METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
GX PROJECT - “Train Wreck” video released:
Press Release / ”Train Wreck”, the new video from gritty hard rockers GX PROJECT, can be seen above. The song is taken from the group’s second studio album, Sinner, which was released in June of 2014via Image Records.
Commented vocalist Rex Scott: “This is the most true rock n roll album I've ever done. It's rock n roll from beginning to end and I love it. I've done metal, hard rock and pop rock but this is real rock n roll”.
Scott offers additional details in regards to how Sinner compares to the GX PROJECT 2012 debut, Bite Stick: “On this one we tried to expand a bit and add some flavor that reminds me a bit of Peace Treaty at times (the 1991 sophomore album from Rex's other band X-SINNER). We do a bit more layered vocals sometimes on this one and I think that's the main difference between this one and Bite Stick.”
GX PROJECT represents a partnership between Scott and guitarist and producer Glenn Thomas. Again, further insight from Scott: “On Bite Stick we shared a guitar solo on one song and he played all the rest but on Sinner he let me take a couple on my own this time. Glenn is the producer, drummer, bassist and guitarist. I'm the vocalist and the rhythm guitarist. He's typically on the left side and I'm on the right if you listen in headphones. For live we have Craig Jeans play the drums.”
Scott gained initial renown as part of ZION and X-SINNER, fronting the formers 1989 full-length debut Thunder From The Mountain and latter’s 1991 sophomore effort Peace Treaty. He returned with X-SINNER following the turn of the century for its third and fourth albums Fire It Up and World Covered In Blood from 2006 and 2008, respectively.
The Angelic Warlord review (80%) described Bite Stick as “(Staying) true to the AC/DC influenced sounds of X-SINNER” while also reflecting the “occasional bluesy hard rock moment hinting of early nineties BRIDE in addition to some eighties metal swagger not unlike MAIN LINE RIDERS and WHITECROSS. Throw in the raw energy of Fire It Up and World Covered In Blood and you have a creative merging of several styles to form a cohesive whole.”
Sinner is available for order at: www.x-sinner.org/gx_presales.html
Sinner track listing:
1. “Satisfaction”
2. “Rock N Roll Soul”
3. “You Can’t”
4. “Get Some”
5. “She Goes All Night”
6. “I Sell Love”
7. “Tear It Up”
8. “Sinner”
9. “Get Your High”
10. “All About You”
11. “Don’t Come Cheap”
12. “Train Wreck”
13. “Living Dead”
GX Project online: www.facebook.com/pages/The-GX-Project
TRUE STRENGTH - The Cross Will Always Prevail album details revealed:
Press Release / Classic US power metal act TRUE STRENGTH released its full-length debut, The Cross Will Always Prevail, independently on June 8, 2014. The album is available digitally via iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody and other outlets.
TRUE STRENGTH was formed in October of 2012 by rhythm guitarist Ryan "The Archangel" Darnell and drummer Chris Clark, who “envisioned a Christian metal band that honored God, spread the Word of Jesus Christ and dedicated 100% of their music sales to charity” (as taken from the groups press material). The two later hired lead guitarist Josh Cirbo and proceeded to record the music for The Cross Will Always Prevail over the latter half of 2013. After recruiting vocalist Rus Gib, TRUE STRENGTH completed the final mix in April of 2014 and mastering a month later.
The Cross Will Always Prevail was recorded at Josh Cirbo Studios by Josh Cirbo. Josh Cirbo also produced the project, while Ryan Mey for Darkwave Media handled mastering duties.
Commented the group: “It has been a long road this year, with a lot of delays and setbacks but the cross has indeed prevailed! We give thanks to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for giving us the strength to release our first album! All glory and honor belongs to Christ alone! We hope you all enjoy this album as a lot of blood, sweat and tears went into making it, we love you all!”
TRUE STRENGTH draws its musical inspiration from IRON MAIDEN, SAINT, BLOODGOOD, MEGADETH, LEVITICUS, BRIDE, BARREN CROSS, JUDAS PRIEST, ZION, METALLICA, DELIVERANCE, STRYPER, JACOBS DREAM, HELLOWEEN, STAIRWAY, BLUES OYSTER CULT, SAMSON, BOSTON and DIO.
The track “The Cross Will Always Prevail” is available for streaming at: www.indiecharts.com/True-Strength
"The Cross Will Always Prevail" track listing”
1. Exorcism (Intro)
2. The Cross Will Always Prevail
3. Christian Battle Cry
4. Under The Scimitar
5. Starve The Fires Of Moloch
6. Michael The Archangel
7. When We Meet At Armageddon
8. Key To The Abyss
TRUE STRENGTH line-up:
Rus Gib - Lead and Backing Vocals
Ryan "The Archangel" Darnell - Rhythm Guitar & Bass
Josh Cirbo - Lead Guitar
Chris Clark - Drums
TRUE STRENGTH online: www.facebook.com/pages/True-Strength
NEWS BRIEFS
* EMPIRE 21 debut album studio update (Facebook - April 21, 2014): “Today we want to thank Thomas Plec Johansson at The Panic Room mastering studio for putting his soul into mastering the EMPIRE 21 debut album. He used his very well trained ears not only to create a blasting final result but to carefully and patiently listen to our wishes.
“He let us hear all possible approaches to the mix before making any final decisions, so we're confident that we have the beefiest sounding album we could ever dream of.
“So thank you Thomas for this and again thanks to Tobias Lindell who did an equally amazing job mixing this album, making it nothing but awesome! You guys rock and we sincerely appreciate you!”
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
W.A.S.P. to release Golgotha album in 2015:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:
Press Release / W.A.S.P. is "about three weeks away from finishing" its new studio album, titled Golgotha, for an early 2015 release. During a press conference yesterday (Friday, June 6) before the band's performance at this year's edition of the Sweden Rock Festival in Sölvesborg, Sweden, W.A.S.P. main man Blackie Lawless stated about the lyrical inspiration for the upcoming CD (see video above): "'Golgotha' is Hebrew for place of the skull, and it's the hill where Christ was crucified. And it's interesting, when you see a lot of bands going around using Satanic images or images of death and things like that, and I'm thinking, all they need to do is look at the source, 'cause it's right there. I mean, if you want death, there's enough to go around there."
Regarding the musical direction of W.A.S.P.'s new material, Lawless said: "It sounds probably more similar to the last two that we've done (2007's Dominator and 2009's Babylon). And we've been working on this thing for four years now."
He continued: "I don't know if you guys heard, I had a little hiccup last year, and that delayed recording for almost a year. I broke my leg. And that, too, was an interesting trip.
"But there's one thing that I learned when I was doing (1992's) The Crimson Idol: if you make a record over too long of a period of time, you have to be very, very careful, because the record you start out making is not the record you end up finishing, because you've changed so much as a person over a three- or four-year period, you've gotta be very, very careful to hold on to that vision. But from what I'm hearing so far - and it's not completely mixed yet - it has definite overtones of the last two records."
Lawless was also asked about his statements in past interviews that he will never perform W.A.S.P.'s classic song (edit out song title with nasty four-letter word) live again because of his "religious faith."
"I look at it like this: I'm a representative of the most high God," he said. "But I have to be very careful about the things I say and do," he said. "I mean, I'm gonna answer one day for the things that I've done. And I wanna make sure that when I do, that my slate is clean. But equally as import as that, I think, is I've been given an opportunity to stand in front of people, and you're either gonna say something positive or you're gonna say something mindless; there's no in between - you're either one or the other. And I'm just trying my best. And I'm not saying that I'm doing it all the time, but I'm trying my best to say something that I think could help somebody's life."
He continued: "I remember on the first album (1984's W.A.S.P.), we had a song called “B.A.D.”. And a girl came up to me one day, and she says, 'I wanna thank you for that song.' And I said, 'What for?' And she says, 'Well, I used to be a really bad heroin addict. And when I heard that song, it changed my life and I don't shoot heroin anymore.' Now, that song had nothing to do with heroin; I don't know what she heard in those lyrics. And at the time, I really didn't wanna hear that, because, to me, I knew enough about what a statement from her like that meant. To me, that was the 'R' word, and I didn't wanna know about… The 'R' word, to me, was 'responsibility,' and I didn't wanna hear it. And I ran from that as far as I could. And then over a period of time…
"We got finished with the Inside The Electric Circus record [1986], and I realized we had made one of the biggest piles of junk in the history of the recording industry. And I said, 'You know what?! That's it. I'm not doing that anymore. If I can't say something with the music, there's no point in me doing it.' And I thought, 'This girl is telling me she's not shooting heroin anymore, and I didn't even try. Imagine what I could do if I tried just a little bit.' And there's a ton of stories that you hear like that.
"You don't realize the impact that you're having on people. Because I'm one of those kind of people, I live in my own little bubble. I mean, I am one of the worst people to ask opinions about anything, because I just live in my own little space. If I'm not writing or in the studio, I live way away from everybody and I'm just in my own world. So you don't realize the impact you have on people a lot of times. I mean, when I'm at home, I have a ranch that… It's a pretty big piece of property, and I get out there and I just walk around and I'm just me. And I forget, a lot of times, until I go some place and somebody is interested, for whatever reason, in anything I might have to say. To me, that's always surprising. Because, quite honestly, I don't think it's that important. But apparently somebody does."
According to Lawless, the change in his lyrical approach happened with the 1989 release of The Headless Children album. He said: "There's a place, I guess, for all kinds of music, but for myself personally, I started looking around at what I felt was my purpose. And I thought music can be so much more than this. And I'm not saying that there's not a place for gusy to have a good time. But if I can do something to say something or help change somebody's life, I'm gonna sleep a lot better at night."
Blackie also spoke about his early life as a born-again Christian and his decision to leave the church at age 18, only to return to his Christian faith 20 years later.
"Like a lot of people, organized religion was telling me things that I didn't see in the Bible," he explained. "And so, for 20 years after I left the church, I walked around with all these things that I had been taught, and I thought I was mad at God. And after 20 years, I realized I was not mad at God, I was mad at man for the institutionalized thinking that I had been indoctrinated with. And I discovered then, whether it's the Bible or anything else you ever wanna know in life, don't listen to somebody else telling you. You wanna find out, go find out for yourself, because ultimately you are going to be responsible for yourself. And so that's what I did. And when I did that, I realized, like, I wasn't mad at God anymore. These guys that had been telling me this stuff for the longest time, I realized that they had an agenda."
The artist further discusses his faith and the groups Babylon release in an online interview with Sleaze Roxx from 2010: www.sleazeroxx.com/interviews/blackielawless.shtml
NEWS BRIEFS
* Roxx Records update: First up the limited edition DELIVERANCE and ULTIMATUM vinyl pressings are nearing completion! If you have been holding off on those don’t wait too long! The limited edition Weapons Of Our Warfare blue vinyl version is nearly sold out and the green vinyl version of Heart of Metal is not far behind that!
Pre-orders are still available: http://roxxproductions.storenvy.com/products
Those that pre-order before the July 15, 2014 release date are guaranteed a free CD copy!
In other news, coming up in October we have 2 more limited edition CD reissues coming from DELIVERANCE with the first ever re-master and reissue of Stay of Execution. Also, to complete the Intense Millennium Records reissues Roxx Records is very proud and excited to present you with a fully re-mastered/reissue from VENGEANCE RISING their 4th and final offering entitled Released Upon The Earth!
If that is not enough for you, watch as we help the mighty MORTIFICATION celebrate 25 years in 2015 with a very special limited edition vinyl release!
FEATURED REVIEWS
David Benson - Evil Killer
As a reviewer, and unlike some, I never had a problem with the fact Benson’s vocals are reminiscent to those of Ozzy’s. Rather, my main concern always came down to whether or not his songs are any good. Read Full Review >>
BRIDE - Into The Matrix
Matrix, in other words, represents all things Bride in that all eras of Bride’s history can ultimately trace themselves to Matrix. Read Full Review >>
KING’S X - Out Of The Silent Planet
King’s X made its mark by being different. Read Full Review >>
PILGRIMSPROG - Do You Have Thanatophobia?
Pilgrimsprog delivers a tasteful blend of straightforward hard rock, classic rock and progressive rock. Read Full Review >>
PŸLON - Homo Homini Lupus
Homo Homini Lupus, a Latin phrase meaning “man is a wolf to (his fellow) man”, finds Pÿlon presenting with its share of changes. Read Full Review >>
SARDIS - Escape
Escape, the spring of 2014 full-length debut from Joplin, Missouri based Sardis, succeeds where other self-financed and independently released projects failed: Production comes across crisp and clean with no muddy elements; musicianship is ably done in that all Sardis members are strong performers; and well thought out and consistent songwriting yields no skip buttons or filler tracks. Read Full Review >>
SOMBRE HOLIDAY - An Hour Of Light
It is true that An Hour Of Light does not sound remarkably different than the first two Sombre Holiday releases, but therein lies its brilliance! Read Full Review >>
Michael Sweet - I’m Not Your Suicide
There can’t be a simpler formula in the hard music world than that behind making a solo album: Mix equal parts inspiration of your full time band with your own unique musical spin on things while throwing in a few unexpected twists and turns along the way. Read Full Review >>
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
Derek Close releases sophomore album, The Beta Sessions:
Press Release / “A man and his bass guitar. Get ready to rumble!” The introductory statement at the Facebook page of Kalispell, MT based bassist and guitarist Derek Close, who returns in early 2014 with the straightforward hard rock of his second solo album entitled The Beta Sessions.
Commented the artist regarding his musical background: “I started to learn guitar and picked up the bass (during the late eighties). Throughout the early '90's I played in a few bands that played a few gigs but never did any recording. That changed when I joined My Cat Puddinhead and we recorded our first demo tape in '94. From there I went on to help form the band Judah (WA). We played a number of gigs and also recorded a demo tape called One Step From The Basement. While in Judah I got asked to record the bass tracks for About This Big's album Chaos Theory. After that, life got in the way forcing me into a bit of a hiatus. I did record a few tracks for the band Nathan Creek.
“Come late 2006 Dan Johnson from Sanctyfied got in touch with me and I recorded the bass tracks for their second album Flying High. I even got the privilege of writing the album's title track. It was during this time that I started really working on my own music again. I had several songs that had never been recorded and some that had never been finished.
“In 2011 I released my first album, a Christmas instrumental rock album called In The Christmas Groove, (while) 2014 has seen the release of my second, The Beta Sessions.”
The Beta Sessions was recorded and mixed at Been Jammin’ Studios in Kalispell, MT. Tim Sutherland handled the “floating cat head art” and Tori Close the cover art layout.
Samples to The Beta Sessions are available at the artists Bandcamp page: http://derekclose.bandcamp.com/album/the-beta-sessions
An interview with Derek Close can also be read at: http://rockthechartsuk.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/q-with-derek-close.html
The Beta Sessions track listing:
1. “9-1-1”
2. “Atomic Clock”
3. “Out Of Reach”
4. “Cerebral Vortex”
5. “Violence: Domesticated”
6. ‘Opposite Extremes”
7. “The Pavilion”
8. “Daddy”
9. “El Gato”
10. “Dreaming In Color”
Derek Close online: www.derekclose.com & www.facebook.com/DCzMusic
WONROWE VISION announce new album, 2-Headed Monster:
Press Release / Pre-production on the new full-length WONROWE VISION album, 2-Headed Monster, will be complete by the end of this month.
Steve Rowe, vocalist & bassist of the Melbourne, Australian based act, offers further detail: “After learning so much about writing classic rock these past 5 years with the first two Wonrowe Vision albums, I think that we now have the sound nailed! On Mission Invincible (the group’s 2010 debut full-length), I was aiming to sing like Lemmy from Motored. On the second album (Visions Of The Past Present And Future from 2013) I simply tried to 'sing'. Being that Wonrowe Vision has strong punk & rock ‘n’ roll influences, on 2-Headed Monster I will be taking a more aggressive punk rock vocal approach!!
“You can hear this type of singing on “Short Circuit” (off the 2006 Mortification album Erasing The Goblin) and “Resurrection Band (A Tribute To Rez)” (off the 2009 Mortification album The Evil Addiction Destroying Machine). I think that this style of vocal (delivery) is a strength of mine! It makes the rock way more aggressive and keeps me in a place vocally where I am most comfortable and competent!
“The body of the album will be recorded later this year with Neil Kearin as engineer, (while) production will be handled by myself along with Neil!”
WONROWE VISION represents a joining of Rowe and MORTIFICATION guitarist Lincoln Bowen. The groups self-proclaimed “heavy edge rock ‘n’ roll” best reveals itself in terms of its influences, namely MOTORHEAD, STATUS QUO, DEEP PURPLE, RESURRECTION BAND, G.B.H., ALTAR BOYS and THE CRUCIFIED.
Angelic Warlord described Mission Invincible (85% review) as “a joining of old school metal and hard rock backed by punk based angst and attitude” in which the group “wears its influences on its sleeves in no uncertain terms”. Whereas Mission Invincible was made up of unique material, Pictures Of The Past Present And Future presented with a compilation of new material, re-recorded versions of older songs, live tracks and long lost demo recordings.
Rowe, obviously, is best known as founding member of MORTIFICATION, one of the Christian extreme metal scenes leading groups. Since its early nineties inception, MORTIFICATION has released 15 studio albums, 5 live albums, 2 compilations, 6 videos and 3 DVD’s
WONROWE VISION online: www.roweproductions.com, www.facebook.com/WonroweVision & www.reverbnation.com/wonrowevision
NEWS BRIEFS
* New IMPELLITTERI album in the works (Facebook - June 7, 2014): “It looks like we will officially be recording a new IMPELLITTERI record in the near future. Working out the deal points now with our Label Family JVC ! We may also be doing some surprise dates as well. And Yes, Rob Rock will be the singer for IMPELLITTERI for those of you that have asked!”
* Symphonic metal band SLEEPING ROMANCE uploaded an acoustic performance video of the track "Finding My Way" online: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYtcYr6zPU0
The song comes off their debut album Enlighten, which was released on November 1, 2013 in Europe and December 3, 2013 in North America through Ulterium Records.
