane 5 song EP! Like the debut release, Going Insane had no distribution and even the most devoted Christian metal fan was frustrated by attempts to acquire this masterpiece – that was if they were lucky enough to even know about it! It has been estimated that there are no more than several hundred copies in existence. This only served to increase collector demand and MESSIAH would go on to become cult heroes to underground metal fanatics who would pay over $1,000 for a vinyl copy of this rare EP!
This Christian metal classic has been re-mastered by the best in the industry, J Powell of Steinhaus Mastering. And, Martin Brandt (Heavy/That’s Metal magazines) provides detailed liner notes bringing the band’s storied past to life for the very first time!
This special Retroactive Record’s Collector’s Edition includes three exclusive high quality bonus tracks, “Lucifer,” “You’d Better Say a Prayer” and “Final Warning”, all originally recorded in 1978 with the original MESSIAH lineup from Texas (1970’s incarnation of the band) that all have a decidedly 70’s hard rock feel to them! These amazing bonus tracks were taken from the original master tapes and have never been released in any format until now! You now get a total of 8 tracks and 46 minutes of classic hard rock and metal. Expect tasty guitar licks and powerful vocals inspired by the likes of KISS, BLACK SABBATH, ALICE COOPER, BARNABAS, MESSIAH PROPHET and early JUDAS PRIEST! MESSIAH’s musical legacy lives on!
Going Insane track listing
1. “Going Insane”
2. “We Will Rock”
3. “Heavenly Metal”
4. “Where Are You”
5. “Evil Lies”
6. “Lucifer” (bonus track)
7. “Final Warning” (bonus track)
8. “You’d Better Say A Prayer” (bonus track)
Retroactive Records online: http://retroactiverecords.net/store/retroactive-records.html
CHRISTIAN METAL NEWS
BLOODGOOD re-issues Metal Missionaries demo:
Press Release / In celebration of its 25th anniversary BLOODGOOD plans to re-issue its 1985 four song cassette demo Metal Missionaries. Pre-orders are now being accepted and the first 100 copies sold will be autographed by bassist Michael Bloodgood and vocalist Les Carlson.
Bonus material includes a 16 minute interview with the band from 1985 and a demo version of a song off their forthcoming (and yet to be titled) new album. Look for a release date in September.
Send PayPal payment ($9.99 + $3.50 shipping & handling) to: bloodgood@hotmail.com
Please e-mail the group for international shipping rates.
Metal Missionaries track listing:
1. “Awake!”
2. “Accept The Lamb”
3. “Anguish And Pain”
4. “Battle Of The Flesh”
Musicians:
Les Carlsen: Lead Vocals
David Zaffiro: Guitar
Michael Bloodgood: Bass
J.T. Taylor: Drums
The first three tracks to Metal Missionaries were re-recorded by BLOODGOOD for its 1986 self-titled debut. The fourth later appeared on the groups 1987 sophomore release Detonation.
BLOODGOOD online: www.bloodgoodband.com & www.facebook.com/bloodgoodband
SACRED WARRIOR - Master's Command re-issue on Intense Millennium Records:
Press Release / he band's debut Rebellion stormed out of the gates like a runaway freight train. By comparison, Master's Command was a more varied and experimental affair. Instead of pummeling the listener with a full-on metal attack, SACRED WARRIOR adjusted their approach to include more melody, more variety, and interesting songs that continue to captivate some 20 years later. Any progressive metal notions the band hinted at before were fulfilled with Master's Command. SACRED WARRIOR had arrived, and staked their claim on the attention of QUEENSRYCHE and FATES WARNING fans worldwide.
Master’s Command track listing:
1. “Master’s Command”
2. “Beyond The Mountain”
3. “Evil Lurks”
4. “Bound In Chains”
5. “Unfailing Love”
6. “Paradise”
7. “Uncontrolled”
8. “Many Will Come”
9. “Onward Warriors”
10. “The Flood”
11. “Holy, Holy, Holy”
Intense Millennium Records is dedicated to releasing fully licensed material from one of the most prolific group of record labels to exist in the Christian Metal scene, the Intense/Frontline/Alarma Records group.
SACRED WARRIOR online: www.sacredwarrior.net & www.facebook.com/pages/Sacred-Warrior
Pushing Back Darkness details from TESTIFY:
Press Release / The Visalia, California based heavy metal outfit recently released its second album, Pushing Back Darkness. Recorded in follow up to the groups 2009 debut 24:27, Pushing Back Darkness brings a joining of straightforward metal and hard rock while featuring new vocalist Lynn Louise Lowrey, who replaced the departed Ron Poggione.
Pushing Back Darkness track listing:
1. “Eyes Of Fire”
2. “Pushing Back Darkness”
3. “From The Grave”
4. “Time To Burn”
5. “Pillars Of Salt”
6. “Hells Gate”
7. “Sound The Alarm”
8. “Way, Truth, Life”
Musicians:
Lynn Louise Lowrey – Lead Vocals
Scott Weisenborn – Guitars
John Angle Jr. – Bass
Chuck Herandez – Drums
TESTIFY online: www.facebook.com/pages/Testify-Band-CA
NEWS BRIEFS
* FAITH FACTOR recruited two new members in lead guitarist Brad Lee Ludwick and bassist Bob Donni. Look for the group to perform the following festival dates in the near future: Christian Metal Rock Alliance Festival (September 11 in Manheim, PA); True Metal American Festival (October 23 in Reading, PA). FAITH FACTOR is planning a 2012 release for its sophomore album The Wrath That Is Yet To Come.
