METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

DELIVERANCE To Play In Europe Summer:
Press Release / Christian thrash metal pioneers DELIVERANCE will play selected dates in Scotland UK and Germany this July.  The band is booked to play the Dundee Church on Thursday 25th of July, and Headbangers Open Air in Germany 27th of July.

This marks the first time the band will play in Europe. The line up features original member’s vocalist and guitarist Jimmy P Brown II and guitarist Glenn Rogers, formerly of HIRAX and HERETIC. The band also features former TOURNIQUET bassist Victor Macias, and former THE CRUCIFIED drummer Jim Chaffin.

Says guitarist Glenn Rogers: "I am so looking forward to hitting the stage with Deliverance. This is where it all started for me back in 1987. I cant wait to play in Europe for the first time with Big D. We hope to show promoters that we can still hang with the best”.

The group is travelling to Europe to support its eleventh studio album The Subversive Kind, which was released on Roxx Records on February 23rd 2018.

DELIVERANCE is also re issuing its first recording Greeting Of Death on Retroactive Records.  It has been re-mastered from the original 1/4 inch tape recorded in 1987 and will be available on CD, vinyl and cassette tape.

DELIVERANCE online: www.facebook.com/DeliveranceRocks

PARADOX Sign With Retroactive Records:
Press Release / PARADOX (USA / San Antonio, Texas) just signed with Retroactive for a major release and distribution of all their songs off Ruler, Power And Glory & The Wrath as well as the upcoming release The Return.  The band has regrouped with three original members! Retroactive Records will be officially releasing the long awaited music and the history of the band that time has long wrestled with. The timeless songs will re-instill in you the fire of God's love and remind you of John 14: 27 & 29:

‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. And now I have told you before it happens, so that when it does happen, you will believe.’

If you like to fish, you know that sometimes the big one gets away!  The Christian metal scene proves no exception.  Just consider the well known groups from the eighties that released critically acclaims demos but still went unsigned: SOLDIER, CROSSFORCE, APOSTLE, ARMADA, CHOSEN STRANGER, PARAGON, REVELATION, TAKER and a host of others too numerous to mention.

PARADOX is another such band.  Originating out of San Antonio, Texas,  PARADOX was highly regarded in the Christian metal underground as a result of its two demo tapes, Ruler (1987) and Power And Glory (1989).  The group also placed a song, “Meet The King”, on the Underground Metal compilation (1988) in addition to releasing the full length effort The Wrath (1999). The various PARADOX releases, as one might imagine, have been out of print and nearly impossible to find for quite some time. 

PARADOX can best be described as middle of the road guitar orientated heavy metal.  Yes, the group is melodic but also brings more muscle than many of the hair and glam metal bands of the time.  As a result, I can see PARADOX appealing to those into both metal on the heavier (BARREN CROSS, SAINT & ARMAGEDDON) and lighter (STRYPER, SHOUT & GUARDIAN) side of things.  It makes for a good combination in that the group presents with enough variety to prevent its material from turning redundant with repeated listen.

Retroactive Records has been in conversations with PARADOX about reissuing their catalog for almost 20 years!  We are THRILLED that we finally get to make these classic tunes available on CD and vinyl so we can support the band, the ministry, and celebrate the legacy of one of the most important bands the Christian metal scene has ever known!  Be on the lookout for pre-orders … and save your pennies … these are going to be ESSENTIAL purchases!

NEWS BRIEFS

* EVANS & STOKES will be releasing its third album, Children Of God, this August.  Further details from vocalist Jenny Stokes:

‘We had so many set backs with this album that we feel very blessed to be in a position to finally share it. In some ways, the delay has been a blessing as we have been able to add some pretty cool, heavy tracks to the list. We are very excited about this one.

Ahead of the album's release, EVANS & STOKES will be releasing a new single on July 3rd.  “Dead-Eyed Dolls” is a strange, cryptic sort of song about the masks we hide behind. We do not want to become like the doll.”

A sample of “Dead-Eyed Dolls” can be streamed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNy6qZHQXN4

*LEAH, Winter Album update:

“As you know, a Winter 2019 album is in the works. I had no intention of making another album so soon after The Quest. But the idea struck, and I decided I just had to do it.

“Here's where we're currently at:

“There will be 8 songs, so a bit shorter in length. That's about all I can pull off in time to send it to manufacturing in time for the winter season.  5 of the songs are original pieces and 3 of them are "carols" of sorts, but not what you'd expect!

“I didn't want to make this album explicitly Christmas-y so that you'll be able to enjoy it much longer than one month out of the year.”

* LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE new album update: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lPx6JyHwnE

* Eric Clayton (SAVIOUR MACHINE) interview with The Metal Voice: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4m32n70BW_E

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

ANGELICA Announce New Instrumental Album, Without Words:
Album release: August 30, 2019

Press Release / ANGELICA are the brainchild of guitarist extraordinaire Dennis Cameron and is a Christian melodic hard rock/metal AOR band. ANGELICA debuted in 1989 and signed a 5 album deal with Frontline Music Group. Thirty years after that first album and after a 27 year hiatus, ANGELICA and Dennis Cameron are back with a new album, Without Words.

Dennis is a practitioner and is great at his craft. This new album comes not only by way of many hours in the studio but also with the 48 years of him honing his guitar chops.

Dennis, who hails from Canada, is a prolific guitarist who was interviewed by nearly every music magazine in Japan. Sure their label was in the United States, but Dennis’s chops were recognized all over the world.  He was often compared to some of the great guitarists in the Christian rock scene, but most correctly compared to the greatest mainstream guitarists of all time such as Hendrix, Clapton, Satriani and Steve Vai.

His ability went way beyond “shredding”.  His playing came with feeling, emotion and a sense of timing that allowed him to reach way past a great guitar solo, something he wears as a badge of honor.  “Knowing music theory and practicing to be a good guitar player are only small parts of the formula for making good music”, Dennis states, “I spend just as much, if not more, time working on my writing, engineering and producing than I do just working on my guitar playing.”

Dennis first picked up guitar 48 years ago at the young age of 6.  Now 54 years of age, he leaves nothing off record and lets his guitar and fingers do the talking for him.

Words cannot describe what you’ll be listing to.  Literally, there are no words, it’s just Dennis and company doing what he does best and what few are able to accomplish; create an album of entire songs around 6 strings of amazement.  It has the ANGELICA sound that you’d expect, melodic with some serious drive and crunch.  You won’t be able to stop listening to Without Words, it’s ‘all in’ with hooks galore and top notch production.  

Without Words track listing:

1. “WWIII”
2. “Wasteland”
3. “The Remnant”
4. “Just Amazing”
5. “Tetelestai”
6. “Psalm 91”
7. “Dead Come Alive”
8. “Found My Way”
9. “Gumbo”
10.”Chick'n Pick'n”

Without Words pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/products/angelica-without-words-cd

ANGELICA online: www.denniscameron.com & www.facebook.com/Angelicatheband

RED SEA, Blood Re-issue on Roxx Records:
Album release: August 30, 2019

Press Release / Roxx Records is bringing you another long lost Christian Metal classic that has been out of print for years and years! RED SEA released one album entitled Blood before calling it a day in 1994. The album was critically acclaimed and garnered quite a bit of attention back then, but alas given the hard rock and metal market at that time it ended up being a one off and a follow up was never recorded.

Red Sea featured the amazing vocal talents of Robin Basauri (DIE HAPPY, JAGUAR) the guitar playing of Chris Sorenson (FEAR NOT) drums of Jeff Martin (BADLANDS, RACER X) and rounded out on bass by Greg  Chaisson (BADLANDS, DIE HAPPY).  The album boasted very well done heavy, bluesy rock bordering on metal. What you got here was a band that sounded very much like BADLANDS but featured Christian lyrics and themes.

2019 marks the 25th anniversary of this classic album, and we revisit it and improve upon it in every way we possibly can. This 25th anniversary edition features only those 11 classic tracks completely re-mastered by Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound. It also boasts brand new upgraded artwork and design that holds true to the original concept by Scott Waters of No Life Til Metal Graphics.

Blood is being pressed on vinyl for the first time ever in a limited edition pressing of only 500 pieces, with a limited pressing of 150 on red vinyl and 350 on black vinyl. Also, a brand new limited edition CD pressing housed in a jewel case with a beautiful 8 page booklet with lyrics liner notes and previously unreleased archive photos of the band.

Stop by and check out our brand new website, and get in on the pre order now for special bonus items and special packages, which also feature new pre orders from HELIX, MASS and WEAPONS OF GOD.

Blood track listing:

1. “Soulshaker”
2. “Blood”
3. “Wolves At The Door”
4. “Dust To Dust”
5. “Last Days Of Winter”
6. “Walk On Fire”
7. “Shades Of Purple”  
8. “Hellbound Train”
9. “Losin’ My Way”
10. “Down Home Static”  
11. “Tears Of Joy”

Blood pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com

WEAPONS OF GOD Signs With Roxx Records For Self-titled Debut: Album
Album release: July 26, 2019

Press Release / Roxx Records is excited to be bringing you another debut Christian metal release by way of Middletown Ohio. We are pleased to add to roster the metal stylings of WEAPONS OF GOD.

WEAPONS OF GOD is a four piece outfit that plays what they describe as ‘positive metal’ as they deliver the word of God to the masses. The band was formed in 2014 and completed their first demo in 2015. Each band member brings a diverse musical background with combined experience of over 25 years. To describe their musical stylings we would say it is evident when you like at their influences to see just where they draw from, with bands like: KISS, STRYPER, IRON MAIDEN, BLACK SABBATH and EVERGREY.

The band debuted publicly on October 10, 2016 in Lebanon, OH at the Cornerstone Church of God where they played the opening slot for another Roxx Records recording artist, BIOGENESIS. Since then the band was focused on writing and recording their debut full-length album, and after nearly two years of writing and recording the finished product is upon us and we are excited to be bringing you the debut self-titled album from WEAPONS OF GOD, which also happens to have been produced by Luke Nealeigh from BioGenesis.

The debut 10 track album will be released on July 26, 2019 just in time for the band to share with the world when they open up for DECYFER DOWN on July 27th at the Chains Unchained Festival in Aurora, Missouri.

Check out the first single aptly titled “Weapons Of God”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjTRZhzQW9Q

Visit www.roxxrecords.com to get in on the special pre order now. First 50 pre orders will get a limited edition sticker.

Weapons Of God track listing:

1. Are You Ready?
2. Call Your Name
3. Glory And The Power
4. Ghost
5. Heaven Can’t Wait
6. Simple solution
7. Saving Grace
8. Anger
9. Weapons Of God
10. Fade Away

WEAPONS OF GOD online: www.facebook.com/WeaponsOfGodBand

NEWS BRIEFS

* DIVINER announces lineup changes:

“We have some sad and happy news to announce today. Fragiskos (Samoilis, drums), Herc (Booze, bass) and Kostas (Fitos, guitar) are not members of the band anymore. They all played an important part in DIVINER during the past years and in the creation of Realms Of Time, which we are very thankful for. But this change was necessary to happen for both Diviner and themselves and we want to wish them all the best for the future!

“The good news is that we are happy and excited to present three great and talented players into the band, so please welcome Teo Ross (guitar), Lefteris Moros (drums) and Giorgos Boulmanos (bass)!

“We feel stronger than ever and DIVINER will continue in full speed! We can't wait to hit stages in Greece and around Europe in support of our new album Realms Of Time. We will play our first show with the new lineup this Friday in Arta, Greece and more shows will be announced soon.

“Thanks for your amazing support everyone!”

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

SIGNUM REGIS Announce New Lead Vocalist, Joto Fortinho:
Press Release / Melodic/power metal band SIGNUM REGIS is stoked to announce its new lead singer, Jota Fortinho.  Jota was born in Brazil and played in numerous bands before he moved to Europe. He was invited to join SIGNUM REGIS in 2018. The band was very impressed by his previous work in addition to his interpretation of some of the older SIGNUM REGIS songs.

Jota has a very wide vocal range and can sing anything from the band’s catalog and beyond. His vocal inspirations are Andi Deris and Michael Kiske. Since he joined SIGNUM REGIS, Jota and the rest of the band were recording a new album, which is now 100% mixed and mastered. Here you can hear Jota for the first time with SIGNUM REGIS singing the first single from the album, "I Always Go All-in".

A lyric video to the song can be viewed above.

The album, whose title is yet to be announced, was mixed by Ronnie König and mastered by Jacob Hansen.  Currently, the band is rehearsing the new songs for live shows.

SIGNUM REGIS is also launching a brand new SubscribeStar page for fans, where they will be able to get special content (behind the scenes footage, rehearsal videos, instructional videos with tabs and comments, home videos …). The first 20 subscribers will get a little present (physically per post).

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

THEOCRACY Covers “Time” by ANGRA:
As noted by the Athens, Georgia melodic power metal band:

We were utterly shocked and saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of vocalist André Matos. André’s work with ANGRA and beyond was a huge musical influence on us in the early days. 

THEOCRACY vocalist Matt Smith has the following to say:

“Holy Land (second ANGRA album from 1996) was actually the first power metal album I ever bought, and André was among the absolute best songwriters in the genre by any calculation. His influence on me was massive in those formative years, and he will be sorely missed.”

We decided to record a cover of one of our favorite ANGRA tracks as a humble tribute to the man and the music he left behind, and we hope you enjoy it. Our prayers are with his family, friends and fans during this difficult time.

Thank you, André, for all the great music!

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

Ulterium Records Label Sampler 2019:
Press Release / Ulterium Records is happy to announce that it just released a new label sampler that you can download FOR FREE at Bandcamp or stream at Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon and the other streaming outlets.

Download for free at: https://bit.ly/2WxIQLA

The "Ulterium Records Label Sampler 2019" contains nine songs from releases that came out between 2016-2019.   A physical CD copy of the sampler will be included with all orders from the Ulterium Store.

Ulterium Records Label Sampler 2019 track listing:

1. THEOCRACY - "Ghost Ship"
2.DIVINER - "Heaven Falls"
3. DARKWATER - "Alive (Pt. II)"
4.INNERWISH - "Modern Babylon"
5.WITHIN SILENCE - "We Are The Ones"
6. MILLENNIAL REIGN - "Till The End"
7.PROJECT AEGIS - "Angel In The Ashes"
8.BLACK FATE - "Blood Red Sky" (bonus track)
9.INNERWISH - "Carry Your Cross" (bonus track)

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

NEWS BRIEFS

* EVANS & STOKES cover of “Sinner’s Prayer” (Joe Bonamassa and Beth Hart version): www.youtube.com/watch?v=jI9JNeFaAGc

* IMPELLITTERI, live in Tokyo Japan 2019: www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bZ-6XXkuyc

* LEAH released an instrumental version to the title track of her third full-length album The Quest: www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKxrGZHBb3A

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

New song from NEAL MORSE, “Love Has Called My Name”:
Press Release / Jesus Christ - The Exorcist is a monumental project in Neal Morse’s already impressive discography. A Progressive Rock Opera 10 years in the making, it was written and produced by Morse and includes performances by Neal and an all-star cast of vocalists and musicians. Jesus Christ - The Exorcist will be released on June 14th on a double album set featuring about two hours of music that will encompass all the spectrums and genres Neal Morse is known for and will, of course, tell the Story of Stories. The new song, "Love Has Called My Name", is available for streaming above
.
Get 2CD, 3xLP, or Digital versions of the album: http://radi.al/JesusChristTheExorcist

Signed albums, limited edition color vinyl, and more available at:

• Neal Morse Store: www.radiantrecords.com/default.aspx

• Frontiers US Store: https://shop.bandwear.com/collections/frontiers-shop

• Frontiers EU Store: www.frontiers.shop

When asked about what fans can expect sound wise from the album, Morse explains, "Oh, it is completely diverse. There are touching ballads, rousing ensemble pieces, classical elements and dramatic Broadway musical type songs as well. It is really meant to be listened and experienced all the way through as you would a play or an opera. I hope that people will experience it in that way because I think that’s where they will really find the power in this piece of music."

He continues, "These songs and pieces of music were all written for this rock opera specifically. I wrote the first draft in 2008 and 2009, I believe. Then, last year in preparation for a performance at MorseFest I rewrote the whole musical again. I couldn’t be happier with the final outcome and I am thrilled that it is coming out on Frontiers this June."

With a cast of amazing vocalists and musicians like Ted Leonard, Eric Gillette, Nick D’Virgilio, Randy George, Bill Hubauer, Matt Smith, Jake Livgren and others, this progressive rock opera is a landmark event that will leave its mark on every listener. “Let him who has ears to hear... let him hear!”

Jesus Christ - The Exorcist, had it’s live world premiere in 2018 and was performed by a prog rock all-star cast featuring Neal Morse (keys, guitar), Paul Bielatowicz (lead guitar), Bill Hubauer (keys), Randy George (bass), and Eric Gillette (drums). Featured vocalists included Ted Leonard (Spock's Beard, Enchant), Nick D'Virgilio (Big, Big Train, Spock's Beard), Jake Livgren (Protokaw), Matt Smith (Theocracy), Wil Morse and more. Also, John Schlitt (Petra) and Rick Florian (White Heart) were added to the performance as well.

Frontiers looks forward to partnering with Neal on his continuing musical explorations and extending his progressive rock legacy with his latest creative vision.

Jesus Christ - The Exorcist track listing:

Disc 1: “Introduction”, "Overture", "Getaway", "Gather The People", "Jesus’ Baptism", "Jesus’ Temptation", "There’s A Highway", "The Woman Of Seven Devils", "Free At Last", "The Madman Of The Gadarenes", "Love Has Called My Name"
"Better Weather", "The Keys To The Kingdom", "Get Behind Me Satan"

Disc 2: "He Must Go To The Cross", "Jerusalem", "Hearts Full Of Holes", "The Last Supper", "Gethsemane", "Jesus Before The Council And Peter’s Denial", "Judas’ Death", "Jesus Before Pilate And The Crucifixion", "Mary At The Tomb", "The Greatest Love Of All", "Love Has Called My Name" (Reprise)

Full cast:

Ted Leonard - Jesus
Talon David - Mary Magdalene
Nick D'Virgilio - Judas
Rick Florian - The Devil
John Schlitt - Caiaphas
Matt Smith - John the Baptist, Pharisee 3
Jake Livgren - Peter, Pharisee 4
Neal Morse - Pilate, Demon 1, Disciple 1
Mark Pogue - Israelite 1, the Madman of the Gadarenes, Pharisee 2
Wil Morse - Israelite 2, Demon 3, Pharisee 1,
Gabe Klein - Demon 2, Pharisee 4
Gideon Klein - Demon 4
Julie Harrison - Servant Girl

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

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

NEWS BRIEFS

*“You Are I Am”, new song by JOSHUA’S CREED: www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtSCwTKwdGc

The song is slated to appear on the groups upcoming (release date yet to be announced) sophomore album The American Dream.

* LEAH is currently at work on a ‘Winter album’, which according to the symphonic metal songstress is a ‘non-metal Celtic & Fantasy-inspired album for the Winter and Christmas season’.

* S91 online interview at MetalBulletin Blogspot: https://metalbulletin.blogspot.com/2019/05/interview-s91

*The new SHINING FORCE album, By The Blood, is scheduled for a June 29, 2019 release.  “Lay It Down” is a song off the album: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pq02wZwyWk

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

NARNIA Premier “A Crack In The Sky” Official Video:
Press Release / Swedish melodic power metal band NARNIA has released a video to the track “A Crack In The Sky”, the first single off its new album From Darkness To Light.  From Darkness To Light is scheduled for a August 2, 2109 release on CD, vinyl (in different colors) and as a digital download.  It will be distributed in Europe, USA and Australia by Sound Pollution and Latin America by Voice Music, Icarus Music and The Dove’s Voice Records.

Mats Vassfjord (220 Volt and Impera) produced the video, which is available for streaming at YouTube.

“A Crack In The Sky” has been released on all major digital platforms in cooperation with record label Sound Pollution.

According to the group, its eighth full-length album is a mix of modern sounds with the melodic metal it has been associated with for over 20 years.  The release of From Darkness To Light will be followed by a tour in South America with STRYPER and TOURNIQUET.

The album was produced by NARNIA guitarist CJ Grimmark, mixed by the band’s sound engineer Viktor Stenquist, and mastered by Jens Bogren, Fascination Street Studios (SEPULTURA, SYMPHONY X & JAMES LABRIE).

