METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

BOARDERS - R-Existence updated release date & final track-listing:
Press Release / Roxx Records are very happy to announce the release date and final track listing for the Deluxe Edition Package of R-Existence from Italian thrashers BOARDERS.  Set for release on January 29, 2013, the newly expanded package will be available in a Limited Edition CD pressing and also available digitally at all your favorite retailers.

The Deluxe Expanded package will contain 5 additional tracks, 3 brand new recordings as well as 2 previously unreleased demo tracks. Final track listing and artwork is available below and pre-orders are up and now available!

R-Existence track listing:

1. “Prelude”
2. “The Agony Of Lying”
3. “Signs Of Resistance”
4. “Vengeance Is Yours”
5. “IV Reich”
6. “Pure Gold”
7. “Lightbringer”
8. “Sixth Out Of Five”
9. “Cause Of Life”
10. “Meet My Heart”
11. “To My Father”
12. “A Warm Place” (Deluxe Edition 2013)
13. “Pure Gold” (Acoustic Version, Deluxe Edition 2013)
14. “This Time” (Deluxe Edition 2013)
15. “Deliver You Back To Hell” (Unreleased Demo 2003, Deluxe Edition 2013)
16. “For What It’s Worth” (Unreleased Demo 2003, Deluxe Edition 2013)

BOARDERS online: www.boarders.it & www.facebook.com/pages/Boarders

DRIVER - Countdown limited edition vinyl re-issue announced:
From the Metalizer Records website:

Press Release / Metalizer Records are very proud to present the vinyl re-issue of Countdown, the spring of 2012 sophomore release from US metal legends DRIVER.  The re-issue comes with the European bonus track “Babylon” and the full insert- all housed in a 425gsm heavy cardboard sleeve.  Limited and hand number to 350 copies only!  So hurry up and order your copy before it is too late.  Release date December 27, 2012.

The DRIVER press material had the following to say about Countdown:

Fasten your seat-belts and watch out! Four years after their fantastic debut album Sons Of Thunder DRIVER start their engine for another driving lesson. For one more time they drive a vehicle of new and old parts which vocal-maestro Rob Rock (IMPELLITTERI) and six-string-wizard Roy Z (HALFORD, Bruce Dickinson) penned back in the late 80’s/early 90’s. It goes without saying that they updated the old parts and completely re-recorded them. So Countdown doesn’t feature any cheaply recycled demo material, but 11 excellently produced melodic metal anthems.

The songs live on the virtuoso and razor-sharp guitar-playing from Roy Z, Rob Rock’s powerhouse vocals and a colorful and highly melodic songwriting style. If needed, Ed Roth’ unobtrusive keyboards add some great atmosphere, while the rhythm-tandem Reynold ‘Butch’ Carlson/Aaron Samson cranks it up.

The Countdown driving lesson features slow-paced and very intense rockers (“Rising Son”, “Cry Of The Wounded”), up-tempo anthems (“Return To The Sky”, “Thief In The Night, “Babylon”) and true head bangers (“Hollywood Shooting Star”, “Feel The Fire”). DRIVER even found space for a wonderful ballad (“Always On My Mind”). No doubt, Countdown is another impressive demonstration of DRIVER’s extra-ordinary class. If you like US-Melodic Metal in the vein of IMPELLITTERI or Rob Rock’s solo efforts, then make sure you don’t miss this album!

Countdown trac listing:

Side A:

“Return To The Sky”
“Rising Son”
“Countdown”
“Hollywood Shooting Star”
“Thief In The Night”
“Cry Of The Wounded”

Side B:

“Always On My Mind”
“Feel The Fire”
“Destiny”
“Running From The Darkness”
“Babylon” (European bonus track)

Ordering information: www.metalizer-records.de/shop/index.php?a=4152&lang=eng

DRIVER online: http://driverofficial.com 

THE SACRIFIED debut The Da Vinci Hoax 2.0 download available:
From vocalist Eli Prinson at The Christian Metal Realm:

“We still get a lot of people asking if our debut/demo CD (from 2006), The Da Vinci Hoax, is available.  It's been out of print for a while now.

"Recently we were archiving and backing up files on one of the computers used during those recording sessions and found a lost track that was going to be on the original demo called "Passing Through".   We have had the tracks re-mastered and included "Passing Through" on the new The Da Vinci Hoax 2.0 digital download.

"THE SACRIFICED has surely "evolved" since the early days, but I thought it would be cool for those who'd like to add this to their collection, to still be able to get it.”

The following was taken from the Angelic Warlord review (75%) of the original version of The Da Vinci Hoax:

“The Sacrificed can best be described as classical and operatic power metal bringing to mind Fates Warning, Sacred Warrior, Recon, Jacobs Dream and Queensryche.  Yes, very good company indeed, but in order to first invite a comparison to the previously mentioned bands in question, a vocalist with the abundant range of Geoff Tate, Ray Para and David Taylor is of utmost necessity.  And that is exactly what The Sacrificed posses in Eli Prinson.  A classically trained vocalist blessed with talent of a near world class level, Prinson joins his silky smooth and high pitched vocal delivery with the metal edged guitar riffs of Johnny Bowden.  The union works in that the two combine to create an offering in The DaVinci Hoax that stands out as a result of its musical excellence.”

The Da Vinci Hoax 2.0 track listing:

1. “Footsteps (Intro)”
2. “The Fight”
3. “Newsflash”
4. “The DaVinci Hoax”
5. “The Beginning”
6. “Altar Call”
7. “Ghost Of Iniquity”
8. “In Vain”
9. “Forgiven”
10. “Reflections”
11. “In Your Name We Pray”
12. “Passing Through”

Ordering information: https://sellfy.com/p/XYRn

THE SACRIFICED online: www.facebook.com/thesacrificed

THEOCRACY to perform full As The World Bleeds album:
Press Release / THEOCRACY is happy to announce plans to play the entire As the World Bleeds album on February 15, 2013 at the "Sanctuary From the Streets" fundraiser in Nashville, TN.

Vocalist Matt Smith explains: "We kicked around the idea of trying to make this happen a few months ago, because we always loved the idea. A lot of people seemed as excited about it as we were, so it just became a matter of trying to find the right place and time to make it happen. Once the 'Sanctuary From the Streets' idea was presented to us and started taking shape, it seemed like the perfect time. We are all honored to be asked to participate in something for such a great cause, and hopefully this will help make a night that already promises to be very special even more special.

We will be performing As the World Bleeds front to back in its entirety, and we have another surprise or two up our sleeves as well that you will NOT want to miss. Who knows if or when this will ever happen again, so if there was ever a show worth roadtripping to, this is it! We can't wait to share the stage with INNERSIEGE and OBLIVION MYTH and enjoy a great night of music for a wonderful cause."

The Bridge Bunch, part of Pastor Bob Beeman's "Sanctuary International - The Rock 'N Roll Refuge" serves approximately 4,500 meals per month to the homeless, displaced and hungry under the Jefferson Street Bridge in Downtown Nashville, TN. In addition, the BB serves as a collection and distribution point for seven other outreach organizations and also feeds more than 20 families directly.

In addition to food, the volunteers provide clothing, shoes, haircuts and emergency cold weather sleeping bags that help save lives!

All of this costs money and requires hands to do the work. It is our hope that we can raise some funds and awareness to help those who are hurting everyday on the streets of Nashville, TN.

The Rutledge Live Music Venue
410 4th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37201-2212
Phone: (615) 782-6858
www.therutledgelmv.com
www.facebook.com/TheRutledgeLMV
www.twitter.com/TheRutledgeLMV

Friday, February 15th, 2013
Doors 07:00 PM / Show 08:30 PM
Tickets $10 / Age 18+

Online ticket sales:
http://therutledgelmv.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=530219

THEOCRACY online: www.theocracymusic.com & www.facebook.com/theocracyband

INNERSIEGE online: www.innersiege.com & www.facebook.com/innersiege

OBLIVION MYTH online: www.oblivionmyth.com & www.facebook.com/oblivionmythfanpage.com

NEWS BRIEFS

* In January of next year No Remorse records will be re-issuing a double CD of re-mastered LORDIAN GUARD songs under the title Lordian Winds.  One bonus track, “Lady Vidonne”, will be included as well.

Further details in terms of a track-listing and release date as they become available, but I imagine the re-issue will encompass material from the two LORDIAN GUARD albums released on Germany’s Hellion Records, Lordian Guard (1995) and Sinners In The Hand Of An Angry God (1997). 

LORDIAN GUARD is an epic metal project of WARLORD guitarist William J. Tsamis in which his wife Vidonne served as lead vocalist.  Several LORDIAN GUARD songs started as WARLORD demos and were subsequently recorded by WARLORD for its 2002 Rising Out Of The Ashes album.

* Germán Pascual is offering a Christmas gift free download of the single “If The Sky Would Fall” with the bonus track “Live Amongst The Dead”.  Available at: www.facebook.com/powerprogofficial?sk=app_160430850678443&app_data

* Updates from vocalist Rey Parra in regards to the recording of the upcoming RECON album (Facebook):

December 19, 2012 – “Wow, what an amazing time we had recording the new Recon CD.  There is still a lot to finish, but the album is sounding great.  This is not only a dedication album to my brother Rick, I believe that God is going to use this album to minister to many, many people.  I am heading out to LAX right now to head back to my beautiful wife and my kids.  (It’s) been a week since I last saw them and I REALLY miss them. George (Ochoa- guitarist) will be posting a teaser in the near future, I will keep everyone posted. Again, Thank you all and God Bless.”

December 17, 2012 – “Hey Guys, Well, The rumors are true. I have teamed up with Recon.  We are in the studio in California tracking vocals.  As many of you know, Rick Macias (Sacred Warrior keyboardist), who has gone to be with Jesus, told me just a few months before he passed away that he wanted George and I to record an album and so , in his honor, we are finally doing this. Please pray for this project. Thanks and God Bless.”

* Tommy Wales of WALES ROAD released a video to the track “Turn Your Eyes On Jesus” (off the groups 2011 release Beyond The Shadow Of A Doubt): www.youtube.com/tommywales

You can also see footage of the group performing a live version of the song “Superhero” (at the Sons of God Motorcycle club): www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCJXcYHe5EA

 

FEATURED REVIEWS

BATTALION - Runaway
Musically, the groups press material lists Sacred Warrior and Queensryche as comparison.  This is not surprising when factoring that vocalist Brad Lundstrom brings a high end and soaring vocal style reminiscent to that of Rey Parra and Geoff Tate.  Read Full Review >>

DRAGON’S CRY – Prophecies
Yes, Brazil has been one of the more productive mainstays in the power metal scene, having churned out countless bands of varying quality but with Angra, Eterna and Scelerata rating with the finest and better known.  Dragon’s Cry, with its melodic songwriting touch and creditability in the areas of vocals and musicianship, deserves to join their ranks.  Read Full Review >>

FRÜHSTÜCK - Quiet
Frühstück has composed some very worthwhile material that more than holds its own when placed alongside recent King’s X efforts (can you say Ogre Tones?) but also certain to turn the heads of devotees to the groups prime late eighties and early nineties work.  So I guess you could say that my lukewarm first impression of Quiet was off base when factoring the musical creditability Frühstück brings to the table.  Read Full Review >>

LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE - The Cigar Chronicles
The overall impression is that TCC trends towards a heavier sound not unlike Hell Is Coming To Breakfast, Soundtrack Of A Soul and Light It Up, albeit you will also encounter the occasional accessible overtone of Chasing A Cure and acoustic lacing to Independence Day.  Read Full Review >>

MESSENGER - You Choose
Everything about You Choose, the fall of 2012 sophomore release from Arlington, Virginia based Messenger, screams of classic hard rock meets traditional heavy metal: An assertive joining of bludgeoning guitars, subterranean bass lines and tenacious drumming that allows for a surpassing heaviness but an element of accessibility at the same time.  Read Full Review >>

Neal Morse - Momentum
Where that “musical force and impetus” comes into play can be found in the Momentum material: Showcasing the artfully done and creative progressiveness the artist is best known but also throwing in some tasteful non-progressive moments along the way.  Read Full Review >>

Germán Pascual - A New Beginning
What happens when you cross equal doses melodic metal and symphonic power metal with a vocalist from Sweden by way of Brazil?  You get the multi-dimensional sounds of the fall of 2012 Nightmare Records debut solo release of Germán Pascual, A New Beginning.  Read Full Review >>

WALES ROAD - Beyond The Shadow Of A Doubt
Founded in the mid-nineties by front man Tommy Wales, Wales Road has produced 16 studio albums, 3 live albums and one DVD over an eighteen year span- and counting!  Beyond The Shadow Of A Doubt, the most recent from the group, takes a foundation of straightforward hard rock and aligns it with heavy doses of blues based and melodic hard rock.  Read Full Review >>

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

GOLDEN RESURRECTION - One Voice For The Kingdom set for release:
Press Release / GOLDEN RESURRECTION are one of the leading neoclassical power metal bands today!  Featuring members from NARNIA, DIVINEFIRE, AUDIOVISION and REINXEED, the group presents with a sound certain to appeal to fans of Yngwie Malmsteen, STRATOVARIOUS, DIO, RAINBOW, Rob Rock, IMPELLITERI and NARNIA.

With One Voice For The Kingdom, its third full length album in as many years, GOLDEN RESURRECTION wanted to present with a more “in your face” metal sound.  Says vocalist Christian Liljegren: “With the new (band) line-up (set) we had all the possibilities to succeed.  (And) with this newly found energy (behind us), (we started) the recording sessions in July 2012.  One Voice For The Kingdom brings in more of the neoclassical power metal elements than ever before.  We (are hearkening) back to the sound and melodies from Glory To My King (the groups 2010 debut) without having to re-use anything”

The one aspect used to improve the production on One Voice For The Kingdom, in comparison to the groups previous albums, was to involve Ronny Milianowicz in the album mix. He has worked with many artists, including PRIMAL FEAR, CANS, HAMMERFALL, Michael Kiske (HELLOWEEN), AMON AMARTH, WOLF, DIONYSUS, Fergie Fredriksen, SAINT DEAMON and many others.  Also, the group was looking for a powerful and natural acoustic drum sound and, as a result, did not use triggers on the drums.

Christian sums things up by stating, “The whole album is metal ”in your face” and we tried to deliver the energy and fire that Golden Resurrection is all about live on the stage”.

One Voice For The Kingdom was released in Japan on November 21, 2012.  A release in Europe and North American is set for January 18, 2013.

One Voice For The Kingdom track listing:

1. “The Temple Will Remain”
2. “Spirit War”
3. “One Voice for the Kingdom”
4. “Night Light”
5. “Golden Resurrection”
6. “Can’t Slow Down”
7. “Heavenly Metal”
8. “God’s Mercy”
9. “Born for the Strangers”
10. “Moore Lord”

GOLDEN RESURRECTION line-up:

Christian Liljegren - Lead Vocals
Tommy ReinXeed – Guitars & Orchestration
Svenne Jansson - Hammond Organ & keyboards
Steven K – Bass
Alfred Fridhagen – Drums

Pre-order: http://doolittle.bigcartel.com/product/golden-resurrection-one-voice-for-the-kingdom-pre-order

GOLDEN RESURRECTION online: www.golden-resurrection.com  & www.facebook.com/goldenresurrection

VISUAL CLIFF - Major news in three parts:
As taken from the VISUAL CLIFF Facebook page (December 15, 2012):

"First is... Between Two Kingdoms will be the last full length album to be released by VISUAL CLIFF.  It's certainly not the end of the band. but it will be the last full album effort.  After this full length release VC will only release singles here and there each year as they are recorded.

"Second is...The last song on BTK will also see original Keyboardist (Rob Klan) & Bassist (Eric Fuller) laying down some tracks as a tribute to VC's final full length stop on this band's very blessed journey.

"Third is… There will be an additional second album released along with BTK.  Current working title is Out Of The Archive.
Yep, There will be a second album released by VC and the music will be done in total by Rob Perez and original drum & bass composer Rick Mals !!!

"There were 11 tunes that did not make any of the previous albums (between) 2003 to 2007.  Unknown to anyone, Rick was secretly composing drums & bass for these old demos over the last couple months and offered up an early Christmas surprise!!!! In Rick's words "These songs are fierce and should be heard."

"It all started with Rob Perez & Rick Mals back in 1999 and how fitting in God's perfect timing that this is all coming together as a dual release to make the final VC statement a very special one indeed!

Help us spread the word about 2013!"

VISUAL CLIFF online: www.visualcliff.net & www.facebook.com/visual.cliff.7

NEWS BRIEFS

* BARREN CROSS digitally re-issued a re-mastered version of its 1994 release Rattle Your Cage.  The album is available for download at Amazon, eMusic and MediaNet.  A release on iTunes is forthcoming.

* DAVID BENSON is giving away original copies of Premonition Of Doom for free as a limited Christmas time offer.  Shipping is $3.00 to the United States and $5.00 to the rest of the world.  Premonition Of Doom was first released independently in 1997 and later re-issued by Retroactive Records in 2012.

To order Premonition Of Doom send shipping information to the artist via PayPal at: davidlovesmusic68@msn.com.

* IMMORTAL SOUL is at work on a new CD tentatively entitled Never See Home Again.  According to the group, “The songs for this album are a little different than the material on Lines in the Sand (its full length debut from 2006). Most of them are probably not quite as heavy, but have more of a “classic” metal sound, with some progressive elements to boot.  There is also a few lengthier songs with some extended 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.”

* WONROWE VISION plans to start mixing its next album, Pictures Of The Past, Present & Future this month.  A release date is set for March of 2013.  In the bands words, “The CD features Wonrowe Vision at a whole new level of presentation, production and musicality”.

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

New video from ATKINS MAY PROJECT, “Welcome To The Nightmare”:
Press Release / The rock world is buzzing with the revelation that good and evil can continue to work together in the form of former Judas Priest vocal legend and heavy metal front man Al Atkins and Christian guitarist and music artist Paul May. Together these extreme opposites have come together once again to create a powerful new CD called Valley Of Shadows, now available on Gonzo Multimedia. Here once again, the men from the “Black Country” have produced an album of outstanding quality straight from the “Home of Metal”! This excellent collection of songs sees Atkins deliver some stand out vocal performances and May shred the axe like the old guitar masters.