* Recording update from TEMPLE OF BLOOD in regards to upcoming third album A Show Of Force (Facebook - May 27, 2014): “It’s been really tough to find any music time with a 1 year old running around the house and a brand new baby as well, but I have finished recording the rhythm guitar tracks for the 2nd track, titled “Exalted”! It is a melodic power metal song and reminds me a little bit of some of the classic US power metal bands like Queensryche or Crimson Glory.”
Lyrics to A Show Of Force can be read at: www.templeofblood.net/lyrics_ashowofforce.htm
* THEOCRACY will perform at ProgPower XV Midweek in Atlanta Georgia, on September 10, 2014. Further details from vocalist Matt Smith: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKjV4cICdVg
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
STRYPER - No More Hell To Pay tour kicks off in June:
As announced at the groups Facebook page (May 30, 2014):
“Hey there everyone. Hope you're doing well! It's hard to believe but June is almost here and summer is upon us! As we've been saying all along, 2014 is going to be a very active year for Stryper and we wanted to take a moment and share the latest and greatest with you. What we're really looking forward to is that the No More Hell To Pay tour officially kicks off in June! We're excited for this tour as it's going to be an all NEW show with songs we have not played live in years along with a new cool stage look.
“IMPORTANT NOTE: Stryper will not be touring at all in 2015. We're letting this be known so our fans can plan accordingly and hopefully come out and see us this year. So if you're in the area come on out and get ready to rock!
“Thanks for all of your continued prayers and support and we hope to see you out on the road!”
God Bless you all,
Michael, Robert, Oz & Tim
No More Hell To Pay stormed the charts in November 2013, debuting at #3 on the Current Hard Music Albums and Top Hard Music Albums charts, #6 on the Top Current Rock Album charts, #33 on the Billboard Top 200 Current Albums and #35 on the Billboard Top 200 in selling over 9500 copies the first week. STRYPER also regained their dominance on the Christian charts, landing at #2 on the Contemporary Christian Albums and #3 on the Billboard Top Christian/Gospel Albums. No More Hell To Pay also reached #1 on the iTunes Top Rock Album Charts and #8 on the iTunes Top Album Charts when it was released on November 5th, 2013.
Upcoming Shows:
06/03/14: Ottawa, ON - Obsession Live Lounge**
06/05/14: Etobicoke, ON - The Rockpile West**
06/06/14: Toronto, ON - The Rockpile East**
06/07/14: Akron, NY - Brauns Concert Cove**
06/09/14: Richmond, IN - The Firehouse (Full Band Acoustic Show)
06/10/14: Bluffton, IN - Timber Ridge (Full Band Acoustic Show)**
06/12/14: Pittsburgh, PA - Altar Bar**
06/13/14: Bolingbrook, IL - Tailgaters**
06/14/14: Chesterfield, MI - Diesel Concert Lounge**
06/16/14: Pekin, IL - Goodfellas (Full Band Acoustic Show)**
06/17/14: Edwardsville, IL - Wildey Theater (Full Band Acoustic Show)**
06/19/14: Houston, TX - Concert Pub North**
06/20/14: Dallas, TX - Granada Theater**
06/21/14: Robstown, TX - RMB Fairgrounds**
07/10/14: Vizovice, Czech Republic - Masters Of Rock Festival
07/12/14: Balingen, Germany - Bang Your Head Festival**
07/29/14: Tempe, AZ - Marquee Theatre
07/31/14: West Hollywood, CA - Whiskey A Go Go**
08/01/14: Denver, CO - Casselman's**
08/02/14: Sheridan, WY - Trails End Concert Park w/ Vixen
08/08/14: Villena, Spain - Legends Of Rock Festival
** On sale now!
Further information: www.stryper.com/Tour/tour.html
NEWS BRIEFS
* Details from DESYRE regarding song “Too Hot For Radio” (Facebook - May 4, 2014): “It was 2006 and Desyre was on hiatus. Mazi (Bee – lead vocals & guitars) and then drummer Zade joined a band called RedCat. The style was 80's street metal. The boys were in the band for about a year. During that time several songs were written also by Mazi. One of them was called “Too Hot For Radio”. It was never finished back then, but RedCat jammed it in the rehearsals couple of times.
“In 2007, when Desyre was resurrected, at some point this piece was taken into the set list. For some reason it was shelved for the debut, Warning Of The Night (2009). Maybe that's a good thing, since the heavy keyboards wasn't around yet. And you gotta admit, the synth does bring a lot to the song.”
DESYRE recorded “Too Hot For Radio” for its 2013 sophomore album Glamtron.
* JAGUAR BLAZE video update with introduction of new band members: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcsoHozrYhY
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
SONIC DIVIDE - “I Wonder” video released:
Press Release / “I Wonder”, the new video from Adelaide, Australian based melodic hard rockers SONIC DIVIDE, can be seen above. The song is taken from the bands self titled debut full-length album, which it independently released in late 2013.
Commented the band: “Well guys, the moment has arrived! We are pumped to release our debut video clip to all our friends and fans and to the rest of the world... Filmed entirely in and around the beautiful South Aussie town of Burra and featuring the iconic Midnight Oil cottage from the front cover of the Diesel and Dust album! Massive thanks to everyone who helped make this clip a reality, particularly Alex and Leanne Stockman (& Peter and Jodie Stockman) as well as Paula Jones at the Burra Info Centre - you guys rock. Feel free to share the clip far and wide and let's show the entire world how us Aussies can rock it with the best of them!”
SONIC DIVIDE was first conceived when Wayne Holden (lead vocals), Andy Young (keyboards) and Glenn Johnson (lead guitars) decided that it had been too many years since they played music for fun. In a relatively small city like Adelaide in South Australia, it was very easy to call on other musicians they had played with in the past, to help contribute to the occasional jam session. Ian Slade ((bassist) soon jumped on board and eventually Steve Pirie (guitars) and Evan Johnson (drums) completed the line up.
Young offers his thoughts regarding the bands beginnings: “With Sonic Divide, we decided from the get go to not make this another ‘Christian band’ as such but rather take our God-given talents and musical abilities and just create the best music we could – sort of adopt the whole Bob Briner ‘Roaring Lambs’ type approach to our music. And the doors that have been opening have blown us away. We mentioned in our album credits that we “give thanks to God, the Creator of all things, for illuminating our paths”. God is VERY much a part of who Sonic Divide is and our journey thus far, and will continue to be so into the future.”
He goes into further detail about the SONIC DIVIDE lyrical direction: “As mentioned, we fall squarely into the category of ‘Christians creating music’ rather than a Christian ‘ministry’ band as such, but our individual Christian faith is still what carries and guides the six of us as we journey through life. Our lyrics centre around things like relationships in life and the struggles and successes involved as such as well as hope and optimism for a better future.”
Sonic Divide track listing:
1. “So In Love”
2. “Driven”
3. “I Wonder”
4. “When The Morning Comes”
5. “Too Much”
6. “Shattered Fortress”
7. “Stepping Stone”
8. “The Healing”
9. “Horizon”
SONIC DIVIDE online: www.sonicdivide.net & www.facebook.com/pages/Sonic-Divide
PILGRIMSPROG - Progressive rock concept album based on Pilgrim’s Progress:
Press Release / Lawrence, Kansas based multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Scott Miller is the brainchild behind PILGRIMSPROG, an aptly entitled progressive rock concept album released in 2010 that is based around John Bunyan’s classic Pilgrim’s Progress.
Commented Miller: “PILGRIMSPROG started as a progressive rock "concept album" (you remember those from the 70's, right?) based on the classic Christian book Pilgrim's Progress, with each song telling a chapter in the story from Christian, including leaving the City of Destruction through (his) conversion to the Celestial City. It started as demos for my band in Wichita. (When) that didn't work out, (PILGRIMSPROG) turned into a project (that was) four years in the making: 2006 to 2010. I play all the instruments except drums (Beta Monkey Music loops) and some lead guitar special guests.”
In 2013, PILGRIMSPROG released its sophomore album Do You Have Thanatophobia? According to the artist, “Thanatophobia is defined as an abnormal fear of death.” He goes into further detail: “Are you afraid of death? What really happens when you die? Is that the end of it? Try as you might you just can't get it out of your mind. Talking to people, even Christians, I was surprised to find many people are afraid of death.”
Lyrically, the album draws its inspiration from I Corinthians 15:12-14 (in asking the listener “Why are you acting like there is no resurrection of the dead?”) and I Corinthians 15:54-55 (hope ultimately resides in Christ). In the words of Miller, “Thanatophobia has lost its grip because He rose again that sunny day.”
He sums things up best in regards to his philosophy on lyrics and song ideas: “I write about things I am thinking about, or struggles I am going through in life, or prayers, or whatever. Sometimes they are thought experiments. And music is the best way (at least for me) that I can attest to and share my faith.”
Pilgrimsprog track listing: “Dream”, “Seek The Gate”, “SOD”, “Help”, “Gatekeeper” (acoustic), “I Believe”, “Overture”, “Beautiful”, “Confrontation”, “Giant Despair”, “The River”, “Celestial City”, “Compline”, “Beautiful” (acoustic), “Dream” (acoustic)
Do You Have Thanatophobia? track listing: “Galatians 5”, “Scandal”, “Thanatophobia”, “Pray”, “Detour”, “Ceiling Of Brass” (acoustic), “Faith Hope And Love”, “Forgive”, “Scandal” (acoustic), “Thanatophobia” (acoustic), “Beautiful” (acoustic)
Visit the PILGRIMSPROG Bandcamp pages for samples and purchasing information: http://pilgrimsprog.bandcamp.com/album/pilgrimsprog-2 & http://pilgrimsprog.bandcamp.com/album/do-you-have-thanatophobia
PILGRIMSPROG online: www.pilgrimsprog.com & www.facebook.com/Pilgrimsprog
NEWS BRIEFS
* The Roxx Records DELIVERANCE (Weapons Of Our Warfare) and ULTIMATUM (Heart OF Metal) vinyl re-issues are in the process of being pressed. Both should ship in mid to late June. Pre-orders are still bring accepted: http://roxxproductions.storenvy.com/collections/1982-preorders
* Next STRYPER cover album update (from vocalist Michael Sweet at Facebook - May 19, 2014): “When we do another cover album, we'll be doing some VH, Rush, Y&T, Priest, Maiden, Aerosmith, Thin Lizzy, Cheap Trick, Triumph, Styx & Bad Company.” Further details as they become available.
* STRYPER front man Michael Sweet also remains at work on his upcoming project with former DOKKEN guitarist George Lynch. Frontiers Records will release the yet unnamed new band project featuring Sweet, Lynch, former WHITE LION bass player James Lomenzo and ex-WHITESNAKE and FOREIGNER drummer Brian Tichy. Sweet will be overseeing production duties, with a release date slated for the fall of 2014.
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
PROMISE LAND reveal modified artwork for debut album, Harmony In Ruins:
Press Release / Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania based symphonic metal band PROMISE LAND has revealed the revised album artwork for their highly anticipated debut album, Harmony In Ruins.
Commented the band regarding the meaning behind the artwork: “The artwork tells the story of the title and lyrical theme of Harmony In Ruins. The ‘Tree of Life’ (which now appears dead or dying) is coming out of the scroll/scripture- it reveals the result of ‘the fall’ in the Garden of Eden into modern times, which is depicted by the city in ruins across the water”.
David Michael of PROMISE LAND designed the artwork.
Harmony In Ruins is scheduled to be released during the spring/summer of 2014 via XNilo Records.
The debut PROMISE LAND EP (simply entitled Demo) was recorded and released in late 2005. The standout demo song “Christ In Us”, which has been re-recorded by the group for Harmony In Ruins, was also selected as Top 10 in the Kingdom Bound International Talent Search.
The band eventually revamped their sound and also made a line-up change, bringing in a second vocalist. To reflect the vocal change/new sound and musical growth, PROMISE LAND quickly released a new single titled “Hiding Place” in the winter of 2010/2011, which has also been redone for Harmony In Ruins.
Harmony In Ruins track listing:
1. “In the Beginning”
2. “Harmony In Ruins”
3. “C.I.U.”
4. “The Piper Illusion”
5. “Leviathan’s Voyage”
6. “Before The Dawn”
7. “Hiding Place”
8. “Her Name”
9. “Holy”
10. “Eclipse”
11. “Harmony In Ruins” (orchestration bonus track)
12. “Hiding Place” (instrumental bonus track)
PROMISE LAND online: http://promiselandx.com & www.facebook.com/PromiseLandX
VENI DOMINE resigns with Massacre Records for seventh album, Light:
Press Release / The Massacre Records family is happy to welcome back VENI DOMINE! For those not familiar with the band, it’s our pleasure to introduce them to you:
VENI DOMINE was formed by Torbjörn Weinesjö, Thomas Weinesjö and Anders Olofsson in 1987. Fredrik Sjöholm (back then Olsson) joined shortly thereafter. The bands initial name was GLORIFY, which was soon changed to SEVENTH SEAL. The VENI DOMINE moniker has existed since the early nineties, when the group landed its first record deal. Bass and keyboard positions have changed a few times since then but the band’s core line-up still remains.
The musical style was initially labeled doom metal but this was not the aim of the band. VENI DOMINE was always trying to evolve and symphonic elements as well as progressive aspects have been reflected as well.
The band recorded their debut album Fall Babylon Fall (1992) in Eastbourne, England, for Kingsway Music Records. The next albums - Material Sanctuary (1994) and Spiritual Wasteland (1998) - were released via Thunderload Records in Sweden only. Both albums, as well as the debut, were then licensed from Thunderload to be released via Massacre Records in the rest of the world.
There was a huge gap between the release of Spiritual Wasteland and the fourth album IIII - The Album Of Labour (2004), which saw the light of day via Rivel Records, due to various reasons. For the latest full-length albums, 23:59 (2006) and Tongues (2007), VENI DOMINE joined forces with the German label MCM Music.
VENI DOMINE has re-signed with Massacre Records for their first album in seven years entitled Light, which will be released on May 23, 2014. You can view a promotional video for Light above.
Light was produced and mixed in Stockholm by Torbjörn Weinesjö at the Room Of Doom and mastered by Erik Marthinsen at the Skyline Studio. Album artwork was created by vocalist Fredrik Sjöholm.
Light track listing:
1. “In Memoriam”
2. “Farewell”
3. “Hope”
4. “Where The Story Ends”
5. “Last Silence Before Eternity”
6. “The Hour Of Darkness”
7. “Waiting”
8. “O Great City” (2014 Edition)
VENI DOMINE line-up:
Fredrik Sjöholm - Lead Vocals & Guitars
Torbjörn Weinesjö - Guitars
Olov Andersson - Keyboards
Klas Petterson - Bass
Thomas Weinesjö - Drums
VENI DOMINE online: www.facebook.com/pages/Veni-Domine
NEWS BRIEFS
* “Not On My Own”, new single from the upcoming MILLENIAL REIGN album The God Particle: www.reverbnation.com/millennialreign7
* Pastor Brad video update with new song: www.guitarjams.net/UpdateMay17.mp3
* SOUND OF ETERNITY audio samples available for debut album Visions & Dreams: "Running To You", "Broken Heart" & "Reason To Live"
Melodic Rock Records will release Vision & Dreams on June 23, 2014. The albums is available for pre-order at: HERE
* On Faith’s Edge interview with Michael Sweet: http://onfaithsedge.com/episode-016-strypers-michael-sweet-interview
* WORLDVIEW completed work on all studio tracks for their debut album, The Chosen Few. Look for a fall release on Ulterium Records. The group also recently launched its new website: http://worldviewmetal.com/
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
GX PROJECT reveal Sinner cover artwork:
Press Relase / Gritty hard rockers GX PROJECT will independently release their second studio album, Sinner, in May of this year.
The Sinner cover artwork (above) was created by Robert “Death is Gain” Wilson, who was also responsible for the artwork of the 2012 GX PROJECT debut Bite Stick. According to the group, the artwork is a portrayal of “a train blasting forth from seemingly hell itself under full steam with the title blood spattered on the cow plow on the nose”.
GX PROJECT is the new band of vocalist Rex Scott, who gained initial renown as part of ZION and X-SINNER, fronting the formers 1989 full-length debut Thunder From The Mountain and latter’s 1991 sophomore effort Peace Treaty. He returned with X-SINNER following the turn of the century for its third and fourth albums Fire It Up and World Covered In Blood from 2006 and 2008, respectively.
The Angelic Warlord review (80%) described Bite Stick as “(Staying) true to the AC/DC influenced sounds of X-SINNER” while also reflecting the “occasional bluesy hard rock moment hinting of early nineties BRIDE in addition to some eighties metal swagger not unlike MAIN LINE RIDERS and WHITECROSS. Throw in the raw energy of Fire It Up and World Covered In Blood and you have a creative merging of several styles to form a cohesive whole.”
Scott commented further: “This is the most true rock n roll album I've ever done. It's rock n roll from beginning to end and I love it. I've done metal, hard rock and pop rock but this is real rock n roll”.
A sample to the track “Train Wreck” can be heard at: https://soundcloud.com/ituneaudio/gx-sinner-train-wreck-sample
Sinner is available for pre-order at: www.x-sinner.org/gx_presales.html
Sinner track listing:
1. “Satisfaction”
2. “Rock N Roll Soul”
3. “You Can’t”
4. “Get Some”
5. “She Goes All Night”
6. “I Sell Love”
7. “Tear It Up”
8. “Sinner”
9. “Get Your High”
10. “All About You”
11. “Don’t Come Cheap”
12. “Train Wreck”
13. “Living Dead”
GX Project online: www.facebook.com/pages/The-GX-Project
SOUND OF ETERNITY signs with Melodic Rock Records:
Press Release / Melodic Rock Records are excited to announce the signing of melodic hard rock act SOUND OF ETERNITY for the June 16, 2014 release of its full-length debut Visions & Dreams.
Guitarist Jean Funes and vocalist Beatriz Aranda formed the San Pedro Sula, Honduras based group in 2013 after releasing two Spanish albums as part of CODIGO ETERNO, Codigo Eterno (2008) and Canten La Tierra Y El Cielo (2011). Drummer Rui Prado rounds out the SOUND OF ETERNITY line-up.