NARNIA lineup:

Christian Liljegren - Lead Vocals
CJ Grimmark - Guitar & Backing Vocals
Martin Härenstam - Keyboards
Jonatan Samuelsson - Bass & Backing vocals
Andreas Johansson - Drums

From Darkness To Light track listing:

1. “A Crack In The Sky”
2. “You Are The Air That I Breathe”
3. “Has The River Run Dry”
4. “The Armor Of God”
5. “MNFST”
6. “The War That Tore The Land”
7. “Sail On”
8. “I Will Follow”
9. “From Darkness To Light (Part 1)”
10. “From Darkness To Light (Part 2)”

From Darkness To Light pre-order: https://narniatheband.com/shop

NEWS BRIEFS

* ”Freak Show”, sample of a new song off the next JOSHUA’S CREED album, The American Dream: www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-nivpKVAVs

* ”Love Has Called My Name” is a song of the upcoming Neal Morse album Jesus Christ - The Exorcist: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow0gtuDx6vY

A release date is set for June 14, 2019.  In an online interview with Sonic Perspectives, Morse goes into more detail in regards to the album: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ky1K6olrpUI

 

FEATURED REVIEWS

BLOODGOOD - Bloodgood (Retroactive re-issue)
Bloodgood proved it can handle the eighties metal landscape like a pro in embracing to varying degrees just about every form of hard music to have come out of the decade.  Read Full Review >>

THE CRIMSON BRIDGE MINISTRY - The Solution
Fresh off 2017’s independently released (and 80% Angelic Warlord graded) sophomore full-length effort Choices, San Diego, California based The Crimson Bridge Ministry returns in the fall of 2018 with its third musical offering and first EP in The Solution (also independent).  Read Full Review >>

DELIVERANCE - Hear What I Say! (Retroactive re-issue)
Hear What I Say!, the tenth full-length studio album from Christian metal veterans Deliverance, might not occupy the rarified air of classics such as Weapons Of Our Warfare (1990) and Learn (1993) but is not without its share of merit all the same.  Read Full Review >> 

KINETIC ELEMENT - The Face Of Life
If you have not already guessed - both album length and track times give it away - but Kinetic Element plays symphonic progressive rock influenced strongly by the usual ‘suspects’: Yes, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Genesis, Asia, Kansas and the like.  Read Full Review >>

SHOUT - It Won’t Be Long & In Your Face (Girder Music re-issues)
If one wants a high quality eighties melodic hard rock band with needed elements in the form of catchy songs, soaring vocals and shredding guitar leads - not to mention the spandex and aqua net to go hand in hand - then you can hardly go wrong with Shout.  Read Full Review >>

TRUE STRENGTH - Sanguinary Vivification
True Strength has stepped up its game with its third-full length album and second on Roxx Records, the spring of 2019 released Sanguinary Vivification.  Read Full Review >>

TRUE WISDOM - Towards…
Anyone looking for a quality melodic doom metal album must place spring of 2019 True Wisdom sophomore effort Towards… on his or her short list.  Read Full Review >>

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

DIVINER - “Beyond The Border” Lyric Video Released:
Press Release / Greek heavy/power metal band DIVINER has premiered a lyric video to the track “Beyond The Border”, the third single off its new album Realms Of Time.  Realms Of Time is scheduled for a June 7, 2019 release via Ulterium Records on CD, LP and as a digital download.

DIVINER debut album Fallen Empires saw a November 2015 release (also Ulterium) and received very good reviews and feedback worldwide.  Following release of the album, the band played many shows and big festivals in Greece in addition in Germany, Netherlands and Switzerland, and became known for being a great and energetic live band gaining a strong following.

DIVINER entered Devasoundz Studios in Athens last year to record Realms Of Time.  With results showing improvement on every level since the debut, the album won't leave fans of heavy and power metal disappointed.  Realms Of Time is heavy, melodic and epic and it’s full of energy, power and emotion. Follow DIVINER into the Realms Of Time!

Realms Of Time was produced and mixed by Fotis Benardo (ex. SEPTIC FLESH), mastered by Henrik Udd (POWERWOLF, HAMMERFALL, MYRATH), while artwork was created by Jan Yrlund (BATTLE BEAST, APOCALYPTICA, KORPIKLAANI).

Realms Of Time track listing:

1. “Against The Grain”
2. “Heaven Falls”
3. “Set Me Free”
4. “The Earth, The Moon, The Sun”
5. “Cast Down In Fire”
6. “Beyond The Border”
07. “King Of Masquerade”
08. “Time”
09. “The Voice From Within”
10. “Stargate”

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

DIVINER online: www.facebook.com/divinermetalband

NEWS BRIEFS

* The new single from JOSHUA’S CREED, “You Are I Am”, is available for download: https://joshuascreed.bandcamp.com/track/you-are-i-am

* Live footage of WHITECROSS from 1987: www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyyxXHTtUI4

* FIGHTER re-issues on Girder Music:

FIGHTER was a melodic AOR Christian rock band that began around 1986 and released albums in The Waiting (1991) and Bang The Drum (1992).  Amy Wolter and Sean Murphy handled vocals on both albums.  Dual vocals worked great for FIGHTER and provided a dynamic not seen by a lot of bands.  KISS is one of the few bands that come to mind to share lead vocals.  In addition to being re-mastered (by Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound), both albums will include bonus tracks.

FIGHTER lineup:

Billy Heller - Guitars & Bass
Mark Pence - Keyboards & Drum Programming
Sean Murphy - Drums, Acoustic Guitars & Background Vocals
Amy Wolter - Lead & Background Vocals
Jim Wolter - Bass, Background Vocals

* METATRONE parts ways with vocalist Jo Lombardo:

Italian power/progressive metal band METATRONE has officially announced the split with singer Jo Lombardo.

The band states: “After over 15 years, Metatrone and Jo part ways as a mutual decision. Jo decided to focus 100% on his solo project and we want to wish him all the best for his career!"

Lombardo adds” “After many years working with the band, 4 albums released and a lot of shows in Italy and abroad, time has come to focus on my solo project that allows me to get closer to melodic rock and AOR. This is the reason of my leaving: I could not guarantee to Metatrone a total focus on the next album and future shows."

METATRONE is currently working on the follow up to its 2016 release Eucharismetal: “We're composing the songs for the new album with a new singer that we cannot wait to announce and introduce to you all! The new album will carry on the Metatrone's story and will not disappoint our long-term fans!”

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

Retroactive Records Announce WHITERAY, The Collected Works 2-CD Set:
Album release: June 18, 2019

Press Release / In the mid 80’s to early 90’s, WHITERAY was an integral part of the hard music scene of Kentucky along with fellow home-staters, BRIDE! From 1988-1991 the band released four critically acclaimed demos of high quality, elite melodic hard rock and metal. Collectors have been paying over $200 each for those demos if lucky enough to find them. Whiteray was dedicated to the hard rock scene laid down by BRIDE, CINDERELLA, WARRANT, MOTLEY CRUE, and GUNS-N-ROSES which means big everything… big hooks, big melodies, big riffs, and of course, BIG HAIR! WHITEWAY was a significant step above other hard rock bands in terms of talent and execution.

Fans also loved the fact that in spite of being demo tracks, WHITEWAY demos are clear, and professional sounding, which allows the original magic of those heard rock anthems to shine brightly. The band would later regroup and release an album on R.E.X. Records under the moniker of KILLED BY CAIN (another killer aggressive groove metal release, produced by Dale Thompson of BRIDE). Until now, the band’s legendary demos have been impossible to find. The 2019 Retroactive Records 2-CD reissue features all four demos r=emastered by Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound, packaged in a jewel case with an eight page booklet, band photos, and an amazing interview from 1989 featured in Pendragon Magazine! Limited to just 500 CDs.

The Collected Works track listing (disc one):

1. “We’ll Fight”
2. “Trying”
3. “Promised Land”
4. “Masquerade”
5. “The First Sin”
6. “Blood On My Hands”
7. “Charades Behind The Glass”
8. “To Die Is to Gain”

The Collected Works track listing (disc two):

1. “Serious Hell”
2. “The Haunting”
3. “Omniscient”
4. “We Are Not Afraid To Die”
5. “If This Is Evil”
6. “The Devil Made Me Do It”
7. “Waiting To Change”
8. “Shallow Grave”
9. “Sin City”
10. “Gotta Get Ya”
11. “Freedom”
12. “Educate me”
13. “Sin City” (acoustic)
14. “Educate Me” (acoustic)

The Collected Works pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/whiteray-the-collected-works-the-demos-1988-1991-new-2-cd-set-2019-retroactive-80s-hair-metal-from-kentucky-pre-killed-by-cain

ZION, Thunder From The Mountain 2.0 Re-issue:
Album release: May 2019

Press Release / Image Records are proud to present ZION!

Before STRYPER, WHITECROSS and HOLY SOLDIER there was a pioneer Christian rock band… ZION!  Originating in Sioux Falls South Dakota in 1981, ZION eventually become known both nationally and internationally when it signed with the East Coast label Image Records in 1988.  The groups acclaimed debut full length Thunder From The Mountain followed a year later.

What most people don't know is that after the song "Is It A Crime" was licensed to Myrrh Records (Word) to be used on their Twelve New Faces album (from which the song ended up dominating radio airplay charts), Myrrh began courting ZION and Image Records to become its first metal band with David Zaffiro as producer.  Image and ZION, however, could not come to terms and Myrrh went on to sign HOLY SOLDER instead.  The rest is history.  It pleases the band to know that Myrrh actually picked it first, even though it could not reach a deal.

ZION disbanded in 1992 after enjoying a very successful 11+ year of rocking the land and releasing several EP’s and demos in addition to Thunder From The Mountain, which feature five top ten singles!  In 2004, ZION reunited in Portland, Oregon in August to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the recording of Thunder From The Mountain.

ZION last released an album in 2006 under the title Thrillseeker (on Retroactive Records), which represented a collection of live cuts, rare demos and previously unreleased songs.  The spring of 2019 finds Image Records re-mixing, re-mastering and re-releasing Thunder From the Mountain with revised cover art and a previously unreleased bonus track entitled “The Big Fall”.

Thunder From The Mountain 2.0 track listing:

1. “Who Pulls The Strings”
2. “”Kick In The Gates”
3. “Is It A Crime”
4. “Help Me”
5. “Thrillseeker”
6. “Sold You A Lie”
7. “Roll The Rock”
8. “Less Of Me”
9. “He Loves You”
10 “The Big Fall” (bonus track)

Thunder From The Mountain 2.0 CD and vinyl pre-order: www.x-sinner.org/Zion_Archives2.html

NEWS BRIEFS

* The Metal Priest interview with BLOODGOOD bassist Michael Bloodgood: www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSHTudz9SXs

* In a recent interview with MA Entertainment Global, vocalist Michael Sweet advised STRYPER plans to begin recording a new album in early 2020:

"I'm going to start writing for a new STRYPER album in October and into November. Then I'm going to take the holidays off, and in January, the guys are going to come out to my house at the studio, and we're going to rehearse and do pre-production. We start recording late January/early February."

The full interview can be streamed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=42g6OaS07Do

 

INTERVIEWS

New TRUE STRENGTH Interview Online:
Angelic Warlord had the recent opportunity to interview TRUE STRENGTH founding member and rhythm guitarist/songwriter Ryan “The Archangel” Darnell, who goes into detail about the group’s beginnings, its signing with Roxx Records and particulars behind its new album (April 19, 2019 release date) Sanguinary Vivification.  Following is an excerpt:

When did you develop the vision for True Strength?  And what inspired you to start the band?  Also, what is the meaning behind the True Strength name?
The vision for True Strength started to evolve in the years after my conversion to Christianity. During this time I stumbled upon the band Cage and their album "Hell Destroyer" that was released in 2007; this Christian-themed album inspired me enough to start wondering if playing Christian metal was in my future. Admittedly, I wasn't too knowledgeable of Christian heavy metal and I often wondered beyond Stryper (and other bands of the 80's Christian Metal Movement), if there were any contemporaries of theirs that were still rocking.

Read full interview: HERE

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

Girder Music Announces ORDAINED FATE Self-Titled Re-issue:
Album release: July 4, 2019

Press Release / Completely re-mastered with a 12-page booklet. First 50 get a cool sticker and other bonuses.

The ORDAINED FATE self-titled debut (1992) is a straight up thrash onslaught masterpiece that starts out with the heavy thrasher “Let's Make a Deal”, ripping 4 minutes.  “Gethsemane”, second song, is Black Sabbath like, and a crushing 6 minutes with numerous speed changes and chord progression and slower paced dark feel, exactly what you would expect from a song called “Gethsemane”.  “Holy Wars”, “Wonderful Love”, “Gold Cross” and “Tame the Tongue” could all been found on a DIO album as they venture into power metal territory. “Election”, song 7, starts fast and has a great industrial intro with sampling and almost comes across punk in nature, think more like THE CRUCIFIED. “One Of The Insane” and “No Death”, final 2 songs, merge together into one longer song, and ends the album as great as it started.

Front to back Ordained Fate contains 9 songs of crushing (chug- chug) thrash not really slowing down for much other than an occasional sample thrown it.  It's furious and crushing for sure.

ORDAINED FATE line up:

Pam Scott - Lead Vocals & Guitars
Anette Cvengros - Lead Guitar & Vocals
Marge Curtner - Bass & Vocals
Terry Cvengros - Drums & Vocals

Ordained Fate track listing: “Let’s Make A Deal”, “Gethsemane”, “Holy Wars”, “Wonderful Love”, “Gold Cross”, “Tame The Tongue”, “The Election”, “One Of The Insane”, “No Death”

Ordained Fate pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/ordained-fate-ordained-fate-cd-2019-legends-of-rock

SACRED WARRIOR Re-issues On Retroactive Records:
Albums release: May 21, 2019

Angelic Warlord’s Top 15 Albums Of 1988 features one single album rated as the #1 most important album of a year many consider the pinnacle of heavy metal greatness. That top spot from the top year belongs to Rebellion by SACRED WARRIOR. This is a no-brainer #1 for those who lived in 1988, and purchased the release of Rebellion.

Sinister guitar-shred fests like “Children of the Light” and “Day of the Lord” are embedded in the hearts and souls of fans to this day. The infectious lyrics and progressive melodies from epic tracks like “Black Metal” and “Stay Away From Evil” contain pure magic conjured by a band every bit as good as QUEENSRYCHE, IRON MAIDEN and CRIMSON GLORY (yes, indeed!). In fact, with the release of Rebellion, fans would have the first installment of four albums spanning from 1988-1991 that would re-define the standard of heavy metal greatness. It is near impossible to find four consecutive albums more powerful, more magnetic, and more impactful than those of SACRED WARRIOR. And, while the band would go on to grow and mature lyrically and musically, for many fans the debut release of Rebellion will always be the favorite. Rebellion showcases 12 melodic metal anthems that rock the world, and are essential companions on life’s journey.

The 2019 Retroactive Records CD reissue is the first of the Metal Icon Series, and features a 16-page booklet packed with band photos, a write up from Heaven’s Metal Magazine’s Jonathan “Doc” Swank, lyrics and more! It also features a fresh 2019 re-master by Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound. This is THE definitive reissue of one of Christian metal’s most definitive albums.

Rebellion track listing: “Black Metal”, “Mad, Mad World”, “Stay Away From Evil”, “He Died”, Children Of The Light”, “Rebellion”, “Day Of The Lord”, “The Heavens Are Calling”, “Famine”, “Master Of Lies”, “Sword Of Victory”

Rebellion pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/sacred-warrior-rebellion-metal-icon-series-new-cd-2019-retroactive-records-pre-order

SACRED WARRIOR 1990 release Wicked Generation is an album with a much darker vibe than previous masterpieces - one which would stir mixed reactions from the fan base. Wicked Generation, while controversial for its darker feel, remains an essential part of the SACRED WARRIOR story. Certainly, it is the most conceptual album of the four, with many similarities to Operation Mindcrime, but with a positive message. Wicked Generation was the “ministry” album made to reach the lost and broken - the destitute, depraved and forgotten. Dealing with issues such as child abuse, suicide, dabbling in the demonic and sin in general, these songs have a heavy vibe for sure. If you weren’t a Christian back in the 90’s, this is the album most likely to make you curious about God.

The dark subject matter was accompanied by Rey Parra’s haunting vocal delivery, Bruce Swift’s frenetic and progressive guitar heroics, and Tony Velasquez’s percussive snare and tom attacks nicely conveying a sense of battle. The music and the lyrics come together to hammer home a thunderous, sobering metallic attack like the metal world had never experienced, especially in the Christian scene.

The 2019 Retroactive Records CD reissue is the second of the Metal Icon Series, and features a 16-page booklet packed with band photos, a write up from Heaven’s Metal Magazine’s Jonathan “Doc” Swank, lyrics and more! It also features a fresh 2019 re-master by J Powell of Stenhaus and has never, ever sounded better. This is THE definitive reissue of one of Christian metal’s most definitive albums. For fans of IRON MAIDEN, QUEENSRYCHE and CRIMSON GLORY!

Wicked Generation track listing: “No Happy Endings”, “Little Secrets”, “Standing Free”, “Are You Ready”, “Minister By Night”, “Miss Linda”, “In The Night”, “Warriors”, “Wicked Generation”, “War Torn Hero”

Wicked Generation pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/sacred-warrior-wicked-generation-metal-icon-series-new-cd-2019-retroactive-records-pre-order

SACRED WARRIOR fourth release Obsessions (1991) was the culmination of four great years of work. To quote Jonathan “Doc” Swank from the Heaven’s Metal Top 100 Christian Metal Albums Of All-Time list, where Obsessions ranked #7, “Christendom’s best power metal band ever hit their high-water mark with this collection of songs which perfectly blended Queensrÿche, Iron Maiden and their unique and inspiring take on the scene.” One of the greatest aspects of this album remains just how real and visceral are the music and the words conveyed through this metal.

The over-arching thread was the faithfulness of God - that no matter how bad life gets with addictions (“Obsessions”), no matter what death steals from us in this world (“Sweet Memories”), no matter how far we stray in our faith (“No Turning Back”), no matter how much the world’s ways seem wise to us (“Kamikaze”), no matter how isolated we feel from God because of our sins (“Remember Me”) - that God is faithful, and God is there for us (“Fire From Heaven”).  And while evil roams this earth constantly looking for prey (“Mad Man”) the hope and faith we have in Christ sets us free (“Temples On Fire”). What a dynamic album that breaks it all down in such a simple and human way.

This progressive metal soundtrack to these eternal observations is both exceptionally executed and timelessly relevant. Undisputedly, one of the finest moments in Christian metal history, Obsessions has been gloriously re-mastered and while many fans might not believe much else could be added to this album to make it better from an audio standpoint, J Powell at Steinhaus has managed to add a sonic crispness and punch that makes the walls reverberate. Most importantly, the “bright” quality of the music is liberated. These metallic anthems have retained their power and relevance for nearly 30 years - a testament to the legacy of SACRED WARRIOR - and now they sound wonderfully fresh and revitalized in 2019!

The 2019 Retroactive Records CD reissue is the third of the Metal Icon Series, and features a 16 page booklet packed with band photos, a write up from Heaven’s Metal Magazine’s Jonathan “Doc” Swank, lyrics, Inside Scoop by second guitarist Jonathan Johnson, and more! This is THE definitive reissue of one of Christian metal’s most definitive albums. For fans of RECON, QUEENSRYCHE and CRIMSON GLORY! Limited Edition 500 CDs!

Obsessions track listing: “Wings Of A Dream”, “Sweet Memories”, “Turning Back”, “Obsessions”, “Kamikaze”, “Remember Me”, “Fire From Heaven”, “Temples On Fire”, “Mad Man”

Obsessions pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/sacred-warrior-obsessions-metal-icon-series-new-cd-2019-retroactive-records-pre-order

NEWS BRIEFS

* JOSHUA’S CREED has announced its new lead vocalist, Andrew Gazaway.  “You Are I Am” is a sample of a new single to feature Gazaway: www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBPZG86ysr4

* New song from LORDCHAIN, “Quicksand”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKiOpOem3e0

The song comes off the groove filled metal bands upcoming album (May 31, 2019 release) entitled Civil War.

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

DIVINER Premier “The Earth, The Moon, The Sun” Lyric Video:
Press Release / Greek heavy/power metal band DIVINER has premiered a lyric video to the track “The Earth, The Moon, The Sun”, the second single off its new album Realms Of Time.  Realms Of Time is scheduled for a June 7, 2019 release via Ulterium Records on CD, LP and digital download. 

The band's debut album Fallen Empires was released in November 2015 (also Ulterium) and received very good reviews and feedback worldwide.  Following release of the album, the band played many shows and big festivals in Greece and also in Germany, Netherlands and Switzerland, and became known for being a great and energetic live band gaining a strong following.

DIVINER entered Devasoundz Studios in Athens last year to record Realms Of Time.  With results showing improvement on every level since the debut, the album won't leave fans of heavy and power metal disappointed.  Realms Of Time is heavy, melodic and epic and it’s full of energy, power and emotion. Follow DIVINER into the Realms Of Time!

Realms Of Time was produced and mixed by Fotis Benardo (ex. SEPTIC FLESH), mastered by Henrik Udd (POWERWOLF, HAMMERFALL, MYRATH), while artwork was created by Jan Yrlund (BATTLE BEAST, APOCALYPTICA, KORPIKLAANI).

Realms Of Time track listing:

1. “Against The Grain”
2. “Heaven Falls”
3. “Set Me Free”
4. “The Earth, The Moon, The Sun”
5. “Cast Down In Fire”
6. “Beyond The Border”
07. “King Of Masquerade”
08. “Time”
09. “The Voice From Within”
10. “Stargate”

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

DIVINER online: www.facebook.com/divinermetalband

NARNIA Announce New Album, Darkness To Light:
Album release: August 2, 2019

Press Release / New NARNIA album From Darkness To Light, it’s eights full length studio offering, is a natural sequel to its 2016 self-titled predecessor released to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

The spark that NARNIA lit on last year’s live album We Still Believe - Made in Brazil, has followed the band into the studio, where the same energy has been channeled and structured into a parade of nine new songs.  With the musical roots remaining deep in melodic metal, the band has both stretched on to a modern sound where the guitars still dominate, but also allows analogues 70/80’s synthesizers to accentuate the ‘soundscape’.

Lyrics remain noticeably important to the band, and in true NARNIA spirit this heritage has been well managed and further refined.

Christian Liljegren sings with such passion that it is hard not to be touched by his vocals.  NARNIA guitar virtuoso CJ Grimmark handled production duties in addition to composing most of the music and lyrics.   Mixing attributes to the bands sound engineer Viktor Stenquist, and mastering to Jens Bogren of Fascination Street Studios.

The band’s first South America tour in 2017 made noticeable marks, and you can hear this new recognition has come to stay. It is clearly heard in Andreas ”Habo” Johansson’s energetic drumming, which is performed with both power and precision.

With keyboardist Martin Härenstam, NARNIA has the caliber of another solo virtuoso in the band.  Synthesizers commute between complementing the sound image and making exciting excursions, a bit like a perfectly balanced dance in harmony with the guitar. The band’s latest addition, bassist Jonatan Samuelsson, has merged well into the band in also contributing background vocals, playing Taurus bass pedal, songwriting and graphic design of cover.

Look for From Darkness To Light to be released in connection with the bands upcoming tour in South America with STRYPER and TOURNIQUET.