Valley Of Shadows offers 10 “killer” tracks that burst with melody and metal mayhem. You'll take a journey through what seems to be an “evolution” of rock. With all the elements of “classic” hard rock and metal, yet retaining an underlying progressive core, Valley Of Shadows will not disappoint fans of the genre who decide to take the ride!

Says Al Atkins, “We have kept the same format for Valley Of Shadows since it worked really well for our debut album, Serpent's Kiss, so we thought why change a winning formula.” Paul May adds, “I think the new album definitely leans more towards that 'classic rock' feel, with some modern twists thrown in for good measure, retaining its metal edge.

"Noted for forming UK's Judas Priest and fronting them for four years and laying down the foundations which would see them eventually selling 40 million albums worldwide. He also wrote songs for them which went gold like “Dreamer Deceiver”, “Never Satisfied”, “Winter”, “Caviar and Meths” and Priest's all time classic “Victim of Changes”. Al's unique powerful vocal style sites influences by noted rock singers Roger Daltrey, Paul Rodgers and longtime friend Robert Plant. Al has done countless radio and TV interviews worldwide and recently featured in the BBC TV 'British Heritage'. He has even written a book on his musical life about growing up in Birmingham, UK alongside Robert Plant and Black Sabbath called Dawn Of The Metal Gods. Al has released 6 solo albums to date, and teamed up with brilliant Christian writer/guitarist Paul May to record their critically acclaimed debut album Serpent's Kiss."

Paul May: "Some people learn to play guitar, Paul was born (again) to play guitar! Paul has become respected for his passionate, soulful guitar work and noted for his explosive and exciting solos. As a world class professional guitarist and songwriter, Paul has played and recorded sessions across the globe, touring and playing throughout the UK, Europe, USA and the Eastern bloc. Paul appears on around 50 albums to date, featured in both the secular and Christian arenas. Paul is also a record producer and has covered the entire spectrum of musical tastes in production.  Now with the release of the new Atkins May Project CD, the dichotomous duo are ready once again to bring their special brand of rock and metal to the masses. Although the CD has no definite concept there are certain underlying themes that run throughout the songs. “The album is mainly about facing trials of life and the 'demons' you encounter on the way,” Paul explains. “It's about standing up and being counted when you understand who you are. The title Valley Of Shadows relates to many things...that dark night of the soul that finds us all...”

In closing Al has this to impart to the band's fans, “We would like to say a big thanks to all our fans and friends that we have amassed over the long years and would just like to say…'Keep It Metal.'”

Valley Of Shadows track listing:

1. “Welcome To The Nightmare”
2. “No Ordinary Man”
3. “Bitter Waters”
4. “Enslaved To Love”
5. “Stronger Is The Grace”
6. “Harder They Fall”
7. “Not Ready to Die”
8. “Messiah (Prelude)” 
9. “Valley Of Shadows”
10. “The Shallowing (Return)”

ATKINS MAY PROJECT - Valley Of Shadows is available through Gonzo MultiMedia and can be purchased at: www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15515

ATKINS MAY PROJECT online: www.atkinsmayproject.com & www.facebook.com/pages/Atkins-May-Project-Official

LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE - The Cigar Chronicles release date announced:
Press Release / LNJ Records and Roxx Records have joined forces just in time for the holidays to bring you LIBERTY N' JUSTICE's massive double CD, The Cigar Chronicles (26 songs/ over 70 guest artists).

The Cigar Chronicles will be the LAST all-star CD as LNJ stops being a project band and becomes a real band. With an official release date of 2-26-13, LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE's official website (www.libertynjustice.net), Roxx's online store (www.roxxproductions.com), and some online stores will be releasing the CD early. Anyone ordering the CD early from either the LNJ site or Roxx, will receive the digital files the same day they order the CD!

You can hear song samples at www.facebook.com/libertynjusticerocks, including a "FREE CHRISTMAS SONG DOWNLOAD" that has JK Northrup's monster guitar playing and arranging  with "the voice' of the new LNJ, David Cagle!!!!

The Cigar Chronicles track listing:

Volume 1 (The Covers):

1. "Ice Ice Baby" - Seann Nicols (Adler's Appetite/ Tarsha) & Eddie Ojeda (Twisted Sister) - originally recorded by Vanilla Ice
2. "I Can't Dance" - Stevie Rachelle (TUFF) - originally recorded by Genesis
3. "Pride (In The Name Of Love)" - CJ Snare (Firehouse/ Rubicon Cross), George Lynch (Dokken/ Lynch Mob), & Jeff Pilson (Dokken/ Foreigner) - originally recorded by U2
4. "Stayin' Alive" - Kip Winger (Winger) - originally recorded by The Bee Gees
5. "YMCA" - Kelly Keeling (Baton Rouge & Trans Siberian Orchestra), Chris Dickens (Mission Of One) & Neil Zaza - originally recorded by The Village People
6. "Iris" - Tony Harnell (x-TNT/ Westworld) & Alex Grossi (Quiet Riot/ Hotel Diablo) - originally recorded by The Goo Goo Dolls
7. "You're So Vain" - Phil Lewis (LA Guns)  & Chris Green (Rubicon Cross/ Furyon) - originally recorded by Carly Simon
8.  "Queen Of The Night" - Selena McVey & Brooke St. James (Tyketto) - originally recorded by Whitney Houston
9. "Blame It On The Rain" - Andrew Freeman (Hurricane/Offspring/30 Stones), Pete Fry (FarCry) & Eric Ragno - originally recorded by Milli Vanilli
10. "Bye Bye Bye" - Chas West (Bonham) & Jeff LaBar (Cinderella) - originally recorded by N'Sync
11. "Dancing On The Ceiling" - James Christian (House Of Lords) - originally recorded by Lionel Ritchie
12."Stuck In The Middle With You" - Larry Worley (FearNot), Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal (Guns N' Roses), Andy Robbins (Holy Soldier/Joe Lynn Turner), & Anthony Gravley (Windup Rocket) - originally recorded by Stealers Wheel
13. "Mmmbop" - Jamie Rowe (Guardian), Anthony Gravley (Windup Rocket), Roxx Hunter - originally recorded by Hanson

Volume 2 (The Originals):

1. "Devil His Dues" - Derrick LeFevre (formerly of Lillian Axe), Vic Rivera (Crunch), Michael Feighan (White Cross) & Barry Graul (Mercy Me/ Whitecross)
2. "The Greatest" - David Cagle, Mark Allen Lanoue (Chasing Karma/ Bilioxi), & Brad Stetler
3. "Cupids Gonna Bleed” - Gunnar Nelson (Nelson),Steve Brown (Trixter) with Barry Carl (Rockapella)
4. "Under Construction" - Eric Dover (Slash's Snakepit/Jelly Fish),Mark Kendall (Great White) ,Ian Keith Hafner (Jaguar Blaze) & Eric Ragno
5.  "Been There Done That" - Ted Poley (Danger Danger) & Richard Kendrick (Straitjacket Smile)
6. "Grace" - Michael Bormann (Jaded Heart/ Rain/ Charade), Phillip Bardowell (Unruly Child/ Beach Boys) & Mark Slaughter (Slaughter) 
7. "Sucker Punched" - Rick Stitch (Hotel Diablo), Jerry Dixon (Warrant) & Xander Demos
8. "Broken Bones" - Giancarlo Floridia (Faithsedge), Greg Martin (The Kentucky Headhunters), & Chad Stewart (Faster Pussycat)
9. "Sin” - Jani Lane, Bill Leverty (Firehouse), & Keri Kelli (Alice Cooper)
10. "Give Em' A Light" - Paul Shortino (King Kobra/ Quiet Riot/ Rough Cutt) & Dave Henzerling (King Kobra/Steelshine)
11. "Daddy Long Legs" - Louis St August (Mass) & Tim Gaines (Stryper)
12. "Cut Me Mick" - Ron Keel (Keel) & Michael Phillips (Deliverance/ The Sacrificed)
13. "Tomorrow" - Terry Ilous (Great White/XYZ),Ron Wikso (Foreigner,The Storm,David Lee Roth,Richie Sambora,Cher, Gregg Rolie Band), Alessandro Del Vecchio (Hardline, Ian Paice,Glenn Hughes, Edge Of Forever and Eden's Curse) & PK Mitchell

LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE online: www.libertynjustice.net & www.facebook.com/libertynjusticerocks

TERAMAZE to enter the studio in January:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:

Press Release / Australian metallers TERAMAZE will enter the studio in January to begin recording their new album. The follow-up to this year's Anhedonia will be produced by Dean Wells and TERAMAZE and will be mixed by Lasse Lammert (ALESTORM, STUCK MOJO), who also mastered Anhedonia. The new CD will once again be made available through Nightmare Records.

While loosely befitting the genre of thrash metal, the music of TERAMAZE conjures such adjectives as "innovative", "progressive" and "groove-laden" but most notably, "engaging". Keeping the fundamental elements of metal alive in their music, TERAMAZE pushes metal into unchartered waters with guitar work that is incendiary and powerfully aggressive vocals that drive the song.

The Angelic Warlord review (90%) had the following to say about Anhedonia:

“On Anhedonia Teramaze draws upon the heaviness and thrash influences of Doxology (the group’s debut from 1995) while mixing in many of the melodic metal aspects inherit to Tears To Dust (1998 sophomore release).  The group stays true to its musical roots in this sense.  Where Teramaze breaks from its past, however, is the manner in which it imbues its material with some progressive overtones (No, not overriding like Dream Theater or Neal Morse but noticeable all the same).  One reviewer that described the group as being more “sophisticated” as opposed to progressive had the right idea.  The point being that Teramaze brings the occasional progressive tendency but without compromising the song; in other words, they can be progressive but not to a fault.”

TERAMAZE online: http://teramaze.com.au & www.facebook.com/teramaze

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

STRYPER reveals track-listing of forthcoming re-record album:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:

Press Release / Christian hard rockers STRYPER will release a collection of re-recorded versions of the band's classic songs in March/April 2013 via Frontiers Records.  The CD will contain a total of 16 cuts - two from The Yellow And Black Attack, six from Soldiers Under Command, six from To Hell With The Devil, as well as two new tracks, "Bleeding From Inside Out" and "Blackened".

Commented STRYPER front man Michel Sweet: "(The re-recorded songs are) sounding awesome!  Better than the originals in many ways!!  One word to describe the record? Heavier."

Track listing:

1. “Soldiers Under Command”
2. “Makes Me Wanna Sing”
3. “Reach Out”
3. “Loving You”
4. “Loud 'N' Clear”
5. “The Rock That Makes Me Roll”
6. “Calling On You”
7. “First Love”
8. “Surrender”
9. “To Hell With The Devil”
10. “Free”
11. “Sing Along Song”
12. “More Than A Man”
13. “The Way”
14. “Bleeding From Inside Out” (new)
15. “Blackened” (new)

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

Bill Menchen debuts new video, “God Is Love”:
Press Release / Veteran guitarist Bill Menchen has recorded a video for the track "God Is Love" from his recently released fourth THE SEVENTH POWER album, Power and Glory.  Following in the wake of The Seventh Power (2006), Dominion & Power (2008) and Eternal Power (2012), Power and Glory finds the artist maintaining his penchant for weighty and traditional doom influenced metal.  Robert Sweet (STRYPER) returns on drums, while Bill Menchen handles vocals and all other instrumentation. 

Power and Glory was initially released (download only) as a five song EP in January of 2011, with the tracks “Doom Has Come”, “In The Prison House”, “No Other Name”, “Power and Glory” and “Look Into My Eyes”.  For the full length version five additional songs were added, while “In The Prison House” was re-titled “In Thy Kingdom Come”.

Bill Menchen has been a mainstay in the Christian metal scene since the late eighties, when he formed Final Axe with vocalist Keith Miles and put out the acclaimed Beyond Hell’s Gate tape.  The artist remained productive throughout the nineties, recording four albums with REV SEVEN in addition to the TITANIC debut Maiden Voyage (also with Keith Miles) in 1996.  The turn of the century found him putting out two more albums with TITANIC, Screaming In Silence (2002) and Full Steam Ahead (2007), with the former featuring Miles and latter new vocalist David St. Andrews, and his first solo release, Red Rock under the MENCHEN moniker from 2008.

Power and Glory track listing:

1. “After The Image”
2. “Blessed Is The Man”
3. “Doom Has Come”
4. “God Is Love”
5. “In Thy Kingdom Come”
6. “Look Into My Eyes”
7. “No Other Name”
8. “Power and Glory”
9. “Valley Of The Shadows”
10. “Wings As Eagles”

Bill Menchen online: www.billmenchen.com & www.facebook.com/bill.menchen

VISUAL CLIFF announces new album, Between Two Kingdoms:
Press Release / 2013 will see the release of Between Two Kingdoms.  Look for a late in the year release as this effort will be the most comprehensive work ever put out by VISUAL CLIFF. There will be 8 tracks, three of which will be 10-12 min long each and will be tied conceptually to the album title. These three tunes will also weave in and out of vocal sections and extended instrumental sections.

We are posting this cover up early as to get our supporters praying for the Lord's anointing to be upon the entire process of writing and recording it. We are also toying with the idea of releasing this effort on vinyl as well in a limited number.

Another very important note we wanted to mention is that this will very most likely be the last full album VC puts out.  This album will be #7 and even though that number reflects a numerical symbol of the completion of God's initial creative act, His Divine consistency of the Number Seven as a Biblical symbol shares the same meaning when He revealed the end of time, described as the completion of the "mystery of God," in Revelation. 

We are certainly not equating ourselves with perfection with this release but the time has come to finish strong and that is what we intend to do on what will be the final installment of this band's journey.

There will be no pre-releasing of any sneak peek mixes or samples.  When it is finished, it will be released. 

VISUAL CLIFF online: www.visualcliff.net & www.facebook.com/visual.cliff.7

NEWS BRIEFS

* Brazil’s DYNASTY put together a video of a new song entitled “The Honor”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXZ3Saywou4

DYNASTY consists of vocalist Nahor Andrade, guitarists César Martins and Fillipe Otávio, bassist Samuel Martins and drummer Tiago H. Vitek.  The video was recorded at the DYNASTY Alive in Goldenland concert on 11/25/2012.    

* LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE launched its new website: www.libertynjustice.net

* New track from RIVERA BOMMA, “Empty Desire”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALgW8ie0KhI

“Empty Desire” is taken from the group’s upcoming album Infinite Journey Of Souls

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

New album update from DESYRE:
The latest from vocalist Mazi Bee regarding the sophomore DESYRE album, Glamtron (at the Christian Metal Realm):

“I've been quite the quiet one lately. Been very tired and emotionally drained. Just recently returned from a week trip to the Canary Islands to find myself and God. And find I did. Glory to Christ!

"One of the things I went to ponder about is my band, DESYRE. Things are a bit uncertain at the moment. God willing, we'll finish the new album Glamtron, and find some distribution deal for it. We'll probably not distribute it by our selves this time. It's too hard. We still have several hundred copies of our debut disc, Warning Of The Night, in stock. Every now and then an order comes in, though.

"Anyway, the Glamtron project has had its delays. If it wasn't so very, very cool piece of glam(tron) metal, we might've had let it go already. But it's getting done bit by bit, all the time. Last week I composed a solo to a song. Week before that some of the cover art was being made, and so forth.

"Beside the goodness of the songs (that's how we feel, I cannot lie Cool ), there are the lyrics. I'm a very big fan of good and clever lyricism. I love some of the things Ronnie James Dio wrote. Also, I must say that Steven Patrick knows how to paint a fascinating picture with words.

"Three members wrote music and lyrics to the Glamtron album: Jayce Prime, Lady Soundwave and myself. We feel that God blessed us in very special way during the creative process of the album.

"(Following are) the lyrics to the song “First Blood”, which was penned by me. These came from the Lord, I'm certain. Now when I look at them, I don't have a clue where I got some the stuff that's in there. They keep blessing me. Hopefully you'll get something out of them too. I wish I had even a raw mix for you of the actual song, but I don't at this point.”

“First Blood”

The skies are screaming fire
I'm willing to reach higher
I wanna feel Your burning flame

The first borne from the dead
To You my soul is wed
Eternal ring of Holy Blood

In the distance I see Your hand and the nail
The Royal First Blood will never fail
Will never fail

You, the first and the last of my world
When You are near there's no fear in my heart
Without Your light I cannot win the fight
The fight that gives the right to Your side

The darkness of the night
Don't let it stain your white
Just raise the Sword high in the sky

In the distance I see Your hand and the nail
The Royal First Blood will never fail
Will never fail

You, the first...

I can not win the fight without You
Without You

DESYRE online: http://officialdesyre.blogspot.com & www.facebook.com/pages/DESYRE

INNER SIEGE signs with Roxx Records:
Press Release / INNER SIEGE are America’s answer to the European power metal scene and this band is poised and ready to take the metal world by storm! Hailing from Peoria Illinois, INNER SIEGE is proud to announce they have inked a deal with Los Angeles based Roxx Records to release their debut full length CD.

INNER SIEGE are proud to wear that Euro influenced power metal title on their sleeve citing such bands as FIREWIND, KAMELOT, DREAM EVIL and IRON MAIDEN as some of their influences. Be prepared because once the world hears their debut release it’s easy to see they fit right in to that mold.  Entitled Kingdom Of Shadows, the bands debut is a concept album like no other, comparisons are already being made to such landmark conceptual albums as Operation Mindcrime by QUEENSRYCHE. But they are no copy cats, as familiar as their sound may be this album is prepared to take the listener to a new level and on a whole new journey of the mind.

To insure their debut album hits hard and leaves an everlasting impression on the world the band has enlisted some key forces in the Power Metal community to bring this release to life. Brought in to the project to mix and master the new release was none other  than Fredrik Nordstrom of DREAM EVIL who has also worked with such acts as IN FLAMES, OPETH and DIMMU BORGIR just to name a few. Also recruited to bring Kingdom Of Shadows to life through the brilliant cover artwork was multi-talented Brazilian/Potuguese graphic designer Gustavo Sazes, who has done artwork for many artists through the years including the likes of such fine artists as FIREWIND, KAMELOT, DREAM EVIL and even ARCH ENEMY.