CHRISTIAN METAL NEWS
Retroactive Records tentative release schedule:
Upcoming releases from Retroactive Records:
MESSIAH - Final Warning (Collector’s Edition - Retroactive Records) First time released on CD - Re-mastered - Special liner notes - Vinyl versions have gone for as high as $1000+ - September 2010
MESSIAH - Going Insane (Collector’s Edition - (Retroactive Records) Holy Grail of Christian metal collectibles - Band manager gave each member 10 copies and took the rest himself when the band broke up - Vinyl is impossible to find - Re-mastered - Special liner notes - 3 never before released songs recorded during the late 70's ("Lucifer", "Better Say A Prayer" and an early version of "Final Warning") - September 2010
MASS - Mass (Collector’s Edition - Retroactive Records) Re-issue of 4 song EP originally release independently by the band in 1984 and sold at concerts. This has only been released on vinyl and been out of print for years and years - October 2010
MASS - Fighter (Retroactive Records) The band recorded this album for A&M records in 1982. After spending $150,000 on the recording the record label deal fell apart and the album was never released....until now!!! - October 2010
Retroactive Records online: http://retroactiverecords.net/store/retroactive-records.html
Intense Millennium update:
Press Release / Intense Millennium Records has announced additional details in regards to the upcoming Intense/Frontline Music Collectors Edition re-issues:
Pastor Bob Beeman of Sanctuary International has signed on with us to provide liner notes on a number of titles that will be released in 2011, as well as the first 5 titles to be released in November of 2010. Pastor Bob had written introductions to most of the titles released on the original Intense Records label.
We also want you the fans to know that we have been listening to the numerous comments that we have been receiving. First we would like to address the controversy in regards to the new artwork produced. We will still be using all new artwork for the covers, however we have found a solution in regards to people's wishes for the preservation of the original cover art. All releases will have reversible covers with the original covers. You will have the option of displaying the new or original cover.
We are working hard on collecting as much bonus material as possible for each of the releases. So far we have some awesome never before released live recordings and demo recordings.
Pre-orders will begin on August 1st for our first five titles. We have some special treats that will be available to those that preorder early. As well there will be a discounted package available for a limited time for those that wish to pick up all five titles.
Our first batch of releases is scheduled for release in November of 2010 and includes classic albums from VENGEANCE RISING (Human Sacrifice & Once Dead), SACRED WARRIOR (Rebellion) and BLOODGOOD (Bloodgood & Detonation). All of our releases will be completely re-mastered to give these albums the best modern audio quality that is available today.
Beginning in January of 2011 we will unleash two classic Frontline titles per month. With such a vast catalog of titles at our finger tips we welcome any suggestions from you the fans in regards to what titles you would like to see released the soonest. There is currently a poll on our website, feel free to stop by and let your voice be heard.
Intense Millennium Records is dedicated to releasing fully licensed material from one of the most prolific group of record labels to exist in the Christian Metal scene: the Intense/Frontline/Alarma Records group.
ADIASTASIA - Life War re-issued on Bombworks Records:
Press Release / The name of this powerful Brazilian band ADIASTASIA comes from the Greek. It literally means “Absence of Separation” or “Non-separable", but it can also represent the communion between the Father, the Son and the Presence of God! The band was formed in the beginning of 2003 by lead vocalist Jeff Winner. In 2004 the band played in the Festival Rock in August where Winner received the prize of best Vocalist. With this coveted award, the band began gaining a significant and loyal fan base, leading directly to the writing and recording of their debut album, Life War, in 2005. It was immediately picked up by Bombworks Records, released in 2006, and made its mark by selling through the first pressing in just a few short months.
AngelicWarlord.com compares ADIASTASIA, “with its double bass driven brand of power metal, to STRATOVARIUS, HELLOWEEN and GAMMA RAY, but it is certain to appeal to fans of SEVENTH AVENUE and DIVINEFIRE as well.” Searing vocals and vicious, progressive guitars abound throughout this power metal extravaganza, combining elements of speed and aggression with occasional symphonic touches that create quite a powerful full length debut. ADIASTASIA’s magic and charm is based around the classic tenor vocal style of Jeff Winner, who occasionally cuts loose in operatic high pitched falsetto fashion. Winner is a world-class vocalist, bringing to mind Timo Kotipelto (STRATOVARIOUS) or even Rob Rock (IMPELLITTERI).
This 2010 Collector’s Edition re-release has been completely remixed and re-mastered for a powerful and remarkable improvement over the original 2006 release. For added value it features all new artwork by Robert Wilson (TOURNIQUET, BRIDE, KING JAMES, DELIVERANCE) packaged in a four panel digi-pak for the first time ever.