NARNIA lineup:

Christian Liljegren - Lead Vocals
CJ Grimmark - Guitar & Backing Vocals
Martin Härenstam - Keyboards
Jonatan Samuelsson - Bass & Backing vocals
Andreas Johansson - Drums

From Darkness To Light track listing:

1. “A Crack In The Sky”
2. “You Are The Air That I Breathe”
3. “Has The River Run Dry”
4. “The Armor Of God”
5. “MNFST”
6. “The War That Tore The Land”
7. “Sail On”
8. “I Will Follow”
9. “From Darkness To Light (Part 1)”
10. “From Darkness To Light (Part 2)”

From Darkness To Light pre-order: https://narniatheband.com/shop

MICHAEL SWEET To Release Ten Solo Album In September:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:

STRYPER front man Michael Sweet will release his new solo album, Ten, in September via Rat Pak Records. Guest musicians who appear on the disc include singer Todd La Torre (QUEENSRŸCHE), drummer Will Hunt (EVANESCENCE), bassist John O'Boyle, and guitarists Joel Hoekstra (WHITESNAKE, NIGHT RANGER), Jeff Loomis (ARCH ENEMY, NEVERMORE), Marzi Montazeri (EXHORDER, PHILIP H. ANSELMO & THE ILLEGALS), Gus G. (FIREWIND, OZZY OSBOURNE) and Andy James.

Sweet told The Metal Voice in a new interview that Ten is "being mastered right now. And then we're gonna start laying out a plan for videos and songs, working all that," he said. "I've gotta do a photo shoot in about five weeks, I think it is, six weeks."

According to Michael, the original plan was to release Ten in June or July, but "that just wasn't in the cards for a number of reasons. There's a lot of stuff on the map, on the schedule, and it wasn't reality," he explained. "And we don't wanna ever rush anything."

As for the Ten album title, Sweet said: "It's called Ten 'cause it's my tenth album, and because there is a title track on there about the Ten Commandments - a really powerful song. There's real heavy (stuff). It starts kind of smacking you in the face and it ends kicking you in the gut."

Michael said that there is a "a different player" appearing on every song. "It started out where I was gonna have just a few players," he said. "Then I thought, you know, it would be really interesting to bring in a different guy on every song. And I started putting names out there and reaching out to people, and they started agreeing to do it. And then I had guys reaching out to me."

Sweet previously stated about his new solo album: "There are old-school, straight-ahead metal ideas à la (JUDAS) PRIEST and DIO, as well as a few up-tempo riffs à la (IRON) MAIDEN. There's also a few ballads with a bit of a (LED) ZEPPELIN vibe.

"I'm really excited about the musical direction. I'm bringing back a few of those classic hooks and melodies that some of you have asked for. Ask and you shall receive."

Sweet's last solo album, One Sided War, was released in August 2016 via Rat Pak Records. Backing Michael on the record were Hoekstra, Hunt, O'Boyle and East Coast shred-master Ethan Brosh.

In a 2016 interview with The Aquarian Weekly, Sweet said that he enjoyed making solo albums "because it's an opportunity to free myself up a little bit more, experiment a little bit more, and try some things that STRYPER may not be able to try."

STRYPER's latest album, God Damn Evil, was released in April 2018 via Frontiers Music Srl.

Michael Sweet online: www.michaelsweet.com & www.facebook.com/TheMichaelSweet

Roxx Records To Re-Issue TRAXTER, Rock N’ Race - The Finish Line:
Album release: May 31, 2019

Roxx Records is very excited to announce the release details of another classic Christian Metal title that had been eluding us for years!  We are extremely excited to be bringing you another cool reissue of an album that was originally released in 1991 and is impossible to find today. Hailing from Bakersfield, California we welcome the band TRAXTER to the Roxx Records line up!

Their one and only album Rock N’ Race was a classic in the Christian Metal underground and has been nearly impossible to find, well its time we fix that and bring this one back out to the public.

When working with the band on bonus tracks, we also learned sadly the band had never recorded any other tracks outside of Rock N’ Race, BUT they did manage to play a new song live that was never properly recorded and we are excited to include that as a bonus track here for all to hear. The track is called “Lovin’ Star” and was intended for the next TRAXTER release that never came to be, but luckily we found a decent live recording of this previously unreleased track and have added it here to complete this TRAXTER collection.

TRAXTER Rock N’ Race - The Finish Line all tracks have been re-mastered by Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound and updated cover art, design and layout are courtesy of Scott Waters of No Life Til Metal Graphics. This will be a one-time special pressing of only 500 copies.

Rock N’ Race - The Finish Line track listing:

1. “Holy Rockin'”
2. “Mr. Love Come To Open Arms”
3. “Turn And Face”
4. “Come to Open Arms”
5. “The Flight”
6. “J.S.N.”
7. “Honest Report”
8. “Evil Day”
9. “The Day”
10. “Traxter”
11. “Lovin’ Star” (bonus track live)

Rock N’ Race - The Finish Line pre-order: http://roxxrecords.storenvy.com/products/26857044-traxter-rock-n-race-the-finish-line-cd

NEWS BRIEFS

*LORDCHAIN  is set to release its next album, Civil War, on May 31, 2019.  Vocalist and guitarist Kelly Matthews describes Civil War as ‘a guitar oriented, groove-filled, hard rockin', heavy metal album’. 

The LORDCHAIN Bandcamp page includes its complete discography, including the two albums it released last year: https://lordchain.bandcamp.com

* Michael Sweet online interview with The Metal Voice: www.themetalvoice.com/Michael-sweet

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

NEAL MORSE Releases New Song, “There’s A Highway”:
Press Release / Jesus Christ - The Exorcist is a monumental project in Neal Morse’s already impressive discography. A Progressive Rock Opera 10 years in the making, it was written and produced by Morse and includes performances by Neal and an all-star cast of vocalists and musicians. Jesus Christ - The Exorcist will be released on June 14th on a double album set featuring about two hours of music that will encompass all the spectrums and genres Neal Morse is known for and will, of course, tell the Story of Stories. Good Friday sees the release of the new track “There’s A Highway”. Listen above.

Get 2CD, 3xLP, or Digital versions of the album: http://radi.al/JesusChristTheExorcist

Signed albums, limited edition color vinyl, and more available at:

• Neal Morse Store: www.radiantrecords.com/default.aspx

• Frontiers US Store: https://shop.bandwear.com/collections/frontiers-shop

• Frontiers EU Store: www.frontiers.shop

Today, the first song from this masterpiece has been unveiled, "Get Behind Me Satan". Watch the video above.

"I don’t know why it came to me in quite this way, but definitely the influences on this song are Black Sabbath and Deep Purple primarily. I even asked Rich Mouser when he was mixing the song to listen to 'Paranoid' because I thought that vocal effect would be cool on Ted’s (Leonard) voice," says Morse of the track.

When asked about what fans can expect sound wise from the album, Morse explains, "Oh, it is completely diverse. There are touching ballads, rousing ensemble pieces, classical elements and dramatic Broadway musical type songs as well. It is really meant to be listened and experienced all the way through as you would a play or an opera. I hope that people will experience it in that way because I think that’s where they will really find the power in this piece of music."

He continues, "These songs and pieces of music were all written for this rock opera specifically. I wrote the first draft in 2008 and 2009, I believe. Then, last year in preparation for a performance at MorseFest I rewrote the whole musical again. I couldn’t be happier with the final outcome and I am thrilled that it is coming out on Frontiers this June."

With a cast of amazing vocalists and musicians like Ted Leonard, Eric Gillette, Nick D’Virgilio, Randy George, Bill Hubauer, Matt Smith, Jake Livgren and others, this progressive rock opera is a landmark event that will leave its mark on every listener. “Let him who has ears to hear... let him hear!”

Jesus Christ - The Exorcist, had it’s live world premiere in 2018 and was performed by a prog rock all-star cast featuring Neal Morse (keys, guitar), Paul Bielatowicz (lead guitar), Bill Hubauer (keys), Randy George (bass), and Eric Gillette (drums). Featured vocalists included Ted Leonard (Spock's Beard, Enchant), Nick D'Virgilio (Big, Big Train, Spock's Beard), Jake Livgren (Protokaw), Matt Smith (Theocracy), Wil Morse and more. Also, John Schlitt (Petra) and Rick Florian (White Heart) were added to the performance as well.

Frontiers looks forward to partnering with Neal on his continuing musical explorations and extending his progressive rock legacy with his latest creative vision.

Jesus Christ - The Exorcist track listing:

Disc 1: “Introduction”, "Overture", "Getaway", "Gather The People", "Jesus’ Baptism", "Jesus’ Temptation", "There’s A Highway", "The Woman Of Seven Devils", "Free At Last", "The Madman Of The Gadarenes", "Love Has Called My Name"
"Better Weather", "The Keys To The Kingdom", "Get Behind Me Satan"

Disc 2: "He Must Go To The Cross", "Jerusalem", "Hearts Full Of Holes", "The Last Supper", "Gethsemane", "Jesus Before The Council And Peter’s Denial", "Judas’ Death", "Jesus Before Pilate And The Crucifixion", "Mary At The Tomb", "The Greatest Love Of All", "Love Has Called My Name" (Reprise)

Full cast:

Ted Leonard - Jesus
Talon David - Mary Magdalene
Nick D'Virgilio - Judas
Rick Florian - The Devil
John Schlitt - Caiaphas
Matt Smith - John the Baptist, Pharisee 3
Jake Livgren - Peter, Pharisee 4
Neal Morse - Pilate, Demon 1, Disciple 1
Mark Pogue - Israelite 1, the Madman of the Gadarenes, Pharisee 2
Wil Morse - Israelite 2, Demon 3, Pharisee 1,
Gabe Klein - Demon 2, Pharisee 4
Gideon Klein - Demon 4
Julie Harrison - Servant Girl

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

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

NEWS BRIEFS

* New song from ESSENCE OF SORROW, “Breach My Despair”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=AF403bsC1Ik

The song, to feature new vocalist Germán Pascual, comes off the Northern European group’s upcoming sophomore album, which is untitled at the time of this writing.  ESSENCE OF SORROW was last heard from in 2007, when it released its Rivel Records debut full length Reflections Of The Obscure to include dual front men Christian Palin (RANDOM EYES) and Mats Levin (KRUX, CANDLEMASS).

* HYPERSONIC introduces new vocalist Eleonora Russo, whom is well-known in the Italian music scene for her solo career and her beautiful voice.  The band is currently in the studio at work on its next album, which will be out at the beginning of 2020.  Look for HYPERSONIC to release its new single “Path Of Salvation” this summer via Revalve Records.

The Italian power metal act released its debut album Existentia in 2016 (also Revalve Records).

* Girder Music set to re-issue KEN TAMPLIN, In The Witness Box:

Ken Tamplin is a Christian Rock Legend.  In The Witness Box was released in 1995 when the Seattle grunge scene was in full swing. However make no mistake about it, this is a straight forward metal and hard rock album containing some of his hardest rockers. Songs like “Feed Me”, leave little guessing that this album is going to smack you right in the face. Guest guitarists include Joey Taffolla (JAG PANZER) and Lanny Cordola (ex-GIUFFRIA, HOUSE OF LORDS).  Lanny worked with Ken on MAGDALLAN (Big Bang from 1992) and is credited with several songs on In The Witness Box as well.

 

MINI REVIEWS

RAINFORCE - Rock And Roll
Rainforce continues on with its classic hard rock style, which it introduced to high critical and fan acclaim in April of 2017 on its Roxx Records debut full-length Lion’s Den.  Read Full Review >>

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

BLOODGOOD, Detonation Special Edition Re-issue:
Press Release / The 2019 BLOODGOOD Detonation Special Edition re-issue contains new unreleased bonus tracks and modified interior artwork. But if you think that's all Detonation has to offer you couldn't be more wrong.

Originally a 1987 release, Detonation is on everybody's best Christian rock albums of the decade, of the year or of the era. Regardless where it lands for you, it's clearly one of the most influential albums to ever grace the scene, thanks in part to the theatrics that were included with “Crucify” and “The Messiah”.

For all you audio-files out there, you'll be happy to know that this isn't just a refresh of the already re-mastered version that came out on Intense Millennium. It's a brand new re-mastered version with much deeper punch (i.e. low end EQ that wasn't possible back in 1987).

BLOODGOOD's David Zaffiro took exceptional care to rebuild Detonation from the ground up. Yes, David was the guitarist for BLOODGOOD's first 3 albums, which he eventually handed over the reigns to Paul Jackson. However David is now an award winning producer, engineer and songwriter with numerous dove awards and platinum and gold albums, winning Gold for POINT OF GRACE and Platinum for LITTLE BIG TOWN as well as PASSION's “Better is One Day” video. He's also won 7 Dove Awards including HOLY SOLDIER's Metal Album of the Year as well as Metal/Recorded Song of the year.

BLOODGOOD also dug deep into the archives and added 2 songs plus a guitar solo from the 1987 Live in Sacramento, CA show: “You Loose”, “Guitar Burn” and “Vagrant People”.

Vocalist Les Carlsen provides this insight! "This is the album where we went to the record company and said let us (the band) produce this album and we will deliver you a great metal album. We were the writers, the arrangers and the producers. Yes, we had an engineer (Doug Dole), but we (the band) wrote all the songs and oversaw the entire mix. We locked ourselves into a warehouse and worked all day long, every day until it was complete."

Dave Mustaine did a review of Detonation in Circus Magazine which discussed the relevance of a Christian Metal album and how BLOODGOOD did everything right.

What really surprising is how well this record still holds up. So many bands back in the day used reverb on everything and listening to some of those now, sounds a bit out-dated and hokey, yet BLOODGOOD's Detonation still sounds fresh and new. Les's voice is at it's peak which thankfully also stands up to today's rock vocals.

It's amazing what 30+ years can do to one's perspective and what 30+ years can do to cement your name as one of the greatest of Christian rock albums of all-time. Detonation is just that.

Detonation track listing:

1. “Battle Of The Flesh”
2. “Vagrant People”
3. “Self-Destruction”
4. “Alone In Suicide”
5. “Heartbeat (Of The City)”
6. “Eat The Flesh”
7. “Holy Fire”
8. “Crucify”
9. “The Messiah”
10. “Live Wire”

Live In Sacramento bonus tracks:

“You Loose”
“Zaffiro Guitar Burn”
“Vagrant People”

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

Michael Sweet Completes Recording Vocals For Ten Solo Album:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.com:

STRYPER front man Michael Sweet has finished recording vocals for his new solo album, Ten. The disc, which will be mixed starting next week, is due later in the year via Rat Pak Records.

As noted on Facebook (April 4, 2019):

“I finished recording vocals for Ten - We start mixing next week. I wish you all could hear it!! It’s an amazing album and I want to thank all the incredible musicians who were a part of making this solo album the best one yet!”

In a social media post the same day, Sweet stated about the follow-up to 2016's One Sided War: "It's an amazing album and I want to thank all the incredible musicians who were a part of making this solo album the best one yet!"

Michael recently told Daily Boom that the songs on his next solo album "have incredible energy. I've got Will Hunt playing drums on it and John O'Boyle is playing bass," he said. "The rhythm section is phenomenal and the guitar tones are great. I'm going to have a different guest guitar player on every song, with a solo, of course. I've got Todd La Torre of QUEENSRŸCHE joining me on a song and it's just turning out to be a really cool album. I think that it's going to surpass my last solo album and that did really well, but I think this one is going to be even better."

As for a possible release date for Ten, Sweet said: "I'm still not sure. It's definitely going to be this year. We're talking about a summer release, and I'm turning it all in by the end of April, and so we're probably looking at a July or August release. It depends on how much setup we need with licensing deals worldwide and those kinds of things. But I would say hopefully July-August."

Other guest musicians who will appear on Sweet's new disc include guitarists Joel Hoekstra (WHITESNAKE, NIGHT RANGER), Jeff Loomis (ARCH ENEMY, NEVERMORE), Marzi Montazeri (PHILIP H. ANSELMO & THE ILLEGALS), Gus G. (FIREWIND, OZZY OSBOURNE) and Andy James.

Sweet previously stated about his new solo album: "There are old-school, straight-ahead metal ideas à la (JUDAS) PRIEST and DIO, as well as a few up-tempo riffs à la (IRON) MAIDEN. There's also a few ballads with a bit of a (LED) ZEPPELIN vibe.

"I'm really excited about the musical direction. I'm bringing back a few of those classic hooks and melodies that some of you have asked for. Ask and you shall receive."

One Sided War was released in August 2016 via Rat Pak Records. Backing Michael on the record were Hoekstra, Hunt, O'Boyle and East Coast shred-master Ethan Brosh.

In a 2016 interview with The Aquarian Weekly, Sweet said that he enjoyed making solo albums "because it's an opportunity to free myself up a little bit more, experiment a little bit more, and try some things that STRYPER may not be able to try."

STRYPER's latest album, God Damn Evil, was released in April 2018 via Frontiers Music Srl.

Michael Sweet online: www.michaelsweet.com & www.facebook.com/TheMichaelSweet

New album from XT, Revived: Standing For Jesus Christ:
The XT collective is back with a new record. Formed in 1991 by guitarist Björn Stigsson (LEVITICUS) and singer Sonny Larsson (MOTHERLODE), XT went on hiatus for many years after their third full-length was released back in 1995. Their lyrical universe offers a Christian message but where social consciousness is always present.
 
In the 1990s, grunge and death metal were the dominant genres, but with the great demand for heavy melodic and progressive rock that we're having today, XT's music is quite right in time. Their role models are bands like PINK FLOYD, DEEP PURPLE and GENESIS.

XT reunited again in the spring of 2017, and Saved By The Blood, their fourth full-length was released, getting got good reviews and offering melodic heavy rock music. Some gigs in Sweden took place, but the musicians' good reputation and contact network also led them abroad. Yes, actually as far away as Laos where they performed at a big festival. But it was not only the shows that felt great for the musicians, as the biggest step was to play at an orphanage, with the band buying coloring books for the kids and spending some time with them. Being able to do something for the smallest in society, those who are often forgotten, is something that the musicians in XT are passionate about. A good example of how they go from word to action!

The new album, the band's fifth, is called Revived: Standing For Jesus Christ, and although it doesn't contain new songs we can still consider it new material. The songs were selected from the group’s first three records and re-recorded with its current lineup, with guitarist Björn Stigsson stating it was a better choice than to remix those tracks. The final result features a better and contemporary sound played by today's constellation of XT.
New in the band since the last album is the drummer Thomas Weinesjö. Other members include Sonny Larsson (vocals), Björn Stigsson (guitar, keyboards, moog taurus), Peter Carlsohn (bass, moog taurus) and Danne Tibell (Hammond organ, keyboards). The album will be released on April 26, 2019, with XT perform a release show in Värnamo the following day.

Revived track listing:

1. “The Rock In My Life”
2. ”Standing for J.C.”
3. “The Silent Cry
4. “Got Love”
5. ”The Battle”
6. “Call Your Name”
7. “I Want Love”
8. “On the Run”
9.” Looking for Love”
10. “Face To Face”
11. “Cant Live Without You”
12.  ‘One Way To Heaven”

XT online: www.facebook.com/xtsweden

NEWS BRIEFS

* EVANS & STOKES uploaded a tribute video to the victims of the Christchurch mosque mass shooting: www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGJ-8wyDfXE

As noted by New Zealand based vocalist Jenny Stokes:

“You may be aware that on March 15th, my country was brought to tears by the heinous act of one man as he opened fire on the peaceful Muslim community in Christchurch. This past week John (Evans, guitarist) and I have been working on a tribute to the victims of this mass shooting and to my countrymen who responded with so much love. I think I might have left a piece of my soul in the fabric of this song. Preparing this song took a lot out of me, but it was cathartic at the same time”.

* According to founding member Justin Murr, a new LIBERTY JUSTICE album is in the work.  In a post at Christian Metal Realm, he advises “(I am teaming) with a legendary Christian rock musician recording ‘THE’ best LNJ record yet.  What if I told you it was halfway done?”.

* WALES ROAD turns an acoustic ballad version to “I Surrender” into bone crunching rock ‘n’ roll: www.reverbnation.com/walesroad/song-i+surrender

* ZION, Thunder From The Mountain remix/re-masters single debut, “Is It A Crime”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaVoeBg132w

 

FEATURED REVIEWS

LES CARLSEN - 1971
The iconic front man, with six studio albums and three live albums to his credit as part of Christian metal legends Bloodgood, put the album together with a group of musicians from Seattle but it never saw release until now.  Read Full Review >>

FEAR NOT - For The Wounded Heart
For The Wounded Heart, the March of 2019 Roxx Records 5-song comeback EP from Fear Not, was a tough nut to crack.  Read Full Review >>

IMARI TONES - Overture
Third, Overture finds Imari Tones branching out musically from its signature melodic heavy metal in allowing for elements of J-Rock, alternative rock, acoustic rock and even hip-hop (hip-hop!) to imbue its sound.  Read Full Review >>

LIGHTFORCE - Mystical Thieves (Soundmass re-issue)
It would be sufficient to describe Lightforce as eighties heavy metal but along the lines of the traditional kind akin to Judas Priest and Manowar, albeit Iron Maiden is the more accurate comparison.  Read Full Review >>

MIDNIGHT WORSHIP - Midnight Worship
What I hear in Midnight Worship are many of the defining Sombre Holiday elements in the form of the melancholic and subdued but within context of Gothic influenced progressiveness and the intricately woven doom-like.  Read Full Review >>

THE NEAL MORSE BAND - The Great Adventure
If you know anything about progressive music, you probably are a fan of Neal Morse.  Read Full Review >>

NO OTHER GOD - Take It By Storm
February of 2019 finds Dale returning with his most recent project, No Other God and its Roxx Records debut full length Take It By Storm.  Read Full Review >>

PASTOR BRAD - Rock This World  
Rock This World, his most recent vocal outing from February of 2019, takes a similar music stance with its melodic heavy metal bent but also touches upon classic metal (to feature some of the artists heaviest material ever) and even the modern to pop based (when trending outside the box).  Read Full Review >>

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

ANGELICA Reissues On Girder Music:
Release date scheduled for May of 2019:

Press Release / ANGELICA was a late 80’s to early 90’s Christian hard rock/metal AOR band that was the brainchild of guitarist Dennis Cameron that featured a very 80s commercial hard rock sound, less like Sunset Strip metal and more like the heavier side of Pop metal / AOR.  Think 707, SHOUT, PROPHET STRANGEWAYS, ALIEN, UNRULY CHILD, STRPER, CRYSTAVOX, JOSHUA, MR. BIG, FREHLEY’S COMET or SAMMY HAGAR.