So be prepared to enter the Kingdom Of Shadows as we unleash upon the world the debut album from… INNER SIEGE!  Set for release on December 11, 2012.  

Two songs from Kingdom Of Shadows, “Children Of Winter” and “Dragon Rider”, can be streamed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyVl04Q2yRs & www.youtube.com/watch?v=nl0A49YaJLA

Roxx Productions online: www.roxxproductions.com

INNERSIEGE online: www.innersiege.com & www.facebook.com/innersiege

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

ATKINS / MAY PROJECT walks through Valley Of Shadows:
Vocalist Al Atkins and Christian guitarist Paul May release sophomore album on November 5, 2012:

Press Release / The rock world is buzzing with the revelation that good and evil can continue to work together in the form of former Judas Priest vocal legend and heavy metal front man Al Atkins and Christian guitarist and music artist Paul May. Together these extreme opposites have come together once again to create a powerful new CD called Valley Of Shadows, now available on Gonzo Multimedia. Here once again, the men from the “Black Country” have produced an album of outstanding quality straight from the “Home of Metal”! This excellent collection of songs sees Atkins deliver some stand out vocal performances and May shred the axe like the old guitar masters.

Valley Of Shadows offers 10 “killer” tracks that burst with melody and metal mayhem. You'll take a journey through what seems to be an “evolution” of rock. With all the elements of “classic” hard rock and metal, yet retaining an underlying progressive core, Valley Of Shadows will not disappoint fans of the genre who decide to take the ride!

Says Al Atkins, “We have kept the same format for Valley Of Shadows since it worked really well for our debut album, Serpent's Kiss, so we thought why change a winning formula.” Paul May adds, “I think the new album definitely leans more towards that 'classic rock' feel, with some modern twists thrown in for good measure, retaining its metal edge.”

Noted for forming UK's Judas Priest and fronting them for four years and laying down the foundations which would see them eventually selling 40 million albums worldwide. He also wrote songs for them which went gold like “Dreamer Deceiver”, “Never Satisfied”, “Winter”, “Caviar and Meths” and Priest's all time classic “Victim of Changes”. Al's unique powerful vocal style sites influences by noted rock singers Roger Daltrey, Paul Rodgers and longtime friend Robert Plant. Al has done countless radio and TV interviews worldwide and recently featured in the BBC TV 'British Heritage'. He has even written a book on his musical life about growing up in Birmingham, UK alongside Robert Plant and Black Sabbath called Dawn Of The Metal Gods. Al has released 6 solo albums to date, and teamed up with brilliant Christian writer/guitarist Paul May to record their critically acclaimed debut album Serpent's Kiss."

Paul May: "Some people learn to play guitar, Paul was born (again) to play guitar! Paul has become respected for his passionate, soulful guitar work and noted for his explosive and exciting solos. As a world class professional guitarist and songwriter, Paul has played and recorded sessions across the globe, touring and playing throughout the UK, Europe, USA and the Eastern bloc. Paul appears on around 50 albums to date, featured in both the secular and Christian arenas. Paul is also a record producer and has covered the entire spectrum of musical tastes in production.  Now with the release of the new Atkins May Project CD, the dichotomous duo are ready once again to bring their special brand of rock and metal to the masses. Although the CD has no definite concept there are certain underlying themes that run throughout the songs. “The album is mainly about facing trials of life and the 'demons' you encounter on the way,” Paul explains. “It's about standing up and being counted when you understand who you are. The title Valley Of Shadows relates to many things...that dark night of the soul that finds us all...”

In closing Al has this to impart to the band's fans, “We would like to say a big thanks to all our fans and friends that we have amassed over the long years and would just like to say…'Keep It Metal.'”

Valley Of Shadows track listing:

1. “Welcome To The Nightmare”
2. “No Ordinary Man”
3. “Bitter Waters”
4. “Enslaved To Love”
5. “Stronger Is The Grace”
6. “Harder They Fall”
7. “Not Ready to Die”
8. “Messiah (Prelude)”  
9. “Valley Of Shadows”
10. “The Shallowing (Return)”

ATKINS / MAY PROJECT - Valley Of Shadows is available through Gonzo MultiMedia and can be purchased at: www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15515

ATKINS MAY PROJECT online: www.atkinsmayproject.com & www.facebook.com/pages/Atkins-May-Project-Official

THEOCRACY - Debut album re-release video update:
Press Release / The self-titled debut album from the Athens, Georgia-based melodic metal band THEOCRACY will be re-released through Ulterium Records. Check out a video update (above) where THEOCRACY vocalist Matt Smith explains the band's approach to the re-mix, and shares his thoughts on the album in general.

The THEOCRACY debut album was originally released through MetalAges Records in 2003 and is currently very rare and hard to find. No release date is set for the re-release yet, but more information and updates will follow.

Theocracy track listing:

1. "Prelude"
2. "Ichthus"  
3. "The Serpent’s Kiss"
4. "Mountain"
5. "Theocracy"
6. "The Healing Hand"
7. "Sinner"
8. "New Jerusalem"
9. "The Victory Dance"
10. "Twist Of Fate"

THEOOCRACY online: www.theocracymusic.com & www.facebook.com/theocracyband

NEWS BRIEFS

* UNDER COMMAND vocalist/ guitarist Wayne Johnson recently released (via digital outlets only) his debut solo album, North Of Nowhere.  The CD version is forthcoming in January of 2013

* VISUAL CLIFF started mapping out drums for the first song, “Stained Glass Dreams”, to appear on its next album Between Two Kingdoms.  A release is scheduled for next year.

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

STEVIE & THE SAINTS - Metal Blue re-mastered and re-released:
Texas style blues based hard rock project from 1987 re-issued:

Press Release / Guitarist Stevie Olsen was always an enigma. He tells the story of never playing an instrument until praying at an altar and seeing a vision of himself on a stage playing guitar. He and the Saints (John Tinker on drums and Kenny Kuehn on bass) appeared at a time when rock music was beginning to make a break thru in the Christian community, although many church leaders still accused those involved with rock as "worldly." And on the other hand, there would be no massive acceptance for a band that wasn't interested in the "Sex, Drugs" part of "Sex, Drugs and Rock 'n Roll." One of his songs captured his dilemma perfectly: "You're too saintly for the sinners, and the saints can't stand your face."

However, whenever they played to a secular audience, Stevie would have the entire audience in the palm of his hand the moment he wielded his red stratocaster and blistered a staccato-machine gun like volley of a combination of blues
and VAN HALEN like guitar pyrotechnics. He was in the league of guitarists like Stevie Ray Vaughn and Eddie Van Halen but would never have the opportunity to rise to the level he deserved.

So now here at last is the blazing blues based hard rock of Metal Blue.  Even if you're not into God, check this very deserving musician out. You might just hear something very worthwhile.

Drummer John Tinker offers his input (Facebook – 11/01/2012): “Twas a good run for us. Traveled the country doing what we loved. Met some awesome people and changed a few lives. Had a killer reunion at Cornerstone Festival 2006. We have a bunch of songs demo'ed and semi recorded. Who knows, maybe a new album some time, we shall see. I look forward to another show sometime?”

Footage from the STEVIE & THE SAINTS reunion show at Cornerstone 2006: www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFgHMnMVR-E

Metal Blue track listing:

1. “We Are The Saints”
2. “Saint’s Boogie”
3. “Code Name: Jesus”
4. “One In A Hundred”
5. “Don’t Knock The Rock” 
6. “Talkin Bout Love”
7. “Jehovah Jireh”
8. “Prisoner Of Love”

STEVIE & THE SAINTS online: www.facebook.com/pages/Stevie-And-The-Saints

NEWS BRIEFS

* ARMAGEDDON, the Washington D.C. based group that released its first and only album The Money Mask in 1989, has reunited and is currently in the studio at work on new material.  Further details from the groups Facebook page (10/29/12):  “Armageddon has hit the studio and recorded some new songs that we can't wait for everyone to hear! Original members Robbie Lee (guitars) and Mike Vance (vocals) teamed up with Robert Bussey (Taker, Attic Symphony), Joe Hasselvander (Pentagram, Blue Cheer, The Hounds Of Hasselvander and Raven) and bassist John Gallagher (Raven) to create a heavy metal fondu' that is guaranteed to wrench a neck disc or two. Some songs are being mastered now so we should have a sneak preview for everyone real soon. Tell all your friends to like our page and stay tuned Geddon fans!”

Note: ARMAGEDDON came together in the early eighties while initially under the moniker SECOND CHANCE.  After placing the track “(Liberation From) The Blazing Wasteland” on the East Coast Metal compilation in 1988, the group changed its name to ARMAGEDDON prior to signing with Talking Town records the following year.  The Angelic Warlord review of The Money Mask (80%) described ARMAGEDDON as “classic metal inviting comparison to Saint, Judas Priest, Barren Cross and Sardonyx”.  Additional details as they become available.

Further reading: www.facebook.com/Armageddonmusic777

* MAESTAH is a new Christian progressive metal band from Curitiba, Paraná - Brazil.  The group recently released a video to the track “The Pilgrim”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=abYhZXIfIlI

MAESTAH will be starting work on its full length debut album this month and plans on releasing it early next year.

Further reading: www.facebook.com/bandamaestah

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

FIRST STRIKE - Rock Of Offense artist commentary:
Vocalist Tonn Gunn offers his thoughts regarding both the album and music scene at the time:

“I am Tony Gunn, vocalist (of FIRST STRIKE) on (the album) Rock Of Offense. (The) truth is Exit records let this album die on the vine while pushing avant-garde bands that would have been cutting edge in 1979 or 80. We were given no concert tour, little distribution or direction. We were the type of music, heavy metal/hard rock, that was emerging in force in 1984 (the year Rock Of Offense was released). Never got straight answers from label. A&M records even told Exit to push us but 77s and VECTOR, Charlie Peacock were deemed more important while our genre BLEW UP! I was fired by reading about it in newspaper while still practicing with band. Sketchy reasons given and replacement en route quickly. Watched two singers sink with ship and label implode despite A@M/Island distribution deal and Bill Graham Presents concert deal. You can't get more help than that. Thanks for enjoying album.

"BTW. Members of band get no compensation on any site for vinyl sales, CD rips, or downloads. So I appreciate the idea of support the artists. But until FIRST STRIKE members get on same page we will never have any say in how our work is used. This blog is honest and Christian. Just search and see how many "Christian " sites pirate this album. We had to recoup to Exit and were never paid. Not even as much as the total of all sites selling self made CDs or old cassettes and vinyl or downloads. Don't get how they reconcile that.

"Thanks for the love. I appreciate all of you. We worked hard to record this right. Life did get in the way of this album. Exit had good intentions to crossover to minister in secular arena. No one had done that as a label yet. So maybe they got in over their heads as we know music industry is cut throat and dishonest at best. As a ministry we had to play by OUR rules from GOD. Conflict ensues. At least we did take a shot. To be remembered is beyond belief.”

Tony Gunn’s comments can be read at the FlipSidemn blogspot: http://flipsidemn.blogspot.com/2008/07/christian-rock-from-80s-first-strike.html

NEWS BRIEFS

* Rob Perez and Shane Lankford released a new single entitled “Versing These Vices”: http://soundcloud.com/guitarist-rob-perez/versing-these-vices-perez

“Versing These Vices” is a one off single from the two.  Rob wrote the music and plays all the instruments and Shane crafted the concept & lyrics and sings. Rob Perez is the founding member of the progressive rock band VISUAL CLIFF and Shane is the founding member of ORPHAN PROJECT, a rock band from Baltimore MD.

* The CD version of the sophomore D.O.G.S. OF PRAY album Death Will Have To Wait is forthcoming.  The band will be announcing a label in January of next year.  Death Will Have To Wait was released digitally this past summer.

* The new THE SEVENTH POWER album Power And Glory and video to the track “God Is Love” will be released simultaneously on October 31, 2012.

* “To Crawl Or To Fly”, the SOULSPELL song to feature Matt Smith (THEOCRACY) on vocals, has been uploaded to YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CnbJSiJMRg

“To Crawl Or To Fly” is off the new SOULSPELL album Hollow’s Gathering.

 

INTERVIEWS

New BABYLON MYSTERY ORCHESTRA interview online:
Angelic Warlord had the recent opportunity to talk about the new BABYLON MYSTERY ORCHESTRA album, Poinium Cherum, with founding member Sidney Allen Johnson.  In the interview Johnson expounds upon the meaning behind the title Poinium Cherum, the albums lyrical themes and future plans for BMO.  Following is an excerpt:

What are your feelings about Poinium Cherum? Are you happy with the way the album turned out? And how has the response been so far?
I know this is said by everyone who makes a record every time a new record is released, but I like this record a lot and tend to see it as the ultimate Babylon Mystery Orchestra record. Of course it's not my place really to decide which one is best. That is decided by those who like the records. But I am very happy with every aspect of the recording and the mix. It's very much in keeping with the very first BMO record, Divine Right Of Kings. If this were to be the last BMO record, I would think I have brought the entire project back to where it originated thematically.

Read Full Interview: HERE

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

New video from Germán Pascual, “If The Sky Would Fall”:
From the artists recently released debut solo album, A New Beginning:

Press Release / GERMÁN is blessed to have special guest musicians joining him on A New Beginning, including Carl-Johan "CJ" Grimmark (NARNIA,FIRES OF BABYLON,ROB ROCK) and bassists Per Schelander (PAIN OF SALVATION, ROYAL HUNT) and Raphael Dafras (ALMAH,SEVEN HORIZONS).  GERMÁN PASCUAL is a man with a very special voice, who has achieved much notoriety around the world, lauded greatly and likened with the greatest melodic metal voices of our day, like Ronnie James Dio, Jorn Lande and David Coverdale to mention a few.   GERMÁN was the last voice of NARNIA, a well known Swedish melodic heavy metal band, similar to STRYPER and Rob Rock.  GERMÁN's new music is hard heavy and melodic power metal without compromise. He was also named "the best metal voice 2009" by The Gates of Metal.

GERMÁN PASCUAL was born 1974 in Uruguay, raised in Brazil, and moved to Sweden with his family at an early age. At five years old, GERMÁN sang to the radio with everything popular music to opera even classical music. In 1994 GERMÁN began an education in voice and music. Longing for Sweden again, he returned to look for work and a way back into music, doing a short stint with a Rap artist D.J. Mendez, but his friends helped him realize he was meant for metal.

Starting music as a drummer in a thrash band at 15, he was invited to try out for a much better band rehearsing next door as a vocalist when they overheard him screaming next door. It was to be his destiny; the band next door was MIND’S EYE. In 2008 Narnia needed a singer, and through a good friend GERMÁN made contact with NARNIA guitarist C.J Grimmark. The rest of course is history, as NARNIA went on to release Course Of A Generation in late 2009.  Feeling blessed to have found this great situation in NARNIA, GERMÁN was stunned when the band decided to end all activity.

In addition to music, GERMÁN works with the less fortunate, the homeless and those suffering from drug addiction.
 
GERMÁNS's debut solo release A New Beginning was recorded in his own "Camel Wash Studios". It was engineered and produced by GERMÁN PASCUAL & Raphael Dafras, with the Mixing and mastering handled by Thomas Plec Johansson in "The Panic Room". (Sweden)

A New Beginning track listing:

1. “Seek The Truth”
2. “The Wrath Of God”
3. “If the Sky Would Fall”
4. “Misty Dreams”
5. “Open Your Eyes”
6. “I Call For the One”
7. “Unbroken Wings”
8. “Come Ease The Pain”
9. “Fate Of The Blind”
10. “Cancion Con Todos”

GERMÁN PASCUAL online: www.germanpascual.com & www.facebook.com/g.pascual.vocal

STRYPER - Live In Indonesia DVD to be released on October 23, 2012:
Press Release / The multi-platinum heavy metal band STRYPER, Live At The Java Rockin' Land festival in Indonesia. Recorded in front of an enthusiastic crowd in 2010, this is the definitive STRYPER DVD. Celebrating almost 30 years of incredible melodies and musicianship, Live In Indonesia features hits and rarities delivered in impeccable sound and video.

"This show was an unexpected, but welcomed, addition to our tour schedule," said Michael Sweet (singer, guitarist, songwriter). "It was added last minute and we scrambled to make it happen, but I'm glad it worked out. It was an opportunity to go to a primarily Muslim country and share our faith. Java Rockin'Land was a highlight moment of our career and I'm thrilled that we were able to capture its on video. It's definitely one of the better live performances by the band in a long time, and the fact that it was captured on video makes it even more exciting. I think the fans are going to really enjoy it."

Without a doubt, STRYPER is one of the top Christian rock bands of all-time, and certainly the most celebrated Christian metal band of all time. Comprised of Sweet (vocals/guitar), Oz Fox (guitar), Tim Gaines (bass), and Robert Sweet (drums), Stryper has been rocking since 1983, and is responsible for such '80s metal classic albums as Soldiers Under Command, To Hell with the Devil, In God We Trust and such MTV hit singles/videos as "Calling on You," "Free," and "Honestly."

After a sabbatical for much of the 1990's, STRYPER returned strong in the early 21st century. But it was not until their 2011 covers set, The Covering, that the aforementioned definitive STRYPER was reinstated, as the band welcomed Gaines back into the fold.

Purchase Live In Indonesia: HERE

Live In Indonesia track listing:

1. “Sing Along Song”
2. “Murder By Pride”
3. “Loud 'N Clear”
4. “Rock That Makes Me Roll”
5. “Reach Out”
6. “Calling On You”
7. “More Than A Man”
8. “Honestly”
9. “Open Your Eyes”
10. “All For One”
11. “To Hell With The Devil”
12. “Soldiers Under Command”

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

NEWS BRIEFS

* Second sampler from the new ATKINS / MAY PROJECT CD Valley Of Shadows: www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=LlJl7V4E-xo

* Latest from vocalist Dale Thompson regarding the next BRIDE album (Facebook – 10/16/2012): “Because of personal matters the Bride CD will be delayed for a few months. However writing and preproduction will commence again soon. Thank you for your prayers, support and encouragement during this time of trials and tribulations. Bu the light is shinning brightly now and I am inspired by your compassion to pick up where I left off. Thank you again.”