BOMBWORKS Records online: www.bombworksrecords.com
Debut album from SARDIS:
Press Release / The Missouri based heavy metal band has finished recording its new album, tentatively entitled Escape, and is moving on to the mixing stage. Look for it to clock in at around the one hour mark. No word of a release date.
Escape track listing:
1. “Memories”
2. “Night Calls”
3. “High Times”
4. “Miracles And Myths”
5. “Escape”
6. “Empty Mirror”
7. “Searching For Answers”
8. “Turbulence Of The Mind”
9. “Resuscitation”
Musicians:
Sean Roycraft - Vocals
Kevin Hasselquist - Guitar
Mark Robertson - Bass
Jason St.Clair – Drums
SARDIS brings a classic metal sound that reminds me somewhat of ARMAGEDDON. As a matter of fact, vocalist Sean Roycraft has a gruff low key feel to his delivery not unlike that of Mike Vance. Others, however, have compared the group to DIAMOND HEAD or old OZZY.
SARDIS online: www.facebook.com/Sardisband
CHRISTIAN METAL NEWS
Intense Millennium Records to re-issue Intense & Frontline catalog:
Press Release / Intense Millennium Records is a partnership between Divine Metal Distro, Roxx Productions, and two additional individuals Josh Dieckmann and Sandy Scafedi. We have come together under this one umbrella to form a company that is dedicated to releasing fully licensed material from one of the most prolific group of record labels to exist in the Christian Metal scene, the Intense/Frontline/Alarma Records group. This will be the first time that many of these titles will have seen any form of quality release since their original releases back in the 1980s & 1990s.
Our first batch of releases is scheduled for release in November of 2010 and includes classic albums from VENGEANCE RISING, SACRED WARRIOR and BLOODGOOD. All of our releases will be completely re-mastered to give these albums the best modern audio quality that is available today. As well each release will have brand new artwork based on the original cover designs, along with 8 page booklets complete with lyrics, and liner notes. When possible bonus material will be added as well.
Beginning in January of 2011 we will unleash two classic Frontline titles per month. With such a vast catalog of titles at our finger tips we welcome any suggestions from you the fans in regards to what titles you would like to see released the soonest. There is currently a poll on our website, feel free to stop by and let your voice be heard.
The first three of the five titles that will be released are:
SACRED WARRIOR - Rebellion
The burgeoning Christian metal movement had several notable bands by the mid 1980's. None, however, took the progressive elements of pioneers like QUEENSYRCHE and FATES WARNING and combined them with the pure energy and heaviness present in much of the thrash metal of the time. Enter SACRED WARRIOR - a band that skillfully and successfully combined these two elements to create a metallic attack that rivaled many of their contemporaries, and stands the test of time as one of the greats of the era. Rebellion, the band’s auspicious debut, capitalizes on that potent mixture by offering up searing riffs, lightning fast solos, soaring vocals, and a rhythm section that thundered with authority.
Rebellion track Listing: "Black Metal", "Mad, Mad World", "Stay Away From Evil", "He Died", "Children Of The Light", "Rebellion", "Day Of The Lord", "The Heavens Are Calling", "Famine", "Master Of Lies", "Sword Of Victory"
SACRED WARRIOR online: www.sacredwarrior.net & www.facebook.com/pages/Sacred-Warrior
BLOODGOOD - Bloodgood
Heavy Metal has been accused by its detractors as all sounding the same. While the mid-80’s saw a glut of metal bands cashing in on the style, many of which sounded the same as the next band, no one could accuse BLOODGOOD of being a sound-alike. Combining a melodic, classic heavy metal approach with the uniquely operatic vocals of Les Carlson, BLOODGOOD carved out its own niche in the metal scene by offering up listeners a potent mix of high-pitched vocal wails, melodic yet energetic guitar riffing, a tight rhythm section, and memorable songs that would stay with you for weeks. This powerful blend came shining through on BLOODGOOD’s self-titled debut album, and quickly set the bar for metal bands wishing to share their faith with the world.
Bloodgood track listing: "Accept The Lamb", "Stand In The Light", "Demon On The Run", "Anguish And Pain", "Awake!", "Soldier Of Peace", "You Lose", "What's Following The Grave", "Killing The Beast", "Black Snake"
BLOODGOOD’s - Detonation
BLOODGOOD’s second album, Detonation, was the perfect follow-up to their high-energy debut, and raised the bar even higher for faith-based metal bands. The fast songs were faster, the emotion in the songs was more intense, and the musical attack was tighter. The lyrics were also stronger, as the band took on some fairly unpopular topics like suicide and homelessness. Truly a landmark album in the scene, this classic contains the duo of songs “Crucify” and “Messiah” that showed what a real metal band could do with such emotionally charged subject matter and pull it off with such ease.
Detonation track listing: “Battle Of The Flesh”, “Vagrant People”, “Self-Destruction”, “Alone In Suicide”, “Heartbeat (Of The City)", “Eat The Flesh”, “Holy Fire”, “Crucify”, “The Messiah”, “Live Wire”
BLOODGOOD online: www.bloodgoodband.com & www.facebook.com/bloodgoodband
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