Angelica - Their debut album, the only one to feature vocals by Rob Rock (IMPELLITERI/DRIVER) on all but one track ("Face To Face", which was sung by Ken Tamplin) is a cult like release bringing in fans from all over the globe.
 
Walkin’ In Faith - Angelica’s second album contained a different singer and was more of a Christian pop metal release but still featured all the driving and prolific guitar work of Dennis Cameron.
 
The Demo Sessions - the 9 song demo that contained vocalist Andy Lyon (Pre Rob Rock).
 
All three have been completely re-mastered, while the demo songs were taken right from the original recordings that Dennis Cameron located just a few weeks ago. 

ANGELICA Biography

Dennis Cameron started playing guitar at the young age of 6.  In 1983 he joined a local cover band called ANTIX and played with them until 1986 moving on to the band MASQUERADE in 1987.
 
While on the road with MASQUERADE during a 6 week club tour, laying in bed feeling alone and empty, Dennis found God.
 
Dennis met Andy Lyon (lead vocalist on the Demo Sessions) while running sound for Andy's cover band months later. Andy and Dennis began to write music and put together a 5-song demo that included “Shine on Me”, “Will I ever Learn”, “Take Me”, “Only A Man” and “S.O.S”, songs that Dennis had been working on since leaving MASQUERADE.
 
While recording and writing, Dennis met Christy Arnold who ran a fanzine called Take A Stand, who supplied Dennis with contact information for a few labels including Intense and Frontline, at the time were 2 different record labels.  Ironically, Frontline would go on to purchase Intense Records.
 
Dennis pitched his 5-song demo to both companies and immediately received an offer from Intense as well as began a dialog with Frontline Records who asked to hear more songs.
 
Going back into the studio Dennis finished a second 4-Song Demo that included the songs “One Step At A Time”, “I Believe”, “Are You Satisfied” and “Danger Zone”, and now had 9 songs to present.
 
Dennis inked a deal with Frontline’s new imprint label Intense Records and ANGELICA  was born but not before speaking with Michael Bloodgood about the possibilities of joining BLOODGOOD. Dennis signed a 5-album deal with Intense and went on to record four albums in all along with a best of album.

Angelica track listing: “There's Only One Hero”, “Are You Satisfied”, “I Believe”, “Danger Zone”, “Shine On Me”, “Only A Man”, “One Step At A Time”, “Will I Ever Learn”, “Take Me”, “Ahh!”, “S.O.S”, “Face To Face”

Walking In Faith track listing: “Walkin' In Faith”, “Hold On”, “All I Can Do”, “Soul Search”, “Time And Time Again”, “Sing And Shout”, “Set Me Free”, “Not Too Late”, “Bring Into Being”, “Harvest”

The Demo Sessions track listing: “Satisfied”, “I Believe”, “Danger Zone”, “Shine On Me”, “Only A Man”, “One Step at a Time”, “Will I Ever Learn”, “Take Me”, “SOS - Amazing Grace”

Angelica, Walkin’ In Faith & The Demo Sessions pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders

DIVINER - New Album Realms Of Time Announced:
Press Release / Greek heavy/power metal band DIVINER will release its new album Realms Of Time on June 7th via Ulterium Records. The album will be available on CD, LP and digital download.

A video to a song off Realms Of Time entitled “Heaven Falls” can be viewed above.

The band's debut album Fallen Empires was released in November 2015 and received very good reviews and feedback worldwide.  Following release of the album, the band played many shows and big festivals in Greece and also in Germany, Netherlands and Switzerland, and became known for being a great and energetic live band gaining a strong following.

DIVINER entered Devasoundz Studios in Athens last year to record Realms Of Time.  With results showing improvement on every level since the debut, the album won't leave fans of heavy and power metal disappointed.  Realms Of Time is heavy, melodic and epic and it’s full of energy, power and emotion. Follow DIVINER into the Realms Of Time!

Realms Of Time was produced and mixed by Fotis Benardo (ex. SEPTIC FLESH), mastered by Henrik Udd (POWERWOLF, HAMMERFALL, MYRATH), while artwork was created by Jan Yrlund (BATTLE BEAST, APOCALYPTICA, KORPIKLAANI).

Realms Of Time track listing:

1. “Against The Grain”
2. “Heaven Falls”
3. “Set Me Free”
4. “The Earth, The Moon, The Sun”
5. “Cast Down In Fire”
6. “Beyond The Border”
07. “King Of Masquerade”
08. “Time”
09. “The Voice From Within”
10. “Stargate”

DIVINER lineup:

Yiannis Papanikolaou - Lead Vocals
George Maroulees - Guitar
Kostas Fitos - Guitar
Herc Booze - Bass
Fragiskos Samoilis - Drums

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

DIVINER online: www.facebook.com/divinermetalband

NEWS BRIEFS

*Jimmy P. Brown II has released a pair of singles in follow up to his 2018 solo album Eraserhead:

“Always Falling”: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/jimmypbrownii14

“Nothing”: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/jimmypbrownii13

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

BIOGENESIS Unveil “Black Widow” Concept Video & Single:
Press Release / BIOGENESIS premiered this past week an official video for “Black Widow”, the second single off its five-song EP of the same name, which it released via Roxx Records on December 14, 2018.

Black Widow features four original tunes, starting with the title track “Black Widow” but also including “Angel”, a power ballad written in tribute to loved ones lost and hard rocker entitled “Anti-Evolution”.  Rounding out the EP is a beautiful interpretation of the classic DELIVERANCE tune “Flesh And Blood” (off Weapons Of Our Warfare from 1990).

Be sure and request the new single wherever they play music loud and heavy, and help get BIOGENESSIS the recognition it deserves with this epic and critically acclaimed EP.

Pick up the Black Widow EP in physical or digital formats at many of your favorite outlets like Amazon, eBay, CMD and Roxx Records.

Also stay tuned this summer as we bring you Black Widow on Limited Edition vinyl as the very last in the Roxx Underground Series which will be limited to only 150 hand numbered copies.

Black Widow track listing:

1. “Black Widow”
2. “Human Equilibrium”
3. “Angel”
4. “Flesh And Blood”
5. “Anti-Evolution”

Roxx Records online: www.roxxproductions.com & www.facebook.com/Roxx.Productions

BIOGENESIS online: www.facebook.com/BiogenesisProgressiveMetal & https://biogenesis.bandcamp.com

THE NEAL MORSE BAND Release “The Great Despair” Music Video:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:

The official music video for the song "The Great Despair" from THE NEAL MORSE BAND - Neal Morse (lead vocals, guitars, keyboards), Mike Portnoy (drums, vocals), Randy George (bass), Bill Hubauer (keyboards, vocals), Eric Gillette (guitars, vocals) - can be viewed above. The track is taken from the band's latest double concept album, The Great Adventure, which was released on January 25 on Radiant Records via Metal Blade worldwide. It is available in three formats: a two-CD package, two-CD/DVD special edition featuring behind-the-scenes video clips of the making of the album, and three vinyl LPs.

The follow-up to 2016's critically acclaimed The Similitude Of A Dream is the ninth studio album with Morse, Portnoy and George, and the third as a true collaboration with this current lineup. Together, Morse and Portnoy have launched four bands, but the one that has endured the longest and thus with the most musical output has been THE NEAL MORSE BAND.

"Let the great adventure now begin…" The closing line of The Similitude Of A Dream has proved to be strangely prophetic. The new album is exactly that: a perfect companion piece to The Similitude Of A Dream's partial retelling of John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress. It has everything that fans would expect from an album by THE NEAL MORSE BAND, and more: rock, metal, classical and jazz elements appear throughout, as well as some killer melodies, all played faultlessly by some of the greatest rock musicians on the planet.

As Neal Morse explains: "This band continues to amaze me! I have to say it was a little daunting to follow up 'The Similitude Of A Dream' as it was such a special album and it delivered every night at our concerts, but I believe that 'The Great Adventure' will have a tremendous impact as well. This new double album is everything that I hoped it would be! I listened through last night and I was in tears at the end!"

Mike Portnoy emphatically agrees. He says: "How do you follow an epic double concept album??? Well, create another epic double concept album!! Hahaha. I always knew topping The Similitude Of A Dream was going to be difficult, if not impossible, as I held it in such high regard, but alas, I am absolutely blown away with what we achieved here! We've created what is the ultimate companion to The Similitude Of A Dream."

"Sometimes there are things that you just can't mess with," Randy George continues. "On The Similitude Of A Dream, we tapped into something special. I was sure that the follow up should be something quite different, but you have to follow your heart and follow the music where it wants to go. 'The Great Adventure' is nothing short of a miracle. It's similar to 'Similitude' in concept and form, but yet it's tougher and deeper in its tone! This is a powerful work and I look forward to playing it live!

True to the album's title, the creative process was indeed a "great adventure." Unlike many previous Morse albums, which have often been written and arranged within weeks, this time around these prolific and world-class musicians spent almost a year working on the end result, producing an abundance of top-quality material. This meant some ruthless decision-making: some already completed songs and characters had to go, and - with studio time running out - new links and ideas were being composed and recorded up to the eleventh hour. "A lot of work and re-work has gone into this," says Morse, "but I know that some of the most successful and far-reaching albums I've been involved with have been just like that.  Sola Scriptura and SPOCK'S BEARD's Snow album come to mind."

Another key question that had to be addressed in the studio was how to pull all the ideas together into a coherent whole. In the end, what unlocked this "adventure" for Morse was the realization that The Great Adventure needed a new voice and perspective. This time, it is that of the Pilgrim's abandoned son, a younger, perhaps angrier, voice than was heard on The Similitude Of A Dream.

NEWS BRIEFS

* “Walmart Blues”, official video from BIG CHRIS & D’BARE BONES BAND: www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GLddhG0ors

The song initially appeared on the 2016 debut When Your Time Comes of the project from veteran guitarist, bassist and vocalist Chris Dickens.

* In February, STAIRWAY released a download only compilation album entitled Deep Cuts, which as its title implies contains songs largely not as well known as other STAIRWAY tracks.

Track listing: “Sea Of Fools”, “Save Me!”, “The Great Whore Of Babylon”, “Show Me A Woman”, “Godz”, “Fear & Lies”, “Born To Die”, “Cantabile’, “World In Black”, “The Sky Is Beautiful”, “Foolish Heart”, “The Great Whore Of Babylon (revisited)”

The songs “Born to Die” and “Fear & Lies” are taken from the 1st mastering session for the Interregnum (2010) album but ended up not being used.

All other songs are from the STAIRWAY albums: No Rest - No Mercy (1993); Bleeding Heart (1999); On Hallowed Ground (2002); The Other Side Of Midnight (2006) and Power And Glory (2016).

In January the UK based group also released the track listing of its forthcoming (untitled at the time) next album: “Moon Red Blackened Sky”, “Broken Man”, “Eyes Of The Blind”, “Tricky Nicky”, “Land Of The Free”, ”See The Light”, “We’re Gonna Rock”, ”Take Him Down”, “Killing Time” 

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

LIGHTFORCE, Battlezone Custom Cassette Re-issue on Soundmass Records:
Release date late April, 2019.

Press Release / Soundmass are happy to announce the re-issue of the LIGHTFORCE album Battlezone. This release was their independent 1987 cassette-only debut, never officially released in full on CD, let alone vinyl. You would be lucky to ever find a copy of the original cassett,e and the original version of “Fast Lane” was left off the 1986 To 1989 compilation from 2003. 32 years on, Battlezone is being made readily available again on 10″ vinyl and CD, re-mastered for a superior heavy/power metal experience.

Everybody knows LIGHTFORCE as the predecessor to MORTIFICATION, the Australian death/thrash band fronted by bassist Steve Rowe. However, LIGHTFORCE was a totally different beast, with their music completely rooted in traditional heavy metal. They were heavily influenced by the classic early 80’s metal of bands like JUDAS PRIEST, MANOWAR and especially IRON MAIDEN - the abundant melody and hooks a homage to the bands that inspired them, while still putting their own spin on the style. And the band didn’t go unnoticed either, picking up management and a deal with US label Pure Metal to release their follow-up Mystical Thieves.

The Battlezone vinyl and CD packaging includes lyrics and a selection of previously unseen photos, as well as brand new cover art inspired by the original. The CD also incorporates the original artwork on the back of the booklet (for all the purists!) And to top it all off, we have also included an incredible 12 bonus tracks on the CD - all 5 songs from their Yellow demo (also referred to as the Angel Rocker demo), all 6 songs from their Blue demo and a radio interview by Alan Thomas (who would later become their manager). The majority of these demo tracks have never seen the light of day before and were VERY limited in their initial cassette release in 1986 (50 copies of the Yellow demo and 30 of the Blue demo).

Battlezone track listing: “Choose To Win”, “Evil Desires”, “Reigning With The King”, “Eyes Of Destruction”, “I Won’t Conform”, ”The Day Is Near”, “Battlezone”, “Fast Lane”

Yellow demo track listing: “Run From Darkness”, “The Crunch”, “Come With Us’, “Fishers Of Men”, “Pictures”

Blue demo track listing: “You’re So Kind”, ”Fishers Of Men”, ”Pictures”, “Come With Us”, “Ballad On The Beach”, “I Felt Your Love”, “3RRR Interview”

Battlezone pre-order: www.soundmass.com

STRYPER Announce History 2019 Tour:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:

STRYPER will return to the road in May for the 2019 "History Tour - Greatest Hits & Covers That Influenced Our Generation". The trek comes on the heels of the band's yearlong God Damn Evil world tour, which concluded in Japan in February.

"The music of our generation was and is timeless," says STRYPER front man Michael Sweet. "It was all about the song and musicians who inspired you to want to play. We grew up on bands like VAN HALEN, JUDAS PRIEST, IRON MAIDEN, BLACK SABBATH, JOURNEY and BOSTON. We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the music of these legendary bands. We thought it would be an amazing experience to play some of these songs live and show you, the audience, exactly were our roots lie. We'll also be incorporating our own hits and videos from 1984 to 2019, and something from Perry's (Richardson – bass) past as well (FIREHOUSE). We’re excited to get back out on the road and we look forward to seeing you soon!”

Exclusive meet-and-greet packages will be available in most cities. Fans will have the option of purchasing either a Standard Meet & Greet Package or VIP History Tour Meet & Greet Package. Both meet-and-greet packages include an opportunity to meet the band, get autographs, take photos with the guys and receive exclusive one-of-a-kind merchandise. However, the VIP History Meet & Greet Package (limited to six fans per city) offers additional merchandise options and a stage tour (hold Michael's guitar, photo in front of Robert's drum kit, overview of gear with STRYPER crew members).

STRYPER 2019 "History" tour dates:

May 10 - The Firmament - Greenville, SC
May 11 - Union Jack's - Annapolis, MD
May 13 - Beachland Ballroom - Cleveland, OH
May 14 - The Token Lounge - Westland, MI
May 15 - The Rockpile West - Toronto, Ontario
May 17 - Gramercy Theatre - New York, NY
May 18 - The Chance - Poughkeepsie, NY
May 19 - The Paramount - Huntington, NY
May 21 - Chameleon Club - Lancaster, PA
May 22 - Jergel's Rhythm Grille - Warrendale, PA
May 24 - Bogarts - Cincinnati, OH
May 25 - Mercury Ballroom - Louisville, KY
May 26 - The Lerner Theatre - Elkhart, IN
May 29 - Vinyl Music Hall - Pensacola, FL
May 31 - Warehouse Live - Houston, TX
June 01 - Magic Springs Theme Water Park - Hot Springs, AR
June 02 - Graceland Sound Stage - Memphis, TN
June 05 - House of Blues - New Orleans, LA
June 08 - The Masquerade - Atlanta, GA
June 13 - Paparazzi OBX - Kitty Hawk, NC
June 14 - Phase 2 - Lynchburg, VA
June 15 - Roanoke Rapids Theater - Roanoke Rapids, NC
July 17 - Rock Fest 2019 - Cadott, WI
July 18 - Arcada Theater - St. Charles, IL
July 20 - Roar on the Shore Bike Week - Erie, PA
Sept. 07 - Teatro al Aire Libre - La Paz, Bolivia
Sept. 10 - CC. Festiva - Lima, Peru
Sept. 12 - Teatro Caupolicán - Santiago, Chile
Sept. 14 - Tropical Butanta - Sao Paulo, Brazil
Sept. 15 - Circo Voador - Rio de Janiero, Brazil
Sept. 17 - Toinha Brasil Show - Brasilia, Brazil
Sept. 19 - Mister Rock BH - Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Sept. 21 - El Teatro Flores - Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

New Album From SUNROAD, Heat Strokes:
Press Release / Brazilian hard rockers SUNROAD are back with their 8th full length studio album, Heat Strokes. Roxx Records are excited to be bringing you the US pressing of the latest offering from Brazil’s premiere hard rock band.

Heat Strokes is the latest offering from SUNROAD, and this one picks up right where this band left off (following its 2017 release Wing Seven) and shows the progression and experience of these artists that make up SUNROAD.

We got 10 brand new tunes coming your way with the kick off single “Empty Stage”, so get ready to rock as we bring you the new album from SUNROAD.

Another release we are proudly bringing your way on official ‘Record Store Day 2019’ on April 13th.

In case you are keeping trac,k we are releasing all of these wonderful titles on this years Record Store Day: HOLY SOLDIER - S/T (LP/CD), LOVE LIFE - Goodbye Lady Jane (LP/CD), RECON - Behind Enemy Lines (CD), LOVEWAR - S/T (CD/Digital), TRUE STRENGTH - Sanguinary Vivification, (CD) and now the US pressing of the new SUNROAD album - Heat Strokes (CD).

Heat Strokes track listing:

1. “Mind The Gap”
2. “Given And Taken”
3. “Screaming Ghosts”
4. “Lick My Lips”
5. “Empty Stage”
6. “Unleash Your Heat”
7. “Heatstrokes”
8. “Spellbound Age”
9. “Overwhelmed”:
10. “Dare To Dream”

Heat Strokes pre-order: http://roxxrecords.storenvy.com/products/25966020-sunroad-heat-strokes-2019-cd

SUNROAD online: www.facebook.com/sunroadofficial

NEWS BRIEFS

* XT announce new re-record album, XT Revived (Facebook - March 23, 2019):

The fifth album from XT, XT Revived, contains no new songs but is still new in another way.  The songs are selected from the first three XT albums, and re-recorded with the bands current lineup.  According to guitarist Björn Stigsson, it was a better choice (to re-record) than to make a remix. The result has become a better and more contemporary sound performed by the current XT lineup.

New to XT since its last album, Saved By The Blood from 2017, is drummer Thomas Weinesjö. Other members include Sonny Larsson (vocals), Björn Stigsson (guitar, keyboards, moog taurus), Peter Carlsohn (bass, moog taurus) and Danne Tibell (Hammond organ, keyboards). The album is scheduled for release on April 26, 2019.

The single “Standing For Jesus” can be streamed at: HERE

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

BLOODGOOD, Self-Titled Debut Re-issue On Retroactive Records:
Release date April 23, 2019.

Press Release / The metal scene was detonating all over the world in the early and mid 80’s, but aside from STRYPER, Christian metal was in the infant stages… and then came along 1986. 1986 was an iconic year for Christian metal.  We saw future Hall-of-Fame releases by some bands we already knew - LEVITICUS (Strongest Power), SAINT (Times End), and MESSIAH PROPHET (Master of the Metal). But 1986 also offered several critically acclaimed debut releases from bands that would go on to define the epitome of Christian metal in the decades to follow -BRIDE (Show No Mercy), BARREN CROSS (Rock For the King), and last but not least, the debut self-titled album from the theatrical U.S. band out of the state of Washington with a peculiar name, and a sound that hit all the right notes for meta lheads desperate for MORE white metal - BLOODGOOD!

BLOODGOOD was way ahead of their time, and rivaled W.A.S.P. in sheer heaviness and deadly riffs, while boasting a game-changing lead singer in Les Carlson whose voice immediately cemented them in the serious-contender category. The 1986 debut release created a metallic aura that set new standards for both the quality and authenticity of Christian metal. These guys weren't sacrificing their metal edge, even with a passionate Christian message. There's nothing fake to be had here; with lyrics that range from being lost in a perpetual nighttime of sin, killing the black snake of the devil, and setting demons on the run.

Some might call “Stand In the Light” the lyrical crown jewel of the album. The words might seem “un-metal” on paper, but they are absolutely ripped out by Carlsen with such force that they're guaranteed to bring out the fist-pumps, if not the Dio horns:

“Does a child cry? Does the world turn around? Does a fire burn? Is the earth also ground? This we've learned, but what have we found? Does a snowflake fall? And in fall does a tree drop its leaves? Does water freeze?”

Even the album cover is stunning in its simplicity: a barbed wire logo and thick drops of blood shooting upwards and practically hanging in the air. No Christian album had ever been more visually bold. The first five songs on this album ("Accept the Lamb," "Stand in the Light," - listen to Michael Bloodgood kill the bass work on SITL - "Demon on the Run," "Anguish and Pain," and "Awake!") are absolute rockers, and we rank them with anything that ACCEPT, W.A.S.P., TWISTED SISTER, or KISS did in the same time period.  If it’s possible to make a metal ballad out of losing your soul, then "What's Following the Grave" is it; detailing a low-tone fret work, gloomy but inspiring vocals, and a chorus that is jaw-dropping in its time change. You want legitimate, bring-the-roof-down show-closers? Listen to "Killing The Beast," "You Lose," and the lightning strike that's "Black Snake."