* THE SACRIFICED vocalist Eli Prinsen uploaded a guitar tutorial of the track “The Power Of God” (off the groups appropriately entitled third album III): www.youtube.com/watch?v=li5CLLe352A

* Classic metal veterans SAINT are shooting a video of a brand new unreleased song.  More details as they become available from the band.

* STAIRWAY update about the recording of its new album (Facebook – October 13, 2012): “All guitar tracks and harmony vocal tracks are done, Andy (Edwards- drums) has completed the first 4 songs, hope to complete all the drum tracks in the next few weeks.”

No word on a working title or release date for the project.

* THEOCRACY remains at work on the re-re-issue of its self-titled debut album.  A release date is yet to be announced.  Following is a clip of Shawn Benson recording drums for “Twist Of Fate”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXJh8emO8lc

* VENI DOMINE studio updates (Facebook):

October 17, 2012 - “Guys, we're on a roll. Yesterday Fredrik put a bunch of acoustics down and we booked dates for more keys and base is on the schedule as well. Still quite a way to go but it's fun when the songs are starting to shape up.”

October 15, 2012 - “Laugh of the day is that we are moving on fast now.  Well, Fredrik cut another song yesterday and we fixed some small issues on others. That means we have one song less to do vocals on which is great!”

October 11, 2012 – “So another song is graced with keys from the master Olov Andersson! Yes, we're moving a touch slow but we rather move slow than not at all. And given our legacy we do lean towards he slow…”

 

FEATURED REVIEWS

AFFECTOR - Harmagedon
International group Affector does the Dream Theater meets Symphony X meets Shadow Gallery meets fill-in-the-name-of-whatever-progressive-metal-band-you-want thing as well as anyone.  The brainchild of German guitarist Daniel Fries, Affector can trace its beginnings to the early 2005 compositions put together by Fries subsequent to his departure from the progressive rock group Divinity.  Read Full Review >>

ALLOS - Spiritual Battle
Here’s a what if for you:  Let’s say you take a foundation of epic and symphonic power metal and fuse it with some neo-classical, progressive and speed metal overtones- sort of like the best aspects of Theocracy, Narnia, Golden Resurrection and HB rolled into one.  Would anyone step up to that counter?  Read Full Review >>

BABYLON MYSTERY ORCHESTRA - Poinium Cherem
On Poinium Cherem, its sixth album released in the summer of 2012, BMO maintains the momentum.  While staying true to the Gothic and doom metal BMO penchant, Poinium Cherem also finds the artist changing things up musically and delivering perhaps his most varied work as a result.  Read Full Review >>

THE LAMB - Keys Of Treasure
What we have in The Lamb is traditional and classic metal with a heavy NWOBHM influence.  This is the good news in that Keys Of Treasure otherwise proves an overall sloppily executed and haphazardly put together effort.  Read Full Review >

REINXEED - Welcome To The Theater
Welcome To The Theater, the fifth ReinXeed album from the spring of 2012, maintains the group’s penchant for bombastic melodic power metal fused with elements of the epic and symphonic.  Read Full Review >>

SAINT - Desperate Night
But what makes Desperate Night, the seventh full length album from Salem, Oregon based Saint, such a Goliath beater lies in its ability to appease those into the traditional metal of the groups past while also attracting the crowd interested in something on the more accessible side of things.  Read Full Review >>

SAVIOUR MACHINE - Rarities / Revelations: Volumes I thru IV
Saviour Machine is one of those groups in which it is a challenge to place within a specific style segment.  Yes, “Gothic” is the most commonly used moniker applied to Saviour Machine - and rightly so! - but in what capacity?  Read Full Review >>

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

DYNASTY - Warriors Of The King: How Do I Find It?
Several e-mail inquiries have been received from Angelic Warlord readers frustrated over the inability to locate the most recent DYNASTY CD, Warriors Of The King, which was reviewed earlier this summer (85% grade).  Please note it is the Angelic Warlord policy to NOT review albums that are so obscure as to be difficult if not impossible to find.  At the time the review was posted online, WOTK was available for purchase at several online retailers.  Since then, however, the CD has sold out.

My advice would be to on a routine basis check the available of WOTK at eBay and Amazon.  I would also do the same with the retailers listed at the Angelic Warlord Retailers Links page: www.angelicwarlord.com/links/links.html#retailers

If all else fails then your best bet would be to go the route I did for obtaining the CD: And that is to contact DYNASTY vocalist Nahor Andrade via Facebook for a copy.  I found Mr. Andrade to be reputable to do business with and both shipping costs and times from Brazil reasonable.

In the meantime, let’s hope that WOTK - along with another great but hard to find CD from a Brazilian band, Angels & Shadows by MENAHEM - is picked up for domestic distribution.

And for those who might be wondering, the Angelic Warlord review had the following to say about WOTK: “The album finds Dynasty taking a heavy NWOBHM influence and fusing it with occasional eighties metal touches and doom-like moments while staying true to the power metal roots of their past.  Warriors Of The King, as a result, proves a far cry from the smoother and more polished sounds of Motus Perpetuus (the Dynasty debut from 2004) with its emphasis on bone crushing riffs, pummeling drums and driving vocals.  Further setting Warriors Of The King apart is how Dynasty imbues its material with more than adequate hooks and melodies to stand the test of repeated play.”

DYNASTY online: www.facebook.com/DynastyMetal

New album sampler from GOLDEN RESURRECTION:
Press Release / A sampler of songs is available from the forthcoming GOLDEN RESURRECTION album, One Voice For The Kingdom.  A release date is set for November 21, 2012 in Japan and January 18, 2013 the rest of the world.

GOLDEN RESURRECTION got its start in 2008 when vocalist Christian Liljegren (NARNIA, AUDIOVISION & DIVINEFIRE) joined forces with guitarist Tommy ReinXeed (REINXEED).  The duo spent the next year composing the material making up the 2010 GOLDEN RESURRECTION full length debut Glory To My King.  The album, with its neo-classical leanings, hearkened back to the debut NARNIA release Awakening (1998) and follow up effort Long Live The King (1999).

Liljegren and Reinxeed soon started work on the GOLDEN RESURRECTION sophomore outing Man With A Mission.  Released in 2011, the album maintained the neo-classical influences of Glory To My King but with more melodic and symphonic touches.  The Japan version to Glory To My King stands out with bonus track covers of the KANSAS classic “Point Of Know Return” and Gary Moore’s “The End Of The World”.

After a short break, GOLDEN RESURRECTION put together the material comprising One Voice For The Kingdom over a six month period.  The album maintains the neo-classical penchant of the first two while also featuring, in the words of Liljegren, “more metal, more power, more speed and more shredding guitars”.

One Voice For The Kingdom track listing:

1. “The Temple Will Remain”
2. “Spirit War”
3. “One Voice For The Kingdom”
4. “Night Light”
5. “Golden Resurrection”
6. “Can’t Slow Down”
7. “Heavenly Metal”
8. “God’s Mercy”
9. “Born For The Strangers”
10. “More Lord”
11. “Special Message To Japan” (Japan bonus track)
12. “Eternal Freedom” (Japan bonus track)

GOLDEN RESURRECTION line-up:

Christian Liljegren - Lead Vocals
Tommy ReinXeed – Guitars & Orchestration
Svenne Jansson - Hammond Organ & keyboards
Steven K – Bass
Alfred Fridhagen – Drums

GOLDEN RESURRECTION online: www.golden-resurrection.com & www.facebook.com/goldenresurrection

SEARCH FOR SIGHT - Musical project for RP research:
LORDCHAIN members to release new album, See You Around, to raise awareness about Retinitis Pigmentosa:

Press Release / Kelly Matthews and Jeff Grady, known for their work with the bands LORDCHAIN and STEP COUSIN, have a degenerative retinal disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). People with RP experience a gradual decline in their vision, resulting in incurable blindness. However, Kelly and Jeff have never pushed their music as being ‘produced, recorded & performed by blind people’. The focus has always been on the music and spreading God’s Word. SEARCH FOR SIGHT is different in that the goals of this project are to raise awareness about Retinitis Pigmentosa, let people know they can be a part of the cure, and raise money to fund this much needed research.

In 2010 Kelly met with Dr. Alessandro Iannaccone of the Hamilton Eye Institute in Memphis, Tennessee and was told about the research project he was planning. Kelly had a strong desire to help find a cure, and came up with the idea of recording music to raise funds for this RP research. This desire and idea brought about the musical project, SEARCH FOR SIGHT.  Kelly commented, “God has blessed us with the ability to put out music online without a massive amount of expense. We could do fund raising concerts (that’s not out of the question), but we wanted a way to bless people on a larger scale and in return they bless us by supporting this cause. It’s a win-win situation. You get great music and you support a wonderful cause. ”.

Concerning the SEARCH FOR SIGHT musical style, Kelly had this to say: “SEARCH FOR SIGHT has it’s own style and feel. We do have (of course) some LORDCHAIN influenced material & even a re-mastered LORDCHAIN song on the debut, but this isn’t a LORDCHAIN album. It’s got a bluesy, classic rock/folk rock feel to some of the songs. We wanted something a little more commercial.”

When you purchase SEARCH FOR SIGHT music, 100% of the proceeds will go directly to fund the research to find a cure for RP.

See You Around track listing:

1. “I Know You”,
2. “Lost In The Sand”,
3. “Six O'clock”
4. “I Still Believe In Love”
5. “Driving Home”
6. “Nancy Apple”
7. “It's Just The Night”
8. “Try Again”, “Pieces”
9.  “Middle Of The Road”

SEARCH FOR SIGHT online: www.facebook.com/searchforsight

NEWS BRIEFS

* DAVID BENSON is at work on the second DBEALITY album.  Look for Neil Kernon to handle production duties and Robert Sweet (STRYPER) to return on drums.  Additional details (such as a working title and release date) ad they become available.

* Glamtron, the next album from Finnish hair metal band DESYRE, is currently being mixed and set for release by end of the year.  The group has both finalized its line-up and new sound, which it described as “Glamtron metal”.

* ”Empty Desire” is a new single off the upcoming RIVERA BOMMA album Infinity Journey Of Souls.  The song can be streamed at: http://soundcloud.com/rivera-bomma-soundcloud/rivera-bomma-empty-desire

* SEVENTH AVENUE has called it quits.  Drummer Mike Pfluger goes into further detail in an e-mail update:  “Hi, this will be the final Seventh Avenue newsletter. Why the final? Why, one thing is: I have left the band and another is: Seventh Avenue is not any longer in the way you know it. This is heavy news, I know. But let me explain. We haven’t parted badly. I just came clear with the knowing that I don’t have the same goals with the music as Herbie (Langhans- vocals & guitars), Flo (Gottsleben- guitars) and Markus (Beck- bass) have.

We discussed a lot about our music and about Seventh Avenue. It came out, that the name “Seventh Avenue” is associated with white metal. And this is not wrong at all. But it is prejudicial to have commercial success, to be booked for regular festivals and shows. Many people, and more important: many reviewers are not impartial if they know about our Christian background. That’s why there will be a new band which enters the music scene with a “clean image”. Of course, this doesn’t changes our attitude to the belief.

The last sixteen years have been a good and an important period for me. And I regret almost nothing.  Herbie, Flo and Markus will find a new drummer and keep on rocking under a new name.  I thank you all for your loyalty to Seventh Avenue.”

* THEOCRACY vocalist Matt Smith mixed the new SOULSPELL METAL album opera Hollow’s Gathering.  He also provided guest lead vocals on the track “To Crawl Or To Fly”.

* “That’s Total Evil”, a new song off the next WONROWE VISION album, was performed live last fall.  The clip can be viewed at:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=1T3GTBHltHI

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

ATKINS MAY PROJECT releases new album sampler:
Press Release / A sampler of songs is available from the forthcoming ATKINS MAY PROJECT album Valley Of Shadows.  A release date has been set for November 5, 2012.

Vocalist Al Atkins offers his thoughts about the project in a recent interview with BraveWords:

"It's completely different.  Because I am not that much involved with the writing side.  A lot of credit of this album goes to (guitarist) Paul May. It's been an absolute revelation for me lately because in the last year I've been a bit idle I must admit and the phone has been ringing, 'Can you guest on my album?' But it's been absolutely brilliant because of Paul May; I met up with him when I split up with Holy Rage just over a year ago. He said, 'Can you help me do some vocals on the album?' And I said, 'Yeah sure, Paul.' He's been a great friend of mine for over twenty years. I went in singing a couple of tracks and I ended up doing the whole album.  It was absolutely fantastic.  There (are) a lot people who really don't make it big time who should have and Paul is one of those guys.  He should have made it along time ago.  I must give a lot of credit to Paul on the album."

Guitarist Paul May goes into further detail in an interview last year with Rocktopia:

“Firstly, I wanted to write and record a hard rock album with that ‘classic’ type sound, with a NWOBHM feel, but with a slightly more modern edge. I wanted an album I could look back on a few years down the road and think ‘Yeah, that’s still cool!’ A couple of the tracks were originally intended for the latest A.N.D album, (one of my bands) but as the writing progressed it began to evolve into something different. I met up with Al again, after a few years off, and played him some of the tracks. He kindly and immediately offered the talents of his fabulous voice! From that point on it allowed me to write, some tracks, with Al’s voice specifically in mind, the likes of “Theatre Of Fools” and “The Shallowing”.”

ATKINS MAY PROJECT released its debut Serpents Kiss in 2011.  The Angelic Warlord review (85%) described it as “a joining of original Judas Priest vocalist Al Atkins and Christian guitarist and music artist Paul May” while also featuring ”ten NWOBHM influenced tracks that deliver every bit as much edge and bite (in terms of driving bass lines, relentless drumming and guitar pyrotechnics) as the do immediate accessibility (from the standpoint of catchy hooks that keep things fresh with repeated listen).”

ATKINS MAY PROJECT online: www.atkinsmayproject.com & www.facebook.com/pages/Atkins-May-Project-Official

NEWS BRIEFS

* LAUDAMUS call it quits.  From vocalist/guitarist Peter Stenlund at the LAUDAMUS Facebook page (September 8, 2012): “After 26 years of touring, recording, and working really hard, it's finally over. Laudamus is no more, and it's time for me to thank everybody who has played with me over the years. It has been a lot of joy, but also some really difficult times, and I'm very thankful for the people who stood by my side until the end. To all of the fans out there - Thank you so much for your support! It has been a pleasure meeting all of you, and I hope that we will keep in touch even in the future.

"Let's talk about the future for a moment! My plan is to form a new band. Right now my primary thing is to find a drummer and a bass player that are dedicated enough to invest the time and effort that's needed to make this work. I have about 10 songs ready. Some of them are Laudamus songs that we never recorded, some of them are totally new. Contact me if you're interested to be part of this.

"I will post news here until I have another site going, and by that time, you will all be aware!”

* LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE completed work on its new double album The Cigar Chronicles.  The project features 26 songs (13 covers and 13 originals) in addition to the contributions of over 70 guest musicians and vocalists.  “Sin”, a song off the album featuring Jani Lane (WARRANT) and Bill Leverty (Firehouse), has been uploaded to You Tube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=taHH-CrR0Kw

In other LNJ news, the group recently rounded out its line-up with new drummer Michael Feighan (WHITECROSS, KING JAMES).  Feighan joins founding member Justin Murr (bass), David Cagle (vocals), JK Northrup (guitars) and Eric Ragno (keyboards).

Further details as they become available either way.

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

Roxx Records signs BOARDERS:
Press Release / Roxx Records are very excited to announce that Italian thrash band BOARDERS have just signed on to their roster for the release of their sophomore effort entitled R-Existence. While the band had briefly offered this new release as a free digital only download to their fan base, it is now being re-mastered to include 5 additional bonus tracks and put on to CD for the very first time.

A band that can trace its history back to the late eighties, BOARDES presents a unique melding of the aggressive thrash and melodic metal that draws extensively from the musical trends of that era. And nowhere is that more evident than on the material from the groups debut The World Hates Me which was released in 2009.

R-Existence marks a return to form of that melding of thrash and metal with songs certain to garner the attention of those into MEGADETH, METALLICA, and old school DELIVERANCE. As a matter of fact, BOARDERS once gained notoriety in Italy as a MEGADETH tribute band; hence, the inclusion of the old MEGADETH song “In My Darkest Hour” (off So Far, So Good, So What) on their debut release.

Bill Bafford of Roxx Records had this to say about the signing, “We are very excited to be working with Boarders on this release, we have been becoming more and more focused on the thrash scene as the label expands and Boarders is an excellent addition to our roster”

Watch for the Limited Edition CD version of R-Existence and reissued digital editions to hit the streets on December 11, 2012. Watch www.roxxproductions.com for full release details.

BOARDERS online: www.boarders.it & www.facebook.com/pages/Boarders

NEWS BRIEFS

* GOLDEN RESURRECTION finished recording its new album, One Voice For The Kingdom.  The group hired Ronny Milianowicz for the upcoming mix and mastering process.  Milianowicz has worked with the likes of Michael Kiske (HELLOWEEN), Joacim Cans/HAMMERFALL, PRIMAL FEAR and SYMFONIA.  No word on a release date.

*Infinite Journey Of Souls, the new album from RIVERRA BOMMA, will be released on Retroactive Records in December of this year.  More details as they become available.

* Ulterium Records released a revised version of the THEOCRACY video “Hide In The Fairytale” correcting some YouTube sync issues: www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWc9KOTkB4A

* Further details from guitarist Bill Tsamis regarding the upcoming WARLORD album (Facebook – 09/14/12):  "The new Warlord will be in the same vein as the old Warlord except that it will incorporate many Lordian Guard elements which will bring it to a level of grand, dark, epic, medieval metal with commanding musicianship as well as orchestration and choirs. It will be something like an epic metal film score. The music is elevating, ethereal, sublime and ominous. The songs range from the melodic radio friendly Warlord style to the dark power metal style to the massive epics from another realm, and to the mean, disturbing speed burner. Additionally, there are some surprises on this 55 minute album. 