SOUND OF ETERNITY describes itself as “a female fronted melodic rock band with a modern twist (and) powerful Christian message”. Its influences range from the AOR and melodic rock of “W.E.T., PETRA, WHITE HEART, DEF LEPPARD and JOURNEY to those reflecting a modern rock touch such as SKILLET and FIREFLIGHT.
Visions & Dreams was mixed and mastered by Erik Martensson (W.E.T., ECLIPSE, Jimi Jamison), who also contributes bass and keyboards to the album. Andreas Passmark (NARNIA, Rob Rock, WORK OF ART) provides additional bass guitar. Carl Andre Beckston (MONOWASP) handled cover artwork and Nello Dell'Omo the booklet design.
The track “Call To Action” is available for streaming at: https://soundcloud.com/melodicrock/sound-of-eternity-call-to-action
Visions & Dreams track listing:
1. “Visions & Dreams”
2. “Call To Action”
3. “Running To You”
4. “Broken Heart”
5. “Reason To Live”
6. “Alpha & Omega”
7. “My Saviour”
8. “Eternal Love”
9. “Forever”
10. “Universe”
SOUND OF ETERNITY online: www.facebook.com/soundofeternity
Michael Sweet - “Heart Of Gold” video premiere:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:
Press Release / Michael Sweet, front man for the Christian hard rock band STRYPER, has just released a new full-length solo album, I'm Not Your Suicide, and his first autobiography, Honestly: My Life And Stryper Revealed, via BIG3 Records.
The official video for Sweet's cover of Neil Young's "Heart Of Gold", a duet between the STRYPER front man and MEGADETH main man Dave Mustaine's 16-year-old daughter Electra, can be seen above.
Sweet continues to record and tour with STRYPER, as well as touring and recording as a solo artist, all the while making frequent trips to Nashville where he is writing with some of the biggest music writers in the business.
Sweet's autobiography, "Honestly: My Life And Stryper Revealed", chronicles an amazing 30-year career and includes endorsements from Eddie Trunk, Dave Mustaine, Larry The Cable Guy, Jeordie White and Chris Jericho.
Produced by Sweet himself, I'm Not Your Suicide includes additional appearances by Tony Harnell (TNT), Kevin Max (DCTALK, AUDIO ADRENALINE), Chris Jericho (FOZZY), Doug Aldrich (WHITESNAKE) and STRYPER band mates Robert Sweet and Timothy Gaines. Legendary drummer Kenny Aronoff (CHICKENFOOT) played on the record as well.
I'm Not Your Suicide track listing:
1. “Taking On The World Tonight” (featuring Tony Harnell)
2. “All That's Left (For Me To Prove)”
3. “The Cause”
4. “This Time” (featuring Kevin Max)
5. “I'm Not Your Suicide” (co-written with Blair Daly)
6. “Coming Home”
7. “Miles Away”
8. “Strong”
9. “How To Live” (featuring Robert Sweet and Timothy Gaines)
10. “Heart Of Gold”
11. “Anybody Else” (featuring Chris Jericho and Doug Aldrich)
12. “Unsuspecting”
13. “Heart Of Gold” (bonus track featuring Electra Mustaine)
Michael Sweet online: www.michaelsweet.com & www.facebook.com/TheMichaelSweet
NEWS BRIEFS
* SAINT is considering a vinyl re-issue of its back catalog. According to bassist Richard Lynch, the band would release one album every six months, with a limited run of 250 each. Further details as they become available.
* Fan filed footage of STRYPER Frontiers Rock Festival performance: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhkCVpkQmME & www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmH7O6fgvDk
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
PRODIGAL - 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Set details revealed:
Courtesy of www.24-7pressrelease.com:
Press Release / 1982 to 1985 seems like a blip on the radar screen, but almost an eternity in the lifespan of a rock band. That was the span between PRODIGAL’s self-titled first album to its last, Just Like Real Life. Since then, a small but fiercely loyal fan base has waited for the eventual re-release of the recordings in a digital format. Neither these, nor the second album Electric Eye which celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2014, have officially been on CD. Fans had to rely upon their vinyl and cassettes... until now.
In June 2014, the entire output from PRODIGAL will be released as a 3-CD set to commemorate Electric Eye's anniversary, with the original analog tapes re-mastered to sound better than ever. The package will be available through the band's official website, www.prodigalnow.com
"(The band's original label) Heartland Records went out of business soon after the release of the third PRODIGALl album, Just Like Real Life in the mid '80s. The PRODIGAL library of analog recordings went into storage for about 20 years," explained Rick Fields, guitarist and one of three vocalists for the group. "Several things have developed in recent years that have made a digital re-issue worth considering. The occurrence that made any thoughts of a digital release feasible was the donation of the complete PRODIGAL tape library by the former owner of Heartland Records to (vocalist, keyboardist) Loyd Boldman, one of the original members of PRODIGAL."
Perhaps to the band's surprise, interest in the band and these albums continued to grow through online communities. "A major influence on our discussions about whether or not to restore the tapes was the blossoming of the social media community," Fields said. "We became aware, through all the different forms of social connectivity on the Internet, that there were still fans out there that had worn out their vinyl and cassettes and would be willing to 're-up' for a digital version of their favorite PRODIGAL album."
But one major roadblock remained. "We just couldn't afford to take on the initial costs of tape restoration and re-mastering," said Fields. However, in early January of 2014, an unnamed benefactor approached the group as 'just a fan who wants to make sure that the PRODIGAL catalog survives and helped make the financing of the project a reality. "It was a kickstart that we couldn't ignore," said Fields.
So what began roughly 32 years ago finally arrives as a pristine, limited release 3-CD set collecting Prodigal (1982), Electric Eye (1984), and Just Like Real Life (1985); a reintroduction to the music of Loyd Boldman, Rick Fields, Mike Wilson, and Dave Workman, and a chance for a new audience to see what they missed.
PRODIGAL was formed in the early 1980s, and subsequently released three records - the self-titled debut, Electric Eye, and Just Like Real Life. From their home base in Cincinnati, Ohio, the group introduced a level of high-production standards that had not yet been heard in the "Contemporary Christian Music" scene. The band consists of Loyd Boldman, keyboards and vocals; Rick Fields, guitars and vocals; Mike Wilson, bass guitar; and Dave Workman, drums, guitar and vocals.
PRODIGAL is currently accepting pre-orders for the set, which is scheduled to be released on June 1, 2014: http://prodigalnow.com/store
PRODIGAL samples: http://prodigalnow.com/music
PRODIGAL online: http://prodigalnow.com/home & www.facebook.com/pages/Prodigal
SIGNUM REGIS announce new vocalist:
Press Release / The melodic metal band SIGNUM REGIS are proud to announce their new vocalist, Mayo Petranin.
Commented SIGNUM REGIS bassist Ronnie König: "Mayo Petranin has been with us as a guest singer since the last autumn. We played several gigs together, did a lot of rehearsing and spent a quite a bit of time together. During those months, we were able to tune in to the same vibe musically and we got to know each other and became friends. Being so happy with Mayo's work and his interpretation of our songs, we are now naturally moving forward to the next step: Mayo is now officially the singer and front man of SIGNUM REGIS."
SIGNUM REGIS line-up 2014:
Mayo Petranin - Lead Vocals
Filip Koluš - Guitars
Ronnie König - Bass
Ján Tupý – Keyboards & Backing Vocals
Jaro Jancula - Drums
Up-coming SIGNUM REGIS shows:
May 2nd: Blast of Eternity Club Show (with SLEEPING ROMANCE) - Neckarsulm, Germany
May 3rd: Rock for Eternity - Amersfoort, Netherlands
The latest SIGNUM REGIS album, Exodus, was released late 2013 through Ulterium Records. The album features guest vocals from Michael Vescera (ex. Yngwie Malmsteen, LOUDNESS), Matt Smith (THEOCRACY), Lance King (ex. BALANCE OF POWER), Göran Edman (ex. Yngwie Malmsteen) and more.
SIGNUM REGIS is currently working on new material and will hit the studio later this year to record the follow-up to Exodus.
SIGNUM REGIS online: www.signum-regis.com & www.facebook.com/signum.regis
NEWS BRIEFS
* GX PROJECT completed work on its new album, Sinner, and is currently accepting pre-orders at: www.x-sinner.org/gx_presales.html
Look for Sinner to ship later this month. GX PROJECT is also considering a limited edition vinyl release.
According to vocalist Rex Scott: “This is the most true rock n roll album I've ever done. It's rock n roll from beginning to end and I love it. I've done metal, hard rock and pop rock but this is real rock n roll.”
* HB has announced its new lead vocalist- none other than original vocalist Johanna Aaltonen!
* “The Cross Will Always Prevail”, the title track to the soon to be released debut album from classic heavy metal band TRUE STRENGTH, is available for streaming at: www.indiecharts.com/Profile.php?butname=899754392#bioarea
The group is planning a digital release of the album in May of this year.
TRUE STRENGTH also recently announced its new lead vocalist, Rus Gib. The band describes Gib as “(bringing) a powerful, experienced soulful heavy metal voice comparable to singers like Rob Rock, Russell Allen from SYMPHONY X, and Geoff Tate from QUEENSRYCHE.”
You can contact TRUE STRENGTH at its Facebook page: www.facebook.com/pages/True-Strength
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
New video and single from PŸLON, “Saligia”:
Press Release / Swiss doom metallers PŸLON are very excited to announce the debut single and video from their forthcoming album entitled Homo Homini Lupus coming out this summer on US Label Roxx Records.
The debut track is entitled “Saligia” and is the first to showcase the vocal talents of Jordan Cutajar (NOMAD SON) who is currently fronting the band for this effort. Matt Brand will continue to handle all guitars along with the talents of Oliver Schneider. Rounding out this highly anticipated release will be Reto Hardmeier on bass and Beni Mayer on drums.
Homo Homini Lupus will contain six original compositions, including a track, "Al HaHar", with a verse in Modern Hebrew. Another is a re-imagining of a classic metal tune from SLAYER entitled “South of Heaven”, which will also feature a very special guest appearance from Tim Gaines of STRYPER playing bass.
PŸLON's fifth album, The Harrowing Of Hell, was released in 2012 on vinyl and in 2013 on CD as a collaborative effort between Roxx Records and Quam Libet Records. The effort contained six original compositions, including "Returnal Etern" and "Psalm 139b" as well as a re-imagining of BLACK SABBATH's "Paranoid".
Pre-order package is now available and the first 100 pre-orders will come with an exclusive lithograph hand signed by all of the members of PŸLON. Pre-order: http://roxxproductions.storenvy.com/products/5931526-pylon-homo-homini-lupus-2014
Homo Homini Lupus track listing:
1. “Crowned”
2. “Al-Hahar”
3. “Saligia”
4. “Ils se donnent du mal”
5. “Crucifer”
6. “The Curse Of Eden”
7. “South Of Heaven” (Originally recorded by SLAYER)
PŸLON online: www.pylon-doom.net/en/news/index.asp & www.facebook.com/pylondoom
RAZORIGAMI at work on sophomore album, Truths From Beyond The Machine:
Press Release / Multidimensional vocalist Luke Richard Weber will release the second album of his RAZORIGAMI project, Truths From Beyond The Machine, late spring or early summer this year via Tate Music Group.
Commented the artist: ”I've never claimed to be original, and there is nothing new here. I've simply added my lyrics (largely dependent on God's word) and voice (which God gave me) to some classic hard rock and metal sounds. I hope you enjoy it for what it is. Truths From Beyond The Machine is mainly aimed at being a simple album you can put on while you're driving, painting the walls, whatever! Coming soon from TMG.”
Angelic Warlord described (75% review) the spring of 2013 RAZORIGAMI full length debut Weathering The Winter Of The Soul as “(having) the appearance of an eighties metal and hard rock album” while also able to “touch upon classic metal, the power/progressive side of things and even some modern aspects.” Vocally, the artist is “one of the up and coming talents in the metal and hard rock world” as a result of his” high octane and multifarious vocal abilities.”
Samples to Truths From Beyond The Machine: https://soundcloud.com/razorigami/truths-from-beyond-this-machine/s-saqC2
Truths From Beyond The Machine track listing:
1. “Perspective”
2. “The Engines Of Faith”
3. “Thorns”
4. “Ballad Of A Broken Man”
5. “Walk Big”
6. “Saints Alive”
7. “The Girl Inside”
8. “Hound Of Heaven”
9. “Carpenter And Coming King’
10. “The Star Of David”
RAZORIGAMI online: www.razorigamimusic.com & www.facebook.com/razorigamimusic
NEWS BRIEFS
* New album update from Mike Florio (Facebook - March 27, 2014): “More vocal tracking at 9 AM today... finishing up 2 songs and then it will be time to start mixing... this new album is sounding great - as long as I don't blow it in the mix!... Anybody who has Arisen should surely like this one... Expect more updates as we go through the Spring... (Yes, I work SLOOOOWLY).”
Arisen is the artists independently released full-length debut from 2006.
* NEON CROSS, “Wanted Man” from NC2000 Demo: www.reverbnation.com/neoncross/song/20457334-neon-cross-wanted-man-nc2000
* SARDIS has made available its upcoming album, Escape, for streaming: www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWPORriPwnE
Please be sure to support the groups Kickstarter project at: www.kickspy.com/projects/1371751157/sardis-full-length-album-escape
* John Schlitt, “Hold Your Head Up” with John Elefante, John Lawry, & Jay Sekulow (ARGENT cover): www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qFp2W6Om2o
“Hold Your Head Up” was released as a single in 1972, hitting the Top 5 in both the US and UK, and peaking at #5 in both countries.
* Symphonic metal band SLEEPING ROMANCE released a video for the track "The Promise Inside" online. The track comes off their debut album Enlighten, which was released on November 1st in Europe and December 3rd in North America through Ulterium Records. Check out the video here: http://youtu.be/BzyH2bNenPQ
* Promotional video for new VENI DOMINE album, Light: www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqkxbFTNbbg
Light is scheduled to be released by Massacre Records on May 23, 2014.
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
Michael Sweet interview with KNLW 98.9 FM:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:
Press Release / On April 8, Michael Sweet of Christian hard rockers STRYPER was interviewed on the KNLW 98.9 FM radio station.
Michael Sweet has released a new single, "I'm Not Your Suicide", from his upcoming solo album of the same. Sweet has partnered up with Childhelp for the release of the track. Michael Sweet and Big3 Records are donating a portion of the proceeds from the sale of "I'm Not Your Suicide" to Childhelp. The single is available via iTunes. The video for "I'm Not Your Suicide" can be seen below.
Michael Sweet felt compelled to partner with Childhelp after learning that almost half of all children who have been abused consider suicide. His intention was for the heartfelt lyrics to connect with these kids and hopefully offer some peace to those in need. Bringing added attention to the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline, which offers an immediate 24/7 professional crisis counselor on call, and championing the Childhelp Speak Up Be Safe in schools, Michael Sweet is sharing a message of crisis intervention and prevention education. "I'm Not Your Suicide" is a song with a message of hope, and through the partnership with Childhelp, illustrates to children a positive alternative through the track's lyrics.
Sweet's I'm Not Your Suicide album, and his first autobiography, Honestly: My Life And Stryper Revealed, will be released on May 6 via BIG3 Records.
I'm Not Your Suicide is available for pre-sale at www.michaelsweet.com. Fans who pre-order the full album will be able to instantly download the song "Taking On The World Tonight" (featuring TNT singer Tony Harnell) and be registered to win a guitar used in the recording of the album.
The future remains bright for Sweet, who has endured heartbreaking tribulations throughout his life and career, including the 2009 passing of his wife of more than 22 years, Kyle. In 2010, Sweet remarried to Lisa Champagne-Sweet, a woman he describes as "a Godsend and the one who fits perfectly by my side."
Sweet continues to record and tour with STRYPER, as well as touring and recording as a solo artist, all the while making frequent trips to Nashville where he is writing with some of the biggest music writers in the business.
"After 30 years in this business, I feel honored and blessed to be able to continue doing what it is I love, making music," said Sweet.
"I'm extremely thankful to have the greatest fans in the world.
"God has blessed me with this talent and I plan to continue on this path as long as I can draw breath."
Sweet's autobiography, Honestly: My Life And Stryper Revealed, chronicles an amazing 30-year career and includes endorsements from Eddie Trunk, Dave Mustaine, Larry The Cable Guy, Jeordie White and Chris Jericho. Among the topics covered are:
* How Michael Sweet formed the first Christian rock band to hit #1 on MTV, paving the way for an entire genre of music.
* First-hand stories of the Sunset Strip, with never-before-told stories that include friends and musical peers such as POISON, MÖTLEY CRÜE, RATT, WHITESNAKE, METALLICA and more.
* How Jimmy Swaggart and Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker played a role in Michael's life.
* The temptations and ultimate low-points of a notable Christian rock star.
* Never-before-revealed stories of life behind the scenes in STRYPER.
* Why so many people have declared Michael Sweet a significant influence on their lives; from Larry The Cable Guy to professional wrestler Chris Jericho to Haitian musician and politician Wyclef Jean and more.
* Losing his wife to cancer and re-marrying shortly thereafter.
* An honest look at Sweet's often tumultuous family relationships.
* The unlikely relationship between Sweet and national radio personality Don Imus.
* What led to the decline and fall of STRYPER in 1992, and subsequent reunion and rebirth in 2001.
With the upcoming and long-overdue solo album, Sweet is finally delivering the project fans have been patiently waiting for. Produced by Sweet himself, "I'm Not Your Suicide" includes special appearances by Tony Harnell (TNT), Kevin Max (DCTALK, AUDIO ADRENALINE), Chris Jericho (FOZZY), Doug Aldrich (WHITESNAKE), Electra Mustaine (daughter of MEGADETH frontman Dave Mustaine) and STRYPER band mates Robert Sweet and Timothy Gaines. Legendary drummer Kenny Aronoff (CHICKENFOOT) played on the record as well.