This remains one metal album that was made for decades of repeated listens. The bottom line for the music fan is simple. This is metal at its finest. Let your ears be the judge. The 2019 Retroactive Records Legends Re-mastered edition is THE definitive reissue of this classic album - finally getting it right with a 12 page booklet (jewel case) featuring lyrics and rare band photos, digitally re-mastered by Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound! This reissue enhances the pure magic of the original and makes it shine even brighter, making it a necessary re-purchase even if you already own it. Trust us -  you’ll be glad you did!

Bloodgood track listing:

1. “Accept The Lamb”
2. “Stand In The Light”
3. “Demon On The Run”
4. “Anguish And Pain”
5. “Awake”
6. “Soldier Of Peace”
7. “You Lose”
8.”Whats Following The Grave”
9. “Killing The Beast”
10. “Black Snake”

Bloodgood pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/bloodgood-bloodgood-new-cd-2019-retroactive-records-remastered-pre-order

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

IMAGES OF EDEN Announce Soulrise Tour:
Press Release / n support of their latest release, Soulrise, IMAGES OF EDEN announces a US tour coming this spring. The band will be on the road with heavy metal mainstays DORO and METAL CHURCH. The upcoming tour begins on the West Coast in Las Vegas, Nevada, and ends on the East Coast in New Bedford, Massachusetts. "We are extremely honored to have this opportunity to bring a positive message of hope and inspiration across this great nation," says vocalist and rhythm guitarist Gordon Tittsworth.

Soulrise is IMAGE OF EDEN's fourth studio album and out now via Pavement Entertainment. IMAGES OF EDEN is a fearless concept band that brings together familiar, well-loved elements of metal and rock combined with its own unique vision, message, and delivery. The result is a distinct musical hybrid that speaks directly to the struggles and tribulations of the listener.

Wed, Apr 17 - Las Vegas, NV - Count's Vamp'd
Thurs, Apr 18 - Anaheim, CA - The Parish @ House of Blues
Fri, Apr 19 - Los Angeles, CA - The Whisky A-Go-Go
Sat, Apr 20 - Tempe, AZ - Club Red
Tue, Apr 23 - Lubbock, TX - Jake's
Wed, Apr 24 - Austin, TX - Come And Take It Live
Thu, Apr 25 - Houston, TX - Scout Bar
Fri, Apr 26 - San Antonio, TX - The Rock Box
Sat, Apr 27 - Dallas, TX - Tree's
Sun, Apr 28 - Oklahoma City, OK - Oklahoma City Limits
Tue, Apr 30 - St. Louis, MO - Fubar
Wed, May 1 - Indianapolis, IN - Black Circle Brewery
Thu, May 2 - Chicago, IL - Reggie's
Fri, May 3 - Racine, WI - Route 20
Sat, May 4 - Flint, MI - Machine Shop
Sun, May 5 - St Charles, IL - Arcada Theater
Tue, May 7 - Brooklyn, NY - The Kingsland
Wed, May 8 - Reading, PA - Reverb
Thu, May 9 - Poughkeepsie, NY - The Chance
Fri, May 10 - Asbury Park, NJ - Asbury Lanes
Sat, May 11 - New Bedford, MA - The Vault @ Greasy Luck

IMAGES OF EDEN online: www.imagesofeden.com & www.facebook.com/imagesofeden

LOVEWAR Return After 25 Year Hiatus:
Press Release / LOVEWARD burst on to the Christian music scene in 1990 when they released a demo that caught the eyes and ears of famed producers John and Dino Elefante. That would lead the band to their first record deal on Pakaderm Records and the release of the now legendary album Soak Your Brain.

Soak Your Brain would be widely received as one of the best Christian rock albums of all time. The album was even named one of the top Christian rock albums of all time by Heaven’s Metal Magazine that placed it number 47 out of 100. 

But alas, like many of the bands from that era that should have been huge, the music industry changed spitting out a lot of those very talented bands much like LOVEWAR. LOVEWARD would never go on to record a sophomore effort and the album and the band went off in to obscurity never to be heard from again, until now!

The end of 2018 saw the band reform and launch a very successful Kickstarter campaign to release their second album, 25 years later! The band got right back at it featuring all 3 original members and they picked up literally right where they left off. There were 11 songs written back then and ready to go that never saw the light of day that the band dusted off, polished up and recorded for this special project.

Roxx Records is very excited to be bringing you the brand new sophomore self-titled album from LOVEWARD! These tracks sound amazing and show the growth and progression of what just might have been all those years ago. Now the world will have a chance to hear what just might have been all those years ago.

April 13th on Record Store Day the album will be released digitally worldwide along with a very special limited edition CD pressing. You will want to get your hands on this one, which will prove to be one of the best Christian rock releases of 2019.

Lovewar pre-order: https://roxxrecords.storenvy.com/products/25912467-lovewar-lovewar-2019-cd

Retroactive Records Issue Second Pressing Of PERPETUAL PARANOIA Debut The Reapers:
As noted by Retroactive owner Matthew Hunt:

“This is the second pressing of The Reapers, and this version of the CD is different from the first 300 copies- and there's a story behind it.  The band originally sent us the files for manufacturing; we thought they were sending them for us to have mastered before going to manufacturing.  Not so, but we didn't know that.  We had them mastered and then submitted the audio to manufacturing; the CDs were pressed and we shipped the CDs to the band....

“Dear Tiago (De Souza, guitarist) received his CDs and could tell right away that this CD was not the mastering that he had worked diligently to have represent the album (we love BOTH mastering versions!).  So Tiago contacted us and we realized the mistake that was made.  So we digitally distributed the correct version of The Reapers, but those first 300 units were actually mastered by Rob Colwell in spite of what the packaging says.  Hence, when we ran out of CDs, and had to repress, we repressed with the Tiago approved mastering job that he always intended for the CD to have… ENJOY!  It's available now!”

PERPETUAL PARANOIA background and biography:

PERPTUAL PARANOIA is Dale Thompson, best known as the front man of legendary Christian metal band, BRIDE and THE WORLD WILL BURN and the Brazilian, Tiago James de Souza, an extraordinary musician best known as the guitarist of Bay Area, California thrash metal band, HAND OF FIRE!  With PERPTUAL PARANOIA the band is unleashing pure metal mayhem! The Reapers specializes in blunt force trauma that magically transforms brutality into catchy! This is ultra-creative, aggressive HEAVY METAL performed with both skill and precision.

Dale’s vocals are more aggressive than anything he’s ever done, while never losing his signature sounds. Tiago is a guitarist’s guitarist - laying down tasty riffs and solos at an elite level. And, while many aggressive metal bands are simply cookie-cutter copy-cats, PERPTUAL PARANOIA utilizes double-bass to hammer home an album filled with progressive, passionate moments that keep the listener on the edge of the seat with a growing anticipation that is ultimately fulfilled.

The Reapers strikes a signature balance between light and dark, beauty and repulsion, as the album progresses forward into the unfamiliar and formidable. Not one dimensional at all, multi-layered sounds capes dominate every song. Expect tons of time changes. Every song is a journey of thrashy aggression and darkness. The Reapers will be on many people’s best of 2018 list, and yes, it’s that good!

The Reapers track listing:

1. “Intro”
2. “The Reapers”
3. “Whatever It Takes”
4. “I Say Jesus”
5. “Your Sin Will Find You”
6. “The Veil”
7. “The God Syndrome”
8. “Romance X”
9. “Holy Ghost”
10. “Let the Dead Bury The Dead”
11. “Ten Thousand Saints”
12. “Dream Before the Nightmare”

The Reapers second pressing can be ordered at: https://boonesoverstock.com/products/perpetual-paranoia-the-reapers-new-cd-2018-retroactive-records-pre-order

PERPTUAL PARANOIA online: www.facebook.com/PerpetualParanoia

MICHAEL SWEET & TRACII GUNS To Record New Metal Project, SUNBOMB:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:

L.A. GUNS' Tracii Guns and STRYPER's Michael Sweet are collaborating on a new metal project called SUNBOMB. The band, which apparently also features L.A. GUNS drummer Shane Fitzgibbon, is currently recording its debut album for a tentative late 2019 release via Frontiers Music Srl.

Tracii broke the news of the project's existence earlier today, writing in a tweet: "So , I'm in the middle of making the metal record I would have made when I was 17 years old . The band is called SUNBOMB . I really want to thank @michaelhsweet for making this a reality and of course @FrontiersMusic1 we are on instagram @sun_bomb"

A short time later, Sweet responded to Tracii's tweet, writing: "I'm excited to be a part of it Tracii. Who would have thought when we were young that we’d be working together. Thank you for trusting me with the vocal duties SUNBOMB is gonna be Bomb."

In a 2016 interview with "One On One With Mitch Lafon", Sweet said that pursuing other projects is very important to him because it allows him to dig deeper into his creative soul and personal expression.

"I love doing solo stuff, because it's a side of me that I get to… Even if the song sounds similar to STRYPER, it's still a different side of me that I get to express," he said. "I have all different sides… Like, I wanna do an acoustic album some day, I wanna do maybe a symphonic… I wanna do maybe a worship album some day. I mean, there's all this stuff that I'd like to do that I can't necessarily do within the realm of STRYPER."

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

NEWS BRIEFS

* CHAOTIC RESEMBLANCE video interview with JesusWired: www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVKslyUkbzY

* TRUE STRENGTH, “Worthy Is The Lamb” lyric video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzM9apc9TnA

The song comes off the groups third full length album Sanguinary Vivification, which is scheduled for release via Roxx Records on April 19, 2019.

 

ARTICLES

Angelic Warlord Top 15 Albums Of 1988:
Angelic Warlord recently uploaded an article in which it outlines (what in its opinion) is the top 15 metal and hard rock albums released in 1988. Read the full article: HERE

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

RAINFORCE Announce March 22, 2019 Release of Rock And Roll EP:
Press Release / Roxx Records is very excited to announce the release of the new EP Rock And Roll from RAINFORCE. March 22, 2019 is the street date for the band’s sophomore effort featuring 4 brand new hard rockin’ tunes being released digitally on all your usual platforms and also on a limited edition CD.  After the debut album Lion’s Den released in 2017 also on Roxx Records, this is the second strike for hard rockers RAINFORCE!

This time around the band has plans to start getting out on the live circuit and to really hone in on their live show experience playing around Europe, and playing their very first live gig ever at this years Elements of Rock festival.

The first single released earlier this year titled “Rock And Roll” has been getting great initial reviews. The single is a bit of a tribute song featuring many references and album titles of bands, who have helped inspire guitarist and songwriter Andy La Morte. It is also a statement on their uncompromising faith in Christ throughout the highs and lows of life.

A lyric video to “Rock And Roll” can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNR6WuHcI-o

Rock And Roll track listing:

1. “Rock And Roll”
2. “In Good Hands”
3. “Stay Strong”
4. “The Lost Sheep”

Rock And Roll pre-order: http://roxxrecords.storenvy.com/products/25844784-rainforce-rock-and-roll-l-e-cd-ep-2019

RAINFORCE online: www.rainforce.rocks & www.facebook.com/rainforce.ch

S91 Premier “Constantine The Great” Lyric Video:
Italian progressive metal band S91 released on February 26, 2019 a lyric video to the track “Constantine The Great”.  The song comes off the group’s third full-length album Along The Sacred Path, which is scheduled for release via Rockshots Records on March 22, 2019.

Along The Sacred Path is a concept album that traces the history of Christianity, continuing the narrative from the groups 2016 sophomore album (and first on Rockshots Records) Behold The Mankind.

The story is told through the life of some key figures that are not always considered positive by everyone. The main goal is to show how the Gospel message has spread in its original form, becoming the fabric of modern Western society. Scrolling through the track listing, you will see that all the characters are of European origin. This album is also a tribute to the great nation of Europe. As proud citizens, we feel it is a nation that today, more than ever, needs to recognize and rediscover its founding values if it wants to survive these dark times and continue to be a beacon of civilization for the whole world.

With its name short for Psalm 91, S91 debuted in 2009 with the 5 song EP Sto Per Tornare (released on Morning Star Records) prior to putting out its 2011 independently released debut full length album Volonta Legata.

S91 line up:

Maria Londino - Lead Vocals
Francesco "Franz" Romeggin - Guitars & Lead/Backing Vocals
Francesco "Frank" Londino - Keyboards
Giacomo "Jack" Manfredi - Bass
Giacomo "Giachi" Mezzetti - Drums & Percussions, Lead & Backing Vocals

Along The Sacred Path track listing:

1. “Constantine The Great” (5:40)
2. “Saint Patrick” (5:24)
3. “Pope Gregory I” (3:38)
4. “Olaf II Haraldsson” (5:02)
5. “Godfrey Of Bouillon” (5:02)
6. “Joan Of Arc” (4:42)
7. “Martin Luther” (4:39)
8. “John Williams“(8:18)
9. “Dietrich Bonhoeffer” (10:50)

Along The Sacred Path pre-order: https://shop.rockshots.eu/en/cd/1129-s91-along-the-sacred-path-.html

S91 Online: www.facebook.com/S91band

TRUE STRENGTH To Release New Album On Good Friday:
Press Release / TRUE STRENGTH are honored to announce that its third full-length studio album, Sanguinary Vivification, will be released on April 19th, 2019 (Good Friday) in both CD and digital formats through ROXX RECORDS! Fans of bands like SACRED WARRIOR, HAMMERFALL, WARLORD, IRON MAIDEN, BLOODGOOD, BRIDE, JOURNEY, MEGADETH, QUEENSRŸCHE, DEEP PURPLE, KAMELOT, SABATON, THIN LIZZY and RHAPSODY OF FIRE will absolutely love TRUE STRENGTH's new release!

The album features the renowned American power metal vocalist, George Tsalikis of ZANDELLE, in addition to songwriter, rhythm guitarist and bass guitarist Ryan "The Archangel" Darnell, lead guitarist Josh Cirbo and drummer Ryan Mey.

Sanguinary Vivification track listing:

1. “Immanuel”
2. “Man Of Sorrows”
3. “Silent Before The Shearers”
4. “His Blood Is On Us”
5. “The Punishment That Brought Us Peace”
6. “By His Wounds We Are Healed”
7. “A Grave Among The Rich And The Wicked”
8. “Arisen Is The Suffering Servant”
9. “Worthy Is The Lamb”

In late 2017, TRUE STRENGTH went into the studio to record its third album, Sanguinary Vivification. As with Steel Evangelist (the group’s sophomore album from 2017) they elected to work with Robert Sands on the recording of the album.  Mastering was handled by Rob Colwell of Bombworks Productions.  Darnell recorded the rhythm guitar, bass, acoustic guitar and piano in three sessions. Josh Cirbo finished the lead guitar tracks a year into the project, and after Ryan Mey completed the drum parts, both were sent to Sands to be added to the tracks. After being dissatisfied with his vocal performance on Steel Evangelist, Darnell took a more patient approach and decided to hire a long-term vocalist for TRUE STRENGTH. During a single year, he went through over six different vocalists, with scheduling issues being the main reason for them being unable to perform on the album. Finally, Darnell's friend and former TRUE STRENGTH drummer Chris Clark was able to get him in touch with ZANDELLE’s vocalist, George Tsalikis who Darnell was a big fan of since the late-90's, early-2000's. Immediately, Darnell hired Tsalikis and he completed the vocals for Sanguinary Vivification in January 2019.

Sanguinary Vivification is the first theme album that TRUE STRENGTH has attempted. Each song seeks to show the parallel between the "Prophecy of the Suffering Servant" in the Book of Isaiah, and the life and the passion of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and how He and He alone fulfilled the prophecy written nearly 700 years before His birth. The lyrics for each song derive from actual scripture in the Books of Isaiah, the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, as well as the Book of Revelation!

Three songs off Sanguinary Vivification can be streamed at: www.jango.com/music/True+Strength

* All copies of the Sanguinary Vivification CD will come with a Limited Edition "TRUE STRENGTH Psalm 118:14 - Ryan "The Archangel" Darnell" Signature Custom Guitar Pick by Steve Clayton USA Guitar Picks!

* All digital sales of Sanguinary Vivification will be donated in the band's name to the International Christian Concern (www.persecution.org), a charity that assists persecuted Christians and their families around the world.

Sanguinary Vivification pre-order: http://roxxrecords.storenvy.com/products/25863081-true-strength-sanguinary-vivification-2019-cd

TRUE STRENGTH online: https://truestrength.band & www.facebook.com/True-Strength

NEWS BRIEFS

* RAGE OF ANGELS is at work on new material (Facebook - February 7, 2019):

“Hey everybody! old fans/friends and new fans/friends it's been a long time coming and I apologize for dropping the ball. It's me Danny (Mariano (lead vocalist) getting things in the ROA camp up and running again. In case you haven't heard Rage of Angels is finally out on all digital media so feel free to download. I am currently working in the studio on some new material That I can't wait to release to you all. I will be posting old pics and videos of the band from back in the day. God bless and hope to touch base soon!”

On February 17, the group reports that it “spent the weekend in the studio (with) two songs in the can and ready for recording. Three more (are) on the drafting board!”

You can follow RAGE OF ANGELS at its official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Officialrageofangels

* New single from SACRED WARRIOR, “Blood River”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySwYB0WRfKE

Further details from the group:

SACRED WARRIOR is proud to announce the release of their newest single, "Blood River"! This is the culmination of many months of work, and showcases the newer, more modern sound that SACRED WARRIOR is developing. While the production value has significantly elevated, and the style and sounds may be different than what you're used to, the lyrics are 100% in your face and uncompromising as you've all come to expect from SACRED WARRIOR. This song is the heart cry of a pathetic, broken person who is losing the battle with the "old man", and whose only recourse is to cry out to God to be immersed and washed in the blood of Christ, the only source of salvation and regeneration! We hope it encourages your soul, and would love to have it shared with those who may need to hear it. Released at YouTube initially, online and streaming services to follow!

* “Empty Stage”, official lyric video from SUNROAD: www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXZk81IXpWI

The song comes off the Goiania, Brazil based groups eighth studio album, Heatstroke, which is scheduled for release on April 22, 2019.

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

DELIVERANCE Re-issues On Retroactive Records:

Assimilation is dangerous. You can lose control. You can lose your very identity. You can lose your personal autonomy. Assimilation is very dangerous. Beware. However, before you read any further we must inform you that resistance is futile. DELIVERANCE demands… you WILL be Assimilated!

Fortunately, the 2001 DELIVERANCE album, Assimilation ensures that you will be ‘raptured’ into a creative foundation of edgy heavy metal guitar baptized in a backdrop of subtle digital tones to create a work that can best be described as dark and heavy - almost goth-like in feel - meeting the needs of both the head-banger and the soul. Music critic Angelic Warlord, called Assimilation “the most musically consistent effort from the band since its critically acclaimed 1993 work Learn.” Tracks such as “The Circle” and “Save Me From” will pull you in with their technical prowess, while “Assimilation” and “Between 2 Worlds” give rise to a resounding heaviness. “The Limitless Light” and “Impressions,” on the other hand, bring chorus hooks of a gripping capacity.”

Assimilation finds founding member Jimmy P. Brown II in top form with his doom-like and low-key David Bowie meets Geoff Tate (QUEENSRYCHE) lead vocal abilities. As a rhythm guitar, he adorns the full length of the project with his mega-tight riffs and chops-placed right up front in the mix where they belong. Longtime DELIVERANCE bassist Manny Morales makes his presence felt as well in furnishing an abundance of unwavering bass lines. Keyboardist David Gilbreath, of course, adds the industrial element to the band’s sound, his accentuating but not overriding work bringing out the best in the quality material here.

Out of DELIVERANCE’s epic catalog of transformational albums, Assimilation is one of the top favorites at Retroactive Records! As we said… resistance is futile. You will be Assimilated! For fans of QUEENSRYCHE, DELIVERANCE & RAMMSTEIN.

Assimilation track listing: "The Limitless Light", "From The Beginning", "Assimilation", "The Circle", "Sell Your Soul", "The Search", "The Learned Man", "Between 2 Worlds", "Impressions", "Save Me From…"

Assimilation pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/deliverance-assimilation-retroarchives-edition-new-cd-20019-retroactive

This 2019 CD reissue features all new artwork (thank you, Scott Waters of NoLifeTil Metal) that reflects singer, Jimmy Brown’s original vision for the original release but was never accomplished. The mastering of the reissue is the same as the original 2007 release (it was so good, there was no need to change it).

Since their thrashing 1989 debut, DELIVERANCE has been breaking new ground wherever and whenever they decide to make their metal presence known. The video for Weapons Of Our Warfare was the first Christian video to ever get airplay on MTV’s Headbanger’s Ball. And, when the band stepped away from speed metal and thrash in favor of progressive metal in the mid 90’s, they ascended to musical and artistic brilliance without peers. From the very beginning, DELIVERANCE enjoyed both commercial and critical success that allowed them to dominate the Christian market as the most distinguished heavy metal band on the scene, period. Over a decade of aggressive touring, exposure in the mainstream markets, and 12 albums later, Deliverance continues to hold icon status among legions of metal enthusiasts worldwide.

In spite of years of rumor-filled message boards and relentless requests from fans, this is the first new DELIVERANCE album from vocalist Jimmy Brown and company since 2001. Never has Retroactive Records been privileged to release an album met with such fan appreciation and unbridled anticipation! Jimmy knew how high fan expectations would be for a new release, and has worked relentlessly with the band for over a year to deliver Retroactive Records an album that would not only delight, but astound fans… an album that would hold up under the most scrutinizing fan critique. Jimmy’s goal was to create the greatest DELIVERANCE record of all-time; a culmination of a brilliant career, while continuing to break new ground.