Altogether, if the album doesn't leave you speechless I'll buy it back from you.  Those who have heard the demo material have confirmed every song as a classic masterpiece.  We just have some fine-tuning to do, finish recording, and then go into post-production and manufacturing. You WILL NOT be disappointed, I promise you that.”

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE - New vocalist and The Cigar Chronicles track-listing:
Press Release / LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE  is excited to announce they have found a singer!!!!  After the release of the 26 song opus The Cigar Chronicles, LNJ will stop being a project and start being a band that will feature JK Northrup (King Kobra/Northup-Shortino/XYZ) on guitars, Eric Ragno (China Blue/ Graham Bonnet/ Ted Poley) on keyboards, Justin Murr (LNJ founding member) on bass, and introducing ....... David Cagle on lead vocals!

Murr said, "Cagle is a well known studio singer whose voice I really dug the first time I heard him. JK, Eric, and I knew he would be the perfect fit and will give us a distinctive voice that will be unique just to LNJ. We have been working on some new songs and loving what we are coming up with… stay tuned LNJ is about to rock you!"

Speaking of The Cigar Chronicles it is being prepped for release and LNJ is weighing the best label to get it into the hands and ears of the masses! The project will be a double CD that features a “who’s who” of great musicians!

The Cigar Chronicles track listing:

Volume 1 (The Covers)
 
1. "Ice Ice Baby" - Seann Nicols (Adler's Appetite/ Tarsha) & Eddie Ojeda (Twisted Sister) - originally recorded by Vanilla Ice
2. "I Can't Dance" - Stevie Rachelle (TUFF) - originally recorded by Genesis
3. "Pride (In The Name Of Love)" - CJ Snare (Firehouse/ Rubicon Cross), George Lynch (Dokken/ Lynch Mob), & Jeff Pilson (Dokken/ Foreigner) - originally recorded by U2
4. "Stayin' Alive" - Kip Winger (Winger) - originally recorded by The Bee Gees
5. "YMCA" - Kelly Keeling (Baton Rouge & Trans Siberian Orchestra), Chris Dickens (Mission Of One) & Neil Zaza - originally recorded by The Village People
6. "Iris" - Tony Harnell (x-TNT/ Westworld) & Alex Grossi (Quiet Riot/ Hotel Diablo) - originally recorded by The Goo Goo Dolls
7. "You're So Vain" - Phil Lewis (LA Guns)  & Chris Green (Rubicon Cross/ Furyon) - originally recorded by Carly Simon
8.  "Queen Of The Night" - Selena McVey & Brooke St. James (Tyketto) - originally recorded by Whitney Houston
9. "Blame It On The Rain" - Andrew Freeman (Hurricane/Offspring/30 Stones), Pete Fry (FarCry) & Eric Ragno - originally recorded by Milli Vanilli
10. "Bye Bye Bye" - Chas West (Bonham) & Jeff LaBar (Cinderella) - originally recorded by N'Sync
11. "Dancing On The Ceiling" - James Christian (House Of Lords) - originally recorded by Lionel Ritchie
12."Stuck In The Middle With You" - Larry Worley (FearNot), Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal (Guns N' Roses), Andy Robbins (Holy Soldier/Joe Lynn Turner), & Anthony Gravley (Windup Rocket) - originally recorded by Stealers Wheel
13. "Mmmbop" - Jamie Rowe (Guardian), Anthony Gravley (Windup Rocket), Roxx Hunter - originally recorded by Hanson

Volume 2 (The Originals)

1. "Devil His Dues" - Derrick LeFevre (formerly of Lillian Axe), Vic Rivera (Crunch), Michael Feighan (White Cross) & Barry Graul (Mercy Me/ Whitecross)
2. "The Greatest" - David Cagle, Mark Allen Lanoue (Chasing Karma/ Bilioxi), & Brad Stetler
3. "Cupids Gonna Bleed” - Gunnar Nelson (Nelson),Steve Brown (Trixter) with Barry Carl (Rockapella)
4. "Under Construction" - Eric Dover (Slash's Snakepit/Jelly Fish),Mark Kendall (Great White) ,Ian Keith Hafner (Jaguar Blaze) & Eric Ragno
5.  "Been There Done That" - Ted Poley (Danger Danger) & Richard Kendrick (Straitjacket Smile)
6. "Grace" - Michael Bormann (Jaded Heart/ Rain/ Charade), Phillip Bardowell (Unruly Child/ Beach Boys) & Mark Slaughter (Slaughter) 
7. "Sucker Punched" - Rick Stitch (Hotel Diablo), Jerry Dixon (Warrant) & Xander Demos
8. "Broken Bones" - Giancarlo Floridia (Faithsedge), Greg Martin (The Kentucky Headhunters), & Chad Stewart (Faster Pussycat)
9. "Sin” - Jani Lane, Bill Leverty (Firehouse), & Keri Kelli (Alice Cooper)
10. "Give Em' A Light" - Paul Shortino (King Kobra/ Quiet Riot/ Rough Cutt) & Dave Henzerling (King Kobra/Steelshine)
11. "Daddy Long Legs" - Louis St August (Mass) & Tim Gaines (Stryper)
12. "Cut Me Mick" - Ron Keel (Keel) & Michael Phillips (Deliverance/ The Sacrificed)
13. "Tomorrow" - Terry Ilous (Great White/XYZ),Ron Wikso (Foreigner,The Storm,David Lee Roth,Richie Sambora,Cher, Gregg Rolie Band), Alessandro Del Vecchio (Hardline, Ian Paice,Glenn Hughes, Edge Of Forever and Eden's Curse) & PK Mitchell

Additional background vocals by Richard Kendrick,Giancarlo Floridia,  Phil Vincent, Michael Stover, Frankie Cleaver, Bryan Cole

LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE online: www.libertynjustice.net & www.facebook.com/libertynjusticerocks

GERMÁN PASCUAL debut solo album, A New Beginning:
Press Release / Vocalist GERMÁN PASCUAL (DIVINEFIRE, NARNIA, MIND’S EYE) is set to release his debut solo album A New Beginning on October 9, 2012 in North America and Europe via Nightmare/Sony/RED.  Today the artwork and track-listing have been revealed.

GERMÁN is blessed to have special guest musicians joining him on the album including Carl-Johan "CJ" Grimmark (NARNIA,FIRES OF BABYLON,ROB ROCK) and bassists Per Schelander (PAIN OF SALVATION, ROYAL HUNT) and Raphael Dafras (ALMAH,SEVEN HORIZONS).  GERMÁN PASCUAL is a man with a very special voice, who has achieved much notoriety around the world, lauded greatly and likened with the greatest melodic metal voices of our day, like Ronnie James Dio, Jorn Lande and David Coverdale to mention a few.   GERMÁN was the last voice of NARNIA, a well known Swedish melodic heavy metal band, similar to STRYPER and Rob Rock.  GERMÁN's new music is hard heavy and melodic power metal without compromise. He was also named "the best metal voice 2009" by The Gates of Metal.

GERMÁN PASCUAL was born 1974 in Uruguay, raised in Brazil, and moved to Sweden with his family at an early age. At five years old, GERMÁN sang to the radio with everything popular music to opera even classical music. In 1994 GERMÁN began an education in voice and music. Longing for Sweden again, he returned to look for work and a way back into music, doing a short stint with a Rap artist D.J. Mendez, but his friends helped him realize he was meant for metal.

Starting music as a drummer in a thrash band at 15, he was invited to try out for a much better band rehearsing next door as a vocalist when they overheard him screaming next door. It was to be his destiny; the band next door was MIND’S EYE. In 2008 Narnia needed a singer, and through a good friend GERMÁN made contact with NARNIA guitarist C.J Grimmark. The rest of course is history, as NARNIA went on to release Course Of A Generation in late 2009.  Feeling blessed to have found this great situation in NARNIA, GERMÁN was stunned when the band decided to end all activity.

In addition to music, GERMÁN works with the less fortunate, the homeless and those suffering from drug addiction.
 
GERMÁNS's debut solo release A New Beginning was recorded in his own "Camel Wash Studios". It was engineered and produced by GERMÁN PASCUAL & Raphael Dafras, with the Mixing and mastering handled by Thomas Plec Johansson in "The Panic Room". (Sweden)

A teaser video for A New Beginning can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7J6A1sqjTA

A New Beginning is available for pre-order on Amazon and The Nightmare Records Website.
 
A New Beginning track listing:

1. “Seek The Truth”
2. “The Wrath Of God”
3. “If the Sky Would Fall”
4. “Misty Dreams”
5. “Open Your Eyes”
6. “I Call For the One”
7. “Unbroken Wings”
8. “Come Ease The Pain”
9. “Fate Of The Blind”
10. “Cancion Con Todos”

Discography:

1994 MIND’S EYE – Afterglow (demo)
2008 MIND’S EYE 1994 - The Afterglow (full length)
2009 NARNIA - Course Of A Generation (full length)
2010 SOULSPELL - The Labyrinth Of Truths (on tracks: “The Labyrinth Of Truths” and “A Secret Compartment”
2010 GOLDEN RESURRECTION - Glory To My King (backing choirs)
2011 DIVINE FIRE - Eye Of The Storm (full length with vocalist Christian Liljegren)
2012 GERMÁN PASCUAL - A New Beginning

GERMÁN PASCUAL online: www.germanpascual.com & www.facebook.com/g.pascual.vocal

THEOCRACY release "Hide In The Fairytale" video:
Press Release / The Athens, Georgia-based melodic metal band THEOCRACY have released the music video for the track "Hide in the Fairytale" online. The track comes off the bands latest album As The World Bleeds. The video was recorded in Orlando, FL under the talented eye of producer Dan Drescher.

The latest Theocracy album As The World Bleeds was released in Europe on November 25th through Ulterium Records, in North America on November 21st through Nightmare Records and in Japan on April 25th through King Records.

As The World Bleeds" debuted at #40 in the Billboard Heatseekers Chart during the first week of release.

THEOOCRACY online: www.theocracymusic.com & www.facebook.com/theocracyband

TILES gets Off The Floor:
Detroit progressive rock outfit releases live in the studio compilation:

Press Release / Something had to be done to commemorate TILES' approaching 20th anniversary, so the band devised Off The Floor as both a career retrospective and their first official live recording. Although pleased with the quality of the Presence In Europe bootleg (even Mike Portnoy couldn't believe it was direct from the live mix) the band has always wanted to do a proper multi-track live recording. With any luck, maybe the cryptic '01' on the CD cover hints there's even more...?

This is, admittedly, not your typical live CD with the seldom-touring band opting instead for the controlled environment of a soundstage. Off The Floor is all live..., but live in the studio. But even though you could count the audience on two hands there's no shortage of energy as TILES delivers no frills versions of standout tracks from each of their five recordings. Complete with a bit of "stage" banter, a few "jazz" notes, and even a false start, TILES lets us know this isn't a studio production.

The set list represents a portion of what the band played in support of 2008's Fly Paper. Complete with a couple new interludes and adventurous extended jams, Off the Floor gives the listener more than a carbon copy of the studio versions. What's interesting is hearing the band's lifetime Detroit residency seeping out of the complicated prog rock constructions: a bit of garage rock looseness, Nugent abandon, Motown pulse, and a healthy dose of Elvin Jones' controlled chaos courtesy of Mark Evans' jazzy underpinnings. Lofty (and seemingly unrelated) references to be sure, but meant only in humble recognition of the inspiration and influence they provide...

Breaking up the routine are a couple songs featuring guest appearances by long-time collaborator Matthew Parmenter on violin, vocals, and mellotron; and the Motor City Horns' flautist Keith Kaminski. Especially noteworthy is the new arrangement of The Wading Pool” - championed by Jeff to bring additional depth and color to the original's austerity.

In today's world of predictable and homogenous recordings wholly lacking in character, the magic ears of mixing engineer Terry Brown render a refreshingly natural sound. Harnessing the performances captured by Tiles' confidant Bob Phillips, Mr. Brown pulls it all together and puts everything is in its proper place. Serving up the audio equivalent of a Van Gogh where everything interacts and blends to create the big picture.

Off The Floor provides a fresh look at some old songs, adds a few new things, and gives Tiles fans something to tide them over until the next studio release appears.

Off The Floor track listing:

1. “Landscrape” (4.27)
2. “Token Pledge” (6.46)
3. “Modification” (3.39)
4. “Capture The Flag” (9.36)
5. “Changing The Guard” (7.18)
6. “Segue/Window Dressing (Part IV)” (3.49)
7. “Dragons, Dreams & Daring Deeds” (7.52)
8. “Dress Rehearsal” (5.06)
9. “Hide In My Shadow” (5.37)
10. “A Minor Interlude” (1.59)
11. “Checkerboards” (15.14)

Bonus Track: “The Wading Pool” (6.10)

TILES online: www.tiles-music.com/index2.php & www.facebook.com/pages/Tiles

XINR self-titled LP announced:
Press Release / The greatest Pacific Northwest heavy metal band you've never heard now claims its rightful place upon the jeweled throne of TRUE METAL! XINR (ex-sinner) was formed in Portland, Oregon in 1983 and recorded the tracks that comprise this singular posthumous vinyl collection in 1984 after months of rigorous writing and rehearsing. Here is honest denim clad rock with no "die hard" frills and no image gimmicks, the perfect antidote to modern music's overblown and self-aware pretense.

What we have are mid-paced head bangers woven together with a dual guitar attack that recalls K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton as they traded in their bellbottoms for red and black leather. Uncompromising vocals channel the outlaw ethos of Bon Scott and the theatrical enunciation of Alice Cooper while driving the music forward with positive energy and conviction.

So what happened? Tragically, vocalist Tony Saiz and guitarist Shaun Tramel were killed in a motorcycle accident en route to their rehearsal room the night before a gig in Portland on November 30th, 1984 and the band understandably never recovered from this devastating loss. In 1985 XINR appeared on the otherwise unremarkable Pacific Metal Project compilation with their defining song “Ever Present Angel” and then went their separate ways, leaving the unheard demo tracks languishing in obscurity until 2008 when Stormspell Records released a CD to commemorate the anniversary of Tony and Shaun's premature demise.

This fully authorized UNSEEN FORCES collection is the first (and only) full length XINR LP to ever appear on vinyl! Eleven powerful and instantly unforgettable 'eavy rockers pressed to white vinyl with lyric sheet and liner notes.

The Angelic Warlord review of the Stormspell release described XINR “as a joining of metal and hard rock heavily influenced by the 70’s and the 80’s.  While reviewers have compared the group to Cirith Ungol, Trouble and early Alice Cooper – and rightly so! – fans of Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC and Judas Priest should also find a lot to like in XINR.  What this reviewer hears is an “old school metal vibe” that brings to mind the earlier material of Barren Cross, Saint, Bride, Messiah Prophet and Philadelphia.  Yes, a bit rough around the edges at times (at least production wise) but solid musically in that XINR knows how to craft a quality song with enough hooks to draw you in with repeated listen (there is barely a skip button in the first ten tracks).”

Ordering information: http://unseenforcesrecords.blogspot.com/2012/08/unseen-forces-005-xinr.html

NEWS BRIEFS

* Rivera/Bomma has made available a sample/teaser of a new song entitled “Horizon’s End”: www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=4607455672206

* Further thoughts from guitarist Richard Tsamis regarding the new WARLORD album(Facebook / 08/28/12): “On the new Warlord album, although as I said it covers the four facets of Warlord's music (1) melodic "radio friendly" metal, (2) power metal (3) power epic metal, (4) demented metal.  I was very conscious of utilizing and interjecting the Lordian Guard sound especially in order to achieve a dark medieval tenor on some songs, as well as aspects of that soft Lordian Winds sound at times, and even some things you might hear on Sea of Tranquility.

Thus, the new Warlord is 110% Warlord, but it interweaves all these different styles, especially Lordian Guard (with orchestration, etc.) to achieve the maximum ominous epic sound possible -- of course without getting into 15 minute songs and that sort of thing. It doesn't escape the perimeters of Warlord, but it pushes them to the very extreme, while at the same time sounding as if we just picked up from 10 years ago and moved on to a new project.

What you have heard so far in that 42 second clip and in the “Night Of The Fury” rough demo is just a "shadow" of the true "form" in which it has become. It is a production, and as the "producer" of this production I have made some changes (and am still contemplating some) that will allow the final product to attain what I had envisioned.”

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

HAVEN - Your Dying Day re-issued on Retroactive Records:
Press Release / HAVEN was a Christian Heavy Metal band from the United States that released Your Dying Day on the legendary R.E.X. Records in 1990.  The album was, and still is, an example of a Christian band getting it right in terms of releasing music that stood apart from other heavy metal bands through their artful progressive bent.  This debut release showed its impact immediately by transcending the metal label, while sealing the band's reputation for cerebral compositions.  The 80's metal scene celebrated excessive use of drugs and alcohol, and that influence resulted in alienation and hardship.  Those hardships would open the gateway to Grunge and Alternative - but in 1990 we weren't there just yet!  

QUEENSRYCHE set the bar for metal that moved beyond cliche' with 1988's Operation Mindcrime.  Your Dying Day is a stellar brand of progressive power metal with subtle thrash influences that provided musical and spiritual depth in the face of cultural shallowness.  It was the perfect album, released at just the right time.  This Retroarchives Edition released on Retroactive Records in 2012 is packaged in a 4 panel, full color digipak. 

For fans of DELIVERANCE, RECON, SACRED WARRIOR and QUEENSRYCHE!

Your Dying Day track listing:

1. “On Judgement Day”
2. “Deliver Me”
3. “Murder”
4. “Below The Grave”
5. “The Calling”
6. “America”
7. “Escape”
8. “Help Me Follow”
9. “I Found Love”
10. “Your Dying Day”

HAVEN line-up:

Kevin Ayers - Lead Vocals & Guitars
Andy Bruner - Guitars
Ed Bruner - Bass
Tim Benton - Drums

Retroactive Records online: http://retroactiverecords.net/store/retroactive-records.html

NEWS BRIEFS

* BRIDE plans to entitle its next album Bring Me Your Frankenstein.  No word on a release date or musical direction.  More details as they become available.