I'm Not Your Suicide track listing:
1. “Taking On The World Tonight” (featuring Tony Harnell)
2. “All That's Left (For Me To Prove)”
3. “The Cause”
4. “This Time” (featuring Kevin Max)
5. “I'm Not Your Suicide” (co-written with Blair Daly)
6. “Coming Home”
7. “Miles Away”
8. “Strong”
9. “How To Live” (featuring Robert Sweet and Timothy Gaines)
10. “Heart Of Gold”
11. “Anybody Else” (featuring Chris Jericho and Doug Aldrich)
12. “Unsuspecting”
13. “Heart Of Gold” (bonus track featuring Electra Mustaine)
Michael Sweet online: www.michaelsweet.com & www.facebook.com/TheMichaelSweet
NEWS BRIEFS
* New THEOCRACY demo from Matt Smith: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksh1nrWTJ4M
Further commentary from the artist: “Thought some of you might enjoy hearing a hint of some of the new material I'm working on. I'm (obviously) not a great keyboard player--it's just a composing tool for me, and this is an early demo so these ideas will probably evolve quite a bit as they usually do. But I know it's been quiet on this front lately, so here's a little something. I hope you enjoy”
* “In Memoriam”, opening track off upcoming VENI DOMINE album Light: www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNdMnjn4wA4
Light is scheduled for release on May 23, 2014. The album was produced and mixed in Stockholm by Torbjörn Weinesjö at the Room Of Doom and mastered by Erik Marthinsen at the Skyline Studio.
FEATURED REVIEWS
LETTER 7 - Trust
Peel back the skin of Trust, the February of 2014 third full-length album from Phoenix, Arizona based Letter 7, and you’ll reveal bones of a similar quality to that of its predecessors, Salt Of The Earth (2007) and Follow The Light (2008). Read Full Review >>
Kerry Livgren - Seeds Of Change (Rock Candy re-issue)
The fourth re-release occurred in January of 2014 on Rock Candy Records. This is where things get problematic in that Rock Candy has not re-issued the original version of Seeds Of Change but rather Decade Volume 1 instead. Read Full Review >>
NOMAD SON - The Darkening
On The Darkening, Nomad Son continues to stress a classic brand of Hammond organ-driven traditional doom metal. The album, accordingly, evokes its share of emotion. Read Full Review >>
SACREDFICE - Sacredfice
I like to think of Sacredfice as a “crossover metal thrash band”, which translates into a cross between traditional and straightforward heavy metal and old school thrash. Read Full Review >>
SUNROAD - Carved In Time
On Carved In Time, the summer of 2013 fifth full-length album from Goiania, Brazil’s Sunroad, every upside comes with a corresponding downside. Read Full Review >>
TAKER - It Is Finished: The Complete Anthology
Whenever fish stories are the topic at hand, discussion inevitably turns towards the ‘one that got way’. This hits particularly close to home with the music industry, which without exception has experienced its share of potential catches ‘slip from its grasp’- and by that I am referring to bands worthy of a label deal that are never signed and release a full-length album. Read Full Review >>
TRANSATLANTIC - Kaleidoscope
All this is the accomplished handiwork of Transatlantic, a progressive rock ‘supergroup’ consisting of American vocalist/keyboardist Neal Morse (formerly of Spock’s Beard) and drummer Mike Portnoy (formerly of Dream Theater), Swedish guitarist Roine Stolt (Flower Kings) and English bassist Pete Trewavas (Marillion). Read Full Review >>
VISUAL CLIFF - Between Two Kingdoms
Between Two Kingdoms picks up where Out Of The Archives leaves off in taking a similar musical approach - breaking down evenly between heavier rocking songs and those reflecting a lighter touch - but made up of new material instead. Read Full Review >>
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
SARDIS announces debut album, Escape:
Press Release / Joplin, Missouri based traditional metal act SARDIS has completed work on its full-length debut album, Escape. The group is currently raising funds via Kickster in order to independently releasing the project later this spring or summer.
Speaking to Angelic Warlord, SARDIS guitarist Kevin Hasselquist provides additional detail: “As for the release date, that depends greatly on whether or not our Kickstarter (project) gets funded. If it does, the release date could be as early as May. If not, it will probably take a few more months”.
Hasselquist also comments regarding the group’s musical background: “Sardis has a very wide palette of influences, but in order to make as concise a list as possible the artists whose work most directly influenced Escape include Ozzy (especially the first 2 albums), Barnabas, and Sacred Warrior. Many of these songs were written at a time in my life when I was listening to at least one of these bands per day, every day, and I was consciously pursuing a Diary Of A Madman feel and sound. I am also sure that Petra's More Power to Ya and Leviticus' I Shall Conquer (also) left their mark on the album”.
He offers further insight into the lyrical direction to Escape: “Escape is a concept/story album about someone who is very opposed to the idea of God but ultimately finds purpose and meaning in him. Each song is sort of a snapshot into his mental processes done in flashback style (the first track "Memories" happens at the end of the story but sets up the flashback).
“That said, we're not a very preachy band, but I'm of the opinion that evangelism best begins person to person rather than album to person. So my hope is that the album might cause people to start asking questions and stir their hearts toward God. And for the Christians whose story is similar I hope that it encourages them to remember how far they've come”.
You can contribute to the SARDIS Kickstarter project at: www.kickstarter.com/projects/1371751157/sardis-full-length-album-escape
Escape track listing
1. “Memories”
2. “Night Calls”
3. “High Times”
4. Miracles And Myths”
5. “Escape”
6. “Empty Mirror”
7. “Searching For Answers”
8. “Turbulence Of The Mind”
9. “Resuscitation”
SARDIS line-up:
Sean Roycraft – Lead Vocals
Kevin Hasselquist – Guitar & Piano
Mark Robertson - Bass
Jason St.Clair - Drums
SARDIS online: www.facebook.com/Sardisband & www.reverbnation.com/SardisBand
NEWS BRIEFS
* ABSOLON, the power metal act from Orlando, Florida featuring vocalist Ken Pike (MALACHIA), started work on its next album entitled At The Abyss. According to the group, At The Abyss will rely less on keyboards and be more guitar driven metal (in comparison to its 2013 debut Darkness Rising). Look for ABSOLON to start pre-production in the near future.
* AFFECTOR, “New Jerusalem” guitar play by Daniel Fries: www.youtube.com/watch?v=bS-9ahhkHc4
“New Jerusalem” is off the 2012 AFFECTOR full-length debut Harmagedon.
* ”Don’t Let The Sun Go Down”, bluesy hard rock featuring vocalist Christine Steel (ARSENAL) and guitarist Kevin Pike: www.youtube.com/watch?v=h69QaLhkZWw
Kevin Pike has also recorded three instrumental shred guitar tracks: “French Drop” - www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qn2HvXKda-U, “Pikes Peak” - www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJ2eYVcf-Fw & “Captain Courageous” - www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkNPB30MArA
* BIOGENESIS has begun recording its third album, tentatively entitled Devolved. According to vocalist CHAZ BOND, “(this) will be the first record with new guitarist Darin Moore and keyboardist Evan English. The sound will remain ‘Bio’ but will also have a fresh side to it due to both the maturity in our song writing and the influence of our new members. We have been quiet internationally but we’ve been playing around our home state like the old days and the crowds have returned! WE also played 2 shows in Puerto Rico in January of 14.
“What you can expect is an improved production over our last album The Rise The Fall the Rebirth. We are working with a new producer who is giving us a great combination of quality and affordable. Our hope is for this to be our best album. Unlike The Rise… from 2012, this album is full of all newly written material along with a cover of “Hell Is For Children” by Pat Benatar. Session 2 begins next week as things are moving along nicely”.
* EMPIRE 21 is close to completing work on its full-length debut album, untitled at the time of this writing. Tobbe Lindell mixed the album, while Thomas "Plec" Johansson handled mastering duties. The band commented further at its Facebook page (April 5, 2014):
“Today we want to thank Thomas Plec Johansson at The Panic Room mastering studio for putting his soul into mastering the EMPIRE 21 debut album. He used his very well trained ears not only to create a blasting final result but to carefully and patiently listen to our wishes.
“He let us hear all possible approaches to the mix before making any final decisions, so we're confident that we have the beefiest sounding album we could ever dream of. So THANK you Thomas for this and again thanks to Tobias Lindell who did an equally amazing job mixing this album, making it nothing but awesome! You guys rock and we sincerely appreciate you!”
* Kerry Livgren remains at work on the re-recording and re-mixing of the 2004 PROTO-KAW full-length debut Before Became After.
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
DELIVERANCE & ULTIMATUM vinyl re-issues announced:
Press Release / Roxx Records is excited to announce two very special Limited Edition Vinyl releases from two of America’s greatest Christian thrash bands!
Coming this summer, and being released on vinyl in the US for the very first time, the classic release Weapons Of Our Warfare from Christian thrash masters…. DELIVERANCE! Weapons Of Our Warfare is a landmark thrash album with the title track receiving prominent rotation in the MTV metal show Headbangers Ball back in 1990 where it would remain in the top 3 videos for 12 weeks.
The album has been completely re-mastered and the original artwork restored exclusively for this vinyl release. This pressing will be limited to only 300 hand numbered copies, 100 on a special blue vinyl and 200 on traditional black vinyl.
Simultaneously New Mexico thrashers ULTIMATUM will be offering up their classic thrash release Heart Of Metal in a Limited Edition vinyl format, this also happens to be the bands very first ever vinyl release.
The album has been completely re-mastered with the original artwork reformatted for this very special and one time only vinyl release. This pressing will be limited to only 250 hand numbered copies, 100 on a special fluorescent green vinyl and 150 on traditional black vinyl.
In addition, all pre orders placed will also receive a limited edition CD of these newly re-mastered tracks!
Weapons Of Our Warfare track listing:
A1. “Supplication”
A2. “This Present Darkness”
A3. “Weapons Of Our Warfare”
A4. “Solitude”
A5. “Flesh And Blood”
B1. “Bought By Blood”
B2. “23”
B3. “Slay The Wicked”
B4. “Greetings Of Death”
B5. “If We Faint Not”
Heart Of Metal track listing:
A1. “Blood On A Thousand Hills”
A2. “Scattered (Body Parts)”
A3. “Hook Line & Sinker”
A4. “Rip ‘N’ Tear”
A5. “Into The Pit” (instrumental)
B1. “Heart Of Metal” (remix)
B2. “Locked In Chains” (remix)
B3. “Mortal Stomp” (2008 remix)
B4. “Blink” (2007 remix)
B4. “One For All’ (remix)
Roxx Productions online: www.roxxproductions.com
SOMBRE HOLIDAY - An Hour Of Light album details revealed:
Press Release / International progressive rock project SOMBRE HOLIDAY will independently release its third full-length album, An Hour Of Light, on April 15, 2014. Canadian vocalist & guitarist Terry Friesen and California based drummer Trevor Friesen recorded An Hour Of Light at Walker Studios in Saskatoon, SK and Take One Studios in Waterford, CA. Terry composed all the music while Trevor contributed lyrics.
Commented Terry Friesen: “My personal feeling on this new one is it’s perfect for Easter!! Trevor said last Easter that Good Friday is the perfect example of a ‘sombre holiday’… and I think we’ve got an album that causes one to ponder what Christ went through that weekend and how that can impact our heart.
“Even though Trevor wrote all the poems (as usual), these songs have become very personal for me. I believe the music truly fits the poetry and strikes the appropriate musical tones and emotions to help convey the struggle of what it means to walk intimately with Christ. There are times that our life with Jesus is clear, but much of life feels like the fog just doesn’t seem to lift. All the while, Jesus’ commitment to walk with us never wavers”.
SOMBRE HOLIDAY got its start in 2009 with the full-length offering In Search Of Understanding… prior to following up three years later with its sophomore effort Four Shadows. Both combine to form a two-disc concept album that “weaves a story of one mans struggle to choose between lady wisdom and lady folly”. The SOMBRE HOLIDAY press material goes into further detail: “The antagonistic character is the proverbial strange woman (Proverbs 7 & 8) who entices many and then eventually leads those following her on a path to destruction. Through determined effort, the protagonist eventually moves away from his own desires and back toward what he knows to be true and wise.”
The Angelic Warlord review (85%) of Four Shadows reinforces how the group brings “a Saviour Machine meets Deliverance sound” with songwriting that is “highly intricate and complex but richly orchestrated at the same time”. There are also “ambient and ethereal moments (that) abound, reflected in the group’s added use of classical instrumentation”.
An Hour Of Light track listing
1. “Night Falls”
2. “Transparence”
3. “The Dangers Of Loving A Love Story”
4. “Death, My Friend”
5. “Night Surrounds”
6. “The Apology Progression”
7. “To Whom We Cry”
8. “The Commiseration Of Souls”
9. “Inside The Incense Circle”
10. “Ascendance”
SOMBRE HOLIDAY online: http://sombreholiday.bandcamp.com & www.facebook.com/pages/Sombre-Holiday
NEWS BRIEFS
* Vocalist Miia Rautkoski departs HB (as announced on Facebook - March 23, 2014): “Dear fans, festival organizers and friends! I'm very sorry to announce I can no longer be a part of HB, because there's no common visions for the band and no plans for making new music in the future. Also, many of us are working or studying at the same time, so it's hard to find enough time together. I'm very grateful to you all who warmly took me into the band! I enjoyed every gig, and I'm so humble I was able to see so many wonderful people and different places:)! Thank YOU and BLESSINGS with warm thoughts!”
* PŸLON, Homo Homini Lupus update from Roxx Records: “It has been a very busy week here at Roxx and we want to thank you all for your continued support! We are going to end the week with a PŸLON update for everyone! The recording is done and the CD's will be off to press this coming week! The lithographs we printed are currently in Switzerland now and all are being signed by the PŸLON guys! Soon they will be shipped back to the US for those that pre-order the bands brand new CD!”
Roxx Productions online: www.roxxproductions.com
* Oz rockers SONICE DIVIDE to shoot debut video clip: SONIC DIVIDE will be heading ‘bush’ on Sunday 13 April and Monday 14th to shoot a professional video clip for one of the tracks from their debut self titled album, released late last year. The guys have been given permission to shoot at the location of one of the most iconic & historic structures in Australia, the old ruined homestead that graces the cover of Midnight Oil's award winning 1987 album Diesel And Dust. That album cover won the ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) award for 'Best Cover Art' in 1988 and also features in Rolling Stone Magazine's 'Top 100 Album Covers Of All Time'. The old homestead also ranks at #2 in the '100 Best Views In Australia' list - www.australiantraveller.com/sa/002-burra-homestead-sa/#
The guys from SONIC DIVIDE can't wait to undertake the shoot at the old homestead (as well as other nearby locations), and share the final results with the world towards the end of April! If you haven't already, you can check out SONIC DIVIDE through all the usual digital outlets or visit their website at: www.sonicdivide.net
* TERAMAZE, “Esoteric Symbolism” (official full lyric video): www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdhpHnTsftA
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
VENI DOMINE reveal Light artwork & track listing:
Press Release / Swedish epic progressive doom metal veterans VENI DOMINE will release their new album, Light, on May 23, 2014 via Massacre Records. The follow up to the group’s 2007 release Tongues was recorded at the Room of Doom in Stockholm, Sweden with production and mixing duties being handled by guitarist Torbjörn Weinesjö. Vocalist Fredrik Sjöholm contributed album artwork.
Commented Weinesjö: “We have been (at work on the album) for a couple of years. Actually, (we) started to record a few drum tracks or planned them back in 2011 but withdrew that as we decided we wanted a full band that rehearsed the songs before recording, like old times. And yes it feels like a band effort this time, though I pulled the strings and produced and mixed (the project). Fredrik and I wrote the songs like back in the day. Even though the process (has) been a few years we haven’t spent 24 months in the studio, (but rather) a day here, a weekend there and so forth as time allowed, which in retrospective is quite a good thing (in that it leads to the) more mature final work. As a producer, I am very aware not to overdo things, which is easy when you own your own studio and have time on your hands”.
He goes into further detail regarding the albums musical direction: “I think (the album) is a mix of all our past CD’s. We have quite lengthy songs, (others) quite diverse, some slower (with) heavy elements or atmospheric and up-tempo (moments). In other words, it sounds like VENI DOMINE”.
Light track listing:
1. “In Memoriam”
2. “Farewell”
3. “Hope”
4. “Where The Story Ends”
5. “Last Silence Before Eternity”
6. “The Hour Of Darkness”
7. “Waiting”
8. “O Great City” (2014 Edition)
VENI DOMINE got its start on Edge Records in 1991 with its full length debut Fall Babylon Fall prior to putting out Massacre Records follow up releases Material Sanctuary (1994) and Spiritual Wasteland (1998). The turn of the century found the group on Rivel Records for its fourth full-length album, IIII - The Album Of Labour (2004), and MCM Music for its fifth and sixth, 23:59 (2006) and Tongues (2007).
VENI DOMINE line-up:
Fredrik Sjöholm - Lead Vocals & Guitars
Torbjörn Weinesjö - Guitars
Olov Andersson - Keyboards
Klas Petterson - Bass
Thomas Weinesjö - Drums
VENI DOMINE online: www.venidomine.com & www.facebook.com/pages/Veni-Domine
BRIDE enters Into The Matrix:
PG-13 & Monkey See, Monkey Do re-issued on Retroactive Records:
Press Release / MATRIX was formed in 1983 by brothers Troy and Dale Thompson and came to an end when BRIDE signed its first record deal with Pure Metal Records. The name MATRIX was changed to BRIDE during the signing of the contract. This also marked a transition from the MATRIX sound to the heavier and more aggressive metal sounds of BRIDE.
Original MATRIX drummer Steve Childress was replaced after two recording projects with Joey Johnson, who lasted one project. Stephan Rolland replaced Joey and became the very first BRIDE drummer. MATRIX played anywhere and everywhere they possibly could - churches, nightclubs, and coffee houses. Painted in makeup, wearing spandex, teased hair, jumping off amplifiers, and setting off explosions on stage, they constantly pushed the boundaries of what a "Christian" band could do and be. The group’s big break came in 1985 when they opened a show in Pottstown, PA for Christian hard rockers, DANIEL BAND. Pure Metal Records/Refuge Music Group saw the performance and signed them to a contract that would begin a marvelous and diverse career as leaders in the Christian hard music scene for decades to come.