As Above ~ So Below is a prayer that things would be on earth, as they are in heaven. Musically, this 13th album represents a unilateral step forward in the heavy music genre; few groups have ever blended epic thrash / speed metal with the elegance and beauty of progressive metal (later period DELIVERANCE) with such devastating skill and brutality. Never has a DELIVERANCE album alternated so many moments of beauty (e.g.The OMEN inspired opening track) with beastly moments of metallic fury and spine snapping riffs that would seem right at home on a SLAYER, BELIEVER, or early DELIVERANCE album.

End result is one of the heaviest DELIVERANCE albums yet. Jimmy continues to deliver vocal melodies that are as commanding as a thundering voice from above. What no one could have anticipated is that the band would deliver one of the most enormous-sounding metal records ever made. In our minds, it seems like the album is a piece of heaven here on earth, which, ironically means that the album is an answer to it’s own prayer!

As Above ~ So Below track listing: “Legum Servi Sumus Ut Liberi Esse Possimus (Intro)”, “Cause & Effect”, “Return To Form”, “As Above - So Below”, “Screaming”, “Should We Cross Paths”, “Contempt”, “Thistles”, “My Love”, “Enlightened” (

As Above ~ So Below pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/deliverance-as-above-so-below-new-cd-2019-retroactive-records

Make no mistake, Hear What I Say! is 100% METAL! In fact, the 2013 DELIVERANCE release is a nice hybrid of the styles that have characterized the band’s two decades of existence. Jimmy is accompanied by axe-man extraordinaire Michael Phillips, his faithful bassist Manny Morales and none other than Jayson Sherlock of MORIFICATION and HORDE fame pounding out the drum rhythms. It is a great line-up and the high expectations that come with being an iconic metal band have been met, and then some!

"The Annals of Subterfuge" and "Angst" will satisfy the fans of their early thrash era being a full-on heavy metal assault, but other tracks that could have easily been recorded on other “big D” albums. Leave it to Jimmy Brown to stay fresh and experimental without sacrificing the heaviness and all-out metal foundation of the mighty DELIVERANCE sound. You get a Maiden cover "Where Eagles Dare" (which is very well done by the way) and a German version of "Detox," and for the 2019 Retroactive Records re-release you get an exclusive bonus track, “Spieluhr” which is a RAMMSTEIN cover.

The re-release is packaged in a 4 panel jewel case, and is the same mastering as the original release, except for the bonus track. DELIVERANCE was the first Christian extreme metal band to really enjoy success back in the day and the longevity they've enjoyed is a testament to both the quality and integrity of the music and the musicians who have participated in the band over all these years. Fortunately, we haven't heard the last of Jimmy P. Brown.

Hear What I Say! track Listing: “Liber 111 (Intro)”, “The Annals Of Subterfuge”, “Angst”, “Hope Lies Beyond”, “Detox”, “Nude”, “Passing”, “A Perfect Sky”, “Where Eagles Dare”, “Entgiftung” (3:38), “Spieluhr” (RAMMSTEIN cover bonus track)

Hear What I Say! pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/deliverance-hear-what-i-say-new-cd-2019-retroactive-records-pre-order

New Solo Album From MICHAEL SWEET, Ten:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:

STRYPER front man Michael Sweet has set Ten as the title of his next solo album, due later in the year via Rat Pak Records.

In a new (online) interview with Daily Boom, Sweet stated about the upcoming follow-up to 2016's One Sided War: "It's really great. I always go into a project with expectations and sometimes I meet or surpass them, but sometimes I don't. Sometimes a song might be a little bit of a letdown and not what I had hoped for, but with this album so far, everything is as I've expected and then some. Now granted, I don't have the lead vocals done yet, so the pressure is on me.  I hope the lead vocals turn out how I hear them in my head and how I would like them to be, but you never know. You just don't know until you get in there and you start singing and you get it done."

He continued: "So far though, the songs all have incredible energy. I've got Will Hunt playing drums on it and John O'Boyle is playing bass. The rhythm section is phenomenal and the guitar tones are great. I'm going to have a different guest guitar player on every song, with a solo, of course. I've got Todd La Torre of QUEENSRŸCHE joining me on a song and it's just turning out to be a really cool album. I think that it's going to surpass my last solo album and that did really well, but I think this one is going to be even better."

As for a possible release date for Ten, Sweet said: "I'm still not sure. It's definitely going to be this year. We're talking about a summer release, and I'm turning it all in by the end of April, and so we're probably looking at a July or August release. It depends on how much setup we need with licensing deals worldwide and those kinds of things. But I would say hopefully July-August."

Other guest musicians who will appear on Sweet's new disc include guitarists Joel Hoekstra (WHITESNAKE, NIGHT RANGER), Jeff Loomis (ARCH ENEMY, NEVERMORE), Marzi Montazeri (EXHORDER, PHILIP H. ANSELMO & THE ILLEGALS), Gus G. (FIREWIND, OZZY OSBOURNE) and Andy James.

Sweet previously stated about his new solo album: "There are old-school, straight-ahead metal ideas à la (JUDAS) PRIEST and DIO, as well as a few up-tempo riffs à la (IRON) MAIDEN. There's also a few ballads with a bit of a (LED) ZEPPELIN vibe.  I'm really excited about the musical direction. I'm bringing back a few of those classic hooks and melodies that some of you have asked for. Ask and you shall receive."

Regarding Hoekstra, Sweet said: "(He) blew my mind the first time I saw him perform with NIGHT RANGER. I've seen him continue to shred with Cher and WHITESNAKE/David Coverdale and I really admire Joel as a player and as a person. One of the best, and I'm blessed to have him on two songs (co-writes and guitars)."

As for Loomis, Sweet said: "Jeff is a monster player who has an incredible sense of melody and technique. He is one of my favorite players today."

Michael said that he first encountered Montazeri a few years ago at NAMM and described him as "one of the nicest and most humble guys that I've ever met. Then I saw him play and I was blown away. He's one of the best. Can't wait to hear what Marzi does."

According to Sweet, Andy James is an "outstanding" guitarist whom he had "always wanted to do something with. If you haven't heard him play, you should," Michael said.

Michael and Gus G. first met a few years ago in Anaheim, California and Sweet was "an instant fan. Feel, tone, style, speed — you name it, he has it," Michael said. "I'm honored to have him as a guest on a song from the new solo album."

One Sided War was released in August 2016 via Rat Pak Records. Backing Michael on the record were Hoekstra, Hunt, O'Boyle and East Coast shred-master Ethan Brosh.

In a 2016 interview with The Aquarian Weekly, Sweet said that he enjoyed making solo albums "because it's an opportunity to free myself up a little bit more, experiment a little bit more, and try some things that STRYPER may not be able to try."

STRYPER's latest album, God Damn Evil, was released in April 2018 via Frontiers Music Srl.

The full interview with Michael can be read at: www.dailyboom.net/2019/02/exclusive-stryper-michael-sweet-new-music-documentary-joel-hoekstra-queensryche.html

NEWS BRIEFS

* ReberbNation is home to samples of several songs off the upcoming SHINING FORCE album, By The Blood: www.reverbnation.com/shiningforce/songs

Look for By The Blood to be released on May 18, 2019.

* TRUE STRENGTH uploaded to Jango Radio three songs off its next album, Sanguinary Vivification.  “Worthy Is The Lamb”, “Silent Before The Shearers” and “His Blood On Us” can be streamed at: www.jango.com/music/True+Strength

Sanguinary Vivification is scheduled for release via Roxx Records on April 19, 2019

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

Roxx Records Announce HOLY SOLDIER, LOVE LIFE & RECON Re-issues:
The next releases in our Limited Edition classic reissues series from Roxx Records are coming your way!  HOLY SOLDIER (Holy Soldier), LOVE LIFE (Goodbye Lady Jane) and RECON (Behind Enemy Lines) are set to release on April 13, 2019 in celebration of this year’s Record Store Day!

Each re-issue been meticulously re-mastered and expanded and features upgraded artwork and layouts. The sound re-mastering was completed by Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound, while the all new updated artwork was done by Scott Waters of No Life Til Metal Graphics.

Up first the classic and never before released on vinyl in the US self-titled release from HOLY SOLDIER. The debut album from one of the premiere Christian metal bands of the eighties to early nineties featuring all ten original tunes completely re-mastered.

The vinyl is a one-time pressing of 500 pieces with 150 on a limited yellow vinyl and 350 on black vinyl. There will also be a very special Limited Edition CD packaged in a jewel case with full color 12 page booklet packed with lyrics and memorabilia. The CD package will also feature two additional bonus tracks and be limited to only 500 pieces.

Holy Soldier track listing: “Stranger”, “See No Evil”, “The Pain Inside Of Me”, “”Cry Out For Love”, “Tear Down The Walls”, “When The Reign Comes Down”, “Lies”, “Eyes Of Innocence”, “Love Me”, “We Are Young, We Are Strong”

Bonus tracks: “In The End” (last recorded song), “Radio Spot” (promotional single)

Not enough for you? Well we are simultaneously releasing the nearly impossible to find CD and never before released on vinyl classic album from LOVE LIFE entitled Good Bye Lady Jane. That’s right, this long lost gem has been impossible for fans and collectors to find until now.

The vinyl is a one-time pressing of 500 pieces with 150 on a limited gold vinyl and 350 on black vinyl. There will also be a very special Limited Edition CD packaged in a jewel case with full color 12 page booklet packed with lyrics and memorabilia. The CD package will also feature five additional previously unreleased bonus tracks that were recently found on reel that were baked and restored and limited to 500 pieces.

Goodbye Lady Jane track listing: “Real Love”, “Do You Love Me”, “Hearts On Fire”, “When Loneliness Comes Knockin’”, “Girl Gone Bad”, “Fill’er Up”, “Goodbye Lady Jane”, “In Blue Again”, “1000 Reasons”, “A Hard Days Night” (BEATLES cover)

Demo bonus tracks: “Blue Again”, “Do You Believe In Love”, “Real Love”, “Believed In You”, “Lonely”

STILL not enough for you?  Well we heard your requests and are ready to comply! We are also doing our second and FINAL pressing of the classic album Behind Enemy Lines from Southern California’s very own RECON. This is a repressing of the 2016 25th anniversary CD reissue and is limited to only 300 copies on CD. Don’t wait too long on this one, this one sold out pretty quick last time!

Behind Enemy Lines track listing: “In The Beginning”, “Lost Soldier”, “Ancient Days”, “Choose This Day”, “Dreams”, “Take Us Away”, “Holy Is The Lord”, “Alive”, “Eternal Destiny”, “Behind Enemy Lines”

Bonus tracks: “Light The Fire” (California Metal 2), “Dreams” (California Metal 2), “Eternal Destiny” (demo), “Alive” (demo)

For full release details and to get in on the very special pre-order packages act fast as some packages are very limited.
Visit us at www.roxxproductions.com

ROB CASTLES, Straight Shot Re-issue On Girder Music:
Press Release / Rob Castles blends explosive southern rock with a heavy dose of blues-rock in the vein of LYNDARD SKYNARD, DEEP PURPLE and MARSHAL TUCKER BAND.  Extensive touring with RESURRECTION BAND on the Between Heaven And Hell tour earned Rob Castles the right to sit along side of the greats.

Rob Castles started out in 1979 as THE ROB CASSELS BAND eventually changed the spelling of their name to Rob Castles at the urging of the record label in time for their 1988 release of Straight Shot. Despite a name change, the band never lost focus and delivered a knock-out blow with their heaviest rocker to date. This classic rock album has been completely re-mastered with all new artwork as well as 2 bonus tracks that were recorded in 1986 and 1987 but not added to the original 1988 release of Straight Shot.

In 1988, THE ROB CASSELS BAND changed their name to ROB CASTLES and released one of their best-produced albums to date, Straight Shot (Dark Records). Prior to Straight Shot, Rob Cassels release Off the Wall (1984 -Morada Records), Kamikaze Christian (1983 - Morada Records) and Evening Pastoral (1979 - Sword Records). More advanced musically, and now with a bigger budget, Straight Shot was an explosive sound of southern rock with a heavy dose of blues-rock mixed throughout. Now 25 Years later, this album sounds better than ever, completely re-mastered and sonically superior.

Straight Shot track listing:

1. “Shoot It Straight
2. “Safety Zone”
3. “What’s That Voice”
4. “Overkill”
5. “Next Time”
6. “Living On The Edge”
7. “Save Yourself:”
8. “Only Lovers”
9. “Can’t Turn Down”
10. “Crack”
11. “Epidemic Of Love” (bonus track)
12. “Voyagers” (bonus track)

Straight Shot pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/rob-castles-straight-shot-cd-2019-remastered

NEWS BRIEFS

* New single from DARKWATER, “In Front Of You”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mu0NTxesa0k

The song comes off the Swedish progressive metal groups soon to be released (March 1, 2019 via Ulterium Records) third full-length album Human.

* RIGHTFUL HEIR is the new band to feature vocalist Norman ‘Ski’ Kiersznowski (FAITH FACTOR, DEADLY BLESSING).  “Surrender Of His Mercy”, the first single from the group, can be streamed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ulfvqve-ofI

RIGHTFUL HEIR plans a 2020 release for its debut album, In The Name Of His Blood.

 

MINI REVIEWS

PRELÚDIO X - Triunfo da Vida (Triumph Of Life)
Prelúdio X has tons of melodic power metal potential.  This much becomes evident after listening to the Recife, Brazil based groups January of 2019 independently released 5-song EP Triunfo da Vida (Triumph Of Life), which it recorded subsequent to extended hiatus beginning in 2012.  Read Full Review >> 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

New Project From SOMBRE HOLIDAY Members, MIDNIGHT WORSHIP:
Terry (vocals, guitars and keyboards) and Trevor (drums & percussion) Friesen of progressive gothic hard rock act SOMBRE HOLIDAY announce the March 22, 2019 self-titled release to its new MIDNIGHT WORSHIP side-project.

Terry Friesen comments further: “The idea (for MIDNIGHT WORSHIP) started when I began thinking, ‘if someone asked me to write worship songs, what would they sound like?’  Well, I love looking at the night sky… and I began looking for portions of the Bible that focus on God’s nighttime creation:

“I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night” (Psalm 63:6)

“I reflect at night on who you are, O Lord…” “I rise at midnight to thank you…” (Psalm 119:55, 62)

“And so I wrote 7 songs that include only quotes from the Bible (mostly from the Psalms).  The songs themselves have lots of room for meditating on God’s Word… some very quiet moments, like around a campfire… and also some very heavy moments that attempt to portray the power of God’s promises for us.

“All told the album reaches the 52-minute mark - some of the songs have quite a lot of space for meditating - it’s really a solid journey down the path of all kinds of emotions, always keeping a finger on the heavy doom-metal button.  I believe you will enjoy this music, and I hope it will help to uplift your soul as you ponder God’s promises and how they intersect with your own journey with God.

“We feel MIDNIGHT WORSHIP will satisfy for something a little different, but still hold the listener within the progressive metal genre.  It might even inspire people to go camping and enjoy God’s beautiful creation (day and night)!”

He defines MIDNIGHT WORSHIP as “Mixing meditative metal with God’s Word for humanity…”

Look for the next SOMBRE HOLIDAY album to be release the spring of next year.

The first single from the album, “Midnight”, is available for streaming at: https://midnightworship.bandcamp.com/releases

Midnight Worship track listing:

1. “The Stillness Of Night”
2. “MIDNIGHT”
3. “WORSHIP”
4. “The Brilliance Of The Moon”
5. “WHERE ARE YOU ”
6. “TONIGHT”
7. “The Silence Of The Stars”
8. “STARLIGHT”
9. “STARBRIGHT”
10. “The Mystery Of The Planets”
11. “KING OF THE UNIVERSE ”
12. “The Night Of Stillness”

NEWS BRIEFS

* GoFundMe campaign for new album from THE BRAVE: www.gofundme.com/the-brave-new-cd-album-budget

* “Precioso Sangue” (“Precious Blood”), official video from PRELÚDIO X: www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDa7Nxc72rU

The song comes off the Recife, Brazil based groups January of 2019 released 5-song EP Triunfo da Vida (Triumph Of Life).

* WHITECROSS is scheduled to perform in Dimapur, India on April 12, 2019.  Former LAUDAMUS front man Peter Stenlund will be joining the group as guest vocalist.

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

ANGEL’S FIRE Premier “Meu Desejo” Official Video:
Press Release / Recife, Brazil based symphonic/power metal band ANGEL’S FIRE released a video to the track song "Meu Desejo" (“My Desire”).  The group recorded the video to celebrate the first anniversary to its full-length debut album O Conto (The Tale), which continues to garner positive reviews worldwide.

Lumos produced the video, which features footage of the ANGEL’S FIRE performance at the Oktober Only Rock Festival from 2018.  Also appearing at the festival were PRELÚDIO X, ANTIDEMON and ALIRIA.

O Conto (The Tale) is available for streaming at:

Spotify - http://bit.ly/2FZyRb4
Deezer - http://bit.ly/2FxYmCG

ANGEL’S FIRE lineup:

Priscila Lira - Lead Vocals
Israel Lira - Lead Guitar
Italo Liano - Keyboard
Saymo Robert - Bass
André Lima - Drums

O Conto (The Tale) track listing:

1. “O Conto”
2. “Anjo de Luz”
3. “Sacrifício”
4. “Guardião”
5. “Além do Horizonte”
6. “Meu Desejo”
7. “Novo Reino”
8. “Pensamentos em uma Linda Noite”
9. “Tonight”
10, “Angel’s Fire”
11. “Meu Desejo”

ANGEL’S FIRE online: www.facebook.com/Angelsfireoficial

Girder Music Announce SHOUT, Shout Back Re-issue:
Press Release / 2019 marks the 20th anniversary of SHOUT's 3rd album, Shout Back. This amazing album has been completely re-mastered in a handsome 6-panel digi-pak.

SHOUT broke down walls for musical excellence when many bands were good but not exactly great, SHOUT was the exception, excellent at their craft.

In 1999, 10 years after SHOUT's sophomore album In Your Face, Shout Back was released, and wow, they were back with a vengeance. From vocals to guitars, Ken Tamplin and friends brought years of music excellence to this album. 

From rockers like “Now Way, No How” and “AD/BC” to the high-energy rendition of RARE EARTH’s “I Just Want To Celebrate”, SHOUT delivers 15 songs of music proficiency and excellence.

Shout Back track listing:

1. “Dreams For Sale”
2. “More Than Kisses”
3. “No Way, No How”
4. “I Just Want To Celebrate”
5. “In The Brave Days Of Old”
6. “A.D./B.C.”
7. “Tell Me Why”
8. “Y2K”
9. “I'm Movin' On”
10. “If We Only Have The Faith”
11. “Seeing Is Believing”
12. “Sometimes It Just Hurts”
13. “Loving You, Loving Me”
14. “Just A Little Bit More”
15. “I Believe In Freedom”

Shout Back pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/shout-shout-back-20th-anniversary-re-issue-2019

Girder Music Announce KEN TAMPLIN, Tamplin Re-issue:
Press Release / Dove Award winning 1994 Hard Rock Album of the Year Tamplin has been completely re-mastered with enhanced artwork in the digi-pak format. This amazing album sounds exactly like you would expect in 2019, a fat punch in the mouth. This is Ken Tamplin (SHOUT) at his absolute best- hard hitting, fist pumping and driving hard rock!  The song “Slave Trade” has got to be one of greatest fist-pumping anthems out today, so no wonder this won a Dove Award.

It's hard to believe that this amazing album is now 26 years old.  Originally released in 1993 on Benson records, Tamplin is Ken Tamplin's third solo project, released in follow up to his 1990 debut An Axe To Grind and sophomore effort from a year later, Soul Survivor.

Although Tamplin went almost undiscovered due to Bensons lack of proper promotion, it is without a doubt Ken Tamplin's finest hour. So when the opportunity to re-master this gem and bring it out in all it's glory, it was obvious no-brainer. 

Tamplin track listing:

1. “Dancing On A Volcano”
2. “Slave Trade”
3. “Testify”
4. “Mystery Train”
5. “Don't Let The Sky Fall On Me”
6. “In The Lap Of Legends”
7. “When The Clock Runs Down”
8. “Get Out Of My Sun”
9. “All The King's Horses”
10. “Movers And Shakers”
11. “Suspicious Eyes”

Tamplin pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/tamplin-tamplin-new-cd-2019-girder-records

 

FEATURED REVIEWS

BIG CHRIS & D’BARE BONES BAND - Man Overboard
Fast forward to the fall of 2018 and Dickens has released his sixth studio album and second as part of Big Chris & D'Bare Bones Band, Man Overboard.  Read Full Review >>

BIOGENESIS - Black Widow (EP)
Dating to its 2001 debut The Mark Bleeds Through but also including 2012 sophomore effort The Rise, The Fall, The Rebirth and third album from 2017 A Decadence Divine, Biogenesis has maintained an outside the box lineage to find it amalgamating multiple forms of metal.  Read Full Review >>

ECTHIRION - Psalms Of The Risen Dead
With the December of 2018 release of the Ecthirion debut full length Psalms Of The Risen Dead, Soundmass Records first swing in the orchestral metal ballgame is a knock the ball out of the part hit.  Read Full Review >>

EMERALD - Armed For Battle (No Remorse re-issue)
Hailing from Southern California, and arising out of the eighties Sunset Strip metal scene, Emerald was founded in 1978 by 15-year-old guitarist Dave Enos and 22-year-old vocalist Larry Phillips.  Subsequent to going through a literal revolving door of bassists and drummers, the group solidified the Armed For Battle line up with drummer Kyle Morrett and bassist Roger Martin (Vengeance Rising).  Read Full Review >>

GUILD OF AGES - Rise
Rise, the summer of 2018 Escape Music fourth full-length album from Guild Of Ages, was worth the wait, with its melodic songwriting, gritty vocals and AOR tinged with leanings towards the classic and progressive rock basis.  Read Full Review >>

KDB3 - I Fill My Days With Noise
The brainchild of multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Doug Bowers, KDB3 got its start in 2000 with an independent demo release followed by full length debut Verite (75% Angelic Warlord review) and sophomore album Autobiograph (80% review) in 2008 and 2011, respectively (both also independent).  Read Full Review >>

PHILADELPHIA - Search & Destroy (Roxx Records re-issue)
As the name suggests, Shreveport, Louisiana based Philadelphia derives from the sixth of the seven Churches of Asia as presented in Revelation 3:7-13 as its moniker and not necessarily the ‘city of brotherly love’.  Read Full Review >>

THROUGH THE CLOUDS - Blinded Minds
Billed as a collaborative effort between Brazilian vocalist and composer Paulo Lima and United States based multi-instrumentalist Tiago Souza, Through The Clouds represents one of an ever expanding host of what I like to refer to as ‘multi-national’ bands.  Read Full Review >>

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

DARKWATER - “A New Beginning” Lyric Video Released:
Press Release / The Swedish melodic progressive metal band DARKWATER just released a lyric video for "A New Beginning", the second single from their new album Human.