* DELIVERANCE launched a great new website: http://deliverancerocks.com  The group remains at work on its new album, Hear What I Say!

* LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE has rounded out its line-up with new vocalist David Cagle.  You can hear a clip of Cagle performing at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=XidLa3KePf4&

 

INTERVIEWS

New THEOCRACY interview online:
In a recent online interview with BlackWindMetal, THEOCRACY vocalist Matt Smith discusses the group’s most recent album, As The World Bleeds, the upcoming re-issue of the self-titled debut and his relationship as a Christian musician with the lyrics he writes.  Following is an excerpt:

Is there anything official on the reissue of your self titled debut album?
It’s probably going to happen sooner rather than later. It’s the next thing on the agenda. There’s been some discussion as to how in depth we wanted to get with what we did to the album, but we know that Ulterium wanted to put it out. Originally we released it on a small metal label, and its long been out of print, but people are still asking for it, so we want re-finish it.

Further reading: HERE

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

KING JAMES update:
The latest from guitarist Rex Carroll regarding the group’s new album (Facebook - 08/20/12):

“Hi Everybody! There's good news all the way around- the new King James album is just about ready.  Jimi Bennett finished up the last of his vocals at my studio over the weekend. Now we just need to clean up a few edits and get it mixed, and FINALLY it will be out!”

Further details from Carroll regarding the return of KING JAMES (Facebook - 08/22/12):  “A good question: how did the reforming of King James come to be?  I would say, we never officially 'disbanded'. I would say, rather, that economic necessity came into play and we all had to go work, and do other things. Also, I know the core of the band was right, but the timing was not necessarily good. (hard rock band in the middle of the 'grunge' era, and so forth).

"So while I went and developed the Rex Carroll Band, Jimi went and formed Viktor. Meanwhile Whitecross continues as it has. And sometimes, it takes a while to simply just figure out who you are as an artist and find the right people, the right songs, and so forth. So when Madison Line Records approached us about teaming up, we considered it carefully, met with everyone at the label and did our homework to make sure it's the right fit. And so now, here we are, the record is just about done, and I CAN'T WAIT for everyone to see and hear the results, I know you're gonna love it!”

The self-titled KING JAMES debut, released on Star Song Records in 1994, had an “all-star” feel to it from featuring the STRYPER rhythm section of Robert Sweet (drums) and Tim Gaines (bass).  The 1997 follow up The Fall initially came out on a small label in Europe, Viva, but was later re-issued on Retroactive Records in 2010.

No word on a release date or working title of the new album, which will be released on Madison Line Records.

Footage of KING JAMES performing at a Madison Line Records launch party: www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNDgdYYPjKs

Madison Line Records online: www.madisonlinerecords.com

KING JAMES online: www.facebook.com/kingjamesband 

LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE announces new member, keyboardist Eric Ragno:
Press Release / Ragno joins current LNJ members JK Northup and Justin Murr.  The three are searching for a lead vocalist and drummer.

Murr had this to say: "Our yet to be released double CD The Cigar Chronicles will be our last all-star album as LNJ stops being a project and becomes a band! When I spoke to JK and we had a dream list of players, Eric was on top of our list as a keyboardist! To have him in this band is a thrill and what he brings in talent is a amazing! While waiting for “The Cigars" to be finished, the three of us  started writing and recording some new music and we have great chemistry. I'm really excited for the future of LNJ...."

Northrup added: "I have had the privilege of working with the amazingly talented Eric Ragno on a number of different albums and projects over the past 5 years.  Not only is Eric one of the most gifted musician/songwriters I know, but he is also one of the most amazing person's I know! Welcome aboard the LNJ ship Brother Eric!  It's going to be a fun ride."

Eric finished by saying: "Wow...what can I say!  My first collaboration with Justin Murr and LNJ was on the Light It Up album.  The legacy that Justin has built has been pretty amazing, and consistent!  We kept in touch, and I was thrilled when he invited me back to add keyboards to the upcoming CD The Cigar Chronicles. Justin seems to "get me" and my style, and has been both supportive & inclusive.  Then, there's JK Northrup!  I've admired JK forever, going back to his work with Paul Shortino!  I was supremely happy with the way he mixed my keys on Ted Poley's Smile CD.  When it came time to mix my own China Blue record, I knew JK would once again find the perfect balance of loud rock guitars and sweeping keyboards!  Again, another guy I totally respect who completely "gets me"!  I'd hoped to work with each of these men more in the future, but our schedules made it pretty impossible...until now.  We've already started some great music together, with much more to follow! Stay tuned folks - we're on the brink of something great here.  Be well & rock on!"

In other LNJ news, The Cigar Chronicles has been sent off for mastering. It features over 70 guest musicians including George Lynch (Dokken/ Lynch Mob), Kip Winger (Winger), Jeff LaBar (Cinderella), Tony Harnell (x-TNT), CJ Snare (Firehouse), Phil Lewis (LA Guns), Gunnar Nelson (Nelson), Tim Gaines (Stryper), Steve Brown (Trixter), Mark Kendall (Great White) plus many many more including  Jani Lane!

LNJ is also giving away 15 free songs via download at its ReverbNation page: www.reverbnation.com/libertynjustice

The free songs feature David Cagle, Donnie Vie , Marq Torien, Chris Holmes, Benny Mardones, John Pine, Philip Bardowell, Terry Ilous, Alton Hood, Ted Poley, Vic Rivera, Bill Leverty, Pete Loran, Steve Brown, Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal, Oni Logan, Jamie Rowe, Ken Tamplin, and  Rick Florian!
 
LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE online: www.libertynjustice.net & www.facebook.com/libertynjusticerocks

MESSENGER releases new single, “The End Of Time”:
Press Release / The new MESSENGER single “The End Of Time” is out on iTunes, CD Baby and Amazon.  “The End Of Time” is being released ahead of the new MESSENGER CD, You Choose.

Guitarist Vlad Gurin and singer/songwriter Frank Clifton Herring have worked closely together to bring a new, fresh, progressive metal based sound. You Choose, when compared to the group’s first studio CD, has allowed Vlad more involvement in the song writing process due to the fact he had joined MESSENGER just as the first CD was finishing in 2008.

“The End Of Time”is available for download at:

iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-end-of-time-single/id551731612

CD Baby: www.cdbaby.com/cd/messenger23

Amazon: www.amazon.com/The-End-of-Time

Angelic Warlord had the following to say about the MESSENGER full length debut I’m Talking To You (80% review): “Haling from the Nation’s Capitol, Messenger brings a throwback sound that hearkens back to the eighties.  Now, by “throwback” I am not necessarily referring to the hair metal that was prevalent at the time but rather a heavier and more muscular side to the decade.  And by that I mean the joining of guitar driven hard rock (similar to Rez Band) and old school heavy metal (not unlike Saint) that characterizes the bands sound.”

MESSENGER online: www.MessengerMetal.com & www.facebook.com/MessengerMetal

SACRED WARRIOR posts new song online:
Press Release / The Chicago, Illinois based power metal band has uploaded on YouTube a studio video to the title track of its upcoming album, Waiting In Darkness.  Look for the album to be released by the end of the year.

The latest from vocalist Eli Prinsen regarding the recording of Waiting In Darkness (from the HM Blog): “Just wanted to mention that I have been recording like mad as I am the new singer for Sacred Warrior. The new album, Waiting In Darkness, sounds amazing! The best Warrior album since Rebellion, if not the best ever (In my opinion). We’re hoping to have it ready to release around Christmas. We are going to release the title track in a “in the studio” type video. This will happen in the very, very near future.”

Prinsen offers further insight about his replacing the departed Rey Parra (Facebook – 05/11/12): “To all my friends and fans of The Sacrificed, God has blessed me with an incredible opportunity. I have been selected by Sacred Warrior to be the band's new vocalist. This is a band that I have been a huge fan of for many years, I have admired and been greatly influenced by their original vocalist, Rey Parra. His departure from the band is something I personally have grieved about, as I am sure many of the die-hard Warrior fans have as well. During the audition process, the band and I prayed for God's will to be done. I hope you will support me with Sacred Warrior just like you have with The Sacrificed.”

SACRED WARRIOR online: www.sacredwarrior.net & www.facebook.com/pages/Sacred-Warrior

WARLORD at work on new album:
From guitarist William Tsamis at the Warlord Battle Choir Facebook page (08/25/12): ”A handful of people told me that they wanted hear more of my music.  I told them, "I don't know if I have it in me, but I will go into the wilderness of my soul to see if there are any hidden treasures."  Those fans (you know you are) were "die hard" fans (that) inspired me to do something.  So, as my health was improving, I started messing around on the piano and the guitar.  Surprisingly, a bunch of material (riffs, ideas, etc.) started pouring out.  So I overhauled my studio, spending several thousands of dollars and Warlord began recording again starting around December, but there were technical problems and Mark (Zonder – drummer) was in the process of moving, so although our engines were fired up, we didn't really get going until about Feb 2012. 

"We leaked some new material on the net and people seemed to like it, but it's nothing like what your gonna hear when the new album comes out and when we attack Germany and Greece in 2013.  I've written about 75 minutes worth of classic power epic Warlord style music . . . but we decided to leave this album at 55 minutes, which is a lot longer than a normal album.  8 classic power epic metal songs recorded professionally, which will be professionally engineered, mastered, artwork, pressing, and then release.” 

Additional details from the artist (Facebook - 08/20/12): “I am so happy with the new album as we are moving toward the completion of recording -- well, a couple songs left to record (although they are already written), some corrections, engineering, mastering, artwork, pressing, and release.

"The story of Warlord has always been about broken dreams so it doesn't surprise me. Warlord is NOT a regular band- it is more like a project, I guess. Warlord has always been my brainchild and it exists in my mind. It is a musical idea that just soars and scatters for those who want to reach up and catch it. For those who don't want it, well that's okay . . . Honestly, I did this album for "the Warlord fan," not for "metal" fans - again, I wrote songs that I believe are what "the Warlord fan" wants to hear. I did it because the early Warlord Fan Club group "asked" me to do it. So it is a gift (well, they're gonna charge you for it so I guess it really it isn't a gift) but you know what I mean. The music here, I assure you, will last another 30 years.”

No word on a release date or working title for the new album.  More details as they are forthcoming.

A rough demo of a new song entitled “Night Of The Fury” can be heard at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4Nf3ZqcDFc

WARLORD online: www.facebook.com/OfficialWarlord

NEWS BRIEFS

* Please be sure to check out the Lady Rocker Blogspot: http://ladyrockermusician.blogspot.com

*Christian Liljegren has entered the studio to begin recording vocals for the third GOLDEN RESURRECTION album, One Voice For The Kingdom.  No word on a release date. Liljegren describes the album as having “great music, great lyrics (and) lots of power, fire and passion”.  Further details at the artist’s video blog: www.youtube.com/watch?v=5U4uoMJouII

* Thoughts from vocalist Josh Kramer regarding his departure from SAINT (MrSaintFan – 06/09/12): “The new Saint album is finished and is released.  Sounds really great. We are introducing a new singer to the Saint line up.  His name is Brian Miller. In addition to being a fine singer he also plays guitar. He is really awesome!  It will be refreshing to have a new voice sing along side of me and give me a break in the shows, sing harmonies play rhythm.”

Guitarist Jerry Johnson offers his input (Christian Metal Realm – 08/26/12): “Wait until you hear Brian- the man is the complete package. I know there are diehard Josh fans out there but sometimes the Lord leads a band down another road. And that road is with Brian Miller. We feel a push right now to be more active; there is a Euro-tour in the works and we want to work up a killer stage show.  You can't do that without a stable singer who lives close by and can make it to rehearsals.

"It’s not a slam against Josh- we all love Josh he just made a choice to move. Finding someone that can sing like Josh is like finding a needle in a haystack but we did and he lives right here in town. We really hope not to loose any fans I mean the music and the message is still the same just a new messenger and you might want to give Brian a chance before you give up on us. In the very near future you will get a chance to hear and see just how good Brian is!!!!”

* Athens, Georgia-based melodic metal band THEOCRACY recorded a video for the track "Hide in the Fairytale". The track comes off the bands latest album As The World Bleeds and the video was recorded in Orlando, FL under the talented eye of producer Dan Drescher. More information will follow about the release of the video.

*Brazilian Christian heavy metal band WARRIORS OF LIGHT has finished recording their debut EP, untitled at the time of this writing.  A video to the track “I Will Never Give Up” is available at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgRRZx7viM8

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

New Joshua Perahia album, Resurrection, a collector’s gem:
Press Release / The latest CD release from Southern California guitarist/band leader Joshua Perahia comes ten years after his critically-acclaimed Something to Say. Joshua’s records have always sold well, especially overseas (11 gold albums outside the US) and he has always gathered the best melodic metal and AOR musicians into his ever-changing bands. With a huge fan base accumulated over 30 years, Joshua Perahia is one of the few L.A. metal rockers with the credibility to excite fans in 2012. Seemingly getting great singers and musicians to record with him on the very cusp of rock stardom, Joshua has worked with Rob Rock, Alex Ligertwood, Jason Scheff, Richard Baker, Jeff Fenholt, Scott Warren, and Stephen Fontaine while working with world-class producers like Keith Olsen, Eddie Kramer, and Dieter Dierks. The long-awaited release called Resurrection is a premium-packaged collector’s item.

The disc features 12 new Joshua Perahia songs, ranging from hard metal to melodic metal to metal ballads, expertly played and recorded in Los Angeles, CA. The production is crisp and punchy, the graphics and custom packaging top notch, and the lyrics are visceral and easy to understand (master rock singer Mark Boals sings on Resurrection). Having spent ten years on this album while raising his son David, Joshua Perahia writes sweeping anthemic rock songs with a personal conviction rarely encountered today. The Collectors Edition features hand-signed and numbered 12-page booklet and disc, two bonus tracks from the Joshua archives, and finally a personal gift card with Joshua’s guitar pick attached (each one played by Joshua personally). Only 888 packages are being offered and they are selling briskly on the JoshuaPerahia.com website at $21.95 each.

Already garnering critical acclaim from the rock press, Resurrection is a tour de force of melodic metal energy and indie-label marketing combined. Resurrection is quickly gaining new fans in three distinct markets: Mainstream Metal, Christian Rock and Patriotic Rock. Joshua’s 14-year-old son David Perahia has created three Youtube videos around his father’s new music featuring startling images of the War on Terror which combine with lyrics to convey the powerful story that “dad” is telling with Resurrection.

Says Joshua: “This new album is the greatest thing I have ever done, and I am proud to call it my favorite record ever recorded.” he continues... “Resurrection is my first true coming together of my personal life in fatherhood, manhood, compassion, survival instinct, and honesty that has exuded through my writing, rather than writing for record companies and their polarizing demand of a commercial record.”

Profound, uncompromising, intense storytelling lyrics together with punchy riff-infused metal music: That is Resurrection, Collectors Edition by Joshua Perahia

JOSHUA PERAHIA online: www.joshuaperahia.com & www.facebook.com/JoshuaPerahiaOfficialPage

BIOGENESIS sophomore album, The Rise, The Fall, The Rebirth, set for release on Soundmass:
Press Release / Soundmass is very pleased to be releasing the new BIOGENESIS album, The Rise, The Fall, The Rebirth.

Originally formed in 1996 by front-man Chaz Bond (JACOBS DREAM, HUMAN PARADOX), 11 years have passed since the release of their debut album The Mark Bleeds Through (2001, Rowe Productions). However, 5 years after their apparent demise, BIOGENESIS 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.

With a style that crosses genres, you get 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) providing guest  guitar solos, The Rise, The Fall, The Rebirth sees the band coming back stronger than ever!

As a bonus, everybody who pre-orders a physical CD of The Rise, The Fall, The Rebirth from Soundmass Downloads will immediately receive a free instant download of the album to listen to until they receive their copy in the mail. Included with the BIOGENESIS download is the full artwork (including lyrics) in PDF format. Physical CDs are due in stock late August but samples of all the songs can now be heard at: http://downloads.soundmass.com/products/biogenesis-the-rise-the-fall-the-rebirth

Vocalist Chaz Bond recently put together a short history of BIOGENESIS: Now that our new album or what I like to call "reunion album" has been unleashed at last after 11 long years I felt compelled to tell our story that went on quietly behind the scenes throughout the last decade. To say that it was a wild ride would be a huge understatement. Believe it or not Bio has a huge history for a band with only 2 albums. This album means so much to me and the guys and for us to be able to bring it before you at last means more than we could ever say. This band had to go through many leaps and bounds and had to overcome one hurdle after another just to make this happen which is what inspired the albums title........

The Rise, The Fall, The Rebirth track listing:

1. “Paradox”
2. “Hatred Seed”
3. “Never”
4. “Point Of Origin”
5. “Bleed Me”
6. “Angel”
7. “The, Darkness Fades”
8. “Biogenesis”
9. “The Mark 12”
10. “Fallback” (bonus track 2002)
11. “Catalyst For Malice” (bonus track 2004)

Soundmass Records online: www.soundmass.com

BIOGENESIS online: www.facebook.com/BiogenesisProgressiveMetal

END OF SEPTEMBER - New track posted online:
Press Release / The Swedish female fronted melodic metal band END OF SEPTEMBER have uploaded the track "Waiting For The Rain" on YouTube. "Waiting For The Rain" comes off the groups self-titled debut album, which was released in Europe on May 11th and North America on May 22nd through Ulterium Records.

Up-coming END OF SEPTEMBER shows:

August 10th: Frizon Festival - Örebro, Sweden
August 24th: Youth Celebration Festival -  Keuruu, Finland
December 7-8th: Christmas Rock Night - Ennepetal, Germany

END OF SEPTEMBER is definitely one of the most promising acts from Scandinavia at the moment. This young band shows with their debut album that they know how to create fantastic, memorable songs, and perform them to perfection. They have also been able to successfully create a mix between melodic metal and more modern metal that not many bands have.