The songs that appear on this disc are from the recordings of PG-13 & Monkey See, Monkey Do. Both were cassette only releases. Some of these tracks would go on to be re-recorded and used on future BRIDE releases. These are the original tracks, as recorded by MATRIX in 1983 and 1984. This 2014 Retroactive Records reissue comes in a full color 4-panel digipak, completely re-mastered by the ultimate mastering guru, J Powell at Steinhaus. Never before have these songs been heard with the warmth, depth, and sheer grit that now exudes off of this top-notch classic reissue. Long out of print, Retroactive went the extra mile by providing superb artwork to go with this long out of print reissue. Limited Edition. For fans of classic BRIDE, GUNS ‘N ROSES, WHITECROSS & STRYPER!
Into The Matrix track listing:
1. “We Got The Rhythm”
2. “Who Killed The Rock Hero”
3. “Get Away”
4. “What's The Point”
5. “Stand Up And Shout”
6. “West Of The Moon”
7. “Spell House”
8. “To Make You Think It's Real”
9. “Heroes”
10. “Now He Is Gone”
11. “Remember Me”
12. “Now You See Me Now You Don't”
13. “All Hallow's Eve”
14. “Slipping Into The Light”
15. “We Are Going To Make It”
16. “Forever In Darkness”
17. “He's The Flyer”
18. “Follow Your Heart”
19. “I Can Fly Now”
20. “Melissa”
Retroactive Records online: http://retroactiverecords.net/store/retroactive-records.html
New PROMISE LAND album, Harmony In Ruins:
Press Release / Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania based symphonic metal band PROMISE LAND has revealed the album artwork and track listing for their highly anticipated new album, Harmony In Ruins.
Commented the band regarding the meaning behind the artwork: “The artwork tells the story of the title and lyrical theme of Harmony In Ruins. The ‘Tree of Life’ (which now appears dead or dying) is coming out of the scroll/scripture- it reveals the result of ‘the fall’ in the Garden of Eden into modern times, which is depicted by the city in ruins across the water”.
David Michael of PROMISE LAND designed the artwork.
Harmony In Ruins is scheduled to be released during the spring/summer of 2014 on XNilo Records.
The debut PROMISE LAND EP (simply entitled Demo) was recorded and released in late 2005. The standout demo song “Christ In Us”, which has been re-recorded by the group for Harmony In Ruins, was also selected as Top 10 in the Kingdom Bound International Talent Search.
The band eventually revamped their sound and also made a line-up change, bringing in a second vocalist. To reflect the vocal change/new sound and musical growth, PROMISE LAND quickly released a new single titled “Hiding Place” in the winter of 2010/2011, which has also been redone for Harmony In Ruins.
Harmony In Ruins track listing:
1. “In the Beginning”
2. “Harmony In Ruins”
3. “C.I.U.”
4. “The Piper Illusion”
5. “Leviathan’s Voyage”
6. “Before The Dawn”
7. “Hiding Place”
8. “Her Name”
9. “Holy”
10. “Eclipse”
11. “Harmony In Ruins” (orchestration bonus track)
12. “Hiding Place” (instrumental bonus track)
PROMISE LAND online: http://promiselandx.com & www.facebook.com/PromiseLandX
NEWS BRIEFS
* NARNIA update (Facebook - March 29, 2014): “We have a killer live set in the pipeline for our forthcoming Narnia shows. Right now the members of Narnia are active doing concerts around the world. Andreas Passmark our bass player (is) now on a successful world tour with Royal Hunt. CJ Grimmark our guitarist will be touring April/May with Jerusalem (as part of the) Father To Son tour. Christian Liljegren our singer has just returned from a successful concert with Modest Attraction in Switzerland”.
The full Modest Attraction show from the Elements of Rock Festival on March 15, 2014 has been uploaded to YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnuvOa-95oQ
* The release of the Ulterium Records full-length debut from WORLDVIEW, The Chosen Few, has been rescheduled to the fall of this year.
MINI REVIEWS
WHISPER FROM HEAVEN - “Into Eternity”
If symphonic metal is defined as “highly atmospheric” and “taking a theatrical (and) more epic approach (to the metal) genre” in addition to employing an “operatic female lead vocalist”, then Charlotte, North Carolina based Whisper From Heaven fits the bill. Comprising vocalist Amulyn Corzine with the guitar team of Derek Corzine and Hunter Routh and bassist Darren Overcash, the group got its start by placing the track “Anymore” on the Deliverance tribute CD Temporary Insanity from 2010. Whisper From Heaven follows up in early 2014 with its first single, “Into Eternity”.
Those into other acts within the symphonic genre such as Within Temptation, After Forever, Epica, Delain and HB will find a lot to like in Whisper From Heaven. Vocally, Amulyn Corzine brings the range and dynamics to rank with contemporaries Sharon den Adel, Simone Simons and Johanna Aaltonen, while musically the group trends towards a heavier sound more akin to Epica, albeit without (and mercifully so) the extreme metal growls.
“Into Eternity”, as a result, leaves little doubt that Whisper From Heaven stays true to the ‘metal’ aspect as it pertains to symphonic metal. Yet, the group does not forsake the ‘symphonic’ side either, as can be found in the presence of choir-like backing vocals, classical keyboard overtures and occasional ethereal moment in which lighter guitar tones hold sway.
The overall feeling left by “Into Eternity” is the same as after having listened to the “Anymore” cover: I want to hear more! In other words, there is more than enough talent here to justify a full-length follow up. Hence, my advice for fans of the symphonic metal genre would be to make checking out Whisper From Heaven in immediate priority.
WHISPER FROM HEAVEN online: http://whisperfromheaven.bandcamp.com & www.facebook.com/whisperfromheaven
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
ETERNA announce new album & video:
Press Release / Sao Paulo, Brazil based power metal act ETERNA is set to release its seventh studio album, Spiritus Dei, in May of this year. The group has also completed work on a video of a song off the album entitled “Só quero você”.
Spiritus Die track listing:
1. “Spiritus Die”
2. “Forte Brado”
3. “Medo”
4. “Turning Back”
5. “Do outro lado”
6. “A chama”
7. “Sétimo”
8. “Só quero você”
9. “Eu sei”
10. “Anjo de Luz”
11. “Jesus”
12. “Em teus braços”
13. “Lembra-te - Versão acústica”
Spiritus Die features 10 songs in Portuguese and 2 in English. Plans are also in the works for the band to re-record 8 of the songs in English and have 2 versions of the same album.
Spiritus Die was produced by the bands new lead vocalist Neno Fernando at the NF-Studio recording facility in Sao Paulo, Brazil. According to Fernando, Spiritus Die will head in more of a hard rock direction as opposed to the power metal of past ETERNA releases.
ETERNA got its start with debut efforts Shema Israel (1997) and Papyrus (1999) prior to putting out turn of the century albums The Gate (2000), Terra Nova (2002) and Epiphany (2004). The group also has a live album to its credit, Eterna Live! (2007) in addition to a single, Arcanjo (2012), and EP entitled Turning Back (2013).
The EP title track “No Turning Back” is available for streaming at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDaNB1jsa0k
ETERNA has also placed its rendering of “In God We Trust” on a Brazilian STRYPER tribute album: www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qmYp4KxsEc
ETERNA line-up:
Neno Fernando - Lead Vocals
Paulo Frade - Guitars
José Cardillo – Keyboards
Jason Freitas - Bass
Gerson Reyes - Drums
ETERNA online: www.eterna.com.br & www.facebook.com/eternaoficial
NEWS BRIEFS
* Track list to upcoming LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE album, The Vow: “Forever Starts Tonight”, “For Sure Thing”, “Honeymoon Is Over”, “That's Gonna Leave A Mark”, “Gone”, “Everynight She Cries”, “Promises To God”, “Pucker Up”, “Sting Of Her Kiss”, “Two Or More”, “Another Goodbye” & “Prince Charming In Disguise”
David Cagle contributes all lead vocals, while backing vocals are done by Gunnar Nelson (NELSON), Kelly Keeling (BATON ROUGE), Richard Kendrick, Fergie Fredrickson (TOTO) & Louis St. August (MASS).
The Vow is pending a release date.
* MILLENNIAL REIGN, The God Particle promo video: www.reverbnation.com/artist/artist_videos/1173604?sel_video_id=12564187&autoplay=true
* The melodic metal band SIGNUM REGIS uploaded footage from their show at Elements of Rock in Switzerland this past weekend. The track “Exodus” with Mayo Petranin on lead vocals can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7enETT82Hg
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
New TERAMAZE song, “Punishment By Design”:
Press Release / Australia’s TERAMAZE will release their follow-up to the 2012 release AnhedoniA on April 12th via Nightmare Records, distributed by Sony/RED. Entitled Esoteric Symbolism, the new album blends amazingly tight and speedy syncopated guitar/drum riffs and rhythms, with melodic hard vocals, for a very unique brand of metal. For fans of PANTERAL, TOOL, METALLICA, DEVIN TOWNSEND & SOILWORK… but faster and more melodic. Think DREAM THEATRE on steroids but without the extended ‘wankery’
Produced/Mixed by Dean Wells and mastered by Lasse Lammert (ALESTORM, STUCK MOJO).
A new track off Esoteric Symbolism entitled “Punishment By Design” was uploaded by the group on YouTube.
Pre-order available at Nightmare Records: http://nightmarerecords.com/online-store/teramaze-esoteric-symbolism
Esoteric Symbolism track listing:
1. “All Seeing Eye”
2. “Line Of Symmetry”
3. “Transhumanist”
4. “Bodies Of Betrayal”
5. “Parallels-Dual Reality”
6. “Spawn”
7. “Punishment By Design”
8. “Dust Of Martyrs”
9. “The Divulgence Act”
10. “Esoteric Symbolism”
11. “VI Order Out Of Chaos”
12. “VII Darkest Days Of Symphony”
13. “VIII In Vitro”
*CD version includes track 9 “The Divulgence Act” not available on digital release of the album.
TERAMAZE online: http://teramaze.com.au & www.facebook.com/teramaze
THEOCRACY in search of new drummer:
Timekeeper Shawn Benson departs group:
Press Release / Georgia-based melodic metal band THEOCRACY regrets to announce the departure of longtime drummer Shawn Benson to pursue other interests. Continued work conflicts and scheduling issues simply made it impossible to move forward, so both parties amicably agreed that it was time for a change to be made. There are no hard feelings on either side, and the band wishes Shawn nothing but the best in the future.
“To be honest, I’m pretty devastated about this, as I expected to be playing with Shawn for as long as we kept going,” says vocalist Matt Smith. “But he is moving into a different phase of his life and could no longer give the commitment it takes to be in a band, so ultimately this is the only solution for all parties involved. I’d like to personally thank Shawn for helping to bring three albums from my imagination to reality, and his contributions can never be overstated. He will always be a part of the Theocracy family.”
In the interest of moving forward, THEOCRACY is beginning to look for candidates to fill the position. Interested parties can contact the band at: theocracydrummersearch@gmail.com
THEOCRACY recently returned from their third full tour of Europe and is currently working on new material. Their most recent album, As the World Bleeds, received rave reviews and landed on the Billboard Heatseeker Chart in the U.S. upon release. As the World Bleeds is the band’s third album, and their second release for Ulterium Records.
THEOCRACY online: www.theocracymusic.com & www.facebook.com/theocracyband
NEWS BRIEFS
* Christine Steel (ARSENAL) interview with Dead to Self Radio: www.deadtoselfradio.com/interview_arsenal.php
* PRODIGAL is planning a 30th Anniversary re-issue of its 1984 album Electric Eye in a limited edition boxed with its self-titled debut (1982) and third and final album Just Like Real Life (1985). The original 2-track analog masters have been restored and re-mastered for digital by Gary Hedden.
* Musician to musician’ interview with Matt Smith (THEOCRACY): www.musiker-board.de/musiker-infos-bt/568767-musiker-musiker-interview-mit-theocracy.html#post6905856
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
PŸLON - New album Homo Homini Lupus:
Press Release / Swiss doom metallers PŸLON are set to release their sixth full-length album, Homo Homini Lupus, on June 3, 2014 through U.S. label Roxx Records. The CD will contain six original compositions, including a track, "Al HaHar", with a verse in Modern Hebrew, and one cover song which is set to be a brand new re-imagining of a classic metal tune from SLAYER entitled “South of Heaven” which will also feature a very special guest appearance from Tim Gaines of STRYPER playing bass.
PŸLON have also recruited the vocal talents of Jordan Cutajar of Nomad Son to handle all of the vocal duties on this brand new effort. Matt Brand will continue to handle all guitars along with the talents of Oliver Schneider. Rounding out this highly anticipated release will be Reto Hardmeier on bass and Beni Mayer on drums.
PŸLON's fifth album, The Harrowing Of Hell, was released in 2012 on vinyl and in 2013 on CD as a collaborative effort between Roxx Records and Quam Libet Records. The effort contained six original compositions, including "Returnal Etern" and "Psalm 139b" as well as a re-imagining of BLACK SABBATH's "Paranoid".
Pre-Order package is now available and the first 100 pre-orders will come with an exclusive lithograph hand signed by all of the members of PŸLON.
Homo Homini Lupus track listing:
1. “Crowned”
2. “Al-Hahar”
3. “Saligia”
4. “Ils se donnent du mal”
5. “Crucifer”
6. “The Curse Of Eden”
7. “South Of Heaven” (Originally recorded by SLAYER)
Roxx Productions online: www.roxxproductions.com
PŸLON online: www.pylon-doom.net/en/news/index.asp & www.facebook.com/pylondoom
SARDIS announce Kickstarter project for debut album, Escape:
Additional details from vocalist Sean Roycraft:
“Ever since the conception of SARDIS, we have been actively writing and recording a full-length album with a ‘do it yourself’ approach. We are nearly finished, but we also lack the funds to produce the final product. This is where our most treasured asset emerges, and that is YOU! The reason we play shows and write music is for our fans, and your support over the years has kept us moving along the way. The greatest feeling in the world as a front man is to hear the audience sing with me, and I consider myself blessed to have that connection with you all. Now, we need you more than ever before so we can continue to perform live and put music in your ears and into your hearts.
“We have some awesome perks for you all, including MP3 downloads, physical CDs, signed posters, clothing, and candlelit dinners with the band members. We appreciate anything you can offer whether it be funding or sharing our Kickstarter campaign.
“Once again, I can't emphasize how thankful I am for you the fans. We invite you to be a part of the SARDIS story”.
Escape can be backed at: www.kickstarter.com/projects/1371751157/sardis-full-length-album-escape
Further information from the band:
There is little risk in completing this project. The album has been completely recorded, mixed, and mastered and the artwork and layout is practically finished. The anticipated goal amount for this project should cover all expenses for the physical album and t-shirts for the backers. All we have left to do is to make physical copies, mail them out to you along with any perks you choose, and arrange any perks that require an appointment.
If any unexpected challenges arise, be assured the backers will be the first to know. We will make it a priority to make things work out for you.
SARDIS online: www.facebook.com/Sardisband & www.reverbnation.com/SardisBand
Michael Sweet releases I’m Not Your Suicide single and video:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:
Press Release / Michael Sweet, singer, songwriter and guitarist for Christian rockers STRYPER, has released a new single, "I'm Not Your Suicide", from his upcoming solo album of the same. Sweet has partnered up with Childhelp for the release of the track. Michael Sweet and Big3 Records are donating a portion of the proceeds from the sale of "I'm Not Your Suicide" to Childhelp. The single is available via iTunes at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/im-not-your-suicide-single/id815173171
Michael Sweet felt compelled to partner with Childhelp after learning that almost half of all children who have been abused consider suicide. His intention was for the heartfelt lyrics to connect with these kids and hopefully offer some peace to those in need. Bringing added attention to the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline, which offers an immediate 24/7 professional crisis counselor on call, and championing the Childhelp Speak Up Be Safe in schools, Michael Sweet is sharing a message of crisis intervention and prevention education. "I'm Not Your Suicide" is a song with a message of hope, and through the partnership with Childhelp, illustrates to children a positive alternative through the track's lyrics.
Sweet's I'm Not Your Suicide album, and his first autobiography, Honestly: My Life And Stryper Revealed, will be released on May 6 via BIG3 Records.
I'm Not Your Suicide is available for pre-sale at www.michaelsweet.com. Fans who pre-order the full album will be able to instantly download the song "Taking On The World Tonight" (featuring TNT singer Tony Harnell) and be registered to win a guitar used in the recording of the album.
I'm Not Your Suicide track listing:
1. “Taking On The World Tonight” (featuring Tony Harnell)
2. “All That's Left (For Me To Prove)”
3. “The Cause”
4. “This Time” (featuring Kevin Max)
5. “I'm Not Your Suicide” (co-written with Blair Daly)
6. “Coming Home”
7. “Miles Away”
8. “Strong”
9. “How To Live” (featuring Robert Sweet and Timothy Gaines)
10. “Heart Of Gold”
11. “Anybody Else” (featuring Chris Jericho and Doug Aldrich)
12. “Unsuspecting”
13. “Heart Of Gold” (bonus track featuring Electra Mustaine)
Michael Sweet online: www.michaelsweet.com & www.facebook.com/TheMichaelSweet
WARLORD taps SHADOW GALLERY's Gary Wehrkamp for European tour:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net & Angelic Warlord:
Press Release / Due to an unexpected schedule extension with Steve Vai, bassist Philip Bynoe will be unable to perform during WARLORD's 2014 summer European tour. Philip, who remains with WARLORD, recorded the tracks for the band's new album and will be missed this summer.
WARLORD, of course, could only replace Philip for the 2014 performances with a musician and performer of the highest caliber. It is therefore with great joy that they are welcoming Gary Wehrkamp of the legendary SHADOW GALLERY into the fold. Being not only a superb bass player but also a great vocalist, Gary will provide the solid rhythm section and a great addition to Mark Zonder's drumming while contributing the level of backing vocals that WARLORD compositions require.