Human will be released on March 1st via Ulterium Records. The album will be available on CD, 2LP and digital.

Human won't leave fans of melodic metal or progressive metal disappointed. The songs are heavier, more melodic and atmospheric than before and the band worked very hard on tweaking the ten songs and over 76 minutes of playing time into perfection.  Jacob Hansen (EVERGREY, VOLBEAT, AMARANTHE) was chosen to mix and master the album, and he did a fantastic job resulting in the best sounding DARKWATER album to date.

The albums lyrics welcome you into a world of you and me, how we affect the world around us and the struggles we deal with as humans.

Don't miss out on Human, a perfect album for fans of melodic progressive metal and bands like CIRCUS MAXIMUS, SEVENTH WONDER and EVERGREY!

Link to the music video for "Alive (Pt. II)": https://youtu.be/EDYtk6SYkJ8

Human track listing:

1. “A New Beginning”
2. “In Front Of You”
3. “Alive (Part I)”
4. Alive (Part II)
5. “Reflection Of A Mind”
6. “Insomnia”
7. “The Journey”
8. “Burdens”
9. “Turning Pages”
10. “Light Of Dawn”

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

DARKWATER online: www.facebook.com/darkwaterofficial

FEAR NOT To Release New EP, For The Wounded Heart:
Press Relase / FEAR NOT is excited to announce the official release of its brand new EP entitled For The Wounded Heart. The brand new release features all four original members of the legendary Christian rock band FEAR NOT, including original vocalist Larry Worley (guitar and backing vocals), Chris Howell (lead guitar), Rod Romero (bass) and Gary Hansen (drums). Added to this new incarnation of FEAR NOT we bring in to the fold a brand new addition with lead vocalist Eddie Green, who helps take the new EP to a whole new level with his metal vocal styling. Eddie is a seasoned, touring vocalist who most recently fronted EVEN THE DOGS, whom had a charting single titled “Ghost”.

For The Wounded Heart showcases the first new recordings from FEAR NOT since the release of the bands one and only full length self-titled album in 1993, over 25 years ago. This year after celebrating the 25th anniversary with a beautifully done reissue of the debut on both vinyl and limited edition CD, the Christian rock community was buzzing about FEAR NOT! That buzz caught the attention of the four original members, and the creative juices and chemistry of those four guys was so great it ultimately led them to writing and recording 5 brand new and amazing tunes.

The brand new debut single “Don’t Want None (Come Get Some)” was released on January 11 to great reviews and is now getting radio airplay across the country. Check out the brand new lyric video and get ready for FEAR NOT to rock your world: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PeqFFY3KnI

For The Wounded Heart features amazing new cover art designed by Scott Waters of No Life Til Metal Graphics. The EP will feature five brand new original tunes and will be released worldwide on March 8, 2019 through Roxx Records, and will available at all your favorite digital media platforms and also on a limited edition CD format.

For The Wounded Heart track listing:

1. “Don't Want None (Come Get Some)”
2. “Shadows Fade”
3. “Carry Me”
4. “Love Is Alright”
5. “Shipwrecked Hypocrite”

Visit www.roxxproductions.com for full release details and a special limited edition package available to the first 50 pre orders only. 

FEAR NOT online: www.facebook.com/FearNotRoxx

Japanese Christian Metal Band IMARI TONES Release New Album, Overture:
Press Release / Japanese Christian metal band IMARI TONES release new album titled Overture in December of 2018, the first Japanese album since they started playing Christian music and the last album with their long time lineup that has been together since 2008.  The band has been singing mostly in English language for international audience but for the first time they made a Christian album with Japanese lyrics

Also, it’s musically different from their previous albums, for it features pop and diverse side of their music rather than heavy metal. Overture contains variety of music including J-Rock, alternative, acoustic, hip-hop and poetry reading along with their signature Christian metal.

The album and CD is available on their Bandcamp page: https://imaritones.bandcamp.com

It’s also available at major digital stores and streaming services including Amazon, Spotify and Apple Music.

The 3 guys from IMARI TONES: Tone (singer, guitarist), Hassy (bassist) and Jake (drummer)- this lineup has been together for 10 years since 2008. They have been making music together as “The first Christian Metal Band from Japan”.

However, every good thing has its end. After making the Jesus Wind album (from 2017) they have agreed that the next album would be their last with this long time lineup. “Why don’t we make it a Japanese album?” “Can I write in pop style rather than metal?” “What about the hip hop song we wrote a couple of years ago?” Things went like that and they decided to have fun.

It’s been a long time since they made a Japanese album last time. Actually, it’s their first time making a whole album in Japanese language since they became a Christian band. It was a new challenge for them and admittedly, this album has different style than their previous Christian Metal albums.

Tak “Tone” Nakamine, the singer and the guitarist of the band, says:

“We did it for 2 reasons. One is for ourselves. This is totally a sentimental reason. Hard reality. Sadness of partying ways. The state of our band that stop functioning. Our limit and difference in life. All those emotions we put in the music. Yet we choose to sing about hope. Not a very happy album but still this is a victory for us. Our victory in Christ.

“The other reason is for our Japanese friends. We have been thinking about how we can convey our message, God’s Love, to Japanese people. These songs and lyrics are our answer. This album doesn’t sound like a typical Christian album. Yet these songs are asking questions: What does it really mean to believe. Lyric wise this is our best work so far. Simply because we wrote in our native language, the words are much more complex and deeper. Sometimes even harsh and ironic. But they all pose questions to people.”

 Album cover artwork was done by Luka, their friend and the drummer for SOUL OF FAITH, another Christian rock band from Japan. It’s based on Tone’s “Stand” inspiration (If you know the Japanese manga “Jojo”). Also Yona Ishikawa, a Christian blues singer now based in Kobe, makes a guest appearance on “Revive The Nation”. She did a great performance on this hip-hop mixture song.

Although this is the last album from Tone, Hassy and Jake, it’s not the end of IMARIT TONES. That’s why the album is titled Overture. This is a new beginning. Hassy and Jake left the band in 2018, but Tone has chosen to go on with a new lineup that is soon to be announced. Legend of Japanese Christian Metal goes on. Everything is in God’s hands. Now let’s pray together.

For more information, please visit the IMARI TONES website: https://imaritones.net

TRUE STRENGTH Announce Third Album, Sanguinary Vivification:
Press Release / American Christian heavy metal band TRUE STRENGTH was last heard from in April of 2017, when it released its sophomore album Steel Evangelist: Roxx Records Edition (Re-mastered).  TRUE STRENGTH is honored to announce that their third full-length studio album, Sanguinary Vivification, will be released on April 19th, 2019 (Good Friday) in both CD and digital format through Roxx Records! Stay tuned to Roxx Records for more information about the release details in the months to come!

Sanguinary Vivification track listing:

1. “Immanuel”
2. “Man Of Sorrows”
3. “Silent Before The Shearers”
4. “His Blood Is On Us”
5. “The Punishment That Brought Us Peace”
6. “By His Wounds We Are Healed”
7. “A Grave Among The Rich And The Wicked”
8. “Arisen Is The Suffering Servant”
9. “Worthy Is The Lamb”

Each song seeks to show the parallel between the "Prophecy of the Suffering Servant" in the Book of Isaiah, and the life and the passion of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and how He and He alone fulfilled the prophecy written nearly 700 years before His birth. The lyrics for each song derive from actual scripture in the Books of Isaiah, the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, as well as the Book of Revelation!

The album features the renowned American power metal vocalist, George Tsalikis of ZANDELLE in addition to songwriter, rhythm guitarist and bass guitarist Ryan "The Archangel" Darnell, lead guitarist Josh Cirbo and drummer Ryan Mey.

TRUE STRENGTH online: www.facebook.com/True-Strength

 

ARTICLES

Angelic Warlord Top 20 Albums Of 2018:
Angelic Warlord recently uploaded an article in which it outlines (what in its opinion) is the top 20 metal and hard rock albums released in 2018.  Read the full article: HERE

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

IMAGES OF EDEN Launches GoFundMe Campaign To Self-Fund US Tour:
Rock Band To Bring Hope/ Healing To A Dark World:

IMAGES OF EDEN needs your help in spreading a positive/ inspirational message!

IMAGES OF EDEN recently released a very special/ uplifting/ inspirational album this past summer titled, Soulrise, and will be embarking on a full US tour with 2 legendary bands- METAL CHURCH & DORO PESCH (the voice of WARLOCK) in April/May, 2019 in support of the new release.  IMAGES OF EDEN is a very uniquely uplifting band whose mission is to bring hope, inspiration and divine strength to the world through music.  The band is doing a 5 week tour FREE OF CHARGE and is not getting paid (nor are they looking to get paid).  In fact, each band member has contributed financially, and all taking a leave of absence from their day jobs to follow their calling of changing lives, one song at a time.  They are selfless, hard-working musicians who are laying it all on the line to bring this positive message to as many people as possible!

They need your assistance to start in helping offset the FIRST 2 WEEKS of costs incurred on the road. Anything that is given will go directly to these costs.  We are asking that you give anything that you can, even if just a minimal amount- $5, etc… anything/ everything contributed will add up and go a long way in helping our men accomplish the tour and bring hope to many!

Cost Breakdown:

1) $3,520- Transportation (van rental)
2) $5,720- Lodging
3) $1760- Food

Unfortunately, the music industry is much different in 2019 than it was years ago in that record labels do not have the ability to give cash advancements to bands for tour support/ production, etc. and the majority of working/ touring musicians have to self-fund any/all endeavors. 

We love you all and appreciate you taking the time to read this!  Your support means more than you know. We trust that God will provide the means in helping IMAGES OF EDEN make a positive change in the rock/ metal world.  They understand that there are many wonderful causes that are out there to give to and if you cannot afford to make a donations, they definitely understand.  They appreciate you even considering a donation towards their cause. 

Further reading & donations: www.gofundme.com/band-to-bring-hope-healing-to-a-dark-world

IMAGES OF EDEN online: www.imagesofeden.com & www.facebook.com/imagesofeden

STRYPER Front Man Reveals Guest Musicians For New Solo Album:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:

STRYPER front man Michael Sweet has commenced recording his next solo album. The follow-up to 2016's One Sided War will arrive this summer via Rat Pak Records.

Among the guest musicians who will appear on Sweet's new disc are QUEENSRŸCHE singer Todd La Torre, guitarists Joel Hoekstra (WHITESNAKE, NIGHT RANGER), Jeff Loomis (ARCH ENEMY, NEVERMORE), Marzi Montazeri (EXHORDER, PHILIP H. ANSELMO & THE ILLEGALS), Gus G. (FIREWIND, OZZY OSBOURNE) and Andy James; and drummer Will Hunt (EVANESCENCE).

Sweet previously stated about his new solo album: "There are old-school, straight-ahead metal ideas à la (JUDAS) PRIEST and DIO, as well as a few up tempo riffs à la (IRON) MAIDEN. There’s also a few ballads with a bit of a (LED) ZEPPELIN vibe.

"I'm really excited about the musical direction. I'm bringing back a few of those classic hooks and melodies that some of you have asked for. Ask and you shall receive."

Regarding Hoekstra, Sweet said: "(He) blew my mind the first time I saw him perform with NIGHT RANGER. I've seen him continue to shred with Cher and WHITESNAKE/David Coverdale and I really admire Joel as a player and as a person. One of the best, and I'm blessed to have him on two songs (co-writes and guitars)."

Michael called Todd "the best metal singer going today" and a "dear friend." "Todd is not only an amazing singer but an amazing drummer as well," Sweet said. "And an incredible human being. He will be joining me on vocals for a song (a duet if you will) and it may very well blow minds."

As for Loomis, Sweet said: "Jeff is a monster player who has an incredible sense of melody and technique. He is one of my favorite players today."

Michael said that he first encountered Montazeri a few years ago at NAMM and described him as "one of the nicest and most humble guys that I've ever met. Then I saw him play and I was blown away. He's one of the best. Can't wait to hear what Marzi does."

According to Sweet, Andy James is an "outstanding" guitarist whom he had "always wanted to do something with. If you haven't heard him play, you should," Michael said.

Michael and Gus G. first met a few years ago in Anaheim, California and Sweet was "an instant fan. Feel, tone, style, speed - you name it, he has it," Michael said. "I'm honored to have him as a guest on a song from the new solo album."

One Sided War was released in August 2016 via Rat Pak Records. Backing Michael on the record were Hoekstra, Hunt, bassist John O'Boyle and East Coast shred-master Ethan Brosh.

In a 2016 interview with The Aquarian Weekly, Sweet said that he enjoyed making solo albums "because it's an opportunity to free myself up a little bit more, experiment a little bit more, and try some things that STRYPER may not be able to try."

STRYPER's latest album, God Damn Evil, was released in April 2018 via Frontiers Music Srl

Michael Sweet online: www.michaelsweet.com & www.facebook.com/TheMichaelSweet

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

KINETIC ELEMENT To Release Third Album, The Face of Life on February 28, 2019:
Press Release / KINETIC ELEMENT, a band based in Richmond, Virginia that made a mark in the prog world in 2016 by performing at Rosfest and Terra Incognita and in 2017 at Progtoberfest, has faced its share of changes the last couple of years. Sporting a new guitarist and vocalist, and venturing into vinyl for the first time, they composed and recorded their third studio album, The Face Of Life, during 2017 and 2018. The band, founded and led by veteran multi-keyboardist Mike Visaggio, after breaking into the genre with their first album Powered By Light in 2009, garnered acclaim from around the progressive rock universe with their 2015 release of their second band album, Travelog.  They began becoming known for their epic pieces, containing spiritually uplifting lyrics and symphonic style arrangements following in the footsteps of the founders of the style like YES and GENESIS, as have other great bands like TRANSATLANTIC, KNIGHT AREA, FROST, ALSO EDEN and others like them. Reviewers have said that while they can clearly hear the influences, Kinetic Element has molded them into something uniquely their own.

Working alongside Mike is his longtime friend and fellow traveler, drummer Michael Murray, who undertook engineering duties with the recording of Travelog, Polish-born bassist extraordinaire Mark Tupko, vocalist Saint John Coleman, and their newest member, Los Angeles-based guitarist Peter Matuchniak (who replaced a great player in Todd Russell, who left the band after Progtoberfest in 2017). Peter brings with him a world of prog experience, having been with the GEKKO PROJECT, The STEPPES, and his latest project BOMBER GOGGLES, and some name recognition that can only help the band's profile. His playing has given KE a change in style but the overall sound is still clearly that of KE.  The Face Of Life gets its guitar parts via file sharing, but they are so organically composed and played that they sound as if they are all in the same room. Mike, of course, has been the heart and soul of this project for thirteen years, and Michael has been with him for twelve of those. Mark came on board early in 2014, Saint John in 2016 after the festivals, and Peter has really rounded them out sonically and with another talent for the recording process. Saint John's presence gives the band their first true full time lead vocalist. He had been playing with prog cover band DEJA in the Tidewater region of Virginia, and he says coming to KE has given him back his musical soul.

Mike has been the principal composer, and he is very tuned in not only to the ingredients that make up symphonic prog, but lyrically has been interested in spiritual themes (he's a Christian who doesn't fit the mold) and observations on the state of the world and the human condition. Somehow sci-fi lyrics have eluded him, but he's managed to make an eternity-based worldview into something everybody can relate to. One of the new pieces was co-written with former member Todd, but the rest of The Face Of Life is all his. Of course, the arrangements were done with the whole band. Early indications are that this new work will be received as warmly as was Travelog.

Mike discusses the writing of The Face of Life: “After recording “All Open Eyes” with Todd and then losing him, Peter re-did all Todd's guitar tracks. Our next piece was the third on the album, “The Face Of Life”, which evolved from a shorter song I wrote in 2015, and a melody theme I had written a year previously, which we mashed together successfully. Peter really made his mark on the band with his tracks on this song. “Like All Open Eyes”, one idea led to another and next thing we knew we had yet another epic. The first song on the album is “Epistle”, which originated as a blues song believe it or not, and is now a 'prog' blues/rock song. We reined it in from becoming another epic. It's more of a classic rock song with prog leanings. We actually got that arranged and captured in three sessions because everything was so straightforward. Of course, the overdubs took a bit of time. We also had a moment of humor when I sang “Ghost Riders In the Sky” during the solos and we left it in, but now that I look at it, it actually has something to say about the human condition that the song's lyrics are about. “Last Words”, the final song, I wrote back in the 1970s and somehow it was nagging at me from the back of my mind to see how it would fit. And I got this idea to do the first verse as a string quartet which sound is a preset on the new synth I had bought. So we now have something totally out of left field. We recorded the quartet as three tracks (cello, two violas and violin). We sent all of it off to the GLASS HAMMER guys and we had a bit of difficulty getting it right but the month of November, while a bit torturous sending files back and forth with them, finally produced a great mix. They were so courteous and helpful!” 

KINETIC ELEMENT is already working on more pieces so as to follow up The Face of Life with another record dealing with the Apollo man on the moon project in a much more timely manner than in the past. It is their intention to get Peter more involved in contributing pieces. The band is all older men, and they are sensing the brevity and bitter sweetness of life. The Face of Life will bring you “face to face” with that reality in a way that will leave your progressive rock itch thoroughly scratched, your soul lightened and your heart touched.

KINETIC ELEMENT lineup:

Saint John Coleman - Lead Vocals
Peter Matuchniak - Guitars
Mike Visaggio - Piano, Organ, Synthesizers
Mark Tupko - Bass
Michael Murray - Drums

The Face Of Life track listing:

Side One:

1. “Epistle”, 7:06 (Mike Visaggio)  (A letter from the Apostle to the Peacemakers)
2. “All Open Eyes”, 15:52 (Mike Visaggio & Todd Russell) (Why it will be worth it in the end)

Side Two:

3. “The Face Of Life”, 19:35 (Mike Visaggio) (What manner of people shall we be?)
4. “Last Words”, 3:52 (Mike Visaggio) (The answer is already in our hearts)

KINETIC ELEMENT online: www.kineticelement.com & www.facebook.com/kineticelementband

NEWS BRIEFS

* Teaser for new ANCIENT PROPHECY album, Testimony: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zocgwaKyuPw

* ERIC CLAYTON AND THE NINE, “Christians And Lunatics” live at Hammer of Doom Festival 2018: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uk181qFGsHM

* Update from Joshua Perahia regarding reissue of third JOSHUA album Intense Defense (Facebook - January 24, 2019):

“We are Still working on "THE RE-RELEASE & RE-MASTERING", of INTENSE DEFENSE on RCA Records. The sound track has been finished & sounds incredible. It is the original artwork you see here, that is being duplicated with the help of RCA Records. PLEASE hang in there, & thank you precious fans for your "PRE-ORDERS" / "PRE-SALES". Yours will go out first & will include a special gift. I promise it will be finished & look incredible. This album has a special place in my heart. I know it will bless you all. The re-mastering was completed by Wyn Davis of Total Access Studios, Redondo Beach, California.”

Intense Defense re-release pre-order: www.joshuaperahia.com/product/intense-defense

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

IMPELLITTERI Release Music Video For “Phantom Of The Opera":
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:

IMPELLITTERI's music video for the song "Phantom Of The Opera" can be seen above. The track is taken from IMPELLITTERI's latest album, The Nature Of The Beast, which was released in October via Frontiers Music Srl.

Chris Impellitteri told Guitar World: "'The Phantom of the Opera” is a song I have wanted to remake since I was a kid. Yes, I realize that other bands like NIGHTWISH have also covered it, as well as IRON MAIDEN having a song with the same title, and I respect both artists immensely, but our version of Andrew Lloyd Webber's masterpiece is very much IMPELLITTERI.

"When we created our musical arrangement for this song, our collective band vision was to basically take the phantom on a wild musical ride through Hell! We wanted to turn the song into a speed/power metal type song. I will say our version can seem fairly challenging to play as a guitarist due to the various complex scale sequences, modes and speed at which we are playing. At the same time, the lead vocals are quite brutal on our singer, Rob Rock, as he had to sing both the male tenor part as well as the female vocal part, which resides in the alto and soprano ranges.

"I am very pleased with the outcome of this song, especially my solos and tone. I used my Charvel custom shop Stratocaster and various vintage modified Marshall amps, pedals, and speaker cabs, while bassist James Pulli got a great growly bass tone with his Spector bass and vintage Ampeg SVT rigs."

30 years into their musical career, IMPELLITTERI have created a mind-blowing, highly energetic and thrilling new musical adventure with The Nature Of The Beast. The band is on fire with their musical acrobatics, addictive riffs, shredding guitar solos, speed metal drumming, and screaming power metal vocals that are all ingredients in these killer songs!