With the well-crafted and intelligent song-writing of Erik Tordsson and the smooth and emotional vocals of Elin Redin, END OF SEPTEMBER is certain to be a force to be reckoned with during the coming years.

END OF SEPTEMBER online: www.endofseptember.net  & www.facebook.com/endofseptember

TO THE LAMB release debut album, Keys Of Treasure:
Press Release / Formed in 2002 by bassist Lucky Santana, São Paulo, Brazil based TO THE LAMB stays true to an eighties influenced New Wave of British Heavy sound while reflecting some modern hard rock overtones. 

Lucky Santana was joined by guitarist Renato Fonseca for the groups well received demo from 2004, Days Of Revelation. Following the departure of Renato Fonseca, Lucky Santana rounded out the TO THE LAMB line-up with lead singer Kuro Faith, drummer Samuka Drum and the guitar team of Silas Gulliver and Clei Detilli.  Kuro Faith stands out with his raspy and aggressive voice while the timekeeping skills of Samuka Drum have been described as staunch and heavy but reflecting some seventies influences.

TO THE LAMB released its full length debut Keys Of Treasure in 2011.  The album can be streamed in its entirety at: http://soundcloud.com/bandatothelamb/sets

Keys Of Treasure track listing:

1.“Lausdeo”
2. “The Trumpet”
3. “The Judgement”
4. “End Of Days”
5. “Dark Dream”
6. “Far From Home”
7. “C.Y.S.”
8. “Salvation Comes”
9. “No Rest For The Wicked”
10. “Keys Of Treasure”
11. “Prelude For The Words”

TO THE LAMB online: www.reverbnation.com/tothelamb

NEWS BRIEFS

* The Brazilian Christian heavy metal quintet POWER VISION has added three new members: Joining holdovers guitarist Leandro and drummer Alex are vocalist Rane, bassist Gilberto and guitarist Eric.  The group is currently rehearsing in preparation for recording its first album.

* THE SACRIFICED released a special download version of its 2007 debut demo under the new title The Da Vinci Hoax 2.0 Re-Mastered.  Included is a previously unreleased bonus track entitled “Passing Through”, which was lost during the recording sessions from 2006 but recently discovered in the band archives.  The album can be downloaded at: http://sellfy.com/p/XYRn

* Vocalist Eli Prinsen offered a recent update regarding the recording of the new SACRED WARRIOR album Waiting In Darkness (from the HM Blog): “Just wanted to mention that I have been recording like mad as I am the new singer for Sacred Warrior. The new album, Waiting In Darkness, sounds amazing! The best Warrior album since Rebellion, if not the best ever (In my opinion). We’re hoping to have it ready to release around Christmas. We are going to release the title track in a “in the studio” type video. This will happen in the very, very near future.”

He goes into detail about his other band, THE SACRIFICED, as well: “The Sacrificed is still very much active, but Mike (Phillips- guitarist) has also been busy recording the new Deliverance album, Hear What I Say, as well.”

* Milano, Italy based TIMESWORD hired a new vocalist in Alberto Zampolli.  The group remains at work on its next album, untitled at the time of this writing.  TIMESWORD released the progressive metal of its full length debut, Chains Of Sin, in 2010.

 

FEATURED REVIEWS

David Benson - Premonition Of Doom
Premonition Of Doom, the best of the three, was re-mastered and re-issued on Retroactive Records in the spring of 2012.  The album presents with an amalgamating of traditional metal and doom metal certain to appease fans of Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, Judas Priest and Alice Cooper.  Read Full Review >>

CODIGO ETERNO - Canten La Tierra Y El Cielo
Recorded in follow up to the groups self-titled debut from 2008, the album finds Codigo Eterno continuing to blend aspects of “melodic rock and hard rock with occasional modern overtones” (as taken from the 70% Angelic Warlord review of the debut). This emphasis on the old and the new is best reflected in Codigo Eterno’s influences, listed at its Facebook page and ranging from Def Leppard, Petra, White Heart and Bon Jovi to Skillet, Fireflight, Flyleaf, Plumb and Anberlin.  Read Full Review >

DRIVER - Countdown
The overall feeling is that Countdown bases itself upon a foundation of eighties metal (due to the melodic nature to the songwriting) while also highlighting occasional hints of traditional and melodic power metal (as a result of the heaviness therein).  Read Full Review >>

DYNASTY - Warriors Of The King
To offer more specifics, the album finds Dynasty taking a heavy NWOBHM influence and fusing it with occasional eighties metal touches and doom-like moments while staying true to the power metal roots of their past.  Read Full Review >>

END OF SEPTEMBER - End Of September
Today, the hard music scene is made up of more and more bands that are not afraid to crossover the old and new, and for good reason: Those that take a framework of modern metal and hard rock and fuse it with old school sensibilities are proving to be a refreshing change of pace.  Read Full Review >>

LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE - Hell Is Coming To Breakfast
On HICTB LNJ continues to wears its eighties metal and hard rock influences on its sleeves in no uncertain terms.  At this point it must be noted that each LNJ album takes a different spin on the genre.  Read Full Review >>

JOSHUA PERAHIA - Resurrection
Guitarist Joshua Perahia’s spring of 2012 sophomore solo release Resurrection is a special album.  This much is obvious after just a few listens, where a tasteful joining of AOR and commercial hard rock hooks, metal edged guitars and bluesy sensibilities emerges.  Read Full Review >>

STRONGHOLD - Fortress Rock
Consider Stronghold’s 1982 full length Tunesmith debut Fortress Rock, which showcased a joining of 70’s classic hard rock, doom metal and traditional metal that was way ahead of its time- at least in comparison to what the group’s contemporaries were producing.  Read Full Review >>

INTERVIEWS

New Rob Rock interview online:
MyGlobalMind conducted a recent online interview with Rob Rock, who talks about the new DRIVER album, Countdown, his solo career, faith and future projects as well.  Following is an excerpt:

At what point did you decide to catapult your own solo career and how did it feel to get some great feedback from the fans once Rage of Creation came out?
It was in 2000, after JVC Victor Japan offered me a solo deal. That was a career highlight for me. I made the album I wanted to make and the fans loved it! It was nerve wracking to put my own name on it knowing it would be judged, but in the end, it was the start of a successful solo career.

Further reading: HERE

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

AFFECTOR releases progressive metal concept album, Harmagedon:
Press Release / InsideOutMusic is proud to announce the worldwide signing of the progressive rock/metal band AFFECTOR.  AFFECTOR is a highly skilled, new international band consisting of German guitar-player Daniel Fries, Dutch drummer Collin Leijenaar (Neal Morse/DILEMMA) as well bass player Mike LePond (SYMPHONY X) and vocalist Ted Leonard (SPOCK’S BEARD/ENCHANT/THOUGHT CHAMBER) - both from the United States.

AFFECTOR’s debut album, Harmagedon, which was mixed and mastered at The Mouse House in Los Angeles by Rich Mouser (SPOCK’S BEARD/TRANSATLANTIC/Neal Morse), will be released via InsideOutMusic on May 21st, 2012 in Europe and May 22nd, 2012 in North America.

AFFECTOR’s Collin Leijenaar comments on the signing as follows:
“We are thrilled to be signing with InsideOutMusic / Century Media. It is THE home for progressive rock & metal, and it feels very much home to us! It has always been a personal dream of mine to release something on this label, and with AFFECTOR this dream has come true! I'm stoked about the future of AFFECTOR, and I hope the audience is too!?”

On their debut album, Harmagedon, AFFECTOR are joined by four very special guests on keyboards: Alex Argento, Neal Morse (TRANSATLANTIC/FLYING COLORS), Jordan Rudess (DREAM THEATER) and Derek Sherinian (PLANET X). Also featured on the album is the Polish orchestra Sinfonietta Consonus. This concept album fuses a dark, apocalyptic scenery with themes of hope and light and features heavy riffs and lightning fast solos, but also has softer and more fragile moments, where the soulful singing of Ted Leonard opens a wide spectrum of vocal harmonies.

The lyrical concept is about the Biblical Apocalypse, or End Times.  Harmageddon consists mainly out of parts of Biblical text put to music. Without personal color, just the plain text. It's one of many views on how things will end. Or not… It's up to time to decide.

Citing broad musical influences and diverse inspirations between prog and classic as well as modern rock acts, AFFECTOR is like an open marriage between progressive rock/metal and orchestral minimalism, destined to appeal to everyone into bands ranging from DREAM THEATER, A.C.T., SYMPHONY X, DARKWATER to QUEEN or RUSH.

Harmagedon track listing:

1. “Overturne Part 1: Introduction”
2. “Part 2 Prologue”
3. “Salvation”
4. “The Rapture”
5. “Cry Song”
6. “Falling Away & Rise Of The Beast”
7. “Harmagedon”
8. “New Jerusalem”

AFFECTOR line-up:

Ted Leonard - Vocals
Daniel Fries - Guitars
Mike LePond - Bass  
Collin Leijenaar - Drums

AFFECTOR online: www.affectormusic.com & www.facebook.com/Affectormusic

BATTALION - Runaway re-issue announced:
Press Release / Arkeyn Steel Records to re-master and re-release LaCrosse, Wisconsin based power metal outfits 1994 debut Runaway.  Unreleased 1995 demo and live tracks from 1992 included along with lyrics, unpublished photos and band biography.  Limited Edition 1000 hand numbered CD’s; release date August 1, 2012.  BATTALLION  is certain to appeal to fans of SACRED WARRIOR, QUEENSRYCHE, HEIR APPARENT and LETHAL.

BATTALION was formed in 1990 with Rob Kay as the drummer and lead singer, Les Rouse as lead guitar, Arron Pabst on rhythm guitar, and Kjell Hatlevig on bass guitar. Rob Kay had an amazing voice coupled with a hard driving rock and roll drum style that really stood out. Les Rouse had a gritty guitar sound and the ability to write songs with a catchy hook that left you looking forward to what was going to be played next. Ultimately BATTALION had a truly awe inspiring heart for the lost and an uplifting message in every song they performed which made this group tend to stand out. This original group began writing songs and playing live shows in and around local venues that opened many new and exciting doors in a short amount of time.

With Rob Kay singing lead vocals and playing drums at the same time it left the stage somewhat lacking with no official front man. It was decided early on to find another vocalist and that is when the sound man for the group stepped up to the task and began singing for BATTALION. That guy was Brad Lundstrom. Brad was raw and original in his vocal attack and grabbed the front man position with both horns. Rob, Les, Brad and Kjell were able to incorporate some fairly striking harmonies into the song writing style and Les was able to write some cutting edge riffs that just worked great for this foursome. At that time no one had any idea how fast BATTALION would start hitting the stage on a regular basis and soon be writing all new songs with studio recording projects just around the corner.

Rob, Brad, Les, and Kjell worked very hard to record a demo tape in 1991 at Wave Digital studio which would soon land B BATTALION into a small US tour and another recording project at Wonderland studio in 1993. Rob Kay's sister Audrey Kay helped with keyboard additions and pushed some of the songs to a new level. Member changes unfortunately began to haunt BATTALION even during the recording process at Wonderland. Rob Kay stepped down and Joe Siegel began drumming for BATTALION. Kjell Hatlevig left and Jay Curatolo took over the bass spot. Jay and Joe were fired up and really came through as the rest of the recording work at Eclipse studio was finalized in Omaha, Nebraska. Jay was only able to help with the recording process at that time. BATTALION ads were now being featured in many Heavens Metal magazine issues along with the CD Runaway packaged and sent across the US with Sun Coast Distributions, under Moonlight Productions, and Direct National Runaway Switchboard Hotline incorporated into the booklet. The group was now set to finish up the US tour and start working on new songs for future recording projects. Everything looked as if something big was about to happen.

Once BATTALION went back out into the live show arena Jamie Yonk took over the bass guitar spot and Matt Lombard joined the group as the rhythm guitarist. Matt and Jamie brought a much heavier music style into the group but the writing style and vocal intensity stayed true to the original sound. By 1994 BATTALION was now writing a whole new set of songs and working toward a second recording project in hopes to work with Rugged Records. That project was never finished as the group parted ways before anything could be finalized.

BATTALION did re-unite for a small show in their hometown in 1996 with Rob Kay, Kjell and Chad Hatlevig, Les Rouse and Brad Lundstrom playing some old and new material which would end up being the last time BATTALION was able to perform live.

Thank you to all who were involved in any and all endeavors that BATTALION was a part of. We thank God for the memories, friendships, and fellowship that came from this union.

Runaway track listing: “Don't Wait”, “Runaway”, “Only Human”, “He Is Lord”, “The Lord Sees”, “Eyes Of Love”, “Judgment Day”, “Gates Of Heaven”, “I Give You My Life”, “Take A Stand”, “Vices”, “Test Of Time” (demo), “Day Of The Coming”, (demo), “Here And Now” (demo), “On And On Again” (demo), “Instrumental” (demo), “Don't Wait” (live), “Let God Shine” (live)

A preview of the song “Don’t Wait” can be heard at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=D39tf8XuLg8

Arken Steel Records online: www.arkeynsteel.com

NEWS BRIEFS

* BRIDE offers the latest regarding its next CD (Facebook - 06/24/12): “Creative is our approach, daring in our melodies, taking risk with the style I am digging the music we are making. A couple more of writing sessions and we will find the players for this project. We have a long list of artist / musicians to choose from but only one positive choice in mind thus far. My son Alex has now left the Air Force after proudly and honorably serving his country for the past 6 years. Alex is a brilliant instrumentalist - playing piano, keys and drums. His talent will be exercised.”

(Facebook 07/20/12): “Dale (vocals) and Troy (guitars) Thompson of Bride are once again barricaded in their writing cave writing the new Bride material. Folks this is brutally awesome work. This could be the most creative Bride CD of them all.”

The album, untitled at the time of this writing, is scheduled for release by end of the year.

* CRUCIBLE DIVINE update (from the groups official website): “Now for the future of Crucible Divine…as you have noticed we do not play out much.  As much as I would like it to be Crucible is not a live band.   Trying to find the time to practice and work around all the musicians work schedules is almost impossible.  I would like it to be a live band but the longer I go on with it, it’s just not going to happen.  So for now Crucible Divine is just a studio project.  

Right now I am looking at and trying to decide what the next album will be and who will be on it.  Should it have vocals or just be an instrumental album?   I do have several new songs and ideas in the works that could go either way.  I’m just praying for direction right now.  So please keep this project in your prayers.” 

The group has put together a rough demo of two new songs, “Exodus” and “Secret Sins”: HERE

* The mixing of the next DESYRE album, Glamtron, should start next month.  Warning Of The Night, the Desyre full length debut, came out in  2009.

* Following is a teaser of the upcoming album from vocalist Germán Pascual, A New Beginning: www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7J6A1sqjTA  Look for a September release date.

Pascual got his start in NARNIA, fronting the groups 2009 swan song effort Course Of A Generation, prior to joining Christian Liljegren for the 2011 fifth full length album from DIVINEFIRE, Eye Of The Storm.

* GOLDEN RESURRECTION has started work on its new album.  No word on a title or release date.  New songs include “The Temple Will Remain”, “One Voice For The Kingdom”, “God’s Mercy”, “I Was Born For The Strangers”, “Night Light” and “Can’t Slow Down”.

GOLDEN RESURRECTION put out the neo-classical metal of its debut Glory To My King in 2010 and sophomore release Man With A Mission a year later.

Vocalist Christian Liljegren also updated his video blog: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTyunlGirIg&feature=plcp

* Guitarist Joshua Perahia has started the re-mastering process of the classic JOSHUA album Intense Defense, originally released in 1988.  The artist is adding a brand new bass guitar track in addition to fixing the overall production and levels.  Perahia recently released his second solo album, Resurrection.

* July 2012 update from Rowe Productions: www.roweproductions.com/news

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

The return of… DELIVERANCE:
Press Release / From the early thrash metal scene on the West Coast and hailing from the mean streets of Los Angeles California, brace yourselves metal fans, for the long overdue return of DELIVERANCE Helping shape the early thrash and speed metal scene of the late 80’s and early 90’s DELIVERANCE were one of the premiere bands to stand out and break away from the pack. Signed to Intense Records in the early stages of their career and with their video “Weapons Of Our Warfare” a staple on MTV’s Headbangers Ball, DELIVERANCE were at the forefront of all things speed metal. And now in 2012 DELIVERANCE are back and set to reclaim their place as major players in the thrash and speed metal scene once again!

3 Frogz Records in association with Roxx Productions are excited to announce the first brand new album from DELIVERANCE in over 5 long years! This fall get ready for the band to unleash their long awaited tenth studio album aptly entitled Hear What I Say!

 DELIVERANCE 2012 features the one and only founder and main song writer in DELIVERANCE Jimmy P. Brown II out front on vocals and lead guitar as well as the return of Michael Phillips (,DELIVERANCE THE SACRIFICED, JOIN THE DEAD) shredding once again on lead guitar. On bass making his long overdue return to the DELIVERANCE fold, none other than Manny Morales!  And this time around pounding the drums we make way for a true drumming legend making his debut to the DELIVERANCE line up, none other than Jayson Sherlock (MORTIFICATION, HORDE, PARAMECIUM)!

And this Sunday July 22nd get ready for the world premiere of the first track off of the upcoming new album Hear What I Say! entitled “The Annals Of Subterfuge”. Join Michael Phillips this Sunday on Beyond The Riff as he talks about all things DELIVERANCE, as well as his new band and album JOIN THE DEAD and his recent role and involvement with progressive metallers THE SACRIFICED!

Tune in from 2pm-4pm PST to hear what Michael has to say and to catch the world premiere of the brand new DELIVERANCE track! 

DELIVERANCE online: www.facebook.com/pages/Deliverance

Neal Morse gains Momentum:
Press Release / Coming off of a highly successful 2011 marked by the release of the Testimony 2 album, and an enthusiastically attended tour throughout the US, Mexico and Europe, Neal Morse could easily have justified going on a creative hiatus to catch his breath. But that would fly in the face of his convictions and the sense that he is being led to build upon the swell of success he is experiencing.