WARLORD's latest album, The Holy Empire, came out last year. The effort was made available on CD and digitally via Sons Of A Dream Music/Battle Hymns Music.
The Holy Empire was engineered and mastered by the multi-Grammy Award winner Phil Magnotti (FATES WARNING, OVERKILL, ARCH/MATHEOS, OSI).
The Angelic Warlord review (95%) described The Holy Empire as “(striking) a balance between the dark, epic metal of its past and classically influenced sounds of Lordian Guard. It proves a compelling combination, particularly when factoring the manner in which the group stays true to the epic song structures and deep melodies of its first two releases while mixing orchestral and choral parts with the cinematic elements in which Tsamis later gained renown. The upshot is an artist taking things to the next level musically, keeping the uniqueness of the Warlord sound untouched - and the European, classic and symphonic aspects that go with it – to create a work that is not so much “conventional metal” as it its powerful and epic music in its purest form”.
The Holy Empire ranked number 2 in the Angelic Warlord list of top 15 albums from 2013.
WARLORD online: www.warlord-official.com & www.facebook.com/OfficialWarlord
NEWS BRIEFS
* Michael Sweet interview with Decibel Magazine: www.decibelmagazine.com/featured/soldier-under-command-the-testimony-of-strypers-michael-sweet
* ”Different Stage”, new song off the forthcoming SUPERNAL ENDGAME album Touch The Sky: Vol. II: https://soundcloud.com/johneargle
* Update from vocalist Jim Mullis regarding third TEMPLE OF BLOOD album, A Show Of Force (Facebook - February 25, 2014): “I'm going to begin tracking vocals for the new album very soon! Just got finished with all my vocal tracking for Cauldron Born last weekend. Can't wait to pick up my copy when it is released!
“Sorry for the infrequent updates but frankly there wasn't much to say about TOB for a while since I was working on other music. I will try to keep everyone updated of our progress in the studio from here on out”.
* Light, the seventh full-length album from Sweden’s VENI DOMINE album, is scheduled for release on May 23, 2014 via Massacre Records. Further details as they become available.
INTERVIEWS
New BLOODGOOD interview online:
HM Magazine recently interviewed founding BLOODGOOD members Michael Bloodgood (bass) and Les Carlson (lead vocals). During the interview, the two discuss the group’s new album, Dangerously Close, and the reason behind Oz Fox (STRYPER) joining the band. Following is an excerpt:
What was the thing that made you guys decide now is the time to do a new album?
Michael: Well, it certainly was not for lack of talking about it! We started writing new material back in 2007, so it has always been in the plans. We knew the Lord was blessing us with new material and we were very excited to get back into the studio after all these years. However, between live performances and our day jobs, it kept getting pushed back until now. One of the downsides of not being signed to a label is that we did not have a deadline staring us in the face. So, we essentially created our own deadline by creating a Kickstarter project.
The full interview can be read at: http://hmmagazine.com/blog/feature/bloodgood/
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
SIGNUM REGIS - "Exodus” lyric video posted online:
Press Release / The melodic metal band SIGNUM REGIS have uploaded a lyric video for the track "Exodus" to YouTube. The track comes off their album Exodus and features Lance King (ex Balance Of Power, Pyramaze) on lead vocals. Exodus was released on November 15th in Europe and December 3rd in North America through Ulterium Records.
Exodus features guest vocals by Lance King (ex. Pyramaze, Balance of Power), Michael Vescera (Obsession, Animetal USA), Matt Smith (Theocracy), Daísa Munhoz (Vandroya, Soulspell), Eli Prinsen (Sacred Warrior, The Sacrificed), Samuel Nyman (Manimal), Thomas L. Winkler (Gloryhammer, Emerald), Göran Edman (ex. Yngwie Malmsteen, John Norum) and Mayo Petranin (Castaway). The album was mastered by Tommy Hansen (Helloween, Jorn, Circus Maximus) and the artwork was created by Felipe Machado Franco (Blind Guardian, Rhapsody of Fire).
Exodus is a historical concept album about the Israelites who were enslaved in ancient Egypt.
Check out an album teaser at YouTube: http://youtu.be/99bIAAvAhPg
Exodus track listing:
1. “On The Nile”
2. “Enslaved”
3. “The Promised Land”
4. “Let Us Go!”
5. “Wrath Of Pharaoh”
6. “The Ten Plagues”
7. “Last Days In Egypt”
8. “Exodus”
9. “Song Of Deliverance”
10. “Sole Survivor”
11. “Mountain of God” (CD bonus track)
Ulterium Records online: www.ulterium-records.com
SIGNUM REGIS online: www.signum-regis.com & www.facebook.com/signum.regis
STRYPER announce video contest for “Te Amo” single:
Courtesy of www.bravewords.com:
Multi-platinum rock band STRYPER has announced a very special contest around the latest single from their new studio album, No More Hell To Pay. “Te Amo” will be made available as a free download on the band’s official website.
Once fans have downloaded the track, they can utilize their artistic and technological skills to make a music or lyric video for the song. Once they have created their masterpiece, they can submit the video for review by a special panel of judges. The judges will pick their 10 favorite videos from the submissions, and those top 10 videos will then be posted on www.noisecreep.com for not only STRYPER fans, but hard rock and heavy metal fans around the world to vote for their favorite.
The grand prizewinner will have their video posted on STRYPER's official YouTube channel, Frontiers Records' YouTube channel and www.stryper.com, with director credit for the video on all sites. The winner will also receive a Skype call with vocalist/guitarist Michael Sweet and a prize package containing STRYPER merchandise items, guitar picks, drumsticks and an autographed copy of No More Hell To Pay.
For full details, including important rules and disclaimers, please visit STRYPER’s official website: www.stryper.com/News/teamovideocontest.html
Fans who don’t want to participate are still encouraged to visit www.stryper.com to download the single if they don’t already own the new album No More Hell To Pay.
STRYPER online: www.stryper.com & www.facebook.com/stryper
NEWS BRIEFS
* Update from BARREN CROSS vocalist Michael Drive regarding CD releases of the groups live album Birth Pangs and Rock For The King re-issue: “All is well with the manufacture of our new album Birth Pangs double album deluxe CD, which is wrapping up it's manufacture and is scheduled to ship in a few days, on March 8!
“However, to all of you who have ordered the Rock For The King re-release CD, I would like to ask you to please be patient with us on this one. There was a problem at the manufacturing plant and these have to start over! So they're not ready yet, but they should be ready to ship to you next month, in April. I don't have the exact date in April but when I know, I promise to let you know!”
* Songs titles for the upcoming GX PROJECT album, Sinner: “I Sell Love”, “Don't Come Cheap”, “Satisfaction Guaranteed”, “Sinner”, “High Power (Rock n Roll)”, “Train Wreck”, “All About You”, “Rock N Roll Soul”, “Tear It Up”, “You Can't”, “Get You High” and one yet to be named.
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
KING'S X, Out Of The Silent Planet re-issue on Rock Candy Records:
Press Release / ALL HAIL TO the king. The emergence of Texan based power trio KING’S X resonated through the music industry like a breath of fresh air. Suffocating under a barrage of hair bands, the scene was fast stagnating but it was KING’S X who rode into the fray like knights in shining amour, unleashing a stylistically innovative and brilliant new sound; one that would revolutionize and influence the direction of modern rock for years to come. Out Of The Silent Planet is one of the finest hard rock albums of the new era pretty much laying the foundations for the coming tidal wave of grunge. They specialized in powerful detuned guitar playing, peeling out thick muscular riffs of the type that would soon be appropriated by future Seattle stars such as ALICE IN CHAINS, NIRVANA and SOUNDGARDEN.
That KING’S X provided a beacon of light in the black is in no doubt. Originally Issued in 1988, the album is stuffed to the rafters with a brace of extraordinary tunes, each with a lyrical twist that indicated that they were communicating on a far deeper level than what might have been expected from such a robust and bruising outfit. Check out tracks such as ‘Shot Of Love’, ‘Goldilox’ and the classic ‘King’ with its haunting refrain and unnerving defiance.
Special Deluxe Collector’s Edition, fully re-mastered sound shaped from 24 BIT digital technology, 16 page full color booklet, 3,500 word essay, enhanced artwork, rare photos and new interview with DUg Pinnick. Release date of February 25, 2014.
Out Of The Silent Planet track listing:
1. "In The New Age"
2. "Goldilox"
3. "Power Of Love"
4. "Wonder"
5. "Sometimes"
6. "King"
7. "What Is This?"
8. "Far, Far Away"
9. "Shot Of Love"
10. "Visions"
Rock Candy Records online: www.rockcandyrecords.com
TERAMAZE returns with fourth full-length album, Esoteric Symbolism:
Press Release / After completely grabbing the attention of the underground thrash and prog-power metal scene with its 2012 release Anhedonia, TERAMEZE returns with an even stronger offering in Esoteric Symbolism that blends amazingly tight and speedy syncopated guitar/drum riffs and rhythms, with melodic hard vocals, for a very unique brand of metal. The result is a TESTAMENT & TOOL meets PANTERA & THE POLICE sound in a dark sci-fi video game vibe. TERAMAZE burst out of Australia in 2012 and received well-deserved critical acclaim worldwide with their release Anhedonia.
The album on Nightmare Records will be distributed by Sony/RED coming to the world April 15th on tax day.
An Esoteric Symbolism album teaser is available at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCulsAgkfrM
The music of TERAMAZE conjures such adjectives as innovative, progressive and groove-laden but almost notably engaging. Keeping the fundamental elements of metal alive, TERAMAZE pushes metal into un-chartered territory with guitar work that is incendiary with powerfully aggressive vocals that drive the song.
“Esoteric Symbolism screams at the men behind the curtain, shining a spotlight on the establishment in an attempt to share their secrets.”
For fans of PANTERAL, TOOL, METALLICA, DEVIN TOWNSEND & SOILWORK… but faster and more melodic. Think DREAM THEATE on steroids but without the extended ‘wankery’. Produced/Mixed by Dean Wells and mastered by Lasse Lammert (ALESTORM, STUCK MOJO).
Some Quotes on the album:
"Edgy melodic tunes with quality production all add up to a great modern prog/metal album. Excellent guitars, vocals, keyboards, drums, bass - not a weak link in the Teramaze chain! Highly recommended!" -Ted Kirkpatrick / Tourniquet
Awesome. I love the songs, production is great and the guitars sound incredibly tight. Love the instrumental opener, some cool voicings. Very modern and punchy. And the most important thing is that it sounds original. I'm definitely a fan."- Marco Sfogli / James Labrie,Jordan Rudess,Virgil Donati
Esoteric Symbolism track listing:
1. “All Seeing Eye”
2. “Line Of Symmetry”
3. “Transhumanist”
4. “Bodies Of Betrayal”
5. “Parallels-Dual Reality”
6. “Spawn”
7. “Punishment By Design”
8. “Dust Of Martyrs”
9. “The Divulgence Act”
10. “Esoteric Symbolism”
11. “VI Order Out Of Chaos”
12. “VII Darkest Days Of Symphony”
13. “VIII In Vitro”
*CD version includes track 9 “The Divulgence Act” not available on digital release of the album.
Nightmare Records online: www.nightmarerecords.com
TERAMAZE online: http://teramaze.com.au & www.facebook.com/teramaze
NEWS BRIEFS
* THE BRAVE remain at work on its comeback release entitled Rise (Facebook - February 11, 2014): “People keep asking us where Rise will stack up against Battle Cries and Trust. The simple answer is that it is a great marriage between the two, although I'd say the new material is a little heavier while maintaining the slick melodies. The thing is that we grew up with melodic bands like Stryper, Styx, Def Leppard, Queen, Journey, Foreigner, and Queensryche- so our influences are pretty wide. But for us it really is all about the songs. The remakes are pretty spot on, although you will be introduced to a new singer, who shall remain nameless until the album comes out. If you know anything about us, you know that vocals hold the highest value to us, so I promise… killer vocalist on tap! The other thing is, if any of you caught the videos I've put up, you can see that the guitar playing is going to give you a lot more solos, much more aggressive (my influences are Neal Schon and Paul Gilbert. Anyways, this album is worth the wait, and we are already piecing the next album together, songs are already written (enough for two albums)!”
* SAINT is putting the final touches on the cover art for its next album, Broad Is The Gate. The group hopes to have the mix done by end of the month, while pre-orders should be offered in the near future.
* Update from Michael Sweet (Facebook - February 11, 2014): “Aside from a very active year with the Stryper tour and live Stryper album, it's going to be quite a ride with the solo album and book coming out as well as the George Lynch/ Michael Sweet album being recorded and scheduled for release. To be honest, it's a little overwhelming but I'm very blessed to be able to do what I do and at the same time, bless other people with the music and the message! Walk with me on this journey and help me continue to get the music and message out to the masses”.
* Re-mastered version of TAKER track “Look Into His Eyes”: www.reverbnation.com/roxxrecords
“Look Into His Eyes” originally appeared on the White Metal Invasion compilation tape from 1988 and will be included as part of the upcoming TAKER anthology entitled It Is Finished (scheduled for release by Roxx Productions on April 1, 2014).
FEATURED REVIEWS
ADRIANGALE - Sucker Punch!
AdrianGale returns following a ten-year hiatus with both a new album in Sucker Punch!, its fourth from the fall of 2013 on Kivel Records, and revised sound giving prominence to that much more edge and attitude. Not that the group needed an “extreme makeover” in that its previous outing from 2004, Crunch, help up quite well with its immediately accessible joining of melodic rock and commercial hard rock. Read Full Review >>
BARREN CROSS - Rock For The King (Independent band re-issue)
Barren Cross doesn’t do subtle. Long-term fans know all too well, particularly when factoring the group’s musical direction: Straight on heavy metal with a strong slant towards the power, progressive and speed side of things but intermingled with occasional touches of the blues. Read Full Review >>
BARREN CROSS - Birth Pangs
Barren Cross, with its second live album from December 2013 entitled Birth Pangs, puts them all to shame. It starts with how Birth Pangs includes the groups full performance from its 2012 Elements Of Rock show in Switzerland and places all 18 tracks onto 2 CD’s. Read Full Review >>
DESYRE - Glamtron
Not unlike its hair metal predecessors, Desyre plays up the multi-layered choruses, catchy hooks, tight guitar harmonies and shred soloing inherit to the genre (not to mention the teased hair and gaudy attire that also goes hand in hand). What sets Desyre apart is how it takes the heavier approach. Read Full Review >>
JAGUAR BLAZE - Leave It Behind
The latest to get in on the blues based hard rock bandwagon is veteran guitarist and vocalist Ian Keith Hafner’s Jaguar Blaze project. Hafner has recorded albums in styles as diverse as shock metal (Holy Riot), industrial/Gothic metal (Angry Little Freak) and classic Christian rock (Static Fuse), but it is the bluesy hard rock of Jaguar Blaze in which he has hit his stride. Read Full Review >>
SIX MINUTE CENTURY - Wasting Time
Musically, Wasting Time sticks to the power and progressive metal game plan of Time Capsules but further emphasizing the latter in exhibiting that much more complexity and technical acumen from a songwriting standpoint. Read Full Review >>
SONIC DIVIDE - Sonic Divide
Musically, Sonic Divide walks a fine line between melodic rock, commercial hard rock and AOR. The groups press material, as a result, lists MSG, Toto, Boston, Journey and Bon Jovi as points of reference- and rightly so! Read Full Review >>
WALES ROAD - Radio Scripture
The latest to get in on the rock praise bandwagon is Rochester, New York based Wales Road and its fall of 2013 and 17th album overall in Radio Scripture. Wales Road follows the tried and true method of taking traditional hymns and contemporary praise songs and setting them to a musical framework that is much more current and up to date. Read Full Review >>
CHRISTIAN METAL NEWS
Angelic Warlord top 15 albums of 2013:
1. STRYPER - No More Hell To Pay
Stryper plays to its strengths and successfully recaptures its mid-eighties form in the process. The upshot is the group’s heaviest and overall best album to date.
2. WARLORD - The Holy Empire
Guitarist William J.Tsamis reunites with original Warlord vocalist Rick Anderson to create epic metal classic. Classical overtures and deep melodies collide to create powerful and epic music in its purest form.
3. ABSOLON - Darkness Rising
New band from vocalist Ken Pike (Malachia) touches upon a European influenced power metal sound. Also a concept album based loosely around the story of A Portrait of Dorian Gray with a modern interpretation.
4. John Elefante - On My Way To The Sun
Former Kansas and Mastedon front man delivers a heavy rocking AOR sound with occasional progressive moments. Cover artwork and production shine equally.
5. SACRED WARRIOR - Waiting In Darkness
Top-notch comeback album from veteran eighties power metal outfit. Features the heaviness the group always strove for but could not quite captures on previous releases.
6. REINXEED - A New World
Inconsistent at times in the past, Swedish symphonic power metal act delivers its most well rounded release to date. Also finds the group experimenting with some progressive, melodic and classic metal slants.
7. SIX MINUTE CENTURY - Wasting Time
Power and progressive metal from Houston, Texas based group that proves heavier than 2008 debut Time Capsules. SMC continues to standout with solid musicianship and current events based lyrics.
8. SONIC DIVIDE - Sonic Divide
One of the better new bands to hit the scene brings a joining of AOR, melodic rock and commercial hard rock. Lushly textured songwriting and overall emotional edge lends to quite the enaging self-titled debut.
9. BLOODGOOD - Dangerously Close
Another solid comeback album in a year characterized by eighties metal bands delivering on promise of new material. You will find a joining of heavier and faster tracks and those with a more accessible sound.
10. BARREN CROSS - Birth Pangs
A double live album that captures the group’s entire performance from the 2012 Elements of Rock show in Switzerland. Featured is material from all the previous Barren Cross releases in addition to several new songs.
11. BRIDE - Incorruptible
Quality swan song effort by veteran hard rock act from Louisville, Kentucky. The album runs the gamut from the hard rocking to the bluesy to the acoustic to the progressive.