IMPELLITTERI recorded The Nature Of The Beast in Los Angeles, California with legendary engineer/producer Mike Plotnikoff (VAN HALEN, AEROSMITH, IN FLAMES), mix engineer Greg Reely (OVERKILL, FEAR FACTORY), and engineers Jun Murakawa and Sean Shannon.

Nature Of The Beast track listing:

1. “Hypocrisy”
2. “Masquerade”
3. “Run For Your Life”
4. “Phantom Of The Opera”
5. “Gates Of Hell”
6. “Wonder World”
7. “Man Of War”
8, “Symptoms Of The Universe”
9. “Do You Think I’m Mad”
10. “Fire it Up”
11. “Kill The Beast”
12. “Shine On”

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

NO OTHER GOD Premier “One More Day” Lyric Video:
Press Release / Are you ready for the brand new album from NO OTHER GOD (N.O.G.), Take It By Storm?  We sure are!  Take It By Storm is quite possibly one of the heaviest projects in which vocalist Dale Thompson (BRIDE, PERPETUAL PARANOIA) has been involved, and we are very excited to share it with you!

Even though this is a very heavy album, we decided to take the route of picking one of the more commercial radio sounding tracks as the next single for several reasons.  First, it is an amazingly beautiful song, and second we want your help to get this one heard all over the radio!  We are very excited to unveil the brand new lyric video for the new single “One More Day”, which can be seen above.

The new single has just been serviced to radio and we want YOU to help us get this one heard! Reach out to all your favorite Christian stations and get them to play the brand new single from NO OTHER GOD (N.O.G) “One More Day”.

Rounding out the N.O.G. line up is guitarist Nenel Lucena, drummer Alexandre Aposan and bassist Raphael Dafras. With Dale making New Zealand his home, the rest of these talented musicians hail from Brazil.

Featuring 12 brand new tracks, Take It By Storm will be available everywhere February 8, 2019 at all your favorite digital media outlets and also at all your favorite retail outlets.

Take It By Storm pre-order: http://roxxrecords.storenvy.com/products/25372635-no-other-god-n-o-g-take-it-by-storm-cd-2019

NO OTHER GOD online: www.facebook.com/noothergodofficial

RAINFORCE Are Ready To “Rock And Roll”:
Press Release / “Rock And Roll” is the thunderous new single by Swiss/international Hard Rock band RAINFORCE. This song is also the title track off of the bands upcoming brand new EP due this Spring. Roxx Records has scheduled the release of the new EP for March 22, 2019, featuring 4 brand new hard rockin’ tunes on a limited edition CD format.  In follow u to the debut full-length album Lion’s Den released on Roxx Records in 2017, this is the second home run for hard rockers RAINFORCE.

This time the band has plans to start getting out on the live circuit and start to really hone in on their live show experience playing around Europe.

The track “Rock And Roll” features many song and album titles of bands that have helped inspire guitarist and songwriter Andy La Morte since he started to listen to rock and metal music. The song is meant to pay homage to all of the great bands that have helped shape the music and sound of Andy and RAINFORCE. It is also a statement on their uncompromising faith in Christ throughout the highs and lows of life.

Following a RAINFORCE tradition, this song also features a guest guitar player by way of Marc Burgherr, who has been a long-time friend of Andy’s and visited the band in the studio to lay down some cool guitar riffs for the band.

The new single has also just been serviced to radio so be sure to request it at all your favorite stations and let’s “Rock And Roll”!

Roxx Records online: www.roxxproductions.com & www.facebook.com/RoxxRecords777

RAINFORCE online: www.rainforce.rocks & www.facebook.com/rainforce.ch

S91, Details Revealed For New Album, Along The Sacred Path:
Release date worldwide on March 22, 2019 via Rockshots Records:

Along The Sacred Path is a concept album that traces the history of Christianity, continuing the narrative from the groups 2016 sophomore album (and first on Rockshots Records) Behold The Mankind.

The story is told through the life of some key figures that are not always considered positive by everyone. The main goal is to show how the Gospel message has spread in its original form, becoming the fabric of modern Western society. Scrolling through the track listing, you will see that all the characters are of European origin. This album is also a tribute to the great nation of Europe. As proud citizens, we feel it is a nation that today, more than ever, needs to recognize and rediscover its founding values if it wants to survive these dark times and continue to be a beacon of civilization for the whole world.

With its name short for Psalm 91, S91 debuted in 2009 with the 5 song EP Sto Per Tornare (released on Morning Star Records) prior to putting out its 2011 independently released debut full length album Volonta Legata. 

S91 line up:

Maria Londino - Lead Vocals
Francesco "Franz" Romeggin - Guitars & Lead/Backing Vocals
Francesco "Frank" Londino - Keyboards
Giacomo "Jack" Manfredi - Bass
Giacomo "Giachi" Mezzetti - Drums & Percussions, Lead & Backing Vocals

Along The Sacred Path track listing:

1. “Constantine The Great” (5:40)
2. “Saint Patrick” (5:24)
3. “Pope Gregory I” (3:38)
4. “Olaf II Haraldsson” (5:02)
5. “Godfrey Of Bouillon” (5:02)
6. “Joan Of Arc” (4:42)
7. “Martin Luther” (4:39)
8. “John Williams“(8:18)
9. “Dietrich Bonhoeffer” (10:50)

Along The Sacred Path pre-order: https://shop.rockshots.eu/en/cd/1129-s91-along-the-sacred-path-.html

S91 Online: www.facebook.com/S91band

SHOUT, It Wont’ Be Long Re-Issue To Include 4-Song Demo:
According to Girder Music, it will be adding SHOUT’S 4-song demo to the upcoming re-issue of the groups 1988 debut It Won’t Be Long:

Press Release / Ken Tamplin (lead vocals & guitars), Chuck King (guitars) and I (Greg Hays) worked long and hard to not only locate the original demo, but to get it transferred off the 1/4 tape and added to the release, but we did it and you are going to flip your lid when you hear these 4 songs: 

• ”Shout” (Demo)
• ”Timeless Love” (Demo)
• *”Find a Way” (Demo)
• ”Without You” (Demo)

This almost didn't happen.  Chuck thought he had the demo on a 24 track 2" reel-to-reel, however, after sending it in to be baked (a process necessary on old original reel-to-reel tapes before you pull off the audio) we found out that it wasn't the original demo.  So we went back to 2 old 1/4 reels to see if either of those were it, but we thought it wasn't, then yesterday the miraculous happened: we got a call from AV Transfer House which told us there were 4 complete songs on one of the reels.  After getting the files delivered, I was able to confirm with Ken Tamplin and Chuck King that in-fact these were it.  But... I will warn you... they sound incredible.  They do not sound like bad quality demos at all, they are in-fact the exact demos that Ken shopped to Altantic, Enigma and Capitol Records looking for a mainstream deal after landing a deal with Frontline.

“Shout”, fittingly the first demo song is a bit stripped down, more raw without all the flying guitars and straight up in your face heavy-rock-hitter and it has a really cool guitar solo version on the tail end right before the bridge. It's really great.

“Timeless Love”, the secong song on the demo it a bit faster a more peppy that the finish album version and Ken's vocals are so clear and crisp.  Some keyboards added through out this song and the others give it more of that mid-80's feel especially when the song breaks 3/4 of the way through. This song grooves.

“Find a Way”, the third song and ballad has a bit of a different layout and arrangement although it starts and ends almost exactly like the album version. This song is so strong.

“Without You”, the last song is heavier and much more edgier with this incredible since of urgency.  I was stunned this first time I listened to it.

Note: The SHOUT sophomore release In Your Face from 1989 is also scheduled for upcoming re-release on Girder.

It Won’t Be Long pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/shout-it-wont-be-long-cd-2019

In Your Face pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/shout-in-your-face-cd-2020

NEWS BRIEFS

* New single from FAITH HEAD, “Old Sin, New Skin”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nT6CrgS6BQ

The song is set to appear on the group’s (as of yet to be entitled) upcoming EP.  FAITH HEAD independently released its self-titled (and 80% Angelic Warlord reviewed) debut in 2016.

* THE NEAL MORSE BAND release “Vanity “Fair” lyric video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zk-UN3iBtFU

The song comes off the group's upcoming third album The Great Adventure, which is scheduled for release via Radiant Records on January 25, 2019.  An interview in which Morse goes into further detail in regards to The Great Adventure can be streamed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGTxExTc35

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

DARKWATER Premier “Alive (PT. II)” Music Video:
Press Release / The Swedish melodic progressive metal band DARKWATER released the past week a music video for "Alive (Pt. II)", the first single from their new album Human.

Comments the group: "We are thrilled to present the first single and music video from our new album Human! Our hope is that "Alive" will be a reminder for everyone that we can always break the silence, no matter what we're told. Life is worth fighting for."

Human will be released on March 1st via Ulterium Records. The album will be available on CD, 2LP and digital.

Human won't leave fans of melodic metal or progressive metal disappointed. The songs are heavier, more melodic and atmospheric than before and the band worked very hard on tweaking the ten songs and over 76 minutes of playing time into perfection.  Jacob Hansen (EVERGREY, VOLBEAT, AMARANTHE) was chosen to mix and master the album, and he did a fantastic job resulting in the best sounding DARKWATER album to date.

The albums lyrics welcome you into a world of you and me, how we affect the world around us and the struggles we deal with as humans.

Don't miss out on Human, a perfect album for fans of melodic progressive metal and bands like CIRCUS MAXIMUS, SEVENTH WONDER and EVERGREY!

Human track listing:

1. “A New Beginning”
2. “In Front Of You”
3. “Alive (Part I)”
4. Alive (Part II)
5. “Reflection Of A Mind”
6. “Insomnia”
7. “The Journey”
8. “Burdens”
9. “Turning Pages”
10. “Light Of Dawn”

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

DARKWATER online: www.facebook.com/darkwaterofficial

FEAR NOT Debut “Don’t Want None (Come Get Some)” Lyric Video:
Press Release / After nearly 25 years of silence, legendary rockers FEAR NOT are back and they are louder than ever! This spring the band is set to release their brand new EP For The Wounded Heart featuring 5 brand new original tracks! 

Kicking it off is the lyric video for the debut single “Don’t Want None (Come Get Some)”, and if that isn’t enough we actually have 2 different versions of lyric videos for you to enjoy! Check them both out now: https://youtu.be/2PeqFFY3KnI & https://youtu.be/80VY_cvC-aU

“Don’t Want None (Come Get Some)” is now available at all your favorite digital media outlets - iTunes, Amazon, and many more - so get out there and pick it up today!   Also, the new single was just serviced to radio, so be sure to request it at all your favorite stations. Lets get this one to the top of the charts! 

The Wounded Heart showcases the first new recordings from FEAR NOT since the release of the bands one and only full length self-titled album in 1993, over 25 years ago. This year after celebrating the 25th anniversary with a beautifully done reissue of the debut on both vinyl and limited edition CD, the Christian rock community was buzzing about FEAR NOT! That buzz caught the attention of the four original members, and the creative juices and chemistry of those four guys was so great it ultimately led them to writing and recording 5 brand new and amazing tunes.

Included is original vocalist Larry Worley on guitar and backing vocals, Chris Howell on guitar, Rod Romero on bass and Gary Hansen on the drums. If that was not amazing enough, you’re in for a treat as they also bring into the fold a brand new addition with lead vocalist Eddie Green, who helps take this new EP to a whole new level with his metal vocal stylings. Eddie is a seasoned, touring vocalist who most recently fronted EVEN THE DOGS, who had a charting single titled “Ghost”.

Stay Tuned to www.roxxproductions.com for full release details and special limited edition packages coming your way very soon, including a limited edition CD as well as a full digital release.

FEAR NOT online: www.facebook.com/FearNotRoxx

PRELÚDIO X Release New EP, Triunfo da Vida (Triumph Of Life):
Press Release / With momentum of a twelve year career behind it (including a five year hiatus), Brazilian heavy metal band PRELÚDIO X released on January 1, 2019 its new EP, Triunfo da Vida (Triumph Of Life).

Comments lead vocalist Leandro Silva, "This EP is our first release since we came back from the hiatus that started in 2012 and ran until 2017.  It's an EP with 4 tracks (+ 1 intro), but 3 songs from the EP are reworked and rerecorded versions from our first release called Origem, which was releases in 2009. The songs benefit from better production in addition to showcasing to the public the bands new line up”.

Triunfo da Vida (Triumph Of Life) was recorded in J.A. Studio by Joel Lima (who also master and mixed the EP) and produced by the band itself.  It is available for free download at: https://bit.ly/2RGeNCK

Triunfo da Vida (Triumph Of Life) track listing:

1. “Gênesis” (“Genesis”)
2. “Origem” (“Origin”)
3. “Rei dos Judeus” (“King Of Jews”)
4. “Precioso Sangue” (“Precious Blood”), featuring Gleice Vieira (LILIUM VITAE)
5. “Triunfo da Vida” (“Triumph Of Blood”)

PRELÚDIO X line up:

Leandro Silva - Lead Vocals
Gerson Souza - Guitar
Elieser Suweydes - Guitar
Jorgeano Abreu - Keyboard
Cristiano dos Santos - Bass
Tarcílio Soares - Drums

Triunfo da Vida (Triumph Of Life) streaming: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlrspQRDx6Q

PRELÚDIO X online: www.facebook.com/officialpreludiox

NEWS BRIEFS

* The Metal Onslaught online interview with vocalist Dale Thompson (BRIDE, THE WORLD WILL BURN, PERPETUAL PARANOIA): www.themetalonslaught.com/single-post/2019/01/09/Lord-Of-The-Dale---Our-Exclusive-Interview-With-Dale-Thompson

* THE NEAL MORSE BAND release “Welcome To The World 2” official video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2Y8DXcjOQY

The song comes off the group's upcoming third album The Great Adventure, which is scheduled for release via Radiant Records on January 25, 2019.

* Update from TRYTAN regarding upcoming new album Blood Of Kings (Facebook - January 11, 2019):

“New Trytan Blood Of Kings writing workshops everyday in the Underground Pre Production Studio. We recently started tracking rough tracks & drums at EGK for the first song “The Descender” and the drum sounds and performance were absolutely unbelievable and breathtaking. Eric is beyond extraordinary. And Jim LaVerde (bass/vocals) started writing his parts for the track. I’m so thankful & pumped. This album is going to be so tough & strong! I’m thankful for the team that the Lord has assembled. My oldest son Steven and ministry/music partner Mike Sandt have been integral in helping me with some of the writing workshops and pre-recording. The final sessions at EGK resume in late April or May!”

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

Soundmass Records Announce LIGHTFORCE, Mystical Thieves re-issue:
Official release date is February 22, 2019:

Press Release / Soundmass are happy to announce the vinyl and CD re-issue of the LIGHTFORCE album Mystical Thieves. First released by US label Pure Metal in 1989, original copies of this heavy/power/speed metal classic have been hard (and expensive!) to find in any format for many years. 30 years on, all the members of the band having been tracked down, Mystical Thieves is being made readily available again on vinyl and CD, re-mastered for a superior metal experience.

Everybody knows LIGHTFORCE as the predecessor to MORTIFICATION, the Australian death/thrash band fronted by LIGHTFORCE bassist Steve Rowe. However, LIGHTFORCE was a totally different beast, heavily influenced by the early 80’s metal of bands like IRON MAIDEN and JUDAS PRIEST. Rowe’s driving bass lines emulating Steve Harris, combined with Murray Adams’ adept guitar playing and Errol Willenberg’s technical drumming are a homage to the bands that inspired them, while still putting their own spin on the style. The quality musicianship on display here didn’t go unnoticed either, seeing them gain support slots for the likes of STRYPER, WHITECROSS and LEVITICUS, but this line-up didn’t see the year out and their follow-up album, though written, was never recorded. A new line-up, a new style, new songs… and MORTIFICATION was born!

The 12-page booklet for this 30th Anniversary Edition of the Mystical Thieves CD contains an array of previously unseen photos and flyers, as does the vinyl insert. And to top it all off, we have also included 6 bonus live tracks on the CD that were recorded during a show supporting label-mates Whitecross in 1989 (4 of which they intended to record on the next album!)

Exclusive to a Mystical Thieves vinyl/CD pack from Soundmass, and with less than 90 copies available, is a 2019 reprint of the book Metal Missionaries. Originally printed in 1989, Metal Missionaries (not to be confused with Vic Campbell’s Metal Missionary) is a 68-page book written by LIGHTFORCE/MORTIFICATION bassist Steve Rowe. The purpose of the book was to enlighten people about the heavy metal culture and to encourage Christian metal fans and bands (back when the scene was in its infancy). The original style of the book has been maintained so as to preserve its vintage feel. By purchasing this pack, international customers will also make a combined product/shipping saving of GBP £4.50.

Mystical Thieves track listing:

1. “Mystical Thieves”
2. “Crossfire”
3. “City Streets”
4. “Metal Missionary”
5. “Children Of Sorrow”
6. “Searching”
7. “Fast Lane”
8. “Babylon”

Bonus Tracks (Live In Sydney, 1989):

1. “Trinity”
2. “Back To Basics”
3. “Children Of Sorrow”
4. “Epidemic Of Injustice”
5. “Metal Missionary”
6. “God Rulz”

Mystical Thieves pre-order: https://www.soundmass.com

No Other God (N.O.G.) Release Date Set For February 8:
Press Release / Are you ready to kick off this New Year a rockin’? Then get ready to rock as we are about to Take It By Storm, as we debut the brand new album from NO OTHER GOD (N.O.G). N.O.G will be releasing their brand new album Take It By Storm worldwide this February!

Still not familiar with N.O.G ? Well you must be living under a rock! N.O.G features not only the talents of Dale Thompson (BRIDE, PERPETUAL PARANOIA) out front on vocals, but also Nenel Lucena on lead guitar, Alexandre Aposan on drums and rounding out their sound on bass Raphael Dafras. With Dale hailing from New Zealand, the rest of these very talented musicians hail from the beautiful country of Brazil. Despite the distance between them, this talented bunch was able to come together and bring you this most excellent debut wall shaking, heart stopping, and super heavy metal shredder, quite possibly the hardest rocking album you have ever heard Dale take the helm for.

Take It By Storm features beautiful new artwork courtesy of Alcides Burn, of Burn Artworks, and we are very excited to share with you the brand new cover art for Take It By Storm.

The new album featuring 12 brand new tracks will be available everywhere February 8, 2019 at all your favorite digital media outlets and also at all your favorite retail outlets.

Get in on the exclusive CD pre order as one of the first 50 people and you will get an exclusive N.O.G button and take advantage of the special pre order price on this limited edition CD pressing.

Take It By Storm pre-order: http://roxxrecords.storenvy.com/products/25372635-no-other-god-n-o-g-take-it-by-storm-cd-2019

NO OTHER GOD online: www.facebook.com/noothergodofficial

SHOUT, It Wont Be Long & In Your Face CD Re-issues on Girder Music:
Press Release / SHOUT is an eighties metal band formed by Ken Tamplin and Chuck King.  The group released its first album It Won’t Be Long in 1988 followed by its sophomore album In Your Face in 1989.

Both of these albums have been completely re-mastered by Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound and come with song lyrics, in depth band insights provided by Chuck King and Ken Tamplin in these handsome 8-page booklet jewel case re-issues.

The stories the Ken and Chuck share are nothing short of amazing and explain the miracle that almost never was, stories from the road as well as photos, and even some surprises, which we are not announcing quite yet, but will soon.

In 1987, Chuck was playing with the band IDLE CURE but looking for more of a permanent role in music and simply trying to find the right path. Ken Tamplin was a guitarist in the band JOSHUA and was himself wanting to try something new. SHOUT was born.

SHOUT signed a deal with Frontline Records in 1987 after submitting a 3 song demo to Frontline and went on to record their first album, It Won’t Be Long. It was recorded with session musicians including Lanny Cordola (MAGDALEN), Marty Friedman (MEGADETH) and Michael Angelo (NITRO), but soon after Tamplin recruited the bassist Loren Robinson and drummer Joseph Galletta from his former band JOSHUA.

Tamplin and King made quite the duo and were able to not only put together amazing harmonies, but had the screaming guitar hooks and vocal chops that rival some of the biggest bands of the day. Shout commanded immense and almost instant respect from the growing mainstream metal community the second It Won’t Be Long hit the market.

It Won’t Be Long begins with the fast-paced “Never Stop” that includes one of the best bridges you’ll ever find on an album.  “Winners And Losers”, the 2nd song was an anthem that took fans by surprised. It included over the top melodies and fist-pumping onslaught of drums and duo-guitar work. But when the title track “It Won’t Be Long” starts off, you find out that this album is going to have one hit after another, with power metal anthems through-out and one of the best front-to-back run of songs of any album to come out of the 80’s. The song “Shout” summed it all up with it lyrics “Shout it out, never let it take you down. Shout it out, livin’s what it’s all about.

The much anticipated follow-up In Your Face sold in excess of 40,000 copies within the first month of its release and was exactly what it states, loud and in your face. The title track “In Your Face” won a dove award for hard music song in 1990. Every track in the album is strong, leaving nothing held back. Flying guitar work at its best.

It Won’t Be Long track listing:

1. “Never Stop”
2. “Winners Or Losers”
3. “It Won't Be Long”
4. “Find A Way”
5. “Dancin' Round The World”
6. “Shout”
7. “Showdown”
8. “Timeless Love”
9. “Without You”

It Won’t Be Long pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/shout-it-wont-be-long-cd-2019

In Your Face track listing:

1. “Borderline”
2. “When The Love Is Gone”
3. “Give Me An Answer”
4. “Faith, Hope, And Love”
5. “Gettin’ Ready”
6. “In Your Face”
7. “Getting On With Life”
8. “Waiting On You”
9. “Moonlight Sonata”
10. “It’s All I Need”
11. “Ain’t Givin’ Up (The Pay The Bills Song)”

In Your Face pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/shout-in-your-face-cd-2020