In January 2012, Morse was pondering the possibilities of a change in direction. After all, it had been a decade since he left the progressive rock stalwart SPOCK'S BEARD to pursue a solo career that would allow him to write more freely about his personal faith. And in that time he had recorded six impressive studio records that were heralded for their unique hybrid of epic compositions that tested the boundaries of musicianship while maintaining a remarkable sense of melody through irresistible hooks and addictive choruses. He could have taken a break or gone in an entirely new direction. But he felt led otherwise, as summed up in the new record’s title track: “You’ve got some new momentum, you better keep going.”

Morse’s long time studio partner and friend Mike Portnoy (ADRENALINE MOB, ex-DREAM THEATER) had a small window in January 2012 when he could record. The only problem was, there was only one song and a few bits and pieces written. Taking a leap of faith, he scheduled a recording session with the drumming legend and longtime bass player Randy George in two weeks, hoping that the music would arrive before the musicians. And boy did it ever.

Momentum features five exceptional stand alone songs and one longer conceptual piece. In addition to the accessible title track, there’s the quirkily clever, GENTLE GIANT-inspired “Thoughts Part 5”, which follows in the footsteps of the previous “Thoughts” tracks penned by Morse with SPOCKS BEARD. “Smoke And Mirrors” trods an introspective, acoustic path, while “Weathering Sky” offers a raucous cry for deliverance and renewal from a searching soul. Rounding out the shorter tracks is “Freak”, an upbeat, strings-charged song unlike anything Neal has recorded to date. Last comes “World Without End”, a near 34-minute, six-part epic that contains everything that defines Morse as a master of the genre.

Another highlight of this record is that, in addition to a masterful solo by guitar wizard Paul Gilbert, there are contributions from Adson Sodré, Bill Hubauer and Eric Gillette - three musicians who were selected as members of Morse’s new touring band through an exciting YouTube driven open audition process.

While Momentum propels Morse forward and further cements his standing as a prolific progressive rock icon, it steers clear of the potential “more of the same” trap, and features fresh musical angles and some of the finest performances to date by the Morse, Portnoy, George team.

The release of Momentum on September 11th will be quickly followed up by a North American tour that spotlights the fresh talent of his new live band, with stops in such cities as Nashville, Jacksonville, New York, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Seattle and Mexico City.

Momentum track listing:

1. “Momentum”
2. “Thoughts Part 5”
3. “Smoke And Mirrors”
4. “Weathering Sky”
5. “Freak”
6. “World Without End”:
I “Introduction”
II “Never Pass Away” 
III “Losing Your Soul”
IV “The Mystery” 
V “Some Kind of Yesterday”
VI “World Without End”

Written and Produced by Neal Morse, “Thoughts Part 5” - Written by Neal Morse and Randy George, “Smoke And Mirrors” and “The Mystery” - Music by Neal Morse, Lyrics by Chris Thompson and Neal Morse. Mixed by Rich Mouser.

Featured Musicians: Neal Morse (keyboards, guitars, & vocals); Mike Portnoy (drums); Randy George (bass); Additional Musicians: Paul Gilbert (guitar solo on “Momentum”); Adson Sodré (guitar solos on “World Without End”); Bill Hubauer (clarinet, flute, guitar and additional keys on “The Mystery”); Eric Gillette (additional vocals on “Thoughts Part 5”); Wil Morse (additional vocals on “Thoughts Part 5”); Chris Carmichael (strings); Rick Altizer (additional vocals on “Weathering Sky” and “Smoke and Mirrors”).

Neal Morse online: www.nealmorse.com & www.facebook.com/nealmorse

NEWS BRIEFS

* Long Live Rock N Roll will be the title to the new NINETEEN88 album.  More details as they become available.  Further reading at the NINETEEN88 Facebook page: www.facebook.com/nineteen88rawks

* Joshua Perahia uploaded a video to the track “World At War” (off his recently released album Resurrection): www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJkFP0qiwJs

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

Re-issue on the way of fourth THE SEVENTH POWER album, Power And Glory:
Press Release / Power And Glory, the fourth album from guitarist Bill Menchen’s main project THE SEVENTH POWER, is scheduled for re-issue on October 12, 2012.  Originally a digital release as a five song EP in January of 2011, Power And Glory will be extended to make it a full length offering.

Look for Bill Menchen to again handle all instrumentation with the exception of drums, which will be performed by Robert Sweet (STRYPER).

The Power And Glory EP can still be sampled on ITunes and Amazon.  According to the artist, the full length will be in the style of Eternal Power, his third THE SEVENTH POWER release from earlier in the year.

A video is in the works for a new song entitled “God Is Love”.  Artwork design by Alonso Espinoza.

Power And Glory (EP) track-listing: “Doom Has Come”, “In The Prison House”, “No Other Name”, “Power And Glory”

Bill Menchen online: www.billmenchen.com & www.facebook.com/bill.menchen

THEOCRACY - Self-titled debut to be re-released:
Press Release / The debut album from the Athens, Georgia-based melodic metal band THEOCRACY will be re-released through Ulterium Records. The album was originally released through Metal Ages Records in 2003 and is nowadays very rare and hard to find. No release date is set for the re-release yet, but more information and updates will follow.

THEOCACRY vocalist Matt Smith comments on the re-release:

"A lot of people ask us how to get the debut Theocracy album, which is long out of print.  Well, you won't have to wait much longer, because it's going to be re-released through Ulterium Records!  We went through a lot of discussion about how much we wanted to rework it: Do we re-record the whole thing with the new lineup?  Do we just release it as-is?  There were a lot of ways we could go, but ultimately we decided that people love that album and it's a snapshot in time, so we didn't want to completely redo something people are attached to.  We'd rather present the best-sounding version we can of what's already there, with one change that seemingly everyone wants to hear: real drums!  Shawn's going to record drums to the tracks that are already there, and then I'm going to remix it, so it should be killer. Right now I'm going through the tracks and trying to get everything organized and usable (some of those recordings were really bad!), and soon we'll be ready for Shawn to lay down the drum tracks. Keep checking in, and we'll keep you posted as it unfolds!"

Theocracy track listing:

1. "Prelude"
2. "Ichthus"
3. "The Serpent’s Kiss"
4. "Mountain"
5. "Theocracy"
6. "The Healing Hand"
7. "Sinner"
8. "New Jerusalem"
9. "The Victory Dance"
10. "Twist Of Fate"

The latest THEOCRACY album As The World Bleeds was released in Europe on November 25th through Ulterium Records, in North America on November 21st through Nightmare Records and in Japan on April 25th through King Records.

As The World Bleeds debuted at #40 in the Billboard Heatseekers Chart during the first week of release.

THEOOCRACY online: www.theocracymusic.com & www.facebook.com/theocracyband

NEWS BRIEFS

* ABSOLON Darkness Rising update from vocalist Ken Pike: “Things are progressing great on the project.  As I knew it would, it has turned out to be a monster.  It will be well over an hours worth of material!  But, we are all super excited about how it is turning out.  I recently worked out a European distribution deal that will get the CD out to the UK, Germany and even Scandinavia. So, we're excited about that.  We (and others) feel this project will do really well over there.
 
I know people are going to be impressed with the whole thing when it's done.  It's not MALACHIA for sure (although my voice will be readily recognizable).  We re-recorded most of the tune you have already heard "Darkness Rising".  I wanted it to sound the same as the rest of the CD so, I had our drummer re-do the drums, bass player re-do the bass, new guitar work and vocals re-done.    It's a much better song now!  We are looking at a release date of mid October if all goes well and we have no set backs.”

* TEMPEST guitarist Mick Rowe is recording a follow up to the NINETEEN 88 debut The Great American Rock & Roll Spectacle.    No word on a working title or release date.  In the words of the artist: “TEMPEST is Metal, 88 is more Rock & Roll”.  There are also several different bands of different genres in which he will be releasing new material in the next six months.  More details as they become available.

 

INTERVIEWS

New Michael Sweet interview online:
Guitar World recently interviewed Michael Sweet, who goes into detail about his new solo album, autobiography and the future of STRYPER.  Following is an excerpt:

What’s the new Stryper album going to be like?
We’re going into this new record with the mentality and thinking of making it like a To Hell With The Devil 2. That’s not to say it will actually sound like that album, but we really want it to be as great as To Hell With The Devil, which was our biggest album.

Further reading: HERE

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

BLOODGOOD documentary announced, In The Trenches Of Rock and Roll:
Press Release / In The Trenches of Rock and Roll chronicles the 27 year history of Bloodgood: Starting from the band’s 1985 debut cassette demo, Metal Missionaries (which put them on the map and won them the attention of Frontline Records and veteran music producer, Darrel Mansfield), leading to their first record deal and self-titled debut album. Sophomore and platinum-selling Detonation was followed by multiple U.S. and European tours, 3 subsequent studio records, 8 live releases, and numerous compilation albums - ultimately solidifying their status as one of the founding fathers of “Christian Metal" and their induction into the Christian Music Hall of Fame.

Bloodgood’s road was paved with conflict by the mainstream music industry that found their blatant use of faith-based lyrics an unfitting marriage with heavy metal, as well as extreme religious conservatives who believed heavy metal was purely secular and of the devil.

Seattle-based Bloodgood, led by bassist Michael Bloodgood and lead vocalist Les Carlsen, forged on undeterred for decades, continually spreading their positive message through their music, saving thousands of estranged teenagers and adults from their depression and thoughts of suicide – an unheard of juxtaposition to the typical message of rock and roll at the time.

In The Trenches of Rock and Roll explores the depth of their ministry and musicality, the ensuing brotherhood and camaraderie of its band members, and the hardship and perseverance it takes to keep a rock band together for nearly three decades. Trenches includes in-depth interviews with all past and present Bloodgood members, openly sharing their individual testimonies, internal struggles, their triumphs and their tragedies, layered throughout reels of mostly unseen archival footage, much of which were obtained from the personal collections of the band. Trenches is essential viewing for Bloodgood and rock and roll fans alike, as well as anyone who wants an up close look at what makes a historical band legendary.

Basic Topics the Documentary Will Cover:

• An exclusive look at Bloodgood from the past and present band member's perspective.

• Scheduled interviews include: Michael Bloodgood (bass), Les Carlsen (lead vocals), David Zaffiro (guitar), Paul Jackson
   (guitar), Oz Fox (guitar), J.T. Taylor (drums), Mark Welling (drums), Kevin Whisler (drums), Paul Roraback (drums),
   David McKay (keyboards), Craig Church (rhythm guitar, live).

• How Bloodgood survived the bludgeon of ridicule laid upon them from both the mainstream and extreme religious   
   conservatives alike, particularly at their inception.

• Band member's recollection of recording individual albums, playing memorable venues (both good and bad), and the
   U.S./European/Russian tours that surrounded them.

• Internal struggles among the band and how it influenced Bloodgood's sometimes fragile future.

• The temptations of the rock and roll lifestyle and the constant fatigue of life on the road.

• The ultimate bonds of brotherhood that formed amongst the band members as a result of their faith and perseverance.

• The impact of Bloodgood's music upon hundreds of thousands of fans.

Further reading: www.facebook.com/rockdocumentary

BLOODGOOD online: www.bloodgoodband.com & www.facebook.com/bloodgoodband

All Hail The Power scheduled for re-issue:
Worship metal project to be re-released by guitarist P.K. Mitchell.  Additional information about the album at the artists Facebook page: 

“In late 1988 he sat down and began writing 15 songs that were re-workings of old traditional church hymns and began to work towards getting them released. He signed with Patriot Records (and eventually Rugged Records) in 1991 and began recording what would become the All Hail The Power album.  During this time he also wrote and recorded several new re-workings of hymns and added them into the session.  Though there were many delays over the next few years, All Hail The Power was eventually released in 1994 and a music video was promptly shot for the song "Amazing Grace".”

No word on a release date.  Further details as they become available.

All Hail The Power track-listing: "Amazing Grace", "Nothing But the Blood", "Trust and Obey", "Oh How I Love Jesus", "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms", "Take My Life", "Onward Christian Soldier", "All Hail the Power", "Jesus Paid It All", " God Be With You (Til We Meet Again)"

Work is also underway on All Hail The Power II (Facebook - June 25, 2012):

“I have various songs going. I have one completed and waiting for Robyn Basauri to add vocals.  A lot of various aspects are being worked on all at once.

"I wish I could be like a Ted Kirkpatrick or a Bride and bust out an album fairly quick, but I do a lot of programming and basically a lot of instruments myself.   And I don’t like to write out a song completely note for note ahead of time; I leave a lot of wiggle room to write while I’ m tracking in the music.  The music sounds more inspired and raw that way- there’s a certain amount of "make it up as you go" going on

"Well, I hope people can dig it.  I’ve changed quite a bit since the last record.  They’ll be a variety of stuff on this record, from super heavy detuned stuff to, well, the song I just finished, "The Wideness", sounds kind a like it could’ve come off of Zeps In Through The Out Door (my buddy Glen says Physical Graffiti ).  It was the first thing i wrote with my new mandolin, just kind a happened.

I currently have enough songs written for ATHP 2, 3, 4, and maybe even 5.”

Further reading: www.facebook.com/pk.mitchell.5

NEWS BRIEFS

* Guitarist Mick Rowe of TEMPEST uploaded an awesome cover of the REZ Band classic “Military Man” (originally recorded for DMZ from 1982): www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqRQh5OO4jI

* Ulterium Records on new THEOCRACY demo tracks (Facebook – June 26, 2011): “Listening to demo versions of a couple of new Theocracy tracks today. It's amazing how well they sound, so much better than so many finished albums out there. Fantastic tracks as well! Will take quite a while before we see a new album, but I'm sure that we'll have another classic in our hands when the time comes!”

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

Roxx Productions announces Summer Sampler 2012:
Press Release / Roxx Records has been working very hard for over 10 years now to bring you, the listener, some of the best Christian Rock and Metal this side of Heaven. And 2012 has been no exception and right here we are offering you a free taste of some of this years already classic releases as well as some insight to what the future holds for Roxx Records the remainder of 2012!

If you like what you hear jump over to our website www.roxxproductions.com or any of our retail outlets and pick up a copy to support the cause! Roxx Records titles are available at Amazon, Century Media, CD Baby, iTunes and wherever fine indie music is supported!

But for now, sit back and take in some free tunes courtesy of Roxx Records! Enjoy!

THE SACRIFIED - “Behold The Power of God”
* Taken from the Roxx Records Release III (Now Available)
LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE - “Get Down”
* Taken from the Roxx Records Release Hell Is Coming To Breakfast (Now Available)
JUMP SHIP QUICK - “Hollywouldn’t”
* Taken from the Punk Roxx Records Release Where Thieves Cannot Tread (Now Available)
JOIN THE DEAD - “Out of Breath”
* Taken from the Roxx Records Release Join The Dead (Release Date August 7, 2012)
LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE - “Jesus Love Shout”
* Taken from the Roxx Records Release Before The Revolution - Best of LNJ The Early Years (Available Fall 2012)
Ultimatum - “Heart Of Metal” (Metal Pulse Radio Mix)
* Taken from the Roxx Records BONUS DISC version Heart Of Metal - 20 Years Of Ultimatum (Available Fall 2012)
FORCHRISTSAKE - “Red Moon”
* Previously unreleased live version recorded on the 11th of May in Midtown Wales UK! Watch for their debut album on Roxx Records Apocalyptic Visions Of Divine Terror (Available Fall 2012)
ASCENDANT – “The Alteration”
* Taken from the album The Alteration with US Distribution through Roxx Records (Now Available)

Roxx Productions online: www.roxxproductions.com 

BABYLON MYSTERY ORCHESTRA reveals artwork to new album, Poinium Cherum:
Further insight from founding member Sidney Allen Johnson (BMO Facebook - June 5, 2012):

"The record will be called Poinium Cherem. Yes the words have very symbolic meaning. You will find them carved into the walls of a Christian Bakers house in the ruins of Pompeii. It is believed to be one of the earliest representations of Christianity outside of the Middle East. It appears the baker was convinced that the blow that was about to be dealt to Pompeii was a reward for the whorish nature of the city as well as for Rome's recent destruction of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. From the instant incineration of Pompeii and its twin city Herculaneum to the one hour "Punishment Destruction" of Mystery Babylon USA, I have chosen to resurrect the words POINIUM CHEREM as the final words for a doomed civilization that tries every day to bring back all the worst attributes of Rome....in the name of progress."

Poinium Cherem track listing:

1. “Chorale...What Should Not Be”
2. “Destroyer”
3. “The Affliction”
4. “Apollyon”
5. “I Am An Artist”
6. “Devilution”
7. “Another Path”
8. “Seething”
9. “A Prophet's Song”
10. “We Write The Words”
11. “Poinium Cherem”
12. “Finale...What Could Not Be”

The songs touch on such subjects as evolution, music and art, homosexuality and even...quantum physics? This will be fun. Absolute Truth always is...

BABYLON MYSTERY ORCHESTRA online: www.babylonmysteryorchestra.com/home.html & www.facebook.com/pages/Babylon-Mystery-Orchestra

Josh Kramer does “The Zombie Shuffle”:
New video debuted by former SAINT vocalist.  The artist provides additional detail (at YouTube):

“The Zombie Shuffle” was inspired by a journey I took a few years ago to Spanaway Washington. I witnessed people walking around late at night on the street, rummaging through garbage cans looking like death warmed over with emaciated faces, rotten teeth and sores on their faces and hands. I found out later by a local that knew better, that these poor souls are meth addicts and God only knows what else. They had a peculiar hurried alcohol enhanced drunken swagger to their walk with glazed over eyes. It was pretty creepy. And thus, “The Zombie Shuffle” song was born.

"The film was directed and produced by me, (Josh Kramer), performing guitars, bass and vocals. The song was written by me and produced by Jarred Knowland whom also played the drums. Executive producer, Richard Lynch. I am playing the main character in the video with supporting acting by Juan Bennidicto, and Anne Christoffersen, and her dogs. All 3 of us took turns being camera operators. Anne gussied me up with makeup."

Josh Kramer departed SAINT after performing on its recently released new album Desperate Night.

Angelic Warlord Update Archives: HERE