12. DESYRE - Glamtron
Hair metal with a heavier edge, Desyre takes the next step in terms of its songwriting. Tons of infectious energy and non-stop hooks guarantees repeat listen.
13. HEDDA - The Storm
Concept album based around a fictional war between various factions of angels with power and progressive metal employed as the vehicle to get said storyline across. An all around consistent work with no filler or skip buttons.
14. MISSION OF ONE - Hostile To The Gospel
Vocalist and bassist Chris Dickens continues to walk a fine line between blues based hard rock and straightforward heavy metal on finest Mission of One release. For those into the Rez Band meets Stonefuze meets Thieves & Liars type sound.
15. STRYPER - Second Coming
Quality re-record project made up of songs from the groups first three albums. It features stronger production values and contributions form all four original members.
Best re-issues of 2013:
1. THEOCRACY - Theocracy
Re-mixed and re-mastered Theocracy self-titled debut with programmed drums replaced by Theocracy drummer Shawn Benson. An excellent introduction to the groups ‘epic melodic power metal with progressive overtones’ based sound.
2. LEVITICUS - The Strongest Power
A widely regarded Christian metal classic re-mastered (by guitarist Bjorn Stigsson) and featuring original ‘Deborah & Barak’ artwork. Second album from Swedish power trio joins aspects of melodic, power and traditional metal.
3. LORDIAN GUARD - Anthology
Double disc re-release of both Lordian Guard albums, Lordian Guard (1995) and Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God (1997). Epic song structures and medieval flavorings help set Lordian Guard apart.
4. GIDEON’S ARMY - Warriors Of Love
Second album from Bay Area commercial hard rock outfit re-mastered and made available for first time since mid-eighties. For those into Guardian, Novella, Idle Cure and Daniel Band.
5. BRIDE - Lost Reels I, II & III
A 3 CD set of Bride songs either never previously released or demo versions of song it would later re-record. Made up mostly of late eighties to late nineties based material.
6. BRIDE - Skin For Skin
Originally a 2006 release but re-mastered & re-issued with altered album artwork. SFS represents a throwback to Bride’s eighties and early nineties eras.
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
NARNIA reunion announced:
Press Release / Swedish neo-classical metallers NARNIA are back and stronger than ever! The band will celebrate the 15th anniversary of the release of its Long Live The King album with bombastic live shows and a deluxe reissue of the album on CD and limited-edition vinyl.
Confirmed concerts so far in 2014:
May 24, Metallsvenskan festival in Örebro, Sweden
June 14, Goodmoodstock Festival in Pieksämäki, Finland
July 5, Gullbranna Festival in Halmstad, Sweden
More dates as they become available.
The lion will again roar on stage, where NARNIA waves the melodic metal flag high and mighty!
NARNIA 2014 line-up:
Christian Liljegren - Vocals
CJ Grimmark – Guitars
Martin Härenstam - Keyboards
Andreas Passmark - Bass
Andreas "Habo" Johansson – Drums
When singer Christian Liljegren and guitar viruoso CJ Grimmark formed NARNIA in 1996, they knew little about the adventures which lay ahead: tours, six albums, live album/DVD, TV, radio and trips to Japan, The Faroe Islands, Mexico and, of course, Europe.
NARNIA has toured with such bands as DIO, STRATOVARIUS and SONATA ARCTICA. They played several festivals, such as Sweden Rock Festival and Gates Of Metal, where thousands of fans enjoyed NARNIA's energetic live show.
The resurrected NARNIA hopes to visit countries in which it has not previously played.
NARNIA online: www.narniatheband.com & www.facebook.com/narniatheband
MICHAEL SWEET - I’m Not Your Suicide details revealed:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:
Press Release / Michael Sweet, front man for the Christian hard rock band STRYPER, will release a new full-length solo album, I'm Not Your Suicide, and his first autobiography, Honestly: My Life And Stryper Revealed, on May 6 via BIG3 Records.
The future remains bright for Sweet, who has endured heartbreaking tribulations throughout his life and career, including the 2009 passing of his wife of more than 22 years, Kyle. In 2010, Sweet remarried to Lisa Champagne-Sweet, a woman he describes as "a Godsend and the one who fits perfectly by my side."
Sweet continues to record and tour with STRYPER, as well as touring and recording as a solo artist, all the while making frequent trips to Nashville where he is writing with some of the biggest music writers in the business.
"After 30 years in this business, I feel honored and blessed to be able to continue doing what it is I love, making music," said Sweet.
"I'm extremely thankful to have the greatest fans in the world.
"God has blessed me with this talent and I plan to continue on this path as long as I can draw breath."
Sweet's autobiography, Honestly: My Life And Stryper Revealed, chronicles an amazing 30-year career and includes endorsements from Eddie Trunk, Dave Mustaine, Larry The Cable Guy, Jeordie White and Chris Jericho. Among the topics covered are:
* How Michael Sweet formed the first Christian rock band to hit #1 on MTV, paving the way for an entire genre of music.
* First-hand stories of the Sunset Strip, with never-before-told stories that include friends and musical peers such as POISON, MÖTLEY CRÜE, RATT, WHITESNAKE, METALLICA and more.
* How Jimmy Swaggart and Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker played a role in Michael's life.
* The temptations and ultimate low-points of a notable Christian rock star.
* Never-before-revealed stories of life behind the scenes in STRYPER.
* Why so many people have declared Michael Sweet a significant influence on their lives; from Larry The Cable Guy to professional wrestler Chris Jericho to Haitian musician and politician Wyclef Jean and more.
* Losing his wife to cancer and re-marrying shortly thereafter.
* An honest look at Sweet's often tumultuous family relationships.
* The unlikely relationship between Sweet and national radio personality Don Imus.
* What led to the decline and fall of STRYPER in 1992, and subsequent reunion and rebirth in 2001.
With the upcoming and long-overdue solo album, Sweet is finally delivering the project fans have been patiently waiting for. Produced by Sweet himself, I'm Not Your Suicide includes special appearances by Tony Harnell (TNT), Kevin Max (DCTALK, AUDIO ADRENALINE), Chris Jericho (FOZZY), Doug Aldrich (WHITESNAKE), Electra Mustaine (daughter of MEGADETH front man Dave Mustaine) and STRYPER band mates Robert Sweet and Timothy Gaines. Legendary drummer Kenny Aronoff (CHICKENFOOT) played on the record as well.
I'm Not Your Suicide track listing:
1. “Taking On The World Tonight” (featuring Tony Harnell)
2. “All That's Left (For Me To Prove)”
3. “The Cause”
4. “This Time” (featuring Kevin Max)
5. “I'm Not Your Suicide” (co-written with Blair Daly)
6. “Coming Home”
7. “Miles Away”
8. “Strong”
9. “How To Live” (featuring Robert Sweet and Timothy Gaines)
10. “Heart Of Gold”
11. “Anybody Else” (featuring Chris Jericho and Doug Aldrich)
12. “Unsuspecting”
13. “Heart Of Gold” (bonus track featuring Electra Mustaine)
MICHAEL SWEET online: www.michaelsweet.com & www.facebook.com/TheMichaelSweet
NEWS BRIEFS
* THE BRAVE new album, Rise, update (December 30, 2013): “Okay gang, Rise is complete. 12 tunes, Brave tested and approved, for your sonic consumption in 2014!! The Brave will meet this weekend to go over any final adjustments, then we go to mix, press and distribution in every major outlet, including iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, Rhapsody and more. Let the journey begin!”
* GX PROJECT & X-SINNER update (January 29, 2014): “One last song to track for the new GX Project album, Sinner, (and then) will be ready for mixing. A couple of the songs were originally written for the new X-Sinner album but will be now on the GX new one. The reason is that Rex (Scott - vocals & guitars)) has a large amount of written material in his possession and GX turns out the albums in a more timely manner than X-Sinner does so some of his material was diverted to GX.
"The two bands are really one and the same now that the GX players now play live with X-Sinner live on the X-Sinner Featuring GX' tour dates. Greg Bishop founder and lead guitarist of X-Sinner doesn't enjoy recording and is why the delays of the bands last album have been lengthy. It's also the reason the band will be releasing their new songs one at a time digitally only. The band will continue to perform live but this will be X-Sinner's last studio effort. Rex will probably continue to track new GX albums however.”
* Chris Dickens has started writing for the next MISSION OF ONE album (Christian Hard Music - January 27, 2014): “I am also starting to really write for the next project. I don't know how it will be received, but most of the stuff I am coming up with is quite a bit more blues influenced. I'm talking Stevie Ray Vaughn kind of stuff. I'm just going to keep toying around with whatever riffs I get and see what happens. If it's a change of direction, so be it. Of course, if I can swing the sound toward the Whitesnake/Red Sea spectrum, that would be cool. Right now, I am not going to really worry about the style and just keep writing.”
New song titles include “Free” and “The Girl In The Window”. Former takes a latter day CINDERELLA heading, while latter is in the ZZ TOP/GLENN KAISER BAND mode.
* SAINT announces new guitarist & album update (Facebook - January 30, 2013): “Saint is back on track with the recording process (of its new album) and we're shooting for the end of Feb for mix down.
“That being said we also have some very exciting new. Matt Smith has joined Saint (Ed note: This is NOT the same Matt Smith as the THEOCRACY vocalist). Matt is a fantastic lead/rhythm guitarist and as you will soon hear a valuable asset to the band. be sure to check him out at his web site and send him encouragement.”
Matt Smith online :http://mattsmithguitar.com
* SUPERNAL ENDGAME has sent its new album, Touch the Sky: Vol. II, off for mastering. Track listing is as follows:, “Supernal One (Immanence and Transcendence)”, “Different Stage”, “Again And Again”, “Eden's Song”, “S.O.S (Save Me)”, “Immutable”, “White Flag”, “Dischord N' Datchord”, “Swim In Your Ocean”, “Orwelled”, “The Endgame”
* TAKER update from Roxx Records: “The artwork and re-mastering will both be done by next week! We are ahead of schedule on this one! As soon as it is all turned in (it is) off to be pressed!
“This one will ship well in advance of the April 1, 2014 street date for all of those pre order special packages! There are less then 40 left of the Deluxe Edition, so get your order in quick! 2 CD Deluxe set is limited to only 100 copies! The main disc is limited to only 200 copies worldwide! A true limited edition pressing!”
TAKER, It Is Finished: The Complete Anthology is available for pre-order at: http://roxxproductions.storenvy.com/products
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
New LETTER 7 album, Trust:
Press Release / LETTER 7 are pleased to announce its new album entitled Trust. Recorded in follow up to the group’s 2007 full-length debut Salt Of The Earth and sophomore release Follow The Light from 2008, Trust features original LETTER 7 vocalist Tom Collette.
CD currently in duplication and should be available in mid February through the LETTER 7 website, CD Baby and Amazon. Digital downloads to take an additional 30 to 60 days.
Trust track listing:
1. “Tribulation Saints”
2. “Don’t Fall Away”
3. “Holy, Holy”
4. Treasure In The Field”
5. “Trust”
6. “Children Of Light”
7. “Trial By Fire”
8. “Archangel”
9. “Surrender”
10. “New Creation”
11. “Heartbreak”
LETTER 7 online: http://letter7rocks.wix.com/letter7rocks & www.facebook.com/letter.seven.96
BARREN CROSS release new live album, Birth Pangs:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net & Angelic Warlord:
Press Release / Christian metal veterans BARREN CROSS commemorate their 30th anniversary by releasing their first new album in 18 years, Birth Pangs. Recorded live at the 2012 Elements Of Rock festival in Switzerland, it captures the entire BARREN CROSS performance in encompassing 18 songs and over an hour and a half of music.
The album, which reunites the original lineup of vocalist Michael Drive, guitarist Ray Parris, bassist Jim LaVerde and drummer Steve Whitaker, saw a digital download release on December 21, 2013. The group plans a CD release for February of this year, and is selling the CDs as pre-order from its web site: www.barrencross.com
Commented Drive: "I personally have never been as excited over an album in its performance as I am with Birth Pangs.
"I would like for every BARREN CROSS fan to own this; they must hear it.
"I feel stronger about this concerning Birth Pangs than any other album we have ever released!"
Birth Pangs draws its material from each of the four BARREN CROSS studio albums, in addition to including two new songs and a third which was previously unreleased.
Birth Pangs track listing:
1. “Living Dead”
2. “Stage Of Intensity”
3. “Close To The Edge”
4. “The Unsuspecting”
5. “Two Thousand Years”
6. “Return Of The Light”
7. “Believe”
8. “Light The Flame”
9. “He Loves You”
10. “Dying Day”
11. “Bigotry Man”
12. “Here I Am”
13. “A Walk With God”
14. “Whitewashed Love”
15. “Rattle Your Cage”
16. “Deadlock”
17. “Cultic Regimes”
18. “Killers”
Check out audio samples at: www.barrencross.com/albums/51
BARREN CROSS represents one of the foundational bands to have emerged out of the early eighties and played a pioneering role in the "white metal scene" that followed. The group independently released its six-song debut EP, Believe, in 1985 prior to signing with Star Song Records for its first full-length album from 1986, Rock For The King. A contract with mainstream label Engima Records ensued, which resulted in follow-up full-length releases Atomic Arena (1988) and State Of Control (1989). BARREN CROSS remained productive into the nineties, releasing its first live album on Medusa Records in 1990, Hotter Than Hell! Live, in addition to its 1994 Rugged Records swan song effort Rattle Your Cage, which some say is their best studio album to date.
BARREN CROSS online: www.barrencross.com & www.facebook.com/barrencross
Roxx Records announces TAKER compilation, It Is Finished: The Complete Anthology:
Press Release / It was 1987 and a relatively unknown band independently released a four-song cassette demo that garnered great reviews in the underground ‘white metal’ scene of the time. Recording two tracks for the Regency Records compilation East Coast Metal followed in 1988 The band in question is TAKER, and they were posed to take the metal world by storm between both the success of its debut demo (also known as the “Matthew 11:12” EP) and contributions to East Coast Metal. It was the start of what promised a very fruitful career for this young and energetic metal band from Northern Virginia.
TAKER would play many high profile shows with some of the biggest ‘white metal’ bands of the time, including WHITECROSS, BELIEVER, SECOND CHANCE and HAVEN. By the summer of 1989 TAKER would complete a final five song EP, Blood, before calling it a day after its members moved on to other musical projects. The Blood EP would be the last official TAKER release- until now!
On April 1, 2014, Roxx Records is proud to announce that we will be releasing a full-length release from TAKER entitled It Is Finished: The Complete Anthology. Roxx Records worked closely with founding TAKER member Robert Bussey to come up with anything and everything we could find from the bands recording history and personal archives. The resulting compilation of the best possible recordings was sent to Sid ‘Ysidro’ Garcia (DELIVERANCE, ULTIMATUM, CROSSFORCE) for re-mastering so that these long lost gems could be shared with the metal community for the first time on CD (limited to 300 copies worldwide). Following is the track listing of this amazing compilation encompassing all the studio tracks the band recorded:
Four Song “Matthew 11:12” Demo (from May/June 1987 and recorded at Glass Hand Studio, Falls Church VA. Engineered by Mark Miley):
1. “Open Your Heart”
2. “He Is The Light”
3. “Yesterday Today And Forever”
4. “11 O’ Clock News”
Rehearsal song (recorded live) in between the release of the “Matthew 11:12” EP and Image Records recording sessions in preparation for the opening slot on the first WHITECROSS East Coast tour (from fall 1987 and with Mark Miley filling in on drums form Charlies Osterhoudt):
5. “Living By Faith”
Image Records recording sessions (from November 1987 and recorded at Alive Studios, Harrisonburg, VA. Produced by Dorn Repport):
6. “Look Into His Eyes” (released on the White Metal Invasion compilation cassette)
7. “He is the Light” (re-recorded)
8. “Open Your Heart” (re-recorded)
East Coast Metal compilation tracks (from 1988 and recorded at Morningstar Studio. Produced by Doug Mann):
9. “Living By Faith”
10. “Yesterday, Today and Forever”
Blood EP (from summer 1989 and featuring Rob Kreiner on vocals. Recorded at Bias Studios, Springfield, VA):
11. “The Measure”
12. “Blood”
13. “Overcomer’s Anthem”
14. “Into The Throne Room/A New Song”
True collector’s will be happy to know Roxx Records has found even more previously unreleased material from the bands archives to come up with a very special bonus disc! This will be available as a part of a two disc Deluxe Edition set and limited to only 100 copies on a special pre-order basis! Bonus disc track listing:
Live East Coast Metal concert with BELIEVER & SECOND CHANCE (Halloween 1988 at Street Cry in Fredericksburg, VA.):
1. “Look Into His Eyes/Overcomer’s Anthem”
2. “Open Your Heart”
3. “11 O Clock News”
4. “Yesterday Today And Forever”
5. “He Is The Light”
6. “The Measure”
7. “Battle Hymn Of Republic”
Additional bonus tracks:
8. “Into the Throne Room” - ATTIC SYMPHONY (Robert and Dan)
9. “Yesterday Today and Forever” (Instrumental) - ATTIC SYMPHONY (Robert and Dan)
10. “Polar Expressions” - Robert Bussey
Roxx Productions online: www.roxxproductions.com
NEWS BRIEFS
* Firestream Music Vault scheduled to return on February 1, 2014. Additional details: http://untombed.com/firestream-music-vault-returns
“Save Me”, new demo song off the upcoming MILLENNIAL REIGN album The God Particle: www.reverbnation.com/millennialreign7
Studio time has been booked and the group will begin recording the album next week.
* Hostile To The Gospel, the fourth MISSION OF ONE album, will be released on January 28, 2014 via Tate Music Group. Look for it to be available at iTunes and Amazon.
*New Facebook page from STRYPER vocalist Michael Sweet: www.facebook.com/TheMichaelSweet
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
KERRY LIVGREN - Seeds Of Change re-issue on Rock Candy Records:
Release date of February 4, 2014:
Special Deluxe Collector's Edition / Fully re-mastered sound shaped from 24-BIT digital technology / Solo album from KANSAS guitarist featuring Ronnie James Dio / 12-page full color booklet with 3,500 word essay, enhanced artwork, unpublished photos and new interview with Kerry Livgren.
Press Release / Of all the greats to emerge from the vibrant American scene in the 70's, few could match the grandiose vision of KANSAS. Rising up from relatively inauspicious beginnings in Topeka, in less than a decade they were crafting multi-platinum albums and selling out arena tours right across the States. One of its founding members, and primary songwriter, guitarist Kerry Livgren was the chief architect behind that inexorable rise to success and songs such as “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust In The Wind” became indelibly etched on the musical psyche of a generation.
As the decade drew to a close, however, inevitable changes were beginning to sweep through the KANSAS camp. Pieced together during snatched moments of downtime away from the Audio Visions recording sessions, Livgren's first solo album Seeds Of Change is a long forgotten jewel. Featuring guest appearances from most of his KANSAS colleagues, as well as cameo's from the likes of Ronnie James Dio, JETHRO TULL drummer Barrie Barlow and AMBROSIA front man David Pack, it not only showcased the guitarist's versatility as a songwriter, but also allowed him to push the envelope like never before.
Seeds Of Change features songs blessed with striking arrangements and a surfeit of stirring hooks. “Mask Of The Great Deceiver”, “To Live For The King” and their ilk still rank amongst Livgren's greatest contributions to the pantheon of progressive rock music!
Seeds Of Change track listing
1. “Just One Way”
2. “Mask Of the Great Deceiver”
3. “How Can You Live”
4. “Whiskey Seed”
5. “To Live For the King”
6. “Down To The Core”
7. “Ground Zero”
Rock Candy Records online: www.rockcandyrecords.com
NEWS BRIEFS
* MILLENNIAL REIGN new album update (Facebook - January 19, 2014): “Next weekend we will be releasing "Save Me", the last of the three rough demo songs for the upcoming album The God Particle. We are also planning studio time in the next few weeks to begin recording tracks for the album as well”.
* Matt Smith (THEOCRACY) will be handling the mix of the upcoming WORLDVIEW album, The Chosen Few. Look for The Chosen Few to be released in the spring of this year.
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
SONIC DIVIDE, Melodic Hard Rock From Australia:
Self-titled debut album released late 2013:
Press Release / SONIC DIVIDE was first conceived when Wayne Holden (lead vocals), Andy Young (keyboards) and Glenn Johnson (lead guitars) decided that it had been too many years since they played music for fun. In a relatively small city like Adelaide in South Australia, it was very easy to call on other musicians they had played with in the past, to help contribute to the occasional jam session. Ian Slade ((bassist) soon jumped on board and eventually Steve Pirie (guitars) and Evan Johnson (drums) completed the line up.
What started out as a bit of fun, but soon grew into a writing project that has spanned over 2 years.
You will find a huge amount of variation in the musical influences that each band member brings to SONIC DIVIDE: Everything from "KANSAS" to "DREAM THEATER" and "VAN HALEN" to "JOHN MAYER". This has resulted in a musical style that also spans many rock based genres.
Comments Young: “With Sonic Divide, we decided from the get go to not make this another ‘Christian band’ as such but rather take our God-given talents and musical abilities and just create the best music we could – sort of adopt the whole Bob Briner ‘Roaring Lambs’ type approach to our music. And the doors that have been opening have blown us away. We mentioned in our album credits that we “give thanks to God, the Creator of all things, for illuminating our paths”. God is VERY much a part of who Sonic Divide is and our journey thus far, and will continue to be so into the future.”
He goes into further detail about the group’s lyrical direction: “As mentioned, we fall squarely into the category of ‘Christians creating music’ rather than a Christian ‘ministry’ band as such, but our individual Christian faith is still what carries and guides the six of us as we journey through life. Our lyrics centre around things like relationships in life and the struggles and successes involved as such as well as hope and optimism for a better future.”
Sonic Divide track listing:
1. “So In Love”
2. “Driven”
3. “I Wonder”
4. “When The Morning Comes”
5. “Too Much”
6. “Shattered Fortress”
7. “Stepping Stone”
8. “The Healing”
9. “Horizon”
SONIC DIVIDE online: www.sonicdivide.net & www.facebook.com/pages/Sonic-Divide
TRANSATLANTIC to release new album Kaleidoscope on January 28, 2014:
Press Release / Good things come to those who wait. Transatlantic fans are accustomed to playing the waiting game, and their patience has been rewarded with the band's fourth official studio album, Kaleidoscope. Steeped in vibrant prog rock organics, it's a triumphant return to the band’s original creative style.
The beloved prog rock project featuring Neal Morse (ex-Spock's Beard), Mike Portnoy (The Winery Dogs, ex-Dream Theater), Roine Stolt (The Flower Kings) and Pete Trewavas (Marillion), Transatlantic's foundation was built in 1999 with the release of their debut album, SMPT:e, in 2000. A second studio album, Bridge Across Forever, solidified their position as prog’s definitive super group. It would be nine years before Transatlantic’s fans were rewarded with a new studio album: 2009’s The Whirlwind, the band’s most popular release to date. Following the subsequent tour, spawning two live DVDs, the band decided to record a new studio album as soon as they could.
"There was talk about a year ago about doing an album before we actually did it," reveals Morse. "I was feeling it for a while. Some of the music that ended up on my Momentum album (2012) seemed like good material for Transatlantic. Roine and my schedules have a little more space in them, and Pete and Mike's schedules finally aligned, so we were able to put this together. I'm just glad we got to do it again and I'm really happy with the way the album came out."
Morse, Portnoy, Stolt and Trewavas shared equally in the songwriting, with Portnoy ultimately sifting through the material and picking out what he felt was best. For the most part, the music that fans hear on Kaleidoscope (and all of their previous albums) was created for Transatlantic. There are, of course, exceptions. “I wrote the second song on Kaleidoscope, “Shine,” before my Momentum album came out," says Morse. "I thought about recording it for myself, but it just smelled of Transatlantic. I presented it with two other acoustic songs, and that’s the one the other guys chose, as well.”
The band convened at Neal’s studio in Tennessee; writing, arranging, and laying down the final drums and bass. Morse offers, “At this stage, we sketch out the house and build the foundation. Then Roine and I go off to our respective studios and do what we need to. We send those parts, including vocals, back and forth via the internet; but the writing is done together in Tennessee. We just go from the gut, and I think it's an amazing process of trusting each other. There's no shortage of ideas; it's more like which ideas do we want to use?"
As the fans have come to expect, Kaleidoscope is also available as a Special Edition featuring eight uniquely Transatlantic cover songs. "I don't know how it started," Morse says of the cover song tradition. "But we've done it for every album. It's a lot of fun because most of the time it's simpler music than what we're mainly involved with."
There are points during the journey through Kaleidoscope where the listener will be reminded of artists like Yes, early Genesis, and even Styx. But in the end, the album is distinctly Transatlantic before it can be compared to anyone else.
"I think that comes from the different ingredients," says Morse. "It's the four of us from all over the world—with our different backgrounds, cultures and musical history—that makes this band totally unique."
The band will embark on a six-week world tour January 31 – March 15, with an additional performance at the Sweden Rock festival June 4-7. They will be joined by Pain of Salvation’s Daniel Gildenlöw as a 5th touring member. The tour will include headlining the Progressive Nation At Sea 2014 Cruise,February 18-22, alongside 22 other leading prog acts including Adrian Belew Power Trio, Devin Townsend Project, King's X, Anathema and Spock’s Beard. The event will also feature a special performance of Yes material by Transatlantic with legendary singer Jon Anderson on vocals.
Transatlantic - Kaleidoscope (75:50)
1. "Into The Blue" (25:13)
I. "Overture" (Instrumental)
II. "The Dreamer And The Healer"
III. "A New Beginning"
IV. "Written In Your Heart"
V. "The Dreamer And The Healer" (Reprise)
2. "Shine" (07:28)
3. "Black As The Sky" (06:45)
4. "Beyond The Sun" (04:31)
5. "Kaleidoscope" (31:53)
I. "Overture" (Instrumental)
II. "Ride The Lightning"
III. "Black Gold"
IV. "Walking The Road"
V. "Desolation Days"
VI. "Lemon Looking Glass" (Instrumental) VII. Feel The Lightning (Reprise)
Bonus CD:
1. "And You And I" (Yes)
2. "Can't Get It Out Of My Head" (ELO)
3. "Conquistador" (ProcolHarum)
4. "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" (Elton John)
5. "Tin Soldier" (Small Faces)
6. "Sylvia" (Focus)
7. "Indiscipline" (King Crimson)
8. "Nights In White Satin" (The Moody Blues)
Transatlantic line-up:
Roine Stolt - Electric guitars, vocals
Pete Trewavas - Bass, Vocals
Neal Morse – Keys, Guitars, Vocals
Mike Portnoy - Drums,Vocals
An Evening With Transatlantic 2014 World Tour
Jan 31st - Los Angeles, CA - El Segundo Performing Arts Center
Feb 1st - San Francisco, CA
Feb 2nd - Seattle, WA
Feb 4th - Chicago, IL - The Arcada Theater
Feb 5th - Quebec City, Canada - Theatre Du Capitole
Feb 6th - Montreal, Canada - L'Olympia
Feb 7th - Boston, MA
Feb 8th - Philadelphia, PA - Keswick Theater
Feb 9th - New York City, NY - Highline Ballroom
Feb 11th - Mexico City, Mexico - Teatro Metropolitan
Feb 13th - São Paulo, Brazil
Feb 14th - Buenos Aires, Argentina
Feb 15th - Santiago, Chile
Feb 18th to 22nd - Progressive Nation At Sea
Feb 27th - Madrid, Spain - La Rivera
Feb 28th - Barcelona, Spain - Razzmatazz 2
March 2nd - Milan, Italy - Alcatraz
March 3rd - Rome, Italy - Orion
March 5th - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7
March 6th - Karlsruhe, Germany - Substage
March 7th - Munich, Germany - Muffathalle
March 8th - Berlin, Germany - Astra
March 9th - Cologne, Germany - E Werk
March 11th - Antwerp, Belgium - Trix
March 12th - London, England - The Forum
March 13th - Tilburg, Holland - 013
March 14th - Tilburg, Holland - 013
March 15th - Paris, France - Le Bataclan
June 4th-7th - Sweden Rock Festival
Radiant Records online: www.radiantrecords.com/default.aspx
Transatlantic online: www.transatlanticweb.com & www.facebook.com/transatlanticmusic
NEWS BRIEFS
* Brian Belew (BARNABAS guitarist) demos at YouTube: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9CfLUrd-3H_TbKP3KAzgk-zSAeCLWLmB
*CHAOTIC RESEMBLANCE, Christian hair metal from Oklahoma: www.reverbnation.com/chaoticresemblance
* DELIVERANCE sophomore release Weapons Of Our Warfare is pending a re-mastered vinyl re-issue on Roxx Production. Limited to 300 copies and vinyl colors to be decided. More details as they are forthcoming.
* Focus On Metal (audio) interview with Michael Sweet: www.extremepair.net/focusonmetal/podcasts/2014/focus-on-metal-161.mp3
Michael Sweet offers further thoughts in regards to his upcoming solo album, I’m Not Your Suicide (Facebook - 01/09/2014): “It's an opportunity for me to express myself in new ways, and experiment a little more musically. As a writer, I respect all styles of music and although hard rock/metal is where I lay my head, it's cool to be able try different things and reach outside the box. Stryper has a particular style and sound and it's important that we don't venture too far away from that. My new solo album has some heavy music on it and at the same time. It also has a little more diversity and different instruments going on which makes it very interesting.
“I used steel guitar on a few tracks, 12 string guitar here and there, mellotron, live cellos, B3, and all kinds of instruments that you don't or most likely here on a Stryper album. It's exciting for me to be able to go into a studio and have the freedom to incorporate new sounds, techniques and instruments. I also brought in quite a few guest singers and musicians to add to the overall sound of the album. Kevin Max, Electra Mustaine, Tony Harnell, Chris Jericho, Doug Aldrich, Kenny Aronoff, Paul McNamara, Charles Foley, John O'Boyle & Pete Adams all helped to make this album the best solo album to date and a record that I'm most proud of. I look forward to all of you hearing it and I want to thank you all for being friends and fans, solo or not:-)”
I’m Not Your Suicide is scheduled to be released on May 6, 2014.
INTERVIEWS
New SACRED WARRIOR interview online:
In a recent online interview with Sleaze Roxx, guitarist Bruce Swift goes into detail about the bands beginning and what led to its break up in the nineties, the departure of original vocalist Rey Parra, his replacement Eli Prinsen and new album Waiting In Darkness. Following is an excerpt:
Eli obviously had some big shoes to fill replacing Rey. How do you think he has fared and what has been the fans' reaction in general?
Rey was awesome but Eli is awesome in a different vibe. So for us it worked out perfect. I just don't think Rey was prepared to sing at this level of this heavy of metal and we are heavier than we used to be. I don't know if you have heard our old stuff but it was not as heavy as what we are doing right now. Eli's voice caters more to the heavy than Rey's voice did and it is a really good fit. I think we are going to have to find a new fan base as well that will kind of dig on the new stuff. The old guys -- the old fans that were with us -- many of them are hanging on. Obviously, you are going to have your few diehards that will not let go but I think it is going well.
The two-part interview can be read at: www.sleazeroxx.com/interviews/bruceswift1.shtml & www.sleazeroxx.com/interviews/bruceswift2.shtml
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
MICHAEL SWEET - Solo album release date and title revealed:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:
Press Release / Michael Sweet of Christian hard rockers STRYPER will release his new solo album, I'm Not Your Suicide, on May 6. Guest musicians set to appear on the CD include CHICKENFOOT drummer Kenny Aronoff, FOZZY singer Chris Jericho, WHITESNAKE guitarist Doug Aldrich; Tony Harnell of TNT, and Michael's brother Robert Sweet and STRYPER's Timothy Gaines.
The 12-song solo record will be accompanied by the STRYPER frontman's autobiography, "Honestly", the writing of which he said was "much more difficult than I could ever imagine yet it's been somewhat therapeutic being able to talk about my life and the past 30+ years of all things STRYPER." He added: "I get into everything and share things that may surprise you. I talk about the dysfunction in this band, the pain and heartache of being so close to each other that we sometimes hurt each other the most, the ups and downs from our highest point (1987-1988) to our lowest point (1991-1992) and why we were driven to bankruptcy and how we climbed our way back from complete loss and despair. I share my personal pain from considering to give up music altogether to the day I broke the news to the guys that I would be leaving the band and why. From that day forward, I had everything a man could ask for and then, in what seemed like an instant, it was all taken away."
I'm Not Your Suicide will include the song "The Cause", which Sweet made available for streaming this past September on the twelfth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center.
The tracks “Strong” and “The Cause” are available for streaming at: http://chirb.it/Ea3O6f & http://audio.chirbit.com/michaelhsweet_1378922441.mp3
I’m Not Your Suicide samples:
“Unsuspecting”: http://chirb.it/10Aeys
“Taking On The World Tonight”: http://chirb.it/3pAt1O
“I’m Not Your Suicide”: http://chirb.it/1tENHF
“Miles Away”: http://chirb.it/OAeJk5
“All That’s Left (For Me To Prove)”: http://chirb.it/7vC002
“How To Live”: http://chirb.it/GcPmJ2
“This Time”: http://chirb.it/KLMsHJSee
“Anybody Else”: http://chirb.it/tqNqkK
“Heart Of Gold” (Neal Young cover): http://chirb.it/CPwnb4
Michael Sweet online: www.michaelsweet.com & www.facebook.com/TheMichaelSweet
SIGNUM REGIS - “The Ten Plagues” video posted online:
Press Release / The melodic metal band SIGNUM REGIS have uploaded the track "The Ten Plagues" to YouTube. The track comes off their album Exodus and features Matt Smith (THEOCRACY) on vocals. "Exodus" was released on November 15th in Europe and December 3rd in North America through Ulterium Records.
Exodus features guest vocals by Lance King (ex. Pyramaze, Balance of Power), Michael Vescera (Obsession, Animetal USA), Matt Smith (Theocracy), Daísa Munhoz (Vandroya, Soulspell), Eli Prinsen (Sacred Warrior, The Sacrificed), Samuel Nyman (Manimal), Thomas L. Winkler (Gloryhammer, Emerald), Göran Edman (ex. Yngwie Malmsteen, John Norum) and Mayo Petranin (Castaway). The album was mastered by Tommy Hansen (Helloween, Jorn, Circus Maximus) and the artwork was created by Felipe Machado Franco (Blind Guardian, Rhapsody of Fire).
Exodus is a historical concept album about the Israelites who were enslaved in ancient Egypt.
Check out an album teaser at YouTube: http://youtu.be/99bIAAvAhPg
Exodus track listing:
1. “On The Nile”
2. “Enslaved”
3. “The Promised Land”
4. “Let Us Go!”
5. “Wrath Of Pharaoh”
6. “The Ten Plagues”
7. “Last Days In Egypt”
8. “Exodus”
9. “Song Of Deliverance”
10. “Sole Survivor”
11. “Mountain of God” (CD bonus track)
SIGNUM REGIS online: www.signum-regis.com & www.facebook.com/signum.regis
NEWS BRIEFS
* New demo song from MILLENIAL REIGN, “Forever Changed”: www.reverbnation.com/millennialreign7
*SUNROAD, Carved In Time album samples: www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzlZhiDWjJg
Carved In Time is scheduled for release on MS Metal Records in North America and Europe on January 10, 2014. It was released in Brazil on December 14, 2013 and South America on December 20, 2013.
SUNROAD consists of vocalist Harion Vex, guitarist Netto Mello, bassist & keyboardist Akasio Angels and drummer Fred Mika.
“ Crucible Of Truth”, instrumental hard rock from VISUAL CLIFF: https://soundcloud.com/visual-cliff/crucible-of-truth-2013-between
“Crucible Of Truth” is from the new VISUAL CLIFF album Between Two Kingdoms.
* World premier sneak peak at new X-SINNER album Goin’ Out With A Bang: http://www.x-sinner.org
Angelic Warlord Update Archives: HERE
